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American rule of law prevailed Thursday in a federal appeals courts stinging repudiation of President Trumps hastily drawn and poorly executed order to temporarily ban refugees, immigrants and other travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations.

The ruling of the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco was unanimous and emphatic: The government had failed to make its case on every point. Most important, contrary to the inflammatory rhetoric from the president of the United States, The government has not shown that a stay (of Trumps executive order) is necessary to avoid irreparable injury. The justices noted that the government presented no evidence that anyone from the seven selected countries had ever perpetrated a terrorist attack in this nation.

The judges further dismissed the Trump administration argument that the court had no authority to override the presidents judgment on this matter of national security, and that denying him that power would somehow erode the separation of powers.

Under the presidents Jan. 27 order, no citizens of those seven nations (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen) could enter the U.S. for 90 days. It also imposed a 120-day ban on refugees fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries  and that prohibition would have been extended indefinitely in the case of refugees from Syria.

The appeals panel took up the case after U.S. District Judge James Robart of Seattle issued a restraining order Feb. 3 that suspended the travel ban nationwide.

That ruling drew an immediate and harsh rebuke from Trump, who tweeted that the order from the so-called judge was ridiculous. He also suggested the decision was political and that even a bad high-school student would rule in his favor. Robart was nominated to the bench in 2004 by Republican President George W. Bush.

Not surprisingly, Trump instantly blasted Thursdays ruling in all all-caps tweet in his typically hyperbolic way, continuing to fan the flames of fear: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

His administration has now proved unable to make that case to four judges, two appointed by Democrats and two by Republicans.

Trumps order defied some of the most venerable American values, embedded in law and expressed through our history: due process, freedom from religious discrimination, and embrace of refugees fleeing from the horrors of violence and repression.

The president of the United States is not a king. His edicts are subject to the rule of law, as any good student of the U.S. Constitution would recognize.
President Trump has reorganized the National Security Council  elevating his chief political strategist, Stephen Bannon, and demoting the director of national intelligence and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Bannon will join the NSCs principals committee, the top interagency group advising the president on national security. Meanwhile, the director of national intelligence and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will now attend meetings only when issues pertaining to their responsibilities and expertise are to be discussed, according to the recent presidential memorandum.

Political strategists have never before participated in the National Security Council principals meetings. Thats because the NSC is supposed to give presidents nonpartisan, factual advice.

But forget facts. Forget analysis. This is the Trump administration.

And what does Bannon bring to the table?

In case you forgot, before joining Trumps inner circle, Bannon headed Breitbart News.

He took over Breitbart News in 2012 after the death of its founder, Andrew Breitbart, and promptly set out to shift it further to the right.

Many critics, including conservatives formerly associated with it, have denounced Breitbart in its current incarnation for promoting racism, misogyny, homophobia, anti-Semitism and white supremacy.

Bannons international views are at odds with Americas traditional support for democracy.

In a speech at a conference in Italy in 2014, Bannon said, I think strong countries and strong nationalist movements in countries make strong neighbors ... and I think its what can see us forward.

He has expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin.

At least Putin is standing up for traditional institutions, and hes trying to do it in a form of nationalism, Bannon said at that same forum.

He called Putin an inspiration for Europeans who want to see nationalism for their country and dont believe in this kind of pan-European Union, or they dont believe in the centralized government in the United States.

In an interview with the New York Times, Bannon foresaw a growing global antiestablishment revolt against the permanent political class at home, and the global elites that influence them, which impacts everyone from Lubbock, Texas, to London, England.

And this man will now be a principal member of the National Security Council.

Are you scared yet?

Former national security adviser Susan Rice calls the move stone cold crazy. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who also served under President George W. Bush, says the demotions of the intelligence chief and the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are a big mistake.

Republican Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told CBS News, I am worried about the National Security Council. ... The appointment of Mr. Bannon is something which is a radical departure from any National Security Council in history. McCain added that the one person who is indispensable would be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in my view.

Heres the big worry: Trump is unhinged and ignorant. Bannon is nuts and malicious. If not overseen by the Joint Chiefs of Staff or anyone else who understands foreign policy and American values, their decisions could endanger the world.

In Trump and Bannons view, nationalism is a zero-sum game. If another nation gains, we lose. And we gain only if another nation loses.

As Trump declared at his inaugural: From this day forward, its going to be only America first.

Some of you are old enough to recall John F. Kennedys inaugural, when the young president pledged to support any friend and oppose any foe to assure the success of liberty.

But Trump makes no distinction between friend and foe, and no reference to liberty. As conservative commentator Charles Krauthammer observes, Trumps view is that all other nations are out to use, exploit and surpass us.

Yet theres one exception. Trump and Bannon admire Putin.

Not incidentally, America First was the name of the pro-Nazi group led by Charles Lindbergh that bitterly fought President Franklin Roosevelt before Americas entry into World War II, to keep America neutral between Winston Churchills Britain and Adolf Hitlers Reich.

Trump and Bannons version of America First is no less dangerous. It is destroying Americas moral authority abroad and risking everything we love about our country.

Unsupervised by people who know what theyre doing, Trump and Bannon could also bring the world closer to the brink of a nuclear holocaust.

 2017 Tribune Content Agency LLC

Robert Reich, a former U.S. secretary of labor, is professor of public policy at UC Berkeley. He blogs at www.facebook.com/rbreich. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at http://bit.ly/SFChronicleletters.
The characters of A Thousand Splendid Suns always keep one foot in the earthbound Kabul that most Americans know only vaguely and only from newspapers  ethnic and regional tensions; the fundamentalism of the Taliban; child brides, domestic violence, war, economic ruin and food scarcity.

Yet the world premiere adaptation of Khaled Hosseinis novel that opened Wednesday, Feb. 8, at ACT (in a co-production with Theatre Calgary, where its headed next) doesnt make you think about headlines. In knitting together the tales of many generations of Afghan women, and how they each internalize, pass down and combat the misogyny their societies inculcate in them, A Thousand Splendid Suns propels forward according to the rules, the powers, of myth and epic fairy tale. The good guys and bad guys are clearly drawn; the heroines quests  for freedom from oppression and abuse, the freedom to be educated  are straightforward.

That doesnt mean that the play, which is resplendently directed by Carey Perloff, is simple or predictable. Scene after scene subverts expectations about the kind of story its about to tell. Its not that you feel the authors hand, the urge by Hosseini or adapter Ursula Rani Sarma to trick audiences with red herrings. The overwhelming feeling, rather, is the way life as its being lived defies narrativity, the way each successive choice only breeds a new multitude of possible choices.

Kevin Berne/American Conservatory Theater

Though at the end of the play, the story of Laila (Nadine Malouf) and Mariam (Kate Rigg), two wives of Rasheed (Haysam Kadri), folds together perfectly, a great storytelling success of this production is that in any given moment, you and the characters alike are sure theyre living a comedy, only in the next to be certain its a tragedy, then a senseless catastrophe. Then, in retrospect, each of these paths feels like the only turn the story could possibly take.

Rather, what makes A Thousand Splendid Suns feel like a fairy tale is the economy, the expressivity of the adaptation. Laila, Mariam, daughter Aziza (Nikita Tewani) and Lailas and Mariams mothers (both played by Denmo Ibrahim) arent drawn with the quirks and tics of realism; theyre defined by their actions in the wake of an explosion, at gunpoint or at the mercy of a stranger. Theyre fully wrought individuals with distinct flaws, who change how they think as years of abuse age them, but theyre also everywomen who cope, as anyone might, with impossible situations.

Robert Wierzels dynamic lighting heightens the stakes of each fresh danger, and Ken MacDonalds spare set vividly conjures not just distant mountains but their depth; play with light and shadow makes them, and the play, first of this Earth and then, suddenly, not. Original music by David Coulter (who collaborated on ACTs storied Black Rider in 2004), on the saw, the guitar, and strange, percussive instruments, helps new moods creep into scenes, imbuing them with eerie or tender undercurrents that feel inextricably connected to yet apart from whats onstage.

Among all these achievements, perhaps the most remarkable of A Thousand Splendid Suns is the way it redefines heroism. So often in our stories, be they fairy tales or kitchen sink dramas or founding myths, heroism, which is male, is possible only through a sacrifice, which is female and promptly forgotten. In this play, to be a hero is to love; in a world of hate and fear  in any world  there is no more courageous act.

Lily Janiak is The San Francisco Chronicles theater critic. Email: ljaniak@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LilyJaniak

A Thousand Splendid Suns: Written by Ursula Rani Sarma. Adapted from Khaled Hosseini. Directed by Carey Perloff. Through Feb. 26. Two hours, 35 minutes. $20-$105. ACTs Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., S.F. (415) 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

To hear Carey Perloff, Khaled Hosseini and Ursula Rani Sarma in conversation: http://tinyurl.com/gnudwbq

To see a trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHgOhrdMWk4

To see Khaled Hosseini tell his refugee story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XJj1DSgwBE
Californians didnt like Donald Trump on election day and that animosity hasnt faded much since the Republican businessman and reality TV star took office last month, a statewide poll released Thursday has found.

Trump received about 32 percent of the states vote in November and 33 percent of California adults now have a favorable opinion of the new president, according to the Public Policy Institute of California survey. That approval slips to 30 percent when residents were asked about Trumps early job performance.

The winner in an election sometimes gets a bounce, with people giving him the benefit of a doubt until they can see how he will govern, said Mark Baldassare, PPICs president and the director of the poll. That more generous response to the change in leadership isnt happening in California.

The poll numbers are brutal for Trump, even with his strong partisan backing from California Republicans. But with Republicans making up only 26 percent of the states registered voters, there arent enough of them to move the needle much on the poll questions.

For example, only 28 percent of Californians have even a good amount of confidence that Trump will make the right decisions for the countrys future. While 78 percent of Republicans have that level of confidence in the president, a dismal 9 percent of Democrats and 32 percent of independent voters feel the same.

The partisan chasm is highlighted at the extreme ends of the survey. Among Republicans, 47 percent have a great deal of confidence that the president will do the right thing for the country during his time in office. But two-thirds of California Democrats have no confidence at all in Trumps decision-making.

Theres a huge partisan gap, Baldassare said. And since Trump came on the scene more than a year ago and is in the news every day, there are very few people who havent formed an opinion about him.

But this is still California, where even the Republicans dont always march in lockstep with the conservatives in Congress or back many of Trumps most controversial programs.

The 85 percent of California adults who want to find a way to allow residents in the U.S. without authorization to stay in the country include 65 percent of the states Republicans. While an overwhelming 85 percent of adults say climate change is a threat to the country, two-thirds of Republicans agree. And despite Trumps opposition to abortion and GOP leaders who want to end government support for Planned Parenthood and overturn the Roe vs. Wade abortion-rights decision, 60 percent of California Republicans believe government should not interfere with a womans access to abortion.

These are settled areas for most people, Baldassare said. People decided on these issues a while ago, and theyre not going to change just because of an election.

Californians worries about whats happening in Washington, D.C., are balanced by a growing belief that good times will be getting better in the Golden State.

Better than 60 percent of adults, including a quarter of Republicans, are pleased with the job Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown is doing. The Legislatures 57 percent approval is the highest the poll has seen since 2001 and a record 66 percent of California adults believe Brown and the Democratic-controlled Legislature will be able to work together and accomplish a lot this year.

Contrast that to the one-third approval rate for Congress and the bare 50 percent of adults who believe Trump will be able to work well with the Republicans who hold both the House and the Senate.

The same California adults who predict a bleak future for the country, with 57 percent convinced the United States is headed in the wrong direction, are optimistic about the state, with 58 percent saying things are going well for California.

Residents of the Bay Area, where employment is rising and the economy is growing, are the most euphoric, with 70 percent convinced the state is on the upswing.

People are very happy about the state of affairs in California, which is very much at odds with where they see the federal government heading, Baldassare said. We expect our state leaders will act in our interests.

With more Californians convinced the hard times of the Great Recession are in the rearview mirror and 53 percent saying good financial times are ahead, thoughts are turning to making improvements to the state, even if they cost money.

While 61 percent of the states adults believe that spending more on Californias roads and highways is very important, 51 percent say the best way to make those improvements is by using existing funds more wisely.

But a large number of Californians are taking a more pragmatic approach.

Use existing money more wisely, 40 percent of those surveyed agreed, but also boost the amount of money coming from the state.

The poll is based on a telephone survey of 1,702 California adults, taken Jan. 22-31. The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth
Camille Bently is behaving like a monster. The 34-year-old executive director of the Bently Foundation, the 5-year-old organization she founded with her husband, Bently Enterprises CEO Christopher Bently, 45, has kicked off her Manolo Blahniks and jumped on the antique chaise. She flaps the drop sleeves of her shimmering Michael Costello gown like a bat and claws the air: Her hair is streaked with a shock of white. Shes a vision straight from the mind of Mary Shelley.

The Frankenstein connection comes from the Bently Foundations $500,000 co-lead sponsorship, with the Hellman Family, of the San Francisco Ballets North American premiere of choreographer Liam Scarletts adaptation of the horror novel. Frankenstein, co-presented with Londons Royal Ballet, is a perfect fit for the Bentlys, whose foundation emphasizes project-based arts funding, and environmental and animal causes.

The couple also share a love of high Scottish Gothic style, as evidenced by the renovation of their penthouse at the Bently Nob Hill and their eclectic, complementary fashion sense that veers toward the brooding glamour of the British fashion house of Alexander McQueen. Their 2015 wedding was even held at Mount Stuart, a castle in Scotland, with Christopher and his groomsmen outfitted in kilts in the Bently tartan. With her sense of fun and the theatrical, Camille needed little convincing to get into character  several, actually  for a photo shoot.

Frankenstein really appealed to us because its unusual for the San Francisco Ballet, says Camille, now back in foundation director mode, with the Bentlys rescue Chihuahua, Carlito, curling up next to her. You need to see more than just Swan Lake and The Nutcracker every year to really appreciate the art form. Although Camille acknowledges the ballets dark themes and modern staging may not be a favorite for classical ballet purists, she believes it will be effective in involving a wider audience, which is what the performing arts need. Ballet, and its continued survival, is a major passion of Camilles.

While Christopher Bently is well known in San Francisco for his philanthropy and his businesses, which include the historic Bently Reserve venue in the Financial District, the sustainability focused Bently Ranch, and the in-progress Bently Heritage distillery in Nevada, Camille has mostly stayed out of the spotlight since she and Christopher became a couple. But as Camille continues to establish herself in the foundation world, shes adjusting to public prominence  on her terms. The type of social obligations that fill many San Francisco philanthropists calendars are not on the couples dance card, and likewise, its hard to imagine many other foundation heads throwing themselves into portraying iconic horror characters with the verve the Bentlys have.

We dont have the quintessential social ticket for the year where we tick off every gala, Camille says.

Running a family foundation is not a role the woman born Camille Church in Auburn (Placer County) spent her life preparing for. She is the middle of seven siblings who grew up all over the country as the children of traveling Jehovahs Witness missionaries.

At the age of 16 I had finished high school and was working two jobs and could support myself and didnt believe in the religion at all, Camille says, mentioning the churchs lack of equality for women as a specific area of disagreement. I moved out and never looked back. She supported herself, then became a young wife and mother; her daughter, Hope, is 12. A noticeable autodidact, she describes herself as eternally curious and a voracious reader of histories.

The couple met in 2012 when Camille was working as an art consultant at the Marcus Ashley Gallery in South Lake Tahoe. Christopher was in the midst of a divorce from his then-wife Amber, and Camille was a six-years-divorced single mother. They bonded over the art of Dr. Seuss, a specialty of the gallery, and quickly became a couple.

I was very content being single, Camille says. Chris was a surprise. The first time we went on a date, we really opened our hearts up to each other.

We felt safe with each other, Christopher says. After five months, Camille says, they were spending all our time together and were brought closer by the deaths of Christophers former wife and his father, engineer and philanthropist Donald Bently, in quick succession.

The sale of the senior Bentlys antique coin collection allowed Christopher to found the $40 million endowment family foundation. Camille first served as the foundations development director before the board voted her director after two years. Its a role in which she thrives, according to grant recipients and board colleagues, as the foundation awards grants to organizations and projects as varied as the Bay Lights, public art project Sites Uns-en, the Marine Mammal Center and the American Wild Horses Preservation Campaign.

San Francisco Ballet executive director Glenn McCoy, having seen Camille in action at the foundations board meeting, calls her a natural.

I was really impressed with how she led the conversation, McCoy says. I think really good foundation leaders are people by nature who are generous with big hearts. I was blown away by Camilles generosity of spirit. McCoy calls Frankenstein a perfect match between funder and project, and describes the $500k grant, a third of the productions budget, as a breakthrough gift in terms of the Bentlys previous giving.

Camille treats everybody as an equal, says Renee Richardson, the development director at the Blue Bear School of Music, which was awarded a $100,000 grant by the Bently Foundation for a campus on the south side of San Francisco. She just gets what shes doing and believes in it.

David Miller, the executive director of Oakland arts center the Crucible, says that the consistent and generous support of the Bentlys, including a $100,000 grant in 20015, was invaulable in allowing the organization to build on its youth education initiatives  in particular the pre-apprentice program that provides instruction in artistic metalworking and fabrication. The Bentlys were honored at the Crucibles gala last spring for their years of support.

But recently, the foundation was abruptly forced to confront a major sea change with the election of President Donald Trump. At the first post-election board meeting, Camille asked if a change in strategies was required given the new administrations stated intentions to cut arts funding and to scrap environmental protections.

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.

Our focus for the next four years is looking at organizations that rely on government grants that might not be funded that we cant live without, Camille says. Were doing research, looking at what happens over the next few months. The foundation is following news about the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Endowment for the Arts especially close, given upheaval at both in the days since the inauguration.

We expected a very different result, Christopher says of the election, also noting the couples concern for racial and religious minority rights as well as the LGBT community. Both Bentlys attended Womens Marches the day after Trumps inauguration, Christopher in San Francisco and Camille in Washington, D.C., with a childhood friend.

I would say Camilles confidence has come to match her convictions, says Bently Foundation board member Jennifer Raiser. Shes always been passionate about the underdog  now she has the means and the opportunity to create those protections and inspire others to do it with her. Some people who are catapulted into her situation let go of their previous values, and this has emboldened her values.

In spite of a new urgency with their work with the foundation, the Bentlys say their new family is in a wonderful place. Christopher and Hope, who attends school in Nevada, were immediately very close, and Christopher even said vows to his new daughter at the couples wedding. Camille says she has not only found her footing in the foundation world, shes also prepared to continue to shake things up.

Philanthropy is really changing, she observes. People want to be involved and hands-on instead of writing the same check every year. She predicts there wont be much time in the next four years for jumping on chaise longues, so shes enjoying playing the bride while she can.

Tony Bravo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tbravo@sfchronicle.com

Credits

Hair and makeup: David Reposar | Wardobe: Bentlys own | Shot on location at the Bently Nob Hill

Frankenstein

The San Francisco Ballets co-production with the Royal Ballet runs Feb. 17-26. www.sfballet.com
The idea of home can feel really simple at first; a bedroom set up exactly as you like it, an address, a certain block in a certain city. But if you dont stop there, if you dig deeper, the idea of what it means to be at home in a place  to both put down roots and be forced to dig them up  can swallow you.

Artist Helina Metaferia does that deep digging in a new exhibition at the Museum of the African Diaspora called Home | Free.

Metaferia, the daughter of two Ethiopian immigrants, explores what she describes as her diasporic longing for a physical and psychic home. She remembers growing up and hearing about the place that her parents came from, and building it up in her mind. Ive sort of internalized this longing for a homeland that is not mine, she says.

More recently, shes had to make a home in seven cities in the past decade  pushed from one to the next, trying to make it as an artist and contending with the gentrification that hits communities of color and artists the hardest. For nearly two years, shes been living in Oakland. The Bay Area, she says, and its shortage of affordable housing, have absolutely influenced her work on this theme and beyond.

The show Metaferia has assembled is interdisciplinary. She weaves together objects and photography, installation and video as she reveals the deeper meanings of home. Some of the materials she uses are self-evident to the subject (floorboards, for instance), but much of Metaferias work comes in the form of performance and performative gestures. Working that into a static gallery setting isnt always easy, but she says its one of her favorite curatorial problems.

Metaferias background is in visual art, and she says she has an appreciation and respect for the art object. But as shes grown as an artist, Ive just matured that into thinking that the art object is whatever I say it is.

Ryan Kost is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rkost@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @RyanKost
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BART, whose trains carry riders between a number of Bay Area sanctuary cities, will consider adopting its own policy protecting people in the country illegally from the federal government.

The BART board decided to consider a measure proposed Thursday by directors Nick Josefowitz of San Francisco and Lateefah Simon of Oakland. Recent studies indicate that there are over 500,000 undocumented immigrants living in the Bay Area. Many of these immigrants ride BART every day, Josefowitz said, adding that they should feel safe aboard BART.

No details were offered because the item was not on the agenda for the BART Board of Directors meeting in Oakland. State open-meeting laws ban the board from discussing matters without public notice.

The general idea behind the proposal is to limit how BART police cooperate with federal immigration officials, particularly in sharing information about immigrants in the U.S. without legal documentation.

The proposal to make BART a sanctuary transit system was seconded by several directors. Director Rebecca Saltzman, board president, said she supported the proposal and will schedule it for debate at an upcoming meeting.

Simon said that given President Trumps stated intention to crack down on immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally, its important for BART to reassure riders they wont be handed over to federal officials.

Simon said she recently heard from a young man, cited for fare evasion, who wanted to pay his citation. But he is in the country without legal permission and is afraid he would be turned over to immigration enforcers, she said.

If our system can mirror some of the best cities and municipalities in this country that are standing up to hate and xenophobia, that would be great, Simon said. We want to be on the right side of history.

Several speakers urged the board to support the proposal, saying it would make immigrants feel more comfortable aboard BART.

I cant tell you how scary it is to just walk down the streets these days, said Sabiha Basrai, 34, a Muslim American who owns a graphic design business in Oakland.

It means a lot to me to know that BART is making a clear statement that BART is for all of us and we should ride without fear.

Karem Herrera, 25, who is in the U.S. without documentation and works for a San Francisco law firm, agreed.

Id like to know the public transit agency in my community has my back, she said.

Alicia Trost, a BART spokeswoman, said the systems police havent turned over anyone to immigration officials in recent memory. She said police reviewed five years of records Thursday after learning of the sanctuary proposal.

We treat everybody fair and impartial, said Jeffrey Jennings, BARTs acting police chief. We want everyone to feel safe.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
Today the Chinese New Year Parade is a fixture on San Francisco's community calendar, but in the past the date, attendance and pyrotechnics were sources of heated debate.

According to a February 2, 1970 San Francisco Chronicle article, the San Francisco Chinese New Year celebration first began in 1851, just a few years after the discovery of gold in northern California. Despite a changing world, Chinatown managed to "keep intact the basic personality of its traditional Chinese New Year celebration."

In the early years, doomsayers, both in the Chinese community, and outside, said the celebration wouldn't last. In the early 1900's, the event "survived an official change to the Western calendar, Americanization of its youth, a sometimes condescending press and frequent attempts to ban the essential firecracker."

In 1930, there was a challenge to switch from the lunar calendar to the Western one. "Local Chinese leaders revived a 1912 edict by which the Chinese Republic, anxious to shed old customs and be as modern as the West, declared that the only day to celebrate the new year would be January 1."

The edict had been mostly ignored in the past. Local leaders said that year would be different. When January 1 passed, the Chronicle lamented the "loss of this traditional picturesque fete." Not to worry.

On February 16, ignoring the edict, Chinese New Year was back as usual. The paper reported, "Bang! Chinese New Year's festival opens with fireworks."

The thirties brought grimness to the world, and Chinatown was not excepted. In 1935, the possibility of a celebration looked bad from the start. The police warned of another firecracker ban "unless the warring Tongs made peace." But, in an incident a la Romeo and Juliette, "one of the boys from one of the Tongs grabbed a beautiful damsel from another Tong and eloped with her to Los Angeles."

It was reported that the Tongs made peace. But, the police "soured the celebration by blockading Chinatown, which infuriated Chinese leaders." This included the consul-general who angrily denounced "unwarranted police interference."

It was said that the only time that the city and community were not at odds about the firecracker ban was during WWII, when gunpowder was needed for the war efforts. The celebrations were very subdued during this time. When the war ended, the firecracker ban fight resumed. Some of the objections were dropped when they learned the religious significance of fireworks, traditionally used to scare away evil devils.

In the 1950's, the Korean war was raging. In 1951 the New Years parade marked the start of a fund drive by Chinatown's anti-communist league, according to a story that concluded, "The gist: that Chinatown is an American town, at America's service." Now 100 years after the first celebration, the Chinese were welcomed to citizenship. "They were the good guys."

After the Korean war ended, someone "had the idea of making a lot of money by turning the New Year's celebration into a tourist attraction, like the Mardi Gras." In 1953, non-Chinese were actively invited for the first time. 140,000 "outsiders" showed up. The Chinese Chamber of commerce became the sponsor of the event, joined ten years later by the city Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

In 1956, once again, the city said there would be no firecrackers. That demand seemed to hold up until the ceremonial lion showed up to do a street dance for charity. It rained firecrackers by the thousands. It was said that the police took this with good humor.

In 1969, amid racial tension, a riot broke out, when the departing crowd of 175,000 attendees found themselves in the midst of bombardment by cherry bombs coated with thumbtacks and BBs, and a few Molotov cocktails. Luckily, of the 35 injuries, none were serious.

The 1960's gave way to another problem, parking, especially one year when 350,000 celebrants turned out. That problem persist today and any trip to the event requires a little planning. Click here for a calendar of events for this year's celebrations and parade. In the lunar year 4715, year of the Rooster.

Bob Bragman is a producer for SFGATE. His writing reflects his love of the Bay Area, in addition to his passion for vintage pop culture, ephemera and vernacular photographs. To see more of his content, please click here.
A road crew employee killed in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Thursday while clearing a mudslide on Highway 17, which continued to be plagued by sliding debris Friday, was working alongside his son when he was fatally struck by a dump truck, a colleague said Friday.

Bobby Gill, a 54-year-old Los Banos resident, was part of the best paving crew at Graniterock, a construction company in Watsonville, said Keith Severson, a spokesman for the company.

He was just good people. This is simply a devastating tragedy, Severson said. He cared about the people he worked with and cared about doing a good job and cared about his family.

More slides caused problems on the highway Friday as boulders and mud broke loose on hillsides and covered the road. The thoroughfare was closed again in both directions Friday afternoon in a 7-mile stretch between Granite Creek Road in Santa Cruz County and Summit Road in Santa Clara County. There was no estimate for when the road would be reopened, according to Jim Shivers, a Caltrans spokesman. The southbound lanes re-opened in the evening, but the northbound lanes were still closed, trapped under piles of debris.

Gills death happened around noon on Thursday near Scotts Valley, and left a co-worker, 33-year-old Stephen Whittier of San Jose, in a hospital with major injuries.

Work on clearing the road was halted following the fatality, and conditions worsened on the road overnight.

During the overnight hours, the additional rain caused more mud and rocks to fall into the northbound lane, which is the existing closure area. There was concern this debris could spread into the southbound lanes, so we decided to shut down the southbound lanes in the interest of public safety while we perform slide removal, Shivers said.

Caltrans engineers determined Friday that the site was not yet completely safe for workers and suspended the debris removal until it is, according to CHP Officer Trista Drake.

Graniterock had been contracted by Caltrans to clear the massive mudslide, which struck Tuesday and completely closed Highway 17 in Scotts Valley for hours. At the time of the fatality, only one lane of traffic was open in each direction of the busy highway.

CHP officials identified the driver of the dump truck as Daniel Harrington, 39, of Salinas, who worked for Hildebrand Trucking in Watsonville.

Obviously, when we have a job like Highway 17, that takes the best of the best. He was on that crew, Severson said of Gill.

And working right beside Gill that day was his son.

Theres lots of family here at Graniterock, Severson said. His son was on the crew with him that day.

Gill had been working for the construction company for 15 years and was known not just for being good at his job, but also for caring for the people around him, Severson said.

Hes just a super guy, Severson said.

Graniterock organized an online fundraising campaign to raise money for Gills family.

After days of stormy weather, the weekend is expected to be sunny and dry in the Bay Area before another bout of rain moves in late next week, said Steve Anderson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Meanwhile, Northern California residents were busy mopping up Friday from major rainstorms on Tuesday and Thursday that triggered numerous mudslides, toppled trees and flooded streets and homes.

Even as the cleanup was under way, more flooding and landslides occurred throughout Northern California on Friday. The Russian River in Guerneville swelled to a little over 34 feet, 2 feet above flood stage, Friday, causing minimal to moderate flooding, said Sgt. Spencer Crum with the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office.

Most homes in that area are built on stilts or raised in some fashion, Crum said. Theres usually very little damage at that level of river flooding.

A mudslide along Interstate 80 in Truckee closed a section of the road in both directions Friday, officials said. A report came in around 9:38 a.m. of mud and trees across all lanes of Interstate 80, said Officer Peter Mann, a California Highway Patrol spokesman. No injuries were reported.

Westbound I-80 was closed at State Route 20, while eastbound lanes of the interstate were closed at Colfax, Mann said. It was unclear when the interstate would be reopened.

And on Highway 35 near Las Cumbres Road near Los Gatos, a chunk of roadway collapsed into the mountainside, leaving a gaping hole where the road used to be. It was closed indefinitely, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Sarah Ravani, Jenna Lyons and Filipa A. Ioannou are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com, jlyons@sfchronicle.com, fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani, @JennaJourno, @obioannoukenobi
Those looking to attend San Francisco's annual Chinese New Year Parade on Saturday are in luck. The weather forecast (so far) shows a rain-free event, despite the soggy week.

Not that rain could ruin this parade: the Year of the Rooster will be celebrated in grand fashion, rain or shine. The Lunar New Year is a time of reunion and celebrating with family, and Saturday's parade helps wrap up two weeks of festivities and events in the Chinese community.
Zenefits announced it will cut 45 percent of its workforce as new CEO Jay Fulcher reduces costs in the wake of regulatory scrutiny and management shakeups that collapsed the companys expansion plans.

The 430 job cuts announced Thursday are the third round of staff reductions for the San Francisco human resources software maker in the past year amid investigations that found some employees used software to skirt training requirements and sold health insurance without the necessary licenses. Zenefits agreed in November to pay as much as $7 million to the state over licensing violations. Thursdays staff cuts are company-wide and affect all departments, Zenefits said.
Bill Hutchinson / The Chronicle

A 78-year-old woman was attacked from behind by a robber wielding an umbrella, who knocked her to the ground and snatched her purse in San Franciscos Bernal Heights neighborhood, officials said Thursday.

The robbery occurred about 8:50 a.m. on Wednesday on the 4000 block of Mission Street, police said.
A Stockton man who admitted to a string of bank robberies throughout Northern California and was dubbed the Bearded Bandit for his distinctive facial hair was sentenced to 45 months in prison Thursday, officials said.

Kenneth Michael Ellis, 31, pleaded guilty to eight counts of unarmed bank robbery. He was arrested in March in the eastern Contra Costa County town of Brentwood after a failed attempt to disguise himself by shaving his head and trimming his beard into a goatee in a CVS drugstore.
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On the eve of trial, a former Livermore police officer accused in an expansive sexual misconduct scandal reached a plea bargain Thursday that may erase all the allegations against him.

Daniel Black agreed to plead no contest to one misdemeanor count of lewd conduct in public. Prosecutors said that while off duty as a police officer in April, Black and a teenager engaged in sexual acts in his motor home on two occasions and that he paid for her dinners and gave her alcohol in exchange.

Five other misdemeanor charges against Black  including lewd conduct, engaging in prostitution and giving alcohol to a minor  were dismissed with the deal.

The 19-year-old woman, whose mother is an Oakland police dispatcher, has said officers and sheriffs deputies from around the Bay Area had sex with her in the past two years. She told The Chronicle that some of the officers paid her, while others tipped her off about prostitution stings or ran the names of people she knew through law enforcement databases.

If Black obeys the law and terms of the plea bargain, the single charge against him will be dismissed in May 2018. The conditions include taking an HIV test, watching an AIDS educational film, staying away from the young woman and steering clear of any areas where prostitution is known to occur.

Blacks attorneys said he was charged only because he was a police officer being held to a different standard than the general public.

They didnt go after any of her clients who were non-police officers, said Michael Cardoza, one of the defense attorneys. Dinner for sex? Thats stretching.

The prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Sabrina Farrell, said she had a strong case and was ready to proceed to trial, but plans changed after a key witness  the young woman  had a medical emergency that prevented her from testifying this week.

Jury selection was nearly complete when Black agreed to the bargain. He now works as a security guard after resigning from the Livermore Police Department.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
A woman was robbed of her passport, credit cards and cash after an assailant snatched her purse Wednesday afternoon at San Franciscos Pier 33, a popular tourist destination, officials said.

The robbery occurred 1:50 p.m. at Pier 33 on the Embarcadero, near Alcatraz Landing, where cruises to Alcatraz Island are available, police said.
Margaret Cho started stealing scenes as a student at San Francisco School of the Arts, and the comedian has remained in the spotlight ever since. A San Francisco native, Cho's been the star of her own sitcom, appeared as Kim Jong-Un on "30 Rock," authored two books, recorded music albums, dated celebrities, sold-out comedy tours, hosted comedy specials, and was deputized to perform marriages in San Francisco. Her vast body of work and activism, not to mention hometown street cred, is why we've chosen Margaret Cho to kick off the first in our "10 Questions" series.

Never one to shy away from controversy, Cho recently found herself on the receiving end of an email from movie star Tilda Swinton, who wanted Cho to explain why some Asians were offended that Swinton was given the role of "The Ancient One" in "Doctor Strange." The email exchange and Cho's reaction sparked a conversation on race, feminism, and Hollywood. Last year, Cho returned to the scene of a major stand-up bomb and bravely gave the audience a make-up performance. She even got Jerry Seinfeld to open for her.
Minutes after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled to uphold a block on President Donald Trump's travel ban, he tweeted a response.

"SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" Trump sent from his personal account, @realDonaldTrump.

A three-judge appellate panel in San Francisco heard arguments earlier in the week on the decision from U.S. District Judge James Robart, who blocked Trump's executive order at the request of the state of Washington's attorney general.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton joined the fray on Twitter, offering what appeared to be a clever reaction to the ruling:

"3-0"

Any decision from the 9th Circuit could see further appeal, though temporary, preliminary orders like Robart's are not generally reviewed by higher courts.

The dispute centers on a lawsuit filed Jan. 30 by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Attorneys for the state won a temporary pause on Trump's executive order blocking entry to the U.S. by refugees worldwide and certain immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim nations.

For now, those refugees and immigrants are allowed to travel to the U.S. just as they could before Trump's executive order was issued.

U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., took to the internet to deride the 9th Circuit's ruling, calling the court the "error-prone and reversed court of appeal."

"Unfortunately, the 9th Circuit regularly hands down politically leftist, activist decisions," Brooks wrote in the post on his website. "Fortunately, their politically motivated orders are frequently reversed by the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, American lives are at risk until this unfounded and reckless order is reversed by the Supreme Court."

On the other hand, Ferguson was happy with the ruling, and made his own statement on Twitter:

"Bottom line: This is a complete victory for the state of Washington."
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Gov. John Kasich delayed eight executions Friday as a court fight continues over the constitutionality of the states lethal injection process.

Kasichs announcement postponed the execution of a condemned child killer scheduled for next week until May and moved seven other procedures months into the future.

The Republican governor said the timing of arguments before a Cincinnati federal appeals court necessitated the delay. The court is hearing Ohios appeal of a federal judges order finding the states latest execution process unconstitutional.

Kasich said hes confident Ohio will win the appeal but that the court calendar didnt provide enough time to prepare for executions scheduled this month, next month and April.

These delays are necessary to allow the judicial process to come to a full resolution, and ensure that the state can move forward with the executions after the appeal is settled, Kasich said.

The delay also leaves open the possibility that, should an appeal reach the U.S. Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, President Trumps nominee for the courts vacant ninth seat, will be confirmed and able to hear the case.

The delay was another setback for death penalty supporters who hoped that new supplies of drugs obtained by Ohio last year would allow executions to move forward after a three-years-plus delay.

The state has said it has enough drugs for four executions, but records obtained by the Associated Press indicate Ohio could have enough on hand to put dozens of killers to death.

Ronald Phillips, scheduled to die Feb. 15 for raping and killing his girlfriends 3-year-old daughter in Akron in 1993, is now set for execution May 10.

Also Friday, the Ohio Parole Board rejected a clemency request by Gary Otte, who shot two people to death in back-to-back robberies over two days in suburban Cleveland in 1992. The board cited the heinous nature of the killings. Kasich on Friday moved Ottes execution date from March 15 to June 13.

At issue is a federal judges ruling last month rejecting the states latest proposed three-drug execution method, which hasnt been used in Ohio. Magistrate Judge Michael Merz said Ohio didnt prove that the first drug in its current three-drug process, the sedative midazolam, doesnt present a substantial risk of harm.

Executions have been on hold since January 2014 when Ohio used a never-tried two-drug combo that it then abandoned.

Andrew Welsh-Huggins is an Associated Press writer.
BOSTON  The biggest storm to hit the Northeast this winter dumped a foot or more of snow along the New York-to-Boston corridor Thursday, turning roads treacherous, grounding flights and giving millions of people weather whiplash a day after temperatures soared into the 50s and 60s.

Scores of accidents were reported as drivers confronted blowing snow and slick highways. Stretches of Interstate 95 in Rhode Island were closed in the afternoon after tractor-trailers got stuck, and dozens of motorists got stranded on New Yorks Long Island after they couldnt make it up icy ramps.

Schools closed in cities big and small, including New York City, Philadelphia and Boston, and government offices told nonessential workers to stay home.

More than 3,500 flights were canceled across the region and all planes bound for New Yorks Kennedy Airport were ordered held on the ground for hours while crews cleared the runways. A deicing truck caught fire at Bradley Airport outside Hartford, Conn.

In New York City, a doorman died after falling down a set of stairs and crashing through a plate-glass window while shoveling snow, police said. Police said Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 59, of Bridgeport, Conn., suffered cuts on his neck and face.

In Rhode Island, they got thundersnow, with whiteout conditions accompanied by the rumble of thunder.

Its pretty nuts here, Felecia White said as she and friends hunkered down in a restaurant in Newport, R.I., waiting for the weather to improve. Even with four-wheel drive, you cant do anything. You cant see across the street.

As of late afternoon, New Yorks Hudson Valley and parts of Long Island had up to a foot of snow, while New York City recorded about 9 inches.

West Hartford, Conn., had more than 14 inches by late afternoon, and Ludlow, Mass., had 18 inches. Farther north, Nashua, N.H., received over 13 inches and Berwick, Maine, about a foot.

The storm came midway through a largely snow-free winter in the Northeast and a day after much of the region enjoyed a brief taste of spring, with record-breaking highs in some places. Temperatures then crashed more than 30 degrees. in.

We were waiting for a good one all year, said Morgan Crum, a manager at Katz Ace Hardware in Glastonbury, Conn., where more than 50 people stopped in to buy shovels, and other storm provisions. We live in New England. This is what we expect.

Philip Marcelo is an Associated Press writer.
CONCORD, N.H.  As President Trump hurls unfounded allegations of colossal fraud in last falls election, lawmakers in at least 20 mostly Republican-led states are pushing to make it harder to register or to vote.

Efforts are under way in places such as Arkansas, Iowa, Maine, Nebraska and Indiana to adopt or tighten requirements that voters show identification at the polls. There is a move in Iowa and New Hampshire to eliminate election day registration. New Hampshire may also make it more difficult for college students to vote. And Texas could shorten the early voting period by several days.

Supporters say the measures are necessary to combat voter fraud and increase public confidence in elections. But research has shown that in-person fraud at the polls is extremely rare, and critics of these restrictions warn that they will hurt mostly poor people, minorities and students  all of whom tend to vote Democratic  as well as the elderly.

They fear, too, that the U.S. Justice Department, under newly confirmed Attorney General Jeff Sessions, will do little to intervene to protect voters.

Some election watchers see voting rights under heavy attack.

What is really happening here is an attempt to manipulate the system so that some people can participate and some people cant, said Myrna Perez, director of the Voting Rights and Elections project at New York Universitys Brennan Center for Justice.

Even so, there are more bills around the country aimed at making it easier to vote, according to the Brennan Center. Starting or expanding early voting and creating automatic voter registration are two popular proposals.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York, for example, is backing a proposal to automatically register people to vote using their motor vehicle paperwork and to offer early voting for 12 days before election day.

Many of the restrictive laws became possible after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 struck down a key provision of the federal Voting Rights Act that required certain states and counties, largely in the South, to get Justice Department approval before changing their election laws. The 2016 presidential election was the first without those protections, and voters in 14 states faced new restrictions on voting or registration.

Other states such as Maine and Nebraska, meanwhile, are looking to require photo identification for voting.

Kathleen Ronayne and Christina A. Cassidy are Associated Press writers.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.  The Trump administration on Thursday delayed what would be the first endangered designation for a bee species in the continental U.S., one day before it was to take effect.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adopted a rule Jan. 11 extending federal protection to the rusty patched bumblebee, one of many types of bees that play a vital role in pollinating crops and wild plants. It once was common across the East Coast and much of the Midwest but its numbers have plummeted since the late 1990s.

Federal law requires a 30-day waiting period before most new regulations become effective. The addition of the bumblebee to the endangered species list was scheduled for Friday.

But in a Federal Register notice, the service announced a postponement until March 21 in keeping with a Trump administration order issued Jan. 20. It imposed a 60-day freeze on regulations that had been published in the register but hadnt taken effect. The delay, according to the White House, was for the purpose of reviewing questions of fact, law and policy they raise.

With President Trump pledging to cut back on federal regulations, environmentalists said they feared the bumblebee protection might be doomed.

The Trump administration has put the rusty patched bumblebee back on the path to extinction, said Rebecca Riley, senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council. This bee is one of the most critically endangered species in the country and we can save it  but not if the White House stands in the way.

The U.S. Department of Interior, which includes the Fish and Wildlife Service, is working to review this regulation as expeditiously as possible and expects to issue further guidance on the effective date of the listing shortly, said spokeswoman Heather Swift.

She did not say whether a decision had been made about whether the listing would go forward.

The rusty patched bumblebee has disappeared from about 90 percent of its range in the past 20 years. Scientists say disease, pesticide exposure, habitat loss and climate change are among possible causes. Its among a number of bee species that have suffered steep population declines  along with monarch butterflies, another key pollinator.

John Flesher is an Associated Press writer.
WASHINGTON  Seeking to regroup after a stinging legal defeat, President Trump said Friday he is considering signing a brand new order after his refugee and immigration travel ban was halted in court.

Trump, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, said he expected his administration to win the legal battle over his original directive. But he said the White House was also weighing other alternatives, including making unspecified changes to the order, which could address some of the legal issues that have arisen.

As Trump flew to Florida for the weekend, his advisers debated their next steps after the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Thursday upheld a restraining order on the original travel ban. The White House directive suspended the nations refugee program and barred all entries from seven Muslim-majority countries.

A White House official initially suggested the administration would not ask the Supreme Court to overturn that order. But chief of staff Reince Priebus scrambled to clarify to reporters that every single court option is on the table, including a high court appeal or fighting out this case on the merits in a lower court.

The chief judge of the Ninth Circuit, Sidney Thomas, announced Friday that the court will vote on whether to have a larger panel of judges reconsider the ruling. One of the courts judges, who was not identified, had requested the vote, which will determine whether an 11-judge panel of the court rules on the administrations request. A majority of the courts 25 active judges would have to vote in favor of rehearing the case.

Trumps executive order was hastily unveiled at the end of his first week in office. While the White House boasted that Trump was fulfilling a campaign promise to toughen vetting procedures for people coming from countries with terror ties, the order caused chaos at airports in the U.S. and sparked protests across the country.

The president has cast the order as crucial for national security. Earlier Friday, he promised to take action very rapidly to protect the U.S. and its citizens in the wake of the appeals court decision, but he did not specify what steps he planned to take.

Well be doing things to continue to make our country safe, Trump pledged at a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It will happen rapidly. We will not allow people into our country who are looking to do harm to our people.

The presidents comments were far more restrained than his angry reaction to last weeks initial court ruling blocking the travel ban. Trump took aim at both the so-called judge in that case and the ruling, which he called ridiculous.

Trump continued to conjure images of unspecified danger Friday, saying he had learned tremendous things that you could only learn, frankly, if you were in a certain position, namely president. And there are tremendous threats to our country. We will not allow that to happen, I can tell you that. We will not allow that to happen.

The Ninth Circuit ruling represented a significant setback for Trump in just his third week in office. The appellate decision brushed aside arguments by the Justice Department that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted that Trump ought to see the writing on the wall and abandon the proposal. The New York Democrat called on the president to roll up his sleeves and come up with a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco promised, Democrats will continue to press for President Trumps dangerous and unconstitutional ban to be withdrawn. And Trumps former presidential rival Hillary Clinton offered a terse response on Twitter, noting the unanimous vote: 3-0.

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued the temporary restraining order halting the ban after Washington state and Minnesota sued, leading to the federal governments appeal.

The Trump administration has said the seven nations  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  have raised terrorism concerns. The states have argued that the executive order unconstitutionally blocked entry based on religion and the travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities.

Trump and his aides frequently refer to a ruling by a federal judge in Boston who declined last week to extend a temporary injunction against Trumps travel ban. In a separate federal ruling in Seattle, a different federal judge put the ban on hold nationwide; it is that judges decision that the White House has challenged.

Its a decision that well win, in my opinion, very easily and, by the way, we won that decision in Boston, Trump said.

Julie Pace and Jill Colvin are Associated Press writers.
A Toronto man who went missing nearly five years ago has been found after being discovered walking along a highway ... thousands of miles away in Brazil.

Anton Pilipa, 39, returned home Monday with his brother after being located by police in Rondonia, Brazil, in November.

Pilipa was first reported missing in 2012, shortly after starting treatment for schizophrenia, his brother told BBC Brasil. At the time, Pilipa left behind documents, clothing and his house, and his family reported him missing to police.

Stefan Pilipa said he believes that his brother made it to Brazil partially by walking  at times without shoes  and by hitchhiking and hiding in the back of trucks.

Missing Persons of America

The Pilipa family first heard that Anton was alive in late December. Brazil police pieced together Anton's identity, despite the fact that he could not speak Portuguese and did not have any identification. Brazilian police officer Helenice Vidigal, who spoke English and had previously lived in Canada, told CBC News that she was able to ask him questions. Although he didn't tell her much, she learned that Anton was from Canada.

"I thought, if he says he's Canadian, I'm sure I can find his family," Vidigal said.

The news of Anton being found was dampened briefly when Anton  who was placed in a hospital  ran away. He was eventually found safe again in January and was placed in a hospital a second time.

Stefan told CBC News that when he first saw Anton, he looked "really rough" and that Anton's health was starting to deteriorate. Despite that, Stefan told the news site that these days, Anton looks "remarkably well."

"I feel amazed that he's alive and had made it that far," Stefan said.

Stefan said he didn't want to press his brother just yet on what happened while he was missing, but a few details have emerged. The two brothers spoke with BBC Brasil, and Anton said that he was able to survive over the past few years by looking for food and clothes in the trash, and occasionally receiving food from strangers.

Anton, for his part, told the news site that he feels lucky to be alive and going home.

Anton is back with family in Canada, but there are legal issues being addressed following his disappearance. Anton, who is facing charges stemming from an altercation in 2011, disappeared before he was set to appear in court. Upon arriving in Toronto on Monday, he was arrested on the outstanding charges. He was later released on bail the same day and will head back to court.
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OROVILLE, Butte County  A foaming mass of whitewater cascaded down the badly damaged Oroville Dam spillway Friday after state officials upped the flow in an attempt to avoid what would be an even more disastrous overflowing of Californias second-largest reservoir.

By increasing the flow, dam operators were conceding they were likely to lose a big portion of the spillway to erosion  perhaps the entire bottom half, or about 150 yards of concrete that will have to be painstakingly rebuilt during the dry months. The cost, state officials said Friday, will likely top $100 million.

As they spoke, the gaping hole in the spillway  which first cracked open Tuesday  got bigger as 65,000 cubic feet of water per second ripped into it, causing a rain-like mist to fall throughout the area just as the real rains that had caused the debacle ceased.

Were going to lose a lot of the spillway, said Chris Orrock, a spokesman for the California Department of Water Resources, which manages the nations tallest dam, about 75 miles north of Sacramento. The director has said we are willing to lose the bottom of that spillway to make sure we maintain flood control for the downstream communities.

The torrent was crashing over the side of the spillway onto a bed of rocks, scouring the hillside clear of vegetation and taking with it so much dirt that the Feather River turned into a soup full of debris, endangering millions of hatchery fish downstream.

As of Friday afternoon, Orrock said, more water was still flowing into the reservoir  which can hold 3.5 million acre-feet of water and helps supply farms and million of people  than was coming out.

If the water rose about 10 more feet, he said, it would begin gushing over the dams emergency spillway, a dirt channel 21 feet below the brim that has never been used in the structures 48-year existence.

That spillway has been criticized as deficient and dangerous by environmental groups. A 2002 analysis by the Yuba County Water Agency said use of the auxiliary spillway would cause severe erosion and deposit so much debris in the river that downstream structures could be damaged.

Although officials didnt expect to have to use the emergency spillway, forestry workers were clearing trees and other debris from the channel just in case.

The good news, Orrock said, is that the larger spillway, made of reinforced concrete, was peeling downward and not threatening the integrity of the 770-foot-high dam itself. If the erosion was moving up toward the dam, they would stop the flow, he said.

Nearby Oroville residents were still worried. Dan Rogers and several of his friends were so afraid of flooding Thursday that they left town and spent the night miles away in Chico.

Its pretty crazy, said Rogers, who returned after the rain stopped.

Although officials said the area wouldnt flood, the frothing Feather River had picked up so much muck that it was threatening to asphyxiate millions of salmon 4 miles downstream at the Feather River Fish Hatchery, forcing workers to frantically collect 8 million hatchlings and truck them 10 miles to a holding pond that uses well water.

The water flowing into the hatchery was measured to be 20 times as muddy as normal, said Harry Morse, a spokesman for the state Department of Fish and Game. He said 6 million fish had been moved and that hatchery staffers would work through the day and night moving 2 million more. As many as 2 million of the 2-inch-long juvenile fish, though, will have no place to go.

You can only put so many fish in one place without them lacking oxygen, he said. We hope to get the silt settled. If we cant do that, we may have to let the last 2 million loose in the Feather River floodplain.

The Feather River hatchery produces more than half of all the salmon caught in the ocean and rivers, the most of any hatchery in California, which boasts a multimillion-dollar salmon industry.

Were in an emergency situation, Morse said. This is stuff that has never happened in the 48 years of the dam, so we are really scrambling. Were bringing staff, engineers, trucks in. Its a full-court press.

The forecast called for a five-day window of clear weather, and engineers plan to use the time to assess the situation and figure out what fixes need to be made. Clearly, though, the destruction is extensive.

Kevin Dossey, a civil engineer for the Department of Water Resources office in Oroville, said repairs to the spillway would likely take four to five months and cost more than $100 million.

On the hook for payment, state officials said, are beneficiaries of the California State Water Project  29 urban and agricultural water agencies that include the mammoth Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

It wouldnt be surprising that state water contractors would be paying the bill, said Jim Fiedler, the chief operating officer for the Santa Clara Valley Water District. But we would certainly hope that they would seek emergency funding to help pay for it.

While the cause of the break in the spillway is not yet known, officials said repairs were made on the chute in 2013 after it was used during storms in 2011 and 2012. Dossey said he wasnt sure whether the fixes were made in the same area as the new damage.

I dont think anybody on the inspection team or repair team would say more should be done because there wasnt any evidence more needed to be done, Dossey said. The repairs were smooth.

An inspection of the dam and spillway in July 2015 deemed it safe, but experts did not walk the sloped surface to look for cracks and other potential problems, state records show. A visual inspection from some distance indicated no visible signs of concrete deficiencies, said the report compiled by the Division of Safety of Dams, a branch of the Department of Water Resources.

It wasnt clear why inspectors didnt walk the spillways discharge chute, and a spokesperson for the agency didnt respond to a request for comment. The dam also passed an inspection earlier in 2015.

Dam operators first noticed an eroded section of the spillway Tuesday as they attempted to increase the flow down the chute during a rainstorm. They shut it down to take stock of the damage, but as the rain increased, they had no choice but to increase flows, causing the fissure to balloon outward.

The dams spillway  and valves in the Edward Hyatt Power Plant at the bottom of the reservoir  were releasing 79,000 cubic feet per second of water Friday, but the flow was reduced overnight. About 130,000 cubic feet per second was flowing into the dam from the surrounding mountains.

If it were not damaged, the spillway could usher out up to 200,000 cubic feet per second of water, though that flow would be too much for the Feather River, which can handle 150,000 cubic feet per second without flooding.

Oroville Dam operators previously came under scrutiny in 2009 after a wall collapsed at the Hyatt Power Plant and five employees were nearly sucked out of the building by a powerful vacuum, causing one man to suffer broken bones and other serious injuries and spend four days in a hospital.

State workplace safety regulators found the Department of Water Resources was at fault for ordering the workers to open valves that were missing a critical part and couldnt handle the pressure.

Melody Gutierrez, Peter Fimrite and Michael Bodley are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com, pfimrite@sfchronicle.com, mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @melodygutierrez @pfimrite @michael_bodley
As bee populations decline globally, Japanese scientists have created a drone that can transport pollen between flowers, reports New Scientist.

A report issued by 100 global scientists in February 2016 revealed that three-quarters of crops rely on bees, birds, and bats for pollination. According to the findings, bees have been disappearing as a result of climate change, land clearing, and pesticides.

"Without pollinators, many of us would not be able to enjoy chocolate, coffee and vanilla ice cream, or healthy foods like blueberries and brazil nuts," said Lynn Dicks, a research fellow at Cambridge University's Department of Zoology, in a statement accompanying the report. "The value of pollinators goes way beyond this. People's livelihoods and culture are intimately linked with pollinators around the world. All the major world religions have sacred passages that mention bees."

Scientists led by Eijiro Miyako at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology have harnessed the principle of cross-pollination to design a drone that mimics bee behavior.

The lower region of the four-centimeter-wide manual drone is covered in horsehair coated in a sticky gel. Pollen attaches to the hairs and falls off as the drone touches down on another plant.

The drone successfully pollinated Japanese lilies without damaging the flowers upon landing, according to New Scientist.

Bees are especially unique because pollen naturally sticks to their fuzzy bodies, enabling the deposit of grains from one plant to the next. Cross-pollination, compared to self-pollination, improves the quantity and quality of crops by increasing genetic diversity, explains the Fruit Research University of Montana.

Miyako's team is currently developing autonomous drones with GPS, hi-res cameras, and artificial cameras to help farmers pollinate their crops.

"We hope this will help to counter the problem of bee declines," Miyako told the science publication. "But importantly, bees and drones should be used together."

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
MISSOULA -- In a wide-open discussion, President Donald Trump pushed for his Supreme Court nominee and appeared open to relaxing the federal hiring freeze at the Veterans Administration, according to Montana Sen. Jon Tester.

Tester was one of six Democratic senators along with four Republicans to meet with Trump at the White House on Thursday afternoon. He described the meeting as productive and not confrontational at all.

The first issue Trump raised was the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. Tester was the second senator to get a personal interview with Gorsuch, but he said the president didnt put any particular emphasis on Testers future voting position.

I think Judge Gorsuch deserves a fair shake, Tester said in a telephone interview after the meeting. I wont support or oppose his nomination until I get more feedback from Montanans.

On Wednesday, Trump attacked Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, on Twitter and in public for reporting that Gorsuch had criticized the presidents delegitimizing of another federal judge as demoralizing and disheartening. Tester said the Twitter feud didnt come up in Thursdays meeting, but he was concerned about it.

Its not helpful, Tester said. I know Dick Blumenthal, and hes a good man. The president has this reaction when people challenge him. I wouldnt run the business that way, but he runs the business that way.

I dont think those Twitter feeds or sidebar comments about peoples personalities are helpful, Tester added. In time, hell realize that.

Each senator at the meeting had an opportunity to raise issues to Trump. Tester said his topics included reforming the campaign finance system, banning all members of Congress and certain executive officials from lobbying the government for five years after leaving office, and lifting a communications ban that has limited the ability of Montana senior citizens to get information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

He seemed surprised when I brought that up, Tester said of the communications ban, adding that Trump committed to looking into the problem promptly.

Tester told Trump the presidents civilian federal hiring freeze was hurting military veterans ability to get care and benefits from the Veterans Administration, and asked for more exemptions to get those personnel hired.

He didnt seem opposed to that, Tester said of Trumps response. He didnt push back at all.

Tester asked the press corps to keep fact-checking White House statements in light of past untrue claims about illegal voting, inauguration crowd size and nonexistent terrorist massacres. But he added he had been impressed by the quality of many Trump administration staff members.

Reince Priebus is a very capable man, Tester said of Trumps chief of staff. I met a member of his legal council and he was very solid  hes got some really good people in the White House. (Chief Strategist Steve) Bannon is a bit more concerning  more than just a little bit. How hes been elevated is concerning. Theres a lot of things hes done that make you wonder where hes getting his information from.

The president will also have to start working more with Congress to move his agenda, Tester said. While Trump has signed executive orders calling for construction of a wall on the Mexican border, adding 5,000 additional Customs and Border Patrol officers and building more prisons, he has no budget authority to make those happen.

Theyve brought in somewhere around $30 billion to $40 billion in additional costs for those executive orders just on Homeland Security, said Tester, who is the ranking Democratic member of the Senates Homeland Security Committee. Hes going to need Congress on some of those policies. If he doesnt, theyll have to be pulled back.
Long-running challenges with disease in wild and domestic sheep brought both wildlife managers and the livestock industry together in Helena for a first-of-its-kind symposium.

Researchers, game managers, advocates and ranchers met Thursday for the first of two days of presentations on sheep disease issues.

Diseases transmitted between wild and domestic sheep have been well-publicized, particularly in light of large die-offs of wild herds that have left many populations unable to rebound. Commingling between bighorns and their domestic cousins is such a concern that state policy dictates the lethal removal of wild specimens that come in contact with domestic sheep.

Symposium discussions would not delve into management policies but focus on education and learning from each other, said meeting leader John Vore with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Montana Woolgrowers Association President Dave McEwen detailed the history of domestic sheep in the state. From the mid-1800s flocks grew to a high of about 3.5 million in 1900. While Montana raises far fewer sheep today, research into genetics and nutrition has made Montana sheep among the finest meat and wool available.

We grow the finest feeder lambs in the nation  and the industry has grown because of research, he said. These folks invested as producers and these people have continued to give us the information to make our industry as viable as it is.

Sheep producers face a variety of challenges, particularly in Montana with environmental extremes and other stresses that make them susceptible to diseases including internal parasites and pneumonia.

Pneumonia has been perhaps the most widely identified disease hitting bighorns as well.

Pneumonia can kill us, McEwen said. We dont make the paper because we had a 20 or 30 percent die-off in somebodys herd. In fact you probably wont even hear about it because its not something someone wants to say or wants the neighbors to know. But we know what causes that, we know the triggers that cause it and we manage for it so its a manageable issue rather than a crisis issue.

McEwen took issue with media reports that include false statements, such as pneumonia only affecting wild sheep. Both sides would benefit from working together and getting the science on the table.

Montana offers more than 250 hunting licenses for bighorn sheep and also is the only state that allows unlimited licenses in a few districts, where anyone can buy a sheep tag and hunt on a quota system. Known for their prowess in the cliffs, sheep hunting can make for a challenging adventure.

Theyre one of the premier big game species to hunt, Vore said. Sheep hunters are a kind of breed unto themselves.

But as tough as sheep are on a steep slope, their propensity for disease contraction makes them a challenging species to manage.

From lows in the 1940s, today Montanas 5,700 bighorn sheep in more than 40 herds have largely been recovered through transplants, particularly in the 1960s and '70s, Vore told the symposium. While numbers were likely never as high as the current populations of deer in the hundreds of thousands or antelope at about 30,000, bighorn populations are still far below historic numbers.

Fluctuations in Montanas overall sheep population also require some deeper analysis. The 5,700 of today compared to the 6,500 in 2007 shows a drop, but the difference is more pronounced in large die-offs in the Highlands, Rock Creek and Bitterroot, but offset by growth in the Missouri River Breaks herd.

A bighorn sheep management plan drafted in 2010 has also faced some difficulties to implement. While naturally connected populations are preferable, concern about spreading diseases has been a major limiting factor.

The states strategy calling for transplanting sheep for five new huntable herds has largely fizzled as habitat meeting the needed criteria is either occupied or too close to domestic flocks. Transplants aiming to bolster disease-carrying populations with healthy animals have also proved ineffective.

Health has to be the first priority, Vore said, adding that research and monitoring the health of Montanas herds is ongoing.

In the Tendoys bighorn herd that has suffered disease-caused poor lamb recruitment, the state is taking a new strategy of totally eliminating the herd, mostly through hunting, and then transplanting healthy animals. About a dozen of the 40 sheep in the area still need to be removed before the transplant takes place, Vore said.

Pre-European settlement estimates of sheep populations in the West top 1.5 million, Kurt Alt with the Wild Sheep Foundation told the symposium. Todays populations in the U.S. and Canada are about 85,000 and largely there because of restoration efforts, he said.

Wildlife interests and agricultural interests fueled the restoration of wildlife together, he said. With the concerns about wild and domestic sheep commingling on both private and public lands, both sides must come together, he added.

As a point of emphasis, Alt noted that fewer wild sheep now roam Montana than in 2010 when the state wrote its bighorn conservation strategy.

If were serious about bringing solutions to these issues between our constituency groups, just focusing on public land aint going to cut it in Montana. We have to work with each other across the landscape, Alt said.
In the last 12 months, we have bonded and accomplished so much! The boys participated in numerous service projects. They cleaned and repaired 30+ bird houses and a dozen duck boxes at the Helena Regulating Reservoir, and conducted a Scouting For Food Drive that filled the bed of a pickup with much needed food for the Helena food bank. Our Scouts conducted a highway trash pickup as part of their greater world event Scouts Trash The Trash Day, which gets scouts throughout the world to go out on the same day to pick up trash in their communities. The boys payed respect to our past veterans by placing American flags at several cemeteries in the area for Memorial Day.
A bill that would require photo identification to vote faced heated opposition from committee members and in testimony during a hearing on Thursday.

House Bill 357, carried by Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, would require all voters to present a photo ID. Under current law, people without an ID can use a document such as a utility bill or a paycheck stub with their name and address to vote. Similar legislation was vetoed in 2011 and died in committee in 2013. Skees said he drafted the bill to mirror legislation upheld in Crawford v. Marion County Election board, a 2008 decision allowing some voter ID laws.

The bill would require voters to present a drivers license, state ID card, military ID, tribal ID, U.S. passport or a state, federal or local government ID or a concealed carry permit.

Skees said hes carrying the bill to eliminate voter fraud he believes has occurred and gone unreported. Opponents to the bill said similar laws have historically disenfranchised minorities and low-income people and was unfair to people with disabilities and students who no longer could use student ID cards. Numerous opponents and committee members said there isnt a need for the bill. No one spoke as a proponent.

SK Rossi, the director of advocacy and policy at ACLU Montana, said HB357 is closer to legislation struck down recently in federal district courts in North Carolina and Texas than the Supreme Court decision Skees referenced. While bills may look neutral on their face, Rossi said the courts have an obligation to see if they function neutrally as well.

It doesnt matter if you attempt to put in safeguards if these safeguards dont actually protect marginalized people from discrimination, Rossi said.

Rossi was concerned that people without an ID would have trouble getting one. To get a $16 Montana ID card to vote, a person has to present two of three documents: a passport, Social Security card or birth certificate.

If they didnt already have two of the three documents, it would be difficult to get them without a photo ID. To get a $12 birth certificate requires a photo ID, and a Social Security card requires both a birth certificate and a photo ID. A passport costs $135 and requires both a birth certificate and a photo ID.

Youre basically placing people in this race to get all the documents you need to get an ID, but you cant, Rossi said. That sounds reasonable, but its not.

Skees said he believed the overwhelming majority of Montanans have a photo ID already, but Rossi disagreed. Sarah Garcia, a DMV administrator, didnt have exact numbers on who in Montana holds a drivers license or an ID card.

Rep. Kathy Swanson, D-Anaconda, asked Skees if there were any cases of when or how voter fraud was prosecuted in the state of Montana.

No, Skees said.

When other committee members asked about possibilities of voter fraud, Skees said there are likely instances that havent been reported because the system in place makes fraud difficult to detect.

I suggest it can be gained and frauded and it hasnt been reported by the previous secretary of state, he said.

Rep. Bryce Bennett, D-Missoula, said he wanted to go on the record saying Skees statement was untrue.

Exceptions to voter ID requirements for people with disabilities and people over the age of 65 was criticized in testimony. The language in the bill says the exception is only for an impossible physical disability. Disability Right of Montana said its likely the Secretary of State lacks the expertise to determine the severity of a disability and the usage of physical disability leaves out excludes sensory disabilities. Rossi said it would be difficult to prove a voter is actually over the age of 65 if they dont have a photo ID with their birth date.
Republican Sen. Steve Daines Helena staff saw about 20 of the demonstrators who gathered at his Montana offices Wednesday to protest his role in silencing a Democratic colleague on the Senate floor.

Daines was presiding over the Senates debate Tuesday on the nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., who was confirmed as attorney general Wednesday night on a vote of 52-47.

During the debate, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., began to read a letter that civil rights leader Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., wrote in 1986 protesting Sessions nomination as a federal judge at that time.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., interrupted Warren, saying she had violated a Senate rule that says a senator cannot impugn the motives or conduct of another senator. Daines then ordered Warren to take her seat, and the Senate voted 49-43 along party lines that she had violated the rule.

On Wednesday, protesters publicly read Kings letter outside Daines Helena office and then delivered a copy of it to the Montana senators staff.

We were speaking out against Sen. Daines action in misusing a Senate rule to not allow Sen. Warren to read the letter, Dave Nielsen, one of the Helena protesters, told the Independent Record, adding that the senator's field representative who accepted the letter was "very polite."

Similar demonstrations were held at Daines offices in Missoula and Kalispell Wednesday.

Daines has said he wasnt aware Warren would be testifying Tuesday, and that he stands by the decision to silence her on the Senate floor.

She was clearly in violation of what they call Rule 19, Daines told Lee Montana newspapers Wednesday. Rule 19 is a standing rule of the Senate and the intent is to place some boundaries around what is appropriate to say and what is not appropriate to say as it relates to personal attacks on standing U.S. senators.
MISSOULA  The University of Montana Faculty Senate voted Thursday to "strongly object" to  although not "condemn"  President Donald Trump's executive order affecting travelers from seven mostly Muslim countries.

Roughly a dozen students from UM are from affected countries; none were delayed as a result of the ban, according to UM.

Thursday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to block a ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the United States.

At UM, the number of faculty and staff from countries affected by the ban has not been made available.

"UM faculty are disturbed by this action and concerned for the people directly affected by the immigration ban as well as by the climate of racial, ethnic, and religious intolerance and hostility that it fosters," reads Thursday's Faculty Senate resolution.

Trump's order also indefinitely suspended admission of Syrian refugees into the United States.

At UM, the Faculty Senate approved the resolution with all but a couple of senators in support. The measure passed after the faculty voted on a split 21-14 vote to "object" to the order rather than "condemn it," a recommendation from Senator John Eglin.

The resolution is similar to one the faculty at Montana State University approved earlier, said UM Faculty Senate Chair John DeBoer. It notes faculty's obligation to protect academic freedom and the executive order's disruption of the lives of academics.

" ... This ban offends academic values because it does not reflect informed judgments about who presents the most serious threats to our national security," the resolution said.

Senator Linda Frey voted against the resolution, saying "I think it's politically inauspicious to do this." When she compared Trump's executive order to the previous administration's and said it wasn't discriminatory, a couple of other faculty members interjected.

Senator Abhishek Chatterjee said he isn't the biggest fan of former President Barack Obama, but he didn't take the same actions or target the same people.

"I'm telling you, you're wrong ... initially, the plan (from Trump) was to have a general Muslim ban, right? And the idea was to somehow make this legally possible, and this is the straw that they clutched on," Chatterjee said.

In his presidential campaign, Trump called for banning all Muslim travel to the United States; he has denied the current executive order is linked to religion and argued he wants to keep people safe from terrorism.

The Cato Institute, promoting conservative public policy, has said foreigners from the seven affected nations have killed zero Americans in terrorist attacks on U.S. soil between 1975 and 2015.

***

At the meeting, UM President Sheila Stearns said the university will be releasing its spring enrollment numbers next week and anticipated a headcount in the neighborhood of 11,000 students.

Stearns and vice president of finance Mike Reid asked faculty to monitor their budgets closely early on in the semester while time remains to make adjustments. The president predicted the university will close out 2017 "in good shape," but she and Reid warned campus units against overspending because budgets are tight.

The president also noted she has been visiting classrooms in order to introduce herself and discuss the relationship state funding has to tuition. She also presented a timeline for planning being undertaken at UM, such as strategic planning and a program review.

In the discussion that followed, several campus leaders expressed concern that the timeline proposed for reviewing programs  and allocating resources to them  was too aggressive.

Paul Haber, head of the faculty union, proposed faculty themselves lead the program review as an option. Haber said he sees reasons to leave the project in the hands of the administration, but he sees more reasons to lead it; the faculty will continue the discussion at another meeting.

Another senator questioned the president's visits to classrooms. Senator Jule Banville said colleagues have told her some of the talks are unannounced to the professor, take 15 minutes of class time, and offer only the administration's perspective on the UM budget.

"A lot of it is her introducing herself, but some of it is the administration's spin on what has been happening at this university," Banville said.
DECATUR  A raised ranch built near Lake Decatur in 1958 for a doctor who belonged to the Commodore Decatur Yacht Club felt just right.

So after the Rev. Dow and Deb Moses vacated the parsonage of New Vision Urban Ministries, they sold their second home on Lake Shelbyville and used the money to buy the five-bedroom house at 45 Eastmoreland Drive in Decatur for themselves and their daughter Destiny Moses, 18.

He wanted to be close to the lake because he's got a boat, Deb Moses explained.

Before they moved in last August, the home mortgage company installed two carbon monoxide detectors in compliance with a state law in effect since Jan. 1, 2007.

Yet the devices stayed silent as two dogs and four puppies died since Christmas, and the couple experienced symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

It was Todd Robinson, owner of Noah's Plumbing, who finally raised the alarm while on the phone with Dow Moses on Jan. 13, leading Moses to shut off the gas to a faulty water heater that Friday, three days before the plumber would come Monday to put in a new one.

He may very well have saved our lives, Dow Moses said.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 150 people die across the country annually from breathing carbon monoxide produced by consumer products. It invades the bloodstream, depriving cells and organs of oxygen needed for survival.

Known as a silent killer, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, somewhat lighter than air. It is byproduct of incomplete burning of coal, wood, charcoal, natural gas, fuel oil, kerosene, gasoline, fabrics or plastics.

Lyle Meador, deputy chief of fire prevention for the Decatur Fire Department, said the most recent CO death he can recall in the Decatur area is that of former Herald & Review Staff Writer Ron Ingram in 2009.

Ingram's home did not have smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.

We don't go into private residences to enforce the law, Meador said, but the only way you're going to know if you have carbon monoxide is if you have a detector.

But just last month, 50-year-old Kevin Minnis died in his Palmer home trying to keep warm in his bathroom with a portable propane heater. Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans said autopsy results show the Jan. 25 death was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

Chief Deputy Coroner Andy Goodall said the house had no electricity or running water and that Minnis had stuffed towels under the bathroom door to keep out the cold.

Tragically, they also blocked out any fresh air.

Goodall encouraged people to lend a hand to anyone who might be living in such conditions. "This is a life-threatening hazard that could have been avoided," he said.

On Nov. 21, five police officers required treatment for CO exposure after responding the scene of a double fatality in Plainfield. Denise Carlini, 65, and her daughter Morgan Becker, 29, along with three pets, died as the result of a boiler malfunction.

Neither Minnis, nor the Plainfield residents, had carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

In 2013, the most recent year national death estimates are available, engine-driven tools killed the most people, followed by heating systems.

Meador said the most common source of elevated CO levels he's seen locally is a cracked heat exchanger in a gas furnace. We encourage people to have their heating systems inspected and serviced annually, he said.

In the case of the Moses family, an aging water heater had tipped to one side, pulling out the flue from the chimney and letting exhaust escape into the lower level of the home.

First Dolly, their 7-year-old chihuahua, suffered a seizure and died Dec. 27. Then Diamond, a 9-year-old chihuahua, suffered the same fate Jan. 5.

We have a doggie door, and these two would go straight outside, use the bathroom and come back in, Dow Moses said. The two dogs we have left stay out in the backyard for hours at a time.

Pets are much more quickly overcome by carbon monoxide because of their smaller size.

Problems with the water heater didn't come to the family's attention until Jan. 8, when there wasn't enough hot water for showers before heading to church.

I went downstairs and could see water running out of the water heater and down the floor drain right beside it, Dow Moses said.

Thus the water heater was pumping out even more CO as it ran constantly, trying to heat the cold water coming in faster than the warm water ran out.

The next tragedy in the household came Jan. 11, when Destiny awoke to discover that their dog Dara's four puppies, about 3 weeks old, had died in the night.

She let mommy out to go potty, and the pups weren't moving, Deb Moses said. We thought maybe she had laid on them.

That same day, another plumber told the couple about the separated flue on the water heater but did not raise the possibility of CO problems with them.

Dow Moses spent most of his time at home that week, working on the church budget, and felt nauseated to the point of throwing up every night when he went to bed.

Thursday (Jan. 12) I told Debbie, 'I think you're going to have to take me to the hospital', he recalls. I'm very much a numbers person, but I couldn't concentrate on anything.

His wife, meanwhile, said she felt much more tired than usual.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning start with headache, nausea and vomiting before moving on to lethargy and confusion and finally coma and death.

Meador said most carbon monoxide detectors are designed to sound at 35 parts per million, but he could not determine how all the Moses family's CO detectors were set up.

At the family's request, Meador and fire inspectors Larry Ball and Brad Gillmar visited their home to confirm that all the carbon monoxide detectors, including a new combination detector Dow Moses installed Jan. 14, were in working order.

It's possible the levels were too minute to set them off, Meador said.

But beside alerting the Moses family to their problem Jan. 13, Todd Robinson had a theory about why the detectors didn't sound. He said a door separated the lower-level detector from the water heater and that the nearby furnace was what probably distributed the toxic gas throughout the home.

The two detectors installed by the mortgage company are within the required 15 feet from all rooms used for sleeping but neither is anywhere near a heat register and thus may have not been optimally positioned to detect the problem early.

The desk where Dow Moses worked and the crate where the puppies slept, on the other hand, are close to furnace vents.

Deb Moses believes at 3,200 square feet, the size of their house might have given them some protection.

Her husband added, The concentration was enough to kill a little dog, but not enough to kill us, thank God.
1 Letter for China: President Trump sent a letter to his Chinese counterpart saying he looked forward to developing a constructive relationship with Beijing, the latest in a series of conciliatory signals by the new administration after months of heated rhetoric aimed at the United States largest trading partner. The letter, dated Wednesday, also thanked Chinas president, Xi Jinping, for a message he sent congratulating Trump on his inauguration and conveyed wishes to the Chinese people for the Lunar New Year, the White House said in a two-sentence statement.

2 Mark et attack: Israeli police say a Palestinian opened fire at a market in central Israel wounding six people. Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the attacker was arrested soon after the shooting Thursday afternoon in Petah Tikva. Since 2015, Palestinian attackers have carried out numerous stabbings, shootings and assaults using cars, killing 41 Israelis and two visiting Americans. During the same period, Israeli forces have killed 235 Palestinians. Israel says most of the Palestinians killed were attackers while others died in clashes with Israeli forces.
Being a blue dot in a red state has never felt more dangerous to me than now. But being an active, visible blue dot in a red state has never felt more necessary to me right now. Because we are the one trying to hold Republicans accountable where it hurts them mostin their home districts.



Over the last week, Republicans representing red states and/or red districts have been getting an earful from constituentsor they do if they will show up.

Many of these have focused on the ACA, as Gus Bilirakis learned in Florida the other night:

There was John Ford, 66, who was once denied coverage for his hip because he had previously had the joint replaced. And Christine Mendonca, 34, who worried that without Obamacare, she could no longer afford to get pregnant. Evan Thornton, 21, fought back tears describing the congenital heart condition that could cut his life short. The Affordable Care Act allowed him to have coverage under his parents' plan into his 20s, he said. "I'm an independent who voted for you," he told Bilirakis. "Please don't take my life away. Please don't let me die." Only a handful supported efforts by congressional Republicans to repeal and replace the health law  and one was a Bilirakis employee, case work director Kristen Sellas.

Last night, Congresswoman Diane Black of Tennessee heard more than she wanted to, including an impassioned plea from a woman making arguments for the ACA stemming from her Christian faith and impoverished childhood in Appalachia:

At a town hall meeting featuring Rep. Diane Black (R  TN) on Thursday evening, a Christian woman stood up and cited her religion as the reason that she didnt want to see Obamacare repealed. As a Christian, my whole philosophy in life is pull up the unfortunate, she said. So the individual mandate, thats what it does: The healthy people pull up the sick. If we take those people, and we put them in high-risk insurance pools, theyre costlier and theres less coverage So we are in effect punishing our sickest people. She then went on to ask Black to expand Medicaid so that everybody [will] have insurance.

Not all of the crowds are focused solely on the ACA. In Michigan, Justin Amash faced a packed town hall in no mood for excuses about Betsy DeVos, among other things:

Amash's responses to questions were often met by attempts from the audience to shout him down. When an education professional stood up to say she and many of her colleagues are unhappy with Betsy DeVos' confirmation as secretary of education, Amash's support of the new cabinet member was less than popular. "She has been active on education issues for a long time," Amash said. "It's good to have diversity of thought, and I think she'll do a good job reaching out to people on both sides." "Ridiculous," a voice yelled from the back.

In Utah, Jason Cheffetz found himself faced by a crowd angry that he doesnt do his job:

Constituents jeered Chaffetz, who is chairman of the House Oversight Committee, over what they saw as his failure to examine potential conflicts of interests between Trump's private businesses and executive role. Videos from the event posted on social media showed the crowd erupting into chants of "do your job," in response to that answer. Chaffertz repeatedly pleaded "hold on," and "give me a second" as he was drowned out by shouting. Hundreds of people stood outside the auditorium holding signs and chanting "vote him out," while one woman was arrested.

Cheffetz left the event early.

GOP leaders are fretting that they need more security. Some, like Barbara Comstock of Virginia, are skipping out on public events altogether. In Greensboro, GA, this morning, aides for Congressman Jody Hice were unprepared for the numbers of constitutents who showed up for an event billed as co-hosted by Hice and georgias two Senators, David Persue and Johnny Isakson. None of the elected representatives showed up, and they missed an earful:

About a half-dozen congressional aides briefly addressed the crowd, telling them the event was not a town hall and they would take no questions from the floor. They left after crowd members chanted shame, shame, shame. A few minutes later, Hice aide Josh Findlay returned to listen to each of the speakers and jot down notes about their concerns. More than a dozen people spoke, sounding off on their fears about the fate of the Affordable Care Act, Trumps immigration order and his education policies. Despite the phone calls, the voicemails, the Facebook messages, the emails  Johnny Isakson still approved (Education Secretary) Betsy DeVos, said Michelle Golden, a Gwinnett educator wearing a bright-green shirt declaring All the Mamas are Mad. Golden added: When is he going to start doing his job and listen to the people?

When, indeed.

Politico has a good profile today of the Indivisible movement, which is driving many of these protests. (I note that there are now 6,200 affiliated chapters across the country.) I note also, with some grim hilarity, that the GOP are busy claiming that these protests are astro-turf, paid protestors, outside agitators, and all the other bullshit names they have used for 50 years to discredit opposition. Projection much? Of course, the problem with that is when reality catches up with them. For example:

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) sounded a similar note in an interview. I think its going to be a demonstration a week until they run out of funding, he said, predicting that they will incrementally die off.

Of course, those of us on the ground know that were not getting outside dollars, gnomish gold, SOROSBUXXX or whatever other imaginary funding that King fantasizes we are. Were actually mad as hell, we're pooling our resources, and were not going away any time soon.

Welcome to the new red state reality, Republicans. It's a little thing we like to call #RESISTANCE.

Do you know of more acts of Red State (or Red District) resistance? If so, feel free to share in comments below.
The government is still negotiating with national carrier Air New Zealand in a cross-agency air travel contract that will add a number of new airlines to the list of approved flyers.

Former Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce asked for the contract to be retendered last year as heightened competition prompted a review of the benefits from all-of-government procurement, which had delivered $37 million in savings for the Crown. The new contract comes into effect next month, and the airlines already on the list include Emirates, Etihad, LATAM, Lufthansa and Austrian and Swiss airlines, Qantas Airways for international routes and Jetstar on domestic, Singapore Airlines, Sounds Air, United Airlines and Virgin Australia.

"We are still in discussions with other air travel suppliers, including Air New Zealand, with a view to including them on the panel," a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment collaborative procurement spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

The contract is currently shared by national carrier Air NZ, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qantas and Singapore Airline. Air NZ had been the sole supplier for domestic routes but has since faced increased competition from an expanded Jetstar offering and the introduction of several smaller regional airlines.

Jetstar group chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka said her airline provided up to 500 flights a week across 11 routes and nine destinations and its low-fare model made economic sense for the government.

"Government officials and employees will now be able to travel with Jetstars low fares for domestic and regional flights," Hrdlicka said.

Air NZ and Qantas report earnings this month, and New Zealand's national carrier is forecast to post a 45 percent decline in first-half earnings to $186.5 million on a 2.6 percent decline in revenue to $2.63 billion, according to Forsyth Barr analyst Andy Bowley.

Last month Craigs Investment Partners downgraded their price target for Air NZ shares to $2.09 on the prospect of weaker-than-expected earnings given increased competition among carriers and rising fuel prices. Air NZ shares were recently up 0.2 percent to $2.105.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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The Supreme Court today heard a former relief caregiver's appeal to be paid minimum wage as opposed to a flat fee, arguing there was a contract between relief carers and district health boards which meant they should be treated as workers and protected by employment law.

About 30,000 mostly female relief workers have been paid $75 for a 24-hour shift to give full-time carers a break over the years, with Janet Lowe working as a relief carer for 25 years. The Employment Court held that Lowe was a homeworker under the Employment Relations Act, meaning she was an employee and entitled to the minimum wage, holiday pay and other protections under the law. The Court of Appeal overturned that decision last June.

Supreme Court chief justice Sian Elias told Lowe's lawyer Peter Cranney he had to convince the bench that relief carers were doing work for district health boards. Cranney said relief carers are engaged and paid by DHBs across the country, and the "best analysis" is that there is a direct relationship between the relief worker and the DHB, with the primary carer organising that relationship.

Cranney cited a 1997 finding by the Court of Appeal, Cashman v Central Regional Health Authority, which he said was indistinguishable from the case at hand. That decision held that the definition of a homeworker included home care workers who had signed contracts as independent contractors.

Lowe's lawyer said he disagreed with the appeal court's finding in the current case that there was no contract between the relief workers and the DHB, saying the contract was set up by the invoices sent from the carers to the DHBs. Engagement is a broader concept under the law than employment, Cranney said, which is why Lowe's legal team chose that strategy.

The bench quizzed Joanna Holden, the lawyer for the Ministry of Health and the Capital & Coast District Health Board, over a brochure given to carers directing relief carers to invoice the DHB for care work, or primary carers to invoice for reimbursement if they had already paid the relief worker themselves. Holden said payments from the DHB were made to the primary carer, not to relief carers, but Justice Susan Glazebrook said it was "absolutely clear that it's not."

"There's no way, as a responsible funder, that you'd want the money going to the primary caregiver and then not handed on to the support worker. It's a matter of election for the primary carer as to whether they pay the relief carer and then get a reimbursement," Justice Glazebrook said. "If the relief carer went to court and said the DHB promised to pay me within 10 days and they haven't, and I want them to do so, surely the court would say pay up."

Holden said she didn't accept that the DHB had promised to pay relief care workers if they weren't paid directly by the primary carers, and said the DHB would be making payments on behalf of the primary carer if they paid the relief workers.

The ministry's lawyer said there was no contract between the relief workers and the DHB as there was no offer and acceptance at the outset of the arrangement, but Justice Glazebrook said the brochure constituted an offer.

The one-day hearing is continuing.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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DECATUR  Travis South, a 22-year-old man who previously served jail time for punching a woman in the face, is back in jail after he allegedly broke into a residence and battered a couple.

Police were sent to an apartment in the 1400 block of East Olive Street at about 8 p.m. Jan. 30, on the report of a domestic battery incident.

The victims, both in their 30s, suffered lacerations, which they attributed to an attack by South.

The male victim had two large gashes above his right and left eyes which were actively bleeding, said a probable cause affidavit by Decatur patrol officer Noel Crystal. He was immediately transported by ambulance to a hospital.

The female victim told police South broke into the residence through the front door, pushed her during an argument, then hit her in the head with a closed fist an unknown amount of times.

She suffered a half-inch long laceration to the top of her head and facial injuries.

Crystal noted that there was damage to the door frame and the striker plate had been knocked from the frame.

At the hospital, the male victim told police South kicked in the door and engaged him in an argument. When he tried to walk away from South toward another room, he hit him in the back.

Medical personnel told police the victim would require several stitches to close the gashes above his eyes.

When South was located at another residence, he told police that was leaving the residence after the fight, when the man slammed the front door on him. Then he turned around and kicked the door, causing it to open and split the frame.

South was booked into the Macon County Jail, where he is being held on $10,000 bond. He was arraigned Tuesday on one count of aggravated battery/great bodily harm, three counts of domestic battery with a prior domestic battery conviction and one count of criminal damage to property.

In his prior domestic battery case on Nov. 18, 2012, South threatened to pour hot water on a 2-year-old girl, the daughter of a 25-year-old woman. When the girl's mother stepped forward to protect her daughter, South poured hot water on the woman, with the toddler right behind her.

South then punched her in the face with a closed fist, said a police affidavit. When two men tried to remove South from the residence, South placed one of them in a headlock and tried to punch him in the face. He was sentenced to 12 days in jail in that case, as part of a plea deal. He was initially also charged with endangering the life or health of a child.

In his most recent case, he is due in court Feb. 22 for a preliminary hearing.
DECATUR  Police are still seeking the driver who injured two pedestrians in a Thursday hit-and-run on Interstate 72 near Decatur.

Master Sgt. Mark Holley of the Illinois State Police said the agency had received several leads on the crash that injured a tow truck operator and customer while they were outside the vehicle. Police initially reported that two tow truck operators were severely injured in the incident, which was reported shortly before 7:30 p.m.

The tow operator was an employee of Billingsley BP Service Center and Towing in Decatur, the company confirmed on its Facebook page. It said the employee suffered broken bones but was going to be okay, and the customer suffered minor injuries.

Representatives for Billingsley did not immediately respond Friday afternoon to a request for further comment.

He is one of the safest, most professional operators we've ever had, so this is no fault of his own, the company said of its employee. This is the result of another careless driver who all too often strike tow operators, construction workers, police officers, first responders and others who work along the highways.

The two were struck at milepost 148, between the Illinois 48 exit for Decatur and exit for Argenta.

The vehicle that fled the scene is believed to be a silver or gray Ford Taurus with front bumper passenger side damage, police said.

The front bumper on the passenger side may still have dark blue jean material attached. The damage also may include the black plastic engine guard/ground effects panel.

Anyone with information on this case should contact Illinois State Police District 10 Headquarters at 217-867-2050.

We appreciate the community's help and support on this issue, Holley said.

In its statement, Billingsley thanked the state police, Macon County Sheriff's Office, Argenta Fire Department and Decatur Ambulance Service for their assistance in the case and encouraged people to keep an eye out for the suspect's vehicle.

Many times, these accidents are fatal, it said. We are very thankful that this isn't the case with our friend and employee.
DECATUR  Traveling to foreign countries can be fun and educational for high school students, but rarely do they have the opportunities to really experience life in another culture.

Area high school students interested in learning more about life outside of the United States can apply for the next Decatur Sister City trip to Seevetal, Germany, in June. The organization recently sent students to the sister city of Tokorozawa, Japan.

The trip is designed for young people interested in a foreign exchange experience. Each student will be assigned a German host family that they will live with for two weeks.

This gives them an opportunity to experience different cultures, said Jacalyn Osborne, chairperson for Decatur Sister Cities.

They also prepare the group for the change in culture through classes. Silvia Trimble is a Decatur Sister City board member preparing the students for the trip.

I tell them about the culture and teach them a few German words, she said.

Trimble moved from Germany about 15 years ago and has traveled extensively throughout the world. Those travels helped inspire Trimbles daughter, Sydney, to go to Germany in 2015 with the Decatur Sister Cities group.

The Argenta-Oreana student visited Germany before her junior year of high school with students from other area schools. Although Sydney was a seasoned traveler, she said experience is not needed to join the group.

You have to have the courage to try new things, she said. It was scary living with new people.

Although the atmosphere can be challenging to a young adult, Sydney prefers the sense of home over the alternative. You could be staying in hotels, but it isn't the same experience, she said.

The German host families also have teen children which allows the Central Illinois students the chance to experience a foreign land through the eyes of peers.

It shows the world isn't so small, Sydney said. Their kids also have teenage angst.

Sydney also said the trip strengthened her love of traveling. It has also made her notice the world outside of the small town she lives in.

Trimble noticed her daughter becoming more mature because of the experience. The organization view the students as ambassadors for America and the culture they bring with them.

You learn so much and make friends all over the world, her mother said.

While preparing for the trip, the students often worry about the weather, currency exchange and size of the host family's house. They don't think about the experience and what they are going to learn, Trimble said. They are not a tourist. They will be sitting with the family at the dinner table asking questions.

Sydney added, you have to be comfortable with yourself, because they aren't stopping their lives for you.

To be selected for the trip, students will be interviewed by members of the Decatur Sister City organization. The students often use the adventure on resumes or application forms as part of a cultural experience.

They have a different appreciation for what they have at home, Osborne said. It forever changes them.

An application is available on the organization's website at www.decatursistercities.com. The deadline is March 1.

Travel expenses are the responsibility of the student. Osborne said the total cost of the trip has not been determined. Previous excursions have ranged in price around $1,000. The organization offers fundraising ideas for the students and their families.
Updated 10 p.m. DECATUR  Two tow truck operators suffered severe injuries in a hit-and-run traffic crash Thursday night on Interstate 72 near Decatur.

The Illinois State Police said the individuals were loading a truck to their flatbed tow truck parked on the shoulder on I-72 eastbound between the Illinois 48 exit for Decatur and exit for Argenta. The crash was reported shortly before 7:30 p.m.

The vehicle that fled the scene is believed to be a silver Ford Taurus with front bumper passenger side damage. The front bumper on the passenger side may still have dark blue jean material attached. The damage also may include the black plastic engine guard/ground effects panel.

Drivers were encouraged to use caution as emergency personnel worked in the area and lane reductions were in place

Macon County Sheriffs deputies also initially responded to the scene. The crash investigation was later turned over to the state police.

State police are requesting anyone with information about this accident to contact District 10 headquarters at (217) 867-2050.
The increased amount of research and experiments with renewable energy industry denote that the segment has finally realized the value of data. The industry focus is shifting from prevention to prediction and subsequently prescription. However, knocking different doors for availing services starting from deployment to management and monitoring is a pain-point. But imagine a recipe - a proportional amalgamation of solar PV & wind farm turnkey project expertise on a smarter industrial Internet of Things (IoT) plinth. This is intrinsically the secret recipe of success for a Mumbai-based entity - MachinePulse. The company is currently managing the portfolio size of 500+ MW in solar and 450+ MW in wind space. MachinePulse's services range from asset management (solar PV and wind farm) to optimized O&M and remote monitoring along with value added services including in-depth analytics, plant performance predictions, generation forecasting, maintenance & document management, workflow automation and others.Basant Jain, CEO, MachinePulse, proudly asserts, "We do not integrate technology from other providers, but own the end-to-end stack". As a division of Mahindra Susten, a leading Solar EPC services company/contractor in India (Mahindra Group), MachinePulse commenced developing solutions in early 2013. Backed by the strong expertise of Mahindra Susten, the company launched in to the Solar PV monitoring domain and are now expanding across other verticals in Industrial IoT.Each coming with a rich experience in their respective fields, the company has built a 75 people strong team comprising of data scientists, programmers, and hardware & network specialists. The team has built state-of-the-art technology solutions which support rapid scale up and ensure security of customer assets. "Our ability to provide remote monitoring solutions coupled with analytics with the help of our domain experts differentiates us from the traditional SCADA providers," Basant adds.Leveraging its in-house data acquisition hardware like iceBoxTM, Node X1TM and MACXTM, MachinePulse collects data from assets deployed at client's premises, pushes the data into its proprietary & highly secured cloud platform, ERIXISTM. This data is then fed into its domain specific applications SolarPulseTM and WindPulseTM. In addition to pure play monitoring, the solutions incorporate predictive analytics capabilities, generation forecasting, optimized O&M and complete portfolio management, which help the asset owners improve their ROI and ensure that plant performance is maximized over the life cycle. The company recently completed the fourth iteration of SolarPulseTM, which is developed completely on a cutting edge technology stack.
DECATUR  Is Illinois business friendly?

The question has been asked for years, but gained increased attention this week when Missouri became the 28th state to implement right to work legislation, which essentially allows employees to receive the pay and benefits of a union contract without having to pay union dues.

Missouri became the last state to border Illinois to implement such a law. Illinois joins Ohio and Minnesota as the only Midwestern states without right to work laws.

The controversial plan has been praised by business leaders who say it will drive growth in the state, and fiercely criticized by unions for driving down wages.

The Missouri law has again raised questions about whether Illinois can be competitive with its bordering states, with members of labor and some business owners finding radically different paths toward future prosperity.

Change is necessary

As a business owner, Mark Scranton knows just a few changes at the state level can make or break his companys bottom line for the year.

The owner of Decaturs Stripmasters Services, Inc., Scranton said he and others have continued to be hurt by what he sees as burdensome taxes on businesses, as well as workers compensation that can take years to help pay down.

You start adding all this stuff up, it just drives the cost of doing business up, he said. And thats what is driving people out of Illinois. Its all this stuff getting dumped on us.

The numbers seem to bear out some of Scrantons points.

Illinois has lost 18,000 manufacturing jobs since the beginning of 2013, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. Of the bordering states, only Iowa has seen a decrease in that same time period, though its decline was only 3,600.

In addition, only 28,400 jobs were created in Illinois in 2016, just under a 0.5 percent annual jobs growth rate according to the Bureau of Labor. That would be worst among the states bordering Illinois.

Where Illinois needs to move next to become more competitive depends on who you ask.

While right to work has gotten the most attention in recent months, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce wouldn't go as far as to say that Illinois needs to follow its neighbors.

As pressure increases from other states, it is essential that Illinois responds with a strong pro-growth agenda for jobs and the economy in our state, said Todd Maisch, Illinois Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, shortly after Missouri passed its law. That doesnt mean that Illinois has to adopt a right-to-work law. But it does mean that Illinois needs to take strong action on pro-growth policies to help us compete.

Ideas the Chamber suggested include several staples that business owners have previously pushed for, like workers compensation reform, rejecting anti-competitive proposals and putting more emphasis on k-12 funding and workforce preparation.

While these are all fixes that can be done at the state level, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County President Ryan McCrady said one major thing lawmakers can do is give businesses consistency.

I think businesses are looking for certainty in the next ten, 15 years, McCrady said. When the state hasnt passed a budget for over a year, it raises questions for businesses who are thinking of moving in or expanding here.

Even as the gridlock in Springfield extends into its second fiscal year, McCrady said there are still things that Decatur and Illinois can promote that its border states cannot touch.

Despite the chatter you hear from neighboring states, every state has its pros and cons, he said. Here we have a structure and infrastructure definitely sets Illinois apart and Decatur shares in those distinctions.

Looking out for workers

Patti Scott has no intention of going back to her old factory days.

Scott, who now lives in Mattoon, has few fond memories of her time working in a Southern Illinois factory years ago, where she was unhappy with the pay and working conditions.

Now, entering her seventh year as a member of Laborers Local 159 in Decatur, Scott said she worries that right to work and other proposed changes could eliminate all the progress shes made.

It scares the hell out of me, really, she said. Especially as a woman, because the prevailing wage guarantees me equal pay. Any job Ive ever worked, this is the best for me.

Union supporters point to the fact that as right to work laws are implemented, workers' salaries generally start to go down.

As of 2015, Illinois has the highest average salary of any of its neighbors at $59,588, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The next highest is Wisconsin at $55,638.

And while the rhetoric has sometimes portrayed Illinois as a state in decline, those such as Drew Karr see a lot to like.

We have a lot of pretty wonderful things going on here, but I think that really gets overlooked because of some of the other battles going on here, said Karr, an electrician and member of Decaturs International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 146. We still maintain a pretty good standard of living, we still have one of the largest economies in the country. So I think if you say were not growing as fast as another state, thats misinforming people.

Illinois 2015 gross domestic product of $775 billion was fifth highest in the country, according to American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think-tank based in Washington D.C. Indiana was the closest border state at $333 billion, the 17th highest in the country.

If Illinois were to follow along with its border states, Karr believes the state would enter the "race to the bottom" in regard to the increasing wage gap and drive qualified employees away to states with higher wages and pay scales.

If youre a talented electrician, youre going to go to the place with the higher scale, he said. Theyre attracting the better workers.

Lawmakers remain quiet

Like most anything in Springfield these days, it is hard to see what, if any, changes Illinois lawmakers will push through in the coming months.

For the past month, the Illinois Senate has been at work on a far-reaching budget deal that could include everything from an income tax increase to changes in workers compensation and school funding.

But one thing that will not be part of any package is right to work.

The policy was central in the first year of Gov. Bruce Rauners term, as he often championed the idea of empowerment zones, in which voters could decide whether their communities would have to take part in a union. It also placed prominently as part of his "turnaround agenda" alongside other policies like local property tax freezes and term limits.

However, he has dropped the demand that empowerment zones or right to work be part of any budget proposal and in an interview Wednesday, he said its not a priority item on his agenda.

Its not something Im pursuing right now, Rauner said.

If he were to pursue it again, he likely would not find any support from local lawmakers.

Democrats and Republicans from the area have expressed skepticism about the policy, with some like state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, expressing particular disdain for the plan.

In my opinion, what right to work does is it takes away the very rights that our country was founded on, she said, adding it hurts efforts by middle-class families to earn a decent wage.

State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, has expressed similar sentiments, saying such a plan would place a greater burden on the middle class.

Even State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, said he is wary of such a policy. While he supports changes to help businesses, he has said right to work is unnecessary to compete against bordering states.

The whole issue could become a moot point, as the GOP-controlled Congress reintroduced legislation last week to implement a national right to work policy. The bill has support from Republicans in both chambers, and President Donald Trump has previously expressed support for such a plan.
CAIRO: Seeking to improve trade ties with Egypt, a 17-member business delegation from India today attended a seminar here to scout investment opportunities in the largest country in the Arab world.



The seminar, organised jointly by the Embassy of India in Cairo, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), deliberated upon various trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.



"We are here to have some very friendly interaction between Indian and Egyptian businessmen to take forward what was outlined during the visit of President Sisi to India in September (2016), and the decisions reached between Sisi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put greater emphasis on business to business cooperation," India's Ambassador to Egypt Sanjay Bhattacharyya said.



He said India has witnessed an unprecedented development over the last few decades due to the introduction of reforms and liberalisation of economy.



"Since we introduce the process of reforms and liberalisation in 1991, we have become the fastest growing economy in the world. This has happened because we created a favorable business environment," Bhattacharyya said.



He said India's business environment is competitive and efficient and carries the spirit of innovation.



"I would really wish and invite Egyptian companies to come to India and become part of the great success that we are enjoying," the Ambassador said.



He also asked Indian investors to invest in Egypt as the country was entering an exciting and new phase of reforms.



"There are huge opportunities in Egypt. It has the most intelligent and skilled manpower. You are going to be working with the brightest and the best," Bhattacharyya said.

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NEW DELHI: The paper presented by India at the World Trade Organization for a proposed Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement is a welcome initiative that has been well received by many member countries, WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo said here on Thursday.

"India's paper on a Trade Facilitation in Services Agreement is a positive move... a very welcome initiative that has been well received, in general, by members," Azevedo said at an event here organised by industry chamber CII.

"Members, however, are awaiting clarifications...it is still a conceptual paper," he said.

Noting that services have become a key part of economies around the world, Azevedo said that India's paper on a TFS accord contained a number of ideas like facilitating the cross-border movement of people, information flows and of health services.

"Services make up 36 pct of Indian exports, which makes it the fifth largest services exporter globally," he said.

The TFS Agreement aims to ease norms including those relating to movement of foreign professionals across borders for short-term work.

Among the objectives of the proposed accord is to ensure portability of social security contributions, and that fees or charges for immigration or visas are reasonable, transparent and non-restrictive in nature.

It also aims to pave the way for a single window mechanism for foreign investment approvals.

The World Trade Organization chief, who is on a two-day official visit here from Wednesday, said he would be discussing TFS issues with Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Azevedo also referred to the very uncertain period for global trade, especially in the context of recent global developments including America's shift towards on protectionism and Britain's vote to exit (Brexit) from the EU.

"This has been a very uncertain period for the global economy with trade growth for 2016 to be around 1.7 pct, the slowest pace of trade growth since the financial crisis (2008-09). The outlook for the trade and the global flows has weakened significantly and has not returned to the pre-crisis level," he said.

"In such a fragile scenario, we hear more and more talks on inward moving policies. We must emphasise that turning into protectionism will not solve the problem of slow growth."

"There is a false notion that trade disrupts the local markets and leads to unemployment. The impact of the new technology and innovation is more significant for that matter. Studies show 8 out of 10 jobs are lost owing to that reason and not faulty trade policies", he added.

In his address, Additional Secretary of Department of Commerce Anup Wadhawan said the proposal is also about making market access effective and commercially meaningful and not about new or greater market access.

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The way of the empty hands The Simi Valley Shotokan Karate Dojo recently hosted a two-day seminar at Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District headquarters featuring a trio of karate experts. The Oct. 22 seminar was...

Slide into winter fun at SnowFest The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District is bringing snow to Simi Valley. SnowFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun., Nov. 6 at Rancho Madera Community...
To shed light on the 2016 electionincontestably one of the most surprising and significant events of recent political historyClemson University political science professor Laura Olson joined a Skidmore audience to discuss some key factors in the outcome of the race. In her lecture, titled What in Gods Name? Religion and Politics in the 2016 Presidential Election, Olson presented statistics, photographs, and political cartoons to illustrate three main points.

First she showed that party identity for both Republicans and Democrats is highly related to religious affiliation and degree of religiosity. In recent years, white Protestants and Catholics have been growing more and more likely to identify as Republicans, while voters unaffiliated with any organized religion are more likely to be Democrats. And highly religious people (those who attended worship services often) were more likely to vote for Trump, while people who were not religious at all were much more likely Clinton voters.

Olsons second point highlighted community interaction. Liberal people tend to seek diversity and are therefore more likely to take up residence in cities, while in general conservatives prefer communities that share their own religious values so they more often live in suburban and rural areas.

Finally, Olson discussed how campaigns use their candidates characteristics to target religious votersthe abortion issue being key in many recent elections. Olson drew a parallel between Trumps appeal to nostalgia in Make America Great Again and his stance toward reproductive rights. She presented an official letter from the Trump campaign declaring its explicit intention to nominate a pro-life Supreme Court justice as one example of how Trump took advantage of his established relationship with nostalgia in order to harken back to a time before the Supreme Courts 1973 legalization of abortion.

After her talk, Olson eagerly answered questions from the audience. One student, for example, asked why Democrats generally dont attempt to appeal to religious voters, and Olson pointed out that Republicans had already targeted and almost exclusively claimed the religious voting blocs, and she posited that if Democrats tried such an appeal they would risk alienating their religiously unaffiliated voters.

While Olson quipped that the first rule of social science is It depends, she delivered a well-grounded and factual case that left her audience with a fuller understanding of how faith and politics in the U.S. are inextricably linkedand will continue to be during the Trump presidency and afterward.
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The police were called to a pool in Germany because a swimmer broke the rules and swam freestyle outside of a designated freestyle lane. Because of "dangerous waves" triathletes and swimmers in many places in Germany are not allowed to use all lanes of the pools to swim freestyle, butterfly or backstroke. This is also an annoying inconvenience for visiting athletes who marvel at some of the beautiful Olympic-level pools only to realize that the black lines at the bottom mean absolutely nothing.



According to hessenschau.de the rule in Gelnhausen was put into place in the fall of 2012 because older patrons complained. "There was a time when the pool was out of control. Inconsiderate freestyle swimmers plowed through the pool, created dangerous waves and splashed other swimmers. That was not okay for several other pool visitors," wrote hessenschau.de. After some initial mockery of that rule and some "fake news" about Gelnhausen only being a breaststroke pool, peace apparently returned to Gelnhausen. Gelnhausen does have a dedicated freestyle lane, a breaststroke lane and a club swim lane.



But on Thursday a swimmer swam freestyle outside the dedicated freestyle lane and failed to heed the instruction and warning of the Bademeister (pool manager). The Bademeister then called police and the swimmer left when police arrived.



This rule is not unusual in Germany where many go to the pool to relax and socialize with friends. Thus freestyle "splashing" is frowned upon in many places.



On a personal note my mother, when she was among us, desperately avoided getting her hair wet when she swam breaststroke, head high in the pool or in the lake, and often complained about those near her out of control "kraulen."

This kind of pool culture is not typical of U.S. competition pools, where those ready for a workout sometimes complain of folks standing, walking or floating on their backs in a perfectly good swim lane.
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A Canberra man who allegedly bought sex toys and had them sent to a 12-year-old girl in the Unites States after the pair met online has pleaded guilty to grooming and soliciting child pornography.

Thomas Bryant Keski-Nummi-Wilson, 25, claimed he struck up a friendship with the girl but their relationship wasn't sexual after he was arrested by federal police acting on a tip-off from the FBI in October 2015.

A defence lawyer for Thomas Bryant Keski-Nummi-Wilson, 25, entered guilty pleas on his behalf to child grooming and soliciting child pornography. Credit:Louie Douvis

Keski-Nummi-Wilson appeared in the ACT Supreme Court on Thursday, when defence lawyer Adrian McKenna entered guilty pleas to the two charges on his client's behalf.

A police statement of facts, tendered at Keski-Nummi-Wilson's committal, said he began to communicate with the girl about twice a day on social media sites including Facebook and Instagram after they met online in August 2014.
The National Capital Authority (NCA) has cleared the way for part of Bruce Hall to be knocked down, much to the dismay of alumni groups trying to save their former college.

The accommodation wings of the Australian National University residential hall are set to go, despite an overwhelming number of submissions to the NCA opposing the works.

Approval has been granted to demolish the accommodation wings of the Australian National University college. Credit:Melissa Adams

In emails obtained by Fairfax Media, chief planner Andrew Smith told opponents of the demolition the NCA approved the works as knocking down the accommodation wings was not a controlled action under the EPBC Act, the Department of Environment and Energy had found.

This was despite 127 of the 129 submissions the NCA received objecting to the demolition.
Barnaby Joyce is danger to the health of Australia's 8.5 million family dogs, cats and other household pets, according to the nation's veterinary medicine industry group.

Sick and injured pets will be denied access to life-saving medicines in the coming years as direct result of the Agriculture Minister's plans to move the federal pesticides authority from Canberra to a country town in Mr Joyce's northern NSW electorate, Animal Medicines Australia says.

Animal Medicines Australia Executive Director, Ben Stapley with dog Kiera. Photo Jay Cronan Credit:Jay Cronan

Mr Joyce has a record of high profile clashes with pet owners after he threatened Hollywood actor Johnny Depp's two dogs, Pistol and Boo, put down if the star did not remove them from Australia.

Now the colourful minister is on a collision course with the owners of 4.8 million pet dogs, 3.9 million cats and other household pets with his determination to move the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority from Canberra to the New England town Armidale, according to Animal Medicines Australia.
Since turning 12, Tayah Sidney has undergone five rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

She has spent the past seven months at Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick, unable to go home, but last week her courageous battle with cancer was recognised by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.

Tayah Sidney with Governor General Peter Cosgrove.

Tayah was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare form of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells.

She and her father, Jason, met Sir Peter briefly during a scheduled visit to Ronald McDonald House, but were blown away when he arrived to her ward the next day while they were celebrating 100 days since her bone marrow transplant.
School cleaners will sit down with the ACT Education Directorate this month to have their say on how future cleaning contracts are run, as the union pushes the ACT government to employ cleaners directly.

But the directorate has said this is standard consultation and not a reaction to the industrial relations woes and protracted lawsuits that have plagued current contractors for more than two years.

Industrial woes have plagued the ACT school cleaning industry. Credit:Graham Tidy

In 2015, cleaner's union United Voice called on the ACT Education Directorate to terminate the contracts of two companies it claimed had underpaid staff, exposed them to unsafe working conditions and pressured them into signing contracts they did not understand.

In April 2016, the Fair Work Commission struck out a bid by the companies to scrap three rolling "clean start" enterprise agreements, which had promised higher pay rates and better conditions for the city's government-contracted cleaners.
In 2009, a NSW woman with a mild intellectual disability, Michelle McIlquham, died of meningitis after being kicked out of hospital at 4am. The coroner later found her acute pain had been passed off as a "temper tantrum". Belconnen woman Marie said she was deeply affected after reading Michelle's story. Her nine-year-old son has autism and almost contracted bacterial meningitis last year when his relatively rare condition of bacterial sinusitis went undiagnosed for several months. "I just thought, it could have been my boy. We could have lost him," Marie said. "He was holding his head all the time, he was in so much pain. I think [the doctors] just assumed he was pretending to get out of school, but he loves school." After being turned away from hospitals and doctors' offices, Marie said she eventually "forced" her GP to order an MRI scan.

"They kept saying it was behavioural but finally I got a letter from the hospital recommending an MRI referral and my GP still said no, then I said 'I'll pay for it'. "You should have seen the look on his face when we got the results back. My little one needed surgery in the end and the specialist said to me 'you'd be surprised how often this happens to people with disability'." Nick Bean in hospital after a stem cell transplant. The ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service, which is funded by the government, said people with an intellectual disability are often denied the right to be included in their treatment decisions. According to chief executive Fiona May, this was the case for a local man who was cut off from rehabilitation after surgery because he was considered unable to "make and understand rehab goals".

"This needs to change," she said. With the support of the advocacy group, who also provided education to hospital staff, Ms May said the man was eventually able to complete his rehab. An ACT Health spokeswoman said paediatric trainees spent six months involved in the diagnosis and management of children with a variety of developmental and behavioural problems and chronic conditions, including autism. "ACT Health provides accessible and inclusive health services for all people in the ACT according to clinical need, including people with a disability," she said. ACT Health has run a specialist mental health service for people with an intellectual disability since 2002.

But, both Marie and Ms Bean said medical professionals needed to learn to listen more to carers when treating a patient with a disability or autism. "My other boy has an intellectual disability too and the hospital triage people always put us as a low priority, every time," Marie said. "I feel sometimes they're doing it just because they've got a disability." While Marie is supported by a government Aboriginal liaison officer, she said there needed to be similar support for patients with a disability. "A disability action plan and guidelines are fine but I don't think it goes far enough, I think they need to be accountable." Despite complaining about the incident last year, Marie said she never heard back from hospital management.
A Sydney Grammar old boy who stole almost $9 million from a company he chaired has been blasted by a judge for his "sense of his entitlement" and jailed for up to 10 years.

Andrew Sigalla, a former chairman of Sydney-based technology company TZ Ltd, was found guilty in November last year of 24 counts of defrauding the company.

Andrew Sigalla leaves the Supreme Court during his trial last year. Credit:Michaela Whitbourn

The court heard he used the funds to feed a gambling addiction and repay a $10 million mortgage.

Supreme Court Justice Christine Adamson said the 51-year-old engaged in "subterfuge" to "rob the company of substantial cash".
In a room full of suits Bill Ferris stands out, because his hair is so blond and, often, so are his suits. They match his reputation for urbanity, philanthropy and business derring-do as the gentleman father of Australian venture capital. He made his fortune at CHAMP Private Equity transforming companies to sell at a profit, including Seek, Looksmart and Austar.

Yet for one so practised in the art of the multimillion-dollar dazzle, Ferris has a knack of aligning himself with activities which have become dirty words to large sections of the Australian voting public. He wrote a tell-all book about his business successes and failures called Inside Private Equity as part of his mission to rescue the industry from its bad name.

Businessman Bill Ferris, chair of Innovation and Science Australia, is on a mission to sell a positive message about innovation to Australians. Credit:Brook Mitchell

Now, as the inaugural chair of Innovation and Science Australia, he's turning his formidable sales skills to innovation. He'll need them. The public delivered its verdict on Malcolm Turnbull's "ideas boom" by almost chucking him out of office. When the Prime Minister spoke innovation and jobs during the election campaign, voters saw robots and job losses. And no wonder: the Committee for Economic Development of Australia has warned of the "high probability that 40 per cent of Australia's workforce, more than 5 million people, could be replaced by automation within the next 10 years".

Arthur Sinodinos' career has been revived from a near-death experience with ICAC, making him the third minister in the Innovation and Science portfolio since Turnbull launched the ideas boom in December 2015. He reportedly wants to simplify the message from abstract to practical, so people can understand how innovation helps businesses create jobs and become wealthier.
The head of the union at the world's biggest copper mine says he's never seen owner BHP Billiton this reluctant to cede ground over wages. That's why he's preparing for a long strike.

Patricio Tapia, the president of Escondida's main union, is overseeing construction of a workers' camp outside the mine that's designed to last at least two months. He spoke in an interview on Thursday, hours after the union's 2500 members downed tools following the failure of a month-long negotiation.

Tapia, a second-generation miner who says he became a union director by chance when colleagues nominated him to fill a vacancy, was elected president in 2013. Before that he worked as an electrician for 23 years at Escondida, in Chile's Atacama Desert. He's been involved in three wage negotiations at the mine, where a 25-day strike in 2006 was Chile's longest in at least a decade.

"We've never seen the company in this position," Tapia said. "This is a dialogue of the deaf."
After widespread rezoning in 2015, Sutherland has come into the spotlight and is attracting developers looking for opportunities in its stable and affordable market.

The demand for housing had led to an influx of investors as they scoured the area for new sites, agents said.

Two strata properties at 49-51 and 55-57 Gerrale Street opposite Cronulla beach were sold in one line for $54 million.

With the lack of supply of housing in the headlines, any developable land is being pounced upon across the metropolitan and beyond.

Director and partner of Ray White Commercial NSW Jeff Moxham said the area was proving popular to a wide range of developers due to the strong pace of pre-sales and a solid base of local purchasers.
While retailers are having a tough time, demand for shopping centres in the cities and regional centres is riding high, as evidenced by a rash of recent sales.

It is the difference in being a tenant to being a landlord. Even if stores close, landlords have a long list of new tenants willing to sign up. Low vacancy rates and re-leasing spreads back in positive territory are making the malls attractive.

DFO at South Wharf in Melbourne, where Vicinity Centres has bought the remaining 25 per cent stake.

According to Savills Research, investors spent $6.5 billion on retail assets nationally in 2016, including $1.94 billion in NSW, pushing yields in some instances below 5 per cent.

One new sale is by a private owner of the Woolworths and Big W-anchored sub-regional retail centre in the Upper Hunter region, Muswellbrook Marketplace, in a move calculated to take advantage of a strong retail investment market.
Fast food giant McDonald's will open a corner store on Bourke and Russell Streets after being told its high-trading Swanston Street venue will be compulsorily acquired for the $10.9 billion Metro Rail project.

McDonald's has moved quickly to shore up its presence in central Melbourne negotiating a 20-year lease with options over a historic, two-storey building at 168-174 Bourke Street.

Hungry Jack's will expand in Melbourne. Credit:Rebecca Hallas

People close to the deal suggest McDonald's is paying up to $350,000 a year for the lease, but leasing agents Colliers International refused to comment.

The global hamburger chain has lodged plans with Melbourne Council to rebadge the building's ground floor exterior with its trademark colours and M symbol.
A Melbourne barrister has put a huge parcel of 14 Ivanhoe East homes on the market after collecting them for 26 years.

The combined properties, bordered by The Boulevard, Wamba Road, Wilfred Road and Cedric Street, total more than 15,000 square metres and are expected to fetch about $30 million.

First the Uniting Church, now a huge landholding in Ivanhoe East is on the market.

They are owned by Stuart Morris, QC, and his wife Jennifer, title records show.

Mr Morris controversially tried to develop eight of the blocks he amalgamated in 2006 into a $21.5 million retirement home.
A Domino's employee took action after missing out on the driver-of-the-year award. Credit:Luis Ascui But not everything is at it seems. Widespread underpayment of wages and the deliberate underpaying of penalties are just some of the reasons workers are unhappy. It is reminiscent of what was uncovered at 7-Eleven in August 2015 and Caltex in November last year. Part of the explanation for wage fraud is that some of the franchisees in the network are hurting. In the case of Domino's they are being asked to fork out for more and more products, pay more and more ongoing fees, sell $5 pizzas and make them in increasingly record times  all of which puts pressure on staff and franchisees. The pressure won't be eased by Pizza Hut's move to slash pizza prices in February.

If they say I was inefficient and didn't know how to run a store then I say, do I have to steal from my workers to make a profit? Is that the way to run the business? Kamran Talebi, ex Domino's franchisee In an internal note to its franchisees, Domino's said: "As communicated earlier this week, Pizza Hut has dropped a 50 per cent off deal valid for the whole month of February ... we do recommend that you do as much as you can and don't give them an inch  this approach has always been key to our success." Domino's, for its part, says there is no reason in the Domino's system to underpay workers, other than greed. It says break-even for a store ranges between $15,000 and $21,000 a week in sales and average profit for a store ranges between $138,000 and $145,000 a year. But in a network that has more than 600 stores across Australia averages can be misleading. There is no doubt some franchisees make a motza, but it isn't the case for everyone.

Only four franchisees have been terminated  meaning they have their franchise licence revoked  since 2015 for underpaying workers, that's after 450 random spot checks. But Fairfax is aware of many more franchisees who have been caught underpaying staff, but not terminated. In some cases, the underpayment might have been a mistake, but some suggest long-term exploitation. It is a problem and Domino's needs to properly face up to if it is to deal with this serious issue. Put simply, it needs to stop hiding behind averages. The Fair Work Ombudsman also needs to step up to the plate, particularly as it reviews its proactive compliance deed with Domino's, which expired last year. Some of the conditions in this deed build a wall around transparency and make workers fearful about approaching the regulator. Domino's says the average profit for a franchisee has risen over the past four years by 59 per cent and the current average payback period for a store purchase is three to five years, based on averages. But determining franchise profitability can prove elusive. The picture painted in documents by business brokers, given to prospective franchisees, can be misleading. When the Bathurst store, in the NSW central tablelands, was up for sale late last year the broker's report showed operating profits of $216,118 a year or a healthy 15.7 per cent of sales.

The document left out some key figures including management wages, long-service leave including some one-off costs and other key line items according to internal figures seen by Fairfax Media. When these are taken into account profit figure falls to $13,651, or $262 a week, just 1 per cent of sales. Average sales figures can also be misleading. Kamran Talebi operated Domino's Mount Colah store, a suburb of Northern Sydney, for two years from 2014 until 2016. He paid $930,000 for it, including stamp duty and legal fees and sold it for $965,000, less a few costs, which he says made it virtually break even. Talebi was doing average weekly sales of $35,000, which put him in the top 15 per cent of stores. He still found it tough. "I had a long territory and if someone from Berowra Heights or Hornsby Valley ordered a pizza it would cost me $16 to $20 a delivery for the driver," he said. "You couldn't get a 15-year-old to ride a bike because it is so hilly and dangerous so it cost a lot of money." Talebi said he stopped pulling out any wages for himself from December 2015.

"I had to put money in from my own account," he said. Working hard, pouring in money and paying the correct wages, made it all too hard. "If they say I was inefficient and didn't know how to run a store then I say, 'do I have to steal from my workers to make a profit?' Is that the way to run the business?" Talebi had bought the store from Nirmal Patel, who had similar challenges when he ran the store for two years from 2012. "I remember I had to use my wife to do deliveries with my two kids in the back of the car," Patel said.
Business leaders across America have been navigating a new world of trade-offs since Donald Trump became President last month. But perhaps no major chief executive has wrestled as directly or frequently with his or her connections to Trump as Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX.

While Silicon Valley has generally approached Trump with caution, Musk joined a business council advising the White House. As an inventor who is trying to build up manufacturing in America, he had a natural affinity with Trump. On Wednesday, he had a private phone conversation with Vice-President Mike Pence.

But the recent executive order that temporarily halted immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries has exposed the Musk to criticism. Like other executives, he has been forced into the difficult position of defending the merits of engaging with the White House while trying not to alienate key customers or employees.

Tech investor Fred Wilson told the business news site Quartz that "the CEOs that have chosen to get involved with Trump in an advisory way: When you lie down with the dog, you're going to come up with fleas."
How far does your compassion go? Do your moral principles apply to everyone, or only those you think are "good" or "on your side"?

Australia's morality is likely to be sorely tested with the news that another citizen has been sentenced to death overseas.

Antonio Bagnato, is 28, and has been sentenced to death by lethal injection in Thailand for the murder of another Australian, Wayne Schneider.

After the tragic deaths of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran in Indonesia, many Australians said "never again".
But Mr Turnbull is now all but mute. Apart from a rare moment in Parliament this week when he temporarily recovered his voice, his inability to commit to an opinion and his loss of passion for inspiring words has reduced his repartee to strange gurgling sounds whenever he is within proximity of a microphone.

His opponent, Bill Shorten, is even more at sea with the English language, adopting a teenage-girl upward inflection on the occasions when his minders roll him out to make observations about the future of the country based on misheard song lyrics from the 1970s and borrowed sayings from stale fortune cookies.

The language is dying, Mr Trump. While some linguists claim it is merely evolving, your passion for the exclamation point runs deeper than just a brash raising of the middle finger. It also displays a complete ignorance as to how a subtle sentence or a powerful play on words can carry more power and convey more emotion than any of the blunt instruments you employ. Used at its most skilful, language is a graceful mansion with countless warm rooms that welcome the visitor. Under your hand, English has become a cheap roadside motel where the sheets are always stained and the flashing neon sign out the front is missing several letters.

But should we expect any better? Stephen King has often noted that to be a good writer  to have a command and passion for the language so it will move and immerse others  you have to read a great deal. Mr Trump, you don't read. Tony Schwarz, the ghostwriter behind your 1987 book The Art of the Deal, says he spent 18 months working closely alongside you. In all that time he never sighted a book on a shelf or even in your apartment.

This speaks to an unusual lack of curiosity in the world around you. And those who are not curious are usually those most dangerous of individuals  people who lack imagination, who all too easily believe the world runs along black and white lines.
In some countries, some of the people in these jobs  such as postal employees  are public sector workers. But government clerks who do predictable, rule-based, often mechanical work also are in danger of displacement by machines.

Since 2013, Oxford University academics professors Carl Frey and Michael Osborne have done seminal work on automation risks for jobs, quoted by most studies on the subject. Their 2016 work with Craig Holmes and a team of Citibank employees listed some of the most automation-endangered professions:

And yet the public sector is one of the biggest potential arenas for such displacement  and one in which most people wouldn't mind seeing more automation. The reason it's barely happening now is largely, and predictably, an absence of political will.

When it comes to robots displacing humans from the job market, government bureaucrats are generally not what springs to mind. The recent McKinsey report on the future of jobs estimates the automation potential of administrative jobs at just 39 per cent, far less than the 73 per cent potential for accommodation and food services.

In a recent collaboration with Deloitte UK, Osborne and Frey estimated that about a quarter of public sector workers are employed in administrative and operative roles that have a high probability of automation. In Britain, they estimated about 861,000 such jobs could be eliminated by 2030, creating 17 billion pounds ($21.4 billion) in savings for the taxpayer. These would include people like underground train operators  but mainly local government paper pushers.

This week, the London-based think tank Reform, dedicated to improving public service efficiency, published a paper on automating the public sector. It applied methodology developed by Osborne and Frey to Britain's central government departments and calculated that almost 132,000 workers could be replaced by machines in the next 10 to 15 years, using currently known automation methods.

Only 20 per cent of government employees do strategic, cognitive work that requires human thinking  at least for now, while artificial intelligence is as imperfect as it is. Most of the rest are what the Reform report calls the "frozen middle": levels of hierarchy where bureaucrats won't budge without approval from above.

Almost all British government departments have 10 employee grades or more. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has 13. Most of the middle-level tasks are routine and rigidly regulated and motivation is low: Only 38 per cent of middle-level bureaucrats say they feel good about what they do. In Britain, the average public servant takes eight sick days a year, while a private sector worker takes five. In the past two decades, public sector spending rose by an average 3.1 per cent a year, about 16 times faster than productivity.

The Reform report discusses how this frozen middle could be thawed. The general idea is to automate information flows and organise remaining employees into project teams that might not even need to be managed. That's not necessarily a good idea, though many companies in the tech sector  Netflix, GitHub, Zappos  work like this: informal hierarchies that arise in such an environment can be even more stifling than formal ones. But if work creation is not the goal and efficiency is, the optimal organisational forms will suggest themselves as routine tasks are automated away.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  U.S. citizen and Kansas City resident John Gak said he has canceled his trip to South Sudan over concerns about President Donald Trumps executive order on travel.

Gak came to the United States as a refugee from Sudan in 1995 and has been a U.S. citizen since 2001. A Christian, Gak said Wednesday that he canceled his trip to do mission work after speaking with U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleavers office.

They told me, Dont go, you could be detained at the airport when you came back. Gak said.

A statement from Cleavers office said he would not discuss an individuals situation but added that those considering travel should remain cautious.

We are telling our constituents to avoid travel to and from these places until the constitutionality of this ban has been investigated, the statement said.

Nations listed in the ban are Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Iran and Somalia.

Trump had issued the order over the weekend banning anyone from Sudan and six other nations from entering the United States for 90 days. The president has said the measure was to protect the United States by stopping potential terrorists from entering the country.

Gak was born in the southern part of Sudan 50 years ago. His homeland broke off as a separate nation in 2011 called South Sudan. His U.S. passport shows he is a native of South Sudan.

Trumps order does not list South Sudan.

Gaks trip, set for late this month, was to work with a nonprofit group he had formed and to help with a church and school he helped build there. He hopes to be able to reschedule the trip for this summer.

He also may send money to a coordinator in South Sudan, but he wouldnt be able to personally further his mission work there.

Its terrible, Gak said Wednesday. If not (later this year), then maybe next year.

One bit of good news: Gak said he was able to get a refund on his airfare even though his ticket was nonrefundable.
Every democracy has rules and safeguards to ensure power is wielded by executive government only within constitutional and legal limits. These limits reflect the will of generations of people, not just one leader or party at one point in time.

Someone like Donald Trump on the one hand purports to uphold America's great traditions yet decries these restrictions as the work of political insiders over the centuries. He says interpretation of the limits today is the flawed work of biased judges.

US President Donald Trump after signing the executive order banning refugees and people from some Muslim-majority countries. Credit:Bloomberg

If he wants to change those limits, however, he needs to use the mechanisms of democracy. Barring that, he must work within them to pursue the policy goals for which he has a mandate.

Yet the US President simply decries such rules and laws as "politics". He did that in a pre-emptive tweet before the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeal ruled against his attempt to remove a temporary block on his visa ban widely interpreted as targeting Muslims. His executive order applies for 90 days to people from seven Muslim-majority countries, 120 days to all refugees entering the US except Syrians, who are banned indefinitely.
Trump's tweets are informative and insane. They are interesting and inappropriate. They are useful and useless. But, thanks to Twitter, the voting public and the rest of the world is getting information directly from their leader in real time. Nothing's being translated. No one's interpreting. No words are edited. It's just him. Direct and blunt. Trump has already said and done a lot of things that have upset many people. But never, ever, has a leader been more in touch with the people who elected him. He is speaking right to us, sometimes in the middle of the night.

Like him or hate him, support him or oppose him, you cannot deny that Trump has forever changed the way leaders communicate with their constituents. Yes, we are all his constituents. All 320 million of us. He is our president, whether you voted for him or not. Your president is talking to you every day, multiple times a day, unfiltered, unplanned, unreserved. You can even talk back. In thousands of years of recorded human history neither emperors or kings or prime ministers or presidents have done what Donald Trump is doing. It seems crazy. But actually. . .it's kind of moving.

When Augustus Caesar issued decrees, such as his constitutional reforms that transformed the Roman government between 30 BC and 2 AD, the news of each law would take countless months to reach the far-reaching population under his reign. When Napoleon Bonaparte set out to reform the French legal system with his early 19th century Napoleonic Code, many citizens were unaware of these enormous changes for years. When Franklin Roosevelt sought to update Americans on what the government was doing to combat the depression and Nazi aggression he spoke to them by radio, a means of communication that could be heard by millions but still took days to be fully reported.

One of Twitter's biggest trolls is now leader of the free world. Credit:Bloomberg

For a 70-year-old man, Trump uses Twitter better than many millennials and certainly better than most companies and brands I know. He gets it. He understands that it's a 24/7 communications tool that can be used to deliver not just official pronouncements, but his thoughts on everything and everyone from Vladimir Putin to Alec Baldwin. He frequently retweets, likes and engages. He's not afraid to upset people with his opinions. He realises that on Twitter, like any social media platform, the power is in its stream of consciousness and its ability to convey thoughts. Sometimes these thoughts can be damaging - particularly if you're a president. People argue that the man running the U.S. government shouldn't be doing this. Certainly, most CEOs don't. But Trump is a new kind of president - one that only wants to do what he thinks is best for his people and not afraid to let his people know that.

Trump has completely disrupted the way leaders communicate and it's already impacting chief executives, business owners and managers. Many I speak to have re-thought their own methods for communicating with their employees, customers and community. The rise of corporate communication platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts and many others are partly due to employees' desire to hear from those responsible for their livelihoods.

Just look at the thousands of tweets from Salesforce.com's CEO Marc Benioff, or the musings of entrepreneur Mark Cuban (who I'm sure is not happy to be mentioned in an article that's actually praising something about Trump - sorry, Mark). Check out my friend Jon Ferrara's thoughts on the customer relationship management industry or ideas and opinions from Spencer Rascoff, the CEO of Zillow. These are leaders, like Trump, who are using Twitter and other platforms to communicate with their audience. Sure, like the president, they sometimes get in trouble or make mistakes. But that's being human. Regardless, they're building a relationship with those they lead. People demand this.

The growth of social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn over the past few years have enabled companies and celebrities to have a direct line of conversation with the people that use their products. The best companies do what Trump does. They get information out to the public and their staff quickly. Yes, this risks mistakes and embarrassment. But this is what customers and employees want from their leaders: direction, thoughts, insight, explanations. They want it now. They want it on their phones, their laptops and their iPads. They want to be able to agree, disagree, forward and share their comments.
BIOGRAPHY

Murray Gleeson: The Smiler

Michael Pelly

The Federation Press, $59.95

REVIEW BY MICHAEL SEXTON



Murray Gleeson always reminds me of Steve Waugh. Highly talented at what he did, tough as nails, not one to suffer fools gladly, a natural choice for captain. But the title of Michael Pellys biography, no doubt puzzling to those outside the small world of the Sydney bar, is slightly misleading. Gleesons nickname at the bar suggests that he seldom smiles. That is true but he does have a good, if very dry, sense of humour.



It all started in 1938 in the small NSW country town of Wingham, where Gleeson was born. At the age of 11 he left home for boarding school in Sydney followed by university law school. He then moved quickly to the bar. Unusually, for what is often a prolix profession, he focused on the main point of cases and seldom used two words where one would do. This is one of the reasons why Gleeson rarely worked late into the night. A lot of barristers burn the midnight oil  at great expense to their clients  working on issues of marginal relevance because they are unable  or unwilling  to identify the heart of the matter.



Gleeson was equally at home in complex commercial litigation or jury trials in defamation and crime. The book gives a very readable account of many of his cases, including his successful defence of National Party minister Ian Sinclair on fraud charges, and his appearance for Labor minister Mick Young, before the Hope royal commission when Young disclosed confidential cabinet information to a friend. In 1988 Gleeson was appointed Chief Justice of New South Wales by the Greiner government and in 1998 Chief Justice of Australia by the Howard government.

One of the real problems of judicial biography is to explain the decisions of courts in a way that is accessible to non-lawyers. Pelly does well with Gleesons major decisions when presiding in the NSW Court of Appeal and the High Court in Canberra. He has been aided in this task by Gleesons own writing style, which is sharp and succinct, in contrast to many judges whose dense and lengthy efforts prove the old axiom that it is much harder to write a short judgment than a long one.



The High Courts chief function is, of course, to interpret the constitution. This opaque document leaves a lot of scope for value judgments but Gleeson, unlike many members of the High Court since Federation, always took the view that political questions were better left to elected members of parliament. Proponents for a bill of rights have precisely the opposite view and believe that these issues should be handed over to the courts.



The book details some of the tensions behind the scenes in the High Court, particularly between Gleeson on one side and Justices Michael Kirby and Mary Gaudron on the other. Historically none of this is unusual. Since the court's establishment in 1903 almost all the judges appointed to it have had a very high opinion of their own worth. The Chief Justice may be the administrative head of the court but few have been able to dominate their colleagues, although Gleeson did seem to exercise some intellectual leadership over the court during his decade there.



Gleesons career indicates a particular problem with modern judicial biography. In the last century many judges had earlier  or sometimes later  careers in politics, for example, Sir Garfield Barwick and H.V. Evatt in Australia and Lord Hailsham and Lord Birkenhead in Britain. This is now a rarity, with politicians starting their political careers at school or university and having no other profession. As a consequence, most judicial careers are now rather one-dimensional and so harder to make attractive to the general reader. Even so, Gleeson has had one of the most interesting careers of the modern style of judges who have spent their entire working life in the law. Judicial biography is a sparse field in Australia so this is a welcome addition and one that tells both lawyers and non-lawyers a lot about the bench and the bar.
The Turnbull government's recent embrace of coal-fired power shows it has "abandoned all pretense of taking global warming seriously", Climate Change Authority member Clive Hamilton said, explaining why he resigned from the agency.

Professor Hamilton, who teaches public ethics at Charles Sturt University, sent his resignation letter to Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg on Friday, saying it was "perverse" that the government would be boosting coal when 2016 marked the hottest year on record.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull used his National Press Club speech last week to call for support for so-called "clean coal-fired power plants" to provide "reliable baseload power" while meeting Australia's carbon emissions goals.

Professor Hamilton said the comments were "completely irresponsible and perhaps the sharpest indicator yet just how completely Malcolm Turnbull has capitulated to the hard right of the Liberal Party".
The powerful private and Catholic school sectors are demanding the Turnbull government reveal its plans for a new school funding model to begin next year because they are growing "increasingly alarmed" at the lack of detail from Canberra.

Fairfax Media reported this week that Education Minister Simon Birmingham has examined how to slow the funding growth of "over-funded" private schools, a move that would free up money to distribute to schools funded below their Schooling Resource Standard.

Both the Catholic and private sectors are concerned some of their schools could lose out under the new funding arrangements.

The politically-sensitive issue of school funding has been discussed repeatedly in cabinet over recent months, but the government has not finalised its position.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is being urged to consider greater transparency around executive salaries and greater powers for shareholders, after widespread outrage over Australia Post boss Ahmed Fahour's $5.6 million pay packet.

Mr Turnbull, a long-time critic of executive remuneration and advocate for increased shareholder powers, used a radio interview on Friday to slam the "cult" of excessive executive salaries, and said "a lot" of chief executives were overpaid.

"I think there are lot of corporate CEOs, by the way, that are overpaid," the Prime Minister told Melbourne's 3AW. "I think it has become almost a cult of excessive executive, CEO remuneration."

When opposition leader in 2008, Mr Turnbull campaigned for a binding vote for shareholders that would allow them to determine in advance the amount of money a board of directors could pay itself and company executives.
In a speech peppered with references to homosexuality, Cameron spoke of the young Roman emperor Hadrian and his young male lover whom he said was probably "snorting coke" at the time of his death.

"I said I love the fact that Hadrian built the roads, that he built the wall, that he was an infrastructure guy," Cameron later explained on Sky News. "I said I don't mind if our modern leaders are gay, I just wish that they would build the infrastructure."

Sky News refused to comment on the conduct of its employee, instead referring the Herald to his appearance on the network. But Cameron's colleagues did not hold back, with Sky News political editor David Speers calling the Q Society event "appalling" and commentator Peter van Onselen saying he was "scared where this kind of hate is going".

In a statement, the NSW Liberal Party said it had no knowledge of the event or Cameron's appearance, and that he did not speak on behalf of the Liberal Party. But it is expected Cameron will be suspended from the party over a different matter, when the Liberal Party state council meets later this month.

The Q Society, an anti-Islam organisation that opposes Halal certification, was scheduled to hold another fundraiser in Melbourne on Friday night to be attended by outspoken Nationals MP George Christensen and Liberal party defector Cory Bernardi.
How Pauline Hanson's One Nation will fare is still a big guess. Credit:Andrew Meares Could Bernardi be the one to unite the splinter groups on the right of the political spectrum and change the Australian political landscape? As the sitting week ended on Thursday evening, Bernardi sat down to a beer at his desk and explained to Fairfax Media that he did not believe that he had left the Liberal Party so much as that it had abandoned its conservative heritage and its principles. Kirralie Smith speaks at a Q Society fundraiser for her legal battle on February 9. Credit:Wolter Peeters "My heart and my belief system is enshrined with Sir Robert Menzies," he said, speaking of the Liberal Party founder who forged a party dedicated to free markets and personal responsibility.

He was dismayed that under Turnbull the Coalition had appeared willing to countenance compromise on issues of governance (which should be little), taxation (low), renewable energy targets (scrapped) and gay marriage (banned). South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon. Credit:Getty Images He was particularly dismayed that the party had dumped Tony Abbott, a cultural warrior after his own heart, and emphasised that in his view Australians were abandoning the major parties because they failed to stand firm for anything much at all. Bernardi was also inspired by a long visit to America as Donald Trump fought his way to an unlikely victory. Bernardi was dispatched by the government to spend three months as an observer at the UN. (These observer seats are a sought-after parliamentary privilege, though whether Turnbull was seeking to mollify or banish him is not clear.) While there Bernardi took to using Trump slogans  Drain the swamp, Crooked Hillary  in his social media. On election day he tweeted out a picture of himself wearing a Trumpian "Make Australia Great Again" hat.

Bernardi confirms his time in New York did contribute to his decision to leave the Liberal Party, but he says he was inspired as much by the general atmosphere of a city built by people willing to take big risks for big rewards as he was by Trump's victory. According to Bernardi, due to their fear of offending interest groups, the major parties are ignoring the concerns of mainstream Australia, such as opposition to large-scale immigration. His party, once registered, would offer a "safe" conservative alternative, at least in the senate. By safe, he means that he will stand by his beliefs in free-market economics and resist the populism of protectionist policies espoused by the current star of the right-wing crossbench, Pauline Hanson, even as he shares her distrust of Islam and opposition to large-scale immigration. Hanson, he said, is an "utterly charming, tenacious, remarkable Australian". This divergence over protectionism would appear, so far, to be enough to prevent a merger between the two groups. Similarly it marks a significant gulf between Bernardi and George Christensen, another right-wing Liberal who has flirted with defection. Another theory kicking around conservative circles is that both men  and others on the right fringe  don't believe that Hanson has the organisational skill to keep her party together, and that despite her recent successes and surging polling in Western Australia, Bernardi and others are positioning themselves to absorb her support should One Nation again collapse.

Asked what he would consider to be a success, Bernardi said he would either like to build an enduring political movement, or use whatever leverage he garnered in the shorter term to reshape national politics. In practical terms, that would mean winning his own seat in South Australia  which comes up in 2022  and a handful of senate seats around the nation. He claims to have already built an impressive email list of 50,000 and secured donations from 700 supporters to that end. The South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon, whose protectionist NXT has secured real power on the current crossbench, does not doubt those claims. But he believes that if Bernardi is to enjoy success in South Australia, let alone the rest of the nation, he will need to soak up the vote of Family First, the Christian right party that had Bob Day elected in South Australia in the last election. Day has been forced to resign and the High Court is yet to decide whether he is to be replaced by a member of his own party or the Labor Party. In the interim, Bernardi has hired Day's chief of staff, Rikki Lambert, to join his own staff. Lambert has previously declared he would nominate to fill Day's vacant seat. Otherwise, Xenophon believes Bernardi presents a greater challenge to the Liberal Party than he does to Xenophon's NXT. There is a simple logic to his argument. Many South Australians are concerned about the decline of manufacturing in a state that some call an Australian rust belt.

Xenophon supports government intervention to protect Australian manufacturing jobs, while Bernardi remains a free marketeer in line with the Coalition. Thus protest votes would, Xenophon suggests, continue to flow his way. Do enough Australians care about preventing gay marriage to see Bernardi gather a national populist vote? "I'd say a minority care about that, a decreasing minority," says Xenophon. Bernardi says he doesn't have much faith in polls that suggest Xenophon's analysis is right. According to a recent Essential poll, 59 per cent of Australians now believe in marriage equality compared with 30 per cent who do not. Even 50 per cent of Coalition voters now support gay marriage. Bernardi is unimpressed. Having spoken with voters about his ideas, he believes his instincts are right. You can see why too. One of the first people to celebrate Bernardi's defection on the Australian Conservative's Facebook page was Graham Souter, a wood machinist from the NSW north coast who was abandoning the Liberal Party with Bernardi. He was not a homophobe, he said, but agreed that marriage should be between a man and woman, and like Bernardi he believed political parties should stick to principles. The mainstream parties no longer listened to people like him, he said. At a dinner held on Thursday night by the anti-Islamic Q Society in Sydney, speaker after speaker talked of Bernardi's defection in the same breath as they did Brexit and the Trump victory.

But Monash University political scientist Nick Economou believes that Bernardi's instincts are way off. "He must be mad if he thinks there is a conservative groundswell," he told Fairfax Media. Dr Economou agrees that the vote for the major parties is fragmenting. He notes that in 2007, 80 per cent of voters backed either the Coalition or Labor in the senate, and that the number had declined each election since. Last year, just 64.9 per cent cast a vote for the majors. But he said each year the number of minor parties appearing to mop up that vote kept growing. That is, he says, the conservative vote is remaining relatively stable, it is simply fragmenting. He believes that the Trump victory was less anomalous that it appears to be, because Trump was the endorsed candidate of a major party. Had he been a true outsider, he would have been destroyed at the polls, he says. Economou believes it may well be true that voters are seeking to punish the major parties out of a sense of frustration but, he says, in such circumstances they rarely turn to someone like Bernardi, who is promising to maintain most of the policies of the party he is abandoning. Instead, he says, they look for the biggest troublemaker in town. So far, that looks more like Hanson than Bernardi. Given the scale of the task ahead of him then, Bernardi seems confident enough to be accused of either chutzpah or hubris. The second charge he has faced before.
Just want to acknowledge and welcome a couple of representatives from the fourth estate, Nick O'Malley and Jacqueline Maley here, up the back, from the Sydney Morning Homosexual. Sorry, the, um. It's great to have you guys on this side of the Harbour Bridge. I know you probably needed a GPS to, you know, you probably haven't even seen this suburb before. But it's great to have you with us. I do want to acknowledge the fact that Nick O'Malley wrote a piece about Kirralie two weeks ago, and I'm going to be absolutely fair and square, a fair and balanced citizen. Nick, I thought - and Kirralie agrees - it was not a hatchet job. It was a very fair job. It was professional journalism. So I just want to acknowledge that. We appreciate that the Herald has an editorial view. And that editorial view is that 'you guys are a bunch of racists'. But, but, but but but, I will say, Nick and Jacqueline are here tonight, you know. They've made the effort to come, at least to come and listen, and I want to, as one - you know I'm not really a journalist, in the way that they are - I am among amateur who Sky makes the mistake of handing the microphone to. And I think, well, if you're going to give me the microphone, you're going to get whatever you deserve. That's my approach. I want to say to this audience here, my self-interested remark that, just between us, you know - don't tell anyone - but The Outsiders, in its third-ever edition ranked, because of you, the number one show on Sky. I do say that sort of seriously, because The Outsiders - Rowan Dean, Mark Latham, Ross Cameron, three deplorables - it exists because the audience of Sky really demanded it. And I walked in on the day after the first episode, and all of these young staffers at Sky were basically saying Ross we are shocked that by the end of that show, the emails started coming in to Sky like someone had just hit the jackpot at the RSL and it was going 'bing bing bing bing bing bing, more of this, more of this, we want more of this'. And that's because of you. I know there's tens of thousands of you out there supporting Kirralie and Debbie and other good causes on Facebook and Twitter and elsewhere. I just want you to know, on behalf of certainly me and Mark and Rowan, we appreciate the fact that you have created us, and we couldn't do it without- now Sky has got no choice but to leave us on. Even if all their fair instincts are saying [exhales loudly]. Ross Cameron embraces Kirralie Smith after his speech. Credit:Wolter Peeters Look, what are we here for? What do we share in common? What is our purpose? Tonight, well I think Angry Anderson pretty well nailed it. We are here tonight because, my instinct, I have it, my duty, we obey our wives. I mean, that is the basic deal. Trigger warning for the Herald, there are some heterosexuals in this room. I'm not going to name them. I don't want you to be offended by that, but there are some males who are attracted to females in this room. I want to say, I'm probably not, I'm not really that anti-gay in the sense that, we know, you know, there has been an association in history - I'm a student of history.

You take someone like Socrates, a captain of free speech. You know, according to some historians might have had an attraction. Might have had a bit of same-sex attraction to some of his students. Hadrian, who build 'the wall'. Hadrian built the wall. You know, he was on the right track. Hadrian fell in love with a young Greek boy, Antinous, who fell off the back of a barge and drowned. I'm sure they were probably snorting coke at the time. And Hadrian was so heartbroken by this experience that he made Antinous a god and made statues of him all over the Roman empire. They're still being discovered to this day - one of the most common artifacts. Now, I know, the NSW division of the Liberal Party is basically a gay club. And I don't mind that most of our parliamentary class is gay. I just wish, like Hadrian, they'd build a damn wall. That would be my preference. I want to say- what do I want to say? Well let's go back to Socrates. You know, Socrates, according to Plato, said we should follow the argument wherever it leads, like a vessel on the ocean breeze. We should follow the argument. We should follow the facts where they take us. However uncomfortable the destination may be, the Greek revolution was, when in doubt, take comfort in the facts. The Greek revolution was observational. The Greeks came out of the Peloponnesian Wars with the Carthaginians who had some extraordinary achievements, the Carthaginians, but they were pretty heavily into child sacrifice. And the Greeks said you know what, we're not sure that's such a great idea, right. But the Sydney Morning Herald editorial board of the Carthaginians, I'm telling you, they would've been all over it, right. There would've been no room for dissent. If you had said, you know, you had some [unclear] about child sacrifice in Carthage, I think you would've felt the wrath of politically correct opinion. They would say 'don't you understand' as they took the child out of the mother's arms. 'If we don't sacrifice this baby the gods are going to be angry and there's going to be no harvest'. The Greeks said uh, no no no no, no no no. Maybe this child sacrifice thing's not such a good idea. And Socrates, who in the end made a big prize, he was prized for his willingness to be un-PC, but he left quite a substantial legacy. And that is our inheritance. That was the beginning of the scientific method, where up until that time, we talked about the Romans, Marcus Aurelius, the voice of the stoics. The sort of pre-Christian Roman empire. So Marcus Aurelius said that there was a hierarchy between things that exist at the bottom. The first test was do you exist or not exist. And that was the first test. Marcus Aurelius was un-PC enough to say it's better to exist than not to exist. Bloody dumbarse, didn't know a thing, did he? Better to exist. It's one of the reasons why I'm quite attracted to heterosexuality, you know? It's better to exist than not to exist. Then he said the second layer was matter, insensate matter, like a stone or a brick. And something living. Something living which was capable of reproducing itself. According to Marcus Aurelius, I'm sure he would offend 40 or so in university faculties of the arts, if you are a living thing, you are superior to a mere stone. Okay? Former Liberal MP and Sky News host Ross Cameron. Credit:Wolter Peeters

This is 1160 AD, and there Marcus Aurelius said, once you're in the category of the living thing, there are plants and there are animals. And according to the Roman logic, the animal is superior to the plant, because it's a more sophisticated organism, and the animal has a capacity - the constraints on its existence are less. And so therefore, it's a superior organism in the hierarchy of the Roman pre-Christian mind. And then on top of that, he said among the animals, the human is superior to the other animals because the human has the greatest power to exercise reason over otherwise habituated instinct. And he, Marcus Aurelius, said the most effective thing for which he would have been hounded out of the Sydney Morning Herald's editorial board, after he was chased with a pitchfork out of The Guardian's editorial board. After he was tarred and feathered by the ABC's editorial board, Marcus Aurelius would have said that this capacity to reason is the thing that makes us effectively human as opposed to the other primates, the gorillas, the chimpanzees, the orangutans. And look, I'm quite attracted to the Orca, to be honest with you. I like the marine mammals. I like 'em all. I'm open-minded. I'm open-minded about the native title right to kill the Dugong. I don't have a strong view about it. No strong view about it. Should the Aborigines want to kill the Dugong, I'm open-minded. But I'm glad to be human, you know. There is something special about being human. And the most special thing about it is the capacity to reason. So Marcus Aurelius says, to anyone who struggles to get out of bed in the morning, right - which I do at times - Marcus Aurelius would say 'get out of bed', because the other animals sleep as well, right. There's nothing special about sleeping. You don't get any extra marks for sleeping. You get extra marks, as a human, for using your fuckin' brain. Which is what makes us different, you know. And so, this Ancient Roman wisdom, I want to pay a tribute to the stoics, of which Marcus Aurelius' Meditations- he's written seven books, he didn't even have a title, he wrote it for himself, not for publication. I would say a long drive in the car, and, uh, you know, you don't have the blessing of a beautiful female companion, you should listen on YouTube to Meditations, Marcus Aurelius - it won't do you any harm at all. But the stoics were open to the argument. There's a beautiful story from the New Testament, about the apostle Paul in the book of Acts. Paul was a Jew, but a Roman citizen, a lawyer. And he - Time Magazine didn't - in running the most influential figures in history, there was some controversy that Jesus didn't make number one, because they formed the view that Jesus without Paul would not have had the impact that he had. So it was Jesus at 2, 3 I think was the argument. The point is when Paul was in Athens, he was going around evangelising, because that was at the time that the Christian church still believed in God. When the Pope, you know, even the bloody Pope believed in God back then. And there were two main groups there in Athens, in the Roman empire - there were the Epicureans and the stoics. And the Epicureans were the pleasure-lovers. They were the foodies. They would've been buying the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. And then there was the stoics, who were the believers in honour, in duty, in the sense of hierarchy. So they're at opposite ends of the philosophical spectrum. They disagreed about everything. But they heard Saul of Tarsus, this Roman Jew, going on about Jesus Nazareth. And I just want to pay a compliment in the same way we honour the great cultural- you know. If we had a mountain where we carve the face of the former presidents in it, I would have Paul Zanetti and Larry Pickering up there, probably one and two. But the Epicureans and the stoics - and I'm actually going to read it to you, if I can find it. This passage from Act. So the beautiful passage, from the- we're talking about 30, 35 AD, maybe later. Could've been 40AD, something like that. Paul was in full flight. And, uh, where are we here. I can't even find it. Ah, here we go. Acts 17. It's a freedom of opinion. This is about the willingness to tolerate diversity of opinion, not just to tolerate but to celebrate different views. The stoics and the Epicureans at either end of the spectrum, in the most powerful empire in the history of the world.

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned. He used his brain, you know. He didn't just enforce the state ideology. Climate change, gay marriage. He reasoned. He said, A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. So the ancient world, I mean I don't think I have seen a debate on the ABC since the ancient world. They said, uh, what is this guy saying? A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate. "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because he was preaching about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and invited him to a meeting at the Areopagus. It's still there today if you want to see it. It's a magnificent architectural feature of the ancient world. And this is the question they asked. "May we know what this teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean." I just want to say, you know, I wish we had a little bit more of the ancient world. I wish we were not so fearful of anyone who doesn't mouth the orthodoxy. And in particular the mechanism which irritates me the most is the preferred method to shut down debate is to say the person who disagrees with me is a bad, evil, bigoted, redneck, racist xenophobe. Okay? And, you know, I'm going to wind up in a minute. But you know, you look at someone like Aristotle, the student of Plato, gave the first real attempt to systematise knowledge. And he made a best guess at the fundamental elements of the universe. He thought they were earth, wind, fire and water. Okay, now Aristotle- I would have even put Aristotle next to Paul Zanetti and Larry Pickering on Mount Rushmore. I would have put him that high. That high in the order, okay. But he was wrong. He was wrong, because he said there were his elements - here were the table of elements, that was his best guess. And then his mates Euclid and Ptolemy, they developed their best guess at the understanding of the universe, which was the earth was at the centre, and everything else was revolving around the earth. And Ptolemy, a kind genius. But that mistake lasted for 1450 years until Copernicus, because of a lack of dissent. Because of a lack of freedom of opinion. Because of a powerful orthodoxy supported by a big propaganda machine of largely taxpayer-funded money. Up until this Polish priest came along and said boys and girls, I don't think this whole operation revolves around the earth. I think it might revolve around the sun. Ross Cameron appears on Sky News on Friday to defend his speech. Credit:Sky News And Copernicus did not - according to history, there is some argument about it but it seems to be the case that Copernicus did not see a copy of his Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres until he was on his death bed, just before he took his last breath. Because he was fearful of publishing, because he said I'll get hissed and booed off the stage. This is, as Marcus Aurelius says in his Meditations, the human is both a reasoning animal, but also a social animal. And we strongly want to be welcome and included and not to be booed and hissed off the stage. One of the things you need in political leadership is a group of leaders who want something more than to be applauded on the stage. That, in the end, is what I admire the most about Debbie and Kirralie and Bill Leak, and you know, Paul Zanetti, Larry Pickering, Cory Bernardi, whatever. These people are not, you know, none of them- I'm the only perfect person I've ever met. Everyone else has got some flaw, some problem. Some issue. None of them get it perfectly right. Do you say to me, do I think Kirralie has got it perfectly right in her approach? Right? You know, but the thing I love with Kirralie Smith, the first time I saw her on television I thought there could not be a more authentic expression of the goodness of Australia than Kirralie Smith.

And I just want to say that I reject, you know, you don't have to be a hate-filled bigoted xenophobic racist redneck low-information bogan to have some concerns about Islam. It's not required. I will, at some stage in the not-too-distant future, really make my case in relation to Islam. I will do it with the Muslim community. I think you guys are too nice. You're too much of a soft target, too much of a supportive. I think for me, right, if I'm going to articulate my concerns, I should do it with them and to them, rather than in this particular environment. But I just say, I don't think- If you were new to society in Athens in 40AD, my feeling is the Epicureans and the stoics and the Jews and the Christians would all say to you, come down to the Areopagus because you're talking a strange message and we want to understand it, you know. We want to understand it. We respect you enough to understand. None of us have got [audio briefly cuts out]. All of us need to hear, you know, the other arguments. And I'll just say the human race, Socrates, Copernicus, Galileo, Charles Darwin, all of these people were outsiders. All of them were dissidents. All of them took the risk of telling the truth according to the light that guided them in good faith. All of them moved mankind forward, long may it remain so. Larry Pickering Larry Pickering speaks at a fundraiser for Kirralie Smith on Thursday. Credit:Wolter Peeters It's great to be here. The only way I would've been here is Kirralie asked me to be here. Because she's true. She really is. I don't know if many people know just how good she is. She's battled with Halal choices thing, which is awful thing that's going on. This 13- or is it 3 trillion dollar business they've got. Let's be honest, I can't stand muslims, right? I just can't stand 'em. If they're in the same street as me, I start shaking. I've gotta go home and do a cartoon on 'em. But they're not all bad, they do chuck pillow-biters off buildings, I 'spose.
Miranda Kerr has sent the internet into something of a tizzy with an interview given to The Times this week in which she spoke about motherhood, dissed Facebook and maybe alluded to her and billionaire Snapchat founder fiance Evan Spiegel (who she has been dating since June 2015 and became engaged to in July last year) waiting until they get married to have s e x.

Who'd have thought she could top the 2014 GQ interview (and super sexy NSFW shoot) where she spoke of earning admission into the mile high club, with a partner and alone?

Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel with Miranda Kerr. Credit:AP

"Let's put it this way, I've had an orgasm in the air before. Alone. And together," she told the journalist.

In the same interview Kerr also talked about how sex kept the model and skincare entrepreneur in tip-top shape. "One thing I've noticed is now that I'm having less sex my body isn't as toned. The more sex I have, the more defined my arms and stomach get," she said. Presumably inspiring millions of people to discard their Stairmaster and light some mood-enhancing candles.
Three citizens of Armenia, accused of causing the death of 87-year-old Hagop Demirci, a Turkish-Armenian living in Istanbul, after they hogtied him, were sentenced to life for the February 6, 2016 murder, this according to the Sabah newspaper.

The suspects broke into the Sisli house of Demirci, a jeweler, to rob the man and his wife, who survived the attack.

In all, three women and five men, all from Armenia were arrested in connection with the attack on the elderly couple.

After beating the couple, the robbers fled with a large amount of cash and jewelry. The couple were left hogtied in their apartment.
It's always 5pm somewhere right? The answer is yes if you're Cindy Crawford. The supermodel dealt with any lingering jet lag by cracking a case of her favourite drop  tequila  at brunch in Sydney this week.

After a cruise around the harbour with her entourage and some local pals including model Cheyenne Tozzi and model-turned-fashion designer Gail Elliott, the gaggle of beauties retired poolside at a Vaucluse compound to reminisce about the glory days with a few Casamigos sharpeners. However, it may have just been homesickness that saw her nursing a midday margarita  the top-shelf tipple is owned by her husband Rande Gerber and George Clooney.

Gail Elliott, Cheyenne Tozzi and Cindy Crawford catch up in Sydney. Credit:Instagram

Crawford is in town as a guest of luxury watchmaker Omega, where she was the guest of honour at a secret swanky soiree last night.

Those tasked with dealing with her have been blown away by her low-key attitude, a rarity in an age of celebrities preferring CIA-level protection from plebs and the paps. In the lead-up to her trip Down Under Crawford picked up the drinks tab for a number of media outlets who are covering her latest Australian visit.
If you're reading this at home, pause and put on a song you can't resist dancing to. Go on, bop your head to the beat. Let yourself wiggle a bit. Throw in some arms and legs. If you're reading this at work, maybe imagine these things at your desk.

As you're dancing, pay attention to where and how you're moving. How much are you swaying your hips? Are your legs moving together or independently of each other? How vigorously are you moving your torso?

Specific patterns may make some people appear to be better dancers than others, a study has found. Credit:istock

You should note those movements, because very specific patterns may make some people appear to be better dancers than others. That's the conclusion of a study published last week in Scientific Reports, in which researchers asked 200 people to rate 39 female dancers. A few features stood out as contributing to higher-quality dance: big hip swings, and the right and left limbs moving independently of one another (which the researchers describe as asymmetric arm and thigh movements).

The researchers speculate that those moves serve two purposes for heterosexual women. "One is, they're showing off their reproductive quality, perhaps their hormonal status, to males," said Nick Neave, an associate professor of psychology at Northumbria University in England and an author of the paper. "Another is, they're showing off how good they are to female rivals."
Mark Fabbro was 11 when he was raped by a Jesuit priest at the prestigious Xavier College in Melbourne. Credit:Louie Douvis Leonie Sheedy, co-founder of support group Care Leavers Australia Network, argues Catholic schools should get "no more taxpayer dollars" until there is greater accountability. Federal funding is generous: $5.5 billion to the Catholic sector in 2014, topping up state and parent contributions. She is not alone. Many victims are demanding a comprehensive external review of the sprawling maze that constitutes Australia's Catholic education system. The case for fundamental change gained powerful traction this week when senior counsel assisting the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Gail Furness, SC, laid bare the breathtaking scale of it: nearly 4500 alleged victims within more than 1000 separate Catholic institutions who made complaints between 1980 and February 2015, and close to 2000 alleged perpetrators St Alipius Presbytery, a church and old boys' school in Ballarat, has ribbons tied to the fence to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of child abuse. Credit:Simon O'Dwyer Most staggering were the proportions of abusers within some of the semi-autonomous Catholic religious orders (spiritual communities, often with roots in the church's European ancestry).

These organisations had tentacles deep into the Catholic school system, with some of the worst abuse reported in the schools they ran. They included the Order of St John of God, where the proportion of alleged perpetrators was estimated at 40.4 per cent; the Christian Brothers (22 per cent) and the Marist brothers (20.4 per cent). Counsel assisting the royal commission Gail Furness. "The statistics this week are appalling," one Catholic school principal admitted. "To think it could have gone on, and then gone on again, and again. I think in the future there will be a governance model in Catholic schools that is very different from today's." Catholic officials who spoke to Fairfax Media this week insist their schools are run very differently now. Federal and state government authorities have tightened school registration requirements, including tougher child protection standards, which religious-based and independent schools must comply with. And parents are still queuing up to enrol kids in church-run schools. Yet even a cursory examination of how the Catholic education system is structured in Australia reveals a dizzying complexity within each state which obscures lines of accountability. And there remain striking differences between states.

In New South Wales, for instance, there are 592 Catholic schools with a combined quarter of million students. Of these, 548 are diocesan or "systemic" schools under the administration of no less than 11 individual dioceses reporting to 11 different bishops. The remaining 44 Catholic schools in the state are run either by the independent Catholic orders, or by associated entities with the obscure church title of "public juridic person". Acting executive director of the Catholic Education Commission NSW, Ian Baker, insists child protection is now triply safeguarded by mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse backed by strict oversight through an array of state bodies, including the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian, the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Ombudsman. "Working with children" checks are under way on all the state's teachers, and on clergy who take up pastoral care in schools, he says.

"There are multiple agencies with multiple lenses on this matter," says Mr Baker. "We are not denying any of the history. But the question is, can we be confident that within all schools in NSW  Catholic or otherwise  child protection is now transparently and independently oversighted? Our answer is yes." Yet in Victoria, unlike NSW, priests still have a lot of power in individual parishes and play a significant role in running all but a handful of the state's 400 Catholic primary schools. Priests are charged with employing the principal, overseeing school finances and are central to setting up the governing board. About half of Victoria's approximately 100 secondary schools are owned by 21 different religious orders  each have varying governance structures. The other half, the systemic schools, fall under the four Victorian dioceses to which they belong. The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria  which distributes taxpayers' money to the state's 492 Catholic schools  refused requests for an interview, spokesman Christian Kerr saying it was "inappropriate" to comment before officials appeared before the royal commission next week. Catholic Religious Victoria, which represents the various congregations that run schools, said parents could be confident all schools complied with statutory requirements and were committed to child safety.

"We want to make sure that this kind of terrible thing could never happen again," said its president, Sister Veronica Hoey. "I'm reassured that our schools are compliant with all processes, procedures and policies." Yet asked about the reporting mechanisms in place for the religious order-run schools, one experienced principal replied: "It's as clear as mud. Who would know?" Another Catholic education official admits it's taken him years to understand the system. The welter of bodies with a finger in the Catholic education pie include the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, which last year set up a new entity called Catholic Professional Standards Limited and the National Catholic Education Commission, an advocacy group. The Catholic orders have their own umbrella group, Catholic Religious Australia.

Yet there is, as one seasoned church observer puts it, "no CEO of the Catholic church in Australia, there is no boss. There is nobody who runs it. Each bishop or archbishop in each diocese  whether in the cities or outback Australia  answer only to the Holy See in Rome." Former principal of St Joseph's College in Geelong, Paul Tobias, has told the the royal commission the church is persisting with "antiquated" governance models. He believes there remains too much power among the few people at the top with not enough input from non-clerics and women. Some of the orders named and shamed before the royal commission this week (such as St John of God) no longer run schools in Australia. Others are putting a greater emphasis on lay administration. These include Edmund Rice Education Australia (named after the early 19 century founder of the Christian Brothers order) which 10 years ago took over the running of all Christian Brothers schools in the country. EREA's executive director Wayne Tinsey insists that "the congregation of the Christian Brothers have nothing to do with the day to day management, governance or leaderships of the schools, which they previously owned but are now owned by us".

Even so, the order's Rome-based Congregation Leader appoints the council of trustees, who then appoint a board of management to run the organisation's 50 schools. Dr Tinsey admits shock at the figures coming out of the royal commission this week. "It is an uncomfortable time to be a Catholic," he says. "It's part of a destructive and shameful reality in our national history and we are totally committed to it never ever happening again." Yet he maintains organisations such as his should be able to keep their autonomy within the church and the school system, to keep faith with the order's original mission, or "charism", in church parlance. Chris MacIsaac, from victims support group Broken Rites, said a problem for many clergy abuse victims was that the hierarchy of their former schools did not acknowledge or address the scourge of abuse when they came forward.
Strikes planned by public Centrelink public servants around Australian in the next two weeks have been called off after their employer and union agreed this morning to more talks.

The agreement was reached as the two sides met at the Fair Work Commission in Canberra to hear an attempt by the giant Department of Human Services to have the strikes by workers at Centrelink, Medicare and the Child Support Agency ruled illegal.

Centrelink public servants have agreed to call off their planned strike action. Credit:Erin Jonasson

The department says the planned strike was at least in part a protest against the policies that have led to the ongoing "robo-debt" debacle, which would make the action illegal under the Fair Work Act.

The Community and Public Sector Union rejected the DHS position, saying it was "ridiculous" and that the actions were all about the bitter dispute over conditions and pay that has raged between DHS and its 34,000 workers for three years.
If you ignored the prison greens, Milad Bin Ahmad-Shah Al-Ahmadzai might have seemed as if he was in a quiet study cubicle at a library as he was jailed for 18 years over a shooting at a gay nightclub in western Sydney.

For nearly two hours, the 26-year-old silently busied himself writing and reading with hardly a glance upwards as his jail sentence was handed down in the Parramatta District Court on Friday.

"I notice you've been focusing on other material as I went through the judgment but if you want to pay attention," Judge James Bennett remarked at one point.

Al-Ahmadzai appeared via audiovisual link and, as with previous court appearances, refused to stand for the judge.
Police were forced to close a highway as they battled to disperse an estimated 300 revellers at an out-of-control house party near Newcastle overnight.

Officers who first to arrive at the party, on Ida Street in Charlestown, about 9pm on Friday allegedly were pelted with bottles and cans by partygoers, the majority of whom were youths, police said. Some of those present were as young as 11, according to one witness.

Police arrest a male in the middle of the Pacific Highway at Charlestown following an out-of-control party. Credit:YouTube

A brawl broke out and the officers called in back-up, with a total of 26 police cars eventually arriving on the short street and the nearby Pacific Highway to break up the revellers.

They were forced to close the south-bound lanes of the Pacific Highway, at the end of Ida Street, as the large crowd was moved on.
A witness accusing wealthy property developer Ron Medich of murder has denied he "milked him for years" by stealing large sums of money when the pair were in business together.

Mr Medich, 68, has pleaded not guilty to ordering the killing of another former business partner, Michael McGurk, who was shot dead in 2009.

Ron Medich has pleaded not guilty to murder. Credit:Peter Rae

Lucky Gattellari, 66, who pleaded guilty to arranging the murder, has agreed to testify against Mr Medich in exchange for a greatly reduced prison sentence.

Under-cross examination in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, Gattellari was quizzed about a number of payments he described as interest-free, undocumented loans from Mr Medich that had no repayment term.
Architect Andrew Andersons described the temporary infrastructure  fencing, stages, stalls  for outdoor events at the Opera House as "an insult to visitors and residents". Credit:Mark Metcalfe 'Akin to retail development' Yet the City of Sydney has raised concerns about the adverse heritage impact of improving accessibility: "The character of escalators is more akin to retail development". Leading architect Andrew Andersons, who worked on the upgrade of Circular Quay and the Opera House Forecourt in the 1980s, said the proposal to cut through stairs on one side of the Joan Sutherland Theatre conflicted with Jrn Utzon's vision. Danish architect Jrn Utzon in front of the Sydney Opera House during its construction. Credit:Getty Images

Ms Herron agreed the plan was "significant". But she asked: "Does it matter more for the stairs to be intact through the whole building or to allow people with mobility issues to enjoy the marvels of the Opera House? I think it is the latter." Outdoor events at the Sydney Opera House such as the Australia Day concert have stirred controversy. Credit:Edwina Pickles Mr Andersons said rules around providing disabled access are too restrictive, and prevented, for example, the type of elevators installed at the Louvre in Paris. "Disabled access is unquestionably important in a venue of this kind but should not detract from the building's cultural significance," he said.

Heritage consultant Kylie Winkworth said the building proposals appear to be a front for turning the Opera House into a food, beverage and retail destination. "A lot of the building renewal project is about making bigger bars and bigger spaces for hire," she said. "The two foyers for example will be long opening food and beverage spaces outside performances." The City of Sydney has submitted objections to a number of the Opera House's development applications lodged with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. Graham Jahn, the council's head of planning, development and transport, said the plan to create a new function centre "is in direct contradiction with Jrn Utzon's vision for the Opera House". A related plan to convert a ballet rehearsal room into a kitchen would have an "unacceptable heritage impact". "Worse, it prioritises the function centre use over  the performing arts," he said.

'An insult to visitors' The Opera House also faces a barrage of criticism from architects, heritage experts, former Opera House trustees and Utzon's son Jan, who are enraged by the use of the forecourt for outdoor events and the proposal to host sleepovers. Their concerns are not new. In November 2002, letters were published in The Sydney Morning Herald under headings such as "Opera House louts" and "Operatic desecration and vandalism on a grand scale". Mr Andersons described the temporary infrastructure - fencing, stages, stalls - for outdoor events as "an insult to visitors and residents" who are denied important views of the Opera House. "It is totally inappropriate for the building to be hidden behind junky temporary structures for events of dubious artistic value," he said. "Similar activities in front of New York's Lincoln Centre, Milan's La Scala or the Palais Garnier would be unthinkable."

He said the Opera House trust led the world in its "culture of squalor". He added: "The sleepovers are emblematic of the mindlessness of the [Opera House] management." Mr Andersons said the Opera House was a victim of funding cuts and poor board appointments by government. "It's a sad fact of life that cultural institutions have been subject for years to 'efficiency dividends' forcing them to investigate supplementary sources of revenue," he said. "This situation is aggravated by the appointment to the various boards governing these institutions of representatives of business and finance with little (or no) sensibility to the arts. "They in turn appoint CEOs of similar mind cast. This is all a vicious downwards spiral."

Former Opera House trustee Leo Schofield echoed Mr Andersons' criticisms. "Imagine any other world city treating its landmark performing arts centre in this money-grubbing fashion," he said. "The latest catch-penny proposal for sleepovers is simply daft." "Effort expended on rattling the cash can could be better directed to lobbying the state government for adequate funds to run the place efficiently without trashing it." Herron said the NSW government "is our greatest supporter" pointing to the hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayers' money given towards the Opera House's facelift. 'There will be outdoor events'

The Opera House has also copped flak from some of Sydney's wealthiest and most influential residents, including radio host Alan Jones, over the staging of events such as last year's Crowded House concert. Ms Herron said there was a balancing act between respect for neighbours and the reality of living in an urban environment. "The residents of the Toaster [building] didn't like the noise of the flags on the flagpoles and so we removed the flagpoles," she said. "Apparently they complained about the sound of the ferry horns but the ferries still need to have their horns." Herron said there were no concerts requiring big infrastructure planned for the forecourt until November although "there could be events like Greek National Day". But she said: If 25,000 or 30,000  people want to come and experience the Opera House over a two week period, I think we should do that.

"Utzon said it is an outdoor auditorium, there will be outdoor events." She added: "The big next thing we have to focus on is getting the appropriate infrastructure." Jan Utzon, a member of the Opera House's eminent architects panel, said the scale of outdoor concerts is not in accordance with his father's vision. "[I]t was always my father's intention that open-air performances could take place here, as a natural extension of the activities within the House," he said. "However, the current uses, with the clutter of invasive items and structures that seem to be part of these events at an increasingly alarming rate, were never planned or foreseen by him."

World Heritage in danger? Architect and heritage adviser Joan Domicelj warned in 2014 that the Opera House could be eligible for the World Heritage in Danger list because of "clutter that obstructs views" and a "lack of integrity in presentation of the property". "The acceptance of outdoor `temporary' commercial or community functions with their ancillary structures is insidious," she said. Ms Winkworth said international visitors to Sydney had a one in four chance of finding the Opera House obscured by portable buildings, fencing, a sound stage and shipping containers used in outdoor events. "There is something deeply amiss and compromised in the governance around heritage management at the SOH," she said.
Queensland's "new generation" trains  for which taxpayers paid $4.4 billion - are yet to appear on the rail network 12 months after they first arrived in Brisbane.

Queensland's new trains began to arrive in Brisbane on February 6, 2016 and were supposed to be phased into service gradually from late 2016.

Queensland's new trains began to arrive in Brisbane on February 6, 2016.

This fact was on Queensland Rail's new generation trains website in February 2016, when the first of the new trains arrived and were welcomed by former transport minister, Stirling Hinchliffe.

However, in the "last refresh" of the New Generation Rollingstock website (November 16, 2016) the new trains are now to be introduced "in the first half of 2017."
The owners of Mossack Fonseca, the law firm at the center of the Panama Papers scandal, were arrested Thursday for their alleged connection to the Brazilian "Lava Jato" corruption case, media reported Friday.

The law firm, which specializes in setting up offshore companies, acted as a "criminal organization" dedicated to hiding money from suspicious origins, Panamas Attorney General Kenya Porcell said Thursday.

Porcell said evidence shows the law firm allegedly instructed its "person in charge" in Brazil to facilitate the transfer of bribe money to Panama and to "conceal documents and remove evidence" of those involved in "Lava Jato"  or Operation Car Wash  the massive corruption investigation centered on Brazils state-run oil company Petrobras.

The arrests of Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca Mora are the result of a year-long investigation by prosecutors from Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Switzerland and the United States, Porcell added.

As prosecutors conducted a surprise raid on the Mossack Fonseca offices Thursday, Fonseca told reporters that his firm has "no relationship" with any "Lava Lato" companies.

The Panama Papers are documents from Mossack Fonesca that were leaked to the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung and shared by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

One of the biggest leaks in journalistic history, the documents reveal the secretive offshore companies used to hide wealth, evade taxes and commit fraud by the worlds dictators, business tycoons and criminals.

occrp.org
A four-car accident on the Riverside Expressway on Saturday has brought weekend Brisbane CBD traffic to a crawl, with lanes blocked and roads closed.

The crash was one of several in south-east Queensland at the weekend, with a man dead after his van burst into flames following a collision with a ute on the Gold Coast overnight.

A large crash on the Riverside Expressway caused delays in the city on Saturday afternoon. Credit:File

The Riverside Expressway crash happened on Saturday about 11.20am near the Elizabeth Street ramp.

The Alice Street westbound off-ramp was closed, with traffic delays back about four kilometres to Greenslopes about two hours.
Sixteen-year-old Rebecca Rusinovic first had the idea for her business Bahama Belle skincare when she was only 13.

There have been "lots of setbacks" along the way but the Year 12 student launches her website selling Bahama Belle's first product in March.

Teen entrepreneur Rebecca Rusinovic was the youngest keynote speaker at Pause Festival at Federation Square. Credit:Wayne Taylor

The teenage entrepreneur took to the stage at Pause Festival in Melbourne on Friday as the technology conference's youngest keynote speaker to explain her entrepreneurial journey.

Rusinovic says she spotted a gap in the market for a skincare range for teenagers that wasn't Clearasil. She wants to "bridge the gap between tweens and adults".
There is a new star in our midst. And the only reason we know it is there is because a 15-year-old Caulfield schoolboy found it.

Discovered using his home computer and an interstate telescope, Will Stamp's find has been included in the database at the American Association of Variable Star Observers, which reviewed and approved his star on December 29.

The star Will Stamp discovered is half the size of the sun and 300 times the size of Earth. Credit:Joe Armao

A year 11 student at John Monash Science School, Will said the variable star was half the size of the sun and about 300 times the size of Earth. But despite its size, it wasn't easy to spot.

He began observing a patch of sky last April which was close to the south celestial pole, dead south about 30 degrees above the horizon.
More than 100 anti-racism protesters have confronted members of the far-right, anti-Islam Q Society preparing to attend a fundraiser to be headlined by Senator Cory Bernardi and Queensland MP George Christensen on Friday night.

The protesters blocked the entrance of the marina where those attending the fundraiser began meeting at 5.30pm.

They surrounded a bus on Marine Parade that was due to transport the Q Society supporters to an undisclosed location where the fundraiser was being held.

Some protesters rocked the bus, while others jostled Q Society supporters as they tried to board.
A supervisor with the Department of Health and Human Services child protection unit has fled after police raided his home in Bendigo in relation to child pornography offences.

Cameron Allan, 44, is wanted for allegedly knowingly possessing child pornography.

Police say Cameron Allan has been caught in SA

Detectives from the Central Victoria Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation unit searched Mr Allan's home earlier this week, but he has since fled.

Police are calling for public assistance to help them find Mr Allan, following the issue of an arrest warrant.
A man accused of killing a toddler in a Phillip Island car crash in the week before Christmas, allegedly had more than three times the legal limit of alcohol in his system at the time.

Blake Chadwick, 24, appeared briefly in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, where he surrendered his passport.

The crash scene at Phillip Island in December. Credit:Channel 7

Police allege the Nar Nar Goon man drove through a stop sign and collided with another car at Smiths Beach on Phillip Island about 7.30pm on December 17.

A 15-month-old girl, who was sitting in the back of that car with her mother, was flown to the Royal Children's Hospital but later died.
An man is recovering in hospital after being stabbed multiple times on his way home from a party this morning.

Police say the 30-year-old victim, an Indonesian national, and a friend were returning from a private party in Burwah Avenue, Brighton East, when they were approached by a man about 5.30am on Saturday.

The victim is receiving treatment at The Alfred.

Police spokeswoman Leonie Johnson said the offender demanded the pair hand over their belongings before lunging at one of the men with a knife and fleeing on foot.
More than 50,000 Victorian state school teachers and principals are preparing to strike unless the Andrews government fixes their "crushing" workload.

Lengthy pay and workload negotiations between the Australian Education Union and the state government escalated on Friday, with the union's branch council voting to take steps towards industrial action.

Teachers rally at Hisense Arena in June 2012. Credit:Jason South

The sticking point is not so much about pay, but relief from excessive workloads.

The move towards widespread industrial action could result in schools closing as teachers take part in planned workplace stoppages.
Kelly Walter is just 34 years old but already has worked in far-flung locations beyond the reach of many of the most intrepid travellers.

Ms Walter, who joined the navy when she was 20, has had two major deployments  one to Sudan as part of a United Nations operation and to the Middle East where she was stationed in Bahrain.

Kelly Walter served for 13 years in the navy and is the changing face of the military. Credit:Jason South

"I was young and adventure waited," she said. "I've had an absolutely wonderful time in the navy."

The mother of two young children challenges the stereotype of the ageing male Aussie veteran traumatised from military service.
A revolutionary new device designed to stop high speed pursuits more quickly has caught the attention of several interested parties in Australia, its American inventor has confirmed.

The "Grappler Police Bumper" resembles something from the latest James Bond or Batman instalment - but it is very much real and could soon be used as the latest weapon by police officers across the globe during high speed pursuits.

The device, created by Arizona man Leonard Stock, is deployed with the flick of a switch from the front of a police vehicle.

A lasso type rope is flung from the front of the police car which then wraps around the rear wheels of the car in front, which quickly brings the speeding vehicle to a grinding halt.
A group of Syrian-Armenians, who have relocated to Armenia and want to transfer their businesses to Armenia, met today with Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan.

Their request - more favorable tax and customs regulations that would make the move feasible from a business perspective.

Our suggestions dealt with manufacturing, said members of the Union of Syrian Armenians (USA) during a discussion of the issue at the office of American Bar Association in Yerevan.

The Syrian Armenian entrepreneurs say that current customs duties and local taxes make it impossible for them to relocate their manufacturing capabilities to Armenia.

Thus, several entrepreneurs have already looked elsewhere to relaunch their businesses; for example, Egypt. They say that they would prefer to relocate their assets to Armenia since they cannot predict the future political environment in other countries.

They say that many Armenians still in Syria, listening to the negative analysis voiced by their compatriots in Armenia, will not be setting up shop in Armenia. Lamenting the fact that Armenia will be deprived of new jobs, thus, the entrepreneurs add that the country will lose out in terms of national enrichment.

The Syrian Armenians requested that they be freed of all customs duties, both on their business and personal assets when relocating to Armenia. At a minimum, they would like to see a custom free zone set up where they could at least temporarily warehouse their manufacturing assets before deciding whether to stay or leave.

All this comes on the heels of Prime Minister Karapetyans remarks stating that the diaspora must be more deeply engaged in the development of Armenia.

Members of the USA said that Karapetyan requested that they put their suggestions in writing for government review. The suggestions, naturally, must be sustained. Thats why the ABA brought in lawyers and tax specialists in the discussion.

A vexing question is how will an individual prove that the assets imported to Armenia belongs to an Armenian fleeing Syria, or whether it belongs to another who is using the cover of this or that entrepreneur.

The Syrian Armenian entrepreneurs say that such documentation is lax in Syria and that, perhaps, the consulate of Armenia in Aleppo could facilitate such ownership matters.

Another hot-topic dealt with the repayment of loans provided by the Armenian government.

To assist in the relocation of Armenians from Syria, the government provided loans of five million AMD, payable in five years at a reduced annual rate of 5%, to 100 Syrian Armenians; the early arrivals.

Only 25 have been able to make timely payments on their loans; their business ventures were successful. Another 25 have been taken to court for non-payment.
Main Roads WA has been kept busy with road closures all over the state, and the South West looks set to experience their own soaking over the weekend.

Perth has already set one record, with Thursday being the coldest February day, with the mercury reaching only 17.4 degrees.

Tasmania saw snow, while South Australia felt the tremor of an earthquake.

Events across the city have been cancelled as the stormy weather caused more than 9000 homes around the metropolitan area and down in the South West to lose power overnight.

Some 700 homes in the state are still without power.
Two teenagers have been charged with criminal damage after trashing parts of Currambine Primary School on Thursday.

Police will allege the boys, aged 14 and 15, set fire to a tyre in the school's sandpit, threw paint around the kindergarten classroom, destroyed electronic equipment and stuffed student's work into the school's toilets.

Some of the damage done to the school. Credit:Ten Eyewitness News

The boys have been charged with aggravated burglary and destruction of property and will appear in Joondalup Children's Court on February 21.

A spokesperson for Currambine Primary School thanked the local community for their support.
Bangkok: A coalition of organisations has called on the Australian government to urgently pressure Myanmar authorities to condemn atrocities, including the slaughter of babies, in Myanmar's western Rakhine State and act immediately to protect Rohingya Muslims.

"The recounts from Rohingya people fleeing Myanmar are horrific and truly devastating," said Kate Lee, executive officer of Union Aid Abroad, APHEDA.

"They have seen their family members killed and more than half the women interviewed said they had been raped or sexually violated," she said.

International pressure is growing on Myanmar over a United Nations report which cited more than 200 witnesses and survivors to mass rapes, murders, forced disappearances, beatings and families locked in torched houses and burnt alive.
The devastated boyfriend of Emily Collie, who has been charged over her death after their jet-skis collided in Phuket, says he will "take full responsibility for what happened" to his "soul mate".

Victorian man Thomas Keating, 22, was charged with careless driving causing death at Phuket police station on Thursday.

Mr Keating and Ms Collie were riding jet-skis near Kata Beach on Sunday when they collided at high-speed.

Ms Collie, from Kyabram, suffered severe neck and shoulder injuries. The 20-year-old woman was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Washington: Fresh from a legal setback to his travel ban, US President Donald Trump is considering signing a new executive order on immigration and may not be planning to escalate the dispute over an earlier travel ban to the US Supreme Court.

Trump's executive order banning entry to the United States by refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries was put on hold by a federal judge in Seattle last week, and that suspension was upheld by an appeals court in San Francisco on Thursday. Trump later tweeted, saying "see you in court".

MSNBC reported on Friday night local time that a senior official said the Trump administration would not ask the US Supreme Court to reconsider the ruling by the federal appeals court. The administration could still ask a larger panel of judges of the appeals court to reconsider the case.

Minutes later, White House chief of staff Reince Priebus reversed the earlier statement, saying the White House was "reviewing all of our options in the court system," including possibly going to the Supreme Court.
US President Donald Trump said his government will act anew on immigration next week, after a federal appeals court decided not to reinstate his ban on travel from seven Muslim-majority countries.

"We'll be doing something very rapidly having to do with additional security for our country; you'll be seeing that sometime next week," Trump said at a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday. He offered no specifics.

The president's tone was somewhat less defiant than in the immediate aftermath of Thursday's 26-page ruling from a three-judge panel, when he tweeted that the decision was "disgraceful" and vowed to press on with legal efforts to reinstate the travel ban.

"We are going to keep our country safe," he said on Friday. "We are going to do whatever's necessary to keep our country safe."
San Francisco: A US federal appeals court on Thursday unanimously upheld a temporary suspension of President Donald Trump's order that restricted travel from seven Muslim-majority countries.

The ruling by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals came in a challenge to Trump's order filed by the states of Washington and Minnesota. The US Supreme Court will most likely determine the case's final outcome.

The White House said it had no immediate comment. However, Trump took to Twitter to express his feelings.
Jerusalem: US President Donald Trump warned Israel on Friday that he did not believe that building more homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank was "good for peace" and said he wanted Israel to "act reasonably" as his administration explores paths to broker peace talks.

Mr Trump's comments to an Israeli newspaper appeared as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with advisers to plot a strategy for his first face-to-face meeting in the White House with Mr Trump on Wednesday.

Israel considers the prime minister's first official meeting with the American president as vitally important  a way to reset relations after a years of feuding and policy clashes with the Obama administration.

Since Mr Trump's inauguration, Israel's pro-settlement government has hoped Mr Trump would give a green light to a building boom in the West Bank on land that Jewish residents believe was promised to them by God and that Palestinians want for a future state.
Jakarta: Australia and Indonesia will conduct a joint dive of the World War II shipwreck HMAS Perth off the coast of Java next month amid fears the vessel, which is believed to hold the remains of 40 to 60 men, is being destroyed by illegal salvagers.

Efforts to protect the wreck comes as three Japanese ships that sunk off the coast of Borneo during the 1944 Pacific War by US forces have reportedly been torn apart for scrap.

HMAS Perth. Credit:Geoffrey Ward

The research dive on HMAS Perth will be the first detailed survey of the wreck since 2014, following the shock discovery the previous year that the cruiser and other WWII wrecks in the vicinity had been looted for scrap metal.

A sonar survey of the HMAS Perth carried out by the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Indonesian National Research Centre of Archaeology in December was inconclusive as poor weather conditions impacted on the quality of the images taken.
Former Tunisian president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali and his wifeboth several times convicted in absencehave been handed fresh prison sentences for corruption, media reported Friday.

A spokesman for the prosecution told AFP that a court in Tunis sentenced the pair on Thursday to 10 years in prison for "administrative and financial corruption."

The dictator ruled Tunisia for 23 years before he was forced to flee during the 2011 revolution that kick-started the Arab Spring.

He has been living with his wife in exile in Saudi Arabia and has since been convicted at home several times including a life sentence for the deaths of 338 protesters during the revolution.

The latest case involved Ben Alis wife, Leila Trabelsi, who used Club Elyssa, which is situated in a state-owned park, for "commercial" purposes including social gatherings.

Club Elyssa was also used in November to hold the first public hearings for the Truth and Dignity Commission on human rights violations during six decades of dictatorship.

Three more people were convicted in the case, two government officials and a relative of Trabelsi. They received shorter sentences between three and five years.

occrp.org
Vitoria: More than 100 people have been reported killed during a six-day strike by police in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo, as hundreds of troops patrolled streets attempting to keep order with schools and businesses closed and public transport frozen.

The army mobilised airborne troops and armoured vehicles on Thursday to reinforce roughly 1200 soldiers and federal police trying to contain the chaos in the coastal state north of Rio de Janeiro.

Most of the violence was centred in Vitoria, the state capital and a wealthy port city ringed by golden beaches and filled with mining and petroleum companies.

"We cannot establish definite motives for these killings at this time as the crisis is still ongoing," said Gustavo Tenorio, a spokesman for the police union. "But an initial evaluation by the homicide division seems to indicate that a majority of those who have died were tied to drug trafficking or some other type of crime."
His farm, which he says once provided well for his family - more than the IS wage of $250 per month - lies abandoned. His two children, aged three and four, are without their father. His wife long ago told him she disagreed with his choice. Mithaq's interrogation will establish his real role in the militant group. Depending on what Kirkuk's anti-terror police find, the sentence could range from five years' imprisonment to the death penalty. So Mithaq has a strong interest in downplaying his involvement. "I was a guard at checkpoints," he says, "Nothing else." When pushed, he adds: "I joined some battles. I never killed anyone directly, but I did join some [military] operations."

When he first joined IS in mid-2014, life was "very good". There was food, services, a common religious cause. His wish for a pure Sunni state seemed to be coming true. He underwent military training which - depending on the specific skills the recruits were learning - ranged from 20 days' duration to two months. Each day included six hours of training and one hour of religious indoctrination. After several months, though, an order came from the emirs - the religious-military commanders above him - and everything changed. Punishments were stepped up. Not having a beard was a punishable offence for a man. They couldn't wear their trousers too long, nor women wear their abaya [robe] too short. "I don't know why," he says, "I wasn't an emir" - and they couldn't be questioned.

Smoking, mobile phones, contact with the outside world, nail polish and high heels were all banned. Running away was a capital offence. "If someone had done something wrong, you could just punish them by cutting their head off, or their hand, or any part of their body." He was present when people accused of stealing had their hand placed over a wooden table and cut off with a knife. Mithaq sighs: "I was getting sad when I saw these things." The point was, he says, to induce fear: "That, if someone does something wrong according to [IS] rules, that this will be his fate".

Even those who had joined IS were fearful. Those who abandoned their post or communicated with the other side would be executed in public, or taken away, shot, and dumped somewhere, unburied. At Mithaq's checkpoint, fear made for shallow friendships and boring conversations. "We would talk always about Islam, deen [faith] and jihad [just war]. That was the only thing we would talk about." In their free time? "Still ... we would talk about fighting, military things, operations, guns. It was forbidden to say other things, to talk about other things."

Hypocrisy, though, flourished. "Even the emirs used to smoke. I didn't see it for myself, but I heard  that there were some emirs smoking  They could not give up," Mithaq says. "I don't know why. We couldn't ask our emirs if they were smoking or not, or punish them  [Also], the emirs would take [ethnic minority] Yazidi girls without getting married to them." Starting late last year, the so-called Islamic State was pushed back under military pressure from Iraq, assisted by Australia, among other countries. The emirs from the Kirkuk region abandoned their men. As usual, there was no explanation, but Mithaq believes they fled north, to the remaining IS stronghold, the city of Mosul.

Mithaq wasted no time. "I came to Kirkuk [city] because I ran away from Islamic State. There was no food left and they were criminals." "He sneaked into Kirkuk with civilians" according to his jailer, Colonel Fattah, who prefers to use only one name. Mithaq was caught when his name matched a list compiled from information gleaned by interrogating other captured fighters. Brigadier-General Sarhad Qadir Muhammad in his office. The flag of Iraq's Kurdistan region can be seen on the right. Iraq's government has in the past disputed Kurdish authority over Kirkuk province. Credit:Kate Geraghty Police Brigadier-General Sarhad Qadir Muhammad, head of the counter-terrorism division of Kirkuk province and a former Kurdish guerrilla, says 340 former "militants" have been arrested in his area in the past year. More than 10 men had tried to escape detection dressed as women in the all-covering female clothing demanded by IS  an action he regards as cowardly.
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PHILIPSBURG:--- Theres much talk in the air about the upcoming National Institute of Arts (NIA) production of the Ridiculous comedy Behind the Beyond which opens at the John Larmonie Center, Long Wall Road, February 17.

Written by Canadian Humorist, Stephen Leacock, and directed for the local stage by Ukranian-born director, Albina Matuzko, Behind the Beyond is a play in three acts dealing with love, betrayal, pomp and hidden agendas.

It is set in London, in the year 1910, and deals with themes that are as relevant today as they were in the nostalgic times of the past.

Behind the Beyond is being billed as a ridiculous fake comedy with exaggerated expressions of love and life, riddled with irony and sophistication. Where the play comes into its own, is in its interpretation of unfolding events - we see a play being acted within a play  and where interactions take place involving an audience that is an essential part of the action.

The production will be taking place in the intimate setting of the John Larmonie Center where a dance floor - come pilates class - come performance hall - come musical recital space, has been transformed into a magical stage setting with three separate but completely connected parts.

Its a transformation to a different time and place, complete with genuine period costumes and lovingly rendered stage sets that are designed to form an elaborate illusion of time and place and stimulate the visual senses.

The players charged with bringing their characters to life and some of whom are making their appearance on stage for the first time, were chosen by the director, Ms. Matuzko, who staged auditions in the honored tradition putting together a troupe of players.

The cast of characters of Behind the Beyond.

The characters are An English Baronet, Sir. John Trevor, and his wife Lady Cicely, played by Journalist, Joe Dominique and Business Executive, Eveline Henriquez; Mrs. Harding and her son Jack Harding, played by real life Doctor, Carla van Dam and St. Dominic High School student, Sjoerd Scott; A darling French Maid wonderfully played by St. Maarten Academy, student, Zack Phipps; and supporting Stage Hands and Valet played by Engineer, Nasha Kagie and Managing Director, Werner van de Zilver, along with CIA, Art teacher (Cor Sikkes).

Rounding off the list of cast members are Narrator Girl and Narrator Boy, teasingly and wickedly played by experienced stage performer, and Civil Law Notary, Meredith Boekhoudt and Charlotte Brookson Academy of the Performance Arts student, Ray-Angel Simon.

All cast members admit to having had to stretch to the limits to maintain demanding professional and academic commitments while keeping up with the equally demanding hours required for rehearsal. The time they have also had to give up in their own personal and family lives during the past weeks has also been immeasurable  a fact that director, Ms. Matuzko does not fail to recognize or appreciate at every opportunity she gets.

In molding her cast of players, the director says her challenge has been to find theatrical ways and means to convey the flavor of the message of the humorist Leacock, to this modern time, in a manner that is immediately recognized and understood. For this she has called on her extensive experience working in theater and theatrical productions all over the world, starting with her studies at the Kiev Academy of Fine Arts in the Ukraine where she was also a theater director.

As a theatre teacher at the NIA Theatre Lab, Ms. Matuzko conducts weekly theater workshops for children and adults. In the community, she gives artistic and team-building workshops to schools and organizations, however, for the past few months, to say that her life has been consumed by her production of the play Behind the Beyond, would be something of an understatement.

For the past weeks, she has been clocking up 12 to 16hour days to fill in demanding work schedules so that she can devote the maximum amount of her time to all things associated with Behind the Beyond.

A major challenge has been working in a space that is not a purpose-built theater where your stage and lights and sound are set and all you have to do has come in each time to rehearse and then perform and then leave, says Ms. Matuzko.

For our production of Behind the Beyond we have to set up our stage before each rehearsal (sometimes all three acts in the play) and take down our sets at the end of rehearsals. Its very tiring and it can be very frustrating for the director and also for the performers themselves, especially when it interrupts the flow of the work, but that is the reality of working in a space that is not a theatre in the true sense of the word, said the director.

She says she is most grateful to NIA for having the space at all and to the many groups and organizations making use of the venue who are being disrupted by the daily demands of her production for rehearsal space and storage of sets and props.

Having worked all around the world, and considering the amazing talent I am exposed to here on St. Maarten every day, I think it is a great disservice to that talent for the island not to have its own theatre that is used only for these kinds of productions, offered the director.

With her former work as a director of theatre in Ukraine and also with her work in clown and physical comedy in Europe and Canada Ms. Matuzko has been spoiled by the quality of theatre facilities and venues that she has had to work with  most of which have been at a very high professional level.

Closer to home, she has worked in theater on the French side of the island, where she has seen an old building taken over by local theatre-lovers, and made into a theater with its own unique charm and character, that has served as a venue for world-class performances for many years.

Such a venue is sadly missing here and I personally think that is a shame because it would serve to develop and expose some of the most amazing talents I have seen here that is just bursting to come out, continued the director.

Thankfully it was the lack of affordable space that led to the creation of the so-called Black Box Theatre that is the venue of NIAs John Larmonie Center theater workshops and staged performances.

The Black Box Theatre of NIA offers artists a lot of independence and the Directors of NIA have a right to be very proud of what they have created, even though they also would like to see a state-of-the-art theater hall built on St. Maarten one day, said Ms. Matuzko.

For now, Ms. Matuzko is content to direct her massive reserve of energy toward fulfilling her own personal dream and ambition to bring the art of theater to a wider audience on St. Maarten, so that others can enjoy some of what has become much of her own lifes work.

She has been involved in theater since the age of 12 and spent her teen years learning her craft with a professional Youth Production Company playing sometimes between 40 and 60 shows a year, before audiences of hundreds of persons.

While I do not have all the professional backstage, costume, light, sound and prop departments that directors in other countries may have, I do however have one of the main things that is constant to all  an amazing cast of people who dedicate their agendas and souls to what they do  in this case, to the production of Behind the Beyond, continued the director.

She is adamant that her involvement in her first theatrical production on the island is also now her most valuable experience to date.

This makes all difficulties and challenges of facilities and space immaterial and unimportant and I cannot find the words with power enough to convey my appreciation to my cast and also to the Directors of NIA, Clara Reyes and Arlene Halley for providing me with access to two promising performing arts students, Zack Phipps and Ray-Angel Simon and for having faith in my work. I am also most grateful to me everyone who has given support, including fellow drama director, Loes Nauta, continued Ms. Matuzko.

She says it has been a joy to come to St. Maarten from the Netherlands and lists amongst the countries that her work has been seen as: Japan, Bulgaria, Poland, Andorra, Austria, Brazil, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia and Belgium. Add to that mix the influences she has gained from her Mentors in Argentina, France, The Netherlands, Spain and Canada and you can begin to see how wide the directors theatrical range extends.

I think it is magical and a wonderful coincidence that I am realizing my artistic dreams here on St. Maarten. I am full of hope that as a stranger, my art, which is different and merged with all styles and approaches that I have explored on my journey to the island, will be received with open arms, adds Director, Ms. Matuzko.

The artist and director have a credo that she likes to reference:

Theatre is a place where people can discover the real beauty of human being in generally, their own Unique "I" and it's connection to this Amazing Universe. Places where their souls can touch each other. Where they can experience and WONDER "another" world beyond of their "reality". I believe that through the ARTS it is possible to touch that DIVINE in each of us that makes us human beings.

She also has her own treasured supporter and husband, Cor Sikkes, without whom none of her current dreams would be realized.

I began to direct again only because I knew I could count on the full support of Cor, whose artistic ability and talent I find to be immense. He understands my visions and creative intentions and works very hard behind the scenes to help me make my projects work, so I am also very happy that the quality of his own work is an important part of our production for everyone to see, added the director, Ms. Matuzko.

Behind the Beyond is playing at the (Black Box Theatre) John Larmonie Center, Longwall Road, Phillipsburg, St. Maarten on the following dates:

February 17th - February 18th - February 24th February 25th

March 10th March 11th

All performances begin at 8:00 pm Sharp.

For reservations: 543-0600 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten  The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations (CKAIR), will meet on February 10.

The CKAIR Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 09.00 am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points to be discussed are:

1. Debriefing IPKO and Tripartite January 9-13, 2017

2. Discussion on the request from the Committee of Kingdom Relations of the Second Chamber for an official reaction from Parliament of Sint Maarten in the advice of the Kingdom Council of State pertaining to granting the right of initiative to the laws as well as the response of the Minister of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations on said advice (IS/427/2016-2017 dated January 25, 2017)

3. Discussion on inquiry from Second Chamber if the Parliament of Sint Maarten intends to send special delegates to the Second Chamber for the handling of the Kingdom Law pertaining to the Agreement of Paris (Kamerstuk 34 589-R2077) (IS/342/2016-2017 dated December 27, 2016)

This meeting was originally called for February 9, 2017, 2016 but was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org.
Claim: During the Beatles' first appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show', crime rates plummeted all over the U.S. Rating: About this rating False

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The phenomenon of Beatlemania that had been spreading throughout the U.K. (and other parts of the world) in 1962 and 1963 reached a crescendo in early 1964, when the Fab Four paid their first visit to America. After landing at New York's Kennedy International Airport on 7 February 1964 (where approximately 3,000 hooky-playing teenage fans waited to experience their arrival), the group spent two weeks in the U.S., during which time they made live appearances on the highly-rated Ed Sullivan Show from both New York and Miami (and taped a third set of performances to be aired after their departure), performed their first concerts in North America (at the Washington Coliseum and Carnegie Hall), and attended innumerable press conferences, interviews, and record industry functions.

No aspect of that first U.S. visit looms larger in the Beatles' legend than their initial appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, a performance (actually two performances, since Ed Sullivan was cagey enough to put them on at both the beginning and the end of the program in order to keep the audience tuned in throughout) witnessed by an estimated 73 million television viewers  about 38% of the entire U.S. population at the time. Legends that large often spawn their own sub-legends, in this case the claim that the Beatles so transfixed and charmed their youthful audience that the entire teenage population of the U.S. remained on its best behavior for that one hour, and not a single hubcap was stolen anywhere in the country between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM on 9 February 1964:

[Chicago Sun-Times, 1994] No major crime was reported in New York City between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., Feb. 9, 1964. Maybe the Beatles are insignificant to some of the post baby boom generation, but we could use more anniversaries like that to celebrate. [Wilson, 1996] The Beatles never went out of fashion with the Americans ... When they appeared on the Ed Sullivan show in 1965 [sic], American juvenile crime fell on that one night because everyone stayed home to watch it. [Robinson, 1997] The fact that the Beatles story is old and well-told does not diminish its magnitude. On 9 February, 1963 [sic], for example, they almost literally stopped America. When they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, 73 million people watched. As John Lennon later pointed out, even the criminals stayed home. And indeed, for that one sweet, manic hour, there was hardly any crime in the United States.

Ironically, not only is this legend untrue, but it originated with a comment that was intended as a backhanded swipe at the group rather than a compliment.

Shortly after the Fab Four's Ed Sullivan Show debut (and while the group was still in America), Washington Post news editor B.F. Henry quipped that one good thing about the Beatles was that "during the hour they were on Ed Sullivan's show, there wasn't a hubcap stolen in America." That statement was not intended as praise; it was a put-down reflecting the common adult perception of the Beatles as just another silly fad that appealed to the worst elements of American youth. If no hubcaps were stolen for an hour, it was because the Beatles' primary audience included all the juvenile delinquents and other incorrigible young hoodlums who would normally be out committing that sort of petty crime (and worse) on a Sunday evening if they hadn't been glued to their television sets eagerly watching the four lads from Liverpool instead.

Henry's sarcastic comment was publicized when Washington Post columnist Bill Gold repeated it in print, then gained national prominence when it was picked up and published by the national news magazine Newsweek. In time, the origins and nature of the comment became obscured, and it was transformed into something both literal and positive  a legend that grew in proportion through re-tellings until it became enshrined as the "fact" that crime rates all over the U.S. magically plummeted during the Beatles' golden Ed Sullivan hour. Even the Beatles themselves came to believe it in time. (George Harrison can be seen repeating the legend in an interview that appears immediately after the Ed Sullivan segment on the Beatles' Anthology video history.)

Just for the record, we note that although the original statement wasn't yet being taken as fact, as far back as 21 February 1964 the Washington Post's Bill Gold noted in a sardonic follow-up column that his editor's wisecrack about the Beatles wasn't intended to be taken as a literal truth:
Computer Modelling Group Declares Quarterly Dividend

CALGARY, ALBERTA  (Marketwired)  02/09/17  The Board of Directors of Computer Modelling Group Ltd. (CMG or the Company) (TSX: CMG) announces a dividend of $0.10 per Common Share on CMGs Common Shares. The dividend will be paid on March 15, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 7, 2017.

Computer Modelling Group Ltd. is a computer software technology and consulting company serving the oil and gas industry. CMG, recognized by oil and gas companies worldwide as a leading developer of reservoir modelling software, has sales and technical support services based in Calgary, Houston, London, Dubai, Bogota, and Kuala Lumpur. CMG is the leading supplier of advanced processes reservoir modelling software in the world with a blue chip client base of international oil companies and technology centers in approximately 60 countries. The Companys shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol CMG.

All dividends paid by Computer Modelling Group Ltd. to holders of Common Shares in the capital of Computer Modelling Group Ltd. will be treated as eligible dividends within the meaning of such term in section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), unless otherwise indicated.

Contacts:

Computer Modelling Group

Kenneth M. Dedeluk

President & CEO

(403) 531-1300

Computer Modelling Group

Sandra Balic

Vice President, Finance & CFO

(403) 531-1300
Capstone Technologies Group, Inc. Procures Multi-Million USD Equipment Contract

IRVINE, CA  (Marketwired)  02/09/17  (OTC PINK: CBLY), through its subsidiary, PPB Engineering and Systems Design, Inc., has signed a $7.8 Million equipment contract with Fasten Group, a subsidiary of Jiangsu Fasten Co. LTD (000890.SZ), who is in a joint venture with Seaspire Advisors, LLC for this transaction. Negotiations with this leading, fiber optic cable company have been ensuing for several months now, culminating in a fully approved and executed contract.

The machines being built for Fasten Group will give the company the ability to produce fiber optic preforms, which will be further processed into fiber optic cable to fulfill the ever increasing growth and demand in the Asian market.

Capstone CEO, Clinton Stokes, III, is quoted as saying, This opportunity with one of the largest fiber optic cable providers in the world, creates a tremendous launching pad for Capstone and its subsidiary companies. The Fasten Group contract represents an excellent, long-term arrangement for Capstone to establish itself as a leader in this market sector.

And Capstone CTO, Wesley Poff, added, We are very happy to bring this state-of-the-art technology to the Asian market and look forward to a prosperous and mutually beneficial long-term relationship with Fasten Group, a market giant.

Fasten Groups initial deposit of $2.3 Million has been approved for disbursement to PPB immediately. This Agreement represents the first of many significant revenue contracts for Capstone Technologies Group and its family of technology companies. The market for fiber optic cable worldwide is experiencing a steady increase in demand, therefore Capstone anticipates exponential growth for its group of companies as it ramps up to satisfy the global need for fiber optic cable.

Capstone Technologies Group is perfectly affixed as the Top Structure of a growing list of visionary technology companies, destined to change the world in which we live by taking up the challenge of making the USA the manufacturing giant it once enjoyed. We believe in the strength and ingenuity of the American manufacturing market and the people that are dedicated to bring the best of new technologies to the marketplace, right here in the place where the manufacturing industry was born. We will take the existing foundation and history of American greatness and integrate that with advances in technology, to bring to worldwide consumers those leading edge products they demand.

Capstone is focused on forward looking entities that have distinguished themselves as leaders in their fields and are looking for investment and leadership to move their vision to fruition. We can bring forth the financial, logistical and outside the box thinking to develop a succinct and streamlined path to market.

This press release may contain forward looking statements and or observations which are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected, including statements related to the amount and timing of expected revenues as well as any payment of dividends on our stock, statements related to our financial performance, expected income, distributions, and future growth for upcoming quarterly and annual periods. These risks and uncertainties include but not limited to information as contained within the Companys most current quarterly reports, annual reports, and or other such filings as may be accessed through the OTCBB website. Furthermore, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant expenses in our expansion of our existing as well as new product lines noting there is no assurance that we will generate enough revenues to offset those costs. Additional product offerings may expose us to additional legal and regulatory costs and unknown exposure(s) based upon the variables as associated with the general business channel we are operating in, the impact of which cannot be predicted at this time including risks as associated with our product and recent FDA pronouncements. Additionally, our 1-A registration statement will generate additional free trading shares to the marketplace at a pre-determined price which may impact our share pricing within the OTC marketplace in a manner that we cannot predict.
4G Telecom Services Earning in Ghana is Estimated to Grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during 2016-2021

Albany, New York, February 10, 2017: Market Research Hub has recently announced the addition of a new report to it broad database titled as Ghana: The launch of 4G and Expansion of Fiber Network will Support Telecom Growth.. The telecom services revenue in Ghana is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during 2016-2021, primarily driven by growth in mobile data revenue.

Request for Sample Report: http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=961988

Mobile voice will be the largest revenue-contributing segment until 2019. Mobile data will be the fastest-growing segment in the telecom market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.3% during 2016-2021, primarily driven by operators investments in 3G and 4G network coverage and attractive data bundles offered by telcos. Going forward, operators look to invest in 3G/4G network upgradation, extend coverage and fiber-optic network deployments to improve and extend broadband connectivity in the country, which will provide significant opportunities for vendors and investors.

Key Findings

The overall telecom service revenue in Ghana will grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during 2016-2021, mainly driven by growth in the mobile data segment.

Mobile revenue will account for 97.0% of the total telecom revenue in 2021; mobile data will be the fastest growing segment and will grow at a CAGR of 16.3% over the forecast period 2016-2021.

2G will be the most adopted mobile technology through 2021. However, its share in overall mobile subscriber base will decline over the forecast period 2016-2021, owing to rising adoption of 3G and 4G services over the coming years.

The top two operators, MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana, will account for 76.7% share of overall service revenue in 2016, owing to strong 3G and 4G network coverage. We expect competition to intensify further as operators focus on competitive pricing plans and service innovation to further increase their market share.

Operators will continue to focus on investments in 3G network expansion and launch of 4G services, fiber deployments to increase connectivity and cater to the rising data demand.

Make an Enquiry: http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=961988

Synopsis

Ghana: Launch of 4G and Expansion of Fiber Network to Support Telecom Growth is a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Ghana today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, and mobile, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.

The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:

Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Ghana compared with other countries in the region.

Economic, demographic and political context in Ghana.

The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.

A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data markets.

Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice, data and video from 2016 to 2021.

The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.

In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.

Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Ghana telecommunications markets.

Get Full Info. With TOC: http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/ghana-the-launch-of-4g-and-expansion-of-fiber-network-will-support-telecom-growth-report.html

ReasonsToBuy

This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Ghanas telecommunications markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.

Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Ghanas mobile communications, fixed telephony, broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.

With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.

The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Ghanas telecommunications markets.

The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Ghana.
As a young person, people ask what you want to be when you grow up. I remember in the fourth grade that fellow students asked me that very question. And before I could even answer, they would reply for me, A veterinarian.

And, I would reply, No.

I was a good student, liked to learn, loved animals, but even at a young age, I knew I didnt want to deal with illness and death. I didnt have a particular job in mind, but I knew it would involve the dairy industry.

In eighth grade, we took those career tests . . .

Do you like indoors or outside? Working in groups or alone? Are you a detail person or a big picture thinker?

I did not put much merit in the test. It had accountant and flight attendant ranked the highest.

I did like math and minored in agricultural business in college. I do my own taxes, but never envisioned myself as an accountant.

A flight attendant, now that had the benefit of travel. At four months of age, I took my first flight  to a cow show, the Royal Winter Fair, no less. Because of my dairy activities as a youth and later as a professional, this industry has provided many opportunities to explore new places, and I have traveled to 46 U.S. states, four Canadian provinces, and another continent  most to see dairy cows.

So, when I saw a recent online survey to determine what ag career would fit me best, I decided to take it.

How close would it be to careers I have had?

I was quite shocked!

Youre the hands-on type! Future career choices include veterinarian, animal geneticist, livestock sales, ranch manager, embryo transfer tech, USDA inspector.

The veterinarian option matched my grammar school classmates' prediction. I worked in the genetic field when I promoted dairy genetics for two artificial insemination companies. Embryo transfer technician was spot on because I had that exact job when I was an in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) technician as my first job out of college.

While not for an extended period of time, I spent time working on my parents dairy where I handled the promotion of cattle and semen sales, so that hit the mark, too.

The only career mentioned that I had not thought of was USDA inspector. However, I have spent time in security where I inspected packages as guests entered sporting events, checking purses and handbags for weapons, bottles, and other prohibited items. So, while not in ag, I do have some inspector-like tendencies.

I feel the survey results were surprisingly accurate. The results were determined by asking about what would I eat for lunch, the shoes I wear most, my secret dream pet, a vacation destination, and what music I listen to. I wavered on several questions. I settled on what my natural tendencies were, and the results speak for themselves.

I did retake the test with what my second-choice would have been, and the result . . . ag communications as a marketing manager, editor, and graphic designer  my most recent jobs. Then, I chose the options that were the opposite of my preferences, and it was on target again. I would not enjoy a career in agronomy.

In hindsight, those early career tests did match my interests, even if not a full-time job. However, of the careers that I have had as an adult, two were not even created when I was a child.

So, if you are an adult working in agriculture, take the nine-question survey to see how your career matches the surveys prediction.

If you are a young person still unsure of your future path, maybe a fun quiz might give you a new direction to consider. Knowing what you like can help you sculpt a career that fits many of your interests.

The next webinar is Monday, February 13, 2017, at noon CST

FARM in 2017"

by Emily Yeiser Stepp, Director, FARM Animal Care; Ryan Bennett, Senior Director, Industry & Environmental Affairs; and Jamie Jonker, Vice President, Sustainability & Scientific Affairs.

All three are with the National Milk Producers Federation

Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) is dairys comprehensive quality assurance program encompassing over 98 percent of Americas milk supply. Join FARMs Emily Yeiser Stepp, Ryan Bennett, and Jamie Jonker as they give an overview on animal care, antibiotic, and environmental stewardship.

Register here for all webinars.

The author is the online media manager and is responsible for the website, webinars, and social media. A graduate of Modesto Junior College and Fresno State, she was raised on a California dairy and frequently blogs on youth programs and consumer issues.




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When photography was invented in France in the 1820s, some artists predicted  even feared  that it would in time take the place of painting. That didnt happen, but photographers around the world consistently have recorded images that reveal...
Everything you need to know about the Irish vs. No. 5 Clemson at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday night

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There is a major reason why many flock to the Grand Strand to play 18 holes on our various golf courses. Many options are available which include scenic, challenging or even courses that the beginner would enjoy. Read moreTee off: Plan your next golf outing along the South Strand
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View from the Past: Chronicling stories from the past in Georgetown County newspapers
Dr. Rena Giles-Rice with her new book out about the historic flooding that devastated parts of South Carolina, including Georgetown County, in 2015.
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Parents fighting against the decision for Llangennech School to be taught in Welsh have been told "the border is over there and they can cross the border".

The comments came as a group of parents gathered outside the school gates to oppose Carmarthenshire Council's decision for the school to be taught solely in Welsh.

They were joined by UKIP's Neil Hamilton and his wife Christine.

Mother of a pupil at the school Michaela Beddows, has started the group 'Llangennech Community Save Our School' to encourage other parents to voice their opinions.

Michaela said: "We are just trying to take control as parents because it's our children that are going to be affected by the decision.

"I went to Question Time in Neath where Neil Hamilton was on the panel and afterwards he came over to chat and said that he supported me."

Since then, Neil and his wife Christine have been very active in supporting the parents and helping to give them a voice.

Neil Hamilton said: "I'm right behind Michaela, I raised this at First Minister's Questions on Tuesday.

"I'm here to give people a voice in the Senedd and if I'm the only one to raise it then that's fine by me.

"I'm supporting parents who want the freedom of choice - this is supposed to be a local democracy not a dictatorship.

"Carmarthenshire Council are imposing their wishes on these parents and going against the public will only breed intolerance."

Following this decision by the council, Michaela along with 12 others have decided to run for community council in a few months time.

County executive board member for education and children's services, Councillor Gareth Jones, said: "The determination of the proposal to change primary school provision in Llangennech has followed a lengthy process.

"We are satisfied that the statutory procedure has been followed and that we have consulted widely."

Michaela added: "The current council have a political and personal agenda to enforce the Welsh language on our children.

"The only politician who has spoken up and supported us is Neil Hamilton and it really does mean a lot.

"Thirteen of us will be running for community council, with Labour, so roll on May 4."

Other local groups and Welsh language advocates have voiced that they are supporting the decision for the school to be Welsh medium.

Michael Jones, a co-ordinator for Parents for Welsh Medium Education, told the BBC: "If they do not like the Welsh language, can I suggest that the border is over there and they can cross the border."

He also told the BBC: "If they do not want to be in a country where Welsh is spoken, well go somewhere else."

His comments have been rejected by Welsh language group, Cymdeithas.

Sioned Elin, chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthenshire, said: "We stress that the ability to communicate in Welsh is an important educational skill for every child living in Wales.

"Our desire is to invite everyone to be part of the new Wales, not to ask them to leave if they do not agree with us."

Responding to Mr Hamilton's backing of the protest group, she added: "Llangennech school becoming a Welsh medium school is as important to the whole county as it is to Llangennech.

"Only Welsh medium education will ensure that children are fluent in Welsh and English and ensure employment and social opportunities in the future.

"It was predictable that Neil Hamilton would take an opportunity like this to take an anti-Welsh stance that would deprive another generation of children of the ability to live and work in Welsh.

"What else could be expected from someone who is not bothered to live in the constituency or the country he serves?"
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Two men have been arrested in connection with an alleged assault in Sketty Park.

The incident is alleged to have taken place in Birchtree Close shortly after 9pm on Thursday evening, February 9.

Armed response officers from South Wales Police attended the incident, with support from the force's helicopter.

One woman who lives on the street said she saw three police cars and two police vans from her bedroom window.

"Some of them must have been here for at least three hours," she said.

Another resident said: "Something's always going on round here."

And a third claimed that drug-taking was rife.

Anyone with any information regarding the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting occurrence number 1700051868.
With Love, From Space

Fall in love with space all over again with these romantic images from across the universe.

Astrophotographer Terry Hancock took this image of the Rosette Nebula taken under a full moon from western Michigan on March 16, 2014. [Read the full story.]

The Heart Nebula

This heart-shaped cloud of cosmic gas and dust is called the "Heart Nebula," or IC 1805. It lies about 7,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cassiopeia.

A Stellar Proposal

What better place for two space lovers to get engaged than below the Milky Way? In this photo, astrophotographer Sergio Montufar proposes to his girlfriend, Barby, beneath the Milky Way in Cabo Raso, Argentina on Sept. 27, 2016. (She said yes!)

Pluto's Heart

NASA/APL/SwRI

An image of Pluto, taken by NASA's New Horizons space probe, features the smooth "heart" of the dwarf planet. This region is unofficially known as Sputnik Planum. [Pluto's Heart: A Cosmic Valentine in Photos]

Flower in the Ring Nebula

Harvard-Smithsonian CfA/JPL-Caltech/NASA

This flower-shaped cloud of cosmic dust and gas is a shell of material left over from dead, exploded stars. It is known as the Ring Nebula (also Messier Object 57 and NGC 6720), and it exists about 2,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Lyra.

A Cosmic 'Valentine Rose'

NOAO/AURA/NSF

The odd planetary nebula, Sh2-174 is shaped like a rose floating in space. [Read the full story.]

Black Hole Ring

NASA/CXC/MIT/S.Rappaport et al, Optical: NASA/STScI

This image of the two galaxies that form Arp 147 shows a vast cosmic ring of stars (blue) and black holes (pink) as seen by the Chandra X-ray Observatory and Hubble Space Telescope. Another galaxy is also visible (vertical at left), as well as a bright star and quasar (pink object at upper left). This image was released on Feb. 9, 2011. [Read the full story.]

A Broken Heart in Space

Bob and Janice Fera

NGC 896 Emission Nebula in constellation Cassiopeia is located some 7500 light-years from Earth in the Heart Nebula. A light-year is the distance light travels in one year, or about 6 trillion miles (10 trillion kilometers).

Heart and Soul

NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA

The Heart and Soul nebulae are seen in this infrared mosaic from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE. The image covers an area of the sky over ten times as wide as the full moon and eight times as high in the constellation Cassiopeia.

Eye-Catching Rosette Nebula

A new image taken by NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) shows the Rosette nebula located within the constellation Monoceros (the Unicorn). This flower-shaped nebula is a huge star-forming cloud of dust and gas in our Milky Way galaxy, about 4,500-5,000 light-years away.

Heart Nebula Image Terry Hancock

Astrophotographer Terry Hancock captured this image from DownUnder Observatory in Fremont, Michigan on Aug. 29 to 31, 2012. [Read the full story.]
The GOES East weather satellite watches a winter storm over the Northeast United States on Feb. 9, 2017.

NEW YORK  As a winter storm blew over the northeastern United States today, a weather-monitoring satellite caught the whole storm on camera from space.

The GOES East weather satellite, jointly run by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hovers 22,300 miles (35,800 kilometers) above the Earth in a geostationary orbit, allowing it to keep constant tabs on the weather over North and South America.

GOES East (formerly known as GOES-13) takes measurements of different meteorological phenomena in Earth's atmosphere. NOAA combines those measurements with NASA's "Blue Marble" photos of Earth to create crisp, colorized images of the weather. [Earth from Space: Amazing GOES Satellite Views]

Winter storm Niko was blanketing the Northeast today (Feb. 9) with between 8 and 12 inches of snow, with some areas of New England expecting up to 18 inches (46 centimeters). The storm canceled thousands of flights and closed numerous schools and businesses in New York, Boston, Philadelphia and smaller communities. And the snow is still falling.

A statement issued by the National Weather Service this morning said that the "strong coastal winter storm will bring significant impacts to portions of the northern Middle Atlantic through northern New England Thursday into Thursday night. The potential exists for heavy snow and strong winds leading to dangerous travel conditions."

Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement
Third, the aim should be much more than just to establish a new media actor that tries to happily co-exist with existing private and public media. Instead, the EBC will also open up new sources of income for private quality media by acting as a platform for private journalistic content. Quite bluntly, the goal would be for the EBC to develop into a major European media platform in its own right, rather than merely supplying media content to large non-European platform providers. Data security, as well as limited and transparent advertising exposure, should be tangible competitive advantages for this European media platform. The competitors of the EBC are neither public broadcasters like Germany's ZDF and Italy's RAI nor private media like France's Le Monde and Germany's Suddeutsche, but Facebook and Google.

Fourth, the EU has 24 official languages. This is usually perceived as one of the main obstacles for a European public sphere. The EBC should face this challenge head on, reaping the benefit of the dynamic developments in machine translation technologies. Seriously investing in a multilingual medium would create spill-over effects into other economic areas and would therefore also be an important element of European innovation policy and this should not be underestimated.

Finally, the EBC's chances for success will be enormously improved if it can develop within a suitable regulatory environment. We favor an approach where major digital platform providers would have to reserve a certain percentage of their media space, say 5 percent, for EBC content (on a must-carry basis). In addition, such platforms should be levied a general fee of 5 percent on their European turnover to help fund the EBC. The present situation where the click economy thrives while undermining any reasonable business model for quality journalism and engaging in the most aggressive kind of tax avoidance planning is simply no longer sustainable.

To establish a new media company, and to attract new users from all demographic and social groups across Europe, is certainly a mammoth task, and we are well aware of this. But there is a great deal at stake. This is about identity, democracy, freedom and the future of the European model.
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STAMFORD  Fans of a throwback dining experience are still pouring into the Waterside restaurant topped by the giant coffee cup on its facade. But the cup now sits on a marquee sporting a new moniker.

The City Limits diner at 135 Harvard Ave. has become The Stamford Diner. The establishment changed hands Jan. 3, when Westchester County, N.Y.-based restaurateur Ari Thanos acquired the business from the Livanos Restaurant Group.

Theres a nice appetite for a good diner here, Thanos said in an interview last week at the diner. We wanted to bring a quality diner to the area to appeal to the masses. A diner is supposed to appeal to someone with no money in his pockets or a person with millions in his pockets.

Thanos arrives in Stamford with more than 14 years experience owning the Landmark Diner in Ossining, N.Y. He has also owned several diners in Atlanta. He recruited Executive Chef Oscar Rivera, who previously worked in the same role at the Landmark.

The new owner has quickly put his imprint on the restaurant. He cut prices an average of about 20 percent across the board, reasoning that the reduced rates would bring in more customers to more than make up for the lower profit margins.

New items include Mexican eggs benedict, sausage patty melt, quesadillas, canoli stuffed French toast, and a chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion wrap.

Everything is made fresh here, Thanos said. We hand-make our onion rings, we freshly bread our fish. Our corn beef is homemade. Our bakery on staff is here also.

Thanos has also overseen a sprucing up of the approximately 12,000-square-foot establishment, with improvements including upgraded lighting, carpeting, blinds and ceiling tiles and kitchen equipment repairs.

Located yards from I-95s exit 6 and standing next to a La Quinta hotel, the diner benefits from robust traffic. But Thanos said he wants build the diners clientele by attracting more families and senior citizens.

Almost all of the staff from City Limits has stayed on under the new ownership, with about 40 employees. General Manager Laura OBrien has worked at the restaurant since its opening in 2002.

With Ari coming in, he has brought a breath of fresh air, OBrien said. After 15 years of City Limits, hes bringing different menu items and a positive energy. Its been a really good upswing.

Customers have embraced the new chapter in the diners history, which they said honors the establishments history.

We love that The Stamford Diner feels like a home away from home, said Dina Cheney, of Greenwich, who has frequented the diner for about 13 years. Laura OBrien has done an amazing job keeping the same friendly, kind waitstaff shes had for years.

Diner operations are set to expand in the coming months, including the planned launch of home deliveries in the spring. Office deliveries are already available. The diner now operates 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, but Thanos wants to turn it into a 24-7 enterprise.

I use the analogy of the tortoise and the hare, Thanos said. Somebody might open a high-end restaurant or a nightclub, and it thrives for one or two years. But the diner is the hare. Its slow and steady and wins the race.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
What would happen if women-owned businesses vanished from the U.S. economy tomorrow?

The Center for Womens Business Research (CWBR) has the answer: a loss of $2.8 trillion and a major blow for 23 million job-seekers. That's 16 percent of the U.S. labor force. And it's not even the report's most astounding figure. Researchers conducted the study to learn just how much women-owned businesses contribute to boost the national economy. They discovered if society could access all the untapped potential these female-led companies possess, those businesses would have the possibility to generate $10 trillion in revenue (roughly three to four times greater than current numbers).

Related: March Every Day for Women Entrepreneurs

The CWBR's annual data sets are just one way to look at how women play a major role in the American workforce. Here are a few others that drive home the point.

Adapting to life's changes.

Studies from the Pew Research Center support the claim of an increasing female workforce. In 2012, 57.7 percent of women ages 16 or older were employed or looking for work (compared to 70.2 percent of men). The difference between the two is called the labor-force participation gap. And it's closing: During the 1970s, the split was closer to 43 percent of women and 80 percent of men.

Like many statistics, the Pew Research Center findings can be viewed positively (expanded options for women) or negatively (men are having a harder time staying in the labor market through life changes). "Women are less likely than they were in the past to leave a job and drop out of the labor force to raise a family, take care of aging parents or family members, or for other reasons," the study notes. "Men, on the other hand, are increasingly more likely to quit, be laid off or fired, or otherwise leave a job and opt not to look for another."

The Census Bureau and the Women's Bureau within the U.S. Department of Labor both report that women now lead men in attaining college educations. Still, women who held full-time, year-round positions in 2014 earned 79 percent of mens median annual earnings that same year.

Related: Should You Go to College if You Want to Be an Entrepreneur?

Understanding differences in ownership.

Research from the National Association of Women Business Owners reveals that one in five firms with revenue of $1 million or more are woman-owned -- in spite of the multiple hurdles women face when entering the job market or launching their businesses. Vishal Gupta's work as an assistant professor of strategy has affirmed the discouraging effects gender stereotypes have on women with an entrepreneurial dream. "Where are the role models for women?" asks Gupta, who teaches at Binghamton University in New York. Pick up any book on entrepreneurship: Its all about men.

Legislation alone can't eliminate deep-rooted biases associated with female business owners, according to Sarah Thebaud. An assistant professor of sociology at the University of California, she believes a real transformation requires broader changes in our cultural image of entrepreneurship. She suggests that investors, organizations and educators focus on the business plan rather than an individual's perceived personality traits.

That said, there are some significant differences in how women and men typically approach running their own company, according to a report published by the Centre of Entrepreneurs in partnership with Barclays. Compared to men, women entrepreneurs:

Display less overconfidence when evaluating the track record of their business, despite reporting higher profits in comparison;

Seek more opportunities in risky environments and are better financial risk takers;

Show equal or more determination when it comes to starting or scaling up the business; and

Prefer to reinvest business profits over making equity investments to sustain business growth.

Defining work and family roles.

U.S. Census Bureau's Income and Program Participation Survey found that 65.6 percent of first-time mothers worked during pregnancy from 2006 through 2008. That's a 21.2 percent jump from the same source's statistics for 1961 through 1965.

It's worth considering a few pointed questions, even amidst shifting roles for men and women within households:

Why are women, in general, expected to raise a family?

Is it necessary to slow down after having a baby?

Do most working women also have sole or primary responsibility to take care of family members?

The Kauffman Foundation's "Labor after Labor" report highlights the social and economic limitations of working mothers, with a special focus on entrepreneurs. The study intends to create actionable data that can help working women with families reach their full economic potential. The foundation discovered that entrepreneurs raising children face a number of struggles. Among these are cognitive biases, greater work-family conflict and problems in achieving work-life balance -- one of the key factors that attracted them to an entrepreneurship in the first place.

Like many of her colleagues, STARTplanner founder Kristy Dickerson encountered both gender stereotypes and lack of a mentor support network. I love what I do in becoming an expert on productivity. Apart from devoting time, energy and resources to achieve my professional goals, I still have a personal life," says the mom of three boys. "This balance enables me to create intentional moments both inside and outside the office.

Related: Thanks to Its Parental Leave Policy, Amazon Makes Glassdoor's List of Top Companies

Creating a new framework for success.

Nearly half of women entrepreneurs included in the Kauffman report's sample cited lack of available mentors as a challenge to grow their ventures. To create the necessary shift in both policy and culture, the study's researchers recommend that policy makers advance a number of complex initiatives. These include:

Family-focused policies to achieve work-life balance;

Parental leave for fathers to recognize a more even division of childcare responsibilities;

Restructured work expectations to increase productivity levels;

Mentoring and counseling programs to help improve entrepreneurs' personal and professional lives; and

Celebrations of women entrepreneurship to inspire others to makes their business dreams a reality.

Related: China's Most Successful Businesswoman Hasn't Taken a Day Off in 27 Years

All the data and expert opinions move in the same direction. They urge us to think about the impact that women-owned businesses make on a macro scale. These companies provide security not only to an individual leader and her employees but also for an extended network of families, communities and our economy as a whole.

Related:

Despite Bias, Women Entrepreneurs Are an Enormous Economic Force

The Four Questions Every Entrepreneur Must Ask Themselves To Achieve Success in 2017

Women Won't Have Equal Numbers of Board Seats Until 2055, New Study Finds



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
About 40 years ago, my wife and I first discussed the option of not having children. Such decisions have lifelong consequences, so we didnt take this lightly and revisited it many times over the years. Early on, we thought we were too young to be parents; then, one day, we realized we were too old. And now, although it may sound cliched, this really isnt a world Id want to bring children into anyway.

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, which includes 15 Nobel laureates, recently reset its Doomsday Clock to two and a half minutes before midnight. Its chairman, physicist Lawrence Krauss, blames much of the heightened danger on President Donald Trump and his benefactor, Vladimir Putin. The last time we were this close to Armageddon was 1953, when the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union had just begun.

At that time, Nikita Khrushchev was the Soviet premier. Today, Russia is ruled by ex-KGB officer Putin, who seems to represent a change without much of an improvement. Sadly, no one is confusing Donald J. Trump with Dwight D. Eisenhower, so 2017 looks to be, overall, an even more dangerous time.

Six more countries have gone nuclear since 1953, when only the U.S., U.K. and U.S.S.R. had atomic weapons. Pakistan boasts of its Islamic bomb, as it faces off against a nuclear India. Israel has 80 warheads, and, although Irans atomic program is on hiatus, Mr. Trump is making noises about abrogating the Iran deal that halted it. If Shiite Iran resumes nuclear development, the Sunni Gulf states are likely to follow, and the domino effect will further destabilize the region.

Irans fanatic mullahs are Quakers compared with the leader of nuclear-armed North Korea  the unstable, and quite possibly insane, Kim Jong-un. Most foreign policy experts believe well need Chinas economic leverage to rein in North Korea, but President Trump has shown little inclination to develop a cooperative relationship with the Chinese. Instead, he seems intent on fomenting mutual tension, which is about what youd expect from someone who cant even have a civil dialogue with Mexico or Australia.

In such perilous times, the worlds one remaining superpower needs a steady hand to mitigate the chaos  someone like George H.W. Bush  an experienced politician with a long resume in international affairs who knows how the world works. Instead, weve elected a thin-skinned, blustering, bullying real estate developer/game show host, with neither expertise, nor experience, surrounded by a cabinet nearly as unqualified as he is.

As challenging as the geopolitics are in 2017, the domestic fiscal situation seems utterly hopeless. If Id had children, theyd now be saddled with a $20 trillion debt that neither party is willing to address. With one of their own in the White House, congressional Tea Baggers have already stopped pretending they care about fiscal responsibility, just as the Right did during the George W. Bush years. Conservatives seem to hate deficits only when a Democrat is president.

Trumps strategy  huge tax cuts for the wealthy and massive increases in defense spending  is the same failed, trickle-down, voodoo economics thats bloated the national debt since 1980. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that his budget will add $10 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years. Eventually, the service on the debt alone will cannibalize enough of the budget to incapacitate the government.

Conservatives see ecology and environmentalism chiefly as the concerns of liberal elites. Trumps EPA chief has spent years advocating for polluters and denies climate change, because addressing it might decrease oil industry profits. Given a choice between the long-term goal of reversing global warming or growing Exxon Mobils stock price 3/8s of a point in the short term, which do you think its CEO (whos now secretary of state) would choose? Isnt it time we retired that alternative truth about draining the swamp?

If you think mankind is immortal, and we cant turn the Earth into a wasteland, read an astronomy book. Venus, the most hellish planet in the solar system, is an 800-degree product of runaway global warming. At the same time, atomic radiation and nuclear winter have the potential to kill every living thing on Earth larger than a cockroach. Impermanence is a guiding principle of nature, and not all change is positive.

What sort of world will we leave to the next generation? Will it look like the inside of Keith Richards lungs? Will a rising sea level drown our coastal cities? Will China call in our mortgage? Im not optimistic about these questions, because answering them will require long-term thinking, maturity and sacrifice. Short-term, narcissistic answers seem to be our default position, which makes me glad I have no children to worry about.

Many environmentalists believe it will be impossible to halt the planets ecological destruction without some form of population control. For millennials, the current administration should be a good advertisement for birth control.

Greenwich native Mark Drought (markdrought4@gmail.com) is an editor at a Stamford IT firm and was an adjunct English professor at the University of Connecticut-Stamford.
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STAMFORD  A federal judge has sentenced one of the citys most notorious career criminals to more than five years in jail on weapons charges.

Charles Dimples Barnes, 35, was sentenced Friday to 63 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a gun. The charge stems from a December 2015 arrest when members of the Stamford Police Departments Narcotics and Organized Crime unit found him in possession of more than an ounce of marijuana packaged for sale and a loaded 9mm Barretta, semi-automatic handgun with a high capacity magazine and laser sight, police said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proposing to let several utility companies pay to speed up review of their permit applications in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Under plans announced Wednesday, the St. Paul District would accept utility funds to add up to two full-time staff to handle wetland and water crossing permits from American Transmission Co. and the WEC Energy Group, whose subsidiaries include We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service Corp., the Wisconsin River Power Co., and Minnesota Energy Resources Corp.

The cost and terms of the arrangement would be spelled out in agreements between the partners and the Corps, which says it cannot expedite permits with its congressionally funded staff of 60 full-time workers.

It would be the first such arrangement between the Corps and a private utility, although there are dozens of agreements with public agencies  primarily transportation departments, cities and port authorities  in other parts of the country under a 2000 federal law that authorizes the Corps to accept outside funding for expedited utility permits so long as they do not impact impartial decision making with respect to permits, either substantively or procedurally.

The St. Paul district, which is responsible for regulating navigable waters in Minnesota and Wisconsin, has a similar agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Rebecca Graser, the agencys regulatory branch program manager for Wisconsin said there are a handful of partnerships with other private utilities in the works.

American Transmission Co. spokeswoman Kaya Freiman said having a dedicated person on staff with the Corps would provide better certainty on the timing of permit applications for projects that involve years of planning and construction. A joint venture of more than two dozen public and investor-owned utilities, ATC builds and operates high-voltage transmission lines to move electricity over long distances.

WEC spokeswoman Cathy Schulze said she wasnt aware of projects delayed because of permitting, but having a dedicated staffer would speed up the process and allow the company to better serve its customers.

Graser said utility applications during the past five years took up the time of more than one full-time person.

On its face, the proposal has the potential to blur lines between regulators and the companies they are supposed to oversee, said Katie Nekola, general counsel for the environmental advocacy group Clean Wisconsin.

Its important to keep the regulators impartial and ensure theres not any compromising ... of enforcement of what the requirements are for permitting these projects, Nekola said. You dont want to sacrifice any of that kind of oversight  especially in such a beautiful region as the Coulee Region.

But Nekola also notes that regulatory agencies are stretched thin by lack of government funding.

In an effort to ensure impartiality, the Corps says supervisors and a non-funded regulator must review and sign off on any permits for the participating utilities, and those permit decisions will be posted monthly in a separate section of the districts web page.

The Corps also stipulates that utility funding will not be used for reviews of its decisions or for enforcement of its regulations.

Freiman said the partnership is unrelated to the Badger-Coulee transmission line between La Crosse and Dane counties, a joint venture of ATC and several regional utilities, including Dairyland Power Cooperative.

Though construction of the line has begun, ATC is still awaiting wetland and river crossing permits from the Corps, which it warned last week could potentially delay the project. ATC filed its application on June 29, 2015, but as of last week had received a permit for only the first of eight construction segments.

The Corps says it is waiting for the Wisconsin Historical Preservation Office and two Native American tribes to review potential impacts to cultural resources on three segments. The agency is also waiting on ATC to provide additional information requested in September 2015.
C entrica-owned British Gas has scrapped plans for a 9% price hike  with insiders claiming the political risk was too high after the Prime Minister condemned the energy industrys bill increases.

The countrys biggest provider said it will freeze gas and electricity prices for customers on its standard variable tariff  involving about six million of the 11 million households it supplies  until August.

British Gas claimed it could hold that tariff despite higher wholesale prices after significantly reducing its own costs  it is axing 6000 jobs by 2020. But insiders revealed that the freeze was a last-minute U-turn because Centrica was so fearful of the backlash and political risk, given Theresa Mays comments.

A Centrica insider claimed that chief executive Iain Conn was worried to his reputation about the personal risks of an increase in prices. A spokesman for Centrica said: Extending our price freeze was always in our plans.

May has threatened to intervene over rival NPowers shocking price increases, which will push up 1.4 million households energy bills by more than 100 a year.

Also today, Scottish Power said it is raising its dual fuel prices by an average of 7.8% from April.

Centricas profit surge last year means Conn is expected to have a higher bonus and fears another backlash and a difficult AGM over pay issues last year.

Stephen Murray of MoneySuperMarket said British Gass price freeze still means that, based on current prices, [six million customers on the standard rate] are overpaying by around 170.
T akeaway deliveries firm Just Eat today shocked the City as its boss David Buttress stepped down due to urgent family matters.

Buttress is set to leave at the end of March and will be replaced by chairman John Hughes until a successor is found.

He will stay on as a non-executive director for at least a year. The former Coca-Cola sales executive, who joined Just Eat in 2005 to establish its UK operations, became its chief executive in 2013.

Shares were down 6% at 516.75p.

His tenure has seen a London float, international expansion, a major technology overhaul and even a trial of self-driving delivery robots.

More recently he struck a 200 million deal to buy the companys largest UK rival, hungryhouse. Today Buttress described the role as a one of the best jobs in the world.

Jefferies analyst David Reynolds said Buttress had been one of Britains standout entrepreneurs of the past decade.

A rare CEO, one who has genuinely grown faster [and] more fully than the Just Eat business he has led so capably, he is a profound loss to the business.
U S vulture fund Cerberus Capital is facing fresh scrutiny over allegations that its massive spending spree on toxic loans from the Government was fuelled by tax-avoidance schemes.

MPs are preparing to debate whether the secretive US outfit, which bought 13 billion of toxic Northern Rock loans in 2015, lawfully reduces its tax bill to help outbid rivals to buy distressed loans.

The debate, scheduled for later this month, has been organised by George Kerevan MP, a member of the influential Treasury Select Committee.

Kerevan said: When Cerberus buys distressed assets, it often uses money from one of its many offshore divisions and there is a clear question here about tax avoidance.

Why are they outbidding other investors? Is it because they can offset the costs through tax avoidance?

I dont think Cerberus is good for SMEs and growing the economy. The Treasury and banks shouldnt be offloading assets to a company that doesnt have a long-term view.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Simon Kirby will also be forced to address the debate.

RBS turnaround scheme slammed as wholly inadequate Small businesses in Royal Bank of Scotlands controversial GRG turnaround unit have criticised the banks 400 million complaints scheme after new details emerged. Tracy Standish, who lost his firm Bowlplex after it fell into the hands of GRG, said the scheme was wholly inadequate. He added: They are trying to dissect one small element over the pain and suffering they have caused. Vivek Jain, whose childrens clothing company Jainco was also in GRG, also said it was not enough, adding: I honestly feel we still wont get a fair deal. In a letter published today, RBS chief executive Ross McEwan said it was highly unlikely that firms suffered material financial distress as a result of the banks actions.

Cerberus has been one of the worlds biggest buyers of bad debt stemming from the financial crisis, having snapped up billions of pounds of property loans from the likes of RBS, Lloyds Banking Group and Clydesdale.

In a rare statement, the company described itself to the Evening Standard as long-term investors and good corporate citizens.

It added: The vast majority of our portfolios are resolved consensually with the borrowers and often involve restructuring and work out plans that span an extended period of time during which we work closely with the borrowers and their businesses.

"Cerberus complies with all applicable tax laws and treaties, and there is no basis to criticise our acquisition structures, which are transparent both to the sellers and the applicable regulators and government entities.

The company has faced anger in Northern Ireland over its purchase of National Asset Management Agency loans after it emerged 1900 (1620) was paid in tax on 77 million of profit.

Cerberus is also named in a high-profile court case brought by former Torex Retail chief executive Neil Mitchell, who is suing RBS over allegations it unlawfully conspired with Cerberus and KPMG to force a fire sale of the firm. They deny the claims.
C onsumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser has agreed to buy US baby formula maker Mead Johnson for $16.6 billion (13.2 billion), in a move that the Durex-to-Dettol maker said would result in 200 million of cost savings.

The Nurofen tablets maker updated the City on Friday after it revealed last week that it was in talks to buy Illinois-based Mead, which is behind the Enfamil brand.

Reckitts chief executive Rakesh Kapoor said that the $90-a-share deal would significantly boost the British firms position in China.

It will mean 200 million of savings over three years.

He played down fears that teaming his 37,000 staff with Meads 7,600 would result in redundancies, and said there was hardly any overlap in the UK.

At this point in time there is no discussions around job losses, he said.

The update came as the firm revealed weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue growth of 1%. Analysts had pencilled in a 1.7% rise in like-for-likes.

Reckitt has been hurt by a scandal in South Korea, where the former boss of its division there was sentenced in January to seven years in prison over the sale of a toxic product linked to almost 100 deaths.

Kapoor said the firm was dismayed that its new express pedicure product from Scholl failed to take off, but Harpic and Air Wick performed well.

Full-year sales rose 3%.

Elsewhere, chemicals business Elementis said it had agreed to buy US personal care firm SummitReheis in a $360 million (288 million) deal.

Its purchase of the company will boost its presence in the anti-perspirant market.
T he concerns over the ending of the so-called Dubs amendment scheme, to allow unaccompanied refugees who are minors to enter Britain, show no sign of abating since the Government ended the scheme on Wednesday. The High Court is considering the issue today but the main point is that the Government made a commitment to allow these young and vulnerable refugees to come to Britain and that commitment should be kept. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is among those who have expressed deep concern at ending the scheme.

Granted, the Government did not promise asylum to a specific number of minors  though the understanding among campaigners at the time was that they would number about 3,000, rather than the 350 who have been admitted in practice. Granted, too, that the Dubs scheme is one of eight whereby vulnerable refugees are allowed into the UK. The point remains that the amendment was an acknowledgement of the plight of the young people at risk in the Calais Jungle who are now displaced elsewhere in France. They are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation and deserve our compassion.

The Governments position is in fact right, that our focus should be on helping refugees near their country of origin  in particular, Syria  so they can return home more easily when it is safe to do so. The Dubs amendment is an exception to that rule, to take account of the situation of young refugees in a perilous situation. This paper has never said this should be a permanent concession, lest families be encouraged to send their children alone to undertake this dangerous journey. What the Dubs amendment does do is relieve the plight of the young people already in France. It is premature for the Government to end the scheme; it should think again.

The NHS and social care

The NHS is always under pressure when its this cold; the elderly are especially at risk. But the extent of the problems facing the health service  figures from the BBC suggest nine out of 10 hospitals have unsafe numbers on their wards  goes far beyond seasonal vicissitudes. The Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has responded to criticism by insisting that a big transformation is underway in the NHS but that it would take time. His objective is to move more healthcare to peoples homes and the community, and this is especially apposite for care of the elderly. Figures revealed this week suggest that some old people are kept in hospital for months past their discharge date because there is no provision at home.

This must change. Carers who are family members are too poorly remunerated, especially those who give up work to care for a spouse or parent. Carers provided from local authorities are given as little as half an hour to help wash, dress and provide food for an old person. The Government has now accepted that there is a crisis in social care and the imperative right now is to decide how best it should be funded, whether by local authorities, individual insurance, or general tax. Unless the problem is addressed, the NHS will continue to struggle.

All hail Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webbers place in the pantheon of musical theatre is already secure but last night he equalled the achievement of Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1953 by having four Broadway shows running concurrently  his Sunset Boulevard revival joins Cats, School of Rock and Phantom of the Opera. It is a remarkable reflection of an extraordinary career and a formidable boost for the export of British culture.
T he superb exhibition at the Royal Academy, Revolution: Russian Art 1917-1932, opening tomorrow, is a fabulous display of extraordinary work never seen in Britain before. It is also a timely history lesson about an era that may seem long ago, in a faraway place, but still has profound relevance for us today at a time of deep uncertainty and rapid political change throughout the world. All kinds of historians, as well as policy wonks, are attending hastily convened symposia from Washington to Warsaw with titles along the lines of 2017: Another Revolutionary Year? Some may be without the question mark.

What is so clever and imaginative about the exhibition is how the curators have fused revolutionary aesthetics and revolutionary politics to tell the story of Russias tragic 20th century  how the great hope for a brave new world of social justice and freedom turned into killing fields and Gulag labour camps.

In so many ways, at the start of the revolutionary era, the art and the politics were one, as the Royal Academy show illustrates so well. It is hard to remember now  and politically incorrect to remind people, since we all know how the Marxist experiment failed  but many of the early communists were genuine idealists. They didnt know there would be a Stalinist tyranny or a Mao Zedong, a Pol Pot or a Nicolae Ceausescu.

They believed that when the Tsars autocracy came tumbling down  a process that began 100 years ago next week, on February 22, 1917, as a true expression of the will of the people  there would be an unprecedented era of equality and human rights. They believed socialism would change the worst parts of human nature and a purer, nobler, selfless New Man would emerge.

Many of the artists whose work is on display today in Piccadilly  the futurists such as Vladimir Mayakovsky, the abstract Suprematists such as Kazimir Malevich  bought in to the socialist ideas that would turn Russia upside down. The artists would uplift the masses through beauty and the workers would be fed spiritually, even when real food was rationed. The revolutionary agitators, the politicians, would organise the new state  the artists would look after its soul.

Revolution: Russian Art 1917-1932 1 /6 Revolution: Russian Art 1917-1932 Revolution: Russian Art 1917-1932 Revolution: Russian Art 1917 - 1932 - Royal Academy of Arts 2017. Boris Mikailovich Kustodiev, Bolshevik, 1920 State Tretyakov Gallery Revolution: Russian Art 1917-1932 Kazimir Malevich, Peasants, c. 1930 State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg Revolution: Russian Art 1917-1932 Wassily Kandinsky, Blue Crest, 1917 State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg Revolution: Russian Art 1917-1932 Isaak Brodsky, V.I.Lenin and Manifestation, 1919 Provided with assistance from the State Museum and Exhibition Center ROSIZO Revolution: Russian Art 1917-1932 Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin, Fantasy, 1925 2016, State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg

For a brief period after the Bolsheviks seized power in the second of the Russian Revolutions  in October 1917  there was a burst of exciting, creative energy from the avant-garde and a thrilling era of artistic freedom. But it could not last.

As so often, true faith  Marxism was in essence a religious faith  was subverted by ruthless and cynical demagogues whose only interest was power. And, unlike the naive idealists or artists, they understood how to exert it.

The Russian Revolution was not the first to be betrayed by its own leaders and probably will not be the last. But it is perhaps the costliest betrayal in terms of blood  and much of the world is still living with the consequences today, in Russia, China, Eastern Europe, parts of Africa and Latin America.

The dreaded hand of the leader of the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, is ever-present in the exhibition  as he was in the early revolutionary years. The Soviet state he created was very much in his ascetic image. He had always known that he could not build his socialist utopia by faith alone  Do you think we can do this without firing squads? he asked his clique of conspiratorial commissars rhetorically on the first day of his new regime.

There was repression from the start, a civil war that cost at least three million lives, the creation of a secret police that became the KGB  three letters that almost defined communism in practice. Insecurity led to a paranoid fear of being overthrown that all his successors felt for the next 70 years.

The Bolsheviks had taken power in a putsch that lasted a few hours. They feared it could all disappear just as quickly. These were Lenins legacies. The idealism he once possessed was vanquished by his pragmatism.

Lenin would have loathed at least two-thirds of the exhibits on display at the RA. For one of historys greatest revolutionaries he had deeply conservative tastes, especially on art and literature. I dont understand and hate the futurists, imagists, cubists... and all the other -ists, he told a friend.

But he needed graphic artists for propaganda in a country where most people were illiterate. He needed film- makers. For him art had a purpose  political but also in its way spiritual. Art belongs to the people. It must be understood  by the broad masses, he often said. Hence Socialist Realism  the ultimately utilitarian and conformist art form rigidly imposed by Lenins successors at the expense of any other kinds of work.

First it was the avant-garde painters and writers who were forced out of Russia or driven to suicide. Their work did not fit with the more prosaic and violent times. Then it was the idealistic true believers in the kind of communism Lenin had once espoused who had to be purged. Soon it would be anybody.

It remains an enduring myth on the Left that Lenin was essentially decent and wanted to do good but the revolution was hijacked by a brutal tyrant and madman, Stalin. It may be comforting but untrue. It was Lenin who built a system based on the idea that political terror against opponents was justified for a greater end. It was perfected by Stalin but the ideas were Lenins.

The worst of his evils was to have left a man such as Stalin in a position to lead Russia after him. That was a historic crime.

If in 2017 we are at a revolutionary moment, as many serious thinkers believe in the age of Trump and the new populism, it would not be far-fetched to see the RA show as a timely warning of dangerous times to come.

Just as likely, Soviet-style art will never reappear  go and see spectacular and surprising work from a lost civilisation that disappeared just a few decades ago.

Victor Sebestyens book, Lenin the Dictator: An Intimate Portrait, has just been published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson
G lenn Close hailed Andrew Lloyd Webber as a genius today after he became the first person in more than 60 years to have four Broadway shows running at the same time.

The feat has only been achieved once before  by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1953.

Lloyd Webber, 68, joined the cast and crew on stage as his revival of Sunset Boulevard  starring Close  made its debut at the Palace Theatre in Times Square last night.

He told the Standard it was a great feeling to see it staged in New York with his musicals Cats, The Phantom Of The Opera and School Of Rock. The latter two are also on in the West End.

He said: The only thing I can really say is how extraordinary it is that Broadway has embraced me like this.

High praise: Glenn Close, left, haild Lloyd Webber as a genius / Rex

Cats was first staged in the West End in 1981 and opened in Broadway the following year, taking seven Tony awards. Phantom debuted in the West End in 1986 and opened in Broadway two years later, where it also won seven Tonys and remains the longest-running show.

Lloyd Webber revived Sunset Boulevard last year at the English National Operas Coliseum theatre with Close as tragic diva Norma Desmond.

The actress, 69, said: Its incredible. The only other team that have had four shows on Broadway [on at the same time] is Rodgers and Hammerstein. Andrew really respects and emulates them, and both Andrew and Rodgers and Hammerstein arguably are our greatest.

To know what order of notes to put in a way that always elicits a emotional response is a great gift, its where his genius is. Hes extraordinary and I feel honoured to be in this piece.

The other London leads  Michael Xavier, Siobhan Dillon and Fred Johanson  also transferred to Broadway for the production, directed by Lonny Price. Close lobbied hard for the London cast to cross the Atlantic. Dillon said: Shes an incredible woman and she realises it was all our dreams to perform on Broadway so I owe a lot of this to her. Its a once in a lifetime thing... she is the antithesis of a diva.

School Of Rock, the newest of the four shows, debuted on Broadway in 2015 and opened in the West End last year.
The dream home must be inspiring, comforting and personal to its owner - and the UKs design shops have it all when it comes to investing in the right tools for the job.

From Brighton to Burnham Market, weve scoured the country to find the best destinations for interiors inspiration.

Our edit of shops covers curated studio spaces, stylish independent boutiques and treasure troves of antique curiosities.

Whether youre shopping for your first home, looking to overhaul a tired decor scheme, or you simply fancy a spot of window shopping, theyll certainly make for a great day out.

Utility, Liverpool

Dick Mardsleys smart furniture shop in the heart of Liverpool reads like a whos who of leading British and European contemporary designers. Sitting on trendy Bold Street (aka the Bond Street of the North), Utility stocks everything from iconic designs to future classics - even a total interiors novice would be hard pushed to go wrong shopping here. Mies Van Der Rohes iconic Barcelona chair, Eames rocking chairs and Philippe Starck lamps sit alongside of-the-moment Vegetal stools and panier tables. Naturally, the furniture comes with a hefty price tag - but treat each piece like an art investment.

60 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4EA. utilitydesign.co.uk

Pitfield, London

Interior designer Shaun Clarksons eclectic emporium in Shoreditch is the place to go for all things retro, kitsch and colourful. Inside youll find all manner of unique pieces, from geometric wallpaper to cheery 1970s sofas in yellow and burnt orange. As well as a cafe and exhibition gallery, Clarkson also offers a design service that will help you to scout the for the coolest items for your home.

Shop, cafe and exhibition centre: Pitfield

31-35 Pitfield St, London N1 6HB. pitfieldlondon.com

Dig Haushizzle, Bristol

If Gothic-revival rings your bell then youll love this dark and moody Bristol-based antiques store. The one-of-a-kind shop is filled with all kinds of beautifully curated oddities and curiosities - from bell jars of taxidermied birds of prey to a gallery wall of vintage hand mirrors. The bigger pieces of furniture all run along the themes of rough luxe, industrial and Victoriana. This is where to pick up an Art Deco table, apothecary cabinet or simply pimp out your side tables with their treasure chest of trinkets and decorative pieces.

51 Colston St, Bristol BS1 5AX. dig-haushizzle.co.uk

Oskar, Bristol

Oskar has made a name for itself in the design world by offering the very best pieces from internationally recognised contemporary designers. Pick up chairs from Vitra, lighting from Tom Dixon and Swedese tree coat racks. Youll have the most Instagrammable home in the capital.

47 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol BS8 2LS. www.oskarfurniture.co.uk

House of Hackney, London

If bold prints are your thing, House of Hackney is sure to be your mecca. Founded in 2010 by husband and wife Javvy Royle and Frieda Gormley, their homeware offering ranges from wallpaper to ceramics to lampshades. If you cant decide which to plump for, their famous palm fronds print is a good place to start.

131-132 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JE. houseofhackney.com

Nest, Sheffield

We aren't a big corporate machine, says Nest, we genuinely love what we sell. The Sheffield-based shop and online retailer say their passion is in celebrating the very best of design talent, acting as a pedestal to bring beautiful pieces of furniture to a wider audience. All of their pieces are hand-selected for their future-proof nature - they dont do fashionable, they do timeless. Brands they represent include Artek, Muuto, Flos and Cassina.

9 Parkway Rise, (Off Parkway Dr), Sheffield S9 4WQ. nest.co.uk

I Gigi General Store, Hove

This is one of those shops that you want to move into as soon as you step foot in the door. Laid out like the Pinterest pad of your dreams, I Gigi General Store feels like youre taking a tour of an amazing home. There are candles and crockery as well as bigger pieces of rustic furniture. More temptation lies on the other floors - theres a cafe upstairs and womens boutique in the basement.

37 Western Rd, Hove BN3 1AF. igigigeneralstore.com

Moleta Munro, Edinburgh

Ultra-cool design shop Moleta Munro was set up in 2007 by Juliet Munro and her business partner Justin Baddon. After leaving a job in fashion, Munro took her eye for style to Edinburgh, opening her eponymous shop as a passion project. Their shop is now a destination in its own right, attracting design hunters from across the country who want to snap up the Carl Hansen, Fritz Hansen and Montana pieces they stock. Ideal for those looking to upgrade their IKEA pieces to something more special.

43 London St, Edinburgh EH3 6LX. moletamunro.com

Alex Eagle, London

Part retail shop, part studio, Alex Eagles eponymous Soho shop is a warm and inviting space that is sure to get your creative juices flowing. Which is not surprising really, considering that she is the creative director of The Store X Soho House Berlin and The Store X Soho Farmhouse. The destination space is like taking a tour of someones private home - its easily the best place to get inspiration on everything from your next favourite book to your next favourite artist (the loft studio also doubles as a gallery with a revolving programme of exhibitions).

6-10 Lexington St, Soho, London W1F 0LB. alexeagle.co.uk

The Lollipop Shoppe, Brighton

There are two Lollipop Shoppes in the UK - one in London and one in Brighton. Named after a 1960s American garage band, the brand prides itself on championing interesting, quirky and aesthetically pleasing pieces from a variety of names. Design lovers will find Vitra, Tom Dixon and Carl Hansen & Son alongside a smaller, independent brands you might not have yet heard of. They stock smaller gifts too, such as candles, prints and stationery.

Kings Road Arches, 54-57, Brighton BN1 2LN. thelollipopshoppe.co.uk

Aram Store, London

Zeev Arams showroom set London alight when it first opened in 1964. Today its still one of the most inspiring places in the capital to pick up contemporary design pieces. There are table and chairs, lamps and storage to drool over, as well as a whole floor dedicated to new work by designers that are still relatively unknown.

110 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5SG. aram.co.uk

West Elm, London

Since it launched in Brooklyn in 2002, West Elm has been the go-to for many homeowners - they pretty much have any interior design need covered. Mid-century side table? Check. Copper bar? Check. Velvet duvet cover? Check. Keep an eye out on their website for sale reductions too.

209 Tottenham Court Rd, Fitzrovia, London W1T 7PN. westelm.co.uk

AG Hendy & Co, Hastings

Stepping into A G Hendy & Co is almost like stepping back in time. This three-storey townhouse has been converted into a beautiful home shop that feels like walking around the scullery of a grand period house. There are beautifully organised brooms, buckets and dinnerware as well as scissors, towels and feather dusters. Upstairs you can snoop around an antique office while the top floor is home to the rustic bathroom of your dreams, complete with freestanding copper bath.

36 High St, Hastings TN34 3ER. aghendy.com

HAY, Bath

Danish design collective HAY aspires to revive Danish furniture design from its peak era during the 1950s, fused with its own modern aesthetic. Hay opened its first shop in the UK in Bath three years ago, in a former bank inside a Georgian building on historic Milton Street. They offer contemporary and design-led homeware, furniture and accessories at an accessible price point.

36-37 Milsom St, Bath BA1 1DN. hayminimarket.com

Jasper Morrison, London

This understated Kingsland Road boutique is the outpost of celebrated industrial designer Jasper Morrison. It sells smart and functional kitchen products with an emphasis towards simple and practical design. He describes the shop as 'an idealistic showroom', stocking products that do the job properly, rather than existing to look pretty. But dont worry - they look great too.

Jasper Morrison in Hoxton - press image

24 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DA. jaspermorrison.com

Mint, London

Every piece in Mint is meticulously hand-picked for the shop. Owner Lina Kanafani puts an emphasis on showcasing the latest emerging talents and she regularly commissions artists and designers to create one-off and limited edition pieces exclusively. The vast two-floor space presents an eclectic mix of modern furniture, all laid out with exceptional attention to detail. As youd imagine, the prices arent cheap, so this is where to head if youre after a truly special glory piece.

2 North Terrace, Kensington, London SW3 2BA. mintshop.co.uk

Willow & Stone, Cornwall

Youll never have thought that youd be the type of person that gets excited about door knobs until you visit this lovely little shop off the harbour in Falmouth. The independent ironmongers specializes in period door knobs and antique door furniture. As well as brass letter boxes and lions head door knockers, they also sell all sorts of lighting, unusual gifts and stationery.

18 Arwenack St, Falmouth TR11 3JD. willowandstone.co.uk

The Conran Shop, London

Since its inception in the 70s, Terence Conrans shop has been the place to go for stylish living. A unique and personal blend of furniture, Conrans keen eye for design is still very much at the heart of the brand, even though son Jasper is now at the helm. Much of the stock is exclusive, so head here if you want something your friends won't be able to easily copy.

Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6RD. conranshop.co.uk

Lassco, Oxfordshire

Part showroom, part restaurant, the sister outpost to the Vauxhall salvage shop is chock full of rare antique pieces. Here you'll be able to find marble busts, ornate vases, hanging tapestries and other unusual or unique items to bring your home to life.

London Road, Milton Common, Oxfordshire OX9 2JN. lassco.co.uk

Labour & Wait, London

Many of the designers behind the creations on sale at Labour & Wait still use traditional manufacturing techniques. This timeless shop sells honest and wholesome designs for modern daily life - from shed staples to quirky and unique kitchenware.

85 Redchurch St, London E2 7DJ. www.labourandwait.co.uk

Caro, Somerset

Bruton is the town that celebrities just cant keep away from, and while theyre there, they pop into Caro to browse the offering of ceramics, soft furnishings and trendy skincare. Set up by former trend forecaster Natalie Jones, the Scandi shop sells a lifestyle, one that will make you want to hunker down with a cup of coffee and a stack of stylish coffee table books. Last year the shop also expanded to include a design-friendly B&B upstairs.

9 Quaperlake St, Bruton BA10. carosomerset.com

Skandium, London

If you love all things Scandinavian, there is no better place to go than Skandium. All minimal and chic, this Nordic emporium stocks furniture, ceramics, lighting and glass. Items are made to be durable and versatile, with an emphasis on simplicity. A must for those who are looking to bring a sense of Lagom to their space this year.

245-249 Brompton Road, London, SW3 2EP. skandium.com

Birdie Fortescue, Norfolk

Burnham Market isnt short of stylish staycationers, and interior designer Birdie Fortescue has capitalised on the influx of well-heeled visitors with her country kitchen-vibing shop. She stocks a hand picked selection of pieces, not usually found in the UK - a mix of both painted and polished antique furniture and contemporary homeware.

The Warehouse, 16-18 North Street, Burnham Market, Norfolk, PE31 8HG. birdiefortescue.co.uk
L ondon is not prudish. Ours is a proudly liberal city populated by tense high- achievers. Duly, the combination has always created a healthy enthusiasm for sin. We are unashamed  indeed, conversely, it is romance that we find mortifying. Every year, as the Valentines Day juggernaut careers into town scattering confetti and sincerity, we respond by rolling our eyes with exaggerated disdain before continuing to waggle our tongues lasciviously and letting our eyes linger too long.

But this season, quotidian sin has taken a high-octane turn  one involving whips, chains and handcuffs. Childish innuendo has given way to explicit demands; nipples are chasing freedom for personal rather than political reasons. We are winking at strangers and sexting wantonly on the Tube. London has gone a bit Fifty Shades.

It started, unexpectedly, with Taylor Swift and Zayn Malik. Individually they are an all-American sweetheart and a former member of a determinedly sanitised boyband invented for tweens. But together, in the music video for the soundtrack to the new Fifty Shades film, they are lust personified.

Obviously this is the soundtrack to a film about BDSM  the sex was never going to be implied. But Taylor and Zayn do not rest on their laurels: they really give it one. Crucially, the video was shot at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in Kings Cross  which means it is Londons sex tape, basically. Sure, it is a very stylised one with high production values that does not actually feature any sex. But its influence in Londons latest sexual awakening is not inconsiderable.

The city also owes some debt to Apple Tree Yard, the BBC thriller that is both celebrated and maligned; it shows a sex scene taking place within the Palace of Westminster. If the millennials are getting their rocks off to Taylor and Zayn, political wonks are fantasising about taking someone into the broom cupboard and thrashing it out with more energy than is customary at PMQs.

The raunchy mood has animated other hotels besides the Renaissance, which have sexed up their offerings for this years Valentines Day. Granted, the average Londoner will not be checking into a five-star room next Tuesday evening but the packages might be seen as a bellwether of our proclivities.

London's sexual awakening: Taylor Swift cavorts in the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in Kings Cross

Formerly, hotels offered limp proposal packages proffering obedient butlers and fragrant bouquets, elegantly rendered but sexless in their formality. This years offerings are saucier. South Place Hotel near Aldgate is offering a one-night Valentines package including a Koibito love kit  which contains massage oil and a tickling feather. Moreover, all the hotels bedrooms have blackout blinds for channelling the low light of the Tayn/Zaylor video. There will also be a selection of complimentary risque films and a James Bondage Kit, including a vibrating gold finger and PVC bondage tape, explains South Places assistant head of concierge  and romance guru  Cristina Pazo Campos.

The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell has devised a menage a trois cocktail menu for those who have recruited a third member for their Valentines Day celebrations. Meanwhile, the Mondrian on the South Bank suggests its lovers create their own abstract piece of art. The package is called Love and Paint; couples are invited to check in to one of the hotels suites, where they will be presented with a black canvas, three jars of body paint, a brush and slippers. What happens next is entirely up to the couple, reads the events billing. What happens on the canvas, stays on the canvas.

Fifty Shades Darker is released in cinemas this weekend

It does, until one of you  loaded on the included bottle of Perrier-Jouet  broadcasts the whole thing on Instagram Stories. No worries: a little live-streaming slap and tickle is consistent with the libidinous mood.

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Of course, while the capital is kinky, its inclinations arent tacky. Each package includes a (figurative) pinch of salt with its (literal) serving of sauce. We adopt Fifty Shades with an appreciation of irony; ultimately, we are having too much fun with the tickling feather to worry too much about what it symbolises. Everything is  of course  consensual and respectful.

It is also intelligent, and we indulge an academic appreciation of the carnal. Ultimately, learning the theory is important for its application. Much of Londons erudite set were at General Assemblys Future of Dating, Sex and Tech panel at The Hoxton, Shoreditch, on Tuesday, where the panel considered AI seduction and virtual-reality pornography.

Fifty Shades Darker - Trailer 2

Farmacy in Notting Hill is hosting a Tantra, cocktails and conscious breathing workshop on Valentines, held by therapist Katia Boustani. The two-hour session will cover topics including increasing your libido and sexual drive, elongating and empowering your orgasms and simple Tantric exercises for couples to enjoy and then take home and apply that night. You are duly reassured there will be no nudity during this workshop. Shame.

The Book Club in Shoreditch is planning a new monthly event series, promising it will cover everything that school sex education missed out. This is not the same as watching your anguished geography teacher ease a condom over a banana  sweat beading at his temples, palms like clumsy hams  but an open approach to the sensual that doesnt take away any of the fun.

The first session, on February 21, entitled Kissing, Cuddling and Pegging: Oh My, What Millennial Men Get Up to on Friday Night, examines modern masculinity and sexuality; the next, BDSM for beginners, features a star turn from performance artist and sex educator Master Dominic. Shy novices are reassured that there will be no audience participation.

Current affairs: Ben Chaplin as Mark Costley and Emily Watson as Yvonne Carmichael in the BBCs Apple Tree Yard / BBC/Kudos/Nick Briggs

Later in the year there will be a talk focused specifically on female pleasure  hosted by no-nonsense representatives from Ladies Come First. Guests are promised homework: cunnilingus and colouring in. Incidentally, in the spirit of inclusion, Nineties erotic emporium Sh! is inviting all genders to the shops basement for the first time over Valentines weekend.

Obviously, none of these plans involves actually seeing the new Fifty Shades. The consensus is that it is limp and unerotic, and that if your worst kink amounts to watching it, then you are incorrigibly vanilla. There is little lewd inspiration to be taken from the tacky rendering of a boring relationship between two unimaginative characters.

If you do need visuals to get off, the Barbican is screening Les Biches, a titillating French film about a threesome, and the Prince Charles Cinema is showing lovers-on-the-run film True Romance. Thrills and real chemistry can be assured.

Buckle up  literally  because Londons on a darkly seductive bent. These sins arent deadly, theyre thrilling.

@phoebeluckhurst
F or their first date, Stuart Wheeler took Tessa Codrington to Aspinalls Casino in Mayfair. He lost 2,000 to his friend, financier James Goldsmith, in a catastrophic coin-tossing game but he must have done something right because, he says: Tessa married me. She was rather fascinated by the casino.

Stuart, 82, went on to make what he calls a great deal of money from his spread-betting firm IG Index and he had a three-year stint as Ukip treasurer from 2011 to 2014 (They never had any money but that wasnt to do with me, he says). By his side for 37 years was his wife Tessa, a bohemian who moved to Tangier to be a photographer in the Sixties because, she said, I just knew I didnt want to be a secretary and wore bright silks on the school run to pick up their daughters  Charlotte, who is in communications, the supermodel Jacquetta, and Sarah, who works in art.

Just before Christmas, Tessa died aged 72 after 10 years living with neuroendocrine cancer.

Stuart was 44 when he met Tessa at a dinner party another girl had taken me to. Im a bookmaker so I rated the chances of me getting married and thought Id better do something about it. So I took out a different girl every evening but none of them were Tessa. He proposed nine months after that casino trip, in bed.

They were an unlikely couple. Tessa and I had completely different interests. She was interested in horses and Morocco. Im interested in poker, politics, Brexit and all that, but we seemed to work it out. We were far too sensible for me to try to teach her poker.

The Wheeler family

I never discussed betting with Tessa except once, says Stuart, ordering red wine to go with our lunch at the Army and Navy club and pushing his greens to side of his plate. She was in bed and I told her Id just made a million pounds. You might have thought shed find that pretty interesting but she said Well done darling, now about the horses.

Tessa wasnt the sort to worry tremendously about what others did. When I gave a quarter of a million pounds to the Conservatives, she told my daughters Id gone mad but she didnt object to it.

Stuart continues: Tessa had a rare gift for getting on with people terribly well. If we had people to dinner, shed launch off into a story with great energy and end it with a very nice laugh that I could recognise from the other end of the table.

Despite not being too keen on Nigel Farage, Tessa agreed to have Ukip fundraising dinners in Chilham Castle, Kent, where she and Stuart lived. Funnily enough Tessa went to her grave without telling anyone how she voted in the EU referendum. I suspect out.

Stuart was on his way to Las Vegas for a poker tournament when Tessa told him she had been diagnosed with cancer in 2007. She told me it was rare and extremely slow-moving. I didnt like the idea but I knew nothing would happen quickly. Cancer is a horrible word, you think of something awful but for a long time it didnt affect her life. She was infinitely fitter than I was. Stuart went to every one of her doctors appointments. He also tried to apply gambling logic to his wifes unpredictable disease. As a betting man, I did consider all the time what the chances were. Towards the end I knew there was a significant danger but I thought she was more likely to survive than not. In the end she didnt. There you are.

In November last year she had an operation to remove a tumour in her liver, which she didnt recover from. Stuart stayed with her in hospital and says: When she was so ill I found it much easier to tell her I loved her than I normally would, I dont know why.

Tessa grew up in Rutland, where her father was the Lord Lieutenant. When she was 17, her sister was killed in a riding accident, aged 21. Her father died just weeks later. Stuart speaks about how traumatic that time was for her.

When Stuart was wooing Tessa she took him to her house in Tangier for Christmas. It was a hard sell: Im a typical English public schoolboy so I didnt particularly like Tangier but Tessas house was lovely. It was supposed to be this wonderful climate but it rained solidly. We had a nice time though. She adored it there  they had these totally informal parties with all the gays.

Back in the UK, Tessa was reluctant to leave London. But she took to Kent, setting up a successful equestrian centre. Stuart was amazed when Tessa agreed to move to Chilham, which seemed a nice castle. She threw herself into it and as a wonderful host  theres not much point having a big place like that and not putting some people in it.

Stuart considered staging a ghost to come to the castle but it was prohibitively expensive. Tessa, full of mischief, matched his manouevring. She played a joke on her husband by sending a stripagram nun to his office with a fake writ claiming that his spread-betting firm was inducing a priest to gamble away church funds. It took me ages to see what was happening, he remembers with a twinkle. On another occasion, Tessa brought page-three girls to my birthday lunch. She was good fun.

They were proud of Jacquettas modelling, provided she did her GCSEs too. She was one of the top models in the world, a Gucci girl, laughs Stuart. Now shes old, 35, past it.

Stuart is in touch with Farage, who he describes as a tremendous mixture. Hes extreme in having strong good qualities and pretty bad bad qualities. Hes a brilliant speaker, highly intelligent, highly articulate, bags of energy, well-informed. On the other hand, he can behave unbelievably badly.

Stuart made quite a number of thousand pounds betting on a Leave vote but nothing compared to what I gave the campaign. He was taken aback to see his daughters friends downheartened by the result. Sarahs friend, a highly intelligent barrister, told me he couldnt see any silver lining. Fascinating. I hadnt realised how strongly people felt.

Is Ukip more fun than the Tories? You could say that. You could say its work is done now that weve had the referendum but Labour is in such disarray and Paul Nuttall would be perfect at getting votes in the North so Ukip has a chance of taking over from Labour.

Stuart is amused that Jeremy Corbyn is the favourite to be the next Prime Minister, its because there are so many potential Conservative candidates, but only Corbyn for Labour. If I thought Corbyn was going to be PM, I dont know what Id do. Before he took all my money, Id try to get it abroad. Not that I have much left  the biggest mistake of my life was selling my companies when I did. They went up 15 times in value after I sold them.

He doesnt think much of Trump and is torn on Theresa May. The Spectator got it right calling her Mrs. Maybe. She seems nervous, a bad sign in poker. Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan told Stuart to write to the Prime Minister asking to discuss his concerns three months ago. Hes yet to receive a reply. Somebody probably intercepted it or Theresa May said I havent got time to see Stuart, but David Davis, keep him happy because he might be a donor.

Stuart is quickly learning about running Chilham, which Tessa took care of, and wants to continue her charity work. His new flat in St Jamess Square needs decorating too. Tessa was going to do it because I have no taste at all.

She was a very likeable character, my wife. We were both undemonstrative so we didnt tell each other how we felt but I was certainly proud of her. We were independent but I dont think that stopped us loving each other very much.

Follow Susannah Butter on Twitter: @susannahbutter
C ounter-terror police have arrested a man at Gatwick Airport as he disembarked from a flight from Iraq.

The 44-year-old man from Hertfordshire was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack, Scotland Yard said.

Officers from the Counter Terrorism Command said they stopped the man, who was flying back from Iraq, under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act.

After questioning the suspect, police arrested him under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

Police said he was arrested under the governments terrorism prevention programme PACE and has been taken to a central London police station where he remains in custody.
A military historian has been jailed for stealing a log book from the widow of an RAF airman who was a member of the Dambusters squadron.

Alexander Bateman, 48, of Headstone Lane, Harrow, was sentenced to two years in prison at Wood Green Crown Court in north London on Friday.

Bateman was found guilty of stealing the treasured book, worth 10,000, following a five-day trial in January.

The log book, which belonged to the late Sergeant John Fraser, has never been found and Bateman has refused to tell police what happened to it.

The log book / PA

Sergeant Fraser's daughter, Shere Lowe, 60, who flew over from Washington in the United States for the hearing, blasted Bateman for his "cruel charade" as she spoke in court.

Sentencing, Judge John Dodd QC said: "I consider this to be a despicable offence involving, as it did, abusing the trust placed in you, presenting yourself as a genuine historian, by the widow of a war hero.

He said it "remains a mystery" what he had done with the log book, which he described as an "important historical artefact".

Doris Fraser, 92, the widow of Sgt Fraser, sent the log book to the historian after he contacted her in 1996 as part of his research into the airmen involved in the Dambusters RAF squadron.

Several years later he contacted Ms Lowe, who was unaware her father's log book had been previously loaned to Bateman.

She asked for it to be returned in January 2003, having never seen it herself, but when an envelope arrived from Bateman it had been carefully cut open at the bottom.

Her mother was "physically sick" when she realised the log book was missing, Ms Lowe said.

Shere Lowe holds a picture of her late father Sergeant John Fraser outside Wood Green Crown Court / PA

He initially claimed the log book must have been lost, but then said that he had recovered it from the Post Office.

Bateman then told the family he had been gifted the log book and later produced a Christmas card he claimed was from the victim which appeared to confirm his story of ownership.

In June 2003, after he was told a report on the missing log book would appear in the national press, he reported a burglary at his address and alleged intruders had stolen it.

Bateman had previously been cautioned for theft in February 2003 for stealing two documents and a badge from the National Archives, prosecutor Jollyon Robertson said.

He was also convicted in May last year for six counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possession.

Undated collect photo of Sergeant John Fraser / PA

In a statement outside court, Ms Lowe said it had been a "long 14 years".

"My father was a great and brave man. To the world he may have been a hero, to us he was so much more, he was devoted husband and he was Dad," she said.

"The stolen log book to anyone else is just a commodity. To us, it was a reminder of a loved and cherished man.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
A woman was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted by a stranger in a terrifying attack in a west London park.

The victim was sitting on a park bench in Bourne Park, next to Bourne Primary School in Ruislip, when a stranger approached her.

When she stood up to leave, the man grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her.

Police said it was a serious attack as they appeal for the public's help to find the suspect.

The assault happened at around 9pm on Tuesday evening and was reported to police at around 11.15pm.

The suspect is described as an Asian man in his late 20s to early 30s, around 5ft 8in tall and of medium build.

He was wearing a dark-coloured hoodie, maroon-coloured check shirt and dark trousers, police said. He had a goatee-style beard.

No one has yet been arrested and police are still making inquiries.

Police are asking anyone with any information to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A teenager who supplied ecstasy that killed a 17-year-old friend is the son of a top planning consultant behind the London Olympics canoeing centre, the Standard has learned.

A-level student Emily Lyon collapsed after taking the banned drug at a music event in the O2 last June.

She was taken to hospital but doctors could not save her and she died a short time later. Luke Villars, 18, was arrested in Kingston the next day. He admitted supplying MDMA, the pure form of ecstasy, to Emily and three others at the event but yesterday walked free from court.

His father Phil, 53, is managing director of Indigo Planning.

Walked free from court: Luke Villars

He is described as a visible member of the London business community and was lead consultant on securing planning permission for the 2012 Games canoe slalom venue, the Lee Valley White Water Centre. His clients include West Ham United and Royal Bank of Scotland. He previously worked as a chartered town planner for Kensington & Chelsea and Bromley boroughs.

Emily, from Teddington, bought the drug from his son in Esher on June 17. The promising Esher College student had gone to the Red Bull Culture Clash DJ competition and fell ill.

Top planning consultant: Phil Villars

A post-mortem examination found the medical cause of death was attributable to taking MDMA.

Villars, who attended Grey Court School in Ham, was handed a 12-month jail sentence suspended for two years by Woolwich crown court.

In addition, he was given a four-month curfew and will have to stay at his parents house in New Malden, as well as wear an electronic tag and do 80 hours unpaid work.

Luke Villars' father Phil was a planning consultant on the London 2012 canoe slalom venue / Bruce Adams/Daily Mail

His father, who sits on the exam board for two masters courses in planning and sustainability at Kingston University, today declined to speak of the case.

Chief Superintendent Simon Dobinson, Greenwich Borough Commander, said: This tragic case highlights the very real risks involved in both taking and supplying these types of drugs.

In this instance, we have seen the most devastating of consequences  a young girl losing her life needlessly, with family and friends having to adjust to changes in their lives which were never expected and which no one should have to experience. Villars clearly believed his culpability ended when he supplied the drugs but he has been held to account for his actions.

Following her death, Emilys father Stephen, 50, said: She was a wonderful, vibrant young lady  a loving daughter and a caring sister, who was much adored by her vast circle of friends.

It can be seen how these so called recreational substances can result in such tragic consequences for so many people. Those who take them can pay the ultimate price. Today he declined to comment on the sentence, calling it not something we wish to discuss.

Tragic case: Emily Lyon fell ill at the Red Bull Culture Clash DJ competition at the O2 / Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images

Emily was described as a sports- loving and popular Year 12 student who had been working part-time in a shoe shop to save money for university.

Her mother Carol Needham, 51, said: Emily was a lovely, happy person. She had hundreds of friends and there have been hundreds of tributes to her. She was much loved by everybody.

A boy of 16 at the O2 event was also taken to hospital suffering from what were believed to be the effects of taking illegal drugs. Four other teenagers were also treated as a precaution.

A friend of the Villars family said the case had deeply affected them.

He added: The boy is trying to get on with his life. The family have not spoken much about what happened but they are obviously hurting.
T his arsenal of firearms is among the dozens of weapons that have been taken off Londons streets during the Mets latest gun amnesty.

Since Monday 45 weapons have been surrendered across the capital as part of the Give Up Your Gun campaign, including shotguns, revolvers, rifles and handguns, Scotland Yard said.

Detectives from the Mets gang unit today urged anyone still in possession of an illegal firearm to hand it in before the amnesty ends on Sunday night.

People giving up their gun will not have to give their details to officers, although the weapon may be forensically checked for evidence.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Stokley, of the Mets Trident and Area Crime Command, said: Weve had a good response from the public in the first three days of the gun surrender. As a result, a number of dangerous guns have been taken off the streets of London.

Met Police gun amnesty - LL pkg

I would urge anyone else who is in possession of an illegal firearm to visit their local 24-hour police station during the final days of the campaign.

If you hold on to an illegal gun, you are putting yourself and your loved ones in danger and you are likely to be arrested and face at least five years in jail.

The surrender ends on Sunday at 11pm.

Met Police Give Up Your Gun campaign

Firearms can be handed in at any of the Mets 24-hour police stations, which are listed at: www.met.police.uk/giveupyourgun.
T wo police officers were taken to hospital after they were attacked with a blunt object during a drugs raid in south-east London, Scotland Yard has said.

The officers, from the Greenwich borough, were attempting to carry out a raid on a premises in Lee on Thursday night.

Scotland Yard said two or three suspects, all men, fled as they approached the premises in Courtlands Avenue shortly after 8pm.

The officers were struck with a heavy object, leaving them with head and facial injuries as the men fled the scene.

They were taken to a south London hospital and later discharged.

Class A drugs and cannabis were discovered at the property and police enquiries established it was being used as part of a drugs supply operation.

Police said a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of the drugs in the early hours of Friday. He was taken into custody at a south London police station.

Officers were trying to trace at least one outstanding suspect.
A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after another woman plunged ten floors to her death from an east London apartment block.

Residents told of hearing aggressive shouting before the 35-year-old victim fell from a top floor flat at the smart new-build block in Bow yesterday.

Police cordoned off the scene outside Massey House, in Guy Townsley Square, where flats are rented for more than 1,800-a-month, shortly after the incident at about 11.20am.

Paramedics attempted CPR on the victim but she was pronounced dead at the scene and her body was covered with a blanket and black tarpaulin.

A 32-year-old female was yesterday arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed pending further inquiries, police said.

A forensics tent at the scene of the incident in Bow

They said the victims death was still being treated as unexplained.

Several neighbours said they heard a commotion from the tenth-floor flat before the woman was seen on the ground after falling from a side window.

One neighbour said: I heard a female voice shouting in a very aggressive manner. I also heard a big bang and looked down out of the window and I saw the lady on the ground.

The ambulance came very quickly and they were administering CPR but she wasnt moving and it was obvious she was dead. They covered her in a blanket and tarpaulin.

Another neighbour said: We just heard a lot of shouting which must have been going on for about five or ten minutes. Someone then went to go and alert the caretaker, but by that point the womans body was on the ground. We are all shocked.

Other residents described how the woman who lives at the flat rushed into the communal corridor in hysterics after the plunge.

One said: The woman who rents the flat where it happened came out and was hysterical, saying that her and the woman [who fell] had been having breakfast together.

A Met spokesman said: We were called at 11.23am on Thursday February 9 to Massey House to reports of a woman fallen from a height.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. A woman, believed to be in her 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Next of kin have been informed. A woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to an east London police station.

At this early stage the death is being treated as unexplained.
A top east London headteacher has been suspended over claims of exam fixing.

Mark Keary, the principal of Green Spring Academy Shoreditch  formerly Bethnal Green Academy - is one of a number of staff who have been suspended.

Mr Keary is reportedly the third highest headteacher in the country, with a salary of 220,000 per year.

The school made headlines two years ago when three teenage girls from the academy fled to Syria to join Islamic State.

In a statement, the trust, told the Standard: "An investigation into alleged misconduct in relation to some examinations has found irregularities.

"The trustees are taking the matter very seriously and are working with the authorities to address concerns and safeguard students taking exams at the academy this year.

"The trust has taken the decision to suspend a number of staff and, in light of this, additional leadership support is being brought in."

The school converted to an academy in January 2012. An Ofsted inspection report from 2013 found the school to be outstanding in all four main areas. In 2012, 90 per cent of students achieved five or more grade A* to C GCSE qualifications.

Bethnal Green Academy was also where the infamous Kray twin gangsters went to school.
N ew phone boxes with touch screen journey planners and high-speed Wi-Fi are set to be installed in 13 London boroughs this year.

New World Payphones will also plant a tree for every one of the 750 phone boxes it replaces.

The phone boxes will be installed in Barking, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Croydon, Enfield, Haringey, Harrow, Hillingdon, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth throughout 2017.

Professor Nigel Linge of the University of Salford's telecommunication programme said: "It's often said that mobile phones have caused the death of the public phone box, I would argue that this new model proves that mobiles have actually prompted the evolution of the phone box.

New design: Phone boxes to be installed across the capital / New World Payphones

"Our communication needs are always evolving. This model meets the demand for enabling modern communication, while keeping one foot in the past with a design steeped in history.

"It is a technological and aesthetically-pleasing success and will ensure that phone boxes will retain their ubiquitous presence on our high streets for years to come."

Phone boxes first appeared in 1912 when the General Post Office absorbed private telephone companies in Britain in a bid to find a single design for a national kiosk.

The K2 designed followed in 1926 with its blue metropolitan police telephone box, designed by Sir Gillbert Scott.

Next was the K6 with nearly 8,000 kiosks installed across the UK from 1936. Many of the red telephone boxes were then removed or replaced by BT branded versions.

Watch the video above to see the new design and the history of phoneboxes explained.
P imlico Plumbers today lost an appeal over the employment status of a former worker.

Garry Smith wanted to reduce his working days at the London-based company following a heart attack.

The Court of Appeal agreed with a tribunal that said he was entitled to basic workers rights although he was technically self-employed.

These would include the national minimum wage and paid holiday and the ability to bring discrimination claims.

His solicitor Jacqueline McGuigan said todays court decision could affect other workers in the so-called gig economy, such as delivery drivers.

We are absolutely delighted. The decision brings welcome clarity to the issue of employment status relating to work in parts of the economy, she said.

Mr Smith worked for Pimlico Plumbers as a plumber for six years until 2011, when he claims he was dismissed following a heart attack.

Lawyers believe the decision will have a significant impact on the gig economy, which has seen a huge increase in the number of people working under self-employed contracts.

Pimlico Plumbers boss Charlie Mullins said outside the court: I am happy. This gives some clarity.

We will be looking at the full judgment and there is a good chance we will appeal to the Supreme Court.
T he leaders of Britains five most polluted cities today urged Theresa May to take urgent action to clean up the countrys toxic air.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan joined forces with the leaders of four other English cities  Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham and Derby  to call on the Prime Minister to bring in a Clean Air Act for the 21st century.

They said enshrining the right to clean air in law after the UK leaves the European Union should be a priority.

The cities were identified in 2015 by the Department of the Environment as having breached legal limits for air pollution, believed to contribute to the early deaths of 40,000 people a year.

Ministers are considering how to bring in Clean Air Zones for each of the five cities by 2020 to help tackle their poisonous air.

In a joint letter, the city leaders set out a range of demands, including making car manufacturers more accountable with zero tolerance of malpractice and a national minimum emissions standard for minicabs.
A young girl drowned in the pool of a five-star Moroccan hotel on the first day of a family holiday, an inquest heard.

Jasmine Warner, five, was found at the bottom of the pool steps at the Aqua Fun Hotel, in Marrakech, last August.

Her mother Lesley Ogunduyile, an office administrator, had left her at the side of the outdoor pool with her then-partner while speaking to other members of the group, the inquest heard.

Jasmine is thought to have run down the steps after taking off her armbands, which she could not swim without.

Outlining the events of August 18, Poplar coroner Jacqueline Devonish said: The evidence has been that there were lifeguards around the pool but they had left. This was already 6.45pm.

We were told Jasmine was excited to get in the pool, as all children would be.

"Frantic": Mother Lesley Ogunduyile

Ms Ogunduyile went into the pool with Jasmine, the inquest heard. Ms Devonish said: She was used to wearing armbands when she went into the pool and throughout the time she was in the pool initially.

You told me you were in a big group of nine adults and seven children and at that time the whole group was around the pool area.

You eventually got out of the pool and took Jasmine with you to dry her off and got her to sit on the side in her swimsuit. You went to speak to other adults in the group. You left your then-partner to look after her on the sun loungers.

You were away for seven minutes. As you came back there were still children playing in the pool. You were looking around and could not see Jasmine.

She was not sitting where you left her or in the pool. You got frantic and were shouting. She was found at the bottom of the pool at the bottom of the steps.

There were two doctors on holiday and they assisted. You said the ambulance [wait] was between 45 to 60 minutes. At that stage there was a faint heartbeat.

She was taken to hospital and you were told she was stable. She was hooked up to a machine that was doing her breathing for her.

The doctors said they could not find brain activity and could not wake her up. They told you there was nothing they could do and had to turn off the machine. Unfortunately, Jasmine passed away in the early hours of August 19 at 12.20am.

Ms Devonish recorded a verdict of accidental death. She said: No other family member saw anything and none of the children saw anything.

Jasmine got off the chair and wandered down the steps. That is the likely scenario. She came running down the stairs and she stepped down.

She would be immersed immediately. She was not a swimmer. She always had her mum at her side.
H EARTS will break across Islington today after Greek finance stud Yanis Varoufakis, pictured, confessed that he doesnt think his old friend Jeremy Corbyn is on the path to electoral success. The chances that he will become prime minister any time soon are slim, were the devastating words from the rock-star economist. Speaking to Al Jazeeras Mehdi Hasan yesterday, Corbyns one-time adviser pointed to deep divisions within the Labour Party. Et tu, Yanis?

As with so many break-ups, the early signs were there. In March last year, Varoufakis appeared to distance himself from holding an official role with Corbyn. Im a full-time active politician. As such, I could not be advising another politician, the former finance minister told CNBC. So I am talking to Jeremy Corbyn because he talks to me. Something of a one-sided relationship, then.

Hes not the first economic adviser to abandon Corbyn, with Danny Blanchflower accusing the Labour leader of playing idiotic games in the aftermath of the EU vote, and five more of his advisers publishing an open letter accusing the leader of not campaigning strongly enough during the referendum. The heady early days of the Varoufakis/Labour Party romance seem a long way off. Will we ever see the two astride a stage to rapturous applause again?
P lans for Donald Trump to address MPs in Parliament during his state visit to the UK later this year have been abandoned.

The US president will not address Parliament during his state visit after officials quietly shelved plans for him to speak, The Guardian reported.

His controversial visit to the UK is now expected to run from a Thursday to a Sunday in late summer or early autumn, according to the newspaper.

A source told the Guardian that officials were trying to ensure that Mr Trump was not in London when parliament is sitting in order to avoid "a formal snub".

Parliament will be in summer recess until September 5 followed by another month-long adjournment for the party conferences from September 15.

It comes after John Bercow, the Speaker of the House, said he would block an invitation for Mr Trump to address Parliament because of his racism and sexism.

Tory James Duddridge has tabled a parliamentary motion of no confidence in him as Speaker and said his comments about Mr Trump has overstepped the mark.

Mr Trump is currently hosting Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister, in the White House.
M ore than 1,500 London schools will have their budgets slashed as a result of the governments disastrous new funding formula, it was claimed today.

The Governments attempts to rebalance education funding across the UK will see huge losses to London, with schools in the constituencies of East Ham, West Ham and Bethnal Green & Bow losing around 4.4m, according to new analysis by London Councils.

Conservative MP Bob Neill, co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for London, said the revised National Funding Formula risks dragging Londons academic standards down.

He said: London Councils figures suggest that 1,536 schools in London will see a reduction if the formula goes ahead, 70 per cent of the total number of schools. This would have a disastrous impact on education standards in the capital.

A breakdown of the proposed funding changes reveal that 18 London constituencies will see cuts to every single schools budget.

Ten of those constituencies will have total losses of 2.3 million or more.

All 48 West Ham schools will lose out, with total budget cuts across its schools amounting to 4.4m. Bermondsey & Old Southwark, Hackney North & Stoke Newington, Lewisham East and Poplar & Limehouse also suffer financial losses.

The winners in the funding reforms are Ilford South, where 25 out of its 26 schools see budget increases totalling 4.9m, Croydon Central, which gets 4.4m for 26 out of its 33 schools and Croydon North, which receives 3.8m to help 31 of its 36 schools.

Rushanara Ali, MP for Bethnal Green & Bow, said: My constituency has the highest rate of child poverty in the country and its the most unequal place in the country and despite all of that we have turned around education.

The Government should be learning from the success story and ensuring all schools around the country level up and invest in the next generation. Instead they are punishing success, and they are taking precious resources away.

Steve Reed MP, co-chair of the APPG for London, said they are urging government to revise their proposals and invest an extra 335m per year nationally.

He said: This amounts to just a one per cent increase of the schools budget, would mean every school in London and across the country is protected from funding cuts linked to the introduction of the National Funding Formula.

A Department for Education spokesperson said the current formula is patchy and inconsistent and based on data that is over a decade old.

He said London has become more affluent but will remain the highest funded part of the country and inner London schools would be allocated 30 per cent more funding per pupil than the national average.

The Governments consultation on proposals runs until 22 March.
A fistfight broke out in South Africas parliament as MPs began brawling to stop the countrys president from speaking.

People watched politicians throw punches at guards in the parliament chamber as the raucous scenes were broadcast on national television on Thursday afternoon.

Members of the far-left opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, interrupted South African president Jacob Zuma calling him a scoundrel and rotten to the core in reference to corruption allegations.

The politicians, dressed in red, began fighting with security guards who tried to force them to leave the chamber.

Brawl: A fistfight erupted in the South African parliament. / EPA

More than 400 extra members of the military had been drafted in to increase security during his speech.

Police used stun grenades to disperse the crowds outside parliament, in Cape Town, and military forces patrolled to guard against anti-Zuma protesters.

After they were ejected from the chamber, President Zuma laughed and began his annual State of the Nation address.

The leader, who took office in 2009, has faced calls to resign amid allegations of corruption and cronyism as well as being criticised for his handling of the countrys economy.
T heresa May came under growing pressure from Tory MPs today to accept more lone child refugees.

David Burrowes, MP for Enfield Southgate, said he was deeply disappointed that ministers and local councils had shut the door to the Dubs scheme for taking children unaccompanied in Europe.

It looks like they have cut and run from child refugees, he said. Our legal and moral obligation has not been fulfilled.

Heidi Allen, Tory MP for South Cambridgeshire, said it was shameful the Home Office had closed the scheme. The Government is completely wrong in this and it needs to think again. It has gone back on a promise made by the Prime Minister only last year.

Twickenham MP Tania Mathias, who has worked in aid programmes as a doctor, said the decision was a setback to the UKs reputation.

The unease among Conservatives comes after Home Secretary Amber Rudd caused uproar among Labour MPs by announcing that the Dubs scheme, named after Labour peer Lord Dubs, a Kindertransport refugee, was being shut after only 350 children were given new homes.

The scheme, put into law after a Commons revolt last year, was expected to have taken 3,000.

A High Court hearing began today into claims by charity Help Refugees that the Government did not try hard enough to persuade local authorities to create places for children. Solicitor Rosa Curling alleged: There was no real consultation.

Downing Street seemed surprised by the scale of the row, pointing out that 8,000 refugee children were accepted by the UK in the past year alone.

No 10 said the Dubs scheme was only one of eight British plans to help refugees and that the Governments focus was on helping children at the point of danger, in areas such as Syria, rather than those who had already crossed to European countries.

Barbara Winton, daughter of Sir Nicholas Winton, who was hailed Britains Schindler after saving hundreds of children from Nazi tyranny, today criticised the move.

She said: I think theyre stuck in a kind of Brexit nightmare which is Im sure affecting some of the things going on. My feeling is its not about immigration, its about saving peoples lives.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said he was saddened and shocked by the Governments decision.

Lord Dubs said: In arbitrarily closing down the scheme the Government is in breach of its own commitments.
Jane Birkin stars as a widow who starts an odd friendship in the Swiss short "La Femme et le TGV."
A Cambridge University student has been filmed setting fire to a 20 note in front of a homeless man.

Law student Ronald Coyne has been expelled from his role at the universitys Conservative Association after a video of the cruel incident was shared on social media.

The footage shows Mr Coyne, dressed in formalwear, trying to set the cash alight.

The Pembroke College students mother called the incident surprising and added: Were not toffs, hes not a toff.

Mr Coyne, who is believed to be a distant relative of Nicola Sturgeon, was communications officer at the Tory association. The club has since distanced itself from the incident after footage was published by The Tab.

A spokesman for the Cambridge University Conservative Association said: There is no room for people who behave like that in our association, any other university association, or frankly our university.

This disgusting and abhorrent behaviour occurred completely independently of Cuca.

A university spokesman told the Times: We expect our students to treat others with respect, courtesy and consideration at all times, and the university takes allegations of unacceptable behaviour very seriously.
A British woman whose boyfriend was shot dead in a notorious murder case in the Australian outback 16 years ago has returned to the crime scene to seek answers.

Joanne Lees and Peter Falconio were driving towards Darwin on a remote highway in 2001 when their van was flagged down by Bradley Murdoch.

Murdoch shot dead 28-year-old Mr Falconio before handcuffing Ms Lees and dragging her into his vehicle. Ms Lees fought off the attacker and ran for her life.

Murdoch was later convicted of murder, but Mr Falconios body has never been found.

Ms Lees, from Yorkshire, returned to the scene for Australias Channel Nine 60 Minutes program in an episode due to air on Sunday.

She says in the programme: It was either run, or be raped and killed.

Joanne Lees and Peter Falconio in their camper van / PA

Ms Lees told how she fled with the thought that Pete was still alive and wanted to find his body.

I love Pete so much and I want to bring him home... I need to bring him home, she said.

Flying in a helicopter in the area he was murdered, north of Alice Springs, Ms Lees said: I know that hes somewhere here.

Murdoch was convicted of Mr Falconios murder in 2006, largely on DNA evidence which included a spot of Ms Lees blood on his T-shirt.

Murdoch, now 58, is serving a life prison sentence. He has always protested his innocence.
D onald Trump has lost a court battle to reinstate his controversial ban on travellers from seven mainly Muslim countries.

The San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals said it would not block a lower-court ruling that halted the executive order.

Mr Trump responded with a furious tweet, stating: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

The unanimous ruling means previously barred travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen can continue to enter the US with visas.

It also means refugees are no longer the subject of a temporary ban.

Mass protests were held at airports across the US and in cities all over the world in the wake of the president's so-called Muslim ban, with thousands marching through the streets of central London.

The appeal court's panel of three judges said the argument that the ban targets Muslims raised "serious allegations" and presented "significant constitutional questions.

The judges agreed the administration presented no evidence that any foreigner from the seven countries was responsible for a terrorist attack in the US.

They also said the administration failed to show that the order met constitutional requirements to provide notice or a hearing before restricting travel.

However, the battle is likely to end up at the nation's highest court, the US Supreme Court.

Thousands of protesters march to Downing Street in Trump rally 1 /48 Thousands of protesters march to Downing Street in Trump rally Caricatures: Unflattering pictures of the UK and US leaders. AFP/Getty Images 'No to racism': Protesters outside Downing Street. AFP/Getty Images Demo: Crowds packed out Whitehall to Parliament Square. PA Thousands: Westminster police tweeted this photo. MPS Westminster 'One nationality': Many signs carried pro immigration messages. REUTERS Dogs against Trump: One protester takes a break at the Westminster rally. REUTERS Speaker: Shadow Attorney General Shami Chakrabarti speaking to the crowd. Getty Images 'Full of garbage': A sign in Downing Street. Getty Images Prime Minister: Many banners carried messages targeting Theresa May, Getty Images 'Dump Trump': The signs carried personal attacks on the US President. Getty Images No Trump: Protesters chant and march. Getty Images Never again: Some posters looked back to the past. AFP/Getty Images Packed: Many protesters remarked at the amount of people. AFP/Getty Images Standstill: Buses had to divert because of the crowds. PA Anger: People demonstrate during a protest at Downing Street in central London. PA Crowds: Hordes of people took to the streets. Getty Images Anti-Trump: Thousands of people have slammed the President's policy. Getty Images Messages for May: Demonstrators hold placards as they protest outside Downing Street. Getty Images 'Never again': Demonstrators march along Downing Street. Getty Images 'Muslim ban': Londoners marched with placards with messages for the PM. Getty Images NO: The anti-Trump rally spilled onto the road. Getty Images Humour: A sign drawing on a Mary Poppins pun. Caroline Lee Chants: The crowds were heard chanting 'shame on May'. Getty Images Welcome refugees: Protesters on Monday evening. PA Landmark: The iconic London eye seen in the background. PA 'Dangerous': One of the anti-Trump protesters. Lydia Ruffles Anti-Trump: Signs carried harsh words for the US leader. Emma Gibson Blocked: Protesters said Whitehall was brought to a standstill. Garry Knight 'Resist': A sign in Whitehall. Spectrum SINO Radio 'Bridges not walls': Many of the banners carried pro-globalization messages. Jessica Voorsanger Rally: The first crowds forming at the protest, which began at 6pm. Garry Knight United: Stop the War Coalition joined the protest. PA Gathered: People listened to speakers who fired up the crowd. Getty Images We stand together: Among the figures who were expected to attend were Lily Allen and Ed Miliband. Getty Images March: Some of the protesters holding placards. Getty Images Together: People of all ages joined in the rally. Getty Images

Two of Mr Trumps top White House aides insisted last night the ruling was not a major setback and said they were confident the decision would eventually be overturned.

The presidents press secretary Sean Spicer and his outspoken adviser Kellyanne Conway played down the significance of the ruling.

Mr Spicer labelled it a political decision and claimed the administration would win an appeal in my opinion, very easily.

This ruling does not affect the merits at all, added Ms Conway, the presidents former campaign manager.

It is an interim ruling, and we are fully confident now that we will get our day in court, and have the opportunity to argue on the merits, that we will prevail.

However, Mr Trumps beaten opponent in the election race, Hillary Clinton, was quick to celebrate the court ruling.

She issued a tweet reading simply 3-0 - a reference to the unanimous vote by the three-judge appeals court panel.

Several experts claimed the administration would struggle to win the case if they take it to the US Supreme Court.

John Yoo, a law professor at UC Berkeley who worked for President George W. Bushs administration, told the Los Angeles Times the inclusion of green-card holders in the travel ban meant it was unlikely to succeed.

Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, added: "This is probably going to the Supreme Court, but I don't think it's going anywhere good for Donald Trump  even if the Supreme Court rules along party lines and is deadlocked, because the lower court's decision would stand."
T his is the moment a drugs cartel leader is machine-gunned by a Mexican Air Force helicopter during a firefight.

Juan Francisco Patron was one of eight criminals killed in a spectacular operation after he was cornered at a house in the western state of Nayarit.

Footage released last night showed the chopper hovering over the property before letting leash with a volley of gunfire which brought the Mexican government a new victory in their fight against the countrys drugs barons.

Juan and his brother Jesus Patron, captured six years ago in Nayarit, were regarded as two heavyweights in the Beltran-Leyva Cartel, a branch of the Sinaloa Cartel headed by the five Beltran Leyva brothers.

The dead man, nicknamed H2, is said to have taken on the leadership of the cartel in Nayarit following the capture of Hector Beltran Leyva in 2014 while he was eating at a popular restaurant in San Miguel de Allende.
A nti-terror police today arrested four people including a teenage girl in the south of France amid fears they were planning a suicide attack on Paris.

The suspects, including a 16-year-old schoolgirl, were taken into custody in the city of Montpellier after agents from the DGSI intelligence agency monitored their computers for a number of weeks.

A tourist site in the French capital was the principle target of the gang who intended to use a suicide belt to cause maximum damage, according to local reports.

Police sources in Montpellier confirmed that a raid on a council estate in the city was underway and that four people have been arrested.

Explosive substances and computer equipment were seized by the police, who can now hold the suspects for up to four days before levelling charges, or releasing them.

It came a week after Abdallah El-Hamahmy, a 29-year-old Egyptian, ran into the Louvre museum in Paris with two machetes, and attacked a group of soldiers.

He was immediately shot five times, and ended up in hospital, where he is now recovering from stomach wounds.

Abdallah El-Hamahmy has since been linked to Islamic State, although he denies any affiliation to the terrorist group.

Islamic State were responsible for a series of attacks on Paris in 2015, murdering 130 people in a single night of violence on November 13th.
S mog in cities across Europe is 27 times more lethal than the type of air pollution found in China, a study claims.

Chinese cities are infamous for their toxic levels of pollution, but new research from scientists suggests the type of air pollution found in the Western world is far more dangerous.

Smog in China is caused by natural dust blown into cities from elsewhere, while most pollution in Europe and north America is created through industry.

Environmental health expert Frank Kelly, from Kings College London, told the Independent the relative risks in China are considerably less than those seen in Europe and the US.

Air pollution in London reached the highest 'black alert'. / Jeremy Selwyn

The death rate in China increases by 0.22 per cent for every 10 micrograms of pollution in a cubic metre of air in China  but in Europe this rate rises by six per cent for the same amount of pollution, Professor Kelly said.

The stats come just weeks after toxic air in London hit the highest "black alert" with one school in Westminster restricting the time pupils spent outdoors.

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The latest study was carried out by scientists at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and looked at 272 cities across China.

Yearly exposure to the pollution particles PM2.5 in the Chinese cities was over five times higher than the World Health Organisation-recommended levels. But it was less likely to cause a rise in the death rate than the PM2.5 found in the West.

London Pollution - In pictures 1 /20 London Pollution - In pictures PA Sunrise: Pollution lingered over London on Tuesday morning Jeremy Selwyn A cyclist wearing a face mask rides between taxis taking part in a protest to highlight congestion and air pollution Getty Images A smog filled traffic rush hour in the East End of London Jeremy Selwyn Pollution detector App 'Blue Air' near the Houses of Parliament Blue air Thick smog hangs over London's Docklands PA Traffic pollution in North London Jeremy Selwyn Air pollution surrounds The Shard in London Jeremy Selwyn Getty Images Sunrise over a misty polluted London from Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn St. Paul's Cathedral is seen among the skyline through the smog AFP via Getty Images A thick layer of smog was visible above London William Smith/@williamsmithorg A cold layer of air can be seen trapping pollution close to the ground and across the London skyline Pete Buckney This image taken near the Royal Observatory in Greenwich shows a thick layer of fog hanging over London Anna Rolls The City of London covered in smog seen from Hampstead Heath Getty Images

But Professor Kelly said cities with big industry, like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, were likely to have higher industrial pollution levels akin to the Western world.

Greenpeace campaigner Areeba Hamid said: Toxic air causes havoc to peoples health wherever in the world they live.

We now know fumes from diesel vehicles are a lot more toxic than car companies claimed and this is a big cause of air pollution in Europe and North America.

These companies have a lot to answer for, but so far theyve managed to avoid any real accountability.
S hia LaBeoufs anti-Donald Trump protest has been shut down after it became a flashpoint for violence.

LaBeouf, 30, set up the live art project outside New Yorks Museum of the Moving Image in the wake of Mr Trumps inauguration last month, but fears were raised over the publics safety.

The museum released a statement on Friday saying the project had become a serious and ongoing public safety hazard.

LaBeouf confirmed the news on Twitter with a picture of the official live stream replaced with the words: THE MUSEUM HAS ABANDONED US.

The statement read: While the installation began constructively, it deteriorated markedly after one of the artists was arrested on the site of the installation and ultimately necessitated this action. Over the course of the installation, there have been dozens of threats of violence and numerous arrests, such that police felt compelled to be stationed outside the installation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Actor Shia LaBeouf arrested at his anti-Trump art exhibit in New York City

We take our commitment to the safety of our 200,000 annual visitors and 50,000 school children attending programs at the Museum seriously, along with the safety and security of our staff and community.

The Museum said it was "proud" of housing the installation as it generated an important conversation" but that "ending our engagement with the installation is the most prudent path forward to restore public safety to the Museum, its visitors, staff, and the community.

The installation, which was set up by LaBeouf and his collaborators Nastja Sade Ronkko and Luke Turner, encouraged people to stand in front of a camera and repeat the words he will not divide us over and over again.

LaBeouf personally took on a white supremacist who invaded the live stream days after it was launched and was later arrested after he pulled the scarf of an unidentified 25-year-old man and allegedly scratched his face in the process.

The actor and activist was charged with misdemeanour assault and harassment before being released on bail.
J ustin Bieber collabrators Major Lazer are one of the few acts capable of launching a single into the impenetrable top 10 these days, so the arrival of their dancehall influenced new song, Run Up featuring PartyNextDoor and Nicki Minaj, is of some significance.

Sinkane, a musician of Sudanese origin who has collaborated with David Byrne and Damon Albarn, releases his sixth solo album today. Life & Livin It includes the digital funk pop of Telephone, which has a video on YouTube now.

Danish rock duo The Raveonettes have been releasing a song a month for 12 months, a project which today is released as their latest album, 2016 Atomized. It includes the most recent effort, a 12 minute epic entitled Pendejo.

Proving that grimes year wasnt just 2016, man mountain and Brits Breakthrough nominee Stormzy has announced his debut album for later this month and released his most striking single yet. Big For Your Boots has an immense video on YouTube now.

One of the most fascinating characters in rock right now, Father John Misty, has gradually been revealing songs from a new album coming in April. The lyrics are as powerful as ever on the latest one, political piano ballad Two Wildly Different Perspectives, which has a video online now.
A Catholic London Underground worker sued his bosses when they refused to give him five weeks off to visit Sardinia for religious festivals.

Quality engineer Francesco Gareddu, 55, said it was part of his religious belief to attend the ancient saints festivals in his homeland with his children every August.

But an employment tribunal rejected his religious discrimination case, and it has now been dismissed by an appeal judge who ruled his demands were not genuine, the Standard has learned.

Mr Gareddu, a father of three from Amersham, Buckinghamshire, is entitled to 38 days of holiday a year. Since 2009, London Underground had allowed him to take five weeks of annual leave each summer.

But after a change of management, he was told that, from 2014, he would not be able to continue with the arrangement as it would be unfair on other staff. When bosses refused to let him take more than 15 consecutive days of annual leave he raised a grievance, which was rejected, before suing his employers for religious discrimination in a legal case which began in 2015.

Religious calling: the Candelieri festival

He told an employment tribunal the festivals have deep religious importance to the faithful, which includes me along with 100,000 others, adding that one included the Candelieri festival, the most important in the city of Sassari, which has been celebrated for five centuries. It is on the Unesco representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

But the tribunal found that his evidence was not entirely trustworthy, and his asserted religious belief requiring attendance at the events was neither genuine nor made in good faith. They found that in 2013 he had attended only nine of 17 festivals he had identified as important. They said Mr Gareddus motive for wanting such a lengthy period off work was more family related. Mr Gareddu appealed against the decision after his case was thrown out in December last year.

In the ruling, published last Friday, Employment Appeal Tribunal president Mrs Justice Simler said: He had not invariably attended a series of festivals to the same saints each year, nor had he attended the same number of festivals each year. In light of the evidence and its findings of fact, the tribunal found that the true or genuine reason for wanting a five-week period was not the claimants religious beliefs or their manifestation but was his wish to be with his family.

Mr Gareddu said today the decision was shameful, adding he had fought the case on a matter of principle.

He told the Standard: I am disappointed. The implications of this case are severe. They felt it was not true I wanted to attend religious festivals  they completely misunderstood.

I went there feeling it was a pretty straightforward process and that I would have won. They did not understand what another persons belief is based on.

A Transport for London spokeswoman said: We are an equal opportunities employer and will always seek to accommodate the requirements of our employees where possible.
Gov. Scott Walker greets attendees in the Assembly Chamber prior to delivering his state budget address at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Wednesday.
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Mr. President, I voted for you, but though many of my readers will not like hearing this, you worry me.

I like your pick for Supreme Court Justice. Neil Gorsuch is a solid conservative and I believe he will be a great addition to the court. This choice, in fact, was one of the big reasons I voted for you, but you still worry me.

Your cabinet choices have raised some questions, but I didnt want the typical politician, so I will give them a chance. I will trust your judgment on most of them, but you still worry me.

Though you were elected as a Republican, you are not a true die hard member of the GOP. You are not a true conservative, but again, I like that about you. Though the majority of us in western Nebraska lean heavily toward the right, most Americans find themselves somewhere in the middle. My hope is you will be able to work across the aisle with Republicans and Democrats to actual get things done, but you still worry me.

I want to give you a chance to succeed. If you succeed, we as a country will succeed. However, in giving you the chance, you worry me.

Why?

You worry me because you tend to vilify those who disagree with you, especially those of us in the press. We have our flaws and have work to do, but some of the things you have said about us are downright lies.

In your first speech to military service members you called us the very, very dishonest press.

Sorry, Mr. President, but saying we are dishonest is a broad generalization. It is like saying, politicians are nothing but liars. We are far from perfect but to throw a blanket over all the press, calling us liars, is unfair. The vast majority of us strive to be fair, which doesnt mean we are going to always print what Republican voters, Democratic voters and the politicians they voted for like.

Politicians and the press have always had a strange love/hate relationship. When you need us to promote your policies, you love us, but when it is something you would rather not talk about, you hate us. We understand that, but dont expect us not to ask, not to probe and be a pain in your political side. That is part of our job.

We are not your lapdogs, we are our readers watchdogs. Granted, those who voted for you, such as myself, would rather hear how great you are doing, but we also, even if we dont like it, need to hear the negative. We need you to explain your policies and answer the questions those who disagree with you are asking.

You are calling for tougher vetting of immigrants, it is our job as journalists to do the same with your appointees, your policies and proposals. It is our job to hold you, and all politicians on the national, state and local scene, accountable.

If you call us names and dismiss us, then the readers will follow your example. The state and local politicians will also brush us of,f opening a door for an unaccountable political world with state controlled release of news, better known as propaganda. Politics will go behind closed doors, if not under your leadership, the next and the next. Keeping voters in the dark.

Your attacks on us, the media, in general, worry me. If you succeed in vilifying us, who might be next to find themselves in your crosshairs? Will it be the farmers who disagree with future farm policies or church goers who raise concerns down the road?

When we begin to vilify those who disagree with us, we start traveling down a dangerous road. Today, we might have a politician who agrees with us, tomorrow that could change.

The road we travel today may take us were we want to go, but it could also lead to a place we never imagined being.

Mr. President, I am not ashamed to say I voted for you, but I will admit, you are worrying me.

Please, stop vilifying those who dont always have positive things to say about you and start working with them to heal the many different divides in our country. A country you said you would make great again, to do so will take all of us, including those you dont always like and who dont always like you.
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"Steve is an amazing facilitator. He brings this wonderful combination of humility, hospitality and insight to conversations that matter in education."

-Bernard Bull



"Attracting over 10,000 information professionals each year from all around the world to discuss trends and interests in the Library 2.0 Virtual Conference series would not be possible without Steves highly focused organizational skills, his creative thinking, his ability to connect people, and his infectious and motivating enjoyment for the work."

-Dr. Sandy Hirsh, Director of the San Jose State University School of Information and Co-Chair of the Library 2.0 Conferences



"The depth of your observations from last night is still resonating with me. I'm trying to think of another interview I've given where the questioner understood the material so well that he/she so regularly (and fluidly) went into new intellectual territory. I can't think of any. Pretty amazing. Thank you."

-David Shenk



"Steve is one of the most influential yet understated individuals in the world of Education. He gives thought leaders a widely attended global platform to voice their ideas to transform Education, and he does so with tremendous respect and intelligence."

-Charles Fadel



"Steve conducted the most in-depth interview I've ever been through and I enjoyed it to boot!"

-Doc Searls



"Steve is the Oprah of education."

-Monika Hardy's Students



"Steve is the 'white knight' of education reform."

-Michelle Cordy



"The nicest guy in ed tech."

-Rushton Hurley



"Steve is a national treasure."

-Leonard Waks



"Steve Hargadon is one of the most important change-makers of our time!"

-Connie Weber



"Steve is a connector. He is a bridge. He is a lifeline. He takes the lead. He gets things done. Quite simply, Steve Hargadon is a humble, kind, unsung hero who makes a difference in the lives of educators worldwide."

-Joyce Valenza



"Steve is a forge! The heat of the conversations he instigates and the amazing thinkers he interviews for The Future of Education, soften the metal of some of my most valued visions and reshape them into ideas that are better  that excite me  that make it hard for me to sleep. If we succeed in hacking education into something that is, once again, relevant, we will owe more to Steve Hargadon than we will ever know."

-David Warlick



"Steve Hargadon may be the most expert person in the country when it comes to organizing virtual events. It was fun to see how organizing a complex event with many speakers is properly done. If you havent had a chance to see him in action, I recommend attending any one of the upcoming Library 2.0 conferences. I dont expect that virtual conferences will go out of style any time soon.

-Jim Lynch



"He is a man of incredible character and wisdom, and again, I am lucky to know him and work well with him."

-Lucy Gray


Minister-delegate Ana Birchall and Germany's ambassador to Bucharest Cord Meier-Klodt met on Friday to discuss cooperation between Romania and Germany in the areas of European affairs, also reviewing all fields of shared interest.

"Despite some schedule conflicts arising from Minister-delegate Birchall being appointed acting justice minister, the Romanian official wanted this meeting to take place, because it had been agreed on and reconfirmed in the previous weeks," Romania's Foreign Ministry (MAE) says in a press statement.

Emphasis during the meeting was placed on constant dialogue and coordination, migration management, EU's internal security, negations over the UK leaving the EU as well as a reflection on the future of Europe, according to MAE.

Birchall is quoted as voicing openness to joint efforts to consolidate the European design with emphasis on the importance of solidarity and unity to European integration and cohesion.

She is also quoted as underscoring the importance of measures and instruments consolidating the security of European citizens, along with the protection of the European Union's external borders, while underscoring Romania's substantial contribution to the advancement of such objectives.

"She also reaffirmed Romania's support for the identification of consensual, efficient solutions for Europe-wide migration management. The Romanian side mentioned the need for cooperation with external partners - origin and transit countries - being consolidated to permit drawing up sustainable solutions for the deep-rooted causes of migration," according to MAE.

In mentioning Romania's assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2019. Birchall informed about the start of the necessary preparations, voicing readiness for structured talks with Germany on this theme in the immediate future.

Birchall voiced the special importance of this project to Romania and the European Union alike, reiterating the opportunities and challenges Romania will have to manage during its tenure.

Ambassador Meier-Klodt reiterated the timeliness of Birchall's visit to Germany in the period immediately ahead to discuss elements of shared interest on EU's agenda, says MAE.

agerpres.
One of St. Louis oldest and largest printers, Universal Printing Co., is laying off 102 employees and closing its local production facilities after its sale to Kansas Citys Henry Wurst Inc.

Universals production operations will gradually move to Kansas City over the coming months and the company will retain a small sales and service office at its current facilities at 1234 and 1328 South Kingshighway Boulevard in St. Louis, Universal CEO Bob Ebel said. About 16 employees, including Ebel, will staff the St. Louis sales and customer service office.

Its a consolidating industry, Ebel said of the sale. This will open up more capabilities for our customers and we will also improve our cost structure.

Financial terms of the sale, announced Friday, were not disclosed. Universal Printing, which is privately held, has $40 million in annual revenue and was founded in St. Louis in 1939. Universal provides printing, bindery and mailing services and has offices in Dallas and New York.

Universal disclosed the changes in a layoff notice to state officials required by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act . In a letter to state officials this week, Ebel said Universal was going out of business, but Friday he characterized the changes as consolidating operations.

The layoffs are effective between April 7 and Sept. 1. Some of the laid-off employees are represented by Teamsters unions GCC/IBT Local 6-505M and Local 688.

A Houston company, Consolidated Graphics, signed a letter of intent to buy Universal Graphics in mid-2013, but a sale never finalized. Later that year, Consolidated Graphics was acquired by Chicago-based RR Donnelley.

Henry Wurst Inc. is the 77th largest printing and marketing communications company in North America, according to industry publication Printing Impressions.

As we welcome the Universal brand into HWI, we believe their cutting-edge printing services and solutions will greatly contribute toward expanding our product offerings, HWIs CEO Michael Wurst said in a statement.
Coretta Scott King, right, stands with her children, from left, Martin III, and Bernice, at the spot marking her husband's "I Have a Dream" speech after a ceremony on Aug. 22, 2003. King's widow emerged after her husband's death as a stalwart defender of civil rights and peace until she died in 2006. (George Bridges/MCT)
JEFFERSON CITY  Gov. Eric Greitens' pick to lead the state's health department comes to Missouri a year after he was accused of disregarding the potential danger of using well water near coal-fired plants in North Carolina.

Greitens' announced he was nominating Dr. Randall Williams, North Carolina's public health director from July 2015 to December 2016, in a Facebook post Thursday morning.

He commended Williams for his work in combat zones in the Middle East and for his efforts fighting the opioid and Zika virus crises in North Carolina.

But Williams found himself embroiled in controversy after he rescinded a "do-not-drink" order for more than 350 well owners near coal power plants in March 2016, according to the Charlotte Observer.

The state had previously declared the wells near Duke Energy's coal plants too contaminated with heavy metals to use safely after tests found elevated levels of vanadium and hexavalent chromium.

Both chemicals occur naturally in coal ash and may cause cancer in people who drink contaminated water.

Williams argued the tests' standard for contamination was too high: the order went out when the health department determined there was a one in a million chance someone could develop cancer by drinking water from the wells.

He reversed the decision, noting similar levels of the chemicals were found in city water supplies in North Carolina and across the country,

Then a state toxicologist testified in a lawsuit against Duke Energy that Williams and other officials, including former Gov. Pat McCrory, deliberately worked to downplay contamination risks by pressuring environmental employees to give false information to the well owners.

The state health directors job is to protect public health, and in this specific instance, the opposite occurred, said Dr. Kenneth Rudo, the longtime toxicologist said in a deposition. We knowingly told people that their water was safe when we knew it wasnt.

McCrory's chief of staff denied the claims and accused Rudo of lying under oath. Top health and environmental officials responded with a scathing open letter, saying Rudo "created unnecessary fear and confusion among North Carolinians who are concerned about the safety of their drinking water."

The state epidemiologist resigned in protest of the editorial and voiced her support for Rudo.

I can only conclude that the departments leadership is fully aware that this document misinforms the public, Dr. Megan Davies wrote in her resignation letter. I cannot work for a department and administration that deliberately misleads the public.

Greitens spokesperson Parker Briden told the Associated Press Thursday that the governor was aware of the controversy but stood by his choice.

He also provided a study from Duke University that found that hexavalent chromium is more related to volcanic rock found in the area than the ash pits. But Duke University professor Avner Vengosh, who did research for the study, told the Associated Press in October that the proximity of the coal pits to the water was still "on the table" as a possible factor in water contamination.

The Missouri Senate still has to confirm Williams before he takes the job.

Williams is the second North Carolina official Greitens has appointed to lead a state department. Newly minted Department of Corrections director Anne Precythe previously led the Tar Heel State's probation and parole efforts.

Precythe, the commissioner of administration and nominees to lead the departments of public safety, natural resources and agriculture were all confirmed Thursday.
Iranians began a nationwide celebration Friday to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the 1979 revolution with rallies around the country, and President Hassan Rouhani called the new U.S. administration "a problem."

Demonstrators in Tehran chanted traditional slogans against the U.S. and Israel. The rallies come at a time when new U.S. President Donald Trump has already engaged in a war of words with Iran's leadership and put Tehran "on notice" over a recent ballistic missile test.

Among other places, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators marched toward Tehran's Azadi Square, where Rouhani addressed the crowd. He called the new U.S. administration "a problem" and said Iran will strongly answer any threat from its enemies.

"All of them should know that they must talk to the Iranian nation with respect and dignity," he urged the world. "Our nation will strongly answer to any threat. (Iranians) will resist before enemies until the end."

Rouhani called Iran the home of "lions" but said the country does not seek hostility. "We are not after tensions in the region and the world," he said. "We are united before bullying and any threat."
Passengers on an American Airlines flight to Phoenix endured two delays Thursday  an emergency diversion to St. Louis and an unrelated mechanical problem while waiting to resume the flight.

American Flight 534, bound from Columbus, Ohio, to Phoenix, made an unscheduled landing in St. Louis at 8:14 a.m. for a security check. The FBI, airport police and firefighters responded. Bomb-sniffing dogs searched the plane and luggage and found nothing suspicious.

Authorities refused to say what the threat was. The incident was deemed noncredible by law enforcement, American Airlines said in a statement.

The Airbus A319 with five crew members and 113 passengers was cleared to resume its flight to Phoenix, but the airplane developed a mechanical issue, said Ross Feinstein, an American spokesman. He said the passengers were put on another airplane.

That plane finally lifted off from Lambert about 2:50 p.m., almost six hours after it was scheduled to land in Phoenix. It was expected to reach its destination about 6 p.m. St. Louis time.

Flight 534 left John Glenn Columbus International Airport at 6:48 a.m. St. Louis time. The airline requested to land and have a security check of the aircraft, said Jeff Lea, a spokesman for Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

No one was detained. Lea refused to say what the security issue was; he referred questions to the airline.

A news release from the airline said, Out of an abundance of caution, STL authorities are conducting a security check of the aircraft. We hope to have our passengers on their way soon.

Passengers were safely evacuated. They appeared calm as they walked down a set of mobile stairs and boarded shuttle buses. At least one police dog was led onto the plane.

Workers began removing luggage from the plane and placing the bags in rows on the tarmac. A dog weaved in and out among the bags, sniffing each.

By about 11 a.m., some crew members had returned to the plane, the mobile stairs were removed and the plane was moved. Then the unrelated mechanical trouble developed.
COLUMBIA, Mo.  After a 2014 investigation found the University of Missouri should have done more to look into a rape allegation from a former swimmer, the president at the time vowed to become a leader on the handling of issues involving sexual misconduct and sex discrimination.

The university systems governing body, the Board of Curators, periodically hears reports from campus leaders about progress toward meeting that goal.

On Thursday, the board approved dozens of changes to the universitys governing rules that address everything from clearly defining consent and sexual misconduct, to expanding language that prohibits anyone from retaliating against a student or employee who files a federal Title IX complaint.

The language bolsters current policies to further clarify what options exist for victims and what procedures all four University of Missouri campuses should follow when a complaint is filed.

Among the many changes is a rule that establishes a standard procedure for someone to file a discrimination or harassment complaint against the university.

The rule changes were Herculean tasks, according to interim university system president Michael Middleton. He and multiple curators commended the program organizers for their work, specifically the effort to get input from students and employees on all campuses.

The additional push to boost the way the university handles Title IX issues comes at a time when higher education leaders are uncertain whether a directive specific to the sex discrimination law during the administration of President Barack Obama will be overturned or scaled back.

We shouldnt get the feeling that this is a completed task, Middleton said to the board Thursday. He said that although this is an area of law and policy thats ever-changing, the board should be prepared to potentially have to address it again soon.

UMSL tuition break

In other business, curators expanded a special tuition rate at the University of Missouri-St. Louis so it applies to all Illinois students.

UMSL had since 2012 given residents of 22 Illinois counties the same tuition tab as Missouri residents, identifying those students as metropolitan residents. When that expansion happened , UMSL gained 140 Illinois residents, amounting to half a million dollars in tuition revenue.

Administrators hope to net up to 100 additional students in the first year by expanding the tuition break across Illinois. The push to grow enrollment comes at a time when budget woes in Illinois are putting strain on universities.

Illinois residents will pay in-state tuition during the programs first year, but thats subject to increase by fall 2019.

Growing the program will take time, particularly to market it across the state, but it will be worth it, UMSL chief financial officer Richard Baniak said.
ST. LOUIS  A bill that would add reproductive health decisions to the citys anti-discrimination ordinance passed Friday on a 17-10 vote.

The bill would ban employers and landlords from discriminating against women who have had an abortion, use contraceptives or are pregnant.

The bills sponsor, 15th Ward Alderman Megan Green, said the legislation was an attempt to shield women from discrimination at the local level, particularly in deep-red Missouri where state lawmakers are unlikely to offer housing and workplace protections for matters dealing with reproductive health.

Employers can have their own beliefs, Green said. But they shouldnt be able to impose those beliefs on people or fire someone because of those beliefs.

The bill has come under attack from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and other groups who say it would allow a government to force people to act against their beliefs.

Archbishop Robert Carlson released a statement Friday criticizing the bills passage as a terrible moment for a city with such proud history.

The laws of the city of St. Louis now actively protect and promote the killing of unborn children, he said.

The rhetoric was similarly heated at a public hearing last month when supporters and opponents of abortion rights came face-to-face at City Hall.

Anti-abortion groups largely kept to one side of the room, while abortion rights advocates  decked out in red  packed the other side.

One man brought in a poster-sized photo depicting a disfigured fetus. Another man stood next to the image throughout the meeting clutching a rosary.

Thomas Buckley, general counsel to the Archdiocese, said the bill promotes religious discrimination against those who dont want to be complicit in the evils of abortion.

The Archdiocese will not and cannot comply with this, Buckley said at the meeting. We will go straight to federal court.

People of faith will hold it against elected officials who vote for this bill, he said.

Are you threatening us? 4th Ward Alderman Sam Moore replied.

Just stating a fact, Buckley said.

Though Fridays board meeting was not as tense, several aldermen spoke against the bill, including 8th Ward Alderman Stephen Conway, who said Green was being divisive.

Why is she so afraid of the Catholic church? Conway said.

We are down here acting as a government, not as a religious instrument, Green said.

In urging her colleagues to pass the bill, Green said St. Louis would join only the District of Columbi, Boston and Delaware in passing similar legislation.

Put St. Louis on the map as a place that protects and values women, she said.
ST. LOUIS  A north St. Louis resident hopes to change perceptions about housing in her predominantly black and low-income area of the city by inviting guests to experience the area firsthand.

One of Natalie Vowells Airbnb listings near Natural Bridge and North Newstead avenues started getting attention on social media Wednesday not for its location but for its title: Home Is Where The Hood Is.

The description of the not-so-great home is just as frank as the title, leaving some marveling and amused by the forthrightness.

Perfect for the intrepid traveler who enjoys living on the edge. Provides a unique glimpse into life in a working-class, low-income neighborhood, a mismanaged Midwest city, and decades of urban decay. Abundance of vacant houses and abandoned buildings nearby for UrbanEx adventurers, the listing reads.

Vowell said she and her husband were trying to be humorous but accurate with the description.

Dont advertise you have a palace when you have a tent, Vowell said of keeping within the standards of Airbnb, a popular home-sharing site.

While some people have been apprehensive about the neighborhood, she said, guests have included students, professionals and travelers attending area conferences.

Atlanta couple Peta-Gaye Green, originally of Jamaica, and her husband, originally of St. Louis, spent two weeks at the north St. Louis condo searching for a home to purchase that they could eventually sell or rent. Green said they were drawn to the area because of lower housing costs. First-timers at the listing, Green said she was surprised to find the neighborhood was quiet and felt safe.

Vowell and her husband started posting homes to Airbnb last year. Their no-frills accommodation costs $29 nightly before taxes. They have another home on Airbnb called Punk Rock Flop House in the Baden neighborhood marketed to the budget-conscious traveling band or introverted artist who seeks the gritty, yet low-risk, squatter experience.

Despite taking a humorous tone describing their listings, Vowell said the intention was not to make fun of the community or the realities of poverty, but to provide an inexpensive stay in an area that is often ignored and misunderstood.

The main goal with our North-of-Delmar Airbnb is to show out-of-towners that the north side isnt necessarily the dangerous part of town. It doesnt have to be, she said.

Vowell, though not a native of the area, has lived and worked in north St. Louis since 2011. She is the founder and chief officer of Project Raise the Roof, an organization working to prevent homelessness by helping low-income families purchase and keep homes.

Its a passion for people, for social justice, and for changing housing policies in St. Louis, she said of her efforts.

Vowell is a St. Louis City School Board candidate. In 2014, she attempted to unseat then-state Rep. Penny Hubbard.

Refugees in need of a home can stay at Vowells north St. Louis location for free. That offer is part of a campaign Airbnb started after President Donald Trumps immigration executive order seeking to bar people from seven majority Muslim countries from entering the United States.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) will host a conference call for the investment community and members of the news media today at 3 p.m. EST regarding an announcement of the companys next step in capitalizing on emerging opportunities.

Materials for the call will be issued at 2:30 p.m. EST and made available on shareholder.ford.com.

During the 3 p.m. EST call, Mark Fields, Ford president and chief executive officer, Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Global Product Development and chief technical officer, and John Casesa, Ford group vice president, Global Strategy, will discuss Ford Motor Companys continued expansion to an auto and mobility company.

Representatives of the investment community and the news media will have the opportunity to ask questions following remarks by the Ford team.

Access Information  Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 Supportive material for the investment community and media: 2:30 p.m. EST A news release will be made available at shareholder.ford.com Conference call for the investment community and media: 3 p.m. EST Toll free: 877.870.8664 International: 970.297.2423 Passcode: Ford Briefing The conference call also will be webcast live, on a listen-only basis, at www.shareholder.ford.com.

Replays of the call will be available after 5:45 p.m. EST Feb. 10 through Feb. 17.

Toll free: 855.859.2056International: 404.537.3406Passcode: 69417266

Replay also will be available on www.shareholder.ford.com.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today announces it is investing $1 billion during the next five years in Argo AI, an artificial intelligence company, to develop a virtual driver system for the automakers autonomous vehicle coming in 2021  and for potential license to other companies.

The next decade will be defined by the automation of the automobile, and autonomous vehicles will have as significant an impact on society as Fords moving assembly line did 100 years ago, said Ford President and CEO Mark Fields. As Ford expands to be an auto and a mobility company, we believe that investing in Argo AI will create significant value for our shareholders by strengthening Fords leadership in bringing self-driving vehicles to market in the near term and by creating technology that could be licensed to others in the future.Founded by former Google and Uber leaders, Argo AI is bringing together some of the most experienced roboticists and engineers working in autonomy from inside and outside of Ford. The team of experts in robotics and artificial intelligence is led by Argo AI founders Bryan Salesky, company CEO, and Peter Rander, company COO. Both are alumni of Carnegie Mellon National Robotics Engineering Center and former leaders on the self-driving car teams of Google and Uber, respectively.

The current team developing Fords virtual driver system  the machine-learning software that acts as the brain of autonomous vehicles  will be combined with the robotics talent and expertise of Argo AI. This innovative partnership will work to deliver the virtual driver system for Fords SAE level 4 self-driving vehicles.

Ford will continue to lead on development of its purpose-built autonomous vehicle hardware platform, as well as on systems integration, manufacturing, exterior and interior design, and regulatory policy management.

Argo AI will join forces with Fords autonomous vehicle software development effort to strengthen the commercialization of self-driving vehicles. Argo AIs agility and Fords scale uniquely combine the benefits of a technology startup with the experience and discipline of the automakers industry-leading autonomous vehicle development program.

We are at an inflection point in using artificial intelligence in a wide range of applications, and the successful deployment of self-driving cars will fundamentally change how people and goods move, said Salesky. We are energized by Fords commitment and vision for the future of mobility, and we believe this partnership will enable self-driving cars to be commercialized and deployed at scale to extend affordable mobility to all.

The collaboration supports Fords intent to have a fully autonomous, SAE level 4-capable vehicle for commercial application in mobility services in 2021.

Working together with Argo AI gives Ford a distinct competitive advantage at the intersection of the automotive and technology industries, said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Global Product Development, and chief technical officer. This open collaboration is unlike any other partnership  allowing us to benefit from combining the speed of a startup with Fords strengths in scaling technology, systems integration and vehicle design.

Also complementing the relationship will be Ford Smart Mobility LLC, which will lead on the commercialization strategy for Fords self-driving vehicles. This includes choices for using autonomous vehicles to move goods and people, such as ride sharing, ride hailing or package delivery fleets.

Ford will be the majority stakeholder in Argo AI. Importantly, Argo AI has been structured to operate with substantial independence. Its employees will have significant equity participation in the company, enabling them to share in its success. Argo AIs board will have five members: Nair; John Casesa, Ford group vice president, Global Strategy; Salesky; Rander; and an independent director.

The $1 billion investment in Argo AI will be made over five years and is consistent with the autonomous vehicle capital allocation plan shared last September as part of Ford Investor Day.

By the end of this year, Argo AI expects to have more than 200 team members, based in the companys Pittsburgh headquarters and at major sites in Southeastern Michigan and the Bay Area of California.

Argo AIs initial focus will be to support Fords autonomous vehicle development and production. In the future, Argo AI could license its technology to other companies and sectors looking for autonomous capability.
The James R. Browning U.S. Court of Appeals Building, home of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, is pictured in San Francisco, California February 7, 2017. REUTERS/Noah Berger

By Ayesha Rascoe and Steve Holland

PALM BEACH, Fla./WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is considering issuing a new executive order banning citizens of certain countries traveling to the United States after his initial attempt to clamp down on immigration and refugees snarled to a halt amid political and judicial chaos.

Trump announced the possibility of a "brand new order" that could be issued as soon as Monday or Tuesday, in a surprise talk with reporters aboard Air Force One late on Friday, as he and the Japanese premier headed to his estate in Florida for the weekend.

His signaling of a possible new tack came a day after an appeals court in San Francisco upheld a court ruling last week that temporarily suspended Trump's original Jan. 27 executive order banning travel from seven majority-Muslim countries.

Trump gave no details of any new ban he is considering. He might rewrite the original order to explicitly exclude green card holders, or permanent residents, said a congressional aide familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified. Doing that could alleviate some concerns expressed by the courts.

A new order, however, could allow Trump's critics to declare victory by arguing he was forced to change course in his first major policy as president.

Whether or not Trump issues a new order, his administration may still pursue its case in the courts over the original order, which is still being reviewed by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told reporters late on Friday that taking the case to the Supreme Court remained a possibility, after another White House official said earlier in the day the administration was not planning to escalate the dispute.

"Every single court option is on the table, including an appeal of the Ninth Circuit decision on the TRO (temporary restraining order) to the Supreme Court, including fighting out this case on the merits," Priebus said.

"And, in addition to that, we're pursuing executive orders right now that we expect to be enacted soon that will further protect Americans from terrorism."

REWRITE ORDER

Trump's original order, which he called a national security measure meant to head off attacks by Islamist militants, barred people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, except refugees from Syria, who were banned indefinitely.

The abrupt implementation of the order plunged the immigration system into chaos, sparking a wave of criticism from targeted countries, Western allies and some of America's leading corporations, especially technology firms.

A federal judge in Seattle suspended the order last Friday after its legality was challenged by Washington state, eliciting a barrage of angry Twitter messages from Trump against the judge and the court system. That ruling was upheld by an appeals court in San Francisco on Thursday, raising questions about Trump's next step.

An official familiar with Trump's plans said if the order is rewritten, among those involved would likely be White House aide Stephen Miller, who was involved in drafting the original order, as well as officials of the National Security Council, Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security.

It is not clear if a new order from Trump would immediately put a travel ban back in place, or if those who have filed lawsuits, including the state of Washington, would succeed in asking the same judge for another hold.

Should Trump issue a new order, he is still likely to face legal challenges, as opponents could ask the court to let them amend their complaints, said Alexander Reinert, a professor at Yeshiva University's Cardozo School of Law in New York.

'WE NEED SPEED'

On Air Force One, Trump addressed the San Francisco court fight, saying: "We will win that battle. The unfortunate part is that it takes time statutorily... We need speed for reasons of security."

The matter could move forward next week. An unidentified judge on the 9th Circuit on Friday requested that the courts 25 full-time judges vote on whether the temporary block of Trumps travel ban should be reheard before an 11-judge panel, known as en banc review, according to a court order. The 9th Circuit asked both sides to file briefs by Thursday.

In a separate case on Friday, Justice Department lawyers argued in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia against a preliminary injunction that would put a longer hold on Trump's executive order than the Seattle court ruling, but focused solely on visa holders.

Judge Leonie Brinkema asked the administration for more evidence of the threat posed by citizens of the seven countries.

Aboard the flight with Trump were his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie. The Trumps landed in the evening and went to their Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.

(Additional reporting by Mark Hosenball, Doina Chiacu and Julia Edwards Ainsley in Washington; Mica Rosenberg in New York; and Dan Levine in San Francisco; Writing by Ginger Gibson; Editing by Bill Rigby and Mary Milliken)
RACINE  A Racine man was charged with drug possession after allegedly getting more drugs in the hospital after being revived from an overdose.

Nicholas Medina, 24, of the 6000 block of 16th Street, was charged Tuesday with possession of narcotics, a felony.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Feb. 2 staff at Ascension All Saints Hospital called police to report they allegedly found an bag of heroin in Medina's hospital room. The responding Racine officer was allegedly told Medina required multiple doses of Narcan, a prescription medicine that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses an overdose, because the staff suspected he was getting more drugs from one of his numerous visitors since Jan. 29.

Medina was arrested, and his bond is set at $1,000. According to electronic jail records, Medina remained in the Racine County Jail Tuesday. Medina has a history of drug convictions going back to 2010.

Medina is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 16. If convicted he faces up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
FILE PHOTO - Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the guests during a gift handover ceremony at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, January 18, 2017. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

By Ben Blanchard and Steve Holland

BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump changed tack and agreed to honor the "one China" policy during a phone call with China's leader Xi Jinping, a major diplomatic boost for Beijing which brooks no criticism of its claim to self-ruled Taiwan.

Trump angered Beijing in December by talking to the president of Taiwan and saying the United States did not have to stick to the policy, under which Washington acknowledges the Chinese position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it.

A White House statement said Trump and Chinese President Xi had a lengthy phone conversation on Thursday night, Washington time.

"President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'one China' policy," the statement said.

A spokesman for Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said in a statement it was in Taiwan's interest to maintain good relations with the United States and China.

The U.S. and Chinese leaders had not spoken by telephone since Trump took office on Jan. 20. Diplomatic sources in Beijing say China had been nervous about Xi being left humiliated in the event a call with Trump went wrong and the details were leaked to the media.

Last week, U.S. ties with staunch ally Australia became strained after the Washington Post published details about an acrimonious phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

No issue is more sensitive to Beijing than Taiwan. China and the United States also signaled that with the "one China" issue resolved, they could have more normal relations.

"Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest," the statement said.

In a separate statement carried by China's Foreign Ministry, Xi said China appreciated Trump's upholding of the "one China" policy.

"I believe that the United States and China are cooperative partners, and through joint efforts we can push bilateral relations to a historic new high," the statement quoted Xi as saying.

"The development of China and the United States absolutely can complement each other and advance together. Both sides absolutely can become very good cooperative partners," Xi said.

Taiwan's top China policymaker, the Mainland Affairs Council, said it hoped for continued support from the United States and called on Beijing to adopt a "positive attitude" and "pragmatic communication" in resolving differences with Taiwan.

China is deeply suspicious of Tsai, whose ruling Democratic Progressive Party espouses the island's formal independence, a red line for Beijing, and has cut off a formal dialogue mechanism with the island. Tsai says she wants peace with China.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the "one China" principle was the political basis of Sino-U.S. ties.

"Ensuring this political basis does not waver is vital for the healthy, stable development of China-U.S. relations," Lu said.

"PAPER TIGER"

Lawyer James Zimmerman, the former head of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said Trump should have never raised the "one China" policy in the first place.

"There is certainly a way of negotiating with the Chinese, but threats concerning fundamental, core interests are counterproductive from the get-go," he said in an email.

"The end result is that Trump just confirmed to the world that he is a paper tiger, a 'zhilaohu'  someone that seems threatening but is wholly ineffectual and unable to stomach a challenge."

Jia Qingguo, dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University and who has advised the government on foreign policy, said Trump had created a lot of uncertainty but was now back on track.

"Trump has reassured people that he will be a responsible president," he told Reuters. "...This is good news for China, because stable U.S.-China relations are good for China. Now we can do business."

The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but is also Taiwan's biggest ally and arms supplier and is bound by legislation to provide the means to help the island defend itself.

Defeated Nationalist forces fled from China to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

"EXTREMELY CORDIAL"

China wants cooperation with the United States on trade, investment, technology, energy and infrastructure, as well as strengthening coordination on international matters to jointly protect global peace and stability, Xi said in the statement.

The White House described the call, which came hours before Trump plays host to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as "extremely cordial", with both leaders expressing best wishes to their peoples.

There was little or no mention in either the Chinese or U.S. statement of other contentious issues - trade and the disputed South China Sea - and neither matter has gone away.

A U.S. official told Reuters on Thursday that a U.S. Navy P-3 plane and a Chinese military aircraft came close to each other over the South China Sea, though the Navy believes the incident was inadvertent.

China on Friday reported an initial trade surplus of $51.35 billion for January, more than $21 billion of which was with the United States.

(Additional reporting by Michael Martina in Beijing and Adam Jourdan in Shanghai; Writing by Nick Macfie; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Alex Richardson)
Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos gives his speech after signing a new peace accord with Marxist FARC rebel leader Rodrigo Londono, known as Timochenko, in Bogota, Colombia November 24, 2016. REUTERS/Jaime Saldarriaga

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Wednesday called for a thorough investigation of allegations his 2014 re-election campaign may have received $1 million from a Brazilian firm embroiled in a wide-ranging corruption scandal.

Attorney General Nestor Humberto Martinez has said a portion of the $4.6 million allegedly paid by engineering firm Odebrecht SA to a former senator currently accused of graft may have been funneled to the Santos campaign.

"I ask the electoral commission for a thorough investigation as quickly as possible so all of the truth about the Odebrecht case can come to light," Santos said on Twitter. Santos' Cabinet expressed its support in a statement from the interior ministry.

"It's absurd and unacceptable that people with dubious reputations can, with a simple declaration and without any proof, throw mud at the 2014 presidential campaign," the statement said.

Martinez admitted on Wednesday that his office has no evidence to back up the allegations made by ex-Liberal Party senator Otto Bula Bula, who was arrested last month on charges of bribery and illicit enrichment.

"For now, the testimony of Bula is the only proof of the entrance of $1 million into the Santos campaign. He has explained the method, time and place of the delivery of that money," Martinez told reporters. He asked the electoral commission to investigate.

On Tuesday night, Martinez had been more emphatic.

"It has been established that of that amount ($4.6 million), in 2014 Mr. Otto Bula sent two transfers to Colombia, which were cashed at the time, for a total sum of $1 million, and whose final beneficiary was the campaign management of "Santos for President - 2014."

Santos' campaign chief and transparency secretary have said the allegations are untrue. The 2014 campaign secured a second four-year term for Santos, who won the 2016 Nobel Peace prize.

Odebrecht's Colombian office declined to comment. The company is dealing with the fallout from an international bribes-for-contracts scandal unearthed by Brazilian prosecutors.

U.S. prosecutors allege that Odebrecht paid hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes in association with projects in 12 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela, between 2002 and 2016.

Bula has denied allegations he was tasked by Odebrecht with ensuring higher-priced tolls on a highway project.

Santos's 2014 rival is also facing investigation by electoral authorities for allegedly receiving Odebrecht money. Oscar Ivan Zuluaga was the candidate of the right-wing Democratic Center opposition party.

(Reporting by Helen Murphy and Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Paul Simao)
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Eastern Libyan forces attacked an air base in the central region of Jufra on Thursday, killing at least two people according to a force spokesman and a medical source, hours after factional fighting flared in the capital Tripoli.

A U.N.-engineered Government of National Accord (GNA) that was installed in Tripoli last year has struggled to assert its authority over various armed groups in the capital alone, let alone elsewhere in sprawling, oil-producing Libya.

The eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) has clashed with rival brigades in the Jufra area in recent weeks, accusing them of trying to attack Mediterranean coastal oil ports that the LNA took control of last September.

LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari said Thursday's military strike, in which 13 people were also wounded, was aimed at "immobilizing the enemy before an expected attack on the ports". Forces that control the targeted air base could not immediately be reached for comment.

The battles around Jufra have raised fears of a broader escalation between military alliances based in eastern and western Libya that have been involved in intermittent warfare since 2014.

The LNA, led by prominent military commander Khalifa Haftar, has been extending its control to the west and has threatened to march on Tripoli.

Haftar, who is aligned with a self-styled government based in eastern Libya, has opposed the U.N.-backed GNA that arrived in Tripoli, in the country's west, last year.

Some of the capital's many armed groups are still loyal to a third, self-declared government led by Khalifa Ghwell.

In the latest challenge to the GNA, Mahmoud Zagal, a military commander allied to Ghwell, announced on Thursday the formation of the "National Guards", which he said would be used to secure state institutions and diplomatic missions.

Zagal's force arrived in Tripoli on Wednesday from Misrata, Ghwell's home city, in a convoy of several dozen vehicles, triggering heavy clashes with an armed group loyal to the GNA in the southern districts of Salaheddin and Abu Salim.

Most diplomatic missions evacuated from Tripoli after heavy battles in 2014, though the Italian and Turkish embassies reopened last month.

Libya's factional chaos dates to the 2011 uprising that toppled veteran dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

(Reporting by Ayman al-Warfalli and Ahmed Elumami; writing by Aidan Lewis; editing by Mark Heinrich)
COLOMBO (Reuters) - Exiled Maldivian leader Mohamed Nasheed said on Thursday he would return to the troubled Indian Ocean archipelago to contest a 2018 presidential election and called for international pressure on the government to allow him to run.

The Indian Ocean island nation has been mired in political unrest since Nasheed, its first democratically elected leader, was ousted in 2012. He was later sentenced to 13 years in jail on terrorism charges after a widely denounced trial.

Nasheed, who had been released to go to Britain for medical treatment, said the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) had ruled that his detention was unlawful and politically motivated, allowing him to contest any elections.

"I hope to win the ticket as the party candidate of choice for the Maldives presidential elections," he told reporters in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka that has become a base for the exiled opposition.

"In his fear to contest me, if President Yameen bars me from contesting the elections, then of course his presidency will lack the necessary legitimacy."

Nasheed has to get his sentence for the alleged abduction of a judge in 2011 revoked to be eligible to contest the poll as election laws bar candidacy of those jailed for more than a year for a criminal offence, for three years.

Nasheed, 49, hopes the government will let him contest the 2018 polls in which President Abdulla Yameen is expected to seek re-election for a second five-year term.

In its September 2015 ruling, UNWGAD urged Yameen's government to take the necessary steps to release Nasheed immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation. However, Yameen did not adhere to the rulings.

Nasheed urged the international community to engage more robustly with Yameen's government and said a number of countries were working behind the scenes.

"We will continue to work with our international partners to see how they may be able to impress up on President Yameen the need to have an all inclusive elections," he said.

The Maldives left the Commonwealth in October, weeks after the organization warned the tropical island nation, famous for its beaches and coral reefs, could be suspended because of its lack of progress in promoting the rule of law and democracy.

Yameen's administration has arrested most opponents who might challenge him in 2018. The opposition alleges the administration is trying to cover up corruption including money laundering, accusations the government has denied.

The largely Muslim island chain with a population of 400,000 has other looming problems that belie its reputation as a tourist paradise.

Significant numbers of radicalized youths have been enlisting to fight for Islamic State militants in the Middle East.

(Reporting by Shihar Aneez and Ranga Sirilal; Editing by Douglas Busvine, Robert Birsel)
By Jan Strupczewski

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Greece is optimistic its international lenders will next week approve reforms required under its bailout, a minister said on Thursday, but criticized Germany for appearing to say the country might have to quit the euro zone.

Without euro zone finance ministers, who meet on Feb. 20, signing off on the completion of agreed reforms, there can be no further disbursements of loans and Greece would run out of money to service its debt in July.

Getting an agreement after Feb. 20 would be more difficult due to elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany between March and September.

Reflecting market concerns, 2-year Greek bond yields rose on Thursday to around 10.09 percent GR2YT=RR, their highest level since June last year.

"I am optimistic that we could have such an agreement before the Eurogroup on Feb. 20," Greek Alternative Foreign Minister for EU affairs George Katrougalos told reporters in Brussels.

"We want the package of the political agreement to have also the necessary measures for debt to be considered sustainable. The package must have both of these dimensions," he said.

The sustainability of Greek debt, now at around 180 percent of GDP, is crucial for the International Monetary Fund to join the latest Greek bailout, now shouldered only by the euro zone.

The IMF has been pressing euro zone governments to grant Athens substantial debt relief through lengthening and reprofiling loan maturities and grace periods.

But Germany is against granting such relief now, saying it might be considered, if necessary, after the bailout ends in mid-2018.

Germany wants Greece to reach a primary budget surplus of 3.5 percent of gross domestic product next year and keep it at that level for 10 years, arguing that if it did so, no debt relief would be necessary.

ASKING THE IMPOSSIBLE

Katrougalos said demanding any country maintain such a surplus for 10 years was "asking the impossible".

"(German Finance Minister Wolfgang) Schaeuble has a strategy of a much smaller euro zone," Katrougalos said.

"He has suggested Grexit in 2012, in 2015, he is not saying it loud and clear now, but it is clear in our understanding that Mr. Schaeuble's idea is Grexit. It is highly irresponsible not only for the people of Greece but for Europe."

On Wednesday, Schaeuble told German broadcaster ARD that "the pressure on Greece to undertake reforms must be maintained so that it becomes competitive, otherwise they cant remain in the currency area".

The head of the liberal Free Democrats (FDP), a potential government junior partner after this year's election, said on Thursday that Greece needed a debt write off, but could only get it if it left the euro zone.

The IMF believes that asking Greece to maintain a 3.5 percent surplus over a decade is unrealistic and doubts that Athens can even reach it next year without additional steps.

Euro zone officials said the IMF was pushing for Greece to pass contingency measures now worth 2.5 to 3 percent of GDP that would kick in automatically if Athens misses its primary surplus targets in 2017 and 2018.

There is some support for such "pre-legislating" of reforms among euro zone institutions, although they tend to want to reduce the size of the steps as much as possible to make them more politically palatable, one euro zone official said.

Katrougalos said that if it were not for the IMF, which wants Greece to make bolder pension changes and reform its income tax model, euro zone lenders would already have signed off on their review of Greek reforms.

"We are trying to forge a package that would be a decent compromise," Katrougalos said. "This package, in order to be decent, cannot contain irrational demands like those by the IMF."

He said the IMF's stance on Greece was also likely to be influenced by the views of the new U.S. administration, since the United States is a key shareholder in the IMF.

(Reporting By Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Julia Fioretti and Robin Pomeroy)
By Trevor Hunnicutt

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Investors showed an insatiable demand for fixed income during the latest week, handing over the most cash in about seven months to managers of U.S.-based taxable-bond funds, Lipper data showed on Thursday.

The funds gathered $7.5 billion during the week through Feb. 8, marking the sixth straight week of inflows and their strongest sales result since the week that ended July 13, 2016.

Investment-grade bond funds took in $4.9 billion during the week, their largest inflows since October 2014, the data showed. And emerging market debt funds rebounded with their largest inflows since October, $358 million.

"This was a big week," said Pat Keon, senior research analyst for Thomson Reuters Lipper. "It's part of the enthusiasm, positive thoughts. People are willing to take risk."

Analysts for Bank of America Corp said part of the demand for the funds is foreign buyers taking advantage of lower costs to hold bonds denominated in U.S. dollars while hedging their exposure to greenbacks.

"High grade bond fund/ETF inflows have really accelerated this year and are currently running more or less at the highest pace we have seen historically," the analysts wrote on Wednesday in a note called "Not your father's bond fund inflows."

Inflation-protected bond funds attracted $439 million in their ninth week of inflows, while investors added $855 million to loan-participation funds in their 13th straight positive showing. The categories include bonds designed to boost payouts when consumer prices or interest rates rise, for instance in a period of rapid economic growth.

Normally, rising inflation or interest rates would hurt a bond's value, all else being equal.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who took office last month, and his Republican Party have touted potential new economic stimulus measures, such as tax cuts and infrastructure spending. U.S. stocks have responded by scaling new peaks, while bond returns have been less consistent.

Stock fund flows were mixed in the latest week, with demand for funds invested in domestic stocks posting withdrawals of $99 million, compared to inflows of $12.7 billion the week before.

But stock funds invested internationally took in $2.5 billion in their fifth straight week netting cash, according to Lipper. Emerging markets stock funds attracted $1.3 billion in their best week since August 2016.

"As long as the economy keeps chugging along and things get sorted out in Washington I think we may be ripe for a takeoff," said Keon.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Bill Rigby)
The corporate logo of financial firm Morgan Stanley is pictured on the company's world headquarters in the Manhattan borough of New York City, January 20, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Segar

(Reuters) - Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is exploring a move to Hudson Yards, the vast development site on Manhattan's West Side, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The bank is considering purchasing the remaining 2 million square feet at 50 Hudson Yards, the planned tower where money manager BlackRock Inc (NYSE: BLK) is also expected to move its headquarters, the Journal said.

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, plans to move its headquarters in 2022 from midtown Manhattan to a new office tower in the Hudson Yards district, the developers said in December.

Morgan Stanley was not avaible to comment outside regular U.S. business hours.

(Reporting by Akankshita Mukhopadhyay in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler)
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greet a marching band as they arrive at Trump International Golf club to watch the Super Bowl LI between New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 5, 2017

By Robin Emmott and Andrius Sytas

ZAGAN, Poland/RUKLA, Lithuania (Reuters) - Immediately after Donald Trump was elected, U.S. diplomats urged Lithuania to rush through an agreement to keep American troops on its soil, reflecting alarm that the new, Russia-friendly U.S. president might try to stop more deployments in Europe.

The agreement was signed just a few days before Trump's inauguration, according to a document from the Lithuanian defense ministry, and became the first step locking the new U.S. president into a NATO strategy to deter Russia in Poland and the Baltics, following Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

European allies are growing confident that, with the arrival of U.S. troops in Poland, plans ordered by Barack Obama will hold. They are reassured by Trump's remarks to U.S. forces in Florida this week, when he said: "We strongly support NATO."

"When you put soldiers on the ground, tanks like this, that signifies a long-term commitment," Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, the U.S. army's top commander in Europe, said at the snow-covered base in Zagan, Poland where thousands of U.S. troops are arriving before fanning out across the region.

"I am not hearing anything that would tell me otherwise," Hodges said when asked whether Trump might scale back deployments. The president has described NATO as "obsolete" and has praised Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

But it will be hard politically for Trump to bring troops home "on the orders of Russia", one senior alliance diplomat said. The U.S. soldiers featured in a TV commercial seen by millions of Americans at the end of the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Worried since Russia's seizure of Crimea that Moscow could invade Poland or the Baltic states, the Western military alliance wants to bolster its eastern flank without provoking the Kremlin by stationing large forces permanently.

The troop build-up is NATO's biggest in Europe since the end of the Cold War, using a web of small eastern outposts, forces on rotation, regular war games and warehoused U.S. equipment ready for a rapid response force of up to 40,000 personnel.

Britain, Germany and Canada are playing major roles in the force build-up. "Every ally is locked in," said Adam Thomson, a former British ambassador to NATO and now director of the European Leadership Network think-tank in London.

GRAND BARGAIN?

Apparently confident of Washington's commitment to Obama's strategy, Poland's Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz declared "God bless President Trump" at a welcoming ceremony for U.S. forces in Zagan last week.

But European governments remain concerned Trump could use the troop deployments as a chip with Moscow in a grand bargain. Political analysts say that could involve giving Moscow a free hand in much of the former Soviet Union in return for a commitment not to interfere in Europe.

"Trump is a businessman and he wants to negotiate from a position of strength," a central European diplomat in Brussels said of the decision to allow U.S. deployments to continue.

Trump held an hour-long phone call with Putin in late January but avoided talk of Crimea and the rebellion in eastern Ukraine that the West accuses Moscow of sponsoring.

Trump has suggested lifting economic sanctions imposed on Russia over Crimea in return for a reduction of nuclear weapons.

He might offer to scale back NATO projects like the new Polish site set to form part of the alliance's missile shield in the region. NATO says the system is designed to intercept Iranian rockets but Moscow says it is aimed at disabling Russian missiles.

The shield was developed by the United States and is now part of NATO. "It is impossible for Washington to act unilaterally without upsetting allies," Thomson said.

For now, Obama's "dialogue and deterrent" remains the NATO mantra - talking to Moscow but also sending U.S. tanks back to Europe and reopening Cold War-era storage sites.

"We stick with the facts, not the forecasts," Salvatore Farina, the NATO commander coordinating forces in Poland and the three Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, told Reuters at the Rukla military base in Lithuania, where both a German battle group and U.S. infantry are based.

(Anditional reporting by Andrea Shalal in Berlin; editing by Andrew Roche)
By Makini Brice

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - The United Nations is considering removing military personnel from its peacekeeping mission in Haiti, a U.N. official said on Thursday, indicating a possible scaling back of one of the body's longest-running and widely-criticized missions.

The U.N. mission in Haiti, often locally called by its French acronym MINUSTAH, has been in the country since 2004, when a rebellion led to the ouster and exile of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

It is the only U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Americas.

Haiti suffered a two-year political crisis until the recent election and inauguration of President Jovenel Moise. It has suffered major natural disasters, including an earthquake in 2010 and Hurricane Matthew last year. But the impoverished country has not had an armed conflict in years.

Herve Ladsous, a U.N. deputy secretary-general, said the institution was encouraged by the recent successful completion of the elections, the inauguration of the president, and the development and building up of the police force.

"The security situation throughout the country cannot be compared with that of 10 years ago," Ladsous said.

"But I say to all who would be tempted to take advantage of this temporary period to return to illegality, commit crimes, violations of human rights, I say no, we will not accept that."

He said there would be a U.N. assessment mission to determine a "reconfiguration" of MINUSTAH, although he cautioned that the picture was not unequivocally rosy.

"If the military component is erased ... there is still a lot of work left to do on the police, on the law ... on human rights, on the status of women," Ladsous told journalists.

The mission has been criticized for sexual abuse allegations and its role in Haiti's cholera epidemic, which was started by U.N. peacekeepers after the earthquake.

"Re-evaluation is especially appropriate in light of MINUSTAH's slow, expensive and limited progress in its primary mission," said Brian Concannon, the head of the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, a charity that has worked with cholera victims.

Concannon cited the introduction of cholera and sexual exploitation as areas of concern.

Last October, the U.N. Security Council, which approves the mandates of the various peacekeeping missions, renewed MINUSTAH for six months rather than the usual year, a signal to observers of possible changes for the mission.

The secretary-general will weigh in on any change by March 15, and the Security Council is expected to make its decision in April.

(Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Jonathan Oatis)
By Robin Emmott

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Kiev expects to reach a deal with the International Monetary Fund by the end of the month to allow the next tranche of aid, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said on Friday.

Groysman, speaking in an interview with Reuters, also blamed Russia for the biggest surge in violence in Ukraine's industrial east for more than a year. He called on U.S. President Donald Trump to provide "defensive weapons" to Ukraine to bring Moscow back into peace talks.

"We have practically completed negotiations (with the IMF) and only a few nuances remain," he said of talks with the global lender to unlock the latest series of loans under Ukraine's $17.5 billion, four-year bailout by the end of the month.

The disbursement of $1.7 billion worth of aid, part of a plan to aid recovery from an economic crisis aggravated by the separatist conflict in the east, has been delayed since October.

Groysman, 39 and an ally of President Petro Poroshenko who last April was brought in to end parliamentary infighting that threatened Western-backed reforms, said Kiev intended to cooperate with the Washington-based lender.

But he said the IMF needed to have "realistic" expectations on what Ukraine could achieve in terms of judicial reforms that are holding up talks.

"It's important that all the conditions ... have realistic deadlines," he said during a two-day visit to Brussels where he met officials from the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Groysman also promised to submit a pension system proposal this year to reduce its massive deficit after years of mismanagement in order to receive further IMF loans.

However, he warned that it was one of the most sensitive reforms, pointing to how a previous government's bid to raise the retirement age in 2011 led to protests. He stressed he had no plans to raise the retirement age but warned: "This is a not an easy discussion to have with the Ukrainian people."

In a gesture by the EU, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker promised to send 600 million euros ($638 million) to Kiev in the next few weeks after Groysman submitted a draft bill to lift a ban on Ukrainian wood exports.

"BARBARISM"

The West has been seeking to modernize one of the world's most corrupt countries since the 2013-14 pro-European uprising which ousted Russian-backed president Viktor Yanukovich. But Groysman said he believed Moscow was doing everything in its power to hold Ukraine back from closer ties with Europe.

With Kiev's forces fighting pro-Russian separatists in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine for nearly three years in a conflict that has killed some 10,000 people, Groysman accused Moscow of sponsoring "21st century barbarism".

Russia denies any involvement in the conflict.

Last week was the most violent over the last 13 months, according to international monitors.

"Russia completely controls the situation," he said of the hostilities that put at risk a fragile, two-year ceasefire.

(Reporting by Robin Emmott; Editing by Alissa de Carbonnel and Ralph Boulton)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13G (Rule 13d-102) Information Statement Pursuant to Rules 13d-1 and 13d-2 Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ) * TCW STRATEGIC INCOME FUND INC (Name of Issuer) COMMON SHARES (Title of Class of Securities) 872340104 (CUSIP Number) (Holdings as of December 31, 2016) Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is filed: [X] Rule 13d-1(b) [_] Rule 13d-1(c) [_] Rule 13d-1(d) * The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page. The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes). CUSIP NO. 872340104 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSON S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON RELATIVE VALUE PARTNERS GROUP, LLC TIN 47-4067697 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (a)[_] (b)[_] Not Applicable -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. SEC USE ONLY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION ILLINOIS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF 5. Sole Voting Power: 5,724,103 SHARES BENEFICIALLY 6. Shared Voting Power: 0 OWNED BY EACH 7. Sole Dispositive Power: 5,724,103 REPORTING PERSON 8. Shared Dispositive Power: 0 WITH -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 5,724,103 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (9) 12.01% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON IA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSIP NO. 872340104 ITEM 1(A) Name of Issuer: TCW STRATEGIC INCOME FUND INC ITEM 1(B) Address of Issuer's Principal Executive Offices: 865 S FIGUEROA ST STE 1800 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071 USA ITEM 2(A) Name of Person Filing: RELATIVE VALUE PARTNERS GROUP, LLC ITEM 2(B) Address of Principal Business Office or, if none, Residence: 1033 SKOKIE BLVD. SUITE 470, NORTHBROOK, IL 60062 ITEM 2(C) Citizenship: ILLINOIS ITEM 2(D) Title of Class of Securities: COMMON SHARES ITEM 2(E) CUSIP Number: 872340104 ITEM 3. If this statement is filed pursuant to (S)(S)240.13d-1(b) or 240.13d-2(b) or (c), check whether the person filing is a: (a) [_] Broker or dealer registered under section 15 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o). (b) [_] Bank as defined in section 3(a)(6) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (c) [_] Insurance company as defined in section 3(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (d) [ ] Investment company registered under section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C 80a-8). (e) [X] An investment adviser in accordance with (S)240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E); (f) [_] An employee benefit plan or endowment fund in accordance with (S)240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(F); (g) [_] A parent holding company or control person in accordance with (S) 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G); (h) [_] A savings associations as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813); (i) [_] A church plan that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-3); (j) [_] Group, in accordance with (S)240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J). ITEM 4 OWNERSHIP ITEM 4(A): Amount Beneficially Owned: 5,724,103 shares ITEM 4(B): Percent of Class: 12.01% ITEM 4(C): Number of shares as to which such person has: (i) sole power to vote or to direct the vote: 5,724,103 (ii) shared power to vote or to direct the vote: 0 (iii) sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of: 5,724,103 (iv) shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of: 0 ITEM 5 Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class: Not Applicable. CUSIP NO. 872340104 ITEM 6 Ownership of More than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person: Not Applicable. ITEM 7 Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary which Acquired the Security Being Reported on by the Parent Holding Company: Not Applicable. ITEM 8 Identification and Classification of Members of the Group: Not Applicable. ITEM 9 Notice of Dissolution of Group: Not Applicable. ITEM 10 CERTIFICATION: By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having such purpose or effect. SIGNATURE After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. February 10, 2017 ------------------------------- DATE /s/ MAURY FERTIG ------------------------------- SIGNATURE MAURY FERTIG/MANAGING MEMBER -------------------------------- NAME/TITLE
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13G/A UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 EXIT FILING STONE ENERGY CORPORATION (NAME OF ISSUER) COMMON STOCK (TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES) 861642304 (CUSIP NUMBER) 12/31/2016 (DATE OF EVENT WHICH REQUIRES FILING OF THIS STATEMENT) CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX TO DESIGNATE THE RULE PURSUANT TO WHICH THIS SCHEDULE IS FILED: (X) RULE 13D-1 (B) ( ) RULE 13D-1 (C) ( ) RULE 13D-1 (D) *THE REMAINDER OF THIS COVER PAGE SHALL BE FILLED OUT FOR A REPORTING PERSON`S INITIAL FILING ON THIS FORM WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT CLASS OF SECURITIES, AND FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENT CONTAINING INFORMATION WHICH WOULD ALTER THE DISCLOSURES PROVIDED IN A PRIOR COVER PAGE. THE INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REMAINDER OF THIS COVER PAGE SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO BE "FILED" FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECTION 18 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 ("ACT") OR OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO THE LIABILITIES OF THAT SECTION OF THE ACT BUT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE ACT (HOWEVER, SEE THE NOTES). CUSIP NO: 861642304 13G Page 2 of 5 Pages 1. NAME OF REPORTING PERSON: STATE STREET CORPORATION I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF THE ABOVE PERSON: 04-2456637 2. CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP NOT APPLICABLE 3. SEC USE ONLY 4. CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 5. SOLE VOTING POWER 0 SHARES 6. SHARED VOTING POWER 13,908 7. SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 8. SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 13,908 9. AGGREGATED AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 13,908 10. CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (9) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES NOT APPLICABLE 11. PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW 9 0.24% 12. TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON HC CUSIP NO: 861642304 13G Page 3 of 5 Pages ITEM 1. (A) NAME OF ISSUER STONE ENERGY CORPORATION (B) ADDRESS OF ISSUER`S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES 625 E KALISTE SALOOM RD LAFAYETTE LA 70508 ITEM 2. (A) NAME OF PERSON FILING STATE STREET CORPORATION AND ANY OTHER REPORTING PERSON IDENTIFIED ON THE SECOND PART OF THE COVER PAGES HERETO (B) ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OFFICE OR, IN NONE, RESIDENCE STATE STREET FINANCIAL CENTER ONE LINCOLN STREET BOSTON, MA 02111 (FOR ALL REPORTING PERSONS) (C) CITIZENSHIP: SEE ITEM 4 (CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION) OF COVER PAGES (D) TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES COMMON STOCK (E) CUSIP NUMBER: 861642304 ITEM 3. IF THIS STATEMENT IS FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 13D-1(B), OR 13D-2(B) OR (C), CHECK WHETHER THE PERSON FILING IS A: SEE ITEM 12 (TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON) OF THE COVER PAGE FOR EACH REPORTING PERSON AND THE TABLE BELOW, WHICH EXPLAINS THE MEANING OF THE TWO LETTER SYMBOLS APPEARING IN ITEM 12 OF THE COVER PAGES. SYMBOL CATEGORY BK BANK AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(A) (6) OF THE ACT. IC INSURANCE COMPANY AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3 (A) (19) OF THE ACT IC INVESTMENT COMPANY REGISTERED UNDER SECTION 8 OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940. IA AN INVESTMENT ADVISOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 13D-1(B) (1) (II) (E). EP AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN OR ENDOWMENT FUND IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 13D-1(B) (1) (II) (F) . HC A PARENT HOLDING COMPANY OR CONTROL PERSON IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 13D-1(B)(1)(II) (G). SA A SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS AS DEFINED IN SECTION 3(B) OF THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE ACT (12 U.S.C. 1813). CP A CHURCH PLAN THAT IS EXCLUDED FROM THE DEFINITION OF AN INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER SECTION 3(C)(14) OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940. CUSIP NO: 861642304 13G Page 4 of 5 Pages ITEM 4. OWNERSHIP THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN ROWS 5 THROUGH 11 OF THE COVER PAGE HERETO FOR EACH OF THE REPORTING PERSONS IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. ITEM 5. OWNERSHIP OF FIVE PERCENT OR LESS OF CLASS NOT APPLICABLE ITEM 6. OWNERSHIP OF MORE THAN FIVE PERCENT ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER PERSON NOT APPLICABLE ITEM 7. IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE SUBSIDIARY WHICH ACQUIRED THE SECURITY BEING REPORTED ON BY THE PARENT HOLDING COMPANY OR CONTROL PERSON SEE EXHIBIT 1 ATTACHED HERETO ITEM 8. IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE GROUP NOT APPLICABLE ITEM 9. NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF GROUP NOT APPLICABLE ITEM 10. CERTIFICATION BY SIGNING BELOW I CERTIFY THAT, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE WERE ACQUIRED AND ARE HELD IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS AND WERE NOT ACQUIRED AND ARE NOT HELD FOR THE PURPOSE OR WITH THE EFFECT OF CHANGING OR INFLUENCING THE CONTROL OF THE ISSUER OF THE SECURITIES AND WERE NOT ACQUIRED AND ARE NOT HELD IN CONNECTION WITH OR AS A PARTICIPANT IN ANY TRANSACTION HAVING THAT PURPOSE OR EFFECT. SIGNATURES AFTER REASONABLE INQUIRY AND TO THE BEST OF HIS KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED CERTIFIES THAT THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND CORRECT. FEBRUARY 6, 2017 STATE STREET CORPORATION /s/ SEAN P. NEWTH SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER AND CONTROLLER CUSIP NO: 861642304 13G Page 5 of 5 Pages EXHIBIT 1 THE FOLLOWING TABLE LISTS THE IDENTITY AND ITEM 3 CLASSIFICATION OF EACH SUBSIDIARY OF STATE STREET CORPORATION, THE PARENT HOLDING COMPANY, THAT BENEFICIALLY OWNS THE ISSUER`S SECURITIES. PLEASE REFER TO ITEM 3 OF THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE 13G FOR A DESCRIPTION OF EACH OF THE TWO-LETTER SYMBOLS REPRESENTING THE ITEM 3 CLASSIFICATION BELOW. SUBSIDIARY ITEM 3 CLASSIFICATION STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY BK STATE STREET GLOBAL ADVISORS, LTD IA NOTE: ALL OF THE LEGAL ENTITIES ABOVE ARE DIRECT OR INDIRECT SUBSIDIARIES OF STATE STREET CORPORATION.
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13G

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. 1)

Synchronoss Technologies, Inc.

(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock

(Title of Class of Securities)

87157B103

(CUSIP Number)

December 31, 2016

(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)

Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is filed:

 Rule 13d-1(b)

 Rule 13d-1(c)

 Rule 13d-1(d)

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting persons initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be filed for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Act) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

CUSIP No. 87157B103

1. Names of Reporting Persons. I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only). RBC Global Asset Management (U.S.) Inc. 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a)  (b)  3. SEC Use Only 4. Citizenship or Place of Organization Minnesota Number of Shares Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person With: 5. Sole Voting Power 0 6. Shared Voting Power 1,042,892 7. Sole Dispositive Power 0 8. Shared Dispositive Power 1,218,248 9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 1,218,248 10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions)  11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9) 2.7% 12. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IA

Item 1.

(a) Name of Issuer

Synchronoss Technologies, Inc.

(b) Address of Issuers Principal Executive Offices

200 Crossing Boulevard

Suite 800

Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807

Item 2.

(a) Name of Person Filing

RBC Global Asset Management (U.S.) Inc.

(b) Address of Principal Business Office or, if none, Residence

50 South Sixth Street

Suite 2350

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

(c) Citizenship

RBC Global Asset Management (U.S.) Inc. is incorporated under the laws of Minnesota

(d) Title of Class of Securities

Common Stock

(e) CUSIP Number

87157B103

Item 3. If this statement is filed pursuant to 240.13d-1(b) or 240.13d-2(b) or (c), check whether the person filing is a:

(a)  Broker or dealer registered under section 15 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o). (b)  Bank as defined in section 3(a)(6) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (c)  Insurance company as defined in section 3(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (d)  Investment company registered under section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C 80a-8). (e)  An investment adviser in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E); (f)  An employee benefit plan or endowment fund in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(F); (g)  A parent holding company or control person in accordance with  240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G); (h)  A savings associations as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813); (i)  A church plan that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-3); (j)  A non-U.S. institution in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J); (k)  Group, in accordance with 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J).

Item 4. Ownership

Provide the following information regarding the aggregate number and percentage of the class of securities of the issuer identified in Item 1.

(a) Amount beneficially owned: See Item 9 of the Cover Page.

(b) Percent of class: See Item 11 of the Cover Page.

(c) Number of shares as to which the person has:

(i) Sole power to vote or to direct the vote

See Item 5 of the Cover Page.

(ii) Shared power to vote or to direct the vote

See Item 6 of the Cover Page.

(iii) Sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of

See Item 7 of the Cover Page.

(iv) Shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of

See Item 8 of the Cover Page.

Instruction: For computations regarding securities which represent a right to acquire an underlying security see 240.13d-3(d)(1).

Item 5. Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class

If this statement is being filed to report the fact that as of the date hereof the reporting person has ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the class of securities, check the following - .

Item 6. Ownership of More than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person

Not applicable.

Item 7. Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary Which Acquired the Security Being Reported on by the Parent Holding Company

Not applicable.

Item 8. Identification and Classification of Members of the Group

Not applicable.

Item 9. Notice of Dissolution of Group

Not applicable.

Item 10. Certifications

By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect.

SIGNATURE

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Dated: February 10, 2017
Russia considers Pakistan as a natural ally but it has taken a long time to align with Russia. For the first time in history, Pakistan and Russia are coming closer by developing a strategic partnership, and extending cooperation to every sphere aimed at establishing people to people contacts. Once Pakistan was the ally of the United States, but now the regional situation has been changed as Islamabad has tilted towards Moscow. This new alignment came after Pakistans decision to boost full scale strategic partnership with its neighbor, and long-time friend China, by ignoring US warnings.

Meanwhile on the world stage, China is the strategic partner of Russia. That is the main reason for Pakistans closeness with Russia. The history of South Asia has witnessed that America has tried to unite Pakistan and India to counter China, but Pakistans timely decision to leave the American camp has changed the whole geopolitical jigsaw in the region. India meanwhile has opted for a policy to counter China and confront Pakistan through an alignment with America and its Western allies.

Russia - the strategic partner of China - came forward to South Asia to defuse America's dirty game against its partner China. Therefore Russia has accelerated its Friendship-Druzhba diplomacy towards South Asian rivals; India and Pakistan aim to resolve Indo-Pak disputes and repair the damages this region was subjected to by the west. While Western powers attempt to isolate Russia with NATOs expansion in Eastern Europe, this provided an opportunity for Russia to establish strategic partnerships with Asian nations.

Russias multipolar approach has engaged world nations for the betterment of a multipolar world through minimizing unipolar world hegemony.

This Russian effort has focused on nations around the world for a global security mechanism, through bypassing the unipolar power.

Moscows intimacy with Islamabad is also the part of Russias multipolar strategy towards South Asian nations, but unfortunately New Delhi felt resentful about this new approach of Russia, as it is historically the one of closest allies of Moscow. The fact is that India under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears as an ally of the USA as both countries have signed a military logistics pact. Modis shift towards the anti-China camp is the result of American corporate sector investment. Therefore, for the first time India has given-up the non-alignment principle of its foreign policy. While under Modis regime, the anti-Russian lobby funded by the US corporate defence sector came in power within the Indian establishment. This lobby has worked vigorously in India to prove that Russian defence technology as faulty by nature. Many believe that this lobby is behind the technological disasters in the Indian arms sector with the aim to replace Russian technology. The Indian defence deals with the USA and its western allies under Modis government are evidence of it, hence why Russia has lifted its arms embargo over Pakistan.

Chinization of Pakistan

Pakistan is considered a fragile state, and a struggle for power between politicians and military to run the country is making it weaker still. Corrupt politicians, continuous military coups, bad governance, a disastrous economy, and separatist movements are the main roots of its problems. History tells us that Pakistan from its birth to till date remained a vassal state and experimental laboratory of the unipolar world. The pentagon created the Jihad dogma which flourished here with the help of Saudi religious sermons. Illiteracy and the governments lack of interest to educate youth provided an opportunity to extremist Muslims to fill the vacuum with Madrasas, by injecting radical form of Islam on the land of Sufism with the help of Saudi funding. Radical Islam with pentagons jihad was exported from these madrasas in Pakistan to Afghanistan, Chechnya, Bosnia, and Sudan and it was even brought to every corner of Muslim world with the assistance of Saudi Arabia, to protect geopolitical interests of western world in Muslim populated regions and countries from Caucasus Mountains to African Deserts. Before this Talibanization of Pakistan, the elected government of Pakistans anti-imperialist leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was toppled by army general Zia-ul-Haq with the help of the CIA. Zia who was known as the godfather of radical Islamic militants, and also given the title of butcher by Philistines because he killed thousands of innocent Philistines during the Black September operation in Jordan, became the President of Pakistan after hanging Bhutto to death and forcefully amending Pakistans liberal and secular constitution into one Islamic in nature.

In fact, many believe that the creation of Pakistan was the main reason to prevent Soviet communism into South Asia, hence why division in the subcontinent was made by British rule as a scheme of Islamic crescent to prevent communism.

While at that time the USSR's leader Marshal Stalin was aware of this western scheme therefore Stalin was the first leader who welcomed the birth of Pakistan through sending invitation letter to Pakistans leadership to visit Moscow. Stalin's intention was to align newly born Pakistan with the USSR as at that time only 20 KM narrow strip known as Wakhan Corridor separated Pakistan from the USSR's border (currently Tajikistan). This geopolitical approach of Stalin towards Pakistan was enough to put down the western great game in south Asia. American president Truman sent an invitation latter to India. But unfortunately, Pakistans first Prime Minister Laiquat Ali Khan was circled by CIA agents at that time, and waited for Washington invitation. Finally in 1950, Khan went to America through rejecting Stalin's request. Many scholars of Pakistans history blamed Khan, that he sold Pakistan to America. That was the beginning point of Pakistans alignment with America and cold rivalry with the USSR. Later in the 70'ss, Bhutto tried to change the fate of country by establishing contacts with the USSR. He visited Moscow in 1972 and brought Soviet investment to Pakistan. One of Asias biggest steel mills, Pakistan steel mill, was installed by the USSR as a token of friendship to the Pakistani people in 1974. But later in 1977, the CIA sponsored a military coup an turned the Afghan Jihad against the USSR ; it turned friendship into rivalry. Here it is also necessary to mention that during Bhutto regime, the Communist Party of Soviet Union (CPSU) had success in establishing its sphere influence on Pakistans left wing parties. At that time Bhuttos own party, the Pakistan People Party (PPP) was much closer to the Soviet Communist Party. Bhutto, as a left-wing leader, introduced the ideology of Islamic socialism which gave space to the USSR intended to flourish socialism. During the decade of Zias Talibanization of Pakistan, the CPSU remained in contact with Pakistans socialist and left wing parties to counter radicalization of Islam till 1991.

Fortunately, Pakistan had success in maintaining brotherhood with its neighbor China from the beginning. Pakistan was the first Muslim country who recognized modern China under communist rule in 1951.

The credit of forever friendship again goes to Bhutto, who turned his personal friendship with the founder of modern China, Mao Tse Tung into Pak-China friendship. Even Pakistan played a mediator role between China and the USA, as a result American president Nixon visited China in 1972. China helped Pakistan with weapons during the Indo-Pak wars while China being the permanent member of UN Security Council, always supports Pakistans stance in the UN against its traditional rival India. China is the only country who helped Pakistan to bring it out from militancy and Talibanization. Army operation against militant groups was launched by Pakistan on the pressure of China. In other words, Pakistan took a U-turn by plugging out the support of terrorist organizations intended to clean and clear the Chinese trade route of the Silk Road, which provides the shortest land route to China and landlocked Central Asian states to reach the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. The China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) under Chinas One Belt One Road scheme turned Talibanization of Pakistan into Chinization of Pakistan, by giving new hopes for prosperity and regional development.

China was well aware of American influence from state structure to the basic family unit, and Pakistans dual game with America cautioned Chinese leadership. Therefore China has taken preventative measures with strengthening state intuitions, the private sector and basic infrastructure of Pakistan. Beside this, under this Chinization concept, Chinese companies are also taking an interest in the privatization process of state institutions of Pakistan with the intention of minimizing western influence on Pakistan. Chinese strategic interest in Pakistan also attracted Russia and Central Asian countries which are strategic partners of China on the world stage to move toward Pakistan.

Unipolarization of Multipolar India

Historically, India has a multipolar state structure as the fertile Indian soil has given birth to many religions, civilizations and cultures. The Indo-Gangetic plain has unique features of integration. Many ancient races integrated in this land between the Indus and Ganga rivers. But now in the present time, as regional integration has reached the door of India, it is acted as the bridge for the walk of unipolar hegemony over to multipolar India under the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In fact the BJP is the political wing of Hindu extremist ideological organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) which was involved the anti-Sikh riots in 1984 and the 2002 Gujarat anti-Muslim riots. While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also a registered member of this extremist organization, as his previous record is witnessed that he had blood on his hands. Being the Chief Minister of Gujarat he allowed the killing of Muslims during the 2002 Gujarat Hindu-Muslim riots. In other words, Modi has become the godfather of the Hindu Taliban. As once Zia turned Pakistan into an Islamist extremist factory, now the same thing Modi is being done in India, by changing India's secular image to an extremist Hindu state.

India before Modis government was an active leader of the Non-Aligned movement (NAM) and this was the main principle of Indian foreign policy, but now after joining the US camp, India has given up NAM as Modi has dropped out of attending the NAM summit in Venezuela.

In fact the Indian first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru joined the Non-Aligned Movement intended to keep Indian relations smoothly with both world superpowers; USSR and America. Nehru was one of the great Indian leaders who opposed the British bid to involve India in World War2 and he led a civil disobedience movement in the subcontinent against the British decision to put India into the war. Therefore during the cold war era, he became the leader of NAM by keeping India outside of both blocs. Although he visited the USA immediately after the independence of India, but he also maintained a friendly relationship with the USSR. India all weather rival Pakistan joined the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) also known as Baghdad Pact, and the South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) which were introduced by the USA to counter the influence of the USSR in Islamic Crescent (from Mideast to Pakistan) and South East Asia, turned the Indo-USSR friendship into a strategic partnership. Historically, India being the leader of NAM got benefits from both Cold War rivals, America and the USSR. India utilized American influence to keep Pakistan out from the Indo-Sino War in 1962. In fact, Pakistan's Army was trained and equipped by America to prevent the emergence of alternate power centers in the region. Hence why at that time Pakistan rejected Chinese request to join it against India. India balanced diplomacy between Moscow and Washington and had gained financial and military support from both power blocs. Besides being an ally, America invested only on Pakistan's army to prepare it for war against USSR. That was the main reason of India's dependence on Moscow; to build its army with the USSR's military capability. Later during the Afghan war, Pakistan's army with jihads proxies fought against the USSR, and then Jihad was also introduced against India. The Khalistan movement, to break India and Kashmir, with Jihad to liberate Kashmir from Indian occupation, were launched during the Afghan war on the Indian front. But after the break-up of the USSR, America turned to India with the aim of countering the worlds growing super power, China.

The US realized that Pakistan will not go against China at any cost. Thats why it maximized its influence on India by minimizing Russian influence. When Pakistan officially handed over Balochistans strategic port of Gwadar to China, Washington turned its back from Islamabad by building anti-China alignment with India between South Asian nations. For this purpose, the Hindu extremist BJP was used to create hostility in the favor of America so that the unipolar geopolitical objective would be achieved in the region by India. America's long time investment in democratic India brought fruit in the shape of Modis BJP win in the general election. After taking oath, Modi has waged a double edge war domestically and regionally in south Asia. Now India's secular and liberal image is under threat by this Hindu nationalist ideology conceded by the current ruling regime, while regionally, India has adopted a counter China policy by confronting Pakistan. India has not only given up non-alignment policy by joining the unipolar club but it has also accelerated the bilateral mechanism after diplomatic failure on multilateral blocs and alliances against China and Pakistan. Unfortunately India has drawn a redline between friend and foe on the Sino-Pak partnership issue.

Russias choice

India's redline on the Sino-Pak nexus has increased difficulties for Russia as being the architect of the multipolar world, it is still struggling to pull together both Asian giants, China and India, together for the betterment of the world. But unfortunately, India's Modi has given a clear cut choice to Russia during Vladimir Putin's current visit to India on the eve of the BRICS summit. Addressing the media with Putin, India's PM Modi used the Russian proverb by saying One old friend is better than two new ones. There was an indication for Russia that India as an old friend is better for Russia than China and Pakistan. But at the Indian hosted BRICS summit, President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have also given a message to India by blocking Modis effort to isolate Pakistan on the terrorism issue. Recently, Russia has rejected all Indian concerns regarding Moscows emerging partnership with Pakistan. Russia has not only declined Indian plea about providing of Russian defence technology to Pakistan, but it is also going to strengthen defence ties with Pakistan, as both armies have started bilateral military drills from last year onward to an annual basis. Moreover, Russia has also rebuffed Indian attempts to isolate Pakistan regionally and globally by bringing it into line of the multipolar world. As it is utilizing Pakistans potential to eliminate terrorism which was introduced by US/NATO in the form of the Islamic State in the region, especially in Afghanistan at the same time Islamabad is also assisting Moscow in the Muslim world to overcome and defeat the extremist Islamic wave and ideology. Even for this purpose Russia has accepted the Taliban as a stake holder of the Afghan peace process. In other words Russia has accepted the Taliban as Pakistans dowry for a peace initiative.

After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, Pakistan kept its contacts with the new entity called Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) but it came closer with Putins Russia, during the previous government of Pakistans people party (PPP), which came to power after the assassination of Bhuttos daughter Benazir Bhutto. The co-chairman of the PP and the former President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, offered Russia access to the warm waters of the Arabian Sea via Balochs Gwadar port during a visit to Moscow in 2011. The Shanghai cooperation Organization (SCO) also played a vital role in bringing Pakistan and Russia closer to each other. Russia publically supported Islamabads bid of joining the SCO as a full member. Russian president Vladimir Putin indicated he wanted to resolve Pakistans energy crises by offering technical assistance for Gaddu and Muzaffargarh power plants. Moreover Russian companies are going to construct the North-South gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore with worth $2 billion. Although Russia is interested in connecting Pakistan and India with energy pipelines aimed to export Caspian Sea energy to South Asia, the current Indian anti-Pakistan rhetoric has become a hurdle for the expansion of the Caspian Sea energy to India, as India has dream to connect itself with Eurasian energy pipelines, but for this purpose it is again dependent on its rival, Pakistan, as its transit trade routes provide India the shortest land access to reach Moscow via Kabul and Tehran.

Russia is seeking an opportunity along with the CPEC in the region to build the Eurasian energy grid in Pakistan so that Caspian Sea energy would be exported by utilizing the potential of Gwadar port (currently handed over to China), which considers a two-way export for East, West, south and North. This energy corridor would turn Pakistan into Indias irreplaceable energy partner, as the Caspian Seas proposed inter-continental gas pipelines would pass through Pakistan to South Asia via India.

Unfortunately, India's strategic tilt towards imperial power centers of the unipolar world rang the alarm bells in Moscow. Modis adventures in wonderland persuaded Russia to keep a strategic balance in the region; Russia welcomed Pakistan as a new friend. But it does not mean that Russia has turned back from India. The Kremlin has also accelerated its efforts to maximize engagement with India so that the multiploarity of India would be saved for the larger interest of South Asia. To counter the American scheme, Russia has already boosted the bilateral and multilateral mechanism with all South Asian nations. Russian advocacy to bring all south Asian nations into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is seen in that Russia aims to repair south Asia with positive regional integration. Besides this, Russian potential to mediate between traditional rivals; India and the Sino-Pak nexus, is only hope for betterment of the region. But India's redline over Sino-Pak strategic partnership is worsening the situation and it provided a chance for Pakistan to replace India for Russia, while it has also convinced Russia to prefer two new friends over an old one, which has turned its back by joining the anti-regional unipolar camp. So the emerging axis between Moscow, Islamabad and Beijing is seen, and Russia has chosen China and Pakistan over Modis India with this hope that being the part of the multipolar world and BRICS/SCO institutions, India will return to regionalism as Pakistan  once ally of the US - becomes a new friend of Russia.

Katehon
The top US commander in Afghanistan said Thursday he needs a few thousand more troops to better accomplish an integral part of the mission, and he complained that Russian meddling is complicating the counter-terrorism fight.

Gen John Nicholson didn't provide the Senate Armed Services Committee with an exact number of additional forces, but said they could come from the United States or other countries in the American-led coalition in Afghanistan, where the war is now in its 16th year.

He said they are necessary to properly train and advise the Afghan military and perform work now handled at greater cost by contractors.

There are currently about 8,400 US troops conducting counter-terrorism operations against insurgents and training the Afghan army.

Nicholson said he had discussed troop levels with Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Gen Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Nicholson said he believes the Trump administration will be open to a level based on requirements, rather than a predetermined figure.

Republicans criticised President Barack Obama for trying, in their view, to cut the number too sharply before he left office Jan, 20. But the idea of sending more Americans to the war zone may not go over well with a public frustrated by the length and cost of the conflict.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, citing figures from the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, said the war is costing US taxpayers $13 million a day.

Nicholson also disclosed that a US special forces soldier was severely wounded in fighting Thursday in Sangin, the Taliban heartland in southern Afghanistan.

He said that because of troop level limits, the aviation brigade that deployed to Afghanistan was able to bring its helicopters, pilots and staff, but had to leave its mechanics behind at Fort Riley in Kansas.

Contractors were hired instead at a cost of tens of millions of dollars, forcing the soldier mechanics to sit at home, he said, and affecting the Army unit's readiness.

Nicholson said there is a 2-1 ratio of contractors to troops in Afghanistan.

In response to a question from Sen Claire McCaskill, Nicholson said he doesn't have enough troops to provide proper oversight of all those contractors.

Nicholson contended that Russia has been publicly legitimising the Taliban by claiming that the militants are fighting terrorists while the Afghan government is not. He called that a false narrative and argued that Moscow's goal is to undermine the United States and NATO in Afghanistan.

Afghan security forces have reduced by one-half the number of IS fighters and by two-thirds the amount of territory the extremists hold, according to the commander. He said declined to say in the open hearing whether Russia is providing support for the Taliban and in what way.

The Russians recently invited representatives from the Taliban, China, Pakistan and other countries in the region to Moscow for meetings about Afghanistan's future, but did not include officials from the Kabul government, Nicholson said.

The international Red Cross on Thursday temporarily suspended its activities in Afghanistan following an attack that killed six of its employees the previous day in a northern province.

According to Thomas Glass, spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross, the aid group's activities are on hold until next Tuesday or possibly longer.

The organisation, he told The Associated Press, needs to reassess how we can conduct our work safely following Wednesday's attack near the northern town of Shibirghan.

Glass described the assault as the worst incident for ICRC in 16 years in Afghanistan. The eight-person ICRC team was delivering livestock materials near Shibirghan, the capital of Jowzjan province, when the gunmen attacked their convoy.

We are not planning to leave Afghanistan, he added.

We need to have a dialogue with all parties in the conflict about the security and safety of our staff.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the provincial police chief, Rahmatullah Turkistani, said it was likely carried out by the militant Islamic State (IS) group, who have a presence in the area.

The Taliban, who have been waging a 15-year insurgency against the Kabul government, denied involvement.
Moscow will host six-party talks about Afghanistan on 15 February, with Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Iran, India, and naturally Russia expected to be represented. Moreover, ZamirKabulov extended an invitation to the US as well, though stipulating that it should first be ready to work constructively with regional powers and determine what they are planning to do in Afghanistan.

Given these conditions and the fact that the Trump Administration has yet to articulate its strategy on Afghanistan, Kabulov was probably just being diplomatic in inviting his American counterparts, and if they show up at all, they might be represented by low-level token dignitaries like they were for Astana.

Multilateral Syrian And Afghan Talks: Same Format, Similar Hope

Speaking of which, theres an interesting parallel between the Astana process for Syria and the developing Eurasian framework for Afghanistan. At the end of December, Moscow hosted two very high-profile summits dealing with both of these conflicts, with the outcome of the Syrian-related one being the Moscow Declaration and subsequent Astana gathering, while the Afghan one seems to have produced the forthcoming meeting in Moscow next week. Both prior events importantly emphasized the trilateral cooperation between Russia, Iran, and Turkey in Syria, and Russia, Pakistan, and China in Afghanistan, and its no surprise that both of their follow-up summits expanded the format to include additional players.

For example, the Astana gathering involved a motley crew of moderate opposition rebels alongside Damascus legitimate representatives, and Russia also spoke about its future intention to involve Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Iraq. Furthermore, a Russian-written draftconstitution for Syria was unveiled at the talks, and Moscow stated that it envisions this document laying the foundation for an eventual political settlement to the war. Pursuant to that, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov said that he hopes that it will be part of the upcoming intra-Syrian Geneva discussions which are expected to resume later this month. All in all, however, the most consequential outcome reached at the Astana talks was the normalization/legitimization of the moderate opposition rebels and their formalized separation from the terrorist groups that some of them were only just recently a part of.

As for next weeks six-party Moscow talks on Afghanistan, its clear to see that the trilateral format between Russia, Pakistan, and China is obviously being expanded to twice its size through the inclusion of Iran, India, and Afghanistan, and potentially even the US to some capacity. Its doubtful that a similar foreign-written draft constitution will be announced at the event, but what can instead be expected to come out of the meeting are similar efforts to formally divide the good/moderate Taliban from the bad/terrorist ones which have since gone on to become part of Daeshs franchise in the country. Theres no indication that India will yield in its unwavering and obstinate stance that all Taliban are terrorists, but the American-backed Kabul government has belatedly and only just recently recognized that they must eventually enter into dialogue with the Taliban in order to end the war, and herein lays the opportunity for a future breakthrough.

Separating The Good From The Bad

If any progress is made during the upcoming Moscow talks in regards to the Tripartite of Russia-Pakistan-China convincing Kabul of the need to sincerely commit to and then fast-track its desire to engage in dialogue with the Taliban, then it could possibly provide a face-saving opening for Trump to begin wrapping up the US War on Afghanistan in order to more fully focus on his containment efforts against Iran and China. Neither Trump, his Defense Secretary Mad Dog Mattis, nor his National Security Advisor Michael Flynn  all three of whom have staked their reputations on eradicating radical Islamic terrorism  can afford to strike a deal with the terrorist Taliban, let alone draw down from Afghanistan in a similarly disastrous manner as Obama did from Iraq in 2011 and thus leave the door tantalizingly open for Daesh. This can only happen if Kabul recognizes the good/moderate Taliban as being separate from the bad/terrorist ones and comes to appreciate their valuable anti-Daesh functions.

India will predictably object to this and do everything in its power to stop any Kabul-Taliban rapprochement, but Iran will likely be much quieter and simply go along with the flow of events in the neighboring country. Russia and China already have an idea about how their counterparts will react, which is why the Moscow meeting is likely intended as a polite/diplomatic introduction to India about the changing reality in Afghanistan (out of respect to the enduring Russian-Indian Strategic Partnership) and a way to formally get Iran on board with this initiative. New Delhi might not change its position towards the Taliban unless Washington does, so its possible that both India and the US will continue to remain obstacles to the peace process for the coming future, though theyll now be aware that the momentum has shifted against their existing interests if Russia, Pakistan, China, Iran, and Afghanistan reach a consensual decision on normalizing/legitimizing the good/moderate Taliban.

The longer that the US and India take to accept this convincingly imminent change of events, the less influence that theyll be able to command in the country or over a forthcoming round of revived and inclusive talks (in the sense that the good/moderate Taliban play their rightful and equal role). Given the Trump Administrations stated positions regarding radical Islamic terrorism, they cant even begin to contemplate redeploying their Afghan-based forces elsewhere unless the opening develops whereby its Kabul proxy comes to realize that there is indeed such a thing as good/moderate Taliban which play an irreplaceable role in countering their bad/terrorist offshoots which founded the countrys Daesh franchise. Pakistan is the brains behind this strategy and already persuaded Russia and China of the urgent necessity in arriving at this game-changing conclusion and throwing their full support behind it.

Internationalization And The Inclusion Of India

Islamabad knew that it couldnt succeed in convincing Kabul or Washington of this alone given how both of these actors distrust Pakistans motives and view it as a partisan player in the country, but now that Pakistan helped Russia, China, and soon even Iran to unite in their understanding that the good/moderate Taliban must be included in the conflict reconciliation process and nationwide anti-terrorist operations, itll be difficult for both of these aforementioned players and their Indian ally to ignore this decisive political-diplomatic shift. Clearly, Pakistans strategists and decision makers obviously understood that the key to making progress in resolving the War on Afghanistan was to internationalize the peace talks through the inclusion of key Eurasian players such as Russia, China, and Iran.

Islamabad would likely prefer for New Delhi to not be involved in this framework, but Moscow sees its participation as being a necessary component in order for improving the odds that a deal can eventually be made. Although Pakistan might object to this, most of the anticipated participants in the talks have some form of high-level strategic relations with India and might refuse to take the talks seriously unless their partner  which also has an interest in the country  was invited to attend. The US is engaged in a newfound military-strategic partnership with India, while Russia has a long-standing history of loyal ties to it in spite of the just-mentioned fact of New Delhis surprisingpivot to Washington. Iran plans to cooperate with India on the North-South Corridor stretching from Saint Petersburg to Mumbai, while Afghanistan envisions a crucial extension of this project injecting the landlocked country and the rest of Central Asia with Indian influence.

Under these conditions, theres no way that India could be excluded from this framework, even if it doesnt ever attain any position of influence over the process and its participation is merely symbolic for diplomacys sake.

Interpreting Irans Imperatives

Other than the role of India, which was just discussed, some additional words need to be said about Irans inclusion in the talks and the influence that its expected to wield over this issue. Tehran has mostly stayed on the sidelines throughout the past 16 years, turning a blind eye to whats happening in Afghanistan and hoping that its American rival will remain indefinitely entrapped in this quagmire. Aside from being cynical, this unstated policy is also pragmatic. Iran does not want the US to succeed in its Afghan plans because Washington could then use the country as a launching pad for waging Hybrid War on it through the sheltering of anti-government terrorist groups such as Daesh, Jundallah, and others. The same logic also applies to Pakistan, which thus gives the two countries a significant overlap of strategic understanding towards the American occupation forces in their neighboring country. Unlike Pakistan, however, Iran, hasnt been too active of a player in Afghanistan over the years, but that could easily change if it was convinced to come on board with the new proposal in encouraging Kabul to team up with the good/moderate Taliban against their bad/terrorist counterparts which broke away to form Daesh.

Tehran is keen enough to understand what this development would mean for its own security, which is why its likely to politically support it. Its enough to remind the reader that Iran has agreed to much more than this when it came to Astana, since its leadership threw its weight behind what amounted to the de-facto normalization/legitimization of Jaysh Islam, an organization which is now regarded as being part of the moderate rebel opposition but had previously been decried by both Tehran and Moscow just a few months ago for being terrorists. If Iran could shift its position on one of the major non-state adversaries fighting against its Syrian ally, then it shouldnt have too much of a problem doing the same as it relates to the Taliban and thus boosting the prospects for more pragmatically bringing an end to the much-longer War on Afghanistan. Whereas Iran and even Russias changed stance towards Jaysh Islam in Syria may have been interpreted by some as being a concession to the anti-Damascus coalition in the pragmatic interests of accelerating a solution to the War on Syria, it would instead be seen as a strategic gain for them if applied towards the Taliban in Afghanistan.

In the context of comparing the multipolar-brokered Syrian and Afghan peace talks, it cant be left out that Iran is the only country besides Russia to take part in both Astana and the upcoming six-party Moscow meeting, which attests to its transregional influence in West and Central-South Asia by virtue of its geography. The US is currently ramping up asymmetrical hostilities against Iran and is highly displeased whenever Tehran is given a seat at the table for important functions, just as Iran has reciprocally felt about the US especially as it relates to Astana. Nevertheless, its possible for progress to be made in line with the stated objectives of both diplomatic functions even if Iranian and American dignitaries have no contact with one another throughout the course of diplomatic events. As was expressed earlier in the research, Trump is much more interested in refocusing the Pentagons conventional and unconventional efforts on containing Iran and China, and the Taliban quagmire is an unnecessary distraction in this equation which detracts from the viability of his grand strategic ambitions.

Accepting that its impossible for the US to accomplish its initial task of nation-building and democracy promotion in Afghanistan, the best recourse that it can hope for at this time is to be allowed a face-saving exit from the scene, ergo why Washington might be receptive to the timing of the multipolar initiative to separate the good/moderate Taliban from the bad/terrorist ones which defected to Daesh and use the former as the best fighting force for combatting the latter. In exchange, the international community (or at least the Eurasian Great Powers) would promise the good/moderate Taliban full recognition as legitimate political players in their countrys conflict resolution process, thereby killing two birds with one stone and accomplishing what the Chinese typically term as a win-win result.

The Moscow Agenda

Considering all of the aforementioned factors elaborated on in this research, the following points should constitute the agenda for the upcoming Moscow talks:

* Attain unambiguous Iranian support for Russian-Pakistani-Chinese initiative to differentiate between the good/moderate Taliban and their bad/terrorist offshoots that formed Daesh;

* Leverage the expanded quadrilateral (Russian, Pakistan, Chinese, Iranian) backing for this proposal to convince Kabul of the necessity to seriously engage with the Taliban as equals for the sake of anti-terrorist cooperation and political reconciliation;

* Encourage Kabul and the Taliban to set a timetable for intra-Afghan talks brokered by Russia, Pakistan, and China, potentially even being expanded to include Iran, India, and the US with time;

* Convey discrete suggestions to the US that this incipient yet promising development is the face-saving justification that they need for contemplating an eventual drawdown or outright withdrawal from Afghanistan;

* and respectfully hint to India that it wont be able to stop the progress thats being made, let alone if the US also comes onboard, and that now is the best time for it to change its position and become flexible on the issue.

Concluding Thoughts

Just like the War on Syria is approaching its final stages, so too is the War on Afghanistan, albeit at a much slower pace and with a lot more progress still left to be desired. After years of political-diplomatic stalemate, however, Pakistan has finally breathed new life into the conflict resolution process in the landlocked country through its clever internationalization of the issue via its newfound Eurasian pivot. Islamabad worked for years to cultivate Beijings strategists and decision makers into recognizing the genius of separating the good/moderate Taliban from their bad/terrorist defectors, and the understanding that the two sides finally reached over this important issue was enough to eventually convince Russia of itsundeniablepragmatism. Altogether, these three Eurasian Great Powers symbolically took the lead in guiding the stillborn Afghan peace process after their late-December meeting in Moscow, and less than two months following their summit, theyre now expanding this successful format to the level of six-party talks which will once again be held in the Russian capital.

The success of the upcoming gathering is important for Pakistan for reasons beyond the seemingly obvious. Nobody seriously argues that peace in Afghanistan wouldnt be beneficial for Pakistans immediate security interests, but whats mostly unnoticed by many observers is just how important this would also be for Pakistani-American ties in the tumultuous Trump Era. The new US president is primed to release a wave of unconventional warfare as part of his much-publicized rivalry against Iran and China, and with Pakistan being geographically in between both and potentially uniting them through CPEC one day, its predictable that it might get caught up in this geopolitical competition and possibly even become a target itself. Therefore, Islamabad is impelled to take proactive measures in proving the utility of its worth to Washington in order to remain outside the US crosshairs. So long as positive relations with Pakistan are of high-level strategic importance to the present American administration, Islamabad will have less to worry about when it comes to Washington and could thus focus more intently on confronting terrorism, balancing against Indian aggression, and dedicating itself tosocio-economic development through CPEC.

The key to ensuring Pakistans security across the next four-to-eight years of the Trump Era is to balance between a variety of global powers in maximizing its position as a the Zipper of Pan-Eurasian Integration and the Convergence of Civilizations. While these two historic roles might make Pakistan a tempting target for the US Hybrid War destabilizations, whether carried out alone or in conjunction with its new Indian ally, Islamabad could powerfully counteract this possibility by highlighting its function as the crucial actor which facilitated Washingtons face-saving drawdown and/or eventual retreat from Afghanistan. Since fighting radical Islamic terrorism is at the top of Trumps agenda, Pakistan should remind the US and the rest of the world how its been the largest and longest-running victim of this scourge until Syria recently surpassed it in suffering, and that this is why Islamabad is so inspired to break through the Kabul-Taliban deadlock in spearheading a sustainable political and anti-terrorist solution to Afghanistans globally notorious woes.

Daesh cant be defeated without the indispensable help of the good/moderate Taliban, which themselves cant be normalized/legitimized into the Afghan political-military system without Pakistans assistance, so if the US and the rest of the world truly want to defeat terrorism in South-Central Asia and safeguard the security of all of the countries in this transregional pivot space, then they absolutely need to work with Pakistan and understand that its stability and prosperity are fundamental prerequisites for sustaining political and anti-terrorist gains in Afghanistan.

Katehon
A Rock Springs man reported to be driving all over the road on Thursday was arrested for an alleged seventh drunken driving offense.

Craig Janzen, 64, was taken into custody after refusing to perform field sobriety tests.

"He told the deputy 'Go ahead and arrest me, I'm drunk enough,'" said Sauk County Sheriff Chip Meister.

The Sheriff's Office was called at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday because a vehicle was crossing the center line and shoulder line on Highway 136 in West Baraboo.

A deputy caught up to the vehicle and pulled it over on Pleasant Valley Road.
A child suffered minor injuries Thursday afternoon when rolled over by a school bus in Muscoda.

The incident happened at about 4 p.m. at a school bus stop, Muscoda police said.

The wheels of the bus did not make contact with the child, the police report said.

The child was taken by family members to a hospital for treatment.

The bus driver also was taken to get tested for drug or alcohol use, but police believe neither were factors in the incident.

The incident remains under investigation.
Students at Gompers Elementary School on Madison's North Side stayed inside late Friday morning, because police officers were conducting an investigation in the school area.

The school, at 1502 Wyoming Way, kept students inside as a precaution, and there was no lockdown at the school.

Rachel Strauch-Nelson spokeswoman for the Madison Metropolitan School District, said a letter was being sent to parents advising them there wasn't a problem at the school, and the decision to keep kids inside was done as a precaution.

"While there was no direct threat to our school, we decided to take the safety precaution of keeping students inside the building until we received an all clear from police," the letter said.

"Our school day went on as normally scheduled," the letter continued. "Our staff and students did an excellent job following directions and ensuring a smooth continuation of our day."

Police informed the school of the situation a little after 11 a.m. The police department didn't say what the situation entailed.

"The safety of our students is always our top priority, which is why we decided to take precautions today," the letter said.
An Oregon, Wis. man allegedly used heroin before he passed out and crashed his car into a building on Madison's South Side Thursday.

Jacob Fleming, 21, had to be revived with naloxone by Madison Fire Department paramedics before being arrested, Madison police said.

Fleming faces tentative charges of operating under the influence - second offense, possession of heroin and felony bail jumping.

Fleming is accused of using heroin before losing consciousness while driving on Greenway Cross Thursday morning, his car leaving the road and hitting a fire hydrant, street signs and a snowbank before hitting Body Shop Supply, 1212 Greenway Cross.

Nobody else was injured in the crash.
For Mt Maunganui College math teacher Leisa Renwick, receiving the adulation of her pupils and colleagues at a special assembly this morning was more humbling and exciting than being named New Zealander of the Year.

Because it was the melding of everything I have become.

She meant teacher, mentor, mother, cancer victim, cancer survivor, campaigner and architect of change.

Today the college acknowledged the hero in their midst with a trophy  a glass heart saying simply congratulations.

And the student responded with a rousing haka which reduced Leisa Renwick to tears.

Leisas story goes back to Mothers Day in 2015 when she was diagnosed with late stage melanoma a disease which kills 350 New Zealanders every year.

I got a phone call which rocked my world, Mount College principal Russell Gordon told the assembly.

Leisa Renwick was in hospital and would not be leaving hospital. She had just hours left and her family had gathered. Now she is here as a survivor.

Through a private oncology specialist, Leisa Renwick staked her life on two very expensive drugs - $8500 every three weeks.

And as her health improved, Leisa got angry that others were dying because the drug was beyond financial reach.

She took on Pharmac and the Government and got the rules changed.

Because of her, people live who may not have lived, says Russell.

She sits here a hero.

Leisa Renwick told the school they were lucky to be born here and now and living in a democracy.

When people couldnt get that medicine that was wrong. But there are pathways in a denmocracry and we are lucky to be able to hold people and politicians to account.

Her message was know what you believe in and stand up and make it count.

You get out of life what you into, says MP Simon Bridges, while presenting Leisa with the trophy today.

Leisa stands here as evidence of that.

Leisa with Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

He says the math teacher changed the direction of millions of dollars of funding.

New Zealander of the Year is the highest honour according to Simon.

Because its what five million New Zealanders wanted.

This afternoon the Mount Maunganui College math teacher, the cancer survivor will be back hospital for another round of drugs.

My latest scan indicated that I am all clear. I am feeling great.
Police are appealing to the public for help to locate David Wayne Thompson who has a warrant for his arrest.

While Thompson, 27, is believed to be in Hamilton he is also known to have associates across the Waikato District including Te Awamutu, Morrinsville, Thames, Ngatea and Whitianga.

Police consider Thompson dangerous and he should not be approached. Anyone who sees Thompson should call 111 immediately, says a police spokesperson.

Thompson is described as being 175cm tall and of medium build.

Anyone with information on David Wayne Thompsons whereabouts is asked to contact Thames Police on (07) 867 9600.

Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A phoned threat from a fake policeman scared a Madison man into sending $3,000 to keep from going to jail.

The scam done to the 72-year-old victim was reported on Wednesday, Madison police said.

The scammer told the man there was a warrant out for his arrest.

"In order to avoid going to jail, he was told he needed to send funds via a Walmart MoneyGram," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain.

The faker identified himself as "Jeffrey Hook from the sheriff's department."

"Hook told the victim he had been sent a subpoena to appear in U.S. Federal Court and failed to appear, thus the arrest warrant," DeSpain said. "After making several transactions, the victim contacted police."
The Mayor of La Linea, Juan Franco, paid another visit to the chief minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, on Tuesday. They discussed the latest developments with regard to Britain's withdrawal from the European Union and its effects on Gibraltar and the towns in the nearby area. Picardo and Franco also considered ways in which Gibraltar and La Linea could cooperate after Brexit.

One major concern for both the chief minister and the mayor is the situation at the border once the UK is no longer part of the EU. As Gibraltar is British, it will automatically leave with the UK even though 96 per cent of those who voted in the EU referendum wanted to Remain. Both men insist that free movement across the border needs to be maintained somehow.
It is not unknown for traffic in Gibraltar to be brought to a standstill because of delays at the border with Spain, but on Wednesday this occurred for a different reason: the Royal Gibraltar Police carried out a major operation at the airport, closing the runway for two hours and preventing flights from taking off and vehicles from crossing.

Although nothing has yet been confirmed by the police, the Ministry of Defence or the Gibraltar government, the local press reported that an RGP vehicle drove onto the runway to physically prevent a Royal Air Force plane from leaving.

The police allegedly wanted to question a passenger on the RAF aircraft, who is said to be a serving member of the British forces. This passenger was reportedly the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation in Britain, although some local media have claimed that he was being investigated for possible sexual offences which may have taken place in Gibraltar.

There are claims that the Ministry of Defence tried to stop the police from blocking the runway

Gibraltar police were apparently also keen to examine a computer which was being carried by the man.

After lengthy discussions, police officers took the computer equipment and escorted the man from the aircraft. The RGP says no arrests were made, but it is believed that the man in question remained in custody of the Ministry of Defence in Gibraltar while investigations continued.

The situation on Wednesday afternoon was extremely tense because it called into question the matter of who has jurisdiction in cases such as this. The Royal Gibraltar Police has priority in investigating offences which take place in Gibraltar, but some people who witnessed the incident say the MOD tried to stop the police car from blocking the runway to stop the military plane taking off.

This was an unprecendented situation, around which there is still a strong element of mystery, but those who were held up in traffic jams for several hours, and passengers whose flights were unable to take off while the incident played out, were only relieved when it was all over; they were finally on their way and Gibraltar returned to nor mal.
When Jenny Mahimbo retired and moved to Spain in 2015 she felt restless and couldn't get used to life in the slow lane. "I needed to feel useful," says the retired social worker, who received a MBE for services to children in the Queen's birthday honours list in 2015. "I couldn't believe it when I received the letter," Jenny explains. "I saw this official looking envelope and I honestly asked myself if I had done something wrong. Then I misread it and thought they were asking me to comment on someone else until I realised there was no other name mentioned in the letter," she laughs.

Facebooks phone credit for refugees The Facebook page, Phone Credit for Refugees, started as a response to the Calais refugee camp crisis in 2016 and allows users to phone home and stay safe. It is completely reliant on donations from the public, but Jenny is hoping to attract funding from trusts and other organisations. With 20 years experience of writing funding applications and now the MBE addition Ihope that we will be able to get funding, she says. Users are able to leave a message on the page saying simply, I need top up and a volunteer will carry out a series of checks and eventually get credit to the solicitor. The page is always looking for volunteers.

She speaks openly about her dilemma over whether to accept her MBE or not. "It didn't really sit with my beliefs and values. I am a socialist and am not comfortable with the meaning of the British Empire." Although on reflection Jenny did decide to accept it as she felt it may help in her work. She is still involved in charity work, has written many funding bids since receiving the MBE and feels that adding the letters 'MBE' at the end of her name on an application, "helps subliminally."

Although Jenny has no idea who nominated her for the award, it is easy to understand why someone thought that she deserved it. For 40 years Jenny worked as a social worker and project manager on what are arguably some of the toughest challenges in society; missing and sexually exploited young people, young unaccompanied asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in the Birmingham and Coventry area.

After 40 years of helping those in need, a quiet, relaxing retirement was not an option

Her work even led to the breaking up of a sexual exploitation gang in Coventry and during her 40 years she worked for Birmingham City Council, Sure Start and The Children's Society.

"I was working with teenagers that were being sexually abused in the 1970s and 1980s, so when the whole Jimmy Saville thing hit the news it was like deja-vu."

Jenny retired and moved to Torrox Pueblo in August 2015, having holidayed in Nerja for a number of years previously and fallen in love with the area. Although she is a keen traveller and has spent time in Africa, both as a volunteer and tourist, it was the, "similarities with Cornwall," where she was born, that attracted her to the Axarquia.

Jenny says she feels, "very much at home," in Torrox Pueblo and has the opportunity to learn about the Spanish way of life from her neighbours and people she has met since she moved there.

"I still feel the need to be useful," Jenny says. She now spends three or more hours a day as a volunteer on a Facebook page dedicated to providing phone credit for refugees, called Phone Credit for Refugees.

Jenny also hopes to offer her home to a refugee. "I bought the house with that intention of offering sanctum to a refugee and it has a bedsit facility for that purpose. There's a real sense of community in my street too and I think it would be a good environment for someone who needs help."

Jenny has also joined a number of local volunteer organisations , including the Lions' Club and set up a Labour International group for the east of Malaga area.

Far from enjoying a relaxing retirement, after 40 years of helping those in need, for Jenny, the need to feel useful is clearly not going to leave her just yet.
Malaga Resistance, a group co-founded by five women following the Women's March in Granada on 21st January, held its first meeting last night in which members discussed their fears of what life for American citizens at home and abroad will involve under Donald Trump, and consequent actions that it wishes to take.

The group expressed concerns over Trump's latest controversial cabinet appointments, namely Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary and Jeff Sessions as Attorney General, as well as strongly condemning the travel ban and Dodd Frank rollback that Trump has introduced with varying success.

Nevertheless, Malaga Resistance emphasised the need to take action here in Spain, which would involve calling representatives from members' local districts in the US on Skype at least once a week in meetings and at home to keep up the pressure on them with the Senate elections in November 2018 in mind.

At the meeting, attended by 15 people, the group confirmed its desire to involve the local community in Malaga by inviting local environmental groups and universities to take part in a climate change march planned on 29th April to show solidarity with the main march that is taking place in Washington D.C. on the same date.

The other initiative from Malaga Resistance members mirrors that of its Granada counterparts, who drafted and sent out a letter to the Islamic community in Spain to protest against Trump's policy towards the Muslim community in America and around the world.

The letter, which was subsequently translated into Arabic, French and Spanish, demonstrates both groups' willingness to reach out to mosques and Islamic centres such as the Centro Cultural Andalusi to enhance tolerance between the two communities by offering their assistance with any projects in which you might find our collaboration helpful which could include question-and-answer discussion sessions about religion or politics.

One of the co-founders, Clare Alexandra Conrad, reinforced the importance of the group in the local community in Malaga to work with those that may have misconceptions over US citizens' attitude regarding the situation in America. Everything that has happened in the past couple of weeks has been very difficult to live through, particularly as we are United States citizens abroad, she stated.

She also added that as a consequence of the turmoil of the last fortnight, it was necessary to show the local community and people all over the world that this is not something that they agree with, given that they are representing their community abroad.

Conrad also urged as many people from the local community as possible to get involved, given previous encounters with people from all over the world in Spain who had expressed how they had been affected by the policies. These issues do affect everybody. We want this to be a group that is focused on progressive issues, and one that although may not be very big, will hopefully be very active, she added.
The Galvez museum (Museo de los Galvez) in Macharaviaya opened its doors to the public once again on Saturday, 10 months later than planned, following an auguration ceremony which took place at the town's Jacinto church.

Mayor Antonio Campos Garin welcomed guests, who included mayors from surrounding towns. President of CAC Mijas, Javier Fructuoso Medina, who has played an integral part in curating the museum and 'Portraits of Women', the current exhibition by Pablo Picasso and Alfredo Opisso, also spoke.

Following a concert given by Concerto Malaga which included music from the era, guests were led to the museum by the Asociacion de Granaderos y Damas de Macharaviaya, a cultural association which uses traditional costumes and reenactments to bring life to the Galvez family story.

The museum, which first opened in 2005, pays tribute to the illustrious Galvez family, who were politically influential both in Spain and the United States during the eighteenth century and who made Macharaviaya their home.

Bernardo de Galvez, who was born in the village in 1746, was a Spanish politician and soldier who led the Battle of Pensacola during the American War of Independence, blocking the British advance into Mississippi across the port of New Orleans.

The mayor of Macharaviaya said in his speech that renovation work carried out to the museum's interior includes new rooms and exhibition space, as well as improved accessibility and audiovisual equipment.

He added that one of the rooms is dedicated to Maria Angeles Rubio Arguelles, Countess of Berlanga, and her husband, Edgar Neville, who lived in Macharaviaya and played key roles in the promotion of the village and its links with the Galvez family.

A Playmobil representation of a play by the countess, 'Los Macharatungos in seven scenes,' is on display in the room along with artefacts belonging to her and a university thesis written by Rosa Palomo Tobias about the countess. The ground floor of the museum is dedicated to the people and artists of Macharaviaya, past and present.

The museum is in the centre of the small village and can be visited on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am until 2pm and from 11am until 1pm at weekends.
"We've come to London to share the message of a grand and hospitable city: one that is attractive, like few in the world, to live in, to invest in and to work in." With these words the mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, opened his speech to a group of around 100 business leaders from firms based in the City who had been invited to the event at London's Hispania restaurant.

Promoting Malaga, and by extension the Costa del Sol and the rest of the province, as a place "to live, work and invest" is nothing new, however the offer has gained a new perspective since the Brexit vote.

This area has attracted people from all over the world, and especially from the UK, not just to visit, but to live and to set up businesses, however now firms are considering the option of keeping one foot, or even both feet, in the EU and Malaga wants to make sure that this area is the first choice in eurozone business destinations.

This week's event in London was organised by SUR and the City Hall with the help of Mario Garcia, the CEO of London firm Sequel Business Solutions, who supports the bid of his hometown to encourage business investment.

The event was introduced by the editor-in-chief of the SUR newspapers, Manuel Castillo, who stressed the group's commitment to promoting the area overseas.

/ NITO SALAS

As well as the mayor of Malaga and Mario Garcia, also speaking at the event was the director of the Unicaja Bank Foundation, Sergio Corral, who highlighted Malaga's current socioeconomic climate as an advantage.

As well as the international environment, the financial climate, the costs, the connections and of course the weather and the beautiful sea and mountainous surroundings, Malaga's great advantage to international investment is its growing hub of technology firms and its university.

During his speech, the rector of the University of Malaga, Jose Angel Narvaez, showed videos of directors of firms located in the PTA (the Andalusian Technology Park) talking of their experiences.
Sheikh Al-Thani, head of the Nas Marbella group who holds the concession for the La Bajadilla port project, last week communicated by telephone, through a legal representative, his intention to appeal the decision of the Andalucia Public Port Agency (APPA) to withdraw the concession for the project.

According to the EFE agency, it was lodged with the Dispute Tribunal in Seville and it called for the suspension of the decision taken by APPA. However, sources at Fomento (the Public Works ministry) insist that beyond the phone call, there is no record of such an appeal, nor any knowledge of its supposed contents, and that they would continue the search for a new concession holder.
The Guardia Civil has arrested an alleged serial child sex offender from Britain in Santa Pola on the Costa Blanca. In an internationally-coordinated operation, Spanish authorities worked with Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) and Europol.

The man, only identified as M. F. by Spanish officials, had reportedly abused more than thirty boys in the UK and Thailand and had fled to Spain and changed his identity.

According to police sources, the investigation began after another man's computer was searched in the Netherlands. On it were photos and chats with 15 boys linked to M. F.

The 70-year-old Briton had also been wanted in Thailand for abusing nine boys, whom he tricked with gifts and sweets.

In the photos he took with victims, he appeared making a heart sign while carrying out acts against the children.

The arrested man was an English teacher in the UK, and some of the victims were allegedly abused in a school store room. He was also accused of attacking his adopted son.

Involvement with Scouts

In 1986 the man tried to adopt another minor but the application was turned down. He was also reportedly a Scout leader.

After being accused in Britain and jumping bail in Thailand, he sold his house and settled in Spain with his new identity. Here he lived incognito until his recent arrest and extradition to the UK for 45 supposed child abuse offences.
US president Donald Trump spoke to Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy for 15 mnutes on Tuesday night. During the conversation, the two men discussed the current relationship between the US and Spain.

The leaders spoke of the need to quash ISIS, according to government sources, and Rajoy also offered to act as a go-between between the US and Latin America, due to Spain's "strong government and economic growth", plus its cultural ties with that area.

It was later revealed in a statement issued by the White House, however, that during the conversation, the American president had also asked Spain to increase its spending on defence. Trump has called for all his European NATO partners, not just Spain, to pay what he considers to be their "fair share" of the costs. He wants the countries' defence outlay to be 2% of their GDPs. Last year Spain's defence budget was 0.9%.
Gov. Scott Walker is once again moving to eliminate the board that oversees Wisconsins for-profit colleges and transfer its duties to another state agency, echoing a similar plan lawmakers rejected when he proposed it two years ago.

The shake-up, included in Walkers executive budget, could reduce state oversight of for-profit schools, which have weathered criticism for questionable marketing practices and degree programs. The proposal comes as experts also expect federal regulators to take a more hands-off approach to the industry.

The governors 2017-19 budget proposal indicates he would move staff positions from the Educational Approval Board, a small agency that licenses and regulates for-profit schools, to the Department of Safety and Professional Standards.

Retaining those jobs would make the plan different from the one Walker proposed in the 2015-17 state budget. That provision would have transferred the agencys equivalent of 6.5 full-time employees work to one part-time staffer. The Legislatures Joint Finance Committee later removed it from the budget.

But EAB director David Dies said Walkers current plan appears to get rid of the agencys board, which sets policy and responds to student complaints, with officials at DSPS replacing that role.

Doing so would mean losing members expertise in the field, Dies said.

I have not run a school, but I have board members who have, and that certainly adds value to the process, he said.

Walkers office described the move as a way to consolidate regulation of for-profit colleges under one agency.

DSPS already has oversight on some schools regulated by the EAB, and we expect to find efficiencies without compromising regulatory oversight, Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said.

Supporters of the EAB note the agency receives no public funding, and instead contributes 10 percent of the money it collects in fees from colleges back to the states general fund.

After the Obama administration toughened oversight of for-profit colleges, the Department of Education under President Donald Trump is expected to ease that pressure, which could shift much of the industrys regulation to the state level.

While other states are stepping up to protect students, Walker has a different idea, said Analiese Eicher, program director for the liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now. More, not less, scrutiny of for-profit colleges is needed to protect Wisconsin consumers and make sure they get the best education or job training for their hard-earned dollars.

Although the governors budget calls for adding 6.5 positions at DSPS, Dies said its unclear whether current EAB staffers would be transferred to the department, or if new employees would be hired.

Both co-chairpersons of the Joint Finance Commitee, Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, and Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, said they needed to examine Walkers proposal in more detail. But Nygren said he could support the plan, so long as it retains the EABs function.

I dont see a big concern because were not eliminating the duties, its just moving the responsibilities, Nygren said.
Just over six months ago, a lot of us in Spain thought that we were in a bad dream, that something surreal was happening but that we would soon wake up and discover with relief that the UK didn't vote for Brexit after all. Then for a while perhaps we kidded ourselves that the country would see sense and everything would go back to normal.

But no, Brexit is real and one step closer this week after the Commons vote. It's going to happen, and a lot of people are happy about it.

Now Brits in Spain, and EU citizens in Britain, are waiting to see the outcome of talks that could change nothing, or could alter their circumstances considerably. "We'll have to see," said the British ambassador in Marbella last week, almost as if we were children impatient to know whether or not we'll still be allowed to go to the party.

What Simon Manley is right about is the extraordinary relationship between our two countries. Spain has always attracted the British, with an invisible pull, luring us in, getting under our skin, bits of it clinging to those who have to leave, forcing them to come back. This pull can come in a variety of forms: sun, sea and cheap booze are enough to get many hooked, while others, from Gerald Brenan to writers and artists of today, have found something intangible that fuels their creativity. Some are lured by the 'duende' of flamenco, others feel the need to immerse themselves in the "real" Spain, heading for the remotest of villages (inevitably only to find that another Brit got there before them) and even British fugitives still think this is a good place to hide from the law.

Now though, it's another group of Brits that the local authorities are hoping will fall for the pull of southern Spain, for a different reason altogether: to do business. Instead of leaving work at home when rushing to the sunshine, business leaders learned at the SUR event in London this week that they can bring it with them.

Add incentives, lower costs, technology and talent to the rest of the attractions and the cocktail may have been enough to ensure that some stepped out into a cold February night on Wednesday with a bit of Spain under their skin.

Brexit might complicate life for British residents in Spain, we don't know, but it is not going to mess with the love affair Britain and the British have been having with Spain for decades.
The Dane County Board voted Thursday to move forward in redeveloping a Near East Side property into affordable housing units.

The measure, passed on a 30-3 vote, now goes to County Executive Joe Parisi for approval. It would let the county hold a community meeting and then request proposals to redevelop the former Messner Inc. property at 1326 E. Washington Avenue.

The county bought the property in 2015 for $1.42 million and planned to develop it into a day center for homeless people before that project was moved closer to Downtown. The board now hopes that the Messner property will be developed into mixed-income housing units.

There are no requirements in the resolution for the number of units, only that the units be priced both for families with less than 50 percent and less than 30 percent of the median income for the county.

The request for proposals was intentionally vague, said Sup. Jenni Dye, who worked with Sup. Heidi Wegleitner to write the resolution. Dye said the wording allows developers to make the development economically feasible.

Many of the board members spoke of the need for affordable housing, especially for families. Affordable Housing Action Alliance volunteer Sheray Wallace, 51, of Madison, urged board members to approve the resolution.

Wallace said she has met families with young children living out of their cars, and that has made the fight for affordable housing her passion.

If a vote can change a life and save a kid, I think this is positive, Wallace said. Please let that vote be your vote. Please get these kids out of these cars.

The resolution also opens the way for the county to consider purchasing other properties in the Near East Washington corridor to develop into affordable housing.

We want to make sure that were open and listening to property owners and stakeholders, said Wegleitner, whose district is home to the Messner property.

Sup. Dennis OLaughlin, who voted against the resolution, questioned the use of the Messner property for affordable housing despite agreeing that affordable housing needed to be created. He said another property in the area may be better for affordable housing, and the Messner property can be used for a more valuable development.

Every piece of land should be evaluated on its best and highest use, OLaughlin said, recalling a lesson he learned in an economics class.

The board expects to hold a community meeting in late February or early March to discuss the development before a request for proposals is written and released in mid-May.
Gov. Scott Walkers proposed budget largely offers status quo funding for the city of Madison, with new funding for transportation and concerns about some specifics like a cap on historic tax credit resources.

Walkers $76.1 billion proposal continues existing funding for key programs that deliver funds to municipalities, including shared revenue, the expenditure restraint program, and payments for municipal services, said Curt Witynski, assistant director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.

The executive budget makes no major changes to state levy limits, the powerful cap on property tax collections, and creates no major mandates, Witynski said.

Its pretty much a status quo, Madison finance director David Schmiedicke said.

Dane County is analyzing the budget proposal and will be able to offer an assessment in a few days, said Stephanie Miller, spokeswoman for County Executive Joe Parisi.

Although the governor didnt adjust base state funding for local government, the budget does deliver a 6.8 percent, or $56.9 million increase to $896.3 million over two years for local transportation aid, which is used to improve roads and for traffic law enforcement.

The increase could boost Madisons funding from about $10 million in 2017 to an estimated $10.8 million in 2018, Schmiedicke said.

The budget also increases funding for the local road improvement program by 25 percent, or $14 million, to $70 million over the two years, including an $8 million rise in discretionary spending directed to cities and villages. It raises the state share for local projects funded with those grants from 50 percent to 60 percent.

Its still unclear how the increase in the program will impact Madison, Schmiedicke said.

The governor also resurrected his proposal from the 2015-17 budget  eventually scratched by lawmakers  to limit the states popular program offering tax credits for the redevelopment of historic buildings. Walker would put a $10 million annual cap on annual tax credit allocations and prioritize job creation.

Supporters who rallied in opposition to the cap two years ago say the tax credit program helps restore historic buildings, boosts tax revenues, creates jobs and boosts civic pride.

In budget documents, Walker contends the program has grown to be one of the states most expensive tax expenditures and that the cap would save an estimated $3 million in fiscal 2017-18 and $14.1 million in 2018-19.

The League of Municipalities is likely to oppose the cutback, Witynski said.

The governors proposal to self-insure all government employees will impact Madison, but its too early to say how much, Schmiedicke said.

The proposal doesnt change the design of health plans, but the impact on costs for municipalities such as Madison that participate in the states local insurance pool is unclear, he said.
Maersk Tankers weighs up its options

Maersk Tankers CEO Christian Ingerslev is considering three options for the companys future, following earlier rumours of a possible spin-off.

Options on the table include - a separate listing, a merger with another tanker company or form a joint venture partnership. He was speaking as Maersk Tankers revealed a profit fall for 2016 to $62 mill from $160 mill recorded a year earlier. The drop in profits was mainly due to declining rates, however, partly offset by improved commercial performance, contract coverage and cost savings, the AP Moller-Maersk subsidiary reported. Maersk Tankers average TCE earnings decreased by 17%, compared to 2015, which was claimed to be less than the average market rate decline. Cash flow from operating activities was $180 mill, down from $291 mill in 2015. At the end of the year, Maersk Tankers orderbook totalled 11 MRs, five of which are due to be delivered this year and the remaining six in 2018, as well as an option for up to10 LR2s. In the annual report, the company confirmed that the 10 LR2 options had turned into form orders placed at Chinas Dalian Shipyard. The first vessel is due to be delivered in 2019 with the rest following over a three year period. The newbuilding contract is part of a fleet renewal to sustain a competitive fleet and strong market position in the LR2 segment, Maersk Group said. The company said that the contract reflected the decline in asset prices over the last 12 months without going into further details.




At least one thing was clear in the hours after Gov. Scott Walker unveiled his plan for the states next budget: His Republican colleagues, who control the state Legislature, aim to dramatically reshape it.

The criticism began immediately after Walker unveiled his $76.1 billion two-year budget proposal in a speech to lawmakers late Wednesday. It continued Thursday as fissures widened on Walkers proposals to cut taxes, fund schools and colleges, and pay for roads and bridges. And a new one emerged  this time on Walkers proposal to eliminate teacher licensing.

Walker responded by vowing to take his case to voters.

My goal is to present this to the people of Wisconsin, Walker told reporters Thursday.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, also said Thursday that a plan to break up the Department of Natural Resources is unlikely to materialize after Walker declined to include it in his budget.

Fitzgerald also said its possible lawmakers could lift the cap on the use of taxpayer-funded vouchers in private schools, something Walker didnt address in his budget.

Buoyed by robust fiscal projections, Walkers 2017-19 proposal was less austere than his previous budgets. It calls for major spending increases in areas Walker cut in the past, such as funding for the University of Wisconsin System and K-12 schools.

Walkers budget also includes cuts to the states lowest income tax rates.

Yet Republican legislative leaders publicly picked apart key elements of Walkers plan Wednesday and Thursday.

Fitzgerald, speaking at a WisPolitics event Thursday, predicted lawmakers may not go forward with Walkers call to boost K-12 spending by $649 million  though Fitzgerald said some increase in school spending is likely.

Lawmakers are also balking at Walkers plan to move toward self-insurance, which he said would produce $60 million in savings to help pay for the new school spending.

Fitzgerald also said its likely lawmakers will cut taxes but in a more limited and specific way than Walkers plan, which calls for cutting the states two lowest income tax rates by one-tenth of a percentage point.

A meager income tax reduction, I think weve been down that path before and its resulted in not enough bang for the buck, Fitzgerald said.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, panned Walkers call to cut UW tuition by 5 percent, and Fitzgerald said many lawmakers are cool to it. Vos suggested the $35 million Walker provides in his budget to offset a tuition cut could be better used for student financial aid.

Our tuition is already among the lowest in the Big 10, and I certainly think that we need to continue to invest ... in financial aid so students of modest means can continue to go to the UW, Vos said.

Walker said Thursday that people are concerned about rising tuition.

My hope would be that those parents and grandparents and students would talk to their lawmakers and that might change their perspective on this, he said.

Transportation rift widens

Vos said Walkers $6.1 billion transportation budget needs a lot of improvement. The governor is calling for no gas tax or vehicle fee increases. Instead, he would delay massive highway projects in southeast Wisconsin and borrow $500 million to keep other projects going.

Vos said lawmakers will look at increasing gas taxes or vehicle fees or implementing highway tolling to resolve a longstanding imbalance in the states transportation funding ledger.

Walker previously said he would consider such increases if they were offset by tax cuts of equal or greater amounts elsewhere in the budget. But in his budget address to lawmakers and in comments to reporters Thursday, Walker distanced himself from a gas tax increase.

Now is not the time to raise taxes, Walker said. Its not the time to raise gas taxes, its not the time to raise income taxes, its not the time to raise taxes on farmers and manufacturers as some have proposed in each of those categories.

Fitzgerald said Thursday that Vos and Walker appear to be digging in on their respective transportation positions. He predicted finding compromise on that issue could be a key to forging agreement on the broader budget.

At some point, youre going to have to come up with a kind of compromise or cut a deal, Fitzgerald said.

Teacher licensure

Walker also has proposed to eliminate a state requirement that teachers must renew their license every five years. Fitzgerald on Thursday also threw cold water on that idea.

I think there will be a lot of opposition from educators, said Fitzgerald. Im not sure why the governor did it. I guess, if he thinks its going to bring all the teachers back into the fold for the Republicans, hes probably wrong. Its going to take a lot more than that.

Sure enough, state Superintendent Tony Evers on Thursday released a statement expressing concern over the idea of a lifetime license for teachers.

As we attempt to address the educator shortage in Wisconsin, we cannot lose sight of how important it is for all kids to be taught by a highly qualified educator. Like many licensed professionals, a big part of keeping current includes some form of continuing education, said Evers. I think that is tremendously important.

DNR to remain mostly intact

Walkers budget reduces the number of divisions in the DNR from seven to five but omits a much more radical plan such as what was circulated in recent months by Rep. Adam Jarchow, R-Balsam Lake  a plan to which Walker and Fitzgerald previously said they were open.

The Jarchow plan calls for splitting the department into two agencies, one focused on hunting and fishing and the other on environmental protection. Other DNR duties, including parks and forestry, would be parceled out to three other agencies.

Fitzgerald said its surprising the governor decided not to go that route. But since he didnt, Fitzgerald said its unlikely lawmakers will try it.

The governor didnt do it. So I guess my point is, I dont see the Legislature going there, Fitzgerald said.

 State Journal reporter Molly Beck and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

A meager income tax reduction, I think weve been down that path before and its resulted in not enough bang for the buck. Scott Fitzgerald, Senate Majority Leader
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Republican state lawmakers are renewing their push to ban research on aborted fetal tissue in Wisconsin, with one proposal circulated this week branded as ineffective by the staunchest anti-abortion forces.

At least two other proposals were in the works, while private and university researchers who have blocked similar efforts the past six years remain firmly against anything that would impinge on their work.

Its not going to be easy to come up with a compromise, Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald told reporters Thursday. Im still optimistic we can come up with something that makes sense.

Three Republican lawmakers quietly circulated a bill Tuesday that would prohibit the sale and research of fetal tissue starting in 2018. Fitzgerald said the measure would essentially duplicate federal law in Wisconsin, which is why anti-abortion groups said it wouldnt go far enough.

The Wisconsin Catholic Conference, Wisconsin Family Action, Pro-Life Wisconsin and Wisconsin Right to Life comprise a coalition that urged lawmakers not to sign on to the bill. They called the measure complex and ambiguous and said it had numerous exemptions that would allow universities and clinics and others to evade the research prohibition.

The coalition is working on alternative proposals that it says will end the sale and use of fetal tissue body parts obtained from abortions.

Rep. Joel Kleefisch, a Republican from Oconomowoc, said hes working on a bill that would do more to ensure no newly aborted fetal tissue is being used for testing, something he said wouldnt be shut down under the measure circulating now. Republican Rep. Andre Jacque, who is also opposed to the current bill, said it would have no real effect on stopping the sale of fetal tissue.

A fetal tissue research ban introduced in 2015 sought to prohibit research on fetal tissue from abortions that occurred after Jan. 1, 2015. That was seen as an attempt to exempt research on existing fetal tissue lines and failed to pass. Those against a ban say it would curtail promising research on potentially life-saving cures and treatments and hurt the states economy.

Cures for Tomorrow, a coalition of Wisconsin academic research institutions, bioscience-related trade groups and health care providers, said given federal law and policies governing the use of fetal tissue and cells we strongly believe that no additional regulation by the State of Wisconsin is needed. The coalition includes the Medical College of Wisconsin, UW Health, UW-Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

University of Wisconsin System spokeswoman Stephanie Marquis said in an email that the system was reviewing the bill and will work with all of our research institutions to determine how this may affect the critical research occurring on their campus. We urge the legislature to carefully consider how any additional regulatory actions may impact that research before moving forward.

The latest proposal comes from Sen. Alberta Darling, co-chair of the Legislatures budget committee, and Reps. Cindi Duchow and Amy Loudenbeck. It would make violating the ban punishable by a $50,000 fine and up to nine months in prison. That is weaker than the bill last session, which would have made it a felony punishable by up to six years in prison.

In a memo seeking co-sponsors, the lawmakers wrote that the bill would close a loophole in state law that prohibits the attorney general from prosecuting the sale of fetal body parts within the state of Wisconsin. The bill also would ban the acquisition of fetal body parts for research from a for-profit entity, abortion clinic or entity that exists primarily to obtain fetal tissue to sell.

It would also prohibit state researchers who object to abortion from being forced to participate in fetal tissue research if its against their moral or religious beliefs.

This legislation prioritizes the rights of the unborn to ensure that not only is there no financial incentive to abortion, but that there is real consequence to breaking this law, the co-sponsors wrote.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos supports the bill, said his spokeswoman, Kit Beyer.
As the United States struggles with the international response of the new immigration ban, the Department of Homeland Security has created some more tension. In a congressional hearing earlier this week, John F. Kelly, the head of the DHS, shared new technical requirements for visa applicants. Kelly's proposal calls for the mandatory turnover of any and all social media passwords upon entering the United States.

The proposal was raised last year as well and the privacy and security community is once again up in arms over it.

As part of what Kelly called "enhanced social media screening", the plan calls for the DHS to go through the online activity of a potential applicant. Agents would view web history, social media posts, conversations, and other online activity. The requirement that visa applicants "give us your passwords" would not be optional in this new vetting process. Kelly hopes it will become mandatory and if travelers don't give up their passwords, "they don't come in".

This plan likely won't deter those desperate for refuge since giving up one's passwords is simple compared to other steps of a visa application. Security experts have weighed in heavily though in the past few days.

Timothy Edgar, cyber security program director at Brown University, said "it's pretty obvious that if you're a terrorist you can create a dummy social media profile," in other words the policy is very easy to get around and thus not effective. Robert McCaw, affairs director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations voiced concerns about a right to privacy in his statement that "the price for admission into the United States shouldn't mean giving up your online life."

Industry experts agree this move, if it were to be adopted, would be more likely to stop primarily younger applicants and students from entering. As border security is once again the main topic among politicians, these experts are fearing the widespread surveillance of social media accounts.
Any lingering doubts whether the use of electronic cigarettes is safe can finally be put to rest  or at least for now until a new and stronger evidence comes up and says otherwise.

E-Cigarettes vs. Tobacco

Electronic cigarette or e-cigarette may be a safer and less toxic alternative to conventional tobacco cigarettes. This is what a new study funded by the Cancer Research UK suggests.

Confirming the results of previous scientific works on the safety of e-cigarettes, experts detected significantly lower levels of toxins and carcinogens in saliva and urine samples of long-term e-cigarette users or nicotine replacement therapy versus continuous smokers of traditional tobacco cigarettes.

"Our results also suggest that while e-cigarettes are not only safer, the amount of nicotine they provide is not noticeably different to conventional cigarettes. This can help people to stop smoking altogether by dealing with their cravings in a safer way," said Lion Shahab of the University College London, the lead author of the study.

Although both contain the psychoactive ingredient nicotine, most e-cigarettes can heat their content without combustion. Instead of smoke, you're inhaling steam or vapor, thus the popular term "vaping." Traditional tobacco cigarettes, on the contrary, are packed with loads of cancer-causing agents, which, when heated, are not only sent to the lungs directly but also create second-hand smoke as well.

The entire study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Total Switch From Tobacco To E-Cigarettes Necessary

Stressing that the benefits only become available if tobacco is given up completely, the study also noted that people who used e-cigarettes or NRT only to cut back on their tobacco consumption did not exhibit the same reduced levels of harmful toxins in the body.

"Using an e-cigarette to help you smoke less cigarettes per day is not going to help," Dr. Peter Shields, deputy director of Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center, who's not a part of the study, explained.

Tobacco: The World's Biggest Preventable Killer

Data from the World Health Organization shows that tobacco is the world's biggest preventable killer, claiming the lives of about 6 million people every year.

While over 5 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco smoking, more than 600,000 are a tragic consequence of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Unfortunately, in 2004, at least 28 percent of deaths related to second-hand smoking involved children.

Countless studies have linked tobacco smoking to an increased risk of developing a whole gamut of serious health conditions  including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's disease.

"The best thing a smoker can do, for themselves and those around them, is to quit now, completely and forever," Professor Kevin Fenton of Public Health England advised.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
MIT researchers are turning to human intuition to improve planning algorithms.

The International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling holds a competition every other year in search of the best computer systems for addressing planning problems such as coordinating activities for satellites or scheduling flights. Unfortunately, even the best of planning algorithms already developed are still aren't as effective as people who are particularly skilled to solve problems.

In a paper to be presented at the annual conference of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, researchers from the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT sought to improve planning systems by incorporating human intuition into automated algorithms. After encoding strategies from real human planners into a form readable by machines, they recorded an improvement of between 10 and 15 percent in planning algorithms that had already gone on to win at the competition, depending on the problems being solved.

"[W]e've seen that for things like planning and scheduling and optimization, there's usually a small set of people who are truly outstanding at it," said MIT assistant aeronautics and astronautics professor Julie Shah.

Planning Algorithms At Work

Planning algorithms are designed to solve problems with varying levels of difficulty, with the easiest problems having to meet the fewest parameters, which will depend on the problem. For example, a problem calling for planning flight routes such that all passengers arrive at their destination with not one plane flying empty will have parameters such as the number of airports, the number of passengers at a certain airport, and the number of planes available.

Numerical problems are more complex as they add numerical parameters, while temporal problems are deemed the most difficult as they add temporal constraints on top of numerical problems.

For every problem, 30 minutes is allocated for an algorithm to get to work.

Adding Human Intuition

Shah and colleagues recruited 36 graduate and undergraduate students from MIT and gave them planning problems to work on. According to the researchers, participants were pooled from MIT because they believe the school's students as problem-solving experts. And they were right, because the students did better than automatic planners in solving the problems they were presented with.

A large portion of the strategies the students used could be defined with the use of linear temporal logic, a formal language that can then be utilized to add parameters to problem specifications. Each strategy used was tested separately and produced varying results, although only slightly.

For satellite-positioning and flight-planning problems, the researchers recorded an improvement of 16 and 13 percent on problems categorized as numerical, while those classified as temporal problems logged an improvement of 10 and 12 percent, respectively.

"There is maybe this bridge to taking a user's high-level strategy and making that useful for the machine," said Shah.

In an ongoing work, Shah and colleagues are looking to turn their algorithm fully automatic by using techniques to process language naturally, converting descriptions of high-level strategies in free form into linear temporal logic, all without intervention from people.

Aside from Shah, Joseph Kim and Christopher Banks also contributed to the research.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
There is excitement over the discovery of a cave site where the Dead Sea scrolls  the repertoire of ancient knowledge  were housed. The scrolls could not be recovered from the site as they were already stolen in the 1950s.

However, the discovery of the cave site assumes huge importance as the excavation marked another success after a gap of 60 years. It also revived the great value of the scrolls as a medium for recreating the ancient life of societies.

At the hilltop cave near Qumran, no written scroll was left as a takeaway. Archaeologists who probed the cave only saw blank scroll jars, a cloth and a leather strap used for wrapping and holding the scrolls. The Dead Sea Scrolls were supposedly stolen.

Discovery In The 1950s

In the years spanning 1947 to 1956, there was the sporadic discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls from a series of 11 caves near Qumran, which is now in the West Bank.

Deemed priceless, the scrolls contain copies of the Hebrew Bible along with calendars, community rules and astronomical texts.

Credit goes to the Bedouin people who first traced some of the scrolls. The first discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls was made in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd boy in Qumran.

Ancient Wisdom

Mostly written on animal skin and papyrus, the Dead Seas Scrolls date back to about 250 B.C. to A.D. 68.

Numbering close to 800, the documents were written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, with some containing the oldest biblical texts with information on the life and society of the early centuries.

"This is one of the most exciting archaeological discoveries, and the most important in the last 60 years, in the caves of Qumran," noted Hebrew University archaeologist Oren Gutfeld.

The discovery made by Gutfeld and Ahiad Ovadia of the Hebrew University in Israel had Randall Price and students from Liberty University in Virginia, USA, as collaborators.

Significance Of Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls span a time when different Judean groups were struggling to obtain political and religious supremacy.

The scrolls throw vast light on such historical events and also the ways in which various Jews of the Second Temple era engaged the world.

This "ancient library" adds rare insights into the crucial periods when rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity were evolving.

They not only enrich knowledge about the origins of these religions but also inform the practices that prevailed in ancient Judaism.

Unlike other texts, the Dead Sea Scrolls are objective and paint a picture of the diversity of Jewish religious life and the driving philosophy in the Second Temple era.

They are helpful in understanding the conditions from which rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity bloomed, this despite no rabbinic or Christian texts being discovered from the bunch of manuscripts. The thoughts discovered in the Scrolls were seen reflecting Jewish and Christian writings of a later date.

One important outcome of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has been the breaking of the myth that Second Temple Judea was a monolithic society.

The scrolls celebrated diversity while other writings were harping on the uniformity of the society, obviously influenced by preconceived notions and use of selective inputs from the works of historian Josephus Flavius, the New Testament Gospels, Rabbinic texts, and works of Roman and Greek authors. These sources were rich in information on diversity.

In specific terms, the scrolls mention the diverse Jewish sects such as Essenes, Pharisees and Sadducees, and the variations in world views and practices.

However, all Jewish groups agree to the centrality of the Bible, even if interpretations of the religious texts differed.

Adding new knowledge to interpretations of biblical thoughts, the Dead Sea Scrolls also ably look at the impact of historic events on ideas and religion of that time.

This is in contrast to other non-biblical texts, where discrepancies on the interpretation of the Scripture persisted among different groups.

Many disputes of that period, including those on religious calendar and issues relating to Temple and priesthood, can be extracted from the scroll texts.

Most of the Scrolls were composed during the century-long Judean independence under the rule of Jewish kings of the Hasmonean dynasty.

The ancient texts also provide the historical context when societal debates took place. It was a period when the colonial aspirations of the Greek and Roman Empires were peaking as evident in the resistance to invasion and foreign intervention.

The conquest of Alexander the Great and Bar Kokhba Revolt against Rome are immediate examples.

The new excavation was made under the "Operation Scroll" led by Director-General Israel Hasson of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

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The Galaxy S8 leaks just keep on flowing. The latest is a report, which claims the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus will include batteries that are on par with the current Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

Samsung Is Betting On The Galaxy S8 And S8 Plus

Samsung is plotting a comeback ever since the Note 7 debacle, which hurt the company financially and more importantly consumer's trust. To remind the world that even though it fumbled with the Galaxy Note 7, it learned from the mistake, resulting in rigorous testing of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. The company even had to delay its annual Mobile World Congress launch, instead, the company is reportedly planning to show off its upcoming flagship smartphones to select members of the press and partners at the trade show later this month.

We recently reported that sources claimed that Samsung would ship the Galaxy S8 with a 3,250 mAh battery and 3,750 mAh battery for the S8 Plus. The larger batteries made perfect sense, considering that Samsung is going big with its Galaxy S8 series, supposedly using a 5.7-inch and 6.2-inch curved Super AMOLED displays on the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. Now, a new report claims the new smartphones will feature batteries with capacity close to that of its predecessors.

Will Samsung Really Use Smaller Batteries?

The Investor is reporting that Samsung will "likely adopt 3,000 and 3,500 milliampere hour batteries, respectively, for the two variants of the upcoming Galaxy S8 smartphone," according to the publication's source. Comparing the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, which both feature smaller displays, the devices pack in 3,000 mAh and 3,600 mAh batteries respectively. It will be interesting how Samsung ensures similar battery life with significantly larger Quad HD displays.

Samsung is expected to hold and Unpacked event in March to officially launch the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus and the handsets are likely to be released on April 21 across the globe. A recent render of the Galaxy S8 provided a close up look at what the smartphone will look like, complete with its bezel-less edge-to-edge "Infinity" display, and also confirming that the fingerprint scanner would not be embedded into the display as previous reports mentioned, instead Samsung has joined almost all Android licensees by moving the scanner to the rear of the device.

The image also appeared to confirm that Samsung's new AI (artificial intelligence) virtual assistant, named Bixby could play a major role in terms of features. A job posting showed the company is putting major focus on the Siri and Google Assistant rival.

As always, we'll keep you posted on any new details regarding the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus.

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One of the most prominent rumors regarding this year's iPhone models is that Apple is planning to release three of them, with the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus said to be joined by the iPhone X.

There have been many reports on what customers will be able to expect from the smartphones, with the latest one by famed Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo claiming that the new iPhones will carry a feature never before seen in previous models.

New iPhones To Feature Wireless Charging

According to a research note written by Kuo that was obtained by MacRumors, the analyst expects that all the three upcoming models of the iPhone will have a wireless charging feature, a claim that has previously been reported.

In September 2016, it was reported that even as Apple just released the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, the company was already working with wireless charging technology firm Energous for the next iPhone. The wireless charging feature that was said to be coming to the iPhone would allow the smartphone to charge as long as it is within 15 feet from a transmitter, eliminating the need for the iPhone to be placed on a charging mat.

The report was confirmed a couple of months later in November 2016, with the same information of a transmitter being plugged into a wall outlet that will allow the iPhone to charge through a receiver.

Wireless Charging Leads To Higher Costs

The addition of the wireless charging feature, now expected for all three iPhone models instead of only on the iPhone X, will lead to higher internal temperatures for the devices, though especially so for the premium model.

The iPhone X, which is expected to feature an OLED display, will be impacted more by the higher internal temperatures that will be caused by the addition of wireless charging technology. As such, there will be a need for an additional graphite sheet lamination for the protection of the iPhone X's 3D Touch module.

The new 3D Touch module will cost up to $5 more for Apple in manufacturing the iPhone X, which can be considered a minimal cost. However, with a variety of upgrades ranging from small tweaks to massive changes expected in the iPhone X, these costs will add up and lend more credibility to a recently released report that claims the price of the premium iPhone will likely go over $1,000.

iPhone X Rumors

The iPhone X is said to be named as such so that Apple can stay ahead of rival Samsung in terms of the names of devices. If it would be named the iPhone 8, it will look inferior by the time Samsung releases the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9. In addition, giving it the name iPhone X would reference the fact that Apple is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, with X referring to the Roman numeral number for 10.

In addition to an OLED display, the device is said to have a 5.8-inch screen that will make it look like "a smooth black monolith," with very few visual interruptions to its design. The home button of the iPhone X may be removed, replaced by a touch button located underneath the display.

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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently paid a visit to the Oculus Research Lab in Redmond, Washington, which is led by former Valve gaming head Michael Abrash.

Zuckerberg documented his visit by uploading photos on Facebook, and in one of the pictures, showed off a prototype for a virtual reality glove.

Zuckerberg Tries Out VR Gloves

In the Oculus Research Lab, Abrash leads a team focused on the development of next-generation hardware for virtual reality technology. The pictures uploaded by Zuckerberg showcased the capabilities of the facility, but one photo stands out from the rest.

In the photo, Zuckerberg can be seen wearing the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset and a pair of white gloves. It is hard to make out at first, but upon closer inspection, it looks like Zuckerberg is imitating the web-slinging hands of Spider-Man.

"We're working on new ways to bring your hands in virtual and augmented reality," wrote Zuckerberg in the caption of the picture. He added that by wearing the gloves while in virtual reality, users will be able to draw, type on a virtual keyboard, and as seen in the uploaded photo, shoot webs like Spider-Man.

There is not much detail given beyond what Zuckerberg posted though. It appears that the gloves are pretty plain-looking, and that Zuckerberg is wearing a wireless Oculus Rift. In addition, instead of the external tracking cameras that are usually paired with the virtual reality headset, Zuckerberg's test on the virtual reality gloves was powered by several third-party OptiTrack sensors.

Oculus VR Gloves Technology

The project that the Oculus Research Lab is working on could be associated with the company's acquisition of Pebbles Interfaces in July 2015. The Israeli company, which was reportedly purchased for $60 million, was focused on gesture-control technology, and at the time had recently integrated their work into the Oculus Rift.

The virtual reality gloves that Zuckerberg showed off could mean that Oculus is ramping up its interest in developing hardware and software that will take advantage of the wearer's complete hand. The recently released Oculus Touch controllers has given Oculus Rift users wider capabilities in using their hands while in virtual reality, but they do not compare to having actual hands as input devices.

A glove input device will greatly expand the capabilities of virtual reality environments, with being able to type in particular possibly increasing the technology's applications for business. Some sources claim that Facebook engineers are carrying out experiments on coding while in virtual reality, as that provides them with infinite screen space compared to the several monitors required in real life.

Good News For Oculus

The pictures that Zuckerberg uploaded, in addition to the teaser of a virtual reality glove, could be the Facebook CEO's way of trying to divert the attention of virtual reality aficionados away from the bad news that has surrounded Oculus recently.

It was recently reported that Facebook is shutting down hundreds of demo station for the Oculus Rift in Best Buy stores, with the reason said to be due to store performance. In addition, Oculus was ordered last week to pay ZeniMax $500 million as a result of a lawsuit covering the technology found in the Oculus Rift.

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Microsoft is now rolling out a feature called Suggested Reminders, which has been announced in January. This particular update is quite interesting and possibly polarizing for some users because it will now remind you to keep promises that you made.

Microsoft is phrasing the feature as a more proactive function that will be helpful to users. It builds on what the company touts as an even smarter version of Cortana.

How Does It Work?

To provide Cortana the smarts to effectively carry out its new ability, Microsoft has tapped its machine learning arsenal, particularly that one that focuses on languages.

Things seem simpler on paper but identifying what is a promise from the plethora of the user's previous pronouncements entails parsing different language contexts. This is the reason a dedicated deep-learning AI was required.

The Suggested Reminders will mainly draw from the user's sent emails for insights. For example, if you told a friend that you are going to share a guacamole recipe, Cortana should be able to interpret it as a promise made and will promptly ask you if you want to set a reminder for it.

As of now the feature can only crawl Outlook emails as well as messages sent from Office 365 business and school accounts. Microsoft promised that support for other email platforms will eventually come soon.

Opting Out Of Cortana's Nags

Naturally, there are people who might not like the idea of an intrusive AI that can pester you about previous pledges. This has been demonstrated in the way similar proactive Windows 10 notifications caused uproars for persistently encroaching desktop spaces.

The case is further highlighted by the fact that the proactive nature of the update means that Cortana will be increasingly acting on her own without any input from the user.

If you belong to this crowd, then you should not worry since Cortana will need a communication consent before it could nag users about this promise business.

How To Use Suggested Reminders

But if you want to try the new feature out, you have to connect your Outlook or your Office 365 email to Cortana's notebook via the connected services feature.

According to Microsoft, the update is currently rolling out in the background, so you will probably have no inkling whether your device or your PC has implemented the change. It is worth noting that Cortana is a service and won't require a new Windows 10 system.

Now, AIs or technologies with machine learning capabilities are not yet functioning like the human brain and Cortana is no different. It is not yet capable of perfectly detecting promises and commitments. At this point, you have to remember to include key elements in your message to trigger the function such as tasks and deadlines. These data often include dates or schedules.

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Heres how members of Wisconsins congressional delegation voted on major issues this week.

Note: Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, did not vote. By custom, the speaker does not vote except in rare circumstances.

Public Land Management: Voting 234-186, the House on Tuesday killed a new rule updating the way the Bureau of Land Management obtains science-based information and public comments in its management of 245 million publicly owned acres in the West. A yes vote was to adopt HJ Res 44.

Voting yes: James Sensenbrenner, R-5, Glenn Grothman, R-6, Sean Duffy, R-7, Mike Gallagher, R-8

Voting no: Mark Pocan, D-2, Ron Kind, D-3, Gwen Moore, D-4

White House Holocaust Statement: The House on Tuesday blocked, 234-187, a Democratic bid to force floor debate on a resolution affirming that the Holocaust occurred and that it targeted Jews. Democrats raised this issue after the White House omitted mention of Jews in the International Holocaust Remembrance Day statement it released Jan. 27. Six million Jews died in the Holocaust, which was carried out by German leader Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime between 1933-1945. (H Res 91)

Voting yes: Sensenbrenner, Grothman, Duffy, Gallagher

Voting no: Pocan, Kind, Moore

K-12 Education Rule: The House on Tuesday killed, 234-190, a rule giving states and localities requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act, which is the K-12 schools law that replaced No Child Left Behind. A yes vote was to rescind the rule, clearing the way for the Trump administration to issue a replacement. (HJ Res 57)

Voting yes: Sensenbrenner, Grothman, Duffy, Gallagher

Voting no: Pocan, Kind, Moore

Standards for Assessing Teachers: The House on Tuesday killed, 240-181, a rule designed to upgrade federal standards for assessing teacher training on state and local levels. The rule dealt mainly with means of measuring teacher performance. A yes vote opposed the rule as federal overreach. (HJ Res 58)

Voting yes: Sensenbrenner, Grothman, Duffy, Gallagher

Voting no: Pocan, Kind, Moore

Jeff Sessions, U.S. Attorney General: The Senate on Wednesday confirmed, 52-47, Jeff Sessions, a four-term GOP senator from Alabama, as U.S. attorney general. A yes vote backed Sessions, 70, over Democratic criticism of his record on issues such as immigration, ballot access and civil and womens rights.

Voting yes: Ron Johnson, R

Voting no: Tammy Baldwin, D

Vote to Silence Elizabeth Warren: The Senate on Tuesday voted, 49-43, to silence Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., for having impugned the conduct of Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., in debate over his nomination (above). Republicans faulted her for reading Coretta Scott Kings criticism of Sessions.

Voting yes: Johnson

Voting no: Baldwin

Tom Price, Secretary of Health and Human Services: The Senate on Friday confirmed, 52-47, Tom Price, a GOP congressman from Georgia, as secretary of health and human services. A yes vote backed Price over arguments that overlaps between his legislative actions and personal stock portfolio raise issues of conflicts of interest.

Voting yes: Johnson

Voting no: Baldwin

Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education: On a tally of 51-50, with Vice President Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking vote, the Senate on Tuesday confirmed Betsy DeVos as secretary of education. A yes vote backed DeVos, 59, over objections that she will advocate for taxpayer-funded vouchers for private schools and charter schools at the expense of public public K-12 education.

Voting yes: Johnson

Voting no: Baldwin

In the week of Feb. 13, the Senate will conduct votes on repealing federal rules and confirming Trump Administration cabinet picks. The House schedule was to be announced.

 Thomas Voting Reports
New Zealand is accustomed to mass strandings on its shores, but today finds one of the worst to ever happen. More than 400 pilot whales washed up on a narrow stretch of land, with at least 250 of them already dead.

The whales beached Friday, Feb. 10 on Farewell Spit in Golden Bay, located on the tip of the South Island, according to a statement by the Department of Conservation. By mid-morning, rescuers have started refloating nearly 100 whales, of which around 50 returned to sea.

Third Largest Mass Stranding In NZ

Daren Grover, general manager of Project Jonah, said many of the 50 refloated whales were reluctant to head back into the water and continued to mill around the low tide portion, likely because of the hesitation to leave their social group. In a 1NEWS report, Grover raised concerns that they could re-strand themselves overnight.

As of 3:40 pm in the country, around 276 whales had already perished. There has also been footage of whales making distress signals, with volunteers trying to keep them wet and comfortable.

The mass stranding is deemed the third largest in New Zealand since records dating from the late 1800s. More than 500 volunteers flocked to the scene to assist in rescue operations.

"This is quite emotional - it's encouraging to see the number of people who have come out to help ... We're going to give these whales the best chance we can, said Louisa Hawkes of Project Jonah, also expressing thanks to residents and medics who arrived at the site to help.

The work will continue overnight, with a focus on volunteers safety given their proximity to large, stressed creatures.

Late Thursday night, the whales were already spotted by a department staffer. Previous strandings made up of mostly single or pairs of whales pale in comparison to the current situation, shared the staffer in a CNN report.

Potential Culprit, Other Mass Stranding Events

Experts from Massey University are performing necropsies on some of the dead pilot whales to find out what was behind the stranding, including factors like disease or trauma. Since the animals are insulated with plenty of blubber, they will rapidly decompose, making it critical to perform tests right away.

Community ranger Kath Inwood said it is rather rare for that many whales to travel at once.

[W]e have 180 once before but I think a lot of [answers as to why] are unknown really, Inwood told CNN.

The International Whaling Commission noted that animals can swim to death on shore, or perhaps die at sea and later wash up on the beach. Strandings can happen because of disease, aging, man-made or environmental disruption, or even collision with ships.

In December 2015, more than 300 whales were found on a remote area in southern Chile, with a red tide, a surge in algae content in the water, believed to be the reason. The algal bloom raged across the ocean around the country in early 2016, killing about 40,000 tons of salmon in Los Lagos.

In 2008, some 100 whales swam onto Madagascar beaches, three-fourths of them dying. It was the first known mass bleaching linked to high-frequency sonar mapping systems implemented for an oil expedition.

In 2002, anti-submarine sonars were also suspected as the cause of another mass whale beaching, where some 15 beaked whales died in the Canaries following a NATO exercise.

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WASHINGTON  Stupid but legal. Such is the Trump administrations travel ban for people from seven Muslim countries.

Of course, as with almost everything in American life, what should be a policy or even a moral issue becomes a legal one. The judicial challenge should have been given short shrift, since the presidential grant of authority to exclude the entry of aliens is extremely wide and statutorily clear. The judge who issued the temporary restraining order never even made a case for its illegality.

But even if the immigration ban is ultimately vindicated in the courts, that doesnt change that its lousy policy. It began life as a barstool eruption after the San Bernardino massacre when Donald Trump proposed a total ban on Muslims entering the country until our countrys representatives can figure out what the hell is going on.

Rudy Giuliani says he was tasked with cleaning up this idea. Hence the executive order suspending entry of citizens from the seven countries while the vetting process is reviewed and tightened.

The core idea makes sense. These are failed, essentially ungovernable states (except for Iran) where reliable data is hard to find. But the moratorium was unnecessary and damaging. Its only purpose was to fulfill an ill-considered campaign promise. It caused enormous disruption without making us any safer. What was the emergency that compelled us to turn away people already in the air with already approved visas for entry to the U.S.?

President Trump said he didnt want to give any warning. Otherwise, he tweeted, the bad would rush into our country. ... A lot of bad dudes out there! Rush? Not a single American has ever been killed in a terror attack in this country by a citizen from the notorious seven. The killers have come from precisely those countries not listed  Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan (the Tsarnaev brothers). The notion we had to act immediately because hordes of jihadists in these seven countries were about to board airplanes to blow up Americans is absurd.

Vetting standards could easily have been revised and tightened without the moratorium and its attendant disruptions, stupidities, random cruelties and well-deserved bad press. The moratorium turned into a distillation of the worst aspects of our current airport-security system, which everyone knows to be 95 percent pantomime. The pat-down of the 80-year-old grandmother does nothing to make us safer. Its purpose is to give the illusion of doing something.

Similarly, during the brief Trump moratorium, a cavalcade of innocent and indeed sympathetic characters  graduate students, separated family members, returning doctors and scientists  were denied entry. You saw this and said to yourself: We are protecting ourselves from these?

If anything, the spectacle served to undermine Trumps case for extreme vigilance and wariness of foreigners entering the United States. There is already empirical evidence. A Nov. 23 Quinnipiac poll found a 6-point majority in favor of suspending immigration from terror prone regions; a Feb. 7 poll found a 6-point majority against. The same poll found a whopping 44-point majority opposed to suspending all immigration of Syrian refugees to the U.S. indefinitely.

Then there is the opportunity cost of the whole debacle. It risks alienating the leaders of even nonaffected Muslim countries  the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation expressed grave concern  which may deter us from taking far more real and effective anti-terror measures. The administration was intent on declaring the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization, a concrete measure that would hamper the operations of a global Islamist force. In the current atmosphere, however, that declaration is reportedly being delayed and rethought.

Add to that the costs of the ill-prepared, unvetted, sloppy rollout. Consider the discordant, hostile message sent to loyal law-abiding Muslim-Americans by the initial denial of entry to green card holders. And the ripple effect of the initial denial of entry to those Iraqis who risked everything to help us in our war effort. In future conflicts, this will inevitably weigh on local Muslims deciding whether to join and help our side. Actions have consequences.

In the end, what was meant to be a piece of promise-keeping, tough-on-terror symbolism has become an oxygen-consuming distraction. This is a young administration with a transformative agenda to enact. At a time when it should be pushing and promoting deregulation, tax reform and health care transformation, it has steered itself into a pointless cul-de-sac  where even winning is losing.
Arce stressed that "this table has a vital importance to continue giving certainties and solutions, above the whims, subway agreements and political calculations". | Read More
Theres a reason Betsy DeVos confirmation as the new secretary of education was such a close vote, requiring Vice President Mike Pence to break the tie. Even in the Trump administration, with its clear suspicion of expertise and competence, DeVos stands out as spectacularly ill-suited for her new post.

There was such a public outcry against her that two Republican senators, Alaskas Lisa Murkowski and Maines Susan Collins, voted against her confirmation. In this hyperpartisan age, thats extraordinary.

But, then, so is DeVos. And I dont mean that as a compliment. She is a doctrinaire right-winger who means to destroy public education, replacing it with a system of religious schools that serve the middle class and the wealthy. Implacably hostile to the public commons, she would rip apart a core asset of our democracy.

In the early 19th century, the visionary Horace Mann set about modernizing American education, advocating a system of publicly funded schools that served all children and answered to no sectarian or religious interests. He believed universal education would equip disciplined citizens who would advance democratic interests. DeVos beliefs run counter to Manns principles.

Her defenders insist that all DeVos wants is to ensure an excellent education for every child and to rescue those who are stuck in failing schools. They point to her advocacy for school choice as proof she would give poor parents an opportunity to send their children to high-performing schools outside their neighborhoods.

Indeed, improving educational opportunity for poor children is an important goal, one of the core civil rights issues of our era. While I disagree with those who claim that public schools are worse than theyve ever been  actually, many of them are much better  I agree that they havent improved enough to equip children for the 21st century. Public schools across the board need more innovation, higher standards, and more accountability for principals and teachers.

But school choice is a deceptive term. It encompasses support for charters, public schools that, at their best, break away from the hidebound techniques of traditional public schools to boost the achievement of even students from modest backgrounds. But DeVos advocacy for for-profit charter schools in Michigan (most of the nations charter schools are nonprofit) hasnt helped students. It has only enriched charter school operators.

The term school choice also encompasses vouchers, which subvert tax dollars to support private schools. In those states where vouchers have gained a toehold, the programs usually work by providing parents with a grant, funded by taxpayer dollars, to send their children to any school they choose.

As it turns out, though, most of them dont serve the poorest households because the grants arent large enough. Vouchers average from $2,000 to $5,000. Parochial school tuition averages around $7,000 a year, while nonreligious private schools tend to be much higher. Where would the poorest kids get the rest of the money?

Even if vouchers were more generous, though, they betray a fundamental principle of our pluralistic democracy: They send public dollars to fund narrow belief systems. My second-grader attends an Episcopal school where she is required to attend chapel every Friday. Why should taxpayers who disagree with the beliefs of the Episcopal church subsidize my childs education?

And why should my tax dollars support Catholic schools? As much as I respect the current pope, Francis, I still oppose much Catholic doctrine, including the churchs condemnation of homosexuality, its refusal to elevate women to the clergy, and its opposition not only to abortion but also to contraception. Why should my money support those beliefs?

DeVos, a billionaire, isnt Catholic. Shes a member of an ultraconservative Calvinist sect that believes in predestination  God has already decided who is going to heaven before we are born  and worships private enterprise. Speaking to The Gathering, an annual meeting of super-wealthy conservative Christians in 2001, DeVos compared the system of education in the country to a biblical battlefield where Israelites fought the Philistines, according to Politico.

In other words, she means to push vouchers, which would starve public schools of desperately needed funds, to advance her right-wing religious views. Nothing is more dangerous to liberal democratic values than that.
All3Media has acquired Two Brothers Pictures, the indie run by writers and producers Harry and Jack Williams.

Established in early 2014 by the Williams brothers, and joined in 2016 by Chief Operating Officer Claire Evans, Two Brothers Pictures has quickly built a reputation for its drama and comedy output.

As producers they took Phoebe Waller-Bridges Fleabag from the Edinburgh Fringe to the BBC.

The Williams brothers also wrote and co-produced both series of The Missing, produced by New Pictures in association with Two Brothers for BBC One and Starz. The series has sold to nearly 200 territories.

Two Brothers are also working on a number of new commissions including Liar, a six part thriller for ITV, starring Joanne Froggatt and Ioan Gruffudd; Rellik a time-jumping murder mystery co-production with New Pictures for BBC One; and Hong Kong based conspiracy thriller, White Dragon for ITV as well as a one-off TV comedy short When Cary Grant Introduced Timothy Leary to LSD for Sky Arts Playhouse Presents series. In addition they co-produced the four part thriller One Of Us for the BBC in 2016.

All3Media International will be the distribution partner for Two Brothers Pictures.

Jane Turton, All3Media Chief Executive Officer said: Its very exciting welcoming Two Brothers to All3Media. The variety, quality and popularity of the series on their slate is exceptional and I look forward to working with Jack, Harry and Claire as they grow the business and launch new titles around the world.

Two Brothers Pictures Joint Managing Directors Harry and Jack Williams added: Two Brothers was set up to work with other likeminded creatives as well as to be an outlet for our own work. In All3Media we have found a parent company that understands the needs of writers and producers but also has the business acumen and international sales expertise to take our work to the widest possible audience. The senior management team at All3Media completely understand what we are trying to do and were delighted to be working with them.

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MILWAUKEE  Ohio Gov. John Kasich recently vetoed a bill that would have made statewide renewable and energy efficiency standards in Ohio voluntary for the next two years.

Kasich understands that the businesses of the future in Ohio must be committed to renewable energy. It is better for all sectors of the economy in Ohio to keep money circulating in the Ohio economy rather than exporting those funds to other states or nations to purchase fossil fuels.

What Kasich said no to in Ohio, and what the majority of Wisconsin agrees with, is simple: Climate change is a reality, and clean energy is good for the earth, lowers government spending and creates good-paying jobs.

In Wisconsin, we have a simple, common-sense goal that requires 10 percent of the electricity consumed in our state to be derived from renewable resources  wind, solar, biomass. We know clean energy is provides us with a healthier planet, more affordable utility bills and good paying jobs.

Since being elected to the Wisconsin Legislature, I have backed proposals such as the Clean Energy Jobs Act, the FOCUS on Energy program, and the use of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for the creation of the Milwaukee Energy Efficiency program.

Another step forward is Property Assessed Clean Energy financing in Wisconsin, or PACE. This program enables investments to be made in energy efficiency in existing buildings. The result is lower operating costs for building owners, higher profits, a better and more comfortable experience for building tenants, the creation of local jobs, and better local air quality.

Additionally, by helping commercial building owners affordably finance building upgrades such as heating and cooling systems, lighting, controls and solar, PACE is enabling us to do our part in mitigating the impact on climate change. The program has been tremendously successful in Milwaukee and is being expanded statewide.

As the most senior legislator and ranking Democrat on the Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee, I have always felt renewable energy made good economic sense for Wisconsin. Wisconsin companies such as Johnson Controls and major public utilities have been leaders in developing energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy technology. Other companies are making the case for the use of wind, solar and geothermal and employing people in family supporting jobs installing these technologies or constructing the panels, turbines and other technologies.

This sector of our economy has created nearly 25,000 jobs and generated over $5.9 billion in investments. Nationwide, state commitments to renewable energy have created 200,000 American jobs, $20 billion of investment, $7.5 billion a year in environmental benefits from reduced air pollution, and up to $4.9 billion in consumer savings from lower energy prices.

The good news is this is a sector of our economy with room to grow.
More conservatives are proposing action on climate change.

Wisconsins Republican leaders should join the conversation and effort.

James Baker and George Schultz, former Cabinet secretaries under President Ronald Reagan, outlined their proposal for a revenue-neutral carbon tax this week in the Wall Street Journal. Their column, A conservative answer to climate change, suggests a gradually increasing $40-per-ton charge on carbon emissions, with proceeds going directly to the American people.

Baker, Schultz and other conservative thinkers were set to brief Vice President Mike Pence on the idea this week. They want their GOP colleagues who control Washington to lead on the issue, rather than ignoring the problem while Democrats press for solutions.

The extent to which climate change is due to man-made causes can be questioned, the GOP elder statesmen wrote in Wednesdays op-ed. But the risks associated with future warming are so severe that they should be hedged.

Their reasonable approach, unlike former President Obamas strategy, doesnt require heavy government regulation. Instead, the carbon tax would signal to the free market that businesses and consumers need to figure out the most efficient ways to reduce their carbon footprints. That might include investing in clean energy or buying machines that use less power.

A family of four would receive about $2,000 the first year in quarterly refunds from the tax, which would more than offset higher energy costs, according to the plan. Many economists think those rebates will stimulate economic growth. About 70 percent of Americans would come out ahead, including most working-class people.

The plan would rebate money to U.S. companies that export products to nations without similar carbon pricing, and charge a fee on imports from those countries. Business leaders including Rob Walton, chairman of Walmart for 23 years, have endorsed the levy on carbon, which is similar to a plan by Citizens Climate Lobby in Wisconsin.

A tax-and-rebate system would allow quick repeal of Obamas Clean Power Plan and justify ending civil legal liability for carbon emitters.

Many Democrats have long favored a carbon tax, though some want the proceeds spent on government programs. Steering the money to citizens instead, while limiting the growth of government, should be more popular with the public and Congress. Republicans have a responsibility to lead on the issue because they are in power, Baker and Schultz wrote, and doing so will help the GOP appeal to younger voters.

President Trump belittled climate science during his campaign yet pledged an open mind after his election. Wisconsins congressional delegation  including House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville  should help persuade the president that climate change, in the words of Baker and Schultz, is one of the defining challenges of our era.
No one would tell The Rev. Victor White how his son died, but one coroner's investigator gave him a tip: I cant say anything, White recalls the official telling him, but you should look into your sons death.

That account is included in the New York Times' recent in-depth look at the death of White's son, Victor White III, while he was detained by an Iberia Parish sheriff's deputy in March 2014, and controversy surrounding Sheriff Louis Ackal in the case's wake.

Police said White, while in the back seat of a locked police car with his hands shackled behind his back, had committed suicide by shooting himself in the back with a handgun that an officer had not found during an earlier search.

Whites family has long contested that account, eventually filing a lawsuit that claims, among other things, that Sheriff Ackal fails to adequately train his deputies and tolerates excessive uses of force.

Such allegations might take down some sheriffs. But not Ackel, a fourth-generation New Iberian who has survived a recall effort and a State Police investigation and was reelected to a third consecutive term as sheriff in 2015.

Ackal also escaped a four-count federal indictment that stemmed from a federal probe into apparently rampant abuses by an Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office narcotics unit and a series of beatings at the parish jail. Although a federal jury acquitted Ackal at the end of a week-long trial in Shreveport in early November, ten of his deputies pleaded guilty to federal charges, with several taking the stand against Ackal to testify that he tolerated or even directed their beatings.

White's death and Ackal's trial exacerbated racial tensions in stubbornly segregated city of New Iberia. The New York Times again plums the history of strained race relations through a series of controversies over policing in the city's mostly black West End, including a 2006 incident during which deputies working under Ackal's predecessor, Sid Hebert, fired tear gas on a crowd following the annual Sugar Cane Festival and Fair.

The Advocate's Jim Mustian explored the legacy of that incident and the divisions exposed by Ackal's trial and the conviction of numerous deputies in a feature story published days after the sheriff's acquittal.

But through the turmoil, White's death  referred to in the New York Times piece as a "Houdini suicide" because of the perplexing physical contortions involved in the official account of the shackled shooting  has continued to provoke questions, a pending civil suit and his father's push for more answers.

See the full story here.
One of Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome's transition committees has recommended fusing three local agencies that deal with housing and development to more effectively fight blight and revitalize declining neighborhoods.

The proposal calls for merging the East Baton Rouge Public Housing Authority, the East Baton Rouge Parish Redevelopment Authority and the Office of Community Development.

Combining the three agencies would bring a "more coordinated and coherent approach to community development  one that would include revitalization, blight elimination and affordable housing efforts at its core," according to a draft of the transition committee's report obtained by The Advocate. The agency would be named the East Baton Rouge Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

Though the mayor's transition committee on the Office of Community Development is recommending the change, it is unclear if the mayor will pursue it. Her office has kept the transition committee reports private, saying they will release them when the mayor finishes reading them and that any reports leaked before then should be be considered drafts.

"I have not finished reading all of the reports," Broome said in a statement Thursday to The Advocate. "Thus, as of today the recommendations are that of the committee's and not the recommendations of my administration."

The idea of combining the offices has been brainstormed for years, as each has a similar mission but "very little if any systemic coordination" happens among them, according to the report.

The Housing Authority handles low- to moderate-income housing, public housing and Section 8 vouchers for low-income families. The RDA works on redevelopment and fighting blight, while the Office of Community Development allocates federal money to nonprofits that work in housing and community development.

The proposed combined entity appears to have been the brainchild of Christopher Odinet, a housing authority board member who wrote a 2013 white paper about consolidating the offices. Odinet, who sat on Broome's transition committee for the Office of Community Development, referred all comments for this story to the mayor's office.

"Although there are only a handful of agencies where the redevelopment and housing functions are combined, the few that do exist enjoy a number of significant synergies and benefits," Odinet, a property law professor at the Southern University Law Center, wrote in his 2013 white paper.

The transition committee's report uses the planned mixed-use residential development Ardendale as an example of the type of project that is possible when the entities work together. The urban village is expected to encompass 200 acres in Mid City, and a new career high school is expected to open there in August 2018.

The committee's recommendation also outlines the first steps toward melding the agencies: The RDA's board would need to first vote to merge with the Housing Authority, while the Housing Authority's board would then need to accept the merger. Afterward, Broome would need to direct her Office of Community Development to start allocating federal money to the new entity.

Its organizational structure would have an executive director leading the efforts, with a land bank director, redevelopment director and chief housing officer.

With funding running out, East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority looks to keep operating The East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority expects to run out of money by March 17 and off

Housing Authority CEO Richard Murray said he had heard about the recommendation but had not seen its details.

Combining the redevelopment arms may be an answer to funding and other various problems they have faced in recent years.

After the RDA asked for permanent funding from the city in 2014, former Mayor-President Kip Holden accused the agency of having misplaced spending priorities and the former director of having a bloated compensation package.

The RDA has been struggling since then, hoping the new mayor would commit to giving them permanent funding from the city.

Gwen Hamilton, interim RDA president and CEO, said Friday she agrees with the concept of merging the RDA with the other entities though she has not seen the transition committee's report. Hamilton said the three working separately have too many duplicative programs and that combining funds and efforts could be more productive.

"It is the way, in my opinion, to better serve the public," Hamilton said.

Multiple transition committees interviewed Hamilton during their research-gathering process, she said. And she said she hopes people realize that redevelopment, blight, housing and economic development are all related to the success of one another.

The RDA's board has not discussed the merger yet, Hamilton said, and she said they are waiting for Broome to share her vision.

The Office of Community Development has been on shaky ground, having received no general fund money from the city in the 2016-17 budget.

A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development audit last year questioned $2.2 million in OCD expenditures, with auditors accusing the office of incompetence and sloppy record-keeping.

HUD audit faults city-parishs accounting for use of $2.2 million in federal funds The city-parish could be forced to repay as much as $2.2 million in federal money because au

Monika Gerhart, who helped campaign for Broome, has been named OCD's new leader. Gerhart replaced Connie Hall, who held that job only since September. Gerhart said Thursday evening she could not answer questions about the merger recommendation and that she did not have time to answer them on Friday.

The transition committee report recommends replacing OCD with a new Office of Community Enrichment. The small staff of the Office of Community Enrichment would develop strategy and action plans, aggressively seek grants and issue cooperative-endeavor agreements with redevelopment and housing agencies.
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Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards is calling on President Donald Trump to issue a federal disaster declaration after a severe storm system spawning at least six tornadoes tore across much of south Louisiana on Tuesday.

Edwards, a Democrat, sent a letter to Trump on Friday requesting the disaster order granting individual assistance for Orleans, Ascension, Livingston and St. James Parishes and public assistance for Orleans, Ascension, Livingston, Jefferson and St. James parishes.

These storms caused another setback for our citizens, but given the amount of devastation they are facing, their resources are limited and the federal governments assistance is needed to help them rebuild, Edwards said in a statement. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, but the lives of hundreds of families and individuals have been turned upside down because of these tornadoes. Homes and businesses were either severely damaged or destroyed. FEMA teams are on the ground assessing the damage, and I am thankful that they are approaching this disaster with great urgency.

Thirty-nine people were injured in the storm and had to be transported by ambulance to receive medical treatment.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, a Jefferson Republican who as House leadership has had close ties to Trump, said he backs Edwards' request.

I ask President Trump to consider this request in an expeditious manner, and I will continue working closely with my colleagues in Louisianas Congressional delegation, as well as federal, state and local authorities, to ensure that the families and communities affected by these tornadoes have the support they need to rebuild and recover," Scalise said in a statement.

During a news conference Wednesday, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said he had also asked for a federal disaster declaration.

U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, also sent a letter to Trump on Friday asking for the disaster declaration.
FILE -- In this Dec. 29, 2016 file photo, released by the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), a long-range S-200 missile is fired in a military drill in the port city of Bushehr, on the northern coast of Persian Gulf, Iran. President Donald Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, has said the U.S. is "putting Iran on notice" after it test-fired a ballistic missile earlier this week. (Amir Kholousi, ISNA via AP, File)
A woman who has alleged that Mike Erwin, a Baton Rouge state district court judge, directed a racial slur toward her at a popular local eatery
Washington, D.C. The most popular party at Washington Mardi Gras, dubbed Louisiana Alive and held on the Thursday night of each year's gathering, manages to be both very Washington and very Mardi Gras.

First, the very Mardi Gras part: There's lots of food, oysters from Acme and red beans, boiled shrimp and crawfish etouffee, and of course plenty to drink. There's music, from jazz and zydeco and good old-fashioned rock. One of the bands, invariably, plays "You Are My Sunshine." Everyone's wearing beads, and just like at home, they've gotten more elaborate over the years.

You can never quite forget you're in Washington, though. For one thing, former U.S. Sen. John Breaux always holds court; This year he stood to the side of the stage as the zydeco band played, wine glass in hand.

With his now-requisite security detail in tow and blinky purple, green and gold beads in the shape of Christmas lights around his neck, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise worked his way across the packed floor. And from the giant Washington Hilton ballroom's built-in balcony, the sponsors who pay for the whole shebang  everyone from Google to BP America to Entergy lobbying/law firm Adams and Reese  tossed swag to the masses below.

People from Shell threw alligator hand exercisers. The Jefferson Chamber tossed branded lip balm. The New Orleans Tricentennial committee offered blinky beads commemorating next year's big celebration, which I still had on under my coat when I left the hotel, and which in turn prompted a woman passing by to stop me and ask just what was going on in there. When I showed her, she laughed at the thought of a "blinking human being."

Alligators hand exerciser from Shell 3/4 pic.twitter.com/W8O6qDFeYt  Stephanie Grace (@stephgracela) February 10, 2017

Only back home, I guess, is that a perfectly normal sight.
Washington, D.C.  Steve Scalise and Cedric Richmond started together in the state House, and the Republican from Jefferson Parish and Democrat from New Orleans have carried their friendly rivalry all the way to Congress.

It was on display once more Friday at the annual Washington Mardi Gras lunch put on by the Committee of 100 and economic development officials from across the state. Members of the delegation each get a few minutes to introduce themselves, with Scalise getting more time and going first because he's this year's chairman.

Scalise's district is based in the New Orleans suburbs but includes a slice of the city, and he boasted to the crowd of 650 that he represents the "coolest" district in the country. He knows this is true, he said, because whenever he invites his colleagues to tour the district, "they always clear their schedules," knowing they're going to enjoy a great New Orleans meal.

Richmond, whose district includes most of the city proper, playfully suggested his colleague was trading in "alternative facts."

"When you bring members to New Orleans, nine out of 10 times you're bringing them to my district," he said.

They weren't the only members to offer a glimpse of their personalities, priorities, or skill with a punchline. Several of the Republicans, Scalise included, celebrated the Trump administration's support for oil and gas. Richmond, the delegation's only Democrat, pleaded for support for higher ed funding.

Newly elected U.S. Sen. John Kennedy kept it extremely short.

"I'd rather drink weed killer than be anywhere else," he said, repurposing his most famous campaign line.

U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham lauded the Trump administration's choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, his House colleague Tom Price, a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act. But, as many Republicans are these days, he also weighed on on the side of preserving coverage that the repeal-and-replace crowd puts at risk.

"We will not leave the impoverished and the poor uninsured," he said. "They will be taken care of."

Brand-new U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson reveled in his status as the most junior member in all of Congress, courtesy of Louisiana's unique December runoff and the fact that the other Louisianan elected after everyone else, Clay Higgins, is ahead of him in alphabetical order.

"If you ever wanted to meet the lowest-ranked member of Congress, I'll be right over there," Johnson said. "Come by our tiny, tiny office. We'll roll out the little red rug for you."
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Washington, D.C. John Kennedy, Louisiana's longtime treasurer, finally made it to Washington last month, following his third-time's-the-charm U.S. Senate run last year.

Judging by who showed up at this year's Washington Mardi Gras, the road to his old office may run through Washington too.

Mingling among the throngs of Louisianans at the Washington Hilton this week are the three legislators  all, like Kennedy, Republicans  who have either said they'll run to replace Kennedy this fall, or are expected to make their announcements shortly.

State Sen. Neil Riser of Columbia declined to talk about his trip, but state Reps. Julie Stokes of Kenner and John Schroder of Covington each said the event, which draws thousands of office holders, political professionals, junkies, lobbyists, and well-to-do donors, is giving them plenty of bang for the buck.

Stokes has been to Washington Mardi Gras three times before, and is a fan of the combination of socializing and serious policy talk.

"These people care, and I love people that actually care," she said.

This time, though, is different. She's out to make as many connections as possible and has held "meeting after meeting after meeting," and she's also discovered that her interest is entirely requited. Being a candidate for statewide office, it seems, is enough to get you on this crowd's radar.

"I'm invited to infinitely more things," Stokes said. "All these receptions have been going on for all these years, and I didn't know about it."

Schroder is a first-time attendee, and said having so many people from different parts of Louisiana in one place is helping him build a network.

"The state is a big state to get around, and a lot of people expect you to ask for support," he said after having stopped in to a reception to chat with Clay Higgins, the new congressman from the southwest part of the state. His goal for the trip is to let people put a face to a name, so they'll know who he is when he calls.

Summing up the experience so far, Schroder said there's been "a lot of talking." And "a lot of throat lozenges."
David Pearce, left, and his daughter Crissy Pearce hold signs outside of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017. President Donald Trump's travel ban faced its biggest legal test yet Tuesday as a panel of federal judges prepared to hear arguments from the administration and its opponents about two fundamentally divergent views of the executive branch and the court system. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The worker missing since an explosion in a Phillips 66 natural gas pipeline in Paradis on Thursday evening has been identified as a Thibodaux 
The High Court has agreed to hear an appeal on the case of the Canberra man who hatched a kidnap plot from jail.

Aaron James Holliday was in the Alexander Maconochie Centre awaiting trial for child sex offences - of which he was later found guilty - when he thought up the plan.

high court Credit:Jeffrey Chan

He approached another inmate, and asked him to organise someone on the outside to kidnap witnesses, have them record new statements and then kill them.

But the other inmate dobbed Holliday in to corrections.
The fight for control of troubled fund manager Hunter Hall International has taken a new twist as competing bidders joust to win a key block of shares company from founder Peter Hall.

"It's game on," one fund manager said as rival bidders raised their offers on Friday.

After being wrong-footed by the election of Donald Trump as US President, which triggered a rebound in global equity markets he had not anticipated, Mr Hall decided at the end of last year to quit the company he founded and sell his controlling 44 per cent shareholding.

Even though Hunter Hall shares were trading at more than $3.20 in the sharemarket, he sold an initial block of 19.9 per cent to Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co at just $1 a share, while telling shareholders they would be crazy to follow suit.
Prudent Traditionalists are split on the question of whether free trade has benefitted Australia. Credit:Matt Davidson In Australia, Pauline Hanson has globalisation in her sights. In her maiden speech to the Senate in September she accused national leaders of giving away our sovereignty, our rights, our jobs and even our democracy. "Their push for globalisation, economic rationalism, free trade and ethnic diversity has seen our country's decline," she said. In pitting globalists against patriots Le Pen neatly summed up a new and unpredictable political fissure that cuts across old divisions between left and right. Ip predicts the tussle between globalism and nationalism "will shape the coming era much as the struggle between conservatives and liberals has shaped the last".

This political split has emerged during a period of rapid global economic integration. In the two decades before the onset of the global financial crisis in 2007 international trade in goods and services grew by 7 per cent a year on average  a much faster rate than global GDP. This has been a period of great prosperity for Australia, which has not experienced a recession for a quarter of a century. But there has also been a marked shift in the structure of the economy. Since the mid-1990s manufacturing's share of Australia's economic output has fallen from 14 per cent to about 7 per cent. Meanwhile, the importance of knowledge-intensive service industries such as finance and professional services has grown significantly. Similar trends have been at work in other advanced economies. The flow of migrants to Australia  another factor many associate with globalisation  has also been strong. The proportion of Australians born overseas reached 28 per cent in 2014-15, the highest proportion in more than 120 years. There are now signs the tussle Ip describes between globalist and nationalist sentiment has become an important political fault line in Australia.

Polling for the Political Personas Project commissioned by Fairfax Media and conducted by the Australian National University and Netherlands-based political research enterprise Kieskompas, shows public opinion is divided over the merits of trade liberalisation, one of globalisation's fundamentals. The statement "free trade with other countries has made Australia better off" could not muster support from the majority of the 2600 voters surveyed  44.7 per cent agreed (but only 7.1 per cent strongly), 27.5 per cent disagreed and 27.8 per cent were neutral. There is a similar split when voters are asked to assess the impact of globalisation. A separate Ipsos survey released in December found 48 per cent of Australians considered globalisation a "force for good" while 22 per cent said it was a "force for bad", with 29 per cent undecided.

Carol Johnson, professor of politics and international studies at the University of Adelaide, said many voters have, over time, become more aware of globalisation's drawbacks. "Twenty years ago, the electorate seemed prepared to believe that while there were some risks to opening up the economy, there would also be benefits," she said. "Part of what happened is that people are now more aware that many of our competitor countries, including Asian countries, are more than capable of developing these [high-tech and service] industries themselves. "The assumption that Western countries will always be superior has started to come undone and voters are becoming worried that government hasn't got right the mix of balancing the benefits and downsides of globalisation." Polling for the Political Personas Project found more than eight in 10 voters believe "we rely too heavily on foreign imports and should manufacture more in Australia" .This statement received more support than any other proposition in the survey, which covered dozens of hot-button political issues.

Jill Sheppard, a researcher from the ANU's Centre for Social Research and Method who was involved in the project, said public concern about the decline of manufacturing was linked to perceptions of globalisation. "Globalisation seems to manifest in people's minds as manufacturing and jobs going offshore. They think about cheap labour in Asian countries, which seem like a direct threat to us." The project sheds light on the types of Australians most likely to embrace globalisation and most likely to dislike it. Support for free trade was strongly linked to feeling financially secure, confident in society and optimistic about the future. This is illustrated by differences between seven distinctive political "tribes" identified by the project.

The three most financially secure groups  Progressive Cosmopolitans, Ambitious Savers and Lavish Mod-cons (that is, moderate conservatives)  were also the strongest supporters of free trade. More than 70 per cent of Cosmopolitans, 68 per cent of Mod-cons and 62 per cent of Savers agreed with the statement: "Free trade with other countries has made Australia better off." These three groups also had the highest levels of agreement with the statement: "I am feeling pretty good these days about how much money I can spend" and were the most likely to earn high incomes of $91,000 or more. When it came to optimism about society and the future, Cosmopolitans and Savers were the most likely to agree with the statement: "I have confidence in society" and to disagree with the statements: "I sometimes feel that the future holds nothing for me" and: "I feel let down by society."

At the opposite end of the spectrum, 64 per cent of the group called "Anti-establishment Firebrands" and 51 per cent of tribe called "Disillusioned Pessimists" disagreed that free trade had made Australia better off. These two tribes were also the most likely to agree with the statements: "I sometimes feel that the future holds nothing for me" and "I feel let down by society," and to disagree with the statements: "I am feeling pretty good these days about how much money I can spend" and "I have confidence in society." The project draws attention to another way globalisation is reshaping Australian politics  it splits both progressives and conservatives. Two of the tribes  Progressive Cosmopolitans and Activist Egalitarians  were distinguished by their socially progressive values and support for left-leaning political parties.

And yet their feelings diverge when it comes to globalisation: the Cosmopolitans are much more comfortable with trade liberalisation. There are similar divisions among the more conservative tribes. Four groupings  the Ambitious Savers, Lavish Mod-Cons, Prudent Traditionalists and Anti-Establishment Firebrands  favoured right-leaning political parties. And yet only the first two of those tribes were strongly in favour of free trade. The Prudent Traditionalists are split on the question of free trade and the Anti-Establishment Firebrands (who have much in common with Trump's core support base) are strongly opposed. Sheppard said voter suspicion about globalisation was likely to increase. Loading
People use therapies because they work, not because they get the same result from a sip of water. Just because we do not yet have the technology to analyse a remedy that has been shown to work repeatedly for bee stings or for migraines or for infertility does not prove it doesn't exist or that it doesn't work. My suggestion to Vyom Sharma is that, next time he is ill, he tries a remedy under appropriate supervision, to find out why Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, and the British royal family have used homeopathy. It appears that they found the evidence that the NHMRC managed to avoid finding in its investigation into homeopathy. Jennifer Heywood, Spence

Correction on cultivation Thank you, Harold Mitchell, for your fawning advertorial on Israel ("Australia could learn from Israel's innovations", February 10, p.37), but may I correct something. You claim that Israel "transformed desert into a fruit and veg bowl", thereby implying that Palestine was a desert under Arab control. However, according to the 1946 British Survey of Palestine, the Palestinian Arabs were responsible for 90 per cent of Palestine's agricultural output. They had cleared and developed vast areas of land for citrus production, and developed the Jaffa orange as a major export crop long before the Jewish colonisation of Palestine began. Paul Dixon, Fraser

Caravan moves on There is so much more about La Boheme, Bohemia, than a few letters (Letters, February 7, 9, p.17) could try to explain. However, one fact is for sure, Boheme and bohemian are definitely related. Bohemien was a common term for the Romani people of France , who were mistakenly thought to have reached France in the 15th century via Bohemia, at that time a proto-Protestant country and considered heretical by many Roman Catholics . You, non-romani, or gadjo (as they used to call us on the way to school in the outskirts of Paris), could not understand. Unconventional? No. Just a nomadic ethnic group, known as Gypsies or gens du voyage (travelling people) who live in their roulottes.

Noelle Roux, Chifley Dog day understanding It seems from both letters page and the behaviour of my fellow Canberrans that a great many dog owners have never bothered to find out the laws pertaining to dogs in the ACT. It is illegal to have a dog unleashed in a public place in the ACT (other than specific off-leash parks). If you don't think it applies to you because you think your dog is unlikely to attack, consider the fact that seeing you breaking the law encourages the idiots with dangerous dogs to flout the law as well and put your dog (not to mention the general public) at risk. It seems to me that it is often just pure laziness on the part of the owners when they don't leash their dogs to walk them. If you can't be bothered to 1) know the law, and 2) follow it, you are a menace to other dog owners and shouldn't have a pet at all.

Anthony V. Adams, Reid Justice for animals The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds would like to congratulate ACT Labor and the ACT Greens for taking the ethical and responsible step to end $1 million taxpayer subsidy given to the ACT greyhound industry every year. The McHugh Commission of Inquiry into NSW greyhound racing, found evidence that up to 17,000 greyhounds are killed in Australia each year. In 2015 Australians watched in horror to see trainers using the barbaric and illegal practice of live baiting with piglets, rabbits, and possums to increase the dogs' performance on the track. In the ACT, the RSPCA revealed the greyhound racing industry's financial dependence on government funding to survive, systemic animal cruelty within the industry and the fact that most industry participants were actually from NSW.

We are therefore strongly encouraged by ACT Labor and Greens' decision to do the right thing for greyhounds and taxpayers. Eleonora Gullone, Animal Justice Party, Windsor, Vic Cacophony of elected class Barnaby Joyce at question time on Thursday appeared to perform more like a rabid mountain lion than a reasoned member of parliament. Why not provide the designated speaker with a microphone so they can speak normally against the inevitable howling classes? Phil O'Brien, Flynn

People before politics? Ross Gittins article "Look who's talking Bill" (February 8, p.16) was indeed perceptive and prophetic. He cited Mr Shorten's hand on heart words at the National Press Club the previous week that "people are distrustful of politicians and more than a few don't trust us to fix it" and "They're not opposed to genuine debate  but they are over the smallness of so much of the national political conversation ..." and "But this year I am going to put people first, politics last". Listening to Shorten's personally based, blistering tirade against Australia's Prime Minister on Wednesday (February 8) confirmed Gittin's conclusion "What were you saying about voters being sick of rival politicians playing tit for tat, Bill?" Yes, we are Bill  and very much more so after "the smallness" of such a demeaning performance.

Is it any wonder that Malcolm Turnbull hit back with such effect, after months of being accused of weakness and being too nice. I wonder how his critics will respond? Len Goodman, Belconnen Mr Turnbull's latest display of tactical bullying and political mendacity has left me totally disgusted. His opportunistic and politically expedient character assassination of Bill Shorten has resulted in losing any remnants of respect I may have still had for our Prime Minister. This behaviour is not OK. The politics of personal denigration may have become popular in the age of Trump but we certainly do not want our elected representatives to resort to this base behaviour.

Australian politics has always been considered as "robust" but Turnbull's display on Wednesday was an example of the worst kind of political bullying, egged on by his cabal of jackals in the coalition who cheered and clapped him. If you are confident in your policy platform you should be able to argue the merits of this without resorting to mean and vindictive personal insults. Annette Gilmour, Melba It was so disappointing to see Malcolm Turnbull make a personal attack on Bill Shorten in Parliament on February 8. It reminded me of the dreadful personal attacks on Julia Gillard by Tony Abbott, which I've never forgiven him for. Surely it should be about political views, not personalities.

Although I've never voted Liberal before, Malcolm Turnbull seemed to have so much promise for a fairer society that I could have changed my mind. But not now. Maybe the disaffection of Cory Bernardi will split the Liberals into real liberals and real conservatives. I also dislike the noddies in the background when politicians are interviewed by the media. Susan MacDougall, Scullin That someone who has done so inordinately well as an insider in the system should lampoon, belittle and disparage so viciously anyone else on the accusation of even just supposedly doing the same is more than a bit rich. But that is Malcolm Turnbull: bizarrely wealthy and more than a bit rich.

Alex Mattea, Kingston Did I hear correctly that Malcolm in the middle was criticising wild Bill for getting the Melbourne rich to help with sick elephants? Maybe Malcolm should get his rich buddies to help with some of the sick elephants in his own backyard. Ed Gaykema, Dickson Rumour has it Peter Dutton is looking at tapping the present incumbent on the shoulder to take over the leadership. For all Turnbull's problems surely the last thing the government wants right now is Dutton at the wheel. D. J. Fraser, Currumbin, Qld

Thank you Professor Warhurst for the article in Thursday's paper ("PM must come out ...", February 9, p. 18). But perhaps we should remember that Dr Faustus could not get out of his bargain either. Meta Sterns, Yarralumla When it comes to Parliamentary invective, is it fair to describe Malcolm Turnbull as the rich man's Paul Keating? Nigel Thompson, Queanbeyan East, NSW

Liberals, the government, the media  everyone  has been apparently 'revitalised' by Turnbull's spray against the opposition leader in question time on Wednesday. It illustrates everything that is wrong with contemporary politics in Australia. Turnbull was responding to a lesser tirade by Bill Shorten who made several reasonable policy points. Turnbull's lauded and therefore now-famous response was a vituperative personal attack on Shorten. It was irrelevant and said nothing about policy, the thing that matters. The media reward him for it. The cycle continues. The country is suffering badly after being essentially ungoverned for several years. Such policies as we get are chosen because they are the opposite of what Labor likes, not because they follow the evidence or the will of the people or have redeeming features. Turnbull must talk policy and he must get past his obsession with Labor. The media must end its adulation of conflict and start rewarding good discussion of good policy. Julian Robinson, Narrabundah

Selling lake foreshore A plan "to spend $8 million" next financial year preparing "an investment-ready proposal" for a new convention centre, the "Australia Forum", has been shelved due to lack of funds ("Surplus shrinks to $5m", February 8, pp1,2). A spokesman for Andrew Barr said, "The project is only feasible with significant financial support from the federal government." The claimed need for a "large injection of federal funds" was floated in 2011 ("City's waterside vision", April 11, p1), immediately (after) the Steering Committee for the Australia Forum Scoping Study released its report. Their proposal was for a $328 million complex in Acton Park on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin. It has been hauled off the back-burner, just for show, now that the City to the Lake plan is hitting a few snags. The issue is not so much a new convention centre or even an Australia Forum whose self-appointed members would tell the government what to do. It is just another demonstration of the town council's dogged determination to sell the lake foreshores.

Gary J. Wilson, Macgregor TO THE POINT SOLUTION IS TAXING Personal attacks by main party leaders have done nothing to explain the failure of democratic society. Our inequality is due to owners' earnings, untaxed from lands and patents, far exceeding workers' salaries. Wealth and privilege grow generationally regardless of ability. The solution lies in a wealth tax not an income tax. Ask Shorten and Turnbull. Bryan and Elizabeth Lobascher, Chifley

ERA OF DISRESPECT Back in 1971 they had "McMann" as our Prime Minister. A few years later it was "John" Fraser. Now it's "Trunbull". Bill Shorten is right: "Trump needs to show more respect to Australia and Turnbull, and can't run an alliance by Twitter." Could it be that the USA, despite protestations to the contrary, has never found Australia worthy of respect? Ken Maher, Ainslie

Being in the Trump era is like being an extra in a B-grade movie which no one has so far written the ending for. Will humankind manage to survive more or less intact? If we should need anepitaph, there are these words of Bertrand Russell: "The fundamental cause of trouble in the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." Roy Darling, Florey OFF THE GRID Politicians keep using the words "baseload power" to give the impression they're informed. When it comes to coal-fired power stations and minimising emissions, the words should be "spinning reserve".
Making Crown pay for the cost of gambling As part of this deal, Crown should be required to contribute to the fallout from gambling in Victoria. This would include the cost of: medical and psychiatric hospital beds and treatment; community social workers; prisons; the legal cost of family breakup and divorce proceedings; rehabilitation programs and unemployment pensions. Also, the productivity loss due to premature mortality from suicide. Victorians deserve to know the real costs of enterprises such as the Crown Casino, instead of being given the "it will create jobs" whitewash that is perpetually handed out by politicians. Leigh Ackland, Deepdene Representing the true state of our state After this week's news, could I suggest a new numberplate slogan. "Victoria: Owned by Crown. Leased to Transurban". Or perhaps the shorter version, "Victoria: Backflip State".

Chris Wallis, Albert Park THE FORUM Manners, gentlemen "Ride on, man" (The Age, 10/2) reports on a study which attributes the low percentage of female riders on the lack of bike-friendly infrastructure in Melbourne. My wife rides from Port Melbourne to St Kilda Road most week days. Ironically, she avoids much of the bike infrastructure as she finds the male "racers" are aggressive and threatening. Many use bike lanes not as alternative transport but to race with their friends. In European cities, where women make up proportionate numbers, they ride traditional push bikes at safe speeds, are not required to wear helmets and do not have to put up with intimidating racers in Lycra outfits. If the dominating male cyclists displayed good manners and rode at safe speeds, I am sure female numbers would catch up quickly. Sandy Richards, Port Melbourne

The right to equal care Christine Regan's experience (ABC News, 8/2) struck a chord with me. Her daughter, who has Down syndrome and an intellectual disability, had a stroke when she was 25. She was not offered rehab and a doctor told her mother: "Look, she has Down syndrome, how hard are you going to try?". My sister also had Down syndrome and when I approached her GP for extra tests for abnormal blood results, he said: "If you found anything, would you do anything?" This attitude is prevalent among some doctors. It is also backed up by a new study which found people with intellectual disabilities are twice as likely to die a potentially avoidable death than the general public (The Age, 8/2). Colleen Casey, Glen Iris Necessary transition Blaming renewables for power blackouts is simplistic and irresponsible (The Age, 10/2). The Coalition must accept that transition to a low-carbon economy is inevitable and necessary. Rather than pandering to the big end of town and murdering the messenger, this government must show courage and leadership. A strong transitional policy on both the demand and supply sides of the energy equation is required for Australia to move into the 21st century. And to ensure the sort of future Australia wants for the 22nd century.

Craig Reichenbach, Briar Hill Blame where it's due So the Australian Energy Market Operator underestimates how much electricity will be required during a heatwave and fails to turn on an available generator in time, resulting in blackouts. Naturally the Liberals blame renewable energy. Perhaps the highly paid AEMO executives should be held to account, before they are paid their yearly bonuses. John Johnson, Richmond Bring on the rail link

A high-speed rail link between Melbourne and Sydney (The Age, 8/2) would be wonderful, but there is no way passengers would be zipping between the capitals in "less than one hour". The "eight new cities" along the way (or even just the existing regional centres) would use the service, yes? Trains would have to slow down, stop, load and offload passengers and luggage and then start up again. Eight times. I cannot see how the trip could be less than three or even four hours. However, that would still be a lot faster than driving and it is a worthy goal. Melinda Dawson, Bairnsdale Naughty Mr Turnbull It is dispiriting that when Malcolm Turnbull ramps up the aggression and personal attack on Bill Shorten, his popularity rises. The backbench loves to see their leader being "strong". Everyone is buoyed, so it escalates  and we wonder why domestic violence, street violence and lack of respect for others are increasing. So this is success. What a pathetic example they all set for our children. Janice Anderson, Port Melbourne

But clever Mr Keating Do I detect a hint of hypocrisy in the criticism of Malcolm Turnbull's tirade against Bill Shorten? I suspect that had Paul Keating made similar remarks about his political opponents (which he did), the same critics would have been falling over themselves admiring his cutting comments. Peter Abrahams, Southbank Respect opponents All local councillors must sign and comply with a code of conduct that would not allow such behaviour as was seen this week in federal parliament. Surely the same condition must apply to our federal politicians. If not, why not?

Robyn Grunberg, Donvale Time to end the sham I fully support GP Vyom Sharma's article on the charade that calls itself homeopathy (Comment, 9/2). Patients can spend their money as they see fit, but there is no reason to call homeopathy a treatment modality and health funds should stop offering rebates for this sham. The money would be better spent educating the population to discern between proper health care and the pretender brigade Joel Freeman, paediatrician, Armadale Review our US alliance

Our greatest fears of global nuclear conflict are disturbingly articulated by John Pilger in his new documentary, The Coming War on China (The Age, 10/2), which identifies the reality of China's encirclement by US global power. In response, China has placed its nuclear arsenal on a 12-minute reaction alert. The same applies to Russia on its western borders as more NATO forces move into former Warsaw Pact territories than at any time since World War II. Our so-called "free press" seldom mentions these realities, instead focusing on the "threat" from China in the South China Sea. Australia has run to the tune of US foreign policy in every military conflict since World War II, which has mainly served the interests of the US military/industrial complex. These matters extend beyond the inanities of President Donald Trump; there is more than enough blood on the hands of most of his predecessors, Democrat and Republican alike. Is it time for a review of our US Alliance? David Jewell, Surrey Hills Pensioners' one big trip The government's proposal to stop pension payments to Australians who travel for more than six weeks overseas is mean spirited. Often people on pensions need to save for two or three years to afford the airfare. In many cases, they go overseas to visit their own very elderly parents, siblings and friends, or their adult children who have young children. Freed from the constraints of having to return to work, they want, and need, to spend months, not weeks, on such infrequent visits.

Charlotte Brewer, Shepparton How many will be hit? Will all those Australians who live overseas have their pension payments stopped, regardless of how many years they worked and paid taxes here? I would like an unequivocal statement from Labor that it will repeal this (and hopefully some of the other tacky measures in the disgraceful package of childcare reforms) once it is in office. A simple yes or no will suffice. Peter Coates, Sunbury Paying your own way

Queensland senator Ian Macdonald's defence of politicians' Life Gold passes (The Age, 10/2) suggests it is time the old "attack dog" (who behaved most disrespectfully to Gillian Triggs and Justin Gleeson) left the building. He is demonstrating all the attributes of a bitter old man. Perhaps he could make way for someone who is younger and more in touch with the times. He will retire with an exceedingly generous life pension. Surely he can pay for his own travel in retirement rather than having his overly self-entitled snout even deeper in the trough. Brandon Mack, Deepdene We're ripped off, too Ellen Sandell, thank you for "Victoria's great solar power swindle" (Comment, 10/2). As pensioners who invested in solar panels three years ago on the basis that we would be able to clear our investment by savings in our bills over seven years, we felt we were doing our bit towards limiting global warming. Now, due to the state government cutting the subsidy and power companies paying consumers less for their power, our bills will increase massively. Why cannot our solar input be taken into account on a daily basis against the amount used, and any surplus be paid to us at the usual commercial rates? If there is no change, as soon as batteries are financially viable, we and many others will be off the grid. And what about security of supply then?

Alan Bennett, Hastings AND ANOTHER THING Trump Trump critical of political influence in judicial appointments: a revelation or more "demockery" at work?

Brian Rock, Beechworth He believes in market forces except where his own family is concerned. Bob Graham, Yarragon I fantasise that in a final act of decency, Obama gave Trump the nuclear armoury's alternative codes. Barry Brennan, Lake Wendouree

Don't despair. Soon we'll be able to watch the news without a mention of Donald Tweet. Chris Curtis, Hurstbridge Politics Ian Macdonald, MPs might've earned more if they'd remained in private life  but nobody forced them into parliament. Les Aisen, Elsternwick

Welcome to Crown, Victoria's new planning ministry. May it be as successful as our transport ministry, Transurban. Ian Singleton, Melbourne So you stand up to billionaires, Malcolm. Does that include Murdoch? James Henshall, Richmond Turnbull's behaviour in parliament proved that money doesn't buy class.

Peter De Silva, Essendon Malcolm, you must have seen cowboy films and heard that shout: "Look out, they're behind you". Bob Whetstone, Caulfield North Cory Bernardi, you were elected to represent your electorate, not your ego. David Francis, Ocean Grove

Furthermore Privatisation of electricity assets has led to a shambolic energy market. Private sector "efficiencies" are a myth. Peter Bennett, Clifton Hill Divide Fahour's salary by 365 days, pay him daily by posted cheque and watch the system improve. Ray Frost, Jan Juc
When the door opened on unit 21 at a Balmain storage facility in Sydney's inner-west, the contents looked unassuming enough.

A couple of suitcases, a tool bag, a bucket and sole Christmas tree stuffed inside the two metre by three metre space.

Police allegedly found $300,000 in cash during the raid. Credit:NSW Police

But once detectives carrying out a covert raid on the Mullens Street storage unit on Wednesday rifled through the bags, it was the start of allegedly uncovering millions of dollars worth of drugs and several firearms.

Unemployed construction worker Paul Makdissi was charged on Thursday after police allegedly saw him visiting the storage unit a day after the raid.
The Tomago aluminium smelter near Newcastle is on "the verge of disaster" after it was hit with an energy curtailment notice by energy supplier AGL on Friday afternoon.

As the state's power grid comes under increased pressure due to extreme heat, the smelter  the largest energy consumer in the state  has been asked to reduce its consumption for almost four hours from 3.45pm on Friday, a process that chief executive Matt Howell has warned will force workers to operate in "extreme heat", potentially causing a "catastrophic" outcome.

Mr Howell said that the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) had confirmed it needed the smelter, which consumes 12 per cent of the state's energy, to bring down its energy consumption for a maximum of three hours.

AEMO has already warned that forecast demand from 5pm to 6pm will exceed supply by 189 megawatts.
Convicted conman Peter Foster has faced a Queensland court charged with defrauding more than $2 million through an alleged sports betting scam.

Foster, 54, was arrested by police on the Gold Coast and has made an application for bail in the Southport Magistrates Court.

Notorious conman Peter Foster in an earlier arrest. Credit:A Current Affair

The court heard Foster is facing seven charges of fraud from NSW police over his alleged involvement with a company called Sports Trading Club.

Police allege Foster, posing under the alias Mark Hughes, persuaded a South African-born man living in Western Australia to invest more than $1.5 million in the club over several months in 2013.
Queensland Urban Utilities has had to dig up the road to reach the pipe in the middle of the busy Hamilton thoroughfare to reach the source of the problem.

A burst water main has brought traffic to a standstill on Kingsford Smith Drive on Friday morning.

Kingsford Smith Drive was reopened about 11am on Friday after Queensland Urban Utilities finished repairing a burst water main in Hamilton.

Queensland Urban Utilities workers fix a burst water main. Credit:Gabby Arena-McKay

A spokeswoman for the Australian Traffic Network said the traffic was "shocking" after two lanes were closed.

Traffic was backed up both ways from the Inner-City Bypass at Bowen Hills to Harbour Road at Hamilton.

A Queensland Urban Utilities spokeswoman said the pipes had been repaired but the road would take several hours to fix.

"The pipe runs underneath the road, so two lanes of traffic have been closed to carry out repairs, affecting both directions of travel," the spokesperson said.
Melbourne City Council's crackdown on CBD homeless camps won't fix the problem, and could even worsen the "already perilous" state of highly vulnerable people, according to the Andrews government's new adviser on rough sleeping.

Brotherhood of St Laurence executive director Tony Nicholson has also warned against setting national targets to reduce homelessness - describing them as superficial "distractions" - and has urged homeless services to scale back support such as mobile showers and all-night cafes, because they entrenched homelessness.

Less than a fortnight after police removed a makeshift camp outside Flinders Street station, the man handpicked by the government to co-ordinate a long term solution has criticised the decision. "If you look at all the big cities around the world, passing laws such as those flagged by the City of Melbourne won't reduce rough sleeping," Mr Nicholson said.

"It may change the way it is manifest and it is likely to shift its location, but it will do nothing to change the number of people who are rough sleeping. It just risks exacerbating the already perilous circumstances of highly vulnerable people."
Explosive footage has emerged of passengers aboard a disabled cruise ship being towed to Melbourne, chanting, "we want answers".

A man on the Norwegian Star can be heard yelling, "what do we want?" before a large crowd responds with, "answers".

He then yells "when do we want them?" And the crowd responds "now".

Another man can be heard arguing with a staff member as the crowd breaks into the chant, "we want answers".
A bully with money woes threatened to kill a real estate agent with a loaded spear gun at an open for inspection after sending him menacing letters from a fictitious vigilante group.

Last week Konstantin German, 63, was sentenced in the County Court to 21 months prison after pleading guilty to reckless conduct endangering serious injury and making a threat to kill in a sustained campaign of intimidation against Harcourts agent Alex Doucas.

The real estate agent was threatened at an open for inspection in Broadmeadows. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

The court heard that German made the threats after a court ordered him to pay $450,000 to Mr Doucas' parents as a result of a financial dispute over an investment made 20 years earlier.

Facing the threat of bankruptcy, German began a year-long crusade of terror, which included sending threatening letters to Mr Doucas and his family from a fictitious vigilante fathers group.
Border police have used sophisticated X-ray technology to make a huge drug bust, uncovering cocaine and ice worth $186 million concealed inside heavy mining machinery being transported from South Africa.

Four men involved in a well-known drug syndicate were arrested in Sydney on Sunday after the illicit cargo was first detected by Australian Border Force officers at the Port of Melbourne in December.

Cocaine and methamphetamine hidden inside a piece of mining equipment.

Using upgraded container X-ray equipment, police discovered the haul of 254kg of cocaine and 104k of methamphetamine after detecting anomalies with an iron ore extractor. Activated charcoal was used to hide the drugs and to throw off detection, police said.

Australian Federal Police investigators then tracked the shipment from Melbourne by rail to Sydney, where three men were taken into custody after trying to access the drugs at a storage facility. The drugs are believed to have originated in China and South America.
Hong Kong: At least 17 people were injured when man believed to be mentally disturbed started a fire on a crowded subway train during the Friday evening rush in Hong Kong.

Police said one man had been detained in connection with the episode. The fire occurred just after 7pm local time, according to Kwok Pak-chung, a police district commander.

One of the injured, a 60-year-old man with the surname Cheung, claimed while in an ambulance en route to the hospital that he had started the fire. He was arrested on suspicion of arson.

"The suspect was believed to be speaking nonsense," Kwok said, explaining that the man was mentally ill. "What he said didn't make a lot of sense."
A protester carries a sign that reads "The people of Indonesia do not need Ahok" at a December rally against the governor in Jakarta. Credit:Jewel Topsfield Many see the outcome of the election and blasphemy trial as a test of religious and racial tolerance in Indonesia, a Muslim-majority country with a population of more than 250 million that officially recognises six religions. "I think this is going to be a litmus test of Indonesian Islam," says Tobias Basuki from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. "Are we tolerant? I think this will be one of the most important elections, even more so in some ways than the last presidential election." No bull: Ahok, right, with his gubernatorial running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat, a Muslim, on the campaign trail. Credit:AP A shiny black car glides to the curb and Mariana Rahayu, an immaculately-groomed director of sales at a five-star hotel, jumps out to buy a plaid shirt.

"I'm a true Ahoker - I see Ahok not from a religious or racial perspective but from the perspective of what he has done," she tells us. The Ciliwung river in east Jakarta. Ahok has won favour with the middle class by cleaning up slum areas and alleviating infrastructure problems in the capital. Credit:Irwin Fedriansyah Mariana believes Ahok has succeeded where three former governors failed in addressing the city's chronic flooding problems caused by housing settlements on the river banks. "The evidence is quite complete - he is doing a good job." Ahok has won plaudits for combating corruption, streamlining services, fast-tracking a Mass Rapid Transit rail system and reforming the creaky bureaucracy. Santi Panggabean, right, does a brisk trade in Ahok's trademark plaid shirt. But the governor's popularity is not reflected in election polling. Credit:Irwin Fedriansyah

He insisted City Hall was there to serve the people. A smartphone app, Qlue, was launched, allowing Jakartans to report the problems that beset the heaving megalopolis: broken street lights, clogged drains, traffic jams, floods. He evicted slum dwellers and relocated them to low-cost apartments in order to tackle flooding, create new parks and eliminate vice. Residents of Jakarta's Kampung Akuarium say they were evicted by Ahok despite a "political contract". Credit:Irwin Fedriansyah This alienated many of the urban poor but it won praise from the middle class. His manner was abrasive, truculent - even arrogant - but he cleaned up the city. "What distinguishes him from others are the large scope of his success stories, and the speed with which he achieves them," says Professor Ariel Heryanto from Monash University. "He demonstrated transparency and accountability in his work like no other public officers of his level."

Heryanto also points to the crass, impatient, abusive way in which Ahok deals with what he considers bad elements within the bureaucracy. "All this is so rare or idiosyncratic in Indonesia. Lee Kuan Yew's style of managing Singapore in the 1970s may be comparable to Ahok today." But there is a yawning gap between the high level of public approval for Ahok's performance in office and the likelihood of his re-election. A survey by polling group Indikator of more than 800 people in mid-January showed 75 per cent were satisfied with Ahok but his ticket's electability was just 38.2 per cent. Ahok is pitted against two Muslim candidates: Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, the son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Anies Baswedan, a former university rector and education minister.

At first Ahok appeared a shoo-in. Agus, an infantry major in the army whose nomination took everyone by surprise, was young and inexperienced. Anies, who had recently been sacked from Jokowi's cabinet, also seemed an unlikely winner. But Islamic hardliners had long maintained that a non-Muslim should not hold office. They seized their opportunity last September after Ahok provocatively told fishermen in the Thousand Islands that his opponents were using the Koran to deceive them into not voting for him. Thousands of people attend a protest against Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, widely known as Ahok, in December. Credit:AP Ahok's nemesis, a firebrand cleric named Rizieq Shihab, was the public face of colossal rallies calling for Ahok to be jailed.

Eventually police caved in, after the sheer size of the rallies threatened to destabilise Indonesia, and named Ahok as a suspect. To complicate matters further, Rizieq has also been named as a suspect for allegedly insulting Pancasila, the state ideology, and is being investigated by police over pornography. Ahok has juggled court appearances every Tuesday with campaigning on his track record. His opponents, Anies and Agus, have homed in on the plight of those alienated by Ahok. Both have vowed to end evictions. Agus has promised direct cash payments to the poor. But Australian National University academic Ross Tapsell wonders if the election will be decided on emotions rather than policies.

His research examines the impact of a "post-truth" world, where voters have lost faith in the mainstream media and all news is considered equally fake. An anti-Ahok cyber army is also hard at work. A popular meme calls Ahok a kafir [the Islamic term for an infidel]. Others link the ethnically Chinese governor to communism, which is banned in Indonesia. "Online, this anti-Chinese sentiment has been really strong, which also helps to explain Ahok's decline in the polls," Tapsell says. "In addition we are also seeing a rise of pro-Islamic news sites, that in some cases try to replicate a credible news site  so a lot of anti-Ahok material is spread." Monash University's Heryanto says it is unfortunate that many of the attacks against Ahok use racist rhetoric or exclusionary religious overtones. "Ahok needs to be strongly criticised for his allegedly illegal practices in evicting some poor neighbourhoods when a lawsuit was still unresolved in court," he says. "But his strongest enemies have preferred to attack him on religious grounds and ignore the fate of the evicted families."

Polls are notoriously unreliable in Indonesia but it appears the three-legged race is close. Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Anies Baswedan listens to Julie Bishop in Jakarta in March 2016, when he was a minister in the Indonesian government. Credit:Irwin Fedriansyah Ahok and Anies are leading in most surveys but neither are likely to gain the majority needed to win the election outright on February 15. This would mean the two top candidates would face off again in April. Ahok's opponent is expected to pick up the anti-Ahok vote, making it improbable that the incumbent governor would win. "If it goes to the second round it will be very ugly with race and religion," warns Basuki. "This first round is not that brutal yet, because there are three candidates and Agus and Anies are fighting each other to make sure they're second. But if it goes to the second round, then it's going to get very, very, very ugly."

The other unknown is the outcome of Ahok's blasphemy trial. The Home Affairs Minister has said Ahok will only be suspended from office if prosecutors seek a jail sentence of more than five years. Otherwise, Ahok could potentially still be governor even if convicted of blasphemy. "He will appeal, and while he's on appeal, he's not in prison," Basuki says. "And while it is a process of appeal he's still governor from my understanding." Mariana Rahayu shows her support for Ahok: 'The evidence is quite complete - he is doing a good job'. Credit:Irwin Fedriansyah Mariana will be overseas on February 15 but intends to post a photo of herself on social media. She will be wearing her new plaid shirt in solidarity.
Auto Lab Radio Talk - LIVE From NYC Saturday February 11, 2017 7AM- 9AM







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The Auto Lab Radio Show is Broadcast every Saturday 7 to 9 AM On New York City's WNYM Radio AM 970 and Streamed Worldwide On The Auto Channel

This Weeks Show Broadcast Date: February 11, 2017

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Auto Lab is a 28 year old interactive automotive-focused New York area radio call-in show hosted by Professor Harold Wolchok. Each week a cadre of experienced hands-on automotive experts are in-studio with advice for the New York area's 12 million people, providing listeners with honest, practical and street-smart car repair and buying advice.

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This Weeks Show: February 11, 2017

Auto Lab In-Studio Experts Discuss: Repairs, Second Opinion, Regular Maintenance, How To's, Safety, Used and New Car Buying, Ombudsmen Suggestions

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Auto Lab Correspondents Report Auto Safety News, New Car Reviews, Technology and Latest Auto World Information That May effect You!

Broadcast Date: February 11, 2017

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EASY TIPS FOR WINTER WEATHER CAR MAINTENANCE FROM DARCY BACKMAN, GLOBAL MARKETING MANAGER 3M AUTO CARE

Russ Rader, Vice President Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

NEAR MISS-TWO ALL-ELECTRIC CARS FALL SHORT OF EARNING AN IIHS SAFETY AWARD

Sharon Sudol & John Russell Senior Correspondents

INFINITI Q50 3.OT SPORT AWD
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La Perla by Brea Tremblay

I trekked through piles of freezing slush to get to Thursday nights La Perla show. I turned my face away from the bitter wind off New Yorks Hudson River, and I made the same small talk everyone else was making.

This weather is crazy, right? So crazy. Of course, it shouldnt be crazy to have snow in February in the Northeast. And yet, it is a littleit was 60 degrees the day before.

Climate change is fake news, a fellow showgoer joked. Even weather small talk has been politicized.

Stepping out of the wind and into the backstage area of the La Perla show was like slipping into some wondrous feminine nirvana populated entirely by attractive people.

The models lounged in the white satin La Perla robes, glam slumber party-style. Makeup and hair people fluttered around them, adding dark lips and studding their soft, pretty hair with tiny crystal flowers. But everyone was beautiful. The models, of course, but also the photographers, the hairstylists, and even the lady arranging a poster board of the outfits.

Are you one of the girls? a makeup artist asked a random passerby. No, she was notshe was just insanely good-looking like everyone else. This backstage area was highly evolved.

La Perla Creative Director Julia Haart shook my hand with both of hers. She was wearing a suit with sheer leopard print panels and a purposefully exposed bra. Built-in bras were an essential part of this evenings collection. Fitting, for a brand that built their business on decades of fancy underpantsLa Perla has been an undergarment legend for decades but this is only their second clothing season.

There shouldnt be any type of women. I want every woman to determine her own beauty, Haart said. She was standing in front of a wall of pink flowers. Kendall Jenner popped over to shriek a hello. They hugged.

As for the actual show, it was as deliciously over-the-top as a pillow fight in soft-core. The set was a two-story fake house decorated with pseudo-Greek columns and fake pink wisteria. The models were posed in vignettes in rooms, living room, study, bedroom, etc. The audiences chairs sat on fake grasswe were in the yard. I was sitting behind Teyana Taylor and let me tell youher hair looks fantastic.

Naomi Campbell opened the show in a blue satin and lace slip dress. She looked far better than she should have, both because she is a superhuman marvel and also because of all the pieces shown this evening, the satin and lace cocktail dresses were my least favorite.

They were a wink to the companys history, and no doubt whoever wears one out on the town will have a really fun night, but I think the nightgown-inspired trend requires real heft to the garment or the dresses look far less expensive than they are.

More successful were the pieces that combined the lingerie history with more structural elements. The bra detailing on a peach blazer was striking. A nightie-style tank was nicely paired with a flirty leather mini. A grey suit with flower details was charming. A glittery, belted cocktail dress looked great. And Lindsey Wixson rocked a deep blue high-waisted pant/matching bra top combo.

But the finale dress. The finale dress! Kendall Jenner strode out in a sheer ballgown, ass cheeks winking at the audience, covered in crystals and pearls. She stood on that tufted stage, and she looked like a wedding in Queens. A good one. A really good Queens wedding.

Over the soundtrack, Beyonce bellowed about freedom.

Of course it shouldnt have felt politicalthis was a fashion show with pretty ladies wearing pretty clothes. But everything is political now. And this silly richness, this overabundance of femininity, the lace, the trailing wisteria, the built-in bras showcasing bodies the new administration is desperate to control, it all felt like a very lush, very bejeweled statement.

It is to liberate women in my own small way. I am designing clothing that make women feel empowered, Haart said.

Cinq a Sept by Lizzie Crocker

Of the many ways that designers are trying to shake up traditional runway showsbe it transforming the catwalk into a marketing moment with see-now, buy-now collections or presenting at secret locations where attendees arrive after enduring a torturous scavenger huntCinq a Sept has laid claim to the most pleasant experience: fashion presented over a sit-down meal at an elegant but unfussy French bistro.

The Ludlow Hotels Dirty Laundry restaurant played host to Cinq a Septs show last season, where guests picked at artful displays of pastries while models sauntered around bistro booths in a collection of boudoir-inspired separates.

This seasons show was at Le Coucou, a new downtown bistro, and offered sparkling wine and canapes alongside romantic clothes with an edge.

One menu featured terrine de veau and celeri remoulade, while another detailed the collections 24 looks: swing dresses with ruffled straps and necklines layered over rib turtlenecks with their own ruffled touches at the wrists and shoulders; a military-inspired embellished jacket worn over roomy velvet pants; and silk blouses and skirts in floral and brocade prints that were reminiscent of the kind of moody wallpaper that served as a background for lingerie pinups in the 40s and 50s.

Not coincidentally, designer Jane Siskin looked to old interiors from Havana, Cuba, when dreaming up the collection. We want the brand to feel cool and young, so we combined the romance of the 50s with 90s grunge, said Siskin.

How does she distinguish the label from other lines targeting a cool and young demographic?

By trying new things, Siskin said matter-of-factly. Leggings are part of the downtown girls everyday uniform, so Siskin designed an embroidered pair this season. Throw a T-shirt over it and youre done!

Indeed, statement tees with the words I love everyone emblazoned in faded black letters were gifted to guests near the entrance at Le Coucou (Siskin wore hers beneath a bolero-style blazer). Absent CFDAs Planned Parenthood pins, Cinq a Septs tees nodded to the message of unity and inclusiveness that is expected to permeate fashion week. Sure, the "I love everyone" message is nice. But most people with any sense of irony wouldn't be caught dead wearing it at the gym, let alone on the streets of SoHo.

Still, Cinq a Sept gets most things right. Lest anyone think they're just an appropriately priced brand rehashing trends and targeting the It crowd, consider that Malia Obama wore a Cinq a Sept dress to Barack Obamas farewell speech. Forget the Kendall Jenners of the world: When it comes to cool-girl quotient, Malia Obama is tough to beat.

Adam Selman by Tim Teeman

The wind was indeed biting Thursday afternoon, the snow, now all fallen, whipping off rooftops creating sporadic micro-blizzards.

This dramatic state of meteorological affairs meant not that fashionistas were striding down Washington Street to the Skylight Clarkson space, giving it maximum Zhivago, but ratherand more predictablyalighting from cabs or limousines and darting inside. For every wet-seeping snowshoe, there were three deliciously impractical, vertiginous heels. Blizzards do not mean practical dressing, my dears: not at New York Fashion Week.

Once inside, there was another lesson. Welcome to New York. There is no personal space here. Group closer together please, bellowed a security guard.

Adam Selmans front row included the politically timely pins that the CFDA have produced: Fashion Stands With Planned Parenthood, and his show was a stirring demonstration of female strength. The music was pumping and Western-style, and the clothes featured the recurrent motif of the rose.

If we were out on the prairie, it was one filled with drama and dancing, as one would expect for a designer most famous for dressing the likes of Rihanna, Britney Spears, Scissor Sisters, and Lady Gaga.

Sometimes the rose turned up as the multiple print on a shirt, sometimes it was appliqued to denim. Sometimes it was the basis for a slinky dress.

Roses big and small appeared on a biker jacket, a denim trench, a cowgirl shirt, a zip jumpsuit, a sheer shirt, and overalls. Most dramatically, they were worn for real in the hair, with dramatic black veils.

This was a beautiful collection, even when roses were not in play. Selman also showed languorous silk pajama pants and more fitted jackets.

There were long, checked shirts perfect for lounging (with nifty boxer shirts underneath) and metallic jeans, slinky party dresses, slightly butcher short dresses, and precisely tailored pleated mini-dresses for long nights out on the town, or to be cleverly worn over denim.

A long Lurex trench provided drama, while a merlot and navy striped bandana shirt was accessorized with a rose embroidered skirt. For Selman, everything is to be mixed, and thento applause-worthy effectnot necessarily matched.

The handsome, moustachioed Selman appeared bashfully at the end, in dark overalls, cap and Planned Parenthood badge, to roars and keen applauseand sure this is Fashion Week and such things are staple. But the appreciation was genuine and keenly felt: This collection was assured and gorgeously realized.

On a poignant note, the show was dedicated in loving memory to the young designer Scott Stevenson, who died recently (his funeral was on Saturday). Hopefully Stevenson was looking down smiling from somewhere filled with rock and roses.

Tadashi Shoji by Lyne Lucien

The runway showing Tadashi Shojis fall 2017 collection stunned via a gaggle of psychedelic colors and a recurring floral motif.

Theres a subtle conflict associated with flowers, considering the softness from the petals contrasted with the edginess of thorns. The paradox premise of feminine and edgy, hard and soft, was the overarching theme throughout the collection. Shoji combined velvet with lace, metal studded shoes with A-line short dresses, and metallic fabrics with the draped Grecian silhouettes. The beautiful collection felt like a 70s take on medieval fashion. The most memorable look was a floral brocade mini dress with long bell sleeves. In addition, there were several plunging necklines and gold trim capes.

The shows program described the collection as a revolution of the senses. When the beautiful gowns swept down the black runway, boisterous songs like Boys Wanna Be Her and These Boots Were Made for Walking echoed a feminist undertone: a delicate balance of attitude colliding with the soft hip-hugging silhouettes.

Judging from Shojis impressive clientele including Oprah Winfrey, Octavia Spencer, Gabourey Sidibe, and Queen Latifah, its clear that it takes a certain ballsy confidence to pull off his clothes. Despite sending traditionally thin and tall models down the runway, Shoji seems to understand how to dress a range of womens shapes, including those who arent sample size. Sidibe even told The New York Times his clothes made me feel like a superhero.
The Supreme Court will have the final word, but for now, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued the countrys most resounding rejection of Trumpism (PDF).

This is not because the court affirmed the temporary injunction against Donald Trumps travel ban. It is not because travel continues as normal, pending the litigation over the bans constitutionality. Rather, the significance of the courts opinion is in its careful, measured reaffirmation of the rule of law, in the face of an administration that has challenged it at every turn.

There are four major holdings in the order, all about the rule of law taking precedence over executive fiat.

First, Trump had denied that the judiciary can review his discretion at all, when it comes to national security. On Twitter, he called the judge who first put a hold on the ban a so-called judge.

The Ninth Circuit utterly rejected that argument, saying that although courts owe considerable deference to the Presidents policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action.

The presidents views on national security, in other words, do not trump the Constitutionor the courts power to interpret it. No one is above the law.

Second, the Trump administration denied that it had to produce any evidence to support its claim that the seven-nation ban was essential for national security. It is so because we say so, they argued.

The court slapped down that argument. Despite the district courts and our own repeated invitations to explain the urgent need for the Executive Order to be placed immediately into effect, the Government submitted no evidence to rebut the States argument that the district courts order merely returned the nation temporarily to the position it has occupied for many previous years. The Government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the Order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States. Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the Executive Order, the Government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all. We disagree.

That is a searing indictment of the unprecedented, rushed way in which the executive order was put together. Just like Trumps baseless claims of voter fraud, his false claims of seeing Muslim Americans rejoice on 9/11, his spokesmans alternative facts regarding inauguration attendance, and his false statements about crime in Americaamong many, many other such claimsthere was no evidence offered to support the position that were the travel ban to be lifted, disaster would result. It would because we say so, they argued.

Wrong, said the court. Unsubstantiated claims may fly on Fox News, but not in a court of law. And with the government not only providing no evidence, but arguing that it didnt need to, the court dismissed its baseless warnings of imminent doom.

Third, the Trump administration argued that aliens have no rights. No one has any right to travel to the United States, after all, so suspending some peoples ability to do so is not an infringement on any rights. In the courts words, the Government argues that most or all of the individuals affected by the Executive Order have no rights under the Due Process Clause.

Wrong again, said the court. In fact, the Fifth Amendment, which requires the government to provide due process before depriving people of their life, liberty, or property, applies to everyone, including undocumented personsnot to mention green card holders, who were part of the initial order.

Believe it or not, illegals have rights too.

Finally, the Trump administration denied that the state of Washington had standing to bring this challenge in the first place.

The court rejected that argument too, noting that Washingtons universities, among other departments, have already suffered from the ban. The result is a neat inversion of federalism: this time, its liberal states using federalism against a conservative government. Thats the exact opposite of Texass wave of litigation (some initiated by EPA director-designate Scott Pruitt) against the Obama administration over immigration, environmental rules, and Obamacare.

Now, for a change, the shoe is on the other foot.

Interestingly, the only place where the court did not rule against the government was on the question of religious discrimination. There, the court held, In light of the sensitive interests involved, the pace of the current emergency proceedings, and our conclusion that the Government has not met its burden of showing likelihood of success on appeal on its arguments with respect to the due process claim, we reserve consideration of these claims.

That is an admirable act of judicial conservatism, which is also a response to Trumps overbroad order. Were not saying more than we have to; were not making any grand pronouncements. Were not getting involved in politics.

But perhaps the court orders most dramatic rejection of Trumpism is its tone.

The order is not fiery; it has none of the rhetorical flourishes of, say, the late Justice Scalia. Nor, for that matter, does it have the lofty language of liberty that Justice Kennedy used in his same-sex marriage opinion, which at times read like a manifesto. Appropriately for the serious matter at hand, it is measured, moderate, and mild.

And that, itself, is a powerful rejoinder to a president who every day finds new lows of mudslinging rhetoric. In a system of laws, power derives not from bluster, nor from bullying, but from the rule of law and the constitution. The court doesnt need to couch its order in braggadocio or insult. It relies on reason instead: calm legal reasoning, calm legal rhetoric.

Indeed, the very reasonableness of the courts opinionwhich, no doubt, President Trump will immediately assail as stupid, political, dangerous, or sadshould cheer the heart of everyone, liberal and conservative alike, who has been understandably shaken in recent weeks.

Reading the court order, one is reminded that we are not living in some fascist dystopia. The rule of law has not gone away. The separation of powers still works, with the courts as guardians of civil rights and civil liberties. Indeed, even federalismwhich liberals have assailed in recent months, in their attacks on the electoral college and the Senatenow provides a check on executive power. As, for conservatives, it did in the Obama era as well.

On the surface, the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district courts injunction. But more importantly, it has affirmed the rule of law itself.
The California woman accused of slaying her husband with the help of her firefighting lover will stand trial for murder, a judge has ruled.

Prosecutors say Sabrina Limon, 37, orchestrated a hit on her spouse in August 2014just days before the couples 14th wedding anniversary, and months after she and her lover allegedly abandoned a scheme to spike his pudding with arsenic.

Limons former lover, 27-year-old Jonathan Hearn, testified about the deadly love triangle during a two-day preliminary hearing in Kern County court.

According to local reports, the audience laughed and cheered Wednesday as Superior Court Judge John R. Brownlee issued his decision. Knock it off. Next person that does that, Im taking them in, Brownlee warned the courtroom.

Authorities say Robert Limon, a 38-year-old railway worker, was gunned down during his Sunday evening shift at an industrial complex.

Kern County detectives cuffed Sabrina Limon and Hearn, a Redlands paramedic, months later, but Limon was released after prosecutors cited insufficient evidence. The mother-of-two walked free for two years while Hearn was in jail.

The widow wasnt charged until January, when Hearn took a plea deal in exchange for the dismissal of his murder charge. As part of the agreement, Hearn pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and will receive a 25-year prison sentence. He agreed to testify against Limon and apologize to Roberts family.

On Thursday, Hearns attorney, Clayton Campbell, said his client wanted to get this off his chest and clear his conscience a long time ago.

He wants to take responsibility, Campbell told The Daily Beast. Hes providing truthful testimony about Sabrina. That should not be mistaken for him just blaming her. Hes not making excuses for himself.

Hes taking responsibility and she needs to do it, too, Campbell added.

In court, Limons attorney, Richard Terry, said the only evidence of Limons involvement came from Hearn, who admitted to fatally shooting Robert and to purchasing the arsenic trioxide for the aborted poisoning plot. Terry asked the judge to dismiss all charges against his client, according to the Bakersfield Californian.

On Friday, Terry said the case against Limon is circumstantial but declined to comment on specifics.

Basically their case is all about him and a bunch of circumstantial evidence, Terry told The Daily Beast. But beyond that, her case is him. Thats all theyve got. Theyve got nothing else.

Its going to come down to an issue of [Hearns] credibility for the jury, the attorney added.

But deputy district attorney Eric Smith contends that a cache of evidence, including wiretapped phone calls, point to foul play by Limon herself. He also alluded to a $300,000 life insurance payout as a motive in Roberts homicide.

When reached on Thursday, Smith called Roberts death tragic.

The person who was killed was a great father and a hard-working person. All it is is a tragedy, Smith told The Daily Beast of the convoluted case. They killed him, and it didnt need to happen. No murder needs to happen.

The second day of testimony was as strange as the first.

Hearn told the court that he donned a Halloween mask of an older-appearing visage, and that he spoke briefly with Robert before he shot him in the head.

The mask made you look like an elderly person, Terry remarked while cross-examining Hearn, the Victorville Daily Press reported.

Hearn also testified that he prayed in a breezeway of the complex before killing Robert in a maintenance shop. He gunned his victim down with a .45-caliber Glock equipped with a homemade silencer, he testified.

Limon allegedly warned her boyfriend to be careful as he headed to Roberts employer, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway complex, and she described the layout of the Tehachapi property, the Californian reported.

She warned me to be cautious because (her husband) was not somebody who would go down without a fight kind of a thing, Hearn testified.

According to the Californian, Hearn talked with Robert before the hubby began stocking a refrigerator with water and Gatorade. Then Hearn grabbed his gun from a backpack and walked up to Robert, whose back was turned, and blasted him.

To make the scene look like a botched robbery, Hearn went into an office, created a mess and snatched a laptop, he testified.

Fearing his victim might still be alive, Hearn shot Robert once more before he fled. He said he called Limon to declare the deed was done, and the duo agreed to have no contact in the coming weeks to avoid suspicion, the Californian reported.

Hearn said he prayed to the heavens to help him get away with the crime. In one recorded phonecall with Limon, which was played for the courtroom, Hearn said, God please help us  you have a purpose for us.

The fireman also read a Valentines Day letter from Limon that said they were made for each other. Hearn testified that their lustful affair transformed him from conservative Christian to cold-blooded killer, KGET reported.

As The Daily Beast previously reported, the former lovers initially wanted to kill Robert by poisoning his favorite dessertbanana pudding with vanilla waferswith arsenic. Hearn practiced a fatal dosage on a noisy neighborhood dog.

According to Campbell, Hearn was living at the time in a garage apartment behind his grandparents main house in Hesperia. The attorney said its unclear whether the neighbors know, even today, how their beloved pooch passed.

He feels terrible about the dog, Campbell told The Daily Beast. He wanted to confirm that what he had (the arsenic) was going to do the job when they poisoned Robert. He did the calculations on the weight of the dog and made a proportionate dosage.

Limon allegedly told Hearn that Robert would rather die than get a divorce. It wasnt an option for her, either, because shed be stigmatized, lose friends and face a custody battle over their children, Hearn testified.

Hearn said that he met Limon while she worked at a Costco in 2012. Their friendship turned sexual, and they soon rendezvoused once a week or every other week in 2013, usually at the Helendale home Limon and her husband shared, the Daily Press reported.

A year later, Limon and her paramour were discussing a future together.

She told Hearn of her unhappy marriage and Roberts sexual deviance and lack of genuineness, Hearn testified.

The Limons were swingers and belonged to a group that exchanged sexual partners, Hearn claimed. He said that Sabrina Limon, however, told him she was no longer interested in the lifestyle, the Daily Press reported.

Limon believed that killing Robert was the only way out, Hearn said.

She is due back in court Feb. 21.

Roberts relatives could not be reached for comment.

But on Wednesday, one sister took to Facebook to describe her pain while hearing about his death in court.

Its so heartbreaking to sit in court & listen to the man who murdered my brother talk about how he & Sabrina would move forward with their lives once my brother was out of the way, she wrote, adding that the Limon children are the ones hurt most of all.

I ask that you pray for these two little ones. They didnt deserve to have their lives torn apart for such actions. My brother was a compassionate man & father who truly didnt deserve to die for such selfishness, the sister said.
The 9th Circuit Court has ruled, and the U.S. will stay open to refugees and travelers from seven Muslim-majority countriesat least for now.

At about 3:15 p.m. PST on Thursday, the court announced it had ruled unanimously on the side of the states of Washington and Minnesota, which sued the federal government over President Donald Trumps executive order that temporarily banned a whole host of peoplefrom Somalia, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan, as well as all refugeesfrom entering the U.S.

The courts ruling means that refugees and travelers from those countries will still be able to come to the U.S. and that Trump was handed a loss.

He retorted quickly with this tweet:

The Justice Department, whose lawyers argue for the federal government, was a bit more subtle about its litigation strategy.

The Justice Department is reviewing the decision and considering its options, said DOJ spokesperson Nicole Navas in a statement.

If the Justice Department decides to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, then their first step would likely be to apply for a stay from Justice Anthony Kennedy, who oversees the 9th Circuit Court. In that case, DOJ lawyers could announce their application for a writ of certiorarimeaning they would ask all nine Supreme Court justices to rule on the case. They will have 90 days to file a writ of certiorari, and theres a good chance the Senate will have confirmed Donald Trumps Supreme Court pickJudge Neil Gorsuchby then.

In the meantime, Justice Kennedy would be able to decide whether or not to let the government enforce Trumps executive order.

The 9th circuits unanimous ruling focused on whether the travelers who the president barred from coming to the U.S. are entitled to due process under the law. The federal government argued that they arent, and that cancelling their visas didnt violate the Constitution.

The federal governments lawyers also argued that Trumps executive order didnt apply to people with green cards that give them the right to live in the U.S. permanently. Even though Customs and Border Protection officials initially stopped green-card holders from entering the U.S., they eventually let them in. Later, the White House counsel, Don McGahn, issued a follow-up memo saying the executive order didnt apply to them.

But the 9th Circuit judgesMichelle Friedland, Richard Clifton, and William Canbysaid that McGahns memo wasnt legally binding, and that the Trump administration might go back on its word.

The Government has offered no authority establishing that the White House counsel is empowered to issue an amended order superseding the Executive Order signed by the President and now challenged by the States, and that proposition seems unlikely, the judges wrote.

The White House counsel is not the President, and he is not known to be in the chain of command for any of the Executive Departments, the judges added. Moreover, in light of the Governments shifting interpretations of the Executive Order, we cannot say that the current interpretation by White House counsel, even if authoritative and binding, will persist past the immediate stage of these proceedings.

The ruling also said that even if lawful permanent residents werent impacted by the executive order, it still probably violated other peoples due process rights: namely, refugees; non-immigrant visa-holders who had temporarily left the country and wanted to return; and U.S. residents or institutions (like colleges) who had connections to people applying for visas.

The judges didnt rule on whether or not Trumps executive order violated the First Amendment, citing the pace of the current emergency proceedings. But they did say that the arguments from Washington and Minnesota present significant constitutional questions about whether Trumps order violated the separation of Church and State.

And the judges criticized the Justice Department attorneys for declining to explain why exactly the executive order was essential for national security.

Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the Executive Order, the Government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all, the judges wrote.

Their decision to bar the enforcement of the presidents ban is a hugethough temporarywin for the bans opponents. And it means the legal battle over Trumps authority as president is only getting hotter.
For a minute there, it seemed like we were going to be spared dueling Trump impressions from The Tonight Shows Jimmy Fallon and his guest, this weeks Saturday Night Live host Alec Baldwin.

But then it happened.

The pair mostly avoided talking politics during their interview Thursday night. The one exception came early when Fallon complemented Baldwin on his look and the actor replied, I got this suit from the Ivanka Trump mens collection at Nordstrom. Big sale right now, 95 percent off of everything.

Later in the show, the two men sat down for the frequent Tonight Show game Box of Lies. It was Fallon who first broke into his Trump. Baldwin didnt miss a beat, mirroring his puckered facial expression. He pulled out a Chewbacca mask with a blond wig on it, but instead he told Fallon, as Trump, that he had a really big, fat, juicy burrito filled with bananas from Honduras.

Its not a big, fat juicy burrito from China, is it? Fallon asked.

No, I myself would never eat a burrito from China, Baldwin said. And the Honduran who delivered this burrito to the studio, we had him deported. At least he worked in a pointed joke about Trumps stance on immigrants.

Whether or not this Trump-off was planned, it highlighted the increasing difficulty of finding humor in the new presidents increasingly erratic and dangerous moves. Baldwin and Fallon may have been able to crack each other up with their respective impressions, but that may not be enough for Baldwin to carry an entire episode of SNL this weekend that is sure to have multiple Trump sketches throughout.

Playing him is not a lot of fun. Hes tense, hes angry, hes pissed off, and thats not fun to play, Baldwin told Extra in an interview earlier in the day, seeming to admit that it is starting to wear on him. Another thing I find thats so weird about the stuff were doing, were just repeating back what he says. Doing this is strange, but what is even more strange is this is real.

But even repeating back, or elevating, the things Trump says carries more bite than simply saying silly things in his voice.

Baldwin and Fallon did not address the blowback the Tonight Show host received after he messed up Trumps hairand generally treated him as gently as possiblein Trumps last late-night sit-down before the election. But those issues did arise the night before when Fallon had another of his NBC colleagues, Seth Meyers, on his couch.

When Fallon broached the subject, Meyers joked slyly, I didnt hear about that.

You didnt? Fallon asked, laughing. Yeah, it got a pretty big reaction.

Meyers generously said he was insulted by the narrative that Fallon helped get Trump elected, because he feels that he was personally responsible. I know after that happened, you took some heat, Meyers said. And some people said you are the reason he won. And Im so insulted by that, because I am the reason he won.

The Late Night host was referring to the infamous 2011 White House Correspondents Dinner speech he gave that, legend has it, spurred Trump to run for president in the first place. I kicked the hornets nest, you just rubbed the hornets head, Meyers said. Both bad, he added. But I got a man elected president, I want my points.

At least Meyers has been atoning ever since by substantively hammering Trump night after night on his show. Fallon, on the other hand, is still playing it way too safe.
PARISThe young man's story is nothing short of horrific.

Stopped by police during an identity check last week in Aulnay-sous-Bois, a gritty suburb on the edge of Paris, the 22-year-old allegedly was forced to the ground, beaten, and raped with a police baton.

"He took his baton and deliberately drove it into my butt," the man, identified as "Theo" in the French press told BFMTV on Monday from his hospital bed. "I fell on my stomach, I had no strength left."

Theo recalled struggling to walk as the officers dragged him to a nearby police car.

"I thought I was going to die," he said.

So severe were his injuries that the youth worker with no criminal record required emergency surgery and remains hospitalized. His sister told French media that the long-term effects of the assault are not yet known.

The case has shocked France, and demonstrators have since gathered in Paris, Nantes, and Rennes to denounce police brutality. Fears continue that any efforts by the police to cover up what happenedor that even seem to cover it upcould spark widespread rioting in the same areas that ignited violence all over France in the autumn of 2005.

Grainy footage of the altercation shows four officers standing over a young black man lying on the ground near a concrete wall. Two officers are then shown leading the man, who appears to be limping, to a squad car. Once inside the car, Theo said he was subjected to additional blows, as well as to racist insults.

All four officers were arrested following the incident. Rape charges have been filed against one cop, while the three others were slapped with assault charges. In a statement, Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux confirmed that all four had been suspended pending the investigation, saying that "exemplary conduct and respect must guide the behavior of security forces at all times."

In a bid to quell rising outrage, French president Francois Hollande paid a visit to Theo in the hospital on Tuesday, praising the young man's "dignity and responsibility" in the face of his ordeal. Celebrities have also chimed in on Twitter, expressing anger and calling for justice.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," French actor and comedian Omar Sy tweeted, quoting Martin Luther King Jr., while French actor Vincent Cassel called the incident "a national shame."

Despite the damning video evidence, cops deny Theo's claims, saying they had only been trying to get control of an unruly suspect. Frederic Gabet, the lawyer for the officer facing rape charges, told BFMTV that the young man had violently resisted arrest, even arguing that the penetration with the baton was "accidental."

"This action occurred in a very specific context during a skirmish with this boy, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall, and was struggling like the devil," said Gabet. "The police were using every method they could to bring him to the ground, including the baton. In these conditions a deliberate act doesn't align with the victim's statement."

"The police never pulled down his pants, his boxer shorts were pierced [by the baton]." he added.

Several of Theo's friends and family members have spoken out on his behalf, describing him as a gentle individual who works with young people and is well liked in the community.

"When I hear [from the police version] that he hit a policeman, I don't believe it," a 27-year-old security guard who has known Theo's family since childhood, told AFP. "With others, you could imagine, but not him."

The president of the French chapter of SOS Racisme told The Daily Beast that given the amount of force necessary to cause the type of injuries Theo suffered, he had a difficult time believing that the assault was "completely accidental."

"Whether or not the injury he suffered was involuntary or not, Theo was a victim of unjustified police violence," said Dominique Sopo.

The brutality of the arrest hit a nerve in Aulnay-sous-Bois and neighboring suburbs. In 2005 they were the scene of rioting that spread across the country after two young men were accidentally electrocuted while fleeing police. And for the past six nights youths have clashed with officers and set fire to cars and structures, first in Aulnay-sous-Bois, and later in the neighboring Seine Saint-Denis region, despite Theo's call for calm from his hospital bed.

In the riots that tore through the suburbs more than a decade ago, groups of angry young men torched vehicles and public buildings, prompting the country to declare a state of national emergency and bringing France's suburbs into the global spotlight.

Although they sit just north of Paris, the suburbs, banlieues in French, are worlds away from the glitz associated with the French capital. Rife with poverty, high unemployment, and grim concrete housing projects, their young residents (many the children of immigrants from North and West Africa) live in a bleak, insular world that is cut off from mainstream French society.

Those who do try to escape these depressed neighborhoods often face discrimination from job recruiters either on the basis of their ethnicity (headshots are obligatory on French resumes) or their address, which is often a dead giveaway as to an applicant's racial background or economic status.

As in impoverished corners of America, there is a climate of mistrust between young ethnic minorities living in the banlieues and police. Spontaneous "stop and searches" during which officers demand to see identity papers are routine, and while no official police brutality statistics exist in France, several troubling incidents have been documented in recent years.

In 2015, for instance, a neighbor filmed police officers repeatedly striking a woman in the Seine-Saint-Denis region after she reportedly tried to intervene in the violent arrest of her two teenage sons. And back in July, 24-year-old Adama Traore died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody, setting off pockets of violent protests in the Val dOise region north of Paris.

Cops patrolling Frances banlieues have complained of unsafe working conditions, in which they are often targeted by gangs and drug dealers. In October, officers staged nationwide protests after a firebomb thrown at a police car left four cops injured in the suburb of Viry-Chatillon.

Sopo said that in order to prevent brutal assaults like the one against Theo, police need to tackle issues of prejudice on a department-wide level. Moreover, seasoned officers with past experience working in "sensitive" neighborhoods should be deployed to Paris's banlieues, instead of rookies who, according to Sopo, "confuse exercising authority with humiliation."

Police interrogations and arrests also need an overhaul.

"Current arrest and detention techniques are extremely violent in France," said Sopo. "Enough is enough with police officers who think anything goes."

For the time being, all eyes will be on the outcome of the case. A guilty verdict could quell the resentment among residents who have longed believe that justice is not on their side. If the officers are exonerated, however, there are fears that the banlieues could burn once again.
On Thursday night, President Trump told his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, that he accepted the One China policy. The acknowledgement, made during a phone conversation, appears to be a capitulation to Beijings demands.

A letter also was delivered to Chinas ambassador to the U.S. accepting the policy, which, with some nuances, acknowledges Beijings position that Taiwan is a province of China.

According to the White House readout, President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our One China policy.

Trump, before his inauguration, appeared to put the policy in question when, on Dec. 2, he accepted a congratulatory phone call from Taiwans president, Tsai Ing-wen.

The call was considered a violation of U.S. policy in place since 1979, when President Jimmy Carter broke off diplomatic ties with Taipei in order to recognize Beijing. Both Beijing and Washington state that One China forms the basis of their ties.

Furthermore, Trump, in a Chris Wallace interview aired on Dec. 11 and in an interview published in The Wall Street Journal on Jan. 13, said he did not feel constrained by the policy.

The One China policy accepts the Peoples Republic of China as the legitimate government of China, acknowledges Beijing takes the position that Taiwan is part of the Peoples Republic, and states Taiwans status is unresolved.

Furthermore, Washington insists that resolution of that status be peaceful, in other words, with the consent of Taiwans people.

Its a wise move that sets the basis for Trump and Xi to address the myriad challenges on the U.S.-China agenda, Evan Medeiros, a high-ranking Obama Asia adviser, told the Financial Times.

Medeiros is right that the acceptance allows dealings between Beijing and Washington to go forward, but it is hardly wise.

The New York Times reports that administration officials believed that Xi would refuse to talk to Trump until he publicly accepted the policy. To smooth over the rift and as a gesture of conciliation, National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and his deputy, K.T. McFarland, hand-delivered to Cui Tiankai, Chinas ambassador to the U.S., a letter from Trump to Xi. The Chinese will view both actions as evidence of an American climb-down.

In what was a test of will, the Chinese will surely believe they have scored a quick victory. Trump, therefore, has fed their sense of power and arroganceand American weakness. Beijing, as a result, is bound to become even more difficult to deal with.

The phone call came just hours before Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrives at the White House for a day of talks. Abes visit, in turn, comes after Defense Secretary James Mattis visited Tokyo.

On Saturday, Mattis reaffirmed that Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan mutual defense treaty covers the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, pledging Washington to defend them from attack. The only country threatening the barren outcroppings is China, which claims sovereignty. Beijing for years has been pressuring Japan to hand them over.

Just two days after Mattis issued his confirmation, three Chinese coast guard vessels, without permission, intruded into Japans territorial waters around the Senkakus. The intrusion is seen as a warning to Tokyo and the United States.

Trump, seeking better ties with China, has just made matters far worse for America. It is fair to say that in Chinese eyes, they have just disrespected Mattis and intimidated his boss, the president of the United States.
National Security Adviser Michael Flynn must be punished for speaking to a Russian official about U.S. sanctions before the president took officeand for misleading his bosses about the contents of those conversationsoutraged Democratic lawmakers told The Daily Beast.

He was undermining the [Obama] administrations policy, to punish Russia for interfering in our elections. This was calling a foreign adversarys ambassador after it was learned that they attacked us, Rep. Eric Swalwell, the top Democrat on the House subcommittee that oversees the CIA, told The Daily Beast. Until we get to the bottom of it, I dont think he should have access to classified information.

Of course, Flynn wouldnt be able to perform his duties as Trumps top national security aide without access to secret information. Such a punishment would essentially be a suspension.

The White House originally said that Flynns actions were innocuous. But the The Washington Post revealed late Thursday that Flynn had, in fact, suggested to the Russian ambassador that Obamas sanctions against them were be quickly removed.

A Trump administration official told reporters Friday that The Washington Post report is accurate. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter.

Flynn doesnt remember speaking about this, the official said, but cant be certain sanctions didnt come up as he had dozens of calls and conversations with ambassadors around the time of the transition.

Flynn also apparently misled the Vice President, who went on television to deny that any conversations had been had with the Russian ambassador about sanctions. A White House source confirmed to The Daily Beast that Flynn and Pence had discussed Flynns conversation with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, and that Flynn did not tell Pence that sanctions had been discussed.

The Vice President's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Lawmakers on the left have already proposed a wishlist of responses, ranging from suspending Flynn of his access to classified information to forcing him to step down entirely.

The White House holds the credential for the security clearance for Flynn. At the very least, while we get to the bottom of whether a law was broken by having a conversation with Russia, I think his security clearance and access to classified information should be put on hold, Swalwell said.

In fact, measures like these would be typical if Flynn had held a less senior post in the administration. Making matters worse: the retired general already has a history of mishandling sensitive information.

If they are implicated somehow in a counterintelligence investigation, and theres questions about inappropriate communications with foreign officials, it would be standard procedure for [most peoples] clearance to be suspended while the investigation goes on, said Bradley Moss, a national security lawyer that specializes in clearance issues.

Others have seen enough to make a final judgement.

Flynn needs to step down. The credibility of the White House with the American public and international community is at stake. The White House should immediately disclose exactly what took place, Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Committee, told The Daily Beast. This past week we had absolute denials, now we have, well, maybe [he had these conversations] This is the time to come clean: what was said, what promises were made.

Other senior Democrats added their voice to this chorus: Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, and Rep. Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee have both called upon Flynn to resignif the allegations are true.

Even before this newest body of evidence against Flynn, Democrats were clamoring for a deeper investigation into his dealings with Russia. Earlier this week, top Democrats demanded a Department of Defense review of whether Flynn broke the law by attending a gala hosted by Russia Today, a Russian-funded propaganda outlet.

But the Flynn revelations have been metfor nowwith a wall of silence among Senate Republicans, even those that are typically hawkish on Russiathe offices of Sens. Marco Rubio, John McCain and Lindsey Graham, for example, did not respond to requests for comment.

Ive always felt the best policy is to be truthful. I havent been briefed on this. I probably will be. Well follow this story. Beyond that I really cant comment, said Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, on CNN Friday afternoon. Johnson wouldnt say whether he would request access to any transcripts that may exist of Flynns conversations.

Three weeks into the Trump administration, however, there are signs that party unity will only protect the White House so much. Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz indicated he was willing to rebuke senior Trump administration staff when he joined with a Democratic colleague to criticize Kellyanne Conway for promoting Ivanka Trumps brand from the White House.

And Senate committees, led by Republicans, continue to investigate Russias interference with the U.S. presidential election, including whether the Trump campaign had ongoing discussions with Russian figures. This occurs even as U.S. officials have begun confirming some details in an intelligence dossier that alleged Trump had been compromised by the Russian government.

So while Republicans have remained silent for the time being, there are signs that this may not be a sustainable position, as more information about the ties between Russia and the Trump team continues to leak out.

with additional reporting by Kimberly Dozier and Patricia Murphy.
A gleaming NYPD radio car led the motorcade as Donald Trump set off from his tower on the eve of his inauguration.

Met in the lobby of Trump Tower, a police commander later posted on Facebook. Had to help this guy with a ride to the airport. Something about starting a new job. We messed up traffic a little bit, but he said he had an appointment in DC that was really important. And now, lets see what comes next.

There was nothing political about the posting or about the police escort. The NYPD would have done the same for Hillary Clinton had the election turned out the other way.

What would have also been the same was the city through which the president- elect was escorted. Crime-fighting strategies born three decades ago in the subway gloom of a much more violent New York have produced a municipal miracle where everyone, from billionaires to bust-outs, moves through those streets with a degree of safety that had once seemed impossible.

For all his talk about winning and greatness and making America not just great but safe again, Donald Trump had never demonstrated much interest in the working details of the transformation that took place all around his tower and extended to every neighborhood in the city of his birth and upbringing.

But Trump is hardly alone in his seeming lack of wonder amidst such a marvel. And he likely shares some misconceptions even with the succession of mayors who held office during the years that murders in New York plummeted from more than 2,000 a year to just over 300 and it became the safest big city in America.

Even now, almost no New Yorkers and none of the mayors who oversaw the transformation know the story in full, despite it having changed all their lives, black and blue included.

A full telling of this police tale like none other would have to note that when chanting Black Lives Matter, protestors are unknowingly voicing the very principle with which the NYPD began the transformation of New York. The accompanying, all-embracing principle that all lives matter is the source of Americas true greatness as well as the way to make America greater than ever.

As Trump began his presidency, the NYPD was tallying crime stats for January, which showed another drop in crime from already historic lows. The number of murders was down to 20 from 22 the previous January, the lowest total since the early 1960s. Shootings were down to 58 from 59, a new low for modern times.

We have now, when you look at New York City as a whole, we now have 24-hour periods where we do not record a shooting incident in New York City, NYPD Chief of Crime Control Strategies Dermot Shea said on Monday at a press conference announcing the latest numbers.

Shea added, That kind of thinking was impossible in the not too distant past. This is the new normal. We want to build on it and we feel that we will build on it but theres still plenty of work to do.

And the continued decline had been accompanied by a drastic reduction in the number of stop and frisks, making New York not just the safest of big cities, but the fairest.

Trump, who wrongly said during the campaign that murders in New York were rising as the number of stops and frisks had declined, cited none of the historic stats from his hometown when he held a roundtable meeting with county sheriffs at the White House on Tuesday morning. Such good news would not have fit with his continuing conjuring of chaos and carnage from which he will save us.

The murder rate in our country is the highest its been in 47 years, right? Trump said. Did you know that? Forty-seven years. I used to use thatId say that in a speech and everybody was surprised, because the press doesnt tell it like it is. It wasnt to their advantage to say that. But the murder rate is the highest its been in, I guess, from 45 to 47 years.

As determined by the FBI, the murder rate 17 years ago was 7.9 per 100,000. The rate for 2015, the most recent number available, was 3.9 per 100,000.

Trump kept to his message while veering closer to the actual facts when he addressed a joint gathering of the Major County Sheriffs Association and Major Cities Chiefs Association Wednesday. He correctly stated that the murder rate has risen in a number of large cities in the past two years.

In many of our biggest cities, 2016 brought an increase in the number of homicides, rapes, assaults and shootings, he said. In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone, and the rate so far this year has been even higher. What is going on in Chicago?

He made no mention of the city where his family continues to reside, the city where there were 1,117 murders 47 years ago, rising to 2,262 in 1990 before the municipal miracle took hold, down to 330 in 2016. The question he should have also askeda question that might well point to possible remedies for Chicago and elsewherewas this:

What is going on in New York?

There was a New York delegation headed by NYPD Commissioner Jimmy ONeill present at the conference that no doubt would have been happy to brief our new president. Trump was already voicing the same imperative that had powered the New York miracle.

We cannot allow this to continue, Trump said. Weve allowed too many young lives to be claimedand you see that, you see that all overclaimed by gangs, and too many neighborhoods to be crippled by violence and fearThis violence must end, and we must all work together to end it.

He was talking about all of Americas cities.

This is a national tragedy, and it requires national actionWhether a child lives in Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore, or anywhere in our country, he or she has the right to grow up in safety and in peace. No one in America should be punished because of the city where he or she is born. Every child in America should be able to play outside without fear, walk home without danger, and attend a school without being worried about drugs or gangs or violence.

But again there was no mention of New York, which can offer so many answers.

On Thursday, immediately following the Oval Office swearing-in of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Trump signed three executive orders regarding public safety. One concerned criminal cartels, another violence against law enforcement officers.

A third called was titled, TASK FORCE ON CRIME REDUCTION AND PUBLIC SAFETY. It calls for the attorney general to form a task force to exchange information and ideas among its members that will be useful in developing strategies to reduce crime, including, in particular, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and violent crime and based on that exchange of information and ideas, develop strategies to reduce crime.

The order constitutes a test for Sessions and therefore Trump. They must set politics aside just as the NYPD does when it gives its all to ensure the safety of the president, whomever that might be. Any honest effort to ensure the safety of the public must prominently include what the NYPD has proven to be so effective in reducing crime.

Failure to listen and learn from the NYPD would constitute a far more grievous failing than simply not wanting to conflict with a campaign message or to be associated in any way with Bill de Blasio, the latest New York mayor claiming credit for what the cops have accomplished over a quarter century.

But, just as Trump would never want to erect a tower to which he could not affix his name, he may not be interested in crime-fighting strategies to which he cannot lay claim.

With so many lives at stake, that in itself would be a crime.
A federal investigation into a Russian cybercrime ring led Secret Service agents to the doorstep of a 29-year-old Los Angeles man the United States calls an extremely sophisticated and well-connected cybercriminal who allegedly used malware to steal cash from thousands of U.S. bank accounts.

Alexander Tverdokhlebov was arrested in an early-morning raid Feb. 1 on a four-count wire-fraud indictment alleging that he worked with a Russian colleague in 2009 and 2010 to attack U.S. financial institutions. He allegedly used a botnet of 10,000 hacked PCs.

Tverdokhlebov is being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles pending a bail review in Alexandria, Virginia, where hes charged.

Long before the Kremlin was known for hacking political campaigns, Russian hackers and their peers in Ukraine dominated the for-profit cybercrime underworld, from the large-scale credit-card heists of the mid-2000s to todays ransomware threat. And banking botnets have been a staple of Russian cybercrime for nearly a decade.

Instead of stealing passwords for a hacker to use later, the malware will wait for the victim to log in to their online banking, then splice itself into the connection and slip in a rogue funds transfer without setting off alarms at the bank. If the victim happens to check their balance or transaction history, the malware will even rewrite it on the fly to conceal the theft.

The Russian-made Zeus malware first proved the concept in 2009, and is behind, by some estimates, billions of dollars in losses over the years. Zeuss alleged author, Evgeniy Bogachev, was even among the Russians sanctioned by President Obama last December in retaliation for the Kremlins election hacking, and the FBI has a $3 million reward out for his arrest.

The U.S. discovered Tverdokhlebov while examining the online chats of a different Russian: Vadim Polyakov, a 32-year-old St. Petersburg man who pleaded guilty last year to a million-dollar concert-ticket scam. Polyakov ran a crime ring that hacked consumers StubHub accounts to buy thousands of e-tickets for resale. He was arrested in Spain and extradited to the U.S. In July, a New York judge sentenced him to four to 12 years in state prison.

Court records dont indicate how the Secret Service obtained Polyakovs ICQ chat logs. The most likely scenario is that Spanish authorities seized Polyakovs laptop at his arrest. In any event, the chat logs showed Polyakov conversing in Russian with a fellow cyberthief who let slip enough information to identify Tverdokhlebov as a suspect, specifically his first name, his girlfriends full name, and his home address and his phone number.

The indictment against Tverdokhlebov is based entirely on the years-old chats, with no hard information about specific thefts, suggesting that the feds are using it as a wedge to try and pry more evidence from Tverdokhlebovs arrest and the search of his computers.

Over government objections, a magistrate judge set Tverdokhlebovs bail at $100,000 last week but stayed the mans release pending a government appeal, set to be heard in Virginia on Friday. The feds are urging that Tverdokhlebov be held without bail, claiming that he has few ties to the U.S. and enough underworld contacts to flee to Mexico and from there to Russia.

Tverdokhlebov was born in Russia and obtained U.S. citizenship in 2009 after marrying an American. According to prosecutors, the two have since divorced.

Secret Service agents have spent the days since Tverdokhlebovs arrest opening his safe-deposit boxes. Three boxes in California were packed with $172,000 in $100 bills. A key locked in one box turned out to fit a fourth safe-deposit box in Las Vegas, where on Tuesday the feds found an additional $100,000.

The large quantity of cash, as well as their distribution in safe-deposit boxes in different states, suggests that defendant may have concealed funds elsewhere in preparation for flight, prosecutors wrote, urging that Tverdokhlebov be kept in jail.

Tverdokhlebovs attorney, William Cummings, countered in a filing Thursday that his client is legitimately employed in Los Angeles and that the charges in the Virginia indictment are old.

Cummings also implied that with every cash-filled safe deposit box the feds find, his client becomes an even better candidate for pre-trial release. The defendant, if he were on release, could now not go to Las Vegas to access that money, he wrote.
Tolstoy famously wrote that while happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. The same can be said for really bad movies. Theres no precise formula for a film thats must-see in spite of itself. Poor acting, apathetic writing, and a complete and utter lack of narrative cohesion can only get you so far. Fifty Shades Darker took these prerequisites for a half-star review and added its own secret ingredients (Erotic oils? Ben Wa Balls? Pornographic landscape shots of Puget Sound?). Two hours later, it was clear that, between the masquerade ball and the nipple clamps, Director James Foley had stumbled upon his own brand of bad movie magic.

Like Twilight, the YA series that writer E.L. James milked for BDSM inspiration, the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy belongs in the 50% off romance bin. Both series fall back on genre tropes, and proudly flout the Bechdel test. The main difference, of course, is PG versus R-rated content. As befitting its Mormon auteur, Twilight lustily describes its adolescent and perma-adolescent characters wet lips and hard cheekbones. Graphic sex, like clear, concise prose or painless dialogue, has no place in the Twilight universe. Still, readers of all ages were quick to pick up on the charged power dynamics between Bella, a virginal high school student, and Edward, a vampiric control freak. For fan fiction writers like James, these characters were easily transposed into adult-world, giving us Anastasia, a virginal college student, and Christian, an older dominant whos into kinky shit (not sucking blood, exactly, but exacting pain). Twilight and Fifty Shades both wind up in the same place (happily ever after/the state of Washington), but take vastly different routes along the way.

Stephenie Meyer and E.L. James both rely on will-they-or-wont-they tension and love triangle drama. Twilight spices things up with supernatural battles, abstinence, and a vampire-human pregnancy. Fifty Shades of Grey really spices things up with mommy issues, spanking, and some serious bondage play. In their original, literary (?) iterations, both of these series were wildly popular and easily critiqued. Twilight, with its hundreds of pages of huge-fonted pining, seemed to promote romantic subservience, with a female protagonist who sacrificed her own life, over and over again, for her vampire boo. Even more concerning, Twilight often acted as a Trojan horse for its authors religious values. Readers would be halfway through the doomed romance between a white girl and a deathly pale dude, only to stumble upon a bunch of chapters drenched in pro-life rhetoric. Yea, Twilight isnt just about shirtless wolvesits also about an 18-year-old who would rather be murdered by the fetus shes carrying than get an abortion. Similarly, Fifty Shades of Grey hides a whole bunch of problematic shit under its sex-positive facade. As any responsible kinskter will tell you, BDSM is all about enthusiastic consent. In contrast, Fifty Shades of Grey is about an objectively unhealthy relationship, in which a young woman feels pressured to agree to her new boyfriends lengthy list of sexual commands.

Still, its clear that Fifty Shades of Grey has become something much larger than its source material. While by no means an approved manual for dominant/submissive relationships, the erotic series has been credited with awakening average Americans to the joys of heterosexual handcuffing and light butt stuff. Fifty Shades was the catalyst for a bunch of extremely awkward dinner table conversations, and a much-needed reminder to turn off the Family Library function on your Kindle. It was the book that launched a thousand knowing glances on the subway. And it was the series that gave us Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker, two truly bad movies that deserve to be added to the pantheon of important, terrible films.

Much like reading Fifty Shades of Grey on a crowded 1 train, watching Fifty Shades Darker was an experience in and of itself. While my screening was mostly populated by media types, there were also a few lucky VIPs who must have won some sort of contest, wearing fancy masks in homage to the films masquerade ball. For 1 hour and 58 minutes, the reporters, contest winners and I reached a level of intimacy that rivaled Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornans. We laughed together, and we criedfrom laughingtogether.

The movie opens on a flashback from Christian Greys (Jamie Dornan) traumatic childhood, assuring the audience that this installment would indeed be darker. We find our romantic leads about where we left them. Post-breakup, Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) is putting on a brave face, and starting her job as a personal assistant to the fiction editor at Seattle Independent Publishing. Christian is joylessly going about his business as Seattles youngest, most charismatic billionaire, and pining after Ana. About ten minutes in, the two get back together. The film continues to advance at a comically brisk pace: Ana and Christian have sex, attend a charity ball together, have more sex, get Anas predatory boss fired, have more sex, face off against two of Christians more psychologically disturbed exes, move in together, defy death, and get engaged.

While the basic skeleton of Fifty Shades Darker is confusing and ridiculous, the devil is truly in the details. First, theres the atrocious dialoguefor example, Christian tells his ex that, You taught me how to fuck. Ana taught me how to love. When Christian finally confesses to Ana that his mother was an addict, hes inexplicably terse: Crack. You can fill in the blanks. Can she? Since this book is basically about two people who fight and fuck, it follows that adapting a realistic romantic relationship for the screen would be a bit of a stretch. Still, theres no excuse for how Ana and Christian, two people who are engaged by the end of this film, seem to have absolutely nothing to talk about. When Ana responds to Christians heartfelt proposal by blurting out Why?, its the most believable dialogue yet (well, that and the time she asks him if hes trying to put something in her butt). Aside from bad writing, its clear that Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan probably dont like each other that much in real life. This mutual dislike explains the lack of passion between these characters, who often seem to be summoning the level of apathy usually reserved for actual pornography.

Other movie missteps are, fortunately, far more enjoyable than watching Johnson and Dornan hate-fuck. One particularly rewarding scene finds Anastasia filling in for her sacked boss at a senior editors meeting. At first, Steele appears to be out of her elementas well she should be, since shes been working as a personal assistant for about a month. But naturally, one of the old dudes in the room turns to Ana, offering a big break in the form of this ridiculously vague question: Ana, what do you think we should be publishing? The meeting then descends into a truly asinine argument over the merits of publishing authors with online followings. Anastasia praises a manuscript that she previously described as a political thriller with parallels to Dantes Inferno. Following this powerhouse performance, Steele is inexplicably promoted to acting fiction editor. As concerned as I am for the future of Seattle fiction, Im more concerned for Hannah, a black woman in Anas department who seems like she should have been next in line for the editor gig. Black female characters are consistently getting screwed in this movie, and not in a good way. When one of Christians many enemies tries to take down his helicopter, his second-in-command Ros Bailey goes down with him.

At the end of the day, Christian Grey has a very good butt (thank you, James Foley/Jamie Dornan, for that truly extraneous workout scene), but isnt a great boyfriend. In the lead-up to the films first sex scene, Christian transfers a bunch of money into Anas bank account against her will and reveals his plans to buy her company. In Christian Greys world, this is foreplay. On account of his abusive upbringing, Christian wont let anyone touch his chest. This is all well and good, but doesnt explain why he feels the need to make Ana sensually outline his off-limits area with red lipstick. You couldve just said torso! Additionally, Christian has at least two unhinged exes: an older woman who tries to convince Ana to leave him, and an ex-sub who breaks into Anas apartment with a gun. If that wasnt enough of a red flag, Christian is also an uncommunicative control freak who conflates love with sex, power, and fancy presents.

Speaking of fancy presents, Fifty Shades Darker is as much a consumerist wet dream as it isan actual wet dream. Much like Greys Anatomy, this film makes use of all that Seattle has to offer; specifically, really nice apartments with tons of exposed brick. Watching Jamie Dornan steer a boat across the Puget Sound to the tune of a Zayn Malik-Taylor Swift duet might not be a traditional tourism ad, but it does the trick. Additionally, viewers can salivate over Anas closet of designer gowns, and that boulder of a diamond that Christian Grey calls an engagement ring.

Fifty Shades Darker is a great movie to catch in theaters if you simply must know if Rita Ora can act (she cant). But in terms of Valentines Day plans, you could do better. Its not that the film isnt technically sexytheres fancy lingerie, dirty talk, and even a scene where Dakota Johnson gets fingered in an elevator. But since the movie just cant seem to take itself seriously, the audience doesnt either. Which is to say, if you try to make out with your date at Fifty Shades Darker, youll probably get laughed out of the theater.
Man, when I was a kid I knew I was funny, shares Ice Cube, staring at me through jet-black Prada shades. And in the hood, you gotta laugh, man. Because if you dont make fun of shit, it would just be depressing. And who wants to be depressed all the time?

Indeed, though he began his career as a crazy motherfucker named Ice Cube, from the gang called Niggas with Attitudes, and later as an accomplished solo MC, the hip-hop legend proved himself a gifted dramatic actor with his role as Doughboy in the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood, and a nimble comedic one in Friday (which he co-wrote).

As hes settled into middle age, the man formerly known as OShea Jackson has become a reliable comedy movie staple, playing the straight man opposite the loose cannon(s) in films like Barbershop, 21 Jump Street, and now Fist Fight, opening in theaters Feb. 17th. In Fist Fight, Cube plays Ron Strickland, a disciplinarian-teacher who challenges his colleague, Andy Campbell (Charlie Day) to a fight after he gets him fired.

The timing of our chat couldnt have been better. One hour before we sat down, President Trump fired off a tweet wherein he referenced Easy D. Twitter, naturally, had a field day, showering the president with memes and jokes about this being his new MC name, a la the late Eazy-E.

I show the tweet to Cube, Eazy-Es former N.W.A group mate, who hadnt seen it yet. Easy D? Like Easy Donald? he says, confused. What the fuck? Wow. What the hell, man? Easy D? Damn. Easy D.

Heres the rest of our conversation.

Weve all been in some fights. Is there one particular big fight that stands out for you?

Hell yeah. Shit. Thereve been a few. In NWA, it used to happen every now and thenjust people scrappin backstage. In some cases, it was people starting with us, and in others, it was police and we didnt even know they were police until they started pulling out badges. They were on some undercover shit.

Have you ever had a physical altercation with a co-star, or on a film set?

I got into it with a director once. He was just being a dick. He was mad at me because I couldve got some shit done he couldnt get done, so I dont think he liked thatthe fact that, on this particular movie, it seemed like I had more juice than he did.

Who was it? David O. Russell on Three Kings? Nah, man. David was cool.

But George Clooney choked him out on set, didnt he?

Nah, it didnt get down like that. They were about to fight. It was head-to-head. It was actually kinda funny, but it was heated, man. It was a trip because I was the first one hired on the movie, so David wanted me. Then Mark [Wahlberg] came along. Clooney, Im not sure if he really wanted Clooney to play that role, so Davids the kind of guy where, if he doesnt get what he wants, nothings gonna be right. They worked it out, though.

So what made you want to work with your Fist Fight co-star Charlie Day? Are you a fan of Always Sunny?

Ive seen a few episodes, but theyre on like Season 12, right? Theres too much to catch up on. But I really liked him in Horrible Bosses. Thats where I knew I wanted to work with him. He has his own style of comedy where he can unravel and then bring it back. Hes not your typical comedian.

And you work well in comedies as the straight man opposite the wacky motormouth. Being the straight man is my lane, period. I would never try to do what they do because I just dont think it would come well. So I just try to stay in my lane, and get guys who I know that if we bounced off each other with the right plot, then its a home run.

Another thing that wouldve been a home run was that NWA tour with you, Dr. Dre, and Eminem filling in for Eazy-E. There were rumors about that. What happened?

That was never official. That was fake news, as they say. The internet. I think Donald Trump put that out. [Laughs] But there was never serious talk about that. Everything always hinges on Dre. Hes the Pied Piper of this shit, so if he wanna do it, its always going down, and if he dont wanna do it, it doesnt really make sense to do this shit without him.

Where do you fall on rap lyricism? There are people like Dre and Kanye who are, as producers, more musical architects and have teams of people composing lyrics for them, and there are people like you, who are actually emcees and lyricists.

I look at it in a different way. There are always going to be emcees who are raw talents, but who really cares? It aint about thatits about whats coming out the speaker. Ever since music has been recorded, thats really what its all about. Its up to the fan to really look into their artist, what they do, and are you going to buy into their art once youve figured out how they put it together? Me, personally, I used to be a ghostwriter, so I cant really diss. Dre. Eazy-E. Ive ghostwritten for almost any artist Ive worked with. But the thing is, I wasnt a ghostwriter for hire. If Im working on your project, were going to write something thats dope for your project. And I dont ghostwrite for nobody no more, I just write my own shit. And I think its pure art that way. But its not a necessity. Its about what comes out the speaker. Sometimes geniuses get together and make a great song, and you cant fault them for coming together.

Lets talk about President Donald Trump. How do you feel about his first few weeks in office? It seems like every day is crazier than the last. To me, everybody is getting what they deserve. Everything is a joke nowadays. Only a few people are taking the world seriously. America is caught up in an orgy of sarcasm where everybody wants to make the most sarcastic little remark about something serious. Were giving more attention to reality stars over real stars, or teachers, doctors, lawyers. Youre giving the clown the stage and the mic, and now everybody wants to be a clown. So, Donald Trump is what everybody gets, and hes going to give you what you deserve.

I read that you converted to Islam in the 90s, so as a Muslim, what are your thoughts on Trumps so-called Muslim ban? To be honest, I think religion is stupid. I do. Nobodys focused on god; everybodys focused on each other. Its all tribalism. So nobodys focusing on god, and everybodys focusing on these so-called prophets. And everybodys talking about the Father, but nobody talkin about the Mother. Im not talkin about no Mary. No. The Mother. How the hell are you gonna have a father without a mother? They taught us not to even look for the mother, and thats why none of our prayers get answered.

But you are a practicing Muslim, right? Yeah. But, you know, Im gonna live a long life, and I might change religions three or four times before I die. Im on the Islam tipbut Im on the Christian tip, too. Im on the Buddhist tip as well. Everyone has something to offer to the world, and to be honest, were not fighting over religions, man. Were fighting over resources. Thats just a smokescreen. And its not just oil, tooits water, its land, its everything. Its greed.

Are you worried, though, about the next four years under President Trump? Im not worried because its not my mess to clean up. All I gotta do is sidestep the bullshit. Everybody thought the world was gonna end when George W. Bush got in there, and I thought the world was gonna end when Ronald Reagan got in there, so

It does say something about this country, however, that so many people voted for Trump. It means that there are a lot of people who, though they may not support it, think its not that big of a deal to alienate women, African-Americans, Mexicans, Muslims, you name it. That is pretty troubling. Yeah, you know its like, some people dont care about other peoplethey just care about themselves. They should really call it The United Selves of America, you know? Because people dont care about each other.

One of the most head-scratching statistics was the 53 percent of white women who voted for Trumpagainst the first woman presidential candidate of a major party.

Because theyre following their white men. They better not vote for this chick after they done heard him talking all that shit for the whole two years about Hillary. They better not go vote for her. So hey, the one thing I know is you reap what you sow, what goes around comes around, and these people who go against their own interests just to make sure a minority dont get shit are backwards. There will always be people who are moving backwards, and you gotta fight that kind of thinking.
Federal courts continued to block President Donald Trumps effort to ban immigration from seven majority-Muslim countries, but a separate decision by the Department of Homeland Security has an even more lasting impact on those who have sacrificed the most for American national security interests.

The U.S. government has resumed actively approving visas for foreign interpreters who have sacrificed deeply for American troops. The Department of Homeland Security told The Daily Beast that that they had restarted processing of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for individuals who had served as translators for U.S. military forces in Iraq and now find their lives at risk.

I received all kinds of threats you can imagine, one SIV holder told The Daily Beast, asking to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal. They wrote on my doorhouse, traitor, and attacked our camp with mortars every day. He is among many SIV holders caught up in the whirlwind of Trumps ban, but hopes to travel to the United States soon.

Two weeks have passed since Trump signed a controversial executive order banning immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries. The days following have led to a confusing web of policy changes: at first, SIVs were prohibited from entering the U.S.; then DHS said that they would have to apply for an exemption; and now, a federal judge has put a restraining order on Trumps ban.

Were processing applications as normal, DHS spokesperson Gillian Christensen said, although she could not put a figure on how many new SIV applications had been approved since Trump issued an executive order banning all refugees from seven countries, including Iraq.

The official statement from the Department of Homeland Security was also a relief for groups like No One Left Behind, which advocates on behalf of combat interpreters who assisted American troops.

We have received unofficial notification from officials that the Special Immigrant Visa program is being exempted from the Executive Order, said Jason Gorey, the groups Chief Operating Officer. We are cautiously optimistic that the the SIV program will continue to function as it did before and appreciate the Trump Administrations affirmation that these allies who worked alongside U.S. Forces should be exempted.

A number of Iraqis who risked their lives to aid American forces and were initially cleared by the U.S. government, sold their all their belongings in anticipation of traveling to the United States, only to be rebuffed by an unexpected anti-refugee presidential order. Many had their flights cancelled at the last moment, left to navigate an uncertain immigration system.

Thanks to Mr. Trump Im homeless, one visa holder told The Daily Beast ten days ago. He can now board a plane to come to the United States.

If Trumps order were to resume, it will continue preventing visitors and refugees from Sudan, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Somalia and Yemen. While SIVs will be exempt moving forward, foreign interpreters and military service members continue to protest the broader ban of immigrants and visitors.

Earlier this week, former Green Beret officer Andrew Slater led a group from six of the seven affected countries, barnstorming Capitol Hill to let lawmakers know why they opposed the executive order. Over the course of a day, they met with representatives of the offices of Sens. Ed Markey, Joe Manchin, John McCain and Marco Rubio, among other lawmakers.

As a veteran of five combat deployments, I had a number of objections to this executive order, Slater told The Daily Beast. It grossly exaggerates the threat posed by immigrants from these nations for political purposes, it misrepresents the vetting system they went through, and entirely fails to take into consideration the damage caused by suddenly suspending tens of thousands of visas and green cards. It is absolutely not in accord with any reasonable strategy for counterterrorism.

The group Slater led is a cross-section of the best of the American immigration system, and included a Somali-American Marine with three combat tours, a Sudanese-American child refugee who was valedictorian at George Mason University, a Syrian literature professor from Raqqah who escaped from life in the ISIS capital, and a SIV-holder who was valedictorian at the American University of Iraq.

But after a long day of lobbying, they faced a tale as old as the U.S. Congress itself: politicians unwilling to take action.

It was obvious among some of the offices we met with that they intended to do nothing about this ban, said Ibrahim Hashi, a Somali-American Marine Corps veteran with three combat tours under his belt. While I do understand that lawmakers have an obligation to their constituents, they wield a great deal of influence and can easily educate their districts on the harms that come along with this ban, and how this ban hurt U.S. national security rather than protect it.

For many of these immigrants, difficult days lie ahead. Trumps banwhile temporarily blockedis personal not only in the sense that it disrupts travel plans or prevents family from visiting. It has created a deeper, more painful message about their place in American societya place that they have earned through years of paperwork, legal fees and personal sacrifice.

Rasoul Naghavi is one of the immigrants who joined Slater on his trip to Capitol Hill. He arrived in the United States six years ago, and received a Masters degree in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution from an American Christian university. He currently studies at Georgetown University.

As an Islamic Imam, he struggles to face the children that he teaches at his mosque each week during Friday prayers, and reconcile his message with Trumps ban.

"Kids are going outthey see in the street, and what they see in the country is exactly the opposite of what Ive been teaching them, Naghavi told The Daily Beast. One of my main themes here in Friday prayers are that the borders between Islam and the West are becoming lower than ever its so hard to talk about these things now, that here, [they] are not a stranger, that Muslims are welcome.

I really lost the narrative, he added, wistfully.
Lee Gelernt looked both thrilled and disoriented. The American Civil Liberties Union lawyer, normally a household name only in his own household, had emerged from a federal courthouse in Brooklyn to find 2,000 protestors cheering him.

The 54-year-old Gelernt and his colleagues had just won an emergency Saturday night stay of President Donald Trumps executive order banning most travelers from seven majority-Muslim countries. And while the civil liberties lawyer in the nondescript gray suit and the proudly-nerdy black-framed glasses was ecstatic over the victory, Gelernt was exhausted by the work that had gone into it.

We knew there was gonna be this Muslim ban, and we started gearing up after Trump was elected, but we thought we would be challenging the ban for people stopped at airports overseas, he said, standing in a park near the Brooklyn Bridge as colleagues tried to find a bar in which to celebrate. Trump signed the order at about 4:45 Friday afternoon. We didnt expect that people en route to the U.S. when he signed the order would be detained. I start getting emails around 10 oclock from the International Refugee Assistance Project saying there may be trouble at JFK with two of their clients who are Iraqi nationals. So people worked all night and we filed a complaint at 5:53 a.m. Saturday. Then at noon we started writing emergency stay papers to try to prevent people from being deported before the judge could rule on the legality of Trumps order.

The haste and sloppiness of Trumps decree handed the ACLU a short-term legal and political gift. Had the executive order been written more coherently, and rolled out with greater coordination, it wouldnt have provided the potent symbolism of women, children, and people whod risked their lives to help the U.S. military being locked upand it wouldnt have provoked thousands of demonstrators to clog American airports or goaded judges to act quickly to stop it. But were not kidding ourselves, said Omar Jadwat, who had been in the courtroom as Gelernts ACLU co-counsel. Its just the beginning. Immigration and litigationthats the American way.

Indeed. And now that a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco has upheld the lower court decisions that stalled Trumps travel ban, the legal action and the spotlight will shift to Washington and the Supreme Court. Yet the ACLUs initial scramble to redirect its counterattack is an important preview of the larger challenge the organization faces. Can it stay nimble for the next four years?

Last summer David Cole agreed to join the ACLU as its national legal director, starting in January 2017. Even before he was officially on board, though, Cole and his soon-to-be-staff spent months getting ready for a Hillary Clinton administration, and for the happy prospect of expanding progressive rights. We had a number of memos prepared on what a Supreme Court might look like with a liberal majority for the first time in 45 years, Cole says with a rueful laugh. A single 27-page memo explored the remote contingency of what might be legally necessary if Trump won.

Three days after the election the ACLU went on the public relations offensive, with a full-page ad in The New York Times telling Trump, Well see you in court. On Inauguration Day, the ACLU filed Freedom of Information Act requests seeking documents that could expose conflicts of interest between President Trump and businessman Trump. More quietly, the ACLU has stepped up its efforts to persuade mayors and police chiefs to avoid taking on federal immigration duties, in an attempt to counter Trumps efforts to ramp up deportations.

Being aggressive has been good for the ACLUs imageand great for its budget. The ACLU is suddenly awash in money and members. More than $79 million has been donated to the group since Election Day, with $31 million of it arriving during the 24 hours immediately after Trump signed the travel ban. We have already hired about a dozen people, Cole says. We have 300 lawyers right now. Maybe well go up to 350, 400. And our advocacy and communications staff will certainly increase.

Gelernt points out that the Justice Department will always have more lawyers, even after the ACLU goes on a hiring spree. (His younger sister is currently battling the government in a very different arena: Michelle Gelernt, a federal public defender, is representing Joaquin El Chapo Guzman.) But to the extent we can even it out a little bit, thats why all these private law firms volunteering help, all these law students staying up all night, are important, he says. And we are now looking at one of those classic civil rights movements, where its not just the lawyers in court making technical arguments. Its the combination of legal work and an enormous outpouring of the community. That support is essential, if any real civil rights work is going to be successful.

Theres encouraging news on that front as well: The ACLU membership rolls have doubled, to 1 million, which could translate into more political muscle. That gives us a tremendous opportunity, in terms of activating those members, directing them to take action, Cole says.

But the groups leaders acknowledge theyre playing defense and feeling a bit off-balance. Trump, by virtue of calculation as well as his congenital impatience, is moving, with the help of Congress, on multiple constitutionally dubious fronts at the same time: reproductive rights, voter rights, libel laws, the torture of terrorism suspects, as well as immigration rights. The range and quantity of issues could make defending individual civil liberties infringements more difficult for the ACLU. Especially as the Trump administration, after stumbling out of the gate, becomes more efficient at pursuing its agenda.

Theres going to be a critical need for us to triage and pick the most important things, Gelernt, the deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project says. I dont think were going to get distracted or cave under the sheer weight of the policies the administration is putting out there. But I suspect thats one of their goals. He also wonders if the ACLUs hard work could end up being beside the point. One of the critical aspects going forward will be, Is Trump going to comply with court orders? In some ways, thats a much bigger issue. If they dont, then youre talking about a real constitutional crisis.

Whether the ACLU can handle its newfound popularity and prosperity is a more immediate and less theoretical question. Shortly after Gelernt and Jadwat prevailed in Brooklyn federal court, the ACLUs national political director did some premature end-zone dancing: I hope Trump enjoys losing, Faiz Shakir told Yahoo News. Hes going to lose so much were going to get sick and tired of his losing. For now, groups like IRAP, the National Immigration Law Center, and Yale Law Schools Worker & Immigration Rights Advocacy Clinic have allowed the ACLU to take the lead against Trumps travel ban, but sharing credit and blame as more cases reach court will test those alliances. As the 2018 and 2020 elections get closer, the interests and strategic choices of the ACLU and the Democrats could well diverge on contentious issues like flag burning.

And Cole knows that all those new ACLU members and donors want something in return for their investment of time and money, and that the quick, seemingly easy initial win in Brooklyn also raises the stakes. Theres absolutely a sense of pressure, Cole says. We need to deliver. We need to be responding to the people who are reaching out to us. We need to show them what weve done to stand up in the fight against Donald Trump.

Not that he and others werent already taking Trumps policies and tactics seriously and personally. As a lawyer, Cole was dismayed when Trump hurled a bullying series of tweets at the Seattle federal court judge who ruled against the administrations travel ban, preemptively assigning responsibility for any future terrorist acts. As the husband of a federal judge himself, though, he was alarmed.

Yes, it is worrisome to me, says the 58-year-old Cole, who is married to Judge Nina Pillard of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The president of the United States has a responsibility to respect the separation of powers and the roles that the various branches play. And his utter disrespect for judges who disagree with him is deeply concerning. I cant psychoanalyze Trump, but I will say this: Nothing is more likely to get the backs up of judges than the president attacking a judge because he doesnt like his decision. If it was tactical, it was very ill-advised.

Omar Jadwat, 43, the director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, is a first-generation American. Its a blessing to do something you believe in for a job. Thats always the case. But I think theres something uniquely offensive about this ban, he said, moments after winning the first round in federal court. I was born in Queens. My dad grew up in South Africa as a person of color. My mother is from Korea. The story of leaving oppression in your homeland to come to America is one thats embedded in my family literally, as in so many others.

Jadwat paused and looked back at the Brooklyn courthouse, trying to get his bearings as the dispersing protestors swirled around him in the darkness. As in Jared Kushners family.
Obama Calls Out Dr. Oz for Selling Political Snake Oil

GET ELECTED WITH THIS SIMPLE TRICK!

The former president took shots at Dr. Oz for his endorsement of quack medical products while campaigning for John Fetterman in Pittsburgh.
That Boutique-y Gin Co launches with 11 gins

Eleven new release gins from celebrated distilleries are to be revealed by That Boutique-y Gin Company, following its recent launch. That Boutique-y Gin Company claims to be the first independent gin bottler.

Working with brands ranging from famous and well-established distillers to talented up-and-comers, That Boutique-y Gin Company is releasing limited-edition, individually numbered batches of gin. That may take the form of tweaks to a distillerys regular recipe, secret unreleased pet projects, off-the-wall experiments, or new concepts developed from scratch with That Boutique-y Gin Company.



That Boutique-y Gin Companys Ben Ellefsen says: We kept hearing the same story from many of our favourite distillers about partly or even fully developed liquids they hadnt been able to release. As consumers, these gins not being available to enjoy made us sad - so we set out to fix it.





Aside from bottling truly outstanding spirits, it also created the Worlds Best Blended Whisky (World Whiskies Awards 2015) and have won awards for their unique graphic-novel-style labels.



That Boutique-y Gin Companys bottles will feature similar hand-illustrated labels, this time created by Grace J Ward. The designs will feature nods to the particular gin or distillery in question, gin industry (gindustry) in jokes and well-known faces such as That Boutique-y Gin Companys own David T Smith. That Boutique-y Gin Company follows in the footsteps of its hugely successful sister company, That Boutique-y Whisky Company, which has won dozens of awards, including at the World Whiskies Awards, since launching in 2012. It was recently named Islands Independent Bottler of the Year at Whisky Magazines Independent Bottlers Challenge 2016.Aside from bottling truly outstanding spirits, it also created the Worlds Best Blended Whisky (World Whiskies Awards 2015) and have won awards for their unique graphic-novel-style labels.That Boutique-y Gin Companys bottles will feature similar hand-illustrated labels, this time created by Grace J Ward. The designs will feature nods to the particular gin or distillery in question, gin industry (gindustry) in jokes and well-known faces such as That Boutique-y Gin Companys own David T Smith.

Like its sister company it will also occasionally release its own creations, starting with Cherry Gin - which it claims is the first of its kind commercially available.

The releases are available from Amazon and Master of Malt.

That Boutique-y Gin Company launch releases (more will follow shortly) are:

Ableforths Bathtub Gin - Batch No. 1 - navy-strength Palo Cortado cask-aged

Ableforths Bathtub Gin - Batch No. 2 - Pedro Ximenez cask-aged.

Blackwater - Batch No. 1 - with quince, rosehip and bletted medlars.

Cherry Gin - Batch No. 1 - with sweet, and sour Marasca cherries.

Cotswolds - Batch No. 1 - double-barrel blend of first fill ex-bourbon and red wine cask-aged gins.

East London Liquor Company - Batch No. 1 - with Douglas fir, lime, orange and exotic miyagawa.

FEW - Batch No. 1 - with lime, coriander seed and fennel.

Greensand Ridge - Batch No. 1 - with distilled raspberry juice and cobnuts.

Herno - Batch No. 1 - with fresh rose petals, blended with Juniper wood cask-aged spirit.

McQueen - Batch No. 1 - Chocolate Orange Gin.

Shortcross - Batch No. 1 - with distilled blackberries and damsons from the distillers estate.

10 February 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editorial assistant
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WASHINGTON - President Trump's official counselor, Kellyanne Conway, was "counseled" after she told TV audiences to "go buy Ivanka's stuff," the White House said Thursday.

Legal experts said Conway had broken a key ethics law banning federal employees from using their public office to endorse products. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Thursday that Conway "has been counseled," but offered no other comment.

Federal law bans employees from using their public office to endorse products. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Thursday that Conway "has been counseled," but offered no other comment.

Conway, speaking to "Fox & Friends" viewers from the White House briefing room, was responding to boycotts of Ivanka Trump merchandise and Nordstrom's discontinuation of stocking her clothing and shoe lines, which the retailer said was in response to low sales and which the president assailed as unfair.

"I'm going to give it a free commercial here," Conway said of the president's daughter's merchandise brand. "Go buy it today."

Conway and officials from the Office of Government Ethics did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

Several attorneys, including former heads of federal agencies, said Conway's endorsement directly conflicted with OGE rules designed to separate government policy from private business dealings.

"I don't see what their defense is," said Campaign Legal Center general counsel Lawrence Noble, who is also former counsel for the Federal Election Commission. "She did this on television. She was very clear it was advertising. Hopefully at the very least they will acknowledge this is wrong."

Don W. Fox, former general counsel and former acting director of OGE, told The Washington Post that "Conway's encouragement to buy Ivanka's stuff would seem to be a clear violation of rules prohibiting misuse of public office for anyone's private gain."

He added: "This is jaw-dropping to me. This rule has been promulgated by the federal Office of Government Ethics as part of the Standards of Conduct for all executive branch employees and it applies to all members of the armed forces as well."

Attorneys said a typical executive-branch employee who violated the rule could face significant disciplinary action, including a multi-day suspension and loss of pay.

Enforcement measures are largely left to the head of the federal agency - in Conway's case, the White House.

Federal law states the director of OGE can advise the White House and Conway of the violation, conduct its own investigation and recommend that they consider disciplinary action.

But OGE's recommendations are non-binding, and the ultimate decision resides with the White House.

Conway's endorsement comes as the Trump administration faces growing scrutiny over whether it is taking fears of conflicts of interest seriously.

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (Md.), the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, wrote a letter Thursday to his Republican counterpart, Jason Chaffetz (Utah), urging the committee to review what he called "a textbook violation of government ethics laws."

Chaffetz, who before the election was a strong advocate of investigating Hillary Clinton, said this week he would likely resist Democrats' urging to investigate possible conflicts of interest surrounding Trump's business interests. Chaffetz did not respond to requests for comment.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington executive director Noah Bookbinder called Conway's endorsement "just another example of what looks like a disturbing pattern of this administration acting to benefit the businesses of the president's family and supporters."

The president took to Twitter on Wednesday to lash out at Nordstrom for dropping Ivanka Trump's line, saying his daughter had "been treated so unfairly" by the store.

Said Peter Schweizer, who has worked closely with Trump aide Stephen K. Bannon and wrote the book "Clinton Cash," which was critical of donations to the Clinton Foundation: "They've crossed a very, very important bright line, and it's not good. To encourage Americans to buy goods from companies owned by the first family is totally out of bounds and needs to stop.

"Clearly, the Trumps feel some of this is related to politics. But whether that's true or not, these marketing battles need to be fought by Ivanka and her company. They cannot and should not be fought by government employees and the White House," Schweizer said. "It's time to move beyond the mind-set and the role of a businessman and assume the mantle of commander of chief."

Conway's endorsement of the Ivanka business also highlights an awkward reality for a White House threatening U.S. companies seeking to move jobs or operations overseas. Nearly all of Ivanka-brand merchandise is manufactured in low-cost-labor countries, including China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Trump critics quickly seized on the endorsement. Robert Weissman, president of liberal advocacy group Public Citizen, said in a statement, "Conway's self-proclaimed advertisement for the Ivanka Trump fashion line demonstrates again what anyone with common sense already knew: President Trump and the Trump administration will use the government apparatus to advance the interests of the family businesses."

Trump last month tweeted his own support for another retailer, L. L. Bean, saying, "People will support you even more now. Buy L.L.Bean." A company board member, Linda Bean, donated money to a pro-Trump super PAC. Lawyers said the federal ban on endorsements specifically exempts the president and vice president.
Local theaters should show the award-winning 'Moonlight'

When the 89th Academy Awards ceremony takes place on Feb. 26, I will be rooting for Moonlight to win the Oscar for Best Picture -- even though I have yet to see the movie. My reason for this advocacy is simple: if Barry Jenkins's drama should somehow beat the odds to capture the prestigious award, perhaps one of our local movie theaters finally will be motivated to show it.

In total, Cinemark Movies in College Station and Premiere Cinema in Bryan have more than 25 screens available; however, they often present as many as 10 of the exact same films. A movie as unique and daring as Moonlight (currently holding a 98 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes) certainly could be shown in at least one of these establishments.

I could go to Austin or Houston for more movie options, but I want to spend my money here and encourage growth in Bryan-College Station. At the very least, we could give moviegoers the opportunity to see what could be the best film of the year.

JOHN M. KELLY

College Station

Thank you to John McCain for calling out Trump on Putin

Thanks to John McCain for having the courage to call out Donald Trump's outrageous defense of Vladimir Putin's murder of dissidents in Russia. Trump's equating U.S. morals and integrity to that of a murderous dictator is ignorant if not treasonous. I don't know what Putin has on Trump, but this defense of Russia which, as we speak, is invading a sovereign nation, has got to stop.

Are we willing to give up the trust that presidents such as Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, the Bushes and all since and in between gained among our friends in eastern Europe?

It's time for Texas senators to stand in the tradition of Sam Houston and speak up against this foolery.

Our president said that common sense should trump the law. Common sense is nothing more than "group think" and has gotten us in trouble numerous times.

We are a country of laws, not men.

Trump's statements, such as his defense of Putin and his disrespect for American institutions such as the separation of powers and a free press, show an utter disregard for the Constitution and our country's welfare.

Mr. President, please listen to true patriots and heroes such as John McCain instead of your chief strategist and senior counselor Steve Bannon who is quoted as saying, "I'm a Leninist. Lenin wanted to destroy the state. That is my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down and destroy all of today's establishment."

DON MACHROWICZ

College Station

City of Bryan responds to animal control concerns

I would like to express my appreciation to The Eagle, Deputy Bryan City Manager Hugh R. Walker,and Councilmen Mike Southerland and Ben Hardeman for their prompt response to my letters concerning animal control coverage on Sundays. Sunday used to be a day that there was no animal control.

It was on Oct. 9 that my dog and I were mauled by a pit bull. I ended up in the emergency room and my dog was taken to A&M's excellect doctors who tried to save his life but had to euthanize him.

Walker responded to my letter and told me that the city has enhanced weekend services, including funding another animal control officer for the week-end hours. Walker's letter was very kind and thoughtful concerning me and and weekend animal control coverage.

The initial letter was addressed to The Eagle and when you express concerns through the paper things seem to get done.

E.C. "ARCHIE" ARCHAMBAULT

Bryan
How the government deals with coca plantations and any communities that may have sprung up around them will have profound environmental effects on those areas. In Guaviare department, for instance, coca cultivation was severely curtailed through a combination of policing and the development of good land connections and services. This strategy, while largely successful in limiting coca production and bringing much needed economic development to the region, also resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of the region's forest.

Any plausible post-coca scenario for these regions must involve economic development. As Dr Davalos points out: "places that grow coca do so because they are underdeveloped." Removal of coca plantations and the ecological damage that they cause therefore necessitates some form of economic development. "If there is economic developent," says Dr. Davalos, "then coca will decline. If it's just more policing and that's it, coca will persist and continue to move into less controlled territories."

A healthy environment encourage ecotourism investment

Conservationists like Dr Davalos hope that the government will take more current research into account when planning the restoration and development of former FARC territories. The health of Colombia's wilderness will be a boon to the communities living there, as a healthy environment encourages ecotourism investment, already a strong economic driver throughout Latin America. It also benefits the world at large, as places with high biodiversity are typically sources of great biotechnological innovation.

Colombia's staggering biodiversity makes it prime real estate for the search for microbial, plant and animal species from which commercially valuable compounds such as medicines can be derived.

Plants, in particular, have a history of medicinal use dating back thousands of years. Even in today's highly tech-driven pharmaceutical companies, an estimated 11% of the 252 drugs considered to be basic and essential by the WHO come from compounds found in flowering plants. Plant compounds form the basis not only of simple drugs like aspirin, but also of powerful anti-cancer medications like paclitaxel and camptothecin.

Beyond plants, recent animal studies have demonstrated that several Colombian frog species secrete substances from their skin, which have anti-yellow fever effects. Rare in the developed world, yellow fever is endemic in throughout Central and South America and Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that yellow fever was responsible for between 29,000 and 60,000 deaths throughout Africa during 2013 alone. If the frog skin secretions can be successfully developed into marketable medicines, they could have profoundly positive effects on the lives of tens of thousands of people.

Colombia is known far and wide as a major coffee producer. With coffee plantation comprising 17% of Colombia's agriculture, it makes for one of their biggest exports. The economic value of coffee has prompted extensive research into the soil conditions that make coffee grow so well in Colombia. As Dr. Juan Bueno, a chemist planning microbial biodiversity surveys in the Quindio region, where much of Colombia's coffee is grown explains, "Colombian ecosystems contain a large number of species in a high degree of symbiosis and interaction." Understanding how various biological organisms in play conspire to produce such fertile soil can provide profound benefits to agricultural initiatives in other areas of the world.

Two factors holding back research efforts in the Colombian forests are access to the land and enforcement of treaties protecting indigenous intellectual property related to biotechnology.

Regarding land access, researchers interested in knowing what useful species abound in these regions must be able to perform detailed surveys of the species found therein. These surveys not only help those interested in the biotechnological features of the land, but also help conservationists establish clear and rational plans for restoring and protecting degraded regions. Until the conflict zones are open and secure, no such surveys can take place.

Biopiracy is a point of contention

Regarding the protection of indigenous intellectual property, Colombia was an early signer of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Article 80(j) of the treaty mandates that signatory nations protect indigenous knowledge by establishing laws to share any benefits derived from their knowledge of the land, such as profits from a novel prescription drug, among the community from where the knowledge of that drug came.

Although Colombia quickly ratified this treaty and has established a legal framework to support it, enforcement of the treaty has been found lacking by some researchers. In a recent publication, human rights researchers Drs. Leonardo Guiza and Diana Bernal found that bureaucratic delays and weak enforcement of bioprospecting regulations led to an increase in biopiracy within Colombian borders. Biopiracy is a significant point of contention between indigenous communities and the rest of Colombian society.

Both human rights researchers and scientists, like Dr. Bueno, hope that a peaceful future will enable more resources to be applied to upholding laws regarding responsible research into natural resources and in upholding treaties such as the CBD, that form the legal basis from which healthy relationships between indigenous communities and researchers can grow.

One of the most economically valuable pursuits in the renewal of communities in conflict zones will be that of tourism and of ecotourism in particular. Tourism doubled in Colombia between 2006 and 2016, with ecotourism playing a significant role in that growth. Given Colombia's natural richness, this is not surprising. As Maria Claudia Lacoutoure, Colombia's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, recently stated, "The growth of tourism cannot be uncoupled from [environmental] sustainability."

Tourism has rightly been criticized for contributing to some environmental degradation. However, as numerous ecotour operators interviewed pointed out, tourists don't come to places that don't hold a natural charm and that charm is incompatible with environmental degradation. The trick is to strike a balance between the ecological needs of the land and the community needs for tourist dollars. Finding and maintaining this balance is not an easy task.

Tour operators and community members are not alone in this task. There to help is the Colombian Network for Ecological Restoration (Red Colombiana de Restauracion Ecologica, or REDCRE). REDCRE is a group of scientific, legal and administrative experts, whose mission is to fortify ecologically degraded land within Colombia's borders. A fundamental aspect of REDCRE's strategy for providing aid is to teach remote and often indigenous communities how to best take an active role in the development of their communities and the conservation of their land.

Dr Jessica Rubio, an ecologist at the Universidad Javeriana in Bogota and secretary of REDCRE, explains, "The people living in rural communities are far more in tune with the needs of their community and the state of the land than any distant professional, but they often lack the knowledge and scientific rigor involved in designing effective strategies to balance personal economic needs with regional ecological needs."

The members of REDCRE strive to bring scientific knowledge and technical skills to remote communities and to work with community members to generate ideal strategies for the long-term health of each community. As the country turns towards a post-conflict future, REDCRE increasingly focuses on communities found in FARC-occupied territories.

Despite REDCRE's organized efforts, they still rely on government support in the form of security and government investment in support of community and ecological development. To this end, the Colombian government created the Agency for the Renovation of the Territory (Agencia de Renovacion del Territorio, ART), which is tasked with coordinating just such efforts. The Colombian press, however, has criticized the ART for not having clearly defined powers of enforcement. Further fueling skepticism, the ART does not present itself in a particularly transparent manner. The Agency lacks an official website and did not reply to repeated requests for information.

Funding for Plan Colombia' is now under review

Beyond bureaucratic opacity, one of the greatest impediments to a successful resolution of Colombia's conflict comes from what should have been a very unlikely source. For the past 18 years, Colombia has received significant military and diplomatic aid from the United States under an agreement called Plan Colombia. Despite past criticisms of the plan's execution, the military support it provides forms one of the pillars of a successful peace deal. On 22 January, the new U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, cast doubt on the continuation of Plan Colombia, stating that he would "review" both that agreement and "seek to review the details of Colombia's recent peace agreement, and determine the extent to which the United States should continue to support it".

Under the terms of Plan Colombia, Colombia is due to receive $450 million dollars from the United States to reinforce recent security gains and to extend the rule of law into areas that have long existed under FARC control. Without that ability, there exists a legitimate fear that, rather than fully demobilizing, FARC fighters will be recruited into other armed groups, which will extend their own rule into these areas and over the long-oppressed communities found therein, much as occurred with the EPL and AUC, other armed groups from past conflicts.

Colombia is now closer than ever before to finding a peaceful resolution to generations of violence. With so much to gain in a post-conflict world, as much for the Colombian people as for their environment, the sudden prospect of losing it all will make for tense months ahead.

This Author

Dr Forest Ray holds a PhD in biochemistry from Columbia University. He has published a dissertation on genomic sequencing technologies and has a paper on low-cost sequencing methods under review. He currently lives in Mexico, where he has gained an interest in how scientific research is used to improve public health when research budgets are constrained.
Making a return to our two favourite summer locations, Mount Maunganui and Nelson in early January 2023, we've got whiff of the first release lineup and me oh my, yes boy
The Virginia Department of Forestry suspects two wildfires from last month in Pittsylvania County were deliberate acts of arson.

The incidents in question happened in the western part of the county near the Franklin County line on Jan. 31, according to regional forester Robbie Talbert.

Damage was dealt to grass and woodland areas in the two incidents, Talbert said Wednesday.

Talbert did not go into detail about the size of the fire or why these two fires are suspected to be arson.

The department is concerned with the number and frequency of these dangerous, destructive and senseless criminal acts, stated a news release from the Department of Forestry said.

The punishment for woods arson in Virginia is five years in prison, a $2,500 fine and the person will be held liable for the cost of the damage done because of the fire.

If anyone has information about the fires, call the Virginia Department of Forestry office at (434) 432-8888.

The public also can call the Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office at (434) 432-7800 or (434) 656-6211, or call the VDOF Arson Tip Line at (434) 220-9053.

The help given may be worth up to $2,000  the reward offered for information that leads to the conviction of an arsonist.

Livingston reports for the Danville Register & Bee.
Several events at the Franklin County Library will spotlight African-Americans who have made a difference in American history.

The events are offered in honor of Black History Month.

The Rosa Parks Story

An evening film showing of The Rosa Parks Story is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The movie stars Angela Bassett and Cicely Tyson. The biopic tells the story of Parks, a civil rights activist who inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott when she was arrested for not giving up her bus seat to a white passenger.

Music by Smokestack Lightnin

Library volunteer Darlene Swain has coordinated an evening jazz and blues performance featuring Snow Creeks Smokestack Lightnin on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.

A jazz and blues display will be set up.

Matinee film

A matinee film profiling African-American icons Maggie Lena Walker and Joe Louis will be shown Thursday, Feb. 24, from noon to 2 p.m.

Walker was Americans first female bank president. She was also a community activist and newspaper founder.

Louis was a world heavyweight champion. The grandson of slaves and a child violin player, he became one of the greatest, most beloved boxers in the history of sports, event organizers said.

Other observances

The library also is installing a small book display and hosting a contest on identifying the faces of famous figures. There will be a random drawing for prizes.

Organizers are planning to expand the librarys Black History Month programs for 2018 and welcome program ideas for children and adults.

A Black History Month Feedback form is available.

Participants must reserve a seat to these events by calling the library at (540) 483-3098.
When retirees flocked to Smith Mountain Lake in the early 2000s, Franklin County experienced both a population surge and an economic boost. But since 2010, growth in the region has slowed, and so too has its financial impact.

A nonprofit group working to bring a community center to Smith Mountain Lake commissioned a study to measure the effect of retiree in-migration on Franklin County. The study makes the case for recruitment of retirees as a key aspect of the countys economic development strategy by comparing the benefits, largely financial, the county reaped from 2000 to 2010 to the period after when growth decelerated.

The study, done by Mangum Economics, provides numerous data points:

Between 2000 and 2010, Franklin Countys population grew by 18.8 percent, outpacing the states 13 percent. But since then, Franklin Countys population growth has slowed. From 2010 to 2014, it increased by only 0.4 percent, while the states population rose by 2.3 percent.

In Franklin County, 91 percent of the growth from 2000 to 2010 could be attributed to net migration, and the rest to natural growth, which is births minus deaths. Individuals 65 and over were responsible for 35 percent of the overall population increase. From 2010 to 2014, all of the countys growth was thanks to net migration and individuals 65 and over. Without those newcomers, the county actually would have experienced a decline in population.

Real property tax revenue increased by an average of 10.7 percent annually in Franklin County from 2000 to 2010, compared to the average across all counties in the state of 8.6 percent. From 2010 to 2015, real property taxes in Franklin County increased by only 1 percent annually, which is less than the average across Virginia counties of 2.4 percent.

The study also highlighted the impact residents without school-age children can have on the county. Such individuals, on average, contribute $1.40 in revenue for every $1 in services they use. Residents with children, on average, supply approximately $0.50 in revenue for every $1 in services consumed.

In its conclusion, the study states that the trends outlined in the report all point to the demonstrated success and continuing potential of actively pursuing retiree in-migration as part of Franklin Countys overall economic development strategy.

Jim Laseter, president of nonprofit The Smith Mountain Lake Center Inc., said his board wanted to get this issue on the table, and shared the report with county staff.

As the baby-boomer generation retires, Laseter said, it seems a good time for the county to focus its attention on attracting them to the lake and reaping the economic benefits.

The individuals who retired to the lake during the late 1990s and early 2000s seemed to fit what was a national trend at the time of moving to rural areas for the lower cost of living and natural beauty, Laseter said.

That was enough for them. But todays retirees are looking for more. Specifically, more amenities.

They want access to education, they want access to cultural opportunities  they want many of the same things they had access to in more urban environments, Laseter said.

A community center at the lake could help with amenities, particularly cultural and educational offerings. Laseter said the organization has talked with Virginia Western Community College about bringing programs to the center.

Laseter said he also believes promoting and raising awareness of the lake region in traditional feeder markets, many of them to the North, is essential, along with ensuring tourism remains strong.

Michael Burnette, Franklin Countys economic development director, said growing the countys population is a priority.

Were working to try to do more attraction of potential retirees to that area but then also looking at population from all ages in other parts of the county as well, he said.

Tourism is key to the countys strategy, Burnette said, as many lake residents started out as tourists who fell in love with the area and decided to relocate there upon retirement. The tourism department is exploring advertising and outreach opportunities in targeted geographic areas, he said.

Population growth is definitely something that has driven Franklin County for a while and something that will help us propel ourselves into the future, he said.

Gills Creek District Supervisor Bob Camicia said hes concerned about the lakes slowed growth and more people need to be made aware of the effect it has on the county as a whole. The lake region has had a significant economic impact  the two magisterial districts that include Franklin Countys portion of the lake bring in nearly 60 percent of the countys real estate tax revenue  which benefits all of Franklin County, Camicia said, funding projects and helping to keep tax rates low.

After years of continued growth, the supervisor said he believes everybody got comfortable, and expected it would continue. Now that growth has slowed, theres a renewed focus by county staff and the board of supervisors to develop a strategy to bring more retirees into the county, Camicia said.

We have been getting more and more cognizant of the impact of retirees since it slowed down very much, he said.

He agreed that todays retirees are looking for more amenities. With its beauty and opportunities for recreation, the lake itself is a draw, Camicia said, but people, especially ones who come from more urban areas, expect things like broadband and a community gathering place where numerous events and activities could be hosted.

In terms of boosting growth in the county, Camicia said retirees are one of two key groups the county needs to recruit, the other being the people who come to work in the countys new 550-acre business park. The county wants to see those people choose to live in Franklin County, too.

To Laseter, attracting retirees seems to be the most efficient way of growing the countys population. The business park is a bold move by the board of supervisors, he said, but it will be years before any benefits can be realized.

The in-migration retiree market can have a much faster return on investment and just really get things moving again, Laseter said.
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 ...
Iowa Poll: Tom Miller narrowly leads Brenna Bird in AG race

Forty-seven percent of likely Iowa voters support Tom Miller, the incumbent Democrat, while 45% support Brenna Bird, the Republican challenger.
BRIDGEPORT  Miguel Gonzalez always had a positive outlook, no matter how tragic the circumstances.

Now his family is struggling to adopt that same attitude as it copes with his sudden death.

Gonzalez, a Bridgeport resident preparing to retire after 30 years as a doorman in Manhattan, died Thursday from injuries suffered during a snow-shoveling accident at work.

According to the New York Post, Gonzalez, 59, slipped around 9:30 a.m. and fell down some steps through a window, cutting his neck on the glass. He died at Metropolitan Hospital about an hour later.

At his home in Bridgeport, family gathered to comfort Gonzalezs wife, Elena, at their house on Wood Avenue.

The couple had first moved to Bridgeport from New York City in 2000. They returned to the city in 2005 to shorten Gonzalezs commute, but missed owning a home. They then bought back their old Bridgeport house in 2008.

Lissette Colon, Gonzalezs niece, told Hearst Connecticut Media her uncle woke every weekday at 3 a.m. to get ready for work.

He had driven until a car crash in 2015. From that point, he rode the train to Manhattan.

(He) always took pride in doing his job as best he could, she said.

Some co-workers told the New York Post Gonzalez would buy them coffee and breakfast.

Gonzalez was very active in some Bridgeport clubs and with his church, Iglesia Cristiana Renacer, on Clinton Avenue. Colon said services will be scheduled there once the body is released from the hospital.

She said funeral arrangements will be handled by the Luz de Paz Funeral Home on East Washington Avenue.

Gonzalez will be buried in his native Puerto Rico, where the couple had planned to move following his retirement.

Colon said her uncle was well respected and he and her aunt have also taken in homeless families.

(He was) so very giving. Always helping. Always trying to put a happy smiling face (on), even during the worst circumstances, Colon said. Growing up, being younger, I didnt appreciate him as much as when I got older.

Colon, laughing to herself, said she used to tease Gonzalez that he reminded her of a famous overly affectionate cartoon skunk.

(Id say), Youre just like Pepe Le Pew, Colon recalled. Hed say, Oh, but I love you. Hed go around giving hugs.
NORWALK  This Valentine's Day, the Norwalk Health Department encourages residents to Show Your Love and Share Your Status. The Norwalk Health Department will offer free HIV testing this Valentines Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and from 2-4 p.m.

No appointment is necessary during those times. Testing will be held at the Health Department, 137 East Ave. in Norwalk. For more information, call the Health Department at 203-854-7776.
The recent news of Betsy DeVos controversial nomination and confirmation as Education Secretary has rippled through local and national media outlets and caused clear divisiveness in many Connecticut education communities. At quick glance, it appears easy to comprehend  public school supporters are against her and choice school supporters are for her. This would include private schools, charter schools and those in favor of school vouchers.

Unfortunately, even the most seasoned educators and so-called experts in the field seem to adopt this overly simplistic perspective. The misguided assumption that all charter schools operate similarly, and/or have the same pedagogical philosophies and therefore support the same ideologies could not be further from the truth.

Many of the news reports on DeVos nomination include descriptions of charter schools for their listeners and readers. These descriptions portray charter schools as being non-public, for-profit, run by Charter Management Organizations (CMO) with infrastructures commonly supported by corporate funding. While some of these traits may be accurate for some charter schools, they are completely misrepresentative of others. In fact, in the case of Side by Side Charter School in Norwalk, none of these characteristics are true.

Side by Side Charter School is a public school that was founded 20 years ago by a group of local public school teachers. We were founded with a child-centered belief that children learn best by using knowledge that they already possess, and a belief that social justice should serve as the core for all instruction. Ultimately, our goal is no different from any other public school  for our children to develop the reading, writing, math and critical thinking skills required to self-advocate and succeed in the 21st century.

We are not the solution to failing public schools systems, but rather offer one option that exists amongst many. We are not building a corporation (in fact we have made a conscious choice to remain at only 236 students since our inception), and we are not looking to compete against other local schools. Rather, we believe in research-based methods, innovative teaching and a model of shared best-practices so that we can collaborate with and learn from our partners in the local public school systems and local universities.

Earlier this winter Side by Side Charter School was again renewed by the State of Connecticut for the maximum five years based on our student performance and successful school operations. Yet, in addition to consistently answering the call for the many measures of accountability that we face, we must also continue to make sure that our state and local constituents know what we are as an institution of public education  in many cases, what we arent.

Not all charter schools support Betsy DeVos nomination as education secretary. At Side by Side Charter School we support leaders with valuable experiences in public education, who understand the roles and rights of the students, teachers and families that we serve. We support the belief that proficiency is helpful, but that growth is more valuable.

We understand that educating young people for the complex global society we live in is complicated. We do not believe in turning education into a business model. We support these beliefs not because we are a charter school and not because we are a public school. Our mission, our vision, and our students are what guides our priorities and it is our hope that others in our education community recognize this without making any ill-informed assumptions.

Matthew Nittoly is the Executive Director of Side by Side Charter School in South Norwalk.
STAMFORD  A convicted burglar known for his stylish flair to fit in wealthy neighborhoods will be wearing a prison jumpsuit for the next 12 years.

Dylan Garner, 43, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty last week at the Stamford courthouse to a 2015 Weston home invasion where he tied up a female resident.

Garner will also be sentenced on April 7 to eight years of special parole for when hes released. A felon who violates special parole can be returned to jail for any violation and could serve the remaining parole sentence in jail.

Given that Dylan got 17 years in jail after being convicted at trial of several other burglaries, this is a reasonable disposition. But its not a walk in the park, said Barry Butler, a public defender representing Garner.

Garner has been in jail since his arrest in July 2015 for the home invasion in May of that year on 10 OClock Lane in Weston.

The woman told police Garner forced his way into her home and pushed her into a bedroom, breaking her right forearm when he tried to use a fleece jacket to tie her up, his arrest affidavit said.

Garner ripped a $35,000 diamond ring off the womans finger and a $19,000 Rolex watch from her wrist, according to his arrest affidavit.

The woman told police she was watching television in her bedroom when the doorbell rang twice. She didnt answer the door since she wasnt expecting a visitor.

About 10 minutes later, she heard a crash outside her bedroom and saw a well-dressed man wearing a hat from the 1930s, walking toward her and demanding her jewelry, Garners arrest affidavit says.

Police immediately suspected Garner, who had been convicted of burglaries in the area. Police said Garner was considered a gentleman burglar because he dressed nicely to fit in wealthy neighborhoods.

Garner, who had 25 arrests on his record for offenses including burglary, larceny, drugs and probation violations, would scope houses by ringing doorbells and knocking on doors. If someone was home and answered the door, Garner looked as though he belonged in the neighborhood and residents would be reluctant to call police.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com;
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FAIRFIELD  With a street name like Lovers Lane, those who live there can celebrate romance every day of the year. The owners of the newly constructed modern colonial farmhouse at 219 Lovers Lane will be able to celebrate Valentines Day with a romantic meal in the homes gourmet kitchen, or they can travel to one of the many local restaurants.

The white house with 3,750-square-feet of living space is in the University neighborhood, making it close to everything, including shops and restaurants along Post Road (Route 1) in one direction and Black Rock Turnpike in the other. It sits on a 0.3-acre level and partially fenced property in a close-knit neighborhood, where Holland Hill Elementary School is within easy walking distance.

Turn into the paved driveway lined in Belgium block to this house with its white James Hardie-brand, maintenance-free board siding with a 30-year non-prorated warranty and signature black trim around windows. Walk up the paving stone path to the covered front porch with Trex decking.

The house was thoughtfully designed and built in 2016 by Norwalk-based Favorite Homes, and it was given interesting textures and architecturally attractive elements that make this home one-of-a-kind. The builders creatively used shiplap paneling on some walls and ceilings, and vintage reclaimed woods to provide sculptural elements to the clean-lined transitional space, which is best described as casually elegant.

It has an open concept floor plan that offers flexible living. The rooms on the first floor are open, one to the other, and are really interchangeable. With its attractive staging, the formal dining room is accessed right as one opens the front door. The formal living room is at the back of the house, next to the eat-in area of the gourmet kitchen. But they could be reversed in this great room, which comprises the two spaces.

Wainscoting covers the lower portion of the walls in the living and dining rooms, the ceilings are coffered, and the hardwood floor comprises wide planks. Deep pediments are found above the doors and windows throughout the house.

More Information ABOUT THIS HOUSE TYPE OF HOUSE: Modern colonial farmhouse, new construction ADDRESS: 219 Lovers Lane PRICE: $1,149,000 NUMBER OF ROOMS: 9 FEATURES: new construction, open floor plan, 0.3-acre level and partially fenced property, exterior lighting, bluestone patio, covered porch, one fireplace, wet bar, easy access to I-95, convenient to shopping and restaurants, walking distance to Fairfield University and the Metro-North train station, gas hot air heat, two-car attached garage, full unfinished basement, attic, five bedrooms, four full and one half baths SCHOOLS: Holland Hill Elementary, Fairfield Woods Middle, Fairfield Ludlowe High ASSESSMENT: not set yet (new construction) TAX RATE: 25.45 mills TAXES: not set yet (new construction) See More Collapse

The dining room has polished nickel wall sconces. In the living room, there is a floor-to-ceiling stacked stone gas fireplace. Between the living room and eat-in kitchen is an open butlers pantry/wet bar with wood beams, marble counter, sink, glass-front cabinets, wine cooler and a built-in wine rack. The eat-in area has a featured wall of reclaimed wood. French doors open to the backyard.

In the kitchen, there is a center island topped in Carrara marble, a large stainless farm sink with a pot-filler, a Viking Professional six-burner range, and a Viking refrigerator with French doors. Off the kitchen is a back hall with access to an office, full bath, walk-in pantry and mudroom, which has a side door to the front porch and another door to the two-car attached garage. The mudroom has built-in cubbies, bench and coat hooks. If not needed as an office, this room is the fifth bedroom. The other four are on the second floor.

The open staircase to second floor leads to the enormous master bedroom suite with two walk-in closets, polished nickel sconces, wainscoting on the lower portion of three walls and one contrasting accent wall that is entirely paneled. The luxurious master bath has a marble counter on the double vanity and a basket-weave pattern on the marble floor. It has a free-standing soaking tub, a linear drain in the frameless glass shower enclosure, and Bluetooth speaker with remote control.

One of the other bedrooms is en suite and has a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams. Two bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath. The unfinished third floor, if finished, would provide an additional 1,000 square feet of living space.

There will be an open house on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information or to set up an appointment to see the house contact Kathie Sierras of William Raveis Real Estate at 203-556-7204 or kathie.sierras@raveis.com
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WILTON  About one hundred men, women and children gathered at Wilton Presbyterian Church to stand in solidarity and pray for unity within the community and the nation Tuesday night.

Throughout the 30-minute interfaith service, the sanctuary was mostly quiet.

People did not hold signs or raise their voices. Instead, some clasped their hands in prayer while others held onto a loved one.

The service was organized by the Rev. Shannon White, pastor of Wilton Presbyterian Church and member of the Wilton Clergy Association. Eight other clergy members of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths joined the service, offering words and songs of prayer.

Kareem Adeeb, imam of the American Institute for Islamic and Arabic Studies, which meets in Stamford, led a call to prayer and lit the first candle with White at the front of the sanctuary, symbolizing the light the community was bringing in standing together.

Love was a common theme throughout the night.

Rev. Dr. Anne Coffman, pastor of Wilton Congregational Church, presented the musical offering, singing We Would Be Building  a hymn that speaks of building in the midst of crumbling walls, Waiting till love can raise the broken stone, and hearts creative bridge the human rift.

Sister Maryann Calabrese, of The Sisters at Villa Notre Dame, called the community to love, referring to the biblical passage of Philippians 4:4-9.

Living in love is our hope and our way, said Sister Maryann Calabrese of The Sisters at Villa Notre Dame. Love that is patient, kind, at the service of others, rejoicing of others and, as Pope Francis reminds us, that does not despair of the future, that speaks of the hope of one who knows that others can change, mature and radiate unexpected beauty and untold potential, love that never gives up.

The Rev. Marion Aldridge, interim pastor of Wilton Baptist Church, said love is the key to bringing light to the community.

Help us to love one another, he said. When we say we live by the light but disrespect our brothers and sisters, we are in the darkness still.

White closed the service with a departing blessing, reminding those who gathered to continue to stand in solidarity and unity beyond the sanctuary walls.

So we stand here as a symbol of people who are very different and yet who are friends and colleagues. And we encourage you to linger here for a bit and to get to know someone whom you never met, White said. And my colleagues and friends look forward to serve alongside you and to be your friend in these days ahead. Go in peace, Amen.

The service, though unplanned, came at a time of particularly heightened tensions in the community, after white supremacist fliers were found Monday morning in Wilton, as well as Norwalk, Westport and Weston.

Its unfortunate. Theres no place for it in Wilton or in any of these communities, Wilton police Capt. John Lynch said, who was invited to attend the service for security reasons. This is just a strong showing of support and Im just glad to be a part of it.

Although the event was not intended to be political, Susan Graybill said she came to make a political statement in light of recent events, mostly regarding President Donald Trumps controversial immigration ban.

Graybill said shes come to know Wilton as a tolerant and supportive community, regardless of faith or race, since she moved to town in 1988.

She wore a red hijab Tuesday night to show her support of her Muslim friends in the community.

I came here because I want to say to the current administration, Youre on the wrong page, she said. Thats part of what it means to be citizen: (it) is to stand arms united with folks of different faith, different ethnic groups, different countries.

I mean, thats what America is, she added. We are nothing but a country of immigrants.

Graybills husband, David  who retired from pastoring the Wilton Presbyterian Church in 2011  said the service spoke to the towns tradition of hosting interfaith events.

He started a series of annual interfaith services in the early 2000s following the 9/11 attacks, an idea born out of his friendships with Adeeb and former Temple Bnai Chaim Rabbi Leah Cohen.

All three of us had a joint connection with one another, but also a recognition that even though we each were grounded in our Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions, that we worshiped the same God, he said.

And Adeeb has carried this message of unity for a long time since, hoping the community and nation will do the same.

We are humans, brothers and sisters, and this should trump anything, he said. Yes we have differences, but we wont let our differences divide us. What we have in common is much more: the same dreams, the same hopes, the same fears, the same anxieties.

United we stand, divided we fall. We are one.

SKim@hearstmediact.com; 203-354-1044; @stephaniehnkim
Filibuster: An action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly while not technically contravening the required procedures.

A California member of the U.S. House of representatives, Rep. Tom McClintock, recently spoke on the subject of filibusters. We found his remarks both interesting and timely, especially since the U.S. Senate seems so often to be unable to dispose of major legislative matters.

McClintock said that the filibuster was once rarely used in the Senate, because the filibustering senator had to stay on his feet and talk the whole time. No other legislation could be considered. This was physically taxing to the speaker, as well as frustrating to colleagues who were prohibited from considering other legislation they thought important. A filibuster would end when the speaker gave up, or a super-majority (now three-fifths) of the senators voted to end it.

The value of a filibuster was to slow legislation that was especially contentious, so that compromise could be reached. Still, only 58 filibusters occurred in the 52 years after 1917. Then in 1970, Senate Democratic Majority Leader Mike Mansfield put in place two-track rules that allowed the Senate to bypass a filibustered bill and go on to another.

As McClintock said, this relieved a filibustering senator of the job of having to talk through the night and it relieved his colleagues of their aggravation at seeing their own bills languish.

But since that rule change, 1,700 filibusters have taken place  an astonishing explosion. The Senate no longer needs to resolve important but controversial legislative proposals because it can simply move on to other matters. Compromise is no longer required, congressional inaction becomes normal and citizens lose respect for the legislative branch of government.

As Congress has allowed its role and power to diminish in recent decades, executive orders by presidents and rules set by the federal bureaucracy have become commonplace. (As President Obama often said, If Congress fails to act, I will.)

McClintock said all of this is a great danger to any democratic republic, and the filibuster must be brought under control. Among other proposals, he wishes to get rid of the two-track system. He wants filibusters to again become rare, as important national issues are again resolved by Congress.

Filibusters have value  but like most things in life, only when used with moderation.
HS Football: North Penn upsets Pennsbury in instant playoff classic

With the game on the line, North Penn coach Dick Beck opted to go for the win with a two-point conversion attempt against Pennsbury.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have again unleashed a war or letters accusing each other of using up more water than was allotted to them by the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB). The board has convened a meeting to resolve the contentious issue in Hyderabad on February 8.The Engineering-in-Chief (ENC) of Andhra Pradesh Venkateswara Rao and his Telangana counterpart Muralidhar have been writing letters to the KRMB, accusing the other State of drawing water in excess.The Andhra Pradesh ENC, in a fresh letter on Friday, requested the board for the release of 16 tmcft. The letter reportedly said that 12 tmcft was required for the third wetting of the standing crop in Guntur and Prakasam districts.

While Andhra Pradesh charged Telangana with drawing nearly 5 tmcft in excess, Telangana charged the former with drawing 25 tmcft in excess and demanded that the KRMB release an equal amount of water to it. A.P. maintained that 40 tmcft was available in different projects on the river. While A.P. required 15 tmcft and Telangana 5 tmcft, there would still be 20 tmcft available.A team of KRMB officials visited the different projects in January to decide the spots to fix telemeters. A couple of months would be needed for fixing the gauges.
A sane-minded movie critic could easily become frustrated and be driven crazy trying to follow the career of Matthew McConaughey, a talented figure with an Oscar on his resume, whose last role was playing a showman koala. For every genuine gem like "Dallas Buyers Club" in his filmography there is a "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" that haunts his earlier days as a playboy lead for hire. I loved "Free State of Jones" last year, but "Gold" perplexes me. What would cause a svelte and handsome actor to go paunchy and bald (well, a 'skullet')? Only full commitment to a role that he felt was substantial, I suppose. And that's the problem with "Gold", it's a meaty role in a thin film, one that is undeserving of his talent and one of the few occasions I would ever say that a two-hour running time was too brief. I was let down by a movie that once had a plum Christmas Day opening date and that was pushed at the last minute. Never a good sign.

"Gold" is loosely based on the Bre-X mining scandal from the mid-1990s, but it's so tangentially related that it hardly follows the same path. Kenny Wells (McConaughey) is a prospector for his granddaddy's mining corporation out of Reno. He's a wide-eyed dreamer who's thrilled to take the reins from his father when the time comes to lead mineral location into the 21st Century. But the late '80s are harsh for Kenny. He's down to his last dime and a joke in his industry when he blows off to Indonesia in search of Mike Acosta (Edgar Ramirez), a hot hand looking for his own second act resurgence. Together the two set out into the thickest of jungles, build a mine, work to find indigenous labor, chain smoke Marlboros, get laid back by malaria, and strike it rich with the biggest mother lode of the day.
Louis Sullivan, known as The Father of the Skyscraper, is a well-known name in historical American architecture having produced some of the countrys most beautiful buildings.

This revolutionary and brilliant Chicago architect is the focus of the Edwardsville Arts Center next exhibit, Louis Legacy: Artists Respond to Louis Sullivan which begins with an opening reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.

Curated by Brigham Dimick, SIUE Professor of Art & Design, this exhibit will juxtapose Sullivan architectural ornaments from the SIUE University Museum collection with regional artists who use the form of Sullivans work and biography of his life as a platform for their own creative projects. Though the relationship between a participating artists works and particular ornaments displayed do not necessarily have direct correspondences, artists are making work that results from studying Sullivans work and using it as a platform for their own creative development, Dimick explained.

Participating artists in this exhibit will include Mike Mason (posthumous) digital imaging; Dan Barnett, ceramicist/blacksmith; Mike Gesiakowski, ceramic sculptor; Chris Day, large scale black and white painting; Albert Kuo, painter; Regan Melton, drawing multiples; Katie Lochhead, drawing; Brigham Dimick, drawing; John Celuch, photography; and Thad Duhigg, sculpture.

Dimick described a few pieces in the show including Albert Kuos giant wall piece which is approximately eight foot wide by seven foot high that also emerges eight inches from the wall. While this hybrid between painting and sculptural relief aligns with Kuos creative trajectory that explores painted illusion with physicality, it is clearly inspired by the relief ornament of Louis Sullivan that Albert studied attentively, Dimick noted.

Regan Melton is making a series of small drawings that juxtapose the beauty of Sullivan fragments with beautifully rendered studies of the not-so-beautiful ceilings in the warehouse where she works, Dimick added about another artist.

Dimick himself also has a piece in the exhibit. I am presenting a painting that was chiefly created on-site at the St. Louis Zoo of the chimpanzee habitat, he said. An illusion of Louis Sullivans Wainwright Tomb is painted as if it was a crumbling relic within the habitat of this endangered primate. The work deliberately juxtaposes the mutual vulnerability of human mortality and a species threatened with extinction.

Louis Legacy: Artists Respond to Louis Sullivan runs from Feb. 10 through March 17 at the Edwardsville Arts Center which is located at 6165 Center Grove Rd. The EAC is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday through Monday. Concurrently, In the student gallery is work from Edwardsville District 7 Middle Schools, Liberty and Lincoln.

This exhibit is also a part of a collaboration with the SIUE Arts & Issues presentation of the documentary, Louis Sullivan: The Struggle for American Architecture and Louis Sullivan Architectural Ornaments at SIUE Conference: Bringing the Past to Life in the 21st Century presented by the SIUE Lovejoy Library.

The documentary showing takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the SIUE Dunham Hall on Feb. 23 while the Sullivan conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 24 with sessions at the SIUE Morris University Center, the EAC and Lovejoy Library.

Visit www.artsandissues.com for additional ticket information about the Sullivan documentary showing and www.siue.edu/lovejoylibrary/ for information about the free Sullivan conference.
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Linkedin M. Taufiqurrahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

The true test of statesmanship oftentimes does not occur when a president is in office, when he or she holds massive power that can be abused or turned as a means to do good. The real test frequently comes when he or she is already out of office.

Being a holdover from the authoritarian New Order era, BJ Habibie was a much-loathed figure during his short stint as president. Students and pro-democracy activists saw him as an accidental president who would steamroll any opposition to prolong the New Order regime. But after his bid for reelection and his attempt to control Golkar failed in 1999, Habibie was quick to realize that his time was gone and decided to step away from the limelight. Today, he is a muchrespected figure in the country, playing the role of an elder statesman, often solicited for political wisdom.

While in office, Megawati Soekarnoputri was widely seen as an impulsive politician, someone who could put so much emotion into the job of running the country that her memoir was titled Menangis dan Tertawa Bersama Rakyat (Crying and Laughing with the People). Early in her retirement, Megawati began to display another trait, a vindictive streak that led her to continue to gripe over her defeat in the 2004 presidential election. But over time she started to wise up. She buried her political ambitions for good and the 2014 presidential election was the moment when she decided to choose what was best for the country, if not the party.
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Linkedin Aichiro Suryo Prabowo (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

Zumi Zola, Governor of Jambi province, put on quite a show recently when he paid an impromptu visit to the Raden Mattaher regional hospital in Jambi. He reportedly arrived at 1 a.m. with a group of men carrying cameras, only to see that the reception desk was deserted.

The governor proceeded to the next room, which revealed night shift workers trying to unwind. He was enraged. After lining up the tired-eyed workers, he lectured them on how he had received too many complaints about the hospitals poor service and therefore pledged disciplinary actions. This was all caught on camera.

Governor Zumi is not the only elected official having exercised power in such a way. Governor Ganjar Pranowo of Central Java was also captured angry on camera after exposing weight station officers being bribed by truck drivers in exchange for allowing overloaded trucks to pass. Manpower Minister Hanif Dhakiri, on a different occasion, was filmed having an outburst when he caught a group of undocumented foreign workers in a mining camp in South Kalimantan.

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Linkedin Eesha Muneeb (The Jakarta Post) Singapore  Fri, February 10, 2017

As January drew to a close, the key question on the minds of oil market participants was: how well did the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) adhere to its quotas?

OPEC and non-OPEC producers have met more than half way into their first month of the new supply cut policy in Vienna, where they put forth solid reassurances of their commitment to the output curbs.

At the meeting, Saudi oil minister Khalid al-Falih said he was positive that non-OPEC producers were taking part in the cuts, while Russias Alexander Novak said his expectations have been exceeded.

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Linkedin Michael Herdi Hadylaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

Offending a witness is nothing new in an Indonesian court of law. The late lawyer Yap Thiam Hien was once accused of insulting officials through his defense in court.

To defend his client in a commercial dispute, Yap was trying to prove that his client had been extorted by the accuser and her connections. As Yap was trying to prove a relationship between the witness, who happened to be a prosecutor at the appellate level, and the accuser, a wellconnected businesswoman, Yap asked whether the witness had slept with the accuser.

This question was seen as slanderous by the witness, which soon resulted in Yap being arrested. Yap was found guilty of defamation but was later acquitted in the appeal.

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Linkedin Masajeng Rahmiasri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017 14:13 2094 9b519824cb3263083aedb70a0bf52002 1 Art & Culture SXSW,musician,startup,tech-companies,technology,#technology,#music,#SXSW,#startup Free

Indonesian creative industry players are set to participate in the SXSW (South by Southwest Conference and Festival) in Austin, US, from March 10 to 19.

Local indie musicians Lightcraft, The Trees and The Wilds as well as Kimokal will represent Indonesia in the music festival section of the event.

Lightcraft vocalist Imam Wisaya Surataruna told The Jakarta Post that the indie rock-dream pop group was currently preparing a concept for its upcoming live performance. The journey will be an arduous one, and we will have to be at our toughest mentally to ensure we perform well, he said, adding that the group planned to present at least one new song on the stage.

Read also: David Foster, Brian McKnight to perform in Yogyakarta

Meanwhile, tech start-ups AR & Co, PicMix, GDP Venture, Em-Tek and Go-Jek are slated to represent the country in the festival's Interactive Trade Show section. Go-Jek marketing executive Piotr Jakubowski is scheduled to host a talk show titled Think & Act Local: Out-Innovating Global Competition on March 11. Jakubowski said his presentation would be about how local companies could compete on the global scene, focussing on Go-Jeks ride-hailing concept that started with motorbike taxis.

Digital accelerator start-ups, namely Qlue, Happy5, Kostoom, Kuassa and Dreadout, will be featured in the exhibition's Indonesian pavilion as well. Curator Edi Taslim said the five start-ups were selected based on their global appeal, distinctive Indonesian characteristics, local production as well as ability to compete on the global scene.

Read also: 9 interesting facts about Apple's new 'spaceship' campus

We choose the ones that could show that Indonesia is a serious market, not only as a consumer but also as a producer, Edi said.

Most of the Indonesian participants at the SXSW are said to receive financial and technical support from the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf).

Established in 1987, the SXSW highlights interactive technology as well as the film and music industry. Approximately 87,000 participants from all over the world are expected to participate in the event through more than 2,000 sessions this year. (kes)
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Linkedin Masajeng Rahmiasri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017 18:18 2094 9b519824cb3263083aedb70a0bf6b10b 1 Art & Culture interior-design,home-decor,ambiente,creative-economy,#design,festival,#festival,trade-fair,bekraf Free

Indonesian designers are currently showcasing their work at Ambiente, an annual international home decor trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany. The fair runs from Feb. 10 to Feb. 14.

The designers, Singgih Kartono from Magno, Abie Abdilllah from Studio Hiji, Alvin Tjitrowirjo from Alvin T, Sono Pamungkas from Lighting for Living, Fauzy Kamal from Kandura Studio and Roy Wibisono from Nuanza Ceramics, are displaying their products at a booth that highlights handmade and contemporary Indonesian homeware design.

Alvin Tjitrowirjo told The Jakarta Post that the designers participation aimed to improve the image of Indonesian products.

As a country that is mostly known as a manufacturing base for international brands, it is time for Indonesia to showcase its own creative assets, he said.

Alvin himself took several handmade furniture items made of bamboo, a chair made from rattan, and Lumping, a rocking horse that can be used as outdoor furniture, to the exhibition.

Read also: http://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2017/02/10/indonesian-creative-minds-to-take-part-in-sxsw.html">Indonesian creative minds to take part in SXSW

The designers participation at the event is supported by the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf), which intends to help boost the nations branding, said the agency's 4th deputy marketing head Josua Puji Mulia Simanjuntak in an official statement.

Ambiente is a market fair that showcases various glassware, kitchenware, homeware, furniture, souvenir, as well as handicraft products. Said to be one of Europes biggest homeware market fairs, some 4,888 exhibitors from 81 countries are reportedly participating in this years event. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

Ten people have been fined for littering on Jl. Sultan Agung in Pasar Manggis, Tebet, South Jakarta.

Pasar Manggis subdistrict office head Purwati said on Friday that they were caught by 36 administration officers patrolling the Pasar Rumput Market area from Thursday night to early Friday morning.

We caught 10 people littering on the sidewalks, she said as quoted by beritajakarta.com.

Purwati said the move was aimed deterring residents from littering as Pasar Rumput was often full of garbage.

She said the 10 residents were taken to the subdistrict office and fined Rp 100,000 (US$7.50) each.

We imposed stern measures, so we hope people will be deterred, she said. (cor)
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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10 2017

The nations biggest coal miner by market value Adaro Energy aims to develop more power plants as it tries to shift its core business from mining to power procurement for the long term.

Volatile coal prices have severely hurt Adaro during the past few years as its business is mostly based on the commoditys export, prompting it to transform its line of work.

Within the next five years, the firm wants to generate 5,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, more than double its current capacity, according to president director Garibaldi Boy Thohir.

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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

Jakarta gubernatorial candidate pair Anies Baswedan-Sandiaga Uno participated in a mass prayer and Quran recitation attended by thousands of Muslims at Sunda Kelapa Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta on Thursday evening, one day before they participate in the final candidate debate.

At the event, also attended by Muslim leaders including Ustadz Bachtiar Nasir and Habib Ali Assegaf, Anies delivered a speech saying that Moslem communities in Indonesia had set a good example as the most organized and peaceful Muslims in the world.

(Read also: Final debate last chance to win voters)

Mentioning two large rallies on Nov. 4 and Dec. 2 held to protest Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnamas alleged blasphemy, Anies deplored the fact that the National Monument compound in Central Jakarta was no longer available for religious activities.

He also asked Muslims to pray for him and his running mate, Sandiaga, so they could stay calm and deliver good answers during the candidate debate scheduled for Friday evening.

Please pray for me so I can have a clear mind and answer [all debate questions] easily, he said.

The third debate will be the last showdown for the Jakarta gubernatorial candidates to win the support of swing voters in the tight race, for which pollsters are still finding difficulties predicting the winner. Held two days before the official campaign period ends, the debate will address population and quality-of-life issues. (ebf)
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung  Fri, February 10, 2017

The Law and Human Rights Ministry moved Romi Herton, a convict in a bribery case involving former Constitutional Court justice Akil Mochtar, from Sukamiskin Penitentiary in Bandung to Gunung Sindur Penitentiary in Bogor.

Thursday's transfer was conducted after it was found that the former Palembang mayor violated the terms of his leave permit to visit a hospital. After his visit to the hospital, Romi went to his rented house in Antapani, Bandung, West Java.

The head of the West Java correctional division of the ministry, Molyanto, said Romi had been granted permission leave prison twice. First when he wanted to see his child who was being treated in at Charitas Hospital in Palembang, South Sumatra. The permit was for Nov. 28 to 29 last year and he was to spend the night at the closest prison in Palembang. But it didnt happen, Molyanto said. He did not obey the requirement and the guard was also at fault, he said.

The second time Romi was given permission to leave the prison was to seek medical attention at Hermina Hospital in Bandung on Dec. 15 last year. He left the hospital at 7:45 a.m. and returned to the prison at 8:30 p.m. The authorities discovered that he had he stopped at his rented house in Antapani.

He returned late and our guards were at fault, he said. Were discussing the appropriate punishment [for the guards], Molyanto said. (evi)
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has said he will not revise a 2015 ministerial regulation that the Indonesian Military (TNI) chief says has curtailed his authority to oversee the weapons procurement budget of his forces.

"The regulation does not contravene any law," Ryamizard told reporters at the office of the Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Ministry on Friday.

The minister was scheduled to meet with Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto to discuss the issue on Friday, but the meeting was canceled.

TNI commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo previously requested that the regulation, issued by Ryamizard, be annulled following the purchase of a British-Italian made Augusta Westland (AW) 101 helicopter by the Air Force.

(Read also: TNI, ministry in budget row)

The TNI and the ministry have both claimed they were not responsible for the decision to procure the chopper, which became controversial after President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo rejected it in 2015 as too expensive.

Gatot said he did not know anything about the purchase because he could no longer oversee the budget proposals of the three TNI branches: the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. The regulation stipulates that the three forces should directly submit budget proposals to the Defense Ministry. (ary)
For Teddy, 57, the forced eviction he experienced in Kampung Akuarium, also known as Pasar Ikan, in North Jakarta, in April last year was unforgettable and changed the course of his familys life for the worse.

The evictees in Pasar Ikan believe that incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama is responsible for their misery because he was the one who ordered the forced evictions.

Asked if any Pasar Ikan evictees will vote Ahok in the Feb. 15 election, Teddy shook his head and said, He will not get a single vote from us.

Pasar Ikan residents say that in the 2012 Jakarta gubernatorial election, President Joko Jokowi Widodo, then campaigning for the position of governor, and his running mate Ahok won an overwhelming majority of votes there. Jokowi-Ahok signed a political contract with the residents promising them several things including upgrading the on-site slum, a process labelled geser bukan gusur, meaning move a little, not forced evictions.

In the geser bukan gusur scheme, residents would agree to move a few meters away from the river to make way for the inspection road.

For Pasar Ikan residents, the forced evictions have changed their feelings about Ahok completely. Teddy, who has four children and is now unemployed, said he had planned to send his children to university using the money he had gradually saved up over the years. However, the eviction destroyed his dream.

The city administration evicted 596 families in the poor fishermens neighborhood in April last year to clear the area of what Ahok called illegal squatters and a hotbed of tuberculosis.

Jono, who like Teddy still remains in the evicted neighborhood, said relocation was not an option for him and many of the residents who worked around Pasar Ikan. He said he once checked out an apartment in Marunda but later decided to come back and live in a makeshift shack because the apartment was too far away from Pasar Ikan where he works as a boat porter.

Since the eviction, the community of Pasar Ikan has been one of the most organized in its animosity toward Ahok.

When The Jakarta Post visited the area on Wednesday, Anies Baswedan banners, the rival of Ahok in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, and the flag of the Gerindra Party, were everywhere to be seen.

Teddy said Anies had visited the area during a recent campaign stop and personally met with residents along with Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto.

Teddy said, however, that residents did not expect much from a politician like Anies, noting that they had already been betrayed by politicians in the past.

If a political contract is betrayed, how can we trust a [mere] promise, Teddy said.

In 2012, Jokowi-Ahok also made a contract with Bukit Duri residents in South Jakarta. One of the points was geser bukan gusur. In 2012, Jokowi and Ahok also won a majority of votes in Bukit Duri.

In September 2016, however, Ahok ordered the forced eviction of residents in the area and told them to move to apartments in Rawa Bebek.

Bukit Duri residents have pinned their hopes on candidates other than Ahok and they met with Anies in early January. During the meeting, the residents gave Anies a list of 10 aspirations, which included halting the forced evictions.

Besides Anies, rival Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has also taken a different stance from Ahok in regards to forced evictions. He has tried to woo voters with promises that he will not evict them. He also used the term geser bukan gusur while campaigning in the area.

Ahoks camp, on the other hand, has campaigned on continuing to develop the city.

Ahok and his supporters have mocked Anies and Agus, saying that they are all talk and that it is impossible to develop the city without forced evictions.

On social media, memes mocking Agus geser bukan gusur proposal are circulating with Ahoks supporters calling it a ridiculous theory.
The third debate on Friday evening will be the last showdown for Jakarta gubernatorial candidates to win over swing voters amid a tight race, in which pollsters have difficulties predicting the winner.

The debate, which will address population and quality-of-life issues, will take place two days before the campaign period officially ends.

This debate will be the final chance for voters to see all candidates on one stage, imparting their solutions, visions and missions, regarding the citys woes. We hope that through this debate, voters will be able to single out the person who will lead the city for the next five years, Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) member Betty Epsilon Idroos told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Betty also urged the three candidate pairs, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Sylviana Murni, Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama and Djarot Saiful Hidayat and Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno, to use the finale debate as a medium to woo more voters.

The debate may not only help undecided voters make a decision, but could actually influence voters that have already made up their minds to switch to candidates they deem as having presented better and concrete ideas, she said.

Fridays debate, which will cover the topics of womens empowerment, child protection, drug eradication and the protection of residents with disabilities, will be moderated by CNN Indonesia news anchor Alfito Deannova.

Betty said KPU Jakarta selected Alfito because he had long experience as a television host.

We believe Alfito has the capacity to host this debate. He also doesnt have any political affiliation, Betty said.

Betty said just like the second debate on Jan. 27, the final one would run for 120 minutes and be divided into six segments. There will also be four panelists. KPU Jakarta has yet to divulge the names of the panelists.

The election commission has engaged Transmedia, Kompas TV, SCTV and JakTV as host stations for the debate, which will also be broadcast by 10 other television stations, including Aljazeera TV.

Candidate Agus, who surveys and analysts say did not benefit from the previous two debates, said there were no special preparations for the final debate.

In preparing myself for the upcoming debate, I delved into the issues to be addressed in between my daily campaign activities, Agus said.

Agus said he was optimistic that he and Sylviana could convince Jakarta voters to cast their votes for the pair in the remaining time before voting day, believing that, if elected governor, the tickets programs could further develop the capital.

Agus rivals, Ahok and Anies have until now gained most from the debates, with survey results showing their electability had received a boost after each debate on Jan. 13 and Jan. 27.

The Ahok-Djarot camp said it had prepared nothing special and would again elaborate on what it had accomplished during its tenure. In the past debates Ahok and Djarot took advantage of their incumbent position and many voters said they were the most knowledgeable pair.

They dont need to get too fancy, Ahok-Djarot campaign team secretary Ace Hasan Syadzily said.

He said Jakartans should not doubt Ahoks programs regarding womens empowerment and the protection of mothers and children, because people were aware that Ahoks wife, Veronica Tan, was active as the chair of Jakarta Family Welfare (PKK) and had initiated the childfriendly integrated public spaces (RPTRA).

Meanwhile, the Anies-Sandiaga ticket is also confident going into the final debate, hoping that the issue of improving Jakarta residents quality of life, which has been the focus of its campaign, could give them an edge in the final debate.

On womens issues, Anies said he had plans to make life more comfortable for women in Jakarta, including by providing labor emergency units in all community health centers (Puskesmas), as maternal deaths continued to occur on account of a lack of medical access in Jakarta.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

The government is preparing a new economic package to alleviate poverty and reduce economic and social disparity through agrarian reform, head of Presidential Staff Teten Masduki has said.

Part of the policy would see the collection of progressive taxes from those who owned idle plots of land, he noted.

Poverty and social disparity in Indonesia are worsening, said Teten, as reported by tempo.co on Friday.

(Read also: Sofyan Djalil, Sri Mulyani to discuss taxes for idle land)

With the new policy, a large number of people would have access to land, encouraging landowners to make their land more productive, he added.

The government would also introduce social forest development to help people access forest land responsibly, he said.

Teten could not explain the details of the progressive tax on idle land, but he stressed that the policy was to prevent people from controlling too much land with no clear function.

Land has an economic aspect that should not be controlled by a limited number of people, said Teten. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

The South Tangerang Police have arrested a housewife in Tangerang regency, Banten, for fraud involving 25 credit cards.

The police's criminal unit head, Adj. Comr. Alexander, said on Thursday that the suspect, identified as Lilianni, 33, reportedly stole the credit cards on Jan. 19.

At the time, she went to a karaoke bar in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, with two friends, including victim Susan, 54.

Lilianni reportedly suddenly left the bar while her friends remained there.

"The victim did not realize at the time that her 25 credit cards had been stolen by the suspect," said Alexander as quoted by wartakotalive.com on Thursday.

(Read also: Police arrest two credit card counterfeiters)

The victim realized that her credit cards were missing the next day after she received a message from a bank.

The message said that a Rp 31 million transaction had been made on her credit card.

Susan immediately reported the suspect to the police and they tracked down Lilianni.

She was arrested on Wednesday in Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta, after a plainclothes police officer invited her to a karaoke hall.

"She admitted that she had stolen 25 credit cards and had used them to buy luxury goods," Alexander said. (agn)
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Linkedin Prima Wirayani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) is weighing options on changing the pre-closing trading regulation in a bid to enhance transparency.

Pre-closing trading occurs 10 minutes before the close of each trading day or at between 3:50 p.m. and 4 p.m.

During the period, investors are still able to input their stock offers and demands to be calculated by the bourse's system and to be included on the Jakarta Composite Index (IDX).

(Read also: Outlook bright for IDX in 2017)

However, although the inputs affect the index, investors are not able to see the transactions.

"This is to ensure transparency in trading," IDX president director Tito Sulistio told a media briefing on Friday.

The bourse is weighing two options. The first is to disclose the offered and proposed stock price information or the order book, so that investors can still watch the price movement during pre-closing.

The second option is to implement a random market closing through a mechanism that would automatically close trading randomly during pre-closing. This system is implemented by the Thai bourse.

The first option can be immediately implemented if agreed to, Tito said, while the second one would require approval from the Financial Services Authority (OJK).

"We are in process of talking with associations about the new proposed systems," he said, adding that there was no exact timetable for the implementation. (tas)
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Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang and Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

Islamic education teachers in private and public schools will soon be required to have a bachelors degree in Islamic studies.

Preachers will soon also have to follow guidelines set by mainstream clerics on what they should not preach in Friday sermons.

The Religious Affairs Ministry, tasked with maintaining religious harmony in the country, is working to tackle the problem of intolerance by ensuring that bigotry is neither taught at schools nor preached in mosques.

The ministry would distribute circulars to regional administrations and schools asking them to no longer employ people with insufficient qualifications in Islamic studies to teach the religion, the ministrys Islamic education director general Komaruddin Amin told The Jakarta Post.

All teachers with insufficient educational backgrounds must be replaced. To avoid [students] being misled, we must not entrust those who are lacking competence to teach religious education, he said.

(Read also: Bigotry haunts nation)

The official said the policy had been decided upon after a number of studies had shown that many Islamic education teachers were themselves intolerant.

A 2016 study by the Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) revealed that 78 percent of Islamic education teachers supported organizations that demanded the implementation of sharia in the country.

The study, which was conducted at schools in Banda Aceh, Central Java, West Java, West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi, also found that 87 percent of Islamic education teachers opposed to the appointment of nonMuslims as school principals, and nearly 90 percent of them refused to vote for non-Muslims as mayors or regents.

According to ministry data, there are currently 186,000 Islamic education teachers in the country while there are more than 230,000 schools that are in need of Islamic studies teachers.

The Indonesian Islamic Education Teachers Association (AGPAII) has said that several of its members did not have formal education in Islamic studies and that may be the reason why they have failed to understand the need of promoting tolerance.

Other than reforming Islamic education, the ministry also aims to nix bigotry from religious sermons being delivered in mosques.

The ministry has said it will work with Muslim clerics to create guidelines on what preachers should convey in Friday sermons, following complaints from some Muslims that Friday sermons in several mosques have been inaccurate and inflammatory.

The government will not intervene, let alone regulate the content of sermons like in the past. Today is a whole different era. And its impossible for us to do such things because we know that its not part of our domain, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said.

However, the minister asserted what we need is guidance that can serve as a reference point for the preachers to know what they can and cannot say during sermons.

Some Muslim scholars have criticized the plan, saying the government should not regulate what preachers should say. But others support the policy, saying that the government is trying to ensure that religious preachers are competent.

Nowadays, clerics have a bigger role to play in influencing peoples thoughts, more than that of teachers in formal education institutions. [...] If standardization doesnt lead to censorship, then why not [have such a policy]?, Haidar Bagir, a graduate of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University, said.
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Linkedin Haeril Halim, Syofiardi Bachyul Jb and Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

Almost a year and a half after two of the worst disasters in haj history, Saudi Arabia has yet to fulfill its commitment to victims of the tragedies, including Indonesians killed and injured in the collapse of a crane at the AlHaram Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Twelve citizens of Indonesia, the country with the worlds largest Muslim population, were killed and 49 injured when the crane collapsed on Sept. 11, 2015, days before the haj officially started.

The kingdom had pledged to the Indonesian government that it would provide 1 million riyals (US$266,607) in compensation for every dead or permanently disabled victim and 500,000 riyals for the less badly injured, but nothing has been received by the victims as of today.

Zulfitri Zaini, 58, a pilgrim from Solok, West Sumatra, lost her right leg and had her left hand paralyzed in the crane accident.

She also suffered hearing impairment that has prevented her working as a teacher in a junior high school and is now struggling to cover her medical expenses.

Since arriving home on Oct. 2, 2015, she has had to pay all her medical expenses, including using her own savings to pay Rp 28.5 million ($2,146) for a prosthetic limb and Rp 19 million in other expenses that her limited health insurance could not cover.

I spend most my time in bed now. Sometimes, like once a month, I ask my relatives to take me to school, which is two hours away from my house, just to make me feel like I am able to work again, Zulfitri, who used to teach math told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

I was praying at the Grand Mosque when the crane smashed into my left hand and right leg. Then I passed out, Zulfitri said, recalling the painful experience.

She had to undergo two additional operations on her left hand and right leg. The wound is still fresh even today, she said.

Tired of waiting, she asked for help from the Padang Legal Aid Institute (LBH), which filed a complaint to the Saudi embassy in Jakarta and the Religious Affairs Ministry on Jan. 13. However, the reports have gone unanswered.

We called on the Indonesian government to be more proactive urging the Saudi government to pay the promised compensation, LBH Padang director Era Purnama Sari said.

(Read also: Govt urged to follow up Saudi Arabia's compensation promise for crane victims)

Saudi began renovations to expand Al-Haram in 2013 and cut back the number of pilgrims who could perform the haj every year because of the construction around the mosque.

The year 2015 saw two haj tragedies. After the crane collapse, which claimed the lives of 111 pilgrims from various nations, more than 700 died later in a stampede during the stoning ritual at Mina, located near Mecca.

Along with the compensation, Saudi Arabia also promised that the heirs of dead pilgrims and the 49 injured victims could perform the haj last year. But none of these commitments were realized.

Subandi bin Ahmad Sarbini, a pilgrim from Maros, South Sulawesi, said the falling crane hit his head and left arm.

The officer with the Maros Police said his left hand had been left paralyzed and he was forced to use only one hand. The injuries also affected his nervous system leaving half his face paralyzed.

Although the accident badly affected him physically, he tries to continue working as usual as a police officer in order to support his family.

Thank God, I was transferred to the office [away from beat duty] at the human resources division. So, my activities now are not as hard as in the past, said the 51-year-old.

He added that if he eventually received the compensation money, he would use it to go to Mecca again with his wife. My wife and I want to go to Mecca again, he said.

Religious Affairs Ministry spokesman Rosidin said the ministry had tried its best to push the Saudi government to pay the compensation but to no avail, adding that the ministry had submitted the data on the victims to the kingdom in 2015.

The latest response we got from Saudi was that they were still collecting the data on the victims worldwide before it moves to pay compensation simultaneously to all affected countries including Indonesia. The Indonesian government will always encourage the Kingdom to make good on its promise, Rosidin said.

Saudi Arabia cut the haj quota for Indonesia from 211,000 to 168,800 for safety reasons when it started the expansion of the mosque in 2013.
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Linkedin Eesha Muneeb (The Jakarta Post) Singapore  Fri, February 10 2017

As January drew to a close, the key question on the minds of oil market participants was: how well did the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) adhere to its quotas?

OPEC and non-OPEC producers have met more than half way into their first month of the new supply cut policy in Vienna, where they put forth solid reassurances of their commitment to the output curbs.

At the meeting, Saudi oil minister Khalid al-Falih said he was positive that non-OPEC producers were taking part in the cuts, while Russias Alexander Novak said his expectations have been exceeded.

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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10 2017

The Bambu Apus shelter in East Jakarta looks like any regular rehabilitation center where children can be seen playing without a particularly heavy security presence.

But that does not mean visitors can simply drop into the shelter, which currently houses 75 people deported from Turkey, Singapore and Japan for allegedly trying to join the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Syria.

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Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

The Bambu Apus shelter in East Jakarta looks like any regular rehabilitation center where children can be seen playing without a particularly heavy security presence.

But that does not mean visitors can simply drop into the shelter, which currently houses 75 people deported from Turkey, Singapore and Japan for allegedly trying to join the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Syria.

Im sorry, entry to this place must be approved by the National Polices counterterrorism squad Densus 88, a man holding a walkie-talkie told The Jakarta Post at the shelters gate.

Of the 75 people housed in the shelter, which has a total capacity of 130 people, 17 are men, 24 are women and 34 children.

Many of them are related to each other. The last batch of alleged IS supporters sent to the shelter includes former Finance Ministry official Triyono Utomo, 40, his wife Nur Khofifah, 55, and three children aged 12, 7 and 3.

Unlike neighboring Malaysia, which has charged a number of people with trying to join IS in Syria under its penal code, Indonesia does not regard such attempts as crimes.

The National Police have said supporters can only be charged with terrorism if they are found to have actually joined and fought with IS.

(Read also: Deradicalization must involve women)

Despite having been exposed to radical ideologies for years that inspired them to migrate to Syria to join IS, the deported IS supporters, particularly the 41 adults, only undergo a one-month deradicalization program at the shelter before being sent back to their respective hometowns.

The 17 men are held in separate buildings away from their wives but they can still interact with each other during breaks and before bedtime.

The children are also separated from their radicalized fathers and housed in the same buildings as their mothers. One of the 34 children is a three-week-old infant and some others are toddlers.

The shelter has several parks where social workers take the children to play various games and teach them to read books every day accompanied by psychologists to ensure that they are in a stable psychological state and have not been exposed to radical ideology by their parents.

Children only return to their parents during breaks and when they want to go to sleep with their mothers, Bambu Apus shelter head Sulistya Ariadhi told the Post over the phone.

The Bambu Apus rehabilitation center has several cottagelike buildings situated around 10 to 15 meters from each other and each building has several rooms.

Activities start at 5 a.m. when they wake for dawn prayers at the shelter, after which they are required to attend daily sessions from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) officers, Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel, clerics and former jihadists are scheduled to speak during the daily sessions. Yesterday, they had a dialogue with a former jihadist who was once more radical than them, Sulistya said.

Many of the deportees, who are not allowed to have access to cellphones or the internet during their stay, refused to talk in the first days after their arrival at the shelter, Sulistya said.

But after three days or so they start to communicate with social workers. Thats good progress. Social workers will ensure that they are ready to communicate with other people before they are sent to their respective hometowns, he said.

At the end of the program, Sulistya said, Bambu Apus officials will meet with Densus 88, the BNPT and Social Affairs Ministry officials to conduct an assessment of each of the deportees to determine whether they are ready to go home.

Society must embrace the families after they return home because to leave them alienated and stigmatized will only push them back into radicalism, BNPT chief Suhardi Alius said.

Critics, however, question the law enforcers decision to let the adult IS supporters go despite their attempts to join the terrorist group. The fact that they already arrived in Turkey to enter Syria shows that they were acting on their intentions. That should be subject to prosecution, terrorism expert Al Chaidar said.

He further argued that the problem could be because Indonesia has yet to draw up an official list of foreign terrorist organizations that could be used as a legal reference by the police in their investigation of deported IS supporters.

The Attorney Generals Office has to move to draw up such a list so our law enforcement agencies have a reference list on which organizations are labeled as terrorist groups, he said.
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Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Surakarta, Central Java  Fri, February 10, 2017

Hundreds of thousands of Wonogiri people who reside in Jakarta have been asked by Wonogiri deputy regent Edy Santoso to maintain peace in the capital during the Jakarta gubernatorial election by not participating in the upcoming rally.

Edy also called on them to focus on their own work rather than contributing to the polarizing attitudes that have arisen in arguably the most divisive Jakarta election in the capital's history.

He delivered the message during a meeting with religious leaders from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah in the Wonigiri administration office on Friday.

The political situation is heated, especially in regions having elections. Wonogirians outside the regency, please dont join the fray, especially those in Jakarta, he said.

The Feb. 11 rally was planned by the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Council's Fatwa (GNPF-MUI), the same group that led the large-scale rallies on Nov. 11 and Dec. 12.

Edy said so far he had yet to receive any reports on groups from Wonogiri that would join the rally on Saturday.

In the meeting, NU and Muhammadiyah leaders in Wonogiri had also confirmed that their members would not go to Jakarta. (evi)
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Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa praised the death sentence handed down to two men found guilty of raping and murdering 19-year-old Eno Parihah by the Tangerang District Court.

The sentence gives legal certainty for the protection of women and children, and ensures justice, especially for the family of the victim, Khofifah said on Friday.

She said what the culprits, Imam Harpriadi, 24, and Rahmat Arifin, 24, did was beyond comprehension, and surely left scars that would last for a lifetime for Enos family.

Therefore, Khofifah believed the sentence fit the crime.

She said she hoped the sentence would have a deterrent effect, and thus reduce the number of sexual violence cases against women and children in the country.

Enos death has rocked Tangerang given the brutality Imam, Rahmat and another perpetrator inflicted upon their victim. The other perpetrator, a 15-year-old boy, was sentenced to 10 years in prison last year. (evi)
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Linkedin Moses Ompusunggu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

Incumbent Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat said the third and final official gubernatorial debate on Friday evening was pivotal for voters to decide who the most experienced candidate was.

"[By watching the third debate], citizens will hopefully be able to decide who among the candidates are only making promises and who is arguing based on experience," Djarot told reporters before the debate at Bidakara hotel in South Jakarta on Friday evening.

The third debate will focus on demography and improvement of Jakartans' livelihood.

Djarot also expressed his hope that election day on Feb. 15 would be a "face of Indonesian democracy" and promote tolerance among citizens.

"We hope that the election will be secure from any threats and is held peacefully," Djarot added. (bbs)
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Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry will soon issue a new regulation to help lower costs for mine-mouth power plants.

The new ministerial decree would be similar to another regulation that had capped gas prices at the wellhead to ensure lower costs for electricity producers, said the ministry's electricity director general, Jarman on Friday

"The mine-mouth power plant and non-mine mouth power plant rules will be issued soon to regulate [prices]," he said during a coffee morning at the electricity directorate general in South Jakarta.

(Read also: PLN keeps stumbling on 35,000 MW project)

Last year, the ministry issued two ministerial decrees on mine-mouth power plants, with the later one being a revision of the one issued earlier in the year.

The most recent ministerial decree stipulated that that the mine-mouth price of coal would be based on business-to-business negotiations between mining and electricity companies, as opposed to the fixed pricing mechanism implemented previously.

The new decree will be a second revision of Ministerial Decree No. 9/2016.

"Electricity costs must be competitive," Jarman said.

Coal is expected to remain a major source of electricity production in the next decade, with about 265,599 megawatts (MW) procured from the national capacity of 527,978 MW by 2025. (bbn)
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java  Fri, February 10, 2017

About 200 members of Islamic organizations under the auspices of the Semarang Muslim Forum (FUIS) are set to depart for Jakarta to participate in a rally on Saturday.

FUIS spokesperson Susmanto said their departure was in response to the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Councils Edicts [GNPF MUI] call for a rally to follow up the previous one held to "defend Islam" on Dec.2.

We will join the Feb.11 rally, which will be held at Istiqlal Grand Mosque, FUIS spokesperson Susmanto said on Friday.

Dubbed Aksi 112, the rally will be themed Zikr and National Islamic Lecture on the Implementation of Al-Maidah 51.

Our participation is part of our responsibility to the interests of Islam and Muslim people in Indonesia, who are facing a lot of pressure and accusations, said Susmanto.

The first group, which comprises 150 people, will depart for Jakarta by bus from the FUIS headquarters on Jl. Kakap Raya, Dadapsari subdistrict, North Semarang. The second group, which comprises 50 people, will go by train from Poncol Station, Semarang, on 6 p.m.

No party will keep us from attending the rally. Even the police have promised to guard our trip to Jakarta, said Susmanto.

He said during the rally, the FUIS would call for an end to all kinds of discrimination against Muslim clerics because they were assets, not enemies of the state. It would also call for the temporary dismissal of Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama as Jakarta governor and his arrest for blasphemy. (ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

The Jakarta Police brought in E, a friend of Firza Husein, a treason suspect who has been linked to Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab, for questioning for a second time Thursday.

Police cybercrime investigators division questioned E at the Depok Police station, close to her residence.

E became a witness after she was mentioned by Firza, whose alleged WhatsApp conversation with Rizieq went viral in late January.

Her name was heard repeatedly in a voice note that was leaked along with several screen captures, also containing her name, in the conversations, allegedly between Firza and Rizieq. The interlocutors of the chat were setting up a meeting and E's name was mentioned because one of them was afraid E would see them meeting.

Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said as quoted by Antara news agency the questioning was part of an investigation into the alleged violation of the Pornography Law.

The police will also soon publish a notification letter to begin an investigation to name any suspects in the case.

Firza had been declared a suspect for her alleged role in planned treason during the Dec. 2 rally in 2016, where hundreds of thousands of Muslims demanded the prosecution of Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy. (dea/evi)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Fri, February 10 2017

The arrival of a joint British-Italian made chopper at the Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase on Jan. 29 and the subsequent controversy surrounding the legitimacy of its procurement has left many people, not only in military circles but also among the general public, asking serious questions.

The decision to purchase the AgustaWestland (AW) 101 has exposed a power struggle between the Defense Ministry and the Indonesian Military (TNI) over which institution has the ultimate authority to decide on weapons procurement, both in terms of budget and policy. Neither the TNI nor the ministry have accepted responsibility for the decision to procure the chopper, especially after President Joko Jokowi Widodo rejected the proposal to buy the aircraft in 2015.

Jokowi regarded the AW 101, which is reportedly worth US$55 million and to be used for presidential purposes, as too expensive. In the wake of the controversy, Jokowi has said he would like to look further into a Defense Ministry regulation that has been cited as the authorization for the procurement.

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Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Fri, February 10 2017

The Indonesia Islamic University (UII) has expelled nine students in relation to hazing that led to the deaths of three freshmen and 14 being injured.

The measure was taken after the university deemed the nine responsible for violence committed during a student camping trip organized by Mapala Unisi climbing club on Mount Lawu in Karanganyar, Central Java, last month. Another 10 students who were reportedly involved in the violence have been suspended for two to three semesters.

The nine students have been expelled because they tortured [freshmen], by kicking, beating and slapping them, said UII spokesperson Muzayin Nazarudin.

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Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10 2017

Flying fewer commercial routes will be put on the table by the government as it aims to improve connectivity and boost tourism.

The Transportation Ministry says it will ask airlines to fly fewer commercial destinations when they apply for a new route.

The ministrys air transportation director general,Suprasetyo, said the government had poured in investment by building airports in the countrys emerging priority destinations, including Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara and Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi.

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Linkedin Severianus Endi (The Jakarta Post) Pontianak, West Kalimantan  Fri, February 10, 2017

Many regions in West Kalimantan are preparing for Cap Go Meh celebrations scheduled to take place on Saturday.

Cities like Sinkawang and Pontianakwhere significant ethnic-Chinese communities resideas well as Sambas, Bengkawang and Mempawah, each will hold Cap Go Meh celebrations.

Cap Go Meh is observed 15 days after Chinese New Year, locally known as Imlek.

Hundreds of tatungs, an essential part of the local Cap Go Meh tradition, will demonstrate their ability of piercing their bodies with sharp objects at several of the parades on Saturday.

As was the case with Chinese New Year celebrations observed on Jan 28, Cap Go Meh events will be under police guard. There will be 832 police personnel assigned to 138 locations in Singkawang.

In the city, there will be a parade of 565 tatungs and a 178-meter-long dragon replica that will be carried by up to 100 people. There will also be a parade of lanterns to add to the festivities. Meanwhile in Pontianak, 690 police personnel have been assigned to 12 locations. A night market in the center of the city and a parade of 11 dragon replicas will also entertain locals and tourists.

(Read also: Tatung to enliven Cap Go Meh celebration in Sambas)

West Kalimantan Police chief Insp. Gen. Musyafak said on Friday police beefed up security to prevent any disruptions.

We give special attention to Singkawang, which is a tourism destination for both domestic and foreign tourists, he said.

West Kalimantan Police operations bureau head Sr. Comr. Hariadi said the security measures prepared for Cap Go Meh were a continuation of measures for Chinese New Year, where security personnel guarded 1,200 temples across the province. (rin)
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Linkedin Michael Herdi Hadylaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10 2017

Offending a witness is nothing new in an Indonesian court of law. The late lawyer Yap Thiam Hien was once accused of insulting officials through his defense in court.

To defend his client in a commercial dispute, Yap was trying to prove that his client had been extorted by the accuser and her connections. As Yap was trying to prove a relationship between the witness, who happened to be a prosecutor at the appellate level, and the accuser, a well-connected businesswoman, Yap asked whether the witness had slept with the accuser.

This question was seen as slanderous by the witness, which soon resulted in Yap being arrested. Yap was found guilty of defamation but was later acquitted in the appeal.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017

PT Yakult Indonesia Persada, one of the major producers of fermented milk products, still relies on imported raw materials for its production in Indonesia.

Yakult Indonesia vice president director Hiroyuki Kawada said the company had to import ingredients because local milk had yet to meet the standards for the companys fermented milk production.

We mostly import the skimmed milk from Australia, and the rest is from Belgium, he said during a meeting with the editorial staff of The Jakarta Post.

(Read also: F&B sector should target low-income consumers: Analyst)

Yakult Indonesia Persada, a subsidiary of Japan-based Yakult Honsha, was established in1990. The company operates a factory in Sukabumi, West Java, and another in Mojokerto, East Java. The factories can produce 6.6 million 65-ml bottles of cultured dairy drink a day.

The company sells its fermented milk through supermarkets and through Yakult Lady, a sales force of women who sell the product doors-to-door in many parts of the country.

There are 7,600 Yakult Ladies now, and they can reach 30 houses per day each, said Antonius Nababan, the companies marketing communication and commercial (MCC) director.

Zulkarnain, the MCCs senior assistant manager, said sales averaged 5 million bottles a day and claimed that the number of the consumers totaled more than 5 million, assuming a person drinks a bottle of Yakult a day.

Indonesia was the second-biggest market of the Yakult products after Japan, which has 10.18 million consumers. (dra)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, February 11 2017

Publicly listed lender Bank Bukopin is offering shares in its sharia subsidiary, Bank Syariah Bukopin, to several foreign investors from Qatar and Malaysia. Malaysia-based Affin Bank Berhad, a wholly owned subsidiary of Affin Holdings Berhad, is among the serious bidders.

Bank Bukopin president director Glen Glenardi said earlier this week that the firm, as the parent company of the sharia lender, was still communicating with Affin Bank in relation to the technicalities of the share divestment.

We are still communicating, we have planned it since last year. Affin Bank intended to buy the majority of the shares, around 60 percent, but the regulations in Indonesia do not allow it. We can only divest about 40 percent, he told The Jakarta Post.

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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, February 10, 2017 08:36 2095 9b519824cb3263083aedb70a0bf42d8a 1 SE Asia Indonesia-Australia,bilateral-ties,military,military-cooperation,TNI,TNI-commander-Gatot-Nurmantyo,bilateral-spat Free

Relations between Australia and Indonesia remain intact despite the latest military stumble that has resulted in an ongoing suspension of defense cooperation, observers have said.

Institute for Defense, Security and Peace Studies executive director Mufti Makarim underlined that major calls on international military cooperation could only be made by executive decision.

Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo only suspended a small part of a cooperative partnership on education and training with the TNIs Australian counterpart, he said, questioning Gatots capacity to make the decision.

There will not be any macro impact on the relations between the two countries based on this case, Mufti told The Jakarta Post over the phone on Thursday.

(Read also: TNI temporarily halts cooperation with ADF over insult)

Gatot said in a statement late on Wednesday that the TNI had accepted an apology conveyed by Australian Army chief Lt. Gen. Angus Campbell during a meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday. The apology came about following an investigation into offensive training material found at a military training facility in Perth in October.

The statement noted that Australia claimed the material was not a reflection of the institution but rather that of individual personnel, adding that the Australian Defense Force had taken steps by evaluating the facility, curriculum and imposing sanctions on those involved.

Gatot has not yet decided to resume full cooperation, saying that he would first need to report to the defense minister and the foreign minister before eventually meeting with President Joko Jokowi Widodo to discuss the future direction of the cooperation.

The kerfuffle started when a visiting language trainer from the Armys Special Forces (Kopassus) found that the curriculum at the Perth training facility discredited the TNI for its alleged human rights abuses in East Timor and encouraged the restive Papua region to separate from Indonesia. Also found was a laminated paper depicting a tweaked version of the state ideology of Pancasila, changing it to become Pancagila, or five crazy principles.

Gatot then suspended interactions with Australia in January while Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said bilateral relations continued to be healthy.

(Read also: INSIGHT: Indonesia-Australia relations and the perils of success)

Meanwhile, defense analyst Connie Bakrie said Indonesia would continue to foster good relations despite the incident. She noted there should be a focus on analyzing the root cause behind the distortion of Pancasila.

What needs to be stressed is to actually see how Pancagila could come about, including how long its been used and how many batches of it have gone through in the training facility, Connie told the Post, adding that the risk that it had existed for an extended period of time could point to flaws in the curriculum.

She also noted that Indonesia would be careful to maintain good relations with Australia. As a prominent ally of the United States, and with an expected reduction in Americas military presence in the Asia Pacific under US President Donald Trump, Australia could shift into a growing power, Connie said.

Meanwhile, Iis Gindarsah, a defense expert at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said dynamic relations between Indonesia and Australia were inevitable, noting that both countries were democratic nations with vibrant civil societies.

The biggest challenge for a stable bilateral partnership remains how to prevent sensitive issues relating to law enforcement and homeland security disturbing ongoing defense and military cooperation, he said.

The neighboring countries have experienced ups and downs, with the last major suspension of military cooperation occuring in 2013 following the revelation that Australian intelligence had attempted to spy on Indonesia by tapping the phones of then president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his wife and his inner circle.

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto recently said President Jokowi was expected to visit Australia on Feb. 26.
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Linkedin Esther Htusan (Associated Press) Yangon, Myanmar  Fri, February 10, 2017

A Malaysian ship carrying 2,300 tons of food and medicine to help members of Myanmar's persecuted Muslim Rohingya minority arrived in Yangon on Thursday as rights groups accuse the army of mass killings, rapes and other crimes targeting the ethnic group.

The "Food Flotilla for Myanmar" arrived following a sweeping counterinsurgency campaign in Rakhine state, where most of the estimated 1 million Rohingya live. Last week, U.N. human rights investigators said it was "very likely" that Myanmar forces were guilty of crimes against humanity in the crackdown.

Organizers of the aid shipment say they trust the Myanmar government to deliver the supplies as promised despite its record of discrimination.

"We have to respect Myanmar's sovereignty," said Razali Ramli, from the 1Putera Club Malaysia, which helped organize the shipment along with a coalition of non-government organizations. "We hand over the aid in good faith."

The Rohingya have long faced official and social persecution in Myanmar, a majority-Buddhist country. Most do not have citizenship and are regarded as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even when their families have lived in Myanmar's Rakhine state for generations.

The conflict has been simmering for years but there are worrying signs that it is escalating into an armed insurgency, according to a recent report by the International Crisis Group.

The army launched its most recent crackdown in October following attacks on guard posts near the Bangladesh border that killed nine police officers. According to ICG, the border attacks were coordinated by a new insurgent group calling itself Harakah al-Yaqin, or the Faith Movement.

Organized by a network of Rohingya in Saudi Arabia and bankrolled by wealthy donors, the militant group is drawing Muslims disillusioned and desperate from years of disenfranchisement by the Myanmar government, the report said.

The government has denied abuses and has blocked independent journalists and aid workers from visiting the military's operation zone in Rakhine. On Wednesday, the country's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, said a government-appointed commission on Rakhine will investigate some of the recent accusations of abuse.

"Where there is clear evidence of abuses and violations, the government will take necessary measures," she said in a statement carried by the country's state-run newspaper.

When Malaysia first proposed the flotilla in December, Myanmar officials said they would turn it away. In January they said they'd permit the vessel, but that it had to dock in Yangon instead of Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine.

Malaysia, which has a Muslim majority, is an outspoken critic of Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya. Last month, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak slammed Myanmar for letting the abuses continue.

On Thursday, dozens of Buddhist monks protested outside the port where the aid ship arrived, denying that the ethnic group Rohingya even exists. Many in Myanmar refer to the Rohingya as Bengalis, suggesting they belong in Bangladesh.

"We can accept if the ship is coming to help the Bengalis and we are not trying to stop the donation," said Win Ko Ko Lat, the leader of Myanmar Buddhist Nationalists Network. "But we want them to know that there is no Rohingya in Myanmar. This is our campaign."

A detailed report released last week by the U.N.'s human rights agency alleging widespread killing and rape by Myanmar government security forces has intensified international concern about the Rohingyas' plight.

On Wednesday, Pope Francis appealed for prayers for the Rohingya ethnic minority.

"These are good people, peaceful people," Francis said. "They're not Christians, but they're good, our brothers and sisters. And they have been suffering for years. They've been tortured and killed, simply because they are continuing their traditions, their Muslim faith. Let us pray for them," he said.

__
Lower East Side activists have not given up on their campaign to win Rivington House back for the Lower East Side community.

A local group, Neighbors to Save Rivington House, announced today that its will be hosting two visioning events to discuss the future of the former nursing home for AIDS patients. They are undeterred by repeated statements from Mayor de Blasio that the the sale of the building to luxury condo developers can likely not be reversed. His administrations decision to lift deed restrictions on the longtime community facility touched off one of the biggest scandals of the mayors administration.

Heres what Neighbors to Save Rivington House is planning:

Whats Next for Rivington House: Creating New Ideas for Community Care The goals of the visioning sessions are: 1) look at an array of possible futures by offering concrete information and innovative ideas for addressing the care needs (health, respite, supportive housing, disability, etc.) of our community. 2) ask local residents to join with us to consider how best to meet those needs. How do we create facilities for care that people can call home (or find temporary help) while keeping them in the center of our community? Our position is and has been that Rivington House must be returned to public use for the benefit of our Lower East Side community. We will begin with a two-hour panel discussion, hosted by University Settlement House, where several experts (architecture, public health, care giving, disability rights) will give us a vocabulary of ideas to think about in preparation for a charrette later in the spring. Sunday March 12th from 2-4 p.m. at University Settlements Speyer Hall, 184 Eldridge St. (between Rivington and Delancey Streets)

Speakers will include Debra Jeffreys-Glass and Rosemary Shields, telling real stories from the community; architect Andrew Knox, who will, illuminate the interior of the Rivington House building; and Ruth Finklestein, Ashley Stevens and Susan Scheer discussing the continuum of community care.
The writer told The Stage You cant make something untruthful. My feeling is about contemporary drama and there is absolutely no reason [why there shouldnt be diverse casting]. But Sixpence is set in 1900 in a seaside town  you're in a different territory,On BBC Radio Fours Front Row programme, he retracted his statement saying you can gain diversity without undermining the truth of the production. You're putting me in a difficult spot. Because I kind of agree with you [that it seemed odd that the casting was all-white]. It's not my call, he said, But it is my show. Im one of the contributors to the show. And I think it's a very good show and the performers in it are terrific. I don't want to sound judgemental. With the chorus particularly, I think in future, one can afford to have a certain diversity without undermining the reality. Reality within the theatre is key. Audiences absolutely want to be moved, they want to care and they want to believe that whatever theatrical reality is being shown to them is real. The idea that this theatrical reality would be destroyed because of blind casting is unlikely. If we are to believe the cast bursts into song simultaneously more than ten times throughout the show Im sure the audience could cope if one or more of the actors wasnt white.There have been cases where blind casting has not been accepted, particularly when that involves white actors in ethnic roles. In The Depths of Dead Love at The Print Room Theatre caused a race row at the start of its run last month. The play is set in ancient China yet features an all-white cast. Actress Gemma Chan was among those to protest the decision by a London theatre to cast white actors in Chinese roles. A protest was held on its opening night and it was attended by Chan, star of Humans, who said: 'Any kind of "yellowface" in this day and age is not OK.' The production was slated for 'yellowface' - the term for the exclusion of east Asian actors - which they say is 'a practice that, thanks to progressive and industry-wide discussion, is deemed unacceptable.' It seems here the reality of the production was not honoured. Casting is a complex row and many will have different viewpoints on it. We have had women playing men in recent years, with Maxine Peake starring as Hamlet and an all women cast performing a Shakespearean trilogy at The Donmar Warehouse. Frankly, we cannot limit an actors options based on their colour. Where blind casting is acceptable, it should be applied - however we must also accept that sometimes it does not work. We couldnt have a Caucasian playing Martin Luther King, could we? In the case of Half a Sixpence, Julian Fellows may have a point - however diversity within a large cast on a big stage is something we should encourage and achieve. I doubt an audiences belief in the story will be diminished by a diversity in casting. Theatre prides itself on being a progressive and inclusive art - an art that tackles issues that the media may not; taking political stances, exploring sexuality, gender and race. Sadly, when productions become too commercialised, it seems this edge is forgotten.
'Voluntary' - the word that seems to contain an active repellent whenever included in a job advertisement. It seems in today's society that if it doesn't pay, we're not interested.

This is a sad reality for the charity sector. Charities reach out to those who need our help the most, and, contrary to popular belief - what will earn you a fat wallet won't necessarily be the most worthy use of your time.

I spend a lot of my time donating what I can to charitable organisations - whether that be a couple of coins in a supermarket collection, a tweet spreading the word for the cause, or an hour or so getting involved with events.

Here's why getting involved with volunteering could be one of the best decisions you make this year.

1. There's an opportunity for everyone

Music your thing? Then there's a festival out there with a charity partnership that would love your help. Aspiring athlete? Challenge yourself and get involved with one of the thousands of sponsored sporting events that happen every day up and down the country. Into the arts? There's all sorts of charity productions and arts festivals that need your help. It's not all about bucket shaking and cold calling - you could make a huge difference just by coming along and slapping a smile on your face.

2. Sample future careers

One of the biggest things I've noticed about volunteering is its reactivity. Often the events have so many exciting things going on at once, that its a great opportunity to stick your fingers in so many pies and collect as much experience as possible. You can even do a test run of future careers that you've been contemplating - whether it's business and events management, PR and communications or the charity sector, then this could get you some practical experience to gloat about in interviews and help you decide whether it's the right path for you.

3. Meeting incredible people

It's just a fact that people who work in charity are the salt of the earth. The incredible people that dedicate their careers and often their spare time to making a difference have been some of the loveliest teams I have had the pleasure to work with. Their enthusiasm, drive and focus on raising as much as possible for those who need it is something I aspire to inherit as I move through life, and an attitude that I think we could all take on board.

Not only will you get the chance to meet the heroes that make it all possible, but also the heroes that you're dedicating your time to. Those who benefit from the charity's work are who we're doing it for, and are some of the strongest and most admirable people that I have had the honour to meet. Watching people achieve momentous personal goals as they cross the finish line or beat their target is a truly unforgettable moment, and one of my greatest sources of drive and inspiration.

4. Life-changing fun

Volunteering days are admittedly exhausting, but in my experience that means you did it right. Your job is to make the day as positive, fun and exciting as possible for those involved, and whether that be dancing with a mascot, getting all of somebody's Christmas wrapping done or just sharing a bit of banter over the walkie-talkies, charity events are so much fun, and the only reason you'd walk away without a smile on your face is if it now physically hurts to.

5. Add some sparkle to your CV

It's also a great opportunity to get some practical work experience and some transferable skills to pop on your CV. You can gain experience in team building, events management and preparation, taking initiative and lending a hand wherever you can, as well as exercising your empathetic skills and putting others first.

Voluntary work could be a sparkling addition to your employability profile, as the fact that you've shown such enthusiasm and commitment to a cause that doesn't offer a financial reward shows that it's not all about the money for you. Plus you could gain some useful references along the way, opening up even further job opportunities in the future.

6. Inspiring Rewards

Without sounding like a tear-jerking advertisement plea that you see on the telly, I have to say that I genuinely walk away from a volunteering with a huge smile on my face. You know that you spent your day working hard, helping out wherever you can, having fun and making a difference to somebody's life without even realising it. You're not going to have a fat wallet, but your job satisfaction levels will be fit to bursting.

Sound like something you fancy? Be a part of something amazing and get involved. There are so many possibilities around, even as close as on your university campus. Check out your student union

's

page or head to google for volunteering opportunities in your area. You won't regret it!
(The Prof Marsh Edwards AO scholarship brochure screenshot)

(University of Sydneys Womens Collective)

(The Prof Marsh Edwards AO scholarship brochure screenshot)

The University of Sydneys 27,000 dollar (16,500) scholarship is available to students who are enrolled in the postgraduate doctor of veterinary medicine degree course. It states preference will be given to applicants who are from rural and regional areas, male, interested in large animal practice, intend to work in rural veterinary science and are Australian citizens. The successful applicant for The Prof Marsh Edwards AO scholarship, which is being offered for the first time this year, will receive 6,750 dollars (4,110) a year for four years.News of the scholarship was met with anger among female students. A female student, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was very surprised with the preference and thought it was a mistake. She said: When I read the scholarship, I couldnt believe what I was seeing. I thought it had to be a mistake. It makes me think that they care more about money than my right to equal opportunities. Female graduates of vet school are still paid less, from day one. I just think it shows very little thought into the causative agents of under representation of women in Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).A University of Sydney spokeswoman said the preference for male applicants had been requested by the donor, adding the scholarship does not exclude females and is open to all veterinary science students  who are overwhelmingly female.She said: Of this years graduate entry for the doctor of veterinary medicine students over 90% of the intake is expected to be female. This is a trend seen over the past five years along with an increasing trend away from rural practice. As such it is consistent with the universitys support of actions to address and encourage diversity and under representation in certain disciplines or professions. She said the university was satisfied it is complying with the law and has offered scholarships aimed at increasing the participation of women in subjects where they were under represented.Imogen Grant, a member of the university student group Womens Collective, said gender should not be a deciding factor in selecting applicants. She said: Scholarships exist to alleviate structural barriers to receiving an education and preferencing male applicants reinforces the gender divide. Affirmative action should only be given to structurally oppressed groups. Just because something resides within an exemption within the law, does not mean that is how the law should be implemented. It is no excuse for the university to be complacent about discrimination. Funding issues are a big part of many peoples decision about whether or not to pursue study. This scholarship would force many women to self-exclude.Making gender a deciding factor between applicants illustrates that a womans right to an education is not as important as her male counterparts. Another female student, who also wished to remain anonymous, added: The barriers that prevent men from entering vet science are not the same barriers that prevent women from entering nearly every other academic discipline. Men are not being prevented from entering veterinary medicine because of some social, political or economic barrier of oppression. They are choosing to accept positions in other fields of academia that female students do not have access to. This is important to clarify that their low numbers are a by-product of privilege and not oppression.
The Dubs Amendment is at the centre of a political storm after it was announced the UK would only accept 350 vulnerable unaccompanied child refugees.

The Government has been heavily criticised by Lords and MPs in Parliament after it quietly announced the cap of lone child refugees being brought to Britain over fears it is encouraging people traffickers.

Heres everything you need to know:

What is it?

Lord Alf Dubs (Yui Mok/PA)

Named after its architect, Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs, the amendment is set out in Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016.

What does it say?

That the Government should make arrangements to relocate to the United Kingdom and support a specified number of unaccompanied refugee children from other countries in Europe.

What has happened this week?

A 12-year-old Syrian refugee undergoing treatment at a physical rehabilitation centre in Turkey (Owen Humphreys/PA)

On Wednesday, it was revealed that 350 youngsters will arrive in the UK under the scheme. Until the announcement, no official figure for the route had been published.

Why is that controversial?

Although the Government had not committed to any specific number, campaigners and opposition figures hit out at the figure after previously calling for 3,000 children to be given sanctuary.

What are critics saying?

An Amnesty International member protesting the number of Syrian refugees taken in by the UK (David Wilcock/PA)

Lord Dubs warned it would be shameful to close down the programme, while the Archbishop of Canterbury said he was saddened and shocked.

And the Government?

The Home Office insists it is not giving up on vulnerable children, and youngsters will continue to arrive from around the world through other resettlement schemes and the asylum system.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd also defended the move, citing concerns that the scheme could be exploited by people traffickers.

How did they get to the 350 figure?

Home Secretary Amber Rudd (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Ministers say they arrived at the number after consulting local authorities on their capacity to care for and support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

What happens next?

Around 200 minors have been brought to the UK under the scheme so far, and it will close once a further 150 arrive. The process is expected to be completed this year.
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Officials to probe land claim as restaurants, shops restrict access to sea gypsy village

PHUKET: Provincial officers are investigating a complaint filed by Rawai sea gypsies about restaurants, shops and stalls on a strip of privately claimed land that they claim endanger the village by restricting access from fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency services.

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By Eakkapop Thongtub

Friday 10 February 2017, 10:13AM

Rawai sea gypsies say the narrow access endangers the village as fire trucks and ambulances cannot easily enter the village in case of an emergency. Photo: Chao Lay Rawai / Krit Thepbamrung

Leading the investigation is Adisorn Sawasdee, chief of Phuket Damrongdhama Centre (Ombudsmans office), along with officers from the and Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command and Rawai Municipality.

Niran Hyangpan, representing sea gypsies from the village, handed over a formal complaint from the villagers at Rawai Municipality on Wednesday (Feb 8).

Vehicles cannot easily access the village because of the these shops. The entrance is too narrow, he said.

The villagers are afraid that if there is a fire, it will be not easy for ambulances or fire trucks to get into the village, he added.

Officials at the meeting explained that the land was privately owned and that the owner allowed the restaurants and shops to rent space on the land from him.

The owner allowed the the provincial government to build a rock wall along the beachfront boundary of the land, but that move had led people to believe that the land was owned by the government, a report from the meeting explained.

Officials will seek legal counsel to investigate the origins of the claim to the land and the land claimants rights to rent the area to private business, said the report.
Phuket jet-ski crash: Aussie tourist Keating pleads guilty, reduced sentence, expedited trial likely

PHUKET: Australian tourist Thomas Keating yesterday accepted a plea of guilty to the charge of reckless driving causing death for the jet-ski accident last Sunday that killed his girlfriend of two years, Emily Collie, 20, in a move that police say will expedite proceedings against him.

tourismtransportmarineaccidentsdeathpolice

By Yutthawat Lekmak

Friday 10 February 2017, 12:33PM

Thomas Keating (in blue shirt) during seven hours of by Karon Police yesterday (Feb 9) entered a plea of guilty to reckless driving causing death. Photo: Premkamon Ketsara

Mr Keating was formally charged at Karon Police Station yesterday, with strong support from his family as well as from the family of Ms Collie. (See story here.)

During the seven hours while investigators questioned him, he accepted a plea of guilty, Karon Police Chief Col Sanya Thongsawad confirmed to The Phuket News this morning (Feb 10).

In his statement to police, he explained that on Sunday Feb 5, 2017 he and his girlfriend rented jet-skis at Karon Beach, Col Sanya said.

A big wave surged while they were zigzagging, causing the two jet-skis to collide, he explained.

Mr Keating was very sad while recounting all this to the investigators, Col Sanya said.

Explaining the seven hours taken to question Mr Keating, Col Sanya said, When we were first questioning him with his lawyer, he rejected the charge. At 12:30pm, we took a two-hour break for lunch.

He returned with his lawyer at 2:30pm and during the following three hours he accepted the charge, Col Sanya said.

Col Sanya noted that the guilty plea is now very likely to expedite the case through court.

Now that Mr Keating has accepted a guilty plea, this case will go through the courts within two weeks, he said.

Accepting the charge is a good thing, because the sentence will be reduced, he added.

However, Mr Keatings case will not be in court for at least a week, Col Sanya noted.

Mr Keating will not go to court until all the documents from Karon Police have been sent to the Public Prosecutor, who will draft an indictment to the court and then the court will call Mr Keating to trial, he explained.

This will take at least eight to nine days, Col Sanya said.

Mr Keating has been emotionally devastated by the accident. On Monday he posted on Facebook, Im so broken and I know I'll never never be able to mend ... I'll always be your boy and you'll always be my girl! We had so many plans for our future Emmy.

Ms Collies family this week issued a statement to the media expressing their strong support for Mr Keating.

This was a tragic accident. We do not believe anybody was at fault. In particular, we do not place any blame on Tom Keating, who we care about very much and who we know loved Emily deeply, said the statement, issued by Emilys parents, Ian and Sally Collie.
Phuket street racer slams into parked pickup

PHUKET: Police have yet to confirm any action taken against a man who lost control of his self-styled street racer on a bend and slammed into a parked pickup truck in Kathu yesterday (Feb 9).

transportaccidentspolice

By Yutthawat Lekmak

Friday 10 February 2017, 04:47PM

Police have so far declined to name the driver of the Mitsubishi, and the only photos provided by Kathu Municipality Ambulance were marked to hide their identities as a precaution. Photo: Kathu Municipality Ambulance

Police have so far declined to name the driver of the Mitsubishi, and the only photos provided by Kathu Municipality Ambulance were marked to hide their identities as a precaution. Photo: Kathu Municipality Ambulance

Police have so far declined to name the driver of the Mitsubishi, and the only photos provided by Kathu Municipality Ambulance were marked to hide their identities as a precaution. Photo: Kathu Municipality Ambulance

Police have so far declined to name the driver of the Mitsubishi, and the only photos provided by Kathu Municipality Ambulance were marked to hide their identities as a precaution. Photo: Kathu Municipality Ambulance

The car, a Mitsubishi Mirage, slammed into a parked grey Toyota Hilux Vigo on the bend near Kathu Soi 2 on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd yesterday afternoon.

Capt Wattanatorn Bumrungthin of the Kathu Police was notified of the accident at 12:30pm.

The Mitsubishi Mirage was heading to the Tesco-Lotus in Samkong, Capt Wattanatorn noted in his report yesterday.

The driver lost control of the car on a bend near the Shell gas station on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd (see map), and hit a Toyota Hilux Vigo parked there, he said.

Luckily, both people in the Mitsubishi Mirage suffered only minor injuries, and no people were in the pickup when the car hit it, Capt Wattanatorn said.

The Mitsubishi driver and his passenger were taken to Phuket International Hospital by a Kathu Municipality ambulance as a precaution, but were later discharged after receiving basic first aid, he added.

Both vehicles covered by insurance, Capt Wattanatorn noted in his report yesterday.

However, Capt Wattanatorn declined to identify the driver of the Mitsubishi.

He also did not report what charges the driver faced or whether the driver was tested for drugs or alcohol.

No further updates have been available as Capt Wattanatorn reported in sick today, and no other officers at Kathu Police Station were authorised to comment on the case.
Phuket taxi driver fined B400 for reckless driving in high-speed crash

PHUKET: A Phuket taxi driver has been charged and fined B400 for reckless driving after he slammed into a food-vendors motorbike at speed before dawn this morning (Feb 10) while carrying two tourists from Phuket International Airport.

tourismtransportaccidentspolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Friday 10 February 2017, 11:53AM

Nittaya Thongthep, 52, who was driving the mobile food stall, escaped with only scratches and bruises. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Phuket taxi driver Prapot Boontang was fined B400 for reckless driving this morning. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Nittaya Thongthep, 52, who was driving the mobile food stall, escaped with only scratches and bruises. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The accident happened at the Heroines Monument, in central Phuket, at about 5:30am.

Nittaya Thongthep, 52, who was driving the mobile food stall, escaped with only scratches and bruises.

The taxi driver, Prapot Boontang, and his passengers sufferd no injuries in the accident.

Mr Paopt tested negative for alcohol and drugs, confirmed Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop of Thalang Police.

We had the option of fining him up to B1,000, but we wanted him to use that money for compensation to Mrs Nittaya, Capt Kraisorn told The Phuket News this morning.

Ms Nittaya told police, I was heading to the shop on the bypass road where I set up every day to sell food when the taxi hit me hard from behind.

The force of the impact left food and debris scattered across the road.

Mr Prapots taxi slammed into the bollards sourrounding the Heroins Monument only metres from where one man died after his pickup loaded with watermelons crashed last month. (See story here.)

The mess was quickly cleaned up to avoid traffic delays during rush hour this morning.
Police widen Mr X drugs probe

BANGKOK: The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has seized 12 properties held by a man allegedly linked to a drug network run by Lao drug kingpin Xaysana Keopimpha, including a B20-million grey Lamborghini.

drugscrimepolice

By Bangkok Post

Friday 10 February 2017, 09:03AM

Police allege Xaysana Keopimpha, arrested at Suvarnabhumi airport on Jan 19 as he arrived on a flight from Phuket, is the long-elusive Mr X responsible for drug running from the Thai North to Malaysia. Photo: Bangkok Post / Facebook

Sirinya Sitdhichai, Secretary-General of the ONCB, issued an order to seize the assets belonging to Natthaphol Nakkham, alias Boy, on Wednesday (Feb 8), according to Pol Maj Gen Pornchai Charoenwong, Deputy Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB).

The assets, including the Lamborghini, a big bike and a Toyota Fortuner, were seized pending an investigation into whether they were linked with the drug racket, Pol Maj Gen Pornchai said.

Mr Natthaphol was arrested on Feb 1, almost two weeks after police apprehended Mr Xaysana at Suvarnabhumi airport on Jan 19 as he arrived on a flight from Phuket.

Citing Mr Natthaphol, police said the Lamborghini belongs to the drug network but was left in the care of speed racer Akarakit Worarojcharoendet, 30, alias Benz Racing, who is also the husband of TV actress Napapa Patt Tantrakul.

Mr Akarakit, however, told the NSB officials last week that he borrowed B6 million in cash from Mr Natthaphol as a down payment for the Lamborghini, according to officials. Deputy NSB commander Chatri Phaisalsil said Mr Akarakit will be invited to give his account again this month.

A police investigation found the Lamborghini was bought from a used car garage, Buono Auto Clinic, on Rama III Road. The garages owner, Natthawat Huangmanee, alias Ek Buono, was summoned to give his statement to police on Wednesday.

Pol Maj Gen Chatri said nothing suspicious was found in the car purchase based on Mr Natthawats evidence, adding it may take some time to check where the Lamborghini came from.

The Department of Land Transport, the Department of Foreign Trade and the Customs Department will also be asked to check whether the vehicle was brought lawfully into the country, and the Lamborghini will be checked to see whether its serial number or any parts have been modified, he said.

Referring to a Malaysian suspected drug dealer, Kamarudin Bin Awang, allegedly linked to Mr Xaysanas network, who was arrested in Kelantan state on Monday, Pol Maj Gen Chatri said the NSB officials will seek cooperation from their Malaysian counterparts to question him in Malaysia. Officials may also ask Malaysia to extradite Mr Kamarudin to Thailand.

Police are also checking another two luxury vehicles, an orange Lamborghini and a black Bentley, which were found at a condominium of Baan Prachaniwet real estate in 2015 to determine whether they were linked with the drug network.

Meanwhile, the ONCB and Provincial Police Region 9 are examining B60 million worth of valuables seized from Bulan Thareesuep, 42, believed to be linked with a narcotics network in the three southern border provinces. This include B56 million in cash.

Officials said Ms Bulans husband, Mamaruslan Doromae, 47, who was believed to be a major drug dealer in the far South, was arrested and jailed for possessing 70,000 speed pills in Malaysias Kelantan three years ago.

Pol Lt Gen Sakon Thongmunee, chief of Provincial Police Region 9, said police are tracking the syndicate's money trail.

Read original story here.
Thai Army targets car, bike rentals hijacking Phuket beach parking spaces

PHUKET: The deputy commander of the Royal Thai Armys main base in Southern Thailand has fired a warning shot at car and motorbike rental operators hijacking public parking areas at Phuket beaches.



By The Phuket News

Friday 10 February 2017, 06:07PM

Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup told the General that the brown water immediately offshore was from untreated laundromat greywater. Photo: Benyada Sungyai

Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup told the General that the brown water immediately offshore was from untreated laundromat greywater. Photo: Benyada Sungyai

Maj Gen Pornsak Poonsawat, Deputy Commander of the Army Region 4 base in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, which is responsible for all of Southern Thailand, inspected Patong Beach yesterday afternoon (Feb 9) with Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup.

Rental vehicle operators and taxi drivers must park somewhere else. Lots of tourists visit Patong Beach, especially during the (tourism) high season. We need to take of of their needs, Gen Pornsak said.

The car park spaces are for the public, not for private business, he added.

Gen Pornsak suggested setting up parking specifically for taxis and car and motorbike rentals and charging them fees for using them.

Meanwhile, we have yellow lines and signs marking which areas are for public parking. If anyone breaks the rules, they must be caught  and the Phuket Provincial Office must be held responsible for taking action against those who break the rules, he said.

Explaining the brown sea water immediately off Patong Beach 50 metres to the south of Bangla Rd, while tourists walked along the sand but not in the water, Ms Chalermluck said, That is from a plankton bloom as there is too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the sea water.

We believe the elevated levels of phosphate came from water discharged by washing machines that has found its way into the bay, Mayor Chalermluck added.

We will talk with laundry operators and tell them that they must discharge their wastewater into the municipal drains provided.

We are also thinking about growing hyacinth in Klong Pak Bang to absorb nitrogen. However we need to check first if the water in the area is suitable to grow it or not, she added.

Klong Pak Bang is Patongs only public waterway. It starts from the base of the foothills at the north end of the town near Wat Patong and winds its way through Patong to empty into the bay at the southern end of the beach.

However, water hyacinth grows naturally in every canal in the country. It is a weed that grows so quickly that other municipalities throughout Thailand  and as close to Patong as Phuket Town  have to regularly remove it to allow water flow.

For some reason Ms Chalermluck has yet to explain, water hyacinth will not grow in Klong Pak Bang.

Meanwhile, Nattakrit Polapetch, a technical specialist at the Phuket Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office said, Plankton blooms do not happen very often and will dissipate after one or two weeks.

However, plankton blooms may return if the water contains high levels of organic matter, so the best solution to this problem is counter it with a water-treatment facility, he added.

 Benyada Sungyai
How many people have already voted absentee in South Dakota ahead of Election Day?

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A party asking a court for an injunction needs to show it will be irreparably harmed by the status quo. Its a heavy burden. The defendant does not need to show anything. So greatly simplifying the Washington State v. Trump lawsuit, the state and the foreigners, the plaintiffs, had to prove they will be harmed by the Presidents executive order. In ordinary litigation, the President should not be put to the test to show the executive order was just or even necessary. All that comes later when the case is actually tried. The district judge in Seattle hearing the case saw things in the opposite way. He immediately demanded that the government lawyer prove to his satisfaction that the executive order was necessary for national security. Put on the spot without top secret data at his disposal, the lawyer was left to muttering platitudes about secret intelligence and a possible future attack.

Dissatisfied with the governments lawyers response, the Judge tersely announced he could find no evidence the executive order was needed from his own internet search and entered the injunction. The governments lawyer should not have had to carry any burden in resisting a temporary injunction. Washington States lawyer should have been pressed hard about how the 90 day temporary ban would really harm its state university. It wasnt and the judge was satisfied with speculative assertions of harm by a handful of students who would be absent. That is too vague to carry the burden to enjoin the President from exercising his executive power.

At the hearing before the Ninth Circuit, which oddly was conducted over the phone because the judges refused to fly to San Francisco and sit together, the same demands on the government lawyer were made. The plaintiffs got away with vague assertions, but the judges wanted hard evidence from the government. They actually wanted to see intelligence briefings to prove the executive order was necessary to address an imminent threat. No government lawyer would provide such confidential or classified material in open court covered by the media. And its unlikely the lawyer even was provided with it in preparing for his oral argument. He was operating under the assumption that the Ninth Circuit would follow established law and make the plaintiffs prove their theory of irreparable harm. But once again they didnt, and the decision reads like there had been a full trial on the merits of the executive order rather than a review of the injunction, which is limited to examining the harms from the status quo.

As a believer in strong executive power over immigration matters, I think this fight needs to be won. There is a reason we are having this litigation. The power to close our borders to people from certain Muslim countries with active terrorist cells is disputed. Which branch can do it? Or do they both need to cooperate by an act of congress and the Presidents signature, as with a law. Id like the case to go to the Supreme Court and produce a decision for our times that will clarify things. But the order expires on its own after 90 days, before the Court would be able to receive briefs and have an oral argument.

So if I were advising the President I would suggest issuing a new executive order that has no expiration date, that is it remains in force until the President determines the danger from those countries ends. It would also have to provide a process for people with green cards (lawful permanent residents), and aliens who have already established a home in the U.S. to a hearing in which they could try and persuade an immigration judge to exempt them from the ban. There must be some clear rules for these hearings. People who have been in this country should not be summarily barred from re-entry without due process. But people who have never been here have no rights under our constitution and can be barred because of their country of origin. If thats the rule, it would have overwhelming public and political support and might even win in court.
By Keli Vitaioli

vitaioli@grinnell.edu

David Orr, accredited climate-change expert and distinguished professor, author and advisor to the president of Oberlin College, addressed a packed JRC 101 for his convocation on Thursday, Feb. 9 titled, Climate Change and the Crisis of American Democracy. Conveying a sense of urgency towards climate change action, Orr identified the roles of stranded assets, media coverage and local action in reaching the current 406 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as well as preventing the total climate disaster the Earth is on the path toward.

Orr spoke of the nature of general climate change discussions needing to be more holistic and identify not only the larger structural causes to the crisis, but also the broader impacts society will be facing beyond hotter temperatures.

It isnt global warming so much as it is planetary destabilization, Orr said. So as we think about climate change it isnt just the temperature going up, like were turning the thermostat on the Earth up, its everything else on the planet, all those other assumptions and all those other systems, they change as well in ways that are unpredictable.

When it comes to climate change, even experts like Orr cannot predict how high the sea level will rise or just how much carbon dioxide the atmosphere can handle before natural disasters become the norm, due to positive feedback loops, which is the emission of more carbon dioxide by the carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere. This creates an infinite loop. Here the estimates become more variable, but the fact that climate change is occurring does not lose any certainty.

For Orr, the issue of climate change is political, but it is not partisan. There is space for those on both sides of the American political divide to stand up and take action against an administration attempting to disregard the better interest of all constituents, not only of America but also of the world.

I dont mean to be political in the sense of Republican or Democrat. I mean to be political in the sense of being an advocate for democracy, and you can be an advocate for democracy as a good conservative or a good liberal, but you have to be a good conservative and a good liberal. Democracy is the rules by which we conduct public business, and it begins when somebody in the room stands up and says, I dont agree.

Beginning the talk, Orr identified two key questions for the audience, Why did it take us so long to begin recognizing this?  What do we do now?

The answer to the first question was because of the power of massive corporations to overshadow the cries of planetary advocates when they are making money off of the demise of the atmosphere.

He displayed two graphs that seem unrelated but are at the heart of the issue: the Keeling curve, created by David Keeling in 1958, which tracks the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere at Mauna Loa island to the present, and a curve displaying the relationship between the cost of silicon pv cells of power, solar power, which has decreased from 76.67 dollars per kilowatt hour in 1977 to 36 cents per kilowatt hour in 2014.

But as alternative sources of power continue to decrease in price, carbon dioxide is still rising. However this may not always be the case, as Orr believes soon it will be economically unfeasible to deny the efficacy of clean energy in expanding job markets and slashing emissions.

For the second question, what do we do now, Orr shared personal stories of action with the Oberlin project, transforming buildings on campus to L.E.E.D. gold standards, eliminating 90 percent of the citys carbon emissions and, with community involvement, designing solar powered buildings, such as the Adam Joseph Lewis Center that are net energy exporters, in Midwestern Ohio where Orr finds sunshine is still a theory.

Orr concluded the talk by imparting a degree of responsibility on the College attendees, part of the two to three percent of graduates in the United States coming from liberal arts colleges.

If there was ever a time for broad and deep thinking, it is now, Orr said. The question now that has been underscored by the advent of Donald Trump, what do we in liberal arts colleges have to say to the world? What do you at Grinnell have to say to the world? What is our message? That two to three percent of graduates, this is the time where we either say our piece or stay quiet forever.


Sen. Duckworth, Rep. Guiterez, Rep. Kelly, Rep. Quigley

Writing in Frontpage Magazine, Daniel Greenfield is reporting that several members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation have a connection to two individuals who have been linked to an emerging security breach.

As Greenfield writes:

Last year, eight members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence issued a demand that their staffers be granted access to top secret classified information. The signatories to the letter were Andre Carson, Luis Gutierrez, Jim Himes, Terri Sewell, Jackie Speier, Mike Quigley, Eric Swalwell and Patrick Murphy. All the signatories were Democrats. Some [staffers] had a history of attempting to undermine national security. Imran Awan and his two brothers, Jamal and Abid, are at the center of an investigation that deals with, among other things, allegations of illegal access. They have been barred from the House of Representatives network. A member of Congress expressed concern that, they may have stolen data from us.

Jamal Awan was employed by Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

Abid Awan was employed by then Illinois Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, who is now U.S. Senator. While in the House, Duckworth had been on the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces of the Armed Services Committee.

Greenfield described in detail the brothers involvement in the Muslim Brotherhood. You can read about it HERE.
By Graham Dodd

doddhenr@grinnell.edu

Following the election and inauguration of President Donald Trump, analysts nationally and internationally been working to understand and predict the potential impact of the United States new administration.

Senior Transatlantic Fellow with the German Marshall Funds Europe Program and Bosch Fellow at the Transatlantic Academy Hans Kundnani spoke on the subject of Europe in the Era of Trump in the first of a series of Coffee Talks since the election that the Rosenfield Program has been hosting at 11 a.m. in Burling Lounge on Tuesdays. He possesses expertise in European foreign policy and transatlantic relations.

Kundnani began by describing a state of tension within the field of transatlantic policy analysis. Nearly everyone in my world  of transatlantic policy think tanks, is basically trying to process the consequences of Trump. I think the consequences are so huge and complicated that we are all sort of struggling to figure out what it all means.

Kundnani stressed that some of his analysis of the impact of President Trump on Europe could also be applied to much of the rest of the world.

In a way, this couldve been entitled the World in the Era of Trump, he said, I think in a way Europe is quite a good way of talking about the global consequences of the election of Trump for a few reasons. The first is that I think people in lots of other parts of the world, particularly Asia, have similar fears about the consequences of Trump as Europeans do.

Much of his talk centered on the conflict between President Trumps positions and the goals of Europe.

I could go through and spend much more than 15 minutes on policy areas in which Trump seems to stand for the exact opposite of what Europeans stand for. In relation to that, it seems to me that the election of Trump is an unmitigated disaster for Europe.

Kundnani characterized President Trumps actions as having had the effect of turning the world of foreign policy upside down. He repeatedly emphasized that the impact of Trumps conditionalization of Americas security guarantee to European countries would destabilize the post-war world order.

This to me is an example of this crazy upside-down world in which we live now, where if the last three years or so, since the annexation of Crimea, in the foreign policy world the assumption was that the U.S. was tough and the Europeans were a bit weak, he said. There was this constant fear on both sides of the Atlantic that Europeans would go soft on the economic sanctions on Russia and that theyd seek to weaken the sanctions. Now you have the situation where the exact opposite is happening.

Similarly, as another illustration of this upside down world, Kundnani continued, you have European intelligence agencies who are worried about sharing intelligence with the U.S., because they are worried about them being leaky. As long as I can remember, going back to the early Cold War; the fear was that the European services were leaky. Its very strange for anyone who has been in this world for any length of time.

Kundnani went on to cover a broad range of topics concerning international politics. He compared and contrasted European and American nationalist and populist movements, as well as the effect the Trump administration has already had on trade in both Asia and Europe. He also raised the possibility of nuclear arms races in the Middle-East and Asia in response to the prospect of an isolationist United States.

The talk was well attended by students and professors who posed questions and participated in the discussion. Many students found the talk valuable and informative.

I was most interested in the way he talked about populism, said Nate Williams 20. He distinguished between a lot of different things that seemed like populism but were really just, for example, a neoliberal government with racism. I was also very interested in his comparison of Trump and Marie Le Pen. He gave insight into how the situations in France and Britain are very different, and how it isnt productive to say oh, everyone is getting their own Donald Trump, because it acts differently in different places.

Other students, however, found the conversation pessimistic and discouraging.

He was pretty pessimistic and uncertain, said Jack Gustafson, 19. It was difficult because it was so speculative. We are kind of diving into this era of uncertainty. Because Trump was able to shake things up so much in the international order, we really dont know where things will go. As discouraging as it seems, I think it is important to focus on what we can do domestically and act as resistance.
By Andrea Baumgartel

baumgar1@grinnell.edu

From Friday at 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. on Monday, a team of five students from Grinnell College Student Action (GCSA)  Holly Barton 17, Ross Floyd 19, Sean Haggerty 19, Eli Shepherd 18 and Lucid Thomas 19  camped out in Nollen House to demand that the College financially divest from the fossil fuel industry.

President Raynard Kington was the intended recipient of the pressure resulting from the GCSA protest, which voiced dissent surrounding the Colleges investment in the fossil fuel industry that has been festering since the 1990s.

I thought a great deal about this issue, Kington said. I have a great respect for those students  [In] the role of our College and the tactics that are best for addressing the problem there we have a difference of opinion. And thats ok.

GCSA has been steadily building support for divestment since its initiation as a group more than a year ago. In Nov. 2015, GCSA held a similar, 60 person march in conjunction with other student organizations, calling for a number of actions, including divestment, to be taken by the College.

The group has met with both Kington and the Colleges Chief Investment Officer Scott Wilson 98 several times to discuss divestment, but we are effectively shut out of all decision-making processes, Shepherd said.

No clear progress was being made on the issue, and as a result, the divest campaign only felt like it could express itself in organized action.

The campaign calls on Kington to support the Colleges full divestment from fossil fuels and urged the Board of Trustees to divest over 100 million dollars of the College endowment.

On Friday, Feb. 4, Sandy Barnard 17 and Nyx Hauth 19 organized a 150-plus person (students and security marshals) march to Nollen House, in which they effectively shut down the building until 5 p.m.

The protest was first and foremost peaceful and controlled. Floyd stressed that all of GCSAs demonstrations have had a clear, highly organized structure, with constant communication between action leaders and the other protesters. Before the march to Nollen House, he said, Everyone met in the ARH at 3. We held a short program about climate change, about our reasons for fossil fuel divestment and practiced some call-and-response protest chants before heading out, Floyd said.

The 100-plus students and security marshals walked silently in a tight, two-by-two line from the ARH to Nollen House. Once everyone was in the building, Haggerty gave a brief statement via megaphone to the administration inside the building explaining the rationale behind the protest, as well as the commitment made by the five students to stay at Nollen House until Monday morning. He then handed off the megaphone to Hauth, who would lead many of the call-and-responses.

The people, united, will never be divided! Peoples needs not corporate greed! We are unstoppable, another world is possible! and of course: Divest or arrest! Divest or arrest! were just a few of the demands and morale-fueling chants sang throughout the demonstration. Intermittently, poems and stories were shared: Ella Williams 19 sang and played guitar while her brother Nate 20 improvised on the trumpet; Deniz Sahen 20 jammed on the tambourine; Felipe Gentle 18 turned over some office bins and played percussion with salad tongs; and somewhat squished in a corner, a group worked furiously to sew a monumental banner (made completely of second-mile fabric) that would eventually span the length of Gates Tower for a few hours on Monday morning until it was removed by administration.

[The divest action] incorporated so many different kinds of protest and activism.  As someone who makes art and is intending to continue making art as a reaction to politics and oppression in the next four years, it is especially inspiring to see art and activism come together the way it did at the action, said Steven Duong 19.

I think protest music can be so healing, and help bring protesters together in unity, Ella Williams said. I hope to bring music to more demonstrations in the future, and think the presence of music will help students remain angry, remain outspoken and remain unified.

Everyone exited the building at 5 p.m., except for the remaining five students seated in front of Kingtons office who were committed to risking uncertain consequences such as expulsion or arrest.

Kington arrived around 6 p.m. and, according to Barton, the first thing he said was So its come to this.

It was very tense  emotions were high on both sides, Floyd said. People shutting down his office isnt something that happens very much.

But later, things started to turn around. Once Kington realized the full commitment of the GCSA protesters, he returned to Nollen House. He came back at 10 p.m., and thats when the negotiating started about what we could do moving forward, Floyd explained.

Kington returned again on Saturday at noon to continue the negotiations.

Even when approaching day three sustained by crackers, rock-paper-scissor tournaments and homework in a 24/7 lit building, the groups clear fervor for climate justice did not waver.

[Kington] is either standing with the continuation of DAPL, the continuation of Keystone XL and a president that calls climate change a Chinese hoax  or hes standing with Iowa students and community members, Shepherd said, explaining the intrinsic human rights issue of the Divest campaign. A corporate takeover of our government cannot be more clear than a corporation hiring a sheriff to take people off their land. Thats the choice President Kington has to make.

Kington questioned the drawing of hard and fast lines, such as being a climate-change denier or divesting. I think you hurt your movement when you do that. First of all  you diminish what it means for a person to say, I dont believe that theres any climate change, and you hurt your own credibility. And so I actually think we have to be careful about thateveryone has to be careful about that.

What I think we also have to be really careful about is not recognizing that its ok to have differences in opinion about tactics. And we hurt ourselves and our community when everything is a yes or no, with an us or against us type thing.  Thats not smart. Because theres a difference between someone who doesnt believe theres climate change, and someone who says, yeah, I believe all of that, Im with you on all the evidence, now we have to think about how we get there. And thats where we have differences, Kington said. And you cant treat them the same.

On Tuesday, President Kington released a statement regarding the weekends protest via a campus memo. It stated that, largely because of the engagement of GCSA, certain policy changes (namely, a specified written proposal to the Board) are being made to determine how the Board of Trustees could potentially divest endowment funds from any given corporation.

Kington gave no other specific details on these policy changes.

Additionally, Kington refused to endorse the Divest campaign to the Board, citing for justification the production of renewable energy sources by fossil-fuel companies as well as the need for endowment earnings to fund 55 percent of the annual operating budget (which includes financial aid).

30 percent of our students have grants that basically cover all of their tuition. That comes from our endowment, Kington said. So lets have a conversation about that. Are we willing to increase student debt?

However, Kington did commit to suggesting the creation of a donor-requested investment fund whereby future donors [can] request that their contributions to the endowment not be invested in fossil fuel-related funds, to the Board of Trustees, as he wrote in the memo.

All investments are chosen based on their individual merits and not as political statements, Kington wrote, continuing to explain that, while he fully agrees with the student activists about the existence, causes, magnitude, and impact of global warming, his perspective on solving those issues does not at the moment include full divestment. Reasonable people can agree about the best tactics to use in accomplishing that goal [to reduce global warming].

Ultimately, this is not my decision. Its the decision of the investment committee. I, at this point, am not comfortable recommending that they do that, Kington said. I dont see myself recommending, but others can make that request to the board. I would be surprised if the board divested.

The memo has received backlash from students, including on social media and in a Grinnell Underground Magazine article by Rachel Buckner 18.

Buckner wrote, I feel a deep disconnect from Grinnell, as I struggle to commit to attending an institution that is invested in fossil fuel companies; companies that exacerbate the social justice issues that Grinnell educates us on and claims to support.

Members of GCSA argued against investment in fossil fuels in economic as well as political-socio terms. We cant overstress the urgency of divestment, Shepherd said. The parts per million of carbon in our atmosphere is reaching towards the exponential level, so in terms of reversibility, right now is crucial. For there to be climate justice, the fossil fuel industry cannot continue to operate, and our institution is currently bankrolling this industry  its a terrible investment strategy.

Lastly, Haggerty pointed out that other colleges with similar endowments have successfully divested from the fossil fuel industry. We wouldnt be unprecedented. Doing so would be staying consistent with the values we espouse on our website, the values of social justice.
By Lily Bohlke and Mira Braneck

bohlkeli@grinnell.edu & braneckm@grinnell.edu

When Deqa Aden 18 planned her first trip to the U.S. for a summer program with her best friend, she dreamed of walking across the Golden Gate Bridge and marveling at the lights of Times Square. She and her friend had prepared the same applications, essays, forms. But after they arrived at the nearest American embassy  in Dijabuti over 800 miles away  there was only one visa available. Even once she made her way to the United Arab Emirates, she was forced to stay in the airport for 30 hours, unable to leave the airport due to her Somali passport.

In her time at the airport, she thought to herself, What on earth do Somalis do that a 14-year-old girl is a threat?

Upon finally arriving in the U.S., Aden was detained for an additional seven hours. Because it was her first time visiting America, she had nothing to compare this experience to and did not recognize that others may have easier times getting to the U.S. This is not what everyone goes through, Aden said. This is what Somalis, Muslims go through.

Following this experience, Aden was not surprised when Donald Trump announced his ban on immigrants from seven majority Muslim countries. The week after the ban was announced, students took action, holding vigils and direct actions and organizing meetings and panels, including one featuring Aden and two other students: Farah Omer 19 and Abdi Yusef 20.

All three students are from Somaliland, which is considered to be an autonomous state of Somalia and is not recognized by the international community as its own country. This further complicates each of their journeys to and from the states, as they each have to go to Djibouti to obtain American visas as Somalia does not have an American embassy, just as Aden had to in 2011.

Omer wanted to stress that her situation of being in the U.S. greatly differs from that of many of the other individuals who are affected by the ban. Im not a refugee  Im an opportunist, she said, describing her position as a student. Sometimes it feels like I dont legally exist in the geopolitical world They dont even recognize my government.

Yusef, a first year, along with the other affected students, is unsure when he will be able to go home. Because of my religion and my nationality, I cannot go home for breaks.

Despite the uncertainty of when he will see his family again, he said that he is able to remain somewhat upbeat. Because of the support and hospitality I have been shown, I am able to stay positive.

Aden plans to spend her summer her in the U.S. She has had visa trouble in the past, and even with the fate of the ban up in the air, its not worth the risk. Its very risky, which makes no sense, she said about her time traveling back and forth before the ban. A student is a student, no matter what.

Other students from Muslim majority countries that were not included in the ban feel the effects as well. One student who wished to remain anonymous was not surprised by the ban. A lot of people in the Muslim community saw this coming, he said. When you take out your passport and the customs officers see that youre from a Muslim place, they treat you differently.

The student also said that one of his friends directly affected by the ban saw it coming. He already knew that it was a possibility that he would not be able to go back home the next few years, he said.

Another student who wished to remain anonymous is an American citizen, but the rest of her family does not have citizenship. Most of her family still lives in the Muslim majority country that her parents left.

Theyre less surprised than we are.  Maybe its because we live in a liberal bubble or maybe its because we really just didnt think it was possible, she said. Its been more mainstream  the amount of discrimination in this country towards anybody whos not a straight white man, and I think that was more evident to them than to us. Which is weird  to have other countries see you better than we see ourselves.

The support given by the community was somewhat of a double-edged sword for Aden. The whole community was like, oh my god, Im so sorry for you, and then it became emotionally draining, and everywhere I went was a constant reminder that Im banned from the country.

She did say, however, that she was made to feel welcome. Its good, they showed support and how much they care and the fact that we are welcome here, Aden said.

President Raynard Kington spoke of the administrations support for the students. Like many schools, we believe that the fundamental principles are just wrong. We believe that we are in a deeply connected world, and that we cant and we shouldnt try to wall ourselves off.

Im from a scientific background, and in the sciences in particular, the potential effect on the scientific enterprise of this country, both in education and research, is really pretty dismal, Kington said. We continue to stand by our policy of not providing information unless legally required to do so. I think we have committed to supporting students from the seven countries that were banned and we are prepared to help them financially.  We are certainly figuring out ways of making sure that there are funds for, for example, if the ban is still in place and students need to stay here in the country for the summer weve had local families say that theyd be willing to house students  its relatively easy for us to be supportive.

Many other individuals in the administration are trying to extend this support as well. Maure Smith-Benanti, the Director of Intercultural Affairs, spoke about how to be an ally.

What it seemed to me, the right thing to do, in the wake of the news that has a big impact on our students and faculty and staff and visiting scholars was show up. I think thats what it means to be a good ally, she said. An ally whos active but also does not try to take the wheel.

Her office, while not dealing directly with international students, has been trying to create ways to lend support. You try to help people have the time and space to process what they need to, and do the nitty gritty analysis of visas and things like that, she said. All the people that I know have more than one identity. And so the fact that technically under my definition of how my office runs and who it supports may not very specifically be international students; however, what happens in our world has an impact on all of us.

Karen Edwards, director of international student affairs, considers this executive order something new that the College has never had to deal with before.

Edwards said that all students who came to Grinnell with a four-year visa are in lawful status and will be through their graduation. For students from the seven banned countries, there are opportunities they will have to give up.

But it means opportunities we take for granted like the ability to study abroad or do an externship overseas is simply not a part of their plan, and cant be, Edwards said. Ive got an outpouring of emails from alums, from people in the local community, who say, Hey, if any of these guys arent able to travel home this summer and need help with housing, keep me in mind as a resource. And thats pretty cool.

Aden almost went abroad to Denmark this year, but did not because of visa issues. Had she been in Denmark when the order was announced, she would have been unable to return. It could have been worse, she said.

Professors have been working on projects surrounding Islamophobia at the College. Professor Caleb Elfenbein, history and religious studies, started a digital humanities project this past summer. He uses data visualization to underscore incidents of violence against Muslims in America. It was inspired by a project called Mapping Police Violence.

Its a digital humanities project that seeks to present data about all kinds of events that reflect Islamophobic attitudes in the United States. The data set includes incidents ranging from harassment on the street or in stores all the way to national political discourse and everything in between including legislation, violent attacks, controversies about mosque construction and cemetery construction, an incredible rage of really tragic and sad behavior, Elfenbein said.

Elfenbein decided to do this project while thinking about comparing cross-cultural contexts. He thought about state policies that induce fear and intimidation in some Muslim-majority countries, comparing it to the United States. He asked the question: How does Islamophobia affect American Muslims ability to not be in fear, or limited to presenting themselves one way in public life?

Although he began thinking about this project before the executive order was signed, Elfenbein argued Islamophobia is necessary when considering this executive orders causes and implications.

There is an effort among some media outlets to emphasize the handful of fake reports on violence against Muslim Americans and a project like this can draw attention to the reality of hundreds of incidents that do occur, Elfenbein said.

According to Elfenbein, although the majority of these incidents of violence happen in densely populated areas, there are a variety of different incidents that happen all over the U.S.

Students and faculty are not the only Grinnellians that have been taking action against the executive order. Grinnell community members have as well. Last Saturday, the League of Women Voters hosted a meet-and-greet with the Iowa state legislators at First Presbyterian Church. Pastor Wendy Abrahamson of Saint Pauls Episcopal Church said that many people in the community are unhappy about the executive order.

There are some people that reasonably say its not a bad idea to vet things and look at the process. 100 percent of what Ive heard in terms of how it was handled  it was just handled ridiculously, she said. Especially for Christians, immigration and being hospitable to strangers  is fundamental. Jesuss family were refugees. So we dont think its the right thing for the United States.

Grinnellians for Change also organized a community meeting to help mobilize and coordinate productive action on Thursday, Feb. 2 at Saints Rest. At the meeting, people broke into small groups to focus on individual issues that they were interested in at a local, state and national level.

According to Miriam Amer, Executive Director on Counsel on American-Islamic Relations Iowa Chapter (CAIR-IA), at protests across the state of Iowa, there have been many more protesters than representatives from the other side. She said that Congressman Dave Loebsack has been supportive, but that the chapter knew they would get little support from others in Congress.

At the CIAR, they find attorneys for people struggling with immigration status, they consult Muslim, Arab and Sikh communities and they have huge coalitions with interreligious groups.

Its a collaborative effort, Amer said. We arent doing this by ourselves. We have a lot of people helping us. In specific regards to Trump, Amer talked about his financial interests and cited some of the countries he did not include in the executive order. Hes not going to cut off that money stream. People know that he has an agenda and dont want to enforce things that are unjust, Amer said.
By Louise Carhart

carhartl17@grinnell.edu

This coming Monday, Feb. 13, Pulitzer Prize- winning author and professor of creative writing at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Junot Diaz, will visit Grinnell for a series of discussions and readings. The Dominican Republic born, New Jersey bred writer focuses on the immigrant and Latinx experience in the United States, providing searing criticisms and poignant depictions of the treatment and condition of American-immigrant relations. Especially pertinent in light of recent governmental actions, Diazs time on campus will bring a leading voice in the Latinx movement to Iowa.

Diaz will lead two public events, a roundtable discussion on the craft of fiction at 4 p.m. in JRC 209 and a reading at 7 p.m. in JRC 101. This programming will allow students the opportunity for insight into two sides of Diazs creative process: the formative writing stages and the interpretation and public reception of his work. Organized and sponsored by the Rosenfield Program, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Intercultural Student Affairs, Writers@Grinnell, Student Activities and the Student Government Association, this is a major event for the college.

Diaz was honored for his novel The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao with a Pulitzer Prize in 2008 and has additionally received awards and praise for his works Drown and This is How You Lose Her. This is How You Lose Her was a New York Times Bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award. Diaz has also been awarded the MacArthur Genius Fellowship in 2012, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and a Guggenheim Fellowship for his innovative and deeply emotional writing. His books have been well received for their honest and brutal depictions of life as an immigrant, which provides the reader with an idea of how our country has lived up to the legacy etched onto the base of the Statue of Liberty.
I remember the night I received an email to join the Grinnell Science Project (GSP) like yesterday. It was penned by Joyce Stern. I read it excitedly and then rushed into my parents bedroom  I had been accepted to join another pre-orientation program!

By virtue of birth I am an American, born in New York, but that was how far my relationship with America went. I had no ties to America whatsoever, it was just my birthplace. I had lived in Ghana all my life and went to school there as well. It was where I called home. Although, my passport may say otherwise, I will always be a Ghanaian first. The wonderful staff of Grinnell College recognized this and invited me to the International Student Pre-Orientation Program (IPOP). I was excited to come to school early have a sense of what it meant to be a part of the diverse community Grinnell boasts of and to meet with people from all over the world. However, after I got the invite from GSP, I was confused.

In the first week, while everyone else was stating their hometown state, I was busy explaining the part of the world which I had flown in from just days ago. In a nutshell, GSP helped me break my inferiority complex and the insecurities I had about having a different educational background. GSP helped me not get lost in Noyce during the first week of classes  something I will always appreciate. I also had a smooth transition to studying sciences, and generally every discipline, because of this program. The rigorous schedule also closely modeled my life now as a Grinnell student.

However, there were times when I could tell that people could just not relate to how I felt. Having to repeat myself many times was strange (although I should take some of the blame because I speak so fast). Also, certain things were so new to me, like addressing a professor by their first name or preparing and actually delivering a presentation (that was only done by my teachers in school). Certainly, GSP prepared me for academics here at the College and gave me the opportunity to make really good friends. However, I cannot overlook the weirdness I felt in my first few days.

When I started working at Spencer Grill, it was a disaster. I could not wrap my head around how the nickel was much larger than the dime and I gave people the wrong change all the time. Apparently students who attended IPOP were taught the US monetary system and when I found out I felt really embarrassed.

GSP, PCPOP, and IPOP are all ways the College shows its commitment to diversifying its student population and equipping freshmen for life in Grinnell. However, for students like me, who are on both ends of the spectrum, attending a pre-orientation program which was very specific in its goals and targets did not adequately prepare me for life in the US. In the future, I hope that these programs will have a more intersectional approach in addressing their individual goals, so people like me will fit seamlessly and be truly prepared for life as a student here in Grinnell.

In retrospect, if I could speak to that girl jumping in her parents bedroom, I would tell her to stop jumping and get ready for how her life is going to change. Being a Ghanaian student living away from Home can be very confusing. But like every Grinnellian I know, I am aspiring to be different and I hope the college can help us create opportunities so that we Grinnellians can explore the entirety of these differences.

-Angela Frimpong 20

frimpong1@grinnell.edu
By Tanvi Jindal

jindalta@grinnell.edu

Grinnell College welcomed Lecturer Kusha Nezafati to the Math department this semester. Nezafati received a B.A. in philosophy and a B.S. in mathematics at University of Texas-Austin and went on to get his Masters in Statistics at University of Texas-Dallas. He is currently working on his dissertation for a Ph.D. in statistics from University of Texas-Dallas.

He is very happy about his decision to move to Grinnell.

Its nice. Actually, its very different from where I come. I spent most of my life living in Dallas. I was looking forward to moving to a place that is a little different from what I am used to. I appreciate the small town and the quiet. Its nice to live in a small place where you still have everything you need, Nezafati said.

He has also happily adjusted to teaching at Grinnell.

I enjoy it. Its very different from my TA work in UT Dallas where I practiced problems on differential Calculus and Linear Algebra. It was very abstract. So I am glad that Im teaching an intro to Stats class here because it is so application based, Nezafati said.

Nezafati was switched from philosophy to mathematics in search of concrete answers.

Philosophy is more about discourse and discussion and you dont really get to the solution. Everything is debatable. It is not as satisfying as mathematics where you can arrive at a set of solutions, where you can prove whatever it is youre trying to prove, Nezafati said.

He appreciates diversity of thought in his classroom discussions.

I really like that I have such a diverse set of students who I can discuss the bases or uses of statistics in their fields of study. Its interesting for me to hear their perspectives because they have so many interesting things to say. I appreciate there being a lot of room for discussion, Nezafati said.

Perhaps due to his love of class discussion and students from diverse backgrounds, he values participation and dedication greatly from students.

To get an A in my class, students have to show up, they have to participate in the discussion, Nezafati said. Besides that, they should have a good study habit outside of class. That means, you cant just go to lecture and absorb everything I say. You need to take notes and take inspiration from lecture and then go home and practice what you are being taught. Beyond that, I also have a group project so that requires other skills like organization, collaboration and presentation. So, the important things are being organized, showing up and being diligent.
Kangana Ranaut, who sizzles in the song Bloody Hell from her upcoming flick Rangoon is all set to release a 'Bloody Hell' drink in Mumbai as a part of her film promotions.

The marketing team came up with an innovative promotional gimmick by launching an exclusive vodka-based cocktail drink called 'Bloody Hell'. The team has tied up with various pubs across Mumbai where the drink will be available.

For Kangana,'Bloody Hell' is not just a song, but also her style statement in the film. Her character Julia is synonymous with 'Bloody Hell' and she uses the term often in the film to express all kinds of emotions.

Rangoon is an intense period drama revolving around love, deceit and war, set against the backdrop of World War II, with Saif Ali Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Shahid Kapoor in pivotal roles. The trailer and songs of the film are already gripping the audience, who are looking forward to outstanding performances by the stellar cast.

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Rangoon is all set to hit the theatres on February 24, 2017.
Storytelling is an art; and a story can be told through different mediums, including through narration, theatre, dance, song and even paintings.

And the first edition of the three-day Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival, which is all set to begin from February 24 at the lake city of Udaipur in Rajasthan, celebrates this art of storytelling.

"Story telling has different mediums and we though of reviving the old culture. Earlier we used to listen to stories from our parents or grandparents and this event will take the audience into the old era of listening to narrations," Sushmita Shekhar, Director, Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival told IANS.

The festival will be ushered in by eminent storytellers from both India and abroad. The programme will involve a plethora of genres including humour, real-life, fantasy, sentimental and dark humour to enthral the audience.

The festival is going to witness a host of wonderful storytellers including the likes of Shantanu Guharoy, Ajay Singh, Durga Bai and Subhash Vyaam, Varun Narayan, Bindeshwar Pathak and Salil Mukhiya Koitsu.

"This idea has been floating in the mind for the past one year. We did a lot of research before setting the stage. This kind of events are popular in the US where it is not only restricted to children but to adults as well. We thought of incorporating something similar on this," Shekhar added.
A trio of German and Afghan students have created a contemporary puppet show featuring 13th century Persian poet Rumi's story about a caged parrot's message to the free birds in India to talk about peace across the globe.

The Rumi-Balkhi Company founded by Berlin's Ernst Busch Academy students Nasir Formuli, Karoline Hoffmann and Sarah Zastrau in 2016, aims at intercultural exchanges between Afghanistan and Germany, countries that have rich puppet theatre traditions.

At the Indian Museum in Kolkata, supported by ThinkArts, they recently performed Rumi's "The Merchant and the Parrot" to a packed audience, comprising mostly children. The Puppets, masks and performances by the three, accompanied by captivating voice modulations, drove home the message.

For the group, the heart of the show was the contrast between their cultures.

"It was about India a bit and I love the story because it talks about freedom. My country has many problems. There are women's issues. There is war. These problems are cages," said play director Nasir, who hails from Afghanistan.

"For us it is totally different. We are allowed to do whatever we want. So it was interesting for us to learn about Afghanistan and Rumi's story struck a cord. Because of recent events, we can relate to the play more. Initially, our visas were rejected while coming to India and that made us realise what situation others may be facing in the rest of the world," Karoline and Sarah from Germany, who study puppet theatre, told IANS.

But why use puppets ?

The team believes puppets are fluid and therefore, can be a versatile tool to project emotions and actions.

"Both adults and children can relate to them. In Afghanistan, the puppets have traditional designs, in Germany, they can be abstract. The beauty is that you can pick up any inanimate object and turn it into a puppet," Nasir said.

While Sarah was in-charge of the dramaturgy, Karoline designed the costumes.

Despite the gravity of the story, the theatre also brought out the fun element, reinforcing the cultural exchange.

"German puppet theatre has a fun element, while in Afghanistan it is more serious. So we decided to present Rumi in a fun style," Nasir added.
Amid concerns raised by the Indian Information Technology industry on the US visa regime, the government on Friday said it was in talks with the US administration on the H1B visa issue. Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravishankar Prasad told The Statesman that the ministry was coordinating with the External Affairs Ministry and the government hoped to find a solution soon.

"Indian IT industry has raised some concerns. We're coordinating with the MEA which in turn is touch with the US administration on the visa issue." According to reports, US President Donald Trump is set to sign an order overhauling work visa programmes.

MEA said on Friday that India's interest and concerns on the issue had been conveyed both to the US administration and the US Congress. "We remain vigilant to what happens on this in future," MEA spokesperson Vikar Swarup said. The H1B visa allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialised fields and the technology companies depend on it to hire employees.

Opposition has been blaming the government of maintaining a silence on the US visa issue which is feared to erode to bottomlines of the Indian technology companies. Opposition parties including Trinmool Congress and CPM raised the issue in the Parliament this week to draw the government's attention to secure interests of Indian IT firms.

There are about five lakh Indians in IT sector working abroad on H1B visas. The proposed overhaul of popular H1B visa regime has raised concerns among the Indian IT firms as the changes may result in higher costs and shortage of skilled IT workers for their foreign client. Indian IT sector is one of the biggest private sector employers having 37 lakh employees and contributes over 9 per cent to the country's GDP. The new US legislation that has been introduced proposes to double the minimum wages of H1B visa holders at 130,000 dollars. Such protectionist stance stand by the US government could spell more trouble for IT firms that are already facing strong headwinds from technology shift and cautious client spending.
All eyes are set on the meeting scheduled for Saturday between the Jat leaders with the high-level committee constituted by the Haryana government to resolve the contentious issues for which the community members are staging protest in various parts of the state.

Finally, after nearly two weeks, the truce came into force between the state government and agitators as Jat leaders have agreed to a dialogue with the constituted committee. The meeting has been fixed for February 11 at Panipat refinery where five-member delegation of agitators each from an agitation spot headed by Akhil Bharatiya Jat Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti (ABJASS) president Yashpal Malik would take up their various demand with the committee headed by Chief Secretary DS Dhesi.

Sources revealed that chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state may concede to a few of the demands of the agitators.

Talking to The Statesman, Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Ram Niwas said, The meeting has been fixed for tomorrow at Panipat refinery. As earlier also, I have said that the committee would try its best to resolve their issues under the ambit of the Constitution and different decisions and directions given by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in this regard. The state government is in favour of resolving the problems of the people, under the provisions of the Constitution.

Nothing more could be revealed at this stage, he added. However, ABJASS chief Malik said, We are stick to our demands and we are going to attend the meeting, but this time we are not going to change our minds merely with the assurance of the state government. The government must have to act towards fulfilling our demands. Otherwise, we will continue with the protests.

Apart from permanent government jobs for the family members of the persons killed during the agitation last year, withdrawal of cases registered during last year against the protesters from Jat community, are among the few demands of the Jats agitating this time in Haryana.

Meanwhile, the ongoing agitation in 19 districts under the umbrella of ABJASS headed by Malik today entered 13th day peacefully as no untoward incident has been reported from anywhere in the state, however, the agitation has started spreading to parts of Delhi also.

The state government on February 7 constituted a committee headed by the Chief Secretary to consider the demands and resolve problems of those agitating for reservation in the state. Though, the agitators announced that they were ready to talk, but the meeting should be fixed somewhere adjoining to Rohtak instead of holding it in Delhi or Chandigarh. The Jat agitation in February last year left nearly 30 people dead while more than 200 injured. During the violence erupted last year, government and private properties were damaged and set on fire.
The ruling Nitish Kumar government in Bihar appeared to have come under trouble on Friday with a united opposition seeking for a CBI probe into the alleged leaking of question papers for recruitment test conducted by the state-run Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) for appointment of clerks.

The demand for probe gained momentum following revelation that many ministers, IAS officers and legislators were allegedly involved in the racket. So far, the police have arrested BSSC secretary Parmeshwar Ram and seven others in connection with the paper leak, and the matter is still under investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of state police.



The clamour for CBI probe picked up steam shortly after the arrested secretary reportedly told his interrogators that many high-profile people, from ministers to top bureaucrats, were involved in the racket and dared the police also arrest them.

I am only a small pawn. I dare you people to arrest the powerful persons who are running the racket, Ram was learnt to have learnt to have told his interrogators before being thrown into the jail. The investigation team also came across many job recommendation messages sent to Rams mobile by some ministers, astounding them quite much, as per reports.



According to unconfirmed reports, the arrested BSSC secretary said some seven ministers, nine IAS officers and 29 legislators were allegedly involved in the racket which surfaced earlier this week after an inquiry was ordered by chief minister Nitish Kumar. The CM ordered the probe after the leaked question papers of the February 5 inter-level clerk examination went viral in the social media ahead of the examination, leading to large protests by the candidates.



We want a CBI probe into the entire matter to let the truth come out. There are reports of seven ministers, 29 legislators and nine IAS officers having been involved in the paper leak scandal. The government should immediately reveal who ones are involved in the racket, Bihar opposition leader Prem Kumar told newsmen on Friday, adding only a CBI investigation could reveal the truth.



He alleged the Nitish Kumar government talks about development with justice but the fact is that the scandals have become an order of the day in Bihar. Toppers scams, answer-sheet scam, book purchase scam and scholarship scam etc have surfaced at frequent intervals in the state but the NItish Kumar government has been rather busy covering them up, alleges Mr Kumar, a senior BJP leader.



State president of the Jan Adhikar Party Bhagwan Singh Kushawaha too demanded for a CBI probe into the paper leak scandal and dismissal of all those involved into it. The arrested BSSC secretary Parmeshwar Ram has told the SIT that large-scale irregularities were committed in all appointments made by his department in the past five years. Now, it is the moral duty of the chief minister to bring out the truth, asked Mr Kushwaha, blaming the chief minister for pushing the state education system on the brink of disaster.



This is the third time in the quick succession that the scandal has rocked BIhar. Last year, topper scandal had hit the state, which saw many incompetent students topping the merit chart of intermediate examination conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board. Prior to that the parents were caught on cameras clambering the walls of examination centre and passing on chits to the near and dear ones taking matriculation examination.
Hollywood actress Ashley Judd, also the Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UNFPA, stressed on women empowerment in the country during her meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Friday.

Judd said she and the team of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) interacted with the Chief Minister about empowering and protecting youths and women.

"They share our mission of empowering and protecting youths and women empowerment, in particular. I admire the Odisha goverment for its determination in this regard," said the Hollywood actress.

She also said that they discussed child and maternal mortality in the state.

Describing her visit to India, she said it has been wonderful.

The actor-activist on Thursday received KISS Humanitarian Award 2016 for her relentless work for the protection of the rights of girl child and women.

Expressing her gratitude for the honour, Judd said the award will empower and make her energetic to do more work for women and girl children.

"I was sexually assaulted as a seven-year-old," she revealed, while stressing that violence and discrimination against women are pervasive in all countries and cultures.

"Women should have control of their own body, sex, and fertility," she said.
As per a survey conducted in American schools, 80 per cent teachers reported being victimised at least once within the current or past school year. India also has its fair share of a history of crimes against teachers. Violence directed at them is not publicised considering the widespread implications on profession, student learning and overall peace of the academic environment. While there is too much importance given to students safety in schools, there are hardly any measures taken to protect the teachers.

The ancient Indian system of education considered teacher, the guru as God, and even the religious texts alluded to it. They were looked upon with much respect as an ideal person, possessing academic and moral knowledge in the social hierarchy. But, in todays civilised world, their roles in our lives have drastically changed with time.

With Internet replacing teachers as the chief source of information, students have started taking them for granted. They however need to understand the difference between nformation and education. While technology has opened up several avenues, they are unable to make the right choice or sift through the information provided.

The continuous rise in the number of students per class results in teachers struggling to keep control of a classroom. Students misuse technology, to an extent that they ruin a teachers reputation with the help of social media platforms. In many countries, it has become harder for governments to persuade individuals to join the teaching profession. A significant reason for this is the tremendous pressure that comes from feeling powerless and incapable to control.

With the introduction of new methodologies, different methods of teaching and models of assessment and technology, personalisation of education and differentiated teaching, teachers today do not have a clue about their status or role in the educational hierarchy.

The Right to Education Act mandates that no child below Class VIII is to be detained. Certain rules such as not failing a student, not punishing them for doing something wrong are disturbing the teaching techniques and making it difficult to maintain discipline.The current politicisation of public education system has portrayed teachers in a more negative light.

With new and improved system, teachers are always loaded with additional work. These days their work isnt limited just to teaching, they need to create test and exam papers, check answer sheets, help in organising various school functions and fetes, deal with the parents and resolve their issues, maintain discipline, etc. Quite often, their working hours fall short for all these responsibilities. Despite all this hard work, teaching, as a profession, is undervalued, especially in terms of money. Gone are the days when only those who had flair for teaching were opted for the profession.

Next to parents, teachers bear the responsibility to shape the young minds. However, the profession is slowly losing out its hallowed status due to a mass public criticism based on a few unfortunate incidents. On the other hand, nobody observes the plight of the teachers and help them move out of this suffocating space. It is high time that we start recognising the difficulty of their tasks and overhaul our shallow perspectives to realise their immense contribution towards nation-building.

The writer is founder and chief executive officer, Edunuts.
After the Delhi High Court's intervention, the BSF on Friday agreed to allow the wife of "missing" BSF trooper Tej Bahadur Yadav, whose social media video clip on "substandard food" triggered an uproar, to meet him for two days.

A division bench of Justice GS Sistani and Justice Vinod Goel directed the BSF to let Yadav's wife meet him at the battalion in Jammu and Kashmir and also to stay overnight for two days.

The court posted the matter for February 15.

Yadav's wife Sharmila has filed a habeas corpus plea after she and other family members failed to contact the Border Security Force trooper for three days.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain appearing for BSF told the court that Yadav was "not missing" and just transferred to another battalion in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned the Congress leaders to keep their tongue in check, otherwise threatened to disclose their Janampatri. Modi devoted his Haridwar rally on Friday to Harish Rawat by making harsh attack on the Uttarakhand Chief Minister.

Modi said, The corruption of Uttarakhand government is very well known and even then the leadership is not bothered. And attacking the Congress after his raincoat jib, Narendra Modi warned , Keep your tongue in check, otherwise I have your Janampatri (birth chart).

Addressing the first public rally in Uttarakhand, the PM raised the tv sting operation issue to allege that even after featuring in the sting Harish Rawat acts as normal by saying, Do you need any court to prove ongoing corruption in Uttarakhand? India saw it on tv. It is rather sad, even after such acts, the Chief Minister acts normal. I have not seen any politician like him without any guilty consciousness.

Modi will be addressing three more rallies in Uttarakhand. The PM will be in Pithoragarh on Saturday and will travel to Srinagar and Ruderpur on Sunday.

Modi compared Uttarakhand with a growing up child by claiming that 16-21 age is the most vital age for any child and the next five year will decide the future of the hill state.

Alleging that Harish Rawat was a cabinet minister in the UPA government and did little for Uttarakhand. When he was a centre minister he had little time, he was busy 24-hour pulling down man occupying the seat (CM). As a cabinet minister he has not even a single achievement to show. On OROP he failed to give proposal to Delhi government.

Narendra Modi promised that if BJP is voted in power in Uttarakhand, the party will ensure no guilty is spared. The PM made mention of the Kedarnath disaster by accusing the Congress leaders of holidaying abroad in disaster time.
The Manipur-based United Naga Council, an avid supporter of the NSCN(IM) has a powerful arsenal in the shape of the states two national highways to browbeat the administration whenever its leaders have a score to settle.

The ongoing economic blockade the UNC started on 1 November last year continues. It is in protest against chief minister Okram Ibobi Singhs decision to meet the Kukis demand for upgradation of Kangpokpi, 46 km from Imphal, on the way to Dimapur, as a separate entity. It was to have been inaugurated way back in 1982 but had to be kept in abeyance following objection by the Nagas, who claimed the land belonged to their ancestors.

The apparent motive was to sustain the NSCN(IM)s integration demand. Amid all this,the chief minister in December not only formalised Kangpokpi as a separate district but also created six more, much to the chagrin of the UNC.

The British in 1933 created Kangpokpi with the sole objective of administrative convenience. Ibobi has often harped on this, and perhaps reasonably so. Before Senapati district was formed in the 1970s, most government offices were at Kangpokpi.

The demand for its separate entity became all the more necessary because, after the 1990s bloody Naga-Kuki ethnic clashes, that left more than 1,000 dead, the Kukis loathe going to Senapati headquarters (16 km from Kangpokpi) to transact official business or pay their taxes or revenues.

The 3 February tripartite meeting in Delhi, attended by two top UNC leaders (under judicial custody) brought no cheer. They returned home satisfied that Delhi and the state government took cognisance of their demand and would take a decision after consulting their colleagues.

On 7 February, they sent the sparks flying by deciding to persist with the blockade. Following which the government further extended their judicial custody. A great deal needs to be done to spruce up law and order before the assembly elections on 4 and 8 March.

It is obvious that the UNC wants the situation to drift so as to provide an excuse to the Centre to take over. The UNC-Centre game-plan is all too clear.

When UNC leaders met Union home minister Rajnath Singh in December he could have persuaded the Naga leaders to lift the ban reminding them that the blockade of any national highway is unlawful, but did not, for fear of offending the NSCM(IM) leadership. The BJP won seven seats in the 2003 Naga assembly elections with the proxy support of the NSCN(IM). It is likely to be repeated in Manipur as well.
A multi-nation naval exercise, including warships from the US, Russia and China, kicked off in the Arabian Sea off Karachi on Friday as part of 'Aman-17' being hosted by Pakistan.

The four-day exercise, with 37 countries taking part, has the theme 'Together for peace'. It is the fifth such exercise that Pakistan has been holding since 2007.

In a message, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan is fully committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order.

The other navies joining in include Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Turkey and Britain.

Russia's Severomorsk anti-war ship, Altay Tug Boat and Dubna tanker are part of the exercise, while China's 24th escort naval fleet is taking part in the joint drill with its missile destroyer Harbin, guided-missile frigate Handan and supply ship Dongpinghu. Around 700 troops are also participating. It's the fifth time that China has joined AMAN exercise since its launch.

Commander of the Pakistani naval fleet Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini inaugurated the exercise at the Karachi dockyard.

Hussaini, speaking at the ceremony, said the exercise would help work against human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and terrorism in the region, Radio Pakistan reported.

He considered the exercise a good platform for all navies to exchange ideas, enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.

"Aman exercise provides a chance for us to exchange ideas and reinforce our communication with other navies," said Chinese Captain Yu Tao of missile destroyer Harbin.

Due to an increasingly challenging maritime environment, the Chinese navy should enhance its cooperation with other countries and learn others' expertise to better fulfil its escort missions, he said.

Initiated and organised by Pakistan, the "Aman" series exercise has been held every other year since 2007, aiming to boost inter-operability and to demonstrate the allied nation's capabilities to fight terrorism and other maritime threats.

Sharif pointed out that maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean were both multidimensional and multifaceted. Threats such as maritime terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy have acquired international dimensions, he said.

Sharif emphasised that cooperation between international navies was imperative to countering emerging threats.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved on Friday constitutional amendments that will bring drastic changes to the country's political system, including a shift to an executive presidential system from the current parliamentary system.

The package will now be put to a referendum, likely on April 16, in accordance with a date to be selected by the Supreme Election Board (YSK), Hurriyet Daily News reported.

The Turkish Parliament sent the constitutional amendments for the President's approval on February 2, 12 days after passing it, exceeding the 330-vote threshold to bring it to a referendum.

"I hope 'sovereignty [will] rest unconditionally with the nation' on April 16 when the referendum will be held," Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said.

Kurtulmus said the Turkish people, including those who will vote Yes or No, would express their opinion in the referendum. "I hope that this election campaign will continue in line with the mature democracy of Turkey," he said.

The constitutional amendment brings a strong partisan presidential system that will take over all authorities of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The minimum age for parliamentary candidates would be reduced to 18 and the number of lawmakers will rise to 600.

The reform would give the President the authority to annul Parliament, issue decrees, declare an election as well as emergency rule, appoint ministers and top state officials  powers that the two main Opposition parties say strip away balances to Erdogan's power.

Simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections for a five-year term in Turkey would be held in November 2019.
Iranian forces fired four mortar shells across the border into Pakistan's Balochistan province on Friday, officials told local media.

Habibur Rehman, Deputy Commissioner of Panjgur district, told Dawn News that "Iranian forces fired four mortar shells into Panjgur's Parom area without any justification and provocation".

"We have not received any report about any human loss," he added.

Islamabad has several times accused Iranian forces of violating its territorial integrity and has lodged protests with Tehran.

Pakistan shares a 900 km porous border with Iran and the two countries had in 2014 decided to boost intelligence coordination to wipe out terrorists from the border region.
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A bullet hole is seen on the windshield of a bus at the scene of a shooting attack in Petah Tikva, Israel. Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy

By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat
Speaking with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Tuesday, 11 Shevat, former Minister of Justice Daniel Friedman stated with confidence he is certain Israels High Court of Justice will overturn the Regulation Law which will legalize some 4,000 homes throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

According to Friedman, the court will overturn the law due to issues pertaining to private property rights. He also expressed fears regarding International Criminal Court in The Hague, which is monitoring events in Israel. He warns that while it is not The Hague courts case, the fact that it has involved itself in the matter spells trouble for -born 22-year-old Ben Hassin was imprisoned in an Arab country with which Israel does not maintain diplomatic relations. Amid efforts to save him was a fundraiser by Zaka to raise the $120,000 ransom, the pidyon shvuyim money.

Zaka reported to reach the sum and immediately halted fundraising efforts on behalf of Ben Hassin. However, as times passes, Zaka is yet to find a responsible agency to accept the money, one that guarantee Bens release.

An American attorney involved in the case was of course working with Zaka, but to date, without success regarding Zakas desire to get the ransom money to the correct address to obtain Hassins freedom. Hence, it has been decided if Zaka cannot find a responsible legal agency to accept the money, it will be returned to donors.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
New Jersey Transit will meet a December 2018 federal deadline for installing an emergency braking system despite lagging other passenger railroads on progress, the agencys executive director said Wednesday.

Investigators are looking at the lack of the positive control braking system as a potential factor in a September 2016 crash in Hoboken that killed one person and injured more than 100 others.

We are working diligently to make the date, NJ Transit Executive Director Steve Santoro said. Right now we have no intention of asking for an extension.

The Federal Railroad Administration initially required railroads to install the system by the end of 2015 but later extended that by three years when it became apparent nearly all railroads would miss the deadline. The GPS-based system requires hardware to be installed on each locomotive and on tracks.

The agencys website shows passenger railroads on other states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, are further along than NJ Transit in several categories. They include the number of locomotives equipped with the system and number of radio towers installed, the number of track segments completed and how much employee training has been completed.

Passenger rail lines in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Seattle have made substantial progress on installing the system on their locomotives and tracks. They are much smaller, however, than NJ Transit, which operates more than 750 trains and light rail vehicles and serves about 5,300 square miles.

Through the end of 2016, NJ Transit hadnt installed positive train control on any of its 440 locomotives and had installed five of 124 required electrical towers, officials said. They insisted theyve made steady progress, starting with an approval last October to lease radio frequency, a crucial component for the system.

By June, NJ Transit expects to have 11 percent of locomotives and 10 percent of towers equipped; by the end of 2017 those numbers are expected to increase to 39 percent and 72 percent, respectively.

(AP)
The White House is rushing to the defense of Ivanka Trumps company  the latest sign the president cant seem to separate the presidency from his familys businesses.

President Donald Trump added to a string of presidential firsts on Wednesday, and drew fire from ethics lawyers, with a Twitter attack on Nordstrom. The Seattle-based retailer stoked Trumps rage by dropping his daughter Ivankas clothing and accessory line.

The implication, intended or not: Hurt my daughters business, and the Oval Office will come after you.

My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom, the president tweeted. She is a great person  always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!

The government-led cheerleading for Ivanka Trumps private enterprise didnt end there.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, in an interview Thursday with Fox News from the White House briefing room, encouraged people to go buy Ivankas stuff. She boasted that she was giving the brand a free commercial here.

While Trump himself is not subject to the standards of ethical conduct for federal employees, Conway is. Among the rules: An employee shall not use his or her office for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise.

Ivanka Trump does not have a specific role in the White House but moved to Washington with her husband, who is one of Trumps closest advisers. She followed her fathers approach on business ties by handing over operating control of her fashion company but retaining ownership of it.

Though Trump has tweeted about companies such as Boeing, Carrier and General Motors, ethics experts say this time was different. It involved his daughters business, which raises conflict-of-interest concerns.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump was responding to an attack on his daughter when he posted the tweet and that he has every right to stand up for his family and applaud their business activities, their success.

The Ivanka Trump flare-up follows revelations that first lady Melania Trump expected to develop multi-million dollar business relationships tied to her presence in the White House, according to a lawsuit she filed on Monday.

Ethics experts have criticized Trumps plan to separate himself from his sprawling real estate business by handing managerial control to his two adult sons. The experts want him to sell his company. Most modern presidents have sold their financial holdings and put the cash raised in a blind trust whose investments remained unknown to them.

Kathleen Clark, a government ethics expert, said the Nordstrom tweet is problematic because other retailers may think twice now about dropping the Ivanka Trump brand for fear of getting criticized publicly by the president. She said it was especially disturbing that Trump retweeted his message on the official White House account.

The implicit threat was that he will use whatever authority he has to retaliate against Nordstrom, or anyone who crosses his interest, said Clark, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

Clark defended the presidents right to use his personal Twitter account to express his views, however. She noted that government workers recently set up alt-EPA accounts to criticize the presidents policies. A government employee, even a president, is allowed to tweet in his personal capacity.

One of the presidents fiercest ethics critics, Norman Eisen, described the tweet differently  a bullying tactic beneath the dignity of the presidents office.

This is a shot across the bow to everybody who is doing business with Trump or his family, said Eisen, who was President Barack Obamas chief ethics counselor. Its warning them: Dont withdraw their business.

Eisen joined with other legal scholars and lawyers to sue the president last month for allegedly violating a clause in the Constitution that prohibits government officials from accepting gifts or payments from foreign governments. Though other legal scholars disagree, Eisen said such payments include foreign diplomats staying at Trumps new Washington D.C. hotel and holding events there and at the other Trump venues.

Trump and his top aides have repeatedly said that Americans do not care about what Eisen and other ethics critics say. Prior to the election it was well known that I have interests in properties all over the world, Trump wrote on Twitter Nov. 21.

Two surveys released in January show thats not entirely the case. A Quinnipiac University poll found that about 60 percent of registered voters were at least somewhat concerned that the president would veto a law that would be good for the country because it would hurt his business interests. And a Pew Research Center poll found that 57 percent of American adults were at least somewhat concerned that Trumps businesses could conflict with his ability to serve the countrys best interests.

Yet Trump seems to have calculated that his base of supporters forgives  and maybe even encourages  his protective bluster about his family businesses.

Nordstrom reiterated Wednesday that its decision was based on the brands performance, not politics. The company said sales of Ivanka Trump items had steadily declined over the past year, particularly in the last half of 2016, to the point where it didnt make good business sense for us to continue with the line for now.

Retailers drop brands all the time because of poor performance, said brand consultant Allen Adamson. But given a highly charged political environment, perception is reality for loyal Trump fans.

It is clearly hard for Nordstrom to tell the story that it is dropping (the brand) for business reasons, said Adamson, founder of the firm Brand Simple.

(AP)
The Air Force says an unarmed Minuteman 3 missile has been launched from Californias central coast in the latest test of the intercontinental system.

The missile blasted off at 11:39 p.m. PDT Wednesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base northwest of Los Angeles.

The Air Force says the missile carried test re-entry vehicles that headed for a target area 4,200 miles away to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

The Air Force routinely uses Vandenberg to test Minuteman missiles from bases around the country.

This test involved personnel from Vandenbergs 576th Flight Test Squadron and the 91st Missile Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

(AP)
[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know Israel Police as we do. You escorted our children a long way and today, we all shed tears of excitement at the bar mitzvah ceremony at the Kosel stated the principal of the HaArazim School in the presence of the Jerusalem Police Chief, Kosel Rav Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz Shlita and senior regional commanders.

Police of the Merchav David district have been maintaining a relationship for a year, which includes weekly visits, activities, tours and other joint actions. In most cases, the students come to the police station, but at times, the reverse is true.

As they boys reach bar mitzvah police took the initiative to arrange the Kosel ceremony. Rabbi Rabinowitz showered them with brachos and praised the program which endears police to the students.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photo Credit: Police spokesman unit)
The following article is published in this weeks Mishpacha Magazine, and republished on YWN with their permission:

I will never forget that tap.

It was the fall of 1965, my first zeman at the Philadelphia yeshivah. Like everyone else, I slept in the dormitory. Early one Wednesday morning, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was the rosh yeshivah, Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky shlita. He never woke up the bochurim  there was a vekker for that. Your father is sick, he said. My father, Rav Dovid Bender, was a healthy 53-year-old who served as a menahel in Torah Vodaath back in Brooklyn. You are going home, Rav Shmuel continued, and Reb Elya [Svei] and I will accompany you.

I had a sense of foreboding the entire train ride, but it was only when we arrived at Manhattans West 4th Street station and I saw scores of my parents relatives and friends that I realized that my father was not sick. He had been niftar  and I had a new status: yasom.

Baruch Hashem, I was never mistreated as a result of my newfound status. Returning home, I was fortunate to be cared for by my mother, Rebbetzin Basia Bender; my brother-in-law, Rav Chaim Leib Epstein; and my paternal grandfather, Rav Avrohom Bender, zichronam livracha. But I was a yasom. So I can relate to a yasoms pain.

That is why I feel compelled to draw the tzibburs attention to a widespread problem: a callousness, bordering on cruelty, with which many of Klal Yisraels orphan boys and girls are being inadvertently treated.

A caveat: Many of our mosdos in fact are sensitive and bend over backwards to avoid hurting yesomim. Some, however, do not. This state of affairs is unacceptable for a nation of rachmanim, bayshanim, and gomlei chasadim.

Do we understand the pain of a yasom? My father zl used to offer a mashal: Imagine that you had an open wound and someone struck you on that exact spot. It would hurt even more. Bereft of his parent and protector, the yasom is also wounded, and any mistreatment will compound his existing suffering.

Someone fortunate enough to be raised by both parents can never fully understand an orphans pain. Yet the Torah instructs us not to hurt them, so we must use our imagination to determine what might hurt them and avoid it at all costs. We cannot bring back the missing parent. But we must, as individuals and as a community, be creative and figure out how to make life a little easier for these innocent children.

Some examples of the current situation:

Avos Ubanim This remarkable program of father-and-son learning has transformed Motzaei Shabbos into a beautiful opportunity for limud haTorah and parent-child bonding. But what about the banim who dont have avos? Do we make sure that every fatherless boy has an adult to accompany him? In addition, can we eliminate the constant reminder these children face of the gaping void in their lives by doing what some communities already did years ago and universally change the name of the program to Dor Ldor?

Shabbos and Yom Tov Who takes the children to shul on Shabbos? Often the mother is tied down at home with younger kids and cannot do it, and older boys who belong in the mens section need an adult male to walk them to shul and daven with them.

Who takes the boys to purchase arba minim, or perform other activities that a father normally would? Other challenges apply to girls, or when the deceased is the mother. Do we even think about it?

Educational mosdos How can it be that in 2017, there are some schools where, well into the school year, rebbeim, morahs and teachers are still unaware that a student in their class is from a one-parent family?

Mrs. Sarah Rivkah Kohn, the founder and director of Links, an organization that runs numerous programs for yesomim and yesomos, has alerted me to a persistent problem. What follows are excerpts from an unpublished essay that she recently penned:

Please fill in missing criteria highlighted above.

The trouble is that the criteria the institutions website is missing in the application is also, sadly, lacking from this girls life. Im talking about a parent.

Many mosdos have put their application process online, to ensure that every blank is filled in properly. (There are several valid reasons for this change.)

Many families whove lost a parent are reporting that the new systems wont allow for the deceased parents info to remain blank. Some girls reported that their mothers  almanos  would fill in the word deceased in place of the departed fathers name. In some cases, it worked. In others, even that was not enough. But if it was just the technology that was insensitive, I would never write this piece.

I am writing through tears as I go through the e-mails forwarded to me in the last couple of weeks.

Lets start with the application process:

The mosad called to tell me that my form was incomplete and was not going to be processed. I told them that the only part I left out was about my father whod passed away years back. I dont have a shul for him nor a place of employment/kollel. I thought I was clear. But two weeks later a form letter came to me in the mail [stating] that I was being denied an interview because of [an] incomplete application. I [finally] reach[ed] the right person in the office who could help me out. She said that she would make it work for me but that I should realize she was doing me a big favor.

Then, there is the interview process:

I just had my initial interview. My mother passed away six months ago in a sudden accident. At the interview the menaheles said to me, I noticed on your application that you left out all info about your mother. Avoiding filling in things like that makes me feel like youre still in denial. I was surprised and didnt respond. She continued, I think it would be a great experience for you to write your mothers name, what high school she went to, and whatever is nogeia  just put ah after her name. Honestly, that will tell me that youre ready to be in [our mosad] after such a sudden death. Its not for all girls who lost a parent. Yes, Im in the year. Yes, Im raw. Yes, Ill cry. But Im not going to get better by writing my mothers name. Yes, they have every right to refuse me  but not like this. To her credit, the menaheles apologized, but said she didnt realize I still took all this so hard.

Her heartrending essay includes other examples as well.

Basic menschlichkeit When the leadership of an institution is informed about the petirah of a parent, do they make a point of amending the database so that future mailings are addressed properly? Do you know how painful it is for a widow to receive a letter addressed to her husband five years after his passing? Four years later, we are still getting mail addressed to my late mother-in-law who lived with us  even after writing deceased in big letters on the envelopes and sending them back. Our yeshivahs office administrator checks the Misaskim shivah listing twice a week so that she can update our records.

Acceptance What about the acceptance process for high schools? Do we give even a modicum of deference to an applicant who is a yasom? It is known that the Brisker Rav ztzl and his successors made every effort to accept yesomim into the elite Brisker yeshivah in Yerushalayim. Perhaps that is because one might inadvertently hurt the yasom by rejecting him  and thereby violate an issur dOraisa.

Children of divorce Nearly all of the above applies to children of divorced or separated parents as well. Their pain is acute  and just as real as a yasoms. A beis medrash bochur from a broken home once confided in me that he considered yesomim to be comparatively lucky, because at least people are sensitive to their situation. What about him? Like the yasom, he is also wounded  and he may even harbor shame about his situation.

The Torah warns (Shemos 22): You shall not cause pain to any widow or orphan. If you cause him pain. The pesukim describe the dire punishments that will befall one who perpetrates such agony. Rashi, quoting Mechilta, explains that the same applies to causing pain to any person, but the Torah refers to the hoveh  the usual example, that of the yasom or almanah, because they are weak and frequently oppressed.

This always puzzled me. Is a person liable to endure the terrible tragedies enumerated by the pasuk on account of tcheppering a regular person? I suspected  and later saw this confirmed in the Chofetz Chaims Shemiras Halashon  that when Rashi says any person, he means anyone who, because of their circumstances, will be similarly affected by the pain! This surely includes children of divorce.

Middah tovah merubah. If the Father of yesomim and Defender of almanos cares so much about their feelings that the consequences for hurting them are so severe, how much eternal reward will He give those who make a real effort to be cognizant of their emotions!

It is not a difficult thing to do.

It just means using our minds and opening our hearts.

Rabbi Yaakov Bender is the rosh yeshivah of Yeshivah Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, New York, and the author of Chinuch with Chessed (Mesorah Publications)

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
President Donald Trump on Thursday lashed out at Republican Sen. John McCain, who has disputed the Trump administrations insistence that the deadly U.S. military mission in Yemen was absolutely a success.

Trump took to Twitter to assail the Vietnam War veteran and chairman of the Armed Services Committee for emboldening the enemy after the Arizona lawmaker initially called last months raid a failure. McCain issued a statement Tuesday in which he said that while many objectives of the raid were met, I would not describe any operation that results in the loss of American life as a success.

Sen. McCain should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media, Trump said over several tweets. Only emboldens the enemy! Hes been losing so  long he doesnt know how to win anymore.

The raid was supposed to be an intelligence gathering mission but turned into a lengthy battle with al-Qaida fighters in which a Navy SEAL, Ryan Owens, was killed, a $75 million aircraft was lost and there were multiple casualties, including women and children.

Our hero  Ryan died on a winning mission (according to General Mattis), not a failure. Time for the U.S. to get smart and start winning again! Trump tweeted. Retired Gen. Jim Mattis is Trumps secretary of defense.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer has called the raid absolutely a success.

McCain, who spent 5 years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, has not been shy about criticizing Trump, especially over his accommodating attitude toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and his controversial immigration order suspending all immigration for citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries, including Yemen, for 90 days.

But on Thursday, McCain was not eager to respond to Trumps latest missives.

Senator McCain will continue to execute his oversight duties as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and support the brave men and women serving our nation in uniform, said McCain spokeswoman Julie Tarallo.

McCain, 80, cruised to a sixth Senate term in November, defeating a Democratic challenger who hounded the senator for standing by Trump even after the billionaire businessman insulted him as a loser and appeared to question whether he is a war hero.

Trump, who received draft deferments during the Vietnam era, also said there was nothing heroic about McCains military record after he was shot down during the war.

McCain dropped his support for Trump in early October after a 2005 recording surfaced in which Trump boasted about groping women. The move led to an outcry from conservative voters firmly behind Trump. McCain has sought to limit his public criticism of Trump to policy differences but often struggles to hide his exasperation when encountering reporters in the corridors of the Capitol.

(AP)
The British defense secretary says he has no doubt at all about the U.S. commitment to NATO under President Donald Trump.

Secretary Michael Fallon said Thursday he agrees with Trump that the trans-Atlantic alliance must be modernized so it is more agile and responsive.

Fallon said: We are in no doubt at all about the U.S. commitment to NATO. Previous U.S. presidents have asked Europe to shoulder a greater part of the burden. There is nothing new in that.

Trump once dismissed the military alliance as obsolete. The White House has since stressed the fundamental importance of NATO to trans-Atlantic relations.

Fallon says NATO must take a 360-degree view of current threats.

He added: There shouldnt be a division between a European view and an American view of NATO, and there isnt.

(AP)
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

It is an interesting picture  placed here to draw our attention to Tu BShvat  the Rosh HaShana for trees. Otherwise, we do not know too much about it. What is it all about?

The idea that it is the Rosh HaShana for trees is based upon the first Mishna in the tractate Rosh HaShana, Beis Shammai is of the opinion that Rosh HaShana for trees is the 1st of Shvat. Bais Hillel says that it is the 15th.

Let us try to examine what the term Rosh HaShana in this context means. We often associate Rosh HaShana with Day of Judgment. But are trees actually judged on this day?

The consensus of Rabbinic thought is that there is a Rosh HaShana for trees, but it is not Tu BShvat  it is Shavuos. The Gemorah in Rosh HaShana (16a) states clearly trees are judged on Shavuos. This is also how the majority of commentators understand this Gemorah.

What then is the nature of the Rosh HaShanaism of Tu BShvat as discussed in the tractate of Rosh HaShana (2a)?

ACCOUNTING DIMENSION

It is more like a fiscal year  beginning of the year. In regard to all Mitzvos associated with trees, Tu BShvat begins the year and ends the previous year. Maaser, for example, cannot be taken on fruits from one year to the next year. The same is true for the laws of Orlah  until it sees its third and fourth Tu BShvat (with one other proviso according to the Rambam) it is still forbidden to be consumed.

The laws of Trumah, Shviis, are also affected by the date of Tu BShvat. In short, it is a technical Rosh haShana  the date that is crucial for all the agricultural halachos.

This approach, however, is not so simple. The Shulchan Aruch rules (OC 572:3) that a community that wishes to establish a communal fast on a Monday or Thursday, and it happened to fall on Tu Bshvat  the fast should be pushed off until the next week. The Shulchan Aruch references the Hagaos Maimonius, but the question was first posed to Rabbeinu Gershom MeOhr HaGolah.

The problem is that this seems to show that there is much more than a fiscal year nature to Tu BShvat. No fasting means that there is something other than technical details of the agricultural halachos going on here.

Another halacha brings out this point as well  a Chosson should not fast on his wedding day if it falls out on Tu Bshvat (See Mishna Brura 573:7).

If it is only fiscal  then why do we not fast? The answer is that there must have been some dimension of ruchniyus- spirituality here.

The Mogain Avrohom (131:16) writes that the Minhag among Ashkenazim is to eat fruits of trees on this day.

It is interesting to note that all of the Tu BShvat holiness minhagim are traced to Ashkenaz Jewry. It seems that they were privy to traditions not found in the Talmud Bavli. These traditions were not passed down to Sefardic schools or the writings of the Sefardic Rishonim. There is also no mention of Tu Bshvat practices in the writings of the AriZal either.

Throughout the Rishonim and the early Achronim  only these three halachos were mentioned.

Then, historically, a bomb shell erupted. The Sefer Chemdas Yamim, an anonymous kabbalistic work written in the late 17th century on mystical aspects of Shabbos and the Yamim Tovim appeared. It was not limited to mysticism. It mentioned halacha, mussar, and many of the Minhagim of the Arizal.

Initially, the great Acharon Rav Yaakov Emden believed that it was written by a follower of Shabtai Tzvi. Since then, however, it has been accepted by many various groups in Klal Yisroel. Chassidim and Sefardim use it as a source for many Kaballah minhagim.

This sefer has in it something called the Tu BeShevat Seder (see Vol. 2, Shovevim Ch. 3, p. 108-110), which has become very popular among many various groups of Jews. Indeed, a whole Seder of events was described with psukim recited for each of some thirty different fruits.

Sefer Chemdas Yamim was originally published and edited in 1732 by the great Rabeinu Yaakov Ben Yom Tov Algazi, the father of the Maharit Algazi, who was a friend of the Chida. This gave the sefer great credibility and authenticity. The hesitations of Rav Yaakov Emden were soon forgotten.

Whether or not they were to adopt the Tu BShvat Seder (most people did not)  the Chemdas Yamim pointed the way for the great Baalei Machshava to see and describe the spiritual essence of Tu BShvat.

The author of the Chemdas Yamim was unaware of something that was to be discovered in the late 1800s in Egypt. This was the Cairo Geniza where well over half a million items placed in Shaimus in a shul in Cairo for over a thousand years were discovered. In the Cairo Genizah were special piyutim that were apparently recited with the Shmoneh Esreh in Eretz Yisroel during the times of the Gaonim.

What were in these piyutim? They described a spiritual dimension to Tu BShvat that clearly demonstrated to all that Tu BShvat was a deep spiritual experience for the Torah community in Eretz Yisroel.

Unfortunately, the Yiddishkeit of Eretz Yisroels Gaonim was soon to be utterly destroyed with the advent of the Crusades. Jewish blood flowed in the streets like rivers. Those Jews were viciously murdered. It seems, however, that some remembrance of the holiness practices remained with Ashkenazic Jewry.

So what was the spiritual dimension of Tu BShvat? Where did the holiness emanate from? What is it that these three halachos allude to?

The Apter Rav, author of the Ohaiv Yisroel (end of Parshas Shlach) (1748-1825) zatzal explained that the month of Nissan is when the Jewish nation will ultimately be redeemed in the future. Forty days or so before this time is an aschalta degeulah, an awakening of the time of Bias HaMashiach  the arrival of Mashiach.

Chazal, therefore, established this time as a holiday with aspects of the sparks of the redemption that will occur in Nissan. It is this day, Tu BShvat, which is imbued with the holiness of the Aschalta  beginnings of the Geulah.

Therefore, all the halachos of Trumah, Maaser, Orlah, will begin on the day imbued with the holiness of the impending redemption.

Even though the redemption did not yet occur, the holiness is still inherent in the day. The Klausenberger Rebbe points out (Drashos 5741) that Avrohom Avinu baked Matzos on the day of Pesach even before it happened according to the Midrash (BR 48:12). Why? Because the holiness is part of the very day  even before it transpired. The same is true for Tu Bshvat.

We may ask, however, why is there a special minhag of eating the fruits of Eretz Yisroel on this day? And what is the further or deeper connection between the Rosh HaShana for trees and the future redemption?

We find in the Mechilta (BeShalach chapter 3) that Rabbi Yishmael tells us that the Red Sea was split through the merit of Yerushalayim. At first glance this seems bizarre. What does the redemption from Mitzrayim have to do with Yerushalayim?

The Midrash tells us (Esther Rabbah 1:9) that Yerushalayim is the way that Eretz Ysiroel is often referenced because it is the center of Eretz Yisroel. We find, therefore, that this Mechilta is telling us that the merit of Eretz Yisroel brings about Geulah  redemption.

Tu BShvat in its primary role highlights the trees and fruits of what Eretz Yisroel is blessed with. It is the merit of Eretz Yisroel, that brought about the past Geulah from Egypt according to this Mechilta. It would seem very appropriate that the merit of Eretz Yisroel will bring about the future Geulah as well.

It would seem that these are the reasons for our halachic minhagim as well. We eat the fruit of Eretz Yisroel on Tu BShvat so that the Aschalta of the Geulah will materialize through the merit of Eretz Yisroel.

Oh and by the way, the tree pictured here is made of concrete.

The author can be reached at [email protected]
A federal appeals court in San Francisco has ruled against President Donald Trumps ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower-court ruling that temporarily suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S.

An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is possible.

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban last week after Washington state and Minnesota sued.

The administration said the seven nations  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  have raised terrorism concerns. The states argued that the ban targets Muslims.

(AP)
A federal appeals court refused Thursday to reinstate President Donald Trumps ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, dealing another legal setback to the new administrations immigration policy.

In a unanimous decision, the panel of three judges from the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S.

An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is possible and would put the decision in the hands of a divided court that has a vacancy. Trumps nominee, Neil Gorsuch, could not be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban.

The appeals panel said the government presented no evidence to explain the urgent need for the executive order to take effect immediately. The judges noted compelling public interests on both sides.

On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies. And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination.

The court rejected the administrations claim that it did not have the authority to review the presidents executive order.

There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy, the court said.

Last week, U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban after Washington state and Minnesota sued. The ban temporarily suspended the nations refugee program and immigration from countries that have raised terrorism concerns.

Justice Department lawyers appealed to the 9th Circuit, arguing that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

The states said Trumps travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities. Citing Trumps campaign promise to stop Muslims from entering the U.S., they said the ban unconstitutionally blocked entry to people based on religion.

Both sides faced tough questioning during an hour of arguments Tuesday. The judges hammered away at the administrations claim that the ban was motivated by terrorism fears, but they also challenged the states argument that it targeted Muslims.

I have trouble understanding why were supposed to infer religious animus when, in fact, the vast majority of Muslims would not be affected, Judge Richard Clifton, a George W. Bush nominee, asked an attorney representing Washington state and Minnesota.

Only 15 percent of the worlds Muslims are affected by the executive order, the judge said, citing his own calculations.

Has the government pointed to any evidence connecting these countries to terrorism? Judge Michelle T. Friedland, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, asked the Justice Department attorney.

After the ban was put on hold, the State Department quickly said people from the seven countries  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  with valid visas could travel to the U.S. The decision led to tearful reunions at airports round the country.

The ban was set to expire in 90 days, meaning it could run its course before the Supreme Court would take up the issue. The administration also could change the order, including changing its scope or duration.

(AP)
The head of the President Conference of Major Jewish Organizations, Malcom Hoenlein, visited in Yerushalayim with the Belzer Rebbe Shlita. The meeting took place on Wednesday evening the eve of 13 Shevat.

Hoenlein, who has spent his career working on behalf of the Jewish People, meets with national leaders in both the United States and Israel. He was reportedly received warmly by the rebbe, as the two discussed events pertinent to the Jewish People around the world.

This was not his first meeting with the rebbe, but this meeting was comprehensive, lasting over an hour. It is reported that the change in government in the United States was a topic discussed in depth as well.

Hoenlein is quoted saying The rebbe is optimistic but at the same time, quite realistic with both feet planted firmly on the ground.

Regarding Israels security, he reportedly explained the situation in Syria and the fighting with ISIS in Egypt are both concerns for the State of Israel. He also expressed his hope that the upcoming meeting in Washington between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump will be successful.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
President Donald Trump said Thursdays federal appellate court ruling against reinstating his refugee and immigration order was a political decision that jeopardized national security.

We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake and its a very, very serious situation so we look forward  to seeing them in court, Trump said. Were going to win the case.

Trump, in a brief, impromptu appearance in the West Wing, did not specify what his administrations next legal steps would be and said he had not yet conferred with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was sworn into office earlier Thursday.

The president said he did not believe the decision undercut his presidency.

In a unanimous decision, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined Thursday to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the executive order preventing travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the U.S.

The Justice Department said it was reviewing the decision and considering its options. It could appeal the judges restraining order to the U.S. Supreme Court or it could attempt to make the case for the travel ban in the district court.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway suggested the next step would be to argue the merits of the executive order.

The statute provides a president  with great latitude and authority to protect the citizens and to protect the nations national security, Conway said. This was not argued on the merits. Now that well have an opportunity to argue on the merits we look forward to doing that. We look forward to prevailing.

The ruling represented a setback for Trumps administration and the second legal defeat for the new president in the past week. Trumps decision to sign the executive order late last month has sparked protests at airports around the world as authorities barred scores of travelers from entering the country amid confusion over how to implement the details.

The appellate decision brushed aside arguments by the Justice Department that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

Shortly after the ruling, Trump tweeted, SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted Thursday that Trump ought to see the writing on the wall and abandon the proposal. The New York Democrat called on the president to roll up his sleeves and come up with a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California promised, Democrats will continue to press for President Trumps dangerous and unconstitutional ban to be withdrawn. And Trumps former presidential rival Hillary Clinton offered a terse response on Twitter, noting the unanimous vote: 3-0

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued the temporary restraining order halting the ban last week after Washington state and Minnesota sued, leading to the federal governments appeal.

The Trump administration has said the seven nations  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  have raised terrorism concerns. The states have argued that the executive order unconstitutionally blocked entry based on religion and the travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities.

In a hallway conversation with reporters, Trump expressed confidence that he will prevail in court if the case is argued on the merits.

He and his aides frequently refer to a ruling by a federal judge in Boston who declined last week to extend a temporary injunction against Trumps travel ban. In the separate federal ruling in Seattle that night, a different federal judge put the ban on hold nationwide; it is that judges decision that the White House has challenged.

Its a decision that well win, in my opinion, very easily and, by the way, we won that decision in Boston, Trump said.

The president, in his third week in office, has criticized the judiciarys handling of the case. Last weekend, he labeled Robart a so-called judge and referred to the ruling as ridiculous. Earlier this week he accused the appellate court considering his executive order of being so political.

Trumps Supreme Court nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, has referred to the presidents comments as demoralizing and disheartening, according to a Democratic senator who asked him about Trumps response.

Trump has yet to nominate a candidate to be solicitor general, the lawyer who argues before the Supreme Court on behalf of the United States. Trump told reporters hell be making that decision over the next week.

(AP)
An Israeli newspaper quoted President Donald Trump on Friday as saying that settlement expansion in land claimed by the Palestinians does not advance peace, indicating there might be some difficult discussions on the topic in a high profile White House meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week.

Netanyahu has been on a settlement construction binge since Trump took office, apparently believing the new administration would be far more lenient on the settlements than his predecessor.

But in an interview with a pro-Netanyahu daily published Friday, Trump said: They (settlements) dont help the process. I can say that. There is so much land left. And every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left. But we are looking at that, and we are looking at some other options well see. But no, I am not somebody that believes that going forward with these settlements is a good thing for peace.

The remarks came in a Trump interview with Yisrael Hayom, a free newspaper financed by American billionaire and Netanyahu backer Sheldon Adelson a few days before the prime minister visits the White House. The two leaders are scheduled to meet at the White House on Feb. 15.

The Palestinians seek the West Bank and east Jerusalem, as parts of their future independent state.

Most of the international community considers all Israeli settlements in the territory illegal and counterproductive to peace. Some 600,000 Israelis now live in the two areas.

After years of conflict with President Barack Obama over settlements, Netanyahus hard-line government has grown emboldened by the election of President Donald Trump. The new president had signaled he will take a much softer approach to the settlements. Trumps campaign platform made no mention of a Palestinian state, departing from two decades of American policy, his designated ambassador to Israel is a settler ally, and a delegation of settler leaders was invited to his inauguration.

Since Trump took office, Israel has approved plans to build more than 6,000 new homes in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Netanyahus nationalist coalition is dominated by settlers and their supporters. Bayit Hayehudi, a powerful coalition ally, believes that with a friendly U.S. president in office, it is time for Netanyahu to lay out a clear policy for the West Bank, including the possible annexation of parts of the territory.

Well, I want Israel to be reasonable with respect to peace. I want to see peace happen. It should happen, Trump told the paper. After all these years.  Maybe there is even a chance for a bigger peace than just Israel and the Palestinians. I would like to see a level of reasonableness of both parties, and I think we have a good chance of doing that.

Netanyahu butted heads with Obama over the 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that imposed curbs on Tehrans nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. Netanyahu has said the deal wont stop Iran from gaining nuclear weapons capability, which he views as a threat to Israels existence.

Trump has said he wants to renegotiate the accord, without elaborating.

Well, I think we are going to have a better relationship, Trump told Yosrael Hayom. The deal with Iran was a disaster for Israel. Inconceivable that it was made. It was poorly negotiated and executed. Everything about that deal was something.  You know, as a deal person, I understand all sides of deals. I understand good deals and bad deals, but this deal is not even comprehensible. Beyond comprehension. And you see the way Iran has reacted; unlike reacting as they should, which is being thankful for President (Barack) Obama for making such a deal, which was so much to their advantage. They felt emboldened even before he left office. It is too bad a deal like that was made.

(AP)
Tyres are arguably the most important component of any car as they're the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road.

But many motorists are overlooking the significance of their rubber by continuing to drive on them when they've deteriorated to illegal levels.

According to new research, 10,766 Britons were handed endorsements for being caught with defective tyres fitted to their car in 2016. With a maximum fine of 2,500 for each balding tyre, motorists are risking having to pay 27 million a year for this simple maintenance check.

Going bald? According to new research, almost a quarter of vehicles that fail an MOT do so because the tyres fitted to the car have too little tread.

The study by Confused.com found that 2.5 million cars failed an MOT in the previous 12 months for driving with bald or defective rubber.

That accounted for almost a quarter (23 per cent) of all MOTs failed in the country.

But the issue becomes more costly if you're found to be driving with dangerous rubber before the MOT test comes around. Not to mention the fact that driving with too little tread is highly dangerous and could lead to serious injury or death in a crash.

According to an freedom of information request submitted by the comparison site, almost 9,000 drivers were handed penalty points for the offence last year alone.

Motorists need to ask themselves if its really worth risking three points on their license and enormous fines of up to 2,500 per tyre.

Listed as a 'CU30' offence, being caught with defective tyres is an automatic three-points on your licence.

A driver can be forced to pay a fine of up to 2,500 for each balding tyre - amounting to 10,000 if you're driving with to-the-carcass rubber on all four corners.

Those motorists who were issued fines by the police had to shell out an average of 2,700, suggesting motorists are being caught with more than one illegally deteriorated tyre each time.

WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY TYRES? If the tread depth of the tyre is less than 1.6mm, then you need to buy a replacement.

A punctured tyre can be repaired, but a drivers should replace it if is punctured again, even if in a different area to the first.

Tyres can be deemed defective if they've deteriorated due to age - exposure to heat, sunlight and rain can damage the rubber over time, making it hard and less grippy, even if there is more than 1.6mm of treat across the entire surface area. Check for signs of cracking on sidewalls of tyres that are four or five years old.

Further evidence that it's not a case of one just one balded black ring is that the average number of penalties issued last year during these instances was six - with potentially other tyres and car defects contributing.

A whopping 38 per cent of those caught said the additional points for dodgy tyres were enough to see them being disqualified from diving.

More than a third of motorists admit they are totally unaware of the dangers, with 35 per cent admitting they only knew their tyres had surpassed the minimum 1.6mm of tread depth allowed by law when it was pointed out during a service or MOT.

Of the 2,000 UK adults polled by Confused.com, another 28 per cent said a friend or relative informed them that their tyres needed to be replaced.

The comparison firm said the issue may only get worse with the Department for Transport currently weighing up an extension to the MOT period for new cars from three to four years.

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, said: 'We understand that arranging to have your tyres changed seems like a hassle, and we know some drivers are concerned about how big a hole its going to burn in their pockets.

'But motorists need to ask themselves if its really worth risking three points on their license and enormous fines of up to 2,500 per tyre.'
Considering its relatively dull colour, lithium has done its best to help a few mining stocks shine this week.

The metal is central to the production of lithium-ion batteries which are used, among other things, to power electric vehicles (EVs) and the whole sector has been buoyed over the past few days by several pieces of good news on this front.

Industry figures released this week showed hybrid and electric cars grabbed record UK market share in January, while another report claimed sales of EVs could hit 1.7billion by 2050, accounting for almost three-quarters of the market.

Road to success: Tesla announced this week that it is on track to start production of its Model 3 later this year, providing a boost for mining firms who supply the lithium for the batteries

The numbers prompted serial stock promoter David Lenigas to proclaim that 'lithium is the new oil' in terms of its importance to the car industry.

On top of all that, US electric car giant Tesla announced this week that it is on track to start production of its highly-anticipated Model 3 later this year, which could be yet another driver for the metal and those mining it.

Premier African Minerals was one of the stocks to benefit from the positive sentiment and was up by almost a third over the course of the week.

It was also aided by the fact its financier Darwin converted the last of its loan notes.

China African Resources spiked by more than 50% after it announced a deal to acquire a substantial chunk of private Aussie miner US Lithium, while solid drill results from European Metals Cinovec lithium deposit in the Czech Republic saw its share jump by 20%.

Plenty of other miners, of differing shapes and sizes, got in on the act too on a busy week for the natural resources sector.

Amur Minerals added 35% to its share price during the week with most of that coming today after it revealed it now has more than one million tonnes of nickel classified at its Kun-Manie project in Russia.

That would make it the eight largest nickel producer in the world; not bad for an AIM-listed firm with a market value of less than 90million.

Copper exploration firm Asiamet Resources hailed the 'tremendous' results from its Beruang Kana Main (BKM) project and investors were obviously pretty pleased as well, with the stock up the best part of 40%.

Drilling at BKM should finish around April time and a resource statement should follow on shortly after. Chief executive Tony Manini has built a mine or two in his time, so all of the pieces of the Asiamet look to be coming together.

Although not strictly a miner, but sticking with the theme of digging stuff out of the ground, Balkans quarry owner Fox Marble has built some serious sales momentum over the past few days.

Well drilled: Amur Minerals added 35% to its share price after it revealed it now has more than one million tonnes of nickel classified at its Kun-Manie project in Russia

Just a couple of days after it picked up orders for two of the most expensive residential developments in the UK and Australia, it agreed a three-year deal with Mahadev Marmo, Indias second largest green marble export house, worth $1.8million a year.

The deal is a big boost for the 2017 order book size, which now sits at 4.1million from 2.9million previously.

Elsewhere, Amryt Pharma got a timely boost after it received a patent grant in Japan for its lead drug candidate, Episalvan.

Amryt had already secured legal protection in the US, Europe and Canada for the treatment which could offer a potential breakthrough for sufferers of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and hard-to-treat genetic disorder that causes exceptionally fragile skin.

The good news from a host of small caps helped propel the AIM All Share index up to a new 52-week high, with the junior market gaining just shy of one per cent over the course of the week.

That meant it outperformed its bigger cousin the FTSE 100 which could only muster a 0.8% rise over the past five trading days.

That said, it wasnt a smooth ride for all smaller companies.

Sweet pill: Amryt Pharma has received a patent grant in Japan for its lead drug candidate, Episalvan, which could offer a potential breakthrough for sufferers of Epidermolysis Bullosa

Parcels group DX saw more than 50% of its value wiped off by midday on Monday after it delivered a heap of bad news to its investors.

A combination of tough trading conditions, pricing pressures, falling margins and lower-than-expected growth in its courier and freight divisions had all hit performance.

Unsurprisingly, DX said this would mean profits for the year would be significantly below current market forecasts, with net debt higher than expected as a result.

Similarly, a bleak trading update from lottery administration and payments processor Boxhill Technologies saw its share price plummet by 20% today.

It told investors that new regulations had slowed progress in the payments side of the business in the second half of the year.

Another year wasted concluded one bulletin boarder.
The housing market is broken, according to a Government White Paper issued this week  but while that may be a disaster for homebuyers, it should prove a boon for builders.

The UK has a major housing shortage and, while the Government has pledged to build up to 1m new homes by 2020, it is estimated that the housing gap could reach 1.8m by 2025.

With around 60 per cent of homes built by the largest ten firms, this weeks White Paper promised to encourage innovation and new entrants to the sector after admitting there was a lack of competition in the industry. Certainly there are plenty of opportunities for investors who want to back smaller or niche builders. For example, part of MJ Gleesons business focuses on homes for those on low incomes in areas of deprivation in the North.

Kier Groups boss recently said that Government stimulus and support was needed for the industry as well as a significant increase in council housebuilding. The property business works with housing associations and local authorities.

It is one of the few companies in the sector whose shares are higher than they were before Brexit. Having fallen from 1252p to 934p after the referendum, shares are now 1470p.

Telford Homes is focused on brownfield sites in London and builds schools and churches as well as apartments and housing. It recently revealed plans to develop a site in east London, which is expected to be completed in 2021.

Watkin Jones concentrates on student accommodation and has planning permission to house more than 8,200 people across the country, including a development in east London for the University of London.

The business, which only floated on the stock exchange last year, soared last month as it reported earnings were up 22 per cent to 41.6m.

Retirement home provider McCarthy & Stone has limped along since the referendum vote but could potentially be one of the greatest beneficiaries of Government plans to free homes by encouraging older home- owners to downsize.

Incentives such as assistance with moving costs or a reduction in stamp duty could be brought in to encourage people to move. But some experts fear that even if elderly owners did move into retirement properties, younger families might not be able to afford their larger homes.

Morgan Sindall gets around 22 per cent of its earnings from affordable housing and a further 18 per cent from urban regeneration.

As well as homes, it builds schools, works on infrastructure and specialises in refurbishments and fitting out premises.

Shares are up more than 40 per cent since July. But despite the vast realm of alternative opportunities, the experts are still banking on the blue-chips.

Analysts at Liberum say the major builders still stand to benefit from any measures introduced because if approvals get easier it means they can build more homes.

But its not building plans that investors are interested in  its income.

Galliford Try, for example, has a dividend yield of around 5.7 per cent, Crest Nicholson returns 5.1 per cent while Bellway pays 4.1 per cent.

In an environment where its difficult to find a savings account paying even 1 per cent, that is incredibly alluring.

Troubled builder Bovis saw shares fall after a profit warning in December but the stock yields a healthy 4.8 per cent.

Berkeley has been shunned by many investors who fear that its focus on the London market could be its demise if demand for high-end properties tails off. It is one of the most shorted stocks on the market  that means people are betting against it. But the firm has a dividend yield of 7.2 per cent.

Richard Watts, manager of the Old Mutual UK Mid Cap fund, thinks there is scope for these payouts to go up.

The price of land is not rising at the same rate that house prices are going up which means companies can make bigger margins on the units they sell and continue to buy more land to develop more sites, he said.

Its entirely possible that dividend yields could reach 20 per cent.

His fund, which has returned 50 per cent over the past three years, invests in Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Developments.

He says: As long as you think the UK economy will remain robust over the next few years there is no reason not to own shares in housebuilders.
Brexit will see London lose its status as the number one gateway for financial companies looking for access to Europe, one of Germany's most senior bank regulators has said.

Bundesbank board member Andreas Dombret told German financiers in a private meeting in Frankfurt: 'The current model of using London as a gateway to Europe is likely to end.'

He warned that London will not be able to make up for the loss of 'passporting' rights, adding that the UK will struggle to convince banks to stay once the country has left the single market.

The UK will lose its position as a 'gateway to Europe' for the world's financial services industry

He expects many UK-based firms to move business units to mainland Europe, in order to secure vital access to the Continent's markets.

Dombret said 'numerous market participants have already contacted' European regulators over moving operations to Europe.

This includes euro-denominated clearing services.

The central banker suggested it would be impossible for euro clearing to remain in London if the UK does not remain bound by the European Court of Justice.

Dombret also slammed the UK's contingency plans following the country's exit.

The UK government has made it clear control over immigration is a higher priority than market access, leaving UK financial firms scrambling to find ways to continue trading.

The City of London hopes that it can continue cross border trading with Europe through what is known legally as equivalence.

This states that businesses from one country can offer financial services in another on the grounds that their standards are similar enough that customers will be protected.

But Dombret dismissed 'equivalence', labeling it a second rate option.

He said: 'I am very sceptical about whether equivalence decisions offer a sound footing for banks' long-term location decisions.

'Equivalence is miles away from single market access ... Equivalence decisions are no ideal substitute for passporting.'

He added that Brexit was part of a trend towards renationalisation that would 'negatively affect the well-being of us all'.

Dombret manages banking and financial supervision for the German central bank

The only positive was that a 'transition period' would ease the pressure of change and reduce what he described as the 'earnings risk'.

He said: 'Let me say that I expect London to remain an important financial centre.

'Nevertheless, I also expect many UK-based market participants to move at least some business units to the EU in order to hedge against all possible outcomes of the negotiations.'

His warnings were echoed by German counterpart and Berlin Stock Exchange chief executive Artur Fischer, who said it was 'very, very likely' that the City of London would lose its gateway status if Prime Minister Theresa May pressed ahead with her plan to take Britain out of the single market and European customs union.

Fischer told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'If that happens, it's very obvious that access from the UK to the European financial market will not be as it used to be and as a result it is very, very likely that that gateway function goes away.'

'If as a result we end up without a single market participation, without customs union participation, for the UK in Europe, then there is no other choice than that the gateway function will be moved somewhere else in the EU. That is a logical consequence.

'We just all hope that we will find some middle ground whereby we can avoid that.'
Success: David Buttress has won plaudits for building the firm

The boss of tech giant Just Eat has unexpectedly stood down after four years at the helm.

David Buttress has won plaudits for building the firm, which allows users to order a takeaway online, into one of the countrys most successful internet businesses.

But he stepped aside yesterday due to urgent family matters.

The move took investors by surprise and the stock fell 6.3 per cent, or 35p, to 519.5p.

John Hughes, Just Eats chairman of five years, will take over 40-year-old Buttresss responsibilities until a permanent replacement is found.

Sources at the firm said there was a strong line-up of possible internal replacements but that it would also be looking for external candidates.

Buttress will stay as a non-executive director for at least a year.

He quit Coca-Cola to join fledgling Just Eat after meeting its Danish founder Jesper Buch in 2005, taking responsibility for the UK.

Buttress, who earned 4.5m in 2015, took charge of the business four years ago and oversaw its 2014 stock market float.

The firms value has since surged by 1.5bn and the company is now worth 3.5bn.
Hint of menace: Deutsche Bank's John Cryan

At the risk of sounding unkind, there is a permanent air of gloom about John Cryan. Gruff and unsmiling, the plain-speaking Yorkshireman is not one of lifes sunbeams.

Threatening, too. His brow is grooved with furrows and there is a hint of menace behind that cruel-looking mouth.

When addressing reporters, he adopts a narrow-eyed piercing stare like a rugby prop forward whose sisters chastity has been called into question by his opposite number.

This has always been his manner, apparently. Born in Harrogate to a jazz musician father who plied his trade at Ronnie Scotts famous Soho club, Cryan is one of lifes toilers. A northern grafter.

At investment banks, where he has spent most of his career, he was forever known as Mr Grumpy on account of his direct tone and abrupt demeanour.

Were this just a recent character development, however, it would be entirely understandable.

For the past two years Cryan, 56, been in charge at Deutsche Bank, a task which excitable financial commentators have dubbed the toughest job in the world.

While current White House spin doctors might beg to differ, there can be little doubt Cryan has picked up a chalice more rancid than a soggy, three-week-old Bratwurst.

Once Europes dominant powerhourse, years of corporate mismanagement and billions of pounds worth of regulatory fines have hammered the German lenders balance sheet. Last week, the firm posted a 1.2bn loss.

Bonuses have been scrapped and demoralised staff are mutinous. Some 9,000 now face the chop.

Why dome-headed Cryan, a fluent German speaker, accepted stewardship of this toxic mess is anyones guess. It is not as if he has any pressing financial concerns.

True, his (undisclosed) salary is unlikely to be chickens feed  it seems doubtful he would have accepted anything less than the 6.2m his Prada-clad predecessor Anshu Jain was paid.

But after a successful 30-year career in the city, which began at SG Warburg before he become chief financial officer at UBS, Cryan is a considerably wealthy man.

Wife Mary, a lawyer he met at Warburg, is also part of Americas billionaire Dupont dynasty and there are no children to worry about.

Instead, Cryan appears to be that peculiar beast among the global financial elite  one that is unfussed by wealth and status.

He is certainly unencumbered by many of the poncey fripperies favoured by the mega-rich.

His unflashy suits are made by the same London tailor hes been visiting for 30 years and at meetings he can be found clutching a battered old leather satchel.

Nor does he care much for corporate extravagance either.

He eschews costly private jets favoured by his aforementioned predecessor, preferring to travel on scheduled flights during his constant globe-trotting.

When in London, he usually hops on the tube from his Holland Park home to Deutsches Liverpool Street offices.

Most tellingly of all, was his marmalade-dropping pronouncement upon arriving at Deutsche in 2015, that bankers really didnt need bonuses.

He said: I have no idea why I was offered a contract with a bonus in it because I promise you I will not work any harder or any less hard in any year, in any day because someone is going to pay me more or less.

So whats his motivation? Intellectual curiosity, they say. A genuine fascination with making things work.

He once took out a pilots licence simply to better understand aviation. For someone blessed with such a quizzical brain, it may not surprise you to learn he studied physics at Cambridge University under the tutelage of Professor Stephen Hawking.

For now, Cryan is pressing on with his turnaround plan, dubbed Strategy 2020, which he says will make Deutsche a simpler, less risky, more efficient bank.

Whether he can succeed is still moot. But unlike his reckless forebears, Cryan has at least proven himself to be a long-term thinker.

If this all sounds fanciful, consider this: while working at Warburg, he advised Dutch bank ABN Amro during its infamous takeover by Royal Bank of Scotland.

Tossing aside expediency, he discreetly counselled RBSs Fred Goodwin that the deal was a stinker and likely to backfire. The odious Goodwin pressed on regardless, with cataclysmic consequences.

So, we have a seemingly honest, intellectually-driven banker, unmotivated by bonus or rewards who is intent on playing the long game. Do such creatures really still exist?

Apparently so.

Just dont expect this honourable trundler to crack a smile.
One of Royal Bank of Scotlands former bosses is seeking to join a 1bn lawsuit against the company.

Angus Grossart, a former vice-chairman at the bailed-out lender, was a close ally of its disgraced ex-boss Fred The Shred Goodwin, who was stripped of his knighthood for his role in causing the financial crisis.

But now the businessman is teaming up with around 1,000 claimants to join a court battle over its 12bn fundraising drive in 2008.

Court battle: Angus Grossart was a close ally of its disgraced ex-boss Fred The Shred Goodwin

Tens of thousands of other shareholders claim RBS misrepresented its financial health during this doomed attempt to stay out of taxpayers hands.

The new group, which is said to include 739 current staff, is seeking to take part after a deadline imposed by the courts. It is believed Grossart and the others will say they did not participate initially out of fear for their jobs. They are being represented by the law firm Howe & Co.

NatWest owner RBS has agreed to settle with four out of the five groups suing it and has set aside 800m to pay them off.

However, the RBoS Shareholders Action Group, which is made up of around 27,000 investors, has not accepted the deal.

It means the two sides are forging ahead towards a civil trial in May, when Goodwin will take the witness stand.

RBS is believed to be desperate to avoid this as it is likely to dredge up past bad behaviour.

A spokesman said: The banks consistent position has been that shareholders that have issued claims after the June 2014 limitation date are not eligible to claim and that it will defend all such claims on that basis.

Grossart and his lawyers could not be reached for comment.
Retirement has become a distant dream for many with almost 40 per cent of Britons of the belief that they will never retire, a Mintel survey has revealed.

Just as pessimism has grown among younger British workers on the prospect of home ownership, the study found little optimism surrounding retirement.

Nearly 40 per cent of Britons who have not yet retired believe they will never fully stop working, compared to 35 per cent who believe they will retire.

No golden sunset: Four in 10 people of working age don't believe they will ever retire

The poll also found big regional differences.

Londoners were the most pessimistic about retirement with 45% of working Londoners believing they will never fully retire, compared with 32% of those working in Scotland.

However, one third (32%) of workers say they plan to retire as soon as they can claim the state pension, peaking at 42% of men aged 25 to 44.

Overall, though, the picture is bleak with 61% of workers think that their generation will not have as comfortable a retirement as previous ones, rising to 65% of those born between 1965 and 1979.

Rich Shepherd, senior financial services analyst at Mintel, said: Too many people have a negative view of retirement, with many expecting their generation's retirement to be less comfortable than both those who came before and those to follow.

Rising state pension ages and the struggle to save adequate funds for retirement make it easy for consumers to compare their prospective retirement with previous generations and see that they will have to work longer and receive a less comfortable pension.

For some, the situation is negative enough to call the very concept of retirement into question.

Gloomy outlook: Londoners were the most pessimistic about retirement with 45% of working Londoners believing they will never fully retire, compared with 32% of Scots

While more than half (55%) of full-time employees and 42% of men report having any type of pension, this falls to 35% of part-time workers, 17% of self-employed individuals, and 31% of women.

Meanwhile, one fifth (20%) of non-retired consumers expect to use funds from their cash ISA to help fund retirement, while one third (33%) expect to use money from a savings account.

Shepherd added: "While there is an awareness among consumers that they should contribute more, relatively few do anything about it.

More could be done to help consumers bridge the gap between knowing that they should save more, wanting to save more, and actually saving more.

Mintel surveyed 1,599 internet users aged over 18 who are not yet retired.
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By Naeisha Rose

A Better Jamaica, a non-profit organization created to strengthen the southeast Queens region, celebrated its 10th year anniversary on Jan. 31. Greg Mays, 55, founded the organization to improve the bond between residents in the area.

A decade ago, Mays attended a screening of Wizard of Oz at Richmond Hills Forest Park and immediately knew what his town was lacking.

Why do I have to leave my neighborhood to have this great community building experience? said Mays. So I started a Better Jamaica and we started by showing some movies in the [St. Albans] park.

At the time, when he first started the organization, he ran into trouble with the Parks Department for not having everything he needed for the screenings and for attempting to screen one movie a week there.

Thanks to a grant from then City Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and a scaled-back approach, Mays was able to screen Happy Feet and Pride for A Better Jamaicas inaugural week.

It was just like I envisioned, he said.

What started as a small seed of an idea with the support of six youths from the Summer Youth Employment Program and $5,000 has now blossomed into a fruitful community organization with 13 seasonal programs with funding from every branch of government, including federal money through the National Endowment of the Arts.

ABJ has a new program, is developing a second and is currently focusing on literacy in a program called Jamaica Reads.

Me and seven senior citizens help first-graders struggling with reading skills, Mays said.

The AirTrain Jazz Festival, which started in 2014 with help from the Sutphin Blvd. Business Improvement District, features 28 live jazz shows on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jamaica AirTrain.

A project in development  Art to the People  will debut in September.

We are looking to take over six light-boxes that exist at the Jamaica Center train station and use those light-boxes to present fine art photography, Mays said.

Although the installation will debut in the fall, there will also be a precursor to that event  a photography apprenticeship that will start in the summer and take in teens from 14 to 16. Mays hope for the installation is that it will gain enough traction for four exhibits in the coming years.

Mays ride to A Better Jamaica was a long process with a lot of bumps along the way.

Born at Jamaica Hospital on Oct. 10, 1962, Mays was the fourth of five sons to a mother who was a college administrator at Medgar Evers and a father who was a social studies teacher-turned assistant principal at IS 72 in Jamaica.

With all that knowledge behind him, Mays went from seventh grade and skipped straight ahead to ninth while attending IS 59. Around 1976, he was bused to Bayside High School.

It was not the most hospitable place in the world, but nonethelessI had a strong academic career there, he recalled.

Growing up in the 70s and 80s he listened to the underground music that would soon become hip-hop.

Being there for the birth of hip-hop was amazing. Rappers Delight was the beginning of it all in terms of hip-hop.

After graduating from high school, Mays attended Medgar Evers for a year and then transferred to Howard University as an accounting major. Later he received a CPA and worked at Coopers and Lybrand (now Pricewaterhouse and Coopers) accounting firm.

In another two years he would have his graduate studies at Harvard Business School.

Soon, Mays became the advertising director for Black Enterprise Magazine.

After falling in love with the arts, especially film, Mays took continuing education classes in the subject at NYU.

That prepared me for a job at Columbia Pictures.

At the film studio he worked in international video distribution, became a special assistant to the chief financial officer and then worked in domestic theatrical distribution. Despite his success, he felt stuck in distribution and left Los Angeles for San Francisco to work at his friends Internet startup, Net Noir, which received sponsorship by AOL.

I am a results-oriented, roll-up-my-sleeves person that can dive in, Im not a middle management person, said Mays. I got the entrepreneurial start-up bug. It bit me, it bit me hard.

Despite helping many startups get off the ground, he became completely burnt out and took some time off to work with Operation Crossroads Africa, a non-profit organization that sponsors young graduates who want to go to different regions in the continent for a cross-cultural exchange.

After leaving Ghana in Africa, he started his own non-profit and took up work as a free-lance business consultant helping companies stay afloat, and then came the 2008 stock market crash, which led him to fully focus on A Better Jamaica and become a stay-at-home uncle to one of his nephews.

His parents were victims to the crack era, so I became a surrogate father, he said. . After babysitting his seven other nieces and nephews, he felt that he had great practice in becoming a full-time dad.

In 2013, he ran for City Council against Daneek Miller, Clyde Vanel, Sandra Hope and two others. Even though he lost, he became good friends with his opponents, some of whom have helped to sponsor ABJ, including Miller, but he also realized what he was best at.

I ran to support non-profits. Im an action-oriented person, but I am much more of a creative person.

Despite not wanting to get involved in politics again, Mays is very concerned with what the new Trump administration will do with the arts.

Im a little afraid the NEA could go away if our current president and the Republicans decide they dont want to fund the arts. That will be tragic on all fronts. That funding is for every art institution up and down the food chain that you can imagine. The grant we get from them is $10,000, he said. I hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. It will be a nightmare if the NEA is defunded.

In the meantime, the art aficionado is on the board of the Center of Music and Drama at Lincoln Center as a representative for City Council speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, he is on the board of the Chronicle Theater of Harlem and he is hands-on with ABJ making sure that it continues to grow.

Philanthropy should begin at home. There are a lot of great things happening here. We build programs based on the needs of the community and everything we started we continue to do. 
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By Mark Hallum

A Long Island Rail Road work yard tucked within a residential area of Bayside has vexed residents since it moved from Great Neck several years ago. A diesel engine used for track work left idling for hours on end disrupts sleeping patterns, shakes the foundations of homes and the fumes from chemically treated railroad ties left stacked and stage in this area irritate eyes and throats.

James Lollo lives adjacent to the yard on 218th Street. He along with other residents attended Mondays Community Board 11 meeting to voice their frustration about the ongoing problem.

The LIRR executives who knowingly and willfully operate this site show no concern for the deplorable conditions they have created and who have shown a complete disregard for the men, women and children that live here, said Lollo, whose complaints extend beyond the noise and air pollution to the workers themselves. The 217th Street block where they enter is especially hazardous where drivers are operating at an unsafe speed well above the New York City limit. These reckless actions could prove fatal at any time. Materials and debris have been brought in and left stored in the yard and in many ways it now resembles a junkyard, where workers are urinating and defecating in open spaces.

Ginny OLeary who also co-exists with the rail yard, said she does not expect to get back what used to be in the that spot  a ball field  but would be happy to see the railroad move to another location.

Karen DiGiacomo, also of 217th Street was skeptical about what the community board could do to improve the situation and said the only option may be to pressure elected officials into fighting for change.

Lollo and his neighbors have reached out to elected officials and petitioned to have the site relocated to an area of Willets Point which is already an industrial zone, according to David Fischer, a spokesman for state Assemblyman Edward Braunstein (D-Bayside). Braunstein set up a meeting with the LIRR administration about moving the site on Nov, 22.

They agreed to look into moving the diesel engine, and other residents were suggesting an area like the Willets Point station and they said theyd look into it, said Fischer, who was told around Jan. 29 that the LIRR would be making efforts to reduce the noise as well as moving staff away from the location. But Fischer could not promise that the men and the commotion would not return.

State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) issued a letter to Patrick Nowakowski, president of the Long Island Rail Road, Wednesday requesting that it consider moving the site.

Residents request that this work yard be closed and work be moved west to the Willets Point yard, which is located in a more industrialized zone rather than being located in Bayside, which is more residential, the letter from Avellas office stated.

LIRR spokesman Aaron Donovan said the rail yard has served as a staging area for ongoing overnight work.

We want to be good neighbors. Ongoing overnight track work to resurface the tracks of the Port Washington Branch to ensure their safety has led to an increase in overnight activity in the yard, he said. Were about halfway through the project. Weve asked our employees to be sensitive about the idling of equipment and trucks, and minimize it to the extent they can.
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The New York Police Department is cracking down on sex trafficking in the five boroughs and setting up a hotline to help women forced into slavery. Flushing and Jackson Heights are the epicenter of the growing industry in New York City, which victimizes undocumented immigrants as well as many Americans.

Flushing is notorious for supplying Asian women as prostitutes to cities and towns along the New England thruway. Crime syndicates control the women, who are ordered to have sex against their will for money, which is turned over to their bosses. Some women from Flushing are driven to Long Island to sell their bodies and then brought back the same day.

Sex trafficking flourished in Jackson Heights after Times Square, rife with prostitution and the drug trade, was cleaned up in the mid-1990s. The Disney company helped lead the turnaround when it acquired a theater right on 42nd Street off Broadway, spurring a resurgence that drove the displaced denizens onto the No. 7 train and straight out to Jackson Heights.

Like Flushing, Jackson Heights is filled with vulnerable residents who came to the United States without papers and ended up being trafficked. Many victims are women and young girls, but men and boys are also targets. Transgender individuals are often exploited as well. The unwilling sex workers operate inside special vans that are driven to other parts of the borough and the city.

The NYPD plans to add 25 specially trained officers to its Vice Enforcement Unit to curb trafficking. Victims can call the hotline to report a crime and people who suspect someone is being trafficked can use the same tip service. The police are also taking aim at the pimps and patrons for prosecution.

Educated officers can be an effective weapon against sex trafficking, which is very difficult to detect, particularly in immigrant communities where language is often a barrier. The United States is the second largest destination for trafficked women and Queens is a major entry point.

As part of the effort to combat human trafficking, Queens College is hosting a project called Shut Out Trafficking from Feb. 8-15 organized by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and the National Consortium for Academics and Sports. The campaign, now in its third year, includes film screenings, discussion groups and talks from survivors to motivate students to protect children from predators.

These are positive steps to flush out this hidden crime from the shadows in Queens into the light.
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Luther Inman

As he was signing edicts hurting one group after another over the past two weeks, it was only a matter of time before Donald Trump got around to hurting animals  already the most oppressed sentient beings onearth.

The animals turn came last week  by taking down the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service site that reports on government regulation of roughly 9,000 animal handling facilities.

These are laboratories, dog breeders, fur farms, circuses, zoos, and aquariums.

The site is used every day by animal protection activists to monitor government enforcement of the 1966 Animal Welfare Act, the only effective federal law protecting animals.

Taking down the APHIS inspection site is a huge setback for animal protection. It will almost certainly lead to reduced government inspection of animal facilities and more animal suffering  a virtual repeal of the Animal Welfare Act.

Ironically, this oppressive act was launched by the same dark-of-night process as that of pulling more than 100,000 visas from thoroughly vetted Muslim immigrants one week earlier  no notice, no hearings, no due process, no public announcement.

The oppressive mindset doesnt really care who the victims are. Hopefully, the courts will.

Luther Innman

101 2ns St Apt B3

Garden City, NY 11530

213-596-0228
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By Mark Hallum

When it comes to women suffering from heart disease, the common warning signs are different from what men are taught to look for.

Northwell Heath hosted an event observing National Wear Red Day, which raises awareness of womens risk for heart disease last Friday. Charlotte Balsam, 76, of North Shore Towers, survived her ordeal with the condition and was the guest of honor at the event with remarks from Alessandro Bellucci, North Shore University Hospitals executive director; Stacey Rosen of the Katz Institute for Womens Health; and Sonia Henry, the medical director at the Dept. of Cardiology at Northshore.

Balsams nightmare began in 2016 with stomach pains and shortness of breath.

My symptoms were vague, Balsam said. However, there is a history of heart disease in my family. Its all on the male side, so I though that heart disease didnt apply to me.

Doctors from North Shore worked diligently to understand her symptoms and during surgery found an artery that was 90 percent blocked.

The stent saved me from an eventual heart attack, she said. I kept hearing how lucky I was that I did not have a heart attack, and that only made me more anxious. I had two panic attacks after that and I did end up in the ER. I guess I needed the reassurance that everything would be OK.

Balsam went to a support group to manage the fallout from her ordeal where she began learning that everyone experiences heart disease differently.

I met a wonderful group of women, she said. We share stories, we share our experiences, and what I found was that no two stories are the same. Everybody experiences heart disease differently.

Ten months after her first surgery, Balsam began experiencing stomach pains again. Another artery was found 100 percent blocked.

Doctors performed an angioplasty and she stayed the night in the hospital. Her symptoms have not returned, Balsam said, and she is back to living a healthy, active life.

Henry spoke about Balsams medical history of irritable bowl syndrome and the family history of heart disease and decided that she had passed off her heart symptoms in the early stages as IBS.

Its often mistaken for other conditions, Henry said. Some women dont get that classic chest pain and pressure that we typically see on TV. Unfortunately, some of these symptoms go ignored.

Some of the things to look for are extreme fatigue, back pain, shoulder pain, abdominal pain, bloating and nausea.

The key is to trust your gut. If you see something new going on, it probably is something new, Henry said.

According to Rosen, stroke has dropped to fourth or fifth leading cause of death among men, but remains at the third leading cause of death for women.

Balsam is a retired New York City high school teacher and a grandmother of six.
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Your weekend calendar: Feb. 11-12



Pauline Bentin and the Red Gate  Interested in theater? Head to Flushing Town Hall Friday night to learn about Pauline Bentons Red Gate Theater, the first professional company to present Chinese shadow theater to American audiences. Curated by Stephen Kaplin and Chinese Theatre Works, the exhibition features a selection from the hundreds of rare Chinese shadow figures that Benton collected on her frequent trips to China in the 1930s, her touring shadow stage, as well as materials from the Red Gate archives.

When: Runs Saturdays and Sundays from 12 -5 p.m. through Feb. 26

Where: Flushing Town Hall

Cost: Free for members and students ($5 suggested donation)

Contact: (718) 463-7700 x222

Website: www.flush ingto wnhal l.org



Manuel Valera Quartet  Stop by Terraza 7 in Elmhurst Saturday night to see the Manuel Valera Quartet. The music is a refreshing take on Cuban music as well as interpretations of jazz standards and previously recorded original compositions by Valera. The Quartet fuses elements of straight-ahead, Latin Jazz and R&B to create a very personal sound with a broad appeal. Performers include Samauel Torres (congas), EJ Strickland (drums), Hans Glawisching (bass) and Manuel Valera (piano).

When: Saturday, Feb. 11, at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St., Elmhurst

Cost: $10, free for children 12 and under

Contact: (718) 803-9602

Website: www.terra za7.com



Goodfellas  Catch the classic film, Goodefellas at the Museum of Moving Image this weekend. With GoodFellas, Scorsese redefined the gangster film by humanizing ittaking the viewer inside the characters minds to understand their drives and fears. He masterfully uses every film technique in the book to demonstrate Henry Hills attraction to a life of crime, his nervous addiction and his isolation in going straight.

When: Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m.

Where: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria

Cost: $15

Contact: (718) 784-0077
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By Patrick Donachie

A federal appellate court in California refused to restore President Donald Trumps travel ban Thursday evening, a decision that numerous elected officials in the borough and city applauded.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said she was happy with the unanimous decision by the three-judge panel to refuse to grant the Justice Departments request for a stay on a lower courts ruling that placed an injunction on Trumps barring of immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries and refugees.

President Trumps executive order was unconstitutional when he signed it, and it should never be allowed to impact another person seeking refuge in America, she said. Immigrants have always made America great, a Muslim ban never will.

The executive order was signed Jan. 27 and restricted travel for immigrants from Iran, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, Libya and Sudan. Entry to the United States was barred for 90 days, with the refugee program suspended for 120 days. Immigration from Syria was halted indefinitely under the order. Its implementation caused confusion and mass protests at airports throughout the country, including large demonstrations at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Many individuals and organizations filed suit to stop the ban.

A Seattle federal judge ruled in favor of a temporary restraining order on the executive order last week filed by the states of Washington and Minnesota and the 9th Circuit upheld that ruling. Trump has pledged to continue legal action on the validity of the order, tweeting shortly after the ruling from the 9th Circuit was announced.

See you in court, the security of our nation is at stake! the tweet read.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, a frequent Trump critic, also spoke about the 9th Circuits ruling, lauding the decision by the three judges.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals just said, No you cant, to the Trump administration and its un-American travel and refugee bans, he said. Here in New York  the safest big city in America  we will always protect our neighbors, no matter where they came from or when they got here. Those are our values.
Strong defense, pair of goals from Shaye Bailey hands Freedom WPIAL Class 1A championship

A shutdown defense and a pair of second-half goals from junior Shaye Bailey led the Freedom Bulldogs to a convincing 3-0 win over Springdale Friday.
SARATOGA SPRINGS  An injured driver was flown to Albany Medical Center Hospital on Friday morning after a one-car crash on Route 50, city police said.

The 18-year-old woman was driving along the state highway crashed into a tree, Saratoga Springs police spokesman Lt. Bob Jillson said at about 10 a.m.
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Colonie

Two large Capital Region medical groups will merge to become a giant physicians' practice of more than 400 medical practitioners with more than 80 locations and 30 specialties in addition to primary care, the groups' chief executives said Friday.

The merger of Community Care Physicians, with 270 practitioners, and CapitalCare Medical Group, with 130 practitioners, is expected to take place this summer, according to Dr. Shirish Parikh, the founder of Community Care. The practice will be known as CCP.

Parikh will be CEO and board chairman. CapitalCare CEO Joan Regan Hayner will be president and chief operating officer.

More Information CCP by the numbers Specialties: 30 Locations: 80 Practitioners: 400+ Employees: 1,800+ See More Collapse

The pair said the merger made sense because it will help the doctors' groups achieve economic efficiencies, invest in technology and innovation, and expand services.

Generally, larger doctors' practices are able to exert more clout when negotiating fees with insurance companies and other payers. They also have more influence on both fees and patient care decisions when dealing with hospital-based health systems, said Martin Strosberg, a professor at Clarkson University's School of Business in Schenectady.

No changes in staffing or office locations are planned for the near future, the CEOs said. The initial focus will be on integrating the two entities in a "methodical, thoughtful" way, Hayner said.

It seemed like the right time for the merger, Parikh said, amid uncertainty over changes on the horizon if the Trump administration moves to repeal or reform the federal Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

One thing that is not expected to change  and a key to forging the combined practice  is the pressure to improve quality at a reduced cost, Hayner said.

"The reimbursement pie is not getting any larger," she said.

A decades-long trend in the consolidation of medical practices has been fueled recently by changes in the way doctors are paid. Government payers like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as private insurance companies, are moving away from paying a strict fee for each service provided to so-called "value-based systems" in which doctors receive set payments for a range of care and are in theory rewarded for keeping people healthier.

To succeed under these systems requires a significant investment in information systems and experts to analyze patient data and coordinate care, Strosberg said. That investment is easier for a larger practice to make, he said.

Parikh and Hayner also stressed the groups' desire to stay "independent" and physician-controlled, rather than become part of a hospital-based system. The area's hospitals all have their own large medical groups, each consisting of hundreds of doctors and other medical providers.

Though CCP will have a broad range of specialties under its own umbrella, Parikh said the group will continue to need to refer to experts at the hospital-based practices.

The medical groups' CEOs talked Friday only of the advantages of joining together, and Parikh joked in response to a question that he saw no major challenges ahead.

But, of course, there will be. David Pratt, a retired General Electric medical director and former health-care consultant said blending two organizations is never easy.

"The new entity will have to work diligently on blending the cultures and creating a new shared vision for their services," Pratt said.

chughes@timesunion.com  518-454-5417  @hughesclaire
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Schenectady

An ex-state corrections officer, who formerly worked part time as a cop, was released Friday after serving six months in the county jail for his role in a bank robbery in Rotterdam, according to jail staff.

Schenectady County Assistant District Attorney Bill Sanderson said that was the sentence Jeremy Pullen, 28, received Tuesday for his role in a January 2016 bank heist of the Trustco bank on West Campbell Road in Rotterdam. Pullen, who received credit for time served since his arrest, will be on probation for 5 years, Sanderson said.

The prosecutor said a judge in September imposed a penalty to 1  years to 4 years on Pullen's accomplice, Zachary Dennis, who was the mastermind of the robbery.

Sanderson said Dennis, also 28, called in a phony threat that there were students with guns at a Rotterdam school in hopes of drawing police away from the bank robbery on the other side of town.

Dennis never showed a weapon but slipped a note to a bank teller demanding money and threatening harm if he didn't get what he wanted, Sanderson said.

The worker complied and Dennis fled with about $4,000 cash, Sanderson said.

The plan was for Pullen to wait for Dennis at a location about a mile away on Erie Boulevard in downtown Schenectady. There, authorities said, they planned to switch vehicles but a jittery Pullen got nervous and never showed up. Dennis, Sanderson said, drove to Latham where he got into Pullen's car and drove to Dennis' apartment in Schenectady where the two men split the cash.

Sanderson said Pullen previously worked as a state corrections officer in Coxsackie and part-time for the Catskill police department.

The lawyers for both men blamed their clients' criminal conduct on drug addiction.

Rapist files appeal

In an unrelated case, the attorney for a man sentenced to 75 years in prison for the rape of a Rotterdam woman in her apartment in 2015 filed an appeal Friday.

The legal actions comes three days after Craig Ackerman was sentenced for the crime Tuesday following his conviction for attacking and raping the woman and assaulting her 7-year-old son when the boy tried to stop the attack. Ackerman fled but left his boxer shorts, according to his attorney, Michael Mansion.

Mansion said the victim, who is in her mid-20s, gave a victim-impact statement at the sentencing and that the prosecutor also read a statement from the boy.

A jury convicted the defendant in December of several crimes including attempted murder, rape and child endangerment.

Mansion said Rotterdam police initially detained another man who resembled Ackerman, 39, in connection with the rape but later connected Ackerman to the case through DNA evidence recovered from his boxer shorts found in the woman's Hamburg Street apartment.

Police found the match in the state's DNA database.

Ackerman fled to North Carolina after the attack but police tracked him down through his cellphone and the cell towers it passed as he headed south.

Assistant District Attorney Christina Tremante-Pelham prosecuted the case.

pnelson@timesunion.com  518-454-5347  @apaulnelson
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Phoenix

An immigrant mother in Phoenix granted leniency during the Obama administration was deported to Mexico on Thursday in what activists said was an early example of how President Donald Trump plans to carry through on his vow to crack down on illegal immigration.

The case of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos became a rallying cry for immigrant groups who believe Trump's approach to immigration will unfairly tear apart countless families.

Her arrest prompted a raucous demonstration in downtown Phoenix late Wednesday as protesters blocked enforcement vans from leaving a U.S. immigration office. Seven people were arrested.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer referred questions on the matter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which said in a statement on Twitter on Thursday that the agency "will remove illegal aliens convicted of felony offenses as ordered by an immigration judge."

Garcia de Rayos was deported about 10 a.m. from a Nogales border crossing and ICE worked with Mexican consular officials to repatriate her, agency spokeswoman Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe said in a statement. She said her case underwent a thorough review that determined the 35-year-old mother of two with U.S. citizenship had no "legal basis to remain in the U.S."

Garcia de Rayos was among workers arrested years ago in one of then-Sheriff Joe Arpaio's first investigations into Phoenix-area businesses suspected of hiring immigrants who had used fraudulent IDs to get jobs.

She was accused of using a Social Security number belonging to another person to get a job at the Waterworld amusement park in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale.

Garcia de Rayos was not arrested in a raid of the park, but was taken into custody six months later when investigators found discrepancies in her employment documents. She was denied bail in January 2009 under an Arizona law that prohibited it for immigrants who are in the country illegally and charged with felonies.

Garcia de Rayos pleaded guilty in March 2009 to a reduced charge of criminal impersonation and was sentenced to two years of probation.

On Wednesday, she showed up with her lawyer for a routine check-in with ICE officials and was detained.

"ICE will continue to focus on identifying and removing individuals with felony convictions who have final orders of removal issued by the nation's immigration courts," Pitts O'Keefe said.

Advocates denounced the deportation as heartless.

"ICE has done what President Trump wanted to do, which is deport and separate our families," said Marisa Franco, director of the Phoenix-based advocacy group Mijente. "We are going to stand strong with the family."

Immigration activists who anticipated she could be arrested rallied in front of ICE offices, and advocacy groups who took Arpaio to court over his immigration enforcement say they now face the same struggle.

Garcia de Rayos' lawyer, Ray Ybarra Maldonado, said Arizona's identity theft laws are the reason his client was put on the radar of immigration authorities. He said the Arpaio raids terrorized the community.

Arizona's ID theft laws were amended in 2007 and 2008 as part of a package of laws aimed at confronting businesses that hired people in the country illegally. Maldonado said his client's deportation could push immigrants deeper into the shadows and to avoid checking in with authorities like Garcia de Rayos always did.

"My advice is, let's look for a sanctuary, a church that might want to take you in if you want to do that. It's not fun walking someone to the slaughter. It's not fun walking in and then walking out without them," he said.

Ahead of Garcia de Rayos' deportation, dozens of immigration activists Wednesday night blocked the gates of ICE's Phoenix office.

Police took positions around the building and confronted the demonstrators, many of them chanting "Justice!" in English and Spanish.

Garcia de Rayos' deportation came days after the Trump administration broadened regulations under which some people will be deported. She came to the U.S. from the Mexican state of Guanajuato when she was 14 and has two children who are U.S. citizens, said the Puente Arizona immigrant advocacy group in Phoenix.
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Cannon Ball, N.D.

Construction crews have resumed work on the final segment of the Dakota Access pipeline, and the developer of the long-delayed project said Thursday that the full system could be operational within three months.

Meanwhile, an American Indian tribe filed a legal challenge to block the work and protect its water supply.

The Army granted Energy Transfer Partners formal permission Wednesday to lay pipe under a North Dakota reservoir, clearing the way for completion of the 1,200-mile pipeline. Company spokeswoman Vicki Granado confirmed early Thursday that construction began "immediately after receiving the easement."

Workers had already drilled entry and exit holes for the segment, and oil had been put in the pipeline leading up to Lake Oahe in anticipation of finishing the project.

"The estimate is 60 days to complete the drill and another 23 days to fill the line to Patoka," Granado said, referring to the shipping point in Illinois that is the pipeline's destination.

Work was stalled for months due to opposition by the Standing Rock Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes. Both tribes argue that the pipeline threatens their water supply and cultural sites.

In a statement, Cheyenne River Sioux Chairman Harold Frazier said the water "is our life. It must be protected at all costs."

The Cheyenne River reservation in South Dakota borders the Standing Rock reservation, which straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border. The last piece of the pipeline is to pass under the lake on the Missouri River, which marks the eastern border of both reservations.

A separate court battle unfolded between the developer and the Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the federal land where the last segment is now being laid. President Donald Trump last month instructed the Corps to advance pipeline construction.

The Cheyenne River Sioux on Thursday asked a federal judge to stop the work while a lawsuit filed earlier by the tribes proceeds. Attorney Nicole Ducheneaux said in court documents that the pipeline "will desecrate the waters" that the Cheyenne River Sioux rely on.

Energy Transfer Partners, which maintains the pipeline is safe, did not immediately respond in court to the filing. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said he would hear arguments from attorneys on Monday.

The tribes' lawsuit, filed last summer, has been on hold while the dispute over the final pipeline segment played out. The Cheyenne River Sioux on Thursday told the judge that they also want to make a claim on freedom-of-religion grounds.

"The sanctity of these waters is a central tenet of their religion, and the placement of the pipeline itself, apart from any rupture and oil spill, is a desecration of these waters," Ducheneaux wrote.

Standing Rock Sioux attorney Jan Hasselman has said that tribe will also try to block the construction in court, with likely arguments that further study is necessary to preserve tribal treaty rights.

An assessment conducted last year determined that building the final segment of the pipeline would not have a significant effect on the environment. However, the Army decided in December that further study was warranted.
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Albany landed in 30th place in U.S. News and World Reports list of the 100 best places to live in the country.

The magazine's report considered a number of economic and lifestyle factors before including cost of living, job market, home prices, and commute times.

The survey took into account much of the Capital Region. Of the city of Albany, U.S. News writes: "Albany has maintained a lively downtown that serves as both a commercial and cultural center." That sentiment might be contradicted by people in the city who complain that life downtown gets quiet when the state work force heads home in the afternoon. Approximately 877,846 people live in the region and the average annual salary is $50,880. The average home price is $197,213.

The average temperature is 57.8 degrees and the unemployment rate is about 4.1 percent, according to the report.

The report notes the region's proximity to the Adirondack Mountains and the Hudson Valley.

The report goes on to say: "The region doesn't have the crowds or costs of a major metro area, and Albany has an old-world appeal to it. There are rows of colorfully painted, turn-of-the-century brownstones, the historic state capitol building and the iconic Empire State Plaza."

Austin, Texas, was named the top place to live in the nation. Denver and San Jose, Calif., finished second and third. Washington D.C. and Fayatteville, Ark., rounded out the top five. Syracuse landed in 28th place, making it the highest-ranking New York city on the list. Buffalo finished 33rd, Rochester landed at 39th, and New York City trailed at 80th due to cost of living.
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Waterford

The three-month-old strike at the Momentive chemical plant in Waterford could be over as early as Wednesday under a tentative contract agreement announced Thursday by union officials and the company.

While details on the pact were not being made public until after strikers learn of them, Dennis Trainor, vice president for CWA District One, credited Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office with helping mediate the dispute between Momentive Performance Materials and its 700 unionized workers.

"We believe we have reached an agreement that addresses the concerns of our striking members about retirement, health and pension security," said Trainor. "While our members still have to review and vote on the proposed agreement, the IUE-CWA local union bargaining team believes it has hammered out a deal which will give our members  both active employees and retirees  peace of mind for themselves and their families."

Workers will vote Monday and Tuesday on whether to accept the deal. If approved, strikers would go back to work Wednesday. Since walking out Nov. 2, strikers have been picketing 24 hours a day at the plant entrances along routes 4 and 32.

Cuomo said Momentive workers "play a critical role in our economy, and they are entitled to basic economic decency and fairness. This agreement resolves the dispute  investing in the CWA's world-class workforce, restoring operations at the plant and keeping upstate New York moving forward."

Jack Boss, president and CEO of Momentive, said, "We believe this agreement provides a fair, market competitive package for our employees and their families while allowing Momentive to remain competitive. With the endorsement of CWA leadership and the local Union presidents, we look forward to ratification of the agreement so that we can work together to serve our customers and build a stronger Momentive."

Cuomo administration officials, speaking on background, said mediation was headed by state Operations Director James Malatras and Governor's Office of Employee Relations Director Michael N. Volforte, and that efforts started in mid-January.

Since the strike started, the company has been running the plant with managers and newly-hired replacement workers. Cuomo officials said that the state was concerned over "plant stability" and safety in wanting the strike ended.

Boss came to Cuomo's office as part of the effort. Further negotiations occurred in New York City between Boss and Trainor, according to the governor's office.

Issues included a reduction in the company's initial demand for pension cuts, an agreement by Momentive not to impose layoffs for an undefined period, and establishment of an independent process to review the cases of more than a dozen union members fired for alleged sabotage at the plant before the strike. Union negotiators agreed to reductions in retiree health insurance benefits.

A CWA statement also credited state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, U.S. senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and state elected officials for their support of the strikers. DiNapoli visited the strike headquarters on Wednesday.

Workers are represented by IUE/CWA Locals 81359 and 81380.

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Boss' statement also thanked the same people for "encouraging the recent constructive meetings with CWA leadership, in addition with the local Union presidents, which resulted in bringing about the agreement."

Last month, Momentive went to court seeking to impose limits on striker numbers and behavior, but state Supreme Court Judge Thomas Nolan refused to grant the company's request, and scheduled another hearing on the issue for Feb. 22.

In 2010 and 2013, workers approved earlier company-demanded cuts in pay and benefits. This year, workers refused, saying a third consecutive contract to cut benefits for workers and retirees, some of whom have health problems linked to years of working with toxic chemicals, would be unfair.

Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, said Cuomo's involvement was "a key turning point in this long, hard-fought battle for a fair contract. His actions demonstrate his commitment to union members and middle-class workers throughout our state."

"Last week I spoke to (Boss) and urged him to bring this impasse to an end. So, this tentative agreement is a major step toward that goal, and puts the union workforce back on the job," Schumer said.

State Sen. Kathy Marchione, a Halfmoon Republican, called the tentative deal "welcome news for the entire community and company."

bnearing@timesunion.com  518-454-5094  @Bnearing10
A local councillor has called for any decision by Irish Water to build a 172km pipe from Parteen Basin to Dublin to be legally challenged.

The call was made by Cllr Michael O'Meara at an Irish Cattle and Sheep Asociation meeting on the issue in Ballycommon.

If there is a need for this pipe, prove it, he said.

The meeting which was attendned by farmers, local councillors, community groups and TDs, was unanimous in rejecting the pipe going through Tipperary farmland.

Under the Irish Water plan it is proposed to take 333 million litres of water a day and pump it to Cloughjordan via a new treatment plant in Birdhill. From Cloughjordan, natural gravity will draw the water to a reservoir outside Dublin. It is estimated that the cost of the project could reach 1.2bn and could take years to complete.

Cllr O'Meara said no compensation would pay for having the pipe through your land, pointing there would be a draw on title deeds for eternity.

Referring to constraints on the farming community, he said that Irish Water can take a pipe from Parteen to Dublin , but farmers couldn't cut the reeds at Skehanna.

Land will be sterile from here to Dublin, he said. The way leave could be 100 metres. Why don't we just say Dublin has enough.

Donal Devanny, chair of Ballycommon Development Assocaition, raised concerns over the depth of the local aquafier.

This is a limestone area. It is probably about six feet underground. We are greatly concerned because we don't think this has been thought through, he said.

Mr Devanny also feared the only road into Dromineer would be impassable if the work went ahead.

Cllr Seamus Morris called Dublin a greedy capital that had grown to a level that was not sustainable. When are we going to shout 'Stop' and call a halt to the growth of the East Coast. We will be forcing our children and grandchildren to follow the pipe to Dublin.

He also warned that the ecosystem of Lough Derg could be destroyed by the pipe as well as local roads by heavy lorries taking sludge from the proposed treatment plant at Birdhill.

Former councillor Jim Casey told the meeting: This does not have to happen. It should not happen. It will not happen. This scheme is unnecessary.

He pointed out that with all the talk of extra houses being needed in Dublin, there was no mention of any of them being fitted with rain water harvesting systems.

Meanwhile, Cllr Ger Darcy warned that the pipe would cut across farmyards and could have implications for security.

The job will be tendered out and probably sublet and they could do real permananet damage to the land. The land will be out of commission for up to three years, he saidd.

He uged people to make submissions to Irish Water before the February 14 deadline.

Cllr John Carroll called for a proper cost benefit analysis on the project. We are spending 1.2bn to lose 47 per cent of it in the ground, he said.

Knigh farmer Liam Mininihan of Fight the Pipe said there would be a legal challenge at every point, but that eventually it would be fought on budget.

Mr Minihan quoted from the Kennedy Report into the plan, caried out by barrister Emma Kennedy, and said it showed that a lot of the original figures used to justify it were incorrect and once they were corrected it would be shown there was no need for it.

Deputy Jackie Cahill supported Cllr Darcy on who the contractors would be, saying: A foreign company won't give a damn about how the land will be put back.

One speaker from the floor said that then Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly had sold them the project on the back of providing 15 jobs in Birdhill and 1,000 at construction phase.

The man that sold it to us is not here tonight and that is bad form, the speaker said.

Deputy Kelly sent apologies for not being at the meeting.

Landowners' opposition to pipe proposal mounts: p36
The fallout from the decision to nominate former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness, for the International Tipperary Peace Award, continued this week with renewed criticism from two sons of men killed by paramilitaries during the Troubles contacting the 'Tipperary Star' to express their disappointment.

Austin Stacks father, Brian, was the Chief Officer of Portlaoise Prison in 1983 when he was murdered by the IRA. Whilst I & my family are fully supportive of the Peace Process we feel that such nominations are wholely inappropriate as people such as McGuinness have never expressed any remorse, have never engaged with their victims in any meaningful way & have in fact at every opportunity offorded to them expressed pride at having been involved in an organisation that murdered thousands of innocent people, said Mr Stack.

In my view the real peace makers in Ireland are the victims who have been asked to put their suffering to one side for the sake of the Peace Process. Our reward for this has been to see organisations like (the Tipperary Peace Convention) nominate for peace awards those responsible for our suffering, whilst these individuals continue to express pride in their actions. These type of nominations only continue to re-victimise those who have been harmed. I hope you will consider my views when making such nominations in future.

Meanwhile, Dr Finian Fallon, the youngest son of murdered Garda Richard Fallon, has contacted the Tipperary Peace Convention (TPC) asking the organisation to reconsider its response to (SEFF Spokesperson) Mr Kenny Donaldsons dissatisfaction with the manner in which Mr Martin McGuinness has been considered for an award.

SEFF represents victims of the Troubles in South East Fermanagh.

While I admire the work of TPC, it is disappointing that it should have closed the door on dialogue with Mr Donaldson. Mr Donaldson has been making honest efforts to bring together communities north and south who have been impacted by the Troubles.

Dr Fallon continued, I hope TPC will meet Mr Donaldson and discuss the issue with him. We need more dialogue throughout the island on these matters, not threats to report people to the police for disagreeing with us. The peace has barely begun for many of those who have lost family and friends during the Troubles and the voices of victims/survivors are not being fully acknowledged.

The Tipperary Peace Convention has issued a statement saying the selection process is completely independent and fair, and they are not in a position to comment any further in relation to the nomination process.
[February 09, 2017] Former Hyperloop One Executives Launch New Rival In Race To Design Hyperloop High-Speed Transportation Systems

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran engineer Brogan BamBrogan announced today the formation of Arrivo - The Arrival Company, to commercialize technology for high-speed Hyperloop transportation systems in the United States and elsewhere. BamBrogan, a former SpaceX engineer who most recently served as a co-founder and chief technology officer of Hyperloop One, will serve as chief executive of the new company. He is one of seven industry leaders who are co-founding Arrivo, including five former executives and engineers from Hyperloop One, and two engineers from SpaceX and AECOM. "We're excited to have assembled such an amazing team of founders to take on this great challenge," BamBrogan said. "We believe deeply in this concept and are eager to bring our unique vision to the market. Los Angeles is the center of engineering and innovation and we're proud to be headquartered in this great city." Arrivo has initial funding in place and is rapidly building its engineering team, with 30+ employees expected to be in place by June and 70 to 80 by year-end. Beyond the lure of re-imagining earth's transportation network, Arrivo is also offering market-leading salaries and equity. Hyperloop is a next-generation transportation technology that can deliver cargo and passengers quickly, safely and efficiently. The concept was proven last month by student and research teams that entered a SpaceX sponsored competition to demonstrate the feasibility of the Hyperloop technology. Arrivo has several projects and partnerships moving forward and is on track to establish two test sites, one of which will be in the United States. The company expects to have revenue-generating projects operational within three years. BamBrogan said the co-founders named the company Arrivo after the Italian word for "arrival" to emphasize that the goal of travel is the destination, not the journey or the transportation experience. "Why travel when you can arrive?" he explained. Among the co-founders is Andrew Liu, who was most recently a senior vice president of Los Angeles based global engineering and construction firm AECOM, bringing 20+ years of experience designing transit infrastructure o the new company. His first transit project in 1996 was in his hometown of Los Angeles for the Metro Gold Line.



"It's been an honor to support the growth of the Hyperloop industry from the infrastructure side. After witnessing the landscape of companies getting into the space, I'm proud to bring Arrivo's vision to fruition, working alongside this talented group of company founders," Liu said. The seven co-founders of Arrivo are:

Brogan BamBrogan was Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer at Hyperloop One before co-founding Arrivo. Brogan was a very early employee at SpaceX and spent nearly a decade there, where he helped put rockets into orbit and deliver goods to and from the International Space Station. Brogan's personal mantra is: "To build rad shit with rad people." Nima Bahrami spent nearly two years as Vice President of Transponics with Hyperloop One. He led the successful execution of the company's first propulsion open air test. Mr. Bahrami served for 14 years in space and defense programs at Northrop Grumman and TRW, where he led embedded controls and software teams for laser weapons and communications programs and worked on spacecraft systems. Jadon Smith co-founded Arrivo after spending over 10 years at SpaceX, where he developed the fluid systems needed to make the world's first fully and rapidly reusable rockets. He previously worked at Lockheed Martin and the Central Intelligence Agency, and holds a bachelor's degree from MIT and a master's degree from Stanford. Knut Sauer was Vice President of Business Development at Hyperloop One before co-founding Arrivo. Previously, he led Siemens' Think Tank on Urban Mobility and Siemens' Transportation Infrastructure Consulting group. Before Siemens, Knut led several technology initiatives for Swiss Rail. He received a PhD in automated aircraft landing from Imperial College in London and an executive MBA on Transport Economics from London School of Economics. Andrew Liu comes to Arrivo from global engineering and construction firm AECOM, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of AECOM Ventures. He previously served as Vice President of AECOM's Los Angeles Transportation Group and was also a partner at Hatch Mott MacDonald, a North American tunnel engineering firm. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree from UCLA and a MBA from the Wharton School. William Mulholland was an early recruit of Hyperloop One where he led the finance, accounting, and business intelligence teams as Vice President of Finance. Before that, he held a leadership role at Adap.tv, which was acquired by AOL. David Pendergast previously worked at Davis Polk & Wardwell and DLA Piper, where he advised investment banks and global companies on 30+ capital markets deals that raised $8.4 billion and 25+ merger & acquisition transactions. Prior to co-founding Arrivo, he structured and negotiated dozens of strategic partnerships at Hyperloop One and PCH as a senior executive. While at PCH, he also helped create two startup accelerators, Highway1 and PCH Access, and completed investments in more than 80 startups. About Arrivo  The Arrival Company Why travel when you can arrive? Arrivo is building technology based on the hyperloop architecture that will deliver a truly 21st century seamless experience for passengers and freight. Just as all well-designed technology is invisible to its users, Arrivo's hyperloop will shift transportation into a mode of "Arrival." We're building a world class team of engineers to deliver Arrival Technology that is fully networked, ultra-safe, 100% reliable and commercially sustainable. It's time for our generation's transportation system to arrive  Arrivo. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-hyperloop-one-executives-launch-new-rival-in-race-to-design-hyperloop-high-speed-transportation-systems-300405442.html SOURCE Arrivo

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[February 09, 2017] Intel Editorial: What a Broken Ankle Taught Me about the Potential of Self-Driving Cars

The following is an opinion editorial provided by Kathy Winter, vice president and general manager of the Automated Driving Division at Intel (News - Alert) Corporation: This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170209006363/en/ Kathy Winter is vice president and general manager of the Automated Driving Division at Intel Corporation. (Credit: Intel Corporation) It's no secret I've long been a champion for the autonomous driving industry and the potential it has to reduce the number of accidents and save lives. But a recent broken ankle - and more than two months on crutches - brought that potential into focus as I finally understood the daily struggle faced by millions of people who suffer from limited mobility. As I hobbled across the snow-covered parking lot at work, I imagined a car that could pick me up at my doorstep, let me off at the office door, go park itself while I went about my business, then return to take me home at the end of the day. Thankfully, I won't have to imagine much longer. So much progress has been made in recent months that we've gone from a discussion of "if" self-driving cars are even possible, to "when" and "how" we're going to do it. The technology piece of it has been resolved: Hundreds of self-driving test vehicles are proving their capabilities on roads every day - and Intel powers the decision-making brain in most of them.



Intel Newsroom Press Kit: Autonomous Driving at Intel Now comes the harder part: when and how. We'll definitely go faster if we work together, and I think others are coming to realize this. In an industry long known for proprietary engineering, we are seeing many companies join forces in the race to solutions. Our agreement with BMW and Mobileye to put approximately 40 autonomous test cars on the road by the end of 2017 is a great example of how collaboration accelerates results. Joint ownership of HERE between Audi, Daimler, BMW and now Intel will further illustrate how the sharing of knowledge will move us forward.

Getting past our test phase and into the mainstream will require some kind of agreement on a few key standards. For example, we'll need a standard way to take advantage of the information collected by all of those autonomous vehicles so that every OEM or supplier doesn't have to log and track their own data and create their own driving models. Every autonomous car out there shouldn't have to find the same pothole and log it. Sharing some amount of base code and data would allow cars to share this information with each other easily and help answer the question of "how?" As we ponder the "when" and "how," it's remarkable to think about how quickly autonomous cars have been accepted into everyday conversation. The stuff of science fiction just a few short years ago, they're now becoming a central figure in larger trend discussions around smart mobility, smart cities, smart homes and aging citizens. And a massive autonomous driving ecosystem has sprung up almost overnight, with carmakers, suppliers, tech companies, software vendors and more all vying for their role in the self-driving car. What an exciting time it is to work in this industry. Although self-driving cars couldn't arrive soon enough to help me get around on my broken ankle, they're coming fast. We've made years of progress in just a few short months, and I see 2017 as a year when collaboration and standardization will help us accelerate even more. I'm thrilled to be on a team that is reinventing mobility in the 21st century. What a ride it will be. Kathy Winter is vice president and general manager of the Automated Driving Division at Intel Corporation. She joined Intel in 2016 from Delphi (News - Alert), where she engineered the first cross-country drive of a fully autonomous vehicle. This is the first in an occasional series of Intel newsroom editorials related to autonomous driving. To comment or reach Kathy directly, email [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170209006363/en/

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[February 09, 2017] PodcastOne Chairman Norman Pattiz Announces Results Of Network's Brand Lift Studies, Conducted By Edison Research

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PodcastOne Executive Chairman Norman Pattiz and Edison Research VP of Strategy Tom Webster today announced the results of a series of comprehensive studies looking at the results of advertising tests with five major national consumer brands across five different product and service categories. This first-ever study of pre- and post-campaign brand lift for podcast advertisers was conducted over the last half of 2016, and showed the significant positive impact of podcast advertising on brand recall, intent to purchase and recall of specific messaging. Key findings from the studies include the following: Over 60% of listeners mentioned a specific grocery brand post-campaign, up from 7% among listeners in the pre-study.

Unaided product awareness increased from the pre-study to the post-study by 47% for a financial services product, by 37% for an automobile aftermarket product and by 24% for a lawn and garden product.

In the post-study, over one-third of respondents had a "very favorable" opinion of an automobile aftermarket product, up from 18% in pre-study. In the post-study, 22% said they were "very likely" to consider using a lawn and garden product, up from 16% in the pre-study.

Awareness of a specific campaign message for an automobile aftermarket product increased by 60% from the pre-study to the post-study, and for a casual dining restaurant by 76%. Edison Research conducted three separate studies in 2016 on behalf of PodcastOne to examine the effectiveness of podcast advertising for five national brands. Some of these brands were well known, but launching new messaging, while others were lesser-known brands looking for increased awareness and trial. In all cases, online surveys of the audiences of several leading podcasts were conducted before the podcast advertising campaigns ran, and again after each band had run 4-6 weeks' worth of advertisements on those podcasts, using the same methodology in each case. The results of these pre- and post-campaign studies showed that these podcast audiences were receptive to brand messages, and showed an increased willingness to consider and/or purchase those brands.



"Our core focus has always been to independently verify that the podcast format provides enhanced brand impact well beyond traditional advertising formats," said PodcastOne Founder and Executive Chairman Norman Pattiz. "These results further validate our multi-tiered approach to integrated advertising and measurement." "We were excited to partner with PodcastOne and these five leading brands in order to independently measure the impact of podcast advertising," said Tom Webster, Edison Research Vice-President of Strategy. "Because our methodology allowed us to study these audiences before and after the campaigns ran, we were able to definitively show that podcast advertising has a significant impact on a variety of key effectiveness measures."

For more information about the study or PodcastOne, please contact Amanda Deutchman at [email protected]. About PodcastOne

PodcastOne, (www.PodcastOne.com) the nation's leading advertiser-supported podcast network, was founded by Norman Pattiz, founder of radio-giant Westwood One. The network currently presents over 340 hours of original programming each week, across more than 200 of today's most popular podcasts. Follow Norman Pattiz on LinkedIn About Edison Research

Edison Research (http://www.edisonresearch.com) is the leading researcher in the podcasting space, and also conducts survey research and provides strategic information to a broad array of clients, including Activision, AMC Theatres, Disney, Dolby Laboratories, Google, Gulf News, the U.S. International Broadcasting Bureau, Pandora, Samsung, Siemens, Sony, Time Warner and Yahoo. Edison Research works with many of the largest American radio ownership groups, including Bonneville, Emmis, Entercom, CBS Radio and Radio One. Edison Research is the sole provider of election exit poll data for the National Election Pool comprised of ABC, CBS, CNN, FOX, NBC and the Associated Press. Edison is also the leading provider of consumer exit polling and has conducted face-to-face research in almost every imaginable venue. Press Contact:

Amanda Deutchman

(310) 858-0888

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/podcastone-chairman-norman-pattiz-announces-results-of-networks-brand-lift-studies-conducted-by-edison-research-300405404.html SOURCE PodcastOne

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[February 10, 2017] Mead Johnson Nutrition Agrees to Be Acquired by Reckitt Benckiser

Mead Johnson Nutrition Company (NYSE:MJN) today announced that it has reached an agreement to be acquired by Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (RB), the world's leading consumer health and hygiene company. As a result of this transaction, Mead Johnson will become a new division of RB with its globally-recognized Enfamil and Nutramigen brands joining RB's portfolio of leading consumer health brands. RB has agreed to pay $90 cash for each share of Mead Johnson common stock in a transaction valued at approximately $17.9 billion (including net debt). The price represents a premium of 29% to MJN's undisturbed closing price on February 1, 2017 before market speculation of a potential transaction. Including Mead Johnson's net debt of $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2016, the total enterprise value of the transaction is $17.9 billion, representing a multiple of 17.4x 2016 non-GAAP EBITDA. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Mead Johnson Board of Directors. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including approval by shareholders of both Mead Johnson and RB and regulatory approvals, and is expected to occur during the third quarter of 2017. Mead Johnson will continue to pay its normal quarterly dividend until closing. "This transaction recognizes the value of our leading brands and strong, global organization," said Kasper Jakobsen, MJN's Chief Executive Officer. "As part of Reckitt Benckiser, a bigger health care focused business recognized for its marketing capabilities, we will derive benefits from both increased scale and diversification. We are pleased that our shareholders have an opportunity to recognize significant and immediate value and are excited for the new opportunities for our employees as part of a larger company." "Mead Johnson's geographic footprint significantly strengthens our position in developing markets, which account for approximately 40% of the combined group's sales, with China becoming our second largest 'Powermarket,'" noted RB's Chief Executive Officer, Rakesh Kapoor. "We are confident that our deep understanding of consumer needs and our expertise in scaling global brands will deliver significant growth for the MJN portfolio. We will draw on the best of both businesses and continue to build on Mead Johnson's extensive R&D, regulatory, quality and specialist distribution capabilities." Goldman Sachs acted as Mead Johnson's lead financial advisor. Morgan Stanley also acted as financial advisor to the company. Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as Mead Johnson's legal advisor. About Mead Johnson Mead Johnson, a global leader in pediatric nutrition, develops, manufactures, markets and distributes more than 70 products in over 50 markets worldwide. The company's mission is to nourish the world's children for the best start in life. The Mead Johnson name has been associated with science-based pediatric nutrition products for over 110 years. The company's "Enfa" family of brands, including Enfamil infant formula, is a world leading brand franchise in pediatric nutrition. For further information, log onto www.meadjohnson.com. About Reckitt Benckiser (RB) RB is the world's leading consumer health and hygiene company. The company has operations in over 60 countries, with headquarters in London, Dubai and Amsterdam, and sales in most countries across the globe. The company employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide. Led by a purpose of providing innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes, RB is amongst the top 10 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. It is the global No 1 or No 2 in the majority of its fast-growing categories, driven by an exceptional focus on innovation. RB's Health, Hygiene and Home portfolio is led by its global Powerbrands including Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Clearasil, Lysol, Dettol, Veet, Harpic, Cillit Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Calgon, Air Wick, Woolite and French's. Powerbrands represent 80% of RB's net revenue. RB is redefining the world of consumer health and hygiene. Its people and unique culture are at the heart of its success. It has a drive for achievement and a passion to outperform wherever it focuses, including sustainability where it is targeting a 1/3 reduction in water impact, a 1/3 reduction in carbon and 1/3 of net revenue from more sustainable products. RB is proud to lead the Save a Child a Minute campaign, which aims to eliminate child deaths from diarrhea, one of the world's largest killers of children under 5. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release contains certain statements with respect to a transaction involving Mead Johnson Nutrition Company ("Mead Johnson") and Reckitt Benckiser Group plc that are forward-looking as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the fact they use words such as "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "target," "may," "project," "guidance," "intend," "plan," "believe" and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that involve inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations as of the date of this news release. These risks include, but are not limited to: (1) the possibility that a transaction will not be consummated or delays in consummating the transaction; (2) adverse effects on the market price of Mead Johnson's common stock and on Mead Johnson's operating results because of a failure to complete the transaction; (3) negative effects relating to the announcement of the transaction or any further announcements relating to the transaction or the entrance into or consummation of the transaction on the market price of Mead Johnson's stock; (4) unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the transaction; (5) legal proceedings instituted against Mead Johnson and others in connection with the transaction; (6) disruptions of current plans and operations caused by the announcement and pendency of the transaction; (7) potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the announcement and pendency of the transaction; (8) the response of customers, distributors, suppliers and competitors to the announcement of the transaction; (9) the ability to sustain brand strength, particularly the Enfa family of brands; (10) the effect on the company's reputation of real or perceived quality issues; (11) the effect of regulatory restrictions related to the company's products; (12) the adverse effect of commodity costs; (13) increased competition from branded, private label, store and economy-branded products; (14) the effect of an economic downturn on consumers' purchasing behavior and customers' ability to pay for product; (15) inventory reductions by customers; (16) the adverse effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates; (17) the effect of changes in economic, political and social conditions in the markets where we operate; (18) changing consumer preferences; (19) the possibility of changes in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, or participation in WIC; (20) legislative, regulatory or judicial action that may adversely affect the company's ability to advertise its products, maintain product margins, or negatively impact the company's reputation or result in fines or penalties that decrease earnings; and (21) the ability to develop and market new, innovative products. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we or our management expresses an expectation or belief as to future results or actions, there can be no assurance that the statement of expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Our actual results may differ materially from our expectations, plans or projections. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and estimates, which are inherently subject to risks, trends and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict with accuracy and some of which might not even anticipate. There can be no assurance that we will achieve our expectations and we do not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including the risk factors described in the risk factor section of our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC (News - Alert)"). Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of Mead Johnson. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based upon information available to Mead Johnson as of the date of the release, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements except as required by law. Additional Information and Where to Find It This release may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the transaction. In connection with the transaction, Mead Johnson will file a proxy statement and other materials with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MEAD JOHNSON AND THE TRANSACTION. Mead Johnson's investors and security holders will be able to obtain a free copy of these documents filed with the SEC at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, investors will be able to obtain, without charge, a copy of the proxy statement and other relevant documents (when available) at Mead Johnson's Website at www.meadjohnson.com or by contacting Mead Johnson:







Investors: Media: Kathy MacDonald, 847-832-2182 Christopher Perille, 847-832-2178 [email protected] [email protected]

Participants in the Solicitation Mead Johnson and its officers and directors may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Mead Johnson stockholders with respect to the transaction. Information about Mead Johnson officers and directors and their ownership of Mead Johnson common shares is set forth in the proxy statement for Mead Johnson's 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 4, 2016, and in other documents filed with the SEC by Mead Johnson and its officers and directors. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the direct and indirect interests of the participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the transaction by reading the preliminary and definitive proxy statements regarding the transaction, which will be filed by Mead Johnson with the SEC. Mead Johnson Nutrition Company

Financial Information (UNAUDITED)

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Results This news release contains non-GAAP financial measures, each of which is listed in the tables below. The items included in GAAP measures, but excluded for the purpose of determining the non-GAAP financial measures, include significant income/expenses not indicative of underlying operating results, including the related tax effect and, at times, the impact of foreign exchange. The non-GAAP measures represent an indication of the company's underlying operating results and are intended to enhance an investor's overall understanding of the company's financial performance and ability to compare the company's performance to that of its peer companies. This information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Tables that reconcile non-GAAP to GAAP disclosure follow below. Non-GAAP EBITDA Year Ended December 31, 2016 EBIT $ 818.7 Pension Remeasurement (a) (7.4 ) Fuel for Growth (b) 29.2 Venezuela (c) 81.8 All Other (d) 4.5 Depreciation and Amortization 99.6 Non-GAAP EBITDA 1,026.4 Consolidated Net Debt December 31, 2016 Short-term borrowings $ 3.9 Long-Term Debt 2,976.2 Total Debt 2,980.1 Less: Cash and cash equivalents 1,795.4 Net debt $ 1,184.7 (a) Pension Remeasurement: When incurred, gains and losses related to the remeasurement of defined benefit pension and post-employment benefit plans are classified as Specified Items and excluded from non-GAAP performance measures. Pension remeasurement reflects changes in the pension assets and liabilities above what was estimated and included in periodic costs. Factors beyond our control such as changes in discount rates, market volatility and mortality assumptions drive the remeasurement amount. The majority of our pension and post-employment plans are frozen, and therefore the benefit provided to such employees is not related to our underlying operations. (b) Fuel for Growth: The Company approved a plan to implement a business productivity program referred to as "Fuel for Growth," during the third quarter of 2015, which is anticipated to be implemented over a three-year period. Fuel for Growth is designed to improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs. Fuel for Growth is expected to improve profitability and create additional investments behind brand building and growth initiatives. Fuel for Growth focuses on the optimization of resources within various operating functions and certain third party costs across the business. (c) Venezuela: Foreign exchange losses, long-lived asset impairments and other asset write-offs in Venezuela. (d) All Other: Primarily includes restructuring costs in 2016. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170209006454/en/

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[February 10, 2017] AHF: Global Fund Head Must Resign over Mishandling of Venezuelan Crisis

The following is an open letter to the Board of Directors of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria seeking the resignation of the Fund's Executive Director, Dr. Mark Dybul. 10 February 2017 Dear Board Members of the Global Fund, In light of the recent refusal by the Global Fund Secretariat to take leadership and urgently help save the lives of people affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Venezuela, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) joins the Venezuelan Network of Positive People (RGV+) in calling for the immediate resignation of the Global Fund Executive Director, Dr. Mark Dybul. The Global Fund Secretariat showed a wanton lack of care and concern by taking seven months to respond to a desperate plea for help from RGV+. At the very least, the Secretariat should have acknowledged the letter in a timely manner. It appears the leadership of the Global Fund is out of touch with realities on the ground in crisis hotspots like Venezuela, where people are dying or are at risk of dying every day without antiretroviral drugs, HIV test kits and diagnostics and treatment for tuberculosis. The response from the Global Fund and a subsequent follow-up letter maintain that Venezuela is not eligible for assistance because it does not meet the eligibility criteria based on its former status as a High Income Country. This is an absurd technicality. According to World Bank historical data from 1998 to present, Venezuela was classified as a High Income Country for only one year, in 2014.[1] In all other years it was classified as an Upper Middle Income Country, which would make it eligible for funding. What's worse, followin the release of the Equitable Access Initiative report, the Global Fund indicated it will no longer rely on World Bank classifications to determine funding eligibility, yet their use persists.[2] Thus, now we are in a situation where Iran, a petro-state and an Upper Middle Income Country like Venezuela, is slated to receive over $10 million from the Global Fund for 2017-2019, while Venezuela will get nothing.[3]



We would like to remind the Board that it has made exceptions to the eligibility criteria in emergency situations before. For example, in 2009 the Board approved emergency funding for Russia even though it acknowledged that "under the current income eligibility policies of the Global Fund, the Russian Federation is not eligible for funding for HIV/AIDS funding." It further noted that, "the income eligibility policies of the Global Fund will be reviewed by the Portfolio and Implementation Committee in 2010 for approval by the Board at its second meeting in 2010."[4] Contrary to what Dr. Dybul asserts in the response to RGV+, the internal Global Fund policies are not the real reason why people in Venezuela cannot receive help. The victims of the worst humanitarian crisis in South America are paying the price with their health and lives for a geopolitical standoff in the region.

If Dr. Dybul has been prevented from intervening in Venezuela under pressure to comply with a foreign policy agenda, he must resign in protest. Staying in his post would mean that for the Global Fund, politics take precedence over global public health, a position that is misaligned with the Fund's mission to save lives. As the Global Fund undertakes the search for a new Executive Director in the coming weeks, we urge the Board to ask for the resignation of Dr. Dybul in the strongest possible terms. The lack of responsiveness, human empathy for the suffering of others and the unwillingness to take a principled stance to protect public health while facing political pressure demonstrate that it's time for a change in leadership at the Global Fund. The Global Fund needs a strong leader who will boldly fight to save lives, relentlessly advocate for more resources and will be unafraid to challenge unhelpful bureaucracies and governments. Sincerely, Michael Weinstein, AHF President [1] The World Bank, Historical classification by income, https://goo.gl/W4vuCC

[2] The Global Fund, Equitable Access Initiative, http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/equitableaccessinitiative/

[3] The Global Fund, 2017 - 2019 allocations, http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/fundingmodel/process/allocations/

[4] The Global Fund, Board decision point, http://www.theglobalfund.org/Knowledge/Decisions/GF/B20/DP29/ View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005200/en/

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Replicor Discloses Updated REP 401 Clinical Data at APASL 2017

Replicor Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company targeting a cure for chronic hepatitis B and D patients, today announced that an updated interim analysis from its latest REP 401 clinical trial has been selected by the Asia Pacific Association for the Study of Liver (APASL) for oral presentation at its annual meeting to be held February 15-19, 2017 in Shanghai, China.

The REP 401 protocol (NCT02565719) is a randomized, controlled trial assessing the safety and efficacy of its first in class HBsAg release inhibitor, REP 2139 and a REP 2139 derivative with improved plasma and tissue clearance (REP 2165) in combination with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF (News - Alert)) and pegylated interferon alpha-2a (peg-IFN) in treatment naive patients with chronic HBeAg negative HBV infection.

The updated clinical analysis, to be presented on eb 18th (OP 116) will include substantially longer exposure analysis in experimental and control groups and include for the first initial analysis of antiviral response when NAP therapy is added 24 weeks after peg-IFN therapy in crossover patients in the adaptive comparator control arm.







Replicor's presentation from APASL 2017 will be available on the company's website following its disclosure at the meeting at www.replicor.com/science/conference-presentations. For further information about the 2017 APASL Meeting visit: http://www.apasl2017.org/#/.

About Replicor

Replicor is a privately held biopharmaceutical company with the most advanced animal and human clinical data in the development of the cure for HBV and HDV. The company is dedicated to accelerating the development of an effective treatment for patients with HBV and HBV/HDV co-infection. For further information about Replicor please visit our website at www.replicor.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005095/en/
[February 10, 2017] Connor Pearson and D.R.A.M. Release "Free Fall" Video Game

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 21-year-old Scottish phenom Connor Pearson and newly GRAMMY-nominated rapper D.R.A.M. have once again partnered with Red Bull Sound Select to transform their soulful dream-pop collaboration "Free Fall" into a full-fledged video game that channels all of the greatness of 8-bit nostalgia while still maintaining an exciting modern flair. Choose to play as Connor Pearson or D.R.A.M. as you soar through the air to the soundtrack of "Free Fall," collecting guitars and stacks of money while avoiding broken hearts and adorable poop emojis. "Free Fall feat. D.R.A.M" was released as part of a two-song digital single via Red Bull Sound Select in October of last year. The song was partly inspired by Pearson's first trip to the States in 2015 where he was introduced to producer Doc McKinney. The two immediately headed into The Little Big Room studios (Eminem, Michael Jackson) and wrote and recorded "Free Fall" as well as the second track from the release, "That Way". The experience was overwhelming for Connor, who had previously only ever sung live in front of one other person. "The new setting in LA, with sunshine, surrounded by all the awards hanging in the studio and working with the legendary Doc McKinney definitely inspired the instrumentation in the song," said Pearson. For press inquiries contact Christina Chu at [email protected].



About Red Bull Sound Select Red Bull Sound Select is an accelerator for music artists. We support them by collaborating on ambitious projects and ideas; using the strength of our global network together with a collective of artists, creatives and events to accelerate their growth. The network consists of 20 city residencies, 200+ events each year, 250+ artists, 50 partners and a growing list of our own festivals like 30 Days and 3 Days in Miami.

Our mission is to accelerate artist growth on a global scale, helping to support music communities. Red Bull Sound Select has released several two-song digital singles from its top hand-picked artists, including: Gallant's "Skipping Stones" featuring Jhene Aiko River Tiber's "Illusions" featuring Pusha T (produced by River Tiber, KAYTRANADA & Doc McKinney) Mick Jenkins' "Drowning" featuring BADBADNOTGOOD Finding Novyon's "I Can't Lose" produced by Sonny Digital Connor Pearson's "Free Fall featuring D.R.A.M." produced by Doc McKinney Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg image3.jpg 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/connor-pearson-and-dram-release-free-fall-video-game-300405576.html SOURCE Red Bull Sound Select

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Non-Life Insurance Claims and Expenses in Togo to 2020: Market Databook - Research and Markets

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Non-Life Insurance Claims and Expenses in Togo to 2020: Market Databook" report to their offering.

The "Non-Life Insurance Claims and Expenses in Togo to 2020: Market Databook" contains detailed historic and forecast data covering non-life insurance claims and expenses in the non-life insurance industry in Togo. This databook provides data on gross claims, paid claims, incurred loss, loss ratio percentage, commissions and expenses, combined ratio percentage

Summary:

This report is the result of extensive market research covering the non-life insurance industry in Togo. It contains detailed historic and forecast data for non-life insurance claims and expenses. "Non-Life Insurance Claims and Expenses in Togo to 2020: Market Databook" provides detailed insight into the operating environment of the non-life insurance industry in Togo. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Togo non-life insurance value chain and for new players onsidering to enter the market.







Scope:

- Historic and forecast data for non-life insurance claims and expenses in the non-life insurance industry in Togo for the period 2010 through to 2020.

- Historic and forecast data on gross claims, paid claims, incurred loss, loss ratio percentage, commissions and expenses, combined ratio percentage for the period 2010 through to 2020.

Reasons To Buy:

- This report provides you with valuable data for the non-life insurance industry covering non-life insurance claims and expenses in Togo.

- This report provides you with a breakdown of market data including data on gross claims, paid claims, incurred loss, loss ratio percentage, commissions and expenses, combined ratio percentage

- This report allows you to plan future business decisions using the forecast figures given for the market.

Key Topics Covered:

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is this Report About?

1.2 Definitions

1.3 Methodology

2 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

2.1 Gross Claims

2.2 Gross Claims Forecast

2.3 Paid (News - Alert) Claims

2.4 Paid Claims Forecast

2.5 Incurred Loss

2.6 Incurred Loss Forecast

2.7 Loss Ratio %

2.8 Loss Ratio % Forecast

2.9 Commissions and Expenses

2.1 Commissions and Expenses Forecast

2.11 Combined Ratio %

2.12 Combined Ratio % Forecast

3 APPENDIX

3.1 About

3.2 Our Services

3.3 Disclaimer

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d5gqhx/nonlife

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005362/en/
Non-Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook - Research and Markets

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Non-Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook" report to their offering.

The "Non-Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook" contains detailed historic and forecast data covering non-life insurance investments in the non-life insurance industry in Cyprus. This databook provides data on government securities, corporate bonds, investment funds and other investments.

Summary:

This report is the result of extensive market research covering the non-life insurance industry in Cyprus. It contains detailed historic and forecast data for non-life insurance investments. "Non-Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook" provides detailed insight into the operating environment of the non-life insurance industry in Cyprus. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Cyprus non-life insurance valu chain and for new players considering to enter the market.







Scope:

- Historic and forecast data for non-life insurance investments in the non-life insurance industry in Cyprus for the period 2010 through to 2019.

- Historic and forecast data on government securities, corporate bonds, investment funds and other investments. for the period 2010 through to 2019.

Reasons To Buy:

- This report provides you with valuable data for the non-life insurance industry covering non-life insurance investments in Cyprus.

- This report provides you with a breakdown of market data including data on government securities, corporate bonds, investment funds and other investments.

- This report allows you to plan future business decisions using the forecast figures given for the market.

Key Topics Covered:

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is this Report About?

1.2 Definitions

1.3 Methodology

2 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

2.1 Government Securities

2.2 Government Securities Forecast

2.3 Corporate Bonds

2.4 Corporate Bonds Forecast

2.5 Investment Funds

2.6 Investment Funds Forecast

2.7 Other Investments

2.8 Other Investments Forecast

3 APPENDIX

3.1 About

3.2 Our Services

3.3 Disclaimer

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hk6z25/nonlife

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005391/en/
Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook - Research and Markets

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook" report to their offering.

The "Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook" contains detailed historic and forecast data covering life insurance investments in the life insurance industry in Cyprus . This databook provides data on government securities, corporate bonds, investment funds, cash in bank/hand, other investments and total investment income.

Summary:

This report is the result of extensive market research covering the life insurance industry in Cyprus . It contains detailed historic and forecast data for life insurance investments. "Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook" provides detailed insight into the operating environment of the life insurance industry in Cyprus . It is an essential tool for companies active across the Cyprus life insurance value chain and for new players considering to enterthe market.







Scope:

- Historic and forecast data for life insurance investments in the life insurance industry in Cyprus for the period 2010 through to 2019.

- Historic and forecast data on government securities, corporate bonds, investment funds, cash in bank/hand, other investments and total investment income. for the period 2010 through to 2019.

Reasons To Buy:

- This report provides you with valuable data for the life insurance industry covering life insurance investments in Cyprus .

- This report provides you with a breakdown of market data including data on government securities, corporate bonds, investment funds, cash in bank/hand, other investments and total investment income.

- This report allows you to plan future business decisions using the forecast figures given for the market.

Key Topics Covered:

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is this Report About?

1.2 Definitions

1.3 Methodology

2. INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

2.1 Government Securities

2.2 Government Securities Forecast

2.3 Corporate Bonds

2.4 Corporate Bonds Forecast

2.5 Investment Funds

2.6 Investment Funds Forecast

2.7 Other Investments

2.8 Other Investments Forecast

2.9 Total Investment Income

2.1 Total Investment Income Forecast

3 APPENDIX

3.1 About

3.2 Our Services

3.3 Disclaimer

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/q3vjnh/life_insurance

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005393/en/
[February 10, 2017] Huawei Canada selects Polytechnique Montreal for Industrial Research Chair in Future Wireless Technologies, a first for both Montreal and Huawei

MONTREAL, Feb. 10, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., one of the world's largest manufacturers of ICT and telecommunications equipment, has launched an innovative multi-year joint research venture with Polytechnique Montreal: the NSERC-Huawei Industrial Research Chair in Future Wireless Technologies, or Future Wireless Chair (FuWiC). The investment in Polytechnique Montreal represents a significant milestone for Huawei in Canada. This partnership will be the first academic chair partnership for Huawei's Canada Research Centre, and reflects Huawei's ongoing commitment as one of Canada's largest investors in advanced communications R&D. "We are proud to be working with the talented research team at Polytechnique Montreal," said Christian Chua, President of the Huawei Canada Research Centre. "The partnership with Poly - one of Canada's largest applied-research universities, and the flagship of a large group of renowned and established world-class research facilities engaged in both theoretical and experimental work - is one that will help our Canadian team continue to lead our global advanced communications research." With the establishment of the FuWiC, Polytechnique Montreal will receive investments totalling more than $5 million over a five-year period, including $2.45 million from the Huawei Canada Research Centre and an equal amount from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Huawei will also add a significant amount of in-kind contributions. These investments will help Polytechnique grow its current research and education efforts in the field of information and communications technologies (ICT) with an emphasis on wireless technologies and smart interconnectivity, including the Internet of things (IoT). 5G technology  and beyond

The FuWiC will enable Polytechnique to expand its current research and education program. Research will venture into fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks or wireless systems, as well as diversified wireless applications beyond the traditional ICT sectors. "The most interesting aspect of the program is that it allows me to bring the research to the next level, not only for 5G, but for the entire portfolio of future wireless technology concepts and systems," said Professor Ke Wu (bio below), holder of the FuWiC Chair. These advanced communications technologies, including 5G, will serve as the mobile standard that will be in use until 2030 and beyond, and will be the catalyst for transformative change and innovation. Concepts like automated vehicles and the IoT will all leverage the power of 5G. "From cellphones to GPS, interconnectivity is omnipresent, and at different speeds," added Professor Wu. "Our research is directed at accelerating data and signal transmission toward architecture systems that will deliver faster and smart responses in communication and sensing with integrated powering technique."

The FuWiC program will contribute by laying a broad foundation for humanity's wireless future, affecting how societies will be connected and the impact on daily life. The Chair's wireless technologies research will foray into much-publicized concepts like machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and the IoT, and issues such as the development of smart cities, green ICT, efficient healthcare and clean energy. Professor Wu also foresees future humanitarian applications, perhaps assisting disaster relief or alleviating water distribution problems through the creation of smart villages in remote rural areas in Africa and India. win-win partnership





"Dr. Ke Wu is pioneering the next generation wireless technology," said Dr. Bettina Hamelin, Vice-President of Research Partnerships, NSERC. "His knowledge, ideas and discoveries will help Huawei remain at the cutting edge of a constantly evolving industry. NSERC is proud to support this Chair, which produces ideas essential to innovation, and provides invaluable training that will arm students with the industry experience and skills needed to thrive in the technology sector." Acting as a catalyst, the FuWiC will help create an unprecedented and reciprocally beneficial partnership between Polytechnique and Huawei, the technological giant from the world's most important emerging economy. This Chair-enabled synergy will stimulate fresh collaborations and dynamic exchanges. Such interactions are expected to promote significant expansion and development of wireless technology-related knowledge, education, industry and products in Quebec and Canada. The creation of the Chair will also inject a very positive force in the bilateral business and trade between Quebec/Canada and China, as well as with the rest of the world.

International recognition for FuWiC incumbent Professor Ke Wu

Professor Wu is one of the most active and prolific researchers, authors, educators and leaders in the field of radiofrequency, microwave and millimetre-wave sciences and engineering. His wide-ranging multidisciplinary research interests and achievements relate to both fundamental and applied aspects of theoretical and experimental works. A professor of electrical engineering at Polytechnique Montreal, Ke Wu has also developed a series of high-profile research programs and is Director of the Poly-Grames (Groupe de recherche avancee en micro-ondes et electronique spatiale) Research Centre. In addition, he has successfully led many government and industry-sponsored research and development projects with funding of more than $70 million. He has headed many international programs and initiatives involving several universities, institutions, agencies and corporations on five continents. He is President of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S), which is the leading professional and international organization in the field. His research achievements have been recognized with national and international research awards and prizes, including the 2014 Prix Marie-Victorin (Prix du Quebec), the highest distinction in the natural sciences and engineering issued by the Government of Quebec. A hotbed of specialized research

The FuWiC will be housed at the Poly-Grames Research Centre at Polytechnique Montreal. This centre offers highly-organized collective facilities for both fundamental and application-oriented research projects. "Poly-Grames will serve as a dynamic, inspiring and stimulating environment for the FuWiC," said Christophe Guy, Chief Executive Officer of Polytechnique Montreal. "The Centre has a long history of excellence in research and education in the fields of radiofrequency, microwave, millimetre-wave and microwave photonics engineering. It will make available to the Chair a wide range of facilities and equipment for projects." Created in 1992, Poly-Grames acquired research centrestatus within Polytechnique Montreal two years later. A new research infrastructure called the Facility for Advanced Millimetre-Wave Engineering (FAME) was established within the Centre in 2000, and it has a long tradition of collaboration with numerous industry partners and government agencies. With the largest concentration of researchers and facilities in the area of microwave technologies among Canadian universities, Poly-Grames is home to three Canada Research Chairs and also headquarters Quebec's Centre de recherche en electronique radiofrequence (CREER), founded by Professor Wu, which provides a unique research platform for government-endowed and industry-supported projects. Ke Wu heads a team of 10 faculty members, seven technical support personnel and about 100 graduate and post-doctoral students, and fellows. About the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)

NSERC invests over $1 billion each year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada. Our investments deliver discoveries - valuable world-firsts in knowledge claimed by a brain trust of over 11,000 professors. Our investments enable partnerships and collaborations that connect industry with discoveries and the people behind them. Researcher-industry partnerships established by NSERC help inform R&D, solve scale-up challenges, and reduce the risks of developing high-potential technology. NSERC also provides scholarships and hands-on training experience for more than 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows. These young researchers will be the next generation of science and engineering leaders in Canada. About Huawei Technologies

Huawei is one of the world's largest manufacturer of ICT and telecommunications equipment, and employs more than 175,000 people in over 170 countries. Huawei has been operating in Canada since 2008, working with all of Canada's major telecommunications operators. The Huawei Canada Research Centre employs over 400 engineers and researchers, and will invest over $500 million in advanced communications and 5G research in Canada over the next five years. Huawei is recognized as one the Top 10 ICT companies investing in R&D in Canada, and ranks amongst the Top 30 of companies across all business sectors. About Polytechnique Montreal

Founded in 1873, Polytechnique Montreal is one of Canada's leading engineering teaching and research institutions. It is the largest engineering university in Quebec for the size of its graduate student body and the scope of its research activities. With over 45,700 graduates, Polytechnique Montreal has educated nearly one-quarter of the current members of the Ordre des ingenieurs du Quebec. The institution offers more than 120 programs. Polytechnique has 250 professors and more than 8,200 students. It has an annual operating budget of more than $210 million, including a research budget exceeding $70 million. Photos of the facilities and equipment are available upon request. Media kit: http://bit.ly/ChaireFuWiC Available for interviews: Ke Wu , professor and Chair holder of the NSERC-Huawei Industrial Research Chair in Future Wireless Technologies (FuWiC).

, professor and Chair holder of the NSERC-Huawei Industrial Research Chair in Future Wireless Technologies Scott Bradley , Vice-President, Corporate and Government Affairs, Huawei Canada

Vice-President, Corporate and Government Affairs, Bettina Hamelin , Vice-President of Research Partnerships, NSERC

, Vice-President of Research Partnerships, NSERC Francois Bertrand, Head of Research, Innovation and International Affairs, Polytechnique Montreal SOURCE Polytechnique Montreal

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[February 10, 2017] First Federal Bank of Louisiana, FHLB Dallas Award Third Grant to Project Build a Future

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and member institution First Federal Bank of Louisiana (FFBLA) have awarded a $4,000 grant to Project Build a Future (PBAF), an affordable housing nonprofit. It marks the charity's third grant for a total of $8,000 since 2014 through FHLB Dallas' Partnership Grant Program (PGP (News - Alert)). The recent grant will be used in the construction of six homes at V.E. Washington Street and Broad Street in Lake Charles. "We are experiencing an economic boom in southwest Louisiana, which means there will be an even greater need for affordable housing in the next few years," said Melissa Dickson, CRA coordinator at FFBLA. "We have partnered with PBAF from the beginning, so it's great to see our combined efforts with FHLB Dallas make a difference for the community." One of those helped was Ashley Broussard, a single mother with two children, who bought her home in 2016. "This program gave me the opportunity to give stability to my children, and that means the world to me," she said. "PBAF was with me every step of the way - even with the closing, which can be a grueling process." PBAF celebrated the construction of its 100th home in 2016, its 15th anniversary. The nonprofit was begun in 2001 by Fr. Henry Mancuso when he was pastor at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. PBAF has expanded to include home construction, rehabilitation and a matched savings program for qualified homebuyers. "We strive to do more tha simply build houses," said PBAF Executive Director Charla Blake. "We are really trying to help people create homes and establish neighborhoods. PBAF is like a family. Our small staff knows every person who lives in every one of our homes."



Through the PGP, member institutions, like FFBLA, contribute $500 up to $4,000 to a community-based organization (CBO). FHLB Dallas matches the contributions at a 3:1 ratio, which provide up to $12,000 in grant money to a CBO. In 2016, FHLB Dallas awarded $225,000 in PGP funds to assist 23 CBOs. Combined with the $96,200 from member institutions, a total of $321,200 was awarded last year. Grants are awarded annually through FHLB Dallas' member institutions via a lottery system. "We designed the PGP to leverage the strength of local partnerships," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "The connection between Project Build a Future and First Federal Bank of Louisiana is a prime example of the contributions created by working together. We value and support their commitment to Lake Charles."

About First Federal Bank of Louisiana First Federal Bank of Louisiana is a full-service, locally owned, community bank that has helped build the communities we serve for 67 years. With 16 branches serving 10 cities in Louisiana, we are proud to offer our customers a wide variety of products and services to meet all of their financial needs. We offer Personal and Business Checking Accounts, Savings and CD's, multiple Retirement Options, Home Equity Credit Lines, as well as Mortgages and Consumer Loans. Our established Investment and Insurance divisions also offer a full line of products for First Federal Bank customers. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $58.4 billion as of September 30, 2016, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 850 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005498/en/

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[February 10, 2017] A.M. Best Removes from Under Review and Takes Various Credit Rating Actions on Insurance Subsidiaries of Nassau Reinsurance Group Holdings, L.P.

A.M. Best has removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of "bb+" of the key life/health subsidiaries of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (Phoenix) (headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut). Additionally, the Long-Term ICR of "b" of Phoenix and its existing Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IR) have been removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed. Concurrently, A.M. Best has removed from under review with developing implications and downgraded the FSR to B (Fair) from B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR to "bb+" from "bbb" of The Pyramid Life Insurance Company (Pyramid Life) (Overland Park, KS) and also downgraded the FSR to B (Fair) from B+ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR to "bb+" from "bbb-" of Constitution Life Insurance Company (Constitution Life) (Houston, TX). The outlook assigned to all of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.) The ratings of Phoenix and its subsidiaries were placed under review with developing implications in September 2015 following the public announcement by Phoenix that it had entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Nassau Reinsurance Group Holdings L.P. (Nassau Re) for $37.50 per share in cash or an aggregate equity purchase price of $217.2 million. The transaction closed in June 2016 with the receipt of insurance regulatory approvals and Phoenix is now a privately held, wholly-owned subsidiary of Nassau Re, serving as its primary U.S. life and annuity platform. Nassau Re was founded in 2015 with an equity seed capital commitment of $750 million provided by Golden Gate Capital, a private investment firm, which owns a majority of Nassau Re through its private funds. The ratings of Phoenix primarily reflect the historical impact of its one-time expenses tied to the restatement process, as well as other events that include statutory net losses due to reserve charges in its universal life insurance block of business and sizeable charges taken related to the settlement of significant long-running legacy litigation, which have largely been resolved. In addition, Phoenix has also experienced an uptick in mortality in recent periods that has added pressure on earnings. Overall sales have generally declined in recent periods due to a combination of capital constraints prior to its acquisition by Nassau Re and a transition to a new streamlined product offering. A.M. Best notes that Phoenix has ceded approximately 50% of its inforce fixed-indexed annuity business and will reinsure 50% of new fixed-indexed annuity sales to an unrated affiliated offshore reinsurance company, Nassau Re Cayman, in order to improve capitalization of the domestic companies. While overall capitalization at the company currently remains adequate, any further material "one-time events" could result in a diminished level of risk-adjusted capital. Going forward, A.M. Best will continue to monitor the appropriateness of the risk-adjusted capitalization on an entity level and consolidated basis. Partially offsetting these negative rating factors is the additional liquidity and financial flexibility provided to Phoenix and its operaing subsidiaries by Nassau Re. A.M. Best notes that post-acquisition closing, Nassau Re contributed $100 million of new equity capital into Phoenix. Additionally, Phoenix returned to current filer status on its SEC (News - Alert) financial statement filings in November 2014 and has remediated the majority of internal control weaknesses that were identified during the restatement process. Furthermore, while operating results have been significantly impacted by high expenses and several one-time events on both a GAAP and statutory accounting basis, A.M. Best expects a general improvement in the company's operating performance over the near to medium-term as the new management team implements its new business plan focused on streamlining operations and reducing expenses.



The ratings of Pyramid Life and Constitution Life were placed under review with developing implications in October 2015 following the public announcement that Universal American Corp. (Universal American) had entered into a definitive agreement to sell its traditional insurance business to Nassau Re. The downgrade of both entities reflects the fact that they are now part of a less creditworthy organization. These entities had historically been utilized by Universal American to write Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage and long-term care insurance, but had not written any new business since June 2012 (December 2004 for long-term care). The companies will continue to operate in run-off under the Constitution Life brand as a privately held, wholly-owned subsidiary of Nassau Re. A.M. Best notes that both Pyramid Life and Constitution Life maintain just over $200 million of long-term care reserves that have been in run-off since 2004. These products are mostly guaranteed renewable, which allows the company to seek premium increases based on claims experience. Both Pyramid Life and Constitution Life have significant reinsurance on their long-term care business, however, in order to improve capitalization, just under half of the net retained long-term care reserves were ceded to Nassau Re Cayman, along with other individual accident and health business. A.M. Best will monitor the operating/claims experience, capitalization and reserving requirements of this block of business carefully over the near to medium-term for these entities as they operate in run-off.

A.M. Best also notes that the FSR of B (Fair) and the Long-Term ICR of "bb+" of Phoenix Life and Annuity Company have been removed from under review with developing implications and assigned a stable outlook. No new business has been written from this entity for a number of years. Operating results have fluctuated over the past few years due to higher expenses and the need to increase asset adequacy reserves. A.M. Best expects moderate operating results to continue over the near to medium-term as the company continues to operate in run-off. The FSR of B (Fair) and Long-Term ICR of "bb+" of American Phoenix Life and Reassurance Company (Hartford, CT) have been withdrawn due to this entity being an inactive shell with no business/reserves. This shell was sold on Feb. 1, 2017. The following ratings have been removed from under review with developing implications and the FSR of B (Fair) and the Long-Term ICRs of "bb+" have been affirmed. A stable outlook has been assigned for the ratings of the following life/health subsidiaries of The Phoenix Companies, Inc.: Phoenix Life Insurance Company

PHL Variable Insurance Company

Phoenix Life and Annuity Company The ratings of The Pyramid Life Insurance Company have been removed from under review with developing implications and the FSR has been downgraded to B (Fair) from B++ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR has been downgraded to "bb+" from "bbb". A stable outlook has been assigned. The ratings of Constitution Life Insurance Company have been removed from under review with developing implications and the FSR has been downgraded to B (Fair) from B+ (Good) and the Long-Term ICR has been downgraded to "bb+" from "bbb-". A stable outlook has been assigned. The following Long-Term IRs have been removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed: The Phoenix Companies, Inc.- - "b" on $300 million 7.45% senior unsecured notes, due 2032 (approx. $253 million outstanding) Phoenix Life Insurance Company - "b+" on $175 million 7.15% surplus notes, due 2034 (approx. $126 million outstanding) This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best's Credit Ratings. A.M. Best is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright  2017 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005561/en/

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[February 10, 2017] Silver Spring Networks to Host Conference Call to Discuss Changes to its non-GAAP Financial Reporting on February 13

Silver Spring Networks, Inc. (NYSE: SSNI), a leading networking platform and solutions provider for the Internet of Important Things, today announced that it will host an informational call with investors to discuss changes it will make to its non-GAAP financial reporting in future earnings reports. The conference call will begin at 2:00 PM Pacific time on Monday, February 13, 2017. Silver Spring Networks will post materials today related to this change to its website at: http://ir.ssni.com. On May 17, 2016, the Staff of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC (News - Alert)") updated their Compliance & Disclosure Interpretations ("C&DIs") related to the use of publicly reported non-GAAP financial measures. After continued consideration of the C&DIs, Silver Spring Networks has determined to further modify the way in which it reports its non-GAAP financial results, beyond the revisions it made beginning with its second quarter ended June 30, 2016 report. Silver Spring Networks will continue to report billings, cost of billings and non-GAAP operating expense, and will also provide the additional GAAP measures used internally by management to adjust GAAP measures to arrive at the company's previously-reported non-GAAP metrics. Silver Spring Networks is not changing the way it manages its business, make planning decisions, evaluates performance or allocates is resources, but rather is changing the presentation of its financial reports.



Silver Spring Networks will not be discussing any business or financial results on this call. Silver Spring Networks will report its fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2016 results on February 21, 2017 as previously announced. Call to Discuss Changes to non-GAAP Financial Reporting

Date: February 13, 2017

Time: 2:00 P.M. Pacific Time

Domestic dial-in: 877-407-0832

International dial-in: 201-689-8433

Audio Webcast

http://ir.ssni.com A dial-in replay of the conference call will be available until April 3, 2017 and can be accessed at 877-660-6853 (domestic) or 201-612-7415 (international) passcode 13654303. An audio webcast replay of the conference call will be available for one year at http://ir.ssni.com/investor/events-and-presentations. About Silver Spring Networks Silver Spring Networks enables the Internet of Important Things by reliably and securely connecting things that matter. Cities, utilities, and companies on five continents use the company's cost-effective, high-performance IoT network and data platform to operate more efficiently, get greener, and enable innovative services that can improve the lives of millions of people. With more than 24.9 million devices delivered, Silver Spring provides a proven standards-based platform safeguarded with military grade security. Silver Spring Networks' customers include Baltimore Gas & Electric, CitiPower & Powercor, ComEd, Consolidated Edison, CPS Energy, Florida Power & Light, Pacific Gas & Electric, Pepco Holdings, and Singapore Power. Silver Spring has also deployed networks in Smart Cities including Copenhagen, Glasgow, Paris, Providence, and Stockholm. To learn more, please visit www.ssni.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005552/en/

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[February 10, 2017] Molina Healthcare to Host Investor Day Meeting

Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: MOH) today announced that it will host an Investor Day meeting at the Le Parker Meridien Hotel in New York City on Thursday, February 16, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company will webcast the presentations offered by its management team, which will be followed by question-and-answer sessions. A 30-day online replay of the Investor Day meeting will be available approximately one hour following the conclusion of the live webcast. A link to this webcast can be found on the Company's website at molinahealthcare.com.



About Molina Healthcare Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. Through our locally operated health plans in 12 states across the nation and in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Molina serves approximately 4.2 million members. Dr. C. David Molina founded our company in 1980 as a provider organization serving low-income families in Southern California. Today, we continue his mission of providing high quality and cost-effective health care to those who need it most. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit our website at molinahealthcare.com.

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A look back on all of our reporting of the Delphi murders since 2017

crime
With the holiday sales season long behind us, Oculus is streamlining its marketing strategy. The company is closing a large number of in-store demos at Best Buy locations around the country.

In May 2016, shortly after Oculus launched the Rift, the company started running live demos at select Best Buy stores around the country. The Oculus/Best Buy partnership started off with 48 stores, but that list expanded quickly. Best Buy operated roughly 500 live demo stations during the holiday shopping season.

Oculus isnt giving up on live demos, though. The company is simply redirecting its marketing resources.

Were making some seasonal changes and prioritizing demos at hundreds of Best Buy locations in larger markets. You can still request Rift demos at hundreds of Best Buy stores in the US and Canada, said Andrea Schubert, Communications Manager, Oculus. We still believe the best way to learn about VR is through a live demo. Were going to find opportunities to do regular events and pop-ups in retail locations and local communities throughout the year.

Oculus said there are plenty of opportunities to try a live demo of the Rift, and you can use the live.oculus.com web page to search for the nearest location. Best Buy will continue to operate live demos in larger markets, and Microsoft is still operating demos in Microsoft stores. Oculus also plans to run short-term pop-up demos at sites that no longer have permanent demos, and the company will attend regular public events to give more people a chance to try the Rift out.
It was 1979 when a young, dreadlocked guitarist joined one of the most influential artists our time, Bob Marley on his first Australian tour. In fact, it will be 40 years to the day this Valentines Day that Junior Marvin, long-serving guitarist of Bobs band The Wailers, first met the iconic trailblazer who would spread an ideology of love and positivity throughout the world with his reggae music.

Marvin recalls Bob being very surprised and humbled to be able to take reggae to a part of the world we never thought it would be.

Then, reggae music really only came out of Jamaica, Marvin adds. Its really grown since the time of Bob Marley and proven that reggae belongs to the world.

Since then, reggae has of course become popular enough in Australia and New Zealand for events like Raggamuffin All Stars to bring The Wailers over to play live for us next week, but that single tour would of course be Bob Marleys only visit down under. Thanks to a tight-knit family of musical Rastafari, though, the legacy of one love lives on in the form of The Wailers.

Keeping the flame alight are four original Bob Marley and The Wailers band members: Junior Marvin (guitar), Family Man Barrett (bass), Donald Kinsey (guitar) and Tyrone Downie (keys), along with second generation Wailers Aston Barrett Jr (drums), Josh Barrett (vocals) and Bob Marleys son, Grammy-nominated Julian Ju Ju Marley.

Before he passed away, Bob said he wanted us to stay together. Weve managed to keep going. It says a lot, said Marvin.

Rekindling the love proved more difficult than imagined after Bob Marley died at just 36 with well publicised legal battles over royalties, licensing and music rights, There were always going to be problems with the business side of things. Most musicians are not business men. Now, young musicians are learning to balance that business side. In the past, we were just about the music, but now we are learning, he said.

The legendary Wailers performing with Bob Marley

No strangers to polytricks, we asked Marvin to weigh in on a couple of pressing political issues.

Firstly, The Wailers were asked eight years ago what Bob Marley would think about the first African-American President being inaugurated into the White House, but what would he make of Donald Trump in 2017?

I will say this, Junior says, I think hed be a little bit surprised. Because one of the problems we still have is many people are motivated by the thought of having lots of money. There are lots of ways to be ambitious. You still can be ambitious and spread the love around. I think when you make promises as a prospective leader you should put out good ideas, role models and thoughts not be a bully.

Secondly, what, in this year of Be Bold for Change for International Womens Day on March 8, would Marvin like to see happen for women? First of all equal pay. Im sure theyd love that. And more equal balance of responsibilities. I think we still spend too much time thinking the man is supposed to be the breadwinner. In Jamaica we have a saying that one hand washes the other.

Marvin assures us there is a third generation of Wailers in training to keep the spark going, We have kids growing up around this music everyday. We dont try to force it on them. They naturally feel like they want to be involved.

And, with legends like Junior Marvin to guide them, who wouldnt want to be part of it? I encourage them. Try to give them positive ideas and role models. Have good attitudes towards life and other people. Learn how to forgive and move on. Be supportive of each other.

Combine that with good training and good instruments and the legacy of Bob Marleys Rastaman vibrations will surely carry on for generations to come.

February 19 and 21 will mark Marvins fourth Raggamuffin appearance with The Wailers and sadly, it looks like the last with the festival making its final round. The Wailers are so excited to be coming back to Australia and looking forward to Raggamuffin. We hope it wont be the last [Raggamuffin] but lets act like its the first!

Dont miss this opportunity to see the worlds premier reggae group performing the hits of Bob Marley live with his son Julian Marley, at Raggamuffin All Stars for two exclusive shows on 19th February at Margaret Court in Melbourne and the 21st of February at Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.

They Rasta royalty will be playing alongside Grammy-winning superstar Shaggy, breakout New Zealand sensations SIX60, reggae legends Morgan Heritage and New Zealands own House Of Shem, and tickets are on sale now.
Princes long battle with the music industry dates back to the beginning of his career  he frequently appeared in public with slave scrawled on his cheek before parting ways with Warner Bros. Records in 1996  but now, almost 10 months after his death, his haul of recorded music  both released and unreleased  has found a new home.

Universal Music Group has inked a multi-year agreement with Princes estate, and his label NPG Records. The leading major label group now has rights to most of the late artists released and unreleased works, plus publishing rights and merchandising.

Specifically, Princes estate is licensing all 25 albums Prince released under NPG and UMG, and heres the best bit for UMG: the company can release Princes vault of unreleased music and video from his Paisley Park bank vault. Apparently hes got enough material to satiate fans for the next century, and thats if his estate decided to release just one album a year.

From 2018, UMG will also get the US rights to certain renowned albums released by Prince between 1979 and 1995. That includes works like Purple Rain, 1999, Diamonds and Pearls, and Sign O the Times, all released during his most commercially successful period with Warner Bros.

Through a deal inked last year, Warner has certain rights to Princes material. The small print is complex to say the least; the deal includes different terms for different territories and soundtracks and according to Billboard, some of the rights will be maintained and some will expire in 2021.

UMG deal expands on its publishing agreement with the Prince estate, announced in November. Its publishing arm UMPG exclusive global administrative rights to Princes entire catalogue, including four decades worth of unreleased material.

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said:

Prince was one of the greatest musical talents of all time  an incomparable genius as a performer, recording artist and songwriter. Its an absolute honor to once again be selected by Princes estate to be the home for publishing, merchandise and now for so much of his incredible body of recordings. UMG is committed to honoring Princes legacy and vision by creating the highest quality products and experiences.

Prince associate L. Londell McMillan, who represented the estate in the negotiations, said:

I am thrilled the NPG catalog and Princes highly sought after unreleased recordings will reside with UMG, where we have found a partner who is passionate about presenting Princes music with a holistic vision that celebrates his iconic status across recorded music, publishing and merchandise and will continue to deliver the highest quality experiences that fans have come to expect.

Im looking forward to seeing Lucian and Michele (Michele Anthony, Executive Vice President of UMG) achieve great things for Princes fans, his estate and heirs.
Having apparently spent the last month lazing around in South America (or establishing himself as an underworld figure, hed have us believe), The Drones frontman Gareth Liddiard has been let back in the country and will be back in action for a solo tour, playing a selection of Drones and solo material across six dates.

The tour kicks off just after his set at the sold-out A Festival Called Panama in Tassie, and takes him up the East Coast throughout March and April. A first show at his hometown venue of The Gasometer with Jaala in support has already sold out, but theres now a second show with Laura Jean for anyone who missed out.

More importantly, the last show of the tour will take place at Sydneys iconic Newtown Social Club, and will serve as the venues final gig before it closes its doors for good. Itll be a sombre night, but we can think of few better Australian performers to bring the curtain down on one of the stalwarts of Sydneys live music scene.

Dates and tickets are below, along with live footage of Gareths gorgeous Patti Smith tribute to whet the appetite.
New York Times: The Oppressive Gospel of Minimalism

LR Blog: The Chickens Are Coming Home to Roost

Saving money never goes out of style but this time around the mainstream media is calling it minimalism and they still don't understand the core principals involved in this trend that speaks to the better angels of humanity.In fact, the modern take on personal financial "minimalism" is geared more toward painting "millennials" as cheapskates or somehow deficient.Example . . .The reality is that saving cash will never be widely accepted because most people profit on everyone else buying stuff they don't really need.Locally, here's a great inside look at a Kansas City blogger who encourages savings and the lessons he has learned in confronting the media over the years.Take a look:You decide . . .
Mike Shanin interviews Todd Graves, Chair of the Missouri GOP, about the party's top priorities in the state. Then Mike Sanders, Gwen Grant, Ron Freeman and Danedri Herbert discuss the future of the Democratic Party both locally and nationally, the challenges facing Republicans in Kansas and the battle over federal funding for sanctuary cities that provide safe harbor for undocumented immigrants.
During his official visit to Ukraine, Greek PM Alexis Tsipras received a guided tour of the historic Christian Orthodox Church of St. Sophia. Built in the 11th century AD by many groups of craftsmen, including Greeks, the cathedrals walls are adorned with beautiful frescoes and magnificent mosaics in the Orthodox tradition, many of which had Greek inscriptions.

The Greek PM, accompanied by Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and Deputy Minister for Greek Diaspora, marveled at the exquisite interior of the church with the unique 20 shades of colour appearing on the walls. The St. Sophia Cathedral of Kiev was the see of the citys Metropolitan and up until 1686 was under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Since 1930 it has been operating as a museum.

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

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright:(WT-shared) Roundtheworld License: CC-BY-SA
Iran and Oman have renewed the general framework of an agreement signed in 2013 to export natural gas to Oman through a pipeline from under the Arabian Gulf seabed.



The agreement was signed in the presence of Petroleum Minister Bijan Zangeneh and Omani Minister of Oil and Gas Mohammad bin Hamad Al Rumhi, reported Irna.



Representatives from companies like French Total, Shell (Dutch-British), South Korean Cogs, German Uniper and Japanese Mitsui were present and offered their proposals for possible participation in the project.



A part of the gas will be consumed in Oman and the rest of it turned to liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export to target markets.



The pipeline should pass deep waters of the Oman Sea, so it will increase both cost and execution time, the report said.



Iranian companies have construction and installation technology to build pipeline in shallow waters of the sea, but they do not have experience in installing pipeline under deep waters, according to the report.
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It turns out that Beyonce and Jay-Z are not the only couple expecting twins! Power couple Amal and George Clooney are rumored to be expecting twins. According to Mirror, the news about the human rights lawyer's pregnancy broke when she was spotted with a bump during a special screening of Netflix's "The White Helmets" in London. The Clooney Foundation for Justice hosted the said event on Jan. 10, 2017.

Julie Chen of "The Talk" confirmed on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, that Amal and George are expecting twins in June. She specified on the show, "Congratulations are in order for George and Amal Clooney! The Talk has confirmed that the 55-year-old superstar and his highly accomplished 39-year-old attorney wife are expecting twins. Now, what we did find out that no one else is reporting, is that the twins are due this June!"

It can be recalled last year that the couple was trying to conceive last summer. However, it was unsuccessful. Amal then was said to have undergone an in vitro fertilization or IVF procedure based on a report from Mirror. An insider shared, "Amal will be starting in vitro fertilisation next month. Given their ages - Amal's 38 and George is 55 - the doctor said they need to start right away."

Meanwhile, George, in an interview with Charlie Rose on "CBS This Morning," shared his thoughts about having kids. He admitted that he had thought about it. He continued, "I've been asked about it a lot lately because I've gotten married and I'm doing a movie with kids in it." The actor also shared that he is very close to his family.

The couple got married on Sept. 27, 2014 in Venice, Italy. As of this writing, George's camp has yet to release an official statement regarding his wife's pregnancy.

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European budget carrier Norwegian Air is soon going to introduce offers as low as $69 one way by this June. This will be between airports in the East Coast of US and Europe. The announcement was made by Norwegian Air CEO Bjorn Kjos.

According to Kjos, more people will start flying,the fares go lower, but the volume increases. One of the routes will be between Edinburgh and New York, and between Ireland or Scotland and the U.S. East Coast. The airlines plan more with routes to England, Scotland, Ireland and Norway.

The flights in the U.S. will be coming from smaller, "secondary" Northeastern airports, as running these routes in smaller facilities will help Norwegian keep the airfare costs lower, according to Travel + Leisure. This means airports like Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, N.Y., Portsmouth International Airport inn Portsmouth, N.H., T.F. Green Airport in Providence, R.I. and Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut.

In May, Norwegian Air will acquire its first new 737 MAX, the new Boeing narrowbody jet. The new Boeing 737 MAX is the newest variant of Boeing's best-selling 737 narrowbody. It has new engines and aerodynamic improvements. Utilizing the smaller single-aisle 737 MAX for international routes will allow it to keep costs low and offer fares as affordable as $69 one way on its service between the USA and Europe.

Kjos added that that this will happen as soon as they get the DOT approval and overcome opposition from U.S. airlines and unions. The big US airlines and pilot unions have accused Norwegian Air of unfair competition by paying lower wages. Kjos vehemently denies that, saying his American crews are paid U.S. wages.

"We'll have almost 1,000 crew members in the U.S. by the end of this year. We are flying millions of European tourists into the U.S. We are creating a lot of jobs. And we fly Boeing aircraft," Kjos said, as reported by Seattle Times.

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It is almost Valentine's Day and the hopeless romantics want to reserve the day for a beautiful movie. A movie that can set the mood for a meaningful celebration has just been released. "A United Kingdom" is a feel-good movie that tells of a kind of love that knows no boundaries.

The film written by Guy Hibbert is a true-to-life period drama about a couple who fought to keep their love according to the NY Times. Seretse Khama (played by David Oyelowo) is the future king of Bechuanaland (present day Botswana). He was attending school in the Inner Temple to become a lawyer when he met Ruth Williams (played by Rosamund Pike) at a church Missionary Society Dance. She was working as a clerk at Lloyd's bank at that time.

There was an attraction that was developed between the two at first meeting. An exchange of mails that led to dating followed. The kingdom has imposed the policy of apartheid. Khama's uncle Tshekedi was determined to hinder the marriage. The new lovers were faced with challenges from their governments and families as their relationship threatened the stability of their countries.

Their engagement was like an abomination to almost everyone. Ruth Williams was disowned by her family and she was terminated from her job. Khama's uncle even asked the missionary society to do something to separate them. They got married in a civil ceremony at the Kensington Registry Office because they cannot get the approval of the British government to marry. His uncle said, "If he brings his white wife here, I will fight him to the death."

In the end, love triumphed over his uncle who was interested in the kingship. He still got the support of the tribal elders and ultimately got his position as king.

The film is timely especially now that women's issues are aplenty. But the movie is very apt for Valentine's Day and those facing obstacles in their relationships. They can get the inspiration to go on from the film.

Besides political issues, the challenges that Oyelowo and Pike faced are comparable to the different problems that beset present-day relationships. How the couple won the battles can generally inspire anyone experiencing insurmountable hindrances.

The cast gave their best performances especially Pike and Oyelowo according to Movie Pilot. Amma Asante's direction was remarkable. The film is critically-acclaimed and promises a rewarding movie experience.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Shivaratri is considered to be the biggest religious event celebrated annually in Nepal with crowds filled with pilgrims and almost millions of devotees. Unlike other festivals, it is not popular among foreign toursist. Hence, the commemoration of Shivaratri is extremely surrounded by many Nepalese and locals who actually make the celebration more sacred and special.

Behind every festival lies the hidden story from where it all began. Therefore, we listed five of the many things that you need to know about the celebration of Shivaratri Festival in Nepal.

1. The Maha Shivaratri, commonly known as the "Shivaratri" is a religious event created in honor of the god "Shiva", a deity who is praised and honoured by the Hindu culture. During the festival, the devotees of Lord Shiva observe fasting during the day and afterwards, utter vigil and prayers to the Lord all throughout the night, Calendar Labs says.

This ritual was derived from the belief that through Shiva, the darkness and ignorance in a person's life will be overcome through Shiva. After the overnight fasting and worshipping, the devotees will then devour themselves to the Prasad that was offered in honor of Lord Shiva.

2. During the celebration of Maha Shivaratri, every married woman prays for their significant other's well-being. Meanwhile, women who are not in a relationship and those who still remain unmarried pray that they will find a man who possesses the same characteristics as Shiva because Hindus believe that Shiva is an epitome of an ideal husband.

3. The use of cannabis or marijuana is illegal in Nepal. However, during the celebration of Maha Shivaratri, the ban for the use of marijuana is temporarily lifted as it was used for certain religious rituals for ascetics. Ascetics are allowed to smoke and use marijuana inside the temples during the festival but they are not allowed to distribute or sell it to other pilgrims. Despite opposition from non-believers, devotees of Shiva contend that the use of cannabis during this festival helps preserve the deepness and sacredness of the rituals that are being observed.

4. The biggest gathering for the celebration of Maha Shivaratri in Nepal is in the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. The Pashupatinath is considered to be the oldest Hindu temple in the country. According to Maha Shivaratri's official website, guests who are not Hindu are permitted from entering the said temple. Pashupatinath is located along the Bagmati River where dead people are being bathed and where the ashes from the cremations are spread.

5. What make the celebration of Maha Shivaratri more colourful are the Sadhus. These are people who cover themselves with ashes in order for them to look paler and therefore decorate their bodies with different bright and vivid colors. However, there are also some Sadhus walking around the temples naked during Shivaratri. Most Sadhus are very friendly and welcoming. They even allow the guests to take a picture with them in exchange of 50prs.

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China is soon building two Vertical Forest buildings planted with trees and shrubs in Nanjing city. This is to help the city's anti-pollution drive. The two buildings are scheduled to be completed sometime next year.

It is an understatement to say that China has pollution problems. The pollution is so bad at Beijing that residents are not able to walk the streets without having to wear a face mask. Nanjing has an air-quality index of 167, which categorises it as "unhealthy." In comparison, Sydney and New York both have "moderate" indexes of around 60, while London is at about 100, teetering between "moderate" and "unhealthy." reports CNET.

The two Nanjing Towers will absorb enough carbon dioxide to make around 132 pounds or 60 kilograms of oxygen daily. The buildings will be made by Italian architect Stefano Boeri. Nanjing will be the third city to get a Vertical Forest, following ones built in Milan, Italy and Lausanne, Switzerland.

The towers will stand at 354 and 656 feet tall or 107 and 199 metres. It will be planted with 1,100 trees and a total of over 2,500 shrubs and plants. The shorter tower will house a Hyatt hotel, while the taller one will have a museum, offices and a school.

The Nanjing Towers are actually the third such structure built but will be the first ones in Asia. The first one was finished in Milan, Italy in 2014, and is a residential area. The second one is in Lausanne, Switzerland. Stefano Boeri, the architect behind these architectural wonders, also plans to build similar buildings in other cities in China, according to the Technology Inquirer.

Since 2014, the Chinese government authorities have been looking for ways and working hard to reduce the amount of pollution in the air. They have been closing down coal-burning factories and limiting the amount of traffic on roads.

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It was on Thursday morning when President Donald Trump posted something on his Twitter account criticizing John McCain over the recent Yemen raid. The Arizona senator received criticisms over the huge success of the operation despite the death of one of the Navy Seal. On the contrary, McCain's daughter, Meghan, defended her father.

It has been known that McCain is the chairman of the Armed Services Committee and was briefed on January strike after its competition. Apparently, the White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer also had sharp words for anyone who was critical. It was his statement when asked about McCain's comments during the briefing with reporters Wednesday afternoon.

Further, McCain, who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, immediately responded to Spicer's comments by pointing out his own story as an example of a failed mission. However, he told NBC that it didn't diminish the heroics of the Americans who were into the fight, USA Today reported.

Despite the president's attack on McCain, Meghan, her daughter defended him. As per statement, Meghan said that Trump has never served. She added that she has been disagreeing over politics every single day and questioned how can a president dared to question the honor of his father and his service, The Hill reported.

McCain's daughter was straight-forward over her words as she posted it on her Twitter account. "My father can't bend one of his knees or lift one of his arms above his head. I am done with this today. Done", Meghan wrote on tweets.

However, despite criticisms, Senator McCain continues to execute his oversight duties as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and to give more support to its brave men and women who are serving the nation in uniform. It was the exact statement that McCain spokeswoman, Julie Tarallo has told the press in response to Trump's attack.

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Innovative artists can create remarkable objects from simple materials, such as paper, construction supplies, and light. These elements combine in experimental fashion in two new contemporary exhibitions opening at the Currier Museum of Art on Saturday, February 25, 2017.



(TRAVPR.COM) USA - February 10th, 2017 - Manchester, NH --Innovative artists can create remarkable objects from simple materials, such as paper, construction supplies, and light. These elements combine in experimental fashion in two new contemporary exhibitions opening at the Currier Museum of Art on Saturday, February 25, 2017.

Deep Cuts: Contemporary Paper Cutting examines a re-energized art form dating back to ancient China. The exhibition showcases inventive objects made from cut and manipulated paper, ranging from large-scale installations to detailed diminutive works. The objects explore a wide range of thought-provoking subjects.

Soo Sunny Park, a New Hampshire-based artist, has created a new work of art, BioLath, which immerses visitors in a dynamic, light-filled space. Occupying an entire gallery of the Currier Museum, the artist works with construction materials to filter and refract natural and artificial light.

This spring, the Currier Museum will focus on contemporary art, said Alan Chong, director of the museum. Both exhibitions feature objects which have been pierced, cut, abraded, and manipulated in some way. Ordinary, everyday materials take on new lives and new meaning. Much of the work presented this season has been created or altered specifically for the museum. We invite visitors to experience these exhibitions in their own ways. For example, they will be able to craft their own cut-paper objects in a community project.

An extensive series of public programs deepen understanding of the two exhibitions. A special event on the evening of February 24 at 7 pm will celebrate the exhibitions; tickets are $20 and include a free drink.

Deep Cuts: Contemporary Paper Cutting

While the art of cut paper has been around for centuries (almost as long as paper itself), many contemporary artists have found innovative ways to update the art form, creating whimsical and challenging objects. The works on view vary from the intimate and detailed to monumental and awe-inspiring. Some artists employ unusual methods to push the limits of what paper can do, such as cutting it with a belt sander or even knitting shredded paper.

Deep Cuts redefines the traditional craft of paper cutting. Although many of the objects are intricately detailed, they can be unconventional in terms of scale, content or construction. Some artists make sculptural objects that challenge the assumed flatness and fragility of paper, while others cut documents to explore the information and power that has become associated with these materials.

The endlessly inventive artists featured in Deep Cuts create work that is as visually arresting as it is conceptually rich, said Samantha Cataldo, exhibition curator. In the dawn of a so-called paperless society, their work stands in striking opposition to our digitized world.

The artists featured in the exhibition are: Elizabeth Alexander, Noriko Ambe, Hina Aoyama, Doug Beube, Ambreen Butt, Jonathan Callan, Rob Carter, Charles Clary, Brian Dettmer, Andrea Dezso, Lauren Fensterstock, Adam Fowler, Randy Garber, Meg Hitchcock, Jim Hodges, Li Hongbo, Fred H C Liang, Marco Maggi, Youdhi Maharjan, Stefana McClure, Lisa Nilsson, Julian Opie, Shannon Rankin, Nikki Rosato, Kim Rugg, Mathias Schmied, Jane South, Jill Sylvia, Sarah Sze, Yuken Teruya, Robert The, Randal Thurston, August Ventimiglia, Mark Wagner, Kara Walker and C.K. Wilde.

A 40-page, full-color catalogue will be available for $10 at the Currier Museum shop and Amazon.com.

In conjunction with Deep Cuts, exhibiting artist Elizabeth Alexander, inspired by her search for a utopian America, will design Deep Cuts in the American Dream, the first community project in the museums lobby. Visitors, using junk mail as their medium, will create shapes based on templates, adding to a growing decorative cut-paper installation. Known for her use of antique wallpaper, Elizabeth Alexanders templates will draw on works in the museums collection, including a 19th-century wallpaper showing Lyon, France.

Alexander will launch the project on February 20 with a free workshop for educators. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the project throughout the run of the exhibition, which closes on May 21.

Deep Cuts: Contemporary Paper Cutting is sponsored by the Hitchiner Manufacturing Company, M. Christine Dwyer and Michael Huxtable, Dorothea and David Jensen,

Monadnock Paper Mills, and the Gilbert Verney Foundation. Art New England is the media sponsor.

Soo Sunny Park: BioLath

New Hampshire-based installation artist Soo Sunny Park experiments with light and biomorphic shapes in her new work, BioLath. She uses metal lath, a flat construction material normally hidden in walls behind plaster, to create curved translucent objects. Organic in form but industrial in material, her sculptural installation explores the relationship between nature and artifice, and between the natural and the built environment. Parks biomorphic objects will fill the museums Putnam Gallery. Both natural and artificial light will filter through the objects, creating an ever changing composition of shifting shadows and patterns on the walls.

My earlier work used light as a sculptural material, in that the reflections and shadows are part of the work, not incidental byproducts of it, said Park. In BioLath, I wanted to incorporate the shadows as drawings, and animate the lines of shadows as an active element of the installation.

In this ambitious work, Park explores the metaphorical gray area between various boundaries, including those which divide sculpture and drawing, vision and perception, light and shadow, and interior and exterior, said Samantha Cataldo, the exhibitions curator. We are thrilled to have her transform our visitors interactions with the museums architecture through her art.

Soo Sunny Parks work has been displayed throughout the United States, as well as globally in places like Korea and the United Arab Emirates. She received her B.F.A. in painting and sculpture from Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio and a M.F.A. in sculpture from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Park has received numerous awards and grants including a Joan Mitchell M.F.A. Grant. She currently lives in New Hampshire and is a professor at Dartmouth College.

Soo Sunny Park: BioLath, which closes August 6, is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, Dorothea and David Jensen, Hitchiner Manufacturing Company, M. Christine Dwyer & Michael Huxtable, and the Artists Resource Trust. Art New England is the media sponsor.

The Currier Museum of Art, located at 150 Ash Street in Manchester, New Hampshire, is open every day except Tuesday. It is home to a respected collection of European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs, and sculpture, including works by Monet, Picasso, Matisse, and O'Keeffe. Visitors of all ages will enjoy engaging exhibitions, dynamic programs ranging from art-making and lectures to music, a shop and an airy, light-filled cafe. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. The Currier Museum welcomes visitors with disabilities and special needs; we are wheelchair accessible and offer FM headsets for sound amplification for most public programs. For more information, visitcurrier.org.

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The world's biggest travel site hails the Perfume River-side five-star hotel.



(TRAVPR.COM) VIETNAM - February 10th, 2017 - The art-decor La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa  MGallery by Sofitel has been called out as a winner on a list of Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Vietnam, announced in 2017 TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award. The hotel has won this prestigious accolade from TripAdvisor year after year.



Assessed from millions of reviews on this travel site, the award shows the excellent services in line with outstanding facilities of La Residence. On top of that, the tip-top attention and care from staff and the management board to every guest has inspired awesome commentaries and ratings. La Residence's TripAdvisor page has gained more than 2000 reviews so far and the majority are rated 4 & 5 out of 5 stars.



Nestled on the fabled banks of the Perfume River in Hue, La Residence celebrated its grand opening in December 2005 after a painstaking restoration of the 1930-built mansion. The hotel's distinctive bowed facade, its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes are hallmarks of the streamline moderne school of art deco architecture. Its 122 rooms and suites, restaurants, lounges, bars and conference room are tricked out in complementary art-deco furnishings and decor that evoke both the 1920s and 1950s. The hotel's Le Parfum Restaurant serves Mediterranean and French cuisine, as well as dishes from an expansive Vietnamese menu.



La Residence has also earned many reputable awards from the likes of Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and other international media.



For further details abour La Residence, visit the website www.la-residence-hue.com.

* As of 11th February, 2017 the hotel's landline is changed to (84-234) 383 7475 according to new change in provincial telephone code.

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Rehlat is celebrating its anniversary this month and has recently announced it will commemorate this milestone by debuting its website for Egypt audience, www.rehlat.com.eg.



(TRAVPR.COM) Dubai - February 10th, 2017 - Rehlat is celebrating its anniversary this month and has recently announced it will commemorate this milestone by debuting its website for Egypt audience, www.rehlat.com.eg. Rehlat is the fastest growing travel company in the Middle East which operates with www.rehlat.com, www.rehlat.ae, andwww.rehlat.com.safor Kuwait, UAE, & Saudi Arabia respectively. Since the launch of Rehlat, the OTA has made its mark in the Middle East travel industry, offering comprehensive services with a localized approach for the travelers.

Commenting on this milestone, Rehlat Founder Bader Al Bader said, We are proud of what we have accomplished in this short span; what started out as a single office in Kuwait today has spread over to Dubai, India, & Egypt. As one of the key contributors to the world economy, the OTA sector has been growing and we are fortunate to have started at the right time to help travelers get their flight tickets and hotel bookings done faster, easier and hassle-free.

The new website from Rehlat (www.rehlat.com.eg) adds to the growing portfolio and takes the commitment of Rehlat to next level with the Middle East geography. The OTA has also announced an inaugural offer of 330EGP worth coupons for travelers who subscribe to the newsletter, which ensures they dont miss out on the frequently updated offers and deals.

Why is www.Rehlat.com.eg the best option for your flight and hotel bookings?

The websites availability in both English & Arabic

1500+ airlines covering 1 lakh+ destinations worldwide

Multilingual customer support

Unbeatable airfares accompanied by exclusive discounts and last minute flight deals.

Paying for ticket in local currency (Kuwaiti Dinar, Saudi Riyal, Emirati Dirham, Bahraini Dinar, Egyptian Pound, and much more)

Range of payment options Knet, Credit card, Debit card [Master card and Visa], Cash U and Sadad)

1 million+ happy customers

About Rehlat

Rehlat which is travel in Arabic is an online travel agency catering to the Middle East. It is one of the fastest growing travel companies in the Middle East.

All the websites of Rehlat and their customer support cater in both Arabic and English. The payment systems are also localized along with the option of payment available in (Kuwaiti Dinar, Emirati Dirhams, Qatari Rial, Omani Rial, Bahraini Dinar, Saudi Riyal and Egyptian Pounds) which can be paid through Debit and Credit cards via Visa / Master card / Knet / CashU.

Rehlat has its offices spread across Kuwait, UAE, India, and Egypt.

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Photo via The Guardian

Earthquakes, like the one that struck in Christchurch, New Zealand yesterday, rank among the most devastating natural disasters, capable of leveling cities and causing extensive loss of life -- largely because they are so unpredictable. On Sunday, however, less than 48 hours before the quake, 107 pilot whales beached themselves and died along the nation's shores, a phenomenon that biologists have yet to fully understand. The proximity of the two events, in both time and location, have sent the Web in a frenzy over whether they are related -- and whether strandings can provide precious foresight before disaster strikes. It is important to note that biologists believe whales and dolphins beach themselves for a variety of reasons, like failing health and navigational errors, though no definitive correlation has been drawn thus far. This latest incident of mass-stranding prior to an earthquake, however, is not without precedent.

A report from The Mirror points out a that some 170 whales were stranded in Australia and New Zealand prior to the devastating 2004 quake that struck in the Indian Ocean which resulted in a tsunami that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands throughout the region. At the time, Indian professor Dr. Arunachalam Kumar suspected a relationship between the two events.

Three weeks before the tsunami, he was alerted to the whales' deaths, and wrote: "It is my observation, confirmed over the years, that mass suicides of whales and dolphins that occur sporadically all over the world, are in some way related to change and disturbances in the electromagnetic field co-ordinates and possible realignments of geotectonic plates thereof.

"I would not be surprised if within a few days a massive quake hits some part of the globe."

Scientists are currently speculating that the cause of death of New Zealand's pilot whales is due to sound reverberations in shallow water.

In the weeks leading up to Tuesday's quake, several groups of pilot whales had become stranded and returned to sea, culminating in Sunday's mass-stranding death of 107 animals. It may never been known for certain whether or not the subtle precursors to an earthquake drove them inland, but it is well-known that many animals are far more sensitive to such factors than humans.

Perhaps even more difficult than proving a correlation between strandings and earthquakes would be deciding how we should respond to these events if a relationship is found to exist. After all, we tend to be a lot better at collecting and analyzing data provided by the world around us than we are at acting in light of it.


New Delhi, February 10

Senior Finance Ministry official Ajay Tyagi was on Friday appointed as chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

He will succeed UK Sinha, whose extended tenure ends on March 1.

Tyagi, a 1984-batch IAS officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre, is at present Additional Secretary (Investment) in the Department of Economic Affairs and handles capital market, among others.

Tyagi has been appointed chairman of the markets regulator, an official order said.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet-headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Tyagi's appointment for a term of five years, or until he turns 65, it said.

Tyagi, 58, hails from Uttar Pradesh.

According to the eligibility criteria, a person can hold the position of SEBI chairman till the age of 65 years or for a term decided by the government.

Sinha, a 1976 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, had assumed office as the SEBI chairman on February 18, 2011, when the previous UPA government was in power.

He was later given a two-year extension. Days before the end of his tenure in February last year, he was given another extension till March 1, 2017.

Many senior bureaucrats, including some Secretary-level officers, were in contention for the top post of capital market regulator.

Tyagi for a short while was also on the board of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The process for selecting the next chief of the SEBI started in September 2015, pursuant to which several applications were received for the position.

"Keeping in view the role and importance of SEBI as a regulator, it is desirable that persons with high integrity, eminence and reputation preferably with more than 25 years of professional experience and in the age group of 50-60 years may apply," the Finance Ministry had said while inviting applications for the post.

However, the government had in February last decided to give a one-year extension to Sinha to ensure stability due to volatile market conditions.

SEBI chairman receives consolidated pay package of Rs 4.5 lakh per month.

Besides chairman and whole-time members, the SEBI board includes independent members and nominees of Finance Ministry, Corporate Affairs Ministry and the RBI.  PTI
Mumbai, February 10

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) today said it plans to invest Rs 1,500 crore at its Nashik and Igatpuri plants, along with ongoing expansion of Rs 4,500 crore at Chakan facility in Maharashtra for the next phase of expansion.

We are investing Rs 1,500 crore at our Nashik and Igatpuri plants, which will help us in expanding our production capacity by 50,000 vehicles to 2,00,000 vehicles.

The Nashik project will qualify as Ultra Mega Project and it will be funded through internal accruals, M&M MD Pawan Goenka said. It constitutes development and manufacture of its new product codenamed U321, covering joint investment at Nashik and Igatpuri.  PTI
Low international prices, zero import duty to blame

The export of wheat is down because of its low price in the international market. With the government bringing the import duty to zero, owing to shortage of crop, imports have touched a record high as compared to last fiscal  VK Bansal, president, rollers flour mills federation of india

Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10

Wheat exports may decline to its lowest level since 2011 in the current fiscal year owing to low international prices of the commodity. As per data accessed from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), during April-November 2016, around 1.91 lakh tonne of wheat was exported as compared to 5.82 lakh tonne during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. However, this will not put pressure on the prices of the commodity in the upcoming procurement season. According to analysts, the prices will remain firm on account of shortage of wheat in the domestic market.

India exported 6.14 lakh tonne of wheat in 2015-16 as compared to 29.14 lakh tonne in 2014-15, 55.72 lakh tonne in 2013-14 and 65.14 lakh tonne in 2012-13. Further, India exported 7.50 lakh tonne of wheat in 2011-12.

According to traders, the price of the Indian wheat is costlier as compared to the imported one, as the government has brought down the import duty to zero tariff to make imports cheaper and ease the domestic supply squeeze.

The export is down because of the low price of the commodity in the international market. With the government bringing the import duty to zero, owing to the shortage of crop, imports have touched a record high as compared to the last fiscal, said VK Bansal, president, Rollers Flour Mills Federation of India.

The Indian wheat in domestic market was hovering around Rs 2,000 per quintal in January, depending upon the variety, whereas the imported variety from the US and Australia was available between Rs 1,475 and Rs 1,550 (freight on board) per quintal, said an exporter based out of Delhi.

This is evident from the fact that India is estimated to have imported around 2.5-3 million tonne of wheat in the current fiscal year as compared to around 5.2 lakh tonne in 2015-16.

"However, the low global prices will not have any impact on the upcoming procurement season as there is low availability of stock with Food Corporation of India, said Bansal.

Bansal further said it is estimated that FCI will procure around 35 million tonne of wheat in the current procurement season out of the total estimated production of 95 million tonne. The remaining would be procured by roller flour mills, private traders and also by farmers for their own consumption.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10

Akansh Sen (28), nephew of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh who was run over by a BMW car in Sector 9 yesterday, succumbed to his injuries at the PGI today. The police are yet to arrest the accused, who are on the run.

The case of attempt to murder has now been converted into a murder case.

Akansh was one of the owners of BoomBox Cafe in Sector 9.

On the day of the incident, Akansh, along with a friend, had gone to a common friends place in Sector 9 where they had a party. The victims friend, Shera, had an altercation with the accused there.

According to the complaint, the victim and his friend later came to Sector 18, leaving Shera behind in Sector 9. Fearing that Shera and the accused may have a tiff again, the victim decided to bring Shera back.

The accused, Balraj Singh Randhawa, a resident of Sector 77, Sohana, Mohali, and Harmehtab Singh, a resident of Radewala Farm, Landra, Mohali, came outside the house in Sector 9 and entered into an altercation with the victim.

The accused then sat in a white BMW car and allegedly crushed the victim under its wheels. The injured was rushed to the PGI where he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

One of Akanshs friends said he was just trying to resolve a dispute between his friends when he was run over by the accused.

DSP (Central) Ram Gopal said both accused were at large and raids were being conducted at several places in Punjab to nab them.

The DSP said the BMW car was owned by Balraj and he was behind the wheel when the victim was crushed under the car.

The victims body has been kept at the mortuary and the postmortem will be conducted tomorrow after which the body will be handed to the victims kin.

Virbhadra's son wants accused nabbed

Vikramaditya Singh, son of the Himachal Chief Minister, said the police should act swiftly and nab the accused at the earliest.
Tribune News Service

Mohali, February 10

The Mohali police today cracked the Rs 43,000 snatching case at Phase I by arresting all three miscreants within 24 hours of the incident.

The police arrested Surinder Singh, a resident of Gill village in Ludhiana, and Raj Kumar, alias Badshah, and Bhajan Mahtoh, both hailing from Bihar, who stay in Ludhiana, and recovered the snatched amount and the taxi used in the crime.

Mohali SP (City) PS Bhandal and DSP Alam Vijay Singh said the accused came from Ludhiana to Mohali to commit the crime. The police got a lead from the registration number of the Indica car and found its owner, who told them that the vehicle was given to Surinder Singh for commercial use.

When we nabbed Surinder Singh, he confessed to the crime, said the police.

A joint team of the Mohali CIA wing and the local police, led by Inspector Atul Soni, nabbed all accused.

The police said the trio had snatched Rs 7,000 from Malerkotla four days ago and had made another unsuccessful attempt at Nabha recently.

They came to Mohali yesterday morning to look for an easy target. As part of their modus operandi, the trio went to the State Bank of India to keep an eye on persons having a large amount of money.

After narrowing down on Arjun, Bhajan started talking to him and snatched the amount from him, said the police.

The accused will be produced in the court tomorrow.

A case in this regard has been registered at the Phase I police station.
S Nihal Singh

The choreography was perfect, perhaps too perfect. Ms V.K. Sasikala zealously guarded access to her ailing mistress, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, in hospital for weeks on end. On her death, she had herself elected to the state ruling party's general secretaryship, and before legislators could say cheese manoeuvred to have herself declared leader of the legislature party, with the swearing-in projected for the next morning.

Nothing was to be left to chance, and a team of doctors, presided over by a British specialist, belatedly held a press conference to confirm that Jayalalithaa had received best treatment and died of natural causes. It was as if Sasikala was in a desperate hurry to receive the stamp of being Chief Minister.

The fly in the ointment was the missing Governor, Mr C. Vidyasagar Rao, who was out of town, sharing as he was the supervision of two states, and seemed in no hurry to get to Chennai. In the meantime, a cloud on the horizon was a Supreme Court verdict on Sasikala's disproportionate assets case expected in a week upsetting for the moment the careful plan to upstage events.

Then the dam burst. First, it was former Assembly Speaker and veteran leader P.N. Pandian of the AIADMK who repeated his suspicion, despite the doctors verdict, that the leader had been poisoned before being admitted to hospital. Then the Chief Minister himself, Mr O.P. Panneerselvam, who had resigned and functioned in a caretaker capacity, said he had been forced to resign.

As Sasikala saw her carefully laid plans coming apart, she struck back, called Mr Panneeselvam a traitor and in the pay of the opposition DMK party, and rallied most of the party MLAs to give her a vote of confidence. What she could not prevent was the unease among the party cadres which had crystallised in the revolt that had burst out in the open.

For Ms Sasikala, it was a daring extension of the dynastic practice of leaders' sons or daughters sliding into their parents' shoes by extending it to the leader's bag lady. She had been her mistress' confidante for long, apart from a period of estrangement over the activities of her husband, a government employee. And she took over the death ceremonies of Jayalalithaa with aplomb.

How the future twists and turns of the Sasikala saga will unfold remains to be seen, but a few general conclusions can be drawn from the trend of events. First, it is for sociologists and mass psychologists to investigate why the people of Tamil Nadu and some other southern states elevate their political leaders to god- or godess-like status. In some cases, of course, actors with a mass following trade their acting fame for political profit, as was the case with the founder of the AIADMK, M.G. Ramachandran, and Jayalalithaa herself was once a comely actress and a heroine.

Second, the Dravidian movement, with its DMK and AIADMK offshoots, was a pioneer forward confabulation that became over time a balancing force between castes and sub-castes. What Sasikala did learn from her mistress was to maintain equilibrium among dominant castes. After acquiring her goddess-like status, she could dispense with such considerations. Sasikala's astuteness was in recognising her chief rivals and getting them into her corner. Mr Panneerselvam she treated with contempt because he had been more than once a stand-in for Jayalalithaa and used to greet her in the morning with the demeaning ritual of prostrating himself. In her power play, he was no rival.

What of the future? Ms Sasikala has to contend with two kinds of problems. She might have won a momentary victory, but her legitimacy has come into question by Panneerselvams belated revolt and the fact that he has ordered an inquiry into the causes of Jayalalithaa's death and has suggested that he was willing to take back his resignation if the party cadres so decided. He has also decided to take his grievance to Delhi. While some AIADMK supporters might praise her for her clever footwork in succeeding Jayalalithaa, many others will mull over the suspicion that the leader did not die a natural death. And the controversial nature of Sasikala's family will continue to haunt her.

Tamil Nadu is one of the better governed states in the country and hosts major industries. As a person who has never fought an election and held no administrative post, Sasikala comes out poorly, working as she was from the shadows to influence her mistress. In a sense, the same applies to members of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty; the difference is that nobody questioned their legitimacy. They were in a way born to rule.

Ms Sasikalas strong response to Mr Panneerselvam showed that she can wield the stick when necessary. By the same token, her image as a selfless servitor of her mistress has taken a battering. In other words, she emerges as an ambitious woman who will go to considerable lengths to retain the privileges she feels she has earned.

The practice of democracy has had to adapt to Indian peculiarities to succeed. Dynasty is one factor, caste politics is another as is the new wave of Hinduisation, given the temper of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and its mentor, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The power structure is presided over by Mr Narendra Modi, a leader of rare abilities who sees himself more in the mould of a President, rather than a Prime Minister in a parliamentary system.

The problem with the planned transition in Tamil Nadu is a black mark against the Indian practice of democracy because although it observes the form of democratic practice, the soul is missing.

The paradox is that Tamil Nadu has produced some of the best administrators and brains in the country. Many of them, of course, are Brahmins, who have suffered at the hands of an inverse discrimination in their home state to win fame and rewards in the rest of the country and in the wider world.

Perhaps the present transition in Tamil Nadu will serve to clear the air and restore meritocracy as the criterion for recruitment.
Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain

ANYONE who follows strategic issues knows that much can happen in geopolitical and geo-strategic-related affairs which defies rationale. Yet, one thing is clear; nations do not act, engage or support each other unless there is an inherent national interest involved. Seldom do leaderships follow the norm of support based on emotive or historical linkages. A nation as pragmatic and nationalistic as China does not usually make mistakes in this regard as far as the pursuit of national security strategy is concerned. When it comes to Chinas denial of support to brand Masood Azhar a UN-designated terrorist, this rationale appears to fly in the face of the Masood Azhar affair.

A few facts, to glean the background may be required. Following the attack on the US embassies in Nairobi and Darussalam by the Al-Qaida and other associated groups, the Security Council passed Resolution 1267 or 1267 Regime, in 1999. This Resolution primarily looks at non-kinetic ways of forcing entities, terror groups or their leaders to be proscribed and pressurised with cooperation between members of the UN. It requires unanimity of the Security Council to be brought into effect against any of the above. India has been attempting to have Masood Azhar, the infamous JeM chief proscribed under this but China comes to Pakistan's support each time in denying unanimous approval of the UNSC which is mandatory. India has criticised the UNSC decision, stating that, Its working methods, based on the principles of unanimity and anonymity, is leading the Committee to adopt a selective approach to combating terrorism. JeM was listed under 1267 Regime as far back as 2001 for its links to the Al-Qaida but labelling eludes Masood Azhar because of China which is the only nation in the UNSC which is preventing this. Is it in China's national interest to do the above? First and foremost, to put the question differently, is anything in the interest of India and not that of Pakistan automatically in Chinas national interest? China's strategic academic community does not think so because there has emanated no strident defence of China's stance except from the usual media commentaries. The latest Global Times of China states, Chinese analysts said they believe India did not provide enough evidence to support its proposals, as evidence is required not only because of the need to maintain the UN's authority, but also because of the complexities in the region. This stance can continue forever.

The conclusions should be obvious. China considers its relationship with Pakistan deeply strategic. There have been times China has tried to project a degree of neutrality between India and Pakistan in matters concerning even Jammu and Kashmir. Since the last two years its stance has hardened irrationally in favour of Pakistan. Two things seem to have dictated this. First, is the turn in the Indo-US relationship, which progressively showed emergence of greater strategic understanding and was perceived by China as essentially aimed at it. The larger narrative of India's outreach to Japan and Vietnam also appears to have unnerved China. Second is the indirect effect of the New Great Game in Asia.

It is not the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) alone which is binding China to Pakistan in a more determined way. The CPEC is just a sub-arm of the larger strategy of outreach by China to go well beyond its borders in order to sustain its growth rate. It is also designed to help develop the backward regions within its territories, including the troubled region of Xinjiang.

In the South-East Asian and East-Asia region in order to have a control over the ocean disputes, China has reached out to Philippines, Laos and Cambodia. It also has the presence of North Korea as a foil should things not go as per plan. In its strategy towards its western boundaries it is Russia who it needs and the relationship has strengthened considerably. Oil and gas from Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are reasonably guaranteed but insufficient to meet its voracious needs. Almost 80 per cent of its energy needs are still supplied through the sea lines of communication (SLsOC) which are vulnerable in the event of larger conflict. The only country which can facilitate both, outreach for trade and transportation of energy needs through the continental routes is Pakistan. This realisation has struck a deeper chord in China over the last two years as the US moved closer to its pivot and rebalancing strategy under former President Obama. Donald Trump's approach is still confused and unclear. He does not yet know how he will deal with China. He wishes to be aggressive on the South China Sea dispute and does not wish to leave Afghanistan to the control of Pakistan and the ISI to work with the Taliban and the Haqqanis. So the US may well marginally enhance its presence in Afghanistan. That is not good news for China that wants its strategy of the trade corridors to be without potential of conflict and opposition.

So, Pakistan's strategic importance goes up several notches. As it is, even the casual eye can gauge that without any other factor; just its geographic location is God's greatest gift to Pakistan. It controls access to the ocean and reverse access to the heart of Asia. It provides the US its only viable logistics route to Afghanistan. China's future development of the western peripheral regions is dependent on the development of the trade corridors through the zone of the New Great Game. In the latter, it is not infrastructure alone but the potential of ideology being infused as a weapon here. The entire New Great Game, which is all about extension of influence to facilitate trade corridors, can be hamstrung by the infusion of Islamic radicalism. The infrastructure will remain unsafe and millions of dollars worth of security systems will have to be deployed to safeguard it. Pakistan's reputation as the core centre of radical Islam precedes it each time.

Through the 1980s, the US and Saudi Arabia defeated the former Soviet Union with the assistance of Pakistan and its ISI. It has tied down India considerably in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and potentially it holds the key to the security of the corridors in the New Great Game zone. All this is through the networks it controls. The extent to which friendly terrorists can assist Pakistan in its future strategy has been insufficiently realised by India.

China has the full measure of appreciation of what Pakistan can and cannot do. The investment in Masood Azhar is not for any love for the ISI's favorite terrorist leader but due to sheer prudence about the insurance China needs for the $46 billion and much more that will eventually be sunk into these projects.

India's diplomatic efforts may not yet succeed in this sphere but there is no option but to continue these as China is isolated in the UNSC and Pakistan too is feeling the heat. Sometimes narrow diplomatic defeats can actually be converted to eventual victories. That is, only if you understand the nuances.

The writer is a former GOC of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps. He is now associated with the Vivekanand International Foundation.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 9

AAP councillor from Nanakpura ward, Anil Malik today joined the Congress. Welcoming the councillor, DPCC president Ajay Maken offered him a Congress cap and a patka. He was earlier a Congress worker.

Malik had contested the MCD by-election in May 2016 on the AAP ticket from Nanakpura, after leaving the Congress, and won. The Congress had won five seats in the by-election to the 13 MCD wards while the AAP had wrested 5 and BJP 3 wards. Now, the AAP has been left with just four councillors.

He has joined the Congress without any preconditions.

Interestingly, none of the five wards won by the Congress in the by-election had previously been held by the party.

Addressing a press conference, Maken said popularity of the AAP among the people has gone down, and the leaders of the AAP were also feeling suffocated.

Doors of the Congress will be open to good people who work hard to strengthen the party.

Malik said he was disillusioned with the AAP as none of the tall promises made by it at the time of the MCD by-election was fulfilled.

He also said the 10-year misrule of the BJP in the MCDs has witnessed an all-time high in corruption while the nearly two-year rule of the AAP in Delhi has witnessed end to development works as the AAP has been busy clashing with the Union government on every issue, and working to push up its political agenda in other parts of the country instead of concentrating on Delhi.
Few states are as financially-stressed as Punjab. But its leaders for a decade have had no compunctions about milking it dry. An intrepid Right to Information activist has ferreted out details about helicopter rides at the state expense for anyone who could help the Badal family of Punjab to hold on to the reins of power. That is perhaps the reason why multi-billionaire babas and sundry BJP leaders, who are in alliance with the Badals-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab, were invited for helicopter rides at the state expense. For good measure the free helicopter rides were also on offer for sundry relatives of the Badal clan that has emulated the Karunanidhis of Tamil Nadu and two Yadav families of Bihar and UP in inserting multiple family members in the country's political set-up.

It is a moot question why the Comptroller and Auditor General of India did not blow the whistle on this free loading instead of banking on an RTI petition to form the basis for its inquiries. By all accounts, the Badals sense of entitlement rocketed in the second term in power. The free rides also give a window to the stranglehold of VIP babas on the attention of the politicians. In the Punjab polls, politicians from all the three major formations made a beeline to assorted deras for fatvas in their favour. But in this case the Badals were currying favour with the high-flying ones who seem to have the ear of every top-notch politician and businessman in the country bar a few exceptions.

The freebooting was made worse by ensuring the purpose for requisitioning helicopters was never mentioned in the records. CMs of much larger states have been hauled up in the past for lesser indiscretion with flying birds. Punjab figures among the most debt-stressed states after West Bengal, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. None of Parkash Singh Badals contemporary counterparts from these more poorly connected states have freely indulged in such flights of power and prerogative. It will be poetic justice if they are made to reimburse the public exchequer.
Chandigarh, February 10

Former Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Congress Spokesperson Ran Singh Mann today cautioned leaders of the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti that when dealing with the government-appointed committee, they must beware of elements who might try to vitiate states atmosphere.

Mann said it was noticed that during talks with Jat leaders after the February agitation, the state government was more inclined towards framing people in criminal cases than finding solution to the problems.

Hitting out at the INLD, the Congress leader alleged that the party was not interested in reservation for Jats and had never raised this demand before the agitation. He asked the government to implement decisions taken at the time of meeting of Jat leaders with the Chief Minister.  TNS
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10

Having declared a workers march to the SYL canal for its digging from February 23, the INLD has now announced a rally at Ambala City on that day before proceeding towards the canal on the HaryanaPunjab border between Karpuri and Ismailpur .

Leader of the Opposition Abhay Singh Chautala, who is on three-day visit to his Ellenabad Assembly segment of Sirsa to mobilise support for the event, claimed today that more than 1,00,000 persons would assemble in Ambala on February 23.

He alleged that neither the BJP nor the Congress was serious about the SYL issue.

I wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought time for a meeting but he is yet to respond. Nor Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has been able to seek Modis time despite an assurance given in the all-party meeting. I wrote letters to all MLAs, MPs and ministers of Haryana but none has given any reply. Now, our party has started approaching local urban bodies and panchayati raj institutions. We are collecting resolutions from them and will hand over nearly 6,750 such resolutions to the Prime Minister, Abhay Singh said.

Chautala said Haryana had legitimate right over the SYL waters and even the Supreme Court has given its verdict in favour of the state.

AISSF to stall work on SYL canal

Amritsar: The AISSF on Friday decided to stall work on the SYL canal at Kapoori village in Patiala district on February 23. AISSF president Karnail Singh Peer Mohammed said a march would be organised to sensitise Punjabis about the issue. We cannot let Haryanavis enter our land and encroach upon our natural resource. I appeal to all leaders of the SAD, Congress and AAP to join us if they care about the waters of Punjab, he said. The march will be taken out from Devigarh to Kapoori on February 23.
Vishal Joshi

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, February 10

Yash Pal Malik, All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) president, said today that a delegation of community leaders would hold a meeting with a state government delegation in Panipat tomorrow.

Malik, who was in Kurukshetra this afternoon, said the state government had offered to meet Jat leaders at the guest house of the Indian Oil Refinery at 10.20 am that was readily accepted by AIJASS.

Malik would lead the Jat delegation and members from various dharna sites had also been invited for the meeting.

He said though the matter of reservation to Jats was under consideration of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Centre had an option to extend reservation benefit to the community.

We expect the delegation appointed by the state government initiates talks with open mind. There is no question of rolling back on our seven-point agenda for the socio-economic benefit of the Jat community through reservation, he said.

Malik said the protesters had fulfilled their commitment of pursuing a peaceful agitation in the state.

Today, we have completed 13 days of dharnas in various districts. Not even a single incident of violence has been reported from any protest site. It was the Haryana Government that was propagating apprehension of violence, he said.

Malik denied that Jat leader Hawa Singh Sangwan would be part of the AIJASS delegation for tomorrows meeting.

Sangwan proved himself as a government agent. He had brought bad name to our agitation by standing by the establishment. We condemn his role, he added.

Yamunanagar: Addressing Jats in dharna at the New Grain Market, Jagadhri, Jat leader Yashpal Malik said that on Friday that they would lift their dharnas only after the government accepted all their demands.

He invited four or five persons from Yamunanagar district to join the talks at Panipat on Saturday.

Panipat: Members of the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti continued their dharna at the stadium of Ugrakheri village on Friday. Yashpal Malik, national president of the samiti, reached the venue in the evening.

He held a meeting with executive committee members here and discusses with them the important issues to be taken up at the meeting with the state government delegation tomorrow.

The members of the samiti also performed a havan to maintain peace and harmony at the venue before starting the dharna.

Dharna to be lifted after demands met

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, February 10

The gathering Jat Nyay Dharna being staged at Jassia village in the district today approved the decision to hold talks with the state authorities at Panipat tomorrow but maintained that the dharna only after all the demands were met.

We will get up after the government accepts all our demands and the youths arrested in connection with last years stir are released, the agitators asserted.

Earlier, the police deployed at the dharna venue had to close one side of the National Highway No. 71-A passing through the village during peak hours.

JJS fast enters 11th day

While the AIJASS has agreed to hold talks with the state authorities, the Jat Jagriti Sena (JJS), which has been staging a fast-cum-dharna in Sector 6 of Rohtak, has not received any invitation for talks. The fast being observed by JJS convener Rahul Dagar, alias Daduji, Monu Farmana and Vikesh Dahiya entered its 11th day today. Dagar reiterated that they would not participate in the talks as the state government had been apprised of their demands.
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10

Even as the committee headed by Chief Secretary DS Dhesi constituted by the state government is scheduled to meet Jat leaders tomorrow in Panipat, doubts are being expressed over the success of the move by political class.

The government would have done better had it constituted a committee of political persons instead. A senior officer in the state today can move to Central deputation tomorrow. Whom will the Jats complain in case assurances made today are not honoured tomorrow, said Jai Parkash, Independent MLA from the Kalayat Assembly segment.

He said political people were better equipped to deal with such problems.

Jai Parkash, however, said he did not want to jeopardise governments efforts and wanted the issue to be resolved at the earlier so that peace and tranquility of the state was not put to peril.

Leader of Opposition Abhay Singh Chautala described the constitution of the committee as a delaying tactic of the government.

The government itself was not interested in resolving the matter and has hence constituted this committee to linger on the issue, Abhay alleged.

Even the Khap panchayats are not pleaded with the governments move.

This committee is not bigger than the Chief Minister, who, himself, chaired a meeting with our representatives on January 27. We do not understand what more the committee of officers has to offer, said Sube Singh Samain, spokesperson of the Sarva Khap Panchayat.

Yashpal Malik, meanwhile, said he was yet to receive any invitation from the state government or the committee appointed by it.

I am in Uttar Pradesh to persuade Jats to vote against the BJP. The BJP has tried to spread rumours after a meeting of Jats at the residence of Union Minister Birender Singh on Tuesday so it became necessary for me to rush to UP to oppose its candidates, Malik said.
Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Naraingarh (Ambala), February 10

Yashpal Malik, All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) president, said today that their strategy had worked and they would hold a meeting with a delegation of the state government in Panipat on Saturday.

He was here at Husaini village in the Naraingarh segment of Ambala to address a gathering.

In democracy, there are styles of marking protest and affecting the elections. We had prepared a strategy keeping in mind these things and it has worked. During the 2012 UP elections, a rail roko aandolan was organised and it was after this that then Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had accepted our demand for reservation. We had canvassed against the BJP in Punjab and the party is losing there. The Jat community in Punjab is unhappy with the BJP and the same situation is in Uttar Pradesh, said Malik.

The BJP leadership in the presence of Amit Shah has confessed that the party is in a tricky situation in western UP due to the Jat agitation. The BJP is advertising in UP that they have faith in the Jat community, but these things will not make any difference till justice is done to the Jats of Haryana and their demands are met, he said.

Talking to mediapersons, he said I am not a Jat leader. I am just a social worker. The government should fulfil our demands at the earliest.

Arya warns govt over hasty withdrawal of cases

Chandigarh: Roshan Lal Arya, working president of the Rashtriya Loktantra Suraksha Manch, warned the government against taking any hasty decision on the withdrawal of criminal cases against those booked for violence. Commenting on the proposed talks between Jat leaders and a committee appointed by the government at Panipat tomorrow, Arya, a former MLA and BJP leader, said peoples faith in the justice delivery system will be badly shattered if those accused of murder , arson and looting of public property were allowed to go scot-free. He said even if the government had any such plan in mind, it should appoint a committee headed by a High Court Judge who could assess what cases could be withdrawn without an adverse effect on society. Taking a dig at Jat leaders, Arya said the quota leaders had been demanding general amnesty in line with Mizo National Front and Naxalites. The former MLA said it was ironical that they felt pride in comparison with these organisations. Arya alleged that people of Haryana were living in fear and traffic on the NH 1 had gone done considerably.
Ravinder Sood

Palampur, February 10

Despite expiry of four years the state government has failed to come out with a new mining policy. Since there is complete ban on the quarrying in the state rivers, streams and specified mining zones, prices of building material have touched new high. At present most of the building material is coming from the adjoining states like Punjab. The residents have been forced to pay the exorbitant prices for building material.

The state government at the behest of the state high court has also ordered closure of 60 per cent stone crushers which have further multiplied the problems of residents.

Most of the building material like sand stone, grit and bazri is being carried from from Pathankot and Hoshiarpur in Punjab and parts of Haryana at very high rates adversely affecting the housing industry in the region. Because of high cost of transportation the cost of building material has almost doubled.

The state government has a separate mining policy for the big industrial houses as it has allowed extraction of lime stone for four cement plants in the state keeping environment policy aside. At the same time, hundreds of small stone crushers have been shut down under the pretext of violation of environment norms.

Information gathered by The Tribune revealed that 60 per cent stone crushers had already been closed in the state in the absence of renewal of land lease and lack of environment clearances from the state government.

Since there is a complete ban on all mining activities in the state cost of one tractor trailer of stones has also gone up. Sometimes it is not even available, they added.

Residents of various towns of the state said that before imposing complete ban on the mining activities and cancellation of lease agreements of stone crushers the state government should have made adequate arrangements for the supply of building material.
Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 10

Even as the horticulture minister says that the central lab test report on presence of virus in imported plant material is awaited, farmers today demanded a judicial inquiry into the purchase of imported virus-prone and old out-dated root stocks apple plant material from abroad as imported viruses may ruin the Rs 3500 crore apple industry in the state.

Farmers have demanded import of the latest Geneva-series of plant material, which is virus free under the Rs 1,143 crore World Bank funded horticulture modernization project. There must be a judicial enquiry into the purchase of the plant material and all those responsible should be booked, demanded Rakesh Singha, president, HSUS.

Singha demanded all record of the purchase must be seized, further purchase orders frozen until the outcome of the judicial enquiry as horticulture department is duty bound to make the project report public.

If government fails to act, the farmers will launch a statewide campaign to expose the horticulture department, he warned.

Himachal Seb Udpadak Sangh (HSUS) heightened its concerns saying, There are serious charges for importing sub stranded, outdated and disease infected apple root stock against the agency through which the government is importing plant material worth Rs 5.50 under the project, Singha claimed.

Singha said the farmers from Kotgarh area imported the Emla series of root stock 17 years back which is virus free.

The farmers have demanded that the imported apple root stock must qualify the international norms. The government must reveal the patent number of the plant and its nursery, which is being given to us, fruiting period, shape, colour, size, water requirement of the plant and types of soil these need, Singha added.

HPMC vice-chairman Prakash Thakur contested farmers apprehensions saying that demand for the root stocks is growing, but the horticulture university has limited capacity to propagate the plant material. The results from Tissue culture nurseries are not encouraging and government has been trying to supply Geneva series to farmers, he added.

Stokes assurance

Horticulture minister Vidya Stokes assured the farmers that the talks with the USA company that supplies G-series are on. We are committed to provide latest virus-free plant material. As far as virus seen in the imported plant material is concerned, we are awaiting a third party report, which will be made public as soon as we get it, she added.
Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 10

The Balti students of Nubra and Leh have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take cognisance of the problems being faced by people in these regions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the adverse conditions prevailing in Gilgit-Baltistan in his Independence Day speech but he forgot to look into the miseries of the people of the Turtuk area in the Nubra tehsil which got liberated and merged with India during the Indo-Pak war of 1971, said Inayatullah, secretary, All-Balti Student Association Nubra (ABSAN).

He said for the past 45 years, the people of the region were living in total isolation as no human rights were provided to them in these areas.

There are no basic facilities like electricity, water and roads which could connect the Turtuk area with the rest of the nation. The people of the area are mostly dependent on defence forces for basic facilities and other logistics which the Central government should have provided them, he said on the sidelines of a function organised by the students today.

Inayatullah said while PM Modi had shown great concern for Pakistans Balochistan province, he should have first thought of cluster villages like Thang, Tyakshi Groung, Tyakshi Pachathang, Turtuk Youl, Turtuk Farool, Garri and Choulungkha, most of which were a part of Pakistan before 1971.

The minuscule population of Nubra which belongs to the Balti community depends on small-scale farming and doing labour with the Army.

We demand allocation of funds to the Turtuk area out of PMs special development package of Rs 2,000 crore announced recently for the development of displaced people of Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, said ABSAN president Abdul Qadir. Besides, the association demanded that Turtuk villages should come under the J&K Reservation Rules 2005, construction of the TurtukHanu road and opening of a degree college in Turtuk.
Tribune News Service

Jammu, Febraury 10

The clamour over the settlement of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi nationals in Jammu has grown louder as several parties are voicing their concern, alleging that it is a deliberate attempt to change the demography of Jammu city.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) has put up hoardings in the city, asking the Rohingyas and Bangladeshi nationals to leave Jammu. One such hoarding has been installed outside Press Club in Jammu.

As many as 5,743 Burmese (Rohingyas) are staying in the state. They have entered the state on their own and are staying at various places in the districts of Jammu and Samba, the state government recently said in the Legislative Assembly.

JKNPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh has said that the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis had destroyed the beauty of Jammu city.

Article 370 that grants special status to the state does not allow the government to settle immigrants here. How have they settled criminals here? They should immediately leave Jammu. Otherwise, we will force them to leave, Harsh Dev has said.

Meanwhile, the Dogra Front and Shiv Sena activists today staged a protest against the settling of Rohingyas in Jammu and demanded that they should leave the state.

It is a matter of concern. J&K is already reeling under so many threats of terrorism and communal cold war. The infiltration of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis poses a grave security threat, president of the Dogra Front Ashok Gupta said while addressing the protesters today.

He alleged that settling the Bangladeshis and Rohingyas on the outskirts of Jammu was a plot to reduce the Dogra population to a minority.

The Shiv Sena on Thursday expressed concern over the rising population of the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in Jammu and asked the administration to evict them. The party appealed to the people of Jammu, especially Hindus, to wake up and get united to save the history, culture and identity of the Dogras.
Srinagar, February 10

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was among six people arrested on Friday after he tried to lead a march to Srinagar to demand that remains of party founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat and Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru should be returned.

Malik appeared at a shrine in Sarai Bala and led a march towards Lal Chowk, nerve centre of the city, shortly after Friday prayers, but police stopped him near the main chowk, sources in the police said.

Malik, and five others from his party  Muhammad Yasin Butt, Ghulam Muhammad Dar, Imtiyaz Ahmad, Basharat Ahmad and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leader Gazi Javed Baba  were arrested after they persisted on continuing, the sources said.

They were initially kept at Kothibagh police station but later moved to Srinagars central jail Srinaga, in which they have been remanded until February 15, a spokesman of the JKLF said.

Bhat and Guru who were hanged and buried inside Delhis Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984, and February 9, 2013, respectively.  PTI
Ehsan Fazili

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 10

A separatists march was foiled with the imposition of restrictions in parts of Srinagar and preventing the separatist leaders from leading the protest march to the UN office here today while normal life was affected in some areas of the Valley.

Normal life was hit due to the curbs in the city while a spontaneous shutdown was observed in some other major towns today. Shops and business establishments were closed and vehicular movement was restricted in downtown Srinagar. Officials said mild restrictions were imposed in the old city and the Sonwar area to prevent the separatists march and maintain law and order.

Clashes between the protesters and police also took place in the Soura area on the outskirts of Srinagar and in Sopore town of Baramulla district after the Friday prayers. The police lobbed teargas shells and resorted to canecharge to chase away protesters.

The separatists had called for the march to the office of United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan located at Sonwar to submit a memorandum seeking the return of the mortal remains of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru. They had called for shutdown on the death anniversaries of Afzal and Bhat on February 9 and 11, respectively.

Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairmanMirwaiz Umar Farooq was kept under house arrest at his Nigeen residence, preventing him from leading the march. The Friday prayers were not offered at Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta in Srinagar in view of the restrictions.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into preventive custody and shifted to Central Jail, Srinagar, after he attempted to take out a march from the Sarai Bala area near Lal Chowk. Denying those executed illegally a proper burial and a chance of last meeting with their kith and kin is a testimony of bogus Indian democracy vis-a-vis Kashmir, said Malik.

Chairman of another APHC faction Syed Ali Geelani alsocontinued to be under house arrest at his Hyderpora residence.
Chennai, February 10

Amid continued uncertainty over the swearing-in of V.K. Sasikala, the feud in Tamil Nadus ruling party escalated on Friday with the chief ministership aspirant sacking party presidium chairman E. Madusudanan, who wrote to the Election Commission not to recognise her as AIADMK General Secretary.

Sending a strong message to her detractors, Sasikala sacked Madusudanan from the primary membership of the party, a day after he switched over to the rebel camp led by caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, and appointed former minister K.A. Sengottaiyan in his place.

Also read: SC declines hearing on plea to restrain Sasikala from becoming CM

Sengottaiyan was relieved as the partys Organisation Secretary, a post to which he was appointed last week.

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Sasikala urged the party workers not to have any truck with Madusudanan and said they should extend their cooperation to Sengottaiyan.

Giving a major boost to the rival camp, Madusudanan yesterday extended his support to Panneerselvam, saying he wanted to safeguard the party.

To protect the AIADMK, everybody should join hands with OPS (Panneerselvam), he had said.

Sasikala had removed Panneerselvam from the Treasurer post immediately after his revolt, but he has maintained that being a temporary General Secretary, she does not have the powers to appoint or remove party functionaries. Insisting that he continues to be the treasurer, Panneerselvam has written to banks not to allow anybody else to operate the party accounts without his consent.

Sasikala had appointed another senior leader Dindigul C. Srinivasan as the Treasurer.

Hitting back at Sasikala, Madusudanan has written to the poll panel urging it to not to recognise her as AIADMK General Secretary, saying she was not elected to the post as per party by-laws.

Madusudanan told reporters about the letter shortly before he was sacked from the AIADMK by Sasikala for acting against the party.

Asserting that only cadres can elect a General Secretary as per party rules, Madusudanan said he had asked the EC not to recognise Sasikala as party chief.

Expelled AIADMK Rajya Sabha member Sasikala Pushpa has already petitioned the EC against the election of V.K. Sasikala, saying it was not done as per procedure and the EC has sought the partys response to it.

As per party by-laws, the General Secretary can be elected only by cadres. As per rules, there is no temporary General Secretary post, Madusudanan said.

A candidate for the General Secretarys post should also have completed at least five years in the party.

Since Sasikala re-joined the AIADMK only on March 31, 2012, she does not qualify to become the General Secretary. I have requested Election Commission not to accept her appointment, he said.

MLAs in Sasikala camp dismiss allegations of their detention

A section of AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala on Friday dismissed media reports and allegations by the Panneerselvam camp that they have been detained at a resort near here, and asserted that they were free.

V.C. Arukutty, MLA from Kavundampalayam in Coimbatore and a supporter of Panneerselvam, alleged that the MLAs had been detained and were not reachable.

The MLAs are not reachable. They have been detained.

They are legislators elected by people, so release them. Let them go and meet people, he told reporters here.

However, the MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala rejected the allegations.

We are free. We are keenly awaiting Governors invitation (to Sasikala to form government). We are not children to be detained or abducted as is being reported in a section of media, Perundurai MLA ND Venkadachalam said.

Responding to reports that most of the MLAs were not reachable on the phone, Venkadachalam said he had switched off his mobile phone to avoid taking unnecessary calls, and speculations and wrong news.

Gudiyatham MLA Jayanti Padmanabhan also said she has not been detained as was being claimed by Panneerselvam loyalists.

Former Minister and senior party leader B Valarmathi insisted that the MLAs were free and alleged they were being intimidated by those close to Panneerselvam.

The MLAs are free. They are being intimidated by Panneerselvams relatives over phone and that is why they have switched off their mobile phones, she said.

Meanwhile, Srivaikundam MLA and former minister SP Shanmuganathan, a supporter of Panneerselvam, filed a police complaint here seeking to know the whereabouts of the legislators.

There is no idea where the MLAs are, he said, adding that he has urged the police to find them.

As there was no word from Raj Bhavan about Sasikalas swearing-in even five days after she was elected AIADMK legislature party leader, party spokesperson Vaigaichelvan voiced confidence that she would take over the reins of the state soon.

Chinnamma (Sasikala) had met the Governor yesterday.

Good news will come soon. She will become Chief Minister, he asserted.

He also reiterated the party stand that DMK was behind Panneerselvams revolt.

Meanwhile, in an indication that the swearing-in might be further delayed, the venue of the ceremony today wore a desolate look even as the police security was withdrawn.

Soon after Sasikala was elected AIADMK legislature party leader, the University of Madras auditorium was spruced up on a war-footing for her swearing-in.

The heavy police bandobust which was visible for the last few days is no more there and the premises wore a quiet look.

Even the workers who were decking up the entry points are conspicuous by their absence.

'20 lawmakers on protest hunger strike'

The Madras High Court on Tuesday asked the Tamil Nadu government to respond to allegations that lawmakers of the ruling AIADMK were illegally detained.

Two habeas corpus petitions have filed in court to demand to know whereabouts of the lawmakers. One petition claims that 20 lawmakers are on a hunger strike to protest their illegal detention.

A petitioners counsel K Balu claimed also that an MLA, SP Shanmuganathan, had written to the governor and the director general of police claiming that he had escaped and that a complaint has been lodged with police.

He also claimed that lives of 20 lawmakers who went on a protest hunger strike were in danger.

"(Counsel) K Balu submits that 20 of the MLAs are refusing food and drink owing to their illegal confinement. If true, the matter is one of serious concern. However, this court cannot act on the mere say of the counsel. Given the nature of the case, it would only be appropriate to afford the state an opportunity to inform its response," a division Bench of justices CT Selvam and T Mathivanan said in its order. The court will hear the case on February 13.

The petitions want directions to have lawmakers M Geetha and T Ramachandran "found and freed.

A petition by MR Illavarasan  a voter from Ramachandrans assembly segment, Kunnam  claims that the lawmaker went missing after he attended a party meeting recently and has since been completely inaccessible, even by phone.

Another petition has been filed by a cousin of Krishnarayapuram MLA Geetha.

State Public Prosecutor Rajarathinam, representing the state government, admitted that its statement on Friday that the lawmakers were at the MLAs' Hostel was incorrect and he needed time to find out where they were.  PTI
Chennai, February 10

Amid continued uncertainty over the swearing-in of VK Sasikala, the feud in Tamil Nadus ruling party escalated today with the chief ministership aspirant sacking party presidium chairman E Madusudanan, who wrote to the EC not to recognise her as AIADMK general secretary.

Sending a strong message to her detractors, Sasikala sacked Madusudanan from the primary membership of the party, a day after he switched over to the rebel camp led by caretaker CM O Panneerselvam, and appointed former minister KA Sengottaiyan in his place.

Hitting back at Sasikala, Madusudanan wrote to the poll panel, urging it not to recognise her as AIADMK general secretary as she had not been elected as per party bylaws. Expelled AIADMK Rajya Sabha member Sasikala Pushpa has already petitioned the EC against the election of Sasikala.

A candidate for the general secretary's post should also have completed at least five years in the party.

Since Sasikala re-joined the AIADMK only on March 31, 2012, she does not qualify to become general secretary, Madusudanan told the media. Meanwhile, a section of AIADMK MLAs dismissed allegations that they had been detained.  PTI
Beijing, February 10

Reacting guardedly to India's diplomatic protests over its move to block US resolution to list Pakistan-based JeM leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist, China today hoped all members of the UN Security Council who are part of the anti-terrorism committee will follow rules.

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"Will check on reports of India's diplomatic protest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here when asked about yesterday's demarche by India over China putting a technical hold of US resolution in the 1267 Committee of the UNSC to designate entities involved in terrorism.

Lu said China already reiterated its stand on its technical hold two days ago.

"China is a responsible member of the UNSC as well as a subsidiary organ. China has always been acting in accordance with UNSC resolutions and rules of procedure of its subsidiary organs. We hope that all members of the security council and its affiliation would follow the rules of the procedures," he said.

On February 8, Lu defended China's move to block a US attempt to list Azhar in the UN saying that the "conditions" have not yet been met for Beijing to back the move.

He said Beijing resorted to this move to allow the "relevant parties" to reach a consensus.

"Last year, 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council has discussed the issue regarding listing Masood in the sanctions list. There were different views with no consensus reached," Lu said.

"As for the submission once again by relevant countries to list him in the sanctions list, I would say the conditions are not yet met for the Committee to reach a decision," he said.

This is the second year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar, which would warrant Pakistan to act against him.

Jaish-e-Muhammad, a terrorist organisation based in Pakistan, has already been listed by the 1267 Committee.

India moved for UN ban against him in March last year accusing of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack.

China first blocked for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year.

The US along with the UK and France approached the Committee again for the ban and Beijing once again put a six months technical hold on it. PTI
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 10

India will attend the next meet on Afghanistan to be held in Moscow in mid-February. Both Russia and India have confirmed the invitation and the subsequent acceptance to attend the Afghan conference.

In December last year, Russia hosted China and Pakistan for a trilateral conference to discuss the future of Afghanistan. Both India and Afghanistan were not invited to the dialogue which was to discuss the future course of action for war-torn Afghanistan.

This change in heart is welcome news to India which feared a growing Russia-Pakistan alliance to counter the growing India-Afghanistan relationship. The fact that Iran has also been invited this time is another welcome sign. India and Afghanistan, in the last year, have been very critical of Pakistans role in Afghanistan and have pointed to the role of the ISI and the Pakistan Army in fomenting trouble in the country.

In December, the Afghans had been quick and blunt to dismiss that trilateral conference stating without the presence of Afghanistan, the future of the country could be decided. Ahmad Shekib Mostaghni, a spokesman for the Afghan Foreign Ministry, had said, Even if such talks are organised with goodwill, it cannot yield any substantial result because no one from the Afghan side is there to brief the participants about the latest ground realities.

India conveyed its concerns directly to the Russians when National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval travelled to Moscow on January 30-31. The Russia-China-Pak trilateral meet also generated concerns in the strategic community that this was an anti-US alliance.
Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, February 10



With Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray putting his government on notice, the Bharatiya Janata Party under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is looking to "split" the regional party in order to save the government, party sources said.

Sources claimed the party was in touch with at least 15 Sena MLAs in order to get them resign from the Maharashtra Assembly. On offer are important posts including ministerships and chairmanships of corporations should they win on BJP tickets.

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The Shiv Sena will break up should Uddhav Thackeray quit the Devendra Fadnavis

government, a Mumbai BJP leader said.

More than half of the 63 Shiv Sena MLAs in the assembly are from rural Maharashtra who couldn't care less if the Shiv Sena retained its hold over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Thane civic bodies. However, the party receives much of its funding from these two municipal corporations and needs to win them for its political survival.

BJP leaders said even 10 MLAs from the Shiv Sena along with support

from Independents and smaller parties would allow the Fadnavis

government to complete its term in office.

On Thursday, Shiv Sena ministers in the Fadnavis government told reporters that they may submit their resignations from the cabinet to Uddhav Thackeray on February 21 after ballots for civic elections are cast. Some of them showed copies of their resignation letters to television channels.

Thackeray himself told media outlets that he would take a call on continuing in the state government on the basis of the Shiv Sena's performance in the civic polls.

Sources in the Shiv Sena said the party leadership is aware that its party's MLAs from the interiors of Maharashtra are not immune to the BJPs lure.

The Shiv Sena is thus playing up the issue of waiving loans of farmers who have been hit by demonetisation. Its ministers met with Fadnavis earlier this week and sought farmers' loans to be waived. The BJP is promising to waive loans of farmers in Uttar Pradesh. They must do this immediately in Maharashtra as well, Shiv Sena minister Diwakar Raote told reporters.

The BJP has 122 MLAs in the 288-member Maharashtra assembly while the Shiv Sena has 63. Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party with 41 MLAs had in the past offered to bail out the BJP should the Sena decide to pull back its support.
Lucknow, February 10

Terming as "unjustified" the controversy over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "raincoat" jibe at Manmohan Singh, Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the remark did not amount to contempt and suggested that the Congress leader too had been unsparing in his criticism.

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"He (Modi) did not commit contempt against anyone with his raincoat comment. We all respect Manmohan Singh. It was just to point out corruption during previous UPA regime," Rajnath said.

"Modiji has in fact praised Manmohan with his comment as even after a number of corruption charges on the government, there was no blot on his (Manmohan's) image. The controversy is unjustified," the BJP leader said at a press conference here.

The Congress and the BJP are locked in fiery exchanges over Modi's remarks in Parliament, with the opposition party announcing his boycott during the remainder of the Budget Session and insisting on his apology for the "abusive" and "insulting" remark.

Rajnath recalled that the former Prime Minister had termed demonetisation as "organised crime" while speaking on note ban in the House.

"It means what government has done is organised crime. PM is the head of the government. If you go into detailed meaning of his (Manmohan's) statement, it will mean crime is being committed by criminal. Think where his remark is pointing out to," he said, adding, "We should not get into details of such trivial things."

To a question on bringing back underworld Dawood Ibrahim, Rajnath said the government had given all documents to Pakistan and attempts were underway to get him extradited.

On the 'triple talaq' issue being included in BJP manifesto, the minister evaded a direct reply saying the matter was sub-judice. PTI
New Delhi, February 10

After the Delhi High Court's intervention, the BSF on Friday agreed to allow the wife of "missing" BSF trooper Tej Bahadur Yadav, whose social media video clip on "substandard food" triggered an uproar, to meet him for two days.

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A division Bench of Justice G.S. Sistani and Justice Vinod Goel directed the BSF to let Yadav's wife meet him at the battalion in Jammu and Kashmir and also to stay overnight for two days.

The court posted the matter for February 15.

Yadav's wife Sharmila has filed a habeas corpus plea after she and other family members failed to contact the Border Security Force trooper for three days.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain appearing for BSF told the court that Yadav was "not missing" and just transferred to another battalion in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir.

IANS
Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, February 10

As many as 2.57 crore people in 73 constituencies of western Uttar Pradesh will be eligible to cast their vote tomorrow in the first of the seven-phase UP Assembly elections, seen as a litmus test for not only the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party but also Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nearly three-year government.

The 73 constituencies going to the polls are spread over 15 districts of western Uttar Pradesh and include Shamli and Muzaffarnagar, which in 2013 saw the worst communal riots in recent times. The districts of Baghpat, Meerut and Bulandshahr too saw sporadic violence during this period.

During the 2012 Vidhan Sabha elections, the BJP had won only 11 of these 73 seats. However, after the 2013 communal violence, that claimed 65 lives and displaced 50,000 people, the BJP reaped a rich harvest of seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, winning every single seat, except Firozabad, which was won by Akshay Yadav, son of SP national general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav.

The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), which has traditionally been strong in this region, won eight seats in 2012. It was wiped out in the 2014 poll with the Jat vote bank swinging entirely to the saffron party. But the Jats are now clearly upset with demonetisation move, the Centres stand on Jat reservation and its apathy towards their demands. They are no longer with the BJP and seem to have returned to the Ajit Singh-led RLD. Hence, the Jat votes will be decisive.

The BSP had won 24 seats in these 15 districts in 2012. But in 2014 it failed miserably and couldnt win a single seat. Therefore, for the BSP its a matter of prestige.

Party chief Mayawati, working on the Muslim-Dalit strategy, has fielded 19 Muslims and 12 Dalits for the first phase of polling.

The SP-Congress alliance had won 29 seats in 2012. This time there are certain seats, such as Koil in Aligarh, where the two are pitted against each other. It remains to be seen if the SPs development agenda has helped heal the riot victimswounds.

This is one phase where the BJP may score by default as the contest is largely four-cornered with the BJP, RLD, BSP and SP-Congress in the fray. With secular votes likely to be split, the BJP may have an edge over its rivals. The stakes are high for all parties as first phase is likely to set the tone for next six phases.
New Delhi, February 10

There is need for maximum Opposition unity against the BJP based on a proper agenda, Bihar Chief Nitish Kumar said on Friday in comments that were also critical of demonetisation which he felt was done without preparation.

After initially backing the note-ban decision, Kumar slammed it for the first time, saying it was done without preparation and accused the government and BJP of indulging in diversionary tactics by changing the narrative.

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Significantly, he also appeared to be not averse to Rahul Gandhis leadership as he said the Congress vice-president should take the lead in setting the agenda and not allow BJP to do so.

Kumars remarks on the Opposition unity were shared by CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who said such a unity should be on the basis of a common programme and not personalities.

They were participating in a panel discussion on the occasion of the launch of a book Fearless in Opposition, authored by senior Congress leader P Chidambaram. It was attended among others by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Gandhi besides leaders of various parties.

The Bihar Chief Minister today agreed with Singhs attack that it was a monumental management failure. Its a fact, he said, adding that the note-ban decision was taken without any preparation.

He said he had welcomed it immediately because he had seen President Pranab Mukherjee supporting it the day after the decision was announced with the objectives of eliminating black money, corruption and fake currency.

But they (the government and BJP) are experts in diverting the debate. Now they are changing the narrative to cashless society which is impossible in India, the JD(U) president said.

He also said the demonetisaton decision itself was a diversion because the pre-election promise of putting Rs 15 lakh in each individuals bank account after bringing all the black money from abroad was haunting them and they had no achievement to show.

The government should now disclose how much black money was collected. How much old notes came back into the system and disclose overall what were the benefits. How much success was achieved by demonetisation. Dont divert. It will achieve nothing, he said.

Kumar said the BJP-led NDA government rakes up issues and jump from one to another because they have nothing to show for their achievements.

Referring to the title of the book, Kumar said the Opposition was not afraid of anything and recalled its leaders, including him, were jailed during the Emergency.

There is no democracy without dialogue and debate, he said and appealed to the Opposition for maximum unity against the ruling BJP.

He said the Opposition should not be merely reactive. It should prepare its own agenda and follow it, he added. Why should they set the agenda? Why not Rahul Gandhi. Kumar said when they dont have anything to show, then they indulge in debate on communalism and polarise discourse.

Asked if the Opposition unity was possible and whether they would agree on a leader, Yechury said unity should be on the basis of a common agenda and not personalities.

It is not a problem of a leader as you are suggesting, he told the questioner and added that how after the fall of the Vajpayee government two prime ministers, H.D. Deve Gowda and I.K. Gujral, were chosen out of the blue.

Personality is something very inherent in our democracy and leaders evolve, he said and recalled how questions used to be asked after Nehru who.

Opposition unity will come on a minimum agreed programme, he said.

Answering questions, Chidambaram accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of lowering the standards of debate in Parliament, by attacking Singh in a language not befitting his office.

To a question on the breakdown of relation between the government and Congress, he said it did not happen in the past when Morarji Desai was the Prime Minister nor was it during the United Front government.

The breakdown happened now because on the very first occasion after coming to power that they would like to have Congress-free India. That spoiled the relationship, he said, noting that Congress never called for BJP-free India.

Yechury also disapproved of the Prime Ministers language, saying it was his duty to take action against anyone guilty of anything but not issue threats like I have the janampatri of all Congressmen.

Chidambaram also said there was divisive agenda everywhere promoted by the BJP and only fearless action by the Opposition can stop it.

He also said that former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan was willing to continue but conditions were made for him to leave it. He also dismissed comparison on the differences he had with another Governor D. Subbarao, saying the latter had completed two full terms and in fact he had written a foreward to his book from which Modi quoted.  PTI
Mumbai, February 10

Indian-origin citizen-astronaut Shawna Pandya has denied reports she had been shortlisted by NASA for its 2018 space mission under the Citizen Science Astronaut programme.

Pandya said her work was separate from the Canadian Space Agency or NASA, her Facebook posting from Mumbai said.

Media reports claimed that Pandya may soon join the league of Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams who were selected for NASA space missions.

Pandya clarified that although she had previously interned at the NASA-Johnson Space Centre, she currently does not have any affiliation with the space agency.

I have no current affiliation with either organisation and would like to clarify that any reports or articles claiming as such are mistaken, Pandya said.

She also said there had been no new announcement, flight assignment or selection of missions at the Project Possum.  IANS
New Delhi, February 10

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday filed an RTI to get details about the expenditure incurred on Prime Minister Narendra Modis digital and other social media campaign.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said he was taking recourse to RTI as the Modi government was unleashing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the Delhi government to get similar information.

If Modiji has CBI, we have RTI (Right to Information), Sisodia told reporters here.

Sisodias RTI comes after the CBI registered a preliminary inquiry against him last month to probe alleged irregularities in the Talk to AK social media campaign.

Backing his deputy, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the CBI should investigate Modi as well.

Just like Prime Ministers Office awarded contracts for digital advertisements, Manish (Sisodia) awarded advertisements in the same way.

Since Modiji is getting Manish investigated by the CBI, he (Modi) should be investigated by the same agency as well, Kejriwal tweeted.

In his RTI, Sisodia sought details of the procedures adopted by the Central government to award social media advertisement contracts for Make in India, Namo App, Start-up India and Digital India.

Advertisements in social media are paid for by credit cards and have a credit limit. Which credit card was used by the Modi government for these advertisements? Sisodia asked.

He also asked for details of companies and individuals across the world awarded the contracts for the advertisements.

When we talk about peoples issues, it is corruption. When he (Modi) talks (Mann ki Baat), it is patriotism. Why this difference? Sisodia said if Modi had the CBI to seize files of the Delhi government, then he (Sisodia) would use RTI to access files from the Prime Ministers Office.

We will place both files before the people and they will decide who is using public money for the right purpose and who is misusing it. The Talk to AK campaign was an interactive session of Kejriwal, under which people could reach out to the leader through social media.  IANS
New Delhi, February 10

Congress leader Jagdish Tytler today told a Delhi court that the CBI had not given any reason in its plea to conduct a lie-detection test on him in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Tytler, who did not appear before the court, filed an application through his lawyer, stating that the CBI plea was a gross misuse of law and it was filed with mala fide intention.

Arms dealer Abhishek Verma, who was also issued a notice by the court on the CBI plea, appeared before the court and said he stood by his statement given to the probe agency earlier and was ready to join the investigation.

Advocate Maninder Singh, who represented Verma, said the CBI had not given any reason to conduct a lie-detection test on him and he was ready to record his statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC. He also sought a week to file his reply on the plea.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma granted time to Verma to file his reply and listed the matter for February 23 for hearing arguments on the CBIs application.

Senior advocate HS Phoolka, who represented the riot victims, said Tytler had earlier given a statement to the media that he was ready to undergo the test.

The court had on February 8 issued a notice to Tytler and Verma on the CBIs plea.

The case pertains to the death of three Sikhs in the aftermath of the riots that broke out after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Tytler has been given the clean chit by the CBI thrice in the case, but the probe agency has been directed by the court to further investigate the matter.

Verma has made several statements to the CBI against the Congress leader, alleging that he pressured witnesses in the case. Verma told the court he was facing a threat and should be given protection.  PTI

Test will expose Cong conspiracy: BJP

Chandigarh: BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh said on Friday that subjecting Jagdish Tytler to a lie-detection test would expose the Congress conspiracy in the 1984 killings. In a statement, Chugh said the Congress, as a party and through its governments, had been trying to shield the perpetrators of the anti-Sikh riots. TNS
Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has found anomalies in the purchase of desktops, laptops and machinery for industrial training in government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Punjab.

The office of the Director, Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab, had purchased the equipment for around Rs6 crore.

Not only the rules for making advance payments violated, but also the machinery was not installed at some of the ITIs, indicating that the material was purchased without assessing the ground reality.

A case in point is of ITI, Nabha. Equipment worth Rs2 lakh was purchased without obtaining permission from an appropriate authority.

The CAG has also pointed out that a central grant of Rs41 core for ITIs remained unutilised.

It said the Finance Department failed to release Rs21 crore under a centrally-sponsored and World-Bank-aided project for the upgrade of 23 ITIs. The amount included states share of 25 per cent in the project.

The delay in releasing the grant has resulted in an interest liability of Rs 45 lakh against the Centre.

In another World-Bank-aided project Vocational Training Improvement Project  the state failed to monitor utilisation of Rs30 crore for 35 ITIs. As a result, Rs20 crore remained unutilised till March 31, 2016.

For instance, the state failed to provide its 25 per cent of its share to ITI, Lalru (Mohali), resulting in delay in completing the building. Though the building was incomplete, the department recruited staff and spent Rs17.89 lakh on their salaries in 2015-16.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 10

Having declared a workers march to the SYL canal for its digging from February 23, the INLD has now announced a rally at Ambala City on that day before proceeding towards the canal on the HaryanaPunjab border between Karpuri and Ismailpur.

Leader of the Opposition Abhay Singh Chautala, who is on three-day visit to his Ellenabad Assembly segment of Sirsa to mobilise support for the event, claimed today that more than 1,00,000 persons would assemble in Ambala on February 23.

He alleged that neither the BJP nor the Congress was serious about the SYL issue.

I wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought time for a meeting but he is yet to respond. Nor Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has been able to seek Modis time despite an assurance given in the all-party meeting. I wrote letters to all MLAs, MPs and ministers of Haryana but none has given any reply. Now, our party has started approaching local urban bodies and panchayati raj institutions. We are collecting resolutions from them and will hand over nearly 6,750 such resolutions to the Prime Minister, Abhay Singh said.

Chautala said Haryana had legitimate right over the SYL waters and even the Supreme Court has given its verdict in favour of the state.

AISSF to stall work on SYL canal

Amritsar: The All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) today declared to stall work on the SYL canal at Kapoori village in Patiala district on February 23. AISSF president Karnail Singh Peer Mohammed said a march would be organised to sensitise Punjabis about the issue. We cannot let Haryanvis enter our land and encroach upon our natural resource. I appeal to all leaders of the SAD, Congress and AAP to join us if they care about the waters of Punjab, he said. The march will be taken out from Devigarh to Kapoori on February 23. Meanwhile, the Sikh group has launched mobile apps for voting on the Punjab Water Referendum to challenge the Supreme Courts decision on the SYL before the International Tribunal in Netherlands. tns
Tribune News Service

Malerkotla, Feb 9

Residents of Jitwal Kalan village today blocked the Sangrur-Malerkotla road in front of the police complex in the town, alleging that village youth Bikramjit Singh Bobby, 24, had been murdered in cold blood by the police late last night. The blockade caused a massive traffic jam.

The Sangrur SSP, however, claimed Bobby had been shot during cross-firing between the police and criminals in Jitwal Kalan. He claimed Bobby was accompanying the criminals. Raghuvir Singh, father of the deceased, called it a lie.

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He said after dinner at 9 pm, his son left for the village gurdwara to make preparations for the Bhagat Ravidass Jayanti. The police killed my son and took his body to Malerkotla. We learnt about the incident this morning, he said, adding they had mistaken the sound of gunshots for crackers. The cops must be booked for killing my innocent son who had no links whatsoever with any criminal. Nor did he have a criminal record, said a wailing Manjinder Kaur.

The trouble began after gangsters Gahia Khan and Faraz Ahmad fired at a shopkeeper last night and fled. The latter suffered bullet injuries in the left leg. A case was filed and the SHOs of surrounding areas were told to trace the criminals.

Past midnight, a police party cordoned Jitwal Kalan village after it received a tip-off that Khan and Ahmad were hiding there.

As the police party raided the village, the criminals opened fire. In the retaliatory fire, Bobby, who was with the criminals, was shot, claimed Inderbir Singh, SSP, Sangrur. A case has been filed against the deceased, Khan, Ahmad and their accomplices Jagpal Singh and Jagdip Singh. The villagers, demanding justice, had not lifted the blockade till the filing of the report.
AN Anglo-Indian contemporary is anxious to make out that Burma does not believe in the "fetish of self-government." We may point out that nobody believes that self-government is something to be worshipped for itself: It is a means to an end which cannot otherwise be reached. The United Kingdom and the Dominions, having by their example established this truth, it is too late to advocate the opposite theory for the benefit of Indians, including Burmans. It appears that a certain Committee appointed by the Burma Government recommended certain reforms in the composition of the Local Legislative Council, raising the number of elected members from 2 to 6 and of nominated non-officials from 8 to 12.
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, February 10

If the BJP forms the government in the state, it will discontinue interviews for group C and D posts. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today sought votes for BJP candidates at Gaja in the Chamba block and Dehradun.

At Gaja, Rajnath Singh said demonetisation was not a political decision but an economic one and it has benefited all people. People faced inconvenience earlier but the decision would curb black money in the country. The Congress was unable to digest the move and was raising doubts unnecessarily.

Rajnath said the government was giving a befitting reply to the enemies at the borders of the country and the surgical strike was the best example. The Congress government was ridden with scams but there was not even one corruption charge against the Modi government so far. He recounted various welfare schemes being run by the Central government. He sought votes for Subodh Uniyal, BJP candidate from Narendar Nagar, and addressed a rally in Dehradun in favour of Mussoorie candidate Ganesh Joshi.
Ajay Ramola

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, February 10

The Congress has again given ticket to sitting MLA Rajendra Singh Bhandari from the Badrinath Assembly constituency. Bhandari has been elected MLA twice. He won the Assembly elections in 2007 as an Independent candidate from Nandprayag and in 2012 from Badrinath. He defeated BJP candidates in both elections. Rajendra Bhandari seems to be in a good position to retain the seat in the February 15 elections.

The other candidates in the fray are finding it difficult to penetrate the vote bank of Rajendra Bhandari in Badrinath and defeat him at the hustings.

The political guru of Rajendar Bhandari had asked him not to contest the elections in 2007 but he didnt follow his advice and contested from Nandprayag and emerged victorious. He won the Badrinath seat on the Congress ticket in 2012 defeating BJP candidate Prem Vallabh Bhatt by a huge margin. Chief Minister Harish Rawat acknowledged his feat and made him a Cabinet minister.

Bhandari seems to be comfortably placed in Badrinath and is expected to win hands down. However, he has one worry that Satpal Maharaj is seeking votes for BJP candidate Mahendra Bhatt. Satpal Maharajs efforts could make a dent in Bhandaris vote bank. But the sitting MLA is unruffled. He is confident that his strong election management will help him win the Badrinath seat again.

Mahendra Bhatt, on the other hand, is banking on the Narendra Modi wave to steer him to victory in the elections.

Vinod Fonia, a former Indian Foreign Service officer and son of BJP leader Kedar Singh Fonia, has evoked some curiosity. Bharat Singh Kunwar (CPI), Mukesh Lal Koshwal (BSP), Keerat Singh Bhandari (SP), Devendra Singh Negi (UKD), Aruna Danwashi and Laxmi Prasad Sati (both Independent candidates) are the other candidates in the fray.

QUOTES

People are fed up with corruption in the Harish Rawat government and want a change. The Badrinath constituency could provide a beginning where voters have made up their mind to vote out the Congress candidate and vote for me. Mahendra Bhatt, BJP candidate

I will emerge victorious for the third time in a row as I have helped people in their good and bad days. The development works of Chief Minister Harish Rawat in my constituency will help me in winning the seat. Rajendra Bhandari, Congress candidate
Sandeep Rawat

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, February 10

The next five years are as vital for Uttarakhand as they are in the growth of any 16-year-old. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated this here today while urging people to vote out the Harish Rawat government that had sullied the name of Devbhoomi and replace it with the BJP government that could translate Atal Bihar Vajpayees vision of a vibrant and developing Uttarakhand.

A teenager is vulnerable as well as ready to take up life in its fullest form. So, is Uttarakhand now. For the next five years, give power to the BJP and we will transform your Uttarakhand into a full-fledged developing state. A small engine (BJP government in the state) when aligned with a heavy engine (NDA government at the Centre) will surely fulfil the unrealised dreams of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who created Uttaranchal along with Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh in November 2000, said Modi while addressing the partys Vijay Sankalp rally at Rishikul Maidan here. He assured people of full Central government support to the Uttarakhand government if the BJP is brought to power.

The Prime Minister said the Char Dham pilgrimage would be much convenient in future as the Central government had launched an all-weather road project worth Rs 12,000 crore in the state.

The previous Congress governments at the Centre deprived Indian defence forces of one rank one pension (OROP) and did not give a free hand to armed forces to tackle terrorism from across the border.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this at an election rally in Haridwar today.

Modi said the BJP-led NDA government had released Rs 6,000 crore of total Rs 12,000 crore for OROP and the remaining amount would be disbursed in coming months. He criticised the Congress and other opposition parties for questioning the authenticity of the surgical strike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir last year and the valour of Indian Army soldiers and officers involved in it. He added it was a secretly executed and fully accomplished military action one of its kind carried out across the border.

The whole world appreciated the precision of the surgical strike and the ability of our brave soldiers but the Congress and other political parties are busy seeking proof regarding the military action. This amounts to questioning and doubting the valour of our Army men who have always defended our borders. Should have I convened an all-party meeting and discussed the operation details with them? Is this the way military operations are carried out? Those who failed to uproot corruption in their government have sought an explanation and proof from the Army, said Modi.

On demonetisation, the Prime Minister said the decision has achieved its objective. He linked the demonetisation move with the opening of Jan Dhan bank accounts two years ago and said now opposition parties had realised why he focused on opening bank accounts of poor people.

Demonetisation has forced corrupt people and hoarders to deposit black money in poor peoples Jan Dhan accounts. Only those who had black money are questioning the motive behind demonetisation while poor and common people are quite happy with it. For the past 60 years, the Congress did nothing to rein in black money, as it was the one which promoted it. But in two and a half years, we have shown the way to corruption-free India by reining in black money, said Modi, who had last visited Haridwar in 2014.

On the Uttarakhand elections, he said Dev Bhoomi is world famous for the Ganga, the Himalayas, revered Char Dham and other shrines but the corrupt government (read Chief Minister Harish Rawat-led Congress government) had dimmed all these.

He said Harish Rawat had lost a major chunk of Congress legislators and ministers and soon he would also lose public vote on February 15. Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Health Minister JP Nadda, in charge of BJP affairs in Uttarakhand Shyam Jaju and Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank also addressed the gathering.
Washington/Beijing, Feb 10

There was an unsafe close encounter between a US Navy P-3 Orion and a Chinese surveillance aircraft over the disputed South China Sea, the first known mid-air encounter under the Trump administration.

One US official said the Chinese plane was a Peoples Liberation Army Air Force KJ-200. The two planes flew within 1,000 feet of each other in the general vicinity of the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

A spokesperson for US Pacific Command, which oversees US troops in the region confirmed, the incident, calling it unsafe in a statement provided to CNN.

The US Navy P-3C was on a routine mission operating in accordance with international law, Major Rob Shuford said.

The Department of Defense and US Pacific Command are always concerned about unsafe interactions with Chinese military forces, he added. We will address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels. A second official said the American P-3 had to alter course to ensure that there was not an aerial collision.

In Beijing, the state-run Global Times newspapers website quoted an unidentified defence ministry official as saying that the Chinese pilot had responded in a legal and professional manner. We hope the US side will focus on the relationship between the two countries and two militaries in their entirety... eliminate the root causes of accidental incidents, he said.  PTI
Washington/Islamabad, Feb 10

Pakistan is committed to countering "all militant groups" operating within its territory, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has assured US Defence Secretary James Mattis during their first telephonic conversation.

Gen (retd) Mattis reaffirmed the importance of bilateral military relationship during his conversation with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, the Pentagon said.

Gen Bajwa reiterated Pakistan's commitment to counter all militant groups operating in its territory, Pentagon Spokesman Capt Jeff Davis said. "Mattis recognised the significant sacrifices the Pakistan military has made in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and expressed appreciation for the Pakistans support for efforts to defeat ISIS-Khorasan Province," he said.

Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral relationship, Davis said.  PTI
London, February 10

A 27-year-old woman has become the first British woman to join an all-female military unit to fight the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group in Syria.

Kimberley Taylor left the UK to join the Womens Protection Units (YPJ), the all-female affiliate army of the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) of Syrian Kurdistan, in March 2016.

She travelled to the frontline in Syria in October last year and has been involved in the push to re-take Raqqa, the de facto capital of the dreaded terror group.

Im willing to give my life for this, she told the Guardian in a phone interview from the frontline base.

Its for the whole world, for humanity and all oppressed people, everywhere. Its not just [ISIS] killing and raping.

Its its systematic mental and physical torture on a scale we cant imagine, she said.

Taylor hails from Blackburn in the north west of England and studied Maths at the University of Liverpool.

She told the newspaper in the interview published yesterday about her extensive travels across Africa, South America and Europe and how she became involved in political activism working as a writer for left-wing magazines and websites.

Her journey to Syria began during a trip 18 months ago to report for a friends humanitarian website.

The lack of food, medicine, shelter, would have been hard enough for any human to endure. In that moment, I made a promise to myself that I would commit my life to helping these people, she recalled.

Taylor is one of an estimated 50-80 British citizens who have travelled to Syria or Iraq to fight against ISIS since 2014.

They join either the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) of northern Syria, or the Kurdish Peshmerga of Iraqi Kurdistan.  PTI
Kathmandu, February 10

India has contributed 85 million Nepali rupees for the construction of two school buildings and one community hospital in Nepals eastern Dolakha district.

Ambassador of India Ranjit Rae handed over two schools and one community hospital to the people of Dolakha district, according to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy here.

The three development projects constructed with total Indian financial assistance of 85 million Nepali rupees included Satyashwor Higher Secondary School, Pawoti villae, Kalinag Higher Secondary School, Sunkhani village and ten beded Community Hospital building at Singati Bazar.

The newly constructed school building of Satyashwor Higher Secondary School is a three storey building comprising 12 classrooms, 3 library rooms and 2 rooms laboratory rooms.

Kalinag Higher secondary school provides education along with 4 years bachelor programme to approx 520 students out of which 70 per cent are girls.

The newly constructed community hospital has 10-beds and staff quarters at Singati bazaar. The hospital building is located in the centre of many villages and it would make quality healthcare accessible to the people in the region.

Rae stressed on the importance of the health and education facilities in the development of people and appreciated the steps initiated by the community to improve the education and health infrastructure in their region.  PTI
Beijing/Washington, February 10

US President Donald Trump changed tack and agreed to honour the "one China" policy during a phone call with China's leader, a major diplomatic boost for Beijing which brooks no criticism of its claim to neighbouring Taiwan.

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Trump angered Beijing in December by talking to the president of self-ruled Taiwan and saying the United States did not have to stick to the policy. Under the longstanding policy, Washington acknowledges the Chinese position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it.

A White House statement said Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a lengthy phone conversation on Thursday night, Washington time.

"President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'one China' policy," the statement said.

The two leaders had not spoken by telephone since Trump took office on January 20.

Diplomatic sources in Beijing say China had been nervous about Xi being left humiliated in the event a call with Trump went wrong and the details were leaked to the media.

Last week, US ties with staunch ally Australia became strained after the Washington Post published details about an acrimonious phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

No issue is more sensitive to Beijing than Taiwan. China and the United States also signalled that with the "one China" issue resolved, they could have more normal relations.

"Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest," the statement said.

In a separate statement read out on Chinese state television, Xi said China appreciated Trump's upholding of the "one China" policy.

"I believe that the United States and China are cooperative partners, and through joint efforts we can push bilateral relations to a historic new high," the statement cited Xi as saying.

"The development of China and the United States absolutely can complement each other and advance together. Both sides absolutely can become very good cooperative partners," Xi said.

Lawyer James Zimmerman, the former head of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said Trump should have never raised the "one China" policy in the first place.

"There is certainly a way of negotiating with the Chinese, but threats concerning fundamental, core interests are counterproductive from the get-go," he said in an email.

"The end result is that Trump just confirmed to the world that he is a paper tiger, a 'zhilaohu' - someone that seems threatening but is wholly ineffectual and unable to stomach a challenge."

The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but is also Taiwan's biggest ally and arms supplier and is bound by legislation to provide the means to help the island defend itself.

China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since 1949, when Mao Zedong's Communist forces won the Chinese civil war and Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists fled to the island. Beijing has vowed to bring Taiwan under its rule, by force if necessary.

"Extremely cordial"

China wants cooperation with the United States on trade, investment, technology, energy and infrastructure, as well as strengthening coordination on international matters to jointly protect global peace and stability, Xi said in the statement.

The White House described the call, which came hours before Trump plays host to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as "extremely cordial" with both leaders expressing best wishes to their peoples.

China has repeatedly said it has smooth contacts with the Trump team, led by China's top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi.

Yang told Michael Flynn, Trump's National Security Advisor, last week that China hopes it can work with the United States to control disputes and sensitive problems.

There was little or no mention in either the Chinese or US statement of other contentious issues - trade and the disputed South China Sea - and neither matter has gone away.

A U.S. official told Reuters on Thursday that a US Navy P-3 plane and a Chinese military aircraft came close to each other over the South China Sea, though the Navy believes the incident was inadvertent.

China on Friday reported an initial trade surplus of $51.35 billion for January, more than $21 billion of which was with the United States.

The state-run Global Times newspaper said China was likely to increase the quota of imported films allowed into the country, a potential fillip for Hollywood producers.

The newspaper, citing experts, predicted around a dozen films could be added to the current quota of 34 imported movies, while foreign producers would get closer to the 40 percent of ticket revenues they receive in other international markets.

Trump broke the ice with Xi earlier in the week in a letter offering belated greetings for last month's Lunar New Year, a move broadly praised by Chinese state media as a positive sign.

In a front page commentary, the overseas edition of China's People's Daily said the letter was an opening to help manage friction.

"There's a saying in China - good food is worth waiting for."

Reuters
Washington, February 10

US President Donald Trump will welcome Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House on Monday for their first talks, the White House said on Thursday.

"President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau look forward to a constructive conversation on strengthening the relationship between our two nations," Xinhua quoted a White House statement as saying.

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However, the statement did not provide any details about the agenda of the meeting.

In January, Trump signed an executive order to advance the controversial Keystone XL project, which was rejected by former President Barack Obama due to environmental concerns.

The $8 billion-project is proposed to go from Canada through the US state of Montana and South Dakota to Nebraska, where it would connect with existing pipelines to carry more than 800,000 barrels of crude oil a day to refineries along the US Gulf Coast.

On trade issue, Trump has dismissed a free trade deal with Canada and Mexico in 1994 as one of the worst trade deals the US ever signed and announced to renegotiate it.

The US opinion is divided over whether Trump's plan to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will bring back jobs to the US as promised.

IANS
San Francisco, February 10

A US appeals court today refused to reinstate Donald Trumps controversial travel ban on nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, in a major political setback to the President, who vowed to legally challenge the unanimous ruling, saying see you in court.

We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay, the judges said in the unanimous order.

The government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States, the three-judge Bench of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals here said, making it clear that they would not block a ruling by a Seattle court that halted Trumps executive order.

Trump signed an executive order last month suspending the arrival of all refugees for at least 120 days, Syrian refugees indefinitely, and barring citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, fulfilling one of his central campaign promises.

The judgment means that citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries will continue to be able to travel to the US. Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the executive order, the government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all. We disagree, the judges wrote.

In short, although courts owe considerable deference to the Presidents policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action, they said.

The judgment of the federal appeals court here is seen as a significant blow to the Trump Administration which has argued that the Presidents executive order was a major step to prevent entry of radical Islamic terrorists to America.

Trump responded with an angry tweet saying national security was at risk and there would be a legal challenge. "See you in court. The security of our nation is at stake!" he wrote, indicating that he is deeply disappointed with the courts decision.

The Trump Administration had reached out to the court, requesting it to lift the halt on the implementation of its executive order that was ordered by a federal court in Seattle after an appeal filed by the Washington state. The San Francisco court had held an oral hearing on the case early this week.

During an interaction with reporters after the judgment, Trump described the ruling as a political decision.

Its a political decision, and were going to see them in court. This is just a decision that came down, but were going to win the case, Trump said. Trumps political opponents and rights activists immediately celebrated the court verdict.  PTI
Still Standing: Four the Moments legacy honoured at Nova Scotia Music Week

When a quartet of Halifax women began singing together a cappella in the name of social justice in 1982, there was little in the way of a music industry at play in Atlantic Canada. And even if there had been, its likely that Four the Moment would ...
Atlas Construction names executive vice president

Dave Myers has been named as executive vice president of Atlas Construction Groups Tulsa division.

Myers has been employed with Atlas for five years and previously served as vice president. He will serve as head of operations of the Tulsa office, which serves all of eastern Oklahoma and will handle the day-to-day business functions of the Tulsa office, monitor and enforce all company policies and procedures and keep the company in line with the overall mission and vision.

Atlas, with a corporate office in Bixby and a division office in Oklahoma City, employs 62.

Charlie Wright joins BKD Oklahoma

BKD Oklahoma has named Charlie Wright to its Oklahoma Enterprise Risk Solutions team.

Wright, who spent 11 years with Devon Energy, is a certified public accountant, certified internal auditor and certified information systems auditor.

Wright earned an MBA from the University of Tulsa and a bachelors degree from Oklahoma State University.

Tulsa Regional Chamber announces 2 promotions

The Tulsa Regional Chamber promoted Elizabeth Osburn to senior vice president of government affairs and Zach Stoycoff to vice president of government affairs.

Osburn will be responsible for leading the chambers policy and advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal levels of government and will champion the OneVoice Regional Legislative Agenda, now in its 10th year. She will oversee the chambers political action committees, manage its energy council and help implement strategies to increase local voter engagement and participation.

Osburn joined the Chamber in 2015 as vice president of government affairs, bringing more than a decade of experience in public policy and government relations. She is a Tulsa native and graduate of the University of Oklahoma.

Stoycoff joined the chamber in 2013 as a communications manager and has been government affairs director, specializing in education, health care and local municipal policy. He is a graduate of Rogers State University and is pursuing a masters degree at OU-Tulsa.

OU black law student chapter, students honored

The University of Oklahoma College of Laws Black Law Students Association chapter was named Regional Small Chapter of the Year during the annual Southwest Black Law Students Association Convention in January.

The students that comprise the Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher BLSA Chapter at OU Law represent the very best of our community, said OU Law Dean Joseph Harroz Jr. Their tireless efforts for and commitment to social-political awareness enhances the student experience at OU Law, while also contributing to larger legal conversations that abound beyond law school.

Other honors were first-year student Robert Jackson being named SWBLSA Member of the Year; second-year student Tonika Brown elected SWBLSA director of community service; and alumni Chris Staine and Judge David Lewis inducted into the SWBLSA Hall of Fame.

York Electronicc CEO to lead state builders group

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Oklahoma named its board of directors for 2017.

Officers include York Electronics president and owner Jennifer Jezek as chairman, Steve Ludwig with Manhattan Construction as past elect, Andy Wright with Flowright Inc. as past chairman, Brian Smith with Oakridge Builders as vice chair, Jason Stone with Green Country Interiors as secretary and Paul Kallenberger with Security Bank as treasurer.

Jezek is the first female to serve as chairman and the first succession to serve. Her father, Steve York, served as Chairman in 1999.

We are pleased to have Jennifer serve as our chairman of ABC this year, ABC president and CEO Carl Williams said. She is a remarkable young woman who leads by example. We know she will do great things for our organization.

In 2002, Jezek became vice president of operations at York and began succession planning with her parents, Steve and Judi. In 2009, she became president and in 2012, finalized the business acquisition from her parents and became chairman and owner.

Board members include Jim Heley with Flintco, Steve Poleman with Rich & Cartmill Insurance and Bonds, Dustin Wright with Crimson Steel Supply, Bill Jones with Bob Hurley Auto Family, David Kerns with L.D. Kerns Contractors, Bill Morgan with LynxSystems, Thom Bowen with Securian Advisors Mid-America, Rick Armstrong with Advantage Glass, Michael Holt with Blue Sky Bank, Michael Jones with MAC Systems, Joe Shemanske with Triple C Lighting & Controls, Michael Spradlin with Purple Wave Auction, Jim Blose with Flintco and Greg Smith with Crossland Construction.

City of Owasso renovation wins third straight award

Owassos city hall renovation, built by Nabholz Construction, has been awarded its third straight honor.

The $2.6 million renovation recently received the Association of General Contractors of Oklahoma (AGC), Build Oklahoma Award. In October it won the Associated Builders and Contractors of Oklahomas Award of Excellence,  and a month later it was named Keep Oklahoma Beautifuls government program winner.

The modern two-story city hall, design by BKL Architects, was formerly a bank built in the 1960s. Several areas of the pre-existing construction were salvaged which presented a unique opportunity to tie the former historic design into the updated, office design.

The Nabholz project team was honored at the AGC Awards on Feb. 4 where they received their third trophy for this project. The team includes project engineer Nick Spillers and project superintendent Barry Reich.

Firm promotes 1 from Tulsa to managing director

Opportune LLP, an international energy consulting firm, promoted Amy Stutzman to managing director of the firm.

Stutzman previously served as the director in the companys complex financial reporting group in its Tulsa office. She has 15 years experience in technical accounting and SEC reporting and has worked in Cairo and Buenos Aires.

GasTech Engineering names technology officer

Ron D. Key was appointed chief technology officer at Tulsa-based GasTech Engineering.

Key has led cross-functional international teams to create new value streams, reduce costs and generate higher revenue and has provided strategic and effective leadership of natural gas, refining, petrochemical, hydrogen and synthesis gas, air separation as well as deep cryogenic business units.

Key also holds multiple patents and has presented at World Gas Conference 2016, LNG 17, AIChE, Gas Processors Association and others for over 30 years.

Key is responsible for business development, proposals, cost estimating, process engineering and product engineering.
Fighting together in court to stop the permanent disposal of radioactive waste near the Arkansas and Illinois rivers, the Cherokee Nation and the state of Oklahoma obtained a restraining order Thursday against a long-out-of-business uranium plant.

The Sequoyah Fuels facility, located in the town of Gore about 3 miles north of where the Arkansas and Illinois meet, opened in 1970 to convert yellowcake uranium into fuel for nuclear reactors. When it closed in 1993, the plant left behind approximately 11,000 tons of uranium-contaminated sludge in various basins, lagoons and ditches at the site, according to statements from the Cherokee Nation.

The waste has since been collected and stored in bags on top of a concrete slab to minimize the risk of contaminating groundwater, according to court records.

Sequoyah Fuels agreed in 2004 to spend as much as $3.5 million to remove the sludge and dispose of it permanently somewhere else, Cherokee officials said. But the company recently informed the tribe that it could not find a suitable place to take the waste, so it would begin putting the sludge into a permanent disposal cell at the site itself, the tribe said.

Tribal and state officials want their own experts to review the options for off-site disposal, according to court records. And Sequoyah County District Judge Jeff Payton granted a temporary restraining order to preserve the status quo until the company can respond to the legal challenge.

The safety of the environment, our citizens and all people in and around Gore is our highest priority, said Sara Hill, the Cherokee Nations secretary of natural resources.

The tribe seems to agree with the company on one point: The radioactive waste cant stay where it is forever.

Thats not an option, Hill told the Tulsa World. We need to sit down and negotiate a solution that everyone can agree on.

Options might include the White Mesa uranium mill in southeast Utah, which accepts similar waste from other parts of the country, according to court records. But White Mesa has been the target of complaints from environmental groups and the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, which have accused the facility of threatening nearby springs and aquifers.

Sequoyah Fuels and the companys law firm did not respond to the Worlds request for comments.

The plant closed under orders from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission after an accidental release of toxic gas caused as many as 34 people to seek medical treatment in November 1992, according to news archives.

The restraining order was filed in Sallisaw, the seat of the state district court that includes Adair, Cherokee, Muskogee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.
SBS presents the doco Trumps Divided States of America on Sunday.

The two part Frontline special which draws on extensive interviews with White House and Congressional insiders from both the Democratic and Republican parties.

This miniseries looks back at events during the Obama presidency that have led to deep divisions in the US, and examines the America the next president will inherit. It offers an in-depth view of the partisanship that gridlocked Washington and charged the 2016 presidential campaign, the rise of populist anger on both sides of the aisle and the racial tensions that have erupted throughout the country.

Episode One:

Part one of an investigation into the deep political divisions and bitter polarisation that grew during the Obama presidency examines how President Obamas promise of change and unity collided with racial and political realities.

8:30pm Sunday on SBS.
Matt Ford, frontman of 90s rock band Machine Gun Fellatio, has won the Australian Writers Guilds Prime Time Television Screenwriting Competition.

Shining Light, a drama about a newly ordained Catholic Priest who is no longer sure he believes in God, wins a $10,000 prize donated by Scripted Ink and an invitation to join AWGs Pathways Program, to be showcased to industry professionals and considered for Scripted Ink development funding.

The competition, open to writers with an original script or idea for a commercially viable television series or miniseries suitable for prime time viewing, received over 500 entries.

Fords writing credits include the BritishAustralian miniseries Frankies House in 1992, Panic at Rock Island and episodes of G.P., Farscape, Sea Patrol, Love Child, House Husbands, Stingers and Hiding.

Im absolutely thrilled to win this,said Ford, and I want to thank AWG and Scripted Ink, and congratulate the judges on doing their job so brilliantly.

Shining Light has the potential to be a truly landmark series  timely and of its time, judges said. At a time when faith, the role of the Church and priesthood itself have never before been placed under such public scrutiny, its absolutely fitting that our screenwriters turn their attention to these vexing issues.

Also joining Pathways Program were:

Coldwater Bay  Amanda Hampson & Tracey Trinder

The Go-Go Team  Jack Yabsley

Dog Box  Rebecca Ingram

Clicks  Kelsey Munro

Marked Men  Chris Kennett & Ben Esler
Former ABC presenter Ticky Fullerton (The Business), is joining SKY News Business to host a new business programme, Ticky.

It will broadcast Live weeknights from News Corps Sydney headquarters, featuring business analysts and reporters from The Australian, from Monday February 13 at 6:00pm.

Australian News Channel CEO, Angelos Frangopoulos said: Ticky will bring an exciting dynamism to our business coverage as we embark on significant growth for our SKY News Business channel this year. No one has access to the top end of town like Ticky and we are delighted to have her on board.

I am thrilled to be joining SKY News Business at such an important time for both the channel and for business and political coverage worldwide. More than ever viewers want a fresh take on what matters to them in this brave new world and each weeknight well be bringing you just that, said Fullerton.

Meanwhile political contributor and anchor Peta Credlin will expand her SKY News role in 2017, based full time at the SKY News Macquarie Park studios in Sydney.

In addition to Paul Murray Live, The Bolt Report, and as co-anchor on Credlin Keneally she will also join the Sunday Agenda program for a new segment with Paul Kelly, Kristina Keneally and host Peter van Onselen.

Credlin will also contribute to the SKY News Business channel focusing on policy matters.

Im delighted to take on the extended role with SKY News, and in particular, join the Sunday Agenda program. I have been surprised at how much I have enjoyed my time at SKY News and the response from our viewers, and from readers of my weekly column, has encouraged me to accept this opportunity, she said.

Australian News Channel CEO Angelos Frangopoulos said: Im pleased that Peta has agreed to our request to expand her role at SKY News and now SKY News Business. Her insights and analysis are important in the broader political discussion. Clearly the audience has been impressed and in 2017 they will get even more of her razor sharp commentary.
"Looking back at the sea". Barlow's images capture the relief of refugees upon reaching the safety and warmth of a UNHCR transfer bus after completing their perilous journey across the Mediterranean.  Katie Barlow

This years Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize at Londons National Portrait Gallery includes two striking images by British photographer Katie Barlow. Sitting alongside more formal portraits, the photographs capture the moment that refugees board a UNHCR bus after disembarking from a fraught and highly risky journey in smugglers dinghies across the Aegean Sea from Turkey.

Looking Back at the Sea shows two children with their faces pressed against the bus windows, stunned by fear and the enormity of the journey behind them. In Pink Bobble Hat, a girl wrapped in a foil survival blanket sinks exhausted into the seat in front of her. Barlows subjects are photographed from behind the glass of the bus windows which frame the instant where relief temporarily overtakes the horror and desperation that have driven their journeys.

Since the summer of 2015, boats carrying refugees from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other war-torn countries began to arrive on the beaches of Lesvos northern coast. At that time, it was forbidden by Greek law to provide transport to anyone who was not documented, and refugees faced a gruelling three day walk across the mountains to register with the authorities in the port of Mytillini. UNHCR in Greece worked with the government to change the legislation so that this extra ordeal, faced by people who had undergone an already harrowing journey across the sea, could be avoided. As the conflict in Syria intensified, thousands of refugees arrived daily in Lesvos and UNHCR buses took them safely across the island. These refugees were the lucky ones. Last year 5,000 people lost their lives crossing the Mediterranean in an attempt to reach safety.

Running until 28th February, the exhibition celebrates the best of contemporary portrait photography around the world. Barlows pictures are being shown alongside 56 photographs selected from more than 4,300 submissions.

Here, Barlow explains how she came to take the photographs:

I spent two weeks at Katia beach, helping with and documenting the arrival of thousands of refugees as their boats drifted to the Greek shore. Many photographers were waiting at the shoreline trying to capture the essence of what we were witnessing: a mass migration of historical proportions. Finding it hard to film and photograph people in distress and feeling the need to help the refugees off the boats and to change sodden clothes instead of document, I found myself waiting until people were safe and dry before taking portraits.

Away from the chaos of the beach, I became drawn to the UN transfer buses that were waiting to take the refugees to the registration camps. Although uncertain of what the immediate future held, their first perilous journey over the sea had been successfully accomplished and the UN bus became a temporary place a sanctuary, where families and individuals could get warm, shelter from the rain and freak snow storms. As the refugees took to their seats, some would look out of their windows, back at the ocean that had brought them to this point. Others would slump exhausted, others huddled in the warmth, some smiled with relief.

The UN bus became a temporary place a sanctuary, where families could get warm and shelter from the rain.

From where I was standing, each bus window served as a frame and presented a portrait. There was a calm, although it was harrowing. Away from the chaos of the beach, people were still and reflective.

Two of the portraits taken at Katia Beach are currently being exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition. I would like to think that they are helping to keep the issue in the public eye.

"Pink Bobble Hat". A young girl sinks exhausted into the seat of the bus transporting her across Lesvos, Greece.  Katie Barlow

The National Portrait Gallery invited 10 composers from the Royal College of Music to respond to images from the exhibition. Damien McBride from the Royal College of Music composed "Home" in response to "Looking Back at the Sea". Separately, Alistair Hickman, also from the Royal College of Music, has composed the track "Dried Tears" in response to the photograph "Pink Bobble Hat". You can listen to these below:

Read more about Katie's visit to Lesvos here.

To find out more about the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize please visit the National Portrait Gallery website.
A convoy carries 3,000 newly arrived South Sudanese refugees to Palorinya settlement in northern Uganda.  UNHCR/Catherine Wachiaya

UNHCR is extremely alarmed at the ongoing pace of displacement in South Sudan, where more than 1.5 million people have been forced to leave the country and seek safety since conflict erupted in December 2013. An additional 2.1 million people are displaced inside South Sudan.

We are appealing on all parties involved in the conflict for an urgent peaceful resolution of the crisis, without which, thousands continue to arrive in South Sudans neighbouring countries of Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Central African Republic every day with the conflict now in its fourth year.

With this large-scale displacement, South Sudan is now Africas largest refugee crisis and the worlds third after Syria and Afghanistan  with less attention and chronic levels of underfunding.

Intense fighting broke out in South Sudan in July last year following the collapse of a peace deal between the government and opposition forces. More than 760,000 refugees fled the country in 2016, as the conflict intensified in the second half of the year  on an average of 63,000 people were forced to leave the country per month. Some half a million had to flee in the last four months since September 2016. More than 60 per cent of the refugees are children, many arriving with alarming levels of malnutrition  enduring devastating impact of the brutalities of the ongoing conflict.





Recent new arrivals report suffering inside South Sudan with intense fighting, kidnappings, rape, fears of armed groups and threats to life, as well as acute food shortage.

As the global displacement trends reflect, those fleeing South Sudan are being hosted by the poorest communities in the neighbouring countries, under immense pressure with scarce resources.

The majority of the refugees are being hosted by Uganda, where some 698,000 have arrived. Ethiopia is hosting some 342,000, while more than 305,000 are in Sudan and some 89,000 in Kenya, 68,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 4,900 in the Central African Republic.

UNHCR is encouraged by the welcome South Sudan refugees have received in the neighbouring countries, but remains extremely worried by the lack of resources to handle one of the worlds largest refugee crisis.

We are working with authorities in South Sudans neighbouring countries to provide life-saving support and look after the basic needs of those arriving in desperate conditions. However, our relief efforts are being hampered by severe underfunding.

We are renewing our call on donor countries to step up support to the humanitarian efforts for the South Sudan crisis situation. Response capacities are over stretched in host countries and chronic underfunding is affecting life-saving efforts like the provision of clean drinking water, food, health facilities and sanitation. The 2016 UNHCR funding appeal of US$649 million was funded a merely 33%.

In 2017, we are seeking US$782 million for regional operations inside South Sudan and the neighbouring host countries.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
Around 200 displaced families live in an informal settlement in Dharwan, Yemen. Ongoing hostilities in Yemen have forced more than 3 million from their homes in search of safety.  UNHCR/Mohammed Hamoud

In Yemen, fighting in coastal districts (Al Mokha and Dhubab) in the western governorate of Taizz is spreading inland (into the districts of Al Wazi'iyah and Mawza). A result is that more than 34,000 people have fled their homes. Some 28,000 have been displaced to other districts of Taizz, while another 2,600 individuals have fled to the neighboring governorate of Al Hudaydah. A few have also been displaced eastwards (to Lahj and Ibb governorates).

UNHCR has mobilized assessment teams across displacement sites in Hudaydah, Ibb and the district of Maqbanah in Taizz, where recently displaced people are being hosted and began deliveries of emergency assistance, including basic relief items and emergency shelter.

In Hudaydah, UNHCR distributions of relief items, including mattresses, sleeping mats, blankets, kitchen sets, buckets and emergency shelter are ongoing for 3,633 displaced individuals. Further distributions for newly displaced people in other districts across Hudaydah governorate are also planned to cover the needs of 5,131 individuals, subject to access permits and security considerations. UNHCR is also delivering assistance to 301 individuals in Ibb, who have been displaced from Al Mokha and Dhubab.

Yemen: A city on the front lines devastated by conflict

UNHCR is also currently negotiating deliveries of emergency assistance to 6,342 individuals in Maqbanah in Taizz. Owing to ongoing military operations, humanitarian access remains a key challenge but UNHCR has been engaged in intense negotiations with relevant authorities to deliver assistance in hard-to-reach areas.

As hostilities intensify, the situation on the ground has also become increasingly hazardous for UNHCR field staff. On Tuesday, two of our staff narrowly escaped a missile that fell close to their vehicle in Az Zaydiyah, less than 60 kilometres away from Hudaydah city. Our colleagues were unharmed, though badly shaken by the incident.

In addition to the situation in Taizz governorate, the conflict is resulting in a deterioration of conditions all across Yemen. Despite the fact that the country is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, the necessary financial support to respond to the crisis in Yemen remains woefully inadequate.

We are appealing for urgent international support to respond to critical and prioritized needs as our operations in Yemen face a critical shortfall in funding. Though already two months into the year, we have received less than one per cent of the resources we need for our operations in Yemen and the lack of support is severely restricting our capacity to respond.

As of 1 February 2017, UNHCR had received only US$738,303 of the US$99.6 million we need for our operational response in Yemen this year.

For further information:
Brussels, 10 February 2017- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomed today renewed commitments taken at this weeks Senior Officials Meeting on migration in Valletta, Malta, and called for the full inclusion of refugees in all migration-related EU actions.

I am encouraged by the reiterated engagement taken by EU officials in Valetta to promote the principles of solidarity, shared responsibility and respect for international obligations in migration management, said Vincent Cochetel, Director of UNHCRs Europe Bureau.

However, to ensure proper migration management, it is vital to recognize the mixed nature of migratory flows within the African continent and from the African continent to Europe and to provide differentiated responses, he said.

While refugees and migrants often move along the same routes, refugees are different; they cannot return to their home countries. Denying their right to claim asylum can have deadly consequences, he stressed.

The Senior Officials Meeting was organized in Malta on 8-9 February 2017 to follow-up to last year's Valletta Summit on Migration.

Refugees must be included in all priority actions undertaken by the EU, stressed Cochetel, noting that strong protection safeguards, the respect of international obligations by all States, as well as the prospect for solutions should be at the heart of any EU-funded action.

Initiatives that aim at strengthening resilience, self-reliance and economic opportunities should go hand in hand with the development of solid asylum systems and protection programs, including in transit countries, he added.

Cochetel also underscored the need for a comprehensive and better-coordinated approach in EU-funded projects and actions to maximize their impact and ensure that the five priorities defined in the Valetta Plan of Action in November 2015* are adequately funded.

The commitment taken at the Senior Officials Meeting to further promote legal migration is positive, but it must promptly be translated into reality, with a rapid increase in safe and legal pathways to Europe, he said. In particular, unnecessary obstacles to family reunification must be swiftly removed. Resettlement opportunities in the EU remain limited, almost virtual, he added, noting that during the past three years, the EU has only resettled 55 vulnerable refugees from Ethiopia

Cochetel also welcomed the recognition, by officials at the summit, of the necessity to address the root causes of migration movements and to fight human trafficking. However, approaches to combatting human smuggling and trafficking should not be prejudicial to the right to see asylum and will only be truly successful if legal pathways to safety are accessible to refugees, he noted.

The UN official also called for a dialogue on child protection to help find practical solutions to the plight of unaccompanied and separated children, including through identification, family tracing, family reunion and reintegration. The best interest of the child must prevail in any situation, he said.

*The Valetta Plan of Action

Vincent Cochetels statement delivered at the Senior Officials Meeting on migration in Valetta on 8-9 February 2017

News contacts:
Sidah Hawa stares towards the horizon. The scorching sun filters through the sparse shade of the tree under which she sits. Her six children huddle close as she breastfeeds Asanti, her 18-month-old baby.

"I have suffered a great deal; these past few days have been really bad," she says after a long silence. "I didn't have enough food. I had raw cassava. This is what I fed my children. When they were tired, we rested then I gave them some water."

Sidah, 30, recently arrived in Kuluba, a small dusty town in northern Uganda close to one of the many points along the border with South Sudan.

She is one of thousands of refugees streaming into Uganda since intense fighting broke out again in July last year following the collapse of a peace deal between the government and opposition forces.

South Sudanese refugees hit 1.5 million mark

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, announced today that more than 1.5 million people have now been forced to flee the country and seek safety since conflict erupted in December 2013. This makes South Sudan Africas largest refugee crisis and the worlds third largest after Syria and Afghanistan  with less attention and chronic levels of underfunding.

With an extremely volatile security situation forcing more refugees to flee, the latest influx is straining the capacity of transit and reception centres, which are too small for the growing number of arrivals.

"I walked for two days to the border, but I didn't use the main roads."

Since January 2017, more than 52,000 refugees have been received in Uganda, with the majority crossing at border entry points such as Busia, the one Sidah and her family used, to find refuge. Many refugees are using informal entry points citing the presence of armed groups on the routes to the main border points.

Thousands more have made huge detours on foot to escape South Sudan, heading south through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or DRC, then east into Uganda for fear of attacks from armed forces present along the direct routes. Some report walking for more than a month before finally reaching safety.

The majority of the refugees are being hosted by Uganda, where a total of some 698,000 have now arrived. In less than six months, Uganda has more than tripled its population of South Sudanese refugees, hosting the largest share of the people who have fled their homes in the neighbouring country.

Ethiopia is also hosting some 342,000, while more than 305,000 otthers are in Sudan and some 89,000 in Kenya, 68,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 4,900 in the Central African Republic.

Sidah Hawa and her children fled conflict in South Sudan and reached safety in Uganda after traveling for two days.  UNHCR/Michele Sibiloni

Sidah Hawa boarding a UNHCR truck to the Palorinya settlements where each family will be given a piece of land for shelter.  UNHCR/Michele Sibiloni

South Sudanese refugee Sidah Hawa being registered with her children at Kuluba transit centre.  UNHCR/Michele Sibiloni

After arriving at Kuluba transit centre, refugee children are given a medical check and vaccinated against disease.  UNHCR/Michele Sibiloni

Since January 2017, more than 52,000 refugees have been received in Uganda.  UNHCR/Michele Sibiloni

Appealing for more assistance, UNHCR spokesperson William Spindler added: More than 60 per cent of the refugees are children, many arriving with alarming levels of malnutrition Recent new arrivals report suffering inside South Sudan with intense fighting, kidnappings, rape, fears of armed groups and threats to life, as well as acute food shortage.

Sidah endured a three-day journey to the border from her home in Mogo in Yei County in southwestern South Sudan, which enjoyed relative stability until fighting spread to the area.

"I walked for two days to the border but I didn't use the main roads," she says. "We walked through the bush because if you meet soldiers they might kill you."

"I spent six days hiding in the bush with my six children."

Sarah Apayi is one of 6,000 refugees who used the DRC route to get into Uganda since the middle of 2016. Due to checkpoints and banditry along the main roads, more refugees are forced to use this longer route, walking several days to reach Uganda, usually with few belongings and limited access to food, water and other needs.

"My husband was kidnapped over a year ago after the war started," Sarah says. "I spent six days hiding in the bush with my six children trying to get to DRC. She spent another two days from Bokolo in DRC to Uganda. It was difficult because it is not safe in the bush. I was worried about wild animals but it was better to try that way than to be attacked by the rebels.

Like Sidah and Sarah, women and children continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, making up 86 per cent of refugees arriving in Uganda.

"This has been a massive, unrelenting emergency with close to 2,000 refugees arriving in Uganda daily," says Nasir Fernandes, a senior emergency operations coordinator with UNHCR. "Our number one priority is saving lives and ensuring the basic needs of new arrivals are met as quickly as possible."

Sidah Hawa queues with her children at Kuluba transit centre to get registered and have her children vaccinated.  UNHCR/Michele Sibiloni

To cope with the growing influx, new arrivals are first taken to a temporary reception centre in Kuluba, where refugees are registered by the government as soon as they arrive. They are provided with sleeping mats, blankets and sanitary materials, and children are immunised against measles and polio, while they await to be transferred to Palorinya settlement.

Palorinya settlement opened in December 2016 after Bidibidi settlement became full. Having been opened in August 2016, Bidibidi settlement has become one of the largest refugee-hosting areas in the world in the space of a few months. Preparations are underway to open a new settlement as Palorinya is already close to its hosting capacity.

Uganda is widely recognized as having progressive and forward-thinking refugee and asylum policies. Upon receiving refugee status, refugees are provided with small areas of land in villages integrated within the local host community; a pioneering approach that enhances social cohesion and allows both refugees and host communities to live together peacefully.

The process of receiving refugees at the border to place them in settlements takes an average of just three days. In addition, refugees are granted a range of rights and freedoms, allowing them to work, start businesses and freely move around the country.

"I am happy that I am finally safe."

In less than six months, Uganda has more than tripled its population of South Sudanese refugees, hosting more than half of the 1.1 million people who have fled their homes in the neighbouring country.

"The Ugandan Government deserves tremendous praise in their efforts in handling the emergency," Fernandes says. "But this crisis is not something Uganda can tackle alone. Its now absolutely vital that the international community pay attention to what is happening and supports Uganda in providing these refugees with an environment in which they can live in safety and dignity."

In 2016, the humanitarian appeal for the South Sudan response received less than 75 per cent of the funds needed to meet the demands. Without further contributions, the abilities of the humanitarian response to provide critical aid and key basic services could become severely compromised.

Sidah says she is grateful to have found peace in Uganda and a chance to start over.

"I am happy that I am finally safe," she says. "I wanted the suffering to end and I now feel that it is in the process of ending."

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Whether you are looking to take advantage of lower tuition and fees and be able to save a significant money for college,capitalize on specialized training programs and courses, attending a community college indeed offers a number of benefits for students.

The decision to pursue higher education is very common for all students from all walks of life. Primarily because most people believe that a college degree is the key to better career opportunities and a better life. If you have already decided to pursue your post-secondary education and wondering which school is right for you, here are some reasons why attending a community college is an excellent choice for you.

Affordability

One of the biggest considerations you should think about when going to college is the amount of money you will be spending which can lead to student loans and debts. But according to US News, this is something that should not bother you so much because a lot of community colleges only charge around $1,000 for in state tuition.

Convenience

Most community colleges offer classes and locations which are convenient for students, according to Brookhaven College. There are classes that are being offered in off-campus locations during weekends or sometimes in the evenings to accommodate students who need flexible schedules, especially those who are working and have family responsibilities.

Financial Aid eligibility

Community college students are also eligible for the financial aid, all they need to make sure of is that they do not drop out of their classes so that they do not lose their award.

School-life balance

Most community college students attend school part time so even if you are only taking a few classes, you won't have to feel out of place. This can be an excellent option for those who need to balance school with career or work obligations, as well as family obligations.
It's been awhile since iOS 10 was released to public and there is no single legitimate jailbreak that actually supports the current firmware. Of course, there are a few other jailbreakers aside from Pangu, who managed to develop the tools. Luca Todesco and TaiG team are among them.

However, Todesco with its Yalu jailbreak for iOS 10.1 is attached to a string of bugs and remaining in a beta phase simply means unstable. Pangu, on the other hand, remains silent without bother to drop any tease.

iOS 10 is tough

One strong reason behind the delay of iOS 10 jailbreak release is the fact that iOS 10 firmware is much stronger than iOS 9. It is extremely powerful because Apple leaves the kernel unencrypted.

This enables developers to find holes in the security so that Apple quickly finds out any potential vulnerability before releasing a patch, MacRumors explained. That being the case, it will be harder for hackers, even Pangu, to create a tool to break the restriction.

Pangu's silent is golden

There is still hope for Pangu to launch a version of iOS 10 jailbreak sooner or later. Based on the past experience, the Chinese hacking group has always been silent before it drops a tool to public.

The only thing that hints at a jailbreaking tool was when the team demoed iOS 10 security flaws at Mobile Security Conference in Shanghai last year, WccFtech reported.

There may not be any stable iOS 10 jailbreak

Todesco has made it clear that Yalu 10.1.1 for iPhone 7 is not his top priority as of this moment.

To clear it up: Yalu1011 for iPhone 7 will be updated at some point. Just not a priority right now. Got stuff to do.  qwertyoruiop (@qwertyoruiopz) February 1, 2017

And as a reminder, the seventh beta version of his iOS 10.1 jailbreak hasn't shown any clue as to when the stable version will arrive. If Apple constantly rollouts patches to prevent exploits, it is safe to assume that a stable jailbreak tool may not arrive at all.
When "A Different World" cast members come together even after decades, they do it to promote a cause. Recently, actress Jasmine Guy speaks about the importance and relevance of the show right now when it comes to higher education.

"A Different World" is a television sitcom and a spin-off from "The Cosby Show" on NBC. It had six seasons, since 1987, on the channel and it focuses on the life and challenges of African American students at the Hillman College. Hollman College is a fictional HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in Virginia.

The show now has reruns on Netflix and is considerably described to be a socially responsible, ensemble situation comedy, as reported by Museum. Now, the "A Different World" stars of the TV sit-com are going on college tours promote the benefits of higher education and HBCUs specifically.

On Wednesday, Feb. 8, Wayne County Community College students, staff and parents welcomed the television celebrities. According to students who attended the show, the "A Different World" stars were able to stress the value of higher education. A college drop-out tells Detroit Free Press that he is inspired to go back to school. He confesses that he has seen the re-runs and now sees college in a new and better light.

The stars present during the event were Darryl Bell (who plays Ron Johnson), Jasmine Guy (Whitley Gilbert), Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Wayne) and Charnelle Brown (Kimberly Reese) with Detroit radio talk show host Mildred Gaddis moderating. Their first stop was Wayne County and they are moving on to the next HBCU. Their focus is to get young African Americans to start thinking about college and consider HBCUs in the country.

Some HBCU presidents hope that the tour of the "A Different World" stars will help increase enrollment of African Americans in their schools like it did the last time it originally aired.

Watch the cast of "A Different World" below talk about their experiences with Oprah Winfrey:
A Liberty University team in Israel has recently uncovered something that would explain the past and unlock the secrets of the Hebrew Bible. A new Dead Sea Scroll Cave may help reveal more about historical and biblical events.

According to reports, the uncovering is called as one of the greatest discoveries of the 21st century. The Liberty University professors and students who uncovered the Dead Sea Scroll Cave found it during a trip to Israel as part of their Operation Scroll.

There are currently 12 known scroll caves around the Dead Sea, as reported by WDBJ. These Dead Sea Scroll Caves reportedly contain the oldest parts of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Torah. Leading Operation Scroll is Dr. Randall Price. His findings include at least 8 jars which he believes contained the scrolls. Reports indicate that every translation of the Bible since the 1950's has always depended on these Dead Sea Scrolls.

Price says that this new discovery gives people a preview of the past when texts where created by people based on events experienced at the time. However, as much as everybody wants to look into the past, archaeologists found that the parchments are missing.

The ancient documents are believed to have been stolen. The researchers only found one piece of parchment rolled up in a jug that looks like it will be processed for writing, plus fragments of cloth and string used to tie the scrolls, says Hebrew University archaeologist Oren Gutfeld. He believes, without a doubt, that the scrolls were stolen, as reported by CNET.

Israel Hasson, director general of the Israel Antiquities Authority claims that they are on the fast track to protect and uncover these Dead Sea Scroll Caves because thieves are always on the look out for historical artifacts to sell in the market.

Learn more about the Dead Sea Scrolls in this BBC clip below:
Sony confirms that Sony Xperia Z5 bug has already been fixed. Now, consumers can download Android 7.0 Nougat update. Here is what we know so far.

Sony Xperia Z5 Bug Fixed Update

Sony company released an Android Nougat update for their mobile unit, Sony Xperia Z5 last January. The update is also available for other Xperia series, Z3 Plus, and Z4.

However, the Android 7.0 Nougat update for Sony Xperia Z5, Z3 Plus, and Z4 was pulled out three days after its launched due to some issues reported by the buyers. As per Sony's official statement, "inconsistencies related to audio playback via third-party apps and SD card encrypted data read performance" were the problems.

Now, according to Uber Gizmo, Sony was able to fix the bug. Now, Android 7.0 Nougat is ready to be downloaded again for Sony Xperia Z5, Z3 Plus, and Z4.

Sony Xperia Z5 Latest Update, Specifications - When To Download Android 7.0 Nougat

Based on the aforementioned source, the latest update for Sony Xperia Z5, Xperia Z3 Plus, and Xperia Z4 series has a 32.3.A.0.372 version. In addition, the update also has other new features and improvements.

For starters, Sony Xperia Z5 has the following features: 0.03s Hybrid AF and 5x sharper zoom. Other specifications include a 23-megapixel camera, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, 64-bit Octa-core processor and Hi-Res Audio with Digital Noise Cancelling.

Moreover, Sony Xperia Z5 also has 3GB RAM Up to 32 GB flash memory and Up to 200 GB microSD card, IP68 waterproof and dust tight, and long battery life, up to 2 days' battery life.

On the other hand, as of writing, Geeky Gadgets reported that Android 7.0 Nougat update is already available and ready to download. Sony Xperia Z5, Z3 Plus, and Z4 owners can check the new software from the settings menu and click the upgrade.
Students at Columbia University are demanding that the school teach them about its historical ties to slavery. This comes amidst the ongoing criticism on universities and colleges that were involved in the trade.

USA Today College reported that several Columbia University students strongly believe that it is important for them to learn more about their school's history. One student, junior Keenan Teddy Smith, admitted that he was not shocked to learn about the institution's ties to slavery.

Smith, who himself is black, said that black students are taught early on by parents and family about slavery. However, there are a lot of non-black students who do not know about this part of history. He explained that this is the reason why a course on the school's historical ties to slavery should be taught to all Columbia University students.

Another black student, Damon Hart, agreed with Smith. Hart explained to the publication that students should learn about the "university's involvement in perpetuating the most morally bankrupt institution" in the country's history.

He further argued that learning about Columbia's historical ties to slavery would be a great help in contextualizing other modern forms of injustice done by the institution. This includes acts such as its investment in the South African apartheid and in the private prison industry as well as its continued redevelopment of Harlem and the Bronx.

Last month, the New York Times noted that a report by Eric Foner was published about Columbia University's historical ties to slavery. It included several documents that point to slavery being a common part of the lives of the institution's community.

One instance, the Washington Post added, was when a math professor in the 1760s asked students to calculate the profits that three investors earned in a slave-trading voyage. Several students, including George Washington's stepson John Custis, grew up in homes with slaves. Ads for runaway slaves posted by college leader as well as students were also uncovered by researchers.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers have found how harmful bacteria use a survival strategy that allows it to outsmart the human immune response. This usually results to more intense and persistent infections as well as more effective transmission of the disease person to person.

Phys.org reported that bacteria utilize various strategies to cope with the environments in the organisms they infect. This includes creating adaptive mutations as they evolve as well as initiating specific genes to respond to the changes.

There are times, though, that these defenses are not enough to keep them alive. This is when bacteria turn to alternative strategies.

One particular alternative strategy that has been recently found is the generation of non-genetic variability. This is where bacteria develop sub-populations that are each ready for a different environment or task.

This pre-adaptation would provide invading bacteria a significant advantage during invasion and in defeating the immune system. It is called phenotypic variability, which involves the creation of sub-populations of bacteria with different traits like size or behavior.

The study, which was published in the journal "eLife," was led by Dr. Irine Ronin from the Balaban lab at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Racah Institute of Physics. Other researchers involved in the study are Naama Katsowitz, Ilan Rosenshine and Nathalie Q. Balaban.

The scientists investigated whether non-genetic variability contributes to the virulence of a human-specific pathogen, enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), which kills several infants worldwide. They wanted to know whether exposing the bacteria to challenging conditions, like in the human body, can trigger it to split into different bacterial sub-populations.

The study revealed that EPEC did spontaneously differentiate into two sub-populations, one of which is virulent when exposed to conditions that copy the host environment. It was found that the hyper-virulent state remains for several generations once triggered. Moreover, the researchers were able to identify the specific regulatory genes that control the switch between the two states of the bacteria.
The University of Delaware has sealed its partnership with former Vice President of the United States Joe Biden. The school will be launching a new Biden Institute, which is research and policy center intent on creating solutions to several domestic policy issues.

In its official website, the University of Delaware confirmed that Joe Biden will serve as the institute's founding chair. The center will be focused on developing public policy solutions on a variety of issues including economic reform and environmental sustainability to civil rights, criminal justice and women's rights, among others.

University president Dennis Assanis expressed his excitement on the partnership with the former VP of the United States. He said that Biden's experience as a public servant will help bring an important focus to several domestic policy matters that is expected to enhance the school's programs.

Biden also admitted that he is happy to work with his alma mater. The Biden Institute is said to be initially located at 44 Kent Way on the UD campus in Newark, Delaware. It will be part of the university's School of Public Policy and Administration.

Assanis revealed that the Biden Institute will have new faculty. It is also expected to be supported by the increased enrollment in the school as well as with an initiative to expand the school's offerings in areas such as smart cities, environment and energy, social justice, and disaster management.

According to USA Today College, about 15 faculty members will be added to the current 24 positions. Biden has always been a frequent visitor to his alma mater.

He was inducted to the university's Alumni Wall of Fame back in 1984 and, in 2011, he donated his senatorial papers to the school's library. He has also delivered four UD commencement addresses.

Joe Biden has also been confirmed to work with the University of Pennsylvania to lead the school's new center on diplomacy, foreign policy and national security. His spokesperson, Kate Bedingfield, said that he will most likely be spending about one day a week at each school, Philly.com noted.
A group of researchers have created a new 3D system to examine how humans get infected in a laboratory setting. The team includes infection researchers, engineers and bioinformaticians in the University of Southampton and University College London.

Phys.org reported that the researchers used an electrostatic encapsulation technique in order to make small 3D spheres. In these models, human cells are infected with the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) to create conditions that resemble its effect in patients.

The 3D spheres provide a way for the scientists to closely examine what happens in a human body when it develops TB. The study has a long-term aim of recognizing new antibiotic treatments and vaccines.

The study was published in the journals "mBio" and "eLife." It was funded by the Medical Research Council.

The group was led by Professor Paul Elkington. He said that this is an "exciting development" for tuberculosis research.

He further explained that the 3D sphere was created with a collagen matrix to replicate a human lung. This led to an environment that allows certain antibiotics to kill the infection, which is something that scientists could not do in other 2D model systems. The system is expected to help improve the process of finding treatments and vaccines for TB, which infects and kills about 1.8 million per year.

According to R&D Magazine, the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) kills more people each year compared to other infections. It is said to be characterized by "a spatially organized immune response and extracellular matrix remodeling."

The study suggested that antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to human health. This is because of the development of drug-resistant organisms. The new system combines virulent mycobacteria, primary human blood mononuclear cells as well as collagen-alginate matrix to separate the host-pathogen infection.

The research's next phase will be in partnership with the African Health Research Institute in Durban. The project is being funded by an MRC Global Challenges Research Fund Foundation Award that is reportedly worth 350,000 (about $437,600).
February 10 2017

Network Rail is pressing ahead with a 23m programme of platform extensions at Waverley Station to deliver on its promise of longer, faster trains.Platforms 5,6 and 12 are in line for a remodel as part of the works, enabling them to accommodate a new breed of Azuma trains operated by Virgin East Coast and Scotrails class-385 rolling stock.This will require removal of a number of redundant structures and relocation of existing escalators, with Arup set to get preparatory works underway in April. These capacity improvements should be in place by 2018.Rodger Querns, Network Rail programme director, said: Completing such a significant piece of engineering work in the heart of one of the countrys busiest stations will be a significant challenge for our engineers and contractors and we are committed to carrying out these enhancements as quickly as possible and with the minimum of inconvenience for passengers.The improvements form part of a wider package of works necessitated by the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme which will reduce travel times between Edinburgh and Glasgow by 10 minutes in addition to boosting capacity.Network Rail completed a 130m upgrade of the UK's fifth busiest station in 2013
According to Nassir, the article is about European refugees and the type of challenges many face in their transition to Europe, but also how modalities of art, like dance, artwork and music, can help ease this transition.

I come from a minority background as a Muslim American, and the transition to coming to a new country where the language and culture is completely different was hard at times, said Nassir. I chose to write about this topic, because art is a really powerful tool that helps connect people, no matter what cultural background one comes from.
Wyoming Business Tips for Feb. 19-25

A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By John Privette, WSBDC international trade specialist

Is there a way to protect against nonpayment by international customers? Bob, Cheyenne

By protecting exporters accounts receivable, the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank Express Insurance is a product that provides significant benefits with little hassle.

Express insurance empowers exporters to overcome obstacles in the way of increasing international market share. Use express insurance to: insure against nonpayment by international customers; cover both commercial, such as bankruptcy, and political, such as war or the inconvertibility of currency risks; and arrange financing through a lender by using insured receivables as additional collateral.

Benefits of express insurance are: risk reduction -- safeguard against catastrophic losses from buyer nonpayment; increased competitiveness -- unlock the ability to offer buyers the credit necessary to expand into new markets and boost sales with existing customers; and improved liquidity -- accelerate cash flow by borrowing against foreign receivables.

If you answer yes to the following criteria, EXIM express insurance may be a financial option: Are you a small-business owner? A small business is determined by the Small Business Administration size standards. And have you been in business for three years with one year of exporting experience?

EXIM credit insurance is suitable for companies that have experience selling on-credit terms both domestically and internationally. Things to remember:

-- Is your business profitable? Your business must show that it has a positive net worth.

-- Are you exporting products that meet U.S. content requirements? Your export products/services must have more than 50 percent U.S. content.

-- Are you exporting military products? EXIM cannot support the export of military/defense-related products or to military buyers.

-- Are you shipping from a U.S. port? EXIM can only support goods shipped from U.S. ports.

For more information on EXIM financial solutions for small-business exporters, visit the website at www.exim.gov/.

A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments are available at www.wyomingsbdc.org/blog1/.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.


VEGAS INC celebrated Southern Nevadas most influential females at the 2017 Women to Watch awards inside the Havana Room at Tropicana Las Vegas on Feb. 7, 2017 (Photo credit: Wade Vandervoort / Greenspun Media Group).

The 12 winners were commended during the awards ceremony, as well as featured in a special Women to Watch publication inside the Sunday, Feb. 5, issue of The Sunday and Monday, Feb. 6, issue of VEGAS INC.

The awards ceremony honored the following 2017 Women to Watch recipients: Las Vegas Business Academy Executive Director Amy Lee; Director of WestCare Nevada Women and Childrens Campus Dee Wirth; Roseman University of Health Sciences President Dr. Renee Coffman; Nevada State Bank Executive Vice President and Human Resources Director Jill Bell; De Castroverde Law Group Attorney Jocelyn Cortez; The Payroll Company President and Founder Kimberly Miles; MGM Resorts International Chief Experience Officer Lilian Tomovich; Result Logix Founder Nadia Hansen, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of America Breast Surgeon and Clark County Medical Society President Souzan El-Eid; Westgate Las Vegas Director of Food & Beverage Marketing Director TaChelle Lawson; The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada General Manager Tina Quigley; and Armstrong Teasdale LLP Partner Tracy DiFillippo.

The honorees were treated to a mini makeover at Sephoras Town Square Location at a pre-event reception that included a DJ and complimentary cocktails. From 5-6 p.m. inside the Havana Room, the Women to Watch and their close friends and family sipped on Blissful Bellinis provided by Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, as well as passed hors doeuvres provided by Tropicana Las Vegas.

Additional guests arrived at 6 p.m. for the main ceremony and were treated to signature cocktails provided by Southern Glazers, including Beauty Together, a refreshing mixture of Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Cointreau, and fresh watermelon and lemon juice, and The Inspiration, a delicious combination of Grey Goose Le Melon Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower, Cointreau, and fresh cucumber and lemon juice. Tray-passed hors doeuvres included mini burritos, prosciutto wrapped melon, and fried lobster macaroni and cheese. Sephora makeup artists were on-hand to beautify attendees at cheek and lip stations. Greenspun Media Group Publisher Gordon Prouty hosted the event and introduced all honorees. Prouty was joined on stage by Breen Nolan, Associate Publisher of The Sunday, and Erin Ryan, Editor of The Sunday and VEGAS INC, who presented the honorees with their awards. Lynda Richardson, director of hotel sales spoke on behalf of Tropicana, and Earl Shelton, district event specialist, spoke on behalf of Sephora.
By Alexander Chipman Koty

Established in 1998, Hanois Hoa Lac High-tech Park (HHTP) was Vietnams first high-tech park and is currently the countrys largest. While Vietnam has over 190 industrial parks and plans to increase this number to 500 by 2020, HHTP is one of only three national-level high-tech parks, alongside Saigon High-tech Park and Danang High-tech Park. The HHTP was created with the intention to become Vietnams leading high-tech industry cluster for manufacturing, research and development, and innovation.

Due to start-up difficulties and incomplete infrastructure, the park initially struggled to attract high profile investors. However, Vietnam has rapidly industrialized since the parks establishment, becoming a leading recipient of foreign direct investment and an increasingly prominent electronics manufacturer. As a result, the HHTP has become equipped with higher quality infrastructure, and is beginning to fulfill its promise as a tech hub. While Ho Chi Minh City has pulled ahead as Vietnams most popular area for investment, Hanoi can be particularly advantageous for operations with supply chains in China due to the citys proximity to the border.

RELATED: Pre-Investment Advisory Services from Dezan Shira & Associates

In 2016, the HHTP attracted nine new projects with a combined registered capital of US$200 million and multinationals, such as Mitsubishi, are making plans to invest and build factories. In total, the park has US$3 billion registered capital across 78 projects. According to the Vietnamese government, about 12,600 people are living and working in the park. With recent plans approved in 2016 for further expansion, it is expected that the HHTPs permanent and working population will reach 229,000 by 2030.

Features

The park is situated west of the capital city of Hanoi in the Thach That district and the Quoc Oai district. It is well-located; about 30 km from downtown Hanoi, 60 km from Noi Bai International Airport, 20 km from Son Tay Port, and 150 km from Cai Lan Port and Hai Phong Deep-sea Port. Hanoi National University and other education and training institutions are located adjacent to the park, offering research and development capabilities and a stream of skilled labor.

The HHTP has a total area of 1,586 ha, which is subdivided into smaller zones with different functions:

Much of the park is equipped with modern infrastructure, such as a wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 6,000 m3 per day, water capacity of 3,000 m3 per day, and 22 kV electricity supply. There is also a substantial amount of unused land for investors looking to create a long-term presence and build from the ground-up rather than renting an existing facility.

Incentives

Vietnams deep and affordable labor pool has made it one of the main alternatives to China for electronic components manufacturing, attracting investment from tech giants such as Foxconn, Intel, Panasonic, and Samsung. The government hopes that by attracting investment from foreign tech leaders, Vietnam can benefit from knowledge spillover effects and access to advanced technology. Accordingly, the HHTP offers a variety of incentives to attract foreign investment depending on the level and nature of investment.

RELATED: The Guide to Understanding Vietnams Industrial Zones

Preferential corporate income tax rates

The HHTP offers corporate income tax exemptions and preferential rates for new investments. Vietnams standard corporate income tax rate is 20 percent. The timeframe for tax incentive eligibility is calculated from the projects first year of taxable income, or from the fourth year of a project in the event that it has no taxable income within the first three years.

New investment projects will benefit from a corporate income tax exemption for four years beginning from the first year of taxable income. For the following nine years, investments have a preferential tax rate of 10 percent. The complete incentives span 13 years, but can only be applied within the first 15 years of the project. For example, if a project does not have taxable income until its fifth year, it would not be able to access the last three years of the preferential tax rate.

New large scale investment projects using high or new technology enjoy a preferential tax rate of 10 percent for 30 years from the start of the project.

A preferential 10 percent tax rate is available for the duration of projects for income derived from education socialization (such as vocational training, health, culture, sports, and environment).

Preferential duty rates

Year 1-4: 0 percent tax rate

Year 5-13: 5 percent tax rate

Year 14-15: 10 percent tax rate

After year 16: 22 percent tax rate

Import duty exemptions

For goods imported to create fixed assets of investment projects;

For goods imported for direct use in scientific research and technological development; and

For raw materials, supplies, and accessories which cannot be domestically produced for a period of five years after the start of manufacturing operations.

In addition to preferential tax rates and exemptions, the park has streamlined investment procedures, and simplified the process for hiring foreign workers. Moreover, the parks management will assist in liaising with relevant government authorities and acquiring the requisite documentation and licenses.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the HHTPs incentives, investments must fulfill certain criteria ensuring that they are high-tech projects, as per 2008s Hi-tech Law No. 21/2008/QH12 and 2006s Decision No. 27/2006/QD-BKHCN. The HHTP has four main areas of focus: information technology, biotechnology, new material technology, and automation technology. Additionally, the parks management has a list of products that are prioritized for investment and those that are eligible for investment. The list is periodically updated and can be found here.

At least five percent of the projects labor force participating in research and development work must hold a university degree or higher. Total expenses for research and development work in Vietnam, including construction of technical and engineering infrastructure, must constitute at least five percent of annual turnover, or one percent for expenses for research and development activities carried out in Vietnam, such as staffing costs. Further, one third of technology in production lines must be automated. Operations must also comply with Vietnamese sanitation, environmental, and technical standards.



About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email vietnam@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight. 

Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure

Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide.

An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2017

An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2017 will provide readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Vietnam. Compiled by Dezan Shira & Associates, a specialist foreign direct investment practice, this guide explains the basics of company establishment, annual compliance, taxation, human resources, payroll, and social insurance in this dynamic country.

Managing Contracts and Severance in Vietnam

In this issue of Vietnam Briefing, we discuss the prevailing state of labor pools in Vietnam and outline key considerations for those seeking to staff and retain workers in the country. We highlight the increasing demand for skilled labor, provide in depth coverage of existing contract options, and showcase severance liabilities that may arise if workers or employers choose to terminate their contracts.
I came in contact through networking with a winery in Puglia, Cantina Primo Re, that is just starting out from the ground up with their first release this coming spring. Typically I won't share stories of a winery I haven't visited or met with representatives of the winery and/or at the least tasted their wines. I thought it would be interesting though in sharing this story and learning about the trials and tribulations of one couple's story. Enjoy!





Tell me about the history of winemaking in Nicolas family and his background & experience in enology.





Nicolas family has been producing grapes at least five generations. His father had always worked at the family vineyards working with the primitivo and negroamaro grapes, selling them to a local cooperative. Nobody in his family had ever produced wine, apart from small quantities reserved for the family.

Nicola

Nicola grew up between the vines but soon decided that being a winegrower wasnt enough for him. This is the reason he moved to Tuscany and later to Piedmont to study viticulture & enology science, which in Italy is a 5 year degree (Bachelor + Master). His Bachelor degree at Florence concluded with work at the prestigious winery , Barone Ricasoli. His Master degree in Piedmont increased his knowledge of fine wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. At the university he also worked on a project to improve the quality of the barbera grape and his thesis on infrared spectrophotometry was a significant success.

Nicola graduated from the university at the beginning of winter so he moved to Argentina where it was harvest time and worked for a big company between Riojas mountains. By that time he met his future wife Natalia (who is Argentinian) and after harvest they moved back to Italy where he secured a job in a historical wine cooperative in Salento as a junior winemaker. However, after one year of working with the co-op, the economic situation in Italy worsened, so Nicola left his job and we went back to Argentina, where he worked as an assistant winemaker and supervisor for the same company in La Rioja .

Following that position, he secured a job at a prestigious English sparkling wine company, Nyetimber, during the harvest. Later on they moved to Romania where he was offered a position as head winemaker at a boutique winery. There, Nicola produced a rose which was recognized, two years in a row, as the Best Rose Wine of Romania .

They lived two years in Romania and then decided to move back to Italy to work with their vineyards and open their own winery.

Nicola and Natalia

Why did you choose Italy to settle down and open a winery and even further why Salento in Puglia?





Their big dream had always been to run their own winery, but the economic situation at the beginning wasnt good enough to pursue their dream. That, together with their passion for traveling and for different cultures, was the reason for their continuous relocations. As soon as their economic situation got better, they didnt hesitate to come back home, where they had their family vineyards and could produce their own wine.





Salento is an excellent area to produce wine thanks to the typical Mediterranean weather ,. Their are strong winds, poor rains and the mitigating influence of the sea. Intense temperature changes between day and night help salentinian grapes ripen slowly; enhancing aromas to form a rich bouquet . The terroir of this area is characteristically red, rich in ferrous components, with clay and limestone layers that produce generous, full-bodied, velvety and flavorsome wines.





What are your future plans for the winery (I did see that you plan to expand to susumaniello and verdeca in the future)?





This year they're busy getting everything ready for the launching, that hopefully will be in spring. They've been working very hard to expand their sales network, sending samples to wine experts, participating in wine contests, finishing their website and e-shop, organizing a proper launching event and much more. They want to be completely ready by the time of the launching!





In the vineyards they're waiting for the authorizations to plant new varieties including susmaniello and verdeca. In Italy you cant just plant new vineyards when you want. The Government has to authorize you to do that and requests are accepted only once a year. They're also buying new agricultural machinery this year that is necessary to properly work at organic vineyards.





Another project for upcoming years include launching a rose wine different from typical Apulian rose, and later a white wine, ideally a pure Verdeca.





How large is the winery in terms of acreage for vineyards and what is the breakdown of how much of each grape you will be producing?





They own a small, boutique winery. Currently they have 5.5 hectares of vineyards (around 13.6 acres) of negroamaro, primitivo and malvasia nera. Their grape production at this moment is the following:

30 tons of negroamaro

8 tons of primitivo

3 tons of malvasia

Not all the grapes are involved in wine production; some of them will be used in the future for other blends/wines (for example, the malvasia nera will be used blended with negroamaro to produce Salice Salentino, a very famous red blend).

I know your first release is this spring. How many bottles do you anticipate producing?

Hopefully their first release is, in fact, this spring (they're still dealing with some bureaucratic issues, typical of Italy). They'll launch initially 6,000 bottles, both 100% primitivo (Emissario) and 100% negroamaro (Presagio) wines of the 2015 vintage, with possibly another 6,000 bottles before the end of the year. All their wines are certified organic and suitable for vegans and vegetarians as registered at The Vegan Society.





Will you export and if so where?





Yes, they're very interested in exporting their wines. They've established contacts in Holland, Germany, Japan and Czech Republic. They're looking forward to expanding their network especially in North America and Central/North Europe.





What are your food suggestions to pair with these wines?





They recommend pairing Emissario (our primitivo red wine) with all first and second courses containing red sauces and an oily taste, meat and venison. For vegans and vegetarians they suggest grilled tofu or pasta with vegetables and wild mushrooms.

For Presagio (our negroamaro red wine) they recommend all Mediterranean dishes, beef or rabbit grilled meat or cacciatora, and medium-hard cheeses of medium seasoning. They suggest vegans and vegetarians to pair our negroamaro with beans pancotto or amaranth and legumes burgers.





How can you become part of what Cantina Primo Re will be releasing?

They suggest joining their Wine Club by leaving his/her e-mail at their website www.cantinaprimore.it . All members will receive exclusive contents together with a 20% off-discount to buy wines, free vineyard tours, gift cards for your birthday and their original e-books in pdf for free plus more. They will also have more tips for pairing their wines not only with food but also via books, songs and films. There will be different sections written exclusively by specialists where wine lovers/musicians will suggest songs to listen to while tasting their wines, cinema lovers will recommend the best movies to watch, food bloggers will create original recipes to pair with their wines, etc.

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Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Le Hai Binh was speaking at a regular press conference in Hanoi on February 9 to inform reporters about Vietnams external activities in the coming time.



He said the meeting is scheduled to take place in Nha Trang city of the south central coastal province of Khanh Hoa from February 18 to March 3.



Nearly 60 relevant meetings, dialogues and workshops will be held as part of SOM 1, focusing on the theme of APEC Year 2017 Creating New Dynamism, Fostering A Shared Future, he added. Participants will put forth incentives to implement APEC priorities and activity orientations in 2017, the spokesperson said.



Close to 1,500 delegates from the member economies, international organisations, and businesses are expected to join the event, he added.



The APEC Finance Deputies Meeting and Central Bank Deputies Meeting will also be organised in Nha Trang from February 23-24, he said.
A group of 18 Japanese firms, including Yamabiko Corporation, Snow Brand Seed Co., Ltd., AN Corporation, Sorimachi Vietnam, Futaba Seed Co., Ltd., and Takara Inc., will join a business-matching workshop in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on February 17, 2017 to seek Vietnamese partners.



These firms will discuss business cooperation opportunities with about 50 Vietnamese companies.

"We want to study the possibilities of expanding operations in the ASEAN and investing in agriculture business in Vietnam in the future by developing an agriculture network," said an official at Snow Brand Seed Co., Ltd.



Meanwhile, Mine Farm, which specialises in strawberry cultivation in Japan, is planning to establish a company to grow strawberry in Lam Dong in 2017. The name of the firm is expected to be "Navi."

In a similar move, Takara Inc., which focuses on garlic growing, is interested in developing a distribution agent in Ho Chi Minh City. This firm also plans to introduce Japanese seeds and technology to garlic growing in Vietnam.

The number of Japanese firms wishing to implement agro-fishery projects in Vietnam has been growing strongly. Many are conducting market surveys, said Mutsuya Mori, the chief representative of JICAs Vietnam Office.

In 2015, the number of Japans agro-forestry-fishery projects in Vietnam stood at 82, making up 6 per cent of the total $1.3 billion new Japanese investment in the country. This rate ranked third in Japans total new committed capital, after manufacturing (51 per cent) and construction (28 per cent).

Meanwhile, in the previous years, Japanese agro-forestry-fishery investment in Vietnam was almost negligible.

Vietnams agriculture has big potential. For instance, we found during our survey in Lam Dong that if local farmers replaced coffee trees with flower plantations, their income would rise by nine times, Mori said.

The Vietnamese agro-forestry-aquatic sector is expected to reap better fruits in 2017 after riding out economic woes to win its laurels in 2016.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Vietnams total agro-forestry-aquatic export turnover is expected to hit a new surplus record of about $8 billion in 2017, up from a record $7.6 billion in 2016.

These figures far surpass the whole economys trade surplus of $2.6 billion in 2016 and an ambitious expectation of $6.5 billion for 2017.
Last week, Singaporean company Dinamo met with Nguyen Quan Chinh, Deputy Chairman of the Quang Tri People's Committee, and expressed its interest in investing in this.

At the meeting, Dinamo chairman Eric Rockerfeller, after learning about the development and economic prospects that the port can bring the locality and investors, affirmed that his firm will study possibilities of joining the port development in the coming time. Dinamo is capable of raising the necessary funds for the project as well as call on port experts to join the study.

In late 2016, a South Korean firm with solid experience in port management also paid a visit to the province and worked with Mai Thuc, vice chairman of the People's Committee, on the possibilities of joining the operation of the port as a secondary investor.

"Not only these Singaporean and South Korean firms, but also tens of other foreign investors have shown interest in the project," an official at the provincial Department of Planning and Investment told VIR.

Currently, My Thuy International Port Joint Venture Company (MTIP) has been nominated as the investor of the 685-ha project. A number of partners , including South Korean Sungjee-CJ partnership, PineStreet Infra Co., Ltd., and US financial fund Emp Infra LLC, have pledged to finance $535.5 million for the project.

In August 2016, the committee sent a proposal to the prime minister (PM), asking him to approve the project. The PM then asked the committee to reach agreement with the Ministry of Transport on the My Thuy port's scale and capacity before making a decision on the investment.



According to a VIR source, local authorities are talking the Ministry of Transport through technical issues.

As planned, the project will be constructed in three stages, with the first running from 2017-2020 ($230 million). According to design, the 17.5-metre deep port will be able to accommodate vessels of 100,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT).



To prepare for the development, MTIP has inked co-operation deals with several companies, including Sungjee-CJ partnership, South Korean Daewoo Engineering & Construction, and Daewoo Construction Co., Ltd. for constructing the ports infrastructure, and South Korean Aju Total Company to supply equipment to load and unload cargo at the port.

At present, many projects in the EZ are awaiting approval. About 10 projects have been registered in the EZ with a total investment capital of VND62.3 trillion ($2.83 billion), focusing on seaport services, thermo-power, energy and infrastructure.

Many local and foreign strategic investors currently want to invest in the zone, such as Vietnams Becamex and Vingroup, Thai Amata, and South Korean Hyundai. However, they say they will invest here if the My Thuy port is constructed, said Chinh.
The project involves component 1B of the 34 km Tan Van-Nhon Trach section of Ho Chi Minh Citys Belt Road No 3. The section is a major gateway with huge traffic volumes to the major south-eastern economic zone.

Accordingly, to appeal to international investors, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) proposed the Prime Minister a guarantee mechanism over the project revenue.

By this design, if the project revenue falls below 80 per cent of the estimates, the difference will be offset through two options:

First, the government can form a provisional fund to be available to help the project enterprise pay debts. This sum would later be refunded when the project turns profitable.

Second, an authorised government agency will select a financial institution to provide payment guarantee to the project lender in case of a revenue decrease.

The government will bear part of the guarantee fees to the underwriting organisation.

In case the payment guarantee takes effect, the Vietnamese government will become the payer.

According to Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong, since traffic volume estimations were carefully checked by the projects consultancy unit, a possible revenue decrease is unlikely, and if this happened, reduction levels would be insignificant.

Besides revenue guarantee, the MoT asked the government to help the project investor mitigate risks associated with foreign currency exchange (not including exchange rate guarantee).

The request was made because investors often face difficulties in converting their profits from Vietnam dong into US dollars or other currencies, a cost growing in direct proportion to foreign loans taken up.

This will help bolster investors confidence in project execution, Dong said.

If the proposal is green-lighted, the MoT will make it into concrete regulations embedded into BOT contract drafts attached to tender invitation records.

In the context of finite medium-term public investment sources currently available, the unprecedented measures proposed by the MoT might just prove reasonable, a senior transport expert commented.

Component 1B is one of the few public private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects looking for investors through a bidding process.

State-owned Cuu Long Transport Infrastructure Management, Investment and Development Corporation (CPIM Cuu Long), which represents the MoT, has reported that it could only sell six tender invitation records to Korean and Vietnamese investors.

The outcome was a surprise, as component 1B had previously drawn particular attention from investors, due to its importance and relatively low investment scope of about VND4 trillion ($182 million).

According to the MoT, the investors said they did not participate in the project because of too many risks involved and that the current implementation mechanism did not match international practices.

Besides, they were disappointed when the invitation documents did not have a clause providing guarantee in case of early contract termination or covering the risks associated with exchange rate volatility.

This explains why the MoT was seeking the governments approval for a pilot implementation of the projects risk-sharing scheme.

After the successful implementation of this pilot project, relevant ministries and sectors will study the concrete outcomes of relevant policies and mechanisms with a view to improving the regulatory system to spur PPP project implementation.

In case this scheme is not piloted, the government should consider a specific credit package for infrastructure investment, or directly borrowing, investing, and then leasing out the right for toll collection (BLT format). This is crucial for the success of PPP projects, said the MoT executive.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met businesses at the first conference last year. - Photo vnexpress.net

According to the Government Office, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue on Thursday hosted a meeting to prepare for the conference.

At the conference with the prime minister, support to businesses, pledges and action programmes on Resolution No. 35/2016/NQ-CP on supporting and developing enterprises over the next five years of each city and province will be mentioned.

The health of State-owned enterprises and foreign invested firms will also be on the conference's agenda.

Further, the conference is expected to mention measures to attract investment in agriculture and rural development, along with the development of startups.

The conference is among the governments four most important events for 2017. The three others are the conference on shrimp production held early this week, the conference on development of material sources for the pharmaceutical industry and the conference on reviewing five years of implementing the 2012 Law on Cooperatives.

The first meeting between the prime minister and the Vietnamese business community was held in April last year with the theme "Vietnamese enterprises - the countrys economic development force," aimed at realising the prime ministers message that the government will create favourable conditions for startup businesses and boost the development of enterprises in terms of both quantity and quality.
Oxalis Company asked to terminate their co-operation with Quang Binh Province authorities and the management board of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park starting from this May to avoid losses.



"After news that Oxalis wants to stop operating the tours to Hang Va caves spread, many companies have expressed desire to take over. We'll tender for the rights to open the tours," said Le Thanh Tinh, head of the management board of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.



The park's management board is creating a bidding plan to submit to the provincial authorities.



Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province

In last October, Quang Binh Province People's Council issued new regulations that raised the environmental and management fees the company must pay to the authorities and the park's management board.



According to the new regulations, Oxalis must pay VND1.8m (USD80) for each VND8m tour per tourist instead of the previous VND1.2m. While the final environmental fee is still being negotiated, Oxalis decided to end the contract as they would incur losses. Oxalis operated the tours to Hang Va caves since 2015 and received 700 to 800 visitors a year.



Tinh went on to say that there was a lack of competition in tour operation so the fees that firms paid to the government didn't reflect the market.



Phong Nha-Ke Bang Park is famous for the hundreds of cave systems that are suitable for various types of tours. As sea tourism is facing difficulties from mass fish deaths disaster, Quang Binh now has to depend on cave tourism.
Minister and Government Office Chairman Mai Tien Dung has just confirmed with the local press that the government has approved a proposal lodged by the Bac Ninh Province Peoples Committee, granting the same privileges to Samsung Displays $2.5 billion expansion project that are applied to other large-scale high-tech projects.

The next step for Bac Ninh province is to seek comments from authorised government agencies and submit the projects investment plan to the government.

We are currently in the legal setup stage, hoping to secure the investment certificate by the upcoming 20th anniversary celebrating Bac Ninhs re-establishment, said a provincial source knowledgeable in the matter.

If things go smoothly, Samsung Display will become the first foreign firm to invest over a billion dollars in Vietnam in the Year of the Rooster.

With this new project, Samsung Displays total investment in Vietnam will touch $6.5 billion, after the initial $1 billion project in 2014 ballooned to $4 billion in 2015.

Samsung Displays global successes dominated media headlines throughout 2016, fuelling the corporations demand for expansion.

Last April, Wall Street Journal reported that Samsung had signed to supply OLED screens to US tech giant Apple.

The screen volume was not disclosed, but it was estimated to be in the range of 100 million units.

Shortly after, Japanese Nikkei broke the news that Samsung is planning a $6.82-billion investment to upgrade and expand its OLED screen production lines for the Apple deal.

In late 2016, DigiTimes, Taiwans leading high-tech media outlet, disclosed that Samsung Display will supply AMOLED screens a kind of OLED screen for Apples new iPhone line in 2017.

Samsung Displays Bac Ninh plant is reported to have reserved individual production lines to meet Apples demands.

When making their foray into Vietnam, Samsung Display confirmed plans to turn Vietnam into their global manufacturing base.

Screens are valuable components in smartphone manufacturing. As soon as these components are made in Vietnam, the localisation rate of Samsung plants in Vietnam will be significantly increased.

If Samsung Displays investments in Vietnam touch $6.5 billion, it will create more jobs, increase tax contributions, and bring about a raft of other positive socioeconomic gains.

Accordingly, irrespective of Samsung Displays ambitions and high-profile business dealings, its big investment plan is undeniably beneficial to Vietnam.
Recent figures published by the General Statistics Office show that Vietnam reaped $230 million in vegetable and fruit export in January 2017 alone, up 14 per cent on-year.

The full-year figure is expected to reach $3 billion.

Made-in-Vietnam vegetables and fruits are now being shipped to nearly 60 countries and territories, and many specialty fruits, such as litchi, rambutan, thanh long (dragon fruit), and longan, have made it into picky markets like the US, Australia, and Japan.

Last year, the export value of vegetables and fruits jumped 33 per cent on-year to $2.4 billion, for the first time in history outpacing rice exports, which stood at $2.2 billion.

According to Bui Sy Doanh, deputy head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments Plant Protection Department, more than 10,500 tonnes of fresh fruits were exported to Japan and the US last year, doubling over year.

In the meantime, importers from the US, Japan, Korea, and other countries have been flocking to Vietnam in search for suppliers.

For instance, Meika Shoji from Japan is seeking Vietnamese banana suppliers to import large volumes to Japan.

Japan is said to have a tremendous demand for bananas, requiring about one million tonnes a year. The Philippines currently takes the lead in banana exports to Japan, holding more than 80 per cent of the market.

Thus, local businesses with quality supply have vast opportunities.

According to Nguyen Dinh Huy, director of export investment consultancy EDX Corporation JSC, the companys customers have surpassed the thousand margin, and the number of businesses seeking their advice for vegetable fruit export keeps increasing quickly.

EDX and the Vietnamese representative of Alibaba, a Chinese e-commerce giant, have been cooperating with Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association to act as a bridge promoting local products over the world.

Through EDXs connections, many local small and medium-sized businesses have succeeded in bringing their fruit and vegetable exports to a multitude of international destinations.

Accordingly, EDX provides Gold Supplier packages international version to local businesses, which is an effective tool to help firms find opportunities for online transactions to boost exports.

EDX has helped connect fruit and vegetable exporting firms with foreign importers, thus inspiring them to further improve their product quality while fostering the marketing of made-in-Vietnam products to foreign customers, Huy said.

In the context that China claims over 70 per cent of Vietnams fruit and vegetable export value, diversifying export markets with new, quality products such as mango, litchi or dragon fruit will help local exporters reduce risks of overdependence on a single market, while boosting export value.
The body tasked with addressing complaints about the creation of a new voter list ahead of local elections in June has resolved 95 percent of cases lodged by the public, it said on Wednesday.

Ut Chhorn, a spokesman for the Constitutional Council, said its officials had resolved 74 out of 78 cases since voter registration closed in November amid an opposition claim that 2,000 non-Cambodian nationals had been included on the list.

The government rejected the Cambodia National Rescue Partys assertion, but the CNRP continued to submit similar claims regardless.

Chhorn said the council decided not to remove the 2,000 names identified by the opposition from the list saying the decision was for the National Election Committee to make.

Meng Sopheary, a lawyer who heads the CNRPs legislative affairs department, said the legitimacy of the applicants identity cards was still unknown.

Election observers said the council should have done more to check the identities of people applying to register to vote.

Sam Kuntheamy, executive director of election watchdog Nicfec, said it should study the allocation of identity cards to non-Cambodians and the possibility of fraud.

We want to see the council debate the source of these identity cards, he said.

Kol Panha, director of the Committee for Free and Fair Elections (Comfrel), said that so far both the NEC and the council had only based their conclusions on a limited reading of documents, rather than a thorough investigation.

They only decide in the cases base on paper records, but no one proved if the identity cards were given to the right persons, or if that person has fulfilled the requirements to get Cambodian nationality.
President Donald Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping in a telephone conversation that the U.S. intends to honor the "One China" policy by acknowledging China's position it has sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan.



The White House said the phone call between the two world leaders Thursday evening was "extremely cordial" and both presidents "extended invitations" to meet in their respective countries.



Trump was criticized for a phone conversation he had with Taiwan's president after Trump won the presidential election in November.



No U.S. president or president-elect has had such contact with a Taiwanese leader since Washington broke formal ties with Taiwan in 1979 and switched to the larger, fast-growing China. But Washington has remained a staunch informal supporter of Taiwan since then.



In the 1979 U.S.-China Joint Communique, the U.S. recognized Beijing as the sole legal government of China, acknowledging the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China.



Chinese state media said Trump's "inexperience" led him to accept the call from the Taiwanese president, but warned that breaching the one-China policy would "destroy" relations between Washington and Beijing.



Trump seemed bemused by the reaction to the call, saying on his Twitter account, "Interesting how the U.S. sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call."



Over China's objections, then-president Barack Obama a year ago authorized a $1.83 billion sale of defensive weapons to Taiwan, including two frigates, amphibious assault vehicles, and anti-aircraft and anti-ship systems.
A year after seven U.S. Senators sent a letter to Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen voicing their concerns about human rights, Cambodian observers see a deteriorating political situation inside the country.

The senators jointly sent an open letter to Hun Sen last February, expressing their concerns about land grabbing, democratic governance and harassment and intimidation of the countrys rights activists and opposition party members.

Concerns are increasing, analysts say, ahead of local commune elections scheduled nationwide for June and a general election in 2018.

Concerning what the U.S. senators mentioned [in the letter], the government has done nothing significant about them, Yoeurng Sotheara, a legal officer of election watchdog Comfrel, told VOA Khmer in a phone interview on Tuesday.

For election reform, we have seen that its getting better, but regarding the political situation or environment, its getting cloudier, especially in the months in the run up to the elections.

The seven senators, all members of the Democratic Party, said in their letter, dated February 11, 2016, that as friends of Cambodia, they were troubled by the recent increase in social and political turmoil in your country.

In particular, we are troubled by the numbers of reports that your government continues to deny the legitimate demands of ordinary Cambodians for a more transparent, fair and democratic Cambodia, they said.

Preap Kol, executive director of Transparency International Cambodia, told VOA Khmer that he has not seen any improvements regarding land grabbing or the cases against rights activists and opposition officials, including American citizens.

In regard to these big issues, for the past year, we see that there seems to be a kind of attitude Cambodia has shown that it has not been preparing itself to respond or improve the situation as requested by the U.S senators.

The seven senators were Christopher Murphy and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut; Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken of Minnesota; Maria Cantwell of Washington state; Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

The group stated in the letter that they were still hopeful that the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party would respect the will of the Cambodian people and allow the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party to exercise their democratic mandate free from fear or intimidation.

The senators also said they supported members of the U.S. House of Representatives who had called on Hun Sens government to allow all opposition lawmakers to return to Cambodia without fear of arrest and persecution and end the harassment and intimidation of Cambodias rights activists.

Kim Sok, a Phnom Penh-based social analyst and former university lecturer, told VOA Khmer on Tuesday that rather than considering the substance of the senators letter, Hun Sen and his ruling CPP party seemingly have ignored it.

Its been like a policy that does not take the U.S. senators letter into consideration but instead they have been on a provocative act by creating more severe problems, he said.

The most serious thing is that they seem to be preparing themselves to rob power before the elections somehow and not getting ready to compete in the elections, Sok said.

Sok Eysan, CPP spokesman, said Cambodian leaders are working to improve society and that the country does not follow the demands of foreigners.

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a sovereign and independent state, so what has not been in the national sovereignty, we cannot do just as outsiders who wrote any wandering letter, he told VOA Khmer.

In the U.S., not all the 300 million people are millionaires. The millionaires account for just a few, too, said Eysan. So, I think those ... senators seem to see everything negative in Cambodia.

The CPP has had no intention of blocking or preventing [opposition leader] Sam Rainsy from competing in the elections, but he himself was involved in court cases and did not dare to return to Cambodia because he is afraid of prison, so do not blame others, Eysan said.

Eang Vuthy, director of a local non-governmental organization Equitable Cambodia based in Phnom Penh, said the U.S. as a donor country has the right to voice its concerns and has an obligation to request all state parties to human rights conventions and treaties and that human rights be protected.

Eventually, its the Cambodian government who is the decision maker of what to do to improve the human rights situation. It is the states obligation, especially for the state that is serving its own citizens, he said.
Rights groups have praised Kenya's high court ruling that blocks the closure of the world's largest refugee camp. The government had planned to close the Dadaab complex, which houses more than 300,000 people, most of them Somalis, citing security reasons. But a judge ruled Thursday that the order violated the Kenyan constitution and international treaties that protect refugees from being returned to a conflict zone. Zlatica Hoke has more.
At least 11 members of a family were killed in Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand when a bomb struck their house during clashes between U.S.-supported government forces and Taliban insurgents, local officials and relatives said Friday.

The incident occurred in the conflict-hit district of Sangin, but it was not immediately clear which side was responsible.

A Taliban spokesman blamed overnight American military airstrikes and said at least 23 civilians were killed.

U.S. military spokesman Brigadier General Charles Cleveland confirmed it had carried out airstrikes in Sangin since Thursday.

We are aware of the allegations of the civilian casualties and take every allegation very seriously. We will work with our Afghan partners to review all related material, he said. Cleveland denied insurgent claims that B-52 aircraft were involved in the strikes.

The Taliban launched a major coordinated offensive on Sangin nearly two weeks ago, overrunning a number of outposts and killing dozens of Afghan forces.

Helmand key for Taliban

The U.S. military has since carried out repeated airstrikes against Taliban positions in support of government troops, but insurgents continue to occupy areas around the district center and launch counterattacks despite official claims of evicting them.

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, acknowledged on Thursday that intense fighting continues to rage in the area.

Sadly, there has been some recent fighting in Sangin and we had another American Special Forces solider severely wounded in Sangin this morning, Nicholson told a congressional hearing.

More than 80 percent of Helmand, a major poppy-producing province, is estimated to be controlled by the Taliban and supplies the insurgent group with approximately 60 percent of their funding.

General Nicholson said he hopes a planned deployment of about 300 U.S. Marines this spring will play a key role in helping government forces reverse insurgent gains in Helmand, the largest of all 34 Afghan provinces.

Civilians have borne the brunt of recent intensified and expanded fighting in Afghanistan.
A recent report issued by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights chronicles killings, gang rapes, beatings, disappearances, and other crimes and acts of cruelty against ethnic Rohingya Muslims at the hands of Myanmars security forces.

Malaysian Prime Minister Rajib Nazak said, Enough is enough, and sent an aid flotilla to assist the Rohingya community, but the vessel was met by protests.



Pope Francis said, They have been suffering for years, they have been tortured, killed simply because they wanted to live their culture and their Muslim faith.



What, however, will it take to resolve the abuses outlined in the report?



Five analysts shared their opinions with VOA.



Jonah Blank, senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation



At the most basic level, the governments of both Myanmar and Bangladesh must grant access to international relief workers and journalists - by Myanmar to the Rohingya population in Rakhine State, and by Bangladesh to the refugees being housed in barely-inhabitable camps. At a deeper level, however, the greatest burden rests with Myanmar: to end the abuses documented by the U.N. and other observers; the government in Yangon must uphold the basic human rights and civil rights of its Rohingya citizens."



Hunter Marston, Myanmar analyst



First of all, it would take the establishment of genuine law and order on the ground in Rakhine State, where the abuses are taking place. Thus far, the Myanmar police force, which is loyal to the military by way of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been unable to play the role of neutral arbiter. There have been frequent allegations of police non-intervention or active collusion in violence enacted upon the Rohingya. So it will take an active restructuring of the MPF (Myanmar Police Force) to find an effective solution, in addition to further training in peacekeeping, empathy, and religious tolerance, among other areas. Beyond that, the Myanmar government must allow more access to humanitarian aid groups and the media. Only the free flow of information, unhampered by security forces and the NLD (National League for Democracy party) government, can accurately report the facts on the ground, which will lead to effective policy making.







Greg Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative



Bottom line, there is no way the situation of the Rohingya improves unless the political leadership in Myanmar, meaning especially Aung San Suu Kyi, chooses to really grapple with the issue, roll back state-sanctioned discriminatory policies and pressure the military to change its approach. The Rohingya have been systematically disenfranchised and demonized by successive governments since the 1960's. Now even liberal members of society, including many senior officials within the NLD government, see them as not only not citizens, but undeserving of any basic human rights. Perhaps Aung San Suu Kyi doesn't agree with that sentiment, but she has also been unwilling to say a word in defense of the Rohingya. In effect, they are being sacrificed so she and her government can focus on the lot of ethnic Burmans and more powerful and more widely accepted ethnic minorities. As long as that's the case, things cannot improve.



Evan Rees, Stratfor Southeast Asia analyst



"The Rohingya problem is rooted in deep ethnic and religious issues. The Rohingya want recognition as an official ethnic minority and as citizens of Myanmar. Their ethnic neighbors - the Buddhist Rakhine - see this as a threat to their own status. At the same time, influential Buddhist populists with heavy influence in the rest of the country - and within the military - present Islam as a threat to the nation. That means that local ethnic minorities, Buddhist political activists and the military are all aligned against the Rohingya. The militarys solution to this issue is to crack down as it has done in other ethnic borderlands like Karen and Kachin State. Aung San Suu Kyi has been silent because she herself has little control over the military and risks popular backlash from Buddhist populists. Any resolution to the abuses in the Rohingya areas will require a resolution of Myanmars longstanding civilian-military divide and a political will to compromise on wide ethnic and religious divisions. Aung San Suu Kyi's party is still on the razor's edge and, from this precarious position, has little chance of resolving these issues."



Phil Robertson, Asia division deputy director of Human Rights Watch



"The grievous rights abuses uncovered by OHCHR can only be adequately responded to by an independent, international investigation commissioned by the U.N. Human Rights Council when it meets next month. The Burma government had its chance and has only shown interest in whitewashing its security forces' use of rape, extrajudicial executions, and arson to destroy entire Rohingya communities."



Regional responses



In a closed door meeting of officials and international agencies in Dhaka, Bangladesh this week, the group said Myanmars government remains in denial about alleged atrocities carried out by its military against minority Rohingya Muslims. The U.N. high commissioner for human rights said Myanmar leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi was moved by its report; however, she doesnt have constitutional control of the security forces.



On Thursday, however, Myanmars Foreign Affairs Ministry said authorities will conduct an investigation into alleged atrocities in the Rakhine State. The ministrys director-general, Aye Aye Soe, told Radio Free Asia, Well have to find out how truthful the allegations are.



While visiting Singapore, Indonesias foreign minister, Retno Marsudi said, I would like to once again reiterate the importance for the government of Myanmar to take significant steps to create an enabling environment for peace and reconciliation to take place," warning the crackdown could create instability in Southeast Asia.
The Baltic states will press the United States and NATO to take additional security measures in the region ahead of a large Russian military exercise planned for September, Lithuania's president said on Thursday.

NATO has already started to deploy four battle groups of about 1,000 soldiers each to the Baltic states and Poland, part of efforts agreed under previous U.S. president Barack Obama to deter Russia from interfering in the region.

The three small Baltic republics and Poland have felt especially vulnerable since Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and its support for pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.

New U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for improved ties with Moscow have added to their anxiety.

Worried about Russia exercise

We see that risks are increasing, and we are worried about the upcoming Zapad 2017 exercise, which will deploy a very large and aggressive force [on our borders] that will very demonstrably be preparing for a war with the West, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite told reporters after talks with her counterparts from Latvia and Estonia in Riga.

This means that we will be talking with NATO about creating additional standing defense plans, about stationing additional military means and about creating a faster decision-making process, she said.

Russia announced last September its plans to stage the Zapad 2017 exercise near its western borders but has not said how many troops will take part.

On Thursday Moscow reiterated its stance that the deployment of new NATO troops and military hardware in the Baltic states, Poland and Germany posed a threat to its security and said it did not know how and when the buildup would end.

Provocations

Lithuanian Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis told Reuters NATO must be ready to defuse any provocations during the Zapad exercise.

The presence of such a large amount of troops next to our borders, of course, creates some risks. We will take counter-measures, including with our allies, to avoid any provocations, said Karoblis.

It is clear that Russia wants to re-establish its domination, to change the defense system in Europe. It is already a threat for central Europe, particularly for the Baltics, he added.

Moscow denies having any expansionist or aggressive agenda.

Baltic states want US troops to stay

The three Baltic states will lobby U.S. Secretary of State James Mattis in Munich next week to keep U.S. contingents that were deployed to the Baltics after Russia's annexation of Crimea in the region to complement the incoming NATO battle groups, a senior security official told Reuters.

Karoblis also said NATO's European members should set aside their concerns about Trump's commitment to the alliance and focus instead on boosting their defense spending and military capabilities, something Washington has long called for.

The minister said NATO should be ready to If we speak about modification of some priorities of NATO, for example, increasing attention to terrorism, I think in the present situation this is fair enough, he said. But the classical role of NATO should remain, including, of course, [responding] to the aspects and threats related to the East.
Bolivian farmers and government officials are fighting a locust plague threatening corn and sorghum harvests, just as agricultural areas were starting to recover from the South American country's worst drought in a quarter century.

The locusts, first reported in late January in Bolivia's eastern grains belt, have affected around 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) of crops and 500 producers, said Vicente Gutierrez, president of a corn and sorghum producers group.

Government authorities and farmers were preparing on Friday to fumigate 300 hectares of crops, with the ultimate goal of spraying some 17,000 hectares and preventing the plague from spreading and endangering the food supply.

"This fight will not be short," said Reinaldo Diaz, president of Bolivia's oilseed and wheat producers' association. "We're trying to identify where the eggs are, where the nymphs are - those are the initial stages of the plague and where we can control it most efficiently."

The plague follows a severe drought in Bolivia that prompted controversial water rationing, conflicts between miners and farmers over aquifer use, and slashed agricultural harvests, requiring a sharp increase in imports.

Recent rains have relieved Santa Cruz and inspired optimism for this year's crops although drought continues to afflict the main city of La Paz.

For the moment, the 1,000 hectares affected by locusts represent only a small fraction of the 100,000 hectares planted with grains in Santa Cruz department.

Bolivia, normally self-sufficient in grain production, had to import more than 100,000 tonnes of corn worth $21 million in 2016, largely from Argentina, according to the private Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade. The country also imported 2,000 tons of sorghum worth $5 million.

Argentina, the world's No. 3 corn exporter whose output has been rising since corn export taxes were slashed in late 2015, had sent experts to assist the fumigation effort, Bolivian producers said.

"They have lived with this since 1920; we are learning how to combat this problem," Bolivia's President Evo Morales said after flying over affected areas.

Producers in Santa Cruz, one of Bolivia's wealthiest areas, have for years lobbied the government to lift export restrictions and liberalize regulations on the use of genetically-modified seeds, which they say will help produce crops that are resistant to plagues and adverse climate events.
In late November, Lim Morn traveled to Washington, her first trip outside Minnesota since resettling there as a Cambodian immigrant in 1986.

She made the trek to plead for the release of her son, Chheng Soeun, after he was detained in August by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Chheng was marked for deportation because of a criminal record.

"I asked that they keep my son in the country because  we have no relatives in Cambodia," Lim, a single mother of four, told VOA Khmer.

Chheng is one of eight Cambodian men who face deportation at any time after Cambodia issues the appropriate travel documents. Shawn Neudauer, the public affairs officer in Minnesota for the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, told VOA by email that ICE does not have any leeway in the cases.

"The eight Cambodian men in Minnesota, currently in ICE custody while awaiting removal to their birth country, all have serious criminal conviction records, and each has a Final Order of Removal issued by the immigration courts," he said. "ICE must carry out these court orders in as timely a manner as possible. ICE does not have the discretion to ignore the court orders."

However, Chheng's lawyer suspects authorities have become more aggressive since President Donald Trump took office on a platform that called for much tougher treatment of refugees and immigrants with criminal records.

"The change in administration has signaled a willingness to deport people with criminal records and not exercise any discretion at all," said Danielle Robinson Briand, who represents Chheng and the others.

Last week, Gen. Khieu Sopheak, the spokesman for Cambodia's Ministry of the Interior, said the government had agreed to receive 36 Cambodians from the U.S. It is not known if the eight men from Minnesota are covered by the agreement.

Child refugees

The Cambodian-American men, known collectively by supporters as the "Minnesota 8," all arrived in the United States as child refugees. Each man had been convicted of a crime and served his sentence before being detained by ICE.

Their repatriation is covered by the 2002 U.S.-Cambodian Joint Commission on Repatriation (JCR). The commission is an outgrowth of the 1996 Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, federal legislation that expanded deportation criteria.

Although the U.S. law was passed in 1996, Washington had to negotiate deportation agreements with individual nations; Cambodia signed in 2002.

In Washington, Lin attended an informal meeting hosted by the Cambodian Embassy about the JCR. Comprising four Americans and four Cambodians who review individual deportation cases, the JCR was established as part of the 2002 agreement. JCR officials typically do not meet with family members.

The Minnesota 8 cases have sparked protests since the detentions. An open letter to the U.S. secretary of Homeland Security, signed by three members of Congress, condemned the use of the 1996 law to justify the Minnesota roundup.

Each of the eight men is the breadwinner for his family. None has immediate family in Cambodia. They barely speak Khmer, the primary language of Cambodia.

Chheng, convicted of a gang-related attempted murder in 1995 when he was 14, served 17 years in state prison. Since his early release for good behavior in 2012, he has worked as a barber and avoided further criminal activities, Briand said.

A counterterrorism measure

But under the 1996 legislation, permanent U.S. residents who aren't naturalized citizens and who have been convicted of crimes on U.S. soil, including some misdemeanors, can be detained without appeal, even if they have served their sentences in full. At the signing ceremony, then-President Bill Clinton said the legislation "strikes a mighty blow" against terrorism.

Critics say the law is based on what they call intentionally vague definitions of "moral turpitude" and a broadened index of crimes that can get permanent residents deported.

"The aggravated felony [clause, according to the 1996 provisions,] really does have a too-harsh effect," said Hiroshi Motomura, a University of California-Los Angeles School of Law professor who is an immigration and citizenship expert. "Not only does it expand the scope of deportation, but it also limits the ability of immigration judges to allow people to stay in the United States based on their individual circumstances."

Broadened in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the law's counterterror and immigration provisions have resulted in more than 500 deportations to Cambodia since 2002, according to the Returnee Integration Support Center in Cambodia.

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, a Democrat from Minnesota, represents the district in which Chheng's family lives, and has said the law needs "more flexibility in it. It needs to include mitigating circumstances."

Such circumstances could include whether a person slated for deportation had ever been to the country to which he was being sent, Ellison said.

Damaged families

Born in Thailand's Khao-I-Dang refugee camp in 1981, Chheng is one of many Cambodians who have never lived in their country of origin. Displaced by the Khmer Rouge genocide, which emerged from the political upheaval triggered in part by U.S. bombing campaigns of the Vietnam-war era, his family was granted U.S. refuge when he was a preschooler.

As VOA has previously reported, many Cambodians who survived the Khmer Rouge regime suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. This has complicated their integration into American life.

"War and genocide had caused so much damage to the families," Chum Bun Rong, Cambodia's ambassador to the United States, told VOA. "They continued to struggle on [U.S.] soil, and dealing with trauma might cause people to commit crimes."

In late October, Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked U.S. Embassy officials in Phnom Penh to temporarily suspend the 2002 repatriation agreement in an attempt to amend it.

David Josar, the U.S. Embassy's deputy spokesman, explained the U.S. response in an email to VOA's Khmer service: "We continue to work with the Government of Cambodia on repatriations of its citizens," he wrote. "We believe Cambodia should issue travel documents to its citizens and accept the return of those subject to final orders of removal."

The Cambodia Daily newspaper has quoted Chum Sounry, spokesman for Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying his country has created "a working group" on the agreement with a U.S. counterpart. Sopheak of the Interior Ministry told VOA a draft proposal will be presented to the U.S. once it is completed.

Am Sam Ath, monitoring manager at rights group Licadho in Phnom Penh, said this week that Cambodians who have never lived in their homeland and who are deported from the U.S. will find it hard to adapt to their new surroundings and will require support.

"This is very necessary," he said. "This is what the governments have to discuss and the U.S. is a country that implements democracy. Thus, they must understand rights and freedom of the people."
Officials in Cameroon are calling on parents in English-speaking areas to send their children back to school, as the Central African country grapples with a continued divide over language.

Schools in English-speaking areas have been closed since teachers went on strike November 21, mainly over what they and allied lawyers consider the overbearing use of French in Cameroon.

In a show of sympathy for the strikers' concerns, many parents have resisted government attempts to lure students, as well as the teachers, back to class. VOA English to Africa spoke to five parents who said they were preventing their children from going to school. The parents did not want their names used for fear of reprisals.

Information Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary said it was unacceptable for parents to stop their children from attending school just to score political points.

"We deplore, we condemn the fact they prevent tomorrow's leaders of our nation to acquire the necessary knowledge to be at the helm of this nation tomorrow. It is wrong to do it," Tchiroma said in a phone interview Thursday.

Tchiroma said the government was ready to negotiate with displeased residents in the English-speaking parts of the country.

Solution 'always possible'

"The government says that no matter what the problem is, it is always possible to find a solution, provided that people of good will team up together to sit at a round table to examine the problem to find a right solution. The government is ready to play the music," he said.

Civil society groups and political leaders from the English-speaking parts of Cameroon have expressed concern about what they say has been a plan by the government to force institutions, including schools and the legal system, to use only French. This, they said, undermines the constitution.

Internet connections appear to have been cut in the major towns of the English-speaking regions over the last three weeks  an action that Tchiroma indirectly confirmed and directly defended.

"If you are a member of the government and you are listening to people who are advocating and inciting people with hatred, inciting people into political upheaval, they [destroy] property of people, what would you want the stand of the government to be?" he said.

"Because they use the internet to incite people. This is not democracy, this is not freedom, and the responsibility of the government is to take whatever measure to prevent this from taking place, to enable Cameroonians of good stead to enjoy all what the constitution allows."

Strategy of intimidation

English-language activists have said they are being arbitrarily arrested by the country's security agencies, detained without charges and beaten despite assurances from the government that its officials are ready to hold talks.

This, they said, forms part of the government's strategy to intimidate, harass and to stall any talks to resolve their concerns.

Tchiroma sharply denied the accusations as without merit. He also said assertions that the government was forcing French on the whole country were a calculated attempt to make longtime President Paul Biya and his administration unpopular.

"When they claim they are being harassed or intimidated, it is completely wrong," he said. "All of those who have been arrested, they would be brought to book, because they were arrested red-handed, burning, inciting and doing this and that.  When they are brought to court, they would have their own advocate, the trial would be open. If they are not guilty, they would be released, no problem."

About 80 percent of Cameroon's 22 million people speak mainly French.
Turkish and Greek warships recently faced off in the Aegean Sea near contested territory that brought them to the brink of war back in 1996.

The recent trouble took place after a Turkish naval vessel carrying Chief of Staff General Hulusi Akar visited the area, prompting Greece to send ships to shadow the Turkish boats. Athens accused Turkish fighter jets of violating its airspace a record 138 times in one day.

The standoff did not result in a military confrontation. As Turkish political columnist Semih Idiz of Al Monitor website says, both sides have experience at containing tensions over territorial disputes.

"We've had many of these storms in teacups; they can be very serious storms in the Aegean," Idiz said. "I am not trying to underestimate them or trying to approach it lightly, and a mishap could lead to a situation that is undesirable; but, generally I think the two sides, after a certain escalation, draw back in incidents like this. This has been the pattern between Turkey and Greece."

The outbreak in high seas tensions was widely seen as a thing of the past, with nearly two decades of rapprochement efforts.

"These events underline the wrong assumption that full normalization still has not been achieved between Turkey and Greece," warned analyst Sinan Ulgen, a visiting scholar of the Carnegie Institute in Brussels. "These latest events reveal how resolved disputes can erupt again."

Refugee factor

Ulgen suggests the catalyst for the latest outbreak in tensions was a Greek court's refusal last month to extradite eight Turkish soldiers wanted by Ankara for their alleged role in a failed July coup. Following the decision, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned of severe consequences. Ulgen says repercussions are still possible, even if a military showdown is avoided.

"The problems in the Greek-Turkish bilateral relationship have the potential to undermine also the refugee deal, which is of consequence to many European governments including Germany," warned Ulgen. "The other area where a deterioration of this relationship may have a negative impact is Cyprus."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Ankara recently for talks.

One item on her agenda was the assurance over the continuation of Turkey's deal with the European Union to stem the flow of migrants. Analysts predict Ankara will not end the deal because of tensions with Athens, as the issue is one of the few sources of leverage Ankara has over Brussels.

Reunification efforts

United Nations efforts to reunite the island of Cyprus, divided between Greek and Turkish-Cypriot communities, could be hurt.

"The two sides in Cyprus have brought it up to a certain point, now they need their big brothers to iron out differences," noted columnist Idiz, "and any tensions between Turkey and Greece would automatically have a negative effect on any progress being made on Cyprus, so there is that risk."

Last month, United Nations-sponsored reunification talks in Geneva ended in deadlock.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Istanbul on Friday for two days of discussions, including with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. However, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan campaigning on a platform of nationalism ahead of an April referendum to extend his powers, analysts warn a tough line toward Athens and over Cyprus is likely, at least until the vote.

"We began to hear once more, the same damn arguments, the ones we used to hear before 2004, how strategically important is Cyprus, that Turkey would be surrounded," said international relations expert Soli Ozel of Istanbul's Kadir Has University. "This is not only coming from government circles, or their supporters, but the old nationalists are back, so I think the real problem is going to be Cyprus, which only two months ago everybody thought was going to be resolved."

Cyprus has been divided since Turkish forces invaded in 1974 in response to a short-lived coup by Greek Cypriot militants seeking union with Greece.
1 An Afghan refugee sits up after waking up in an abandoned warehouse where he and other migrants took refuge in Belgrade, Serbia. Hundreds of migrants have been sleeping in freezing conditions in central Belgrade looking for ways to cross the heavily guarded EU borders.
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo says it is canceling two illegal logging licenses following an investigation by the environmental action group Greenpeace.

The Greenpeace probe found that in September 2016, then-Environment Minister Robert Bopolo Mbongeza authorized the two logging concessions, which covered more than 4,000 square kilometers. One permit went to an adviser of President Joseph Kabila, and the other went to a parliamentarian from the ruling party.

But the DRC introduced a moratorium on logging concessions in 2002 in a bid to protect the world's second-largest remaining rainforest and the livelihoods of the 40 million people who depend on it. The forest covers much of northern DRC, as well as parts of five other countries in the Congo Basin.

Irene Wabiwa Betoko, forest campaign manager at Greenpeace Africa, told VOA that her organization discovered these two illegal awards and asked for a clarification from the government.

Atis Kabongo Kalonji, who was appointed environment minister in December as part of a DRC government reshuffle, insists his ministry is remedying the situation.

Kalonji told VOA on Wednesday that in response to Greenpeace's revelations, he could inform the Congolese public and the forestry operators that these licenses were now canceled. He said he would soon sign a ministerial order confirming the cancellations and would put in place a mechanism to prevent future violations.

Greenpeace says judicial action against offenders is necessary to stop recurring violations of the moratorium. A month before awarding the licenses in September 2016, Bopolo had canceled three other licenses that his predecessor awarded in 2015. Those, too, were uncovered by a Greenpeace investigation.

Greenpeace also is urging suspension of a new $200 million program to protect the rainforest, the Central African Forest Initiative, until the group can complete a comprehensive analysis of the activities being funded. Wabiwa said Greenpeace wanted to make sure donors' money would not add to the chaos that exists in the forestry sector. At the moment, she said, the necessary safeguards are not in place.

Kabongo told VOA that the DRC's international partners could rest assured his ministry would not permit illegality.
Islamic State militants usually speak to the media through their propaganda machine against a backdrop of bombs, mortars and sniper fire. To better understand what is happening in IS-controlled territories, VOA visits a detention center in Kirkuk, Iraq, to meet a self-described former IS fighter. Here is what happened:



The door abruptly swings open, and we are surprised to see two soldiers burst in, the prisoner Mithaq in tow.



Mithaqs wrists are handcuffed in front of him and a black knit cap is pulled over his eyes and nose. I had imagined we would see him in a cell, and not dressed as he is - in a black and red Adidas track suit.



He slumps on a couch, bowing his head and the soldiers slip out of the door, leaving only Colonel Fattah at his desk to guard the prisoner.



Mithaqs fate has not yet been decided and Fattah later explains the sentencing process for captured IS members.



If he is found guilty of being a member, he will be imprisoned for 15 years. If he is found guilty of a specific crime, like one of the countless amputations, beheadings and stonings IS members have committed against civilians, he could be executed.



Mithaq shakes visibly.



Our interview with Mithaq will not affect his case if he confesses nothing more to us than what he has already told security forces, but his position greatly affects the way he tells his story to us. He confesses to being an IS fighter and taking part in military operations, as he has already told authorities. But he maintains he has committed no crimes against civilians and calls IS violence criminal.



We have no reason to believe what he says is false, but we know it is the only thing he can say without further incriminating himself, so we dont focus on these issues.



Joining IS



When IS swept into Hawija in 2014, the group promised to provide services for civilians in the name of Islam. After years of deadly protests in Hawija against the Shi'ite led government in Baghdad, the group's arrival in the Sunni-dominated region was, to some, a relief.



I liked them so I asked to join, he says quietly when our translator asks why he took up with them. I thought they were really an Islamic Caliphate.



What about it did you like? I ask.



They said they love Islam, he explains, and the colonel interrupts.



The militants tell these guys they can win their rights and serve God if they join, Col. Fattah says. Thats how they get them.



But then I found they are using religion in a wrong way, Mithaq adds later. They've killed so many people. When I was with them fighting I saw so many things that are not in Islam: killing men, women and children; chopping off peoples hands.



Before joining IS, he goes on to say, he was a farmer, living relatively comfortably with his wife and two small children, one a newborn at the time. As an IS soldier, participating in military assaults - some failed and some successful - as well as manning checkpoints, he was paid 250,000 Iraqi dinars a month, a little over $200.



Later I ask our Iraqi translator if he believes Mithaq would abandon a successful farm for that small a salary. In many areas formerly controlled by IS, locals say IS finds poor, uneducated youth, and seduces them with money and promises of virgins in paradise. Mithaq was about 30 years old when he joined.



He really believed he was serving God above himself at the time, says the translator, apparently convinced this part of his story is true.



When it all changed



My family was not upset when I joined, Mithaq says when asked if his family was concerned. The situation was good when they first came. But after a few months when our militants started to kill people, to punish them, to whip them and cut off their heads, people didnt like us.

Mithaqs story is consistent with the accounts of scores of civilians we have talked to who say for the most part, IS militants were either kind or neutral to the people in the first months of their rule, and then suddenly began imposing draconian rules and gruesome punishments.



Why did suddenly it change? asks another reporter in the room.



I dont know. I wasnt an emir (leader), Mithaq says, appearing to consider the question. Really I dont know. The emir gave the orders and told us what were the new rules.



In Mithaqs town, Hawija, still an IS-stronghold some 120 kilometers from Mosul, the rules were similar to rules in other IS territories. If you stole, your hand would be chopped off. If you tried to run away you would be arrested. If you communicated with anyone on the other side like the Iraqi Army or Kurdish Peshmerga forces, death was certain, and often public.



It was the cutting of the hands that originally changed my mind about the group, Mithaq says. But if I tried to flee, they would chop off my head or put a bullet in it.



Life as a militant



Mithaq says he mostly socialized with other Iraqi IS militants during his time with the group, speaking mostly of jihad, Islam and fighting. Other topics of conversation were generally forbidden.



I lived in my house with my family, Mithaq says, appearing to be more comfortable with this topic than the question of his guilt, or IS crimes, though it's hard to tell; the cap remains pulled down over half his face. For the first six months they provided us with good food and services. I would just go to work and come home. If they needed me to fight, I would sleep at the base.



Foreign militants were around, he says, but they were a separate, more elite group of fighters. They were called Inghamassi, which means they would die before they would surrender. Foreign fighters were also known for being stricter with the people and having more battle experience and communications training.



Local recruits like Mithaq were trained in Mosul. For about a month, he spent his days alternating between 30 minute lectures on ISs interpretation of Islam and three-hour military training sessions.



Did you believe in their philosophy 100 percent? our translator asks in Arabic.



Mithak seems confused. He has already denounced violence, as most prisoners would. The translator repeats the question, and I interrupt. In IS-held territories, women are required to wear full-face veils, men are required to wear beards and shortened pants and smoking is forbidden.



Hes against violence, we get that, I say. But does he believe women should be wearing niqabs (veils) and men should be wearing beards and nobody should smoke?



Again Mithak pauses, apparently unsure what is the best answer.



These things are not violent, I add.



This is true, he says after hearing the translation. In my opinion, women should be veiled but beards are optional. Cigarettes are sinful. Long trousers are more modern and attractive than the shortened pants.



The translator repeats the question again in different ways, and his opinions shift.



I prefer shortened pants because they are Islamic, he says. And according to Islam we should have long beards and long hair.



The beardless Col. Fattah laughs out loud. We are Muslims too, he says, lighting a cigarette.



Leaving IS



Mithaq was arrested four or five months ago, says the colonel, after being identified as a militant among fleeing civilians from a list of names.



I came here to Kirkuk because I was fleeing Daesh, Mithaq says, using the pejorative and widely used term for IS in the Middle East. Only IS militants and civilians under their rule call the group Dawla Islamiya - Islamic State.



Mithaq would certainly have been risking his life to leave Hawije; whether he was fleeing because he was truly appalled by IS violence is for a court to decide.



Mithaq says a combination of factors made him run.



There was no food left and they were criminals, he says. People were running away and there were only a few militants left. Our emirs had all fled. He goes on to describe the emirs as hypocritical, secretly smoking and sleeping with unmarried women.



Where did the emirs go? asks a journalist.



We couldnt ask emirs where they were going, Mithaq says. Its not allowed.



Soldiers wander into the room and we are told to wrap up the interview. Among the many questions left unasked: where is his family now? I manage to throw in one question about his education. Civilians fleeing IS often say militants are uneducated and ignorant. Mithaq 's education ended in primary school, he says, seemingly fulfilling that stereotype.



But he also seems offended by the question.



Its not lack of education that made me join, he says. They have doctors and other educated people working with them.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved a constitutional reform bill Friday for holding a national referendum that would usher in a more powerful presidency.

Speaking on state-run TRT television, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said the referendum on the issue is expected to be held on April 16.

In January, the Turkish parliament approved a new 18-article constitution to create an executive presidency along the lines of those in the United States and France.

The government said the changes, which will abolish the office of prime minister, will ensure more effective leadership, but critics say the changes would open the way for a one-man rule.

The bill would empower the president to dissolve parliament, declare states of emergency, issue decrees and appoint half of the members in the country's highest judicial body. It would also allow Erdogan to stay in office until 2029.

The post of prime minister would be replaced with one or more vice presidents.

The proposed reforms were backed by a majority of lawmakers in the parliament, but failed to clear the threshold needed to come into force without a public vote.
Supreme Court nominees dont often bite the hand that picks them, and President Donald Trump is having trouble accepting the fact that his hand was bitten.

Trump on Thursday disputed what at least three senators and a Republican operative have said  that Judge Neil Gorsuch voiced complaints about the presidents recent attacks on the judiciary during the nominees round of meetings on Capitol Hill.

Trumps missive came in a reality-bending tweetstorm about a variety of topics. Heres a selection:

Gorsuch remarks



TRUMP: Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him? In a lunch with senators later, Trump said of Gorsuch: His comments were misrepresented.

THE FACTS: Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut who falsely claimed in years past that he had served in Vietnam, offered an account of his meeting with Gorsuch that was corroborated by Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist serving as communications director for the team that is working to get Gorsuch confirmed by the Senate.

The senator said Gorsuch told him it was disheartening and demoralizing to see Trump disparage the judge who temporarily blocked the presidents restrictions on visitors from seven mainly Muslim countries and on refugees. Trump has called U.S. District Judge James Robart a so-called judge and accused the judiciary of being political. Robarts decision was upheld Thursday in a unanimous decision by an appeals court panel that includes a Republican appointee.

A Republican senator said Gorsuch also objected to Trumps comments about Robart during their meeting.

He got pretty passionate about him, about it, Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska told MSNBC on Thursday. I asked him about the so-called judges comment, because we dont have so-called judges or so-called presidents or so-called senators, and this was a guy who kind of welled up with some energy and he said any attack on any of  I think his term to me was, brothers or sisters of the robe  is an attack on all judges, and he believes in an independent judiciary.

The Senates top Democrat, Chuck Schumer of New York, also said Gorsuch told him he was disheartened by Trumps insult.

Former GOP Senator Kelly Ayotte, who is helping to usher Gorsuch through the Senate, said in a statement released by the White House that the nominee made clear that he was not referring to any specific case, but finds any criticism of a judges integrity and independence disheartening and demoralizing. Even if Gorsuch did not name Trump in some of his exchanges with senators, however, its clear that judicial integrity only came up because Trump had attacked it.

Blumenthal told AP that Ayotte and White House staff members were in the room during his conversation with Gorsuch, that theres no question that he said that President Trumps attacks on the judiciary are demoralizing and disheartening and that the nominee added: You can repeat that. You can quote me.

Cabinet confirmations

TRUMP: It is a disgrace that my full Cabinet is still not in place, the longest such delay in the history of our country. Obstruction by Democrats!

THE FACTS: Thats a premature judgment; its only February and several other recent presidents did not have their full Cabinets seated this soon. Barack Obama did not have all his Cabinet vacancies filled until late April 2009, for example, or Bill Clinton until mid-March 1993.

Looking at the far broader range of people throughout government who must be confirmed by the Senate, its true that the process has lagged this time. Attorney General Jeff Sessions this week became the eighth member of Trumps administration to be confirmed; at this point eight years ago Obama had 23 officials confirmed, including department heads and deputies.

Democratic resistance is partly responsible. So is the fact that Trump has been slower than his predecessor in submitting vetting information and paperwork for his nominees, even though he was unusually fast in putting the names of his Cabinet picks into play.

As for his accusation of Democratic obstructionism, the opposition party can cause some procedural delays, and has done so. But obstructionism isnt what it used to be. Unlike Obama, Trump only needs a simple majority to confirm his executive-office nominees, thanks to a change in rules instituted by Democrats when they controlled the Senate in 2013. And Trump has a Republican-controlled Senate to push his nominees through.

Cuomo-Blumenthal interview

TRUMP: Chris Cuomo, in his interview with Sen. Blumenthal, never asked him about his long-term lie about his brave service in Vietnam. FAKE NEWS!

THE FACTS: Not so. Cuomo, a CNN host, brought that issue upfront with Blumenthal on Thursday. Cuomo asked him about Trumps belief that the senator has no credibility because you misrepresented your military record in the past. Blumenthal did not answer the question, but went on to talk about his meeting with Judge Gorsuch.

During Blumenthals Senate campaign in 2010, The New York Times reported on multiple occasions when he falsely claimed he had served in Vietnam during the war. He joined the Marine Reserve but never served in Vietnam. Blumenthal told AP on Thursday: Ive been in public life for quite a while. Anyone who is interested can go back over it.


India has lodged a protest with China for its opposition to a proposal at the United Nations to put Maulana Masood Azhar, the chief of Pakistan-based Islamic militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad, on a U.N. terror blacklist.

This is not the first time China has stopped a move at the U.N. to designate Azhar a terrorist. Beijing blocked a similar proposal last year.

Last month, the United States, backed by France and Britain, initiated another move to blacklist Azhar, but China has put the proposal on hold, effectively blocking it.



China has defended its latest move, saying conditions have not yet been met to back the proposal on Azhar, and that it had taken the step to allow a consensus representing the international community.

Bilateral implications

Analysts in New Delhi say the issue has become a huge irritant for India and is casting a shadow on ties between the two Asian nations.

Obviously it will impact on bilateral relations, thats for sure, said Srikanth Kondapalli, a professor of Chinese Studies at New Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup countered by saying that if there is a change in the Chinese position, there will be consensus also. He added that, we hope that eventually China will also come around to accepting this view.

India says China is the only country on the 15-member U.N. Security Council holding out on the proposal.

India accuses Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader, Maulana Masood Azhar, of masterminding several deadly attacks in India, including an assault on an air force base last year. Pakistan says it has found no evidence linking him to the January 2014 attack.

The Jaish-e-Mohammad group that Azhar heads has been blacklisted by the United Nations. If Azhar is blacklisted by the U.N. Security Council, he would face a global travel ban and asset freeze.

India's nuclear desires

Besides the continuing differences on the issue of Azhar, India is also upset by Chinas opposition to its entry to the main club of countries controlling access to sensitive nuclear technology.

Although India is a not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the United States has been pushing for India to join the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). But China says exceptions should not be made for one country.

Analysts in New Delhi see Beijings longstanding ties with Pakistan as the reason its blocking the move on Azhar and on Indias entry to the NSG.

Why are the Chinese dragging their feet on the issue? This move appears quite strange for the Indian side. Of course there is speculation that China is backing Pakistan, Kondapalli said.

He says the promise of improved ties after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power about three years ago has not materialized.

There is a cooling off that has happened in the last one, one and a half years, now, he said.
A top commander of the Khorasan branch of the Islamic State group, implicated for his role in multiple suicide attacks and other atrocities, has been killed in a counterterrorism airstrike in eastern Afghanistan, U.S. and Afghan officials said Thursday.

Qari Munib was killed during a larger Afghan and U.S. counterterrorism operation focused on ... eastern Afghanistan, according to a Pentagon statement issued Thursday. Officials said the strike occurred February 1 in Nangarhar Provinces Achin district.

The Pentagon and Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis office said Munib was the mastermind behind multiple suicide attacks in Kabul and large-scale atrocities in Nangarhars Achin district, which borders Pakistan.

Islamic States self-styled Khorasan Province branch is active in Afghanistan and Pakistan; the name refers to a centuries-old description of Afghanistan and surrounding areas of Central Asia and Persia.

U.S.-Afghan joint operations are frequent

Asked about the joint operation targeting Munib, U.S. officials said American and Afghan forces routinely conduct counterterror operations together, and U.S. warplanes carried out hundreds of airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Afghanistan during the first seven months of last year.

Munib, who by some accounts was one of two IS commanders killed in the February 1 strike, was involved in large-scale atrocities against our people in Nangarhars Achin district and several other areas, the Afghan government said.

A separate statement by the Pentagon said Munib played a key role in planning two suicide attacks in Kabul during June and July of last year that together killed nearly 100 people: Nepalese security guards at the Canadian Embassy and members of Afghanistans Hazara ethnic minority. The second attack, during a Hazara protest in the capital, wounded more than 250 others and was considered the deadliest attack in the city since 2001.

A fugitive for years

Munib also was said to have orchestrated other attacks on Shiite Muslim worshipers during Ashura, a major religious observance for that branch of Islam, and against Afghan security forces. He had been hunted by Afghan and U.S. forces for years, and had been reported killed by a U.S. drone attack five years ago in another part of Afghanistan, but his death never was confirmed.

More recently Munib is believed to have trained IS fighters and recruits and planned several future attacks on villages in Nangarhar province, an area where Islamic State extremists have been growing in strength for the past two years.

IS attacks on Afghan government forces and villages have killed hundreds of people, Afghan authorities said. Just last month, Islamic State supporters kidnapped 12 teachers and two staff members from a religious school in the Haskamena district of Nangarhar.

President: IS atrocities will be punished

Afghan security forces have been engaged recently in fierce battles with IS militants in the province. They recently drove extremist fighters out of the Pachiragam district after a three-month operation, and two IS commanders were killed this week in a joint U.S.-Afghan operation in Nangarhars Haskamena district.

Those who commit atrocities against our nation will not be able to evade justice, President Ghani said this week. They will be punished either through courts or killed in operations by the brave Afghan security forces.

The Islamic State group is attempting to expand to other areas of Afghanistan, and officials told VOA this week that the son of a slain Uzbek commander of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) has been recruiting Uzbek men in northern Afghanistan to join the extremists.

U.S. General John Nicholson, commander of American forces in Afghanistan, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill Thursday that until now, most IS fighters in Afghanistan were former members of the Pakistani Taliban.

VOAs Carla Babb contributed to this report from the Pentagon and VOAs Mehdi Jedinia from Washington.
From a flimsy rubber dinghy drifting 16 kilometers off Tripoli, the Libyan coast guard rescued more than 100 migrants this week, including a baby just a few weeks old. Close to 9,500 migrants have crossed the Mediterranean already this year  putting 2017 on course to be a record year.

The European Union agreed this month to give the Tripoli government $213 million to bolster its security forces and coast guard; however, Italy wants a renewed push for a permanent political solution to the chaos in Libya  and it's looking to Moscow for help.

The might be a wise move, according to Eurasia Group analyst Riccardo Fabiani.

"It's better to invite Russia to the table and have a strategic dialogue with them and establish some sort of connection and communication channel, rather than keep them out of the room so that you might end up one day waking up and suddenly discovering that Russia is now the main leader or power in the region," Fabiani said.

Libya is ruled by splintered factions, with the internationally recognized government in Tripoli, and a rival power base in the eastern city of Tobruk  which backs strongman General Khalifa Haftar, also supported by Russia.

The U.N.'s special envoy to Libya, Martin Kobler, voiced optimism this week that the two sides can be reconciled.

"With bold decisions and actions, we will witness a political breakthrough that can place Libya on the path of peace, prosperity and stability," Kobler said.

Italy wants Russia to help drive the rival factions together. Britain's foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, this week offered his support for a power-sharing deal.

"We need to build on it and to create a genuine partnership between the east and the west of the country," Johnson said. "That's the crucial question, how to make sure that Haftar is in some way integrated into the government of Libya."

However, some EU states fear Moscow is seeking a military base in Libya. Malta  which holds the rotating EU Council Presidency  has warned that Russia's backing for Haftar could trigger a civil war.

"Nobody really knows what Russia wants from Libya," analyst Fabiani said. "They've so far had a very opportunistic approach to foreign policy, and specifically in the Middle East they've basically been trying to fill every vacuum that the U.S. has left in the region."

Fabiani says Europe and Russia are waiting to see if President Donald Trump will change U.S. policy on Libya.

Watch: Italy Seeks Russia's Help in Stabilizing Libya

"Right now, it's most likely that the U.S. will just disengage from Libya and will give a sort of implicit green light to Russia, as long as they can still intervene in Libya on an ad hoc basis to fight jihadism," he said.

Even as Italy seeks Russia's cooperation, the EU this month restated its determination to uphold sanctions on Moscow over its support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.

Italy's foreign minister, Angelino Alfano, is due to meet his Russian counterpart next week in Germany  and Libya is set to top the agenda.
As the Trump administration formulates its strategy on combating the Islamic State group, key U.S. ally Jordan appears to be stepping up its own fight against IS, according to media reports and analysts.

In what analysts say may signal a more aggressive plan against IS, Jordanian drones conducted several strikes against IS-affiliated targets in southern Syria during the past week. The Jordanian news agency Petra said the attacks destroyed ammunition warehouses, barracks and a facility that manufactured booby-trap weapons.

It was the first time since 2015 that Jordan  a partner in the U.S.-led coalition battling the Islamic extremist group  conducted air attacks on IS inside Syria. The aerial offensive came hours before U.S. President Donald Trump met with Jordan's King Abdullah in Washington.

The White House said the two leaders discussed the Syrian crisis. Abdullah also met with Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, as well as several U.S. lawmakers.

Increase in IS terrorism worries Jordan

A Jordanian army statement said the strikes represent a continuation of the country's effort to eradicate IS-affiliated groups in southern Syria near the Jordanian border. Several fighters tied to IS were killed or wounded in the operation, the government-owned newspaper Jordan Times reported.

Jordanian officials are said to have become increasingly concerned by terrorist activities of the IS-affiliated Khalid bin Walid Army in southern Syria.

Operating near the Yarmouk Basin on the Israeli-Syrian border, the group is an umbrella organization of Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade, the Islamic Muthanna Movement, and the Army of Jihad  terrorist cells spun off from al-Qaida that attack both Syrian forces and Syrian rebels.

"Jordan is wary of this group," said Marawan Shihadeh, a Jordanian expert in terrorism and radical Islamic groups. "We heard this from the Jordanian army chief."

Terror cells close to Jordan's border

In an interview with BBC Arabic in December, Mohamad Fraihat, the Jordanian army chief, said the Walid Army is well-equipped and has tanks as well as anti-aircraft weapons. Analysts say its ranks number around 1,000 fighters.

"In some areas, it is a kilometer away from our borders.  We are dealing with it very carefully." Fraihat said.

The Jordanian strikes come as IS is losing ground in northern Syria and Iraq. Seeking to regroup elsewhere, IS could be eying southern Syria for expansion, analysts say.

Jordan is worried that the heavy fight against IS in northern and western Syria might push the group down south, close to the Jordanian border, analyst Shihadeh said.

Drones deliver a message

Last week's drone strikes may be a message to the new administration in Washington that Jordan is serious about fighting IS, and has the capability to do it. The kingdom is a close ally of the U.S in fighting IS, which burned alive a Jordanian pilot whose plane crashed in extremist-controlled territory two years ago.

The notorious public execution of the pilot occurred in Syria, but IS also has orchestrated terror attacks inside Jordan. The extremists claimed responsibility for a car bombing in June 2016 near the Syrian border that killed six border guards and wounded 14.

In December, 10 police officers were killed and over 30 were wounded in two days of armed clashes with an IS cell in southern Jordan.
President Donald Trump's unusually personal criticism of federal judges has drawn rebukes from many quarters, including from Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, but not much from the judges themselves.

The leader of the federal judiciary, Chief Justice John Roberts, has himself been a target of Trump's attacks. But Roberts has refused to comment on Trump's remarks, including recent criticism of judges who are dealing with the president's executive order on immigration.

And that's not likely to change, even if Trump keeps up his attacks on judges. Bolstered by lifetime tenure, independent judges should not respond to criticism, no matter how harsh or that its source is the president, said a former judge, a law school dean and a constitutional law professor.

Judges "should basically give the tweets the attention they deserve, which means they should be ignored. This is basically a childish tantrum from someone who didn't get his way. And the judiciary should go about its business and decide cases, including cases involving him," said Vanderbilt University law professor Suzanna Sherry.

Trump's style may be different and his language more coarse, but the comments themselves are not the "threat to judicial independence that some commentators have made them out to be," said University of Pennsylvania law school dean Theodore Ruger.

Not the norm

Former U.S. District Judge Paul Cassell said judges would find themselves in unfamiliar territory "if they start critiquing the Twitter feed of the president."

Among sitting judges who have commented in some way is Gorsuch, who has been meeting on Capitol Hill with senators who soon will consider whether to confirm his nomination to serve on the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, Gorsuch said he found the president's attacks on the judiciary "disheartening" and "demoralizing," according to Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

Trump took to Twitter to question the veracity of Blumenthal's account, but Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Senator Ben Sasse, a Nebraska Republican, each confirmed that Gorsuch made similar comments to them.

"Frankly, he got pretty passionate about it," Sasse told MSNBC's "Morning Joe," adding that Gorsuch said any attack on the "brothers or sisters of the robe is an attack on all judges."

Former New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, a Republican who is helping with Gorsuch's confirmation and attended the Blumenthal meeting, issued a statement acknowledging that Gorsuch said he found any criticism of a judge's integrity and independence to be "disheartening and demoralizing." But Ayotte said the nominee also made clear he was not referring to any specific comment.

Not acceptable

Also Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Dan Polster said during a speech in Cleveland that questioning the legitimacy of a federal judge was a line that shouldn't be crossed. Polster, a nominee of President Bill Clinton, did not mention Trump by name, according to a report on Cleveland.com.

Polster said that a public office holder who makes those types of comments "calls into question his or her own legitimacy."

Roberts was the first judge to incur Trump's wrath. During the presidential campaign last winter, Trump called the chief justice "an absolute disaster" and "disgraceful," mainly for the two opinions Roberts wrote that preserved President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

Next in Trump's sights was U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who was presiding over fraud lawsuits against Trump University. In June, Trump called Curiel "a hater of Donald Trump" who couldn't be fair to him because Curiel is "of Mexican heritage" and Trump had proposed building a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border.

Last week, Trump called U.S. District Judge James Robart a "so-called judge" after Robart imposed a temporary halt on Trump's executive order barring people from seven predominantly Muslim countries from coming to the United States. On Sunday, Trump renewed his Twitter attacks against Robart: "Just cannot believe a judge would put our country in such peril. If something happens blame him and court system. People pouring in. Bad!"

On Wednesday, he said the "courts seem to be so political," in reference to the three federal appeals court judges who were considering the administration's plea to enforce the order. (The panel on Thursday rejected a bid to reinstate it.)

Obama's challenges

Trump is not the first president to object to court decisions or to opine about how a court should rule, said Paul Collins, a political science professor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Obama used his 2010 State of the Union message to assail the Supreme Court's Citizens United campaign finance ruling, with several justices in the audience. Obama also delivered a lengthy pitch for his health care law while the court was weighing the case in 2015.

With the exception of John F. Kennedy, every president since Dwight Eisenhower has been critical of some Supreme Court decisions, said Collins, drawing on research he did with co-author Matthew Eshbaugh-Soha of the University of North Texas.

But past presidents did not make their displeasure known by "attacking judges ... or by questioning the decision such that there's a possibility of undermining faith in the judicial system," Collins said. "I get this uncomfortable sense that the president may be trying to lower confidence in judges in anticipation of defying a ruling."

Ruger said Roberts, as the head of the judicial branch of government, or another justice might feel compelled to speak up about the importance of an independent judiciary if the attacks continue.

But Cassell, a law professor at the University of Utah who was a judge from 2002 to 2007, said Trump has the right to voice his disagreement. "We live in an age now where, for better or for worse, the language we use is getting rougher in a variety of contexts," he said.
A small U.S. manufacturing company is growing and hiring more people, in part because of lessons it learned from discovering revolutionary processes for making lobster traps and applying those skills to other projects, such as security fencing for the U.S. border with Mexico.

Riverdale Mills has expanded from 60 people to 185 employees during the past few years, and Chief Executive Officer Jim Knott says he is trying to hire another 35 workers. The expansion comes at a time when about one-third of U.S. manufacturing jobs nationwide have disappeared because of trade problems and a rising tide of automation.

The Northbridge, Massachusetts, firm says its wire mesh products are used in most of the lobster traps in the United States and Europe, replacing traditional wooden devices. Riverdale uses proprietary processes to improve its rustproofing and preserve the rust protection in harsh environments. A government report says commercial landings of American lobsters totaled 67 million kilograms and were valued at $567 million in 2014.

Lessons from lobstering inform other designs, including security fences that protect nuclear facilities, U.S. embassies and borders. Knott would like to sell more security fence as part of President Donald Trump's plan to put a wall along the Mexican border, but says the government's plans and specifications are not yet clear.

Riverdale's products are also used in the aquaculture industry to help grow oysters and fish in environments that pose a challenge for many materials. That could also lead to more sales and jobs, because a report from Grand View Research, a business consulting firm in San Francisco, says aquaculture is expanding as demand for healthy protein grows and stocks of some wild caught fish falter.

Riverdale can make thousands of different kinds of mesh out of steel and other materials. It draws steel rods through ever smaller openings until it gets wire of just the right thickness. The wires are then arranged in a crisscross pattern on huge, highly automated, noisy machines that can apply hundreds of welds at a time.

The completed mesh is then run through a vat that holds many tons of molten, glowing zinc, a process that yields a rust-resistant product that can survive in saltwater. For lobster traps and other marine applications, the mesh may also be coated with a plant-based plastic powder that offers further protection.

Riverdale has expanded the proportion of its products that are exported, recently rising to 45 percent. Knott says exports are one key reason the firm has been able to grow.
Private intelligence companies are part of a booming business in London and the British government complains it is having trouble retaining talented agents who are being drawn by high salaries and more growth opportunities in a blossoming industry estimated to be worth $19 billion.



Our mission is to fill a gap of knowledge or information in any situation, said Patrick Grayson, founder and CEO of GPW, a respected mid-sized London intelligence firm. Theres always something people should or could know in addition to what they do know. Our job is to answer that question. To fill that gap in knowledge.



With legal firms as their key clients, Grays company has set up shop on Londons Chancery Lane in the heart of the citys legal district, where solicitors and judges dressed in the traditional court garb that includes white wigs and black robes can be seen walking between the courts and their offices in the medieval Inner Temple area.



The business of private investigations was once regarded as less than respectable and downmarket  that of the stereotypical private eye in a trench coat under a streetlight; but industry observers note the private investigators of today have been pulled from the gutter and into the boardroom, where they take their places next to lawyers and accountants.



The man some in the industry credit as the inventor of the modern private corporate investigations sector is former prosecutor Jules Kroll, a New Yorker who in 1986 started Kroll investigations. The companys revenues now top $1 billion.



It is at Krolls company that Grayson and other big names in the field learned the trade and brought it to London, where the citys strategic geographic location between the United States and Asia and its long-established history as a center of espionage made it the right locale for the new industry.





Crowded playing field

Industry observers say the playing field has become crowded, mostly with small firms of as few as three people; but the sector continues to grow as big corporations expand operations overseas and seek to minimize risks in environments they do not fully understand.



Large companies draw on us because they dont have the investigative capacity internally and where that capacity has its work more recently is in the international context. Our firm understands cultural sensitivities, says Nicholas Connon, director of Quintel Intelligence, a London firm.



Clients include companies taking new clients and investing in emerging markets of Africa, eastern Europe, and east Asia that are unfamiliar territory and where things are sometimes not what they appear.



Were actually getting lots of requests, with the basic question, can you tell me whats going on, said Alex Bomberg of International Intelligence, which works in faraway places like India. Even if you look at the books of the company, its not necessarily going to give you the full picture.



Among their services, companies like Bombergs provide pattern of life studies that give a picture of the people in a company that can be different from the image portrayed on its website, and insight on how a company is really doing. A swan might look great above the water line, but how people are living their lifestyle within that company can be a different kind of fish, Bomberg said.





Usually not James Bond stuff

The work of corporate intelligence agents is more often not the exciting stuff of James Bond movies. It can involve combing through individuals credit histories and analyzing personal habits  work that can include going through peoples trash. Were talking about what car they drive, whats going into their dust bin, where their wives are shopping, said Bomberg.



Although the modern industry had its start in New York, London is a breeding ground for firms, and one where they naturally thrive. The city has for centuries been a center of espionage and the British are credited with being in the spying business perhaps longer than anyone else.



One reason is the nations history as a great colonial power.

Britain has been a very fertile place for information, intelligence gathering, and that has to do with our position in the globe, the British tradition of exploring foreign parts and relying on accurate information to expand its interests, said Grayson.



Getting that accurate information requires tools that are reminiscent of the movies. Gear commonly used include jamming equipment to ensure that boardroom discussions are not being recorded and bug-searching devices.





$1,000 an hour

Intelligence company officials and operatives interviewed agreed there is no piece of equipment that beats the human eyeball, and the knowledge and experience to know what to look for.



Observers say the British government faces a brain drain as agents employed by police forces, the military and civilian intelligence agencies leave their jobs for better paying positions in private sector firms that often bill at rates of more than $1,000 an hour.



If theyve been working for a government agency for a long time, the draw is money. Theres not a lot of money working for the government. Even the pensions are not great these days. You could quite easily double that overnight, Bomberg said.



It is not only former intelligence officers who seek out firms. Recruits include financial advisers with backgrounds that include things like experience in property or construction, lawyers, and sometimes academics.



When the companies recruit people, they essentially buy experience.



We recruit among whoever is the best, said Connon. We draw our expertise across the board to get into the specific situation.
A Malaysian ship carrying 2,300 metric tons (2,535 tons) of humanitarian aid for the Rohingya Muslim minority arrived in Yangon port on Thursday. Government officials welcomed the ship as dozens of Buddhist monks protested, denying that the ethnic group Rohingya even exists.

The ship, delivering food and emergency supplies worth $1.1 million, arrived following a violent campaign against the Rohingya in Rakhine state, where most members of the Muslim minority live in the Buddhist-majority nation.

The aid arrived days after the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report accusing Myanmar's security forces of carrying out a campaign of rape, torture and mass killings against the Rohingya.

On Thursday, Buddhist monks protested outside the port. "We want them to know that we have no Rohingya here," said Thuseitta, a monk from the Yangon chapter of the Patriotic Myanmar Monks Union.

Organizers of the aid shipment said they trusted the Myanmar government to deliver the supplies as promised, despite its record of discrimination against the Rohingya.

Criticism from Malaysian PM

Last month, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak criticized Myanmar for letting the abuses continue. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority nation.

When Malaysia proposed the flotilla in December, Myanmar officials said they would turn it away. In January, they said they'd permit the vessel, but that it had to dock in Yangon instead of Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine.

"We have to respect Myanmar's sovereignty," said Razali Ramli, from the 1Putera Club Malaysia, which helped organize the shipment along with a coalition of nongovernment organizations. "We hand over the aid in good faith."

A Muslim ethnic group, the Rohingya have been denied citizenship despite having lived in Myanmar for generations. The U.N. has referred to them as one of the world's most persecuted minorities.

The conflict in Myanmar has been simmering for years, but there are signs that it is escalating into an armed insurgency, according to a recent report by the International Crisis Group (ICG), an NGO that works to prevent and resolve deadly conflicts.

The army launched its most recent crackdown in October following attacks on guard posts near the Bangladesh border that killed nine police officers.

Insurgent group

The border attacks were coordinated by a new insurgent group organized by a network of Rohingya in Saudi Arabia and bankrolled by wealthy donors, the ICG report said, adding that the group was drawing Muslims disaffected by years of disenfranchisement by the Myanmar government.

On Wednesday, Myanmar's leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi, said a government-appointed commission on Rakhine would investigate some of the recent accusations of abuse.

"Where there is clear evidence of abuses and violations, the government will take necessary measures," she said in a statement carried by the country's state-run newspaper.

Also on Wednesday, Pope Francis appealed for prayers for the Rohingya.

"These are good people, peaceful people," Francis said. "They're not Christians, but they're good, our brothers and sisters. And they have been suffering for years. They've been tortured and killed, simply because they are continuing their traditions, their Muslim faith. Let us pray for them."

VOA Burma reporter Htet Aung contributed to this report from Yangon. The story was originally reported by VOA Burmese.
Every two or three months there seems to be a mass killing somewhere. If it seems that these incidents are now more frequent, its because they are.

A mass shooting, where at least three or four people are killed, happens about every 64 days in the U.S.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and several prominent U.S. universities are collecting data on these crimes, including Harvard and Stanford, as are a number of forensic psychologists, such as J. Reid Meloy, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, and a faculty member of the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center.

In a Skype interview with VOA, Meloy said things are evolving rapidly in the area of mass murder, regardless of weapon, and many of the cases involve lone actors.

Watch: Mass Killers Have Much In Common

Thats true in the mass killing January 31 in Quebec, when a 27-year-old man killed five worshipers at a mosque. It was also the case in Nice last Bastille Day (July 14) when a man driving a truck slammed into a crowd killing dozens of people, including children. In Orlando, Florida, last year, it was a lone gunman who opened fire at a nightclub killing 49 people. And the list goes on.

Studies by the FBI, the Harvard School of Public Health, Stanford University and others show mass killings have tripled in the past few years. In the U.S., semi-automatic rifles are the preferred weapons.

Common traits

Meloy told VOA that these individuals typically have more in common than they do in terms of differences. He said mass killers often have a history of psychiatric problems. They have rocky intimate relationships. And the killings are a quest for status.

In the Orlando nightclub shooting, Meloy said, the killer attempted to burnish his reputation and perhaps inflate his notoriety by pledging allegiance during the mass murder itself, to two ideologically opposed groups. ... He pledged allegiance to a Sunni group as well as to Hezbollah, which is Shia. And they, of course, have been at war for 1,300 years.

Meloy said even if the killers claim to act on behalf of a particular cause, thats not necessarily the reason for their actions.

For individuals who carry out mass murders, oftentimes the pathway to violence begins with a personal grievance. It typically has three components to it. One is theres some kind of loss; secondly, theres the feeling of humiliation; then thirdly, theres anger toward and blaming of a person or a group of people who have caused them to have this problem.

Personal grievance

Meloy said terrorists will often cloak their personal grievances in an ideology and will then be morally outraged by the group that they identify with.

For example, Meloy pointed out that when a U.S. Army psychiatrist opened fire at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009, the shooter closely identified with the Taliban and adopted the ideology of an Islamic radical. Meloy said the shooters personal grievance was the fact that he did not want to be deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan.

Meloy said the increased use of social media is another important factor because it enables the killer to gain a level of notoriety instantaneously worldwide.

Social media also causes copycat atrocities. Meloy explained that some people become excited by seeing violence, especially if they can see it live. And that, he said, is a bad omen, because not only are people who experience violence more likely to commit it, access to social media is likely to increase the number of mass killings throughout the world.
The United Nations and Congolese authorities launched an appeal Friday in Congo's capital, Kinshasa, for $748 million to provide lifesaving assistance for 6.7 million people across the conflict-wracked country.

The appeal this year is 8 percent higher than last, and reflects a new three-year strategy.

In Geneva, where the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, is based, spokesman Jens Laerke said the new action plan involves a more integrated approach in dealing with "two decades of recurring humanitarian crises." Conflict and widespread atrocities have left millions of people unable to cope with the daily necessities of life in Congo.

Laerke noted that the families, communities, men, women and children in Congo who are to be helped by the appeal are facing acute vulnerabilities.

"A lot of that is caused by no or very little access to basic goods and services," he said. "There is also a protection crisis related to the conflict and the violence, particularly in the eastern part of the DRC."

While more than 60 percent of the humanitarian needs have been in eastern Congo, Laerke said western and central provinces suffered from generalized poverty that required humanitarian attention.

He said among those the U.N. hoped to help this year were 2.1 million internally displaced people.

"There are half a million children less than 5 years of age suffering from acute malnutrition," he said, and hundreds of thousands of people threatened by diseases, epidemics and food shortages, especially in areas of conflict.

Years-long strategy

The OCHA spokesman also said part of the appeal will go to assisting a growing number of refugees fleeing intensified fighting in South Sudan.

Separately, the U.N. refugee agency reports 68,000 South Sudanese have sought asylum in DRC. Laerke said these refugees and the impoverished communities hosting them will need humanitarian support.

The Humanitarian Response Plan was for a three-year period, but the $748 million requested was for humanitarian operations for this year alone.

Paluku Kisaka Yereyere, the DRC's minister of social affairs, solidarity and humanitarian action, noted that having a strategy that encompassed the period between 2017 and 2019 was important in that it helped "the community to set priorities for the next three years."

U.N. officials agreed that this would allow time for agencies to map out developmental projects so that they could be implemented more effectively in the years ahead.

Nevertheless, given the worsening levels of conflict and violence over the last year, the officials noted that basic, emergency needs were "likely to increase even further in the coming months."

In response to a question from VOA, OCHA spokesman Laerke said he did not think that there was "a direct causal link between political developments, mainly in Kinshasa, and displacement that happens across the country, DRC. That is impossible."

Millions are suffering

DRC President Joseph Kabila has insisted that he remains in power until an election for a new leader is held; however, the president and opposition parties so far have not been able to agree on a date for the election, to take place sometime this year or in 2018.

In the meantime, the U.N. reports that last year, insecurity forced an average of 2,000 people to become displaced every day, prompting Rein Paulsen, the OCHA representative in the DRC, to observe that "millions of people are suffering a humanitarian crisis born out of armed conflicts and other threats."

He said that this was deeply affecting their daily lives.

"It is vital that the world does not forget the urgent and massive humanitarian needs in the DRC," he said, adding that it was critical "to mobilize the $748 million needed to respond to the growing vital needs."
National parks traveler Mikah Meyer spent the month of January immersed in American history as he visited a number of historic forts along the southeastern U.S. coastline.

Reliving American history at war

One of his first stops was Fort Sumter, a federal fort in Charleston Harbor, just off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina.

The fort is famous for being the spot where the first shot of the Civil War was fired, and also where the first casualty of that war occurred.

After a decade of cultural and economic tension between the North and South, it was here, on April 12, 1861, that the southern army opened fire, marking it as the day the Civil War began. It is considered by many to be the bloodiest battle in U.S. history.



Standing inside the large, fortified walls of Fort Sumter National Monument, looking across the water to the port city of Charleston, Mikah imagined what it must have been like all those years ago.

It was under siege at one point for 17 months, he noted. There were cannons that could fire from where I'm standing on the fort all the way to the old town. So imagine living there for 17 months and wondering if at any point that a cannon [shot] might come.

Connecting with the past

At the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, also in South Carolina, Mikah had an opportunity to learn about a principal author and signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Some people call him our forgotten founding father, but he was a political figure of early America who helped shape what our eventual Constitution ended up looking like, Mikah explained.

The National Park Service helps preserve what remains of Pinckney's former plantation, and exhibits help tell the stories of 18th century plantation life for free and enslaved people.

Serendipity

During his journey through the south, Mikah, whos on a mission to visit all of the more than 400 sites within the National Park Service, had an unexpected surprise...

My phone started lighting up, he said, with people letting him know that just south of Charleston, in the city of Beaufort, President Obama had just designated the Reconstruction Era National Monument as a National Park site. It was just two hours from where Mikah was traveling.

The Reconstruction Era (1861-1898) which followed the Civil War, was a transformative period in American history, as the United States grappled with the question of how to integrate millions of newly-freed African Americans into its social, political, economic and labor systems.

The new national monument will help tell that story.

So all within the Charleston, South Carolina, area, you have these three sites now that are really related to either America becoming America, or America figuring out who America is, Mikah noted.

Built like a castle

Driving south into the state of Georgia, Mikah stopped at Fort Pulaski National Monument. Built in 1847, the fort is considered one of the most technologically advanced fortifications of its time.



This one was interesting solely just upon appearance, Mikah said. It had a moat, with water that circled the whole fort, which after seeing a number of forts that don't have moats, just that one little feature it's amazing how much more exciting that can make it!

Just an hour south of Fort Pulaski, the scene couldnt have been more different. At Fort Frederica on St. Simons Island, Mikah walked among the ruins of this once flourishing 18th century settlement.

They're an interesting combination because Fort Pulaski, when it was built, it was one of the most technologically advanced forts of the time, and so perhaps because of that its still standing today So it was an interesting one-two punch going from one extreme to the other, he said.

Oyster heaven

Continuing on his journey south, Mikah stopped by the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve in Jacksonville, Florida, where he learned that an abundance of oysters in the area provided a steady supply of protein for the Native Americans who lived there.

In fact there are so many oyster shells now that much of the land that is walkable in these swampy, marshy areas is actually just piled-up oyster shells that have turned into earth, he explained.

That would explain why oyster shells were used as building materials for lodgings, which are still intact today.

It's all of these little huts that were built out of a kind of paste of oyster shells and other minerals that when mixed together form sort of a brick-like substance, Mikah said, adding that the Kingsley Plantation, where the lodgings are located, has the largest number of intact slave dwellings anywhere in North America.

Continuing down the Florida coast, Mikah squeezed in a quick visit to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a well-preserved site in the popular city of Saint Augustine on the ocean.

Followed by a brief visit a little farther south to the much smaller Fort Matanzas, which was kind of a Castillo de San Marcos maybe on a one-eighth scale, Mikah said. Its just a very small fort with one turret.

The young traveler said visiting these historic sites - both large and small - made him appreciate the efforts of the National Park Service in preserving these national treasures for all to enjoy - and learn from.

Mikah invites you to follow him on his website, Facebook and Instagram.
As India Today Group concluded the 2022 Mumbai edition of its premier thought event -- the Conclave, Group Vice Chairperson Kalli Purie thanked the city of Mumbai and its people for playing host to two days of engrossing discussions and debates. "It is so good to be back in Mumbai after three years. Since our last conclave we've all had the best of times and worst of times so it's even more important that we are all here together discussing contentious issues that affect us all," Kalli Purie said. Talking about the two days of Conclave Mumbai and the sessions witnessed, she said that the event's eclectic line-up of speakers and personalities was a reflection of the city and its people.
Somalia's new president says he will work to have his country removed from the list of nations whose citizens were -- and may yet be -- barred from entering the United States.



Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, more commonly known as Farmajo," told VOA of his plans in a phone interview late Thursday, a day after his unexpected victory in the Somali presidential election.



It is part of my responsibility to talk about this issue with the U.S. government by conveying our message to the president and his government that the Somali people are really good, hard working people," Farmajo said. "They raise their families in the United States. So we will see if he can change that policy and exclude Somalis from that list."



The future of the so-called "immigration ban" is in doubt after the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a judge's restraining order against directives that temporarily halted refugee resettlement programs and barred visitors from Somalia and six other Muslim-majority countries.



President Donald Trump has vowed on Twitter to challenge the decision, setting up a possible showdown in the Supreme Court.



Farmajo is a dual U.S. and Somali citizen who has spent much of his adult life in the United States, mostly in the northern city of Buffalo.



That didn't stop Somali parliament members from choosing him Wednesday over incumbent leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and 20 other candidates to become the nations 9th president.



Farmajo told VOA his first priority is to appoint a new prime minister who will be in charge of dealing with Somalia's security problems and a developing humanitarian crisis.



There is a huge drought everywhere in Somalia which definitely will produce a famine, he said. We have to appeal to the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected people in Somalia.



Following two seasons of weak rainfall, the country is experiencing severe drought and the United Nations has warned of the potential for a repeat of the 2011 famine that killed more than 250,000 people.



He said he expects that the new prime minister can assemble a new cabinet in 30 days, and said they will roll out a plan of action in the coming 100 days.

The new president admitted Thursday he is still adjusting to his new role.



My feeling is surreal. My feeling is something I cannot imagine because I have been working hard for the past fifteen, sixteen months and I have been campaigning in Somalia as well as in Nairobi, he said.





Broad public support



Farmajo previously served as prime minister for eight months in 2010 and 2011 and has remained extremely popular since then, said Sakariye Cismaan, a London-based Somali political analyst.



During his time in office, Farmajo was credited with ensuring that government workers and soldiers were paid on time, cracking down on corruption and helping liberate territories from al-Shabab.



The Somali people really trust him and believe he will put the common good before his own self-interest, Cismaan said. The whole country is extremely optimistic now.



Wednesdays election was conducted by the 328 members of the two houses of parliament. This is different than previous elections where clan elders played a significant role in choosing the president, Cismaan said. He said it was also more representative of the will of the people.



It is the most diverse [electorate] in terms of gender and age, and I think they were sick of the corruption that was taking place throughout the election season and decided to vote for the candidate the public actually wanted, he said.



Cismaan said Farmajo's main concern will be the security situation in the country. Although al-Shabab has been driven out of the major population centers and controls less than 10 percent of the countrys territory, the Islamist militant group remains a potent threat, bombing hotels in Mogadishu and attacking military bases.



Wednesdays election was moved to Mogadishus Aden Adde International Airport, one of the few secure places in the country, following threats from al-Shabab and worries about security at the original venue, the Mogadishu police academy.



Security is going to be his biggest challenge and the main issue that he will ultimately be judged on, Cismaan said. But he really has a golden opportunity here. He has the entire population behind him who are now feeling more patriotic than ever. He can use that support to delegitimize al-Shabab.
A federal appeals court Thursday refused to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations.

9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on President Donald Trump's travel ban.

The three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco unanimously declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the United States.

"We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury," a statement issued by the appeals court panel said.

The Justice Department said that it was "reviewing the decision and considering its options," following the announcement.

In its ruling, the appeals court said the government presented no evidence to explain the urgent need for the executive order to take effect immediately.

The judges noted compelling public interests on both sides. "On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies.

"And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination," they ruled.

"We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury," a statement issued by the appeals court panel said.

See you in court, the security of our nation is at stake, the president tweeted shortly after the court announced its decision. A short time later, he complained to reporters at the White House that the court made a "political decision," and said his administration eventually will win the case "very easily."

In response to Trump's tweet, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, a Democrat who leads one of the states that challenged the ban, said: "Mr. President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you."

President Trump revisited the court decision Friday morning on Twitter. He chastised the court for not citing the statute in question in its written opinion.



At a news conference in Seattle, Bob Ferguson, the attorney general for the state of Washington, which argued against restoring the Trump travel ban, said, We are a nation of laws, and ... those laws apply to everybody in our country, and that includes the president of the United States. In my view, the future of the Constitution is at stake.

When asked to respond to the latest Trump tweet, he noted that opponents are now two-for-two in challenging the Trump administrations ban in the courts.

WATCH: Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson

Ferguson said the president's ban had real human consequences, and he denied he is pursuing the case as a Democrat versus a Republican president.

Seattle judge

Last week, District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban after the states of Washington and Minnesota sued.

After Robart issued his ruling, President Trump responded angrily on Twitter, calling Robart a so-called judge who made a "ridiculous" decision that will allow "many very bad and dangerous people into our country."

During oral arguments Tuesday, the judges heard arguments from a lawyer for the Justice Department and an attorney representing the states of Washington and Minnesota, which sued to overturn the ban.

U.S. attorney August Flentje argued that Trump's executive order was well within his power granted by Congress and the Constitution.

However, the judges rejected the administration's lawyers, who claimed the court did not have the authority to review the president's executive order.

"There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy," the court said.

Washington state Solicitor General Noah Purcell said on Tuesday the travel ban reinstating the travel ban without a full judicial review would throw the country "back into chaos."

He also said the ban had separated families, stranded students overseas, and left people in doubt about whether they should travel because of the uncertainty of whether they could come back.

Watch: Appeals Court Panel Refuses to Reinstate Trump Travel Ban

Washington ruling

Robart temporarily halted the ban after determining that the states were likely to win the case and had shown that the ban would restrict travel by their residents, damage their public universities and reduce their tax base. The judge put the executive order on hold while the lawsuit works its way through the courts.

Soon after his ruling, the State Department said people from the seven countries -- Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen -- with valid visas could travel to the U.S. The decision led to tearful reunions at airports around the country.

The federal government could ask the 9th Circuit to have a larger panel of judges review the decision, or it could appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Supreme Court

In appealing to the Supreme Court, the administration would need five of the eight justices to vote in its favor.

However, the court is currently evenly divided 4-4 between liberals and conservatives. If the Supreme Court justices were to tie 4-4 in its decision, the lower courts ruling would stand.

Trumps ban was set to expire in 90 days, meaning it could run its course before the high court can take up the issue. The administration also could change the order, including altering its scope or duration.

The president said the order was vital for national security. But critics said the ban discriminated against Muslims, and they questioned its value as a security measure.

National security veterans, major U.S. technology companies and law enforcement officials from more than a dozen states backed the legal effort against the ban.
While the Donald Trump administration is reportedly reviewing the current U.S. policy on North Korea, some U.S. lawmakers and experts are calling for increased sanctions on the isolated state.

Since early 2015, the United States has been escalating pressure on the North by targeting certain individuals and entities. Despite the enhanced effort to choke off Pyongyangs revenue streams, the Kim Jong Un regime continues on its path toward acquiring functional nuclear weapons that could strike the U.S. mainland. In 2016, the country conducted two nuclear tests and more than 20 ballistic missile tests.

During a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on North Korea this week, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, R-California, stressed the need for additional sanctions.

There are other steps that can be taken to crack down on the Kim regime, the committees chair said in a prepared statement.

Anthony Ruggiero, a North Korea expert in the use of targeted financial measures who spent more than 17 years in the U.S. government, told VOA the failure to thwart North Koreas nuclear program can be attributed to existing sanctions that aim at the wrong targets. Ruggiero suggested the U.S. should reorient the focus of North Korea sanctions.

New targets

I think that North Korea is vulnerable to sanctions if they are done in the right way, said Ruggiero, who is now a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, D.C.

According to Ruggiero, designations have doubled under the previous administration, with the designated parties mostly being people located inside North Korea. Instead, the U.S. should, he said, pursue North Koreas offshore front companies, whether they be in China or elsewhere, that facilitate the Kim regimes nuclear development.

Ruggiero added that it is crucial to introduce additional sanctions, including restricting tourist travel to North Korea.

I think thats a dangerous area that provides hard currency to the regime but also puts Americans at risk, he said.

The North is known to hold two U.S. nationals, and the U.S. State Department issues travel warnings about the communist country every 90 days.

Joshua Stanton, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney who also maintains the influential One Free Korea blog, called on the Trump administration to impose secondary sanctions on third parties that take part in North Korean financial activities, namely Chinese companies and financial institutions.

Secondary boycott

We need to do a much better job of first, devoting sufficient resources to finding out where North Koreas money laundering is going through, and second, we have to have the political will to sanction, to designate, to freeze the assets of companies and banks in third countries, including China, that are helping North Korea violate the sanctions, the lawyer said in an interview.

Stanton claims that getting the sanctions to work quickly might be the only alternative to military action.

We have lost too much [time] and if sanctions dont work, I am afraid that the president will decide that to protect the American people, the only alternative is a preemptive strike, he said.

Some argue the full implementation of existing sanctions is more important than imposing additional sanctions.

The U.S. has substantial sanctions against North Korea as it is. I dont think its really a question of the U.S. adding new measures, Daniel Glaser, who served as assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the U.S. Treasury Department in the Obama administration, told VOA.

Glaser, a 20-year veteran of the Treasury Department, added that new measures are not going to have a substantial impact on the North at this point, unless the [sanctions] are vigorously enforced across the borders throughout the international financial system.

Enforcing sanctions

Joseph DeThomas, who has spent 32 years in the U.S. State Department serving in various positions that dealt with North Korea, told the VOA the first step forward is to get the U.N. sanctions fully and completely enforced throughout the world.

We have very little to sanction North Korea. But we have to influence other countries to behave first according to the existing U.N. sanctions, which are relatively tough now, said DeThomas, who is now an international affairs professor at Penn State University.

Critics, however, question the effect of sanctions, citing the difficulty of implementing them.

I would argue that the biggest challenge with the current sanctions against North Korea is the difficulties with effectively enforcing them, said Dursun Peksen, an associate professor of political science at the University of Memphis, in an email message sent to VOA.

Peksen suggested the U.S. and allies should come up with more sophisticated enforcement mechanisms such as stricter border controls and procedures to ensure China and others do not engage in sanction-busting through overt or clandestine economic exchanges with North Korea.
Lilo Schuster was in her mid-40s, single, and looking for love. After years of bad luck with dating, she, like millions of people across the globe, started using online dating sites to meet new people.

A few years ago, she received what appeared to be a promising email on the dating site Match.com. The man told her that he was a U.S. Air Force pilot deployed to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan. He said he was a widower with an adorable daughter  the type of man and family that she'd been looking for, and most of all, he seemed very interested in Schuster.

I just thought my prayers are being answered," she told VOA.

The relationship quickly intensified, and Schuster fell hard, emailing multiple times each day. He sent her poetry and page after page of emails professing his love. The man even sent her a few pictures dressed in his military uniform, and he was very handsome.

Schuster noticed that her suitor had bad grammar, but that didn't really bother her because her immigrant father had poor grammar as well. She asked to speak with him in person or via Skype, but the man said that wasn't allowed.

His thing was, well, this is top secret, we're fighting the terrorists, we can't do anything that would compromise that, so I can't use the phone.' And I believed all this," Schuster said.

After a few weeks, the man told her he needed some money to help his daughter go on a school trip. She loaned him about $2,000 by wiring the money to Britain, where he said his mother lived with his daughter.

Schuster was happy to help him, excited even.

This is for our future, she told herself.

The money requests didn't stop there. Shortly after the first wire transfer, the man told her that he wanted to get out of the Air Force and join some of his pilot friends in starting a private company that flies charter planes. She was told the military wouldn't let him access his bank accounts, so he needed her help to make his dream happen.

Schuster had her doubts, but said she was so scared that she might lose him that she was willing to keep wiring the money through Western Union. In all, she sent about $22,000, and almost immediately after she sent the last wire, he stopped emailing her.

My heart just sank and I thought, this doesn't seem right, she said.

Multi-million-dollar scamming industry

For Army Criminal Investigation Command spokesman Chris Grey, Schuster's story is all-too familiar.

It's been just overwhelming. We are dealing with thousands of these, he said.

Grey says he has personally spoken to women who've given more than $80,000 to someone that they've never met in person. His office has received calls from the United States, Japan, Britain and Australia  all from women who thought they were in love with a U.S. service member but were actually being duped.

Grey says many of these criminals work out of cyber cafes in west African countries such as Nigeria and Ghana. They steal soldiers' photos from social media, create a fake backstory and profile for the photographs and then target unsuspecting women on online dating sites.

The scams tend to pick up around the holidays, Grey said, so women dating online need to be careful.

Trust your instincts. Never send money to someone that you've never met, never talked to on the phone, he said.

Look out for inconsistencies

Grey told VOA there are several red flags to watch for when cyber scammers are looking for targets.

Look for:

~ Misspellings on the documents and capitalization errors.

~ Titles of organizations that don't exist. Grey said his office recently received a letter from the Sergeant of Arms for the "Senate Forces Command," but no such entity exists.

~ Mismatched logos. Citing an example, Grey told VOA that a scammer will sometimes send documents with U.S. Army logos, but that the dating profile may say the person is in the Navy.

~ Fake stories about frozen accounts or money for surgeries. The military does not freeze members' bank accounts or credit cards and provides health care for deployed service members.

~ Urgency to get off the dating site. Schuster said she was encouraged to use personal email immediately rather than the site. The faster the scammer is off the dating site, the lower the chances of being caught using a fake profile, according to Schuster.

Schuster turned her anger into action, and by sharing her story, she says she helped a woman in New Zealand and a fellow American in Boston discover that they were being duped. The scammer was using the same pilot story and the same exact pictures that were used with her.

If you suspect you're being scammed, do not send money abroad and contact local authorities or postal inspectors. They may be able to trace the emailer's IP address to stop the person from playing on women's emotions to steal their savings.
The United States is downplaying the severity of what is being described as a close encounter between U.S. and Chinese military aircraft over the South China Sea.

We don't see any evidence that this was intentional, Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said Friday, describing the incident as a one-off.

According to U.S. officials, during Wednesday's encounter, a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft passed about 200 meters (1,000 feet) in front of a U.S. Navy P-3 plane on a routine mission in international airspace near Scarborough Shoal, between the Chinese mainland and the Philippines. As a result, the P-3 was forced to make an immediate turn.

Both planes were in normal radio contact following the incident, Davis said, describing the communications as professional.

Close call was accidental

Despite the early indications that incident was accidental, the Pentagon says it will still be reviewed, and that U.S. military officials would be in contact with their appropriate Chinese counterparts.

Clearly we have our disagreements with China over militarization of the South China Sea, over their reclamation of the islands and some of their broader strategic objectives, Davis said. But when it comes to simply the [military] interactions, those are largely professional and safe.

The close encounter between the two aircraft comes as tensions between the U.S. and China are heightened because of China's moves to create man-made islands in the South China Sea.

A message from China?

In an interview, Dr. Thomas G. Mahnken, president of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, told VOA that while there is an effort by the Chinese to exert control over the South China Sea and treat it like Chinese airspace, it's important to acknowledge that pilots do sometimes make mistakes.

If we look at the totality of Chinese behavior, it's some mixture of those two things, and the challenge for American policymakers and American soldiers is to disentangle what's deliberate and what is unprofessional, he said. We don't want to lump in a deliberate behavior with unprofessional, poor piloting.

Mahnken said he thinks the Chinese are trying to create an atmosphere where U.S. officials tacitly acknowledge that large parts of the international waters in the South China Sea are Chinese territory.

They want us to avoid operating in and near these artificial features they've created, Mahnken said, referring to man-made islands erected by the Chinese as military bases near the Philippines.

It is important, Mahnken said, for the U.S. to remind the Chinese that under international law, the islands do not exist.

It's perfectly legitimate for the United States, and in accordance with our long-standing policy, to essentially treat those man-made features for what they are: They're hazards to navigation. They're not Chinese sovereign territory, he said. So we should operate around, above, near those man-made features routinely, limited only by the safety of our ships and the safety of our aircraft.

VOA's Mandarin service contributed to this story.
A Republican senator has joined a Democratic colleague in divulging private conversations with Judge Neil Gorsuch in which the Supreme Court nominee lamented President Donald Trump's verbal attacks on a federal judge and the judiciary as a whole.

Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Republican Ben Sasse of Nebraska said he asked Gorsuch earlier this week about Trump's tweets blasting a federal judge who halted his executive order temporarily banning travel from seven majority Muslim nations.

"He [Gorsuch] got a little emotional and he said, 'Any attack or any criticism of his brothers and sisters of the robe is an attack or a criticism of everybody wearing the robe as a judge,'" Sasse recounted. "He said that it's incredibly disheartening to hear things that might undermine the credibility and the independence of the judiciary."

Sasse's account mirrors that of Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who also met privately with Gorsuch, as is customary when a nominee is under Senate consideration. Aides to Gorsuch confirmed the essence of Blumenthal's account.

Trump's response

The president responded on Twitter, accusing Blumenthal of misrepresenting Gorsuch's words and questioning the senator's record of service to the nation.

Sasse said Gorsuch's comments prove he will be an independent voice on the Supreme Court, if confirmed to fill the seat of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who died last year.

"Frankly, I think that everybody in this body ought to be celebrating the nomination of a guy who's out there affirming three separate branches [of government] and the independence of the judiciary," the Nebraska senator said.

Democrats skeptical

On that point, Democrats said they remain unconvinced.

"To whisper in a closed room behind closed doors to a senator that 'I'm disheartened' and not condemn what the president has done to the judiciary, and not do it publicly?" said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat. "What he did does not show independence. It shows an ability to desire the appearance of independence without actually asserting it."

WATCH: Sen. Chuck Schumer Critical of Gorsuch

Democrats have pledged to give Gorsuch fair consideration, but are threatening to invoke a procedure in which a three-fifths vote would be required to confirm him. In that case, eight Democrats would have to join Republicans in backing the nominee.

Many Democrats openly admit they remain angry that the Senate's Republican majority refused to consider former President Barack Obama's nominee for the same Supreme Court seat, Merrick Garland, last year. Some have gone so far as to say Republicans "stole" the seat by holding it vacant until a Republican entered the White House.

"I have news for my Democratic colleagues: Not getting your way does not mean that anyone stole anything; it just means that you did not get your way," said Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah. "I think we should stop the nonsense and act like grownups, because we have work to do."

"Some of our friends on the other side [Democrats] are grasping at straws, searching for ways to call his [Gorsuch's] background or qualifications into question  basically using the nomination as a way to continue to contest and deny our new president the mandate he received from his election on November 8," said another Republican, John Cornyn of Texas.

Democrats insist their concerns are well-founded, given the actions of Trump.

"We need judges who are going to be independent of this president," Schumer said. "If this president can attack the judiciary the way he does, if this president has so little respect for rule of law or for separation of powers, our last and best refuge are the courts. So this new nominee to the Supreme Court has to pass a special test, in my opinion, of true independence from the president."
As President Donald Trump hurls unfounded allegations of colossal fraud in last fall's election, lawmakers in at least 20 mostly Republican-led states are pushing to make it harder to register or to vote.



Efforts are underway in places such as Arkansas, Iowa, Maine, Nebraska and Indiana to adopt or tighten requirements that voters show identification at the polls. There is a move in Iowa and New Hampshire to eliminate Election Day registration. New Hampshire may also make it difficult for college students to vote. And Texas could shorten the early voting period by several days.



Supporters say the measures are necessary to combat voter fraud and increase public confidence in elections. But research has shown that in-person fraud at the polls is extremely rare, and critics of these restrictions warn that they will hurt mostly poor people, minorities and students - all of whom tend to vote Democratic - as well as the elderly.



They fear, too, that the U.S. Justice Department, under newly confirmed Attorney General Jeff Sessions, will do little to intervene to protect voters.



Some election watchers see voting rights under heavy attack.



"What is really happening here is an attempt to manipulate the system so that some people can participate and some people can't,'' said Myrna Perez, director of the Voting Rights and Elections project at New York University's Brennan Center for Justice.



Even so, there are more bills around the country aimed at making it easier to vote, according to the Brennan Center. Starting or expanding early voting and creating automatic voter registration are two popular proposals.



Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York, for example, is backing a proposal to automatically register people to vote using their motor vehicle paperwork and to offer early voting for 12 days before Election Day.





Many of the restrictive laws became possible after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 struck down a key provision of the federal Voting Rights Act that required certain states and counties, largely in the South, to get Justice Department approval before changing their election laws. The 2016 presidential election was the first without those protections, and voters in 14 states faced new restrictions on voting or registration.



Kevin Hall, spokesman for the Iowa Secretary of State, said proposed legislation would provide non-photo identification cards to anyone who doesn't have another acceptable form of ID, such as a driver's license or passport. The bill would also update voting system technology.



"This is a commonsense approach just to protect the integrity of our election,'' he said. "We want to make sure it's secure and boost voter confidence as well.''



Other states such as Maine and Nebraska, meanwhile, are looking to require photo identification for voting.



In addition to eliminating same-day registration, New Hampshire Republicans want to add a residency requirement that critics say could prevent college students from voting. People can now vote in New Hampshire if they consider it their home. Proponents say the new measure would ensure that only people who truly live in the state can take part in elections.



Many of these measures are certain to face court challenges.



Before the presidential election, federal courts rolled back some of the toughest restrictions in North Carolina and Texas. Those cases are still working their way through the legal system, and voting rights groups are worried the new attorney general will abandon efforts made under the Obama administration to fight the restrictions.



Over the past few years, "states and localities were emboldened unlike ever before in employing a wide range of tactics to deny voting rights to people of color and people with disabilities,'' said Scott Simpson with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. "We expect that this will get much worse with a Justice Department that is hostile to voting rights.''



Trump has claimed without evidence that as many as 5 million people voted illegally in the presidential election, complaining that the voter rolls include dead people, non-citizens and people registered in multiple states. He has called for an investigation.





Election experts are more concerned about the age of the nation's voting systems and their vulnerability to tampering.



A federal commission responsible for working with states on those very issues is facing an uncertain future, after a House committee this week voted to eliminate it. The Election Assistance Commission was created after the "hanging chad'' debacle in Florida during the 2000 presidential election. Republicans say the agency is a prime example of government waste.



The commission is scheduled to make recommendations later this year on new standards for voting equipment.
Russia's Constitutional Court on Friday ordered a review of the conviction of prominent anti-Kremlin activist Ildar Dadin and said a law that criminalized protests had to be applied more proportionately.

Though the ruling did not strike down the law, which human rights activists have called draconian, it may make it harder to jail peaceful protesters as Russia gears up for a presidential election next year.

Kremlin-watchers widely expect President Vladimir Putin to run again, for what would be his fourth term, though he has not yet confirmed if he will do so.

Dadin, 34, was sentenced to three years in prison  reduced to two and a half on appeal - in December 2015 for a series of peaceful one-man protests against the Kremlin.

He was the first person to be jailed under a new law, introduced in 2014 after big anti-Kremlin protests, that made it a crime to violate protest rules more than twice in 180 days.

The court, which sits in St. Petersburg, ruled that the law should stay in place, but ordered a review of Dadin's case and added, in a legal opinion:

"If the violation of the law ... did not cause or include a genuine threat to cause harm, but was in essence illegal from a purely formal point of view, such a violation cannot be regarded as representing a criminal danger to society or attract a criminal sentence."

Dadin's wife, Anastasia Zotova, welcomed the review of his case on social media but said the court should have scrapped the protest law.

Russian rights activists regard Dadin, an outspoken critic of Putin and his policies, as a political prisoner.

Dadin said in November he was being tortured in prison and feared for his life.

Officials at the jail dismissed his allegations, but he was subsequently moved to a different prison.
Four people have been arrested in and around Montpellier, southern France, on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack, police and justice sources said on Friday.

Those in custody included a 22 year-old man and his 16 year-old girlfriend, both known to authorities for connections with radical Islam, after authorities found TATP explosives and other bomb-making materials in his home.

France remains on high alert over possible Islamist militant attacks. More than 230 people have died in a series of assaults since the beginning of 2015 and the country has been under state of emergency rules since November the same year.
Two people were killed and three others injured in fighting between government soldiers and Imatong state bodyguards Thursday after South Sudan's president, Salva Kiir, fired the governor of Imatong state, Nartisio Loluke Manir.

The president's announcement was televised live. Deputy Governor Margaret Itto confirmed clashes broke out at the governor's residence in the state capital, Torit, minutes after the broadcast.

Kiir dismissed Manir without explanation and said his replacement would be Tobiolo Alberio, the former Eastern Equatoria state assembly speaker.

Tensions remained high in the town Friday. Shops, public offices and schools were closed as the military patrolled the streets.

Itto called the violence an isolated incident, adding, "A change in the government is normal, it is inevitable and can be for good."

A Torit resident who did not want to be identified for fear of government reprisal said she had not felt safe since the violence erupted close to her home.

"At night I was not happy and I did not sleep. My eyes were just open, especially after hearing that these people were shot," she said. She asked out loud, "For how long are we going to be in this situation?"

Expression of sympathy

Itto offered her condolences to the families whose loved ones were killed in the fighting.

"I am very sorry the incident happened," she said. "I am very sorry for the lives lost and those who were injured. We send our condolences to the families who are bereaved."

Some Torit residents said Manir promoted peace across the state and that they did not understand why he was fired.

Others, like resident Paul Bob, said he was not surprised. "There are some challenges people are facing," Bob said. "I have to admit it and look forward to how the new governor is going to play his role."

Torit resident Pons Bismark urged the new governor to listen to the concerns of ordinary citizens.

"If you are new in the office, you should have to follow how the community is proceeding with the life, because if you come with some new idea in the office, then even the lower people at ground level will face problems," he said.

Bismark, however, added quickly that all state residents should abide by the changes made by Kiir.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Nearly 22 per cent of television programmes in India depict tobacco use and 71 per cent of these were broadcast when children and adolescents may have been watching even as an estimated one million deaths in the country are linked to tobacco, a government study has found.

Noting that the implementation of the Film Rules was "very low" in television, the study has recommended strengthening enforcement of the rule by putting across guidelines for the Censor Board and enforcement officials enlisting the key elements to look into for certifying films.

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The study said that while 99 per cent of films with tobacco scenes implemented at least one of the three elements of the Film Rules, only 27 per cent implemented all three elements fully in the approved manner and asserted that if properly implemented, these anti-tobacco warning messages are effective in even prompting decisions to quit tobacco.

The Film Rules under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) mandate three forms of warning messages (anti-tobacco health spots, audio-visual disclaimers and static health warning messages) during broadcast of tobacco products in films and television programmes.

"During the study period, 22 per cent of TV programmes were found to depict tobacco. Worryingly, 71 per cent of these programmes were broadcast when children and adolescents may have been watching. Implementation of the Film Rule on TV was found to be very low.

"Only 4 per cent of these programmes implemented at least two of the three elements of the rules and none carried both of the government approved anti-tobacco spots (Child and Dhuan). Static health messages were most likely to be shown, but these were also not implemented fully as per Rules," the study said.

The study titled Evaluation of Tobacco Free Film and Television Policy in India was conducted by Vital Strategies with support from WHO Country Office for India under the guidance of Health Ministry to evaluate the implementation of the Film Rules under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

"Tobacco use is detrimental to all aspects of life, and grips users in the most productive years. We must reverse this tide. An effective way of tobacco control would be to ingrain and indoctrinate the young minds, the children and the youth.

"If they could be weaned away from tobacco use, we believe that the battle is half won, since the children and youth of today will be the policy and lawmakers of tomorrow," Union Health secretary C K Mishra said while speaking at a national consultation on Implementation of the Tobacco-Free Film Rules in Theatres and Television programmes.

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Tobacco use currently causes over five million deaths annually worldwide and these deaths are expected to rise to over eight million yearly by 2030 globally. India is home to the second largest number of tobacco consumers in the world and it is estimated that one million deaths can be attributed to tobacco use in the country. (MORE) PTI TDS KUN

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Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is showing signs of steering a middle course between China and the United States, despite a unique connection with Donald Trump, to balance competing voter sentiments and reduce the risk of escalating anger in Beijing.



Tsai made a surprise call to Trump in December before he took office. But her government has made a series of statements over the past two weeks suggesting it wants no worsening of already strained relations with China.



As far as Taiwans policy toward China, shes been very consistent in showing goodwill, which has not been reciprocated by China, said Ross Feingold, a Taipei-based analyst with an American political consultancy.



Tsai is moving cautiously with Washington, analysts believe, partly to avoid being used as a Sino-U.S. bargaining chip, a fate opposed by much of Taiwans public. Some voters also want her to keep peace with China, a top trade and investment destination with the worlds third most powerful military.



But Tsai, who is known as a cautious person, cannot veer too close to China without upsetting voters and people in her political party with staunch anti-Beijing views. China fumes when major world powers such as the United States get close to Taiwan, implying that the Asian island is a sovereign state rather than a Chinese territory.



Beijing, which has long seen self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory, distrusts Tsai because of her refusal to hold talks with the Communist leadership with the understanding that both sides belong to one China.



Taipei wants neither to be a bargaining chip, nor to provoke Beijing, said Alan Romberg, East Asia Program director with Washington think tank the Stimson Center. They do want a good relationship with the Trump Administration, so they will try to walk the fine line between forging that while at the same time avoiding being co-opted in a power game that would harm Taiwan rather than help it.



More than a month before taking office as U.S. president, Trump accepted a 12-minute phone call from Tsai, the first such high-level contact since the 1970s. They discussed Taiwans security, a possible reference to its defense against China, and its hopes to be more accepted internationally.



Taiwan has just 21 diplomatic allies, mostly poor countries, compared to Chinas more than 170. China also blocks Taiwans participation in the United Nations.



After the call and before taking office, Trump suggested that Chinas policy claiming sovereignty over Taiwan was negotiable. The comment angered Beijing, which followed up by passing its aircraft carrier near Taiwans territorial waters, and raised concern among Taiwanese that Trump would use Taiwans status as a bargaining chip to get unrelated concessions from the much larger China.

On Thursday Trump agreed in a telephone call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to honor that policy.



The presidential office in Taipei responded Friday by saying Taiwan and the United States have maintained close contact with a very good zero accident approach. Taiwan understands that the U.S. government attaches great importance to peace and stability in East Asia, the office said in a statement.





As a bargaining chip I dont think that Taiwan is very influential or critical, said Wu Chung-li, a political science research fellow at Academia Sinica, a university in Taipei. And Trump is very unpredictable. You dont know what hes going to do, use Taiwan as a bargaining chip or just as a businessman.



So everything is negotiable. A couple of months ago maybe (Tsai) tried to play this U.S. ball, but obviously the response from Chinas side is pretty strong.



On January 30, Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council, the government agency in charge of China policy, issued a statement advocating the creation of harmonious relations with Beijing. On February 1 the council noted mainland Chinese graduate students appreciation for academic exchanges last year.



And on Wednesday the council declined to comment on a Japanese media report that China was considering changes to its Anti-Secession Law, which is aimed in part at consolidating Beijings rule over Taiwan.



Council Deputy Minister Chiu Chui-cheng acknowledged uncertainty in early 2017 and urged a calm approach to China in that context.



To cope with all sorts of uncertain factors internationally, in the Asia Pacific as well as between Taiwan and mainland China, both internally and externally, our government must stay calm and rational, controlling risks and seizing opportunities and carefully promoting Taiwan-mainland policies for the development of relations, Chiu told Voice of America.



We hope to ease differences through dialogue and communication, Chiu said, urging China to avoid action that might make things worse.



Taiwan has publicized no specific proposals for new U.S. ties since Trump took office January 20, nor has Trump laid out an agenda for Taiwan.



Washington switched formal diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 as the Chinese economy grew. It has maintained strong informal ties with Taiwan since then and ranks as its top weapons supplier.



Analysts expect Tsai, a 60-year-old law scholar, eventually to seek an increase in existing U.S. exchanges with Taiwan: arms sales, senior-level visits from Washington to Taipei and possibly a bilateral trade deal. The arms sales and visits would be consistent with topics discussed between Tsai and Trump by phone on December 2.



China might respond to those measures by paying off the Asian islands diplomatic allies, cutting back two-way economic ties or making military threats. China has done all three since Tsai took office in May. But Tsais predecessor, and Trumps, had also presided over arms sales and high-level visits.



It is a normalization of interaction, Feingold said, anticipating more exchanges like those of the past. Whether its government-to-government, military-to-military, the whole panoply of interactions (is) to have a normalization.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met Thursday with the European Union's chief diplomat, Federica Mogherini, as the two governments struggle to find solid footing despite the U.S. president's support of Britain's decision to leave the EU.

Mogherini's task Thursday was to test the waters for Europe's relationship with the new Donald Trump administration, beginning with Tillerson, the top U.S. diplomat.

Afterward, Mogherini pronounced the meeting in Washington, D.C., "fruitful" and said the United States and European Union have many issues on which they would like to cooperate closely.

Trump has praised Britain for its Brexit plans and has repeatedly criticized NATO and other European institutions. Trump has also praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, who maintains a tenuous relationship with his European neighbors.

While in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Mogherini also met with members of Congress and was slated to meet with security officials at the White House.
Democrats in the U.S. Congress are calling for an investigation into whether White House National Security Adviser Michael Flynn had conversations with Russias ambassador to the United States about U.S. sanctions before the Trump administration took office.

The Washington Post and The New York Times reported Friday that Flynn discussed the sanctions placed on Russia by the Obama administration, despite denials from the Trump administration that the talks dealt with that subject.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One Friday that he is not aware of reports that Flynn discussed the Russian sanctions. He said he will look into the matter. Although later, he said he had full confidence in Flynn.

Several Democratic senators called for an investigation of Flynn, while others urged Trump to fire him and for intelligence officials to review his security clearance.

Nine sources

Nine anonymous people described as current and former U.S. officials told the Post that Flynn and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak explicitly discussed the sanctions placed on Russia by the Obama administration after the election hacking scandal.

The calls came at the same time as the Obama administration planned to roll out the sanctions, which raised suspicions by U.S. intelligence officials and initiated an investigation.

Flynn denied to the Post on Wednesday that he discussed the sanctions with Kislyak, but he backtracked Thursday, telling the Post through a spokesperson that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

Vice President Mike Pence also denied the conversation happened during an interview last month with CBS News, calling it one of the bizarre rumors that have swirled around [Trumps] candidacy.

Those statements are at odds with the Posts new report about the conversation, which was one of several contacts between Flynn and Kislyak that started before the November 8 election and continued through the transition period, according to the newspaper.

Knowledge of the conversation came from reports compiled by intelligence officials who monitor the communications of Russian diplomats.

According to The New York Times, the officials had transcripts of Flynns phone calls with Kislyak, which are classified. Officials with access to those reports then leaked details to the two newspapers.

The officials told the Post that Flynns conversation could possibly violate a U.S. law against unauthorized citizens engaging in negotiations with foreign governments.

Under the Logan Act, it is illegal for a U.S. citizen to correspond with any foreign government "with intent to influence the measures or conduct" of that government "in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States."

The officials said it would be difficult to build a case against Flynn, however, because no one has ever been prosecuted under the law.

WATCH: Trump on National Security Adviser Flynn
President Donald Trump said Friday the friendship between the U.S. and Japan is "very, very deep" and declared an alliance between the two countries is a cornerstone of peace in the East Asian region.

"We are committed to the security of Japan and all areas under its administrative control and to further strengthening our very crucial alliance," Trump told reporters at a White House news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Abe said he and Trump have reached agreement on a new framework for economic talks and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal will be among the topics of discussions. Trump said any trading relationship between the two countries must be "free, fair and reciprocal."

WATCH: Trump on cooperation with Japan

Japan has been concerned about the impact Trump's decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, as well as "America First" strategy, would have on Asia.

Abe expressed hope of developing a joint economic stimulus package that could create thousands of U.S. jobs through private and public investments in infrastructure.

The two leaders began two days of talks at the White House Friday morning that provide them with opportunities to reinforce a long-established security treaty and bolster their economic relationship.

Trump, Abe and their wives will fly to Palm Beach, Florida, Friday afternoon for a weekend stay at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

The two-day summit is the most time Trump has spent with a foreign leader since he became president on January 20. It is Trump's second face-to-face meeting with a key ally after hosting British Prime Minister Theresa May in Washington two weeks ago.

The Trump administration set a positive tone for the weekend summit by saying before Abe's arrival at the White House that Trump is committed to resisting any unilateral declarations that would threaten Japan's authority over disputed islands in the East China Sea.

At the news conference, Trump reaffirmed that commitment, as well as one ensuring safety in the region.

"We will work together to promote our shared interests ... including freedom of navigation and defending against the North Korean missile and nuclear threat, both of which I consider a very, very high priority," he said.

Watch: Trump Reassures Japan About US Commitment to Asia-Pacific

Japan's concerns about Trump's campaign promise to get Japan and other U.S. allies to pay more for their own defense were allayed somewhat by Defense Secretary James Mattis during a visit last week to Japan and South Korea.

Trump's meeting with Japan's prime minister occurs as the new U.S. administration appears to be adopting a more traditional U.S. policy toward Asia that features consolidating alliances and collaboration with China.

Late Thursday, Trump reaffirmed America's long-standing "One China" policy in a telephone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said Thursday that there was a need for a holistic review of the relationship with Pakistan, potentially opening the door for a new approach to one of Americas most vexing alliances.

Experts said the remarks by Army General John Nicholson, who leads U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, could signal a harsher policy toward Pakistan under President Donald Trumps administration.

However, they warned that such an approach could be a high-risk strategy that could threaten the long-term stability of the region.

Pakistan discussion a priority

Our complex relationship with Pakistan is best assessed through a holistic review, Nicholson told the Senate Armed Services Committee. He added that ties with Pakistan would be a priority in his discussions with U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the White House, which has given few details on its strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The United States has cut both military and economic aid to Pakistan sharply in recent years, reflecting mounting frustration among a growing number of officials with the countrys support for the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan.

The tools that will get Pakistan to hurt so badly, that it would want to do what the U.S. is asking, is a very high-risk proposition in terms of what happens within Pakistan, said Moeed Yusuf, the associate vice president of the Asia Center at the United States Institute of Peace.

Yusuf said the review would likely lead to a harsher U.S. policy toward Pakistan and could include looking at reducing the level of economic assistance and military support, increasing the number of drone strikes along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and sanctions against Pakistani individuals.

U.S. policymakers, deep down inside, they realize Pakistan is more important than Afghanistan in the long term, Yusuf said.

Calls for new approach

A report released earlier this week from the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based think tank, called for a new U.S. approach to Pakistan with the Trump administration making it more and more costly for Pakistani leaders to employ a strategy of supporting terrorist proxies to achieve regional strategic goals.

Nicholsons comments on Pakistan come as Afghan government forces control no more than two-thirds of national territory and have struggled to contain the Taliban insurgency since the bulk of NATO soldiers withdrew at the end of 2014.
Some U.S. allies are increasingly uneasy about the future of joint intelligence endeavors with Washington as they try to figure out just how much President Donald Trump plans to shake up the existing order.



The concerns are still in the early stages, with most of those willing to share their thoughts expressing a willingness to give the Trump administration more time to get people in place at the various agencies and departments.



But many also admit that the ongoing lack of communication combined with what, at times, appears to be contradictory messages from the White House, key departments and even from President Trump himself, is starting to strain ongoing efforts.



"It's hard to know for sure," one Western diplomatic official told VOA on condition of anonymity, when asked about the future of intelligence cooperation with the U.S.



"So much of the administration is not in place," the official said, cautioning that despite the many remaining vacancies there is already a sense Trump prefers some allies to others.



Perhaps no set of issues has been more emblematic of the dilemmas facing officials from Washington's European allies as the Trump administration's approach to Russia and the NATO alliance.



Starting on the campaign trail, Trump continually talked about his respect for Russian President Vladimir Putin, a view he has clung to even since taking office.



"I do respect him," Trump told Fox News' Bill O'Reilly in an interview that aired this past Sunday. "He's a leader of his country. I say it's better to get along with Russia than not."



At the same time, Trump has criticized NATO repeatedly, calling it "obsolete."



And despite voicing voiced "strong support for NATO" in a phone call Sunday with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Western officials say they are left to wonder how far that support truly goes, given other statements the president has made.



During a visit to U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida, Monday, for example, Trump repeated criticism of NATO members who have not been making "their full and proper financial contributions."



"Many of them have not been even close," Trump said. "And they have to do that."





"These alliances have been a little too much of a one way street, which is not to say that the alliances have no value," said Kevin Harrington, deputy assistant to the president for strategic planning at the National Security Council, at a forum Monday in Washington.



"It was time for the United States to look harder at a fairer burden sharing on certain fronts," he said of the president's message during the campaign. "This is not being anti-alliance to do that. I think it's simply a question of fairer distribution of burdens."



"It's a wonderful area of opportunity," according to NSC Senior Director for Strategic Assessments Victoria Coates who spoke at the same event regarding the chance to work on Washington's relationships.



But it has been the U.S. president's apparent willingness to work with Russia that has some Western officials most unnerved.



"It's a key concern," said the Western diplomatic official who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Russia has been a very disruptive player."



Officials worry Moscow's disruptions of upcoming elections in France, Germany and the Netherlands will only increase.



The fear, the officials say, is Russia will interfere in those elections in much the same way American intelligence officials said it interfered with the recent U.S. presidential election.



"What you're going to see, I'm sure, is a campaign of fake news," the diplomatic official said, warning a softer approach to Russia's activities is only likely to backfire on the West.





"If the most important of these allies, the U.S., decides to forgive, it will be very difficult," the official said.



While Trump's aides have done little to ease creeping anxiety for some U.S. allies, there have been some hints of pragmatism.



"If we've learned anything from the last eight years it's that sort of cuddling up to your opponents and punishing your allies is not a good recipe for a peaceful, stable world," said the NSC's Coates. "We have terrific friends who are willing to help us and if we ask them to do so in a purposeful way, that there's a plan behind it, I actually think we have a great deal of upside."



Western officials hope that thinking ultimately wins out.



"We have something to offer," noted Dutch Ambassador to the U.S.Henne Schuwer, who has been watching developments closely.



The Netherlands has been working with various U.S. agencies to improve security across Europe and to establish a European Union intelligence community in order to better share vital information and combat threats.



"We have a very good relation with the intelligence community [in the U.S.]," Schuwer said. "That will not be broken easily."



Meetings this week with key European Union officials may also go a long way in easing potential anxieties.



Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos sounded an optimistic tone, calling his talks Wednesday with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, "fruitful and friendly."



"The security threats faced by the United States and the European Union are common and so should be our response," Avramopoulos said in a statement.



Kelly, for his part, emphasized Washington's "deep commitment to help the EU fight the terrorist threat" according to a readout from his office.



Yet for every step forward, Western officials say it is difficult to move past nagging doubts caused by tweets, comments or even the administration's executive order pausing immigration from seven Muslim majority countries.



One Western official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the order caused several days of uncertainty as Western countries struggled to get answers on how it impacted their citizens and what they were supposed to do.



For now, many Western officials seem willing to give the Trump administration more time to get its footing. Still they worry, waiting, as one official put it, for a firm signal to indicate what sort of course the U.S. leadership will ultimately take.
A U.S. Navy P-3 plane and a Chinese military aircraft came close to each other over the South China Sea in an incident the Navy believes was inadvertent, a U.S. official told Reuters on Thursday.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the aircraft came within 1,000 feet (305 meters) of each other on Wednesday in the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal, between the Philippines and the Chinese mainland.

The official added that such incidents involving Chinese and American aircraft are infrequent, with only two having taken place in 2016.

The U.S. aircraft was "on a routine mission operating in accordance with international law," U.S. Pacific Command told Reuters in a statement.

"On Feb. 8, an interaction characterized by U.S. Pacific Command as 'unsafe' occurred in international air space above the South China Sea, between a Chinese KJ-200 aircraft and a U.S. Navy P-3C aircraft," it said.

The KJ-200 is a propeller airborne early warning and control aircraft based originally on the old Soviet-designed An-12.

"The Department of Defense and U.S. Pacific Command are always concerned about unsafe interactions with Chinese military forces," Pacific Command added. "We will address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels."

In Beijing, China's defense ministry told state media the Chinese pilot responded with "legal and professional measures."

"We hope the U.S. side keeps in mind the present condition of relations between the two countries and militaries, adopts practical measures, and eliminates the origin of air and sea mishaps between the two countries," the Global Times cited an unnamed defense ministry official as saying.

Past controversies

Separately, China's Defense Ministry said in a statement Friday that three ships had left port for drills taking in the South China Sea, eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific.

China's blockade of Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing spot, prompted the previous Philippine government to file a legal case in 2013 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, infuriating Beijing, which refused to take part.

While the court last year largely rejected China's claims, new Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has sought to mend ties with Beijing and the situation around the shoal has largely calmed down.

China is deeply suspicious of any U.S. military activity in the resource-rich South China Sea.

In December, a Chinese naval vessel picked up a U.S. underwater drone in the South China Sea near the Philippines, triggering a U.S. diplomatic protest. China later returned it.

The United States has previously criticized what it called China's militarization of its maritime outposts in the South China Sea, and stressed the need for freedom of navigation with periodic air and naval patrols nearby, angering Beijing.
President Donald Trump agreed to honor the longstanding "one China" policy in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a major diplomatic boost for Beijing which brooks no criticism of its claim to neighboring Taiwan.

The following are some of the major developments in U.S.-Sino relations since Trump won the U.S. presidential election in November.

Dec 2 - Trump speaks by phone with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, a move that is likely to infuriate China, which considers the self-ruled island its own, and complicate U.S. relations with Beijing. China lodges swift protest, blaming Taiwan for the petty move.

Dec 11 - Trump says the United States did not necessarily have to stick to its long-standing position that Taiwan is part of "one China," questioning nearly four decades of U.S. policy.

Dec 12 - China expresses "serious concern" after Trump said the United States did not necessarily have to stick to its long-held stance that Taiwan is part of "one China".

Dec 14 - In a veiled warning to Trump, China's ambassador to the United States says Beijing will never bargain with Washington over issues involving its national sovereignty or territorial integrity.

Jan 11 - Taiwan scrambles jets and navy ships after a group of Chinese warships, led by its sole aircraft carrier, sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the latest sign of heightened tension between Beijing and the island.

Jan 12 - Trump's then nominee for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, says China should be denied access to islands it has built in the contested South China Sea, describing the placing of military assets there as "akin to Russia's taking Crimea" from Ukraine.

Feb 3 - China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, tells Michael Flynn, Trump's National Security Advisor, that China hopes it can work with the United States to manage and control disputes and sensitive problems.

Feb 9 - Trump breaks the ice with Xi in a letter that says he looks forward to working with him to develop relations.

Feb 9 - Trump changes tack and agrees to honor the "one China" policy during a phone call with Xi.
U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz was met by frequent, deafening boos at a Thursday town hall as constituents grilled him on everything from investigating President Donald Trumps tax returns to Planned Parenthood.



A young girl asked the Republican about his plans to protect the air and water, and the crowd booed when he replied that he supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which includes mining for coal.



We have a major problem here in Salt Lake Valley, with the inversion, Chaffetz said. He told the crowd gathered at a high school in a Salt Lake City suburb that he supports solar energy, but that it can have its own negative impact on animals and wildlife.



The chairman of the House Oversight Committee repeatedly said, hold on, and give me a second, as the audience members reacted negatively to nearly all of his statements.



Hundreds of people stood outside the auditorium holding signs and chanting, Vote him out, while one woman was arrested and put into handcuffs.

Bears Ears National Monument



Chaffetz said earlier in the day that he hopes Trump will repeal the newly named Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah, something he discussed with the president during a Tuesday meeting at the White House.



President Barack Obama named the monument in December after several years of lobbying from a coalition of Native Americans who said the protection was needed for the sacred tribal lands.



Holly Cobb Robinson from Salt Lake City said the congressmans push to repeal the monument would result in more drilling and mining for coal, which would destroy the land.



Protecting your public lands provides a better future for not only communities and people who are visiting, but also habitats and revenue, she said.



Travel ban

The town hall comes as Chaffetz spends time in his home state, speaking to the states lawmakers and visiting with Muslim leaders.



The congressman spoke with Muslim leaders Wednesday in Salt Lake City, and said that Trumps ban was rushed but singled out the the right countries.



Muslim leaders told the congressman that people stuck in refugee camps arent safe and that the ban caused great anxiety among Muslim-Americans.



The Mormon congressman said he empathizes and if Trump imposes a religious litmus test, hell push back.



Thursday, he encouraged lawmakers  mostly fellow Mormons  to visit mosques and reach out to Muslims in their community, noting that they are people that have been vetted.



We should know a few things about being a religious minority, he said.



Utah lawmakers asked Chaffetz if hed use his role as the powerful chairman of the House Oversight Committee to investigate Trumps business interests.



My job is not to be a cheerleader for the president, Chaffetz said.
Work resumed Thursday on the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline in the north central U.S., while an Indian tribe went to court again in a last-minute effort to stop the project.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had given the go-ahead Wednesday for the work to continue. President Donald Trump ordered the project completed after former President Barack Obama had put it on hold.

The company building the pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners, started drilling under Lake Oahe in North Dakota immediately after getting word from the army. It says it expects to have the project finished and oil flowing in 83 days.

The Standing Rock Sioux Indian tribe filed another court motion to try to stop the project. It says the corps broke its word to have a further environmental study.

Tribe leaders contend the pipeline is too close to their water supply and sacred land. They say an oil spill or a rupture in the pipe would be a disaster for millions of people.

They accuse the Trump administration of showing contempt for the environment and putting oil company greed ahead of their treaty and water rights.

Pipeline supporters contend the pipe is safe and that transporting oil underground poses much less risk to the environment than using trains and trucks.

Native Americans and their supporters have held a nearly nonstop protest near the lake, which sometimes has erupted in violence.
By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Feb 10 (PTI) A 36-year-old Egyptian woman weighing 500 kgs, who has not moved out of her house for 25 years, would reach here tomorrow for her weight reduction treatment, doctors said today.

Eman Ahmed, one of the heaviest women in the world, is currently under the care of a city-based bariatric surgeon Muffazal Lakdawala, and his team of doctors.

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Lakdawala and his team have been treating Eman for almost three months and have taken all the necessary precautions needed for the transportation of bed-bound Eman from Egypts Alexandria city, an aide to Lakdawala said.

"Even so transporting Eman to Mumbai is a challenging task keeping in mind the complexities of her case as she is a high risk patient who has not been able to move or leave the house for the past 25 years," he said.

Eman, travelling to India in an Egypt Air plane, is accompanied by Aparna Govil Bhasker, an Advanced Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon at Centre of Obesity and Digestive Surgery and Head of Department of Bariatric surgery at Saifee hospital, and Kamlesh Bohra, Senior Intensivist, Department of Critical and Intensive Care at Saifee Hospital here.

"She, along with her sister Shaimaa Ahmed, will arrive tomorrow at around 4 AM. To prepare her for the flight, the team of doctors have been in Egypt for the last 10 days to optimise the conditions for her travel; given the fact that she is so heavy and not moved for the last 25 years she is at a high risk for a pulmonary embolism and hence has been put on blood thinners to try and minimise the chances of such an eventuality during her transfer," the official said.

A special bed has been created by local Egyptian artisans in requirements with the safety precautions as laid out by the Egypt Air for her safe transport on ground and in the plane.

As a precautionary measure, the flight has been furnished with all the equipments required in case of an emergency such as portable ventilator, portable defibrillator, oxygen cylinders, intubating laryngoscopes and other safety drugs.

"Once in India, Eman will be transported by a fully equipped truck, which will be followed by an ambulance and a police escort to Saifee Hospital where a special room has been created for her. (MORE) PTI VT DK CPS

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Africa needs to reform its systems for buying and selling land and invest aggressively in urban infrastructure to create jobs, end poverty and reduce cities' high living costs, the World Bank said Thursday.

Africa's urban population will double over the next 25 years, reaching 1 billion people by 2040, it said.

But complicated procedures for land transactions, a lack of urban planning and under-investment in infrastructure connecting homes, jobs and shops are hampering development, the bank said.

How can we best prepare for the unprecedented wave of people moving to towns and cities to pursue their hopes and dreams? asked the World Bank's vice president for Africa, Makhtar Diop, via videoconference. African cities, in order to be drivers for economic growth, in order to be the platforms for poverty elimination, they really need to be connected and open to the world.

Network of trains, buses needed

The bank called on governments to make transport connections in rapidly growing cities a priority, saying the lack of a reliable network of buses and trains had a negative impact on the economy.

In the Kenyan capital Nairobi, seven out of 10 people either spend an hour walking to work or on a minibus, which means they can only reach about 20 percent of the city's potential jobs, the bank said in a report.

Nairobi  a metropolis of 3 million people  in reality functions as a set of villages with very local markets because people cannot move efficiently across the city," said Ede Ijjasz-Vasquez, the bank's director for Social, Urban, Rural, Resilience Global Practice.

Vicious cycle

African cities are almost 30 percent more expensive than other countries at similar income levels, the bank said.

Housing is 55 percent more costly, and food prices are 35 percent higher than in other low- and middle-income countries.

This creates a vicious cycle, driving up wages, reducing business profits and deterring investment.

It's by reducing the cost of living in African cities that we will be able to create the type of jobs that are needed for Africans to escape poverty, Diop said.

Land prices in some African cities are as high as in the United States because there is a shortage of land that can be easily and safely traded, the report said.

There is enough physical land; there is not enough tradable land with clear property rights, said Ijjasz-Vasquez. Therefore the prices have gone absolutely crazy.

Corruption, inefficiency major problems

Corruption and inefficiency are major problems in many African land ministries. Investors risk being given fake title deeds, or finding their plot has multiple titles, experts say, with swathes of land being traded informally because they have not been demarcated.

Urban plans, that lay out zones for houses, streets and public spaces, must be respected, Ijjasz-Vasquez said.

The efficiency of Manhattan today was due to a very simple urban plan, on one sheet of paper, that was agreed and enforced by everybody, he said. They were able to grow a city in an organized way that allowed it to be efficient for the next two centuries.

Lack of decent housing an issue

Money also needs to be poured into decent housing, with up to two-thirds of residents in cities like Lagos living in slums where more than three people share a room, the bank said.

Ijjasz-Vasquez praised Senegal for introducing a law enabling people with temporary occupancy permits in urban areas to convert them into permanent title deeds at no cost.

They can start investing in housing because their properties are more secure, he said.
Millions of Iranians took to the streets around the country Friday to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

In Tehran, the capital, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators shouted traditional slogans and carried posters slamming the United States.

The rallies commemorate February 11, 1979 when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted U.S.-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi.

President Hassan Rouhani said at the anniversary march in Tehran, "This turnout is a response to false remarks by the new rulers in the White House and the people are telling the world through their presence that the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect." He said "Iranians will make those using threatening language against this nation regret it."

U.S. President Donald Trump recently placed sanctions on Iran because of its ballistic missile test last month. He warned Iran that it was "playing with fire."

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis recently described Iran as "the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world."

One Tehran resident said, "We did not participate in the rally for more than 10 years. This year my wife told me let's go out to show to the world, particularly Trump, that we love our country despite differences."

State television aired footage of demonstrations in cities around the country, some of them in freezing temperatures.
The founding president of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Morgan Tsvangirai, is in Masvingo province on his on-going nationwide consultations with community leaders, party structures and ordinary citizens on key issues affecting Zimbabwe.

In a statement, the MDC-T said the Masvingo consultations kicked off in Gutu where the people's president is meeting traditional leaders, church leaders, pensioners and other community leaders.

The meetings are private engagements where there are no party slogans, the only business being the crisis facing the country and the governance culture we should sculpt post-Mugabe in 2018.

The party claimed that the ruling party is scared of these grassroots meetings. So fearful has the regime become of these consultation programmes, particularly with traditional leaders that the Gutu DA (District Administrator) called an emergency meeting with chiefs and headmen to scuttle the MDC leader's engagements.

The MDC-T noted that despite this move, the turnout was good as most turned up to discuss the future of the country they love with President Tsvangirai.

There was no immediate reaction from provincial and district state officials.

After his meeting in Gutu, Tsvangirai is expected to hold a similar indabas in Bikita and Zaka.
Photo: Jay Maidment/Marvel

Not all heroes wear capes. Chris Evans, however, is a hero who sometimes does wear a cape, because hes played Captain America a few times now. The actor did a bit of real-life heroism when he called out David Duke online. When Duke, Americas leading villain  hes a white nationalist, Holocaust denier, and former Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan  tweeted his support of the recently confirmed Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a certain hunky Hollywood Chris stepped in. Behold: Chris Evans, wearing Americas heart on his sleeve.

If David Duke....DAVID!...DUKE!... thinks you're right, then you are unequivocally wrong. The confirmation of @jeffsessions is beyond words. https://t.co/CuLUznwO6S  Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 9, 2017

Like most villains, Duke was persistent with his alternative facts. He wasnt going down without a fight.

Typical dumb actor - if everything I say is wrong, then when I say I oppose these Zionists wars, you must be for them, Captain America!? https://t.co/fsxQHgzdWD  David Duke (@DrDavidDuke) February 9, 2017

Captain America, however, wasnt to be dissuaded by that low-level reverse psychology.

well if these nuggets of bigotry are some of your OTHER thoughts, then I stand by my original tweet https://t.co/YSrOCDuyBw  Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 9, 2017

America is saved! Not really, but with Obama on vacay, lets cling to the little victories.
Glenn Close as Norma Desmond. Photo: Joan Marcus/2016 Joan Marcus

Its easy to see why Stephen Sondheim and the team of Kander and Ebb each took a stab at musicalizing Sunset Boulevard. The still-startling 1950 movie, directed and co-written by Billy Wilder, is deeply human and diamond-hard. In Norma Desmond, a has-been silent movie star whose wild self-regard has long outlived her fame, it features a central character of innate drama and enormous scale: Shes big enough to need to sing. It has a nifty plot, too, as the cynical young screenwriter Joe Gillis gets lured into Normas web of crazy by the fancy duds and gold cigarette cases she dangles before him. The way Wilder frames both characters  and the audience  as collateral damage of the mid-century dream factory gives the material sociological heft.

But Sunset Boulevard, which opened tonight in a train wreck of a revival starring a woeful Glenn Close, also comes with a poison pill for would-be adapters. Its daring mix of film noir and Hollywood satire requires the utmost finesse to carry off, lest it turn into camp, a mere coffin of curiosities. (We are in fact introduced to Norma as she kisses the corpse of her pet chimp.) That it doesnt go rancid  that the film remains beautiful despite its overbite  is attributable to Wilders worldliness: No extreme of human behavior surprises or discomfits him. It may be impossible to achieve that kind of detachment in theatrical song, which pretty much defies a neutral point of view. Perhaps thats why Kander and Ebb gave up. As for Sondheim, who was writing with Jeanette MacDonald in mind for the lead, he dropped the project after Wilder told him at a cocktail party that the material could only work as an opera.

Youve got to hand it to Andrew Lloyd Webber, who rushed in where those men feared to tread. His musicalization of Sunset Boulevard  which opened in the West End in 1993 and on Broadway in 1994  gave Wilder the opera he demanded, and not just because of the many lets-call-them-homages to Puccini. Reams of what had been Joe Gilliss narration are rendered in Lloyd Webbers score as unrelieved arioso, and when the nervous jumble of poorly scanned lyrics gives way to big moments, in numbers such as With One Look and As If We Never Said Goodbye, they do come off as arias. The use of the chorus is operatic, too, in the sense that it is supernumerary; Sunset Boulevard is really a chamber piece, with very little happening outside its central quartet of characters. (Besides Norma and Joe there are Normas creepy majordomo, Max, and Joes white-bread love interest, Betty.) So give some credit to Lloyd Webber, whose three other shows now on Broadway (School of Rock, a revival of Cats, and  still!  Phantom of the Opera) do not earn him much in my accounting. This English National Opera production is by provenance and scale unassailably operatic.

Yet in every other way, Lloyd Webber and his collaborators  the book and lyrics are by Christopher Hampton and Don Black  have made choices that seem deliberately designed to coarsen the tone and invert Wilders point. To begin with, they do not seem to have understood that Wilder conceived of Desmond as a warning, not a role model. (Really, he conceived of everyone that way.) By forcing her into the confines of a fairly standard musical form they have gutted her pathos, and by giving her big triumphal songs they have turned her into a winner. (Losers dont belt.) So, too, her philosophy, if you can call it that. We gave the world new ways to dream, she sings over and over, turning a delusional watchcry into a message. Everyone needs new ways to dream. Wilder was being ironic; did no one notice?

In almost every scene  and there are lots of them, because the musical follows the film structure too closely  we see the same vulgarizing tendency in action. A typical example is the sequence in which Norma, in the film, buoyantly takes a reluctant Joe to the finest mens haberdashery in Los Angeles for a new wardrobe. Does he want the camelhair overcoat or the vicuna? Either brands him a gigolo, a point driven home, in an aside, when the lead salesman insinuatingly whispers, As long as the lady is paying, why not take the vicuna? Its funny and real and hair-raising. In the stage show, though, this scene is transformed into a ridiculous musical-comedy production number set at Normas palazzo, with the entire staff of the store having taken a field trip to purvey their wares in situ. In a vapid song called The Ladys Paying, the same lead salesman, now dubbed Manfred, lisps and leers and tries to get a glimpse of Joes goods. Wilder was showing us how commercial culture abets our most degraded impulses; what the musicals authors are showing us is that gay men are silly.

Thats a bit of biting the hand that feeds you; at every opportunity Hampton and Black take material that kept its balance at the edge of camp and shoves its way over the line. This was all true back in 1994, of course, but the current revival, in attempting to emphasize the shows musical strengths, only exposes the nonmusical elements to further criticism. Among other things, the configuration literally flattens the drama by forcing it to share the stage with the 40-piece orchestra that is this productions raison detre; the originals elaborate sets are here reduced to a system of stairs and catwalks that the cast must exhaustingly climb and traverse. (They sometimes seem like hamsters.) Little money was left over, it appears, for special effects; the car chase that deposits Joe in the garage of Normas decrepit Sunset Boulevard palazzo has been rendered by the director Lonny Price with actors dashing up and down stairs carrying headlights. Price, who is an expert in concert stagings but here faces bizarre and contradictory limitations, has also decorated the story with an ill-advised homage to Sondheims Follies: a bespangled ghost of Norma that hovers around the action, watching blankly and adding nothing.

I have put off saying much about Closes performance. It is not her first time at bat in this role; she won the battle to play Norma in the previous Broadway production after no less a diva than Patti LuPone originated the role in London. (LuPone sued; an out-of-court settlement financed what she called the Andrew Lloyd Webber Memorial Pool at her home in Connecticut.) In any case, the 1994 production was something of a triumph for Close; she was well-reviewed and won the Tony award. It pains me to say that her second outing as Norma is no triumph. Leave aside that she cannot sing the role, if she ever could. Her head voice is now pitchy and hooty; her chest voice raw and unregulated. (Its also madly overamplified to achieve the effects deemed necessary in the big numbers.) Great acting was meant to compensate, but her new interpretation of Norma  a mite more playful and less otherworldly  actually makes things worse. The climactic final scenes in which she goes completely bonkers seem underprepared, and her insanity thus laughable instead of pitiable. To say that its a real Norma Desmond of a performance is not to say its good. Its just big.

Nothing else (save that luxury orchestra) is. As Joe, Michael Xavier comes off as a juvenile: lighthearted, squeaky clean, and impressively pneumatic, instead of the sweaty, desperate cynic the material calls for. The other principals, brought over like Xavier from the English production, make little impression  which may be a blessing, for them at least. But it will be difficult to forget or forgive the reverse alchemy the authors have achieved. It is not to wish ill on the stage show that I encourage anyone whos interested in the material to stick with the movie. As long as the lady is paying, why not take the vicuna?

Sunset Boulevard is at the Palace Theatre through May 28.
Its never easy for a long-running series to introduce a new character, especially when that character is meant to immediately fit in with the rest of the ensemble. But when Maggie Pierce arrived in season ten, thats exactly what Greys Anatomy did. It couldve been easy to dislike her  she showed up to take over cardio as Cristina Yang was leaving, for chrissakes! She was yet another one of Merediths long-lost sisters. The cards were really stacked against Maggie Pierce. Yet, thanks to the writers and Kelly McCrearys terrific performance, Maggie was immediately endearing. She is weird and neurotic and cheerful. She is nothing like Cristina, but she fills a void that Meredith needs filled in order to function. Can you really imagine Greys without Maggie Pierce?

All of this is to say that None of Your Business provides an overdue glimpse into Maggies background. Sure, we know that she is the love child of Ellis Grey and Richard Webber. We know that she was adopted by two lovely parents who recently (and somewhat surprisingly to their daughter) got divorced. We know that she was a prodigy and big-time nerd. But it is high time we get to see Maggie interact with someone who knows her in a different way than any of the doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial.

Without further ado: Surprise! Maggies mom is here! Diane (LaTanya Richardson Jackson) flies in from Hawaii without telling her daughter and roams the halls of the hospital. By the time Maggie is informed of her arrival, Dianes already made friends with Arizona, Riggs, and Jackson. Oh, you guys, she really likes Jackson. Like any good parent, she immediately wants to know if the hot one is the guy her daughter is into, and Maggie responds with a 14-year-olds Mom! It is delightful.

Later, it dawns on Maggie that shes going to have to introduce her mother to Webber and in true Maggie fashion, she immediately spirals. In an elevator. With Riggs. Wearing a mix of horror and amusement on his face, Riggs tells her, Itll be okay. Whatever happens, youre their kid. Its statements like these that made Maggie fall in love with you in the first place, Riggs. Stop being so good for her brand of crazy.

When Maggie walks in on Diane and Webber already getting to know each other  theyve even made dinner plans  I dont know if shes more furious that her mother didnt wait for her or just relieved that they get along so well. Its a healthy mix of both.

Dianes not just in town to embarrass her daughter, though. No, shes here for some top-notch plastic surgery. She tells Maggie that she wants to look good naked; Maggie is appropriately horrified. But when Diane is alone with Jackson (who, for the record, tells Diane that she is beautiful just as she is because Jackson is the sun, the moon, and the stars), she shows him what shes really there to see him about: A strange skin irritation on her chest. By the look on Jacksons face, we dont need the biopsy results to let us know whats going on here. He diagnoses Diane with inflammatory breast cancer. Its aggressive, but hell do everything he can to help her  hell even fly to Hawaii to perform the surgery if she wants. Why? Because shes Maggie Pierces mom. Please refer to my previous note regarding sun, moon, stars, etc.

Diane asks him to be there when she tells Maggie, and of course, Jackson obliges. Unfortunately, when Diane surprises Maggie at home to relay the news, she never gets a word in. The anger and embarrassment Maggies been feeling all day  emotion shes felt since her parents announced their divorce  finally boil over and she lets her mom have it. Like, really have it. Like, I dont even know who you are anymore have it. Although some of Maggies points are valid, its hard not to cringe knowing the information that she is missing.

Dianes taken aback. Obviously, telling Maggie about the cancer is off the table for the moment. There are other things Diane needs to inform her daughter about. For example, how for the first time in Dianes life, she actually feels like herself. That Maggie doesnt know her because she hasnt made any effort to. Its pretty heartbreaking, and boy is Mags going to feel like a grade-A jerk when she learns about her moms condition. Also, kids? Hug your moms.

Now, compare the seamless introduction of Maggie Pierce to a character like Eliza Minnick. Elizas been around for several episodes now, but does anyone care about her? Seriously. Im asking. True, she has an uphill battle because shes been introduced as a (sort of) antagonist. But you know who else was introduced as a bad guy? Nathan Riggs. And you know what? I dont want him going anywhere any time soon. Which means there is plenty of precedent for being a Greys antagonist and still meshing with the ensemble.

The character of Eliza is just not compelling. It should be easy to sympathize with her  as Catherine tells April, this overhaul of the system is a good thing. The attendings shouldnt fight prioritizing the patients. It should be easy, but as with everything else that involves Eliza, its not. Shes weirdly aggressive with Arizona. (Please dont be into her, AZ.) She complains to Bailey about getting shut out of surgery, but then when Bailey actually does something about her insubordinate attendings and suspends Meredith, Eliza complains about that too. Pick a lane, doc!

The most emotionally engrossing aspect of this story line is how it will affect Webber and Catherines relationship. Finally, we get a taste of that conflict here. We dont see their conversation after Webber realizes that Catherine is pro-Minnick, but I imagine the fallout will be very significant. The Webber and Catherine angst, I am here for. The rest of the Eliza plot, hard pass.

A few other items of note: There is an interesting case with a patient who ends up tangled in razor wire after trying to take down a wall she and her late husband built to keep people out of their lives. It becomes 100 percent less interesting once Owen applies that story to Amelia. Shes still barricading herself inside Stephanies apartment and Owen isnt going to wait around forever. Can we fast forward on this story line?

More important, we get the deets on Alexs journey to freedom. As suspected, its all thanks to DeLuca. Before Alex could take a plea deal, DeLuca storms in and tells the D.A. that he wont testify against Karev. If hes put on the stand, hell say it was all his fault. So, the charges are dropped.

Everyone pretty much knows that DeLuca did it because of his feelings for Jo, but we should all be thankful that Alex asks for an explanation. It was very cathartic to hear DeLuca finally scream at Alex! All this time, weve just been waiting for Alex to treat him like a human being, look him in the face, and apologize for what he did. He understood what happened that night. DeLucas just a good guy who doesnt want Jo to suffer anymore. The guy is a gentleman, but, like, tell us something we dont know, right?

The conclusion of this story line gives us some great insight into DeLuca, and also Jo. When she discovers that Alex hasnt been locked away in jail, Mopey McMopeface runs over to give him a long, silent, meaningful hug. Note that she does NOT go and thank DeLuca for being a wonderful human. This pretty much tells you everything you need to know about Jo Wilson.

Laughter Is the Best Medicine, Except for Real Medicine

 There is utter joy on Bens face when he has to explain to Bailey why DeLuca would let the case go for Wilson. (Are you blind, woman?) Ben Warren loves that he gets the hot goss before his wife does. This man has so many layers.

 Bailey giving Alex his job back was a scene full of unspoken feelings, but also, Promise me that you are the Alex Karev who heals small children and you left behind the Alex Karev who beats people up is the Bailey-est thing Bailey couldve ever said. Obviously, it was great.

 Someone over at Shondaland is a Game of Thrones fan: Catherine is a dragon waiting to be released, Mers suspension means that winter is coming, and Jo finds comfort watching shows with swords and dragons and decapitations.

 Bailey wins April to her side by giving her Merediths Chief of General Surgery position while Mer is suspended. Meredith and Alexs reaction to the news is so old-school Greys and I welcome it with open arms.

 Dont want to be late for your butt lift, or whatever it is.

Sob Scale: 2/10

Where are the tears, Greys Anatomy? BRING ME THE TEARS.
A little boy was kidnapped by his 20-year-old neighbour who asked for a Rs 15 lakh ransom from parents.

By Divyesh Singh: The Nehru Nagar police in Mumbai on Thursday reunited a seven-year-old boy who had been kidnapped by a neighbour and was taken to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

The incident happened on February 2 when the kid identified as Furqan Aftab was kidnapped and the family received a ransom call where the kidnapper asked the family to pay Rs 15 lakh for their son's release.

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A case was registered with the Nehru Nagar police station in Kurla on February 3. Soon the number from which the Aftab's father Humayun Shaikh had received the call was traced to Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh.

The accused caller also threatened the family with dire consequences if they approached police and told them that he would call again to give details about where the money should be delivered. The Nehru Nagar police prepared a team to investigate the case and the team waited for the next call which came on February 4.

This time the call was traced to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and the caller asked if the demanded ransom amount had been arranged. Humayun sought time from the caller stating that it was difficult to arrange such a huge amount to which the caller told him that he would call again.

"On February 5, the accused called up Humayun asking if he had arranged for the ransom amount but Humayun told him that he could arrange only Rs 5 lakh. On February 6, the accused called up Humayun and asked him to bring Rs 5.50 lakh to Varanasi railway station and a police team that had been in Varanasi arranged for local support" said DCP Shahaji Umap from Zone VI of Mumbai police.

He added, "The meeting between the caller and Humayun was scheduled at Varanasi railway station at early morning and a trap was laid. On February 8 around 4.30 am, the accused could be seen getting out of a hotel located close to the station and walking towards the station.

The police team which was waiting apprehended him and rescued the kid and the accused was identified as the 20-year-old former neighbour of the victim named Kishankumar Ram.

The accused resided in the same locality as the victim, and had left the area with his family few months ago and shifted to his native place.

Also Read || PM Narendra Modi in Bijnor rally: Most jokes on Google are about one Congress leader ||

He had come back to Mumbai recently looking for a job and lured the victim with an ice cream and kidnapped him. He had boarded a local train to Kalyan with the victim and then boarded the Mahanagari Express to reach Varanasi on February 3.

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The protest march has been called to observe the fourth death anniversary of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, who was hanged on February 9, 2013.

By Shuja-ul-Haq , Ashraf Wani: Authorities have imposed strict restrictions on pedestrian and vehicular movement in Srinagar to prevent the protest march called by separatists towards the UN office in the city.

The protest march has been called to observe the fourth death anniversary of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, who was hanged on February 9, 2013.

The restrictions have been placed on movement of vehicles and people in 5 police stations of the city.

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Most of the areas in Old City have been placed under restrictions.

WHAT SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN PLACE

Strong contingents of police and CRPF personnel have been deployed all across the city. A joint camp of separatist parties called for a march to the headquarters of the UN Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) located in Sonawar area of the city.

Also read | Kashmir observes Afzal Guru's death anniversary; railways suspended, markets shut

The march by separatists today is a part of protests to observe Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat's death anniversaries.

Yesterday, a shutdown call for Afzal Guru's death anniversary was given by separatists and many areas, particularly in Sopore, witnessed incidents of protests and stone pelting. A shutdown has been called even on Saturday, this time to observe the death anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Maqbool Bhat, who was hanged to death on February 11, 1984.

MIRWAIZ FAROOQ PLACED UNDER HOUSE ARREST

Meanwhile, ahead of the protest march to the UN office, Hurriyat Conference chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been placed under house arrest in Srinagar.

Mirwaiz was scheduled to lead the UN march from Jamia Masjid after Friday prayers.

He was informed today morning that he could not go out for Friday prayers, reports said.

Mirwaiz, along with other separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Muhammad Yasin Malik, all called for this march.

WATCH VIDEO

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Taking note of the allegations made against Air Indias operations head Capt A K Kathpalia, DGCA is gathering information to ascertain whether he had skipped compulsory pre-flight medical test on multiple occasions. Following the regulators orders, Air India has already taken him off flying duties after he skipped the pre-flight medical test while operating a flight on January 19. A senior DGCA official today said Kathpalia did not take medical test either before or after the flight on that day. Amid allegations that he had skipped the mandatory medical tests on various occasions, the aviation regulator will be gathering medical information from the doctors who carry out such tests. This is to check whether Kathpalia had skipped the tests on earlier occasions also, according to the DGCA official. Further, the official said Air India CMD as well as Flight Safety Head have been asked to expedite investigation into the matter. Air India had set up a 5-member committee to investigate the allegations. The probe was necessitated after the airlines pilots union ICPA brought it to the notice of the management. "In compliance with the DGCA orders, Capt Kathpalia will not be assigned any flight to operate any more," sources at Air India had said on Thursday.

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The orders to remove Kathpalia, who is the airlines executive director (operations), from flying duties were issued by DGCA flight safety department.

The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) had complained that a senior executive pilot had evaded pre-flight medical test in the last 25 days at the Delhi airport, the sources had said. Rule 24 of Aircraft Rules prohibits crew members from taking any alcoholic drink 12 hours prior to the commencement of a flight and it is mandatory for him or her to undergo an alcohol test both before and after operating a flight.

Any crew member who tests positive in the pre-flight medical check or refuses to take a breath-analyser test is required to be taken off flying duty for at least four weeks and the airline is required to initiate disciplinary proceedings. PTI RAM ARD

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The al-Qaeda member Abu Hani al-Masri died in the drone strike in Syria's north-western Idlib province last Saturday after air strikes killed 10 of the militant organisation's operatives.

By Indo-Asian News Service: A US air raid in northern Syria has killed a top Al-Qaeda member who had close ties the terror network's late leader Osama bin Laden, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

Abu Hani al-Masri died in the drone strike in Syria's northwestern Idlib province last Saturday after air strikes killed 10 Al-Qaeda operatives near Idlib a day earlier, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis announced.

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Masri is alleged to have set up and run Al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan during the 1980s and 1990s. He "recruited, indoctrinated, trained and equipped thousands of terrorists," the Pentagon stated.

ALSO READ | ISIS leader Al-Baghdadi killed in US-led air strike

He also had close ties to fellow Egyptian Ayman al-Zawahiri, who became Al-Qaeda leader when Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan by US forces in 2011.

"These strikes disrupt al-Qaeda's ability to plot and direct external attacks targeting the US and our interests worldwide," said Davis.

Al-Qaeda's influence in Syria operates largely through an affiliated jihadist group, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS), formerly called the al-Nusra Front.

JFS, which at one stage controlled most of Idlib province, was one of the groups excluded from the ceasefire negotiated by Russia and Turkey in December.

Intelligence suggests JFS's leadership structure is still intertwined with Al-Qaeda's.

ALSO READ | Russia, Turkey launch first joint airstrike operations in Syria

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The Texas Country Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus is offering a Singing Valentunes service to be delivered Monday and Tuesday in Waco, Temple and Killeen.

A mens barbershop quartet will present recipients with a rose, a card and two love songs.

Cost is $50 for anytime delivery or $65 to request a one-hour window.

To order, call 855-770-0497.

Progressive Dems

A meeting of the newly formed McLennan County Liberal and Progressive Democrats will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Dewey Community Center, 925 N. Ninth St.

The meeting is geared for Central Texans to discuss their thoughts about the current political situation  local, state, and national  and what can be done to improve it and to make the local Democratic Party stronger.

For more information, call Toni Herbert at 755-7417 or email therbert@grandecom.net, or call Carmen Saenz at 292-2040 or email Carmen.saenz.31@gmail.com.

Free food distribution

Capital Area Food Bank of Texas and The Shepherds Heart Food Pantry will have a free food-distribution event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the parking lot at 3300 Franklin Ave.

Participants will receive a variety of fresh food.

Clients must bring a box, basket or container to carry their food.

For more information, call 799-8810 or 716-7064.

Calligraphy Guild

Waco Calligraphy Guild will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 800 N. New Road.

JoAnne Norwood will present a program about the metalworking technique repoussage, an art form in which malleable metal is ornamented or shaped by working from the reverse side.

For more information, call 848-4165.

Trojan Tyke Camp

The University High School Junior ROTC will conduct its 11th annual Trojan Tyke Boot/Fun Camp from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the gym at University High School, 3201 S. New Road.

The event, for ages 4 to 8, will be lead by the Trojan Battalion.

Cost is $10 per child.

For more information, call 498-3944.

Submit items for Briefly in printed or typed form to Briefly, P.O. Box 2588, Waco 76702-2588; fax to 757-0302; or email to goingson@wacotrib.com at least one week before an event.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott went on the attack Thursday evening in Waco, blasting the notion of sanctuary cities in the Lone Star State, illegal immigration, attacks on law enforcement officers simply because they are wearing uniforms and an education system that does not include school-choice options.

A crowd of almost 300 at the Republican Party of McLennan Countys Lincoln-Reagan Dinner at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museums Knox Hall punctuated Abbotts talk several times with applause. Creating the biggest reaction was his line that he sued President Barack Obamas administration 31 times, which is a record that will never be broken.

Abbott said he wants to sign legislation that would attach a hate-crime designation and longer prison sentences to people who attack peace officers. Ambush attacks on peace officers increased 150 percent last year, among the most noteworthy being the sniper attack in downtown Dallas that claimed five lives, Abbott said.

Legal immigration is special to Abbott, whose wife is Hispanic, but the governor said the state must secure its border with Mexico, where about 1,000 people a day enter the state illegally. He said he toured the Rio Grande border region this week with new Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and received assurances that President Donald Trump is poised to start work soon to stop illegal border crossings.

Elected officials in Texas cities who thumb their nose at laws meant to keep undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes behind bars will be defunded, fined and criminally prosecuted, Abbott said.

He lauded the efforts of schools such as Texas State Technical College in Waco for training a workforce that makes Texas the envy of the nation.

Creating jobs

We have more people with jobs in this state than ever in our history, even with last years downturn in the oil patch, when oil prices hit bottom, Abbott said. The state created more jobs last year than Waco, Texas, has residents.

The citys population is about 129,000 people.

If Texas was its own country, it would have the 10th largest economy in the world, larger than Canada, larger than Australia and even larger than Russia, Abbott said.

Turning to accomplishments during the last session of the Texas Legislature, Abbott said it earmarked $70 billion in highway improvements over 10 years.

You will be seeing a lot of that work right out here on Interstate 35, he said. Caterpillar and makers of those orange construction cones will get plenty of action.

He said 30 states give parents some kind of choice in where their children go to school, and he wants Texas to join the group.

One size does not fit all, and I had that point driven home with me on a visit to Lubbock, where a father of three told me one child went to public school, another went to private school and a third was home-schooled, Abbott said. I want all parents to have the option of doing whats best for their children.

He said he has grown weary of a growing federal government that stiff arms the states and ignores its own citizens.

He suggested pursuing change by holding a convention of states that would collaborate to shape the countrys future.
China Spring Middle School Jazz Band members earned positions in the region honor jazz band sponsored by the Texas Music Educators Association.

Students earning positions in the band were Dylan Mitchell, first chair trombone; Charlye Baker, first chair bass; Kristen Davenport, first chair baritone saxophone; Amy Stephens, second chair trumpet; and Sam Webb, third chair trombone.

Middle school jazz band director Ian Mitchell said China Spring accounted for one-fourth of the 20-member regional group. The number of students was also a record for CSMS, with 24 students choosing to audition this year.

The students will perform in a concert March 25 at the Temple College Jazz Festival.

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Michael Loudermilk photos

Earning spots in the regional honor jazz band were (from left) Amy Stephens, Sam Webb, Dylan Mitchell and Charlye Baker.

Kristen Davenport made the band as first chair baritone saxophone.
Gateway Mortgage Group Waco branch on Jan. 24 donated $4,500 to the Pack of Hope in support of its mission to erase child hunger in McLennan County.

Pack of Hope supplies school districts and their eligible students with backpacks of nutritious food to prevent hunger from Friday through Sunday while the students are not in school.

This donation will help the Pack of Hope reach out to an additional 15 children, said Pack of Hope president Jane Bounds. The generosity and passion that (Gateway Mortgage) has to reach out to the children in this area is touching and most sincere. It takes all of us to help these children in need.

Board member Lisa Wilhelmi said the Pack of Hope serves 18 districts in McLennan County at Axtell, Bosqueville, Bruce-ville-Eddy, China Spring, Connally, Crawford, Gholson, Hallsburg, La Vega, Lorena, Mart, McGregor, Moody, Riesel, Robinson, Waco and West ISDs as well as Rapoport Academy.

For further information about Pack of Hope (www.packofhope.org), contact Wilhelmi at lwilhelmi@mclennan.edu.

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Lisa Wilhelmi photo

Gathered for the check presentation are (from left) Pack of Hope board member Martha Bauer, board president Jane Bounds, Gateway Waco branch manager Vivian Sumrow, Gateway Waco loan originator Joey Kolar and board member Lisa Wilhelmi.
A retired Texas Department of Transportation employee was sentenced to 120 years in prison Thursday for sexually abusing a young girl beginning when she was 6 years old.

Jurors in Wacos 54th State District Court recommended three 60-year prison terms, two 20-year prison terms and a total of $25,000 in fines on the five counts for which they found Marvin Ray Shilling guilty.

Judge Matt Johnson ordered Shilling to serve the first two 60-year terms consecutively, for a total of 120 years. Shilling will serve the remaining three counts concurrently. Because the sentences were stacked, he cannot seek parole for at least 60 years, meaning the 60-year-old Shilling will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, barring successful appeal.

The jury deliberated about two hours Wednesday before convicting Shilling, a Hewitt resident, on three first-degree felony counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two second-degree felony counts of indecency with a child by contact.

Shilling, 60, did not testify during the four-day trial. However, in a videotaped police interview with Hewitt detectives played for the jury, Shilling denied the charges and said he could not think of a reason why the girl would make up the accusations against him.

Shilling formerly lived with the girls mother, but the girl did not report the abuse until four years after Shilling and the girls mother broke up. The girl first told her father that Shilling sexually assaulted her over a three-year period starting in 2006, when Shilling told her she couldnt go to a Batman movie with her mother and brother and sexually abused her while they were gone.

The girl, who is now 17, told the jury that Shilling also showed her pornographic images on his computer and his cellphone. He warned her not to tell anyone about the abuse because he said he would go to jail, she said.

In punishment-phase testimony, defense attorneys Russ Hunt and Michelle Tuegel called to the stand five of Shillings former TxDOT co-workers and his ex-wife, who all said they disagreed with the guilty verdicts but respected the jurys findings. All said Shilling is hard-working, honest, kind-hearted and dependable.

Ex-wifes testimony

Ive spent most of my life with him, said Linda Clemmons, who divorced Shilling in 2006 after an extended separation. Hes been around my family, my sister, my wonderful nieces and nephews. He was the greatest Uncle Marvin ever, and in my heart, I believe he would never harm a child, ever.

Tuegel asked jurors in summations to show mercy on Shilling, who has no previous convictions, and to recommend a probated sentence.

Prosecutors Hilary LaBorde and Christi Hunting Horse told jurors Thursday in punishment-phase summations that a life prison term was the only appropriate sentence because of the toll that Shillings abuse will have on the girl for the rest of her life.

Mercy? What mercy did he show her? Hunting Horse asked. This defendant committed a number of acts. We cant even give you a number other than to say it happened over and over during the course of three years. And he didnt stop on his own. He only stopped after he broke up with her mom and the child was not available to him anymore.
By Press Trust of India: From K J M Varma

Beijing, Feb 10 (PTI) Reacting guardedly to Indias diplomatic protests over its move to block US resolution to list Pakistan-based JeM leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist, China today hoped all members of the UN Security Council who are part of the anti-terrorism committee will follow rules.

"Will check on reports of Indias diplomatic protest," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here when asked about yesterdays dAmarche by India over China putting a technical hold of US resolution in the 1267 Committee of the UNSC to designate entities involved in terrorism.

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Lu said China already reiterated its stand on its technical hold two days ago.

"China is a responsible member of the UNSC as well as a subsidiary organ. China has always been acting in accordance with UNSC resolutions and rules of procedure of its subsidiary organs. We hope that all members of the security council and its affiliation would follow the rules of the procedures," he said.

On February 8, Lu defended Chinas move to block a US attempt to list Azhar in the UN saying that the "conditions" have not yet been met for Beijing to back the move.

He said Beijing resorted to this move to allow the "relevant parties" to reach a consensus.

"Last year 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council has discussed the issue regarding listing Masood in the sanctions list. There were different views with no consensus reached," Lu said.

"As for the submission once again by relevant countries to list him in the sanctions list, I would say the conditions are not yet met for the Committee to reach a decision," he said.

This is the second year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would warrant Pakistan to act against him.

Jaish-e-Muhammad, a terrorist organisation based in Pakistan, has already been listed by the 1267 Committee.

India moved for UN ban against him in March last year accusing of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack.

China first blocked for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year.

The US along with the UK and France approached the Committee again for the ban and Beijing once again put a six months technical hold on it. PTI KJV UZM AKJ UZM

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A second Lorena High School student was arrested Thursday in connection with an alleged plot to kill an assistant principal in late January by poisoning him, an arrest affidavit states.

Shelbi Grace Gill, 17, has been charged with making a terroristic threat after she and 17-year-old Kelly Lynn Praytor, who was arrested Jan. 30 in connection with the case, were overheard talking about ways to kill the school administrator, the document states.

A substitute teacher reportedly heard the two girls talking about the plan in her class and said the two were going into specific details about how to get away with it, such as poisoning him with an undetectable substance, the warrant states.

One of the girls violated a Lorena Independent School District policy, and when she was found in violation of this policy, an administrator admonished her on it and (that) led to some threats being made at a later time, Lorena Police Chief Tom Dickson said.

The policy involved students not being allowed to travel off the campus once school starts for the day, he said.

Apparently, one of these students left the building, Dickson said. From what we can tell, thats where this started from.

Superintendent Joe Kucera said Lorena ISDs campuses are closed once the day starts, and typically students must be signed out by parents to leave.

There was a rules violation of something, but were a closed campus and kids do have to follow our protocols and procedures for signing in and out, Kucera said.

Several students also overheard the plot in the classroom, and administrators investigated the comments. When the girls were interviewed by administrators, neither denied making the statements, the document states. Comments were also made about knowing where the assistant principal lives and about his wife and children, the document states.

The administrators were alarmed about the statements and the assistant principal was fearful they might actually attempt to put the plan into action because of the level of specific planning,, the affidavit states. The substitute teacher also said she was afraid to tell administrators because of the aggressive tone the girls had and she feared they might attempt to hurt her as well, according to the affidavit.

Gill was arrested 10 days after Praytor, but Dickson did not expand on why. He only said police have been working closely with the families involved.

The second person we had a warrant for (Gill) was unavailable to turn herself in. We were in contact with her parents and they notified us that she was available. Yesterday, we served the warrant on the second suspect, Dickson said. Obviously, theyre concerned. Naturally, as a parent, any time your child is accused of criminal wrongdoing, its concerning.

When Praytor was arrested, Dickson said there was no immediate threat to students or staff, and Kucera said safety is always the top priority in the district. The case is still under investigation, but Dickson said it should be wrapped up within the next couple of weeks and sent to the district attorneys office.

Kucera said because of privacy laws, he couldnt comment on specific disciplinary measures the district would take to address the situation, but said any discipline would be in compliance with school board policy, state and federal laws. He also said the assistant principal targeted by the two students is still working in his role at the high school.

Hes working, doing his normal routine, Kucera said. Hes all good.

Gill was taken to McLennan County Jail where she was booked in on the Class B misdemeanor, but a bond amount was not immediately available.
One of five suspects in an aggravated robbery that sent two people to a local hospital in July was arrested Thursday in Louisiana.

Areion Darale Coleman, 28, of Fort Worth, was charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon Friday. Police believe Coleman and four others tried to take money and cell phones and threatened a woman and man at about 2:30 a.m. July 9 at Beads Game Room, 614 N. New Road, according to an arrest affidavit.

Coleman is the first of the five suspects to be apprehended, Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said Friday afternoon. Louisiana State Police stopped Coleman on Thursday. Swanton said he does not know the circumstances of the initial stop.

Our investigation is ongoing, and ideally this one arrest will lead us to additional arrests through more investigation, Swanton said.

Coleman intentionally threatened the two victims by pointing a handgun at one of them, according to his arrest affidavit. Coleman and the four other men entered the business pretending to be customers, then brandished firearms and ordered everyone to the ground, the affidavit states.

The group took property and money from individuals and from the business, according to the affidavit.

A detective received identifying information about Coleman and learned he lived in Fort Worth, according to the document. Local investigators got a recent photograph of Coleman from Fort Worth police and compared it to surveillance video of the robbery, the document states.

They also matched his hair style and shoes shown in a July 4 Facebook post with the surveillance video, according to the affidavit. The detective also learned Coleman had bragged about the robbery in detail at a social event, and a witness identified Coleman from a photo lineup, the affidavit states.

Police posted video of the robbery in July at http://ow.ly/6eq6302DKnp, asking for help identifying the suspects.

Coleman remained in McLennan County Jail on Friday with bond set at $75,000.
How can we get Mexico to pay for the border wall? How, indeed! Heres one idea that most might find agreeable.

On Jan. 20, then-Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates announced that Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman-Loera  AKA El Chapo  was to be arraigned as he faced multiple drug-related charges stemming from his alleged operation of the Sinaloa cartel. Yates said he would be prosecuted for 17 counts of criminal activity including murder, human and drug trafficking, money-laundering and a host of other complaints across the United States. A week ago Guzmans attorneys were fighting the legality of extradition, but the trial now seems fairly certain.

After extradition, its clear President Trump will get a day in court on behalf of the people of the United States versus Guzman-Loera. And the president has a personal stake in seeing there are no slip-ups in this prosecution!

Over the years, Guzman reportedly has amassed a fortune through terror, smuggling and corruption to elude prosecution. His extradition from Mexico was contingent on the United States agreeing to prosecute Guzman without seeking a death sentence. Make no mistake, the brutality of Guzman and his cartel compadres warrants death sentences. However, at this early date, its not clear what will transpire during his trial.

But the real issue is not the criminal trial but the forfeiture proceedings that go with it.

Guzman has been prominent in the cartel since 1989 and reportedly played a part in the assassination of U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agent Enrique Kiki Camarena. Guzman expanded his holdings through his network and drug pipeline into the United States. However, he was already well established in the drug trade as proceeds from drug trafficking netted him about $1.5 billion between 1987 and 1990. He reportedly has been able to increase his profits through the drug trade nearly tenfold.

Thats a lot of money that could find better use securing our border.

A campaign cornerstone of our new presidents election was his promise of building a great wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to curtail the influx of illegal aliens and drugs from points south. Democrats believe the estimated cost to be about $14 billion and theres no way to pay for it. Other sources estimate differently  up to $25 billion  but any wall isnt going to be cheap!

President Trump promised us that this wall will be paid for by Mexico, a promise Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto dismisses. Trump has laid out several ways the payment could be made. He acknowledges itll be complicated but that it will be done. I believe there is a way to get the wall paid for and have full control over payment. It goes back to the forfeiture proceedings cited earlier.

The United States seeks forfeiture of more than $14 billion in cash proceeds from drugs and illicit profits that Guzman has been able to amass. The case can and should be made that, because of his drug and human trafficking and the murders along the border and into central Mexico, the wall has become necessary for our welfare and survival. American citizens killed by illegal aliens, gang wars instigated because of the drug influx, money used to assassinate government officials and fix elections in Mexico are reasonable justification for seizure of assets and cash even beyond the $14 billion sought by the U.S. Justice Department.

(Its also very possible there could have been interference in our own elections, perhaps only on the state or local level, by operatives within the cartels to ensure a favorable climate for the drug trade here. My opinion!)

Its a good bet such a forfeiture could offset taxpayer impact while denying any claims to the proceeds by the Mexican government or others who might feel entitled to the cash. Surely attaching all of El Chapos wealth and earmarking it for payment of our border wall could motivate the Trump Justice Department to fight their case earnestly, wisely and diligently. In a wonderfully delicious twist, the Guzman conviction  even without the death penalty  could see his criminal enterprise funding the means to deprive further criminal endeavors impacting U.S. citizens.

Maybe he could even get a prison cell with a barred window facing that wall emblazoned with the words: Thanks, Chapo, for paying for this wall!

Pete Commander is a 14-year Navy veteran who served as a hospital corpsman and is a registered respiratory therapist. He holds a master of arts degree in international relations from St. Marys University in San Antonio.
Swamp Thing

President Donald Trumps selection of a current member of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Undersecretary of Health David Shulkin, to be the next VA secretary is a disappointment to many veterans. How can our new president reform the VA system by picking a person from the most corrupt administration in VA history?

I dont mean the doctors, nurses or actual people who have contact with veterans. I mean the corrupt leadership who waste billions of dollars that should be spent on veteran care, not bonuses for the select few. To me, this appointment is offensive. Clearly the swamp cant be drained when you leave the Swamp Thing in charge.

It was reported in the Associated Press that many of the largest veterans groups are satisfied with this appointment. Why? As a life member in Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Order of Purple Heart, I wonder what makes these organizations believe that the appointment of an Obama appointee will drain the swamp.

I speak only for myself, but I have received excellent medical service through the Doris Miller Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Olin E. Teague Veterans Medical Center from some of the most caring medical people. But the president might have made a better choice if he had chosen a leader from beyond the swamp.

Sam Cryan, Waco

EDITORS NOTE: Like him or hate him, Mr. Shulkin faces enormous challenges upon his widely anticipated confirmation. To quote the conservative Washington Examiner: An engorged bureaucracy, short-staffed medical teams, entrenched employees and a rapidly changing veteran population would make Trumps vision difficult to implement under the best of circumstances. And a bitterly divided Congress could complicate reforms even further.

Hitlerian neighbors

Reacting to President Trumps inaugural address, Chris Matthews of MSNBC called the speech Hitlerian. Really? A despicable hallmark of Hitlers Germany was state-sanctioned killing of millions of its own people.

There is a parallel in America. Democrats/progressives enthusiastically embrace state-sanctioned killing of pre-born babies. Under Roe v Wade, 58 million babies in the womb have been put to death. Some 19,000 of those deaths were legally administered by Planned Parenthood in Waco from 1994 to 2013.

In recent weeks, we have learned that Planned Parenthood has renewed its Texas license to perform abortions in Waco. I wont call fellow citizens and neighbors Hitlerian or Nazis. However, enthusiasm for Americas abortion holocaust disqualifies Democrats and progressives from any claim to holding the moral high ground. Waco is poised to follow progressives to a return to her disgraceful and violent past.

John Pisciotta, Pro-Life Waco, Director
LINCOLN  Robert K. Clements, who has a background in finance and deep roots in Cass County, was appointed Monday as the newest member of the Nebraska Legislature.

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced the 66-year-old banker and actuary from Elmwood as his pick to replace former State Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion. Clements will represent the 2nd Legislative District that covers all of Cass County and parts of Sarpy and Otoe Counties.

Clements was not among the 35 people who applied for the seat. Ricketts said his staff made informal phone calls to find the best person and moved quickly so the district was represented while the Nebraska Legislature is in session.

Clements came onto his radar last week, the governor said. The two did not know each other previously.

Ricketts said his applicant pool wasnt limited to the people who applied, calling Clements the ideal choice given the states fiscal situation.

With his experience, Im 100 percent comfortable with him being in that role, he said.

Clements took the oath of office from Chief Justice Mike Heavican during a ceremony at the State Capitol on Monday. He was joined by his wife, Peggy, and other family members, including his parents, and a handful of state senators.

Clements said he looks forward to learning a lot and thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve.

I know the state is facing difficult budget decisions, but I believe my background and experience will be of service during this process, he said.

He was unavailable for questions after the ceremony.

Its unclear why Clements didnt apply for the job, though Ricketts suggested it may have taken someone else pointing out why hed be good for it.

Nebraskans are humble people, Ricketts said.

Asked about policy issues on which they might disagree, the governor said he and Clements talked more about the big picture, and that he expects there will be times they disagree.

Clements was described by family and friends as a solid conservative and Christian who has a knack for numbers.

He hasnt served in elective office but is a former Cass County GOP chairman. His son Andy is the county partys vice chair.

Clements grew up in the home of author Bess Streeter Aldrich in Elmwood. He and Peggy Clements have been married for 44 years and were high school sweethearts, both graduating from Elmwood High School.

Clements graduated in 1973 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a math major, with minors in economics and actuarial science. After graduation, he worked as an actuary at Business Mens Assurance Co. in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1978 he returned to Elmwood to work at the American Exchange Bank, following his father and grandfather, who ran the bank. Clements is the executive vice president of the bank. His twin brother, Rick, is the president of American Exchange Bank. Clements son Andy is a bank officer.

Hes very good at numbers, Peggy Clements said.

Clements attends Victory Church in north Omaha, said his son Tom. He serves as president of the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation, is a member of the Sons of the American Legion and is an alumnus of the Cornhusker Marching Band. He plays the trumpet.

Rob and Peggy Clements have five grown children and 10 grandchildren, with another on the way.

Clements great-great-grandfather John Clements homesteaded in Elmwood in 1868 and was one of the founders of the community when it was incorporated in 1886.

We in Cass County are real happy it is a Cass Countian, said Craig Buescher, chairman of the Cass County Republican Party. The majority of the district is made up of Cass County.

Lou Allgayer, a former county party chair and Cass County Board member, said he supports the governors selection and believes Clements will listen to the people of the district. Clements is Allgayers banker and is just a good person, Allgayer said.

Clements succeeds Kintner, who resigned last month following controversies involving his use of a state laptop to engage in cybersex with a woman he met online and his retweet of a Twitter post that appeared to make light of sexual assault.

Clements will finish out Kintners term. He will be eligible to run for the legislative seat in 2018 and again in 2022.

Kintner on his Facebook page hailed Clements as an outstanding conservative and a strong Christian.

He knows the district and his business background will serve the district well, he said. I have known him for four years, and I have tremendous respect for him. He will be an outstanding senator.
ASHLAND  The Saunders Medical Center Board of Trustees met Monday evening in Ashland to address the resignation of the doctor at Ashland Family Clinic.

Dr. Greg Precht recently submitted his letter of resignation and will be leaving the clinic at the end of April.

This comes on the heels of the departure of the Ashland clinics physicians assistant, Chelsea Schuster, who left last December. Both Precht and Schuster were hired in 2012 to staff the clinic, which Saunders Medical Center took over a year earlier.

SMC Board Chairman Curt Bromm said the board called the meeting to see how the community feels about Prechts departure and the clinic in general.

About 20 community members attended the meeting.

Board Member Dean Curtis said he spoke to Precht after his resignation to gauge why the doctor is leaving the clinic. Precht told Curtis he will be working for Methodist Health System, making more money while working only four days a week.

When youve got two little kids, it becomes abundantly apparent why you wouldnt want to work for SMC, Curtis said.

Discussion centered on whether or not the Ashland clinic warranted both a doctor and a physicians assistant. When SMC took over the clinic, the community requested a full-time physician.

You as a community wanted a physician here, and not only a PA, Board Memer Marsha Rogers said.

Ashland Pharmacy owner Staci Hubert said that was in part because the former medical group that ran the clinic often did not have a physician there.

So there was some excitement to have an MD, she said.

Patient numbers since SMC took over the Ashland Family Clinic have not grown as planned, said SMC Chief Executive Officer Tyler Toline. In 2013, Prechts first full year at the clinic, there were 2,466 clinic visits. In 2016, the number had increased by nearly 400, but officials had expected more growth in that time.

Carol Friesen, vice president of Health Systems Services with SMCs management provider Bryant Health, said it takes generally about three years to build a practice.

Were a couple of years short of hitting that stride and now, unfortunately, weve hit a back step, she added.

Precht, who came to the meeting about 30 minutes after it started, spoke about the challenges of staffing a small clinic. He said having only a doctor would add a degree of difficulty to staffing, especially when it comes to vacation days. The doctor is scheduled to be at the clinic four days a week. The clinics fifth day is normally staffed by a physicians assistant.

Is there the (patient) flow at this point to support two providers, no, but it would be tricky to staff with one, Precht said.

Toline said a breakdown of clinic visits reveals a large percentage of patients were one-time customers to the Ashland clinic from 2013 to 2016, another factor that is inhibiting growth.

Pretty much one-third of patients between those four years were only seen once in the clinic, he said.

Precht said that is because patients view the Ashland clinic more like an urgent care facility than a primary care office.

To combat this, SMC must rethink its marketing strategy for the Ashland Family Clinic, Bromm said.

I wondered if our marketing has been what it should be for here, he said.

A recent survey of 112 Ashland area residents showed that 32 percent did not know there was a medical clinic in Ashland.

Toline said the clinic lost $341,000 in 2016. However, all clinics under the SMC umbrella lose money, he added. The Wahoo clinics lost between $150,000 and $200,000.

Clinics in general are not money makers, he said.

Despite those losses, SMCs finances were $250,000 in the black last year.

This year, 2016, is the first full year of profitability in the last four or five years, Toline said.

Curtis said the county facilitys purpose is to provide health care, not to make a profit.

If we can do both, then thats the best of both worlds, he added.

Ashland residents in attendance said the community needs a medical clinic.

Its an advantage to our community to have a medical professional here, said Shirley Niemeyer.

SMC officials indicated they are looking at ways to fill the vacancies at the Ashland clinic.

Well continue to try to find what will be a long term solution for Ashland, Friesen said.
By Press Trust of India: Hyderabad, Feb 9 (PTI) A meeting of groups of ministers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana held in the presence of common Governor ESL Narasimhan here today saw progress in bifurcation of certain institutions set up in undivided AP, employees and others.

The dialogue between the two states over division of assets and others, pending since bifurcation of undivided AP in 2014, has recently been initiated at the instance of the governor.

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The first meeting in the series was held on February one. The two sides had then agreed to resolve all pending issues in a spirit of accommodation and urged the governor to facilitate further meetings.

In todays meeting, the two states decided to move forward with the bifurcation of nine institutions (listed in 9th Schedule of AP Re-organisation Act) where they are on the same page.

In another decision, the two states decided to swap employees where there is an agreement, AP Labour Minister K Achannaidu and Telangana government adviser G Vivek told reporters.

Telangana sought possession of buildings being vacated by Andhra Pradesh as part of its shifting administration from Hyderabad to permanent capital city of Amaravati, state Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao said.

Achannaidu said they will discuss the issue with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. PTI SJR NSK

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It's been a bloody few weeks for Australia's apparel sector as retail's killing season claimed its annual bounty of weak and weary brands.

Four national apparel chains have collapsed in just two weeks and insolvency specialists claim the combination of rising costs and weak or falling sales have pushed a number of other, prominent fashion chains onto the endangered list.

Smart Sydney suit-maker Herringbone and stablemate Rhodes & Becket collapsed this week pushing retail sector job losses up towards the 3000-mark since December.

The carnage of the last fortnight follows the collapse of kids clothing chain Pumpkin Patch as well as Payless Shoes at the end of last year. It's sharpened the focus on Australia's mid-market fashion chains and the immense challenges facing this broad swathe of the retail market.
When posting comments about your workplace on social media, you should avoid saying anything you would not be willing to shout out in the middle of the office.

That is the advice from Peter Holland from Monash University business school and Macquarie University academics Alison Barnes and Nikola Balnave who will on Friday present a paper to a University of NSW workplace relations conference in Canberra.

The academic paper says organisations including IBM and HP have embraced social media including Facebook and Twitter as part of their internal communications.

But some organisations are more wary about the use of social media in providing an outlet for potentially negative commentary about the workplace.
Bathers on Coogee Beach early on Friday before scorching weather sets in over NSW. Credit:Peter Rae So far, it appears "localised load shedding," or rolling outages, had been avoided. Demand appears to have peaked in NSW at 14,108 megawatts, at 5.30pm, according Global-Roam, an energy software company. About 11,000 people were left without power on Friday afternoon after a blackout hit parts of the city's west at 4.40pm. However, power company Ausgrid said this was because of a fault on the local network, not load shedding. About 11,000 people were left without power on Friday afternoon in parts of the city's west. Credit:Peter Hannam

Power was restored to more than 10,000 people in parts of Strathfield, Burwood, Croydon and Homebush around 5.15pm. Ausgrid said it was working to restore power to the remaining 750 homes. Cuts begin AGL, one of the biggest producers, confirmed to Fairfax Media that it had cut some of its supply to the Tomago smelter in the Hunter Valley. The smelter accounts for about 12 per cent, or 950 MW, when operating at its peak. "To maintain the stability of the electricity system, AGL has agreed with AEMO that it will [reduce power to Tomago]," an AGL spokesman said. "If power to the smelter is not curtailed, schools, homes and other small businesses will suffer a loss of power at the peak periods of demand this afternoon."

Tomago started losing part of its supply by 3.45pm AEDT, a company official said. Each of its three aluminium potlines will go down for 75 minutes in consecutive periods, so that one potline is off at any one time. Matt Howell, chief executive of Tomago Aluminum, said the cuts to the potlines were unnecessarily long to maintain grid stability, with AEMO telling them that one hour per potline would suffice. Longer shutdowns - which allow AGL to sell any excess power at steeply higher spot prices - would also put the viability of the potlines at risk. "You have to ask AGL, why are they doing this?" Mr Howell said. The Australian Workers Union asked Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to intervene. "Tomago is in a precarious economic position and it cannot afford for AGL to cut power," Daniel Walton, Australian Workers' Union National Secretary, said. "For AGL to do so would be an unimaginable act of bastardy."

Hottest day in play Saturday could also be the state's hottest February day on record as an approaching front drags hot air southwards from central Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement. Schools are beginning to respond to the predicted heat by cancelling sports events. Mr Harwin earlier called on residents to reduce electricity use, particularly during Friday's late afternoon peak when power demand may hit record highs. "Where you can please do your best to save energy - turn up your aircon to 26 degrees, adjust fridge temperatures, switch off unused electrical appliances and turn off lights where it's safe to do so," Mr Harwin said, adding that the government was also looking to cut usage where it can. Mr Harwin is at the Sydney offices of TransGrid, the operator and manager of the NSW high voltage transmission network, and plans to remain there through the afternoon peak, his spokesman said.

Overnight, the AEMO renewed its request for a "market response" for additional capacity for NSW and also called for more supply for Queensland for 4-5.30pm Friday, local time, implying that state won't be able to provide its southern neighbour in a crunch. Electricity consumption is already high, with the record NSW demand of 14835 megawatts a chance of being exceeded later today. (See live chart generated by Global-Roam below.) Scorching temperatures South Australia bore the early brunt of the heat, with power shortages on Wednesday evening triggering load shedding that blacked out tens of thousands of homes for about half an hour. Those cuts also reignited debate over the role of renewable energy, although locally available gas-fired power went unused.

The state avoided a repeat of the outages on Thursday even as the mercury climbed to as high as 48.2 degrees at Tarcoola, matching South Australia's record for February. That heat is shifting slowly eastwards and will push large areas of NSW into the 40s for three days from Friday. Bourke in the state's north-west may notch the highest temperatures, with 47 forecast for Saturday. For Sydney, Friday's top of 37.5 degrees was reached at Observatory Hill just before 4pm. That reading was the city's 10th day above 35 degrees this summer, beating a record of nine such days set in 1895-96. The tally may climb to 11 by Saturday, when 39 degrees is predicted for the city. More hot days increase the likelihood that Sydney will post its hottest summer after last month was its warmest single month and the previous month the second-warmest December in data that goes back to 1858.

Many sites across the city have exceeded 40 degrees, such as Penrith with 44.8 degrees. Saturday's top is expected to reach 39 degrees, while mid-40s will again be likely in western suburbs. Fire risks "Catastrophic" fire ratings, meanwhile, are likely for parts of NSW on Sunday. Such a threat level has been issued only once before in NSW - in 2013 - since national standardised ratings were introduced in 2009.

Friday's heat will place a "very high" fire threat in place for much of the state, as the mercury nudges 45 degrees or higher. (See bureau of chart below of predicted highs across south-eastern Australia.) For Sydney and most of the coast except for the Greater Hunter region, the fire threat is rated as "high" on Friday. Several southern districts of NSW have total fire bans in place on Friday. Hay Airport was the hottest place in the state, reaching 47.1 degrees at 2.20pm. Hospital alert

Westmead Hospital took proactive steps to protect its patients on Friday, after its emergency department recorded a spike in possible heat-related presentations during the December and January heat waves. Hospital general manager Andrew Newton said air-conditioning had been diverted from some clerical offices to clinical wards, and non-clinical staff were offered the opportunity to work from home to avoid travelling in the heat. "Our patients are quite vulnerable during these hot days, so we need to make sure we keep them as comfortable as possible and make sure we have plenty of cold water available," Mr Newton said. Over 1,100 people with possibly heat-related conditions presented to Westmead, one of the busiest emergency departments in the country, in December and January. There had been no serious heat-related conditions admitted to the hospital so far on Friday, suggesting the public was heeding NSW Health's repeated warnings to stay hydrated and out of the sun.

NSW Ambulance Superintendent Mark Gibbs has urged the public to use commonsense over the next fews days of soaring temperatures to stay out of hospital. Drinking plenty of water and make good use of shade, fans and air-conditioners can be the difference between remaining healthy and ending up in hospital," he said. "Anyone can be affected by dehydration or heat exhaustion; however the very young, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions are typically the most vulnerable." "Besides taking care of yourself, try to keep an eye out for others as well. Check on your friends and family, and pets as well, said Superintendent Gibbs. NSW Ambulance advises people to be alert to the symptoms of heat exhaustion which include nausea and vomiting, fainting and dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness and/or headache.

Travel warning Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said urged people who had planned to visit national parks or forested areas in the coming three days to change their plans, and for motorists to avoid using back roads.



"Weather conditions will gradually get worse from today through to Sunday. The most catastrophic likely weather will be centred around the Hunter, and will run from east to west right through to the central west of NSW," he said.



"If you have activities or trips planned to national parks, to forest or areas that are prone to potential fire, we ask you to change your plans and reconsider your movements.



"Take care when you are travelling throughout the state to use main roads in preference to back roads."



NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said NSW was in for a "very difficult next three days", with the worst conditions expected on Sunday.



"Catastrophic fire danger ratings are the worst conditions that we can experience when it comes to fire danger ratings. Typically that's where we see the worst of fire behaviour, the most aggressive and rapid spread of fire," he said.



"Under those sorts of conditions, it is unlikely, unless we are there very quickly and very early, that fires that take hold, we simply won't be able to suppress. Our focus turns very much to the saving of life, the saving of property and getting as many messages and warnings out as we can in light of the conditions."



He said firefighters had access to an additional two large air tankers, which would be positioned strategically around the state to respond to any blazes. Hospitals, homeless As Sydney and other centres toil through another heatwave, the number of heat-related emergencies is on the increase at the state's hospitals, NSW Health said. More than 1100 people presented to Westmead Hospital's emergency department with possible heat-related conditions in December and January alone.

The St Vincent de Paul Society, meanwhile, said people on low incomes and the homeless were particularly vulnerable during period of extreme heat. "During these incredible periods of hot weather there are more casualties than any other disaster or emergency. Dehydration, exhaustion and strokes can directly and indirectly result in death," Jack de Groot, the society's chief executive, said. "The sad reality is that low income earners have the highest energy costs because their homes are poorly insulated, and their fans are the cheapest to buy but are electricity guzzlers," he added. Loading Authorities have recommended people head to shopping centres, RSL clubs and other public places with air-conditioning if they can't stay cool at home.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has taken aim at the "cult" of inflated executive salaries, claiming too many bosses are overpaid, and calling on Australia Post head Ahmed Fahour to take a pay cut.

Mr Turnbull said he maintained confidence in the government-owned corporation's board, but doubled down on his assertion that Mr Fahour's $5.6 million pay packet last year was "way too much".

"I believe that salary is far too high. That is too much money for that job," Mr Turnbull told 3AW radio on Friday.

"I think there are lot of corporate CEOs, by the way, that are overpaid. I think it has become almost a cult of excessive executive, CEO remuneration."
Malcolm Turnbull has dismissed growing praise for Russian president Vladimir Putin from Donald Trump and Pauline Hanson, saying the strongman leader is no role model for the world.

The new US President has turned American foreign policy on its head by expressing admiration for the former KGB agent, even downplaying his role in extra-judicial killings this week, while Senator Hanson said voters respected strong leaders like Mr Putin who stand up for their nations.

Mr Trump held his first call with Mr Putin overnight Australian time, criticising a treaty signed by the Obama administration to cap US and Russian deployment of nuclear warheads as bad for the United States.

Asked on radio 3AW what he thought of the Russian leader Mr Turnbull sounded more like his predecessor Tony Abbott, citing Russia's role in the death of 38 Australians on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 and the invasion of Ukraine.
Ahead of the world's biggest scheduled election this year in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is sticking to an old formula: an elite with rap sheets and swelling bank accounts who pit religious communities and caste against each other.

By Reuters: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to clean up politics. The man running the ruling party's campaign in a crucial state election, who is facing 11 criminal cases, says it will take a while.

"At a time of elections, one has to forget every other aspect and just focus on victory," said Keshav Prasad Maurya, as his three-vehicle convoy carrying police with automatic rifles sped through the countryside.

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Polls open on Saturday in Uttar Pradesh, with a population of some 220 million, and on the ground Modi's loftier aims for a new India seem far away.

Maurya, the state's president for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), says the charges against him are false and politically motivated; unless he is convicted, they do not prevent him from holding office.

His bosses are not concerned.

An official at the prime minister's office referred questions about Maurya and his criminal cases to the BJP, where an aide to party president and Modi confidant Amit Shah said there was no problem.

The charges are related to Maurya protesting on behalf of Hindu causes, said the aide, and anyone who does so "is not a criminal in the party's eyes."

"Slowly," Maurya told Reuters, "the BJP will be moving towards a direction where it will only have politicians who are absolutely clean and have no cases of corruption against them."

Modi stormed to power in 2014 vowing to sweep away corruption and vested interests from business and politics.

Late last year, he abruptly abolished 86 percent of cash in circulation, in a bid to crush the shadow economy, force Indians to declare their wealth and empower the poor.

Ahead of the world's biggest scheduled election this year in Uttar Pradesh, though, the BJP is sticking to an old formula: an elite with rap sheets and swelling bank accounts who pit religious communities and caste against each other.

The party's manifesto for the state poll, for example, mixed development with a set of right wing Hindu causes likely to upset the sizeable Muslim population.

WIN AT ALL COSTS?

As Maurya criss-crossed Uttar Pradesh by helicopter and sport utility vehicle ahead of a month-long election, voters were doubtful of wholesale reform to the way Indian politics work.

"That's not going to change - the corrupt and the criminal are able to get votes," said Rakesh Kumar Gupta, as he sold bread, cigarettes and snacks from the same cramped stand his father tended before him in Uttar Pradesh's capital, Lucknow.

Ashutosh Mishra, head of the political science department at the University of Lucknow, said he saw no sign that Modi or any other major Indian politician was serious about overhauling a system he described as "feudal."

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"Why should they? They are enjoying the perks of power, they are living the lives of modern gods," Mishra said.

The biggest of five state polls held in India this spring points to a central dilemma for Modi.

If he loses the poll in Uttar Pradesh, he risks dissent in the ranks of his support base and a weaker position for his bid for re-election in 2019.

But analysts say that if Modi wins through divisive politics driven by men with controversial backgrounds, it undermines his populist narrative of a rising India.

Also at stake in Uttar Pradesh is the number of seats Modi controls in the upper parliamentary chamber, where the opposition has managed to delay some economic reforms.

HUMBLE ROOTS

Maurya's career bears a resemblance to that of the prime minister.

Both are from poor families and as young men helped their fathers sell cups of tea. Each rose to prominence through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a powerful Hindu nationalist umbrella group that helped create the ruling party.

Unlike Modi, though, Maurya's criminal docket and wallet have expanded in recent years.

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In 2007, when he ran for office in the state legislature in Uttar Pradesh, he had four criminal cases pending and some 13.6 million rupees (about $200,000 at current rates) in assets, according to his election filings.

In 2014, as he campaigned successfully for a seat in the lower house of India's parliament, Maurya faced 11 cases and declared 93.2 million rupees in assets.

Maurya blamed rival politicians for the criminal cases lodged against him.

Asked how his declared assets rose so rapidly - nearly sevenfold in seven years to more than $1.3 million, in a state where average annual per capita earnings are less than $750 - he replied: "My assets are very small, I don't have too much."

The combination of wealth and criminal charges have a close correlation with election success in India, data show.

During the last Uttar Pradesh state polls, in 2012, those with criminal cases made up some 20 percent of candidates but almost 50 percent of winners, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms, a Delhi-based advocacy group that examines candidate disclosure forms.

The margin was even wider for those with declared assets of at least 10 million rupees (about $150,000) - 20 percent of candidates and 67 percent of winners.

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The figures partly reflect wealthy candidates' ability to spend on campaigns, although the gap between their earnings and that of ordinary voters in India is eyecatching.

PLUS CA CHANGE

The BJP is not the only party with an imperfect image in the forthcoming poll.

Juhie Singh, spokeswoman for the Samajwadi Party, a main competitor to the BJP, said her party sought to winnow people from its candidate list who had been named in criminal cases.

"But ultimately the win-ability criteria does take over these things," Singh said. "It's still not such a mature democracy where we can completely discount it."

Singh herself is a defendant in a public corruption case that relates mainly to her father.

"I'm just a lateral entry into the whole case," she said.

Meanwhile, haggling for seats at the political high table goes on unchecked, in scenes that have played out for decades in India's rough-and-tumble elections.

Pulling up to the state headquarters of the BJP in Lucknow on a recent morning, Maurya was greeted by a crowd of angry party supporters demanding to know why their candidates had not been given a slot to run for the state legislature.

Police pushed them aside to make way for Maurya's gleaming white SUV and clanged the gates shut. After Maurya walked into the building, a guard slammed the front door closed and slapped a lock on it.

"Let them in two at a time, no more than that," Maurya told an aide as he settled behind his desk, flanked by police.

Outside, amid the cries of insults and threats directed at Maurya, a man shouted, "You are a dictator! This is our party too! Let us in!"

Maurya met three sets of protesters before saying he had other business he needed to attend to.

With that, Maurya, who like Modi speaks passionately about bringing a different brand of politics to the people, retired with a group of BJP leaders to an inner courtyard. A metal fence closed behind them.

WATCH VIDEO

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Actor George and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney are expecting twins, it has been reported.

The news was broken by US daytime show The Talk, when host Julie Chen said the show had "confirmed" the rumours.

"Beyonce is not the only superstar expecting twins," Chen said.

"Congratulations are in order for George and Amal Clooney. The Talk has confirmed that the 55-year-old superstar and his highly accomplished 39-year-old attorney wife are expecting twins."
Washington: In his first call as president with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump denounced a treaty that caps US and Russian deployment of nuclear warheads as a bad deal for the United States, according to two US officials and one former US official with knowledge of the call.

When Putin raised the possibility of extending the 2010 treaty, known as New START, Trump paused to ask his aides in an aside what the treaty was, these sources said.

Trump then told Putin the treaty was one of several bad deals negotiated by the Obama administration, saying that New START favoured Russia. Trump also talked about his own popularity, the sources said.

"The president's conversation with President Putin is a private call between the two of them, and I'm going to leave it at that," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said when asked about the accounts of the call.
Ramashish Singh along with five other persons were arrested on Thursday after their role in the scam was confirmed by the Special Investigation Team, which is probing the case.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: The role of politicians has come under the scanner in the Bihar employment scam after pictures of former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi went viral on social media where he is seen with Ramashish Singh, principal of AVN College, who also played a role in the multi-crore employment scam.

Singh along with five other persons were arrested on Thursday after their role in the scam was confirmed by the Special Investigation Team, which is probing the case. Singh is accused of leaking the question papers from AVN School, which was one of the examination centres.

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" We have arrested Ramashish Singh, director of AVN School, who is also involved in two other scams. There is a vigilance probe that is already going against him in earlier scams. It's an employment racket which is operating and more arrests will take place in the next few days," said Manu Maharaj, Patna SSP, who is also heading the SIT.

Also read: BSSC paper leak: Bihar govt cancels exams, secretary, computer operator arrested

Speaking exclusively to India Today, Manjhi denied knowing Ramashish Singh and asserted that Singh and he could have been clicked as hundreds of people meet him on a daily basis.

" I don't know Ramashish Singh. I can't even recognize him if he comes in front of me. Pictures may have been clicked by chance as several people keep meeting me," countered Jitan Ram Manjhi, former Bihar CM.

The secretary of the Bihar Staff Selection Commission, Parmeshwar Ram and his associate Avinash have already been arrested for their involvement in the scam where question paper was leaked ahead of the examination.

Also read: BSSC Secretary detained by SIT team in connection with paper leak case

Two out of the four phase exams were conducted on 29th January and 5th February in which approximately 9 lakh persons appeared. The remaining two phases was scheduled to be held on 12th and 19th February. However, the Bihar govt cancelled the entire examination after the question paper of the BSSC was leaked.

However, sources say that the arrests made so far in the employment scam are mere small fry and there is possibility of involvement of politicians from the ruling party in this.

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By Press Trust of India: Washington/Beijing, Feb 10 (PTI) There was an "unsafe" close encounter between a US Navy P-3 Orion and a Chinese surveillance aircraft over the disputed South China Sea, the first known mid-air encounter under the Trump administration.

One US official said the Chinese plane was a Peoples Liberation Army Air Force KJ-200.

The two planes flew within 1,000 feet of each other in the general vicinity of the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

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A spokesperson for US Pacific Command, which oversees US troops in the region confirmed, the incident, calling it "unsafe" in a statement provided to CNN.

"The US Navy P-3C was on a routine mission operating in accordance with international law," Major Rob Shuford said.

"The Department of Defense and US Pacific Command are always concerned about unsafe interactions with Chinese military forces," he added. "We will address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels."

A second official said that the American P-3 had to alter course to ensure that there was not an aerial collision.

While the Navy considers the encounter to be "unsafe," it does not assess that any malign intent was behind the incident, though the event was considered serious enough to be raised up the chain of command.

The official called encounters between US and Chinese aircraft like the one that took place on Wednesday "extremely rare," noting that there were zero such incidents in 2015 and two in 2016. It was the first such instance of 2017.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea despite objections from neighbors including the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.

Beijing has also created artificial islands in the area, outfitting some of them with military features.

The area around the Scarborough Shoal has been at the epicenter of the China-Philippines dispute over territorial claims in the South China Sea, with Chinese Coast Guard ships frequently operating in the area.

In Beijing, the state-run Global Times newspapers website quoted an unidentified defence ministry official as saying that the Chinese pilot had responded in a "legal and professional manner."

"We hope the US side will focus on the relationship between the two countries and two militaries in their entirety, adopt concrete measures and eliminate the root causes of accidental incidents between the two countries on sea and in the air," the official said.

The US does not take a position as to the sovereignty of the waters but has insisted on the right to conduct freedom of navigation operations.

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The need for the two militaries to keep an eye on each other could help explain the presence of surveillance aircraft like the P-3 and KJ-200.

During his confirmation hearings, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson suggested that the US should take a harder line in addressing Chinas assertiveness in the South China Sea.

On Monday, three Chinese Coast Guard ships entered waters near a chain of islands, called the Senkakus by Tokyo, which are claimed by both China and Japan in the East China Sea, according to Chinese and Japanese authorities. PTI AKJ AKJ

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In the framework of the WCO Securite Par Collaboration (SPC ++) project, a WCO Research Unit official visited the Central African Republic to conduct a field analysis of the border areas in the northwestern part of the country.

The SPC ++ project was inspired by a project proposal first presented by Nigerian Customs during the 21st Regional Conference of Directors General of the West and Central Africa Region in April 2016. Five countries were selected for analysis and inclusion in the final reporting outcomes: Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and the Central African Republic. The project aims to equip these Administrations with the technical resources necessary to operate along fragile borderlands by embedding a Customs, trade and taxation dimension into the states responses to insecurity at the border.

The WCO official conducted interviews with Customs officers and local merchants at markets throughout the western and northern part of the country, and in Bangui. Travelling with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA), and supported by the Director General Mr. Frederic Theodore Inamo, the official analyzed capacity at Customs border posts and the impact of violence on trade. The WCO also lent its support by delivering a presentation on performance measurement, one of the key components of the Central African Republics modernization efforts within Customs, and one of the core competencies of the WCOs Research Unit, having first published numerous research papers and a book on the topic in 2012.

A detailed report synthesizing the outcomes of the mission, and recommendations for improved and reinforced responses to the situation in the central and eastern part of the country, was presented to the Director General of the Central African Republics Administration. The outcomes from the mission will be incorporated into the overall results of the SPC++ project. For more information on this project, please contact the WCO Research Unit at research@wcoomd.org.
At the invitation of Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited Lusaka, Zambia on 8-9 February 2017 to discuss the progress of Customs reform in Zambia and seek more cooperation with COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa).

Secretary General Mikuriya met with the management team of ZRA to discuss progress in Customs reform and modernization including the challenges ahead. Zambia Customs has progressed steadily using the WCO standards and programmes. In relation to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), Zambia has established the National Committee on Trade Facilitation where Customs serves as co-chair in the efforts to improve inter-agency cooperation.

One example of the need for engaging other government agencies (OGA) is the Single Window. Zambia has since appointed the ZRA to be the lead agency for the Single Window project. While an e-payment system was realized for automated Customs procedures linking all 18 commercial banks in the country, other government agencies are yet to implement an e-payment system.

Another challenge is the regional undertaking of trade facilitation measures. As a landlocked country, transit is a priority for Zambia, including exchange of information and cargo targeting system at a regional level. The meeting also touched upon Customs-tax cooperation for the exchange of information between the Customs and tax online systems as well as addressed the subject of cooperation in Value Added Tax and other areas.

Dr. Mikuriya met with H. E. Felix Mutati, Zambian Minister of Finance, to discuss Customs reform and express his appreciation for his strong support for Customs. The Minister agreed to speak at the WCO Global Conference on Transit to be held on 10 and 11 July in Brussels, Belgium this year to share Zambia's experience.

Secretary General Mikuriya visited the COMESA headquarters to explore further cooperation, using the political impetus of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and ongoing economic integration initiatives in Africa. COMESA Assistant Secretary General, Dr. Kipyego Cheluget and his team briefed the WCO representatives on recent developments in COMESA and the Tripartite Agreement in terms of trade facilitation measures.

Dr. Mikuriya explained the WCO's programmes and possible contribution to COMESA's initiatives which could also assist the WCO in obtaining best practices. Contact points were appointed and further cooperation was agreed upon.
In West Bengal, the Congress and the Left have decided not to attend the tabling of budget in protest against suspension of the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Abdul Mannan, a Congress MLA by the Speaker.

By Romita Datta: No matter how much she tries, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cannot shrug off the similarity of situation she and PM Modi are facing simultaneously.

Both the Prime Minister and West Bengal chief minister are being boycotted by the Opposition. Today Mamata's Finance Minister Amit Mitra will present the budget to a near-empty Opposition bench, whereas Congress and other Opposition parties -- the JD-U, Trinamool Congress, Left and DMK are boycotting PM Modi in the Parliament for his raincoat jibe against Manmohan Singh.

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In West Bengal, the Congress and the Left have decided not to attend the tabling of budget in protest against suspension of the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Abdul Mannan, a Congress MLA by the Speaker.

Mannan was pulled up for wearing an apron, which showed pictures of vandalism by the Trinamool Congress way back in 2006. It was on February 8th, the ruling party was tabling amendments to a bill on damage of public and private property, when the Congress and the Left chose to embarrass the Trinamool Congress by reminding them of their destructive activities on the floor of the Assembly in 2006.

The treasury bench was livid as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was present in the House. Banerjee was alleged to have orchestrated the vandalism in the House when she was stopped by the Left Front government from visiting Singur at the height of Singur agitation.

The slogans and the exhibition of those photographs hanging like an apron around their neck made the Trinamool Congress MLAs rush to Mannan's seat. Hell broke loose. There was altercation, even muscle flexing and damage of microphones. Mannan also rushed to the Speaker's well and accused him of being discriminatory. The Speaker found the gesture objectionable and it led to suspension and more ruckus.

Mannan later fell ill and had to be rushed to a hospital, following which the Congress decided to boycott the budget session till the Speaker withdrew the suspension.

Meanwhile, even though the Opposition parties in Bengal are boycotting the budget session, the 3 MLAs of BJP have refused to rub shoulders with the Congress and the Left. In fact, the presence of the BJP MLAs will be a face-saver for Mamata Banerjee. At least the record of the Assembly proceedings will be spared of having to note down that the budget was totally boycotted.

All is not lie when the Congress and the Left accuse the Trinamool Congress and the BJP of a Modibhai-Didibhai tacit understanding. Looks like there is a grain of some truth.

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The Dalai Lama last week was invited to deliver the annual commencement address at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in June.

By Ananth Krishnan: China's state media has launched a scathing attack targeting overseas Indians for "meddling" in China-United States relations after the Dalai Lama was invited to speak in the US later this year.

Although the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader has been warmly received by leading U.S. senators as well as leaders in European capitals, a commentary by a prominent strategic affairs expert in China's Party-run Global Times instead pointed the finger squarely at overseas Indians, warning they would "bear political consequences".

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The Dalai Lama last week was invited to deliver the annual commencement address at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in June.

Xu Liang, who is the Executive Director of the Indian Studies Center at Beijing International Studies University, wrote: "What is laughable is that the person behind the infamous invitation was campus Chancellor Pradeep Khosla, an Indian American."

Khosla, incidentally, is an internationally recognised and renowned scientist and computer engineer.

THE INVITE

The invite, the Global Times commentary said, "shows how some Indian Americans agitate China-India and China-US relations." It said "he is not the first and the only person to take such action", and claimed that "in recent years, as Indian authorities gradually offset the support for the Dalai Lama, some public organizations supporting the Buddhist monk have become more active".

The paper claimed "some Indians in European countries have also tried to lobby local officials for more opportunities for the Dalai Lama to speak to an international audience. With a clear knowledge of the Chinese government's stance toward the issue, these Indians overseas are deliberately opposing China."

It accused overseas Indians of "fail[ing] to have a well-informed view of the history of Tibet and ignor[ing] the mainstream public opinion. They not only tarnish the image of the countries where they stay, but also offend the Chinese people who are firm to safeguard the unity of their country."

"They cannot feel the hurt that a divided country brings to its people," it added. "Since modern times, the Indians have enjoyed unity bestowed by the British. They ramified Pakistan, annexed Sikkim, and exploited geopolitical interests from ethnic divisions in Sri Lanka and Nepal. If the Indians indulge in the obsession of intruding on the territorial integrity of China, China will not sit still."

The commentary ended with a warning for the new Trump administration, saying that if it "wants to alter the consensus reached between China and the US after the end of WWII over Tibet, they will thoroughly embarrass themselves."

While the Global Times pointed the finger at "overseas Indians" for invitations to the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in fact, has been received by leading U.S. senators and members of Congress alike.

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DALAI LAMA LEADS OPENING PRAYERS

In 2014, the Dalai Lama even led opening prayers in a landmark event at the Senate Chamber.

Moreover, the Dalai Lama's recent welcomes have received bipartisan support. Just last year, Republican Speaker Paul Ryan and Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, both of whom have been vocal about the Tibetan issue, hosted a lunch for the Dalai Lama at the U.S. Capitol during a 15-day visit to the U.S.

Pelosi, a leading Democrat, said then the "bipartisan luncheon?is a tribute to the deep respect His Holiness enjoys on both sides of the aisle for the message of peace, compassion and responsibility he brings to the world."

"Every time His Holiness visits the Capitol," Pelosi said, "he reminds us that 'change comes through action,' and that Congress must do our part to help the Tibetan people in their fight to preserve their language, culture and religion."

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Bigg Boss 10 contestants Manveer Gurjar and Nitibha Kaul will be gracing Moon LIIT festival in Delhi on Sunday.

By India Today Web Desk: After a brief silence, BB 10 rumoured lovebirds Manveer Gurjar and Nitibha Kaul are finally making appearances together, post the show. After catching up with each other a couple of days back, the duo will now be gracing Moon LIIT festival in Delhi this Sunday.

Nitibha Kaul posted a video, announcing her appearance with her favourite aam aadmi contestant, and it's adorable.

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Also read: Bigg Boss 10's Jai and Veeru, Manu and Manveer catch up with each other in Mumbai

Come join Manveer and I at the Moon LIIT festival - to be held on 12th Feb at JLN Stadium, Delhi. To book your tickets- log on to : https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/moonliit-fest-2017/ET00052606 #nitibhakaul #manveergurjar #biggboss10 A video posted by Nitibha Kaul (@nitibhakaul) on Feb 9, 2017 at 3:13am PST

BB 10 contestants are busy catching up with their favourite housemates these days. While Lopa bonded with Rahul Dev and his girlfriend Mugdha over dinner, Nitibha met Akanksha Sharma and Manu Punjabi too apart from Manveer few days back. Gaurav Chopra has met Bani, Karan Mehra and Rahul Dev post Bigg Boss 10.

Also read: Bigg Boss 10 grand finale rakes in TRPs; secures No. 2 spot overall

We have all seen how Nitibha impressed one and all with her singing prowess in the launch episode when she sung Main Hoon Hero Tera for Salman Khan. The BB 10 contestant posted a video of hers singing Samjhawa, asking if people would like to see her performing on stage.

#maintenusamjhawanki Would you guys like to see me perform live on stage? ?????? A video posted by Nitibha Kaul (@nitibhakaul) on Feb 9, 2017 at 10:43am PST

Our answer is yes Nitibha, we are dying to see you perform.

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AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides various specialty insurance and reinsurance products worldwide. It operates through two segments, Insurance and Reinsurance. The Insurance segment offers property insurance products for commercial buildings, residential premises, construction projects, and onshore energy installations; marine insurance products covering offshore energy, cargo, liability, recreational marine, fine art, specie, and hull war; and terrorism, aviation, credit and political risk, and liability insurance products. It also provides professional insurance products that cover directors' and officers' liability, errors and omissions liability, employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, crime, professional indemnity, cyber and privacy, medical malpractice, and other financial insurance related coverages for commercial enterprises, financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and other professional service providers. In addition, this segment offers accidental death, travel, and specialty health products for employer and affinity groups. The Reinsurance segment offers reinsurance products to insurance companies, including catastrophe reinsurance products; property reinsurance products covering property damage and related losses resulting from natural and man-made perils; professional lines; credit and surety; and motor liability products. This segment also provides agriculture reinsurance products; coverages for various types of construction risks and risks related to erection, testing, and commissioning of machinery and plants during the construction stage; marine and aviation reinsurance products; and personal accident, specialty health, accidental death, travel, life and disability reinsurance products. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.
This article was originally published on FEE.org. Read the original article.

It's typical of the progressive cast of our culture to focus on the forward-looking at the expense of the traditionalor if you prefer, to miss the traditional elements that lie at the heart of a genuinely progressive movement. So it is that in celebrating the accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr., his connection to the thread of the Western moral and philosophical tradition is often neglected.

One person who has not fallen into this trap is Justin Dyer, a professor of political science at the University of Missouri who has penned an illuminating article on the philosophical heritage of King's Letter from Birmingham Jail.

Reading the article I was reminded of the first time I read King's letter, in Catholic college as an excerpt in The Norton Reader, and of the literary and philosophical associations that flooded into my mind then.

Says Dyer, the very core of his thought [was] rooted in a worldview repugnant to many of those who now claim his legacy.

Letter from Birmingham Jail was written after King had been arrested for protesting without a permit in Birmingham, Alabama, and is an apologia for his non-violent resistance to segregation ordinances. King seems to cast himself in the role of a Christian apostle writing to the churches under his care; in the letter's closing he declares to his fellow clergymen, I hope this letter finds you strong in the faith, evoking the language of St. Paul's epistles. King's letter is filled with classical rhetorical devices, such as ethos (establishment of credibility) pathos (appeal to the emotions) and logos (appeal to reason).

It is in exercising logos that King's indebtedness to the Western philosophical heritage comes to the fore. King cites both St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas in the matter of distinguishing just and unjust law, and on the necessary harmony between human law on the one hand and eternal and natural law on the other.

He also evokes the more recent philosophical tradition of personalism: the belief that ultimate reality is personal, which he absorbed during his studies in systematic theology at Boston University and which is also found in the thought of, among others, Pope John Paul II. King applies this point of view to the situation of his people when he states that segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. King's references to the breadth of the Western traditionfrom the ancient Israelites to Socrates to the American Foundersare many and varied.

Justin Dyer argues that we de-emphasize the natural law basis of King's thought to his, and our, detriment. Says Dyer, the very core of his thought [was] rooted in a worldview repugnant to many of those who now claim his legacy.

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we would do well to reflect not just on the life of the civil rights icon, but on the ideas that shaped and inspired him.

Republished from Intellectual Takeout.

Michael de Sapio writes at Intellectual Takeout.

This article was originally published on FEE.org. Read the original article.
By India Today Web Desk: Worm infestation is a common health hazard that has disrupted many a life. In India alone, worm infection has been estimated to have affected more than 22 crore children aged between 1-14 in 2014, according to reports revealed by World Health Organisation (WHO).

On the surface, deworming looks like a non-threatening affair, but a lack of it can actually be fatal for you.

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It is mostly our daily, unhygienic habits that lead to worm infestation. Walking barefoot on the lawn, eating with unclean hands, drinking untreated water or milk, cooking unwashed vegetables, swimming in a pool with untreated water, or a small lick from a pet--all of these can lead to worm infection.

Worm infection is one of the major factors contributing to the rising infant-morbidity rates in India. Round worm, tape worm and hook worm are the most common parasites that lead to infestation. And the illness caused by them may vary in intensity and seriousness. Worm infection may result in the deterioration of adult productivity; effect cognitive progress thereby reducing literacy; and even hamper one's nutritional status.

Also Read:34 crore kids to get deworming tablets today

Lack of appetite, tiredness, anaemia, fever, itchy bottom, loose bowels, abdominal pain and vomiting are some of the common symptoms of worm infestation.

A recent mapping of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) by National Centre for Disease Control has shown high STH prevalence in more than 14 states in India during 2015. Taking note of the imminent threat, the Government of India launched the National Day Worming Programme in 2015 and is observed on February 10 every year.

Picture courtesy: Twitter/sheetal_here

This year, as part of its largest single-day public health initiative, the Ministry of Health declared that over 34 children in the age group of 1-19 years will be covered under the deworming programme. The Ministry has also established over 200 Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centres (AMCs) to monitor deworming tablets administered to children.

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'Fairy Queen' will depart from Delhi on Saturday for an under three-hour journey to Rewari, Haryana. It was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest steam locomotive still in operation.

By Arindam De: The world's oldest working steam loco 'Fairy Queen' is all set to chug again after a gap of nearly five years. The locomotive will haul a heritage train starting on Saturday.

The 'Fairy Queen' will haul the train from New Delhi to Rewari in Haryana, departing from the Delhi Cantt. Station at 10.30 am. After reaching Rewari at 1 pm, the train will return to Delhi, departing from Haryana at 4.15 pm and reaching Delhi Cantt. at 6.15 pm.

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ALL ABOUT THE FAIRY QUEEN She was was constructed in 1855 by Kitson, Thompson and Hewitson at Leeds, England. After a long sea journey she reached Calcutta, late 1855. On arrival, she was given a fleet number - "EIR -22" by its then owner, the East Indian Railway Company. The loco operated without a name till 1895. To start with "EIR - 22" broad gauge (5 ft 6 in) locomotive was used to haul mail trains in what was then Bengal. She commuted between Howrah and Raniganj. During the 1857 struggle for independence "EIR - 22" was converted into a troop trains. It was christened 'Fairy Queen' in 1895. She was then consigned to line construction duty in Bihar till 1908, when she retired from active duty. She was exhibited outside the Howrah station for about four decades before being moved to Chandausi near Moradabad and then being shifted to the National Rail Museum in Delhi in 1971-72. She was completely restored and given a special spot in the newly built National Rail Museum at Chanakyapuri, in New Delhi which was opened to public 40 years back on 1st February, 1977. The locomotive was brought out of retirement on February 1, 1997 and was restored to full working order in preparation for its first mainline journey in 88 years and its return to commercial service on 18 July of the same year - between Delhi and Alwar in Rajasthan, with a stopover at the Sariska tiger reserve. Fairy Queen was certified by the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 as the world's oldest steam locomotive in regular operation. In 1999 she received a National Tourism Award for the most innovative and unique tourism project from Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India. In late July 2004 some almost irreplaceable parts of the 'Fairy Queen' was stolen. Although police recovered some of the stolen parts it had to go through a restoration. In April 2011 thieves again made off with crucial parts that were irreplaceable. The Perambur loco workshop in Chennai stepped in and custom made the missing parts, some 32 pieces in all to ensure that the Fairy would run once again. The retrofitting was completed in 2013.

Also read: Ride along to know 20 amazing facts about the Indian Railways

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By The Associated Press Feb. 10, 2017 | 11:18 AM | PADUCAH, KY

A judge has sentenced two teen parents to probation for leaving their newborn girl in a trash bin in Paducah.

According to media reports, McCracken Circuit Judge Craig Clymer said during the sentencing hearing Thursday that he had to follow the juvenile code because a jury convicted the pair of wanton endangerment, criminal abuse and tampering with physical evidence. They were acquitted of attempted murder.

Clymer said both have already served more time in a juvenile facility than he could impose, so he sentenced them to 12 months' probation. He also ordered them to complete a moral therapy program.

The crying infant was found in a dumpster in July 2015 with its umbilical cord still attached. The baby was hospitalized and later released into state custody.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 09, 2017 | 09:19 PM | MAYFIELD, KY

Graves County High School senior Kaler Luker has known for a while that he received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. What he didn't know was that Kentucky First District Congressman James Comer was coming to GCHS to present him with an official West Point welcome certificate.

That's exactly what happened on Thursday.

Comer praised the four-year JROTC cadet, saying he is among only 1,400 students accepted from 14,000 applicants. Luker said he has aspired to serve in the military and to attend West Point throughout his high school years, noting that his father served in the National Guard for more than two decades.

Graves County High School's JROTC commander, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Caldwell, said Luker already is an excellent military leader and noted the cadet's desire to serve others.
By WestKyStar & MSU Staff Feb. 09, 2017 | 10:31 PM | MURRAY, KY

Minor was a nurse who fell into teaching. She earned her bachelors degree in nursing at Vanderbilt University in 1957, a time when there were very few collegiate nursing programs and even fewer masters programs. After graduating, she worked as a nurse before joining the Murray State University faculty. In January 1982, she was brought on as a clinical instructor in nursing at Murray State by Dr. Ruth Cole, former chair of the nursing department. She worked through fall 2016, when she taught her last semester at the age of 81.





During her time at Murray State, Minor saw the nursing department change hands from the College of Human Development and Learning to the College of Science, then to the College of Health Sciences and Human Services before finally forming its own autonomous school, the School of Nursing (now the School of Nursing and Health Professions).





Change like this was constant throughout her career. Today, she said, nursing is in charge of nursing, which was not always the case. She helped create that change by joining fellow nurses in taking charge of certain aspects of healthcare. Over the years, she saw nursing evolve into a respected profession.





Throughout her entire career as a nurse and an educator, she witnessed an evolution in how women are viewed in the workplace. Today, its much more accepted for women in any field to reach their goals, she said.





Minor added, It is much more acceptable and encouraged for men to be in the nursing profession than when I started more than sixty years ago.

On top of it all, she has faced major technology changes, most notably computers and cell phones. While these changes were frustrating at times, Minor learned and grew accustomed to the new technology.





Students today come in knowing technology and knowing change is inevitable, she said. This knowledge makes it easier for current students to adapt to future challenges they will inevitably encounter.





Despite all the changes Minor has seen in her career, one thing has remained constant: her love of students. Her drive to continue working into her 80s was fueled by a dedication to helping them progress. After all, she knows the impact of education reaches far beyond the here and now.

When I teach, I touch the future, said Minor.





She added that Murray States nursing program has had many gifted undergraduates over the years, but she especially loved helping the students who had to work extra hard to succeed.





"I've had several students that I thought, when I first met them and advised them, 'they're not going to make it.' They came in taking 099 courses, said Minor. However, these students often surprised her.



The desire was there, and then all of a sudden I realized the work ethic was there, she continued. I worked with one that is a nurse practitioner now ... and every day I just grin, because what it took her to get through the nurse programs was her tremendous work ethic. And she is excellent. So I think my favorite moment in nursing is to see those who had to work for it and made it. That, to me, is what teaching's all about."





No matter a students skill level, Minor would work to help get them where they needed to be. Her leadership style was easygoing, but she wasnt afraid to be firm, either.





Sandy has been a 'grounding' force for the nursing programs. Her intelligence, practical perspective and gentle-professional demeanor has impacted every student she has taught, said Dr. Marcie Hobbs, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. "Many of us as faculty have used Sandy as a sounding board and a cheerleader for our personal and professional accomplishments. Fortunately, even though she is retired, she is still a part of our lives.





Dr. Jessica Naber echoed the sentiments expressed by Hobbs. A former student of Minors, Naber also worked alongside Minor as an assistant professor in the School of Nursing and Health Professions. She said Minor set high standards but earned the utmost respect from her students. She has been a role model for students and faculty alike because of her tough yet caring demeanor.





When I started teaching alongside Sandy, she made sure that I felt comfortable. She was a true mentor, explaining the ins and outs of teaching just as she had shared the ins and outs of nursing practice when I was a student. She prepared me for numerous unpredictable situations, and she showed me what it was to be a true professional and a compassionate nurse and educator, said Naber.





Minors advice for current and future nursing students is to decide early on what aspect of healthcare they enjoy.





Take the time to figure out what it is you like to do and what it is you dont, said Minor, who tried obstetrics and pediatrics but quickly realized they werent the right fit for her. She then found her niche in medical-surgical nursing.





Minor added that she believes gaining hospital experience is the best way for nursing students to start their careers.





When reflecting on her time at the University, Minor feels proud to have worked with such an excellent program and misses seeing her fellow faculty members regularly.





We were there for each other during both the good and the hard times, and they were always willing to fill in for you when you needed them, she said.





Between the close-knit faculty and hard-working students, its easy to see why she didnt retire sooner.

I loved every single minute, she said.



According to Gallup, the average retirement age has slowly increased since the company began polling Americans in 1991. As of 2015, the median expected retirement age in the U.S. had risen to 65. Generally, most Americans stop working well before the age of 81. Sandy Minor is not like most Americans.
By The Associated Press Feb. 09, 2017 | 08:18 PM | FRANKFORT, KY

A House panel has advanced a bill that would require incoming college freshmen to document they have been vaccinated.

The bill would require students to show they have been vaccinated against measles, rubella, mumps, meningitis and any other diseases as required by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

The bill would exempt students who object for religious reasons. But it does give the state authority to require vaccinations in the event of an epidemic.

Patty Swiney, past president of the Kentucky Academy of Family Physicians, said the bill would prevent disease outbreaks. She noted a 2015 measles outbreak in California linked to unvaccinated children.

No one on the House panel spoke against the bill. It now heads to the full House of Representatives for a vote.
By Press Trust of India: Ranchi, Feb 10 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Secretary Rajbala Verma today said industrial development is not possible without investment in the state and Global Investment Summit is an ambitious programme for the people of the state.

"It is important for the industrialists of Jharkhand to take part in the summit as they are the ones who could inform investment potential to the guests," Verma said.

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In a meeting with Chamber representatives and trade organisations, Verma said they (state industrialists) should play the role of brand ambassadors and make the summit a success, according to an official release here.

Information and Technology Secretary Sunil Kumar Burnwal assured the state industrialists to be provided with all kind of information in view of the summit.

Burnwal said the summit, which will see participation of investors and representatives from various countries, is a good platform for the states industrialists and investors to share their experiences and inspire the prospective investors.

The Global Investment Summit is scheduled to take place on February 16-17. PTI PVR AYP

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"There are two kinds of pity," writes Stefan Zweig in his only full-length novel. One helps only the pitier. In feeling for someone, they make themselves feel better. The other sort, he says, "stand[s] by the sufferer, patiently suffering too, to the last of its strength and even beyond."

It's a lesson we theatregoers, sobbing in the stalls, would do well to remember, and one Zweig drills into his readers. Lieutenant Hofmiller, the young cavalry officer at the centre of Beware of Pity, lets the wrong kind of pity run away with him. Each time he does, acting to alleviate his own inner guilt, he digs himself deeper and deeper. Each delays the inevitable fall-out, and makes it far worse in the long run.

Hofmiller's quandaries start with a faux pas. Invited to a society ball, he asks the host's daughter Edith (Marie Burchard) to dance, only to realise  mortified  that she's partly paralysed. To make up for his mistake, he befriends her, in part out of pity. His house visits stave off his guilt, his charity feels good and sowing false hope, first of a cure, then of a relationship, feels even better.

Hofmiller's problem, his fatal flaw, is his inability to detach himself from his situation. Feelings dictate his actions and, every time, emotions get the better of him. Simon McBurney spins that into most total theatre. He floods the stage with feeling; flushes every moment with sights and sounds and sensations and signs and so pulls us this way and that. We see nothing objectively. Everything's oversaturated; all tone and all too much to take in. It's confounding, overwhelming and, ultimately, manipulative.

When Hofmiller sees Edith stand for the first time, for example, the stage picture splinters. She's helped to her feet and time slows to a still. Strings screech, glass shatters on a screen, and, in slow-mo, her limp becomes agonised and monstrous. The narration spools, "she stoops like a witch," and a ballerina bows and pirouettes in projection, beautiful and transfixing. Hofmiller's heart thumps over it all. He  and we - fall into "an abyss of feeling" and Edith's affliction seems the worst thing in the world.

Don't forget McBurney is a maestro at this sort of thing. He has the most acute sensibility for theatrical tone; a conductor's sensitivity to rhythm and timbre. When Hofmiller tries to hold strong, as he's begged for good news, strobe lights and slow-motion catch all his horror. Silence aches like a stomach knot until he capitulates. Elsewhere adrenaline rushes come with racing oboes and whooshing trains, and relief blossoms with twinkling pianos. Strangers chew loudly on chunks of bread, spitting crumbs as they speak, and trusted friends seem to sway in sync as they take walks together. At all times, the feelings distort the facts.

If Zweig cautions about getting too close, though, McBurney also warns of the dangers of distance. This is as much a memory play as The Glass Menagerie, entirely narrated by an older Hofmiller (Christoph Gawenda), but more than that, it's a series of stories in stories. One key incident passes through four different tellers: it's confessed, recounted, remembered and, finally, related to us here and now. McBurney shows us the whole chain, and lets Chinese whispers set in. What, he asks, can we really trust? Neither what we're told, nor what we feel. As Hofmiller, Laurenz Laufenberg mostly stands still centre-stage, as paralysed as Edith. It's no wonder that, in the end, as war breaks, he just does what he's told. Without facts, we become followers.

Beware of Pity is not an easy watch. In fact, it's exhausting; two hours of theatrical barrage, of fragments that need piecing together and Russian doll fiction. It is, however, an illuminating explosion of Zweig's story, which can so easily seem slight and sentimental. Not only does McBurney extract its philosophy, he sews that back into our own world: our pity towards suffering we only see from afar; our disorientation in a post-truth world, where media manipulates and feeling overrides fact; and that sense that history might be repeating itself. Beware of pity, indeed.

Beware of Pity runs at the Barbican Centre until 12 February. The final performance will be live-streamed on Complicite's YouTube channel and will remain online until 26th February.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) In a major crackdown on domestic shell companies, the government today decided to take "harsh punitive" action, including freezing of their bank accounts used to launder money or evade taxes. Following a review by the Prime Ministers Office, a task force with members from regulatory ministries and enforcement agencies has been constituted to monitor action against "deviant" shell companies. While the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has filed cases against 49 shell companies, as much as Rs 3,900 crore have been laundered by 559 persons with the help of 54 professionals. Also, Rs 1,238 crore cash has been deposited in shell or dormant companies, post demonetisation. "There are about 15 lakh registered companies in India and only 6 lakh companies file their annual return. This means a large number of these companies may be indulging in financial irregularities," a PMO statement said. A task force, headed by revenue and corporate affairs secretaries, with members from various regulatory ministries and enforcement agencies has been set up to monitor the actions taken against such deviant shell firms by various agencies. "Harsh punitive actions will be taken against the deviant shell companies which will include freezing of bank accounts, striking off the names of dormant companies, invocation of Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016," it said. The regulatory ministry concerned will ensure disciplinary actions are initiated against the professionals indulging in malpractices and abetting the entry operators of the shell companies.

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It was decided at the meeting that appropriate "red flag" indicators will be used for identifying shell companies, and a database of such companies and their directors will be built by pulling in information from various agencies. The database will also capture Aadhaar numbers of individual directors in the companies, the statement said. Shell companies are characterised by nominal paid-up capital, high reserves and surplus on account of receipt of high share premium, investment in unlisted companies, no dividend income and high cash in hand. Also, private companies as majority shareholders, low turnover and operating income, nominal expenses, nominal statutory payments and stock in trade, minimum fixed asset are some of the characteristics, the statement said. MORE PTI JD ANZ ARD

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By Press Trust of India: Vajpayee

New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Noting that the job of literature is to question the ruler, veteran Hindi writer and poet Ashok Vajpayee today said at a time when dissenters are being called anti-nationals and traitors, if democracy doesnt respect dissenters, who will.

The writer, who was in news last year for returning his Sahitya Akademi award, also supported "the right to dissent" at the inaugural session of the ongoing Delhi Literature Festival.

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"Those who dont agree with the governments policies are being called anti-nationals and traitors. If a democracy doesnt respect dissenters, then who will?" he asked.

"Literature, in one word, is a constant opposition. While people come into power or sit in the opposition, literature can never be on the rulers side. It is the job of literature to question the ruler," said Vajpayee.

Highlighting the importance of literature in current times, he noted how it has become more important to revive it.

"Today when political powers are creating chaos, running after each other, wanting to destroy, at a time like this it is the job of literature to re-establish the connect in language and truth," he said.

Urging people to read more, the poet said, "If literature can do so much for you, shouldnt you do something for it in return?"

"And you dont need to do anything of great measure, you just need to read. (That) we can read is the only difference between us and animals, birds and trees. We created a revolutionary thing called language and books are the biggest gift of language to us," he said.

The session was attended by BJP MP Babul Supriyo, AAP minister Somnath Bharti, NASSCOM CEO Srikant Sinha and senior journalist Mark Tully. (More) PTI MAH AAR

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By Press Trust of India: From Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Feb 10 (PTI) India has contributed 85 million Nepali rupees for the construction of two school buildings and one community hospital in Nepals eastern Dolakha district.

"Ambassador of India Ranjit Rae handed over two schools and one community hospital to the people of Dolakha district," according to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy here.

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The three development projects constructed with total Indian financial assistance of 85 million Nepali rupees included Satyashwor Higher Secondary School, Pawoti villae, Kalinag Higher Secondary School, Sunkhani village and ten beded Community Hospital building at Singati Bazar.

The newly constructed school building of Satyashwor Higher Secondary School is a three storey building comprising 12 classrooms, 3 library rooms and 2 rooms laboratory rooms.

Kalinag Higher secondary school provides education along with 4 years bachelor programme to approx 520 students out of which 70 per cent are girls.

The newly constructed community hospital has 10-beds and staff quarters at Singati bazaar. The hospital building is located in the centre of many villages and it would make quality healthcare accessible to the people in the region.

Rae stressed on the importance of the health and education facilities in the development of people and appreciated the steps initiated by the community to improve the education and health infrastructure in their region. PTI SBP AMS AKJ AMS

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By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Feb 10 (PTI) A leading Indian manufacturing company has said it will establish its first American unit in South Carolina at an estimated cost of USD 50 million which will create over one hundred new jobs.

Located in the Ridgeville Industrial Campus in South Carolina,Sundaram-Clayton Limited (SCL) has acquired 50 acres of land for its new facility, where it will manufacture aluminium high-pressure die-cast products and permanent mold gravity cast parts for its customers, a company statement said yesterday.

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Construction at the site is expected to begin by April this year and the first production line is projected to be operational by the end of next year.

"Today, were proud to welcome Sundaram-Clayton Limited to the South Carolina business community. Its a privilege to welcome any company that has decided to do business here, but the 130 jobs that this investment means for Dorchester County is an important step forward to continuing the growth of our automotive industry," South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said.

A component of the USD seven billion TVS Group, SCL is the holding company for the USD 1.6 billion TVS Motor Company Limited, which is Indias third-largest manufacturer of two-wheelers and a flagship company of the TVS Group.

SCL also manages Sundaram Auto Components Limited, which manufactures injection molded plastic components.

"The United States has always been an important market for us," said SCL Joint Managing DirectorLakshmi Venu.

"With todays announcement, Sundaram-Clayton Limited is joining the ever-growing roster of globally-recognised manufacturing firms that have chosen to call our state home. We look forward to watching this great company succeed here for many years to come," said South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. PTI LKJ MRJ MVV

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Madhya Pradesh Congress today alleged that one of those arrested by the state Anti Terrorist Squad was a district coordinator for the BJP's IT cell.

By Hemender Sharma, Rahul Noronha: The arrest of 11 alleged ISI operatives by the Madhya Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad on Thursday has come to bite the ruling BJP after allegations surfaced that one of the arrested operatives was a relative of a sitting BJP corporator.

The Congress has now alleged that Dhruv Saxena - another arrested operative - was the district coordinator of the party's IT cell in Madhya Pradesh.

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Saxena was also seen attending an event that was addressed by state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Pictures of Saxena attending the event in saffron robes have gone viral on social media.

CONGRESS ORGANISES PROTEST

Congress on Friday held a protest where demonstrators burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and raised anti-ISI slogans.

"They talk about character and culture but now ISI agents have been arrested from across the state and they are BJP leaders. They have connections with top BJP leader," PC Sharma of the Bhopal district Congress said.

Meanwhile, state Congress president Arun Yadav demanded a CBI inquiry into the racket.

Also read: ISI agents arrested by MP police associated with ruling BJP, alleges Congress

BJP DENIES ALLEGATIONS - OFFICIALLY

While the officially the BJP has denied having any links with the arrested operatives, senior party leaders, off the record, have expressed anguish over the ISI's possible infiltration into its ranks.

"Denying association with those arrested in public is one thing but the real problem can be gauged from the fact that one of them was holding a post in the party's IT cell and he had access to so much data and information," a visibly disturbed senior party leader said, on the condition of anonymity

For the record, state BJP president Nand Kumar Singh Chouhan denied any association with the arrested ISI operatives. "Naxals, anti nationals and terrorists don't have any religion and caste. As far as the pictures are concerned, any one can take pictures with anyone," he said.

ACCUSED ARRESTED FROM MULTIPLE CITIES

The accused were arrested from Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Satna by the ATS after they were found to be using SIM box enabled mini telephone exchanges for making calls. One of the accused, Balram, who was arrested from Satna is said to have been managing accounts through which money was received and transferred to two spies, Satvinder and Dadu who arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir police in November. The arrested spies in Jammu and Kashmir had passed on information to Pakistani agencies about movement of troops, location of army camps and bridges, ATS officials claimed.

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Also read: Madhya Pradesh ATS busts ISI-backed espionage racket, 11 arrested

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By Press Trust of India: Vadodara, Feb 10 (PTI) Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is scheduled to visit four villages in Vadodara district on Sunday, which he has adopted under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY), a district official said.

"Jaitley will arrive in Vadodara tomorrow night and leave for Karnali village, where he will stay overnight," Vadodara District Collector Lochan Sehra told PTI.

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Jaitley has adopted four villages of Karnali group panchayat namely, Karnali, Pipaliya, Vadiya and Baglipura, in Vadodara district as part of SAGY.

"Rs 20 crore will be spent on various development works in these villages, which includes water supply schemes, construction of roads, construction of a bridge between Chandod village and Karnali," Sehra said.

"Jaitley has also adopted Chandod village to transform it into a tourist spot. After a programme in Karnali, Jaitley will travel in a boat and go to a temple located at Chandod on the bank of river Narmada and perform puja there. Then he will return to Karnali for several other programmes," the Collector added. PTI CORR NP BAS

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By India Today Web Desk: Madurai district's Alanganallur held a jallikattu event today, days after the recently legalised bull-taming sport was held in the district's Avaniyapuram town.

A total of 74 people were injured during today's event, with 23 of the injured being taken to hospitals. One 70-year-old spectator was critically injured.

Towns and villages across Tamil Nadu have been organising jallikattu after the state government legalised the sport, first by promulgating an ordinance and then passing a law to replace the ordinance.

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The sport in which a bull vaulter is expected to hang on to the animal's hump for a set distance or for at least three jumps is opposed by many, including PETA. Critics claim jallikattu amounts to animal cruelty and the Supreme Court had in 2014 banned the centuries-old sport.

(With inputs from agencies)

Also read: Jallikattu: 2 bull vaulters die, 83 injured as Tamil Nadu celebrates the sport

Also watch: Jallikattu continues in Madurai, number of injured rises to 49

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On behalf of the Winona City Council and all of the citizens of this city, I wish to express our profound appreciation to Mike Slaggie and the Slaggie Family Foundation for their incredible support for the arts and culture in this community. Through their support much has been accomplished that never would have been otherwise. We appreciate the time and vision Mike and Hurry Back Productions have provided to this particular project; the creation of a multipurpose arts venue in a restored historic Masonic Temple.

The negotiations took much longer than anyone imagined, but the council was interested in trying to find out the answer to whether or not the historic Masonic stage drops, an important part of the history of the building that many wanted to save, could be used in conjunction with the proposed performance concept. A study was undertaken that gave the council a number of options, perhaps too many. The council struggled to decide if and how many drops we should or could save.

At the council meeting on Monday the motion was made and passed to try and keep up to 10 of the historic drops thinking that would work for everyone. In doing that we thought we gave an answer that would move the project forward. Regrettably, it put Mr. Slaggie in the position of deciding how many drops ultimately would be saved, a position he should not have been put into. We remain interested in discussing this further should Hurry Back desire to.

In wanting to continue to discuss the future of the space, it is important for the community to know that following the council meeting on Monday night the council was handed an offer to purchase the drops from Paul Sannerud, board chair of Theatre du Mississippi, with the understanding they would be restored and a home found for them. It would have been helpful to have had this information ahead of the meeting. This offer will need to be considered by the council as it would allow for the drops to remain a collection honoring their historic integrity. I am not advocating for this option but feel it needs to be fully explored.

The city is committed to supporting the growing arts community and supporting the revitalization of downtown Winona. We will evaluate our options for going forward in a way that was envisioned by Hurry Back Productions. The need for this facility to support the rapidly growing arts and culture in the city is stronger than ever. We are not turning back but will forge ahead, as the economic benefits of a strong arts community should not and will not be ignored.
I dont need to tell people Im an immigrant: My accent does it for me. Over the years, when Americans would hear me speak, theyd ask about my origins and what I thought of the United States. But since Donald Trump took up residence in the White House, Ive gotten a new line of questioning: What can we do to protect and help immigrants and refugees in our towns and schools?

Everyone knows an ACLU lawyer isnt going to parachute down from the heavens every time a local thug eggs a car or screams at a woman in a hijab. For newcomers, the difference between dignity and humiliation, impotence and security is often an American whos willing to get involved.

I was 9 when my family fled Soviet Ukraine. We lived as refugees in Austria before finally coming to the U.S. I was young enough to assimilate quickly but old enough to understand that even in the land of immigrants, immigrants are not always welcome.

Some people take out their fears and frustrations on foreigners because its easy: Any native-born American, no matter his actual circumstances, enjoys a tremendous power advantage over someone who cant speak English and whose citizenship status is uncertain. But the moment another fluent English speaker, another unquestioned American, enters the equation to help, that imbalance vanishes.

The simplest course of action is the most effective: Ignore the attacker and address the immigrant. Literally stand with him or her. Introduce yourself but resist the temptation to ask Where are you from?  its a touchy question, especially now, with a travel ban whose future is far from clear. In my experience, the mere act of a friendly local engaging my family was all that was needed to make a tormentor slink away.

It surprises Americans that newcomers dont simply call the authorities when someone intimidates them or spray paints a slur on a garage door. Americans are taught from birth to assert their rights; most wouldnt hesitate to speak to a rude employees supervisor or call the cops. Immigrants and refugees are generally wired to do the opposite.

Chances are, theyve escaped from a region where avoiding people wearing badges was a matter of survival. This mindset lingers: My parents  my father is an engineer, my mother was a psychiatrist in Ukraine and became a security guard in the U.S.  have been here for two and a half decades, but theyre still terrified of even the most innocuous encounter with the police.

Instead of easing such fears, landing in America tends to burden newcomers with an additional reason to avoid entanglements with the authorities: The need to preserve a fragile existence in this country.

This doesnt just apply just to those who are in the U.S. illegally: No matter how they got here, most immigrants are acutely aware that they arent Einsteins; they arent prized entertainers or computer geniuses or vital to U.S. national security. When green card holders and Iraqi interpreters were detained last week, Americans understood what immigrants have long known: Unless you get citizenship, your stay can be jeopardized at any moment. The immigrants overwhelming priority is avoiding attention at all costs.

And the language barrier is crippling. The term barrier isnt strong enough: When you dont speak English, its as if youve suffered a debilitating stroke, except instead of being rushed to the hospital, you have to look for a job. What you value about yourself  your smarts, humor, honesty, eloquence  requires language, but its gone. You could be a poet in Arabic; in English, youre an idiot. Worse, when you cant communicate your thoughts to those around you, they can assume you dont have any in the first place. You disappear; youre a non-person.

If you want to help erase that non-person status, acknowledge immigrants as individuals with a life, a history, opinions something other than the product of a godforsaken country whose chief export is helpless creatures. Along with introducing yourself, simple yes-no questions work wonders, considering that people can understand far more than they can express.

Lastly, please dont be offended if you dont get a thank you. Immigrants arent Disney princesses  being stuck in a humiliating, even terrifying situation that requires a stranger to intervene on your behalf isnt an occasion for rejoicing.

I didnt thank the young woman who gave me a jacket in a Viennese shelter because I couldnt comprehend that someone would hand out free clothing with no strings attached. I didnt thank the hotel owner who helped persuade the Austrian police to release my mother and sister who were detained for peddling trinkets because I was terrified beyond words. I didnt thank every sponsor who welcomed us to America because after six months of drifting through the world as a refugee, I was sick of being a charity case.

I didnt thank them, but I didnt forget them. Twenty-six years have gone by, and the honks and angry stares, threats and ridicule have faded like an old scar. But I can still see the people who helped us, vividly, brightly. I can see their faces from the brief interactions that enabled me and my family to materialize out the ghostly existence of statelessness and feel human. You dont forget the good ones.
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In the interview to India Today's Rajdeep Sardesai, Haasan expressed extreme anger on the rampant corruption in Tamil Nadu politics for the last 60 years and the current uncertainty over leadership between VK Sasikala and O Panneerselvam.

By India Today Web Desk: News just came in that superstar Rajinikanth has reportedly expressed his keenness to join politics and launch his own party. But, on Wednesday, when India Today asked Rajinikanth's contemporary actor and superstar Kamal Haasan on his political aspirations, the answer came as a brutal shock to many.

In the interview to India Today's Rajdeep Sardesai, Haasan expressed extreme anger on the rampant corruption in Tamil Nadu politics for the last 60 years and the current uncertainty over leadership between VK Sasikala and O Panneerselvam. Here's an excerpt from the conversation:

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Rajdeep Sardesai: You have been direct. You are making it clear to the people of Tamil Nadu that Mr O Panneerselvam is not incompetent, and should be given a chance. If he is proven incompetent, people can throw him out. In that respect, Sasikala should respect the will of Tamil Nadu rather than imposing her will?

Kamal Haasan: Absolutely, even I cannot, with all my connection to television channel, impose my will. I can speak what I think, but can't impose. I may be proven wrong, but I must speak now.

Q: Do you believe the people of Tamil Nadu has been ill-served by the political class which needs to recognise the needs and aspirations of the people?

A: Let us not get carried away by nostalgia. Tamil Nadu has not had the best of service from politicians for more than 60 years now. The first 10 years were glorious, but Congress..Kamraj-ji, Raja-ji.. they all became complacent. Then came the Dravidian parties. Those promises were also not kept. It's sort of churning into a quagmire now.

Q: In this quagmire, at the moment do you the best interest of Tamil Nadu is with Panneerselvam and not Sasikala? That Sasikala, by virtue of the fact that she was close to Jayalalithaa cannot use that as a reason? Do you believe she's not qualified enough to become the chief minister at this point?

A: I don't think it is right on the people, I don't know what her qualifications are. Neither do the people. And sticking around somebody for long enough doesn't make you qualified enough for the profession. Am a lawyer's son, that doesn't mean I can go to the court and argue a case. Am an actor. I trained for that. ..The time of dice playing was done with in Mahabharat. We can't be playing dice and hawking our family wives and lives, in favour of some numbers [Sasikala's MLA support]. We don't trade. We are the people.

Q: You feel let down today. I see in your voice, a sense of frustration and a sense of almost being betrayed by the political class of Tamil Nadu?

A: For how long? I've known betrayal only from the time I have been a boy. And one reason for another is not big enough for me. They keep saying, this is the reason, we could have done it, that's not good enough reason. Show me results, show me roads, clean my rivers. You have done nothing. We have two gutters running around Chennai, we started with rivers a 100 years back. Starting from simple sanitation.

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Q: Do you believe that because of what you call the conglomeration of corruption, the politicians of Tamil Nadu have distanced themselves from people and people's issues.

A: Absolutely. It happened to the Congress when they thought they got the freedom for the country, and people as if they owe each other something. It's not true. Results are to be seen for us let them continue. We could have done so many things with just 5 years years you promised. We wasted half a century and more on improving a state. If this is just the state of a state, what have we done to the country?

Q: I sense in you a potential budding politician. You say only do politics till they put a black ink on your finger. But in this anger and frustration, I sense someone who could become a politician if you chose to? Given the filmstar politicians - the MGRs, NTRs, would the Kamal Haasan name be ever added to that list?

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A: I don't think so. If you believe in prayers, I don't. If you believe in prayers, pray that I don't come.. Me and my men, so angry, come into politics, because we'll carry guns when we come. We don't want that. This is a nation which has set a legacy of peace and ahimsa, and please do not change it from that. I may not live to see it. I don't want to live to see it, but do not push the people that far that there will be a revolution. They are taking it too lightly because they have been charlatans for too long.

ALSO READ:Kamal Haasan backs Panneerselvam, says Sasikala should back off. An India Today exclusive WATCH

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The Nature Conservancy will use controlled fires and other forest management strategies this year in an effort to bolster the presence of oak trees in the Baraboo Hills.

The organizations plans for its property in the area were unveiled Wednesday night by Ann Calhoun as she kicked off the Baraboo Range Preservation Associations 2017 Cabin Fever Lecture Series at the University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County.

As Nature Conservancy coordinator for the Baraboo Hills, Calhoun oversees about 9,000 acres of forest owned by the group. Calhoun said the area is part of the largest block of forest in southern Wisconsin and contains 42 of the states 53 tree species.

Thats pretty incredible for such a small area in the state, she said.

Calhoun explained several ongoing environmental threats to the region, including agriculture and home building, invasive plant species, an overabundance of deer grazing and climate change.

She also noted that shade tolerant plants like maple trees have begun to drown out oaks because of a lack of fires and other environmental disturbances throughout the area.

Without having that process to remove a lot of competition, the forest succeeds to tree species that arent as tolerant to fire, and then those species are often very adapted to being able to regenerate in their own shade, she said.

To combat the issue, Calhoun said the Nature Conservancy is recruiting volunteers to thin out small maple trees and ironwood to create more sunlight for oaks at Hemlock Draw and several areas throughout Baxters Hallow.

Were cutting a lot of ironwood and deadening a lot of the maple trees that are about six inches in diameter and smaller, she said.

After thinning more areas, Calhoun said the group plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the spring to create even more space for the crowded out oak trees.

We know that were going to top-kill a lot of these trees, she said. But not to fear  oak has an incredible capacity to re-sprout after fire. It sinks a lot of resources into its roots before it grows upward.

Calhoun said the restoration of oaks could have a beneficial impact on declining populations of migratory song birds like the cerulean warbler, which relies on open oak canopies. They would also provide acorns for squirrels, turkeys and other wildlife.

While the oak restoration will benefit some animal species, Calhoun added that it could have an adverse effect on others.

As we think about managing towards oak, we know that well be doing some disturbance in the forest, she said. That will benefit some species, but some species wont be utilizing those sites as much as they did previously.

Baraboo Range Preservation Association Director Todd Persche said other speakers also will focus on the role of fire in conservation during this years Cabin Fever Lecture Series. Upcoming talks will focus on the environmental effects of burning of fossil fuels and the history of large-scale burns in the Baraboo Hills.

Im trying to rekindle the fire of local environmental protection, he said.
Since many of the Americans who are upset about accepting immigrants claim to be Christians, I remind them of what Jesus said in Matthew 25.45: And they too will reply, Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You? Then the King will answer, Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.

Im not sure whats so hard to understand about that, but apparently unfounded fears based on misinformation have long trumped compassion, common sense and actual facts. The true American natives were the only ones who had reason to fear immigrants to this land  immigrants who came from Europe to freely practice their religion, but hastened to steal tribal lands and massacre many of the people whose ancestors had been here for centuries.

Even though immigrants founded this country, new immigrants routinely have been met with contention and hostility. History shows we first use them and then abuse them. From the Chinese who were imported to build the railroads and treated like slaves, to actual African American slaves, to the Irish who were given only the dirtiest, lowest paying jobs, to Mexicans who are treated today no better than the Irish, Poles and Italians who arrived before them. Yet newcomers have made this country stronger and richer by their contributions.

The Kauffman Foundation found that immigrants start 40 percent more businesses than natives. Its report listed such companies as Google, Yahoo, YouTube, Sun Microsystems, and eBay as businesses started by immigrants. These facts were backed up by other research that discovered immigrant founders started 52 percent of all new Silicon Valley companies between 1995 and 2005.

In San Francisco, the Chinese own a large percentage of businesses and the fishing industry on the West Coast relies heavily on Vietnamese-owned fishing operations. Ethnic restaurants and grocery stores all over the country add food diversity as well as jobs. Immigrants buy American products and create demand for goods and services. This adds greatly to the economy as it creates more jobs for all.

A February 2015 article in the business publication, Inc. Magazine, reported, Despite accounting for only about 13 percent of the population, immigrants now start more than a quarter of new businesses in this country. Immigrant-owned businesses pay an estimated $126 billion in wages per year, employing 1 in 10 Americans who work for private companies. In 2010, immigrant-owned businesses generated more than $775 billion in sales. If immigrant America were a stock, youd be an idiot not to buy it.

According to a Sept. 24, 2016, article in The Week, In 2010, they (immigrants) contributed an estimated $10.6 billion in state and local taxes, and $13 billion in Social Security. Contrary to common perception, illegal immigrants dont qualify for public benefits like welfare, food stamps, and Medicaid, as these programs require proof of legal immigration status.

Yes, we do pay for the schooling and needed healthcare for their children, but on the whole, immigrants contribute much more than they cost.

If Congress would pass a sensible immigration bill, theyd contribute even more. A 2009 study by the conservative Cato Institute found that legalization of low-skilled illegal resident workers in the United States would result in a net increase in U.S. GDP of $180 billion by 2019. It found, The typical immigrant and his children will pay a net $80,000 more in their lifetime than they collect in government services.

When compared with the billions of dollars of corporate benefits given away every year as subsidies without getting comparable benefits, instituting immigration reform is a no-brainer.

And speaking of brains, a quarter of scientists in the United States are immigrants, including 40 percent of those in engineering and computers. They work in our universities and do research that results in cures and treatments for diseases. They work as doctors and healthcare workers and, according to Pew Research, make up 26 percent of those in agricultural jobs and 15 percent of the construction industry.

If those who oppose immigrants would work beside them for a little while, theyd understand how valuable they are. This dawned on my right-wing cousin who moved to Florida a couple of years ago. He said now that he sees Mexicans roofing buildings and picking vegetables for more than 10 hours every day in the hot Florida sun, hes changed his opinion about immigrants and realizes how lucky we are to have them.

Its time for meaningful reform so those good people can become citizens in a timely manner. After all, we need them as much as they need us.
TOWN OF FOX LAKE  More than 100 cows are back in custody after they broke out of the Fox Lake Prison Farm Thursday night.

The bovine escapees were first reported in the area of Brave Road.

According to a dispatch report from the Dodge County Sheriffs Office, a call came in at 8:30 p.m. that there were about 25 cows in the road on Brave Road.

The caller did not know who owned them, but said they were just west of Fox Lake Correctional Institution and headed for Highway AW. The caller reported the cows had cropped tails and attempted to keep the cows off of Highway AW. It appears after the break out, the cows split up, because a second person called five minutes later and reported there were cows on Lake Emily Road, just east of Fox Lake Correctional.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Public Affairs Office, about 110 of the 298 cows at the Fox Lake farm were able to leave their pens. The cows were located and it took inmates 90 minutes to return the cows to their pen. The pen was padlocked by DOC staff to ensure that he cows stayed put.

There was no indication of which cow masterminded the escape.
MADISON  Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, weighed in on Gov. Scott Walkers budget and his own political future at a WisPolitics luncheon Thursday in Madison.

The governor introduced his $76.1 billion budget proposal on Wednesday. It will next go before the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee before it is sent to the full Legislature.

The budget includes $592 million in tax and fee cuts, including a proposed 5 percent tuition cut for University of Wisconsin System students. It would put money into education, transportation, tax relief and workforce development, areas Walkers earlier budgets aimed to cut.

Here are some of topics he addressed:

Voucher Schools

Fitzgerald says lifting enrollment caps on private schools in the statewide voucher program is not dead even though Gov. Walker didnt propose it in his budget.

Fitzgerald said that lifting the caps will absolutely be a part of the discussion as the Legislature works on rewriting the governors budget.

Fitzgerald says he doesnt know why the governor didnt loosen or eliminate the caps. School choice advocates are pushing for the caps to go away so more students can enroll in the statewide voucher program more quickly.

Splitting the DNR

Breaking up the state Department of Natural Resources as one Republican lawmaker has proposed appears to be going nowhere.

Walker did not include the idea in his budget and Fitzgerald said he doesnt see the Legislature acting on that idea.

He calls such a change complicated and huge. With the governor not proposing it, Fitzgerald says that makes it tough for the Legislature to do something.

Instead of breaking apart the DNR, Walker instead adopted a less-dramatic reorganization plan that agency Secretary Cathy Stepp proposed.

Environmental groups have strongly opposed breaking apart the DNR, an idea thats been raised off and on for years.

Taxes

Fitzgerald says he wants to consider eliminating a utility tax that Wisconsin residents pay on electric bills.

He said that could be a more effective tax cut that a $200 million cut to the state income tax that Gov. Scott Walker is proposing.

Fitzgerald said the Legislature doesnt want to do something meager that wouldnt have much bang for the buck.

He said eliminating the utility tax would be something that people recognize and help the middle class.

Walker proposed the income tax cut as part of nearly $600 million in tax and fee cuts in his two-year budget.

Other topics

Fitzgerald says he doesnt think K-12 schools will get as much money as Walker proposed.

Fitzgerald said many schools will get more money, but not the full $649 million Walker called for.

Fitzgerald said he expects the budget to pass by July 1. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Wednesday the budget debate could drag into the fall as lawmakers search for a long-term solution to transportation funding.

One big fight in the Legislature will be over how much money to borrow for roads funding. Fitzgerald also questions whether a University of Wisconsin tuition cut or move to self-insurance would have enough support to pass.

His political future

Fitzgerald said the GOP must avoid a crowded primary in next years race against Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

Fitzgerald is considering running along with a number of other Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, of Wausau.

Fitzgerald said Thursday that hes deferring to Duffy before deciding on whether to get in. He says Duffy is kind of driving the train right now and well-positioned for a state run.

Fitzgerald said Republicans must avoid a crowded primary that drains resources from candidates. He says that would be foolish for all of us and makes no sense.

We just dont need a bunch of tier one candidates knocking heads for a year before we find out what were doing, Fitzgerald said.
To keep programs alive and get its budget back on track, the Necedah Area School District will ask local taxpayers for help this spring.

Backed by full approval from the Necedah School Board, the district will place a referendum question on the April 4 ballot requesting a recurring amount of $800,000 for educational programming and equipment needs.

Were going to have to go to a referendum to continue to do what we do, said Superintendent Larry Gierach.

Similar to many public schools in Wisconsin, Necedah has faced tough budgetary issues since the 2011-12 school year when the state reduced per pupil funding by $543.28. The decrease led to a reduction of Necedahs revenue limit authority by $347,921 for 2011-12. Since the reduction in state aid, most schools have seen little to no increase in per pupil funding.

For the 2016-17 school year, Necedahs base revenue is $6,624,782. According to Gierach, the district has lost more than $1 million in its revenue base since 2010-11. Due to the loss, Necedah has reduced staff and cut benefits. It has also pulled back on equipment needs. Gierach said the district has not purchased a new bus in almost four years or spent money on any major capital projects.

Were at about as far as we can go, Gierach said. Theres no way we can continue down this financial path.

In the past two years, Necedah has dipped into its fund balance to maintain programs. The school board has passed deficit budgets in both 2014-15 and 2016-17 to ease taxpayers burdens, but have decided its finally time to ask for help.

We had a budget deficit of $250,000 in 2014-15 and, for this year, it was $402,000. For 2017-18, were projected to be in the $750,000 range, said Necedah School Board President Dan Dutscheck. If we did nothing, it would just get deeper the next year. As a board, we decided it was time to make a move to get us out of these deficit budgets.

To promote the need for referendum funding, Necedah will hold a public information session on Thursday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Dutscheck said the session will be an ideal opportunity to inform the community why Necedah is asking for financial help.

It will allow them to see the numbers and see why we are doing this and that were not just going after money because we need something, Dutscheck said. Its a lot easier when someone is up there explaining this. We dont want them to go into the referendum blind, not knowing what were looking for and what were going after. Im sure that wont be the only session we have.

Through help from analysts at Robert W. Baird & Co., the district received a financial forecast from 2017-18 through 2021-22.

What that forecast did, if nothing changes, by 2021-22, well have a budget deficit of about $1,201,000, Gierach said. Obviously, you cant operate like that, you would be bankrupt.

The superintendent wants to clear up any misconceptions about the referendum. Necedah will request a recurring amount, meaning $800,000 would be added to the base revenue every year. If the referendum passes, Necedahs base revenue for 2017-18 would increase to $7,400,000.

It doesnt mean it would increase by an additional $800,000 each year, Gierach said. Weve lost over $1 million, so were kind of asking to get $800,000 of that back and just leave it there.

Despite a budget crunch for five years, Dutscheck said the board didnt seriously consider asking for help until this year. He said the board weighed all of its options. It considered a referendum with a three-year funding limit, but it would only be a short-term solution. Necedah would have to ask for additional funding for the 2020-21 school year. Gierach said the board didnt want to pose another tough decision for taxpayers in three years.

After all, were taxpayers too, Dutscheck said.

The last time Necedah needed help through referendum funding was in the late 1990s to construct its current multi-school complex.

The school district recently finished several energy savings projects. Money from the referendum would help the district pay back its loan for these projects earlier than expected. Also, the energy savings will allow Necedah to maintain its buildings for the next 20 years. By paying off the loan early, the taxpayer mil rate would be reduced from $11.33 per $1,000 of property valuation in 2015-16 to about $10.42 in 2017-18.

Gierach believes the referendum isnt just a district issue; it affects the entire Necedah community. In the coming weeks, he hopes to convey that message to local voters.
Students at New Lisbon Elementary School will be honored for being voracious readers when two special visitors come to the school later this month.

Wisconsin childrens author Amanda Zieba and local illustrator Jason Gerke will offer a presentation on Monday, Feb. 27. The school will serve a light dinner from 4:30-5 p.m. Before Zieba and Gerkes presentation, New Lisbon Elementary students will sing songs about reading.

Gerke and Zieba teamed up to publish Pauly Wants to Doodle All the Day, featuring the artists drawings and Ziebas writing. The book, suitable for young children, is a fun picture book and shares the story of a boy who just wants to draw all day.

Gerke, from New Lisbon, is a talented artist who has painted several murals at New Lisbon schools. Gerke is also known for his realistic caricatures, hosting an annual artist booth at Wa-Du-Shuda Days to showcase his skills. He has three children who attend school at New Lisbon.

Zieba has published several childrens books, ranging from age 3-5 years old to young adult. New Lisbon Elementary Reading Specialist Nicole Cilley said parents can purchase the authors books through a program at the school, including Pauley Wants to Doodle All the Day, which costs $10. Zieba will offer autographs to any of her readers who bring in her books during the presentation.

The special event culminates the schools effort to promote literacy this year. On Feb. 23, during parent-teacher conferences, the school will provide additional literacy booths for families.

We will have the Reading to Rover dogs available for students to read to as well as a large Pete The Cat cutout for students to pose with and take photos of, Cilley said. We will also be making bookmarks and have literacy apps available for parents to check out and put on their own devices to promote literacy skills.

New Lisbon Elementary started its literacy drive on Jan. 3. Teachers and students are keeping track of the numbers of books read in each kindergarten class and the amount of chapters consumed in the older grades.

We are trying to reach 30,000 books/chapters by Feb. 27 when Amanda arrives, Cilley said. We already reached over 15,000 in the first month so we should be able to do it. Thats a lot of reading going on in our small school.

To encourage reading, school staff is wearing Reading Rocks, Pete The Cat t-shirts every Wednesday. Also on Wednesdays, teachers take a tally of books/chapters students have read and announce the total on the schools loud speaker.

This isnt a competition between classrooms, its more of a way to unite us as a school to read more together, Cilley said. One of the kindergarten rooms have been reading 100 books a day. Thats an amazing effort, which of course will help them be more successful with school and life in the future.

To chart students progress, New Lisbon created a large paper guitar and plastered it to a wall at the school. The guitar is being used as a thermometer to record the number of books/chapters being read each week.

We would like to encourage each class with their own goals, which the teachers have put on paper golden records to promote more reading in their own classrooms, Cilley said. We are posting these gold records on the wall around the guitar.

For more information about Zieba, go to her website: www.amandazieba.com.

She is going to be good, Cilley said. We try to get Wisconsin authors to show kids its possible to become an author because we have some in our own backyards and they can identify more with our student population. Every year we bring someone different.
The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the achievements of 2016 at its annual awards banquet Wednesday night, featuring a high-energy cheerleader for small-business growth.

We thought we were pulling into this budget season with a certain set of numbers, just like you in your businesses every day and even your family budget  you make certain plans based on certain expectations, said keynote speaker Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch.

What we didnt realize is just how well you all were doing last year, because we came in with biennial expectations that were very different from the numbers. At the end of January it was announced we were going to come in $712 million more than what we expected. Our state has recovered so well from the recession and we have put in so many levers into our policy that our economy has truly and fully recovered.

Given new circumstances, Kleefisch said, the governor's proposed budget fulfills the request of Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers of increasing funding per pupil in K-12 education by $200 in the first year and $204 in the second year, an extraordinary infusion for our K-12 schools over the next biennium.

This money is going into the classroom because of what happened a few years ago with the reforms of Act 10, the money that comes in per-pupil is getting directed right at the pupils, said Kleefisch. The students are seeing the infusion.

She praised a continuation of the University of Wisconsin System tuition freeze and a 5 percent reduction in the second year.

We see whats happening in the Wisconsin economy, Kleefisch said. We know, when we listen to small businesses, one of the deepest concerns is, if I do a 10-year plan, if I do a 20-year plan, how am I going to ensure that I have the right people to hire.

Without finding the right people with the will to work, Kleefisch said, businesses will look for employees in Minnesota, or Illinois or China.

Thats why were investing in our K-12 schools, thats why were investing in our universities, thats why were investing in our technical colleges.

Portage Mayor Rick Dodd talked to the crowd of about 100 about accomplishments of the past year, which included a county-leading job growth of 1.15 percent.

That doesnt sound like a lot, but its quite a good thing, said Dodd. And if we can, like Steve (director of business development and planning Sobiek) pointed out, get more skilled workers, we have jobs open in a lot of our communities and a lot of our areas right now.

Among the economic wins for the city, Dodd tallied 16 expansions or renovations among Portage area businesses, three new manufacturers, Triendas purchase of Penda, nine new retail stores, two community foundations for future investment, along with the flattering notoriety of being featured in a BBC documentary looking at railroads and the canal.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marianne Hanson ended the evening by recognizing some of those businesses that have opened in the past couple of years, renovated, or proven themselves outstanding as employers or members of the community.

Presented with Business Excellence Award for a business with less than 20 employees was New Life Physical Therapy, which opened in Portage in 2002, and has since expanded to Baraboo and Westfield.

In the category of business excellence among businesses with 20 or more employees, the winner was battery maker Rayovac, which marked 50 years of operation in Portage in 2014.

All of this doesnt happen by accident, Dodd said, rounding out his review of non-profit projects that had ribbon cuttings in the past year. It happens because organizations like this and others in the city, are committed to the citys success.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to visit Gujarat by the month end, as his Aam Aadmi Party turns its focus on the BJP stronghold which goes to Assembly polls later this year.

AAP will gherao the office of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on February 26 and submit a memorandum to him listing the grievances of the people.

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"As we gherao the chief minister on February 26, Kejriwal is expected to address a gathering of people there," an AAP leader said.

Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai is also expected to visit the state, along with Kejriwal.

"Not only Kejriwal, but all top leaders will keep visiting the state now," the leader added.

The AAP supremo is now in Bengaluru undergoing naturopathy treatment.

He is expected to return to Delhi by February 22 after which a final decision on his Gujarat visit will be taken.

After Punjab and Goa where the Assembly polls were held earlier this month, the AAP will now focus on Gujarat, a state where Narendra Modi was chief minister for nearly 12 years before his election as Prime Minister.

The AAP wants to hit BJP and Modi where it hurts the most by attempting to wrest power in the state.

Gujarat had witnessed agitation by the Patidar community since 2015. The state also saw flogging of Dalits in Una over skinning of dead cows, which led to widespread protests. PTI PR SMN

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PARDEEVILLE  Two students from Rio were learning about welding jobs while a Pardeeville freshman nearby learned about animal caretaking and four Pardeeville seniors learned about manufacturing scoreboards.

In any direction they went at the College, Career and Job Fair at Pardeeville High School on Wednesday, they found something different.

Theyre really in-depth, Rio junior Tanner Marshall said about Fall River-based E.K. Machine Co., one of 30 participating businesses, universities or military branches at the schools fair.

They really care about who they want.

They have everything Im interested in, said Marshalls friend, Jacob Holloway, also a junior at Rio who took an interest in E.K., which services the agriculture industry in water treatment or in fuel and oil. Holloway was particularly interested in jobs in welding, painting and fabricating parts, along with apprenticeships where you can learn everything on the job.

I didnt know as much as I thought I did, Pardeeville freshman Kora York said of what she learned at Covance Solutions station. The Madison company is in the early stages of developing a drug that will be tested on animals first to ensure human safety, Covance supervisor April Rockhill explained. Covance on Wednesday was looking for entry-level animal caretakers  and York was impressed.

Im realizing theres good testing, York said, and we should be more open-minded about it.

Theres a lot that goes on behind the scenes.

Clint Benson and Travis McGinn talked to students about their Pardeeville-based company Everbrite, which manufactures identification displays, like gas-price signs, menu boards for fast-food chains and scoreboards.

Were telling them about the company as a whole, explained McGinn, the companys applications engineer, because were offering positions in the shop that are entry-level but also in engineering, which require a two- or four-year degree.

The scope of Everbrites presentation to students seemed to fit what the 3 1/2-hour career fairs organizers hoped to see in the schools second annual event, which welcomed freshmen through seniors at Pardeeville and juniors and seniors from Rio.

The event, which was also open to the public, grew from 22 entities in its first year to 30 entities this year.

There are places for kids looking for jobs right now or for careers for the future, school counselor Crystal Huset said. Thats important to us, to highlight all local opportunities for students. The amount of time it would take for students to actually go out and visit these 30 entities, she added, isnt realistic, but at the job fair, students do just that.

Represented industries included hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, engineering, banking, research and health care. Three military branches included the Wisconsin Army National Guard and the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, Huset said. Two universities on hand were University of Wisconsin-Baraboo and Madison College.

Theyre learning about a lot in a short period of time. I think the biggest takeaway is when they think of a company, they might have before thought about a job. But one company might have 30 (different) jobs, or more.

Its not only for summer employment, Principal Jack Hammer said, they get a taste for long-term careers here. I like that its a mix.

Hammer said the event, at its core, is as much about keeping them home to grow the Pardeeville community. We know we have a good thing going (in Pardeeville), and if we can continue to develop our own, thatll keep us strong.

Some of the business representatives Wednesday were past Pardeeville High School graduates. That fact wasnt lost on Hammer. Its neat to see this come full circle, he said, to see them return, making positive contributions.
Presentation for nonprofit leaders slated for Thursday in Baraboo

Nancy M. Brown, senior development director for St. Marys University of Minnesota, will present at the first annual meeting of the new Network for Charitable Giving of South Central Wisconsin from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday at the Baraboo Area Visitor Center. Everyone is invited and there is no charge to attend.

The topic, Shifting Paradigms in Planned Giving, will be of particular interest to nonprofit representatives, charitable donors and financial planners. The presentation will focus on research by Russell James into the mind of the donor, and how to apply those findings in a planned giving program. Brown will show how, while the tried and true approaches to planned giving are working, shifts in how one talks about planned giving can increase results.

Nancy Brown has been a professional fundraiser for more than 17 years and has a broad range of experience in development including annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, database administration, donor relations, special events, and strategic planning in higher education and health care settings. She has executive-level experience in strategic planning, board management, budget administration, quality improvement, and lean principles. Brown is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She has served on the AFP Board of Directors, as a past president of the Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter of the AFP, and is past chair of the Leave A Legacy Winona program. Brown earned her masters in nonprofit administration from the University of Notre Dame and a bachelors in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Network for Charitable Giving of South Central Wisconsin replaces the Planned Giving Council of South Central Wisconsin, broadening the mission to inform and inspire charitable giving. Seminars are free and membership is $50 for individuals or $100 for any four members of an organization. Advance registration is not necessary. The presentation will take place in the Baraboo Visitors Center beginning at 8 a.m., with networking starting at 7:30 a.m.
What is a Christian? Well, a Christian is many things. If I were to ask the people of Wisconsin Dells to define a Christian, Im sure I would get a variety of answers. Some would be positive and others, Im sure, would be quite negative.

Today, I want to consider a definition we dont always think of when we talk about what a Christian is. A Christian is an ambassador for Christ.

The apostle Paul says, Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christs stead, be ye reconciled to God2 Corinthian 5:20.

What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? An ambassador has three specific tasks both in this passage and in the world of diplomacy.

First, an ambassador represents the one who sent him. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ. Just as an ambassador to a foreign country represents the president and his country, Christians represent Jesus Christ. Everything we do and say reflects on our faith and our Savior.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven  Matthew 5:16.

Thats a sobering thought, but one that will help us to make wise decisions.

Second, an ambassador delivers a message. As though God did beseech you by us. When a president or secretary of state wants to communicate with a foreign country, the ambassador usually delivers the message. Jesus Christ has given every Christian the great responsibility of communicating the gospel to the world.

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature  Mark 16:15.

Look for opportunities to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with your friends, relatives, neighbors and coworkers. Even though religion can be controversial, there are ways to share your faith without coming across as judgmental, pushy or rude.

Finally, an ambassador makes peace. We pray you in Christs stead, be ye reconciled to God. Miscommunication between countries is a common cause of war.

Ambassadors help to ease tensions and reassure other countries that there is a way to resolve and prevent conflict.

There is tension between God and the human race because of sin, but Jesus death on the cross resolved that tension by offering everyone forgiveness.

When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son  Romans 5:10.

We receive this forgiveness by faith.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ  Romans 5:1.

The greatest need of the human race is peace with God and peace with one another, and as Gods ambassadors we are called to help accomplish both.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God  Matthew 5:9.
When he flew to Europe to join his tank battalion during the final year of World War II, Private First Class August Stroede sat on a single chair bolted to the floor of the transport plane.

The young soldier, on his way to Germany to join the Allies in their march toward Berlin, probably could have used the loving warmth of a quilt to keep him company on that solitary flight more than 72 years ago. Last Saturday he finally got that quilt.

Stroede, 92, was awarded a Quilt of Valor at Kilbourn Public Library on the occasion of the organizations annual National Sew Day, the third for Wisconsin Dells and the volunteers and Quilts of Valor (QOV) members in their efforts to recognize and comfort veterans and others affected by war.

Members of Stroedes family looked on as local QOV members Barbara Sigmund and Joann Van Wie draped him in a patriotic-themed quilt as he smiled proudly.

The day-long sewing event was attended by more than 40 quilters and volunteer helpers from across the region.

Five completed quilts were donated and 16 quilt tops were sewed upon during the yearly, highly concentrated sewing effort that marks a year-long quilting effort.

We work on these quilts all year long, Van Wie said following the gathering.

Stroede served in the Army for two years, after which he returned home and met his wife, Lorraine, to whom he has been married for 70 years.

Stroedes timing apparently was fortuitous in those days  in love and in war. He joined his battalion during the wars longest and among its bloodiest battles, the Battle of the Forest of the Hurtgen Forest.

More than 24,000 Americans were killed or injured during the siege, which lasted from that fall through February of 1945 and was the longest single battle ever fought by the U.S Army.

But by the time Stroede arrived, most of the worst fighting already had taken place, and even though he landed in the midst of carnage, he considers himself lucky.

Had I gotten there earlier, I might not be here, he said.
Tomah to Portage, Wisconsin may not be the jazziest title for the episode of a television series.

But when that series audience is exclusively in the United Kingdom, all of them subscribers to the BBC2 television network, the names of those two local cities probably portend something much more exotic.

In this case, the connection between Portage and Tomah and the area in between is the American railroad, as seen through the eyes of the producers of the show Great American Railroad Journeys.

The episode with the aforementioned title aired on BBC2 Thursday evening (Greenwhich Standard Time, of course), and it is not yet viewable by anyone over here across the pond from the UK  or anywhere outside of that realm, for that matter. (Viewing rights issues apparently have a hand in this embargo.)

But, ultimately, anyone interested in seeing a British take on the areas historical high points will be able to view the episode sometime soon, either at Circus World Museum in Baraboo or at H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum in Wisconsin Dells, according to the directors of both of those historical destinations.

Scott ODonnell, executive director of Circus World, and Dave Rambow, site director of the H.H. Bennett Studio, apparently feature prominently in the episode, which was touted for the past few weeks on the BBC2 website.

ODonnell and Rambow both were interviewed on-location on multiple days last September for the episode by series host Michael Portillo, a former British Member of Parliament-turned-television host who stars in the series.

In addition to visiting Circus World and the Bennett Studio for the episode, Portillo and his crew traveled to Portage  where they interviewed Fred Galley, an advocate for the historic Canals restoration  and began their Tomah to Portage journey with a visit to a cranberry bog in Tomah.

Portillo and crew joined Rambow at a scenic spot overlooking the Wisconsin River, where the relatively new site director of the historic Dells studio and museum re-enacted the efforts of legendary photography innovator and legend H.H. Bennett in the practice of wet-plate photography.

Rambow even wore period-appropriate garb, which he is wont to do when he demonstrates the photographic practices of the man who helped invent both the stop-action photograph and Wisconsins tourism industry.

The fact that Bennett took art science and commerce and melded them together for his own use was of special interest to Portillo and his crew, and the promo page for Portage to Tomah (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08dzxnz), refers to Bennett as an innovative photographer who first captured motion.

A visit to Circus World in Baraboo following the time with Rambow included an extensive tour of the spectacular wagons or train cars that used to transport the circus as it crisscrossed the U.S. after the development of the railroad through the area enabled the Big Tops exponential growth across the U.S., ODonnell noted.

We discussed the great history and legacy of association between circus and rail, ODonnell recalled this week. Its a big chapter in the history of the circus. Once they transitioned from horse and wagon (to transport the Big Top), the sky was the limit  you could expand across the country, exponentially.

ODonnell, himself a former circus owner and ringmaster, also taught Portillo  a bit of a showman, apparently, who was deeply involved in the recent Brexit campaign in England  how to juggle and spin plates.

It was quite fun watching him trying to learn circus tricks, ODonnell said. He said Ive been spinning plates for most of my life, and to actually learn how to do it is amazing.

As for a local viewing, both ODonnell and Rambow said they have requested copies of the episode and will show them at their respective historical sites as soon as they can.
By Press Trust of India: Dubai, Feb 10 (PTI) India is set to host a Made in India exhibition in Kuwait later this month to showcase a wide variety of Indian products.

The exhibition that will be held on February 18 will showcase several products manufactured in India, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said.

The products to be exhibited during the event range from tyres, motorbikes, trucks, buses, security solutions, batteries, fans, induction cooker, grills, rice cookers, television and air compressors among others.

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Companies dealing in 30 Indian reputed brands are participating in the exhibition.

According to the embassy, display of Indian automobiles and home appliances will be a special attraction.

Both Kuwaitis and foreign nationals will get to see the display of a wide variety of automobiles and home appliances manufactured in India during the exhibition, said the embassy. PTI CORR UZM

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Analysing data to inform public health

Biostatistics is the analysis and interpretation of data generated in the biological and health sciences to inform clinical or health policy and practice.

Professor Tobias Chirwa is a biostatistician in the School of Public Health at Wits and Head of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

In many African countries, there is a shortage of well-trained biostatisticians. The few people that are trained are often overwhelmed. To ensure that data is used to inform public health policy and practice for the benefit of the people in Africa, we need to prioritise training of African postgraduate biostatisticians who can provide the required analysis to a high standard, says Chirwa.

Chirwa, who heads the School of Public Health at Wits from February 2017, is one of seven leading African researchers to receive a portion of a R70 million (3.337-million) funding injection from the Wellcome Trust and the Department for International Development in the UK.

Funding to the amount of 46 million over five years was awarded through the DELTAS Africa scheme.

DELTAS is the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science Initiative, which aims to establish world class research environments at African universities, and training opportunities for the next generation of researchers.

Wits leads the sub-Saharan African Consortium for Advanced Biostatistical Training. This group of African and northern institutions will use the funding to develop a network of biostatisticians who will deliver statistical courses for biomedical researchers, develop and implement statistical theory to analyse health data, and create the framework for improved biostatistical skills among health researchers and academics in nine African countries.

Read more about research at Wits in Wits Research Matters.
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Duck Creek Technologies, Inc. provides software-as-a-service core systems to the property and casualty insurance industry in the United States and internationally. The company provides Duck Creek Policy, a solution that enables insurers to develop and launch new insurance products and manage various aspects of policy administration ranging from product definition to quoting, binding, and servicing; Duck Creek Billing that provides payment and invoicing capabilities, such as billing and collections, commission processing, disbursement management, and general ledger capabilities for insurance lines and bill types; and Duck Creek Claims that supports entire claims lifecycle from first notice of loss through investigation, payments, negotiations, reporting, and closure. It also offers Duck Creek Rating that allows carriers to develop new rates and models and deliver quotes in real-time based on the complex rating algorithms; Duck Creek Insights, an insurance analytics solution that allows carriers to gather and analyze data from internal and external sources and facilitate analysis and reporting on a single system; Duck Creek Digital Engagement that offer digital interactions between property and casualty insurers and their agents, brokers, and policyholders; and Duck Creek Distribution Management that automates sales channel activities for agents and brokers, including producer onboarding, compliance, and compensation management. In addition, the company provides Duck Creek Reinsurance Management that automates financial and administrative functions; and Duck Creek Industry Content that provides pre-built content, including base business rules, product designs, rating algorithms, data capture screens, and workflows for insurance lines of business, such as commercial auto, inland marine, and workers compensation. It has a partnership with Shift Technologies, Inc. to implement AI fraud detection. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Feb 10 (PTI) Auto major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) today said it plans to invest Rs 1,500 crore at its Nashik and Igatpuri plants, along with ongoing expansion of Rs 4,500 crore at Chakan facility in Maharashtra for the next phase of expansion.

"We are investing Rs 1,500 crore at our Nashik and Igatpuri plants, which will help us in expanding our production capacity by 50,000 vehicles to 2,00,000 vehicles. The Nashik projects will qualify as Ultra Mega Project and it will be funded through internal accruals," M&M managing director Pawan Goenka told reporters here.

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The Nashik project constitutes development and manufacture of its new product codenamed U321, covering joint investment at Nashik and Igatpuri. The investment in the Nashik plant will be towards manufacture of vehicles, while investment in the Igatpuri plant will be for manufacture and supply of engines.

We invest around Rs 2,500 crore every year towards capex plan and investment in Nashik will be part of our investment strategy, Goenka said.

The company had earlier announced Rs 4,500 crore investment in the Chakan facility as part of its expansion programme, he said, adding that the part I of the phase II has completed.

"We are going ahead with part II now. Discussing the companys expansion plans. Maharashtra governments visionary industrial policies and efficient governance practices, has enabled us to undertake the next phase of our expansion plans at Nashik," he said.

The company reported 33.29 per cent increase in standalone profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 1,112.27 crore for the third quarter ended December 31 2016, driven by an exceptional income of Rs 363.78 crore on account of sale of investment in group firms. (MORE) PTI AP ARS

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The following companies are subsidiares of InterContinental Hotels Group: 2250 Blake Street Hotel LLC, 24th Street Operator Sub LLC, 36th Street IHG Sub LLC, 426 Main Ave LLC, 46 Nevins Street Associates LLC, Allegro Management LLC, Alpha Kimball Hotel LLC, American Commonwealth Assurance Co. Ltd., Asia Pacific Holdings Limited, BHMC Canada Inc., BHR Holdings B.V., BHR Luxembourg SARL, BHR Pacific Holdings Inc., BHTC Canada Inc., BOC Barclay Sub LLC, Barclay Operating Corp., Bristol Oakbrook Tenant Company, Cafe Biarritz, Cambridge Lodging LLC, Capital Lodging LLC, Compania Inter-Continental De Hoteles El Salvador SA, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam (Management) B.V., Crowne Plaza LLC, Cumberland Akers Hotel LLC, Dunwoody Operations Inc., EVEN Real Estate Holding LLC, Edinburgh IC Limited, General Innkeeping Acceptance Corporation, Guangzhou SC Hotels Services Ltd., H.I. (Ireland) Limited, H.I. Soaltee Management Company Ltd, HC International Holdings Inc., HH France Holdings SAS, HH Hotels (EMEA) B.V., HH Hotels (Romania) SRL, HI Sugarloaf LLC, HIM (Aruba) NV, Hale International Ltd., Hoft Properties LLC, Holiday Hospitality Franchising LLC, Holiday Inn Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Holiday Inns (China) Ltd, Holiday Inns (Chongqing) Inc., Holiday Inns (Courtalin) Holdings SAS, Holiday Inns (Courtalin) SAS, Holiday Inns (England) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Germany) LLC, Holiday Inns (Guangzhou) Inc., Holiday Inns (Jamaica) Inc., Holiday Inns (Malaysia) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Middle East) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Philippines) Inc., Holiday Inns (Saudi Arabia) Inc., Holiday Inns (South East Asia) Inc., Holiday Inns (Thailand) Ltd., Holiday Inns (UK) Inc., Holiday Inns Crowne Plaza (Hong Kong) Inc., Holiday Inns Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Holiday Inns Inc., Holiday Inns Investment (Nepal) Ltd., Holiday Inns of America (UK) Ltd., Holiday Inns of Belgium N.V., Holiday Pacific Equity Corporation, Holiday Pacific LLC, Holiday Pacific Partners LP, Hotel Inter-Continental London Limited, Hotel InterContinental London (Holdings) Limited, Hoteles Y Turismo HIH SRL, IC Hotelbetriebsfuhrungs GmbH, IC Hotels Management (Portugal) Unipessoal Lda, IC International Hotels Limited Liability Company, IHC (Thailand) Limited, IHC Buckhead LLC, IHC Edinburgh (Holdings), IHC Hopkins (Holdings) Corp., IHC Hotel Limited, IHC Inter-Continental (Holdings) Corp., IHC London (Holdings), IHC M-H (Holdings) Corp., IHC May Fair (Holdings) Limited, IHC May Fair Hotel Limited, IHC Overseas (U.K.) Limited, IHC UK (Holdings) Limited, IHC United States (Holdings) Corp., IHC Willard (Holdings) Corp., IHG (Australasia) Limited, IHG (Marseille) SAS, IHG (Thailand) Limited, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC, IHG ANA Hotels Holdings Co. Ltd., IHG Bangkok Ltd, IHG Brasil Administracao de Hoteis e Servicos Ltda, IHG Commission Services SRL, IHG Community Development LLC, IHG Cyprus Limited, IHG ECS (Barbados) SRL, IHG Franchising Brasil Ltda, IHG Franchising DR Corporation, IHG Franchising LLC, IHG Hotels (New Zealand) Limited, IHG Hotels Limited, IHG Hotels Management (Australia) Pty Limited, IHG Hotels Nigeria Limited, IHG Hotels South Africa (Pty) Ltd, IHG International Partnership, IHG Istanbul Otel Yonetim Limited Sirketi, IHG Japan (Management) LLC, IHG Japan (Osaka) LLC, IHG Management (Maryland) LLC, IHG Management (Netherlands) B.V., IHG Management MD Barclay Sub LLC, IHG Management SL d.o.o, IHG Management d.o.o. Beograd, IHG Orchard Street Member LLC, IHG PS Nominees Limited, IHG Systems Pty Ltd, IHG Szalloda Budapest Szolgaltato Kft., IHG de Argentina SA, IND East Village SD Holdings LLC, Inter-Continental D.C. Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Investment Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Partner Corp., Inter-Continental Hospitality Corporation, Inter-Continental Hoteleira Limitada, Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Owning Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation, Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation de Venezuela C.A., Inter-Continental Hotels of San Francisco Inc., Inter-Continental IOHC (Mauritius) Limited, Inter-Continental Management (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental (Branston) 1 Limited, InterContinental (PB) 1, InterContinental (PB) 2, InterContinental (PB) 3 Limited, InterContinental Berlin Service Company GmbH, InterContinental Brasil Administracao de Hoteis Ltda, InterContinental Gestion Hotelera S.L., InterContinental Hotel Berlin GmbH, InterContinental Hotel Dusseldorf GmbH (Germany), InterContinental Hotels (Puerto Rico) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Canada) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Espana) SA, InterContinental Hotels Group (Greater China) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (India) Pvt. Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Japan) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (New Zealand) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Shanghai) Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Customer Services Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Healthcare Trustee Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group Operating Corp., InterContinental Hotels Group Resources Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group Services Company, InterContinental Hotels Group do Brasil Limitada, InterContinental Hotels Italia S.r.L., InterContinental Hotels Limited, InterContinental Hotels Management GmbH, InterContinental Hotels Nevada Corporation, InterContinental Management AM LLC, InterContinental Management Bulgaria EOOD, InterContinental Management France SAS, InterContinental Management Poland sp. z.o.o, InterContinental Overseas Holding Corporation, Intercontinental Hotels Corporation Limited, KG Benefits LLC, KG Gift Card Inc., KG Liability LLC, KG Technology LLC, KHP Washington Operator LLC, KHRG 11th Avenue Hotel LLC, KHRG 851 LLC, KHRG Aertson LLC, KHRG Alexandria LLC, KHRG Alexis LLC, KHRG Allegro LLC, KHRG Argyle LLC, KHRG Austin Beverage Company LLC, KHRG Baltimore LLC, KHRG Born LLC, KHRG Boston Hotel LLC, KHRG Canary LLC, KHRG Cayman Employer Ltd., KHRG Cayman LLC, KHRG DC 1731 LLC, KHRG DC 2505 LLC, KHRG Donovan LLC, KHRG Employer LLC, KHRG Goleta LLC, KHRG Gray LLC, KHRG Gray U2 LLC, KHRG Hillcrest LLC, KHRG Huntington Beach LLC, KHRG King Street LLC, KHRG La Peer LLC, KHRG Miami Beach LLC, KHRG Muse LLC, KHRG NPC LLC, KHRG Onyx LLC, KHRG Palladian LLC, KHRG Palomar Phoenix LLC, KHRG Philly Monaco LLC, KHRG Pittsburgh LLC, KHRG Reynolds LLC, KHRG Riverplace LLC, KHRG SFD LLC, KHRG Sacramento LLC, KHRG Savannah LLC, KHRG Schofield LLC, KHRG Sedona LLC, KHRG State Street LLC, KHRG Sutter LLC, KHRG Sutter Union LLC, KHRG Taconic LLC, KHRG Tariff LLC, KHRG Texas Hospitality LLC, KHRG Texas Operations LLC, KHRG Tryon LLC, KHRG VZ Austin LLC, KHRG Vero Beach LLC, KHRG Vintage Park LLC, KHRG WPB LLC, KHRG Wabash LLC, KHRG Westwood LLC, KHRG Wilshire LLC, KHRG Zamora LLC, Kimpton Hollywood Licenses LLC, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group LLC, Kimpton Phoenix Licenses Holdings LLC, Kimpton Sedona Licenses LLC, Louisiana Acquisitions Corp., MH Lodging LLC, Mercer Fairview Holdings LLC, PML Services LLC, PT SC Hotels & Resorts Indonesia, Pollstrong Limited, Powell Pine Inc., Priscilla Holiday of Texas Inc., RM Lodging LLC, Regent Hotels and Resorts, Resort Services International (Cayo Largo) L.P., SBS Maryland Beverage Company LLC, SC Cellars Limited, SC Hotels International Services Inc., SC Leisure Group Limited, SC NAS 2 Limited, SC Quest Limited, SC Reservations (Philippines) Inc., SCH Insurance Company, SCIH Branston 3, SF MH Acquisition LLC, SPHC Group Pty Ltd., SPHC Management Ltd., Semiramis for training of Hotel Personnel and Hotel Management SAE, Six Continents Corporate Services, Six Continents Holdings Limited, Six Continents Hotels Inc., Six Continents Hotels International Limited, Six Continents Hotels de Colombia SA, Six Continents International Holdings B.V., Six Continents Investments Limited, Six Continents Limited, Six Continents Overseas Holdings Limited, Six Continents Restaurants Limited, SixCo North America Inc., Solamar Lodging LLC, Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation (BVI) Ltd., Southern Pacific Hotels Properties Limited, Universal de Hoteles SA, White Shield Insurance Company Limited, and World Trade Centre Montreal Hotel Corporation.

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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. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. 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. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. 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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Associated Banc-Corp, a bank holding company, provides various banking and nonbanking products to individuals and businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The company operates through three segments: Corporate and Commercial Specialty; Community, Consumer, and Business; and Risk Management and Shared Services. Its Corporate and Commercial Specialty segment offers lending solutions, including commercial loans and lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction loans, letters of credit, leasing, asset based lending, and loan syndications; deposit and cash management solutions, such as commercial checking and interest-bearing deposit products, cash vault and night depository services, liquidity solutions, payables and receivables solutions, and information services; specialized financial services such as interest rate risk management, foreign exchange solutions, and commodity hedging; fiduciary services such as administration of pension, profit-sharing and other employee benefit plans, fiduciary and corporate agency services, and institutional asset management; and investable funds solutions such as savings, money market deposit accounts, IRA accounts, CDs, fixed and variable annuities, full-service, discount and online investment brokerage; investment advisory services; and trust and investment management accounts. The company's Community, Consumer, and Business segment offers lending solutions, such as residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, personal and installment loans, auto loans, business loans, and business lines of credit; and deposit and transactional solutions such as checking, credit, debit and pre-paid cards, online banking and bill pay; and money transfer services. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 215 banking branches. Associated Banc-Corp was founded in 1861 and is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The following companies are subsidiares of Lloyds Banking Group: A G Finance Ltd, A.C.L. Ltd, ACL Autolease Holdings Ltd, ADF No.1 Pty Ltd, Addison Social Housing Holdings Ltd, Alex Lawrie Factors Ltd, Alex. Lawrie Receivables Financing Ltd, Amberdate Ltd, Anglo Scottish Utilities Partnership 1, Aquilus Ltd, Automobile Association Personal Finance Ltd, BOS (Ireland) Property Services 2 Ltd, BOS (Ireland) Property Services Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland) No. 2) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland) No. 3) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland)) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 1 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 2 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 3 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 4 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 5 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 6 plc, BOS (USA) Fund Investments Inc., BOS (USA) Inc., BOS Edinburgh No 1 Ltd, BOS Mistral Ltd, BOS Personal Lending Ltd, BOSSAF Rail Ltd, Bank of Scotland (B G S) Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland (Stanlife) London Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Branch Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Central Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Edinburgh Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Equipment Finance Ltd, Bank of Scotland Foundation, Bank of Scotland LNG Leasing (No 1) Ltd, Bank of Scotland London Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Nominees (Unit Trusts) Ltd, Bank of Scotland P.E.P. Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Structured Asset Finance Ltd, Bank of Scotland Transport Finance 1 Ltd, Bank of Scotland plc, Bank of Wales Ltd, Barents Leasing Ltd, Barnwood Mortgages Ltd, Birchcrown Finance Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Financial Services Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Land Development Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Mortgage Services Ltd, Black Horse (TRF) Ltd, Black Horse Executive Mortgages Ltd, Black Horse Finance Holdings Ltd, Black Horse Finance Management Ltd, Black Horse Group Ltd, Black Horse Ltd, Black Horse Offshore Ltd, Black Horse Property Services Ltd, Boltro Nominees Ltd, British Linen Leasing (London) Ltd, British Linen Leasing Ltd, British Linen Shipping Ltd, C.T.S.B. Leasing Ltd, CBRail S.A.R.L., CF Asset Finance Ltd, CF1 Ltd, CM Venture Investments Ltd, Cancara Asset Securitisation Ltd, Capital 1945 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 12 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 3 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 5 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 9 Ltd, Capital Bank Property Investments (3) Ltd, Capital Personal Finance Ltd, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation 2018-1 Plc, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation 2019-1 Plc, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Cardnet Merchant Services Ltd, Cashfriday Ltd, Cashpoint Ltd, Caveminster Ltd, Cedar Holdings Ltd, Celsius European Lux 2 S.A.R.L., Central Mortgage Finance Ltd, Chariot Finance Ltd, Cheltenham & Gloucester plc, Cheltenham II Securities 2020 DAC, Cheltenham Securities 2017 Ltd, Chepstow Blue Holdings Ltd, Chepstow Blue plc, Chester Asset Options No.2 Ltd, Chester Asset Options No.3 Ltd, Chester Asset Receivables Dealings Issuer Ltd, Chester Asset Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Chester Asset Securitisation Holdings No.2 Ltd, Chiswell Stockbrokers Ltd, Clerical Medical Finance plc, Clerical Medical Financial Services Ltd, Clerical Medical International Holdings B.V., Clerical Medical Investment Fund Managers Ltd, Clerical Medical Managed Funds Ltd, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Guadalix Hold Co BV, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Guadalix Spanish Prop Co SL, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Megapark Hold Co BV, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Megapark Prop Co SA, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Property Company S.A.R.L., Cloak Lane Funding S.A.R.L., Cloak Lane Investments S.A.R.L., Conquest Securities Ltd, Corbiere Asset Investments Ltd, Create Services Ltd, Credit Card Securitisation Europe Ltd, Dalkeith Corporation, Deva Financing Holdings Ltd, Deva Financing plc, Deva One Ltd, Deva Three Ltd, Deva Two Ltd, Dunstan Investments (UK) Ltd, Edgbaston RMBS 2010-1 plc, Edgbaston RMBS Holdings Ltd, Elland RMBS 2018 plc, Elland RMBS Holdings Ltd, Eurolead Services Holdings Ltd, First Retail Finance (Chester) Ltd, Fontwell Securities 2016 Ltd, Forthright Finance Ltd, France Industrial Premises Holding Company, General Leasing (No. 12) Ltd, General Reversionary and Investment Company, Gresham Nominee 1 Ltd, Gresham Nominee 2 Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 1) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 10) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 11) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 12) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 13) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 14) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 15) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 16) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 19) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 20) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 21) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 22) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 23) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 24) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 25) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 26) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 27) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 28) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 29) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 3) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 30) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 31) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 32) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 33) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 34) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 35) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 36) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 37) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 38) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 39) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 40) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 41) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 44) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 45) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 46) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 47) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 48) UK Ltd, Guildhall Asset Purchasing Company (No 3) Ltd, Guildhall Asset Purchasing Company (No.11) UK Ltd, HBOS Covered Bonds LLP, HBOS Final Salary Trust Ltd, HBOS Financial Services Ltd, HBOS Insurance & Investment Group Ltd, HBOS International Financial Services Holdings Ltd, HBOS Investment Fund Managers Ltd, HBOS Social Housing Covered Bonds LLP, HBOS UK Ltd, HBOS plc, HSDL Nominees Ltd, HVF Ltd, Halifax Credit Card Ltd, Halifax Financial Brokers Ltd, Halifax Financial Services (Holdings) Ltd, Halifax Financial Services Ltd, Halifax General Insurance Services Ltd, Halifax Group Ltd, Halifax Investment Services Ltd, Halifax Leasing (June) Ltd, Halifax Leasing (March No.2) Ltd, Halifax Leasing (September) Ltd, Halifax Life Ltd, Halifax Loans Ltd, Halifax Ltd, Halifax Mortgage Services Ltd, Halifax Nominees Ltd, Halifax Pension Nominees Ltd, Halifax Premises Ltd, Halifax Share Dealing Ltd, Halifax Vehicle Leasing (1998) Ltd, Heidi Finance Holdings (UK) Ltd, Hill Samuel Bank Ltd, Hill Samuel Finance Ltd, Hill Samuel Leasing Co. Ltd, Home Shopping Personal Finance Ltd, Horizon Capital 2000 Ltd, Housing Association Risk Transfer 2019 DAC, Housing Growth Partnership GP LLP, Housing Growth Partnership LP, Housing Growth Partnership Ltd, Housing Growth Partnership Manager Ltd, Hyundai Car Finance Ltd, IBOS Finance Ltd, ICC Enterprise Partners Ltd, ICC Equity Partners Ltd, ICC Holdings Unlimited Company, Inchcape Financial Services Ltd, Intelligent Finance Financial Services Ltd, Intelligent Finance Software Ltd, International Motors Finance Ltd, Kanaalstraat Funding C.V., Katrine Leasing Ltd, LB Healthcare Trustee Ltd, LB Motorent Ltd, LB Quest Ltd, LB Share Schemes Trustees Ltd, LBCF Ltd, LBG Brasil Administracao LTDA, LBG Capital Holdings Ltd, LBG Equity Investments Ltd, LBI Leasing Ltd, LDC (General Partner) Ltd, LDC (Managers) Ltd, LDC (Nominees) Ltd, LDC GP LLP, LDC I LP, LDC II LP, LDC III LP, LDC IV LP, LDC Parallel (Nominees) Ltd, LDC V LP, LDC VI LP, LDC VII LP, LDC VIII LP, LTGP Limited Partnership Incorporated, Legacy Renewal Company Ltd, Leicester Securities 2014 Ltd, Lex Autolease (CH) Ltd, Lex Autolease (VC) Ltd, Lex Autolease Carselect Ltd, Lex Autolease Ltd, Lex Vehicle Finance 2 Ltd, Lex Vehicle Leasing (Holdings) Ltd, Lex Vehicle Leasing Ltd, Lime Street (Funding) Ltd, Lingfield 2014 I Holdings Ltd, Lingfield 2014 I plc, Lloyds (Gresham) Ltd, Lloyds (Gresham) No. 1 Ltd, Lloyds (Nimrod) Specialist Finance Ltd, Lloyds America Securities Corporation1, Lloyds Asset Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Branches) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Colonial & Foreign) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Fountainbridge 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Fountainbridge 2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (I.D.) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (International Services) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Stock Exchange Branch) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Asset Finance Ltd, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Ltd, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Scotland Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (HP) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.3) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.4) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds (LM) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds LLP, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 7) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 9) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Financial Services (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales, Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, Lloyds Bank General Insurance Holdings Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Insurance Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 11) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 17) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 20) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 3) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 5) Ltd, Lloyds Bank GmbH, Lloyds Bank Hill Samuel Holding Company Ltd, Lloyds Bank Insurance Services Ltd, Lloyds Bank International Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing (No. 6) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing (No. 8) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Bank MTCH Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 10) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 13) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 17) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No.16) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Offshore Pension Trust Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pension ABCS (No. 1) LLP, Lloyds Bank Pension ABCS (No. 2) LLP, Lloyds Bank Pension Trust (No. 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pension Trust (No. 2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pensions Property (Guernsey) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Properties Ltd, Lloyds Bank Property Company Ltd, Lloyds Bank S.F. 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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.
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
In a setback to the minority Hindu and Sikh communities in Jammu and Kashmir, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has denied them rights.

The Union ministry of minority affairs has awarded 717 of the 753 available scholarships to the majority community in J&K.

By Harish V Nair: In a setback to the minority Hindu and Sikh communities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP government in the state, through an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, has opposed creation of a minority commission in the state.

The state government was responding to a PIL filed by a Jammu-based lawyer Ankur Sharma, seeking a direction to set up a minority commission in the state to safeguard the interests of religious and linguistic minorities. "In the absence of a minority commission, the benefits exclusively meant for the minority communities including crores worth aid are being given away to a certain community, which is the majority Muslim community, in an illegal and arbitrary manner," Sharma had submitted.

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Jammu and Kashmir law secretary Abdul Majid Bhat contended that Sharma's view, saying, "Assertion of the petitioner for setting up a state minority commission in Jammu and Kashmir through proper legislation including time-bound identification and notification of religious and linguistic minorities by the state is legally not maintainable. It is up to the concerned state/Union territory to set up a minority commission in their respective state/Union territory."'

The Jammu and Kashmir government said law is well settled on the issue that the apex court cannot direct the government to legislate on a particular subject. "It is for the state legislature to consider in its wisdom as to which laws are required to be made considering the circumstances prevailing in the state," the state government said.

ALSO READ | Jammu-Kashmir: Mehbooba Mufti stands firm on Article 370 comments

Questioning the PIL petitioner's motive, the affidavit said: "As per information available, the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Sikkim, Andaman, and several UTs have not set up a minority commission. The present petition only seeks its establishment in Jammu and Kashmir. In case the present petition has been filed in public interest, he should have prayed for its setting up in all these states."

According to the 2011 census, about 68.3 per cent of the state's population is Muslims. Among the minorities, 28.4 per cent are Hindus, followed by Sikhs (1.9 per cent), Buddhists (0.9 per cent), and Christians (0.3 per cent). In Kashmir valley, about 96.4 per cent are Muslims, followed by Hindus (2.45 per cent), Sikhs (0.98 per cent) and others (0.17 per cent).

Sharma argued that Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir are unable to benefit from central and state welfare schemes for minorities. The Union government indirectly recognises Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians of Jammu and Kashmir as 'minorities'.

This is in spite of the fact that the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, is not applicable to J-K and thus the recognition of Muslims as "minorities" is whimsical and illegal, the plea said. The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has awarded 717 out of the 753 available scholarships to the majority community in Jammu and Kashmir, it said.

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ALSO READ | We have to differentiate between militants, their families: Mehbooba Mufti

Constitutional guarantees under Article 29 and 30 (rights of minorities) are no guarantees at all in Jammu and Kashmir due to the government's failure to identify religious and linguistic minorities and declare them as notified minorities, said the PIL.

Rights and benefits due to the minorities are being siphoned off arbitrarily and illegally, it added.

It wants the Supreme Court to order setting-up of a state minority commission to identify religious and linguistic minorities, or to appoint a panel of experts under its supervision to submit a report on the religious and linguistic minority communities of Jammu and Kashmir.

The plea also wants a direction to extend the National Commission for Minorities to Jammu and Kashmir.

ALSO READ | Blame game continues: Mehbooba Mufti accuses Centre for Kashmir unrest

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Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA provides dialysis care and related dialysis care services in Germany, North America, and internationally. It offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. The company also develops, manufactures, and distributes dialysis products, including polysulfone dialyzers, hemodialysis machines, peritoneal dialysis cyclers, peritoneal dialysis solutions, hemodialysis concentrates, solutions and granulates, bloodlines, renal pharmaceuticals, and systems for water treatment; and non-dialysis products, such as acute cardiopulmonary and apheresis products. In addition, it develops, acquires, and in-licenses renal pharmaceuticals; offers renal medications and supplies to patients at homes or to dialysis clinics; and provides vascular, cardiovascular, endovascular specialty, vascular care ambulatory surgery center, and physician nephrology and cardiology services. The company sells its products to dialysis clinics, hospitals, and specialized treatment clinics directly, as well as through local sales forces, independent distributors, dealers, and sales agents. As of February 23, 2022, it operated 4,171 outpatient dialysis clinics in approximately 150 countries. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Bad Homburg, Germany.
Ally Financial Inc., a digital financial-services company, provides various digital financial products and services to consumer, commercial, and corporate customers primarily in the United States and Canada. It operates through four segments: Automotive Finance Operations, Insurance Operations, Mortgage Finance Operations, and Corporate Finance Operations. The Automotive Finance Operations segment offers automotive financing services, including providing retail installment sales contracts, loans and operating leases, term loans to dealers, financing dealer floorplans and other lines of credit to dealers, warehouse lines to automotive retailers, and fleet financing. It also provides financing services to companies and municipalities for the purchase or lease of vehicles, and vehicle-remarketing services. The Insurance Operations segment offers consumer finance protection and insurance products through the automotive dealer channel, and commercial insurance products directly to dealers. This segment provides vehicle service and maintenance contract, and guaranteed asset protection products; and underwrites commercial insurance coverages, which primarily insure dealers' vehicle inventory. The Mortgage Finance Operations segment manages consumer mortgage loan portfolio that includes bulk purchases of jumbo and low-to-moderate income mortgage loans originated by third parties, as well as direct-to-consumer mortgage offerings. The Corporate Finance Operations segment provides senior secured leveraged cash flow and asset-based loans to middle market companies; leveraged loans; and commercial real estate product to serve companies in the healthcare industry. The company also offers commercial banking products and services. In addition, it provides securities brokerage and investment advisory services. The company was formerly known as GMAC Inc. and changed its name to Ally Financial Inc. in May 2010. Ally Financial Inc. was founded in 1919 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.
There has been an online invitation going around on the internet inviting people to a party of which the star attraction is said to be world famous porn star Mia Khalifa. Is it really happening? Here is the truth.

By India Today Web Desk: Most men with internet access would have had an encounter with Mia Khalifa at least once. While some shy away from accepting it, some are honest about the excitement at the mention of her name.

For those who don't know Mia, here's a photo of her -

Photo: Instagramnotthefakemiakhalifa

Wait, we forgot to say that the above one is a 'safe for work' photo of hers.

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Mia is a world famous porn star who started her career as a porn actor in October 2014, and by December, she was ranked the number 1 performer of Pornhub, the largest porn website. She, however, quit the industry after a few months.

She is quite popular among men for obvious reasons. Since talking about sex is still a taboo in India, watching porn is too. And that might be why you've not heard your friend talk about her often. Or your brother. Do you talk about her? Well, then. You would be excited to know that a NSFW poster invite of a party to be held in a Delhi restaurant has been going viral on social media. Titled "T**s and D***s", the party is being promoted as "Delhi's first adult raveup".

The poster also says, "Get dirty, get wild this Valentine's Week".

For those of who are not active on Twitter, let us also tell you this party has been talk of the town for quite a while and have even led some cab drivers into "taking care of their business" while they are in the middle of dropping a passenger. Didn't get it? We will let you figure out here.

WHAT'S THE TRUTH? IS MIA KHALIFA COMING DOWN TO DELHI FOR THIS ADULT THEMED PARTY?

We checked Mia's Instagram handle, and she seemed to be chilling at a bar in Texas.

The face of pure joy. #THROWBACK to the best bar in Texas. #SinBin #2minforroughing A video posted by Mia Khalifa (@notthefakemiakhalifa) on Feb 9, 2017 at 4:04pm PST

She could still come, some of you'd be thinking. Of course she could, but let us break it to you, and a little portion of your pumped up heart, saying that SHE IS NOT COMING AND SUCH A PARTY IS NOT HAPPENING.

A representative of the restaurant in south Delhi's Hauz Khas called LEVELS spoke to IndiaToday.in and confirmed that a client had booked the place for 100 guests, including food and beverages, but it was without their consent and knowledge that they publicized that there is an adult themed party happening at Levels and that Mia Khalifa is the star attraction. He also said that they have already filed a police complaint against the organisers for promoting an event for which they had not agreed for, and that the advance taken has been returned to the client.

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The 187 passengers and six crew members on board the Bengaluru-bound Airbus A320 of GoAir (G8 557) had a narrow escape after the plane caught fire just seven minutes after take-off.

By Ajay Kumar: Navneet Kumar was resting inside his aunt's house in south-west Delhi's Najafgarh area when two of his nephews who were playing outside ran in frantically. They had seen a plane, mid-air, on fire.

"I immediately came out of the house and saw flames had engulfed the left engine," the Gurugram resident told Mail Today. "I was in a state of shock for a moment and so were the others present there. I realised that a massive tragedy would occur if steps were not initiated soon. I immediately dialled 100 on my mobile phone to inform police about the incident," said Kumar.

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The 187 passengers and six crew members on board the Bengaluru-bound Airbus A320 of GoAir (G8 557) had a narrow escape after the plane caught fire just seven minutes after take-off from Delhi airport on Wednesday evening.

The pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the plane made an emergency landing without any casualties.

ALSO READ | Jet Airways Goa-Mumbai flight with 161 on board skids off runway, all passengers evacuated

Recounting the sight, Kumar said, "It was quite dark but the aircraft was visible due to the fire. We saw the plane for 10 to 15 seconds while it was crossing above the house and travelled quite a distance before it turned around and headed towards the airport for emergency landing."

The incident came days after two aircraft came face to face moments before one was to take-off at Indira Gandhi International airport in the national Capital.

An Indigo flight was headed towards the taxiway after landing just when a SpiceJet aircraft was preparing for take-off on December 27.

Hours earlier on the same day, a Jet Airways flight with 161 people on board veered off the runway and skidded into the field at Goa airport.

Some passengers were hurt in the incident. Jet flight 9W 2374 was scheduled to fly from Goa to Mumbai at 4.40 am but aborted the takeoff at the last moment as pilots detected a technical snag.

The flight spun 360 degree before coming to a halt in the field inside the Dabolim airport premises.

"We received a PCR call about a plane catching fire mid-air above Najafgarh and when we enquired about the matter the airport operation control centre confirmed about the emergency landing of a GoAir flight," said deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Sanjay Bhatia of IGI Airport.'

ALSO READ | Singapore Airlines engine trouble sets wing on fire, 241 evacuated safely

According to a top source at the airport, the pilot was aware that a technical fault had occurred in the left wing of the engine but did not know that it had caught fire.

It was the local police that informed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials and ATC passed on the message to the pilot.

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After detecting the technical fault and fire in the engine, the pilot of the Airbus sought permission for emergency landing and clearance of runway at IGI airport on priority.

"Following instructions about emergency landing, we placed fire engines and ambulance on standby to deal with any eventualities. Airbus A320 has two engines on either side. The pilot made full emergency landing safely. All 193 passengers and crew members are safe and sound," said a senior officer at IGI airport.

ALSO READ | SpiceJet plane makes emergency landing at Delhi airport, airline denies

The official pointed out that if the plane had stayed in the air for some more time, it could have led to a major tragedy.

The collective efforts of an alert onlooker, Delhi police, CISF, ATC and the two pilots of the plane helped defuse the crisis, he said.

Since the matter was quite sensitive, the passengers were evacuated through two normal gates and two emergency doors.

They were put on another Bengaluru-bound GoAir flight an hour later.

"G8-557 Delhi-Bengaluru flight had an emergency landing at Delhi airport at 1953 hours (7:53pm) due to technical reasons," the airline said in a statement.

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"As per procedure, the crew of SG 136 had informed the ATC of a technical problem. The aircraft made an uneventful landing at the Delhi airport. All passengers and crew are safe. The ATC was kept in the loop by the crew all throughout."

When contacted, the spokesperson for GoAir told Mail Today civil aviation regulator DGCA is investigating the matter.

ALSO READ | Jet Airways' power play: Influential family hijacks flight, airline bribes people to deboard the flight

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New native studies minor program knits together natural connections

Native roots American Indian musicians marked the 2013 rededication of the Brafferton, a building that once was the venue for William & Marys Indian School. Organizers of the new native studies minor hope the program will strengthen the universitys connections to native peoples. Photo by Skip Rowland Photo - of - Hide Caption

William & Mary William & Mary is a natural place for an undergraduate program devoted to the study of indigenous peoples and now the university has one.

A new minor in native studies officially began with the opening of the spring semester. Its based in the Department of Anthropology, but is open to students in any major.

Creation of the new minor was the work of a number of William & Mary faculty and administrators, but the effort was spearheaded by Kathleen Bragdon, professor of anthropology, and Danielle Moretti-Langholtz, research assistant professor and director of the American Indian Resource Center. Its early days, so they have no figures for enrollment in the new program, but the two scholars expect broad and deep interests.

Because its such an interdisciplinary program, I could see students who are interested in American history generally being interested. Obviously, anthropology students would be interested from the point of view of regional ethnographic and archaeological research, Bragdon explained. But we also hope to attract people whose interest is more international, such as people who are interested in indigenous peoples throughout the world.

As the new program is just getting underway, Bragdon explained that students enrolling in any of the classes within the new minor are automatically registered for credit in native studies.

Moretti-Langholtz said that the deep history of William & Mary with American Indians was one of the intellectual driving forces behind formation of the native studies minor. Along with Buck Woodard Ph.D. 13, Moretti-Langholtz curated a recent exhibit at the Muscarelle Museum that recalled the 18th century school for native youth that occupied the building that now holds the offices of William & Marys president and provost.

Titled Building the Brafferton: The Founding, Funding and Legacy of Americas Indian School, the exhibit not only chronicled the years that William & Marys Indian students, but also addressed the universitys renewed connections with members of the American Indian community.

Moretti-Langholtz said she began thinking about a native studies program shortly after the establishment of the American Indian Resource Center in 1998.

It was a place to support faculty, tribal outreach, civic engagement. But I found that I was getting calls from Indian communities who remembered that they had a history with William & Mary, she said. They would call to ask about the Brafferton: Did Indians still come back to the school? That really was the beginning of my thinking that maybe we should have a concentration in native studies.

Moretti-Langholtz and Bragdon point out that all the curricular components of the program  the individual courses  had been in place for some time. There are a number of eligible courses in anthropology and more than a dozen in other departments, covering topics ranging from archaeology, linguistic studies, biological and cultural anthropology, material culture, museology and human biology.

We found that there were many faculty who had been offering courses that had a native focus, Moretti-Langholtz said. So it wasnt at all hard to bring these together into a nice curricular package.

The two professors also say the new native studies program is a good fit for the new COLL curriculum, with the stress on interdisciplinary courses and opportunities for the COLL 300: In the World course, meant to encourage students cross-cultural awareness.

Moretti-Langholtz and Bragdon gave hat-tips to a number of people who helped make the native studies minor a reality, including Kate Conley, dean of Arts & Sciences, Dean of Graduate Studies Virginia Torczon, Professor of English Jack Martin, Margaret L. Hamilton Associate Professor of History Andy Fisher and Charles Center Director Joel Schwartz.
By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Feb 10 (PTI) At least four mortars fired by Iranian forces today landed across the border in Pakistans restive southwestern Balochistan province, officials said.

The mortars hit Parom area of Panjgur district, according to a senior district official.

"The mortars were fired without any justification. So far we have not received any report about any human loss," he said.

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Local Pakistani officials have lodged a protest with the Iranian border guards chief over the border violation.

Security of the area has been beefed up after the attack as additional troops were dispatched to Panjgur district.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre-long porous border with Iran, which has alleged that militants and smugglers often sneak into its territory from Pakistan. PTI SH ABH

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By Press Trust of India: Chhindwara, Feb 10 (PTI) In a bid to wean youngsters off "western culture" of celebrating Valentine Day, the district administration has come out with a order directing all educational and social institutions to observe February 14 as the day to show respect for their parents.

"With an aim to inculcate the feeling of having respect towards parents, specially among children and youths, February 14 should be observed as Matra-Pitra Pujya Diwas in the district," Chhindwara Collector J K Jain said in an order issued on February 6.

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"I have appealed specially to the youths to observe February 14 with their parents and stay away from the western culture," the Collector told PTI today.

As per the order, "All educational and social institutions in the district are directed to observe this day (as Matra-Pitra Pujya Diwas) and it is expected to be organised in a grand manner at home, family, village, city and colony level." PTI COR MAS ADU NSK

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Korsnick: nuclear provides 'critical infrastructure'

10 February 2017

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US policymakers understand the potential impact of losing nuclear plants and states are increasingly recognising the benefits of nuclear power to consumers, the economy and the environment, Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) CEO Maria Korsnick said yesterday at its annual briefing to Wall Street analysts.

NEI CEO Maria Korsnick addresses Wall Street analysts in New York (Image: NEI)



Nuclear power is the "backbone" of the USA's electricity system, providing sustained economic benefits, assuring grid reliability and supplying the country's largest source of low-carbon energy, Korsnick said. The US nuclear fleet provides about 475,000 jobs and produces more than $12 billion annually in federal and state tax revenues, she added.

Korsnick identified two challenges of immediate concern to the US nuclear industry: preserving its existing nuclear fleet, and creating policy conditions under which companies will build and develop new nuclear capacity.

Future grid



"The grid of the future will include a growing role for intermittent renewable energy. So the nuclear reactors of the future will accommodate that reality. Some will make electricity around the clock. Others will produce electricity when it's needed, then produce other products when it is not. Some will supply the transportation market. Nuclear electricity will charge batteries and nuclear process heat will make alternative fuels. Some reactors will make fresh water. Some will drive industrial production. Some reactors might even produce energy from today's used fuel, reducing the disposal burden," she said.

The country's existing nuclear power plants need to be preserved so that the knowledge and expertise developed in support of today's fleet will assist the development of new reactor technologies, she said.

"We see this now. We have four reactors under construction in Georgia and South Carolina. These designs use passive safety approaches to advance the state of the art in nuclear technology. This approach was informed by decades of operational experience and innovation," Korsnick said. In addition, combined construction and operating licences for seven additional reactors have been issued by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with three more currently being evaluated, providing "valuable options" for future development.

Small modular reactors (SMRs) - expected to be deployed in the early to mid-2020s - would maximise safety and inform the configuration of nuclear plants, offering flexibility in deployment and operation, she added.

Tipping point



Allowing existing nuclear plants to close prematurely would compromise the country's ability to develop a sustainable power industry, Korsnick said. Premature closures would cause significant economic damage, with the loss of expertise and the erosion of commercial infrastructure, which would limit development of the grid. The challenges of low growth in electricity demand, low natural gas prices, state and federal policies to promote renewables, transmission constraints, and other factors have led to the premature closure of several plants in recent years while others remain at risk.

"We are reaching a tipping point as policymakers have come to appreciate the risk of losing nuclear plants," she said. "However, I believe the tide is turning. The federal government, the regional transmission organisations and the states now recognise the problem, and are moving to reform the competitive markets where the greatest threats exist."

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has taken action to support capacity and energy market reform, and some regional transmission organisations have identified energy market challenges created by federal and state policies. The states of New York and Illinois have taken steps to preserve their nuclear generation, serving as examples to other states that effective solutions are possible, even in competitive markets, she said. The NEI has supported and worked with power companies, business, labour and advocacy groups in the pursuit of New York's Clean Energy Standard and the passage of Illinois' Future Energy Jobs Bill, she added.

Legislative or policy changes to support the continued operation of the nuclear fleet are likely to emerge in Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania, she said. The best solutions would need to reflect the individual needs and opportunities of each state and region, she added.

"We are painfully aware of the serious challenges facing us. The forces that are putting pressure on the competitive generation sector are taking their toll on the nuclear fleet. But 2016 is also when we began to see the ocean liner change its bearing. We see states, regions and the federal government taking actions to preserve our nuclear power plants. The industry was able to work with stakeholders to preserve five nuclear plants that would have otherwise shut down. We will continue working to find policy solutions that allow these plants to remain part of our electric infrastructure."

Critical infrastructure



Nuclear energy would serve the country's priorities to improve infrastructure and create jobs, she said, adding that financial support - such as the federal loan guarantee program introduced in 2005 - would be essential to support the "relatively small companies" taking on the large capital investments associated with building a new reactor.

Chinese and Russian designs "are ahead" with global nuclear construction projects, she said, while the USA has failed to view the nuclear industry strategically.

"Although US nuclear technology suppliers still have the most advanced, most innovative and safest technologies, they start at a disadvantage, competing against sovereign entities around the world," she said.

"To preserve its ability to shape global use of nuclear technology, the US must have both a strong domestic nuclear power program and an aggressive nuclear trade and export program. The US will not be seen as a credible global nuclear leader if it casually allows its nuclear fleet to atrophy. All of this begins with strong nuclear energy infrastructure at home."

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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Geography is the study of the Earths land, physical features, and human inhabitants. The objective of this science is to understand the complex nature of and history of the world and its people. There are several branches of geography and several institutions and societies dedicated to geographic research. This article takes a look at some of the most notable of these organizations.

8. Royal Danish Geographical Society

The Royal Danish Geographical Society was founded on November 18, 1876 by Professor E. D. Erslev. It was established in order to accomplish two principal objectives: to educate the public about the Earth and its inhabitants and to encourage interest in geography as a science. It is headquartered in the city of Copenhagen in Denmark.

Members of the society meet for geography-themed lectures and publish academic articles in geographic journals. Additionally, the Society maintains a collection of books and maps. This Society is well-known for its work in Arctic research. Recently, its members have been focusing on issues such as: coastal morphology, climate change, and urban development.

7. Russian Geographical Society

The Russian Geographical Society was founded in August of 1845 by a group of 18 individuals. It is one of the oldest geographical societies in the world. Its name has changed several times throughout the political history of Russia; originally, it was called the Imperial Russian Geographical Society, which lasted until 1917. By that time, the Society had grown to 1,000 members and 11 subdivisions. Its main office is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The primary objectives of the Russian Geographical Society are to conduct research in oceanography and ethnography and to promote exploration.

This organization played a critical role in establishing Russias first polar stations. Additionally, its members helped fund exploration of several areas, including: the northern Urals mountain range, the Amur River, and large areas of Kashgaria and Mongolia. Today, its Academic Council consists of the following commissions: Standing Environmental Commission, Ethnographic Commission, Commission of Geographical and Environmental Education, Commission of Territorial Organization and Planning, and Commission of Tourism Development.

6. Royal Geographical Society

The Royal Geographical Society was founded in 1830 as the Geographical Society of London. Its founding members were: Sir John Barrow, Sir John Franklin, and Sir Francis Beaufort. This Society was later supported by King William IV and was granted Royal Charter in 1859 by Queen Victoria. Over time, this organization merged with Raleigh Club, the Palestine Association, and the African Association. Its objective is to promote geography as a science.

Today, this organization has over 16,000 members, who comprise research groups, publish academic articles, and hold lectures on geography-related themes. Some of its many accomplishments include: supporting the exploration of Darwin and Livingstone (among others), establishing geography departments in British universities, and financing the salary of geography professors in Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

5. Royal Canadian Geographical Society

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society was established in 1929 as a non-profit, education organization. Its goal is to promote a greater understanding of Canada and its history, people, culture, environment, and economy. This organization is responsible for publishing the Canadian Geographic magazine and the Canadian Geographic Travel, a quarterly publication. Today, its headquarters are located in Ottawa.

In addition to its publications, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society works to finance research projects, educational programs, academic lectures, and exploration endeavors. In 2014, this Society partnered with other organizations on the Victoria Strait Expedition, which successfully uncovered the HMS Erebus. This vessel had been lost during Sir John Franklins British Arctic Expedition.

Each year, this organization awards a number of recognitions including: the Gold Medal, for achievement in the area of geography; the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration, established in 2013; the 3M Environmental Innovation Award, to recognize individuals or businesses that are working toward beneficial environmental change; the Camsell Medal, to show appreciation for service to the Society; the Martin Bergmann Medal for Excellence in Arctic Leadership in Science, in recognition of achievements in this area; Lawrence J. Burpee Medal, awarded for significant contributions to the field of geography; the Massey Medal, for notable personal achievement in exploration of Canada; and the Innovation in Geography Teaching Award.

4. National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society was founded in 1888 to promote knowledge and understanding of the field of geography. Its main office is located in Washington, D.C. in the US. This organization is recognized as one of the largest scientific and educational nonprofits in the world. National Geographic publishes a monthly magazine and broadcasts on its own television channel, focusing on topics such as: natural science, environmental conservation, world culture, geography, and archaeology.

Additionally, this organization provides funds for exploration and scientific research. It has contributed to a number of important projects ranging from underwater archaeology expeditions to Jane Goodalls research on chimpanzees. National Geographic also awards both the Hubbard and the Alexander Graham Bell Medals in recognition of significant contributions to research, exploration, and discovery.

3. Association of American Geographers

The American Association of Geographers, previously known as the Association of American Geographers, was established on December 29, 1904 in the city of Philadelphia in the US state Pennsylvania. Today, its headquarters are located in Washington, D.C. This organization has more than 10,000 members located across the world, who work together to advance spread geographical knowledge.

Additionally, this organization publishes two academic journals: The Annals of the Association of American Geographers and The Professional Geographer. This Association is also recognized for holding an annual gathering that draws over 7,000 people and presents thousands of research papers and academic presentations on a wide variety of geographic issues.

2. Anton Melik Geographical Institute

The Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts established the Anton Melik Geographical Institute in 1946. As an education institute, this organization has been a member of the Scientific Research Center since 1981 and has changed its research focus throughout the years. Its geographers have researched glaciers, natural disasters, flooded areas, mountain farms, and landscape studies of Slovenia.

This Institute consists of 9 departments, including the: Department of Social Geography, Department of Physical Geography, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Natural Disasters, Department of Regional Geography, Department of Thematic Cartography, Geographical Museum, Geographical Library, and Department of the Geographical Information System.

1. American Geographical Society

In 1851, a group of 31 wealthy philanthropists, publishers, editors, and historians founded the American Geographical Society in New York City. It was originally established in order to search for the lost Polar Franklin Expedition. Today, this organization works to promote geographic activities that may be beneficial or influential in the creation of public policy.

The majority of its research has been focused on the Latin America, Antarctica, and the Arctic. It requires that its expeditions produce real scientific results. This organization also sends teams of academics around the world to educate the US on global cultures and societies. This is in an attempt to improve international communication and to provide effective humanitarian outreach where needed. The American Geographical Society plans to create a Geographic Information System for each region of the world and to share this information freely with the general public.
By Mayuresh Ganapatye: All eyes were on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today as the BJP leader addressed a rally in Shiv Sena's bastion of Prabhadevi where Sena mouthpiece Samana's office is situated. The rally came ahead of the upcoming municipal polls in Mumbai.

As was expected, Fadnavis directly attacked Shiv Sena and its chief Uddhav Thackeray saying, "BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) is not anyone's private property. Only Mumbaikars have right over it and this time we are going to take the charge from them as we have to work for Mumbaikars."

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The chief minister alleged that the Sena is talking on relevant issues related to Mumbai as the party hasn't done any work for the city. The BJP, Fadnavis continued, is seeking votes on merit and not on the basis of false promises.

Also read: BJP confident of winning election, securing Mayor's post

ATTACKS SENA OVER CANDIDATES WITH CRIMINAL CASES

Addressing Sena's criticism of the BJP being a mafia party, Fadnavis said it was the Shiv Sena that is a party of criminals. "I read the affidavits of Sena candidates in Mumbai...there are 63 candidates who are facing serious criminal charges" Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis also slammed Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for claiming that the Shiv Sena was responsible for "no more water logging" in Mumbai. Fadnavis said it was the BMC commissioner who ordered probe in the city's desilting scam because of which contractors worked well this time around to avoid jail time.

Also read: Shiv Sena releases party manifesto amid talks over seat sharing

--- ENDS ---
The US boasts one of the largest global economies, and its exports feature prominently in international trade. In 2016, the US exported goods worth $1.47 trillion and imported products valued at $2.27 trillion. The US is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Economy Of The US

The US ranks as one of the wealthiest nations and its currency, the United States Dollar, is the most traded in the world. Its nominal GDP stands at $18.56 trillion to rank 1st while the Purchasing Power Parity is valued at $18.56 trillion. The GDP recorded a 2.6% growth in 2015 and a 1.6% growth in 2016. The countrys GDP per capita is $57,300 ranking 5th, and it is valued at $57,300 by PPP to rank 10th in the world. The major contributors to the countrys GDP by sector are services at 79.5%, agriculture at 1.1%, and industry at 19.4%. The countrys primary industries range from chemicals, electronics, automobiles, food processing, arms manufacture, petroleum, steel, and mining. The nations public debt stands at 73.8% of the GDP.

Top Trade Partners Of The US

China is the countrys top trade partner. In 2016, the US exported goods worth $115,775 million and imported goods worth $462,813 million to have a trade deficit of $347,038 million. Canada imported $266,827 million from the US and exported $278,067 million leaving the US with $11,240 million trade deficit. The US exported goods worth $230,959 million to Mexico and imported products valued at $294,151 million to have a deficit of $63,192 million. The US had a $68,938 million trade deficit with Japan since it exported at a value of $63,264 million and imported goods valued at $132,202 million.

The nation recorded a $64,865 million trade deficit with Germany with imports of $49,362 million and exports valued at $114,227 million to the US. The US exported goods worth $42,266 million to South Korea and imported goods valued at $69,932 million to have a trade deficit of $,666 million. The country had a positive trade balance with only six countries namely the UK, the Netherlands, Brazil, Belgium, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Other trade partners of the US are France, India, Taiwan, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Top Imports And Exports Of The US

The countrys major imports are capital goods, crude petroleum, automobiles, computers, industrial supplies, food and beverages, refined petroleum, and vehicle parts. After importing crude petroleum, the US employs its industrial expertise and capacity to produce refined petroleum which is one of its top exports. Planes, helicopters, and spacecraft are also major exports from the high-tech innovator. The rest of exports include automobiles, machinery, consumer goods, industrial products, packaged medicaments, and food and beverages.

Emerging Trends

The US has identified emerging markets, especially those in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, as its best opportunities to drive its export growth. The country has sought to establish strategic partnerships with these countries such as the relation established with the ASEAN countries and countries in Southeast Asia. The US exports are projected to record an annual growth of 6% through to 2030.
Although this mosquito, classified in the genus Culex, has a worldwide distribution, its presence within the London Underground subway system first became notable during World War II in the time of the Blitz. The London Underground, built in the 19th century, has had an unintended consequence on the evolution of the mosquito species. One possible explanation for this is that after construction, the tunnels had been sealed off from the surface, trapping a population of mosquitoes. This physical barrier facilitated the specific evolution of the species.

Tracing The Origins Of The London Underground Mosquito

The mosquito was first reported in the Underground during the WWII blitz when the tubes tunnels became overnight bomb shelters. During the course of the war, an estimated 180,000 people sought refuge in the Underground. While there, attacks from small pests such as flies, lice and fleas were so commonplace that mosquitoes did not receive special attention. It wasnt until about 50 years later that a comprehensive study was undertaken on the insects by Kate Byrne and Richard Nichols. The Mosquito was first discovered in 18th century Egypt. From here, it has been suggested that it spread through colonial passages and trade.

The Life Of The London Underground Mosquito

The London Underground mosquito is referred to as Culex molestus, and has been found to be a genetic variant from the surface-dwelling Culex pipiens. While the Culex pipiens primarily feeds on birds, the C. molestus feeds on human blood, mainly humans and rats. The former species hibernates in winter while the latter does not, as the Underground has no seasons. The Culex pipiens mates in an area with a lot of space and creates big swarms for pairing and breeding. The C. molestus, on the other hand, does not require a lot of space to mate. For the Culex pipiens to lay eggs, it requires a blood meal, a factor which the Culex molestus does not require. The London Underground Mosquito has evolved so distinctly that it cannot interbreed with other mosquito species.

Distribution Of The London Underground Mosquito

The London Underground Mosquito is not unique to the London system but rather has a preference for underground constructions ranging from basements to water systems. The New York Subway has also recorded the species. It has also settled in such like enclosed systems including septic tanks, caves, and sewers in Western Europe, especially temperate countries such as Portugal and Spain. The mosquito has spread to as far as Australia, Africa, and Asia.

Surviving The Test Of Time

This species of mosquito has sparked interest across the world. Human beings have been long blamed for extinction of some species due to a range of detrimental activities on the environment they undertake. In this case, however, people have been credited with the formation of a new species. When the Underground System was constructed, it was primarily for transportation purposes. The system represented a new subterranean habitat, which created an environment for the species to thrive. Through the systems construction, human beings acted as agents of natural selection in the context of a dynamic environment. The London Underground Mosquito evolved to keep up with human-induced change to the environment. Since similar systems continue to be constructed all around the world, the species is well-adapted to ensure their survival.
Sources of water range from lakes, rivers, aquifers, aqueducts, and reservoirs. American drinking water has been identified as one of the safest in the world thanks to major strides in water treatment and sanitation. The right to safe drinking water in the nation is provided for by legislation such as the Clean Water Act of 1972 as well as the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 which has been amended over time.

Water Sources In The United States

History

Water treatment has had a long history in the US and in the modern day, municipally supplied drinking water is strictly regulated. Prior to the era of water treatment, contaminated water had claimed many lives due to water-borne diseases such as the 1849 cholera epidemics which claimed an estimated 5,000 lives in New Orleans and 8,000 in New York. The first attempt at water treatment in the US was implemented at the turn of the 20th century using the slow sand filter, a simple process which removed most of the waterborne pathogens as water passed through a bed of sand. In 1908, Jersey City in New Jersey used chlorination to disinfect community drinking water, a move which was contested in the courts. The courts upheld the right of a city to chlorinate its public water as a safeguard to public health and set the precedence for cities and towns across the US to follow suit. The implementation of chlorination across the nation reflected in the dramatic decrease of diseases such as typhoid and cholera.

Surface Water Sources

The country has over 100,000 lakes and more than 250,000 rivers as well as hundreds of reservoirs which are primary sources of freshwater in the cities they are located in. Before the water is dispatched into households, it must meet federal and municipal standards of purity. Some cities rely 100% on rivers and lakes for their freshwater needs such as Chicago (Lake Michigan), Detroit (Detroit River), Washington, D.C. (Potomac River), New Orleans (Mississippi River), St Louis on (Mississippi/Missouri River), Cleveland (Lake Erie), and Seattle (Cedar River/South Fork Tolt River Watershed).

Among the reasons why reservoirs are constructed include water storage for subsequent supply to households. The cities of Boston and San Francisco get 100% of their drinking water from Quabbin Reservoir and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir respectively. Less than 50% of Baltimores drinking water is sourced from the Liberty Reservoir. Other cities get a percentage of their drinking water from rivers and lakes including Las Vegas from Lake Mead (90%); Phoenix from Salt River-Verde River (50%); Los Angeles from Owens River/Mono River (50%); San Diego from Northern California/Colorado River; Atlanta from Chattahoochee River (70%); Philadelphia from Delaware River (60%).

Underground Water Sources

Underground water is used to supply US households alongside surface water sources. The Biscayne aquifer fulfills less than 50% of Miamis drinking water needs. New York depends on the Catskill/Delaware Aqueduct for 90% of its drinking water.

Emerging Concerns Related To The Quality Of Drinking Water

The contamination of underground, as well as surface water sources has been recognized as a major impediment to safe drinking water. Ground water is contaminated by fertilizers, pesticides, oil, chemicals, and road salts which seep through layers of soil. Surface water has not been spared of pollution too by pollutants from both industries and households. Underground water depletion is also an emerging concern in the US, especially in the context of climate change where rainfall is significantly reduced.
The new capacity is expected to come on stream by mid-May 2017, bringing Archroma to a substantial OBA capacity level in Europe.

REINACH, SWITZERLAND: Archroma said that it will invest in a new production facility for tetrasulfonated optical brightening agents (OBAs) at its existing production site in Prat del Llobregat, Spain.

The significant investment focuses on extending production capacities primarily to serve demand in Europe and providing a platform for future innovations to be introduced in sustainable whiteness solutions.

Tetrasulfonated OBAs are the most commonly used optical brightening agents in papermaking. Their suitability for use in all parts of the machine and production process is valued by customers requiring a versatile product or those with limited storage facilities.

The new capacity is expected to come on stream by mid-May 2017, bringing Archroma to a substantial OBA capacity level in Europe, and is designed to be extended even further over the next few years. Archroma will also add to its production team in Prat del Llobregat to support the investment.

With this investment, we confirm our position as the leading supplier of OBAs to the paper industry. We are on our path to further increase Archromas service and supply to our customers by responding to their increasing request to us for reliable quality products, said Valerie Diele-Braun, president of Archroma packaging & paper specialities.

This investment will not only expand our production capabilities but will pave the way for us to introduce the innovative and more sustainable chemistries we are currently developing. It represents an important milestone, underlining Archromas continuous commitment to delivering innovation and cost efficiency to this segment and customer, she added.

 Worldofchemicals News
Razor blade (illustration)

By: Alexis Bell WorldWideWeirdNews.com

A mother became very angry when she learned that her husband was cheating and she decided to take revenge by hurting his mistress.

28-year-old Tina Promise of Nigeria, was arrested after cutting her husbandas lover with a razor blade.

Promise, who lives on Molade Okoya Thomas Street in Lagos, is a mother of three children and her youngest child is just three weeks old.

Prosecutor Sergeant Francesca Job told the court that the victim, 22-year-old Esther Onogwu, who is a janitor at a popular hotel, was walking home at 9:20 p.m., when she was confronted by the suspect.

Promise approached Onogwu and asked for the key to her house. She refused to hand it over and asked the suspect who she was.

Promise did not respond. Instead, she pulled a razor, and she cut Onogwu on the head and slashed her left breast.

Good Samaritans came to her aid, and stopped the attack. Police were called and Promise was arrested while the victim was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Graphic photos of Onogwuas injuries were uploaded to the Internet, where they went viral.

Judge F. Botoku granted Promise bail as she is a nursing mother of a newborn baby. She is being held on 200,000 naira ($635) bail.
Clinton Thinn

By: Tanya Clark WorldWideWeirdNews.com

A man from a wealthy family in New Zealand, left to travel to the United States to pursue his dreams.

However, to the shock of his loved ones, he is in now facing the death penalty.

According to his friends, 29-year-old Clinton Thinn of New Zealand, is from a wealthy family, and he went to a good private school and college.

Thinn inherited a lot of money from his mother when she died a few years ago.

Thinn loved to rap and he made several rap videos, which he uploaded to YouTube under the names BigMac and Richochet Rocket.

A friend who met Thinn when they attended Selwyn College in Auckland, said that students often lied to Thinn and told him that he was a good rapper so that he should make more videos.

The friend admits that they led Thinn on because ait was just funny for us to watch,a the friend said.

Sadly, their dishonesty let Thinn to pursue a career in rap music. He traveled to San Diego, California, where he was later arrested during a botched robbery at Bank of America.

Friends were shocked over the news that Thinn tried to rob a bank as he owns his own apartment and a Mercedes.

While he was at George Bailey Detention Facility, the friend said aThinn was bullied by other inmates over his accent.a

To survive and be protected in prison, Thinn pledged allegiance to a white supremacist gang, which allegedly led to him killing another prisoner.

Thinn is now facing a first-degree murder charge for which he can be sentenced to death.
Under the new commands, resources of all the three services would be pooled together under the command of a single officer.

By Manjeet Negi: Seeking to bring in major reforms in the country's defence forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Ministry of Defence to initiate steps towards creating theatre commands for the military.

Under a theatre commands, all the troops and resources of the three forces - Army, Navy and Air Force - would be combined and put under the command of one officer, who would be from either of the three serivces and who would determine their use.

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At the combined commanders conference headed by the prime minister, the Integrated Defence Staff under the Defence Ministry was asked to prepare a roadmap for theatre commands and new initiatives would be taken by this year-end, senior Defence Ministry sources told India Today.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW FOUR STAR GEN ALSO BEING CONSIDERED

The three services had made a detailed presentation to the prime minister at the conference, which was held recently. As part of defence reforms, the government is also appointing a new four star general to looking after the issues related to three services.

All these structures of proposed command would be provided in the roadmap by the military officers under the guidance of political leadership the sources stated.

At the conference, the IAF had raised questions over the command structure and equipment integration under the theatre commands but everybody recognised the need for creating new military structures.

Also read: PM Modi to be briefed about creating a new top post for armed forces

Also read: Military to propose setting up US-style unified commands

--- ENDS ---
Home favourite Pontus Tidemand produced a convincing opening leg display to lead WRC 2 at Rally Sweden on Friday night.

He won five of the seven speed tests in the remote and frozen forests of Sweden and Norway to open a comfortable 45.1sec advantage in his Skoda Fabia R5 over Finn Teemu Suninen. Ole Christian Veiby completed an all-Nordic top three a further 13.7sec behind.



Veiby led initially in his similar Fabia R5, before Tidemand reeled off five fastest times in six stages to pull clear.



Everything has worked well  the car, driver, co-driver and tyres, said Tidemand. There have been no mistakes and Im just trying to stay fully concentrated, thats the best way.

Suninen admitted to a few minor mistakes at the wheel of his Ford Fiesta R5 initially, but the Finn overhauled Veiby this afternoon. Both won a stage each, but Veiby conceded a handful of seconds when he spun near the finish of SS5.



Eric Camilli was fourth in another Fiesta R5, 64.0sec behind Veiby. The Frenchman lost time after stalling his engine and yielded more valuable seconds after being held up by another driver who had punctured.



Britains Gus Greensmith was fifth with Emil Bergkvist completing the top six in a Citroen DS 3 R5, despite incurring a 10sec penalty for checking into a control late.



Several drivers lost time with punctures, including Jaroslaw Koltun, Hiroki Arai and Eyvind Brynildsen, while engine problems meant Koltun struggled to the end of the day nearly 15 minutes off the lead.



Retirements included Alexey Lukyanuk, whose Fiesta R5 was stranded in two-wheel drive, the similar car of Anders Grndal with a variety of mechanical problems, and Pierre-Louis Loubet, whose DS 3 R5 went out with engine troubles.



Head to WRC+ to see the latest onboard and video reports from Rally Sweden.

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Thierry Neuville led Rally Sweden on Friday night after a thrilling duel with Jari-Matti Latvala in which the lead changed hands several times.

He completed the longest leg of the four-day snow and ice encounter with a 28.1sec advantage in his Hyundai i20 Coupe after distancing the Finn with a hat-trick of afternoon speed test victories. Ott Tanak was third, a further 21.6sec behind.



Neuville won the opening two tests across the border in Norway to demote Latvala, who led after last nights short curtain-raiser. However, Latvala fought back to lead at the midpoint in his Toyota Yaris as the pair pulled clear.



Neuville edged ahead again by winning all three repeated stages, delivering a crushing blow as he outgunned Latvala by almost 18sec in the penultimate test. The Belgian extended his lead in the final stage, despite hanging on to his door which refused to stay closed.

Snow flurries made the roads slippery this afternoon and drivers fought to keep their cars in the ruts where traction was best.

Thursday's overnight leader Latvala fought hard on Friday morning

Jari-Matti had the advantage of the conditions this morning, but this afternoon was better for me as the driving line was cleaner and I tried to take the benefit, said Neuville. The last stage was tricky in the dark and my door was opening which disturbed me.



Tanak [pictured below] was the only other driver to win a stage. The Estonian bounced back into the top three after his Ford Fiestas gearbox was replaced when it started jumping out of gear.



Kris Meeke was 2.1sec behind in fourth. The Ulsterman yielded the final podium place to the recovering Tanak after a last stage mistake, after earlier losing 10sec when a bump threw his Citroen C3 off line and into a snowbank.



Road opener Sebastien Ogier endured the worst of the conditions but persevered to hold fifth, 3.9sec behind Meeke. Hayden Paddon was next, the Kiwi revitalised this afternoon after set-up changes to his i20 Coupe offset a disappointing morning.



Dani Sordo was seventh after overshooting a hairpin when loose netting in his car disturbed his concentration. Craig Breen twice plunged his C3 into snowbanks en route to eighth, with Elfyn Evans ninth after losing more than 90sec with a puncture. Stephane Lefebvre completed the leaderboard.



Juho Hanninen retired his Yaris with a damaged radiator after hitting a tree, while Mads stberg withdrew before the final stage after losing his Fiestas aerodynamic rear wing.



Saturday blends two classic Swedish stages near Hagfors with the more northerly Knon test. The highlight is Vargasen, which features the famous Colins Crest, named after the late Colin McRae. They are repeated before a short blast around Karlstad trotting track, adding up to 125.38km of action.

Head to WRC+ to see the latest onboard and video reports from Rally Sweden.

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Thierry Neuville took the lead of Rally Sweden on Friday morning after winning the opening two speed tests to relegate overnight leader Jari-Matti Latvala.

Stage info: SS2 / SS3 SS2: Rojden 1, 18.47km

A classic stage used many times in national rallies. It starts in Sweden and crosses into Norway for 12km before returning to Sweden again. The stage offers a mix of fast and slower roads, with few junctions but an exceptionally tricky jump in the middle. Driven in the same format as last year. SS3: Hof-Finnskog 1, 21.26km

A new stage that has never been used before. Narrow and winding roads in hilly areas mix with long straights and open landscapes to offer a little bit of everything. It is fast throughout with plenty of quick corners but several bumps which will require care.

The Belgian was 2.0sec faster than Kris Meeke in the opening Rojden special stage to climb into pole position in his Hyundai i20 Coupe. He then edged out Latvala by 0.6sec in the following Hof-Finnskog to lead by 4.6sec.

It wasnt all plain sailing though. The car was jumping around a lot in SS2, I wasnt so happy with the suspension at the rear. It was a little bit better in the next one, more stable, but my pace notes were too fast in places and I was losing confidence and slowing down in places, he said.

Fourth and second for Latvala was a solid start to the day, spent mostly in Norway, but he was unnerved by a scary incident at a jump on a long straight in SS2. The Finn said his Toyota Yaris topped 200kph several times during the fastest sections of SS3.

Meeke was a further 4.4sec behind in third in his Citroen C3, with Dani Sordos i20 Coupe and local hero Mads stberg next up. Ott Tanak was Neuvilles closest challenger after Rojden, but the Estonian slipped back to sixth in his Ford Fiesta after the next test.

It was very slippery at the beginning, which Im not used to. The car seemed to get stuck between two gears. I dont know what was happening but it was all a bit distracting, he said.

Craig Breen was third in SS3 to sit just inside the top 10 on his Citroen C3 debut but it was a tough morning for road opener Sebastien Ogier. The Frenchman struggled for grip on the loose snow and was tied for eighth with Breen, 14.1sec off the lead.

Head to WRC+ to see the latest onboard and video reports from Rally Sweden.

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By Press Trust of India: Washington, Feb 10 (PTI) NASA is planning to send a robotic lander to Jupiters icy moon Europa to explore if alien line is swimming in the gigantic saltwater ocean locked beneath its frozen surface.

In early 2016, NASAs Planetary Science Division began a pre-Phase A study to assess the science value and engineering design of a future Europa lander mission.

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NASA routinely conducts such studies - known as Science Definition Team (SDT) reports - long before the beginning of any mission to gain an understanding of the challenges, feasibility and science value of the potential mission.

Since June last year, NASA has deliberated to define a workable and worthy set of science objectives and measurements for the mission concept, submitting a report to NASA on February 7.

The report lists three science goals for the mission. The primary goal is to search for evidence of life on Europa.

The other goals are to assess the habitability of Europa by directly analysing material from the surface, and to characterise the surface and subsurface to support future robotic exploration of Europa and its ocean, NASA said.

Scientists agree that the evidence is quite strong that Europa, which is slightly smaller than Earths moon, has a global saltwater ocean beneath its icy crust.

This ocean has at least twice as much water as Earths oceans. While recent discoveries have shown that many bodies in the solar system either have subsurface oceans now, or may have in the past, Europa is one of only two places where the ocean is understood to be in contact with a rocky seafloor (the other being Saturns moon Enceladus).

This rare circumstance makes Europa one of the highest priority targets in the search for present-day life beyond Earth, NASA said.

The SDT was tasked with developing a life-detection strategy, a first for a NASA mission since the Mars Viking mission era more than four decades ago.

The report makes recommendations on the number and type of science instruments that would be required to confirm if signs of life are present in samples collected from the icy moons surface.

The team also worked closely with engineers to design a system capable of landing on a surface about which very little is known.

Given that Europa has no atmosphere, the team developed a concept that could deliver its science payload to the icy surface without the benefit of technologies like a heat shield or parachutes.

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The concept lander is separate from the solar-powered Europa multiple flyby mission, now in development for launch in the early 2020s.

The spacecraft will arrive at Jupiter after a multi-year journey, orbiting the gas giant every two weeks for a series of 45 close flybys of Europa.

The multiple flyby mission will investigate Europas habitability by mapping its composition, determining the characteristics of the ocean and ice shell, and increasing our understanding of its geology. PTI SAR SAR

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Camper Van Set Alight

This article is old - Published: Friday, Feb 10th, 2017

A camper van has been found on fire in Caia, believed to be deliberate ignition.

The camper van was parked to the rear of Trevenna Way, off Holt Road.

We are told police and the fire and rescue service attended the incident  around 11pm.

Jordan also told us that police with dogs were also in Caia later in the evening.
Ken Skates Delivers 1m Investment To Create 100 New Businesses & 260 New Jobs

This article is old - Published: Friday, Feb 10th, 2017

Ken Skates has announced 1m of funding which will help create a new business incubator in Wrexham, with the aim to deliver 100 new businesses and create 260 new jobs in the next two years.

The two year pilot, that aims to help secure at least 1m of private investment for its member entrepreneurs , will provide wrap round support for aspiring entrepreneurs and will be delivered by Business Wales in association with Welsh ICE.

Last year we highlighted a post from ICE founder Gareth Jones where he all but issued a challenge (read it all here) to the people of Wrexham, and pointed out a Labour manifesto pledge.

Interesting read on the town Wrexham isnt a shithole, and we can prove it. https://t.co/qw9tg7Xal3  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) July 26, 2016

At the time he said, If we are going to create a space, it has to be a space for Wrexham, not just a lazy attempt to franchise what works in other parts of the country. To do that, we need people of Wrexham to help us design it. Since that point we are aware of ongoing local discussions over bringing the concept to Wrexham, making it more wrexhamy and useful for the town.

Funding for ICE could raise the question what is ICE? Luckily there is a handy video showing the insides of the existing project (plus their website here).



Wrexham.com understands the final decision on the location of the incubator is still a long way off, but the talk in the coffee shops of town is it could take shape in the Un Deg Un project (in the old JJB), with the newly vacant BHS store being mooted  and one intriguing possibility in the TJ Hughes store, with an internal walkway rejoining Chester Street to the town centre being created.

Ken Skates said: I am delighted to announce funding for the new incubator in Wrexham to harness, support and encourage the fantastic entrepreneurial talent in the region.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are vital drivers for the economy and I want to continue to create the best environment for entrepreneurs across Wales and will be using the pilot to inform my future economic priorities.

The importance of providing space, community and support for aspiring entrepreneurs is key to success and I am keen to build on and complement the existing infrastructure across Wales.

The Hub will provide a community for entrepreneurs that will link to the wider ecosystem including Glyndwr University, Coleg Cambria, industry and support agencies in the region.

It effectively will roll out the successful business incubator models that are established in Wales and will focus on providing a supportive environment for like minded entrepreneurs to develop their businesses.

Welsh ICE CEO and Founder Gareth I. Jones, said: We are excited to start to work more with the community in Wrexham, and partners at Welsh Government and Business Wales, to help anyone with an idea for their own business, no matter how big or small, to make positive steps towards launching their own start-up.

The Hub will be delivered through the Business Wales consortium  which is backed by EU funding  who will work collaboratively with Caerphilly based Welsh ICE which has four years of experience of running a successful incubation facility.

Welsh Government note the ICE project will provide a shared work environment, business advice, structured workshops, increased opportunities and challenges designed to inspire potential entrepreneurs to develop resilient and successful companies.

It will also provide entrepreneurs with international trade support, high quality business advice, intercompany and individual networking opportunities, and mentoring and training support.

Dave Gray, who has been involved locally in the creative sector and business startup community, said: This is great news and demonstrates a real confidence in the potential of our small business community. Ive been involved in supporting new and developing companies over the last 10 years, at The Foundry, and more recently at our Creative Industries incubator at Undegun.

Its reassuring to see this investment into the town, and it will have a hugely positive impact, bringing together a lot of the diverse business services that currently exist, and providing direct support to entrepreneurs to get their ideas up and running here in Wrexham.

You can read more about Welsh Ice via their WelshIce.org website
By Press Trust of India: DDA

New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) The NDMC and DMRC have sought changes in norms regarding parking infrastructure and land use from Delhi Development Authority under its budget for the financial year 2017-18.

While the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has sought relaxation in height limit for building multi-level parking facilities at a few places, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has requested the urban body to change the land usage near Netaji Subhash Place in north west Delhi for its network expansion.

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"A proposal has been placed before the Authority for relaxation in height for construction of multi-level parkings at Sant Nagar, Rani Bagh (plot of 3,950 sqm), from 15 m to non-restricted; near Shiva Market, Pitampura village (plot of 3,605 sqm), from 15 m to non-restricted, and at Shastri Park, Karol Bagh (plot 4,808.67 sqm), from 15 m to 18.10 m," the DDA said in a statement.

"The relaxation is subject to approval of AAI (Airports Authority of India), Delhi Fire Services and other statutory bodies. The provisions of multi-level parking given in MPD (Master Plan of Delhi) 2021 and unified building bye-laws will be followed," it said.

Also, the Delhi Metro has requested for change of land usage measuring 18,452 sqm on permanent basis near Netaji Subhash Place for construction of metro station and its entry and exist and traffic circulation facilities for the Mukundpur-Yamuna Vihar corridor of the network under Phase-III (Line-7), the DDA said.

The proposal for the change in the land usage from recreation to transpiration has been placed before the Authority. However, DMRC shall obtain all necessary clearances from statutory authorities concerned, including environmental ones as per the policy, the urban body said.

Thirty-five new land development schemes and seven housing and related development works have been proposed by the DDA in its budget for the financial year 2017-18.

The budget along with revised estimates for the last fiscal was presented before the DDAs authority, which also took other key decisions. (MORE) PTI KND SRY

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In a bid to stave off growing Chinese influence in the Pacific, the Australian government announced late last year that it will pay at least a third of the costs of Papua New Guineas hosting of next years APEC summit. The event is due to be held in Port Moresby in November 2018. APEC is a forum for 21 Pacific-rim member countries, including the US, Japan and China.

The state-owned Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) reported that Canberras commitments, including a two-year extension to the existing deployment of 73 Australian Federal Police officers, will exceed $100 million. Security, diplomatic support, advisory roles, intelligence services and immigration processes will be involved. The costs amount to one-fifth of Australias $558 million annual aid to PNG.

According to the ABC, security and foreign policy advisers warned that leaving the PNG government to fund the summit would risk China filling the breach. Following a state visit by PNG Prime Minister Peter ONeill to China last July, President Xi Jinping stressed Beijings support for PNG hosting the event.

PNG, an Australian colony until 1975, is of vital economic and strategic importance to Washington and Canberra. In 2011, then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton highlighted the major $US17 billion ExxonMobil natural gas project, while accusing China of being in there every day, in every way, trying to figure out how its going to come in behind us, come in under us. The $US2.1 billion Ramu nickel mine, run since 2012 by Chinese firm Metallurgical Group Corporation, is among Beijings largest overseas direct investments.

The 2018 APEC summit, involving some 10,000 visitors and culminating in an official leaders meeting, is the first to be held in a Pacific nation. Port Moresbys limited facilities will struggle to cope. Cruise and naval ships are likely to be brought in to accommodate international delegations.

The ONeill government has allocated 800 million kina ($A330 million) for the summit, excluding the cost of the convention centre being built by gas producer Oil Search through a tax-credit scheme. The PNG economy, however, is in crisis, with the government reportedly printing money to fund its budget deficit. Questions are being raised about the events affordability, which ONeill is promoting as a showcase national event.

A 2016 report by the International Monetary Fund, briefly suppressed by ONeill, indicates the economy is in far worse condition than the government has admitted. The debt-to-GDP ratio is 33.5 percent for 2016 and 2017above the 30 percent limit set under the PNG Fiscal Responsibility Act. The IMF is placing pressure on the government to carry out further drastic spending cuts.

Australian academic Michael Wesley said that if Canberra allowed PNGs ambitious APEC plans to collapse Australia would suffer reputational damage. According to the ABC, any threats to the summit would be viewed dimly by the United States, as would the deepening of Chinese interests.

ONeills visit to Beijing last year was aimed at securing financial and commercial support for the faltering economy. Bilateral agreements have since been announced covering trade, investment, agriculture, forestry, fishery, energy, tourism, study exchanges and mineral exploration. Beijing is advancing loan facilities for PNGs National Submarine Fibre Cable Network and the Lae Tidal Basin Industrial Development projects. The 40th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries was celebrated last September with the opening of a new convention centre in Port Moresby, funded by Beijing.

Of particular concern in Canberra and Washington will be strengthening strategic and military ties. The PNG Defence Force has opened an office within the PNG embassy in Beijing, intended to help coordinate military activities between the two countries. Following his state visit, ONeill expressed his governments respect for Chinas legitimate and lawful rights and interest in the South China Sea. ONeill also endorsed Chinas One Belt One Road trade route system across the Asia-Pacific, designed to counter Washingtons aggressive efforts to isolate China.

Australias Defence White Paper (2016) identified stability and prosperity in PNG and other countries in the South Pacific as central to its own security. Despite PNGs formal independence, Canberra has sought to direct economic and diplomatic policy in PNG and other Pacific states. Direct military interventions have been carried out in East Timor and the Solomon Islands to protect Australias corporate and strategic interests.

ONeills predecessor in PNG, Michael Somare, was unlawfully ousted in 2011 with the backing of the Australian government because he was seen as too close to Beijing. ONeill, who assumed office through an illegal parliamentary manoeuvre, rested on Canberras backing. He functioned as a servant of Australian imperialism, welcoming an expanded Australian police and advisor presence, while supporting Australias neo-colonial interests in the wider region.

In January 2016, in a significant setback for Canberra, ONeill peremptorily removed 15 Australian officials who were embedded as advisors in senior posts within the finance, treasury, transport and justice ministries. Australian Federal Police were exempted from the ban, ONeill indicating he wanted them in front-line positions as well as training PNG police.

Throughout the Pacific, the emergence of China as a rival to the imperialist powers has upended traditional relationships. PNGs strengthening ties with Beijing follows Fijis Look North policy, instituted by the Bainimarama military regime after the 2006 coup in response to attempts by Australia and New Zealandwhich ultimately failedto isolate it.

As the confrontation between the US and China rapidly intensifies, the weakness of Australias position is exposed. With the Trump administration escalating threats of war with China, it is drawing all its allies into the gathering storm. Every country in the region is coming under pressure to choose between their trade and economic reliance on China, and strategic ties with an increasingly bellicose US imperialism.

In the lead-up to APEC, PNG will find itself in the front line. The country has lucrative energy and mineral reserves, dominated by Australian and American transnational corporations. These include some of the worlds biggest untapped gold, silver and nickel deposits. It has the largest population and landmass of the Pacific states. PNG also occupies an important strategic position to Australias north and near the US territory of Guam, which is being upgraded into a massive military staging post for a potential attack on China.

Ramped-up measures to impose stability, security and social discipline at the behest of the imperialist powers and financial institutions will impact severely on the working class and rural poor. Widespread inequality and poverty are already fueling social tensions. Declining global commodity prices have resulted in severe austerity measures, prompting repeated strikes by public sector workers. Student protests last year, demanding the resignation of ONeill over corruption allegations, were violently suppressed by armed police.

ONeill is preparing for greater unrest amid the deepening economic crisis. Elections later this year will see large numbers of police and soldiers deployed across the country to counter growing opposition among workers and youthan exercise certain to be repeated as APEC approaches.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside of the central Phoenix offices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Wednesday afternoon seeking to block the detention of long-time US resident and undocumented immigrant, Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos. Wednesdays visit to the local ICE office in Phoenix was part of Garcia de Rayos regularly scheduled check-in with the office, which has taken place every year, and more recently every six months, following a 2008 felony conviction for having false ID papers.

Concerned that this routine would be ended by the recent executive order enacted by the Trump administration on immigration, friends and family of Garcia de Rayos preemptively organized a protest. More than 200 people gathered to rally in her defense, and in defense of immigrant rights more broadly. They camped out outside of the Phoenix office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement as Garcia de Rayos was detained and plans for her deportation were set into motion.

Police dressed in riot gear began to move in sometime after 10 p.m. as the protesters refused to allow federal vehicles to leave the ICE facility. One man tied himself to the front wheels of a van in an attempt to prevent it from leaving; a total of seven people were arrested. These vehicles, lined with bars and heavily guarded, are the buses and vans used to transport people to detention centers or to the border for deportation. Devastating pictures of Garcia de Rayos detained within the bars of one such vehicle as her son and daughter helplessly look on, have flooded the Internet. Her deportation was carried out Thursday morning around 10 a.m. through a Nogales border crossing.

Garcia de Rayos has been a US resident since 1996, coming to the United States with her parents when she was just 14 years old, the same age as her daughter now. Now 36, she has spent over two decades north of the border and is the mother of two teenage children, both of whom were born in the United States. Garcia de Rayos husband, Aaron Reyes, is also undocumented, but so far has been allowed to remain in Arizona with their children.

Garcia de Rayos was initially arrested for the crime of using a fake Social Security number at her workplace during a raid in 2008 at a water park in Mesa. These workplace raids are one of the most callous elements of US immigration enforcement under the program begun under Bush, and vastly expanded under Obama, called Secure Communities. The program combined federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with ICE in an effort to deport immigrants who were already living in communities, as opposed to those attempting to cross the border.

A study by UC Berkeley found that only 52 percent of individuals arrested through the program were slated to have a hearing before an immigration judge and that 39 percent of individuals arrested had a spouse or children who were US citizens. A total of 88,000 families that included US citizens were affected.

After spending six months in jail, Garcia de Rayos was released on the condition that she check in regularly with the ICE office, which she did faithfully from then on. In 2013 a judge issued a deportation order against her, but she was ultimately not sent back to Mexico because of a shift in the Obama administration policy which prioritized removing people deemed to be threats to US security.

Under the Trump administrations January 25 executive order, the restrictions on deportations under Obama were abandoned. Now, undocumented workers who have committed chargeable criminal offenses will be prioritized for deportation. Such language can be applied to virtually all undocumented immigrants who are often forced to violate legal bans in order to support themselves and their families. The fake Social Security number used by Garcia de Rayos is one example.

The actions of the Trump administration, particularly in regards to immigration, undoubtedly mark a watershed in the decay of bourgeois rule in the United States. There is something qualitatively different in the form and scope of repression being carried out against immigrants and refugees, measures which should be seen as a dangerous attack on the entire working class internationally. The actions of the Trump administration build on the policies of the Obama administration, which were anything but lenient and humane as many news outlets have begun to suggest.

The Garcia de Rayos family will suffer a grim emotional and economic impact, after she was torn from her children and husband by the armed state agentsto say nothing of the effect on Guadalupe herself, separated from her loved ones and shipped off to a land largely foreign to her now.

However, what is most devastating about the experience of Garcia de Rayos and family is that their situation is anything but unique. Similar, and even more tragic situations took place in record numbers under the Obama administration, which deported more than 2.7 million people over the past eight years, more than any other US administration in history.

The corporate media and the two capitalist political parties seek to limit debate over immigration to whether Obama was better or worse for immigrants than George W. Bush, or whether Hillary Clintons fence would somehow have been less draconian than Trumps wall.

The real issue facing the working class is how to put an end to the entire vile apparatus of borders, fences, walls, detention camps and other repressive measures against the free movement of people. This means the struggle against capitalism and the nation-state system on which it is based, through uniting the working class as an international force on the basis of socialist policies.
An explosion in the machine shop of the Flamanville nuclear plant in Normandy, France on Thursday morning started a blaze that firefighters were able to bring under control only after midday. The increase in incidents in different plants in the last days, and the problems encountered in building the new EPR reactors, expose the growing crisis in the French nuclear industry.

Olivier Marmion, the spokesman for the local prefecture, told AFP: It was a significant technical event but it was not a nuclear accident, as the explosion occurred outside the nuclear zone. Five people are ill from smoke inhalation. According to initial information released by the Prefecture, the explosion, which was heard all around the site, was caused by a short-circuit of a ventilator underneath an alternator in the main machine room in the non-nuclear part of the site.

Reactor N1 automatically cut itself off from the French Electricity Boards (EDF) national grid following the incident, as did the Reactor N2. The Nuclear Security Agency, which controls the security rules and procedures that all nuclear sites comply with, was not able to provide any further details on the incident other than those that had been relayed by the Prefecture.

For the moment, the extent of the damage caused by the fire has not been reported. According to the Association Get out of Nuclear (Sortir du Nucleaire), the consequences of this event are not limited to the fire starting. Reactor N1 had to undergo an emergency shutdown at 9:47 am. Not only does the residual heat still need to be evacuated but an emergency shutdown is never good for nuclear equipment, especially if it is already fragile the Nuclear Security Agency (NSA) warns against brusque variations in temperature.

Greenpeace, which also opposes the use of nuclear energy, commented: With two recent fires at the Catternom nuclear plant in Moselle this is the third fire at a nuclear plant in the last ten days. According to Greenpeace: The NSA itself declared that the state of Nuclear Security in France gives grounds for concern. On the NSA web site, 12 more or less dangerous incidents in French nuclear plants were recorded for the months of December and January.

This is not the first technical incident at the Flamanville plant. The most important was the discharge of non-radioactive smoke in August 2015 from Reactor N2. This incident provoked the triggering of an Emergency Plan for a number of hours.

Between the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016, Reactor N2 had to be shut down for five weeks after the breakdown of a transformer that consequently had to be replaced. In October 2015, the EDF had declared a level 1 incident (the highest of 7 levels) after having discovered that wrong joints had been used in a few places on the both Reactor N1 and N2.

According to the newspaper 20 Minutes, at the end of 2016, 21 reactors out of the 58 installed in France had been shut down, that is more than one-third. Another 15 were stopped for planned maintenance. However, seven were being tested because of potentially defective steam generators. Since flaws had been detected in generators built in the Areva factory in Creusot, the NSA has imposed inspections of the 18 reactors equipped with generators from this factory.

The incident at Flamanville, even though fortunately not causing a nuclear catastrophe, underlines the critical state of the nuclear installations in France. The number of reactors that are coming up to or have already gone over 40 years of service, which EDF considers the maximum, is increasing. With the aging of the reactors, the cost of modernization before they can be replaced by a new generation of EPR reactors is increasing considerably.

The EPR reactors that are being built at the moment, notably at Flamanville and Hinckley Point in Britain, have put the Areva group in great difficulties, with long delays in completing implementation due to many hundreds of flaws discovered on the building sites. In order to save Areva, EDF has agreed to pay 2.5 billion Euros for each active reactor.

Confronted with the difficulties of the new generation of nuclear reactors, EDF is ignoring the risks and the security of the population in order to avoid a further aggravation of the crisis of the French nuclear industry.

As Challenges points out, There remains the accumulated debt of Flamanville. The responsibility of authorizing the vessel of the EPR reactor, which contains too much segregated carbon, lies with the NSA. Last November, Xavier Ursat, the executive director of EDF engineering, indicated undiplomatically that he did not envisage the eventuality of a rejection by the NSA.

We are not in such a scenario. We have never made so many tests on a vessel as this one. The NSA has validated our test program. There cant be any surprises, Ursat said. Challenges added, The NSA is now under pressure. We would not like to be the shoes of NSA President Pierre-Franck Chevet. Whatever conclusions he renders in the coming months will be scrutinized very closely. The future of the first EPR reactor will depend on his decision. Furthermore, the EPRs in Britain the first of which is Hinckley Point (which itself depends on the successful launching of Flamanville) and finally the entire French nuclear power industry.

The nuclear industry is a strategic question for French capitalism in order to insure its energy independence. This industry has also served to give France a dominant political role on the continent through nuclear weapons under De Gaulle to counteract German economic dominance.

The growing number of incidents in nuclear reactors and the difficulties with EPR expose the bankruptcy of a national strategy based on financial interests that are incapable of insuring the safe development of nuclear energy. The catastrophe of Fukushima in 2011, as well as the incident Thursday morning, are warnings about the nature and the operation of this industry by the French and international bourgeoisie.
This is the conclusion of a two-part series on the British pseudo-lefts support for immigration controls. Part one was published on February 9.

Marx on Ireland

Britains pseudo-left distort Karl Marxs analysis of the industrial reserve army or relative surplus population in order to smuggle in a racial and nativist criterion that, in fact, belongs to the far right.

This is underscored by the fact that, in support of their position, they frequently cite Marx on the issue of Irish migration to England in the 19th century, quoting from a letter in which he wrote, Ireland constantly sends her own surplus to the English labour market, and thus forces down wages and lowers the material and moral position of the English working class. [Marx letter to Sigfrid Meyer and August Vogt, April 9, 1870]

The divisions cultivated between Irish and English workers were notorious and by no means confined to the 1800s. Many people today remember only too well the No Irish, No Blacks, No dogs signs that frequented rented accommodation in the UK right up to the 1960s.

Once again, the pseudo-left omit the remainder of Marxs letter, which excoriates the backwardness of the English worker, who regards himself as a member of the ruling nation and consequently he becomes a tool of the English aristocrats and capitalists against Ireland, thus strengthening their domination over himself.

Marx continues: He cherishes religious, social, and national prejudices against the Irish worker. His attitude towards him is much the same as that of the poor whites to the Negroes in the former slave states of the USA The Irishman pays him back with interest in his own money. He sees in the English worker both the accomplice and the stupid tool of the English rulers in Ireland.

This antagonism is artificially kept alive and intensified by the press, the pulpit, the comic papers, in short, by all the means at the disposal of the ruling classes. This antagonism is the secret of the impotence of the English working class, despite its organisation. It is the secret by which the capitalist class maintains its power. And the latter is quite aware of this... It is the special task of the Central Council [of the First International] in London to make the English workers realise that for them the national emancipation of Ireland is not a question of abstract justice or humanitarian sentiment, but the first condition of their own social emancipation.

For Marx, prejudice amongst English workers against their Irish brothers and sisters was the occasion for a ruthless political struggle to establish their common class interests against the British bourgeoisienot, as with the pseudo-left today, an excuse for justifying nationalist reaction.

Lenin and the fight against opportunism

Far from opposition to border controls not being a socialist principle, the controversy over this issue was to take on life and death dimensions within the Second International.

The issue of immigration restrictions arose in the run-up to the 1907 Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, the Seventh Congress of the Second International. The US state was targeting Chinese and Japanese workers. Congress had passed the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, halting the entry of Chinese immigrants into the country. In 1908, Japanese immigration into the US was also banned.

On behalf of the US Socialist Party leadership, Morris Hillquit and Victor Berger proposed a resolution calling for a campaign against the willful importation of cheap foreign labor calculated to destroy labor organizations, to lower the standard of living of the working class, and to retard the ultimate realization of socialism.

This stance was opposed by the left wing within the Socialist Party, with Eugene Debs attacking it as utterly unsocialistic, reactionary, and, in truth, outrageous.

The Stuttgart Congress rejected the resolution. Lenin, who attended the congress as one of the Bolshevik party delegates, welcomed the defeat. Support for immigration restrictions represented an attempt to defend narrow, craft interests and was the outcome of the spirit of aristocratism that one finds among workers in some of the civilised countries, who derive certain advantages from their privileged position, and are, therefore, inclined to forget the need for international class solidarity. [Lenin Proletary, No. 17, October 20, 1907, The International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart]

Lenin returned to the issue of Capitalism and Workers Immigration in his article of that title in Za Pravdu, October 29, 1913. Capitalism has given rise to a special form of migration of nations, he wrote, forcing hundreds of thousands of workers to wander hundreds and thousands of versts for employment.

There can be no doubt that dire poverty alone compels people to abandon their native land, and that the capitalists exploit the immigrant workers in the most shameless manner. But only reactionaries can shut their eyes to the progressive significance of this modern migration of nations. Emancipation from the yoke of capital is impossible without the further development of capitalism, and without the class struggle that is based on it. And it is into this struggle that capitalism is drawing the masses of the working people of the whole world, breaking down the musty, fusty habits of local life, breaking down national barriers and prejudices, uniting workers from all countries in huge factories and mines in America, Germany, and so forth

Noting that the most backward countries of the world were thrust into the ranks of the advanced, international army of the proletariat, he wrote, The bourgeoisie incites the workers of one nation against those of another in the endeavour to keep them disunited. Class-conscious workers, realising that the break-down of all the national barriers by capitalism is inevitable and progressive, are trying to help to enlighten and organise their fellow-workers from the backward countries.

The anti-migrant proposal was indicative of the growth of opportunism within the Second International, in which the trade unions were to play a particularly significant role.

Opportunist elements also argued in favour of colonialism, on the grounds of its civilising role. Most notably, several delegates raised the demand to support working class national defence in times of war.

Though defeated at the 1907 Congress, these tendencies were to plunge the working class into a fratricidal slaughter in 1914. This betrayal of socialism by most of the leaders of the Second International, Lenin wrote, has been mainly caused by the actual prevalence in it of petty-bourgeois opportunism, the bourgeois nature and danger of which have long been indicated by the finest representatives of the revolutionary proletariat of all countries.

Lenin continued: The opportunists had long been preparing to wreck the Second International by denying the socialist revolution and substituting bourgeois reformism in its stead, by rejecting the class struggle with its inevitable conversion at certain moments into civil war, and by preaching class collaboration; by preaching bourgeois chauvinism under the guise of patriotism and the defence of the fatherland, and ignoring or rejecting the fundamental truth of socialism, long ago set forth in the Communist Manifesto, that the workingmen have no country; by confining themselves, in the struggle against militarism, to a sentimental philistine point of view, instead of recognizing the need for a revolutionary war by the proletarians of all countries, against the bourgeoisie of all countries; by making a fetish of the necessary utilization of parliamentarianism and bourgeois legality, and forgetting that illegal forms of organization and agitation are imperative at times of crises. [Lenin, The tasks of revolutionary Social-Democracy in the European War, 1914]

In opposition to the capitulation of the Second International, the Bolshevik Party, under the leadership of Lenin, came out against the war and launched the fight for a new Third International. This was to be built on the basis of an uncompromising struggle against the opportunist national chauvinist tendencies that had revealed themselves as the agencies of imperialism within the workers movement.

This was the critical preparation for the revolutionary eruptions that were signified by the outbreak of imperialist war and the breakdown of the nation state system. It was on this basis that Lenin, alongside Leon Trotsky, was able to prepare the Bolshevik Party and the most advanced sections of workers and youth for the seizure of power in October 1917 and the establishment of the first workers state in the world.

Lenin returned to the issue of border controls at the height of the war in a November 1915 letter to the Socialist Propaganda League (SPL), a left-wing formation within the US Socialist Party that broke with the Socialist Party after the October Revolution to form the US Communist Party.

Lenin wrote, In our struggle for true internationalism and against jingo-socialism, we always quote in our press the example of the opportunist leaders of the SP in America, who are in favour of restrictions of the immigration of Chinese and Japanese workers (especially after the Congress of Stuttgart, 1907, and against the decisions of Stuttgart).

We think that one cannot be internationalist and be at the same time in favour of such restrictions.

The pseudo-left: the modern day jingo-socialists

The global integration of capitalism has reached an unprecedented level since Marx and Lenins time. In combination with the spectacular developments in science and technique over the last 30 years, it has made possible a rationalisation of production and facilitated the ability of the bourgeoisie to drive down wages and conditions to an ever-diminishing global benchmark.

However, the cause of this process is not the globalisation of production, as the national opportunists would claim, but capitalism itself. The tremendous achievements to be derived from the progressive unification of the globe and its resources are perverted by private ownership of the means of production and the division of the world into antagonistic nation states.

In Europe, the bourgeoisie seized upon the 2008 financial crash as the pretext to turn the clock back centuries through the imposition of austerity. From Greece to Spain to Britain, social democracy, the trade unions and their pseudo-left apologists have played a key political role in this process.

As a result, thousands of workers, especially young workers, are forced to move around looking for work. But once again, this migration is not the cause of low wages in the UK, or anywhere else. The cause is the subordination of the world economy to the profit interests of the corporate and financial elite.

Even in the surveys routinely cited by the right wing, supposedly revealing the impact of EU migration on wages in semi-unskilled employment, the impact is minimalcalculated at between 0.5 percent and 1.0 percent. Yet wages fell by 10.4 percent in the UK between 2007 and 2015, a drop equalled only by Greece within the countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

This fall is the result of a deliberate political strategy on the part of the bourgeoisie to pauperise the working class, one in which the Labour Party and the trade unions play the key role.

These organisations are completely incorporated into the bourgeois and corporate state apparatus, enforcing austerity, wage freezes and wage cuts. Their justifications for this are the same as those they employ in favour of border controls: Nothing can be done to alter the scarcities created by the monopolisation of global wealth by a tiny financial elite. Instead, the working class must make sacrifices, especially the migrant workers who are to be told there is no place for them.

This accounts for the grotesque spectacle of Labour and the trade unions spouting forth on the need for immigration controls so as to protect labour standards, even as they collaborate with the government and corporations to destroy these standards in order to make British capital more competitive.

The pseudo-left are an integral part of this labour bureaucracy and constitute the bulk of its leadership. From Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to the heads of numerous unions to the Syriza government in Greece, the pseudo-left function as a special anti-working class detachment of the bourgeoisie.

While Trump declares for America First, Corbyn demands import controls against China and similar protectionist measures, while the pseudo-left repeat the specious claim that strong national borders, economic protectionism and tighter immigration laws will benefit the working class. Their support for the strengthening of the nation state is wholly reactionary. As history has proven, it leads to the intensification of the attacks on the working class at home and support for imperialist war abroad.

Against the national chauvinism of the pseudo-left, the absolute principle of socialist-minded workers and youth must be to oppose the efforts to divide native-born and migrant workers. The right of all workers to live and work in the country they choose, with full and equal rights, is not for sale.

Only in solidarity with its class brothers and sistersirrespective of colour, language, religion and nationalitycan the working class successfully struggle against globally mobile capitalist corporations and advance its own independent solution to the world economic crisis: the reorganization of the global economy to meet social needs, not the drive for private profit.
German Chancellor Angela Merkels visit to Warsaw saw efforts on both sides improve bilateral relations after they had deteriorated sharply under the Polish PiS government. The German and Polish bourgeoisie were responding to the threatened breakup of the European Union (EU) and the American presidency of Donald Trump, whose policies are calling the foreign policy orientation of both countries into question.

Merkel first spoke with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Beata Szydo, before holding her most important discussion with PiS leader and the most influential politician in Poland, Jarosaw Kaczynski. Following these discussions, Merkel met with representatives of the liberal opposition.

Over the past 14 months, the PiS government has largely done away with the division of powers and rapidly constructed an authoritarian regime. It sought to forge a close alliance with the US in its military build-up against Russia and to construct a right-wing alliance in eastern Europe, directed both against Russia and Germany.

Chiefly as a result of this foreign policy orientation, the German media and political parties sharply attacked Poland early last year under the guise of defending democratic rights. The extent of the hypocrisy involved is now clear, with the media, facing changed geopolitical conditions, having abandoned the phrases about democracy and emphasising the need to build close pragmatic relationships.

Merkels criticism of the Polish government was also incredibly restrained. She only referred indirectly to these questions by mentioning the Solidarity movement out of which PiS emerged, stating, We know from that time how important plural societies are, how important an independent judiciary and media are, because then that was all absent.

Prime Minister Beata Szydo, who last year banned any intervention by Brussels or Berlin into domestic Polish politics, did not even respond at first to this concealed rebuke.

Merkel indicated Berlins readiness to compromise on a number of formerly controversial issues. Above all, she revised the German governments previous stance on the expansion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, which is supposed to transport Russian gas direct to Germany and is vehemently opposed by Poland. To date, the German government maintained the position that the pipeline, in which two German companies are involved, was merely a matter of private business. However, now Merkel declared that the issue should be discussed in a bilateral working group.

This step is even more significant given that the Hungarian government of Viktor Orban, which collaborates closely with PiS, only recently declared its support for the pipeline project after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The statement prompted considerable anger in the Polish press and strengthened the feeling of Polands growing isolation within Europe.

Die Zeit drily summarised the joint appearance: The Chancellor noted the many areas of cooperation, while Szydo mostly nodded in agreement and did not contradict at any point. On the continuation of Russian sanctions in particular, both politicians agreed.

Like many other German newspapers, Die Zeit welcomed the chancellors line in Warsaw and surmised that it would now be possible to maintain more-pragmatic relations with Poland.

The Suddeutsche Zeitung described the meeting with Kaczynski as a quiet crisis meeting. In the foreground was the crisis of the EU. Concrete details on this have yet to be released. Polish government circles indicated Kaczynski wanted to present plans to Merkel for a close military alliance and nuclear rearmament, as well as his ideas for a reform of the EU.

The evaluation by the Polish press of the visit was overwhelmingly positive, including both the conservative and liberal media. There is at least currently broad agreement on the need for rapprochement with Germany under conditions of an escalating European crisis and extreme uncertainty about US foreign policy.

The liberal Gazeta Wyborcza welcomed the friendly talks between Kaczynski and Merkel. The liberal opposition strongly criticised the deteriorating relations with Germany under PiS from the outset and pushed for a stronger orientation towards Berlin.

In its comment on the meeting, the newspaper, which has been in the lead in the political conflict between the liberal opposition and the government, wrote, No, this is not a text that Jarosaw Kaczynski and his government will attack. Because it is in everyones interest for Poland not to lose its valued friends and partners in this extremely uncertain world. Those like German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In the current situation, Germany was the only guarantee for stability in the EU and in Europe.  Tripping up Angela Merkel will not improve our security.

Germany is by far Polands most important trading partner. But the attempts to improve relations on both sides are based above all on the changed international geopolitical situation.

With Donald Trump as president, Washington now openly questions NATO, is threatening trade wars with China, Mexico and Germany, and attacks German preeminence in the EU. The German bourgeoisie is responding to this with a military build-up to assert itself as a world power against the US. In this, the consolidation of the EU and its hegemony in it is of central importance. In this context, Poland plays an important role.

In Poland, the presidency of Trump and the breakdown of international relations within the framework that Warsaw has operated since 1989 have provoked extreme nervousness and even panic. Not only PiS, but also the liberal opposition fear a rapprochement between Washington and Moscow at the expense of the EU and eastern Europe in particular.

The influential conservative newspaper Rzeczpospolita wrote in January that the election of Trump posed Poland with a tragic decision: it must either orient towards Germany and Europe, or towards its traditional ally, the US. The newspaper suggested that given the threat of an alliance between Moscow and Washington, Germany would be the more important and reliable partner.

At the same time, the Polish bourgeoisie sees itself increasingly isolated due to the exit from the EU of one of its closest allies, Britain. The elections in France are also being followed with concern. The Gazeta Wyborcza warned in its comment on Merkels visit of an election victory for the far-right National Front under Marine Le Pen, who is backed by the Kremlin.

German and Polish comments both noted that Berlin and Warsaw have an interest in retaining the EU for geopolitical and economic reasons.

Under these conditions, all factions of the Polish bourgeoisie would prefer a new term for Merkel as chancellor rather than a victory by Social Democrat Martin Schulz. In the winter of 2015-2016, as German-Polish relations sharply deteriorated, Schulz was among those who spoke out most aggressively.

At the same time, the Polish bourgeoisie fears that an SPD-led government, like that of Gerhard Schroder, would orient more towards Moscow. It has been no less unsettling to the Polish bourgeoisie that Schulz challenges Trump more directly than Merkel.

In an interview published by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung shortly before Merkels visit, Jarosaw Kaczynski stated explicitly that he desired Merkel to continue as chancellor. Asked what would be so bad about Martin Schulz, Kaczynski answered, First of all his stance on Russia. Secondly, unlike Merkel, he had expressed [very] anti-Polish views and is famous for being uncontrolled, for attacks, for an outcry.

The PiS leader repeated his long-standing criticism of Germanys predominant role in the EU and agreed with US President Donald Trumps statement on this.

In the support of sanctions against Russia and the stationing of German army troops in eastern Europe, Kaczynski saw points of agreement for a German-Polish rapprochement. He sought to downplay the differences over the future organisation of the EU. Kaczynski said that Warsaw currently took the idea of a two-speed Europenot seriously.

Kaczynski made more than clear that any alliance with Germany, which occupied Poland in two world wars, would be based on military rearmament. He appealed for Europe to be strengthened into a nuclear superpower so that the continent could prepare, independently from the US if necessary, to wage war on Russia. A single nuclear power has to be able to compete with Russia. We are far away from that. But if there was something serious, I would be in favour. Europe would then become a superpower. I would welcome that, he said.
By Press Trust of India: Panaji, Feb 10 (PTI) Around 3,000 liquor outlets in Goa, out of the total 11,000, face shutdown as the Supreme Court has put a ban on all alcohol shops within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country from April, state Excise department officials said today.

The state Excise officials have started identifying such bars, restaurants and wholesale liquor vendors, so that their licences can be suspended and they are barred from operating after March 31.

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"The (excise) department has given permission for around 11,000 outlets, including the wholesalers, to sell liquor in Goa. The SC order is likely to impact around 3,000 of them as they are located within 500 metres of the national or state highways," Excise Commissioner Menino DSouza told PTI today.

The task of identifying and ascertaining the number of such outlets has been initiated with the help of revenue officials, he said.

"The licences of such outlets would be cancelled forever. If these outlets move out of 500 metres jurisdiction then they can apply for the fresh licence, their existing licence will not be renewed," DSouza said.

In December, the apex court had ordered ban on all the liquor shops within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country, a move aimed at reducing drunken driving and road accidents that claim thousands of lives every year. Licences of existing shops will not be renewed after March 31 next year, it had said.

The department would issue show-cause notices to each outlet located within 500 metres of national or state highway before terminating the licences.

DSouza said hearings would be fast tracked on the show-cause notices so that the cancellation if licences can be done by March 31. PTI RPS NP BAS

--- ENDS ---
With only weeks to go before the layoff of some 1,300 workers at the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, opposition is mounting to the job cuts. The second shift at the factory that builds the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid electric, Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse is set to be phased out between March 6 and 19.

Many of the workers being affected are temporary workers who have no recall rights and are not eligible for Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB). The timing of the layoffs, just before hundreds of workers will reach their one-year anniversary, which would qualify them for transfer rights, is a slap in the face to those who quit jobs at other companies seeking full-time work at GM.

The job cuts at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant follow the layoffs of 2,000 GM workers at the Lordstown, Assembly Plant in Ohio and the Lansing Grand River plant in Michigan. The United Auto Workers has not even made a pretense of opposing these job cuts, merely advising workers on how to collect state unemployment benefits.

The layoffs will have a devastating impact in Detroit, a city already suffering from an official unemployment rate of near 10 percent and a child poverty rate of more than 59 percent. Detroit Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan, while wasting no opportunity to tout the so-called comeback of city, has not said a word about the loss of 1,300 jobs at the factory, and more at companies which supply GM.

One GM Detroit-Hamtramck worker who is facing layoff told the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter, They are not telling us anything. It is all a joke. In the next two to three weeks I am going to be searching for another job.

If they cared about us, they would be placing workers in other plants or creating more jobs in the plant. The same time they are laying us off they are having others work 11 or 12 hours a day doing two or three jobs.

Another Detroit-Hamtramck worker said, I quit another job paying more than GM to work here.

GM pays analysts $100,000 and more to predict sales. You tell me they didnt know this was coming? They say they are building too many cars and at the same time they are working us to the bone until the last day. It is like we are working for a temporary agency.

When they made the announcement they first had an executive on stage bragging about how great auto sales were and all the profits they were making. Then at the end they slipped in, and, oh yes, we are laying off a shift. What a slap in the face!

A worker at the Chicago Ford Assembly Plant said he supported the fight of the GM workers. We have the same issue here with the use of Temporary Part Time (TPT) workers. Right now, we have all these TPTs working and there is no talk of ever converting them to full-time workers. A lot have been on TPT status for over a year and dont qualify for profit-sharing.

It is hard on them if they have a family to support, especially if they are single mothers. I cant see why they arent giving them the opportunity to work full-time. It makes me wonder if they are going to get rid of the third shift here too.

A tier-two worker at Fiat Chryslers Jefferson Assembly in Detroit said, I stand in support of the workers at GM in defense of their jobs. I believe it is a fight for all autoworkers. I think all workers should be concerned. It is a precursor of what could happen at other plants. [Fiat Chrysler CEO] Sergio Marchionne has threatened to move jobs if our quality doesnt improve.

The UAW is not with us. We cannot rely on them to fight for us.

Workers contracted by the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter also expressed opposition to the attempts by the Trump administration and the United Auto Workers to divert anger at US job losses towards workers in Mexico and other countries. Many said they saw through the divisive nationalism being promoted by Trump with the support of the UAW.

A GM Detroit Hamtramck worker said, Trump is bringing down the US. He is being racist and biased about everything. He is showing his true colors. Speaking about the ban on refugees and travelers from predominantly Muslim countries, he said, Everyone is not a terrorist from these countries.

Everything is going for the worse, not the better. The only thing Trump did his first week was to say build that wall. Thats a waste of time when kids are starving. I have good friends who are Mexican. It is a disgrace. For years, we fought for freedom of speech. Now they are trying to take that away. I dont see anything good coming from it.

The Ford worker said, It is not foreign workers, it is our own companies seeking to make more profits. They are making tons of money, but they want to make even more. Their goal is to help their shareholders, not us.

The Jefferson worker said, All workers have the same interests. An injury to one is an injury to all. Trump is hell bent on saying the issue is Mexico, when the issue is here. The rich are benefitting by pitting workers against each other.

Another GM Detroit-Hamtramck worker said, I feel whatever Trumps intention with the immigration ban, it is discriminatory. He is doing it in a way so that it violates the Bill of Rights. I dont agree with the whole thing. We are in a very dangerous situation.

The Socialist Equality Party and the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter are urging GM workers to elect a rank-and-file committee to discuss a strategy to fight the job cuts. These committees should turn out and build support among workers at other GM factories and workers at Ford, Fiat Chrysler, auto parts suppliers, as well as other sections of workers, young people and unemployed workers in the community. Rallies and demonstrations should be organized as part of the fight to prevent the layoffs.

These and other proposals will be discussed at a public meeting being held Saturday, February 11 at Wayne State University in Detroit. The meeting details are as follows:

No to GM layoffs! Defend the right to a job!

Saturday, February 11, 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Wayne State University

State Hall Room 106

5143 Cass Ave,

Detroit MI

(Live audio dial-in: 213-416-1560 (US) or 438-800-2937 (Canada), and enter the PIN: 581 991 086#)
In its decision barring the International Youth and Students for Social Equality from club status at New York University, the schools Student Activities Board claimed the IYSSE was too similar to the International Socialist Organization to merit club status. The SAB cited the existence of the ISOs club to justify its decision denying the IYSSEs application.

Hundreds of students and professors have signed petitions supporting the IYSSEs application, with many expressing their opposition to the SABs act of political censorship. The IYSSE submitted a new application for club status earlier this month.

The International Socialist Organization, however, has refused multiple IYSSE requests for support. By refusing to support the IYSSEs democratic right to free speech, the ISO is solidarizing itself with the NYU administration and its allies on Wall Street and the military-intelligence apparatus.

On February 7, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality wrote the following letter to the leadership of the International Socialist Organization asking them to reverse their support for the administrations anti-democratic political censorship of the IYSSE. The ISO has yet to respond.

* * *

To the International Socialist Organization:

Last semester, New York Universitys Student Activities Board (SAB) rejected the International Youth and Students for Social Equalitys (IYSSE) application for club status. The SAB justified this anti-democratic decision by claiming that the International Socialist Organization already had established a club at NYU, and that the IYSSE was insufficiently dissimilar to accept its application to establish a second socialist-oriented club. In effect, the Student Activities Board is using the ISOs club status to keep the IYSSE off campus.

Opposing this pretext, a leader of the IYSSE at NYU wrote to the SAB on November 19, 2016:

The ISO and the Socialist Equality Party, the parent organization of the IYSSE, are completely different tendencies with different histories and opposed positions on fundamental political questions. One could say that the differences between the ISO and IYSSE are more significant than those that separate the Democratic and Republican parties.

On December 6, 2016, I sent an email to the ISO, asking you to support our efforts to establish a club on campus. I wrote, The IYSSE would appreciate your clubs support in our fight for free speech and to democratize the club application process.

The ISO has not responded to this letter. Last week, on February 1, I personally asked ISO at NYU Vice President Paul Heideman to sign a petition supporting our application for club status. He refused.

Regardless of the ISOs political differences with the IYSSE and its parent organization, the Socialist Equality Party, your refusal to oppose the SABs act of political censorship and to forthrightly endorse our application for club status is a clear violation of the elementary democratic principles of free speech. The ISOs failure to uphold the IYSSEs right to form a club is all the more unprincipled in light of the fact that the SAB is using your official status to keep us off campus. Your action can only be explained as a calculated decision to block the IYSSE so that NYU students will not be exposed to the politics of a socialist organization whose views are different from and critical of the ISO.

The SAB has stated that it will decide at any time within the next two weeks whether to accept the IYSSEs new application for club status. As this deadline is rapidly approaching, we ask that you reverse your present anti-democratic position, and that you immediately issue a public statement supporting our application. Please inform us of your decision on this matter without unnecessary delay.

Isaac Finn
In the course of a remarkable filmmaking career that spanned more than 50 years, Brazilian-born Alberto Cavalcanti (1897-1982) created some of the most poetically realistic and socially poignant films of the twentieth century.

According to French film journalist George Sadoul, Cavalcanti was one of the most important filmmakers in the history of cinema, arguing that Cavalcanti made significant and often basic contributions to the French avant-garde 1925-1930, to English documentary and the Ealing style 1934-1948, and to the renaissance of the Brazilian cinema 1949-1952. Thus he ranks as a landmark figure in three national cinemas.

Yet he is one of the least known and appreciated of the major filmmakers. The British Film Institute (BFI), for example, commented that Cavalcanti is the most significant figure in British cinema history who still lacks an English-language biography.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Cavalcanti was sent by his father at the age of 15 to study architecture in Geneva. The future filmmaker moved to Paris several years later, where he became active in artistic circles, including the surrealists. He began in film as a set designer, working first with director Marcel LHerbier, and later Louis Delluc and Marc Allegret.

In the mid-1920s, Cavalcanti was a key figure in the French impressionist school, or the first avant-garde (which included figures like Rene Clair and Jean Renoir). In a 1975 interview with Sight and Sound, Cavalcanti described that period: We had a trump card in our hands. We were friendly with all the great artists of our time in Parisall the painters, sculptors, writers. They liked us and they helped us.

Creditors having seized the negative of his first, studio-shot film, Cavalcanti and a few friends made a cheap alternative on the streets of Paris (BFI), Rien que les heures (Nothing But Time, 1926), a silent, 45-minute film that has sharp social content. It is a beautiful film that stands up today. The short documentary is said to have helped inspire Soviet filmmaker Dziga Vertov's legendary Man with a Movie Camera (1929).

The Brazilian filmmaker moved to England in 1933 and went to work with John Grierson and his celebrated General Post Office (GPO) film unit. Grierson, a Scottish filmmaker, is considered the father of British and Canadian documentary film (he became the first director of the National Film Board of Canada). He coined the term documentary in 1926.

One of the most famous works produced by Griersons unit was Night Mail (1936), with a verse commentary by W.H. Auden and music by Benjamin Britten. The unit members democratically assigned credits to one another. Cavalcanti is credited as sound director on the 24-minute film, but there are suggestions that, in fact, he co-directed it.

Cavalcanti was listed as director on 18 of the GPO short films between 1934 and 1940, including Coal Face (1935), about Scottish miners, also with a score by Britten and a verse narration by Auden. These are films made with intelligence and social insight. The choice of imagery and the rhythm of the editing are artistically and socially meaningful in a way that is virtually unknown today.

Cavalcanti left the GPO unit in 1940 for another legendary component of British filmmaking, Ealing Studios under Michael Balcon, the son of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Ealing in the 1940s and 1950s was undeniably at the centre of any account of the British film industry's most prestigious period (BFI). Balcon said of Cavalcanti that he was a highly civilized mana particularly outstanding figure.  Of all the groupCavalcanti was the most important and the most talented.

While with Ealing, Cavalcanti directed, among other movies, Went the Day Well? (1942), about an imaginary takeover of an English village by Nazi paratroopers; Champagne Charlie (1944), which treats the rivalry between music hall performers in the nineteenth century; two episodes in the anthology horror film, Dead of Night (1945), including the terrifying ventriloquists dummy sequence with Michael Redgrave; and the three works we will discuss below.

Cavalcanti returned to Brazil and directed several films, including Song of the Sea (1952). Then, as nearly every source asserts, without providing additional detail, he was blacklisted there [in Brazil] as a communist and went to Europe to make his final fiction films.

Notably, in 1955, Cavalcanti directed a screen version of Bertolt Brechts satirical comedy Herr Puntila und sein Knecht Matti (Mr. Puntila and his man Matti), with Brechts collaboration and approval.

This was clearly an extraordinary, if restless artistic life. David Wilsons comment in Cinema: A Critical Dictionary that Cavalcantis real interestcentred on the cinemas ability not merely to reproduce reality but to represent it creatively seems a legitimate assessment.

While Cavalcantis filmography is extensive, only a relatively small number of the films are currently available (including Rien que les heures, Night Mail and Coal Face). They are worth the search, for the films discussed here are superior in content, texture and social-spiritual depth to the majority of todays weak offerings.

Nicholas Nickleby (1947)

Thus, cases of injustice, and oppression, and tyranny, and the most extravagant bigotry, are in constant occurrence among us every day. Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby

Published in serial form from 1838 to 1839, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby was Dickenss third novel, following The Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist. The book movingly and delightfully follows its central character who is obliged to find a means of earning a living and, at the same time, grow up.

Cavalcantis adaptation is elegant, atmospheric and successfully captures the authors skewering of corrupt, inhuman social types and the society that breeds them.

Derek Bond plays Nicholas Nickleby, who assumes the role of caretaker for his mother (Mary Merrall) and his younger sister Kate (Sally Ann Howes), after his fathers death has left the family penniless and beholden to their conniving, miserly uncle Ralph (Cedric Hardwicke).

Some of the films harshest scenes treat Nicholass tenure as an instructor at a dreadful boys boarding school in Yorkshire, in the north of England, a position procured for him by his uncle. The establishment is run by the sadistic and ignorant Wackford Squeers (Alfred Drayton) who does not refrain from using and abusing his young charges. (Dickens: Now, the fact was, that both Mr. and Mrs. Squeers viewed the boys in the light of their proper and natural enemies; or, in other words, they held and considered that their business and profession was to get as much from every boy as could by possibility be screwed out of him.)

Soon, Nicholas gives the headmaster a taste of his own medicine, and rescues a boy named Smike (Aubrey Woods), physically and mentally broken down from having suffered severe, long-term brutalization. (Dickens: I interfered, said Nicholas, to save a miserable creature from the vilest cruelty. In so doing, I inflicted such punishment upon a wretch [Squeers] as he will not readily forget, though far less than he deserved from me.)

Nicholass ensuing adventures include acting in and writing for the Crummles Family theatrical troupe, featuring Miss Ninetta Crummles, the Infant Phenomenon. (Dickens: [T]he infant phenomenon, though of short stature, had a comparatively aged countenance, and had moreover been precisely the same agenot perhaps to the full extent of the memory of the oldest inhabitant, but certainly for five good years. But she had been kept up late every night, and put upon an unlimited allowance of gin-and-water from infancy, to prevent her growing tall.)

In the end, Nicholas liberates his sister and beloved Madeline Bray (Jill Balcondaughter of producer Balconand future mother of Daniel Day-Lewis) from the clutches of his dastardly uncle.

In the films best sequences, artistic sophistication, film poetry and social insight are combined at an extremely high level.

They Made Me a Fugitive

The suffering of the Great Depression and the war years produced an angry, discontented population in Britain that threw the Tories out of office and brought Labour to power in a landslide in July 1945. Both bitterness and deprivation found reflection in the best films of the time.

Cavalcantis chilling, disturbing 1947 film noir, They Made Me a Fugitive (released in the US as I Became a Criminal), based on the Jackson Budd novel A Convict has Escaped, was surely one of those films. It is a remarkable work.

The opening shot takes in a grim London street. The giant letters, RIP (Rest in Peace), sit atop a building, which, as we soon learn, belongs to the Valhalla Undertaking Company. It is the immediately postwar period and the funeral parlor is filled with caskets. However, in this case, the piled-up coffins are used as part of a black market smuggling operation. Valhalla is a gang hideout.

Trevor Howard plays Clem Morgan, a recently discharged Royal Air Force pilot, drawn into the criminal free enterprise run by the arrogant and psychopathic Narcyshort for Narcissus (Griffith Jones in a spectacular performance). Needing a bit of class in our speciality, Narcy recruits Clem, then subsequently frames him for the murder of a policeman, which sends the former war hero and prisoner of war into another type of captivity.

After escaping from prison, Clem briefly takes refuge in the house of a wealthy woman who feels his violent wartime experiences must make him a suitable candidate to bump off her husband. Expressing disillusionment with his generally bleak prospects and explaining his criminal activities, Clem says: I went on doing what the country put me in uniform to do after they took it back.

Narcy, this cheap after-the-war trash, personifies a vile, corrupt social order that has no use for the veterans of its wars once they serve their purpose. Cavalcantis profound sympathy for the plight of his characters is highlighted by Otto Hellers masterful, foreboding, black-and-white cinematography. The film was not popular with the critics. As Tony Williams notes in Structures of Desire, They Made Me a Fugitive evoked critical condemnation for images of an ugly postwar society many preferred to ignore.

Like certain American films from the 1940s (Force of Evil, Key Largo, Ruthless, Caught and others), Cavalcantis filmwith its hints of Brechts Three-Penny Opera and Dickens Oliver Twistseems to insist that the society emerging from the Great War for Democracy was spawning more than its share of money-hungry, fascistic thugs.

For Them That Trespass

Partially scripted by future director J. Lee Thompson (Cape Fear) and based on the novel by Ernest Raymond, Cavalcantis 1948 movie, For Them That Trespass is not as important a work as the previous two, but still strong and compelling.

With its title taken from the Lords Prayer, the film concerns a poor, working class man, Herbert Logan (Richard Todd), wrongly accused of murder. He spends 15 years in prison because an upper class writeran intellectual who descends into the slums to obtain life experiencewitnessed the crime, but refuses to help exonerate Herbert for fear of damaging his successful career as a playwright. It is an unrelentingly tense, but precise representation of societys sordid class divide.

In general, British wartime and postwar films have been undervalued. There is little critical interest in them aside from the films of David Lean, Carol Reed and Michael Powell-Emeric Pressburger. In fact, there is a treasure-trove here. They may lack the explosiveness of the very best American film noirs, but they often make up for that in intelligence and complexity.
Tuesday nights CNN debate on Obamacare between Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz was an exercise in cynicism and evasion.

The most notable feature of the event was the performance of Sanders. Where was the champion of the 99 percent who railed against the billionaire class during the Democratic primary contest? Where was the democratic socialist who called for a political revolution?

That Sanders was nowhere to be found. He was replaced by a more reasonable politician who is more than willing to work with the Trump administration and the Republicans to refashion the Affordable Care Act, keeping its good features and revising its problematic ones.

The fact that Sanders even agreed to debate Cruzan ultra-right Tea Party Republican who stands for a scorched-earth approach to health care and all other social programspoints to an effort to present him as a more mainstream politician and integrate him into the leadership of the Democratic Party. The hope is that popular illusions in Sanders that remain from his challenge to Hillary Clinton can be utilized to restore credibility to the Democrats following their electoral debacle. Sanders, who used his campaign to channel mass discontent behind Clinton, is himself fully onboard and highly conscious of his role.

There was nothing genuinely progressive in what Sanders had to propose for reforming the health care system or confronting the health insurance crisis faced by a majority of Americans. As for Cruz, he in turn insulted and patronized questioners from the audience, while dancing around issues as he spouted his pro-corporate, free-market agenda.

Sanders job was to allude to the excesses of the for-profit health care industry while offering only the vaguest palliatives as an alternative. After saying that if Obamas Affordable Care Act (ACA) is repealed, people with cancer, diabetes and other conditions will be charged more or denied coverage, he added, Thats the function of private insurance.

He failed to mention that Obamacare is based on and tailored to the interests of the private insurance companies. Its so-called individual mandate requires uninsured people to purchase coverage from for-profit insurers or pay a penalty. Sanders never questioned the ACAs reliance on the private market during the debate.

It was left to Cruz to point out that under the ACA, the profits of the 10 largest health insurers had doubled, to $15 billion. To which Sanders responded: I find myself in agreement with Ted. Hes right. The function of insurance companies is not to provide quality health care to all people. Its to make as much money as they possibly can.

Sanders immediately exposed the unseriousness of his rhetorical attacks on the insurance giants by appealing to the arch-reactionary Cruz to work together on a Medicare for All single-payer program.

The WSWS has analyzed in detail Sanders Medicare for All proposal. It has nothing in common with socialism or socialized medicine. Nowhere in his plan does Sanders propose to expropriate the multibillion-dollar health insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms and health care chains. He knows, moreover, that the health care industry will never voluntarily accept any restraints on its profits.

On the cost of health care, Cruz made the ludicrous claim that Americans pay more for health care than countries such as Canada and the UK with government-run health systems, which he falsely labeled socialized medicine, because, We get a lot more and a lot better health care. There is a mountain of factual evidence to the contrary, including a recent survey of adults in 11 advanced countries that placed the United States dead last in access to medical care and affordability.

Cruz also pointed to long wait times for procedures in other countries, which he described as rationing. He ignored the reality that in countries such as the UK, government funding for medical care is being cut at the same time the system is being increasingly privatized, leading to deteriorating care.

Sanders countered: We have enormous rationing in this country. When you have 28 million people who have no health insurance, thats rationing. As a solution, he suggested that a Medicare-care like public option be offered on all of the Obamacare insurance exchanges, which would provide real competition to the private sector. But, as he well knows, the political establishment, including the Democratic Party, has repeatedly rejected even the fig leaf of a public option.

The words working class left the lips of the Vermont Senator only once over the course of the hour-and-a-half event. He said of health care in the US: The way we do rationing is, if you are very rich, you can get the best health care in the world. I believe, right here in the United States. We should be proud of that.

But if you are working class, you are going to be having a very difficult time affording the outrageous cost of health care. He added: Every single year, tens of thousands of our fellow Americans die because they dont go to the doctor when they should, and people give as the reason: I didnt have any insurance or My deductible was so high. I couldnt go.

This is indeed the brutal reality of health care in 21st century America. But neither the Affordable Care Act, nor its repeal and replacement by the Republicans, with the collaboration of Sanders and the Democrats, is going to change this state of affairs.

On the contrary, what is coming is an all-out assault on the existing health care programs Medicaid and Medicare. Carol, a woman in the audience suffering from multiple sclerosis, asked Cruz: Senator Cruz, can you promise me that you and Republican leaders in Congress will have a replacement plan in place for people like me who depend on their Medicaid?

To which Cruz replied: Medicaid is a profoundly troubled program  we should have a system that allows as many people as possible to be on the private health insurance of your choice rather than Medicaid, because the Medicaid outcomes are not working and people are suffering.

In other words, good luck with your struggle with multiple sclerosis, but Medicaid should be junked and the private insurance market allowed to work its magic. Cruz got to the heart of his agenda later in the program, saying: I want a simple flat tax of 10 percent for everyone and to abolish the IRS. That ends the power of the lobbyists. It ends the power of Washington. Thats a solution that empowers the people.

Such a regressive tax would deepen the chasm between rich and poor and lead to the gutting of health care and other vital social programs.

Trumps secretary of Health and Human Services, Tom Price, favors block-granting of Medicaid and privatization of Medicare, the government insurance program for seniors and the disabled that covers some 55 million people.

The Democratic Party has vowed to work with Trump and his administration when they see common ground. In the realm of health care, that means maintaining the grip of the for-profit health care industry at the expense of the health and lives of the working class.

What Sanders offered up Tuesday night had nothing to do with socialism or fighting the for-profit health care industry. A genuine socialist solution to the health care crisis means nationalizing the giant insurers, drug companies and health chains, expropriating their wealth, and placing health care under the democratic control of a workers government.
The sixtieth anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which laid the foundations for the European Union, will be celebrated in Rome this March. This anniversary is reminiscent of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), which was celebrated with great pomp in East Berlin in October 1989. Only a few weeks later, the GDR collapsed. Likewise, the European Union is in the throes of a fatal crisis. All the tensions, conflicts and contradictions that the Treaty of Rome was supposed to have overcome are emerging once again.

The ferocious denunciation of the EU by US President Donald Trumphis threat of retaliatory tariffs, his suggestion that he might seek an alliance with Russia at the expense of Europe, and the close connections of his chief strategist Stephen Bannon to right-wing extremists in Europehas made it clear that the EU can no longer base itself on the support of the US, a fundamental prerequisite of its existence in the past.

In discussing the Iraq war in 2003, the WSWS explained that the post-war order was in fact, a departure from the historical norm. David North, chairman of the International Editorial Board of the WSWS, wrote that [t]he more basic tendency of American capitalism, rooted in its somewhat belated emergence as a major imperialist power, had been to augment its world position at the expense of Europe. This analysis has now been confirmed. Trumps stance on the European Union is only the most extreme expression of a development that has been underway for a long time.

Highlighting the deepening tensions, the White House has increasingly cast Germany as an economic adversary of the United States. Peter Navarro, the head of Donald Trumps National Trade Council, went so far as to effectively declare Germany a currency manipulator. He said the euro was grossly undervalued and was equivalent to an implicit Deutsche Mark, whose low valuation, as the Financial Times put it, gave Germany an advantage over its main trading partners.

Earlier this week, Jens Weidmann, the head of Germanys Bundesbank, shot back that German companies are above all competitive because they are excellently positioned in global markets and convince with innovative products.

Berlin has reacted to Washingtons threats through economic and military countermeasures, trying to unite Europe behind its own hegemonic aims.

German weekly Die Zeit published a report entitled Counterattack, which claims that the EU has begun to prepare for a trade war against the US. It plans to react to punitive tariffs from the Americans with retaliatory measures, and is seeking a free trade agreement with Mexico and several Asian states. Where the Americans shut themselves off, the Europeans should, instead, be open, it states.

Berlin is making use of the threats from Washington and the possibility of closer relations between the US and Russia to bring Europe under its own dominance. For some time, a discussion has been carried out in the German media that portrays Brexit and the election of Trump as opportunities rather than merely a danger.

This week, outgoing German President Joachim Gauck gave a speech on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty in which he said that [t]he time has come for European countries and in particular for Germany, which for many years took their lead from the United States, to become more self-confident and autonomous. He cynically insisted that it was necessary not to abandon the values on which the European project is based, and called for Europe to increase its defence capabilities.

Germanys attempt, seven decades after its defeat in the Second World War, to rise once again to dominance over Europe is exacerbating national tensions and providing political fodder for right-wing nationalist forces.

In most European countries, the ruling class is split on this question. In France, while the far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen is demanding Frances exit from the EU and is orienting to Trump and Putin, her possible opponent in the runoff election, Emmanuel Macron, is emphasizing a decidedly German- and EU-friendly course.

However, the fundamental cause of the crisis of the EU is not to be found in the election of President Trump. Even before the US election, the EU had already entered the deepest crisis in its entire history. Brexit, the Euro crisis, national debt, the refugee crisis, tensions between east and west and between north and south, and the rise of right-wing, chauvinist parties threatened to break it to pieces.

At the same time, explosive social tensions are developing beneath the surface. One out of ten people in Europe is officially unemployed, and one out of four is impoverished or socially marginalized. In the poorest countries in Eastern Europe, the average monthly wage is only 400. Even in the wealthier countries, millions of people work under precarious conditions on the edge of destitution.

The ruling class is responding to this crisis by militarizing, strengthening and arming the state apparatus, closing borders and imposing unending austerity. The European working class confronts two dangers, which are in fact two sides of the same coin. First, it is faced with the transformation of the EU from an economic union into a military union that is also arming itself to suppress internal social and political dissent. For example, France has been under a state of emergency for 15 months. Second, it is faced with the splintering of Europe into national states under right-wing authoritarian regimes. Both of these trajectories mean a decline into war and barbarism.

However, the worldwide crisis of capitalism, expressed most sharply in the rise of Trump and the crisis of the EU, also produces the objective prerequisites for an offensive of the working class, the only social force that can prevent a repetition of the catastrophes of the twentieth century.

The only progressive basis for European integration is the program of the United Socialist States of Europe. To wage a successful struggle against war, nationalism and social inequality, the working class needs an independent, revolutionary leadership, which opposes all representatives of the ruling class on the basis of a socialist perspective. This leadership is the International Committee of the Fourth International.
Several districts of Lima, Peru, have been inundated with water, mud and stones from the overflow of the Jauycoloro River, leaving 23 dead and thousands without homes. Heavy rains are continuing, and flooding may reach the district where the government center is located.

On February 1, the government declared a 60-day state of emergency in five departments: Tumbes, Piura and Lambayeque along the north coast and Loreto and Ucayali in the eastern Amazon basin.

By February 3, the mud slides and floods had destroyed 7,000 homes and ruined 400 kilometers of roads. Half a million people have been affected and as of last week, the cost was estimated at 120 million soles (US$36 million). This figure is rising each day.

Mudslides and floods are common across large portions of the heavily mountainous and wet country, yet the government has done practically nothing to protect poor and working class districts from the impact of these natural disasters. The impoverished people who have drowned in the floodwaters and who have been buried alive by mud are victims not only of natural disaster, but of the capitalist system.

Prime Minister Fernando Zavala replied to the disaster with a hollow apology: The government recognizes that the country was not prepared to confront the mudslides.

Cement block barriers constructed along the sides of the Jauycoloro River stood from half a meter to less than 2 meters tall. These heights, given the frequency of the river overflow (1998, 2012, 2015, and 2016) proved inadequate. This year alone, the Jauycoloro River swelled by more than 2 meters in some sectors. Zavala was aware of this information when he made his statement.

Years of wear from mudslides have cut paths from the tops of mountains into many of Limas poorer neighborhoods. As a result, mud, stones, and large boulders have been rolling down the hillsides into the poor neighborhoods, destroying the houses that stood in the way.

Poor and working class neighbors are the first to help those in distress, bringing sacks of sand and car tires to stop the rising waters. The government did not respond immediately, only later promising to deliver aid for reconstruction.

The main highways connecting Lima to the fruit, timber, coffee and minerals-rich central Andes and Amazon Region are covered with mud and stones, while many bridges, including the heavily used Ramilro Priale bridge, were destroyed by the floods. The government has promised to build a temporary bridge, but this will take about a week to complete.

Maps from the Peruvian institute of Geology, Mining, and Metallurgy (INGEMMET) show that several of the flooded areas were known to be prone to flooding. According to INGEMMET maps, the Rimac River area is one of the coast valleys most affected by natural disasters, particularly floods. Maps show Lima being unprepared for floods and landslides that are known to cause disastrous damage.

Those in the heavily indigenous rural provinces are also devastated by the recent floods and mudslides. In these provinces, the heavy Andean rains also caused extensive damage. In the northern departments of Tumbes, Piura, and Lambayeque, thousands of arable hectares have been destroyed. Lambayeque is one of the departments most damaged by the torrential rains. All streets of the province capital, Chiclayo, have been inundated. As a preventive measure, electric service was suspended. In Chosica, 30 kilometers east of Lima, four were dead and six disappeared with damage costs estimated at US$12 million. In Huancavelica, 60 percent of the department is affected. In Chincha, a mudslide blocked the Panamericana South Highway.

After several weeks of crop losses and a lack of drinking water, people are beginning to get sick. It is reported that high infection rates are spreading in rural Peru. The south of Ica alone has reported 28 cases of dengue, a disease propagated by mosquitos.

The crisis produced by the floods and mudslides reveal as fraudulent Perus claim to be a healthy economy with a high growth rate. This is now changing, with the rating agency Moodys revising its forecast Growth for Peru from 4.5 percent to 3.7 percent due to the effect of the Odebrecht corruption scandal involving the last four presidentsAlejandro Toledo, Alan Garcia, Ollanta Humala and current president, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (see: Top Peruvian politicians implicated in Brazils Lava Jato corruption scandal).

On January 17, seven miners died buried in a mudslide that flooded an informal mine running in violation of the non-enforced safety code. The owners are responsible for not taking precautions to close the entrance and exit to the mine when it was abandoned months before (see: Rescue attempts abandoned for seven buried Peruvian miners).

The mismanagement of the flood disaster comes as Kuczynski faces a growing crisis of legitimacy. After the mine disaster, last months protests over highway toll hikes, and the growing Odebrecht scandal, his poll numbers are falling. The latest poll by Datum gave Kuczynski a 41 percent approval, while his approval rating stood at 63 percent in November. This marks a drop of 22 percent in less than three months.
The family of two young children, aged five and seven, have won a discrimination case against Bedfordshire Councils Local Education Authorityfollowing the interrogation of their two young children at their school under the Prevent Duty.

The disturbing events confirm that the Prevent legislation, which is ostensibly aimed at countering the supposed threat of religious radicalisation, is centred on targeting the Muslim community and creating wider anti-Muslim sentiment.

The case was taken up by the human rights group Liberty, and revealed that the two siblings were isolated from other pupils and questioned by uniformed police officers for 90 minutes in March last year following a referral. The referral was a consequence of teachers duty under the Prevent counter-extremism strategy to monitor students deemed to be at risk of being drawn into terrorism.

The Bedfordshire school called police to question the two British Asian brothers about concerns they were at risk of radicalisation, after the older boy said they had been given toy guns as presents. Teachers also claimed the child had spoken Arabic and that one of the children had said that his father had taken him to a mosque.

Liberty said that neither of the boys, who come from a mixed Indian and Middle Eastern background, spoke Arabic nor had ever visited a mosque. Their father is a non-practising Muslim and their mother is a non-practising Hindu.

Following the incident, the boys mother said the children had become more guarded and reserved as a consequence of the incident and had both suffered nightmares. They have since moved schools.

According to the mothers account, when she went to pick the boys up from school she was told that the police had been called because of an incident and that she was not allowed to see her children until police had spoken to them.

The boys were isolated in the school library for 90 minutes before being questioned by police officers who decided there was no matter to pursue.

To this day, I cannot fathom why a teacher who has known my family for years would suspect terrorist activities based upon a plastic toy gun, the mother said.

Our only distinguishing feature is the colour of our skin. I was utterly humiliated by this experiencebut more importantly my sons were confused and terrified.

Bedfordshire Local Education Authority admitted breaching the boys rights to a private and family life, freedom of religion and freedom of expression, which are protected under the UKs Human Rights Act.

Last July, Rights Watch (UK) concluded that Prevent stifles free speech and should be abandoned in schools. Yasmine Ahmed, the director of the organisation, told the Middle East Eye that the case of the two brothers was as unsurprising as it is shocking and emblematic of the inherent structural flaws of Prevent.

A strategy based on a dangerously vague definition of extremism, and implemented by teachers who receive inadequate training and guidance but are anxious to be seen to be complying with the statutory duty, can only lead to these outcomes, said Ahmed.

The Prevent Strategy, costing 40 million was first introduced by the then-Labour government of Tony Blair, following the 2005 London terrorist bombings.

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition reviewed the Prevent Strategy in 2011.

In 2014, the Prevent Strategy led to the introduction of British values in the school curriculum. The inspection criteria of Ofsted the body that inspects English Schools and Local Education Authoritiesalso entrenches these values. This includes the promotion of British democracy and the rule of law, under conditions in which civil liberties and democratic rights are being eviscerated in a sustained offensive.

The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 added Prevent Duty to the responsibility of schools, colleges, universities and health care professionals.

Since July 2015, teachers have been legally obliged to report any suspected extremist behaviour to police. This has turned teachers into a spying agency for the authorities, with children as young as four being referred to police, leading to great unease among teachers.

Two reports in the past year have exposed the thoroughly undemocratic character of the legislation, as calls for its scrapping by both teaching and health professionals, as well as human rights organisations, have increased.

Following a nine-month examination of the programme, the Open Society Justice Initiative recommended a major government rethink, particularly on its use in the education and health systems.

The US-based NGO studied 17 cases in which individuals had apparently fallen foul of the Prevent programme, or had been referred to a sister programme, called Channel.

They included instances in which information was apparently gathered from Muslim primary school children without their parents consent; Prevent being used to bypass disciplinary processes during the attempted dismissal of a school dinner lady; a 17-year-old referred to the police by his college authorities because he had become more religious; and the cancellation of university conferences on Islamophobia.

The Justice Initiative report, Eroding Trust, says, The current Prevent strategy suffers from multiple, mutually reinforcing structural flaws, the foreseeable consequence of which is a serious risk of human rights violations.

These violations include, most obviously, violations of the right against discrimination, as well the right to freedom of expression, among other rights. Prevents structural flaws include the targeting of pre-criminality, non-violent extremism, and opposition to British values. This leads the government to interfere in everyday lawful discourse, the report says.

The report warns there is cause for serious concern about the treatment of children who come into contact with the Prevent programme, arguing that the best interests of the child are not always regarded as a primary consideration.

It notes that the statutory responsibility on public bodies to take steps to prevent radicalisationintroduced under the 2015 Counter-Terrorism and Security Actjeopardises health bodies responsibility of confidentiality to their patients.

Among the case studies in the report is that of a four-year-old who drew a picture of a cucumber while at nursery, and then told staff it was a cuker-bum. The staff, believing he was referring to something called a cooker bomb, told the childs mother that he was being referred to Channel, and might be taken away from her.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists produced a report in which it argued that Prevent was based on questionable science. The College demanded the Home Office be transparent about its Prevent policy and publish the evidence that underpins a key plank of itfor peer review and scientific scrutiny.

In a new Counter-terrorism and Psychiatry report, leading doctors warn that government 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 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. Some 8,000 referrals have been made thus far.

In response, the government announced that Prevent is to be toughened rather than scaled back. The Home Office confirmed that a secret Whitehall internal review of Prevent, ordered last year by Prime Minister Theresa May when she was home secretary, concludes that the programme should be strengthened, not undermined and has put forward 12 suggestions on how to reinforce it.

The author also recommends:

UK: Children referred for deradicalisation under anti-terrorist strategy [15 July 2016]

UK government counter-terrorism bill would criminalize speech, political activity [18 May 2015]
Ex-conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy has been ordered to stand trial for illegal financing of an electoral campaign in relation with his failed bid for reelection as French President in 2012.

The charges were brought based upon the investigation into the so-called Bygmalion scandal. In this scandal, the company of the same name, which had been hired to organize the Sarkozy campaigns public meetings, was found to have directly billed Sarkozys party, the UMP (now known as Les Republicans, LR), some 20 million in the last months of the campaign.

The billing started just after Sarkozys election campaign had reached and exceeded its legal limit of 22.5 million. By billing the UMP for imaginary meetings on different topics that were in reality election meetings for Sarkozys campaign, it was possible for his campaign to keep 20 million in spending off the Sarkozy campaigns accounts.

On Tuesday, Sarkozys lawyer, Thierry Herzog, initiated moves to quash the indictment, setting into motion legal proceedings that will last months, if not several years, over the charges.

The indictment of Sarkozy is part of the escalating wave of scandals and legal infighting engulfing LR during the campaign for the May 2017 French presidential elections. In November, Francois Fillon beat the two other leading LR candidatesSarkozy and ex-Prime Minister Alain Juppein the LR primaries, to become the LR candidate.

Three weeks ago, however, the satirical weekly, Le Canard Enchaine, dropped a bombshell, revealing that Fillon had employed his wife and children in no-show jobs. In particular, Fillons wife was officially employed for over a decade, grossing nearly one million euros. Fillons polling results have dropped from 35 percent to 22 percent, and he is under legal investigation that could result in an indictment for defrauding the French Parliament of the salaries that it paid.

Like Sarkozys case and the wave of other multimillion-euro corruption scandals involving LR, the case exposed the class gulf separating bourgeois politicians from the vast majority of the working population, which struggles to get by.

Currently, Fillon is trying to ride out the scandal, but his position is badly weakened: every day, when he is campaigning, he is confronted with hecklers and protesters. If his poll ratings remain at their current level, he will be eliminated in the first round. Furthermore, Fillon already has said that if he is indictedstill a distinct possibilityhe will withdraw from the presidential race.

With LR struggling to maintain its position in the election campaign, there have been rumors of desperate discussions behind closed doors among LR politicians to formulate a plan B. Alain Juppe, who came in second in the LR Primaries, has stated a number of times that he would refuse to step in for Fillon. The reason is almost certainly that Juppe has already been found guilty in 2003 of creating illegal no-show jobs at the Paris Town Hall when Jacques Chirac was mayor in the 1980s and 1990s.

With the threatened indictment against Sarkozy, another major LR figure and potential replacement for Fillon, should he drop out, is now in long-term legal jeopardy.

The fight over whether to bring the accusation to court could take from 4 to 14 months. The first appeal could take another 4 to 6 months. If the decision to indict is confirmed in this court, Herzog could appeal the ruling. The second appeal process would be heard in the Court of Cassation, which can take from 6 to 8 months. If the court also confirms the indictment, only then would Sarkozy be tried.

There can be little doubt that President Francois Hollandes administration is involved in the proceedings against Sarkozy. In a country where it is widely known that the judiciarys independence from the executive is tenuous at best, one can safely surmise that Hollandes Socialist Party (PS) is not unhappy that a leading LR politician and potential alternative to Fillon faces the prospect of a bruising court battle.

The case presented against Sarkozy by the judiciary is far from airtight, however. Only one of the three investigating judges, Serge Tournaire, signed Sarkozys indictment in a case in which thirteen people have already been indicted, including Bygmalion executives and LR leaders such as General Manager Eric Cesari and Assistant Campaign Manager Jerome Lavrilleux.

In his indictment, Tournaire admits that the investigation did not establish that Sarkozy ordered LR representatives to set up false accounts to hide the real campaign finances, or that he participated in it, or even that he was informed of the fraudulent maneuvers. Rather, Tournaire argues, Sarkozy benefited from the alleged criminal activities of other LR and Bygmalion officials. He therefore also bears legal responsibility, according to Tournaire.

The judges were divided over whether to send the affair to the courts. The two other judges investigating the case, Renaud Van Ruymbeke and Roger Le Loire, did not sign the indictment. Herzogs appeal, initiated on Tuesday, is based on the law stating that an indictment can be challenged if it is not signed by all the judges.

Herzog had said from the beginning that Sarkozy would immediately contest any indictment over his 2012 campaign finances. He added it was good news that the prosecutors office had recognized in writing that they had no evidence that Sarkozy consciously intended to overshoot his campaign-spending limit.

For LR, however, this crisis and the impact of a threatened indictment of Sarkozy go well beyond the 2017 elections.

The presidential elections are followed immediately by legislative elections and, in the past, the performance of their candidate in the presidential elections has had an enormous influence on the number of deputies that the party can get elected. Furthermore, the Bygmalion scandal has left the party in debt and will force it to take out further loans to finance the partys legislative campaign.
On Thursday morning, Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions was sworn in as attorney general, with President Donald Trump looking on approvingly, marking the ascendance of an avowed opponent of democratic rights to the office ostensibly tasked with protecting them.

The US Senate confirmed Sessions on Wednesday in a 52-47 vote, with Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia joining Republicans to see the nomination through.

After being sworn in, Sessions said he would direct his offices to end immigrant lawlessness, counter an increased threat from terrorism, and beat back an alleged growth of violent crime. He described the latter as a dangerous permanent trend, though data on violent crime demonstrates that it is at its lowest level in decades.

This is coded language for a major increase in US police powers to target the entire working class. Immediately after Sessions swearing-in ceremony, Trump signed three more executive orders directed at further increasing the role of police in US society. The first, Trump said, will break the back of the criminal cartels that have spread across our nation. The second creates a task force on violent crime in America. The third calls for the creation of a plan to stop  violence against police.

Sessions will have a major hand in executing these and the many other orders issued from the Trump White House. The attorney general heads the Department of Justice and is both the leading US law enforcement officer and the primary legal counsel to the US government.

These actions follow a speech by Trump before the Major Cities Police Chiefs Association on Wednesday, during which Trump denounced the courts for ruling against his anti-Muslim travel ban. Trump also told the assembled police chiefs that they have a true friend in the White House. Every year, police in the United States kill more than 1,000 people, many of them unarmed.

Sessions vacated Senate seat was taken Thursday by the attorney general of Alabama, Luther Strange, an appointment made by the states Republican governor, Robert Bentley. Two months ago, Strange intervened to block impeachment proceedings against Bentley. He then petitioned Bentley for Sessions senate seat. The air of corruption is thick, admitted another Alabama Republican politician, Ed Henry.

One of Sessions first tasks will be to defend Trumps ban on immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries ravaged by US imperialism, including Iraq and Syria. Trump last week fired acting attorney general Sally Yates for refusing to defend the travel ban, which breaks up families and blocks students from attending college and workers from taking jobs.

On Thursday night, a US district court upheld a lower-court ruling blocking Trumps order. Trump responded with a Tweet: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

As head of the Department of Justice, the US attorney general oversees a number of what are, in effect, national police agencies, among them the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Federal Bureau of Prisons; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. These agencies account for about 90,000 of the roughly 113,000 DOJ employees, and consume the lions share of its $27 billion budget.

In addition to these are offices that have occasionally been tasked with defending workers, minorities and the environment from federal law-breaking carried out by corporations and state governments. The best known of these is the DOJs Civil Rights Division.

There is considerable historical irony in Sessions elevation to head the agency assigned to protect civil rights, a fact he seemed to acknowledge at his swearing-in. Its something I never expected would happen in my life, he admitted.

Sessions is a longstanding advocate of so-called states rightsa historical euphemism for the right of southern state governments to trample the rights of oppressed sections of their populationfirst slaves, then sharecroppers, and now workers of all races. The Justice Department, meanwhile, has at times been tasked with defending the oppressed against such claims to states rights.

The Department of Justice was created in 1870, under President Ulysses S. Grant, with the express intent of protecting the civil rights of freed slaves and their white allies in the American South after the Civil War. Grant nominated as attorney general former Confederate officer Amos Akerman, who brought more than 3,000 indictments against members of the Ku Klux Klan within two years. Akermans removal later in the Grant administration contributed to the end of Reconstruction and the retrenchment of the old slaveholding oligarchy.

Nearly a century later, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, under the pressure of the mass civil rights movement, once again used the Justice Department to enforce federal civil rights legislation and Supreme Court rulings, against the violent opposition of the southern ruling class. In response, leading segregationist politicians, led by Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, abandoned the Democratic Party and went over to the Republican Party. The young Jefferson Beauregard Sessionswho lived in Selma and Montgomery at the time of the civil rights struggles therefollowed this exodus, joining the College Republicans at Huntington College around 1965.

Sessions represents a faction of the Southern ruling elite that has never reconciled itself to legal equality for African Americans. He used his career as US Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama from 1981 until 1994, in the words of the Coretta Scott King statement whose reading by Senator Elizabeth Warren was silenced by Senate Republicans, to chill the free exercise of the vote by black citizens. That record helped defeat Sessions nomination to US District Court by Ronald Reagan in 1986.

Sessions has not changed in the intervening years. As Alabama Attorney General (1994-1996) and then US senator (1996-2017) he established a reputation that has consistently placed him on the right of the Republican Party. He has invariably advocated for war and militarism, greater police powers, and the untrammeled prerogatives of corporations, and has opposed protections for basic democratic rights for workers, women, minorities, gays and lesbians, and, most vociferously, immigrants. It is this last category that appears to explain Sessions gravitation to Trumpthe Alabama senator was among the first national Republicans to endorse the real estate tycoon in his bid for the presidency.

If Sessions has not changed, his ascension to attorney general can only be seen as the outcome of the shift rightward of the entire American political establishment, which prefigures still deeper attacks on democratic rights.

Sessions will inherit an office that has long since abandoned any active defense of democratic rights. It is especially notable that the DOJ under Barack Obama failed to bring federal civil rights charges against a single killer cop in eight years, a span during which numerous such murders were captured on video. And Attorney General Eric Holder, who served under Obama from 2009 until 2015, left behind for Sessions the pseudo-legal rationale for the arrogation by the president of the right to assassinate anyone, anywhere, without judicial reviewa power that Donald Trump doubtless intends to exercise frequently.

The toolkit Holder leaves for Sessions also includes, as the WSWS previously noted, persecuting whistleblowers and journalists; targeting protesters and antiwar activists under antiterror laws; asserting unlimited executive powers; justifying government secrecy; deporting immigrants en masse; abetting the expansion of illegal domestic spying; slashing wages and benefits for workers; and infiltrating authoritarian and fascistic legal doctrines into American jurisprudence.

Like their opposition to Trumps pick for education secretary, Betsy DeVos, Democratic handwringing about Sessions is aimed at dressing up the Democrats as an actual opposition party. In fact, every Trump nominee so far presented has passed through Senate committees and chamber-wide votes, most of them with considerable Democratic support.

As for Warren, she did not defy the gag order imposed on her, and neither did any other Democratic senator. Instead, they immediately seized on invocation of Rule 19 by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to portray the Massachusetts senator as a principled opponent of Trumps policies.

She is no such thing. Repeatedly, Democratic senatorsWarren and Sen. Bernie Sanders includedhave stressed their readiness to work with the new administration on its central policy thrusteconomic nationalism. Their main line of attack on Trump has been from the rightdemanding a more warlike stance against Russia.
A recent book by retired Indian diplomat Shivashankar Menon reveals New Delhis backing for the Colombo government during the final stage of the war against separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Menon, a former foreign secretary and national security advisor to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was one of a handful of top officials involved in maintaining Indo-Sri Lanka ties during this period. He speaks for those sections of the Indian ruling class that advocate New Delhis alignment with Washingtons strategic interests in the region and economic and military encirclement of China.

Entitled Choices: Inside the making of Indias foreign policy, Menons book attempts to justify Indias policies regarding the US, China, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Menon was instrumental in cultivating these policies during the Indias sharp turn toward US imperialism following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the 199091 economic crisis. These developments, he writes, enabled India to break with domestic political and economic certainties.

Menons account of the Sri Lankan civil war in Chapter 4 of the book is related to the Indian elites turn to the US. Endorsing Washingtons pivot to Asia, New Delhi intervened in various South Asian countries to undermine Beijings influence in the region.

Entitled Force works: Sri Lanka Eliminates Tamil Tigers, 2009, Chapter 4 sheds light on Indias role in the 30-year civil war. New Delhi coldly calculated that large-scale civilian casualties were justifiable as long as they assured the elimination of the LTTE and kept Colombo under Indias sway.

In early 2009, the WSWS pointed out that India was encouraging and materially supporting the Sri Lankan governments renewed efforts to rout the LTTE in the islands North and East. The book confirms this, admitting that intelligence and interdiction by the Indian Navy starved the LTTE of supplies by the sea.

Menon fondly remembers unpublicised regular midnight flights to Colombo with the then Indian foreign minister and current Indian President Pranab Mukherjee for briefings and discussion with President Mahinda Rajapakse and his army commander Sarath Fonseka. These visits occurred during the first five months of 2009, that is, until the military annihilation of the LTTE on May 18.

Menon justifies New Delhis support for Colombos brutal escalation of the communal war, purely on the grounds of Indias regional interests. He points out that Rajapakse had garnered political and military support for the war from China, Pakistan and to an extent the US. If we stood aside, he writes, defending the killers of an Indian Prime Minister [Rajiv Gandhi] it would have amounted to abdicating a geopolitically strategic neighbour to other powers.

Gandhi, Indian prime minister from 1984 to 1989 and then in the opposition, was killed in Tamil Nadu by an LTTE suicide bomber in 1991. Gandhi intervened in the Sri Lankan war when Sri Lankan President J. R. Jayawardenes government suffered a series of military defeats at the hands of the LTTE and rural unrest in the south.

In July 1987, Gandhi signed the Indo-Lanka Accord, which provided limited powers to the Tamil elites in the North and East of Sri Lanka, and then sent the Indian army to disarm the LTTE. Gandhis assassination was revenge by the LTTE leadership.

Menon, with all the calculations of a ruthless strategist, refers to Sri Lanka as an aircraft carrier parked fourteen miles off the Indian coast. It was inevitable, he writes, that India had to keep Sri Lanka free of antagonistic outside influences and prevent the growth of Tamil separatism that could affect Tamil Nadu. In other words, the massive civilian casualties during the Sri Lankan war were acceptable, as long as the outcome politically benefitted India.

The book paints an entirely false picture of a speedy reconstruction of Sri Lankas North and East after the war. Attributing credit to Rajapakses regime, Menon declares: Sri Lanka can claim to have rehabilitated and restored normalcy much faster than other countries that endured shorter civil wars.

This is a gross lie. The North and East still remain effectively under military occupation. People live under grueling economic hardships, destroyed infrastructure and with no psycho-social support to recover from the traumas of war. Eight years since the war, most people in the Vanni district still live in make-shift houses.

Menons portrayal serves to justify Indian support for the Rajapakse regimes war and to suggest that the bloody eventstens of thousands Tamil civilians were killedhave produced positive outcomes. Menon contends that Sri Lanka failed to find lasting peace because of Rajapakses personal lack of political magnanimity towards the vanquished, which, he suggests, only became evident after the war.

However, after 2009, New Delhi, like Washington, became increasingly concerned about Rajapakses relations with China. In an attempt to pressure the Rajapakse government to distance itself from Beijing, the US sponsored a series of resolutions in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) calling for war crimes investigations.

When Rajapakse failed to respond, Washington moved a resolution in the UNHRC in March 2014 calling for an international investigation. This set the stage for the regime-change operation that culminated in the ousting of Rajapakse in the January 2015 presidential election. Maithripala Sirisena was installed with the help of then opposition leader and present Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

India tentatively supported some of Washingtons UNHRC resolutions, including that of March 2014. Its caution was on the grounds that more pressure could push Colombo closer to Beijing. Even though Rajapakse was much more compliant with Chinese demands, his brother and defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse was assuring India about the nature of the military relations with China, Menon writes. The defence secretary was more sensitive to Indias concerns. These assurances, Menon writes, were respected by the Rajapakses until May 2014.

Menons book does not explain why the situation changed in May 2014 for India. However, that month Rajapakse visited Beijing and for the second time voiced his support for Chinas Maritime Silk Road (MSR) initiative. He also invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Sri Lanka in September that year. The US and India were hostile to the MSR, saying it was part of Chinas military initiatives in the Indian Ocean.

In May 2014, the Congress-led Indian government was defeated. Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janatha Party (BJP)-led regime came to power and Ajit Doval became the new national security advisor. The new government backed the US initiated regime-change process in Sri Lanka.

Menons account shatters claims by the Sri Lankan Tamil elite, including the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), that New Delhi is concerned about the democratic rights of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka. Indias policies were always determined by the ruling elites regional and global geo-political interests. Likewise, Sri Lankas Tamil nationalist parties back Indian and US geo-political interests in order to secure their own privileges.

As the WSWS has warned, the installation of the pro-US Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government in Sri Lanka has not resolved any of the issues that led to the brutal 30-year civil war. Instead, Colombo is attempting to impose a police-state style grip over the working class and the oppressed population.

Menons account does not cover the period after the Sri Lankan regime-change in 2015. He cynically ends his account, however, by claiming: Sri Lanka today is a better place without the LTTE and the civil war and India contributed to making that outcome possible.
Sources said I-T probe into what is being described as one of the biggest Internet ponzi scam has revealed three crore rupees were transferred by a Ghaziabad company into one of Mittal's companies.

By Atir Khan: Income Tax probe into the Anubhav Mittal ponzi companies has revealed that his company was also into the business of making roads. His company had entered into an understanding for construction of roads in Uttarakhand. The department is now trying to find out whether the road was actually made or not.

Sources said I-T probe into what is being described as one of the biggest Internet ponzi scam has revealed three crore rupees were transferred by a Ghaziabad company into one of Mittal's companies. Further probe revealed that the money was received for construction of road in Roorkee.

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Investigations have also revealed that Mittal had transferred at least Rs 20 crore into the account of people personally known to him. Out of the Rs 20 crore, Rs five crore was transferred into his family members' accounts.

Also read: Noida Ponzi scam: Scamster delayed legal front after astrologer's advice

It is ironic since his family members had been claiming that Mittal led a very modest life. Officials say he had started withdrawing money from the accounts in 2016 when the number of his investors had increased.

What has baffled the I-T officials probing his five companies, including Ablaze Info Solution Private Ltd, is that Mittal did not maintain proper book of accounts for his companies, but was running business which ran into thousands of crore rupees.

When the officials running his companies were questioned, they revealed that they cannot say how much money came into the companies. They could also not disclose profit or loss made by the companies. Nor did they have any information about any outstanding loans of the companies.

Also read: Noida ponzi scam: Authorities ignored complaints for two years I-T officials said it is mandatory for a company to properly maintain book of accounts, if it fails to do so, then there are provisions for penalising the company. Presently, Anubhav Mittal is in custody of Noida STF, but Enforcement Directorate is also preparing to take them into its custody for interrogation for possible money laundering angle.

Agencies have also identified banks which maintained the suspect companies' accounts. It is being examined whether any bank officials were helping Mittal.

Sources said the number of complaints against Mittal have now increased manifold since several complaints were received from foreign investors who invested in his ponzi scheme with a hope of high returns.

Mittal had started registering his companies in 2010. At the time of his arrest in Noida, more than hundred employees were working with him in his Noida office.

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Europe

Strikes by German airport staff disrupt flights

Around 2,000 ground crew at four German airportsTegal and Schonefeld in Berlin, and at Stuttgart and Hamburgheld a strike on Wednesday morning. The members of the Verdi union taking part included flight crew, baggage handlers, drivers and cleaners. The strikes lasted about six hours and led to the disruption or cancellation of more than 100 flights.

They are seeking a pay rise of 1 an hour plus improved conditions and better promotion opportunities. Further pay talks are scheduled for today.

In a separate dispute, teachers, who are members of various unions, took part in strikes throughout Germany on February 1 and 2 in pursuit of a 6 percent pay increase.

UK Equality Commission staff continue dispute

Staff working for the UK governments Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) were due to strike Thursday as part of their ongoing campaign against cuts and compulsory redundancies.

The Public and Commercial Services union and Unite union members were set to picket at EHRC offices in Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham among others. A further four days of strikes have been set for the period up to mid-May.

Further strikes by teaching assistants in Derby

Teaching assistants (TAs) in Derby held a further three days of strikes this week and on Wednesday held a demonstration outside Derby Council headquarters.

The 1,250 TAs, who are members of the Unison union, have suffered pay cuts as their employer, Derby Council, which is Labour Party controlled, amended their pay to cover term time only. This has led to cuts in pay of up to 25 percent and many of the TAs have been forced to take second jobs to be able to get by.

Thames ferry strike suspended

The scheduled strike today by the 36 staff working on the Woolwich ferry service across the river Thames in East London has been suspended. The unions representing the ferry staff, Unite and GMB, suspended the action ahead of talks with the employer Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd, which were held Thursday.

The workers are protesting health and safety issues at the ferry service and allege the company encourages a bullying culture, with claims of sexual harassment made.

A series of one-day weekly strikes through mid-April are still scheduled.

Strike threat by Finnish aviation workers

Staff at Finnish travel groups TUI and Tjareborg, along with staff employed by Norwegian Airlines in Finland have threatened to strike in the run-up to the half-term holiday, due to begin February 20. The workers are demanding a wage increase.

TUI, Tjareborg and Norwegian Airlines in Finland employ aviation cabin crew, security staff and ground maintenance crew from aviation services company Airpro, which in turn is wholly owned by the Finnish state-owned Finavia.

The travel group staff are represented by the Pro trade union, while the aviation group employees are represented by the aviation workers union, IAU.

If an agreement is not reached by February 17, security staff and airport lounge staff would strike for several hours during the course of that day, while cabin crew staff would begin a 23-hour strike at midnight on February 19.

Protest by Georgian chemical employees broken up brutally

Police using brutal force broke up a protest by chemical workers at the Rustavi Azot fertilizer plant in Georgia at the end of last week.

The previous week 350 workers at the plant had been dismissed. A new manager at the plant, which faces economic problems, was appointed in January. In his attempt to address the financial problems, the manager illegally dismissed the 350 and attempted to force remaining employees to sign new contracts with worse terms.

During the protest, the dismissed workers, along with other trade unionists and supporters attempted to enter management offices at the plant to confront them over the dismissals. At this point police were called, who then broke up the protest. The protesters began to leave the plant but continued to be attacked.

Following the protest, a four-hour meeting between representatives of the dismissed workersinitiated by the Ministry of Labourfailed to resolve any issues and the dismissed staff vowed to keep up their protests.

The workers are members of the Trade Union of Metallurgy, Mining and Chemical Industry Workers of Georgia, which is affiliated to the IndustriALL Global Union.

Strike by Irish nurses and midwives looks increasingly likely

The 4,000 Irish nurses and midwives belonging to the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) are likely to vote in favour of industrial action in an upcoming ballot according to the union.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) already voted in December in favour of strikes, if talks between the unions and Irish Ministry of Health failed to make progress.

Talks have been taking place in which the unions want all nursing and midwife posts currently vacant to be filled. They demand nurses and midwives currently under training but graduating this year be offered posts. Another demand is that any posts left vacant because of maternity leave be filled in full immediately. To date, no progress on these demands has been announced.

Irish Tesco staff set to strike

Irish Tesco employees at nine stores are set to come out on indefinite strike on February 14. The Mandate union, which represents 10,000 Tesco employees, reported a 78 percent vote in favour of the action. Initially, nine stores will be hit, but with other stores being balloted, a further 15 could join in.

The strike is over Tesco forcing through changes to the terms and conditions of around 250 staff who had been working for the company in 1996, when changes were implemented for all newly-appointed staff. Tesco is now seeking to apply the terms and conditions to their long-serving staff.

Middle East

Strike by Egyptian textile workers

On Tuesday, nearly 3,000 women textile workers came out on strike at the Mahalla Textile and Weaving Company in El Mahalla El Kubra in the Nile delta. Their main demand is for a 10 percent increase in pay and enhanced benefits.

The company is one of the biggest cotton producers in the country, with around 30 plants employing a total of 60,000 staff.

Israeli airline flights disrupted by pilots action

Pilots working for the Israeli airline El Al are continuing to disrupt flights in an on-going dispute over senior pilots.

Under international regulations, pilots aged 65 or over are not allowed to pilot international flights, however the retirement age in Israel in 67.

The 40 pilots involved, who are aged between 65 and 67, have been sidelined into lesser roles, with a consequent two-thirds cut in pay. The disruption last Sunday led to the cancellation of five flights.

Tunisian construction workers announce hunger strike

Around 60,000 Tunisian construction workers were set to hold a mass hunger strike together with protests outside governors offices across the country on Thursday to protest the precarious nature of their employment.

According to Tunis Afrique Presse, the workers vowed to hold a national strike on March 9, with a mass demonstration outside the Kasbah Government Palace.

Africa

South African mining unions protest mining companies arbitrary action

Coal mining unions in South Africa have called a dispute and threatened to strike over national negotiations. The leading union in the coal industry, the National Union of Mineworkers, and a smaller union, Solidarity, are in dispute to maintain the nationwide industry agreement while a new bargaining structure is put in place.

The dispute arose at the opening of the annual wage negotiations. The Chamber of Mines, the coal mining companies negotiating body that includes international companies such as Glencore Operations SA and Anglo American Coal, told the unions that national bargaining will not continue, and future agreements will be carried out on a bilateral basis.

The unions are objecting to the arbitrary decision taken by the mining companies, under conditions in which talks between the two sides had agreed to move towards decentralisation. Unions claim the agreement was to take place only after they had reached a settlement and a new bargaining arrangement had been put in place.

South African academic staff return to work

Striking members of the National Education and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) at the University of South Africa have ended their strike. NEHAWUs weeklong strike, at the largest university in Africa, ended last week after the union agreed to a diminished wage claim.

Workers came out on strike demanding a 14 percent wage increase and improvements in housing allowances, and the implementation of a Labour Relations Agreement on temporary workers.

The union agreed to an 8 percent pay increase for lower paid staff and 5 percent for those on a higher salary. Their housing allowance was also increased by 8 percent and an unspecified deal reached on temporary workers.

Kenyan academic staff continue strike

A national strike at Kenyas universities and colleges now entering its third week is to continue. The strike was organised by the University Academics Staff Union (UASU), which is demanding the implementation of a 2013 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) due to come to an end this year.

The union wants to base a new CBA on the implemented 2013-17 agreement. The vice chancellors negotiating body, the Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum, has not responded to the unions demands. The Kenyan Education Ministry is considering abandoning the 2017 first semester due to the standoff.

Kenyan doctors continue dispute

Kenyan doctors are continuing their nine-week national strike as a new negotiating body is being put in place. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU) has agreed that the Confederation of Trade Unions (COTU) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) will take up their negotiations.

The doctors are striking over a 2013 collective bargaining agreement that has been constantly reneged on.

Clinical officers, who had previously been out on strike alongside the doctors, are threatening to re-join the strike today to protest broken promises that their demands would be resolved. They had been coerced back to work when their union accepted false promises.

Kenyan nurses are also renewing their strike after some health authorities failed to honour return-to-work agreements. They had returned to work two months ago after striking over their 2013 collective bargaining agreement.

Mozambique bus workers strike over loss of premium pay

Bus workers at the Mozambique municipal bus company, EPTPM went on strike on February 2 but returned to work February 4, after representatives of the workers trade union committee intervened.

They struck to oppose the companys arbitrary decision to remove premium payments for holidays. Grievances were also stoked up when unspecified deductions were made to their wages.

Negotiations are now in the hands of the trade union committee. Management said they were under instruction from the government to make savings in order to cut the company deficit.

Oil workers strike in Cote dIvoire

Cote dIvoire oil workers employed by Canadian Natural Resources at the Baobab and Espoir oil and gas field came out on a 72-hour strike on February 1 and then extended the walkout for another 72-hours as they sought to bring in workers from other sectors to support their protest. The stoppage resulted in a 33 percent reduction in the countrys production of gas.

According to reports, the SISPOO union called the strike over working conditions and to demand contract staff be incorporated into the permanent workforce.

The oil field produces between 40,000 and 50,000 barrels of oil per day and the countrys power plants are dependent on natural gas.

Industrial action by oil workers follows strikes by public sector workers and military personnel over unpaid wages and bonuses.
By Press Trust of India: Pune, Feb 10 (PTI) Two days after Zilla Parishad schools in Solapur district were asked to observe February 14 as a "gratitude day" towards parents and pay tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, the education officer who issued the circular scrapped it after realising the goof up on the date of hanging of the three freedom fighters.

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In the circular, Education Officer (Primary), Solapur Zilla Parishad, Tanaji Ghadge had directed all block education officers and administrative officers to organise a "gratitude day" in schools by inviting parents of students and asking students to express gratitude by performing aarti.

However, the circular didnt have any reference to the Valentines Day which falls on February 14, with Ghadge terming the timing a coincidence.

The circular stated that since Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged on February 14, schools should pay tribute to three martyrs and also asked teachers to appeal the parents to help schools monetarily for development.

However, city-based education researcher Kishor Darak has written a letter to Director of Primary Education seeking withdrawal of the circular, which he said is ignorant about history.

"It is a fact and there are substantive historical proofs that all three martyrs were hanged on March 23. Content in the circular shows that there is ignorance about history on administrative level.

"Followers of a godman, who is currently in jail for sexually assaulting a minor, have been observing Valentines Day as a gratitude day for parents. Asking schools to organise similar programme is an act of cultural terrorism," he said.

Darak criticised the order for asking teachers to raise donations from parents for development of schools.

Meanwhile, Ghadge told PTI they have withdrawn the circular and attributed the reference about the hanging of the trio to an "inadvertent typing error".

"The moment I came across the mistakes in the letter, I have scrapped and withdrawn the circular as it was wrongly mentioned in the letter that martyrs were hanged on February 14," he said. PTI SPK NSK BAS

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VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a Valdosta teen.

Eric Simmons was found guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony during a trial in Lowndes County on Wednesday.

Police say that Simmons shot Damaria Hill on August 16th, 2015 in Valdosta; Hill died in the hospital the following Monday.

Simmons was 18 at the time of the incident.

He faces life in prison plus 5 years for the possession of a firearm.
By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Feb 10 (PTI) Pakistan is fully committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said as a multi-nation naval exercise hosted by the country kicked off in the Arabian Sea today.

The five-day exercise codenamed Aman 17 began off the coast of Karachi with the participation of 37 countries. The major participants include the US, China and Russia, but India is not participating.

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Commander of the Pakistani fleet Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini inaugurated the exercise by hoisting the national flag at Karachi dockyard.

Nine platforms from nine countries arrived to participate in the naval exercise, according to a statement by the navy.

"Navies of 37 countries are participating in Aman 17, out of which 9 countries are participating with naval assets including Australia, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, UK, USA, Japan and Russia," the navy said.

Russias Severomorsk anti-war ship, Altay Tug Boat and Dubna tanker are part of the exercise and the participating units will rehearse various naval operations to enhance mutual understanding and regional stability, it said.

"Aim of this multi-national exercise is to display united resolve against terrorism and crimes in maritime domain," it said.

The exercise will also help in enhancing Pakistan Navys interoperability with regional and extra-regional navies thereby acting as a bridge between the regions, according to the statement.

Vice admiral Husaini said the exercise would help work against human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and terrorism in the region, Radio Pakistan reported.

Sharif extended a warm welcome to all participants. He said Pakistan, being a major stakeholder in maritime security of the Arabian Sea, is fully committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order.

He pointed out that maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean are both multi-dimensional and multi-faceted. Threats such as maritime terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy have acquired international dimensions, he said.

Aman-17 is the fifth such exercise that has taken place.

Pakistan has been holding the exercise every alternate year since 2007. PTI SH ABH AKJ ABH

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By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Feb 10 (PTI) At least four mortar shells fired by Iranian forces today landed across the border in Pakistans southwestern Balochistan province, officials here said.

The mortar shells hit Parom area of Panjgur district, senior district official Habibur Rehman said.

"The mortars were fired without any justification or provocation. So far we have not received any report about any human loss," Rehman said.

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Pakistan lodged a protest with the Iranian border chief over the border violation.

Security of the area was beefed up after the attack as additional troops were dispatched to Panjgur district.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre-long porous border with Iran and the two countries had in 2014 decided to boost intelligence coordination to wipe out terrorists from the border region, Dawn reported. PTI SH UZM

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The law is not an abstraction. There are real peoples lives impacted, said Attorney General Bob Ferguson, during a news conference welcoming a Somali immigrant who was blocked from entry last week due to the Presidents immigration ban Washington Governor Jay Inslee and Port of Seattle Commission President Tom Albro stand behind him. (Bettina Hansen/The Seattle Times)
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By Press Trust of India: By Rajan Sharma

New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) From Indias ganderi kebabs to Ethiopias mutton curry and lip-smacking Japanese Sushi, the best of world cuisine is being showcased at the "Palate Fest" here.

The three-day gastronomic extravaganza, which opened at the Nehru Park today, offers food lovers an irresistible line-up of countrys finest restaurants, chefs and musicians.

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With a fine blend of art and culture, the Ethiopian as well as Mexican Embassy are showcasing delectable meals keeping the focus on the street food from the countries.

The stall of the Ethiopian Embassy has a special set up displaying the traditional coffee ceremony at their stall.

"This is the first time we are participating in the fest. We wanted Ethiopia to be showcased since it needs to be promoted among people of India," says Sanjay Dhingra, Cultural Advisor at the Ethiopian Cultural Centre.

Street food from Mexico such as taquitos, tostadas, versions of quessadillas and water-based tamarind, guava and lemon drinks are being served at the Embassy of Mexico stall.

"We are mostly focusing on the street food. Mexico and India share a lot of similarities in their food as well as spices. It is really good that the food is being recognised at several places around the world including India," says Smriti, owner of the restaurant La Bodega.

With experimental Thai dishes, sausages and coconut ice cream, city-based hotel Radisson Blu Plaza has brought unique touch to traditional Thai cuisine.

"We are experimenting with Thai dishes by adding our chefs unique touch to Thai sausages and ice-cream. It has been specially created for the fest and is on trial basis. If we get positive response we will include it in our menu at the hotel," says Sumit Bansal from the hotel.

Non-vegetarian delicacies such as chicken skewers with peanut sauce and grilled pork sausages is attracting huge crowd at the hotels stall.

"Such fests are a good way to attract new customers. It has a lot to do with the visibility and for that matter we have kept our prices quite low," he added.

Visitors can also indulge in a range of delicacies from Taj Mahal Hotels international eatery Machan and Indian gourmet dining destination Varq.

The menu presented at the fest features a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes such as Chicken ganderi kebab, Nadru ke kebab with tomato chutney, Rawalpindi chole with Amritsari kulche followed by delectable desserts including Machans classic Bulls Eye.

"We wanted to create a fun atmosphere for people and let them have a good time at our stall. Most of the dishes offered here are part of our selected cuisine back in hotels restaurants. We especially want youngsters to come here and try our delicacies," says Megha, a representative from the hotel.

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The Kebab dishes at their stall come at an affordable price of Rs 350. (MORE) PTI RJS MAH SHD

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A week after International Holocaust Day, an annihilation enterprise was exposed just a few kilometers away from the State of Israel, and the world is silent again. Lets not delude ourselves. It happened, it is happening and it will happen again. All the never again talk is revealed as false declarations. Who cares?

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On Monday, Belgian parliament members sat down with Syrian President Bashar Assad, who operated the slaughterhouse near Damascus. He has nothing to worry about. Nothing will change. They will sit down with him again next week. Another delegation is on the way.

The Saydnaya prison, the Syrian 'slaughterhouse.' The morality people dont care because its about Arabs and Muslims murdering Arabs and Muslims (Photo: Amnesty International)

When there was a fear that he might massacre his people using chemical weapons, he received threats from the president of the worlds strongest power. That would be the red line, Barack Obama warned at the time. The red line was crossed. Obama settled for an agreement on the destruction of the chemical weapons, sponsored by Russia. It was already clear at the time that the agreement was not worth the paper it was written on. A few months went by, and chemical weapons were used again. Not a single response was registered in Washington. Because the world is silent.

The world has been silent for decades. It has been keeping silent since the Holocaust. The world was silent in Biafra. The world was silent in Rwanda. The world was silent and is silent in light of the genocide in Darfur. The world is silent in light of the fact that every year, in the past few years, global jihad murders about 25,000 people on average.

Its not the same thing. Because this time, near Damascus, its the closest thing to a death camp. Its not a suicide bomber. Its not a fanatic ideology. Its not religious insanity. Its not a war in which civilians are hurt too. This time its an annihilation enterprise operated by a secular government.

But Bashar is relaxed. He knows why. The centers of the progressive camp in Europe and the United States will keep quiet. The morality people dont care whether its jihadists massacring tens of thousands of innocent people or an Arab government launching a project to annihilate thousands of opponents. They dont care because its about Arabs and Muslims murdering Arabs and Muslims. So who cares?

The conscience should be left for another campaign against Israel, which is trying to defend itself against the jihad and the insanity. The mass protests must focus on the Palestinians. As anti-Israel philosopher Slavoj Zizek said, an absolute majority of the people of the Middle East and Africa would die to be in the Palestinians' place. A moment later, he went back to inciting against Israel.

Israel canand maybe even has to morallyset up a refugee camp near the border with Syria, to accommodate anyone who is in real mortal danger. Anyone who is incapable of escaping to Turkey or Jordan, and is in mortal danger, should be provided with a temporary shelter. And there is one more thing we must remember: Anything that the secular or jihadist regimes do to their people, they would do, with greater appetite, to the Jews as well. So we must be humane. Its a moral duty. At the same time, we must also be strong, very strong.
The arrests of Ramon Fonseca Mora and Jurgen Mossack came on Thursday hours after the Panamanian authorities accused them of being involved in the 'Lava Jato' corruption case in Brazil.

By Indo-Asian News Service: The two main partners of Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian law firm at the centre of the so-called 'Panama papers' scandal, have been arrested, a media report on Friday said.

The arrests of Ramon Fonseca Mora and Jurgen Mossack came on Thursday hours after the Panamanian authorities accused them of being involved in the 'Lava Jato' corruption case in Brazil, Efe news reported.

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Fonseca, a former aide of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, and Mossack, were transferred from the Public Prosecutor's Office headquarters to police custody here, defence lawyer Elias Solano said.

HERE ARE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS SO FAR Defence lawyer Elias Solano told reporters outside the Department of Judicial Investigation that his clients would spend the night there. However, he pointed out that there were no precautionary measures applied as the legal procedure was still ongoing. The firm, which specialises in setting up offshore companies, acted as a criminal organisation dedicated to hiding assets and money of dubious origins within the 'Lava Jato' (Car Wash) case, according to an investigation, Attorney General Kenia Porcell said. The law firm instructed its "person in charge" in Brazil to "hide documents and eliminate evidence" and to facilitate the transfer of the bribe money to Panama "washed or laundered", Porcell added. He said the charges against the two were the result of a year-long investigation conducted in collaboration with prosecutors in other countries, including Brazil, Switzerland and the US. The offices of Mossack Fonseca that also faces probe related to the so-called Panama Papers, were raided on Thursday shortly before the two main partners appeared at the Prosecutor's Office. Meanwhile, Fonseca has accused former President Varela of receiving "donations" during the 2014 election campaign from Brazilian multinational company Odebrecht, involved in a transnational mega-scandal of bribes. Fonseca Mora also accused the Prosecutor's Office of being arbitrary and of using him as a "scapegoat" to delay the probe. The Lava Jato investigation has been looking into a massive scandal involving Brazil's state oil company Petrobras and dozens of businessmen and politicians. The Panama Papers are an unprecedented leak of 11.5 million files from the database of the world's fourth biggest offshore law firm, Mossack Fonseca. The records were obtained from an anonymous source by the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, which shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

Also read: ED established money trail of Rs 200 crore in IRF, probes Zakir Naik's Panama link

Also watch: 500 Indians including Amitabh Bacchhan named in Panama Papers

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Former head of the Shin Bet, Yuval Diskin, was allegedly aware that Volkswagen had forged the pollutant emissions test results before it blew up into the Dieselgate scandal, according to the German website WirtschaftsWoche.

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According to the report, Diskin and the former Israeli Ambassador to Germany Avi Primor, had secretly met with Ferdinand Piech, Volkswagens then chairman of the supervisory board, in February 2015. Diskin allegedly wanted to sell security products to Volkswagen.

BND website stated that the German Intelligence Agency estimated that the American Intelligence Agency may have leaked the Dieselgate information to Israel's Intelligence Agency.

Yuval Diskin (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

In an interview to WirtschaftsWoche, Primor confirmed having conducted such a meeting. "I'm a friend of Diskin, and I did him a favor," he said and added that they "had met with several German companies," not only Volkswagen.

Primor claimed he wasn't involved in any of the business dealings, and that he was just the middleman.

According to the Bild, a German tabloid, the classified information on Dieselgate was given to Primor by "an Israeli security company," yet he continues to assert he had no preliminary information on the subject.

In 2016, Volkswagen founded CyMotive Technologies in collaboration with Diskin, and two other former Shin Bet senior officials. The company's headquarters is located in Herzliya.

Volkswagen (Photo: EPA)

Diskin's representatives have stated that "Yuval Diskin had nothing to do, even in the slightest, with the Dieselgate scandal. Diskin and his partners first found out about the case when it was exposed in the media."

Speaking to Calcalist, Primor said in response that "this is utter nonsense. I keep denying it to the German press. There was never such a meeting and I am unfamiliar with such a document."

He added that he would regularly meet with Piech because "Volkswagen provide half of the funding for Tel Aviv University's European studies program and it has nothing to do with the Volkswagen story. It is a very expensive project since other universities like Al-Quds and universities in Germany and Jordan are participating as well."
A woman was killed and three other people were lightly injured in an apartment fire in the northern Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina.

Firefighters and MDA teams extricated the body of the deceased from the apartment, and prounounced her dead.

The teams continue to provide medical care to the injured. Four fire fighting teams are working on site.
The IDF announced Friday morning that its forces entered the home overnight Thursday of the Palestinian terrorist who carried out a shooting and stabbing attack on Thursday afternoon in Petah Tikva near the city's crowded market.

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Members of the terrorist's family, along with others, were questioned by the security forces who also confiscated entry permits into Israel from the family.

IDF forces enter terrorist's home (:  ")

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Five people sustained light or moderate injuries while others were treated for shock when the shooter, a 19-year-old from the Nablus area, opened fire on HaBaron Hirsch Street before fleeing the scene.

He was captured shortly after being pursued by civilians, who neutralized him using a sewing machine. He was then arrested by police and taken to the hospital in moderate condition for treatment.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

In a separate overnight operation, the IDF, together with the Shin Bet, Israel Border Police and Judea and Samaria Local Police conducted a sweep resulting in the arrest of ten people suspected of involvement in terror and and nationalistic activities, disruption of public order, and violence against civilians and security personnel.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

In addition, forces set out on a mission against the illegal aliens infrastructure in which six were arrested on suspicion of systematic transfer of illegal aliens from the West Bank to Israel proper.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

During one of the operations, the soldiers and police found and confiscated a Carlo sub-machine gun belonging to what they said were Hamas activists from Surif.

Carlo bub-machine gun captured (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

The IDF Spokespersons Unit also issued a statement about an attempt to illegally cross the security barrier on Thursday which was thwarted when the incident was spotted by a military observation post.

Yesterday evening  a vehicle containing an M16 machine gun and ammunition was prevented from crossing the border fence. The gun was found inside the vehicle when...the suspicious vehicle attempted to illegally cross the security fence, which was was stopped from doing so by IDF forces that were quickly called to the scene.

Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Military observation point spots the vehicle (:  ")

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Military officials said that the gun was likely intended to carry out an attack in Israel.

Furthermore, during a weapons search throughout refugee camps, the IDF also found Molotov Cocktails and a large number of handgun bullets.
France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said in an interview to France2 Channel on Thursday that if elected, French citizens will not be able to hold onto dual citizenship of a country that is not in the European Union.

When asked regarding French Jews with dual Israeli and French citizenships, Le Pen replied that since Israel is not a member of the EU, its citizens will have to give up their Israeli citizenship.
The Ministry of Defense has begun undertaking efforts to reveal information to the Palestinian people which is otherwise concealed by their leadership in Ramallah and Gaza by launching a new Arabic website.

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The website would not only be useful to Palestinians for tasks such as downloading work permit forms, etc, but it will also facilitate the communication of Israel's message directly to the people.

Eshtewi (R) and Sinwar

This new online platform would be joining other similar sites in Arabic, such as Twitter and Facebook, used for similar purposes.

The site created on the orders of Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Maj. Gen. Yoav (Poli) Mordechai, with the ultimate goal of exposing Palestinians to events and matters hidden by their leadership.

Part of the site's projects will consist of the uploading by the COGAT unit of in-depth articles on the various events taking place in the Palestinian arena.

These articles will predominantly be intended to discredit Hamas in Gaza, their actions and general conduct.

One of the articles entitled The First Strike, for example, deals with the execution of Mahmoud Eshtewi, the Zeitoun battalion commander in Hamas' military wing, a year ago.

He was executed by a senior official of the terror organization Yahya Sinwar, who became known as Hamas' Defense Minister in the Gaza Strip.

After Eshtewi was arrested and accused of moral turpitude and corruption, the organization made sure to leak information regarding his sexual orientation, accompanied by other rumors that he was a Shin Bet double agent, and that he was the man who had revealed the location of the head of Hamas' military wing, Mohammad Deif during Operation Protective Edge.

The new website

Eshtewi's family attempted to start a wave of protests against Hamas leadership but their efforts were quashed by the apparently forceful.

The website claimed that the real reason behind Eshtewi's execution was his harsh critique of Sinwar's people in the Hamas' military wing to the leaders of the terror organization, with whom he was directly connected at the time.

According to the article The First Strike however, Sinwar was afraid Eshtewi might gain power at his expense and decided to have him executed any way possible.

The fact that the website chose this particular event as its top story (to damage Sinwar's position in the terror organization) attests to Israel's underlying intention to expose incriminating and embarrassing information about the Hamas leadership to the Gaza population in order to possibly foment some form of protest.
French far-right leader, Marine Le Pen announced Thursday that her immigration plan would include a demand that Israeli citizenship be forfeited by French Jews who possess it.

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The announcement came as the Front National party leader spelled out her proposed tough positions on the matter, which would also require people give up dual citizenship if they possess a second passport from any country outside the European Union.

Speaking to France 2 TV, Le Pen was responded forthrightly when asked whether such a policy would be extended to French Jews in possession of an Israeli passport.

Marine Le Pen (Photo: AP)

Israel is not a European country and doesnt consider itself as such, she said before stating that failure to forfeit an Israeli passport would not result in citizens expulsion.

Excuse me, but yes, (I would ask that of) them and others (persons with non-European citizenship). Im asking the Israelis to choose their nationality. It doesnt mean that if they dont choose French nationality, they have to leave, she said in appeared to be a potential contradiction.

Commenting on what she described as the problem of lack of assimilation on the part of immigrant and, Le Pen then underlined how she believed Jews differ.

France can certainly accommodate foreign people on its soil long-term, those with foreign citizenship as long as they respect French laws and French values, which is often a problem on the immigration issue. Its not really a problem with Israel on this topic.

But Israel was not the only country outside the EU that Le Pen had on her list of undesirables.

Indeed, while adding that dual citizens of the EU and of Russia, which she said is part of she termed the "Europe of nations," will be exempted, she insisted that the ban will also apply to citizens of the US and North African countries.
In response to the ultra-Orthodox protests on Thursday, the Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan said that "the pictures in which a soldier is seen being brutally attacked by dozens of Haredim are appalling."

"The circumstances that led the soldier to spray protesters with pepper spray should also be examined, however, there is no excuse for the extreme violence. I instructed police to do everything in their power to bring the outlaws to justice; their place is behind bars. Anyone who hurts our soldiers must pay a hefty price," he continued.
Palestinian media outlets have reported that security forces searched the home of the terrorist, who had executed the terror attack on Thursday in Petah Tikva, and arrested his father.

In the early morning hours, two of the terrorist's friends were arrested, as well as another person, who was suspected of driving him into Israel.

The IDF stated Friday morning that the terrorist's family had their Israeli work permits revoked.
Demonstrators in Tehran commemorated the 38th anniversary of the Islamic revolution with mass marches all over the country Friday, chanting traditional slogans against the US and Israel.

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Among other places, demonstrators marched toward Azadi Square, where President Hassan Rouhani addressed the crowd, delivering an underlining message to President Trump without actually referencing him by name.

Burning and stompting on Israeli and American flags

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"Anyone who speaks the language of threat to this nation, the Iranian nation will make him regret" it, he said, without elaborating. "This presence (of demonstrators) is a response to wrong comments by new leaders in the White House, and they announce with their presence to the world that they should talk with respect and not use threatening language to the Iranian nation."

In downtown Tehran, thousands of people crowded the streets; some were carrying the Iranian flag, while others were seen trampling American flags with the visages of President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Some people threw balls and darts targeting pictures of Trump and Netanyahu.



A young Iranian said in an interview to Iranian TV that "America and Trump can't do anything. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for our leader Khamenei."

The rallies commemorate February 11, 1979, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the US-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi.

Trump effigy hanging by the neck

Despite the pictures, some claim that the bouts of hatred toward Trump's administration have yet to completely take over the demonstrations.

A New York Times reporter even uploaded a picture of a protester waving a banner with the surprising caption: "Americans are welcome to visit Tehran."

There were other posters distributed in English that read: "Thanks to American people for supporting Muslims."

At the same time, many Iranians used the hashtag #LoveBeyondGFlags on social media in the hopes of bringing the practice of burning flags during celebrations to a stop.

The rallies come at a time when new US President Donald Trump has already engaged in a war of words with Iran's leadership and put Tehran "on notice" over a recent ballistic missile test.
DAMASCUSSyria's President Bashar Assad said in an interview that there are "definitely" terrorists among the millions of Syrians seeking refuge in the West.

"You don't need a significant number to commit atrocities," he claimed on Friday.

Assad considers all armed opposition in the war that has beset Syria since 2011 as "terrorists."

Assad wouldn't comment on whether US President Donald Trump was justified in issuing a ban on seven Muslim countries, including Syria. He calls it an "American sovereignty" issue.

His priority, Assad says, is to "bring those citizens to their country, not to help them emigrate."
Madhusudanan, claimed that he had sacked Sasikala before she expelled her from the AIADMK. Madhusudhanan, who is considered No 2 in AIADMK, switched sides on Thursday on join the rebel O Panneerselvam camp.

By India Today Web Desk: The AIADMK feud just refuses to end and now there's a new twist to the drama. Party presidium chairman E Madhusudanan, who was earlier in the day expelled by VK Sasikala, hit back at the general secretary in the evening.

Madhusudanan, claimed that he had sacked Sasikala before she expelled him from the AIADMK. Madhusudanan, who is considered No 2 in AIADMK, switched sides on Thursday to join the rebel O Panneerselvam camp.

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Madhusudanan also wrote to the Election Commission not to recognise Sasikala as AIADMK general secretary.

SASIKALA SACKS MADHUSUDANAN

Earlier, sending a strong message to her detractors, Sasikala sacked Madhusudanan from the primary membership of the party, a day after he switched over to the rebel camp led by caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, and appointed former minister K A Sengottaiyan in his place.

Sasikala urged the party workers not to have any truck with Madhusudanan and said they should extend their cooperation to Sengottaiyan. Sasikala had removed Panneerselvam from the treasurer post immediately after his revolt, but he has maintained that being a temporary general secretary, she does not have the powers to appoint or remove party functionaries.

Insisting that he continues to be the treasurer, Panneerselvam has written to banks not to allow anybody else to operate the party accounts without his consent.

Sasikala had appointed another senior leader Dindigul C Srinivasan as the treasurer.

ALSO READ:

Politics to join Rajinikanth?! Tamil superstar may launch own party; don't do it, says friend Amitabh Bachchan

Panneerselvam vs Sasikala: 4 jolts AIADMK General Secretary suffered in the last 24 hours

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The IDF have launched an investigation into a violent episode captured on camera on Thursday night in which a soldier was recorded using pepper spray against ultra-Orthodox protesters in Bnei Brak, either before or after being physically attacked by a crowd of angry Haredim.

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In response to the protests and viewing the footage, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan cindemned the attack on the soldier. "The pictures in which a soldier is seen being brutally attacked by dozens of Haredim are appalling. This form of bullying must be uprooted," he said.

Soldier filmed spraying on the protesters

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While stating that "the circumstances that led the soldier to spray protesters with pepper spray should also be examined," Errdan added that "there is, however, no justification for the extreme violence that we saw."

Erdan said he had instructed police to do everything in their power to "bring the outlaws to justice; their place is behind bars. Anyone who hurts our soldiers must pay a hefty price," he continued. Anyone hurting soldiers, our guardians, must pay the highest price," he declared.

The attacked soldier (Photo: Azriel Moshe)

He also said he expected the leaders of the ultra-Orthodox community to condemn such acts that "do not represent the Haredi public and are damaging to its reputation."

The Bnei Brak protest on Thursday was just one amongst many others that have recently taken place all over the country.

The demonstrators were protesting against the imprisonment of an ultra-Orthodox soldier who deserted from the IDF and was incarcerated in a military prison.

The protest in Bnei Brak

Thirty-one protesters were arrested on Thursday night alone, while Tuesday's demonstrations, which quickly descended into riots, concluded with 67 in handcuffs and three slightly wounded police officers.

Thursday's protesters blocked Bar Ilan junction in Jerusalem, while throwing rocks and stun grenades toward police forces. At the same time, protesters barged onto highway 1 near Latrun interchange blocking the exit to Tel Aviv for about an hour.

Police took preventative measures prior to the protest by stationing SWAT police officers at main junctions in Bnei Brak and on Route 4 near the Geha interchange.

They were joined by dozens of other officers, including mounted police and undercover detectives.

Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg

In the late hours of the night, when the leaders of the fight from the radical Jerusalem faction of the Lithuanian Orthodox sect realized their attempts to release the deserter had failed, they announced a renewal of the protestspledging more gusto than before.

Under the order of the leader of the branch, Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach, the protest leaders announced their intention of blocking roads in at least eight central locations on Friday afternoon.

Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg

A recorded message distributed amongst the branch followers said that "a great wrong has been done in Israel! Following the utter nerve of the military authorities to continue detaining the Torah scholar behind bars, and under our great leader's clear and determined decree, we shall protest so that the people of Israel are not made extinct."

The Lithuanian-Jerusalem branch is a relatively small current in ultra-Orthodox society. The main streams of Haredim and their leaders are against the protest.

Nonetheless, the ultra-Orthodox Rabbis and politicians have avoided issuing public condemnations of the incitement and attacks,

fearing how it could be interpreted or deliberately misconstrued by their opponents.
An Israeli newspaper is quoting President Donald Trump as saying that settlement expansion in land claimed by the Palestinians does not benefit peace.

The remarks came in a Trump interview with Yisrael Hayom, a pro-Benjamin Netanyahu paper, just days before the Israeli prime minister is to visit the White House.

Trump is quoted as saying that he is not a person who believes that proceeding with settlements is good for peace.
MK Basel Ghattas (Joint List)who was indicted at the beginning of January for smuggling cellphones and other objects , including encrypted message to Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli jailsis set to be given a hearing next Tuesday before Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, during which his defense team is expected to try and reach a compromise deal designed to soften his indictment on condition that he resign as an MK

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Shortly before his hearing, which is scheduled to take place next Tuesday, Ghattas recruited into his defense team Avigdor Feldman, a well established and experienced lawyer in representing defendants indicted for criminal security violations.

MK Basel Ghattas in court (Photo: Yair Sagi)

Feldman, who will represent his client alongside his lawyers who have defended him hitherto, will seek to convince Mandelblit to lighten Ghattas's indictment and remove various clauses from it, proffering the main line of defense that he did not know what the envelopes that he smuggled into the prisons contained.

Several MKs from the Joint List have expressed their preference to bypass the potentially ignominious dismissal process, choosing instead that the saga be brought to a swift end by way of the proposal.

If the compromise is approved, Ghattass voluntarily resignation will circumvent the need for impeachment measures being taken against him in return for Mandleblits blessing to mitigate the indictment and remove some of its harsher content.

The communications equipment Ghattas tried to smuggle into prison.

While Mandelblit is the final arbiter in the matter, he has yet to comment on the proposal. Nevertheless, legal officials in the Knesset have confirmed that the compromise could well receive his consent.

So far, the coalition government has failed to garner the required number of parliamentary signatures to begin the process of dismissing Ghattas as an MK.

Meanwhile, despite the fact that he has not stepped foot inside the Knesset since the scandal surfaced, he continues to enjoy conditions accorded to MKs, including a handsome monthly salary of NIS 42,000, three helpers and a car.

Many in the Knesset fear the precedent that could be set by triggering the dismissal law, accounting for one of the central reasons that Ghattass resignation represents a preferable option.
Two months after fighting the blazing flames in the Haifa fires, five firefighters returned to the Romema neighborhood, this time, accompanied by their children, to plant new trees in place of those consumed by the fire.

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"During the fire, I was right on this hill," recalled Sgt. Rod Fox, 36, holding onto his 3-year-old son Asaf's hand. "We were protecting those adjacent buildings. Unfortunately, one of them caught fire, but we managed to save the others. Coming back here today with my son means closure for me."

Only two and a half months ago, dozens of firefighters risked their lives in an effort to control the major fires blazing across Haifa, trying to prevent it from spreading to the residences.

The firefighters and their children

Thursday, five of those brave firemen made their way back to the Romema neighborhood, along with their children, to start over with a clean slate and partake in the land's rehabilitation.

Capt. Uri Ciobotaru, 44, planted a tree with his son Lior, 8, a third grader. "The occasion is beset with symbolism; to think that on the same hill where a few weeks ago firefighters valiantly fought to protect a series of houses are now taking part in the rehabilitation of the area, proving that life is stronger than everything," said Ciobotaru.

"For me, there is an added value of coming here with my kid, who saw and experienced, from his childlike perspective of course, the sights of the fire, and give a hand to the rehabilitation efforts."

Lt. Ronen Atias, 42, was on the receiving end of a loving hug from his daughter Yuval, 11, a sixth grader. "During the fire, I knew where my daddy was and I was worried about him," said Yuval, "But as much as I was worried, I also knew I could count on him to take care of himself."

Charred trees in Romema neighborhood following the November fire

Ronen stood listening to his daughter's words with a content and proud look on his face. "I'm happy to be back here with Yuval. It's fun to see that everything was renewed and that trees are being planted," he explained.

Next to the Atias family stood Sgt. Maj. Gal Pearl, 35, and his 4.5-year-old daughter Renee. "We were among the first teams to arrive on site," recalled Sgt. Maj. Pearl. "In the midst of the events, we couldn't possibly fathom the notion of coming back here a mere two months later... This is an important landmark for me and other firefighters."

Sgt. Maj. Dudu Eliyahu was accompanied by both of his daughters: 5-year-old Orian and 8-year-old Yuval. The father, who has been working as a firefighter for the past 13 years, said that "back then, everything was in flames and charred, and now, everything is being rehabilitated. I would never have believed that I'd be standing here so soon after the fire, planting a tree with my daughters."

The oak trees planted by the firefighters and their children were donated by the Haifa municipality. Mayor Yona Yahav promised that in place of the 28,000 trees consumed by the flames, they will plant 100,000 new trees in the coming year. "We will bring the green back to the city," he said.
A young Palestinian author is stranded in Qatar after Palestinian authorities in the West Bank confiscated all copies of his latest novel and issued an arrest warrant for himaccusing him of including "sexual terms" in a provocative work that takes aim at taboo issues such as fanaticism, religious extremism and homosexuality.

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The crackdown on 29-year-old Abbad Yahya has set off a wide public debate between the Palestinian society's large conservative segment and the small liberal minority.

Palestinian author Abbad Yahya (Photo: AP)

In a telephone interview, Yahya told The Associated Press that he was visiting Doha when he learned of the ban and the arrest warrant, published by the official governmental news agency. He said he is now stuck in the Qatari capital, fearing he would be arrested as soon as he returns home.

"I don't know what to do. If I go back, I will be arrested, and if I stay here, I can't stay far from my home and family," he said.

The novel, "Crime in Ramallah," tracks the lives of three young Palestinian men who meet in the city, which serves as the headquarters of the Palestinian government that rules in autonomous enclaves of the West Bank. The youths work together in a bar, where the murder of a young woman takes place.

One of the three, a gay youth, is arrested and interrogated about the crime. Although he is cleared of any charges, the officers realize he is gay and they beat and humiliate him. He ends up moving to France, looking for a society that accepts him.

The second man faces huge outrage from members of his conservative family after they learn that he works in a bar that serves alcohol, which is banned by Islam. Later in the book, he turns into a religious extremist.

The third man is the boyfriend of the murdered woman. He is haunted by the killing, which he witnessed while remaining paralyzed, unsure whether he should chase the killer or try to save his dying girlfriend.

Unable to stand the torment any longer, he ends up killing himself. The scene is meant to symbolize the Palestinian national movement, which has failed to rescue the nation or deliver independence.

"Crime in Ramallah"

"Like all societies in the region, our society is seeing the growth of fanaticism and extremism and is reproducing social conservativism," Yahya said. "These trends appear in the society in a mixture of religious and national slogans."

The novel makes fun of Palestinian leaders and portrays them as losers. It also includes some graphic sexual language that many see as unacceptable in this conservative society.

The criticism of the novel and its author has been widespread, even among his colleagues.

Yahya "went too far in crossing the red lines of Palestinian society," said literature professor Adel Osta. "The novel presented a bad image of the Palestinian Authority, and it uses unfamiliar sexual words which drove the Palestinian Authority to ban it."

The head of the Palestinian Writers Union, Murad Sudani, harshly criticized the writer, saying he wrote a "silly novel that violates the national and religious values of the society in order to appease the West and win prizes."

"The job of the writer in our occupied country is to raise the hope and enlighten people, not to break the national and religious symbols," Sudani added. "My freedom as a writer ends when the freedom of the country begins."

Abbad Yahya (Photo: WIKIMEDIA)

Yahya said that since the warrant was issued, critics have started to threaten to harm him and his family. "I don't know what else they are going to do," he said.

Ghassan Khader, a Palestinian Facebook user, wrote on his page that Yahya "should be killed or arrested or deported."

Another Facebook user, Hussein Mihyar, wrote on the page of the attorney general to praise the ban. "This novel serves the Israeli occupation and destroys our young generation," Mihyar said.

The internationally backed Palestinian Authority has tightened its grip in the West Bank since losing control of the Gaza Strip to Hamas a decade ago. It has occasionally arrested or harassed critics over comments posted on social media.

The uproar over Yahya's book, however, has helped increase sales.

One bookshop owner in Ramallah said that he sold 10 copies of the novel in its first two months of release. But on the day of the ban, he sold 17 copies before police came and confiscated his remaining copies.

The book's distributor, Fuad Akleek, said he was arrested at a bookshop "in a very humiliating way."

He said police grabbed him and pushed him into a car without showing a warrant. Akleek said he was held for six hours before the Palestinian culture minister, Ehab Bsaiso, intervened and arranged his release. But he said police confiscated all remaining copies, about 500 in bookstores and 500 in libraries across the West Bank.

Akleek said he was surprised by the rough treatment because there is no legal requirement for obtaining a permit in order to publish or distribute books in the West Bank.

"It is not a crime to distribute a book," he said. "The one who judges a novel and author is the reader."

Bsaiso, the culture minister, has also urged the attorney general to cancel the book ban and Yahya's arrest warrant.
A London synagogue will devote part of its structure to the construction of living quarters for Syrian refugees, according to a BBC Arabic report.

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The report, which has been circulated on Arabic social media pages, is part of a continuing initiative by synagogue members to provide aid to refugees from Syria. Currentlyfollowing fundraising effortssynagogue members have begun construction on the section of the synagogue that will house the refugees.

South London Liberal Synagogue

According to the report, one family has already moved into the synagogue and community members are providing aid to other refugees by raising funds and financing temporary residences in London.

Operations at the synagogue are expected to continue as usual, including prayers.

The South London Liberal Synagogue had already launched a crowdfunding campaign, which tried to raise 50,000 for the cause.

Chair of the Synagogue Council, Alice Alphandary, told the Guardian that, "For me, this is a very personal subject. My father was a refugee in the 50s and now this is an opportunity to help the refugees of today."

The project itself is called "Araham's Tent," named after the story according to which Abraham's tent had four openings as an invitation to all. Alphandary added that "in Judaism, hosting is nearly a religious duty."
WASHINGTON -- A Trump administration official says national security adviser Michael Flynn "can't be certain" that sanctions did not come up in his discussions with Russia's ambassador to the United States.

The official says Flynn has "no recollection" of discussing the sanctions, but left open the prospect that the issue did come up when he spoke with Sergey Kislyak during the transition.
BAGHDAD -- Two suicide bombings in the eastern half of the Iraqi city of Mosul, including one that hit a popular restaurant, killed at least five people on Friday and wounded over a dozen others, Iraqi military and medical officials said.

The Islamic State group, which still firmly controls western Mosul, a more densely populated urban area, claimed responsibility for the attacks.
President Donald Trump and his advisors are devising a plan which would feature Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt more directly involved in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, according to a report by the "New York Times" Thursday.

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According to the report, Trump sees that Netanyahu is also trying to strengthen ties with moderate Muslim countries as part of the fight against Iran, and as such, President Trump believes Saudi Arabia and Egypt can be of assistance.

Photo: Reuters

However, Arab officials have informed officials in the Trump Administration that if the US seeks their assistance in resolving the conflict, the Americans will be required to change their approach in regards to issues which Arabs view as "defiant" by Israel, such as settlement construction and the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem.

According to the report, Trump has embraced the message.

On the heels of Netanyahu's visit

The NYT report comes just on the heels of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's first official visit to the White House since President Trump took office.

As a gesture of the atmosphere and honor President Trump is trying to set for the meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife will be hosted in the Blair House, the official guest house of the White House.

Blair House

Prior to the meeting between the two leaders, Netanyahu is expected to convene a meeting of the Security Cabinet, where official positions are to be solidified on settlement construction, negotiations with the Palestinians and Israel's position on the Iranian nuclear deal.

Netanyahu has already met with senior security officials in order to receive a complete brief on sensitive matters before his meeting with President Trump. The Minister of Defense, Chief of Staff, Chief of the Mossad and Head of the Directorate of Military Intelligence's research department were all present for the meeting.

Minister of Education, Naftali Bennett, is expected to pressure Netanyahu heavily during the meeting to retreat from statements Netanyahu previously made regarding settlements. Officials are worried that Netanyahu is "inviting" pressure from Trump in order to alleviate pressure on himself by Bennett.
A United Nations report on establishing a database of companies with business interests in Israeli settlements in the West Bank is set to be delayed until later this year, diplomats and activists said on Friday.

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The UN human rights office had been due to present its first report on the politically charged issue at a session that opens on Feb. 27, which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is also due to address.

UN Human Rights Council (Photo: AFP)

But the report is not ready and will be deferred for many months, at least until September, the sources said, adding that an announcement was expected on Monday.

"There is a need for more time, it is a very complex issue," a Western diplomat told Reuters. "You need to have a clear vision of how you list the companies, what is the exact criteria."

The issue is sensitive because companies appearing in such a database could be targeted for boycotts or divestment aimed at stepping up pressure on Israel over its West Bank settlements. Goods produced there include fruit, vegetables and wine.

Protests outside UNHRC in Geneva (Photo: Eldad Beck)

Israel assailed the UN Human Rights Council last March for launching the initiative, calling the database a "blacklist" and accusing the 47-member state forum of behaving "obsessively" against Israel.

The council had voted in favor of creating the database after 32 states backed a proposal by Pakistan, while 15 abstained, including Britain, France and Germany.

The United States, Israel's main ally, had no vote but voiced strong objections. US Human Rights Ambassador Keith Harper said at the time that the resolution was "far outside" the council's mandate and highlighted its "one-sided nature".

BDS protests in Oslo

US President Donald Trump, who meets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, has adopted a less uncritical stance on Israeli settlement-building in occupied territory than he appeared to advocate during his campaign.

Jeremie Smith, director of the Geneva office of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, said: "We've heard unofficial reports that there is strong pressure by states who did not support the creation of this database to try to delay its release and bury its findings."

Settlement goods

The UN council said last year that businesses had "enabled, facilitated and profited" from the growth of settlements, including through investments, loans, provision of utilities and exploitation of natural resources. Some settlement products had been labeled as originating from Israel.

It called for a list of enterprises to be updated annually on the "human rights and international law violations involved in the production of settlement goods".

Most countries consider all Israeli settlements on land claimed by Palestinians to be illegal. Israel disagrees, citing historical and political links to the landwhich the Palestinians also assertas well as security interests.

A UN inquiry in 2013, which was the basis for the vote on the database, said that the settlements contravened the Fourth Geneva Convention forbidding the transfer of civilians into occupied territory and could amount to war crimes.

The settlements were "leading to a creeping annexation that prevents the establishment of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state", it said.
Congress has made it clear that it will not be supporting Sasikala, who in locked in a power struggle with Panneerselvam to be the Chief Minister Tamil Nadu, having chosen to side with the DMK.

By Rohini Swamy: In what has come as a blow for AIADMK General Secretary Sasikala in her bid to become Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Congress has made it clear that it will not be supporting her, having chosen to side with the DMK. Only Congress leader Thiruvanakarasu has said he is with Sasikala.

This after the AIADMK's Sasikala faction approached the Congress seeking its support. After Sasikala staked her claim to form the government before Governor C Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday, the latter has sought some time as he needs to first address the concerns raised by her rival Panneerselvam.

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According to sources, Governor Rao has said that the signatures of support for Sasikala will have to be verified. CONGRESS SUPPORTS PANNEERSELVAM

Congress leader Khushboo has said that her party was sure that Panneerselvam will find the support to come back to power.

"It will be a shame if President's Rule is imposed in Tamil Nadu. We need to protect democracy in the state". Khushboo said.

Also read | Sasikala breaks down as she steps into Jaya's shoes, talk of new CM in Chennai doing rounds

Khushboo added, "I feel Sasikala's swearing-in will be put on hold in the wake of the court's decision. So a solution in the next few days is unlikely."

Commenting on the possibility of horse-trading, Khushboo said, "There is a saying in English let your love be free, if it is yours it will come back to you, of not it was never yours. If you are so confident of their (MLAs) support, let them decide freely", indirectly objecting to the manner in which the MLAs were taken to a hotel to ensure their loyalty stayed intact with Sasikala.

She also said that the governor would take his time and speak to the Centre before arriving at a decision.

Also read | Mobile jammers, security cordon, regular patrols: How Sasikala is holding 'kidnapped' MLAs

Caretaker Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam has voiced confidence that "justice will win", though the numbers at present do not stack up in his favour.

According to AIADMK statement issued late in the night, Sasikala handed over the documents electing her as the leader of the legislature party. But the AIADMK statement was strangely silent on the number of legislators supporting her.

WATCH VIDEO

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Anti-terrorism forces arrested four people Friday in southern France, including a 16-year-old girl, and uncovered a makeshift laboratory with the explosive TATP and other ingredients for fabricating a bomb. France's top security official said the raid thwarted an "imminent attack."

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A police official said the teen had pledged loyalty to ISIS in a recent video.

The apartment where the suspects were arrested (Photo: AFP)

The prosecutor's office said around 70 grams of TATP were seized in the Montpellier-area home of a 20-year-old man, along with a liter each of acetone, oxygenated water and sulfuric acid.

TATP, which can be made from readily available materials, was used in the deadly November 2015 attacks in Paris and the March 2016 attack in Brussels carried out by Islamic State extremists.

Two other men were arrested, a 33-year-old and a 26-year-old, along with the teenage girl, according to the prosecutor's office, which handles terrorism investigations in France.

French police (Photo: AFP)

The police official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation, said one of the suspects was believed to be planning a suicide attack but that the investigation had not yet uncovered a specific target.

He said person in the group had tried to reach Syria in 2015 and was known to intelligence services. The groupnotably the girlattracted new attention with their social media postings, he said.

Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux said the arrests in three locations in the Montpellier area "thwarted an imminent attack on French soil."

The country's prime minister praised the work of anti-terror investigators.

Photo: AP

"Faced with the heightened threat, there has been an extremely strong mobilization of our intelligence services to ensure the French are protected to the utmost," said Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.

In addition to France, a 44-year-old man was also arrested in Britain at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of planning a terror attack.

In a statement from British anti-terror forces, the man was arrested Thursday evening after landing in Britain on a flight from Iraq.

"The man was arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack and taken to a police station in London," said the statement.
NEW YORK -- Another New York City man has admitted to plotting to help the Islamic State group.

Munther Omar Saleh pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in Brooklyn to charges that he planned to help the extremist organization.

Saleh told a judge that he supported the group knowing that it engaged in terrorism. He also admitted communicating with a person he believed was an Islamic State recruiter.

Prosecutors say he and Fareed Mumuni, a co-defendant who's also pleaded guilty, plotted a homegrown attack using a pressure cooker.
School choice comes at a cost.

The proposed vouchers for private schools, tax credits and the like drain money from the public school system.

Thats something to keep in mind as advocates for school choice make a big push this legislative session.

Their cause has never found much traction in Nebraska, but things may be changing.

School choice supporters have an ally in the governors mansion and new, supportive senators in the legislative chambers. They also have a nominee for U.S. Education Secretary who has devoted much of her life to the charter school movement.

In Nebraska, lawmakers including Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, Sen. Tyson Larson of ONeill and Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion are submitted a host of proposals.

Around the country, the charter school movement found fertile ground in areas where public schools were in dire straits. In Nebraska, however, public schools are doing a great job, with a few, isolated exceptions.

For example, Nebraska has one of the highest high school graduation rates in the country at 89 percent. It also ranks among the top 12 states in all categories of the National Assessment of Education Progress.

Interestingly, Nebraska also has a long tradition of school choice - just not the kind that private school advocates are pushing. In Lincoln, for example, hundreds of students go to public high schools outside of their attendance areas.

In fact, 22,148 Nebraska students use their option enrollment to attend public schools in other districts, Ralston Public Schools Superintendent Mark Adler wrote in a Local View column.

There is absolutely no doubt parents should have the right to send their children to private schools that emphasize religious values.

But should other taxpayers be forced to subsidize that choice? Many Nebraskans send tax dollars to public schools districts even though they have no school-age children. Should that money be diverted so some parents can send their children to schools with daily prayer and church services?

Although charter school proponents make it sound like private schools invariably do a better job than public schools, the reality is that around the country some charter schools have failed miserably. In Ohio, state auditors have found more than $27 million spent improperly.

Another reality is that providing tax breaks for parents who send their kids to private schools often means that most of the benefit flows to the wealthy. In Wisconsin, tax filers making more than $100,000 a year claimed two-thirds of a private school tuition tax cut, the Madison State Journal reported this month.

In Nebraska, the push to give tax breaks for private schools seems like a solution in search of a problem. State senators should do the same thing they have done every time similar proposals have been offered: Vote them down.
Nows a good time to go into nursing.

As demand for medical care for an aging population continues to rise, the supply of new nursing school graduates continues to fall short of need.

Nationally, the Department of Labor expects a shortfall of 1.1 million. Nebraska alone could face a shortage of about 4,000 nurses by 2020.

That drives competition for nursing talent in the Omaha area and elsewhere. The result: Nursing students are being offered thousands of dollars in signing bonuses, training in specialty care, student loan help and more, in addition to starting salaries above $55,000 a year.

The Midlands were insulated during some of the recent economic downturn from the worst of the national nursing shortage, thanks primarily to older nurses who delayed retirements and part-time nurses who picked up more hours.

That is no longer the case, as The World-Heralds Julie Anderson reported Sunday.

Of Nebraskas 93 counties, 71 have fewer than the national average of 9.2 registered nurses per 1,000 people. The Nebraska Hospital Association showed a statewide vacancy rate for nurses of nearly 11 percent. Traveling nurses from local and regional staffing agencies, a more costly option, are being used to fill in some of the gaps.

Part of this is simply a numbers game. More people today are seeking medical care because more have access to health insurance, through Obamacare, Medicare or Medicaid.

And insurers and hospitals are changing the way Americans are medically treated and hospitalized. While fewer people are admitted to hospitals these days, those who are typically are sicker, which increases staffing demands.

Private health care providers, working with the state and others, are trying to answer the call. CHI Health, Methodist Health System, Nebraska Medicine, Childrens Hospital & Medical Center, Clarkson College, Creighton University, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and other teaching institutions are making aggressive efforts to train nurses statewide and boost the education of nursing assistants and others who want new jobs.

The problem is nationwide. But heres hoping the Midlands unique blend of private donors, public supporters, lawmakers and civic leaders keeps finding creative ways to address it.

In the meantime, young people with an interest in science and helping others would do well to consider nursing. Schools have openings, and hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other medical businesses have good jobs waiting.
YORK  Ancient Rome is a hotbed of political contention. A military hero has been named dictator in perpetuity and after he rolls out sweeping reforms across the Republic, many in the Senate feel his power is getting out of control. A seer warns him, Beware the Ides of March.

What happens next will have ripples through history for the next 2,000 years.

Want to know more? The Clayton Museum of Ancient History at York College will host an Ides of March event on March 14. The two-part evening affair will include tours of the museums collection as well as a dinner and program on the events in Rome on March 15 in the year 44 BC.

The night will begin at 5:30 with appetizers and a special exhibition by the museums Junior Docent Legion Program in the museum, located on the lower level of the Mackey Center. Guests will interact with junior docents as they guide visitors through the museum and display their knowledge of the ancient world. There is no cost for this portion of the event and no tickets are required.

At 6:30 p.m., the event will continue with a multi-course meal inspired by ancient Rome. History Professor Tim McNeese will present an interesting and entertaining program about the Ides of March during dinner as he walks attendees through the hours leading up to their violent conclusion.

Tickets for the dinner are available at the York Area Chamber of Commerce (http://yorkchamber.org/). Table sponsorships are also available. Contact Amber Soderholm, curator of the Clayton Museum, with questions about sponsorships: (402) 363-5748/ asoderholm@york.edu.

Opened in 2015, the Clayton Museum of Ancient History, featuring the Stanback collection, includes a wide array of artifacts, with the core of the collection focused around the Roman soldier. This facility offers enhancements for classroom instruction in history and Biblical studies and provides an excellent collection that the college shares with the public. The museum also offers an interactive childrens area, where younger patrons can learn through play.

The Clayton Museum of Ancient History is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. More information is available at www.claytonmuseumofancienthistory.org.
Rescue Airmen return from Afghanistan deployment

Approximately 50 reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing returned to Patrick Feb. 8 after providing personnel recovery support to ongoing operations in Afghanistan for the last four months.



Several friends, family members, wing leaders and fellow Airmen greeted the returning reservists on the flight line. An Air Force C-17 Globemaster based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, transported the Airmen here.



The returning deployers are helicopter aviation, maintenance and support personnel who perform and enable personnel rescue and recovery using Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. Other wing Airmen are currently deployed and continue to support this mission.



They were tasked with saving lives by using their skills and aircraft to perform combat rescue operations  speeding to pick up isolated and injured personnel and returning them safely in support of Operation Freedoms Sentinel and NATOs Resolute Support missions.



The wing has a 50-year history of saving lives, and its Airmen have rescued more than 3,000 personnel in peacetime and combat. The wings motto is, these things we do that others may live.



The 920th RQW owns and operates nine HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and six HC-130P/N King fixed-wing air refueling aircraft. It has three geographically separated units: the 943rd Rescue Group, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona; the 304th Rescue Squadron, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon; and the 920th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.


This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism.

We hope you are equally as excited as us.

This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers.

Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited.

In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy.

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The chairman of the Bihar Staff Selection Commission has admitted that he used to get regular recommendations from politicians for getting their kin appointed in govt jobs.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: The chairman of the Bihar Staff Selection Commission Sudhir Kumar has confirmed the involvement of politicians in the multi-crore Bihar employment scam. Kumar admitted that he used to get regular recommendations from politicians for getting their kin appointed in govt jobs, and most of the times these politicians used to come and sit in his office to get their work done.

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" The fact is wherever appointment takes place in the govt, it is on basis of recommendation. No one can deny it. If I don't listen to their recommendations, they get angry. Many a times, I tell people making recommendation to drop me SMS regarding their recommendation. How long should I make them angry? Many times, politicians not only make recommendation, but come to my office to get their work done. What can I do? Should I throw them out of my office?," confessed Sudhir Kumar, chairman of the BSSC.

Also read: Bihar employment scam: Politicians' role under scanner as pictures of former CM with BSSC accused appear on social media

According to sources, Parmeshwar Ram, the secretary of BSSC, who has been arrested in the case, has told investigators about involvement of few ministers and legislators in the scam. The investigators have also found many SMS of recommendations in the mobile phone of Parmeshwar Ram. During investigation, it also came to light that candidates had to shell out Rs 5-6 lakh to get questions and answer papers ahead of the exams.

Senior BJP leader Sushil Modi has also alleged that the entire job scam was happened because officials involved enjoyed political patronage from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad. Modi alleged that Ramashish Singh, director of a private school, who also has been arrested in connection with the scam, had close links with the RJD chief.

Also read: BSSC paper leak: Bihar govt cancels exams, secretary, computer operator arrested

"Ramashish Singh is the same person who was bailer of Lalu Prasad in a case of fodder scam. BSSC Secretary Parmeshwar Ram has also named two ministers and dozen of legislators in the scam who made recommendation for jobs. SIT should question Lalu and these ministers who made recommendation calls to BSSC officials," demanded Sushil Modi.

Meanwhile, a public interest litigation has been filed in the Patna High Court asking for a CBI or a judicial probe into the scam.

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The Nepalese national, who had to labour for every breath since birth, consulted an ENT expert in Delhi who diagnosed that she was suffering from 'lingual thyroid', a rare disorder.

By Priyanka Sharma: Since birth, Anu Yadav had to labour for every breath over 18 years. Respiratory specialists could not locate the problem and referred her to a psychiatrist, but that did not work either. Finally, the Nepalese national decided to consult an ENT expert in Delhi who diagnosed that she was suffering from 'lingual thyroid', a rare disorder.

The thyroid gland develops in the area at the base of the tongue. During normal development, it migrates into the neck along the thyroglossal duct tract. When the migration does not occur, the gland remains at the base of the tongue and is known as a lingual thyroid.

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Dr Kalpana Nagpal, senior consultant in ENT and head-neck surgery at Apollo Hospital, told Mail Today, "We conducted endoscopy of the nose and throat and we did the first ever 'transoral robotic surgery' in India and the third in the world to treat lingual thyroid."

A journal of the Indian Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery noted that lingual thyroid is reported in 1 in 100,000 people in India and is more common in women, with a female: male ratio ranging between 3:1 and 7:1.

ALSO READ | Robo arms assist in complex neurosurgeries at AIIMS

"I had been consulting pulmonologists over the years but there was no relief," said Anu, who's a class X student. "Doctors used to say that I was suffering from asthma. And since the past two years, I had been facing terrible problems. So, I decided to consult an ENT specialist as a last resort and it worked. Post surgery, I am not facing any breathing issues and there is no surgery mark on my face."

The thyroid gland secretes hormones that primarily influence the metabolic rate and protein synthesis, but also have many other effects including those on development.

Citing the advantages of the surgery, Dr Nagpal said, "With this 3D procedure, all the structures are magnified. The surgeon also has greater precision, dexterity and ergonomics. Patient has no cuts or scars in the neck, no blood loss during surgery and has a very short stay in the hospital with no complications."

ALSO READ | Safdarjung Hospital doctors perform rare arthroscopic surgery, help 18-year-old walk again

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Raed Arafat: Anul acesta mai deschidem o baza aeriana la Brasov

Seful Departamentului pentru Situatii de Urgenta, Raed Arafat, a declarat, azi, ca anul acesta se va deschide o baza aeriana de salvare la Brasov, ceea ce va duce la 11 astfel de baze la nivelul tarii. El a precizat ca la aceste efective aeriene se vor adauga doua avioane [citeste mai departe]
If the cub continues the current healthy pattern of growth and development, he may be placed on-exhibit in time for the parks 9 th anniversary. (In February, BIOPARC Valencia celebrates 9 years of love for nature and will show their appreciation to the public by offering discounted admission rates.)

The new mom is taking excellent care of the new cub, and staff reports that supplemental care and feeding are not required for the new Aardvark. However, keepers constantly monitor the cubs weight and work to assure that the appropriate temperature and humidity are provided in the new families den. Every night a thorough review of the animal takes place and the cub is cleaned, weighed and its skin is moisturized.

On January 28, an Aardvark was born at BIOPARC Valencia in Spain. The birth increased the number of this particular family at the park to a total of five, which includes the parents and two other females (also born in the park).

The Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal that is native to Africa. It is the only living species of the order Tubulidentata.

The Aardvark is stout with a prominently arched back and is sparsely covered in coarse hair. The limbs are moderate length, with the rear legs being longer than the forelegs. Their weight is typically between 130 and 180 lbs. (60 and 80 kg). Their length is usually between 3.44 and 4.27 feet (105 and 130 cm). They are typically 24 inches tall (60 cm). The Aardvark is pale yellowish gray in color and often stained reddish brown by soil it sorts through. The coat is thin, and the skin is tough.

The Aardvark is nocturnal and feeds almost exclusively on ants and termites. They will emerge from their burrow in late afternoon and forage for food over a range of about 6 to 18 miles from home. While foraging, they keep the nose to ground and ears pointed forward. When concentrations of ants or termites are detected, the Aardvark digs into the mound with powerful front legs and will take up the insects with their long, sticky tongue. It is possible for the animal to take in as many as 50,000 ants and termites in one night.

The Aardvark is mostly quiet, but will make soft grunting sounds as it forages and louder grunts when engaged in burrowing.

Aardvarks have a gestation of about seven months. They generally give birth to a single cub from May to July. When born, the young have flaccid ears and many wrinkles. After two weeks, the folds of skin disappear and after three weeks the ears are upright. At 5-6 weeks, body hair starts growing. They are weaned by about 16 weeks, and can dig their own burrow by 6 months of age. The young often remain with the mother till the next mating season.

The Aardvark is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. According the IUCN, Potential threats to the species have not been quantified. However, the bush meat trade in African savannas may pose a genuine threat to Aardvark populations in some countries (e.g. Zambia, Mozambique). Localized threats include habitat loss due to agriculture and subsistence huntingThe meat is prized, while other parts of the Aardvark, such as the skin, claws and teeth, are used to make bracelets, charms and curios, and for some medicinal purposes (Carpaneto and Germi 1989).
We managed to get exclusive details of how the MLAs are being kept at a resort by the Sasikala camp.

The MLAs (left) were taken to Golden Bay Resorts (right, representational image). (Images via Twitter, goldenbayresorts.com)

By Shiv Aroor: On Wednesday night, Sasikala camp whisked away 130 MLAs to a luxury resort to prevent them from engaging with O Panneerselvam.

A few voices suggested then, that this was practically a case of kidnapping. But by Thursday morning, the kidnapping claims gained serious pace.

Multiple reports said the MLAs were taken to an undisclosed location and were not even reachable by phone. A plea was also filed in Madras High Court alleging the MLAs were being held captive. Some people even went to the extent of filing FIRs to "find the missing MLAs" and started encouraging others to do the same.

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Eventually it was found that some of the MLAs were stashed at Golden Bay Resorts on East Coast Road. We managed to get exclusive details of how the MLAs are being kept there.

Take a look:

Sasikala supporters have replaced resort security guards and are barring people from entering or leaving. Resort security have been relegated to duties inside the resort building itself. While the resort normally only has security at the entrance, there is now perimeter security as well to ensure the MLAs don't manage to scale the wall and escape. A security cordon also extends to about 1 km away from the resort, barring journalists and TV crews from reaching there. Apart from mobile jammers and the WiFi being turned off, landed internet/Ethernet wires have also been deactivated. The MLAs have been ordering largely ordering room service in their rooms, with only a few descending to the common restaurant area for meals. MLAs have been asking for newspapers and have been denied on orders to the hotel staff. The MLAs are also being told that their families have been informed about their well-being and that they are being supportive of this move for their own safety. Hotel staff have been tasked to patrol the corridors periodically to keep tabs on the MLAs, and this has sometimes led to quarrels. Some MLAs have questioned and fought with the staff, asking why they are loitering outside the MLAs' rooms. The menu since yesterday has included the resort's complimentary breakfast buffet, fish and mutton curry, different kinds of rice and vegetables, thaalis and desserts. Folk dance was also organised for the entertainment of MLAs on Thursday night. Hit Tamil movies were also screened for the MLAs inside Golden Bay Resort.

(With inputs from Ashish Pandey)

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After days of silence from the governor, a note with India Today may hint at his disinclination to appoint VK Sasikala as Tamil Nadu's next chief minister.

By India Today Web Desk: After days of silence from the Tamil Nadu governor, India Today has accessed a governor's note that sheds light on his thinking on Sasikala's swearing in.

In what could be a major setback to VK Sasikala, Governor Vidyasagar Rao in this 3-page note stated that he is 'constitutionally bound' not to swear in Chinnamma. Citing the disproportionate Asset case against Sasikala, Governor Rao is of the view that it won't be prudent to call Sasikala to form the government as the situation in Tamil Nadu is very critical.

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FROM GOVERNOR'S NOTE EXCLUSIVELY WITH INDIA TODAY

"A peculiar situation in the case is that the resolution of the AIADMK Legislators was actually proposed by Tr. O. Panneerselvam. In the resolution given by Tmt. V.K. Sasikala it is seen that it was mooted because Thiru O. Panneerselvam informed the General Secretary of the AIADMK, Tmt VK Sasikala, of his resignation having been submitted to the Governor. It is also noted that the Thiru O Panneerselvam has proposed the resolution and also signed the same. Now, Thiru O Panneerselvam has stated that he was constrained, forced and coerced to sign the resignation letter under duress and therefore requested to rescind any action taken thereon."

"The current situation in Tamil Nadu presents a unique set of Constitutional issues with no precedent of this kind. Here is a person who stakes claim to form government based on the resolution passed at a meeting of the Party Legislators. But she is not a legislator in the Assembly. Hence, it is not a straight case under Article 164(1) but has to be considered under Article 164(1) read with 164(4)."

Article 164(4) states as follows: "A Minister who for any period of six consecutive months is not a member of the Legislature of the State shall at the expiration of that period cease to be a Minister."

Meanwhile, sources in the MHA have denied having received any such report from TN governor.

The PRO of Raj Bhawan also clarified the same and confirmed that Governor Vidyasagar Rao has not sent any letter to the MHA stating Sasikala cannot be called for oath for the chief minister's post.

However, in his first reaction after the apparent governor's report, Panneerselvam said, "Please wait patiently. Good will happen."

SASIKALA SACKS MADHUSUDANAN FROM AIADMK

AIADMK General Secretary V.K. Sasikala on Friday dismissed E. Madhusudanan from the party for backing acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, and in his stead appointed senior party leader KA Sengottaiyan as the party Presidium Chairman.

Sasikala said in a statement that Madhusudanan had violating the party's principles and brought disrepute to it, and so was being ousted from the party post and the AIADMK's primary membership. She urged the party members not to have any truck with Madhusudanan.

The dismissal came a day after Madhusudanan joined hands with Panneerselvam, who has revolted against Sasikala by saying that he quit as Chief Minister under duress.

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ALSO READ:Panneerselvam vs Sasikala: 4 jolts AIADMK General Secretary suffered in the last 24 hours

ALSO READ:AIADMK crisis: I sacked Sasikala before she expelled me, says party No 2 Madhusudanan

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Last week on my day off from work, I landed up at a friends place to let my hair down at the end of a really hectic week.<br/><br/>It is here that I met this pretty, young lady, a Hotel Management Trainee at The Taj in Delhi, studying in some UK university. She happened to be a friend of my friend.<br/><br/>Very upfront and very talkative, she immediately found out that I work for Zee News, noticing the strap of my office ID hanging from my pocket.<br/><br/>Call it her charm or my chatting prowess; we immediately struck a conversation without any formal introduction.<br/><br/>I would love to pat my back for being a very good listener because within minutes of our meeting, she was telling me about how her fiance proposed her publicly and how embarrassed she was then. And then it happened.<br/><br/>In the middle of the conversation, I casually mentioned how I slipped on stairs just a day before Eid and missed the festivities because of being injured.<br/><br/>Her beautiful eyes spread wide in amusement rather than disbelief as her immediate reaction wasYou dont look like a Muslim.<br/><br/>I must admit that the reaction was purely genuine as after all it is not everyday that she sees a Muslim wearing a Wrangler jeans and T-Shirt, sporting Reebok shoes and talking about Hard Rock , Linkin Park and Chester Bennington, sitting at a Cafe Coffee Day at South Campus of Delhi University.<br/><br/>Though, this was not the first time that somebody reacted like this, it was probably the first time that I tried to find out whether I should be happy or angry at this reaction.<br/><br/>I dont know if it was due to the recent terror incidents or just the bluntness of the girl, but for the first time ever in my life, I bothered to find out whether it is good or bad if I dont look like a Muslim.<br/><br/>Call it a branding, marginalisation or pure stereotypes, but people in general still perceive a common Muslim as the Kurta wearing, beard flaunting and skull cap sporting breed. This inspite of top Bollywood stars being Muslims.<br/><br/>And after the recent terror attacks, a bomb is presumably added to this attire. <br/><br/>So, unknowingly I have become the moderate face of Muslims among my peers, because though I keep fast for the holy month of Ramzaan I dont offer Namaz five times a day and also because I keep saying Alhamdulillah every time I sneeze but dont sport a beard.<br/><br/>Another thing: I just fail to understand that why casual acquaintances start telling me about the other Muslim friend with whom they shared a great rapport, about how they know everything about Ramzaan fasting, Eid, Sewaiyan, some Pir Baba who used to give taweez and how not all the Muslims are terrorists and India seriously requires a secular mindset to completely understand the minority communities, as soon as they realise that I am also a Muslim.<br/><br/>I mean, these things are good but one need not necessarily know all these to become my friend or to strike a chat with me. I think one can talk of any topic of common interest. But these are stereotypes. They are hard to do away with.<br/><br/>I dont know when this stereotype will make way for the real imagery. But till the time it happens, I am happy surprising pretty, young ladies.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) The Supreme Court today slapped a fine of Rs 10 lakh on RJD MLA Ravindra Singh for challenging a Patna High Court order dismissing his plea which questioned veracity of an article published in a vernacular magazine way back in 1994.

The apex court came down heavily on the lawmaker saying being a "representative of people he is found to be wasting judicial time by filing frivolous litigation".

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A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said it failed to understand what prompted Singh at first to file the petition before the high court in 2015 with respect to an article published 23 years ago.

"We do fail to understand why he approached this court even though the high court order was explicit and clear. The instant course adopted by the petitioner is uncondonable because being a peoples representative he cant be expected to misuse the jurisdiction of the court. The petition is dismissed with cost of Rs 10 lakh," the bench also comprising justices N V Ramana and D Y Chandrachud said.

Usually the court does not list the matter after refusing to admit it, but in the instant case the apex court said it would hear the matter after four weeks if the MLA fails to deposit the fine imposed on him today.

As advocate Amrender Kumar Singh appearing for the MLA told the bench the cost was high, it said the amount should have been higher as the peoples representative was engaged in "uncondonable activity leading to wastage of judicial time".

Singh, an MLA from Arwal constituency in Jehanabad district of Bihar, had challenged the high court order passed on December 6, 2016 by which his plea was dismissed.

In his plea, Singh had questioned the veracity of the article published in 1994 and status of magazine as on date.

The lawmaker said he had read in 2013 the article published in 1994 which prima facie appeared against national harmony and against national interest and wrote to the President and Bihar Chief Minister.

He said no authority took any action against the magazine nor the veracity of the article was established.

Meanwhile, in a separate matter the apex court took serious note of a plea for adjournment and warned petitioner NGO Suraz India Trust with the imposition of heavy cost on next date of hearing for taking up a public cause "casually".

"If the petitioner was not desirous of pursuing the public cause then he should not have filed this petition," the bench said. PTI MNL ABA SJK RKS ZMN

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London: Britain will be "just fine" after it leaves the European Union, Apple's chief executive Tim Cook said in an interview broadcast today.

"We are very optimistic about the UK's future and we are all in," the CEO of the US tech giant told ITV television after meeting Prime Minister Theresa May and London Mayor Sadiq Khan yesterday during a visit to Britain.

"We're a big believer in the UK. The UK will be just fine," Cook said after visiting a coding class at a London primary school.

But he told reporters Thursday he expected "bumps in the road" on the path to Brexit.

Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum in June last year and Prime Minister Theresa May is preparing to kickstart the departure process by the end of March.

Apple announced in September that it would create a London headquarters in the iconic and long-abandoned Battersea Power Station on the banks of the River Thames.

Around 1,400 staff from eight existing offices in London will relocate to the renovated landmark, whose distinctive chimneys have towered over the southern riverbank since the 1930s.

There will be enough space there for 3,000 staff.

"We're double-downing on a huge headquarters in the Battersea area... And we're leaving significant space there to expand," Cook said in the interview.

The former power station lay derelict since it stopped generating electricity in 1983, but is undergoing a ?9 billion ($11.7 billion, 10.4 billion euros) makeover to turn the 42-acre space into offices, apartments, shops and leisure facilities.

The new "Apple complex" will take over 40 per cent of the office space.

Facebook, Google, Apple and Snapchat have all announced major investments in London in the past few months, underlining the capital's status as a technology hub.
Sorry Baba Ramdev, but according to a new study, homosexual and bisexual people are no more likely to be at risk of poor mental health compared to their straight counterparts.

By India Today Web Desk: Homosexuality and people who are bisexual are at no risk of having poor mental health, or anything falling on those lines whatsoever.

Researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) studied around 5,000 adults over eight years to determine their long-term risk of developing mental health issues, but Richard Burns from the ANU's Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing said, other factors were more likely to result in mental health problems ahead of sexual orientation, Xinhua news agency reported.

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"Childhood sexual trauma, risky health behaviours, smoking, a lack of positive support and negative social interactions pose more of a risk for people's mental health than their sexual orientation," Burns said in a statement on Friday.

However, he admitted that those of a homosexual and bisexual orientation were more likely to experience these mental health risk factors compared to heterosexual people.

"Initially, we found there was a long-term risk for depression and anxiety among individuals with a bisexual orientation, and there was long-term risk for anxiety among homosexual individuals. But when we adjusted for these other mental health risk factors, we found no major risk associated with sexual orientation itself," Burns said.

"We concluded that all things being equal that there is no particular mental health risk for people with a homosexual or bisexual orientation."

IT'S NOT A DISEASE

Bank in 2013, Baba Ramdev commented on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which makes sex with persons of the same gender punishable by law saying, "The Supreme Court has respected the sentiments of the various religious communities of India. Today they are talking of homosexuality, tomorrow they will talk of having sex with animals," he said, calling homosexuality a disease.

"I invite the gay community to my yoga ashram and I guarantee to cure them of homosexuality."

The new research proves that homosexuality has no impact on mental health and looks like the LGBTQ community isn't going to Baba Ramdev's ashram ever.

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By India Today Web Desk: After keeping his fans with bated breaths, Suriya's highly anticipated actioner Singam 3 is finally in theatres. The film, which released on February 9, has opened to positive response from the audience.

Sadly, Singam 3 is the latest film to be a victim of online piracy. According to a report in DC, some parts of Singam 3 were live-streamed online on the day of its release.

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ALSO READ: Singam 3 reviews- Suriya makes his fans go crazy

ALSO READ: SS Rajamouli's Mahabharata to feature Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Aamir Khan?

It all started when producer Gnanavel Raja lashed out at Tamil Rockers for releasing pirated versions of films online.

Speaking at the audio launch of Yaman, Gnanavel Raja said, "A piracy website called Tamil Rockers run by a son of **** , pardon my language, has announced that he will live stream the movie at 11 am on the release date. We are still unsure if we can clear all the financial hurdles and ensure the film releases as per the schedule, but that 'dog' is very confident that he will live stream the film at the said time. And the industry is quiet and doing nothing about it, that includes me as well."

Responding to Gnanavel Raja, Tamil Rockers took to Facebook and said, "#Gnanavel Raja Nice speech sir #MarkYourCalender February 9th is not your day our day.. #TamilRockers."

Ahead of the release, Suriya also asked his fans to watch the film in theatres.

Directed by Hari, Singam 3 is Suriya's fifth successful collaboration with the director. Also starring Anushka Shetty, Shruti Haasan and Thakur Anoop Singh, the film has music by Harris Jayaraj.

WATCH: 5 reasons why Singam 3 will be a blockbuster

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Stage has been set for single NEET-like examination for entrance to engineering colleges from the academic year 2018-19, with the HRD ministry asking the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to spell out suitable norms for holding such an exercise.

The AICTE, which oversees aspects related to technical education in the country, had discussed at a recent meeting a proposal for having a single entrance test for engineering colleges for undergraduate courses.

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The HRD ministry has told the AICTE that the proposal is in line with the governments policy and it could incorporate suitable regulations to enable the holding of such a test, sources said.

It is learnt that the coveted IITs, for which a nationwide competitive examination is held, may also be brought in under the ambit of the new test.

The ministry has taken this decision to bring in greater transparency, maintain high standards and also try to ensure that students are saved the burden of taking too many tests, the sources said.

The ministry is also in favour of seeking constructive suggestions from states and Deemed Universities for the successful holding of such a test, they added.

It has also been decided that the single entrance test would be conducted multiple times every year and it will be designed in a way that the linguistic diversity of the country is taken into consideration, the sources said.

There already exists a common NEET exam for admission to medical colleges but there are diverse exams for entrance to engineering colleges. (More) PTI ADS AKK

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Poultry Growers File AgData Lawsuit against Tyson, Perdue, More

A group of poultry integrators have filed suit against major poultry producers alleging that the companies collected and shared data from farmers through a third-party resource called Agri Stats with the intention of depressing grower payments. Tyson and other large poultry integrators purchase birds from producers that own poultry houses. The integrator retains possession of the bird and pays the grower depending on how quickly the grower can get the chicks up to weight using as little feed as possible. Agri Stats collect data like these purportedly anonymously, but the growers are arguing that its at such a granularity that its easy to determine the identity of farms. Read more about this lawsuit, which appears to be the first major lawsuit involving ag data, here.

Food Producers Call on Trump to Promote Asia-Pacific Trade

A long list of major food producer interest groups penned a letter to President Trump asking the executive to foster good trade relations with their neighbors in the Asia-Pacific realm in advance of his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. View the letter here.

AgriProtein and Christof Industries in $10m Deal to Roll out 100 Fly Farms

Waste-to-nutrient solutions provider AgriProtein has partnered with international engineering group Christof Industries to build up to 25 fly farms a year that will up-cycle organic waste into insect protein for animal feeds.

Paine & Partners Changes Name to Paine Schwartz Partners

Dexter Paine, chairman and CEO of Paine & Partners, a global private equity firm focused on on the food chain, has renamed the firm to Paine Schwartz Partners, effective immediately, adding the surname of founding partner Kevin Schwartz. Schwartz will now be CEO and Dexter Paine will continue in the role of chairman.

Barrix Wins TIME India Startup Innovator for 2017

Selected from 18 finalists, non-chemical pest control company Barrix was named TIME India Startup Innovator for 2017. The company uses inexpensive devices that emit a pheromone that deters pests. Read more about the accolade here.

Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition 2017 YES! Research Grant Competition Now Open

The 2017 BCFN YES! (Young Earth Solutions) Research Grant Competition is now accepting proposals. Emerging experts are encouraged to submit studies that are innovative, have a promise of significant impact, and can meet global research needs. Project submissions can be related to new or ongoing research. Completed proposals must be submitted online through the BCFN website by June 28, 2017, 11:59 pm CET. Winners receive a $21,367 research grant applied to a one-year investigation.

Starbucks To Source Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics

Starbucks has joined a growing list of companies that are phasing out poultry products grown using antibiotics which are medically important to humans. According to a statement from the company, it hopes to phase out these products by 2020. The company is also making a transition to cage-free eggs.

SproutX Opens Co-Working Space for AgTech Startups

Australian agtech accelerator SproutX has opened a free co-working space for eligible startups. The new space is aimed at positioning SproutX as the center of agtech innovation in Australia. Read more here.

FoodBytes! San Francisco Unveils the Finalists Headed to Pitch Day

Rabobank, a global food and agribusiness bank, has chosen 20 companies to pitch at FoodBytes! San Francisco, the pitch competition created to connect food and agriculture thought leaders and investors with the most disruptive startups in the industry. The sixth event of its kind will give 10 of the finalist companies a three minute pitch on March 16. Learn more about the companies here.

AgroFresh Joins New Food + Agriculture Tech Accelerator Terra

AgroFresh Solutions, a freshness solutions provider, has teamed up with Terra as a corporate member. The Terra program is designed to bring together the food and agriculture industrys most disruptive startups and progressive corporations to work together to fuel cross-industry innovation and transformation. Read more about the new partnership here.

Indiana Wants to Get High School Kids Hyped on Farming

In Indiana, where the average age of farmers is 58 and climbing, a legislator has introduced a bill that would require high schools to put farming on the curriculum to generate interest among the youth. Read more here.

Two States Introduce Bills Proposing COOL Labeling for Beef

The cattle-centric states of Wyoming and South Dakota have introduced respective state bills that would require beef products produced and sold within the state to list the country of origin on the label. Not too long ago, the United States found itself in a trade battle with Canada and Mexico, which challenged COOL before the WTO as an unfair trade discrimination. Read up on COOL and the two proposed state measures here.

Other News Thats Fit to Chew
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will pay a two-day working visit to Turkey February 10-11, Anadolu reported.

During the visit he will hold meetings with the Turkish high-ranking officials during which issues related to the developments over Cyprus and in the Middle East, as well as other international and regional issues will be discussed.

This is the UN Chiefs first visit to Turkey after assuming the post on January 1, 2017.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Turkeys Prime Minister Binali Yildirimn held a phone conversation with Vice-President of the United States Mike Pence, Anadolu reports.

The sides expressed willingness to continue cooperation in the military, security and anti terrorist spheres.

Mike Pence extended condolences to the Turkish side for the killed Turkish soldiers in Syrias Al-Bab region. Pence said the US will stand by Turkey in the fight against terrorism.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon intends to lecture at the US Harvard University, his assistant told reporters.

Ban Ki-moon received an offer to become a Professor at Harvard University. The former UN Secretary General has a positive attitude towards it, his assistant said.

Ban Ki-moon is a South Korean diplomat who was the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 2007 to December 2016.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The design works of the southern sections of the North-South road corridor are nearing completion, minister of transportation, communication and IT Vahan Martirosyan told ARMENPRESS, adding the process is being realized in collaboration with investors. The works in the Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 sections will continue in 2017, the minister said.

Ground works in the Ashtarak-Talin section of Tranche 2 continue, an in the Talin-Gyumri section of Tranche 3 the concrete laying works will soon begin.

In Tranche 1, the construction of the bridges in the Ararat-Artashat-Ashtarak section is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017, he said. Due to unfavorable weather conditions the works were slowed down. It is impossible to carry out concrete laying works in temperatures below 5 degrees, Martirosyan added.

"North-South Road Corridor Investment Program" is a major infrastructure project which aims at connecting the Southern border of the country with its Northern point by means of 556 km-long Meghri- Yerevan - Bavra highway. The construction of this highly important strategic road will ensure easier traffic from the Southern border of Armenia to the Georgian border and up to Black Sea ports and will allow passenger and cargo transportation in accordance with European standards. The highway will also provide serious development opportunities for all communities from the North to the South of Armenia.

Contracts have been signed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and European Investment Bank (EIB) for the implementation of the Project and the target completion dates are 2017 and 2019 respectively. The estimated cost of the Project is 1,5 billion USD. The Project is divided into 5 Tranches. Negotiations are conducted for involvement of other donors for the construction of northern and southern parts of the corridor.

Project implementation will result in the following outcomes:

Improved road corridor in compliance with international standards;

Four-lane Category 1 road on Yerevan-Gyumri and Yerevan-Ararat sections;

Other road sections meeting international standards with the possibility to be widened up to four-lane road in the future;

Efficient and safe road corridor traffic management.

North-South Road Corridor:

- Provides access to the Black Sea through the territory of Armenia and Georgia and then to European countries;

- Crossing the territory of Armenia from the South to the North (Meghri  Yerevan  Ashtarak  Gyumri - Bavra) the corridor connects to the Georgian road leading to Poti and Batumi ports;

- The implementation of the Project results in improving Europe - Caucasus  Asia road communication at the intersection of West Asia and East Europe.

Project objectives: facilitating communication with neighboring countries; expanding and facilitating access to foreign market towards Central Asia and Europe; developing major economic spheres and export expansion (industry, agriculture, mining industry, construction, tourism) etc.

Main Goals: improving safety and comfort, reducing time and financial costs, integrating possible necessary telecommunication and other infrastructures.





The project is implemented in the context of the following RA Government projects: "Reconstruction of Gyumri techno city", "Tatev tourist center", "Development of Jermuk town" and "Zvartnots free economic zone". The implementation of North-South Road Corridor will

significantly contribute to the efficiency of the mentioned projects and to the achievement of program goals.

The Project is implemented by multi-tranche financing. It is subdivided into Tranches and separate loan agreements are signed in the framework of each Tranche.  Description according to official website of North-South Road Corridor.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Switzerland has expressed its firm stance on the Karabakh issue, by supporting the idea of peaceful resolution of the conflict, Ambassador of Switzerland to Armenia Lukas Gasser told reporters, Armenpress reported.

He said the ceasefire regime established in 1994 must be definitely respected.

Switzerland assumed its chairmanship at the OSCE in 1996 and 2014. During this period we were deeply involved in the normalization process of relations of Armenia and neighbors. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict has not yet found its solution. Peace agreement must be signed, and this includes a large-scale diplomatic activity especially within the OSCE. We must also understand that not everything is being publicly expanded. It is necessary to find a sustainable solution to the conflict and establish peace. And if Switzerland can somehow contribute to it, we will be ready and happy to show our support, the Swiss Ambassador said.

The military phase of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict launched in 1991, when, in response to the NKR peoples demand for self-determination, the Azerbaijani authorities tried to solve the problem by ethnic cleanings and full-scale war, which resulted in thousands of causalities.The ceasefire agreement was signed in 1994. Currently, negotiations over the conflict settlement are conducted by the mediation of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs (Russia, USA, France), the Madrid Principles proposed in November, 2007 by mediators is put on the negotiation table. Azerbaijan has not fulfilled the 4 resolutions of 1993 by the UN Security Council yet.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The extradition of Russian-Israeli blogger Alexander Lapshin from Belarus to Azerbaijan is a criminal deal between the dictator leaders of the two countries, ARF faction Head Armen Rustamyan said at a briefing with reporters in the Parliament, reports Armenpress.

It was just a criminal deal between two dictators who reached records in terms of human rights violations. It is obvious that this is just a political decision, a result of agreement between the two dictators. This failed to pass through any judicial system. It was obvious that Lukashenko dictated how the trial must go on, Rustamyan said.

The MP stated that this issue must be transferred to another platform. The issue must be considered from the viewpoint what this extradition means. This means that all those people who visit conflict zones in various parts of the world, dont ask for permission of this or that country. It turns out that all people appear in Lapshins situation. This absurdity must be ended, he said, adding that this issue must be taken to international arenas.

Alexander Lapshin, the Russian-Israeli blogger who was extradited from Belarus to Azerbaijan on February 7, has been placed in the isolation cell in Azerbaijans state security service.

Lapshin was flown to Baku from Minsk on a special flight, escorted by state security agents. A group of reporters were waiting for Lapshin in Bakus airport, but Lapshin didnt give any comment to them.

A news correspondent reported from the airport that Lapshin is in a serious mental condition and he didnt respond to the questions of journalists.

The Belarus Supreme Court denied Lapshins appeal on the extradition verdict issued by the General Prosecutor of Belarus.

Lapshin faces up to 5 years imprisonment in Azerbaijan, under charges of public calls against the state, and unauthorized crossing of borders.

Belarus police arrested Alexander Lapshin on December 15, 2016 in Minsk. Lapshin, a Russian and Israeli citizen, resides in Moscow and writes for the famous Russian Travel Blog. He is wanted by Azerbaijan for visiting Nagorno Karabakh in 2011, 2012 and 2016, and criticizing Azerbaijans policy in his blog.

Baku demanded the extradition of Lapshin from Belarus.

Earlier it was reported that the Deputy Prosecutor General of Belarus has made a decision to uphold the request of Azerbaijans General Prosecutor on extraditing Citizen of Russia and Israel Alexander Lapshin, who is wanted for violating Articles 281.2 and 318.2 of Azerbaijans Criminal Code.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said on February 3 : Belarus has no grounds to not extradite Lapshin to Azerbaijan. He said the issue will be solved based on law and international agreements.

The Russian foreign ministry said it is inadmissible to extradite Russian citizens to third countries.
By Press Trust of India: Tokyo, Feb 10 (PTI) Japanese scientists have developed tiny insect-sized drones coated with horse hair and a sticky gel that may help pollinate crops in future and offset the costly decline of bee populations worldwide.

The undersides of these artificial pollinators are coated with horse hairs and an ionic gel just sticky enough to pick up pollen from one flower and deposit it onto another.

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The researchers are hopeful that their invention could someday help carry the burden that modern agricultural demand has put on colonies and in turn benefit farmers.

"The findings, which will have applications for agriculture and robotics, could lead to the development of artificial pollinators and help counter the problems caused by declining honeybee populations," said Eijiro Miyako, a chemist at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) Nanomaterial Research Institute in Japan.

"We believe that robotic pollinators could be trained to learn pollination paths using global positioning systems and artificial intelligence," said Miyako

In 2007, Miyako was working to make liquids that could be used as electrical conductors. One of his attempts generated a gel as sticky as hair wax, which he considered a failure.

Inspired by concerns over honeybees and news reports on robotic insects, Miyako began to explore, by using houseflies and ants, whether the gel could work to pick up pollen.

"This project is the result of serendipity," said Miyako, who worked with postdoctoral fellow Svetlana Chechetka.

To determine whether the gel could grasp onto pollen, Miyako collected ants, put the ionic goop droplet on their bodies, and left them to roam free in a box of tulips.

Compared with ants that did not have the material applied, the ants with the gel were more likely to have pollen attached to their bodies.

In separate experiments using houseflies, the gel was also found to have a camouflage effect - changing colour in response to different sources of light - which could help artificial pollinators avoid predation.

Miyako next needed a flying machine that was small enough to manoeuvre across a field of flowers, like a bee.

He settled on a four-propeller drone, costing USD 100, but simply placing the gel on its smooth, plastic surface would not be enough for it to effectively pick up pollen.

Researchers used horse hair to mimic the fuzzy exterior of a bee. The bristles create more surface area for pollen to adhere to and generate electric charge to keep the grains in place.

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Miyakos team flew the remote-controlled drones, with hairs and gel attached, over the flowers of pink-leaved Japanese lilies (Lilium japonicum).

The robots absorbed the pollen and then could be flown to a second flower, where the grains were deposited, artificially pollinating the plants and causing them to begin the process of producing seeds. Drones without the gel and hair components did not have this effect.

The research was published in the journal Chem. PTI SAR SAR

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YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Switzerland remains in the list of top 20 countries making the highest investment in Armenia.

According to the official statistics of 2015, Switzerland carried out 90 million USD investment in Armenia.

Ambassador of Switzerland to Armenia Lukas Gasser told a press conference on February 10 that the figures can change every year.

2016 was a very meaningful year in terms of intensification of serious economic, cultural ties, facilitation of visa-regime. The recent meeting with the Prime Minister was a good opportunity to discuss the current situation of the Armenian-Swiss ties, the economic cooperation, investments, the Ambassador said.

He stated that sectors such as watchmaking, pharmacy, IT, mining are the fields for Switzerland to make potential investments in Armenia. We are deepening the ties between our financial sectors. Armenia has tomato, honey, apricot, trout which are needed in the Swiss supermarkets, and we must work on this path, he said.

Lukas Gasser said although Armenia is a country with investment potential for the Swiss companies, it faces a problem of properly presenting its potential in the international market.

Switzerland had a stability for a long period of time, thats why it is a good economic partner. I can say that Armenia during the 25 years of its independence has reached a reasonable stability level, but here the problem is to show this, to work towards making it more visible and recognizable for the investors, the Swiss Ambassador said.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The European Ombudsman Institute has released an official statement on the arrest, extradition and protection of speech freedom of blogger Alexander Lapshin, Armenias Ombudsman Office told ARMENPRESS.

Below is the full statement of the EOI.

It is a matter of deep concern that a journalist and blogger Mr. Alexander Lapshin was arrested and then extradited.

The described situation tends to turn to an unacceptable situation violating freedom of expression and media.

Considering the fact that visits of civil society actors and journalists to Nagorno-Karabakh have invaluable significance in humanitarian sense and providing objective information about the situation there. Any action towards territorial limitation for fulfilling media representatives democratic mission is strongly condemnable. This decision on A. Lapshins extradition is a real threat to freedom of expression and media that lie at the heart of European values, as well as seriously endangers human rights values.

Apart from this, the extradition of Mr. Alexander Lapshin is very concerning because of real possibility of his torture and inhuman treatment. Clear sign of ill-treatment against Mr. Lapshin is that his arrest and transfer into another region was largely disseminated in media: handcuffed, apprehended by military in masks and with guns. Such treatment towards a journalist is impermissible.

It is especially worrying that someone, according to the information already received from some journalists, has sent letters to some of journalists with threats to prosecute them for their journalistic activities. It is not acceptable to use this impermissible step for artificial prosecutions and infringement of journalists and civil activists rights.

The European Ombudsman Institute welcomes the importance of reactions protecting freedom of speech in any territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and other regions, already delivered by the OSCE special representative for freedom of the media, some EU officials and human rights defender organizations.

For preventing such kind of vicious practice it should be preliminary confronted with strong condemnation.

Alexander Lapshin, the Russian-Israeli blogger who was extradited from Belarus to Azerbaijan on February 7, has been placed in the isolation cell in Azerbaijans state security service, Ria Novosti reported.

Lapshin was flown to Baku from Minsk on a special flight, escorted by state security agents. A group of reporters were waiting for Lapshin in Bakus airport, but Lapshin didnt give any comment to them.

A news correspondent reported from the airport that Lapshin is in a serious mental condition and he didnt respond to the questions of journalists.

The Belarus Supreme Court denied Lapshins appeal on the extradition verdict issued by the General Prosecutor of Belarus.

Lapshin faces up to 5 years imprisonment in Azerbaijan, under charges of public calls against the state, and unauthorized crossing of borders.

Belarus police arrested Alexander Lapshin on December 15, 2016 in Minsk. Lapshin, a Russian and Israeli citizen, resides in Moscow and writes for the famous Russian Travel Blog. He is wanted by Azerbaijan for visiting Nagorno Karabakh in 2011, 2012 and 2016, and criticizing Azerbaijans policy in his blog.

Baku demanded the extradition of Lapshin from Belarus.

Earlier it was reported that the Deputy Prosecutor General of Belarus has made a decision to uphold the request of Azerbaijans General Prosecutor on extraditing Citizen of Russia and Israel Alexander Lapshin, who is wanted for violating Articles 281.2 and 318.2 of Azerbaijans Criminal Code.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said on February 3 : Belarus has no grounds to not extradite Lapshin to Azerbaijan. He said the issue will be solved based on law and international agreements.

The Russian foreign ministry said it is inadmissible to extradite Russian citizens to third countries.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The extradition of Alexander Lapshin by Belarus to Azerbaijan contradicts the allied relations with Armenia and Russia within the framework of CSTO, head of the ruling partys faction (RPA) Vahram Baghdasaryan told a briefing in the Parliament.

The extradition of Alexander Lapshin to Azerbaijan is a petty move by the Belarus President as a compensation for receiving the highest order of Azerbaijan from Ilham Aliyev. However this step contradicts the allied relations with Russia and Armenia within the framework of CSTO, Baghdasaryan said.

According to him, by extraditing Lapshin, the President of Belarus tried to catch two birds with one hand. This way initially he tried to solve the problems with Russia in the energy sector. When it failed, he compensated for the order which he had recently received from the President of Azerbaijan by extraditing Lapshin, Baghdasaryan said.

Alexander Lapshin, the Russian-Israeli blogger who was extradited from Belarus to Azerbaijan on February 7, has been placed in the isolation cell in Azerbaijans state security service, Ria Novosti reported.

Lapshin was flown to Baku from Minsk on a special flight, escorted by state security agents. A group of reporters were waiting for Lapshin in Bakus airport, but Lapshin didnt give any comment to them.

A news correspondent reported from the airport that Lapshin is in a serious mental condition and he didnt respond to the questions of journalists.

The Belarus Supreme Court denied Lapshins appeal on the extradition verdict issued by the General Prosecutor of Belarus.

Lapshin faces up to 5 years imprisonment in Azerbaijan, under charges of public calls against the state, and unauthorized crossing of borders.

The Russian foreign ministry said it is inadmissible to extradite Russian citizens to third countries.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The foreign ministers of Armenia and Iran Edward Nalbandian and Mohammad Javad Zarif exchanged telegrams on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Armenia and Iran, the foreign ministry of Armenia told ARMENPRESS.

Nalbandian said in his telegram that Armenia and Iran are linked with numerous ties and that first of all its the relations dating back to thousands of years, deep respect between the two peoples, caring of each others culture and friendly cooperation based on rich foundation. The Armenian minister stressed that all grounds exist to confidently say that the cooperation between the two friendly countries will deepen and strengthen even more due to joint efforts, for the benefit of the prosperity of the two neighboring peoples.

Nalbandian appreciates Mohammad Javad Zarif s personal contribution in the development of relations between the two countries, and congratulated the Iranian minister on the occasion of this important event and wished new successes and achievements.

In his telegram, minister Zarif was pleased to note that the relations between the two countries have developed in all sectors of mutual interest during these years due to the will and administration of the heads of states. The Iranian foreign minister added that it is beyond doubt that Iranian President Hassan Rouhanis visit to Armenia on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties is another step aimed at strengthening and advancing the bilateral relations.

Irans foreign minister congratulated Nalbandian, the Armenian Government and the Armenian people on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties and wished strong health and success to the Armenian foreign minister and happiness and prosperity to the Armenian people.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Armenia can be a platform for the development of economic relations between Switzerland and Iran, Ambassador of Switzerland to Armenia Lukas Gasser said, reports Armenpress.

For that Armenia as well must multiply the volumes in the economic relations with Iran. Here, of course, the Swiss private companies must choose whether they will want to carry out an activity in Iran, or with Iran through Armenia. Armenia is an interesting country being Irans direct neighbor, with which it has normal relations, the Swiss Ambassador said.

He stated that after the previous conflicts the atmosphere over Iran is gradually improving which results in intensification of economic relations, and Switzerland had quite intense relationship with Iran in the last two-three decades.

Switzerland has always participated in the UN-defined events at the global level, but in line with this, we already have developing relations with Iran and tend to continue them. I want also to state that Switzerland presents the US interests through its diplomatic mission in Iran, Lukas Gasser said.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on February 10 had a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of US to Armenia Richard Mills, press service of the Government told Armenpress.

USAID Armenia Mission Director Deborah Grieser also attended the meeting.

The sides discussed the Governments anti-corruption policy, as well as a number of issues related to the cooperation in the anti-corruption sector.

The PM talked about the legislative reforms initiated by the Government, the adopted decisions, the works carried out within the frames of the Anti-Corruption Council, as well as the upcoming activities. In this context, PM Karapetyan presented details over a number of legislative bills aimed at increasing the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, improving the current mechanisms, installing new procedures, which will lead to reduction of corruption risks in all sectors.

I attach a great importance to the publics active civil stance on succeeding the anti-corruption steps and ensuring consistency, as well as the government-public link and the constructive cooperation with partnering structures. I want to once again state that the Government is open for discussions and proposals, the PM said.

The US Ambassador expressed satisfaction over the Governments anti-corruption steps and welcomed the PMs public statements and actions on this matter. Richard Mills said still works need to be done, and the US is ready with its resources to assist the Government in its efforts on fight against corruption. There cannot be any doubt over the US commitment to support Armenia in fight against corruption. We are ready to work with the state structures that show legal will on anti-corruption fight, the Ambassador said.

Issues related to the legislative initiatives on criminalizing the illicit enrichment, increasing the quality of investigation of corruption crimes were discussed during the meeting.

Karen Karapetyan and Richard Mills exchanged views on the directions and priorities of the Armenian-American economic cooperation.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. A regular consultation chaired by Prime Minister Karapetyan was held in the Government, where the investment program packages presented from the provinces of Syunik and Lori were discussed, the Govenrments press service told ARMENPRESS.

Programs from Syunik were related to forming a supply base of agricultural equipment, establishing refrigerating facilities, processing of organic agricultural products and others.

From Lori, programs related to bread production, creation of farming businesses, paper bag production and agricultural product processing were presented.

The Prime Minister said stakeholder ministries should actively cooperate with businesses of provinces, in order to have calculated and evaluated programs for discussion.

We will approve reasonable, job creating programs and good ideas, the PM said.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Emergency Situations Davit Tonoyan on February 10 held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Armenia Matthias Kiesler, press service of the Ministry told Armenpress.

The meeting aimed at deepening the Armenian-German mutual cooperation in the emergency situations field, as well as creating a new platform for regional cooperation in this field.

Welcoming the Ambassador, Minister Tonoyan said Germany was among the first ones that showed assistance to Armenia in the establishment of the emergency situations sector. This assistance resulted in the active cooperation between the two countries in this field. The result of this is the recent memorandum signed between the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Federal Bureau of Technical Assistance of the German Ministry of Interior Affairs. The Minister emphasized that the emergency situations field has an humanitarian nature, thus it enables to utilize the entire potential of regional cooperation.

The regional political map is not recognized for crisis and disasters, resistance to disasters and crisis, their quick response and elimination of consequences do not recognize boundaries, thus, the launch of regional cooperation in this field under major international structures is imperative of time, Minister Tonoyan said.

The sides also discussed all possible mechanisms and programs for exchange of experience. The German Ambassador attached importance to the assistance to Germany on exchanging the experience of the National Center for Crisis Management of Armenias Ministry of Emergency Situations.

At the end of the meeting the sides agreed to deepen the existing cooperation and to expand the geographical borders of mutual cooperation.
DILIJAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Defense Ministrys Monte Melkonyan military-training college will operate in Dilijan from September 1, 2017, defense minister Vigen Sargsyan said during a meeting with community leaders in Tavush province.

The SRC school, which was transferred to the state property management department, is now being transferred to the defense ministry upon my request, with the purpose of moving the Monte Melkonyan military-training college there. I am sure, on September 1 the best and competitive high school in Armenia for future officers will be opened in Dilijan city, Tavush, the minister said.

According to the minister, the best conditions will be created in the school for people who chose military education.

Our goal is to make this school attractive for all students. The best conditions will exist here, in both training and everyday terms. All of this will be entirely free of charge, and it will be a great impulse for people desiring to receive education here, from both this and neighboring provinces, he said.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Transport, Communication and Information Technologies Vahan Martirosyan held a meeting with EAEU Member of the Board  Minister in charge of Energy and Infrastructure Adamkul Zhunusov, press service of the Ministry told Armenpress.

Adamkul Zhunusov arrived in Armenia to take part in the 6th consultation of the heads of authorized bodies in the transportation sector of the EAEU member states.

On February 10 the expert group has already held a consultation which was followed by the preparation works of the documents of the 6th consultation.
Local bodies of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit district have threatened to stay away from voting on February 15 unless the big cat is nabbed.

15 camera traps, six cages, four elephants and three vets have been readied by the forest dept to catch the tigress.

By Baishali Adak, Rajat Rai: A man-eating tiger is burning bright as an unlikely electoral issue in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit district.

The two-year-old female has killed five people and injured an old woman sleeping in the veranda of her home in the Indo-Nepal Terai region since November.

Her latest victim, 52-year-old Nanhe Lal's body was found half-eaten in the wheat fields of Piparia Karam village on Tuesday morning. Following this, she was declared a man-eater.

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Residents say they are poorly guarded as all licensed firearms have been deposited with the police ahead of this month's polls. Local bodies have threatened to stay away from voting on February 15 unless the big cat is nabbed.

"It has become a harrowing ordeal for me to campaign in the area", said Dr Shailendra Gangwar, BSP candidate from one of the assembly seats in Pilibhit.

"I am not able to hold any public meetings as everyone including me is scared that the tigress might pounce on us at any time. At public gatherings even if a dog barks, people run for cover," he added.

ALSO READ | It's dangerous, stupid: 10 times people got too close to ferocious animals in Indian zoos

Besides, the farmers -mostly affluent Sikhs- have another grouse. "Since our arms and other explosives like Diwali firecrackers have been deposited with the local police, we are totally helpless," said Kartar Singh, employer of Nanhe Lal who died while guarding his fields. According to locals, the tigress, named Mallu after she took her first prey in Mallpur village, has travelled about 15 kilometres since then.

Sources told Mail Today that as per late evening inputs, "Joint field force of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) and the social forestry department has succeeded in besieging the killer tigress in a sugarcane field in Chandupur village. Senior forest officials are monitoring the situation. Operation of shooting the big cat with dart may take a few hours."

According to divisional forest officer Kailash Prasad, there are around 40 to 45 tigers in the reserve based on the latest survey. However, the villagers rubbish the claim. "The figures date back to 1- 1 years and since then the cubs have also grown enough to prey. We guess that they may be around 60 to 65," said Ranjo Pradhan, the village head of Piparia Karam.

ALSO READ | UP election: All about the dialogues, drama and desperation as action begins

The UP government has swung around its entire forest and wildlife machinery to catch the rogue tigress. Three veterinarians from the Lucknow zoo have been called over to help tranquilise the predator.

Four elephants from the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur-Kheri district have also been brought over for search-and-catch operation. State minister Hemraj Verma, who is a resident of Pilibhit district, promised to look into the problem.

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Man-animal conflict is on rise in the Terai region, including areas of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur-Kheri and Bahraich districts, mostly due to encroachment and settlements in and around the forest areas. "Through an analysis of her pug marks and nature of kills we realised that she, most likely, has a mouth injury due to which she is not hunting other wild animals or even the cattle around," said Umendra Sharma principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife).

"She lies around the wheat fields in the afternoon and drags out sleeping people from their homes and verandahs at night time. Sleeping people are the easiest kill for a tiger on the prowl. Plus, she ate only the soft parts and not the bones."

Other senior officers said that as per protocol followed after a tiger is declared a "man-eater", the priority would be to nab her. In this event, she will be sent to the Lucknow zoo. If this fails, or she tries to attack forest officers in the process, she can be legally shot dead.

ALSO READ | Terrifying footage shows woman being dragged and killed by a tiger at Chinese wildlife park

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YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The representatives of Israels Embassy in Azerbaijan met Russian-Israeli blogger Alexander Lapshin who is extradited from Belarus to Azerbaijan, Haqqin.az reported.

Head of press service of Azerbaijans Prosecutor Generals Office Eldar Sultanov said the meeting was held in accordance with the norms of international law, based on the request letter sent from the Israeli Embassy to the Azerbaijani MFA.

Alexander Lapshin, the Russian-Israeli blogger who was extradited from Belarus to Azerbaijan on February 7, has been placed in the isolation cell in Azerbaijans state security service.

Lapshin was flown to Baku from Minsk on a special flight, escorted by state security agents. A group of reporters were waiting for Lapshin in Bakus airport, but Lapshin didnt give any comment to them.

A news correspondent reported from the airport that Lapshin is in a serious mental condition and he didnt respond to the questions of journalists.

The Belarus Supreme Court denied Lapshins appeal on the extradition verdict issued by the General Prosecutor of Belarus.

Lapshin faces up to 5 years imprisonment in Azerbaijan, under charges of public calls against the state, and unauthorized crossing of borders.

The Russian foreign ministry said it is inadmissible to extradite Russian citizens to third countries.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The fact that blogger, citizen of Russia and Israel Alexander Lapshin arrested in Belarus and extradited to Azerbaijan, has never been in the list of Interpols wanted people has become the focus of international media.

ARMENPRESS reports the article published by EurAsiadaily headlined Lukashenko told a lie, blogger Lapshin was not wanted by Interpol, citing the statement of the Police of Armenia, notes that The announcement of the president of Belarus was a regular disinformation. Let us remind, in a press conference on February 3 Lukashenko had announced that Azerbaijan had not requested them to hand over Lapshin, but it had requested Interpol. Based on Interpols decision we have arrested him (Lapshin) and will hand over to Azerbaijan according to standard procedure, the Belarusian leader had said.

And now the February 3 announcement of Lukashenko contradicts to not only the exposure of Interpol, but the Prosecution of his own country. According to Ria Novosti the representative of the Prosecutor General of Belarus has announced that Alexander Lapshin arrested in Belarus and extradited to Azerbaijan has not been internationally wanted. He was wanted based on inter-state agreement between CIS member states.

Belarus police arrested Alexander Lapshin on December 15, 2016 in Minsk. Lapshin, a Russian and Israeli citizen, resides in Moscow and writes for the famous Russian Travel Blog. He is wanted by Azerbaijan for visiting Nagorno Karabakh in 2011, 2012 and 2016, and criticizing Azerbaijans policy in his blog.

The Belarus Supreme Court denied Lapshins appeal on the extradition verdict issued by the General Prosecutor of Belarus on February 7. On the same day he was extradited to Azerbaijan.

Lapshin was flown to Baku from Minsk on a special flight, escorted by state security agents.

Lapshin faces up to 5 years imprisonment in Azerbaijan, under charges of public calls against the state, and unauthorized crossing of borders.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Police of Hungary inform that some objects in a trove of Persian, Sumerian, Assyrian and other antiquities found in 2016 in a van could date back as early as 900 B.C., and the whole collection may be worth up to $690,000, Armenpress reports The Washington Post informs.

Bronze artifacts, including a helmet, small bells and horse tack, were likely from the grave of a high-ranking military officer from Urartu, also called the Kingdom of Van, an area mostly corresponding to parts of modern Armenia and Turkey.

The 115 objects, also including 14 Roman gold coins and some high-quality forgeries, were found during a routine search on September 29 in a truck going to Lithuania. None of the recovered objects was found to be from a museum or private collection.

The Police have told that the van driver was a man of 50 years of Turkish nationality, who said a man in Istanbul paid him 300 Euros ($320) to take the loot to Poland, be charged with receiving stolen goods.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan visited TUMO center in Dilijan on February 10 where training for soldiers kicked off. In the sidelines of the training 30 servicemen will get computer knowledge. Armenpress reports Vigen Sargsyan informed that after piloting the project for a few months, the project will continue in major regiments.

The main goal of the project is to give some computer knowledge to all the mandatory servicemen, as well as create conditions to enable soldiers to continue with education just in his military regiment, the Minister said, adding that after the training is completed the soldiers will have minimal-level computer programming skills.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia and the "Simonyan" educational foundation on January 14.

The "Tumo" center for creative technologies, which is one of the projects of the "Simonyan" foundation, has expressed willingness to implement a special program to teach mandatory servicemen skills necessary in the 21st century. The educational program includes an after school program with 14 specializations.



The program includes the following directions: computer programming, robotics, computer graphics, and digital music creation.



The servicemen's educational experience will be organized at a "Tumo" center closest to their military base, with a previously agreed-upon schedule, throughout an 18 month period. The lessons will take place on three levels, which are beginner, intermediate, and advanced, each taking four weeks to complete.



Any servicemen taking part in the lessons will go through four-weeks of preparatory training and practical lessons.

Currently 4 Tumo centers operate in Armenia and NKR.
Der Spiegel news weekly reported that Deutsche Boerse chief Carsten Kengeter told a government official of plans to merge with the London Stock Exchange before a large stock purchase was made

Insider trading suspicions against Deutsche Boerse chief Carsten Kengeter took a new turn Friday after a German media report that he discussed merger plans with the London Stock Exchange with a government official shortly before a large share purchase.

Der Spiegel news weekly reported that Kengeter told Lars-Hendrik Roeller -- an economic advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel -- in November 2015 that he was "basically in agreement" with the LSE over a planned merger.

Frankfurt prosecutors announced last week that they had opened a probe against the Deutsche Boerse CEO on suspicion of insider trading after he bought around 4.5 million euros ($4.8 million) worth of his own firm's shares in December 2015.

Those shares increased sharply in value after the announcement of the LSE merger plans in February 2016.

Investigators say they suspect merger talks between executives at the two stock market operators in fact began in July or August 2015 and ran until early December.

Deutsche Boerse says the shares were part of the normal executive pay programme -- and that in any case, the two stock market operators did not open tie-up talks until January 2016.

Asked about the report in Der Spiegel, which did not cite any sources, a Deutsche Boerse spokesman told AFP the operator was cooperating with the insider trading investigation.

A chancellery spokeswoman told AFP it does not comment on meetings held by Merkel's economic advisors.

The LSE-Deutsche Boerse merger would create a financial markets behemoth competing with the likes of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and ICE in the United States, as well as the Hong Kong stock exchange in Asia.

A tie-up would ring up one of the globe's biggest groups for stock listings and market data, creating competition fears among EU rivals.

LSE formally offered this week to sell clearing house LCH Clearnet SA to European rival Euronext if the European Commission approves the deal at the end of a competition probe.
Euro Disney's finances have been 'significantly' hit by the November 2015 attacks on Paris

Walt Disney is planning to take full ownership of its Disneyland Paris subsidiary in a bid to turn around its flagging fortunes, the company said Friday.

The announcement came as Euro Disney, which operates Disneyland Paris, said visitor numbers were up in the first quarter, despite the state of emergency that has been in place in France for over a year.

Initially, Walt Disney would increase its stake in the theme park to 85.7 percent by buying shares currently held by the billionaire Saudi prince Al-Walid ben Talal.

After that it would launch a public offering to acquire the remainder of Euro Disney's shares, it said.

Walt Disney said the offer price of 2.0 euros ($2.13) per share was a 67-percent mark-up on Euro Disney's closing price on Thursday.

It is nevertheless, a long way below the share price of 11 euros when Euro Disney went public in November 1989.

Walt Disney said that Euro Disney's financial condition "has been significantly and negatively impacted" by Islamist attacks on the French capital in November 2015, which killed 130 people.

Business conditions have also remained challenging in France and the rest of Europe since then, it said.

The buyout offer "affords maximum flexibility to shareholders, addresses the group's financial needs and reflects its ongoing support for the long-term success of Disneyland Paris," Walt Disney said.

- Situation 'improving' -

Meanwhile, Euro Disney said it is observing a pick-up in visitor numbers.

"After a difficult year, the Paris tourism environment remains challenging, with the year-long state of emergency still in place. However volumes at both our parks and hotels are improving," said Euro Disney chief executive Catherine Powell.

Euro Disney, which operates its business year from October to September, said revenues were up five percent at 354 million euros ($377 million) in the three months to December.

Park revenues rose by three percent to 194 million euros thanks to a six-percent increase in attendance, the company said.

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That was because the year-earlier period had been "impacted by a four-day closure of the parks following the November 2015 events in Paris," it said.

In the October-December period, most of the additional guests came from France and Britain, while there were fewer visitors from Belgium and the Netherlands.

Nevertheless, the increase in attendance was "partially offset by a three-percent decrease in average spending per guest... primarily due to lower average ticket rates," Euro Disney explained.

Revenues generated by the hotels and Disney Village business grew by four percent to 141 million euros, "mainly due to a three-percentage point increase in hotel occupancy."

Euro Disney said Disneyland Paris was scheduled to celebrate its 25th anniversary in March and was hoping that would attract more visitors.
SAN FRANCISCO  Falcon Exclusives Brent Corrigan and JJ Knight are going to Mardi Gras in Sydney Australia! The appearances are courtesy of NakedSword.com, Falcon Studios Group and Swiss Navy Lube.

Their attendence will be in support of the recent NakedSword Originals and Falcon Studios Group movies starring the gay porn power couple. The two started dating shortly after they met filming a scene together for Falcons About Last Night.

Gay porn icon and Falcon exclusive Brent Corrigan recently joined forces with NakedSword Originals to produce his feature directorial debut in a story conceived and written by him, Ultra Fan, in which he also stars. While in Australia, Corrigan will be promoting this provocative gay porn thriller that follows him as hes manipulated by his biggest fan to get back to filming with big studios rather than just perform in the occasional web cam show.

Corrigan comments, "Mardi Gras is renowned worldwide as one of the most vibrant queer-centric events. I'm more than thrilled to be returning to celebrate with Sydney what it means to be multifaceted, and even a lil eccentric! Let's have fun, be safe, and shine like the bright stars we are!"

Falcon Exclusive JJ Knight has starred in a total of 16 Falcon Studios Group and NakedSword Originals productions in the last year, including the recent Falcon revival of the iconic Spokes series, Urban Spokesand the recent NakedSword Originals release, Greasers. Knight quickly rose to superstardom with his massive endowment and frat boy looks and charm. The trip will support these appearance, as well as the launch of the JJ Knight Supercock, the Falcon dildo molded from the star.

Im so excited to visit all the fans in Australia during Mardi Gras. Please come out and meet Brent and I at these fun events weve got lined up, added Knight.

The duos Mardi Gras Parade week appearances kick off with the Ultra Fan Model Search, sponsored by Swiss Navy Lube at The Midnight Shift on March 1 and produced by the Babylon promoters. NakedSword and Falcon Studios Group Art Director and personality extraordinaire, Sister Roma, The Most Photographed Nun in the World, will emcee the event as well as judge the finalists with Corrigan and Knight. Plus, Swiss Navys world-famous Mr. Peeps will be present for the festivities. The winner of the model search will receive a ton of prizes from Falcon, NakedSword, Swiss Navy and a photo shoot with DNA magazine, as well as the possibility of appearing in a Falcon or NakedSword Originals production. Australians who think they have what it takes can apply for qualifying rounds here.

On the following night, Corrigan and Knight will be back at The Midnight Shift for a VIP Meet and Greet event and a special performance at the popular Babylon Party. For tickets and more info, fans can visit the Babylon site. Again, Swiss Navys Mr. Peeps and Sister Roma will be on hand and mingling with the crowd.

Finally, their Mardi Gras appearances will conclude with an in-store autograph event at Park Street Adult Books from 6pm to 7pm on Friday, March 3. Along with Sister Roma and Swiss Navys Mr. Peeps, Corrigan and Knight will be available to meet fans, who can get their merchandise signed in person.

"Every Australian I've ever met has been a party waiting to happen. From what I can see, you guys love to drink, laugh and have a good time. That's why it's always been my dream to come to Sydney for Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, one of the most iconic LGBTQ celebrations in the world, states Sister Roma. Being here for the NakedSword Ultra Fan model search with Falcon Exclusives Brent Corrigan and JJ Knight, Chi Chi La Rue, and the world-famous Mr. Peeps from Swiss Navy Lube makes it all the more exciting. I hope everyone comes out and sees us at the Midnight Shift for the Babylon Party and at events all over town. I don't bite (unless you ask nicely) and I never say no to a selfie!"
It looks like a BJP plan to enter the state riding on the massive popularity and cult status enjoyed by Rajinikanth in Tamil Nadu.

By India Today Web Desk: In a potboiler of a twist to the ongoing Tamil Nadu drama, it is learnt that superstar Rajinikanth may soon launch his own political party.

Sources have told India Today TV the 66-year-old star has been advised by senior RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy to float his own outfit.

Sources said Gurumurthy's proposal is part of a BJP plan to enter the state riding on the massive popularity and cult status enjoyed by Rajinikanth in Tamil Nadu.

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The BJP plans to fish in the troubled waters of Tamil Nadu by projecting Rajinikanth as the chief ministerial face. Elections in Tamil Nadu, however, are not due in the immediate future.

AMITABH SAYS NO

Meanwhile, it has also been learnt that megastar Amitabh Bachchan has advised Rajinikanth not to go for active politics.

Amitabh himself had a brief stint with politics in the 1980s when he contested and won from Allahabad Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh on a Congress ticket.

Amitabh and Rajinikanth have worked in a few popular Hindi films, including Hum, Giraftaar, and Andha Kanoon.

WHAT KAMAL HAASAN SAID OVER TAMIL NADU POLITICAL CRISIS

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Kamal Haasan backed O Panneeerselvam to take charge of CM's chair. The actor said that Panneerselvam is competent enough to lead Tamil Nadu and Sasikala, in a sense, should back off from confrontation.

"Time of dice playing was done with in Mahabharat. We can't be playing dice and hawking our family wives and lives, in favour of some numbers (Sasikala's MLA support). We don't trade. We are the people," said Haasan.

"I am not going to jump into the so-called bandwagon of Panneerselvam. The last conversation I had with him was during the jallikattu [row], where I told him he should go to the people. We'll have to realise how the state can be run," he said.

WHERE IS THALA AJITH KUMAR?

Actor Ajith Kumar was among the first celebrities to pay visit to Jayalalithaa when she was hospitalised. Rumours were rife that Ajith was anointed as her successor and that O Panneerselvam, who served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu from 2001 to 2002 and again from 2014 to 2015, will guide Ajith Kumar when he takes charge as the chief minister.

Unlike Ajith Kumar, Kamal Haasan has had locked horns with the AIADMK several times, be it during the release of Vishwaroopam or Chennai floods.

Ajith Kumar, who has maintained a cordial relationship with Jayalalithaa and someone who has a prominent voice in Tamil Nadu can smoothen things up, only if he chose to mince words.

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Watch the video here

Also read:

Sasikala and Panneerselvam fight: Where is Thala Ajith Kumar?

After Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth backs jallikattu

--- ENDS ---
LOS ANGELESA federal judge in Michigan has granted a preliminary injunction in the case of Doe 1 v. Deja Vu Consulting, agreeing to suspend more than a dozen wage-and-hour lawsuits that allege the gentlemen's club chain Deja Vu misclassifies dancers as independent contractors. The stay on Thursday came two days after U.S. District Judge Stephen J. Murphy gave a preliminary OK to a $6.5 million settlement that would cover more than 45,000 dancers at 64 clubs across the country, according to Law360.

Murphy is now considering whether the settlement is fair, temporarily halting litigation in the ongoing case that has moved through several state and federal courts. The order also enjoins all proceedings against Deja Vu pending the approval of the settlement.



The injunction serves the public interest because it will bring finality to the dispute, eliminate the risk of duplicative proceedings, decrease the cost of litigation, eliminate the risk of conflicting results and allow the parties to implement the negotiated class-wide settlement, Judge Murphy wrote in the order.

Attorneys for both sides did not immediately respond to request for comment at post time.



The litigation began in 2008 when an unidentified dancer at a Michigan club run by CinLan Inc. alleged she and dancers at eight other CinLan clubs in Michigan were misclassified as independent contractors in court documents. Deja Vu Consulting was also named in that suit as a joint employer with CinLan. In 2011, Deja Vu and CinLan agreed to settle those claims for $11.3 million. But the legal maneuvering continued when a different Jane Doe filed a class action in the Eastern District. That suit alleged Deja Vu misclassifies its dancers as independent contractors despite exercising significant control over their day-to-day work, Law360 reported. She was subsequently granted leave to file a second amended complaint expanding her suit to cover a nationwide class spanning 64 Deja Vu locations. That amended complaint has not yet been filed.



A fairness hearing will be held on June 6.
 Recollections of a Jewish Mathematician in Germany (repost)

Abraham A. Fraenkel, "Recollections of a Jewish Mathematician in Germany"

2016 | English| ISBN-10: 3319308459 | 234 pages | PDF | 3 MB

Abraham A. Fraenkel was a world-renowned mathematician in preSecond World War Germany, whose work on set theory was fundamental to the development of modern mathematics. A friend of Albert Einstein, he knew many of the eras acclaimed mathematicians personally. He moved to Israel (then Palestine under the British Mandate) in the early 1930s. In his autobiography Fraenkel describes his early years growing up as an Orthodox Jew in Germany and his development as a mathematician at the beginning of the twentieth century. This memoir, originally written in German in the 1960s, has now been translated into English, with an additional chapter covering the period from 1933 until his death in 1965 written by the editor, Jiska Cohen-Mansfield.Fraenkel describes the world of mathematics in Germany in the first half of the twentieth century, its origins and development, the systems influencing it, and its demise. He also paints a unique picture of the complex struggles within the world of Orthodox Jewry in Germany. In his personal life, Fraenkel merged these two worlds during periods of turmoil including the two world wars and the establishment of the state of Israel.Including a new foreword by Menachem MagidorForeword to the 1967 German edition by Yehoshua Bar-Hillel
5 Causes of Nursing Home Resident Anxiety Unfortunately, for many reasons anxiety happens more often by long-term care residents than by those who live in
In a Boing Boing post last December, I wrote that some asshole anti-Semites were planning a march to chase the Jews out of Whitefish, Montana. Well, some asshole anti-Semites didn't like the attention.

Look at how angry some Hitler enthusiasts got over my honest comments! I was sharing a quote from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) website!

The nazi assholes' rant isn't worth reading, all name-calling and anti-Semitic crap.

Nothing they wrote is remotely flattering, but they did choose a fetching image of my best friend, Nemo, and I. The rest of their outrage seems to have been pulled straight from my LinkedIn bio. I'm quite proud of the work I've done. In addition to publishing Boing Boing I have had some interesting jobs. It appears that some of my former consulting work really set them off:

WELL HOLY FUCK! CHECK OUT WHAT I JUST FOUND! Worthless Jew Fuck Jason Weisberger works for George Soros

"His diverse array of talents provided opportunities for him to serve in a consultative role for the following organizations: Associated Northcliffe Digital, the National Science Foundation, Panorama Capital and Soros Fund Management, LLC."

If I'm going to get picked on for being born Jewish, I might as well be associated with the biggest and baddest Judaic boogeyman around, Mr. George Soros. I do not work for him, however. I would gladly consult for them again, however.

While I'd normally just ignore this kind of thing, the site in question has a disclaimer, where they claim to be a PARODY site and nothing they write is to be taken seriously. However, they also offer a "complaint department" wherein they share a photograph of an apparently lynched black man, and threaten a woman who dared complain about their hate screed. These dual messages seem conflicted so I thought I'd both contact our pals at the ADL, and share it with you.

I firmly stand by my statement that neo-Nazis are assholes. I've heard from a number of people who live in (or know Jewish people who live in) Whitefish, Montana. I am assured they won't take any guff from these swine either.


Jason Chaffetz is a Republican lawmaker who led the Benghazi and Clinton email witch-hunts in his capacity on the Congressional Oversight Committee; when he returned to Utah for a town hall meeting, he was met by thousands of angry constituents who chanted "do your job" and called on him to investigate Trump's many irregularities, from foreign interference with the election results to his refusal to release his tax returns to his many conflicts of interest.



Chaffetz told the crowd that the President isn't bound by conflict of interest rules, signalling that he would do nothing. Then he cut the meeting short by an hour and ran away.

Chaffetz was a key player in the Benghazi and email investigations that plagued Clinton, a former secretary of State under President Obama. Shortly before Election Day, Chaffetz said he believed the committee had two years' worth of material on her. Now he's facing added pressure to apply the same level of scrutiny to Trump.

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The Tribune reported Thursday's event at Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, was at capacity, with police warning some would not be admitted into its 1,080-person auditorium. Demonstrators repeatedly booed when Chaffetz mentioned Trump's name, it said, and some held up signs reading "disagree" at the Utah lawmaker.

#Chaffetz hits Kellyanne Conway as "wrong, wrong, wrong" to promote Ivanka Trump's business. pic.twitter.com/RDtAi0k1f7  Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) February 10, 2017

Cong Chaffetz Town Hall crowd chanting "Do your job!" He's having a hard time answering over crowd noise @UtahIndivisible @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/gO0BXybGy5  Kyung Lah (@KyungLahCNN) February 10, 2017

Protesters swarm Chaffetz town hall

[Mark Hensch/The Hill]





(Image: Eric Bradner)
You can fly to Europe for $69 bucks. Yes, really.

Norwegian Airlines has been teasing $69 flights to Europe from select spots in the United States for almost a full year now.

And while they promised it would happen sometime in 2017more specifically after April, when theyre set to receive a shipment of brand spankin new Boeing 787swe still didnt know which airports would be graced with this deal, until now.

In a recent interview with Boeing executives in Seattle, Norwegian CEO Bjrn Kjos let it slip that in June, hes going to start offering lower rates from the United States to Europe than weve ever seen before. (We have a potential date, people!)

He also shared that, pending Department of Transportation approval, well be seeing many more of these low-fair, transatlantic flights in the future, according to the Seattle Times.

Theres more news where that came from. The flights will be departing from secondary airports, as running these routes in smaller facilities will help Norwegian keep the airfare costs inexpensive.

One location that will be offering the introductory $69 fare has been confirmed as Stewart Airport (about 60 miles outside of New York City), according to USA Today, and a second will be T.F. Green Airport (about six miles from Providence, Rhode Island). As The Scotsman previously reported, one of the routes will be between Edinburgh and New York.

You are that much closer to planning your uber-cheap European vacation. Patience is a virtue.

Related Articles:

How Passengers Can Take Advantage Of The Alaska And Virgin America Merger

How To Become a Frequent Flyer Without Spending A Lot Of Money

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which One Is s Better Deal?

This article originally appeared in Travel and Leisure by Erica Owen
THURSDAY, Feb. 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Astronauts' brains change shape while in space, a new study indicates.

Brain scans of astronauts before and after spaceflight found their brains compress and expand during space missions.

The findings could lead to new ways to treat health conditions that affect brain function, according to the University of Michigan researchers.

The NASA-funded study included 12 astronauts who spent two weeks on the Space Shuttle and 14 who spent six months on the International Space Station.

MRIs showed that all had increases and decreases in gray matter in different parts of the brain. Those changes were greater the longer the astronauts spent in space.

"We found large regions of gray matter volume decreases, which could be related to redistribution of cerebrospinal fluid in space," principal investigator Rachael Seidler said in a university news release.

"Gravity is not available to pull fluids down in the body, resulting in so-called puffy face in space," explained Seidler, a professor of kinesiology and psychology. "This may result in a shift of brain position or compression."

The study also found increases in gray matter in brain regions that control leg movement and process sensory information from legs. The researchers theorized this might be caused by the brain learning how to move in microgravity.

These changes were greater in space station astronauts because their brains were constantly adapting to their new environment, the research team speculated.

Seidler said she observed similar changes in a study on long-term bed rest. In that work, volunteers spent up to three months in a downward tilted position, and their brains shifted up.

The structural brain changes in astronauts could be due to new connections between neurons, Seidler said. She's leading a long-term study to examine how long these brain changes last and how they affect mental and physical abilities.

The study was published recently in the journal Nature Microgravity.

More information

NASA has more on the effects of space flight.
THURSDAY, Feb. 9, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Learning new words can be a challenge for any preschooler, but kids who take naps may have an advantage when it comes to developing language skills, a new study suggests.

Researchers assessed 39 youngsters who were all 3 years old and found those who napped after learning new verbs had a better understanding of the words 24 hours later.

"There's a lot of evidence that different phases of sleep contribute to memory consolidation, and one of the really important phases is slow-wave sleep, which is one of the deepest forms of sleep," said study co-author Rebecca Gomez. She is principal investigator of the University of Arizona's Child Cognition Lab.

"What's really important about this phase is that essentially what the brain is doing is replaying memories during sleep, so those brain rhythms that occur during slow-wave sleep ... are actually reactivating those patterns -- those memories -- and replaying them and strengthening them," Gomez said in a university news release.

Despite the findings, parents shouldn't fret if they can't get their preschooler to nap during the day, the researchers noted. The most important thing is total amount of sleep. Preschoolers should get 10 to 12 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.

"We know that when children don't get enough sleep it can have long-term consequences," including poor performance on mental skill tests, Gomez said.

If children don't get enough sleep at night, it's a good idea to encourage them to nap during the day, the study authors suggested.

"It's important to create opportunities for children to nap -- to have a regular time in their schedule that they could do that," Gomez said.

In the study, the investigators chose to test the children on how well they learned and understood verbs rather than nouns because action words are typically more difficult to grasp than names, such as "Mommy" or "doggie," which are often the first words kids learn.

The findings were published recently in the journal Child Development.

More information

The American Academy of Pediatrics has more on preschoolers.
FRIDAY, Feb. 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Rep. Tom Price was confirmed by the U.S. Senate early Friday morning to head up the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

As chief of that agency, the Republican from Georgia will oversee the planned dismantling of the Affordable Care Act, the controversial health care reform law also known as Obamacare. He will also be responsible for implementing any substitute health care reform package that Republicans craft in the coming months.

While in Congress, Price was a strident critic of the Affordable Care Act and had introduced an alternative health care reform bill.

Following a contentious debate that went into the wee hours of Friday morning, Price was confirmed by a 52-47 vote that split along party lines. Much of the recent controversy surrounding his appointment has centered on questions concerning the orthopedic surgeon's ethics and investments, The New York Times reported.

Republican senators applauded the confirmation.

"Who better than a doctor to head an organization that covers the wide variety of major health care programs," asked Sen. Michael Enzi, a Republican from Wyoming. Price will be the first physician to head the agency since 1993, the Times reported.

Price is "one of the most capable, well-prepared individuals that President Trump could have chosen," Enzi said, according to the Times.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, added that Price "knows more about health care policy than just about anyone."

Organizations that focus on women's health care took issue with Price's confirmation.

"As physicians who care for women, we are deeply disappointed that Tom Price has been confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services [HHS]," Dr. Anne Davis, consulting medical director for Physicians for Reproductive Health, said in a statement.

"During his time in Congress, Price was a staunch and rigid opponent of comprehensive women's reproductive health care and the Affordable Care Act [ACA]," she added.

"The ACA's requirement for health plans to cover preventive care, such as contraception, has been a resounding success, as well as an important step to address health disparities," Davis stated. "The days of paying extra fees or high out-of-pocket costs for birth control should remain a thing of the past. The ACA has also brought coverage of childbirth, assistance with breast-feeding, well-child visits, and so many other essential parts of protecting maternal and child health."

Meanwhile, other health care advocacy groups applauded Price's confirmation.

"From dollars to health care delivery, Rep. Tom Price has experience," Twila Brase, president and co-founder of Citizens' Council for Health Freedom, said in a statement. "He [was] chair of the House Budget Committee, he knows what it's like to work with Congress and he's taken care of patients as a physician," she added.

"Dr. Price had a bill to repeal every word of the Affordable Care Act, and we trust that he still plans to do everything possible to make that happen," Brase added. "He has publicly stated his opposition to government-run health care and socialized medicine."

Until this week, congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump had been pushing for a quick repeal of the Affordable Care Act and simultaneous passage of an alternative health care reform law. But Trump said in an interview on Sunday that any repeal and replacement effort could take until 2018 to implement.

The agency Price now heads has an annual budget of more than $1 trillion. Agencies within the department regulate food and drugs, sponsor much of the nation's biomedical research and combat public health threats, according to the Times.

More information

For more on the Affordable Care Act, go to healthcare.gov.
By Press Trust of India: New York, Feb 10 (PTI) Scientists have developed a thin, inexpensive material with extraordinary properties not found in nature - to act as a kind of air conditioning system for structures with the ability to cool objects even under direct sunlight with zero energy and water consumption.

When applied to a surface, the metamaterial film cools the object underneath by efficiently reflecting incoming solar energy back into the space while simultaneously allowing the surface to shed its own heat in the form of infrared thermal radiation.

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The new material could provide an eco-friendly means of supplementary cooling for thermoelectric power plants, which currently require large amounts of water and electricity to maintain the operating temperatures of their machinery.

The glass-polymer hybrid material measures just 50 micrometres thick - slightly thicker than the aluminium foil found in a kitchen - and can be manufactured economically on rolls, making it a potentially viable large-scale technology for both residential and commercial applications.

"We feel that this low-cost manufacturing process will be transformative for real-world applications of this radiative cooling technology," said Xiaobo Yin, assistant professor at University of Colorado Boulder in the US.

The material takes advantage of passive radiative cooling, the process by which objects naturally shed heat in the form of infrared radiation, without consuming energy.

Thermal radiation provides some natural nighttime cooling and is used for residential cooling in some areas, but daytime cooling has historically been more of a challenge.

For a structure exposed to sunlight, even a small amount of directly-absorbed solar energy is enough to negate passive radiation.

The challenge for the researchers was to create a material that could provide a one-two punch: reflect any incoming solar rays back into the atmosphere while still providing a means of escape for infrared radiation.

To solve this, they embedded visibly-scattering but infrared-radiant glass microspheres into a polymer film. They then added a thin silver coating underneath in order to achieve maximum spectral reflectance.

"Both the glass-polymer metamaterial formation and the silver coating are manufactured at scale on roll-to-roll processes," said Ronggui Yang, a professor at CU Boulder.

"Just 10 to 20 square meters of this material on the rooftop could nicely cool down a single-family house in summer," said Gang Tan, an associate professor at University of Wyoming.

In addition to being useful for cooling of buildings and power plants, the material could also help improve the efficiency and lifetime of solar panels. In direct sunlight, panels can overheat to temperatures that hamper their ability to convert solar rays into electricity.

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"Just by applying this material to the surface of a solar panel, we can cool the panel and recover an additional one to two per cent of solar efficiency," Yin added.

The research was published in the journal Science. PTI SAR SAR

--- ENDS ---
elon musk

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is denying allegations that factory workers are subject to poor working conditions.

In fact, Musk called the allegations "morally outrageous," in a direct message with Gizmodo.

On Thursday, Jose Moran, a factory worker at Tesla's Fremont plant for the last 4 years, publicly outlined why factory workers have reached out to the United Auto Workers (UAW) to form a union.

Moran said employees are subject to frequent excessive mandatory overtime to reach production goals and are subject to preventable injuries because the machinery is not compatible with workers' bodies.

"Frankly, I find this attack to be morally outrageous. Tesla is the last car company left in California, because costs are so high. The UAW killed NUMMI and abandoned the workers at our Fremont plant in 2010. They have no leg to stand on," Musk told Gizmodo.

Musk admitted that factory workers sometimes face mandatory overtime in the message with Gizmodo.

There is sometimes mandatory overtime if we are trying to make up for a production stoppage, but it is dropping almost every week, he said.

Musk said "the understanding" is that Moran was paid by the UAW to agitate for the union, something that the UAW categorically denied on Friday in a statement:

"Mr. Moran is not and has not been paid by the UAW. We would hope that Tesla would apologize to their employee, Mr. Moran, for spreading fake news about him. We can confirm that Mr. Moran and others at Tesla have approached the UAW, and we welcome them with open arms," the statement reads.

Tesla confirmed in a statement to Business Insider on Thursday that Moran is a Tesla factory worker.

Tesla did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment on the UAW's statement. On Thursday, Tesla declined to comment to Business Insider on allegations that factory workers face excessive mandatory overtime and unsafe working conditions.

Reach out to the author at dmuoio@businessinsider.com or securely on wickr: @muoiod

Weiterlesen

NOW WATCH: We went inside Elon Musk's futuristic Tesla factory filled with over 150 robots





More From Business Insider


Antonio Bagnato How far does your compassion go? Do your moral principles apply to everyone, or only those you think are "good" or "on your side"? How far does your compassion go? Do your moral principles apply to everyone, or only those you think are "good" or "on your side"?





Australia's morality is likely to be sorely tested with the news that another citizen has been sentenced to death overseas.









After the tragic deaths of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran in Indonesia, many Australians said "never again".





They believed that despite the wrong done by the pair  attempted drug importation  rehabilitation was possible. Importantly, they came to the conclusion that murder is murder, barbaric and cruel, no matter whether it is ordered by a court or at the hands of a hitman.





The Bagnato case will ask us to put our money where our mouth is. Because, by all accounts, Bagnato is not a good guy. In fact, he's up there with what we might imagine is the worst of the worst.





Evidence from the crime scene indicated his victim had been tortured. When Schneider's body was found in a shallow grave, his neck had been broken.





But this is exactly why Australia should fight to ensure Bagnato is not given the death penalty.





We make hypocrites of ourselves if we care about state-sanctioned murder only when it is applied to people we feel sympathy towards, or those with a narrative of redemption.





There are so many powerful practical arguments against the death penalty, it's no wonder Australia last executed someone 50 years ago. The fallibility of courts means it regularly leads to the killing of the innocent, and it doesn't work to reduce murder rates. (It's worth noting that the trial of Bagnato's co-accused was marred by allegations of translation issues and confusion.)





But even if these practical reasons were not compelling, we should still oppose it.





The death penalty is not clean. It's not "killing" as opposed to "murder" because it is done via bureaucracy. It's slow  sometimes lasting more an hour  it's messy, and it's premeditated.





If he is lucky, Bagnato will feel nothing as his life is taken by lethal injection.





If not, he may feel like he is burning from the inside out, brutally tortured in his last moments by inadequate anaesthetic levels combined with drugs that prevent him from moving to show he is in pain. Lethal injections are one of the forms of capital punishment most likely to have their delivery botched





We must fight to stop this kind of barbarism wherever it occurs  fight for a society that refuses to put a price on human life, that does not condone retribution and violence.





Bagnato's victim was a former Hells Angels bikie who was allegedly being investigated along with Bagnato for another murder in Australia, as well as international drug deals. Yet few would argue that Bagnato was justified in killing him.





The murder was a terrible act and it will be a terrible act if the Thai government murders him. When we justify taking the life of another, we turn ourselves into murderers, too.





These men were raised in Australia. Their crimes, and their lives, are our responsibility.





The arguments in favour of standing by and doing nothing when other countries impose the death penalty are bunkum . We can't pick and choose which foreign laws to be moral relativists about (as I've previously argued , we would never stand by and condone women being stoned to death for adultery because "that's the law"), just as we shouldn't pick and choose which lives we fight for.





In fact, legal experts believe this case could be the perfect opportunity for Australia to use its friendly relationship with Thailand to begin to implement the recommendations of a recent parliamentary inquiry into the death penalty.





There should be no place for state-imposed murder in Thailand, a deeply Buddhist nation, just as there is no place for it in Australia.





As the chair of the inquiry, former Liberal MP Philip Ruddock, wrote:





"Not only does an eye for an eye leave the world blind, but the deliberate destruction of human life as a response to crime is an affront to the 'right to life', enshrined under international human rights law. We must continue to campaign in a strong and consistent manner to rid the world of this cruel practice for all time".





Since the death penalty decision on Tuesday, there has been relative silence from the government and advocates on this case  something Foreign Minister Julie Bishop must urgently address. Otherwise this case risks bending our moral consistency so far it breaks it.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Source: Sydney Morning Herald , Amy Corderoy, February 10, 2017




There are approximately 80,000 men, women and children living isolated in supermax prisons or solitary confinement units in the United States. Solitary Watch is a nonprofit organization committed to reporting on the use of solitary confinement in the United States, bringing this human rights issue out of the shadows and into the public eye.





Crime and Punishment author Fydor Dostoyevsy famously wrote, The degree of civilization in society can be judged by entering its prisons.



According to Solitary Watch, the United States is not doing too well by that metric.





An Introduction To A Secret World





Solitary Watchs Co-Director, James Ridgeway, first became interested in the issue of solitary confinement while working as a reporter. I was working at a magazine and I was asked to go to Louisiana to do a story about the Angola Three , which were three men who had been kept in solitary for 40 years at the notorious Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Albert Woodfox , the last of the Angola Three to be released, was held in solitary confinement from 1972 to 2016. He has the unique distinction of being the prisoner held in solitary confinement for the longest period of time in United States history.





In researching the story, Ridgeway learned that there were tens of thousands of people being held in solitary in American prisons  many for years or even decades. Yet the issue had received almost no attention from the media or policymakers. I simply wanted to start a project to find out what was going on.





He started Solitary Watch with co-director Jean Casella, who had experience managing nonprofit media projects. We wanted to start opening up the subject so the press and the public has access to this secret world, that is totally shut off from most of the American population.





A Prison Within A Prison





Solitary Housing Unit, Florence Supermax, Colorado While researching solitary confinement in the U.S. prison system, Ridgeway and Casella learned how dire the effects of solitary confinement can be for prisoners. Five percent of people in prison are in solitary confinement but fifty percent of prison suicides are committed by people in solitary, says Casella. While researching solitary confinement in the U.S. prison system, Ridgeway and Casella learned how dire the effects of solitary confinement can be for prisoners. Five percent of people in prison are in solitary confinement but fifty percent of prison suicides are committed by people in solitary, says Casella.





Whats life like for prisoners in solitary confinement? What it amounts to is that its 24 hours a day in a cell an average of 6 by 9 feet, says Casella. They have solid steel doors instead of bars, and the people inside are completely closed off and dont even have much contact with prison staff. They exercise alone, they march to and from the showers alone, they get meals through a feeding slot. Any conversations with the guards are through the food slot. Casella adds that sometimes mental health checks done on prisoners in solitary confinement are also done through the food slot.





Ridgeway draws an even finer picture: Theres nothing much in it but a bunk and a blanket and combination toilet-sink and maybe a shelf on the wall, he says. Most of the people in solitary are allowed a certain number of books, but they may take away things like books as additional punishment.





Boredom amplifies the effects of isolation, according to Ridgeway. Most people just sit there, they dont do anything  there is nothing to do.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE!

The psychological and neurological effects can be devastating, especially to those who already suffer from mental illness. They could end up committing or attempting suicide in their first few weeks, according to Casella. People in solitary can experience anxiety, depression, extreme paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations. After awhile they also report the inability to communicate with others, overreaction to touch.Source: razoo, Linda Gerhardt, February 9, 2017
-Kenyans are proving to be the Kings of mimicry

-A couple has just made headlines after allegedly emulating the two humble lovers who were followed by a wave of good fortune after holding a wedding for Ksh 100

An alleged couple is shaking the interwebs although for the wrong reasons after seemingly getting married on a Ksh 50 budget.

READ ALSO: Ugandan couple spend N26k on wedding

In a photo that has widely been shared online, a man and a woman have re-made the scenario of the now famous Wilson and Anne, taking to vows in the most humblest of instances.

The only difference is that this alleged couple have taken things a notch higher(or lower) by only wedding via buns valued at Ksh.50.

READ ALSO: Heartwarming photos of jeans and T-shirt Kenyan couple on their lavish honeymoon

It is not clear yet whether the couple are being dramatic or its truly an act of humility. Perhaps they were hoping for some of the goodies that came with the story of Wilson and Anne.

After a luxurious honeymoon, Wilson and Anne were given land worth 1 million to invest

PAY ATTENTION! Never miss a single gist! Download Legit.ng news app for andro

This is yet another instance where Kenyans are looking to cash-in on the glory on other Kenyans genuine acts.

In 2016, Nairobi women Representative Rachel Shebesh became the laughing stock of the Web after attempting to steal some thunder off a noble safaricom attendant who literally went on her knees to help a disabled man.

Well have to wait and see the well-wishers willing to swoop in for this couples honeymoon.

Source: Legit.ng
By Jan Strupczewski BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Greece and its international lenders made clear progress on Friday towards bridging differences over its fiscal path in coming years, moving closer to a deal that would secure new loan disbursements and save the country from default. Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos met with the chairman of euro zone finance ministers Jeroen Dijsselbloem and top officials from the European Central Bank, the euro zone bailout fund, the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund to break a two-month deadlock in talks. "We made substantial progress today and are close to common ground for the (lenders') mission to return to Athens the coming week," Dijsselbloem said. The mission of experts will report on whether Greece has complied with a second batch of reforms agreed under the current bailout, its third. A favourable report would clear the way for euro zone finance ministers to disburse new loans, without which Greece would default on its debt in July when it faces a 7.2 billion euro repayment. "There is a clear understanding that a timely finalisation of the second review is in everybody's interest," Dijsselbloem said, in an apparent reference to differences between the IMF, Greece and the euro zone on needed reforms and fiscal targets. The perception that the IMF and euro zone lenders appeared to narrow their differences and sat down to discussions with Greece brought investors back into the Greek debt market and Greek bond yields fell sharply. Dijsselbloem did not disclose details of the talks, but euro zone officials said earlier on Friday the lenders would ask Greece to take 1.8 billion euros - or 1 percent of GDP - worth of new reforms by 2018 and another 1.8 billion euros after then. CARROT FOR IMF? The measures would be focused on broadening the tax base and on pension cutbacks -- politically a tough sell in Greece where pensioners have already gone through 11 pension cuts since the start of the crisis in 2010. The aim of the additional reforms is to ensure that Greece reaches a primary surplus - which excludes debt payments - of 3.5 percent of GDP next year and maintains it for years afterwards. How many years remains to be agreed. Such an approach is likely to help secure the participation in the bailout of the IMF, which has been doubtful if Greece could reach and keep to such surpluses with steps agreed so far. Euro zone officials were sceptical, however, if the mission to Athens can sign off on all the reforms and produce a staff level agreement by the end of the week, in time for euro zone finance ministers to approve the report on Feb. 20. This was because Greece still needed to complete up to three-quarters of the prior actions required to access the next 6.1 billion euro instalment of aid, one official said. Dijsselbloem left the issue open in his statement. "We will take stock of the further progress of the second review during the next Eurogroup (meeting)," he said. Time is tight because the Netherlands, where Dijsselbloem is finance minister, have parliamentary elections in March and if a deal with Greece is delayed, it may face difficulties in getting the necessary approvals because the Dutch parliament goes into recess on February 23rd. Yet more reforms are hard to swallow in Greece which has only just emerged from a multi-year recession brought on by the debt crisis and the austerity demanded in exchange for three bailouts. Greece's unemployment rate is 23 percent and while year-on-year GDP growth was 1.8 percent in last year's third quarter, the economy contracted at a rate of more than 10 percent earlier in the decade. (Additional reporing by Lefteris Papadimas in Athens and Stephanie van der Berg in Amsterdam Writing by Jeremy Gaunt; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and John Stonestreet)
English German

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Liestal, Switzerland, February 10, 2017 - Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) announces the launch of an offering of CHF 50 million senior unsecured convertible bonds (the "Convertible Bonds") due 2022 with the possibility of an increase by a maximum of CHF 10 million to CHF 60 million.

Santhera intends to use the net proceeds from this placement primarily to fund the commercialization of Raxone in the currently approved indication, to prepare the market entry and commercial launch in subsequent indications, for investment into further clinical trials with Raxone and for other corporate purposes.

The Convertible Bonds have a 5-year maturity, are expected to carry a coupon of between 4.5% and 5.0% per annum, payable semi-annually in equal instalments in arrear, and have a Conversion Price set at a premium of 20% to 25% over the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the shares today between launch and pricing (the "Reference Share Price"). The Conversion Price will be reset after the first year if the VWAP of the shares during a specified period of time will be below the Reference Share Price. The new Conversion Price must not be lower than 75% of the Conversion Price at issuance. In addition, Santhera may call the Convertible Bonds at any time on or after the second anniversary of the issue date at par, plus accrued interest, if any, if the VWAP of the shares is at least 160% of the Conversion Price.

The number of shares to be delivered upon conversion shall be sourced from conditional capital and, if needed, authorized capital. Subject to the approval by the Annual Shareholders' Meeting on April 4, 2017, the Board of Directors plans to increase conditional capital by an amount that is sufficient to satisfy all conversion rights attached to the Convertible Bonds by delivery of shares solely out of the Company's conditional capital. The preemptive rights of the shareholders to subscribe the Convertible Bonds have been excluded for this offering.

The final terms of the Convertible Bonds will be determined through an institutional bookbuilding process and are expected to be announced later today after the conclusion of the process.

Application will be made for the Convertible Bonds to be admitted for listing and trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange, with provisional trading expected to start on or around February 16, 2017. Payment and settlement of the Convertible Bonds is expected to be on or around February 17, 2017.

Santhera agreed to a company lock-up ending 90 days after that date, subject to customary exceptions.

The offering consists of (i) a public offering of bonds to investors in Switzerland and (ii) private placement of bonds in certain other jurisdictions outside Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on exemptions provided by the directive 2003/71/EC, and in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Bank am Bellevue and Kepler Cheuvreux are acting as Joint Bookrunners on the Convertible Bond offering.

About Santhera

Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) is a Swiss specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical products for the treatment of orphan mitochondrial and neuromuscular diseases. Santhera's lead product Raxone is authorized in the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein for the treatment of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). For Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the second indication for Raxone, Santhera has filed a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) in the European Union and Switzerland. In collaboration with the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Santhera is developing Raxone in a third indication, primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), and omigapil for congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), all areas of high unmet medical need. For further information, please visit the Company's website www.santhera.com.

Raxone is a trademark of Santhera Pharmaceuticals.

For further information, contact:

Thomas Meier, PhD, Chief Executive Officer

Phone +41 61 906 89 64

thomas.meier@santhera.com







Christoph Rentsch, Chief Financial Officer

Phone +41 61 906 89 65

christoph.rentsch@santhera.com US investor contact:

Hans Vitzthum, LifeSci Advisors, LLC

Phone +1 212 915 2568

hans@lifesciadvisors.com US Public Relations contact:

Deanne Eagle, Planet Communications

Phone +1 917 837 5866

deanne@planetcommunications.nyc

Disclaimer / Forward-looking statements

This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG. This announcement may include projections and other "forward-looking" statements, expectations or estimates. Such statements reflect the current views of Santhera about future or uncertain events, achievements or performance. No assurances can be given that such events, achievements or performance will occur or have occurred as projected or estimated and actual events and results may differ materially from these statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these statements.

Important Cautionary Statement

This press release is not for release, publication or distribution in the United States of America, Canada, Japan or Australia, or in any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be prohibited by applicable law.

This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus and not an offer of securities for sale in any jurisdiction, including in or into the United States of America, Australia, Canada or Japan or any jurisdiction in which offers or sales of the securities would be prohibited by applicable law. Neither this announcement nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever in any jurisdiction.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the bonds nor underlying shares described herein, or any kind of advice, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale in any country or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any country or jurisdiction. This press release also does not constitute a prospectus as such term is understood pursuant to article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Federal Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange.

The relevant information on the bonds and the issuer is only available in the preliminary and the final prospectus, respectively, the latter of which is currently expected to be published on or around February 13, 2017. The bonds are subject to the selling restrictions set out in the prospectus. The preliminary and the final prospectus will be available free of charge at Bank am Bellevue AG, Seestrasse 16, 8700 Kusnacht/Zurich, Switzerland (telephone number: +41 44 267 67 67; facsimile number: +41 44 267 67 50; email: prospectus@bellevue.ch), during regular business hours.

This announcement and the information contained herein are not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America and must not be distributed to U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act")) or to publications with a general circulation in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.

Within the United Kingdom, this announcement is directed only to persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments who fall within the definition of "investment professionals" in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 ("relevant persons"). The investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is only available to and will only be engaged in with relevant persons and person who receive this announcement who are not relevant persons should not rely or act upon it.

# # #
Russian English Latvian

Riga, Latvia, 2017-02-10 08:30 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The ABLV group company New Hanza Capital, AS, which makes investments in commercial property, acquired 30% capital shares of the alternative mutual fund management company SIA SG Capital Partners AIFP. Therefore, ABLV Bank, AS acquired indirect qualifying holdings in the said company.

SIA SG Capital Partners AIFP was registered with the Financial and Capital Market Commission in November 2016, and it is an alternative mutual fund management company entitled to render fund investment and risk management services. The companys objective is raising funds from institutional clients and investing those in real estate.

Following the changes in the structure of members, the New Hanza Capital, AS Chief Executive Officer Andris Kovalcuks was appointed as board member of SIA SG Capital Partners AIFP, and now the companys board consists of three members, who have the right of joint representation. The Chairman of the Board of SIA SG Capital Partners AIFP is Harijs Svarcs.

New Hanza Capital, AS was founded in 2006. The companys business goals are to invest its own funds and the funds of third parties in commercial property ensuring a long-term capital increase, to grow rental incomes and property value in the long-term. The largest shareholder of New Hanza Capital, AS is ABLV Bank, AS, which holds 88% of the companys shares. The companys commercial property portfolio includes airBaltic headquarters in Riga Airport, logistics centre in Kekava municipality, and other properties.
The Board of Directors of Cavotec SA is pleased to announce that Mikael Norin has been appointed CEO of the Cavotec Group. Mikael Norin will join Cavotec on May 1, 2017 and will, after a transition period, assume full responsibility as CEO on July 1, 2017. He will be based at the companys headquarters in Lugano, Switzerland.

Mikael Norin will replace Ottonel Popesco who will continue to serve on the board of Cavotec SA as a non-executive director, among other strategic assignments.

The Board of Directors of Cavotec is very pleased that Mikael has agreed to take on the challenging and exciting task of leading Cavotec with focus on leading the work of implementing our new strategic plan, says Stefan Widegren, Chairman of the Board.

While Ottonel is not leaving Cavotec, I would like to take this opportunity to express my and my fellow board members sincere thanks and gratitude to Ottonel who, for the past three decades, has been a valued executive in building the Cavotec Group into what it is today. Personally, I would also like to thank him for his courage and commitment in facilitating this important generational change for Group.

Im very excited about my next role as CEO of Cavotec. The strong position in the market and the quality reputation that Cavotec enjoys is a great foundation on which to build, Mikael Norin says.

Mikael Norin, 53, currently works as a board director and corporate advisor for a number of companies around the world. Having lived in Europe, Asia and North America, he has extensive experience of leading large global organisations in highly competitive industries.

Most recently, Mikael Norin served as President, Rolls-Royce Marine Services, a division of the Rolls-Royce group offering after-market services and parts to the group's marine and navy customers around the world. Marine Services is based in Singapore and has operations in 35 countries employing approximately 2,500 people.

Prior to this, he was President of Recall Americas, a division of Brambles Ltd, a global industrial services group based in Sydney, Australia. Prior to joining Recall, Mikael Norin spent 14 years with global engineering group ABB in increasingly senior executive roles based in Asia and Europe, culminating as Senior Vice President and head of the groups Power Systems division based in Sweden.

Mikael Norin is a native of Sweden, has engineering training and he attended Lund University and obtained a B.Sc. in Business Administration and Economics with a specialisation in International Business.

ENDS



Stefan Widegren, Cavotec SA Chairman

Stefan.widegren@cavotec.com

Cavotec is a global engineering group that manufactures power transmission, distribution and control technologies that form the link between fixed and mobile equipment in the Ports & Maritime and Airports & Industry sectors. To find out more about Cavotec, visit our website at cavotec.com.

The information in this release is subject to the disclosure requirements of Cavotec SA under the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. This information was publicly communicated on February 10, 2017 09:00 CET.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari today kicked off a yatra to highlight the "failures" of the AAP government on various fronts including water supply, electricity, health care and installation of CCTV cameras.

Tiwari said that every day, he will display a video clip during his yatra on the "failure" of the AAP government and apprise the people about how AAP has "misused" power.

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The yatra was flagged off by Union minister Vijay Goel and BJP national general secretary Arun Singh.

Tiwari also questioned Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals "silence" over the death of inmates at Asha Kiran Home for mentally challenged children and women, and alleged that post-mortem reports have "confirmed" that they died of "starvation".

The BJP leader also raised the issue of Kejriwal writing to the Chief Secretary over the incident, saying "it is very unfortunate that a chief minister has to write CS to take action in the case".

"I want to ask Kejriwal whether the office of CS is far away from the CMs office?" he said.

"Is it the sensitivity of any CM? Before coming to politics, Kejriwal used to hold candlelight march if there was any untoward incident against girls. Why is the CM silent now?" he asked.

Tiwari also claimed that through "reliable sources", he has got to know that after municipal elections, the government has planned to increase power tariff in the national capital.

"It is learnt through an RTI reply, the government has spent Rs 3,478 crore on power subsidy in the last two years, but it is still not able to put pressure on power companies to bring down electricity rates. The Kejriwal government has failed on this issue as well," Tiwari said.

He said that during his yatra, he will expose how Kejriwal has allegedly deputed his relatives, AAP volunteers in the government and indulged in "corruption".

"Kejriwal sahab has left the Congress behind in deputing relatives by misusing power...the government has failed to install CCTV cameras across the city. So far, only seven CCTV cameras have been installed," Tiwari added. PTI BUN VIT SMN

--- ENDS ---
English Finnish

Sponda Plc Press release 10 February 2017 at 12:25

Bureau Real Estate Finland nominated again property agent of the year

Sponda Plc granted the 2016 property agent of the year award to Bureau Real Estate Finland Oy for the second time running. The property agent of the year award was now granted for the ninth time.

As the criteria for the award, Sponda again cited active collaboration and financial performance. "Financials weigh a lot in the criteria, but it is the whole package that counts. We have found this partnership to work well," says Joona Reunanen, SVP, Office Properties, of Sponda, who presented the award.

According to Mikko Kivimaki, Managing Director of Bureau Real Estate Finland, the unveiling of the award is one of the year's highlights in the field. "It is an exciting event that we all look forward to. We are very proud to have received the award two years in a row, because competition is tough," Kivimaki says.

According to the winning team companies are - and have been - looking for premises all this time, but the atmosphere in the field is a lot more positive now. However, it is challenging to find premises for smaller companies, because the offer in that sector is clearly smaller according to Kivimaki.

The event was held at Sponda's future coworking facilities in Ruoholahti. The new Sponda's MOW to be opened in autumn 2017 has 300 workstations and different types of open-concept spaces, cafe-style lounges as well as closed project and office spaces for working.

Sponda Plc





Further information: Joona Reunanen, SVP, Office Properties, +358 (0)40 530 5475

Sponda Plc is a property investment company specialising in commercial properties in the largest cities in Finland. Sponda's business concept is to own, lease and develop retail and office properties and shopping centres into environments that promote the business success of its clients. The fair value of Sponda's investment properties is approximately EUR 3.8 billion and the leasable area is around 1.2 million m2.
CW32 wrote:

Hi there, wondering if you could give me a quick and let me know what my chances would be at my target schools (particularly the ones higher in the list).



Background



Work experience: 6 Years in B2B Marketing - 2 in an agency environment running the agency's thought leadership and new business efforts, 1 in an early-stage SaaS startup, and 3 in a talent agency representing public speakers.



Extra curriculars: I was on the Philanthropy Committee, the Great Places to Work Committee (we managed and completed our application to be considered as one of the "Great Places to Work" in Canada) and the Summer Party Committee at my last job. I have also volunteered for the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research and the Daily Bread Food Bank. In Undergrad, I was also selected to be included in our exchange program and spent my 3rd year of University studying in the Netherlands.



Undergrad school/major: Top 5 Canadian University - Double Major Political Science and Sociology



Other education/coursework: Completed a 1-year Postgraduate Certificate program at a local Community College in Strategic Relationship Marketing after graduating from Undergrad.



Race/nationality: Canadian / Caucasian



Sex: Male



Age at Matriculation: 31



Stats



GMAT Score: 690 (IR5 / Q39 / V45)



Undergrad GPA: 3.0 in Undergrad, 3.75 in my Postgraduate Certificate



MBA Info



Goal of MBA: I'd like to continue in Marketing, preferably in the fields of Technology, CPG and Pharma/Healthcare. I'd like to work either in Europe after graduating from my MBA or return home to Canada.



Target schools: Stretch - INSEAD, HEC Paris. Target - IE, ESADE. Safety - UCD Smurfit, EDHEC.



Some background on the location choices  my partner is a French citizen, and as such the UK is now officially off of my list after their talks of a "hard Brexit" due to the potential VISA and immigration issues. Ideally, I'd like to work in either continental Europe or Ireland for a few years after graduation to gain international experience before moving back to Canada.



If you could let me know what my chances would be at my Stretch and Target schools, I would really appreciate it.

Nisha Trivedi

mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant

35 positive reviews on GMATClub, 2020 Top 20 of admissions consultants across the industry per P&Q: https://poetsandquants.com/2020/08/26/best-mba-admission-consultants-of-2020/



Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation at https://www.mbamission.com/consult/mba-admissions/

Read our Insider's Guides to the top b-schools: http://www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders Signature Read More

Hi - thanks for writing! Overall, I think that you have good work experience and outside involvement. I think that HEC, your target schools, and your safety schools are likely within range for you. With INSEAD, given its higher GMAT score and overall competitiveness, I'd recommend retaking the GMAT to see if you can boost the quant score, especially since your undergrad major was more qualitative in nature. In any case, for each of the schools you'll want to make sure that you emphasize (and have your recommenders communicate) your quant abilities.Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions - or, we can discuss further through a free consultation: https://www.mbamission.com/consult/?dis ... admissions _________________
GastonUY wrote:

Hello,



I would like to start by thanking you for your time in addressing my situation.



After interviewing for Stern on 01/24/2017 I was under the impression that I had done well. I was notified today, however, that I had been waitlisted.

Considering that Stern admits about 70% of the people they interview I cannot help to think that I must have blew up my interview and I couldnt convey the strength of my candidacy or how much I wanted to attend this school, and now Im faced with the task of trying to be admitted out of the waitlist.



I am a 29 yo, so I think Im on the high end of the age range and reapplying for the Class of 2020 doesnt seem as the best course of action for me.



A little context on my background:

-From Uruguay

-Assistant Manager at Deloitte. 7+ years of experience in Accounting

-Part time adjunct professor of Advanced accounting in University

-Want to transition into IB or Asset management for which Stern would be a great match.

-Lived a year in Ireland and backpacked from Tokyo to London for six months.

-TOEFL ibt 110

-GMAT 720 Q(49), V(40)

-BS in accounting and CPA in Uruguay



-GPA 2.44 > This, I feel is the weakest aspect of my application.

I used the additional essay to explain that I had to worked full time while pursuing my undergraduate degree with the subsequent impact on my grades, but regardless of this I graduated in the top 6% of a class of 532 students (most work FT as I did so although I had a low absolute GPA I was among the best on a relative basis).



As a way to improve my candidacy I was considering retaking the GMAT, as 720 is the average for their class, and I wouldnt be compensating for my low GPA with that score.

But how effective will a 20 or 30 point increase really be? I dont have much time to take additional course work before they start reviewing the WL in spring so retaking the GMAT seems like the only option regarding academics.



In what other aspects is my application subpar and should I send additional support ?

In the last three months since I applied my Job description hasnt changed much leaving me no room for an update there.



Should I write an additional essay stating how the schools is my first choice and how well it suits my career goals? Wouldnt that be redundant with the application essays?



Thanks again and looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Regards,

Gaston

Nisha Trivedi

mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant

35 positive reviews on GMATClub, 2020 Top 20 of admissions consultants across the industry per P&Q: https://poetsandquants.com/2020/08/26/best-mba-admission-consultants-of-2020/



Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation at https://www.mbamission.com/consult/mba-admissions/

Read our Insider's Guides to the top b-schools: http://www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders Signature Read More

Hi, and thanks for writing! I understand that being waitlisted is a stressful process. In your case, your GMAT is solid (and well-balanced between Quant and Verbal) so I don't think taking it again would significantly boost your candidacy. Regarding managing the waitlist, I would:- Maintain regular contact with the school (once every 3-4 weeks) and reinforce your interest in Stern. You might reach out to additional Stern alumni or students to chat - this way, in your emails to the AdCom, you can talk about how these conversations have further heightened your excitement about the program- Is it possible for you to pick up an extracurricular activity that's meaningful to you (perhaps related to something you've done in the past)? If it's something you're genuinely interested, it can help AdCom see another side of youHope that helps! Very best of luck_________________
By Press Trust of India: Kohima, Feb 10 (PTI) With the deadline given by tribal bodies for Chief Minister T R Zeliangs resignation set to expire today, the agitating Nagaland Tribes Action Committee, Kohima and Joint Coordination Committee urged him to step down on moral grounds, threatening "extreme" steps and "consequences" if he failed to do so.

In a statement, the organisations asserted that stepping down on moral grounds from office can be the only rational action by the CM that will mitigate the loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property that had taken place in the wake of Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections in some areas on February 1 with 33 per cent reservation for women.

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In a serious threat, the statement said on expiry of the deadline, people of the state will be left with no other option but to resort "to the most extreme step and the consequences arising out of it will be borne entirely by TR Zeliang and his cabinet."

Accusing the Zeliang-led cabinet of having commited "treachery", the two organsiations said that the apex tribal body Naga Hoho, which had given him a 3-day ultimatum, is sticking to the demand that Zeliang step down from the office of the Chief Minister.

"The issue at hand is not a constitutional matter but a plain moral issue of owning up and acting upon it," the statement said.

The move comes after Zeliang met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi yesterday where he explained to the Centre about how the state government was determined to fulfill its Constitutional obligation of holding ULB polls with 33 per cent reservation for women.

According to Nagaland officials, Zeliang told Singh that he had initiated the election process after several tribal organisations expressed support to holding of ULB polls with reservation of seats for women, and claimed these bodies took a U-turn since announcement of poll dates. PTI NBS SUS BSA

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A federal appeals court has refused to reinstate US President Donald Trump's travel ban, in a third such setback for the newly-elected President.

This is the third such setback for Trump.

By AP: A federal appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate US President Donald Trump's travel ban, unanimously rejecting the administration's claim of presidential authority.

In its judgement, the court questioned the Trump government's motives and concluded that the order -- banning people of seven predominantly Muslim nations from entering the United States -- was unlikely to survive legal challenges.

Moments after the ruling, Trump tweeted, "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

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In response, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, a Democrat who leads one of the states that challenged the ban, said: "Mr. President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you."

WHAT THE JUDGES SAID

The judges ruled the argument that the ban targets Muslims raised "serious allegations" and presented "significant constitutional questions."

The panel declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the US. But it did not shy away from the larger constitutional questions raised by the order. In fact, it sided with the states on every issue except for one technical matter.

The judges agreed that courts could consider statements by Trump and his advisers about wishing to enact such a ban. But they rejected the administration's argument that courts did not have the authority to review the president's immigration and national security decisions. They said the administration failed to show that the order met constitutional requirements to provide notice or a hearing before restricting travel. And they said the administration presented no evidence that any foreigner from the seven countries was responsible for a terrorist attack in the US.

"Despite the district court's and our own repeated invitations to explain the urgent need for the Executive Order to be placed immediately into effect, the Government submitted no evidence to rebut the States' argument that the district court's order merely returned the nation temporarily to the position it has occupied for many previous years," the panel wrote.

WHAT NEXT?

The court battle is far from over.

The lower court will stll need to debate the merits of the ban, and it's likely that the Trump administration will appeal to the US Supreme Court. That could put the decision in the hands of a divided court that has a vacancy. Trump's nominee, Neil Gorsuch, cannot be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban.

The appellate judges, meanwhile, have noted compelling public interests on both sides.

"On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies. And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination," they said.

The Justice Department said that it was "reviewing the decision and considering its options."

--- ENDS ---

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By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha

San Francisco, Feb 10 (PTI) A US appeals court today refused to reinstate Donald Trumps controversial travel ban on nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, in a major political setback to the President, who vowed to legally challenge the unanimous ruling, saying "see you in court".

"We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay," the judges said in the unanimous order.

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"The government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States," the three-judge bench of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals here said, making it clear that they would not block a ruling by a Seattle court that halted Trumps executive order.

Trump signed an executive order last month suspending the arrival of all refugees for at least 120 days, Syrian refugees indefinitely, and barring citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, fulfilling one of his central campaign promises.

The judgment means that citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries will continue to be able to travel to the US.

"Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the executive order, the government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all. We disagree," the judges wrote.

"In short, although courts owe considerable deference to the Presidents policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action," they said.

The judgment of the federal appeals court here is seen as a significant blow to the Trump Administration which has argued that the Presidents executive order was a major step to prevent entry of radical Islamic terrorists to America.

Trump responded with an angry tweet saying national security was at risk and there would be a legal challenge.

"SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" he wrote, indicating that he is deeply disappointed with the courts decision.

The Trump Administration had reached out to the court, requesting it to lift the halt on the implementation of its executive order that was ordered by a federal court in Seattle after an appeal filed by the Washington state.

The San Francisco court had held an oral hearing on the case early this week.

During an interaction with reporters after the judgment, Trump described the ruling as a political decision.

"Its a political decision, and were going to see them in court. This is just a decision that came down, but were going to win the case," Trump said.

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Trumps political opponents and rights activists immediately celebrated the court verdict.

"The Constitution wins," said Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who is one of the leading Democratic lawmakers fighting Trumps executive order. MORE PTI LKJ AJR ASK AKJ AKJ

--- ENDS ---
The residents of Dalelpur village in Greater Noida are bound to travel over 70 km or cross river Yamuna to cast their votes. The village is located near Faridabad on the banks of river Yamuna, opposite to the Greater Noida city.

By Abhishek Anand: During every election season, the politicians visit each locality of their respective constituencies with tall promises to seek votes. However, there is a village near Delhi, where the residents claim that no politician has ever visited since Independence.

The residents of Dalelpur village in Greater Noida are bound to travel over 70 km or cross river Yamuna to cast their votes. The village is located near Faridabad on the banks of river Yamuna, opposite to the Greater Noida city.

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Assembly Elections 2017: Full Coverage

"No politician has ever stepped into this village to seek votes. It is because we are less in numbers and the last village of Greater Noida towards the north. We have to travel over 70 km to cast our votes but nothing good has happened to us. So we have decided not to vote in this elections," said Neeraj Tyagi, resident, Dalelpur village, Greater Noida.

The residents claim that when the water level in Yamuna remains low, they cross the river on foot due to lack of boats in the locality.

NO BASIC AMENITIES

The village was inducted in Greater Noida during the delimitation in year 1981. The residents claim that they built the roads on their own, borrowed electricity poles and water supply from Faridabad. The village has no primary school, primary health centre or a police post.

70 years after Independence, Dalelpur village has no primary school or health centre.

"In case of any incident of crime, we are asked to report to the nearest police station which is Faridabad. We have visited Greater Noida authority a number of times and have given over two dozen applications seeking roads, sewage, school and electricity supply but nothing has happened so far," said Satbir Tyagi, resident, Dalelpur village.

'WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH VOTES TO LURE NETAS'

With a total population of 400 people, there are merely 157 registered voters in the village. The residents feel that they are left out to survive on their own as they don't have enough votes to lure any politician.

"Either the UP government recognises us as their citizen and construct a pontoon bridge for better connectivity to Greater Noida else the government should include our village in Faridabad for the sake of the basic necessities of the residents," said Tyagi.

ALSO READ:

PM Narendra Modi in Bijnor rally: Most jokes on Google are about one Congress leader 95-year-old woman files nomination for Agra Assembly seat

--- ENDS ---
BJP is wary of the Jats and small traders apparently cut up with them for various reasons. Several attempts are being made in the last few days to win them back.

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: A day before the first of the seven phases of Uttar Pradesh Assembly election is to be held on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed two rallies - one each in Bijnor in the state and Haridwar in Uttarakhand. On the one hand, PM Modi hit out hard at UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and on the other he aggressively wooed two sections of the voters - Jats and small traders.

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BJP is wary of the Jats and small traders apparently cut up with them for various reasons. Several attempts are being made in the last few days to win them back. However, these efforts do not appear to have helped in soothing the anger of these two crucial sections.

Today, Narendra Modi made a last ditch effort to smoothen the ruffled feathers of the Jats and small traders.

ALSO READ: Assembly Elections 2017: Full Coverage

JATS

Western UP is going to polls on February 11 and February. The Jats, comprising 17 per cent of the population in this region, hold sway in this region covering 77 Assembly seats in Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur and Bijnor districts.

Hence, of the 140 seats - 73 in the first phase and 67 in the second phase going to polls, the votes of Jats would play a crucial role in deciding the fate of any party.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Jats had voted en bloc for the BJP, helping it win all the seats in the region. That was in the wake of the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots when the votes had got polarised between Jats and Muslims. Several Jat leaders and members were arrested and many of them are still languishing in the jails.

The BJP hoped to repeat the performance but the Jats are apparently not favourably disposed towards the party ruling at the Centre because their members are still lodged in jail. The largely farmers community angry with BJP for not fulfilling its promise made during the Lok Sabha elections of helping them get justice.

Reaching out to the Jats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Bijnor, BJP ke karyakartaon ko jabran jail mein daala gaya. 11 March ko Akhilesh ji aapka kaccha chittha khulega... Kya sarkar ka upyog aise karte ho? Apne virodhiyon ko jail mein daalne ke liye qaanoon ka durupyog karte ho? (The BJP workers were jailed without valid reason. Akhileshs misdeeds would be exposed on March 11. Do you use your official machinery in this fashion? Do you misuse the laws to imprison your opponents?)??

Modi also invoked Jat stalwart and former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh to please the community. He claimed that it was only the BJP government after Charan Singhs which for the first time lowered the prices of fertilisers. He also announced that the BJP government would waive the loans of petty farmers after coming to power in the state. This would be the first decision of the government in favour of the farmers, he added.

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Modi also declared that the BJP government in the state would set up 'Chaudhary Charan Singh Farmers Welfare Fund in each district of the state.

Former Union minister Ajit Singhs RLD is a strong contender in western UP. Ajit Singh is the son of Charan Singh. By invoking Charan Singh, Modi tried to win the Jats over.

Before Modi, BJP president had attempted to win over the Jats. To that end, he held a meeting of Jat leaders at the residence of Union Minister Choudhary Birender Singhs in the national capital. Birender Singh is a Jat leader, but from Haryana.

Shah is learnt to have told the Jat leaders that it was the BJP which had fought for their reservation in education and government jobs, but the matter had become sub judice. He also noted that several Jat leaders, including Birender Singh and Sanjeev Balyan, have been included in the Modi government.

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SMALL TRADERS

Small traders are regarded as BJPs committed voters. However, this section of society is believed to have suffered immensely because of Narendra Modi governments November 8 demonetisation drive. The petty traders in both the rural and urban areas have apparently turned against BJP after the note-ban move.

In order to win them back, Modi said in Haridwar, Jinhone power mei reh kar gareebon ko loota hai, unke khilaf meri ladai hai, na ki chhote vyapariyon ke khilaf (My fight is against those who looted the poor when in power, but not against the small traders).??

The Modi appeared defensive while referring to the Jats, including farmers, and the small traders.

ATTACK ON AKHILESH, RAHUL

However, he was equally offensive against Akhilesh and Rahul. He attacked the ruling Samajwadi Party in UP over the law and order condition and reminded of the outrageous comments made by party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav in the wake of rape incidents.

He did not spare Rahul either. He said when the Kedarnath was ravaged by floods, Congress leaders chose to visit abroad.

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Modi and BJP may have tried their best to woo the unhappy Jats and small traders. Will this attempt help BJP win them back?

Also read | UP election: Rahul-Akhilesh roadshow permission denied in Varanasi, Modi's Lok Sabha constituency

Also read | Foreign media on Uttar Pradesh election: Modi's reforms meet realpolitik in key Indian state

PM Modi in Bijnor rally: Most jokes on Google are about one Congress leader

WATCH

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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 ...
By Press Trust of India: Amaravati, Feb 10 (PTI) The NDA government would pass the long-pending legislation providing 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures "once we get majority in Rajya Sabha", Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said here today.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has this in mind and the day is not is far when Parliament will pass the law providing women reservation through consensus. Once we (NDA) get majority in Rajya Sabha, we will get the Bill passed," he said, addressing the National Womens Parliament here.

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"Priority should be given to women. They are the unsung heroes and it is time they were given voice and due space... With all the necessary moral support, I, on behalf of my party, assure you that the women bill will be passed at the earliest," the minister said.

"A mere Bill is not sufficient. What is needed is political will and administrative skill. Political parties should show conviction in this regard," he said.

Noting that gender inequality was having a serious impact on economic development, Venkaiah said focus should be on gender empowerment to end inequalities.

"On a scale of 0-1 in gender inequality index, India ranked 0.54. Gender inequality is having a serious impact on economic development and it has become a pressing concern across the world. Hence, there is a global demand for women empowerment," the Union Minister said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modis initiatives to promote women empowerment.

"The Prime Minister is giving so much importance to women empowerment and under his leadership, India will transform totally," he said.

Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama urged people to make the century an age of "compassion and dialogue" by encouraging increased womens participation in different walks of life.

The three-day National Womens Parliament, being organised by Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly with the theme of Empowering Women - Strengthening Democracy, began today in the state capital of Amaravati.

P Ashok Gajapati Raju, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, Bangladesh Parliament Speaker Shirin Chaudhury, Gandhian Ela Bhatt, actress Manisha Koirala and many other dignitaries attended the inaugural event at Pavitra Sangamam here.

An International Woman Icon of the World award and 12 best young achievers awards for women in different fields will be presented at the NWP. PTI DBV GK TRS GVS

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Ronald Reagan

The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.

Albert Einstein

If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack.

Winston Churchill





It isnt so much that liberals are ignorant. Its just that they know so many things that arent so.

With integrity nothing else counts; Without integrity nothing else counts.

Winston Churchill





Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself.

Harvey S. Firestone





It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office. H. L. Menken



Referenda insure all have a voice in land use decisions.

U.S. Supreme Court

Listen carefully to first criticism of your work. Note just what it is about your work the critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping.

Jean Cocteau
UN Special Envoy for Libya, Martin Kobler, told the UN Security Council that this year should be the year of decisions and political breakthrough for the North African country that has been marred with chaos since 2011.

While admitting that providing security under one army continues to be one of the major challenges of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), Kobler called for empowering national security institutions because there are no alternatives to demobilize armed groups without a strong army and police.

The GNA is backed by the UN but it has very limited influence on the ground. The GNA is also weakened by the divisions in the Presidential Council (PC), its leadership body, with its nine members prone to making contradictory statements. Two of its members have been boycotting proceedings.

According to Kobler, there has been an improvement because of a growing consensus to adapt its composition. PCs members represent the different geographical regions and political currents in the country.

As part of efforts to end the war, there are plans for a limited amendment to the Libyan Political Agreement considering that Libyans deserve security and an end to the rampant crime and lawlessness.

Also, voices are rising that Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar must have a role in a unified Libyan army and there are expectations that Russia will facilitate communication with him. Haftar is loyal to the Tobruk-based House of Representatives that must approve the Libyan Political Agreement in order to make the GNA legitimate.

Following the successful ousting of the Islamic State in Sirte, concerns still remain over the countrys porous borders because terrorists, human and weapons traffickers, and criminal gangs could continue to exploit the security vacuum.
In this Oct. 24, 2016 file photo, The HealthCare.gov 2017 web site home page as seen in Washington. More than 12.2 million people have signed up for coverage nationwide this year under the Obama-era health care law as the new Trump administration and the GOP-led Congress remain committed to its repeal. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

More than 12.2 million people have signed up for coverage nationwide this year under the Obama-era health care law even with the uncertainty created by President Donald Trump's vow to repeal and replace it.

A count by The Associated Press shows that many consumers returned to the program despite its problems. Aside from the political turmoil, those difficulties include a spike in premiums, rising deductibles and dwindling choice of insurers.

Although initial enrollment is about 4 percent lower than last year, the sizable number of sign-ups illustrates the risk Republicans face as they begin moving to dismantle the Affordable Care Act and put in its place a yet-to-be-defined conservative approach.

AP's analysis showed that a clear majority of those enrollednearly 64 percentlive in states that Trump carried in November.

"If they are going to replace it, it had better be as good or better than what is there, and if it's not I think it's going to cost them," said John Chipman, a drummer from Austin, Texas, who's also covering his wife and their two children.

This year the family scaled back from a "silver" plan to "bronze" to avoid a big premium increase. But without the health law, Chipman says he and his wife would probably be turned down for health insurance because of pre-existing medical conditions.

The federal Health and Human Services Department reported last week that 9.2 million people signed up in the 39 states served by the HealthCare.gov website, which offers subsidized private health insurance to people who don't have job-based coverage.

AP checked with the remaining 11 states, and Washington, D.C., and found an additional 3 million enrolled, for a national total of 12.2 million. A full national report from the government won't be available for at least another month.

Under the health care law, the nation's uninsured rate has fallen to a historic low of about 9 percent, with some 20 million people gaining coverage since its passage in 2010. In addition to the subsidized private plans available through HealthCare.gov and state marketplaces, the law offers states the option of extending Medicaid to cover more low-income adults.

Republicans say this year's enrollment numbers do not equate to a success story for former President Barack Obama's signature domestic legislation.

To begin with, the numbers are well short of the 13.8 million people that the Obama administration had hoped to sign up. Also, the public health insurance markets usually see high attrition as the year goes on, with about 1 in 5 customers eventually dropping out. Some customers don't even bother to pay their first month's premium.

"It's clear overall enrollment numbers are trending downward for 'Obamacare' over last year, no doubt due to the law's unpopular mandates and high costs," Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said in a statement. Republicans "are committed to establishing a responsible transition phase to ensure as much stability as possible for consumers who purchased insurance."

Asked about the numbers, HHS spokesman Matt Lloyd said the Trump administration sees "Obamacare" as a failure and is pursuing alternatives that will "work for the American people."

One stateMinnesotatook extraordinary measures to keep residents insured. The state has seen premium increases averaging from 50 percent to 67 percent, and lawmakers used $312 million in rainy day funds to buy down monthly rates for consumers who don't get federal subsidies. Since most health law customers already get federal assistance, the bulk of the state money is going to residents who purchase plans outside the government-sponsored marketplace.

Supporters of the health care law say the political uncertainty about its future probably kept many people from signing up.

"We heard from consumers saying they thought 'Obamacare' had ended with President Obama's administration," said Elizabeth Colvin, who heads the health care sign-up program at Foundation Communities, an Austin nonprofit serving low-income working people. "Some consumers said, 'Why bother if it's going to go away?'"

Although Colvin said the confusion made it harder to reach consumers, her program signed up some 4,000 people, or about 6 percent more than last year.

"These numbers demonstrate that there's a demand for this insurance, and that people see value in the financial protection...and the access it gives you to health care," she said.

Vincent Daley, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, works three jobs but none of them offers insurance. He signed up during open enrollment after missing last year's registration opportunity. "Insurance was extremely important because I had been through an accident before playing rugby," he said.

AP's tally of sign-ups comes as the Senate is moving to confirm Georgia congressman Tom Price as the nation's next health secretary. Price has told senators the administration does not want to "pull the rug out" from people now covered, and he all but acknowledged that there's no Trump replacement plan ready to roll out.

Independent analyst Caroline Pearson of the consulting firm Avalere Health said without the full support of the new administration, insurance markets will continue to struggle. "Insurer participation in 2018 remains uncertain, and some regions are at risk of having no participating plan," she said.

More information: AP's interactive map of health care sign-ups: AP's interactive map of health care sign-ups: interactives.ap.org/2017/health-overhaul-map/

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
A large population worldwide is affected by bipolar disorder and the heritability stands at around 80 percent.

A recent medical research published in Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry, which is available on the Sri Lanka Journals Online platform supported by INASP, has assessed the association between family history of bipolar disorder and the risk of violence among patients admitted to the hospital for mania.

The study found a strong correlation between family history and risk of violence.

"Patients with a family history of bipolar disorder were significantly more likely to engage in violence than those without family history," says the lead author of the article Dr Miyuru Chandradasa, of the Department of Psychiatry at University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. "The findings will be helpful in better allocation of resources in hospital wards as patients who are more likely to be violent can be identified at the time of admission and nursing and other care can be arranged for."

According to Dr Chandradasa, "Bipolar spectrum disorders affect about 4.5 percent of the general population. It is a mood disorder marked by alternate depressive and manic episodes. During depressive episodes, patients may have low energy, feel lethargic and suicidal while during manic episodes, they may have high energy and be very active".

The risk of violence to others occurs mostly during the manic episodes.

Dr Chandradasa, along with Dr Layani Champika from the Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, Kandy, and Dr Thilini Rajapakse of the Department of Psychiatry at University of Peradeniya, conducted the study with patients admitted at two tertiary hospitals in Kandy for treatment of bipolar disorder over a period of six months. A total of 148 patients were included in the study, of which 74 had a family history of bipolar disorder and the other 74 did not have a family history of bipolar disorder. All 148 patients were assessed for risk of violence at the time of admission and at weekly intervals after that, using the Historical, Clinical, Risk Management Scale-20 (HCR-20) by a researcher who was unaware of the family history status of the patients.

The assessment showed that participants with a positive family history of bipolar disorder had significantly higher risk of violence compared to participants with a negative family history.

However, significantly higher rates of unemployment, harmful use of alcohol and absence of confiding relationships were also found in participants with a positive family history. Therefore it could not be established whether the high rate of violence among patients with family history was associated with genetic factors or other causes like alcohol abuse.

"Although we planned to conduct the study as a cohort, we could not continue the cohort as patients did not come for follow up after they were discharged, a behaviour seen among many patients in developing countries," said Dr Chandradasa. "We plan to conduct community-based research on the same topic so that we will have a clearer understanding as hospital-based research has many limitations."

The article titled "Association of family history of bipolar disorder with risk of violence in inpatient mania: A cohort study" appears on the latest volume of the Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry. The journal and the article are made available online on SLJOL supported by INASP.

More information: M. Chandradasa et al. Association of family history of bipolar disorder with risk of violence in inpatient mania: a cohort study, Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry (2016). M. Chandradasa et al. Association of family history of bipolar disorder with risk of violence in inpatient mania: a cohort study,(2016). DOI: 10.4038/sljpsyc.v7i2.8113

Provided by INASP
AAE architecture. Credit: MIPT

Scientists from Mail.Ru group Insilico Medicine and MIPT have for the first time applied a generative neural network to create new pharmaceutical medicines with the desired characteristics. Generative adversarial networks (GANs) developed and trained to "invent" new molecular structures may produce a dramatic reduction in the time and cost of searching for substances with potential medicinal properties. The researchers intend to use these technologies in the search for new medications within various areas from oncology to CVDs and even anti-infectives. The first results were submitted to Oncotarget in June 2016. Since that time, the group has made many improvements to the system and engaged with some of the leading pharmaceutical companies.

Currently, the inorganic molecule base contains hundreds of millions of substances, and only a small fraction of them are used in medicinal drugs. The pharmacological methods of making drugs generally have a hereditary nature. For example, pharmacologists might continue to research aspirin that has already been in use for many years, perhaps adding something into the compound to reduce side effects or increase efficiency, yet the substance still remains the same. Earlier this year, the scientists at Insilico Medicine demonstrated that it is possible to substantially narrow the search using deep neural networks. But now they have focused on a much more challenging question: Is there a chance to create conceptually new molecules with medicinal properties using the novel flavor of deep neural networks trained on millions of molecular structures?

Generative adversarial autoencoder (AAE) architecture, an extension of generative adversarial networks, was used as the basis, and compounds with known medicinal properties and efficient concentrations were used to train the system. The researchers entered information on these types of compounds into the network. The system was then adjusted so that the same data was acquired in the output. The network itself was made up of three structural elements: an encoder, decoder and discriminator, each of which had its own specific role in cooperating with the other two. The encoder worked with the decoder to compress and then restore information on the parent compound, while the discriminator helped make the compressed presentation more suitable for subsequent recovery. Once the network learned a wide swath of known molecules, the encoder and discriminator "switched off," and the network generated descriptions of the molecules on its own using the decoder.

Developing generative adversarial networks that produce high-quality images based on text inputs requires substantial expertise and lengthy training time on high-performance computing equipment. But with images and videos, humans can quickly perform quality control of the output. In biology, quality control cannot be performed by the human eye, and a considerable number of validation experiments are required to produce viable molecules.

Drug selection. Credit: MIPT

But SMILEs do not do the job very well either, as they have a random length from one symbol to 200. Neural network training requires an equal description length for the vector. The "fingerprint" of a molecule suits this task, as it contains complete information on the molecule. There are a lot of methods for making these fingerprints, but the researchers used a simple binary one consisting of 166 digits. They converted SMILEs into fingerprints and taught the network with them, after which they entered fingerprints of known medicinal compounds into the network. The network's job was to allocate inner neuron parameter weights so that the specified input created the specified output. This operation was then repeated many times, as this is how training with large quantities of data is performed. As a result, a "black box" capable of producing a specified output for the specified input was created, after which the developers removed the first layers, and the network generated the fingerprints by itself when the information was run through again. The scientists thus built "fingerprints" for all 72 million molecules, and then compared the network-generated fingerprints with the base. The molecules were selected based on the specified qualities.

Andrei Kazennov, one of the authors of the study and an MIPT postgraduate who works at Insilico Medicine, comments, "We've created a neuronal network of the reproductive type, i.e., capable of producing objects similar to what it was trained on. We ultimately taught this network model to create new fingerprints based on specified properties."

The anticancer drug database was used to check the network. First, the network was trained on one half of the medicinal compounds, and then checked on the other half. The purpose was to predict the compounds already known but not included in the training set. A total of 69 predicted compounds have been identified, and hundreds of molecules developed using a more powerful extension of the method are on the way.

According to one of the authors of the research, Alex Zhavoronkov, the founder of Insilico Medicine and international adjunct professor at MIPT, "Unlike the many other popular methods in deep learning, generative adversarial networks (GANs) were proposed only recently, in 2014, by Ian Goodfellow and Yoshua Bengio's group and scientists are still exploring its power in generating meaningful images, videos, works of art and even music. The pace of progress is accelerating and soon we are likely to see tremendous advances stemming from combinations of GANs with other methods. But everything that my groups are working on relates to extending human longevity, durability and increasing performance. When humans go to Mars, they will need the tools to be more resilient to all kinds of stress and be able to generate targeted medicine on demand. We will be the ones supplying these tools."

"GANs are very much the frontline of neuroscience. It is quite clear that they can be used for a much broader variety of tasks than the simple generation of images and music. We tried out this approach with bioinformatics and obtained great results," concludes Artur Kadurin, Mail.Ru Group lead programmer of the search optimizing team and Insilico Medicine independent science advisor.

More information: Artur Kadurin et al, The cornucopia of meaningful leads: Applying deep adversarial autoencoders for new molecule development in oncology, Oncotarget (2016). Journal information: Oncotarget Artur Kadurin et al, The cornucopia of meaningful leads: Applying deep adversarial autoencoders for new molecule development in oncology,(2016). DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14073
An article published in Experimental Biology and Medicine (Volume 242, Issue 3, February, 2017) identifies microRNAs (miRNAs) as key factors in some hemoglobinopathies, genetic disorders characterized by alterations in the level or structure of the globin proteins that are responsible for oxygen transport in the blood. The study, led by Dr. Thais Fornari, from the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Campinas in Brazil demonstrated that differential expression of miRNAs may be responsible for the variations in globin gene expression observed in patients with two hemoglobinopathies: hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin deletion type 2 (HPFH-2) and Sicilian-thalassemia.

HPFH-2 and Sicilian-thalassemia are conditions described as large deletions of the human -like globin cluster, with no -globin expression and compensatory increases in -globin expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that participate in a wide range of biological processes including erythropoiesis. miRNAs silence the expression of other genes by binding to their mRNAs, and blocking protein synthesis and/or initiating mRNA degradation. Transcription factors such as BCL11A and SOX6, which regulate -globin gene expression, are potential targets for several microRNAs based on in silico analysis. Thus, novel miRNA-mediated pathways may explain the differences in the expressions of -globin in Sicilian thalassemia and HPFH-2.

In the current study, Dr. Fornari and colleagues compared the miRNA profiles of erythroid cells derived from individuals heterozygous for HPFH-2 and Sicilian-thalassemia. Forty-nine differentially expressed miRNAs that may participate in -globin gene regulation and red blood cell function were identified. Twelve of these miRNAs potentially targeted the BCL11A gene, and down-regulation of BCL11A gene expression in HPFH-2 was verified by qPCR. This research suggests an important action of miRNAs in the regulation of globin expression in patients. Fornari said that these findings "may partially explain the phenotypic differences between HPFH-2 and Sicilian -thalassemia and the variable increases in -globin gene expression in these conditions. Moreover, these data support erythroid BCL11A as a therapeutic target for sickle cell disease and -thalassemia major patients."

Dr. Steven R. Goodman, editor-in-chief of Experimental Biology and Medicine, said, "Fornari and colleagues provide further evidence for the role of miRNA networks in the regulation of fetal hemoglobin expression, via altered expression of BCL11A and SOX6. These studies are important when considering these transcription factors as potential therapeutic targets".

Provided by Experimental Biology and Medicine
Credit: King's College London

Pregnancy in the UK has never been safer, say scientists from King's College London writing in the latest edition of The Lancet.

In their article, Professor Andrew Shennan and Professor Lucy Chappell welcomed the news from the latest Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths that less than 1 in 10,000 women in the UK die in pregnancy and women who get Pre-eclampsia have a less than 1 in 1,000,000 chance of dying.

"This reduction in mortality in the U.K. in mothers with Pre-eclampsia is quite remarkable. Good care in the NHS, driven by sound evidence-based medicine and disseminated by NICE guidelines, means the rest of the world will be driven to emulate this success. This is a real success story," said Andrew Shennan, Professor of Obstetrics at King's College London.

The article suggests that the improved outcomes over recent decades are due to improved monitoring of pregnant women, good diagnosis and timely delivery.

More recently, it has been shown there can be partial prevention through the use of low dose aspirin, use of antihypertensive medication and magnesium sulphate.

Planned delivery from 37 weeks has also been shown to reduce morbidity.

"We should continue the focus on high-quality care that has enabled this reduction to happen including regular antenatal checks and prompt treatment of severe hypertension. We now need to turn our attention to reducing Pre-eclampsia deaths around the globe and the baby deaths associated with the disease in the UK and elsewhere," added Lucy Chappell, Professor of Obstetrics at King's College London.

Marcus Green from the charity Action on Pre-eclampsia has been working with the team to utilise their findings in his own work.

He said: "Pregnancy in the UK is now so safe a women's partner is more likely to die than she is. There has been great progress even in the last few years, especially in Pre-eclampsia and this is down to great care in the NHS. In 2006-8, 19 women died from Pre-eclampsia and this is now down to 2 deaths in 2012-14.

"We know great care makes a tremendous difference and Pre-eclampsia is only safe for the mother if it is identified and well managed without this we run the risk of these statistics rising in the UK and the effect on families is utterly devastating."

More information: Andrew H Shennan et al. Maternal deaths in the UK: pre-eclampsia deaths are avoidable, The Lancet (2017). Journal information: The Lancet Andrew H Shennan et al. Maternal deaths in the UK: pre-eclampsia deaths are avoidable,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30184-8
(HealthDay)Sending medication adherence reminders following fresh-start dates (life and calendar events indicating the start of new cycles) is not effective for increasing medication adherence, according to a research letter published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Cardiology.

Hengchen Dai, Ph.D., from Washington University in St. Louis, and colleagues mailed reminders to 13,323 participants encouraging them to regularly take their cholesterol, diabetes, or blood pressure medications. Participants were randomized to one of five mailing conditions: within one week before each participant's birthday (birthday framed and unframed conditions); three weeks after New Year's Day (new year framed and unframed conditions); and control condition without any reference to fresh-start dates. The framed conditions highlighted the participant's birthday or New Year's Day as an opportunity to make a fresh start and begin taking medications regularly.

The researchers found that the mean proportion of days covered was 63.3 percent over 90 days after mailing. The proportion of days covered did not differ significantly in the birthday unframed, birthday framed, new year unframed, or new year framed conditions (mean difference, 0.56, 0.55, 1.32, and 0.38 percent, respectively), compared with the control condition. The results were not significant comparing the birthday framed and unframed conditions (mean difference, 0.02 percent) or the new year framed and unframed conditions (0.93 percent).

"Contrary to our expectations, sending reminders following fresh-start dates was not associated with increased medication adherence," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to Humana, and to the health care industry.

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Colorectal carcinomas arise in different forms, so all treatments do not work for all patients. OncoTrack, a public-private consortium supported by the Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking, has conducted one of Europe's largest collaborative academic-industry research projects to develop and assess novel approaches for identification of new markers for colon cancer. Scientists from the OncoTrack Consortium, including researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin and the Institute's spin-off Alacris Theranostocs, have analysed tumour samples from patients with this type of cancer in a preclinical study. In particular, the scientists looked for biomarkers, i.e. molecules that are typical of the different tumour sub-groups and provide valuable information for diagnosis and potential treatment. Among other things, the research team discovered molecules that can predict the effectiveness of two drugs commonly used to treat this disease: Cetuximab, which inhibits the receptor for the epidermal growth factor (EGFR), and the chemotherapy drug 5FU.

Bowel cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the world and 95 percent of cases are colorectal carcinomas. At an advanced stage they are one of the most common causes of death, as only some patients respond to drug treatment. The experts do not know all the precise reasons for this, but this much is clear: "Colorectal carcinomas are a very heterogeneous group of cancers, and because of this the effectiveness of the available drugs varies," explains Marie-Laure Yaspo, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin and lead author of the recently published study. "Although we already know about molecular sub-groups, we do not yet fully understand the causal relationships between those molecular patterns and their response to treatment." However, to be able to predict a tumour's response to certain drugs more accurately, scientists require detailed information about the molecular profiles of the patient and their tumour.

Medical scientists working at the Charite University Hospital in Berlin and University Hospital Graz collected tumour samples from over 100 colorectal cancer patients at different stages of the disease for their study.

These tumours were then grown in tissue culture systems, as well as in special mouse strains, and subsequently treated with a range of medicaments. Through this, the scientists were able to better understand the relationships between the molecular pattern and the response of the tumour to drugs. "The number of tumours analyzed in this way using matched tumour models exceeds all previous studies by far," says Yaspo.

RNA molecules for identifying tumour type RNA

The scientists identified the genetic composition of the tumours and analysed their so-called transcriptome, namely the set of all RNA molecules synthesized in a given tissue. Based on this analysis, they were able to produce a definite molecular fingerprint for all of the tumours. Yaspo and her colleagues at EPO-Berlin and at Eli Lilly-Madrid then tested how the tumours responded to different drugs and in this way correlated the tumour fingerprints with their response to the different clinical compounds.

If a group of tumours could be successfully treated using a drug, the scientists looked for typical biomarkers for this tumour type. Up to now, doctors have decided for and against the use of a drug directed against the EGF receptor mainly based on gene mutations. However, the mutation status alone is not specific enough. The knowledge of additional biomarkers could help to improve the individual treatment of cancers.

Selection of most suitable therapy

The consortium team identified two such biomarkers, which predict whether either the EGFR inhibitors Cetuximab or the chemotherapy 5FU could trigger a successful response in colorectal cancer. "Through our analyses we learned a lot about the type of colorectal cancer that responds to these drugs. This means that rather than relying on the mutation status alone, we now have much more information on which to base decisions about treatment," explains Yaspo. The scientists now know the molecular profile of the tumours, which are more likely to be successfully treated with these drugs.

"This pre-clinical analysis comparing tumours and their models provided us with the most detailed data on colorectal carcinomas available to date," says Yaspo. "Based on these findings it will be possible to develop diagnostic tools that will provide better predictions of the effectiveness of drugs. This means that in the future it may be possible to treat colorectal cancer patients more individually based on the type of tumour they have."

More information: Moritz Schutte et al. Molecular dissection of colorectal cancer in pre-clinical models identifies biomarkers predicting sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors, Nature Communications (2017). Journal information: Nature Communications Moritz Schutte et al. Molecular dissection of colorectal cancer in pre-clinical models identifies biomarkers predicting sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors,(2017). DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14262
The Blue Room scene can be adapted for each individual child's fear -- here, learning to cope with getting on a bus. Credit: Newcastle University, UK and Third Eye Technologies Limited

Following research showing that a unique immersive virtual reality can help children with autism spectrum disorder overcome their fears and phobias, the service known as the Newcastle Blue Room is now being offered on the NHS.

The first patients have been referred for treatment in the Blue Room, an immersive virtual reality room.

In 2014, the Newcastle University team reported in PLOS ONE, how eight out of nine children treated in the Blue Room were able to tackle the situation they feared and some were found to have completely overcome their phobias, even a year later.

Now the immersive reality treatment is available as a NHS service, where there is funding by the children's Clinical Commissioning Group, and each child referred will receive four sessions at the facility in County Durham, UK.

Immersive technology as treatment

The Newcastle University team work with company Third Eye Technologies in their unique immersive Blue Room to create personalised scenarios. Accompanied by a psychologist, the child is completely surrounded with audio visual images representing the 'real world' in the 360 degree seamless screened room with no point of external reference. This means they do not have to wear a headset or goggles which children with autism can find distressing.

A scene in a shop recreated in the Blue Room to help a child with autism overcome their fear. Credit: Newcastle University and Third Eye Technologies

They move around the scene using ipad controls, interacting and navigating through the scenario as they wish allowing them to fully control the environment.

Scenarios tested already include getting on a busy bus, crossing a bridge, going shopping or talking to an avatar shop assistant.

Supported by a psychologist, they are given breathing and relaxation exercises in the controllable and safe virtual environment to help them to learn to cope with that situation. They are observed by their parents via a video-link which enables them to watch the techniques used to help their child.

The flexibility of the Blue Room means that scenes can be gradually built up in complexity and noise level, allowing a graded exposure and element of control that cannot be achieved in real life.

A scene is created to help address a child with autism address their fear or phobia such as getting on an airplane Credit: Newcastle University and Third Eye Technologies

Combatting situation specific anxieties, fears and phobias

Dr Jeremy Parr is a Clinical Senior Lecturer specialising in Paediatric Neurodisability at Newcastle University and works within the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust which is providing the service. He said: "Situation-specific anxieties, fears and phobias can completely stop a child with autism taking part in normal family or school life and there are very few treatment options for them. Currently the main treatment is cognitive behaviour therapy but that often doesn't work for a child with autism as it relies on their imagination.

"People with autism can find imagining a scene difficult so by providing it physically in front of the child's eyes we can sit alongside them and help them learn how to manage their fears.

"Our previous small scale study of this immersive treatment for children is incredibly promising and work is continuing on a much larger study. To see children able to face a situation that they previously found so distressing, such as going into a shop after just four sessions in the treatment room is amazing. It makes a huge difference to their lives."

To examine the long-term effectiveness of the treatment, a larger-scale clinical study is being carried out with the results due 2017 - in the initial study the effects were still felt by children one year after treatment.

The treatment is being offered through the NHS England Commissioned Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service (CNDS), whose remit includes research to develop new treatments and interventions and evaluate their use in the NHS. Payment for the treatment will be through the local Clinical Commissioning Group or equivalent and can information can be found on the Blue Room page of Newcastle University website: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/research/developmental/devproj2/

Harnessing technology

The technology supporting the treatment is being provided by ThirdEye technologies with a specialised facility in Consett, County Durham.

Managing Director Paul Smith said: "The Blue Room is a module where all surfaces are screens so no goggles or headsets have to be worn and this leads to you feeling totally immersed. When we were developing the facility we knew it had endless possibilities but to be able to harness the latest technology in order to help children with autism control their anxieties and phobias is incredibly rewarding and something we hadn't anticipated."

Around 150,000 children in the UK are thought to have autism spectrum disorder and it affects four times more boys than girls. Studies show that the condition costs the UK 32bn every year. Many people with autism spectrum disorder have a fear or phobia which can be so distressing that they and their families completely avoid the situation.

The work has been implemented with the Newcastle Academic Health Partners, a collaboration involving Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University. This partnership harnesses world-class expertise to ensure patients benefit sooner from new treatments, diagnostics and prevention strategies.

More information: Morag Maskey et al. Reducing Specific Phobia/Fear in Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) through a Virtual Reality Environment Intervention, PLoS ONE (2014). Journal information: PLoS ONE Morag Maskey et al. Reducing Specific Phobia/Fear in Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) through a Virtual Reality Environment Intervention,(2014). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100374
In A United Kingdom, David Oyelowo plays Seretse Khama, the real-life king of Botswana (then a British protectorate known as Bechuanaland) who set off an international crisis in 1948, when he married Ruth Williams, a white British clerk. South Africa, which was instituting apartheid at the time, objected to an interracial couples leading a neighboring country; Britain opposed the marriage because resource-rich South Africa did; and Botswanans were angry that their leader had chosen a queen not of their race or tribe.

Reviewing A United Kingdom for The New York Times, Glenn Kenny said the best reason to see the film was Mr. Oyelowos performance and added, It is remarkable, genuinely riveting work. One scene in particular encapsulates the performance: an open-air meeting at which he must convince his countrymen that he should remain their king and that they should accept his wife. In an interview at The Times, Mr. Oyelowo, who was also a producer of the film, explained how, for this scene, he drew on his own life as well as historical research. Here are edited excerpts from the conversation:

How did you think about this scene?

For me, things hopefully come together. Obviously you have to know your lines and know them well enough in front of a crowd, [so] you harness their attention. Theres also the accent: Seretse Khama had a Botswana accent, but he also spent a lot of time in the U.K., so his accent was a hybrid. And sometimes the emotion can take over and the technical aspects can go by the wayside, and you dont want that to happen. Then theres the truth of what hes saying, the emotional truth. None of the technical work means anything unless there is an emotional connection  for you as the actor but also to the people youre delivering the speech to and then the audience as well.

Image David Oyelowo, who stars as the king of what is now Botswana in the film A United Kingdom. Credit... Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

What was the attitude you started out with when you looked out into the crowd?

It was one of those rare instances for me as an actor where what I say as the character very much overlapped with what I believe as a person myself. And so I felt a lot of the emotions I imagine Seretse Khama would have felt. We shot it in Botswana in front of a Botswana crowd, a lot of whom would know who Seretse Khama was. So in some ways, its a real test to play this leader who means so much to them and to convince them both within the film and as real people who see me as an actor not from Botswana.
HONG KONG  Hundreds of pilot whales that swam into a shallow New Zealand bay died overnight after they got stuck in the waterway and beached themselves on the coastline.

More than 500 rescuers tried frantically to send the pilot whales back out to sea, but at least 250 died in what officials called one of the worst whale strandings in New Zealands history.
It will be very difficult for Israel to choose either to respond to the situation around Lapshin or deepen relations with Azerbaijan, Russian political expert Alexander Khramchikhin told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

"Of course, it is difficult to say anything for Israel. On the one hand, Israel will hardly be able to pretend that nothing took place. But business is business. Apparently, it is very profitable for Israel. Therefore the choice will be very difficult," the expert noted.

At the same time, reminded that along with the citizenship of Israel, Alexander Lapshin is also citizen of Russia.

"Russia and Israel may begin to to deflect the care of Lapshin onto each other, as a result, he can be left without support, Alexander Khramchikhin added.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Belarus upheld the decision of the Prosecutor General on extraditing Alexander Lapshin to Azerbaijan.

After his visits to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) in 2011 and 2012, Alexander Lapshin was blacklisted by Azerbaijan. In June 2016, however, he paid a visit to Azerbaijan, but with a Ukrainian passport. Subsequently, he issued several articles criticizing the Azerbaijani authorities. Afterward, the Azerbaijani authorities issued an international search for this famous blogger. And on December 15, 2016, he was detained in the Belarus capital city of Minsk, and based on this international search.

On January 26, the Minsk city court dismissed the complaint of blogger Alexander Lapshin over the decision of the Belarusian prosecutors office to extradite him to Azerbaijan.

The Supreme Court of Belarus on Tuesday dismissed the complaints filed in the case of blogger Alexander Lapshin.

According to the experts and human rights defenders, Lapshins case may become a horrible precedent limiting the freedom of speech of foreigners and freedom of movement of Armenian citizens.

On Tuesday evening Blogger Alexander Lapshin was brought to Baku.
BMW M4 turned into a pickup truck

Blinken calls on Israel and Palestine to urgently de-escalate tensions

Romania signs deal with Norway for purchase of over 30 F-16 fighters

Stoltenberg: The alliance has no plans to change nuclear positions and deployments

Tagesschau: Nearly 200,000 people took part in strikes at industrial enterprises of Germany

Teenagers hacks Uzbekistan senate website

Artsakh Ombudsman: Azerbaijanis fired at tractor in Khramort village of Artsakh

Rally participants' statement: Artsakh can't be a part of Azerbaijan

Person accused of arson in Russia cafe confesses

Fars: Iranian Foreign Ministry reported UAV deliveries to Russia a few months before the start of the UAS

Bayramov: Azerbaijan, Armenia leaders next meeting will take place in Brussels this month

Unity rally of participants start march in downtown Yerevan

North Korea launches 4 ballistic missiles

Council of Border Guard Troops commanders discusses situation at CIS external borders

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan joins rally in downtown Yerevan

Russia oil, natural gas companies plan to collaborate with Iraq

Armenia army intelligence troops 30th anniversary is solemnly celebrated (PHOTOS)

Rally of unity in support of Karabakh kicks off in downtown Yerevan

Pentagon announces sending 8 NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine

Armenian Apostolic Church Supreme Spiritual Council meeting ends, Armenia and Artsakh security discussed

Tropical Storm Nalgae death toll climbs to 155 in Philippines

Artak Beglaryan is appointed advisor to Artsakh Minister of State (PHOTOS)

US House committee extends deadline for Trump to produce documents on Capitol attack

Over 200 elephants die in Kenya amid drought

13 dead in cafe fire in Russia

Armenia Security Council chief to head for Poland, Netherlands, Lithuania

Rishi Sunak: State cannot fix all problems

Newspaper: To what extent Armenia adheres to sanctions on Russia?

Biden accuses Twitter of spewing lies

Newspaper: There are active political processes in Karabakh

Qatar FM slams hypocrisy of calls to boycott World Cup

France, Singapore and Switzerland begin joint testing of experimental digital currencies

Oil war is Biden's biggest mistake

Japan considers possible deployment of hypersonic missiles by 2030

Germany to install better air defense system over Defense Ministry buildings

Erdogan and Stoltenberg discuss war in Ukraine

Armenian MOD: Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire in direction of Armenian positions

True cost of Europe's rejection of Russian gas

White House tries to explain Biden's statement about freeing Iran

Former Pakistani Prime Minister: Either we will have a peaceful revolution or a bloody one

Aramyan: Why are police officers' salaries increasing, while defense officers' are not?

Pentagon and U.S. weapons manufacturers to discuss Russia, human resources and supply chain

Ankara says U.S. may approve sale of F-16s to Turkey within few months

IMF: Turkey should tighten monetary policy and give the Central Bank more independence

Pope urges religious leaders to keep the world from brink of abyss

Putin awards Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II with Order of Honor

U.S. says G7 countries realize need for coordinated response to China

Round-the-clock curfew is introduced in Kherson

Borrell says they can't put China and Russia on same level

Olaf Scholz calls on China to influence Russia

G7 foreign ministers express 'unwavering commitment' to protecting Ukraine, criticized PRC and IRI

Political technologist explains why Pashinyan was elected chairman of board of ruling party in Armenia

Erdogan signs up for TikTok

China's army is constantly preparing for war amid provocative U.S. actions

Kalin: Armenia is constructive about normalization of relations

Poland asks EU to suspend fines

Putin: Situation in Ukraine was deadly for Russia

Portugal to test a four-day workweek

US embassy in Armenia issues statement ahead of November 5 protests in Yerevan

Dollar, euro go up in Armenia

Baku authorities once again refuse to allow PFPA to hold protest rally

Iranians commemorate anniversary of US embassy seizure

Richard Kauzlarich: Azerbaijan, Armenia FMs meeting in Washington 'will send message to Putin'

Russia ratifies protocol on requirements for length of service of EEU bodies' employees for pensions

Armenia deputy defense minister in Russia, discusses military cooperation

Yerevan receives proposal to hold Russia-Armenia-Azerbaijan interparliamentary talks

Health minister: We will work with fallen Armenia detainees relatives one more time after which bodies will be buried

Putin allows mobilization of citizens with unexpunged criminal record for serious crimes

Arnika, NESEHNUTI NGOs of Czech Rep. issue joint statement on plan to expand gold mine in Armenias Karaberd

Putin urges to evacuate civilians living in Kherson from the war zone

Iran parliament speaker to visit Armenia

Ruling force MP: Canada is opening embassy in Armenia because we are one of worlds most democratic countries

Girl with Armenian roots ends up in Vladimir orphanage

Erdogan says he has agreed with Putin to supply grain to needy countries for free

Armenia President, UK envoy agree to continue cooperation, close contacts

Armenia FM receives EU Monitoring Capacity

Spanish MPs don't approve agreement with Baku as a sign of solidarity with Armenia

Japan says North Korea may go ahead with nuclear test

Armenia government to allocate about $5M to Karabakh refugees support program

Belarusian border service: Border guards intercepts Ukrainian training drone

President appoints Ruben Vardanyan as Karabakh Minister of State

US embassy expresses concern about human rights violation in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan continues muscle play on Iran border

Ibrahim Kalin says Turkey will become an important gas center one way or another

Biden: We're gonna free Iran

Reuters: G7 countries and Australia agrees on fixed price for Russian oil

World oil prices dropping

Wizz Air to launch new flights between Venice, Yerevan

EU assesses Armenia, Azerbaijan border commissions meeting in Brussels as constructive

Artsakh President convenes enlarged working consultation

Envoy: China supports Armenians

Azerbaijan MOD disseminates disinformation, Armenia army did not fire

Armenia ruling party recounts congress voting results

Quake jolts Turkey

Newspaper: Armenia PM once again manipulates topic of negotiations, Karabakh conflict

Newspaper: Studies underway on Armenia MPs business involvement

US wants to prevent Germany, other allies from working together with China

Protests turn violent in Iran's Alborz Province

Portugal is considering abandoning golden visa scheme

Biden and Erdogan to meet at G-20 summit
STEPANAKERT.  An increase in tension was registered at night at the line of contact between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Karabakh.

The Azerbaijani side violated ceasefire more than 70 times, from late Thursday night to early Friday morning.

During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired over 1,000 shots toward the Karabakh position-holders from sniper rifles, mortars and grenade launchers, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) Defense Army informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. The Azerbaijani armed forces fired from sniper rifles, 60 mm mortars and grenade launchers.

The Azerbaijani armed forces intensively fired especially in the eastern and south and south-eastern directions of the line of contact where 34 mortars were used.

The NKR Defense Army vanguard units respond in case of strict necessity.
YEREVAN.  President Ilham Aliyev negates peace efforts of the international community and throws the gauntlet to the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan told Armenpress, commenting on the statement of Azerbaijani president that the April events are an internal affair of Azerbaijan.

The deputy minister reminded that Azerbaijan has signed an agreement with Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia on establishing truce (1994), and strengthening the ceasefire (1995). Co-chairing countries that have the mandate of the international community on peacekeeping mission have repeatedly made appeals to strictly follow the above agreements to respect the ceasefire and to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict exclusively by peaceful means, said Kocharyan.

According to him, it is clear that the resumption of hostilities by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh in April 2016 is a flagrant violation of the commitments undertaken by Azerbaijan, blatant disregard of calls of the co-chairing countries and the aggression against the self-determined Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

If the Azerbaijani leadership is making such statements, this does not relieve them from responsibility for war crimes committed during the April aggression, Kocharyan added.

The statement made by Aliyev, even though it is not addressed to a third party, no doubt, can be considered a response to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
YEREVAN.  Extradition of blogger Alexander Lapshin is a deal reached between two champions on human rights violations, head of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun parliamentary faction Armen Rustamyan stated at traditional briefings in National Assembly on Friday.

There is nothing else to think as the president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko personally supervised the trial. In the opinion of the head of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun parliamentary faction, Armenia should convey a simple idea to international agencies: fundamental human rights are indisputable.

Even in the conflict situations people have the right for freedom of movement, access to information and communication. Otherwise, for example, it is necessary to extradite tens of thousands of Russians visiting Crimea to Ukraine. The same comparison is applicable to many other conflict zones, including Karabakh and its inhabitants, he said.

The authorities of Azerbaijan have never thought to address Francois Hollande and demand the extradition of the French National Assembly deputy Rene Rouquet, who previously visited Nagorno-Karabakh. The only thing they could do was not to let him visit Azerbaijan at the meeting of presidium of PACE. Therefore, Armenia should raise the issue of priority of human rights in the international agency. When this question is ignored, the floor is taken by authoritarian regimes, Rustamyan noted.
Russia sees no alternative to peaceful settlement of Karabakh conflict, and, together with partners in the Minsk Group will continue its efforts aimed at reconciling the parties, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Ivan Volynkin said in an interview with TASS.

Unfortunately, the agreement reached under international mediation, including the establishment of a mechanism of investigations and expansion of OSCE observers in the conflict zone have not been implemented so far, the diplomat noted. Moreover, on December 29 last year, there were clashes on the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenian soldiers were killed, one of the attackers was killed in the Armenian territory.

In general, Russia wants to see peace and stability in Caucasus, he added.
YEREVAN. - We are prepared to work with all those State structures firmly determined to combat corruption, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills said at the meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on Friday.

The meeting was also attended by USAID Armenia Mission Director Deborah Grieser, the Government press-service informed Armenian News  NEWS.am.

Karen Karapetyan briefed the guests on the details of a number of bills aimed at increasing the effectiveness of anti-corruption actions.

In terms of achieving consistency in the fight against corruption, I believe it crucial to ensure the publics proactive civil position, provide a stronger Government-society feedback and build on constructive cooperation with partner organizations. I would like to emphasize once again that our Government is open to discussion and proposals, the Premier said.

Ambassador Mills, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the Government in the fight against corruption and welcomed the Premiers public statements and actions in this regard. You may rest assured of the United States commitment to supporting Armenias anticorruption program. We are prepared to work with all those State structures firmly determined to combat corruption, he stressed.

Upon the Ambassadors request, Karen Karapetyan briefed him on the goals and tasks set before the independent preventive anti-corruption body to be established under the Senior Officials Ethics Committee.

In this context, reference was also made to the bill criminalizing the illicit enrichment of officials.
YEREVAN. - The Armenian Government will allocate 5 billion AMD to provinces from its reserve fund for urgent matters.

PM Karen Karapetyan stated the aforementioned at the consultation in the Government on Friday.

These funds should be managed very strictly, transparently and openly. Based on the results of program implementation, we will also allocate additional sums, considering the efficiency of the work done. The mentioned 5 billion AMD was not included in the budget: we received it as a result of the optimization of budgetary expenditures, Karapetyan stressed.

Referring to the investment programs submitted by provinces for consideration, the PM noted that the

Ministry of Economic Development and Investments has been instructed to report on the implementation process of each approved program every day. It is necessary to pay attention to the business circle. Business is the development of our country and provinces, as well as opening of new jobs, he noted.

Furthermore, Karapetyan highlighted the importance of constant retraining of farmers. The entire theory of our agriculture was based on the implication that the farmers know everything about agriculture. Proceeding from this, we provided them with seeds, diesel fuel and fertilizers, supposing that they know what to do with them. But this is not so. We have no modern farmers, cooperatives and technologies. But we have a chance to create agriculture, which will be an example for others to learn on, Karapetyan said.

Minister of Territorial Administration and Development, Davit Lokyan, for his part, informed that 668 of 792 community development programs have been approved.
YEREVAN. - Armenian PM Karen Karapetyan on Friday chaired the subsequent session of the Inspection Reform Coordinating Council, the Government press-service informed Armenian News NEWS.am.

The inspections of non-food goods by the Market Control Inspectorate were discussed. Underscoring the importance of business interests, the PM instructed to study the best international practice in organizing inspections.

The draft amendments to the Law On Inspection Agencies were also discussed. The changes are expected to raise the independence of inspection and quality improvement systems.

Apart from this, reference was made to the liquidation of a number of inspection agencies and creation of new ones.
Updated from 6 a.m. EST

If you'd like to receive "5 Things" in your email inbox every morning, please register for TheStreet Alerts and follow me.

Here are five things you must know for Friday, Feb. 10:

1. -- U.S. stock futures rose and global stocks posted gains after Donald Trump promised he would soon cut taxes for businesses.

"Lowering the overall tax burden on American business is big league. That's coming along very well," the president said at a meeting Thursday with airline and airport executives. "We're way ahead of schedule, I believe. And we're going to announce something I would say over the next two or three weeks that will be phenomenal in terms of tax."

The three major U.S. stock indexes closed at record highs Thursday following Trump's comments.

Asian stocks finished higher Friday ahead of Trump's meetings over the weekend with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Japanese companies, worried about Trump's complaints over trade and exchange rates, hope Abe can get him to buy into a job creation and investment package, the Associated Press noted. Much better-than-expected trade data from China also boosted sentiment.

The economic calendar in the U.S. on Friday includes Export and Import Prices for January at 8:30 a.m. EST, the preliminary University of Michigan Sentiment Index for February at 10 a.m., and the Treasury Budget for January at 2 p.m.

2. -- The Trump administration's travel ban will remain on hold -- for now.

The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco issued a ruling on Thursday refusing to reinstate the president's executive order banning travel to the United States from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

Minutes after the decision came down, Trump tweeted, "SEE YOU IN COURT," adding that "THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" The Department of Justice said it was "considering its options" moving forward.

The appeals court's ruling keeps in place a temporary restraining order issued by Federal Judge James Robart, who sits in Seattle, last Friday putting a nationwide halt to Trump's executive order. Washington state and Minnesota filed a lawsuit arguing the order harms their universities. The court heard arguments on Tuesday.

"It's a very strong opinion," said Michael Meltsner, professor at the Northeastern University School of Law.

3. -- Reckitt Benckiser (RBGLY) reached an agreement to buy Mead Johnson (MJN) in a deal that values the U.S. baby formula maker at $16.6 billion.

Reckitt Benckiser, which makes Lysol cleaners, Durex condoms and Mucinex cold medicine, will pay $90 a share for Glenview, Ill.-based Mead Johnson. Reckitt Benckiser said the total value of the transaction, including debt, will be $17.9 billion.

The bid price represents an 8.37% premium to Mead Johnson's closing price on Thursday, but is unchanged from the Feb. 2 price first floated by Reckitt Benckiser, which was a 30% premium at the time it was announced.

"The acquisition of Mead Johnson is a significant step forward in RB's journey as a leader in consumer health," the British consumer goods company said. "With the Enfa family of brands, the world's leading franchise in infant and children's nutrition, we will provide families with vital nutritional support. This is a natural extension to RB's consumer health portfolio of Powerbrands which are already trusted by millions of mothers, reinforcing the importance of health and hygiene for their families."

Reckitt Benckiser said it expects to have the deal closed by the end of the third quarter.

Mead Johnson shares rose 4.7% in premarket trading to $86.91.

4. -- Expedia (EXPE) swung to a profit in the fourth quarter but adjusted earnings at the travel company came in below Wall Street estimates.

Expedia earned 51 cents a share in the quarter, a reversal from a year-earlier loss of 9 cents a share. Adjusted earnings in the fourth quarter were $1.17 cents a share; analysts expected $1.37.

Revenue rose 23% to $2.09 billion, topping forecasts of $2.07 billion.

Expedia said fourth-quarter gross bookings rose 8% to $16.1 billion. Room nights stayed increased 16%, excluding Orbitz, which saw a 1% decline in room nights.

The stock fell slightly in premarket trading on Friday.

5. -- Oil prices early in the U.S. on Friday rose about 1% after the International Energy Agency reported record initial compliance by OPEC members implementing last year's deal to curb output, Reuters reported.

in an effort to prop up global oil prices.

Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries made production cuts in January equating to 90% of the agreed volumes, a record high for the first month of implementation for such deals, the IEA said in its report.

"Some producers, notably Saudi Arabia, (are) appearing to cut by more than required," the IEA said.

West Texas Intermediate crude oil gained 0.8% to $53.44 a barrel.
President Trump tweeted about two companies on Wednesday -- one praising Intel (INTC) , another knocking Nordstrom (JWN) . Shares of Intel ended the day flat; Nordstrom's stock climbed more than 4%, marking its best and most-traded day of the year so far.

The president's habit of targeting specific companies on Twitter has become a major point of focus for corporate America, including Wall Street. Headlinesflash declaring that Trump wiped billions of dollars off of multinational companies' market caps. Firms tee up and recycle jobs announcements in hopes of avoiding the president's 140-character wrath. But over time, Trump's tweets really don't matter.

No clear pattern can be derived from the performance of the public companies Trump has attacked or complimented on Twitter.

Boeing (BA) , which Trump slammed over the cost of its 747 Air Force One on December 6, has rallied about 8% since that time. Lockheed Martin (LMT) , which he hit over the cost of its F-35 just six days later on December 12, has fallen about 0.50% since then.

Shares of Ford (F) , Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) and Walmart (WMT) have all climbed since the president sent out positive tweets about them after his November 8 election.

So have shares of Rexnord undefined , which Trump called out over "viciously firing" workers and moving jobs to Mexico. The Milwaukee-based industrial company's stock has gained about 6% since Trump's December 2 tweet. And it's still going to Mexico, the Wall Street Journal reported this week.

According to a Financial Times analysis of Trump's Twitter usage since the start of 2017, the president's insults have had almost no effect on the targeted company's share price within an hour of investors having a chance to react. Praise has on average resulted in around a 1% bump in the first trading hour but wears off in about a day.

"That Trump tweets cause volatility is unquestionable," said Ted Merz, news content business manager at Bloomberg. "Sometimes the market goes up and down and ends the same, but in between, there's volatility."

There have for months been talk of algorithms being developed to take advantage of Trump's tweets. Merz said market movements after the tweets suggest that there is "definitely" algorithmic trading going on.

But no one on Wall Street seems to know -- or at least is willing to say -- exactly who might be doing it on a scale broad enough to move markets.

"At this point, we're sort of waiting for someone to show some kind of proof or data that actually shows that this is happening and is the result of an algorithm," said Bill Harts, CEO of Modern Markets Initiative, an advocacy group for high-frequency trading.

Smaller projects are popping up.

Google X developer Max Braun has built an open-source bot that tracks Trump's tweets. It scans the commander-in-chief's Twitter feed for mentions of publicly-traded companies, detects sentiment, and then either buys or shorts the stock, exiting the position at the end of the trading day. It also appears to grab some institutional investment firms it associates with the companies Trump tweets about, like State Street (STT) and BlackRock (BLK) .

Braun just started putting money into the algorithm (he plans to donate any profits to the ACLU, NRDC and Planned Parenthood), but a simulated fund using it has an annualized return of about 59% since inception -- before Trump's Wednesday tweets.

The simulated fund took a "big hit" after that, Braun said, but is still slightly up overall. "I'm starting to see the limits of that strategy with Nordstrom," he said. "I'm always iterating on the algorithm."

Texas-based advertising agency T3 has developed "The Trump and Dump Bot" that shorts stocks based on Trump's tweets. Its president, Ben Gaddis, told Bloomberg it would donate nay profits from it to the ASPCA.

After Trump's Nordstrom tweet, the company said on Twitter there was no trade made, but the "bot's learning."

Merz said Trump has joined the ranks of Tesla's (TSLA) Elon Musk and billionaire investor Carl Icahn as figures whose tweets Wall Street closely follows. (Bloomberg and Twitter have a custom alerts agreement.) He added that many Trump tweets come during trading, whereas companies usually save potential stock-moving announcements for before or after the closing bell.

"Traders love volatility, so if things are happening intraday, it's something they want to pay attention to," he said. "They have to be aware of everything that could introduce volatility to the market."

While Trump's tweets appear to have a short-term effect, after a matter of hours, if not minutes, it dissipates. And trading around tweets regardless can be dangerous.

"Any kind of strategy that's based around a tweet is extremely risky and in no way is a guaranteed profit," Harts said.
Vallhalla, the much anticipated Scandinavian bar and restaurant proposed for 1111 N. Old World 3rd St., is on track for a March opening according to co-owner Melissa McNulty.

McNulty and her husband, Ken, who also own Wisconsin Cheese Mart and Uber Tap Room, began construction on the 19th century building in late 2015, but delays littered the way to opening.

"We really underestimated the amount of time it would take to renovate the building," she says. "We had to gut it down to its bones, replace the girders and structural beams. And that took a great deal of time. Now things are beginning to come together."

Scanda staples

McNulty says shes not quite ready to reveal the identity of the chef for the restaurant; however, she notes that the menu for the venue is in the works. Items which are certain to make an appearance include a selection of smrrebrd (pronounced smuhr-broht), Denmarks signature open-faced sandwiches, which are built on a thin layer of dense sourdough rye bread called rugbrd.

There will also be Danish plser (sausages), a staple in cities like Copenhagen, where plsevogne (hot dog carts) can be found on nearly every street corner. The toppings for the dogs vary from classic to gourmet and are showcased annually at a hot dog competition at the Food Festival in Aarhus, Denmark. McNulty says Valhallas dogs will showcase a variety of toppings, including a variety of pickled vegetables.

"When I was there, I had a hot dog with a sort of macaroni salad on it," she says. "So were working on some really unique combinations."

McNulty notes theyre also working through the details on a cocktail menu that befits the Scandinavian theme. Its likely to include a selection of barrel aged cocktails, along with a variety of drinks made with Aquavit, a Scandinavian staple which dates back to the 15th century and has recently grown in popularity in the states thanks to local brands like Gamle Ode.

Meanwhile, McNulty says the space will sport a renewed facade and a casual environment that incorporates upcycled materials and dark wood, along with original exposed Cream City brick (more details here). Paintings of a male and female viking have been created by Milwaukee-based artist Sandra Wyss and will don the walls. Meanwhile restaurant signage, along with traditional shields of the sort you might find on a viking ship, will also be showpieces.

Although a specific date has not been set for Valhallas opening, McNulty says the restaurant hopes to hold its soft opening in early March, followed by a public opening.

Watch OnMilwaukee for additional details as they become available. You can also follow Valhalla on Facebook.
There was a time when I, and folks like me who love and are fascinated by maps, needed no directions to Milwaukee Map Service, aka The Map Store, currently located at 3720 N. 124th St.

Walking into a shop full of globes of every kind, maps for taking on trips, maps for framing and hanging in your den, travel guides to a dozen or more African nations, and on and on, was a wonderland  a place that fed dreams of exotic vacations and expeditions to every corner of the planet.

On its website, it calls itself  appropriately  "A Place about Places."

I had a friend  who left us too early  who, like me, loved maps and would always call to report back to me on the treasures hed found on a recent visit to the store.

Alas, now anyone seeking out The Map Store can type it into a phone or GPS and be there in no time  no paper necessary. If, for some reason, you do want to buy a physical map, youre likely following the most direct route to Amazon, not to a shop on the border between Wauwatosa and Brookfield.

And, so, Jan Swain, who has run the place at three different locations since 1962, has announced that the store is closing at the end of March.

"Everythings changing," Swain told me when I stopped in last night. "Its all going onto the internet now."

Swain, who will retire when the shop closes, is 78 and has been in the business his entire life. His father Clarence opened the store on 45th and North Avenue in 1937.

"He was a Midwest boy, from St. Louis. He was just back from the war in 21  World War I," Swain recalled, standing next to a rack of books of travel guides to China, Thailand, India and other Asian destinations, "and he decided to become a salesman."

Clarence, his son said, began by selling maps door to door.

By the late 30s, Clarence had the shop, which he operated until his death in 1954. At that point, Jans brother took over, and when Jan finished college, he moved into the business too  and hes been there ever since.

"It was three brothers running the business then," Jan said of the long-lived family business.

In 1991, Swain moved Milwaukee Map Service to Mayfair Road, near Watertown Plank Road, where it remained until about five years ago when he moved to the current, high-traffic location, across from a Culvers, just up from a Target a block or two from a Home Depot.

To the right is the checkout and a wide variety of globes. To the left, racks filled with colorful travel guides and maps to countries, states, cities, parks and more. Running straight back from the entrance is a corridor lined with reprints of historical and other maps of interest.

There are nautical charts, hunting maps, fishing maps, volumes of county plat maps, atlases upon atlases. In addition, the business offered a range of services including map laminating, mounting and framing, and even custom map-making.

The shop is a specialized one, which means a lot of folks might not shop there regularly, but most seem to have a story about visiting before a big vacation or trip, or in search of a specialized map.

"A trip to The Map Store was my immediate thought when I researched traveling through Europe with friends 12 years ago, when we planned for driving through Europe again three years later, and when we hit the road to Denver just a few months ago," Velia Tarnoff told me.

"Sure, you can still order maps online, but seeing them 'in-person' and flipping through them helps the buying process. 'Is this one too big to fold-out in the car?' 'Is this one the right size for holding while Im trying to find house numbers in Venice?'"

Former Milwaukeean Taylor Pipes said he was a devoted customer of the shop and will miss it, but also noted that it's another small shop disappearing from the retail landscape here.

"What saddens me the most is that Milwaukee used to have some very, very good niche stores, and it's sad that the map store is closing," he said. "It's truly a feat that he kept it open as long as he did. I just wish I was close enough to buy a few more maps to frame for my house."

Talking about the shop, Swain smiled a lot, but it was that sort of fragile smile one suspects might end up squeezing out a tear or two.

When the shop closes  first, he has to sell off the inventory and even the fixtures, which are discounted up to 50 percent off  Swain said he might head out to Los Angeles to help out his daughter, who lives there.

"Its not that Im a guy that hates the cold," he said. "I enjoy four seasons. But its time for a change."
Electrical engineering professor Michael Yip directs the Advanced Robotics and Controls Laboratory. Credit: University of California - San Diego

In the operating room of the future, robots will be an integral part of the surgical team, working alongside human surgeons to make surgeries safer, faster, more precise and more automated. In the lab of electrical engineering professor Michael Yip at the University of California San Diego, engineers are developing advanced robotic systems that could make this vision a reality.

From intelligent algorithms that can enable robots to lend a helping hand during surgery, to "smart" endoscopes that can autonomously maneuver through sensitive nooks and crannies inside the body, the robotics technologies in Yip's lab are all inspired by a common goal: to augment the capabilities of surgeons.

The goal is not to replace human surgeons, but to better assist and enable them to do much more, Yip said. Human surgeons, he explained, are still needed to make decisions that can't be left to a robot, such as what treatment is best for the patient, or how a surgical procedure should be performed.

Meanwhile, robots will be made to perform tasks that humans cannot. For example, flexible and dexterous robots armed with high-power computing and sub-millimeter precision will be able to perform minimally invasive surgery, control complex instruments and navigate through spaces in the body that a human surgeon can't access. These robots could perform other advanced tasks, like creating real-time 3-D maps inside the body as they self-navigate, and incorporating all available medical dataincluding imaging informationinto the operating room.

This vision illustrates the idea of "Shared Autonomy," the theme of the most recent UC San Diego Contextual Robotics Institute Forum that was held in October. In an age of increasing automation, researchers in the Institute, such as Yip, are focused on developing robotic systems that can interact well in a human world and benefit society.

Da Vinci Surgical System. Credit: University of California - San Diego

Here's a sample of some of the projects in Yip's Advanced Robotics and Controls Laboratory (ARCLab):

Automated surgical assistant: da Vinci robot

The da Vinci Surgical System is a robotic surgical system designed to perform minimally invasive surgery. The system, developed by the company Intuitive Surgical, is remotely controlled by a surgeon from a console. The system is equipped with four robotic arms, but a surgeon is able to control only two of them at a time. Yip's ARCLab currently has a full da Vinci Surgical System dedicated for research in shared autonomy.

Yip's team aims to put the other two arms to work. To do this, they are creating software and hardware that will enable these arms to function autonomously. A goal is to have these robotic arms assist the primary surgeon with routine surgical tasks (suction, irrigation or pulling tissue back) that are tedious and are currently performed by additional human surgeons.

"This would reduce the number of surgeons in the operating room, which would reduce the overall cost of the surgery," said Nikhil Das, an electrical engineering Ph.D. student in Yip's lab. It would also free up surgeons who normally do these tasks to see other patients, he added.

Left to right: Naman Gupta and Nikhil Das. Credit: University of California - San Diego

Das develops motion planning algorithms that will enable the auxiliary arms to move without hitting obstacles, such as the surgeon-controlled manipulator arms. He is working on this project with undergraduate student Naman Gupta, who is visiting from Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani, India. Gupta implements these algorithms in a simulated da Vinci system's robotic arm and is in the process of validating his approach before moving it onto the ARCLab's da Vinci system.

Other students in the ARCLab are incorporating haptics into the system so that surgeons operating the robotic arms can recover the textures and sensations of feeling the tissues, a critical sensation missing in current systems.

"We're trying to close the gap between the surgeon and the robot," Das said.

Steerable catheters

To reach truly small scales, the ARCLab is developing its own robotic catheters. These catheters are meter-long, millimeter-diameter flexible robots that can access the deepest parts of the body from atraumatic locations such as the leg. With 8 wires that are individually controlled by 8 different motors, Yip's lab can shape and steer the robot catheters in more complex configurations and navigate far more effectively than surgeons could do manually.

One goal is to automate the catheter and incorporate haptic controls so that the operator can receive feedback from the motors. "That's what makes our catheter different from the steerable catheters in industry," said Aaron Gunn, a mechanical engineering undergraduate working on this project.

Artificial muscles

For robots to move with more agility and speed, they'll need human-like muscles. To that end, postdoctoral researcher Jun Zhang and bioengineering undergraduate Taylor West are making artificial muscle fibers that can quickly contract and relax while holding weight.

The muscle fibers are made of silver-coated nylon threads that are spun into a tightly coiled structure. When voltage is applied to the fibers, they heat up and contract. As they cool, they relax back to their original length. By braiding multiple coiled fibers together, researchers can create a stronger muscle that can lift a heavier load.

The artificial muscles that Zhang and West built can achieve up to 20 percent contraction while lifting a one kilogram load (see video below). For comparison, existing artificial muscles can achieve 5 percent contraction at best. They also contract slower and are made of expensive metal nanomaterials. "Ours are much cheaper because we use regular sewing thread," West said.

esearchers aim to use these artificial muscles to build life-like robotic arms, prosthetics, orthotics and robotic augmentation devices for people with poor muscle function. "And we can make devices that are lightweight and smaller using these artificial muscles," Zhang said.

West, whose father served in the military, has a soft spot for wounded veterans and aspires to become a prosthetics engineer. These interests drew her to the ARCLab. "My hope is that this research will produce technology that will help people and is affordable," West said.
Airport checkpoints are one place where an attack could result in substantial economic consequences. Credit: Photo/iStock

The potential economic losses of the recent deadly attack in the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport could top billions of dollars over the next two years, according to USC terrorism experts.

"These attacks instill fear into people and fear has a cost," said Adam Rose, lead author and faculty affiliate at the USC Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE). "The costs begin with a reduction in airline travel, then broaden to a reduction in tourism and then to spillover effects throughout the economy."

The researchers measured the economic losses in terms of U.S. gross domestic productthe monetary value of finished goods and services produced annually in the country.

A study published last fall by Rose and a team of researchers calculated that economic losses would top $10 billion in GDP in two terrorism scenarios: an attack at an airport checkpoint at a Los Angeles International Airport Terminal that kills 20 people and injures 98, and an attack on an airliner departing from Los Angeles that kills two people and injures 10.

Several industries profit from air travel, from hotels to restaurants and stores.

"An attack would have a ripple effect throughout the economy," Rose said. "If there is a reduction in airline travel, then airliners spend less on jet fuel, so there is less petroleum refining and less production in the economy overall through multiplier effects on the supply chain."

Perceptions of risk

For the study, the scientists conducted five surveys with a nationwide panel of 335 study participants over a six-week period. The participants were asked about their perceptions of terrorism risk, how they would respond emotionally to the attacks, their confidence in the government to handle the threat of terrorism and their travel decisions.

The airport checkpoint attack would result in a $17 billion decrease in GDP due to lost air travel, according to the study published in the journal Risk Analysis.

For the airline attack scenario, the researchers estimated a loss of $13 billion in GDP. Both scenarios assume air traffic nationwide would be halted briefly as a security measure, but the vast majority of the impacts come the public's fear of flying and the effects on the supply chain.

Airlines would suffer the bulk of the losses in both casesabout $1.5 billion in gross revenue in the first year after the attack and $690 million in gross revenue the second year.

'General equilibrium' model

CREATE researchers have refined a special economic analysis tool, called the "computable general equilibrium" model, which accounts for a comprehensive list of direct and indirect economic losses anticipated after an attack. Their model, in this case, is driven by likely changes in consumer behaviorsuch as people reducing travel or changing methods of transit after an attack occurs.

"There are two principal ways to mitigate the behavioral impacts of an attack, and both involve building trust with the traveling public," said study co-author Bill Burns of Decision Research, a nonprofit corporation. "First, the airlines and the TSA [Transportation Security Administration] must be seen as doing everything that they reasonably can to protect the public. That is, there can be no evidence of negligence in security procedures.

"Second, these organizations should routinely communicate with the public about ongoing threats and the steps that they have taken to improve security while being mindful of the quality of passengers' flying experience."

Added Heather Rosoff, a study co-author and research assistant professor at CREATE: "Risk communication is key for airlines and airports to build and retain public trust about safety."
The gig: Apoorva Mehta, 30, is the founder and chief executive of San Francisco grocery delivery startup Instacart. Over the last four years, he has grown the company to more than 300 full-time employees and tens of thousands of part-time grocery shoppers. The startup offers on-demand and same-day grocery delivery in hundreds of cities in 20 states.

Electrical engineering: Growing up in Canada, Mehta had an avid curiosity in how technology worked. "Everything from atoms, all the way to what you see on a computer when you go to Google.com," Mehta said. "I wanted to learn everything in between." Not knowing what he wanted to do after college, he enrolled in an electrical engineering course at the University of Waterloo.

Bored at Amazon: Mehta spent his post-college years working for technology companies such as Qualcomm and BlackBerry, and even did a stint at a steel factory. His goal was to try a bit of everything to help figure out what he really wanted to do. He eventually moved to Seattle to be a supply chain engineer at Amazon.com, where he developed fulfillment systems to get packages from Amazon's warehouses to customers' doors.

During those years, he learned two things: He liked to build software, and he wanted to be challenged. After two years at Amazon, he felt that he was no longer being challenged. With no other role lined up, he quit his job.

Twenty companies: He spent the next two years putting his learnings into practice. Between leaving Amazon and founding Instacart, Mehta estimates he started 20 companies. He tried building an ad network for social gaming companies. He spent a whole year developing a social network specifically for lawyers. "I knew nothing about these topics, but I liked putting myself in a position where I had to learn about an industry and try to solve problems they may or may not have had," he said. None of the companies worked out.

"After going through all these failures, releasing feature after feature, I realized it wasn't that I couldn't find a product that worked, I just didn't care about the product," Mehta said of the social network for lawyers. "When I went home, I wouldn't think about it because I didn't care about lawyers. I didn't think of what lawyers did day to day."

Which led him to lesson No. 3: solve a real problem you actually care about.

Groceries: With 20 failed startup ideas under this belt, Mehta put some thought into the problems he experienced day to day. He lived in San Francisco. He didn't own a car. He loved to cook, but he couldn't get the groceries he wanted in his neighborhood.

"It was 2012, people were ordering everything online, meeting people online, watching movies online, yet the one thing everyone has to do every single week - buying groceries - we still do in an archaic way," he said. As soon as he came up with the idea for an on-demand grocery delivery platform, he couldn't stop thinking about it. In less than a month, he'd coded himself a crude version of an app that could be used by people who needed groceries, and a version for those who were shopping in-store for customers. On its first test-run, because Mehta hadn't hired any shoppers yet, he ordered through the app, went to the store and delivered the groceries to himself.

Webvan: The idea of ordering groceries online and having them delivered to your home wasn't new. Webvan, a company founded on that very premise, famously went under during the dotcom bust. But this didn't faze Mehta, who believed that the success of a company rests not only on the quality of the idea but also on timing. "It was very clear to me that the idea was a good one and the time was now for the same reason why Uber and Lyft were finding success," he said.

Smartphones had become ubiquitous, people were comfortable performing transactions over their phones, and the idea of using an app to hire someone to perform a task was fast becoming the norm. "As a result of smartphones, the equation had changed," he said.

Teething troubles: Although Mehta landed on a hot idea and was able to partner with stores such as Whole Foods, Target and Safeway, the expansion of Instacart wasn't without problems. The company was slapped with a class-action lawsuit in 2015, alleging that the workers who shopped for and delivered groceries were misclassified as independent contractors. Instacart eventually made its shoppers part-time employees, with some qualifying for benefits such as health insurance. "We went from having zero part-time employees to having people at thousands of individual store locations," he said, "We had to figure out scheduling and what kinds of training had to be provided. We needed to figure out a lot of things."

Advice: Most startups fail, and those who start a company for the sake of starting a company are even more likely to fail, Mehta said. "The reason to start a company is to bring a change that you strongly believe in to this world," he said. "You really have to want to do this."

Personal: Mehta lives in San Francisco. He's an avid reader and enjoys biking in the city.

2017 Los Angeles Times

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A new study published last week in the journal Environmental Research Letters by researchers at the University of Puerto Rico offers the first regional look at lands being converted to palm oil plantations in Latin America. Palm oil is a primary ingredient in processed foods, soaps, cosmetics, and biofuel. Growth of the palm oil industry has caused widespread deforestation in Southeast Asia, a concern among conservationists, the private sector, and consumers.

In Latin America, the agricultural area planted with palm oil has doubled in the last decade, and this new study shows that most palm oil plantations are being established on previously cleared lands, particularly cattle pastures. If palm oil continues to replace pastures instead of forests, the region may have a strong advantage for sustainable palm oil production.

"After the environmental devastation witnessed in Asia, the big question was whether Latin America would do palm oil right," says lead author Paul R. Furumo. "Especially given that the region contains the largest forested area with conditions suitable for palm oil agriculture."

"Sustainable palm oil production is complex, but begins with land use changes during planting. When forests are cut down, it is a long-term loss of both species and communities, but intensifying production on previously degraded lands may create a huge opportunity for conservation in this sector," said Furumo, a Ph.D. candidate at the Department of Environmental Science of the University of Puerto Rico.

A previous global-scale remote sensing study had suggested a less pronounced role for forest conversion to palm oil in Latin America, but the authors identified the specific land uses being converted to palm oil. Using a custom web application called Landmapper, the researchers integrated MODIS satellite imagery with very high resolution Google Earth images to map palm oil plantations in 2014. They mapped over a half-million hectares of palm oil in 10 different countries throughout the region, the equivalent to more than half of the total FAO reported area for Latin America. They visualized these polygons in Google Earth to look back in time and see what the most recent land cover was before conversion to palm oil.

The results indicate the outsized role that cattle pastures play in the development of palm oil agriculture in Latin Americanearly 60 percent of expansion occurred on these lands. This is roughly equivalent to the proportion of forest loss associated with palm oil expansion in Southeast Asia. Pastures have long dominated the production landscapes of Latin America and open up the countryside to expanding palm oil by establishing important infrastructure (i.e. roads), clearing lands for planting, and driving up land prices where large-scale industrial agriculture is more competitive. Beyond pastures, croplands were also identified as a significant source of new plantations (18 percent), as well as banana plantations (4 percent), but only in select countries.

There were, however, examples of national and sub-national variations to the pasture-palm oil narrative. Peru had the highest proportion of deforestation in the study region; 76 percent of detected palm oil plantations replaced forests, equating to nearly 16,000 hectares. This echoes other studies that have shown evidence for palm oil as an emerging threat to the Peruvian Amazon, particularly larger plantations. Similarly, while only 24 percent of palm oil expansion in Guatemala replaced forests, 89 percent of this was found in the Peten department, which contains the Mayan Biosphere Reserve. The authors point to weak local governance and land tenure laws in these examples, suggesting the importance of industry oversight by international certification programs.

The more favorable land use dynamic surrounding palm oil expansion in Latin America, if guided by sustainability initiatives like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), may bring us as close as we've ever been to a sustainable palm oil industry.

Most palm oil produced in Latin America is consumed locally

The study also shows that most palm oil produced in Latin America is consumed in the region, instead of being exported to distant markets like Europe. There is a strong internal demand for palm oil in the region and the study suggests that this is in part driven by the surge of recent domestic biofuel targets.

Colombia, for example, the leading palm oil producer in Latin America and fourth largest in the world, has a national 10 percent biodiesel blend (B10). This target is fulfilled completely by domestic production, which accounts for about half of national palm oil production. Planting energy crops on previously degraded lands may validate biofuel development in the region, avoiding commonly cited issues of carbon and biodiversity loss.

But it remains to be seen how local demand for palm oil, especially as an ingredient for non-food products, fits in with international market-based incentives for sustainability. "Though the demand may be less for certified palm oil that ends up in your vehicle instead of your stomach, engaging in certification may, in fact, be easier for palm oil growers in Latin America that plant on pastures instead of forests," contends Furumo. "These producers may already be closer to compliance with sustainable management and land use practices."

To explore whether the development of palm oil plantations on previously degraded lands does, in fact, create benefits for Latin American palm oil producers, the lead author is conducting fieldwork in Colombia monitoring bioacoustic diversity in palm oil landscapes and interviewing local stakeholders with the support of a Fulbright fellowship.

Provided by University of Puerto Rico
A mother and her two children pass a ship that washed ashore during Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Credit: iStock

Earth's increasingly deadly and destructive climate is prompting social work leaders to focus the profession's attention on one of humanity's most pressing issues: environmental change.

Typhoons are hitting the South Pacific with greater severity and regularity. Hurricane Katrina prompted the largest forced migration of Americans since the Civil War. Civil conflicts and instability in the Middle East and Africa are being linked to climate change and its socioecological effects.

"We see it perhaps most importantly as a social justice issue," said Lawrence Palinkas, the Albert G. and Frances Lomas Feldman Professor of Social Policy and Health at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. "Generally the people most affected by climate change tend to be the poor, older adults, children and families, and people with a history of mental health problemspopulations that are typically the focus of social work practice."

This inherent link between social work and the social and economic consequences of environmental change is at the heart of a new initiative Palinkas and other social work scholars are leading as part of the Grand Challenges for Social Work.

Organized by the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, the national effort seeks to achieve societal progress by identifying specific challenges that social work can play a central role in overcomingin this case, creating social responses to the changing environment.

"Where we see social workers playing a role is developing an evidence-based approach to disaster preparedness and response," Palinkas said. "How do we provide services to communities that are devastated by natural disasters? How do we help populations that are being dislocated by virtue of changes in the environment?"

Inaction could prove deadly

Not addressing this issue is likely to have dire consequences. At a policy meeting in London in December, military experts warned that dramatic shifts in the natural and built environments could trigger a major global disaster in the near future.

"Climate change could lead to a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions," retired Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney, CEO of the American Security Project and a member of the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Affairs Policy Board, said in prepared remarks. "We're already seeing migration of large numbers of people around the world because of food scarcity, water insecurity and extreme weather, and this is set to become the new normal."

To describe their vision for social work's role in this grand challenge, Palinkas and his partners outlined three main policy recommendations for the profession.

The first recommendation centers on reducing the impact of disasters such as extreme weather events. Climate-related catastrophes affect more than 375 million people every yearan increase of 50 percent compared to the previous decade.

Palinkas emphasized the need to develop and spread evidence-based interventions to combat that risk and respond in the wake of disasters, in part by ensuring that all clinicians and social work students receive training in disaster preparedness and response as a critical component of the job.

"That includes things like training communities in the use of evidence-based practices to provide treatment for traumatic symptoms in the aftermath of a disaster," he said. "We also need to promote social cohesion and community resilience to mitigate the possibility of social conflict."

Leaders from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work are ahead of the curve in tackling that piece of the puzzle, most notably in the Pacific Rim. In recent years, for example, a team of researchers and practitioners from the school has led humanitarian missions to the Philippines following major typhoons.

Building a safety net

Faculty members Marleen Wong and Vivien Villaverde are among those who have traveled to the South Pacific to offer training sessions on delivering psychological first aid, addressing secondary post-traumatic stress and promoting social development.

"In many parts of Asia, the infrastructure for disaster response and recovery is weak," said Villaverde, a clinical associate professor with expertise in disaster preparedness, crisis interventions and trauma-informed care. "At the same time, that's where a lot of climate-related natural disasters are occurring."

Social workers can assist during recovery efforts by offering interventions and training others to use them, she said, but broader efforts to prepare for and respond to crises are needed.

Although the USC team has generally focused on the intervention component, Villaverde noted an increasing emphasis on the multi-tier framework described by Palinkas and other scholars in the Grand Challenge policy brief, which calls on governments and private organizations to begin planning for climate change and related disasters at a national and community level.

Wong echoed the need for countries like the Philippines to move beyond merely reacting to environmental disasters, particularly in terms of developing proactive plans that outline how various government agencies, community groups and individuals can prepare for and respond to catastrophes.

"Social work has a clear role to play in building that safety net," said Wong, senior associate dean of field education and clinical professor. "We can bring our knowledge and skills and develop additional ways of supporting people, especially children and families, in the wake of these natural disasters."

Measuring success

Many of the goals of the Grand Challenge team are broad and seemingly nebulous, so developing metrics that highlight progress could prove difficult. However, Palinkas said markers such as reducing the prevalence of environmentally induced diseases by a certain percentage might serve as signals of success.

"We may not reduce the number of natural disasters, but we may reduce the number of displaced families," he said. "We may reduce the incidence of psychiatric conditions like PTSD or generalized anxiety disorder that are often associated with exposure to these kinds of events."

In general, many are encouraged the Grand Challenge and the overall concept of responding to environmental change from a social perspective is gaining awareness among social workers and others in the helping professions.

Palinkas, Wong and other leading scholars have been crossing the globe to highlight the Grand Challenge initiative, delivering speeches in places like South Korea, Portugal, China, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Taiwan and Switzerland.

"I think social work is really well positioned to address this challenge," Wong said. "Social workers never work alone; they always work as a team. In these complex situations, we need to build teams to enhance the national capacity to respond."
Diverse 444 million-year-old sponges from the Anji Biota of China, thriving as everything around them died. Credit: Botting, J. P

Exceptionally well-preserved fossil communities are always exciting, but some are more interesting than others. Fossils from particularly important times or environments can tell palaeontologists much more than those from periods already well documented. A new window into the aftermath of the second-biggest mass extinction since the rise of animals is therefore very interesting indeed.

The end-Ordovician crisis, 445 million years ago, resulted in 85 percent of species dying out. It was the result of a sudden, intense ice age, followed by an equally rapid warming, and corresponding changes in ocean chemistry and circulation. Plankton started to recover quite quickly, but until now, we have known little about life on the deeper parts of the sea floor. The only exceptional fossil deposit previously known from this interval is the peculiar glacial lagoon environment of South Africa's Soom Shale.

A joint team of researchers from China (Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, et al.) and Britain (National Museum Wales) have uncovered a new fossil fauna that preserved delicate skeletons and soft tissues from the immediate aftermath of the Ordovician mass extinction. The Anji Biota was discovered in the bamboo forests of Zhejiang Province, China, in a narrow band of mudstone exposed at several sites up to 10 km apart. The fauna is extraordinarily diverse, with nearly 100 species found in the first phase of collecting. The surprise, though, is that this diversity is almost entirely composed of sponges.

The Anji Biota records an astonishing range of sponge species in many major groups, with a total diversity exceeding that of equivalent modern faunas. Most post-extinction survivor ecosystems are made up of small, stunted species that managed to thrive and are found everywhere. In the Anji sponge fauna, the specimens are large and complex, and although some species formed forests on the sea floor, many others were very scarce or extremely localised. It doesn't look like a survival fauna at all; these simple animals were flourishing.

Sponges were not quite the only animals on the sea floor, however. Together with thousands of sponges, a few conical-shalled nautiloids were also recovered, and a single fossilized sea scorpion complete with legs. The sea scorpions were a very rare group in the Ordovician, and well-preserved specimens are almost entirely limited to these sites of exceptional preservation.

Why was this post-extinction world so completely dominated by sponges? As lead author Joe Botting explains, "We think the sponges thrived because they can tolerate changes in temperature and low oxygen levels, while their food source (organic particles in the water) would have increased enormously by the death and destruction all around them."

Sponges are known today as ecosystem engineers, encouraging biodiversity by stabilising sediment and providing habitats. In the case of the end-Ordovician crisis, such an abundance of sponges over wide areas might well have helped the ecosystem to recover. The team also notes that mass sponge remains have been recorded after other mass extinction events, suggesting that this is a common pattern after ecological collapse. There are lessons for the present, as well. If the past is anything to go by, then as marine ecosystems begin to collapse due to human activities, we should expect to see sponges rule the seas once again.

The study is published in Current Biology.

More information: Flourishing Sponge-Based Ecosystems after the End-Ordovician Mass Extinction. Current Biology, DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.12.061 Journal information: Current Biology
Editor's note: In his first week in office, President Donald Trump showed he intends to follow through on his immigration promises. A major focus of his campaign was on removing immigrants who, he said, were increasing crime in American communities.

In his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, Trump named victims who were reportedly killed by undocumented immigrants and said:

"They are being released by the tens of thousands into our communities with no regard for the impact on public safety or resourcesWe are going to build a great border wall to stop illegal immigration, to stop the gangs and the violence, and to stop the drugs from pouring into our communities."

Now as president, he has signed executive orders that restrict entry of immigrants from seven countries into the U.S. and authorize the construction of a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. He also signed an order to prioritize the removal of "criminal aliens" and withhold federal funding from "sanctuary cities."

But, what does research say about how immigration impacts crime in U.S. communities? We turned to our experts for answers.

Across 200 metropolitan areas

Robert Adelman, University at Buffalo, and Lesley Reid, University of Alabama

Research has shown virtually no support for the enduring assumption that increases in immigration are associated with increases in crime.

Immigration-crime research over the past 20 years has widely corroborated the conclusions of a number of early 20th-century presidential commissions that found no backing for the immigration-crime connection. Although there are always individual exceptions, the literature demonstrates that immigrants commit fewer crimes, on average, than native-born Americans.

Also, large cities with substantial immigrant populations have lower crime rates, on average, than those with minimal immigrant populations.

In a paper published this year in the Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, we, along with our colleagues Gail Markle, Saskia Weiss and Charles Jaret, investigated the immigration-crime relationship.

We analyzed census data spanning four decades from 1970 to 2010 for 200 randomly selected metropolitan areas, which include center cities and surrounding suburbs. Examining data over time allowed us to assess whether the relationship between immigration and crime changed with the broader U.S. economy and the origin and number of immigrants.

The most striking finding from our research is that for murder, robbery, burglary and larceny, as immigration increased, crime decreased, on average, in American metropolitan areas. The only crime that immigration had no impact on was aggravated assault. These associations are strong and stable evidence that immigration does not cause crime to increase in U.S. metropolitan areas, and may even help reduce it.

There are a number of ideas among scholars that explain why more immigration leads to less crime. The most common explanation is that immigration reduces levels of crime by revitalizing urban neighborhoods, creating vibrant communities and generating economic growth.

Across 20 years of data

Charis E. Kubrin, University of California, Irvine, and Graham Ousey, College of William and Mary

For the last decade, we have been studying how immigration to an area impacts crime.

Across our studies, one finding remains clear: Cities and neighborhoods with greater concentrations of immigrants have lower rates of crime and violence, all else being equal.

Our research also points to the importance of city context for understanding the immigration-crime relationship. In one study, for example, we found that cities with historically high immigration levels are especially likely to enjoy reduced crime rates as a result of their immigrant populations.

Findings from our most recent study, forthcoming in the inaugural issue of The Annual Review of Criminology, only strengthen these conclusions.

We conducted a meta-analysis, meaning we systematically evaluated available research on the immigration-crime relationship in neighborhoods, cities and metropolitan areas across the U.S. We examined findings from more than 50 studies published between 1994 and 2014, including studies conducted by our copanelists, Adelman and Reid.

Our analysis of the literature reveals that immigration has a weak crime-suppressing effect. In other words, more immigration equals less crime.

There were some individual studies that found that with an increase in immigration, there was an increase in crime. However, there were 2.5 times as many findings that showed immigration was actually correlated with less crime. And, the most common finding was that immigration had no impact on crime.

The upshot? We find no evidence to indicate that immigration leads to more crime and it may, in fact, suppress it.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Credit: Public Domain

Modern forensic DNA analyses are crucial to crime scene investigations; however the interpretation of the DNA profiles can be complex. Two researchers from the Forensics and National Security Sciences Institute (FNSSI) have turned to computer technology to assist complicated profile interpretation, specifically when it comes to samples containing DNA from multiple people.

"There is a massive amount of data that is not being considered, simply due to our limited capability as human beings," says Michael Marciano, FNSSI research assistant professor, explaining why they're counting on computers to make data-driven predictions.

Marciano and Jonathan Adelman, FNSSI research assistant professor, have developed a new method to predict the number of people contributing to mixed DNA samples, the results of which are published online in Forensic Science International: Genetics ahead of the journal's March issue.

Additionally, the duo's method, dubbed Probabilistic Assessment for Contributor Estimate (PACE), is patent pending. The SU-owned intellectual property is newly licensed to NicheVision, a forensic software company based in Akron, Ohio.

In order to "deconvolute" or separate a mixed DNA sample into individuals' genetic information, current technology requires the analyst to identify how many people contributed to the sample. Marciano likens the challenge of predicating contributor numbers to looking at a jar of colored candies, where two or three colors may be easy to spot, but more colors may be hidden in the center of the jar.

To predict the number of individuals included in a mixed sample, Marciano, a trained molecular biologist with a background in forensic DNA analysis, teamed up with Adelman, a computer scientist and statistician. Together, they applied an established computer science method called machine learning to the problem of untangling mixed DNA samples.

Machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, uses existing data to train computers how to solve problems on their own with new data. The method works best with complex problems and in cases with a lot of example data for the training phase, making machine learning a great match for the DNA analysis challenge, Adelman says.

While machine learning has been used extensively in other fields, from stock market trading to spam filtering, Adelman and Marciano say they've never seen it applied to forensics science. To arrive at this novel application took "two people with different backgrounds and a white board," Marciano says.

After training their algorithms on massive amounts of data from the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Onondaga County Center for Forensics Sciences, PACE's prediction powers were put to the test identifying the number of people included in mixed samples with known numbers of contributorsand it passed with flying colors.

As detailed in their upcoming journal article, PACE improved prediction accuracy of three- or four-person mixed samples by 6 percent and 20 percent, respectively, over current methods. What's more, PACE is able to accurately classify the samples in a matter of seconds, as compared to the up to nine hours required for current methods.

PACE represents a major leap forward in DNA analysis, Adelman says. "Incremental improvements happen in technology development all the time, but this could completely change how the problem of 'deconvoluting' mixed samples is solved," he says. "It looks like disruptive technology."

More information: Michael A. Marciano et al. PACE: Probabilistic Assessment for Contributor Estimation A machine learning-based assessment of the number of contributors in DNA mixtures, Forensic Science International: Genetics (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2016.11.006
David Dunn at work in his Environmental Sound Lab. Credit: University of California - Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz music professor David Dunn has joined forces with two forest scientists from Northern Arizona University to combat an insect infestation that is killing millions of trees throughout the West.

They are applying the results of nearly a decade of acoustic research in an unconventional collaborative effort to stop bark beetles from tunneling through the living tissue of weakened, drought-stressed pine trees.

The trio has now received a patent for a device that uses sound as a targeted sonic weapon to disrupt the feeding, communication, reproduction, and various other essential behaviors of the insects.

Dunn explained how this research came about.

"When massive tree death started occurring in Northern New Mexico where I was living, I became curious if there were sounds associated with such a large amount of biological activity," said Dunn.

"At that time there was still the assumption that this was the result of a local bark beetle infestation due to drought conditions. Since then, we have come to realize that this was not just a local outbreak but one of many outbreaks across all of the western states and Canadian provinces that has been driven by climate change conditions. Many scientists think that we are experiencing the largest insect infestation of North America in the fossil record of the Earth," he added.

Dunn spent a few weeks thinking about how to listen to the interior of trees and soon came up with a simple listening device that cost less than $10 to build. Designing unique and inexpensive devices in order to listen to sound had long been a part of his artistic work.

"After making hundreds of hours of recordings inside hundreds of trees, I made a large sound composition that represented the incredible diversity of sounds made by a couple of species of bark beetles and their changing responses to the life cycle of tree hosts that they invade," said Dunn. "This was released as a CD (The Sound of Light in Trees) that garnered a lot of attention from both the sound, art, and music community, as well as various scientists involved in bio-acoustic research."

"After that interest emerged, I was approached by my future colleagues at Northern Arizona University who not only wanted to replicate what I had done, but to collaborate on how to push this research further. These further results led to the device and protocol that we have just patented."

Dunn noted that it is very unusual for a scientific patent to be awarded to an artist and added that there are very few examples of concrete results from collaborations between artists and scientists.

"My contribution to the project mostly concerned the technical design aspects of the audio, electronic circuit designs, and the novel sound gathering techniques," Dunn explained. "In a very real sense, this represented a kind of reverse "tech transfer" from the arts to the sciences. Historically, it has usually been the other way around."

"We have now entered into a period of common interests between art and science largely driven by the commonality of digital tools," Dunn added.

Sound playback into a tree. Credit: University of California - Santa Cruz

"Artists are now just as involved in designing such tools as the scientific community and often create software and instrumentation in order to facilitate their creative visions that may ultimately be of even greater value to scientific research. I think that this was one of those instances and a couple of fortuitous events conspired to allow something interesting to happen."

Dunn observed that one important aspect of art/science collaborations is the peculiar ability of artists to trust their imagination over their rational faculty.

"Most of the best scientists I know have fantastic and expansive imaginative capacities but often have to strategically mask those skills in order to operate within disciplinary and professional constraints," said Dunn. "I personally believe that science must be a deeply rigorous enterprise, but it is not an either/or issue. It is the balance between the rational and imaginative that will ultimately solve the most serious problems that threaten us."

"Artists can sometimes ask the pithy or embarrassing question that needs to be asked, or cuts across disciplinary constraints, or politics, without paying a professional price. As Gregory Bateson, a former faculty member of UC Santa Cruz put it: 'rigor alone is paralytic death, imagination alone is insanity.'"

Dunn said that he and his colleagues at Northern Arizona UniversityRichard Hofstetter and Reagan McGuirehope to produce a range of products as a result of their patent to combat bark beetles, as well as other insects related to them.

He added that scaling up the device to be effective in saving large forests might be possible through the use of local wireless or FM broadcast to protect select areas of forest, depending on how cheaply they can produce an effective system that can be applied to individual trees.

"One major obstacle is the issue of how to miniaturize the analog circuits and sample playback," said Dunn. "One of my brilliant graduate students, David Kant in music, has been working on putting all of this into digital form and has largely succeeded. If we can solve that problem and come up with viable output transducers, amplification, and solar power solutions, it's very doable."
A new species of beetle has been spotted hitchhiking on the back of army ants as a means of transportation, according to research published in the open access journal BMC Zoology.

The newly discovered beetle, Nymphister kronaueri, uses its strong mandibles to anchor itself tightly to the ant's body in order to hitch a ride when the nomadic army ants move to new nesting sites. It was only found in one particular army ant species and primarily on medium sized workers demonstrating that it is a highly specialized ant guest.

Dr. Christoph von Beeren, lead author of the study, from Technical University Darmstadt, Germany, said: "While collecting ant guests during the nightly emigration of an army ant colony, we realized that the abdomen of some ants looked odd and reflected the light of our headlamps in a slightly different way. From above it is difficult to detect the parasite, because the beetle closely resembles the ant's abdomen. When viewed from the side, however, it looks as if the ants had a second abdomen. To our surprise the odd looking 'ant abdomens' turned out to be beetles."

Von Beeren adds: "To the human eye, the beetle is quite difficult to detect when attached to the ant as they are similar in size and shape to the host ants' abdomen. The outer shell of the beetle is also smooth and shiny, just like the ants. We think that by imitating this part of the ants' body they might reduce the chance of recognition by the ants, allowing the beetle to travel undetected."

The new species is named after Daniel Kronauer, a dedicated army-ant researcher at The Rockefeller University, New York, who first discovered the species in an army ant emigration. It is one of many organisms, including silverfish, wasps, beetles, mites and flies that are known to exploit army ant colonies.

This new finding was made during a biodiversity assessment of army ant guests at La Selva Biological Station, a lowland Atlantic rainforest in Costa Rica. Von Beeren and his colleague Alexey Tishechkin, co-author of the article, collected ant parasites from many tropical sites but only discovered the new beetle species in one particular host species in Costa Rica.

Von Beeren adds: "Army ants have been studied extensively by researchers, yet this conspicuous new species has been overlooked until now. Little is known about other species of army ants and their guest communities - it is evident that many more species like N. kronaueri still need to be discovered."

More information: Christoph von Beeren et al. Nymphister kronaueri von Beeren & Tishechkin sp. nov., an army ant-associated beetle species (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Haeteriinae) with an exceptional mechanism of phoresy, BMC Zoology (2017). DOI: 10.1186/s40850-016-0010-x
Catalytic conversion of biomass-derived chemicals to renewable polymers occurs in laboratory stirred-tank reactors. Credit: University of Minnesota

A team of researchers, led by the University of Minnesota, has invented a new technology to produce automobile tires from trees and grasses in a process that could shift the tire production industry toward using renewable resources found right in our backyards.

Conventional car tires are viewed as environmentally unfriendly because they are predominately made from fossil fuels. The car tires produced from biomass that includes trees and grasses would be identical to existing car tires with the same chemical makeup, color, shape, and performance.

The technology has been patented by the University of Minnesota and is available for licensing through the University of Minnesota Office of Technology Commercialization.

The new study is published by the American Chemical Society's ACS Catalysis, a leading journal in the chemical and catalysis sciences. Authors of the study, include researchers from the University of Minnesota, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the Center for Sustainable Polymers, a National Science Foundation-funded center at the University of Minnesota.

"Our team created a new chemical process to make isoprene, the key molecule in car tires, from natural products like trees, grasses, or corn," said Paul Dauenhauer, a University of Minnesota associate professor of chemical engineering and materials science and lead researcher of the study. "This research could have a major impact on the multi-billion dollar automobile tires industry."

"Collaboration was really the key to this research taking biomass all the way to isoprene," said Carol Bessel, the deputy director for the chemistry division at the National Science Foundation (NSF), which funds the Center for Sustainable Polymers. "This collaboration and synergy among researchers with different approaches and skills is really what we are trying to promote within the NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation Program."

Currently, isoprene is produced by thermally breaking apart molecules in petroleum that are similar to gasoline in a process called "cracking." The isoprene is then separated out of hundreds of products and purified. In the final step, the isoprene is reacted with itself into long chains to make a solid polymer that is the major component in car tires.

Biomass-derived isoprene has been a major initiative of tire companies for the past decade, with most of the effort focused on fermentation technology (similar to ethanol production). However, renewable isoprene has proven a difficult molecule to generate from microbes, and efforts to make it by an entirely biological process have not been successful.

Funded by NSF, researchers from the Center for Sustainable Polymers have focused on a new process that begins with sugars derived from biomass including grasses, trees and corn. They found that a three-step process is optimized when it is "hybridized," meaning it combines biological fermentation using microbes with conventional catalytic refining that is similar to petroleum refining technology.

The first step of the new process is microbial fermentation of sugars, such as glucose, derived from biomass to an intermediate, called itaconic acid. In the second step, itaconic acid is reacted with hydrogen to a chemical called methyl-THF (tetrahydrofuran). This step was optimized when the research team identified a unique metal-metal combination that served as a highly efficient catalyst.

The process technology breakthrough came in the third step to dehydrate methyl-THF to isoprene. Using a catalyst recently discovered at the University of Minnesota called P-SPP (Phosphorous Self-Pillared Pentasil), the team was able to demonstrate a catalytic efficiency as high as 90 percent with most of the catalytic product being isoprene. By combining all three steps into a process, isoprene can be renewably sourced from biomass.

"The performance of the new P-containing zeolite catalysts such as S-PPP was surprising," says Dauenhauer. "This new class of solid acid catalysts exhibits dramatically improved catalytic efficiency and is the reason renewable isoprene is possible."

"Economically bio-sourced isoprene has the potential to expand domestic production of car tires by using renewable, readily available resources instead of fossil fuels," said Frank Bates, a world-renowned polymer expert and University of Minnesota Regents Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. "This discovery could also impact many other technologically advanced rubber-based products."

In addition to Professor Dauenhauer, researchers who were part of the study from the University of Minnesota were professors Michael Tsapatsis and Kechun Zhang, postdoctoral researchers Omar Abdelrahman, Dae Sung Park, Charles Spanjers and Limin Ren, and current student Katherine Vinter. University of Massachusetts Amherst professor Wei Fan and student Hong Je Cho were also part of the research team.

To read the full research paper entitled "Renewable Isoprene by Sequential Hydrogenation of Itaconic Acid and Dehydra-Decyclization of 3-Methyl-Tetrahydrofuran," visit the ACS Catalysis website.

More information: Omar A. Abdelrahman et al. Renewable Isoprene by Sequential Hydrogenation of Itaconic Acid and Dehydra-Decyclization of 3-Methyl-Tetrahydrofuran, ACS Catalysis (2017). DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.6b03335 Journal information: ACS Catalysis
Credit: University of Nottingham

A leading green energy scientist who uses bacteria to turn greenhouse gases into usable chemicals is calling for more investment from industry and government subsidies to scale up this newest of technologies.

Professor Nigel Minton from The University of Nottingham says there is significant potential for the industrial scaling up of the new process which uses 'gas-eating' bacteria to ferment polluting greenhouse gases from landfill and industry into useful products like biofuels and plastics.

A report, commissioned by Professor Minton's BBSRC-funded network of gas fermentation specialists C1net, says the UK should do more to increase the production of this new technology which could capture a large percentage of industrial waste gas from our factories and landfill.

As the burden on global oil and natural gas resources increases to meet demand for energy, plastics and medicines, the University's Synthetic Biology Research Centre has been engineering microorganisms to convert natural and waste gases into valuable chemical and fuel products.

The technology has been rolled out in commercial-scale demonstration plants in China and the US and could make a contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil resources. However, there is currently little industrial development and use of the technology in the UK.

Professor Minton is calling for the biofuel subsidies currently given to biomass processors to be extended to the gas fermentation industry: "Gas fermentation can produce low carbon fuels from a range of waste feedstocks that do not pose the risk of increasing demand for land, like biomass production does. But the new technology is not competing on a level playing field.

"Fuels produced from renewable feedstocks are eligible under the UK's Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, but low carbon fuels produced from carbon-containing waste gases are currently not eligible to contribute towards the obligation, despite the greenhouse gas emissions reductions they can provide. This is proving a significant barrier to the commercial deployment of the gas fermentation processes. A broader and more encompassing framework is needed to increase the production of low carbon fuels in the UK. This could be achieved by focusing on the ultimate goal of lowering the greenhouse gas emissions of transport fuels, and supporting all low carbon fuels."

The BBSRC C1net report makes several recommendations to government's Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the industry sector:

Long term policy support for all low carbon fuels and products either through incentivising their use or disincentivising the use of fossil resources. This may be achieved, in part, through amendment of the RTFO, to include low carbon fuels made from non-biological waste feedstocks. Incentivising the use of all low carbon fuels according to the degree to which they reduce carbon emissions would provide an outcome-oriented approach, ensuring technology and feedstock neutrality.

A framework whereby the production of chemicals and materials are not at a disadvantage to fuels where they lead to similar benefits. In the near term, there could be a role for public procurement in stimulating the market for products with renewable content or recycled carbon content. In the longer term this may be achieved with an appropriately defined carbon tax.

Policy support aimed at increasing the availability of sustainable biomass resources, and/or further supporting the use of waste resources.

Improved access to capital for all low carbon technologies, for example through the use of loan guarantees, or by including the technology platform in the priorities of publically-backed lenders.

Targeted R&I support addressing specific technology challenges and scale-up.

Developers of new processes, both in academia and industry, must credibly assess the economic viability of these processes, ensuring that they understand the conditions in which the processes will be commercially viable. They must also take a proactive approach in communicating the benefits of new products and processes.

More information: The commercial and strategic opportunity offered by gas fermentation in the UK: www.c1net.co.uk/documentation/Opportunities%20for%20gas%20fermentation%20in%20the%20UK%20-%20Final%20Report%20-%20July%202016.pdf
The Western Ghats hills at Matheran in Maharashtra, India. Credit: Nicholas/Wikipedia

(Phys.org)A pair of researchers with the University of Florida has found evidence that suggests the formation of the Deccan Traps igneous province came about due to two eruptions from two distinct plumes. In their paper published in the journal Science, Petar Glisovic and Alessandro Forte, describe how they created a computer simulation able to depict events that occurred in what is now India over 60 million years ago.

Deccan Traps is a very large igneous province located in west central India. Its existence has caused consternation among Earth scientists because of the huge amount of lava involvedtoo much, logic suggests, to be from a single eruption. Prior research has suggested it came about due to an eruption associated with a plume that now lies directly below Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, approximately 66 million years ago. The eruption event that led to the creation of Deccan Traps also has historical significancemost Earth scientists believe it contributed to the decline of the dinosaurs by blocking sunlight and causing global temperatures to drop before an asteroid struck the planet, wiping them out altogether.

To gain a better perspective on what occurred during the creation of Deccan Traps, the research pair started by creating a 3-D tomography-based model that showed what the area looks like todaythey then used that model to run iterations of change routines starting 2.5 million years ago that showed events that might have transpired to produce the physical geography that exists today. After selecting the best fit, the researchers ran the simulation to show what happened beginning 70 million years ago. They were surprised to discover their model showed two plumes feeding two eruptions simultaneously for approximately 10 million yearsone under Reunion, as expected, and another called the Comoros plume.

The model also showed the peak occurred approximately 68 million years ago. The result was the melting and dispersal of approximately 60 million cubic kilometers of mantle. The model also suggested that the Comoros plume slowed dramatically approximately 40 million years ago, while the Reunion plume continued full force for another 20 million years. Both plumes still exist today, the researchers note, but both are extremely small compared to what they once were.

More information: On the deep-mantle origin of the Deccan Traps, Science 10 Feb 2017: vol. 355, Issue 6325, pp. 613-616, science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aah4390 Abstract

The Deccan Traps in west-central India constitute one of Earth's largest continental flood basalt provinces, whose eruption played a role in the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. The unknown mantle structure under the Indian Ocean at the start of the Cenozoic presents a challenge for connecting the event to a deep mantle origin. We used a back-and-forth iterative method for time-reversed convection modeling, which incorporates tomography-based, present-day mantle heterogeneity to reconstruct mantle structure at the start of the Cenozoic. We show a very low-density, deep-seated upwelling that ascends beneath the Reunion hot spot at the time of the Deccan eruptions. We found a second active upwelling below the Comores hot spot that likely contributed to the region of partial melt feeding the massive eruption. Journal information: Science

 2017 Phys.org
Jay Habib, CEO of Shop.co, said Zen Shoppings mission of being a smart shopping assistant matches perfectly with our vision for shoppers. With this acquisition we are committed to providing a delightful experience across all e-commerce stores as well as across devices. We are so happy to welcome Zen Shopping users to our Shop.co family.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/  Up-and-coming German startup Shop.co [1] announced today the acquisition of Zen Shopping. Shop.co uses Artificial Intelligence and advanced algorithms to give users a smart browser extension that provides one universal cart (that works on every shop in the US) to checkout everywhere, without registration or login, with just one click. With the acquisition of Zen Shopping, Shop.co continues to expand on the promise of giving shoppers one cart across the entire web and all their devices.

Jay Habib, Shop.co CEO

The Shop.co Universal Cart dashboard

Zen Shopping launched during the holiday shopping season in 2014 and immediately tapped into strong demand among consumers who wanted to shop transparently and quickly across shops.

Antonio Marzo, CEO of Zen Shopping, said We are delighted with this acquisition knowing that we share the same passion as Shop.cos founders; a commitment to a frictionless online shopping experience made it a no-brainer for us. We know our users will be well served with the Shop.co product.

Shop.co plans to release a new mobile app in the near future to expand the product line and to serve all users on mobile devices. Shop.cos chrome extension is available right now in the google store.

Kimberly Cabot, CPO of Shop.co, said Our product roadmap is firmly centered around helping shoppers drive their shopping experience: letting them shop anywhere (on any site), at any time, on any device, without boundaries. Zen Shopping tapped into a very similar need, and we see a great opportunity to join forces to make shopping easier and more transparent.

About Shop.co

Shop.co was founded in 2014 in Germany, raising the most successful pre-launch seed funding in Europe. With offices in Dusseldorf and San Francisco, the company released the Shop.co extension in 2016 for the American market. Shop.co has raised $7 million seed pre-launch and is preparing for an upcoming post-launch Series A.

Learn more at www.shop.co [2] .

About Zen Shopping

Zen Shopping developed a mobile app to simplify shopping and identify savings on online purchases. The app gained traction in the United States and has since accumulated a passionate following.

Contact

To learn more about shop.co please contact our media relations team via pr@shop.co [3]

Other POS news:


The whole of Nigeria is expecting news of President Muhammadu Buhari's return from his vacation in the United Kingdom, this worry takes central place in the news for this Friday, February 10.

Newspaper Review: What Buhari told us - Saraki, Dogara

We begins today's newspaper review with Vanguard which bears the title: "Buhari back anytime from now"

READ ALSO: Thanks to the Almighty God, President Buhari is doing well - Nigerians react to APC leaders visit PMB in London

Newspaper Review: What Buhari told us - Saraki, Dogara

Amidst increasing concerns over the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari, indications emerged, yesterday, of his imminent return to the country, having reportedly finished with the extended medical tests his United Kingdom-based physicians ran on him.

The latest public declaration that the President is in fine fettle was given by Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and Speaker Yakubu Dogara who, in separate tweets, acknowledged that the President is in fine shape.

The Nation takes the dialogue up a notch, with the headline: "What Buhari told us on phone, by Saraki, Dogara"

Newspaper Review: What Buhari told us - Saraki, Dogara

Nigerians got more assurances yesterday that all is well with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President spoke with Senate President Bukola Saraki and House Speaker Yakubu Dogara on Wednesday night.

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Yesterday, the President received two leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC)  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande  in London .

The Presidency gave the first hint of the meeting, using @NGRPresident official Twitter handle.

It posted a photograph of the President and his guests sitting down.

The Punch bears a different headline, "AMCON takes over Arik, as EFCC grills Arumemi-Ikhide"

Newspaper Review: What Buhari told us - Saraki, Dogara

The Federal Government, through the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, on Thursday took over the operations of the nations biggest carrier, Arik Air, and appointed Capt. Roy Ukpebo Ilegbodu as its new manager.

It was gathered that the beleaguered airline was indebted to alone to the tune of over N300bn, with AMCON alone owed N135bn; while its obligations to aviation fuel suppliers, insurance firms, aircraft maintenance organisations, the Federal Government and the various aviation agencies, as well as food vendors made up the balance.

Officials of the aviation arm of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and AMCON confirmed on Thursday that Arik was immersed in a heavy financial debt burden that was threatening to permanently ground the airline.

The Guardian joins in the discuss with the headline: "Why our managers took over Arik, by AMCON"

Newspaper Review: What Buhari told us - Saraki, Dogara

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) yesterday took over the executive control of Arik Air to save the carrier from collapse due to its heavy financial debt burden.

The airline will now be managed by Capt. Roy Ukpebo Ilegbodu, a veteran aviation expert with more than 30 years experience, under the receivership of Mr. Oluseye Opasanya (SAN).

With the takeover by independent management under AMCON, owned by the Federal Government, the airline stands a chance of not going under, but to rebound and give efficient services to passengers and meet its financial obligations, including paying workers salaries.

Source: Legit.ng
- President Muhammadu Buhari is Nigeria's strongest brand says Chief Geoffrey Onyeama

- The minister of foreign affairs says Nigeria has to improve its credibility in the international community

- Onyeama says President Buhari is highly regarded in the community of nations

- APC has revealed that Buhari will continue to roll out palliatives to cushion the pains of economic hardship

- The party hailed what it described as exemplary conduct and professionalism displayed by security and allied agencies, particularly the Police, during protest by members of some civil society groups and celebrities for and against the government

Chief Geoffrey Onyeama, the minister of foreign affairs, says that President Muhammadu Buhari is the strongest brand the country currently has to improve on its credibility.

The Punch reports that Onyeama made this known when he addressed newsmen in Eke, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Thursday, February 9.

Chief Geoffrey Onyeama reveals Buhari is Nigeria's strongest brand, as APC speaks on president's plot for Nigeria's economy

READ ALSO: Buhari speaks to Dogara, Saraki, as presidency sources reveal when the president will return - Newspaper Review

According to him, the credibility of the nation has relatively improved since the inception of Buharis administration.

He, however, said that the improvement was basically because of the reputation of the president.

The minister said that the international community had high regards for the president whose anti-corruption posture had made impressions on them.

He said, The nations credibility before the international community has improved but I think it is mainly because of the person of the president.

The international community is very impressed with the presidents records so far.

He has a track record of real integrity and that is why they are responding so positively to our economic, security and anti-corruption initiatives.

So, the strongest brand Nigeria has at the moment is President Muhammadu Buhari.

Onyeama said that the gulf countries and other world leaders had realised that African countries needed leaders with impeccable integrity to drive development in their countries.

The minister said that what the country needed was a peaceful revolution where the masses would become the bosses.

He said that the All Progressives Congress had initiated such revolution as government officials were really there to work for the masses.

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He said, Things are difficult but the people are seeing that the government is determined to bring in full change.

They are seeing notwithstanding the economic difficulties that this is a government that is people-centred.

It is not about self-enrichment or carting away millions of money belonging to the people out of the country.

The minister said that the current administration was after investing in the people, infrastructure and creating jobs.

He said: The APC is a progressive party and many people are beginning to buy into that narrative.

It will be very easy for government to just go borrow money and get the country into huge amount of debt which will not be good for generations to come.

Onyeama said that the Federal Government was making serious efforts to restructure the economy and move it away from an oil dependent one.

In a similar vein, the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday stated that President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to roll out palliatives to cushion the pains of economic hardship.

A statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi in Abuja, appealed to the citizenry to remain steadfast in the face of challenges.

APC said this in reaction to demonstrations across the country by labour, civil society groups and the masses against economic hardship.

APC assured that, there is light at the end of the tunnel, adding that there can be no gains without pains.

The party hailed what it described as exemplary conduct and professionalism displayed by security and allied agencies, particularly the Police, during Mondays protest by members of some civil society groups and celebrities for and against the government.

It said: The freedom to protest peacefully is a democratic right and the APC will continue to defend the rights of Nigerians to express their democratic rights, no matter how they choose to within the ambits of the law.

As we continue to consolidate our democracy, the APC urges our security agencies to continue to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism at all times even as they continue to discharge their constitutional duties of protecting the lives and properties of citizens.

Source: Legit.ng
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 

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DAMASCUS  Confronted with new evidence of torture and mass hangings in one of his military prisons, Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an exclusive interview with Yahoo News that the allegations were the product of a fake news era and charged that a human rights group, Amnesty International, had fabricated evidence to discredit his embattled government.

You can forge anything these days, Assad said when asked about a new Amnesty International report estimating that between 5,000 and 13,000 prisoners were killed in a calculated campaign of extrajudicial execution at a military prison outside of Damascus between 2011 and December 2015. We are living in a fake news era.

[ Watch: Yahoo News full interview with President Assad ]

Assad, combative and unyielding, also insisted the United States had no grounds to condemn Syria for human rights abuses, pointing to the invasion of Iraq and to American support for Saudi Arabia, a country that beheads prisoners. The United States is in no position to talk about human rights, he said. Challenged over the issue, Assad grew contentious, saying at one point, You own the questions. I own the answers.

The Syrian president was also confronted for the first time with chilling photographs taken by a former regime photographer, code named Caesar, depicting rows of emaciated, brutally beaten bodies of detainees  many of them believed to be political protesters  at his military prisons. The photographs  which U.S. officials have likened to images from Nazi concentration camps  were the basis for a landmark lawsuit filed in Spains National Court last week accusing nine senior Syrian intelligence and security officials of international human rights crimes.

Syrian President Bashar Assad speaks about torture photos during an interview with Yahoo News. (Yahoo News Video)

Assad at first suggested the photos may have been edited and Photoshopped. Shown an FBI report concluding that the photos were not manipulated and appeared to depict real people and events, Assad dismissed it. If the FBI say something, its not evidence for anyone, especially for us, he said. The most important thing: If you take these photos to any court in our country, could they convict any criminal regarding this? Could they tell you what this crime is, who committed it? If you dont have this full picture, you cannot make judgment. Its just propaganda.

Story continues

Assad made the comments during a 34-minute interview, his first since the inauguration of Donald Trump  recorded by five presidential cameramen in one of his offices in Damascus. It comes at a pivotal moment in Syrias six-year-long civil war. Assad  after years of resisting U.S. pressure to step down  has become increasingly emboldened in the wake of military gains, including the recapture of eastern Aleppo, with the help of Russian air strikes. Assad pointed to the slow restoration of civilian life in Damascus, where the streets are bustling and shops in the old city souk are jammed with customers  albeit with military troops and checkpoints throughout the city and the booms of occasional mortar fire in the suburbs still audible in the evenings.

As you can see, Damascus is safe today  its nearly normal life, not completely, he said.

Assad warned the Trump administration about placing new troops inside Syria to fight the Islamic State without his approval and rejected an idea advocated by Trump for safe zones in his country. The proposal, he said, was not a realistic idea at all. He did hold out hope for cooperation with the Trump administration, but only following a rapprochement between the Russians and Americans.

Assad also appeared to lend support to one of the Trump administrations arguments for its controversial executive order suspending the settlement of Syrian refugees in the United States and temporarily banning the entry of any citizens from Syria and six other predominantly Muslim countries. There were, Assad said, definitely terrorist sympathizers embedded among Syrias 4.8 million refugees. He cited photographs showing Syrian rebels, holding the machine gun or killing people, who later resurfaced in Western Europe. Asked if he believed there were a significant number of terrorists among the Syrian refugee population, he responded, Its not about significant, because you dont need a significant number to commit atrocities. While he said it was not his place to weigh in on the domestic U.S. debate over the executive order, Assad said his priority was to encourage refugees to return to Syria.

The man credited with smuggling 50,000 photos said to document Syrian government atrocities, a Syrian army defector known by the protective alias Caesar (disguised in a hooded blue jacket), prepares to speak to the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill in July 2014. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

In Assads account, Syrias civil conflict  which American officials blame on his brutal suppression of protests during the Arab Spring demonstrations of 2011  resulted from American and Saudi support for a rebellion that was hijacked by Islamic extremists. So, who supported ISIS? he asked. We didnt create it. You created it  the United States created all this mess. Who supported the rebels and called them moderate rebels while they became ISIS and al-Nusra in Syria? We didnt. So, its not a conspiracy. These are facts, this is reality.

He was dismissive of U.S. efforts to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. This is a cosmetic campaign against ISIS, he said. The terror groups advances werent halted, he said, until his ally, Russia, entered the conflict with its own aerial bombing campaign. It [ISIS] started shrinking after the Russian intervention, not the American one, Assad said. How could they use our oil fields and export with thousands of  trucks to Turkey without being seen by your drones and by our satellites while the Russians could be able to do so and attack them and destroy them? Assad acknowledged he is in frequent contact with his Russian allies, including talking to President Vladimir Putin a few weeks ago about the advancement of the Syrian army in Syria.

While he has had no communications with the new U.S. president, Assad said he finds Trumps public comments about fighting terrorism promising. But any prospect that the U.S. might work with Assads government is complicated by persistent reports of human rights abuses, including the damning new Amnesty International report. The report on the Saydnaya military prison  entitled Human Slaughterhouse  described how prisoners, some of them political opponents of Assads government, were sentenced to death in secret military trials that lasted one to three minutes. The condemned prisoners were blindfolded and taken in the middle of the night to a basement, where they were hanged 20 to 50 at a time, and their bodies were then dumped in mass graves, Amnesty International charged. The report was based on interviews with 84 people, including 31 former detainees at the prison, four prison officials or guards, three former Syrian judges and three doctors who worked at a military hospital.

Syrian President Bashar Assad speaks with Yahoo News Chief Investigative Correspondent Michael Isikoff about torture photos. (Yahoo News Video)

Assad claimed there was not a shred of evidence for the report. Told that it was based in part on interviews with former Syrian prison officials and guards, judges and doctors, Assad replied, It means nothing.  When you need to make a report, you need concrete evidence. You can make any report. You can pay money to anyone like Qatar did last year. They paid money for such a report, and they brought their own witnesses, and they made a report.

Do you know what goes on in that prison? Have you been there?

No, I havent been. Ive been in the presidential palace, not in the prison.

The Syrian president defended the execution of prisoners as part of the Syrian law. Asked if secret trials with no lawyers present was also part of Syrian law, he answered: Why do they need it, if they can make it legally.

Assad has admitted that his troops have made mistakes in pursuing his campaign against rebels, saying there are always mistakes in any action. But he vigorously denied that his forces have bombed hospitals in Aleppo.

Why to bomb a hospital? Can you convince your audience that we have interest in bombing hospitals?  The proof that it was a lie, every time they talk about bombing hospitals, every time they say this is the last hospital in eastern part of Aleppo, and the second time they talk about another hospital and they say the same they bombed the last hospital.

So its lies and lies and lies.

_____

As with all interviews granted by President Bashar Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.

Full interview



Read more from the Yahoo News Exclusive interview with Syrian President Assad:
AFP News

Zhang Yao recalls the moment he realised something had gone deeply wrong at the Chinese mega-factory where he and hundreds of thousands of other workers assembled iPhones and other high-end electronics. In early October, supervisors suddenly warned him that 3,000 colleagues had been taken into quarantine after someone tested positive for Covid-19 at the factory. "They told us not to take our masks off," Zhang, speaking under a pseudonym for fear of retaliation, told AFP by telephone. What followed was a weeks-long ordeal including food shortages and the ever-present fear of infection, before he finally escaped on Tuesday. Zhang's employer, Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn, has said it faces a "protracted battle" against infections and imposed a "closed loop" bubble around its sprawling campus in central China's Zhengzhou city. Local authorities locked down the area surrounding the major Apple supplier's factory on Wednesday, but not before reports emerged of employees fleeing on foot and a lack of adequate medical care at the plant. China is the last major economy committed to a zero-Covid strategy, persisting with snap lockdowns, mass testing and lengthy quarantines in a bid to stamp out emerging outbreaks. But new variants have tested officials' ability to snuff out flare-ups and dragged down economic activity with the threat of sudden disruptions. - Desperation - Multiple workers have recounted scenes of chaos and increasing disorganisation at Foxconn's complex of workshops and dormitories, which form a city-within-a-city near Zhengzhou's airport. Zhang told AFP that "positive tests and double lines (on antigen tests) had become a common sight" in his workshop before he left. "Of course we were scared, it was so close to us." "People with fevers are not guaranteed to receive medicine," another Foxconn worker, a 30-year-old man who also asked to remain anonymous, told AFP. "We are drowning," he said. Those who decided to stop working were not offered meals at their dormitories, Zhang said, adding that some were able to survive on personal stockpiles of instant noodles. Kai, a worker at in the complex who gave an interview to state-owned Sanlian Lifeweek, told the magazine Foxconn's "closed loop" involved cordoning off paths between dormitory compounds and the factory, and complained he was left to his own devices after being thrown in quarantine. TikTok videos geolocated by AFP showed mounds of uncollected rubbish outside buildings in late October, while employees in N95 masks squeezed onto packed shuttle buses taking them from dormitories to their work stations. A 27-year-old woman working at Foxconn, who asked not to be named, told AFP a roommate who tested positive for Covid was sent back to her dormitory on Thursday morning, crying, after she decided to hand in her notice while in quarantine. "Now the three of us are living in the same room: one a confirmed case and two of us testing positive on the rapid test, still waiting for our nucleic acid test results," the worker told AFP. Many became so desperate by the end of last month that they attempted to walk back to their hometowns to get around Covid transport curbs. As videos of people dragging their suitcases down motorways and struggling up hills spread on Chinese social media, the authorities rushed in to do damage control. The Zhengzhou city government on Sunday said it had arranged for special buses to take employees back to their hometowns. Surrounding Henan province has officially reported a spike of more than 600 Covid cases since the start of this week. - Distrust - When Zhang finally attempted to leave the Foxconn campus on Tuesday, he found the company had set up obstacle after obstacle. "There were people with loudspeakers advertising the latest Foxconn policy, saying that each day there would be a 400 yuan ($55) bonus," Zhang told AFP. A crowd of employees gathered at a pick-up point in front of empty buses but were not let on. People in hazmat suits, known colloquially as "big whites" in China, claimed they had been sent by the city government. "They tried to persuade people to stay in Zhengzhou... and avoid going home," Zhang said. "But when we asked to see their work ID, they had nothing to show us, so we suspected they were actually from Foxconn." Foxconn pointed to the local government's lockdown orders from Wednesday when asked by AFP if it attempted to stop employees from leaving, without giving any further response. The company had on Sunday said it was "providing employees with complimentary three meals a day" and cooperating with the government to provide transport home. Eventually, the crowd of unhappy workers who had gathered decided to take matters into their own hands and walked over seven kilometres on foot to the nearest highway entry ramp. There, more people claiming to be government officials pleaded with the employees to wait for the bus. The crowd had no choice as the road was blocked. Buses eventually arrived at five in the afternoon -- nearly nine hours after Zhang had begun his attempt to secure transport. "They were trying to grind us down," he said. Back in his hometown, Zhang is now waiting out the home quarantine period required by the local government. "All I feel is, I've finally left Zhengzhou," he told AFP. bur-tjx/oho/je/mca/cwl
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban delivers his annual 'State of Hungary' speech in the Varkert Bazar (Castle Gardens Bazaar) at the foot of Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. The inscription reads: "Hungary is getting stronger". (Szilard Koszticsak/MTI via AP)

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Hungary's populist prime minister on Friday lashed out against billionaire financier George Soros, claiming he and groups backed by him want to secretly influence the country's politics.

In his annual state of the nation speech, Viktor Orban said groups partly funded by Soros, who was born in Hungary, needed to be made transparent and identifiable.

"Large-bodied predators are swimming here in the waters. This is the trans-border empire of George Soros, with tons of money and international heavy artillery," said Orban, who received a Soros-funded scholarship as Hungary was transitioning from communism to democracy in the late 1980s.

"It is causing trouble ... that they are trying secretly and with foreign money to influence Hungarian politics," Orban said.

He did not cite evidence backing his claims, and did not identify the groups he mentioned. Government officials had earlier taken aim at corruption watchdog Transparency International and rights groups like the Hungarian Helsinki Committee and the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union.

In 2014, Orban ordered a crackdown on civic groups supported in part by Norway, but extensive investigations and audits did not uncover any financial irregularities of note.

In an email to The Associated Press, a Soros representative said they were "proud to support Hungarians who insist on having a voice in their democracy."

"The Open Society Foundations for over 30 years have supported civil society groups in Hungary who are addressing profound problems in education, health care, media freedom and corruption," said Laura Silber, the organization's chief communications officer. "Any attacks on this work and those groups are solely an attempt to deflect attention from government inability to address these issues."

Orban also claimed that Soros' organizations were still working on bringing hundreds of thousands of migrants into Europe, contrary to the wishes of Hungarians and their government.

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Orban has been outspoken about his strong opposition to taking in refugees and migrants, and in 2015 ordered fences built on Hungary's southern borders with Serbia and Croatia to stop the migrant flow.

On Friday, he reiterated a government plan to keep migrants in border camps built from shipping containers while their asylum applications are being processed.

The proposal drew strong criticism from local and international rights groups, which said it was clearly against EU law and the United Nations Refugee Convention.

Amnesty International said the plan was "yet another disturbing move in a pattern of demonizing" refugees.

"Rounding up all men, women and children seeking asylum and detaining them months on end in container camps is a new low in Hungary's race to the bottom on asylum seekers and refugees," said Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty International's deputy director for Europe.

Orban also painted a bleak picture of Western Europe, saying its "future is casting a long and dark shadow on its present."

He joked that Hungary was ready to take in Western Europeans, whom he said are suffering from globalization's effects.

"Naturally, we will take in the real refugees," Orban said to laughter and loud applause. "The panicked German, Dutch, French and Italian politicians and journalists, Christians forced to leave their countries who want to find here the Europe they lost at home."

Orban, who returned to power in 2010, will seek another four-year term in April 2018.
AFP News

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was recovering in hospital Friday after a gunman shot him in the leg, with his supporters vowing the assassination attempt will not derail his "long march" bid to return to power. The attack on his convoy, apparently by a lone gunman, killed one man and wounded at least 10, significantly raising the stakes in a political crisis that has gripped the South Asian nation since Khan's ousting in April. Khan "was stable and he was doing fine" at Shaukat Khanum hospital in the eastern city of Lahore, his doctor Faisal Sultan told AFP Friday. Seemi Bokhari, a lawmaker with Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, said after visiting Khan the former premier was in high spirits. "The doctors are allowing him to move ... He is feeling perfectly well and he will soon be discharged," she told AFP. The 70-year-old former international cricket star had been leading a campaign convoy of thousands since last week from Lahore to the capital Islamabad when he was attacked. Khan suffered at least one bullet wound to his right leg when a gunmen sprayed pistol fire at his modified container truck as it drove slowly through a thick crowd in Wazirabad, around 170 kilometres (105 miles) east of Islamabad. "Everyone who was standing in the very front row got hit," former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, who was standing behind Khan, told AFP. Senior aide Raoof Hasan said it was "an attempt to kill him, to assassinate him". Chaudhry said party officials would meet later Friday to discuss the immediate fate of Khan's campaign march. "The real freedom long march will continue and the movement for people's rights will remain until an announcement on the general elections," he tweeted. - Threats - Party officials also called for supporters to stage rallies and marches across the country after Friday afternoon prayers, the most important of the week. Protesters lit fires and blocked roads in several cities late Thursday as news of Khan's shooting spread. His campaign truck has become a crime scene for now, cordoned off and guarded by commandos as forensic experts comb the area. Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Thursday the attacker had been taken into custody. Officials shared an apparent confession video that was circulating online. "I did it because (Khan) was misleading the public," says a dishevelled man in the leaked video, shown with his hands tied behind his back in what appears to be a police station. He says he was angry with the procession for making a racket during the call to prayer that summons Muslims to the mosque five times a day. Pervaiz Elahi, the chief minister of Punjab, said officers who leaked the video would be disciplined. Pakistan has been grappling with Islamist militancy for decades, with right-wing religious groups having huge sway over the population. It has been no stranger to assassination attempts during decades of political instability, and the powerful military has led the country several times. Pakistan's first prime minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, was shot dead at a rally in Rawalpindi in 1951. Another former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, was killed in 2007 when a huge bomb detonated near her vehicle as she greeted supporters in the city of Rawalpindi. - Kicked from power - Khan was booted from office in April by a no-confidence vote after defections by some of his coalition partners, but he retains huge support. He was voted into power in 2018 on an anti-corruption platform by an electorate tired of dynastic politics, but his mishandling of the economy -- and falling out with a military accused of helping his rise -- sealed his fate. Since then, he has railed against the establishment and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, which he says was imposed on Pakistan by a "conspiracy" involving the United States. Khan and Shehbaz have for months traded bitter accusations of corruption and incompetence, raising the political temperature in a nation that is frequently at boiling point. Khan has repeatedly told supporters he was prepared to die for the country, and aides have long warned of unspecified threats made on his life. The attack drew international condemnation including from the United States, which had uneasy relations with Khan when he was in power. "Violence has no place in politics, and we call on all parties to refrain from violence, harassment and intimidation," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. sjd/fox/ecl/pbt/dhc
The issue in Washington v. Trump (2017 U.S. App. LEXIS 2369) was the federal government's motion for an emergency stay of the district court's temporary restraining order [TRO] while its appeal of that order proceeds.The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in a per curiam opinion, noted that it "must consider several factors, including whether the Government has shown that it is likely to succeed on the merits of its appeal, the degree of hardship caused by a stay or its denial, and the public interest in granting or denying a stay. We assess those factors in light of the limited evidence put forward by both parties at this very preliminary stage and are mindful that our analysis of the hardships and public interest in this case involves particularly sensitive and weighty concerns on both sides. Nevertheless, we hold that the Government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay."Whether the states had standing to bring this case was addressed in the following:On 9 February 2017, the CAFC touched on the issue of standing in PPG v. Valspar, 2017 U.S. App. LEXIS 2310. The "Consumer Watchdog" case was mentioned:Of the matter of "third party standing," the Third Circuit in PENNSYLVANIA PSYCHIATRIC SOCIETY, 280 F.3d 278 has addressed the issue.The Third Circuit in Amato 952 F.2d 742 observedSeparately, from 20 F.3d 1118:
Photo of Pedra Branca: Singapore Memorial

Malaysias application to overturn the 2008 decision by The International Court of Justice (ICJ) to award sovereignty of the island of Pedra Branca to Singapore hinges on three documents, according to media reports.

According to the text released by ICJ, Malaysia states in court documents filed on 3 February that the new facts would have led to the ICJ ruling differently had it been privy to such information.

Malaysia cited a letter by Singapores top colonial official and a British naval incident report in 1958, and a map with markings dated in 1966, all three of which it discovered in the British archives between 4 August 2016 and 30 January 2017.

The first document is reportedly a telegram sent in 1958 by the Governor of Singapore to the secretary of state for the colonies in London. Malaysia said the document showed that the governor did not consider the island of Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh to be part of Singaporean territory. Pulau Batu Puteh is the Malaysian name for the disputed island.

The governor had proposed setting up an international high seas corridor passing only one mile from Pedra Branca, according to Malaysia.

If he had understoodthat Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh was under Singaporean sovereignty, there would not have been a need for him to advocate the provision of an international passageway so near the island, the application showed.

The second document is a naval incident report sent to the Governor of Singapore that said a British naval vessel could not intervene when a Malaysian vessel was being followed by an Indonesian gunboat as it was still inside Johor territorial waters. The incident report showed that the British navy did not view the waters around Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh as belonging to Singapore, according to the application.

The third document is a map that purportedly shows Singapores territorial waters do not extend to the vicinity of Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. The map is dated 1962 but has annotations dated February 1966, Malaysia said.

Story continues

The ICJ assigned significant weight to a 1953 letter when it ruled the sovereignty of Pedra Branca in favour of Singapore. The letter written by the acting colonial secretary in Johor to Singapore officials showed that the Malaysian state did not lay ownership claim to the island.

But Malaysia said, The documents (in the application) indicate that in the critical years following the 1953 correspondenceSingapore officials at the highest levels did not consider that Singapore had acquired sovereignty over Pedra Branca from Johor.

Besides Pedra Branca, the sovereignty of the Middle Rocks and South Ledge were also considered in the 2008 case. The ICJ ruled that the Middle Rocks belongs to Malaysia, while it withheld from deciding on the sovereignty of South Ledge.

Singapores Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on 3 February that the government has formed a legal team to respond to Malaysias application.

MFA noted that under Article 61 of the Statute of the ICJ, an application for revision of a judgment may be made only when it is based upon the discovery of some fact of such a nature as to be a decisive factor, and which was, when judgment was given, unknown to the Court and the party claiming revision.

Such an application must be made within ten years of the date of the judgment, and at latest within six months of the discovery of the new fact.
By Mitra Taj LIMA (Reuters) - Peru asked for international help in finding former president Alejandro Toledo, wanted in connection with a far-reaching bribery probe, saying on Friday that he was likely now in San Francisco and may try to flee to Israel. The government of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who served as prime minister and finance minister during Toledo's 2001-06 term, said it was asking authorities in the United States and Israel to help find and return him to Peru. A judge on Thursday ruled that Toledo, who denies any wrongdoing, must be jailed for up to 18 months while influence peddling and money laundering charges are prepared against him. Prosecutors allege that Toledo, 70, took $20 million in bribes from Brazil's Odebrecht SA [ODBES.UL], a family-owned construction conglomerate at the centre of Latin America's biggest region-wide graft scandal. The downfall of Toledo, once a pro-democracy hero and anti-corruption crusader to many in Peru, has raised questions about who might be next as Odebrecht provides testimony on high-ranking officials it bribed from Argentina to Panama. Interpol issued a red alert notice to 190 member countries to search for and capture Toledo, Kuczynski's Cabinet said on Friday. The Interior Ministry has offered 100,000 soles ($30,000) for information leading to his capture. "Anyone in the world who can help us find him can claim the reward," Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio said. "Peru doesn't deserve to see another president flee justice." Toledo rose to power denouncing widespread corruption in the government of his predecessor, Alberto Fujimori, who fled to Japan amid a far-reaching graft inquiry in 2000. Fujimori is now serving a 25-year sentence in Peru for corruption and human rights abuses during his decade-long authoritarian rule. Toledo has not been charged with or convicted of any crimes. He was last known to be in France a week ago. Toledo's lawyer, Heriberto Benitez, denied that Toledo was on the run and told Reuters he was waiting for the results of an appeal. Benitez declined to say where Toledo was, citing a confidentiality agreement with his client. After the judge's decision, Benitez said he would recommend Toledo not return to Peru to face a justice system he called "vindictive." He said he believes Toledo should be investigated but thought preventive detention was excessive, calling it a hallmark of autocratic regimes. Justice Minister Marisol Perez Tello said Toledo would be guaranteed a fair trial. "We're all very ashamed of what this looks like internationally; all we're asking is that he come back to explain what happened," Perez Tello said. Toledo has earned postgraduate economics degrees from Stanford University, near San Francisco, and has lectured there. Toledo's wife has Israeli citizenship and his longtime friend, Peruvian-Israeli businessman Yosef Maiman, is believed to live there. Peru does not have an extradition treaty with Israel but does have one with the United States. The U.S. and Israeli embassies in Lima did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Prosecutors, citing testimony from an Odebrecht executive, alleged Toledo made a pact with the company to help it win two lucrative highway contracts in exchange for bribes he asked to be deposited in the accounts of offshore companies controlled by Maiman. Authorities have traced some $10 million from Odebrecht to Maiman's companies so far. Maiman did not respond to requests for comment. Toledo made two unsuccessful bids for a second presidential term in 2011 and 2016 and had not ruled out a third attempt in 2021. (Reporting By Mitra Taj, Additional Reporting by Ursula Scollo; Editing by Bernard Orr and Jonathan Oatis)
Leader of Poland's ruling party Law and Justice, Jaroslaw Kaczynski leaves the Bristol hotel after talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Warsaw, Poland, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

WARSAW, Poland (AP)  The leader of Poland's ruling party said Friday that the government cannot keep pre-election promises to help people hit by sharp increases in repaying Swiss franc loans, and that borrowers should instead "take matters in their hands" and seek compensation in courts.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the country's dominant political leader, said the government had to be mindful of the whole economy and could not "take action that would shake the banking system" and hit all Poles.

"A responsible government absolutely cannot do that," Kaczynski said.

In reaction, stock indexes of many banks soared at the Warsaw Stock Exchange, by as much as 4 percent in some cases.

The unexpectedly difficult situation of people paying back loans drawn in Swiss francs has been the subject of heated public debate for years, ever since the value of the Swiss franc started increasing strongly against the Polish zloty.

Someone who drew a loan valued at 74,000 Swiss francs in 2008, for instance, faced payments of 1,500 zlotys a month. They would now be paying almost 2,100 zlotys, according to the wGospodarce.pl website.

In its largely populist and victorious electoral campaign, Kaczynski's Law and Justice party promised to help some 500,000 people repay such loans. The proposals included pinning the loans to a lower exchange rate or making banks foot some part of the interest payments.

Last year, the government had called for a one-time conversion of these loans from Swiss francs to zlotys. But it backed down in August, instead proposing voluntary conversion of loans and requiring lenders to reimburse clients for excessive currency exchange fees.

Kaczynski's comments drew angry reaction from the opposition.

"Due to such promises (of help) Law and Justice won the elections but is now turning its back on those it had made the promises to," said Jan Grabiec of the pro-business Civic Platform that ruled from 2007-2015.

Speaking Friday on state radio, Kaczynski also said that the sweeping reforms the government is making in many areas, from the judiciary to education, are intended to remove remnants of the communist era and the later "pathologies" and are needed in almost every walk of life.
Robert Gilpin, R.I.P. - The Washington Post : His greatest book was written in 1981, but the main theory in it is perhaps more trenchant now...
Holocaust anniversary assumes troubling relevance at this moment of political upheaval.

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History has the deceptive quality of looking quite predictable in retrospect, and yet bewilderingly arbitrary at the time it unfolds. In reality it is neither; but sometimes great tragedy seems more conceivable than at others.

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Today, the 72nd anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, is one of those moments. The near-extermination of Jews during World War Two still seems incomprehensibly barbaric, but no longer impossibly so. In America a hateful, ignorant bigot has been elected president and is busy sowing fear and division. In Europe a reckless tide of nationalism keeps rising with no end in sight, not even the prospect of disunion. In our own country fascists have been elected to parliament and are palpably becoming an acceptable feature of the political landscape.

And everywhere, a deafening, outraged question arises: how can this - a confounding political evolution, from genocide to the elevation of its spiritual advocates - happen within a single human lifetime? What mass sense of misery or futility could possibly explain it? How do people dare to espouse such hatred, to make light of such evil, and then to advance their own mundane frustrations in justification?

Yes, the obvious response is to resist this "alt-right", this populist-nationalism, or whatever guise fascism travels under these days. But even as we consider how to respond, the sands shift beneath our feet and another thunderclap of bad news washes away hope and resolve. It's not as easy finding solid ground these days, nor like-minded allies.

And yet resist we must, because we are clearly already embarked on a dismaying sequel to the 1930s, and history has exhaustively forewarned us of how subtly and yet how quickly things can change. So the first matter is to admit the gravity of our situation, and the presence of potentially tragic ingredients - the validation of bigotry, and the vilifying of liberal democracy. Then we need to find each other, whether through social networks, at school or at work, and make sense of our distress. And finally, we must return to the streets we last occupied in the 1990s, when we confronted a far less sophisticated and far less dangerous threat. Like the millions who marched in protest across the US following the inauguration of Donald Trump, we must overwhelm this evil thing that is loose among us. Because even without the benefit of hindsght, it is clear that this is a moment of great danger.

Among the greatest lessons of the Holocaust was how banal evil seems, how commonplace and how routine. Until it suddenly isn't.
The first edition of the Slovak-English map of industrial monuments in Bratislava was sold out within two weeks.

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Enthusiasts from the civic association Cierne Diery (Black Holes) are fascinated by old, forgotten ramshackle industrial buildings and premises. Although their heydays are history, the group sees in such buildings remnants of their past glory and can imagine new purposes for which they can serve. To mediate this kind of experience they prepared a Slovak-English map of technical monuments in Bratislava. The Slovak Spectator spoke with Martin Liptak of Cierne Diery about the creation of the map and why forgotten industrial buildings are so interesting for him.

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The Slovak Spectator (TSS): What fascinates you about technical monuments?

Martin Liptak (ML): Once these buildings were the pride of science, progress and human knowledge. Although some in their time were big polluters of the environment and some others are not particularly valuable in terms of architecture, many of them were really the peak of what man was able to achieve at that time. Moreover, they are part of the collective memory. This aspect is often forgotten. Technical monuments also fascinate us because we feel that many of Slovakias monuments in the more traditional sense of the word have already been discovered. Technical monuments are just waiting in the wings.

TSS: Why did you decide to publish the map, Technical monuments in Bratislava?

ML: We have been mapping technical monuments and other forgotten places in Slovakia for a quite long time, actually since around March 2015. Previously, we spontaneously travelled around Slovakia, but then we got the idea to create it systematically and also promote these monuments. The idea to create a physical map arrived in a similar way since we already had an online version.

TSS: But its not a typical map...

ML: No. From the beginning we also wanted it to be a nice piece of design one can hang on the wall. Therefore, we tried to link to the visuality of graphics, on which we have been cooperating with the design studio, KAT. These are printed on the risographic printer, Risomat. It is actually a dead end in the printing technology of the 80s from Japan. When printing with this technology the results are various imperfections that you cannot predict. Its a very spontaneous process used by designers and creatives around the world. At the same time it produces very clear, crisp colours and the whole printing process is very environmentally friendly as it uses soy-based inks. This type of printing has become a kind of hallmark for us.

TSS: What sights are on the map?

ML: Our idea was to put places on the map people can go to see, at least from a distance, and that are interesting. Not all are protected monuments, which we also point out on the map in order that people realise which monuments are still unprotected and with which monuments something could be done. We decided to put older buildings on the map, but we failed to set the exact date to stop. So we started with Hungarian factories and ended somewhere at the beginning of the former communist regime.

TSS: Which technical monuments from the map would you particularly highlight?

ML: For example, Cvernovka, the former Bratislava Thread Factory. It will be interesting to see how the developer rebuilds it. Omitted in the long term is also the so-called pink Cvernovka, Danubius. Also to be decided is the future of the enamel plant in Petrzalka as high-rise buildings may be built there without any trace of the former Hungarian factory left behind. It will also be interesting to see what happens with the Winter Harbour (Zimny Pristav) on the Danube River. Unfortunately, in Bratislava many of the most valuable industrial monuments have been demolished.

TSS: On the map, for example, is also the Slovnaft refinery from the 1950s...

ML: Slovnaft is a huge industrial complex, which also defines this city. Im not saying lets protect it by law, but its an interesting industrial colossus, also in terms of technology.

TSS: Are some controversial buildings also on the map?

ML: A partially controversial engineering project is the SNP Bridge. This is also because the idea itself to lead intensive traffic across the town centre is very peculiar for various urban planners from abroad. To make room for the bridge many historic buildings were demolished. Yet the bridge itself is very well built. Also the former Zavod Mieru (the Plant of Peace) known as the Dynamitka premises, which greatly polluted the environment, is controversial. Such dirty premises are also part of the cultural memory of the city. Many of them are not as valuable as other structures, but a clever investor and a smart architect can also convert this heritage into something new and positive.

TSS: Are there also in Bratislava some successful conversions of old industrial buildings?

ML: Currently, for example, conversion of the original plant for production of pervious concrete in Bratislavas Nove Mesto borough according to a design of architects from the GutGut studio. The original factory, paradoxically, is not at all an example of precious architecture, but the architects, together with the investor, decided to repurpose the building. A similar example is the old granaries in Jarovce, a project of the same architects. Also successful conversions of industrial buildings are Design Factory and Refinery Gallery. And of course we will see what will happen in the near future with Cvernovka, the brewery Stein and Jurkovics heating plant.

TSS: For whom was the map of technical monuments designed, who is the target group?

ML: Anyone who gets their hands on it. Actually, this is what our whole operation is about. We are trying to popularise places which no one pays much attention to. And we try to use language that everyone can understand. Abroad, such monuments are valued quite highly. The situation is also changing in Slovakia, but only gradually. We feel that what is missing here is greater attention and positive examples. So even these objects need to be promoted. It is also necessary to provoke fantasy in people in order that they can imagine what might be done with these buildings.

TSS: Why did you make the map bilingual, Slovak-English?

ML: From the very beginning we were resolved to make it also in English. The reason being that Slovak architecture is often more interesting for foreign visitors than for locals. For example, while some Bratislavans have a rather perplexed relation to the so-called bridging of the Slovak National Gallery, for people from abroad who are interested in architecture, it is an incredible building. So we also wanted to convey stories of these buildings to people who do not speak Slovak.

TSS: On the map there are also GPS coordinates or hashtags with the names of monuments. What do they serve for?

ML: Hashtags were the idea of the civic association, Club of Protection of Technical Monuments, which cooperated with us on the map. They thought that when people will go to see and take pictures of the buildings from the map, they would like to share them with us via social networks. As for the GPS coordinates, we received feedback that besides them there should also be names of the streets on the map where the buildings are located.

TSS: With what interest has the map met?

ML: The interest has exceeded our expectations. We printed 1,500 copies and these were sold or distributed within a week or two. But I have to say that it was before Christmas, when people were searching for presents. Nevertheless, we have already reprinted the map.
Ahead of our review of Pride + Prejudice + Zombies ,we felt like we needed to take a look at the ladies who populate the film; not only be...
To: Editors of the Associated Press

The February 5, 2017 AP submission by Jon Gambrell is so outrageous and demonstrably false that its difficult to know where to begin.

Mr. Gambrell variously describes the Iranian exile organization, the MEK, as a cult, and terrorist group, with a controversial past that has gone against American interests. Specific accusations include killing Americans and whose Members responded by lighting themselves on fire.

I served as the legal representative of the MEK in the State Department hearings to advise Secretary of State Clinton on the issue of designating the MEK as a terrorist organization. As Im certain your reporter is aware, the State Department never offered evidence that the MEK ever engaged in terrorist activities, killed any American or worked contrary to American interests. No evidence was similarity offered to the US District Court for the District of Columbia, the Courts of Britain, France or the European Union who similarly either ordered the removal of a terrorist designation or ordered their governments to present evidence.

The integrity of several prominent Americans has been challenged by your reporter. If supporting the MEK in its opposition to the Mullahs religious fascist regime in Tehran is genuinely an ethical breach, it would be more honest to present the entire list of supporters. These would include a majority of the House of Representatives, two former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs, a Former Director of the FBI, a former Attorney General of the US, a former Assistant to the President for National Security, two former CIA Directors and the Chairmen of the House Foreign Relations and Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Iranian regime has an active public relations presence in our country. It is their right to present information to the national dialogue. Your reporter, however, has fallen victim to it and done a great disservice to some very distinguished Americans united for the single purpose of regime change in Tehran.

An apology to them and your readers is in order. A further apology to the thousands of Members of the MEK who risked their lives to unveil Irans secret nuclear program to American intelligence and worked tirelessly to report Iraqi IED locations to American soldiers during the Iraqi occupation is further demanded.

Robert Torricelli
OSLO, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Britain sees growing interest in natural gas imports from Norway as part of efforts to cut carbon dioxide emissions, the two countries said in a joint statement released by the Norwegian energy ministry on Friday.

"British interest in Norwegian gas is set to grow as the UK looks to phase out power generation from unabated coal in the transition to a lower carbon energy mix," it said following a meeting of their energy ministers.

"Electricity interconnection represents an additional feature in our energy partnership. A stable and market based framework for the interconnector development is important to both countries," it added.

Norway is Britain's largest supplier of gas. (Reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis, writing by Terje Solsvik, editing by Gwladys Fouche)
helsinki

Oleksiy Mark/Shutterstock

LONDON  Finland's experiment with a universal basic income is unworkable and unaffordable, according to the country's biggest trade union.

Since January, Finland's government has paid a group of 2,000 unemployed Finns aged between 25 and 58 with a monthly stipend of 480 ($600), as it considers a radical new welfare system.

"We think it takes social policy in the wrong direction," Ilkka Kaukoranta, chief economist of trade union group SAK told Bloomberg. The group has one million members in a country of 5.4 million people.

Advocates say rolling out the system would provide a vital safety net for all citizens and remove inefficient benefit systems currently in place, but the SAK objects to a basic income on two principal grounds:

1. Kaukoranta said it would be "impossibly expensive" to roll out "since it would increase the government deficit by about 5%" of GDP.

2. The group believes that UBI would remove the incentive for citizens to work and would shrink the labour force by encouraging people to take more time off, as well as making less attractive jobs easier to refuse.

Advocates of the scheme disagree on both points, including Guy Standing, a leading economist and vocal supporter of a UBI. He believes that the current system of means-tested benefits in many European countries disincentives work, because the withdrawal of benefits that comes with entering low-paid work causes there to be little increase in a worker's overall income.

He told BI in January: "If you had a basic income, it would mean that everybody would have a base, on top of which their earned income would be taxed at the standard rate of tax. That would increase the incentive to take low-wage jobs. The claims that it would act as a disincentive is the actual opposite."

He also believes a UBI could be funded through a combination of sovereign wealth funds, hiked taxes, and funnelling money from existing welfare schemes.

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Whether or not the scheme is a success is a long way off: the pilot runs until December 2018.

NOW WATCH: Drone footage will make you want to book a trip to the Scottish Highlands

See Also:

SEE ALSO: Guy Standing: Give all citizens UBI to help combat a 'neofascist wave of populism'
Emma Walmsley will replace Sir Andrew Witty as chief executive of GlaxoSmithKline. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

If you had reinvested your dividends along the way, you would have enjoyed a 116% return on your money by owning GlaxoSmithKline shares in the nine years since Sir Andrew Witty became chief executive. That record is much better than the FTSE 100 indexs, but poorer than AstraZenecas, which is one reason why the perception persists that GSK has been a laggard.

In its sharpest form, the theory runs that GSK would be better broken up into its constituent parts  pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare and vaccines, plus the ViiV joint venture in HIV therapies. Lauded fund manager Neil Woodford once described GSK as being four FTSE 100 companies bolted together.

Witty, as he heads for the exit next month, refrained from taking a serious pop at the break-up brigade, but he would have been entitled to do so. GSK, with 100,000 employees, may seem out of tune with the fast-and-nimble mantra, but its structure  cemented via an asset swap with Novartis in 2015  works. Witty was able to boast that all three main divisions are currently increasing their profit margins and gaining market share. Those are for me quite hard-edged demonstrations of performance, he said. Fair point.

In pharmaceuticals  focus of many of the grumbles  there is no evidence that innovation has suffered. About 27% of the divisions sales are being generated by products launched in the past decade, a high score on a measure the industry regards as important. That ratio is flattered, in a back-to-front sense, by the decline of blockbuster asthma drug Advair, where sales have fallen from 2.8bn in 2013 to 1.8bn last year, but the development pipeline looks healthier than it has for years.

Advair will dominate at least one more set of financial figures. The timing of the launch of generic competition could make the difference between earnings improving 5%-7% or being flat to slightly down in 2017, said GSK. But then the next big patent expiry doesnt arrive until the late 2020s. Its a promising position.

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Lets hope Emma Walmsley, Wittys successor, also takes a dim view of the break-up idea. Developing pharmaceuticals is always risky, and could become more so with Donald Trump determined to cut prices (as Hillary Clinton would have done). It seems reasonable to balance those risks with annuity-like toothpastes and hard-to-manufacture vaccines.

No corporate structure has to be permanent, but Witty leaves a business showing core operating profits up 36% to 7.7bn in 2016, albeit helped by the fall in sterling, and a dividend that finally looks safe. Walmsley should avoid supposedly exciting cures. GSK isnt ill.

Rio needs more rigour

They preach a gospel of capital discipline at Rio Tinto these days, as they should after a recent history of squandering cash on the wrong assets at the wrong time.

The most notorious deal was the top-of-the-market purchase of aluminium producer Alcan in 2007 for $38bn (30bn)  in cash, disastrously. Only 18 months later, Rio was in the humiliating position of trying to flog assets to China before its shareholders called a halt to the madness and backed a rights issue. Or recall the misadventure in Mozambique. A $4bn purchase in 2011 produced a $3bn write-down in 2013 when the expected permits to transport coal along the Zambezi river did not turn up.

That farce produced a chief executive who was serious about cutting costs and avoiding rash bets. Full judgment on Sam Walshs reign must await the outcome of a bribery investigation concerning an iron ore project in Guinea, but Rio Tinto did start to concentrate on maximising cash. A rebound in the prices of copper and iron ore accelerated the process. Thus new chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques, after a 12% improvement in underlying earnings to $5.1bn, found himself in the happy position of handing a few winnings to shareholders only a year after Rio cut its dividend.

But there is an oddity. Rio is distributing $3.1bn in dividends and also launching a $500m share buy-back. Why a buy-back, as opposed to a special dividend? Jacques said the problem with specials is that people forget, about five minutes afterwards, that youve paid it. What? If youre in the capital discipline game, shouldnt you be assessing the price of the asset youre buying?

Mining, a feast-or-famine business, is littered with examples of horribly timed buy-backs. Remember Glencore, paying 300p in 2014, just before its share price fell to 80p. Rio may be luckier, but one expects more rigour.

No fear in construction

How is Sajid Javids white paper on the broken housing market going down? Are investors terrified by the sanctions that await any company hoarding land and not contributing to the governments new construction targets? No. After Tuesdays across-the-board gains in the sector, three of the top 10 risers in the FTSE 100 index on Wednesday were housebuilders. Investors spy a tame report  and they are surely right.


A Greek national flag flutters as the moon rises in Athens on Thursday. The next large payment on Greek debt is due this summer. Photograph: Alkis Konstantinidis/Reuters

Greece and its EU creditors have been locked in emergency talks, after the head of the eurozone dismissed suggestions that the countrys bailout programme was in crisis.



Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Dutch finance minister and president of the Eurogroup of finance ministers, called a surprise meeting with other key players in Brussels on Friday afternoon, as Greece and its EU creditors sought to hammer out a deal on the next stage of the countrys 86bn (73bn) bailout.



Euclid Tsakalotos, Greeces finance minister, flew in from Athens, according to Greek media reported by Reuters. Pierre Moscovici, EU commissioner for economic affairs, Klaus Regling, head of the European Stability Mechanism (the EU bailout fund), and Benoit Coeure from the European Central Bank were also reported to be taking part in the meeting.

Greece needs to agree economic reforms with its EU partners to unlock the next tranche of bailout funds before debt repayments due in the summer. A meeting of eurozone finance ministers on 20 February is widely seen as the last chance to reach a deal before critical elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany this year.

Dijsselbloem dismissed the idea that the bailout programme was in crisis. The story that theres a crisis [is] roundly exaggerated, he said on Friday in The Hague. The next large payment that Greece needs to make [on its debt] isnt until this summer. But if I can give them a push today, that would be very welcome.

Greek borrowing costs have spiked in recent weeks amid investor fears that Athens will struggle to unlock the next tranche of its bailout funds because of a dispute between its EU creditors and the International Monetary Fund.



The IMF has declined to join the latest Greek bailout programme: it argues that without debt relief, the Greek economy will struggle for decades to come. The EU thinks short-term debt-relief measures already on the table make Greeces debt burden manageable.

But several countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, want the IMF on board because they think its participation will ensure Greek reforms are pursued rigorously, while also reassuring sceptical voters.

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Dijsselbloem said the talks would not be about debt relief. He wants to focus on pension reforms and the primary surplus  defined as government income exceeding spending, excluding debt repayments.



The EU wants Greece to hit a surplus on its budget of 3.5% of GDP by 2018, but the IMF and the Greek government argue this is unachieveable and want a lower, 1.5% target.



Greek ministers have sounded optimistic about breaking the deadlock: the Europe minister, George Katrougalos, said a deal before 20 February was possible and could have been struck earlier if the IMF had not been involved.
(Adds company and analyst comments)

By Fabian Cambero

ANTOFAGASTA (Other OTC: ANFGF - news) , Chile (Stuttgart: 704599.SG - news) , Feb 9 (Reuters) - Workers at BHP Billiton's Escondida copper mine in Chile, the world's largest, walked off the job on Thursday in a strike that threatens to disrupt the international supply of the widely used metal.

It said no miners arrived for morning work aboard buses that normally carry upwards of 1,200 workers per shift to the vast deposit, which accounted for about 6 percent of global production in 2015.

The striking workers are building a campsite right outside the mine. The union has warned it is prepared for a lengthy strike, saying it has stockpiled supplies and provisions for 60 days. Escondida's processing plants, which had begun going offline on Wednesday, have completely stopped, the union said.

"If someone suddenly walked into your kitchen and took away your refrigerator, would you just stand there, arms crossed?" asked miner Jose Alcaino, after returning from the night shift.

"That's what's happening here. They want to take away our benefits, our money, they want to work us more."

BHP said in a statement on Thursday it was focused on maintaining "minimum services" at the mine, which typically consist of small teams of workers maintaining upkeep of equipment and making sure the mine adheres to environmental protocols.

The company also said it was continuing work on new construction projects, such as expansions at a concentrator and a desalination plant.

It previously said it will not produce copper during the strike.

At a makeshift camp near the entrance to Escondida, which is partially owned by Rio Tinto (Hanover: CRA1.HA - news) and Japan's JECO , protesting workers settled in throughout Thursday, equipped with stockpiles of gas cylinders, portable cookers and tents to weather the Chilean high desert's scorching sun and frigid nights.

The camp on a windy, barren plateau between the surrounding mountains was abuzz with chatter and the sound of hammers hitting nails as some workers began constructing semi-permanent structures out of wood.

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Among the issues pitting the 2,500-member Escondida No. 1 Union against the company are the distribution of benefits. Workers complain that BHP wants to cut benefits and has not committed to a benefits scheme that places new and longtime employees on equal footing, something the union considers essential.

Striking workers also blocked roads at the Coloso port near the dusty city of Antofagasta, where hundreds of thousands of tonnes of copper are shipped annually.

"We are united and strong to make sure this is a success," said Claudio Perez, plant worker at Coloso.

Fears of the strike had sent copper prices soaring in recent weeks. Prices for the red metal, however, eased on Thursday as some investors cashed in the previous day's gains.

Labor negotiations at Escondida, which are seen as a benchmark for the industry at large, have long history of being contentious.

About a decade ago workers staged a now infamous 26-day strike that forced the global miner to declare force majeure on copper shipments. A labor conflict in 2011 paralyzed the mine for two weeks.

The last wage talks, which occurred four years ago when copper prices were 42 percent higher than now, ended with the company offering each worker a bonus of $49,000, the largest in Chilean mining history.

This time around the union has asked for a 7 percent salary increase and a $39,000 bonus.

Industry analysts are watching the developments at Escondida closely, as they could be a precursor of upcoming labor talks at other mines.

Glencore Plc (Frankfurt: 8GC.F - news) and Anglo American (LSE: AAL.L - news) 's Collahuasi is one of several copper mines in Chile due for contract negotiations this year.

(Additional reporting by Anthony Esposito & Gram Slattery; Writing by Anthony Esposito & Gram Slattery; Editing by Grant McCool and Matthew Lewis)
By Laila Bassam and Humeyra Pamuk BEIRUT/ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Russia intervened to halt a clash between Syrian government forces and Turkey-backed Syrian rebels in northern Syria, sources on both sides said on Friday, the first confrontation between them as both sides fight Islamic State in the area. Islamic State is under attack from separate campaigns in northern Syria by Russian-backed government forces and Turkey-backed rebels. The clash on Thursday near the IS-held city of al-Bab underlined the risk of the parallel offensives igniting new fighting between the government and its rebel enemies. Russia and Turkey have backed opposing sides in the war but recently started cooperating over Syria, brokering a truce between government forces and rebels and working together to try to revive peace talks. Rebel officials said the clash took place in a village southwest of al-Bab. An official in a military alliance fighting in support of the Syrian government confirmed a clash had taken place. "The Russians intervened to control the situation," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity. President Bashar al-Assad is supported in the war by the Russian military and an array of Iranian-backed militias. Two rebel officials accused the government forces of provoking the incident. One of them said the government forces had moved towards their positions in tanks. "Rebels shot to warn them not to get any closer, but the tank responded and a clash erupted," said the first rebel official. "Later on Russia intervened to calm down the situation," said the rebel official. "This whole incident felt like a test." A second rebel official, a commander in the al-Bab area, added: "They opened fire. Fire was returned." Both rebel officials said an armoured vehicle had been captured from the government forces. There was no immediate comment from Russia. Russian air strikes accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers on Thursday in northern Syria. It was not immediately clear whether the confrontation described by the sources had taken place in the same area as the air strike. Turkey and its FSA rebel allies have carved out a de facto buffer zone in northern Syria in territory captured from Islamic State since August in their "Euphrates Shield" operation. They have been battling to capture al-Bab since December, but escalated their attack this week, seizing the city's outskirts. The Syrian army meanwhile mounted its own, rapid advance towards the city in the last few weeks, advancing to within a few kilometres (miles) of its southern outskirts. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said earlier this week that clashes with the Syrian forces had been avoided thanks to international coordination, including between Turkey and Russia. The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had called Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and expressed his condolences over the air strike, blaming the incident on poor coordination between Moscow and Ankara. The Kremlin spokesman said on Friday the air strikes were based on coordinates provided to Russia by the Turkish military.. (Writing and additional reporting by Tom Perry in Beirut; Editing by Dominic Evans)
At the end of January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order temporarily suspending virtually all travel to the US from Iran and six other Muslim-majority countries. As a reciprocal measure, Tehran suspended some US visas and declared its own travel ban. It remains to be seen how long any of these measures persist, but companies are anticipating a major decrease in cultural and economic interchange between the two countries, compared to the more open environment that was established by the Iran nuclear deal spearheaded by Mr. Trumps predecessor.

Interestingly, even as Iran was retaliating against the travel ban, some officials made a point of saying that American companies were nonetheless still welcome to invest in the Iranian oil industry or to otherwise do business with the Islamic Republic. A sale of nearly 100 commercial aircraft is still expected to go forward between Iran and the Seattle-based manufacturer Boeing, although some in the US government are opposed to such exchanges and may still try to obstruct the sale.

But regardless of the status of prospective American investment in Iran, the greatest effects of the nuclear deal involve companies from elsewhere in the West, many of which have tentatively pursued opportunities since the implementation of the agreement in January of last year. Market Realist reported on Thursday that Iranian oil officials were still insisting that Western energy companies were interested in such investments. However, other reports suggest that the many such companies are retreating from nascent plans, out of fear that the renewed animosity between Iran and the US will give rise to expanded sanctions enforcement and other barriers to trade.

This claim was seemingly backed up by Reuters, at least where the French energy giant Total is concerned. The report noted that the company is planning to give a final decision this summer on a prospective two billion dollar gas project investment. But the decision remains up in the air, and Total indicates that the greatest determining factor will be whether the US renews the sanctions relief that was put in place for 18 months under the nuclear deal, pending reauthorization.

The situation faced by Total is probably shared by the vast majority of prospective Western investors. Their near-future relationships with the Islamic Republic, then, will depend on how effectively the other six parties to the nuclear agreement can defend against pressure from the new presidential administration in the US. While campaigning for office, President Trump repeatedly referred to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as the worst deal ever negotiated. He also promised to change its terms, though following through on such a promise would require building consensus among Britain, France, Germany, and  whats more difficult  Russia and China.

After Trumps victory, there was some discussion of the possibility of his supposed relationship with Russia being an asset in convincing it to scale back existing levels of support for Iran. So far, though, this has not happened, and during a visit on Wednesday to Moscow, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi specifically praised the Russians for their defense of the JCPOA, according to IFP News.

In this sense, Irans retention of friendly relations with Moscow could be instrumental in the retention of its burgeoning business relationships with the Eurozone. But at the same time, Irans Eastern alliances are also potential sources of both military and economic leverage in the event that its relations with the West continue to break down. This is a fact that the Trump administration has arguably begun to shine light upon, as evidenced by a Washington Times report describing how some of the administrations sanctions on Irans ballistic missiles were directed against Chinese nationals, and possibly also a Chinese front company.

This report of Chinese involvement in the Iranian ballistic missile program is backed up by earlier documents including a 2009 State Department cable that said, Chinese firms over the past year have offered or sold [Missile Technology Control Regime]-controlled and non-annex items to ballistic missile-related entities in foreign countries, including Iran. And while this quotation says nothing of the involvement of the Chinese state structure, there have been increasing signs of Iranian-Chinese alliance in the subsequent years, including joint military drills in the Persian Gulf.

Meanwhile, Iranian economic exchanges with the Chinese have expanded as well, and have come to include other mutual partners in the region. On Thursday, the Times of Islamabad reported that the Iranian consul in Pakistan had expressed renewed interest in whats known as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Iran had reached out to some of its traditional Arab adversaries in the Persian Gulf region, and had received a warm reception, even if a tentative one, from the government of Kuwait.

While Arab cooperation would be more difficult to obtain for Iran and would come with attendant risks related to the traditional relationship between those countries and the US, all of this represents opportunities for Iran to seek economic leverage elsewhere in the event that the Trump administration slows or halts Western investment. Thus, these other areas of Western influence will be areas that the administration will likely have to address after the fact.
Remember the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Few Americans do. Most Americans living today were not yet born at that time.

The Missile Crisis occurred in 1962, which was over 60 years ago. It was also a year after President Barack Obama was born.

Most of those now helping make the critical decision to renew diplomatic relations with Cuba were not yet born at the time or had not yet reached puberty.

They cannot know the tyrannically brutal rule of Fidel Castro.

Since 1959, Cuba has been ruled by the iron fist of communist dictator Fidel Castro and his breed. Murder and suppression of dissidents, or enemies of the state, have been unending. How does one normalize relations with a dictator?

Cuba is less than 100 miles from Florida. In 1961, an American high-altitude surveillance reconnaissance aircraft discovered surface-to-air missile sites being built by the Soviet Union in Cuba, which were directed toward the United States. The launch sites  were deemed an imminent threat to the security of our nation. The Cuban Missile Crisis began.

The missile sites were being built with Fidel Castros blessings. Needless to say, if completed, they could possibly have been used to fire nuclear missiles to many locations in our country.

There was a fear among our leaders and all Americans that a nuclear war may be imminent. Most Americans prepared for the worst. After critical saber-rattling negotiations between the Soviet Union, Castro and the United States, the missile sites were removed.

Since that time, and even before the missile crisis, Fidel Castro and communism have oppressed and subjected the peoples of Cuba to lives of poverty and fear of imprisonment or death if they rebel. Cuba is in decay and its infrastructure is crumbling.

Our president, who had just been born at the time of the Missile Crisis, plans to deal with the devil and has decided that America will resume diplomatic relations with these communist dictators who are only a stones throw from our shores.

Raul Castro is a mirror image of his brother Fidel and openly says, and I quote, We must not expect that, in order for relations with the United States to improve, Cuba will abandon the ideas that it has struggled for.
WARSAW, Poland  Polands foreign minister said Thursday that it is a priority for his country to strengthen cooperation between the U.S. and Europe in the area of security and that he is concerned about the aggressive policies of Russia in Eastern Europe.

Witold Waszczykowski made his remarks during a traditional yearly address to parliament. Among those in the audience were President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and foreign diplomats.

He said despite Russian polices he still sees a role for dialogue.

Waszczykowski also said Polands ties are changing with Belarus, the authoritarian state on Polands eastern border, noting that there have been more visits and meetings with Belarusian officials. The goal is to develop cooperation in trade and economy.

It marks a shift in Polands foreign policy under the conservative government, which believes that the earlier policy of shunning Belarusian leaders while supporting democratic opposition groups was ineffective.

Waszczykowski also touched on Brexit, saying his government is making it a priority to protect the rights acquired by the hundreds of thousands of Polish citizens living in the U.K. and to put Polish interests on the agenda in discussions on the shape of the EU post-Brexit.

He said that Poland would play a constructive role in those discussions.

The priority of the government is to repair the European Union, not to dismantle it, he said.

But the head of the main opposition party said the current foreign policy was shortsighted, irresponsible, chaotic.

Grzegorz Schetyna of the pro-EU Civic Platform party, foreign minister in 2014-15, said the current course is squandering the achievements of previous governments, for example though neglecting close cooperation with Berlin and Paris in the so-called Weimar Triangle and turning toward Hungary which, he said, is opening Europe up to Russia.
WASHINGTON  The White House on Thursday said a top adviser to President Donald Trump had been counseled after using a television appearance from the West Wing to promote the clothing and jewelry line sold under the brand of Trumps daughter.

The endorsement, in which Kellyanne Conway told Fox News Channel viewers to go buy Ivankas stuff, appeared to violate a key ethics rule barring federal employees from using their public office to endorse products. The White House reaction was a rare acknowledgment of an ethical misstep.

Conways remarks drew a sharp and unusual rebuke from a top Republican lawmaker, House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, who said Conways comments were absolutely wrong, wrong, wrong and clearly over the line.

Chaffetz, who has resisted calls by Democrats to investigate potential conflicts related to President Trumps businesses, joined with the Oversight Committees ranking Democrat, Rep. Elijah Cummings (Md.), in sending a letter to the Office of Government Ethics calling Conways comments unacceptable. The letter asked the agency to recommend discipline given that Trump, who as Conways agency head would ordinarily take action, holds an inherent conflict of interest due to the involvement of his daughters business.

In a terse comment to reporters Thursday, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Conway had been counseled on the subject but did not say whether she would be disciplined. Spicer did not say why Conways statements had required the intervention, and the White House declined to answer further questions.

Speaking on Fox News Thursday evening, Conway declined to comment but said Trump supports her 100 percent.

All I can to Americas women is, at some point in your life, you ought to have a boss who treated me like the president of the United States treated me today, she said.

The incident was the latest illustration of how the Trump White House has struggled to grapple with long-established ethics rules as the president has attempted to balance the potentially competing interests of his new public position and his familys vast business holdings.

The matter has grown politically thorny in recent weeks as many opponents of Trumps policies have waged a campaign to boycott the familys brands and protest at its properties. The tensions underscore the difficulty Trump faces in carrying through on his vow to separate his presidency from his businesses  particularly given that he and his daughter have refused to divest their ownership stakes.

The president has faced criticism from ethics experts and Democratic lawmakers who have warned that his public power could be misused to enrich him and his family. Trump has turned the management of his businesses over to his two adult sons and a longtime executive.

While Trump has said that most ethics laws and rules do not apply to the president, Conways stumble Thursday served as a reminder that staffers are nonetheless subject to those provisions.

The Conway episode followed other instances in which Trumps political rise and his presidency have provided a promotional platform for the family businesses.

On Monday, first lady Melania Trump filed a lawsuit accusing a British news company of publishing an inaccurate story that hurt her ability to take advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity to build her brand of jewelry and accessories. The lawsuit said that the August 2016 article, which falsely suggested Melania Trump had once worked for an escort service, damaged her ability to build multimillion dollar business relationships for a multi-year term and damaged her brand during a time when Trump is one of the most photographed women in the world.

A day later, after ethics experts criticized the notion of Melania Trump attempting to make money from her public role, her lawyer and a spokeswoman issued statements saying the first lady has no intention of using her position for profit.

The first family has struggled to cleanse its public appearances of private entanglements.

In his official White House online biography, Donald Trump boasts of the success of the business he still owns and cites his book The Art of the Deal, which remains for sale.

Melania Trumps initial online biography referenced her jewelry line, once sold on the cable television channel QVC, and noted its trademark, a registration now overseen by a federal office led by her husband.

Ivanka Trump, whose brand includes dresses, shoes, skirts, handbags, jewelry and accessories, much of which is sold online and at dozens of the United States largest retailers and department-store chains, mixed her business and newly elevated political profile shortly after the election.

Hours after she was interviewed by 60 Minutes about her fathers victory, her jewelry line alerted journalists to the fact that she was wearing an Ivanka-brand diamond bracelet, which viewers could buy for $10,800.

Conways endorsement of Ivanka Trumps brand followed a tweet Wednesday by President Trump complaining that his daughter had been treated so unfairly by the department store Nordstrom, which dropped her clothing line, citing slow sales.

Conway touted Ivanka Trumps wonderful line of clothing and shoes during an interview Thursday morning with Fox & Friends from the White House briefing room.

Responding to national boycotts of Ivanka Trump merchandise, Conway said, Go buy Ivankas stuff is what I would tell you.

Im going to give a free commercial here, she added. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online.

Experts quickly seized on Conways remarks as a direct violation of Office of Government Ethics rules. Don W. Fox, a former OGE general counsel and now the offices acting director, said Conways statements were jaw-dropping and a clear violation of rules prohibiting misuse of public office for anyones private gain.

Peter Schweizer, who has worked closely with Trump chief strategist Stephen Bannon and wrote a book, Clinton Cash, that was critical of donations to the Clinton Foundation, said, Theyve crossed a very, very important, bright line, and its not good.

To encourage Americans to buy goods from companies owned by the first family is totally out of bounds and needs to stop, Schweizer added. Clearly, the Trumps feel some of this is related to politics. But whether thats true or not, these marketing battles need to be fought by Ivanka and her company. They cannot and should not be fought by government employees and the White House.

Schweizer said it was time for Trump to move beyond the mind-set and the role of a businessman and assume the mantle of commander in chief.

Federal law states that the director of the Office of Government Ethics can advise the White House and Conway of the violation and recommend disciplinary action. But the OGEs recommendations are nonbinding, and the ultimate decision resides with the White House.

OGE officials did not respond to requests for comment. By midmorning, the agencys website had crashed, and the OGEs official Twitter account said that the offices phone and email systems were receiving an extraordinary volume of citizen input about recent events.

The office tweeted that its role is to help prevent ethics violations but not to investigate allegations that rules have been broken  a job reserved for the FBI, inspectors general and other watchdogs. Still, the OGE notifies agencies of possible ethics violations and asks for reports on any action taken, a process the office indicated it is actively following, according to the OGEs tweets.

Experts said a typical executive-branch employee who violated the endorsement rule could face significant disciplinary action, including a multi-day suspension and loss of pay. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees, for instance, face a five-day suspension or termination for using public office for private gain.

But enforcement measures are largely left to the head of the federal agency  in Conways case, the White House. Conways counseling, independent lawyers said, could have included a meeting with members of the White House counsels office, but it remained unclear what disciplinary steps would be taken.

Independent ethics groups and Trump critics targeted the endorsement as a make-or-break moment for how the White House will address future ethical concerns.

Noah Bookbinder, director of the liberal Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which filed an official ethics complaint, called Conways comments just another example of what looks like a disturbing pattern of this administration acting to benefit the businesses of the presidents family and supporters.

Conways endorsement of Ivanka Trumps business also highlighted an awkward reality for a White House threatening U.S. companies seeking to move jobs or operations overseas. Nearly all of Ivanka-brand merchandise is manufactured in low-cost-labor countries, including China, Indonesia and Vietnam.

The president and his daughter have taken steps to put distance between their private companies and public ambitions. Both resigned their official leadership roles in the Trump Organization.

Ivanka Trump retains a financial interest in her separate business. The Trump company says the president does not have a financial interest or ownership stake in the Ivanka brand.

  

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PHOENIX  An Arizona Senate panel dominated by Republicans advanced legislation Thursday that would expand the states private-school voucher program to all 1.1 million public school students in the state by 2020.

The 4-3 vote by the Senates Education Committee marks the latest in a yearslong effort by GOP lawmakers who back school choice to expand what started as a small program for disabled students. One Republican, Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, joined the two Democrats on the panel in opposition.

The bill now heads to the full Senate. Identical legislation has been introduced in the House, meaning it could quickly head to Gov. Doug Duceys desk if approved by both chambers.

Under the Empowerment Scholarship Account program, parents get most of the state tax dollars their local public school would receive and can spend it on private or religious schools, home schooling or tutoring. Opponents argue the program siphons money from public schools attended by 85 percent of Arizona children, that private schools dont have to enroll students they believe are more costly or difficult to teach and that the program lacks accountability.

Republican Sen. Debbie Lesko, of Peoria, sponsored the proposal and pushed a similar expansion last year that stalled after some Republican lawmakers became concerned that it would imperil a school funding proposition backed by Gov. Ducey. Proposition 123 barely passed and will increase withdrawals from the state land trust to boost school funding as required to settle a court case brought by school districts.

Lesko argued that her proposal will actually save taxpayer money because public schools get state, federal and local funding of more than $9,500 a year, while the average voucher is $5,200 a year.

They give parents another choice on where they can send their child to get the best education and also save taxpayers money, about $4,300 per year, per student, Lesko said.

Chris Kotterman, with the Arizona school boards Association questioned Leskos math, saying the only money that actually moves with a student leaving a public school is state general fund dollars, and that the burden on the general fund actually increases with vouchers.

Chuck Essigs, with the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, put that figure at $1,100 for each elementary student who leaves a public school for a voucher, and $1,200 more for a high school student.

Democratic Sen. Catherine Miranda, of Phoenix, sparred with Lesko, noting that low school funding was a main reason for parents looking for other school choices.

So we need to fix our public schools so they wont leave, she said. This bill jeopardizes my public schools. We cannot pass this bill off the back of public school kids.

Brophy McGee said she supported the voucher program, but she could not support the massive proposal now being debated. She said that low school funding, a shortage of teachers, and lack of transparency and accountability made that impossible.

If we raise the per-public funding for every choice we can go back and have this conversation again, and then it will be meaningful, she said.

Since the initial program was adopted in 2011, it has expanded to cover about a third of all students, including children attending failing schools, those living on Indian reservations or are foster children or children of military members.

Parents in support and opposed to the voucher program packed the meeting.

Lesko and other backers say the program is capped about 5,500 students, but that cap expires after 2019.

Parent Danielle Salomon said the program has helped her autistic son go to a private school that met his needs. She said he went to four public schools before getting a voucher.

Because of ESA our son is finally in an environment where he can be safe and understood and he can focus instead on his education rather than just surviving, Salomon told the panel. I believe all parents of special needs children deserve the option to place their child in the right education environment to support those special needs.
NOGALES, Ariz.  A Southwest swing is taking Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to federal facilities along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Department of Homeland Security said Kelly planned to discuss efforts by President Donald Trumps administration to improve security along the border while visiting Nogales, Arizona, on Thursday and San Ysidro, California, on Friday.,

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday posted on Twitter a photo of himself greeting Kelly before the visit to a Border Patrol station in Nogales. Kelly will visit a port of entry in San Ysidro.

Kelly visited Texas last week.

The retired Marine Corps general was confirmed by the Senate for his Cabinet position Jan. 20.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect that the California visit is scheduled Friday.
The White House is probing ongoing leaks of President Donald Trumps private conversations with foreign leaders, including a report Thursday that he criticized a 2011 U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty during last months call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Were looking into the situation, and its very concerning, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said, deploring the idea that you cant have a conversation without that information getting out.  Were trying to conduct serious business on behalf of the country.

On the same day as the Putin call, Jan. 28, The Washington Post reported that Trump told Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull that their conversation was the worst call by far and blasted him over a pending refugee deal negotiated by the Obama administration. Tensions were also reported during a call the day before with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.

In all three, Trump reportedly touted his political accomplishments and popularity.

Following the Australia and Mexico reports, Trump told Fox News the leaks were disgraceful and accused Obama people still serving in the White House of providing the media with potentially embarrassing details.

During the Putin call, the Russian leader raised the possibility of talks on a number of issues, including the New START treaty limiting nuclear weapons deployments, according to a report Thursday by Reuters.

The news agency said Trump paused to ask aides what the treaty was, and then denounced it as favoring Russia.

Spicer would not comment on some details of the call. But he challenged the report that Trump did not know what the treaty was, saying the president had merely sought an opinion from an adviser during the conversation, which was conducted through a translator.

It wasnt like he didnt know what was being said, Spicer said of Trump.

A White House statement on the call at the time did not mention any nuclear discussion.

Spicer said Trump is very concerned about the continued leaks, which he said represent breaches of protocol and potential illegality.

The New START treaty set limits on both countries deployed strategic arms. It does not limit non-deployed warheads.

Trump mentioned the treaty, which he called the start-up, in all three debates with Democrat Hillary Clinton during the presidential campaign. He charged that Russia had increased its number of warheads and said, erroneously, that the United States was not permitted to do the same for non-deployed weapons.

Our nuclear program has fallen way behind, and theyve gone wild with their nuclear program, Trump said during the Oct. 10 debate. Not good. Our government shouldnt have allowed that to happen. Russia is new in terms of nuclear. We are old. Were tired. Were exhausted in terms of nuclear. A very bad thing.

Current U.S. planning calls for spending more than $1 trillion over the next 30 years to update the American nuclear arsenal.

Jeffrey Lewis, an arms-control expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, Calif., said the phone call was troubling because it showed that Trump has not taken the time to learn anything about nuclear policy since the election. He knows one thing, which is that Obama signed it, so hes going to rail against it, Lewis said.

But the treaty is not without critics.

I would agree if he said that the treaty is more advantageous to Russia and kind of a bad deal to the United States, said Michaela Dodge, a senior policy analyst with the conservative Heritage Foundation. Trumps call, she said, could mark this as a good time to reexamine whether New START is still good policy for Washington and reshape the debate.



The Washington Posts Dan Lamothe contributed to this report.
"Bottom Half of the Disassembled Physics Package of the Trinity Device" is part of the "Critical Assembly" art exhibit at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. (Jim Thompson/Albuquerque Journal) A work table with adding machines and blueprints from the time period of The Manhattan Project that is part of the "Critical Assembly" exhibit. (Jim Thompson/Albuquerque Journal) Boxes of civil defense radiation detection kits. (Jim Thompson/Albuquerque Journal) A sign like this was used during The Manhattan Project. Artist Jim Sanborn collected real artifacts used by Manhattan Project workers. (Jim Thompson/Albuquerque Journal) "Device of Measuring the Neutron Flux of a Uranium Core" is part of the "Critical Assembly" exhibit. (Jim Thompson/Albuquerque Journal) Prev 1 of 6 Next

Jim Sanborn is enjoying his time in New Mexico.

Im taking a hike at the Petroglyph National Monument, he says during a recent phone interview.

The world-renowned artist was in the Duke City for the opening of his latest exhibit, Critical Assembly, the Secrets of Los Alamos 1944: An Installation by Jim Sanborn at The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

The exhibit invites visitors to explore and study the artists rendering of the supersecret experiments from the Manhattan Projects atomic bomb program.

Sanborn is a world-renowned sculptor best-known for creating the encrypted Kryptos sculpture at CIA headquarters in Langley, Va.

Critical Assembly is a tableau based on the laboratory environment for the assembly of the first atomic bomb and is gleaned from many scholarly and eyewitness accounts of the appearance of the Manhattan Project laboratories as they existed from 1943 to 1945.

This Critical Assembly installation includes original electronic instruments, hardware, furniture, tools and materials used by Los Alamos National Laboratory during the 1940s.

These objects were acquired by Sanborn during a six-year period from a variety of sources, including former laboratory employees.

Any materials Sanborn was unable to collect in Los Alamos, he machined and fabricated himself.

Ive been fascinated with this time in history, he says. I searched around to hear stories or find artifacts from the area.

Critical Assembly has previously been on display at such institutions as the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., Gwangju Biennale in South Korea and the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, Ireland.

And now the installation has a permanent home in the Duke City.

And its in part to sponsorships by Lockheed Martin/Sandia National Laboratories and Dorothy and Clay Kemper Perkins.

Jim Walther, museum director, says it took about a year to get the funding for the installation.

It is truly an honor to display such a monumental exhibition created by the illustrious sculptor Jim Sanborn, Walther says. His work, from the Kryptos sculpture located at CIA headquarters to the amazing Critical Assembly exhibit now on display at our museum, shows an innovative and intricate mind that will most definitely leave a lasting impression on our world for years to come.

And the history between Sanborn and Walther goes back a few decades.

The two met when Walther was a recent college graduate, nearly 30 years ago.

He was working with the 1 percent for arts and I began to work with him, he says. We maintained a friendship, and when the time came for this, he remembered me. Its really fascinating to have this exhibit become part of our permanent collection.

Critical Assembly, the Secrets of Los Alamos 1944: An Installation by Jim Sanborn

WHEN: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

WHERE: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank SE

HOW MUCH: $12 adults, $10 seniors and ages 6-17, $8 veterans, free for children under 5
Aura, a 6-month-old restaurant in the Far North Shopping Center, is aptly named. No one who remembers the Gin Mill will recognize the place. It has been redecorated and redesigned into an urbane, dramatically lit, upscale burgundy and chocolate space that surrounds diners with a special aura in which to enjoy the varied menu of skillfully prepared European specialties. The interior feels more like a cosmopolitan city locale than the back corner of a Northeast Heights shopping mall  quite a feat!

The restaurant, according to the manager, is more or less Armenian, and true to Armenias location in the former Soviet Union, the best dishes are of Russian origin, like the tender, mushroomy beef stroganoff ($11) (although I would prefer it served over flat noodles instead of penne)  rarely found on any local menu, and the blinchik ($5.75/$9), a flavorful crepe enclosing lightly-spiced ground beef, served with sides of sour cream and house salsa  and the mild savory beet borscht ($4.50/$6.50), not as tangy as I am accustomed to but warm and comforting. Although my Russian grandmother never made these specific dishes, they carry a tinge of familiarity that triggers my memory of her cooking, as does the earthy Hungarian goulash ($3.95/$5.95), chunks of a humble cut of beef stewed into tender tastiness in a gravy that suggests patient home cooking.

The menu aspires to present a broad sweep of the Mediterranean, from chicken marsala ($12) to a hot dolmas plate ($11.50).

The appetizer platter ($12.50) is a good way to sample several offerings: eggplant caviar, refreshing yogurt tzatziki, spicy feta and lemony hummus, with grilled warm pita bread.

Another outstanding offering is the skewered lamb shashlik ($14.50), lamb pieces grilled just right and appetizingly presented with a choice of two sides. Recommended are the refreshing tabbouleh and the grilled asparagus.

My dining companion and I shared a dessert of belle Helene ($5.95), an elegant poached pear and a scoop of surprisingly tasty fried vanilla ice cream blanketed with chocolate sauce. For something sweeter, try the traditional baklava ($4).

Vegetarians may be satisfied with a medley of grilled vegetables ($5.95), vegetarian wraps and burgers, and the carrot rice pilaf ($4.50).

Aura is a fine place for lunch or dinner, professionally run, with accommodating service. The feeling is the staff will give its best effort to pleasing the customer. It shines on date night, with a live contemporary keyboard version of the piano bar presented on Friday evening and surprisingly good, reasonably priced wine specials. Additionally, the quiet bar in the back is a relaxing hideaway, with a companion or solo, suggesting a glass of wine and a bowl of French onion soup ($4.75).

Aura: European Mediterranean Restaurant

LOCATION: Far North Shopping Center, 6300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 508-3224

HOURS: Lunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and dinner 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner 4:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday; noon-9:30 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday

BEER, WINE, COCKTAILS
One year ago Wednesday, on Feb. 8, my family received news we never could have imagined. My 75-year-old mother, Ruth, and her friend had been shot and killed. My mother had taken a trip to visit her friend who lived in a retirement community. They were drinking coffee and reading the newspaper when strangers robbed them and took their lives in a single instant.

My mothers death had ripple effects far beyond our own devastated family. My mother had impacted the lives of so many. She spent a long and dedicated career as a public school teacher in Albuquerque. When she retired, she found ways to give back large and small as a volunteer in the community. And she was an incredible mother and grandmother of eight grandchildren who miss her every day.

The pain of my mothers sudden death sometimes feels too heavy to bear. There are days when it seems that the earth has shattered and time has stopped. And as the first-year anniversary arrives, I am filled with a deep sense of loss that she is not with us. We do not now, nor do we ever, want Mom to be a statistic or remembered for this horror. We want her to be remembered for the wonderful person she is and the ways she contributed to so many in our community.

On the anniversary this week, weve asked others to honor my mother through action. My husband and I spent Feb. 8 at the state Capitol in Santa Fe with members of the New Mexico chapter of Moms Demand Action and other fellow neighbors to call on legislators to pass Senate Bill 48/House Bill 50. The bill  introduced by Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos, and Sens. Richard Martinez, D-Espanola, and Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe  will address the glaring loophole in New Mexico state law that allows criminals, domestic abusers and other dangerous people to obtain guns from unlicensed sellers with no background check, no questions asked. SB 48/HB 50 would close this deadly loophole by requiring a criminal background check for all gun sales.

Think about that for a moment. This loophole allows guns to easily change hands by allowing people to buy guns from unlicensed sellers  including strangers they meet online and at gun shows  without a simple criminal background check. But our state Legislature can take meaningful action to address this by supporting criminal background check for all gun sales.

Evidence shows that this bill will save lives. In states that close the loophole and require background checks for all handgun sales, there are 47 percent fewer women shot to death by intimate partners; 53 percent fewer law enforcement officers shot and killed; and 47 percent fewer people who kill themselves with guns.

Background checks have also received widespread support. Eighty-seven percent of New Mexico residents support them, according to a 2017 poll by Research and Polling Inc. Like many New Mexicans, my husband and I own guns and believe that there are common-sense solutions to keep guns out of dangerous hands while respecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. Were not alone. The same poll found 84 percent of New Mexico gun owners also support requiring criminal background checks for all gun sales.

This is not a partisan issue. My husband is a Republican county commissioner, Lonnie Talbert, who supports this bill. Elected leaders from both sides of the aisle have the opportunity to pass a law that puts the safety of their constituents first.

I am proud to know that on the first anniversary of mothers death, I was surrounded by people honoring her by advocating for common-sense gun laws that could prevent other families from feeling the pain that mine has felt. Despite a heavy heart, that gives me great hope.
Joanne lives in rural New Mexico with her husband, their two children, and two dogs who joined the family after showing up on their doorstep years ago as hungry, cold, scared puppies. Joannes heart melted and they easily decided to keep the pups  but how could they afford to get them spayed? Joanne didnt want the dogs to produce unwanted litters, but like so many New Mexicans, the cost of the spay/neuter surgeries would be a hardship. Most New Mexicos counties have insufficient resources for low-cost spay-neuter programs.

Stories like these are commonplace throughout our state. I, and other legislators, have long searched for ways to generate adequate funds to expand statewide, low-cost spay/neuter programs. We even requested a study on this subject, and its conclusions have led me to introduce House Bill 123 to create a long-sought funding mechanism for a truly comprehensive, low-cost spay/neuter effort administered by the state.

Over the years, weve made progress: We created a spay/neuter license plate and a voluntary tax refund donation program that together generate modest annual revenue for spay/neuter surgeries in the neediest New Mexico communities. But that progress is not nearly enough to meaningfully stem our pet overpopulation problem. Every year, over 65,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in our states shelters for lack of a home. Municipal and non-profit shelters collectively spend over $38 million annually to care for New Mexicos dogs and cats.

These problematic numbers are staggering  and they are unnecessary.

HB 123 would require pet food companies to pay a reasonable additional fee to sell their products in our state to help address this problem. Currently, New Mexico charges multimillion and multibillion dollar companies only $2 per year to register each pet food product they sell in our state. This figure is miniscule compared to what many other states require. HB 123 asks these companies to pay a new $100 annual year fee per product sold, estimated to generate about $700,000 annually for crucial spay-neuter programs.

The pet food industry has opposed this funding mechanism in other states, but lets keep their opposition in perspective. New Mexicos pet owners provide the industry with an estimated $108 million in sales of food and treats for dogs and cats. What these companies pay back to New Mexico in annual fees, paid to safely sell products here, represents a tiny fraction of their incomes.

The industry also has tried to bully and scare pet-owning consumers by claiming additional fees will raise pet food prices and force them to give up their animals. But even if the companies passed along to consumers the entire amount of the added fee, each pet-owning household in New Mexico would pay only about $1.48 more per year for pet food  about the price of a cup of coffee. And remember this: The dogs and cats most likely to be relinquished to shelters are those who are not spayed or neutered. At least three others states charge companies what HB 123 proposes, and one state, California, charges much more. We are missing an opportunity other states already enjoy. The benefits to low-income and rural New Mexicans would be felt throughout the state. Funds generated would provide an estimated 6,000 to 11,000 additional spay/neuter surgeries in our neediest communities every year. Animal control and sheltering costs borne by municipalities and counties would be driven down substantially.

HB 123s approach is a proven one. Our communities deserve this obvious solution to New Mexicos crushing pet overpopulation problem. Please support House Bill 123. It is a win for animals, for New Mexicans, our counties, and our state.
As well as issuing this and other verbal warnings, the administration has imposed new sanctions on 25 individuals and companies with ties to the Iranian ballistic missile program. Shortly thereafter, satellite imagery showed the Semnan launch pad to have been reset for another launch, but that those plans were apparently scrubbed. It is unclear if Wednesdays launch was a rescheduling of the previous test or whether it was something altogether new. But what is clear, according to Fox News, is that the follow-up launch involved a different category of weapon. Instead of a medium-range ballistic missile, this incident involved a short-range surface-to-air weapon.

It is therefore possible to interpret this at once as an act of defiance and as an effort to scale back the extent of that defiance, and to test the Trump administrations response to an arguably lesser provocation. This dual interpretation is arguably made more significant by a policy statement from former International Atomic Energy Agency Deputy Director General Olli Heinonen, which was published on Wednesday at the website of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Heinonen noted that there are undisclosed side-deals involved in implementation of the Iran nuclear agreement, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and that some of these deal with the question of to what extent Irans missile programs will be restricted. It is well known that United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 calls upon the Islamic Republic to avoid further development or testing of ballistic missiles that are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. But it is possible that the Iranians and Americans also discussed restrictions on less powerful missiles, such as cruise missiles, that are nonetheless considered nuclear-capable.

In any event, the apparent shift from ballistic missile to conventional missile testing at Semnan is quite possibly indicative of an Iranian effort to antagonize the Trump administration to whatever extent it can do so while still staving off the threat of war. However, the public statements of hardline Iranian officials seem tailor-made to discourage the perception that Tehran is backing down in any way. Indeed, some of those statements have explicitly embraced the prospect of war, just as the IRGC and other hardline entities have done on various occasions in the past.

For instance, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday that Ali Akbar Velayati, the foreign affairs advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, had declared that Washington does not dare carry out its military threats against Iran. He went on to say that Iranian retaliation against a theoretical attack would make America face dark days to come. Velayati also urged the US to leave the Middle East altogether, but it is all but certain that the Trump administration will be taking a more assertive role in the region than its predecessor had.

This promise of assertiveness has had a significant impact on public discourse throughout Iran, according to the New York Times. It reports that many Iranian citizens are preparing for the re-imposition of sanctions, as well as considering how the Trump administrations interactions with Russia will affect the fledgling alliance between that country and the Islamic Republic. The Times also quotes some Iranians as recognizing the role that their government is playing in ramping up the tensions between itself and the White House. The ballistic missile test launch was openly criticized in this context, but was defended by supporters of the Iranian regime as a justified response to Western threats.

Still, that response has raised concerns among some Iranians about the possibility of US-led bombing  a drastic shift from the supposed improvement in relations that had been witnessed during the Obama era. However, it bears noting that neither President Trump nor his leading foreign policy advisors have explicitly threatened military action against Iran. The wording of the statement putting Iran on notice was deliberately vague, reportedly being aimed at convincing the Islamic Republic to tread lightly in its future dealings with the White House.

Insofar as military action is on the table, there is no doubt about American superiority in that regard. But as if in response to the defiant remarks by Velayati and others, the National Interest has re-published a feature from more than a year ago comparing American and Iranian military technologies and considering the likely focus of military efforts by each side in the event of direct conflict. A note accompanying the article states that it has been re-run as a result of renewed reader interest.

In the time since the features original publication, the US has presumably improved its capabilities for responding to the Iranian swarm tactics that would be deployed in an attempt to overwhelm superior technology with greater numbers of outmoded weapons. Meanwhile, the IRGC and the regular Iranian military have repeatedly boasted of their own technological advancements, but many of these can be shown to be fabrications, such as images of non-functional models or merely cosmetic modifications to the same old weapons and vehicles.

All of this goes to show that the Trump administration is not likely to take Velayatis defiant tone very seriously. But this is not to say that the administration is actively pursuing a military option. Doing so might be seen as violating Trumps slogan of America first, which seems to call for limited direct involvement in foreign affairs, but also for the assertive promotion of American interests in regions like the Middle East. A balance between these goals can, at least in theory, be accomplished via economic pressure and other non-military means, including the promotion of a domestic resistance movement in Iran, like that which is organized under the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran.

The ballistic missile-focused sanctions are one early example of this, and others appear to be pending. For instance, the administration is said to be considering listing the IRGC as an international terrorist organization, in the interest of discouraging Western investment that might indirectly support the Islamic Republics destabilizing activities in the region and throughout the world. There is considerable pressure on the administration to continue following this line, some of it coming from American supporters of the PMOI, some of it from long-standing Iran hawks, and some of it from American allies such as Israel.

It had previously been reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was planning to meet with President Trump. Now, Bloomberg indicates that Netanyahu is specifically planning to urge the US administration to use sanctions and other pressure to drive a wedge between Iran and the Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah, a longstanding dependent of the Islamic Republic. The article also notes that the Israelis naturally desire a solution to the Syrian crisis in which both Hezbollah and Iran have a greatly diminished role. Netanyahus meeting with Trump will presumably seek to obtain commitments on this point as well.

Whats more, an editorial that appeared in The Hill on Wednesday implied that Netanyahu would have a high likelihood of success in this latter endeavor, since the Israeli position on Syria aligns closely with that which had previously been expressed by the Trump administrations Secretary of Defense James Mattis. In 2012 he said that the fall of the Assad regime in Syria would be a substantial strategic setback for Tehran, which he described much more recently as the single greatest contributor to instability in the Middle East. Other reports suggest that Mattis view on the importance of addressing the Iranian threat is widely shared within the administration.

So far, though, the Iranian role in Syria has not been seriously undermined by the US. The former administration approved of an Iranian seat at international negotiations over the crisis, and now the Iranians are standing side-by-side with the Russians and Turks in ceasefire talks, although the three countries have distinctly different interests where the Syrian Civil War is concerned. New Kerala reported that on Wednesday the three parties undertook their first negotiating session on the implementation of a ceasefire for which a framework has already been established.

Of course, critics of the Iranian regime object to Iranian participation in such talks, especially considering that Iran-backed militant groups have repeatedly violated past ceasefire agreements. It is highly likely that the Trump administration shares this critical view, and although it hasnt yet taken notably steps to constrain Tehrans influence over Syria, it is virtually assured that American confrontations with the Islamic Republic will not be limited to the issue of ballistic missile testing.
By now you may have noticed the difficulty many conservatives have defending everything President Trump does and says. Im not just referring to the big policy moves, most of which conservatives can support fairly easily (so far). I mean the whole whiplash-inducing spectacle: the unfiltered, impulsive tweeting, bizarre interview non sequiturs, glib insults and distractions.

If you honestly have no idea what Im talking about, you may need to be de-programmed from a personality cult. But for example: over the weekend, Donald Trump questioned the legitimacy of what he described as a so-called judge and suggested  again  that America has no right to judge Vladimir Putins Russia given all the killing America has done. Other examples might include recent controversies over everything from inaugural crowd sizes to Arnold Schwarzeneggers ratings on The Apprentice.

Its been interesting to see how various Republican leaders respond to Trump Unfiltered. Sometimes theyll simply say theyre not going to respond to every distraction emanating from the presidents mouth or Twitter feed. Others fall back on saying the president is unconventional in the way he communicates, so get over it.

This is a particularly popular talking point among his talk radio and cable TV boosters. Its almost as popular as attacking the mainstream medias very real double standard toward Trump and Obama.

Vice President Mike Pence has taken the unconventional defense to an art form. When asked about the so-called judge controversy by NBCs Chuck Todd, Pence replied, I think people find it very refreshing that they not only understand this presidents mind but they understand how he feels about things. He expresses himself in a unique way. Political consultant Alex Castellanos, a Trump enthusiast, went so far as to suggest that, Donald Trumps unpredictability is a form of deterrence. It keeps bad people a step back.

Recently a new defense has sprouted up: Trump promised to take action and action is what theyre getting. Yet another is to defend President Trumps right to say something. Every president has a right to be critical of the other branches of the federal government, Pence said on CBS Face the Nation. Perhaps my favorite is to magically define-away any problems. By definition, whatever he does is presidential, its just a new presidential, Newt Gingrich recently explained. So the new presidential tweets. That doesnt mean he has to give up tweeting and start writing in longhand with a quill pen to think hes presidential.

But if you look closely, youll see that all of these defenses are not actually, well, defenses. The issue with Trumps Twitter account isnt the medium, but the message. If he took to skywriting, and blazed Bring Me The Head of Alfredo Garcia across the Washington sky, going out and saying, Hes got an unconventional way of communicating wouldnt quite add up to a defense, now would it?

But the more worrisome defense is the one that I fear is coming  and I hear on social media all the time. Just trust him. He knows things we dont. He is playing chess and everyone is playing checkers. He won the primaries relying on his judgment, and we should have confidence he knows what hes doing. Place your faith in him. Or, as Ann Coulter puts it, In Trump We Trust.

This sort of thing was creepy when Demi Moore proclaimed, I pledge to be a servant of our president at the beginning of the Obama administration. And its creepy now. A staple tenet of modern conservatism  and to a lesser extent Americanism rightly understood  is skepticism for all politicians. As James Madison said, The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted.

What worries me about the nascent Trump administration is that he is making it difficult to defend Trump on the merits. Again, this isnt specifically a point about substance, but process. Trumps impulsively glandular style of governing and communicating frequently leaves his staff and surrogates guessing what he will do next and at a loss as to how to defend his statements. Numerous times he has undermined or contradicted his own supporters and spokesmen, particularly Sean Spicer.

When a political leader replaces fixed principles and clear ideological platforms with his own instincts and judgment, he gives his supporters no substantive arguments to rely on. Eventually, the argument to just say Have faith in our leader, he knows best, is the only safe harbor.

And thats not what conservatism is about  nor, for that matter, democracy.

Copyright, Tribune Media Services Inc.; e-mail to JonahsColumn@aol.com.
What is the end game in picking a fight with a bully?

While the Albuquerque City Council considers reaffirming a 16-year-old resolution that declares the Duke City an immigrant-friendly city, we have to hope the Trump administration, which has vowed to cut off federal funding to so-called sanctuary cities, doesnt find the two terms essentially identical.

The reaffirmation of the resolution, which remains in effect until altered or repealed, is clearly a reaction to President Trumps executive orders fast-tracking construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, imposing a ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries, and increasing the number of border patrol agents and immigration officers (pending Congressional funding).

Clearly, Trump is on a mission to remake immigration policy as we know it and the courts are in the process of deciding whether his executive order on banning travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries is valid.

Regardless, councilors Isaac Benton, Klarissa Pena, Pat Davis and Diane Gibson, who introduced the reaffirmation memorial Monday, could have inadvertently painted a target on the Duke Citys back.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Santa Fe City Council doubled-downed on its sanctuary city status, intentionally thumbing its nose at the presidents proposed immigration policies. But, this week, councilors apparently are having second thoughts: Theyll now consider a toned-down resolution (with a 37-word title) that doesnt mention the s word, but has the same intent  to declare that Santa Fe is an immigrant-friendly city. Sound familiar?

Given Santa Fes proximity to Albuquerque, the fact that Gov. Susanna Martinez did not come out early and often in support of Trump on the campaign trail, and that Hillary Clinton carried New Mexico in Novembers general election, its feasible the new president will be tempted to consider New Mexico a sanctuary state.

Albuquerque has been, at least officially, an immigrant-friendly city since 2000, when the City Council voted 9-0 in favor of the resolution that is under consideration for reaffirmation. Mayor Richard Berry, who made immigration a central issue in his 2009 campaign, won a policy change the following year  on a 5-4 party-line vote  that directs city police to check the immigration status of everyone they arrest, regardless of nationality. But it didnt change the immigrant-friendly name. The 2000 and 2010 votes reflected not only changing attitudes about immigration, but also the dilemma officials face when trying to balance historically open-arms policies on immigration with the need to enforce public safety.

Interestingly, Berry held a news conference Tuesday to announce the opening of the citys new Office of Immigration and Refugee Affairs, which will work to link immigrants and refugees  regardless of legal status  with agencies and groups that offer assistance. The 18-month program, funded by a $300,000 Kellogg grant, when coupled with the potential reaffirmation of the 2000 resolution could send a message to the Trump administration, whether thats the intent or not.

Albuquerques proposed reaffirmation of the 2000 resolution, which does not carry the force of an ordinance, was not discussed by the council when it was introduced, but dozens of speakers urged councilors to back the measure when it comes before them on Feb. 22. Before that meeting, councilors need to ask themselves who really benefits if they weigh in on federal immigration policy.

And who loses.

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.
The Santa Rita Mountains, a chain of forested peaks that rise from the desert southeast of Tucson, Ariz., rank among the Southwests premier biodiversity hotspots. The regions most notable resident is a 160-pound, Mexican-born male jaguar called El Jefe, who was first spotted on American soil in 2011. While El Jefe rules the Santa Ritas, hell likely have to return to Mexico to produce an heir. The United States hasnt hosted a female jaguar since 1963.

For El Jefe and the borders other wild inhabitants, searching for love is a complicated proposition. The United States shares a 2,000-mile border with its southern neighbor, around 650 miles of which is blocked by fences and vehicle barriers. Much of the border remains relatively crossable for wildlife, with some of the mountainous stretches in the Santa Ritas too rugged for fencing. But the borders permeability to animals may not last.

On Jan. 25, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for the immediate construction of a border wall to deter illegal immigration. Such a wall was, of course, the central plank in Trumps campaign, and it remains as inhumane, ineffective and expensive an idea as ever: Mexicos about as likely to pay for it as Trump is to release his tax returns. There is, of course, yet another reason to oppose the Great Wall of Trump: It will be a catastrophe for the natural world.

For decades, biologists have understood the importance of habitat connectivity to conservation. Species from wolverines to salamanders require not only protected areas to thrive, but also safe passage between them. Wide-ranging elk need to migrate from summer to winter range; isolated animals like El Jefe have to find mates; and secluded populations must mingle in order to avoid inbreeding. Biologists nationwide also now emphasize linkage: Witness the Path of the Pronghorn, Americas first federal migration corridor, or the Forest Service accounting for connectivity in planning rules. E.M. Forsters injunction to Only connect! ruled the zeitgeist  until President Donald Trump.

There is copious evidence that suggests Trumps wall would damage borderlands ecosystems. One 2011 study found that some native species in California have already lost up to 75 percent of their range to border fences. An Arizona camera-trap study found that border infrastructure impeded the movements of cougars and coatis, but failed to have any impact on the movements of human beings. Journalists have reported watching bison trash border fences to reach food and water. A recent global review reported that barriers curtail animals mobility, fragment populations and cause direct mortality.

All told, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service analysis suggests that President Trumps wall could affect more than 100 threatened or endangered species. Might the Endangered Species Act, Americas toothiest environmental law, pose a stumbling block to this grandiose project? The answer is only perhaps: Section 7 of the ESA requires federal agencies to consult with Fish and Wildlife on projects that could jeopardize endangered species or destroy critical habitat. Yet a 2015 analysis found that Section 7 consultations hadnt stopped or extensively altered a single project since 2008. The act wont dent Trumps wall, especially since the Department of Homeland Security has waived the law in expanding border fences in the past.

It is true that bemoaning Donald Trumps actions that harm wildlife is a lot like complaining about the Titanics house band. His presidency is bringing daily affronts to his fellow Homo sapiens. Hes signed executive orders that will harm the health of women worldwide, ban certain refugees and leave millions without health care. The wall isnt even his worst insult to wildlife: His vows to revive coal and withdraw from international treaties stand to doom more species, by accelerating climate change, than any barrier ever could.

Yet the wall is a crisis. It is a towering symbol of President Trumps disdain for science, stewardship and legal process. His hiring freeze will devastate the National Park Services ability to preserve precious landscapes, his plans to neuter the Environmental Protection Agency will make our air and water dirtier, and his expunging of global warming from the White House website bodes ill for our climate. Whats more, as Congress lines up to sell federal acres, its hard to imagine President Trump acting as anything other than a rubber stamp.

Fortunately, cadres of scientists have already taken stands against this benighted attitude  some by vowing to run for public office, others by going rogue on social media. Most promising is the March for Science, an upcoming protest in Washington, D.C., that thousands of scientists have pledged to attend. We can only hope that at least one marcher will be walking for connecting habitats and against the wall.

Ben Goldfarb is a contributing writer to Writers on the Range, the opinion service of High Country News (hcn.org). He is a contributing editor of the magazine.
SANTA FE  The Whole Foods Market on St. Francis Drive in Santa Fe is one of nine stores the company will be closing across the country as the natural food grocer scales back on expansion plans.

The store, which employs about 80 people, or team members, will close April 9.

This was part of an overall evaluation of our portfolio of stores as we work to position Whole Foods Market for long-term success, spokeswoman Betsy Harden said in an email. It was not a decision that was made lightly and we are working closely with all affected team members to find alternative positions at nearby stores.

Whole Foods has another location in Santa Fe on Cerrillos Road, less than a mile away from the store thats closing, and two stores in Albuquerque.

The company will be closing two stores in both California and Colorado, and one each in Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico and Utah.

Most of the stores that are closing are older stores or smaller locations, according to the company. Many, as is the case in Santa Fe, are located near larger, more modern stores.

Harden said the decision came after a company evaluation of its portfolio of stores to align with a more thoughtful growth strategy.

Eighteen months ago, Whole Foods, which currently operates about 470 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, declared there was the potential to grow to as many as 1,200 stores in the U.S. While it will close nine stores this quarter, it opened 13 new stores last quarter, plans to open six more in the next three months and has several dozen more in the pipeline.

The announcement to close one of the Santa Fe stores comes the same week Whole Foods Market, Inc., reported its sixth consecutive quarter with declining sales. For the quarter ending Jan. 15, sales fell 2.4 percent at established locations.

The company projects sales to fall another 2.5 percent at established locations this next quarter.

Shoppers at the store on Thursday said they were disappointed to hear the news.

Im bummed out, said Christine Jacobus. Its so easy to park here. Parking is horrible at the other one.

Still, Jacobus said shell likely start shopping at the Whole Foods on Cerrillos Road.

Rebecca Abrams is less sure.

Ill probably start shopping at La Montanita Co-op, she said. The other one is too big. I like the small, intimate size.

Abrams said shes been shopping at the store since it was Wild Oats. Austin-based Whole Foods bought out Wild Oats at the St. Francis location in 2007. Whole Foods had opened the Cerrillos Road store, which it built, in late 1999.

One employee of the Santa Fe store thats closing who didnt want to be identified by name said the news came as a shock to everyone.

At least Whole Foods is trying to take care of the team members, she said. A lot of other companies would just kick you out the door.

She said employees were notified during an early morning mandatory meeting on Wednesday.

There are a lot of mixed emotions going on, she said. This store has been here forever. A lot of team members know the customers. Its very family oriented.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
The budget squeeze affecting New Mexicos court system is hitting home in Santa Fe.

The 1st Judicial District Court and the District Attorneys Office are keeping vacancies open. Local public defenders are carrying caseloads that are heavier than the national recommendation.

And since judicial due process is constitutionally required, people in those offices have to pick up the slack.

The district court in Santa Fe, which has an annual budget of about $7 million, is waiting on help as the governor and Legislature debate how to finance the court system, which state Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Daniels recently said was on life support because of its monetary shortfall.

On Wednesday, after Gov. Susana Martinez met with the Board of Finance, courts statewide got $600,000 in emergency funding to pay jurors for their trial service through mid-April. But thats not enough to cover trials from April until July 1, when the next fiscal year begins and a new state budget kicks in.

In a recent interview, Chief District Judge Sarah Singleton said there are four open clerk positions in Santa Fe that cant be filled for lack of funding. The vacancies are close to 20 percent of the 21 total clerk positions, according to the chief of the clerks office.

Clerks do everything from interact with the public, file documents in the electronic records system and send copies of pleadings to lawyers on both sides of a case.

All of that is being delayed, and that can have a real impact on a judges ability to decide a case because a plea may not be available in a file for a judge to look at when theyre holding a hearing and trying to rule on an issue, Singleton said.

And it generally means that the people are not getting the kind of service that they need to get from our court.

Its not there yet, Singleton said, but the court could get to the point where some employees may have to be furloughed.

We would be taking our lowest-paid employees and we would be balancing the budget on their backs, Singleton said. When you have fewer clerks and you require them to do the same amount or more than they used to do when they had four additional people, it is not good for morale. Its not conducive to doing a good job because youre constantly rushed and its kind of difficult to do the really detail-oriented job they have to do when youre pushed at that kind of a rate.

Singleton said that the courts dont get adequate funding, then specialty programs, like drug court, which provides intensive supervision for people accused of nonviolent drug crimes, will be the first to go. These programs arent under the constitutional mandates for a speedy trial that regular courts must deal with. The drug court, which employs six people, had a budget of about $775,000 this fiscal year, according to 1st Judicial District CEO Stephen Pacheco.

It would be just a real shame and very shortsighted because, in the long run, its much cheaper to run somebody through drug court with the possibility of a good result than it is to have them incarcerated for years and years with a very high recidivism rate after that, Singleton said. But if we have to make a choice, we have to go with what were constitutionally mandated to do.

District Attorney Marco Serna, who ran for office last year on a platform of putting non-violent drug offenders in treatment programs instead of in jail, said he would hate to see the drug court close shop.

It would be horrible to cut a specialty court because they do so much, he said. To see those types of courts be cut because we dont have enough money is counterintuitive. These are the specialty courts that actually reduce recidivism so, if we dont have those available to defendants to help them with addiction and to help reduce recidivism, were shooting ourselves in the foot.

Serna also has spots for a deputy district attorney and a few for senior trial attorneys, but he said hes not going to fill them until Gov. Martinez signs off on a budget so hell know if he has enough money. His attorneys have been taking on more work as a result.

I dont want to consider furloughs and I dont want to consider terminating any of my employees because theyre already taking on so much work as it is, he said.

The Law Office of the Public Defender is also pushing for money to hire more lawyers. Chief Public Defender Ben Baur said more than 80 percent of criminal defendants in the 1st Judicial District  Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos counties  qualify for a public defender and his staff here is overworked.

In October, the agencys annual budget was reduced by 3 percent amid across-the-board state spending cuts.

The National Association for Court Management recommends that lawyers take on no more than 150 felony and 400 misdemeanor cases per year. Baur said his attorneys are over those numbers.

The number of cases and requirements placed on the public defenders office is more than we should be able to handle, Baur said. I think there are a lot of clients who are getting excellent representation here in Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties, but we struggle to keep up.

Hes asking for a 10 percent funding increase to his roughly $47.3 million budget  up from $41.8 million in 2014  to hire 25 more attorneys statewide.

An overworked public defenders office can jam up the entire system. A Lea County district judge held Baur in contempt of court in October because his defense lawyers werent showing up for hearings. Baur said lawyers werent making appearances because he doesnt have enough lawyers in Lea County to be at every hearing.

On a busy docket day in one Santa Fe courtroom last year, a judge excoriated a public defender for not being prepared. The public defender cited caseload as the source of the problem. Missed hearings have to be rescheduled, prolonging the cases, and putting extra strain on judges and prosecutors.

It crams the criminal justice system as a whole, Serna said. We cant effectively prosecute these individuals.

Both Serna and Baur said that small things can be tweaked so time and money can be saved. Anyone charged with a crime that may come with jail time, including violations like driving without a valid license, is constitutionally allowed to have a lawyer. Baur said changing the potential criminal penalties for crimes like that would free up his staff. Serna said streamlining plea deals so that they dont take up as much court time would save money. Such ideas are very preliminary, Serna said.

Were looking at other ways to handle things but, in the end, there just has to be truth in funding, Baur said. We need more resources.

House Bill 81, sponsored by Rep. Republican Nate Gentry and Democrat Rep. Daniel Ivey-Soto, both from Albuquerque, would earmark for the courts 3 percent of the state General Fund, and revenue from land grant permanent funds and the federal Mineral Leasing Act.

The bills fiscal impact report says the benchmark would give the judicial system $177.9 million, which is a 14 percent increase from the $156 million the courts received the current fiscal year. The bill recently got through the House Judiciary Committee with a Do Pass recommendation.
Local Native American and environmental activists are still agitating against the Dakota Access Pipeline despite a Wednesday authorization to resume construction of the controversial oil pipeline.

Some New Mexicans remain camped at the pipeline site near Cannon Ball, S.D., while others are gathering and making phone calls from Albuquerque  including a Thursday afternoon protest outside the local Army Corps of Engineers office.

Since early 2016, members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and allies, including New Mexican Native American rights and environmental activists, have camped out near the site hoping to stop construction of the pipeline.

On Wednesday, the Army Corps reversed its course and approved pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners request for an easement under the Missouri River to complete the very last section of the 1,172-mile-long pipe. Construction under the river began that night.

If we cant be at camp, we can make all the noise we can down here, said Sheldon Tenorio, an activist at Thursdays rally who has also camped at the pipeline.

In December, the Army Corps, then under President Barack Obamas administration, put a temporary halt on the easement pending an environmental study.

After that, the Standing Rock tribal council voted to dismantle the camp and asked activists to go home. The tribe also voted to transfer public donations to the tribes governmental operating budget.

Various GoFundMe and other fundraising websites have collected more than $7.4 million in donations, in addition to donations made directly to the tribe.

But on Wednesday, the Army Corps, under President Donald Trump  who once held stock in the oil pipeline company, according to his financial disclosures  gave final approval to the easement without a completion of the environmental study.

The Standing Rock tribe on Thursday filed an emergency motion to halt construction and a federal judge has scheduled hearings for Monday.

The Albuquerque protest Thursday was organized by the local chapter of the national Food & Water Watch group working with other local groups.

Albuquerque resident Eleanor Bravo, pipeline campaign manager for Food & Water Watch, said another day of action against the pipeline is set for March 10.
For Juanita Romano, dance is about freedom, about movement, about self-expression  the very things she was denied as a child in New Mexico when she was a ward of the state and lived in an endless succession of foster homes.

Today, Romano is an internationally known West Coast-based dancer, whose dance videos are wildly popular in the Middle East.

She is the featured performer at Saturdays International Night of Passion, a fundraiser to benefit the Barrett Foundation at Sandia Resort & Casino.

Romano says its her way to pay back the kindness she was shown years ago, when she was homeless and taken in at the Barrett House shelter for women and later provided supportive housing in a Barrett Foundation program.

Romanos life did not start out easy, and things could have turned out very badly for her, she says.

From the time I was born, I traveled all over the country with my mother, who was a paranoid schizophrenic. She kept on the move because she thought the government was after her and that she was always being followed, Romano explains during a lunch conversation at a local cafe. I was 4 when I knew something was wrong with her, but I didnt know how to articulate it and warn people.

They were in New Mexico when the state stepped in and removed the then-5-year-old child from her mothers custody. Her mother, she says, had periodic visitations, but by the time little Juanita was 9, her mother had simply disappeared.

She was off the grid, Romano says, adding that she has since learned that her mother had died.

Suffering from what doctors diagnosed as severe depression and anxiety, Romano lived in a seemingly endless series of foster homes, group homes and residential treatment centers. There were brief stints in juvenile detention and stays in psychiatric facilities.

While she was not abused, all of the places that served as her home were cold and I felt completely abandoned, she says.

I was home-schooled for much of the time, had little contact with the outside world, and little human interaction. I didnt even know how to hug someone until I was 15. I couldnt take compliments, I couldnt look in the mirror, I had no sense of self, no self-esteem and no social skills.

At age 18 and no longer a ward of the state, Romano was alone and adrift.

She made her way to a local homeless shelter where, she says, I slept with both shoes on and one eye open.

It was there that she heard about and contacted Barrett House, which accepted her into their womens emergency shelter and later placed her in supportive housing.

That was my first apartment, Romano recalls. It gave me a sense of freedom and I felt safe. I just thought, Now I can stop fighting for survival and start living and focus on who I am. 

She figured it out quickly.

While looking for a job she came upon a Fred Astaire dance studio that was training and hiring dance teachers. She immersed herself in rumba, samba, salsa, cha-cha, bolero, merengue, tango, waltz, fox trot, country western and polka.

For the first time in my life I was interacting with people in a completely different way, Romano says. All of a sudden I had doctors and lawyers and professional people looking at me and asking me for advice and assistance. It was very empowering.

She moved on to other studios, developed her own clientele along the way and became financially independent.

After a few years, she decided to step it up and get more dance education. She relocated to Los Angeles and studied with dance masters while teaching at various studios. She has since produced and danced in shows around the United States, is currently working on a show in Las Vegas, Nev., and has performed in foreign countries, including Turkey, Dubai and Mexico.

Romano took time this week to visit with the women at Barrett House. Her message to them was simple:

The way to outlive your past is to create your future.

We welcome suggestions for the daily Bright Spot. Send to newsroom@abqjournal.com.
The New Mexico Public Education Department says a deal is pending that will preserve $63 million in federal special education funding, but State Auditor Tim Keller stressed that the plan is still not formally in place, flagging the issue in a new audit.

On Wednesday, the auditors office released its annual financial audit of PED and all state charter schools, which includes a scathing cover letter to Education Secretary Hanna Skandera.

The letter criticizes Skandera for touting the special education deal with the U.S. Department of Education when no such final agreement actually exists.

Paul Aguilar, PEDs deputy secretary for finance and operations, argued that Keller is sensationalizing the situation, which comes down to a simple delay as the deal clears final vetting and red tape.

PED brokered the agreement in February 2016 to address low state contributions to special education since fiscal year 2010. The federal government requires a minimum level of state funding before it will provide certain grants.

Under the plan, PED can pay $9 million a year over the next five years to cover its obligations.

In an interview with the Journal, Keller said PED should not count its special education dollars before the document is actually signed.

If indeed there is a final deal, we can all celebrate and move on, Keller said. It is not done until it is actually done.  There is tens of millions of dollars in limbo. From an auditors perspective, we want clarity and resolution.

Aguilar countered that Keller doesnt have an understanding of the situation in general.

He provided the Journal with a draft settlement agreement, which requires final approval from the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice.

This idea that $63 million is going to be lost is really not true, Aguilar said. It is really important that folks know that no money has been lost and this characterization that it is imminent is grossly unfair.

The $63 million figure itself is not solid, Aguilar added, because it would be up to the federal government to calculate how much New Mexico should lose based on its failure to meet the state funding threshold during previous years.

In the past, the possible figure has fluctuated from roughly $100 million to $80 million and now $63 million.

PED is working with the U.S. Department of Education, now headed by Betsy DeVos, to resolve the agreement, though Aguilar could not predict how long it will take because the administration is in transtion.

To Keller, PED staff are just overselling the special education deal again, as they did a year ago.

From an audit perspective, a document that is done and waiting for a signature is no different than nothing, Keller said. If it is almost across the finish line, great, but we have heard that before.

Findings decline

In addition, the new audit lists 178 findings against the states roughly 60 charter schools, down from 195 the previous fiscal year. That averages to three findings per school in FY16, though some poor performers had many more.

The problems include procurement violations, non-compliance with background and licensure requirements, overspending, payroll deficiencies and incorrect travel and per diem rates.

Keller said closing low-performing schools is costly and disruptive for students, so PED should invest more in proper training to provide support on the front end.

While Aguilar agreed that training is always beneficial, he said the reduction in findings shows PED is taking steps to improve charter school management.

We are confident next year we will have fewer findings and still fewer the next year, he added.
Prosecutors will seek a life sentence without the possibility of parole against the man accused of fatally shooting Albuquerque officer Daniel Webster in October 2015, according to recent court filings.

Davon Lymon faces first-degree murder and lesser charges in connection with the killing. According to police, Lymon shot Webster during a traffic stop. He is scheduled to go to trial in March 2018.

Law enforcement officers are the first line of defense in keeping our communities safe, Attorney General Hector Balderas said in a statement. When horrific crimes are committed against those brave individuals, it is the priority of the Office of the Attorney General to prosecute these violent offenders by pursuing a life sentence, the strictest penalty afforded by New Mexico law.

Assistant Attorney General Clara Moran wrote in a notice filed last week that the state would seek aggravating circumstances that would result in the sentence. State law outlines seven aggravating circumstances, one of which is the killing of an on-duty law enforcement officer.

But Lymons defense attorney Jeff Rein called the states plan a misapplication to this situation.

I think its designed for people who are focused on a particular kind of victim, or a particular kind of harm, Rein said. From what he has seen so far, he said, the allegations dont suggest that sort of targeted crime.

The idea that a police officer is targeted just for being a police officer, he said, I dont see those sorts of facts or evidence in this case.

Rein said that because the case is so high profile theres a sense that this should be treated differently.

I think anyone who is killed as a result of homicide deserves the same kind of respect from all of us, Rein said, and the same kind of zealous effort on the part of prosecutors to seek justice.

Lymon has been convicted of two federal firearm charges, each carries a sentence of up to 10 years. Additionally, he faces up to 20 years in prison for three drug trafficking convictions.
SANTA FE  A proposal to revamp New Mexicos whistleblower protection law came under fire Thursday from a state ethics group, which said it would gut the current law and give government agencies greater ability to retaliate against workers who report public corruption or wrongdoing.

But the bills sponsor, Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, disputed the claim, saying the legislation would actually improve the Whistleblower Protection Act.

One thing thats not in dispute is that the measure, Senate Bill 299, proposes sweeping changes to the states whistleblower law.

Contractors would no longer be able to file claims, and only non-administrative employees would be eligible to get their jobs back  or a job with the same seniority status. The current law requires that successful whistleblowers be reinstated at the same seniority level.

In addition, the bill would require whistleblowers to prove they suffered tangible or significant change in their employment status to meet the definition of retaliation.

The legislation would not change the allowable damages that can be awarded under the current whistleblower law, which include double back pay.

This bill is specifically designed to strengthen and streamline the law, and at the same time ensure taxpayer money is not being used to pay out frivolous claims, Candelaria said in an interview Thursday.

He also described the current law as broader than federal statute, saying, Right now, the law could actually compensate someone whose feelings are hurt.

However, the New Mexico Ethics Watch, a nonpartisan group founded last year, said that if the whistleblower protection law is narrowed, employees could find it tougher to speak out about government corruption.

At a time when the people of New Mexico are crying out for ethics reform, this bill represents a leap backwards, said Douglas Carver, the ethics groups executive director.

The group urged Candelaria to withdraw the legislation from consideration, but Candelaria told the Journal he does not intend to do so.

New Mexicos whistleblower protection act was enacted in 2010, and is designed to protect public employees who disclose illegal or improper actions from losing their jobs, or facing other types of retaliation.

The law also protects employees who provide court testimony and who refuse to comply with unlawful demands. It allows employees to file lawsuits if they are retaliated against.

The law applies to state, county and municipal governments, among other government bodies.

The New Mexico Association of Counties, which is one of several groups pushing the legislation, has argued the current law is so broad that government entities frequently settle claims in order to avoid litigation.

Steve Kopleman, the NMACs executive director, said Thursday that roughly 300 whistleblower claims have been filed against New Mexico school districts, counties, cities and state government agencies since 2011.

As a practical matter, its been used to protect poorly performing employees, including supervisors, Kopelman said in an interview.

He also said one whistleblower claim was recently settled in Los Alamos for about $2 million.

Bill sponsor Candelaria, who said he had not been contacted by the ethics group, argued that whistleblower protections would remain intact for legitimate complaints.

However, the ethics group opposing the measure said it could have a chilling effect.

This bill will result in greater freedom for employers to intimidate and retaliate against those who speak out on matters of public concern, said Phil Davis, the board secretary for New Mexico Ethics Watch.

Other changes in the proposed legislation include:

 Removing malfeasance by a public official as grounds for a complaint.

 Requiring that whistleblower complaints be communicated to someone in a position to address the issue.

 Increasing the standard for a waste of funds to a gross waste  no exact dollar amount is specified.

Senate Bill 299 has been assigned to two Senate committees but had not been scheduled for a hearing as of Thursday.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

Thomas Martinez was a one-man crime wave, racking up multiple robberies, three carjackings in one day and a home invasion before he was arrested.

He was sentenced to 27 years.

Gabriel Mirabal, a crack dealer arrested as part of the Drug Enforcement Administrations Operation Rio Grande Stucco, got 36 years.

Elias Atencio, who robbed four Santa Fe businesses in 12 days, was sentenced to 20 years.

All were prosecuted as part of the ongoing worst of the worst initiative, in which prosecutors in New Mexico target people with long criminal histories and charge them in federal court, where the sentences are often harsher, instead of state court.

The program got a major boost Thursday.

Four prosecutors from the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office in Albuquerque will be named special assistant U.S. attorneys in order to help fight what officials called a violent crime epidemic in New Mexico.

Damon Martinez, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced the additions alongside a bipartisan group of district attorneys from across the state.

The idea is, How do we maximize our return on investment for each defendant that we take to trial,  2nd Judicial District Attorney Raul Torrez said.

In recent years, thousands of cases have been dismissed and havent been refiled, in part due to fears by prosecutors that they couldnt meet disclosure deadlines. In that time, Albuquerques crime rate has increased significantly and police have often complained about what they say is a revolving door at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

Torrez said an emphasis on federal prosecutions for some criminals may help solve those issues.

In addition to longer sentences for people convicted of crimes, he said federal court release and detention guidelines allow prosecutors to keep certain inmates behind bars while they await trial.

The gun crimes and the applicable statutes that we use in federal court are simply better tools for making this a safer community, he said. Oftentimes we find ourselves in state district court with violent repeat offenders who frankly dont receive the kind of punishment they deserve after convictions, and oftentimes we have difficulty detaining those individuals in advance of trial.

The special prosecutors will continue to be state employees and work at the District Attorneys Office in Albuquerque, but the designation will allow them to try cases in federal court, where criminals face longer sentences.

For example, a felon in possession of a firearm conviction in state court only carries an 18-month sentence, and convicts can be released after nine months. That same conviction in federal court, if the defendant is proven to be an armed career criminal, would carry a mandatory minimum of 15 years.

Thats where the hammer is, Martinez said.

The program has existed for several years, but there have only been special prosecutors in the judicial districts in and around Farmington, Las Cruces and Roswell. Albuquerque has not had any.

We go and identify the people that just seem to keep coming back and causing problems in our community, said Rick Tedrow, the district attorney in Farmington. Weve used this program to get them out of San Juan County.

Officials from the Office of the Federal Public Defender in the District of New Mexico declined to comment on the initiative on Thursday.

Tedrow said hes comfortable with federal prosecutors taking over certain local cases because the authorities work together on which charges should be brought.

As a conservative, states rights Republican, it takes a lot for me to say, Yes, feds, you take over,  he said. But right now, the collaboration that we have works. I can say take it or dont. 

Martinez said the program is needed because of the rising violent crime in the state. He said statewide, violent crimes jumped 13.6 percent over the first six months in 2015 compared to 2014. And Albuquerque saw a significant increase in violent crime in 2016 compared to the year before.

Violent crime is what were talking about here, Martinez said. Heres the message that we, in partnership, are trying to convey to the community: Something is being done. 
BEIJING  President Donald Trump held a lengthy, extremely cordial telephone conversation with Chinas President Xi Jinping late on Thursday evening in Washington, and  in a move set to ease tensions between the two nations  agreed to honor the one-China policy, the White House said in a statement.

The one-China policy forms the bedrock of U.S. China diplomatic ties, established by President Richard Nixon and Chinas leader Mao Zedong. It rules out independence and diplomatic recognition for the island of Taiwan.

But Trump has publicly called U.S. adherence to this policy into question, suggesting he would only commit to it once he evaluates Chinas progress in addressing trade and currency concerns.

In response, China insisted the policy was highly sensitive and non-negotiable.

The United States maintains a military relationship with Taiwan, which Beijing considers a province, but closed its embassy there in 1979.

The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our one China policy, the White House statement said.

Representatives from both countries will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest, the statement said.

The phone call between President Trump and President Xi was extremely cordial, and both leaders extended best wishes to the people of each others countries, it added.

 They also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries. President Trump and President Xi look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes.

The telephone call came on the eve of a formal summit between Trump and Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe set to take place in Washington on Friday. Japan is a historic enemy of China and a key modern-day strategic rival.

In December, following his election and before his transition, Trump made waves with a protocol-breaking telephone call with Taiwans leader, Tsai Ing-wen.

It was the first communication between leaders of the United States and Taiwan since 1979 and the product of months of preparation by Trumps advisers, who advocated for a new strategy of engagement with Taiwan to rattle China.

As expected, China reacted sternly, but Trump publicly questioned whether the one- China policy was in Americas best interests. He fired off provocative tweets about the Chinese  on currency manipulation, imports from the United States and its military build-up in the South China Sea.

Trump told The Wall Street Journal in a January interview, shortly before his inauguration, that he was open to shifting U.S. policy on China and Taiwan.

Everything is under negotiation, including One China,' Trump told the newspaper.

The phone call to Xi came a day after Trump sent a letter wishing China a prosperous Year of the Rooster  which was sent 11 days after China celebrated its Lunar New Year festival.

The White House issued a statement saying Trump had provided a letter to Xi on Wednesday, thanking the Chinese leader for a congratulatory note he had sent on the U.S. presidents inauguration.

Trump wished the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and prosperous Year of the Rooster and said he looks forward to working with President Xi to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China, according to the statement.

China celebrated its Lunar New Year on Jan. 28, and the lack of a customary new years greeting from the U.S. president at that time was noticed here. The Lantern Festival will be celebrated on Saturday.

  

Philip Rucker in Washington contributed to this report.
Local advocates for wild horse herds in New Mexico piled into a bus at 3:30 a.m. Thursday and headed to Santa Fe to voice their views on an amended version of a state senate bill they feared would lead to the elimination of wild horse herds that roam the Alto area north of Ruidoso.

Despite the efforts of advocates, they reported that members of the Senate Conservation Committee passed the bill in less than five minutes. A series of hearings led to modifications of the original bill submitted by State Sen. Pat Woods, a Republican from Quay County, that eliminates the classification of domesticated horse.

While under the amended version horses still would be lumped into the broad definition for livestock that fall under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Livestock Board, specific exceptions were included for Spanish colonial horses and for a wild horse defined as an unclaimed horse without obvious brands or other evidence of private ownership that is determined by the board to originate from public land or federal land or to be part of or descended from a herd that lives on or originates from public land; but does not include horses that are subject to the jurisdiction of the federal government pursuant to the federal Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

Public land does not include federal land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service or state trust land.

Under the amended version, a wild horse captured on private land in New Mexico at the discretion of the livestock board shall be humanely captured and relocated to state public land or to a public or private horse preserve; adopted by a qualified person (for an adoption fee); or humanely euthanized provided the option is the last resort when the horse is determined by a licensed veterinarian to be crippled or otherwise unhealthy or cannot be relocated to a public or private wild horse preserve or adopted.

A new section throws in another wrinkle for the future of wild horses such as the herds in Alto. That section in the amended bill provides when requested by the board to determine the viability of a specific New Mexico wild horse herd on the range they occupy, the range improvement task force of New Mexico State University will evaluate the range conditions to determine the number of wild horses that the range can support while maintaining its ecological health.

The task force will report the results of the evaluation to the board. If required, the board may cause control of the New Mexico wild horse herd population through the use of birth control and may cause excess horses to be humanely captured and relocated, adopted or euthanized.

The task force also would be required to submit an annual report to the legislature on the results of evaluations each year and other appropriate comments on the status of the overall New Mexico range.

A second bill introduced by Woods, SB284, which has not yet been heard in committee, specifically deals with trespassing horses on private land. It gives the livestock board jurisdiction over any horse trespassing on fee simple private land and charges board representatives to attempt to determine ownership and simultaneously to notify animal rescue organizations.

If no owner can be identified after five days, the horse shall be offered to animas rescue organizations. If no animal rescue organization assumes ownership after two days, the board may auction the horse, SB284 states.

These people apparently are hell bent on getting rid of the wild horses, one wild herd advocate said.

Noting that the incoming president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association backed the bill, contending it provided a remedy for a private land owner beleaguered by trespassing unowned horses, a Santa Fe attorney with government background said, My question is, if a deer or elk eats her trees, does she had a remedy? If a skunk sprays her dog, does she have a remedy? If a coyote eats her cat, does she have a remedy? Is the state required to provide a remedy at taxpayer expense for every intrusion of wildlife onto private property?

The attorney also questioned if any data exists showing that overgrazing by wild horses has occurred on private land and how that data compared to grazing by other wild animals.

Local wild herd advocates mobilized in large numbers after the livestock board in August 2016 hauled away a dozen members of a herd in Alto that had been penned by a private land owner. Some neighbors contended the landowner rounded up the horses outside her land and brought them into a fenced area for the board to load. A lawsuit was filed by the Wild Horse Observers Association that resulted in a temporary restraining order against the sale of any of the horses in the herd. Under an agreement approved by the court, the horses were returned to the county to acreage that minimized interaction with humans until the court decides on the status of the herd as wild. That case still is pending in the 12th Judicial District Court.

Some advocates contend the state Game and Fish Department is a more logical agency to handle wild horses as it does large game animals. They also point to the financial benefits from tourists who come to the area to see the herds. The woman who filed the original complaint against the removed herd said her fencing was damaged. She said she feared for her mare who was in season and for her own safety when she encountered the herd out riding.



2017 the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.)

Visit the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) at www.ruidosonews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

_____
I started working with the U.S. Army, Bravo Company 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Baghdad on March 1, 2003. I joined because of my complete faith that the United States had come to Iraq to give us our freedom and dignity back and remove injustice.

Despite my decade of service to the United States, when I finally got my visa and arrived in New York late last month, I was detained for more than 18 hours at the airport because of the ban President Trump ordered on travel from Iraq and six other mostly Muslim nations. This was not the America I knew. Maybe the ban is not really reflective of America: It has been blocked by the courts so far, including a federal appeals court ruling Thursday night, so that it cannot take effect while its being challenged.

When I was first detained, I was disappointed and surprised. But when I was released, my faith was again restored. I was moved by the crowds of people who came to welcome me. And Im so glad that I have come to live here with my wife and our three children.

I spent about a decade working for the U.S. government in Iraq, as an Army interpreter, an engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers and for the State Department at the U.S. Consulate in Irbil. I helped Americans protect Iraqis from al-Qaida terrorists, provide water and electricity, train local police and renovate utilities, roads, bridges, schools, libraries, clinics and hospitals. When I was with my Army colleagues, we were brothers in arms. We lived together, ate together and looked out for each other. They treated me like a soldier alongside them, and we were all one unit. I still have a very strong relationship with them.

In 2005 in Baghdad, terrorists tracked and killed two of my Iraqi colleagues. I was also ambushed, but got away. The same terrorists tried to track me a second time. They knew my home address, and I expected them to attack any moment. I lived very carefully. The day that they came to my house, I ran away before they showed up. The next day, my family and I moved to another city. But after 1 1/2 years, the terrorists found me again. They were looking for me in a public marketplace, and neighbors warned me to leave. We moved again, but we knew we would not be safe forever. So I decided to try to move us to the United States.

I contacted a friend who was an Army officer, and he gave me the email address for the International Refugee Assistance Project, a New York-based nonprofit providing legal representation for people seeking refugee status. Its CUNY Law chapter took on my case in October 2014.

I waited almost three years for my visa. I filled out many forms and submitted documents to the U.S. government. I had to travel back to Baghdad to be interviewed at the embassy. I was finally granted my visa on Jan. 20, 2017, the day Trump was sworn in. I received the visas for my whole family the following Wednesday.

That day, our representatives in New York called to say we should fly to the United States immediately because an executive order would be issued soon that would prevent us from traveling. We didnt know it would take effect while we were in midair.

We had to leave most of our things behind; we didnt even get to inform our relatives that we were leaving. Our lawyers first booked us on a flight Thursday that would have gotten us to New York Friday morning. But the airline didnt let us board because we didnt have a visa wed need to make two scheduled connections in Turkey. IRAP rebooked us on a flight out Friday morning, with just one stop in Istanbul, that would land that evening in New York.

We arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport around 5:45 p.m. on Jan. 27  an hour after the travel ban was signed. When we got off the plane, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer escorted me to another office without my family and asked me to wait. He held my passport with my U.S. Special Immigrant Visa inside and took an envelope with additional documents I had been given at the embassy in Baghdad. The officer said my family could wait outside by baggage claim.

They kept me in the back office.

At first, they didnt ask any questions. I could not see a clock, so I did not know how much time had passed. I started to worry: I knew our legal team was waiting for us in the airport, but I wasnt sure if they met my family.

After about two hours, I asked an officer, Why am I here? She said, You just wait. After a while, I asked again, and she got nervous. She told me they were waiting for a phone call. I asked if I was arrested or if they suspected me of something, and her answer was No. I told them I wanted to meet my attorney or make a phone call, but they did not answer.

After four or five hours, I realized it must be because of the executive order. When I was still in Iraq, my legal team had prepared me for the possibility that the order would make an officer detain and question me. They even prepared a letter for me to give to the officers, which I had done right away. There was no other reason they could have stopped me.

That night, I was confused and did not know what to do. I kept asking about my family, but I got no answers. What happened to them? How were they doing? I was sure they were scared. But I had no choice: I knew I should listen to the officers and keep calm.

At some point, they decided to move me to another part of the airport. Two officers asked me to empty my pockets. They put everything I had in a bag and informed me that they would move me to another terminal. They said they were preparing to send me back to Iraq. When I asked about my family, they told me I would meet them there and we would all be deported from the United States to Iraq.

They said they would handcuff me until we arrived at the next building, telling me, It is for your safety because it is a dangerous area. I told them I did not want any trouble, and they handcuffed me. It was the first time in my life I had been put in handcuffs. I tried to explain again that I served with the U.S. Army in Iraq, and had come to the United States because the government created a resettlement program to support people like me who worked with the Army. They didnt respond.

I was put in a chair in another room. I couldnt sleep because I was very worried about my family. I thought there must be something wrong, a misunderstanding. It was clear the officers were confused and did not know what to do with me. I asked them, Are you arresting me? They said, No. Do you suspect me? No. I told them again that I had a Special Immigrant Visa. They could not answer my questions.

I was so confused. I had waited for so long and presented so many documents to the U.S. government over many years to prove my service. After all that, they were going to kick me out? They knew I was repeatedly threatened in Iraq. How could they treat me this way after all I had done? No one could give me any explanation for why they were holding me. People like me who served the United States should be welcomed. We have sacrificed and faced enough risks because of our service.

Around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, after nearly 12 hours in detention, one officer told me, You have a right to talk to your attorney. They called Jonathan Polonsky, my familys supervising IRAP attorney. He said they were working hard to release me, filing a lawsuit to challenge the ban alongside the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups. He told me: Do not worry about your family. They are safe with IRAP students. They have left the airport. Federal agents continued to hold me.

That day, one officer bought food for me with his own money. Finally, an officer said they would help by filling out a form with my information, asking me some questions and asking me to sign it. We will return your stuff and you will be free with your family, one officer said. He apologized and told me they were just doing their duty and following an order. Welcome to the United States, and thank you for serving our country, he said. Thank you, sir, I told him. I understand. And then they released me.

When they escorted me into the airport, a crowd greeted me. They welcomed me to the United States. In that moment, I felt the greatness of America. Yes, this is the United States of America  this is the America I knew from my work in Iraq.

Over the course of those 18 hours, I had grown more and more disappointed. They let me down by treating me as a criminal and handcuffing me. But then I was welcomed by good people cheering for me and for my release. I came from a country where there was no respect for human rights, no freedom of speech. So I was shocked to emerge from the airport and be greeted with cameras, members of Congress and reporters asking for my opinions. The people who welcomed me at the airport deserve all I did for their country  they are the true Americans.

I can never thank IRAP, New York Democratic Reps. Nydia M. Velazquez and Jerrold Nadler, and the people who came to JFK to support me enough. Because of their compassion, I know that my hard work and risks were appreciated. I am grateful to my legal team: Polonsky, Gregory Fries, Amanda Candileri, Katy Naples-Mitchell and Whitney McCann. They worked hard for almost three years until I got here, and continue to support me.

America is great because of its people. The American people have shown me that they are friendly, kind and generous. They believe in freedom, in human rights, in respect for other nations.

What happened to me did not make me cynical. I am very hopeful about my new life and the future of my family here in the U.S. I have a final message for the American people: You make up the greatest nation in the world. Thank you for your help and support. May God bless you and your country. And may you stay united.

 Darweesh recently resettled to the United States after nearly 10 years working for the U.S. government in Iraq.
ISTANBUL  Hundreds of thousands of Iranians held rallies around the country Friday to mark the anniversary of the Islamic revolution, amid heightened tensions with the new U.S. administration and its vow to isolate Iran.

Addressing crowds in the capital, Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the demonstrations were a message to the White House that Iran will not bow to any threats.

The marchers Friday are telling the world to speak to the Iranian nation with respect, Rouhani said, according to the semi-official Fars News Agency. Anyone confronting Iran will regret their aggressive policies, said Rouhani, a moderate who was elected president in 2013.

Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had called on Iranians earlier this week to use the anniversary of the revolution, which overthrew the U.S.-backed shah, as an opportunity to respond to the Trump administrations forceful rhetoric.

President Donald Trump said Iran is playing with fire by testing ballistic missiles in defiance of a United Nations Security Council resolution. The administration announced new sanctions against Iran last week, and officials are also considering a proposal to designate Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, the countrys most powerful security institution, as a terrorist group.

The designation would have far-reaching implications and could result in retaliation against U.S. troops fighting the Islamic State in Iraq, where the Revolutionary Guards also support militias battling the extremists.

Iranian officials have called the U.S. moves provocative and Khamenei urged Iranians to show their stance against such threats by turning out to celebrate the anniversary of the revolution Friday.

The rallies take place every year and images broadcast on Irans state television showed throngs of people holding signs and marching in the streets of central Tehran.

High-profile figures like Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, Qassem Soleimani, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, were also at the demonstrations, according to photographs published by Iranian news agencies. Some photos posted on social media showed signs welcoming U.S. citizens to Iran, despite what appeared to be a growing crisis. Elsewhere, demonstrators burned American flags, and chanted against the United States.

The current friction between the United States and Iran is in contrast to the easing of tensions that took place under the Obama administration, which concluded a nuclear deal with Iran and maintained an open channel of communication with its government.

The multilateral deal aimed at curbing Irans nuclear development lifted some of the international sanctions that had also halted economic growth.

The U.N. Security Council resolution that endorsed the 2015 deal called on Iran to refrain from testing ballistic missiles that could carry nuclear warheads. Late last month, Iran tested a missile that the United States says defied the resolution. Then, a week ago, the Revolutionary Guards Corps carried out extensive military exercises in the desert, calling the maneuvers a response to the new sanctions.

The new administrations plans for Iran are still unclear, said Gary Sick, who served on the National Security Council under Presidents Ford, Carter, and Reagan. He is now a senior research scholar at Columbia Universitys Middle East Institute.

But theyre hitting quite strongly, and prepared to go much further, said Sick, who was also the principal White House aide for Iran during the revolution.

I dont think we can predict how Iran will respond to it, he said. Other than that they wont be intimidated by it. Theyre not going to do that.
Paul Garcia, 24, waits to be seen by Judge Alisa Hadfield before she ordered him to be held in jail without bond, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, N.M. Garcia is accused of being in a stolen vehicle that hit and killed a mother and daughter. (Marla Brose / Journal) Elexus Groves, who is accused in the crash that killed 14-year-old Shaylee Boling, uses crutches during a hearing in District Court on Thursday morning. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal) Shaunna Arredondo-Boling (Courtesy of Diane Boling) Shaunna Arredondo-Boling, 39, and her daughter Shaylee Boling, 14, were in a fatal crash two weeks ago. Shaylee died at the scene, her mother died Tuesday afternoon. (Courtesy Diane Boling) Prev 1 of 4 Next

One of two people accused in a crash that killed a mother and daughter faced a judge Friday to determine where he stays while awaiting trial.

Paul Anthony Garcia, 24, faces two first-degree murder charges and seven other charges, including stealing a vehicle and fleeing law enforcement.

As he consulted with his attorney prior to the hearing, Garcia listened with tear-filled eyes to his possible punishment: two life sentences plus 35 years. A life sentence in New Mexico is 30 years.

Second District Judge Alisa Hadfield ordered Garcia held in jail despite argument from his defense attorney that he was not driving at the time of the crash. It was unclear Friday if he was being held under the states new constitutional amendment allowing for the detention of dangerous defendants.

Albuquerque police say Garcia and Elexus Groves, 21, were in a stolen van that crashed into a car on Jan. 18, killing 14-year-old Shaylee Boling and her mother, Shaunna Arredondo-Boling, 39. Arredondo-Bolings 3-year-old son, who was also in the car, suffered a broken leg.

Details from a search warrant filed in the case this week show police believe Groves and Garcia were heroin buddies who were involved in another stolen car chase in Sandoval County before the Jan. 18 incident.

Police say in the warrant that, at about 6 a.m. on Jan. 18, the two and possibly some other accomplices were looking for a vehicle to steal in the areas north and south of Copper and Chelwood Park, the intersection where the fatal crash occurred.

The two found a work van  equipped with GPS  warming up and they stole it, triggering a short police chase. Detectives estimate the van was travelling at 75 mph in the minutes before it T-boned Arredondo-Bolings vehicle as she drove her daughter to school.

After the crash, the two fled, dropping a shoe, a jacket, a cellphone and a piece of mail with Groves name on it as they ran, according to police.

Groves was arrested in Albuquerque two days after the crash.

The warrant details her subsequent conversations with police in which she tried to convince them Garcia had not been with her and instead it was a man named Silent who had threatened her and forced her to steal and flee in the van, and flee after the crash.

Initially, Garcia remained at large, eluding police despite a reward that had grown to $8,000.

Garcia evaded arrest until Feb. 2 when he was spotted at a Wal-Mart McDonalds in Edgewood.

Groves was also supposed to appear in court Friday morning, but her public defender told the court she was in the hospital. Her hearing was rescheduled for Monday.
Charles Phoenix, the self-proclaimed Ambassador of Americana, is known for his Retro Slide Shows, comically narrated Kodachrome presentations celebrating travel, entertaining and lifestyles in the mid-20th century using personal slides hes found or had donated. Based in Los Angeles, Phoenix occasionally leads retro tours of his hometown  taking guests to vintage downtown spots such as Union Station, Olvera Street and Cliftons Cafeteria  as well as others such as Palm Springs, Calif., Las Vegas and Nashville.

Over the years, Phoenix has written several coffee table books, including Americana the Beautiful, about midcentury travel destinations, and runs the Charles Phoenix Test Kitchen, where he demonstrates how to make fanciful original recipes such as his cherpumple, a campy combination of cherry, pumpkin and apple pies banked in layers of cake.

Phoenix started his career as a fashion designer and later bought and sold classic cars, at one time owning some 200 midcentury automobiles before he took his slide shows to the stage. First and foremost, he says, Im an entertainer, and my shtick is pop culture American history.

Q. What inspired your interest in retro?

A. I grew up in the 60s in Ontario, Calif. My dad was a used-car dealer and I was totally into cars  this was the era of the space-age designs. When I was 14, I tried out for Oklahoma at school and was told youve got a part if you have a cowboy shirt. I didnt, so they sent me across the street to a thrift store to find one. I threw open the double doors and saw a part of the world Id never seen before. It was honest and unpretentious, a treasure trove of layers of times. After that, Id go to thrift shops and look at every item in the store. I was obsessed.

Q. How did that morph into a career in slide shows?

A. When I was 29, at a thrift shop I found a shoe box marked Trip Across the United States 1957. It was full of Kodachrome slides. I was captivated. I held them up to the light and my life just changed. Kodachrome is the ultimate luxurious medium. I immediately begin going to estate sales and flea markets, and collecting old slides. My first real slide show was in 1998, where I created a trip across America with different slides and little stories. I could feel a sense of joy from the audience, some from my enthusiasm and this gold mine of documentation, but also the fact that we were celebrating American culture. At the time, I was buying and selling classic cars, but now the slide shows are my main stock and trade.

Q. How many slides do you have?

A. Hundreds of thousands. Ive had a slibrarian for 12 years. She comes every Wednesday and keeps the collection in order.

Q. What are you looking for in an image or a show?

A. Things that can tell a story about people, travel, customs, food. I have a lot of different topics. I also do custom shows across the country, where I observe a town and put it on a pedestal. I look for mom-and-pop businesses, local landmarks, unique architecture, unusual traditions of that town, whatever makes a city unique. With those shows, I co-mingle contemporary images with those from my archives.

Q. Youre giving bus tours during Modernism Week in Palm Springs, along with presenting a slide show of midcentury automobiles. What do you like about that area?

A. Its a fascinating place, both for what it was and what it has become. It was Hollywoods backyard playground, where the elite mixed and mingled with titans of industry. It has these amazing mid-century-style buildings. We started going there when I was a little kid, and I saw it go from a vibrant, chic community to kind of run down. Little by little, a few pioneers realized it was a treasure trove of something very special to be put up on a pedestal and preserved. Now its been transformed, with people buying and restoring homes. People fly in from all over the world to attend Modernism Week.

Q. Do you also see pieces of Americana vanishing?

A. Oh yeah, artifacts are destroyed every day. I just went to Oklahoma City, where they had the Charcoal Oven, a beautiful, picturesque hamburger stand with a giant neon chef  an absolute pure and simple Americana classic. Now its going to be a Discount Tire store. I arranged a Last Supper event there. One of the stops on my L.A. tour, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, a historic monument, is about to close to make way for condos.

Q. Is preservation one of your goals?

A. Partly, without saying so. Im paying tribute to our culture and showing people what is uniquely American, and in doing so, Im hoping to inspire them to cherish things they have and to preserve them for future generations. That said, its not that I want to live in the past  I dont want to go back. I think were able to look at the vintage images with a level of sophistication we didnt have back then. But of course I dont say all that. This is a theatrical presentation, after all.

Q. Do you have favorite regions for retro, or do your slides skew to certain places?

A. The three most photographed states are California, Hawaii and Florida. I actually havent performed in Florida, but I did a show on it in Las Vegas. Im a child of Disneyland, and I think in some ways all cities have elements of theme parks. In the case of Florida, it has manufactured themes overlaid on natures wonderland. Some of its vintage tourist attractions endure, like Silver Springs and Weeki Wachee. But the most extraordinary places to me are the ones that have continued in a family for several generations, like Dutch Girl Donuts in Detroit and the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. Those are the places I cherish the most.



If you go

Charles Phoenix

Slide shows start at $30, and vary by venue. Charles Phoenixs next full-day bus tour of Los Angeles is March 5, with tickets at $130 each. Find schedule and ticket information at charlesphoenix.com.

Daniel is a writer based in the Netherlands. Her website is bydianedaniel.com.
ASHEVILLE, N.C.  Tax appraisers in North Carolina have put a price tag on the iconic Biltmore House, the land it sits on and related development: nearly $300 million.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports (http://avlne.ws/2kuqrwE) Buncombe County officials this week released numbers showing the approximately 135,000-square-foot home with 250 rooms is valued at about $37 million.

The county tax department also says the approximately 2,194-acre property is valued at more than $64 million. With hotels, restaurants, outbuildings and private residences, the total value of public areas of Biltmore Estate is nearly $300 million.

Keith Miller, who oversaw the tax department appraisal, said appraising Biltmore Estate is one of the most complex tasks that we have.

Miller said the job has more in common with appraising a factory or a big box store than with a typical residence.

Comparables for the house are pretty much nonexistent, at least in America, he said. Really youve got to go somewhere out of this country to see a chateau like that.

The tax department examined Biltmores revenues to determine a value. Square footages are recorded, but theyre not as relevant as they would be to a residential appraisal, Miller said.

As for the Biltmore Co. itself, its not concerned with value, said Kathleen Mosher, director of communications.

As a national historic landmark, were in the business of preserving things for generations, so its not something that is our focus, Mosher said. Our focus is preserving these objects and preserving the estate for generations to enjoy, so if valuations need to take place, those external people seeking those valuations do them themselves.

Mosher said as a privately owned company, the Biltmore Co. pays taxes like any other business. She referred all questions about its new tax rate to the county tax department.

Biltmore Estate has gained value since the last reappraisal was released in 2013. The land immediately surrounding Biltmore House increased in value by 40 percent, and the value of the buildings, including Biltmore House but not the hotels, increased by 27 percent.

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Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, http://www.citizen-times.com
Europe will have a more pragmatic and transactional relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump, the European Unions foreign policy chief said Friday after meetings with Trumps senior foreign policy advisers.

Trump has been dismissive of the European Union and cheered Britains vote to leave the bloc, and it is not clear how the new administration will approach partnership with the EU on a host of international issues, including sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, Mideast peace and the international nuclear deal with Iran.

We want to work together with as many of the common issues as possible, said Federica Mogherini, the EU foreign policy chief. But we will do it on the basis of our values and our interests.

That is a departure from the usual hand-in-hand approach to world problems voiced by U.S. and European diplomats, and reflects caution and some standoffishness on both sides.

Mogherini met with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, national security adviser Michael Flynn and White House adviser Jared Kushner, as well as with lawmakers.

On Iran, Mogherini said she is confident that the United States does not plan any sudden changes to the international nuclear compact she helped to negotiate.

I was reassured by what I heard in the meetings on the intention to stick to the full implementation of the agreement, she said during a briefing for reporters.

Trump has disparaged the agreement curbing Irans nuclear program as the flawed work of amateurs, but the administration has signaled that it will focus on strict enforcement of Irans obligations rather than an effort to destroy the pact.

Mogherini, picking her words carefully, said Friday that she had stressed to U.S. officials that the deal is backed by a United Nations Security Council resolution and thus that the United States cannot unilaterally destroy or alter it.

The deal is working and needs to remain intact, Mogherini said.

The complex 2015 deal negotiated among Iran and world powers lifted some international sanctions and made it easier for Iran to buy goods abroad. The United States also returned, with interest, money frozen since the 1979 Islamic revolution and the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

Tillerson suggested during his Senate confirmation hearing that he might be open to renegotiating elements of the agreement. The State Department provided no summary of his meeting with Mogherini afterward, a departure from common practice for both Democratic and Republican administrations.

Mogherini called discussion of the accord with Iran a central goal of her two-day visit.

She made clear that another purpose of her visit so early in the presidents tenure is to establish the principle that the E.U. will work with the United States whenever possible but will take its own course when it disagrees.

The European Union expects that the United States does not interfere with European politics, she said, an apparent reference to reports that the White House is encouraging other countries to pursue populist, Brexit-style divorces from the 28-member body.

No one tells us what to choose, Mogherini said.

She said she discussed the naming of a new U.S. ambassador to the EU and suggested she had expressed reservations about Ted Malloch, a businessman and EU skeptic who has said he was interviewed for the post. Without mentioning him by name, Mogherini said she had been assured that no decision had been made.

I had in a previous career a diplomatic post where I helped bring down the Soviet Union. So maybe theres another union that needs a little taming, Malloch had told the BBC.

Top parties in the European Parliament have said that the EU should declare Malloch persona non grata if he is nominated to the post. Mogherini said she had noted to her U.S. hosts that all 28 nations would have to accept the ambassador.

European Council President Donald Tusk has listed what he called troubling remarks and signals from Trump alongside terrorism, Russia and China as threats to the European Union.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Europes most powerful leader, told other European leaders last week that the continent must stand on its own during Trumps tenure.

Europe has its destiny in its own hands, she said.

On Ukraine, Mogherini said the administration officials all agreed that Russia should comply with a 2015 agreement  known as the Minsk Agreement  before the lifting of sanctions imposed over the invasion and annexation of Crimea and other actions in Ukraine.

The agreement among Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France calls on Russia to help end fighting in eastern Ukraine.

We agreed on the need to have full implementation of the Minsk agreement and that sanctions are linked to the full implementation of the agreement, Mogherini said.
On Thursday, parts of eastern New England was plastered by more than foot of snow and winds gusting to 50-70 mph. An encore is possible on Monday as a second powerful storm blows up off the New England coast.

Forecast models predict a fast-moving disturbance tracking into the Northeast on Sunday will explosively intensify on Monday once its reaches the Atlantic ocean east of Long Island. The storms pressure is predicted to plummet more than 24 millibars in a days time, meeting the criteria of a bomb cyclone.

As the storm charges northeast adjacent to coastal Massachusetts and Maine, it is likely to produce hurricane-force wind gusts over the ocean (exceeding 74 mph). Depending on the storms exact track and how fast it strengthens, very strong winds could slam coastal areas as well.

[T]his could turn out to be a glancing blow or a very high impact event with heavy snow, damaging winds, and perhaps even some coastal flooding, the National Weather Service forecast office serving Boston said.

The most severe winter weather conditions will probably focus in the easternmost portions of New England, rather than the interior. Coastal Maine could bear the brunt of the storm.

Right now, odds good for huge Maine snowstorm, tweeted Boston meteorologist Eric Fisher. Biggest question is how far south the snow will come.

Around Boston, the snow forecast is complicated by not only the uncertain storm track but also temperatures. When precipitation first moves in, it may be too warm for snow until the storm passes to its northeast and draws cold air southward. Several inches could then fall, but the 1-foot totals experienced in Thursdays storm are unlikely.

Eastern Maine has the best chance of snow totals exceeding a foot, especially north of Portland. Portland may end up near the transition point between moderate and heavy snow totals with places farther north towards Bangor getting buried.

After a slow start to winter, this storm along with Thursdays may signal the arrival of a more stormy pattern in the Northeast U.S.

Thursdays storm proved to be a blockbuster, meeting the criteria of a bomb cyclone, rapidly strengthening between Wednesday and Thursday.

Winds howled to nearly 70 mph over Nantucket and the storm generated snowfall rates of 3 to 4 inches per hour in areas of Long Island and Connecticut. Hartford, Connecticut, posted 15.5 inches, its fourth largest calendar snowfall on record.

Here some snowfall totals from Thursdays storm:

New York City Central Park: 9.4 inches

Providence: 10.9 inches

Boston: 10.7 inches

Springfield: 16.0 inches

The storm became a prolific producer of thundersnow because it strengthened so fast  leading to vigorous rising air motions.Its impact on the region was only mitigated by how fast it moved. Most locations only received between 6 and 12 hours of snow before the storm zipped away.
TUCSON, Ariz.  A former Pima County Sheriffs Department chief deputy who was accused of misusing money seized under an anti-racketeering law has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft charges.

Christopher Radtke changed his plea Friday in federal court in Tucson to three misdemeanor counts of theft, each of which said he stole money adding up to less than $1,000.

Radtke resigned as chief deputy in October after his indictment on charges of embezzling forfeiture money from the department.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 7.

___

Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.tucson.com
Journal Staff Report

Barion Ernesto Solorzano  also known as Uncle Barion to one of his victims  was sentenced by state District Judge Louis E. DePauli in Gallup Friday to 30 years in prison for multiple sexual offenses against children, including production of child pornography.

He previously pleaded guilty to one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the second degree, two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the third degree, one count of sexual exploitation of children by production and one count of sexual exploitation of children by manufacture, the state Attorney Generals Office said in a news release.

The defendant also had a prior conviction for attempted lewdness with a minor in Clark County, Nev.

I am thankful that a man who has committed horrific crimes against children in two states will go to prison for 30 years, state Attorney General Hector Balderas said in a statement. We are working together to protect children and families in all communities throughout New Mexico, which is my highest priority as attorney general.

In December 2014, a 6-year-old girl disclosed that her Uncle Barion, the defendant, had sexually molested her, including taking inappropriate photographs of her and showing her videos of him sexually assaulting other children, the AGs Office said.

Further investigation showed Solorzano was a registered sex offender in Nevada, had left that state without permission and had since been living in New Mexico, where he had failed to disclose his sex offender status.

The case, in the 11th District Judicial Court in Gallup, was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Tony Long.
Federal Reserve Governor Daniel Tarullo announced Friday that he will step down nearly five years before the end of his term, further clearing the the path for President Trump to reshape the way Wall Street is regulated.

Tarullo, a former Georgetown Law professor, was appointed to the Fed by President Obama in 2013 and served as its point man on overhauling the financial regulatory system. He helped push policies that required big banks to have more capital in case of an emergency and often clashed with Wall Street leaders about the best way to prevent a repeat of the mistakes that led to the 2008 financial crisis.

Dan led the Feds work to craft a new framework for ensuring the safety and soundness of our financial system following the financial crisis and made invaluable contributions across the entire range of the Feds responsibilities, Fed Chair Janet L. Yellen said in a statement.

Tarullo, whose term was not set to expire until 2022, will step down around April 5, according to a statement from the Federal Reserve. In a brief resignation letter addressed to Trump, Tarullo did not explain his departure, but said: It has been a great privilege to work with former Chairman [Ben] Bemanke and Chair Yellen during such a challenging period for the nations economy and financial system.

Trump is widely expected to appoint someone to the currently vacant post of Federal Reserve vice chairman in charge of bank oversight, a position left open during the Obama administration. Tarullo essentially filled that role, but would have likely found his powers and influence curtailed by a Trump-appointee. Trump has promised to dismantle 2010s regulatory reform package, known as the Dodd-Frank Act, signing an executive order last week calling for a review of the rules that govern the financial industry.

Tarullo has warned against forgetting about the lessons of the financial crisis. There may be refinements that could be be made to financial regulations, he said at a conference in December. But I do not think there is a sound economic case for generally weakening the regulatory requirements applicable to the largest banks. And I certainly do not think the taxpayers should bear the risk that would be entailed by any such weakening, he said.

With Turallos departure, there are now three openings on the Federal Reserves seven-member board. Trump will also be filling key openings at other financial regulators, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Taken together, the openings hand Trump has an opportunity to ease Wall Street regulations.

Turallo has been a fearless fighter for protecting the American people from an unstable financial system, another financial crash and an economic catastrophe, Dennis Kelleher, president of Better Markets, a financial markets public interest group, said in a statement. Governor Tarullo has stood steadfast as a sentinel on the front lines of a six-year war to turn the Dodd Frank financial reform law into a reality. Sensibly enacting financial reform so that it would be durably embedded in our financial system will be his legacy. The American people will forever be in his debt.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn.  Republicans in deep-red congressional districts spent the week navigating massive crowds and hostile questions at their town hall meetings  an early indication of how progressive opposition movements are mobilizing against the agenda of the GOP and President Donald Trump.

Angry constituents swarmed events held by Reps. Jason Chaffetz (Utah), Diane Black (Tenn.), Justin Amash (Mich.) and Tom McClintock (Calif.). The crowds filled the rooms that had been reserved for them; in Utah and Tennessee, scores of activists were locked out. Voters pressed members of Congress on their plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act, on the still-controversial confirmation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and even on a low-profile vote to disband an election commission created after 2000.

House Republicans had watched footage earlier this week of McClintocks raucous town hall in Northern California and his police-assisted exit  a warning of what might come. And with Congress scheduled for a week-long recess and a raft of additional town halls starting Feb. 18, the warning may have been warranted.

On Thursday, participants were spurred to show up by a variety of forces: large-scale publicity campaigns by major opposition groups such as Planned Parenthood; smaller grass-roots efforts; or their own deep objections to Trumps presidency so far. Some were Democrats, some were independents and some were Republicans, but most were liberal activists who had opposed Trump all along and were simply looking for new outlets to object to him.

What was less clear was where it would all go. If nothing else, the size and tone of the crowds fed Republicans worries and Democrats view that the GOP agenda and the presidents tone and missteps have activated voters who may have sat out previous elections.

Judy Intrator, 63, a data collector from Utah who voted against Trump, said she attended Chaffetzs town hall because the president is stirring up a side of this country thats being let loose, and Im scared. One way to register her opposition, she said, is to refuse to say Trumps name.

Some attendees admitted that they lived outside the districts in which they attended town halls. But their intensity demonstrated just how rapidly some effective organizing tactics, such as those in the Indivisible guide prepared by former Hill staffers, had spread to red America. What had been staid or friendly events became scenes of shouting and emotional pleading, all shared online and on local TV news.

I think what weve seen in these last few weeks is that it was sustainable from January into February, said Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. So the next question is: What does March look like? What does April look like? How do we get through the summer, when its easier to stand outside in some other parts of the country that are cold today, and you continue to see this grow?

At Blacks event in Murfreesboro, members of College Republicans at Middle Tennessee State University struggled to find Make America Great Again hats to fill the audience at a town hall on health care and tax reform.

Organizers searched through a sea of at least 200 people, many carrying Planned Parenthood signs, to find friendly faces to help fill the 80 or so seats at the Ask Your Reps event featuring Black, the House Budget Committee chairman, and three other local officials. Activists booed and chanted as the group, flanked by armed campus security, handpicked people to help fill the room in the hope of keeping the conversation civil.

Inside the room, audience members rose to ask Black for specific proposals to replace ACA programs that have become a health lifeline for many residents in this mostly rural slice of central Tennessee. Black carefully insisted that House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has a plan, but that wasnt enough to soothe the crowd.

Answer the question! some in the audience shouted.

Black demurred on at least one question as the moderator pleaded for respect.

The tense, tightly controlled scene inside the small lecture room was a sharp contrast to the frustrated energy just outside the doors. Chants of this is what Democracy looks like and let us in erupted after security officers blocked the majority of hopeful attendees from entering the room, citing fire marshal rules. The peaceful protesters huddled around computers and phones to watch the event streaming live on Facebook, occasionally groaning and renewing their chants.

Grecia Magdaleno, 22, clad in a bright pink Planned Parenthood scarf and pink hat, was crestfallen about being barred from the event. She said she showed up to tell Black about her personal experience of having a potentially lifesaving cancer screening at a local Planned Parenthood.

They literally saved my life, said Magdaleno, who later went on to organize volunteers for Planned Parenthood groups in the region.

Everything is out of control and I felt like I need to be in the mix, said Tanea McClean, a writer from Rutherford County. McClean said she was not politically active before but has shifted her schedule around several times in the months since the election to make sure she can attend political events.

Chaffetz, who typically draws 60 to 80 people at his Utah town hall meetings, arranged to hold Thursdays event at a high school auditorium in the Salt Lake City suburbs to accommodate the hundreds of people who turned out. Many of them learned of his appearance through a social-media campaign organized by a Facebook group known as Utah Indivisible, which describes itself as the resistance to the Trump agenda.

Several police officers stood near the stage while Chaffetz spoke, his words often drowned out by booing and shouting from people who filled nearly all of the 1,000 seats in the auditorium. More officers were outside the school, controlling the large crowd that did not get in.

Sarah Klingenstein, 60, a retired teacher, drove an hour from Park City for the meeting, which she said was her first town hall. A registered independent, she said she is accustomed to feeling like a minority in a state that is conservative. But she said she now feels great joining this groundswell. In the past, I would have felt like a lone voice. Theres a point to showing up, and there wasnt in the past.

The smattering of Republicans who attended included Chris Hunter, 53, a data analyst who said she is pleased so far with Trumps performance, even if she doesnt always approve of his style. At this point, she said, Im willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, just like I gave Obama. Trump came in like a bulldozer, and I dont think he has done anything wrong.

Chris Pinkston, 44, a Trump supporter, said he went to the meeting because he wanted to hear the opposition. I want to understand their point of view, he said. It reminds me of the tea party with Obama. Everyone was screaming and not listening to each other. No matter what we say, the other side will hate us. The people in the center cannot be heard.

He said that most of the people at the meeting seemed unwilling to give Trump a chance. I want him to be held accountable, but lets give him a little time, he said. I think hes doing great. His decisions  whether theyre right or wrong  are decisions and theyre difficult. At least hes making them.

Chaffetz said he typically mingles with his town hall audiences after the sessions are over. But on Thursday, he exited the stage and was driven away, leaving behind a crowd outside the high school chanting, Chaffetz is a coward!

Remembering how voter anger and heated town halls helped end Democratic control of Congress in 2010, Republicans have begun taking security precautions. Some have avoided in-person town halls, holding forums on Facebook or by telephone instead. Many were briefed on security recommendations for public events and their district offices at a closed-door meeting led by Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., a former county sheriff.

The presentation, according to a person present, included advice on coordinating with local police to secure town hall meetings and devising an escape route in case of threats of violence. In a floor speech, McClintock compared the anger he saw to the aftermath of the 1860 election, which escalated into the Civil War.

McClintock and his colleagues had easily been reelected in 2016. The Californians district gave less than 40 percent of the vote to Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee for president; voters in Amashs district gave her less than 43 percent; voters in the Chaffetz and Black districts gave her less than 24 percent. None of the districts made the DCCCs ambitious list of 59 seats that Democrats are targeting to win control of the House.

Details of the Murfreesboro event spread online this week with groups such as Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood and the Rutherford County Democrats using Facebook to spread urgent calls to action. Fewer than 40 people showed up the last time the group threw this event, so organizers were totally unprepared.

Amash, who did not endorse Trump for president, pointed out during his town hall in Grand Rapids that he has disagreed with Republicans on issues such as the presidents executive order on entry to the United States. His audience was large and less unruly than those that faced his colleagues but was similarly full of dissent. When a grandmother of five asked how Amash would protect her health care plan, he said he supported her feelings and was drowned out by boos.

We should make sure theres a replacement at the same time, Amash said.

Whats the plan? one man screamed.

Whats wrong with it? shouted another.

Talk to some of your neighbors; you will find people who have been hurt by it, Amash insisted. Yelling at each other is not going to resolve the problem.

Another contentious moment came on the topic of the Department of Education, which Amash has long sought to abolish. This was the home town of newly confirmed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, of whom he said  to the distaste of the crowd  I believe shell do a good job.

Amash explained that he thinks the states would do better to keep the money they give the federal government rather than send it to Washington to be redistributed. The audience doubted that Michigans ruby-red legislature would be fair about that  prompting Amash to try for a joke that scored him only a smattering of chuckles.

With Donald Trump in office, he said, I dont know why youre all such big fans of the federal government.



Schwartzman reported from Cottonwood Heights, Utah; Friess reported from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Weigel reported from Washington.

  

Video: Republican town halls across the country hit by protests

Citizens at town halls held by Republican members of Congress showed their displeasure with efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, among other issues. (Peter Stevenson / The Washington Post)

Short URL: http://wapo.st/2kbJT5i

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WASHINGTON  Congressional Republicans were mostly silent Friday, choosing not to respond to the federal court ruling against President Donald Trumps immigration ban in a move that underscores how the controversial executive order continues to vex the presidents party.

Spokespeople for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., did not respond to requests for comment. Few Republicans issued written statements. Democrats, meanwhile, proactively cheered the courts ruling.

The muted response from the GOP contrasted with that of President Trump, who took to Twitter after the ruling was announced Thursday to issue a defiant response in all caps: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

It also reflected the distance many Republicans have sought from the president over his temporary ban on refugees and foreign nationals from seven majority-Muslim nations. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Thursday upheld a stoppage on the orders enforcement.

A spokeswoman for House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said he had nothing to add to his previous statement about the executive order, which he said went too far. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, did not immediately comment.

On Thursday evening, the White House sent talking points to Republicans on Capitol Hill that framed the ruling as an interim decision that would eventually be overturned.

Once the government is able to present a case on the merits, the courts will undoubtedly rule in the governments favor because the law clearly states that the President has full authority to restrict access in the country by foreign nationals in the interest of national security, said the talking points, which were shared by two recipients on the condition of anonymity.

Those Republicans who did speak out Friday were generally critical of the courts decision.

Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., a Trump ally, said in an interview that he, like the president, was not happy with the courts ruling.

I cant speak to why other Republicans may not be speaking out, but I certainly relish the opportunity to make sure people know where I stand on this, he said. He added that he believes the vast majority of his constituents support Trumps executive order.

It seems to me very biased on the liberal side of things, Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., remarked in an interview. Cole argued that the court should have afforded the president more latitude in implementing his policies. The administration has argued that in enforcing the order, it was acting to protect American citizens from terrorist attacks.

You can disagree with the policy, but the real question here is, Does he have the authority to pursue the policy?  Cole asked.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, a former 9th Circuit law clerk, sounded a similar note.

The idea that theres no threats out there and that the executive branch doesnt have the exclusive ability to determine what those are is, from my perspective . . . its a pretty bold assertion by a court, said Sullivan, who noted that he had not yet read the full court opinion.

Trump issued the order two weeks ago after virtually no consultation with congressional Republicans, angering many GOP leaders on Capitol Hill who were caught off guard by the ensuing uproar.

The administration could now seek to have the Supreme Court consider its case. Or, it could retool its order, as many Republicans have suggested over the past two weeks.

There is this option, which is withdraw the current order, tighten it, make sure it gets the vetting it needs from not only Homeland Security, but Office of Legal Counsel and everybody else and reissue it, right? said Sullivan. So, that to me might be a course worth taking.

Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., a former federal prosecutor, said the Supreme Court will now have to determine what process is due, if any to legal residents and other noncitizens.

It seems clear to most of us  not on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals  there is no right to come to this country for non-citizens of the United States, Gowdy said in a written statement, in which he concluded: For those, like Alexander Hamilton, who once or now wondered if the Judicial Branch would be too weak. Wonder no more.

The Supreme Court currently has only eight justices. The Senate is engaged in a heated fight over Trumps nominee  Judge Neil Gorsuch  to fill the ninth seat. Many Democrats have voiced heavy skepticism about his record and whether he will be able to have enough independence from Trump.

You cant just assert, Im an independent person, which he did. You have to show examples. I await them, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor this week.

After quickly applauding the 9th Circuit Courts ruling on Thursday night, Democrats continued praising it on Friday.

Liberty & justice also prevailed last night, proving our system of checks & balances cannot be shaken, Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Calif., wrote on Twitter, adding the hashtag #MuslimBan.

Cole said he believed the many Republicans who did not weigh in were simply opting to act in a way that respects the process the judiciary goes through with major cases.

In the past, however, such as when the Supreme Court upheld a key part of the Affordable Care Act during Barack Obamas presidency, Republicans have not held back from expressing their opinions on major decisions.

Todays ruling is deeply disappointing, Ryan, then-House Ways and Means Committee chairman, said in a statement at the time.

  

The Washington Posts Robert Costa contributed to this report.
The experiment that was described in the Indian textbook was apparently supposed to help schoolchildren learn that living, breathing things need air.

No living thing can live without air for more than a few minutes, it reads, according to a photo of the page, which was posted to Twitter and published by news outlets in India. You can do an experiment. Take two wooden boxes. Make holes on the lid of one box. Put a small kitten in each box. Close the boxes. After some time open the boxes. What do you see? The kitten inside the box without the holes has died.

Distribution of the environmental science book, titled Our Green World, has stopped, according to Indian Express.

A parent had called us a couple of months ago and asked us to remove the text from the book because it was harmful for children, Parvesh Gupta of PP Publications, the publisher, told the news outlet. We recalled books from our distribution channel and will come out with a revised book next year.

Arpan Sharma, director of the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations, a collective of animal rights groups in India, said in a statement provided to The Washington Post that the group was shocked when it learned of the matter and swiftly took it up with the publisher.

We reached out to them and asked them to remove the illegal (and unethical) content advocating the cruel experiment on kittens, along with a few other points, Sharma said in the statement. The publisher has responded back, committing to withdrawal of the book from all the distributors and refraining for selling the existing stock.

The publisher also told the organization that it wouldnt reprint the content in any of their books and would be mindful of things being published about animals, the statement said.

The issue is not only that the book advocated a cruel act, it is also to underline that animals are not things for us to use, the statement noted. Instead, they are thinking, feeling individuals just like you and me and the children reading the textbook.

The text was being used for fourth grade.

In its report on the controversial description of the experiment, the Associated Press provided a little background on how textbooks are approved in India, writing:

Although Indias education ministry has advisory panels and institutes that approve of middle and high school textbooks, elementary schools can choose and prescribe their own textbooks.

FIAPO spokesperson Vidhi Malla told The Post in an email that it is hard to locate the schools that might be using the book, but said the organization did know that about 1,100 copies of it had been sold since April 2016. The issue, Malla noted, isnt whether the experiment was actually carried out.

We are concerned that the message this sends out is very negative  that it is okay for animals to be treated as objects, including for them to be killed for testing a theory etc., Malla said in an email. As the voice of the animal rights movement in India, it is our duty to ensure that animals are viewed as sentient individuals and not as things.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said Friday that he is considering rewriting his executive order temporarily barring refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the country, indicating that the administration may try to quickly restore some aspects of the now-frozen travel ban or replace it with other face-saving measures.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he would probably wait until Monday or Tuesday to take any action, and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said several options  including taking the case to the Supreme Court  were still on the table.

Trump hinted that the ongoing legal wrangling might move too slowly for his taste, though he thought he would ultimately prevail in court.

We will win that battle, he said. The unfortunate part is that it takes time statutorily, but we will win that battle. We also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand-new order.

He said among the revisions he might make are new security measures.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled unanimously Thursday that Trumps travel ban should remain suspended, allowing people previously barred to continue entering the United States. While the judges were deciding only whether national security concerns necessitated immediately reinstating the ban  and not whether it could ultimately pass constitutional muster  their ruling put the future of Trumps order in doubt.

White House and Justice Department officials began mulling several options as new Attorney General Jeff Sessions was briefed on the matter. They could rewrite the order in hopes that modifications would help it pass legal muster. They could ask the Supreme Court or the full 9th Circuit to intervene immediately. Or they could wage a battle in the lower courts, hoping that judges considering more squarely whether the issue ran afoul of the Constitution would land on Trumps side.

On Friday, the White House injected an element of confusion when an official told reporters that the administration would not seek Supreme Court intervention, only to take it back and be contradicted by Priebus minutes later. Meanwhile, a 9th Circuit judge, without prompting, called for a vote to determine whether the entire court should rehear the case. The court asked for briefs from those involved in the case by Thursday.

No matter what it chooses to do, the White House will face a difficult battle to restore the ban, particularly in the short term. The 9th Circuit judges indicated that some of the administrations proposed concessions  which presumably could turn into rewrites  dont go far enough. Government lawyers also cannot undo Trumps campaign trail comments about wanting to stop all Muslims from entering the country and his assertion after taking office that Christians would be given priority. That is potentially compelling evidence that even a watered-down order might be intended to discriminate, said Leon Fresco, who worked in the office of immigration litigation in President Barack Obamas Justice Department.

The problem is this is such a bad case for the government to be making these arguments, Fresco said.

If judges fear that the government will revert to its original position once litigation has stopped, the court wont usually dismiss those matters, because they say, Look, its likely to come up again,  Fresco said.

The initial ban, introduced two weeks ago, on people from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen was set to expire in 90 days, and the ban on refugees in 120 days. The order ostensibly enacted a temporary pause on people entering the country so that the administration could develop more stringent vetting procedures. Trump referenced extreme vetting when asked what a modified order might entail.

We have very, very strong vetting, he said. I call it extreme vetting, and were going very strong on security.

In a separate case in federal court in Virginia, a judge Friday pressed the government to produce any evidence that a ban on travel was necessary on national security grounds. Judge Leonie Brinkema said the presidential order has all kinds of defects and clearly is overreaching when it comes to long-term residents of the United States. She said there was startling evidence from national security professionals that the order may be counterproductive to its stated goal of keeping the nation safe.

The 9th Circuit judges also rejected the Justice Departments request to narrow a lower-court judges freeze of the ban, saying that even if that freeze was too broad, it is not our role to try, in effect, to rewrite the Executive Order. They asserted their authority to serve as a check on the presidents power, while noting that their ruling was limited to whether the ban should be temporarily suspended.

The president has forcefully said all week that judges were wrong in their decisions on his order and that immigration law gives him broad authority to restrict foreigners from entering the United States. On Friday he posted on Twitter a quote from a Lawfare article, which noted that the 9th Circuit judges had not cited in their opinion the section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that gives him such powers.

There seemed to be a growing view from commentators on the right, though, that the Trump administration might be better off to abandon this fight, rewrite portions of the executive order and thus be on more solid ground for future legal battles.

Edward Whelan, an influential voice in the conservative legal world who writes for the National Review Online, indicated on Twitter that he had doubts about the 9th Circuits ruling but also concerns about whether the Supreme Court would reinstate an executive order he viewed as flawed.

He tweeted: 2 modest propositions: (1) Courts are getting it wrong on EO; and (2) this is not the right legal battle to fight. Do the EO right this time. EO is a common acronym for executive order.

In the court hearing before the 9th Circuit, Justice Department lawyers offered a possible concession. The court, they said, could permit travel for those previously admitted aliens who are temporarily abroad now or who wish to travel and return to the United States in the future, but not, perhaps, for those without visas already.

The judges rejected that argument, saying that such relief would not help U.S. citizens who have an interest in specific non-citizens ability to travel to the United States, nor would it allay concerns about the due process rights of people in the country illegally.

Justice Department lawyers also argued that the ban no longer applied to green-card holders  citing guidance from the White House counsel issued after the ban took effect  and that challenges on those grounds should thus be invalidated. On that, too, the judges disagreed.

The White House counsel is not the President, and he is not known to be in the chain of command for any of the Executive Departments, the judges wrote. Moreover, in light of the Governments shifting interpretations of the Executive Order, we cannot say that the current interpretation by White House counsel, even if authoritative and binding, will persist past the immediate stage of these proceedings.

The White House could adjust the order in other ways, such as by exempting students or other categories of people. That would be significant because it might affect the ability of states such as Washington and Minnesota to have adequate standing to sue.

But analysts said the administration is likely to still face vigorous challenges.

Whatever they do, I think theyre running into a problem, said Reaz H. Jafri, the global head of immigration at the Withersworldwide law firm. I dont know what type of a ban they can possibly craft that can be constitutional.

  

Robert Barnes and John Wagner contributed to this report.
U.S. immigration authorities arrested hundreds of undocumented immigrants in at least a half-dozen states this week in a series of raids that marked the first large-scale enforcement of President Donald Trumps Jan. 26 order to crack down on the estimated 11 million immigrants living here illegally.

The raids, which officials said targeted known criminals, also netted some immigrants who did not have criminal records, an apparent departure from similar enforcement waves during former President Barack Obamas administration that aimed to just corral and deport those who had committed crimes.

Trump has pledged to deport up to 3 million undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Last month he also made a change to the Obama administrations policy of prioritizing deportation for convicted criminals, substantially broadening the scope of who the Department of Homeland Security can target, to include those with only minor offenses or those with no convictions at all.

Immigration officials confirmed that agents this week raided homes and workplaces in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, the Los Angeles area, North Carolina and South Carolina, netting hundreds of people. But Gillian Christensen, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), said they were part of routine immigration enforcement actions. ICE dislikes the term raids, and prefers to say authorities are conducting targeted enforcement actions.

Christensen said the raids, which began Monday and ended Friday at noon, found undocumented immigrants from a dozen Latin American countries. Were talking about people who are threats to public safety or a threat to the integrity of the immigration system, she said, noting that the majority of those detained were serious criminals, including some who had been convicted of murder and domestic violence.

Immigration activists said the crackdown went beyond the six states DHS identified, and said they had also documented ICE raids of unusual intensity during the past two days in Florida, Kansas, Texas and Northern Virginia.

That undocumented immigrants with no criminal records were arrested and could potentially be deported sent a shock through immigrant communities nationwide amid concerns that the U.S. government could start going after law-abiding people.

This is clearly the first wave of attacks under the Trump administration, and we know this isnt going to be the only one, Cristina Jimenez, executive director of United We Dream, an immigrant youth organization, said Friday during a conference call with immigration advocates.

ICE agents in the Los Angeles area Thursday swept a number of individuals into custody over the course of an hour, seizing them from their homes and on their way to work in daytime operations, activists said.

David Marin, ICEs field director in the Los Angeles area, said in a conference call with reporters Friday that 75 percent of the approximately 160 people detained in the operation this week had felony convictions; the rest had misdemeanors or were in the U.S. illegally. Officials said Friday night that 37 of those detained in Los Angeles have been deported to Mexico.

Dangerous criminals who should be deported are being released into our communities, Marin said.

A video that circulated on social media Friday appeared to show ICE agents detaining people in an Austin shopping center parking lot. Immigration advocates also reported roadway checkpoints, where ICE appeared to be targeting immigrants for random ID checks, in North Carolina and in Austin. ICE officials denied that authorities used checkpoints during the operations.

Im getting lots of reports from my constituents about seeing ICE on the streets. Teachers in my district have contacted me  certain students didnt come to school today because theyre afraid, said Greg Cesar, an Austin city council member. I talked to a constituent, a single mother, who had her door knocked on this morning by ICE.

Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, said he confirmed with ICEs San Antonio office that the agency has launched a targeted operation in South and Central Texas as part of Operation Cross Check.

I am asking ICE to clarify whether these individuals are in fact dangerous, violent threats to our communities, and not people who are here peacefully raising families and contributing to our state, Castro said in a statement Friday night.

Hiba Ghalib, an immigration lawyer in Atlanta, said the ICE detentions were causing mass confusion in the immigrant community. She said she had heard reports of ICE agents going door-to-door in one largely Hispanic neighborhood, asking people to present their papers.

People are panicking, Ghalib said. People are really, really scared.

Immigration officials acknowledged that authorities had cast a wider net than they would have last year, as the result of Trumps executive order.

The Trump administration is facing a series of legal challenges to that order, and on Thursday lost a court battle over a separate executive order to temporarily ban entry to the U.S. by citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries, as well as by refugees. The administration said Friday that it is considering raising the case to the Supreme Court.

Some activists in Austin and Los Angeles suggested that the raids might be retaliation for those cities so-called sanctuary city policies. A government aide familiar with the raids said it is possible the predominantly daytime operations  a departure from the Obama administrations night raids  meant to send a message to the community that the Trump deportation force is in effect.

Frank Sharry, executive director of Americas Voice, a pro-immigrant advocacy group, said the wave of detentions harks back to the George W. Bush administration, when workplace raids to sweep up all undocumented workers were common.

The Obama administration conducted a spate of raids, and also pursued a more aggressive deportation policy than any previous president, sending more than 400,000 people back to their birth countries at the height of his deportations in 2012. The public outcry over the lengthy detentions and deportations of women, children and people with minor offenses led Obama in his second term to prioritize convicted criminals for deportation.

A DHS official confirmed that while immigration agents were targeting criminals, given the broader range defined by Trumps executive order they also were sweeping up non-criminals in the vicinity who were found to be lacking documentation. It was unclear how many of the people detained would have been excluded under Obamas policy.

Federal immigration officials, as well as activists, said that the majority of those detained were adult men,and that no children were taken into custody.

Big cities tend to have a lot of illegal immigrants, said one immigration official who was not authorized to speak publicly because of the sensitive nature of the operation. Theyre going to a target-rich environment.

Immigrant rights groups said they were planning protests in response to the raids, including one Friday evening in Federal Plaza in New York City, and a vigil in Los Angeles.

We cannot understate the level of panic and terror that is running through many immigrant communities, said Walter Barrientos of Make the Road in New York City, who spoke on a conference call with immigration advocates.

Were trying to make sure that families who have been impacted are getting legal services as quickly as possible. Were trying to do some legal triage, said Bob Libal, the executive director of Grassroots Leadership, which provides assistance and advocacy work to immigrants in Austin. Its chaotic, he said. The organizations hotline, he said, had been overwhelmed with calls.

Jeanette Vizguerra, 35, a Mexican house cleaner whose permit to stay in the country expired this week, said Friday during the conference call that she was newly apprehensive about her scheduled meeting with ICE next week.

Fearing deportation, Vizguerra, a Denver mother of four including three who are U.S. citizens, said through an interpreter that she had called on activists and supporters to accompany her to the meeting.

I know I need to mobilize my community, but I know my freedom is at risk here, Vizguerra said through an interpreter.

  

Janell Ross in Los Angeles and Camille Pendley in Atlanta contributed to this report.
AUSTIN, Texas  Travis County prosecutors will begin notifying thousands of people convicted of crimes that forensic evidence in their cases may be flawed because of faulty testing at the Austin police crime lab.

The county will notify about 2,200 people convicted of crimes, including people in prison for murder and rape, the Austin American-Statesman (http://atxne.ws/2lsIqbl ) reported. Inmates serving prison terms may be entitled to an appeal.

This process is specifically intended to identify a situation where an innocent person was wrongly convicted because of DNA evidence, Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore said. We are looking at a very small population, if any, but that is the point of this process.

The first batch of letters will be sent to 642 people whose information has been verified by prosecutors and investigators. Officials said theyre working to locate the other remaining defendants.

Recipients of the notices include people who are in prison, have already served prison terms or are on probation, from 2004 to 2016.

If we have someone who is convicted on DNA evidence that isnt reliable, and it played a material role in their conviction, our duty is to see that justice is done to correct that, said Assistant District Attorney Dexter Gilford.

The notices will provide defendants with information of what steps to take to have their case reviewed.

The crime lab was closed in June amid revelations that staff members werent using commonly accepted practices for analyzing DNA evidence. The city and county officials are currently discussing whether to reopen the lab or possibly privatize it.

___

Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump has rejected the hiring of former Reagan and George W. Bush foreign policy aide Elliott Abrams as the deputy secretary of state after seeing writings in which Abrams had been critical of Trump before his surprise victory last year, a person with knowledge of the decision said Friday.

Abrams interviewed for the influential No. 2 job Tuesday at the White House in a meeting also attended by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Tillerson had backed Abrams for the job, arguing that the veteran Republican officials knowledge of the State Department and Washingtons foreign policy bureaucracy would complement Tillersons lack of government experience, people familiar with the selection process said.

The meeting went smoothly, according to the person familiar with the session, but after the president saw the comments, Tillersons choice was vetoed. Trumps decision was first reported by CNN.

Most damaging to Abrams appears to be a historical piece he wrote comparing the 2016 election to 1972 and counseling Republicans to voice their objections to Trump.

Do not allow the Republican convention to be a coronation wherein Trump and Trumpism are unchallenged, Abrams wrote in a piece for the conservative Weekly Standard. The party needs to be reminded that there are deep divisions, and Trump needs to be reminded of how many in the party oppose and even fear his nomination.

Current and former officials familiar with the Abrams decision requested anonymity to discuss a personnel matter. The White House has not publicly discussed Abramss candidacy. A White House spokesman did not return messages asking about Abrams on Friday.

Best known for his role in the Reagan-era Iran-contra scandal, Abrams had been considered the leading choice for a post that often goes to seasoned foreign policy professionals. His rejection reopens the search and leaves Tillerson as the lone Senate-confirmed person chosen by Trump who is on the job at the State Department. His chief of staff and several other advisers around the new top diplomat were campaign aides or political advisers selected by the White House.

The struggle to fill a key job illustrates how difficult it has become to find suitable candidates for top State Department jobs. The Trump administration has issued a near-total ban on hiring anyone on the long list of Republicans who signed public letters last year opposing Trump on national security grounds. Many other veterans of the Reagan and Bush presidencies have removed themselves from consideration for senior jobs, or are considered too old to return to government.

Abrams did not sign a letter, but did write critically about Trump while advising two of his GOP primary rivals.

Paula Dobriansky, who also served in the Reagan and George W. Bush administrations, is another potential choice for deputy. One of George W. Bushs most controversial advisers, former U.N. ambassador John Bolton, was also mentioned as a possible deputy, but opposed by Tillerson, people familiar with the process said.

Although recent secretaries of state have had two deputies, the Trump administration might fill only one slot, according to current and former officials.

Abrams pleaded guilty in 1991 to concealing knowledge of the scheme to sell arms illegally to Iran and divert the profits to anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua.

Abrams was pardoned by President George H.W. Bush.
NEW YORK  Calvin Klein is renewed. The nearly 50-year-old American brand famous for jeans and underwear looks youthful  but not immature  sharp and relevant.

Raf Simons, the brands new chief creative officer, has situated the label in the center of a cultural conversation  not simply one focused on fashion but one that includes the arts, politics and national identity.

So much can bubble up when an outsider takes a look at America  its reality, the cliches and the mythology  and allows all of those contradictory and complimentary notions to churn through his imagination. Thats what Simons did for his debut mens and womens collections at Calvin Klein. And the result was a captivating presentation that avoided rehashing the corrosive political anger of the day and instead explored the melancholy our politics has stirred up.

Artful, contemplative and pointed, Simonss collection for fall 2017 used fashion  Western shirts, heirloom quilts, sharp tailoring, blue jeans  as a rich vocabulary for nuanced storytelling. For unwinding a narrative about America as an ideal, rather than a place. But Simons also excelled at a designers most fundamental  most difficult  job: He created desirable, inventive clothes.

Last summers announcement that Simons would take the helm at Calvin Klein was greeted with great enthusiasm by a fashion industry hungering for something new and dynamic in New York. Simons had a track record for creativity and reinvention both at his own menswear label and as creative director at Jil Sander and later, Christian Dior. His reputation as a minimalist with an affinity for street culture and a love for the visual arts seemed a perfect fit at an American brand, founded in 1968, that transformed blue jeans and underwear into sexual foreplay, stirred outrage from shopping malls to Capitol Hill when it sexualized youth culture and delighted the eye with its red carpet creations.

Simons Friday morning show was set in the heart of the Garment District, where the grit and grime are reminders of the grueling reality of fashion. As a measure of his star-wattage, he attracted a more international audience than most designers here, luring editors from Europe as well as this city. Other designers came out, too. Narciso Rodriguez, who worked at Calvin Klein during the 1990s, was there for Simons big day, along with Diane von Furstenberg, the president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Former models Lauren Hutton and Brooke Shields sat side by side during the show. And Shields chuckled when a model walked by wearing a pair of jeans with a patch emblazoned with a silhouette of Shields from her famous advertisement for the brand  the one in which she declared that nothing came between her and her Calvins.

But the collection was not a look back as much as it was a meditation on how this moment in time tracks with our historical understanding of what America means.

The clothes tapped into the large-type tropes of Americana. There were oversized parkas lined with heirloom-style quilts, big leather bomber jackets with rose appliques, Western style shirts in deep indigo denim, slim dark-washed jeans, glen plaid banker blazers with pronounced shoulders, marching band shirts and brightly colored trousers with racer stripes down the side.

Overcoats were sealed in clear protective plastic  recalling a 1970s crushed velvet sofa with its custom plastic slipcover. And sheath dresses were little more than layers of clear plastic stuffed with feathers. One model even wore an American flag skirt, its golden fringe streaming from beneath a trim overcoat.

The models were noticeably diverse  a parade of young men and women of all shades with long, flowing hair, spiral curls and tight kinks.

It is the coming together of different characters and different individuals, just like America itself, wrote Simons in his show notes. It is the unique beauty and emotion of America.

This is a newcomers America  the beautiful, charming, delightful bits of this country. The romance of the beautiful mosaic. It used to take a while before a new arrival got to the Rust Belt underbelly, to the lost souls, to the dystopian darkness, to the continued segregation. But that view comes faster now. Perhaps it even comes first.

As the models walked, David Bowie played through the speakers, and he made a sorrowful declaration: This Is Not America.

A little piece of you

The little peace in me

Will die (This is not a miracle)

For this is not America

Blossom fails to bloom this season

Promise not to stare

Too long (This is not America)

For this is not the miracle

What exactly is it that Simons has created? The memory of America? He commissioned the Los Angeles-based artist Sterling Ruby to create an installation  a mise-en-scene for his show. The results were metal buckets and sheets of faded denim hanging from the ceiling alongside old cheerleader pom-poms and other detritus from a star-spangled America.

Simons celebrated an America that is beautiful, that is mesmerizing and that is in question.
WASHINGTON  Opponents of President Donald Trumps travel ban sought Friday to rack up another legal victory against the measure, believing they have the administration on the defensive after a federal appeals court refused to reinstate the order.

As government attorneys debated their next move, they faced unsympathetic judges on both coasts.

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided Thursday with the states of Washington and Minnesota in refusing to reinstate the ban, opening the possibility that the case could advance to the U.S. Supreme Court. On Friday, a federal judge in Virginia also seemed inclined to rule against the administration in a different challenge.

For his part, Trump said Friday that he is considering signing a brand new order while the ban is held up in court.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida for the weekend, the president said he expected his administration to win the legal battle over his original directive. But he said the White House was also weighing other alternatives, including making changes to the order, which suspended the nations refugee program and barred all entries from seven Muslim-majority countries.

In Virginia, a lawyer for the state asked a judge to impose a preliminary injunction barring the government from enforcing a portion of Trumps Jan. 27 executive order that bars anyone from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the U.S. for 90 days.

A preliminary injunction would be long-lasting, continuing through the trial in a case. Still, because of the 9th Circuits decision refusing to reinstate the order, the practical effect of any decision in Virginia may be muted for now.

Judge Leonie Brinkema, who was appointed to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1993, did not seem satisfied with answers about the executive order from an administration lawyer.

Brinkema said that the order clearly has all kinds of weaknesses, and she asked the government to explain the justification for the ban, saying courts have been begging for that explanation. The president can legally suspend the entry of non-citizens into the country when he finds that their entry would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.

Finds, she said, doesnt mean just think.

Virginias Solicitor General Stuart Raphael said the government has been unable to answer the charge that the ban was targeted at Muslims.

Brinkema, who did not say when she will rule, said that there was strong evidence that the order is harmful to national security. She quoted from a joint declaration filed in the case by former national security, foreign policy and intelligence officials, including former secretaries of state Madeline Albright and John Kerry, former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and former CIA Director and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

In our professional opinion, this Order cannot be justified on national security or foreign policy grounds. It does not perform its declared task of protecting the nation from foreign terrorist entry into the United States, the declaration states.

The group continued that Trumps executive order could do long-term damage to our national security and foreign policy interests.

A lawyer for the administration, Erez Reuveni, countered that the group is not in the current administration. But he did not give any additional justification for the order. Instead, Reuveni argued that Virginia does not have the right to challenge the ban and that Brinkema does not have the power to review the presidents executive order.

As for how the government will move forward in the 9th Circuit case, Reuveni said no decisions had been made.

We may appeal. We may not, Reuveni said. All options are being considered.

Moments after the ruling Thursday, Trump tweeted, SEE YOU IN COURT, adding that THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE! But he did not specify what court he meant.

The administration could appeal the ruling to a larger 9th Circuit panel or bypass that step and go straight to the U.S. Supreme Court. That could put the decision over whether to keep the temporary restraining order suspending the ban in the hands of a divided court that has a vacancy. Trumps nominee, Neil Gorsuch, probably could not be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban, which would expire in 90 days unless it is changed.

In addition to the challenge in Virginia brought by Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat, the ban still faces lawsuits around the country, some filed by refugees directly affected by it. The Trump administration did win a legal victory earlier this month in Massachusetts, where a federal judge in Boston declined to extend a temporary injunction against the travel ban. But a separate federal ruling in Seattle later in the day put the ban on hold nationwide. It was the Seattle judges ruling that was ultimately appealed to the 9th Circuit.

___

Associated Press writers Ken Thomas and Darlene Superville in Washington and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report.
India may soon know a little more about Albuquerque.

Scotland and Australia might, too.

A national marketing group responsible for attracting international tourists to the U.S. has plans to highlight the Duke City with a new series of videos, offering the city free marketing exposure around the world.

Brand USA  a destination marketing organization established by Congress in 2010  will be in Albuquerque Sunday and Monday shooting footage around Petroglyph National Monument, Old Town and Nob Hill. It will share the videos through its online and social media arms and via representatives attending trade shows and other travel industry events throughout the world.

Cities like Albuquerque usually pay for such content  the video production value alone is about $30,000  but a representative said Brand USA will tackle the Albuquerque project at no cost to the city or its tourism marketing contractor, Visit Albuquerque.

This video is one of the ways Brand USA is able to promote U.S. destinations in engaging ways, Anne Madison, chief strategy & communications officer from Brand USA, said in an email. Albuquerque particularly lends itself to this type of platform because of the unique visuals and experiences it offers visitors. This is one of the ways we are able to expand content on our website for destinations like Albuquerque and New Mexico,

Visit Albuquerque President and CEO Tania Armenta called the project a true gift, especially since Albuquerque has few resources devoted to international marketing.

I have high hopes that this will pay tremendous dividends for Albuquerque from an exposure standpoint, she said, adding that she thinks the city might resonate with a foreign audience.

This place is very different. When international visitors are looking for something  especially repeat international visitors  beyond the been-there-done that destinations, this is a place that offers repeat international travelers a tremendous experience with our authenticity, our culture, our art, our scenic views, she said.

Visit Albuquerque does not specifically track how many visitors come here from outside the U.S. But the state Tourism Departments most recent data show that international travelers represent 1.9 percent of New Mexicos visitation  and 10 percent of the spending.

Brand USA uses a global approach when sharing videos but tends to focus on English-speaking areas like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and India, according to a representative.
The red berries of a weed found in the southern United States contain an compound that can disarm a deadly superbug, according to research published Friday.

Researchers from Emory University and the University of Iowa found that extracts from the Brazilian peppertree, which traditional healers in the Amazon have used for hundreds of years to treat skin and soft-tissue infections, have the power to stop methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in mice. The study was published in Natures Scientific Reports.

Cassandra Quave, an Emory University scientist who studies how indigenous people use plants in healing practices, said researchers pulled apart the chemical ingredients of the berries and tested them in mice infected with these superbug strains. The mice developed skin lesions where the bacteria were injected. The researchers then injected some mice with the pepper extracts, and their lesions shrunk. Instead of destroying the bacteria, the ingredients in the fruit weakened the bacteria by preventing them from producing the toxins it uses as weapons to damage tissue. The extracts from the fruit repress a gene that allows the bacterial cells to communicate with one another.

It weakens the bacteria so the mouses own defenses work better to clear the infection, she said. The plant extracts prevented the formation of skin lesions in mice injected with MRSA, but didnt harm the skin tissues or the normal, healthy bacteria found on skin.

The discovery may hold the potential for new ways to treat and prevent antimicrobial-resistant infections, an enormous global problem that was the focus of a rare high-level United Nations summit last fall.

MRSA has become a serious threat to human health; in 2011, it was responsible for more than 80,000 invasive infections and more than 11,000 deaths in the United States, according to federal statistics.

Antimicrobial resistance refers to infections that have evolved the ability to withstand drugs that ought to stop them. The medicines include antibiotics, which act on bacteria, as well as drugs to fight fungal, viral or parasitic infections. Fighting bacteria with drugs designed to kill them helps fuel the problem of antibiotic resistance if stronger bacteria can survive and evolve to become super bugs.

But instead of always setting a bomb off to kill an infection, there are situations where using an anti-virulence method may be just as effective, while also helping to restore balance to the health of the patient, said Quave.

Plants have been used repeatedly in traditional medicine over the centuries, and knowledge about their use is passed down from generation to generation, which points to their efficacy, she said.

People dont save that knowledge over centuries if something doesnt work, she said. Were trying to answer the question: does this work against bacteria, and how does it work, and is it safe to use?

The Brazilian peppertree, a shrubby tree native to South America, is an invasive species throughout the southern United States, and particularly in Florida, where its sometimes called the Florida holly or broad leaf peppertree, and is considered a noxious weed. The woody plant has long been a staple in Brazilian traditional medicine. Its leaves and bark are used to treat wounds, ulcers, burns and skin infections, Quave said.

Less is known about the plants fruit, which was used traditionally as topical poultices for infected wounds and ulcers.

From an ecological standpoint, Quave said it makes sense that invasive weeds have a chemical advantage that may help protect them from diseases so they can spread more easily in a new environment.

But she said the average person shouldnt try to use the weed to make their own medicine. Not everything that is natural is safe, she said.

Her lab at Emory is doing additional research to confirm the safest and most effective way of using the plant extract. Researchers would still need to conduct preclinical trials to test its medicinal benefits.
Back in 2015, in a moment of science communication genius, NASA created a mission called OMG. The acronym basically ensured that a new scientific mission  measuring how quickly the Oceans are Melting Greenland  would get maximum press attention.

The subject is actually extremely serious. OMG amounts to a comprehensive attempt, using ships, planes, and other research tools, to understand whats happening as warm seas creep into large numbers of fjords that serve as avenues into the vast ice sheet  many of which contain large and partly submerged glaciers that are already melting and contributing to sea-level rise.

Greenland is, in fact, the largest global contributor to rising seas  adding around a millimeter per year to the global ocean, NASA says  and it has 7.36 potential meters (over 24 feet) to give. The question is how fast it could lose that ice, and over five years, OMG plans to pull in enough data to give the best answer yet.

Weve never observed Greenland disappearing before, and thats what OMG is about, says Josh Willis, a researcher at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory who is the principal investigator on the mission. We want to watch how it shrinks over the next five years, and see how we can use that information to better predict the future.

And now, the first data are coming in, in the form of not one but two new studies published in the journal Oceanography by NASA scientists and affiliated university researchers, seeking to measure the swirl of oceans around Greenland and in particular how a warm, deep layer of Atlantic-originating water is moving and interacting with its glaciers.

Basically, it works like this: Waters swirl in a broadly clockwise rotation around the enormous island, often darting inward towards the outlying glaciers along the way. And in fjords that are the deepest, the Atlantic layer, which tends to be over 200 meters (more than 650 feet) deep, has the greatest chance of causing sustained melting.

Where its deep, theres warm water, says Willis. Above the Atlantic layer, meanwhile, is a layer of colder polar water that has far less of an effect on glaciers  meaning that the big and thick glaciers often get hit hard at their bases, even as the small and thin ones dont necessarily get hit much at all.

The newly published research does not present any answer  yet  to the big question animating all of this: How fast will Greenland melt and raise seas in a way that threatens, say, Florida?

In order to answer this key question, the researchers need comprehensive data on the depths and shape of the fjords, the thickness of the glaciers, and the behavior of the oceans around a Greenland coastline that, NASA notes, is 27,000 miles in length. Then, they will need to feed all of that information into a computer simulation that projects climate change forward to 2100 and calculates the consequences, at a high resolution, for Greenlands icy coasts.

Its too early to run the model, said Mathieu Morlighem, a researcher at the University of California, Irvine, and the lead author of one of the papers presenting the accumulating data. I think you need to wait another year or two, maybe more. It was not possible at all before OMG.

Still, the recently published findings mark a start. Morlighems study, for instance, looked at the depth and shape of the seafloor near the fronts of and beneath numerous Greenland glaciers. The research shows that numerous glaciers extend deeper beneath the surface of the ocean than previously thought.

For instance, Store Glacier in northwestern Greenland (at around 70 degrees North latitude in the image above) starts at 400 meters (around 1,300 feet) deep where its front touches the ocean, and then plunges to depths as high as 1,000 meters deep (3,280 feet) farther inland  making it quite vulnerable to the ocean. Prior research, however, had suggested the glacier was much shallower.

The same was true of numerous other glaciers, which also appear more vulnerable than previously thought.

OMG is transforming our knowledge of which glaciers are vulnerable to more warming or not, Morlighem said. So I wouldnt say we have been surprised, its more, we had no idea, for many of these fjords, what they were looking like.

Overall, the data are also showing that Greenlands west coast is far more vulnerable, in general, than its east, Morlighem said.

The second study, meanwhile, examines at ocean circulation around the Greenland coast and finds, strikingly, that between 68 degrees North latitude along the coast and 77 degrees North, the deepest warm layer of Atlantic water cools from 3.5 degrees Celsius down to 2.5 degrees Celsius. Moreover, it does so in part because the water busily melts away at a large and deep glacier called Upernavik at 73 degrees North, which touches the ocean in 675 meter (over 2,000 foot) deep waters. The cold meltwater from the glacier spills into the ocean and, through mixing, cools the warm Atlantic water somewhat.

The glaciers there are actively losing enough ice, and enough fresh water, that its important for the oceanography, and how the water changes as it goes up the west coast of Greenland, says Willis. That in itself is proof that Greenland is melting quite a lot.

The big picture is that NASAs new data suggest  thats right  new vulnerabilities.

Overall, together I think these papers suggest that the glaciers as a whole are more vulnerable than we thought they were, Willis said. He says that, of course, with the aforementioned caveat that NASAs not ready yet to feed the data into a model that actually shows how this could play out over the decades of our future.

For now, were still stuck with official estimates from bodies like the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which said in 2013 that Greenlands melting might at most contribute 21 centimeters to sea-level rise by 2100, with some possible addition from rapid ice collapse (this is the high end number for what scientists call the likely range in a worst-case global warming scenario, to be precise). But missions like OMG, in the meantime, are giving us plenty to worry about.

These kinds of results suggest that we could be in for more sea level rise than we thought, Willis said. And were not alone, the fact is that almost every time some new results come out of Greenland or Antarctica, we find these glaciers are more vulnerable than we thought.
Three women are suing Sandia National Laboratories for systemic and pervasive discrimination against female employees in a federal class action suit filed in Albuquerque this week.

Two national law firms, Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP and Outten & Golden LLP, filed the suit on behalf of two current employees and one recent retiree.

The women accuse Sandia of a pattern of gender discrimination that allegedly uses inherently-biased performance evaluations to stunt womens ability to achieve higher pay and promotions. They also allege retaliation against female employees who complain about discrimination.

The suit describes a corporate culture infected with gender bias.

Sandia spokesmen told the Journal the lab cannot discuss pending legal matters.

The women are seeking class action certification that could result in back pay, monetary damages and changes on behalf of all female lab employees.

These brave plaintiffs have taken the difficult step of filing a lawsuit that is intended not merely to help themselves but to change the playing field for women at Sandia, said attorney Kelly Dermody in a statement.

The suit says an unreliable and discriminatory evaluation process, known as a stack-ranking system, undervalues female employees relative to maled. Under the system, all employees in a peer group are ranked on performance from one to five, with one as worst and five as best.

But caps limit the number who can receive higher grades, forcing many to accept lower rankings regardless of performance, the suit says. It says rankings are based on subjective personality or behavior factors that tend to favor males. Because those rankings are used to determine pay raises and promotions, the system stunts advancement for females, the suit said.

In this system, female employees are systematically undervalued compared to their male peers because female employees receive, on average, lower rankings despite equal or better performance, it said.

The women are suing Sandia Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of current lab manager Lockheed Martin Corp. Honeywell International is taking over in May, so its unclear who would ultimately be liable if the plaintiffs prevail in court, Anne Shaver, a partner with Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, told the Journal.

Sandia garnered national attention in 2015 when current director Jill Hruby became the first woman to head a national security lab in the U.S. About one third of Sandias 11,500 employees in New Mexico and California are women.
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh says he was looking to meet a Muslim wife when he reached out to an Islamic State recruiter he had met overseas. Instead, he agreed to take part in a terrorist attack on American soil.

Jalloh, a former National Guardsman, was sentenced Friday to 11 years in prison for attempting to provide support to the Islamic State. Jalloh bought a Glock handgun and an AR-15 rifle, having researched the massacre at an Orlando nightclub last year and the deadly 2009 shooting at an Army base in Fort Hood, Texas. The FBI was monitoring his movements, and he was arrested before any attack was attempted.

Defense lawyer Joseph Flood argued that Jallohs behavior sprung not from radical fervor but from heavy drug use and untreated trauma from a childhood marked by rape, war and neglect. The gullible 27-year-olds attachment to the Islamist militant group was superficial and confused, his attorney said.

Hes clearly a follower, Flood said.

During a hearing in federal court in Alexandria, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gibbs said he was not unsympathetic but that Jallohs past did not justify his actions.

Mr. Jalloh probably is and was a very troubled individual and probably was in a very bad place, but individuals in those situations often do very dangerous things, Gibbs said. He could have stepped away; he never did that. Gibbs asked Judge Liam OGrady to impose the maximum 20-year sentence.

Jalloh, a U.S. citizen, lived in Loudoun County at the time of his 2016 arrest.

According to court papers, he was born in Sierra Leone, the youngest of eight children. His father was polygamous, and his young mother fled to the United States when he was 2 years old. His father and stepmother soon left Sierra Leone as well, leaving him with extended family. For several years he was sexually abused by an older cousin. At age 8, the countrys civil war made him a refugee. While running with relatives to Guinea, he saw a child shot by a soldier.

I was hungry, starving, crying, he recalled in a court filing. In Guinea, he was bullied because of his distended abdomen.

Jalloh made it to the United States after six months and reunited with his family. But after a few years, his father left and his mother was deported. He lived with various relatives, who largely ignored him. He spent most of his time indoors, watching pornography, court papers said.

Flood said Jalloh has always had a tendency to agree to plans but fail to follow through, an assertion that was greeted with soft chuckles from family in the gallery.

Seeking direction, Jalloh joined the Army National Guard out of college.

Jalloh seemed like he was looking for something to latch onto and barring that would wander rather aimlessly, Staff Sgt. Sherwood Rath Anderson wrote in a letter to the judge.

Vulnerable to emotional appeals, Jalloh often gave money to charities advocating for children in Africa, friends and relatives said in court filings. He was frustrated by the idea that he could not do more for Syrian refugees.

I started to watch online videos of civilians escaping Assad, on the beach shores, and walking long distances took my memory back to when I was a child and civilian in the Sierra Leone War which incited an emotion reaction rather than a rational reaction in me, Jalloh wrote in a letter to the judge. Unfortunately, I succumbed to the same ISIL online propaganda that is responsible for so many atrocities in the world. ISIL is another name for the Islamic State.

In 2015, Jalloh visited his father in Sierra Leone and met Islamic State recruiters who encouraged him to go to Libya and fight, according to his account. He gave them several hundred dollars, but when he actually got on a truck to Libya he quickly changed his mind and fled.

We were packed like sardines, he recalled. Guys in the truck would whip people with a hose to pack you in. This was the worst, most scary situation that I had ever been in as an adult.

On arriving back in the United States, Jalloh made contact online with Abu Saad Sudani, a now-deceased Islamic State member who was plotting an attack in the United States. But he claims he was looking not for a co-conspirator but for a wife. His girlfriend of six years had dumped him, sending intimate photos of herself with a new man for emphasis, Jalloh wrote in the court filing.

I started doing marijuana, coke and mushrooms using one of them at least on a daily basis in order to kill the pain I was in, he wrote. I cast my depression as some kind of noble inspiration. In truth, it was complete self-destruction.

A man Sudani connected Jalloh with, who he says he thought would help him find a bride, was actually an FBI informant. Flood said that the informant pushed Jalloh toward terrorism. For two months, Flood wrote, the informant hounded Jalloh with nearly constant entreaties to engage in a violent attack.

The FBI informant told Jalloh about a plot to murder U.S. military personnel and asked Jalloh about acquiring weapons. Jalloh tried to buy an assault rifle. As he did, the FBI was watching. The gun had already been rendered inoperable.

Flood said Jalloh felt remorse for the shame he had brought on his family and the National Guard, as well as the black mark he cast on other refugees at a time when many have been banned from the country.
DENVER  Winds in Colorado gusting over 70 mph on Friday helped spread wildfires, tipped over large trucks and broke weather records. One gust of 101 mph was reported at a mountain pass.

About 300 homes were evacuated because of wildfires near Longmont and in foothills near Boulder. They were quickly contained by firefighters working amid blowing dust and smoke.

The 24-acre fire near Longmont destroyed two barns and an outbuilding, Boulder County Sheriffs Office Division Chief Robert Sullenberger said.

The cause of that fire was unclear, but officials believed the 5-acre fire near Boulder was caused by a tree that fell into a utility pole that fell on the ground, igniting a grass fire.

Crews were fighting another wind-driven grass fire in southeastern Fort Collins. Authorities said it had scorched up to 25 acres but no homes were threatened. It was about 50 percent contained.

The powerful jet streams winds were blamed for knocking over trucks on highways, including one near Longmont on Interstate 25 and at least two on Interstate 70 in the mountains. A 130-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between Golden and Dotsero was closed to commercial vehicles as a result.

Some broken car windshields were also reported because of the wind, Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Tracy Trulove said.

The 101 mph wind gust was reported at Berthoud Pass about an hour drive west of Denver, the National Weather Service said.

The heavy winds followed a week of unseasonably warm and dry weather that raised the fire danger in Colorados eastern half.

One of several fires in Denver on Wednesday temporarily shut down train service to the airport.

The winds were warm and helped set new records for the warmest February day ever recorded in Colorado Springs, Denver and Pueblo. The temperature hit 77 degrees in Colorado Springs on Friday, 80 at Denver International Airport and 82 in Pueblo.
The farewell ice cakes are in the freezer. The road food, which includes 50 pounds of bamboo, is being readied. The broom, dustpan and poop bags are on hand, for clean up during the flight.

And Bao Bao, the Smithsonian National Zoos heaven-sent miracle, is getting accustomed to the airplane shipping crate that says: Contents: One panda.

On Thursday, a keeper used soothing words and honey water to coax the beloved 3-year-old into the crate in which, on Feb. 21, she will journey from her birthplace in Washington to a new home in China.

Cmon, Bao, the keeper, Marty Dearie, said. Good girl. Good job!

Bao Bao now weighs 203 pounds, and it seems like ages since she fit in the palm of his hand when she was born in August 2013.

He was the first person to hold her. She was two days old and people at the zoo were praying that she would survive.

They had been devastated in September 2012, when the zoos adult female giant panda, Mei Xiang, gave birth to a four-ounce cub  her first in years  and it died six days later.

My biggest memory of that moment [is] the raw emotion, said Brandie Smith, the associate director for animal care sciences, who had wept with others after the cubs death.

It was the excitement over having a cub, and when we did, our plans were of the future, said Smith. Everyone had been celebrating with us, and then, everyones sadness and disappointment.

But the following summer, Bao Bao arrived.

She was born on a Friday during the evening rush hour, as thousands of people watched live on the zoos black and white panda cams. Mei Xiang gave birth to a second cub 26 hours later, but it was stillborn.

Im not a religious person, Dearie said at the zoo Thursday. Ive said, Shes a miracle. And I dont even mean that religiously. We went from the [deceased] cub in 2012 to Bao, and, all that she means to this team, its pretty amazing.

The whole journey, to me, starts . . . with that cub in 2012, he said. Mei Xiang hadnt had a baby since 2005. There was some . . . thought in the scientific community that she may never get pregnant again.

And when that cub was born, and died six days later, we went from a really high high to a really low low in a week, he said.

But a short time later the zoo sent Dearie and another keeper to a giant panda conservation center in China to study different approaches to panda care and reproduction.

Three days after they returned, Bao Bao was born. And two days later Dearie held her in his hand.

She was small, but sturdy, he recalled. She had a loud voice and a thin layer of coarse white fur. She was given a quick medical examination and was returned to her mother.

We were literally running up and down the hallways in here dancing around for joy, he said. Ive never been that excited about anything Ive ever done in my life, honestly.

On Dec. 1, 2013, after a global online vote, she was named Bao Bao, which means precious or treasure in Chinese.

In subsequent years, the panda nation has followed Bao Baos antics on the cams and social media. In 2014, she accidentally touched an electric wire designed to keep her in her compound, and fled up a tree for two days.

That same year, she beat out the Star Spangled Banner flag in a Smithsonian popularity contest.

Bao Bao is the second giant panda to be shipped to China from the National Zoo. The first was Tai Shan, a male, who was born in 2005 and, to the dismay of panda fanatics, moved to China in 2010.

The transfers are part of a long-standing arrangement with China, whereby any giant panda cubs born in the United States must go to China around age 4 to breed. China owns all giant pandas in the United States and leases them to American zoos.

Now it is Bao Baos turn. Dearie and zoo veterinarian Katherine Hope will go with her on the trip.

She is traveling on a nonstop 16-hour FedEx Panda Express flight from Dulles International Airport to the Chinese city of Chengdu, the zoo said. Bao Bao will be the only cargo, FedEx said.

She will then go into quarantine at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, in Dujiangyan, Sichuan province.

Meanwhile, the zoos commissary is preparing flavored ice cakes that are being constructed in its giant freezer. They will be presented to Bao Bao in the days leading up to departure.

The commissary is also preparing to pack up food and 10 gallons of water for the journey. The food includes bamboo (a panda staple), a 25-pound bag of beet-colored panda biscuits, two pounds of apples and two pounds of sweet potatoes cooked with the skins on.

There will be no pears. Word is that Bao Bao doesnt like pears.

The day of her departure will be emotional.

I was curator of pandas when she was born, Smith said. Shes my girl. Bao Bao is special to me, because of my job at that time, and because of the significance of her birth.

So . . . Ill take a private moment on that day to be with her, she said. The panda house is my happy place.

But the zoo has three other giant pandas: a male cub, Bei Bei, 1; the adult female, Mei Xiang, 18; and an adult male, Tian Tian, 19.

And breeding season is approaching. The zoo said Bei Bei is being weaned from his mother and will eventually move into Bao Baos vacated section of the giant panda compound.

Over the next few months, Mei Xiang will be bred again, and in August were having panda cubs! Smith said.

Of course we are, she said. I have no doubt.



Video: Saying Bye-Bye to Bao Bao the panda

URL: http://wapo.st/2l1UbEs

Embed code:
Hundreds of Northern Virginia high school students walked out of class Friday afternoon to show solidarity with immigrants at a time of intense national debate over President Trumps executive order on refugees and immigration.

Demonstrations were reported in at least two Loudoun County schools, and possibly more. At Rock Ridge High, a student said at least 150 classmates walked out.

At Broad Run High, about 80 students walked out for about 15 minutes, some bearing signs. Im skipping history to make it, one read.

One student carried the flag of Mexico, another the U.S. flag. The students sat on the curb in front of the school in the bitter cold and then stood to face the flag in front of the school, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rida Ali, 16, a junior who helped organize the demonstrations, told the shivering group that she assembled them not to protest or make a political statement but because its time to come together to outline the importance of diversity and immigration in our country.

Immigrants are your teachers, your principals, your best friends, your government officials, your doctors, your neighbors, she said. Facing a diverse crowd, she said: This is what Broad Run looks like. This is what America looks like.

Syed Hashain, 18, a senior born in Pakistan, said he wanted to push back against anti-immigrant sentiment.

Its all about love and embracing people who dont look like you, Hashain said.

The event drew a few communityy members who voiced support from the sidewalk. It also drew a counter-protester: Vinnie Sack, 18, a senior and the student body president.

Sack, who did not have classes in the afternoon, returned to school wearing a MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN hat and a Trump-Pence T-shirt. He carried a sign that said: RESPECT OUR PRESIDENT GO BACK TO SCHOOL.

Ali said Loudoun students were responding to Trumps executive order barring refugees and people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. The order, which has been frozen due to a court challenge, included Yemen, which is home to her mothers family.

Ali said she and her mother, Rubina Ali, have volunteered for refugee causes, and the mosque they attend in Maryland is preparing to host a refugee family from Syria.

When you look around in your classrooms, theres so many people coming from so many different places, Rida said in an interview. Without immigration, everybody would be gone, unless youre Native American.

The Loudoun students join young people from across the country who have walked out of high schools and organized protests in recent months. For students who are too young to vote, demonstrations have been one way to take a stand.

School officials, who prepared in advance for walkouts at as many as seven high schools, warned students they could face discipline for participating.

Activities that disrupt instruction are against School Board policy regardless of the cause or viewpoint of those taking part, the school system wrote in an announcement posted to its website. Principals have met with students planning the walkout and have developed plans to ensure safety procedures are followed if students leave the building. Principals also have let students know this would be treated as a disruption of the school day. The usual discipline involved with being tardy or skipping class would be applied to those taking part in a walkout.

Ali, who said she has never been in trouble at school before, was not worried.

I feel like trouble is worth it if its something good, if its something you believe in, she said.
HOUSTON  A Houston surgeon has canceled a trip to Iran to perform lifesaving surgeries because of uncertainty over the future of President Donald Trumps refugee and immigration travel ban.

Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz is an Iranian-born professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He specializes in fetal surgery, and he has already had devastating video chats with two sets of parents who expected him to operate on their unborn children.

It was a disaster. They were sobbing, completely and totally devastated. Now, there is no hope for them, he told the Houston Chronicle (http://bit.ly/2kvaxlT ).

A federal court has blocked the Trump ban affecting travel to and from Iran and six other Muslim-majority countries. The Trump administration is appealing that ruling, and Trump has promised more action.

Technically, nothing stood in the way of Shamshirsazs planned 10-day trip. He has a permanent residents visa, the green card the U.S. issues to permanent noncitizen residents. However, foreign nationals with green cards and other visas were stopped and detained at U.S. airports in the days following the implementation of Trumps ban.

Even though that ban has been held up by federal courts, the Trump administration is appealing that order, meaning it could be reimposed. Trump said Friday he is considering signing a new order to replace his previous ban. Shamshirsaz said he is worried that he would be stranded in Iran and unable to return to his wife and U.S. patients.

Theres just too much uncertainty right now to know what is the right thing to do, said Shamshirsaz, who is only one of a handful of surgeons capable of operating on fetuses.

___

Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com
MONTERREY, Mexico  Mexican federal authorities have released a businessman wanted in the United States on organized crime charges hours after his arrest.

The state government of Nuevo Leon said late Thursday night in a statement that the federal Attorney Generals Office had released Fernando Cano Martinez. It said Cano was a target of an Interpol red notice to arrest and hold for extradition, but the Attorney Generals Office told state prosecutors that they did not have an extradition request for him.

As recently as November 2016, U.S. federal prosecutors in Texas told a judge they were seeking Canos extradition. It is unclear if that extradition request was ever formally conveyed to the Mexican government.

The U.S. attorneys office handling the case in Texas declined comment Friday.
DB Corp Ltd (DBCL), Indias largest newspaper group, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its flagship paper Dainik Bhaskar in Rajasthan. The paper was launched in Jaipur on December 19, 1996.

To mark the occasion, Dainik Bhaskar is hosting a Rajasthani Pagdi Tying contest in various media agencies across Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. The contest started yesterday (February 9, 2017) with Dentsu Mumbai, Madison Bangalore, and Havas Media and Initiative Media Delhi. The contest saw enthusiastic participation from media planners, buyers and agency executives.

Kaacon Sethi, Chief Corporate Marketing Officer, DB Corp, commented, Dainik Bhaskars glorious 20 years in Rajasthan has been the most wonderful experience since it holds great historic significance for the Group. It has been the most exciting two decades that witnessed both the States growth as well as ours.

He further said, As the state developed significantly in terms of infrastructure, economy, affluence, education, IT sector and jobs, Dainik Bhaskar has also come a long way strengthening its presence in Rajasthan and today, it is an indispensable part of our readers lives and, therefore, in media plans. We take the opportunity to thank our readers and all our business associates who have played an integral role in our success and growth in Rajasthan. We remain committed to work even harder to fulfil our responsibility as the leading news provider in the state, as active enablers of socio-economic change in the region and an effective medium for advertisers to reach their audiences in a trusted environment.

Speaking about participating in this special event, Arun Soni, VP, Havas Media, said, It was a great, fantastic and very enjoyable event. We at Havas Media thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We congratulate the Dainik Bhaskar family and wish them the very best. We now look forward to the Silver Jubilee celebrations in a much bigger way after five years.

Hitesh Jain, AVP, Investment Director, Havas Media, who found the Rajasthani Pagdi Tying contest to be a very nice event, also extended his congratulations to the entire Dainik Bhaskar team.

Venkatesh, a Vice-President with Initiative Media found the event to be very well organised and a great engagement initiative.
Geojit, one of the leading financial services intermediaries, today announced the formal change of its name and unveiled a new logo as part of a rebranding exercise that also coincides with the completion of its 30 years of operations.

The company is being renamed as Geojit Financial Services, in line with the restated shareholder agreement between Geojit and BNP Paribas. The French multinational bank will continue to be a prominent shareholder along with Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and Rakesh Jhunjhunwala.

Geojit Chairman Mr A P Kurian unveiled the new logo at an event here, in the presence of its founder and Managing Director Mr C J George, and other senior officials including Executive Director Mr. Satish Menon, and Managing Director of Geojit Technologies Ltd Mr A Balakrishnan.

Geojit has now 511 offices spread across India and the Gulf countries catering to over 8.5 lakh clients and has AUM worth Rs 29,000 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr AP Kurian said: All through my long association with Geojit, the company has always been progressive, innovative and has spearheaded many changes in the industry. With this new identity, I am sure that Geojit will move forth with renewed energy and commitment towards its clients.

Mr C J George said: Our new brand identity continues to be a reflection of what we stand for: trust, transparency and technology. We will continue to reach out to newer customers, building on our strengths and give our clients an edge when it comes to advanced trading platforms and incisive research.

He continued: We believe that foreseeing changes and successfully adapting to it is a key to success. Geojit, in the past 30 years, has adopted strategies that have ultimately benefitted our clients.

About the future plans of the company, Mr George said: With an increased focus on research and advisory teams, we are poised to guide our clients in wealth creation. Geojit will soon be launching new divisions for wealth management and financial planning. In addition, in the digital space we are working on upgrading our trading app and mobile app with new trading tools and content enhancement features.

Speaking about the logo rationale, Sreeram G of Bloombox, said: The Brand refresh was an interesting challenge; while working on the identity change we needed to make sure that the identity we created was a true reflection of the fundamentals that the brand Geojit stood for.

The logo is mounted on a square structure that represents stability and equality. The spherical shape formed by the letter G represents the globe, while the arrow-shaped end symbolizes growth in investments. The soft design used to create the globe represents our knowledge, presence and investments. The powerful logo rests on a background of Teal green that represents wealth and financial stability. The refreshed Geojit logo represents this true essence of the brand, added Sreeram.
Rooted in the strong belief of Advertising/ communication has to be a force for good, the Advertising Club (TAC) and the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) have joined forces to launch a pioneering campaign to highlight the serious issue of violence against women. The creatives of the ongoing campaign encapsulate the need for raising our voices against the atrocities faced by women and making a difference.

Explaining the thought behind the initiative, Raj Nayak, President, The Advertising Club, said, From governments to Fortune 500 companies, everybody entrusts us to communicate their agenda to the larger public. It is time to take our combined learnings and experience to devise a campaign that is in the interests of this larger public. To this end, we will be running a national search for a multi-media campaign that will aim to mitigate violence against women. I am confident that, as one, our industry will rise to pool in the highly creative resources at our disposal, to come up with a highly creative and effective communication campaign. We will fund the production of the wining campaign and launch it at GoaFest in April 2017.

While speaking to Adgully about the coming together of AAAI and TAC for the ideation of the campaign, Ramesh Narayan, Chairperson of the Abbys at Goafest 2017, said, Last year, for the first time we had introduced a new category called the Young Abby. The idea was to recognise and encourage the younger talent. We were to give them a hypothetical topic and ask them to create a campaign. So, the topic that I chose was gender violence. While I was thinking that what are the topics that we should have for this years Young Abby it occurred to us that here was a theoretical topic and campaign for a very real subject.

Elaborating further on the sensitivity of the topic, Narayan added, Violence against women has been on the rise, anytime you switch on your TV, in newspapers, you read about it and see it every day. And we also felt that here is a subject that concerns each and every one of us. Women form an important part of our lives  in the form of mother, daughter, sister, wife, girlfriend. So we said, why dont we as an industry take up this cause. I dont think as an industry we have ever taken up any social cause like this together. We were also thinking about the fact that, as far as creative resources and media linkages go, no other industry can actually match us. With all this strength we should really be doing something good. And so the idea came that why dont we have a national search for the best campaign to mitigate violence against women.

The Call for Entries campaign has been conceptualised and designed by FCB Ulka. Speaking on the campaign, Keegan Pinto, National Creative Director, FCB Ulka, said, Some impactful messaging addressing crimes against women is simply the need of the hour. If we can make even the smallest difference and make one person change, or prevent one incident from happening, our job is done. No advertising is greater than the home environment or the grooming of children to better this epidemic, but impactful communication can, as we know, cause a stir and make a small dent, especially if it is share-worthy.

The deadline for sending in entries to the AAAI is February 15, 2017. The entries would be judged by an elite jury and the winning entries will be produced as a multimedia campaign and released on April 7, 2017at the Goafest.

While the campaign has been generating very strong reactions on social media, we asked Narayan if the campaign was unintentionally provocative or it was crafted to generate such reactions. To this he replied, The campaign which we are talking about is crafted for Call for Entries. It is not the real campaign itself. This is the campaign that has been made pro-bono by FCB Ulka. To generate the brief, we actually spoke to two very respected womens rights NGOs. And we got them to vet the brief. We also ran the campaign past them and I have not had any negative reactions from them. As far as the reaction which you are referring to, this campaign has been aimed at the creative community in our industry only. These are very well educated creative people who have to be motivated to come out with the best campaign that they can. You have to be able to catch their eye and in a sense provoke them to give their best. No one is that particular segment has reacted negatively. No creative person has reacted in that way and my audience is that. I am not concerned about any other reaction, because whoever has reacted in the way, they are not my audience first of all.

Narayan further said that in this kind of a creative approach there would be some who would like it and some who wont. We need to accept the fact that people are entitled to their opinions and I respect them. There was only one negative comment on one of the posts on my Facebook wall, followed by three positive comments from womens rights groups. I didnt delete any of them and kept them all as we feel that we need to be sensitive to all opinions, he added.

When asked about how the industry bodies plan to take this message forward beyond Goafest, the ad veteran explained, The campaign that wins our competition will be funded by The Advertising Club(TAC) and The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) to be made into a real campaign. The industry will pay significant amount of money to convert it into a real campaign. After that, with the help of GroupM, who have committed a very senior team for this, it will run across media and the country for a month. The campaign will be launched at Goafest on April 7. From April 8 onwards it will be launched across the country as a proper high-powered multi- media campaign on television, print, digital and outdoor. I am sure the media will also support us very well in this journey to make it visible to a wider audience and I am hopeful that it will have more positive impact.

Narayan is also hopeful that the ad industry will continue to associate itself with such causes in the times to come. He added, It should not be a one-off effort. I would be very happy if the industry takes up one issue each year. Because there is no lack of issues and no lack of creativity in our industry. The leadership of The Ad Club and AAAI  Raj Nayak, Nakul Chopra and Ashish Bhasin  have responded so positively and spontaneously to this entire theme that it makes me feel that our industry is in good hands today.

Is there more to see and ponder on? I think the foundation, the stage and the tone of what is good has been set over the last year and this year. In fact, last year we also introduced a new category  Gender Sensitivity in Advertising  which will be there this year as well. Advertising or communication has to be a force for good. For this campaign to mitigate violence against women, there is no Abby award or cash prize for the winner and we deliberately kept it like this because our thought process was that this campaign is not for glory, this campaign is for good. You cant expect to have an Abby award on stage, it has to come from your heart. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us. The stage and tone has been set and I am hopeful that in the year ahead, because I dont think I will accept to be AGC Chairman again, it will even hit the stage in the future to actually carry the torch in the right way, Narayan concluded.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 10.02.2017 - As part of a cooperation project between the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) and the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) supported by the Human Security Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Tunisias National Authority for the Prevention of Torture (INPT) will undertake a working visit to Switzerland from 12 to 16 February 2017. Members of the INTP will meet with representatives of the Swiss National Commission for the Prevention of Torture (NCPT) and of the FDFA to discuss the work of the INTP and the challenges it faces.

During the regime of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, torture and other forms of ill-treatment were widespread in Tunisia, but since 2011 the country has endeavoured to break with this legacy. The ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture in June 2011 underscored the nations desire to create a new democratic republic that respects human dignity.

Complementing Tunisias efforts as part of the programme to prevent torture in North Africa, which is supported by the FDFAs Human Security Division, two Geneva-based organisations, the APT and the OMCT, are organising a working visit to Switzerland by seven members of the INTP.

The INPT delegation will take advantage of this visit to meet their Swiss counterparts at the NCPT and benefit from their experience. They will also meet members of specialised organisations such as the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and visit the Swiss Prison Staff Training Centre in Fribourg. The meeting scheduled with the FDFA will focus on the challenges faced by the INTP and more generally on the progress Tunisia has made since 2011 in the fight against torture and other forms of ill-treatment, as well as on the need to assess the work that remains to be done together.

The establishment of the National Preventive Mechanism, the first in North Africa, delivers on a commitment made by Tunisia in 2011 and is an important step in the international fight against torture, which is one of the priorities of Swiss foreign policy on human rights. In keeping with its support for the democratic transition process in Tunisia since 2011, the FDFA welcomes this step forward. The FDFA also welcomes the INTP delegations visit to Switzerland, which is a testament to the mutual trust between Switzerland and Tunisia and their joint commitment to the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment. The FDFA encourages other countries in the region to embark on this path.

Address for enquiries

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West Wing

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53

Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55

E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Twitter: @SwissMFA

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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.
SUV

Named DS7 , it is expected to be unveiled at this years Geneva Motor Show. Thewas spotted by our spy photographers while being tested in winter conditions. Unlike other prototypes featured in this segment of our web page, the DS7 is a production-ready model that was going through the winter testing procedure in its final form.From a design and technical point of view, the French are not expected to change anything else on the DS7 that you can see in the photo gallery. Minor modifications in settings could happen, but ever those are less likely at this stage of the development process. The DS7 was already seen in China without any camouflage, but its European brother is different from a styling point of view: different headlights, a modified front end, and many more changes.The European model is also different from its Chinese sibling in many other aspects, which include technical changes. The Europeans will get a broad array of engine options that are not offered in China in the same configuration, and the tech features could also be different between these markets.It is important to note that the SUV sold in Europe is being built on the Old Continent, while the Chinese model is made by PSA Peugeot-Citroen with its local partners at Dongfeng.Another indication of the fact that this prototype is close to production specification is its intricate and deceitful camouflage pattern. While the vinyl layer is thin, it has a disordered pattern on it that is employed to create an optical illusion. Instead of seeing something else if you look at a particular point for too long, you could wind up with a mild headache, because all of those triangles lead nowhere.The vehicle is covered up to this extent because the French company wants to keep it under wraps until it reaches the floor of Europes first important motor show of the year. Theres a small likelihood that it will not be unveiled in Geneva this year, but you never know until it is officially announced.
Also known as an extended or super cab, the king cab configuration tries to marry the best of both worlds. Be that as it may, youre better off buying the crew cab if you have rear passengers on a regular basis. On the upside, those who plan to use the truck for work can opt for the rear seat delete option.Presented at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, the Titan King Cab is available with a front bench seat or front bucket seats. Heated front seats can be fitted to Pro-4X and SV models, whereas heated and cooled front seats are an optional extra on the Pro-4X. Including the entry-level S grade, all variants of the Titan King Cab are offered in 4x2 and 4x4 drive. As standard, the 5.6-liter V8 will do the talking with 390 hp. The N/A motor is matched with a 7-speed automatic.On the capability front, maximum towing capacity for the king cab is 9,420 pounds, whereas the maximum payload stands at 1,640 pounds when properly equipped. The Titan XD King Cab, meanwhile, ups the ante with a 555 lb-ft Cummins V8 turbo diesel and a heavy-duty 6-speed automatic developed by Aisin. In this guise, the full-size workhorse boasts a towing capacity of 12,510 pounds. If payload is what youre after from the Titan XD in this body style, the gasoline engine offers the most: 2,710 pounds.The launch of the new king cab body is the last step in a journey that began in December 2015 with the debut of the breakthrough Titan XD, which continues to carve out a unique white space between competitors heavy-duty and half-ton trucks, explained Fred Diaz, division vice president and general manager at Nissan s North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles division. As with other Titans, the king cab is backed by a bumper-to-bumper warranty of 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
But we just can't look at it for long, not after what Ford's plastic surgeons have done to its nose. Talk about a mid-life crisis!For a while, we thought it was just the press being mean. But there's a Chevy Camaro in Chicago too, and it looks better than ever.The concept for the 2018 Mustang is to make it look like the eye of an eagle or a hawk. That explains the focused look in its "eyes" with LED projectors instead of an iris. I think all the regulations they had to meet in Europe messed things up.We can't hate the hood vents because they had to lower the hood by about an inch. Yes, that's going to be available for export. The grille is new and has "teeth" with an overbite, like a vampire.Rental car companies will be sad to see the base V6 go. They'll just have to buy a Dodge instead. Everybody is going to want a Coyote after they find out about the port and direct fuel injection. We know that plenty of work happened under the hood, but they won't give us any specific horsepower number. It's got to be faster, though, right?Manly men who like to drive a stick should know it's been updated with a dual-mass flywheel on GT models. The big headline grabber, however, is the fact that a 10-speed auto is available. Taking cues from their GM rivals, Ford have installed MagneRide dampers matched to new shocks.Bigger is always better when it comes to displays. That's why the 2018 Mustang comes with a 12-inch fully customizable digital cluster. The materials and colors have been updated, and even the key fob is new. A quick look at the safety stuff reveals that the pony can even detect pedestrians if you pay for the option. In conclusion, it's a lovable, smart but slightly ugly animal.
[February 09, 2017]

New Risk Radar Enterprise (RRE) Version 5.0 Release with Valuable Word & PowerPoint Reporting Features

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Feb. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pro-Concepts (ProConceptsLLC.com) announced the release of Risk Radar Enterprise (RRE) Version 5.0 with comprehensive and customizable Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint reporting and presentation features that greatly reduce intensive man hours previously required to create, manage and report on an organization's risk posture.

Now capturing enterprise and project risk data and presenting it via RRE embedded customizable Word and PowerPoint features allows for greater visibility and real-time insight into critical strategic and operational activitiesreducing risk and saving time and money for governmental and commercial organizations.

Pro-Concepts' latest Risk Radar Enterprise Version is a robust risk management solution that allows organizations to integrate, enhance and streamline their risk management program into their daily workflows. By pro-actively engaging all the organization's stakeholders, risk and opportunity awareness is improved and a risk-resistant organizational culture is cultivated.

Version 5.0 includes

User-defined enterprise and program-specific templates

Time-saving & dynamic PowerPoint presentations, including quad charts

Streamlined Microsoft Word risk management reporting capabilities

Access to 127 RRE Data Elements, RRE graphics, including a new "Plan versus Actual" chart

Suport for OMB A-123 ERM requirements, COSO framework, ISO 31000 & 9001, SEI CMMI

Support ISO9001-2015 Quality Management System requirements for Risk and Opportunity tracking

Updated features based on RRE User Community product requests







Risk Radar Enterprise (RRE) Version 5.0 is the cost effective, intuitive and easy-to-implement solution to regulatory and certification requirements which require a clear demonstration of an organization's enterprise/program risk management.

For more information or a demonstration of the Risk Radar Enterprise application, organizations may call (757) 637-0440 x 206 or email [email protected].

About Pro-Concepts LLC

Pro-Concepts LLC is a Risk Management Consulting firm supporting government and commercial clients in a variety of industries. The company advances concepts in risk management and independent risk assessment. Pro-Concepts is a Service Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business and equal opportunity employer and is located at 580 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 202, Virginia Beach, VA 23452-7333.

Contact:

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(757) 637-0440 | ProConceptsLLC.com

[email protected]

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To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-risk-radar-enterprise-rre-version-50-release-with-valuable-word--powerpoint-reporting-features-300405116.html

SOURCE Pro-Concepts LLC
Limited-Slip Differential

Joining the Sequoia TRD Sport and Tundra TRD Sport at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, the RAV4 Adventure is addressed to families on the go. The front-wheel-drive RAV4 Adventure comes with an Automatic. All-wheel-drive, as expected, is optional. The latter system boasts Dynamic Torque Control for enhanced driving dynamics.Regardless of where the drive is sent, the RAV4 Adventure features an upgraded radiator and supplemented oil and transmission fluid coolers. Toyota also worked its magic on the suspension system, upping the ride height over the standard RAV4 for superior overlanding prowess.From a visual standpoint, the large overfender flares dominate the exterior design. 18-inch black-painted wheels and 235/55-section rubber are on the menu as well, as are the blacked-out fog lamp surrounds, headlight bezels, roof rack, badging, and lower body guards. Customers will be offered no less than five exterior colors to choose from: Super White, Black, Silver Sky Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Ruby Flare Pearl. The pictured paint job is available for all RAV4 models.To go along with the rough exterior, the cabin features all-weather floor and cargo mats branded with the Adventure logo, Adventure door-sill protectors, a 120V/100W power outlet in the trunk, leather on the shift knob, and trim panels unique to this model. The options list, meanwhile, can further the appeal of the RAV4 Adventure with heat/power fabric front seats, heated steering wheel, and a wiper de-icer. The three optional extras are integrated into the Cold Weather Package.Slated to arrive in U.S. dealer showrooms in September 2017, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure comes exclusively with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,100 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission does the shifting in the drivers stead.
Case in point with the 1,500 hp hypercar we have here, whose color and material details have been chosen by Jonas, the man who helms the automaker's electrification arm.The Danish origins of the executive is why we'll find the colors of the country's flag on the body of the velocity tool. We see a melange involving red and clear carbon, while the white stripes are also on the menu.The Regera features Koenigsegg's aerodynamic package, while the rest of the details include black calipers, as well as the Tresex hollow carbon fiber wheels."Stepping" inside the machine, we find a tastefully restrained approach, one that mixes black leather with anodized aluminum featuring the same hue. Oh, and let's not forget the red contrasting stitching.This was also a good occasion for Koenigsegg to share some of the adventures that take place during the company's team building activities."This week it's Jonas, our Director, Electrification. The electric driveline of the Regera is, in many ways, his baby. It's fair to say, therefore, that the Regera is extremely special to him. Jonas might be a ruthless crybaby, incapable of accepting the referees' decision on the go-kart track, but he sure knows how to spec a Regera!" the automaker explains.As it has happened on previous occasions that saw the Koenigsegg staff picks being displayed for aficionado-thrilling purposes, hypercar fans demanded an online configurator, so we can all play with the gas-electric Angelholm monster.Given Koenigsegg's dedication to its speed delivery mission, we're sure an online configurator is in the pipeline.
We are referring to a consistent investment that will lead to the creation of over 200 jobs at the McLaren Technology Centers campus, which is close to the Manufacturing Research Center at the University of Sheffield . The facility will build McLarens Monocell and Monocage chassis for future McLaren cars, and those components are fabricated from carbon fiber The complex does not handle production for the current McLaren models, which are supplied with carbon fiber monocoques from Austria, according to the companys previously signed contracts and agreements. The new facility will deliver the first chassis in the second half of this year for assessment purposes. However, full production will happen in 2020, McLaren officials have noted.According to McLaren, this center is the first purpose-built construction outside of its campus, and it cost the company and its partners at the University of Sheffield approximately 50 million pounds. However, the center will help McLaren save about 10 million pounds when compared to todays costs. Moreover, the local economy will get a 100-million pound benefit in gross value added by 2028 thanks to this shift in production.If government officials would see figures like these more often, perhaps they would be more inclined to support new production facilities in their countries before complaining that nobody wants to invest in his or her area. All it takes is openness (both in mind and spirit) that enables potential business partners to discuss the possibility of new facilities.A politician must be able to see further than his or hers term to be able to sign off the papers that support a long-term investment, which does not happen that often in the economy these days. The blame is on narrow-minded people focused on a moronic form of nationalism instead of genuinely improving the lives of everyone that they must help from their posts.
TDI

The Japanese automaker insists that it has not used any illegal devices in its vehicles, and its representatives stated that the ruling is regrettable. Previously, South Korea ordered Nissan to recall 814 units of the Qashqai , and the same ministry of environment decided to halt the sale of this SUV in the country, Yahoo notes, quoting a Reuters correspondent.At the time, Nissans higher than stated emissions were found after a government probe conducted tests on 20 diesel-engined vehicles sold in South Korea to see if other manufacturers were operating their motors as Volkswagen did with the vehicles affected by Dieselgate.Nissan had already received a fine of 330 million won, which amounts to $279,000. The described penalty was given because the environment ministry in South Korea considered that Nissans Qashqai diesel models had employed a setup that would let the engine deactivate the emissions reduction system under regular driving.Volkswagen was caught operating a system that it referred to as the defeat device, which company representatives admitted to using back in September 2015.In the case of Volkswagens Dieselgate, the German company had prepared the ECUs of their diesel-engined vehicles to ascertain when they were being tested for emissions, and to apply the appropriate operating mode when it was the case. Otherwise, theirengines would deactivate or significantly reduce the effectiveness of their emissions control devices.South Korea was the only country to accuse Nissan of this kind of wrongdoing, and the Japanese corporation continues to insist that it did nothing wrong.The vehicles that were sold by Nissan in South Korea with the claimed problem were manufactured in the United Kingdom, at the facility in Sunderland. The engines themselves were 1.6-liter units that are developed with their alliance partners at Renault.
FWD

It sounds like some sort of miniature loader, but it's actually the name chosen by engineering students for their electric single-seater race car. Considering I can't put together an Ikea cabinet without detailed instruction, they really should feel proud. Which is not to say the video is all that exciting.I mean, by 2017 standards, the Cupra isn't the most amazing hot hatch. But it's made to drive around at a slow pace just so that the 108 horsepower electric car can keep up. And by the looks of things, that's not even the latest 300 horsepower model.The CAT09e is a single-seater that took a year to design, develop and build for the Formula Student international competition sponsored by SEAT. It was the winner of all the electric vehicles that competed in a race held in the Czech Republic and was put together by engineering students from the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya.Even though it's no match for the turbocharged monster that was the fastestcar in the world back in 2015, it's still got an impressive carbon chassis, reaches 110 km/h and has a range of 22 kilometers. Still, I bet the Leon can beat it using only half its gears.SEAT is one of Europe's youngest brands, with most owners having a keen passion for driving. So it's only natural for them to sponsor competition between the people who might one day engineer their limited-slip diff or turbo engine. The SEAT-sponsored Formula Student educational project enables engineering students to design, develop and build their own single-seater to participate in team competitions at various events. The automaker backs team ETSEIB from UPC Barcelona and team ESEIAAT from UPC Terrassa, whose results have placed it in the Top 10 world ranking.
Well, there's one digital artist out there who has interesting answers to questions such as the one above. His name is Khyzyl Saleem and he enjoys messing with hugely popular vehicles, be they fresh or retro, for the fun of it.The young British artist was recently challenged by one of his friends, who is a car photographer, with the 502 hp Giulia Q being the focus and you are now looking at the result."My bro NotBland Photography sent me this image he shot of the new Alfa Romeo Guilia, asking me what i'd do with it. This is what I did with it. Haha," the pixel master explained on his Facebook page.Now, before we leave you drool all over your smartphone's screen (if you've reached this point in the story, chances are you're not among those who find such renders offensive), there are a few ideas we need to drop.In our book, the sweetest feature of this wider-than-life Alfa is the contrast between its tiny factory boot lid spoiler and its otherworldly arches - a wing would've turned this story into a nod to Alfa 's DTM past.And if we focus on the (345-section?) tires that fill the said arches, we can easily imagine the whole contraption as a transformer robot.Since the Italian brand is now in the midst of a rebirth project, one that should help it re-conquer the US market, perhaps a Transformers take wouldn't hurt.Or maybe we've stared at its machine gun-like exhaust tips for too long and we're now enjoying the effects of a collective hallucination. Guess we'll never know...




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

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FreshSurety was both the audiences and the judges favorite this week at the IDEA Showcase. The showcase at ITEXPO in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. featured startups doing Shark Tank-style quick pitches of their business plans.

Tom Schultz did the presentation for FreshSurety. The companys president and CEO said fresh produce is a $600 billion market that loses 30 percent of its product due to spoilage.

The problem, he said, is that it is impossible to determine the products freshness because it goes bad from the inside out. And, he said, a lot of produce thats sold and bought is bad the very next morning.

To address that, the company created an IoT solution that tracks the respiration of the fruit so you can tell how fresh it is. That includes a sensor in the packaging and a coordinator on the pallet. Together, they provide an easy-to-understand rating as to the real-time shelf life of the berries. One bar indicates the fruit has expired. Two bars indicate itll be good for another day or two. And so on.

The company also has the ability to provide data on geolocation, temperature, humidity, vibration, and specific volatile compounds.

Fresh Surety already has some impressive partnerships in place. AgroFresh is its rollout partner. It also has relationships with Amazon, Whole Foods, and others. And it expects to break even this year.

The IDEA Showcase also featured a presentation by Agreeable, which offers an app that pays online sellers for their time and trouble even if their buyer doesnt meet them as planned.

Another pitch was from a company called Code Blue. It is readying a $2,000 device that can be used to help people and animals suffering from cardiac arrest.

Charles Douglas-Osbourn, CEO of Merlin Guides, got snowed in in New York, so he gave his presentation via video. His company has a training tool in the form of an on-demand, in-app guide. That enables businesses to provide step-by-step information on how to complete specific tasks.

On the lighter side, a company called ParkParkGoose talked about how its app uses crowdsourcing to help people more easily understand where in cities parking is allowed and where it is not. This aims to save consumers from parking fines, and can help businesses offer an extra service for their customers.

Matthew Donovan, founder and CEO of txtsignal, took the stage to talk about his Web-based monthly subscription service that aims to help small businesses reach their customers and prospects via text. This, he said, is a much more effective way for small businesses to build relationships with their audiences. And txtsignal already has several reference-able customers with stories about how they were able to build audiences in the hundreds or more and realized multiples of their investment in the process.

Another company, XpertRFP.com, talked about how it wants to make it easier for businesses to navigate the request for information/request for proposal process. It makes the process more standardized and secure, and it features a business map generator.

And Jimmy Padia of zoro.im talked about his bot-assisted business messaging solution.

VoIP pioneer and ITEXPO keynoter Jeff Pulver, social media business strategist Evan Kirstel, and South Florida Accelerator Co-founder Christopher Malter served as judges.

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It was announced today that Ulster Bank will gather developers, coders, designers, entrepreneurs and investors, to join Irelands only banking Hackathon from 17th to 19th February in partnership with Dogpatch Labs. Participants will come up with ideas which are quickly hacked together to create operable and viable propositions to benefit customers.



Open banking is the vision that banks are transforming from closed business models to open, connected ones that are better able to communicate with each other. Ulster Bank and RBS believe that this will lead to increasingly relevant solutions across the banking sector.



Participants will work in teams to deliver working prototypes around themes of financial services to enable open banking. The Hackathon will culminate in pitches to the judging panel which comprises Patrick Eltridge (RBS CIO), Ciaran Coyle (Ulster Bank Chief Administrative Officer), Patrick Walsh (Dogpatch Labs MD), David Erixon (Head of Digital and Customer Innovation at Ulster Bank) and also to senior business leaders. People can attend alone or with a team and can bring ideas that theyd like to pitch or join someone whose pitch interests them.



Mentors from the industry and beyond will guide participants through the conception and build of their ideas, and pitching workshops will help them to present their solutions to potential investors in the best possible way.



Managing Director at Dogpatch Labs, Patrick Walsh says, "Dogpatch Labs is delighted to work with Ulster Bank on the Hackathon again this year. Its a perfect fit as it combines innovation, fun, creativity and challenging the status quo. We look forward to seeing the fruits of everyones labour over the course of the weekend and exploring how the successful teams might commercialise their ideas."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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Modified On Feb 24, 2017 12:14 AM By Rachit Shad for Honda City 4th Generation

Newness revealed. Clearly Honda couldnt wait to get us excited!

Update - February 14, 2017: The 2017 Honda City has been launched, with prices starting at Rs 8.50 lakh

The Honda City is not a stranger in this part of the world. It has been in India since the mid-90s and since then it has ruled its segment almost flawlessly. The original recipe was quite simple - a practical three-box design with comfortable cabin space, potent power-plant and unimpeachable reliability. Honda has followed this basic mantra and it has worked well.

Over the years, the Japanese carmaker has had time to fine-tune the Citys offerings to match the rising expectations of its loyal customer base. Unfortunately, it took a bit too long to realise that slowly but steadily other game players were crawling their way up in the C-segment. The delay to up the ante came to haunt Honda last year when it saw itself losing the battle to its arch rival Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Time then for Honda to fight back! On February 14, 2017, Honda will launch the refreshed City and, on papar at least, it has plenty to boast about.

Bookings for the 2017 Honda City are already underway, with a refundable amount of Rs 21,000. The carmaker has revealed what all is new in the car. Allow us to take you through the newness.

Exterior

At the front, the bumpers styling has been tweaked to accommodate bigger air vents and a redesigned grille. The grille now boasts a bigger Honda logo between the chrome bars and a meshed background. The headlight units now feature LED headlamps and daytime running lights. Even the fog lamps are powered by LEDs.

Move over to the side and the Citys top-spec ZX variant will get new 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. At the rear, there is a LED brake light on the protruding spoiler, LED taillights and a restyled bumper.

Interior

The fully-loaded Honda City has always featured a sunroof. But with the facelift, the sunroof will feature a segment-first one-touch open and close function. Another striking aspect about the interior is the addition of a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has the usual connectivity options like Bluetooth and USB but also boasts an on-board GPS navigation system and video compatibility.

The interior reading lights will be powered by LEDs. The CVT unit gets seven forward speeds with paddle shift at the back of the steering wheel. The ZX variant will also come with enhanced safety - 6 airbags (dual front, side and curtain). The all-black interior trim option, which was introduced last year, is unlikely to be offered at the time of launch.

Performance

The refreshed City will be offered with the same tried and tested engines as the current model. While the 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine is tuned to pump out 119PS of power and 145Nm of torque, the 1.5-litre i-DTEC mill generates 100PS of power and 200Nm of torque. The ARAI fuel-efficiency figures with manual transmission have marginally dropped. Here is the comparison:

Engine & Transmission Outgoing Honda City 2017 Honda City i-VTEC with MT 17.8 kmpl 17.4 kmpl i-VTEC with CVT 18 kmpl 18 kmpl i-DTEC with MT 26 kmpl 25.6 kmpl

The above figures reaffirm the fact that auto boxes (CVTs, dual-clutch, etc) are so well engineered that they actually return better fuel-efficiency than their manual counterparts.

Honda received a lot of criticisms for the noisy and harsh ride quality in the diesel-powered City. To address that, the Japanese automaker has beefed up the insulation to bring down the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels of the City.

Price

The Honda City facelift will also feature a higher price tag, probably Rs 20,000-30,000 more than the current model. With that estimation, the top-spec variant, with all the bells and whistles, is likely to topple the Rs 13 lakh mark. If you compare that to the top-spec automatic variants of the Volkswagen Vento and the Hyundai Verna, which are priced at Rs 12.65 lakh and Rs 13.1 lakh (both ex-showroom Delhi) respectively, it falls right in the mix. But when you compare the City facelift to the fully-loaded automatic variant of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, which is priced at Rs 10.52 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Honda equates to be nearly Rs 3 lakh dearer and that is a worry.

While Maruti Suzuki and Volkswagen are gearing up to launch the facelifts of the Ciaz and Vento respectively, Hyundai is expected to launch an all-new Verna this year. Would you opt for the refreshed Honda City or wait for the others to bring in their new offerings? Do let us know in the comments section below.

Read More on : City
Conservatives and libertarians share the goal of limited government, and especially of confining the federal government to its enumerated powers. Where they differ is their conception of the relationship between man and statethe heart of constitutional theory. The death of Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia last year created an unexpected vacancy on the badly split Supreme Court, which throughout the presidential campaign focused attention on the importance of the Court and the selection of Scalias successor. I feel strongly that the Supreme Court needs to stand on the side of the American people, not on the side of the powerful corporations and the wealthy, said Hillary Clinton in the final debate. Advocating desirable policy outcomes without even mentioning the Constitution itself, as Clinton did in the debate, is a hallmark of the living Constitution philosophy, which has prevailed among liberals since the New Deal.

In contrast, Republican nominee Donald Trump pledged to appoint justices like Judge Neil Gorsuch, who will interpret the Constitution the way the founders wanted it interpreted, and specifically cited the importance of enforcing the Second Amendment. This is the conventional conservative approach to constitutional law. Conservative and libertarian constitutionalists agree with Trumps embrace of originalisminterpreting the Constitution based on its original meaningbut disagree sharply over what exactly that original meaning is. The libertarian theory of the Constitution is most often associated with the Cato Institutes Roger Pilon and Georgetown University law professor Randy Barnett, who has written several influential books on the subject. In his 2013 book Terms of Engagement, Institute for Justice senior attorney Clark Neily coined the term judicial engagement to describe how libertarian constitutional theory would apply in the real world.

The conservative theory of the Constitution is less unified. In general, however, conservatives believe that in exercising judicial review in the manner contemplated by Federalist No. 78, judges should defer to the political branches regarding the wisdom and necessity of laws, and confine themselves to determininghonestly and neutrallywhether challenged laws violate a clear provision of the Constitution. Conservatives frequently use the term judicial activism to describe instances in which courts decide cases based on far-fetched interpretations of the law, especially when recognizing rights that are not actually set forth in the Constitution, such as abortion rights (Roe v. Wade), the right to engage in homosexual sodomy (Lawrence v. Texas), and the right to same-sex marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges). Conservatives regard much of the Warren Court legacyincluding the rights revolution that unleashed the Fourteenth Amendments equal protection clause to second-guess policy decisions made by the legislatures of the 50 statesas unjustified judicial activism, and advocate a more limited role for judges. Libertarians are equally unhappy with the jurisprudential status quo, albeit for different reasons.

Libertarians trace the current judicial dereliction and mischief to the New Deal, and especially to the seminal decisions in United States v. Carolene Products Co. (1938), which relegated economic liberties to second-tier status with minimal judicial protection, and Wickard v. Filburn (1942), which granted Congress nearly unlimited power to regulate wholly intrastate activity under the commerce clause. Conservatives also lament Carolene Products, but mainly due to its infamous footnote four, the wellspring for modern equal-protection analysis.

Thus, conservatives and libertarians have identified different wrong turns that they believe the Court has taken, which to some extent explains the different course corrections that they propose: for the libertarians, greater protection of economic liberties and curtailing Congresss Commerce Clause power; for conservatives, reining in result-oriented judicial decision-making that reflects the justices personal predilections rather than the text of the Constitution. Conservatives, who are generally more committed than libertarians to following judicial precedent for its own sake (the so-called doctrine of stare decisis), also disagree with some of the New Deal decisions that have led to the current federal Leviathan, but sometimes hesitate to advocate reversal out of a sense of restraint. Which brings us, by way of a long introduction, to the crux of the conservative-libertarian dispute.

Judicial engagement entails several features that are anathema to conservatives, especially recognition of unenumerated constitutional rights, which courts (in particular unelected, life-tenured federal judges) will enforce by striking down state and federal laws if the government is unable to justify them as necessary and appropriate. In some iterations of judicial engagement, the government has the burden of proof in constitutional challenges (that is, laws are presumed to be unconstitutional, in order to vindicate a presumption of liberty that libertarians believe is inherent in the Constitution), and the deferential rational basis standard of review would be replacedacross the boardwith a more rigorous standard resembling the strict scrutiny currently reserved for laws impinging on fundamental rights and suspect classifications. Conservatives will never support a constitutional theory that condones Roe v. Wade, yet most libertarians are, at best, ambivalent about Roeand actually agree with Obergefell.

I have criticized elsewhere the judicial-engagement model and will not repeat those points here. Libertarians contend that judicial engagement is the only way meaningfully to protect individual liberty, and that courts are better equipped than the majoritarian branches to make sound decisions. Libertarians also contend that many past travestiessuch as Dred Scott, Buck v. Bell, and Korematsucould have been avoided had the Supreme Court demonstrated engagement rather than restraint in those cases. I find such reasoning to be unconvincing, even utopian. The ideal of an omniscient, all-wise, and incorruptible decision-maker, while certainly appealing, is unrealistic. As the famed jurist Learned Hand noted in his 1958 Holmes Lectures at Harvard Law School, published in book form as The Bill of Rights, it would be most irksome to be ruled by a bevy of Platonic Guardians, even if I knew how to choose them, which I assuredly do not.

The Framers were not utopians. They were deeply distrustful of human nature, andrecalling the abuses the colonists suffered under King George IIIin particular feared the tyrannical potential of concentrated power. In Federalist No. 51, James Madison explained that the best guaranty of individual liberty is a republican form of government: diluted popular rule tempered by the separation of powers and constrained by a system of checks and balances. It may be a reflection on human nature that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government, Madison said:

But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions.

Alas, judges are not angels. Our Constitution is not perfect, but it can beand has beenamended as circumstances (and public opinion) warrant. Mistakes, as judged by history, are inevitable. Humankind is flawed, but capable of progress. This is the story of civilization.

In the economic field, Friedrich Hayek scorned the conceit of central planners who presumed to make better decisions than individuals in the marketplace. Libertarians who would presume to substitute the judgment of federal judges for the polity as a whole display a similar conceit.

Clark Neily responds

Mark Pulliam deploys strawmen against judicial engagement while turning a blind eye to the glaring problems that render his preferred approachjudicial restraintunworkable. Pulliams version of judicial restraint is internally inconsistent, irreconcilable with constitutional text, and demonstrably inferior to the truth-seeking alternative of judicial engagement.

Like many conservatives, Pulliam argues that properly restrained judges should strike down only laws that violate a clear provision of the Constitution. But that position cant be reconciled with his belief that the Constitution protects various economic liberties, including occupational freedom, that appear nowhere in the text of the document and that Pulliam himself grounds in the controversial doctrine of substantive due process. Pulliam is at once confident that the Constitution protects the unenumerated right to economic liberty and disdainful of those who believe that the Constitution might protect other unenumerated rightssuch as not having ones reproductive organs ripped out by state-sponsored eugenicistsas well. His attempts to resolve the tension between these views have so far been unpersuasive.

The late Judge Robert Bork, perhaps the leading modern exponent of judicial restraint, likened both the Ninth Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendments Privileges or Immunities Clause to inkblots that defy understanding or enforcement. But selectively ignoring constitutional text is precisely the sin for which conservatives properly castigate the Lefts living constitutionalists. And while Pulliam himself has been coy about the significance of the Ninth Amendments command not to deny or disparage unenumerated rights and the Fourteenth Amendments prohibition against state laws that abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States, both the existence and the history of those provisions impose a heavy burden on those who would render them functionally meaningless.

Perhaps the most fundamental difference between restraint and engagement has to do with the conception of the judges truth-seeking role in constitutional litigation. Proponents of restraint believe that judges should require an honest explanation for the governments restriction of liberty only in a small minority of casessuch as those involving speech and religionwhile granting government action an effectively irrebuttable presumption of legitimacy in the vast majority of cases, just as the Supreme Court does when applying the comically misnamed rational basis test. Judicial engagement, by contrast, calls for an honest judicial inquiry in all cases, shunning judicial restraints embrace of government-favoring speculation and conjecture.

Photo by RiverNorthPhotography/iStock
My wife recently sent me a photograph of a police notice in bright red on the inside of the womens lavatory at the provincial English airport from which she was flying to Paris. It read: Dont want to fly? Tell us why. Call the police or speak to a member of the staff.

Around the edges of the notice were given various reasons why a woman might not want to fly: Forced marriage, Female genital mutilation.

So that no one could say that Muslims were being discriminated against, though the notice was obviously directed mainly at them, other reasons were given: Modern day slavery, Domestic abuse, Human trafficking, Smuggling, Child sexual exploitation.

I was all too familiar from my medical work with the problems young women of Pakistani origin sometimes experienced at the airport. They were on their way to Pakistan to marry (voluntarily or not) their betrothed first cousin in their ancestral village, often at the age of 15 or 16. Their parents would allow them possession of their passports only to go through immigration and for identification while boarding the aircraft. These girls knew that if they did not agree to marry their intended (though not intended by them), they would face an ascending scale of emotional blackmail, imprisonment, violence, torture, and even death.

Whether the notice was effective in preventing this appalling situation may be doubted. These young ladies were probably deprived of the use of their mobile phones and not allowed on their own into the lavatory.

Another airport notice draws attention to a different behavioral problem. An imitation departure-screen has a list of flights interspersed with red bands:

LADS HOLIDAY CANCELLEDTOO DRUNK TO FLY DREAM HOLIDAYCANCELLEDTOO DRUNK TO FLY HEN DOCANCELLEDTOO DRUNK TO FLY

At the bottom of the notice it says:

KNOW YOUR LIMITS DRINKING TO EXCESS COULD STOP YOU FLYING

I know of no other country in the world in which such a warning notice at an airport is necessary. It is certainly not unusual in British airports, especially provincial ones, to see rowdy men drinking pint after pint of beer at seven in the morning. There are said to be bars in Europe that display No English notices. One cant blame them.

Returning home after their drunken routs abroad, they (and foreigners) are greeted with notices at immigration that abuse of or assaults on immigration officers are taken extremely seriously. Taxis from English provincial airports inform passengers that they will be charged a fee for cleaning up any vomit they leave behind.

Welcome to England.

Photo by Mario Guti/iStock
The minister for civil society has announced that there will be another review of the Social Value Act.

Speaking at Social Enterprise UKs Social Value Summit earlier this week, Rob Wilson said that a review will be looking at the next stage for the act and will involve roundtable discussions with those leading the way on social value.

Wilson said: The Social Value Act all gives us an opportunity to collectively make things better. It gives public sector organisations the chance to achieve so much more with tax payers money.

He added: Sometimes they, and commissioners, need a bit of help so we want to work with you to explore the next phase of implementing the Social Value Act and deliver even more benefit.

My priority is two-fold, first a public sector that is a catalyst for innovation and gets much more social-impact for every single pound that we spend. Second, a small charity and social enterprise sector that is thriving, competing effectively and being recognised for the additional benefits and huge impact that they both deliver.

Government is playing its part by changing the way public services are delivered, which is why shortly I will review the process of the Social Value Act starting with a round-table to learn from those of you who are already leaving the way. I want to really know what is working well, and what more we can do to improve the impact we can make.

Collaborate and work

A spokeswoman from the department for culture media and sport, which is home to the office for civil society, told Civil Society News that the review will consider progress since Lord Youngs Review in 2015.

She said: We want to work with innovators and leaders in social value to understand recent developments in practice and activity. This will help us understand what is working and what more we can do. We want to collaborate and work with our partners to define the next phase of implementing the Social Value Act.

She said that the roundtable will hear from those leading the way on social value across sectors - from civil society, business and the public sector.

She said that Office for Civil Societys work on social value is on-going, and forms an integral part of its public services programme which was announced by the minister before Christmas, and that reviewing progress and looking at what more can be done to realise the ambition of the social value act is the next step

Paul Winyard, policy officer at NCVO, has written a blog post on the announcement of the review. He said that NCVO welcomes it, but reiterating calls for a combination of statutory guidance, training and amendments to the Act.
Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, writes that in uncertain times the future of charity fundraising is bright and exciting.

We are in uniquely uncertain times. A series of unprecedented political events  from the financial crash to Brexit and events in America - make the future suddenly very unpredictable.

At the same time, there are ongoing societal changes that are creating unprecedented demand on charities. At the British Red Cross we are responding to the worst global refugee crisis since records began and last year we helped more than 800,000 people in the UK. Meanwhile the combination of an aging population, new medical advancements and budget constraints are putting more pressure on health and social care and the need for our services is increasing.

These are external forces and global changes well out of our control adding up to very real challenges for the sector.

New regulatory framework

These pressures make our mission to help people in crisis ever more crucial. But declining trust in charities, intense public scrutiny and negative media coverage have made our jobs harder. In addition, a new regulatory framework is being developed to backstop the rights of donors, which, on the face of it, will make fundraising harder.



However, I believe that we need to do the right thing and that in such uncertain times there is also opportunity. We learn things about ourselves, find new motivations and recognise the mistakes of the past, which in turn can all help us identify new solutions.

The NCVO Working Group on Consent, which I chaired, recommended a new and rigorous set of principles and practice for fundraising that would give the donor, or potential donor, more control over the relationship that they have with charities.

These recommendations were endorsed by the NCVO board and commended to our new fundraising regulator. I understand the challenge we have set for the sector, but we have to change with the times. The NCVO working group heard loud and clear from the public that they wanted control over their personal data and how it was used. There was mistrust in how charities were using data and we urgently needed to address it.



So, we have to change - we need to reinvent the way we interact with our supporters establishing deeper, more enduring relationships based on a real understanding of our cause.

Encouragingly, our research also showed that two thirds of respondents said their trust would increase if charities were transparent and gave control over how personal data was stored and shared. So we came up with proposals which balanced the needs of charities to communicate with supporters with the publics right to have control over contact. I see this as the foundation stone for a trusting relationship between charities and their donors.



It is currently up to charities whether they choose to accept the recommendations and up to the new Fundraising Regulator what they choose to include in the new Code of Fundraising Practice.

Deeper relationship with supporters

But at the Red Cross we see this is the way forward, which we hope will lead to much deeper engagement with our supporters. Our desire is that it may spur them on to support us in other ways. A report by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) last October found that 18 per cent of those polled felt more inclined to volunteer now than before Brexit.

The present climate offers a huge opportunity for fundraisers to engage with a new audience of compassionate people. How exciting to think we can help create the world we want to see?

At Civil Societys Fundraising Live conference yesterday (Thursday 9 February) I set out how I see this as our moment. How we can capitalise on a more open and direct relationship with our supporters. How charities can bring communities together and how fundraisers will have a huge role to play here.

Shifting the balance from aquisition to retention

Fundraising roles in the future will be about much more than just the money  they will also be measured on their success as champions, campaigners and ambassadors for their cause.

For too long, fundraising has sat in a silo in organisations but it should be an integral part of what we do, not a means to an end. We need to work together to mobilise people, engage them and of course, hold onto them.

You wont be surprised that we are anticipating a shift in the balance between acquisition and retention. We know at the Red Cross, for example, that donors who have been with us over 10 years are five more times less likely to leave us than new donors. Of course that doesnt mean we wont need to top up the numbers.

But we wont be relying on individual giving growth, instead we will look to legacies, high value restricted giving and new innovative fundraising products to make up the difference.



Digital channels are only going to become more important. We receive around 40 per cent of our emergency income this way. Every contact is an opportunity to build a relationship.



The challenge for fundraisers is how to engage with them. Charities are competing for space in a crowded marketplace. Supporters have high expectations and want to interact with their favourite brands on the move. They expect a response and personalised experience across a number of channels. Different individuals will want different intensities of interaction and we need to deliver a tailored experience.



We need to understand our audiences like never before and charities must build a brand that is seen as relevant and trusted in every area.

It is time for us to accept that the status quo has changed and take responsibility. We have a huge and exciting opportunity now to nurture deep and long-lasting relationships with our supporters. This will ensure we can continue to help the millions of people who desperately need our help.

This blog is in support of a speech made by Mike Adamson at the Fundraising Live conference in London yesterday. A report on his speech can be read here.








Any idea on how to solve that problem?



This remembers me the school days when we had to find the intersection of two vectors...

Believe it or not I enjoyed that a lot, but I can't simply remember how it works





Joan M wrote: Any idea on how to solve that problem?

Joan M wrote: This remembers me the school days when we had to find the intersection of two vectors...



I think, both quotes belong together ...

And ... I believe you because I also searched for the same : how to get the point, where both vector-lines crosses.

My Approach is that this consists of 2 right-angled triangles. Both angles have the same opposite-side, so that would be the common part of the equation.

But if I thought a Moment that this is the Solution then I must say : mistaken - but I promise that I will think about it.



I come back if I know how to get further ...





Assuming that you have the same Acceleration- and Decelaration-Value your Acceleration-Distance (if you could not reach v-max) must be half of the distance between x0 and x1.

What we can do is to calculate the distance for Acceleration. At the end of this we have v-max.

Now we can use the rule-of-3 (I hope this is the right name for that Operation) to calculate the Speed v-x because there is a direct relation between da : s/2 and v-max : v-x



Could you follow me (and check if you could work with that) ?



see you

Ralf







If both speeds are different (we start from a moving situation and end stopped) then this approach fails.









As long as the angle (accelaration/decelaration) is not different this calculation MUST match ...





The Speed-difference is the difference between the Speed with which you actually drive (between X0 and X1) and the Speed you wish to drive (between X1 and X2).

But for me it is the same as if you reduce to Zero - then the difference would be the complete Speed - otherwise it is the delta-Speed.



Could you follow me now ?





Have you realized that asynchronous Motors, driven by a frequency-controller, don't have the same turning-moment during the used frequency-range ?

That means : as lower your frequency is as lower is your turning Moment.

This would be a Problem to get the right final-Position when decelarating.

A synchronous Motor (servo-axis) is able to compensate itself (and the perhaps not correct reached final Position) - a asynchonous Motor not ...





How do you get the data out of your .Net-Application into the Motor-Controller ?





I'm just calculating in excel and then testing stress cases, all the calculations are done in the PLC and then everything works from there.



But if I would have to do it, if I would work with Beckhoff (which is the main brand I've worked with) then I would use ADS and it would be a breeze doing that...



I guess that each brand will have their methods... OPC and others, but when (like me) PC control is used then it is extremely easy to do that kind of operation.









But also the PLC should be able to do this work - either Beckhoff or Siemens (with which I work most of time) - and the calculation in ST (or with SLC when using Siemens) should be easy if once the formula and the algorithm is ready ...







Thank you for your hints...











In fact I enjoyd this discussion very much.



Ralf Meier wrote: In fact I enjoyd this discussion very much.

I have not...



Seriously, you know how this business is...there's never enough time to do the job...



Anyway solved!





Mostly it is not the first idea, which guides to the goal, but most often the discussion does ...



Along these lines ...



edit/Update your question with actual code and explain what is actual problem.

So that everyone can see it without digging in discussion.

Patrice



Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler. Albert Einstein



cubic spline interpolation? This gives you smooth acceleration, as well as smooth velocity.



In your case, you would have "control points" (or knots) consisting of points x i through which the robot arm must pass at times t i . For three-dimensional movement, you would have a vector X i , and a separate interpolation for each ordinate.



This gives you a useful way of describing the constraints:

For N "control points", you have N-1 cubic functions. Each function is of the form f(x) = ax^3 + bx^2 +cx + d The 1st derivative of each function is the velocity f'(x) = 3ax^2 + 2bx + c, and it will be continuous (no abrupt velocity changes) The 2nd derivative of each function is the acceleration f''(x) = 6ax + 2bx, and it will be continuous (no jerks) f 0 (t 0 ) = x 0 f 0 '(t 0 ) = v 0 f N-1 (t N ) = x N f N-1 '(t N ) = v N Calculating the spline is a fairly straightforward operation.

If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack.



--Winston Churchill







Thank you for your suggestion.



A Spline is perfect to join movements and, as you say it is a good option.



In fact I would like to have a controlled acceleration and having all the job done till now I would like to keep it. This is the last week I spend with that... if it is not working, then I'll have to switch to other methods and the spline would be an option.



Thank you for your comment!





If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack.



--Winston Churchill



Joan M wrote: I've tried to make my own which works perfectly when the values allow the motor to reach the maximum speed "plateau" but it is not working well when is not possible to achieve this speed

First calc if motor will reach plateau or not.

if not reach the plateau:

do shorter acceleration and deceleration in order to create a plateau at lower speed.

Patrice



Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler. Albert Einstein







Thank you for your comment.



What you suggest changes the acceleration... I would like to change the speed and find the lowest permissible speed without changing the acceleration.



The idea is to keep the same dynamics for all the movements.



Doing what you suggest would end with a near to infinite acceleration in really short movements... reducing the speed would keep movements soft and get the same result...



But I've not been able to understand why I can't find it directly, if you take a look at the code snippet I've pasted into the thread with Ralf you will see that at the end, after a first approximation, I'm searching for a suitable speed decreasing it by one (terrible).



Thank you for your post.



Joan.



Joan M wrote: What you suggest changes the acceleration... I would like to change the speed and find the lowest permissible speed without changing the acceleration.

I suggest to change the acceleration duration, not the rate.

In a car, if it takes 60 secondes to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h, then plateau and decelerate.

it will take 15 secondes to reach 25km/h, 30 secondes to reach 50km/h, 45 secondes to reach 75km/h.

Patrice



Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler. Albert Einstein


The financial crisis, which deepened an existing recession, was a major blow to the U.S. economy.

Since then, the nation has been on a slow path toward recovery. Today, many consumers are feeling a lot better than they did a few years ago. Baby Boomers, however, are among the least likely to feel that way.

A study commissioned by the Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement found only 2% of middle income Boomers think the economy has fully recovered. Sixty-five percent don't think they have benefited at all from the recovery.

And while nearly all the Boomers in the survey said they expect to retire one day, the study found a near universal adjustment to just what form retirement will take.

Savings and earnings have fallen

Here are a couple of reasons why: among the group saying it has not benefited from the recovery, more than half say their money in savings is less than before the crisis. Four out of ten say they are earning less money than they did a decade ago.

Back then, 45% of middle income Boomers said they expected to have no debt in retirement, living in a home with no mortgage. Today, only 34% have that expectation.

Boomers contemplating retirement are also planning to be more dependent on Social Security income. Ten years ago, 40% of Boomers said they expected their retirement savings would be their primary income source. Today, it's 34%.

It's no surprise, then, that many Boomers appear to be reconsidering plans to stop working. The study shows nearly half of Boomers -- 48% -- plan to expect to hold down a full or part-time job after they reach retirement age. Before the financial crisis, it was just 35%.

"Ten years ago, Baby Boomers had a clear vision of what a personally satisfying retirement looked like," said Scott Goldberg, president of Bankers Life. "But today, many are realizing they will not be as financially independent in retirement as they once expected."

What to do

If you are in your 50s or 60s, you don't have the luxury of a lot of time to build wealth for your golden years. But there are steps you can take now to become better prepared. They involve cutting expenses and increasing savings.

First, AARP suggests defining what you want retirement to be. And be specific. If you want to travel, for example, think about what kind of travel. And it should go without saying, you need to be practical.

Next, add up your assets, both financial and personal. If you have developed a skill over the years related to a favorite hobby, maybe that can be a source of income after you quit your day job.

Decide when you want to start collecting Social Security. The monthly payments will be a lot larger if you can put it off until age 70.

Analyze your budget, looking for ways to trim spending. Just a little each month can add up to growing savings.
The AIDAcara will sail from Hamburg on Feb. 11, marking the first departure of the new AIDA Selection which are cruises for cosmopolitan explorers that offer even more exceptional vacation experiences, according to a statement.

AIDA Selection includes itineraries on the classic AIDA ships, the AIDAcara, AIDAvista and AIDAaura.

The AIDAcara will join up with the new AIDAprima, sailing into Hamburg together on Feb. 11. The AIDAcara will dock in Altona, while AIDAprima will go to her berth at the Cruise Center Steinwerder.

The ship departs later on Saturday, on a 14-day cruise north, with port calls at Haugesund, Bod, Troms and Alta. From there, AIDAcara will set a course for Vesteralen, Trondheim and Bergen.

There is a special ceremony planned for her Hamburg departure, the ship will first head for the HafenCity, passing the Elbphilharmonie concert hall at around 8:30 p.m. From the Pool Deck, guests at the Sail Away Party will be treated to the traditional Hamburg dishes, labskaus and pannfisch, as well as an exclusive view of Hamburg's new landmark.

After a further turning maneuver, the ship will glide down the Elbe in the direction of Altona. AIDAprima will cast off at 9:00 p.m. and line up behind AIDAcara as the two will parade together toward the North Sea with a fireworks display scheduled.

Following the ships two week cruise are three more 14-day cruises, and then later this summer, three 21-day cruises to Iceland and Greenland.

As part of the new AIDA Selection program, there is also the first AIDA round-the-world cruise will cast off from Hamburg on October 17, 2017. The AIDAcara will be at sea for 116 days, calling at 41 ports in 23 countries on five continents, returning on February 10, 2018.
CUNA and its system partners are working hard to make the first CUNA Governmental Affairs Conferences giveback event a huge success.

Attendees are asked to bring items for a donation drive in support of Bright Beginnings, a nationally accredited child and family development center that offers a bright start for homeless infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families in Washington, D.C.

CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle was inspired to create the giveback event after it was suggested by Matt Helms, vice president of human resources and training at Corporate America Family CU in Elgin, Ill., during the 2016 GAC town hall meeting.

Helms and Corporate America are setting a great example. The credit union will match employee donations up to $25. Employees can receive a casual day if they donate at least $5 worth of items. Additionally, Corporate America is donating $2,500 to Bright Beginnings.

Its great to feel the amazing spirit of generosity and cooperation among CUNA, the leagues, and Americas credit unions, especially as the GAC approaches, Helms told CUNA News Daily. Its such a special time for all of us to show what good we can do when we come together.
Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel, announced a $7B investment in Fab 42 in Arizona in the oval office, next to Trump as evidence of a positive reaction to Trump's new policies.



Alternative fact; Paul Otellini, then Intel's CEO, made a similar promise about Fab 42 in the company of Obama in 2011, during a visit to Hillsboro, Oregon.



BK said that it would bring 3,000 new Intel jobs to Arizona as the states largest private employer. BK further said that these were not jobs returning to the US from overseas but that Intel was all about "growth"

Click here to read more ...




Feb. 10, 2017--In the largest epidemiological study conducted in the developing world, researchers found that as exposures to fine particulate air pollution in 272 Chinese cities increase, so do deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The researchers reported their results in "Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Daily Mortality: A Nationwide Analysis in 272 Chinese Cities," published online ahead of print in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

"Fine particulate [PM2.5] air pollution is one of the key public health concerns in developing countries including China, but the epidemiological evidence about its health effects is scarce," said senior study author Maigeng Zhou, PhD, deputy director of the National Center for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "A new monitoring network allowed us to conduct a nationwide study to evaluate short-term associations between PM2.5 and daily cause-specific mortality in China."

The researchers found: * The average annual exposure to PM2.5 in the Chinese cities was 56 micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3)--well above the World Health Organization air quality guidelines of 10 g/m3. * Each 10 g/m3 increase in air pollution was associated with a 0.22 percent increase in mortality from all non-accident related causes. * Each 10 g/m3 increase in air pollution was associated with a 0.29 percent increase in all respiratory mortality and a 0.38 percent increase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality. * Mortality was significantly higher among people age 75 and older and among people with lower levels of education. * The association between PM2.5 levels and mortality was stronger in cities with higher average annual temperatures.

The researchers speculate that differences in educational attainment may result in environmental health inequalities and access to health care that affect mortality. In warmer cities, the authors hypothesize residents may spend more time outdoors and open windows, increasing their exposure to PM2.5.

The researchers said their study suggests a weaker association between increases in PM2.5 and mortality than studies conducted in Europe and North America. They suggest a number of possible explanations for this difference, including that in most Chinese cities there was a plateauing of mortality at the highest levels of pollution and the components of PM2.5 pollution in China may be less toxic than the components in Europe and North America. Crustal dust from arid lands and construction make up more PM2.5 pollution in China than it does in Europe and North America.

In 2013 China began introducing PM2.5 monitoring in urban areas. The current study analyzed available data between 2013-15. For nearly half the cities in the study, there was only one year of PM2.5 data available, and the authors note that a limitation of their study is that it does not look at the cumulative effect of PM2.5 over many years.

"Our findings may be helpful to formulate public health policies and ambient air quality standards in developing countries to reduce the disease burden associated with PM2.5 air pollution," said study co-author Haidong Kan, MD, professor of public health at Fudan University in China. "Further massive investigations, especially looking at the long-term effect studies, are needed to confirm our results and to identify the most toxic components of PM2.5 in China."

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About the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM):

The AJRCCM is a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Thoracic Society. The Journal takes pride in publishing the most innovative science and the highest quality reviews, practice guidelines and statements in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. With an impact factor of 12.996, it is the highest ranked journal in pulmonology. Editor: Jadwiga Wedzicha, MD, professor of respiratory medicine at the National Heart and Lung Institute (Royal Brompton Campus), Imperial College London, UK. About the American Thoracic Society:

Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world's leading medical association dedicated to advancing pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. The Society's 15,000 members prevent and fight respiratory disease around the globe through research, education, patient care and advocacy. The ATS publishes three journals, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology and the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

The ATS will hold its 2017 International Conference, May 19-24, in Washington, DC, where world-renowned experts will share the latest scientific research and clinical advances in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine.
The Arctic has a serious litter problem: in just ten years, the concentration of marine litter at a deep-sea station in the Arctic Ocean has risen 20-fold. This was recently reported in a study by researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI).

Plastic bags, glass shards and fishing nets: despite its location, far from any urban areas, the amount of litter in the depths of the Arctic Ocean continues to rise, posing a serious threat to its fragile ecosystem. Since 2002, AWI researchers have been documenting the amount of litter at two stations of the AWI's "Hausgarten", a deep-sea observatory network, which comprises 21 stations in the Fram Strait, between Greenland and Svalbard. The results of the long-term study have now been published in the scientific journal Deep-Sea Research I. "Our time series confirms that litter levels in the Arctic deep sea have risen rapidly in the past few years," says first author and AWI biologist Mine Tekman.

The scientists involved in the study observed the ocean floor at a depth of 2,500 metres using the OFOS (Ocean Floor Observation System), a towed camera system. Since the start of their measurements, they have spotted 89 pieces of litter in a total of 7,058 photographs. To enable comparison with other studies, the researchers have extrapolated the litter density to a larger area. The result: an average of 3,485 pieces of litter per square kilometre in the monitoring period (2002 to 2014). Further, there has been a clearly recognizable increase in the past few years: when the team calculated a contamination level of 4,959 pieces of litter per square kilometre for 2011 in an earlier study, they hoped it was a statistical outlier. But the levels have continued to rise since, reaching a new peak of 6,333 pieces of litter per square kilometre in 2014.

The situation is particularly dramatic at the network's northern station, called N3. "Here the amount of litter rose more than 20-fold between 2004 and 2014," says Tekman. If we consider the findings for the northern research area in the marginal ice zone, the data for 2004 indicated 346 pieces of litter per square kilometre. Ten years later, the number had risen to 8,082. The level of contamination is similar to one of the highest litter densities ever reported from the deep seafloor, in Cap de Creus Canyon off the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

Among the litter they photographed, the researchers observed plastic and glass most frequently. As a rule, glass does not drift; it sinks straight down to the ocean floor. This indicates local sources and concurs with increasing ship traffic in the region due to the receding ice. Still, it is extremely difficult to draw any firm conclusions on the origin of the plastic litter, since it often covers a considerable distance before reaching the seafloor. In most cases, the scientists can't determine the origin on the basis of photographs alone. While it is clear that the Gulf Stream transports plastic litter into the Arctic with the Atlantic water masses, the authors also have a new theory as to why litter is accumulating in the Fram Strait: their results indicate a positive relationship between litter density and the summertime expansion of sea ice. "If we're right, sea ice could entrain floating litter during ice formation. During warmer periods, the ice breaks up and is transported to the south into the Fram Strait with the Transpolar Drift, releasing entrained litter into the survey area when it melts," says deep-sea biologist Dr Melanie Bergmann, a co-author of the study. "To date we've assumed just the opposite, since we viewed the ice as a barrier to litter contamination."

The researchers are still faced with the puzzle of when and how plastic litter changes on its way to the deep sea. Over time they have observed more and more small bits of plastic, which are likely the result of larger pieces of litter fragmenting and could point to an increasing level of microplastic. This is surprising, since in the deep sea there is no UV light to break down the plastic, and the low temperatures are not conducive to disintegration. In the summer of 2016 the team rediscovered a piece of plastic, which they had first seen two years earlier. Bergmann: "Running into this same piece of plastic twice with hardly any changes to it is a vivid reminder that the depths of the Arctic are at risk of becoming a depot for plastic litter. The well-hidden accumulation of litter on the deep ocean floor could also explain why we still don't know where 99% of the marine plastic litter ends up."

More information on the AWI Hausgarten and the OFOS camera system:

The "Hausgarten" is the AWI's deep-sea observatory in the Fram Strait, and currently consists of 21 stations at depths ranging from 250 to 5,500 metres. Samples have been collected at these stations every summer since 1999. Further, the year-round operation of moorings and free-falling lander systems, which serve as observation platforms on the seafloor, makes it possible to record seasonal changes. With the help of an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), samples are collected at regular intervals, automatic recording instruments are positioned and maintained, and in-situ experiments are conducted. The Hausgarten represents one of the key regions in the European Network of Excellence ESONET (European Seas Observatory Network) and is part of Germany's Long Term Ecological Research network (LTER-D).

During Polarstern expeditions to the Hausgarten, deep-sea researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute regularly employ the remotely controlled towed camera system OFOS (Ocean Floor Observation System). At four Hausgarten stations its cameras are suspended roughly 1.5 metres above the seafloor at a depth of 2,500 metres, where they take a photograph every 30 seconds. These photographs enable deep-sea biologists to document changes in the species diversity for larger forms of sea-life, for example in sea cucumbers, sea lilies, sponges, fish and shrimps.

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Some people in mental health units should be allowed to continue to injure themselves as part of a harm reduction regime, says a researcher with experience of mental health care in the Journal of Medical Ethics.

For those who are not in immediate danger, such an approach is likely to be less confrontational and distressing, more respectful of their autonomy, and potentially less harmful than the standard methods of dealing with this type of behaviour, argues PhD student Patrick Sullivan, of the Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, University of Manchester.

Harm minimisation is widely used in public health interventions, such as substance misuse. It aims to curb the potentially harmful consequences of engaging in high risk behaviours by providing an alternative to abstinence, in recognition that this may be the best possible outcome.

Critics claim that it sends out mixed messages, fails to get people to kick their addictions, and is not necessarily the most cost effective option.

However, Sullivan argues that the high rates of self-injury among people admitted to mental health units suggest that the standard method of dealing with this behaviour--forcibly stopping that person from doing it--doesn't seem to work.

"There is a strong moral reason to consider alternatives, and harm minimisation provides an alternative to traditional ways of working," he writes. "Although evidence is weak or not available, proponents suggest it is a more realistic and pragmatic response to a complex health and social issue."

It could include provision of sterile cutting implements, education on how to self-injure more safely to avoid blood poisoning (sepsis) and infection, as well as therapy to help individuals understand what underpins their behaviour, develop alternative coping strategies, and deal with crises without resorting to self-injury, he suggests.

In support of his argument, he says that focusing on restriction could actually make the problem worse: many of those who injure themselves have a history of abuse or trauma, and stopping them from doing it could intensify their feelings of powerlessness.

"This increases the risk that individuals will self-injure covertly, in more dangerous ways, or attempt suicide," he contends, citing anecdotal evidence indicating the increasing use of other forms of self-injury, such as ligatures, among those in mental health units who prefer to cut their skin.

"In some cases this can be fatal. This occurs in spite of high levels of observation," he warns.

People who self-injure do so because the negative feelings they experience threaten to overwhelm them: injury reduces tension and increases control, providing a coping mechanism, says Sullivan.

Infringements of this are likely to be seen as confrontational and distressing rather than therapeutic, he contends. Those who self-injure usually understand the nature and consequences of their actions, so denying them this freedom thwarts their autonomy.

"Where the risks of serious injury are low, limitations on basic freedoms are more difficult to justify," he suggests.

He emphasises that he is not advocating a blanket ban on restrictive measures: where a person's life is in immediate danger, these are, of course, justified, he insists. Nor is he advocating blanket permission for self-injury. Rather, it is about permitting a lesser harm to prevent a more serious one, he says.

He accepts that many organisations may struggle with the practical and legal implications of such an approach, while healthcare professionals may balk at the idea of tolerating harm in the context of a therapeutic relationship.

"However, it has been argued that healthcare professionals may sometimes have good reasons to allow harm, in fact, they routinely do so; allowing harm is not necessarily contrary to the professional's duty of care," he insists.

"Harm minimisation provides a means of working with an individual in a way that recognises their autonomy and accepts that they have a different way of coping with distress," he writes. "By trying to prevent their injury, we harm them, we may fail to help them. I conclude that healthcare professionals sometimes have an obligation to allow harm."

In a linked blog, Sullivan reiterates: "Harm minimisation is not treatment in its own right, but an adjunct to [appropriate psychological therapy], and must be seen in this way." But he says: "No one who has listened to the stories of people who self-injure can fail to be concerned by the picture they paint of a system that just fails to understand."

In a linked commentary, Drs Hanna Pickard and Steve Pearce, of, respectively, the University of Birmingham, and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, accept that supporting autonomy and independence among vulnerable people is "fundamental to good clinical practice."

But they point out that Sullivan doesn't distinguish between secure and non-secure units, and that allowing a patient to self-injure in the former would be unethical. But even in non-secure units, the approach would not only be impractical, but also clinically, ethically, and legally dubious, they suggest.

It could also be dangerous for patients as self-injury can be contagious, and extremely distressing for staff, particularly if the continued cutting unintentionally or deliberately resulted in life-changing injury or death.

Furthermore, "sanctioning" such behaviour could reinforce the low self-esteem already associated with self-injury, they contend.

"Of all the various measures that could, in principle, be adopted to help [patients with a history of self-injury], the forms of harm minimisation that Sullivan advocates in inpatient settings do not strike us as the measures we ought to promote," they write.

"For self-injuring patients themselves--let alone when we factor in the potential impact on other patients and staff--the balance between costs and benefits of these forms of harm minimisation for self-injury does not tip in their favour," they conclude.

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UK sources of support:

Calm Harm app, Stem4 http://www.stem4.org.uk/calmharm/

Rethink Mental Illness: helpline 0300 500 0927; advice@rethink.org

The Samaritans Call 116 123

Young Minds Call 020 7089 5050

Clinical ethics paper: Should healthcare professionals sometimes allow harm? The case of self-injury

Blog: http://blogs.bmj.com/medical-ethics/2017/02/07/harm-could-it-sometimes-be-a-good-thing

Commentary: Balancing costs and benefits: a clinical perspective does not support a harm minimisation approach for self-injury outside of community settings

About the journal

The Journal of Medical Ethics is one of 60 specialist journals published by BMJ. The title is co-owned with the Institute of Medical Ethics. http://jme.bmj.com
A new species of beetle has been spotted hitchhiking on the back of army ants as a means of transportation, according to research published in the open access journal BMC Zoology.

The newly discovered beetle, Nymphister kronaueri, uses its strong mandibles to anchor itself tightly to the ant's body in order to hitch a ride when the nomadic army ants move to new nesting sites. It was only found in one particular army ant species and primarily on medium sized workers demonstrating that it is a highly specialized ant guest.

Dr. Christoph von Beeren, lead author of the study, from Technical University Darmstadt, Germany, said: "While collecting ant guests during the nightly emigration of an army ant colony, we realized that the abdomen of some ants looked odd and reflected the light of our headlamps in a slightly different way. From above it is difficult to detect the parasite, because the beetle closely resembles the ant's abdomen. When viewed from the side, however, it looks as if the ants had a second abdomen. To our surprise the odd looking 'ant abdomens' turned out to be beetles."

Von Beeren adds: "To the human eye, the beetle is quite difficult to detect when attached to the ant as they are similar in size and shape to the host ants' abdomen. The outer shell of the beetle is also smooth and shiny, just like the ants. We think that by imitating this part of the ants' body they might reduce the chance of recognition by the ants, allowing the beetle to travel undetected."

The new species is named after Daniel Kronauer, a dedicated army-ant researcher at The Rockefeller University, New York, who first discovered the species in an army ant emigration. It is one of many organisms, including silverfish, wasps, beetles, mites and flies that are known to exploit army ant colonies.

This new finding was made during a biodiversity assessment of army ant guests at La Selva Biological Station, a lowland Atlantic rainforest in Costa Rica. Von Beeren and his colleague Alexey Tishechkin, co-author of the article, collected ant parasites from many tropical sites but only discovered the new beetle species in one particular host species in Costa Rica.

Von Beeren adds: "Army ants have been studied extensively by researchers, yet this conspicuous new species has been overlooked until now. Little is known about other species of army ants and their guest communities - it is evident that many more species like N. kronaueri still need to be discovered."

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Alanna Orpen

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Notes to Editor

1. Images are available. Please contact Alanna Orpen.

2. Nymphister kronaueri, an army ant-associated beetle species (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Haeteriinae) with an exceptional mechanism of phoresy

Christoph von Beeren and Alexey Tishechkin

BMC Zoology 2017

During the embargo period, please contact Alanna Orpen for a copy of the article.

After the embargo lifts, the article will be available at the journal website here: https://bmczool.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40850-016-0010-x

Please name the journal in any story you write. If you are writing for the web, please link to the article. All articles are available free of charge, according to BioMed Central's open access policy.

3. BMC Zoology is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that considers articles on all aspects of zoology, including comparative physiology, mechanistic and functional studies, morphology, life history, animal behavior, signaling and communication, cognition, parasitism, systematics, biogeography and conservation.

4. BioMed Central is an STM (Science, Technology and Medicine) publisher which has pioneered the open access publishing model. All peer-reviewed research articles published by BioMed Central are made immediately and freely accessible online, and are licensed to allow redistribution and reuse. BioMed Central is part of Springer Nature, a major new force in scientific, scholarly, professional and educational publishing, created in May 2015 through the combination of Nature Publishing Group, Palgrave Macmillan, Macmillan Education and Springer Science+Business Media. http://www.biomedcentral.com
A team of international researchers, led by Colorado State University's Michael Gavin, have taken a first step in answering fundamental questions about human diversity.

Humans collectively speak nearly 7,000 languages. But these languages are not spread evenly across the globe. Why do humans speak so many languages, and why are there so many languages in some places and so few in others?

In a new study published in Global Ecology and Biogeography, the team was the first to use a form of simulation modeling to study the processes that shape language diversity patterns. Researchers tested the approach in Australia, and the model estimated 406 languages on the continent; the actual number of indigenous languages is 407.

The team - which includes linguists, geographers, ecologists, anthropologists and evolutionary biologists based in the United States, Brazil, Germany, Canada, and Sweden - adapted a form of modeling first created by ecologists to study the processes shaping species diversity. The researchers began with a grid on a blank map. The computer model placed a population of people in one cell on the grid and then used a series of simple rules that defined how the population grew, spread across the map, and divided into separate populations speaking different languages.

Gavin, an associate professor in CSU's Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, said that the team started with three very basic assumptions based on untested hypotheses: groups would fill unoccupied spaces, rainfall would limit population density, and groups would divide when the population reached a certain limit.

"We wanted to demonstrate how this modeling approach could be used to study aspects of language diversity," said Gavin. "We didn't expect such a simple model to perform very well."

But when the team tested this model in Australia, they found strong evidence that the amount of rainfall and limits to group size shaped both the total number of languages and the geographic patterns of language diversity on the continent.

"The results provide us with a better idea of the processes that may have shaped language diversity in Australia, and it also demonstrates a powerful new tool for the study of human diversity," Gavin said.

Very little measurable evidence about what contributes to diversity in languages exists. To date, Gavin said, there are fewer than 20 published studies on the topic. Even Charles Darwin, who developed the modern theory of evolution in the mid-1800s, was curious about the factors and processes that create language patterns.

"It is absolutely amazing to me that we know so little about what created these patterns of diversity that are so central to humanity," Gavin added.

One of the challenges in using the computer model is that the formula used for Australia -- including a focus on rainfall -- won't work everywhere. But the model provides a starting point for additional research.

"There are several things that are unique in Australia, including stark contrasts in the environment," Gavin explained.

"In places that have similar environmental patterns and aspects of social organization, we'd predict that we would have a similar result," he said. "This may include parts of Africa, and parts of North America. But we wouldn't predict the same results everywhere. What we have now is a method that can be used to examine how different processes shaped the incredible cultural and linguistic diversity we see across the globe."

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About 4.6 billion years ago, an enormous cloud of hydrogen gas and dust collapsed under its own weight, eventually flattening into a disk called the solar nebula. Most of this interstellar material contracted at the disk's center to form the sun, and part of the solar nebula's remaining gas and dust condensed to form the planets and the rest of our solar system. Now scientists from MIT and their colleagues have estimated the lifetime of the solar nebula -- a key stage during which much of the solar system evolution took shape.

This new estimate suggests that the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn must have formed within the first 4 million years of the solar system's formation. Furthermore, they must have completed gas-driven migration of their orbital positions by this time.

"So much happens right at the beginning of the solar system's history," says Benjamin Weiss, professor of earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences at MIT. "Of course the planets evolve after that, but the large-scale structure of the solar system was essentially established in the first 4 million years."

Weiss and MIT postdoc Huapei Wang, the first author of this study, report their results today in the journal Science. Their co-authors are Brynna Downey, Clement Suavet, and Roger Fu from MIT; Xue-Ning Bai of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics; Jun Wang and Jiajun Wang of Brookhaven National Laboratory; and Maria Zucolotto of the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro.

Spectacular recorders

By studying the magnetic orientations in pristine samples of ancient meteorites that formed 4.563 billion years ago, the team determined that the solar nebula lasted around 3 to 4 million years. This is a more precise figure than previous estimates, which placed the solar nebula's lifetime at somewhere between 1 and 10 million years.

The team came to its conclusion after carefully analyzing angrites, which are some of the oldest and most pristine of planetary rocks. Angrites are igneous rocks, many of which are thought to have erupted onto the surface of asteroids very early in the solar system's history and then quickly cooled, freezing their original properties -- including their composition and paleomagnetic signals -- in place.

Scientists view angrites as exceptional recorders of the early solar system, particularly as the rocks also contain high amounts of uranium, which they can use to precisely determine their age.

"Angrites are really spectacular," Weiss says. "Many of them look like what might be erupting on Hawaii, but they cooled on a very early planetesimal."

Weiss and his colleagues analyzed four angrites that fell to Earth at different places and times.

"One fell in Argentina, and was discovered when a farm worker was tilling his field," Weiss says. "It looked like an Indian artifact or bowl, and the landowner kept it by this house for about 20 years, until he finally decided to have it analyzed, and it turned out to be a really rare meteorite."

The other three meteorites were discovered in Brazil, Antarctica, and the Sahara Desert. All four meteorites were remarkably well-preserved, having undergone no additional heating or major compositional changes since they originally formed.

Measuring tiny compasses

The team obtained samples from all four meteorites. By measuring the ratio of uranium to lead in each sample, previous studies had determined that the three oldest formed around 4.563 billion years ago. The researchers then measured the rocks' remnant magnetization using a precision magnetometer in the MIT Paleomagnetism Laboratory.

"Electrons are little compass needles, and if you align a bunch of them in a rock, the rock becomes magnetized," Weiss explains. "Once they're aligned, which can happen when a rock cools in the presence of a magnetic field, then they stay that way. That's what we use as records of ancient magnetic fields."

When they placed the angrites in the magnetometer, the researchers observed very little remnant magnetization, indicating there was very little magnetic field present when the angrites formed.

The team went a step further and tried to reconstruct the magnetic field that would have produced the rocks' alignments, or lack thereof. To do so, they heated the samples up, then cooled them down again in a laboratory-controlled magnetic field.

"We can keep lowering the lab field and can reproduce what's in the sample," Weiss says. "We find only very weak lab fields are allowed, given how little remnant magnetization is in these three angrites."

Specifically, the team found that the angrites' remnant magnetization could have been produced by an extremely weak magnetic field of no more than 0.6 microteslas, 4.563 billion years ago, or, about 4 million years after the start of the solar system.

In 2014, Weiss' group analyzed other ancient meteorites that formed within the solar system's first 2 to 3 million years, and found evidence of a magnetic field that was about 10-100 times stronger -- about 5-50 microtesla.

"It's predicted that once the magnetic field drops by a factor of 10-100 in the inner solar system, which we've now shown, the solar nebula goes away really quickly, within 100,000 years," Weiss says. "So even if the solar nebula hadn't disappeared by 4 million years, it was basically on its way out."

The planets align

The researchers' new estimate is much more precise than previous estimates, which were based on observations of faraway stars.

"What's more, the angrites' paleomagnetism constrains the lifetime of our own solar nebula, while astronomical observations obviously measure other faraway solar systems," Wang adds. "Since the solar nebula lifetime critically affects the final positions of Jupiter and Saturn, it also affects the later formation of the Earth, our home, as well as the formation of other terrestrial planets."

Now that the scientists have a better idea of how long the solar nebula persisted, they can also narrow in on how giant planets such as Jupiter and Saturn formed. Giant planets are mostly made of gas and ice, and there are two prevailing hypotheses for how all this material came together as a planet. One suggests that giant planets formed from the gravitational collapse of condensing gas, like the sun did. The other suggests they arose in a two-stage process called core accretion, in which bits of material smashed and fused together to form bigger rocky, icy bodies. Once these bodies were massive enough, they could have created a gravitational force that attracted huge amounts of gas to ultimately form a giant planet.

According to previous predictions, giant planets that form through gravitational collapse of gas should complete their general formation within 100,000 years. Core accretion, in contrast, is typically thought to take much longer, on the order of 1 to several million years. Weiss says that if the solar nebula was around in the first 4 million years of solar system formation, this would give support to the core accretion scenario, which is generally favored among scientists.

"The gas giants must have formed by 4 million years after the formation of the solar system," Weiss says. "Planets were moving all over the place, in and out over large distances, and all this motion is thought to have been driven by gravitational forces from the gas. We're saying all this happened in the first 4 million years."

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This research was supported, in part, by NASA and a generous gift from Thomas J. Peterson, Jr.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov.

NOTE: This news release was issued on February 9, 2017 by MIT News. Physicist Jun Wang and former postdoc (now scientific associate) Jiajun Wang of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory contributed to the research. Using transmission x-ray microscopy (TXM) nanoimaging, they identified and characterized the chemical composition and the grain size of magnetic particles within ancient igneous meteorites. The analyses provided accurate estimates of the intensities of the early solar system's magnetic fields (as preserved in the meteorites); this information is key to setting the time scale of the evolution of the solar nebula--the cloud of dust and gas particles thought to be behind the development of our solar system--and the formation of planets. The TXM data were collected at Brookhaven's National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) and the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at DOE's Argonne National Laboratory through the NSLS-II TXM transition program. The TXM instrument was temporarily relocated to APS in 2015 when NSLS was replaced by NSLS-II. The instrument will remain at APS until its new beamline at NSLS-II is constructed. NSLS-II (and the former NSLS) and APS are DOE Office of Science User Facilities.
Today Future Science Group announces the publication of an article in Future Virology highlighting the clinical complications associated with antiretroviral therapy in Chinese HIV/ Tuberculosis (TB) coinfected patients.

In HIV infected individuals, coinfection with TB advances HIV to AIDS. As per the recommended guidelines by the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention, it is advised that these patients receive anti-tubercular treatment followed by timely initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy.

"Despite the availability of the National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program in China, HIV-related opportunistic infections continue to cause mortality in Chinese HIV-infected individuals due to lack of awareness of HIV infection until opportunistic infections become the first indicator of their disease" explained the authors (Huarun-WISCO Hospital and Beijing Shijitan Hospital, China).

In this investigation, the authors set to identify the aetiology of clinical complications associated with this coinfection by retrospectively studying 180 HIV-infected patients admitted to the Beijing Ditan Hospital from January 2012 to April 2014. Amongst the most frequent complications were AIDS-defining illnesses with a prevalence of 20%.

There are hopes that these findings will help educate physicians treating patients with HIV/ Tuberculosis especially after initiating combination antiretroviral therapy.

Commissioning Editor for Future Virology, Frances Adlam commented: "This study addresses the important clinical problem of continued high mortality in HIV/TB coinfected patients and contains data especially applicable to resource limited settings."

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To read the full article please click here - http://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/full/10.2217/fvl-2016-0102

About Future Virology

Launched in 2006, the journal Future Virology is part of the Future Medicine journal collection. Future Virology (impact factor: 0.886) features the latest updates in virology, infectious disease and immunology analysis, with an international Editorial Board headed by Editor-in-Chief Mark Wainberg (McGill AIDS Centre, Canada).

About Future Science Group

Founded in 2001, Future Science Group (FSG) is a progressive publisher focused on breakthrough medical, biotechnological, and scientific research. FSG's portfolio includes two imprints, Future Science and Future Medicine. In addition to this core publishing business FSG develops specialist eCommunities. Key titles and sites include Bioanalysis Zone, Epigenomics, Nanomedicine and the award-winning Regenerative Medicine.

The aim of FSG is to service the advancement of clinical practice and drug research by enhancing the efficiency of communications among clinicians, researchers and decision-makers, and by providing innovative solutions to their information needs. This is achieved through a customer-centric approach, use of new technologies, products that deliver value-for-money and uncompromisingly high standards. http://www.future-science-group.com
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that short-course preoperative radiotherapy combined with delayed surgery reduces the adverse side-effects of rectal cancer surgery without compromising its efficacy. The results are presented in the journal The Lancet Oncology.

Rectal cancer affects some 2,000 men and women in Sweden every year. Preoperative radiotherapy was gradually introduced in the early 1990s, with a consequent improvement in prognosis for people with rectal cancer and reduction in the risk of local recurrence.

"Back then we showed that preoperative radiotherapy reduces the risk of local recurrence by over 50 per cent for patients with rectal cancer," says principal investigator Anna Martling, senior consultant surgeon and professor at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery. "Thanks to our results, radiotherapy is recommended to many rectal cancer patients."

However, radiotherapy can cause adverse reactions and the optimal radiotherapeutic method and the interval between it and the ensuing surgery have been mooted. The study now presented in The Lancet Oncology is based on the claim that the adverse effects of rectal cancer treatment can be reduced by administering more but lower doses of radiation for a longer time, or by increasing the interval between radiotherapy and surgery. These hypotheses have now been tested in a study in which rectal cancer patients were randomly assigned to three different treatment arms:

Standard therapy, i.e. short-course (5x5 Gy) radiotherapy with direct surgery within a week.

Delayed surgery with short-course (5x5 Gy) radiotherapy followed by surgery after 4-8 weeks.

Delayed surgery with long-course (25x2 Gy) radiotherapy followed by surgery after 4-8 weeks.

The results of the study show that patients with delayed surgery develop fewer complications with equally good oncological outcomes. It also showed that there is no difference between long-course and short-course radiotherapy other than that the former considerably lengthens the time for treatment.

"The results of the study will give rise to improved therapeutic strategies, fewer complications with a sustained low incidence of local recurrence, and better survival rates for rectal cancer patients," says Professor Martling. "The results can now be immediately put to clinical use to the considerable benefit of the patients."

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Eighteen Swedish hospitals took part in the study, which was financed by the Swedish Research Council and the Cancer Society in Stockholm, and through the regional ALF agreement between Stockholm County Council and Karolinska Institutet. Researchers from the universities in Lund, Uppsala and Linkoping also contributed to findings.

Publication: 'The Stockholm III Trial on optimal fractionation of preoperative radiotherapy and timing to surgery for rectal cancer - a randomised controlled trial' Johan Erlandsson, Torbjorn Holm, David Pettersson, Ake Berglund, Bjorn Cedermark, Calin Radu, Hemming Johansson, Mikael Machado, Fredrik Hjern, Olof Hallbook, Ingvar Syk, Bengt Glimelius, Anna Martling

The Lancet Oncology, online 9 February 2017, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(17)30086-4.

Contact the Press Office and download images: ki.se/pressroom

Karolinska Institutet - a medical university: ki.se/english
The European Union activated its Galileo satellite navigation system in December 2016. The EU is dedicated to setting this system apart from other navigation systems such as GPS -- the US counterpart of Galileo. Researchers from the Department of Electrical Engineering at KU Leuven (University of Leuven, Belgium) have now risen to this challenge as well: they designed authentication features that will make it even more difficult to send out false Galileo signals.

Navigation systems are based on satellites that send out signals, including their location. The distance to four or more satellites makes it possible to determine someone's geographical position and time. But this process may go wrong when hackers send out signals of their own that drown out the real ones. As the authentic signals are blocked, the position information for the navigation system is no longer correct.

Professor Vincent Rijmen and doctoral student Tomer Ashur from the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) at KU Leuven have now advised the European Commission on ways to make Galileo signals more difficult to falsify. Their authentication method involves electronic signatures, similar to methods used for online banking.

To avoid delaying the launch of Galileo the researchers could only use the remaining 'bits' in the signals for authentication purposes. "This is why we support the TESLA method for electronic signatures," Professor Rijmen explains. "TESLA signatures fit into 100 bits. They quickly expire, but this is not a disadvantage in the case of satellite navigation because the location is authenticated every 30 seconds or less anyway."

The method still needs to be tested and validated before it can be made available to the general public. "The authentication service is scheduled to become publicly available on a number of Galileo satellites in 2018," according to Professor Rijmen. "By 2020 the method will be fully operational. To use it, however, you will need a special receiver for Galileo signals that can also verify the electronic signatures. These receivers are currently in development."

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Researchers have created a large, open source database to support the development of robot activities based on natural language input. The new KIT Motion-Language Dataset will help to unify and standardize research linking human motion and natural language, as presented in an article in Big Data, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Big Data website until March 9, 2017.

In the article "The KIT Motion-Language Dataset," Matthias Plappert, Christian Mandery, and Tamim Asfour, Institute for Anthropomatics and Robotics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, describe a novel crowd-sourcing approach and purpose-built web-based tool they used to develop their publicly available dataset that annotates motions. Their approach relies on a unified representation that is independent of the capture system or marker set to be able to merge data from different existing motion capture databases into the KIT Motion-Language Dataset. It currently includes about 4,000 motions and more than 6,200 annotations in natural language that contain nearly 53,000 words.

The article is part of a special issue of Big Data on "Big Data in Robotics" led by Guest Editors Jeannette Bohg, PhD, Matei Ciocarlie, PhD, Jaview Civera, PhD, and Lydia Kavraki, PhD.

"Human motion is complex and nuanced in terms of how it can be described, and it is surprisingly difficult to even retrieve motions from databases corresponding to natural language descriptions. There is a great need to describe robotic systems in natural language that captures the richness associated with motion, but doing this accurately is an extremely challenging problem," says Big Data Editor-in-Chief Vasant Dhar, Professor at the Stern School of Business and the Center for Data Science at New York University. "Plappert and his colleagues do a wonderful job using a novel crowd-sourcing approach and a tool to document the annotation process itself along with methods for obtaining high quality inputs and selecting motions that require further annotation automatically. They have constructed an impressive database of motions and annotations that can serve as a test-bed for research in this area. It is a great service to the research community."

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About the Journal

Big Data, published quarterly online with open access options and in print, facilitates and supports the efforts of researchers, analysts, statisticians, business leaders, and policymakers to improve operations, profitability, and communications within their organizations. Spanning a broad array of disciplines focusing on novel big data technologies, policies, and innovations, the Journal brings together the community to address the challenges and discover new breakthroughs and trends living within this information. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Big Data website.

About the Publisher

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative medical and biomedical peer-reviewed journals, including OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology, Journal of Computational Biology, New Space, and 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's more than 80 journals, newsmagazines, and books is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.
MATTOON -- Two years after the initial idea for a community college was discussed, Virgil H. Judge was named Lake Land Colleges first president on Jan. 9, 1967. He served until 1972.

Lake Land reported in a press release that Judge, who was known locally and at the state level, was a superintendent of the Mattoon school district when he was approached to lead the new school.

Prior to working at Lake Land, Judge had been a teacher, principal and superintendent. He served as president of various professional organizations, including the Illinois Association of County Superintendent of Schools and the Illinois Association of School Administrators. He also was the chairman of the Eastern Illinois Area Special Education group that was originally responsible for bringing a junior college to the area.

"Judge hired all of the original faculty who worked with him to establish the colleges strong culture of putting students first, while providing excellent, quality educational experiences," Lake Land reported.

Since Judges leadership, there have been six presidents who have served Lake Land.

I am very fortunate to follow a legacy of outstanding presidents who have served Lake Land, Josh Bullock, current president, said. Without their exemplary leadership, Lake Land wouldnt be as great of an institution as it is today.

The other past Lake Land presidents are Robert Webb, 1972-1984; David Schultz, 1984-1988; Robert K. Luther, 1988-2006; Bill Thallemer, 2006-2007; Scott Lensink, 2007-2013.
New research from a team of cognitive neuroscientists at McMaster University suggests that simply putting on a uniform, similar to one the police might wear, automatically affects how we perceive others, creating a bias towards those considered to be of a low social status.

The study, recently published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, raises important questions about stereotypes and profiling, and about how the symbolic power and authority associated with police uniforms might affect these tendencies.

"We all know that the police generally do an excellent job, but there has also been a great deal of public discourse about biased policing in North America over recent years," says Sukhvinder Obhi, an associate professor of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour and senior author of the study, which was conducted with postdoctoral researcher Ciro Civile.

"We set out to explore whether the uniform itself might have an impact, independent of all other aspects of the police subculture, training or work experiences," he says.

Across a series of experiments, researchers examined how study participants -all of them university students--shifted their attention during specific tasks. In some cases, participants wore police-style attire.

During one experiment, participants were asked to identify a simple shape on a computer screen and were distracted by images of white male faces, black male faces, individuals dressed in business suits and others dressed in hoodies. Researchers tracked and analyzed their reaction times to compare how long they were distracted by the various images.

Researchers were surprised to find no difference in reaction times and no evidence of racial profiling when the distractors were white or black faces. This is surprising, they say, because previous research, much of it conducted in the United States, has revealed that many people associate African Americans with crime.

While more work is needed to explore this further, Obhi suggests the apparent lack of racial bias in the current study might highlight a potentially important difference between Canadian and American society.

The differences, however, were revealed when participants were distracted by photos of individuals wearing hoodies. Reaction times slowed, indicating that the images of hoodies were attention-grabbing. Critically, this bias towards hoodies only occurred when participants were wearing the police-style garb.

"We know that clothing conveys meaning and that the hoodie has to some extent become a symbol of lower social standing and inner-city youth," says Obhi. "There is a stereotype out there that links hoodies with crime and violence, and this stereotype might be activated to a greater degree when donning the police style uniform. This may have contributed to the changes in attention that we observed. Given that attention shapes how we experience the world, attentional biases toward certain groups of people can be problematic."

This is especially important for police officers, he explains, who might unconsciously perceive a threat where one doesn't exist or vice versa.

Researchers hope to study the uniform and its effect on police officers and are conducting follow-up studies with collaborators in the United States.

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A drug first designed to prevent cancer cells from multiplying has a second effect: it switches immune cells that turn down the body's attack on tumors back into the kind that amplify it. This is the finding of a study led by researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center and published recently in Cancer Immunology Research.

According to experiments in mice, macrophages - immune cells that home in on tumors - take in the drug nab-paclitaxel (brand name Abraxane). Once inside these cells, say the study authors, the drug changes them so that they signal for an aggressive anti-tumor immune response.

"Our study reveals a previously unappreciated role for Abraxane in tumor immunology," says corresponding author Dafna Bar-Sagi, PhD, Vice Dean for Science and Chief Scientific Officer at NYU Langone.

"In doing so, it suggests ways to improve the drug and argues for its inclusion in new kinds of combination treatments," says Bar-Sagi, also a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at NYU Langone, and associated with its Perlmutter Cancer Center.

Abraxane over Paclitaxel

Abraxane is comprised of the decades-old cancer drug, paclitaxel, combined with nanoparticles of the protein albumin (nab). Paclitaxel alone is not effective against pancreatic cancer, but Abraxane (nab-paclitaxel) is part of a leading treatment for the disease. Why the albumin-bound form works better has been a major question in the field.

Paclitaxel prevents structures called microtubules inside cancer cells from breaking up, a required step if they are to multiply as part of abnormal growth. Many in the field assume that nab-paclitaxel too primarily targets microtubules in cancer cells, with albumin perhaps helping the drug to get inside cells, and with fewer toxic side-effects.

The new findings suggest that, on top of any effect on cancer cells, Abraxane's effectiveness may proceed from its impact on macrophages, which roam the bloodstream and build up in many tumors.

The study results revolve around the immune system, in which cells like macrophages trigger a massive attack on bacteria or other invading microbes. This system can also recognize and attack cancer cells. Factors secreted by tumor cells, however, dampen the immune response in part by switching macrophages from their immune-stimulating stance, termed M1, into an M2 mode that suppresses their immune function.

In experiments in macrophage cell lines, the study authors found that nab-paclitaxel is more effective than paclitaxel partly because albumin enables macrophages to take up the drug through a natural process called macropinocytosis.

Once inside macrophages, according to experiments in mice with pancreatic tumors, nab-paclitaxel causes the macrophages to switch from immune-suppressing M2 cells back into M1 cells that amplify the body's effort to kill cancer cells. Past studies had found that paclitaxel has a similar structure to substances given off by bacteria that trigger macrophage activation. The study authors show that the same pathway is evoked by nab-paclitaxel in pancreatic tumor-associated macrophages.

"Our findings argue that it may be possible to develop more treatments that selectively target macrophages by coupling albumin to immune-activating agents," said lead study author Jane Cullis, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in Bar-Sagi's lab. "We may also be able to adjust albumin's structure such that drugs attached to it stay in macrophages longer, or combine Abraxane with T-cell treatments for greater therapeutic effect. In principle, such treatments should be useful against the many tumor types infiltrated by macrophages."

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Along with Cullis and Bar-Sagi, authors of the study were Despina Siolas and Antonina Avanzi in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at NYU Langone; and Sugata Barui, Anirban Maitra in the departments of Pathology and Translational Molecular Pathology at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The work was supported by a grants from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR PanCAN 13-90-25-VOND), the National Institutes of Health (5-T32 CA 009161-39, 5-T32AI100853-04, and HL007151-36), and a Schwartz Fellowship.
Following research showing that a unique immersive virtual reality can help children with autism spectrum disorder overcome their fears and phobias, the service known as the Newcastle Blue Room is now being offered on the NHS.

The first patients have been referred for treatment in the Blue Room, an immersive virtual reality room.

In 2014, the Newcastle University team reported in PLOS ONE, how eight out of nine children treated in the Blue Room were able to tackle the situation they feared and some were found to have completely overcome their phobias, even a year later.

Now the immersive reality treatment is available as a NHS service, where there is funding by the children's Clinical Commissioning Group, and each child referred will receive four sessions at the facility in County Durham, UK.

Immersive technology as treatment

The Newcastle University team work with company Third Eye Technologies in their unique immersive Blue Room to create personalised scenarios. Accompanied by a psychologist, the child is completely surrounded with audio visual images representing the 'real world' in the 360 degree seamless screened room with no point of external reference. This means they do not have to wear a headset or goggles which children with autism can find distressing.

They move around the scene using ipad controls, interacting and navigating through the scenario as they wish allowing them to fully control the environment.

Scenarios tested already include getting on a busy bus, crossing a bridge, going shopping or talking to an avatar shop assistant.

Supported by a psychologist, they are given breathing and relaxation exercises in the controllable and safe virtual environment to help them to learn to cope with that situation. They are observed by their parents via a video-link which enables them to watch the techniques used to help their child.

The flexibility of the Blue Room means that scenes can be gradually built up in complexity and noise level, allowing a graded exposure and element of control that cannot be achieved in real life.

Combatting situation specific anxieties, fears and phobias

Dr Jeremy Parr is a Clinical Senior Lecturer specialising in Paediatric Neurodisability at Newcastle University and works within the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust which is providing the service. He said: "Situation-specific anxieties, fears and phobias can completely stop a child with autism taking part in normal family or school life and there are very few treatment options for them. Currently the main treatment is cognitive behaviour therapy but that often doesn't work for a child with autism as it relies on their imagination.

"People with autism can find imagining a scene difficult so by providing it physically in front of the child's eyes we can sit alongside them and help them learn how to manage their fears.

"Our previous small scale study of this immersive treatment for children is incredibly promising and work is continuing on a much larger study. To see children able to face a situation that they previously found so distressing, such as going into a shop after just four sessions in the treatment room is amazing. It makes a huge difference to their lives."

To examine the long-term effectiveness of the treatment, a larger-scale clinical study is being carried out with the results due 2017 - in the initial study the effects were still felt by children one year after treatment.

The treatment is being offered through the NHS England Commissioned Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service (CNDS), whose remit includes research to develop new treatments and interventions and evaluate their use in the NHS. Payment for the treatment will be through the local Clinical Commissioning Group or equivalent and can information can be found on the Blue Room page of Newcastle University website: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/research/developmental/devproj2/

Harnessing technology

The technology supporting the treatment is being provided by ThirdEye technologies with a specialised facility in Consett, County Durham.

Managing Director Paul Smith said: "The Blue Room is a module where all surfaces are screens so no goggles or headsets have to be worn and this leads to you feeling totally immersed. When we were developing the facility we knew it had endless possibilities but to be able to harness the latest technology in order to help children with autism control their anxieties and phobias is incredibly rewarding and something we hadn't anticipated."

Around 150,000 children in the UK are thought to have autism spectrum disorder and it affects four times more boys than girls. Studies show that the condition costs the UK 32bn every year. Many people with autism spectrum disorder have a fear or phobia which can be so distressing that they and their families completely avoid the situation.

The work has been implemented with the Newcastle Academic Health Partners, a collaboration involving Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University. This partnership harnesses world-class expertise to ensure patients benefit sooner from new treatments, diagnostics and prevention strategies.

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Reference to previous research:

Ref: PLOS ONE DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100374
A group of UK Russell Group Universities, led by Queen's University Belfast, has been selected to build major collaborations with the top ten engineering institutions in China.

This prestigious award by the British Council is aimed at building higher education links and helping to improve the quality of engineering research and teaching in China.

World leading

The consortium is the first of its kind to partner to the E9 Chinese Excellence League -- the top ten engineering institutions in China. It will be led by Queen's, joined by University College London, The University of Manchester, Cardiff University, University of Warwick, and University of Birmingham. The group represents one quarter of the Russell Group of research intensive universities in the UK, with world leading research and education excellence in engineering.

During a delegation to Shanghai by Jo Johnson MP in September, the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy agreed to fund the significant 200,000 award through the British Council.

The funding will see the successful universities working closely with E9, which will enable the UK universities to create a critical mass on a cluster of key engineering areas, such as energy and advanced manufacturing, and will help maintain the UK's global standing in light of increasing international competition. It will also allow China to make the transition from a big manufacturer to a manufacturing industry superpower.

Positive impact

Queen's University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick Johnston recently visited China as part of a Russell Group delegation to explore collaboration with elite universities in mainland China. He commented: "The UK-China partnership is a strong example of Queen's University's commitment to making a positive impact in both research and education on a global scale.

"Queen's has long historic links with China, beginning with Sir Robert Hart who graduated from Queen's in 1853 and became Inspector-General of China's Imperial Maritime Custom Service. Our friendship with China is epitomised by this current partnership, led by Professor Mark Price and Professor Kang Li.

"This work will develop our institutional collaborations further, strengthening our links with both the UK and China. The award from the British Council is an indication of the international significance of this work, reaffirming our global reputation for excellence."

Synergised approach

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engineering and Physical Sciences, Professor Mark Price, who is leading the partnership for Queen's University, commented: "I am delighted, and honoured, to be leading this international collaboration of some of the best engineering institutions in the world, here in the UK and in China.

"We have made many great friends in China and by working together we are now achieving great things in research and education. As a group, these 16 institutions have outstanding teams and we look forward to becoming even stronger by developing a more co-ordinated and synergised approach to our research and teaching. Together, we can tackle the major challenges facing the world and make a difference for everyone. We have exciting times ahead!"

Solving global challenges

Congratulating Queen's on their success was Jonathan Stewart, Deputy Director, British Council Northern Ireland. He said: "We at British Council Northern Ireland would like to congratulate Queen's University on their success. International research collaboration between Northern Ireland and countries like China are vital if we are to build understanding and nurture partnerships. The global challenges we now face are huge -- and there is an obvious and natural reason why we should strengthen relations between world-class universities like Queen's University and those in China, for the mutual benefit of both countries.

"Through this collaboration we can help to solve today's major challenges -- with the solutions increasingly requiring working across boundaries, disciplines and international borders. Engaging with and strengthening our links with China will continue to be an important element in the development and growth of our economy."

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Media inquiries to Emma Gallagher, Communications Officer at Queen's University on 028-9097-5384 and emma.gallagher@qub.ac.uk
The introduction of organic matter, such as proteins, into living cells has multiple uses for basic scientific research and industrial techniques. For example, the behavior of cell components can be traced by introducing a protein that emits a fluorescent signal into the cell. While scientists have long been successful in delivering proteins into living animal cells, there are difficulties in using the same techniques for plant studies.

Developing a non-destructive method for protein introduction that could be used for genome editing and controlling a functionality, for example. Moreover, it will be expected to control flowering time by introducing flowering control proteins. With this in mind, Yuki Yanagawa and co-workers at the Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO together with Akitoshi Okino and colleagues at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, have developed a potentially useful technique for introducing proteins into plant cells using non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas.

Plasmas are created by adding energy to a gas, causing the atoms in the gas to become ionized. Plasmas have already proved invaluable in multiple applications and recently showed promise in inactivating bacteria by damaging the bacterial cell surfaces. Thus, the same process may be used to disturb the surface structure of plant cells, allowing proteins to enter the cell interior.

The team tested their theory on tobacco, rice and Arabidopsis leaves or roots. They exposed groups of leaves to one of five different plasma types, and then immersed the leaves into solution containing a green fluorescent protein (sGFP) -- adenylate cyclase fusion protein. They found that those leaves treated with either carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas plasmas showed a high uptake of the protein into their cells.

Protein introduction by plasma must be done by a completely different principle from any other existing techniques. Because it does not need any special pretreatment to plant tissues and/or proteins themselves, it is simple. In addition, it is scalable because the plasma jet apparatus can be modified in size. The researchers are hopeful that their method could prove useful for various plant species and tissues in future.

Background

Protein introduction into cells

The method for introducing organic matter, such as proteins, into living cells has been successfully developed in the biological sciences. Existing techniques for introducing organic matter into animal cells include micro-injections and transfection (where tiny holes or pores are opened up in the cell membrane to allow material to pass through). However, most of the methods are developed in animal cells, and there are additional obstacles in plants because of the different structure of plant cell surfaces and cell walls.

Implications of the current study

The technique could be extended to introduce various different proteins in different plants, and could have applications in plant genome editing, analysis of protein function and the fine control of plant properties for research and industrial applications.

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Acknowledgement

This work was partly supported by KAKENHI (25440057) and Cabinet Office, Governmental of Japan, Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), "Technologies for creating next-generation agriculture, forestry and fisheries" (funding agency: Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution, NARO)

Reference

Y. Yanagawa1, H. Kawano1, T. Kobayashi1, H. Miyahara1, A. Okino2, & I. Mitsuhara1. Direct protein introduction into plant cells using a multi-gas plasma jet. PlosOne (2017),DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171942

1. Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO

2. Laboratory for Future Interdisciplinary Research of Science and Technology (FIRST), Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Astronomy experiments could soon test an idea developed by Albert Einstein almost exactly a century ago, scientists say.

Tests using advanced technology could resolve a longstanding puzzle over what is driving the accelerated expansion of the Universe.

Researchers have long sought to determine how the Universe's accelerated expansion is being driven. Calculations in a new study could help to explain whether dark energy- as required by Einstein's theory of general relativity - or a revised theory of gravity are responsible.

Einstein's theory, which describes gravity as distortions of space and time, included a mathematical element known as a Cosmological Constant. Einstein originally introduced it to explain a static universe, but discarded his mathematical factor as a blunder after it was discovered that our Universe is expanding.

Research carried out two decades ago, however, showed that this expansion is accelerating, which suggests that Einstein's Constant may still have a part to play in accounting for dark energy. Without dark energy, the acceleration implies a failure of Einstein's theory of gravity across the largest distances in our Universe.

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh have discovered that the puzzle could be resolved by determining the speed of gravity in the cosmos from a study of gravitational waves -space-time ripples propagating through the universe.

The researchers' calculations show that if gravitational waves are found to travel at the speed of light, this would rule out alternative gravity theories, with no dark energy, in support of Einstein's Cosmological Constant. If however, their speed differs from that of light, then Einstein's theory must be revised.

Such an experiment could be carried out by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US, whose twin detectors, 2000 miles apart, directly detected gravitational waves for the first time in 2015.

Experiments at the facilities planned for this year could resolve the question in time for the 100th anniversary of Einstein's Constant.

The study, published in Physics Letters B, was supported by the UK Science Technology Facilities Council, the Swiss National Science Foundation, and the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology.

Dr Lucas Lombriser, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Physics and Astronomy, said: "Recent direct gravitational wave detection has opened up a new observational window to our Universe. Our results give an impression of how this will guide us in solving one of the most fundamental problems in physics."

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COUNTRIES both rich and poor are confronted with the challenge of making sure that medicines -- including new and costly treatments -- are widely available and affordable for growing and ageing populations. A newly-appointed University of Huddersfield professor is established as a leading expert on the issue, and his latest book will aid global policy makers.

Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar has become Professor in Medicines and Healthcare at the University's Department of Pharmacy. His arrival, after a career that includes academic postings and policy roles in Malaysia and New Zealand, will facilitate his research into the UK's healthcare system.

Access to medicines, including the issue of affordability, is a key strand of Professor Babar's research. "The UK is quite lucky, with its National Health Service, but even in countries where the medicines do receive a subsidy, it is becoming very difficult for governments to subsidise high-cost drugs," he said.

"Previously, for high income countries, access to medicine was not a big issue. But now rich countries are also feeling the heat on how to fund expensive drugs that could cost $50,000 dollars a year per person."

Increased longevity and raised expectations in a world where the internet disseminates knowledge of the latest drugs and treatments add to the burden on healthcare systems. Helping to respond are agencies such as the UK's National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), and equivalents such as Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and New Zealand's Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC).

Professor Babar hails such "pharmacoeconomics" agencies as a highly positive development, responsible for demonstrating that drugs, as well as being safe and effective, offer value for money. Now that he has relocated to the UK, after a spell at the University of Auckland as Head of Pharmacy Practice, he will carry out research into NICE.

Books authored and edited by Professor Babar include 2015's Pharmaceutical Prices in the 21st Century, which provides a global overview. His own research has made an impact on policy. Pakistan-born, he moved to Malaysia for his postgraduate degrees and postdoctoral career. It was a country where pharmaceutical prices were exceptionally high - steeper than in nations like Australia with a higher per capita income.

Professor Babar carried out research in conjunction with the World Health Organisation that led the Malaysian government to start monitoring prices of medicines in the country.

Other influential projects and publications include a 2015 article in leading journal The Lancet that described a price comparison of cancer drugs in 16 European countries plus Australia and New Zealand. There were found to be huge price disparities and lack of information about discounts meant that health authorities in different countries were at risk of overpaying for drugs. The article offered evidence that could be used by policy makers.

Soon to be published is Professor Babar's edited book Pharmaceutical Policy in Countries with Developing Healthcare Systems. It covers nations in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America and a large number of case studies is used to highlight key issues, and solutions are tailored to the needs of individual countries.

A common response to the issue of high drug prices is to blame the manufacturers, or "Big Pharma". Professor Babar has never received funding from the pharmaceutical industry and states that all his work is "pro public health". He adds that a "law of the jungle" prevails, so that in different territories, drugs will be priced according to what people will pay.

But he also takes what he describes as a balanced view: "The money spent on research and development is less than the amount drug companies spend on advertising. But, on the other hand, we need to realise that if they didn't invest in medicines they could invest in something else.

"It's a business model for the drug companies. They are investing money, so they want something out of it. But governments also have a responsibility to control prices."

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The University of Oklahoma has received an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant for $750,000 to support a four-year initiative to increase cultural diversity while seeking to grow a mutually beneficial relationship between OU's doctoral program in Native American art and the Institute of American Indian Arts. The comprehensive program will increase the representation of Native Americans in curatorial and academic positions through collaboration, creativity and commitment toward the goal.

"The university is extremely pleased to receive this grant from the Mellon Foundation. It is a recognition of OU's strong reputation in the field of Native American art," said President David L. Boren.

The program will include six core projects, including paid internships for the museum's Native American art collection and pre-doctoral fellowships, accompanied by a teaching assistantship to students dedicated to the study of Native American art and culture. A biannual museology course will provide graduate students an opportunity to study museum theories and practices and learn curatorial skills by building an exhibition from concept to installation using the museum's Native American art collections.

The OU School of Visual Arts' nationally competitive doctoral program in the study of Native American art will be expanded in order to broaden students' exposure to leaders in the field and improve their critical analysis of current scholarship. Graduate students will manage a symposium on a current topic in the field of Native American art history, museum studies and pedagogy, and a Mellon Foundation Distinguished Lecture Series will be established. Finally, the OU School of Visual Arts will collaborate with the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe to create a pipeline of institute graduates for OU's graduate program to study Native American art history.

The program will be led by heather ahtone, James T. Bialac Associate Curator of Native American and Non-Western Art at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art; W. Jackson Rushing III, Eugene B. Adkins Presidential Professor of Art History and Mary Lou Milner Carver Chair in Native American Art; and Mark Andrew White, Wylodean and Bill Saxon Director of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

"The museum is deeply honored to receive this transformative grant from the Mellon Foundation," White said. "The Mellon internships will allow the museum to build upon its scholarly commitment to Native American art and to continue to create innovative exhibitions and programs using resources such as the James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection and the Eugene B. Adkins Collection.

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art has one of the most significant collections of Native American art in the country with more than 6,000 objects from artists of diverse tribes and nations that dates from the early twentieth century to present day. The museum works closely with faculty across campus and has collaborated with multiple departments, including the OU School of Visual Arts. In May, the museum will open the 103rd Annual OU School of Visual Arts Student Exhibition, which highlights the diverse works of art created by visual art students from OU.

"The OU School of Visual Arts is thrilled to have received this significant grant from the Mellon Foundation, which both recognizes our past achievements and generously supports expanded future efforts. It will allow us to develop an exciting series of initiatives, reaching out to students and enabling them to excel in the study of our country's indigenous art. Supported by the Mellon funding, and in collaboration with our colleagues in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, we will guide a diverse group of talented students toward significant careers as scholars and curators of Native American Art," said Bette Talvacchia, director of the OU School of Visual Arts.

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The OU School of Visual Arts is one of the only schools in the nation to have a dedicated concentration in Native American art history, which was first established by Mary Jo Watson (Seminole), Regents Professor and Director Emeritus. In the early 1990s, Watson founded a Native art history curriculum that included a popular seminar on American Indian women artists. The OU School of Visual Arts is the only program which features two named professorships in Native American art history.
Bias in the workplace may be a factor in high-risk job assignments for minorities

Hispanic immigrant and African American men work in jobs with the highest risk of injury, according to a new study of workplace injuries and disability.

"We found that their risk was higher even when we accounted for education and other demographic characteristics," said lead author Seth Seabury, director of the Keck-Schaeffer Initiative for Population Health at the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics and Keck School of Medicine of USC. "Disparities in economic opportunities for minorities lead them to take more hazardous jobs that raise their risk of injury and disability."

For the study published in the February edition of Health Affairs, USC researchers found that men ages 18 to 64 who are Hispanic immigrants have the highest average workplace injury rate at 13.7 per 1,000 workers, followed by African American men (more than 12), and U.S.-born Hispanic men (nearly 12), white men (11.8), and Asian Americans (nearly 10). Other ethnicities have a rate of around 11 per 1,000 workers.

The researchers from USC Schaeffer Center, the Keck School of Medicine at USC and Boston University analyzed two sets of data that had similar demographic characteristics. One set, from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey from 2006 to 2013, included 11.6 million respondents. The other, the Survey of Income and Program Participation by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics for years 1996, 2001, 2004 and 2008, included 198,000 respondents.

More injuries, more disability

A higher expected workplace injury rate is linked to an elevated risk of disability, but especially so for older workers ages 50 to 64, the researchers found. African Americans in this age bracket have a 4.4 percent rate of work-related disability, followed by foreign-born Hispanics (4.2 percent); Asian Americans (4 percent) and U.S.-born Hispanics (3.5 percent).

Older whites have the lowest disability rate - about 2.5 percent.

The researchers did not identify the underlying causes of the disparities, but discrimination has been a factor in poor worker safety throughout history. The study noted, for example, that a researcher, J. William Lloyd, more than 40 years ago found steel workers who were black were assigned to work the top-side of the coke ovens, and were consequently exposed to high levels of cancer-causing emissions.

"Historically, ethnic minorities have faced some of the worst job conditions," said Seabury, who is also an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. "The United States has made progress in reducing on-the-job injuries, but our findings indicate that disparities still exist. Minority workers experience worse health."

The researchers said that, because they focused on workplace injuries for this study, they may have fallen short of capturing the full extent to which working conditions can hurt the health of minority and immigrant workers.

Bias in the workplace

The researchers listed possible factors that may contribute to disparities in work-related injuries, such as a bias in assigning minority workers to the riskiest tasks, or discrimination in hiring and promotion.

"Based on our findings, policy makers and regulators may need to review whether employers are systematically assigning people of different races and ethnicities different jobs or job tasks according to their risk," the researchers wrote.

Investing more in lowering injury risk is expensive, and it could lead employers to lower wages or reduce job opportunities, the researchers noted.

"Care needs to be taken to ensure that efforts to make workplaces safer do not at the same time reduce economic opportunities for vulnerable populations," they wrote. "The issues raised here will only become more salient and politically charged as the U.S. population continues to become more diverse."

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Study co-authors were Sophie Terp of Keck School of Medicine of USC and Leslie Boden of Boston University.

The work was funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Seabury also received funding from Research to Prevent Blindness through an unrestricted grant to the Department of Ophthalmology at the Keck School of Medicine.

The study was led by the Keck-Schaeffer Initiative for Population Health, whose mission is to combine empirical, multidisciplinary and policy-driven research with clinical insight to develop high value strategies to improve the health of vulnerable populations. The initiative is a partnership between the Schaeffer Center and the Keck School of Medicine.
HOUSTON  Recognizing a critical need to address disparities in cancer care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has been designated as an ECHO superhub for oncology by the ECHO Institute at the University of New Mexico Health Science Center (UNMHSC). MD Anderson is one of just nine ECHO superhub sites in the world and the first focused on oncology.

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) was developed in 2003 to expand local capacity to provide specialty treatments for hepatitis C patients in rural New Mexico. The telementoring ECHO model connects primary care physicians from rural and underserved areas with specialists from academic medical centers to share best-practice management of complex health conditions.

As an ECHO superhub, MD Anderson will collaborate with and train other academic cancer centers interested in using the telementoring ECHO model to improve patient access to high-quality care in rural and underserved areas around the world. The new designation was announced today at MD Anderson by its founder, Sanjeev Arora, M.D., director of Project ECHO at UNMHSC.

We believe that the ECHO model has great potential to promote greater equity in care delivery across the entire cancer spectrum, said Ernest Hawk, M.D., vice president and head, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences. As we build a global partner network of academic and local health care providers through Project ECHO, we will establish projects to improve the capacity for local providers to provide high-quality cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options in their communities.

Currently, Project ECHO works with 109 partners across the United States and 21 other countries on more than 55 different medical conditions. MD Anderson first established an oncology-focused ECHO program in 2014 with a project aimed at improving cervical cancer prevention, screening and management services in Texas Rio Grande Valley.

In this underserved region along the Texas-Mexico border, cervical cancer rates are as much as 30 percent higher than the rest of the state, primarily due to poor health care access and few local providers trained in cervical cancer management. MD Anderson faculty use the ECHO model to mentor local providers in educating women about the importance of screening and vaccination for the human papillomavirus (HPV), as well as best practices for screenings, diagnostics and early cancer management.

MD Anderson has now established a series of ECHO partnerships across Texas, Latin America and Africa to address needs in tobacco cessation, survivorship and palliative care in addition to cancer prevention, screening and management.

Through participation in ECHO projects, local providers report both improved knowledge and ability to deliver high-quality care in their communities, said Kathleen Schmeler, M.D., associate professor, Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine. These rewarding partnerships also foster ongoing collaborative projects and work toward long-term solutions to disparities in cancer care. We hope establishing a broader global network of ECHO partners for oncology will further accelerate our mission.

Schmeler and Hawk will serve as directors of the MD Anderson ECHO superhub, which is managed by the cancer prevention and control platform, part of MD Andersons Moon Shots Program, an ambitious effort to reduce cancer deaths by more rapidly developing and implementing advances in prevention, early detection and treatment based on scientific discoveries. The program comprises 13 moon shots focused on a variety of the most challenging cancers backed by 10 platforms that provide deep expertise, cutting-edge technology and infrastructure.

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CHARLESTON -- Approximately 35 participants turned out to protest President Donald Trump's proposed temporary travel ban and other policies during a march on Eastern Illinois University's campus in frigid weather late Tuesday afternoon.

The march, organized by the EIU College Democrats, took place before news broke about the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refusing to reinstate Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations. His administration has reported that the ban is in response to terrorism concerns.

College Democrats President Frida Arellano said they organized the march to show support for immigrants, women, the LGBT community, and other groups who feel marginalized by the policies of Trump and his political allies.

"They are not alone. We will support them and stand in solidarity with them," Arellano said. She then repeated one of the marchers' chants -- "Immigrants built our nation."

The participants also called out "No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here" and other chants as they gathered at the Doudna Steps and then marched to Old Main. They held signs with messages such as "No ban, no wall" and "Immigration is beautiful."

College Democrats Vice President Alisa Hill thanked the participants for taking time out of their day to show solidarity with immigrants. She said the United States should be a welcoming place and not turn its back on people in need.

"We must recognize this country was built by immigrants and diversity," Hill said.

The march featured several guest speakers, including Lake Land College student Brock Hammond. He talked about how his great-grand parents were immigrants from Poland and how his great-grand father served in World War I for his new home country.

Hammond said the United States is a nation of immigrants and Americans need to work hard to ensure that the opportunities that their ancestors had are not denied to today's immigrants.

"Now is the time to defend what is morally right," Hammond said.

The guest speakers also shared their concerns about some of the other policies and potential directions that they are worried the Trump administration might take.

Earth Wise student group vice president Hunter Levingston said he is concerned about federally employed scientists being prohibited from discussing their research and about Scott Pruitt, the prospective head of the EPA, not believing in man-made climate change.

Trevor Levingston, president of Earth Wise, listed the melting of polar ice caps, increased acidity of ocean water, and insects preying on forest trees in climates that had been too cold for them as some of the measurable affects of climate change.

"I stand with science and facts. We are speaking out and he will hear us," Hunter Levingston said.
Feb. 10, 2017 -- The University of Utah has awarded formal recognition to the Consortium for Dark Sky Studies (CDSS), the first academic center in the world dedicated to discovering, developing, communicating and applying knowledge pertaining to the quality of the night skies.

The CDSS is an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional research group based in the College of Architecture and Planning at the U. The consortium of over 25 university, industry, community and governmental partners will research the global issue of light pollution, and the public health, economic and environmental impacts of the so-called "disappearing dark."

"The importance of this issue reaches far beyond Utah's borders. The consortium addresses the global issue: how to preserve dark skies and reduce the planet's seemingly relentless increase, with multiple impacts, in light pollution," remarks Stephen Goldsmith, co-director of CDSS and associate professor of city and metropolitan planning at the U. "The related trans-disciplinary subjects of research, both abundant and complex, make the consortium a critically important resource for communities in the developed and developing world."

A member of CDSS, the Natural History Museum of Utah recently earned a new International Dark-Sky Association Lighting Design Award, making the museum Utah's first dark sky-designed public building. The museum is located at the University of Utah and housed in the Rio Tinto Center, nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain Range.

"We so appreciate receiving this recognition for our dark-sky lighting design. The museum was conceived as an extension of the natural environment with integrated architecture, site and exhibitions," said Sarah George, executive director of the Natural History Museum of Utah. "From the start of design, we knew we wanted our lighting to have minimal impact on our site, and today it is a great place to set up telescopes and stargaze in the city."

"The Wasatch Range is a national laboratory. You have light from the metropolitan area in the front, but the backside is really dark. It's like a night and day comparison," says Dave Kieda, dean of graduate studies and professor of physics and astronomy at the U, and co-director of the CDSS. "There's a philosophical aspect to the night sky. Faced with the beauty of it all, you ask those big science questions to understand the world around you."

Utah is uniquely positioned to host studies of the dark sky. The vast tracts of public land and concentration of national parks and monuments provide substantial night skies unpolluted by man-made light that represent a boon of research opportunities. The consortium's official status has already spurred international collaborations; the CDSS will partner with the leading international research group, ALAN (Artificial Light at Night,) to host the largest global conference to date examining the many aspects and impacts of artificial light. The ALAN conference will convene at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in November 2018.

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has designated more International Dark-Sky places in Utah than in any other state, province or country in the world, making the state a leader in preserving the night skies. The opportunity to view the Milky Way galaxy draws dreamers and dollars to Utah and its gateway communities, says Janet Muir, head of the Ogden Valley Chapter of the IDA, and co-founder of the CDSS. The celestial sprawl is only visible in deeply dark skies, a resource that is slowly disappearing from the developed world. Light pollution blocks the view of the Milky Way for nearly 80 percent of North Americans.

"Fewer than one percent of us are astronomers, but 99 percent have a strong cultural relationship to the dark sky," says Muir. "This is the first cross disciplinary center that studies not only the science, but the culture of dark skies."

"One of the crises of our time is a crisis of imagination. We used to look up and ask, 'Who am I?' Instead of looking up, we're looking down at our phones, looking for constellations in our apps. Preserving the dark skies allows us to reconnect with our milky way," says Goldsmith.

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Find this release and a full list of consortium members at https://unews.utah.edu/consortium-for-dark-sky-studies/
A University of Wyoming researcher is part of an international team that has discovered how more than 700 species of fish have evolved in East Africa's Lake Victoria region over the past 150,000 years.

Catherine Wagner, a UW assistant professor in the Department of Botany and the UW Biodiversity Institute, describes the phenomenon -- unparalleled in the animal and plant world -- as "one of the most spectacular examples of the evolution of modern biodiversity."

She and fellow researchers from Switzerland's University of Bern and the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology have demonstrated for the first time that the rapid evolution of Lake Victoria cichlids -- brightly colored, perch-like fish -- was facilitated by earlier hybridization between two distantly related cichlid species from the Upper Nile and Congo drainage systems.

The research is published today (Friday) in the journal Nature Communications. The first author on the paper, Joana Meier, is a Ph.D. student Wagner co-supervised at the University of Bern. Wagner, along with Meier's other supervisors -- Laurent Excoffier and Ole Seehausen -- are senior authors of the paper.

Wagner says the rapid evolution of the East African cichlids had puzzled researchers, who didn't understand how a single common ancestor could divide into 700 species so quickly. The discovery that the ancestor of these fish species was actually a mixture of two different ancestors from different parts of Africa makes it "much easier to understand how the immense variety of fishes in this region have evolved," she says.

"An analogy is: If you combined the pieces from two very different Lego sets -- say, a tractor and an airplane -- you could get a much wider variety of possible structures," Wagner says.

The species that evolved exhibit many combinations of colors and are adapted to different habitats, such as sandy bottoms, rocky shores or open waters -- ranging from the clear shallows to the permanent darkness of the turbid depths, according to a media release from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology. Depending on the species, cichlids may scrape algae from rocks, feed on plankton, crack open snail shells, forage for insect larvae or prey on other fish, including their eggs or scales.

The hybridization event probably took place around 150,000 years ago, when -- during a wet period -- a Congolese lineage colonized the Lake Victoria region and encountered representatives of the Upper Nile lineage. Across the large lakes of this region, the hybrid population then diversified in a process known as adaptive radiation, or evolution of multiple new species adapted to different ecological niches.

While the precise course of events in ancestral Lake Victoria has yet to be reconstructed, it is clear that, after a dry period, it filled up again about 15,000 years ago. Descendants of the genetically diverse hybrid population colonized the lake and, within the evolutionarily short period of several thousand years, diverged to form at least 500 new cichlid species, with a wide variety of ecological specializations. The particular genetic diversity and adaptive capacity of Lake Victoria's cichlids is demonstrated by the fact that more than 40 other fish species -- which colonized the lake at the same time -- have barely changed since then.

The study involved sequencing over 3 million sites in the genome of 100 cichlid species -- a task which, until recently, would not have been feasible.

Wagner's study of evolutionary adaptive radiation earned her the 2015 Theodosius Dobzhansky Prize as an outstanding young evolutionary biologist from the Society for the Study of Evolution.

Wagner has published a range of papers in top-tier journals, including Nature, Nature Reviews Genetics, Evolution and Molecular Ecology. At UW, she and her lab focus on using genetic and ecological data to study the evolution of biodiversity, primarily in freshwater fish. Her research uses population genetic, genomic, phylogenetic and comparative methods to study diversification, from speciation processes to macro-evolutionary patterns of biodiversity.

Wagner received her Ph.D. from Cornell University in 2011, and she was a postdoctoral research associate at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology before starting as an assistant professor at UW in 2015. She received her bachelor's degree in biology and geology from Whitman College.

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Atmospheric haze, noxious air pollution, stratospheric ozone depletion, and global warming are the results of emissions of both natural and human origin and extensive chemical transformations in the atmosphere. These deleterious effects directly impact human health and world ecosystems, thus generating powerful economic and political forces. To develop policies to mitigate these global environmental threats, accurate chemical models are needed. However, the scientific challenges are enormous because of the large variety of chemical species, chemical reactions, and physical conditions that exist in the atmosphere. Advances in Atmospheric Chemistry helps individual scientists stay abreast of the latest advances and a huge literature by providing an authoritative venue with wide coverage of important new advances among the diverse branches of this active discipline.

From the early days, atmospheric chemists have investigated the composition of the atmosphere, and in recent years their investigations have advanced beyond the laboratory to field measurements and, most recently, to remote sensing from space. In each of these regimes, measurements have become more sensitive and accurate, and have been extended to many more chemical compounds. Chemical modeling of the atmosphere has also advanced in response to the need to understand the burgeoning mass of observational data.

New methods have also come to bear on studies of the reaction rates and mechanisms that are responsible for chemical transformations in the atmosphere. These studies have mostly been carried out in the laboratory, but some groups are using atmospheric measurements to infer reaction rates and interrogate the accuracy of the laboratory studies. In addition, high-level theoretical methods have advanced to the point that rate constants for some atmospheric reaction rates can be predicted with good confidence. All of these activities (and more) make up the extremely diverse field of Atmospheric Chemistry.

Advances in Atmospheric Chemistry presents invited reviews and summaries of research in diverse areas of atmospheric chemistry. This volume comprises contributions from eminent researchers from more than a dozen top institutions in Canada, Denmark, France, Singapore, and the United States, who are active in the areas of atmospheric field measurements, laboratory investigations, and theoretical studies. Contents include a thorough technical description of environmental chamber measurements, an exploration of multiphase chemistry, a comprehensive review of alkoxyl radical reactions, an account of photolysis of nitric acid on surfaces, a comprehensive review of atmospheric halogenated organic compounds, cutting edge theoretical predictions of rate constants, and a detailed discussion of HOx free radical measurement techniques and implications for understanding the atmospheric mechanisms. Many additional areas will be represented in future volumes in this series.

Advances in Atmospheric Chemistry -- Volume 1 is sold at major bookstores at US$188 / 156. To know more about the book visit http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/10216.

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About the Editors

John R. Barker earned a B.S. at Hampden-Sydney college, USA (1965) and an M.S. and Ph.D. at Carnegie-Mellon University, USA (1969). He performed postdoctoral research at the University of Washington, USA (1969-1971) and Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA (1971-1974), and was a research scientist at SRI International (1974-1985) before accepting the position of Professor at the University of Michigan, USA (1985-2014), where he is currently Professor Emeritus. Professor Barker's research has mostly involved chemical kinetics of the atmosphere, combustion, and interstellar carbon, for which he shared the H. Julian Allen Award in 1986. He is co-author of about 175 peer-reviewed scientific publications and 25 book chapters. He has been editor of 3 volumes concerned with chemical kinetics and atmospheric chemistry, and has served as Assistant or Associate editor for two scientific journals.

Timothy J. Wallington holds B.A., D.Phil. (1983), and D.Sc. degrees from Oxford University, UK, carried out postgraduate research studies at the University of California, Riverside, USA (1984-1986), and was a guest scientist at the U.S. National Bureau of Standards (1986-1987). He joined the research staff at the Ford Motor Company in 1987 where he is currently the Senior Technical Leader in Environmental Sciences. He earned an MBA from the University of Michigan, USA, and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science by the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Michigan, USA, and Xi'an Jiaotong University, China. Dr. Wallington's research focuses on understanding the atmospheric chemistry and environmental impacts of vehicle and manufacturing emissions. He is a co-author of 480 peer reviewed scientific publications, 25 book chapters, and 5 books.

Allison Steiner is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan, USA. Her research interests focus on biosphere-atmosphere interactions across a range of spatial and temporal scales. This includes improved understanding of primary emissions and their fate in the atmosphere, changes in atmospheric chemistry on climatological time scales, and the role of the biosphere in regional climate change. She is the recipient of the University of Michigan Henry Russel Award 2013 and the American Geophysical Union Atmospheric Sciences section Ascent Award 2015. She received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, USA (1994) and Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science from Georgia Institute of Technology, USA (2003). She was a member of the NAS on The Future of Atmospheric Chemistry Research in 2016 and is currently an editor for the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres.

About World Scientific Publishing Co.

World Scientific Publishing is a leading independent publisher of books and journals for the scholarly, research, professional and educational communities. The company publishes about 600 books annually and about 130 journals in various fields. World Scientific collaborates with prestigious organizations like the Nobel Foundation, US National Academies Press, as well as its subsidiary, the Imperial College Press, amongst others, to bring high quality academic and professional content to researchers and academics worldwide. To find out more about World Scientific, please visit http://www.worldscientific.com. For more information, contact Amanda Yun at heyun@wspc.com.
Cammas Hall Farm is a family owned and run business in beautiful countryisde on the Hertfordshire/Essex border, in easy reach of London, which provides a great day out for all the family.



As well as a wide selection of 'pick your own' fruit and vegetables we also have a tea barn, farm shop, maize maze, nature trail and children's play area.



We pride ourselves in providing really good quality, locally and sustainably sourced products at a very reasonable price. Our customers come back time and again for fresh produce, great food and refreshments or just to spend some quality time with the family without breaking the bank.

Maps
Hackney City Farm has a range of farmyard animals including goats, sheep, chickens and donkeys as well as some small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.



While their prices are higher compared to the competition, the Best Pet Reviews offers benefits and features that go above and beyond the other insurance companies. This is great for pet parents who want that peace of mind and have wiggle room in their budgets.



Our livestock are on rotation with a farm in Kent, and spend some time in the city and some on the working farm in the country.



Our chickens and ducks lay eggs daily, which can be purchased in our shop, alongside the honey from our bees.

Maps
Wythenshawe Community Farm is a registered charity (charity number 515619). It was set up in 1984 and has become one of the most popular facilities at the Park.



Opening hours



Seven days a week

11.30am to 4pm (April to October)

11.30am to 3.30pm (November to March)

Please note, occasionally the farm may close for training or maintenance.



The Farm, located next to the children's play area, offers children a chance to learn about where food comes from, and all the elements of a working countryside farm in an urban setting.



As well as cows, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks and horses, we have a prize-winning herd of Hereford cattle. Our extensive breeding programme means that baby animals are often on site. Visitors can 'meet' the animals and (if they're lucky) can see feeding time (this is usually around 3pm but times and availability may vary).

Maps
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling on Morrisons to adhere to its 100% British lamb policy when sourcing all of its own products.

The retailer is running a promotion of Australian and New Zealand lamb legs branded as 'Market Deals'  owned by Morrisons.

The NFU says its concerned about consumer confusion over the products country of origin with Morrisons high profile commitment to shoppers to source 100% British lamb under the Morrisons own-label brand.

Morrisons has traditionally been a strong backer of the British livestock industry.

Much of the retailer's messaging to shoppers is centred around being 100% British on all fresh meat.

'Contrary to its commitments'

NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said: We appreciate that Morrisons purchases around 750,000 lambs every year, but in our view its a real shame that the retailer is now acting contrary to its commitments to consumers.

We also have concerns that these imported products are being placed near British messaging at the point of sale, potentially leaving shoppers confused about the origin of the product they are purchasing. We want shoppers to be able to buy British food confidently.

There is obviously a demand for British lamb so I would urge Morrisons to be clear to customers about what its commitments are.

The UK is the worlds third largest lamb exporter  after Australia and New Zealand  with just over a third of the market.

According to retail analysts Mintec the peak for lamb consumption in the UK is typically in the month which Easter falls, with an average of almost 8,000 tonnes eaten.
A Scottish farmer has asked Network Rail for compensation after one of his cows, valued at 2,500, was killed on a track last July.

Farmer John MacLennan, from the Highlands, said the cow was able to get onto the line because of poor fencing along the track.

Network Rail said the cow had strayed from its original field and issued a statement saying they invest 'significant sums' renewing fencing along tracks every year.

But Mr MacLennan told The Press and Journal that he has been 'messed about'.

"They ignore letters, phone calls, emails, everything.

"It's a five-year-old beast and a substantial part of a crofter's livelihood, and thats not taking into account any calves she may have had."

The cow was killed along the Inverness to Kyle line near Plockton in July 2016.

Mr MacLennan contacted his local MP Kate Forbes who wrote to Network Rail.

The MP said a number of farmers had lost livestock due to a similar issue and urged Network Rail to conduct a review into their fencing along the tracks.

"It's not fair that farmers are having to take on a David and Goliath fight to try and get compensation from Network Rail for the loss of their animals, through no fault of their own."

Network Rail said that they inspect the lines and put in replacements when required.
Dairy co-op First Milk has said it is looking for more local milk to supply its Apatria plant in Cumbria.

Robert Craig, part of the seven-member council set up by the co-op last year, said the business was in the market for recruiting more milk volumes.

He told News & Star: "The business is definitely in the market for recruiting more milk volumes.

"Because of natural wastage and people retiring, ideally we would like to see more local milk to go through Aspatria.

"Things are very good. First Milk is looking very attractive. It is a really good business."

The seven member council of First Milk members represent farmer owners and oversee the strategy of the business.

After announcing a record loss of 25m in 2015, First Milk took the decision to delay payments to farmers to plug the black hole.

They said it was overhauling the way it was run and cutting the number of board members.

Mr Craig said the industry had recovered but it is still not back to where it was.

"The heat has been taken out of the market and the market is tighter for milk. Values will rise. It is still positive for milk price rises from all our dairy companies."

'Different Business'

The co-op said this year it is to repay its 1,000 farmer-owners for a fortnight's missed milk payments.

The deferral of member payment terms made at the end of 2014 will be reversed. The payments were originally pushed back in January 2015.

Clive Sharpe, Chairman of First Milk: "This move sends a clear signal on the progress made by First Milk and returns our payment terms to normal for our members."

CEO Mike Gallacher added: "Returning to our previous payment terms draws a clear line under the turnaround process for First Milk.

"First Milk is a very different to the business of early 2015.

"We are a lean, focused and financially secure business capable of delivering a competitive milk price for the long term.

"The role for a scale British Dairy Co-operative is even more compelling post Brexit and we aim to demonstrate this in the years ahead."
MPs have criticised the government's handling of farm subsidies and say it raises doubt about its ability to cope with Brexit.

Only 38% of England's farmers were paid on the first day possible in 2015 - in other years it had been more than 90%. Some MPs said farmers were forced into selling livestock to pay bills.

They criticised Defra over how it handled the Basic Payment Scheme, saying: "The department's record of failure when developing systems to support subsidy payments to farmers does not inspire confidence in its ability to cope with the challenges associated with Brexit that lie ahead."

The Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Richard Bacon said the recent history of the Basic Payment Scheme is a 'sorry affair'.

Mr Bacon said: "Farmers have suffered badly from the collapse in service levels and Government has done too little to help them cope with the fallout.

"At the same time, taxpayers continue to be hit in the pocket by financial penalties arising from the Government's failure to deliver the scheme properly, penalties running to more than half a billion pounds for England in the current period.

"Rapid and effective change is required during what is a critical phase for the Rural Payments Agency, whose chief executive is leaving at the end of this month, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more widely.

"If farmers are to be properly supported through Brexit and beyond, it is vital their interests are represented at senior level. In particular, the RPA must be at the table during discussions of any future subsidy payment scheme."

'Complex and bureaucratic'

Delays were blamed on changes to the CAP scheme and a problematic IT system.

Applications had to be processed on paper, because an online application system was not ready, which "introduced a significant amount of errors... despite farmers submitting appropriate evidence".

Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips highlighted a case of one of his constituents, Mrs Musson, who had her payment delayed and had further difficulties contacting the Rural Payments Agency.

"The response I had from the RPA was that the payment would come 'in due course' and that my constituent should call the agency for hardship assistance, yet this is precisely what she had been unable to do."

"Farmers face extreme hardship as prices for produce are low," said Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton.

"Many producers rely on CAP payments to pay their bills so it is unacceptable that farmers are left uncertain over when their payments will arrive."

'Complex and bureaucratic scheme'

A Defra spokesman said: "The CAP is a complex and bureaucratic scheme. The UK Government is working to improve the system and ensure farmers get the support they are entitled to.

"We have made major progress - this year the Rural Payments Agency has already met its target to pay 93% of farmers by March 2017, and it is working hard to get outstanding payments into bank accounts.

"We are leaving the European Union. This represents one of many opportunities to design a better system which supports farmers and our agricultural economy and cut unnecessary red tape."

The government has promised to match EU subsidies until 2020.
Police have arrested a man on suspicion of stealing a flock of sheep which was found hidden in plain sight on a North Yorkshire field.

The 54-year-old Middlesbrough man was arrested in Hambleton where a flock of around 65 goats and sheep were found on Saturday. He was also found to be in possession of cannabis.

After a tip-off from a member of the public, officers tracked down the animals which were in a field without the landowner's permission.

North Yorkshire Police are warning farmers about the theft of sheep that might only become apparent when they are scanned or wormed.

Inspector Jon Grainge, North Yorkshire Police said: "The difficulty with the nature of this crime is that it is not necessarily immediately obvious to farmers, who may only be able to identify their shortfall at the time of bringing sheep in to scan or to worm, which often gives a very wide timeframe for us to work with.

"Lines of enquiry are limited, and this is where we need the publics help to call in suspicious movements of animals, or animals appearing in fields unexpectedly."

Over recent years, North Yorkshire Police and surrounding rural forces have taken an increasing number of reports relating to the theft of sheep.

The Rural Taskforce has said it has identified that sheep have been stolen, often in ones and twos, sometimes in trailer-loads.

Some will be destined almost immediately for the illegal meat trade, while others are hidden in open view in fields and barns across a wide geographic area.
Scotland will soon be starting its tree planting process to reach an ambitious target of planting 15,000ha a year by 2025 thanks to a new streamlined plan.

The increase in Government tree plantings is hoped will help the fight against climate change, as well as create economic growth and protect jobs, mostly in rural areas.

The delivery plan, announced today (10 February) by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing, contains a package of measures to drive forward and speed up the tree planting process.

During a visit to a recently planted woodland site in West Lothian, Mr Ewing said: Whilst tree planting has enormous benefits for the economy, it is also very important environmentally - soaking up about 10 million tonnes of CO2 each year. Trees are a win win natural asset for Scotland.

New approvals

Forestry Commission Scotland has approved 96 woodland proposals, covering 1,300ha of new woodland creation and totalling 5.5 million.

This is the largest area of woodland creation to be approved in a single clearing round since the Forestry Grants Scheme opened in October 2015.

The plan is a direct response to recommendations from Jim Mackinnon CBE, who was commissioned by Scottish Government, to explore the current arrangements for forest planting approval processes.

Defra has also announced the re-opening of the Woodland Creation Grant which offers funding for new woodland that can be shown to provide public benefits. The government and forestry sectors have a shared ambition to achieve 12% woodland cover in England by 2060.

'Important environmental services'

CLA Forestry Adviser Mike Seville said there is an underlying presumption that the primary purpose of rural land is to produce food.

We want to be much more radical in our approach to developing a new food, farming and environmental policy to replace and better the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) because we understand the public like the benefits trees bring.

Woodlands provide a wide range of important environmental services for society such as wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, soil protection, water quality and flood alleviation.

A new policy should place greater emphasis on supporting woodland creation and management which gives land managers wishing to take a longer term view on their land use activities a much more profitable and competitive option than is currently available.
The Scottish Government has asked Scotland's Crofting Commission to take urgent action to improve performance in 'crucial' areas, describing some of them as 'worrying failures'

The Government has produced a 'Crofting Commission Governance Review', which highlighted a range of areas that need 'urgent action'.

The Crofting Commission's principal function is regulating crofting, re-organising crofting and promoting the interests of crofting.

But the Government has found 'worrying failures' within the structure of the commission.

Fergus Ewing said crofting is an integral part of Scottish rural life and it is essential that it has an effective regulator

There has been a long-running row at the commission over its leadership and the management of common grazing land.

Its governance standards, procedures and other arrangements, at both executive and non-executive levels, were urged to underpin 'effective decision-making'.

The Review said arrangements for handling conflicts of interest needed to improve.

And the Government urged the Crofting Commission to ensure that capacity building and development needs of Board members are met and that the necessary training is provided.

'Notable and worrying failures'

Scotland's Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said the Review highlights 'notable and worrying failures' in the governance of the crofting commission which must be improved 'immediately'.

Mr Ewing said: That is why I have asked the new Chief Executive to urgently prepare an action plan to take this forward.

Crofting is an integral part of Scottish rural life and it is essential that it has an effective regulator. This review, and the action plan which will follow, must help to deliver the necessary changes and ensure the commission is able to lead the crofting industry forward.

Crofting Commission Chief Executive Bill Barron said: A number of important points have been made in the governance review and we are committed to ensuring robust processes are in place to achieve a high standard of governance within the organisation.

We have already made some of the improvements recommended in the review and building on this, along with continuous improvement, will help us to create a focussed and effective Commission.
A suspended pot of Rural Development funding has been told it should be directed towards Scotlands new generation of farmers and crofters.

The Environmental Co-operation Action Fund (ECAF), which forms part of Scotlands Rural Development Programme (SRDP), has been suspended to allow for redesign to meet EU audit requirements with a view to relaunching in the future.

Ministers are currently considering reallocation the funds to initiatives.

NFU Scotland has used a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Fergus Ewing urging him to direct the funds towards the new entrants components of the SRDP 2014-2020  namely, the Young Farmers and New Entrants Start Up Grants Schemes and the New Entrants Capital Grant Scheme.

Around 7 million of the 10 million allocated to Young Farmers and New Entrants schemes has already be taken up, with 140 successful applicants.

However, NFU Scotland is concerned that the budget allocation is being quickly used up and the number of unsuccessful applications is already high.

The Union says topping up funding levels from ECAF would increase the effectiveness of popular schemes that are already stretched.

Attracting new talent

This request from NFUS follows supportive comments made by Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at NFU Scotlands Conference in Glasgow this week, where she recognised the importance of attracting new entrants into farming to the long-term health of the sector.

In her address to AGM delegates, the First Minister indicated that the Scottish Government was looking at other ways to create further opportunities for new farmers and encouraging young people to take up farming.

In his letter to the Cabinet Secretary, newly-elected President Andrew McCornick said: With some 10 million originally allocated to ECAF, we now have an opportunity for this funding to drive our shared objective of supporting new and young farmers.

We are in complete agreement with Scottish Government on this issue. Encouraging a new generation to the industry is vital if Scotland is to maintain vibrant farming and crofting sectors.

Overcoming barriers to entry and attracting talented people to agriculture is a key priority for both the Scottish Government and NFU Scotland.
Buying Property In Greece Introduces New Land Deals

The company is giving residents the chance to build their dream homes in the heart of Peloponese in Piryela, reports buyingpropertyingreece.com.

--

Buying Property in Greece announced the introduction of their new land deals. Making a range of lot sizes available to their clients, the company is giving residents of Greece as well as those with a desire to live in the country the chance to build their dream homes in the heart of Peloponese in Piryela.

Vasili, a representative of Buying property in Greece, stated "Greece is one of the most sought-after places to build a home and a life. Not only does the country have such rich history, but it's also known for its stunning beaches, unmatched cuisine, and amazing night life. Fortunately, there's never been a better time to buy land and build your dream home in this beautiful country, and our company has taken on the task of making the process of creating a life here as easy and exciting as possible."

Buying Property in Greece is currently providing access to lot sizes ranging from 7,685 sq. ft. to 12,507 sq. ft. Lot sizes can be combined, and the land is already zoned for both residential and commercial use, with many lots facing the main road. Their current land offerings are nearby many historic ruins, including the Tomb of Agamemnon, Epidavro Amphitheater, and Castle Palamidi, as well as amazing beaches like Karathona, Arvanitia, Tolo, and St. Pandelimona, which is famous for its therapeutic sand.

As Vasili continued, "It's clear that the best time to build a life in this great country is now. The price of land in Greece is more affordable than ever, and our team stands ready to help those who purchase lots get their home built with the least amount of hassle and frustration. We'll be there every step of the way throughout the construction process to ensure that things run smoothly as they work to create the lifestyle they've always wanted."

About Buying Property in Greece:

Simply put, Buying Property In Greece helps people make living in Greece their reality. The company is on a mission to make owning land in a magical place like Greece easier and more exciting than ever before. They provide the lots and land for a new home or business with all the amenities just minutes away and then help with the construction of the home every step of the way with the ultimate goal to help residents build a life they enjoy.

Contact Info:

Name: Vasili

Organization: Buying Property in Greece

Phone: 27510 20438

Source URL: http://marketersmedia.com/buying-property-in-greece-introduces-new-land-deals/168669

For more information, please visit http://buyingpropertyingreece.com/

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 168669

For more information visit r



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Haiti - Politics : Canada announces $91M million in aid





Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, who participated the previous day at the investiture ceremony of President Jovenel Moise announced 5 development projects in Haiti. Canadas health and welfare focus in the country aims to improve the health and rights of women and children, support initiatives in child protection and continue to increase the access to and completion of basic education, with a focus on girls.



Canadas $91.2-million over 5 years investment will increase womens access to sexual and reproductive health, protect the rights of child workers, increase access to education and improve womens and childrens access to legal services. Finally, under an initiative of the International Development Research Centre, Canada will provide young Haitians with much-needed technical skills to enter the workforce and take control of their future.



"Canadas support to Haiti and its people reflect the priorities of our development agenda: upholding and uplifting human dignity, empowering women and girls and enhancing the local capacity of government and institutions. As true partners, we are behind Haitis new government and are eager to work collaboratively to advance our vision together, declared Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.



Recall that the day before, Minister Bibeau held a one-on-one meeting with President Jovenel Moise , on the sidelines of the investiture ceremony. During this meeting she reported that President Moise had insisted on the importance of "social justice" and "good governance", "He fully recognizes the importance of having competent and integral people at the head of the various public services," she said, adding, "It is encouraging, but we remain very cautious in the use of funds and to whom they are given," to ensure that the money goes to where it is intended, she said.



HL / TB/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics : Jovenel Moise officially invited to Europe





Wednesday, Edita Hrda, Executive Director for America of the European Service for External Action (EEAS), who represented the European Union on the eve of the investiture ceremony of the President of the Republic of Haiti Jovenel Moise, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20030-haiti-inauguration-jovenel-moise-58th-president-of-haiti.html , has been received by the new Head of State.



At the end of her meeting Mrs Hrda declared "As a friend and partner of Haiti, the European Union is ready to strengthen its relationship with the new administration in order to accompany Haiti in its economic, social and environmental redeployment." Mrs Hrda conveyed a letter of congratulations to President Moise , signed by Presidents Donald Tusk (European Council) and Jean-Claude Juncker (European Commission), as well as an invitation to host a State visit to the European institutions "This letter and invitation also demonstrate the European Union's commitment to relations with the entire Caribbean region [...] We also talked about the political priorities of President Jovenel Moise in order to put Haiti back on the right track. The European Union has always supported Haiti and will continue this support. We are willing to strengthen our relationship with the new administration to accompany Haiti in its economic, social and environmental redeployment."



Finally, the Executive Director also provided details on the additional 35 million Euro post-Matthew aid the European Union announced the day before. This new aid envelope for revovery amounting 35 million for one hand the humanitarian needs and also to development.



Humanitarian aid : 16 million

Humanitarian aid of 16 million will be devoted to strengthening emergency initiatives in education, shelter, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene of affected families. This assistance will also help ensure access to school for their children, ensure access to decent housing, provide appropriate support to the most vulnerable and prevent the spread of diseases among the most affected communities.



Development aid : 19 million

Following the damage caused by the passage of Matthew, the fall in local food production has led to an increase in food prices in local markets. An additional  4 million will be invested to strengthen the production capacity of small-scale agricultural producers in the South Department, in order to ensure better availability of locally produced foods, reduce costs and improve sources of income of the poorest households.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Diplomacy : The Core Group ready to work with Jovenel Moise





Sandra Honore, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the other members of the "Core Group" (the Ambassadors of Brazil, Canada, France, Spain, United States of America, the European Union and the Special Representative of the Organization of American States) "welcome the swearing-in of President Jovenel Moise as the 58th President of the Republic of Haiti and look forward to working with the new Head of State.



The "Core Group" congratulates the people of Haiti who showed patience and resolve in choosing their leaders and in demonstrating their commitment to democracy and the electoral process, which has been ongoing for nearly two years.



The Presidential inauguration marks a defining step in the countrys return to full Constitutional order and an opening for constructive and inclusive efforts from all sectors of society to address Haitis most pressing challenges."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Prime Minister resigns





Thursday, Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles handed his letter of resignation to President Jovenel Moise in order to allow the appointment of his successor. A resignation of republican courtesy, as suggested by the relatives of the Head of State. From now Jovenel Moise will enter into discussions with the Presidents of both Houses, as stipulated in the Constitution, to choose the next Head of Government.



Letter of resignation of the Prime Minister :

Port-au-Prince, 9 February 2017



His Excellency Jovenel Moise

President of the Republic

National Palace



"Mr. President of the Republic,



I have the honor to present to you my resignation as Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic.



This resignation of republican courtesy follows your accession to the supreme magistracy of the State, high testimony that the Government I have the honor to lead has faithfully and completely acquitted of its essential missions of restoring the peace of the streets and to organize credible, honest and transparent elections in accordance with the Agreement of 5 February 2016 for institutional continuity and the statement of my general policy approved by the two Houses of Parliament on 24 March 2016.



Also, I find it normal that a new Government be formed with other missions oriented towards the management of the fundamental concerns of the Haitian people.



Please accept, Mr. President of the Republic, the assurance of my highest consideration.



Enex Jean-Charles"



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Towards a reconfiguration of the Minustah after April 15





Herve Ladsous, the UN's Deputy Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, conducted this week in Haiti a strategic assessment mission as required by UN Security Council resolution 2313 (2017) . This assessment will identify critical needs in Haiti in order to make recommendations on the configuration and future presence of the United Nations in Haiti. These recommendations will be presented in the next report of the Secretary-General in mid-March https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20002-haiti-flash-the-departure-of-the-minustah-will-not-end-the-presence-of-the-un-in-haiti.html



Thursday in a press conference, Herve Ladsous, said about the departure of the Minustah "[...] As the Secretary-General must make recommendations to the Security Council on March 15, I wanted to come immediately to work with our colleagues in Minustah, but also with our Haitian counterparts to see what was their vision of the Minustah and its future. All this will obviously be the prerogative of the Security Council to take decisions. But I can share with you some great parameters that seem to me quite clear.



The first is that the military component of the Minustah should in all likelihood disappear in a relatively near future. We are looking at the modalities. A second parameter is the fact that we have worked a lot in recent years, we have invested a lot in a relationship, whose I wish to salute the consistency and quality. We worked on the development of the National Police of Haiti (PNH). We worked on the numbers. We will reach in the course of the year, when the promotion that is presently training, will join the regular strength of the PNH, a workforce of 15,000 police officers. But I think there is room to continue because the needs are there. In the same way, we will continue to work on the strengthening of the police capabilities that I want again commend the professionalism, the commitment of its leaders [...]



[...] I think that when we look at the situation in Haiti, compared to what it was a few years ago, we have made a lot of progress. Security is not perfect, but I think it is much better.



[...] We are not speaking at this stage of a complete erasure of the Minustah. We are talking about a reconfiguration which may be formally translated into a new name, I do not know.



But I repeat it, if the military tasks will fade because they no longer impose themselves in the security context of Haiti, there is still a lot to be done on the police, on the rule of law, a whole series of projects like this, not forgetting the rights of man, the status of women, I believe that in this sense we still have work and that we remain ready."



It should be recalled that in October 2016, the Security Council called for this transition towards a future United Nations presence after the expiry of the mandate of the Minustah https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18931-haiti-flash-mandate-of-the-minustah-unanimously-renewed.html



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20002-haiti-flash-the-departure-of-the-minustah-will-not-end-the-presence-of-the-un-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19989-haiti-security-brazil-withdraws-from-minustah-ambassador-bring-clarifications.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18931-haiti-flash-mandate-of-the-minustah-unanimously-renewed.html



SL/ HaitiLibre


















Probe of woman's death upholds suicide finding

Related Stories

A homicide task force that was looking into the August 2015 death of Felicia Reeves of Hendersonville has told her family that the case has been closed, according to Reeves sister Suzan Bayorgeon.

A thorough review of Felicias death was conducted, Sgt. Joe Vendas of the Union County, New Jersey, Prosecutors Office wrote Thursday in an email to Bayorgeon.

(The review) involved identifying and interviewing witnesses, re-examining photographs of the scene and a review of the autopsy by the medical examiner as well as other investigative tools. The investigation that was conducted supported the Elizabeth (N.J.) Police Departments assessment, as well as the medical examiners conclusion that Felicias death was a suicide. Nothing was found that would support anyone else being involved in her death.

Vendas remarks came in response to the sisters request for an update on the probe, announced in August 2016. It was unclear how long ago the probe ended. An initial death investigation by Elizabeth police ended quickly in fall 2015.

In response to an inquiry from Carolina Public Press later Thursday, Vendas apologized but said he could not comment. CPP has identified several irregularities and unexplained discrepancies with the original case, most of which appear not to have been part of the review that Vendas described to Bayorgeon.

The sister said nothing about the New Jersey decision surprises her. Nor does it change her belief that Reeves was murdered, with her death made to look like a suicide.

The trail of evidence in New Jersey was very cold by the time the task force reexamined it, but Bayorgeon believes that evidence could still come to light in North Carolina that would reveal what actually happened.

Reeves disappeared from Hendersonville in August 2016. An Elizabeth, N.J., motel maid reported finding her body a week later hanging from a shower curtain rod.

Carolina Public Press has reported extensively on the case since February 2015, following months of investigation, with multiple updates through October 2016. The announcement that the homicide task force would take the case followed both CPPs reports and a letter-writing campaign by Bayorgeon.

One theory of how Reeves could have been killed is that someone incapacitated her, possibly with a drug that was not part of the toxicology screening done post mortem, then placed her into the noose on the shower curtain rod, causing her death by hanging. Vendas email appears to indicate the review turned up no evidence of another partys involvement, but not that such involvement was clearly excluded from possibility.

Unresolved questions

Among the problem issues that CPP has identified with Reeves disappearance and death:

Financial records and other evidence suggests that Reeves left the Henderson motel where she had living for some time without formally checking out on Aug. 19, then traveled Aug. 20 to the Buncombe County airport, where she took a ground shuttle service to Charlotte. She can be placed at several locations in Manhattan and Queens on Aug. 21, including putting down a $140 deposit for eyeware at a high-end boutique. Later on Aug. 21, she checked into a motel room in nearby Elizabeth, New Jersey. How she traveled from North Carolina to the northeast and whether she was alone is unknown. Why these movements and a purchase of expensive items that she never picked up if she was only going to a motel to kill herself?

Reeves parents received a phone call from a man asking for their credit card information to cover incidentals on a motel stay for Reeves. They declined to do this. But staff members at the New Jersey motel where she was staying and later found dead have said that she checked in alone and no male employee was on duty when she checked in. So who made this call?

Elizabeth Police originally said surveillance footage showed no one entering or leaving Reeves room from the time she checked in until a week later when the maid cleaned the room and found her. But credit card information and receipts show that Reeves was in Manhattan during that time period. At Penn Station she purchased a possibly never-used train ticket to Philadelphia. If she didnt leave the room, then how could she have been in Manhattan making purchases? And what was she doing making those types of purchases if she went there to kill herself?

Elizabeth Police have never responded to CPPs requests to talk with them about the case and never officially addressed the problem with Reeves leaving her room. They did talk with a local newspaper in New Jersey in March 2016, a few days after CPPs initial article appeared, but officers did not address these objections regarding the case. However, Bayorgeon received an anonymous call in summer 2016 warning her to stop pushing for a new investigation and claiming that police had always meant that no one other than Reeves entered or left the room. If thats the correct explanation for that issue, why didnt police just say so when repeatedly given the opportunity? And what was someone making a harassing phone call doing with that sort of information? For that matter, why was someone making a harassing call?

The original autopsy described aspects of Reeves anatomy inaccurately, such as saying her reproductive organs appeared normal when in fact she was missing an ovary due to a previous surgery. The autopsy also described one tattoo in detail but failed to note several other tattoos. How thorough was the autopsy if it missed these things?

Suspicions

Reeves family has told CPP that they believe someone killed her for reasons connected to her life prior to arriving in New Jersey.

Reeves had been residing in North Carolina through most of the summer of 2015 after spending several months in Kentucky. Prior to that she had lived in Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe and Rowan counties at different times over the previous decade.

In the months just before her death, Reeves posted to social media that she had been acting as an informant. She also predicted that someone would attempt to kill her. Although the information is unclear, some evidence has suggested Reeves was in contact with people engaged in human and drug trafficking. She may have been acting as some sort of interstate courier, making sudden and otherwise unexplained trips to Ohio, Texas and ultimately the New York City area. If her associates believed she was informing on them  regardless of whether she actually was  they might have had motive and means to silence her.

Its not clear whether one of the people on whom she was threatening to inform was her ex-husband Titus Boley. Reeves had told many people that she feared he would try to kill her, just as he had done before.

Boley served several months in prison in 2009 after attempting to strangle her. On another occasion he held a glass shard to her throat, according to court records from Transylvania County were the couple resided, part of a long history of violent abuse.

Family members have told CPP that the physical abuse and psychological intimidation continued long after their marriage and relationship were over, including after he left prison. They said Reeves stopped believing that the law enforcement system was able to protect her. She and her family feared that he would injure Reeves or her children.

According to the family, Boley contacted them the same day they learned of Reeves death to express his condolences  before that information went public. They said he told them that he learned about her death from social media. But no one who knew that she was dead had posted anything to social media at the time, the family says.

Boley has a lengthy history of conflict with the law. Most recently, Polk County authorities arrested him in May 2016 for trying to sell drugs to an undercover officer near the South Carolina state line. A grand jury indicted him on four counts, including two felonies, in November. He faces trial on those charges on March 1.
Maha Shivaratri Yatra procession, directed at Universal Peace, will cover about seven kilometers on February 19 in Lenasia, a part of City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, in South Africa.

Organized by Hindu Coordinating Council, this annual Maha Shivaratri Yatra will include many floats. Starting with a hawan at six am from Saiva Sithantha Sungum Mandir, it will culminate at Shree Siva Soobramanian Tirukoil, where a lunch will be served after the program. At the hawan, prayer will be held for peace and love for all beings, irrespective of religion, colour or creed. Dress-code for both men and women is white during Yatra, reports suggest.

It will pass through various Hindu establishments enrouteSwaminarayan Mandir, Rameshwarmahadev Mandir, Brahmakumaris Ashram, Gayatriparivar Ashram, Sivagnana Sabay, Vishnu Mandir and Lakshminarayan Mandir.

Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, commended efforts of Yatra leaders and area community for realizing this wonderful procession year after year.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this Yatra would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

Yatra will be preceding Maha Shivaratri, which is on February 24 this year. Yatra organizers include Rameshbhai Kara, Indira Mathura, Vijaybhai Naran, Kishore Badal, Harrybhai Govind, Javie Ravjee, Narendrabhai Gangaram and Ishara Singh. This Yatra, which is sometimes described as a pilgrimage, is expecting devotees from all over the province and beyond.

Lenasia, in Gauteng Province of South Africa, is about 35 kilometers from Johannesburg central business district.

Maha Shivaratri (Great Night of Shiva), a festival held in honor of Lord Shiva, involves fasting and performing various Shiva pujas. In Hinduism, Lord Shiva, along with Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, forms the great triad of Hindu deities. Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents.

Source : From Our Correspondent
In this time and age, remote workers are no longer an exception but an integral part of the corporate world. Improved technologies, better communication systems, and mobile computing are all the factors that make it easier for the employers to work along with a team of remotely working employees. Nonetheless, hiring remote workers has its set of challenges that include fewer face times of workers, decreased employee loyalty, reduced team collaboration and low work productivity. All these factors call for an extremely proactive leadership and management team. In the chaos of day-to-day work activities, employers often neglect their remote workforce which results in poor employee engagement and low productivity. With the passing time, the underperformance of your remote workers results in work discrepancies. Consequently, it leads to a butterfly effect where the little inconsistencies in the work come out in the form of bigger losses. To avoid facing the music of such an effect, you need to implement a proactive business leadership and management skills to engage your remote workforce and take them onboard in your team. Here weve rounded up tips to help you implement a holistic approach at every echelon of your remote workforce: Streamline the Communication Channels A successful team exists only when both you and the workers are on the same page. This notion becomes even more important when you are running a team of remote workers. Under the ...
Pat Dawson told the Irish Examiner that many Irish holidaymakers felt increasingly uneasy about the welcome they would get in Mr Trumps America  a factor that could stymie the increase in numbers of visitors looking to the likes of Florida and California, as old favourites such as Turkey and Tunisia fell by the wayside.

The ITAA represents 100 travel agents and 70 other sales outlets.

Mr Dawson echoed Thomas Cooks outlook, published yesterday, that showed bookings to Turkey and north Africa suffered due to security concerns.

Thomas Cook said it was cautious about the rest of the year due to political and economic uncertainty, sending its shares down sharply, even though the tour operator produced solid first-quarter results and a rise in summer bookings.

Shares in London fell by up to 8%. Traders said the companys cautious outlook was behind the steep fall in its shares, which erased gains made in the two weeks leading up to the results, even though summer bookings were ahead of last year, after the company responded to the security turmoil of 2016 by expanding its presence in Greece, Portugal, and Croatia.

However, Thomas Cook faced a revolt over pay, as more than 20% voted against the boards planned pay awards for directors at its AGM.

Mr Dawson said that Irish holidaymakers were returning in big numbers to Spain, Portugal, and Croatia, as well as South Africa, where airline fares are offset by value for money in the cost of living.

The value in South Africa is phenomenal, he said. More and more Irish people are realising that. It is doing very well.

The introduction of US flights by Norwegian Airlines International and Wow Air was a potential boon to Irish holidaymakers, he said.

With Norwegian and Wow entering the market, you can be sure Aer Lingus and other airlines will not leave them have a free run of it by sitting back and doing nothing, Mr Dawson said.

Norwegian and Wow are going to be providing serious competition. That means the established airlines will have to fight back hard, which means more benefit to the customer through lower fares. The American market could become massive.

However, the potential growth of the market was potentially marred by Mr Trump and increasing belligerent talk by the far right on immigration and visitors to the US.

There is increasing speculation that legal immigration could also come under the microscope by the Republican-led Congress, while it has also been suggested that even holiday visas, which allow visitors in for 90 days, may be curtailed.

Mr Dawson said: We in the ITAA would like our political leaders to impress upon their American counterparts that such rhetoric coming from president Trump is harmful and sends out the wrong message.

We have found that Americans are among the friendliest hosts in the world when it comes to tourists and it would be a shame if that was threatened.

Additional reporting by Reuters
Economics is a social science that is meant to provide a coherent answer to the dilemma of how to allocate scarce resources in a manner that will go some way towards satisfying insatiable demand.

In theory, it sounds reasonably straightforward but, in practice, it is a total nightmare, as is being currently demonstrated in cataclysmic fashion in the Irish health service.

In the overall scheme of things, we are not on this earth for very long, so most of us would hope the time we do spend here is as pleasant as possible and our quality of life is of a reasonably high standard. The three public services that contribute most to this objective have to be education, law and order, and health.

Education gives us the tools to make the right choices in life and maximise our potential. Law and order is essential because there are people out there who want to steal the property of others, and make life as bad as possible for others. Without the forces of law and order to control such people, life would be nasty, brutish, and short. In relation to health, we would all hope that we could avail of a health service on demand that would prevent us from getting too sick and cure us when we do. It is all relatively straightforward really. If only.

This week, Minister for Health Simon Harris was forced to apologise to the people of Ireland for the shortcomings in the health service that were highlighted by an RTE programme. There was a sense of shock expressed by the minister and others about the real extent of waiting lists in particular and the general shortcomings in the health service in general.

The reality is that our health service is in tatters, as demonstrated by the trolley list and the waiting list, for example. The solution to these long-standing problems has proved elusive for successive ministers and most of them have been happy to move on from the Department of Health as quickly as possible.

A functioning health service needs a number of essential parts. A primary health service that will help keep some people away from the hospital system; it needs high quality equipment to carry out various medical procedures; it needs the requisite number of staff to make the system function, such as nurses, doctors, radiographers, and physios; it needs sufficient bed numbers and physical infrastructure; it needs proper IT-driven administration systems; it needs to be operational 24/7; and it needs proper management.

It needs to be a coherent whole, because if any bits of the system are not in place, then efficiency suffers and the whole edifice comes crashing down. There is no point having lots of consultants if we dont have enough nurses.

The Irish system seems to fall down on many counts. We do not have a very effective primary health service; we certainly do not have enough beds; it does not operate 24/7; and there are gross deficiencies in at least some elements of staffing. It is also questionable if the hybrid model we have is fit for purpose, with public and private elements operating together. It looks like a recipe for disaster, and it is.

The elephant in the room is funding. Undoubtedly we need to spend more money on the overall service, and these demands will only get larger as our population ages. There is little point in continuing to throw money at the system, if all of the requisite parts are not put in place and if the system is not managed in an efficient and effective manner.

The components of the system need to be put in place and the management of the service needs to be brought up to scratch. Vested interest groups cannot be allowed prevent necessary reform. In relation to resources, Government should move away from the scattergun approach to fiscal policy that was demonstrated in a very depressing manner in Budget 2017 and direct resources in a manner that will have a meaningful impact. Sounds like a pipe dream.
Along with other domestic and foreign lenders, KBC got severely burnt during the crisis on its commercial and residential property loans and needed tens of millions of euro from its group to keep afloat.

Though criticised by the Financial Services Union over the length of the review, its parent has concluded the Irish bank has a secure future because the Irish economy has sprung back so strongly.

Ireland chief executive Wim Verbraeken said the economic recovery had helped the bank in its remarkable turnaround and it was now poised to build out from its success in mortgage lending. The decision to stay in Ireland was not influenced by short-term considerations such as the Governments new incentives offered for first time buyers, the bank said.

Mortgage market analysts estimate the bank had secured up to a 12% share of new mortgage lending of around 5.6bn last year because it offers among the lowest variable and fixed rates. That new loans market may reach as much as 7.5bn this year, and KBC said it will at least maintain its market share as new lending grows.

However, Mr Verbraeken said that KBC was now seeking, in time, to grow into other areas, including lending to professionals, which he said had been ignored by traditional lenders in recent years. Citing research, the bank believes it will be able to sell a full range of products because professionals like one-stop shop.

To help boost its growth plans, the bank is recruiting to fill 100 new posts this year, but only in exceptional circumstances would those plans include increasing its current network of 15 hubs or outlets, it said.

Mr Verbraeken said the banks commitment to Ireland implied an ambition to replicate the dual bank and insurance business its parent operates across the continent.

He said, however, the bank would grow its relationship with existing insurers  and that acquiring an insurance business would be a long term project. KBC had started to write to tracker customers who it had overcharged but was still completing the process.

Supervised by the Central Bank, lenders are involved in a redress programme for customers.
Hugh Whelan posted on Facebook that he was grateful for the assistance of friends and family in the wake of the death of his parents Ann and Joe and his uncle Jim.

Thank you one and all for your kind words and support. I will, in time thank everyone individually.

As of yet there are no arrangements, but I will update as soon as we bring them home. Again thank you for the kind words, they have been, and are, a great source of comfort to us, he wrote.

Pensioners Joe and Ann Whelan had travelled to the UK over the weekend to visit Mr Whelans 76-year-old brother Jim who was in poor health. The trio died when a fire broke out at Mr Whelans house at Laburnum Avenue in Hornchurch near Romford in Essex at around 4am on Monday.

Firemen battled to save the three pensioners. However, Mrs Whelan died at the scene and the brothers lost their fight for life at the Queens Hospital in Romford.

The Whelan brothers were from Dublin.

Prayers were said for the trio at masses in east Cork yesterday. Cobh parish priest Fr Liam Kelleher, said the prayers of the parish were with the Whelan family.

Joe Whelan lived for much of his adult life at the Tay Road in Cobh, Co Cork. He was a former member of the Irish Naval Service.

Jeffrey Prendergast, a neighbour who witnessed the Hornchurch fire, said that Jim Whelan was a very pleasant sort of guy who kept himself to himself.

I think his wife died some time ago. It is tragic, Mr Prendergast said.
It has emerged that the file containing the false allegation of abuse was opened by Tusla and circulated to gardai in 2013. However, no effort was made to substantiate the claim.

The abuse allegations were made by a young woman in August 2013 to a counsellor, who then contacted Tusla and gardai. However, Sgt McCabe was neither contacted nor made aware of the allegations.

In 2014, Tusla admitted a mistake had been made and attributed the false accusation to a clerical error.

It was only last year that Sgt McCabe became aware that the highly damaging false abuse allegation had been widely circulated. He is to take a legal case against Tusla and has met with Minister for Children Katherine Zappone. She has indicated a public apology will be forthcoming.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Sgt McCabe said the whole affair had left his family distraught.

They have destroyed us, he said. I find it hard to believe that it was an honest mistake.

Even though the sex abuse allegation was on file in 2013 and 2014, Sgt McCabe was not contacted about either its existence or the discovery that the allegation was completely false.

How can I and my family be on the system [in Tusla] since 2013 and not be told about it, he said. The first I knew about any of this was when I was contacted about that horrendous allegation last year.

Major questions remain as to how the allegation came about, how it was processed by both the gardai and Tusla, and why Sgt McCabe was never informed about it.

The allegation surfaced during a period when Sgt McCabes claims of malpractice were causing major political and Garda-related controversy.

The allegation was known among senior management within the force. According to the file on the matter, an internal memo in Tusla on June 4, 2014, recorded the following: The retrospective report which you are aware contains a clerical error. I was informed that the superintendent in the jurisdiction referred to in the report was not yet aware of the clerical error and has been asked to a meeting with the commissioner in relation to the case.

It is unclear the extent to which Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan was aware of the allegation or the subsequent discovery of a major error. However, as the head of the force, she should have been informed and she should have been obliged to inform Sgt McCabe of the development.

At no point in the process was Sgt McCabe informed about what had occurred, either after the initial file was created, or once it was discovered to be an error. He was not arrested or questioned about the initial allegation, and nor was he informed by the commissioner, his employer, about the error after May 2014.

It is as yet unclear whether the whole affair was as a result of gross error and incompetence or whether there were attempts to deliberately smear Sgt McCabe with the abuse allegation.

Even if incompetence was at fault, the failure to inform Sgt McCabe is inexplicable.

He only became aware of the issue when he was contacted by a social worker in Tusla in January last year about the allegation. He was told he would have to be interviewed.

We will have to decide if you pose a risk to children, the letter said.

The social worker who sent the letter was operating off the initial allegation and was not aware that a correction had been made.

The revelations put in context the rumours and propaganda that has been swirling around Sgt McCabe since he brought forward his claims of malpractice in the force.

On Wednesday, Labour leader Brendan Howlin told the Dail that he had been contacted by a journalist who told him he had direct knowledge of Ms OSullivan briefing journalists that Sgt McCabe was responsible for sexual crimes.

Ms OSullivan has denied spreading the allegations of sex crimes against Sgt McCabe.

In a statement issued later on Wednesday, she said she was surprised by claims of her involvement in a smear campaign targeting Sgt McCabe and insisted it was the first time she had heard the accusation.

The commissioner has no knowledge of the matters referred to by Deputy Howlin and refutes in the strongest terms the suggestion that she has engaged in the conduct alleged against a serving member of An Garda Siochana, said Ms OSullivans statement.

Mr Justice Peter Charleton has been appointed to lead an inquiry into the allegations that senior officers attempted to blacken Sgt McCabes name.

Justice Minister Francis Fitzgerald has agreed to broaden the terms of reference of the inquiry following heated exchanges in the Dail.

Opposition parties and a government backbencher repeated calls for Ms OSullivan to step down. However, she maintains the full support of the Government.

Speaking in Poland, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said there was no prima facie evidence or no indication of any wrongdoing of any kind by the Garda Commissioner, and she was fully entitled to the support of the Government while a commission of inquiry investigates allegations against her.
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I invite anyone who wishes to comment on this blog to do so. I enjoy the comments, whether you agree with what I have said or not. But some people want to abuse the right to comment, and since this is my blog, I have decided to lay down the following rules. If your comment violates these rules, it will not be published.
TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: BGM) (the "Company" or "BGM") is pleased to announce final results from the 2016 Phase I Island Mountain and Barkerville Mountain KL Zone exploration drilling programs and first results from the new 2017 drilling at the Company's flagship Cariboo Gold Project. All outstanding 2016 drill results have now been received for the 27,131 metre Phase I exploratory drilling program on Island Mountain and the first pass of widely spaced drilling on the KL Zone gold in soil anomaly located on Barkerville Mountain. Drilling results and drill hole location plan maps are presented at the end of this release.

Island Mountain Drilling

The recently initiated 2017 Phase II exploration drilling program on Island Mountain is currently being performed with six drill rigs on widely spaced 100 metre drill centres and infill dice-five drill patterns in the recently discovered "Shaft Zone". Discovered by way of the 2016 Phase I program, the Shaft Zone is defined by a series of previously undrilled vertically dipping vein sets occurring immediately footwall to the historic Aurum Mine development. Phase II drillhole IM-17-004 intersected multiple auriferous veins in this new area including 13.03 g/t Au over 9.10 metres, 11.48 g/t Au over 3.30 metres, 67.82 g/t Au over 2.90 metres and 72.80 g/t Au over 0.50 metres ranging from the near surface to -350 metres vertical depth. Additional veining was also intersected in the Shaft Zone by drillhole BGM-16-551: 9.22 g/t Au over 2.85 metres and 27.50 g/t Au over 1.00 metres as well as drillhole BGM-16-591 which intersected 6.97 g/t Au over 4.40 metres. In addition, stratigraphic drillhole BGM-16-515 intersected 9.61 g/t Au over 2.20 metres in new footwall veins.

KL Zone Drilling

The KL Zone is located on the southeastern flank of Barkerville Mountain and is defined by a previously undrilled 800 metre long gold in soil anomaly. As part of the first pass of exploratory drilling in this new area, ten drillholes totaling 2,621 metres tested the anomaly at widely spaced 100 metre centres and encountered wide zones of intense silicification. Significant KL intersections include BGM-16-561: 21.09 g/t Au over 1.10 metres and BGM-16-590: 10.21 g/t Au over 2.00 metres.

2017 Exploration Update

The Phase II drilling program is underway on Island Mountain with five drill rigs while a sixth rig is located on Cow Mountain performing a closely spaced grid program to collect material for an upcoming metallurgical test. Two additional drill rigs will be mobilized to the Wells project site imminently, with the focus being exploration and delineation of untested targets on Island, Cow and Barkerville Mountains. During 2017, the Company intends to perform ~130,000 metres of diamond drilling in these areas with eight drill rigs.

Chris Lodder, President and CEO comments: "As we kick off the 2017 exploration program we are targeting specific areas with highest potential for resource definition within the central portion of the Cariboo Gold Project. Parallel to this we continue to advance towards initial production at Bonanza Ledge in Q2 of 2017 and await final permit amendment approval to begin underground development. The QR Mill has been upgraded substantially and commissioning using low grade stockpiled material will begin shortly. "

Qualified Persons

Exploration activities at the Cariboo Gold Project are administered on site by the Company's Exploration Manager, Maggie Layman, P.Geo. As per National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Paul Geddes, P.Geo. Vice President Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on the Cariboo Gold Project.

Quality Assurance  Quality Control

Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples are sawn in half, labelled and bagged. The remaining drill core is subsequently stored on site at the Company's secure facility in Wells, BC. Numbered security tags are applied to lab shipments for chain of custody requirements. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals in the sample stream, including blanks and reference materials with all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. The QAQC program was designed and approved by Lynda Bloom, P.Geo. of Analytical Solutions Ltd., and is overseen by the Company's Qualified Person, Paul Geddes, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration.

Drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry's analytical facility in North Vancouver, British Columbia for preparation and analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is crushed and 250 grams is pulverized. Analysis for gold is by 50g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption (AAS) finish with a lower limit of 0.01 ppm and upper limit of 100 ppm. Samples with gold assays greater than 100 ppm are re-analyzed using a 1,000g screen metallic fire assay. A selected number of samples are also analyzed using a 48 multi-elemental geochemical package by a 4-acid digestion, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS).

Appointment of VP, Project Development

The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Francois Vezina as Vice-President, Project Development.

Mr. Vezina is a Mining Engineer with over 17 years of experience in mining and has extensive experience in open pit and underground operations in Finland, Mexico and Canada. Francois was the Technical Service Manager for Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited and was responsible for overseeing the completion of the feasibility studies of LaRonde II, Pinos Altos and Kittila. Mr. Vezina then participated in the construction and commissioning of Pinos Altos as Mine Development Manager and Kittila as Mine Operations Manager before joining the Osisko Mining Corporation and participating as Mine Manager in the construction of the Canadian Malartic Mine. He served more than 5 years as Mine Operations Manager at the Canadian Malartic, responsible for the Mining and Maintenance department. Mr. Vezina is a specialist in mine operation optimization and is well recognized for innovating mining techniques. Mr. Vezina is presently the Mine Director of Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. and holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering and a Master in Business Administration (MBA).

Appointment of Investor Relations Consultant

The Company also announces that it has engaged S3 Communications Inc. to provide investor relations and corporate communications services for the Company. S3 Communications is a Toronto-based company which provides value for its clients through strategic marketing and communication plans. Scott Kelly, Managing Partner of S3 Communications, will oversee all investor relations services on behalf of Barkerville, which include marketing, strategic communications and public relations, for a period of twelve months. In consideration for the services provided, Barkerville will pay S3 Communications a monthly fee of $6,000, in addition to reimbursement for expenses.

Mr. Kelly has more than 20 years' experience in corporate communications and has direct experience serving as an independent director on public and private company boards, and prior to its acquisition by the TMX Group, Mr. Kelly was a partner, director and senior vice-president of the Equicom Group Inc.
South Korea will extend national roads by over 900 kilometers this year, greatly improving the accessibility of the entire nation while also helping boost the local economy, the government said Thursday.

Also, more than 60 percent of 7.3 trillion won ($6.37 billion) in government budget earmarked for the construction of new roads will be utilized in the first half of the year, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

In total, the ministry plans to build 918 kilometers of new road in 73 separate sections.

"This will mark a 44-percent spike from 638 kilometers last year. Such an increase partly comes from new roads to be opened this year under projects aimed at supporting the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games," it said in a press release.

The Winter Games are set to open early next year in the eastern city located some 180 kilometers from Seoul.

New roads to be built and opened this year include a 22-kilometer expressway between Seongnam and Anyang, which will help reduce the overall travel time from Seoul's Incheon International Airport to the main game venues of the upcoming Olympics by 40 minutes to about 95 minutes.

A 72-kilometer extension of the expressway between Seoul and Yangyang, Gangwon Province, will also open before the year's end, reducing the time of travel from the capital to the remote coastal city in Gangwon Province to 90 minutes from the current 130 minutes, the ministry said.

"Once the new road construction projects are completed, they will greatly contribute to the local economy, as well as a successful hosting of the PyeongChang Olympic Games," it added. (Yonhap)
A month has passed since Japanese Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine and Yasuhiro Morimoto, the Japanese consul general in Busan, were recalled by Tokyo on Jan. 9 to protest the "girl statue" that a civic group set up in front of the Consulate General building in Busan.



The statue was built to remember the suffering of Korean women who were forced to serve as sexual slaves for the Japanese Army before and during World War II. But Japan has called for the removal of the statues, claiming that they undermine the dignity of its diplomatic missions.



Since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1965, such a prolonged absence of a Japanese ambassador in Korea is unprecedented. In 2012, Japan's top envoy Masatoshi Muto temporarily returned to his home country to protest then-President Lee Myung-bak's visit to Dokdo, but resumed his duties in Seoul 12 days later.



It is feared that Korea-Japan ties will worsen in the weeks ahead. On Feb. 22 Japan will hold a "Takeshima Day" event which highlights Tokyo's sovereignty claims over Dokdo, known as Takeshima in Japan. In March, Japan's education ministry is expected to revise curriculum guidelines for school textbooks to emphasize its sovereignty over Dokdo.



The dilemma for Seoul lies in that it is very difficult to convince the civic group to remove the statue for fear of inflaming public sentiment. But the foreign ministry also needs to find a way to deliver its share of a 2015 bilateral deal, which aimed to resolve the dispute over the so-called comfort women. Tokyo has claimed that since it has kept its part of the deal to finance a fund for supporting the surviving victims, it's time for Seoul to act on removing the statues.



The recent diplomatic tension shows that there are still a lot of misunderstandings between the two countries over the 2015 deal.



During the G20 foreign minister's meeting, Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se should meet his counterpart Fumio Kishida and discuss ways to improve bilateral ties despite differences over historical conflicts. Tokyo should also return its ambassador to Korea at an early date to normalize diplomatic relations.




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Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma Home brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma lifestyle brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand. The company also provides home decor products under the West Elm brand; kids accessories under the Pottery Barn Kids brand; and an organic bedding to multi-purpose furniture under the Pottery Barn Teen brand. In addition, it offers made-to-order lighting, hardware, furniture, and home decors inspired by history under the Rejuvenation brand; and women's and men's accessories, travel, entertaining and bar, home decor, and seasonal items under the Mark and Graham brand, as well as operates a 3-D imaging and augmented reality platform for the home furnishings and decor industry. The company markets its products through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs, and retail stores. It operates 544 stores comprising 502 stores in 41states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico; 20 stores in Canada; 19 stores in Australia; 3 stores in the United Kingdom; and 139 franchised stores, as well as e-commerce websites in various countries in the Middle East, the Philippines, Mexico, South Korea, and India. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 13125882 Canada Inc., 211 E. Russell Road LLC, 4458664 Canada Inc., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. LTD., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES BORROWER S.C.A., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES LLC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES MIDDLE EAST FZE, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES SERVICES LIMITED, ASTRUM IT GmbH, Accudyne Industries Acquisition S.A r.l, Accudyne Industries Canada Inc., Accudyne Industries S.A r.l., Air Dimensions, Air Dimensions Inc., Albin Pump SAS, BOC Edwards Global Low pressure Air business, CISA S.p.A., Cameron-Centrifugal Compression, Comercial Ingersoll-Rand (Chile) Limitada, Comingersoll-Comercio E Industria De Equipamentos S.A., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Dosatron International SAS, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Proprietary Limited, FlexEnergy Holdings LLC, Frigoblock Grosskopf Gmbh, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First (UK) Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings II Inc., GD Global Holdings Inc., GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., GPS Industries, Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp (Canada), Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Limited, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica SL, Gardner Denver Inc., Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver International Inc., Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Investments Inc., Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan Ltd., Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte. Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia s.r.o., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH (f/k/a ILMVAC GmbH), Gardner Denver Thomas Inc., Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, Haskel France SAS, Haskel Sistemas de Fluidos Espana S.R.L., Hibon Inc., Highspeed Newco LLC, Hingerose Limited, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., IR HPS Holdco. 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De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Industrial Ireland Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana Manufacturing S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments II S.A R.I., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Industrial Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Instrum Rand JSC, Interflex Datensysteme, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, Kryptonite corp, Lawrence Factor Inc., LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., MP Pumps Inc., Maximum AG Technologies Inc., Maximus Solutions, Mb Air Systems Limited, Nash Elmo, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Plurifilter D.O.O., Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Robuschi, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, SEEPEX, Seepex (M) SDN, Seepex Australia Pty Ltd, Seepex Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung, Seepex France S.a.r.l., Seepex GmbH, Seepex Inc., Seepex India Private Ltd., Seepex Italia SRL, Seepex Japan Co. Ltd., Seepex Nordic A/S, Seepex OOO, Seepex Pumps (Shanghia) Co. Ltd., Seepex UK Ltd., Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co., Superay, Syltone, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Tamrotor Marine Comp AS Norway, Tecno Matic Europe s.r.o., Thomas Industries Inc., Trane Technologies, Tri-Continent Scientific Inc., Vacuum and Blower Systems division, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zaxe Technologies Inc., Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc, Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Zinsser NA Inc., and crayon interface.

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Bar Harbor Bankshares operates as the holding company for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust that provides commercial, lending, retail, and wealth management banking services. It accepts various deposit products, including interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing demand accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company also provides commercial real estate loans, such as multi-family, commercial construction and land development, and other commercial real estate classes; commercial and industrial loans, including loans to commercial and agricultural businesses, and tax exempt entities; residential real estate loans consists of mortgages for 1-4 family housing; and consumer loans comprises home equity loans, lines of credit, auto, and other installment lending. In addition, it provides life insurance, annuity, and retirement products, as well as financial planning services; and third-party investment and insurance services. Further, the company offers trust and estate administration, wealth advisory, and investment management services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and municipalities; and 401K plan, financial, estate and charitable planning, investment management, family office, municipal, and tax services. It operates 53 locations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. operates as a branded consumer products company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Home and Personal Care; Global Pet Care; and Home and Garden. The Home and Personal Care segment provides home appliances under the Black & Decker, Russell Hobbs, George Foreman, Toastmaster, Juiceman, Farberware, and Breadman brands; and personal care products under the Remington and LumaBella brands. The Global Pet Care segment provides rawhide chewing, dog and cat clean-up and food, training, health and grooming, small animal food and care, and rawhide-free products under the 8IN1 (8-in-1), Dingo, Nature's Miracle, Wild Harvest, Littermaid, Jungle, Excel, FURminator, IAMS, Eukanuba, Healthy-Hide, DreamBone, SmartBones, ProSense, Perfect Coat, eCOTRITION, Birdola, Good Boy, Meowee!, Wildbird, and Wafcol brands. This segment also offers aquarium kits, stand-alone tanks, and aquatics equipment and consumables under the Tetra, Marineland, Whisper, Instant Ocean, GloFish, OmegaOne, and OmegaSea brands. The Home and Garden segment provides outdoor insect and weed control solutions, and animal repellents under the Spectracide, Garden Safe, Liquid Fence, and EcoLogic brands; household pest control solutions under the Hot Shot, Black Flag, Real-Kill, Ultra Kill, The Ant Trap, and Rid-A-Bug brand names; household surface cleaning, maintenance, and restoration products, including bottled liquids, mops, wipes, and markers under the Rejuvenate brand name; and personal-use pesticides and insect repellent products under the Cutter and Repel brands. The company sells its products through retailers, e-commerce and online retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin.
The following companies are subsidiares of PepsiCo: Alimentos Quaker Oats y Compania Limitada, Alimentos del Istmo S.A., Amavale Agricola Ltda., Anderson Hill Insurance Limited, Asia Bottlers Limited, BAESA Capital Corporation Ltd., BFY Brands, BFY Brands LLC, BFY Brands Limited, BUG de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Balmoral Industries LLC, Bare Foods Co., Barrhead LLC, Be & Cheery, Beaman Bottling Company, Bebidas Sudamerica S.A., Beech Limited, Bell Taco Funding Syndicate, Bendler Investments II Ltd, Bendler Investments S.a r.l, Beverage Services Limited, Beverages Foods & Service Industries Inc., Bishkeksut OJSC, Blaue NC S. de R.L. de C.V., Blue Cloud Distribution Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arizona Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arkansas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Colorado Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Florida Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Georgia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Illinois Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Indiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Iowa Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Kentucky Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Louisiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Minnesota Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Mississippi Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Missouri Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nebraska Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nevada Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of North Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Ohio Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Oklahoma Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Pennsylvania Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of South Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Tennessee Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Texas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Virginia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Wisconsin Inc., Blue Ridge Sales LLC, Bluebird Foods Limited, Bluecan Holdings Unlimited Company, Bokomo Zambia Limited, Bolsherechensky Molkombinat JSC, Boquitas Fiestas LLC, Boquitas Fiestas S.R.L., Bottling Group Financing LLC, Bottling Group Holdings LLC, Bottling Group LLC, Bronte Industries Ltd, C & I Leasing Inc., CB Manufacturing Company Inc., CEME Holdings LLC, CMC Investment Company, Caroni Investments LLC, Centro-Mediterranea de Bebidas Carbonicas PepsiCo S.L., Ceres Fruit Juices Pty Ltd, ChampBev Inc., China Concentrate Holdings Hong Kong Limited, Chipsy International for Food Industries S.A.E., Chipsy for Food Industries S.A.E., Chitos Internacional y Cia Ltda, Cipa Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cipa Nordeste Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cocina Autentica Inc., Comercializadora CMC Investment y Compania Limitada, Comercializadora Nacional SAS Ltda., Comercializadora PepsiCo Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., Compania de Bebidas PepsiCo S.L., Concentrate Holding Uruguay Pte. Ltd., Concentrate Manufacturing Singapore Pte. Ltd., Confiteria Alegro S. de R.L. de C.V., Copella Fruit Juices Limited, Copper Beech International LLC, Corina Snacks Limited, Corporativo Internacional Mexicano S. de R.L. de C.V., CytoSport Holdings Inc., CytoSport Inc., Davlyn Realty Corporation, Defosto Holdings Limited, Desarrollo Inmobiliario Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Dilexis S.A., Donon Holdings Limited, Drinkfinity USA Inc., Drinkstation Inc., Drinkstation Innovation Co. Ltd., Drinkstation Limited, Dutch Snacks Holding S.A. de C.V., Duyvis Production B.V., EPIC Enterprises Inc., Echo Bay Holdings Inc., Elaboradora Argentina de Cereales S.R.L., Enter Logistica LLC, Environ at Inverrary Partnership, Environ of Inverrary Inc., Eridanus Investments S.a r.l, Evercrisp Snack Productos de Chile S.A., FL Transportation Inc., FLI Andean LLC, FLI Colombia LLC, FLI Snacks Andean GP LLC, Fabrica PepsiCo Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Fabrica de Productos Alimenticios Rene y Cia S.C.A., Fairlight International SRL, Far East Bottlers Hong Kong Limited, Food Concepts Pioneer Ltd., Forest Akers Nederland B.V., Forty-Six Peaks Holding Inc., Fovarosi Asvanyviz es Uditoipari Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Freshwater International B.V., Frito Lay Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Frito Lay Poland Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay de Guatemala y Compania Limitada, Frito-Lay Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Frito-Lay Dip Company Inc., Frito-Lay Dominicana S.A., Frito-Lay Global Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Inc., Frito-Lay Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Manufacturing LLC, Frito-Lay Netherlands Holding B.V., Frito-Lay North America Inc., Frito-Lay Sales Inc., Frito-Lay Trading Company Europe GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company Poland GmbH, Frito-Lay Trinidad Unlimited, Fruko Mesrubat Sanayi Limited Sirketi, GB Czech LLC, GB International Inc., GB Russia LLC, GB Slovak LLC, GMP Manufacturing Inc., Gambrinus Investments Limited, Gamesa LLC, Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Gas Natural de Merida S. A. de C. V., Gatorade Puerto Rico Company, General Bottlers of Hungary Inc., Golden Grain Company, Goveh S.R.L., Grayhawk Leasing LLC, Green Hemlock International LLC, Grupo Frito Lay y Compania Limitada, Grupo Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Grupo Mabel, Grupo Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Gulkevichskiy Maslozavod JSC, Hangzhou Baicaowei Corporate Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co, Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Tao Dao Technology Co. Ltd., Health Warrior, Health Warrior Inc., Heathland LP, Helioscope Limited, Hillbrook Inc., Hillgrove Inc., Hillwood Bottling LLC, Hogganfield Limited Partnership, Holding Company "Opolie" JSC, Homefinding Company of Texas, Hudson Valley Insurance Company, IC Equities Inc., IZZE Beverage Co., Inmobiliaria Interamericana S.A. De C.V., Integrated Beverage Services Bangladesh Limited, Integrated Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., International Bottlers Management Co. LLC, International KAS Aktiengesellschaft, Inversiones Borneo S.R.L., Inversiones PFI Chile Limitada, Inviting Foods Holdings Inc., Inviting Foods LLC, KAS Anorthosis S.a r.l, KAS S.L., KFC, Kevita Inc., Kinvara LLC, Kungursky Molkombinat JSC, Larragana S.L., Latin American Holdings Ltd., Latin American Snack Foods ApS, Latin Foods International LLC, Lebedyansky, Lebedyansky Holdings LLC, Lebedyansky LLC, Limited Liability Company "Sandora", Linkbay Limited, Lithuanian Snacks UAB, Mabel, Marbo Product d.o.o. Beograd, Marbo d.o.o. Laktasi, Matudis - Comercio de Produtos Alimentares Limitada, Matutano - Sociedade de Produtos Alimentares Lda., Mid-America Improvement Corporation, Mountainview Insurance Company Inc., Muscle Milk, NCJV LLC, New Bern Transport Corporation, New Century Beverage Company LLC, Noble Leasing LLC, Northeast Hot-Fill Co-op Inc., Office at Solyanka LLC, Onbiso Inversiones S.L., One World Enterprises LLC, One World Investors Inc., P-A Barbados Bottling Company LLC, P-A Bottlers Barbados SRL, P-Americas LLC, PAS Luxembourg S.a r.l, PAS Netherlands B.V., PBG Canada Holdings II LLC, PBG Canada Holdings Inc., PBG Cyprus Holdings Limited, PBG Investment Partnership, PBG Midwest Holdings S.a r.l, PBG Soda Can Holdings S.a r.l, PCBL LLC, PCNA Manufacturing Inc., PR Beverages Cyprus Holding Limited, PR Beverages Cyprus Russia Holding Limited, PRB Luxembourg S.a r.l, PRS Inc., PSAS Inversiones LLC, PSE Logistica S.R.L., PT Quaker Indonesia, Papas Chips S.A., Pei N.V., Pep Trade LLC, Pepsi B.V., Pepsi Beverages Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group Global Finance LLC, Pepsi Bottling Group GmbH, Pepsi Bottling Group Hoosiers B.V., Pepsi Bottling Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bugshan Investments S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Colombia Ltda, Pepsi Cola Egypt S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Panamericana S.R.L., Pepsi Cola Servis Ve Dagitim Limited Sirketi, Pepsi Cola Trading Ireland, Pepsi Logistics Company Inc., Pepsi Northwest Beverages LLC, Pepsi Overseas Investments Partnership, Pepsi Promotions Inc., Pepsi-Cola Advertising and Marketing Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bermuda Limited, Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Holding C.V., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company Of St. Louis Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Ft. Lauderdale-Palm Beach LLC, Pepsi-Cola Company, Pepsi-Cola Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Pepsi-Cola Far East Trade Development Co. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Finance LLC, Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers Poland Sp. z o.o., Pepsi-Cola Industrial da Amazonia Ltda., Pepsi-Cola International Cork, Pepsi-Cola International LLC, Pepsi-Cola International Limited, Pepsi-Cola International Limited U.S.A., Pepsi-Cola International Private Limited, Pepsi-Cola Korea Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Management and Administrative Services Inc., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Company Of Uruguay S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing International Limited, Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Mediterranean Limited, Pepsi-Cola Marketing Corp. Of P.R. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mediterranean Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mexicana Holdings LLC, Pepsi-Cola Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Pepsi-Cola National Marketing LLC, Pepsi-Cola Operating Company Of Chesapeake And Indianapolis, Pepsi-Cola Sales and Distribution Inc., Pepsi-Cola Technical Operations Inc., Pepsi-Cola Thai Trading Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola de Honduras S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola of Corvallis Inc., PepsiAmericas Nemzetkozi Szolgaltato Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, PepsiCo ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Alimentos Antioquia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Colombia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Ecuador Cia. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Z.F. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos de Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Amacoco Bebidas Do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCo Asia Research & Development Center Company Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Cyprus Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Limited Partnership, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 1 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 2 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Australia Holdings Pty Limited, PepsiCo Australia International, PepsiCo Austria Services GmbH, PepsiCo Azerbaijan Limited Liability Company, PepsiCo BeLux BV, PepsiCo Beverage Sales LLC, PepsiCo Beverage Singapore Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Beverages Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Beverages International Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Italia Societa' A Responsabilita' Limitata, PepsiCo Canada Finance LLC, PepsiCo Canada Holdings ULC, PepsiCo Canada Investment ULC, PepsiCo Canada ULC, PepsiCo Captive Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Caribbean Inc., PepsiCo China Limited, PepsiCo Consulting Polska Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo De Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Del Paraguay S.R.L., PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH, PepsiCo Eesti AS, PepsiCo Euro Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Euro Finance Antilles B.V., PepsiCo Europe Support Center S.L., PepsiCo Finance Americas Company, PepsiCo Finance Antilles A N.V., PepsiCo Finance Antilles B N.V., PepsiCo Finance South Africa Proprietary Limited, PepsiCo Financial Shared Services Inc., PepsiCo Food & Beverage Holdings Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Foods A.I.E., PepsiCo Foods China Company Limited, PepsiCo Foods Group Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Foods Guangdong Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Limited, PepsiCo Foods Private Limited, PepsiCo Foods Sichuan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Taiwan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Vietnam Company, PepsiCo France SAS, PepsiCo Global Business Services India LLP, PepsiCo Global Business Services Poland Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Global Holdings Limited, PepsiCo Global Investments B.V., PepsiCo Global Investments S.a r.l, PepsiCo Global Mobility LLC, PepsiCo Global Real Estate Inc., PepsiCo Global Trading Solutions Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Golden Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Group Finance International B.V., PepsiCo Group Holdings International B.V., PepsiCo Group Spotswood Holdings S.a r.l, PepsiCo Gulf International FZE, PepsiCo Hellas Single Member Industrial and Commercial Societe Anonyme, PepsiCo Holding de Espana S.L., PepsiCo Holdings, PepsiCo Holdings LLC, PepsiCo Holdings Toshkent LLC, PepsiCo Hong Kong LLC, PepsiCo Iberia Servicios Centrales S.L., PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited, PepsiCo India Sales Private Limited, PepsiCo Internacional Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., PepsiCo International Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo International Limited, PepsiCo International Pte Ltd., PepsiCo Investments Europe I B.V., PepsiCo Investments Ltd., PepsiCo Ireland Food & Beverages Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Japan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Light B.V., PepsiCo Logistyka Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., PepsiCo Management Services SAS, PepsiCo Manufacturing A.I.E., PepsiCo Max B.V., PepsiCo Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo Nederland B.V., PepsiCo Nordic Denmark ApS, PepsiCo Nordic Finland Oy, PepsiCo Nordic Norway AS, PepsiCo Nutrition Trading DMCC, PepsiCo One B.V., PepsiCo Overseas Corporation, PepsiCo Overseas Financing Partnership, PepsiCo Panimex Inc, PepsiCo Products B.V., PepsiCo Products FLLC, PepsiCo Puerto Rico Inc., PepsiCo Sales Inc., PepsiCo Sales LLC, PepsiCo Services Asia Ltd., PepsiCo Services CZ s.r.o., PepsiCo Services LLC, PepsiCo Twist B.V., PepsiCo UK Pension Plan Trustee Limited, PepsiCo Ventures B.V., PepsiCo Wave Holdings LLC, PepsiCo World Trading Company Inc., PepsiCo Y LLC, PepsiCo de Argentina S.R.L., PepsiCo de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo do Brasil Industria e Comercio de Alimentos Ltda., PepsiCo do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCola Interamericana de Guatemala S.A., Pet Iberia S.L., Pete & Johnny Limited, Pine International LLC, Pine International Limited, Pinstripe Leasing LLC, Pioneer Food Group Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Groceries Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Group Ltd., Pioneer Foods Holdings Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods UK Ltd, Pioneer Foods Wellingtons Pty Ltd, Pipers Crisps Limited, PlayCo Inc., Pop corners, PopCorners Holdings Inc., Portfolio Concentrate Solutions Unlimited Company, Premier Nutrition Trading L.L.C., Prestwick LLC, Prev PepsiCo Sociedade Previdenciaria, Productos Alimenticios Rene LLC, Productos S.A.S. C.V., Productos SAS Management B.V., Punch N.V., Punica Getranke GmbH, Q O Puerto Rico Inc., QFL OHQ Sdn. Bhd., QTG Development Inc., QTG Services Inc., Quadrant - Amroq Beverages S.R.L., Quaker Development B.V., Quaker European Beverages LLC, Quaker European Investments B.V., Quaker Foods, Quaker Global Investments B.V., Quaker Holdings UK Limited, Quaker Manufacturing LLC, Quaker Oats Asia Inc., Quaker Oats Australia Pty Ltd, Quaker Oats B.V., Quaker Oats Capital Corporation, Quaker Oats Europe Inc., Quaker Oats Europe LLC, Quaker Oats Limited, Quaker Sales & Distribution Inc, Raptas Finance S.a r.l., Rare Fare Foods LLC, Rare Fare Holdings Inc., Reading Industries Ltd, Real Estate Holdings LLC, Rockstar Energy Drink, Rolling Frito-Lay Sales LP, S & T of Mississippi Inc., SIH International LLC, SVC Logistics Inc., SVC Manufacturing Inc., SVE Russia Holdings GmbH, Sabritas LLC, Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Sabritas Snacks America Latina de Nicaragua y Cia Ltda, Sabritas de Costa Rica S. de R.L., Sabritas y Cia. S en C de C.V., Sakata Rice Snacks Australia Pty Ltd, Sandora Holdings B.V., Saudi Snack Foods Company Limited, Sea Eagle International SRL, Seepoint Holdings Ltd., Senselet Food Processing PLC, Senselet Holding B.V., Servicios GBF Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Servicios GFLG y Compania Limitada, Servicios Gamesa Puerto Rico L.L.C., Servicios SYC S. de R.L. de C.V., Seven-Up Asia Inc., Seven-Up Light B.V., Seven-Up Nederland B.V., Shanghai PepsiCo Snack Company Limited, Shanghai YuHo Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, Shoebill LLC, Simba (Proprietary) Limited, Simba Proprietary Limited, Sitka Spruce, Smartfoods Inc., Smiles and Bites Holdings S.de R.L. de C.V., Smiths Crisps Limited, Snack Food Investments GmbH, Snack Food Investments II GmbH, Snack Food Investments Limited, Snack Food-Beverage Asia Products Limited, Snacks America Latina S.R.L., Snacks Guatemala Ltd., So Spark Ltd., Soda-Club CO2 Atlantic GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 Ltd., Soda-Club Switzerland GmbH, Soda-Club Worldwide B.V., SodaStream, SodaStream Australia Pty Ltd, SodaStream CO2 SA, SodaStream Canada Ltd., SodaStream Enterprises N.V., SodaStream France SAS, SodaStream GmbH, SodaStream Iberia S.L., SodaStream Industries Ltd., SodaStream International B.V., SodaStream International Ltd., SodaStream Israel Ltd., SodaStream K.K., SodaStream New Zealand Ltd., SodaStream Nordics AB, SodaStream Poland Sp. z o.o., SodaStream SA Pty Ltd., SodaStream Switzerland GmbH, SodaStream USA Inc., SodaStream Osterreich GmbH, South Beach Beverage Company Inc., South Properties Inc., Spitz International Inc., Sportmex Internacional S.A. de C.V., Springboig Industries Ltd, Spruce Limited, Stacy's Pita Chip Company Incorporated, Star Foods E.M. S.R.L., Stokely-Van Camp Inc., Stratosphere Communications Pty Ltd, Stratosphere Holdings 2018 Limited, Streamfoods Ltd, TFL Holdings LLC, Tasman Finance S.a r.l, The Gatorade Company, The Good Carb Food Company Ltd., The Pepsi Bottling Group Canada ULC, The Quaker Oats Company, The Smith's Snackfood Company Pty Limited, Thomond Group Holdings Limited, Tobago Snack Holdings LLC, Tropicana Alvalle S.L., Tropicana Beverages Limited, Tropicana Europe N.V., Tropicana United Kingdom Limited, Troya-Ultra LLC, United Foods Companies Restaurantes S.A., V-Water, VentureCo Israel Ltd, Veurne Snack Foods BV, Vitamin Brands Ltd., Walkers Crisps Limited, Walkers Group Limited, Walkers Snack Foods Limited, Walkers Snacks Distribution Limited, Walkers Snacks Limited, Whitman Corporation, Whitman Insurance Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Beverages JSC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Brands Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Central Asia-Almaty LLP, Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods LLC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Georgia Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann JSC, and Wimm-Bill-Dann Ukraine PJSC.

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Titan Machinery Inc. is closing a dozen dealerships, including two in Nebraska

The North-Dakota based company said it is consolidating the stores that are closing with nearby Titan dealerships. Titan said customers will still be able to get parts, service rental and support at those stores that remain open.

Stores affected include the Titan dealerships in Wahoo and Broken Bow. After the closures, Titan will have 13 dealerships in Nebraska, including one in Lincoln.

Ttitan said in a news release that affected employees would have the opportunity to fill other open positions in the company, and those who cannot find a job will be offered severance and transition assistance.

The company said the store closings are expected to be completed by the end of July.
FEB. 10: Utley has narrowed his field to four teams, tweets Rosenthal. The veteran second baseman is only considering contending clubs and is moving closer to making a decision.

FEB. 8: The Indians are interested in veteran second baseman Chase Utley, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. Certainly, as Heyman notes, Cleveland is far from a perfect fit for Utley, as Jason Kipnis is entrenched at second base. FOXs Ken Rosenthal hears the same, noting that there are also other clubs in the mix on Utley (Twitter link).

The Indians seemingly would have a difficult time finding consistent at-bats for Utley, which could make them a tough sell for the 38-year-old. With Kipnis at second base and a combination of Edwin Encarnacion and Carlos Santana set to rotate between first base and DH, theres no regularly open spot for Utley to occupy. However, hed be a nice bat off the bench for manager Terry Francona, and its possible that Utley would be attracted to Clevelands deep roster and status as an early AL Central division favorite. Heyman notes that Cleveland would be interested in giving Utley a utility job if hes open to such a role. His experience outside of second base is fairly limited, but Utley has logged a few innings at both infield corners in the Majors (230 at first base and 27 at third).

Utley didnt have a great season at the plate in 2016 but held his own in mostly regular work with the Dodgers, hitting .252/.319/.396 with 14 homers in 565 plate appearances. His batting line was dragged down by a woeful .154/.206/.264 slash against left-handed pitchers, but Utley handled righties quite well; in 468 trips to the plate while holding the platoon advantage, he batted .273/.343/.425 with 12 of his 14 round-trippers.

Cleveland may also be attractive to Utley based on the simple fact that there arent many teams with regular second-base at-bats to offer. The Dodgers and Angels entered the winter with clear needs at Utleys position, but the Dodgers acquired Logan Forsythe from the Rays, while the Angels acquired Danny Espinosa from the Nationals. (The Halos could still conceivably use Utley in a platoon with the switch-hitting Espinosa, but theres been no recent link between those two parties.)

Its not clear which other teams have interest, though Heyman writes that some wonder if Utley, a Long Beach native and Bay Area resident, would be reluctant to leave California. If thats the case it becomes all the more difficult to find a fit. The As could theoretically make room for Utley by shifting Jed Lowrie to a utility role, but theres been no connection between the two. The Giants could move an infielder into left field to try to make room for Utley, but thats obviously far from a perfect fit as well.

Speculating further (if Utley is willing to leave the west coast), the Royals could seek some more certainty at second base or, at least, a left-handed bat for the bench. The Braves have also been loosely linked to second base upgrades this winter, while the Twins are known to be looking for a strong veteran voice in their clubhouse. Signing with a team that lost as many games as either Atlanta or Minnesota did in 2016 could be a tough sell for Utley, however, to say nothing of geographic preference. All of these potential fits outside of Cleveland are, of course, speculative reaches due to the lack of obvious fits for the longtime Phillies star. Still, at last check Utley was said to have received multiple offers, so it seems that hell ultimately find a team to suit up for what will be his 15th Major League season.
Wife of hiplife artiste, Coded of music group 4x4, has revealed that her husband is doing well after he was involved in car accident.

Born Raphael Edem Avornyo, Coded was involved in a car accident Wednesday night at about 10 pm in East Legon close to the Starbite restaurant, when a Toyota Camry run into his red Kia Sportage leaving the frontage of the car damaged.

He was rushed to the Yeboah Hospital close to the East Legon Police Station after he had managed to climb out through the drivers window of the car all by himself.

Occupants of the Toyota Camry were rushed to the 37 Military Hospital as their situation seemed more critical.

Mrs Avornyo revealed to Joy News MzGee that her husband is doing well and is currently receiving treatment at the C and J Hospital in Sakumono.

He is doing well now, we thank God that at least we didnt hear any bad news even from the other car that bumped into him and himself as well, she said.

This notwithstanding, Mrs Avornyo admits that her husband is in pain from the impact of the crash and is being restricted in movement and speaking. She is, however, optimistic that he will be fine.

He is in pain, that I must say. He is in pain but hes doing well. He will be fine, Codeds wife added.

Mrs Avornyo solicited for prayers from all fans of Coded, 4x4 and all Ghanaians alike to help her husband through these trying times.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Daniella Adu Asare
Wilfred Clarke is a radio presenter, a freelance journalist and an award winning Master of Ceremonies.

He has experience working on national radio stations, and is a trained journalist and writer for international news outlets.

A Colourful Radio spokesperson said, 'being colourful is an attitude and our attitude is to do things differently, and this is reflected in our breakfast talents.

Being trained in the UK and the Netherlands for his radio and media studies, he takes his job very serious as far as the collection, collation and reporting of news is concerned.

He has worked with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Jem FM and Boss FM, all in Ghana.

In addition, he also worked at Rainbow Radio, Diamond Radio and Ahumka Radio in the UK, so his addition brings a lot of experience to the colourful waves, by co-hosting the Breakfast Show with Pat French.

He is Wilfred Clarke but normally known as Clarke Pentoa to the masses within the Ghanaian community in the UK.

So if you are a standout leader not just one of the crowds, Colourful Breakfast is for you.'

Join Pat and Clarke on Colourful Breakfast, weekdays from 7am.
A Commercial Court in Accra has dismissed an application to stop Kwabena Kwabenas love concert scheduled to come off Friday night at the National Theatre.

The court, presided over by Her Lordship Akua Sarpomaa Amoah on Friday ruled that having carefully examined the submissions and the evidence presented, the case of the applicant is not frivolous.

According to the judge, there are serious questions of law and facts to be tried, Joy News MzGee reported from court.

In her ruling, the judge also said the applicant (ABBA Investment) accuses the respondent (Kwabena Kwabena and KBKB Music Limited) of using for their sole benefit the applicants concept and privileged information they have obtained from the applicant as a result of their past dealings in breach of their MOU.

She noted that it is the fear of the applicant that unless retrained, the respondent will continue to exploit this privilege information to their advantage, to the applicants detriment.

The respondent also laments the injury the grant of the present application will cause not only to the reputation of the second defendant and the concert and business of the first defendant will be so grave.

The judge noted that curiously the applicant chose to come to court just three days to the event and the application for the injunction was to be heard six days after the concert.

She added that the applicant seeks to use the court process to abort the event even before the application is heard and determined by the court but this court will not allow its machinery to be used to settle personal scores. I am inclined to think this application is in bad faith.

Her Lordship Amoah stressed that a diligent applicant with a noble peace of mind should have brought the matter to court in due time to enable the court to consider all the issues and arrive at a fair ruling.

The judge took into consideration several points including tickets that have been sold and the inconvenience and embracement from granting the injunction the applicant has not succeeded in demonstrating that it stands to suffer greater hardship, if the injunction is not granted.

For the foregoing reasons, the application has been dismissed, the judge ruled.

ABBA Investment sought an interlocutory injunction on Tuesday to prevent the artiste from going ahead with the show this year after it had worked with Kwabena Kwabena to stage two editions of the concert - F14 Concert. The writ was filed on February 7, 2017 and Kwabena Kwabena.

The Statement of Claim, sighted by Myjoyonline.com, read, An order of perpetual injunction restraining Defendants, either by themselves, their agents, workmen, assigns or otherwise however described from organizing and holding a love concert using the concept of the Plaintiff and advertising the concert as if were another edition of F14 Concert.

The plaintiff is further demanding a Recovery of sum of THIRTEEN THOUSAND GHANA CEDIS (GHS 13,000) being the proceeds of tickets given to the Defendant to sell.

The Plaintiffs are also seeking the Recovery of the sum of ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY THOUSAND CEDIS (GHS 180,000.00) being the sponsorship amount given to the Defendant by VITAMILK for the 2016 F14 concert.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Ernest Dela Aglanu (Twitter: @delaXdela / email: [email protected])
Nigerian Afro-Dancehall musician Yung L, born Christopher Omenye, seems to agree with Mr Eazis assertion that Ghanaian music has influenced Nigerian music.

The musician, who is currently in Ghana to record songs with some Ghanaian artistes was on the Hitz Gallery with Dr. Pounds where he also reiterated that Nigerian sounds are indeed influenced by Ghanaian music.

INFLUENCE

Mr Eazi in January stoked a controversy when he tweeted that Ghana's influence on present day "Naija Sound" cannot be over emphasized!!!.

That tweet did not go down well with some Nigerians.

Yung L, who is currently recording a song with rapper Sarkodie for his Highest album explained that there is no need to compare the Nigerian music industry to that of the Ghana because both industries influence each other musically.

I think Ghana and Nigerian music are one, I think both industries are growing and will get there. Nigerian sounds are very much influenced by Ghanaian music, it has always been.

"From the hiplife to the highlife it has always been, even though people will disagree. We influence each other by the sound, by the women and by the food, he said.

GHANAIAN ACTS IN NIGERIA

When asked to mention names of Ghanaian musicians whose music are mostly patronised in Nigeria, he revealed that Sarkodie and then R2Bees, Edem, Stonebwoy and Efya, are always played them in Nigeria. Those are like our adopted Ghanaian artistes in Nigeria. That be the case, if they come Nigeria, them no need talk much.

The musician, who currently has a single Pass Me the Aux which features Timaya out also revealed that even though dancehall act Shatta Wale is big in Ghana, his music is not loud and known in Nigeria.

They just know theres some Ghanaian artiste whos crazy and has a lot of love (fans) in Ghana but people dont really know him because I dont think he has been to Nigeria before, he explained.

SHATTA WALE AND FELA

When asked to recommend an event or show good enough for Shatta Wale in terms of him portraying his music to Nigerians and possibly gaining popularity there, he said, Shatta Wale should come to the Fela Shrine. Yeah, from Jay-Z to Beyonce, anybody that comes to Nigeria needs to go to Felas shrine and pay homage because thats like the number one artiste ever in Nigeria.

2FACEs PROTEST

Sharing his thoughts on the recent protest spearheaded by musician 2face Idibia in Nigeria against the worsening economic crisis in the country, he said;

I think its a great idea because there are so many things happening in Nigeria, people are suffering and 2Face is like a very conscious artiste and I didnt support him pulling out of the protest but I understand why he did and Im happy it happened without him.

When asked to share why he thinks 2face boycotted the protest he said, I think its all political. I think hes been spoken to because he is the number one artiste in Nigeria.

"Hes the mouthpiece so they know if they can talk to him, other people might not want to join but, it was already too late because everybody was already involved and it happened.
Counsel for the National Organiser of opposition National Democratic Congress are demanding an immediate retraction and apology from the Deputy General Secretary of the governing party who suggested that the NDC executive was hoarding state vehicles in his house.

Samson Lardy Anyenini says the imputation of criminal conduct by Nana Obiri Boahene on their client- Kofi Adams- is without basis and an attempt to impugn the reputation of the NDC.

In a letter written to Obiri Boahene, a copy of which has been intercepted by Myjoyonline.com, the lawyers are demanding the apology within seven days, failure which they will file a defamation suit against the Deputy NPP General Secretary.

The letter follows the seizure of vehicles by men said to be from the National Security a couple of days ago. In the wake of the seizures Nana Obiri Boahene in an interview stated that a total of 12 state vehicles had been seen parked in the residence of Mr Adams.

According to him, just when a report was made to the appropriate agencies of state for the vehicles to be retrieved, it was observed that seven out of the 12 had vanished from the residence.

The national security forces had no choice but to seize the five remaining vehicles parked in the house, Obiri Boahene suggested and berated Kofi Adams for holding on to state vehicles after handing over power.

But the National Security Minister later apologised to Kofi Adams for the unlawful entry and ordered a return of the five vehicles to him.

The National Organiser of the NDC has since been angered by the comments of Nana Obiri Boahene and has instructed his lawyers to take action.

The February 8, 2017 letter stated: "the allegations of criminal conduct with regards to vehicles which certain persons, apparently acting on the instructions of state officials wrongfully and unlawfully removed from the Gulf City Tema residence of our client have drawn and continue draw the intended public scorn and reputational damage you clearly sought to achieve.

"Our client wishes for the avoidance of doubt, to stress unequivocally, that your allegations of criminal conduct against him are completely false, and that each of the vehicles in question has the requisite documentation, including of transfer from their vendors duly processed by the DVLA which registered them in accordance to law," the letter stated.

The lawyer for Adams demanded for an unconditional retraction and an apology which must contain an unconditional undertaking never to repeat the said false claims.

Nana Obiri Boahene has seven days within which to apologise or face legal action.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
The Information Minister-designate has expressed disappointment with the nature of politics in the country.

Mustapha Abdul-Hamid said the polluted political landscape makes it possible for actors to attack one another with unsavory words.

Taking his turn before Parliament's Appointments Committee Thursday, the long time Spokesperson of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said he regrets the poisoned political space in Ghana.

Reacting to an ethnocentric claim by the then Ghana's Ambassador to Namibia, Harruna Attah against then candidate Akufo-Addo, the spokesperson described Mr Atta as an "unrepentant ethnic bigot" who cannot compare Nana Akufo-Addo to John Mahama the "ethnicist."

Picture of some Information Service Department (ISD) vans .

"So he is an  I dont know how to put it  avowed ethnicist if you want to put it that way. So even him [Mr Mahama], we havent tried to make him a central plank of our campaign and say," he said.

Asked by Tamale Central Member of Parliament (MP) Alassan Suhuyini if he would want to apologise for his choice of words, Mr Abdul-Hamid said he rather regretted the atmosphere that compelled him to do that.

"I guess this was said in rebuttal [to claims made about Akufo-Addo]," he said, adding under the circumstances he thought it was appropriate to do that.

He pledged to sanitise the political space in the country to ensure that foul language is expunged from political discourse if approved.

"I will contribute my quota to ensure that we have a sane political environment," he said.

Commenting on the challenges faced by the Information Services Department, the Minister-designate said he would "retool and re-engineer" the Department to work effectively.

"They have briefed me to the extent that they are heavily under-resourced, their vans have broken down and they don't have computers to receive the news from the regions," he narrated promising to revamp the institution.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]
Italian prosecutors have reportedly charged Eni and its CEO Claudio Descalzi with international corruption over the controversial acquisition of an offshore block in Nigeria in 2011.

Apart from Descalzi, the charge reportedly extends to the former CEO Paolo Scaroni and nine other people involved in the $1.3 bilion deal. Scaroni served as the Chief Executive Officer of Eni from June 2005 to May 2014, when he was succeeded by Descalzi.

According to the Financial Times, apart from Eni and its former and current members, Shell has also been charged.

This is continuation of the case stemming from Eni's and Shell's joint acquisition of the block named OPL 245 in Nigeria. In 2014, the Milan Prosecutor's office launched an investigation to see where the payment went and whether Eni and Shell knew, as it has been alleged that the money didn't end up in the state coffers but was passed on further to the former oil minister Dan Etete.

Namely, the story goes that the OPL 245 licence had been owned by Malabu oil company, allegedly secretly owned by Etete. The allegations are that the Nigerian government gave the licence to Shell and Eni for more than a billion dollars, and then passed the cash further to Malabu, that is, Etete.

Both Eni and Shell have been denying any wrongdoing ever since the start of the investigation.

In a statement on Thursday, responding to latest info on the Italian prosecutors seeking trial for Descalzi, Eni's Board again denied any wrongdoing and backed up its CEO.

The company said: With regard to the news reported by the media on the request for trial by Milan prosecutors relating to the 2011 acquisition of a stake in OPL 245 in Nigeria, Eni's Board of Directors, following an in-depth legal analysis, confirms its total confidence that Eni is entirely free of any involvement in the alleged corrupt conduct subject to investigation.

The Board of Directors also confirms its total confidence that the company's CEO, Claudio Descalzi, was not involved in any way in the conduct under investigation, and maintains their upmost support for him as CEO. The Board of Directors also confirms its total confidence in the judiciary.

Offshore Energy Today has also reached out to Shell, seeking comment. We will update the article if we get a response.

To remind, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Nigeria, a Nigerian court in Abuja in on January 26, 2017 gave an order ceding control of the OPL 245 block, to the Federal Government pending investigation and prosecution of suspects in the $1.1 billion deal.

Below is the Italian oil company's record of events that led to the acquisition of OPL 245, as found on the company's website.

In 2009, Eni was put into contact with EVP (of Mr Obi), the representative of Malabu. In the first phase of negotiations for the purchase of a part of the OPL 245 licence from Malabu, Eni negotiated with Malabu through its representative and its financial and legal advisors (including EVP the company of Mr Obi who had a mandate from Malabu to negotiate on their behalf).

In this phase, at the end of 2010, when the negotiations had stalled, Luigi Bisignani made contact with Claudio Descalzi through the office of Paolo Scaroni. Two, at most three, telephone calls were made without any substantial result. In fact, subsequently, for various reasons including the unclear situation concerning the shareholder structure of Malabu, negotiations between Eni and Malabu broke down.

It was Claudio Descalzi who advised the Board of Directors of Eni not to proceed. As explained earlier in this dossier, a deal was subsequently made by Eni and Shell with the Nigerian government that issued a new licence for OPL 245.

In this phase EVP and Obi were no longer involved in the negotiations. In the new deal the government took full responsibility for the settlement of outstanding disputes with Shell and Malabu and the cancellation of the previous OPL 245 licence granted to Malabu.

Eni and Shell signed agreements exclusively with the Nigerian government and paid the government on a current account. The Nigerian government then paid Malabu using the money received from Eni and Shell to obtain the necessary consent from Malabu to cancel the previous licence (a prerequisite for the release of the new licence for Eni and Shell), any subsequent cash flows are wholly unrelated to Eni and Shell.



Credit: offshoreenergytoday
Kinshasa (AFP) - Plans to bring home the body of longtime Congolese opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi and give him a grand national funeral appear to have run aground, mired in a rumpus between his friends and foes.

Almost 10 days after his death at 84 in Brussels, there was no sign Thursday of his coffin's imminent return to Democratic Republic of Congo as had been hoped.

Last weekend, thousands of tearful members of Europe's Congolese diaspora turned out in Brussels to pay their last respects to Tshisekedi, who had a three-day funeral wake, his casket on display in a large hall made available by city authorities.

But at home, angry words and jockeying for power have snared efforts to give "Tshishi" or "Papa", as he was known, a fitting send-off.

On Tuesday, government spokesman Lambert Mende promised on national television to let his casket lie in state in parliament and offered air tickets to Brussels to members of his party and to his friends.

But his Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party angrily rejected the tickets the following day and threw down a two-pronged challenge before agreeing to set a time and place for the funeral.

Firstly it demanded the government build a mausoleum for Tshisekedi in the heart of the capital.

Secondly -- setting a far tougher condition -- it demanded the funeral costs be covered by an as yet non-existent government.

An agreement to create a government incorporating an opposition coalition recently put together by Tshisekedi is part of a power-sharing deal agreed on New Year's Eve to avoid fresh political violence in the large central African country.

It enables President Joseph Kabila, whose second and final mandate expired in December, to remain in office until elections are held late this year.

It also provided for Tshisekedi to head a transition council while a new government of "large national union" was put in place.

Mende said the government saw no problem in building a mausoleum for the late opposition chief -- but not in the city centre.

But according to the Catholic Church, which is overseeing the enactment of the December 31 deal, the talks to set up a new government can only start after Tshisekedi's funeral.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres plans to appoint former Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad as UN envoy to Libya, tasked with brokering talks on changes to a faltering political deal, diplomats said Thursday.

Guterres informed the Security Council in a letter that he intends to appoint Fayyad to replace Martin Kobler of Germany, who has been Libya envoy since November 2015.

Fayyad, 65, was prime minister of the Palestinian Authority from 2007 to 2013 and also served as finance minister twice.

The appointment comes amid diplomatic negotiations over changes to a UN-brokered political deal that led to the formation of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj's unity government.

The Sarraj government was installed in Tripoli last year but has failed to assert control further east, where strongman General Khalifa Haftar holds sway.

Kobler told the Security Council on Wednesday that talks on "possible amendments" to the political agreement were making progress.

Negotiations have focused on Haftar's role in the government and the need to have a unified army.

Sarraj's government is strongly backed by Western countries, while Haftar has been gaining support from Russia and Egypt after his forces drove jihadists from the second city of Benghazi.

Guterres has given the council two days to raise objections to the appointment, but diplomats said they did not expect opposition to the choice of Fayyad.

It was the first major appointment by Guterres of a special envoy to a conflict area since he became UN chief on January 1.
The scandal over missing vehicles at the presidency is getting murkier by the minute with a former presidential staffer suggesting the allegation is nothing more than a ploy by the new government to buy brand new luxurious vehicles for use at the presidency.

Clement Apaak insists the claim of a missing 200 vehicles is contrived, disingenuous and a plot by the NPP government to make former government officials look bad in the eyes of right thinking members of the public.

Speaking to Joy News, Apaak said the presidency is not a "wayside mechanic shop where vehicles can go missing."

He said the missing 200 vehicles is a "claim that cannot be substantiated."

His comments are in reaction to Director of Communications at the presidency Eugene Arhin who stirred the hornets' nest with a revelation of a 200 missing state vehicles at the presidency.

He said so bad is the situation that the president has had to use his own private vehicle for some official duties.

But that revelation has been challenged by officials of the past government. Clement Apaak wondered how a party that used these cars during the handing over ceremony at the Independent Square will turn around and claim that 200 vehicles are missing.

According to him, a comprehensive inventory was taken on all the vehicles at the presidency and the handing over was done.

He did not understand how several weeks later, the NPP will then turn around to allege that cars are missing.

Apaak said if the government is minded, it would have checked from the transport department office at the presidency before coming out with the contrived information.

"We have known that efforts will be made to vilify us and accused for not acting in the best interest of the country.

"It is just an attempt to justify the importation of a new fleet of vehicles," he suggested, adding, "we don't have to prove anything."

However, the Administrator General David Yaro, who is mandated to oversee state properties, said if it is the case that 200 state vehicles at the presidency are missing then the former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah or the Chief Director at the presidency must be held responsible.

According to him, his office conducted an inventory of all the vehicles at the presidency and a total of 678 were recorded.

He therefore found it intriguing that 200 vehicles will be said to be missing.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Johny Osei Kofi has issued a statement debunking the claims that 200 vehicles are missing.

He stated in a statement that a total of 648 vehicles were left at the presidency and cannot be the case that 200 vehicles will be said to be missing.

If the figures by the Administrator General and that of the Deputy Chief of Staff are anything to go by, a total of 30 vehicles cannot be accounted for.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George has slammed government for what he views as whining to Ghanaians over the 208 cars reportedly missing from the presidency.

Mr. George, a presidential staffer in the previous National Democratic Congress administration, challenged government to instead publish details of the vehicles it claims are missing.

In a Facebook post, the MP said: The claim that 200 vehicles are missing is obnoxious to say the least. We have a government in place. Their mandate is to fix the problems not come whining to us the public. They should have the database of the so-called missing cars. The apparent state-sponsored thuggery which has been regularised after public outcry by the Chief of Staff is no excuse and certainly not the way to go.

Mr Government, publish the make, chassis number, last known registration number and colour of the vehicles. The sensationalism is needless and lends credence to a deliberate attempt to smear all former appointees of the past administration. Publish the details if your claims are true, Mr. George added.

His post follows the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, revealing to the media that, there are so far 208 cars unaccounted for at the Flagstaff House's vehicle pool based on the assessment of some car models in the inventory.

Mr. Arhin also lamented that President Nana Akufo-Addo has had only one state car at his disposal, a 10-year-old BMW, since he assumed office on January 7.

Staffers were given option to purchase vehicles

In his Facebook post, Mr. George also explained that presidential staffers were given the option to purchase saloon vehicles older than 2 years.

He, however, noted that he did not exercise this option for personal reasons.

For starters, as public servants and especially Presidential Staffers, we are given vehicles to facilitate the work we do. On expiration of our tenure, we are given the option to purchase saloon vehicles older than 2 years. This was offered and many of my colleagues rightly took advantage of this (I for personal reasons declined to buy my saloon vehicle). It would be inappropriate for anyone to hold on in perpetuity to a car under any other circumstances.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
A former Deputy Chief of Staff under erstwhile President John Mahama has accused the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of scheming to use the issue of alleged missing vehicles to demonise former government officials.

Johnny Osei Kofi in a statement Thursday said the claim that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos movement has been negatively impacted because of some unreturned vehicles is baseless and without merit.

As part of the transition process, both the Assets and Logistics Committee on the NPP side were given a detailed list of all vehicles in the pool at the Presidency, he said in the statement, adding in all a total of 641 vehicles were given to the new government.

Related Article: 208 cars missing at Flagstaff House

The NPP government has been tracking down more than 200 cars it said have been missing from the pool of cars at the Presidency.

Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin in an interview with some media houses said the President has been left with a BMW vehicle which was purchased in 2007 to use.

He said the situation has compelled the President to resort to the use of his own Land Cruiser.

So vehicles right from 2007 when these Ghana at 50 vehicles were bought right down to now, if you go to the presidential pool, you cannot find any of them and it is not as if those are the only ones. There are lots of other vehicles, he said.

Administrator General, David Yaro who is in charge of the list of state properties said there are 678 cars at the office of the President, which is 37 more than the one quoted by the former Deputy Chief of Staff.

Some national security operatives seized five cars from opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s National Organiser, Kofi Adams home whilst he was overseas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They have threatened to do more.

But Mr Osei Kofi said the action of the NPP government is motivated by malice to malign former government officials.

"It is obvious from the foregoing that Eugene Arhins intervention is part of a grand scheme by the Akufo Addo/Bawumia government to demonise members of the previous administration for cheap partisan propaganda purposes," he said.

Read full statement:

200 STATE VEHICLES NOT MISSING

I am constrained to correct yet another distortion about the whereabouts of vehicles belonging to the Presidency. On Wednesday, Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Flagstaff House, in a widely circulated interview, claimed that 200 vehicles in the pool at the presidency were missing.

He also claimed that the supposed disappearance of these vehicles has created an acute shortage compelling President Akufo Addo to resort to the use of 2007 model BMW vehicles and in some instances his own cross-country vehicle for official duties.

The claims of Eugene Arhin are false, baseless without merit. They represent a continuation of the distortions and bad faith that have characterised the conduct of the NPP side of the Transition team.

As part of the transition process, both the Assets and Logistics Committee on the NPP side were given a detailed list of all vehicles in the pool at the Presidency.

More importantly, a total of 641 vehicles were listed and properly accounted for. This was duly captured in the handing over notes. The breakdown of the vehicles are indicated in the table below;

NO. VEHICLE TYPE NUMBER OF VEHICLES 1 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER V8 142 2 TOYOTA HILUX 8 3 TOYOTA HIACE 3 4 TOYOTA AVALON 33 5 TOYOTA FORTUNER 2 6 TOYOTA COROLLA 58 7 TOYOTA AVENSIS 55 8 TOYOTA CAMRY 75 9 TOYOTA HYUNDAI i10 52 10 NISSAN TEANA 5 11 MAHINDRA 4 12 TOYOTA PRADO 54 13 NISSAN PATROL 7 14 NISSAN NAVARA 6 15 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER (LX) 24 16 HONDA MOTOR BYKES 4 17 NISSAN SENTRA 17 18 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 7 19 NISSAN SUNNY 4 20 HYUNDAI ACCENT 8 21 FORD/PASSAT 6 22 CHRYSLER 15 23 MERCEDES BENZ 2 24 HYUNDAI 4 25 BMW 12 26 IVECO 10 27 MITSUBISHI PAJERO 2 TOTAL 641

It is befuddling that several weeks after the NPP administration begun this campaign of disinformation and harassment of members of the immediate past government, it has as yet failed to put out an iota of evidence to back these claims.

If the NPP government was sincere about these claims, it would have published a full list of all allegedly missing vehicles and provide specific information on each of them.

I also found astonishing, the claim by Eugene Arhin that President Akufo Addo cannot find decent vehicles to use and has had to rely on 2007 model BMWs for his movements since becoming President.

It must be placed on record that the use of the BMWs and his personal vehicle, if it is true, is not due to the non-availability of presidential vehicles. It is clearly a choice that he made on his own accord.

Among the vehicles handed over to the NPP team were two bulletproof salon cars and two bulletproof cross country vehicles specifically dedicated to the use of the President. Both sets of bulletproof vehicles are relatively new and in good condition for the transportation of the President.

Added to this is a fleet of almost new Mercedes Benz vehicles. Surely if President Akufo Addo can use 10 year old vehicles, he should be able to use vehicles that are relatively new and in good condition.

The attempt therefore by Eugene Arhin to create the impression of scarcity and use same as a pretext to justify the unwarranted falsehood about missing vehicles belonging to the Presidency is disingenuous and unbecoming of a public official whose actions must be guided by integrity and candour.

It is obvious from the foregoing that Eugene Arhins intervention is part of a grand scheme by the Akufo Addo/Bawumia government to demonise members of the previous administration for cheap partisan propaganda purposes.

In the interest of transparency and candour, a detailed inventory of all vehicles accounted for during the transition process has been attached to this statement.

The onus now lies squarely on the Akufo Addo/Bawumia government to provide very specific details of the supposedly missing vehicles out of the list provided below.

JOHNNY OSEI KOFI, FORMER DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF

Thursday, 9th February, 2017

Find below the full statement.

200 STATE VEHICLES NOT MISSING

I am constrained to correct yet another distortion about the whereabouts of vehicles belonging to the Presidency. On Wednesday, Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Flagstaff House, in a widely circulated interview, claimed that 200 vehicles in the pool at the presidency were missing.

He also claimed that the supposed disappearance of these vehicles has created an acute shortage compelling President Akufo Addo to resort to the use of 2007 model BMW vehicles and in some instances his own cross-country vehicle for official duties.

The claims of Eugene Arhin are false, baseless without merit. They represent a continuation of the distortions and bad faith that have characterised the conduct of the NPP side of the Transition team.

As part of the transition process, both the Assets and Logistics Committee on the NPP side were given a detailed list of all vehicles in the pool at the Presidency.

More importantly, a total of 641 vehicles were listed and properly accounted for. This was duly captured in the handing over notes. The breakdown of the vehicles are indicated in the table below;

NO. VEHICLE TYPE NUMBER OF VEHICLES 1 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER V8 142 2 TOYOTA HILUX 8 3 TOYOTA HIACE 3 4 TOYOTA AVALON 33 5 TOYOTA FORTUNER 2 6 TOYOTA COROLLA 58 7 TOYOTA AVENSIS 55 8 TOYOTA CAMRY 75 9 TOYOTA HYUNDAI i10 52 10 NISSAN TEANA 5 11 MAHINDRA 4 12 TOYOTA PRADO 54 13 NISSAN PATROL 7 14 NISSAN NAVARA 6 15 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER (LX) 24 16 HONDA MOTOR BYKES 4 17 NISSAN SENTRA 17 18 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 7 19 NISSAN SUNNY 4 20 HYUNDAI ACCENT 8 21 FORD/PASSAT 6 22 CHRYSLER 15 23 MERCEDES BENZ 2 24 HYUNDAI 4 25 BMW 12 26 IVECO 10 27 MITSUBISHI PAJERO 2 TOTAL 641

It is befuddling that several weeks after the NPP administration begun this campaign of disinformation and harassment of members of the immediate past government, it has as yet failed to put out an iota of evidence to back these claims.

If the NPP government was sincere about these claims, it would have published a full list of all allegedly missing vehicles and provide specific information on each of them.

I also found astonishing, the claim by Eugene Arhin that President Akufo Addo cannot find decent vehicles to use and has had to rely on 2007 model BMWs for his movements since becoming President.

It must be placed on record that the use of the BMWs and his personal vehicle, if it is true, is not due to the non-availability of presidential vehicles. It is clearly a choice that he made on his own accord.

Among the vehicles handed over to the NPP team were two bulletproof salon cars and two bulletproof cross country vehicles specifically dedicated to the use of the President. Both sets of bulletproof vehicles are relatively new and in good condition for the transportation of the President.

Added to this is a fleet of almost new Mercedes Benz vehicles. Surely if President Akufo Addo can use 10 year old vehicles, he should be able to use vehicles that are relatively new and in good condition.

The attempt therefore by Eugene Arhin to create the impression of scarcity and use same as a pretext to justify the unwarranted falsehood about missing vehicles belonging to the Presidency is disingenuous and unbecoming of a public official whose actions must be guided by integrity and candour.

It is obvious from the foregoing that Eugene Arhins intervention is part of a grand scheme by the Akufo Addo/Bawumia government to demonise members of the previous administration for cheap partisan propaganda purposes.

In the interest of transparency and candour, a detailed inventory of all vehicles accounted for during the transition process has been attached to this statement.

The onus now lies squarely on the Akufo Addo/Bawumia government to provide very specific details of the supposedly missing vehicles out of the list provided below.

JOHNNY OSEI KOFI, FORMER DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF

Thursday, 9th February, 2017 - See more at: http://citifmonline.com/2017/02/09/presidencys-claim-about-missing-cars-false-ndc/#sthash.vYPHtGfT.dpuf

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]
Bucharest (AFP) - Romania's justice minister resigned on Thursday, becoming the first major political casualty of a government effort to roll back anti-corruption laws which backfired, sparking nationwide outrage.

The offending emergency decree issued last week was scrapped on Sunday in the face of the country's biggest protests since the end of communism in 1989. Those protests have continued, with many now calling for the entire left-wing government to quit.

The minister, Florin Iordache, defended the legislation, saying all his "initiatives were legal and constitutional".

"But despite that, public opinion did not consider it sufficient, and that's why I have decided to submit my resignation," the 56-year-old told reporters.

Hundreds of thousands of Romanians have protested over the past week, culminating in half a million people in the streets on Sunday, according to media estimates.

Iordache is from the ruling Social Democrats (PSD), which won a thumping election victory only in December. His successor has not yet been named.

Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu's government easily survived a no-confidence motion on Wednesday thanks to its solid majority in parliament.

The proposed changes would have made abuse of power a crime punishable by jail only if the amount of money involved exceeded 200,000 lei (44,000 euros, $47,500).

On Thursday, a much smaller but fiery crowd of 2,500 still turned out to protest in central Bucharest, waving Romanian and European Union flags and holding placards reading "We are fighting for principles and values".

Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu sought to reassure the public Thursday that the government would listen and take their concerns into account when considering future legal amendments.

"This process will take time," he added.

Half a million protesters took to Romania's streets on Sunday evening, according to media estimates

However the government is separately aiming to change the law to release 2,500 people serving prison sentences for non-violent crimes of less than five years.

Grindeanu has said the aim was to bring penal law into line with the constitution and to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

But critics see the move as a brazen attempt to let off the many lawmakers who have been ensnared in a major anti-corruption drive in recent years.

The head of the country's anti-corruption force told AFP in an interview that the fight against graft was far from being won, despite the government's withdrawal of the decree.

The "danger is not ruled out" because such attempts to change laws are likely to happen again, said Laura Codruta Kovesi, chief prosecutor of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate.

European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said Wednesday that after the recent "incredible progress", Bucharest should not start "running in the other direction".

The US State Department also expressed its deep concern. Corruption has long been a major problem since Romania joined the European Union as its second-poorest member in 2007.
On Thursday, 9th February, 2017, the Accra Circuit Court 2, discharged Dr. Kofi Marfo, who was accused by the Independent Presidential Candidate for 2012 and 2016 election (JOY) for scamming his business to the tune of $400,000 in a Gold deal.

In an interview with JOY, he says wonders in our courts are not ending in these times.

"This is a man, whose arrest caused Former National Security Coordinator, Col. Larry Gbevlo Lartey's job. Dr. Marfo, who was being protected by wicked and evil hearted leader, John Mahama, as Hon Otiko Djaba boldly puts it was not surprising to me at all."

JOY went on to add wondering "how can a case where evidence is tendered in as a proof and the accused never cross examined, for a genuine court, to rule as no case.".

According to information available, the accused syndicated ally Jeremiah Seidu, of Bole, pledged to pay the money involved at the Airport Police Station Accra, in the presence of the Crime Officer, Felix Anyidaho, but later reneged on his commitment due to Executive protection he enjoyed like the DKM fraudsters under John Mahama..

JOY says he has requested for the proceedings and ruling and will petition the new AG Gloria Akuffo for possible recovery of his funds.
VOiCE in collaboration with Alliance waste has launched a waste and mentoring program in the public basic schools within the Ayawaso sub-metro aimed at soliciting the support and participation of heads of the various schools during the project.

The programme brought together the Director of Education Accra Metro, heads of schools, the circuit supervisors, within the Ayawaso sub  metro.

The President of VOiCE, Mr. Ahmed Mustapha Yaajalaal indicated that the project is established as a result of a research the organization undertook on Education Infrastructure Challenges in East and North Ayawaso Sub  metro jointly produced with its partners such as Millennium Cities Initiative from the Earth Institute, University of Columbia, New York in 2015.

He added that in the survey, findings were made on 23 public schools which included 17 primary and 14 junior high schools.

According to the findings, the enrolment of boys and girls has increased significantly but the issue of waste management and mentorship programs were urgently needed in the schools in order to shape the children in choosing their future careers.

Mr. Jacob Nii Mingle, Head of Corporate Communications of Alliance Waste admonished the school heads to inculcate the spirit of discipline on how to manage and dispose waste in their students and also teach them proper hygiene.

He pledged his outfits support in collaborating with VOiCE to bringing to an end the menace of filth in their respective schools.

Mr. Rabiwu Kuta, a Management Member of VOiCE threw more light on the mentorship program and urged the school heads present to take advantage of it and enrol their pupil/students.

He expressed worry that an area like Ayawaso which is embedded with lots of potentials cannot boast of equal growth and development.

It is so because the raw potentials have not been inspired and motivated enough to step up to the level of excellence and success, hoping with this new initiative of VOiCE, area of mentorship will be given great priority, he stated.

Mr. Kuta reiterated that the success of a great society lingers round true natives becoming key shareholders of the growth and development of their society.

He entreated the school heads present to support this new mentoring programme as part of the school curricular because true education does not consist merely in the acquisition of few facts of science, history, literature or arts but the development of character.

The representative from the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Adams Sidik pledged the commissions support to VOiCE and Alliance waste in educating the children on their civic responsibility as well as reduce the sanitation menace in the communities.

The special guest for the program, the Metropolitan Director of education, Mr. Kwesi Hutchful congratulated VOiCE on their success chalked so far and urged the organization to intensify its sensitization programs and also extend it to other communities.

He pledged his support as the Metro Director for education to get the schools within Ayawaso involved in all programs initiated by VOiCE.

One of the Circuit Supervisors, Mrs. Gifty Tagoe (CS-NIMA), bemoaned the difficulties the schools within her jurisdiction go through in carting away the garbage from the schools.

She also complained about the huge sums of money they pay to the waste management companies before the rubbish are collected.

Mrs. Tagoe appealed to Alliance waste to come to their aid in order to improve the situation in the community.
The Brong Ahafo Regional Police Command has assured their readiness to protect lives and properties as the Valentines Day celebrations draw nearer.

Acting Public Relations Officer for the Brong Ahafo Regional Police Command, Sergeant Samson Gbande said the collaboration between the public and the police will help to toe down on criminal activities.

He posited that there is the need for them to beef up security because the euphoria surrounding the Valentines Day is more intense than that of the Christmas Day celebration.

Sergeant Gbande said the strategies that they are to implement would ensure an incident free Valentines Day as the petrol team will do their work diligently.

The Acting B/A Police PRO advised residents who will go out on night outings to celebrate the day to take their home safety into consideration by locking their doors and turn on their security lights.
Obuasi is one of the cities in West Africa where gold has been mined for centuries. If there should be development in infrastructure like schools, ultra modern hospitals,shopping malls etc. no city in Ghana deserves better than the Obuasi which has supplied gold for Ghana over 100 years and counting. Where did Obuasi go wrong ?

Obuasi is a sister city of Johannesburg in South Africa. This is because, gold has been mined in these cities for centuries. But comparing these two cities would make a person cry.

Johannesburg also known as Jozi,Joburg and eGoli) is the largest city in South Africa and is one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world.It is the provincial capital of Gauteng , which is the wealthiest province in South Africa.

While Johannesburg is not one of South Africa's three capital cities, it is the seat of the Constitutional Court. The city is located in the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills and is the centre of large-scale gold and diamond trade. Johannesburg is very developed and can be compared to many cities in Europe.

But in the case of Obuasi, nothing can be written about. Gold mine in Obuasi has been the major source of income for Ghana for years. It was in 2007 when a new constituency was created for the city. A whole city like Obuasi was having only one representative in parliament!

Yes, I know many people would be surprised about this. Just recently the city has two parliamentary representation.

From 2003 to 2013,Obuasi produced the best students in Ghana in the Basic Education Certificate Examinations conducted by WAEC for that 30 year period. There is no big Senior High school or university that a person from Obuasi haven't completed

Inspite of this, our leaders couldn't provide any tertiary institution in the city. The only University for Mines and Technology in Ghana is not in Obuasi, it's in Tarkwa, another mining city in Ghana. Meanwhile, gold was mined in Obuasi before Tarkwa.

Moreover, Obuasi has supplied gold than any city in Ghana. There is no public College of Education, nursing institution or university in Obuasi :a city which gold has been exploited for centuries.

It is very shameful that, Obuasi cannot boast of government tertiary institution. How sad! Apart from the mining company which was shut down almost two years ago because of the over exploitation of gold, there is no factory in the city which has fed the country since the time of colonialism.

Surprisingly,there is no interchange in the city.The road network is very bad. There is only 2 traffic lights in the whole city.

Because of the greedy and selfish nature of some individuals who have enriched themselves with the proceeds, they decided not to allow the city have a traditional ruler who can influence development for the people. Have you ever heard of the name of the King of Obuasi before? This should remind you of something.

After shutting down Anglogold for sometime now, unemployment has risen in the city and the innocent youth have resorted to illegal mining for their survival. This illegal mining is very dangerous and the vulnerable youth have been doing this for living because there is no job in the city.

After 100+ years of gold mine, the number of rivers destroyed by the mining company, the toxic released into the atmosphere with it's health implications,the people of Obuasi are still wallowing in abject poverty.

There is high rate of teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDs.

The youth of Obuasi are very frustrated.I interviewed a young man on my way to the Accra station. This man revealed that, now the mining company has started operation but employment is given to outsiders and because of that, they are about to stage a peaceful demonstration to demand a quota for employment in the company.

Our leaders have failed Obuasi. If any leader should visit Johannesburg, they should bow their head in shame because Obuasi could have become better than Johannesburg.

They have allowed the foreigners to exploit the gold and use to develop their countries leaving the hub of mining in a very deplorable state. Water bodies have been destroyed. There has been shortage of water in Obuasi since my day as a student almost a decade ago.

Leaders are only interested in picking the gold to South Africa with their military helicopters every week. Nothing good has been given back to the people of Obuasi except the malaria control programme which I even think it's as a result of their own mining activity.

Currently, Dubai has become a major attraction to tourists because, one leader stood for the people. The major turning point in the history and fortunes of Dubai was the discovery of oil in 1966.Coupled with the joining of the newly independent country of Qatar and Dubai to create a new currency, the Riyal,after the devaluation of the Persian Gulf rupee which had been issued by the Government of India,it enabled Dubai to rapidly expand and grow. Once the first shipment of oil was made in 1969, the future of Dubai as an autonomous state was secured,and its ability to dictate policy in later years to the UAE was cemented.

It's very shameful to compare the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, Ghana to the beauty of Dubai. Most of our leaders visit Dubai for vacation. If they had developed Obuasi with the money made from gold export, there wouldn't be any need to visit Dubai.

It's very sad to know how leadership has failed Obuasi.

But I believe Obuasi will not die.

By Kenneth Gyamerah.

[email protected]

+233245098416
(CNS): So said award-winning Dr Chitra Chandrashekar, Director of Dr Iravathams Clinical Laboratory, Hyderabad. I met her in Mumbai during NAPCON 2016 and was struck by her modesty and her passion for working in the field of TB. Chitra spoke with CNS (Citizen News Service) about her study titled

'Host susceptibility to Mycobacteria and Transmission dynamics', related to the transmission dynamics of TB, which won her the prestigious Professor OA Sarma Oration Award at NAPCON 2016.

Here is what Dr Chitra Chandrashekar shared:

It is important to know why TB transmission continues unabated in high burden countries like India, despite there being tools to control it. My study investigated TB transmission dynamics and associated risk factors in the micro environment of urban slums, which are the hot spots of TB transmission. This first of its kind pilot study done in Hyderabad was conducted over a period of 3 years (2008-2011) and covered a population of 60,000 in 800 households. It took another 5 years to collate the data.

Mapping TB hot spots:

We took the houses addresses of patients coming for treatment from this particular slum from the DOTS centre TB registry of the area. But when we went there we could not locate a single house, due to the very random distribution of houses, even though all addresses were correct. We returned disappointed, but more determined than before. With the help of the local postman, we were finally able to record the coordinates of each individual house and map the entire area. These updated addresses were entered in the TB registry. We could now identify household contacts, the source of contact, those affected in the neighbourhood of each contact, the minimal time duration by which the next contact was infected. All this information based on 10 years data was collated and put in graphical representation in a 3 dimensional map form. This type of mapping when displayed in the DOTS centre, enabled one to know where the next source of infection would be located for anyone coming from that area.

By making use of the latest GPS technology and with help from our network of postal department, we can generate these simple maps in DOTS centres to identify sources of infection and thus take effective preventive measures for TB control.

Risk factors

The study could also identify the major risk factors. Most of the residents in the study area are daily wage earners. The dwellings are housed in waadas. A waada is typically a group of rooms arranged around open courtyards. There are 5-6 small 10 feet by 10 feet rooms around a small courtyard and at least 6 people living in each room. Most of the rooms have no windows or any ventilation worth the name. Firewood is the normal fuel used, adding to the risk factor of indoor pollution, especially for women. The main risk factors are poverty, poor ventilation, poor sanitation, and overcrowding. Usually transmission occurs when an infected person coughs, or when the family is in constant touch with the index case. Only the very lucky ones can escape infection in such a scenario.

The study also looked into the genetic susceptibility. In the area where the study was conducted there was homogenous populationmostly of Muslim communitywho had been living there for more than 5 years. This could help in targeting populations and screening more-at-risk households. It would also help in designing preventive measures.

Prevention is key:

The more we can prevent TB, the less transmissions will take place. Addressing overcrowding and improving living conditions in the urban slums is key to controlling TB, because they are the hotspots of TB. Just one window in a room for ventilation to let in sunlight and air will go a long way in controlling transmission of TB infection. Slums should be so structured as to have air and sunlight available for the residents.

The study focussed upon identifying TB hotspotsfor which mapping is essential. Once this is done, programme managers can work on that. If we can address and control transmission in urban slums, we will be able to protect the general population and 50% problem of TB will be solved.

Interestingly, during the study period, the number of women diagnosed with TB increased. Perhaps the PPM DOTS enabled them to access healthcare in nearby centres, rather than travelling long distances to a govt DOTS centre. Also in a PPM programme treatment supervisors had more hold on the patients, by way counselling and ensuring treatment adherence. Another very important finding was that extra pulmonary TB cases are on the rise (whether hot spot area or non-hotspot area). Our aim should be to free the air of TB infection.

Shobha Shukla, CNS (Citizen News Service)

(Shobha Shukla is the Managing Editor at CNS (Citizen News Service) and has extensively written on health issues from several countries globally. Follow her on Twitter @Shobha1Shukla or visit: www.citizen-news.org)
The words in I Am Not Your Negro were written more than three decades ago. But paired with images of Barack Obama, the Rodney King beating and the events in Ferguson, Missouri, they retain a devastating power as a searing indictment of race in America.

The words were written by James Baldwin, who, in 1979 proposed a book about his relationship with civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The playwright, poet and cultural critic had completed just 30 pages of the manuscript for Remember This House when he died in 1987.

But they were enough for director Raoul Peck to craft an extraordinarily powerful film, collaborating in a sense with Baldwin to tell the story he intended for the book but extending beyond that to deliver an unflinching critique of race in America.

The observations are potent -- The history of America is the history of the Negro in America. And its not a pretty picture -- and are delivered in Baldwins voice.

Sometimes they come from the man himself via vintage footage, like a TV appearance on The Dick Cavett Show and an appearance before a British college debating society.

Sometimes they come from Pecks beautifully crafted narration read by Samuel L. Jackson in a stunning piece of voice acting, hushing his distinctive, often loud tones to resemble that of Baldwin.

Haitian director Peck, best known for a documentary and feature film about Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba, masterfully takes those words and combines them with photographs and footage of the slain civil rights leaders, footage from John Wayne westerns, In The Heat of The Night, The Defiant One and Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, and old Commerce Department films about exploiting the newly affluent black consumer.

That creates the visuals for Baldwins unflinching exploration of the psychology of white superiority -- his readings of the films and the treatment of actors Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte are illuminating -- and of his views of the nature of the unending struggle of African Americans for equality.

At the same time, although its far from a traditional biopic, Peck tells Baldwins story from his boyhood, when he was taken under the wing of a white teacher and exposed to the arts, to his ex-patriot stint in Paris, from which he returned after seeing images of Dorothy Counts, a North Carolina girl desegregating a high school, swarmed by a hostile mob of whites.

Baldwin, he says, comes home to pay his dues. In doing so, he became a eloquent witness to the civil rights movements -- and the work and the assassinations of his friends Evers, Malcolm X and King.

Those murders took place in 1963, 1965 and 1968, respectively -- which seem like a very long time ago. But, sadly, Baldwins words continue to be as relevant today as they were when he wrote them.

I Am Not Your Negro, which has been rightfully nominated for the Best Documentary Academy Award, delivers -- to steal another films title -- an inconvenient truth.

So the film, which is beautifully designed and executed, can be uncomfortable to watch. That in itself is a confirmation of Baldwins assertion that America will never truly be America until it honestly and directly confronts and deals with racial division -- a reckoning that feels further away now than it was when Baldwin was writing more than three decades ago.
The Founding Executive Director of Global Alliance for Development Foundation (GADeF), Emmanuel Marfo has lauded Youth Parliament decision to give 50% representation to young women in the Youth Parliament. This, according to him, will serve as the basis for Ghanaians to support the increase in womens representation in the national parliament as a tool to support the girl child and grow women into leadership positions for national development.

The Youth Parliament is an advocacy initiative by GADeF modeled in the form of the national parliament with representation from various youth associations and interest groups in the Asutifi North District aimed at empowering the youth in the district to engage duty bearers and organizations to implement programmes that seeks to improve the wellbeing of the youth in the area.

According to him, the project since its inception in 2016 have already provided financial management training for its members equipping them with skills in financial management and income generation to enable them cater for their welfare.

The Executive Director of GADeF made these disclosures at a days capacity building workshop on the positive use of social media in communication and marketing organised by GADeF through its Youth Power Project in Kenyasi in the Asutifi North District of the Brong Ahafo Region.

It was attended by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd (NGGL)., Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), ActionAid Ghana, Asutifi North District Assembly (ANDA), National Youth Authority (NYA), Oman Botantim, Women Consultative Committee and Representatives of various Youth Groups. It was sponsored by the Centre For Democratic Development (CDD) and the French Embassy aimed at providing a platform for the youth to be part of local governance and national development.

Participants were schooled on the efficient and effective use of social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp, Viber, and Text Messaging among others.

He emphasized the importance of information sharing and urged participants to fully participate by sharing information and experiences and was hopeful the initiative will serve as an avenue for broader consultation amongst stakeholders in the district.

He appealed to the assembly invest more in the potentials of the youth especially education to enhance the human resource needs of the country for development as well as involve them in their budgetary planning.

Mr. Marfo lamented low capacity of youth NGOs and CBOs and low involvement of youth in sustainable development initiative was their main challenged and called for measures to address them.

He hinted of collaboration with the assembly to establish a Youth Development Fund (YDF) to address the challenges of the youth in the area and called for support from stakeholders and expressed gratitude to CDD and the French Embassy for their support and appealed for more assistance from other stakeholders in the area.

The District Planning Officer for the assembly, Mr. Atta-Era Akularemi James for his part, commended GADeF and its partners for their effort in helping to boost advocacy activities in the district and pledged the assemblys preparedness to support youth programmes.

He disclosed the assembly was in the process preparing of her 2017 Medium Term Development Plan and called on GADeF and the Youth Parliament to submit proposals and inputs to make the document sustainable. This, he hoped, would provide the needed support to empower to demand accountability of resources available for development and to help reduce the prevailing poverty in the worst deprived communities in their districts of operation.

Mr. James praised the enormous role GADeF was playing to improve the lives of the youth in the district, adding that the Assembly was ready to collaborate with stakeholders and other NGOs to develop the district.

He said the Assemblys doors were always opened to other NGOs that were ready to offer support to the youth to develop their potentials and help reduce poverty in the district.

Participants at the end of the training were encouraged to share highlights of the event and discussions across social media networks especially twitter with the hash tags #YPGADeF #YouthParliamentGADeF.

GADeF is a local NGO based in Kenyasi operating in the areas of Youth Empowerment, Girls and Women Empowerment, Sustainable development, Provision of Grants, Education and Entrepreneurship Training, Environment and Natural Resources Management and Good Governance in Asutifi North Constituency. They also have partnered Phinklife Institute to provide training for students, Fellows Exchange and Business Start-Up Support for the youth and organizations.
Former President John Dramani Mahama will today, Friday 10 February, interact with captains of Kenya's private sector at a 'High Tea' event hosted by the Kenyan Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).

Former President Mahama will be speaking on the topic: "The economy in the light of elections and conducting free and fair elections."

KEPSA, which is the equivalent of Ghanas Private Enterprises Foundation (PEF), is the umbrella body of private business associations and corporate bodies in Kenya and also serves as the voice of the private sector.

Mr Mahama, according to a statement signed by his Special Aide Joyce B. Mogtari, will also be Guest Speaker at another event organised by Rich Management Kenya on Saturday. In attendance will be the Kenyan business community, politicians, and people in academia.
Mr Ernest Mawuli Agbesi, the current Managing Director of the Ghana Commercial Bank will not be left to go scot-free without making public declarations on the issues of hundreds of millions of Ghana Cedis in unsecured loans. You see, the Ghana Commercial Bank is neither an NGO nor a Charity House. It is a government business entity that is entrusted with the opportunity of growing the nations, and other peoples, moneys/investments. That should be enough justification for the extra care that Agbesi needs to exercise in handling the affairs of the bank.

I do understand that every job comes with its challenges, but to say that Ernest Mawuli Agbesi did not cause financial losses to the stakeholders involved is like saying that Virgin Mary did not give birth to Jesus Christ, according to many anonymous employees of GCB, and the NIB before he was packed away from there. I am inclined to believe same to be the holy truth. After sifting through the list of unsecured loans that have been left unsettled till date, some being outstanding for years, I am not only convinced that he failed in discharging his duties as former Managing Director of National Investment Bank, but also as the current Managing Director of the Ghana Commercial Bank.

Every unsecured loan is a recipe for financial losses. Every unsecured loan is an albatross around the necks of poor people trying to survive in a difficult world, especially ours. The little savings that they deposit in the bank are at risk due to the undiligent exercise of powers wielded by Mr Ernest Agbesi. I have no doubt in my mind that given the numerous stories of willful negligence and machinations to run the bank down, his presence at the helm of affairs is yet the biggest risk that GCB has to contend with.

We demand that he be sacked immediately! We demand that he be made to face the music at EOCO and the Police CID until the office of the private prosecutor becomes fully functional. Failure to uproot the canker would send the wrong signal to investors, depositors, and shareholders of the bank that we in Ghana are not serious. The repercussions of our insouciance in this matter would not only stall the growth of the bank, but reverse every appreciable gain chocked in the various aspects of financial management by the Bank of Ghana, which saw rough days under the administration of the NDC that numerous people know Agbesi to be a member of (card bearing or not).

Let us begin to the right things in this country. It is not only Kofi Adams who should be arrested and questioned by the CID for allegedly stealing government property, like what happened a couple of days ago, but Agbesi, his surrogates, and all those who were charged with the responsibility of manning the institutions of government, too.

#SackAgbesiNow #EOCOInviteAgbesiForQuestioning
The Administrator General, David Yaro says his outfit did not embark on any physical checks of the fleet of vehicles at the presidency during the transition period.

He said a list of about 678 vehicles that were supposed to be at the presidency was arrived at based on information provided by state agencies in the previous Mahama-led administration.

Speaking on Joy FMs Super Morning Show, the Administrator General who had complained about the lack of logistics during the transition period said he only worked with what was provided by heads of the various ministries.

In a response to whether he conducted an inventory of the information provided, Mr Yaro said no we didnt. We have made sure that these are captured in the handing over notes and the handing over notes were discussed with the incoming and outgoing ministers of state and they agreed.

So as soon as you do that, it becomes the property of the state or agency in charge and it will now be their responsibility to look at the handing over notes vis a vis what is on the ground. We are not to do the physical check to be sure that what is being handed over to them is there before they sign, he said.

The Director of Communication at the Presidency, revealed earlier this week that some 200 cars at the presidency had gone missing.

Eugene Arhin said President Akufo-Addo was compelled to use his own four wheel drive for engagements outside Accra or a seven year old BMW salon car when he is in Accra.

The previous government has accused the Akufo-Addo administration of seeking to vilify them.

In a statement, former Deputy Chief of Staff, Johnny Osei Kofi, said Mr. Arhins claims were  false, baseless and without merit, adding that they represented a continuation of the distortions and bad faith that have characterized the conduct of the NPP side of the Transition team.

The statement also explained that, as part of the transition process, both the Assets and Logistics Committee on the NPP side were given a detailed list of all vehicles in the pool at the Presidency. More importantly, a total of 641 vehicles were listed and properly accounted for. This was duly captured in the handing over notes.

Following the controversy, office of the Administrator General released a list of vehicles that were handed over to the current government by the previous one.

The list comprised 142 Toyota Landcrusers, 8 Toyota Hiluxes, 32 Toyota Avalons, 2, Toyota Fortuners, as well as 58 Toyota Avensis vehicles.

Mr Yaro said his office is not to embark on a physical assessment of the information provided and they have no way of confirming that the list of vehicles or do an audit.

Our duty is just to build a data base of these properties and you can appreciate it that even looking at the challenges, it will impossible for us to go to every agency to count the number of vehicles available there. It will be next to impossible.

He said the onus will lie on the appointees expected to use these vehicles to do an audit of the vehicles once they assume office.

I have said it several times that it is just like building a house, you can fence it anyhow, but if a thief is determined to break in they will.

So it is a human institution and one or two miscreants could decide for purposes known to them not to include some of them in the handing over notes. In that case it will be difficult for me to know.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Naa Sakwaba Akwa | [email protected]
Over two 208 vehicles are said to be missing from the presidential fleet at the Flagstaff House, a situation which has compelled President Akufo-Addo to use his personal vehicles for some of his official duties, especially during his inter-city trips.

Even the account of vehicles bequeathed to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration by the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government as captured by the Administrator General is short of 37.

The Administrator General says 678 vehicles were captured in the transition documents at the presidency; deputy chief of staff under Mahama, Jonny Osei Kofi gave a figure of 641  giving a difference of 37.

The Administrator General believes that former Chief of Staff under Mahama and the Director of Protocol at the presidency should be held responsible for the over 208 missing vehicles.

Eugene Arhin, Acting Director of Communication at the Flagstaff House, lamented, The President of the Republic currently has virtually only one vehicle at his disposal. This is the vehicle which was purchased in 2007 during the Ghana at 50 celebrations. It is a BMW.

He, unfortunately, has to use his own vehicles because the vehicle meant for the presidency or vehicles meant for his use are currently not available.

So vehicles right from 2007 when these Ghana at 50 vehicles were bought right down to now, if you go to the presidential pool, you cannot find any of them and it is not as if those are the only ones. There are lots of other vehicles missing, he disclosed.

The disclosure by the Acting Director of Communications to President Nana Akufo-Addo during an interview he granted an Accra-based radio station, added more fuel to a national conversation in which Ghanaians have shown tremendous interest.

Giving an insight to the vehicle situation at the Flagstaff House upon the assumption of office of the President, Mr Eugene Arhin said an inventory of the fleet given to the Chief of Staff was eventually handed over to an Army Captain who is in-charge of the transport pool at the presidency.

This, he said, gave an insight into the number of vehicles, types and models with wide disparities between what was handed to them and what is available.

From this document it was discovered that there were supposed to be a total of 196 Toyota V8 Land Cruisers in the pool.

122 Land Cruiser V8 Vehicles Missing

Giving details of the contents of the inventory and the real picture, Eugene said of the total number of 196 Toyota Land Cruisers contained in the document we only came to meet 74 so we have 122 which cannot be found. Toyota Prados 73, we met 20, 43missing; Mercedes Benz 24, we met only 11; Toyota Avalon 28, we met only 2; BMW 6, we met only 2.

The Toyota Avolons were the official vehicles of departed President Mahama, but only two were kept with no security features  making it impossible for President Akufo-Addo to use them.

The Land Cruisers also have no security features, meaning that the vehicles used by President Mahama have been spirited away.

Of the numbers mentioned above, he said that there were also pick-ups to be accounted for. There are five models of vehicles the Acting Communications Director claimed, out of which a total of 208 are out of the reach of the Transport Pool of the Flagstaff House; and if the other brands are added, the missing vehicles would be more.

It is this situation which Mr Arhin said informed the setting up of a taskforce made up of the personnel from the Police, Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA), Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to locate and retrieve the missing vehicles.

The President of the Republic, he said, under the circumstances, depends on a 2007 BMW for his rounds not so however, when he has to travel outside Accra as he did recently when he attended the Asantehemaa's funeral in Kumasi and last weeks' commemoration of the death of Dr. JB Danquah at Kyebi in the Eastern Region.

During the foregone engagements outside Accra, President Nana Akufo-Addo relied on the vehicle he used for the campaign season, Eugene said.

The vehicles with the requisite security features which the president must use officially are not traceable, the Acting Communications Director added.

The good news according to him, is that, the taskforce claims to have received significant leads about the whereabouts of some of the missing vehicles.

Vehicles so impounded during the work of the taskforce are sent to the police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) where owners must prove ownership documentarily lest suspects are quizzed.

But in a rebuttal of the picture from the presidency, a former Deputy Chief of Staff, Johny Osei Kofi, has shot down the claims saying that they are not true.

They represent a continuation of the distortions and bad faith that have characterised the conduct of the NPP side of the Transition Team, he said adding that As part of the transition process, both the Assets and Logistics Committee on the NPP side were given a detailed list of all vehicles in the pool at the presidency. More importantly, a total of 641 vehicles were listed and properly accounted for.

This was duly captured in the handing over notes.

By A.R. Gomda
Members of Parliament (MPs) in a solemn mood yesterday commemorated the gruesome murder of their colleague, JB Danquah Adu, former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member for Abuakwa North in the Eastern region, who was assassinated in cold blood exactly a year ago at his Shiashie, East Legon, residence.

Two people  Daniel Asiedu and Vincent Bossu  have been arrested and facing trial in an Accra court in connection with the heinous crime.

The remembrance of the former MP's death brought into sharp focus the need for the state to provide legislators with personal security in the discharge of their duties.

The MP for Nandom, Ambrose Dery, who is also the new Minister for the Interior, told the House that in two weeks' time he would come to brief the MPs on investigations so far made into the death of the former Abuakwa North legislator.

Leading the tribute to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the demise of the former MP, the current NPP MP for Abuakwa North, Gifty Twum-Ampofo, said JB Danquah Adu was a very affable and peaceful person who would not think of even killing a fly, and so it was so strange and mind-boggling for him to suffer that fate.

His characteristic infectious smiles and benevolence made him a friend of all in parliament  majority members, minority members  the young and the old, she said.

Today, his family members, friends, parliament and members of NPP in the Abuakwa North Constituency are still grieving and asking the same questions that have been asked over the past one year: Who killed JB? Who is behind his murder and why was he murdered? she bemoaned.

According to the new Abuakwa North legislator, the time has come for all these mysteries to be unraveled.

Madam Twum-Ampofo said the police, after the murder of the former MP, promised to keep parliament constantly briefed in the course of their investigations but the promise had not been kept.

She said parliament should immediately re-engage the police on this matter again and find out whether they have made any progress in establishing the truth.

The House should demand the re-opening of fresh investigations into the gruesome murder of JB Danquah Adu, she charged.

Ms Twum-Ampofo also said it's important for the state to provide security for MPs since democracy is expensive and for MPs to feel protected in the discharge of their duties.

Some of the minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members added their voices to the unfortunate killing of the former MP. NDC MP for Keta, Richard Quashigah and MP for Ho West, Emmanuel Bedzrah, affirmed the affability of the former MP and how he related freely with all MPs from both sides of the House.

They also reinforced the call for MPs to be provided with security in the discharge of their duties.

By Thomas Fosu Jnr
The Minister-designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye, indicated yesterday at the Appointments Committee of Parliament that she would collaborate with the National Security to put in place a strict monitoring mechanism to ensure that pre-mix fuel gets to fishermen at the landing centres at the right price.

She said under her administration all those who have formed some sort of 'cabal' in the pre-mix distribution process  diverting fuel meant for fishermen and eventually re-selling it to them at higher prices and sometimes creating artificial shortage  would be weeded out of the system.

She said anybody who would involve themselves in that illegal enterprise would be fished out by National Security operatives and handed over to the police for prosecution.

Naa Afoley Quaye pointed out that she would see to the early completion of the Fisheries School at Anomabo in the Central Region to serve the purpose of training more officers to man the Fisheries Extension Delivery of the Ministry and offer the right services to the fisher folks.

According to the Minister-designate, women who form about 95% of the fish delivery chain would be supported and properly educated on how to hygienically handle fish before it gets to the final consumer.

She said that the ministry in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Netherlands Development Corporation, had started a project to train fisher folks on how to effectively preserve fish through improved smoking ovens like the 'Ahoto' oven and the 'Chorkor Smoker'

She claimed that currently, the fishing laws are being streamlined into one effective law and amendment made to the Fisheries Management Act to position the ministry well to be able to regulate the fishing industry properly and help increase fish production in the country.

Naa Afoley Quaye indicated that to help reduce importation of fish to saturate the Ghanaian market, she would make sure the laws banning some types of fish are strictly enforced.

The Minister-designate told the committee that she would also fully implement a new policy started by the previous government to provide insurance for fishermen when they go to sea.

The Minister-designate for Information, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, who also appeared before the committee yesterday, said that he would ensure that Ghanaians are fed with accurate, timely and true information regarding the operations of the government, while ensuring that any feedback from the public on government policies is instantly transmitted to the government.

Abdul-Hamid said he would create the enabling environment for journalists to practise without looking over their shoulders, stressing that journalists would be encouraged to comment on anything and also criticize the government without any form of censorship.

He said he would like to position the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to be like the British Broadcasting Corporation where the state broadcaster would be weaned off government subvention and be able to generate its own revenue and pay its workers.

Mustapha Abdul-Hamid also promised to help resource the Information Services Department  which is the bedrock of the ministry  so that it can play its critical role of disseminating information to the general public and also educating members of the public on government policies.

The Information Minister-designate said the Ghana News Agency would also see drastic transformation under his stewardship.

When he was asked whether he was aware of the practice where workers at GNA have to pay money to their superiors before they are given promotion, he said he was not aware of the situation and promised to find out the state of affairs there Agency when he's confirmed and assumes office.

He said he would also ensure that the Ghana Publishing Company, which is virtually on its knees, is reinvigorated and the necessary equipment provided to revive the company.

I am told that the company only has a three-colour printer but in this modern world and the way technology is developing, it is five-colour printer that is required by the Publishing Company to be able to do printing, he noted.

By Thomas Fosu Jnr
Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare (left), Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood (right)

The Supreme Court has adjourned indefinitely the suit filed against the General Legal Council (GLC), challenging the methods and criteria used in the selection and admission of LLB holders who desire to acquire licence to practise law in the country.

This was to enable the parties in the case to put their house in order, to allow them confer and file their joint memorandum of issues.

The seven-member panel of judges presided over by Justice Jones Dotse stated that the lawyer for the plaintiff  Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, a US-based law professor  had not agreed with the defendants.

The presiding judge contended that there had been so much back and forth in respect of the case filed at the court in 2015, adding that it (court) had been trying to bring closure to the matter.

Justice Dotse urged both parties to try and come to a consensus over the memorandum of issues.

The judges of the apex court held that the parties must again liaise with the registrar of the court to clean the docket, indicating that all applications dismissed in the course of the case must be cleared from the file.

Justice Dotse however, expressed displeasure over comments suggesting that the judges are not willing to determine the case in view of the fact that the GLC is made up of Supreme Court judges.

Remarking further, Justice Dotse said the comments were unfortunate, especially when the GLC had lost cases in the Supreme Court.

Dorothy Afiriyie Ansah, representing the Attorney General (AG), said the AG's office had not been contacted in respect of the memorandum.

She said the AG was also in the process of amending its statement of case, insisting that the move could change the issue.

Ofosua Amagyei, lawyer for the plaintiffs, said a brief by their client indicated that earlier attempts to reach a consensus on the memorandum had failed.

On October 15, 2015, Prof Asare filed a suit against the General Legal Council (GLC) and the Attorney General over the way and manner the Ghana School of Law conducts its entrance examinations and interviews for students who want admission into the school.

He argued that the rigid ceiling imposed by the GLC on Bachelor of Law Degree (LLB) holders who would be allowed an opportunity to train and become lawyers is grossly unfair and overrides national interest.

By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson

[email protected]
Osman Kikaa, spokesperson of the regent of Bimbilla, Nyelinbologu Naa Yakubu Andani Dasana, has called on the government of Ghana not to meddle in the Bimbilla chieftaincy dispute so the rival factions slug it out in court to find a lasting solution to the conflict.

On Thursday February 9, two persons were killed while two others sustained serious injuries at Bimbilla in the Northern Region following a chieftaincy conflict there.

A mother and her daughter were confirmed dead by police in the area while the injured have been rushed to hospital.

These follow the firing of gunshots in Bimbilla in the afternoon of Thursday February 9, 2017 confirmed by Northern Regional Police PRO ASP Ebenezer Tetteh. The fire exchanges are in connection with a chieftaincy conflict.

A fresh curfew has been imposed in Bimbilla over the renewed clashes.

Speaking in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom on Accra100.5FM on Friday February 10, Osman Kikaa said for a lasting solution to be found for this problem, the law courts must be allowed to deal with the matter. Government involvement, according to him, will lead to political meanings being read into the development.

He said: I dont think the NPP government will have anything to do with this, no. The government has been very careful in his choice of executives especially when you come to the Northern Region because of thee chieftaincy issues. I am telling you government is very careful about chieftaincy issues in the Northern Region.

The regional minister-designate (Salifu Sa-eed)s way of dealing with things, if will not improve the situation in the Northern Region, will not worsen it. But I want government to stay away entirely from our Bimbilla chieftaincy matters. We want to deal with the case through the legal process and then we will make sure that there is lasting peace in Bimbilla forever.
Commissioner of Customs, John Vianney Kuudamnuru, presenting the award on behalf of WCO to Alwin Hoegerle, General Manager of GCNet

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has honoured the Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNet) for rendering exceptional services to the international customs and trade community and creating a business friendly environment.

The award, endorsed by the Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation, Kunio Mikuriya, was received by the General Manager of GCNet, Alwin Hoegerle during the celebration of the 2017 International Customs Day in Accra.

This is GCNet's second customs award this year.

The presentation of the award coincided with the celebration of this year's International Customs Day on January 26, 2017 on the theme, 'Data Analysis for Effective Border Management,' a build-up on last year's theme, 'Digital Customs  Progressive Engagement'

Mr. Hoegerle commented: GCNet hopes to tap into opportunities for sustained collaboration with other actors in the Trade eco-system. We feel proud about the delivery of business intelligence services, ensuring availability and accessibility of fair and accurate data that facilitates policy decisions, key to boosting confidence in the trade processes for improved competitiveness and revenue mobilisation.

He also reiterated GCNet's commitment to deepening its partnership with GRA, especially the Customs Division and other divisions to collaborate to create a business friendly environment which will expand base for revenue generation and collection.

GCNet's first award was the Most Dependable Partner Award by the Tema Sector Command of the Ghana Revenue Authority  Customs Division.

January 26 is a day set aside by the World Customs Organisation every year to recognise and draw attention to the critical role of customs organisations the world over in economic development.

The Day is observed by customs administrations in over 180 member states that belong to the global customs body with various national events to commemorate the occasion.

Management and staff of GCNet recently gathered at the forecourt of its head office to thank God for His guidance and protection last year.

Managing Director of ADB, Daniel Asiedu, urged management and staff to always give thanks to God since that is the effective means to continually draw on God's favour and intervention.

Executive Chairman of GCNet, Dr. Nortey Omaboe, reminded staff of the values, which have guided the operations of the company and urged them to always abide by them.
The following is a rundown of family activities for the week of Feb. 10-16.

Friday

IndiExplore -- 10-11 a.m., Indigo Bridge Books, 701 P St. Expert on children's topics, hands-on activities and books. Free.

Disney Enchanted Tales Film Series -- "Dumbo," 10 a.m., 12:30, 3, 5:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Lincoln Grand Theatre. Tickets: $5.

Saturday



Bilingual English-Spanish story time -- 10-11 a.m., Indigo Bridge Books, 701 P St.

Investigate: Second Saturday Science Lab -- Veterinary Science, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., University of Nebraska State Museum, Morrill Hall. Regular museum admission.

Library all ages storytime -- stories, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 11 a.m., Walt Branch Library.

Valentine's Day storytime -- 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5150 O St. and SouthPointe Pavilions locations. "The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story" and "Valentine's Day Is Cool." Free.

Maker Space event -- Meet the Bots, 1-3 p.m., Williams Branch Library. For families with children of all ages. Free.

Free family fun day -- "Be My Valentine," 2-4 p.m., Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall North. Make and take Valentine's card, join in a 'lovely' Scavenger hunt. Free drop-in event for entire family.

"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" -- card making open house for kids and families, 2-5 p.m., Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M St. For children to express kindness and welcome for refugee and immigrant children. Art supplies provided. Free come-and-go event. Participants are welcome to bring baby and children's items that will be donated to the Good Neighbor Community Center.

Waverly School #145 soup supper/concerts -- 4:30-8 p.m., 13401 Amberly Road, Waverly. Featuring fifth-ninth grade bands, varsity band and middle and high school jazz bands. Fundraiser for Waverly Band Boosters.

Mighty Magic Pants album release concert -- 6:30-8 p.m., The Space, 5900 S. 58th St. Come dress as your favorite superhero. Prizes awarded for individuals and families for best costume. Free for entire family.

Sunday

Annual Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebration -- Lincoln Southeast High School, 2930 S. 37th St. Activities, 1:30 p.m., commons area; "An American Patriotic Celebration!" featuring children's choir and storytellers, 3 p.m., Jennifer L. Dorsey-Hawley Performing Arts Center. Musician Chris Sayre performs from 1:30-3 p.m. in commons area. Before and after concert there will be kids crafts/games, historical displays and free birthday cake. Free, open to the public.

Family storytime -- 1:30-2 p.m., Eiseley Branch Library; 4-4:30 p.m., Bennett Martin Public Library. Stories and crafts.

Family Fun Event -- 3-6 p.m., Tabor Hall, 1402 Country Road I, south of Dorchester. Kids activities, raffle prizes, popcorn, hot cocoa and goodies. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

Tuesday

Library storytimes -- Toddler: 10 a.m. and 10:35 a.m., Gere; 10:30 a.m., Bethany, Walt; 6:30 p.m., Gere. Preschool: 10:30 a.m., Anderson, Gere; 7 p.m., Eiseley.

Morning children's story time -- 10-11 a.m., Indigo Bridge Books, 701 P St.

Maker Space event -- My Art Belongs to You, 4-5:30 p.m., Williams Branch Library. Families with children of all ages experience art with a Far-Eastern flair, including calligraphy, Zentangle and crafts inspired by the Lunar New Year.

Wednesday

Library storytimes -- Toddler: 10:30 a.m., Walt; 10:35 a.m. Eiseley and Gere. Preschool: 10:30 a.m., Eiseley. Baby: 10 a.m., Gere.

Thursday

Library storytimes -- Toddler: 10 a.m., Gere; 10:35 a.m., Eiseley and Gere. Preschool: 10:30 a.m., Eiseley, Bethany, Gere. Baby: 10:30 a.m., Walt; 6:30 a.m., Gere.

Morrill Hall free Thursday nights -- 4:30-8 p.m. Thursday nights in February, Nebraska State University Museum, 14th and Vine streets. Free for all ages.

Shows and exhibits



Planetarium astronomy shows -- "A Starry Tale," 11 a.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. "Super Volcanoes," noon Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Shows through Feb. 26. Children must be age 4 or older. University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History, Mueller Planetarium, Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets. 402-472-2641.

Hyde Observatory shows -- 7-10 p.m. Saturdays, Hyde Observatory, Holmes Lake. Free. Reservations available for Monday-Thursday nights. 402-441-7094.

"The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs" -- 7 p.m. Feb. 10; 2, 5 p.m. Feb. 4, 11; 2 p.m. Feb. 12, The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St., Omaha. 402-345-4849.

Coming up

Disney Enchanted Tales Film Series -- "Aladdin," 10 a.m., 12:30, 3, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 17-20, Lincoln Grand Theatre. Tickets: $5.

Lincoln Dodgers Grand Slam Pancake Feed -- 7:30 a.m.-noon Feb. 18, Sesotris Shrine Center, Highway 77 and Saltillo Road.

Mighty, Mighty Construction Site Storytime -- 11 a.m. Feb. 18, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5150 O St. and SouthPointe Pavilions locations.

Register

Little Ladies Date Night -- 6-8 p.m. Feb. 24 or 25, Lincoln Children's Museum. Dads, grandpas, uncles, big brothers or any guys who have a special little lady to treat for a night. Members: $20/couple, $5/extra little lady. Non-members: $30/couple, $10/extra little lady. Space limited so register early. 402-477-4000 or lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

Maker Space event -- Robot Dance Off, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Walt Branch Library. Kindergartners through sixth graders work in small teams using Ozoblockly coding software. Seating limited and registration required at 402-441-4460.

Prairie Princess (and Prince) Party -- 1-4 p.m. Feb. 25, College Park, 3180 W. Highway 34 (across from Stuhr Museum), Grand Island. Tea room, "royal" hair and nail studio, games, dance lessons, storytelling, crafts and surprised. Theme: Wizard of Oz. Please dress up. $5/members, $8/non-members. 308-385-5316 or stuhrmuseum.org.

"Gulliver's Travels" drama camp -- for kindergarten through sixth graders, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 13-18, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2110 Sheridan Blvd. Produced in partnership with Missoula Children's Theatre. Space limited. Register at westminsterlincoln.org.


Huawei, in collaboration with MTN Ghana, has launched the Huawei Mate 9 smartphone onto the Ghanaian market.

The smartphone is powered by the latest generation self-made System-on-a-Chip (SoC), Kirin 960, which is 180 percent better than its predecessor in graphic performance, providing users with a better gaming experience.

In a statement, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of MTN Ghana Asher Khan, said Huawei has always provided the mobile phone market with smart yet affordable phones, and the Mate 9 is no exception.

He indicated that MTN Ghana chose the Huawei Mate 9 device for its many suitable features which would provide MTN customers with an exceptional level of experience on the MTN network.

According to him, with Huawei Mate 9 on the market, subscribers can watch movies with exceptional picture quality.

He assured customers of the preparedness of MTN Ghana to bringing more of such innovations and fruitful partnerships.

The Director for Huawei Devices, West Africa, Eric Long, disclosed that the Huawei Mate 9 is unarguably the smartest phone in the world.

He was of the hope that the partnership with MTN Ghana would ultimately benefit customers.

He noted that the Mate 9 operates on Android system 7.0 and meets the needs of the Ghanaian consumers.

The Huawei Mate 9 phone is being sold at GH2,000 and can be pre-ordered in all MTN shops in Accra.

By Ernest Amartey Pappoe-Amartei




Minister for Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, yesterday hosted two delegations from the French and British Embassies to discuss issues related to the country's educational sector.

The two envoys and the educational minister discussed existing technical and policy support to the country's educational sector.

Dr. Opoku-Prempeh acknowledged the task ahead of him in pushing the educational agenda of Ghana forward.

French Envoy

The Ambassador of France to Ghana, Francois Pujolas, in his remarks, highlighted the important role Ghana plays in regional integration to promote peace and development.

He, however, noted the importance of the French language to Ghana's development in the sub-region.

Touching on French literacy in Ghana, Ambassador Pujolas said Ghana has improved in incorporating the French language into its educational system but disclosed that there was room for improvement.

He said the two countries signed an agreement last year to provide support for three educational components, adding that the French Government would do everything possible to boost bilateral cooperation with Ghana.

We are committed to improving cooperation at the bilateral level but also at the multilateral level, he declared.

On his part, Dr. Opoku-Prempeh, acknowledged the critical role language plays in bilateral relations, adding that President Akufo-Addo intends to promote the French language in the country as part of his foreign policy.

As a result, it's the vision of the ministry that the learning of French would begin from the basic level where the child can easily grasp the language, he added.

He said the country needs more support to fully integrate the French language by training qualified French teachers for the basic level and providing teaching and learning materials to supplement efforts of teachers.

British Envoy

During the meeting with Jon Benjamin, British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Opoku-Prempeh commended the British people, stressing the critical role education plays in national development.

We are proud to be one of Ghana's main donor partners in general but specifically in the educational sector where contribution through various projects is around 10m from basic level, he said.

He observed that the British government intends to continue its partnership, particularly through policy design and technical advice to rightly reflect Ghana's development path.

We are looking forward to complementing Ghana's educational portfolio, he added.

Dr. Opoku-Prempeh, on behalf of president, thanked the British people for their support over the years and prayed that it continues.

This is the time of need, and we want our friends to be with us as we strive to improve the quality of education in the country, he said.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri


The data presented in the recently published hospitality report on the Nigerian hospitality sector by Jumia Travel has finally cleared the air on the argument that Nigeria doesnt have enough tourist destinations to attract peoples interest to spend their holidays in the country instead of traveling to some popular holiday destinations abroad. Its fair to say that without the economic woes that plagued the country last year which placed lots of pressure on peoples spending habit, no one would have fully understood how much the country can generate from the tourism sector.

Meanwhile, the 2014 & 2015 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports indicated that domestic travel had always contributed more than two-third of tourisms contribution to the countrys GDP. For instance, in 2014, domestic travel spending generated 95.8% of direct Travel & Tourism GDP compared with 4.2% for international visitor exports (money spent by foreign visitors to a country), and was forecast to grow by 2.7% in 2015 to NGN2, 544.3bn. In 2015, domestic travel increased slightly to 97% while international visitor export went below 4%. Despite the huge revenue generated in the last 3 years, the tourism sector doesnt seem to reflect this massive income. There are two reasons why this is so.

First, the revenue generated primarily reflects the activities of industries such as hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services (excluding commuter services). But it also included, for example, the activities of the restaurant and leisure industries directly supported.

Second, there was an indirect contribution which encompassed the GDP and the jobs supported by travel & tourism investment spending  an important aspect of both current and future activity that includes investment activity such as the purchase of new aircraft and construction of new hotels; Government 'collective' spending, which helps travel & tourism activity in many different ways as it is made on behalf of the community at large  e.g. tourism marketing and promotion, aviation, administration, security services, resort area security services, resort area sanitation services, etc; Domestic purchases of goods and services by the sectors dealing directly with tourists - including, for example, purchases of food and cleaning services by hotels, of fuel and catering services by airlines, and IT services by travel agents. The induced contribution measures the GDP and jobs supported by the spending of those who are directly or indirectly employed by the Travel & Tourism sector.

Bruce Prins, a renowned hospitality consultant for over two decades shares fascinating trends that will shape the sector in 2017 (this year). More recreational facilities and services will be required; better reservation systems that are 24 hours and easy to action will be the deal-breaker; ease or disease of air travel will affect everything; renovation and maintenance will make a hotel, and the lack thereof will break a hotel; and social media is, and will be even more so the most powerful marketing tool, stated Mr Bruce.

The current President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr. Bankole Bernard offered some suggestions on how to take the travel and tourism sector to the next level. In his prescription, he mentioned four major quick fixes; government endorsement of policies that favor the industry in terms of forex request from CBN; aviation fuel supply to ease operations within the industry; improved infrastructure at airport terminals; and privatization of the aviation industry. According to him, once all of these are implemented, the sector will grow unstoppably.

There are also some insightful data on the state of e-tourism in the country. First, Nigeria is among the leading countries with the highest smartphone penetration in Africa. In 2016, there were 15.5 million smartphone users in Nigeria.

Second, the success of e-commerce in the country can also be a consequent of the increase in the number of smartphone users, which is forecast to reach 18 million users in 2017.

Third, internet penetration stood at 52% (97, 210,000) of the countrys population (186,879,760) as at June 2016.

Fourth, e-commerce is estimated to be worth US $13billion by 2018. However, the country is still lagging behind African countries such as Morocco, Egypt, and Kenya.

Fifth, globally, the number of hotel bookings made online stand at 148.3 million while the percentage of same day hotel reservations via smartphone stand at 65%.
I am inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa because all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours  whereas all the testing says not really. I hope that everyone is equal but people who have to deal with black employees find this not trueYou should not discriminate on the basis of colour, because there are many people of colour who are very talented, but don't promote them when they haven't succeeded at the lower level.

__Prof James Dewey Watson

I have had the opportunity to indulge myself in observing a little bit of the vetting of the new nominees for ministerial appointments. I have also been listening to bits and pieces of the terrible horrible immoral and criminal fraud committed by the corrupt and incompetent John Dramani Mahama NDC administration and the cohort of unpatriotic public officers put in charge of state institutions from excerpts of the transition report as transmitted by the news media. From the shameful criminal acts of outright theft of state properties like vehicles and household furniture to the needless madness of injury time public service appointments through to idiotic questions by the minority of the ministerial nominees, one should not be afraid of being branded a racist for being an apostle of Ptof. James Watson. For the first former citizen of the nation and his party men to brazenly and callously attempt to misappropriate state property put in their charge including a presidential mansion and a chain of expensive luxurious limousines and then turn round to publicly chastise the actions of the security and the present government to retrieve those expensive vehicles stolen from the nation's garages by his party men and political appointees is not only an insult too many but smacks of act of madness.

One can discern an act of vindictiveness and foolishness in the stand taken by many of the minority members in the type of questions they posed at the ministerial vetting. He who is a fool and knows not that he is a fool is a big one, tell him. From her answers, Madam Otiko proved beyond all reasonable doubt that her pre-election description of the former president was apt. That woman deserves a national award. Indeed it is not only the pre-election acts but also the post-election acts of the former president which make an underestimation the apt description of him by Madam Otiko. Is it part of life that one should always be at peace with close relations? I do not have any doubt in my mind that there could be some members of the minority who are not on talking terms with the women they stay with under the same roof. For the minority to ask questions about SADA and how the present government was going to pay off the DKM debts was not only foolish and idiotic but also self-indictment of the criminal acts of the corrupt, incompetent and greedy John Dramani Mahama NDC administration.

I am beginning to believe that the former president commissioned the construction of the supposedly vice-presidential mansion at that colossal amount of over US$18 million for his own official use and eventual misappropriation for his private use at the end of his term of office.. Had he won the 2016 elections, he would have moved into the newly completed vice-presidential mansion and got his sycophantic party members in parliament to approve the place as part of his retirement benefit under the criminal and callous article 71 of the 1992 Republican Constitution. It is much wonder that the NDC apparatchiks feel no shame and still have the courage and effrontery to appear on FM and TV stations and hold press conferences spewing out insults, lies and propaganda while behaving like well-fed pigs spoiling for a romantic dalliance in spite of all the carnage they caused to the good people of this country.

When Prof. Watson made the statement quoted above, he stood on solid grounds of scientific research. That set the whiteman apart from the blackman. When the colonial masters were booted out of this country, they had the opportunity to take everything out of the country. However, interestingly, they left behind among other valuable assets a tidy amount of foreign reserves which if they had behaved like the former president and his criminal cohorts, they would have misappropriated it for their own use. So one major difference which flows from Prof. Watson's observation between the whiteman and the blackman is that while the educated whiteman in leadership position will feed you well so that you have enough energy before he uses you as a foot stool, the educated blackman in leadership position will starve you to near death and use you as a foot stool. In the advanced democracies, the rich enter politics to make names for themselves. In the jungle of the underdeveloped world, the poor enter politics to become filthy rich while the rich enters politics to add to their riches by looting the nation's resources.

Today, a French judge has ordered former president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy to stand trial in an illegal finance case. Mr. Sarkozy faces accusation that his party falsified accounts in order to hide 18 million euros of campaign spending in 2012. I have said it at a public forum that one day when we get a government in this country serious and desirous about fighting corruption, an independent public prosecutor will drag the former president to court to answer charges among others on the US$100,000 Ford Expedition bribe he received from a Burkinabe contractor. While I wait for that to happen, I will be keeping my fingers crossed to witness the day criminal and callous provisions in the 1992 Republican Constitution dealing with the Council of State (chapter 9) and Determination of Certain Emoluments (article 71) and some aspects of chapter 8  the Executive and chapter 10,  the Legislature shall be expunged from the Constitution. The Constitution is laden with too many provisions which make it possible for the greedy bastards who permeate every aspect of our national life in charge of national affairs to commit legal corruption and get away with it; a legacy based on the findings of Prof. James Watson.

BY Kwame Gyasi

E-mail: [email protected]
Khartoum (AFP) - A veteran Swiss archaeologist has unearthed three temples in Sudan built thousands of years ago, a discovery he says promises to throw new light on Africa's buried ancient past.

The round and oval shaped structures dating from 1,500 to 2,000 BC were found late last year not far from the famed archaeological site of Kerma in northern Sudan.

Charles Bonnet, 83, considered a master student of Sudan's rich archeological heritage, told AFP that the sites unearthed during recent digs were unlike anything so far discovered.

"This architecture is unknown ... there is no example in central Africa or in the Nile Valley of this architecture," Bonnet said as he wrapped up his months-long excavation.

The temples were found at Dogi Gel -- "Red Hill" -- located just several hundred metres from Kerma, where Bonnet and his team have been digging for decades.

"At Kerma the architecture is square or rectangular shaped... and here just a kilometre away we have round structures," he said.

"We don't know of many round temples in the world... we don't have examples to compare."

Bonnet, a wine grower in his youth, believes the treasure trove of three temples offer a never-before-seen insight into African ancient history, a subject that has always challenged researchers.

"Nobody knows this architecture... It's completely new," Bonnet said, adding that the new structures did not resemble Egyptian or Nubian architecture -- two ancient archaeological influences in the region.

"There are no roots today in Africa and we have to find these roots... this is the secret of Africa."

'Discovering a new world'

Bonnet, who has been peeling back layers from the ancient kingdom of Kerma (2,500 to 1,500 BC) for decades, is credited with showing that Sudan was not merely a satellite of neighbouring Egypt and its wealth of ancient relics.

Years ago he unearthed the seven "black pharaohs" granite statues of Sudan's Nubian rulers near the banks of the Nile.

Nubia was home to some of Africa's earliest kingdoms and was known for its rich deposits of gold, ivory and ebony.

During this latest dig, Bonnet said, he also discovered "enormous fortifications" at Dogi Gel, an indication that much more awaits to be discovered at the site.

"That means this part of the world was defended by a coalition, probably of the king of Kerma with people coming from Darfur and from central Sudan" against ancient Egyptians, who were interested in controlling trade and commerce in central Africa.

Bonnet, whose excavation work in Sudan spans more than 50 years, hopes his new discoveries could help unlock some of the continent's oldest mysteries.

"We are discovering a new world and this is the African world," he said, still baffled by what made ancient Egyptians who colonised Nubia maintain these temples.

With more and more archaeologists expressing interest in north Sudan's Nile Valley, where the Kushite kingdom flourished between present day Khartoum and the Egyptian border, Bonnet is convinced many kingdoms still lay buried.

"This country is enormous, it's the heart of Africa with many influences coming from the Red Sea, from Darfur and from Kordofan," he said.

"We have here extraordinary history of the world, maybe after some years we will have Sudanology as strong as Egyptology."
10.02.2017 LISTEN

I have read with keen interest the recent publication made by the NYA captioned Nzema Youth Association protest against Dr. Ben Asante's Imminent Appointment as CEO of Ghana Gas.

I find this developed impression of the supposed lobbying allegation made by this youth group quite interesting if not amazing. I also have serious difficulty in how people can push falsehood to mean truth.

Of what great benefit would this small youth group have done for the people of Nzema if they had duly checked and deservingly given an objective truth?

As is rightly politicised, the purpose of any kind of appointment to a position comes with an equally informed criterion that has to be carried over by the appointee. The appointer having realised the potential and qualities so desired would naturally then exercise discretionary powers to institute action of the appointment.

It is so confirmed when it comes to the affairs of the State as well. Power is vested in the President of the Republic in consultation with its Hierarchy and Councils as enshrined in the constitution do critical scrutiny on its appointees, and when confirmed made to manage positions for and on behalf of the State whether political or otherwise.

The issue of the appointment of a CEO for Ghana Gas Company naturally followed same. The appointment of Dr. Ben K D Asante in my opinion is a perfect one exercised by the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo. I am pretty sure its the same process if not a more stringent and rigid one taking into consideration the sensitiveness of the position involved.

In the portrayed statements made by the concerned citizens, it is important to take these statements one after another with the indicated responses.

[.NDC mole and technically bankrupt.]

Dr Ben Asante is a consummate professional who is well respected for his contributions to the international gas community and academia and do not represent politicking before commitment to work.

[brought in from Texas in 2010 by the NDC government..to help kick start the Early Phase Gas Infrastructure Project]

Dr Asantes immense contribution to the nascent Ghanaian gas industry started in 2007, (not 2010) when he initiated and developed the first Gas Master Plan for the country in 2008 right after the discovery of Oil and Gas in commercial quantities in Ghana. Between 2008 - 2011, he was out of the country but was later recruited by GNPC in May 2011to assist with the implementation of Ghanas first gas project, which had three key project components - offshore pipeline, onshore pipeline and gas processing plant. He was one of three technical directors, and his primary responsibility was the offshore pipeline.

[..decision to relocate gas plant]

The decision to relocate the gas plant had nothing to do with Dr. Asante whose mandate was the offshore pipeline. I would find the allegation propagated in this relocation hugely absurd if not irrelevant. How possible would it have been for Dr. Asante whose mandate and responsibility was the offshore pipeline to have influenced and masterminded the changed decisions to relocate the Early Phase Gas Infrastructure Project from the Domunli enclave to Atuabo. Of what capacity and power did he have to effect that change, when both the previous Minister of Energy and CEO of Ghana Gas come from the Ellembelle area? Furthermore, GNPC original choice was Atuabo, before Bonyere, then eventually settled on Atuabo. He simply had nothing to do with that.

[.extend the lean gas pipeline..]

Just like the above, spread of falsehood on Dr. Asante has been the brand of his detractors. Dr Asante

was on secondment (2015 - 2017) to the Energy Ministry. How could he have then caused the said extension of the lean gas pipeline to the supposed No Man's Land" in the Prestea area which was installed in 2016.

[..cost overruns]

The project management consultants (PMC) who were managing the project will tell you that any perceived overruns had little to do with technical issues and more to do with financing and timely disbursement of funds. In any case, let me ask the youth association if they really found out the true course of the supposed Ghana Gas huge cost over-runs if there ever was?

[LPG loading gantry]

Dr Asante had nothing to do with it.



[. Petroleum commission].

Dr Asante has never worked at the Petroleum Commission.

I would find myself in a more comfortable position if I can unravel some difficulties in this whole publication. Permit me to ask these few questions:

Are we or did we anticipate/envisage the Presidents appointments to be on tribal lines rather than qualification and experience?

Are we talking about noise making as performance instead of competency?

Are the youth not showing disrespect in telling the President that hes not done what is right and expected?

Is this small group of people from Jomoro saying that they have better eyes and insights to see through than the President and the party Hierarchy which had spent sleepless nights scrutinizing and putting nominations together to represent quality over fame?

When did projects in Nzema become statutory stools and seats supposedly meant to be occupied by Nzemas in successive manner.

Did the youth group know Dr. Sipa Yankey and Hon. Armah Buah only accommodated Dr. Asante because his expertise was critically needed?

Would a genuine party youth get manipulated to fight and sabotage the very person they helped in voting into power?

In any case, may we ask what happens to areas where there are massive installations but non-indigenes are made to man such? Has there been hue and cry from those areas? (*Hue And Cry: A clamour of alarm or protest).

Lets face the act of truism and ask what kind of impression we want to create? Have we thought about the imminent chaotic platform we are mounting for trouble to stand on and destroy?

Did Dr Asante play roles in Anorkyi Quantum Terminal set-up as alleged? No.

Interesting as it is, the plotters and schemers behind this whole move are not real Nzema youths. I am staring deep into the eyes of some greedy power hungry individuals well-known who are pushing for their own crony and agenda because they believe in the era of loot and share as against President Nana Addos principles of making life comfortable through appointing quality hands to support his developmental agenda. What Ghana Gas really need are competent and loyal professionals who will serve their country in their respective designated capacities.

Folks, having set the records straight, and you all attesting to the fact that you have nothing against Dr. Asante; I strongly believe that you would rather be affirming positive recommendations for him to graciously put into motion the Presidents agenda for the people of Nzemaland.

It is finally worth mentioning with great emphasis placed on record that the President didnt need Dr. Ben K D Asantes lobbying to make him the CEO of Ghana Gas. Dr. Asante didnt need to do antics and machinations to implore His Excellency Nana Addo to cave in to his lobbying if there was any. Dr. Ben Asante is an astute Petro-chemical Engineer with specialty in natural gas and as such highly and competently qualifies to handle Ghana Gas that is why the President considered him.

Background of Dr. Ben K D Asante.

Dr. Asante is a product of Mfantsipim School, and holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering (KNUST, Ghana) and MSc in Chemical Engineering (University of Calgary, Canada). He completed a dissertation on Multiphase (Oil and Gas) Flow and obtained a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College, London/University of Calgary. Dr Asante is a board certified Professional Engineer. He has published 15 technical papers and made over 80 technical presentations within and outside North America on Oil/Gas Infrastructure Design and Operations.

He is a world-renowned Oil and Gas professional with more than 25 years of experience. He has worked for major Operating Companies as well as Engineering Consulting companies in Canada, US and Ghana in various technical and management roles. Dr. Asante has also provided engineering services, project management, and technical support for various projects throughout the world including Abu Dhabi (UAE), Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and USA. He has also provided consulting services to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) and provides expert witness testimonies on gas custody transfer disputes in respected law courts.

He also developed the Gas Infrastructure Master Plan for Ghana working with the Energy Commission/Ministry of Energy in 2008. He was one of only five Africans invited by the US Department of Energy to contribute to the writing of a book on Natural Gas and LNG.Addthis

Dr. Asante also taught Gas Processing and Pipeline Engineering at Imperial College, London, UK and at the School of Engineering at KNUST.

Be objective as possible before you head to a conviction that leads you nowhere.
OPEN LETTER

Mr. President, you are welcome from your trip to Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia where you attended the ordinary session of Assembly of the African Union (AU). Your presentation at the Summit was excellent. You gave a mouthful. The nation is proud to have you as President.

Mr. President, the Coalition of Youth Against Propaganda (CYAP) is one of the several volunteer groups affiliated to the NPP which played vital role to get the party elected into office.

His Excellency, literally, it is said in our local parlance that, a contractor does not know his road is not straight until he or she is told, therefore synonymously you could be likened to that contractor. You need us to remind you when you are getting something wrong.

Mr. President, it is important that your attention is drawn to some sad events which occurred in 2008 when the New Patriotic Party lost power to the National Democratic Congress. It is an open secret that, members of our party who were employed on the very social intervention programmes we initiated were dismissed without remorse by the National Democratic Congress. Hence replicating same will not be a bad idea.

To cite further example, Ghanaians who were employed into the civil and public services, but were suspected to have affiliation with our party were equally transferred, dismissed and unfairly treated the same year we lost the election.

Mr. President, you may recall that there were reported cases of our women who had the opportunity to gain contract on the school feeding programme which is under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, had their contracts revoked or abrogated by the erstwhile administration of the National Democratic Congress in 2008. These women who worked as caterers of the school feeding programme made livelihood and become bread winners, but were denied the opportunity to continue their source of livelihood to feed their dependants and family. Some of these women died out of shock. What is more painful than this? Certainly there is nothing.

Mr. President, there were so many bitter experiences the then ruling NDC took our party members through eight

(8) years ago. The NDC took seizure of everything that belongs to the state which had our party members working there. They have no basis to cry foul that, they are being dismissed from public offices simply because they lack the moral good will and justification.

Your Excellency, you are very much aware that, the volunteer groups campaigned immensely for our great party across the length and breadth of the country which led to the historic victory of our party, therefore the members of the volunteer groups are in much anticipation that they will get jobs to do in the NPP administration lead by you. Their efforts as volunteers cannot be under estimated.

Mr. President, there is a saying that charity begins at home, therefore you are to ensure that policies that will create more jobs for these volunteers are enrolled as soon as possible. The existing jobs which are congested by known faces who are NDC members need to be told in the face to move out to allow volunteers to occupy such jobs.

When we allow members of the NDC to continue to occupy such positions which were once occupied by our party faithfuls, but for the sake of politics they were dismissed by the NDC, they will continue to sabotage your administration particularly as our party plan to win the 2020 election beginning from this year by delivering on our key promises.

Mr. President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo, our humble appeal to you and the party hierarchy is that the decision to allow the NDC members to work on the very social intervention programme we initiated and other key government sectors should be reconsider to build confidence in our volunteers and Ghanaians as a whole. This will prevent NDC members from impeding our progress.

Finally, Mr. President, the volunteers, party members, sympathisers and supporters expect jobs from you as soon as possible. This should be given the needed attention to prevent any possible attacks on your government.

Thank you.

Signed on behalf of the group by:

T.D (Convener)

(0508121418)
An unprecedented confusion has rocked Ghanas delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, bringing about what some members are calling international embarrassment to the country.

The troubles followed the refusal of Fred Opare Ansah, NPP MP for Suhum, to step down as a Member of the regional legislature.

The Suhum MP has been a member of the ECOWAS Parliament until the Majority NPP Leadership in Ghanas Legislature reconstituted the Ghanaian delegation to Abuja in a recent statement published by the Ghanaian media.

The reconstituted Ghanaian delegation, which does not include the Suhum MP, has Majority Chief Whip, Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, as leader.

Members of the delegation are O.B Amoah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwapim South, Ama Pomaah Boateng Andoh MP for Juaben, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Effutu MP, Kwabena Appiah-Pinkrah member for Akrofuom.

The rest are member for Anlo, Clement Kofi Humado, Mahama Ayariga, Bawku Central MP, Sampson Ahi, MP for Bodi, and the Majority Chief Whip Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, MP for Sunyani East.

Sources say the decision to reconstitute the delegation was taken without any formal communication to the Suhum MP.

When the Abuja-based Legislature reopened for business today, the Speaker of the House declined to swear the reconstituted Ghanaian delegation into office because of what sources have called a major confusion over the membership of the delegation.

Ghana has simply been embarrassed today, one source told this writer on the line from Nigerias capital. This is unpardonable; so humiliating and completely unnecessary.

Apparently, Opare Ansah, an existing member of the ECOWAS Parliament, was not informed or consulted by the leadership of the Ghana Parliament before he was dropped from the delegation, another source added.

So he naturally refused to step down when confronted with the list detailing the new membership of the Ghana delegation.

Mr. Opare-Ansahs reported refusal to step down meant that Ghanas delegation exceeded the number allocated the country.

Ghana has eight seats in the ECOWAS Parliament. By Opare Ansahs refusal to buck down the Ghana delegation jumped to 9, a situation that made it impossible for the authorities here in Abuja to admit the team from Accra, a delegate from another West African country told this writer via phone.

Insiders say the level of embarrassment provoked by the confusion over the membership of the Ghanaian delegation forced Efutu MP, Alex Afenyo-Markin, to offer to sacrifice his position on the delegation.

Afenyo-Markin has elected to sacrifice himself just to save Ghana further international embarrassment. It was so bad that the Speaker announced on the floor that he could not swear in the Ghanaian Delegation, another source close to the situation in Abuja said via phone.

Sources say despite the Efutu MPs bold and patriotic decision to pull out of the delegation, the authorities in Abuja are insisting on further clarifications from Accra before swearing the Ghana delegation into office.

When contacted via phone, Afenyo Markin declined to confirm or deny the reports. At the time of filing this report, Fred Opare Ansah was not available for comment.



By: citifmonline.com/Ghana
10.02.2017 LISTEN

A total of 153 persons in the New Patriotic party (NPP) in the Western Region, have applied to contest for the position of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives in the 22 MMDAs.

This was after the NPP in the region backed down on an earlier decision to select only three shortlisted candidates from each MMDA to the presidency for final determination.

The decision to open it out to every member of the party was reached when the party realized that the disaffection at the grassroots level could cost the party's electoral fortunes in the next election Charles Bissue, Regional Secretary of the NPP told Citi News.

Out of the 153, only 8 are females. 3 out of the 8 females, namely Yaa Pokuaa Baiden, Agartha Mensah and Ethel P. Eshun, are contesting with 10 other males for the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly slot, whiles Mrs. Dorcas Elizabeth Amoah, and Naana Sanzah Erza are contesting with five other men for the Nzema East Municipal Assembly.

The rest are Mrs. Martha Kwayie Manu, Helena Appiah, and Henrietta Mary Eyison, eyeing the Juaboso, Amenfi East and the Ahanta West districts respectively.

Sefwi Wiawso Municipal tops the list

The Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal has the highest number of 17 persons contesting for the MCE role.

The 17, whose professional background ranges from educationists, bankers, and contractors among others, are undergoing vetting, after which 3 finalists will be selected and presented to the presidency.

It is followed by the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly with 13 contestants. The 13 includes the regional secretary of the NPP, Charles Nanabanyin Onuawonto Cromwell Bissue, and two other lawyers.

The Prestea-Huni Valley District is third with 12 contenders. The Wassa East district however had only one person, the Chief Executive Officer of Skyy Media Group, Wilson Arthur as the contestant.

The vetting of all the contestants done by 2 members from the NPP's national vetting committee in collaboration with the regional council of elders, is expected to be completed on Thursday February 9, 2017.



By: Obrempong Yaw Ampofo/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Ghanas Disability Law, 2006 (Act 715) was passed in 2006, aimed at ending the discrimination that faces people with disabilities but the ten-year moratorium given by the Act for old buildings to be renovated to disability-friendly status has indeed not been met.

It is worth noting that about ten percent of Ghanas population are Persons with Disability (PWD). Although their rights are guaranteed both by Ghanas Constitution and by International Conventions, in reality these provisions have offered them very little actual protection against discrimination.

People with disabilities in Ghana are often regarded as unproductive and incapable of contributing in a positive way to society. Instead of being viewed as assets, they are rather seen as constituting an economic burden on the family and the society at large, which leaves them in a vicious cycle of poverty.

But the assertion seems to be false as there are numerous PWDs, who have climbed the ladder to the pride of many Ghanaians, with special mentions to the Minister of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Henry Seidu Daanaa; Mr. Ivan Greenstreet, Presidential candidate of the Convention Peoples party (CPP); Mr. Ben Quarshie, retired Director of Finance at the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare, who despite their disabilities, had shown that there was no glass ceiling for people with disability.

Mr. Quarshie single handedly donates sewing machines to support the students of the St. Theresa School for the Physical challenged at Abor in the Volta Region, as way of encouraging them that disability is indeed inability and to express the feeling that there is a lot PWDs can do to support each other and society at large.

Many Ghanaians including Parliamentarians who passed the Law have expressed disquiet on the continued observance of customary norms and practices that were inimical to the inclusion of persons with disability in society despite the passage of the Persons with Disability Act (Act 715).

It is time that society breached the physical, socio-cultural, attitudinal and economic impediments that hindered the inclusion of people with disability in national developmental.

Contributing to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2013, Ghanas Members of Parliament held that society should be guided by the principle and conviction that the quality of life for people with disabilities will flow from useful collaborations with them, and urged a closer interface to guarantee meaningful opportunities that promote independence and self-sufficiency for them (People with Disabilities).

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities falls on December 3, every year, aimed at promoting an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to create awareness of gains to be derived from integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

In Ghana over the years, disabled peoples Organisations have kept up the profile of the Disability Bill through annual celebrations such as International Disability Day and Human Rights Day.

In fact, at the International Disability Day celebrations in 2005, the Minister of Manpower Development and Employment confirmed the governments commitment to disability issues, and declared the year 2006 as Year of Action on Disability.

In developing countries, there are rarely strong disability movements actively working to improve the living conditions for people living with disabilities. Disabled persons are often only weakly represented in civil society and Ghana is no exception.

To help protect their rights, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in December 2006. The Convention and an additional optional Protocol are intended to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities.

Rights protected under the Act

The Persons with Disability Act itself contains more than 60 sections. The

sections discuss topics which range from the Rights of Persons with Disability to the Establishment and Functions of National Council on Persons with Disability and the Administrative and Financial Provisions.

In addition to this, there are numerous international instruments which protect the rights of persons with disability. These laws are long, complex and could easily confuse the general population.

A multimillion question that could be asked is what rights of a person with disability are protected under the Act? The right to a family life and right to participate in social, creative or recreational activities; the prohibition of differential treatment for residential purposes, the right to the same living conditions as persons without disability when persons with disability are placed in special institutions; no exploitation, abuse, discrimination or disrespect to persons with disability, appropriate facilities when involved in court proceedings; and access to public places.

The Bill which was first drafted in 2002 and went through to 60 amendments during this four year period (2002-2006) finally went through with the blessing of both the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament.

The Bill aims to provide disabled people with: Accessibility to all public places, Equal employment opportunities, Transportation at free or reduced costs, free, general and specialist medical care, the creation of desks specifically for disabled people at employment centres and a National Council on Persons with Disability to oversee the implementation of national programmes aimed at disabled people.

The Act offers a legal framework to protect the rights of physically and mentally disabled persons in all areas of life, from education, training and employment to physical access and health care.

It is also intended to promote the creation of an environment that will advance the economic well-being of disabled people and enable them to function better. But ten years after passing the Bill into Law, one would ask how it had been beneficial to the beneficiaries.

Disability-friendly facilities

Parliament enacted the Persons with Disability Act 2006, (Act 715), which stipulates that within the period of ten years of passing of the law, that is by 2016, those who provide services at public places must make it easy for PWDs, by providing appropriate facilities that make the place accessible to and available for use by them.

Consequently, the Act directed that from 2006, any other public or private building, to which the public will have access to, should be built to be accessible to and available for use by a person with disability. Now, what that simply means is that, there should be a ramp purposely to facilitate access to the building by wheelchair users.

Section 6 of the Act, stipulates that the owner or occupier of a place to which the public has access shall provide appropriate facilities that make the place accessible to and available for use by a Person with Disability.

Section 7 of the Act also stipulates that a person who provides service to the public shall put in place the necessary facilities that make the service available and accessible to a Person with Disability. Section 39 under the Miscellaneous Provisions of the Act indicates that a person or institution which organises a national, regional or district activity, shall as far as practicable ensure that facilities are made available for the participation in the activity by persons with disability.

Apart from the Act making provisions on facilities and its accessibility, it also captures the requirement for persons with disability to have access to education; thereby tasking the Ministry of Education to provide the necessary facilities and equipment in learning institutions.

Also, if the building is a storey-building, it is required that there should also be an elevator to convey a person with disability to whichever floor. In terms of services, sign-language interpreter and Braille are also required. Interestingly, Churches in Ghana, have flouted this law in many instances since there are no sign-language interpreters seen there.

Many Ghanaians find it very sad that ten years into the passage of the PWD Act, the state was finding it difficult to implement the law. What would the state expect from other sections of society that should also provide those facilities to people with disability?

Ten years after the enacting of the Disability Law, it is unfortunate that Ghana still has the challenge of finding measures to remove all artificial barriers that prevented the physically challenged from accessing public building and facilities.

It is imperative for government and institutions work to together to provide ramps and elevators or lifts in public places to enable access by the physically challenged but we must also remember that it was not the responsibility of government alone to champion this cause but all Ghanaians.

The quality of a society is determined by how it treated and dealt with its most vulnerable citizens. It is unfortunate that in our Society, we feel ashamed of the physically disabled in our homes and hide them for fear of ridicule or mockery.

But if we bring our physically challenged children and relations into the open, this will enable us get the needed help for them in either righting their disability or of helping them gain enhancements for their residual capabilities.

There was the need to respect the human rights of every person regardless of the individuals status in life be they physically challenged or whole, and also need to acknowledge diversity, eradicate poverty and ensure that all people were fully included and they could actively participate in the development process and activities.

Personally having associated myself with and participated in activities of PWDs, I think Parliamentarians who enacted the law have failed in ensuring that public buildings in Ghana are accessible to all including persons with disabilities by 2016.

According to the Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs. Dela Sowah, during the Graduation Ceremony of the St. Theresa School for the Physically Challenged at Abor on July 17, 2015, the Government of Ghana was committed to the promotion and protection of the rights of People Living with disability to live within their communities and ensure the equalization of opportunities.

It is imperative for government and institutions work together to provide ramps and elevators or lifts in public places to enable access by the physically challenged. Ghanaians need to ensure equality by treating all subjects with rights who are capable of playing useful roles in society and contributing their quota towards our development.

All hands must be on deck to support the Ghana government in promoting the welfare of these institutions and others like them. The physically challenge in Ghana have indeed celebrated success, victory and triumph over all forms of societal discrimination and segregation on persons with disabilities.

Without any doubt, the physically challenge need to be supported to celebrate their contribution towards human development and her indebtedness to humanity irrespective of socio - economic, cultural, political affiliation, physical and psychological status.

The National Council

In 2013, a National Council on Persons with Disability was inaugurated with the mandate of developing modalities for raising funds to facilities its activities and mandated to pursue and promote a better Ghana experience for the estimated 20 per cent of the nations population with disability.

The Council is also mandated by section 42 of Act 715 to develop policies and strategies to facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in the national development process.

The Council members were Prof. Gyimah Boadi, Chairperson, (Centre for Democratic Governance); Dr. Akwesi Osei, Ministry of Health Representative; Mr. Sampson Nii Trebi, Department of Social Welfare; Mr. Humphrey Koffie, Mental Health Society of Ghana; Nana Yaa Agyeman, ShareCare Ghana and Mrs. Gertrude Oforiwaa Fefoame, Sightsavers Ghana.

The rest were Ms. Patience Opoku, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Ms. Emma Lilian Bruce-Lyle, Federation of Persons with Disability; Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell, Parish Priest of Christ the King Catholic Church, Mr. Divine Ayidzoe, Ministry of Education and Mr. Max Varden, Executive Secretary for Council of Persons with Disability.

My worry is that why the Council should be inaugurated after seven years of the enactment of the law (2006-2013). What special role could they have played between 2013 and 2016 to meet the ten- year moratorium given by the Act for old buildings to be renovated to disability-friendly?

But interestingly, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Nana Oye Lithur, during the inauguration of the board said, there was a need for prioritisation of the councils mandates and among those was the amendment of the Disability Act 2006.

The Minister said the amendment would not only conform to the Councils international obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities but would ensure that the needs of the Ghanaian with disability were addressed in accordance with the new mandate given to the gender ministry.

She said there was also an urgent need to develop a plan to secure access to services where there was a communication challenge, in the case of persons with hearing impairment.

Conclusion

The implementation of the Disability Act could be linked to the total development of the country and so the commitment must therefore go beyond platform statements on some special days.

Stakeholders are urged to shed every bias and create the enabling conditions and opportunities for the fruitful integration of people with disability in society. In spite of interventions to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities, there was still a vast disparity between people with and without disabilities.

Majority of people with disabilities still faced various forms of discrimination and was more likely to live in poverty because they were unable to assert their rights. It is noted that there are still barriers and lack of opportunities to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the mainstream society.

Stakeholders must to continue exploring and working to find solutions to challenges that PWDs face. Indeed government must show commitment by providing the budget to pursue programmes and projects to facilitate the process.

It is sad that many private and public institutions in the country are grossly disregarding some provisions in the Act, it is sadder to realise that, the Government, which many would expect should know better, would also decide to disregard the interest of persons with disability, while putting up the promised 200 Community Senior High Schools

It is time the appropriate authorities and the Law Enforcement Agencies ensure that, the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) is enforced, otherwise as the witty saying goes, A law without enforcement is just an advice.
Nebraska brewers are rallying their devout drinkers against a legislative bill they say would damage the state's hopping craft-beer scene.

Supporters of the proposal, including the state's beer distributors, say it would bring regulation of small, local breweries closer in line with that of larger producers such as Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors.

But opponents argue the bill would burden rural breweries and make it nearly impossible for craft brewers across the state to open new taprooms to sell their products.

They've adopted the social-media hashtag #DontKillOurCraft, and Thursday, craft brew fans and brewers from across the state crowded into Lincoln's Blue Blood Brewing Co. for a rally against the bill (LB632).

Similar rallies are planned in other cities in advance of a Monday public hearing on the proposal.

"We, in particular, feel very targeted by this bill," said Cody Schmick, owner of Kinkaider Brewing Co. in Broken Bow.

A pair of controversial provisions  one requiring all beer to be distributed from a wholesaler's warehouse, the other clamping down on brewer-owned taprooms  would hurt Kinkaider's existing operation and wreck its plans for a new taproom and restaurant in downtown Grand Island, Schmick said.

The bill's sponsor, state Sen. Tyson Larson of O'Neill, said his intent is to address constitutional concerns in existing law, which gives local brewers preferential treatment over bigger beer producers.

"I, too, like craft beer," Larson said. However, easing regulation of the craft-brewing industry must be balanced with "protecting the state and the taxpayers of Nebraska from getting sued."

Kinkaider has already secured a lease for the Grand Island space, part of an overall revitalization effort by the city. Schmick said the proposed law change would kill that project.

Another part of the bill would require virtually all beer and hard liquor made in Nebraska to stop at a wholesaler's warehouse before it goes to retail outlets. That would undo a standing Nebraska Liquor Control Commission policy that allows distributors to deliver beer from the state's far-flung craft brewers directly to their local bars and stores, saving them the round trip to a warehouse along Interstate 80.

The change would force Kinkaider to ship its beer 80 miles to Grand Island or 200 miles to Omaha, then back to local retailers in Broken Bow.

Bigger, out-of-state brewers already have their beer distributed through warehouses. They are also prohibited from selling their products to retail customers directly.

The three-tiered arrangement of producers, distributors and retailers is designed to keep national and international brewers from controlling the industry from kettle to keg tap, and to help regulators ensure taxes are properly paid.

Larson's bill includes other changes that were requested by the Liquor Commission, but executive director Hobert Rupe said the commission has "concerns" with the parts related to craft breweries.

"It's not that well of a drafted bill," Rupe said.

The Associated Beverage Distributors of Nebraska, which represents the state's distributors, supports the measure.

The effort here is not to penalize or restrict the growth of Nebraskas craft brewery industry, but rather to create a level playing field for all industry members," the group said in an emailed statement.

"I think the playing field's plenty even," said Schmick.

He said craft beer makes up just 2.5 percent of the market in Nebraska, with the rest coming from bigger brewers. Big producers don't need protection, he said, and applying their rules to in-state startups would stifle small business.

Owners of Lincoln-based brewers Empyrean and Zipline both said the proposed limits on taprooms might hinder their expansion plans.

For Empyrean, the bill could dash its hopes of converting Lincoln's former Meadow Gold plant in the south Haymarket into a new brewing facility, replacing the one at Seventh and Q streets.

That project has been in the works for years, and Empyrean president Eric Schafer said the company is working with the city to rezone the area, has hired an architect and started interior demolition.

And Zipline expects to open a taproom in downtown Omaha this spring, in a space between the Slowdown music club and Film Streams. That's despite a requirement in Larson's bill that any new, brewer-owned taprooms also brew beer themselves, which Zipline's wouldn't.

Empyrean worries the same language in Larson's bill could impact beer sales at Lazlo's next door if it removes the brewing equipment from its existing location.

Both projects bank on an exemption the Legislature created just last year, with a bill that received widespread support and was sponsored by Larson himself.

That measure (LB1105) allowed craft brewers to share beer between as many as five satellite retail locations owned by their label.

Larson said the proposed changes this year are meant to clarify the law and bring it into compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court's 2005 ruling in Granholm v. Heald, which struck down laws in New York and Michigan that allowed in-state wineries to ship wine directly to consumers but barred out-of-state wineries from doing the same.

Zipline co-owner Tom Wilmouth, an attorney and president of the Nebraska Craft Brewers Guild, said he disagrees with Larson's interpretation.

"What we have here is an act that operates wholly within the state of Nebraska and has no impact on interstate commerce," Wilmouth said.

Schafer expects a big crowd of beer lovers will attend Monday's hearing.

"I think it's going to be standing-room-only."
Caritas Ghana, the Non-Governmental Organisation wing of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, on November 14, 2016 outdoored an Assessment Report of Ghanas readiness to implement the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 52-page Report dubbed: Bringing the Sustainable Development Goals to Life in Ghana, assesses Governments commitment and efforts towards successful implementation of the SDGs by highlighting national level structures and initiatives that were useful for sustaining national momentum.

The Report further assesses the level of consultation and involvement of relevant stakeholders like civil society and the Corporate Sector; and identifying the opportunities and gaps in Ghanas efforts towards effective implementation.

The joy of the Catholic Church in this feat is that the Report will contribute towards increasing public awareness about the SDGs and promote civic engagement for their implementation in Ghana. There is no doubt that the citizens awareness about the SDGs is essential for their participation and for expressing a view on the implantation Status.

At the Sustainable Development Goals Summit on September 25, 2015, UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030.

The SDGs, otherwise known as the Global Goals , build on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), eight anti-poverty targets that the world was committed to achieving by 2015.

The SDGs is an attempt to finish the unfinished agenda of the MDGs which were not fully met. The SGDs are also aimed at setting higher goals to eradicate, rather than reduce poverty, and having higher aspirations in terms of meeting obligations for future generations.

The MDGs, adopted in 2000, aimed at an array of issues that included slashing poverty, hunger, disease, gender inequality, and access to water and sanitation. Enormous progress has been made on the MDGs, showing the value of a unifying agenda underpinned by goals and targets. Despite this success, the indignity of poverty has not been ended for all.

The new Global Goals, and the broader sustainability agenda, go much further than the MDGs by addressing the root causes of poverty and the universal need for development that works for all people.

UNDP Administrator, Helen Clark noted: "This agreement marks an important milestone in putting our world on an inclusive and sustainable course. If we all work together, we have a chance of meeting citizens aspirations for peace, prosperity, and wellbeing, and to preserve our planet."

Voices around the world are demanding leadership on poverty, inequality and climate change. To turn these demands into actions, world leaders gathered in September 2015 to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development .

Paul Ladd, Director of the UNDP Team on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, spoke about 2015, a year in which countries were to shape a new development agenda and reach a global agreement on climate change.

The 2030 Agenda comprises 17 new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or Global Goals , which will guide policy and funding for the next 15 years, beginning with a historic pledge to end poverty.

The concept of the SDGs was born at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, in 2012. The objective was to produce a set of universally applicable goals that balances the three dimensions of sustainable development: environmental, social, and economic.

The Global Goals replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) , which in September 2000 rallied the world around a common 15-year agenda to tackle the indignity of poverty.

The MDGs established measurable, universally-agreed objectives for eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, preventing deadly but treatable disease, and expanding educational opportunities to all children, among other development imperatives.

At its Millennium Development Goals Summit held in September 2010, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) considered it necessary to begin to think of a new global development framework to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which expired in 2015.

Since then, a series of processes have been launched aimed at creating a new global development framework. The two most important processes were those led by the Open Working Group (OWG) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and those led by the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Financing for Sustainable Development (ICEFSD).

While the OWGs focus was to propose a set of development goals for consideration by the UNGA, the ICEFSD was required to propose a set of approaches to raise the needed financial resources for implementation of the MDGs successor-the SDGs.

The OWG released a set of 17 goals and 169 targets in July 2014. In September 2014, the UNGA accepted to integrate the SDGs as proposed by the OWG into the post-2015 development Agenda. These goals were finalized and adopted by the UNGA in September 2015.

Ghana and SDGs

As a member of the OWG and having participated in two UN-led national level consultations, Ghana has played a significant role in defining the post-2015 Global Development Agenda. In Ghana, prior to the agreement, statements have been made by senior government officials on Ghanas positions and/or priorities in relation to the SDGs.

Ms. Christine Asare, SDGs Focal Person in Ghana and member of the National Technical Steering Committee said in assessing the SDGs, there was the need to look at and make sure that all the three pillars that ensure sustainability were at the same level.

She advised that Ghana focuses on the socio-cultural, economic and natural resource issues as well as the Institutional issues, and that, the Environmental Protection Agency had been working with the National Development Planning Commission over the years to streamline these issues.

Speaking on the SDGs and the Post 2015 development agenda processes in Ghana, she stated that, Ghana had conducted broad consultations in three tracks: one focusing on the SDGs themselves, another on how to finance the SDGs and the other to come up with indicators for monitoring the implementation.

It must be emphasised that at the outset, however, that there is currently no official declaration or articulation by the Ghanaian government of what the countrys priorities really are as far as the SDGs are concerned. Nevertheless, to the extent, that the positions or priorities in this write-up are based on official statements by Government officials and/or representatives at the UN, they can be reasonably deemed to effectively reflect Ghanas positions or priorities on the SDGs.

The new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) started in January 2016. For us in Africa, the new development imperative was signaled earlier by AFRICA AGENDA 2063 which establishes the Africa Development Goals (ADGs).

In Ghana, the discourse began on the Long-Term National Development Plan (40 YEARS) to climax the centenary celebration of independence in 2057! Though high ambitions, they can surely be attainable with commitment, zeal and honesty of Ghanaians.

Post-2015 Development Agenda Process in Ghana

The post-2015 development process in Ghana consists of two sets of consultations: two UN-initiated consultations, three Government-initiated consultations and civilized society-led consultations.

As one of the first 50 countries selected by the UN for national consultations on the post-2015 development agenda, two round of national consultations were organised in Ghana. Led by the UN Country team in partnership with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), the first round of consultations were launched in November 2012 at Tamale.

Due to the general character of the SDGs and the vast number of development issues they cover, there is a crucial need for countries to prioritise which areas are important in the national context.

Mr. Samuel Zan Akologo, Executive Secretary of Caritas Ghana (the Department of Human Development) of the National Catholic Secretariat in Accra speaking at the United Nations Post-2015 Stakeholder Steering Committee meeting in New York, on behalf of Caritas Internationlis, commended the co-chairs of the post 2015 Development Agenda for facilitating a broadly and open process negotiations of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Session dilated on the inter-governmental negotiations (IGN), which is the next phase of monthly political dialogue meetings on the Sustainable Development Goals by Government Representatives ahead of the UN General Assembly held in September 2015. He lauded the leadership of the Secretary General on his Synthesis Report on the post-2015 Development Agenda.

These initiatives, he said, had created enthusiasm for Developing Countries and Civil Society to continue to engage with the process, noting in particular the Common African Position that has built consensus and provided a framework for engagement by Governments in Africa.

The participation of people living in poverty should continue to be the lynchpin in the implementation, monitoring and accountability of this ambitious sustainable development agenda, he added. Mr. Akologo said linkages need to be drawn between proposed goals and existing processes at national, regional and global levels, including predictable financing mechanisms to deliver our shared ambition.

A delegation from the African Union (AU), who visited Ghana in late 2015 applauded the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) for its inclusive approach to preparing a long-term national development for Ghana. The delegation is in the country to discuss strategies for domesticating the first 10 years of the AUs 50-year transformation agenda, known as Agenda 2063, into Ghanas long-term national development plan.

Priorities: Employment and Youth Development

The issue of employment in Ghana remains a critical development issue. Unemployment in Ghana especially among the educated youth appears to have deepened despite consistent growth in the Ghanaian economy. For example, although Ghana has experienced an average economic growth of about 5% in the last twenty years, unemployment continued to soar within the same period.

According to the Media Foundation for West Africa, a non-Governmental organisation, Ghanas representatives in the SDGs negotiations at the UN identify a number of factors that may be responsible for this challenge. According to the statement made by the Ghana at the fourth Session of the OWG, youth development is one issue that countries cannot afford to do away with. In the specific Ghanaian context, a number of critical interventions were highlighted

With the job unfinished for millions of peoplewe need to go the last mile on ending hunger, achieving full gender equality, improving health services and getting every child into school. Now we must shift the world onto a sustainable path. The Global Goals aim to do just that, with 2030 as the target date. Ghana needs to be in a good position (Human Resource Capacity, Policy, and Infrastructure) to aid the implementation and achievement these Goals.

In Ghana today, unemployment constitutes perhaps the biggest social issue confronting our country, a situation which has been worsened by the turning out of many unskilled graduates from our Schools.

The secondary and tertiary education has not been able to turn out the relevant middle level skilled human resources needed for the industrialization of the country even as large numbers of people, including school drop-outs, continue to throng our cities for non-existing jobs, ending up as head porters or Kayaye and shoe-shine boys and girls.

This army of unemployed youth often engages in undesirable immoral behaviours like prostitution and armed robbery. To stem this tide of affairs, we recommend that the State turn some of the community secondary schools currently under construction into Community Vocational and Technical schools and continue to equip and resource the existing Vocational and Technical Institutes in the country. Parents Guardians should also encourage their wards to enroll in these schools.

While the idea of Technical Universities is good, care must be taken not to rush the proposal through without doing the necessary due diligence to ensure that the aim of the exercise will be achieved.

Perhaps, the proposed Long-Term Development plan is a great opportunity to get this policy and programme articulation right. The Laity who are policy makers on education delivery are called upon to work with their co-workers to make Christs love felt here.

Poverty

The hunger/poverty cycle is a difficult one to break, but that is necessary if we want to live in a world where everyone has the ability to fulfill their potential. Did you know there are over 870 million people who are hungry in the world at this exact moment?

The kind of hunger that stops a body being able to work the hours that it needs to, that stops a brain being able to concentrate in class, that stops a person living in poverty being able to lift themselves out of it. This goal will not only make sure everyone has enough food, but that we can make sure it is nutritious and sustainable to grow.

Poverty is a direct consequence of unemployment. Every Ghanaian must be alarmed at the abject poverty that stares at us everywhere in the cities, towns and villages. We regret to say that various poverty-reduction interventions such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), Youth Enterprise Support (YES) and the like, though commendable, have not yielded the desired results.

It is the strong conviction that policies and strategies aimed at reducing poverty must be pragmatic, realistic and home-grown. Over-reliance on donor-driven or directed programmes must be cut to the barest minimum. The resolve of the global community to bring extreme poverty to an end must challenge Ghana to work hard to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at an earlier timeline before 2030.

Education

Education is repeatedly highlighted by senior government officials on various platforms related to the post-2015 development agenda and was furthermore identified as a core priority issue in the UN report of the national consultations on SDGs. While Ghana has made substantial improvements in its educational sector particularly in the area of access to basic education, serious challenges remain at the tertiary level that require urgent action.

There is an unchanging position that it is the inalienable right of parents and guardians to choose schools for their wards. The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) has over the years reaffirmed their conviction that it is not the right of a computer, programmed by a prone-to-corruption human being, to choose schools for our students. This is why the Bishops continue to appeal to Government to abolish the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) and replace it with a more workable and transparent version.

Unit Schools have been pivotal in quality education delivery in Ghana. However, successive policies in educational reforms in recent times have systematically sidelined the Educational Units making them ineffective. Because of this, the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference and other Religious Bodies have for many years engaged the State to come out with clear policies with regard to the Partnership Agreement which has always existed between the Religious Bodies and the State in Education delivery.

The Catholic Bishops and the Christian Council made call on Government to be transparent in the on-going policy considerations on education reforms. The also urged that action be expedited on the formalization of the Partnership Agreement on Education, submitted by the Religious and other Bodies whose Schools are in the public system. We call on the Laity to see the benefits of the Unit Schools and to commit themselves to their effective management as the contribution of Religious Bodies towards quality education delivery in Ghana, the two Bodies added in a joint Statement last year.

Urbanization

Urbanization remains a growing challenge in developing nations around the world. In Ghana, the challenge appears to be reaching alarming proportions resulting in the near exponential growth in slum areas particularly Accra.

In her address at the national dialogue held on SDGs in April 2015, Ghanas former Minister for Fisheries, Ms. Shirley Ayittey, expressed the view that urbanization is a key challenge that must receive priority attention in both the SDGs and in Ghanas development framework.

She argued that not only does urbanization exert extreme pressures on the State to provide and improve the quality of social amenities in cities; but that meeting that challenge itself means that invariably very little of available national resources are committed to developmental needs in rural areas, a situation that propels the phenomenon of rural-urban migration in Ghana. In this sense, addressing the challenges associated with the growth in urban populations must be seen as a necessary aspect of promoting equitable development in the country.

In their Communique issued on November 13, 2015, members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference stated that The increasing urbanization of Ghana has brought in its wake the problem of streetism. In effect, children who should be in the classrooms are found loitering and/or hawking on the streets of our towns and cities. According to the Ghanaian Bishops with increased urbanisation, the practice of prostitution is on the ascendancy while the HIV/AIDS pandemic is still rampant in some parts of the country, particularly, in cities. There are cases of armed robbery attacks in our cities. Even though statistics show that such cases have gone down, we think that there is still more room for improvement in this area.

The problems relating to urbanisation also include the fact that urban poverty has increased over the last few years compared with rural poverty. These problems relating to urbanisation may seem daunting but the Bishops feel they are guided by faith and hope that united as one people we can surely surmount these formidable challenges.

The environment and Climate Change

According to the Statement presented by Ghana in the first OWG session in March 2013, climate change is one of the issues that hinder the development of developing countries and thus deserving of adequate attention in the post-2015 framework. In Ghana, increasing drought and perennial flooding has severe consequences especially in food-producing centres of the three Northern Regions of the country

Closely linked to the health of the nation is the issue of the care of the environment. Time and again, it is regrettable to note the persistent pollution of our water bodies, the littering of plastic waste everywhere, the careless felling of trees in the forests and savannah area and the rampant illegal mining (galamsey) operations in towns and villages. The GCBC called on the Laity and indeed all Ghanaians to rise up against this indiscriminate destruction of our environment and water bodies. The authorities charged with protecting our natural resources should be up and doing.

The idea of the National Sanitation Day on every first Saturday of the month, according to the Bishops, is laudable and commendable and appeals had to all Catholics and all Ghanaians to actively participate in this exercise as a Christian duty and a civic responsibility.

We urge all Ghanaians to acquire the habit, not only to clean up our surroundings but most importantly let us all learn how not to make our environment dirty in the first place. We also strongly recommend the recent encyclical of Pope Francis on the care of creation called Laudato Si  to our Catholic faithful and all Ghanaians because it provides a good resource for all, but most especially, policy makers on the care of our environment. We can certainly do with more education on the care of the environment. All the Laity who are charged with the protection of the environment should know that the environment is Gods handiwork. To protect it is being faithful to God, says the Ghanaian Bishops in their Communique.

Health

In both the report of the UN-led national consultations on the SDGs and the recently concluded stakeholders discussion on the SDGs, health was identified as priority development concern for Ghana. Despite some progress in improving access to health services, principally through the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), substantial challenges remain in delivery of quality health care in Ghana. Consequently, infant, child and maternal mortality rates remain very high in Ghana, while preventable diseases like malaria continue to contribute significantly to child mortality.

Another priority issue relates to localizing the SDGs. According to several key stakeholders, government officials and the UN representative, localization of the SDGs must be prioritized in order to promote citizens ownership and facilitate successful implementation. It is considered important that the SDG indicators being developed are adjusted to the national context to make the goals and targets relevant to Ghana. To ensure successful localization, sufficient public education is deemed highly important in order to generate mass support for the SDGs and for particular policy actions arising.

Role of Media

Speakers at a media forum on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Accra stressed the need for the media to actively advocate for local ownership of the goals and hold implementing actors accountable.

Ms. Christine Evans-Klock, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Ghana, who chaired the forum, said once the SDGs are adopted; the medias active participation in this regard would ensure that the universal goals contained in the document result in actions and policies to make a difference in the lives of citizens, rather than stay on paper.

She commended the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) for the initiative to inform the general public about the SDGs, how they came about and their importance in Ghana.

The SDGs were developed after many years of hard work, through consultations that stretched across 190 countries and which gave voice to civil society, private sector and sought the views of millions of young people, she noted.

Ghana was one of the countries tasked to host a national consultancy on the post 2015 agenda. The consultations were organized by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), with the UN and other relevant agencies, including civil society organizations, development partners, private sector, religious bodies and others at regional and national levels.

In Ghana, discussions were mainly focused on a better future for young people, including the quality of education and access to decent work, whiles some focused on localizing universal development goals, owning them and mobilizing support to make a difference in Ghana.

The process of developing Ghanas 40-year development plan, of which the first 15 years of it will be informed by the SDGs and pledged the United Nations readiness to assist Ghana in implementation strategies to achieve the goals.

Professor Kwame Karikari, SDG Ambassador in Ghana and Board Member of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), said the MDGs did not receive the kind of sustained media advocacy; monitoring and coverage that would have added to the gains that were made and commended the MFWA for involving the media in the SDGs from the beginning.

Compared to the MDGs, the SDGs were broader, going beyond socio-economic issues and thus required all parties to support. The SDG provided the elements for national consensus on a development agenda that was devoid of any political tinkering and urged political parties to fashion their manifestos based on it.

The Media must be focused on challenges that appear in the implementation of the goals and also how Ghanaian citizens, like civil society groups are involved in the implementation of the SDGs.
Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - At least eight Nigerian soldiers were killed in a Boko Haram ambush on Friday, sources said, highlighting the Islamist group's capacity to strike despite government claims it is seriously weakened.

Troops heading to the town of Dikwa came under attack at about 9:00 am (0800 GMT) at Ajirin village, in the Mafa area, some 52 kilometres (32 miles) east of the Borno state capital, Maiduguri.

"There was a heavy gunfight. At least eight troops have been confirmed killed and two others injured. Boko Haram also suffered losses," a military source in Maiduguri told AFP.

"It was a surprise attack and this is what led to the casualty toll," the source added on condition of anonymity, as he is not authorised to talk to the media.

A civilian vigilante involved in helping the military with security in the restive region confirmed the account but said as many as 10 soldiers may have been killed.

No one from army headquarters in Nigeria's capital Abuja was immediately available when contacted by AFP.

Nigeria's military and government have claimed repeatedly in recent months that Boko Haram, which is allied to the Islamic State group, is in disarray and nearly defeated.

The army has mounted a sustained counter-attack against the group in its Borno state stronghold of the Sambisa forest. In December, commanders said the rebels had been flushed out.

Sporadic attacks since then have been attributed to desperate Boko Haram remnants on the run.

Nevertheless, there have been a number of attacks on military and police targets in Borno and the neighbouring states of Yobe and Adamawa, as well as deadly suicide bombings.

Residents in the village of Kautikeri, in southern Borno state, said Boko Haram killed one person and abducted a seven-year-old boy from the neighbouring village of Kaumutaiyahi on Thursday.

The rebels looted food stores before setting fire to the village, which is some 15 kilometres from the town of Chibok, from where Boko Haram abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in April 2014.

Chibok is also near Boko Haram's Sambisa forest camps. Thursday's raid and recent attacks on the road between Damboa and Maiduguri have prompted speculation the militants are still in the area.
A retired Ghanaian diplomat, KB Asante, says government officials buying state vehicles they previously used is a bush way of doing things.

According to him, the vehicles must be properly auctioned to allow interested Ghanaians buy them.

Speaking to Citi News, he questioned the logic behind such direct sales to officials, arguing that the practice will always lead to wanton abuse of state property.

His comment comes on the back of the recent saga of alleged missing state vehicles from the government pool.

Mr. Asante said, we should change it [the current practice]. If we continue with this, it is a bush way of doing things. It is not correct. When a minister comes, he is given all the resources he needs to do his work, when he is going he leaves the car because the car is never his property.

If a government property is being sold where there is proper auction, auctioneers will value them well before they are auctioned. You don't say sell this to one individual. Because the public contributed to buy the car so if for some reason it is to be sold, it will be sold openly to the public and not necessarily to the minister.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) government earlier this week revealed that it could not locate some 208 state vehicles it was to inherit from the erstwhile NDC government.

The development raised suspicion that some officials of the previous governments were illegally keeping the vehicles or had bought them at extremely low prices.

But the previous government has insisted that it duly accounted for all the cars in the state pool, and therefore cannot be held responsible if any of them cannot be found.

The statement signed by the immediate past Deputy Chief of Staff, Johnny Osei Kofi, described the new government's claims as false, baseless and without merit.

It said, the distortions and bad faith that have characterized the conduct of the NPP side of the Transition team.

It further explained that both the Assets and Logistics Committee on the NPP side were given a detailed list of all vehicles in the pool at the Presidency. More importantly, a total of 641 vehicles were listed and properly accounted for. This was duly captured in the handing over notes. It also called on the government to provide further evidence to back its claims of lost vehicles.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
10.02.2017 LISTEN

A tour guide at a Tanzanian game park has been arrested after falsely translating a tourist's comments about the country and its people.

In a widely circulated video clip, the guide says in Swahili that the tourist wants Tanzanians to stop "complaining" about hunger.

The woman, in fact, says Tanzanians are "fabulously wonderful".

The guide was arrested on unspecified charges on Thursday on the orders of Tourism Minister Jumanne Mshembe.

Tanzania markets itself as The Soul of Africa, and is popular with tourists because of its wildlife and spectacular scenery.

The unnamed guide was from the Serengeti National Park in the north-west.

Regional police commander Philipo Kalangi told the BBC that he was being questioned, but did not give more details.

The BBC's Lizzy Masinga in the main city, Dar es Salaam, says it is unclear why he has been arrested or whether he will be charged.

The minister may have felt that he was mocking the tourist or mimicking President John Magufuli, as some of his words were similar to those used by the president at a rally last month when he called on people to stop complaining about hunger, our correspondent adds.

In excerpts of the video published by a Kenyan newspaper , the tourist says:

"Hi. My visit to Tanzania has been beautiful, gorgeous. The people are fabulously wonderful and friendly. Greetings are always jambo [the Swahili equivalent of Hello]. Happy to be here. The land is beautiful, beautiful. The animals are wonderful."

The guide translates this as:

"You Tanzanians complain/cry a lot about hunger. Everyday you cry about hunger when you have flowers at home. Why don't you boil the flowers and drink [them]. It is not good to cry/complain about hunger."

Tourist:

"The variety of animals and people you see is incredible, unlike anywhere else. It is just fabulous."

Guide:

"You are asking your president to cook for you. Do you think your president is a cook? Can you get busy, even boil your clothing and eat."

Tourist:

"It will be an experience to savour for all of your life. It is fantastic and beautiful and incredible and just unremarkable.

Guide:

"Get busy in every corner of the country. The president can't leave State House to cook for you. You have to cook for yourselves.
Khartoum (AFP) - A veteran Swiss archaeologist has unearthed three temples in Sudan built thousands of years ago, a discovery he says promises to throw new light on Africa's buried ancient past.

The round and oval shaped structures dating from 1,500 to 2,000 BC were found late last year not far from the famed archaeological site of Kerma in northern Sudan.

Charles Bonnet, 83, considered a master student of Sudan's rich archaeological heritage, told AFP that the sites unearthed during recent digs were unlike anything so far discovered.

"This architecture is unknown ... there is no example in central Africa or in the Nile Valley of this architecture," Bonnet said as he wrapped up his months-long excavation.

The temples were found at Dogi Gel -- "Red Hill" -- located just several hundred metres from Kerma, where Bonnet and his team have been digging for decades.

"At Kerma the architecture is square or rectangular shaped... and here just a kilometre away we have round structures," he said.

"We don't know of many round temples in the world... we don't have examples to compare."

Bonnet, a wine grower in his youth, believes the treasure trove of three temples offer a never-before-seen insight into African ancient history, a subject that has always challenged researchers.

"Nobody knows this architecture... It's completely new," Bonnet said, adding that the new structures did not resemble Egyptian or Nubian architecture -- two ancient archaeological influences in the region.

"There are no roots today in Africa and we have to find these roots... this is the secret of Africa."

'Discovering a new world'

Bonnet, who has been peeling back layers from the ancient kingdom of Kerma (2,500 to 1,500 BC) for decades, is credited with showing that Sudan was not merely a satellite of neighbouring Egypt and its wealth of ancient relics.

Years ago he unearthed the seven "black pharaohs" granite statues of Sudan's Nubian rulers near the banks of the Nile.

Nubia was home to some of Africa's earliest kingdoms and was known for its rich deposits of gold, ivory and ebony.

During this latest dig, Bonnet said, he also discovered "enormous fortifications" at Dogi Gel, an indication that much more awaits to be discovered at the site.

"That means this part of the world was defended by a coalition, probably of the king of Kerma with people coming from Darfur and from central Sudan" against ancient Egyptians, who were interested in controlling trade and commerce in central Africa.

Bonnet, whose excavation work in Sudan spans more than 50 years, hopes his new discoveries could help unlock some of the continent's oldest mysteries.

"We are discovering a new world and this is the African world," he said, still baffled by what made ancient Egyptians who colonised Nubia maintain these temples.

With more and more archaeologists expressing interest in north Sudan's Nile Valley, where the Kushite kingdom flourished between present day Khartoum and the Egyptian border, Bonnet is convinced many kingdoms still lay buried.

"This country is enormous, it's the heart of Africa with many influences coming from the Red Sea, from Darfur and from Kordofan," he said.

"We have here extraordinary history of the world, maybe after some years we will have Sudanology as strong as Egyptology."
The Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, today [Friday], has withdrawn from Ghana's delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, to save Ghana further embarrassment, following confusion that broke out on Friday, on the number that should make up the delegation.

A letter seen by Citi News from the leader of Ghana's delegation, Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh to the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, communicated Mr. Afenyo-Markins decision to step down.

The letter explained that this was to accommodate the MP for Suhum, Fred Opare Ansah.

Fred Opare Ansah

This happened after the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament had declined to swear in the reconstituted Ghanaian delegation, because of what sources called a major confusion over the membership of the delegation, when the House reopened for business on Friday in Abuja, Nigeria.

The confusion was sparked by the refusal of Fred Opare Ansah to step down as a Member of the delegation, after he had served notice to continue as a member because he was still a member of Parliament in Ghana.

Ghana has eight seats in the ECOWAS Parliament, but by Mr. Opare Ansah's refusal to step down, the Ghanaian delegation jumped to nine.

The Suhum MP had been a member of the ECOWAS Parliament until the Majority Leadership reconstituted the Ghanaian delegation with O.B Amoah, MP for Akwapim South; Ama Pomaah Boateng Andoh MP for Juaben; Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Effutu MP; Kwabena Appiah-Pinkra MP for Akrofuom; MP for Anlo, Clement Kofi Humado; Mahama Ayariga, the Bawku Central MP and Sampson Ahi, MP for Bodi.

But some sources say the decision to reconstitute the delegation was taken without any formal communication to the Suhum MP.

Despite Mr. Afenyo-Markins withdrawal, the authorities in Abuja insisted on further clarifications from Accra before swearing in the Ghanaian delegation.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament during the swearing in, reportedly heaped praises on Mr. Afenyo-Markin for his decision to withdraw from the delegation to save Ghana further embarrassment.

Afenyo-Markin, a young vociferous MP, was the youngest among the delegation. A member of the delegation, an MP who does not want to be named, has lauded the young MP for his magnanimous act.

He said In fact, the foreign media has picked it and the speaker publicly commended Markin for his decision describing him as a great politician. Other members from the sub-region took turns to congratulate Markin for his decision with a round of applauds on the floor of the house during the plenary. Markin has really done well for Ghana. I never expected it from him. I respect him because nobody from their side was ready to drop. The decision was for us to come to Ghana with shame. To be frank, I thought he was ambitious; but now hes earned my respect.

Why did this happen?

Although it is unclear why this mess occurred, Citi News sources suggests that some factionalism within the leadership of the NPP in Parliament, and perceived dislike for the young ambitious MP, Afenyo-markin by some persons, may have caused it.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Some staff of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) mainly senior and middle level as well as former officers are angry at their former boss Yaw Akrasi-Sarpong for his continues interference in the affairs of the organisation after his exist last year.

According to them, they are not happy with his disingenuous campaign which he has weighed against the staff and the institution at large.

These, they mentioned as discrediting staff members to some Embassies and High Commissions to carefully scrutinise before visas are issued to staffs of NACOB who applied to secure a visa to travel for his or her personal or official program.

They also accused Mr Akrasi-Sarpong of masterminding and lobbying for his favourite known Francis Kofi Torkoonoo whom he wrongfully handed over to last year at a weekend without a staff gathering when he was retiring, a decision which was later reversed by the office of the President through the Ministry for the Interior.

"This man handed over to an unqualified officer who is indeed a novice and knows nothing about management with his personal relationship been very bad and always resorted to intimidation of officers he seems to have problem with. A regional commander narrated.

No wonder staff members jubilated when he ( Torkoonoo) was removed when Akrasi wrongfully handed over to him knowing very well that there was a senior officer, a Deputy Executive Secretary Richard Nii Lante Blankson was still at post.

A female senior staff who claimed to have suffered bitterly in the hands of Akrasi-Sarpong with name withheld chastised him for his autocratic and nepotism leadership lifestyle throughout his tenure, saying he was indeed a bad leader and never should NACOB have such a leader of his kind again.

She added that Akrasi-Sarpong through his time misused the institution's resources for his personal gains such as to acquire his law degree and later to the law school to the detriment of the meagre subversion allocated for the running of NACOB.

"We are aware that he is a friend to Hon Ambrose Dery and riding on that lobby him to ensure that an incompetent and arrogant man (Francis Torkoonoo) is given the nod to cover up the numerous rot that he perpetrated, since we will resist any move to heed to Akrasi's demands by the Minister". She added.

A Junior staff who gave his name as Sam appealed to the President to ensure that an experienced person is appointed to stir the affairs of NACOB since a lot of corrupt deeds have been perpetrated by Akrasi and his boys especially with the auctioning of the seized cars, the purchasing of the CCTV Cameras and other illegal payments made to some MPs when the Narcotics Commission Bill was laid and read before Parliament where MPs could walked into the quarters of NACOB to collect chop money to the tune of Five Thousand Cedis ( 5,000), a move which all went waste when Parliament failed to pass the bill into law.

He also urged the government to investigate all the purported allegations and ensure that he is brought to the law if found culpable.

Mr. Akwasi, a former staff now based in the United States also advised the current Minister to be careful with Mr. Akrasi-Sarpong's advancement to him even though it is well known to all staff of NACOB to be his good friend, since he may lead him to destruction and shame.

I am not surprised at Mr Sarpong since throughout his tenure neither did we know he was doing the bid for the then opposition NPP, no wonder he once confirmed to us not vote for former President John Mahama prior to the 2016 elections.

It was clear NACOB had no future during his tenure which he ruled with only one person known as Francis Torkoonoo who become power drunk and used his position to intimidate and cause disaffection among staff who were not from his tribe and his favourite.

"I was forced to resigned due to their (Akrasi and Torkoonoo's) bad leadership lifestyle since nothing was going on at NACOB, no morale and recognition from him and always was swift to criticise and punish officers for mistakes but fails to acknowledge and promote officers who perform well in the course of their official duties."

Another officer who was once a commander at one of the country's busiest point of entry known as Joel lamented over the bad leadership lifestyle of Akrasi-Sarpong and Torkoonoo, saying that it will be a recipe for disaster if any move is made to reassign to head NACOB according to the dictates of Akrasi-Sarpong.

We are all aware of the numerous attempts by Akrasi-Sarpong to make sure that his favourite is placed to cover up his dubious deeds during his stay at NACOB.

Why must all the security agencies are receiving their 'table top' at every 15th of the month but these men led by Akrasi and Torkoonoo went to cancel that of NACOB for a reason best known to them and will call on the President to ensure that the table top is immediately brought back to ease officers from the hardships they go through every month.

In fact NACOB will collapse if an attempt is made to appoint or reassign Francis Torkoonoo to head NACOB at the wish and satisfaction of Akrasi-Sarpong since he has nothing better to offer to staff, he added.
10.02.2017 LISTEN

Dear Nana Akuffo Addo,

I would like to wish you a happy Chocolate day. As you know, this is going to be the first Chocolate day that you celebrate as the elected President of Ghana. You already know how precious our Kingsbite chocolate is to us. We are asking for chocolate this year because we cannot afford it on an average day. Since Chocolate day comes with no specific increase in government and private sector salaries, we are banking our hopes on you. Give us chocolate at a price we can afford.

Ghanas cocoa has gone all around the world. We are praised for the richness of the cocoa we grow on our soil. Our cocoa travels to foreign companies abroad to be made into chocolate. Once sweetened and pampered out of its initial bitterness, it is subsequently perfumed with international standards and it makes its way back into our Ghanaian shops to be resold again to us, at a price we cannot afford regularly. The irony of this situation is that cocoa products tend to be more expensive to the average Ghanaian in his own country than they are to the average Joe in North America or Europe.

So who benefits the most when we celebrate Chocolate day? It is surely not the farmer who sold a bag of cocoa beans for a few hundred cedis. Or could it be the trader who makes pesewa commissions on selling the kingsbite chocolate bars individually? How about the young men and women who are already hawking in the streets of every big and small town in Ghana? How about CocoBod? The real beneficiary is behind the seas, making sure the cocoa that he buys from us is affordable to the average citizen of his country. The sweat of the Ghanaian farmers makes some companies richer and their executive boards more comfortable that the farmers who labored to grow this cocoa.

In a celebration as mundane as Chocolate day, the effects of the terrible decisions of the recent past directors in the area of internationalizing Ghanas Cocoa is obvious for all to see. To add to their absolute lack of vision, they have attached a nationalist and patriotic agenda to mask their bad decisions. Economically speaking, Chocolate day is simply a day when Ghanaians buy more chocolate to make foreign companies richer. This insult to the talent and skill of the Ghanaian people to make their own brand of chocolate has gone on long enough.

Nana, as you enjoy the complimentary package of Ghanaian chocolate that will be delivered to you as President, I would like you to remember this: there are many children in many rural communities in Ghana who have never tasted chocolate because their families cannot afford to buy the smallest kingsbite bar. But can I say there is an American or European child who has never tasted chocolate? That is a near impossibility. When we deprive even our own of affordable chocolate, how can we raise patriotic Ghanaians if the resources in their own home are not available to even them? We complain of unpatriotism among the Ghanaian public. When in our recent national history has our country shown any loyalty to seeing her citizens enjoy her resources? Dont they say charity begins at home? How then has Ghana given us an example of patriotism when we talk about cocoa? Can we even call Ghana, a motherland when its most famous export has been denied us at an affordable price? Which mother makes good things inaccessible for her child, but distributes her resources cheaply abroad? Ghana, as a mother in this chocolate day litmus test has failed.

Nana, this is the first chocolate day that you will be celebrating as Ghanas president. First, how about undertaking a diligent search for sweet makers in all parts of Ghana? And then training them to hone their skills, and making chocolate our style. And whilst you are at, why not look again at the trade agreements that Ghanas cocoa companies have with these foreign countries? Throw out the ones that are draining our capital, and bring chocolate making home to Ghana.

I am for Ghanas chocolate. Nana, make us all proud, starting this chocolate day. Bring our chocolate home to us.

Naa Akuye.

A concerned chocolate citizen.
Perhaps the caption Dag Heward-Mills Causes Controversy in South Africa (peacefmonline.com, Monday January 23, 2017 http://www.peacefmonline.com/pages/local/social/201701/303774.php ) is not only scary but presents two main hunches. Either an incredible journalistic faux pas or contemporary meaning of the word truth is controversy. Preaching at the famous Grace Bible Church, situated at Soweto in the Republic of South Africa, the outspoken Bishop warned the congregants against unnatural carnal knowledge. In a swift rebuttal, the leadership of the aforesaid church distanced itself from the sermon when it became pervasively clear that Bishop Dags message did not go down well with some church members, one of whom registered his discontent through a video which went viral on the social media. Those were the views of Bishop Dag Heward-Mills and not of Grace Bible Church. We welcome everyone, we do not discriminate, whether you are black, gay, white or orange we welcome you.

After reading this press release from the above Church, I remembered the Hebrew name Ichabod meaning glory is gone from Israel (1Sam, 4:21). When the worship of Yahweh became adulterated with the worship of Baal, Jehu launched a prophetic revolution to purge Yahwehism in Israel. This revolution culminated in the massacring of the households of king Ahab and his hand bag, Jezebel (2 Kings 9). This revolution was in fulfilment of prophesy of Elijah (1 Kings, 21:17-24). Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is a Holy Ghost preacher and a prolific writer with impressive and unblemished erudition. One of my favorites of the books from him is The Sweet Influence of The Holy Spirit.

I am not in any way insinuating that the noble bishop is without errors as a territorial being. Having being nudged by my background and personal experience, I must confess that I had never received his teachings on loyalty without a heart-wrenching grief. I receive loyalty message with a mortifying groans because it is not devoid of conceptual encumbrances. Loyalty is a necessary evil. It contravenes many historical happenings and somewhat not practical. It is an affront to diverse views and friendly to autocracy. Loyalty can be pernicious to human existence. We are told in the Old Testament of how Uriah lost his life and beautiful wife to King David as a result of silly and unadulterated loyalty (2 Sam 11). Without disloyalty, the world cannot not move on.

As to whether the noble Bishop must continue his loyalty to The Grace Bible Church of Soweto is another reason of my contempt relative to loyalty. I think as for continuous loyalty to the above church, every genuine believer will proclaim! Hey Dr. Evangelist, Bishop Dag, make you take Jesus out of this your loyalty game ooh! And I will build my church on the rock and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). True followers of Jesus will not compromise their stance on unholy altars of any greedy pastors egocentric convenience. Bishop Dag did nothing wrong during his sermon at the foregoing church. The word of God is black and white on the dos and donts of believers and a follower of Jesus like Bishop Dag must not kowtow to any ignorant pastors useless whims and caprices orchestrated by sycophancy and hypocrisy of his own creation.

The shocking disassociation from Bishop Dags message is a wakeup call for the church to shift its focus from using church and program attendance as measurement of spirituality or righteousness. He is always in church, he sings, he serves a bishop, therefore, he is righteous and spiritual. Pressures are mounted on church members only to consider such people as marriage partners. Church attendance is not an epitome of righteousness. Probably that is why Jesus abandoned Holy of Holies and selected disciples outside the Temple.

Recently, Bishop Charles Agyin Asare admonished his members against thieves masquerading as believers. Fraudsters, thieves and robbers have craftily found their way into the Church, Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare of Perez Chapel International (PCI) has said. Preaching to his congregation at the Perez Dome, Dzorwulu in Accra on Sunday, 5 February the month of loyalty and love for PCI the Presiding Bishop said: There are some who come into the church and they are thieves; their purpose is to steal. In fact there are church members who come in [to steal]. Citing an example to buttress his point, Bishop Agyin-Asare recounted how a married couple in PCI defrauded him and other church members and later bolted to join a different church (Source: ghanaweb.com, Sunday, February 5, 2017 http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/religion/There-re-fraudsters-thieves-in-church-Agyin-Asare-506987 ).

Without further ado, let me explain spirituality. The term spirituality is a vague and murky variant of religion and a way to name universal essential capacities for freedom and transcendence (Bregman, 2006). Spirituality as a concept was once linked to practices by members of Roman Catholic religious orders (Bregman, 2006). The source went further to claim that Walter Principe in 1983 found that the term had been used to identify the relationship between the individual and his or her chosen ideal or between some objective pole of Religious belief and practices. Such chosen ideals or convictions differ from culture to culture. Among African traditional believers of the Black racial stock, spirituality is found in the belief in Supreme Being manifested anthropomorphically (Giving human attribute to God) and anthropocentrically (seeing God as the center of universe), belief in divinities and ancestors (Mbiti, 1990).

Reducing spirituality to Church attendance solely is inimical to spiritual development because For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are (Romans 8:19). For me, any activity that is geared towards positive transformation and survival of human to the glorification of God is divinely activated and must be considered as spiritual. Many of the problems facing the church had been addressed in history. For example, readers of St. Augustine came out with these questions: Is salvation through the church and sacraments or by a predestined grace? (Dodd, 2011). St. Augustine argued in his principle of efficacious grace and predestination that those who will enter heaven had already been chosen. If this is the case, what then are the relevance of the church and sacraments? Does an exemplary Christian life involve faithfully walking in love or holding an ascetic legalism (Dodd, 2011)?

Aurelius Augustine was born in A.D 354 in what is now Algeria. He was a teacher, philosopher, rhetorician and later a bishop of Hippo (Modern Algerian city of Annaba). During the time of Augustine, many parts of Europe and North Africa came under a hegemony known as the Roman Empire. The powers within the empire were shared among the Emperor and the Pope. The former wielded political powers and the latter had religious powers. Internal squabble within the empire compelled the Germanic tribes, such as the Franks, the Saxons and the Vandals to invade the Roman Empire. This culminated in the division of the empire into two: the western half governed from Rome and the eastern half better known as Byzantine governed from Constantinople (Modern Istanbul in Turkey).

Romans had their religion before the Christian Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, almost invariably, everything was divinely activated. In other words every human activity in Rome was regulated by a deity (Day, 2007). For example, god of sky, thunderstorm, lightening, weather and air was Jupiter. Juno was the goddess of marriage and women. Mars was the god of war, Venus goddess of love, Bellona goddess of war. Neptune was god of seas and brother of Jupiter. Janus was god of beginning gate. The month of January is named after Janus.

After the fall of Roman Empire many inhabitants of Rome thought the adoption of Christianity and rejection of Roman deities were the main reasons behind the calamity that befell Rome. If Christian God was all powerful why did he not protect the empire? St. Augustine put up a solid defense for Christianity in his famous work The City Of God. Augustine revealed the interlocking progression of two cities. These cities metaphorically represents a group of individuals formed by two loves: the earthly by love of self, even if it means denouncing God and heavenly people by the love of God (Like Bishop Dag).

The earthly city in a word glories in itself, and the heavenly city glories in the lord (Dodd, 2011). The inhabitants of the world city seek glory from men but the greatest glory of the other is God, the witness of conscience (Dodd, 2011). St Augustine based on the Old Testament to provide his solid argument. He turned to the New Testament and provided the apocalyptic scriptures and presented the future destiny of both cities or communities, those who love and serve God and neighbor, and those who reject God and serve selfish ambition. Many men of God are now God of men who live in Augustines earthly city and seek glory from men. Like the Pharisees, they hold ascetic legalism and are very doctrinaire for people see them as puritanical believers. In effect, there is no scintilla of love for God.

The Grace Bible Church thought Bishop Dag stabbed them in the back by preaching the truth. The church disassociated itself from God but not Bishop Dag. Many pastors preach as if heaven is only meant for their followers. How many pastors are ready for martyrdom? Never give up bishop! If Bishop Dag dies today like the historical John Brown whose body lies a mouldering in the grave, his soul will go marching on. Preacher men must not swallow their dangerous cough for the fear of hurting others. Shalom!

By Nana Yaw Osei (Padigo), USA

[email protected]

Reference

Bregman, L. (2006). Spirituality: A glowing and useful term in search of a meaning. Omega, 53(1/2), 526.

Day, M. (2007). 100 characters from classical mythology: Discover the fascinating stories of the Greek and Roman Deitie, New York, Barron

Dodds. M (2011). The city of God, Saint Augustine, Hendrickson publishers, MA

Mbiti, J. S (1997). African Religions and Philosophy, 2nd, ed, Heineman.
More than 100 fisher folks, mostly women and traditional leaders from Tsokomey, Bortianor, Oshie, Faana, Kobrobite communities in the Ga South Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region have expressed the readiness to adopt community co-management plan to boost oyster harvesting to alleviate poverty.

They participated in a two-day Oyster Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) from January 30th to 31st, 2017 to institute a community co-management plan for the harvesting of oyster resources in the Densu Estuary. The appraisal assessed the ecological and socioeconomic status and prospects for development of a community based management plan for oyster harvesting as a sustainable livelihood and food security venture in the Densu River estuary. The Densu Delta was designated as a Ramsar site in 1992, recognizing it as a protected wetland of international importance under the International Convention on Wetlands.

They shared local knowledge of the history of oyster fishery in the Densu Estuary, identified significant harvesting sites, shared their experiences with using the river resources, and identified the opportunities and challenges in sustainable oyster harvesting and conservation management.

The PRA was facilitated by Development Action Association (DAA), Hen Mpoano, and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science of University of Cape Coast (UCC), all implementing partners of USAID Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) and Consultants from Try Oyster Women from the Gambia.

USAID Sustainable Fisheries Management Project is 5-years food security program which aims at rebuilding targeted marine fish stock in Ghana.

The Try Oyster Women's Association in The Gambia brings together over 500 female oyster harvesters with primary aim to raise the standard of living and improve livelihood opportunities for women.

Harvested fresh oysters from the Densu estuary

Oysters have very high essential vitamins and minerals such as protein, iron, omega three fatty acids, calcium, zinc, and vitamins C. Another important benefit in eating oysters is, it poses no danger to the cholesterol levels in the human body. A research done by University of Washington shows, oysters raise good cholesterol levels and lowers bad cholesterol levels. Madam Fatou Janha Mboob, TRY Oyster Womens Association Coordinator, reiterated their support for the management plan. "If we are doing it accordingly, we can process it and export some to upgrade income. Comparing the oyster sizes in The Gambia and Ghana the sizes in Ghana are bigger than The Gambia and lots of profits can be made if done properly to increase earnings. The hardship in the communities is too much, we will help to address economic hardships," she stated.

The women who represent the target group for the DAA/SFMP sustainable livelihoods initiative mostly engage in low value-added activities such as fish cleaning and carrying loads of fish on their heads from the landing site (fish porter). These women mostly young women in their 20s and 30s are at times the poorest in the community. Although oyster harvesting is common among this group, it is not considered a significant source of income. One of the participants summed it up this way "I came to Tsokomey from Volta region specially to carry fish load because I heard that it is a lucrative activity. Here in our community, oyster harvesting is not seen as an occupation."

Peter Oblitey Amui, secretary to the Sukumortsoshishi family in charge of the River says he was happy of the proposed co-management plan and will solicit support from the traditional heads to ensure that the programme is a success. "Though I had heard many misconceptions about the whole programme, what I have seen clearly shows greater commitment from the women oyster harvesters and we as traditional authority in this area and in charge of the river will give them our full support."

Women Oyster harvesters face many challenges, among them are: inadequate protective working gear, lack of personal boat for harvesting (this mostly applies to women oyster pickers), inadequate diving skills, inadequate sustainable fire wood for broiling oysters, extended shucking time (scooping of oyster meat from shells can be time consuming for a large volume of oysters), low price of fresh oyster meat, lack of access to external markets, and lack of value addition of the fresh oysters (processing into other finished products)

Lydia Sasu, the Executive Director, Development Action Association (DAA), says it is the hope that the women would take up oyster harvesting as a business to alleviate poverty and subsequently achieve food security.

She stated that, this appraisal is only the beginning and with the support of the Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) and the USAID, various trainings, oyster value additions in their processes, mangrove planting and many other activities would be embarked on to strengthened the women harvesters for them manage their resources themselves in a more sustainable way.

"Our overall goal is to assist these women and the community at large to use their own resources in a sustainable way and to improve their living and family standards, we are at DAA care about rural women and we want to see them happy," Mrs Sasu said.
An attorney for a Valparaiso man accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl at a Lincoln church in October is asking a judge to have his client's mental competency evaluated.

Defense attorney Sean Reagan made the request in a court filing Tuesday on behalf of Christian J. Hughes.

Lincoln police say Hughes, 21, went for a walk inside Calvary Community Church with the girl, who was waiting for a Sunday service to end Oct. 23.

The two went into a family bathroom, where the girl told investigators he assaulted her.

She told a relative about the incident in December, and police interviewed Hughes, who is developmentally delayed, last month, according to court documents.

Prosecutors charged Hughes Jan. 17 with first-degree sexual assault of a child. That case is pending in Lancaster County Court. Hughes is in jail on $750,000 bond.
The Henry Djaba family has commended the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the leadership of parliament for reposing bouts of confidence in their relative who is the Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister.

According to the spokesperson for the family and sister of the Minister, Mrs Ama Appiah, the appointment and subsequent approval by parliament goes to show the trust both the president and the legislature have in the former Women's Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking to the Ghanaian Observer Newspaper moments after Madam Otiko Afisah Djaba was given the instrument of office at the Flagstaff House by the president, the spokesperson expressed delight to have their relative accorded with such high dignity.

He noted the honor done their relative was not something they could toy with and promised to support the minister to deliver on the mandate given her by the president.

BROTHERS:

On their part, Kofi and Steven Djaba, who are uncles of the Minister, expressed their delight at the opportunity given to Madam Djaba to serve in government.

According to them, their sister had long desired for such an opportunity to be of help to the Ghanaian society, adding it was a relief the president had offered their relative such a high platform to do what she so cherished.

Having worked with many Non-Governmental Organizations(NGOs) across the World, the brothers believed their sister was better placed to serve the larger public.

According to them, issues of children, women and the marginalized in the society bothers Madam Djaba so much that at times she refused to eat because of a hardship a child or an adult may be going through.

CHANGE:

Mrs Ama Appiah in a chat with the paper stressed the resolve of her sister to ensure issues of child neglect were fully addressed under her watch.

According to her, Madam Djaba want to see a society where children who are of school going age are found in school.

She disclosed plans by the Minister to carry out community outreach programs to sensitize parents on the need to send their wards to school.

According to her, Madam Djaba believes education is the best pivot on which a person can be properly developed to serve his or her community to the optimum.
Geneva, 10 February

I am deeply concerned by the military mutinies that have beset Cote dIvoire in recent weeks. They are a setback not only for the countrys economic development and reputation, but also for Africas democratic progress.

Resorting to arms and holding the country to ransom is not an acceptable way to seek redress for soldiers grievances. The armed forces must act within the law and express their demands peacefully through the military hierarchy, not through the barrel of a gun or through intimidation of the civilian population.

Most importantly, such acts are out of step with Africas long struggle to achieve democratic and accountable government.

We, as Africans, must ensure that our countries destinies are determined by democratically-elected leaders reflecting the will of the people, and not by the force of arms.
Some Nigerians have been asking about the whereabouts of President Buhari, but I for one could care less. Indeed I say good riddance to him as one of the pioneers of the #BuhariMustGo movement. Nigerians voted and allowed Mr. Buhari into the presidency due to nostalgia. At a time of desperation and insecurity in 2015 some Nigerians wanted to crown him a change agent notwithstanding the facts and history that clearly stated otherwise.

Thus, Buhari was ushered into power due to these five major factors- first the unleashing of Boko Haram on all sectors of societies in the north by the Northern Nigerian elites. The second reason involved the politicization of the Boko Haram attacks by former President Jonathan. The third centered on the massive corruption under Mr. Jonathans administration and the fourth was how the funds from corruption were used to sponsor Mr. Buhari. The fifth factor was the refusal of Nigerians to think outside the box in selecting a candidate for Aso Rock.

Therefore, the massive corruption of the Jonathan administration was essentially complimented by the cries of the Northern elites who wanted to get back the presidency by any means necessary. They aggressively radicalized and weaponized Boko Haram whose leader was murdered at the beginning of the President Umaru YarAduas administration in which Mr. Jonathan was the vice-president. Boko Haram was systematically unleashed on all sectors in the north for maximum effect.

Consequently, they started their carnage by targeting their numero uno perceived enemy, the Igbos in the north. When Boko Haram did not get reaction from the Nigerian government they proceeded to attack other Southerners and Churches. But the Jonathan administration refused to protect her citizens which allowed the terrorists to be emboldened with their attacks. Boko Haram will go on to kill Muslims and destroy Mosque without adequate confrontation. Then they slaughtered innocent secondary school kids, kidnapped others while burning down villages, and terrorizing states.

However, President Jonathan and his cohorts only mustered the least concern for their fellow Nigerians. They showed their total disdain for the sanctity of black lives. In the so-called giant of Africa with the largest concentration of contemporary African humanity the then Nigerian government ensured that Black Lives Did Not Matter. The plan was to let northern Nigeria burn with the assumption that the middle belt and the entire southern Nigeria will reelect Mr. Jonathan in a landslide.

These erroneous calculations were reinforced by the massive corruption in the government and the belief that the elections could be easily bought. It was a chop I chop regime with the likes of Dr. Ngozi Okojo-Iweala Minister of Finance, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Olusegun Aganga Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Mr. Lamido Sanusi Governor of the Center Bank of Nigeria holding sway. These creme de la creme of Nigerian society and global institutions in conjunction with others in Naija orchestrated vast streams of stealing sprees.

With all her education and experiences Dr. Okojo-Iweala the former Managing Director of the World Bank could not plug the holes of corruption. For examples, state governors were allotted millions of dollars from petroleum revenues with zero checks and balances. Mr. Sanusi the current Emir of Kano only paid lip service to the trillions of naira that were siphoned from the Naija Center Bank. Mr. Aganga used his prior experiences as Managing Director in Goldman Sachs to hedge our funds with the elites.

Some of those so-called elites include the chief sponsors of the All Progressives Congress Mr. Babatunde R. Fashola the current Minister of Power, Works, and Housing and former Governor of Lagos State. But Governor Raji was outdone by Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi the current Minister of Transportation and former Governor of Rivers State. Governor Rotimi became the chief sponsor of Dictator Buharis candidacy through exploiting the loopholes that were left uncovered by Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his band of criminals.

Moreover, the fifth reason why Mr. Buhari landed at Aso Rock in Abuja can be squarely placed on the shoulders of Nigerians. We remain a very gullible society and are quick to settle for the status quo. Our problem is not that young people dont want to run for political office rather the old crooks remain glued to power. These old guards have thought us how to settle for empty phrases preferably with Hallelujah, God, and Amen. But speaking about change and effecting actions are not the same.

Nnamdi F. Akwada, LGSW is a Social Justice Activist

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Ultimate News has gathered that, a high figure of eleven-thousand-four-hundred and twenty-seven (11,427) females aged between ten and thirty five went through abortions in the Ashanti region in the year 2016.

The figures are corroborated by Data from the Komfo Anokye Teaching hospital (KATH) and the Ashanti regional directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

According to the data gathered from all health facilities in the Ashanti region, 45% of these termination of pregnancies were unsafe abortions.

A thousand five hundred representing a tenth of this number died while aborting their unborn babies.

Shedding more light on the figures, a gynaecologist obstetrician at KATH Dr. Ernest Kwarko noted that majority of females who underwent abortion were hair dressers and seamstresses aged between 20 and 24

Speaking to Ultimate News Isaac Badiako Justice, Dr Kwarko indicated that the high numbers were as a result of several women in their active reproductive years having unwanted pregnancies.

Over the years we have realized that it is likely that this age group, are likely not to be in a stable relationship or are not married and therefore the need for abortion may become high because their pregnancies may not be wanted.

Also that is the age where most women are in their prime, in upper senior high, just starting their university or learning a trade. Thats why we tend to have some high numbers from professions like tailor apprentices and hair dressers as they call them.

He also divulged that a maternal and health survey conducted in the country reveals that 7% of all women in the reproductive age group, who have a pregnancy, would want to have an abortion.
International Non Governmental Organisations offering humanitarian services and developmental projects in the Nanumba North district in the Northern region are withdrawing their services due to the latest chieftaincy clashes in the capital Bimbila.

The outgoing police commander DCOP Ken Yeboah confirmed this to host of Ultimate Breakfast show Lantam Papanko while giving updates on the renewed clashes that has left two dead and eight others injured.

The police chief indicated, Yesterday for instance, some of the international NGOs there, called that they needed immediate protection to evacuate their staff and it is going to take a long time for them to come back.

If they are sinking boreholes, all of these projects will come to a standstill. Meanwhile we need water for our people. If they are building schools, the projects will halt and it is going to affect our children, he lamented.

The outgoing northern regional police commander also pointed out with worry that government is spending a lot of money on peace keeping in the area and the situation is retarding development.

The ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Bimbila, in Northern Ghana, is between two princes from the same gate, each claiming to have been enskinned by the appropriate authority, as a Bimbila Naa and overlord of the Nanumba people.

DCOP Ken Yeboah advised, It is important for people to understand that it is not all the time that they are supposed to win in disputes and the people must be willing to sacrifice and accept to resolve the issues.
10.02.2017 LISTEN

Traders at the Nana Bosoma Market and G.P.R.T.U Station B in Sunyani are not happy with how waste management company, Zoom Lion Ghana Limited and the Sunyani Municipal Assembly are dealing with them.

According to them, authorities responsible for clearing refuse at the area have failed to discharge their duties.

The Station Master for G.P.R.T.U B (Nana Bosoma Market), Mr. John Kormeh said all efforts to get the support of the Sunyani Municipal Assembly to resolve the issue have proven futile.

He claimed a sum of GHc 1,200,000 has been used to hire laborers to clamp down on the filth which is getting out of hands.

Mr. John Kormeh advised Chop Bar Operators at the area to desist from dumping refuse in the gutters.

There have been occasions whereby the choked refuse in the gutters produced some unknown insects which are torturing us here. I can count close to fifteen (15) people who have suffered from skin burn and rashes. 

He also appealed to the government to come to their aid.

Source: Techimantimes.com
- The Ohaneze Ndigbo said the south east region has been marginalised

- The president-general of the group said Biafra agitation may soon get more members

- It said it was bad that Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram terrorists have not been prosecuted

The Ohaneze Ndigbo has warned that most Igbos may soon join Biafra agitation is the region continues to be marginalised and treated unfairly.

Chief John Nnia Nwodo who is the president-general of the apex Igbo group said he was not a tribalist having been the President of the University of Ibadan students union but as the Ohaneze leader, he had to convey the message of his people.

READ ALSO: Marriage between Nigeria and Biafra no longer working - Pro Biafra Agitators

Vanguard reports that Nwodo emphasized that he witnessed the Biafra civil war and does not want to experience it again and so the government should restructure the system.

He wondered by members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra were being gunned for carrying placards while Boko Haram terrorists and Fulani herdsmen have not been prosecuted.

He said: Law enforcement agents should not dramatise to the nation that they are from a particular part of the country, confer an immunity on criminals from that part of the country and requires a high-handed approach to those who do not come from that part of the country.

The selective prosecution of criminals in our country and the exertion of brute force in certain areas of the country even without the apprehension of crime destroys the very foundation on which this federation is founded. We have increased ethnic consciousness within the length and breadth of this country and this has fired separatist interests.

He also spoke about the exchange of words between Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Willie Obiano of Anambra State insisting the matter has been settled after he spoke with the duo.

He said: What happened between Governor Okorocha and Governor Obiano is just a storm in a tea cup and it has been accentuated by your colleagues in the way they addressed it. They had a principled disagreement about a representation of which number of governors were crossing from one party to the other. One made an assertion and the other made a denial. The rebuttals were taken over by their press aides and put in such unpalatable light that embarrassed their superiors. When it happened, I called Governor Okorocha and he was in South Africa. He was not even in Nigeria at the time the rebuttals were issued instantaneously and replied and claimed not to have seen the rebuttals before their publication.

READ ALSO: Father Mbaka is 'hungry' and 'poorly educated' - IPOB

Governor Obiano, on the other hand, was totally embarrassed. He said to me, this is not my language. I could not have gone this far. I was prepared to discipline my staff until they presented a defence of the Imo governors writing but they did not bother to contact me before writing those things. They felt they were doing me a favour. He said how could I discuss my colleague in that manner and two wrongs dont make a right.

So, in the circumstance, he made a phone call to governor Okorocha and they both discussed it and put it behind them. And they have both respected my plea for an injunction that this matter should not go ahead and that has happened. We are both planning to have a meeting of all the South-East governors, which will discuss the basis of our relations.

Source: Legit.ng
A Lincoln judge Friday sentenced a Nebraska prison inmate who threatened "to do what Nikko (Jenkins) did" when he got out to 30 to 50 years, saying when he made threats, she believed him.

"I believe you are a danger to the public," Lancaster County District Judge Darla Ideus told Gage Capone, who also is known as James D. Walker.

At a December trial, the prosecutor laid out how Capone had written letters, grievances and interview requests and told therapists and a corporal what he would do when he got out.

"If I start emptying clips into people when I get out the senate can blame it on you," he wrote to prison psychiatrist Dr. Martin Wetzel on July 10, 2015. "The bloodshed won't be mine."

He said he was going to start with Wetzel's wife.

Later that year, at the Nebraska State Penitentiary, Capone told a corporal watching Jenkins, a man who in 2013 followed through on threats to kill if they let him out, that he was getting out soon and was going to buy ammunition and guns and start killing people.

At the time, Capone was just three months from the end of a 16- to 25-year sentence on theft and weapons charges out of Madison County.

But in March 2016, instead of being released, he went to jail on the new allegation.

At a trial in December, a Lancaster County jury heard the case and found him guilty of terroristic threats, a charge that usually carries a two-year max. But, because Capone was found to be a habitual criminal, Ideus could give him anywhere from 10 to 60 years.

In court Friday, Chief Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon said not only had Capone made verbal threats, he also had made specific plans.

And his doctor was aware of his history and that he could carry them out, Condon said.

Capone, 55, had spent time in the Navy and has post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, anxiety and depression.

Defense attorney Rick Tast said Capone essentially feels hopeless because of his profound mental health issues, which can be hard to overcome.

Not to discount the fear Wetzel may have felt, but as a psychiatrist who works with mentally ill inmates, it is part of the job, he said.

Tast asked Ideus to give Capone a sentence that allows him an opportunity to reintegrate into society one day.

When given a chance to speak before he was sentenced, Capone told the judge that the doctor had been abusive to him and others.

"I wanted help," he said.

Capone said he had taken a razor to himself trying to commit suicide, at one point breaking his ribs trying to cut out his heart and found in a pool of blood.

But he conceded he said the wrong things.

Capone said he had been in the mental health unit at the prison for a year and a half.

Then, Ideus told Capone when he is out of prison he is a danger. In this case, he threatened to harm a number of people, including Wetzel and the public at large.

"When you make these threats, I believe you," she said.

And she gave the sentence that will mean at least 20 years more locked up. He will be 75 before he's eligible for parole.
- Kogi state governors wife has called on the government to provide adequate amenities needed for sound education of physically challenged children

- The first lady recounted her ordeal as a mother of a child born with cerebral palsy

- She also called on the government to crack down on schools discriminating against physically challenged students

The wife of Kogi state governor and founder of Hayat foundation, Barrister (mrs) Amina Bello has called on the government to ensure the availability of wheelchairs for physically challenged children.

Mrs Bello also advised the government to shut down any school that discriminates against the physically challenged students.

Kogi state governors wife call on government to provide for physically challenged children

According to Punch, Mrs Bello told journalists in Abuja how close friends and relatives mocked her and advised her to kill her child because he suffers from cerebral palsy.

READ ALSO: Faleke runs to presidency, raises alarm over discontent in Kogi

She said:Schools which discriminate against children who are living with physical and developmental challenges should be shut down. Before you set up a school, it must be accessible to these children with special needs.

"You must have special teachers or therapists in every class and of course you should be certified fit to open a school for special needs children.

There is also the stigma which starts from your immediate environment. People will be whispering when a child with special needs or his parents are around. This has made a lot of parents to live in depression.

"This is the reason why some parents choose to live in denial and lock up such children. I was advised to inject my son with harmful substance and some people advised me to take him to the village.

Bello called on government to make it compulsory for schools to provide wheelchairs in schools.

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The foundation, according to her, will establish an institute that will focus on severe cases of cerebral palsy and open a training centre for behavioural and occupational therapists.

Meanwhile, popular Kogi state socio-political activist and the national coordinator of Peoples Democratic Party Youth Forum, Comrade Austin Okai has slammed Ibrahim Kpotum Idris for mulling the idea of presenting Best Security award to Yahaya Bello at a time kidnappers and armed robbers are holding the state hostage amount to mockery of the good people of Kogi state.

According to Okai, the people of Kogi state sleep with one eyes open and for IGP Idris to present the security award to Governor Bello is questionable, laughable and mockery of the death

Comrade Austin Okai in a press statement made available to newsmen expressed disappointment with IGP as he believes the award will make Governor Bello seat back instead of standing up to the challenges of leadership.

Source: Legit.ng
- Acting as president in the absence of Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is heading to Bayelsa state on a visit

- The Niger Delta region had been restive for years and the current administration is not having it easy with the economy because of this

Ahead of the visit of acting President Yemi Osinbajo to the restive Bayelsa state, warring ex-militants are now said have resolved their differences with the hope that things would be better.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to visit Bayelsa state

The decision to resolve their differences followed series of meetings organised by Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (rtd), special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs as well as coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

A statement from the office of the special adviser and made available to Legit.ng said the people of the region believe that the visit of the acting president is an indication that the federal government is committed to finding a lasting solution to the unrest, instability and underdevelopment of the Niger Delta region.

READ ALSO: Osinbajo meets with security chiefs, ministers in Aso Rock

In preparation for this historic event, a lot of strategic meetings have been going on behind the scenes.

The special adviser to the president on Niger Delta Affairs and coordinator of the presidential amnesty programme, Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (rtd), has been in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, preparing for the vice president's visit, the statement said.

The statement added that General Boroh had visited different parts of the state capital, met with ex militant leaders like, Boy Loaf, Africa and Pastor Reuben, adding that top on the agenda of those meetings was to muster support for the federal government and to revive the spirits of the ex-agitators in the state.

The visit of the vice president is an indication of the federal government's interest and commitment to the region.

We should all see this as an opportunity to positively express ourselves, Boroh said while addressing some ex- agitators.

READ ALSO: Nigeria struggling to boost its oil output

The ex-agitators showed optimism and are really looking forward to the visit of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo the statement concluded.

Source: Legit.ng
City Council candidate Brayden McLaughlin says Mayor Chris Beutler is out of touch with how Lincolnites really feel, based on Beutler's Thursday news conference.

Today, Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler touted the use of innovation for improvement to Lincolns roadways," McLaughlin said in a news release.

"While it is great to use new technology to improve efficiency and services, Lincoln citizens repeatedly tell me that they are unhappy about the condition of our roads and infrastructure for the taxes they pay, he said in response to Beutlers news conference.

In walking door-to-door, McLaughlin said Lincolnites tell him their biggest concerns are high property taxes and the poor condition of city roads.

Citizens feel the city is ignoring them and they arent getting the return from their hard-earned tax dollars. "They are upset and I cant say I blame them, he said.

McLaughlin, who has a master's degree in planning, worked for the Nebraska Department of Roads, the Lancaster County Engineering Department and the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency before starting his own business.

That background gives him unique experience to help plan for Lincolns future, he said.

If elected, McLaughlin said he "will ensure that our street funding is spent properly and that citizens concerns are addressed."

McLaughlin is one of the half-dozen candidates running for three at-large seats on the council in the city's spring election.
A lot of reactions by Nigerians have trailed the calls by dignitaries and organisations asking Nigerians to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari who is currently on medical vacation in the UK.

Several dignitaries and organisations have called on Nigerians to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari who recently asked for an indefinite extension of his medical vacation in United Kingdom.

Following a call by Legit.ng to Nigerians to pray for President Buhari, Nigerians took to social media to voice their opinions in support or against the call to pray for the president.

Below are some of the reactions Legit.ng gathered from Facebook users:

Lucky Ikechi said: "Our father God in heaven I pray for our president in any where he have sin against you please God have mercy on him, please Father touch him your healing hands for the sake of your people Nigeria Amen."

Buhari's health: Nigerians react to being asked to pray for the president

READ ALSO: Saraki confirms Buhari's health status after phone call to president

Daniel Dan said: "Stop wasting your prayers because my president is 'hale and hearty' according to the acting president. Pray for yourself, families and if u don't have any other thing to pray for, go ahead and pray for your enemies to repent."

Henry DE Instigator said: "He is not a good president, that's why many people are wishing him death, hunger, recession in the country I pity him, I wish he was a nice president oh I could have prayed for him as a child of the Most High. If he is still alive let him resign and back off. He is not worthy to be a presido of the great and blessed nation Nigeria."

Philus Akpos said: "Get well soon is not a prayer is a mere wish. When u want to pray u must direct ur prayers specifically to an issue. In this case everything is shrouded in secrecy yet the Nigerian state pays for the medical bills. Where on earth does this happen? Only in Naija. Ppl can be sick but doing it like it's a big deal raises more question dan answers."

Bammeke A J Progress said: "It is the hand of God that granted him the grace to be on that seat. No man should boast that he knows how he got there. My sincere prayer for Nigeria President in person of Mr Mohammed Buhari is that God grant him speedy recovery in the name of Jesus. Judgements of any kind is not mans but God's which is divine. Long live Nigeria, long live our unity in peace and long live the President. AMEN."

Buhari's health: Nigerians react to being asked to pray for the president

Neudrell Chuks is of the opinion that nothing will happen to those wishing the president ill, he said: "Some people think they are smart by saying those wishing him death will die first.

My brother those things don't work. There are more than 50 million Nigerians wishing him death. So are you saying this over 50 million Nigerians will die in replacement for PMB?

Muslim brothers me and you know it's impossible for 50 million Nigerians to die because of him, so forget the matter, just pray if God hear you fine if not live everybody with his/her prayer."

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However, some people have insisted that prayers might not be the answer to the current problem in Nigeria. Awosanya Darex, a Facebook user stated that maybe its time Nigerians find a lasting solution other than prayers.

Awosanya Darex said: "I think we should stop the notion "Praying praying all the time " it's not all about prayer is about the individual mindset. Fact> when you see your clothes dirty definitely you are to wash it not that you will start praying over it...... Simple as Nigerian leaders we knew our problems why can't we solve it? But all we continue to say is we need prayer hnmmm I think we need to seriously change our mindset."

Ugochukwu Onyedikachukwu Isaac however prayed for the president, he said: "May God remember Buhari the way buhari remember unarmed protester all over the country! May God give Buhari in return all that buhari give the people of Benue, Enugu, kaduna and plateau in Jesus name! May the almighty God give buhari the kind of hope buhari gave to Nigerians in jesus name! amen!"

The forum of All Progressive Congress (APC) chairmen of Northern states, has also called on Nigerians to stop speculating rumours about President Muhammadu Buharis health status and rather pray for him.

Source: Legit.ng
The trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has been adjourned to March 2017.

The trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has been adjourned to March 2017.

Kanus trial was expected to continue today following an applicator

Kanus lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor who spoke to Legit.ng said no reason was given by the court for the adjournment.

READ ALSO: My husband's obsession with Biafra is scary - Nnamdi Kanu's wife

Ejiofor said the matter has now been slated for Wednesday, March 1, for ruling on application filed by Kanu and three other defendants.

Kanu and three others  David Nwawuisi, Benjamin Madubugwu and Chidiebere Onwudiwe  had asked the court to squash charges against them.

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Kanu in his application challenged the competence of charges leveled against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

READ ALSO: Why we love Fani-Kayode - IPOB

Ejiofor said there is no material evidence against his client.

A Federal High Court presided by Justice Binta Nyako had ruled on the secret trial for Kanu and his co-accused.

Nyako in her ruling had approved that witnesses who will testify against the defendants be protected behind a screen.

READ ALSO: We cannot disown IPOB, MASSOB  Ohanaeze Ndigbo

However, contrary to Nyakos ruling, Kanu and the three other defendants had vehemently rejected any form of protected trial.

In one of the court session, the IPOB leader said, it is impossible for him and his fellow accused person to be accused in the open and tried in secret.

Source: Legit.ng
Editors note: Mutiu Iyanda, the Legit.ng partner blogger, in this article explains how some Nigerian crops could be harnessed to solve economic recession plaguing the country.

His blogs are: www.infoprations.blogspot.com.ng, www.enterprations.com

He could also be contacted via: +2348141374490, +2348062544816

More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest bloggers

Many factors have been adduced for food insecurity in third world countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Most of these determinants are hinged on natural and artificial logic at the expense of individuals failure of contributing to food security drive of worlds leaders which requires investments in wide-ranging food and cash crops.

A Nigerian working on a cashew farm

There is no gainsaying that food security is the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food whereas food insecurity signifies peoples inability to have access to sustainable foods. This is often pronounced among the people at the bottom of the pyramid, they have been regarded as the most vulnerable to food insecurity in Nigeria and other African countries.

READ ALSO: How snail farming can give you financial breakthrough

Despite having a significant number of agrarian lands, Nigeria and her counterparts on the continent have been estimated to produce enough food for only about a quarter populations by 2025 if the current growth rate continue.

In its recent propositions on agriculture in Africa, Food and Agriculture Organisation considers one penny spending in agriculture as one of the means and the most effective strategies for poverty reduction, vanishing of hunger and food sustainability promotion.

According to National Bureau of Statistics, over 141 million and 101 million Nigerians in northern and southern regions still lack sufficient food for living a healthy life, based on 2010s estimates. Considering the availability of estimated 71 million hectares of cultivable land, Nigerians are not expected to remain food poor. Between 2004 and 2006, Nigeria was able to rake in $36 million in food production value.

Since 2006 appropriate policies and implementation of the existing ones have not resulted into food sufficiency across the country. Nigeria still faces acute shortage of staple crops due to overdependence of food imports like rice, wheat, dairy, fish and fresh fruits which gross about $22billion annually, according to Federal Ministry of Agricultures roadmap to revamp the sector.

The growth in production of most crops is declining every year. International agencies statistics and our analysis show that 952, 385 metric tons of cashew was produced in 2016. In the same year, Nigerian farmers were able to produce palm oil (1, 401,852) cocoa (323,429), sugarcane (1,488,618), soya beans (543, 363), cotton (278, 313), beans (3.6m), groundnut (3.5m), guinea corn (7.1m) and millet (1.5m) metric tonnes.

Our projected increase for the production of each crop indicates that cashew will grow to 982,861 in 2017 while palm oil, cocoa, soya beans, sugarcane, cotton, beans, groundnut, guinea corn and millet will increase to (1, 428, 487), (320, 195), (506, 958), (1, 525, 833), (272, 468), (3.7m), groundnut (3.5m), guinea corn (7.3m) millet (1.6m) metric tonnes.

1. Cashew

This crop is mainly cultivated in Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, Niger, Imo, Enugu, Abia, Kaduna and Federal Capital Territory. Nigerian farmers only sell raw cashew nuts and kernel despite 99 by-products derivable from the crop.

In its early years in the 60s, Vietnam, Benin Republic and India were the primary export destination for Nigeria raw cashew. Current estimates indicate that 40% of the raw nuts produced in Nigeria are being bought by Vietnam.

Recently, United Kingdom, USA, Sweden, Netherland, Poland, and Germany have joined countries that demand the countrys raw nuts the most. People from different geographies and ethnic groups are demanding for the raw nuts for making numerous nutritious foods because of its high-fat content. Many traditional foods such as bread, corn flakes, chocolate, salads and bakery products, are now enriched with nuts.

2. Palm Oil

At industrial, retail and consumer levels, palm oil are an essential commodity. Companies use it to produce a number of products for domestic consumption. Retail outlets and consumers cannot do without the crop. There is no doubt the untapped potential of the Nigerian palm oil sector is large.

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According to BusinessDay the total land that is ideal for oil palm plantation totals approximately 24 million hectares in the whole of Nigeria. However, little over 3.0 million hectares of land is put to use.

The total plantation area of oil palm in and around Niger Delta ranges from 1.4 million hectares - 1.8 million hectares, the wild grove plantation is more than 1.1 million hectares, smaller plantations (categorized as plantations below 1000 hectares) approximates to 26,000 hectares and organized large estates adds up to another 100,000 hectares.

A Recent study reveals that 90.0% of palm oil is consumed by the food industry and the remaining 10.0% is used by the non-food industry. Foods like noodles, vegetable oil, biscuits, chips, margarines, shortenings, cereals, baked stuff, washing detergents and even cosmetics thrive on palm oil. Noodle industry alone consumes 72,000 MT of imported palm oil and the leading, domestic palm oil producers fail to meet this demand.

3. Cocoa

This is a food of the gods, according to the Greeks hundreds of years ago. Between 40 and 50 million people across the world need the crop yearly. Southern and northern states are known for the cultivation of the crop in commercial quantity in Nigeria. Historically, the country first exports her cocoa beans in 1910.

Three thousand metric tons in the year and roses to 307,000 metric tons between 1970 and 1971 cocoa season, but deteriorated thereafter due to many reasons. The size of the global market is now worth over $100 billion while about 3.6 million tons is being consumed annual in Nigeria but only produces 250,000 tons.

4. Sugarcane

The worth of sugarcane cuts across food consumption and preservatives, and energy generation for domestic and industrial use. With a land potential of over 500,000 hectares of suitable came field capable of producing more than 3 million metric tons of sugarcane, Nigeria is one of the most essential producers of the crop.

Information has it that the 3 million metric tons could equally generate 3 million metric tons of sugar. Nigeria produces two per cent of its requirement, estimated at 1.7 million tons while importing 98 percent of the commodity, according to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, African Development Bank (AfDB) President, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Based on the growing population of the country, it has been projected that the demand for refined sugar will be 1.5 billion metric tons in 2017 and increase to 1.7billion tons by 2020. In 2013, the countrys accumulated import of sugar and sugar products in the last 50 years is valued at $8.18b indicating that a significant demand is being met through importation while the local production remains stagnant.

The trends of the importation of the commodity call for a critical review. Existing estimates indicate that by 2020, Nigeria will spend over $102 billion on the importation of refined sugar if pursued it means that 100% of the annual budget would be spent on sugar importation.

In its 2014s survey, National Sugar Development Council discovered that refined sugar is being used most companies producing soft drinks, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, bakery and confectionery in Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Jigawa and Bauchi states. Soft drinks sector used about 32% of total sugar consumed by industries in the year. Household sugar usage, on the other hand, was 380,275 metric tons, representing 24.6% of national sugar demand.

5. Soya beans

It is a known fact that Nigeria is the largest producer of soya beans in sub-Saharan Africa, producing about 510,000 metric tons per annum. Nevertheless, our analysis has revealed that Nigeria may not meet its local consumption by 2018, 2019 and 2020. By 2018, the country will be able to produce 472,992 metric tons while the production output for 2019 and 2020 will be 441,309 and 411, 734 metric tons respectively.

With the rapid growth in the poultry industry and an increase in household consumption of the crop, Nigeria is likely to meet the annual consumption largely through importation. A Central Bank of Nigerias report on Grains Demand and Commodity Prices in 2013 notes that Nigeria has been producing only 25 percent of its annual soya bean demand leaving a gap of about 75percent.

6. Rice, Beans and Groundnut

Researches have established that rice, beans, and groundnut are the foods with the greatest nutrients for households members, to live a healthy life. Largely, northern states of Yobe, Gombe, Borno, Nassarawa, and Adawama produce these crops mostly in the rural areas. Since the countrys population started growing exponentially after the independence the country has never the required metric tons for domestic consumption and industrial usage.

7. Millet

The most widely cultivated species are Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) Common millet or proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) Finger millet (Eleusine coracana). In northern Nigeria, Millet is used for making a thick dough ("fura"), a popular drink ("fura da nunnu") and a custard-like food ("kwoko").

Despite its low requirement of rainfall, Nigerian farmers have not adequately harnessed the crop. It requires about 25% rainfall less than what sugarcane and banana need for their growth. In the world, India, Nigeria, Niger, China and Burkina Faso are the top consumers of the crop.

READ ALSO: How to generate huge income from sewing business

There is no doubt Nigerian entrepreneurs and aspiring ones need to develop interest in these crops. Going by the 2016 and 2017 international average price per metric ton, a farmer who supplied the entire Noodle industry of its annual consumption of 72,000 metric tons imported palm oil will have $50.4 million in revenue. Cocoa farmers also have $7.7 billion to grapple with annually.

Mutiu Iyanda

Mutiu is a research and communications professional.

He has a special interest in qualitative and quantitative methods of finding solutions to social and communication issues.

He currently works with Enterprations Limited, a management consulting company, which also provides a platform for working class professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs to own their business.

Enterprations offers strategic tools such as business plan, growth plan and turnaround plan among others for established and aspiring businesses.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Legit.ng.

Legit.ng welcomes writers, bloggers, photographers and all sorts of noise makers to become a part of our Bloggers network. If you are a seasoned writer or a complete newbie  apply and become Nigerias next star blogger.

Send us some info about your career, interests and expertise and why youd like to contribute to the Blogger Network at blogger@corp.legit.ng Also, please send us the link to your blog and three examples of your work.

More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest bloggers.

Source: Legit.ng
Editor's note: Today terrorism is one of the key threats of the international security system, effects of terrorism on national security are enormous. The greatest danger to the modern world carries a religious type of terrorism. Religious terrorism is becoming a factor of destabilization of socio-political and economic processes.

Omar Alnatour in this piece highlights 5 major reasons why Muslims should never have to apologize for terrorism because they are always being blamed for things they have absolutely no control over.

Picture this: You wake up in the morning to hear your wife screaming at you because its pouring rain outside. She hates the rain and now her day is ruined because of you. You go downstairs only to hear your children yell at you because they broke the toaster. They cant have waffles now and its all your fault. On the way to work, you stop and fill up gas only to hear everyone at the gas station curse you out because gas prices have risen. You arrive at work only to see all your coworkers gathered around your desk demanding that you apologize for the printer being jammed. On the way home from work, everyone on the highway screams at you because they are upset with the rush hour traffic.

Quite a ridiculous scenario, right? Can you imagine always being blamed for things that you have absolutely no control over? Can you imagine always being asked to apologize for these things? Can you imagine being hated whether or not you do apologize? This is what being a Muslim in America today feels like.

I am a proud American, raised in Texas. Im a college student. Im a humanitarian. Im an aspiring physician. Im someone who hopes to revolutionize access to medicine and healthcare in the United States and in war-torn countries across the world. I also am a M-u-s-l-i-m, one of over 1.6 billion who are blamed whenever an act of terrorism occurs as if we are nothing more than this 6-letter word hijacked by those who wrongly use our religion to justify their heinous crimes.

As a Muslim American who continually strives to do everything I can for the betterment of my community and this nation, I am tired of being asked to apologize and condemn terrorism that I have absolutely nothing to do with.

Here are five reasons why Muslims should never have to apologize for terrorism:

1) Its ridiculous to ask us to apologize.

As a practicing Muslim, I know that my religion teaches peace. I am so certain of this fact that I will award anyone $10,000 if they can find me a verse in the Quran that says its ok to kill innocent people or to commit acts of terror. This is an open offer that will never expire.

I also know that Muslims, as a religious group, are not terrorists. I have factually proved this. I also have factually proved that you are more likely to be struck by lightening, crushed to death by a couch, or killed by a toddler, than to be killed by a Muslim.

This being said, why should I have to apologize for a violence that I have no connection to? A violence my religion blatantly stands against.

Ask yourself: Should car manufacturers have to apologize when drunk drivers kill people using their vehicles? Should you be required to apologize to the police if your sibling gets a speeding ticket because you share the same last name? Should every single gun owner in America have to apologize whenever someone is killed by a firearm? Should weathermen have to apologize for cloudy days? Should pharmacists have to apologize for your allergies? Should I have to apologize for the typos of another writer?

Unless you can find that $10,000 verse or unless you blatantly hear a Muslim explicitly supporting terrorism, please understand that asking us, both individually and collectively, to apologize for terrorism would be just as ridiculous as the questions above.

2) It should be obvious by now that Muslims condemn terrorism.

By now, it should be very clear that Muslims condemn terrorism. All it takes is a simple Google search of any terrorist attack to find the plethora of Muslims publicly condemning it. Try it out. For example, here are over 40 examples of Muslims condemning the Charlie Hebdo attacks. And here is an example of how Muslims all across the world condemned the Paris attacks.

Muslims condemn terrorism, we always have. This is a fact. And just as I shouldnt have to reassure you each morning that the sky is still blue, Muslims should not have to reassure you that we still condemn terrorism every single time a terrorist attack occurs.

And frankly, if you dont already believe that Muslims condemn terrorism by now, then no apology or repeated broken-record condemnation from any Muslim or Muslim organization will help cure your intolerant hatred.

3) Muslims are at the very forefront of combating terrorism.

The only thing more ridiculous than asking people to apologize for something they have no connection to is to make people apologize for something they are working so hard to combat.

Muslims want to defeat terrorism just as much as any other American, if not more. This is why we have Muslim women like Niloofar Rahmani and Kubra Khademi who are at the very frontlines fighting terrorists. This is why millions of Muslim youth are taking a stand against ISIS. This is why tons of Muslim groups and scholars repeatedly issue statements condemning ISIS, many even being killed by ISIS for doing so.

This is why more than 120 Muslim scholars from around the world joined together to write an open letter to ISIS, denouncing them as un-Islamic by using Islamic terms. This is why Muslims are being killed by ISIS for publicly opposing this terrorist groups persecution of Christians.

For the same reasons that firemen dont apologize for fires and doctors dont apologize for heart disease, Muslims should not be expected or asked to apologize for something they are working so hard to combat.

4) Muslims are the largest victims of terrorism.

According to the Counter Terrorism Center at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Al-Qaeda kills over seven times more Muslims than non-Muslims. According to the UN, Muslims are the largest victims of ISIS. According to the State Department, Muslims are the largest victims of terrorism in general. No matter where you look, you will find that the strongest association between Muslims and terrorism is one in which Muslims are victims of it.

There is a sad irony in how Muslims are the largest victims of terrorism yet also receive the most hatred for it. Just as it would be wrong to blame African Americans for slavery, starving children for world hunger, and toddlers for school shootings, it is equally wrong to blame Muslims for terrorism when we are always the victims of it.

Want me to call the leader of ISIS and tell him to stop committing terror? Give me his contact information; Id be happy to. Any Muslim would. But just know that the conversation would begin with us, ISISs largest victims, telling him to stop hijacking our religion to justify killing Muslims who actually follow it.

5) If we have to apologize for terrorism, then so should everyone else.

This last point is especially important. Why are Muslims the only group that are required to apologize for and condemn the actions of criminals that associate with their group?

To put things into perspective, ask yourself: Why arent all white males asked to apologize for the slavery that white males endorsed less than two centuries ago? The slavery in which one third of slaves were Muslims. Why arent all Buddhists asked to apologize for the radical Buddhist monks in Mynammar that are violently attacking Muslims? Why arent all policemen asked to apologize for the racist cops that are dropping the bodies of unarmed blacks like leaves in the autumn?

You must understand that just as you are detached from the heinous crimes mentioned above, I am just as detached from the terrorism that so many keep trying to link me with for no other reason than me being a Muslim.

You must understand that by asking me whether I condemn terrorism, you are questioning my humanity.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Legit.ng.

Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@NAIJ.com  drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest contributors.

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Source: Legit.ng
In what can be regarded as a national shame, pupils of state owned Presbyterian Primary School, Enwe street, Uyo, are allegedly sitting on the concrete floor to receive lectures by a rights activist

National shame? Primary school pupils of oil rich Nigerian state allegedly sit on bare floor for lecture

Inibehe Effiong, a barrister and human right activist accused Akwa Ibom state of neglecting public schools in the oil rich state despite the huge amount of money the state got from the federation account over the last few years.

The activist said this on Facebook while sharing pathetic pictures of pupils of a state owned primary school sitting on the bare floor to receive lectures.

READ ALSO: Abuja court adjourns Nnamdi Kanus secret trial

He said: These are pupils of state owned Presbyterian Primary School Enwe Street, Uyo the capital city of Akwa Ibom state being taught sitting on a bare concrete floor.

National shame? Primary school pupils of oil rich Nigerian state allegedly sit on bare floor for lecture

As bad as the economy is and despite the reduction in government revenues, Akwa Ibom state received N150 billion from the Federation Account in 2016, the second highest in the country.

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Between 2007-2015, Akwa Ibom state under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio received nearly N3 trillion in allocations.

National shame? Primary school pupils of oil rich Nigerian state allegedly sit on bare floor for lecture

Today, pupils in most public schools in the oil rich State are being taught in dehumanizing conditions. The lies of the oppressors will not ensure forever.

Akwa Ibom is regarded as one of the richest state in Nigeria given the fact that it is the largest oil producing state in Nigeria.

The state accounted for 31.4% of the total oil produced daily.

Legit.ng could not independently confirm the allegation as at the time of filing this report.

In the video below, a group, in efforts to boost education in Akwa Ibom state donated some writing materials to some schools in the state.

Source: Legit.ng
Tears flowed freely on Monday, February 6, 2017 in the oil rich city of Warri, Delta state at the burial of a fresh 24 year old Nigerian medical doctor, Dr. Nancy Oghenetega Appih.

She was born on July 6, 1992. She graduated on June 24, 2016 from the prestigious Ivana-Frankivsk National Medical University in Ukraine.

Dr. Nancy returned to the country immediately after her graduation and completing all necessary requirements for her certificate.

the 24 year old Doctor while in school in Ukraine

But the cold hands of death snatched away the 24 year old medical doctor full of dreams and vigour on January 31, 2017, after a brief illness despite being a medical doctor with all the attention given to her by her parents.

Between when she returned to the country and the time she died is approximately eight months and her medical knowledge that would have added to the development of the nations medical research had been cut off and the knowledge perished.

READ ALSO: Delta government goes hard, demolishes structures in alleged government land

Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun, venue of her funeral service was filled to capacity on Monday, February, 6, 2017.

Fourteen Catholic Priests officiated at the funeral service of the first child of Chief Efe Appih, the chairman of Delta state branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers ( NIESV).

Rev. Fr. Anthony Ewherido who presided over the ceremony, said though the journey of the late medical doctor was short, she lived a fulfilled life.

The remains of 24 year old Dr. Nancy being carried for burial

Ewherido said: "Resurrection put an end to death. Right now, our hearts are heavy as a result of the passage of our beloved Dr. Nancy Oghenetega Appih. But let me tell you, she is not dead. Nancy is alive with Jesus Christ.

According to him: "Since January 31, 2017, when she passed on, people have been asking same question of why her and why now? Only God can answer that question. But we pray that the good Lord will take good care of her for us.

"There was nothing Dr. Appih left undone on earth. We thank God that she was a wonderful person. The Holy Spirit will keep her parents and those close to her.

He also stated: "Dr. Nancy had the best of medical and spiritual care when she was sick. But it pleased the Lord to take her away from us. May God give us long life.

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May God remove death from our children and keep them for us. We shall never bury our children again. But weep no more for our departed Dr. Nancy, we are going to meet her again in heaven".

But when the funeral service was over and her remains were being carried from inside the church into the ambulance to her place of interment, many broke down in tears and they refused to be consoled.

The same scenario played out at her family's compound located inside the Bendel Estate, Warri, where she was laid to rest. Family members, friends, priests and other mourners cried uncontrollably.

The remains of 24-year-old Dr. Nancy at the interment

Rev Fr. Benedict Ukutegbe, while speaking at the funeral mass expressed gratitude to all those who attended, describing the untimely demise of the young medical doctor as very painful and heart breaking.

Ukutegbe, who supervised the interment, urged all to remember the parents of late Dr. Nancy in their prayers always.

On his part, Rev. Clement Abobo described the death of the medical doctor as shocking.

Her father, Chief Efe Appih said: "The death of my daughter is a painful one to me. God knows the best. I have to be strong because there is nothing that I can do over her death. But I will do everything to keep her memory alive. My daughter lives on".

Her mother, Mrs. Felicia Appih, who attended her graduation on June 24,2016 in Ukraine, speaking in tears after the burial, described the death of her first child and the only female as a big blow and promised to do everything to immortalise her name.

Source: Legit.ng
- A Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, February 9 entertained a case involving President Muhammadu Buhari.

- The suit is filed by human rights crusader, Chief Malcolm Omirhobo

- He is challenging the powers of the president and others to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)

A Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, February 9 entertained a case involving President Muhammadu Buhari, The Guardian reports.

Court case against President Buhari begins in Abuja

The suit is filed by human rights crusader, Chief Malcolm Omirhobo, who is challenging the powers of the president and others to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)

Other respondents in the suit are Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), Justice Walter Onnoghen and the National Judicial Council (NJC).

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When the matter came up before Justice John Tsoho, only the NJC was represented, while others were absent even though they were served with the originating summons.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Mrs. Chinwe Okpala, confirmed to the court that all the defendants had been served and wondered why the other four were not in court. The counsel therefore asked for an adjournment.

Consequently, Justice Tsoho granted the adjournment and fixed March 7, 2017 for hearing.

READ ALSO: All eyes on Osinbajo as Nigerians await Onnoghen's confirmation

Similarly, Lagos-based lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa had dragged the president, the vice-president, the Senate, the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation to court over the delay in Onnoghen's confirmation.

But, two days ago, President Buhari asked Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to forward the name of the acting CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen to the Senate for confirmation.

Source: Legit.ng
- Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has remained in prison for over one year over allegations of treason for demanding the break-up of Nigeria

- A video of a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) declaring Kanu as the president of Biafra has been released

Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been declared as the Commander-In-Chief of the Biafran Armed Forces in a trending video showing the organisations main base in Spain.

Asiegbu described Nnamdi Kanu as the president of Biafra

Kanu is being held in detention by the Muhammadu Buhari government for over a year now on charges of treason after being picked up in Lagos.

The video, though old, resurfaced on social media on Friday, February 10 and has been generating reactions.

READ ALSO: Biafra Agitation: IPOB are righteous people fighting noble cause - FFK reveals

Kanu has refused to denounce the organisation that has severally clashed with security agents resulting in the death of many of its supporters.

The video shows a man, Mazi Uchenna Asiegbu, who heads the Spanish office as saying Nigeria is evil and that nothing good would come out of it.

Asiegbu, who seemed to be taking a female loyalist of the organisation round the office, introduced the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu as the first president of Biafra adding that the latter ruled between 1967 and 1972.

He also introduced late Philip Effiong as the vice president during the administration of Ojukwu.

And our leader now is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Commander-In-Chief of the Biafran Armed Forces and as well, the director of Radio Biafra and Biafran Television. He is the present president of Biafra.

He is still in incarceration in Abuja, he said.

READ ALSO: My husband's obsession with Biafra is scary - Nnamdi Kanu's wife

Asiegbu introduced himself as the head of the directorate of state of the IPOB worldwide. He added that his office controls what happens across the world.

We are disciplined people and can never be terrorists, he said.

Watch the video:

Source: Legit.ng
Boko Haram insurgents have ambushed a convoy of new Nigerian Army recruits in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, killing seven of them and abducting three others that included a female soldier in the attack.

Nigerian Army recruits in training; seven newly-recruited ones were killed by Boko Haram on Thursday, January 9 evening.

READ ALSO: 9 notorious Boko Haram commanders arrested (photos)

According to the Washington Post, the attack occurred on Thursday evening, February 9, near Mafa town on the main road 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Maiduguri in Borno state.

The attack has been confirmed by an army officer who spoke under the condition of anonymity.

A humanitarian worker also said he heard military radio traffic confirming the attack.

Premium Times reports that not fewer than 20 other recruits were injured in the gun battle which occurred along the Maiduguri-Dikwa road in the North-Eastern State. Dikwa is 70 kilometres east of Maiduguri.

READ ALSO: UN envoy announces Boko Haram is now broke

The report quotes Army sources as saying that three other soldiers, including a female, were declared missing after the incident.

Quoting eyewitnesses, Premium Times reports that the battle between the insurgents and the soldiers began at about 7.30pm on Thursday after a detachment of troops numbering about 250 soldiers and one officer ran into a Boko Haram ambush as they traveled through the area in Army trucks and buses owned by the Borno state government.

The terrorists were said to have suddenly emerged in large numbers from the bushes and opened fire on the soldiers who were mostly young soldiers fresh from training.

The soldiers are said to be members of the 76 Regular Recruit Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

After the attack, the Boko Haram terrorists fled into surrounding bushes and villages, reportedly taking away with them a gun truck, a mine detector, some AK 47 rifles, explosives and other weapons.

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the attack in a statement released late on Friday, February 10 even as it revealed that the outfit also killed several insurgents.

Boko Haram insurgents have continued to launch isolated attacks on military formations after they were driven out of the Sambisa forest, their last strong hold in December 2016.

Source: Legit.ng
Acting president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo received a rousing welcome when he visited Bayelsa state which is the home state of former president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Osinbajo was in the state as part of his visit to the Niger Delta region to foster peace between the federal government and the region.

The vice president was in the state on Friday, February 10 shortly after he left Rivers state where he was received by Governor Nyesom Wike.

Militants have been terrorising the region in an agitation for resource control although this has reduced since the federal government made moves to carry out the demands from the region.

See video below

Source: Legit.ng
A Nigerian soldier, Abdurahman Abubakar, has taken to Facebook to explain the unbelievable ordeal of soldiers in a bid to keep every Nigerian safe.

Abdurahman Abubakar

Posting real life pictures, Abdurahman who is based in Bauchi, explained the long nights under the harsh weather without family members and fears of death. He went on to write about how they sleep on the floor besides graves with one eye open.

This is coming few days before two soldiers descended on a crippled man at New Market Road, Osha in Onitsha, beating him blue-black because he was wearing a camouflage trousers, a clothing only worn by military personnel.

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See Abdurahman's post below:

"We slept on a naked ground beside our grave with one eye open at alert just 2 make sure u guyz sleep in peace n comfortable at home with ur familyz while we left our own family's all alone nd scared thinking of us weather we r gonna make it or nt. Bt after all diz sacrifice we made some bastards will said dat soldiers r nt doing anything, okey y don't u come n do wat we can't ..... M just proud 2 b a professional soldier HUUURAAA"

Source: Legit.ng
The controversies over the health condition of President Muhammadu Buhari have continued to generate heated debate on social media.

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, and the former interim APC chairman, Bisi Akande, visited President Muhammadu Buhari in London on Thursday, February 9.

The latest social media uproar was sequel to an announcement by some Muslims clerics of a 10-day prayer and fasting for the health of the president, which has been opposed by a section of Nigerians on social media.

READ ALSO: Buhari resting in the Nigeria House in London - Onyeama

There have been uncertainties over the health condition of President Buhari, with conflicting reports emerging on daily basis.

But several government officials have dismissed these reports, claiming that Buhari is not in any hospital in the United Kingdom but is relaxing in the Nigeria House in London.

Acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, minister of information, Lai Mohammed and minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama are among others that have said the president is in good health.

However, contrary to their claims, some Muslims clerics in Maiduguri, Borno state on Friday February 10, decided to embark on intense prayer and fasting for the president.

Malam Uma Bolori who spoke on behalf of the clerics said: "Our prayer is what President Buhari needs from Nigerians rather rumours.

President Buhari deserves payers from the people of North-East, for not allowing Borno to go on extinction when almost all the territories in the state were taken over by Boko Haram.

 We are going to fast, supplicate and recite Holy Quran 50 times for improved health condition of our President.

Nigerians must rally round their leaders and pray for them, to enable them succeed in steering the affiars of this country."

READ ALSO: APC to SNG - No one can force Buhari to reveal his health status

But some Nigerians who seem fed-up with the conflicting information surrounding the presidents health have questioned the rationale behind the prayers for Buhari when government officials are insisting the president is not sick.

They called on the Muslim clerics not to disturb God since the president was relaxing in London as claimed by government officials.

Read some reactions to the issue below:

What is your view on the issue, should there be a national prayer for President Buhari amidst claims by government officials that he is in good health?

Source: Legit.ng
- The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said that time has come for farmers and herdsmen to heal work towards peaceful co-existence in Nigeria

- MACBAN said the long crisis between herdsmen and farmer in various states across Nigeria must come to an end

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said that time has come for farmers and herdsmen to heal work towards peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.

MACBAN said the long crisis between herdsmen and farmer in various states across Nigeria must come to an end.

In a statement signed by its national secretary Othman Ngelzarma, MACBAN said: The time for the healing of the wounds occasioned by this human tragedy is now, and MACBAN shall continue to be part of any efforts at genuine reconciliation.

READ ALSO: Christianity under siege in Nigeria, CAN FUMES on DSS interrogation of members

While commiserating with families of victims of the crisis between some herdsmen and farmers in Delta state and Southern Kaduna, Ngelzarma said the unfortunate bloodletting must come to an end.

He also commiserated with the Nigerian police on the loss of a police area commander who was killed in Delta state.

Miyetti Allah has often times categorically condemned extremism bloodletting and their perpetrators in all their ramifications and will continue to uphold same, not minding whoever is involve, be its members or any other group or individuals, Ngelzarma said.

READ ALSO: Herdsmen barricade Delta road, unleash mayhem on passengers

We also have time without number frowned at violence and those who initiate it. It is our belief that violence remains mankinds greatest stupidity, as violence begets greater violence. Simply put, violence occurs partly because the belligerent fails to tailor their senses towards those elements that ensure peaceful co-existence amongst people.

We therefore, condemn in unequivocal terms those fanning the embers of Religious and ethnic intolerance both in Southern Kaduna and other communities, he said.

However, stating that herdsmen have sometimes been on the receiving end of violence across Nigeria, MACBAN said: Just recently and precisely on the December 6, 2016, one of our members was killed while Ten of his cow were also allegedly killed by some elements from the Nimbo community in Enugu State, who crossed over to Idah Local Government area of Kogi State to commit the said crime.

Then, some unscrupulous members of Igah community in Uzoajeh Local Government of Enugu State crossed over to Omasi in Anambra, killing twenty-two cows belonging to our members. This was followed by the killing of two of our members at Rugan Alahji Quadri, then five others were reportedly killed in Lushi, and worst still Fulani settlements of Bomaanda, Jollari (Garin Ardo Bakari) and Lande Jewshi were allegedly burnt down by some elements of Mumuyeh community in Lau Local Government of Taraba State.

READ ALSO: Southern Kaduna people finally accept to negotiate with Fulani herdsmen

On that same faithful day, one of our members was also killed in a community close to Ganye in Jada Local Government area of Adamawa simply because some of his cows mistakenly strayed and damaged a few molded blocks in a Block making factory.

We were also notified of the killing of two villagers by Herdsmen in Ehuvu, in Ughelli North local government area, and we advised all relevant security outfits to look into the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice, as MACBAN wont condone such acts of brutality on its members.

Unfortunately, when such violence and killings occur, farmers and members of such communities receive favorable reporting, while Herdsmen are singled out for condemnation, the association said.

READ ALSO: I insist on paying Fulani herdsmen money; no apology for that  El-Rufai reveals how S/Kaduna killing started

Ngelzarma further called on the media to make efforts to balance its reports on the crisis between herdsmen and farmers across Nigeria.

We are of the opinion that no right thinking and patriotic Nigerian should have the luxury of taking sides in a purely communal clash emanating from minor misunderstanding.

Again, MACBAN vehemently disassociates itself from those who hold the view that the Southern Kaduna skirmishes between Fulanis and the other ethnic groupings represent a case of ethnic cleaning. Nothing can be further from the truth," MACBAN added.

Source: Legit.ng
I am writing this letter to you to state how disappointed I am in the constant hate campaign the Journal Star is continuing against the president of the United States and the people the president is trying to install as cabinet members.

First, please note Donald Trump won the election. The liberal Democrats lost. They lost because they have totally lost contact with the American people. The people of this great country are sick and tired of sending our resources to people who hate America. We want to take care of Americans, not people of foreign countries.

Have any of you liberals looked at the fact we are in debt $20 trillion; that Nebraska is short $900 million dollars toward our current budget year? Almost 90,000 immigrants came into this country last year at a cost of billions of dollars to the American taxpayers. Sixty percent of most individuals and company property tax bills go for education. How are we Americans supposed to pay our own bills, educate, clothe and feed our families when you liberals want to open our borders to everyone around the world? There is not enough money or jobs to support more immigrants.

I am tired of reading the garbage that Dana Milbank and other liberals write that at best are half truths about what is occurring on a daily basis. The new immigration executive order that is stopping some people from coming into the United States is an attempt to keep this country safe. It's not designed to keep out all Muslims.

Tens of thousands of Muslims will continue to come into this country every week, and you know thats a fact. The first day of the executive order, 325,000 people came into this country and 109 were stopped for a few hours and then allowed to enter. Some families were turned away that had helped American forces in Iraq and that situation needs to be addressed and I am sure it will be if you liberals give our new administration the chance to do so.

The recent editorial on Buck Trump on NAFTA and tariffs is your latest attempt at thinking everyone in the world is important except America. The trade imbalance of this country against the rest of the world in 2016 was somewhere around 585 billion dollars as your newspaper reported, and the trade imbalance with Mexico was about $50 billion.

Maybe the Journal Star editorial board thinks that is just perfect. This imbalance in trade is costing this country millions of jobs. Good jobs that used to pay a living wage and provide health and retirement benefits. If we had jobs that paid a living wage plus good benefits including health care, Americans wouldnt need the Affordable Care Act. Americans do not need the socialism the editorial board desires. This country needs jobs, not more socialism or welfare. Give President Trump a chance to help Americans and stop spreading so much hate.
If reports by Sahara Reporters are anything to go by, then a rift might be ongoing between aides to President Muhammadu Buhari and the president's doctors.

BREAKING: Buharis doctors, aides, allegedly in heated debate over President's possible return on Saturday

It is alleged that the rift is over a possible return of the President this Saturday, February 11.

Presidency sources have said that President Muhammadu Buhari plans to return to Nigeria on Saturday after his test results came in fine. However, Mr. Buharis return remains uncertain as his team of doctors in the United Kingdom has yet to certify him fit to take on the significant burden of his office.

READ ALSO: Why disturb God when the president is not sick'  Anger trails 10-day prayer, fasting for Buhari

According to Sahara Reporters, members of Buharis inner circle were pressuring him to return to Nigeria in order to avoid a power vacuum that could scale down their influence.

President Buhari caused anxiety amongst Nigerians when he abruptly left Nigeria on a 10-day vacation late January. He failed to return to Nigeria last week at the expiration of his vacation, instead writing to the Senate to indicate he was extending his leave in order to receive results from certain medical tests.

A variety of conflicting responses from the presidents aides and associates, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, helped deepen the uncertainty about Mr. Buharis status. Many Nigerians and other groups accused the Presidency of hiding the true status of President Buharis health.

The situation was further worsened by fake news websites that consistently churned out rumors about the presidents hospitalization in a comatose state and even his death.

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It was learnt that President Buhari remains in frail health and requires treatment for an undisclosed ailment that requires his absence from Nigeria for a prolonged time. However, owing to the volatile political situation in Nigeria, some members of the presidents inner circle have been persuading Mr. Buhari that he cannot afford to take more time off.

Sources stated that members of the political establishment surrounding Mr. Buhari are persuading him to accept a piecemeal medical treatment plan rather than adopt a plan recommended by his UK doctors that would take several months for treatment and recovery. The presidents associates are reportedly afraid that a prolonged tenure as acting President for Mr. Osinbajo could significantly change the power equation against them.

READ ALSO: Minister reveals one crucial fact about Buhari, as APC speaks on president's plot for Nigeria's economy

President Buhari met two top All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in an undated photo released yesterday by the Presidency. APC national leader, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and the chairman of the partys Board of Trustees, Bisi Akande, were seen in photos meeting with a smiling President Buhari.

However, it is rumored that several APC members, including Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, who had booked their flights to London to see Mr. Buhari were told to stay back in Nigeria and await further instructions from the team of doctors in the UK who would have some say regarding whether the president returns tomorrow or later.

One of our sources disclosed that, even if President Buhari returns to Abuja on Saturday, he would soon have to travel again to the UK to seek further treatment.

Source: Legit.ng
- Following a bloody road block attack on Delta state residents by men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, Delta state police has invited herdsmen for a chat

- The police PPRO said the meeting with the herdsmen will help to find a lasting solution to the crises between herdsmen and people of Delta

- The meeting is scheduled to hold on Sunday, Febraury 12

The Delta state police command on Friday, February 10, announced that it has invited herdsmen for a meeting on Sunday, February 12.

Delta state police public relation officer, DSP Andrew Animaka who made this announcement said the meeting was part of the pro-active measures by the command to maintain peace and security in the state.

Delta state police command invites herdsmen for meeting

According to Daily Post, Animaka said the meeting was a way to find lasting solution to the disturbing violent clash between herdsmen and the residents of Delta state.

READ ALSO: El-Rufai says he is working towards peace

On Thursday, February 9, suspected Herdsmen took over the Ohorhor-Bomadi Road in Delta State and unleashed mayhem on passengers by dispossessing them of their goods.

There were reports that the herdsmen blocked the road for almost an hour and terrorised travellers.

Mr. Power Oba who is the acting chairman of the community said he was also contacted about the issue.

He said: I was not around when they stormed the road. But I was informed on phone that they barricaded the road about 3p.m., and disposed passengers of valuables.

Confirming the incident, the pressmen that: If it is around Ohorhor road like you said, then yes.

We got a report that hoodlums barricaded the road and attempted to dispossess passengers of their belongings and harass innocent passersby.

But we got the information early and swiftly deployed our men to the scene.

They responded to action immediately.

So to get our heads off these herdsmen, we have decided to call for a meeting with them.

We are inviting them for a meeting on Sunday at the Officers Mess in Ogbe.

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Recall that less than a week ago, on Monday, February 6, several policemen were reportedly missing, while others were injured after a face-off between Delta state police and suspected Fulani herdsmen allegedly dressed in police uniform.

Meanwhile, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said that time has come for farmers and herdsmen to heal work towards peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.

MACBAN said the long crisis between herdsmen and farmer in various states across Nigeria must come to an end.

In a statement signed by its national secretary Othman Ngelzarma, MACBAN said: The time for the healing of the wounds occasioned by this human tragedy is now, and MACBAN shall continue to be part of any efforts at genuine reconciliation.

Source: Legit.ng
The federal government has been directed to arrest anybody found peddling alleged death rumours about President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Buhari, who is on vacation in the UK has met with several people including his wife Aisha (seated right) at the Abuja House in London (right) where he is said to be staying.

This directive was given by the Association of Nigerian Entrepreneurs in the Diaspora in a statement. According to the group, the rumour of death of President Muhammadu Buhari is evil.

READ ALSO: Where is Buhari? Fresh uncertainty emerge over Buhari's London whereabouts

Daily Post reports that to avoid throwing the nation into chaos, the group said it was necessary to arrest peddlers of the rumours.

The chairman of the group Charles Sylvester, who signed the statement said the rumours were inhuman.

He said: The mongers have brought emotional pain and torture not only to the members of the presidents immediate family, but to his friends, associates and indeed many Nigerians who had been distressed by the evil rumour.

The group saluted the efforts of President Buhari and the Nigerian Army at making the country safe.

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We commend the President on the efforts of his government and the armed forces in defeating Boko Haram and creating a better security for investors in Nigeria.

We should all unite and support the government by capitalising on such gains, the statement added.

In a related vein, Nigerians in the United Kingdom have denied protesting against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

These Nigerians under the aegis of the UK chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (NDMG) said media reports that there was a protest against President Buahri are false.

Source: Legit.ng
Living Essentials LLC and Innovation Ventures LLC, the makers of 5-hour Energy, were ordered this week to pay nearly US$4.3 million in attorneys fees, costs and penalties for violations of state law in a 2014 complaint brought by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

King County Superior Court Judge Beth Andrus ruled in October that the companies behind 5-hour Energy violated the state Consumer Protection Act. On Feb. 7, she ordered Living Essentials and Innovation Ventures to pay $2.18 million in civil penalties, $1.89 million in attorneys fees and roughly $209,000 in costs.

The makers of 5-hour Energy broke the law in pursuit of profit," Ferguson said in a statement, and now they are paying for it."

The judge permanently barred the makers of 5-hour Energy from making claims about their products biochemical or physiological effect on consumers, unless they possess and rely upon competent and reliable scientific evidence at the time the claims, statements or representations are made." Similarly, the defendants cannot make certain claims related to caffeine and other ingredients without possessing competent and reliable scientific evidence.

Andrus also prohibited advertising or marketing claims that rely upon survey data unless the survey was created, conducted, and evaluated in an objective manner by persons qualified to do so, using procedures and methods generally accepted in the profession to yield accurate and reliable results."

Living Essentials and Innovation Ventures, which prevailed in similar lawsuits brought by state attorneys general in Indiana and Oregon, intend to pursue an appeal in Washington.

Unlike the two other courts that found in our favor, this court did not follow the law," the companies said in a statement. We intend to vigorously pursue our right to appeal, and correct the trial courts incorrect application of the law."
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Barbara Harlow, a scholar and author who brought issues of human rights and postcolonialism into the classroom through her studies of African, Arab and Latin American fiction and the writing of women in prison, died on Jan. 28 in Austin, Tex. She was 68.

The cause was esophageal cancer, said Elizabeth Cullingford, the chairwoman of the English department at the University of Texas, Austin, where Professor Harlow had taught since 1985.

Professor Harlow held multiple degrees in French literature when she accepted her first teaching post, at the American University in Cairo, in 1977. She immersed herself in contemporary Arab literature and became an ardent advocate for the Palestinian cause.

Her seminal study, Resistance Literature, published in 1987, was one of the first works in English to examine the fiction produced during national liberation struggles in the third world.
Lev Navrozov, a literary translator in the Soviet Union who smuggled out his study of Lenin and Stalins campaigns of terror when he emigrated to the United States in 1972, died on Jan. 22 in Brooklyn. He was 88.

His son, Andrei, confirmed the death. He said his father had been suffering from Parkinsons disease.

Mr. Navrozovs contempt for Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution, and Stalin, his brutal successor, arose out of intellectual loathing, not of a personal history of exile or repression. In his book, The Education of Lev Navrozov: A Life in the Enclosed World Once Called Russia (1975), he described Lenin as a barbarian unworthy of his countrys deification.

He had to enserf every soul psychologically, he wrote. He had to destroy inside every soul all the psychology of independence that had been accumulating throughout the history of Russia.
Our senators, Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse, just dealt us a devastating blow by supporting the nomination of and voting to confirm Betsy DeVos. It is abundantly clear she is unqualified for the Secretary of Education position and those who claim to represent us know this full well. It is incomprehensible how either Fischer or Sasse could be so cowardly and power-hungry and choose to disrespect the people of Nebraska. We shared our concerns, and our voices were loud and clear. They willingly chose not to hear us.

I urge all citizens to continue to write and phone our representatives. Demand that the numbers of calls and letters they received about DeVos' nomination be released. We must hold them accountable for this vote. They should own, defend and justify this betrayal of the Nebraskan people. We are the constituents and our elected officials ought to feel obligated to represent our needs and desires. If Fischer and Sasse cannot or will not do so, we need to elect those who will stand up for our rights regardless of party affiliation, political pressure or financial gain.
1. A federal appeals court refused to reinstate President Trumps targeted travel ban, delivering a stinging judicial rebuke to his administration.

The ruling focused on the narrow question of whether the ban should be blocked while courts consider its lawfulness, and is likely to be quickly appealed to the Supreme Court.

The executive order suspended travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries and limited the nations refugee program.
It is part of a broader investment theory that inflated stock prices in for-profit college companies, textbook makers, lenders and loan collectors  all of whom have roles in what Mr. Trafton calls the college bubble of the last seven or eight years  have a long way to fall.

Mr. Trafton isnt the only market participant who is skeptical of the $1.4 trillion student-loan market. The outspoken hedge-fund manager William A. Ackman has called student debt a big threat to the United States credit markets, saying, I think that the governments going to lose hundreds of millions of dollars. JPMorgan Chases chief executive, Jamie Dimon, warned last year that student-debt defaults were a looming problem.

More recently, some hedge funds  concerned about default rates and state and federal lawsuits accusing a major student-loan collector of abuses  have considered shorting shares of the company or its competitors in various ways.

But it isnt an easy trade to execute.

For one thing, the relevant stocks are moving in the wrong direction. Shares of companies that deal with student loans, including Navient and SLM Corporation, otherwise known as Sallie Mae, have risen since early November, reflecting expectations that the Trump administration may establish a friendlier regulatory environment for student lenders.

The student-loan market also benefits from having an implicit taxpayer backstop. Since the 2008 financial crisis, most loans are carried on the governments balance sheet, and, because of wage-garnishment capabilities and other aggressive tools for collecting student debts, they are repaid at fairly high rates, making a rash of unpaid debts less likely.
Michelle Chien, 30, is a pediatrician with Heal in San Francisco.

Q. What is Heal, and what is your role there?

A. Were a health care company that provides in-home care. Our headquarters are in Santa Monica, but I see patients in the San Francisco area, near where I live. Lately Ive become the primary pediatrician for several children after seeing them on house calls. Parents have asked for me, which is nice.

What is your background?

Im first-generation American; my parents are from Taiwan. I graduated from U.C.L.A. and wanted to see more of the country, so I attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia for my medical degree. I started out in a private practice with two other pediatricians, and then began splitting my time between the private practice and Heal. I still occasionally help out at that practice. I also have hospital privileges at Sutter Health.

Why did you want to become a pediatrician?

I looked up to my pediatrician as a child and saw her into my 20s. I believe the bond between a child and a pediatrician is special, and I wanted to have that type of impact on people. My mother is a banker, and my dad has a picture framing business. No one in my family had worked in medicine, and I wanted to be the first to break the mold.
I get it: You are freaked out. You dont like this president. Practically every day, he sets off some new crisis and, according to your Facebook feed, does something that might destroy the nation. Youre wondering if you should start buying canned foods and ammunition.

Or perhaps youre thrilled that the Trump administration is making good on its promise to drain the swamp by changing regulations. Its wonderful to see businesslike thinking in Washington. In moments of reflection, however, youre a bit concerned that some important details might get overlooked amid the flurry of action from the White House.

Among those concerns may be President Trumps pledge to do a big number on the financial regulations put in place after the 2008 financial crisis, reforms known as the Dodd-Frank Act.

Its a turbulent time. So, as a public service, Im going to regularly evaluate some of Mr. Trumps activities, and help you decide which ones are cause for alarm  and which, to be honest, are fairly rational attempts at governing, the same kinds of shifts we might expect if Hillary Clinton or a different Republican had been elected president.
By focusing the order not on religion but on areas of the world that created danger for the United States, Mr. Giuliani said, the ban is perfectly sensible, perfectly legal.

Now federal courts are considering if the order is, in fact, perfectly legal.

Congress and the Constitution give a president broad control over the countrys borders. One explicit limit is that a president may not refuse immigrants visas because of their race, sex, nationality, place of birth or residence.

August Flentje, a lawyer from the Department of Justice, argued this week before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that judges cannot try to find out if a president disguised some of the reasons for an executive order. The best evidence of the presidents intent is the language of the order, he said, adding: That is the end of the inquiry.

The State of Washington, and others challenging the order, argue that it was an illegal ban of Muslims, papered over with reasons that the law permits.

And that is where Mr. Giulianis remarks come in. Until his interview, Mr. Giuliani  the former mayor of New York, former candidate for the United States Senate and former candidate for president  had largely fallen into eclipse following a spectacular run of appearances on behalf of Mr. Trump during the campaign.

In October, Mr. Giuliani boasted of having inside information from F.B.I. agents and promised a late-game surprise that would damage the campaign of Hillary Clinton, the Democratic opponent of Mr. Trump. Weve got a couple of things up our sleeve that should turn this thing around, he said.

Indeed, 11 days before the election, the F.B.I. director announced that the agency was looking into emails that had been found on a laptop used by the estranged husband of an aide to Mrs. Clinton. Although the F.B.I. eventually said nothing in the emails warranted prosecution, the political damage had been done to the Clinton campaign.
Using public office for private gain could be the motto of this administration, which is largely disregarding laws and customs meant to assure that presidents wont let their financial interests get in the way of leading the nation. (This president, of course, has at least one immediate issue of his own: the violation of his 60-year lease of the government-owned Old Post Office building in Washington, which bars any elected official from being the lessee.)

Ethics experts and good-government groups were quick to pounce on Ms. Conways impromptu infomercial, and her ethical violation was so glaring that even some Republicans in Congress took note. Her words were wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable, said Jason Chaffetz, the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Mr. Chaffetz called for the White House to refer the matter to the Office of Government Ethics, which could recommend disciplinary actions against Ms. Conway, including suspension and loss of pay. A referral would be the right way to deal with this. (The White House said that she has been counseled, which sounds like something between a wink and a slap on the wrist.)

Whatever happens to Ms. Conway, the deeper concern here is over the administrations insistence on treating the White House as a wholly -owned subsidiary of the Trump Organization. If Mr. Trump truly cares more about his new job serving the American people than about serving the family empire, he knows what to do: release his tax returns and sell his businesses.
Two celestial events will take place on Friday night: a lunar eclipse and the passing of a comet.

While both sound significant, neither will be much of a spectacle for the casual skygazer. The eclipse will be a penumbral lunar eclipse, meaning that only a portion of Earths shadow will cover the moon. Unlike a total lunar eclipse, where the entire moon takes on a reddish color from being engulfed by the Earths shadow, the moon will appear only slightly darker than usual during Fridays eclipse.

These things are very subtle, said Noah Petro, a research scientist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center. If its a cloudy night you might not even notice it.

The best time to try and see the eclipse is around 7:44 p.m. Eastern time. Thats when part of the moons top will most noticeably appear gray.

The next event, the passing of Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova, will also not be very eye-catching for most people. Comet 45P circles the sun about every five years. On Friday night and early Saturday morning, it will be about seven million miles away from Earth, the closest it comes during its orbit. Thats about 30 times the distance between Earth and the moon. Because its still relatively far, it will be very hard to see without binoculars or a telescope. If you are able to get one of those tools, the comet should appear as a green dot in the sky because of its chemical components. The best time to try to see it will be in the early hours of Saturday morning, around 3 a.m. Eastern time, but dont get your hopes up.
Image i-D magazines February 2001 issue, guest edited by Raf Simons.

2) Hes Always Understood the Importance of Breathing Space

Even before the fashion calendar was jam-packed with pre-collections and runway shows, Simons was an champion of taking it easy. Or, at least, of exploring what else was out there. I had a love-hate relationship with fashion, he told T. In a way, I was completely obsessed and attracted and I loved it; on the other, I hated it. That philosophy might explain an otherwise surprising decision after his fall/winter 2000 show to wind down his business. But he retained an office in Antwerp, as well as a creative team; he wanted to do something, but not fashion. (He explored other creative avenues for a year, including teaching at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and guest-editing an issue of i-D  which, he says, is still the magazines best seller.) But of leaving fashion, he said, Thats also when I missed it quickly.

Image Raf Simons's spring/summer 2002 collection. Credit... Firstview

3) He Thought One of His Strongest Collections Had Finished His Career

The most controversial and influential show of Simonss career was given the somewhat unwieldy title Woe Onto Those Who Spit on the Fear Generation The Wind Will Blow it Back. As the name suggests, it focused on youthful rebellion. The designer looked to freedom fighters for inspiration  his models walked barefoot with their faces masked, wearing torn and shredded hooded sweatshirts printed with inflammatory slogans. Presented in June 2001, the collection was maligned  The Times called it a terrorist-inflected collection. I thought my career was over after that show, Simons once told me. I remember editors and people that had been supporting the brand sending messages to us, to me, saying Dont worry. We understood the collection! Dont think that we think that its negative! Simons has said his references were The opposite of 9/11  its about freedom. Many items in the collection came to be popularly associated with Simonss work  especially washed, torn and elongated slogan sweatshirts. (Similar styles are now offered by Kanye Wests Yeezy line.)
The scenery may have shrunk, but that face  oh, that face  looms larger than ever. So does the ego that animates it, both indomitable and irreparably broken.

With one look, indeed, to borrow a song lyric that describes such unsettling presence. That outrageous, over-the-top, desperate old lady shedding sanity on the stage of the Palace Theater still has the poetry in her gaze to break every heart.

Yes, Hollywoods most fatally narcissistic glamour girl, Norma Desmond, is back in town, in the pared-down revival of Andrew Lloyd Webbers Sunset Boulevard that opened on Thursday night. It is a show that exists almost entirely to let its star blaze to her hearts content. The light she casts is so dazzling, this seems an entirely sufficient reason to be.

Miss Desmond is embodied by Glenn Close, the much-celebrated movie actress who won a Tony in the same part 22 years ago. And what was one of the great stage performances of the 20th century has been reinvented, in terms both larger and more intimate, that may well guarantee its status as one of the great stage performances of this century, too.
WASHINGTON  Weeks before President Trumps inauguration, his national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn, discussed American sanctions against Russia, as well as areas of possible cooperation, with that countrys ambassador to the United States, according to current and former American officials.

Throughout the discussions, the message Mr. Flynn conveyed to the ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak  that the Obama administration was Moscows adversary and that relations with Russia would change under Mr. Trump  was unambiguous and highly inappropriate, the officials said.

The accounts of the conversations raise the prospect that Mr. Flynn violated a law against private citizens engaging in diplomacy, and directly contradict statements made by Trump advisers. They have said that Mr. Flynn spoke to Mr. Kislyak a few days after Christmas merely to arrange a phone call between President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and Mr. Trump after the inauguration.

But current and former American officials said that conversation  which took place the day before the Obama administration imposed sanctions on Russia over accusations that it used cyberattacks to help sway the election in Mr. Trumps favor  ranged far beyond the logistics of a post-inauguration phone call. And they said it was only one in a series of contacts between the two men that began before the election and also included talk of cooperating in the fight against the Islamic State, along with other issues.
Nebraskans can be proud to be represented by one of the few consistently outspoken voices against the newly inaugurated president: Sen. Ben Sasse.

Yet, while Sasse aspires to rise above the partisan fray in his dissent, his reaction to Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch reveals the same hypocrisy that increasingly defines his party: Democrats are working overtime to cast Judge Gorsuch as a reflexive partisan but [...] there are no Republican or Democratic seats on the Supreme Court. This shouldnt be a partisan debate but an opportunity to teach our kids civics.

Where was this sentiment for the 300-plus days that Republicans stonewalled Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland? While Sasse stated on NPR when questioned that "leader [Sen. Mitch] McConnell and I don't necessarily see eye-to-eye," his previous comments on the subject reveal, at best, a milquetoast acquiescence to his party's obstructionists, describing Garlands nomination as "dead on arrival" and declining to meet with him or hold a hearing.

Sasse wants to hold the moral high ground as a "never Trumper," yet cedes to the worst instincts of his party when it suits him. Either it's about civics and the Constitution, or its about partisan posturing. Sasse needs to pick a side.

Kate Dwyer, Lincoln
The travel ban, one of the first executive orders Mr. Trump issued after taking office, suspended worldwide refugee entry into the United States. It also barred visitors from seven Muslim-majority nations for up to 90 days to give federal security agencies time to impose stricter vetting processes.

Immediately after it was issued, the ban spurred chaos at airports and protests nationwide as foreign travelers found themselves stranded at immigration checkpoints by a policy that critics derided as un-American. The State Department said up to 60,000 foreigners visas were canceled in the days immediately after the ban was imposed.

The World Relief Corporation, one of the agencies that resettles refugees in the United States, called the ruling fabulous news for 275 newcomers who are scheduled to arrive in the next week, many of whom will be reunited with family.

We have families that have been separated for years by terror, war and persecution, said Scott Arbeiter, the president of the organization, which will arrange for housing and jobs for the refugees in cities including Seattle; Spokane, Wash.; and Sacramento.

Some family members had already been vetted and cleared and were standing with tickets, and were then told they couldnt travel, Mr. Arbeiter said. So the hope of reunification was crushed, and now they will be admitted.
WASHINGTON  White House officials insisted on Thursday that Judge Neil M. Gorsuch, President Trumps Supreme Court nominee, was not referring to Mr. Trumps recent denigration of judges when he said privately that he was disheartened by attacks on the courts.

Mr. Trump said on Twitter that the nominees remarks had been misrepresented, a sentiment echoed by the White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, during a contentious briefing. A day before, members of the White House team guiding Judge Gorsuchs confirmation verified that the judge had expressed his dismay in response to questions about Mr. Trumps insults of judges.

The administrations abrupt shift highlighted the degree to which Judge Gorsuchs nomination  a top priority for the president and his core supporters  has become mired in a broader debate over Mr. Trumps attitude about the constitutional principle of judicial independence.

The presidents feud with the judiciary  he referred to the district court judge who blocked his targeted travel ban as a so-called judge and called an appeals court hearing a disgrace  is dominating the Senates consideration of Judge Gorsuchs nomination. Senators from both parties are demanding that the judge answer for the president who named him.
And the other two, on reducing crime and preventing violence against law enforcement officials, directed Mr. Sessions to develop a strategy to achieve those goals by coordinating with other agencies, including at the state and local levels. The new attorney general is also to review existing laws and law enforcement grants and recommend changes if necessary.

Bruce Buchanan, a University of Texas political science professor, said that while Mr. Trump had issued a few consequential executive orders early in his presidency  most notably his ban on letting refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations enter the United States  many of his others had used the high-profile step of issuing an order for the purpose of amplifying a political message.

It sounds like he is attempting to make it appear as if he is pushing forward policy positions that he wants to take some credit for, Mr. Buchanan said of the Thursday orders. He wants to be in the papers for having endorsed things he is generally in favor of, even though theres nothing really new.

During the campaign and as president, Mr. Trump has repeatedly invoked fear of crime, sometimes with inaccurate exaggerations. Crime rates peaked in the early 1990s and then significantly declined. Nationally, they remain near historical lows. There was an uptick in 2015, and several large cities, like Chicago, have experienced spikes in crime  even as crime rates in others, like New York, have remained relatively stable.

We have a crime problem, Mr. Sessions said after being sworn in. I wish the blip  I wish the rise that were seeing in crime in America today were some sort of aberration or a blip. My best judgment, having been involved in criminal law enforcement for many years, is that this is a dangerous, permanent trend.
A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Thursday unanimously upheld a Federal District Court judges decision to temporarily block the Trump administration from carrying out its executive order on immigration. The executive order would bar entry into the United States of citizens from seven majority-Muslim countries. Here are some highlights from the ruling:

Trump loses, for now

To rule on the governments motion, we must consider several factors, including whether the government has shown that it is likely to succeed on the merits of its appeal, the degree of hardship caused by a stay or its denial, and the public interest in granting or denying a stay. ... [W]e hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay. [Page 3]

The court summarizes what the case is about at this stage. Its job is not to look squarely at whether the executive order is lawful, but rather at whether the standards have been met to temporarily block the government from enforcing it while the broader legal questions are more fully considered. The judges unanimously decided to keep blocking the order.

The states can sue

We therefore conclude that the states have alleged harms to their proprietary interests traceable to the executive order. The necessary connection can be drawn in at most two logical steps: (1) the executive order prevents nationals of seven countries from entering Washington and Minnesota; (2) as a result, some of these people will not enter state universities, some will not join those universities as faculty, some will be prevented from performing research, and some will not be permitted to return if they leave. [Page 12]

The Trump administration had argued that the appeals court should reject the lawsuit without scrutinizing any of its legal merits, because the two states that filed it had no standing to sue. The appeals court disagreed, primarily because of the impact the travel ban would have on public universities.
BERLIN  The power of a famous patron was on show this week in Berlin. The 67th Berlinale, the annual film festival, opened  and so did the first exhibit by a U.S. artist, Joe Ramirez, 58, whose work caught the eye of the German filmmaker Wim Wenders (Salt of the Earth, Every Thing Will be Fine) after the two met three years ago.

With a goodly crowd of German media in attendance, Mr. Wenders, 71, said he was flabbergasted by Mr. Ramirezs work as a meeting of painting and film, something that the German director said had long fascinated him.

The American artist trained as a woodworker and fresco painter and restorer. He now specializes in  and has patented  a process of covering large wooden disks with gold leaf, then projecting slow motion films infused with allusions to old masters onto them.

Other sources of inspiration for the dreamy film sequences include the Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, Mr. Ramirez said.
Released as a promotion for the British premiere of the six-part series, the clip became a viral sensation, with internet wags transposing new soundtracks, from N.F.L. reports to Yakety Sax. The popularity presaged blockbuster ratings in Britain: The show was seen by 30 million people  nearly half the country  making it one of the biggest natural-history hits since Planet Earth, its landmark predecessor from 2006.

But its high meme factor is only one way the little lizards Great Escape exemplifies how things have changed in the decade since the original Planet Earth. The clip offers a multidimensional lesson in the tactics  some fascinating, some slightly dodgy  filmmakers use these days to stand out in a genre that, like all of television, has become much more competitive, said Tom Hugh-Jones, the series producer, who also worked on the first Planet Earth.

Youre trying to capture new and younger audiences, he said. You have to try every trick to hook them in and engage them.

[See where to stream other nature documentaries at Watching, The New York Timess TV and movie recommendation site.]
Americans fears of nuclear annihilation well up every few decades. Early 1960s: the Cuban missile crisis. 1980s: the Soviet Unions reaction to the Star Wars defense plan. Now: Were going to war in the South China Sea in five to 10 years, theres no doubt about that  Stephen K. Bannon.

Apocalyptic visions are always in fashion, of course; its just a question of where the end is seen to be coming from. The bellicose statements directed at other countries by our current president and some of his advisers have renewed fears (or, in some quarters, hopes) that well bring it about ourselves through all-out war.

Trust television to remind us that whatever we do, theres a range of threats completely out of our control that will someday do the job for us. This programming category is a mainstay of a number of cable channels, and its latest iteration can be seen on Saturday when the Discovery Channel presents The Dark Side of the Sun. (It will be repeated Sunday on the Science channel.)

Dark Side, a documentary about the inevitable catastrophe that will be caused by a coronal mass ejection  huge solar winds  isnt, strictly speaking, apocalyptic. But its on the spectrum: coronal ejection, mega-volcano, asteroid strike. When Earth is hit by another solar wind like the 1859 Carrington Event (scientists estimate that were about 50 years overdue), the likely result will be significant, with a long-lasting loss of electric power. Imagine the entire East Coast without any power for a year.
THE GENIUS OF JUDAISM

By Bernard-Henri Levy

Translated by Steven B. Kennedy

240 pp. Random House. $28.

What is one to make of Bernard-Henri Levy? He poses a bit of a problem, like the exasperatingly contradictory Maria in The Sound of Music. For anyone who has observed the cultural scene over the past three or four decades, the question of who this 68-year-old peacock of a public intellectual really is  and how seriously we should take him  must inevitably arise. It is difficult, if not impossible, to come to Levy (hereafter referred to, in the abbreviated French manner, as B.H.L.) without preconceptions formed from seeing images of him, carefully coifed and wearing one of his studiously unbuttoned Charvet (so I gather) shirts as he gives interviews, or from reading one of the many, alternately fawning or vilifying articles about him.

We know that he, an Algerian-born Jew who first came to notice in the early 1970s as one of the Nouveaux Philosophes who repudiated Marxism, has taken unfashionable positions, especially on Israel, that have alienated others on the French left of which he considers himself a part. But we also know that along with three successive wives (the last a famous French actress) he enjoys the attentions of a mistress, the clotheshorse Daphne Guinness; that he inherited a family fortune that allows him to live baronially when not wandering the hot spots of the world; and that he has spoken up in defense of Roman Polanski and Dominique Strauss-Kahn. In France, B.H.L. has been compared to Albert Schweitzer and Andre Malraux  when he is not being mocked as a buffoon  and has persistently turned down the Legion of Honor. He comes, that is, in a blaze of press, which would be the envy of anyone who thinks for a living except for the fact that the pursuit of glamour, per se, has never sat well with an impression of intellectual gravitas. The total effect is of a paradoxical and Janus-headed character  of a man torn between a need for narcissistic display and the demands of a vigorous intellect, between his hedonistic impulses and a contravening passion for active engagement on behalf of the ideas he believes in.

B.H.L.s latest book, The Genius of Judaism, which is intermittently fascinating and irritating, if not unparseable, does little to clarify the picture. In many ways, this is a revealingly personal document, and I suspect that a more modest writer might have conceived of it as a memoir rather than a cultural treatise. The Genius of Judaism, which owes its title to Chateaubriands The Genius of Christianity, begins at a fevered pitch, mixed metaphors flying (the mental leprosy of anti-Semitism). It pretty much continues on from there in a somewhat context-less, frantic muddle of declarations, autobiographical asides (the slight and dreamy child that I was) and half-baked musings on the Other, as well as offering snippets of Jewish learning, some more showily recondite than others. It reads as though it were written under pressure, pell-mell, like a long note to self  or as if the author were talking to people offstage, whose promptings hes responding to. To this end, B.H.L. indulges the loftier of his passing thoughts without bothering to explain his allusions or his references for the benefit of the reader; the first time he introduces the Kabbalistic scholar Gershom Scholem, for instance, he calls him Scholem, with no identification at all, as though we were all on nodding acquaintance. Depending upon which page youre on, the writing can strike you as lucid or heartfelt or then again, as pure blather, as when he asserts, about the Torah: It is a book that, as Maimonides said in the last words of his Guide for the Perplexed, invites me to be me, stimulates my singularity, and helps move me to the apex not of my narcissistic and phenomenologically individuated self but rather into the self-other, who discovers himself in what he has learned. Perhaps this reads better in the original French.

Image

B.H.L. was brought up in a wholly assimilated Jewish family, one that embraced Heines famous saying that Judaism, Zionism included, was a source of insults and pain that one would not wish on ones worst enemy. Indeed, he describes himself as having been a de-Judaized Jew before his life-altering visit to Israel in June 1967, at the height of the countrys glory as a David among Goliaths, when he became a convert to Zionism. Since then, he has been contending with the question of Jewishness  some years ago he spoke murkily of a positive, solar Judaism, which doesnt only live itself in the mirror of the Holocaust and pain, or see itself as perpetually persecuted  and his own relation to it, particularly as it connects to resurgent anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial and the growing demonization of Israel in Europe. One can read this work most fruitfully as part of a continuing conversation, girded by the texts of the Torah and the Talmud (notwithstanding Levys admission that he has but the scantest knowledge of Hebrew) and watched over by the philosophers Emmanuel Levinas and Benny Levy (no relation); Levy, whom B.H.L. describes as a sort of Jewish imam, was in fact a political figure who served as Jean-Paul Sartres personal secretary and eventually embraced Orthodox Judaism. It is an argument in which B.H.L. attempts to pick out the Jewish thread from the larger fabric of his engage humanism and his identity as a Frenchman enamored of French literary and philosophical traditions. In the process of doing so, based on his somewhat elasticized re-envisioning of the foundational signposts of French culture, he suggests France is more Jewish in nature than has heretofore been recognized and posits a Judaism that has recovered its self-confidence and pride, a religion that is inclusive rather than exclusive, universal rather than particularistic  that, in short, resembles nothing or no one so much as B.H.L himself.
Crowdsourced: Some authors cultivate an especially collaborative relationship with fans. Janet Evanovich has let readers title her books; Neil Gaiman has solicited story ideas on Twitter. And the suspense novelist Lisa Gardner  whose new book, Right Behind You, jumps straight to the top in its first week on the hardcover fiction list  turned to Facebook back when she was still trying to decide which of her regular protagonists the novel should feature. I wasnt sure who I wanted to write about, she told the New Hampshire public radio host Peter Biello this month. Did people want the F.B.I. profilers? Ive written some books with them. What about Boston detective D.D. Warren, who had a very successful book last year? What about Tessa Leoni? I really thought it would be between those two characters, so I was as surprised as anyone to have the readers choose the F.B.I. profilers.

The profilers in question are the husband-and-wife team of Pierce Quincy and Rainie Conner  only one of whom, Quincy, has actually worked as an F.B.I. profiler. (Conner, his frequent sidekick, is a former homicide investigator with the police department in Bakersville, Ore.) In Right Behind You, the two are hunting for a rampage killer whos fled into the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and who may be the older brother of the girl theyre trying to adopt. If you think that sounds like a knotty ball of yarn to untangle, Gardner doesnt necessarily disagree. I hadnt written those books in a good eight years, she told Biello. So it was homework for me. I got to reread my old novels. I had to catch up on my own characters. It was a lot of fun, though. It was a lot of fun to go back to, almost like old friends.

False Witness: The Blood of Emmett Till, by the historian Timothy B. Tyson, enters the hardcover nonfiction list at No. 13. The book has made news for its revelation that the white woman at the center of the case  who claimed the 14-year-old Till flirtatiously grabbed her before his 1955 murder  now admits she made that story up. But the confession only confirms what many people had long assumed. We already knew her story was a lie, the Chicago Tribune columnist Dahleen Glanton wrote last month. So did the judge who presided over the murder trial of her husband and another man. . . . So did most of the people who lived in the tiny town of Money in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. But the all-white jury acquitted them anyway. Glanton doesnt spare a lot of sympathy for the womans delayed spasm of conscience: She was a coward then and shes a coward now. If you want to know what courage is, she continues, look at Tills mother, who was brave enough to use her sorrow to reignite a movement.

At Last: Paul Auster published his first book over 30 years ago, but hes never hit the hardcover fiction list  until now. 4 3 2 1, his new novel, debuts at No. 13.
NIGHT OF FIRE

By Colin Thubron

361 pp. Harper/HarperCollins Publishers. $26.99.

The first oddity lies in the precise accuracy of the title. Those three words convey no coy metaphor for passion or anger, no euphemistic allusion to military bombardment. Colin Thubrons Night of Fire is literally about a house that burns down at night, killing all its inhabitants.

Lest you think I am a killjoy for giving away the plot, let me assure you that plot is the least of what this book has to offer. Structurally, its unlike any other novel Ive read. It starts over at every chapter with a new character, and yet the fates of the seven central characters are so intimately linked that the story feels cumulative. The resemblance of each chapter to the next  intense memories, followed by death  should feel repetitious, but it doesnt. Instead, the sensation is rather like reading a long, dirgelike poem in which the refrain comes back again and again. We do not exactly welcome these expected deaths, but we somehow become used to them.

Time and place remain vague. An opening assertion that the rickety old house was built years ago, at the end of the Victorian century, along with a first-page reference to Bakelite sockets and dustbins and common English shrubs, combines with other details in the lives of the individual characters to put the location somewhere in Britain and the period somewhere near ours. There are no mentions of cellphones or internet searches or other 21st-century markers, and some of the tenants memories hark back to midcentury childhoods. On the other hand, the science of neurosurgery is being practiced in its modern form here, so we cant be too much farther back than the last few years of the 20th century. The story itself is not exactly a timeless fable (as in, say, Hanya Yanagiharas A Little Life, where 30 or 40 years pass without external, historical changes), but it nonetheless refuses to be pinned down to a particular night of fire in a particular place.

This hankering after a generalized condition comes to make more and more sense as the chapters progress. At first, we think we are simply being introduced to each victim in turn: the landlord who lives at the top of the house, the priest who lives on the ground floor, the neurosurgeon who lives just above him, the photographer who occupies the basement. But by the time we get to the photographer, things have begun to seem less distinct. All of these people have a dead mother, usually one who died when the character was still young. What are the chances of that in the general population? Other elements, too, begin to recur: fondly recalled girlfriends with eyes that slant upward at the sides; brain tumors whose excision leaves memory gaps; a boy who hangs himself; a beloved black woman; a lesbian professor of biology. The memory pool, initially sharp and distinct for each character, starts to blur together.
OMAHA  Clutching protest signs in mittened hands, Maureen Ose and Janice Walker stood in front of the Edward Zorinsky Federal Building -- headquarters for the Omaha District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers -- and chanted.

Can't drink oil, keep it in the soil.

They were among 50 people at 17th Street and Capitol Avenue Thursday afternoon for the Omaha version of protests taking place across the nation this week in reaction to the Corps giving a green light to construction of the Dakota Access pipeline under Lake Oahe, a reservoir on the Missouri River near the border between North and South Dakota.

Ose and Walker, both from Lincoln, voiced disgust at the executive action taken last month by President Donald Trump, who instructed the Corps to advance the $3.8 billion pipeline by allowing developer Energy Transfer Partners to install the final section of the 1,172-mile pipeline.

Trump's order also invited Calgary, Alberta-based TransCanada to reapply for the federal cross-border permit it needs to build the Keystone XL pipeline from Hardisty, Alberta, to Steele City along the Nebraska/Kansas border, where it would meet up with the existing Keystone network bound for oil refineries on the Gulf Coast.

It doesn't matter whether it's in my backyard or somebody else's backyard," Ose said. "It's an environmental hazard. It flies in the face of logic to run yet another pipeline under the earth, under the water supply.

Work on the long-delayed Dakota Access project has resumed, and company officials said it could be sending oil to a shipping point at Patoka, Illinois, in three months.

The pipeline will cross Lake Oahe near the reservations of the Standing Rock Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes.

The Cheyenne River Sioux recently joined the Standing Rock Sioux in a lawsuit against the pipeline and on Wednesday, within hours of the Army Corps granting an easement for the pipeline work, asked a federal judge to halt construction while the lawsuit proceeds. A hearing on the request is set for Monday.

The tribes say construction of the pipeline violates treaties and poses an environmental risk to sacred waters.

Energy Transfer Partners says its pipeline is safe.

Both the Dakota Access and Keystone XL have been controversial in Nebraska and while the Omaha protesters got supportive honks Thursday, they also received a few jeers from the windows of passing cars. But the protest proceeded peacefully.

Michelle LaMere of Winnebago, organizer of the Omaha protest and a member of the activist group Siouxland Stand, said a handful of activists planned to meet Thursday with Maj. James T. Startzell, deputy commander and chief of staff of the Army Corps' Omaha District.

We want answers as to why (an easement was given) because America does not benefit from this oil, she said.

A spokesman for the Army Corps confirmed the meeting took place and said protesters took the opportunity to voice concerns.

LaMere said the Dakota Access -- which passes through both Dakotas, Iowa and Illinois -- also poses a risk to Nebraska because a spill into the Missouri River could affect all downstream communities.

The Missouri River goes right along the eastern edge of Nebraska, she said. Although the Native American community took the forefront in the fight against the Dakota Access pipeline, it's not only a Native American issue. It will be the people of Omaha who are affected when that pipeline breaks.

A camp near the construction site in North Dakota last year attracted thousands of protesters who supported the tribes and sporadically clashed with law enforcement.

Nebraska activists, already galvanized by the fight against the Keystone XL, offered a steady stream of support and donations to the camp.

Ose and Walker made the trip north in December to offer cash and supplies.

We were both so personally outraged that our governor chose to send Nebraska state troopers up there to fight the resisters  we felt we could go up there to show there are Nebraskans who care about this deeply, Ose said.

The Army Corps has since ordered the camp, which was on federal land, closed in anticipation of spring floods along the Cannonball River.

The safety of those located on Corps-managed land remains our top priority, in addition to preventing contaminants from entering the waterway, Omaha District Corps commander Col. John Henderson said in a statement. We appreciate the proactive efforts of the tribes to help clean the protest site ahead of potential flooding along the river, typical during the runoff season.

Activists have discussed opening a second camp on private land.
Six new paperbacks to check out this week.

BETTER LIVING THROUGH CRITICISM: How to Think About Art, Pleasure, Beauty, and Truth, by A.O. Scott. (Penguin, $17.) The author, a co-chief film critic for The New York Times, reconsiders the relationship between criticism and the art it assesses; rather than arts antithesis, such evaluations are part and parcel of the creative process. Criticism, far from sapping the vitality of art, is instead what supplies its lifeblood, Scott writes.

DREAM CITIES: Seven Urban Ideas That Shape the World, by Wade Graham. (Harper Perennial, $15.99.) Graham chronicles the familiar institutions around which the worlds cities are organized  including shopping malls, monuments and suburbs  and profiles the designers and planners who imagined them. Cities, in his view, are best seen as expressions of ideas, often conflicting, about how we should live.

A MOTHERS RECKONING: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy, by Sue Klebold. (Broadway, $16.) Klebold, the mother of one of the teenagers who killed 13 other people and themselves at Columbine High School in 1999, approaches her book gingerly: Aware that the project could draw ire or claims of insensitivity, she uses it to warn about mental illness and consider what could have been done to prevent the tragedy.

THE BRICKS THAT BUILT THE HOUSES, by Kate Tempest. (Bloomsbury, $16.) Tempest, a spoken-word poet and a rapper, reprises characters from earlier work in this, her debut novel. Harry is socking away money for the future by dealing cocaine to the wealthy, while Becky, an aspiring dancer, works as a masseuse. Tempest turns her ear for language to their love story, as well as the characters that surround them. The cumulative effect is deeply affecting: cinematic in scope; touching in its empathic humanity, our reviewer, Sam Byers, wrote.
In 1955, the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with several big Hollywood players to talk about getting the idea of militant liberty into movies. John Wayne was eager.

That anecdote is told in Joel Whitneys new book, Finks: How the C.I.A. Tricked the Worlds Best Writers. It may not surprise that the Duke was on board with Uncle Sam, but Whitneys primary focus is on the governments relationship with a less likely band of double agents: writers and editors at The Paris Review.

In an article for Salon in 2012, Whitney plumbed the depths of the literary magazines ties to the C.I.A. Peter Matthiessen, one of the magazines founding editors, had long admitted his own experience with the agency. (His ties were first brought to light in The Times in 1977.) But he, George Plimpton and others involved with the magazine long claimed that it was not directly influenced by the C.I.A.

What Whitney found, and expounds on in the book, is that editors were in a relationship that, from the very beginning, blurs the line between criticism, journalism and the needs of the state; between aesthetics and the political requirements of the Cold War.
Bookended by scenes of Cammie in the present, The Wardens Daughter looks back at a world where preteenage kids could ride bikes at all hours of the day and night without someone placing an Amber Alert. Yet this is also a community in which a man is arrested for killing a 16-year-old girl and dumping her body in the river.

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Its a singular town, while at the same time its every place of the late 1950s  perhaps both simpler and more dangerous than today all at once. The murderer becomes a celebrity the moment hes taken to the local prison. It is here that Cammie, now 12  she lost her mother to a tragic accident when she was just a baby  lives in an apartment above the castle-like jail with her father, the warden.

Its a remarkable place to call home. Perhaps if there were a mother in the family, she would have insisted they inhabit more than a collection of rooms that look down over a walkway into the womens exercise yard. Yet there is something so forbidding and exotic about this space that a group of girls in Cammies class show up uninvited (and later take to calling themselves the Jailbirds), vying to become tragedy tourists. The girl they seek to befriend, herself no stranger to tragedy, is prone to outbursts of anger and even goes out of her way looking for physical altercations.

What Cammie so desperately wants, or believes she desperately needs, is someone to mother her. Shes surrounded instead by a collection of characters who include a mysterious inmate named Eloda Pupko, who has been tasked with being the wardens housekeeper and is Cammies trustee; a gregarious shoplifter named Boo Boo, who treats Cammie like a pet and reserves time every day to sit in the prisons quiet room for their visitation; a hyperactive, cap-gun-firing 5-year-old boy from the other side of town; a somewhat absent and vacant father; and a devoted best friend, Reggie, who is socially already in another world.

Cammie is not, like the other inhabitants of the prison, officially serving time, of course, but like everyone around her, it seems, she has the potential to travel down a destructive path. She finds solace pedaling fast all over town on her bicycle. You never smile! she is told by Boo Boo, and her adult narrator voice admits, I was not a happy person.
The National Liberty Party, an all-black independent party, nominated Taylor for president in 1904. It was, however, largely symbolic; his name was not on the ballot and he did not officially receive any votes in an election won by Theodore Roosevelt.

Taylor died in 1925. Another 47 years passed before Chisholm became the first African-American candidate for a major party.

Still, his candidacy presaged African-Americans growing political power. In an interview shortly after the election, Taylor, referring to the colored man, said: He is beginning to see that he has got to take care of his own interests, and whats more, that he has the power to do it.

Chris Stanford contributed reporting.

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HONG KONG  After Intel and Foxconn said they would build advanced factories in America, it might have seemed as if the United States were gaining high-end manufacturing momentum.

But on Friday, the California-based chip maker GlobalFoundries announced a $10 billion project in China, showing how the center of gravity continues to shift across the Pacific.

The new advanced semiconductor factory, in the central Chinese city of Chengdu, is only the most recent in an array of investments, often by major multinationals, into China with the support of the Chinese government. The projects have become markedly more sophisticated, making more modern microchips, memory chips or flat-panel displays.

The reason for the shift is in part the Chinese government. In 2013 Beijing announced a major initiative to expand the countrys ability to produce microchips, which act as the brains of everything from guided missiles to smartphones. Also driving the companies, according to analysts, are new guidelines urging Chinese electronics makers to buy chips made in China.
And in a blinding glimpse of the obvious, the Fed also urged banks that communications with consumers should provide clear and balanced information about the relative benefits and risks of the products.

Even these tepid suggestions raised the banks ire: Their representatives called the guidance an example of regulatory overreach.

So its not surprising that the more aggressive stance taken by the C.F.P.B. has enraged big financial institutions and their supporters in Washington. Just last month, for example, it sued Navient, the giant student loan servicer, charging it with cheating borrowers, allegations the company denied. And in early February, the bureau sued a New Jersey-based legal funding company, alleging that it swindled first responders to the World Trade Center attack out of money they were owed from victim compensation funds.

One of the C.F.P.B.s best features is its unusual complaint process, in which it acts as intermediary between consumers who believe they have been wronged and the companies they have had problems with.

Consumers can call the bureaus complaint hotline or file a grievance online. They can also check the database to see if others have experienced the same problem with a company. The bureau says its call centers  one in Iowa and another in New Mexico  field roughly 25,000 calls each month; its website receives about 22,000 complaints monthly.

Since July 2011, the bureau has handled over one million such complaints, sending them to the companies and ensuring that they respond. It has published more than 700,000 of these grievances on its website.

Complaints can really tell us about business practices that pose risks to consumers, said Darian Dorsey, deputy assistant director for the office of consumer response at the bureau, in an interview. We take all this information together to understand the problems consumers are experiencing and to enable the bureau to improve the marketplace.
LONDON  The Blackstone Group said on Friday that funds affiliated with the private equity giant had agreed to pay up to $4.8 billion to acquire Aons human resources outsourcing business.

The business is the largest benefits administration platform in the United States and a provider for cloud-based human resources management systems, Blackstone said. It serves about 15 percent of the United States working population at more than 1,400 companies.

Aon, an insurance broker and risk manager that moved its headquarters to London from Chicago in 2012, would receive $4.3 billion in cash, plus up to another $500 million based on future performance, under the deals terms.

We are excited to acquire a world-class leader of scale in health, retirement and HR services, Peter Wallace, a Blackstone senior managing director, said in a news release. Blackstone sees tremendous opportunity for investing in leading businesses within the technology-enabled services sector, where we believe there is a significant opportunity to accelerate future growth.
In his statement, Mr. Greenberg said he initiated, participated in and approved these two transactions; as a result, A.I.G.s public filings inaccurately portrayed the accounting, and thus the financial condition and performance for A.I.G.s loss reserves and underwriting income.

In an interview, David Boies, Mr. Greenbergs lawyer, called the agreement a nuisance settlement, noting that Mr. Greenberg had avoided two penalties sought by the state that would have barred him from working in the securities industry or as an officer of a public company. The settlements outline was framed by the mediator, Kenneth R. Feinberg.

The transactions were featured when A.I.G. settled accounting fraud charges brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2006. One, a reinsurance deal between A.I.G. and General Reinsurance Corporation, a company owned by Berkshire Hathaway, prompted federal criminal charges in Connecticut against several former executives of the companies; two former Gen Re executives pleaded guilty. A 2008 jury verdict against five others was overturned on appeal.

What began as a Spitzer-Greenberg battle was nasty from the start. Before he brought the charges in May 2005, Mr. Spitzer had forced the ouster of Mr. Greenbergs son Jeffrey as chief executive of the insurance brokerage Marsh & McLennan after charging it with bid-rigging and receiving kickbacks. And Mr. Greenberg complained that Mr. Spitzer was treating minor infractions, like foot faults in tennis, as capital crimes. Mr. Spitzer shot back, too many foot faults, and you can lose the match.

Early in the trial, Mr. Greenberg admitted to a sometimes active role in formulating the transactions at issue but insisted he had intended for them to comply with accounting rules. He said he had left most details to subordinates.

On the stand, he lunged and parried with state trial lawyer David E. Nachman, avoiding simple answers so often that the judge chided him. If we dont want this trial to last a year, youre going to have to give direct answers, Judge Ramos said.

In his opening statement, Mr. Boies said, this case is devoid of any admissible evidence that ties Mr. Greenberg to anything that was improper about these two transactions.
LONDON  The British consumer goods company Reckitt Benckiser, which makes Durex condoms and Air Wick fresheners, said on Friday that it had agreed to buy Mead Johnson Nutrition, the maker of Enfamil baby formula, in a $16.6 billion deal that would significantly expand its sales in developing countries.

The combined company would have about 40 percent of its sales in developing markets, and China would be its second-largest market after the United States, Reckitt Benckiser said. The British company derives about 80 percent of its revenue from its so-called power brands, and the deal would add the well-known Enfamil label to its stable of products.

The acquisition of Mead Johnson is a significant step forward in R.B.s journey as a leader in consumer health, Rakesh Kapoor, the chief executive of Reckitt Benckiser, said in a news release. This is a natural extension to R.B.s consumer health portfolio of power brands, which are already trusted by millions of mothers, reinforcing the importance of health and hygiene for their families.

Under the terms of the deal, Reckitt Benckiser would pay $90 a share for Mead Johnson, a 24 percent premium to its closing price on Feb. 1, the day before reports emerged that the companies were in discussions. Mead Johnson shares closed at $83.05 on Thursday.
Training is not the only way around Japanese immigration restrictions. There are also students in part-time jobs, asylum seekers waiting for refugee applications to be processed  almost all are ultimately rejected  and South Americans of Japanese descent who can obtain special visas based on their ancestry.

Demand still outstrips supply. The number of working-age Japanese has been falling since the mid-1990s, a consequence of decades of low birthrates. Nationwide unemployment is just 3 percent, and in some places, jobs are simply going begging. There are three to four positions open in nursing care and construction for every person who applies, according to government surveys.

Eventually, Japan plans to lengthen the maximum time that trainees can stay in the country to five years, from three, and allow more kinds of businesses to hire them, including nursing homes and cleaning companies for offices and hotels.

Parliament approved the creation of a new agency to oversee the trainee program last year, in response to criticism over worker exploitation. Once it is in place, the plan is to bring in more workers.

Mr. Kimura and some other lawmakers want to go further, by establishing a formal guest worker system. Though it would not open a path to immigration  workers would still be expected to go home eventually  it would be more forthright than the current approach.

Business groups favor the proposal, and the Liberal Democrats approved it as party policy in May. The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has not indicated whether it will follow through.

If we want economic growth in the future, we need foreigners, Mr. Kimura said.

Cant Walk, Cant Leave

Nobuya Takai, a lawyer who has represented foreign trainees in labor disputes, said the pretense that trainees are not workers contributes to problems.
GRAND ISLAND  The nation's largest 4-H livestock show is relocating from Omaha to Fonner Park in Grand Island, where the Nebraska State Fair runs.

The Aksarben Foundation sponsors the Aksarben Stock Show, which began its Omaha run in 1928.

The foundation's Kevin Kock says moving to Grand Island will help the event expand. Last year it drew nearly 1,100 4-H participants from surrounding states. Kock says the Fonner Park facilities offer more room than CenturyLink Center Omaha, which has hosted the show since opening in 2003.

The stock show for years was a marquee event at the Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum, which closed in 2002.

This year's stock show will be held from Sept. 28 through Oct. 1.

A professional rodeo has run with the show since 1947, but Kock says a contract for the 2017 rodeo hasn't been signed yet.
the Look

New York City: Photographs of Style, Culture, and Discovery

Feb. 10, 2017

It might be cold, but the city streets are still filled with culture and discovery if youre open to it, said Andre Wagner, a photographer based in Brooklyn, who roamed the streets of Manhattan this winter in search of stylish moments. The goal for me is to always try and make photographs that are more beautiful than what was photographed.

Here are some favorites, along with a few observations from Mr. Wagner:
NAME Sita Abellan

AGE 23

HOMETOWN Murcia, Spain

NOW LIVES A global nomad, she moves among Airbnb rentals in New York and Los Angeles, an apartment in Milan (a storage closet, she said) and her parents home in Murcia.

CLAIM TO FAME Call her a budding triple threat. Ms. Abellan (whose legal name is Maria Abellan) is a runway model signed with Wilhelmina, a fashion designer and an accomplished techno D.J. who has played all over the world, including at the Provocateur, Up&Down and Flash Factory clubs in Manhattan. When I was younger, fashion was my thing, she said. But then I discovered with music, I could express myself more. One thing complements the other.

Her two passions will merge this week: She is scheduled to be a D.J. for Jeremy Scotts after-party during New York Fashion Week. If Im in the same city, Im always playing his parties, she said.

BIG BREAK Ms. Abellan first made a name for herself on Instagram, where she would post images of herself in provocative positions, wearing eclectic, colorful outfits. One of her posts got the attention of Rihanna, who tapped her to play one of her henchwoman in the revenge-fantasy music video for Bitch Better Have My Money in 2015. She found me on the internet and wanted me to be in the next video, Ms. Abellan said.
Q. It was unfortunate that the Bronx deer granted clemency by the governor last year met such a sad end. But didnt another animal make a bid for leniency decades ago in New York?

A. Tammany, a cat who roamed City Hall in the 1930s, not only received a reprieve, but also was said to have typed the letter seeking clemency himself. Tammanys story ended more happily than that of the deer who was found stranded in a Harlem park in December, prompting a governmental back-and-forth on whether to euthanize him. Shortly after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomos pardon, the deer died before it could be released.

In 1930 or so, Mayor James J. Walker found Tammany, a grayish and white tabby, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and brought him inside to help catch rats, said Peggy Gavan, who runs The Hatching Cat website, a forum that explores unusual animal tales of old New York. The cat was named after Tammany Hall, the political machine that ruled City Hall.

Tammany was a particular favorite in Room No. 9, where the journalists were quartered.

They would pose him for pictures there, Ms. Gavan said. And there were stories about how he didnt love the publicity, but he got great press anyway. They adored him.
Article: Teenagers Who Vandalized Historic Black Schoolhouse Are Ordered to Read Books

Before Reading

Have you heard of, or read any, of the 35 books on this list? If so, how many are familiar to you?

Do you recall any themes, characters or specific plot points in these books? Wouldould you recommend any to a friend? What, if anything, do you think they have in common?

Questions for Comprehension and Analysis

1. What crime were the Virginia teenagers guilty of, and what sentence was handed down to them? What is the name of the judge who handed down the sentence, and what is special about the books?

2. Who is the prosecutor who came up with the idea to assign the books instead of the usual sentence of probation and community service? What was her mothers job, and what was her own experience reading literature about Israel, the Holocaust and injustice in South Africa?
I used to live in Iraq before all the nonsense there. My husband, Ibrahim, and I left Mosul in 1968, partly because of his political past but also because we wanted to get ahead. The only way he could stand out as an orthopedic surgeon was to study with the best doctors, and they were in the United States. Friends made the trip and built successful practices when they returned. So we moved to Cleveland, where Ibrahim started his residency, and where we knew a few people from home.

Leaving Mosul meant starting our lives over. Ibrahim had to close his clinic and accept that he would be holding surgical retractors like an intern again. For me, it meant the end of teaching at an elite elementary school for girls. We decided that six years was just long enough for him to get all his credentials, but short enough not to be forgotten.

Leaving my father was hardest. He was my mustashar, the person I turned to for advice about everything. The day we left, he knelt down; took my sons, Faris and Khalid, in his arms; and looked up at me. If this is the best thing for them, then do it. It is written. We got into the car. Eyes ahead, I told the driver to go while my children stood on the back seat, banging their hands on the rear window.

When you decide to come, Ibrahims stateside friend promised, everything will be ready. Nothing was. With no car and no apartment, the four of us slept on a box spring while our reluctant hosts took the mattress in the next room.
RE: THE ETHICIST

Kwame Anthony Appiah counseled a letter writer about whether to notify the United States government when an acquaintance announced that she had committed marriage fraud.

Although I predict that Appiah would deny that his answer was intended to encourage a report, I believe it did. The last sentence in particular seemed clearly to say that as a citizen, the call on you to act is obvious.

I strenuously disagree. The immigration process, unlike the criminal legal process, puts the entire burden of proving the validity of an applicants claim on the petitioners. The presumption is that the applicants have no right to what they are requesting and that it is their burden to present enough evidence to convince the finder of fact of their credibility and the truth of their assertions. Thus, at some point, the married couple at issue will be called on to prove that this is a bona fide marriage. In fact, they will have to provide evidence more than once and over a number of years before anyone is going to be given citizenship.
Fifty Shades Darker, the Fifty Shades of Grey sequel that chronicles the relationship between a budding journalist and a damaged business scion with an affection for whips and chains, is released in the United States today.



In her review for The New York Times, the critic Manohla Dargis deemed the movie, based on the novels of E. J. James, almost bad enough to recommend. But not quite bad enough, it appears. (Read her review here.)

If that seems short of a ringing endorsement, heres a roundup of other kinky movies you can catch if you want to scratch an itch for kink:

Belle de Jour (1967)
On Tuesday, the day the Senate confirmed Betsy DeVos as education secretary with an unprecedented tiebreaking vote from the vice president, hundreds of high school students in New York City left their classrooms and convened downtown in Foley Square to protest the presidency of Donald J. Trump, both for his immigration policies and for whatever his Republican administration might do to the nations public school system. Antipathies toward Ms. DeVos ran high. We love public school, the students chanted. Betsy DeVos is a fool. It is hard to think of the last time an enormous group of teenagers would have been able to name the education secretary, let alone generate such impassioned feeling for whomever held the post.

Students are hardly alone in their reaction to Ms. DeVos, who seems to alienate anyone who doesnt believe that public schools can be analogized to consumer products, whose performance shoppers themselves could evaluate as if they were coffee makers or wireless routers. Almost immediately after her confirmation, a group known as the Alliance for Quality Education, which is allied with the teachers union, planned a protest, which will be held next month across communities in New York State. Though Trump-DeVos animosity is central to its mission, the specific demands the alliance is making are really more about the education policies of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a Democrat.

It is worth noting that the progressive municipal leadership in New York City, home to the largest education system in the country, has presented itself as decidedly nonalarmist about Ms. DeVoss appointment. Asked about her at a news conference last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, said he didnt want to overstate the threat. How this tone of relative serenity will play out for him as he runs for re-election in a city driven by a lust to repudiate the Trump agenda is an open question.

At the same event, Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina was asked what she thought about Ms. DeVoss theories on education. Instead of condemning them as unjust or idiotic, she offered the bromide that nothing succeeds like success, before going on to explain that the city had hosted 14 foreign education ministers during the previous year and that she retained faith in the molasseslike pace of bureaucracy to keep Ms. DeVos from inflicting too much damage.
When strangers express amazement that he is 100 years old, the orchestra conductor Ed Simons likes to extend his longevity by saying his love for music started before I was born, spurred by his father playing Mozart symphonies on a Victrola.

I could hear the music in my moms belly, said Mr. Simons, who lives in Pomona, N.Y., in Rockland County. They told me when I was a kid that I would move to the music.

Mr. Simons is still moving to the music, performing and teaching the violin as well as conducting the Rockland Symphony Orchestra, which he founded in 1952. He is often described as the oldest active orchestra conductor in the country.

Since his wife, Janet, died 20 years ago, Mr. Simons has been living by himself in the simple house in the woods that he moved to in 1950.
Nearly a century ago, during the Harlem Renaissance, the activist and writer James Weldon Johnson described his neighborhood as a city within a city, the greatest Negro city in the world. But he wondered, Are the Negroes going to be able to hold Harlem?



When colored people do leave Harlem, he wrote, their homes, their churches, their investments and their businesses, it will be because the land has become so valuable that they can no longer afford to live on it.

He was correct in predicting in 1925 that the date of another move northward  as when blacks had displaced Jews, long after Harlem had begun as a Dutch suburb  is very far in the future. Three new books explore Harlems evolution since then.
GRAND ISLAND  Authorities released the name of an 81-year-old man who was killed in a traffic accident on the north side of Grand Island.

The Grand Island Police Department on Thursday identified the man as Jack O'Hara, who lived in Grand Island.

The accident was reported a little after 3 p.m. Wednesday. Police say O'Hara's northbound pickup went out of control on U.S. 281, ran into a ditch, then struck two traffic signal poles.
What, exactly, am I paying for each month?

A complete understanding of your Con Ed bill practically requires a Ph.D., but there are three main parts:

Supply About a third to a half (depending on use) reflects how much your provider paid for the electricity on wholesale markets administered by Nyiso. Like all commodities, price fluctuates with demand. Electricity tends to be cheaper at night and more expensive in the summer. Other factors affect prices, such as weather conditions, fuel costs, the cost to operate a plant and where it is.

Transmission and Delivery You are also paying for maintenance and upgrades to the wires and substations.

Taxes and Fees About 30 percent of your bill is made up of taxes and fees, according to Con Ed, including property taxes, sales tax, a special tax for utilities and a fee that finances the states clean energy programs and innovations.

How much utilities can charge for supply and delivery is determined by the Public Service Commission, a board appointed by the governor to regulate utilities, which takes into account positions held by consumer, environmental and industry groups, government agencies and the utilities.

Who supplies my electricity?

You may have been approached at a farmers market or at your door by a company that wants to sell energy to you. There are about 200 energy service companies, or ESCOs, that buy electricity on wholesale markets and deliver it through a local utility.

While giving consumers choice could help drive down cost in theory, the state attorney generals office said it had received a steady stream of complaints from customers who say they have been scammed by companies offering discounted rates up front only to later charge more than what the consumers would have paid through their utility company.

The Public Service Commission has barred several ESCOs from doing business in New York, including some that target lower-income and non-English-speaking people, and the agency said it was considering additional measures to regulate the market and protect consumers.

We dont want people to get victimized for the fact that were just beginning to develop consumer knowledge about this, Ms. Zibelman said.
THE eastern brook trout, whose native haunts in the Appalachians are a short drive from my home in Washington, is a fragile species. It requires the coldest and cleanest water to survive, and over the past two centuries, its ranks have been decimated by all that modern society could throw at it. Today it lives in a fraction of its historic range.

One reason? Thousands of miles of prime brook trout streams have been polluted by poorly regulated historic coal mining, and what has been lost is difficult to bring back. Groups like Trout Unlimited have worked with partners to restore more than 60 miles of wild trout streams damaged by acid mine drainage in Appalachia. But it is hard, painstaking work  it has taken the better part of two decades and millions of dollars, and the fact is that it would take many lifetimes to revive all the streams in need of resuscitation.

I had that sobering math in mind last week when I learned that Congress had voted to overturn the Stream Protection Rule, designed to protect streams from the devastating effects of mountaintop removal mining. This tactic is every bit as destructive as it sounds. It involves scraping off the tops of mountains, removing the coal and then dumping the waste in valleys and the creeks that pass through them.

Over the past 20 years, these mining operations have buried or degraded nearly 2,000 miles of streams in Appalachia. It goes without saying that cutting the tops off mountains and dumping them in streams is bad for fishing. It is also bad for anyone who cares about clean water.
The Republican majority in Washington has vowed to bulldoze the legacy of President Barack Obama. Because Democrats  despite round-the-clock efforts this week in the confirmation votes of Betsy DeVos as education secretary and Jeff Sessions as attorney general  have yet to block any member of President Trumps cabinet, Democrats might appear to have little hope of stopping the Republican juggernaut.

While Democrats are out of power, though, they are not out of options. Their tools are limited in the House. But archaic chamber rules grant Democrats considerable leverage in the Senate. By dragging their feet, sticking together and driving wedges between Republicans and Mr. Trump, Senate Democrats can focus attention on controversial parts of the presidents agenda and force Republicans to cast potentially unpopular votes.

In the House, a simple majority can end debate and bring matters to a vote. In the Senate, rules on debating and amending bills typically limit the ways the majority leader can advance a party plan, creating avenues for Democrats to gum up the works.

Those rules empower a cohesive minority in several ways. The majority leader routinely seeks unanimous consent on procedural matters, meaning that one senator can temporarily block the majority. As a former top Senate staffer recently observed, withholding consent is a sure way for Democrats to slow or stop Mr. Trump. Want to force committees to adjourn? Refuse consent when the leader wants to waive the rule that prevents committees from meeting beyond the first two hours of a Senate day. Want to delay votes for 30 hours? Refuse consent. If Democrats make sure to always have a senator available to dissent and Republicans dont retaliate by adjusting chamber rules, such tactics can potentially secure concessions.
If you could give Donald Trump the gift of a single trait to help his presidency, what would it be?

My first thought was that prudence was the most important gift one could give him. Prudence is the ability to govern oneself with the use of reason. It is the ability to suppress ones impulses for the sake of long-term goals. It is the ability to see the specific circumstances in which you are placed, and to master the art of navigating within them.

My basic thought was that a prudent President Trump wouldnt spend his mornings angrily tweeting out his resentments. A prudent Trump wouldnt spend his afternoons barking at foreign leaders and risking nuclear war. Prudence is what differentiates action from impulse and heroes from hotheads, writes the French philosopher Andre Comte-Sponville.

But the more I thought about it the more I realized prudence might not be the most important trait Trump needs. He seems intent on destroying the postwar world order  building walls, offending allies and driving away the stranger and the refugee. Do I really want to make him more prudent and effective in pursuit of malicious goals?

Moreover, the true Trump dysfunction seems deeper. We are used to treating politicians as vehicles for political philosophies and interest groups. But in Trumps case, his philosophy, populism, often takes a back seat to his psychological complexes  the psychic wounds that seem to induce him into a state of perpetual war with enemies far and wide.
DON FLAKS

Carbondale, Colo.

To the Editor:

My daughters are 11 and 12 years old. Their image of Syria is a little boy sitting in an ambulance, bloody and dazed. They are not scared of Syrians and they do not worry about Islamic terrorists. For their generation, Sandy Hook is the keystone event, not 9/11. They have fire and active-shooter drills at school. They are scared of another Adam Lanza or James Holmes or Dylann Roof or Omar Mateen.

My daughters are of the Obama generation, the most racially diverse generation yet. They do not fear the other. The first president they will remember is a black man with African and Arabic names. Theirs is not the generation of tolerance; it is the generation of acceptance.

This is Barack Obamas legacy, and why the Muslim travel ban will be remembered as a vestige of bigotry.

CARLA BENSON

Spokane, Wash.

To the Editor:

Re Farmers Backed Trump; Now Theyre Worried (news article, Feb. 10):

This is a classic example of myopic voting. So zealous about wanting fewer regulations, the farmers backed Donald Trump, not believing hed actually try to make good on his promise to deport illegal immigrants. Now the farmers are facing the specter of labor shortages.

I was living in Washington State several years ago, the last time there was a crackdown on illegal migrant workers. The orchard owners and farmers were panicking, not having enough labor to harvest their crops. They were offering $125 a day, but no Americans showed up to do the backbreaking work. Imagine that! What happened to: The illegals are stealing our jobs?
By no standard of common sense or decency should Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos have been a priority for deportation. Ms. Rayos, a 35-year-old mother of two, was arrested on Wednesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Phoenix. On Thursday she was deported to Mexico, a country she left 21 years ago. Her devastated family, including her American-born children, remains in the United States.

President Trump persists in the absurd claim that America will be safe and great again only after an assault on bad dudes and criminal aliens, whom he has promised to arrest and remove by the millions.

But Ms. Rayos fits no such definition and was no threat, though she had been living in the United States illegally since she was 14. She had been known to the authorities since she was caught in a workplace raid in Phoenix in 2008. In the years since, she would check in regularly with immigration officials, who chose not to deport her, having more important things to do.

Mr. Trump ran for office promising to eliminate such discretion and replace it with heedless and pointless enforcement. His campaign amplified the nativist passions of his supporters and hard-line advisers, including the man who is now his right hand in the Justice Department, Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Voters express their lack of trust in political actors by eliminating the ones they feel theyve seen too much of; they hope that newcomers, supposedly anti-establishment, will be able to do better. This logic accounts for the success of three forms of populism: nationalist (represented by Marine Le Pen, of the Front National, who is prancing in the lead in the polls); far left (led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, even though he has been weakened by the victory of Benoit Hamon, whose ideas often hew close to his own, in the socialist primary); and extreme center, so to speak (with Emmanuel Macron, who claims he can overcome the left-right division).

The crisis in political representation is not specific to France. But here it has been heightened, or accelerated, by the presidency of Mr. Sarkozy and, even more so, that of Mr. Hollande: Both men constantly strove to fit the mold of Frances almost hyper-presidential system created by the Constitution of the Fifth Republic in 1958. Hence a second explanation for the madness of this presidential campaign: It signals an institutional crisis, and the exhaustion of a Constitution, tailor-made by General de Gaulle, that no longer suits the needs of the times.

The gap has appeared, this argument goes, because Frances most recent presidents have not been up to the job, and because the French dont want to be ruled anymore in a way that can feel quasi-monarchical. In fact, several candidates in the current race have called for the establishment of a Sixth Republic, proposing that power not be concentrated solely in the hands of the head of state. But this explanation looks only at institutions, and so is reductionist.

A third account is suggested by the experiences of other countries. The Brexit vote in Great Britain and Donald Trumps election in the United States appear to illustrate a global shift toward the political right, perhaps even of an authoritarian kind. In this view, France is just displaying the same tendency. True, the current government, though of the left, has adopted policies typical of the right, particularly tough security measures after the terrorist attacks of Nov. 13, 2015. And these days many right-wing voters are leaning toward the extreme right or the so-called hard right  the latter being personified by Mr. Fillon, who is well liked, for example, among Catholics hostile to gay marriage.

A fourth explanation focuses on the lack of vision displayed by both the authorities and their opponents since the beginning of this century. Captive to current events, ensconced in the presentism denounced by the historian Francois Hartog, the entire political class has stopped proposing dreams, utopias or long-term projects. It has also cut itself off from intellectuals, except some reactionary thinkers, like Alain Finkielkraut, who are the French equivalent of American neo-cons.
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Its important not to forget the extraordinary lengths that Mitch McConnell and other Republican leaders went to to stop Barack Obama from governing.

In the months immediately after Obamas election, McConnell told Republicans they could outwit the popular incoming president as long as they stuck together and opposed his policies en masse.

In the ensuing years, Republicans took unprecedented steps, such as threatening to renege on the United Statess debts.
Now the words that fall from Trumps pursed lips or, often misspelled, onto his Twitter feed are trite or false or meaningless. Hes angry with Nordstrom, for heavens sake, because the department store chain dropped his daughter Ivankas clothing line! This is the concern of the leader of the free world.

Unpresidented!

I was struck by how Paul Horner, who runs a big Facebook fake-news operation, described our times in The Washington Post: Honestly people are definitely dumber. They just keep passing stuff around. Nobody fact-checks anything anymore  I mean, thats how Trump got elected. He just said whatever he wanted, and people believed everything, and when the things he said turned out not to be true, people didnt care because theyd already accepted it. Its real scary. Ive never seen anything like it.

Weve never seen anything like it because when hundreds of millions of Americans are connected, anyone, clueless or not, can disseminate what they like with a click.

Horner came up, during the campaign, with the fake news story that a protester at a Trump rally had been paid $3,500. It went viral. Weve had fake news accounts of how Hillary Clinton paid $62 million to Beyonce and Jay Z to perform in Cleveland, and how Khizr Khan, the father of the Muslim American officer killed in Iraq, was an agent of the Muslim Brotherhood. Fake news  BREAKING! SHOCKING!  swayed the election.

Now we have President Trump suggesting that the real fake news is his negative polls  along with CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post and any other news organizations that are doing their jobs: holding his authority to account and bearing witness to his acts. Stephen Bannon, Trumps man of the shadows, thinks the media should keep its mouth shut. We wont.

Sometimes I try to imagine what Trumps Reichstag fire moment might be. In February 1933, a few weeks after Hitler became chancellor, fire engulfed the parliament in Berlin  an act of arson whose origin is still unclear. A recent New Yorker article by George Prochnik quoted the Austrian writer Stefan Zweig on Hitlers savage reaction: At one blow all of justice in Germany was smashed.

From a president who loathes the press, who insults the judiciary, who has no time for American ideals of liberty or democracy, and whose predilection for violence is evident, what would be the reaction to a Reichstag fire in American guise  say a major act of terrorism?

We can only shudder at the thought.

Facts matter. The federal judiciary is pushing back. The administration is leaking. Journalism (no qualifier needed) has never been more important. Truth has not yet perished, but to deny that it is under siege would be to invite disaster.
Just three weeks in, the Trump administration has tested the limits of executive power, violated the separation of powers and shaken the very roots of the Constitution. A particular theme of President Trumps first days in office has been contempt for the judicial branch as a check on his authority: He criticized individual judges, preemptively blamed them for all future terrorist attacks and ridiculed the court system as disgraceful.

Given the administrations disdain for the judiciary, any nominee to the Supreme Court, particularly by this president, must be able to demonstrate independence from this president. The bar is always high to achieve a seat on the Supreme Court, but in these unusual times  when there is unprecedented stress on our system of checks and balances  the bar is even higher for Judge Neil M. Gorsuch to demonstrate independence. In order to clear it, he will have to convince 60 of my colleagues that he will not be influenced by politics, parties or the president. The judiciary is the last and most important check on an overreaching president with little respect for the rule of law.

The only way to demonstrate the independence necessary is for Judge Gorsuch to answer specific questions about the judiciary and his judicial philosophy. Of course, a judicial nominee should not prejudge how he or she would rule in a specific case to come before the court, but that does not preclude the nominee from answering basic and specific questions about judicial philosophy or how he would have decided past cases. Doing so would make the nominee no more biased than any of the justices who now sit on the court and issued opinions in those cases.

When I met with Judge Gorsuch on Feb. 7, I sought to ascertain his potential to be an independent check on the president. The judge was clearly very smart, articulate and polite, with superb judicial demeanor. But over the course of an hour, he refused to answer even the most rudimentary questions.
When his convoy was ambushed during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, First Lt. Brian Chontosh ordered his Humvee driver to head straight into the oncoming machine gun fire. They punched through, landing in a trench full of heavily armed Iraqi soldiers. Lieutenant Chontosh and his Marines leapt out and he ran down the trench firing away, dropping one enemy soldier after another. First his rifle jammed, then he ran out of ammunition, so he switched to his pistol. He shot it dry, reloaded, and shot it dry again. So he picked up an AK-47 from a dead Iraqi, fired that dry, picked up another AK, fired that dry, picked up a rocket-propelled grenade, fired it, and led the group back to the Humvee, their attack having almost completely cleared the trench. Almost.

One Iraqi was playing dead, fiddling with the pin of a grenade. Lieutenant Chontosh had no ammo, but on the ground were a couple of M-16 rounds from when his rifle had jammed. He grabbed one, loaded, and before the Iraqi could pull the pin, Lieutenant Chontosh locked eyes with him and shot him dead. All told, according to the journalist Phil Zabriskies account of the ambush in The Kill Switch, Lieutenant Chontosh had killed about two dozen people that day.

When I was a new Marine, just entering the Corps, this story from the Iraq invasion defined heroism for me. Its a perfect image of war for inspiring new officer candidates, right in line with youthful notions of what war is and what kind of courage it takes  physical courage, full stop. We thought it was a shame more Americans didnt know the story.

But after spending 13 months in Iraq, after seeing violence go down not because we managed to increase our lethality but because we improved our ability to work with Iraqis, I became convinced that there were other stories of war equally important for Americans to understand. And as we look at a president who claims that he wants to fight fire with fire in the battle against jihadism, I think back to the stories that defined, for me, what it meant to be an American at war, and the reasons I was proud to wear the uniform.
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What will you do when terrorists attack, or U.S. friction with some foreign power turns into a military confrontation? I dont mean in your personal life, where you should keep calm and carry on. I mean politically. Think about it carefully: The fate of the republic may depend on your answer.

Of course, nobody knows whether there will be a shocking, 9/11-type event, or what form it might take. But surely theres a pretty good chance that sometime over the next few years something nasty will happen  a terrorist attack on a public place, an exchange of fire in the South China Sea, something. Then what?

After 9/11, the overwhelming public response was to rally around the commander in chief. Doubts about the legitimacy of a president who lost the popular vote and was installed by a bare majority on the Supreme Court were swept aside. Unquestioning support for the man in the White House was, many Americans believed, what patriotism demanded.
Over the past week there has been an escalating feud between the executive and judicial branches of the U.S. government. When a Federal District Court judge in Seattle, James Robart, blocked President Trumps travel ban, Trump went on the attack, calling Robart a so-called judge, the ruling ridiculous and the courts so political. Even a bad high school student would understand why his ban should stay in place, the president said. Trumps own nominee to the Supreme Court called the presidents comments demoralizing and disheartening.

When one story on the deepening drama ran on the home page, a reader noticed that its home page headline referred to the executive branch merely as the U.S. The storys digital headline read: Justice Department Urges Appeals Court to Reinstate Trumps Travel Ban, while the home page version was: U.S. Urges Court to Revive Ban; Hearing Set for Tuesday.

Im not sure if this is standard NYT usage, using U.S. as concise reference to the administration in its domestic actions. But in the context of this administration and its reaction to recent decisions by federal courts, and apparently a dispute with the entire federal judicial system, it is an unfortunate and even irresponsible usage. The federal judicial system is just as much the U.S. as the executive branch. This usage implies otherwise. In this time of unprecedented attempts by the administration to control and distort the public narrative of events, precision in such matters is needed. Paul D., Sweden

The public editors take: Thats a good catch. Im sympathetic to headline writers, who are constricted by space limitations as they try to convey ideas clearly and accurately. And in most usage, referring to the executive branch U.S. is appropriate. In this case, its misleading.

Trump also continued his onslaught of the news media, claiming that it plays down coverage of terrorist attacks. The White House even released a list of 78 attacks it claimed the media undercovered.

Several readers wrote in to ask The Times to push back, which the paper did, publishing a compilation of the attacks that the paper has covered thoroughly. It did so, however, to the chagrin of some other readers.

I was dismayed to see tonight that The Times used the valuable time and efforts of two reporters, and certainly many editors and others, to offer a story about all the terror attacks that President Trump claims the media ignored. By doing so, The Times is playing into his hands. Surely by now it is obvious to Times editors, particularly those who have been covering the man for decades, that he is a master of diversionary tactics. He is able to act on his heinous instincts by diverting our attention with outrageous and almost always false opinions. Why would your newspaper chase after this effort to prove Trump wrong when your resources would be far better spent reporting on the truly horrendous things this administration is actually doing? Karl Svatek, Denton, N.C.

The public editors take: I am in full agreement. Playing defense is not the position The Times wants to find itself in  not over frivolous charges, anyway. If Trump or his administration challenges the thrust of a story based on anonymous sources, The Times has an obligation to explain itself to readers. Otherwise, taking such bait is just a distraction.
Nineteen years ago, when the actress Barbara Barrie moved from her enormous apartment on West End Avenue to a far more modest place near Central Park West, she endured some grief from her two adult children. They have yet to fully forgive her for selling the family home. But never mind, Mom got the sun in the morning and the moon at night.

This apartment is a gem of light, said Ms. Barrie, 85, a star of the comedy Significant Other, which opens on Broadway March 2.

Actually, it took her a while to see the light. She told her real estate broker that she wanted a loft in the sky, Ms. Barrie said. She showed me 50 apartments. She was ready to kill me.

We were walking down the street, she pointed and said, Barbara, you have to look in this building, said Ms. Barrie, who is like that great old friend of your parents, the one you dont get to see nearly often enough. And I said, I hate that building. Its a white-brick building. I wont live in a white-brick building, because Ive always lived in a great old New York historical building.
Since the discovery, archaeological study of the earthworks and other evidence has challenged the notion that the rain forests of the Amazon were untouched by human hands before the arrival of European explorers in the 15th century. And while the true purpose of the geoglyphs remains unknown, a study published on Monday in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences offers new insight into the lives of the ancient people who lived in the Amazon. Thousands of years before the earthworks were built, humans were managing the forests, using what appear to be sustainable agricultural practices.

Our study was looking at the environmental impact that the geoglyph builders had on the landscape, said Jennifer Watling, an archaeologist at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, who conducted the research while a student at the University of Exeter in Britain. A lot of people have the idea that the Amazon forests are pristine forests, never touched by humans, and thats obviously not the case.
Elizabeth lofted the black cape as I watched it billow in front of me like a sheet blossoming on a clothesline. She fastened the buttons around my neck, placed her hands on either side of my head and whispered, I cant do this anymore.

Do what? I asked.

This, she said, gesturing around us. I have to let you go.

Still, she reached into a black case and pulled out scissors and a comb. The scent of freshly cut grass drifted through an open kitchen window along with the squeals of neighborhood children.

Who will cut your hair? she asked.

I shrugged my shoulders.

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For more than 22 years, roughly 264 haircuts, we had shared this ritual. She would run her hands through my hair, nudging my head forward and sideways, her fingers mere inches away from the secret thoughts and desires swirling inside of my skull.
When DeWain Valentine was deciding what to title his newly organized Plastic Show, he paid homage to an exhibition he helped put together some 45 years back. I named that The Last Plastics Show, recalls the artist of the earlier CalArts exhibition. Thered been so many shows regarding plastic and art that I thought it was the last one that I wanted to be in!



Plastic Show brings together works by Valentine and four of his contemporaries  Mary Corse, Robert Irwin, Craig Kauffman and John McCracken  who were all experimenting with newly available materials in Venice and Santa Monica in the 1960s. Valentine arrived on the L.A. art scene fresh from Boulder, Colo., and recalls feeling like an outsider to start with, but the move had an immediate impact on his art.

The sky was so clear in Colorado that you didnt notice it, he explains. When I moved to California, it was a time of heavy smog, and the air became a substance. I had a studio half a block from the beach, and that marine air with the smog had a Turner quality to it: The sky was all different colors. I think it affected everyones work here. So the so-called Light and Space movement grew out of the atmosphere here on the West Coast.
Our only direction is that we decide on a location together, the girls and the styling, and then thats it, Gavriel said. Then Zhenya and Tanya go and take pictures  and come back with a selection of images ranging from random objects (a bright plastic bag, for example), to pieces from the collection, all of which are given the same consideration.

Image Mansur Gavriels photographers, the twin sisters Tanya and Zhenya Posternak, travel the globe to architecturally driven sites (such as Spains coastal town of Calpe, left) to create images for the brand. Credit... Tanya and Zhenya Posternak

The Posternaks, who were born and raised in Ukraine, met and befriended Gavriel and Mansur through a mutual friend three years ago. Their first collaboration followed soon after. They gave us something like 10 bags, and said, Do whatever, Zhenya recalled. Besides the amount of travel involved, little has changed since then. Last year, they staged over 50 shoots, in locations that included Mexico, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Paris and Los Angeles. The five-day trip to Kiev was a homecoming of sorts for the twins, who proposed the location for its stark, Soviet architecture.

Indeed, when it comes to choosing where  and what  to photograph next, the Posternaks are often inspired by architecture around the world. It never starts with the product. Never. It always starts with the location, Zhenya said. Works by 20th-century architects such as Luis Barragan, Louis Kahn, Ricardo Bofill and Donald Judd are among their favorites. Choosing the models comes next: Were very particular about the girls that we use. A lot of them are friends. If they are models, they need to be interesting to us in a specific way, Mansur said. Supermodels are not on their radar. To date, the brands single more widely known model has been the actress Hari Nef.

Image The Kiev Crematorium, a landmark Modernist structure by the architect Abraham Miletsky, provided the backdrop for a recent photo shoot featuring pieces from the spring 2017 collection. Credit... Tanya and Zhenya Posternak

Theres usually little to no makeup and hairstyling for the shoots, at which the Posternaks always use film. (Each shoots with her own camera.) Once the film is developed, the two divide and sort through the images, picking a selection to edit and then review with Gavriel and Mansur. When T visited, a large board leaned against one wall, covered with various images of the Modernist Kiev Crematorium. A selection of imagery was arranged in three columns on the board, to resemble a real-life version of the brands Instagram page  not its live feed, but what they plan to post in the coming weeks. The four women convened to discuss the current positioning. Gavriel unpinned one, and shifted its place with another. Its a constant movement until the last minute, she noted. Mansur added: Its hard for us to think in terms of a single image, because we feel like they kind of belong together. Thats why Instagrams been the most natural platform for us so far in terms of what weve been able to offer as a brand. A random close-up of an ear, for example  though not an especially telling image on its own  is synthesized into a collective narrative alongside others.
SAN FRANCISCO  One of the oldest automakers in the United States is making a billion-dollar bet that one day, owning a car may not be a necessity of American life.

Ford Motor announced on Friday its plans to invest $1 billion over the next five years in Argo AI, an artificial intelligence start-up formed in December that is focused on developing autonomous vehicle technology.

The move is Fords biggest effort to move into self-driving car research. Argo AI will develop the technology exclusively for Ford at first, and then plans to license its technology to others.

The investment is also a way for Ford, which is more than century old, to tap into Silicon Valley talent and make headway in a competitive space. Former Google and Uber self-driving technologists will lead the effort out of Pittsburgh, a hub for robotics and autonomous vehicle research, and satellite offices will be in place in the San Francisco Bay Area and southeastern Michigan.
OMAHA  Federal prosecutors say a 24-year-old Omaha man has been sentenced to prison for attempting to rob a bank.

U.S. Attorney for Nebraska Deborah Gilg said Thursday in a news release that Cameron Ammons was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He had previously pleaded guilty to the charge.

Officials say that on March 4, Ammons ran through the first door of the vestibule of the Centris Federal Credit Union in Omaha. As he approached the second door that allows access into the bank, a uniformed off-duty officer working there drew his gun and chased Ammons, who ran from the bank.

Other officers caught and arrested Ammons about 30 minutes later. Nothing was taken from the bank.
Q. I am satisfied with Windows 7 and dont wish to upgrade to Windows 10. Would a problem arise if I continue to use Windows 7, even after Microsoft stops sending updates for Windows 7?

A. Microsoft stopped all official sales of the last available version of Windows 7 on Oct. 30 and began counting down to the end of its support for the operating system, originally released in 2009. The company has published the dates for milestones in the Windows 7 life cycle, and has moved from mainstream support, in which new features are developed and added as updates, to extended support, which mainly provides security patches.

Extended support for Windows 7 is scheduled to end on Jan. 14, 2020. Certain third-party security software companies may provide their own updates for Windows 7 after Microsoft stops, so you might be able to keep using the system for a few more years with protection against malicious software. (Despite protection, though, security flaws in the older operating system may also be hard to fix.)

As long as you are happy with Windows 7 and the programs you run on it continue to work, you can probably keep using the system as you do now. However, as software companies release newer versions of their applications and as web technologies continue to evolve, you may find that your Windows 7 computer runs slower and acts more erratically than it once did.
We understood there was no need to differentiate between locks, cornrows or twists as long as they all met the same dimension, he said, according to The Northwest Guardian, a publication of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State. Females have been asking for a while, especially females of African-American descent, to be able to wear dreadlocks and locks because its easier to maintain that hairstyle.

The Army directive says that each lock, or dreadlock, will be of uniform dimension; have a diameter no greater than a half-inch; and present a neat, professional and well-groomed appearance.

The change was hailed as overdue by service members who said they had labored to stay in compliance under the old rules.

January 5, in the year of our Lord 2017, we are now allowed to wear locks in uniform, Staff Sgt. Chaunsey Logan of Fort Stewart in Georgia said in a video posted to Facebook. In the video, Sergeant Logan said she had run afoul of the old rules and risked being removed from the Army. She found a way to comply but said she constantly worried about future episodes.

She praised the revised rules, which she said she rushed to print out, fearful they would vanish from the internet.
Despite repeated statements by Republican political leaders that American elections are rife with illegal voting, credible reports of fraud have been hard to find and convictions rarer still.

That may help explain the unusually heavy penalty imposed on Rosa Maria Ortega, 37, a permanent resident and a mother of four who lives outside Dallas. On Thursday, a Fort Worth judge sentenced her to eight years in prison  and almost certainly deportation later  after she voted illegally in elections in 2012 and 2014.

The sentence for Ms. Ortega, who was brought to this country by her mother as an infant, shows how serious Texas is about keeping its elections secure, Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, said in a statement. Her lawyer called it an egregious overreaction, made to score political points, against someone who wrongly believed she was eligible to vote.

She has a sixth-grade education. She didnt know she wasnt legal, said Ms. Ortegas lawyer, Clark Birdsall, who once oversaw voter fraud prosecutions in neighboring Dallas County. She can own property; she can serve in the military; she can get a job; she can pay taxes. But she cant vote, and she didnt know that.
Her response to the protesters on Friday could encourage more.

We will unleash our activists in a way that I dont think any secretary of education has ever experienced, said Heidi Hess, a campaign manager for Credo, a mobile phone company with a liberal activist arm. If she holds field hearings, we will make sure we pack them with activists. If she travels for meetings or if she visits schools, we will confront her with protesters and have people lined up to ask her questions.

As word spread that Ms. DeVos, a wealthy Republican donor with almost no experience in public education, had been blocked from entering the school, Arne Duncan, a former education secretary under President Barack Obama, weighed in.
WASHINGTON  Daniel K. Tarullo, the Federal Reserve official who led its efforts to strengthen financial regulation over the last eight years, announced on Friday that he planned to leave the central bank in early April.

With Mr. Tarullos resignation, there will be three vacancies on the Feds seven-seat board, providing an opportunity for President Trump to start reshaping the Feds approach to monetary policy and to the regulation of the financial industry.

The Trump administration and congressional Republicans are pressing for the Fed and other financial regulators to reduce the constraints on financial institutions imposed in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

Mr. Tarullo offered no explanation for his departure in a terse, two-sentence letter to Mr. Trump. But eight years is an unusually long tenure for a Fed governor  many leave after just two or three  and people who know Mr. Tarullo said that in recent years he had become increasingly worn down by the job.
Were open to any age/gender identity/non-identity, they added, so long as you didnt vote for Trump.

In the same neighborhood, a woman posted an ad searching for someone to take over her room: Trump supporters this is not the house for you (no, seriously), she wrote.

For her part, Ms. Kian, who works at Amideast, a nonprofit that focuses on educational opportunities for Middle Eastern and African students, is fine with taking the extra step to make sure her political filter extends to her home.

Ms. Kian, who has American and Iranian citizenship and was raised Muslim, said the idea of the no-Trump clause started out as a joke. But it grew serious, she said, after the president signed an executive order that barred people from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.

Anybody who is on board with that kind of thinking is not welcome, she said. Whoever ends up living with her will pay $1,300 to share the top floor of the house. (Her parents live downstairs.) People who support Mr. Trump, she said, would not be interested in living in her raging liberal house.

Frankly, it would not work out, Ms. Kian said in an interview. That person would not be comfortable here because we bash Trump nightly.

People like Ms. Kian may be closing themselves off to others, but their actions are legal, according to Sheila C. Salmon, a Washington lawyer who specializes in housing law. Political views are not protected under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on such factors as race, religion, national origin and disability.
WASHINGTON  The Senate early Friday approved the nomination of Representative Tom Price to be secretary of health and human services, putting him in charge of President Trumps efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.

By a vote of 52 to 47, the Senate confirmed Mr. Price, Republican of Georgia, after a debate that focused as much on his ethics and investments as on his views on health policy. Democrats denounced his desire to rein in the growth of Medicare and Medicaid by making fundamental changes to the programs, which insure more than 100 million Americans.

Senator Michael B. Enzi, Republican of Wyoming, said that Mr. Price, a 62-year-old orthopedic surgeon from the suburbs of Atlanta, was one of the most capable, well-prepared individuals that President Trump could have chosen.

Who better than a doctor to head an organization that covers the wide variety of major health care programs? Mr. Enzi asked.
WASHINGTON  Shortly after Thursdays appeals court decision blocking his travel ban, President Trump vowed to fight on. SEE YOU IN COURT, he wrote on Twitter.

But which court?

Here is a look at Mr. Trumps options.

Two roads to the Supreme Court

Mr. Trump could file an emergency application to the Supreme Court, asking the justices to stay the trial courts ruling blocking his executive order suspending travel from seven mostly Muslim countries. That is the only way for him to try to obtain a very fast ruling. Since Mr. Trump has said the court rulings against his travel ban pose an immediate threat to the nations security, he might be expected to pursue this strategy.

If he does, the Supreme Court could act within days. Under its usual practices, it would not hear arguments and would issue a very brief order announcing the outcome with little or no legal reasoning.

Richard J. Lazarus, a law professor at Harvard, said the justices should take a different approach in this case if the administration files an emergency application, recalling that the court heard arguments in very short order when the Nixon administration in 1971 unsuccessfully sought to block The New York Times and The Washington Post from publishing a secret history of the Vietnam War.
The deputys job was denied for Elliott Abrams, a conservative who had served under President Ronald Reagan and President George W. Bush, deals a blow to Mr. Tillerson in his first week on the job. The rejection of Mr. Abrams leaves Mr. Tillerson without a sherpa to help guide the first-time government official around the State Department headquarters.

Mr. Trump had a productive meeting with Mr. Abrams on Tuesday, according to a White House official and a person close to Mr. Abrams. But after it took place, Mr. Trump learned of Mr. Abramss pointed criticisms of the president when he was running for president, the administration official said. Among those criticisms was a column headlined When You Cant Stand Your Candidate, which appeared in May 2016 in The Weekly Standard.

Mr. Trump has been increasingly focused on who was with him or against him during his campaign, according to several people who have spoken with him in recent days.

Mr. Tillerson had argued strongly for Mr. Abrams. So had Jared Kushner, Mr. Trumps son-in-law and a senior adviser. Senator Tom Cotton, Republican of Arkansas who is closely aligned with friends of Mr. Abrams, and some members of the pro-Israel lobbying group Aipac, had been reaching out to Democratic senators to impress upon them the importance of Mr. Abrams receiving Senate confirmation.

Aides to Mr. Trump did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Democrats turn up heat on Flynn

The revelation that Michael T. Flynn, President Trumps national security adviser, apparently discussed sanctions with Russias ambassador to the United States in the weeks before the inauguration has given Democrats a new cudgel to revive discussions of Mr. Trumps ties to Russian President Vladimir V. Putin.
On Friday, residents who hope to save Pleasant Ridge filed a request for a preliminary injunction in state court, aided by the Institute for Justice, a libertarian public interest law firm that sees what is happening here as a troubling new way for a city, in essence, to clear land.

Whats very unusual about this is using code enforcement to circumvent eminent domain law, said Jeff Rowes, a lawyer in the case, which asks a judge to stop the city. And were worried about this becoming a model  the model for how to replace housing for people of modest means in states everywhere that have passed limits on the powers of eminent domain.

The city of Charlestown, where the crest outside City Halls storefront office reads Generations of Pride, vehemently rejects such suggestions. Michael Gillenwater, the city attorney, says what is happening in Pleasant Ridge, where a private developer has begun accumulating lots, is all about safety, not wealth.

Many residents actually want to move somewhere else, he said, and Charlestown, where the median household income is about $43,600 a year, is working out alternatives to assist them. Claims about the citys motives have been rife, he said, with false accusations, innuendo, supposition.

Were not going to ever make a dime on this, Mr. Gillenwater said. Its a matter of helping out the city and the people in the long run. All were doing is trying to have safe housing.

Mr. Gillenwater said that many of Pleasant Ridges 350 homes, without slab foundations, have deteriorated to a point that is untenable, and that they were never meant to last this long in the first place.
A. The Calexit movement is definitely growing. Thats understandable given that much of what Donald Trump proposes to do really is a vestige of the past, like when my father could not enter restaurants because of the signs that proclaimed No Dogs or Mexicans Allowed. But, remember, most of what Donald Trump says is just that: rhetoric.

Thankfully, the U.S. Constitution will make much of his rhetoric as difficult to implement as it is to secede from the Union. Crazy thought: If California were to secede, there could instantly be up to 280 million new people having to knock on the door and seek visas from the sixth largest economy and newest nation in the world!

Q. You believe it is O.K. for foreigners to break the law and enter the U.S. illegally and expect to be supported financially by taxpaying citizens and the State of California will assist this illegal activity?

 Ralph Duncan

A. Ralph, I dont think its O.K. for anyone to break the law. But what you seem to be speaking about isnt whats happening, at least not in California. If youre referring to undocumented immigrants, then youre wrong about the overwhelming majority of them  or you would have cited plenty of real-life examples to prove your claim.

Please recognize: The majority of immigrants entering our nation today arrive through legal channels after years of applying to enter [Pew Research Center]. And undocumented workers actually pay billions of dollars in taxes, something only flat-earthers try to deny these days. (Read this nonpartisan study.) Thats why every analysis of a comprehensive reform of our broken immigration system reveals that our nation and our economy would benefit from bringing the undocumented out of the shadows.

We are stronger today because we are a nation of immigrants. And our immigrant brothers and sisters are among the hardest-working neighbors we have in America today. I can say that from firsthand knowledge  not hearsay or anecdote  as the son of immigrants. Whenever youre ready, I can tell you how hard my mom and dad worked every day to help build our country.

So while our immigration system is broken in so many ways, its important to recognize the big picture here.
Time passed. She sold her house, she moved to a retirement community. This is the shrinkage that takes place in the modern story of the very long life: First comes love, then marriage, the baby in the carriage, and after decades, the retirement joint with craft classes, edifying programs, exercise routines, followed by the broken hip, assisted living, and finally, the dementia unit, the lockup.

Large house to one-bedroom apartment to studio apartment until youre in a small room that has little else in it but a bed. Home is bed. Home is also your mind, as always, only your mind may not retain much of that long life or even what happened five minutes ago. What has surprised me in all that shrinkage isnt the fact that my mother has again found love  because at 95 she is still pretty, kind and witty  but how shes found the attachments that seem very like marriages. Love, it turns out, comes on the wings of assigned seating.

She has entered into two significant unions since my fathers death 35 years ago. The first occurred in assisted living, when at mealtimes she had to sit with Violet, full of complaint, and Bud, who grumbled nonstop when he wasnt singing Gilbert and Sullivan, and Bob, who didnt speak at all. After some time Bob departed and a man Ill call Pete Gilbert appeared. Oh, Pete Gilbert, as if floated down from the heavens, a cheerful, insightful man in a soft plaid shirt. He was interested in the world, he loved to read, and he had narrative skills. My mother, for her part, made him laugh. He had immediate affection for her, and soon an abiding tenderness. They did not spend time together away from the dining room table; it wasnt that kind of thing. The essentials of true marriage had once more changed in my thinking, so that now I knew it actually involved only the enormity that is Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, day after day. That, it still seems to me, is the crux of real companionship, time spent over the grapefruit, the grilled cheese, the tilapia. I take you to be my beloved Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Until Assigned Seating says otherwise.

After many fine meals together my mother had to leave Pete for the lockup. By the time he joined her nine months later shed forgotten their years together, and he was too infirm to actively love her company as hed once done, although he never forgot the fact of his affection. This is how it ends, he said to me, waving weakly at my mother from his new table, across the room from hers.

He looks familiar, she said, but meanwhile, shed had the good luck to be with a new tablemate, Eleanor. Her third marriage, her last, we think. Its an ancient story, the widows providing companionship, one to the other. And protection. Recently, when Lucille started eating Eleanors cupcake, my mother cried, No, Doodle! Thats Doodles cupcake, not yours. Even though everyone is now Doodle, Eleanor is the significant Doodle. How miraculous, that when so much is lost there is still the possibility of deep friendship; the name is immaterial. The two women have an affinity beyond words, but they also share jokes that sometimes extend for as long as 10 seconds. There is comfort sitting silently side by side, comfort, Im sure, knowing they are together in the same strange boat.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  For much of her childhood, RyAnn Watson has been hospitalized for excruciating flare-ups of sickle cell disease. Now 16, she takes refuge from her pain in an art studio at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. On a recent Friday, she was sketching the sandstone towers of the Smithsonian castle with a burnt-red coloring pen, under the watch of her therapist, Tracy Councill.

Its more about putting my emotions into the artwork than telling someone about it and making myself upset, RyAnn said. Without any pressure to spill the beans, she said, I end up talking to Tracy about everything, once Im drawing.

Although art therapy is offered by a number of established medical centers, many Americans dont know much about it. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy where mental health professionals use art materials to help patients explore feelings that may not be easy to express in words.

Almost overnight, the field has attracted new attention because of a connection with the Trump administration. On Inauguration Day, Karen Pence announced on the newly revamped White House website that she wants to shine a spotlight on the mental health profession of art therapy. Mrs. Pence, a watercolorist herself, has been a board member of the art therapy program Tracys Kids since 2011, and helped raise funds to hire two full-time art therapists for patients at Riley Hospital for Children in her native Indiana.
And in the Republic of Congo, internet access was blocked, television networks switched off and the nations main airport closed during an election that spurred violence. Government officials were accused of using airstrikes on opposition forces.

Elsewhere on the continent, Ethiopia has shut down some social media sites and internet services after demonstrations. In Zimbabwe, after protests over the travails of daily life, officials raised prices on cellphone data, a move widely seen as an effort to curb the use of social media. Lawmakers also pushed measures to allow the police to intercept data and seize electronics like laptops and cellphones, levying charges of terrorism for misuse. The Democratic Republic of Congo has blocked social media sites and text messaging amid demonstrations over the presidents attempts to extend his tenure in office.

Freedom House, an American watchdog organization, said in its annual Freedom on the Net survey of 65 countries that 24 nations experienced restrictions on social media and communications last year, up from 15 countries the previous year. Network shutdowns occurred in 15 countries last year, more than double that in 2015, the survey found.

Mai Truong, program manager for the survey, said, Its a strategy that the authorities are increasingly turning to as a method of controlling both the information landscape and citizens ability to mobilize, in recognition of the fact that the internet has become a fundamental tool for people to realize their rights and participate meaningfully in society.

The United Nations Human Rights Council last year condemned the practice of intentionally preventing or disrupting access to information on the internet, saying access was a fundamental human right.

Network blackouts also have economic consequences. Many residents of some regions of Africa where joblessness is soaring are increasingly using online or mobile transfers to receive money from relatives in urban areas or abroad. If the internet is shut off, users cannot use Wi-Fi to transfer cash and must pay for mobile data to go online. The cost is prohibitive for many people.
MANILA  The drug raid ended like so many others in the Philippines, with all the suspects shot by the police.

But one of them, Efren Morillo, a 28-year-old fruit and vegetable vendor, did not die.

As the only known survivor of a so-called buy-bust operation, Mr. Morillo has provided a chilling first-person account that challenges the governments assertion that the thousands of suspects killed in President Rodrigo Dutertes antidrug campaign were killed by the police in self-defense. And his testimony lies at the heart of the first court case to challenge that campaign.

According to his sworn affidavit, none of the five suspects were drug users and none were armed.

The police took two of them, including Mr. Morillo, inside a house, handcuffed, Mr. Morillo said. Three others were lined up at a clearing near a ravine, ordered to kneel, their hands tied behind their backs.

There was begging and crying as the police shot each man at close range, Mr. Morillo said.

Thoroughly frightened that I might be shot again, I closed my eyes and played dead, he said. As he lay on the floor bleeding, he said, he overheard the police officers talking about planting guns and drugs because they had found none there.
HONG KONG  A rush-hour commute in Hong Kong turned to panic Friday evening when a man ignited an incendiary device in a crowded subway train, filling the car with flames and smoke and injuring at least 17 people.

Photographs taken soon after passengers fled the burning subway car show a man, believed to have started the fire, standing on a platform as flames jumped from the tatters of his burning clothes. Other images show injured commuters, their faces wrapped in gauze, being treated by emergency workers.

The police said the man, whom they identified only as a 60-year-old with the surname Cheung, admitted starting the blaze and was charged with suspicion of arson.

Violent crime is exceptionally rare in Hong Kong, home to one of the worlds largest subway systems. Annual ridership ranks just below that of New York, according to the Mass Transit Railway Corporation in Hong Kong.
BEIJING  By backing down in a telephone call with Chinas president on his promise to review the status of Taiwan, President Trump may have averted a confrontation with Americas most powerful rival.

But in doing so, he handed China a victory and sullied his reputation with its leader, Xi Jinping, as a tough negotiator who ought to be feared, analysts said.

Trump lost his first fight with Xi and he will be looked at as a paper tiger, said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, in Beijing, and an adviser to Chinas State Council. This will be interpreted in China as a great success, achieved by Xis approach of dealing with him.

Mr. Trumps reversal on Taiwan is likely to reinforce the views of those in China who see him as merely the latest American president to come into office talking tough on China, only to bend eventually to economic reality and adopt more cooperative policies. That could mean more difficult negotiations with Beijing on trade, North Korea and other issues.
HONG KONG  In a newspaper ad, the Hong Kong billionaire declared that he was just fine, merely resting overseas. The local news media insists that he is helping with an important investigation in China. The police say he left the territory through a normal border control point.

But Xiao Jianhua, one of Chinas wealthiest and most politically connected financiers, whose disappearance last month sent a chill through Hong Kong and the political class in Beijing, does not appear to be fine.

In the early hours of Jan. 27, he was taken out of the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong in a wheelchair, his head covered by a sheet or a blanket, according to people who have seen or been briefed on video footage captured by security cameras in the hotel.

Mr. Xiao, 45, who was not known to use a wheelchair, was accompanied by about half a dozen unidentified men who were also pushing a large suitcase on rollers. He is believed to have been transported by boat from Hong Kong, eluding border controls, and is now in police custody in mainland China, according to two people familiar with the investigation into his whereabouts.
AVDIIVKA, Ukraine  Here at the epicenter of the latest spasm of violence in eastern Ukraine, great thuds of artillery shells could be heard in the distance on Friday, as residents scrambled to board up blown-out windows and stockpile groceries in anticipation of further shelling.

Dozens of soldiers and civilians have been killed or wounded all along the front in nearly two weeks of fighting. While it is still not clear who is responsible for the escalation in fighting between the Ukrainian Army and the Russian-backed rebels, many residents say they believe the recent violence was meant to force some clarity from President Trump.

So far, Mr. Trumps administration has offered mixed messages about the three-year-old war. He has said he would be open to lifting sanctions against Russia imposed in 2014 after it annexed the Crimean peninsula and sent troops to aid separatists in the east. However, Nikki R. Haley, Mr. Trumps newly appointed ambassador to the United Nations, last week called for an end to the Russian occupation of Crimea and for a halt in the fighting in eastern Ukraine.

This week, in a letter to Lithuanias president, Mr. Trump seemed to echo that sentiment and personally expressed support for keeping Ukraine intact. The lack of a clear position on the conflict has bewildered officials on both sides, particularly in Ukraine where Mr. Trumps overtures to President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia are viewed with alarm.
In the days after the election, Mr. Spencer led a Washington alt-right conference in chants of Hail Trump! But he also invoked Evolas idea of a prehistoric and pre-Christian spirituality  referring to the awakening of whites, whom he called the Children of the Sun.

Image Evola, who died in 1974, is best known as a leading light of Traditionalism.

Mr. Spencer said it means a tremendous amount that Mr. Bannon was aware of Evola and other Traditionalist thinkers.

Even if he hasnt fully imbibed them and been changed by them, he is at least open to them, he said. He at least recognizes that they are there. That is a stark difference to the American conservative movement that either was ignorant of them or attempted to suppress them.

Mr. Bannon, who did not return a request for comment for this article, is an avid and wide-ranging reader. He has spoken enthusiastically about everything from Sun Tzus The Art of War to The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe, which sees history in cycles of cataclysmic and order-obliterating change. His awareness of and reference to Evola in itself only reflects that reading. But some on the alt-right consider Mr. Bannon a door through which Evolas ideas of a hierarchical society run by a spiritually superior caste can enter in a period of crisis.

Evolists view his ship as coming in, said Prof. Richard Drake at the University of Montana, who wrote about Evola in his book The Revolutionary Mystique and Terrorism in Contemporary Italy.

For some of them, it has been a long time coming.

Its the first time that an adviser to the American president knows Evola, or maybe has a Traditionalist formation, said Gianfranco De Turris, an Evola biographer and apologist based in Rome who runs the Evola Foundation out of his apartment.

If Bannon has these ideas, we have to see how he influences the politics of Trump, he said.

A March article titled An Establishment Conservatives Guide to the Alt-Right in Breitbart, the website then run by Mr. Bannon, included Evola as one of the thinkers in whose writings the origins of the alternative right could be found.
Since he began taking children away from parents convicted of mob association in 2012, Mr. Di Bella has separated about 40 boys and girls, ages 12 to 16, from their families, in an approach that has proved as controversial as it has been effective.

About a quarter of the time, mothers looking to flee the mafias tentacles go with them. The rest of the children are put into foster care, but Mr. Di Bella said that none of the children he had separated from their families had since committed a crime.

The Justice Ministry in Italy has just codified statutes so that Mr. Di Bellas innovation, so far limited to his corner of Calabria, can be applied to fight mafias nationwide.

Some are appalled by the strategy in a country where family bonds are so cherished. Critics have called it a Nazi-like method that overlooks the environmental factors that have made Calabria one of Italys poorest and most violent regions.

If Calabria stays Italys most underdeveloped region, itll keep having the most potent mafia, said Isaia Sales, an expert and author of books on criminal organizations. Regardless of the families.
PARIS  A French farmer who smuggled African migrants to safety, defying the authorities in an effort that his supporters likened to the Underground Railroad, was essentially given a slap on the wrist by a court on Friday.

The farmer, Cedric Herrou, a bearded olive grower, has become something of a hero after he shepherded migrants across the Italian border and into the Roya Valley of southern France, challenging official policy of rounding up migrants and sending them to detention centers or deporting them.

A court in Nice ordered Mr. Herrou on Friday to pay a fine of 3,000 euros, or about $3,200. If he stays out of trouble for five years, he will not have to pay it.

The light sentence  almost a nonsentence, given that the prosecutor, Jean-Michel Pretre, had asked for a tougher punishment  was an indication of how politically delicate the case against Mr. Herrou had become. He had popular opinion largely on his side  a fact the judges appeared to acknowledge in essentially letting him go with a warning.
PARIS  Four people, including a 16-year-old girl, who were believed to be preparing a terrorist attack were arrested in southern France on Friday after bomb-making materials were found in the home of one of the detainees, according to the Paris prosecutors office.

The three other people taken into custody near the city of Montpellier were men, ages 20, 26 and 33, said Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre, a spokeswoman for the prosecutors office, but no other information about the four was released.

The arrests highlighted the danger posed to France, which has been the site of several deadly attacks in the past two years and is thought to be the most targeted country in Europe.

We are facing an extremely high level of threat, Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said in an interview with the BFM TV news channel, although he did not comment specifically on the arrests.
BERLIN  Jan Bohmermann, a German television comedian whose lewd poem satirizing Turkeys president stirred tensions between the countries and a furor over freedom of expression, is back on the air and will not face criminal charges.

But he is still forbidden from publicly repeating most of the poem, which made provocative  and, his critics say, outrageous  insinuations about the sexuality, behavior and intelligence of Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

On Friday, a civil court in Hamburg, upholding a ruling from May, barred Mr. Bohmermann from repeating 18 of the 24 lines from the poem.

Mr. Erdogan tried last year to have Mr. Bohmermann criminally prosecuted, with help from Germanys government, under an 1871 law that forbids Germans from insulting heads of state.
We Want a Better Life in a Better Country

For the ninth straight day, Elena Filip bundled up in her fur-trimmed ski suit and left her Bucharest apartment for Piata Victoriei  Victory Square  outside the government headquarters. She was off to join thousands of other Romanians angry about the governments recent decision to effectively allow official corruption.

The most important thing when I go to protest is to have in mind its freezing cold outside, Ms. Filip said. I always have my ski suit with me because at minus 15 degrees you cannot be fashionable or picky.

By the time she arrived on the square Wednesday, a light snow had fallen, and her fellow protesters had spelled REZIST  the unofficial social-media slogan of the demonstrations  in the fresh powder.
Times journalists are in Iraqs Sunni heartland to evaluate rebuilding efforts after battles with the Islamic State.

FALLUJA, Iraq  Iraqi forces had taken Falluja from the Islamic State months before, and Sabah Rashid was more than ready to return home. But the police warned him not to go.

Fleeing Islamic State fighters had rigged bombs all through his south Falluja neighborhood, and these had still not been cleared, they told him. Insurgent corpses were said to lay unrecovered.

Mr. Rashid, 30, a determined sort, moved back into his ransacked house anyway  he and his family fled the Islamic State three years ago and did not want to wait. Last week, they were camped out in their sagging house with no heat, electricity or running water. They boiled water on a wood fire. And they waited with mounting frustration for promised government aid.
Todays rally shows that the government does not want any confrontation with the U.S., said Farshad Ghorbanpour, an analyst who is close to the government of President Hassan Rouhani. Dont be surprised, we have no interest with tensions.

Throughout the week, Iranians on social media had asked people not to burn flags, but instead to thank American protesters for standing up to Mr. Trumps targeted travel ban and for defending refugees, students, tourists and others affected by the executive order. Others said they had underestimated the new president at first, but now worried about new sanctions on Iran, or even military strikes.

Most of the hundreds of thousands at the rallies carried signs handed to them at the starting points of the rally. Several people carried black and white signs with text in English calling on Americans to visit Iran.
The interview was conducted with Israel Hayom, the newspaper owned by Sheldon Adelson, the casino magnate and close ally of Mr. Netanyahu. Mr. Trump hosted Mr. Adelson and his wife for dinner at the White House on Thursday night, along with Mr. Kushner and Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson.

The presidents language in the interview went beyond the carefully written statement issued by the White House last week saying that settlements were not an impediment to peace but they may not be helpful. The statement was seen as a sign that Mr. Trump wanted Mr. Netanyahu to hold off contentious moves, at least until their meeting next week.

Since Mr. Trumps inauguration, Mr. Netanyahus government has announced the construction of 5,500 new houses in the occupied West Bank, and the prime minister even raised the idea of building the first entirely new settlement in years. Mr. Netanyahus coalition pushed through Parliament a new bill retroactively authorizing thousands of houses built on Palestinian-owned land that are illegal even under Israeli law.

They dont help the process, Mr. Trump said of settlements in the Israel Hayom interview. I can say that. There is so much land left. And every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left. He added: I am not somebody that believes that going forward with these settlements is a good thing for peace.

Mr. Trumps statement on the embassy move was also strikingly different than past comments.

Arab leaders have warned him that moving the embassy to Jerusalem, which both Israelis and Palestinians claim, would lead to angry and possibly violent reactions because it would be seen as prejudging a final settlement between the two sides. The last three presidents refused to move the embassy there for that very reason.
Saving money in a 529 plan offers families a way to put cash away for college and save on taxes as well. But if your child is entering high school soon, its time to double-check the allocation of your investments.

Funds in state-sponsored 529 accounts, typically invested in mutual funds, grow tax-free. When you take the money out, funds arent taxed as long as the money is spent on eligible education costs, including tuition, room and board and books. Total investment in 529 plans reached $253 billion in 2015, according to the College Savings Plans Network.

Investments in 529 plans generally have a shorter window of time to grow than money in a retirement account does. And once a child enters high school, college is just four years away. A steep drop in the market could leave you short of funds when your child heads to campus  so scaling back high-risk investments is often a good idea, unless you have other funds available to pay for college.

If all your college money is in the 529, said Kim Lankford, an editor at Kiplinger who writes about the plans, you should be more conservative.
When you turn on a light or charge your phone, the electricity coming from the outlet may well have traveled hundreds of miles across the power grid that blankets most of North America  the worlds largest machine, and one of its most eccentric.

Your household power may have been generated by Niagara Falls, or by a natural-gas-fired plant on a barge floating off the Brooklyn shore. But the kilowatt-hour produced down the block probably costs more than the one produced at the Canadian border.

Moreover, a surprising portion of the system is idle except for the hottest days of the year, when already bottlenecked transmission lines into the New York City area reach their physical limit.

We have a system which is energy-inefficient because it was never designed to be efficient, said Richard L. Kauffman, the states so-called energy czar, who is leading its plans to reimagine the power grid.

Its like a mainframe computer in the age of cloud computing, Mr. Kauffman added, and with climate change, the state has to rethink that basic architecture.

But how does it work now?

Cranking Out Power

In 1882, heaps of black coal were hauled by horse-drawn wagons to the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of New Yorks powerhouse on Pearl Street in Lower Manhattan, where jumbo steam-powered engines (named after P. T. Barnums elephant) spun generators. These created electricity, which traveled to homes and businesses within about one square mile, illuminating drawing rooms without the use of a match for the first time.

A few years later, a hydroelectric station on the Niagara River using Nikola Teslas designs and equipment supplied by George Westinghouse helped turn Buffalo into an industrial force.

Today hundreds of plants, mostly privately owned, pump out power. Each one varies in its cost to build and operate, how much power it can produce, how quickly and how efficiently. Unlike other states, which do not have access to such a diversity of resources, New York has a full menu of options.

Coal, the original fuel, is on the way out. The state has announced plans to close the remaining plants or convert them to natural gas, which is currently cheap and plentiful.

In 2015, 64 plants that use natural gas produced almost half the electricity in the state, said the New York Independent System Operator, a nonprofit that runs the states grid and power markets.

Four nuclear plants accounted for about a third of it. Though disposing of nuclear waste remains a concern, the state wants to subsidize nuclear plants upstate because of the steady, carbon-free power they provide. But Gov. Andrew M. Cuomos recent decision to force the closing of the Indian Point power plant in suburban Westchester County has raised questions about the states ability to meet its clean energy goals and how it will make up for the energy the plant provides.

In New York there are 180 hydroelectric facilities, which produced 19 percent of the states electricity, and which remain crucial to clean power production.



By 2030, Mr. Cuomo wants half of the electricity consumed in the state to come from renewable sources produced here or imported from places like Canada and New England.

According to the latest figures, less than a quarter of the electric energy produced in New York came from renewables.

While there are tens of thousands of residential and commercial solar energy systems, only one utility-scale solar photovoltaic power plant is included in the Nyisos estimates of solar production.

Large-scale wind has had more success, and the state is pushing for more; about 30 wind farms are planned upstate. And the state recently approved the nations largest offshore wind farm, which could power 50,000 homes on Long Island by the end of 2022. A second site near the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens is in the works but is years away.

The cost of building wind and solar plants has fallen, but these power sources are intermittent. Until more storage is plugged into the grid, like batteries or pumped hydro plants, which pump water into reservoirs to store power for later use, other generators must be available to supplement solar and wind power.

A standard part of the electric arsenal are generators called peakers, which are needed to keep the grid reliable but might run only a few days a year. New York City has about 16 such plants, mostly around the waterfront, which spring into action on the hottest days of the year or if transmission lines or power plants upstate malfunction. Some sit on barges, and all are designed to switch on quickly. The trade-off for the rapid response is usually higher costs and carbon emissions.

As a result, customers pay for plants and wires that a lot of the time are hardly used, said Mr. Kauffman, the energy czar.

The entire system was designed to meet demand extremes and handle the worst-case situation.

The Delicate Art of Balancing the Grid

Inside a $38 million control room near Albany, a team of seven employees of the New York Independent System Operator is always on duty, monitoring electricity zooming through the states grid and coming in from and out to neighboring grids.



Nyiso (pronounced NIGH-so) is one of 36 entities responsible for the Eastern Interconnection, one of the countrys three main grids extending from the Rockies to the East Coast in the United States and Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia in Canada.

Unlike water, electricity cant be stored in a bucket. While batteries are improving, most electricity is used the instant it is created.

The team constantly calculates how much power is needed and which plants can produce it at the lowest cost. Every five minutes, a computer system directs plants to dial up or scale down production to ensure enough electricity is available to keep the lights on without overloading transmission wires. If the system is out of balance or the flow of electricity is destabilized, it can damage equipment or cause power failures.

Operators undergo psychological evaluations to ensure they can handle stress, and they spend weeks every year inside simulation labs preparing for a hurricane or cyberattack. Still, the No. 1 enemy is tree branches, as Gretchen Bakke pointed out in her book, The Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future.

In 2003, the countrys worst blackout started with a sagging power line in Ohio that shorted out after touching a tree branch. A series of human errors and a computer problem plunged about 50 million people into darkness from New York City to Toronto and cost the United States economy about $6 billion.

Jon Sawyer, the chief system operator for Nyiso, said that today, computer systems receive 50,000 data points about every six seconds, and operators monitor regional activity on a 2,300-square-foot video wall. Mandatory reliability standards have been put in place for the thousands of entities involved in the operation of the countrys electric systems.

The biggest daily variable is weather. Storms can flood equipment, and bright, hot days can cause transformers to overheat and customers to crank up air-conditioners.

Leaning on solar and wind means a greater dependence on weather, just as weather patterns have become less predictable. Nyiso has developed sophisticated tools using climate data to predict how much power each wind farm will generate and to find ways to balance the system if the wind suddenly dies down, Mr. Sawyer said. It is working on methods to track cloud cover and other conditions that affect the output of solar panels.

Transmitting Power Efficiently

The systems backbone is the 11,124 miles of high-voltage lines running overhead and underground that carry electricity to local utilities. Unlike water pipes, transmission lines are not hollow, and they can overheat or shut down if too much power flows through them.

Since most power is generated in less populated areas, certain lines that carry it downstate during times of peak demand can become gridlocked.

Nearly 60 percent of the states electricity is consumed in the New York City area, where only 40 percent of it is made.

New York is the poster child for congestion, said Bill Booth, a senior adviser to the United States Energy Information Administration.

To get around bottlenecks, grid operators may turn on more expensive or less efficient generators closer to where the demand is. Think of it as paying more for a carton of milk at the bodega next door than at the supermarket 12 blocks away.

The state is prioritizing projects to bring more power downstate from wind farms and hydro plants. The need is even more urgent with plans to close Indian Point as soon as 2021, as it supplies about one-fourth of the power consumed in New York City and Westchester County.



But building new power lines is fiercely unpopular. Residents dont want high-voltage lines in their backyards, and local power generators dislike competition from cheaper power brought in from farther away. Even if the lines are below ground, like the ones that bring power to Manhattan from New Jersey through the muck of the Hudson River, securing federal and state permits can take years.

One project to bring hydropower from Quebec to New York City under Lake Champlain and the Hudson has been in the works since 2008.

Despite enhancements, the transmission grid is aging. More than 80 percent of the lines went active before 1980, and Nyiso estimates that almost 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines will have to be replaced in the next 30 years at a cost of about $25 billion.

Delivering Power to Your Home

Consolidated Edisons system, which originally covered about a square mile in Lower Manhattan, now stretches out over 660 square miles in the city and Westchester.

There are about 200 networks that operate independently to balance and regulate the flow of electricity in dense areas. Manhattan alone has 39 networks; Rockefeller Center, for example, has its own.

In all, there are 129,935 miles of cables snaking underground and overhead, enough to reach more than halfway to the moon.

The largest of the states six electric utilities, Con Ed spends millions of dollars a year to open utility holes and dig into streets crowded with gas mains, fiber-optic cables, steam pipes and subway lines to make repairs and upgrades to its vast underground network. Partly as a result, its customers pay among the highest electricity rates in the country.

Operators in Con Eds energy control center, housed in a location the utility will not disclose, ensure that enough power flows through its network to serve more than nine million people, even during a heat wave.

Much of the year, peak demand is around 5 p.m., when evening rush subways and elevators take commuters home, children turn on video games and families open refrigerator doors to start dinner. In summer, it is around 3 p.m., when air-conditioners are blasting.

While Con Eds system is among the most reliable in the country, the company cannot prevent squirrels from chewing wires or transformers. But it is working to prepare for disastrous weather. Since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the utility has spent about $1 billion to raise, waterproof or build walls around equipment in lower elevations and to carve up distribution networks so that smaller sections can be shut off remotely when floodwaters rise.

With the proliferation of residential and commercial solar installations, customers are now feeding power back to the grid.

Robert Schimmenti, who leads Con Eds electric operations, said it was developing systems to integrate the increasing numbers of devices on the other side of the meter, like fuel cells and batteries, which are sometimes linked in a microgrid, that the utility does not control.

In May, Con Ed will begin installing smart meters in businesses across the city, and, in July, at homes on Staten Island, giving customers detailed summaries about consumption and helping operators diagnose problems without dispatching a truck.

To help finance the $1.3 billion project and to modernize its distribution networks, Con Ed requested a rate increase, which the state approved in January. After a nearly five-year freeze, customers will see a raise of 2.3 percent to 2.4 percent in the next three years. A typical city resident who uses 300 kilowatt-hours per month would see an increase from $78.52 to $80.30.

Whats Next?

Instead of moving power from large, central generating stations, where energy flows in only one direction and about 5 percent vanishes in transit (more during peak times), more power will be generated and distributed locally.

In the same way that cloud computing and smartphones have revolutionized how consumers get and store information, smaller-scale generation and storage devices throughout the grid will make the system more efficient and resilient, Mr. Kauffman said.

Although energy use is projected to flatten or decrease in the next decade, thanks in part to more efficient appliances and better insulated buildings, peak demand will continue to grow, according to Nyiso.

Mr. Kauffman said focusing on reducing demand on the system, especially at peak times, would be crucial to meeting New Yorks clean energy goals. The state is using financing and competitions as incentives for the private sector to develop sensors and software to make transmission more efficient, batteries that will make better use of renewable energy, or smart appliances, like washing machines or dishwashers that will delay a cycle until demand is lower, like the middle of the night.

Central to this transformation is overhauling the rules governing utilities. Mr. Kauffman compared the utilities to the hotel industry, which has been disrupted by upstarts like Airbnb. Traditionally, utilities have been largely indifferent to how much power customers consume. They receive a fixed rate of return (9 percent in 2016) on the infrastructure they build and their cost to upgrade and maintain networks.

But the state is seeking to create ways for utilities to make money by teaming up with companies and customers to install software solutions to control electricity use or to add solar panels more affordably, instead of building billion-dollar substations.

Ultimately, consumers will have more choices about where and how their power is made and how its consumed.

But as more people create their own power and use less from their utility, because of the way electricity rates are structured a smaller percentage of consumers could end up paying more to build and maintain transmission wires and equipment.

Audrey Zibelman, the departing chairwoman of the New York Public Service Commission, which sets consumer rates, said moving toward a system that reduced carbon emissions did not necessarily mean higher costs. It actually means lower prices if we do it right, Ms. Zibelman said.

The state has promised that the poorest New Yorkers will pay no more than 6 percent of their household income on energy costs, and it also plans to spend about $1 billion to make rooftop and community solar installations more accessible and affordable.

New York is taking lessons from California, Germany and other clean energy pioneers.

Building a modern energy infrastructure thats clean and resilient, Governor Cuomo said, is critical to attracting new investments and growing a green economy across New York, while helping us combat climate change, maintain our air quality and keep our communities healthy for generations to come.

Despite President Trumps skepticism of climate change and support of the coal industry, the state says it will forge ahead.

Mr. Kauffman said New York was enacting these policies through its own authorities and is not reliant on the federal government to advance our clean energy agenda.

Still, he said, reinventing a system that originated more than a century ago will take time.

It is not flipping a switch, he said.

Questions and Answers

How much do New Yorkers pay for power?

In October, New York State had the seventh-highest residential prices for electricity in the United States, at 18.28 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to the United States Energy Information Administration. Con Eds rates for New York City were 24.736 cents per kilowatt-hour, just below Hawaiis, the most expensive in the country (27.54 cents). On the cheaper end of the scale are Louisiana (9.33 cents), Georgia (11.07 cents) and California (13.94 cents).

What, exactly, am I paying for each month?

A complete understanding of your Con Ed bill practically requires a Ph.D., but there are three main parts:

Supply About a third to a half (depending on use) reflects how much your provider paid for the electricity on wholesale markets administered by Nyiso. Like all commodities, price fluctuates with demand. Electricity tends to be cheaper at night and more expensive in the summer. Other factors affect prices, such as weather conditions, fuel costs, the cost to operate a plant and where it is.

Transmission and Delivery You are also paying for maintenance and upgrades to the wires and substations.

Taxes and Fees About 30 percent of your bill is made up of taxes and fees, according to Con Ed, including property taxes, sales tax, a special tax for utilities and a fee that finances the states clean energy programs and innovations.

How much utilities can charge for supply and delivery is determined by the Public Service Commission, a board appointed by the governor to regulate utilities, which takes into account positions held by consumer, environmental and industry groups, government agencies and the utilities.

Who supplies my electricity?

You may have been approached at a farmers market or at your door by a company that wants to sell energy to you. There are about 200 energy service companies, or ESCOs, that buy electricity on wholesale markets and deliver it through a local utility.

While giving consumers choice could help drive down cost in theory, the state attorney generals office said it had received a steady stream of complaints from customers who say they have been scammed by companies offering discounted rates up front only to later charge more than what the consumers would have paid through their utility company.

The Public Service Commission has barred several ESCOs from doing business in New York, including some that target lower-income and non-English-speaking people, and the agency said it was considering additional measures to regulate the market and protect consumers.

We dont want people to get victimized for the fact that were just beginning to develop consumer knowledge about this, Ms. Zibelman said.
Life is Dulce

We call it the dolce far niente. It means the sweetness of doing nothing. You may have heard this while scrolling through Instagram or T Read moreThe benefits of doing nothing
By: Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co, LLC

Are There Really Seven Sacraments

End

-- In his new book Are There Really Seven Sacraments, Spyros Filos explains the simple truth about the Reformation, and especially how it is seen by Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics.The author believes that the sincere evangelical brokenness of man before God as well as the submission to free forgiveness are both offered by the Father to all who take off the mantle of their own worthiness, and are put on that of Christ, who took upon Himself the sins of mankind.In the Christian Orthodox country of Greece, where the author lives, and whose spiritual state inspired this book, it's not easy to bring the Evangelion regarding repentance, forgiveness, and salvation by Grace alone.Since 1949, the Church has reacted vehemently to Christian publications that argue man needs to go directly to the Throne of God, repent, and only then will be able to receive the free gift of forgiveness. To this day, the Church's stand is unchanged, but the time has come to seriously consider the urgency of reform.About the Author: A former civil servant in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece and in Germany, Spyros Filos is a senior pastor of the Alkiviadou Free Evangelical Church in Athens, Greece. He is the author of 33 books and the translator of 20, the editor in chief of Pergamos Publications, and of "The Evangelical Tribune" (1994-2011). In 2016, he was awarded a doctorate from The Institute of Pentecostal Theology for his contribution to the widely known translation of the Bible in modern Greek."This insightful look at religious reform will fascinate readers. We are pleased to announce its release," said Robert Fletcher, CEO of Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Agency.ARE THERE REALLY SEVEN SACRAMENTS? IS "THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE" A SACRAMENT? (ISBN: 978-1-68181-875-7) is now available for $28.95 and can be ordered through the publisher's website: http://sbprabooks.com/ SpyrosFilos or at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.WHOLESALERS:This book is distributed by Ingram Books and other wholesale distributors. Contact your representative with the ISBN for purchase. Wholesale purchase for retailers, universities, libraries, and other organizations is also available through the publisher; please email bookorder@sbpra.net.Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co, LLCwww.SBPRA.net (http://www.strategicbookclub.com/)www.AuthorMarketingIdeas.com www.PublishOnDemandGlobal.com*About our book publishing, marketing, and distribution team  We have provided services to over 10,000 authors around the world in the last eight years. We have hybrid-published over 6,500 authors, (about 500+ in a "traditional style" contract and the remainder in a self-publishing style), and their books are for sale in all the normal Ingram distribution channels, and Amazon and B&N (US, UK, Australia, Europe), plus China, India, Malaysia and almost every country in the world. We have attended and exhibited at over 30 of the largest book fairs in the world including London, New York, Beijing, Frankfurt, Guadalajara, New Delhi, Taiwan, and more. We have been instrumental in the adoption of POD in mainland China and Korea. For our author-clients we have produced over 1,000 press releases, video book trailers and other marketing materials for authors around the world. We have created over 7,500 author websites with extended capabilities, we have over 1,200 multi-format eBooks available on Kindle, Apple, Kobo, and other eBook platforms around the world. We look forward to assisting you to the best of our ability.https://www.facebook.com/sbpra.ushttp://pinterest.com/sbpra/https://twitter.com/SBPRAhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/sbpra
According to JLL, the CEE commercial real estate investment volume was ca. 12.56 billion in 2016. The full year breakdown saw Poland register an overall transactional volume share of 36%, followed by the Czech Republic (29%), Hungary (13%), SEE markets (8%), Romania (7%) and Slovakia (7%). Kevin Turpin, Head of

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Our tendency to match specific sounds with specific shapes, even abstract shapes, is so fundamental that it guides perception before we are consciously aware of it, according to new research in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

The bouba-kiki effect, originally reported over 85 years ago and replicated many times since, shows that people consistently pair the soft-sounding nonsense word bouba with soft-looking, round shapes and they typically pair the sharp-sounding nonsense word kiki with spiky-looking, angular shapes. This effect seems to emerge across cultures and age groups, indicating that it may represent a universal mapping between different modes of perception.

The new findings from three experiments show that the bouba-kiki effect operates on a deeper, more fundamental level than previously observed:

This is the first report that congruence between a visual word form and the visual properties of a shape can influence behavior when neither the word nor the object has been seen, says researcher Shao-Min (Sean) Hung of Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, first author on the research.

In one experiment, Hung and co-authors Suzy Styles (Nanyang Technological University) and Po-Jang (Brown) Hsieh (Duke-NUS Medical School) used a technique that involves presenting different images to the left and right eyes. To participants dominant eye, the researchers presented a series of flashing images; to the nondominant eye, they presented a target image that gradually faded in. Initially, participants were unaware of the target image and could only see the competing, flashing images.

In this experiment, the target image was always a nonsense word, bubu or kiki, inside of a shape. Sometimes the word (bubu) was congruent with the shape it was in (round) and sometimes it was incongruent with the shape (angular). The participants pressed a key whenever the target image became visible.

Timing data showed that the target image broke through to conscious awareness faster when it was congruent than when it was incongruent, indicating that participants perceived and processed the relationship between word and shape before they were consciously aware of the stimuli.

To ensure that participants were mapping the roundness or angularity of the word sounds and not just the shapes of the letters in the written words, the researchers conducted a second study in which they taught participants to read two unfamiliar letters that lacked distinctive round or angular components. That is, participants learned to arbitrarily associate the sounds bubu and kiki to these unfamiliar letters.

Again, the results showed that whichever letter was taught as kiki broke through to awareness faster when it was inside the angular shape compared with the rounded shape; and whichever letter stood for bubu broke through faster when it was inside the rounded shape compared with the angular shape.

The findings here show that once we have learned the sound of a letter, we are able to not only extract the sound without consciously perceiving the letter, but also map this unconsciously extracted sound to an unconscious shape, Hung explains.

Additional findings revealed that the bouba-kiki effect operated outside of awareness even when participants listened to word sounds. In a third study, the researchers used another technique for measuring perception outside awareness, presenting a faint shape very briefly in between two images that masked the shapes visibility. The researchers varied the intensity of the shape, to determine the level at which it became visible to the participants. Once again, the data showed that congruent sounds facilitated conscious awareness of the shape, lowering the threshold at which the participants reported seeing the shape.

All these findings expand the limit of unconscious processing, demonstrating that crossmodal mapping occurs outside of the realm of conscious awareness, says Hung.

Together, these experiments show that the bouba-kiki effect emerges unconsciously before we even have a chance to deliberately consider the relation between sound and shape. That is, a word can sound like a shape before the shape has been seen, Hung concludes.

This study was supported by a Nanyang Assistant Professorship Grant to S. J. Styles for The Shape of Sounds in Singapore.
President meets sheikhs, dignitaries of Al Salem-Bani Dabyan





SANA'A, Feb. 09 (Saba)  President of the Supreme Political Council Saleh Al-Sammad met on Thursday at the Republican Palace in Sana'a with a number of sheikhs and dignitaries of Al Salem from Bani Dabyan area of Sana'a province.



In the meeting, the president reviewed the efforts made and being made and the concessions made in order to achieve peace and alleviate the burdens on the Yemeni people in light of the US-Saudi tenacious attitude and the continuing aggression war until the recent developments, when the U.S. deployed its guided missile destroyer USS Cole off coast of Yemen.



Al-Sammad emphasized that everyone knows America's ability and the big loss that it may inflict if it involved directly in Yemen.



He indicated to the desperate attempts of the aggression to purchase Yemeni southerners' conscience and some misguided people, who are under the influence of the economic crisis severity, and involve them in battlefields and defending the borders of Saudi Arabia.



The U.S. seeks through its strategy of spreading al-Qaeda and Daesh, especially in the southern regions, to intervene in those areas or create unstable environments, al-Sammad said.



The president confirmed that the fortitude and patience until achieving the complete victory is option of all Yemenis, praising the Yemeni tribes' exceptional, creative and vital role in supporting all fronts with money, men and materiel.



During the meeting, Sheikhs and dignitaries of Al Salem Bani Dabyan expressed their confidence in the victory of the Yemeni people in confronting the US-Saudi aggression, reiterating their steadfastness in all fronts to protect their land and their areas from any intervention.



BA

Saba

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[09/February/2017]
A new scientific approach can now provide regional assessments of land recovery following oil and gas drilling activities, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

When developing oil and gas well pads, the vegetation and soil are removed to level the areas for drilling and operations. The new assessment approach, called the disturbance automated reference toolset, or DART, is used to examine recovery patterns after well pads are plugged and abandoned to help resource managers make informed decisions for future well pad development.

"These results may assist land managers in deciding what areas might be best utilized for energy development while also minimizing the long-term environmental impacts," said Travis Nauman, a USGS scientist and the lead author of the study.

The recovery of well pads following oil and gas development is an area of growing importance because recent technological advances such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have initiated rapid increases in development and production. Previous studies estimate that about 11,583 square miles of land in central North America were cleared for oil and gas related purposes between 2000 and 2012.

USGS scientists examined oil and gas well pad recovery on the Colorado Plateau using a new approach that incorporates satellite imagery, digital soil mapping, predictive ecological modeling and field assessments to evaluate vegetation recovery following well pad abandonment. Scientists used DART to study 1,800 well pads in Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. Satellite imagery was used to compare vegetation cover of the abandoned sites to surrounding undisturbed areas with roughly equivalent climate, soil, topography and management histories.

Findings show that most abandoned oil and gas pads in the study are characterized by more bare ground and less vegetation than surrounding undisturbed areas, even after more than 9 years since abandonment. The majority of pads had 15-45 percent increases in bare ground exposure relative to comparable nearby areas. More exposed bare ground makes areas much more susceptible to soil erosion and dust emission.

Differing recovery across environmental gradients and land stewardship suggests that these can be useful for identifying conditions that may promote or hamper pad recovery. Well pads in grasslands, canyon complexes, blackbrush shrublands and shale badlands are not recovering as well as other ecotypes on the Colorado Plateau. Warmer areas with more summer-dominated precipitation were also associated with reduced well pad recovery. Well pads on federally and privately managed lands had the highest recovery index while state-administered lands had the lowest recovery of the ownership entities evaluated. These findings can help managers identify policies or procedures that may lead to improved well pad recovery.

It is still unclear exactly how long well pad disturbances persist on the landscape once well pads are abandoned, particularly in more arid regions like the Southwest, but it may take many years. Active management intervention, or rehabilitation, of vegetation and soils at abandoned well pads has become more common in recent years, but additional work could increase the success of these efforts. New technological advances like DART can help land managers better understand these disturbances by providing timely assessments to help inform management decisions.
A study led by UC Santa Cruz researchers has found that drought dramatically increases the severity of West Nile virus epidemics in the United States, although populations affected by large outbreaks acquire immunity that limits the size of subsequent epidemics.

The study, published February 8 in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, involved researchers from UC Santa Cruz, Stanford University, and the New York State Department of Health. They analyzed 15 years of data on human West Nile virus infections from across the United States and found that epidemics were much larger in drought years and in regions that had not suffered large epidemics in the past.

"We found that drought was the dominant weather variable correlated with the size of West Nile virus epidemics," said first author Sara Paull, who led the study as a post-doctoral researcher at UC Santa Cruz and is now at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

West Nile virus was introduced into North America in 1999 and has caused yearly epidemics each summer since. The intensity of these epidemics, however, has varied enormously. In some years, there were only a few hundred severe human cases nationally, whereas in each of three years (2002, 2003, and 2012), approximately 3,000 people suffered brain-damaging meningitis or encephalitis, and almost 300 died. The variation at the state level has been even higher, with yearly case numbers varying 50-fold from year to year, on average. The causes of this enormous variation were unknown and had led scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to suggest that predicting the size of future epidemics was difficult or impossible.

In the new study, Paull and Marm Kilpatrick, an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz, analyzed patterns in the number of severe West Nile virus infections each year in each state and nationally. They examined a number of weather variables, including summer temperature, precipitation, winter severity, and drought. They also tested a long-standing hypothesis that the disease shows a wave-like pattern in causing large outbreaks in the first year and few cases subsequently due to a build-up of immunity in bird populations, which are the main hosts for the virus.

"We found strong evidence that in some regions the spread of West Nile virus was indeed wave-like, with large outbreaks followed by fewer cases," Paull said. "However, our analyses indicated that human immunity -- not just bird immunity -- played a large part in the decrease in human cases by reducing the number of people susceptible to the disease."

Kilpatrick said the links with drought were unexpected. In collaboration with Dr. Laura Kramer from the New York State Department of Health, his lab had developed a very careful method of mapping the influence of temperature on the biology of both the virus and the three different mosquitoes that are most important in transmitting the virus.

"We thought epidemics would coincide with the most ideal temperatures for transmission," Kilpatrick said. "Instead, we found that the severity of drought was far more important nationally, and drought appeared to be a key driver in the majority of individual states as well."

It's not yet clear how drought increases transmission of the virus, he said. Data from Colorado indicate that drought increases the fraction mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus, but not the abundance of mosquitoes. Drought might affect transmission between mosquitoes and birds by stressing birds or changing where they congregate.

With the help of climatologists Dan Horton and Noah Diffenbaugh at Stanford University, Paull used the links between drought, immunity, and West Nile virus to project the impacts of climate change on future epidemics. Over the next three decades, drought is projected to increase in many regions across the United States due to increased temperatures, despite increases in precipitation in some of the same areas.

Model projections indicated that increased drought could double the size of future West Nile virus epidemics, but that outbreaks would be limited to regions that have yet to sustain large numbers of cases. These findings provide a tool to help guide public health efforts to regions most likely to experience future epidemics.
According to new research, the key to a successful, long-term relationship is for each partner to adapt to the other's changes over time.

At least, that's what appears to be true for pairs of proteins in bacteria.

A University of Texas at Dallas scientist and his colleagues are developing computer models to predict how mutations -- or tiny physical changes -- affect the biological performance of pairs of proteins that have co-evolved to work together.

The research, published in a recent issue of the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, has potential applications in synthetic biology and protein engineering, fields that are aimed at designing new proteins or exploiting existing ones to improve human health.

Proteins, which carry out most of life's functions, are made up of sequences of molecules called amino acids. Pairs of proteins successfully communicate with one another by physically interacting at specific points on the amino acid chain.

Such pairs of proteins tend to co-evolve over time: If one acquires a mutation in a key amino acid, the other tends to adapt to maintain the balance. However, some mutations can end the relationship.

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"If a mutation changes one of those key amino acids at the interface, the pair may no longer be able to communicate, and the function could be lost," said Dr. Faruck Morcos, assistant professor of biological sciences at UT Dallas and senior author of the article. "The result could adversely affect that organism's survival."

Morcos and his colleagues at Rice University developed a computational model that evaluates every possible combination of mutations at the interface among the amino acid sequences in a pair of proteins found in the bacterium Escherichia coli. The computational model finds combinations that result in couples who continue to communicate and those for whom the connection is gone.

The bacteria proteins served as a test case, but Morcos said the approach can be applied to proteins in other organisms as well, including human proteins.

"This is a mathematical model that we can use to predict how changes in amino acid sequences affect proteins' function," Morcos said.

A research group at MIT had previously carried out experiments in the lab to examine every one of the 160,000 possible combinations in this particular protein pair.

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"That effort was amazing. It determined experimentally what the effect was for all of these mutations," Morcos said. "But it was very expensive. We used their results to validate that our model is able to predict not only which mutations will not be able to interact, but also mutations that maintain their intended function."

The computational model also is able to rank the confidence level of the working combinations. Of the 1,600 combinations found to be functional, the model was very confident in the top 100, for example.

"If we can predict something that should work, but is not obvious, we can point experimentalists to try specific mutations, saving time and expense, as opposed to the trial-and-error approach," Morcos said.

Using its model, the research group found something unexpected as well.

"We predicted combinations that should have been functional, but actually weren't in the experimental data," Morcos said. "It turns out that some mutations resulted in pairs that could indeed communicate with their target, but they also interacted with other proteins as well. We think that the relationship wasn't functioning at its full potential because one of the pair became too promiscuous with other proteins."

That result showed that the model could be useful in investigating the effect of mutations not only on communication between partner proteins, but also with other proteins in a cell.

"For scientists who are doing experiments, it can be difficult to assess the effects on the rest of the proteins in a network of proteins," Morcos said. "It's relatively easy with this computational work."

In a subsequent study, published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Morcos and his colleagues at Rice and the Chinese Academy of Sciences used their computational approach to determine the most important physical points at which a pair of proteins interacts.

"This is an important result," Morcos said. "If you know where the 'hot spots' are, the most important point at a protein-protein interface, this could aid in the design of therapeutic drugs to intervene at that point."
Noradrenaline is a neuromodulator secreted in the brain depending on behavioral context and physiological states of animal, influencing a wide range of physiological functions by modulating brain activity. It may be best known as a hormone to regulate heart rate and blood flow, and many drugs, such as well-known beta blockers, target its effects. It also modulates the visual system.

"Noradrenaline administration modulates the primary visual cortex (V1)," says Osaka University Associate Professor Satoshi Shimegi. "It changes the spatial sensitivity of this region."

Understanding how noradrenaline functions in the brain is expected to give new insights on how the brain processes spatial information, which has important implications on patient care and machine learning.

Noradrenaline exerts its effects by binding to adrenergic receptors. Beta blockers target b-adrenergic receptors, but there are also exist a-adrenergic receptors, for which there exists alpha blockers. The binding of noradrenaline to its receptors leads to a reduction of spontaneous neural activity in V1, but studies on different animals have been inconclusive about which receptors are primarily responsible for this effect.

In a new set of experiments, the Shimegi lab observed the effects of noradrenaline on the vision of free-moving rats. "We wanted to observe behaving animals, because this is a better representation of nature," explained Ryo Mizuyama, first author of the study, which can be read in PLOS ONE.

The rats were subjected to one of two different inhibitors of a-adrenergic receptors or one inhibitor of b-adrenergic receptors. Of the three, only the b-adrenergic receptor inhibitor, propranolol hydrochloride, had an effect on vision performance.

"Contrast sensitivity was suppressed," said Mizuyama, who further added that, "contrast sensitivity defines one's ability to distinguish objects at different light and dark contrasts."

Interestingly, however, the effect on contrast sensitivity was found only for a specific range of spatial frequencies.

"The contrast sensitivity at optimal spatial frequencies was suppressed by propranolol hydrochloride," observed Shimegi. "This result suggests that only neurons sensitive to specific spatial frequencies are affected by the inhibitor. Therefore, noradrenaline could improve vision by targeting a very small subgroup of neurons or neural circuits."
In nature, proteins are assembled into sophisticated and highly ordered structures, which enable them to execute numerous functions supporting different forms of life. The exquisite design of natural proteins prompted scientists to exploit it in synthetic biology to engineer molecules that can self-assemble into nanoparticles with desired structure and that may be used for various purposes such as gas storage, enzyme catalysis, intracellular drug delivery, etc.

Cytoplasmic polyhedrosis viruses (cypoviruses) infecting insects are embedded in protein crystals called polyhedra which shield the virus from damage. The structure of polyhedra crystals (PhCs) suggests that they can serve as robust containers which can incorporate and protect foreign molecules from degradation, ensuring their compositional and functional stability.

Overview of Research Achievement

Extreme stability of polyhedra under harsh conditions is provided by dense packing of polyhedrin monomers in crystals with solvent channels of very low porosity, which, however, limits the incorporation of foreign particles. Research group led by Satoshi Abe and Takafumi Ueno at Tokyo Institute of Technology hypothesized that if a porous framework inside PhCs is extended without compromising crystal stability, PhCs can be used for accumulation and storage of exogenous molecules in living cells. As in natural PhCs, polyhedrin monomers form a trimer, the scientists assumed that if amino acid residues at the contact interface of each trimer are deleted, the porosity of the resulting crystals would be increased. To achieve this goal, they genetically engineered polyhedrin monomers, which were then expressed and self-assembled in Spodoptera frugiperda IPLB-Sf21AE, the larva of an armyworm moth, infected with baculovirus. The mutant PhCs maintained crystal lattice of the wild-type PhC but had significantly extended porosity due to the deletion of amino acid residues with the rearrangement of intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. As a result, the engineered crystals could adsorb 2-4 times more exogenous molecules (fluorescent dyes) compared to the wild type PhC, with up to 5,000-fold condensation of the dyes from the 10 uM solution.

As a next step, the scientists examined the performance of the mutant crystals in living insect cells. PhCs showed high stability in the intracellular environment. Most importantly, the mutant crystals could accumulate and retain the dyes in live cells, while the natural crystals could not.

Rationale crystal design used by scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology provides a powerful tool for structural manipulation of self-assembled protein crystals to obtain porous nanomaterials with regulated adsorption properties. The engineered porous PhCs can be used as protein containers for in vivo crystal structure analysis of the cellular molecules and bioorthogonal chemistry in various types of living cells.

Structural analysis of microcrystals

Since tiny crystals with only a few microns size were obtained, the structure analyses were performed at beamlines BL32XU and BL41XU at SPring-8, a large synchrotron radiation facility which delivers the most powerful synchrotron radiation. The high-resolution structures were rapidly analyzed with the help of an automated data collection system developed in RIKEN.
An international research team has discovered that the IFT20 protein helps some cancer cells to invade by facilitating the transportation of membranes and proteins within parts of the cell.

Primary cilia exist on the surface of almost all human cells, acting as "cell antenna" that receive information from outside the cell. IFT20 (intraflagellar transport 20) is a protein present in most human cells that plays an essential role in the formation and functions of these primary cilia. In healthy cells it acts as a "cargo adaptor" to transport proteins along microtubules within cilia, but many cells lose these cilia when they become cancerous. This research has shed light on the function of IFT20 in non-ciliated cancer cells for the first time. The discovery has potential applications for developing new cancer treatment methods that block invasive cancer cells by targeting IFT20. The findings were published on January 26 in the online edition of Scientific Reports.

This research was carried out by an international team including Associate Professor NISHITA Michiru (Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Department of Physiology and Cell Biology), Professor MINAMI Yasuhiro (Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology), Professor Victor W. Hsu (Harvard Medical School) and Professor Gregory J. Pazour (University of Massachusetts Medical School). Most cancer-related deaths are said to be caused by cell invasion and the consequent spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body (metastasis). To counter this, scientists are searching for the mechanism that controls the invasive properties of cancer cells.

Researchers already knew that a cell membrane protein known as Ror2 expresses highly in various cancer cells, and it promotes cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Professor Nishita's team investigated various kinds of non-ciliated cancer cells and discovered that Ror2 promoted cancer cell invasiveness by inducing the expression of IFT20.

Many tumor cells break through the barrier of the extracellular matrix and infiltrate their surroundings by forming protruding structures known as invadopodia. The formation of invadopodia requires membranes and proteins supplied by the intracellular transport system, using the Golgi complex. The Golgi complex must be close to invadopodia to deploy these materials. The team's findings demonstrate that in tumor cells, IFT20 induces the Golgi complex to form microtubules by promoting interaction between the Golgi proteins GM130 and AKAP450. It also regulates the structure of the Golgi complex and transport of proteins within the complex. "This research has clarified a new molecular mechanism related to the formation of Golgi-derived microtubules, and its important role in invasive cancer cells," said Professor Nishita.

The relationship between loss of cilia and a cell's cancerous properties remains unclear. IFT20 is involved in the formation and function of cilia in healthy cells, but in non-ciliated cancer cells it is now clear that IFT20 is responsible for the formation of invadopodia. By continuing to analyze the relationship between IFT20 and the loss of cilia, this line of research could help shed light on the fundamental question of why many cancer cells lack cilia. Additionally, if the specific regulatory mechanism of IFT20 in cancer cells is revealed, this knowledge could be used to develop treatment that targets IFT20 to block invasive cancer cells.
Two investigational agents, Aurora A kinase inhibitor (alisertib) and HSV1716, a virus derived from HSV-1 and attenuated by the deletion of RL1, have shown some antitumor efficacy in early clinical trials as monotherapies. A new study published last week in Oncotarget, however, demonstrates that the combined usage of the agents results in significantly increased antitumor efficacy in models of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) and neuroblastoma. "We chose to investigate this combination in MPNST and neuroblastoma because these are two difficult-to-treat sarcomas that have shown susceptibility to these agents individually," explains Timothy Cripe, MD, PhD, division chief of Hematology/Oncology & BMT at Nationwide Children's Hospital and senior author on the study. "MPNST is a rare pediatric cancer, but for patients with neurofibromatosis 1, a genetic cancer predisposition disorder, it is the leading cause of death. More importantly, MPNST is resistant to chemotherapy."

According to Dr. Cripe, who is also a principal investigator in the Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases in The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, many mechanisms likely worked synergistically to increase the antitumor effect in this study. Particularly, HSV1716 increased the sensitivity of uninfected cells to alisertib cytotoxicity. Second, alisertib increased peak virus production and slowed virus clearance from tumors. The team also found that alisertib inhibited virus-induced accumulation of intratumoral myeloid derived suppressor cells.

"Our study shows that alisertib helps the infection phase of HSV1716 because innate immunity is impacted," says Dr. Cripe, also professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. "It's possible that it could inhibit the second phase, the downstream immunotherapeutic effects of the virotherapy, but based on data from other studies, we don't think that is the case."

Moving forward, Dr. Cripe says that confirming the sustained immunotherapeutic benefits of HSV1716 in the presence of alisertib and building a clinical trial are important next steps in understanding how these agents work together and how they could impact care for patients.

"Our results, in the context of early trials of both substances individually that have shown safety and efficacy, support the testing of this combination in children and young adults with neuroblastoma and MPNST," says Dr. Cripe. "As these agents continue to move through the development and approval processes, we look forward to studying them further."
In the largest epidemiological study conducted in the developing world, researchers found that as exposures to fine particulate air pollution in 272 Chinese cities increase, so do deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The researchers reported their results in "Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Daily Mortality: A Nationwide Analysis in 272 Chinese Cities," published online ahead of print in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

"Fine particulate [PM2.5] air pollution is one of the key public health concerns in developing countries including China, but the epidemiological evidence about its health effects is scarce," said senior study author Maigeng Zhou, PhD, deputy director of the National Center for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "A new monitoring network allowed us to conduct a nationwide study to evaluate short-term associations between PM2.5 and daily cause-specific mortality in China."

The researchers found:

* The average annual exposure to PM2.5 in the Chinese cities was 56 micrograms per cubic meter -- well above the World Health Organization air quality guidelines of 10 ?g/m3.

* Each 10 g/m3 increase in air pollution was associated with a 0.22 percent increase in mortality from all non-accident related causes.

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* Each 10 g/m3 increase in air pollution was associated with a 0.29 percent increase in all respiratory mortality and a 0.38 percent increase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality.

* Mortality was significantly higher among people age 75 and older and among people with lower levels of education.

* The association between PM2.5 levels and mortality was stronger in cities with higher average annual temperatures.

The researchers speculate that differences in educational attainment may result in environmental health inequalities and access to health care that affect mortality. In warmer cities, the authors hypothesize residents may spend more time outdoors and open windows, increasing their exposure to PM2.5.

The researchers said their study suggests a weaker association between increases in PM2.5 and mortality than studies conducted in Europe and North America. They suggest a number of possible explanations for this difference, including that in most Chinese cities there was a plateauing of mortality at the highest levels of pollution and the components of PM2.5 pollution in China may be less toxic than the components in Europe and North America. Crustal dust from arid lands and construction make up more PM2.5 pollution in China than it does in Europe and North America.

In 2013 China began introducing PM2.5 monitoring in urban areas. The current study analyzed available data between 2013-15. For nearly half the cities in the study, there was only one year of PM2.5 data available, and the authors note that a limitation of their study is that it does not look at the cumulative effect of PM2.5 over many years.

"Our findings may be helpful to formulate public health policies and ambient air quality standards in developing countries to reduce the disease burden associated with PM2.5 air pollution," said study co-author Haidong Kan, MD, professor of public health at Fudan University in China. "Further massive investigations, especially looking at the long-term effect studies, are needed to confirm our results and to identify the most toxic components of PM2.5 in China."

The report can be found online at: http://www.thoracic.org/about/newsroom/press-releases/resources/chinese-air-pollution.pdf
No less than 500 new species of cichlids, brightly coloured perch-like fish, evolved in Lake Victoria (East Africa) over the past 15,000 years -- a record in the animal and plant world. This evolutionary puzzle has now been solved by scientists from Eawag and Bern University. In a study published in Nature Communications, they demonstrate for the first time that this rapid evolution was facilitated by earlier hybridization between two distantly related cichlid species from the Upper Nile and Congo drainage systems.

The hybridization of two divergent cichlid species enabled genetic variants to be recombined on a scale which would not otherwise be possible in a single population. According to Dr Joana Meier, first author of the study: "It's similar to the way the recombination of parts from Lego tractor and aeroplane kits could generate a wide variety of vehicles." Indeed, the species which evolved exhibit innumerable combinations of colours and are adapted to different habitats, such as sandy bottoms, rocky shores or open waters -- ranging from the clear shallows to the permanent darkness of the turbid depths. Depending on the species, cichlids may scrape algae from rocks, feed on plankton, crack open snail shells, forage for insect larvae, or prey on other fish, including their eggs or scales.

The hybridization event probably took place around 150,000 years ago, when -- during a wet period -- a Congolese lineage colonized the Lake Victoria region and encountered representatives of the Upper Nile lineage. Across the large lakes of this region, the hybrid population then diversified in a process known as "adaptive radiation" (evolution of multiple new species adapted to different ecological niches). While the precise course of events in ancestral Lake Victoria has yet to be reconstructed, it is clear that, after a dry period, it filled up again about 15,000 years ago. Descendants of the genetically diverse hybrid population colonized the lake and, within the evolutionarily short period of several thousand years, diverged to form around 500 new (endemic) cichlid species, with a wide variety of ecological specializations. The particular genetic diversity and adaptive capacity of Lake Victoria's cichlids is demonstrated by the fact that more than 40 other fish species which colonized the lake at the same time have barely changed since then.

The study involved sequencing over 3 million sites in the genome of 100 cichlid species -- a task which until recently would not have been feasible. This allowed the group led by Ole Seehausen (head of the Fish Ecology and Evolution department at Eawag and Professor of Aquatic Ecology at Bern University) to provide strong evidence for his theory that hybridization between divergent species, in conjunction with ecological opportunity, can facilitate rapid adaptive radiation. Over a few thousand years, this process gave rise to a complex food web in Lake Victoria, as the new species, in turn, influenced their environment.

Over the past 50 years, changes in land use and wastewater inputs have led to eutrophication of the lake, with increased turbidity and oxygen depletion in deeper waters. Consequently, various species have merged into hybrid populations, as the male nuptial coloration which attracts females of the same species has become less effective; certain deep-water habitats are no longer viable. Some of the lake's biodiversity and ecological diversity has thus been lost.
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As the U.S. Senate continues to exercise its 'advice and consent' authority in considering his cabinet nominees, President Donald J. Trump continues to exercise his executive authority to advance his priorities. In the past week, Trump had issued executive orders focused on reducing regulations, curtailing immigration and revisiting controversial regulations issued during the Obama administration.

Presidential Executive Order on Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs

On January 30, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order (EO), referred to as the "2 for 1 rule," which requires federal agencies seeking to issue a new regulation to identify two prior regulations for elimination. The White House subsequently issued guidance on the EO providing that it applies only to regulations that are designated as significant as defined under EO 12866 (issued in 1993) and other clarifications. The order also addresses the costs of regulations, requiring that for fiscal year 2017, total costs of new regulations and their offsets be "no greater than zero." The order exempts regulations affecting the military, national security, foreign affairs, or those related to agency management and personnel or those exempted by the Director of Office of Management and Budget. In future years, in order to keep costs within budgeted limits, agencies pursuing new regulations must offset those costs by identifying regulations to eliminate. The President, in signing the order, identified it as providing regulatory relief to U.S. business and especially small business.

Constitutionality of the "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States" EO Challenged in Court

On February 9, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the nationwide temporary restraining order halting enforcement of President Trump's EO limiting entry into the United States. That executive order, issued January 27, suspended issuance of visas to nationals of seven named countries for at least 90 days (Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen), causing uncertainty for foreign travelers, U.S. employers and many universities with international students and faculty.

The order, sometimes referred to as the "extreme vetting" order, also includes provisions requiring the agencies to implement uniform screening standards to identify those entering the U.S. on a fraudulent basis or evidencing an intent or risk of harm. A report on progress is due to the president in 60 days. Other key provisions include a pause on the U.S. refugee program, expedited completion of the biometric entry-exit tracking system and suspension of the visa interview waiver program.

In reaction to the EO, many employers are communicating with affected employees about the seven-country travel ban. Employers are also seeking greater clarity of the potential changes to the immigrant screening standards and the visa interview waiver program, which could increase wait times for nonimmigrant employees seeking a visa renewal to return to the US. The Trump Administration is considering whether to appeal the 9th Circuit decision to the Supreme Court where, pending the confirmation of a ninth justice, a 4-4 deadlock decision is possible.

SHRM's affiliate the Council for Global Immigration has created resources for HR and in-house immigration professionals explaining the recent immigration-related executive actions and their potential impact on the workplace. Additional EOs are believed to be under consideration by the Trump administration, including one addressing a wide-range of work visa programs (including the H-1B program) and immigration-related work issues.

Fiduciary and Pay Ratio Rules

On February 8, a third federal district court ruled in favor of the investment advice fiduciary rule in response to litigation challenging its legality. Although the rule is faring well in court challenges, President Trump has issued an executive memorandum requiring the Department of Labor (DOL) to scrutinize the rule and its potential effects. The rule was a controversial priority of the Obama administration that would require financial advisers and brokers who provide advice for retirement accounts to act as fiduciaries. Originally scheduled to become effective on April 10, DOL has forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget a proposal to postpone the effective date of the rule.

SHRM did not oppose the rule but offered suggested improvements in comments to the agency. The president's memorandum requires that DOL examine the rule to determine whether it may adversely affect the ability of Americans to gain access to retirement information and financial advice, as well as whether it results in disruption to the retirement industry and whether it is likely to cause an increase in litigation. If such negative results are found, the agency is directed to "publish for notice and comment a proposed rule rescinding or revising the Rule, as appropriate and as consistent with law."

Another controversial Obama-era rule requires that publicly-traded companies disclose the ratio of the median of the annual total compensation of all employees to the annual total compensation of the CEO, also known as the "pay ratio." SHRM's comments to the agency expressed concerns about the complexity of the rule's implementation. In response to difficulties reported by companies attempting to comply with the rule, which is in effect for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2017, the Acting Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a statement seeking input on compliance challenges. The Commission has created an online form to collect input that will guide the Commission's implementation and potential additional guidance or other relief.
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Open Friday

FIFTY SHADES DARKER. The sequel to the BDSM romance that finds Christian Grey beginning to compromise with Anastasia Steele was not screened in advance for critics. R. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe)

I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO. This powerful documentary uses the words of writer James Baldwin from 30 years ago combined with vintage and contemporary images to critique race in America. PG-13. (Ross) Grade: A

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER TWO. Keanu Reeves returns as the autopilot assassin Wick in a surreal, if clumsily plotted, stylized orgy of violence that plays perfectly to his strengths. R. (Grand, SouthPointe) Grade: B

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE. This very funny rejiggering of the Caped Crusader, made from LEGO building blocks, may just be the best Batman movie ever.PG. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe in 3-D and 2-D) Grade: A

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS. All the Academy Award nominated short films come to the screen in four programs -- Animation, Live Action and two Documentary sets. (Ross)

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A DOG'S PURPOSE. This picture that follows the lives of a handful of dogs from the '60s to today has all the emotional resonance of a dog-themed novelty coffee table book. Adorable, but is ultimately forgettable. PG. (East Park, SouthPointe) Grade: C

THE COMEDIAN. Robert DeNiro shines as a stand-up comic trying to escape from the character he played on TV in this authentic-feeling picture that gets tagged with a happy ending. R (Grand) Grade: C+

THE FOUNDER. The feel-bad movie stars Michael Keaton as McDonald's franchiser Ray Kroc, a guy with questionable ethics who nevertheless wins big by doing bad things to good people in building a fast-food empire. PG-13. (Grand). Grade: C+

HIDDEN FIGURES. This bracing movie about a group of brilliant African-American women whose scientific and mathematical skills helped NASA launch its space exploration program in the 1950s and '60s is as inspiring as it is intriguing. PG. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood) Grade: A

LA LA LAND. This candy-hued musical valentine to Hollywood is a perfect marriage of style and the story of a romance between aspiring actress Emma Stone and pianist Ryan Gosling. PG-13. (Grand) Grade: B

LION. The beauty of Lion, about a man (Dev Patel) searching for his birth family, is that it explores and allows for the unique possibilities and power of multiple homes, multiple families and multiple selves. (Grand) Grade: B+

RINGS. At no point does the horror movie -- the third in a series -- manage even a single sequence of sustained tension or a frisson of genuine terror. R. (Grand, Edgewood, SouthPointe) Grade: D

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY. The first stand-alone Star Wars film is an enjoyable, if darker and grittier addition to the canon that sticks to the formula of plucky rebels battling against the dictatorship of the Empire. PG-13. (Grand) Grade: B

SING. This entertaining animated film from the studio that brought the Minions is "Zootopia Idol," a riff on the TV singing contests with animals that turns into an old-fashioned "put on the show" musical. PG. (Grand, SouthPointe). Grade: C+

THE SPACE BETWEEN US. This epic tale of young love between a boy raised in space and an earth girl never once feels authentic. PG-13. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood) Grade: D+

SPLIT. In the multiple-personality psycho-thriller, James McAvoy and Anya Taylor-Joy shine as predator and prey who understand each other far more than they know. PG-13. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe) Grade: B

XXX: RETURN OF ZANDER CAGE. Vin Diesel reprises his role as a secret agent in the action sequel that works for him: muscles, babes, and feats of vehicular derring-do performed alongside a mix of diverse global superstars.PG-13 (Grand). Grade: C+

NOTE: Theaters are for Friday only and are subject to change the other days of the week. Listings for continuing movies at Grand Cinema were not available at press time.
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 61,000 kilometers (km) of operational electricity transmission and distribution lines; 5,300 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 7.3 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 360,000 long-term contracted sub-metering services. This segment also offers heating and cooling solutions; gas distribution; water heaters; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioner rental, as well as other home services. Its Transport segment offers transportation, storage, and handling services for merchandise goods, commodities, and passengers through a network of approximately 22,000 km of track; 5,500 km of track network; 4,800 km of rail; 3,800 km of motorways; and 13 port terminals. The company's Midstream segment offers natural gas transmission, gathering and processing, and storage services through approximately 15,000 km of natural gas transmission pipelines; 600 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage; 17 natural gas processing plants; and 3,900 km of gas gathering pipelines, as well as one petrochemical processing complex. Its Data segment operates approximately 148,000 operational telecom towers; 8,000 multi-purpose towers and active rooftop sites; 10,000 km of fiber backbone; 1,600 cell sites and approximately 12,000 km of fiber optic cable; and 2,100 active telecom towers and 70 distributed antenna systems, as well as 50 data centers and 200 megawatts of critical load capacity. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. is a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
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Where is Ron Burgundy when we need him? Someone has to tell Matt Damon that he needs to take a timeout 
In the ultimate betrayal of dads, George Clooney is becoming a dad.

I thought the rules were clear. As the rest of us staggered into the workforce, got hitched, moved into humble abodes and started families, Mr. Clooney would reject all of this. Wed shoulder the burden of domestic life and human procreation and, in return, hed swan around red carpets and Italian manors, allowing us to live vicariously through his grin, swagger, fortune and playboy exploits.

Whether we were changing a diaper at 3 a.m. or watching Frozen three times in a row on an idle Sunday, our minds could escape: I wonder what George is doing right now. I bet hes playing poker on a yacht in the Mediterranean. Or maybe hes breaking up with that cocktail waitress to date that supermodel. Or maybe hes unveiling a new line of tequila and bespoke cigars. Or maybe 

The key to the fantasy was that he was never doing what we were doing.

It was never: I wonder what George is doing right now. I bet hes also scrubbing vomit off his jogging pants. Or maybe hes wandering aimlessly in the kitchen with bags under his eyes. Or maybe hes narrating a ga-ga, goo-goo chat between a plastic rattle and Sophie the Giraffe as he forgets what day it is.

Fatherhood was our responsibility. Clooneys one duty was to never join our ranks. But he shattered this pact on Thursday when news broke that he and Amal, his lovely and brilliant wife, are expecting twins.

Two babies all at once? This for the man who once said, Ive always known fatherhood wasnt for me? Clooney should not be a dad any more than Spider-Man should be petrified of heights. Its wrong. The only time a Baby Bjorn should ever be strapped to his torso is if hes carrying Danny DeVito during a wacky Nespresso shoot. If hes pushing a stroller, it better be full of designer shoes.

For crying out loud, Clooney didnt even know youre not supposed to mention a pregnancy until after your partner clears the 12-week ultrasound.

I was working with him last fall and he pulled me aside on set and I mean, I almost started crying, his pal Matt Damon told ET Canada on Thursday, recalling the moment he learned Amal was pregnant. And I was like, How far along is she? And he goes, Eight weeks. 

To which Damon, a father of three, snapped: Are you out of your mind?! Dont tell anybody else! Dont tell anybody else! Dont you know the 12-week rule?

Of course he doesnt know the 12-week rule! In the 90s, Clooney had flings that didnt last a long weekend. He probably thinks the 12-week rule refers to the period in which youre allowed to keep an Armani tux before dousing it with kerosene and getting Bill Murray to chuck it into Lake Como.

Footloose with material and carnal excess  thats how life was supposed to be for the man whos been called a Casanova more times than the actual Giacomo Casanova. Doing what he wants, not getting tied down, this was the MO for Clooney who was hailed the worlds most eligible bachelor pretty much from the start of ER to The Monuments Men in 2014, the year he married Amal in Venice.

We dads underestimated their love. Sure, we had concerns about the wedding. But as we sauntered out of Chuck E. Cheese that weekend, we figured: Amal is a busy lawyer. She is solving problems far more complex than the third act of Syriana. Theyll never have time for kids. George will still be our emissary in the fast lane whenever we slow down to catch our breath in the parking lot of Baby Gap.

But now hes reneged on the deal. And dads everywhere should pull a Trump and let Clooney know we will SEE YOU IN COURT. Thats right, Georgie Boy. You cant just go from Soderberghs Oceans Eleven to Gymborees Crazy 8 with no warning. We should hire Amal to represent us. She specializes in human rights, yes? Well, the beautiful children they are about to have  one boy, one girl  clearly violate our human rights as dads who relied upon Clooneys crazy life to keep us sane.

This is class-action selfishness.

Beyonce is expecting twins. Madonna just adopted twins. Hollywood is chock-a-block with multiples. The world will be sufficiently turbulent over the next four years without Clooney fumbling with rash ointment as tabloids like In Touch pump out treacle about how hes gone from never wanting to be a father to being totally excited about Amals pregnancy and the thought of raising two children who will call him Dad.

That is just disgusting. Shame on you, George.

We dads needed you more.

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HIMALAYAS, NEPAL-Nature has a sick sense of humour.

The worlds grandest mountain ranges are surrounded by rocky paths  look up from the one youre on for one millisecond and you could fall.

Ive seen every pebble in Nepal, Australian trekker Paul Mulgrew says, smiling. No mountains.

On three weeks notice, Im on World Expeditions 12-day Ultimate Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek, a quieter and less expensive alternative to the Mount Everest circuit. The peaks are lower  still reaching more than 8,000 metres  and walking is done at lower altitudes, meaning warmer nights and less risk of altitude sickness. Annapurnas moderately steep paths are also more forgiving on calves uphill and knees downhill.

Most of all, says lead guide Romi Tamang, Everest has lost its charm. Its too busy. You get people wanting to get married on it now, people trying to climb it at 70 or 80 years old, gimmicks like that.

The Annapurna trails are for people like me, who prepared by plotting the shortest distance between two pints.

I could be sinking into the sofa, checking my phone, and watching the Himalayas in high definition.

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Yet on our first days trek, passing Nice View Guest House and its neighbour and marketing superior, Excellent View Guest House, I see a vista no camera can fully capture.

A flaring red sunset dances with shadows on the Annapurna range, a bristle of 7,000 metre-plus jutting peaks, like peaks on a polygraph chart.

Guide Birkha Magar, like a kid imagining shapes in clouds, says Annapurna Two is a thumb. Annapurna Four is a Gurkhas knife.

No, says Tamang definitively. Its Tintins hair.

By night, sky thats free of pollution overshadows the summits. Stars reduce my world to a diamond canvas. My brain resets, fading to black the latest political result that supposedly spells the apocalypse. Maybe this is why vagabond dogs bark all night like timber sawn by hand. Merciless mutts just want me to know about the handsome sky.

Perky shouts of washy washy announce the delivery of our morning shower, in a silver bowl.

No commuter commotion exists off-piste. Instead, leaves crunch like the potato-chip packets our group collects for World Expeditions cleanup initiative. Kimrong Khola waterfalls gentle thunder floods the valley.

On more popular routes, schoolchildren drown the serenity, bellowing the Furious 7 soundtrack, Its been a long day. . . 

Trekkers want to throttle them but they are correct.Its been a long day. Paths snake more than politicians.

I dont complain aloud because a blind man passes us, providing more perspective than any mountain.

Thats what trekking, and life, is really all about. Perspective. Decide to do it, and you can. By Day 5, my legs are almost limber. Im dumbstruck by how high we rise each day.

Growing confident, I look up while walking. Nature sniggers. I drop, scraping my elbow and ego, and bruising my posterior to the colour of a young purple cabernet sauvignon swirled by toxic hot-dog mustard.

Black vultures circle at the top of our toughest climb yet, sensing an easy meal.

Porters speed on, carrying our bags. Mine is numbered 667. Almost Satan, they probably think, clambering upwards.

By night, we decry a discos loud music at the ungodly hour of 8 p.m.

Azaleas scent lingers. Yellow butterflies flutter. We pass red-barked rhododendron, Himalayan blue poppies and wild strawberry bushes.

We learn phrases like hello namaste  and thank you dhanyabad  for the smiling inhabitants of sparse villages, who sell pashmina and dry fresh vegetables on corrugated blue roofs.

We reach 3,000 metres, where the air is thin. A plane flies at eye level. I jump at the sound of a jet engine taking off. Its a flying rainbow, the Impeyan monal, Nepals national bird.

Half our group opts for the optional day trek, rising from 3,600 metres to 4,600 metres, to Khayer Lake.

Snow whisks from threatening peaks.

Chest heaving, barely breathing, altitude hits at 4,000 metres.

Magar explains the lake is sacred. Tell me later, I say crudely. Let my heart explode in peace.

Its the highest Ive been while sober and I feel 12 vodkas deep. Im queasy, the ground spins, my head pulses.

Doing OK? Mulgrew asks.

Aye, great. I think I might die. I wheeze like Darth Vader after a cross-country race.

The lake is a glorified puddle. I could drain more sweat from my socks.

We leave quickly, craving oxygen, stopping lower down for lunch. Our cooks ordinarily prepare banquets. Today, its a boiled egg, rubber cheese and steadily freezing bread.

Even our guide, Ramesh Magar, flails like a crime-scene victim.

Deadpan, his face red, Mulgrew turns to me and says: Its a long way for a picnic.

My laugh becomes coughing barks like never-hoarse, sleepless dogs.

Hard tasks build character and stronger calves but no lift back down the mountain.

Gravity helps. At the halfway mark, cotton-ball clouds disperse and the 8,167-metre Dhaulagiri, the worlds seventh highest mountain, emerges. Its sharp triangular inclines are disarming, magnificent and terrible.

My head clears of trivia, like when Im next getting Wi-Fi.

Maybe nature doesnt have a sick sense of humour. Maybe it just rewards endeavour.

Finally, back at our lodge on Kopra Ridge, a knitted hot pink message above my door welcomes me to here.

Not the ridge. Not Dhaulagiri. Not Nepal. Here. Forget the world.

Just remember to stop and plant your feet when you look up.

David Bateman was hosted by World Expeditions, which did not approve or review any aspect of this story.

When you go

Do this trip:World Expeditions Ultimate Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek starts at $2,899 (U.S.) and typically runs from early October until late April. It lasts 16 days, including 12 days trekking and several nights in Kathmandu.

Get there: Connecting flights from Toronto Pearson to Kathmandus Tribhuvan International Airport start from about $1,200 (Canadian). Most cheaper flights include two stops. Flights with one stop, generally in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; Mumbai, India; or New Delhi, cost a few hundred dollars more.

Get around: World Expeditions organizes all internal transport, save for a few taxi fares if you want to go exploring in Kathmandu.

Stay: World Expeditions organizes all trek accommodation. Guests stay in comfortable bright orange tents and a range of lodges. If youre on your own, simply pick a lodge or camp spot to pitch a tent.

Eat: World Expeditions delivers three plentiful, high quality meals a day. There are a number of tea houses dotted every few hours on the popular trails.

Do your research: The Welcome Nepal website includes information on trekking routes and how to plan a visit.

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KATHMANDU, NEPAL-Where Im going, I dont need roads to go back to the future.

Flying faster than 88 mph, this not-so-great Scot lands in 2073.

A Communist woman is president. Alcohol comes in knife-shaped bottles. Streets are dusty.

The Nepalese calendar, Vikram Samvat, is 57 years ahead of our Gregorian calendar.

The president is Nepals Bidhya Devi Bhandari. The alcohol is Khukri Rum, named and shaped after knives carried by Nepals Gurkha soldiers. The copious swirling dust suggests I might have actually time-travelled to a post-apocalyptic desert city. Erratic drivers, who make New York cabbies seem docile, wear face masks like Bane from Batman. Cars flow in pelotons, ass-clenchingly close.

Nepal was a United Nations-designated least developed country even before the 2015 earthquake killed thousands of people, shifted Kathmandu by three metres, and moved the worlds highest mountain, Everest, a few centimetres.

Nepal is trapped between the biggest rocks and a hard place both literally, the Himalayas, and metaphorically, bordered by India on three sides and to the north, Tibet, or China by proxy.

I arrive on Nepals New Years Day in October, 24 hours before Indias political leaders visit. Some poor souls are desperately power washing the relentless dust off streets near the airport.

Its not New Years Day by the 2073 calendar. Its the start of the lunar calendar, Nepal Sambat, 879 years behind 2016. Im now in 1137.

The Sambat New Years Day is celebrated on the fourth day of a festival known as Tihar, or Swanti, the festival of lights, and more commonly in the west, Diwali.

Every building is draped in twinkling red, orange and yellow Christmas lights.

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Even the assortment of tourist-trap stores in the Thamel neighbourhood dazzle by the bright bulbs. Shops sell pashmina, Buddhist and Hindu statues, Gurkha knives and occasionally, those elaborate Khukri bottles.

Most of all, they sell hiking equipment, since this is the gateway to the worlds tallest mountains. On the flight in, I looked over an ocean of cresting ridges fading to the horizon.

My life is in Kathmandu, my office is in the mountains, says World Expeditions guide Romi Tamang, who would soon take me on the Ultimate Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek. Towards the treks end, a general strike is called.

Like the Gurkha, Tamang remains calm and resilient.

When he was a child in second grade, bigger kids beat him. His parents excluded him from school.

The following year, I went back, and this time, the teacher asked me to hold pupils hands to show them how to write the alphabet, he says, elongating vowels elegantly.

Tamang still guides students, teaching me Nepalese culture and history, his white teeth beaming, distinct against his skin like snow on mountains.

When the earthquake hit, he was trekking Everest. The roof of a lodge collapsed seconds after his clients evacuated.

The ground shook. Rocks were falling, he says.

I passed an old man listening to a radio and heard Kathmandu had collapsed.

For a month, Tamang lived in a tent. The earthquake continues to cripple families, millions left homeless, who rely on foreign visitors.

Tourism is our backbone, Tamang says.

The earthquake silenced the economy. Trekkers fell by 40 per cent. When people are grieving, they are not motivated to work.

Lead by guide Samde Sherpa on a city tour, we pass a mass of tarpaulin, originally temporary accommodation, where displaced people still live.

Sherpa speaks six languages and is still struggling. He says tourism is down 50 per cent.

We visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Pashupatinath Temple, that looks like King Louies temple from Disneys The Jungle Book.

Monkeys roam freely. Theyre more aggressive than salespeople flogging trinkets.

About to photograph one monkey, a camera flashes. Furious George, a look in his eyes I recognized from Saturday nights in Glasgow, punched the arm of the photographer next to me. Quite right.

This Hindu site dates to the sixth century. The main pagoda, revamped 200 years ago, suffered little damage in the earthquake.

We watch a funeral. A dead mans feet and face stick out the orange shroud, ready for cleaning in the river prior to public cremation.

There are two types of holy men, Sherpa says.One for the worshippers, one commercial, for tourists. Dreadlocked, faces painted, they wait to become subjects of selfies for a few rupees.

Alone, I walk to Durbar Square to see former Nepalese royal palaces.

Its another UNESCO landmark. Depending on the definition, Kathmandu may have the most World Heritage monuments of any city.

Solemn like the funeral procession, I look at bricks shattered by the earthquake.

Work has started to restore the crafted woodwork for future generations.

Yet Im left wishing I could hop in the gull-wing doors of a DeLorean and time travel to see the squares former majesty.

David Bateman was hosted by World Expeditions, which did not approve or review this story.

When you go

Do this trip:World Expeditions Ultimate Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek (and others in the country) can involve a few days either side in Kathmandu, depending on your flights. Prices start at $2,899 (U.S.)

Get there: Connecting flights from Toronto Pearson to Kathmandus Tribhuvan International Airport start from about $1,200 (Canadian). Most cheaper flights include two stops. Flights with one stop, generally in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; Mumbai, India; or New Delhi, cost a few hundred dollars more.

Get around: As part of the trek, World Expeditions organizes a half-day tour of Kathmandu. Cabs are reasonably priced. Walking to some sights is an option, depending on the location of your accommodation.

Stay: The Radisson Hotel Kathmandu is a short walk from Thamel and just within walking distance of Durbar Square. Its comfortable and welcoming, has plenty of restaurants, a reasonable hotel gym and a casino.

Eat: A Radisson Hotel Kathmandu restaurant is a safe option. Only a short walk away is Nepali Chulo, where traditional dancers take the stage and waiters pirouette between tables, quickly dishing bowls of chicken curry, lentils, rice and fresh vegetables for around $20 (U.S.) a meal.

Do your research:welcomenepal.com

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ANTIGONISH, N.S.A speech by Marie Henein, Jian Ghomeshis lawyer, will go ahead at three Canadian universities Friday evening despite opposition from some students in Nova Scotia.

The prominent Toronto defence lawyer is scheduled to speak at Bishops University in Sherbrooke, Que., as part of a lecture series, with the presentation live-streamed to St. Francis Xavier and Acadia universities in Nova Scotia.

Jasmine Cormier, a student at St. F.X. in Antigonish, wrote an article in that universitys weekly newspaper in November, saying Heneins selection serves to silence victims and perpetuate rape culture.

Cormier says shes concerned by the message sent by Heneins aggressive treatment of the women who had accused the former CBC host of sexual misconduct, and she wanted Heneins speech cancelled.

Read more:Marie Henein-haters part of a worrying trend: DiManno

We instituted a new sexual violence policy and then to have it go hand-in-hand with this lecture is kind of like saying one thing and doing another, she said Thursday.

However, Cormier said she is pleased that promotion of the live-streamed event has been low-key on her campus.

Weve had some emails saying that it is going to be happening, but no posters, and not the norm for presentations of that size, she said.

Henein is a senior law partner at Henein Hutchison, and has been counsel on numerous high profile and controversial cases.

After Ghomeshis acquittal in March of charges of sexual assault and choking, the then-editor of Canadian Lawyer magazine, Gail Cohen, penned what was headlined A love letter to Marie Henein, in which she said Heneins peers consider her one of the best in her field.

The outrage, the mudslinging, the name calling, and the general focus on Henein is a sign of the times, and not a good sign, in my humble opinion. Almost all of it shows an incredible lack of understanding by the public of the justice system, what a defence counsels role is in the system, and what the rights of the accused are, she wrote in May.

Henein penned her own opinion piece last fall, for The Globe and Mail, about the lessons of Hillary Clinton  saying the former U.S. secretary of states recent loss must inspire women and girls to engage on every front ... until you cannot be overlooked.

Acadia University has scheduled a panel discussion to follow the speech. That panel will be moderated by the co-ordinator of Acadias Womens and Gender Studies program.

For Acadia to be doing that, its a great way to contextualize it, Cormier said. Its, This is what she is going to say  do we agree? Do we disagree? And why or why not? Thats whats important about keeping the conversation alive.

St. F.X., Acadia, Bishops and Mount Allison comprise what has been branded as the Maple League, and offer presentations to all the campuses via livestreaming. Mount Allison wont be showing the Henein speech.

Aloma Jardine, a communications officer at Mount Allison, said the speech was not originally part of their event planning for this year.

We considered the timing and our live-streaming capabilities in making our decision, she said.

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MONTREALA member of the Quebec legislature recently cleared of sexual assault allegations that prompted his ouster from the Liberal caucus promised Thursday to be more careful with regard to his passionate and spontaneous behaviour.

In making his first public comments in more than three months, Gerry Sklavounos announced hell return to the legislature next week but he did not address the allegations that led to his political hiatus.

A woman alleged last fall that Sklavounos, 42, assaulted her twice in 2014 when she was 19 and working as a hostess at a Quebec City restaurant.

That led Premier Philippe Couillard to kick him out of caucus.

The file was referred to the Crown, which announced last week no crime had taken place and said Sklavounos would not be charged.

Read more:Woman accusing Quebec Liberal of sex assault speaks out

The criminal complaint triggered other allegations of improprieties involving Sklavounos against employees at the national assembly.

Sklavounos refused Thursday to address the nature of his relationship with Alice Paquet, the woman who accused him of sexual assault, and he did not mention her name once.

For her part, Paquet took to Facebook to say she would reply in due course.

The Canadian Press does not generally identify alleged victims of sexual assault without their consent. In this case, Paquet spoke publicly about her case and appeared on TV talking about it.

Sklavounos, the former Liberal deputy house leader, said he reflected deeply on his behaviour toward employees at the legislature.

He offered sincere regret for anybody I may have offended or whose feelings I may have hurt, adding that, Ill be more reserved in the future.

Sklavounos, who was accompanied by his wife Janneke at the news conference in his Montreal riding of Laurier-Dorion, described himself as spontaneous and friendly.

Im a passionate guy, he said. I like to talk, I like to make people laugh, I like to be the clown, I like to charm. Occasionally, I like to give a polite compliment.

What I realized is depending on where you are, sometimes thats not appropriate.

Opposition parties blasted his comments, with the Parti Quebecois accusing Sklavounos of not recognizing his inappropriate behaviour and instead blaming women for misinterpreting his gestures or remarks.

Quebec solidaire said the remarks only trivialize the issue and reduce objectionable behaviour to a joke without consequences.

Couillard said recently he wouldnt consider readmitting Sklavounos to the fold until he felt convinced the longtime politician demonstrated a personal initiative to correct his behaviour and show good conduct toward women.

Sklavounos said he hunkered down at home after his Oct. 20 removal from caucus and conducted a deep personal introspection surrounded by people ready to help him.

He also said he identified as a Liberal at heart but that the decision about his return to the party caucus is out of his hands.

On Thursday, the premier said no decision has been taken.

The first people I want to talk to is the Liberal caucus, my colleagues, Couillard told reporters in Bromont, Que.

Mr. Sklavounos can sit as an Independent in the near future. His return to the Liberal caucus is neither automatic nor immediate.

Sklavounos has represented Laurier-Dorion since 2007 and some members of the Liberal riding association stood with him Thursday.

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MONTREALThere is at least one prediction that is bulletproof about Mondays first face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau.

It will be the most-watched initial meeting between an incoming American president and a Canadian prime minister in recent history.

Thats not just because the new U.S. administration inspires widespread trepidation in Canada. The Trudeau/Trump get-together will also attract more than the usual share of attention in many foreign capitals.

Expect Trudeaus speech to the European parliament a few days later to command a large audience. The official reason for rolling out the red carpet for the prime minister is CETA, the just-ratified free trade deal between Canada and the European Union.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

But Trudeaus EU hosts will also be parsing his speech for post-meeting insights into Trumps psyche. Some will be hoping for useful intelligence to be dispensed, if only in private. (A prudent prime minister might want to not be overly generous on that latter score.)

Notwithstanding some hyped-up headlines, Canadas international partners are not looking for the leader of a middle power such as Trudeau to lead an international counteroffensive against Trump. They would be just as happy  if not more  to see their Canadian counterpart emerge as a moderating influence on the president.

At this stage, finding some semblance of order in the ongoing chaos that has characterized the first month of the Trump era is job one in the worlds diplomatic circles.

Trudeau and his government have gone out of their way to not poison the well of that first meeting. The task has turned out to be harder than most of the prime ministers strategists initially expected. If not being the target of an irate presidential tweet is the litmus test of the success of those efforts, then they have apparently succeeded.

Read more:

Trudeaus meeting with Trump in Washington will set tone for years

Trudeau confers with European leaders on how to engage with Trump administration

But it will be more difficult to reconcile the irreconcilable if  as is the practice in such circumstances  Trudeau and Trump hold a joint news conference on Monday. Questions as to the glaring contrasts between their approaches to immigration and refugee policies will inevitably be asked.

British Prime Minister Theresa May had just left the White House when the controversial executive order banning citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. was issued last month. She thought she had scored a diplomatic coup by meeting Trump early on. Instead, she is still dealing with the domestic fallout from the travel ban.

At the best of times, it takes more than a cordial meeting or, indeed, many of them with an American president to iron out major trade irritants. If good vibes were enough to resolve a dispute, the Obama/Trudeau bromance would have put the softwood lumber issue to rest.

With Trumps trade team not yet entirely in place, prospects of anything resembling relative certainty on the trade front are almost certainly overblown.

In any event, it would be wise to place any presidential statement about the Canada/U.S. trade relationship  as reassuring as it may be  in the context of some of the lessons learned over the past few weeks. Thats a polite way to say it is best not to take any Trumpism at face value.

Take the case of China. After hinting loudly that his administration might seek direct ties with Taiwan and causing, in the process, a major diplomatic contretemps with Beijing, Trump has now reversed himself. This week, he assured Chinese President Xi Jinping that he supports the One China policy that does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation.

There have been other U-turns. Optimists spot a welcome pattern. They feel the discipline of power is setting in, forcing an overdue reality check on the presidents approach on a whole range of foreign policy issues. Pessimists note that it may be risky to assume that what Trump says on Monday will still apply a week, a month or a year later. Realists hope for the best and continue to prepare for the worst.

Finally, as with all incoming American presidents in the past, Trump has a standing invitation to visit Canada. Thankfully, in the circumstances, it is not automatic that a visiting head of state addresses Parliament.

When French President Francois Hollande delivered a similar address in 2014, the Liberals and the New Democrats mostly sat on their hands as he commended Canada for signing up with the international military coalition struck against Daesh. For Trudeau, Trumps first official visit to Canada  if and when it happens  could turn out to be at least as challenging as Mondays meeting.

Chantal Hebert is a national affairs writer. Her column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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Marilyn Schafer got a call one day from someone claiming he was from Microsoft and needed to fix things on her computer.

And the first time I heard it, I fell for it, except when they asked for money. Then I shut everything down, she says. They phoned back and they said the line just dropped. And I said, youre right, it did. I cut it.

Toronto police say theres been an increase in all types of scams targeting the public. Theres the one where a woman is told her grandson is arrested and she needs to hand over bail money. Or the one where the targeted victim supposedly won a lottery but needs to hand over money for fees to claim their jackpot.

Schafer, chair of the Older Womens Network (Ontario), says shes experienced an increased number of Canadian Revenue Agency scammers calling just before and after tax time.

Especially vulnerable are some seniors who could be easy targets because they are isolated and yearn for company, so a kind voice at the other end of the line makes a difference, Schafer says.

Police reported the case earlier this week of an 85-year-old woman who was scammed out of $600,000, including her house, by somebody who claimed to be a lawyer and told her she won a large sum of money.

The victim, who police say had a diminished mental capacity, was told that she had to pay taxes and other recovery costs before getting her winnings. He built a rapport with her by calling the victim every day.

These are criminals with no conscience, Toronto police Det. Alan Spratt says. They could care less if they leave a senior destitute and homeless. They dont care. They are in it because they are greedy, and they want to make as much money as they can.

These scams are becoming popular because theyre difficult to investigate since there isnt personal contact between the suspect and the victim. Technology makes it easy to create fictitious identities, fake emails addresses and register phone numbers, making it easy to hide ones identity, he says.

We believe, my team here in Toronto, theres hundreds of people in the GTA involved in these types of scams, he says. Many of the suspects behind these scams are organized crime. So its not just you know, a shyster or a conman. A lot of these scams are actually organized crime.

Trusting seniors, usually with some type of assets like a home, are often targets.

Its also the era we grew up in, says Schafer, who would only reveal that shes in her 70s. You could trust someone who talked nicely.

If you suspect something suspicious, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or the police, Spratt said.

If calls or emails are repeated, he recommends changing your address and phone number.

Because once youre on a scam list then it gets circulated and scammers will continue to hound you, he says.

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Tips for seniors to detect and avoid scams from Toronto police and the Older Womens Network (Ontario):

If you are contacted by someone you dont know  but who is callling about anything involving money  get the persons information including name, company, address and phone number. Then tell the person that you will check out the information, and call back. Checking can simply be done by asking a neighbour, family member or a friend or going on the Internet to see whether the person sounds legit.

Dont send money via email transfer, MoneyGram or Western Union. The money is sent to an email address unlike a cheque, which is easy to track.

Have a specific time when to get phone calls from grandchildren, best friends, sons and daughters or the person who checks up on you.

Have caller ID and a message retrieval system.

The CRA advises that the public can contact 1-800-959-8281 to check if a call is legit.

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Cost can no longer be a barrier to creating an accessible Canada, says Carla Qualtrough, federal minister of sport and persons with disabilities.

Culturally, it still seems acceptable to say something like: This would be really nice to do, Carla, but its going to cost too much money. And we need to change that, said Qualtrough who is crafting the countrys first national accessibility legislation.

I cant think of any other marginalized population where that excuse still holds any weight, she said in Toronto Thursday, where she wrapped up five months of cross-country consultations on the legislation. Online submissions continue until the end of February with legislation to be introduced by the end of the year or early 2018.

Qualtrough hopes the new law will spark a culture shift away from the fallacy that making the country fully accessible for more than2.3 million Canadianswith a disability would be financially ruinous.

You cant discriminate against people because it costs a bit of money, the human rights lawyer told the Star. Its not okay to say: Id really like my building to be accessible, but its going to cost too much. You cant say that. Thats the culture shift.

We need to be thinking about Canadians with disabilities not in terms of how much we cost or how much we need from the system, added Qualtrough, who is blind. Canadian society has to start to look at us as economic and civic and social participants. Thats what citizenship is.

About 1,500 people have attended consultations in 18 communities, including 225 in Toronto on Wednesday. About 100 stakeholder groups have held their own consultations and more than 3,000 online submissions have been received.

Common concerns include the need for Ottawa to take a leadership role in accessibility and for the proposed federal law to have teeth. Qualtrough noted that federally-regulated businesses and industries, such as banks, telecommunications companies and airlines that would be covered by the legislation, are curious about enforcement.

Consultation participants want Ottawa and the provinces to work together on accessibility so that, for example, a federally-regulated bank and a provincially-regulated credit union next door dont have different building code or customer service standards, she said.

Advocates have also called for an independent accessibility commissioner to set accessibility standards and enforce them.

Although she acknowledges the need for a common definition for disability to apply to all federal laws and regulations, the focus of the new legislation will be on inclusion and breaking down barriers to inclusion . . . in the broadest sense, she said.

Qualtrough doesnt expect any push-back from her cabinet colleagues. However, she is concerned how MPs will react if businesses in their ridings balk at the legislation when it is introduced.

Im getting a lot of nodding of heads right now. But once people see the meat on these bones, theyre going to want more information, she predicted.

Culture change will be key to the legislations success, she said. If we dont do this right well have missed out on an historic opportunity. But at the same time, culture change is long-term.

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One has to feel a little bit sorry for Melania Trump.

The First Lady, after all, has to go home to Donald Trump when the rest of us can turn off the TV or scrunch up the newspaper or cease trolling Twitter posts. Hubby is a slacker who watches too much television, is all the time cross about something or other, doesnt like socializing and probably drops his dirty underwear on the bedroom floor. She also presumably sees her spouse un-combed.

Although it should be noted that Mrs. Trump isnt actually living under the same White House roof as the blunderbuss president, at least not yet. In court papers filed this week, the former model gives her address as 725 Fifth Ave.  Trump Tower  in New York City. Thats where Melania Trump continues to reside while her young son completes his school term.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

More to the point, legally, the New York address allows Mrs. Trump to refile a $150 million (U.S.) libel suit against the rabble-rousing British tabloid, the Daily Mail. The First Ladys first attempt at bringing the bilious rag to heel was a suit brought in Maryland  on the very same day, in fact, that the Mail published a retraction admitting that a scandalizing story it published last summer was utter rubbish. Last week, the Maryland court dismissed the case, saying it didnt have jurisdiction. But the Daily Mail, (corporately Mail Media Inc.) does have offices and a large staff in NYC. Hence the libel action now brought with the State Supreme Court in Manhattan.

On the limited evidence thus far, Mrs. Trump seems to take little pleasure in being catapulted to public and quasi-political status as the wife of the most powerful man in the world. She rarely smiles and looked to be gritting her teeth during the inauguration. This was clearly not what shed envisioned as trophy wife, third in a series, to Trump. The high cheek bones and angular features that may have photographically benefitted her in glossy mag days merely look harsh now, even mean, at age 46. She still does fashion-plate stylishly enough, though several top drawer designers, including Mark Jacobs and Tom Ford, refuse to have anything to do with dressing her.

First Ladies are always expected to take on a cause; nothing too controversial. In a rare speech on the campaign trail, just before the election, Mrs. Trump said that, should her husband win, she would focus on combatting cyberbullying from the White House. Since then, not a peep, perhaps because the declaration was met with widespread derision. Tweeted Lady Gaga: to say u will stand for anti-bullying is hypocrisy. Your husband is 1 of the most notorious bullies we have ever witnessed.

Yet taking on the big fat fake-news tabs is a kind of anti-bullying counterattack. And Mrs. Trump was clearly slimed by the mucky Mail in a story about a claim that the modelling agency where she worked in the 1990s was also an escort service, quoting from reports in a magazine and unauthorized book in her native Slovenia. The inference that Melania was involved the alleged sex business was pungent, or so Mrs. Trump believes.

Shes already settled, just this past Tuesday, a similar action against a Maryland blogger who posted likewise stuff. According to a statement released by her lawyer, that individual has agreed to pay Mrs. Trump a substantial sum in settlement. The judge in that case rules: The Court believes most people, when they hear the words high-end escort, that describes a prostitute. There could be no more defamatory statement than to call a woman a prostitute.

I wouldnt agree with that assertion but wont dispute the point here.

Read more:Melania Trump banking on millions from personal brand, court hears in libel case

Melania Trump has every right in the world to defend her name and her character. The problem is, in the most recent filing, that she has characterized herself as a brand rather than a wronged person, and a cash-cow whose potential earnings have been compromised, further blurring the line between President Trump and his familys vast business interests. A president who still refuses to sell his assets or place them in a blind trust, opting instead to put his two oldest sons in charge of the business empire.

The complaint reads: Plaintiff started her career as a professional model for many years, and evolved her career into developing and marketing her own lines of commercial products, including recent product deals for jewelry, accessories and skin care products, under her brand Melania, and through her own companies.

As a result of the Mail article, Plaintiffs brand has lost significant value, and major business opportunities that were otherwise available to her have been lost and/or substantially impacted.

Further, and this is gobsmacking in its implications of how Mrs. Trump views her privileged position as first lady (albeit the White House is never mentioned): Plaintiff had the unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as an extremely famous and well-known person, as well as a former professional model and brand spokesperson, and successful businesswoman, to launch a broad-based commercial brand in multiple product categories, each of which could have garnered multi-million dollar business relationships for a multi-year term during which Plaintiff is one of the most photographed women in the world. These product categories would have included, among other things, apparel, accessories, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, hair care, skin care and fragrance.

Picture it: Eau de First Lady.

In fact, Mrs. Trumps White House online biography, as originally written, was assailed for wording that appeared to promote her jewelry line. That was removed on the day Trump formally took office.

Is this family completely tone-deaf? Is there no crassness to which it will not descend?

Rightly or wrongly, the clear insinuation is that Melania Trump intended to financially capitalize on her status as the presidents trothed leg-over and most photographed blah-blah-blah. Essentially, the libel suit, as written, devolved first lady-hood into licensing rights. How cheesy and avaricious can you get? Runs in the family, though, with daughter Ivanka exploiting her surname as yet another of those well-heeled ladies-who-lunch and design schmatta on the side. (Some retailers have dropped her clothing and jewelry line; in Canada, some have been agitating for a boycott of Ivanka merchandise sold at Hudsons Bay.)

A friend of mine, who really is a fashionista icon, sends along this pretend-First Lady whinge, riffing off the international bestseller written by Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai who survived a Taliban assassination attempt and later became the youngest ever Nobel Prize laureate:

Here I was, accused of being just another pretty face, rumored to be a whore, but actually, look what I did with the incredible opportunity I was given. I Am Malala. NO, I mean, I Am Melania.

Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

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An international corruption case involving former top executives from engineering giant SNC-Lavalin collapsed in a Toronto courtroom Friday after a judge threw out all wiretap evidence and rebuked the RCMP for its conduct in the investigation.

Kevin Wallace, former vice-president of energy and infrastructure, his subordinate Ramesh Shah, ex-VP of the international division, and Zulfiquar Ali Bhuiyan, a dual Bangladeshi-Canadian citizen, all pleaded not guilty to bribing foreign officials in order to secure a construction contract in Bangladesh.

Just before they entered their pleas, federal Crown attorney Tanit Gilliam told Superior Court Justice Ian Nordheimer she would not be calling any evidence and would ask that the judge acquit the men. She admitted that without the wiretap evidence, the Crown no longer had a reasonable prospect of conviction.

Nordheimer had previously ruled that the RCMP officer who swore what is known as an Information to obtain (ITO) in 2011 to secure a wiretap of the accused mens private communications had failed to provide verifiable information and used language that essentially trick(ed) a different judge into signing off on it.

Reduced to its essentials, the information provided in the ITO was nothing more than speculation, gossip and rumour, Nordheimer wrote. Nothing that could fairly be referred to as direct factual evidence, to support the rumour and speculation, was provided or investigated.

While I may not be prepared to go so far as to find that the RCMP did not proceed in good faith in this case, there are aspects of the ITO that are troubling.

SNC-Lavalin declined to comment to the Star. The RCMP did not return a request for comment.

Wallace, who was charged in 2013, was the senior executive assigned to the Bangladesh project. His lawyer, Scott Fenton, said he was pleased that hes finally been vindicated.

There was no evidentiary basis other than speculation, conjecture, and guesswork for the wiretap that was sought in this case, which resulted in a massive intrusion of the privacy of, in this instance, an innocent person, Fenton said.

Bhuiyan was alleged to have been the representative of Abul Chowdhury, a senior Bangladeshi minister. Chowdhurys charges had previously been stayed. Bhuiyans lawyer, Frank Addario, and Shahs lawyer, David Cousins, said their clients were relieved.

The alleged bribery scheme related to the $2.9-billion Padma Bridge project in Bangladesh. As part of that project, the Bangladeshi government was looking to award a $50-million construction supervision contract (CSC). The World Bank was a primary lender in relation to the project.

SNC-Lavalin was one of the five companies short-listed for the CSC component. After the company was ranked second in the bidding process, an investigator with the World Banks integrity unit approached the RCMP in 2011 concerning allegations that had come to (their) attention regarding possible corruption involving SNC-Lavalin and the Padma Bridge project, Nordheimer wrote.

This included information gleaned from four tipsters. Information from one of the four tipsters was considered general in nature and not relied upon. As for the other three, Nordheimer said the RCMP never spoke with tipsters no. 1 and 3, and only spoke to tipster no. 2 over the telephone.

As is apparent from a review of the ITO filed in support of the first authorization (for a wiretap), most, if not all, of the information provided by the three tipsters had, in turn, been received by the tipsters from other sources, the judge said.

The RCMP did not contact any of the sources of the hearsay information relayed by the tipsters, even though some of those sources were identified by the tipsters.

Nordheimer pointed out that because the RCMP never checked out the tipsters, its unclear if there were ever four informants providing information, or simply two individuals using different email accounts.

As was later discovered through the court process, tipster no. 2 turned out to be a disgruntled competing bidder . . . (who) was also engaged in corrupt practices with respect to the CSC process itself, the judge said.

Nordheimer also criticized the RCMP for relying on the travel history of the accused to try to confirm the information from a tipster who said it was at a meeting in Dubai where the deal for the CSC had been made. A source had said that Wallace would definitely be at the meeting, according to the tipster.

The RCMP indicated in the ITO that they knew the men had been out of the country because police had dates on which they returned to Canada through Pearson airport. The travel history came from the Canada Border Services Agency, which could have also confirmed the travel destinations of the men.

Only later did the RCMP ask the CBSA and discovered that Wallace had not been in Dubai at any point in time, yet the RCMP did not include this in subsequent ITOs when it sought to renew the authorizations for the wiretaps, Nordheimer wrote.

In my view, the only reason for including this travel information in the first ITO was to lead the reader to draw the inference that Wallace was, in fact, in Dubai and thus provide corroboration for an essential allegation made by tipster no. 2, Nordheimer wrote.

He goes to say: This is, in my view, precisely the type of language in an ITO that the Supreme Court of Canada derided . . . that is, language that tricks the reader into believing something, the truth of which is, in fact, unknown.

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RACINE  A 33-year-old Racine man was arrested after he allegedly got high and then passed out while in a Walgreens parking lot early Thursday.

Ryan James Spencer, of the 900 block of William Street, was charged Thursday with felony possession of cocaine, second and subsequent offense; misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia; and, due to being on probation, felony bail jumping.

According to the criminal complaint:

At approximately 1:33 a.m. Thursday, Racine police were dispatched to Walgreens, 4810 Washington Ave., for a report of an unresponsive driver slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle.

An officer approached the vehicle and noticed it was parked and running. The man slumped over the steering wheel of the vehicle was later identified as Spencer.

When police approached the vehicle, Spencer reportedly didnt respond when an officer yelled wake up and pounded on the window loudly.

In the mans lap, the officer could see a ball of white substance attached to a metal rod that was resting in a metal spoon. Eventually, Spencer woke up and immediately tried to cover the spoon and white, rock-like substance on the metal rod and lighter with his right hand.

Spencer reportedly refused medical attention. When asked about drugs, Spencer reportedly said he did not know what the officer was talking about, and that there were no drugs in the vehicle. However, he allegedly admitted to using cocaine a couple hours before.

Spencer remained in the Racine County Jail as of Thursday evening, according to jail records. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 23 at the Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.
What do you do with a truckload of black market blueberries?

Thats the riddle facing Det. George Gallant and his partner Staff. Sgt Emilio Evangelista of the Hamilton police department after the theft of an estimated $100,000 worth of blueberries and other assorted fruits.

The berry thieves are in a rough patch if they cant sell them quickly, police say.

Its perishable, Gallant said. Its not like you can just leave them in a warehouse for six months.

Its possible the thief or thieves have good contacts in the fruit stand and restaurant world, Gallant said.

Read more: Hamilton police hunting for blueberry bandit

Its all contacts, really, Gallant said.

Its doubtful they plan to move them across the border, since theyd need permits, Gallant said. Its also possible theyre making them into jam, he said.

Police say the blueberry bandit or bandits gained access to a commercial refrigeration truck parked at 555 Seaman Dr. in Stoney Creek and then drove the truck and trailer into the Toronto area.

The trucks been recovered but the trailer and berries remain at large.

The blueberries were stolen sometime between 3 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Local thieves have lifted truckloads of televisions and washer/dryers over the past few months, but this is the first time in memory theyve picked berries, Gallant said.

I wouldnt say its very frequent, Gallant said of the berry theft. Its a heckuva lot of berries to get rid of.

Its possible the thieves just stole an available truck and found out later they were in a jam, with perishable loot, Gallant said.

[Sometimes] theyll take the trailer and find out whats in the trailer later, Gallant said.

Back in September 2006, thieves near Abbotsford, B.C. stole an entire blueberry patch, or 20,000 bushes worth about $75,000.

Abbotsford police speculated that skyrocketing berry prices were behind the illegal harvest of blueberry bushes. They had just been delivered to a farm and had yet to be planted.

Ive been here 13 years and its the first time Ive ever heard of blueberries being stolen, Constable Casey Vinet of the Abbotsford police said at the time to Agence France Presse. Sometimes folks are caught stealing a few stalks of corn for personal use, but never an entire field.

We dont have any suspects, he added. But a blueberry patch would be pretty hard to fence (sell as stolen goods).

Marc Sweeney, a blueberry expert with the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, told AFP at the time that the spoils of the great blueberry heist will likely end up on one of several new blueberry farms in the local Fraser Valley. But, it would take almost two years for the young bushes to bear fruit, he added.

Produce thefts can be lucrative, with maple syrup a particularly sweet target.

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 13 in Trois-Rivieres, Que. for three men who were found guilty in connection with stealing $18 million worth of maple syrup from a warehouse in Saint-Louis-de-Blandford, Que. between August 2011 and July 2012.

After the maple syrup inventory from the warehouse was found missing, an investigation found barrels of syrup had been drained and replaced with water.

The maple syrup was later seized by police in New Brunswick

Roughly 300 people in the maple syrup industry in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and the northern U.S. were questioned.

Of particular concern to police in Wisconsin are cheese pirates, like the ones who stole a truck carrying 20,000 pounds of cheese in Oak Creek last July.

That semi was hauling a reported $46,000 worth of cheese, according to a NBC affiliate.

The cheese pirates are back at it again, Vince Christian, of Wisconsin Cheese Mart, told an NBC26 affiliate. Its kind of crazy that cheese is now so valuable people are going off with entire trucks of it.

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Ontarians struggling to pay high electricity prices are entitled to know how many Hydro One workers are making more than $100,000 a year, the Progressive Conservatives say.

MPP Todd Smith, his partys energy critic, renewed a push to have thousands of workers at the partially privatized utility put on the sunshine list of public sector workers earning six figures.

The government is still the majority shareholder, Smith, his partys energy critic, told a news conference Friday, noting the province still owns a 70 per cent stake in the company.

Kathleen Wynne and the Liberal government have the right to sayit should be made public, he added, referring to the salary information.

As it now stands, Hydro One, like other publicly traded companies, is legally required to reveal the compensation packages of only its top five executives  one of whom, chief executive, Mayo Schmidt, earns $4 million, Smith said.

He and New Democrat MPP Catherine Fife said the disclosure does not go far enough given that the last time Hydro One was required to report salaries more than 4,300 employees at the parent company and subsidiaries were on the sunshine list.

Before Kathleen Wynne hid Hydro One salaries the CEO was making $745,208, Smith said. How much are the rest of the staff receiving?

Premier Kathleen Wynne brushed aside the concerns, but did not acknowledge the salary disclosure rules are now much less stringent for Hydro One

Once a year they have to disclose all that information to their shareholders, Wynne told reporters in Brantford.

So thats been in place for some time and its in place for all publicly traded companies.

Hydro One did not comment on the sunshine list demand and said its good governance for publicly traded companies to disclose details of executive compensation.

Wynne charged the Conservative plan to introduce a private members bill that would require a more full salary disclosure at Hydro One was an attempt to distract from Statistics Canada figures that 28,800 new jobs were created in the province last month.

Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid hailed that number as fabulous but the opposition parties noted that 82 per cent of those new jobs were part-time and that the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.4 per cent.

Duguids bragging is unfounded, said Fife, citing a dramatic increase in part-time work. Too many people have lost good jobs and are working in part-time jobs.

The unemployment rate in Ontario has been below the national average for 22 months and is near its lowest point in eight years.

Wynne has promised more relief on hydro rates before the governments spring budget. The 8 per cent HST on electricity bills has been rebated since January 1.

Her government is half-way through its plan to sell a 60 per cent stake in Hydro One, raising an estimated $9 billion for electricity debt reduction and improved public transit.

A spokesman for Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault said any further share sales depend on market conditions. Hydro One shares closed at $23.55 Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange, down 50 cents. They have traded at a high of $26.80 in the last 52 weeks.

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The most stylish MPP at Queens Park is making a splash with the mens style bible, GQ.

New Democrat MPP Jagmeet Singh has been profiled in the American magazine under the headline the Incredibly Well-Dressed Rising Star in Canadian Politics.

Singh, who represents Bramalea-Gore-Malton and is the NDPs deputy leader, is featured in an interview that includes glitzy fashion shots of him posing in and around the Ontario Legislature.

Speaking to The Star from Vancouver, Singh said he was surprised when the magazine contacted him three weeks ago.

He said GQ apparently became aware of him through his social media feeds.

I'm honoured by it, the MPP said, emphasizing hes not into fashion for fashions sake, but is grateful that his attention-grabbing style helps shine a light on the progressive causes he supports.

The GQ spread about Singh is published online, calling Singh incredibly well-dressed rising star in Canadian politics. In the interview, GQ asks, Why should you care about a guy that represents a suburban district outside of Toronto?

Because rumour has it that Singh will soon make the jump into federal politics and run for leadership of the left-wing New Democratic Party of Canada, ready to take on Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal Party government.

As he has been in interviews with the Star, Singh is coy about if or when he will depart provincial politics for the snowier climes of Ottawa.

Thats smooth, he said with a laugh when the magazine writer asked if he sees himself taking on Justin Trudeau in Canadian federal politics?

Well done. Its something Im considering. My name was initially put forward with, what I thought, was something of a fluke. Im a provincial politician, so I didnt think it was a serious thing, the MPP said.

I was honoured, but I thought the story would go away. Instead, it continued to build, and we recently received a lot of coverage, and, because of the support, Ive been receiving, it is something Ive given serious attention to.

I havent decided yet.

In the piece, Singh discusses serious issues such as racism, the deadly mosque attack in Quebec City, misogyny and his Sikh faith.

He notes his sartorial splendour and activity on social media, such as Instagram and Snapchat, are helpful as he tries to reach out to young people.

Because I was considered stylish, with these colourful turbans and well-cut suits and showing myself as a confident person, I could use that as a tool to talk about things like unfairness, injustice, poverty, and inequality in the public sphere, he said.

A beard and a turban sometimes conjure up negative associations, but, if you see someone with a lime-coloured, bright orange, or pink turban, it disarms peoples stereotypical notions of this image and it disarms people from those stereotypes.

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ANKARA, TurkeyA Russian warplane accidentally hit a building on Thursday in northern Syria with Turkish soldiers inside, killing at least three troops and wounding 11, Turkeys military said.

President Vladimir Putin promptly called his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to express regrets over the friendly fire incident. The Kremlin said Putin conveyed his condolences over the tragic incident.

The airstrike took place on Thursday morning near the town of al-Bab, which Turkish troops and Turkey-backed Syrian opposition fighters are trying to capture from Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL. News of the deaths came as Turkey was holding funerals for five Turkish soldiers killed in a Daesh attack the day before.

The Turkish military said Turkey and Russia were conducting a joint investigation into the incident.

Turkey and Russia recently repaired ties that were strained by Turkeys downing of Russian jet near the border with Syria two years ago. In late December, the two countries brokered a ceasefire for Syria and in January they sponsored peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan. Syrian rebels and President Bashar Assads government officials attended that gathering.

Thursdays airstrike deaths raise the number of Turkish troops killed in Turkeys operation in Syria to 64.

In other developments in Syria, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the Red Cross said Thursday that a suspected rebel mortar attack that hit a Red Crescent distribution centre in the government-held city of Aleppo the day before killed a volunteer and two civilians.

The attack in the Hamadaniya neighbourhood, also wounded seven other volunteers, the organization said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said there were also other mortar rounds that hit security checkpoints in the area on Wednesday. Syrias state news agency said mortar shells also hit other buildings in the neighbourhood.

After years of heavy fighting, Syrian government forces drove the rebels out of eastern Aleppo in December, but the opposition still holds some areas on the citys outskirts. Fighting has continued around Aleppo and in other parts of Syria despite a Russia- and Turkey-sponsored ceasefire.

The ceasefire, in place since Dec. 30, has excluded areas where militant factions, Daesh and Syrias Al Qaeda affiliate, operate or hold ground. Syrian government troops and allied militias, as well Turkish troops, the U.S.-led international coalition, and Russia have been going after Daesh in different parts of the country.

The push has lately focused on the Daesh-held town of al-Bab, northeast of Aleppo. Syrian government forces and their allies have been pushing from the south, aided by Russian airstrikes.

On Thursday, government troops seized a village south of al-Bab, bringing them less than 3 kilometres from the town, according to opposition monitors.

Meanwhile, Turkish troops, backing Syrian opposition fighters, have pushed their way from the western part of the town, entering the outskirts of al-Bab. The two advances have effectively encircled the militant group, which had set up strong fortifications around al-Bab, one of Daeshs last remaining strongholds in northern Syria.

Another fight against Daesh is raging in east and northeast Syria, where Kurdish troops, backed by the United States, are advancing against Daesh in the militants de facto capital of Raqqa. Meanwhile, government forces are battling a Daesh offensive in Deir al-Zour and another one in the central Homs province, around the ancient town of Palmyra.

Violence has also beset rebel- and opposition-held areas, including in Homs, where at least nine civilians were killed in suspected Russian or government airstrikes on Wednesday.

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WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at Sen. John McCain on Thursday, saying that the senators negative assessment of a deadly raid in Yemen last month emboldens the enemy!

McCain initially referred to the raid as a failure but later dialed back his criticism, saying in a statement Tuesday that some objectives were fulfilled in the mission but that he would not describe any operation that results in the loss of American life as a success.

The Jan. 28 raid on Al Qaeda  billed as an intelligence-gathering operation  turned into an hour-long gunfight as U.S. navy SEALs and troops from the United Arab Emirates clashed with well-entrenched Al Qaeda fighters.

Read more:

Trump administration stands by Yemen raid that killed U.S. navy SEAL

U.S. acknowledges 10 civilian deaths in Trump-authorized Yemen raid

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One of the SEALs, Chief Petty Officer William Ryan Owens, was killed. Five other service members were wounded by hostile fire and a hard landing after a Marine transport aircraft crashed near the raid site.

Sen. McCain should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media, Trump said in a series of tweets Thursday morning. Only emboldens the enemy! Hes been losing so long he doesnt know how to win anymore.

Our hero Ryan died on a winning mission . . . not a failure,  Trump tweeted.

The presidents attack on McCain, a fellow Republican and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, came a day after White House press secretary Sean Spicer repeatedly said during a news briefing that the raid was a huge success and that questioning it does a disservice to Owens.

Asked about McCain at the Wednesday briefing, Spicer did not back down, saying his criticism applied to anybody.

Last week, Spicer stopped short of calling the raid an unqualified success, telling reporters: I think its hard to ever say something was successful when you lose a life.

McCain would not comment Thursday on Trumps tweets about him, telling reporters his responsibility and focus were on his committee.

But other members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, in both parties, had plenty to say to Trump in McCains defence.

Thats a dangerous error, for President Trump to continue to trash John McCain, said Sen. Ben Nelson, adding that McCain is a guy who knows what hes talking about when it comes to the military.

McCains closest friend in the Senate, Lindsey Graham, added that the Trump administration should be more careful about how he tries to cast the Yemen raid to the public.

One thing I would advise the Trump administration is: Dont oversell success, Graham said, noting that he thought the Obama administration oversold the success of various missions, to its detriment. He also advised to focus on finding common ground with Congress instead of picking fights with members like McCain.

I dont think President Trump will have a better ally in the United States Congress when it comes to rebuilding the military than John McCain, Graham said.

Yemeni officials said the operation killed 15 women and children, including the 8-year-old daughter of the Yemeni American cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who was killed in 2011 in a U.S. drone strike. Photos of the dead civilians were posted on social media after the raid. Although the Pentagon initially denied reports of civilian deaths, officials later acknowledged that some had been killed and said they were assessing reports on casualties.

Trump and McCain have sparred regularly since Trump began his presidential campaign. While a candidate, Trump questioned McCains status as a war hero. The senator, a Vietnam veteran and Silver Star recipient, spent 5  years as a prisoner of war after being captured when his bomber was shot down in North Vietnam.

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MEXICO CITYCuba is giving parental leave to the grandparents of newborns, the countrys latest attempt to reverse its sagging birth rate and defuse a demographic time bomb.

The island already has one of the most generous parental leave policies in the Americas, allowing mothers and fathers to take more than a year off from work at partial pay. The new decree extends those benefits to maternal and paternal grandparents.

But so far, such attempts havent brought any sort of Cuban baby boom.

The island of 11 million has one of the lowest fertility rates in the Western Hemisphere, with 1.7 births per woman. There are several factors that explain this figure, but they mostly come down to a combination of effective socialist medical care and a dysfunctional state-run economy.

Cubas health-care system makes contraceptives widely available, and abortions are available on demand. At the same time, Cuban women are a growing portion of the countrys professional workforce, and many choose to delay motherhood until their late 30s, often because they dont have the financial means to care for children.

Its hardly the only demographic problem Cuba faces: Some 60,000 to 80,000 Cubans emigrate each year, many of them young people looking for better opportunities in the United States, Europe and Latin America.

The Cubans who stay behind are going grey. Nearly one-fifth of the islands population is 60 or older, and they depend on a shrinking pool of Cuban workers to keep the state-run economy afloat. Cubas life expectancy is 78, on par with the United States, so theres a larger and larger pool of dependants.

According to the Communist Party newspaper Granma, the decision to extend parental leave to grandparents was necessary to deal with the high degree of aging among the population, and to encourage fertility in the short term.

The challenge of raising the birth rate in Cuba is a challenge that cannot be put off, Granma said.

The decrees also reduce daycare costs for Cuban parents with multiple children, and provide tax breaks for women who work in the countrys small but growing private sector.

Offering partial salary to Cuban parents on leave is not the kind of burden for the government  which employs about 70 per cent of the workforce  that it would be in more prosperous nations.

The average official state salary hovers around $20 a month. Paying parents and grandparents a fraction of that to care for children is costly in a country where economic growth is stagnant, but nothing like the expenditure it would be elsewhere.

The United Kingdom has adopted a leave policy for grandparents who still work, and while a similar law has been proposed in Argentina, Cuba appears to be the first Latin American country to offer the benefits to grandparents.

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National security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with that countrys ambassador to the United States during the month before President Donald Trump took office, contrary to public assertions by Trump officials, current and former U.S. officials said.

Flynns communications with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak were interpreted by some senior U.S. officials as an inappropriate and potentially illegal signal to the Kremlin that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions that were being imposed by the Obama administration in late December to punish Russia for its alleged interference in the 2016 election.

Flynn on Wednesday denied that he had discussed sanctions with Kislyak. Asked in an interview whether he had ever done so, he twice said, No.

On Thursday, Flynn, through his spokesman, backed away from the denial. The spokesman said Flynn indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Officials said this week that the FBI is continuing to examine Flynns communications with Kislyak. Several officials emphasized that while sanctions were discussed, they did not see evidence that Flynn had an intent to convey an explicit promise to take action after the inauguration.

Flynns contacts with the ambassador attracted attention within former president Barack Obamas administration because of the timing. U.S. intelligence agencies were then concluding that Russia had waged a cyber campaign designed in part to help elect Trump; his senior adviser on national security matters was discussing the potential consequences for Moscow, officials said.

The talks were part of a series of contacts between Flynn and Kislyak that began before the Nov. 8 election and continued during the transition, officials said. In a recent interview, Kislyak confirmed that he had communicated with Flynn by text message, by phone and in person, but declined to say whether they had discussed sanctions.

The emerging details contradict public statements by incoming senior administration officials including Mike Pence, then the vice president-elect. They acknowledged only a handful of text messages and calls exchanged between Flynn and Kislyak late last year and denied that either ever raised the subject of sanctions.

They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia, Pence said in an interview with CBS News last month, noting that he had spoken with Flynn about the matter. Pence also made a more sweeping assertion, saying there had been no contact between members of Trumps team and Russia during the campaign. To suggest otherwise, he said, is to give credence to some of these bizarre rumours that have swirled around the candidacy.

Read more:

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Neither of those assertions is consistent with the fuller account of Flynns contacts with Kislyak provided by officials who had access to reports from U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies that routinely monitor the communications of Russian diplomats. Nine current and former officials, who were in senior positions at multiple agencies at the time of the calls, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.

All of those officials said Flynns references to the election-related sanctions were explicit. Two of those officials went further, saying that Flynn urged Russia not to overreact to the penalties being imposed by Obama, making clear that the two sides would be in position to review the matter after Trump was sworn in as president.

Kislyak was left with the impression that the sanctions would be revisited at a later time, said a former official.

A third official put it more bluntly, saying that either Flynn had misled Pence or that Pence misspoke. An administration official stressed that Pence made his comments based on his conversation with Flynn. The sanctions in question have so far remained in place.

The nature of Flynns pre-inauguration message to Kislyak triggered debate among officials in the Obama administration and intelligence agencies over whether Flynn had violated a law against unauthorized citizens interfering in U.S. disputes with foreign governments, according to officials familiar with that debate. Those officials were already alarmed by what they saw as a Russian assault on the U.S. election.

U.S. officials said that seeking to build such a case against Flynn would be daunting. The law against U.S. citizens interfering in foreign diplomacy, known as the Logan Act, stems from a 1799 statute that has never been prosecuted. As a result, there is no case history to help guide authorities on when to proceed or how to secure a conviction.

Officials also cited political sensitivities. Prominent Americans in and out of government are so frequently in communication with foreign officials that singling out one individual  particularly one poised for a top White House job  would invite charges of political persecution.

Former U.S. officials also said aggressive enforcement would probably discourage appropriate contact. Michael McFaul, who served as U.S. ambassador to Russia during the Obama administration, said that he was in Moscow meeting with officials in the weeks leading up to Obamas 2008 election win.

As a former diplomat and U.S. government official, one needs to be able to have contact with foreigners to do ones job, McFaul said. McFaul, a Russia scholar, said he was careful never to signal pending policy changes before Obama took office.

On Wednesday, Flynn said that he first met Kislyak in 2013 when Flynn was director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and made a trip to Moscow. Kislyak helped co-ordinate that trip, Flynn said.

Flynn said that he spoke to Kislyak on a range of subjects in late December, including arranging a call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump after the inauguration and expressing his condolences after Russias ambassador to Turkey was assassinated. I called to say I couldnt believe the murder of their ambassador, Flynn said. Asked whether there was any mention of sanctions in his communications with Kislyak, Flynn said, No.

Kislyak characterized his conversations with Flynn as benign during a brief interview at a conference this month. Its something all diplomats do, he said.

Kislyak said that he had been in contact with Flynn since before the election, but declined to answer questions about the subjects they discussed. Kislyak is known for his assiduous cultivation of high-level officials in Washington and was seated in the front row of then-GOP candidate Trumps first major foreign policy speech in April of last year. The ambassador would not discuss the origin of his relationship with Flynn.

In his CBS interview, Pence said that Flynn had been in touch with diplomatic leaders, security leaders in some 30 countries. Thats exactly what the incoming national security adviser should do.

Official concern about Flynns interactions with Kislyak was heightened when Putin declared on Dec. 30 that Moscow would not retaliate after the Obama administration announced a day earlier the expulsion of 35 suspected Russian spies and the forced closure of Russian-owned compounds in Maryland and New York.

Instead, Putin said he would focus on the restoration of Russia-United States relations after Obama left office, and put off considering any retaliatory measures until Moscow had a chance to evaluate Trumps policies.

Trump responded with effusive praise for Putin. Great move on the delay, he said in a posting to his Twitter account. I always knew he was very smart.

Putins reaction cut against a long practice of reciprocation on diplomatic expulsions, and came after his foreign minister had vowed that there would be reprisals against the United States.

Putins muted response  which took White House officials by surprise  raised some officials suspicions that Moscow may have been promised a reprieve, and triggered a search by U.S. spy agencies for clues.

Something happened in those 24 hours between Obamas announcement and Putins response, a former senior U.S. official said. Officials began poring over intelligence reports, intercepted communications and diplomatic cables, and saw evidence that Flynn and Kislyak had communicated by text and telephone around the time of the announcement.

Trump transition officials acknowledged those contacts weeks later after they were reported in The Washington Post but denied that sanctions were discussed. Trump press secretary Sean Spicer said Jan. 13 that Flynn had reached out to the Russian ambassador on Christmas Day to extend holiday greetings. On Dec. 28, as word of the Obama sanctions spread, Kislyak sent a message to Flynn requesting a call. Flynn took that call, Spicer said, adding that it centred on the logistics of setting up a call with the president of Russia and [Trump] after the election.

Other officials were categorical. I can tell you that during his call, sanctions were not discussed whatsoever, a senior transition official told The Post at the time. When Pence faced questions on television that weekend, he said those conversations that happened to occur around the time that the United States took action to expel diplomats had nothing whatsoever to do with those sanctions.

Current and former U.S. officials said that assertion was not true.

Like Trump, Flynn has shown an affinity for Russia that is at odds with the views of most of his military and intelligence peers. Flynn raised eyebrows in 2015 when he appeared in photographs seated next to Putin at a lavish party in Moscow for the Kremlin-controlled RT television network.

In an earlier interview with The Post, Flynn acknowledged that he had been paid through his speakers bureau to give a speech at the event and defended his attendance by saying he saw no distinction between RT and U.S. news channels, including CNN.

A retired U.S. Army lieutenant-general, Flynn served multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks  tours in which he held a series of high-level intelligence assignments working with U.S. Special Operations forces hunting Al Qaeda operatives and Islamist militants.

Former colleagues said that narrow focus led Flynn to see the threat posed by Islamist groups as overwhelming other security concerns, including Russias renewed aggression. Instead, Flynn came to see Americas long-standing adversary as a potential ally against terrorist groups, and himself as being in a unique position to forge closer ties after travelling to Moscow in 2013 while serving as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Flynn has frequently boasted that he was the first DIA director to be invited into the headquarters of Russias military intelligence directorate, known as the GRU, although at least one of his predecessors was granted similar access. Flynn thought he developed some rapport with the GRU chief, a former senior U.S. military official said.

U.S. intelligence agencies say they have tied the GRU to Russias theft of troves of email messages from Democratic Party computer networks and accuse Moscow of then delivering those materials to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks, which published them in phases during the campaign to hurt Hillary Clinton, Trumps Democratic rival.

Flynn was pushed out of the DIA job in 2014 amid concerns about his management of the sprawling agency. He became a fierce critic of the Obama administration before joining the Trump campaign last year.

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PARISA French farmer who smuggled African migrants to safety, defying authorities in an effort that his supporters likened to the Underground Railroad, was essentially given a slap on the wrist by a court Friday.

The farmer, Cedric Herrou, a bearded olive grower, has become something of a hero after he shepherded migrants across the Italian border and into the Roya Valley of southern France, challenging official policy of rounding up migrants and sending them to detention centres or deporting them.

A court in Nice ordered Herrou on Friday to pay a fine of 3,000 euros, or about $3,200. If he stays out of trouble for five years, he will not have to pay it.

The light sentence  almost a nonsentence, given that the prosecutor, Jean-Michel Pretre, had asked for a tougher punishment  was an indication of how politically delicate the case against Herrou had become. He had popular opinion largely on his side  a fact the judges appeared to acknowledge in essentially letting him go with a warning.

At the end of a highly publicized trial last month, Pretre had requested that Herrou, 37, be sentenced to a suspended eight-month prison term.

A 2012 law allows citizens to help migrants for humanitarian reasons. Before that legislation, such aid could result in a sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to 30,000 euros. But Pretre said that Herrous actions had gone beyond the scope of the law, helping migrants enter the country illegally instead of merely offering them shelter.

Last month, the readers of the newspaper Nice-Matin chose Herrou as Azureen of the Year, a reference to people from the Cote dAzur.

At the trial, Pretre appeared contrite at times that the law had to be applied to Herrou, and he praised the farmers cause as noble.

Herrou was cleared Friday of the more severe charges of having helped illegal migrants stay on French territory and of having illegally hosted over 50 Eritreans in an abandoned holiday resort.

Agence France-Presse reported that Herrou had welcomed the decision in an address to a small crowd of supporters in front of the courthouse.

Well carry on, because its necessary, he told the crowd, according to the news agency.

Herrou told Europe 1 radio Friday that he is sheltering five migrant minors from Sudan and Eritrea at his home.

Theres a deficiency of the state in France and in Italy, so I take action, he said.

Herrou is not the only person to have appeared in court for illegally assisting migrants. Last month, Pierre-Alain Mannoni, a researcher, was acquitted by the same court in Nice of having offered a ride to migrants.

Border control has become a defining political issue in France in light of repeated terrorist attacks.

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PARISAnti-terrorism forces arrested four people Friday in southern France, including a 16-year-old girl, and uncovered a makeshift laboratory with the explosive TATP and other ingredients for fabricating a bomb. Frances top security official said the raid thwarted an imminent attack.

A police official said the teen had pledged loyalty to Daesh in a recent video.

Read more:Tourists held in lockdown as French soldiers thwart attack on Louvre

The prosecutors office said around 70 grams of TATP were seized in the Montpellier-area home of a 20-year-old man, along with a litre each of acetone, oxygenated water and sulfuric acid. TATP, which can be made from readily available materials, was used in the deadly November 2015 attacks in Paris and the March 2016 attack in Brussels carried out by Daesh extremists.

Two other men were arrested, a 33-year-old and a 26-year-old, along with the teenage girl, according to the prosecutors office, which handles terrorism investigations in France.

The police official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation, said one of the suspects was believed to be planning a suicide attack but that the investigation had not yet uncovered a specific target.

He said person in the group had tried to reach Syria in 2015 and was known to intelligence services. The group  notably the girl  attracted new attention with their social media postings, he said.

Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux said the arrests in three locations in the Montpellier area thwarted an imminent attack on French soil.

The countrys prime minister praised the work of anti-terror investigators.

Faced with the heightened threat, there has been an extremely strong mobilization of our intelligence services to ensure the French are protected to the utmost, said Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.

France is still under a state of emergency after several deadly attacks in 2015 and 2016.

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BRUSSELSGreeces finance minister and international creditors made substantial progress Friday in narrowing their differences over the bailout program keeping the Greek economy afloat, amid renewed tensions about the countrys future in the euro.

We made substantial progress today and are close to common ground for the mission to return to Athens in the coming week, Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who chairs the eurozone finance ministers group, said after the talks in Brussels.

Dijsselbloem said all sides have a clear understanding that a timely finalization of the second (bailout) review is in everybodys interest.

He said the 19 eurozone finance ministers will take stock of progress at their next official meeting on Feb. 20. Concluding the review could give Athens access to more bailout funds and pave the way for important discussions about helping Greece ease its debt burden, which currently stands at about 180 per cent of its gross domestic product.

Greece needs to agree with the International Monetary Fund and its European creditors on more reforms to keep tapping the bailout loans. Although Greece insists it doesnt have pressing cash needs, without the money it would eventually face the renewed possibility of default  something that nearly caused it to fall out of the euro bloc in 2015.

Greeces next big debt repayment deadline is in July, but officials want to solve its funding problems before then as key European elections loom as early as next month. The Netherlands goes to the polls on March 15, followed by France in April and May and Germany in September, and the issue of providing more loans to Greece is politically sensitive.

Negotiations over Greeces reforms remain mired in disagreement. The Greek government opposes labour reforms, and the IMF is at odds with European lenders over the extent to which the countrys massive debts should be eased.

Dijsselbloem said before Fridays talks that they would not be about debt relief.

What is on the table is the budget, the primary surplus, further reforms in the pension system, he said.

He said he called the meeting to give impetus to the process, which has dragged on for several months, but insisted he was in no particular rush and that stories about a crisis are a gross exaggeration.

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RACINE  A deputy was reportedly attacked by an inmate Wednesday while she was leading prisoners to their cells following morning court hearings.

Jon Stanley Stempe, 60, of the 5000 block of Douglas Avenue, Caledonia, was charged on Thursday with felony counts of battery to a law enforcement officer, battery by prisoner, battery or threat to a witness and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Wednesday morning, as the deputy escorted inmates back to their holding cells, Stempe allegedly became agitated and verbally abusive. When the deputy radioed for assistance, Stempe lunged out of line, into the middle of the hallway and swung for the deputys face.

As the deputy attempted to push Stempe back, a second inmate intervened and tried to secure Stempe, taking Stempe to the ground. Stempe then allegedly began trying to kick the second inmate.

Following the attack, the deputys left thumb reportedly was throbbing, began to swell and turned purple around the joint. The deputy continued to experience pain in her thumb and shoulder after the assault.

When being interviewed about the incident in the jail intake area, another deputy overheard Stempe using explicit language and cursing at jail staff. When the second deputy attempted to advise Stempe of his rights, Stempe raised his voice and talked over the deputy.

Stempe reportedly stated that he had gone to court for a battery by prisoner charge, but felt that he was the victim in that case. So they wanted a battery, I gave em a battery! Its that simple. Thats what she wanted, Stempe said.

Stempe went on to say he did not think he should apologize or be remorseful after what you people did to me.

Deputies also interviewed the inmate who intervened during the assault. The inmate stated Stempe tried to pull away from him, so he took Stempe to the ground and stood guard over him until a deputy was able to take control of the situation.

While the inmate was attempting to subdue Stempe, Stempe allegedly yelled, Im gonna kill you, Im gonna break your jaw. The deputy observed scratches on the other inmates arm, which the inmate stated he sustained while stopping Stempes attack on the deputy.

As of Thursday evening, Stempe remained in the County Jail, according to online records. Stempes preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 15 at the Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.
TEHRAN, IRANIranians on Friday marked the anniversary of the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution with nationwide celebrations and mass rallies that saw people step on large U.S. flags laid out on the streets while President Hassan Rouhani called the new American administration a problem.

This year, the anniversary came against the backdrop of remarks by President Donald Trump, who has already engaged in a war of words with Irans leadership and put Tehran on notice over its recent ballistic missile test.

At the Tehran rallies Friday, demonstrators chanted traditional slogans against the United States and Israel, and later, hundreds of thousands marched toward the citys central Azadi Square, where Rouhani addressed the crowds, telling them that Iran will strongly answer any threat from its enemies.

All of them should know that they must talk to the Iranian nation with respect and dignity, Rouhani declared. Our nation will strongly answer to any threat. (Iranians) will resist before enemies until the end.

Rouhani called Iran the home of lions but said the country does not seek hostility. We are not after tensions in the region and the world. We are united in the face of bullying and any threat.

Read the latest on U.S. President Donald Trump

Many of the marchers carried the Iranian flag, others had banners and posters with revolutionary slogans. Printed U.S. flags and pictures of current and former U.S. presidents lay scattered on the streets  so they could be trampled by the marchers.

Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic relations since 1979, when Iranian students stormed the American Embassy and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Fridays rallies commemorated Feb. 11 of that year, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the U.S.-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi. The United States helped orchestrate the 1953 coup that overthrew Irans popular prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, which brought Pahlavi to power and set the stage for decades of mistrust between the countries.

Some of the posters distributed in English on Friday read: Thanks to American people for supporting Muslims.

Another one with a picture of Trump said: Thanks Mr. Trump ... for revealing the face of the U.S.  a reference to remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, earlier this week.

Khamenei said on Tuesday that the newcomer Trump has shown the real face of the United States. He spoke after Trump tweeted  following a ballistic missile test by Iran  that Iranians were playing with fire, saying they dont appreciate how kind President (Barack) Obama was to them. Not me!

Trump has repeatedly criticized the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran, the U.S. and five other world powers, in which Tehran agreed to curb its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions, but he has not said what he plans to do about it.

His administration said Iran was on notice over the missile test, and imposed new sanctions on more than two dozen Iranian companies and individuals.

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U.S. imposes new sanctions on Iran over ballistic missile test

Irans supreme leader sarcastically thanks Trump for showing the real face of the U.S.

In Tehran, some of the demonstrators threw balls and darts targeting pictures of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Others burned an American flag. The semi-official ILNA news agency reported that an Israeli flag was also burned.

Many ranking officials attended the ceremony in Tehran, including Gen. Qassem Soleimani who heads the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations such as the war in Syria and Iraqs fight against the Islamic State group where the Shiite power Iran supports Iraqs government.

Rouhani told reporters prior to addressing the crowds that Iranians will make the U.S. regret using threatening language, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.

Anyone who speaks the language of threat to this nation, the Iranian nation will make him regret it, he said, without elaborating.

This presence (of demonstrators) is a response to wrong comments by new leaders in the White House, and they announce with their presence to the world that they (U.S. leaders) should talk with respect and not use threatening language to the Iranian nation, Rouhani added.

Iranian state television aired footage of commemorations in Tehran and other cities and towns across the country, many of them held in sub-zero temperatures.

In the central city of Kashan, the official IRNA news agency said the countrys prosecutor general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, told reporters that members of the Islamic State group have been arrested near Tehran. They planned to sabotage the anniversary rallies, he said.

And Khameneis senior adviser, Gen. Rahim Safavi, said during a similar rally in the southern city of Ahvaz that the evil triangle or America, Britain and Israel cannot create a serious military threat against Iran.

Tehran resident Mohammad Soufi, 33, a medical lab technician, said Trumps recent stance encouraged him and his wife to participate in the rally this year.

We did not participate in the rally for more than 10 years, he said. This year my wife told me: Lets go out to show to the world, particularly Trump, that we love our county despite differences.

Sorraya Khalili, a 44-year-old hairstylist, said she was out to support the government and object to the U.S. bullying of Iran.

Why people like Trump think they can make decisions for the entire world? Iran is an independent country like the United States, she added. I wish Americans get to visit Iran to find out we are similar to them; we warmly welcome our guests and respect them.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif posted a photograph on his Twitter account showing protesters with posters with the words: American people are welcome and invited to visit Iran.

Zarif also said that Iranians on their anniversary praised American people for rejecting Trumps executive action on the visa ban. Iran was among the seven Muslim-majority countries affected by the ban, which remains suspended while U.S. courts debate its legality.

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BEIRUTSyrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview released on Friday that the United States is welcome to join the battle against terrorists in Syria  as long as it is in co-operation with his government and respects the countrys sovereignty.

Speaking with Yahoo News, Assad said he has not had any communication  direct or indirect  with President Donald Trump or any official form the new U.S. administration.

But the Syrian leader appeared to make a gesture to the new U.S. president in the interview, saying he welcomes Trumps declaration that he will make it a priority to fight terrorism  a goal Assad said he also shares.

However, Assads government has labelled all armed opposition to his rule  including the U.S.-backed rebels  as terrorists.

We agree about this priority, Assad said of Trump. Thats our position in Syria, the priority is to fight terrorism.

Syrias six-year civil war has killed more than 300,000 people and displaced half the countrys population. The country is shattered and the chaos has enabled the rise of Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, which in a 2014 blitz seized a third of both Syria and neighbouring Iraq. The extremist group, responsible also for several deadly attacks around the world, has declared an Islamic caliphate on the territory it controls.

Assad also told Yahoo News that his country would welcome U.S. participation in the fight against terrorism but it has to be in co-operation with the Syrian government.

Assads comment ignored the U.S.-led international coalition, which has been targeting the Islamic State group and Al Qaedas affiliate in Syria with airstrikes since September 2014. The U.S. also has advisers in Syria along with predominantly Kurdish fighters north of the country who are fighting against Daesh.

If you want to start genuinely, as United States . . . it must be through the Syrian government, Assad said. We are here, we are the Syrians, we own this country as Syrians, nobody else, nobody would understand it like us.

So, you cannot defeat the terrorism without co-operation with the people and the government of Syria, he added.

The Syrian government has always blamed the U.S. for backing opposition fighters trying to remove Assad from power. The rebels formed a serious threat to the Syrian leader until 2015, when Russia joined Syrias war backing Assads forces and turned the balance of power in his favour.

We invited the Russians, and the Russians were genuine regarding this issue. If the Americans are genuine, of course they are welcome, like any other country that wants to defeat and to fight with the terrorists. Of course, with no hesitation we can say that, Assad said in English.

But when asked if he wants American troops to come to Syria to help with the fight against Daesh, Assad said that sending troops is not enough  a genuine political position on respecting Syrias sovereignty and unity is also needed.

All these factors would lead to trust, where you can send your troops. Thats what happened with the Russians; they didnt only send their troops, Assad added.

Assad would not comment on Trumps move to bar Syrian refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the U.S., calling it an American sovereignty issue.

But he appeared to offer some veiled support at last, saying that there are definitely terrorists among the millions of Syrians seeking refuge in the West, though it doesnt have to be a significant number.

Excerpts of Assads comments were aired on Thursday while the full interview with Yahoo News ran on Friday.

The Syrian president also blasted a report released this week by Amnesty International in which the group said as many as 13,000 prisoners were hanged in over four years in one of Syrias prisons and later buried in mass graves.

Its always biased and politicized, and its a shame for such an organization to publish a report without a shred of evidence, Assad said.

He also rejected an initiative that calls for creating safe zones in Syria for refugees, an idea also been floated by Trump as a substitute for resettling Syrian refugees in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Safe zones for Syrians could only happen when you have stability and security, Assad said. Its much more practical and less costly to have stability than to create safe zones. Its not a realistic idea at all.

In other developments Friday, the Kremlin said that Russia and Turkey have agreed to improve co-ordination in Syria to prevent further friendly fire incidents after a Russian airstrike killed three Turkish soldiers and wounded 11 the day before.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the accidental strike near the town of al-Bab in northern Syria prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to discuss better co-operation in fighting Daesh in the area. In a signal that the incident hasnt hurt a Russia-Turkey rapprochement, Peskov said that Erdogan is set to visit Russia next month.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said the Turkish casualties on Thursday were the result of faulty co-ordination in Syria and showed there is a need for a much closer co-ordination.

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WASHINGTONThere was a time, way back in the Republican primary, when Donald Trump promised he would be a whole different man as he approached the White House, so presidential you will be so bored.

He hasnt changed at all. That is now causing him problems.

Thursday was the wildest day of Trumps three-week-old administration, a dawn-through-dark newsquake that offered hours of proof that the unorthodox, instinctive president was delivering on his promise to reject the old political conventions. It also highlighted the threat Trumps shoot-first, act-second, maybe-acquire-facts-eventually style poses to his own agenda.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Hold the impeachment talk: Trumps presidency is nowhere near a breakdown. His early acts have been overwhelmingly popular with Republican voters. Republican legislators, who control both houses of Congress, show no sign of abandoning him. Even Thursday, he got things done.

The day, though, hinted at trouble ahead. Over the course of 18 hours, Trump suffered a major court defeat caused in part by his haste, quietly endorsed a key international policy he had suggested he was going to abandon, saw two of his controversial advisers accused of breaking the law, and contradicted the words of his own Supreme Court nominee  a procession of avoidable missteps caused largely by his essential Trumpiness.

Heres what happened:

6:57 a.m.  Trump writes on Twitter, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him?

Trump had insulted, as a so-called judge, the Seattle judge who initially ruled against his ban on travel by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. Gorsuch, the Supreme Court nominee he rolled out last week to the elation of conservatives, called that criticism disheartening and demoralizing. Blumenthal told reporters about this; Trump falsely claimed Blumenthal was being dishonest.

Suddenly, on account of Trumps instinct to lash out at anybody who challenges him, what had been his smoothest move yet had turned into another spat.

7:50 a.m.  On Fox News, senior Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway says, while standing in the White House, Go buy Ivankas stuff!

A near-certain violation of federal ethics law, prompted by Trump himself.

On Wednesday, Trump had generated his own ethics uproar by blasting the retailer Nordstrom for dropping his daughters brand. Conways supportive promo was so obviously inappropriate that House oversight chairman Jason Chaffetz, who has tried to avoid going after the president or his team, sent a letter to the Office of Government Ethics requesting sanctions.

8:26 a.m.  Trump writes on Twitter, Sen. McCain should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media. Only emboldens the enemy! Hes been losing so long he doesnt know how to win anymore.

Trumps first counterterrorism raid, in Yemen, resulted in the death of a Navy SEAL and civilians including an 8-year-old American citizen, prompting more questions about his decision-making. McCain, a Vietnam War hero, told NBC he could not call the mission a success. Trump, unwilling to let slights slide or let errors fade, entered into yet another intraparty feud of questionable utility.

11:09 a.m.  Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions is sworn in as attorney general.

A reminder that Trump is winning important battles even as he foments chaos. Sessions, a hard-line opponent of illegal immigration, was once denied a federal judgeship over allegations that he was racist against African-Americans. Over the fierce opposition of civil rights groups, Trump managed to make him Americas top law enforcement officer.

6:13 p.m.  The 9th Circuit appeals court rules 3-0 to uphold a temporary stoppage of Trumps travel ban.

The legal battle over the ban will likely continue for weeks or months. But the 9th Circuits early decision made clear that the problem with Trumps executive order may not be so much about what it does as how quickly and imprecisely Trump imposed it.

Trump wanted to act fast as a signal to voters that he was fulfilling his pledges. By and large, they applauded. But he denied due process to the people affected by the ban, disregarded the experts who would likely have flagged issues with his text, and then refused to fix those issues when they were belatedly identified. All three decisions came back to haunt him with the court.

9:30 p.m.  The Washington Post releases a story revealing that National Security Advisor Michael Flynn had discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with the Russian ambassador before Trump took office.

Flynn had denied that he had ever talked about sanctions with the ambassador prior to Trump taking office, which would be possibly illegal and likely improper. Vice-President Mike Pence had backed him up on television. According to the Post, whose account was soon confirmed by the New York Times and other outlets, they were not telling the truth.

Trumps appointment of the mercurial Flynn, a fiery and conspiratorial campaign loyalist, made even Republican national-security professionals nervous. The Thursday stories corroborated their concerns about the presidents judgment.

11:04 p.m.  In a news release, the White House announces that President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our one China policy.

Trump had infuriated China in December by musing on television about abandoning the U.S. commitment to the One China policy, under which Taiwan is considered a part of China, unless he could make a deal to gain some new benefit for Americans. His supporters, though, hailed his bold willingness to challenge the status quo.

So much for that. After raising global alarm without any apparent deep thought, the self-proclaimed master negotiator had backed down without a peep.

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By backing down in a telephone call with Chinas president on his promise to review the status of Taiwan, U.S. President Donald Trump may have averted a confrontation with the United States most powerful rival.

But in doing so, he handed China a victory and sullied his reputation with its leader, Xi Jinping, as a tough negotiator who ought to be feared, analysts said.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Trump lost his first fight with Xi and he will be looked at as a paper tiger, said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, in Beijing, and an adviser to Chinas State Council. This will be interpreted in China as a great success, achieved by Xis approach of dealing with him.

Trumps reversal on Taiwan is likely to reinforce the views of those in China who see him as merely the latest U.S. president to come into office talking tough on China, only to bend eventually to economic reality and adopt more co-operative policies. That could mean more difficult negotiations with Beijing on trade, North Korea and other issues.

At the same time, the Chinese leadership will view statements by Trump with even greater skepticism.

Even though Trump has said he will support the One China policy, China cannot fully trust him, said Yan Xuetong, dean of the school of international relations at Tsinghua University, in Beijing. Even his own people dont trust him.

Chinas official reaction to the telephone call, in which Trump affirmed that the U.S. would abide by the long-standing policy, was polite, even upbeat.

The conversation was very cordial, Lu Kang, the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said at a regular news briefing Friday. The One China principle is the political foundation of China-U.S. relations.

Under that policy, the United States recognized a single Chinese government in Beijing and severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

U.S. leadership was damaged by Trump staking out a position and then stepping back, said Hugh White, a professor of strategic studies at the Australian National University and the author of The China Choice, a book that argues that the United States should share power in the Pacific region with China.

The Chinese will see him as weak, White said of Trump. He has reinforced the impression in Beijing that Trump is not serious about managing the U.S.-China relationship.

Shi said that Beijing had chosen to remain firm and patient with Trump, and that approach had paid off.

Even though many other world leaders had spoken to the new U.S. president by phone since his inauguration Jan. 20, Xi had refused to talk to Trump until he was sure that the U.S. president would give what turned out to be a concession  an affirmation of the One China policy, Shi said.

Trump put himself in a corner by questioning the status of Taiwan, an issue that the Chinese have regarded as non-negotiable since President Jimmy Carter put the One China policy into effect in 1979, Shi added.

Some Chinese said Trumps decision to walk back on the issue of Taiwan at least lowered the risk of conflict.

If he agreed to the One China policy, that means there is no danger of direct war between China and the United States, said Yan of Tsinghua University. That fact is very positive.

When Trump took a precedent-shattering phone call from President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan in early December, and said a few days later that he wanted to extract concessions from Beijing in return for keeping the One China policy, the Chinese government issued ugly statements saying it would not waver on the issue of Taiwan, Shi said.

Those statements came from the Foreign Ministry, which said that it was out of the question to negotiate and that the One China policy was a core issue that involved Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In diplomatic parlance, that meant Taiwan was a rock-bottom issue that Beijing was prepared to fight over.

The tough statements were intended to recall the time in 1995 when China tested missiles near Taiwan, prompting President Bill Clinton to dispatch an aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait, near Chinas coast.

China is militarily much stronger today, armed with far more advanced missiles and a more robust navy that includes one aircraft carrier, with more on the way.

The Chinese also decided to flatter Trump, Shi said. When the Trump administration started to make small steps to pave the way for the phone call with Xi, China was almost excessive in its response, a way of trying to reassure Washington without paying any price, Shi added.

So after Trump sent a letter to the Chinese Embassy in Washington this week, wishing the Chinese people a prosperous Year of the Rooster, Beijing responded that it was very happy to receive the presidents greetings.

The U.S. secretary of state, Rex W. Tillerson, who had pledged to uphold the One China policy during his confirmation hearings, was at the White House on Thursday before the call, apparently pointing out the risks of Trumps approach.

The cost to the U.S. of refusing to recommit to the One China policy was very high, and Trump was persuaded, said Bonnie S. Glaser, director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

In an unusual move, the state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua posted on Twitter a cheeky quiz on the possible reason Trump had changed his mind on the One China policy. Twitter is banned in China.

Xinhua gave four choices, giving prominent play to the options blackmailing didnt work and Chinas unyielding stance, and including the possibility that a visit by Ivanka Trump and her 5-year-old daughter, Arabella, to the Chinese Embassys New Year reception last week had played a role.

The tension between Washington and Beijing over Trumps attitude toward Taiwan has reverberated around the Asia-Pacific region, where U.S. allies have worried since the December phone call with Tsai that, in the extreme, there could be armed conflict over Taiwan.

On Friday, the U.S. Pacific Command said that a Chinese aircraft and a U.S. navy patrol plane had had an unsafe encounter over the South China Sea, The Associated Press reported. A spokesman said that the interaction between a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft and a Navy P-3C plane took place on Wednesday in international airspace. The spokesman did not say what was unsafe about the encounter.

That Trump appears to have smoothed things out for the moment has brought relief, but it does not assuage concerns about future dealings between Xi and the U.S. president.

Both the White House and the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the two leaders wanted to strengthen co-operation. The White House statement said Beijing wanted to work with Washington on a number of issues, including trade.

Trump has threatened a trade war by raising the possibility of steep tariffs in response to what he portrays as Chinas predatory trade practices.

Neither side specified in their statements how they would co-operate, and doubts remained in the Asia-Pacific region about Trumps intentions on a variety of issues. China values predictability, and one phone call could not deliver that, analysts said.

Trump isnt attached to any particular policy line with China or anyone else, said Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. So working together could also be dumped whenever it suits.

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Shortly after Thursdays appeals court decision blocking his travel ban, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to fight on. SEE YOU IN COURT, he wrote on Twitter.

But which court?

Here is a look at Trumps options.

Take it to the Supreme Court

Trump could file an emergency application to the Supreme Court, asking the justices to stay the trial courts ruling blocking his executive order suspending travel from seven mostly Muslim countries. That is the only way for him to try to obtain a very fast ruling. Since Trump has said the court rulings against his travel ban pose an immediate threat to the nations security, he might be expected to pursue this strategy.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

If he does, the Supreme Court could act within days. Under its usual practices, it would not hear arguments and would issue a very brief order announcing the outcome with little or no legal reasoning.

Richard J. Lazarus, a law professor at Harvard, said the justices should take a different approach in this case if the administration files an emergency application, recalling that the court heard arguments in very short order when the Nixon administration in 1971 unsuccessfully sought to block The New York Times and The Washington Post from publishing a secret history of the Vietnam War.

The court should receive briefs from both sides, hear oral argument, deliberate among themselves in person, and then decide, Lazarus said. They can do so quickly, as they have done in the past, for example in the Pentagon Papers case.

Many legal experts say Trumps chances of success at the Supreme Court, which for a year now has had just eight members, are slim. A 4-4 tie would leave the appeals court ruling in place. It would take five votes to overturn the ruling, and it is unlikely that Trump could obtain the vote of any of the courts four more liberal justices.

Trump could also seek to file a more conventional petition seeking review of the appeals courts ruling. That would be more orderly, and it would allow the parties to file detailed briefs attacking and defending the appeals courts reasoning.

It takes only four votes for the Supreme Court to agree to hear a case this way. Under its ordinary practices, though, a decision on whether to hear the case would probably not come until April, and arguments would not be scheduled until October.

By then, the Supreme Court may be back at full strength if Trumps nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, is confirmed.

Try again at appeals court

The administration could ask a larger panel of the appeals court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, in San Francisco, to rehear the case (the ruling Thursday from a three-judge panel of the court was unanimous). The court has a liberal reputation, but its judges have a wide variety of ideological leanings.

Were the 9th Circuit to grant a petition for rehearing, the case would ordinarily be heard by an 11-member panel, including the circuits chief judge and 10 judges chosen at random. It is at least possible that such a panel would rule for Trump.

But this strategy also requires time, and the case would still probably end up in the Supreme Court.

The administration has a second option in the 9th Circuit. It could continue to litigate the case before the three-judge panel.

The panel Thursday set a schedule for submitting briefs in the underlying appeal. (Recall that the question decided Thursday was whether to stay the trial court order and not whether it was correct.) The last of those briefs is due March 29.

Go back down to fight in trial court

Judge James L. Robart, who entered the temporary restraining order, has also set a briefing schedule, on whether he should make his ruling more permanent by issuing a preliminary injunction. The last of those briefs is due Feb. 17.

If the administration were inclined to submit additional evidence justifying the ban, the trial court would be the place to do it. But it is not clear whether there will be further proceedings before Robart on whether he should issue a preliminary injunction.

On Thursday, just after the 9th Circuits ruling, a lawyer for Washington state wrote a letter to Robart saying the appeals court had effectively entered the preliminary injunction.

In light of the court of appeals decision, Noah G. Purcell, Washington states solicitor general, wrote, the states assume the district court briefing schedule is no longer applicable. The states will not be filing a preliminary injunction motion and brief in the district court tonight, unless we receive contrary guidance from the district court.

Start over

Finally, the administration could issue a narrower executive order on a travel ban. That too would probably be promptly challenged in court.

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WASHINGTONWe know President Trump is concerned with appearances  especially when hes on television, or in front of news photographers or large crowds.

We also know that President Trump is concerned with hands  how large they are, how strong they are  just look at them!

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Trump is also a well-known germaphobe. He initially shunned shaking hands with supporters on the campaign trail. As president, protocol compels him to shake a lot of hands, though.

And recently, hes taken part in a few handshakes that well just call intense for now  most recently, a bizarre moment with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday.

Whether its just habit, or a way of asserting his power, Trump has a habit of pulling forcefully on the hand hes shaking. Hes done it in notable handshakes with Vice President Mike Pence (on election night), with Judge Neil Gorsuch (on the night Trump nominated Gorsuch to the Supreme Court) and this afternoon, with Abe.

Trump even took time out to compliment Abes strong hands  or maybe he was just referencing his own.

But Trump doesnt always tug on the hands of those hes greeting. When Kanye West visited Trump Tower in December, the two dapped like old friends.

While its admittedly a small thing, little glimpses into Trumps thinking can give us an idea of how he handles these situations. But lets be honest  we already knew Trump likes to be in control.

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Canadas please-dont-hurt-us pilgrimage to Trumpland continues.

It started last Monday with Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. It will climax next Monday when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau treks to Washington to pay homage in person to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Sandwiched in-between are the visits by Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and Finance Minister Bill Morneau.

All are tasked with delivering the same message to the new Trump administration: Please dont screw us; were your best pals.

Sajjan pointed out that Canadian and U.S. troops have been fighting together since World War I. He politely didnt mention that the Americans took three years to join that war.

He also didnt mention that Canada chose not to sign onto either the Vietnam War or George W. Bushs 2003 invasion of Iraq.

But the idea was clear: Sure, we know that Trump wants Ottawa to double its defence spending in order to meet NATO targets. But give us a break anyway. Were not Luxembourg. Were Canada.

Freelands job it seems was to play the rhetorical heavy  perhaps in response to a new poll showing that 58 per cent of Canadians want the Liberal government to get tough with Trump in any trade dispute.

She used words like forceful when talking to reporters and won headlines at home for suggesting Wednesday that Ottawa might do something if Trump slaps threatened tariffs on Canadian goods entering the U.S.

But as my colleague Tonda MacCharles has reported, Freeland very carefully didnt say what Ottawa might do, insisting only that it would respond appropriately.

In particular, neither she nor her staff ruled out the idea of avoiding immediate retaliation and instead appealing any new U.S. tariffs to dispute resolution panels, either through the World Trade Organization or the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Which would be appropriate but not particularly dramatic.

As for Morneau, the gist of his message was contained in the title of a talk he gave at Georgetown University on Thursday morning: Partners in Prosperity.

As he told reporters later, Trump and Trudeau both want the same thing: a strong middle class.

Morneau also repeated Ottawas now familiar mantra: Canada is the top export market for 35 U.S. states. Nine-million American jobs depend on those exports. Why would any rational person want to mess with that?

Why indeed. But then why would any rational person want to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico? The point is that the current U.S. president wants to do both.

Will the familiar mantras work once Canada and the U.S. get down to renegotiating NAFTA, as Trump has demanded? Im not sure they will.

Take Michigan. Its one of the 35 states for which Canada is the No. 1 export market. But the state imports twice as much from Canada as it exports, a fact that may not sit well with mercantilist Trump.

More to the point, Michigans top exports are auto parts sent across the border to be assembled in Ontario. A protectionist like Trump might argue that more American jobs would be created if U.S. auto companies were compelled to move their assembly plants from Windsor to Detroit.

Under that scenario, Michigan would still manufacture auto parts. But it would use them at home rather than export them to Canada.

All of which is to say that the partners-in-prosperity strategy might not work.

Canada has long argued that it should have special status within the American sphere. Most of the time, Washington has been willing to grant it. The original Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and later NAFTA were expressions of this. Ottawas hope is that if it kowtows enough, special status will survive a renegotiated NAFTA.

Perhaps the Liberal government is correct. Perhaps the U.S. will not insist on impossible demands as the price of renegotiating NAFTA.

Perhaps Trump will be charmed by celebrity Trudeau as he once was charmed by Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Perhaps if we agree to toe the Trumpian line in the United Nations and elsewhere, we will be spared.

But if I were Trudeau, Id want something else up my sleeve. Maybe the prime minister could persuade his stylish wife, Sophie, to model shoes designed by Trumps daughter Ivanka. That might work.

Thomas Walkom appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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Theres something touching in how sales of 1984 have risen since Trump. Amazon is out of stock. Other dystopian novels, like Atwoods The Handmaids Tale, are doing well. Its one way to deal with a shock to the system: buy a book; then, basically, let it sit since it probably wont have much to do with whats spooking you on CNN. Its about the illusion of control.

If you prefer denial, always an option, you could try utopias instead, though they arent selling as briskly. Theres Utopia itself (1516) by Thomas More; Erewhon (1872); News from Nowhere (1890). Glen Newey writes in the London Review that utopias proliferated in the 19th century but today dystopias come a dime a dozen. If youre a rebel, go utopian this season. Of course, there are utopian books  and actual utopian experiments.

So Ive been reading Chasing Utopias, by Canadian writer David Leach, a book about an experiment. In 1989, age 20, he lived on an Israeli kibbutz for a year. He isnt Jewish but never mind. For 50 years after Israels founding, a kibbutz, or collective farm, was where youth went to find themselves. It often worked. But that utopian dream crashed as Israel transformed; so 20 years later, Leach returned to see if the magic had died, or just moved along.

There were never many kibbutzim: a few hundred perhaps but they punched above their weight symbolically. They were idealistic and egalitarian: no private property, equal incomes, collective decision-making, and all the kids lived together, separately from parents, since birth.

By 2010, when Leach revisited, most had privatized. No childrens quarters. Equality had vanished, incomes werent identical. Kibbutz members paid fees, like condo owners. Partly, its because Israel abandoned socialist models and became aggressively capitalist.

But the deeper impediment lay in the fact that those idealistic communities were often built, literally, on land that had been unceremoniously taken from Palestinians. Kibbutz members could dig below their homes and find ruins from the village that had been razed. That might be unnerving. Leach describes a kibbutznik who spent the rest of his life trying to force Israelis to confront the ugly reality under their feet. One persons utopia is anothers dystopia- a good reason not to separate the categories rigidly.

The book comes most alive in its second half when Leach, abandoning nostalgia, looks for ways that the idealism of the kibbutz may have funneled into new utopian projects elsewhere in Israel, like a Palestinian architects plan for a 37 km bridge linking Gaza to the West Bank, with benefits for everyone along its way. He sees the vision of utopia  rising again.

Hence my preference for utopias; they keep chugging ahead into the future, unlike dystopias, which are meant to forewarn but can as easily depress and demobilize. Both are probably complementary and often flip sides of each other, like a kibbutz winery built over Palestinian olive groves. Dystopias are warnings, utopias are yearnings. Utopias are often well-intended, exhaustively thought-out, yet become disasters. Dystopias are always inadvertent; no one sets out to create a hell, the aim was often a utopia. Thats the charge usually levelled at communist experiments  in Cuba, China or the Soviet Union.

One of my favourite utopian books is Fanshen (1966) by U.S. writer and farmer William Hinton. It describes a Chinese village in 1948, as the revolution sweeps through, trying to transform from feudalism to communism, via the deliberations and decisions of its peasant population. They were definitely chasing Utopia. Its fascinating, inconclusive and real. Hinton called it a documentary.

In later years, he returned to the village often, as it stumbled or advanced. He said the problems werent only objective; they lay in ways that the people trying to construct utopia were themselves shaped by nonutopian reality  which they could only transcend within limits. So theyd always be inadequate to the task and you should never be surprised by shortfalls, tawdry human failures (including destructive illicit affairs) and screw-ups.

When humans have evolved more, so will their utopias. By then, if the species survives, they might do rather well, so that utopias of our era could start looking unambitious.

Meanwhile do you despair? Retreat into literature and write book versions only? Or go ahead and fail, but be ready to get up and start the chase again. That could be the utopian motto: Go Ahead and Fail.

Rick Salutins column appears every Friday.

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In 1991, then Ontario Medical Association President Dr. Basil Johnston was the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the Medical Reform Group, a left wing pro-medicare group of doctors who had long and publicly opposed the OMA (in 2014 after 35 years the MRG disbanded).

It was extraordinary that the president of the MRGs nemesis would agree to address the group. During his speech Johnston, a soft-spoken Peterborough orthopedic surgeon, warned that the real threat to the OMA arose from the right, not the MRG on the left. Johnston was prescient.

Recently in these pages OMA council member Dr. Nadia Alam issued the manifesto predicted by Johnston 26 years ago. Alam is a former spokesperson for the ultraconservative Coalition of Ontario Doctors and led both the successful charge against the summer tentative Physicians Services Agreement (PSA) and the non-confidence vote in the OMA executive in late January.

In her commentary entitled More proof our health care system is broken, Alam catalogued the alleged evidence  or as she put it, the terrible reality  of the consequences of poor government policy (which) are severe and intolerable. It is scary reading and it is mostly untrue.

Alam believes hospitals with boards of directors, whose membership includes the most powerful and well-connected citizens of Ontario, are afraid to protest the so-called broken system, yet such board members routinely lobby government on behalf of their constituencies.

She invokes the frightening Orwellian proposition that nurses are fired if they protest, despite the nurses belonging to one of the strongest unions in Ontario and which regularly criticizes the government.

According to Alam, the doctors are truly the last line of defence. It is laughable  only the medical profession alone can protect the citizens from a democratically elected government.

Alam slams the government for not reinvesting savings accrued under Bill 41, the Patients First Act, into patient care and derides this as poor policy. Alam fails to mention that 50 per cent of a persons health status is determined by conditions outside the domain of heath care, such as socioeconomic status, education and housing. It would be more beneficial to the publics health to raise welfare rates, establish a basic guaranteed annual income or dramatically increase the budget for our public schools and legal aid system.

Alam has previously referred to the PSAs 2.5 per cent annual increase (over four years) in the physicians services budget as scraps. The Coalition wants more money for doctors. That is understandable. Physicians by some estimates have seen a 7.5 per cent reduction of income over the past 3 years and nobody likes money being taken away. But a 2.5 per cent annual increase represents scraps?

In private, most doctors  even the severest of government critics  acknowledge they are privileged and live more secure and enriched lives than their fellow citizens. It brings the entire medical profession into disrepute to complain so bitterly about incomes.

Alam describes medicine as a calling and she recollects with flair the ailing patients she has saved and the tears she has shed from overwhelming fatigue. Alams resuscitation at midnight of a father of two and the first premie (she) saved are not special. It is what doctors do and are paid handsomely to do.

The public will not be fooled by such sanctimonious declarations and moral cover for what lies at the heart of the dispute between government and doctors  physician incomes. And higher wages for doctors will do nothing to remedy the flaws in our health care system.

The public would take doctors a lot more seriously if, along with their demands for more money, they called for a redistribution of wealth in the form of far more robust social programs, which collectively influence health to the same degree than all medical interventions combined.

Doctors should not be ashamed of their efforts to secure as best a bargain as possible and would fare better by being transparent instead of promoting tendentious arguments that lack in verisimilitude. They should be ashamed of threats to withdraw services and demanding, as Alam writes, that government submit to the will of the people.

Everyone knows the real expectation is that government submits to the will of the doctors.

Philip B. Berger is a founding member of the Medical Reform Group and a long time downtown Toronto family physician.

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In 2004, the Canadian and U.S. governments signed a treaty to streamline their refugee systems. The Safe Third Party Agreement dictates that most refugees who first land in the United States cannot then claim asylum in Canada, and vice versa. These refugees have already found safe haven, the thinking goes, so why allow a second system to be burdened with an unnecessary claim? Its an efficiency explicitly premised on the assumption that each country has a fair and functioning refugee policy.

But when it comes to the U.S., thats now a bad assumption, even after an appeals court upheld the suspension of President Donald Trump's travel ban on Thursday. In the fog surrounding Trumps three executive orders on immigration, what is clear is that in the coming months those in desperate need of asylum will remain in danger and in limbo. Thats why many legal and human rights experts are calling on Canada to suspend the agreement. As the Star has argued before, Ottawa has a moral obligation to do so immediately.

The case for suspension is put forward obliquely but with particular force in a new report out of the Harvard University Law School. The authors chronicle the grave potential consequences of Trumps three executive orders on immigration: the large-scale detention of asylum seekers, the removal of refugees without due process, the empowering of local officials to detain individuals on mere suspicion of immigration violations, the discrimination based on asylum seekers religion and nationality, among other inhuman and arguably unconstitutional outcomes.

We are not going to tell the Canadian government what to do, the authors write, but the finding that the U.S. is safe is wrong and unfounded, and should be blown out of the water.

Now is the time. Over the last year, as the world watched Trumps unlikely political rise and the anti-immigrant sentiment that fuelled it, the number of refugee claimants illegally crossing the U.S. border into Canada skyrocketed. In Quebec alone, the number of intercepted migrants reached 1,280 in 2016, three times more than in the previous year.

Since Trump took office, the fears of many have been realized and Canadian border officials have witnessed another surge of illegal crossings. Just last weekend, 22 asylum seekers traversed the snowy border into Emerson, Man., some of whom eventually called 911 due to the cold. Among them was a group from Somalia, one of the countries barred from entering the U.S. by Trumps executive order.

These are the expected consequences when Canada is closing its front door to asylum seekers via the U.S. and not [letting] them in lawfully, Osgoode Hall law professor Sean Rehaag told the Star this week. They cannot go through the port of entry and must come through irregular means. Canada needs to create a safe, lawful way for people to come.

As the authors of the Harvard report and other experts have argued, refugees have good reason to flee the United States today: it doesnt offer them safe haven. By suspending the Safe Third Country Agreement, Ottawa would be sending the message that, at least for now, we no longer trust the U.S. refugee system. Thats a bold move, but if we no longer trust the system, what choice do we have?

If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meant what he tweeted about Canadas commitment to openness in the wake of Trumps travel ban, his government should ensure that those who cannot now count on safe haven in the U.S. can find it here.

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PLEASANT PRAIRIE  A Pleasant Prairie man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly failing to register as a sex offender, according to a Thursday release from the Pleasant Prairie Police Department.

Emmett L. Todd, 33, was convicted in 2008 of a sex offense against a minor in Ohio and had recently moved to the Kenosha area. He gained employment at a business located in Pleasant Prairie, but failed to provide necessary information to authorities, the release stated.

State law requires that applicable sex offenders notify and register their address and employment information with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Police received a tip from an anonymous individual that Todd had not complied with this requirement.

He was arrested on a felony count of failing to provide sex offender information and was being held in the Kenosha County Jail as of Wednesday, the release stated.

Anyone with additional information related to this matter is asked to contact the Pleasant Prairie Police Department at 262-694-7353 or Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333.
Dont be a Theresa. Dont be a Malcolm.

As Justin Trudeau heads to Washington on Monday for his much-ballyhooed first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump, the prime minister has two clear examples of what not to do.

Dont act like Theresa May, the British prime minister who rushed to Washington in the first week of the Trump presidency to underscore the special relationship that the United States and the United Kingdom are supposed to enjoy.

May was so eager to please that she publicly flattered the president and invited him to come to London for a rare state visit. She even held hands with him (or at least let him hold her hand). Worse, she did it when a photographer was around to snap the deed.

May hasnt lived it down since. Shes seen in Britain as Donalds poodle. Not a good image.

Then theres Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian prime minister who had the bad luck to have his first phone chat with Trump at a moment when the new president was in a particularly testy mood.

Trump set the tone by tweeting out his dissatisfaction with a deal on refugees made by the Obama administration with Australia (I will study this dumb deal!)

Then someone, apparently a White House staffer concerned about the presidents erratic behaviour, leaked a story that the phone call with Turnbull turned belligerent and was apparently cut short by Trump. It seems poor Turnbull just got in the line of fire at a moment when the president was tired and cranky.

The trick for Prime Minister Trudeau will be to avoid both these pitfalls. To be friendly, but not too friendly, at least in public. To clearly assert Canadian values, but not in a way that will be seen as a direct rebuke to Trump, especially as his guest in his own house.

So far the government has walked this line well. It has resisted the temptation to play to the gallery, as NDP Leader Tom Mulcair did when he denounced Trump as a fascist during a debate in the House of Commons. Its one thing for the third-party leader to toss around such labels; the prime minister clearly must weigh his words more carefully.

This is not an abdication of responsibility. Its simply a recognition that all prime ministers must get on as best they can with all presidents, regardless of their likes and dislikes, even regardless of serious differences on matters of principle.

Lester Pearson had to get on with Lyndon Johnson, even as Pearson criticized American policy in Vietnam, leading the president (according to an oft-told story) to hoist the diminutive prime minister by his lapels in the Oval Office and shout You pissed on my rug! Pierre Trudeau had to at least pretend to get on with Richard Nixon, who was caught on tape bluntly referring to the prime minister as an asshole and a pompous egghead.

So theres no need for the leaders to bond on a personal level, though that can be a bonus. But there is a need for Canada to make sure its relationship with the U.S. does not go sour, for obvious reasons of geography and economics.

On economics, Canada has excellent arguments to make. Ministers and diplomats have already been making the case in Washington that the trade partnership between the two countries is already a model of what Trump says he wants to see elsewhere  a balanced relationship that makes sense for a president determined to put America first.

Trump has made much of the fact that the U.S. imports more manufactured goods from the likes of China and Mexico, supposedly exporting jobs to those countries. Canada is in the opposite position: we import more manufactured goods from the U.S. than we sell there, and send the Americans oil and other natural resources to make up the difference.

Thats a pattern that should make sense in newly protectionist Washington, if logic carries the day. But its also true that the power balance is very much one-sided, given the relative size of the two economies. Canadas exports of goods and services to the U.S. account for about 23 per cent of our GDP, while American exports to Canada amount to just under 2 per cent of U.S. GDP.

In other words, they matter way more to us than we matter to them. That leaves us vulnerable, and they know it.

All the more reason for Canada to manage this new relationship carefully and spare no effort in cultivating ties at all levels in Washington and throughout the U.S. The fact that many Canadians (fully 58 per cent according to a poll this week) feel that Canada should risk a trade war with the U.S. if Washington imposes new tariffs at the border should not tempt the Trudeau government to stray from its chosen course.

So far that has involved sending a parade of ministers to Washington to meet with members of Trumps new cabinet  including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defence Secretary James (Mad Dog) Mattis and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross  plus whichever White House officials will see them.

The idea is to make early connections with top officials while the power relationships in the new administration are still coming together. No one seems to know just how it will all shake out, but it is encouraging that Trumps cabinet includes a number of strong figures who arent afraid to dissent openly from the president on some issues (as Mattis did, for example, on the wisdom of using torture). Trump is apparently fine with that.

On Monday, observers will parse every word Trudeau and Trump utter in Washington and scrutinize every detail of the body language between the two men. The prime minister should not hesitate to make clear the Canadian view on such key matters as refugees, immigration and openness to the world. But he should be careful to avoid needless jabs at the president at this stage.

And above all, dont hold his hand.

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Re:

Thank you, Canada, for your heartwarming and overwhelming public display of support for our Muslim community in the aftermath of the terrible Quebec City killings.

Thank you for being an example to the rest of the world as to what an inclusive society looks like, what it looks like to support your fellow citizens, and for showing that when political leaders publicly stand up for the rights of all citizens, the nation will follow accordingly, and is better for it.

For Muslims in Canada, this support brings with it an increased responsibility to show our willingness to become even better citizens, more involved in civic matters, more involved in the politics of our nation, more open to our non-Muslim neighbours, whilst still adhering to the tenets of our faith. Canada is where we can do this!

It is important that we be at the vanguard of assisting in the event any of our Christian, Jewish, other religious or non-religious communities face a crisis, whether manmade or otherwise.

Let us be Canadian Muslims, and not just Muslims living in Canada!

Faheem Schroeder, Waterloo

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Re: When doctors battle doctors there are bound to be casualties, Feb. 9

When doctors battle doctors there are bound to be casualties, Feb. 9

Columnist Martin Regg Cohn adroitly captures the nuances of the dizzying conflict between patients, doctors, the provincial government and the OMA over medical services. However, these parties are all too focused on past developments.

Janus was the two-headed Roman god of changes  one head looked to the past and one to the future. Cohn does not address the greatest threat to professional medicine  AI. According to researchers from Houston Methodist Research Institute, AI can analyze mammogram results 30 times faster than doctors, and with 99 per cent accuracy. I am not talking about app symptom checkers, but about deep-learning neural networks and their ilk.

A recent article by Richard and Daniel Susskind in the Harvard Business Review stated that technology will replace many doctors, lawyers and other professionals. Wouldnt it be wiser for doctors and other professionals to concentrate on what separates them from software systems  for example, human interaction, empathy and creativity  instead of squabbling about who ought to be in control?

Moses Shuldiner, Toronto

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For many months now the Toronto Stars Noor Javed and Kristin Rushowy have reported diligently on the racial tensions roiling within the York Region District School Board that have led to Ontarios education minister ordering an urgent review of the board.

These two reporters work exemplifies the journalists mission to hold public officials to account. Their reporting on allegations of racism and Islamophobia within a school board that has received relatively little media scrutiny in past is of strong public interest and, to my mind, has been accurate, fair, comprehensive and necessary. Most notably, their exclusive reports have shone a light on a Markham principal who posted anti-Muslim content on her public Facebook page and a longtime school trustee who used the n-word in reference to a black parent.

In reporting on trustee Nancy Elgie, 82, who publicly apologized for using the repugnant racial slur, but has resisted calls for her resignation  that includes a petition signed by more than 2,800 parents  Javed and Rushowy have gone above and beyond to be fair, going back repeatedly to the trustee, her family members and other sources to give them opportunity to tell their full story.

The reporters and their editors were thus surprised when critics this week accused them of irresponsible and unfair reporting on Elgie, charging they had not given readers all the facts. As one reader told them, Finally, the real story has come out.

The reason for this criticism: A Star opinion page article written by two of Elgies children, Stewart Elgie and Allyson Harrison, and headlined in the Stars print edition Facts to consider when you judge Nancy Elgie.

As Nancys children, we ask only that you learn the full story  which has not all come out yet  before passing judgment, the pair wrote.

The opinion article was wholly sympathetic to Nancy Elgie, as one would expect of an article written by her children.

But the reality is that the reason all the facts they recounted had not come out yet was because they themselves had chosen not to tell the reporters and had indeed asked the reporters not to report specific details of their mothers head injury. When her children later decided to disclose more details, they opted to bypass the reporters who would have certainly asked them tough questions about why their mother had continued to work as a trustee.

Although they had not been present when their mother uttered the racial slur, the Elgies told Star readers that their mothers use of the n-word was accidental and attributed it to a fall that left her with a concussion from a head wound that required 20 staples to close. Struggling with words is a symptom of a concussion, they wrote, adding their mother had had trouble mixing up words when speaking.

On seeing the opinion piece in the newspaper, Javed and Rushowy  and some others in the Stars newsroom  felt strongly that their careful and difficult reporting had been undermined by their own news organization.

The reporters accept the Stars long tradition of a distinct separation between the newsroom and the editorial/opinion pages and dont take serious issue with the Elgies having an opportunity to express their personal perspective in a Star opinion page piece, and nor do I. They understand that whatever the newsroom reports on, the Stars editorial and opinion pages have wide latitude to present divergent views on the news. Thats what good editorial and opinion pages should do.

But the reporters and their editors question the articles premise that readers had not been given the full story. In particular, they question the articles prominent headline suggesting there were other facts to be revealed about the incident, especially since they had previously tried to get the Elgies to go on the record to talk about their mothers injury. It was only after the Elgies received assurances that their article would be published that Stewart Elgie agreed to talk to the reporters about the full extent of their mothers injury.

Also, the fact that the Elgies were able to communicate directly to readers on the opinion page sparked considerable controversy from those who believe there are no mitigating circumstances that make it acceptable for Elgie to remain in public office after being heard uttering the racial slur. Not surprisingly, given the racially charged tensions that have been exposed within the York Region board, those critics question why the opinion article was published at all. I suspect many do not understand the mandate of the opinion pages to provide a wide range of voices on controversial issues.

After the Elgie family approached the Star to share their perspective in an opinion piece, Andrew Phillips, the Stars editorial page editor, and Scott Colby, the opinion page editor, gave it the go-ahead following some debate with the reporters and their editors who expressed reservations about the tone of the article that, to them, suggested Elgie had not been given an opportunity to tell her full story when she very clearly had been.

Phillips and Colby do not believe that publishing the personal perspective of Elgies children undermines the reporters work  and they have made clear to the newsroom that that was certainly not the intention.

The piece included significant new information and provided a unique perspective from the family of Nancy Elgie. We have published lots on this issue and the article was another piece of the puzzle in this evolving story, Phillips says. He believes readers can understand that the article is the opinion of the Elgie children and not an endorsement by the Star of their personal perspective.

In fact, in a strongly worded editorial published two weeks ago, the Stars editorial called for Elgie to do the right thing and resign.

Theres no kind way to say this: York Region District School Board trustee Nancy Elgie has got to go, it stated.

Indeed, one can have compassion for Elgie and the passionate personal pleadings of her children on her behalf. But, the Stars editorial view of this issue remains rightly I believe firm: Elgie should indeed step down from public office.

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Updated with comments from Facebook spokesperson.

The tech companies opposing President Trump's immigration ban in court gave thousands of dollars to his nomination convention and inauguration.

Ninety-seven tech firms signed onto a legal brief filed over the weekend calling for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to deny the Trump administration's motion to reinstate a ban on travel from seven Muslim-majority countries, arguing that the January 27 executive order one that "inflicts significant harm" on American business and innovation and violates the U.S. Constitution. Many of the companies that signed on gave major donations to the Republican National Convention and Trump's inauguration, both of which took place long after the real estate magnate first called for a ban on Muslim immigration on the campaign trail.

Lobbying disclosures revealed Microsoft (MSFT) gave $500,000 to Trump's inauguration festivities, half in cash and half in "in-kind contribution, products and services," reports the Center for Public Integrity.

A brochure obtained by the publication found major donors were being offered major perks for their contributions. Those giving over $500,000 got an invite to an "intimate dinner" with Vice President Mike Pence and his wife and tickets to several other inaugural events.

Trump's inauguration committee doesn't have to file detailed reports listing contributors until 90 days after the January 20 event. The planning group told The New York Times it raised more than $100 million.

Federal Election Commission filings show Microsoft and other tech companies now opposing the travel ban contributed to the Cleveland 2016 Host Committee that organized the Republican National Convention in July. Microsoft contributed $1.8 million in in-kind software and software licensing. Prior to the RNC, the Redmond, Washington-based company clarified it would not be making a cash donation to the RNC but left the door open for doing so for the Democratic convention.

Facebook (FB) gave $1 million to the RNC host committee, and Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google gave $500,000. Twitter (TWTR) donated $250,000.

To be sure, all four companies gave to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia as well. Prior to the convention, Facebook and Google defended their decisions to contribute to both conventions.

And, the companies and their leaders have clashed with Trump. Zuckerberg criticized Trump's call for a wall at a developer conference in April. Twitter refused to run an emoji version of the hashtag #CrookedHillary during the campaign, resulting in its exclusion from the Trump tech meeting in December.

Representatives for Microsoft and Google did not return requests for comment.

Twitter spokesman Nu Wesler pointed to a website disclosing all of the company's political giving and a statement given to The Hill last year, when he said, "Twitter works with both major political parties and we will support both national conventions, in order to promote civic engagement and democratic participation."

A Facebook spokesperson said the company "supported both the Democratic and Republican conventions in a similar manner and without endorsing any one candidate, issue, or political party. Having a presence at each convention allowed us to facilitate an open dialogue among voters, candidates, and elected officials during the conventions, just as we had during other critical moments in the U.S. elections and in elections around the world."

Trump's inflammatory remarks on the campaign trail were cause for consternation in corporate America, and many companies were pressured to scale back or withhold funding for the GOP convention. Some were swayed.

Apple (AAPL) , which signed onto the immigration ban letter, did not contribute to either convention's host committee, according to FEC filings. Airbnb, another signatory that aired an ad apparently aimed at Trump's executive order, gave $100,000 to the Democratic host committee but not to the GOP.

The tech community is one of a number of parties that have come out in opposition to Trump's January 27 executive order, which temporarily bars entry into the U.S. by people from seven countries -- Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

On Monday afternoon, attorneys general from 16 states filed a brief supporting the lawsuit brought about by Washington state and Minnesota that resulted in Federal Judge James Robart in Seattle halting the enforcement of the order on Friday.

Microsoft last week asked the Trump administration to grant suspensions on the ban in a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Apple's Tim Cook, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, Twitter's Jack Dorsey and Microsoft's Satya Nadella have all spoken out against the order.

But as Trump noted in a recent tweet, cracking down on immigration was "a big part" of his campaign.

Trump first called for a "total and complete shutdown" of Muslims entering the U.S. in December 2015.

When he announced his bid for the presidency in July 2015, he said Mexicans in the U.S. were bringing drugs and crime into the country and called them "rapists." During the same speech, he called for a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border that Mexico would pay for.

The president also called for a clampdown on H1-B visas, upon which a number of tech companies are heavily reliant, throughout Election 2016. On his campaign website, he referred to Florida Republican Marco Rubio as Zuckerberg's "personal Senator" over his support of H-1B visas.

As the tech community rallies to resist Trump's crackdown on immigration and worries it's bad for business, they might be regretting the checks they wrote in support of him during the campaign.
Reckitt Benckiser (RBGLY) said Friday that it has reached an agreement to buy Mead Johnson (MJN) for an enterprise value of $17.9 billion.

Reckitt will pay $90 a share for the Glenview, Ill.-based maker of infant formula, the company said in a statement, valuing Mead Johnson at $16.6 billion. Reckitt said the total value of the transaction, including debt, will be $17.9 billion. The bid price represents an 8.37% premium to Mead's Thursday closing price in New York, but is unchanged from the Feb. 2 price first floated by Reckitt, which was a 30% premium at the time it was announced.

"The acquisition of Mead Johnson is a significant step forward in RB's journey as a leader in consumer health. With the Enfa family of brands, the world's leading franchise in infant and children's nutrition, we will provide families with vital nutritional support. This is a natural extension to RB's consumer health portfolio of Powerbrands which are already trusted by millions of mothers, reinforcing the importance of health and hygiene for their families."

Reckitt said it expects to have the deal closed by the end of the third quarter of this year and that it will be "accretive to adjusted diluted EPS in the first full year and double-digit accretive by year 3," according to its statement. It also said that its return on capital will exceed its capital costs by year five.

Reckitt said it had "committed" debt financing in place and that it expects to maintain a strong investment grade credit rating. Last week, Moody's Investors Service put Reckitt's A1/P-1 credit rating on review for a potential downgrade, citing the risk of a "significant deterioration" in the company's credit metrics.

"In addition, the execution risk will increase as RB will need to address Mead Johnson's low organic growth particularly in the US and China," Moody's said.

Mead Johnson holds the third-largest share of the global infant formula market, according to Euromonitor data, with a 10% slice that sits behind Nestle (NSRGY) and Groupe Danone (DANOY) (22% and 12% respectively). However, Mead has struggled with negative organic growth in the past two years, with its core Enfamil brand losing share in the United States and regulation and demographics slowing growth in China.

But, the infant formula market remains a key growth area.

The global infant formula market was expected to reach $24.5 billion in sales last year, up 9.3% from 2015, according to Future Market Insights. FMI estimates that the global infant formula market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1% through 2026, and surpass $64 billion in sales.

Mead shares closed at $83.05 each in New York Thursday after falling 1.08% on the session. The stock has risen 19.5% since the first Reckitt approach on Feb. 2.

Reckitt shares ended the Thursday session in London little changed at 7,239.75 and have gained around 6% since the first bid approach.
RACINE  A Racine woman is facing charges after she allegedly vandalized vehicles in January outside an apartment complex near Northwestern Avenue.

Laketa C. Kelly, 26, of the 2800 block of Crossridge Drive, was charged Thursday with criminal damage to property after she reportedly slashed tires and vandalized an acquaintances vehicles.

According to the criminal complaint:

Police responded to the 2800 block of Crossridge Drive for a report of vandalism on Jan. 20.

Upon arrival, officers noticed that a vehicles rear drivers side tire had been slashed. A witness claimed that he had witnessed an unknown woman walking quickly away from the area after hearing what sounded like air releasing from a tire.

Officers spoke with another witness who stated that on Jan. 21. he heard pounding on his door. When the witness looked out his window into the parking lot, he reportedly saw Laketa Kelly, who he recognized from previous social contacts, slash three tires on his Buick and then use a bat to damage his other vehicle, an Impala, in multiple places.

The witness stated that after he exited his apartment, he found the words LIER scratched into the hood of one of his cars and along the drivers side panels.

The witness took the Impala to a Racine body shop, where he was told the damage to the vehicle was estimated at $6,431.85. The witness stated he also spent $163 on tires for the Impala, $78.83 on towing fees for the Buick and $296 for new tires for the Buick.

Police later had the witness with the damaged cars look at a photo lineup and he reportedly positively identified Kelly as the party who he observed damaging his vehicles.

On Wednesday, Kelly was detained after a traffic stop as she left the Crossridge Drive area.

Kelly remained in the Racine County Jail as of Thursday, according to jail records. Kellys next appearance is a pre-trial conference scheduled for 3:15 p.m. on March 9 at the Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.
MOUNT PLEASANT  Madison Attorney Dean Strang, made famous by the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer, on Wednesday implored local lawyers to work to address the social ramifications in the poverty in their community.

Strang spoke as a guest of the Racine County Bar Association Wednesday at the groups winter dinner held at the Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring St. During the event, Strang announced that the defense team for Brendan Dassey is ready for oral arguments at the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals scheduled for Tuesday.

In August, a federal judge overturned Dasseys conviction for his role in the 2005 killing of photographer Teresa Halbach in Manitowoc County, ruling investigators coerced him into confessing. Wisconsins Department of Justice appealed that decision to the 7th Circuit.

Were ready to go, Strang said of Dasseys defense team.

Making a Murderer, which was a hit with viewers nationwide, depicted the pitfalls of the justice system through Steven Avery and his nephew Dasseys 2007 trial for the murder of Halbach, a photographer for an auto marketing publication.

Strang talked about the regrets he had after defending Avery, which propelled him into the national spotlight.

We had a change of venue but did not pursue it, Strang said. We had a right to a mistrial at the end when we lost one of the 12 deliberating jurors.

Strang said at that point under Wisconsin law, the defense team could have requested a mistrial or substituted an alternate juror and they went with the latter decision.

These are the kinds of decisions you drive yourself crazy with the rest of your life, Strang said.

He continues to struggle with his own part in the case because he believed there was enough reasonable doubt in the case to acquit Avery.

I recognized then that there was some evidence supporting Avery murdered Teresa Halbach, but Ive never been comfortable with the integrity of all of that evidence. And Ive never been comfortable that in the end  that if I had been put in the position of a juror  I could have honestly returned a verdict of guilt, Strang said.

The cycle of poverty

But it was a message of addressing social challenges in society that was a key component of Strangs talk Wednesday night.

Strang challenged the Racine attorneys to be more active in their community and work harder and care more because of the poverty of hope that holds people back and contributes to crime rates.

They need to start thinking of poverty differently. Its not just about how many nickels you have in your pocket, Sprang said.

He told the group how people have little ownership in the community if theyre impoverished in education, their spiritual life and even knowing their own familys history and genealogy.

You see yourself as being a part of something important. And its a part of you. It affects the identity you create for yourself, Strang said. One of the problems our clients have is they often have no meaningful sense of identity. They dont value their own lives or anyone elses.

Mentor and crusader

Robert Keller, president of the Racine County Bar Association, said hes grateful Strang is willing to channel his talents and celebrity to strive for change in the criminal justice system.

Many of our attorneys in Racine know Dean, have worked with him or have been students of his in his various law school courses. We are grateful, Keller said.

One of those attorneys, Andrew Wier of the Mount Pleasant office of Habush, Habush and Rottier S.C., had Strang as an instructor at the University of Wisconsin Law School.

He is somebody who lives how he works. He cares and is extremely intelligent and he has walked the walk, Wier said.
The following companies are subsidiares of Whirlpool: 1900 Holdings Corporation, ADC, Aeradriatica S.p.A., Airdun Limited, B. Blend Maquinas e Bebidas S.A., BUD Comercio de Eletrodomesticos Ltda., BWI Products Limited, Bauknecht AG, Bauknecht Hausgerate GmbH, Bauknecht Limited, Beijing Embraco Snowflake Compressor Company Limited, Bill Page Orchestra, Bill Page Orchestra Inc., Brasmotor S.A., Brunson Place Properties, Brunson Place Properties LLC, CNB Consultoria Ltda, Cannon Industries Ltd., Centro de Desarrollo Tecnologico e Innovacion WHM S. de R.L de C.V., Comercial Acros Whirlpool, Comercial Acros Whirlpool S. de R.L. de C.V., Consumer Appliances Service Limited, Ealing Compania de Gestiones y Participaciones S.A., Elera Delaware, Elera Delaware Inc., Elera Holdings Corporation, Embraco Europe S.r.l., Embraco Eurosales S.r.l., Embraco Industria de Compressores e Solucoes em Refrigeracao Ltda., Embraco Luxembourg S.a r.l., Embraco Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Embraco Mexico Servicios, Embraco Mexico Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Embraco North America, Embraco North America Inc., Embraco RUS LLC, Embraco Slovakia S.r.o., Everest Campus, Everest Campus LLC., General Domestic Appliances Holdings Ltd, General Domestic Appliances International Ltd., Guangdong Whirlpool Electrical Appliances Co., Guangdong Whirlpool Electrical Appliances Co. Ltd., Haceb Whirlpool Industrias S.A.S., Hefei Rongshida Sanyo Electric, Hefei Whirlpool Enterprise Management Service Co. Ltd., Hoover Comercial Limitada, IRE Beteiligungs GmbH, Indesit Argentina S.A., Indesit Company, Indesit Company Beyaz Esya Pazarlama A.S., Indesit Company Beyaz Esya Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Indesit Company Ceska S.r.o., Indesit Company Domestic Appliances Hellas Mepe, Indesit Company International Business S.A., Indesit Company Luxembourg S.A., Indesit Company Magyarorszag Kft, Indesit Company Nordics AB, Indesit Company Polska Sp. zo.o., Indesit Company Singapore Pte. Ltd., Indesit Company UK Holdings Ltd., Indesit IP S.r.l., Indesit International ZAO, Indesit Ireland Ltd., Indesit Middle East FZE, Indesit Ukraine LLC, Industrias Acros Whirlpool S. de R.L. de C.V., Industrias Acros Whirlpool S.A. de C.V, Jackson Appliances Ltd., Joint-Stock Company Indesit International, KitchenAid, KitchenAid Australia Pty Ltd, KitchenAid Australia Pty Ltd., KitchenAid Delaware Inc., KitchenAid Europa Inc., KitchenAid Global, KitchenAid Global Inc., KitchenAid Inc., KitchenAid Korea Limited, KitchenAid Promotions, KitchenAid Promotions LLC, KitchenAid Trading Co., KitchenAid Trading Co. Ltd., LAWSA S.A., MLOG Armazem Geral Ltda., Maytag Corporation, Maytag Limited, Maytag Properties, Maytag Properties LLC, Maytag Sales, Maytag Sales Inc., Maytag Worldwide N.V., Merloni Domestic Appliances Ltd., Nineteen Hundred Corporation, Polar S.A., Qingdao EECON Electronic Controls and Appliances Co., Qingdao EECON Electronic Controls and Appliances Co. Ltd., South American Sales Partnership, THC Assets Corporation, Up Points Servicos Empresariais S.A., Vitromatic S.A. de C.V., WCGP Nova Scotia Co., WHirlpool EMEA Finanace S.a r.l., Whirlpool (Australia) Pty. Limited, Whirlpool (B.V.I.) Limited, Whirlpool (China) Co. Ltd., Whirlpool (China) Investment Co., Whirlpool (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Whirlpool (Hefei) Trading Co., Whirlpool (Hefei) Trading Co. Ltd, Whirlpool (Hong Kong) Limited, Whirlpool (Japan) Co. Ltd., Whirlpool (Thailand) Limited, Whirlpool ASEAN Co., Whirlpool America Holdings Corp., Whirlpool Argentina S.r.l., Whirlpool Asia B.V., Whirlpool Asia Holdings S.a r.l., Whirlpool Asia Inc., Whirlpool Asia LLP, Whirlpool Belux N.V./S.A., Whirlpool Bermuda Euro Ltd., Whirlpool Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S., Whirlpool Bulgaria Ltd., Whirlpool CIS Ltd., Whirlpool CR, Whirlpool CR spol. s.r.o., Whirlpool CSA Holdings S.a r.l., Whirlpool Canada Co., Whirlpool Canada Co. (post 9/1/05 amalgamation company), Whirlpool Canada Holding Co, Whirlpool Canada Holding Co. (post 4/18/06 amalgamation company), Whirlpool Canada Investments S.a r.l., Whirlpool Canada LP, Whirlpool Canada Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Whirlpool Chile Limitada, Whirlpool Colombia S.A.S., Whirlpool Comercial Ltda., Whirlpool Company Polska Sp. z o.o., Whirlpool Company Ukraine LLC, Whirlpool Croatia Ltd., Whirlpool EMEA S.p.A., Whirlpool Ecuador S.A., Whirlpool Eesti OU, Whirlpool El Salvador, Whirlpool El Salvador S.A. de C.V., Whirlpool Electrodomesticos S.A., Whirlpool Eletrodomesticos AM S.A., Whirlpool Enterprises, Whirlpool Enterprises LLC, Whirlpool Europe B.V., Whirlpool Europe Coordination Center, Whirlpool Europe Holdings Limited, Whirlpool Ev Aletleri Pazarlama Ve Ticaret A.S., Whirlpool Finance B.V., Whirlpool Finance Center Corp., Whirlpool Finance Luxembourg S.a r.l., Whirlpool Finance Overseas Ltd., Whirlpool Financial Corporation, Whirlpool Financial Corporation International, Whirlpool Floor Care Corp., Whirlpool France Holdings SAS, Whirlpool France SAS, Whirlpool Germany GmbH, Whirlpool Global B.V., Whirlpool Global Investments B.V., Whirlpool Greater China Inc., Whirlpool Guatemala, Whirlpool Guatemala S.A., Whirlpool Hellas S.A., Whirlpool Holdings Corporation, Whirlpool Home Appliances B.V., Whirlpool Home Appliances Limited Liability Company, Whirlpool Hungarian Trading Limited Liability Company, Whirlpool India Holdings Limited, Whirlpool Insurance Company, Whirlpool Insurance Company Ltd., Whirlpool Internacional S. de R.L. de C.V., Whirlpool International GmbH, Whirlpool International Holdings S.a r.l., Whirlpool International Manufacturing S.a r.l., Whirlpool Ireland Appliances Limited, Whirlpool Ireland Limited, Whirlpool Italia Holdings S.r.l., Whirlpool Italia S.r.l., Whirlpool Japan Co. Ltd., Whirlpool Japan Inc., Whirlpool Kazakhstan LLP, Whirlpool Latin America Corporation, Whirlpool Latvia S.I.A., Whirlpool Lietuva UAB, Whirlpool Ltd Belgrade, Whirlpool Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Whirlpool Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Whirlpool Luxembourg S.a r.l., Whirlpool Luxembourg Ventures S.a r.l., Whirlpool MEEA DMCC, Whirlpool Magyarorszag Kereskedelmi Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Whirlpool Management Services S.a.g.l., Whirlpool Maroc S. a r.l., Whirlpool Mauritius Limited, Whirlpool Mexico Holdings LLC, Whirlpool Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Whirlpool Mexico S.A. de C.V., Whirlpool Mexico Ventures LLC, Whirlpool Microwave Products Development Limited, Whirlpool NAAG Holdings Corporation, Whirlpool NAR Holdings, Whirlpool NAR Holdings LLC, Whirlpool Nederland B.V., Whirlpool Nordic, Whirlpool Nordic A/S, Whirlpool Nordic AB, Whirlpool Nordic AS, Whirlpool Nordic OY, Whirlpool Oceania Inc., Whirlpool Overseas Holdings, Whirlpool Overseas Holdings LLC, Whirlpool Overseas Hong Kong Limited, Whirlpool Overseas Manufacturing S.ar.l., Whirlpool Peru S.R.L., Whirlpool Polska Appliances Sp. z o.o., Whirlpool Polska Sp. z o.o., Whirlpool Portugal, Whirlpool Portugal S.A., Whirlpool Product Development (Shenzhen) Company Limited, Whirlpool Properties, Whirlpool Properties Inc., Whirlpool Puntana S.A., Whirlpool R&D S.r.l., Whirlpool RUS LLC, Whirlpool Realty Corporation, Whirlpool Romania S.r.l., Whirlpool S.A., Whirlpool SSC Limited, Whirlpool Slovakia Home Appliances spol. s.r.o., Whirlpool Slovakia spol. s.r.o., Whirlpool South Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Whirlpool Southeast Asia Pte, Whirlpool Sweden Aktiebolag, Whirlpool Taiwan Co. Ltd., Whirlpool Technologies LLC, Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited, Whirlpool UK Pension Scheme Trustee Limited, Whirlpool Ukraine LLC, Whirlpool WW Holdings B.V., Whirlpool do Brasil Investements B.V., Whirlpool do Brasil Ltda., Whirlpool of India Limited, Whirlpool Osterreich GmbH, Whirlpool Osterreich GmbH, Xpelair, Xpelair Ltd., Yummly, Yummly Canada Ltd., and Yummly Inc..

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Eight civilians have been killed due to militants shelling of Avdiivka.

Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Alexander Hug said this at a press conference, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Militants use Grad multiple launch rocket systems in more than 40% of the attacks. The use of these systems leads to civilian casualties. We recorded 38 victims, including eight fatal cases," Hug said.

He noted that the OSCE had repeatedly warned of the possibility of escalation, as opposition parties were at a short distance from each other.

ish
U.S. President Donald Trump should avoid the mistake made by Barack Obama, who did not dare to provide Ukraine with defensive weapons, necessary for its self-defense.

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Philip Breedlove said this before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Voice of America reports.

"Trumps Administration, which understands the importance of a strong stance for successful outcome of the negotiations, should confess the position of placing defensive equipment on the nearest approaches to the enemy when it comes to countering the Kremlins defiance towards NATO. The Obama administration did not express the desire to provide Ukraine with defensive weapons, needed to better defend itself. The new team can avoid this mistake," Breedlove said.

He also called on Trump not to lift anti-Russian sanctions until Russia fully implements the Minsk agreements.

ol
The European Union has decided to allocate Ukraine the second tranche of macro-financial assistance worth EUR 600 million as the Government of Ukraine has submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a bill on the abolition of the ban on round timber export.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said this after a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman in Brussels on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Due to the fact that the Government of Ukraine has submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a bill on the abolition of the ban on wood export [on abolition of the ban on round timber export], we have decided to allocate EUR 600 million to Ukraine. This will be done in the next few weeks," Juncker said.

He stressed that the Ukrainians should get mutual benefits from the EU for implementation of the ambitious reforms.

ol
In 2016, Ukraine harvested 66 million tons of grain and exported 27.5 million tons.

This was announced by Agrarian Policy and Food Minister of Ukraine Taras Kutovyi, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"In 2016, Ukraine harvested 66 million tons of grain. We exported 27.5 million tons of this amount. The agricultural products totaled 41.4% of the overall export structure as compared to 37.5% last year," Kutovyi said.

However, the Minister noted there was a decline in livestock production.

ol
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu.

This has been reported by the press service of the Head of State.

Petro Poroshenko and Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed the agenda of the next session of the High Level Strategic Council between Ukraine and Turkey planned to be held under the chairmanship of the two heads of state in spring 2017.

The parties emphasized the importance of prompt completion of negotiations on the FTA Agreement between Ukraine and Turkey.

The foreign minister assured that Turkey would further retain unwavering position in support of Ukraines territorial integrity, including the non-recognition of the illegal occupation of Crimea.

ish
All 28 NATO member countries unanimously support Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman stated this on 112 Ukraine TV Channel, when commenting on the results of a meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller, the governments press service reports.

Id like to stress that Ive heard very clear messages that the Alliance unanimously supports Ukraine. There are no different opinions on this issue. All 28 member countries expressed their clear support for Ukraine and that they understand the processes taking place in the country, Groysman said.

He noted that he had a fruitful meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller, during which they considered a number of new issues that could promote bilateral cooperation. In particular, it is the issue of comprehensive support for the State Emergency Situations Service to ensure efficient domestic security because of the Russian aggression.

We can improve our cooperation in this field  military trainings, work with trust funds, which provide technical support for Ukraine in the framework of our cooperation programs, Prime Minister Groysman said.

iy
Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has stated that the final decision on granting Ukraine visa-free regime with the European Union can be taken by June of this year.

The Prime Minister stated this on 112 Ukraine TV Channel.

"In fact, technical procedures are carried out every month. I think it will be possible to take a final decision by June. I have seen the position of the President of the European Council, I trust this," the head of government said.

He noted that Ukraine could get a visa-free regime with the EU in the end of last year, but it didnt happen because of the migration crisis.

ish
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said he wants to meet with French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen to change her opinion about Ukraine.

This is reported by TSN Ukrainian news service.

According to Klimkin, he will make at least two visits to Paris in March and plans to meet with all the presidential candidates, asking the Ukrainian Ambassador in France to arrange a meeting with Marine Le Pen.

"I'll show her the materials we have prepared within our lawsuit based on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, including in relation to Crimea. I'll show her a lot of materials," the Minister said.

As reported, Le Pen said in January that the annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea by Russia was "not illegal".

ol
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has once again stressed that Turkey will never recognize Russias illegal annexation of Crimea.

He stated this during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Turkey fully supports territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence and political unity of Ukraine. We always emphasize this at the bilateral meetings and at the international level. I want to particularly stress once again that we will never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea," he said.

The Minister also stressed that Turkey is responsible for "supporting the Crimean Tatars and defending their rights in Crimea."

ol
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have established the Canada Ukraine Stakeholder Advisory Council (CUSAC), which will hold regular meetings between Canadian diplomats and the Ukrainian community representatives.

This was announced by Alison LeClaire, Senior Arctic Official and Director General, Circumpolar Affairs and Eastern Europe and Eurasia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Canada, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The Government of Canada remains committed to working with Ukraine, and there is no more important connection between our two countries than people-to-people ties. The opportunity provided by CUSAC to sit down and discuss such a wide array of issues is of great benefit to the government, and, I trust, our partners in the community," LeClaire said.

As noted by UCC Director of Government Relations Paul Migus, this new forum CUSAC will become important occasion for the community to provide direct input, feedback and recommendations.

"We are thankful for the opportunity to meet with many high-level government officials who are responsible for implementing Canadas many bilateral and multilateral programs in Ukraine," Migus said.

ol
I read with interest your article in todays paper about the difficulty in contacting Paul Ryan. Using the website contact information, I have emailed Congressman Ryan on several occasions expressing my concerns about his attacks on railroad retirement and continued efforts to shut down Amtrak.

The last two emails that were sent in August of last year have never been answered, even though I requested an answer as provided. This lack of response indicates to me that Paul Ryan could care less what any of us think, especially if we disagree with his agenda. This premise holds true to Congressman Ryans listening sessions which are more of us listening to him and him not listening to us.

During the last session I attended in Kenosha, Congressman Ryan basically refused to consider anyones thoughts that did not conform to his. Contacting Ryans office by his constituents is a futile effort because he is not interested in what we have to say and does not answer written communications. The article in The Journal Times on Feb. 6 seems to be written in defense of Congressman Ryan and to exonerate him for his lack of communication with his constituents.

Craig Willett

Caledonia


(Patrick George for The Washington Post)

For years, Wall Street has complained that restrictions placed on the industry after the financial crisis went too far and were too costly. Those concerns didnt generate much sympathy  until now.

President Trump has opened the door for sweeping changes to the way financial institutions  big and small  are regulated. He signed an executive order calling for a review of the laws that govern the U.S. financial system in an opening bid to upend the Dodd-Frank Act, the financial overhaul passed in 2010.

Banks and other financial institutions are dusting off their wish lists in hopes of trimming, if not killing, some of the most costly portions of the law. The countrys biggest banks will spend $100 billion over the next five years complying with regulations, said Mike Mayo, a banking analyst with CLSA, a boutique investment firm.

Dodd-Frank was enacted to prevent another financial crisis, Mayo said. And it was done quickly and with purpose, but it was not done efficiently for the industry.

Of course, dismantling the legislation will not be easy. It took more than a year to pass and is composed of hundreds of regulations issued by more than half a dozen agencies. Some pieces of the bill required the approval of several federal agencies and would be cumbersome to revisit. After hiring thousands of people to help digest the new rules, some big banks say they are not looking for another time-consuming change.

Large financial institutions now must hold onto more capital, a measure of a banks ability to absorb losses, and endure yearly stress tests to prove that they could survive economic calamity. But that hasnt stopped some from getting bigger anyway. JPMorgan Chase now has nearly $2.5 trillion in assets, up from about $2.2 trillion in 2008. Wells Fargo has grown even faster, now holding $1.9 trillion in assets compared with $1.3 trillion in 2008.

Were not asking for wholesale throwing out of Dodd-Frank, Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, said at a financial services conference in December. James Gorman, chief executive of Morgan Stanley, told CNBC recently, Ill be very clear about this: Im not a fan of getting rid of Dodd-Frank.

Rather than starting over, industry leaders say, they would rather tweak the framework Dodd-Frank created. Some of those changes will require congressional approval, but others may be easier to accomplish through the business-friendly regulators Trump is expected to appoint than by enduring a bruising battle in Congress. Small community banks, for example, are hoping regulators will more explicitly exempt them from cumbersome rules developed for Wall Street giants.

There is a lot that can be done with new personnel, said a senior financial industry official, who like others in this article spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk frankly.

Even insiders wonder what is ahead. Here is a guide to the areas of Dodd-Frank most likely to be rolled back during the Trump administration:



(Patrick George for The Washington Post)

Restrictions

on risky trading

Dodd-Frank touches nearly every aspect of the way banks operate. But one of the most controversial ones has long been what is known as the Volcker Rule, which aims to prevent large, federally insured banks from making risky financial bets. Financial institutions that make loans and collect consumer deposits, such as checking and savings accounts, shouldnt be taking on the same type of risks that hedge funds and private-equity firms may, supporters of the rules say. Limiting those activities helps keep the financial system safer, they said.

But problems began to mount as regulators tried to distinguish between speculative activities, known as proprietary trading, which the rule intends to limit, and other types of activities such as market-making, in which banks buy and sell securities to clients, or hedging, in which banks attempt to offset risk in their holdings.

The banking industry says the rule, which is named after Paul Volcker, former chairman of the Federal Reserve, is too complex and has been improperly applied to small community banks.

Dimon famously criticized the rule, saying regulators would need a psychiatrist to help determine whether a trade was proprietary.

Dimon once famously warned that for every trader, we are going to have to have a lawyer, compliance officer, doctor to see what their testosterone levels are, and a shrink  what is your intent?

The intent behind the Volcker rule is a good one, Mayo said. The execution is riddled with red tape, complexity and lawyers.

But there is another factor: A 2014 report by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a financial regulator, found that the rule would cost national banks as much as $4.3 billion to implement as they would have to sell some investments at a loss. That doesnt include the billions that banks would potentially lose by not being able to make these bets, industry officials say.

Some Republicans want to ditch the provision all together, which would require legislation and is likely to spark a fierce fight with Democrats. But Steve Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker who Trump has nominated to be treasury secretary, appears to be leaning toward coming up with a compromise.

I support the Volcker Rule, but there needs to be proper definition around the Volcker Rule so banks can understand what they can do and what they cant do, Mnuchin told the Senate Banking Committee last month.



(Patrick George for The Washington Post)

The consumer watchdog

One of the signature achievements of the Dodd-Frank law was the creation of a new agency: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Since its creation, the CFPB has crafted hundreds of new rules for mortgage lenders, banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions.

It has also repeatedly found itself in the crosshairs of Republicans in Congress.

The CFPB is arguably the most powerful, least accountable agency in U.S. history, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.), head of the House Financial Services Committee, said in a Wall Street Journal column. The agency defines its own powers and can launch investigations without cause, imposing virtually any fine or remedy, devoid of due process.

The CFPB is led by one person, Richard Cordray, and is funded through fees collected by the Federal Reserve. That limits Congresss ability to provide oversight of the agency. If the CFPB was led by a bipartisan commission and funded by a congressional appropriation instead, for example, lawmakers could use that process to exert pressure on the agency to focus on different types of cases.

Outrage at the agency has culminated in efforts by Republicans to urge Trump to fire Cordray before the end of his term next year. (Hensarling has proposed finding a way to defund the agency.) Democrats have mounted aggressive efforts to save Cordrays job, but adding to the CFPBs problems is a federal appeals court decision last year that found the agencys structure unconstitutional. That decision is being appealed.

While some industry officials and Republicans would like to get rid of the agency altogether, that appears unlikely. This is a tricky one, there is a lot of bipartisan support for the [CFPB]; there is no support to abolish the place, said the senior financial industry official. But there is definitely some support for doing some governance reform to change how it is run.



(Patrick George for The Washington Post)

Executive compensation

Dodd-Frank also includes measures targeting the way corporate executives are paid. They are among the rules most despised by the business community and have already faced increased scrutiny.

The legislation, for example, restricts the ability of banks to hand over large bonuses to executives who made risky bets on the markets  and gives them the right to claw them back after the fact.

Industry officials have complained the rule is confusing and doesnt recognize the changes big banks have already made to their bonus structures. But, again, getting rid of this provision would require an act of Congress and would meet a lot of resistance from Democrats.

In another case, Trumps acting Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Michael Piwowar is already acting. Piwowar has ordered a review of a rule that went into effect last month that requires companies to disclose how much their CEOs earn compared to their employees. The rule could reveal a potentially embarrassing disparity between the paydays of millions of workers and their top bosses. It is favored by labor groups but is called unnecessary by the business community.

The point of this ratio is simply to advance an agenda that says executive compensation is too high and embarrass people, said Bill McLucas, a securities lawyer with WilmerHale, who spent eight years as SEC enforcement chief.



(Patrick George for The Washington Post)

A powerful panel

A change may also be coming for a powerful group created by the Dodd-Frank Act: the Financial Stability Oversight Council, or FSOC. It is composed of the leaders of the countrys primary financial regulators, including the SEC and Federal Reserve, and is led by the treasury secretary. The council is tasked with identifying and attempting to address risks to the financial system before they can damage the economy.

But banking industry officials have complained that the FSOC is opaque and operates a blunt instrument, according to one financial industry official. The panel is too focused on developing new rules rather than streamlining the ones already put in place, another said. Rather than doing away with the FSOC, some industry officials want to see it change its focus and explain its decision-making more explicitly.

There is a sense in the industry that it should be easier to understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, said David Portilla, a partner at Debevoise & Plimpton, who served as a senior policy adviser to the FSOC in 2012 and 2013. The administration could refocus FSOC on streamlining regulations rather than increasing regulatory burdens as it has been.

Among the FSOCs most contested powers is to designate a company as a systemically important financial institution  informally called too big to fail  and worthy of additional scrutiny because it could pose a grave risk to the economy in a crisis. In 2014, the panel added AIG, Prudential, General Electrics financing arm and MetLife to that list. None is a bank, but each is so large and complex, the council found, that if it failed it posed a danger to the financial system.

MetLife sued, arguing that the FSOC did not properly assess the insurers financial strength, noting that the company does not engage in the type of risky behavior that could rattle the economy. Last year, a federal district judge sided with the New York-based firm. The case is being appealed, but the Trump administration could drop it or take other steps to loosen regulations of these firms.



(Patrick George for The Washington Post)

Community banks

are ready for relief

Dodd-Frank was designed primarily to rein in large Wall Street firms. But small and medium-size community banks say they have been crushed under new regulatory burdens since the financial crisis.

A lot of community banks are in rural areas that Trump won, said Paul Merski of Independent Community Bankers of America. They are now looking to the Trump administration for relief, he said. We kind of got swept up by the Wall Street meltdown, Merski said.

The changes smaller banks want vary, but come down to a simple principle: They shouldnt face the same sort of rules as megabanks such as Goldman Sachs or Bank of America.

Regulation shouldnt be one size fits all, Merski said. You shouldnt have the same regulatory burdens on a community bank, which has a simple business model, that you have in a trillion-dollar institution. If a community bank fails, it is not going to bring down the financial system.

These banks, for example, want to raise the $50 billion asset threshold at which banks face tougher oversight. That should be raised to $250 billion, industry officials say. Also, the CFPB is considering a new rule requiring banks to comply with the same reporting requirements when making a small-business loan as they do with a mortgage, Merski said. That extra paperwork, and the threat of facing prosecution or a fine if it is not filed correctly, will scare some banks away from making small-business loans, he said.

If this could be stopped it would help a lot of people, Merski said. Banks operate on a small margin, every penny of additional staff you have to hire to keep up with new regulations hurts.

Bankruptcy without

disaster

One of the clearest lessons of the financial crisis is just how difficult it is to put a large, complicated financial institution through bankruptcy. Under Dodd-Frank, troubled banks that are too complicated for the regular bankruptcy process would fall under the Orderly Liquidation Authority. This provision gives a regulator the ability to declare a companys failure risky to the financial system and take over. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. would run the process rather than a judge and could lend the company funds and take other steps to prevent its financial problems from bleeding to the rest of the financial system.

This provision also gives regulators the ability to collect fees from banks to recoup any costs incurred in unwinding the financial institution. That way taxpayers would not be stuck picking up the bill.

But critics say the process is cumbersome and object to the collection of fees from other banks. Instead, they say, this provision of Dodd-Frank should be eliminated and the U.S. bankruptcy code should be updated to handle more complicated cases.

What matters more than anything, at this point, is that we figure out an approach to resolution that is not just a hope, and which will in fact reduce systemic fallout, said Kurt Schacht of CFA, an association of investment professionals. We are concerned we are not there yet under the Dodd-Frank Act.
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Business leaders across the United States have been navigating a new world of trade-offs since Donald Trump became president last month. But perhaps no major chief executive has wrestled as directly or frequently with his or her connections to Trump as Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight While Silicon Valley has generally approached Trump with caution, Musk joined a business council advising the White House. As an inventor who is trying to build up manufacturing in the United States, he had a natural affinity with Trump. On Wednesday, he had a private phone conversation with Vice President Mike Pence.

But the recent executive order that temporarily halted immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries has exposed the business executive to criticism. Like other executives, Musk has been forced into the difficult position of defending the merits of engaging with the White House while not alienating key customers or employees.

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Tech investor Fred Wilson told the business news site Quartz, For the CEOs that have chosen to get involved with Trump in an advisory way: When you lie down with the dog, youre going to come up with fleas.

In response to a story about Musk meeting with Trump, eBay founder Pierre Omidyar tweeted Saturday that sitting down with opponents is effective only if its in good faith. Trump camp uses you for legitimacy.

On Twitter, users were pointed in their criticism: It is becoming clearer that it is time for you to stop working with Trump. How many Tesla sales have you lost as of now?

Musk has maintained on social media that his role as an adviser should not suggest he supports all of Trumps policies. Instead, he says, his presence offers an opportunity to challenge the White House on issues such as immigration and climate change and raise more moderate points of view that might otherwise be left out of the conversation.

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People should push to have as many moderates advising the President as possible. Blind hate is never the right answer, Musk tweeted Sunday after a Twitter user said his friends were disavowing Musk because of his Trump connection.

Tesla declined to make Musk available for an interview.

After the executive order was signed, executives from Google, Facebook, Twitter and other major tech firms expressed their dismay through internal memos and social-media posts. Then, last weekend, many big-name tech firms took the rare step of filing a joint legal brief calling the order unlawful.

Tesla and SpaceX signed on to the brief a day after it was filed.

A federal appeals court Thursday continued a freeze on the executive order, allowing refugees and immigrants who were previously banned to enter the United States.

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The angry response to the executive order prompted another Silicon Valley executive, Travis Kalanick of Uber, to resign from Trumps advisory council. But Kalanick and Musk run very different companies.

While Uber has built its business on positive public opinion and thumbing its nose at regulators, Tesla and SpaceX operate in heavily regulated industries and rely on the government for financial incentives.

Advisory councils simply provide advice and attending does not mean that I agree with actions by the Administration, Musk wrote Feb. 2. My goals are to accelerate the worlds transition to sustainable energy and to help make humanity a multi-planet civilization, a consequence of which will be the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs and a more inspiring future for all.

In his advisory role, Musk has access to Trump and his top administrators. Its possible this relationship could end up enriching Musk and his shareholders.

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Last month, a Morgan Stanley analyst suggested that investors should buy Tesla stock, in part because of his access to the new administration. Musks vision of putting humans on other planets, especially Mars, and redefining ground transportation through cars that are autonomous and free of fossil fuels will depend on the governments support.

Adam Jonas, the analyst, said that while there might be some customers who disagree with Musk, We would be surprised if that would represent a significant impediment to his business . . . what hes explained to investors over the years is there is a bigger mission going on.

Realistically, most chief executives cannot afford to rebuff the White House even if they disagree with Trumps policies, said John Mayo, executive director at Georgetown Universitys Center for Business and Public Policy.

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Ultimately, the upheaval in governance and policymaking that his administration has ushered in creates a tremendous business opportunity that executives would be remiss to pass up, Mayo said.

There is simply nothing to be gained from sitting on the sidelines, Mayo said. That leaves the fate of your business and industry to others to decide.

Tech investor and former AOL executive Steve Case has served on various advisory committees under former presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama. There is always partisanship to contend with, he said. But ultimately, policymaking benefits from having more voices, not fewer, he said, particularly when opinions on an issue are so divided.

I understand why some people think the right way is to protest, and thats a healthy part of our democracy, Case said. But business leaders need to be at the table, particularly people who bring that tech and entrepreneurial perspective to the table.

Read more from The Washington Posts Innovations section.

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A man walks up the steps of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals building on Thursday in San Francisco, California. The court refused Thursday to reinstate President Trump's ban on refugees and travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

The legal fight over President Trumps ban on travelers from seven mostly Muslim nations is on hold after an appeals court declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban, allowing previously barred travelers to continue coming to the United States.

On Thursday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, California, agreed with Washington and Minnesota  which had sued the federal government  that the travel ban would be damaging to their states. The three judges rejected nearly all of the Trump administrations arguments in favor of reinstating the ban. The case could now shift to the U.S. Supreme Court.

They judges also did not shy away from the constitutional questions raised by the order, rejecting the administrations claim of presidential authority, questioning its motives and concluding that the order was unlikely to survive legal challenges.

Moments after the ruling, Trump tweeted, SEE YOU IN COURT, adding that THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

But it is unclear what Trumps next move will be. The Justice Department said it is considering its options. The administration could appeal the ruling to a larger 9th Circuit panel or go straight to the U.S. Supreme Court.

This combination of recent pictures shows, from left, Judges Richard Clifton, William Canby and Michelle Friedland from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The three judges heard the governments appeal on the travel ban suspension, and all agreed not to lift it. (U.S. Courts for the Ninth Circuit /Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

The lower court action so far is temporary and hasnt resolved questions about whether Trumps order is legal. While the ban is on hold, refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim nations identified in the presidents January 27 executive order can continue traveling to the United States.

The appeals court judges noted compelling public interests on both sides of the case.

On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies. And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination.

The judges rejected the administrations argument that courts did not have the authority to review the presidents decisions on immigration and national security. They said the administration failed to show that the order met constitutional requirements to provide notice or a hearing before restricting travel. And they said the administration presented no evidence that any foreigner from the seven countries was responsible for a terrorist attack in the United States.

Last week, U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle, Washington, issued a temporary order halting the ban after Washington state and Minnesota sued. The ban temporarily suspended the nations refugee program and immigration from countries that have raised terrorism concerns.

Justice Department lawyers appealed to the 9th Circuit after Robarts ruling, arguing that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

The states said Trumps travel ban harmed people, businesses and universities. They also said the ban went against the Constitution by blocking entry to people based on religion.


Breitbart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos speaks at the University of Colorado in Boulder in January. (Jeremy Papasso/Boulder Daily Camera via AP)

Breitbart editor and alt-right darling Milo Yiannopoulos is a fearsome creature indeed  he has been called the Internets biggest troll and was permanently banned from Twitter for inciting or engaging in the targeted abuse or harassment of others. That was even before his talk at the University of California at Berkeley last week was canceled after a peaceful protest turned violent, thanks to outside agitators who some suspect may have been called in by the provocateur himself. Yiannopoulos is one hateful fellow who is rightly called out as a misogynist, racist, transphobic and  oh yes  a self-loathing homosexual, and the alt-right is a small, far-right movement that seeks a whites-only state. But none of these things are why Im afraid of him, and why you should be, too.

No, the reason to pay attention to the 33-year-old Breitbart editor lies in his ability to provoke otherwise decent citizens to put profits and publicity before civil discourse, and in how his hateful speech incites many to clamp down on the free speech that is a fundamental right in this country. Thats what we most have to fear from him: that well lose ourselves and our values in this mud-wrestling contest.

Before his Berkeley appearance was nixed  but after he incited his Twitter followers to torment Ghostbusters actress Leslie Jones last summer, igniting another firestorm  Yiannopoulos caused a flap in the LGBT community with an interview he gave to Out magazine last fall. Critics rightly called the story a puff piece  eight pages featuring photos of him in drag and dressed as a Harlequin clown. By glamorizing Yiannopoulos, the magazine clearly sought to drive newsstand sales and online clicks, as well as generate PR for itself.

Yiannopoulos told Out that he considers himself one of the primary engines of change in American culture because Im demonstrating that someone sassy and silly and gay and flamboyant who loves Ru Pauls Drag Race . . . doesnt have to vote Democrat. Criticisms about his foul spewings are met with accusations of political correctness and the killing of free speech for conservatives. In the world according to Yiannopoulos, only liberals enjoy free speech, which they quash in those who dont agree with them.

As troubling as I found the profile, I was more distressed by the response. Many of the biggest names in the LGBT media penned a public letter to the magazines editor in chief, Aaron Hicklin, making the specious argument that Yiannopouloss brand of hate speech should preclude him from coverage. They called the story a serious problem, saying that it negligently perpetuates harm against the LGBT community. They continued, His attacks against women, people of color, Muslims, transgender people . . . are as malicious as they come, and he catalyzes his many alt-right followers to turn on any target he deems worthy of abuse.

How is a thinking person to reconcile the shameless profiteering of a magazine that supposedly serves the LGBT community with the knee-jerk reaction to suppress this admittedly outrageous voice?

The flame wars will no doubt start again next month, when Yiannopouloss new book, Dangerous, is published by Threshold Editions, the conservative imprint of Simon and Schuster. When the book was announced in December, Simon and Schuster found itself  unsurprisingly  on the defensive. Trying to dodge a bullet, a company statement said, We do not and never have condoned discrimination or hate speech in any form.

Lets be honest: Simon and Schuster reckoned that theres gold in them thar hills and decided to mine it. Carolyn Reidy, the companys president and chief executive, has a right to publish and profit from Yiannopoulos, but she made a choice, just like Outs editors: to profit from hate.

( Simon and Schuster/ )

In the storm of criticism that ensued, comedian Sarah Silverman tweeted: The guy has freedom of speech but to fund him & give him a platform tells me a LOT about @simonschuster YUCK AND BOO AND GROSS. Lambda Literary, a foundation whose mission is to promote LGBT writers, responded similarly: While publishers undeniably have the right to acquire and profit from any book they wish, they also bear an essential responsibility to promote civil discourse and reject hate speech that is often a precursor to violence. In other words, Yiannopoulos has a right to be heard, but Carolyn Reidy did not have to offer up her platform to accommodate him.

And so we come up against the great conundrum: Do we silence outrageous, hateful voices or let them have their say in the name of free speech? The American Civil Liberties Unions Lee Rowland told me that much of what Yiannopoulos says is absolutely hateful and despicable  but those adjectives dont remove his speech from the Constitutions protection.

To the contrary, she added, its easy to protect speech we agree with, but more important to protect speech we abhor, lest the First Amendment simply become a popularity contest.

Im reminded of what the great U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously said, which is that the remedy for hateful speech is not enforced silence, but more speech. As much as I deplore what Yiannopoulos says and the greed that gives him a platform, we should not silence his offensive words. We can only face them with our ongoing message of inclusion and respect, drowning out his message of hate.

PS: If youre unhappy with Simon and Schusters decision to publish Dangerous, dont buy it.

Agree or disagree with my perspective? Let me know in the comments section below.

Email questions to Civilities at stevenpetrow@gmail.com (unfortunately not all questions can be answered). You can reach him on Facebook at facebook.com/stevenpetrow and on Twitter @stevenpetrow. Join him for a chat online at washingtonpost.com on Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.
Two years after phasing out the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.s loan program in the wake of a scathing audit and several bad deals, Gov. Scott Walker is proposing to reinstate agency loans in his latest budget.

The new loans would come with a few new stipulations  they can only be funded with repayments of existing loans, they cant be forgivable and they must adhere to commonly accepted commercial lending practices.

WEDC spokesman Mark Maley said the loan program would provide the agency with additional flexibility in its work with businesses and complement its grant, tax credit and other programs.

We look forward to reinvesting the repayments from existing loans in a way that will continue to help businesses throughout the state, Maley said.

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, a member of the WEDC board, was critical of Walker for scrapping the loan program in the last budget, particularly because the decision was announced just days before a Wisconsin State Journal investigation revealed Walkers top cabinet secretary was pressing the agency to make a $500,000 loan to a failing construction company.

I just think he didnt want to take the political heat, Barca said. Its easy to say Lets go back to doing what we should have been doing all along. 

Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said its unfortunate Barca is playing politics. He said the new program is about reinvesting successful loans.

In the last budget, Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature limited new loans to $10 million in 2015-16 and $5 million in 2016-17 with no new loans after June 30 of this year. One specific type of loan for technology startups was separately capped at $3 million a year and allowed to continue.

In his previous budget proposal, Walker originally proposed merging WEDC with another agency, shielding company records from public review under the open records law, removing lawmakers from the WEDC board and creating a new $55 million regional revolving loan fund. All of those were scrapped after the Legislative Audit Bureau reported the agency was failing to track promised jobs. The Legislature did adopt one of Walkers proposals  removing the governor as chairman of the WEDC board.

A national consultant has since advised that the agency could tighten some of its practices, but didnt need to be overhauled. Another LAB audit of the agency is due out in the coming months.

The agency had 189 outstanding loans totaling $73.3 million as of last June 30, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The agency received about $9.2 million in loan repayments last year, forgave $6.7 million and wrote off $2.45 million worth of loans that could not be recouped.

Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, welcomed reinstating the loan program as a way to help improve the states entrepreneurial climate, which by one measure has ranked last in the nation in recent years.

At my last count, 45 of 50 states have some kind of state economic development loan program, and most of those that dont fund county programs that carry it out on behalf of the state, Still said. The WEDC is on the right track and should have the right tools in its box to spur Wisconsins economic growth.

In his latest budget proposal Walker wants to increase a tax credit eligibility threshold for new business investment from $8 million to $12 million. And he wants to allow the agency to transfer any unused new business investment credits to other tax credit programs, which Barca said could tilt the scales too much toward helping established companies rather than startups.

Walkers budget also gives the Department of Revenue the ability to claw back tax credits from companies in violation of a contract that is more than four years old.

The budget proposal also caps a historic preservation tax credit at $10 million a year. The credit, meant to help redevelop old buildings, was approved in the 2013-15 budget at an estimated cost of $4 million a year, but was so popular the cost surged to $35 million before a moratorium was put in place.

WEDC ended up awarding $5.1 million for the credit in 2013-14, $78.1 million in 2014-15 and $51.3 million in 2015-2016, according to the fiscal bureau. None of those credits had been claimed in those years.
John Gizzi has been around the block more than a few times at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. A veteran presidential reporter, the white-haired Gizzi has fired questions at seven White House press secretaries. Or has tried to.

Very often, he said, he was ignored in favor of reporters from bigger news organizations, the newspapers, wire services and TV networks whose journalists occupy the front rows of the White Houses cramped press room.

Yet these days, Gizzi, the chief political correspondent for the conservative Newsmax Media news group, is enjoying newfound access. During the first two weeks of the Trump administration, press secretary Sean Spicer has picked him out several times from among the jostling mob of journalists seeking to question the administration.

Gizzis change of fortune reflects a small but important change in the way Spicer, and the Trump administration generally, has approached the news media. Once relegated to a secondary role under President Barack Obama and President George W. Bushs press secretaries, smaller, primarily conservative news outfits  Newsmax, Townhall, the Blaze, the Daily Caller and Breitbart, among them  are now first among equals in Spicers daily encounters with the press.

Reporters of all stripes were smiling when he bypassed the front row, remarks Gizzi, who adds: The last seven press secretaries did nothing to change that. This administration has. I think its a new press secretary. Theres a new voice with a new administration and a new style.

Reporters from once-favored mainstream news outlets havent exactly been shut out by Spicer. But at some briefings, hes ignored the entreaties of journalists from The Washington Post, CNN and the New York Times  all of which President Trump has singled out for criticism  to call on reporters for outlets that used to be an afterthought. The White House also appears to have steered Trumps TV interviews to favorable outlets, too.

Spicer set the tone at his first briefing last month, two days after his disastrous defense of Trumps assertion that his inauguration attracted a larger crowd than President Obamas in 2008. Instead of calling on the Associated Press for the first question  as press secretaries traditionally have for years  he started with reporters from the New York Post, owned by Trump ally Rupert Murdoch, and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).

Since then, hes begun briefings with questions from the likes of Katie Pavlich, a conservative commentator from Townhall.com, and Kaitlan Collins of the Daily Caller, a website founded by Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Another Spicer innovation has taken on a conservative cast as well. The introduction of Skype questions from people in remote locations has included questions from such pro-Trump advocates as talk-radio hosts, who arguably arent journalists at all. Among the favored have been Dale Jackson, Lars Larson and Adriana Cohen.

The new mix of reporters can produce a mixed bag of questions  some tough, some idiosyncratic. Last week, for example, Gizzi pressed Spicer on whether Trump would nominate Thomas Hardiman, the losing finalist on Trumps shortlist for a Supreme Court vacancy, for the next open seat. (Spicer wouldnt say.) On Thursday, the Daily Callers Collins set up her question about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau  the brainchild of Trump critic Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).  by noting that hundreds of its members earn more than members of Congress. Does the president have plans to revamp this agency? she asked. (Spicer gave a general answer about respect for taxpayers dollars.)

While the questions from conservative sources can be as provocative as any other, Spicers critics see a subtle politicization creeping into the briefings.

The briefings have become qualitatively different, says Tommy Vietor, a former national security spokesman for Obama. Vietor regards Spicers pressroom strategy as an extension of Trumps ever-more contemptuous approach to dealing with the media. The elevation of conservative outlets at the briefings changes the entire tenor of the exercise, he said.

Obamas spokesmen steered the president to outlets perceived as favorable, too. He gave extensive interviews to BuzzFeed, Vox and Vice, among others, during his two terms.

Vietor  who acknowledges that hes an imperfect messenger, after having battled reporters on Obamas behalf  nevertheless says Spicer has repeatedly given himself an out when he gets under pressure by turning to potentially friendly journalists. There are always tricks you can use in the press room, and hes using them.

In an interview, Spicer said hes trying to create a different tone in the briefings, though he denies Vietors assertion that hes manipulating his exchanges with the news media.

Were trying to expand the number of voices in the room, said the press secretary, who keeps a copy of the dystopian novel 1984 in his new White House office. We want to hear from CBN and Townhall just as much as NBC or CBS. It gives people a different perspective and sets the tone for the room. I hope it makes people think differently.

Spicer said his approach has already borne some fruit in the way questions were phrased about the recent March for Life demonstration on the Mall. A pro-life outlet like CBN or [the Catholic] EWTN is going to ask a question differently than the way most of the media would ask it, he said. The media would call it an antiabortion demonstration. [CBN and EWTN] would call it the March for Life. Its completely framed in a different way every time. [The march] wasnt antiabortion. Thats not what it was.

The [mainstream] medias default is always the negative, he continued. The people who are asking questions now, theyre not asking softball questions. There just isnt the assumption that were doing something wrong from the get-go.

The same approach appears to have extended to the White Houses decisions in selecting television interviews for Trump.

Since taking office on Jan. 20, Trump has given four one-on-one TV interviews. His first was to David Muir of ABC News, presumably a neutral outlet. Since then he has spoken with interviewers who are potentially more receptive: Fox Newss Sean Hannity and Bill OReilly, and David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network.

Brody, in an interview, said Trump came to CBN because the network has given him a fair shot. The reality is that President Trump, and before that candidate Trump, does not feel the media has given him a fair shot. Hes looking to go places to get that fairness.

Brody also said Trump knows he will reach an audience that has been supportive of him. He understands that they may be the reason hes sitting in the Oval Office today. So, theres a loyalty to them, he said.

Naturally, Brody likes the approach. Echoing Newsmaxs Gizzi, he says: Its a new day in D.C. Its a new day in the media landscape. And frankly, its overdue.
An inmate stands in a hallway in the D.C. Central Detention Facility. Young convicts in the District are sometimes given more lenient and shorter sentences because of the citys Youth Rehabilitation Act. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

D.C. lawmakers began wrestling with how to revise a sentencing law Thursday, citing a Washington Post series that found the Districts Youth Rehabilitation Act provided leniency to hundreds of adult offenders who went on to rob, rape or murder in recent years in the nations capital.

The D.C. Council hearing quickly exposed fault lines over how to change the law, which was originally designed to rehabilitate inexperienced criminals under the age of 22.

Although the District has not provided any special services to those sentenced under the law for decades, The Post found that it remains a tool used widely by judges to give violent offenders shorter prison sentences and a chance to have their convictions sealed from public view.

[Second-chance law for young criminals puts violent offenders on D.C. streets]

Facing a hearing room crowded with defense attorneys and juvenile justice advocates who support the law, council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), the new chairman of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, treaded lightly.

D.C. Council members David Grosso (I-At Large), left, and Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), the new chairman of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

Allen began the hearing saying that he intended to find whats working, whats not working and to chart a course for improvement.

Five hours into the hearing  filled with emotional testimony from convicts who said they had benefited from having their records sealed  Allen made clear that he has no intention of repealing the Youth Act.

He said he would like to restore the rehabilitation services promised but not delivered under the law and to curb judges who exploit its provisions to hand out overly lenient sentences.

Allen focused on the 700 cases documented by The Post in which offenders received Youth Act sentences multiple times, including 200 cases in which offenders were given leniency for two or more separate crimes involving weapons or violence.

Comparing the Youth Act with states more-limited second-chance laws, which often allow expungement for nonviolent or first-time offenses only, Allen called the D.C. law an outlier.

Even limited curbs on the Youth Act, however, were criticized, including by a liberal member of the council, David Grosso (I-At Large).

Grosso spoke about the case of Antwon Pitt, a Youth Act recipient who raped a woman in the Districts Hill East neighborhood after release from prison for a robbery charge. Grosso said the case said less about the effectiveness of the Youth Act than about the Districts failing mental-health system.

Were sending people off to prison who, if they had gotten the mental-health treatment in the first place . . . wouldnt be going to prison, Grosso said. We need to make sure people are being cared for, and were not.

[How accused rapist Antwon Pitt kept getting second chances in D.C.]

Grossos comments echoed the council debate more than three decades ago that led to the approval of the Youth Act.

Amid an epidemic of crack-cocaine use and rising numbers of young men being charged with drug crimes in the 1980s, the council approved the law, saying it would help protect African American youths from the stigma of criminal records.

The law remained in effect over ensuing decades, however, even as the federal government took over supervision of D.C. prisoners, leaving the city with no ability to provide rehabilitation to those given leniency.

Under the split local-federal control of the Districts criminal justice system, no entity tracked the use of the law until The Post did so last year.

Using available sentencing data and court records, The Post found that judges had given roughly 2,300 Youth Act sentences to young offenders for weapons offenses or crimes of violence since 2010.

On average, the offenders received about 60 percent of the prison time of non-Youth Act offenders who had comparable criminal histories and had committed similar crimes.

The Post also found that at least 121 defendants sentenced under the Youth Act had gone on to be charged with murder in the District since 2010.

In a presentation to the committee Thursday, the head of the Districts Sentencing Commission confirmed some of The Posts findings. Over a slightly different time period, the commission reported just over 3,000 Youth Act sentences were handed down. Almost 1,350 of those were for violent crimes, and 650 involved guns or other weapons.

Kevin Donahue, the Districts deputy mayor for public safety, testified that the lack of data before now on how the Youth Act had been applied was an embarrassment.

It is unacceptable that it took a newspaper creating its own software program to provide our residents with an analysis of important components of our criminal law, Donahue said.

Donahue testified that he is intent on improving the law. D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) set a deadline of July for a council of criminal justice leaders to review the Youth Act and recommend changes.

Allen said he had received preliminary data from that review, and it showed that roughly 20 percent of individuals sentenced under the Youth Act are convicted of a subsequent violent crime  a number, he said, that is entirely too high.

Allen also said the review shows that the recidivism is driven by Youth Act recipients who fail to comply with the terms of their release.

Just 3 percent of Youth Act recipients who successfully complete their release go on to commit additional crimes, he said, but the figure is four to five times as high among those who demonstrate that they will not comply with the orders of their parole or probation.

That would seem to give us an area to focus our resources, Allen said.

Chief Deputy Attorney General Natalie O. Ludaway proposed a change to the Youth Act: She said that the city could continue to grant judges the discretion to seal a wide swath of offenders records but that they should make the decision after a sentence is complete, when an offender can demonstrate positive life changes.

Doing so, Ludaway said, would keep judges from having to make the decision at the time of sentencing and to guess which young offenders will learn from their mistakes.

[SECOND CHANCE CITY: A Washington Post investigation into sentencing and supervision of repeat, violent offenders in the District of Columbia]
About 80 students were out sick Wednesday and Thursday at Oakridge Elementary in Arlington, Va. due to gastrointestinal illness.

The rash of illness prompted school officials to send a letter home to parents along with a link to the Center for Disease Controls information page about norovirus, a virus that causes gastrointestinal distress and is highly contagious. The school educates about 800 students, so about a tenth were out with stomach illnesses.

Norovirus can strike at any time but is more common in the winter, when people are more likely to congregate in close quarters and share their germs.

[Dreaded stomach flu wreaks havoc on families  and its only going to get worse]

In the letter, Samuel Stebbins of the school health bureau advised parents to make sure their children wash their hands for 20 or more seconds and told them to keep their children home from school for 24 hours after their symptoms subside.

Please do not send your child to school if they were feeling sick the day before, Stebbins wrote in the letter. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain/cramping, or fever. Even if they feel okay on the morning of school, they are still able to spread the illness to others.

The letter said school employees are disinfecting surfaces after every school day to curtail the spread of the illness.


Protesters block Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and clash with her security detail as she arrives at Jefferson Middle School Academy in Washington. (Don Baxter/Media Images International)

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos encountered protesters Friday morning outside a D.C. middle school and found her way barred as she tried to enter through a side door, forcing her to retreat into a government vehicle as a man shouted Shame!

Eventually, DeVos made her way inside for an event starting at about 10 a.m. that included the D.C. schools chancellor and others. The event was closed to the media.

But the demonstration outside Jefferson Middle School Academy was a further sign that DeVos remains a polarizing figure in the education world days after she took office.

Shortly before noon, as DeVoss tour appeared to be winding down, she appeared at the top of the steps outside Jeffersons main door to make a brief statement to reporters. It was really wonderful to visit this school, and I look forward to many visits of many great public schools both in D.C. and around the country, she said.

She later released a statement: I respect peaceful protest and I will not be deterred in executing the vital mission of the Department of Education, she said. No school door in America will be blocked from those seeking to help our nations school children.

Before DeVos arrived, several dozen parents, activists and teachers union members gathered to show support for public schools.

Elizabeth Davis, president of the Washington Teachers Union, said the union was supporting teachers concerned about the visit. We want to share the message that we love our public school system, Davis told reporters. Public education teachers believe that public education is the cornerstone, its the foundation of our society.

A teacher from a D.C. charter school, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, carried a sign that said Ms. DeVos: Our children are not props.

Betsy DeVos does not represent our students or our families here in D.C., the teacher said. She doesnt have our best interests at heart.

[The popular uprising that threatened DeVoss nomination]

D.C. Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson, who took office Feb. 1, told reporters after the event that he and DeVos talked to teachers, students and administrators and had an opportunity to see Jeffersons dynamic classroom instruction.

Wilson said he wanted to make sure DeVos knows that the district proudly serves all students, and he spoke to her about the importance of strengthening public schools. He also said he appreciated the protesters who spoke up on behalf of public schools.

I think that one of the great things about our country is it provides opportunities for people to express themselves, he said. Our democratic republic only works with an educated populace, and public school systems serve everyone, educate everyone. I think its great that families come out and others come out and make sure we do everything we can to protect it. I say thank you to those folks who did that.

The vast majority of protesters were peaceful. One was arrested for assaulting a police officer, according to a D.C. police spokeswoman. A handful were involved in blocking DeVos from entering Jefferson, while some others attempted to keep a government car from entering the street in front of the school. One of the protesters who blocked her from the door appeared in a video, circulated by Fox5DC, to have touched her. Police said they were investigating allegations that DeVos was assaulted. They did not say who made the allegations.

DeVos is a billionaire who has spent three decades lobbying for private school vouchers, charter schools and other alternatives to traditional public schools. She was one of President Trumps most controversial Cabinet picks and barely won confirmation. Her supporters call her a bold reformer, while opponents fear she will seek to undermine public schools by funneling taxpayer funding to private and religious schools.

[Students first: DeVos seeks common ground]

(Twitter: Advancement Project @adv_project)

On Thursday, DeVos visited Howard University, a historically black university in the District that receives special support through federal appropriations every year. But the reception at Jefferson shows the difficulty DeVos faces in winning the trust and confidence of those who opposed her confirmation.

According to several staff members, teachers at the school were upset by her visit and planned to wear black to show their feelings.

One staff member at Jefferson said she and many of her colleagues are troubled by DeVoss decades-long campaign to promote vouchers as a way to escape public schools, which the staff member said work hard to serve all students. She said she feared that the new education secretary would use Jefferson students  most of whom are African American and come from low-income families  for a photo op to burnish her image.

The staff member, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity because she was not authorized to talk to the media, said she was horrified when she heard that DeVos was coming to Jefferson.

During the Obama administration, D.C. public schools were frequent backdrops for Education Department events and appearances by the president and first lady. But that felt different, the staff member said. Obama was not rooting against the very essence of what we are, she said.

Another Jefferson staff member said she spent the first part of the week calling senators to urge them to vote against DeVos. It was surreal, she said, to know she was coming to visit. I really fear for our students future and the future of our schools and communities, she said. Her belief in privatization without equal accountability leaves high-needs students behind.

She said she hoped Jefferson would show DeVos how positive, loving and strong a public school can be, and that teachers care fiercely about their students. Its about letting her know that anybody seeking to jeopardize our students is going to have to go through us, she said.

[DeVos visits Howard, her first visit to a university as education secretary]

Jefferson, a few blocks from department headquarters, is five years into a turnaround effort and is often cited as an example of the systemwide improvements in the citys public schools.

D.C. Public Schools was once among the nations lowest-performing urban school districts, but in recent years it has won widespread attention for making rapid progress, as judged by scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

The District has been a laboratory for the philosophy of choice in education, in part because of its status as a federal district over which the U.S. government exercises great influence. The growing charter school sector  which exists because of legislation Congress passed in 1995  now enrolls nearly half the citys public school students, and the nations only federally funded voucher program, created by Congress in 2004, helps more than 1,000 children attend private and religious schools at taxpayer expense.

While many advocates believe that the competition has been fruitful, providing families with options and encouraging the school system to improve, others argue that the rapid growth of charter schools has undermined efforts to improve neighborhood schools and left parents scrambling to win citywide enrollment lotteries.

Lyndsey Medsker, the parent of two students at Brent Elementary, which feeds into Jefferson, said that it was the perfect place for the new secretary to see first-hand a public school that fell victim to the chaos of charters and a fervor for school choice.



Demonstrators wait for the arrival of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos at Jefferson Middle School Academy in Washington. (Amanda Voisard/For The Washington Post)

Today, thanks to a dedicated administration, impressive teaching staff and community support, the school is rapidly improving, Medsker said. But, to make public schools like Jefferson great again, if you will, they need a commitment from Secretary DeVos and support from D.C.s mayor and city leadership. Its time for all politicians to stop using quality schools as photo ops and to really invest in neighborhood public schools.

Medsker did not plan to join the crowd because she didnt want to appear to be protesting DeVos. She said now that DeVos is confirmed, she should be welcomed into public schools so she can learn why they are important and deserving of her support.
Some of the posters at the center of a dispute at a Prince William high school highlighted Latinos and immigrants. (Obtained by The Washington Post)

Students at a Northern Virginia high school were wondering this week why administrators took down their hand-drawn posters promoting diversity at the school, even though they believed they had obtained approval for the display.

Now they have their answer, but many arent happy about it.

The diversity poster project at Patriot High School in Nokesville was the brainchild of students in the International Club. On Monday evening, they put up posters in the Ronald Reagan hallway, each one with a message echoing the schools As one motto.

As one, we are immigrants. As one, we are Latino. As one, we are Asian. As one, we are Muslim. As one, we are Black. As one, we are LGBTQ. As one, we are women.

The final poster paid tribute to the school mascot: As one, we are Pioneers.

The students said the posters promoted inclusiveness and acceptance of groups who often feel marginalized. But by noon Tuesday, the posters were all down, by order of the principal, Michael Bishop.

The administration gave no explanation at the time, according to eight students and parents contacted by The Washington Post. None wanted to be named because they said they feared reprisal.

Bishop declined an interview request. Prince William County Schools spokesman Philip Kavits wrote in an email: It surprises me tremendously that even a handful of students and their parents might express such a concern. Thats particularly true since PWCS has well-established avenues for use in expressing any legitimate concerns about administrators  the news media is not the path most would take.

Kavits also said the students were not given final approval to put up the posters, a point students and parents dispute.

The imbroglio at the school is taking place against the backdrop of widespread student protests in the wake of a divisive presidential election and battles over racial, cultural and sexual identity that have become particularly heated on high school and college campuses.

[D.C. students walk out of class to protest Trump]

After the posters were removed, students voiced their displeasure in class and on social media. Some frustrated students said they believed that the posters were taken down because of the complaints of a few classmates. But there was no explanation from the schools leaders.

A petition was circulated in school and online asking for the posters to be put back up.

Many students and teachers were confused by how the posters themselves could be causing a disturbance or concern, since their sole purpose was to make minority students feel represented and accepted, the petition said in part. The real disturbance in this situation was caused by the students who felt that the promotion of acceptance and diversity was an affront and an attack on them and their subsequent decision to disturb the peace and cause a fuss over the display. Instead of dealing with the real cause of the problem, the students who are so opposed to diversity and acceptance, the administrators decided to remove the posters.

Patriot High opened in 2011. With about 2,770 students, it is one of the largest high schools in Prince William. State data show that 55 percent of its students are white, 15 percent Hispanic, 12 percent black, 11 percent Asian and 7 percent multiracial.

On Thursday evening, Bishop addressed the controversy in an email to the school community, acknowledging that things got off on the wrong foot and we are hoping to change that.

As you may know, Tuesday, the International Club put up some posters promoting inclusion, Bishop wrote. They mentioned several groups, but unfortunately, others in the school felt left out. Something intended as a source of positive discussion rapidly became disruptive to our educational routine. Thats why we temporarily took the posters down, and why we now need your help.

Bishop did not elaborate on which groups felt left out  or why. He told students that a suggestion box would be made available Friday for them to offer their thoughts about the many groups that need to be represented as part of our inclusive community.

Once the suggestions have been collected, new posters and the original ones will go back up, Bishop said.

With your input and involvement, we hope to make the posters more effective and the discussion more meaningful to advancing . . . our goal of creating a school that functions As One,  he wrote.
Rida Ali, 16, a junior at Broad Run High School in Ashburn, Va., carries an American flag during a student walk-out protest she helped organize. (Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post)

More than 600 Northern Virginia high school students walked out of class Friday afternoon to show solidarity with immigrants at a time of intense national debate over President Trumps executive order on refugees and immigration.

Demonstrations of 50 students or more were reported in five Loudoun County schools, a school system spokesman said. The largest, with about 200 protesters, was at Rock Ridge, with others at Potomac Falls, Briar Woods, Broad Run and Loudoun Valley.

At Broad Run, about 70 students walked out for about 15 minutes, some bearing signs. Im skipping history to make it, one read.

One student carried the flag of Mexico, another the U.S. flag. The students sat on the curb in front of the school in the bitter cold and then stood to face the flag in front of the school, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rida Ali, 16, a junior who helped organize the demonstrations, told the shivering group that she assembled them not to protest or make a political statement but because its time to come together to outline the importance of diversity and immigration in our country.

Immigrants are your teachers, your principals, your best friends, your government officials, your doctors, your neighbors, she said. Facing a diverse crowd, she said: This is what Broad Run looks like. This is what America looks like.

Syed Hashain, 18, a senior born in Pakistan, said he wanted to push back against anti-immigrant sentiment.

Its all about love and embracing people who dont look like you, Hashain said.

The event drew a few community members who voiced support from the sidewalk. It also drew a counterprotester: Vinnie Sack, 18, a senior and the student body president.

Sack, who did not have classes in the afternoon, returned to school wearing a MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN hat and a Trump-Pence T-shirt. He carried a sign that said: RESPECT OUR PRESIDENT GO BACK TO SCHOOL.

Ali said Loudoun students were responding to Trumps executive order barring refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the United States. The order, which has been frozen by a court challenge, included Yemen, which is home to her mothers family.

[Federal appeals court rules 3 to 0 against Trump on travel ban]

Ali said she and her mother, Rubina Ali, have volunteered for refugee causes, and the mosque they attend in Maryland is preparing to host a refugee family from Syria.

When you look around in your classrooms, theres so many people coming from so many different places, Rida said in an interview. Without immigration, everybody would be gone, unless youre Native American.

The Loudoun students joined young people from across the country who have walked out of high schools and organized protests in recent months. For students who are too young to vote, demonstrations have been one way to take a stand. After Trumps election, students from high schools in Maryland and the District walked out.

School officials, who prepared in advance for walkouts at as many as seven high schools, warned students that they could face discipline for participating.

Activities that disrupt instruction are against School Board policy regardless of the cause or viewpoint of those taking part, the school system wrote in an announcement posted on its website. Principals have met with students planning the walkout and have developed plans to ensure safety procedures are followed if students leave the building. Principals also have let students know this would be treated as a disruption of the school day. The usual discipline involved with being tardy or skipping class would be applied to those taking part in a walkout.

Ali, who said she has never been in trouble at school before, was not worried.

I feel like trouble is worth it if its something good, if its something you believe in, she said.


The Prince George's County Council votes during a meeting in council chambers of the County Administrative Building on Dec. 6, 2016, in Upper Marlboro, Md. At the meeting, the council authorized creation of a Vehicle Use Review Board. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

The Prince Georges County government spends more than $110,000 a year on automobile allowances and take-home cars for county council officials, a perk that goes far beyond what is offered in neighboring jurisdictions.

All nine council members and the councils two top administrators are either assigned a government vehicle or paid a yearly car allowance.

Between 2011 and 2016, council members driving take-home cars were involved in at least 15 collisions, including a major crash Nov. 21 that resulted in the arrest of council member Mel Franklin (D-Upper Marlboro) on drunken-driving charges.

They also received at least 107 speeding, missed-toll and parking citations, according to public records provided to The Washington Post.

Council member Mary A. Lehman, left, speaks with council member Karen R. Toles during a Prince George's County Board meeting on Jan. 27. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post)

Forty-six of those tickets went to council member Karen R. Toles (D-Suitland), a popular lawmaker who drew attention in 2012 after she was ticketed for driving 105 mph on the Capital Beltway.

No one is ever pleased to be on the receiving end of a ticket, Toles said in an email. I am making every effort to reduce further infractions.

Most council members declined to discuss details of the car program or defended the perk as an important way for lawmakers to get around and stay visible in the 485-square-mile suburban jurisdiction. A few said more accountability is needed.

Community activists say the public is largely unaware of how the privileges work and would be concerned if they had more information.

It is a benefit that most workers do not get, said Joseph Kitchen Jr., who lives in the county and is president of Maryland Young Democrats. For a government that continues to complain about being strapped for cash, they have clearly not done enough to eliminate a lot of fat in the budget.

A lucrative benefit

Take-home cars and allowances have been a perk for top Prince Georges County Council members since at least 2001. County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D)  who does not oversee the council  rescinded the benefit for all but one of his senior staff members in 2011 as part of a broader attempt to clean up the county government.

In 2016, take-home cars and allowances for council officials cost the government more than $111,000, according to records obtained by The Washington Post through a Maryland Public Information Act request. That amount does not include payments associated with Franklins collision, when he totaled a county-owned SUV for the second time in four years.

Last year, lawmakers with take-home cars pumped an average of $1,400 in discounted gas from county fueling stations. The lowest gas bill, for a fuel-efficient Ford Fusion used by council member Mary A. Lehman (D-Laurel), District 1, was $633.87. The highest was $2,709.73, for Toless SUV.





The other three council members, along with administrator Robert Williams Jr. and auditor David Van Dyke, received car allowances of $9,688 each.

Elected officials in the District, Arlington, Montgomery and Fairfax use their personal vehicles for work and have limited access to the government fleet for specific out-of-area or business trips.

Last year, Montgomerys nine council members were reimbursed an average of $2,469 for work-related travel  about a quarter of the cost of a take-home vehicle or car allowance in Prince Georges.

Fairfax Countys Board of Supervisors spent $8,000 on reimbursements. Most went to compensate staff members working in district offices for their trips to the main government complex. Supervisors themselves cannot be reimbursed for travel within the county. They claimed $554 for trips elsewhere in the state.

Prince Georges Council Chairman Derrick Leon Davis (D-Mitchellville) said in a statement that the countys vehicle program provides a key tool extending an elected officials ability to serve their community and represent residents as board members on state and regional bodies as well.

Davis, who declined to answer questions, noted that the council voted to create a Vehicle Use Review Board after Franklins arrest that is supposed to examine the car program and recommend changes by June 30.





The vehicle allowance rose this year to $10,315, based on the estimated cost of gas, maintenance, insurance and yearly payments for a used vehicle of the type assigned in the take-home car program. Officials get just under $400 every two weeks, which is considered taxable income.

Council member Deni Taveras (D-Adelphi) called the allowance a real help, noting that she and her colleagues are paid about $11,000 less than their counterparts in more expensive Montgomery.

Van Dyke, who as county auditor analyzes financial and budgetary data and tracks council spending, said the car allowance absolutely ends up being higher than my actual [commuting] expenses  Its not a matter of need, its a perk.

Williams, the councils chief administrative officer, did not respond to a request for comment.



Board members Deni Taveras, left, and Mel Franklin during a Prince Georges County Council meeting. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post)

Although council members with take-home cars are supposed to use them for only limited personal trips, they are not required to log mileage or account for where they traveled, said council spokeswoman Karen Campbell. Several lawmakers said they drive their take-home vehicles on their own time, as well.

There are not clear-enough restrictions on personal use, said Lehman, who said she consulted with former council members and staff and concluded it was fine to drive her county-owned car on days when she had no council business.

She said some council members have tried to maintain logs to document nonbusiness trips but that it quickly became an overwhelming task.

For Franklin, personal use meant commuting and stopping to eat after or before work or after or before events, he said in a written statement. If traveling out of the county solely for personal reasons, I always used a personal vehicle.

Council member Obie Patterson (D-Fort Washington) said he tries to be disciplined in using his county car strictly for official business. He said he also has two personal cars.

Council member Todd M. Turner (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post)

Council member Todd M. Turner (D-Bowie) said he chose a take-home car when he joined the council in 2015 so his teenage daughter could drive his personal vehicle. Now that she is away at college, he said, he plans to get the car allowance instead.

Council members Andrea C. Harrison (D-Springdale) and Toles did not respond to questions about personal use of their take-home vehicles.

Baker declined to take a position on the councils policy, saying it was not his role to police the legislative branch.

When he came into office, he eliminated the car allowance for members of his administration. He cut the number of executive branch officials with take-home car privileges to his chief administrative officer and 31 others who travel extensively for work  mostly prosecutors and investigators in the states attorneys office and the heads of the homeland security, corrections and public works agencies.

Crashes and citations

Five current council members have been involved in collisions while driving county cars since 2011, the records provided to The Post show. Lehman and Toles each had two, Harrison had three, and Franklin and Patterson each had four. In at least eight of the 15, council members were at fault.

The most serious incidents involved Franklin, who rear-ended drivers in three separate crashes that resulted in injuries. He has declined repeated requests to discuss the incidents.

This SUV driven by Prince George's Council member Mel Franklin in the Nov. 21 rear-end collision. (The Washington Post)

Franklin banged up the front of a county SUV in October 2012 and totaled the same vehicle that December. The county paid more than $61,000 to purchase a new SUV and cover repairs on the other vehicles and liability claims. Neither crash was reported to the public when it occurred.

After the second collision, Franklin stopped using a government car. He received a vehicle allowance until May 2016, when he again was given a county vehicle.

Following the Nov. 21 crash, which sent two people from the other car to the hospital, Franklin was suspended from the take-home car program and denied a vehicle allowance Davis said in a statement at the time that Franklin may eventually be able to get reimbursed for business travel, depending on his legal status and the status of his driving privileges.

Franklin, whose blood alcohol level measured 0.10, is scheduled to appear Monday in Prince Georges County District Court, according to online records. He wrote in a report to the county that he was on his way home from a restaurant the night of the crash and was tired.

But I thought I was fine to drive home, he wrote. I briefly dozed off and failed to stop at the intersection with Dower House Road and struck one vehicle from behind.

During the years he drove a county car, Franklin racked up 20 citations  more than any colleague except Toles. Lehman had 17 citations, Harrison had 15, Patterson had seven and Turner had two, according to the records provided.

Any speeding camera, parking or toll camera tickets were unintentional mistakes and were personally paid for, Franklin said.

Patterson said he is often surprised by the location of speed cameras in his district, in the southern part of the county. I probably just got caught, he said.

Lehman said in an email that she had been ticketed fewer than three times a year over a six-year period, in some cases for toll violations because her E-ZPass wasnt properly activated.

Im trying to be more careful, but I dont believe its a significant problem for anyone except me! she wrote.

Harrison did not respond to questions about the tickets she received.

Toless 46 citations were for parking illegally, speeding or ignoring tollbooths or red lights.

A speed camera in Berwyn Heights caught her driving 57 mph in a 40 mph zone on March 28, 2011, three months after she took office. That July, Toles was ticketed for leaving her car in a no-parking zone on Main Street in Upper Marlboro, near a popular lunch spot for county government employees and about 400 yards from a government garage where council members can park free.

Toles lost her take-home car privileges for several months after she was pulled over in July 2012 for driving 105 mph on the Beltway. She told police that she was applying makeup and answering emails on her phone but did not notice that she was making unsafe lane changes or speeding.

The council member was granted judgment before probation, apologized and completed a driver improvement course, which enabled her to avoid points on her license. By spring 2013, she was back in a government car. Again, the citations began to roll in.



Council member Karen Toles, second from right, poses with Rep. Donna F. Edwards (D-Md.) during Edwardss recent Senate campaign. To the left are council members Mel Franklin and Obie Patterson (partially hidden). At the far right is council member Andrea Harrison. (Arelis Hernandez/The Washington Post)

In her statement, Toles said she accumulated the tickets while executing my duties as a public servant. She noted that she had paid all the fines, which totaled $4,400, including $1,200 in late fees.

Records also show that Toles pumped $2,709.73 in county-provided fuel in 2016, more than double the 1,170 average gas bill of her colleagues. The council member, who is taking night classes at the University of Baltimore Law School, did not respond to questions about why she used so much gas or whether she drove the county SUV to get to her classes.

Toless citations were not serious enough to affect her drivers license or record. But the volume concerns longtime critics. Community activist Bruce Branch, who ran against Toles in 2014, called her driving record an egregious violation of public trust.

For Toles supporters like Elsie Jacobs, however, the citations are not a big deal. I dont have an issue with it, because if they have a ticket, they got to pay it, said Jacobs, a local leader in Suitland. We have other things to worry about.

Possibility of change

The council voted Dec. 6 to establish a three-person panel to study the countys car-use and allowance policy and records.

On Wednesday, Davis announced the board appointments: business executive Jacqueline L. Brown, community activist Samuel A. Epps IV and engineer Enor R. Williams Jr. In a news release, he said the board would begin its work in early March.

The board could recommend suspending or revoking the driving privileges of any council member or changing the councils vehicle policies.

If the program stays the same, costs will probably jump in 2018, when the council is slated to add two at-large members.

But some council members have suggested it may be time for a change.

There are some aspects of car use that really are not as clear as they could be, Lehman said. Along with the issue of should council members have county cars, the vehicle-use board should look at the finer points of personal use and requirements for documenting travel.

Patterson said that although most council members have not committed major infractions with county cars, the risk of losing the publics trust on this and other perks may outweigh the benefit to lawmakers.

I think even before this started popping up, we shouldve been looking at this and all of our policies, Patterson said. We need to be more aggressive in our oversight responsibilities.
A Whole Foods store in Northwest Washington that closed Thursday for problems with rodents and other pests was reopened Friday.

The Glover Park location in the 2300 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW was closed Thursday for failing to minimize the presence of insects, rodents and other pests, said Jasmine Gossett, a D.C. Health Department spokeswoman.

After the store reopened, Whole Foods spokeswoman Betsy Harden said in an email that the company addressed the problems.

We take this matter very seriously and there is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our customers and Team Members, she wrote. We feel confident that our store is now ready to reopen and we can assure the community that the store environment is safe and the products on our shelves meet the high quality standards that our customers expect from Whole Foods Market. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.

This is not the first time the Glover Park Whole Foods has been closed by the Health Department. The store was also closed in 2013, according to reports at the time.

A health inspection report from January indicates the store was cited for evidence of mice and inadequate sneeze guards, among other issues.
Zeina, left, who would not give out her last name, holds an American flag as she takes part in a rally to protest the Trump administration's travel ban on Muslims on Feb. 4 in D.C. (Bill OLeary/The Washington Post)

A federal judge in Alexandria, Va., pressed the government Friday to produce any evidence that a ban on travel from seven overwhelmingly Muslim countries was necessary on national security grounds.

Referring to the California federal appeals court decision Thursday that maintained a freeze on President Trumps executive order, U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema said that the courts have been begging you to provide some evidence, and none has been forthcoming.

The presidential order, she said, has all kinds of defects and clearly is overreaching when it comes to long-term residents of the United States. The White House has issued guidance that those residents are exempt from the ban, but that language is not actually in the order.

The only evidence provided by the government in the Virginia challenge to the ban that she was considering, she noted, was the order itself.

On the other hand, Brinkema said, there is some strong, colorful evidence that the motivations for this order may bump into the establishment clause of the First Amendment  a reference to freedom of religion.

(Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

She said there was also startling evidence from national security professionals that the order may be counterproductive to its stated goal of keeping the nation safe.

Brinkema cited a letter from a bipartisan group of former high-ranking officials who warned that the ban would aid the Islamic States propaganda efforts, endanger troops abroad and damage counterterrorism relationships.

I dont have a scintilla of evidence from the respondents that counters this very powerful piece of evidence, Brinkema said. Give me the evidence.

[Travel ban ruling: In court as on Twitter, Trump confronts evidence gap]

Virginia is asking for a nationwide injunction against the ban similar to that issued in Washington state and upheld by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in California. Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring intervened in the case last week, arguing that Virginia will lose students and workers under the order.

As one example, the states attorneys point to Najwa Elyazgi, a Libyan senior at George Mason University. After being stranded in Istanbul for a week and returning only under the Washington state court order, Elyazgi says she plans to attend graduate school in Canada.

Virginias solicitor general, Stuart Raphael, said that over a thousand college students and 66 faculty members in Virginia are affected by the ban.

They cant leave and know that they can come back, he said.

Erez Reuveni, senior litigation counsel from the Justice Departments Office of Immigration Litigation, argued that the state had no standing to challenge the ban. The original plaintiffs in the case, Tareq and Ammar Aziz, have dropped their suit after successfully entering the United States. So has plaintiff Sahar Kamal Ahmed Fadul, who came through Dulles on Tuesday.

Virginia has a policy dispute with the president, Reuveni said. Virginia cannot place itself in removal hearings.

While an individual affected by the ban might be able to bring a case against it, Reuveni argued that Brinkema could not review the rationale behind national security policy.

I dont even understand how this trial would work, Reuveni said. Could President Trump be called to testify?  I dont think you want to go there.

Brinkema challenged that assertion. While she acknowledged that the president has the right to bar people from coming into the United States if he finds the entry of any aliens would be detrimental to the countrys interests, she said the finding must have some basis.

The word finding in the law doesnt just mean one thinks, one believes, she said.

She asked Reuveni if the president could deem all redheads a threat to the country and ban them.

Are you saying a court could not look at that order and say, What is going on here? she asked.

Reuveni responded that the government, not the courts, make national security determinations. For a court to do so, he said, might be a constitutional crisis.

But he also argued that statements Trump made prior to taking the oath of office should not be used to evaluate his current actions.

Former national security professionals, he said, dont know whats happened today, when the president does.

On the 9th Circuits order, Reuveni said, We may appeal, we may not.

Brinkema did say she would have to evaluate how to handle the Virginia case in light of the 9th Circuit ruling. Raphael argued that the commonwealth is actually further along in challenging the ban than Washington state.

Its not a race, Brinkema said.
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh says he was looking to meet a Muslim wife when he reached out to an Islamic State recruiter he had met overseas. Instead, he agreed to take part in a terrorist attack on American soil.

Jalloh, a former National Guardsman, was sentenced Friday to 11 years in prison for attempting to provide support to the Islamic State. Jalloh bought a Glock handgun and an AR-15 rifle, having researched the massacre at an Orlando nightclub last year and the deadly 2009 shooting at an Army base in Fort Hood, Tex. The FBI was monitoring his movements, and he was arrested before any attack was attempted.

Defense lawyer Joseph Flood argued that Jallohs behavior sprung not from radical fervor but from heavy drug use and untreated trauma from a childhood marked by rape, war and neglect. The gullible 27-year-olds attachment to the Islamist militant group was superficial and confused, his attorney said.

Hes clearly a follower, Flood said.

[Who wanted to help ISIS? A gamer, a cop, a cabdriver, prosecutors say.]

During a hearing in federal court in Alexandria, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gibbs said he was not unsympathetic but that Jallohs past did not justify his actions.

Mr. Jalloh probably is and was a very troubled individual and probably was in a very bad place, but individuals in those situations often do very dangerous things, Gibbs said. He could have stepped away; he never did that. Gibbs asked Judge Liam OGrady to impose the maximum 20-year sentence.

Jalloh, a U.S. citizen, lived in Loudoun County at the time of his 2016 arrest.

According to court papers, he was born in Sierra Leone, the youngest of eight children. His father was polygamous, and his young mother fled to the United States when he was 2 years old. His father and stepmother soon left Sierra Leone as well, leaving him with extended family. For several years he was sexually abused by an older cousin. At age 8, the countrys civil war made him a refugee. While running with relatives to Guinea, he saw a child shot by a soldier.

I was hungry, starving, crying, he recalled in a court filing. In Guinea, he was bullied because of his distended abdomen.

Jalloh made it to the United States after six months and reunited with his family. But after a few years, his father left and his mother was deported. He lived with various relatives, who largely ignored him. He spent most of his time indoors, watching pornography, court papers said.

Flood said Jalloh has always had a tendency to agree to plans but fail to follow through, an assertion that was greeted with soft chuckles from family in the gallery.

Seeking direction, Jalloh joined the Army National Guard out of college.

Jalloh seemed like he was looking for something to latch onto and barring that would wander rather aimlessly, Staff Sgt. Sherwood Rath Anderson wrote in a letter to the judge.

Vulnerable to emotional appeals, Jalloh often gave money to charities advocating for children in Africa, friends and relatives said in court filings. He was frustrated by the idea that he could not do more for Syrian refugees.

I started to watch online videos of civilians escaping Assad, on the beach shores, and walking long distances took my memory back to when I was a child and civilian in the Sierra Leone War which incited an emotion reaction rather than a rational reaction in me, Jalloh wrote in a letter to the judge. Unfortunately, I succumbed to the same ISIL online propaganda that is responsible for so many atrocities in the world. ISIL is another name for the Islamic State.

In 2015, Jalloh visited his father in Sierra Leone and met Islamic State recruiters who encouraged him to go to Libya and fight, according to his account. He gave them several hundred dollars, but when he actually got on a truck to Libya he quickly changed his mind and fled.

We were packed like sardines, he recalled. Guys in the truck would whip people with a hose to pack you in. This was the worst, most scary situation that I had ever been in as an adult.

On arriving back in the United States, Jalloh made contact online with Abu Saad Sudani, a now-deceased Islamic State member who was plotting an attack in the United States. But he claims he was looking not for a co-conspirator but for a wife. His girlfriend of six years had dumped him, sending intimate photos of herself with a new man for emphasis, Jalloh wrote in the court filing.

I started doing marijuana, coke and mushrooms using one of them at least on a daily basis in order to kill the pain I was in, he wrote. I cast my depression as some kind of noble inspiration. In truth, it was complete self-destruction.

A man Sudani connected Jalloh with, who he says he thought would help him find a bride, was actually an FBI informant. Flood said that the informant pushed Jalloh toward terrorism. For two months, Flood wrote, the informant hounded Jalloh with nearly constant entreaties to engage in a violent attack.

The FBI informant told Jalloh about a plot to murder U.S. military personnel and asked Jalloh about acquiring weapons. Jalloh tried to buy an assault rifle. As he did, the FBI was watching. The gun had already been rendered inoperable.

Flood said Jalloh felt remorse for the shame he had brought on his family and the National Guard, as well as the black mark he cast on other refugees at a time when many have been banned from the country.
A federal class-action lawsuit alleges that JPMorgan Chase plotted to bilk D.C. jurors of money by forcing them to receive jury service payments on Chase debit cards that come with fees attached.

The suit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by D.C. attorney William Mark Scott, says burdensome debit-card fees deprived those who duly fulfilled their civic duty of fair compensation.

Chase has devised a deceptive and unlawful scheme to deprive jurors of their full payments for jury service, the suit reads. This is done without an iota of consent from jurors, who are, in fact, further misled by the deceptive materials Chase provides with its debit cards, which falsely advertise that jurors can receive their funds for FREE. 

JPMorgan Chase declined to comment on the lawsuit.

In the District, jurors receive $30 per day if they serve on a jury, plus a $4 travel allowance. But Scotts suit alleges that he couldnt access his full payment for serving on a jury in July because of two 25-cent charges after not having enough money in the account to pay for a declined Debit Card purchase, according to the suit, and because of $1.50 in inactivity fees.

Screenshot of website used to manage Chase Debit cards. (Court documents)

A $13 balance from his July service is still trapped on his debit card, the suit said.

In a statement issued by his attorneys, Scott, 58, said he has lived in the District for more than two decades and is usually called for jury duty every two years. An attorney who represents whistleblowers, he estimated that he had served more than 10 times.

The suit notes that Chase charges about $5 for withdrawing money from out-of-network ATMs and $7 for withdrawing money using the debit card at a Chase branch. (The nearest Chase ATM is in Newark, Del., according to the Chase website.)

Meanwhile, small balances left on cards  like the $4 that people receive when they report for jury duty but are not selected for a panel  cannot be easily accessed and are effectively forfeited to Chase, the suit said.

Chase thus has complete control over a captive population of American jurors, which Chase exploits through a scheme that is intentionally designed to rob these jurors of the money owed to them by statute to line Chases own pockets, according to the complaint.

Anna Haac, an attorney for Scott, called the Chase cards an example of corporate greed resulting in a transfer of wealth from the bottom up.

These are taxpayer dollars that are supposed to go to jurors for serving their civic duty to our communities and performing an integral function in our American democracy, she wrote in an email.

Leah Gurowitz, spokeswoman for D.C. Superior Court, said more than 31,000 people served as jurors in the District during the last fiscal year, and jury fees totaled $701,000. She said the court began paying jurors with debit cards in 2015 on the recommendation of the U.S. Treasury Department, partly because of problems with courthouse ATMs that dispensed money to jurors.

The program is not designed to save the court money but rather to make it more convenient for jurors  they dont have to wait for checks to be issued each day, she wrote in an email. She added: Any fees imposed are negotiated between Chase and the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Its not the first time a juror has faulted a court for using a debit-card system. After compensating its jurors with debit cards for three years, Norfolk, Va., switched back to checks in 2016 after complaints about fees.

However, some jurisdictions say paying jurors with a debit card saves money. Gwinnett County in Georgia switched to Chase credit cards in 2014, saying it was cheaper than printing and mailing checks.
A man was found dead in the Potomac River in Alexandria on Thursday, authorities said.

The man was found at about 3:15 p.m. and pronounced dead at the scene after a witness reported he was in the water near Prince Street, a spokesman for the Alexandria Fire Department said.

Earlier reports that the man had fallen off a boat were incorrect, the Alexandria Police Department tweeted at around 4:20 p.m. Police said the death is not considered suspicious.

Information about the mans identity was not immediately available.

A spokesman for police said the case would be turned over to the medical examiner.
A man who was shot and wounded by a D.C. police officer Tuesday morning had stolen a purse from a woman in a drug rehabilitation center in Anacostia and been chased by two other clients, police said in newly filed court documents.

Moments before the shooting, an arrest affidavit says, officers confronted the suspect as he held a black handgun  later determined to be a pellet gun  in his right hand and the stolen purse in his left. He then tried to make a getaway on a scooter.

When that didnt work, police said, Eric Cuthbertson, 50, of no fixed address, stood on Good Hope Road and raised his hand in which he was holding the gun toward the officer, the affidavit says. The officer then discharged his firearm, hitting the suspect several times.

Cuthbertson was taken to Prince Georges County Hospital Center and later transferred to Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. Online court records show that Cuthbertson was unable to appear at his initial D.C. Superior Court appearance Thursday because he remained hospitalized. He is charged with robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault on a police officer while armed.

Court records reveal a long criminal history with convictions in the District for various crimes including burglary, assault, theft, unlawful entry and robbery. In 1999, he was sentenced to three years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon. In 2005, he served 10 months for robbery. In 1987, he was sentenced to three years in prison for distributing the hallucinogenic drug PCP.

[Police shoot man after robbery in Southeast Washington]

Tuesdays incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. when, police said, he walked into the Good Hope Institute, an outpatient opiate treatment center in the 1300 block of Good Hope Road SE. Police said he took a handbag from a woman who had just sat down for a meeting and had placed the bag on a seat next to hers.

The arrest affidavit says two other people attending the meeting ran after the man and followed him through a bank parking lot, where, police said, the suspect turned toward them and pointed the weapon at them. The man then ran, and the bystanders flagged down a D.C. police officer, who was in a cruiser and chased him.

At one point, police stopped the suspect in an alley and ordered him to drop the weapon, according to the affidavit. The man replied, I dont have nothing, the affidavit says. The man then added, Its a play gun.

The man ran again, and police said they chased him back to the same block as the drug rehabilitation center. There, one of the bystanders tried to block him but failed and ran for cover, police said.

Another man on a scooter saw the suspect coming toward him, saw an officer behind the man with his gun drawn and ran for safety.

Police said Cuthbertson tried to use the scooter to get away but failed, prompting the final confrontation in the street.
Prince Georges County Police Chief Hank Stawinski said Thursday that he would not tolerate an environment that failed to treat fairly department employees and the residents the department protects.

I will not be a party to any structure, any policy or any practice that would do anything to undermine the individual dignity of any person of Prince Georges County or within the institution which is responsible for the protection of the individuals of Prince Georges County, Stawinski said.

His remarks came at a news conference during which he also addressed photos purportedly submitted to federal authorities by two associations, representing some of the departments Hispanic and African American officers.

The associations have not formally released the photos or made public the contents of what they say is a 300-page packet they submitted to the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division complaining of workplace practices and behaviors they allege are discriminatory and retaliatory.

Last week the Justice Department acknowledged receiving a letter from the two groups but declined to offer details of what was submitted. The letter was forwarded to the Civil Rights Division for a response, the Justice Department said last week.

Stawinski on Thursday addressed the content of four photos that he said had been brought to his attention only recently. Last week, he and the police union announced they would convene a panel to review the fairness of the departments promotions and discipline procedures.

[Prince Georges police fact-finding panel created]

Some of the photos released by the police department appear to have been taken in the past two years, with one a more recent image, said the chief, who added that the department immediately launched investigations upon learning of the incidents.

One showed a training dummy with an African American mans face pasted on the head area and with an Afro-style wig lying on the floor at the dummys feet. The facial image is one of various commercially produced training items that depict a range of people in circumstances officers might encounter.

Another photo showed a vanity license plate on the personal vehicle of a department member, that appeared to be a derogatory reference to President Obama, Stawinski said. A third photo showed the label Color Guard on the door of a storage locker with words added in a handwritten scrawl to make the label read African American Color Guard.

Stawinski said that he was aware of vague assertions about the training dummy that surfaced in the middle of 2016 but that photos of the mannequin had not been brought to his attention until January.

If that information had been brought to us in a more timely manner, we would look into it, at that point, the chief said. The department has launched internal investigations into the depictions of the training dummy and the defacing of the locker that Stawinski said was discovered by one of his supervisors.

The chief also said that he found the wording on the license plate repulsive when it was brought to his attention in 2016 and consulted with department attorneys. Because the license was on a private vehicle and had been issued by the state, the chief said, it had First Amendment protections.

But he said he was able to tell the owner that the department would not permit the vehicle and plate to be parked on county property  which caused the plate to be replaced within several days, the chief said.

The United Black Police Officers Association and the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association have alleged there is a pattern of discrimination against officers of color within the county police force. Bob Ross, president of the Prince Georges NAACP speaking on behalf of the two groups, said officers from both minority associations provided the chief examples and photos of incidents and remarks that the groups found racist and discriminatory in meetings before filing a complaint to the Justice Department.

In a news release issued by the Hispanic National Law Enforcement Association on Thursday, the group said it met with the Justice Department on Wednesday to outline their concerns about offensive images and minority-related complaints.

Over the past year, the police department has lost the ability to fairly and impartially investigate its own and fully protect the community, the group said in a statement.

Stawinski said he has not heard from the Justice Department on whether it will launch an investigation or review, but would cooperate fully regardless.

The chief said he created the panel of outside experts after hearing vague concerns about prejudicial treatment but was not able to pin down specific allegations or patterns. The panel had its first meeting Thursday and will be chaired by Carlos F. Acosta, the departments inspector general and a senior union official.
The farewell ice cakes are in the freezer. The road food, which includes 50 pounds of bamboo, is being readied. The broom, dustpan and poop bags are on hand, for cleanup during the flight.

And Bao Bao, the Smithsonian National Zoos heaven-sent miracle, is getting accustomed to the airplane shipping crate that says: Contents: One panda.

On Thursday, a keeper used soothing words and honey water to coax the beloved 3-year-old into the crate in which, on Feb. 21, she will journey from her birthplace in Washington to a new home in China.

Cmon, Bao, the keeper, Marty Dearie, said. Good girl. Good job!

Bao Bao now weighs 203 pounds, and it seems like ages since she fit in the palm of his hand when she was born in August 2013.

1 of 53 Full Screen Autoplay Close Bao Baos life at the zoo Skip Ad  Photos of giant panda Bao Baos life at the National Zoo View Photos After being born at the Washington, D.C. zoo over 3 years ago, Bao Bao will be leaving her parents and brother Bei Bei on Feb. 21 to go to China as part of a breeding arrangement. Caption Born at the National Zoo in 2013, Bao Bao leaves her parents and little brother to move to China as part of a breeding program. Feb. 21, 2017 Giant panda Bao Bao in her enclosure at the National Zoo in Washington is set to begin her journey to China. Matt McClain/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

He was the first person to hold her. She was 2 days old, and people at the zoo were praying that she would survive.

They had been devastated in September 2012 when the zoos adult female giant panda, Mei Xiang, gave birth to a four-ounce cub  her first in years  and it died six days later.

My biggest memory of that moment [is] the raw emotion, said Brandie Smith, the associate director for animal care sciences, who had wept with others after the cubs death.

It was the excitement over having a cub, and when we did, our plans were of the future, Smith said. Everyone had been celebrating with us, and then, everyones sadness and disappointment.

But the following summer, Bao Bao arrived.

She was born on a Friday during the evening rush hour, as thousands of people watched live on the zoos black-and-white panda cams. Mei Xiang gave birth to a second cub 26 hours later, but it was stillborn.

[Joy and terror at panda cubs birth]

A zookeeper trains Bao Bao to become familiar with the actual shipping crate that she will ride in on her journey to China. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Im not a religious person, Dearie said at the zoo Thursday. Ive said, Shes a miracle. And I dont even mean that religiously. We went from the [deceased] cub in 2012 to Bao, and all that she means to this team, its pretty amazing.

The whole journey, to me, starts . . . with that cub in 2012, he said. Mei Xiang hadnt had a baby since 2005. There was some . . . thought in the scientific community that she may never get pregnant again.

And when that cub was born, and died six days later, we went from a really high high to a really low low in a week, he said.

[Newborn panda cub dies at the zoo]

But a short time later, the zoo sent Dearie and another keeper to a giant panda conservation center in China to study different approaches to panda care and reproduction.

Three days after they returned, Bao Bao was born. And two days later, Dearie held her in his hand.

She was small but sturdy, he recalled. She had a loud voice and a thin layer of coarse white fur. She was given a quick medical examination and returned to her mother.

We were literally running up and down the hallways in here dancing around for joy, he said. Ive never been that excited about anything Ive ever done in my life, honestly.

On Dec. 1, 2013, after a global online vote, she was named Bao Bao, which means precious or treasure in Chinese.

In subsequent years, the panda nation has followed Bao Baos antics on the cams and social media. In 2014, she accidentally touched an electric wire designed to keep her in her compound and fled up a tree for two days.

[Panda cub gets shocked, flees up a tree]

That same year, she beat out the Star-Spangled Banner in a Smithsonian popularity contest.

Bao Bao is the second giant panda to be shipped to China from the National Zoo. The first was Tai Shan, a male, who was born in 2005 and, to the dismay of panda fanatics, moved to China in 2010.

The transfers are part of a long-standing arrangement with China, whereby any giant panda cubs born in the United States must go to China around age 4 to breed. China owns all giant pandas in the United States and leases them to American zoos.

Now it is Bao Baos turn. Dearie and zoo veterinarian Katherine Hope will go with her on the trip.

She is traveling on a nonstop 16-hour FedEx Panda Express flight from Dulles International Airport to the Chinese city of Chengdu, the zoo said. Bao Bao will be the only cargo, FedEx said.

She will then go into quarantine at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Dujiangyan, Sichuan province.

Meanwhile, the zoos commissary is preparing flavored ice cakes that are being constructed in its giant freezer. They will be presented to Bao Bao in the days leading up to departure.

The commissary is also preparing to pack up food and 10 gallons of water for the journey. The food includes bamboo  a panda staple  a 25-pound bag of beet-colored panda biscuits, two pounds of apples, and two pounds of sweet potatoes cooked with the skins on.

There will be no pears. Word is that Bao Bao doesnt like pears.

The day of her departure will be emotional.

I was curator of pandas when she was born, Smith said. Shes my girl. Bao Bao is special to me, because of my job at that time and because of the significance of her birth.

So . . . Ill take a private moment on that day to be with her, she said. The panda house is my happy place.

But the zoo has three other giant pandas: Bao Baos 1-year-old brother, Bei Bei; and their parents, Mei Xiang, 18, and Tian Tian, 19.

And breeding season is approaching. The zoo said Bei Bei is being weaned from his mother and will eventually move into Bao Baos vacated section of the giant panda compound.

Over the next few months, Mei Xiang will be bred again, and in August, were having panda cubs! Smith said.

Of course, we are, she said. I have no doubt.
Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, center, presents, from left, former NFL player Charlie Stukes; former U.Va. sports information director Rich Murray; All-American soccer player Robert Ukrop; and former ODU basketball coach Marianne Stanley. Behind the group is Senate Clerk Susan Clarke Schaar. (Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via Associated Press)

Lets tackle a perplexing word problem.

Two clerks have the same job.

Clerk A earns $194,341 a year. Clerk B earns $175,392 a year. Clerk A has been doing the job for nearly six years. Clerk B has been doing the job for 27 years.

To arrive at X, factor in the head-shaking disparity between the two salaries, allowing for experience.

If you got X = gender  bing-bing-bing  youre a winner!

The high-earning Clerk A is G. Paul Nardo, a man who has been the clerk of Virginias House of Delegates since 2011. The lower-paid Clerk B is Susan Clarke Schaar, who has been working for Virginias Senate clerk office since 1974.

She took over the head job in 1990.

Same jobs, wildly different resumes, a salary gap of nearly $20,000.

There it is, folks. The insane arithmetic that nearly always calculates a womans worth in the workplace as less than a mans. It is also one of the reasons that millions of men and women in the United States and across the globe marched last month.

[More than one million protesters vow to resist President Trump]

Nardo and Schaar are public employees with public salaries, and the transparency of that sector should make pay disparity pretty minimal.

But this glaring inequity made news in the Richmond Times-Dispatch after state Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr. (R-James City) introduced a budget amendment to raise Schaars salary to equal Nardos.

Schaar said she didnt want to comment on how the discrepancy came to light.

But the truth is that for every Schaar, who will receive equal pay only after an act of the state Senate and House of Delegates, there are thousands of women who will never get that raise.

Its discouraging in 2017 to hear something like that, but sadly not surprising that its still going on, said Charly Carter, executive director of the Maryland Working Families advocacy group.

Some critics say this pay gap  which usually goes with the statistic that women make 79 cents for every dollar a man makes  is because women largely choose to work in low-paying fields such as teaching and nursing.

But Nardo and Schaar have the same job. And the disparity still occurs when women take jobs in male-dominated fields, says Emily Martin, who specializes in pay gap issues at the National Womens Law Center.

Lets start in Alabama, where Karin Woodard was vice president of information technology/management information systems at Medseek, a digital-marketing company for the health-care sector. Her boss told her that she was making less than the other vice presidents and that he would correct that. But he never did.

So Woodard kept working and getting great reviews before she learned that lower-ranked managers and directors were paid more than she was. Even a recent hire working for her made more than she did. When she brought up her concerns, the chief operating officer said that women did not belong in technical leadership, according to the lawsuit she filed against the company last year.

Or we can go to Connecticut, where Deborah Morse complained that even though she was a top regional manager at the aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, she earned thousands less than the men who had the same title.

When she asked about it, Morses supervisors told her that  girls who had husbands with jobs did not need to make as much money as men since men were the primary earners in the family, according to the District Court decision in 2013.

Or we can check out Chicago, where Susan King was one of the most successful sales executives at the food brokerage Acosta Sales and Marketing but made less than the male executives at her rank. Some of the guys she outperformed were paid two or even three times what she made, according to the case filed in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. In the 2012 opinion, right after the chart showing Kings $46,850 salary compared to a comparable male colleagues $122,004 pay, the court wrote: The difference between men and women is striking. The court remanded the case back to District Court.

Kathy Riser was 50 when she was working for QEP Energy in Utah, managing a 250-vehicle fleet, managing facilities and earning about $47,000. She logged more than 400 hours of overtime in 14 months, and it became clear that she was really doing two jobs. So the company broke off her fleet management duties and hired a 39-year-old man to take that part over. He walked in the door at $62,000, according to the lawsuit she filed in 2015. When the company tried to argue that it wasnt pay discrimination because those were two different jobs, the 10th Circuit laughed and slapped that lawsuit right back into play.

Back here in Virginia, we can look at Ann Marie Reardon, an assistant attorney general for the state who never even made it into the salary range for her job title  between $70,000 and $90,000. She started at $62,000 in 2010 when she was hired by then-Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and received $1,000 annual raises after glowing reviews. But in her five years there, she never matched the salaries of her male colleagues with similar experience and duties, according to the lawsuit filed last year against Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D).

All of the cases went to some stage of settlement, according to court records. And none of the women stayed at their jobs.

The companies fought the lawsuits, and in each case, a judge denied most of their arguments. Pratt & Whitney did adjust Morses salary after doing a company audit that found gender pay gaps, but Morse continued her legal claims for back pay.

Acosta Sales, Medseek and the Virginia attorney generals office argued that the pay gap was based on starting salaries and experience, arguments that judges denied.

These women have to slog through the court system  often for years  to find resolution, often after being reprimanded at work for agitating.

It really just goes to show that its critical for employers to be affirmatively looking at whether there are indefensible wage gaps and how they are paying men and women with similar job titles, Martin said. We have a lot of marching left to do.

Twitter: @petulad
U.S. immigration authorities arrested hundreds of undocumented immigrants in at least a half-dozen states this week in a series of raids that marked the first large-scale enforcement of President Trumps Jan. 25 order to crack down on the estimated 11 million immigrants living here illegally.

Officials said the raids targeted known criminals, but they also netted some immigrants without criminal records, an apparent departure from similar enforcement waves during the Obama administration. Last month, Trump substantially broadened the scope of who the Department of Homeland Security can target to include those with minor offenses or no convictions at all.

Trump has pledged to deport as many as 3 million undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

Immigration officials confirmed that agents this week raided homes and workplaces in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, the Los Angeles area, North Carolina and South Carolina, netting hundreds of people. But Gillian Christensen, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), said they were part of routine immigration enforcement actions. ICE dislikes the term raids, and prefers to say authorities are conducting targeted enforcement actions, she said.

(The Washington Post)

Christensen said the raids, which began Monday and ended Friday at noon, found undocumented immigrants from a dozen Latin American countries. Were talking about people who are threats to public safety or a threat to the integrity of the immigration system, she said, noting that the majority of those detained were serious criminals, including some who were convicted of murder and domestic violence.

[For years, immigration authorities gave this Arizona mother a pass. Now she has been deported.]

Immigration activists said the crackdown went beyond the six states DHS identified, and said they had also documented ICE raids of unusual intensity during the past two days in Florida, Kansas, Texas and Northern Virginia.

That undocumented immigrants with no criminal records were arrested and could potentially be deported sent a shock wave through immigrant communities nationwide amid concerns that the U.S. government could start going after law-abiding people.

This is clearly the first wave of attacks under the Trump administration, and we know this isnt going to be the only one, Cristina Jimenez, executive director of United We Dream, an immigrant youth organization, said Friday during a conference call with immigration advocates.

ICE agents in the Los Angeles area Thursday took a number of individuals into custody over the course of an hour, seizing them from their homes and on their way to work, activists said.

David Marin, ICEs field director in the Los Angeles area, said in a conference call with reporters Friday that 75 percent of the approximately 160 people detained in the operation this week had felony convictions; the rest had misdemeanors or were in the United States illegally. Officials said Friday night that 37 of those detained in Los Angeles had been deported to Mexico.

Dangerous criminals who should be deported are being released into our communities, Marin said.

Spanish language radio stations and the local NPR affiliate in Los Angeles have been running public service announcements regarding the hourly Know Your Rights seminars the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles scheduled for Friday and Saturday. By the time the 4 p.m. group began Friday, more than 100 others had gathered at the groups office in the Westlake neighborhood just outside downtown.

A video that circulated on social media Friday appeared to show ICE agents in Texas detaining people in an Austin shopping center parking lot. Immigration advocates also reported roadway checkpoints, where ICE appeared to be targeting immigrants for random ID checks, in North Carolina and in Austin. ICE officials denied that authorities used checkpoints during the operations.

[The sanctuary city on the front line of the fight over Trumps immigration policy]

Im getting lots of reports from my constituents about seeing ICE on the streets. Teachers in my district have contacted me  certain students didnt come to school today because theyre afraid, said Greg Casar, an Austin City Council member. I talked to a constituent, a single mother, who had her door knocked on this morning by ICE.

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Tex.) said he confirmed with ICEs San Antonio office that the agency has launched a targeted operation in South and Central Texas as part of Operation Cross Check.

I am asking ICE to clarify whether these individuals are in fact dangerous, violent threats to our communities, and not people who are here peacefully raising families and contributing to our state, Castro said in a statement Friday night.

Hiba Ghalib, an immigration lawyer in Atlanta, said the ICE detentions were causing mass confusion in the immigrant community. She said she had heard reports of ICE agents going door-to-door in one largely Hispanic neighborhood, asking people to present their papers.

People are panicking, Ghalib said. People are really, really scared.

Immigration officials acknowledged that as a result of Trumps executive order, authorities had cast a wider net than they would have last year.

The Trump administration is facing several legal challenges to his executive orders on immigration. On Thursday, the administration lost a court battle over a separate executive order to temporarily ban entry into the United States by citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries, as well as by refugees. The administration said Friday that it is considering raising the case to the Supreme Court.

[Federal appeals court rules 3 to 0 against Trump on travel ban]

Some activists in Austin and Los Angeles suggested that the raids might be retaliation for those cities sanctuary city policies. A government aide familiar with the raids said it is possible that the predominantly daytime operations  a departure from the Obama administrations night raids  meant to send a message to the community that the Trump deportation force is in effect.

Frank Sharry, executive director of Americas Voice, an immigrant advocacy group, said that the wave of detentions harks back to the George W. Bush administration, when workplace raids to sweep up all undocumented workers were common.

The Obama administration conducted a spate of raids and also pursued a more aggressive deportation policy than any previous president, sending more than 400,000 people back to their birth countries at the height of his deportations in 2012. The public outcry over the lengthy detentions and deportations of women, children and people with minor offenses led President Obama in his second term to prioritize convicted criminals for deportation.

A DHS official confirmed that while immigration agents were targeting criminals, given the broader range defined by Trumps executive order, they also were sweeping up noncriminals in the vicinity who were found to be lacking documentation. It was unclear how many of the people detained would have been excluded under Obamas policy.

Federal immigration officials, as well as activists, said that the majority of those detained were adult men, and that no children were taken into custody.

Big cities tend to have a lot of illegal immigrants, said one immigration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly because of the sensitive nature of the operation. Theyre going to a target-rich environment.

Immigrant rights groups said that they were planning protests in response to the raids, including one Friday evening in Federal Plaza in New York City and a vigil in Los Angeles.

We cannot understate the level of panic and terror that is running through many immigrant communities, said Walter Barrientos of Make the Road New York in New York City, who spoke on a conference call with immigration advocates.

Were trying to make sure that families who have been impacted are getting legal services as quickly as possible. Were trying to do some legal triage, said Bob Libal, the executive director of Grassroots Leadership, which provides assistance and advocacy work to immigrants in Austin. Its chaotic, he said. The organizations hotline, he said, had been overwhelmed with calls.

Jeanette Vizguerra, 35, a Mexican house cleaner whose permit to stay in the country expired this week, said Friday during the conference call that she was newly apprehensive about her scheduled meeting with ICE next week.

Fearing deportation, Vizguerra, a Denver mother of four  including three who are U.S. citizens  said through an interpreter that she had called on activists and supporters to accompany her to the meeting.

I know I need to mobilize my community, but I know my freedom is at risk here, Vizguerra said.

Janell Ross in Los Angeles and Camille Pendley in Atlanta contributed to this report.
Peter Mansfield, a British physicist who received the Nobel Prize for discoveries that led to the development of magnetic resonance imaging, a revolutionary diagnostic advance in medicine that helped doctors detect cancer and examine the brain and internal organs, died Feb. 8. He was 83. The University of Nottingham in England, where he was a physics professor, announced his death but released no details.

Dr. Mansfield, who grew up in a London slum and was told by a school guidance counselor that he had no future in science, was a printers apprentice before his curiosity and determination led him to a life in science.

In the 1970s, he devised methods to produce three-dimensional images from MRI machines that allowed physicians to peer into the inner workings of the body in real time.

Before noninvasive MRI machines came into widespread use in the 1980s, patients often underwent potentially dangerous X-ray examinations or had tissue surgically removed for study. Dr. Mansfield volunteered to be the first person to undergo an MRI scan to prove its effectiveness and safety.

His work is correctly credited with changing the face of modern medicine, Colin Blakemore, then the chief executive of Britains Medical Research Council, said in 2003.

Peter Mansfield, left, receiving the 2003 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine from Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf in Stockholm. (SVEN NACKSTRAND/AFP/Getty Images)

By the time Dr. Mansfield was awarded the 2003 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine, which he shared with the U.S. scientist Paul Lauterbur, millions of MRI scans were being conducted each year on patients around the world.

The science behind MRI has been known since the 1940s, when physicists discovered that the nuclei in certain atoms spin in predictable ways when subjected to a magnetic field. The nuclei also gain energy when exposed to radio waves. When the radio waves are turned off, the nuclei continue to emit radio signals that can be measured and used to identify different atomic structures.

Dr. Mansfield had focused his early research on using those principles to identify objects beneath the Earths surface. But in the early 1970s, he learned that Lauterbur, then at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, had used MRI techniques to produce two-dimensional images.

By measuring signals from hydrogen atoms, Lauterbur was able to draw a visual distinction between ordinary water and heavy water, which has a different atomic structure. He later produced internal images of living clams and mice.

Dr. Mansfield built on Lauterburs discoveries, using mathematical methods to develop fast, efficient ways to transform the magnetically charged atomic radio signals into three-dimensional images. In time, MRI scans could be used to identify different tissues and organs throughout the body, becoming immensely important in medicine.

Most people dont think about where MRI scanners come from, Dr. Mansfield told Britains Daily Mirror newspaper in 2009. But I feel very pleased and proud when I receive letters from patients, thanking me for saving their lives.

Peter Mansfield was born Oct. 9, 1933, in London. His father was a gas fitter, his mother a waitress. The family often lived in poverty.

Because of German air raids on London during World War II, Dr. Mansfield was evacuated three times and spent part of the war years with a family in Devonshire. He compiled a collection of fragments from German rockets  I knew all about rockets from the wrong end, he said. But the boy received little academic encouragement and left school at 15 to become a printers apprentice.

He attended night school and at 18 found a job with the rocket propulsion department of Britains Supply Ministry. After serving two years in the British army, he received a scholarship and studied physics at what was then Queen Mary College at the University of London. He received a bachelors degree in 1959 and a doctorate in 1962.

Dr. Mansfield spent two years as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before joining the University of Nottingham faculty in 1964. He retired in 1994 but continued to work at his laboratory for many years after.

He held patents on several key parts of the MRI machine, which made him well off. He was knighted in 1993 and published an autobiography, The Long Road to Stockholm, in 2013.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, the former Jane Kibble; two daughters; and four grandchildren.

Soon after it was announced that Dr. Mansfield and Lauterbur had won the Nobel Prize, another early MRI researcher, Raymond Damadian, took out full-page advertisements in The Washington Post and the New York Times headlined The Shameful Wrong That Must Be Righted.

Damadian, the founder of a U.S. company that produces MRI machines, complained that his contributions had been slighted and charged the Nobel committee with an inexcusable disregard for the truth.

Most experts accused Damadian of sour grapes and said the modern MRI grew directly out of the discoveries of Lauterbur and Dr. Mansfield.

In my opinion, Paul Lauterbur and Peter Mansfield deserve the Nobel Prize, Alex Pines, a scientist at the University of California at Berkeley, told The Post in 2003. In a leap of creative genius, they came up with the gradient imaging methodology that forms the basis for what today is known as MRI.
CALIFORNIA

Relative of Farooks

guilty in marriage ploy

The sister-in-law of the couple responsible for the San Bernardino terrorist attack changed her plea to guilty Thursday in a case involving a sham marriage, federal prosecutors said.

Tatiana Farook, 32, pleaded guilty in Riverside to one felony count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud that included lying to federal agents and in legal documents, according the U.S. attorneys office.

She faces a maximum of five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 13.

Her husband, Syed Raheel Farook, is the brother of Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the two shooters in the December 2015 attack that killed 14 people and wounded 22 others.

The marriage-fraud case involves Tatianas sister, Mariya Chernykh, a Russian immigrant whose sham marriage to a Riverside man was discovered when her husband became part of the shooting investigation.

The marriage charges are unrelated to the attack.

Chernykh, 26, pleaded guilty last month to conspiracy, perjury and two counts of making false statements. Under a plea agreement, Chernykh faces up to 20 years in prison and $1 million in fines. She is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 20.

She also faces deportation. She has been in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since shortly after her arrest.

Syed Raheel Farook, 31, pleaded guilty Jan. 10 to conspiring to commit immigration fraud by setting up Chernykh in the sham marriage. He remains free on bail and also faces a maximum of five years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 13.

Chernykh is married to Enrique Marquez Jr., a family friend of the Farooks who was accused of supplying guns and explosives used in the San Bernardino attack. Marquez has been charged with conspiring to support terrorists, lying about the firearm purchase and participating in a sham marriage.

 Associated Press

Woman believed to be oldest American dies: A New Jersey woman who was the oldest American has died at age 114. Adele Dunlap died Sunday at a hospital near Flemington, according to the Martin Funeral Home. She became the countrys oldest person in July 2016 after the death of 113-year-old Goldie Michelson, of Worcester, Mass. A group that tracks long-living people says the oldest person living in the United States is now 113-year-old Delphine Gibson, of Huntingdon County, Pa.

Penn State bars alcohol at fraternity parties: Penn State has indefinitely halted fraternity and sorority parties where alcohol is available because of a students death and what the school calls growing allegations of hazing, sexual assault and other misconduct, the university announced Wednesday. The decision followed the death Saturday of Timothy Piazza, 19, of Lebanon, N.J. Investigators said Beta Theta Pi fraternity members told them Piazza, a sophomore, was intoxicated when he fell down a stairwell during a party late Thursday night. The fraternity has been suspended.

Priest arrested in sexual abuse case: A former Roman Catholic priest who was indicted in Maine on 29 counts of sexual misconduct dating to the 1980s has been arrested in Boston. The Boston Globe reported that Boston police and U.S. marshals took Ronald Paquin, 74, into custody Wednesday near a hospital in the citys Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Paquin previously spent more than a decade in a Massachusetts prison for raping an altar boy. He was defrocked in 2004.

 From news services
GERMANY

Merkel, governors to step up deportations

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that she and the governors of Germanys 16 states have agreed to push for more and faster deportations of rejected asylum seekers.

Merkel, who faces an election this year, has called repeatedly for a national effort to make sure that people without the right to stay leave the country. Currently, deportations are handled by the states, but top officials have made clear the federal government wants more influence.

Government officials are planning to create several exit centers where people could be taken before their scheduled deportations to make sure they dont disappear. Officials also want a national center to coordinate returns.

 Associated Press

SOUTH AFRICA

Brawl in parliament as lawmakers are ejected

Lawmakers of South Africas far-left Economic Freedom Fighters party brawled with parliamentary orderlies as they were ejected from the chamber for interrupting President Jacob Zumas state of the nation speech on Thursday.

The scuffling spilled over into the precincts of the building as the lawmakers, clad in their trademark red overalls, continued to push the orderlies ejecting them on the speakers orders.

Police fired stun grenades outside to disperse supporters of the EFF and the ruling African National Congress party.

 Reuters

ISRAEL

Palestinian attacker wounds at least 6

A Palestinian opened fire and stabbed shoppers with a screwdriver near a busy open-air market in central Israel on Thursday, wounding at least six people, police said.

Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said police confirmed that an 18-year-old Palestinian from the West Bank was arrested soon after the shooting in Petah Tikva.

Israeli media reported that the attacker fired at a bus and toward shoppers buying groceries before running down the street. He kept firing as civilians gave chase.

Passersby tackled the man and subdued him before police detained him.

 Associated Press

Egypt shuts down group treating torture victims: Police shuttered an organization that treats victims of torture and trauma, said a prominent psychiatrist who founded the Cairo center, describing the action as part of the latest security crackdown on civil society in Egypt. Aida Seif el-Dawla said that when her staff arrived at the center, it had been sealed by police. She posted pictures on Facebook and commented: We will continue.

China takes action on organ harvesting, WTO says : The World Health Organization says China has taken steps to end the harvesting of organs from executed prisoners but that it is impossible to know what is happening across the entire country. At a Vatican conference on organ trafficking this week, a former top Chinese official said the country had stopped its program, but critics remain unconvinced. In an interview Thursday, the WHOs Jose Ramon Nunez Pena said he visited about 20 hospitals in China last year and thinks the country has reformed. But he acknowledged that it was possible there may still be hidden things going on.

Algal bloom killing salmon in Chile: An algal bloom killed some 170,000 salmon in recent days in Chile, the worlds second-biggest exporter of the fish after Norway, as they were being transported by boat, raising concern about an industry that was devastated by an outbreak last year. The current outbreak is not near any of the salmon farms that dot southern Chiles coastline but has infested sections of the shipping lanes used by producers, the governments Sernapesca fisheries body said. Boats transporting live fish recirculate ocean water into their tanks as they inadvertently pass through infested waters, Sernapesca said.

Number of monarch butterflies down 27 percent in Mexico: The number of monarch butterflies wintering in Mexico dropped by 27 percent this year, reversing last years recovery from historically low numbers, according to a new study. Experts say the decline could be due to late winter storms last year that blew down more than 100 acres of forests in central Mexico where migrating butterflies winter.

 From news services
A GROUP of prominent Republicans brought a refreshing message to Washington on Wednesday: Climate change is a threat that deserves serious attention, and the GOP should embrace smart ways of dealing with it. What sorts of ways? The group  which calls itself the Climate Leadership Council and includes two former secretaries of state, James A. Baker III and George P. Shultz; two former chairmen of the Council of Economic Advisers, Martin S. Feldstein and N. Gregory Mankiw; and former treasury secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr.  has a carbon emissions-reduction plan ready to go. And it is excellent.

Instead of indulging in the fiction that carbon emissions will take care of themselves with minimal government intervention, these veteran Republican hands endorsed what economists insist is the best approach to dealing with the sprawling carbon emissions issue: a carbon tax. Put a price on the pollution, and businesses and consumers will change their behavior in thousands of ways that government regulators would not have predicted and could not have compelled. This process, driven by energy consumers, produces the largest carbon cuts for the buck. Its basic structure is also simple enough for most people to understand, and, since Congress would be writing it into the law, it could not easily change from president to president, as current regulations can.

The councils plan would initially peg the tax at $40 per ton of carbon dioxide emissions  which, the groups experts say, equates to about 36 cents per gallon of gasoline  and set it to rise at a steady rate year after year. How could this possibly be a political winner, particularly for Republicans who spent years accusing President Barack Obama of attempting to raise energy prices? The group proposes that the tax replace the climate rules the Environmental Protection Agency established under Mr. Obama, which Republicans hate. The plan would also rebate the money the tax raised back to every American.

The total picture, then, is a policy that would defuse the climate issue for Republicans, without growing government revenue, while rolling back energy regulations and sending Americans a regular check in the mail. The council reckons that those checks would make the vast majority of Americans, and particularly those with lower incomes, whole or better, after subtracting out what they paid in carbon taxes.

Still, it will be a political long shot. Energy interests  particularly the dirtiest of them all, coal  will fight hard against this sort of plan. As usual, they will push for dangerous inaction instead. Some environmentalists, meanwhile, have already objected to the fact that the plan would rescind the EPAs authority to address climate change via regulation, even though doing so is a crucial prerequisite for GOP movement. Environmentalists worry that merely setting a tax rate, without directly capping carbon emissions, would not guarantee that emissions would drop to desired levels. That is a fair concern, but there are smart ways of dealing with it: Congress could set the tax to adjust automatically if carbon emissions do not hit targets, for example.

These dyed-in-the-wool Republicans have proposed an elegant climate policy that addresses an issue of widespread concern and poses no threat to conservative ideology. The rest of their party should listen.
THOSE WHO favor the United States designating the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization, a move being considered by the Trump administration and advanced by a few members of Congress, think it will strike a singular blow against violent extremism. But they labor under an illusion. The Muslim Brotherhood is not a single, cohesive unit, but rather a sprawling organization. It does not systematically engage in terrorism, although some parts of it have turned to violence. A blanket designation would be a mistake.

Founded in 1928 in Egypt as a religious, social and political organization, the Muslim Brotherhood has evolved over subsequent decades. After endorsing the use of violence in its early years, the Egyptian branch of the Brotherhood disowned it in the 1970s in exchange for the freedom to organize politically and socially. Following the Arab Spring uprising in Egypt, the Brotherhood moved into politics and one of its members, Mohamed Morsi, was elected president in 2012. His faltering performance led to mass protests, and he was deposed by the military a year later. Gen. Abdel Fatah al-Sissi, now Egypts president, has outlawed the Brotherhood, arrested its leaders and members, and pressed hard for Washington to impose the foreign terrorist designation.

In Tunisia, a party inspired by the Brotherhood is openly engaged in politics, and the democratic transition would have been impossible without its moderate leadership. Among Palestinians, the Islamic Resistance Movement, or Hamas, which has waged a violent conflict against Israel, is also an offshoot of the Brotherhood and is already on the U.S. foreign terrorist organization list. A Jordanian branch, purged of extremists, is represented in parliament. A 2015 review by the British government concluded that for the most part, the Muslim Brotherhood have preferred non violent incremental change, but they are prepared to countenance violence  including, from time to time, terrorism  where gradualism is ineffective. A blanket designation would injure those who seek change without terrorism.

Under U.S. law, the designation as a foreign terrorist organization is to be made by the secretary of state. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) have reintroduced legislation that would urge the secretary to make the designation, saying the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, espouse a violent Islamist ideology with a mission of destroying the West. If the Muslim Brotherhood were so labeled, anyone in the United States or abroad who provided material support or resources, including something such as democracy training, would be at risk of removal from the United States, as well as financial sanctions.

The possibility of this being used unfairly against Muslim groups in the United States is real, and worrisome, given the inclination of President Trump and some members of his team to unfairly conflate all Muslims with the danger of terrorism. An overly broad designation against the Brotherhood would also have unwanted blowback in the Middle East, tainting people who are working for nonviolent change. This is a case where the United States needs a laserlike attention to real threats, not a senseless political designation that would miss the mark.
Federal Judge James L. Robart is shown during the hearing in State of Washington vs. Donald J. Trump et al, in Seattle on Feb. 3. (U.S. Courts Handout/European Pressphoto Agency)

President Trumps possibly unconstitutional ban on the entry of people from seven predominantly Muslim countries into this nation is likely headed for the Supreme Court. As the Feb. 8 editorial Justice in full view pointed out, thanks to technology, any member of the American public could witness the oral arguments in District Court Judge James L. Robarts court and listen to the arguments in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

When this case almost certainly comes before the Supreme Court, perhaps as few as 50 members of the general public will have the privilege of viewing these immensely consequential deliberations. Surely the reality-star-turned-president, whose obsession with ratings is well-known, would support live broadcast of Supreme Court proceedings. Our nations highest court is not some mystical priesthood that can operate outside of the public view. Despite what some might say, cameras wouldnt diminish the court to a Judge Judy episode. But they would bring accountability and transparency to the judicial branch, something the public overwhelmingly supports. Thats why Ive reintroduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Ted Poe (R-Tex.) that would direct the Supreme Court to allow television coverage of all open sessions unless a majority of justices agrees that doing so would violate due-process rights. Its time we put cameras in the court.

Gerald E. Connolly, Washington

The writer, a Democrat, represents Virginias

11th Congressional District in the U.S. House.

If the courts have a chance of remaining the churches of our secular civic religion, lawyers and judges should not be put in the position of having to worry about or  sadly, more likely  seek out being made into a meme.

James L. Johnsen, Arlington
A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces stands guard near the village of Bir Fawaz, near Raqqa, during their offensive toward the Islamic State. (Delil Souleiman/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

Michael Flynn, the national security adviser to President Trump, shows visitors a map predicting what will happen to the Islamic State after its stronghold in Mosul is captured. It shows menacing black arrows reaching west toward future battlefronts in Iraq, Syria and beyond.

Thats the worry that motivates the Trump administration as it plans strategy against the terrorist group: Rather than a shattering defeat for the adversary, Mosul may be the start of a breakout to other regions. That may be one rationale for Trumps controversial ban on travel from Iraq and six other Muslim-majority countries, which was rejected Thursday night by a federal appeals court. Defenders of the ban could argue that it might prevent a metastasis of the Islamic State into the West after its capitals are crushed.

As Mosul falls, everyone [in the Islamic State] will move out, said a senior Trump administration official. ISIS will fall back into different areas. You could get suicide attacks again in Ramadi, an Iraqi city that was liberated 14 months ago.

But many experts outside the administration see holes in Trumps counterterrorism approach and worry that it could backfire. His rhetoric about Islamic terrorism has turned up the ideological heat, but it has frightened some potential Muslim allies at home and abroad. Trump has denounced the Obama administrations strategy  which, however cautious, was slowly throttling the Islamic State  without having a clear alternative.

The travel ban has offended the Iraqi government, even as its elite forces bravely captured eastern Mosul. The casualty rate among the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service, which has done most of the heavy fighting, is about 30 percent, a high-level intelligence official said. Because that unit must rebuild its strength, victory in Mosul is at least six months away.

Then theres the Iran conundrum. Flynn put Iran on notice after its Jan. 29 missile test, and the administration soon announced sanctions. But Tehran is also the United States de facto ally against the Islamic State in Iraq. Iran-backed Shiite militias havent turned their guns on U.S. forces, but they could  severely complicating the Islamic State campaign.

And theres the puzzle of how to deal with the new alliance of Russia, Iran, Turkey and the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Will the United States join them in a shared fight against the Islamic State? If so, would that mean abandoning the Syrian Kurdish militia known as the YPG, which has been the United States strongest partner against the Islamic State, but which Turkey rejects as a terrorist group?

During the presidential campaign, Trump urged an alliance with Russia against the Islamic State in Syria, and some officials have talked of driving a wedge between Moscow and Tehran. But analysts from the Institute for the Study of War caution that such a Russia-Iran split is probably wishful thinking.

Trumps notion of partnership with President Vladimir Putin is also increasingly problematic. Congressional Republicans are wary about embracing Moscow. And last Friday, the senior administration official endorsed the hard-line statement by U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley that Russia must withdraw from Crimea before sanctions are removed. The White House position on Russia is now high standards, high expectations, the official said.

The Trump team has criticized P resident Barack Obamas plan for taking Raqqa as poor staff work, without having its own version ready. Some analysts worry that the Islamic State is regrouping as the new administration recalibrates policy. Simultaneity and pressure are the keys going forward, one U.S. commander said. He urged that the United States sustain its broad coalition, including the Syrian Kurds, to keep up momentum.

Victory in Raqqa could be a year off, the intelligence official warned. That would give the Islamic State many months to plan the global attacks that Flynn fears. Given this danger, some analysts speculate that Trump may eventually decide to clear Raqqa with thousands of U.S. troops from mobile units, such as the 82nd Airborne Division, which is already partly deployed in Iraq. That would be a decisive show of force, and it could get the United States in and out relatively quickly. But it would probably mean high U.S. casualties.

The bitter irony is that as Trump proclaims his anti-Islamic State campaign, al-Qaeda is becoming stronger in both Iraq and Syria, warn analysts from the Institute for the Study of War. This is a fight where easy slogans and rushed travel bans arent likely to provide a path to victory.

A clarification about the National Security Council organizational chart described in a previous column: Susan Rice, former national security adviser, disputed a claim by Flynn, her successor, that she had 23 people reporting directly to her, compared with Flynns eight. Rice said she had just eight direct reports. Flynns spokesman said he had based his estimate on an organizational chart that Rice had given him.

Read more from David Ignatiuss archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
At a Black History Month event recently, President Trump seemed to suggest that Frederick Douglass is still alive: Hes done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more, Trump said. If he was referring to our awareness of Douglasss important historical legacy, then the presidents remarks were on the money: More than 120 years after Douglasss death, the great abolitionists impact on our country is still unfolding. The former slave who became one of the nations most widely read authors and most popular orators speaks to us still through his prolific writings, and his legacy is ensured by his solid place in the literary canon and the treasure trove of images that he seemed determined to leave behind. But as Douglasss fame has grown, so too have myths about his history and personality.

Myth No. 1

Frederick Douglass was an American patriot.

Douglass wanted blacks to fight for the Union in the Civil War, and after President Abraham Lincoln allowed them to serve, Douglass became the presidents loyal supporter and friend. Following the war, Douglass became the first African American to receive a federal appointment that required Senate approval and was an official emissary to Haiti. Its no wonder that the Colored Republican Association of New York called Douglass a patriot and a hero  upon his death in 1895 or that he is often listed in collections of American patriots: A monograph from the 1990s, for instance, was called Frederick Douglass: Patriot and Activist .

Yet Douglass never defined himself as an American patriot  indeed, he was highly critical of the United States. In 1845, as a fugitive slave, he fled to the British Isles for two years, almost settling permanently in England. For the first time in his life, he said , he experienced an absence, a perfect absence, of everything like that disgusting hate with which we are pursued in America. Only a sense of duty to his fellow African Americans and a desire to fight the scourge of racism and slavery persuaded him to come back. I have no love for America, as such, he announced upon his return. I have no patriotism. I have no country.

Sixteen years later, on the eve of the Civil War, he planned a visit to Haiti to entertain permanent emigration to the black republic. The North has never been able to stand against the power and purposes of the South, he concluded. If Haiti met his expectations as a light of glorious promise, then he would remain in that country and call it home.

Myth No. 2

Douglass was a pious Christian.

Traditional Christian ministries such as the Colson Center claim that Douglass was a committed Christian. Likewise, Christian publishing house Concordia includes Douglass in its Heroes of the Faith book series. And Douglass referred often to Christianity in his speeches and writing.

But his views on the religion were less than conventional. While a practicing member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church for most of his adult life, Douglass used the Bible to interpret the Norths role in the Civil War allegorically, with Michael and his angels battling the infernal host of bad passions in our countrys version of the apocalypse. He frequently expressed his disgust at the fact that slaveowners cited scripture to argue that slavery was divinely ordained and that the Lord demanded the docility of the enslaved.

In his final years, Douglass became drawn to Unitarian and openly critiqued traditional doctrines. His home contained artifacts and writings from several world religions, as well as busts of his favorite philosophers, Ludwig Feuerbach and David Friedrich Strauss, both of whom viewed Jesus as a moral person but not the son of God.

Myth No. 3

Douglass, a Republican, would fit in with todays GOP.

Contemporary Republicans, including the Frederick Douglass Republicans and the Oregon Republican Party , proudly remind us of Douglasss GOP membership. The Republican Party is the ship and all else is the sea around us, Douglass said after the Civil War.

But his politics hardly resembled those of modern Republicans (just as Democrats of the time werent like todays Democrats). In 1855, Douglass was a self-professed radical as a founding member of the Radical Abolition Party, which wanted to upend the status quo in the most dramatic way: immediate and universal emancipation; full suffrage for all Americans, regardless of sex or skin color; the redistribution of land so that no one would be rich and no one poor; and violent interventions against slavery. Other founders included two of Douglasss close friends: the militant abolitionist John Brown and the nations first university-educated black physician, James McCune Smith.

During the Civil War, Douglass became a Republican and remained a devoted member of the party for the rest of his life. At the time, the GOP  the party of Lincoln and Charles Sumner  consistently received enormous support from black voters and advocated a strong central government and certain entitlements for the underprivileged. In other words, it bears little resemblance to todays Republican Party.

Myth No. 4

Douglass escaped from slavery on foot.

Images accompanying descriptions of Douglasss flight from slavery (even period lithographs) often seem to depict him sneaking away through the wilderness or evading slave-catchers. Many sources say simply that Douglass ran away,  leaving readers to imagine him on foot, following the North Star to freedom, outracing bloodhounds, and avoiding snakes and slave-catchers in the swamps.

Its a dramatic notion, but Douglasss escape was more prosaic, mirroring many self-emancipations from the period that depended more on logistics and less on romance. Dressed in a sailors suit (a red shirt, black cravat and tarpaulin hat) and traveling under an assumed identity, Douglass boarded a train in Baltimore on Sept. 3, 1838. Then he took a steamboat from Wilmington, Del., to Philadelphia before boarding a night train to New York.

As soon as Douglass reached safety in New York, he wrote his fiancee, Anna Murray, and asked her to join him at once. They were married Sept. 15 at the home of David Ruggles, a free black journalist, in a ceremony presided over by a famous black abolitionist, the Rev. James Pennington, a newly ordained minister and, like Douglass, a fugitive from Maryland. On Ruggless advice, they moved to New Bedford, Mass., then the nations whaling capital, where Douglass began work as a free man.

Myth No. 5

Douglass is being recognized more and more.

In fact, Douglass was more famous in the 19th century than he is today. His first two autobiographies, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (1845) and My Bondage and My Freedom (1855), were bestsellers. In addition, he was one of the nations greatest orators, a widely read journalist and the most-photographed American of the 19th century. He was truly among the most famous Americans of his time.

In the 1850s, he was often compared in stature to Stephen Douglas, the Democratic leader who supported slavery, defeated Lincoln in the 1858 U.S. Senate race in Illinois and twice ran for president. Several journalists wanted to have the black Douglas on the stump against the white Douglas. (The white Douglas, a virulent racist, hated the comparison.) Douglass was more famous than Lincoln until the 1860 presidential race; journalists sometimes misspelled the candidates name as Abram.

When Douglass died in 1895, thousands of tributes from the United States and abroad honored him. Collected in a 350-page closely printed book, they highlight his stature. The Washington Post began its tribute by saying, Frederick Douglass was one of the great men of the century. And the Chicago Tribune declared: No man, black or white, has been better known for nearly half a century in this country, than Frederick Douglass.

gates@harvard.edu

stauffer@fas.harvard.edu

Five myths is a weekly feature challenging everything you think you know. You can check out previous myths, read more from Outlook or follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter.
News that President Trump wants Vice President Pence to investigate voter registration should serve as a warning to those leaning toward no inquiry at all [Trump: Pence will head probe of voting issues, news, Feb. 6]. Voter irregularities are indeed probably a small problem. Still, some wish to manufacture justification for screening voter rolls in a way that facilitates scrubbing legitimate voters likely to favor their opponents.

Confusion is a tool for hiding questionable intent. The presence of a voter on two rolls does not prove fraud. Probably few voters even think of notifying registrars when they move.

Moreover, voter fraud and election fraud are not the same. When Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) asserted that former president George W. Bush was not legitimately elected, he was in essence referring to election fraud: excessive scrubbing of voter rolls, deliberate voting machine misallocation in Ohio disadvantaging Democratic strongholds, questionable electronic vote tallies and various forms of voter suppression, among other malfeasance indicators.

Its time to stop worrying about the impact of a wide-ranging probe of voter and election fraud on the psyche of the American public. The narrow Trumpian initiative needs to be nullified in favor of a broad, transparent, careful and well-funded nonpartisan examination of 21st-century election mechanisms and outcomes. With trustworthy investigation results, we can and must update our election laws and reform our voting processes.

Richard H. Pratt, Garrett Park
Hand-written 'messages of resistance' to President Trump and his executive orders are on view on a wall near the Washington Monument, February 3, 2017. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Ive heard it scores of times from Americans frightened, angry or depressed about President Trump: What can I do?

I recommend to each of them the same regimen I follow myself: Exercise regularly, spend time with family and drink a quart of Everclear every night.

But such self-care, as the mental-health practitioners call it, only goes so far. For much of America  the majority of the country that did not vote for Donald Trump  the election has brought about whats known as a collective trauma, not unlike the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Then, we stockpiled duct tape, packed go bags and hatched family escape plans  giving us an illusory sense of control over the unimaginable (and, in retrospect, overblown) threats of chemical, biological and radioactive attacks. Now a majority of those on the left, as well as many moderates and conservatives, fear not some unknown terrorist cell but our own president, wary of the calamity he could unleash with his recklessness. One moment hes attacking the federal judiciary; the next moment hes assaulting Australia  or Nordstrom.

[Millions have protested Trump. Heres what they plan to do next.]

The erratic behavior makes millions of people feel powerless and out of control, which leads to anxiety, anger and despair. Anybody know of a 12-step program for my fiancee, who obsessively reloads her Twitter feed as Trump unleashes all manner of mayhem?

But there is a better way. I consulted with leading figures in mobilization  people such as Marshall Ganz, of Cesar Chavez fame, and Harvard Universitys Theda Skocpol  and asked them to propose actions an ordinary citizen might take.

Until now, the response to Trump has been ad hoc: demonstrations arranged on social media or flooding the Capitol switchboard. That does some good, and the rallies are a balm for people feeling isolated. But the activities are wasted if those involved dont join a larger movement.

We need to shift from a reactive to a strategic response, Ganz says. His solution: Join something. To the extent it brings you into a relationship with others, its worth doing. Unless it has that further dividend, it gets old.

So what to join? My friend Eric Liu, author of the forthcoming book Youre More Powerful Than You Think, says even a book club will do. Thats true, in the long run: The idea is to rebuild structures of civil society, the breakdown of which allowed the demagogic Trump to take root.

But some organizations do more than others to combat Trump. Here, then, are a few illustrative examples  though their inclusion is not an endorsement, nor should an omission be seen as a demerit.

Organizing. The anti-Trump movement wont be a left-wing tea party. Objections to Trump transcend ideological lines, the left is fractured by identity politics and there arent many liberal donors who will bankroll resistance the way the Koch brothers funded the tea party. But there are groups that attempt to mobilize: Indivisible. MoveOn. Peoples Action. Center for Community Change. PICO. Center for Popular Democracy. Working Families Party.

Legal. Trump has already tried to stretch his powers beyond the usual limits. The Brennan Center, the ACLU and the Southern Poverty Law Center counter him.

Media. To combat Trumps alternative facts, subscribe to your local newspaper. Contribute to NPR. Even buy the failing New York Times if you must. (Alternatively, you can send your checks to the Dana Milbank Everclear Fund, c/o The Washington Post.)

Labor. Many of the building-trades unions are foolishly hoping Trump will be their friend. But their service and public-sector brethren  the SEIU, AFSCME, the teachers unions  are bulwarks against him.

Intellectual. Demos, the Roosevelt Institute, the Center for American Progress, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Economic Policy Institute and Skocpols Scholars Strategy Network all offer brainpower to counter Trump.

Party. The Democratic National Committee leadership is so weak that it may not be worth your time. But state and county party committees could use help. Skocpol recommends that if you live in a blue state, get your local committee to form a partnership with a party committee in a swing or red state.

[A blueprint for resistance to Trump has emerged. Heres what it looks like.]

Politics. If youd like to run for office, consult your party or Emilys List (if youre a woman) and train with Wellstone Action. For everybody else, find out where your labors are needed. There are gubernatorial races this year in New Jersey and Virginia. Flippable.org will lead you to important state races. Swingleft.org finds you the nearest congressional swing district in 2018. Or, if you are a Republican, get involved in primaries to help the likes of Sen. Jeff Flake (Ariz.) stand up to Trump.

Coordination. The left is desperately in need of people to align its identity-politics factions. America Votes and State Voices are attempting, against long odds, to do that.

Join. A church or synagogue or mosque, a union, your local Planned Parenthood chapter, the Chamber of Commerce, the Sierra Club, Elks Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars or American Legion post: The issue and the ideology dont much matter; what matters is connection.

It is our best hope. That, and a tumbler of Everclear.

Twitter: @Milbank

Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Some of the most powerful people in Washington could generate a massive pro-D.C. statehood victory just by signing on the bottom line. Wheres their signature needed? Not on a piece of legislation. Not yet.

President Trump obviously could help that way. But, believe it or not, its not too late for former president Barack Obama to help. And it is not too late for Michelle Obama to help, either. An Ivanka Trump or Jared Kushner signature would also fit the bill.

How could a single signature from anyone in this diverse group of the Districts most powerful residents generate a victory for the D.C. statehood movement? If that signature were to be on a D.C. voter registration form.

When a voter who has moved to the District from any of the 50 states registers to vote in the District, he or she literally is signing away the right to elect someone to Congress. We all learn in school that our federal government has three branches: two elected and one nominated. Not so for District voters. If you are from another state, it is a unique, infuriating and humiliating experience to sign a D.C. voter registration form, knowing full well that you are being forced to abandon a critical component of your democratic rights. Congress approves our taxes (which D.C. residents pay) and declares our wars (which D.C. residents fight), but D.C. residents have no vote there.

Critically, few Americans outside of the D.C. area understand that more than 680,000 of their fellow Americans have no vote in Congress. National ignorance of our voteless plight is the single greatest barrier to progress on this front.

Were a Trump or an Obama to sign a D.C. voter registration form (ideally at a high-profile event, perhaps at a venue with resonance for the District, such as the Wilson Building), that single gesture would arguably generate more publicity for the voting rights movement than any event in history.

The VIPs on the list above have either reached the peak of their political careers or deny they have any future political ambitions. That eliminates any political risk from temporarily abandoning home-state voter registration.

When the Obamas or Trumps eventually return to Illinois or New York, we would fully expect them to register to vote there. But, in the handful of years that these critical, high-profile individuals make the District home, they would be doing our cause a monumental service with a simple signature on a mass-produced government form.
Alice Graves of Harrisonburg, Va., holds an "Our Voice Matters" sign while marching on Martin Luther King Day in the annual People's Day across in Harrisonburg, Va. (Nikki Fox/Daily News-Record via Associated Press)

Who would guess that a city tucked in the Shenandoah Valley of western Virginia, with a population of 53,000 and a hard-working rural history, is a model of international coexistence?

Students in Harrisonburg City Public Schools come form a variety of nations. Among limited-English proficiency speakers, only 55 percent were born in the United States. The second-largest segment of the LEP population by country of origin is Iraqi. Then there are the Hondurans, Puerto Ricans, Salvadorans and Mexicans. The Congolese, Ethiopians, Jordanians, Ukrainians and Syrians are representd, too. As of January 2016, Harrisonburg City Public Schools are attended by students from 46 countries.

One might guess that so many people from so many places around the world never could get along in such a small town given the unnerving level of social discord represented in the media regarding immigration and the fear of terrorism. Yet they do. Crime is mostly petty. Only four police officers have died in the line of duty since the first in 1959. What on earth is happening in Harrisonburg?

Known since the 1930s as The Friendly City, Harrisonburg is an official Church World Service refugee resettlement community. Its home to James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University, which brings a lot of foreign nationals to town through its missionary work around the world. And the city lies in the path of Interstate 81. So, even though Harrisonburg is no bustling port city or cosmopolitan metropolis, its high level of diversity is not so hard to believe.

But what is so hard to believe is the level of concord among all the various walks of life. Listening to the current American national dialogue, or observing the rise of nationalist political candidates around the world, one would assume that mixing nationalities, religions and ethnic groups in such close quarters would produce enough emotional tinder to fuel a blaze of angry divisions and open fighting in the streets. Yet it does not.

In fact, less than a week after the White House issued an executive order banning refugees from seven majority-Muslim countries, 30 volunteers from churches of various faiths in Harrisonburg and the surrounding Rockingham County collected food donated to the Islamic Center of the Shenandoah Valley. According to the Daily News-Record, the food was set out after the Islamic Centers 1 p.m. service, and 300 attendees grabbed lunch to go or sat down to a meal. One attendee reportedly said, This support shows us the community is standing with us. This makes us feel like we are all Americans.

Maybe everyone gets along well in Harrisonburg because the town is small and the community actively interacts. It is a lot easier to think badly of some group  or even hate them  if its members are an abstraction to you. If you dont know or see the people youre told to fear, its much easier to fear them. In Harrisonburg, we plainly see that our Mexican and Muslim neighbors are not as they are portrayed by some in elected office or in the media.

Maybe the answer is not a wall or a moratorium on immigration. Maybe the answer is exactly the opposite. Just ask the good people in the Friendly City of Harrisonburg.
Each day of the Trump era seems to bring strange new objects to the national punchbowl. The newly minted president publicly obsessed over his inaugural crowd size. He claimed pervasive voter fraud. He reviewed television shows. He attacked the independence of the judiciary. He called into question the fairness and good faith of Nordstrom, further deepening our class divide on tie selection.

It is difficult for an easily outraged columnist to ignore the presidents bad-boy, shock-jock, schoolyard, bar-stool, mental-ward provocations. But the Trump phenomenon raises more fundamental questions, including about the nature of political communication. Has President Trump permanently changed the way that politicians win office and speak once they assume it? Is Trumps use of Twitter in the same category of revolutionary change as the political pamphlet (see Thomas Paine) or the barn-burning stump speech (see William Jennings Bryan) or the radio (see Franklin D. Roosevelt)?

There is little doubt that the Trump precedent will amplify an existing trend among communication advisers to candidates. During my professional life as a speechwriter, I often heard the point made that people hate written speeches and reward extemporaneousness. In some ways, John McCains 2000 presidential campaign was a dry run for this approach, with the candidate making much of his news in daily bull sessions on the press bus. It was seriously proposed to me during George W. Bushs 2004 reelection campaign (on which I was chief speechwriter) that the president deliver his convention address from notes. Even Trump did not attempt this feat, but the enemies of texts, teleprompters and speechwriters have plenty of ammunition in their quest to promote authenticity as spontaneity.

There is no doubt that Trump tapped into public impatience with typical-sounding politicians, embodied by the Democratic nominee for president, who seemed to have talking points in her soul. People who know Hillary Clinton would dispute that characterization vigorously. But many voters could not imagine four scripted, stilted years of presidential rhetoric. At least, it was widely argued, Trump says what he thinks.

That struck me as an odd way to choose a president, especially given what Trump actually thinks. But the tweet, briefly expressing a taunt, appears triumphant. Spontaneity reigns in presidential splendor.

(The Washington Post)

Yet there are two caveats at least as huge as Trumps crowd size. First, Trumps communication style has not even begun to be tested. It is at times of tragedy, grief and the solemn expression of national purpose that the words of a president are assessed by history. Moments such as these usually require both thought and craft. Words are used to empathize, to heal, to reach out, to uplift, to speak from the undivided heart of the country.

There is no evidence that Trump is capable of this kind of communication; there is much evidence he is not. In the aftermath of terrorist attacks, Trumps instinct is to take credit for his own foresight and to employ events as justification for his own agenda. There are few things more repulsive than narcissism at a time of grief. In moments demanding empathy, Trump may use a text and sound inauthentic, or not use a text and sound indifferent.

The second caveat is that we dont know the ending of Trumps story. His style of communication is attractive now because it helped him overcome nearly impossible political odds. But in, say, the fourth and final year of a failed presidency, Trumps tone and approach  his insults, his self-centeredness, his strange inability to discern appropriateness  may appear in a different light. A virus produces antibodies. Americans may become exhausted with his shtick. The decency of the country may be deeper than the Trump phenomenon.

Im betting on it, but who knows? The final measure of Trumps aggressive authenticity may be somewhere in the middle, as the truth of this matter may be somewhere in the middle.

The requirements of presidential communication are symbolized for me by the rigors of one day: Sept. 14, 2001. In the morning, Bush spoke at the National Cathedral: Grief and tragedy and hatred are only for a time. Goodness, remembrance and love have no end, and the Lord of life holds all who die and all who mourn.

Later that day, Bush held a bullhorn on smoldering rubble in New York and promised, spontaneously: The people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.

Both text and heart. Both prayer and bullhorn. Both needed by an American president.

Read more from Michael Gersons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook .
Imagine how Republicans would have reacted if President Barack Obama had attacked a retailer for dropping his daughters product line. Or asked senators to confirm a Cabinet pick who said guns are needed in schools to defend against grizzly bears. Or tried to undermine the independence of the federal judiciary. Or equated the United States moral standing with that of Vladimir Putins Russia.

There would have been howls of outrage, of course, and multiple investigations, and even calls for impeachment. But its President Trump doing all those things, so Republicans in Congress are as meek and quiet as mice.

Perhaps the most striking thing about the chaotic and exhausting first three weeks of the Trump administration is the degree to which Republicans have held together, placing loyalty above all else. The party of Lincoln has sold its soul  and like all Faustian bargains, this one will not end well.

Trump looks likely to get every one of his Cabinet nominees approved. Billionaire Betsy DeVos gave the worst performance in memory, surely one of the worst in history, at her confirmation hearing, displaying a level of ignorance that was truly shocking. Only two Republican senators  Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska  had the integrity to vote against her. Vice President Pence had to break a 50-50 tie, but DeVos is now the secretary of education.

And that was the closest thing weve seen to a GOP revolt in these confirmations. Not one Republican voted against confirming Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) as attorney general, despite his ugly history on civil rights. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) went so far as to formally squelch Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) so she could not read aloud a letter criticizing Sessions written decades ago by Coretta Scott King.

(Reuters)

Trumps pick for the Labor Department, fast-food magnate Andrew Puzder, has conflicts of interest and a nanny problem; he may face some pushback. Ben Carson has zero qualifications to lead Housing and Urban Development. But if DeVos got through, its hard to imagine who would be deemed unacceptable by the GOP majority.

Over in the House, meanwhile, all the zeal for holding the executive branch accountable has gone poof. Remember how eager House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) was to investigate every real or imagined question about the Obama administration? Remember how he went after Hillary Clinton over her emails? Suddenly  and this is rich  he declines to launch any probe that might be seen as a fishing expedition.

Trumps attack on a private company, Nordstrom, for no longer carrying his daughter Ivankas line of merchandise? Not a big deal, Chaffetz said. Trumps hotel lease for the Old Post Office building, which makes him both landlord and tenant? Chaffetz is curious but wants to wait for an opinion by the General Services Administration, which now reports to Trump. The many potential conflicts of interest posed by Trumps worldwide business interests? Chaffetz stifles a yawn.

And only a few Republicans, including Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), have shown any interest in investigating the biggest question hanging over the Trump administration: What role did Russia play in the election? This abdication of duty is cynicism of the highest order, or perhaps I should say the lowest.

The GOPs lockstep unity has been impressive, and it may eventually allow the party to achieve some of its long-held policy goals: cutting taxes, eliminating regulations, repealing the Affordable Care Act. But there are enormous risks.

The dawn of the Trump presidency has inspired a groundswell of progressive activism around the country. The energy generated by the massive Womens March on Washington and its satellite marches last month has been sustained. Republican members of Congress have been deluged by phone calls at their offices and confronted by protesters in their home districts. The women are in my grill no matter where I go, said Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.).

If opposition to Trump unites and motivates Democrats the way that opposition to Obama did for Republicans, GOP strategists should be very worried.

1 of 83 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  See what President Trump has been doing since taking office View Photos The new president is expected to make his mark on an aggressive legislative agenda. Caption The beginning of the presidents term has featured controversial executive orders and frequent conflicts with the media. March 17, 2017 President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, walk to Marine One at the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Beyond the political risk, there is the existential risk of blindly following a man who continues to demonstrate his unfitness for the presidency. Trump shows no respect for American institutions or traditions. He sees those who disagree with him as haters and dismisses inconvenient facts as fake news. He deliberately stokes fear. He bristles at constitutional checks on his power.

And to think, there once was a Republican president who summoned the better angels of our nature.

Read more from Eugene Robinsons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. You can also join him Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a live Q&A.
Actor David Cantanese of Williamsburg, Va., portraying John Rolfe, preps for a performance on April 5, 2014, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the wedding between John Rolfe and Pocahontas. (Jay Westcott/For The Washington Post)

[]

Last month, the Virginia General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of House Resolution 297 . The resolution, introduced by Del. Jason Miyares (R-Virginia Beach) and Del. Mark Cole (R-Fredericksburg), offers official state recognition of the enormous influence of Christian heritage and faith throughout the Commonwealths 400-year history.

While such a resolution may seem fairly innocent at first glance, its claims to legitimacy are based on dubious history. HR 297 begins with a preamble that asserts the preeminence of Christianity in the commonwealth. In 1607, it alleges, an expedition subsidized by the Virginia Company landed on the shores of what is now Virginia Beach and erected a wooden cross in symbolic reference to the Christian faith, invoked a public prayer of dedication, and pledged that the Gospel message would be spread throughout the region and, from that region, abroad.

Shortly after this transformative moment, the Jamestown settlement was born and, the authors of the resolution declare, Judeo-Christian principles, as established in the Law of Moses and set forth from the earliest days of recorded history, became the law of the land.

Its important to pause here for a moment to examine this initial assertion. The Virginia Company, chartered by King James I in 1606, was a joint-stock enterprise backed by wealthy Londoners seeking to profit from New World colonization.

The companys primary goal was to mine North America for precious metals and other raw materials such as timber, iron, minerals and medicinal plants from which they and their shareholders could reap enormous financial profit. Secondary goals included locating the famed and elusive Northwest passage to the East Indies; establishing a convenient base from which to attack Spanish treasure ships; planting English civilization in the New World; and laying the foundation for the future industries that would enrich the Mother Country, including pitch and tar manufacture, silk and wine industries and wood processing.

Although calls to spread Protestantism overseas in order to combat the growing dominance of Catholic Spain had served as a motivating factor for English New World colonization since the era of Queen Elizabeth I, religion was of little interest to company shareholders and the first wave of Jamestown settlers. The promise of material riches drove them more than anything else.

However, things did not go according to plan. The Jamestown settlers failed to find precious gems, their meager food and water supplies proved inadequate, the mortality rate spiked dramatically, and droves of men (and, later, women) dropped dead. The surviving settlers sought help from the Powhatan Indians, upon whose land they had planted their struggling colony, and traded various trinkets with them for food. For a time, Matoaka (also known as Pocahontas), the daughter of Chief Powhatan, acted as a go-between, aiding the desperate settlers in their attempts to trade with her people in order to survive.

Now, here is where HR 297 really takes liberty with the historical record. Jamestown, the authors of the resolution assert, included a recognized church wherein Christian worship, teachings, and baptisms were conducted in accordance with the Gospel message, as exemplified by the baptism of Pocahontas, a member of the Powhatan tribe of Native Americans in the region.

That is not the full story. Pocahontas was abducted during a visit and held captive by the Jamestown settlers, whose leaders had abandoned Christian civility in favor of more aggressive tactics as a result of food shortages. During her long captivity, the English converted Pocahontas to Christianity, renamed her Rebecca and married her to Englishman John Rolfe. At the time, Pocahontas was widely celebrated in England as the first Native American heathen woman to give up her savage way of life and convert to the true faith. But should modern-day legislators celebrate Pocahontass conversion to Christianity given the violent circumstances surrounding her captivity?

Like so many before them, Virginia legislators seek to appropriate the first English settlers and Pocahontas for their own ends, with little regard for historical facts. It is their intention to link what they characterize as the faith traditions brought to North America by its first settlers to the millions of Virginians who now identify as Christian. Yet there are far-reaching implications. Only Christians, the Virginia Assembly insinuates, are true to the founding principles of the first English settlers and thus real Americans.

Whether one is a Christian or not is beside the point, however. HR 297 does a disservice to the rich and complex history of Virginia, early Anglo-Indian interactions, and the nation as a whole and, in the process, denigrates the heritage of Christians, non-Christians and native peoples alike.

The writer is a historian of the British Atlantic at Virginia Commonwealth University.
When people of faith drop to their knees for nightly prayer, many, I suspect, find themselves struggling with the often preached injunction to pray for those in positions of public trust.

Are we, they may be asking, to pray for President Trump, the architect of un-American and un-Christian anti-immigrant measures grounded in paranoia and fear of the stranger? That description of Trumps proposals was supplied by the Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of Washington National Cathedral.

Are they to pray for people placed by Trump in positions of civil authority, such as nationalist Stephen K. Bannon, Trumps chief strategist; Attorney General Jeff Sessions with his tarnished history on race; and truth-challenged and ethics-challenged sycophant Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president?

Pray for elected officials on Capitol Hill who will enable Trump and his Cabinet to do bad things to good people?

Are the faithful expected to commend Trumps agenda to the Lord in prayer?

Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, would seem to see things that way.

Praying for Trump is a Christian obligation, Moore argued in an opinion article in The Post on Inauguration Day. Moore urged the nation to pray that Trumps presidency is a great and good one and that he flourishes in the civil arena. That, Moore said, will be good for everyone.

The view of that high-ranking Southern Baptist Convention leader is less than universal.

On Jan. 31, the Council of Bishops of the 200-year-old African Methodist Episcopal Church issued a battle cry against Trump to its more than 1 million members.

The AME bishops, convinced that Trump has polarized the country by sowing bitter divisions and fear, are not praying for the Almighty to grant Trumps longings. They assessed his appointments, executive orders and memorandums on immigration, a Southern border wall, the Affordable Care Act and major government initiatives. They concluded that Trumps policies are clearly demonic acts.

Rather than praying for Trumps success, AME congregations are being mobilized to wrestle against what the council of bishops said  quoting the Apostle Paul  are the rulers of the darkness . . . [and] spiritual wickedness in high places. High places, they suggest, are within White House grounds. So, too, signs of spiritual wickedness.

I, for one, share the view of cathedral dean Hollerith that our prayers should lead us to act in love for all those who would be marginalized or forgotten.

Still, when it comes to prayer time, Trump is not off my screen.

The well-being of the White House occupant ought to be a national concern.

Only the president can authorize, initiate and mobilize military strikes on enemies, real or imagined. Only the president can use the nuclear codes.

So to my question that recurs at prayer time: Does Trump have the wisdom, discernment, self-control and mental stability required of a president of the United States?

Ive touched on this before, but not with the depth of concern I now feel.

During the Republican primaries, many observers looked on with bemusement as Trump brutally savaged his hapless opponents.

But the Trump on display during the primaries turned out to be the same person during the general election, the transition and now his presidency. He still bullies, ridicules, threatens and lies.

He is a disturbing figure.

What do we have on our hands?

When Trump feels insulted, slighted or opposed, he simply goes off. No matter the stimulus.

A political opponent, a federal judge, a newspaper story, a beauty queen, a second-place finish in the popular vote, low Inauguration Day turnout, no matter. Anything less than Trump on top gives rise to a Trump emotional meltdown.

And its not just about winning. Theres his obvious craving for adulation, his need to vanquish and subjugate, his need to feed his fantasy of conqueror.

Hence, his jugular responses to the slightest provocations. Hence his dust-ups with the news media, with corporations that wont do his bidding and his crankiness with foreign leaders who correctly size him up as an arrogant, loudmouthed lightweight saddled with an insufferable grandiosity.

Trumps single-minded focus on himself, his dreadful narcissism, is deeply troubling, especially because he seems to be beyond anyones counsel. That could spell trouble for the country and the world.

Therefore, on behalf of our homeland, and for the sake of the nation, my humble prayer is that the president of the United States gets help.

Read more from Colbert Kings archive.
Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian is an editor on leave from Foreign Policy magazine.

Two weeks ago, Sarah Cochran awoke to an inbox full of panicked emails.

The night before, Reuters had reported that President Trump would soon sign an executive order blocking visas for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and Africa. The move, an expression of the Muslim ban that Trump touted during his campaign, marooned Muslims legally working or studying in the United States and threatens to divide families who have relatives in their home countries.

Cochran is director of the Virginia chapter of Emerge USA, an organization founded in 2006 to help Muslims get involved in local politics across five states. Its one of many organizations that American Muslims created in the aftermath of 9/11 to protect and advocate for their embattled community. That very morning, she was already set to travel to Richmond to meet with state lawmakers to communicate the concerns of Muslim Virginians.

If Trump keeps his campaign promises  and so far theres every indication he will  the country may see a return to the excesses of the Bush era that saw American Muslims profiled, surveilled, harassed and marginalized. Trumps administration is more openly anti-Muslim than any in history. Trump himself has stated that Islam hates us; his national security adviser, Michael Flynn, has called Islamism a vicious cancer inside the body of 1.7 billion people; his chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, once operated Breitbart, an alt-right news site known for anti-Muslim rhetoric.

Sixteen years ago, many American Muslims didnt know where to turn for help. There was no Emerge USA for them to email. They had almost no political, social or cultural capital. Now they are far better prepared. Thats because American Muslims have learned to arm themselves, not with weapons but with the freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution. In the crucible of American society after 2001, Muslims have fully embraced the democratic ideals, expansive religious freedom and rich civil society that truly make America great.

On the eve of 9/11, there were no Muslims in U.S. Congress. There were no Muslim-focused think tanks, few well-known Muslim journalists or comedians, and only a handful of national organizations to represent them. Most Muslims lived quiet lives, studied and worked hard, and provided for their families; they didnt understand how American political organizing worked.

When 9/11 came, the community paid a heavy price. As Muslims and Muslim charities were targeted in terrorism investigations, they had to scramble to mount a legal defense. Mosques often had no idea how to respond to media requests. As a result, those labeling Islam a religion of violence spoke far louder than Muslims themselves, and hate crimes against Muslims spiked  according to FBI data, there were 481 incidents in 2001 alone. In September 2002, a special registration system was quietly implemented to track many Muslim and Arab immigrants from more than 20 Muslim-majority countries. It lasted until 2011. Most Americans didnt know this Muslim registry existed, because Muslims at the time didnt have the means to mobilize or publicize the issue.

But 16 years later, Muslim society in the United States has undergone a stunning transformation. There are now two Muslim members in the U.S. House of Representatives, Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and Andre Carson (D-Ind.). There are Muslim staffers on Capitol Hill and numerous Muslim elected officials at the state and local levels. There are dozens of new Muslim nonprofits aimed at community outreach, political engagement, interfaith ties, research and legal aid. Emerge USA, where Cochran works, is just one of many, such as the Muslim Legal Fund of America, the Constitutional Law Center for Muslims in America, the Alliance for an Indivisible America 2020, WORDE, the Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding in Michigan, Taleef Collective in California, the Texas Muslim Womens Foundation and many others. After 2001, the nations premier Muslim civil rights advocacy organization, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), vastly expanded its footprint and now operates 30 offices nationwide.

Mosques in Northern Virginia have banded together to take advantage of their proximity to the nations lawmakers. In the past, the results that the community thought were a win were having a representative showing up at your mosque or having a meeting with them, said Colin Christopher, deputy director of government affairs at Dar Al-Hijrah in Fairfax County. We hope to usher in a new style of policy engagement. It involves holding our officials publicly accountable. When they make promises and they dont keep them, we will call them out.

As pop-culture-savvy Muslims raised in the West have reached adulthood, they have beefed up their social presence as well. Aziz Ansari and Aasif Mandvi, formerly of The Daily Show, have satirized anti-Muslim bigotry for an audience of millions. Columnists such as Wajahat Ali for the New York Times and Haroon Moghul for CNN offer commentary whenever Islam makes headlines.

The increased visibility has paid off, as many Americans have come to know and embrace their Muslim neighbors. In contrast to the 2002 registry, implemented with hardly a peep, Trumps executive order on visas and refugees sparked a massive backlash. On Feb. 3, a federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order blocking the travel ban nationwide. The Department of Homeland Security has reverted to pre-ban immigration policies for now.

But theres another threat on the horizon. Lawmakers have introduced a measure that calls for the Muslim Brotherhood, a loosely organized multinational Islamist party, to be designated as a terrorist organization. Such a designation could be used to launch investigations into a swath of influential Muslim organizations, charities and individuals that, even if later found to be without merit, could cripple Islamic civil society in the United States.

As one speaker at CAIRs annual banquet in December remarked, A nightmare that we have been fighting in this country for the past 15 years is now in the White House. Muslims may have to harness every bit of influence at their command to protect themselves from what may be an unprecedented challenge.
David Cole is National Legal Director of the ACLU, which has filed several challenges to President Trumps executive order on refugees.

So much for that so-called judge. That was how President Trump dismissively referred to Judge James L. Robart, a George W. Bush appointee, on Feb. 4, a day after Robart issued a nationwide temporary injunction against the presidents executive order barring entry from seven predominantly Muslim countries. Robarts ruling followed several more limited injunctions issued by federal judges from New York, Massachusetts, Virginia and California. Now, his order has been unanimously affirmed by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, comprising judges appointed by presidents Bush, Carter and Obama. Well see whether Trump will condemn the entire judiciary as so-called, but thus far they have done their job: to provide a bulwark for liberty in the face of executive overreaching.

The executive order, issued Jan. 27, sought to make good on candidate Trumps promise to impose a Muslim ban. As Rudy Giuiliani told Fox News, the president called Giuliani to ask how he could implement a Muslim ban that would withstand legal challenge. Giuliani recommended that he target not Muslims per se, but countries that happened to be predominantly Muslim. But Trump apparently didnt get the full message. The day the order issued, Trump appeared on Christian Broadcast News to explain the order was designed to prioritize Christian refugees over Muslim refugees. (A separate provision of the order allows refugees who are members of a minority faith in their country to avoid a ban on refugee admissions).

Thats like a governor signing a voter ID law and simultaneously holding a news conference to announce that the purpose of the law is to suppress black votes. It admits a blatantly unconstitutional purpose, because, as the 9th Circuit noted, both the establishment clause and the equal protection clause prohibit the government from favoring or disfavoring specific religious denominations.

The executive order violates the principle of denominational neutrality in two ways. First, it is expressly designed to disfavor Muslims and favor Christians. And second, even if one disregarded Trumps admission of unconstitutional intent, the order creates a wholly arbitrary preference for refugees from minority religions over those from majority religions - in every country of the world. What possible rationale could there be for such a preference? And implementing it would entangle the government in theological questions about how to define religious groups and when a sect should be treated as a distinct religion. Are Baptists and Catholics and Unitarians three different religions, or one? What about Sunni and Shiite Muslims?

Taking a page from the Bush administration, the Trump administration argued that its executive order could not be reviewed at all by the judiciary. Such arguments rarely go down well with members of the judicial branch  even when a president has not dismissed them as so-called judges. The Supreme Court rejected the contention when Bush advanced it with respect to enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay. And the 9th Circuit just as rightly rejected it when advanced with respect to those subject to the travel ban. To be a country under the rule of law means that executive power cannot go unchecked.

The administration also maintained that because the executive order principally targets foreign nationals overseas who are not entitled to constitutional protections, the court should disregard constitutional objections. But as the 9th Circuit pointed out, the order affects many persons within the United States as well, including lawful permanent residents and those here on student or work visas, who would be barred from reentry if they took a trip home. The Supreme Court has insisted that constitutional rights generally apply to all those living among us, whether here lawfully or unlawfully. Moreover, the establishment clause is a structural guarantee meant to keep government from mixing itself up with religion; a violation of it infringes on all our rights. If a creche in a public square violates the rights of any nonadherent who sees it, surely this travel ban violates the rights of all Muslims in the United States, whether they are personally subject to it or not.

It is true that the courts have long given the political branches broad latitude on immigration matters. They can draw distinctions based on family ties and national origin that would generate highly skeptical review outside the immigration setting. But thats because immigration policy inevitably requires the drawing of lines between different family relations, and often involves foreign policy judgments best left to the political branches. But never before has the president sought to inject a religious litmus test into the immigration process. There is simply no good immigration-related reason for the government to depart from the fundamental obligation to remain neutral on religion.

The case may now go to the Supreme Court. But that court has already rejected Trumps boldest claim, presciently stating, in a case that I argued (and lost), that the governments authority and expertise in national security and foreign relations do not automatically trump the Courts own obligation to secure the protection that the Constitution grants to individuals. At least thus far, the obligation of so-called judges to uphold the Constitution has trumped Trump.
Perhaps its just me, but a few weeks into the Trump presidency, between the tweets, executive orders, attacks and counterattacks, I feel dizzy. So Ive decided to take a break from the daily barrage and try to find the signal amid the noise: What is the underlying philosophy of this administration?

The chief ideologist of the Trump era is surely Stephen K. Bannon, by many accounts now the second-most powerful man in the government. Bannon is intelligent and broadly read, and has a command of U.S. history. Ive waded through his many movies and speeches, and in these, he does not come across as a racist or white supremacist, as some people have charged. But he is an unusual conservative. We have gotten used to conservatives who are really economic libertarians, but Bannon represents an older school of European thought that is distrustful of free markets, determined to preserve traditional culture and religion, and unabashedly celebrates nationalism and martial values.

In a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2012, Bannon explained his disgust for Mitt Romney and his admiration for Sarah Palin, whose elder son, Bannon noted, had served in Iraq. The rich and successful Romney, by contrast, will not be my commander in chief, Bannon said, because, although the candidate had five sons who look like good all-American guys . . . not one has served a day in the military.

The core of Bannons worldview can be found in his movie Generation Zero. It centers on the financial crisis of 2008, and the opening scenes  in their fury against bankers  could have been written by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). But then it moves on to its real point: The financial crisis happened because of a larger moral crisis. The film blames the 1960s and the baby boomers who tore down traditional structures of society and created a culture of narcissism.

How did Woodstock trigger a financial crisis four decades later? According to Bannon, the breakdown of old-fashioned values resulted in a culture of self-centeredness that measured everything and everyone in one way: money. The movie goes on to accuse the political and financial establishments of betraying their country by enacting free trade deals that benefited them but hollowed out Middle America.

(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

In a strange way, Bannons dark, dystopian view of U.S. history is closest to that of Howard Zinn, a popular far-left scholar whose A Peoples History of the United States is a tale of the many ways in which 99 percent of Americans were crushed by the countrys all-powerful elites. In the Zinn/Bannon worldview, everyday people are simply pawns manipulated by their evil overlords.

A more accurate version of recent American history would show that the cultural shift that began in the 1960s was fueled by a powerful, deeply American force: individualism. The United States had always been highly individualistic. Both Bannon and Trump seem nostalgic for an age  the 1930s to 1950s  that was an aberration for the nation. The Great Depression, the New Deal and World War II created a collectivist impulse that transformed the country. But after a while, Americans began to reassert their age-old desire for personal freedom, fulfillment and advancement. The world of the 1950s sounds great, unless you were a woman who wanted to work, an African American who wanted to vote, an immigrant who wanted to move up or an aspiring entrepreneur stuck in a large, faceless corporation.

The United States that allowed individuals to flourish in the 1980s and 1990s, of course, was where the young and enterprising Bannon left a large bank to set up his own shop, do his own deals and make a small fortune. It then allowed him to produce and distribute movies outside of the Hollywood establishment, build a media start-up into a powerhouse and become a political entrepreneur entirely outside the Republican hierarchy. This United States allowed Bannons brash new boss to get out of Queens into Manhattan, build skyscrapers and also his celebrity, all while horrifying the establishment. Donald Trump is surely the poster child for the culture of narcissism.

In the course of building their careers, Trump and Bannon discarded traditionalism in every way. Both men are divorced  Bannon three times, Trump twice. They have achieved their dreams precisely because society was wide open to outsiders, breaking traditional morality did not carry a stigma and American elites were actually not that powerful. Their stories are the stories of modern America. But their message to the country seems to be an old, familiar one: Do as I say, not as I do.

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Regarding the Feb. 7 news article Trump may be aiming to blame judiciary, media for future attack:

President Trump had better get it into his head that as president he cannot successfully blame others for his missteps or for any future event such as a terrorist attack. Apparently he doesnt remember his history. President Harry S. Truman had a saying: The buck stops here. Mr. Trump will be held accountable for anything that takes place on his watch. He can fool himself by blaming others, but history and the rest of the world will blame him. If he isnt willing to take responsibility for his actions, he should resign.

Robyn Frank, Fulton

President Trumps game of aiming to blame judiciary, media for future attack has long-term consequences. The Sept. 11, 2001, attacks terrorized our country. In the aftermath, nothing was off the table as our elected officials imposed knee-jerk protective measures, no matter how senseless they were. The terrorists pretty much won. Remember the calls to permanently close Reagan National Airport? Heck, why not close them all? Some of the petty restrictions on our liberty continue today, as Granny in her wheelchair still gets frisked at the airport.

Thankfully, over time, Americans began to develop resilience  not complacency. A scab formed over our 9/11 wound. Americans understand that terrorism is never going to end. New acts of terrorism inevitably came  San Bernardino, Calif.; Fort Hood, Tex.; and Orlando (no, not Bowling Green)  but we decided not to surrender to fear again.

No one should object to the presidents desire to improve vetting, but we cant allow the hysteria he is stoking to take root. We need vigilance, but security was never a binary choice between being sensible or opening the door to bad dudes. Mr. Trump is setting fires to prove to people that only he can save us. He is trying to rip the scab off the 9/11 wound to get attention for himself. He is trying to make us victims again, not winners in the psychological war on terrorism.

Robert Brudno, Washington
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) reacts to being rebuked by the Senate leadership this week on Capitol Hill. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)

Whats the best way to make sure a message gets heard? Try to muzzle it.

Both liberals and conservatives are newly rediscovering the political power of this phenomenon, known as the Streisand Effect.

The term refers to what happens when an attempt to censor information backfires and instead unintentionally draws more attention to the censorship target. Its namesake is Barbra Streisand, who in 2003 sued a photographer for including a photograph of her Malibu home among a series of 12,000 aerial images documenting California coastal erosion. Thanks to the lawsuit, which was unsuccessful, this previously little-seen photo soon received enormous publicity and hundreds of thousands of views.

Plenty of other celebrities, companies and government agencies have come to rue the times they inadvertently publicized things they were trying to smother. Meanwhile, provocateurs and activists have learned how to weaponize the Streisand Effect, using censorship attempts to amplify their own voices.

After all, suppression of speech not only generates more public interest, as bystanders scramble to learn what all the fuss is about; it can also win the speaker sympathy and the moral high ground.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

So far this month, there have been two major  and, in different ways, instructive  examples of political speech being amplified by censorship.

On Tuesday, during Senate debate over the confirmation of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) as attorney general, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) began reading a 1986 letter from civil rights icon Coretta Scott King. King had opposed Sessionss nomination to a federal judgeship, on grounds that he had used his position as a federal prosecutor to suppress black votes.

As she read Kings letter, Warren was stopped, scolded and formally silenced by Republican senators. The reason? She had apparently violated Senate Rule 19, which bars the impugning of motives and conduct of a colleague.

These senatorial snowflakes, it seems, were more interested in silencing speech they disliked than rebutting it.

Never mind that Rule 19 is rarely invoked, or that it seems particularly wrongheaded to shut down criticism of a senator when the subject of debate is precisely that senators character, conduct and suitability for another office. Whatever Republicans thought they were achieving, the primary consequences were to energize the left and make Kings once-obscure letter go viral.

Warren has not indicated that she was trying to goad her colleagues into silencing her. But she could have hardly conceived of a better way to magnify her message, or her own stature.

She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) declared, in phrasing that seems perfectly scripted for a 2020 presidential campaign ad.

A week earlier, on the opposite coast, a completely different kind of character from the other side of the political spectrum appeared to leverage the Streisand Effect for less noble purposes.

Milo Yiannopoulos, Breitbart writer and sleazy professional troll, has built a career out of stoking Pavlovian outrage and censorship attempts from the left in order to build his audience on the right. He has mocked Jews, Muslims, African Americans, feminists, people who are overweight and the LGBT community (though he himself is gay), among others.

Clearly, the goal is to bait his intellectual opponents (not all of whom are liberal, mind you) into trying to forcibly silence him.

Sometimes youre not trying to score. Sometimes youre just trying to draw a foul.

Sure enough, Yiannopouloss opponents happily oblige, with heckles, threats and sometimes even violence  such as the riots that erupted at the University of California at Berkeley this month, which led to the cancellation of his talk and his evacuation from campus.

The riots didnt silence Yiannopoulos, however; instead, the resulting coverage megaphoned his ugly message to a much broader audience and will help him sell more books, schedule more lucrative speaking gigs and receive more sympathetic tweets from our sitting president. (President Trump, under the guidance of former Breitbart publisher Stephen K. Bannon, has also proved especially adept at alchemizing liberal indignation into self-aggrandizing news coverage.)

There are many compelling arguments for why protecting free speech, including speech you disagree with or even abhor, is important. Its enshrined in our Constitution; it is among the sacred liberal values we promote throughout the world; free and open dialogue helps advance scientific inquiry; and so on.

But one underappreciated argument is self-interest. Forcibly silencing and thereby martyring your opponents  rather than employing counter-speech to expose them as wrong or, better yet, ridiculous  may be exactly what they want you to do.
The Feb. 9 news article Tribal leader taken aback by timing of pipeline decision quoted Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) saying he hoped tribal leaders could tell federal officials, You know, were going to chalk this loss up, but lets talk about how to do this better next time. Next time? Was the congressman trying to be funny? What doesnt he get about the excruciating history of the U.S. government betraying its legal commitments to indigenous leaders and then whistling Dixie about a next time?

Colleen Cordes, Takoma Park
Rebecca Rossof, who is visiting from Chicago, carries a sign in support of lifting the immigration ban while in front of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. The Appeals court refused to reinstate President Trump's executive order banning travel to the United States from seven Muslim-majority countries. (Monica M. Davey/EPA)

President Trump, meet the judicial branch.

You like fast? It prefers to take its time. You were elected to disrupt, but it insists on order.

Most important, you have pledged to move single-handedly to protect the country and change its immigration priorities. The federal judiciary in the weeks-that-feel-like-months of the Trump presidency has pushed back in a series of decisions that make clear it has a role to play.

Only history can know whether the unanimous decision by a panel of three very different federal judges will ultimately be considered a case of judicial overreach, a self-imposed mistake caused by the administrations lack of precision, or something more significant.

But for now it served as a powerful reminder that judges demand their designated part, even if in most cases it is to defer to the president on matters of national security.

(Peter Stevenson,Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

The judges fairly bristled at the governments contention that courts had no business weighing Trumps executive order temporarily banning refugees and those from seven majority-Muslim countries.

The government does not merely argue that courts owe substantial deference to the immigration and national security policy determinations of the political branches  an uncontroversial principle that is well-grounded in our jurisprudence, the courts unsigned opinion said.

Instead, the government has taken the position that the presidents decisions about immigration policy, particularly when motivated by national security concerns, are unreviewable, even if those actions potentially contravene constitutional rights and protections.

That, the court said, runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy.

That the opinion was unsigned seemed intended to emphasize the unanimity of the diverse panel: Judge William C. Canby, 85, a Jimmy Carter nominee with more than 36 years of experience; Judge Richard R. Clifton, 66, nominated to the bench in 2002 by President George W. Bush; and Judge Michelle T. Friedland, 44, a Barack Obama nominee who became a judge less than three years ago.

They were deciding only whether to lift a temporary halt to the executive order, issued last Friday by Judge James L. Robart (another Bush nominee). It could have been a one-paragraph order, but instead it ran for 29 pages.

It gave the presidents lawyers almost nothing.

Washington and Minnesota had standing to sue, the judges decided, because the ban had a detrimental effect on the rights of students and faculty at the public universities. Actions of the executive branch designed to promote national security are not immune from judicial inspection, the court continued.

To have Robarts order dissolved, the burden was on the government to show it was likely to win on the merits.

But the judges said there were serious questions about whether the order provides the due process guarantees required, such as notice and a hearing prior to restricting an individuals ability to travel.

The government claimed that lawful permanent residents would not be affected; the court said there was no guarantee. The word of White House Counsel Donald F. McGahn was not enough, the judges said.

We cannot say that the current interpretation by White House counsel, even if authoritative and binding, will persist past the immediate stage of these proceedings, the decision said. That argued against leaving even part of the order in place.

The court said there was not enough in the record to decide whether the order amounted to religious discrimination, which would violate the Constitutions Establishment Clause prohibition of any law respecting an establishment of religion.

But Trumps words came back to haunt him. The states have offered evidence of numerous statements by the president about his intent to implement a Muslim ban as well as evidence they claim suggests that the executive order was intended to be that ban, the judges wrote.

We reserve consideration of these claims until the merits of this appeal have been fully briefed.

The court referred to the massive attention the case has received, and said it had to weigh interests.

On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies, the judges wrote. And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination.

Parts of the decision are sure to be controversial. While it said courts defer to the president, it seemed to demand an explanation before the president may act preemptively.

The government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States, the judges said.

Again, they said: Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the executive order, the government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all.

Despite the lopsided nature of the ruling, it also seemed to offer pointers for the administration. A legal strategy less dismissive of the courts role might have helped. Less haste in drafting the order, issued just a week after Trumps inauguration, might have filled some of the holes the judges saw.

Before his lawyers could decide on their next move, Trump issued an all-caps tweet: SEE YOU IN COURT, seemingly at odds with his recent criticism of judges as political.

The full appeals court? The Supreme Court? It was an acknowledgment, if nothing else, of the role the judiciary holds in how his presidency will proceed.
The Trump International Hotel, shown in December, has served as a hub for inaugural activities in the District. It also represents ground zero for what top Democrats and some ethics advisers see as the presidents unique web of conflicts of interest. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Federal officials have held private talks in recent days with attorneys for President Trumps real estate company to address a potential violation of Trumps lease with the government for his new luxury hotel near the White House, but the two sides have so far failed to reach a resolution, according to documents and people familiar with the discussions.

At issue is a clause in the lease barring an elected official from receiving any benefit from the agreement, which Trump signed with the General Services Administration in 2013 long before he became a presidential candidate.

The uncertainty of the status of the lease drew the attention this week of a top Republican lawmaker, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (Utah), chairman of the House Oversight Committee, who sent a letter Thursday to the GSAs acting director inquiring about the agencys plans.

Chaffetz told reporters this week that he was interested to learn how officials intended to grapple with the potentially awkward situation in which the Trump-led government intended to negotiate with a business controlled by the presidents family.

His being both the landlord and the tenant is something that were curious what the GSAs opinion of that is, Chaffetz said.

The question is one of numerous complications that have arisen since Trump refused to follow the advice of federal ethics officials and divest from his real estate and branding empire  a decision that experts say has created a global web of potential conflicts of interest.

While Trump has signed management of the hotel over to his oldest son, Don Jr., as part of his agreement to relinquish management of his businesses to his sons, the president has kept his 76.725 percent ownership stake in the project. The remaining portion is owned by his company and his children.

The 263-room hotel opened in the federally owned Old Post Office Pavilion last fall after Trump and his daughter Ivanka won a competitive bidding process and spent more than $200 million restoring the property. They added a 13,200-square-foot ballroom adorned with glass chandeliers at the eastern entrance and opened BLT Prime steakhouse and the Spa by Ivanka Trump.

The hotel has drawn criticism from some ethics experts who have sued Trump, arguing that receptions and other events held there by foreign governments violate a constitutional ban on presidents receiving payments from foreign governments. Trump has pledged to donate profits from foreign clients to the U.S. treasury.

The issue concerning the lease has proven difficult for the GSA, the federal agency that oversees contracting, which has undergone management changes as part of the transition between the Obama and Trump administrations. Trump, who replaced the interim director with an official from the GSAs Denver office within hours of taking office on Jan. 20, has yet to name a permanent pick to head the agency.

Congressional Democrats have implored the GSA since the immediate aftermath of the election to consider how difficult it would be to protect taxpayers once Trump became president and could assign his appointees to the agency.

Among Democrats concerns are that, if the lease needs to be renegotiated, the process will be overseen in effect by a president with a personal financial stake in the outcome. Currently, the 60-year lease requires that the Trumps pay the GSA $3 million per year in base rent plus a share of profits above a certain threshold.

Democratic lawmakers led by Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) wrote the GSA in November warning of a clear and very real conflict that will be triggered the moment Mr. Trump is sworn in as President of the United States unless concrete steps are taken now to avoid it.

Three months after the election, however, no decisions have been announced.

The agency has been in repeated contact with Trump Organization attorneys since the election but has declined to issue any enforcement action thus far, according to documents and officials.

GSA attorneys met with attorneys representing the Trump Organization four days after the election, in a meeting that one official said took place at the agencys headquarters.

Afterward the GSA issued a statement saying it was reviewing and evaluating the contract to assess the Trump Organizations compliance.

In December, the Trump Organization sent the GSA two letters about reorganizing Trumps D.C. hotel company, Trump Old Post Office LLC. The GSA did not respond to requests to release the letters.

On Jan. 10. the governments contracting officer for the hotel, Kevin Terry, wrote to Trump Organization attorney Lawrence S. Rosen to say he anticipated hearing more specifics on changes planned by the company.

We look forward to receiving the final documents that explain the transfers and new organizational structure of Tenant, Terry wrote.

The issue remained up in the air as Trump took the oath of office on Jan. 20, formally putting him in control of the agency responsible for the lease held by his company.

The Trump companys reorganization of the hotel became public on Feb. 3, with a filing to D.C. government showing that Trump had transferred control of Trump Old Post Office LLC to Don Jr., who is now president, and Allen H. Weisselberg, now vice president, secretary and treasurer.

Three days later, in response to further questions from Democrats, the GSA sent a two-page letter from Saul Japson, acting associate administrator, saying that the agency will continue to abide by its obligations under the Old Post Office contract and remain vigilant regarding the Governments rights and remedies under the contract.

Spokesmen for GSA and the Trump Organization declined to comment for this article. The agency released a statement saying it was committed to expeditiously resolving issues associated with the Old Post Office Lease.

The GSAs inspector general, Carol F. Ochoa, has also reserved judgment. A spokeswoman for Ochoa, Sarah Breen, said the office was still considering what would be the best course of action.

Dan Tangherlini, the former GSA administrator who oversaw initial lease negotiations with Trump for the Obama administration and left the government two years ago, said he was not surprised the agency has not acted.

Anything they did would have been viewed through a political lens, he said.

As Trump appointees begin filling jobs at the agency, Tangherlini said he expects career GSA staff to do what they are told by the new leadership.

They are awaiting instructions, Tangherlini said. And if the answer is, Write me the memo that says this is okay, they will go ahead and do that, and it will be subject to whatever legal and political scrutiny that comes with it. Or its Write me the letter that says its not okay. So I think they are waiting for someone to give them instructions and make a decision and be accountable for it.

That leaves Democrats to press Trump appointees and career bureaucrats whose jobs  leasing office space for government agencies  typically remain several rungs below the political radar.

As part of their efforts to put pressure on Trumps company and the GSA, the Democrats released data they had obtained from the agency late last month showing that Trump had lost more than $1.1 million in the period the hotel was open from September to October  a potential embarrassment to the president, who has called the property one of the great hotels of the world.
President Trump pledged Friday that his administration remains committed to maintaining the United States long-standing security alliance with Japan, aiming to calm jitters in Tokyo over his inflammatory rhetoric on the campaign trail.

In a news conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House, Trump called the alliance the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Pacific region, and he vowed to make ties between the two countries even closer.

Trumps remarks on the alliance, which hewed closely to statements of previous U.S. presidents, would not have been remarkable were it not for the sharp criticism he aimed at Japan during the 2016 presidential campaign. He denounced a sizable U.S. trade deficit to Japan and suggested Japan and South Korea were not paying their share to support American troops based in the region.

But the summit, aggressively pursued by the Japanese, aimed to erase doubts, even as the two sides remain at odds over how to move forward on trade and economic ties.

Trump sought to present the two countries in close harmony over shared challenges on North Koreas nuclear weapons programs and Chinas aggression in the South China Sea  both of which I consider a very, very high priority, he said.

On several occasions, Trump gave Abe extended handshakes  one in the Oval Office lasted 19 seconds  and patted him on the back, displaying a personal warmth that has begun to develop between the two men since Abe became the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election victory in November. 

Strong hands, Trump remarked in the Oval Office, mimicking a golf swing. The two were scheduled to play a round this weekend at Mar-a-Lago, Trumps winter retreat in Palm Beach, Fla.

I grabbed him and hugged him because thats the way we feel, Trump said at the news conference, describing his greeting of Abe outside the West Wing. We have a very, very good bond, very, very good chemistry.

Ill let you know if it changes, Trump added, drawing laughs in the East Room before adding: But I dont think it will.

[Trump targeted Japan during the campaign]

Abe, who has made a concerted effort to court Trump since his election, praised the presidents outsider candidacy and uphill struggle and fight to win the White House.

President Trump greets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House on Feb. 10. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg News)

The Japanese leader also pledged that his country would play a greater role in defense and security operations, although he was vague on what that might entail. Japans Self-Defense Forces are prohibited from combat missions abroad under the constitution imposed on the country by the United States after World War II.

Of course, there are disagreements, Abe said, but we should not close down the . . . dialogue just by pointing to the differences and ignoring the common interests and common goals.

The summit was being watched closely by U.S. allies and partners across the globe for signs over how Trump would deal with a powerful ally after the unpredictable bluster of his campaign and early weeks of his presidency. Trump has clashed with the leaders of Mexico and Australia, and his move to cancel U.S. participation in a 12-nation Pacific Rim trade pact that includes Japan raised alarms over how he would receive Abe.

After finishing formal talks, Trump and Abe left the White House together through the South Lawn entrance and boarded Marine One, followed by Trumps daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to Trump. Another Trump adviser, Stephen K. Bannon, also joined them on the presidential helicopter, which whisked them past the Washington Monument on a flight path to Joint Base Andrews in Camp Springs, Md., where Air Force One was waiting.

There, the two leaders were met by their wives, first lady Melania Trump and Akie Abe, for the trip to Mar-a-Lago. White House officials said Trump plans to use the retreat for diplomatic bonding sessions in the way other presidents have used Camp David.

During the news conference, Trump was asked about his first phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which had come Thursday evening. The White House said Trump reaffirmed his administration would honor Beijings One China policy that stipulates Taiwan is officially part of China despite the island having a separate government.

Trump angered Beijing by receiving a congratulatory phone call from Taiwans president after his election and publicly questioning the One China policy, suggesting his administration might renounce it unless China offered better trade deals to the United States.

On Friday, Trump characterized the call with Xi as very, very warm.

I think we are on the process of getting along very well, he said.

For his part, Abe largely avoided talking in specifics about Trumps decision to break with his predecessor and withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-nation Pacific Rim free-trade deal that Trump opposed during the campaign.

But he did promise that Japan would support Trumps economic growth strategy.

There will be even more new jobs born in the U.S., Abe said.

Trump promised that the United States would be an even bigger player than it is right now by a lot when it comes to trade.

In a joint statement, the two nations said Trump accepted Abes invitation to visit Japan later this year.

And, in another gesture of goodwill, Abe made sure to praise Trumps golf game.

My scores in golf are not up to the level of Donald at all, Abe said in Japanese, according to a translator.

It was not clear, however, whether Trump understood him; the president failed to attach the earpiece of his translation device until after Abes opening statement.
Foreign diplomats believe Jared Kushner, left, has the ear of his father-in-law and can curb Trumps impulsiveness. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

The scene in the Oval Office was remarkable: the foreign minister of Mexico  the very country that Donald Trump had turned into a campaign-trail pinata  huddled with now-President Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

The men were debating what Trump would say in a speech later that day as he ordered construction of a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Mexican diplomat, Luis Videgaray, and Kushner, a White House senior adviser, had concluded that the remarks as drafted would upend the two countries fragile relationship, so together they urged Trump to soften his language about Mexico.

The trio arrived at a compromise, according to a half-dozen U.S. and Mexican officials who detailed the encounter. Trump, understanding that Mexicans would hang on his every word, agreed to state that a strong Mexico was in the best interests of the United States. In Mexico City that afternoon, Jan. 25, officials welcomed Trumps remarks as the most encouraging statement he had given to date about Mexico  and they celebrated Kushner as a moderating influence.

Relations ruptured anew only hours later, however, after a war of words between Trump and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto  punctuated by an angry Twitter missive from Trump the next morning while Videgaray was back at the White House.

Trump promised a foreign policy based on unpredictability, and by that measure, he is delivering. The messy episode involving a neighbor and longtime ally encapsulates his administrations emerging foreign policy, one that mingles the presidents public bellicosity with Kushners behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

(Deirdra O'Regan/The Washington Post)

Although Kushner, 36, has no traditional foreign policy experience, he has become the primary point of contact for presidents, ministers and ambassadors from more than two dozen countries, helping lay the groundwork for agreements, according to U.S. and foreign officials with knowledge of the contacts. He has had extensive talks with many of these diplomats, including in Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region, the officials said.

[9 foreign policy issues the Trump administration will have to face]

Kushners back-channel communications with Mexico  the full extent of which has not been previously reported  reveal him to be almost a shadow secretary of state, operating outside the boundaries of the State Department or the National Security Council.

Videgaray had come to the White House on Jan. 25 for a full day of private meetings, but it was Kushner who gave him a heads-up that Trump would deliver a speech that afternoon at the Department of Homeland Security where he would sign an executive order on his signature border wall.

And it was Kushner who led Videgaray into the Oval Office for an unscheduled audience with the president, where together they made their case to Trump for a more measured discussion of Mexico.

The president agreed.

We also understand that a strong and healthy economy in Mexico is very good for the United States  very, very good, Trump said in his speech. I truly believe we can enhance the relation between our two nations to a degree not seen before, certainly in a very, very long time.

Kushner, center-right, reaches out to greet Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Feb. 2. To Kushners right is Peter Navarro, director of the National Trade Council, and Rick Dearborn, a deputy White House chief of staff. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

But Videgaray and Kushners victory was short-lived.

So strong were the anti-Trump political winds at home that Pena Nieto felt compelled to go on television that night to declare that Mexico would never pay for the border wall.

This angered Trump, who tweeted at 8:55 Eastern time the next morning that he and Pena Nieto should cancel their upcoming summit if Mexico refused to pay for the wall. Pena Nieto called off the visit and in a brief phone call instructed Videgaray  back at the White House for another round of meetings  to leave and come home.

The mission was aborted, according to the officials accounts, and Kushner seethed with frustration at the outcome. Kushner declined to be interviewed.

Some of the leaders who have dealt with Kushner said they were initially skeptical but found him to be a good listener and courteous intermediary who quickly intuits the core of their issues and can facilitate meetings throughout the administration.

One of his top ambitions is to help broker peace in the Middle East  something with which the president has publicly tasked him  and Kushner, an Orthodox Jew, quietly has taken an active role in helping select ambassadors to that region.

Everyone is trying to get to know Jared Kushner, said the ambassador from one U.S. ally, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid. Many ambassadors were loath to put even their positive thoughts about Kushner on the record for fear of jeopardizing what has become their most important contact in Trumps Washington.

Kushners role as a foreign-policy fixer is, on the surface, an unlikely one. He came of age as the oldest son in a Democratic real estate family and as a young man initially divided his attentions between his familys business and the New York Observer, a newspaper he purchased in 2006.

In Trumps inner circle, Kushner draws plaudits for smoothing feathers ruffled by his father-in-laws more erratic moves  with some aides bemoaning that on Saturdays, when Kushner observes Shabbat and does not work or use electronic devices, the workings of the White House sometimes devolve.

Still, the president risks undermining Kushners best efforts with his erratic compulsions, short attention span and tendency to lash out at real or perceived slights, as happened in the case of Mexico.

The White House, however, argues that the relationship between the United States and its southern neighbor is improving. Our relationship with Mexico continues to grow stronger, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said. Theyre excited to pursue both economic and security areas of interest, and we continue to have a very, very healthy bilateral relationship.

In the Mexico talks, the relationship between Kushner and Videgaray, who met through friends in the financial world, has proved pivotal, especially for Mexico. They had forged a personal bond and had managed to help bring together Trump and Pena Nieto, whose public positions and rhetoric are at extreme odds.

Kushner has inquired about books and articles on the history of U.S.-Mexico relations, and Mexican officials said Kushner offers Trump a different perspective from the one the president has formed based on his opposition to illegal immigration and trade deals he considers unfair to U.S. workers.

Videgaray has in his favor a close relationship with Jared, and that opens a direct channel of communication with Trump, said Rafael Fernandez de Castro, a professor at the ITAM university in Mexico City. But he added that the son-in-law is not going to save us.

[For Trump son-in-law and confidant Jared Kushner, a long history of fierce loyalty]

There appear to be limits to Kushners influence. The leaders of both countries are at a stalemate, not only over the border wall but also over trade, with Mexico trying to preserve the North American Free Trade Agreement that Trump campaigned against.

Further complicating the relationship are domestic political pressures.

The president of the United States is speaking to his issues and his base, and our president is speaking to most of Mexican society, which has roundly rejected the way the new U.S. administration has talked about Mexico, said Arturo Sarukhan, a former Mexican ambassador to the United States.

Bill Richardson, a Democrat who is a former governor of New Mexico and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said the U.S.-Mexico relationship is at its lowest point in generations.

The threats on paying for the wall, the threats to renegotiate NAFTA, the threats of the import fee have stoked a real nationalism in the Mexican people that is going to give President Pena Nieto very little room to maneuver, said Richardson.

Navigating these challenges on Pena Nietos behalf is Videgaray, one of his closest advisers. Videgaray was Mexicos finance minister last year when Pena Nieto tasked him with outreach to the Trump campaign, where he cultivated a friendship with Kushner.

Videgaray and Kushner arranged Trumps trip to meet Pena Nieto in Mexico City in August  a visit so controversial that Videgaray was forced to resign. But even without an official post, Videgaray remained close to Kushner, flying to New York to meet. And after Trump won, Videgaray was back in the good graces of Pena Nieto, who named him foreign minister.

He has access to people close to Trump, said Raul Benitez Manaut, a political analyst and professor at Mexicos National Autonomous University. Videgarays job is to do damage control.

Videgaray visited Washington just five days after Trumps inauguration and had roughly eight hours of meetings at the White House on Jan. 25 with Kushner and Trump as well as White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn and National Trade Council head Peter Navarro. He has become so well known in the West Wing that aides refer to him by his first name.

The tweet that ended the comity was perhaps as predictable as it was strident, and the fallout was swift. Kushner was angry about the situation and Videgaray cut short his trip, canceling a scheduled meeting with John F. Kelly, the secretary of homeland security, the officials said.

But Kushner and Videgaray kept talking. The two helped arrange a follow-up call between Trump and Pena Nieto, which officials in both countries described as tough at times but largely cordial and constructive, including a discussion on combating drug cartels.

I think hes a very good man, Trump said of Pena Nieto in a recent interview with Fox News. We have a very good relationship.

Kushner helped facilitate yet another trip for Videgaray to Washington, where on Wednesday he met privately with Kelly and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

In another sign of Kushners growing importance, Tillerson invited him to his meeting with Videgaray, which for the first half-hour was just the three men  the U.S. secretary of state, the Mexican foreign minister and the U.S. presidents son-in-law  before they were joined by aides.

The diplomatic community is taking note, viewing Mexico as a guinea pig. Senior officials from several other countries have already reached out to their Mexican counterparts, hoping to glean insights about the new president, the changing geopolitical dynamics in Washington and the quiet, dimpled man behind it all  Kushner.

Partlow reported from Mexico City.
President Trump speaks during a meeting with House and Senate legislators in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Feb. 2, 2017. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

A month after announcing his candidacy, Donald Trump shocked the establishment by questioning the heroism of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a former prisoner of war. The near-unanimous verdict of the pundit class: Trump was doomed.

Eighteen months later, Trump is still insulting McCain  only now hes doing so from the White House.

Hes been losing so . . . long he doesnt know how to win anymore, Trump tweeted Thursday.

Despite all predictions  including his own  that the country would see a new, more presidential Trump once he took office, the commander in chief has barely changed from the impulsive candidate who blew up every political norm that stood between him and the White House.

He is still tweeting at odd hours, calling people names, promoting his familys business interests, bragging about crowd sizes, complaining about media coverage and lashing out at anyone who challenges him, including members of his own party and a federal judge. His White House seems just as chaotic, tumultuous and discordant as his campaign was.

(Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

All of which is according to plan, his team insists.

Part of the reason the president got elected is because he speaks his mind, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said at Thursdays news briefing. He doesnt hold it back, hes authentic, and hes not going to sit back.

[Trump lashes out at senator who revealed Supreme Court nominees comments]

Washington, meanwhile, is beginning to figure out that it had better get used to it. Surreal is the new normal.

Most people in Congress and elsewhere did harbor the fantasy that he would become a different person, said Vin Weber, a former Republican congressman from Minnesota who is now a lobbyist. I think theyre learning differently.

Mark Salter, a confidant and former top aide to McCain, said he never expected Trump to change because that would have required not just growing into the job, but growing up.

Other Republicans were deluding themselves in predicting that another Trump would emerge once the enormous weight of the presidency was placed on his shoulders, Salter said. They just couldnt bring themselves to believe otherwise, because it would have been an indictment of them for supporting Trump.

Lyndon B. Johnson once said: The presidency has made every man who occupied it, no matter how small, bigger than he was, and no matter how big, not big enough for its demands.

But in his first three weeks in office, Trump appears to be changing the presidency more than the reverse.

Rather than moderating his impulses, his top aides seem intent on amplifying them  pleasing their boss by attacking critics and the news media, defending his factually inaccurate assertions and adding to the growing pile of what counselor Kellyanne Conway called alternative facts.

[The Fix: John McCains brutal rejoinder to Sean Spicer]

Trump and those around him had long promised that he would tone down his style if elected. There was even talk that he might give up the Twitter account that functions as an expression of his id.

In an April rally in Pennsylvania, Trump promised: At some point, Im gonna be so presidential that you people will be so bored.

Anthony Scaramucci, a prominent New York financier who now works at the White House, predicted the same during a Fox News interview in late December.

I think that the gist of what happened during the election season is going to be slightly modified now, Scaramucci said. I think the candidate as president is going to be way more presidential and way more precise than people think. Thats my prediction.

Reince Priebus, the former GOP chairman who is now Trumps chief of staff, repeatedly used the word pivot to explain how the businessman was prepared to mature as he transitioned from the primaries to the general election and beyond.

He has a lot of space to grow, Priebus said in a July 17 interview with ABC News. I think hes much more precise in his rhetoric, in his tone, in his attack. I think hes got a lot of room to grow. . . . He knows the pivot is important. He has been better, and I think hes going to be great moving forward.

[For Donald Trump, its always about control]

Trump kept repeating the promise himself.

When Im president, Im a different person, Trump said at a rally in Pella, Iowa, last January. I can do anything. I can be the most politically correct person that youve ever seen.

Two weeks later, Trump told NBC News that he would be much different, much different as president.

When youre president, you act in a different way, theres no question about that, and I would do that, Trump said, after being questioned about why he called rival Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) a p---y at a rally in New Hampshire.

Yet there were other times when Trump made it clear he had no intention of undergoing an extreme makeover.

I am who I am. Its me. I dont want to change, Trump said in an interview in La Crosse, Wis., in August. Everyone talks about, Oh, well, youve got to pivot. . . . I dont want to pivot. I mean, you have to be you. If you start pivoting, youre not being honest with people.

After he obliterated expectations and pulled out an electoral college win in November, Trump sent conflicting signals.

Days after the election, Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes asked him in an interview: Are you going to sometimes have that same rhetoric that you had on the stump? Or are you going to rein it in?

Well, sometimes you need a certain rhetoric to get people motivated, Trump responded. I dont want to be just a little nice monotone character and, in many cases, I will be.

Stahl asked: Can you be?

Sure I can, Trump said. I can be easily, thats easier. Honestly, to do that, its easier.

His Republican allies on Capitol Hill insist that Trumps unorthodox style will not get in the way of their policy agenda.

Brendan Buck, chief communications adviser to House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), said the speaker has a normal working relationship with the president and doesnt get distracted by whatever the statement out of the pool spray is or whatever the tweet is.

Hes got a unique way of doing things, Buck said, and we dont ever expect that to change.

Alice Crites contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump meets with congressional leaders and Vice President Mike Pence at the White House on Jan. 23, 2017. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Congressional Republicans were mostly silent Friday, choosing not to respond to the federal court ruling against President Trumps immigration ban in a move that underscores how the controversial executive order continues to vex the presidents party.

Spokespeople for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) did not respond to requests for comment. Few Republicans issued written statements. Democrats, meanwhile, proactively cheered the courts ruling.

[Federal appeals court rules against Trump travel ban]

The muted response from the GOP contrasted with that of President Trump, who took to Twitter after the ruling was announced Thursday to issue a defiant response in all caps: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

It also reflected the distance many Republicans have sought from the president over his temporary ban on refugees and foreign nationals from seven majority-Muslim nations. On Thursday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld a stoppage on the orders enforcement.

(Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

A spokeswoman for House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tex.) said he had nothing to add to his previous statement about the executive order, which he said went too far. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) did not immediately comment.

The White House sent talking points to Republicans on Capitol Hill on Thursday evening that framed the ruling as an interim decision that would eventually be overturned.

Once the government is able to present a case on the merits, the courts will undoubtedly rule in the governments favor because the law clearly states that the President has full authority to restrict access in the country by foreign nationals in the interest of national security, said the talking points, which two recipients shared on the condition of anonymity.

Those Republicans who did speak out on Friday were generally critical of the courts decision.

Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.), a Trump ally, said in an interview that he, like the president, was not happy with the courts ruling.

I cant speak to why other Republicans may not be speaking out, but I certainly relish the opportunity to make sure people know where I stand on this, said Collins. He said he believes that the vast majority of his constituents support Trumps executive order.

It seems to me very biased on the liberal side of things, remarked Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) in an interview. Cole argued that the court should have afforded the president more latitude in implementing his policies. The administration has argued that in enforcing the order, it was acting to protect American citizens from terrorist attacks.

You can disagree with the policy, but the real question here is, Does he have the authority to pursue the policy?  Cole asked.

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a former 9th Circuit law clerk, sounded a similar note.

The idea that theres no threats out there and that the executive branch doesnt have the exclusive ability to determine what those are is, from my perspective . . . its a pretty bold assertion by a court, said Sullivan, who noted that he had not yet read the full court opinion.

Trump issued the order two weeks ago after virtually no consultation with congressional Republicans, angering many GOP leaders on Capitol Hill who were caught off guard by the ensuing uproar.

[Angry Republicans lash out at Trump for not consulting them on travel ban]

The administration could now seek to have the Supreme Court consider its case. Or, it could retool its order, as many Republicans have suggested over the past two weeks.

There is this option which is withdraw the current order, tighten it, make sure it gets the vetting it needs from not only Homeland Security, but Office of Legal Counsel and everybody else and reissue it, right? said Sullivan. So, that, to me, might be a course worth taking.

Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), a former federal prosecutor, said the Supreme Court will now have to determine what process is due, if any to legal residents and other noncitizens.

It seems clear to most of us  not on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals  there is no right to come to this country for non-citizens of the United States, Gowdy said in a written statement, in which he concluded: For those, like Alexander Hamilton, who once or now wondered if the Judicial Branch would be too weak. Wonder no more.

The Supreme Court currently has only eight justices. The Senate is engaged in a heated fight over Judge Neil Gorsuch, Trumps nominee to fill the ninth seat. Many Democrats have voiced heavy skepticism about his record and whether he will be able to have enough independence from Trump.

You cant just assert, Im an independent person, which he did. You have to show examples. I await them, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on the Senate floor this week.

After quickly applauding the 9th Circuit Courts ruling on Thursday night, Democrats continued praising it on Friday.

Liberty & justice also prevailed last night, proving our system of checks & balances cannot be shaken, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-Calif.) wrote on Twitter, adding the hashtag #MuslimBan.

Cole said he believed that the many Republicans who did not weigh in were simply opting to act in a way that respects the process the judiciary goes through with major cases.

In the past, however, such as when the Supreme Court upheld a key part of the Affordable Care Act during Barack Obamas presidency, Republicans have not held back from expressing their opinions on major decisions.

Todays ruling is deeply disappointing, said Ryan, then-House Ways and Means Committee chairman, in a statement at the time.

Robert Costa contributed to this report.

Read more at PowerPost
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, center, walks through group of reporters on his way to visit Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) on Thursday. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)

Senate Democrats sent mixed signals the day after Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch expressed concerns about President Trumps attacks on the federal judiciary  a sign that the judges comments could attract some badly needed Democratic support.

To whisper to a senator but to refuse to say anything public is not close to a good enough show on independence. So from my view, not a good start for Judge Gorsuch. Not a good start, said Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), speaking on the Senate floor.

But Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, struck a more positive note about Gorsuchs remarks, which came in a meeting with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

I for one appreciated them, Feinstein said. I think he was being truthful as to how he felt about it. And that was very much appreciated. She said she wanted Gorsuch to have a fair hearing process.

The comments highlighted the lingering uncertainty over a crucial question: What level of support will Gorsuch receive from the Democratic caucus?

Republicans hope that at least eight of them will break ranks to help his nomination clear procedural hurdles, if not support him outright. But that will be challenging, as Democrats have largely united against Trump in the first three weeks of his presidency and have signaled they intend to keep doing so.

In a private session with Blumenthal on Wednesday, Gorsuch called Trumps criticism of federal judges disheartening and demoralizing  raising some Republicans hopes that he had separated himself from the presidents controversial posture in a way that could warm some Democrats to him.

I think [Gorsuchs] position is very, very positive and his recent comments show respect for what we all respect from the judiciary, in terms of independence. Hes established that, answered that question from the Democrats who were grasping at straws in the first place since they know hes a mainstream judge, said Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), the chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

Injecting further uncertainty into the process: Trump on Thursday disputed Blumenthals account, even after it was confirmed by Gorsuchs team.

Republicans are hoping to confirm Gorsuch by early April, and they have moved swiftly toward meeting that self-imposed target. Grassley said Thursday that he is considering holding Gorsuchs confirmation hearings sooner than he had planned, in light of recent Democratic attempts to slow the confirmations of many of Trumps Cabinet nominees.

The fact that we see all of these stalling shenanigans could impact the necessity of moving it forward, he said. If were going to have the same game played on Gorsuch, thatll be taken into consideration.

Grassley said early to mid-March is now under consideration as a time frame, whereas he had been looking at mid- to late March a few weeks ago.

Several Senate Democratic officials called the White Houses aim of winning over a few Democrats for the Gorsuch nomination overly hopeful. They said that Gorsuchs criticism of Trumps comments was not going to suddenly change Democratic minds about whether to confirm him.

The officials said the partys strategy moving forward is to further raise the bar as Gorsuch asserts his judicial independence. That means pressing Gorsuch to speak out more forcefully about Trumps comments and to do so publicly rather than in private meetings. They expect Democratic senators to push Gorsuch on issues such as Trumps temporary ban on entry to the United States for citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries and all refugees.

Because President Trump has made unwise and unbalanced comments that are perceived as undermining judicial independence, I expect in my conversation with Judge Gorsuch to raise the issue of judicial independence, to ask for a demonstration of his commitment to judicial independence, said Sen. Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.).

Gorsuch was back on Capitol Hill on Thursday, where he met with six senators  five Republicans and one Democrat. He ignored questions from reporters as he strode down a hall with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) for his first meeting of the day.

Afterward, Collins said she did not press Gorsuch on his comments criticizing Trump. But, Collins said, I disagree with Trumps attacks against judges, which included recent criticism of the judge who halted the refugee ban.

Collins said she has not decided whether she will vote to confirm Gorsuch.

Democrats have signaled that they will seek to impose a 60-vote threshold on Gorsuchs nomination, while Republicans have said that he should get a straight up-or-down vote without having to first clear that obstacle.

Trump has said that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) ought to go nuclear and change the rules so that Gorsuch can be confirmed with a simple majority. Republicans hold a 52-to-48 advantage over the Democratic caucus.

I thought hed get more than 60 votes and still do, Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) said.

Flake said he does not see Gorsuchs attention-grabbing comments as a calculated statement encouraged by the White House to get him confirmed.

When you read his opinions, the statements and speeches hes given, he feels very strongly about the separation of powers, Flake said. I have a hard time believing that his statements were part of a political strategy.

Ahead of a Thursday lunch with a bipartisan group of senators at the White House, Trump said during a brief availability with reporters that he believed Gorsuchs comments were misrepresented by Blumenthal. Trump then took a shot at the Connecticut Democrat.

What you should do is ask Senator Blumenthal about his Vietnam record that didnt exist after years of saying it did, he said. So ask Senator Blumenthal about his Vietnam record. He misrepresented that just like he misrepresented Judge Gorsuch.

Blumenthal came under sharp criticism during his 2010 Senate campaign for repeated remarks over the years that he had served in Vietnam, even though he did his full Marine service in the United States.

Blumenthal obtained several deferments between 1965 and 1970 and then joined the Marine Corps Reserve but did not serve in Vietnam. He later said he misspoke and intended to say that he was in the Marine Reserve during the Vietnam conflict.

Trump received five deferments from the draft during the Vietnam War, four while he was a student and a fifth for bone spurs in his heels, records show.

Trump on Thursday also reiterated his support for Gorsuch, calling him an exceptionally qualified nominee. But the president acknowledged that getting Democrats to agree with him may be hard.

I think that because of politics, perhaps theyre not going to vote for him. I think thats a shame because thats not being honest, Trump said.

Grassley said there was absolutely not a coordinated strategy between the Judiciary Committee and the White House to broadcast Gorsuchs comments widely.

There couldnt have been any conspiracy between members of the Judiciary Committee or Republicans because how would we know that Blumenthal would do what he did? Grassley asked. These are usually private conversations.

As Gorsuch appeared to make at least some progress on the left, on Twitter and on talk radio, there were growing grumbles from the right about him.

Doesnt that make you concerned that Judge Gorsuch might be the kind of justice then who would want to please the editorial boards of the New York Times and The Washington Post when a hot-button issue comes up? That crossed my mind last night, didnt make me happy to hear it at all, conservative commentator Laura Ingraham said Thursday on her radio program.

But Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), a conservative member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told the Post in a phone interview that a revolt against Gorsuch from the right is very unlikely  and said he was surprised by Ingrahams criticism.

Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), a centrist who attended the White House meeting with Trump, was not impressed by Trumps attack against Blumenthal  yet another reminder that as Gorsuch courts Democratic votes, the actions of the president will also be closely watched.

Thats something I wouldnt have done, Manchin said, admitting that many in the room found the presidents attack on a fellow senator awkward.

Read more at PowerPost

Ed OKeefe and John Wagner contributed to this report.
 On this House Democrats agree: Opposition to President Trump might be the most unifying force the party has seen in a generation, but it alone will not return Democrats to power.

And figuring out a compelling alternative, many of the lawmakers who gathered here for their annual policy retreat said, is easier said than done.

Party leaders said Thursday that they had confidence in the essence of the Democratic message: We believe that Americans should have an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said. Youve heard it so many times that it sounds like a cliche.

Pelosi said that message remains sound, and that the challenge for Democrats isnt overhauling their policies but refining their communications to millions of Americans who, a decade ago, handed Democrats the House majority but have now returned power to Republicans  including to Trump.

We just didnt have the emotional connection, she said. He had the emotional connection, and that always is an advantage in the campaign.

But other members expressed concern that in the wake of Trumps victory and with the GOP in control of both houses of Congress, the problems go deeper than messaging. The party is facing an emboldened progressive wing whose lessons from 2016 included adopting an edgier set of economic policies.

That debate was reflected inside the closed-door sessions in Baltimore, where lawmakers heard from leaders of labor unions, major activist groups, progressive strategists and, controversially, a leader of a centrist think tank.

A Wednesday evening session featuring a vice president of Third Way, which advocates for business-friendly policies, sparked angry reactions from progressive activists who felt that their brand of Democratic politics was discredited by Hillary Clintons loss in the presidential race.

[A centrist is addressing House Democrats, and progressives are furious]

The mood inside the Hyatt Regency, by all accounts, remained civil, but it prompted discussion and debate over what direction the party should take  toward a big tent that encompasses an increasingly less relevant moderate wing or a more faithful adherence to progressive ideals, particularly on economic issues.

The energy of this party is with a message of economic populism, of . . . questioning the rules of capitalism and saying that these rules have been rigged and written in a way that favors concentrated economic interests and need to be changed, said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a freshman who represents much of Silicon Valley and a vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

That is a view, espoused most prominently in the insurgent presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), that is ascendant in Democratic circles. But plenty of lawmakers doubt whether an embrace of Sanderss populism might have saved the Democrats last year.

In one panel with reporters, Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (D-Ohio) sharply disagreed with colleagues who suggested that adopting Sanderss approach on economic issues might have changed the 2016 outcome for Democrats. He didnt win, she said of Sanders, instead pointing to Trumps dog-whistle politics that blamed immigrants, minorities and the poor for Americas ills.

A move to sideline business-friendly moderates is also at odds with the views of a considerable number of Democratic lawmakers, who are organized as the New Democrat Coalition.

Ive seen a majority, and a majority looks like people who have very different backgrounds, who use different language, who emphasize different things, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the chairman of the New Democrat Coalition, told reporters. We better be pretty open-minded about doing everything we can to get bigger and more diverse rather than smaller and more orthodox.

But, by and large, Democratic leaders preferred to dwell on the major force binding them together: Trump.

Several party leaders, including Pelosi, painted him as a charlatan who has shown no sign of making good on populist campaign promises such as building infrastructure and divorcing Washington from Wall Street.

When you think about developing our message, there may be disagreements around the edges of how you get there, but its a contrast to what were seeing from the Trump administration, which is a government filled with Wall Street billionaires who are developing policies to keep the system more rigged against working families, said Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.), a member of the House Democrats policy committee.

Others wondered how useful an exercise it is to predict and prepare for a midterm election that is more than 20 months away in a Trump-driven political environment that changes by the second depending on Trumps whims.

I sat there thinking, Well, this isnt that easy to define a message that waves a magic wand and gets us back the majority,  said Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.). I have my own opinion on it, which is: Either Donald Trump hands it to us or not.

Read more at PowerPost
Republicans in deep-red congressional districts spent the week navigating massive crowds and hostile questions at their town hall meetings  an early indication of how progressive opposition movements are mobilizing against the agenda of the GOP and President Trump.

Angry constituents swarmed events held by Reps. Jason Chaffetz (Utah), Diane Black (Tenn.), Justin Amash (Mich.) and Tom McClintock (Calif.). They filled the rooms that had been reserved for them; in Utah and Tennessee, scores of activists were locked out. Voters pressed members of Congress on their plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act, on the still-controversial confirmation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and even on a low-profile vote to disband an election commission created after 2000.

House Republicans had watched footage earlier this week of McClintocks raucous town hall in northern California and his police-assisted exit  a warning of what might come. And with Congress scheduled for a week-long recess and a raft of additional town halls starting Feb. 18, the warning may have been warranted.

On Thursday, participants were spurred to show up by a variety of forces: large-scale publicity campaigns by major opposition groups such as Planned Parenthood; smaller grass-roots efforts; or their own deep objections to Trumps presidency so far. Some were Democrats, some were independents and some were Republicans, but most were liberal activists who had opposed Trump all along and were simply looking for new outlets to object to him.

What was less clear was where it would all go. If nothing else, the size and tone of the crowds fed Republicans worries and Democrats view that the GOP agenda and the presidents tone and missteps have activated voters who may have sat out previous elections.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Judy Intrator, 63, a data collector from Utah who voted against Trump, said she attended Chaffetzs town hall because the president is stirring up a side of this country thats being let loose and Im scared. One way to register her opposition, she said, is to refuse to say Trumps name.

Some attendees admitted that they lived outside the districts in which they attended town halls. But their intensity demonstrated just how rapidly some effective organizing tactics, such as those in the Indivisible guide prepared by former Hill staffers, had spread to red America. What had been staid or friendly events became scenes of shouting and emotional pleading, all shared online and on local TV news.

I think what weve seen in these last few weeks is that it was sustainable from January into February, said Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. So the next question is, what does March look like? What does April look like? How do we get through the summer, when its easier to stand outside in some other parts of the country that are cold today, and you continue to see this grow?

[Protesters briefly block Education Secretary Betsy DeVoss visit to a D.C. school]

At Blacks event in Murfreesboro, members of College Republicans at Middle Tennessee State University struggled to find Make America Great Again hats to fill the audience at a town hall on health care and tax reform.

Organizers searched through a sea of at least 200 people, many carrying Planned Parenthood signs, to find friendly faces to help fill the 80 or so seats at the Ask Your Reps event featuring Black, the House Budget Committee chairman, and three other local officials. Activists booed and chanted as the group, flanked by armed campus security, handpicked people to help fill the room in hopes of keeping the conversation civil.

Inside the room, audience members rose to ask Black for specific proposals to replace ACA programs that have become a health lifeline for many residents in this mostly rural slice of central Tennessee. Black carefully insisted that House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) has a plan, but that wasnt enough to soothe the crowd.

Answer the question! some in the audience shouted.

Black demurred on at least one question as the moderator pleaded for respect.

The tense, tightly controlled scene inside the small lecture room was a sharp contrast to the frustrated energy just outside the doors. Chants of this is what Democracy looks like and let us in erupted after security officers blocked the majority of hopeful attendees from entering the room, citing fire marshal rules. The peaceful protesters huddled around computers and phones to watch the event streaming live on Facebook, occasionally groaning and renewing their chants.

Grecia Magdaleno, 22, clad in a bright pink Planned Parenthood scarf and pink hat, was crestfallen about being barred from the event. She said she showed up to tell Black about her personal experience of having a potentially lifesaving cancer screening at a local Planned Parenthood.

They literally saved my life, said Magdaleno, who later went on to organize volunteers for Planned Parenthood groups in the region.

Everything is out of control and I felt like I need to be in the mix, said Tanea McClean, a writer from Rutherford County. McClean said she was not politically active before but has shifted her schedule around several times in the months since the election to make sure she can attend political events.

Chaffetz, who typically draws 60 to 80 people at his Utah town hall meetings, arranged to hold Thursdays event at a high school auditorium in the Salt Lake City suburbs to accommodate the hundreds of people who turned out. Many of them learned of his appearance through a social-media campaign organized by a Facebook group known as Utah Indivisible, which describes itself as the resistance to the Trump agenda.

Several police officers stood near the stage while Chaffetz spoke, his words often drowned out by booing and shouting from people who filled nearly all of the 1,000 seats in the auditorium. More officers were outside the school, controlling the large crowd that did not get in.

Sarah Klingenstein, 60, a retired teacher, drove an hour from Park City for the meeting, which she said was her first town hall. A registered independent, she said she is accustomed to feeling like a minority in a state that is conservative. But she said she now feels great joining this groundswell. In the past, I would have felt like a lone voice. Theres a point to showing up, and there wasnt in the past.

The smattering of Republicans who attended included Chris Hunter, 53, a data analyst who said she is pleased so far with Trumps performance, even if she doesnt always approve of his style. At this point, she said, Im willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, just like I gave Obama. Trump came in like a bulldozer, and I dont think he has done anything wrong.

Chris Pinkston, 44, a Trump supporter, said he went to the meeting because he wanted to hear the opposition. I want to understand their point of view, he said. It reminds me of the tea party with Obama. Everyone was screaming and not listening to each other. No matter what we say, the other side will hate us. The people in the center cannot be heard.

He said that most of the people at the meeting seemed unwilling to give Trump a chance. I want him to be held accountable, but lets give him a little time, he said. I think hes doing great. His decisions  whether theyre right or wrong  are decisions and theyre difficult. At least hes making them.

Chaffetz said he typically mingles with his town hall audiences after the sessions are over. But on Thursday, he exited the stage and was driven away, leaving behind a crowd outside the high school chanting, Chaffetz is a coward!

[Republican town halls are getting nasty]

Remembering how voter anger and heated town halls helped end Democratic control of Congress in 2010, Republicans have begun taking security precautions. Some have avoided in-person town halls, holding forums on Facebook or by telephone instead. Many were briefed on security recommendations for public events and their district offices at a closed-door meeting led by Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.), a former county sheriff.

The presentation, according to a person present, included advice on coordinating with local police to secure town hall meetings and devising an escape route in case of threats of violence. In a floor speech, McClintock compared the anger he saw to the aftermath of the 1860 election, which escalated into the Civil War.

McClintock and his colleagues had easily been reelected in 2016. The Californians district gave less than 40 percent of the vote to Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee for president; voters in Amashs district gave her less than 43 percent; voters in the Chaffetz and Black districts gave her less than 24 percent. None of the districts made the DCCCs ambitious list of 59 seats that Democrats are targeting to win control of the House.

Details of the Murfreesboro event spread online this week with groups such as Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood and the Rutherford County Democrats using Facebook to spread urgent calls to action. Fewer than 40 people showed up the last time the group threw this event, so organizers were totally unprepared.

Amash, who did not endorse Trump for president, pointed out during his town hall in Grand Rapids that he has disagreed with Republicans on issues such as the presidents executive order on entry to the United States. His audience was large and less unruly than those that faced his colleagues but was similarly full of dissent. When a grandmother of five asked how Amash would protect her health care plan, he said he supported her feelings and was drowned out by boos.

We should make sure theres a replacement at the same time, Amash said.

Whats the plan? one man screamed.

Whats wrong with it? shouted another.

Talk to some of your neighbors; you will find people who have been hurt by it, Amash insisted. Yelling at each other is not going to resolve the problem.

Another contentious moment came on the topic of the Department of Education, which Amash has long sought to abolish. This was the home town of newly confirmed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, of whom he said  to the distaste of the crowd  I believe shell do a good job.

Amash explained that he thinks the states would do better to keep the money they give the federal government rather than send it to Washington to be redistributed. The audience doubted that Michigans ruby-red legislature would be fair about that  prompting Amash to try for a joke that scored him only a smattering of chuckles.

With Donald Trump in office, he said, I dont know why youre all such big fans of the federal government.

Schwartzman reported from Cottonwood Heights, Utah, Friess reported from Grand Rapids, Mich., and Weigel reported from Washington.

Read more at PowerPost
President Trump just backed down from what could have been a serious fight with China.

On Thursday evening in Washington, he appeared to shy away from confrontation with Beijing by agreeing to honor the one-China policy, during a lengthy telephone call with Chinas President Xi Jinping.

The move is set to ease tensions between the worlds two most powerful nations: relations had been inflamed after Trump suggested he would only commit to the one-China policy if Beijing addressed his concerns about trade and currency issues.

Experts had previously noted with concern that Trump had not spoken to Xi since his inauguration, despite speaking or meeting with at least 18 other world leaders  although the two men did talk by phone days after Trumps election victory.

[Call me, maybe? Trump reaches out to Chinas president in a letter.]

(Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

In a statement issued late Thursday, the White House said the two men had held a lengthy and extremely cordial conversation.

The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our one-China policy, the White House statement said.

In return, Xi said he appreciated his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, for stressing that the U.S. government adheres to the one-China policy, which he called the political basis of relations between the two nations, state news agency Xinhua reported.

The development of China and the United States absolutely can complement each other and advance together. Both sides can absolutely become very good cooperative partners, Xi said.

The one-China policy was first agreed by President Nixon and Chinas leader Mao Zedong in 1972, and formed the bedrock for the establishment of diplomatic ties under President Carter in 1979. It rules out independence and diplomatic recognition for the island of Taiwan.

Trumps insistence that it was open for negotiation had brought a sharp rebuke from China, which insisted the policy was highly sensitive and non-negotiable.

It was not clear if Trump had gained any concessions from China in return for endorsing the policy  Xinhua said the two men agreed to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economic, investment and international affairs.





Much more likely, experts said, Trump might simply have been persuaded that relations would never get off the ground without endorsing the one-China idea.

Lawyer James Zimmerman, former head of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said Trump never should have raised the one-China policy in the first place, and had now backed down, probably because he realized it was a complicated, thorny issue that is simply not open for discussion.

There is certainly a way of negotiating with the Chinese, but threats concerning fundamental, core interests are counterproductive from the get-go, he said. The end result is that Trump just confirmed to the world that he is a paper tiger, a zhilaohu  someone that seems threatening but is wholly ineffectual and unable to stomach a challenge.

Ni Feng, deputy director of the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing said Trumps previous comments had sent the relationship between the two countries tumbling and collapsing, adding that he believed that was why the phone call had been delayed.

Without acknowledgement of the one-China policy, Sino-U.S. relations cannot proceed, he said. No president has ever refused to acknowledge it since the U.S. and China established diplomatic relations in the 70s, and no U.S. president has ever created such confusion.

Now we can say that Sino-U.S. relations can proceed, he said.

Lv Xiang, another Sino-U.S. relations expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said by mentioning at the request of President Xi in the White House statement, the United States might want to show that they still have reservations on the issue.

However, Lv said the one China policy had been a very important topic in preliminary conversations leading up to the phone call. The precondition of the call was the basic understanding and acceptance of the one-China policy, he said.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang would not be drawn on the consultations and negotiations leading up to the call, saying only that adhering to the one-China principle is the obligation that any American government should fulfill, and adding that the unshaken upholding of this policy is very important for the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties.

Taiwans presidential spokesman Huang Chung-yen suggested his administration had been warned in advance, saying in a statement that Taipei and Washington have been in close contact and communication regarding this development, and continue to take an effective zero surprise approach.

In recent days, he said the U.S. administration, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, had on multiple occasions reiterated its support for Taiwan.

The timing of the phone call also appeared significant, coming on the eve of a formal summit between Trump and Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe set to take place in Washington on Friday.

Japan is a historic enemy of China and a key modern-day strategic rival, and Beijing is sure to be watching that summit extremely closely.

Trump is likely to use the occasion to reinforce his commitment to the mutual defense pact between United States and Japan, a policy that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis took pains to underline on a visit to Tokyo last week.

In December, following his election and before his transition, Trump made waves with a protocol-breaking telephone call with Taiwans leader, Tsai Ing-wen.

It was the first communication between leaders of the United States and Taiwan since 1979 and the product of months of preparation by Trumps advisers, who advocated for a new strategy of engagement with Taiwan to rattle China.

As expected, China reacted sternly, but then Trump publicly questioned whether the one-China policy was in the United States best interests.

He fired off provocative tweets about the Chinese  on currency manipulation, imports from the United States and its military buildup in the South China Sea.

In December. Trump suggested he would use Taiwans status as a bargaining chip, telling Fox News: I dont know why we have to be bound by a one-China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade.

In January, shortly before his inauguration, he told the Wall Street Journal that he was open to shifting U.S. policy on China and Taiwan.

Everything is under negotiation, including one-China,  Trump told said.

Despite closing its embassy in Taipei in 1979, the United States remains Taiwans biggest ally and arms supplier and is bound by legislation to provide the means for the island to defend itself.

Defeated nationalist forces fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists.

The White House said representatives from both countries will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest. The two leaders also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries and look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes.

The phone call to Xi came a day after Trump sent a letter wishing China a prosperous Year of the Rooster  sent 11 days after China celebrated its Lunar New Year festival. In that letter, Trump also said he looked forward to working with Xi to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both nations, the White House said.

On Wednesday, a U.S. Navy P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft was engaged in what the U.S. Pacific Command called an unsafe interaction with a Chinese military KJ-200 aircraft in international airspace over the South China Sea. aircraft.

We will address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels, said Pacific Command spokesman Maj. Rob Shuford said in a statement Friday.

Such incidents are not uncommon, though, and the two nations militaries have improved communications in recent years to make them less common and less threatening.

Talking to the Global Times newspaper, an unnamed Chinese Foreign Minstry official said the incident had taken place near the island of Hainan, when two Chinese fighters had followed and monitored the U.S. plane while maintaining a safe distance.

No dangerous action was taken, the official said.

Rucker reported from Washington. Congcong Zhang and Luna Lin contributed from Beijing.

Updates earlier version to correct U.S. diplomatic relations formally established under President Carter.

Read more:

Trump draws rebukes after saying U.S isnt bound by one-China policy

Trump kills Pacific trade pact, giving China its first big win

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Iranian schoolgirls in Tehran attend an annual rally Friday commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 revolution that overthrew the U.S.-backed shah. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians held rallies across the country Friday to mark the anniversary of the Islamic revolution, as the main march in Tehran added a new twist: displaying placards praising Americans who protested President Trumps entry ban.

The annual rallies traditionally feature anti-U.S. chants and burning of the American flag. But this years gathering paid notice to the deep U.S. political divides over Trumps executive order to bar entry from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iran.

Fridays march included signs championing the Americans who protested Trumps plan, which is now suspended by U.S. federal judges.

Americans are welcome and invited to visit Iran, another sign at the rallies read.

Addressing crowds in Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the demonstrations were a message to the White House that Iran will not bow to any threats.



Security forces stand guard at the rally commemorating the 1979 revolution near the Azadi Tower in Tehran. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)

The marchers are telling the world to speak to the Iranian nation with respect, Rouhani said, according to the semiofficial Fars News Agency. Anyone confronting Iran will regret their aggressive policies, added Rouhani, a moderate who was elected president in 2013 and who supported the 2015 nuclear deal with the United States and five other world powers.

[Experts caution Trump over terrorist label for Irans Revolutionary Guard]

Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had called on Iranians earlier this week to use the anniversary of the revolution, which overthrew the U.S.-backed shah in 1979, as an opportunity to respond to the Trump administrations forceful rhetoric.



People march in Tehran on Friday while carrying portraits of late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini. (Vahid Salemi/AP)



Signs show a caricature of U.S. President Trump being punched by a hand wearing a bracelet with the Iranian flags colors. (Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty Images)

Last week, Trump said Iran is playing with fire by testing ballistic missiles. Iran says the launches do not violate U.N. resolutions because the missiles are not designed to carry nuclear warheads, but the White House viewed a recent launch as a belligerent act.

The Trump administration announced new sanctions against Iran last week, and officials are considering a proposal to designate Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, the countrys most powerful security institution, as a terrorist group.

The designation would have far-reaching implications and could result in retaliation against U.S. troops fighting the Islamic State in Iraq, where the Revolutionary Guard supports Shiite militias battling the extremists.



Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks at the rally Friday. The marchers are telling the world to speak to the Iranian nation with respect, Rouhani reportedly said. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)



Iranians attend the annual rally. This year, some signs championed the Americans who protested President Trumps executive order to block entry from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iran. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)

Iranian officials have called the U.S. moves provocative, and Khamenei urged Iranians to show their stance against such threats by turning out to celebrate the anniversary of the revolution Friday.

Images broadcast on Irans state television showed throngs of people holding signs and marching in the streets of central Tehran.

[Watch: Trump administration imposes new sanctions on Iran]

High-profile figures such as Qasem Soleimani, a commander in the Revolutionary Guard, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif were also at the rallies, according to photos published by Iranian news agencies. Elsewhere, demonstrators trampled on printed American flags and photos of former U.S. presidents, the Associated Press reported.



Iranians walk on pictures of President Trump and the U.S. flag. (Vahid Salemi/AP)

The current friction between the United States and Iran is in contrast to the easing of tensions that took place under the Obama administration, which concluded a nuclear deal with Iran and maintained an open channel of communication with its government.

The multilateral deal aimed at curbing Irans nuclear development lifted some of the international sanctions that had halted economic growth.

The U.N. Security Council resolution that endorsed the 2015 deal called on Iran to refrain from testing ballistic missiles that could carry nuclear warheads. Late last month, Iran tested a missile that the United States says defied the resolution. Then, a week ago, the Revolutionary Guard carried out extensive military exercises in the desert, calling the maneuvers a response to Trumps sanctions.

The new administrations plans for Iran are still unclear, said Gary Sick, who served on the National Security Council under Presidents Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. He is now a senior research scholar at Columbia Universitys Middle East Institute.

But they're hitting quite strongly, and prepared to go much further, said Sick, who was also the principal White House aide on Iran during the revolution.

I dont think we can predict how Iran will respond to it, he said. Other than that they wont be intimidated by it. Theyre not going to do that.



Iranians step on a poster depicting President Trump. (Abedin Taherkenareh/European Pressphoto Agency)

Read more:

Officials caution White House on terrorist designation for Irans Guard

Trump administration sanctions Iran over missile test

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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President Trump speaks on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Jan. 28. (Pool photo by Pete Marovich via Bloomberg News)

The White House is probing ongoing leaks of President Trumps private conversations with foreign leaders, including a report Thursday that he criticized a 2011 U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty during last months call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Were looking into the situation, and its very concerning, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said, deploring the idea that you cant have a conversation without that information getting out. . . . Were trying to conduct serious business on behalf of the country.

On the same day as the Putin call, Jan. 28, The Washington Post reported that Trump told Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull that their conversation was the worst call by far and blasted him over a pending refugee deal negotiated by the Obama administration. Tensions were also reported during a call the day before with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.

In all three, Trump reportedly touted his political accomplishments and popularity.

[What we know so far about Trumps phone calls with foreign leaders]

Following the Australia and Mexico reports, Trump told Fox News the leaks were disgraceful and accused Obama people still serving in the White House of providing the media with potentially embarrassing details.

During the Putin call, the Russian leader raised the possibility of talks on a number of issues, including the New START treaty limiting nuclear weapons deployments, according to a report Thursday by Reuters.

The news agency said Trump paused to ask aides what the treaty was, and then denounced it as favoring Russia.

Spicer would not comment on some details of the call. But he challenged the report that Trump did not know what the treaty was, saying the president had merely sought an opinion from an adviser during the conversation, which was conducted through a translator.

It wasnt like he didnt know what was being said, Spicer said of Trump.

A White House statement on the call at the time did not mention any nuclear discussion.

Spicer said Trump is very concerned about the continued leaks, which he said represent breaches of protocol and potential illegality.





The New START treaty set limits on both countries deployed strategic arms. It does not limit non-deployed warheads.

Trump mentioned the treaty, which he called the start-up, in all three debates with Democrat Hillary Clinton during the presidential campaign. He charged that Russia had increased its number of warheads and said, erroneously, that the United States was not permitted to do the same for non-deployed weapons.

[Why Vladimir Putin has a grudge against Hillary Clinton]

Our nuclear program has fallen way behind, and theyve gone wild with their nuclear program, Trump said during the Oct. 10 debate. Not good. Our government shouldnt have allowed that to happen. Russia is new in terms of nuclear. We are old. Were tired. Were exhausted in terms of nuclear. A very bad thing.

Current U.S. planning calls for spending more than $1 trillion over the next 30 years to update the American nuclear arsenal.

Jeffrey Lewis, an arms-control expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, Calif., said the phone call was troubling because it showed that Trump has not taken the time to learn anything about nuclear policy since the election. He knows one thing, which is that Obama signed it, so hes going to rail against it, Lewis said.

But the treaty is not without critics.

I would agree if he said that the treaty is more advantageous to Russia and kind of a bad deal to the United States, said Michaela Dodge, a senior policy analyst with the conservative Heritage Foundation. Trumps call, she said, could mark this as a good time to reexamine whether New START is still good policy for Washington and reshape the debate.

Dan Lamothe contributed to this report.

Read more:

Trump and Putin: A relationship where mutual admiration is headed toward reality

Call me, maybe? Trump reaches out to Chinas president in a letter.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets with Federica Mogherini, the European Unions high representative for foreign affairs, at the State Department in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Europe will have a more pragmatic and transactional relationship with the United States under President Trump, the European Unions foreign policy chief said Friday after meetings with Trumps senior foreign policy advisers.

Trump has been dismissive of the European Union and cheered Britains vote to leave the bloc, and it is not clear how the new administration will approach partnership with the E.U. on a host of international issues, including sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, Mideast peace and the international nuclear deal with Iran.

We want to work together with as many of the common issues as possible, said Federica Mogherini, the E.U. foreign policy chief. But we will do it on the basis of our values and our interests.

That is a departure from the usual hand-in-hand approach to world problems voiced by U.S. and European diplomats, and reflects caution and some standoffishness on both sides.

Mogherini met with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, national security adviser Michael Flynn and White House adviser Jared Kushner, as well as with lawmakers.

On Iran, Mogherini said she is confident that the United States does not plan any sudden changes to the international nuclear compact she helped to negotiate.

I was reassured by what I heard in the meetings on the intention to stick to the full implementation of the agreement, she said during a briefing for reporters.

Trump has disparaged the agreement curbing Irans nuclear program as the flawed work of amateurs, but the administration has signaled that it will focus on strict enforcement of Irans obligations rather than an effort to destroy the pact.

Mogherini, picking her words carefully, said Friday that she had stressed to U.S. officials that the deal is backed by a United Nations Security Council resolution and thus that the United States cannot unilaterally destroy or alter it.

The deal is working and needs to remain intact, Mogherini said.

The complex 2015 deal negotiated among Iran and world powers lifted some international sanctions and made it easier for Iran to buy goods abroad. The United States also returned, with interest, money frozen since the 1979 Islamic revolution and the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

Tillerson suggested during his Senate confirmation hearing that he might be open to renegotiating elements of the agreement. The State Department provided no summary of his meeting with Mogherini afterward, a departure from common practice for both Democratic and Republican administrations.

Mogherini called discussion of the accord with Iran a central goal of her two-day visit.

She made clear that another purpose of her visit so early in the presidents tenure is to establish the principle that the E.U. will work with the United States whenever possible but will take its own course when it disagrees.

The European Union expects that the United States does not interfere with European politics, she said, an apparent reference to reports that the White House is encouraging other countries to pursue populist, Brexit-style divorces from the 28-member body.

No one tells us what to choose, Mogherini said.

She said she discussed the naming of a new U.S. ambassador to the E.U. and suggested she had expressed reservations about Ted Malloch, a businessman and E.U. skeptic who has said he was interviewed for the post. Without mentioning him by name, Mogherini said she had been assured that no decision had been made.

I had in a previous career a diplomatic post where I helped bring down the Soviet Union. So maybe theres another union that needs a little taming, Malloch had told the BBC.

Top parties in the European Parliament have said that the E.U. should declare Malloch persona non grata if he is nominated to the post. Mogherini said she had noted to her U.S. hosts that all 28 nations would have to accept the ambassador.

European Council President Donald Tusk has listed what he called troubling remarks and signals from Trump alongside terrorism, Russia and China as threats to the European Union.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Europes most powerful leader, told other European leaders last week that the continent must stand on its own during Trumps tenure.

Europe has its destiny in its own hands, she said.

On Ukraine, Mogherini said the administration officials all agreed that Russia should comply with a 2015 agreement  known as the Minsk Agreement  before the lifting of sanctions imposed over the invasion and annexation of Crimea and other actions in Ukraine.

The agreement among Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France calls on Russia to help end fighting in eastern Ukraine.

We agreed on the need to have full implementation of the Minsk agreement and that sanctions are linked to the full implementation of the agreement, Mogherini said.
1 killed, 2 injured in Baitadi truck accident

A person died and two others sustained critical injuries when a truck they were travelling in met with an accident at Chamatdi of Sittadh  2 in Baitadi on Thursday.
National security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with that countrys ambassador to the United States during the month before President Trump took office, contrary to public assertions by Trump officials, current and former U.S. officials said.

Flynns communications with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak were interpreted by some senior U.S. officials as an inappropriate and potentially illegal signal to the Kremlin that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions that were being imposed by the Obama administration in late December to punish Russia for its alleged interference in the 2016 election.

Flynn on Wednesday denied that he had discussed sanctions with Kislyak. Asked in an interview whether he had ever done so, he twice said, No.

On Thursday, Flynn, through his spokesman, backed away from the denial. The spokesman said Flynn indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

Officials said this week that the FBI is continuing to examine Flynns communications with Kislyak. Several officials emphasized that while sanctions were discussed, they did not see evidence that Flynn had an intent to convey an explicit promise to take action after the inauguration.

(Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

Flynns contacts with the ambassador attracted attention within the Obama administration because of the timing. U.S. intelligence agencies were then concluding that Russia had waged a cyber campaign designed in part to help elect Trump; his senior adviser on national security matters was discussing the potential consequences for Moscow, officials said.

[FBI reviewed Flynns calls with Russian ambassador but found nothing illicit]

The talks were part of a series of contacts between Flynn and Kislyak that began before the Nov. 8 election and continued during the transition, officials said. In a recent interview, Kislyak confirmed that he had communicated with Flynn by text message, by phone and in person, but declined to say whether they had discussed sanctions.

The emerging details contradict public statements by incoming senior administration officials including Mike Pence, then the vice president-elect. They acknowledged only a handful of text messages and calls exchanged between Flynn and Kislyak late last year and denied that either ever raised the subject of sanctions.

They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia, Pence said in an interview with CBS News last month, noting that he had spoken with Flynn about the matter. Pence also made a more sweeping assertion, saying there had been no contact between members of Trumps team and Russia during the campaign. To suggest otherwise, he said, is to give credence to some of these bizarre rumors that have swirled around the candidacy.

Neither of those assertions is consistent with the fuller account of Flynns contacts with Kislyak provided by officials who had access to reports from U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies that routinely monitor the communications of Russian diplomats. Nine current and former officials, who were in senior positions at multiple agencies at the time of the calls, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.

All of those officials said Flynns references to the election-related sanctions were explicit. Two of those officials went further, saying that Flynn urged Russia not to overreact to the penalties being imposed by President Barack Obama, making clear that the two sides would be in position to review the matter after Trump was sworn in as president.

Kislyak was left with the impression that the sanctions would be revisited at a later time, said a former official.

A third official put it more bluntly, saying that either Flynn had misled Pence or that Pence misspoke. An administration official stressed that Pence made his comments based on his conversation with Flynn. The sanctions in question have so far remained in place.

The nature of Flynns pre-inauguration message to Kislyak triggered debate among officials in the Obama administration and intelligence agencies over whether Flynn had violated a law against unauthorized citizens interfering in U.S. disputes with foreign governments, according to officials familiar with that debate. Those officials were already alarmed by what they saw as a Russian assault on the U.S. election.

U.S. officials said that seeking to build such a case against Flynn would be daunting. The law against U.S. citizens interfering in foreign diplomacy, known as the Logan Act, stems from a 1799 statute that has never been prosecuted. As a result, there is no case history to help guide authorities on when to proceed or how to secure a conviction.

Officials also cited political sensitivities. Prominent Americans in and out of government are so frequently in communication with foreign officials that singling out one individual  particularly one poised for a top White House job  would invite charges of political persecution.

Former U.S. officials also said aggressive enforcement would probably discourage appropriate contact. Michael McFaul, who served as U.S. ambassador to Russia during the Obama administration, said that he was in Moscow meeting with officials in the weeks leading up to Obamas 2008 election win.

As a former diplomat and U.S. government official, one needs to be able to have contact with foreigners to do ones job, McFaul said. McFaul, a Russia scholar, said he was careful never to signal pending policy changes before Obama took office.

On Wednesday, Flynn said that he first met Kislyak in 2013 when Flynn was director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and made a trip to Moscow. Kislyak helped coordinate that trip, Flynn said.

Flynn said that he spoke to Kislyak on a range of subjects in late December, including arranging a call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump after the inauguration and expressing his condolences after Russias ambassador to Turkey was assassinated. I called to say I couldnt believe the murder of their ambassador, Flynn said. Asked whether there was any mention of sanctions in his communications with Kislyak, Flynn said, No.

Kislyak characterized his conversations with Flynn as benign during a brief interview at a conference this month. Its something all diplomats do, he said.

Kislyak said that he had been in contact with Flynn since before the election, but declined to answer questions about the subjects they discussed. Kislyak is known for his assiduous cultivation of high-level officials in Washington and was seated in the front row of then-GOP candidate Trumps first major foreign policy speech in April of last year. The ambassador would not discuss the origin of his relationship with Flynn.

In his CBS interview, Pence said that Flynn had been in touch with diplomatic leaders, security leaders in some 30 countries. Thats exactly what the incoming national security adviser should do.

Official concern about Flynns interactions with Kislyak was heightened when Putin declared on Dec. 30 that Moscow would not retaliate after the Obama administration announced a day earlier the expulsion of 35 suspected Russian spies and the forced closure of Russian-owned compounds in Maryland and New York.

Instead, Putin said he would focus on the restoration of Russia-United States relations after Obama left office, and put off considering any retaliatory measures until Moscow had a chance to evaluate Trumps policies.

Trump responded with effusive praise for Putin. Great move on the delay, he said in a posting to his Twitter account. I always knew he was very smart.

Putins reaction cut against a long practice of reciprocation on diplomatic expulsions, and came after his foreign minister had vowed that there would be reprisals against the United States.

Putins muted response  which took White House officials by surprise  raised some officials suspicions that Moscow may have been promised a reprieve, and triggered a search by U.S. spy agencies for clues.

Something happened in those 24 hours between Obamas announcement and Putins response, a former senior U.S. official said. Officials began poring over intelligence reports, intercepted communications and diplomatic cables, and saw evidence that Flynn and Kislyak had communicated by text and telephone around the time of the announcement.

Trump transition officials acknowledged those contacts weeks later after they were reported in The Washington Post but denied that sanctions were discussed. Trump press secretary Sean Spicer said Jan. 13 that Flynn had reached out to the Russian ambassador on Christmas Day to extend holiday greetings. On Dec. 28, as word of the Obama sanctions spread, Kislyak sent a message to Flynn requesting a call. Flynn took that call, Spicer said, adding that it centered on the logistics of setting up a call with the president of Russia and [Trump] after the election.

Other officials were categorical. I can tell you that during his call, sanctions were not discussed whatsoever, a senior transition official told The Post at the time. When Pence faced questions on television that weekend, he said those conversations that happened to occur around the time that the United States took action to expel diplomats had nothing whatsoever to do with those sanctions.

Current and former U.S. officials said that assertion was not true.

Like Trump, Flynn has shown an affinity for Russia that is at odds with the views of most of his military and intelligence peers. Flynn raised eyebrows in 2015 when he appeared in photographs seated next to Putin at a lavish party in Moscow for the Kremlin-controlled RT television network.

In an earlier interview with The Post, Flynn acknowledged that he had been paid through his speakers bureau to give a speech at the event and defended his attendance by saying he saw no distinction between RT and U.S. news channels, including CNN.

[Trump adviser Michael T. Flynn on his dinner with Putin and why Russia Today is just like CNN]

A retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, Flynn served multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks  tours in which he held a series of high-level intelligence assignments working with U.S. Special Operations forces hunting al-Qaeda operatives and Islamist militants.

Former colleagues said that narrow focus led Flynn to see the threat posed by Islamist groups as overwhelming other security concerns, including Russias renewed aggression. Instead, Flynn came to see Americas long-standing adversary as a potential ally against terrorist groups, and himself as being in a unique position to forge closer ties after traveling to Moscow in 2013 while serving as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Flynn has frequently boasted that he was the first DIA director to be invited into the headquarters of Russias military intelligence directorate, known as the GRU, although at least one of his predecessors was granted similar access. Flynn thought he developed some rapport with the GRU chief, a former senior U.S. military official said.

U.S. intelligence agencies say they have tied the GRU to Russias theft of troves of email messages from Democratic Party computer networks and accuse Moscow of then delivering those materials to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks, which published them in phases during the campaign to hurt Hillary Clinton, Trumps Democratic rival.

Flynn was pushed out of the DIA job in 2014 amid concerns about his management of the sprawling agency. He became a fierce critic of the Obama administration before joining the Trump campaign last year.

Karen DeYoung, Tom Hamburger, Julie Tate and Philip Rucker contributed to this report.

Read more:

Trump and Putin: A relationship where mutual admiration is headed toward reality

Trumps national security adviser shared secrets without permission, files show
In 2011, Elliott Abrams testifies before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill about developments in Egypt and Lebanon. (Jim Watson /AFP/Getty Images)

President Trump has rejected the hiring of former Reagan and George W. Bush foreign policy aide Elliott Abrams as the deputy secretary of state after seeing writings in which Abrams had been critical of Trump before his victory last year, a person with knowledge of the decision said Friday.

Abrams interviewed for the influential No. 2 job Tuesday at the White House in a meeting also attended by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Tillerson had backed Abrams for the job, arguing that the veteran Republican officials knowledge of the State Department and Washingtons foreign policy bureaucracy would complement Tillersons lack of government experience, people familiar with the selection process said.

The meeting went smoothly, said the person familiar with the session, but after the president saw the comments, Tillersons choice was vetoed. Trumps decision was first reported by CNN.

Most damaging to Abrams appears to be a historical piece he wrote comparing the 2016 election to 1972 and counseling Republicans to voice their objections to Trump.

Do not allow the Republican convention to be a coronation wherein Trump and Trumpism are unchallenged, Abrams wrote in a piece for the conservative Weekly Standard. The party needs to be reminded that there are deep divisions, and Trump needs to be reminded of how many in the party oppose and even fear his nomination.

Current and former officials familiar with the Abrams decision requested anonymity to discuss a personnel matter. The White House has not publicly discussed Abramss candidacy. A White House spokesman did not return messages asking about Abrams on Friday.

Best known for his role in the Reagan-era Iran-contra scandal, Abrams had been considered the leading choice for a post that often goes to seasoned foreign policy professionals. His rejection reopens the search and leaves Tillerson as the lone Senate-confirmed person chosen by Trump who is on the job at the State Department. Tillersons chief of staff and several other advisers around the new top diplomat were campaign aides or political advisers selected by the White House.

The struggle to fill a key job illustrates how difficult it has become to find suitable candidates for top State Department jobs. The Trump administration has issued a near-total ban on hiring anyone on the long list of Republicans who signed public letters last year opposing Trump on national security grounds. Many other veterans of the Reagan and Bush presidencies have removed themselves from consideration for senior jobs or are considered too old to return to government.

Abrams did not sign a letter but did write critically about Trump while advising two of his GOP primary rivals.

Paula Dobriansky, who also served in the Reagan and George W. Bush administrations, is another potential choice for deputy. One of George W. Bushs most controversial advisers, former U.N. ambassador John Bolton, was also mentioned as a possible deputy but was opposed by Tillerson, people familiar with the process said.

Although recent secretaries of state have had two deputies, the Trump administration might fill only one slot, according to current and former officials.

Abrams pleaded guilty in 1991 to concealing knowledge of the scheme to sell arms illegally to Iran and divert the profits to anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua.

Abrams was pardoned by President George H.W. Bush.
President Trump said Friday that he is considering rewriting his executive order temporarily barring refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the country, indicating that the administration may try to quickly restore some aspects of the now-frozen travel ban or replace it with other measures.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he would probably wait until Monday or Tuesday to take any action, and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said several options  including taking the case to the Supreme Court  were still on the table.

Trump hinted that the ongoing legal wrangling might move too slowly for his taste, though he thought he would ultimately prevail in court.

We will win that battle, he said. The unfortunate part is that it takes time statutorily, but we will win that battle. We also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand-new order.

He said among the revisions he might make are new security measures.

(Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled unanimously Thursday that Trumps travel ban should remain suspended, allowing people previously barred to continue entering the United States. While the judges were deciding only whether national security concerns necessitated immediately reinstating the ban  and not whether it could ultimately pass constitutional muster  their ruling put the future of Trumps order in doubt.

White House and Justice Department officials began mulling several options as new Attorney General Jeff Sessions was briefed on the matter. They could rewrite the order in hopes that modifications would help it pass legal muster. They could ask the Supreme Court or the full 9th Circuit to intervene immediately. Or they could wage a battle in the lower courts, hoping that judges considering more squarely whether the issue ran afoul of the Constitution would land on Trumps side.

On Friday, the White House injected an element of confusion when an official told reporters that the administration would not seek Supreme Court intervention, only to take it back and be contradicted by Priebus minutes later. Meanwhile, a 9th Circuit judge, without prompting, called for a vote to determine whether the entire court should rehear the case. The court asked for briefs from those involved in the case by Thursday.

[Federal appeals court rules 3 to 0 against Trump on travel ban]

No matter what it chooses to do, the White House will face a difficult battle to restore the ban, particularly in the short term. The 9th Circuit judges indicated that some of the administrations proposed concessions  which presumably could turn into rewrites  dont go far enough. Government lawyers also cannot undo Trumps campaign trail comments about wanting to stop all Muslims from entering the country and his assertion after taking office that Christians would be given priority. That is potentially compelling evidence that even a watered-down order might be intended to discriminate, said Leon Fresco, who worked in the office of immigration litigation in President Barack Obamas Justice Department.

The problem is this is such a bad case for the government to be making these arguments, Fresco said.

If judges fear that the government will revert to its original position once litigation has stopped, the court wont usually dismiss those matters, because they say, Look, its likely to come up again,  Fresco said.

1 of 25 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Travelers affected by ban begin to arrive in U.S. after Trump order is suspended View Photos After a federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked enforcement of President Trumps travel ban, government authorities immediately told airlines to allow travel by those who had been barred, a U.S. official said. Caption After a federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked enforcement of President Trumps travel ban, government authorities immediately told airlines to allow travel by those who had been barred, a U.S. official said. Feb. 6, 2017 Muhamad Alhaj Moustafa, an internal medicine resident at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, embraces his wife, Nabila Alhaffar, after her arrival at Dulles International Airport. She had been temporarily blocked from returning to the United States after a trip to Qatar to see family. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

The initial ban, introduced two weeks ago, on people from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen was set to expire in 90 days, and the ban on refugees in 120 days. The order ostensibly enacted a temporary pause on people entering the country so that the administration could develop more stringent vetting procedures. Trump referenced extreme vetting when asked what a modified order might entail.

We have very, very strong vetting, he said. I call it extreme vetting, and were going very strong on security.

[7 key takeaways from the courts ruling on Trumps immigration order]

In a separate case in federal court in Virginia, a judge Friday pressed the government to produce any evidence that a ban on travel was necessary on national security grounds. Judge Leonie M. Brinkema said the presidential order has all kinds of defects and clearly is overreaching when it comes to long-term residents of the United States. She said there was startling evidence from national security professionals that the order may be counterproductive to its stated goal of keeping the nation safe.

The 9th Circuit judges also rejected the Justice Departments request to narrow a lower-court judges freeze of the ban, saying that even if that freeze was too broad, it is not our role to try, in effect, to rewrite the Executive Order. They asserted their authority to serve as a check on the presidents power, while noting that their ruling was limited to whether the ban should be temporarily suspended.

The president has forcefully said all week that judges were wrong in their decisions on his order and that immigration law gives him broad authority to restrict foreigners from entering the United States. On Friday he posted on Twitter a quote from a Lawfare article, which noted that the 9th Circuit judges had not cited in their opinion the section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that gives him such powers.

[Federal judge: Courts begging for evidence to support Trumps travel ban]

There seemed to be a growing view from commentators on the right, though, that the Trump administration might be better off to abandon this fight, rewrite portions of the executive order and thus be on more solid ground for future legal battles.

Edward Whelan, an influential voice in the conservative legal world who writes for the National Review Online, indicated on Twitter that he had doubts about the 9th Circuits ruling but also concerns about whether the Supreme Court would reinstate an executive order he viewed as flawed.

He tweeted: 2 modest propositions: (1) Courts are getting it wrong on EO; and (2) this is not the right legal battle to fight. Do the EO right this time. EO is a common abbreviation for executive order.

In the court hearing before the 9th Circuit, Justice Department lawyers offered a possible concession. The court, they said, could permit travel for those previously admitted aliens who are temporarily abroad now or who wish to travel and return to the United States in the future, but not, perhaps, for those without visas already.

The judges rejected that argument, saying that such relief would not help U.S. citizens who have an interest in specific non-citizens ability to travel to the United States, nor would it allay concerns about the due-process rights of people in the country illegally.

Justice Department lawyers also argued that the ban no longer applied to green-card holders  citing guidance from the White House counsel issued after the ban took effect  and that challenges on those grounds should thus be invalidated. On that, too, the judges disagreed.

The White House counsel is not the President, and he is not known to be in the chain of command for any of the Executive Departments, the judges wrote. Moreover, in light of the Governments shifting interpretations of the Executive Order, we cannot say that the current interpretation by White House counsel, even if authoritative and binding, will persist past the immediate stage of these proceedings.

The White House could adjust the order in other ways, such as by exempting students or other categories of people. That would be significant because it might affect the ability of states such as Washington and Minnesota to have adequate standing to sue.

But analysts said the administration is likely to still face vigorous challenges.

Whatever they do, I think theyre running into a problem, said Reaz H. Jafri, the global head of immigration at the Withersworldwide law firm. I dont know what type of a ban they can possibly craft that can be constitutional.

Robert Barnes and John Wagner contributed to this report.
Baraa Haj Khalaf holds an American flag as she walks to the parking lot at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Feb. 7. Her family, Syrian refugees, had been told they couldn't fly to Chicago because of President Trump's executive order, but that order was suspended. (Nuccio Dinuzzo/AP)

Syrian refugees across the Middle East have felt something akin to legal whiplash these past few weeks. As news broke Friday that the suspension of President Trumps immigration ban had been sustained by a federal appeals court, that sensation was melting into one of relief.

Trumps Jan. 27 order, which temporarily barred travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries and all refugees, had blindsided thousands of Syrians expecting imminent resettlement in the United States.

For many families, the weeks that followed have felt like a crash course in the U.S. political and judicial systems as they navigate the hopes and heartache of a legal drama with far-reaching human consequences.

[Appeals court rules 3 to 0 against Trump on travel ban]

We were relieved that the first judge said no to Trumps decision, but then we watched our futures go through court after court. That wasnt easy to understand, said Wafaa Mohamed, 34, whose family had been in the final stages of U.S. security vetting when news of the ban broke.

(Claritza Jimenez,Dani Player/The Washington Post)

Originally from one of the first Damascus suburbs to rise up against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Mohamed fled to Jordan in 2012, after fearing her daughters would be detained on the walk to school.

Today, I am hopeful for them, said the mother of three.

These weeks have been hard, but we want to live in a country that has democracy and the rule of law, she said. This ruling proves that America has all of those things.

Two weeks ago, Trump signed an executive order barring refugees from entering the United States for 120 days and indefinitely suspended an Obama administration program for the resettlement of Syrians fleeing war. The order also temporarily suspended all U.S. entry for citizens from seven nations: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

[Who would be affected by the Trump travel ban and how]

A weekend of chaos followed across U.S. airports, with nationals of the blacklisted countries, including those with green cards, being held for questioning while relatives and protesters gathered in arrival halls.

The ban was suspended last week by a federal judge in Seattle. And late Thursday, three judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit rejected the governments argument that an earlier suspension of the executive order should be lifted immediately for national security reasons.

The Government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the Order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States, the appeals court judges said in the 29-page decision.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), which supports refugee arrivals across the United States, said it now expects to welcome about 350 new arrivals in the coming week, nearly a quarter of them Syrian. Others will be hosted by smaller agencies and faith groups.

The confusion and chaos that resulted from the administrations hasty and harmful executive order should be a lesson to keep intact carefully developed procedures that have kept America safe, said David Miliband, IRCs president and chief executive.

Although a blow to government ambitions, the ruling is unlikely to be decisive and the case is now expected to be settled by the Supreme Court. And Trumps dogged attempts to reinstate the ban have left some fearful at the welcome they might receive in the United States, assuming they make it at all.

Waiting in Cairo for news of her familys resettlement, Lamis al-Hamawi, 40, said she was scared of how the authorities might treat them.

The Hamawis will touch down in the United States with little. Their escape from Syria felt so urgent that they carried few possessions. Cairo has also proved an unforgiving city for a young refugee family. Amid the saturated jobs market and routine discrimination against Syrians, they struggle to put food on the table.

Thursdays ruling also provided a welcome boost to some Syrian nationals for whom the executive order had trampled the hopes of further academic study.

Two weeks after learning his visa interview had been canceled, Alaa Alsabeh, 23, was back on a plane to Cyprus from Syria early Friday, after learning his travel papers had been reinstated.

The engineering student had been told Trumps executive order would prevent him from attending Michigans Wayne State University.

It happened so fast that I havent had time to process this yet, he said. I think this will be good for me.

But others would be going elsewhere. Days after the executive order was signed, Germany offered three men grants to continue their research at universities in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.

A spokesman for the local science ministry confirmed Friday that one Syrian and two Iranian researchers were expected to arrive in about two weeks, emphasizing the countrys willingness to attract talented researchers from all over the world, regardless of their country of origin.

Zakaria Zakaria in Istanbul, Heba Farouk Mahfouz in Cairo and Rick Noak in London contributed to this report.

Read more:

Federal appeals court rules 3 to 0 against Trump on travel ban

7 key take-aways from the courts ruling on Trumps immigration order

A Syrian family waited through the night as judges debated Trump travel ban

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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President Trump warned Israel on Friday that building more homes in Jewish settlements was not good for peace and said he wanted Israel to act reasonably as his administration explores paths to broker peace talks.

Trumps comments to an Israeli newspaper, published Friday, appeared as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with advisers to plot strategy for his first face-to-face meeting in the White House with Trump, scheduled for Wednesday.

Israel considers the prime ministers first official meeting with the U.S. president as vitally important  a way to reset relations after years of feuding and policy clashes with the Obama administration.

Since Trumps inauguration, Israels pro-settlement government has hoped Trump would give a green light to a building boom in the West Bank on land that Jewish residents say was promised to them by God and that Palestinians want for a future state.

But those expectations might be overly optimistic.

In the interview with Israel Hayom  a widely circulated free newspaper owned by a Netanyahu patron, the Vegas casino magnate and GOP mega-donor Sheldon Adelson  Trump offered new insights into his thinking on the long-running conflict between Israel and Palestinians. Adelson dined at the White House on Thursday night.

Trump suggested that he is reviewing his campaign promise to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Israels declared capital, Jerusalem  a relocation that many Israelis, including the mayor of Jerusalem, have said they thought was a done deal.

Im thinking about it. Im learning the issue and well see what happens, Trump was quoted as saying in the interview, which was conducted in English and translated into Hebrew. Its not an easy decision. Its been discussed for so many years. No one wants to make this decision, and Im thinking about it seriously.

[See you in court: Rights group seeks legal bar on West Bank expansions]

Former U.S. diplomats, Palestinians and Arab leaders such as King Abdullah II of Jordan have warned Trump that the embassy move could stoke religious passions and spark violence, as Muslims rally to defend what they see as a threat against their holy places in the heart of Jerusalem.

Trump said he wanted to explore the possibilities for making what he has called the ultimate deal, a peace pact between Israel and the Palestinians. He is deploying his son-in-law  and now senior adviser on the Middle East  Jared Kushner to the task.

No deal is a good deal if it isnt good for all sides, Trump told the newspaper. We are currently in a process that has been going on for a long time. Decades. A lot of people think that it cant be done. And a lot of smart people around me claim that you cant reach an agreement. I dont agree. I think we can reach an agreement and that we need to reach an agreement.

In Netanyahus government, his right-wing flank, including members of his own Likud party, are pressing the prime minister to abandon his support for the two-state solution, which he professed in a speech at an Israeli university in 2009.

Netanyahus tepid support for a Palestinian state often has been questioned by European leaders as well as former secretary of state John F. Kerry. Netanyahu has wavered on his commitment, once promising voters that there would be no Palestinian state on his watch and recently assuring his cabinet that he would support only what he called a state-minus for Arabs in the West Bank.

In the interview, Trump warned: I want Israel to act reasonably in the peace process and that it will finally happen after so many years. And maybe there will even be a possibility of a bigger peace than just Israel and the Palestinians. I want both sides to act reasonably and we have a good chance at that.

Trump suggested that peace talks would involve moderate Arab nations such as Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The 2002 Arab peace initiative, brokered by the Saudis, promises Israel peaceful relations and recognition in exchange for a full Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Trump questioned Netanyahus claim that the settlements were not an obstacle to peace. The U.S. president, who has spent years in New York real estate, zeroed in on land and location.

There is limited remaining territory, Trump said of the West Bank. Every time you take land for a settlement, less territory remains. Im not someone who believes that advancing settlements is good for peace. But we are examining a number of options.

[Trumps son-in-law role raises questions over private diplomacy]

More than 60 percent of the West Bank is under complete Israeli military and civilian control, where even permissions for Palestinians to add a barn or plow a field must be approved by the military government. The same territory is home to more than 400,000 Jewish settlers living in 125 established communities and another 100 outposts, many of them deemed illegal even under Israeli law.

Trump said that he had no interest in criticizing Israel.

Netanyahu and his ministers bristled under the barrage of condemnations by then-President Barack Obama and the State Department, which opposed settlement expansion and would issue statements each time a few hundred units were approved for construction.

Israel has a long history of condemnations and difficulties. I dont want to condemn Israel during my term, Trump said. I understand Israel very well and have a lot of appreciation for it. Israelis have gone through very difficult times. I want peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and beyond that I think peace for Israel will be great for Israel, not just good.

Read more:

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President Trump just backed down from what could have been a serious fight with China.

On Thursday evening in Washington, Trump appeared to shy away from confrontation with Beijing by agreeing to honor the one-China policy during a lengthy telephone call with Chinas President Xi Jinping.

The one-China policy, ruling out independence for the island of Taiwan, forms the bedrock of U.S.-China diplomatic ties. By previously questioning it, Trump had underlined his combative and unpredictable style of diplomacy but also clearly crossed a red line with China.

Relations had been inflamed after Trump suggested that he would commit to the one-China policy only if Beijing addressed his concerns about trade and currency issues. Trumps suggestion that it could be used as a bargaining chip had brought a sharp rebuke from China, which insisted that the policy was nonnegotiable.

[Why Trump cannot push too hard with China]

(The Washington Post)

It was not clear whether Trump had gained any concessions from China in return for reversing course and endorsing the policy. Its much more likely, experts said, that Trump might simply have been persuaded that relations would never get off the ground without agreeing to the one-China idea.

Nevertheless, the whole episode is likely to have cost Trump credibility in China.

James Zimmerman, former head of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said Trump never should have raised the one-China policy in the first place. Trump probably stepped back, Zimmerman said, because he realized it was a complicated, thorny issue that is simply not open for discussion.

There is certainly a way of negotiating with the Chinese, but threats concerning fundamental, core interests are counterproductive from the get-go, he said. The end result is that Trump just confirmed to the world that he is a paper tiger, a zhilaohu  someone that seems threatening but is wholly ineffectual and unable to stomach a challenge.

Experts had previously noted with concern that Trump had not spoken to Xi since his inauguration, despite holding conversations or meetings with at least 18 other world leaders (although Trump and Xi did talk by phone days after Trumps election victory in November).

[Call me, maybe? Trump reaches out to Chinas president in a letter.]

Ni Feng, deputy director of the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said Trumps previous comments had sent the relationship between the two countries tumbling and collapsing, adding that he believes that was why the phone call had been delayed.

(Alice Li,Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

Without acknowledgment of the one-China policy, Sino-U.S. relations cannot proceed, he said. No president has ever refused to acknowledge it since the U.S. and China established diplomatic relations in the 70s, and no U.S. president has ever created such confusion.

Now we can say that Sino-U. S. relations can proceed, he said.

Lv Xiang, another Sino-U. S. relations expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that by mentioning at the request of President Xi in the White House statement, the United States might want to show that they still have reservations on the issue.

However, Lv said the one-China policy had been a very important topic in preliminary conversations leading up to the phone call. The precondition of the call was the basic understanding and acceptance of the one-China policy, he said.

In a statement issued late Thursday, the White House said the two men had held a lengthy and extremely cordial conversation. The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our one-China policy, the White House statement said.

In return, Xi said he appreciated his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, for stressing that the U.S. government adheres to the one-China policy, which he called the political basis of relations between the nations, the state news agency Xinhua reported.

The development of China and the United States absolutely can complement each other and advance together, Xi said. Both sides can absolutely become very good cooperative partners.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang would not be drawn out on the consultations and negotiations leading up to the call, saying only that adhering to the one-China principle is the obligation any American government should fulfill and adding that adherence to it is an important safeguard for the sound and steady growth of bilateral ties.

Taiwans presidential spokesman, Huang Chung-yen, suggested that the administration of Tsai Ing-wen had been warned in advance, saying in a statement that Taipei and Washington have been in close contact and communication regarding this development, and continue to take an effective zero surprise approach.

In recent days, he said, the U.S. administration, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, had on multiple occasions reiterated its support for Taiwan.

The timing of the phone call also appeared significant, coming on the eve of a formal summit between Trump and Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Washington on Friday.

Japan is a historic enemy of China and a key modern-day strategic rival, and Beijing was sure to be watching closely.

Trump was expected to use the occasion to reinforce his commitment to the mutual defense pact between the United States and Japan, a policy that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis took pains to underline during a visit to Tokyo last week.

Norio Maruyama, a spokesman for the Japanese delegation, said Japan welcomed Trump's conversation with Xi.

Its good and positive in terms of peace and security of the region and the international community, Maruyama said. This is the right way forward.

In December, after his election, Trump made a protocol-breaking telephone call with Taiwans Tsai.

It was the first communication between leaders of the United States and Taiwan since 1979 and the product of months of preparation by Trumps advisers, who advocated for a new strategy of engagement with Taiwan to rattle China.

Trump then told Fox News, I dont know why we have to be bound by a one-China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade.

Despite closing its embassy in Taipei in 1979, the United States remains Taiwans biggest ally and arms supplier and is bound by legislation to provide the means for the island to defend itself.

Defeated nationalist forces fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists.

Philip Rucker in Washington and Congcong Zhang and Luna Lin in Beijing contributed to this report.

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A welcome proposal

That disappearance and torture have been criminalised for the first time is good news
President Trumps heady campaign rhetoric about possible detente with Russia is coming face to face with the realities of his chaotic new administration.

Details emerged Thursday about a telephone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which Trump blasted a treaty negotiated under the Obama administration that limits nuclear weapons deployments  after Trump reportedly paused the call with Putin to ask an aide about the treaty. According to a report by the Reuters news agency, Trump then denounced the New START treaty as favoring Russia.

[Details of Trump-Putin call raise new White House leak concerns]

The Kremlin refused to comment Friday on the leaked details of the telephone call.

I couldnt confirm this, Dmitri Peskov, a spokesman for Putin, said in a phone call with journalists. Weve already reported everything that we considered necessary about the results of the telephone conversation. We have nothing to add.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer earlier challenged the report in remarks to The Washington Post, saying that Trump knew what the treaty was but was merely asking an aide for advice.

Russia is enthusiastic about Trumps rhetoric about bettering relations and his re-examination of American exceptionalism, a philosophy that Putin has blasted as dangerous.

[Officials: Trump security adviser discussed sanctions with Russian envoy]

But the more concrete (and still unclear) elements of Trumps foreign policy, including new negotiations on arms control, are non-starters in Moscow, analysts say. And there is concern that Trumps mercurial style will not be to Moscows benefit.

It isnt even his unpredictability thats so worrying to Moscow, its the unilateral way in which he is acting, said Alexey Makarkin, deputy director at the Center for Political Technologies in Moscow.

Although politicians have praised Trump on television, the Kremlin has had those concerns about the president since before the elections, Makarkin added.

The Obama administration has become a convenient target for Kremlin anger about U.S. foreign policy  although certain elements, such as the Iran nuclear deal, are seen in Russia as beneficial. Russia and the United States were among the six world powers that negotiated the nuclear pact with Iran in 2015.

1 of 20 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  What 19 foreign leaders have said about Donald Trump View Photos Reactions to the new U.S. president have been mixed among top politicians around the world. Caption Reactions to the new U.S. president have been mixed among top politicians around the world. Russian President Vladimir Putin In 2015 during an annual news conference with reporters, Putin said, He is a bright and talented person without any doubt. He added that Trump is an outstanding and talented personality. Pavel Golovkin/AP Wait 1 second to continue.

The problems start when we get into concrete policies, Makarkin said. Trump is interested in reviewing the entire legacy of the Obama administration. He rejects even those things that may be mutually beneficial, like the New START treaty.

Moscow has limited hopes for Trumps foreign policy and may be happy to see him spend more time focusing on his domestic goals, said Sergei Karaganov, a political scientist and dean of international relations at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow.

[Putin won 2016, but Russia has its limits as a superpower]

There is some skepticism about whether he can actually deliver, Karaganov said, referring to Trump. The best scenario is that we would stop cursing each other and have a slightly more civilized relationship.

There may be a chance for cooperation fighting the Islamic State and finding a deal on managing the Ukraine conflict, he said.

But, he added: Russia is not controlled in any kinds of agreements on nuclear arms control.

Moscow has previously downplayed suggestions by Trump about reductions in nuclear arms, including the suggestion of a grand bargain following Trumps interview with several European news agencies that suggested a nuclear arms treaty for sanctions relief.

They have sanctions on Russia  lets see if we can make some good deals with Russia, Trump was reported as saying, according to Reuters and other news outlets. For one thing, I think nuclear weapons should be way down and reduced very substantially, thats part of it. But Russias hurting very badly right now because of sanctions, but I think something can happen that a lot of people are going to benefit.

The Kremlin shot that down.

Tying the issue of sanctions and the issue of nuclear reductions would unlikely be possible in the future from the expert viewpoint, Peskov said in a televised interview the day after Trumps inauguration in January. Our president has said repeatedly that the issue of sanctions is not on our agenda. Russia wasn't the initiator of this issue. And, in Putin's words, it won't be the one to initiate lifting the restrictions.

Putin supports disarmament, Peskov said, but it must be fair, proportionate and without upsetting this balance.

The New START treaty set limits on both countries deployed strategic warheads to no more than 1,550 each. It does not limit non-deployed warheads.

Trump mentioned the treaty, which he called the start-up, in all three debates with Democrat Hillary Clinton during the presidential campaign. He charged that Russia had increased its warheads inventory and said, erroneously, that the United States was not permitted to do the same for non-deployed weapons.

Read more:

What Russians think when they hear Putins a killer

Trump and Putin: A relationship where mutual admiration is headed toward reality

A right-wing militia trains Russians to fight the next war  with or without Putin

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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The Senates confirmation Tuesday of Betsy DeVos has placed a sworn enemy of public education and a proponent of for-profit charter schools and religious schooling at the helm of the US Department of Education. Like Trumps other cabinet appointees, DeVos is committed to dismantling the very department she heads and to lifting any restrictions on private businesses seeking to cash in on Americas $1.3 trillion education market.

With the confirmation of the Michigan billionaire, the American oligarchy has installed one of its own. The beneficiary of the merger of two family fortunes in Michiganthe former Prince auto parts empire and the Amway Corporation pyramid schemeDeVos and her husband have an estimated net worth of $5 billion. Over two decades, the family has spent millions of dollars funding pro-privatization organizations and buying legislators.

Michigan has the countrys highest percentage of charter schools run by for-profit management companies and among the weakest regulations on the publicly funded and privately run schools. Under the states school reform law, nearly half of Detroits public schools are currently targeted for closure and potential transformation into private charters.

Trump has pledged to promote anti-teacher merit pay and spend $20 billion on school choice. The voucher policy in the state of Indiana is being suggested as a national model. In 2013, then Indiana Governor and now Vice President Mike Pence expanded the program, initiated by his Republican predecessor as a social justice initiative for poor children, to provide vouchers for up to half of their tuition to more affluent middle-class families with children already in private schools. Almost all the private schools eligible for vouchers are religious.

Millions of school teachers, parents and students are rightfully alarmed and realize that the coming months and years will require the most serious fight to defend public education. The prerequisite for developing a strategy for such a battle is a political understanding of what produced Trump and DeVos.

As the World Socialist Web Site has explained, the coming to power of a government of billionaires, ex-generals and ultra-reactionaries marks a qualitative change. However, Trump is not a sudden departure from the otherwise healthy development of US political and social life. On the contrary, he is the outcome of the long decay of American capitalism and the rise to the pinnacle of economic and political power of a corporate and financial aristocracy, which has sought to defend its global domination through endless wars overseas and a war against the social rights of the working class.

Perhaps nowhere in the realm of domestic policy is the continuity of Trump with previous administrations, Democrat or Republican, seen than in the decades-long assault on public education.

Before the 1980s, the proponents of free market education policies were only to be found on the most right-wing fringes of the Republican Party. In the mid-1950s, Chicago economist Milton Friedman first put forward his proposal for school vouchers to spend public money on private and religious schools, thereby creating competition for the public-school system.

Efforts by Ronald Reagan to introduce vouchers in the early 1980s failed due to popular support for the democratic and egalitarian principles embodied in public education.

Friedmans voucher plan was, however, instituted by the Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in 1981.

It took the Democrats, under President Bill Clinton in the mid-1990s, to rebrand this right-wing attack on public education as school choice for poor families. The Democratic president sharply increased federal spending for so-called public charter schools, whose numbers increased between 1992 and 2000 from 1 to more than 1,700.

We should reward the best schools, and we should shut down or redesign those that fail, Clinton declared in 1996, the same year his wife, Hillary Clinton wrote in her memoir, I favor promoting choice among public schools. Also in 1996, Milton Friedman and his wife launched the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, an organization Betsy DeVos would subsequently fund and promote.

Coming in the aftermath of the 1990-91 dissolution of the USSR and the capitalist triumphalism that followed, the Clintons spearheaded the Democratic Partys repudiation of the social reforms associated with the New Deal and Great Society periods. Their free-market education policies coincided with the destruction of welfare as a federal entitlement program, a law-and-order crackdown on the poor, and Wall Street deregulation, which led to an explosion of financial speculation, the bursting of the dot.com bubble in 2000 and the Crash of 2008.

In 2002, George W. Bush would sign into law the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), coauthored by Democratic liberal icon Edward Kennedy. Under the scheme, schools that failed to improve under test-based Annual Yearly Progress assessments could be closed, turned into charter schools or reorganized by state officials. Various punitive accountability schemes scapegoated teachers for educational problems caused by poverty and decades of budget cutting.

In 2000, the DeVos family spent $13 million to push a referendum to amend Michigans constitutional ban on vouchers. However, like a similar measure in California that year, Michigan voters defeated the plan by a more than 2-to-1 margin.

The Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), a political action committee run by hedge fund managers including Teach For America cofounder Whitney Tilson, was formed between 2005-07 to promote their interests in the charter and edubusiness sector. Democrats representing Anchorage Capital Partners ($8 billion under management), Greenlight Capital ($6.8 billion), and other for-profit companies signed up to promote the legislative assault on public education. Senator Barack Obama was a speaker at the inaugural meeting, and Arne Duncan was later recommended by DFER for Education Secretary.

It was under President Obama that the most sweeping attacks on public education occurred. Despite the unions claims to the contrary, Obama and Duncan doubled down on NCLB. More than 300,000 teachers and other school jobs were permanently eliminated during Obamas eight years.

Under the Race To The Top (RTTT) program, cash-starved school districts were encouraged to compete for performance-based grants based on their level of innovation. The markers of such innovation were merit pay, the adoption of Common Core (highly lucrative for testing companies and other edubusinesses) and the promotion of charter schools.

Obama hailed the 2010 firing of teachers and other school employees at Central Falls High School in Rhode Island after they rejected a turnaround plan of the type promoted by Duncan that would have torn up their contracts and forced them to work longer hours without additional pay.

During the eight years of the Obamas assault on public education, the teachers unionsthe American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA)all but ended teacher strikes, which had long been a regular feature of American life. When a strike was called, as in Chicago in 2012, the unions quickly shut it down to prevent a confrontation with the Obama administration, leading to mass school closings in Chicago, Philadelphia and other cities.

Far from opposing corporate-driven school reform, the unions insisted that it could be implemented more efficiently if state and local authorities used the services of the AFT and the NEA to suppress resistance. In Detroit, the AFT, working with local Democrats, shut down a series of sickouts, launched in defiance of the union, and facilitated the restructuring of the public school district under a Republican plan largely shaped by DeVos.

During DeVoss confirmation hearings, Democrats staged a publicity stunt on the floor of the Senate before Vice President Pence cast his tie-breaking vote for DeVos. Afterwards, AFT President Randi Weingarten hailed the movement for children that would supposedly serve as a check and balance on the new education secretary. Weingarten held open the AFTs invitation to DeVos to work with educators, but lamented that it was more likely well now hear the same trashing of public schools that the disrupters, the privatizers and the austerity hawks have used for the last two decades.

There is no doubt that major battles are on the horizon. As this brief summation makes clear, however, the privatizers and austerity hawks have long included the Democratic Party, with which the unions are aligned. The struggle to defend and vastly improve public education therefore requires the building of a mass political and socialist movement independent of both big-business parties. Such a movement must be based on the working class, whose social interests are inseparably bound up with the fight to end social inequality and the economic and political dictatorship of the oligarchy.

The author also recommends:

The dismantling of public education and Obamas education legacyPart 1

[03 June 2016]

The dismantling of public education and Obamas education legacyPart 2

[06 June 2016]
Photo credit: Laura Massa/Michael Priest Photography

From Dr. Oz The Good Life

Say what you will about the Girls star, but Lena Dunham isn't afraid to get noisy - especially on a topic that has affected her so personally.

Dunham, 30, joined Anne Marie Albano, PhD, of New York Presbyterian's Youth Anxiety Center at New York's 92Y for a talk Tuesday night on growing up with anxiety and the stigma mental health disorders still carry, even in 2017.

Though she was officially diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at age 11, Dunham's symptoms surfaced much sooner. "I don't ever remember a time not being anxious," Dunham said, though her parents brushed it off as just a glass-half-empty attitude at first.

A delayed diagnosis is typical, according to Albano. "Kids will suffer for 2 to 7 years before their anxiety is recognized," she said. Still, it's startlingly common - 29 percent of Americans will have an anxiety disorder during their lifetimes, and kids are particularly vulnerable as they transition into adulthood.

I felt myself recoil; like Dunham was somehow telling the audience my own personal struggles in revealing hers.

Like Dunham, I, too, was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at a young age. As she spoke Tuesday night - referencing collect calls to home from school and spending long stretches of the day in the nurse's office - it was like having my own experience dictated back to me. We both began talk therapy in elementary school (she seemed responsive to it; I often said only what the therapist wanted to hear); we both started medication soon after (her, a myriad of drugs including Fluvoxamine and Adderal; me, tried-and-true Paxil); and we both somehow made it to our adult lives relatively unscathed, much to the surprise of our parents. ("[They] are so shocked I don't live at home," Dunham said. Same, Lena.)

Still, anxiety has always been a source of shame for me. Even in hearing Dunham speak openly and honestly about her own - and hearing the crowd laugh when she made a self-deprecating joke - I felt myself recoil; like she was somehow telling the audience my own personal struggles in revealing hers.

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That shame is what Dunham and Albano are trying to fight - and it starts with urging parents to let go of the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders, and raising awareness about those disorders among parents and educators alike.

One thing to keep in mind: Sometimes anxiety is completely normal - a result of that whole being a living, breathing human being thing. It's when those feelings become more frequent and start to interfere with daily activities that a larger issue is at hand. If you suspect your child is suffering from disordered anxiety, it's important to try the therapy route - talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy - before anything more extreme. "If your child doesn't want to go to therapy, go yourself," Albano said, to give it a sense of normalcy. It's not about "curing" them right away (or at all, for that matter); the first and foremost step is to make them feel safe and secure enough to talk through their anxious feelings.

As for Dunham and myself, we've done OK. "[Those anxious feelings] are not gone, I just have ways of managing them," Dunham said, and I concur. And because we've both been given voices - hers notably louder than mine - where many other anxiety sufferers haven't, it's time to start using them to fight against the stigma still attached to anxiety and other mental health disorders.

"Tweet about it, write about it, talk about it - just don't hide it," Albano said. "We have to let go of the shame."
Betsy DeVos appointment as education secretary was a controversial one, with the wealthy GOP donor confirmed to the position by the Senate on Tuesday in a 51-50 vote  pushed in her favor by Vice President Mike Pence, who cast the historic, tie-breaking ballot.

But despite outrage from celebrities and Democratic politicians, DeVos is ready to get to work.

The 59-year-old mother of four tweeted a photo of herself in her office late Tuesday night, writing, Day 1 on the job is done, but were only getting started.

Now where do I find the pencils? she added, with a smile face.

DeVos has been widely criticized for weeks for her multiple conflicts of interest and her apparent lack of knowledge of basic education policy.

The billionaire former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, DeVos had struggled through tough questioning by the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee as she essentially interviewed for the position as the nations top education policy-maker and policy-enforcer.

One of the most viral moments from the meeting came when Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy (D) asked if guns had any place in or around schools. DeVos advocated to have that that decision made by the locals and states, adding that a Wyoming elementary school would likely have a gun in school to protect from potential grizzlies.

DeVos also admitted during the committee hearings that she had no personal experience with public K-12 schools or using federal student loans like Pell Grants  which are awarded to undergraduate students dependent on financial need, cost of attendance and more.

She also made headlines when she seemed to be unaware of the difference between student proficiency and student growth  much to the outrage of Minnesota Sen. Al Franken (D).

Sen. Al Franken discovers Trump Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos doesnt know the difference between proficiency and growth. pic.twitter.com/QFQchwHhuc  Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) January 18, 2017

Speaking to Education Department staff on Wednesday, DeVos said,  many, the events of the last few weeks have likely raised more questions and spawned more confusion than they have brought light and clarity.

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So, for starters, please know, Im a door open type of person who listens more than speaks. And the confirmation process, she joked, has been kind of a bear.

DeVos and her family have been major donors to the GOP, giving an estimated $818,000 to 20 current Republican senators during the 2014 and 2016 election cycles, said the Post. Five senators who received donations from DeVos family sit on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

President Donald Trump and Jeb Bush congratulated DeVos on her narrow win on Tuesday.

I congratulate @BetsyDeVos on her confirmation as our nations next Secretary of Education. The President made an excellent choice, Bush wrote.

Senate confirmation of Betsy DeVos is real victory for parents and children choosing schools they need.victory for Pres Trump and America, added Newt Gingrich.

DeVos herself address the Senates heated debate over her nomination in a tweet following her confirmation.

I appreciate the Senate's diligence & am honored to serve as @usedgov Secretary. Let's improve options & outcomes for all US students.  Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVos) February 7, 2017

I appreciate the Senates diligence & am honored to serve as @usedgov Secretary, she wrote. Lets improve options & outcomes for all US students.

As she was confirmed, hundreds of New York City high school and college students walked out of class and gathered in Manhattans Foley Square in protest of Trump and his executive order temporarily banning refugees and people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.

According to Gothamist, the protesters booed DeVos coinciding confirmation after one student speaker shouted, Betsy DeVos was confirmed today despite her shameful inexperience and complete lack of understanding for the very job she seeks.




Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz  who chairs the Congress Oversight Committee  struggled to speak over the jeers and boos of protesters gathered and attending a 75-minute town hall meeting in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, on Thursday night, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

Much of the town hall  which was held in a high school auditorium  was categorized by loud chanting, which included shouts of do your job and explain yourself.

The contention mainly centered around Chaffetzs failure to push the Oversight Committee to investigate President Donald Trumps conflicts of interests, reported Politico, as well as the controversial travel ban  which a federal appeals court refused to reinstate on Thursday.

Youre not going to like this part: the president, under the law, is exempt from conflict of interest laws, Chaffetz told the attendees, adding, He is required to do a financial disclosure which he has done twice.

He also noted that he wasnt going to investigate Trumps potential personal monetary gains until theres evidence hes somehow used that to ingratiate his family.

RELATED VIDEO: Watch: Natasha Stoynoff Breaks Silence, Accuses Donald Trump of Sexual Attack

He did, however, say that he would investigate White House counselor Kellyanne Conways recent live-TV urging of Fox News viewers to go buy Ivanka stuff amid news that the first daughters brand has been dropped by multiple retailers. Chaffetz called Conways actions wrong, wrong, wrong, according to NBC News, saying, I called it out.

Theres no case to be made that we went soft on the White House, Chaffetz said, according to the Tribune. In terms of doing my job, thats what Im supposed to be doing.

Outside of the auditorium, thousands more were gathered with signs. Cottonwood Heights police Lt. Dan Bartlett told those gathered that they wouldnt be admitted due to fire code, according to the Tribune.

America is better than this! read one poster. Said another, Disagree!




Actress Debra Messing has alleged that director Alfonso Arau pressured her to perform a nude scene and made disparaging comments about her appearance during the making of the 1995 film A Walk in the Clouds.

Speaking at the Makers Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on Monday, Messing recalled that her initial excitement about shooting her first Hollywood movie  opposite rising star Keanu Reeves  was marred by several humiliating incidents.

On the first day of filming, Messing said, she and Reeves were in the middle of a dramatic kiss scene when Arau interjected, How quickly can we get a plastic surgeon in here? Her nose is ruining my movie!

After completing the scene in a daze, Messing retreated to her trailer and cried. I felt ugly, I felt like garbage, and I felt deep shame, she said, adding that Araus comments reminded her of anti-Semitism she experienced growing up in Rhode Island.

On the second day of filming, Messing said, she was browbeaten into shooting a nude scene, despite having been told previously the movie would not feature nudity. When she confronted Arau about the scene, he allegedly told her, Im the director, its my movie. Your job is to get naked and say the lines. Thats it. You should be grateful to have this part.

After grudgingly going through with the scene, only Messings bare back appeared in the final cut, she said. The whole thing was a power play, a game. And the goal? To demean me, strip me of my pride and power, make me feel on a cellular level his dominance over me. I felt violated.

Araus manager did not respond to a request for comment, but a representative for the filmmaker told TooFab that Messings description of the events was false. The representative said Messing was never nude during the scene in question, and that Arau did not make derogatory comments about her nose.

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A spokesperson for 20th Century Fox, the studio that released A Walk in the Clouds, declined to comment.

Elsewhere in her monologue, Messing said she was pressed to wear bra inserts, a.k.a. chicken cutlets, during her early days on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace. After threatening to take up the issue with network brass, Messing said, she never saw the inserts again.

An NBC spokesperson declined to comment.

Watch Messings monologue on the Makers Conference website.
By Desire Thompson

After one of the most known confirmations of President Donald Trumps cabinet picks, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos took a trip to Howard University to speak with University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick and several student leaders for the institutions 150th celebration.

DeVos, who was confirmed for the Secretary of Education role this week, met with Frederick on Thursday (Feb. 9) in a move that reeks of Hey, this will be a good look for you. Joining her on the trip was communications director Omarosa Manigault, who endured some anti-Trump heat over the weekend. Her statement about the trip was released on the U.S. Department of Educations website, along with several photos of her journey.

It was a pleasure to meet with Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick and several student leaders this morning, DeVos said. We had a robust discussion around the many challenges facing higher education and the important role of HBCUs. Howard University plays a unique and valuable role in the fabric of our higher education system, and I am honored to help celebrate its 150th anniversary.

During her confirmation hearings, DeVos was questioned about her views on civil rights and how she would instill equal education in public schools. Her past in promoting private institutions was also challenged as well as her lack of experience in the department. As The Atlantic points out, DeVos fondness of private schools showcases her and Trumps potential business plans of rebuilding the public education system and making it into a for-profit corporation. The history of the privatization of schools also has a connection to the creation of HBCUs after parents of white students were reluctant to send their children to schools with students of color after the passing of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.

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The Washington Post reports DeVos spoke to the employees of the Education Department on Wednesday (Feb. 8), promising to the put the needs of students first.

Let us set aside any preconceived notions and lets recognize that while we may have disagreements, we can  and must  come together, find common ground and put the needs of our students first, she said. For many, the events of the last few weeks have likely raised more questions and spawned more confusion than they have brought light and clarity. So, for starters, please know, Im a door open type of person who listens more than speaks.

In her statement about her Howard trip, DeVos mentions she plans to visit other schools and talk strategy on how to increase access to affordable, quality higher education.

This post Betsy DeVos Pays A Trip To Howard University Because Everyone Loves A Photo-Op first appeared on Vibe.
This morning in the White House, Donald Trump met yet again with a group of intensely reviled amoralists whose only purpose in life is to drain wealth and happiness from the American public: airline CEOs. The whole gang was there: the heads of American, Delta, Southwest... the other airlines. If you can believe it, their discussion was maddening and terrifying,

By Jordan Sargent

This morning in the White House, Donald Trump met yet again with a group of intensely reviled amoralists whose only purpose in life is to drain wealth and happiness from the American public: airline CEOs. The whole gang was there: the heads of American, Delta, Southwest the other airlines. If you can believe it, their discussion was maddening and terrifying, with our president going off on a deeply self-parodic tangent about how his personal private pilot informed him that everything with all the planes is fucked up.

Please watch this video but then try and forget everything:

Trump tells airline CEOs they& govt.are using obsolete equipment the airports give you. Trump says his pilot, a smart guy, told him. pic.twitter.com/kvbRzrlSkY  Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) February 9, 2017

The only good part of this video is that these airline CEOs have to sit there and nod seriously as our president goes on an on about some shit he heard from his personal private jet pilot in between mouthfuls of cold McDonalds.

Here are some further notes, from the traveling press pool:

Deltas doing well. POTUS quipped to Bastian when he introduced himself. Well make it number one, POTUS joked to the head of LAX, who said her airport was the seventh largest airport in the world. Upon being informed that the Atlanta airport is the largest, POTUS remarked that he loves the state of Georgia. Southwest spoke first and said the top priority for helping airlines would be to modernize the air traffic control system noting that money spent on the system has not helped improve it in the past. I hear were spending billions and billions of dollars, its a system thats totally out of whack. POTUS said of the air traffic control system. POTUS inquired as to why airline corporations had allowed the government to invest in a faulty system. Southwest informed POTUS that the airlines are not in control of those decisions. POTUS said that the system could potentially work better if FAA was run by a pilot because it is not currently, as a meeting attendee confirmed for him. Pool ushered out at 10:07 am.

If Donald Trumps aim with this meeting was to sew panic in the citizenry based largely on information passed to him by some random unnamed man who is almost certainly completely unqualified to be making such claims, then I for one can saymission accomplished!

This post Donald Trumps Meeting With Airline CEOs Has Me Convinced Im Going to Die in a Plane Crash first appeared on SPIN.
CSOs in a loktantrik Nepal

A democratic polity should look for ways to further allow Nepali citizens to fully enjoy their fundamental right to organise
Accra (AFP) - Seven women and three children were killed and 11 people injured when a dispute among members of a traditional ruler's family in northern Ghana turned violent, police said Friday.

Sounds of gunshots were heard on Thursday in the town of Bimbilla after news that a local king was set to appoint a chief against the wishes of an opposing faction.

Traditional rulers are found across Africa and although they often have no formal role in the elected, democratic system, they remain figures of power and influence.

They are courted by politicians for advice and support, particularly over local issues, and shape public opinion.

In Ghana, kings rule by appointing chieftains to run parts of their kingdom.

"This was triggered by another chieftaincy dispute," said Ebenezer Peprah, a police officer in the town, which is nearly 450 kilometres (280 miles) by road from the capital Accra.

"Out of the total of 10 bodies, seven are women and three are children, two girls and a boy," he told AFP.

"Eleven people are receiving treatment at the hospital after receiving gunshot wounds."

Peprah said the men ran away during the "intra-family fight", leaving the women and children vulnerable to attack.

"When the fight started, the men ran away and left the children and the physically challenged. So when they go in and don't find the men, they kill the women and children," Peprah said.

"We have arrested 21 suspects and we are screening them to aid the investigations," he said. "Things are calm but unpredictable."

The interior ministry imposed a curfew on the town, while police are patrolling the area.
Beijing (AFP) - US President Donald Trump endorsed the long-standing "One China" policy on Thursday during a phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a move analysts interpreted as a change of course for the mercurial leader.

The tycoon-turned-statesman agreed he would "honour" a position that has been held by successive US governments since Richard Nixon's administration.

It marked an apparent shift in thinking for Trump, who before coming to office had told an interviewer he didn't feel "bound by a one-China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade".

Here are the key issues surrounding the delicate triangle of the United States, China and Taiwan.

- What's the problem? -

The deep rift between China and Taiwan dates back to China's civil war, which erupted in 1927 and pitted forces aligned with the Communist Party of China against the Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) army.

Eventually defeated by Mao Zedong's Communists, KMT chief Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan, which was still under KMT control.

From there, Chiang continued to claim the entirety of China -- just as the mainland claimed Taiwan.

Taiwan's full name remains the Republic of China, while the mainland is the People's Republic of China.

Both sides still formally claim to represent all of China.

Many people in Taiwan today remain distrustful of Beijing while others are keen to explore warmer relations, especially when it comes to trade opportunities.

- What does 'One China' mean? -

In 1992, Taiwan and mainland China are said to have agreed that there is only "one China," which includes both places, but they agreed to disagree about what that precisely meant.

In principle, the decision means that countries can only have formal diplomatic relations with one or the other, but not both at the same time.

Most countries have chosen Beijing, but many continue to maintain economic ties to Taipei.

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Washington cut formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 when it switched recognition to Beijing.

Since then, it has followed a "One China policy" -- different than Beijing's "One China principle" -- which acknowledges both sides' positions that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it.

But it has never made a clear statement about Taiwan's sovereignty, leaving the question unsettled.

The result is a de facto two China policy, where the small island enjoys many of the trappings of diplomatic relations with the US.

- What does the US usually do? -

The United States has long maintained an ambiguous and at times contradictory approach to Taiwan.

China regards self-ruling Taiwan as part of its own territory awaiting reunification under Beijing's rule, and any move implying support for independence raises China's hackles.

Although there is traditionally no formal contact between the US president and his Taiwanese counterpart, US law requires Washington to sell high-end weaponry to Taipei.

The legislation was designed to provide democratic Taiwan with enough military clout to defend itself against China's vastly superior armed forces, although in practice the island's defences lag the mainland's considerably.

While there is no official US embassy in Taipei, Washington runs a nonprofit centre called the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves many of the same functions.

- How has Trump affected ties? -

Shortly after his November victory, Trump spoke by phone to Tsai, breaking decades of US protocol.

He rubbed salt in Beijing's wounds by tweeting about the call, a move that riled Chinese nationalists.

On December 3, Beijing issued a formal protest to Washington then followed up with a statement warning of a deterioration of Sino-US relations.

Many Chinese newspaper editorials called for reinforcement of the country's military arsenal to prepare for possible conflict.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told Hong Kong media that the call was "a petty trick" by Taipei, putting the blame on Tsai.

State media also gave him the benefit of the doubt, calling Trump "inexperienced" -- with the Xinhua news agency warning that "diplomacy is not child's play and you can't run it like a business".

- So has the call fixed things? -

Trump built his popularity, in part, on bashing Beijing for "stealing" American jobs and there are a number of committed China-sceptics in his administration, so a dramatic softening is unlikely, analysts say.

But at the same time, now that he is in office, China is much less likely to cut him slack.

Ashley Townshend, an expert in US-China relations at the University of Sydney, expects Trump to continue to be tough on China across many aspects of the bilateral relationship.

The assurance to honour the "One China" policy "removes an obstacle to relations, but it doesnt advance them in any meaningful way," Townshend said.

Xu Guoqi of the University of Hong Kong says the call could offer something of a reset on which the two sides can now build.

Now that Trump has assured Beijing that Washington will stick to the "One China" policy, the relationship is "back to square one", he said.
Hillary Clinton tweaked President Trump on Twitter shortly after a federal appeals court ruled against her old foes travel ban Thursday.

Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, did not include any words in her tweet. Instead, she simply wrote 3-0, noting the unanimous ruling of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

3-0  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 10, 2017

Clinton has kept a low profile since losing the Nov. 8 election to Trump. She attended his inauguration, and via Twitter cheered the Womens March on Washington the following day. Earlier this week, she filmed a video for a conference celebrating women leaders. The future is female, she told the group.

Hillary Clinton in Washington for Trumps inauguration. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Earlier Thursday evening, the San Francisco-based appeals court declined to block a lower courts ruling from last Friday that suspended key parts of a Trump executive order restricting immigration. The Trump order, signed Jan. 27, barred all refugees from the U.S. for 120 days and blocked all travel from seven majority-Muslim countries for 90 days.

The executive order led to chaos at many airports as border officials scrambled to enforce the ruling, with the administration initially saying it would apply to green-card visa holders before reversing itself. Protests erupted at airports where travelers were in transit when the order was signed were initially detained.

Trump vowed to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court. Immediately following Thursdays ruling, he tweeted SEE YOU IN COURT. The president has repeatedly criticized both the appeals court and the lower court, saying Wednesday that even a bad student in high school would see the law as obviously on his side.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

The American Civil Liberties Union, which has vowed to fight Trumps executive order, said the same.

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We have been saying this for a while. https://t.co/JFpVlTYUZm  ACLU National (@ACLU) February 10, 2017

Read more from Yahoo News:
Online education is transforming the way students learn.

One 2016 survey found that online undergraduate students are an average of 29 years old and online graduate students are an average of 33, reflecting both the popularity and effectiveness of online programs to help adults meet educational and career goals. Online education is well-suited to older students often balancing education with work, family and other obligations.

[Discover a week in the life of a working online MBA student.]

Here are four reasons online education works well for working adults.

1. Course flexibility: Most online courses are accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, so you can usually study around your work schedule from anywhere in the world. If you're an older student juggling an education with other responsibilities, this flexibility is ideal. You can do your homework all at once or in nuggets between other obligations.

Often, you can study for a degree online at a pace that fits your lifestyle. You can take one or several courses per semester or enroll in an online program with shorter terms that make it easier to concentrate on one course at a time.

Recognizing that many prospective online students have already earned some credits toward their bachelor's degree, programs might provide transfer credits or credits for life or work experience. Some programs also allow you to test out of certain courses.

2. Learning new skills and improving existing ones: Completing online courses from home or your desk at work can help you develop new skills to boost your earning potential.

If you were hired straight out of high school, you may find you need a college degree to move into management. Or you may simply want to improve or refresh the skills you already have, or learn job-specific skills to meet the changing needs of your profession.

Many companies will pay partial tuition for job-related courses that expand your knowledge base. If technology has been changing the way your industry functions, for instance, your employer might greatly value online courses that help you keep up with your field.

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3. Instant relevance to your job: You may be surprised by how much more you enjoy your classes than you did when you were younger because in many online courses, you will find other working adults who you can network with and discuss recent experiences.

Online education is more practical because you can relate what you learn to the job you do every day and improve your job performance. You will also be able to make classes more interesting for other students by sharing relevant work-related examples in online discussion boards, for example.

[Explore ways to interact with classmates and professors in online classes.]

4. New career opportunities: You may want to take online courses to round out your resume so you can compete for completely new positions with your current employer or at another organization. Earning a degree or advanced certificate online can be a great way to reinvent yourself if you are looking to change careers.

The takeaway: Online courses can provide real value to working adults because they are flexible and can help build the knowledge needed to get ahead while networking with others in similar positions.

Marian Stoltz-Loike, vice president of online education at Touro College in New York and dean of the school's Lander College for Women/The Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten School, oversees the university's online courses. She upgraded the online undergraduate courses and the online programs in the Graduate School of Education and developed the online program strategy for the School of Health Sciences. Stoltz-Loike holds a bachelor's from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from New York University.
Every four years, plenty of Americans wish they were given more than two serious options for president. The French, however, are comparatively spoiled for choice with five candidates in this years ballot.

This diverse array of contenders will all but certainly be winnowed down to a head-to-head by Frances two-round voting system. Unless one candidate wins a (highly unlikely) majority in the first round, the two candidates who receive the most votes in round one (April 23, 2017) will face off in a second round (May 7, 2017).

Here are the 5 people vying for the French presidency in 2017.

Marine Le Pen

Any conversation about the French presidential race must begin with the Front Nationals Marine Le Pen, because shes the only candidate who consistently makes the second round in polls. She leads the current pack with about 25 percent of the vote in the first round. The far-right firebrand, who has dubbed herself Madame Frexit, speaks loudly and often about withdrawing France from the E.U. and Eurozone. While the French president doesnt have power to unilaterally pull France out of the EU, she can use her (likely limited) influence in parliament and campaign aggressively for a public Brexit-style vote. And while an IFOP poll from July showed that nearly 70 percent of French people support EU membership, if 2016 taught us anything, its never take referendum outcomes for granted.

Le Pen has managed to repackage the virulent xenophobia and nationalism of her father (and Front National founder) Jean-Marie Le Pen to fit the times; she rails against Muslims rather than Jews. Instead of being anti-immigrant, she talks about intelligent protectionism and economic patriotism. That has understandable appeal for the 33 percent of French citizens who see globalization as a threat and the 53 percent who view refugees as a social burden.

Emmanuel Macron

The former investment banker represents a dying breed in European politics: centrist, technocratic and pro-European. The 39-year-old served as economy minister for current president Francois Hollande (who is so unpopular that his approval rating was hovering at 4 percent just months ago), but Macron has always had an independent streak that led him to launch his own political party, En Marche! (On the Move!) about a year ago. Traditional socialists eye him suspiciously, given his economic liberalism and commitment to market reforms; his social progressiveness irks the conservative Republicains. He is an avowed supporter of the EU, the UN, NATO and German Chancellor Angela Merkels policies on refugeesin other words, hes the globalist candidate at a moment when that idea has fallen far out of fashion.

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Nevertheless Macron is holding his own. His political fortunes were boosted this week with the growing scandal engulfing Francois Fillon (more below). Although Macron trails Le Pen 25 to 22 in first round polls, those same surveys show him beating the FN candidate with two-thirds of the vote in the runoff. For now, he looks like Frances preferred Le Pen alternative. That might be enough to win.

Benoit Hamon

Hollandes center-left successor won the Socialist Party primary only a couple of weeks ago. The former education minister represents the left-wing flank of his party; he supports reducing the French work week to 32 hours from its current 35, as well as a universal basic income of 750 ($800) a month for all citizens over 18. That plan would cost France 480 billion a year, or just over a fifth of its annual GDP.

As a result, Hamon has gotten creative with his tax proposals, including by proposing to legalize and tax marijuana. He has also proposed a robot tax that forces companies that use automation to replace human workers to pay a higher tax rate. If these proposals seem a bit out there to you, they do to plenty in France too; Hamon is running fourth at 15 percent in polls. But floating them now means they might seem less radical when he sets himself up for a 2022 run.

Jean-Luc Melenchon

The far-left candidate, who quit the Socialist Party in 2008, has managed to unify several longstanding Marxist far-left movements behind him. His presidential platform is defined in large part by his anti-austerity stance and his views on globalization (hes not a fan), meaning that he has much more in common with Le Pen on this particular score. He talks constantly about fiscal justice and has wholeheartedly embraced technologythe 65-year-old announced his presidential run in Lyon and Paris simultaneously via hologram. He argues for the end of nuclear power in France and wants to embrace a new ecological order.

Melenchon is currently polling around 10 percent, which means hes currently on the outside looking in. Theres been rumors about a possible uniting of forces with Hamon to give the French people a serious leftist option; together, Hamon and Melenchon would net 25 percent adding the latest polls together. Of course, that would mean one of the candidates putting aside his own ambitions, a long-shot given the years of party rivalry and political egos.

Francois Fillon

Finally theres the center-right candidate of Les Republicains, the former prime minister under Nikolas Sarkozy, and the presumed front-runneruntil about two weeks ago. Thats when news broke that Fillon hired his wife as his parliamentary aide and put her on the public payroll. Which is not against French law but to date there is no evidence that she actually worked to receive that 830,000 paid out over 15 years.

Thats a bad break for Fillon who was gaining traction until the scandal erupted. Despite denying wrongdoing, hes now at 20 percent and sinking fast. As the center-right candidate, he vowed to streamline the bloated French public sector by a half million jobs, abolish the long-standing 35 hour French work week, extend the retirement age and scrap the wealth tax. And while hes pro-EU and has been critical of Brexitunlike Le Penhe has been antagonistic toward Muslims and openly wistful for a historically white and Catholic France.

Also like Le Pen, he wants to partner with Russia to crush ISIS and Islamic terrorism more broadly. His Republicains supporters thought he was the ideal candidate to take on a surging Le Penright-wing enough to steal votes from her, but mainstream enough for non-Le Pen voters to accept in a second round run-off. But its no longer clear that he can survive even to the first round.

***

Whos going to win? All signs point to Le Pen winning the first round, but after then all bets are off. Current polls suggest either Macron or Fillon could beat her in a runoff. But all it takes is another terrorist attack, another political scandal, or another European crisis for another surge of uncertainty. Watch this space.
London (AFP) - Cocaine with a street value of more than A50 million (59 million euros, $62 million) washed up on two beaches in England, British officials tasked with disrupting organised crime announced Friday.

The drugs -- 360 kilos (794 pounds) -- were in holdalls found at Hopton-on-Sea on Thursday and Caister-on-Sea on Friday, villages on either side of Great Yarmouth, a major port, in Norfolk, the National Crime Agency said.

A member of the public spotted the bags and police are now looking for more that could be in the area.

"This is obviously a substantial seizure of class A drugs, and its loss will represent a major blow to the organised criminals involved," NCA investigator Matthew Rivers said in a statement.

Two Turkish drug traffickers were jailed in Britain last year after being caught with 3.2 tonnes of cocaine on a boat in the North Sea in 2015 following an international operation.

The drugs had a street value of A500 million and it was believed to be the single biggest cocaine haul ever recovered at sea in Europe.
Photo credit: Getty

From ELLE

This story has been updated throughout.

Over the vocal protestations of all Senate Democrats, but one, Sen. Jeff Sessions was confirmed to serve as attorney general of the United States late last night. At 69, Sessions has represented Alabama in the Senate for two decades. During his tenure in state and federal politics, he's earned a distinct reputation for his hard-line stance on immigration and checkered record on civil rights.

Meanwhile, "[t]he president-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabama's attorney general and U.S. attorney," said a statement from the Trump transition team last month. "It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition."

Here's what you need to know about Jeff Sessions:

1. He was the first sitting U.S. senator to support Trump.

While Sen. Ted Cruz liked to brag about his closeness to Sessions, Sessions endorsed Trump in February, making him the first sitting senator to offer him his support. In February, Sessions joined Trump at a rally in Madison, Alabama, and sported a "Make America Great Again" hat for good measure.

"I told Donald Trump this isn't a campaign, this is a movement," Sessions said at the time.

Photo credit: Getty

2. If history had had its way, Sessions might never have been confirmed.

The last time Sessions faced Senate confirmation, he had been nominated for federal judgeship. It was 1986. During the hearing, a former assistant U.S. attorney, Thomas Figures, who was black, testified that Sessions called him "boy" and told him to be careful about what he said to "white folks." Sessions denied the claims, but Sen. Edward Kennedy presented a letter to the Senate from an organization of black lawyers that confirmed that Figures had made the allegation about Sessions to the organization's investigators at least twice.

"Mr. Sessions is a throwback to a shameful era, which I know both black and white Americans thought was in our past," Kennedy said during the confirmation hearing. "It is inconceivable to me that a person of this attitude is qualified to be a U.S. attorney, let alone a U.S. federal judge."

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Ultimately, the Senate decided not to confirm Sessions, which is extremely uncommon. But he went on to become state attorney general in Alabama, and won election to the U.S. Senate in 1996.

3. He now knows not to make jokes about the Ku Klux Klan.

At that same hearing, Sessions was criticized for referring to the American Civil Liberties Union and NAACP as "un-American" for "trying to force civil rights down the throats of people" and for saying in the presence of a Justice Department lawyer that he believed the Ku Klux Klan was "okay" until he found out they smoked marijuana. He made the joke in the midst of an investigation into the 1981 murder of Michael Donald, a black man whom two Klansmen had kidnapped, beaten, and lynched in Mobile, Alabama.

It "was a silly comment, I guess you might say, that I made," he said at the time.

4. He's prosecuted black civil rights workers.

Given that the job of the attorney general is to uphold civil rights nationwide, this bit of personal history is particularly curious: Back when he was an attorney, Sessions prosecuted activists Albert Turner, Evelyn Turner, and Spencer Hogue for working to expand African American access to political power after the Voting Rights Act was passed.

According to NPR, Sessions accused the Turners and Hogue of crimes "like forging signatures on absentee ballots-and in less than three hours of deliberating, the jury delivered zero convictions."

5. He opposes immigration of all kinds.

Sessions is so anti-immigration that he not only opposes a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented, but he has even voted against legal immigration measures, like guest worker programs and visas for skilled workers in science, math, and high tech, according to The Washington Post.

Sessions takes credit for some of Trump's "best" ideas on immigration, and deservedly so, says Politico Magazine: "Trump is running on ideas that Sessions has been pushing for years."

6. He's not so sure about climate change.

During a Senate hearing on the 2016 budget, Sessions questioned climate change statistics and "sparred" with a representative of the Environmental Protect Agency over how much funding the EPA needed: "Carbon pollution is CO2, and that's really not a pollutant," he said. "That's a plant food, and it doesn't harm anybody except that it might include temperature increases."

7. He is pro-life and opposes same-sex marriage.

Surprise, surprise: According to Sessions' website, he "believes that the sanctity of life begins at conception" and that "a marriage is union between a man and a woman." Sessions has a zero rating from the Human Rights Campaign.

NARAL Pro-Choice America president Ilyse Hogue issued a statement this morning to respond to the nomination, writing: "The last person women and families need in this job is someone who has repeatedly given a pass to individuals who commit acts of violence against abortion clinics, doesn't take sexual assault seriously, and was determined to be too racist by a GOP-led Senate to become a federal judge. But that's who Jeff Sessions is. His record of misogyny and racism makes him unfit to be the country's top lawyer. The American people deserve far better, but with Donald Trump at the helm, we know we won't get it."

8. The NRA is a big fan.

The National Rifle Association has handed him an "A" for his stalwart opposition to universal background checks, among other credentials. The organization endorsed him in 2014.

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Alec Baldwin is gearing up to host Saturday Night Live this weekend.

Read: Host James Corden Says He's OK With Stars Getting Political at the Grammys

Appearing on The Tonight Show Thursday, Baldwin warmed up his Trump impression going head to head with Jimmy Fallon  who does his own take on the 45th president.

Baldwin also took a jab at the controversy over Nordstrom dropping first daughter Ivankas products

"I got this suit from the Ivanka Trump Men's Collection at Nordstroms. They're having a big sale right now  95 percent off on everything," he joked.

Thanks to Baldwin's take on the president and Trump himself constantly tweeting about how much he dislikes the portrayal, the long running sketch comedy show is enjoying its highest ratings in more than 20 years according to reports.

Read: Kellyanne Conway Apologizes to Trump After Endorsement of Ivanka's Clothing Line

Meanwhile, President Trump has invited Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife to fly to Mar-a-Lago.



Melania has been at Trump Tower all week but now her duties as first lady take over as she headed to Florida Friday on Air Force One with her husband and the prime minister.

Watch: President Trump Reportedly Fuming Over 'SNL' Portrayal of Sean Spicer: He Doesn't Like His People to Look Weak

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Down and out

Government schools need to improve; making education free is not the solutionat least for now
Successive U.S. administrations have had their strategic plans shattered in the Horn of Africa. Between the Black Hawk Down fiasco in Somalia, the Darfur genocide, and the implosion of South Sudan, few regions have proved as resistant to the designs of American policymakers. But in addition to notable failures  South Sudan being perhaps the most glaring  Barack Obama achieved a number of qualified successes there during his presidency, including partnering with African military allies to drive al-Shabab militants out of Somalias cities and convincing Sudan, long a regional pariah, to begin coming in from the cold.

These successes stemmed from the Obama administrations willingness to work cooperatively with allies. They now risk being undone by President Donald Trump, who will probably retain the Obama administrations robust counterterrorism efforts but has made no secret of his disdain for multilateralism.

Take his Jan. 27 executive order severely restricting immigration from seven majority-Muslim countries, including Sudan and Somalia. Trump spoke frequently about instituting a so-called Muslim ban on the campaign trail, but his order targeting dual citizens, green card holders, and other visa holders still rattled allies around the globe. In Sudan, in particular, it risked undoing years of painstaking diplomacy that had managed to achieve a de facto detente only weeks prior.

In early January, shortly before leaving office, President Barack Obama lifted economic and trade sanctions imposed on Sudan after it was designated a state sponsor of terrorism. Washingtons decision to begin the process of diplomatically rehabilitating Khartoum was a reward for Sudans cooperation on regional counterterrorism goals and its willingness to join the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Once a rogue regime that harbored Osama bin Laden, Sudan now works closely with U.S. intelligence agencies in the war on terror.

But this transformation didnt happen as a result of unilateral U.S. pressure; it was the result of coordinated pressure on the part of Americas Persian Gulf allies, namely Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These countries threatened to withhold financial support for the Sudanese regime if it did not end its military relationship with Iran. Later, they threatened to expel Sudanese guest workers  a vital source of remittances  while Saudi Arabia briefly closed its airspace to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. After Sudan expelled the majority of Irans government personnel in 2014, its relations with Americas Middle Eastern allies significantly improved. Israel and the Gulf states even lobbied the Obama administration to relax sanctions on Khartoum.

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A similar multilateral approach helped roll back al-Shababs gains in Somalia. The United States has worked closely with regional allies in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which leads the counterinsurgency effort there. In addition to training and equipping troops from Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti, among other nations, the United States has carried out drone strikes and special operations raids, often in direct support of AMISOM partners. The result has been marked improvement in securing Somalias major cities, though al-Shabab continues to pose a significant terrorist threat.

Trumps executive order tramples on the multilateral approach that enabled these qualified successes. In Sudan, it could freeze the rapprochement with Khartoum, and reduce American leverage there, at a time when key U.S. allies have sought to deepen their relations with the country. In Somalia, it has eroded the already shaky confidence that Somali political elites had in their U.S. partner while doing much to damage Americas rapport with the Somali people. Making matters worse, the Trump administration has signaled its desire to disengage from the kinds of multilateral institutions that have helped make halting progress in Somalia possible. Both the United Nations and the European Union have played key roles in channeling assistance to AMISOM, but Trump has threatened to slash U.S. contributions to the U.N., and he has proposed appointing an ambassador to the EU who questions the basic value of a united Europe.

The risk that Trumps unilateral approach could backfire is even greater because the challenges his administration has inherited in the Horn of Africa are just as vexing  if not more vexing  than those that greeted the Obama administration in 2009. In addition to the civil war in Somalia, there is a seemingly intractable conflict in South Sudan; looming succession crises in Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti; and growing unrest in Ethiopia, Americas pivotal ally in the region and its primary engine of economic growth. Meanwhile, a decades-long period of economic expansion seems to be ending, leaving many U.S. allies politically vulnerable and more dependent than ever on American engagement.

Yet Trumps own policies could cause further economic distress. His administration has floated plans to restrict trade, increase the cost of borrowing, and limit migration. Such measures could lead to diminished remittances sent from the United States and elsewhere in the West  long the lifeblood of economies across the region, including Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Failure to renew the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act of 2000, which gives dozens of African countries the right to export certain goods duty-free to the United States, would deal the region another blow.

Flagging growth has already sparked violent unrest across the Horn of Africa. One of the first victims was South Sudan, which reported record deficits when the price of oil collapsed in 2012. Some have speculated that the countrys economic stagnation precipitated the violent collapse of its government at the end of 2013. Meanwhile, mass protests driven by economic grievances have erupted in several nearby countries, including Ethiopia and Sudan. Last October and November, Khartoum was rocked by a series of popular strikes protesting a 30 percent increase in fuel prices, as well as price hikes for basic medicines of between 100 and 150 percent. Even larger protests played out across Ethiopia in 2016, as youth unemployment and anger over land seizures fueled mass discontent.

In addition to going it alone, Trumps foreign policy seems to be about shirking liberal values like democracy, human rights, and good governance in favor of short-term, security-based bargains with individual states. Of course, the commitment of previous administrations to liberal values has often been little more than rhetorical. But where they have been the most successful in projecting American power  especially in the Horn of Africa  they have fostered robust and stable institutions in partner countries. By contrast, the American military and diplomatic corps have tended to be most ineffective in Africa when institutions have broken down and the political terrain has become fractured and opaque, as they very well might under the influence of a White House that cares little for democratic values.

Image credit: Scott Peterson / Liaison / Getty Images
Less than a year after Fox dropped one of their longest-running franchises, "American Idol," NBC is reportedly looking at resurrecting the televised singing competition for themselves.

According to a report by Variety, the network is pitching a revival of the show that catapulted the careers of Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

NBC's version of "American Idol," "The Voice," is currently in its seventh year, but has suffered flagging ratings: The latest figures show that ratings fell 19 percent last fall compared to the previous season.

Executives are considering cutting "The Voice" from two cycles a year down to one, in order to slot "American Idol" into the programming slate.
Associated Press

Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel will miss the rest of the World Series after spraining his right knee in Game 5, an injury that led to the surprise activation of rookie catcher Korey Lee. He wasnt crying, but he had tears in his eyes," Astros manager Dusty Baker said of Gurriel. Gurriel collided with Philadelphia first baseman Rhys Hoskins during a rundown between third base and home plate on Chas McCormick's seven-inning grounder during Thursday night's 3-2 win, taking a knee to his head.
Chief Justice John Marshall

It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.

To hold that the political branches may switch the Constitution on or off at will would lead to a regime in which they, not this court, say what the law is.

When the U.S. Constitution was still in its early years, the Supreme Court made a bold claim of ultimate authority to be the final interpreter of what the basic document means. It has held fast to that claim ever since, and it shares that authority  at least to a degree  with the lower federal courts.

This view is illustrated by the two quotations above. The first comes from an opinion of the Supreme Court in 1803, written by Chief Justice John Marshall  the towering figure in all of the courts history. He wrote that in Marbury v. Madison  an early challenge to the use of presidential power.

The second quotation is from a 2008 Supreme Court opinion, written by Justice Anthony M. Kennedy  probably the most influential member of the court currently. He wrote that in Boumediene v. Bush, upholding a modern challenge to national security action taken by the president and Congress working together.

Such claims of ultimate power to interpret the Constitution help explain why a federal appeals court felt comfortable on Thursday as it second-guessed the constitutional authority of President Trump to issue his sweeping executive order limiting immigration of people from the Mideast as an anti-terrorism policy.

That court did so even though, one day earlier, the President, in a televised speech, had recited the specific words of a 1952 federal law that unmistakably handed to the White House almost unlimited power to control which foreign nationals may enter the country, in order to protect national security. It couldnt have been written any more precisely, the president said, arguing that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit had no choice but to apply that law literally to uphold his order.

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Meanwhile, lawyers from the Justice Department were arguing in that same court that the 1952 law went so far that it barred the courts even from hearing any challenge to the presidents executive order.

When the Ninth Circuit Court announced its decision on the broadest challenge so far to the immigration restrictions, it did not follow the presidents legal advice or that of government lawyers. In fact, the opinion spent no time discussing the scope of the 1952 law. Instead, it focused on whether the courts had any power to review the presidents authority over immigration and national security policy, whether the claim to authority was based on the Constitution or federal law.

There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs counter to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy, the opinion said. At that point, it referred to the quotation above in the Boumediene decision.

It then added: Within our system, it is the role of the judiciary to interpret the law, a duty that will sometimes require the resolution of litigation challenging the constitutional authority of one of the three branches. We are called upon to perform that duty in this case.

Normally, the federal courts  including the Supreme Court  will not reach out to decide a constitutional question if they can base their decision on some other guiding principle. Thus, it might have been expected that, in the immigration policy case, the Ninth Circuit Court might have begun its review by examining the meaning of the 1952 law on which President Trump had based his suggestion on how the case should come out. In fact, some observers who have criticized the Circuit Courts decision have contended that it should have ruled on whether President Trump was right in his view.

The two states whose challenge was before that court, Washington and Minnesota, had actually contested the Trump immigration restrictions on the basis of both the Constitution and on federal statutes dealing with immigration.

It seems possible, maybe even quite likely, that the three judges on the Circuit Court panel had no quarrel with the 1952 law as a broad grant of immigration control to the president. But, even accepting that the statute did give President Trump wide discretion to fashion an executive order on who may enter the country from Mideast nations, that could not have settled the question of whether such an order might violate the Constitution itself.

That reading of what the Circuit Court considered to be before it suggests that it probably felt that it had no choice but to move directly to the constitutional challenge made by the two states.

The decision, of course, was not a final and binding decision that the Trump executive order is actually unconstitutional; it was limited to whether the states were  at a minimum  likely to win on the constitutional claim when that is decided in a final and binding way.

It is unclear at this point whether the case will now return to a federal trial judge for further review of the states challenge, or whether the government will attempt to take the case to the Supreme Court as a kind of preemptive legal maneuver to get the issue settled swiftly.

If the case now moves on to the Supreme Court, as seems quite likely, the Justices would presumably be asked by the administrations lawyers to accept President Trumps view that the 1952 law was all that was necessary to validate his policy, and to reject the constitutional complaint.

Legendary journalist Lyle Denniston is Constitution Dailys Supreme Court correspondent. Denniston has written for us as a contributor since June 2011 and has covered the Supreme Court since 1958. His work also appears on lyldenlawnews.com.

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Video: Should we amend the Constitution to impose term limits on Congress?
By Parisa Hafezi ANKARA (Reuters) - Donald Trump's bellicose rhetoric towards Iran now appears likely to help keep President Hassan Rouhani in office for another term, but will make it harder for the Iranian leader's team of moderates to govern. With an election due in three months and a hostile new administration in the White House, Iran's hardliners seem to have backed off from trying to reclaim the presidency for their faction, at least for now. No single candidate has emerged as a potential hardline champion to challenge the relative moderate Rouhani in the vote. Instead, officials speak of ideological rivals uniting behind him as best suited to deal with a Trump presidency. "To protect the Islamic Republic against foreign threats we need to put aside our disputes and unite against our enemy," said a senior official speaking on condition of anonymity like other figures within Iran contacted for this story. "Under the current circumstances, Rouhani seems the best option for the establishment." Still, Rouhani's supporters worry that even though hardliners no longer seem intent on removing him, they will take advantage of confrontation with the Trump administration to weaken the president at every turn. "To cement their grip in power, hardliners will do whatever they can to provoke Trump. From missile tests to fiery speeches," said a former senior official, close to Rouhani. "By making Rouhani a lame-duck president, they will try to prevent any change in the balance of power in Iran." Rouhani, elected in a landslide in 2013 on a pledge to reduce Iran's isolation, is the face of Tehran's deal with the outgoing Obama administration to curb Iran's nuclear programme in return for the lifting of U.S. and European sanctions. Trump and other U.S. Republicans have frequently disparaged that deal, as have hardliners in Iran. For now, the Iranian hardliners appear to have concluded that they still need Rouhani in office, if only so Washington rather than Tehran will be blamed if the deal collapses, said Iran analyst Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group. "With the deal in jeopardy, the system will be in vital need of Rouhanis team of smiling diplomats and economic technocrats to shift the blame to the U.S. and keep Iran's economy afloat," said Vaez. But ultimately, said analyst Meir Javedanfar, any atmosphere of heightened tension with Washington benefits the hardliners and weakens the moderates in Iran. "Now with Trump in charge, Iran's hardliners can sleep easy as they thrive on threats and intimidation from the U.S., it feeds their narrative," said Javedanfar, an Iranian-born Israeli lecturer on Iran at Israel's Interdisciplinary Centre Herzliya. PRESERVATION Under Iran's theocratic governing system, the elected president is subservient to the unelected supreme leader, 77-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a hardliner in power since succeeding revolutionary founder Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. A hardline watchdog body can control the elected government by vetting candidates before they stand and by vetoing policies. Khamenei uses anti-American sentiment as the glue to hold together the faction-ridden leadership, but he will not risk a total collapse in relations with Washington that might destabilise Iran, say Iranian officials. "The leader's top priority has always been preserving the Islamic Republic ... A hardline president might intensify tension between Tehran and America," said an official close to Khamenei's camp. Rouhani's efforts to open up Iran to less hostile relations with the West still have to be couched in the rhetoric of anti-Americanism that has been a pillar of Iranian rule since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. On Friday, hundreds of thousands marked the anniversary of the revolution, taking to the streets chanting slogans that include "Death to America". At such events, Rouhani can strike a note that sounds as hardline as anyone. "We all are followers of our leader Khamenei," Rouhani said in a speech that cast his own re-election bid as an opportunity for Iranians to demonstrate their defiance of Washington. "Our nation will give a proper answer to all those threats and pressures in the upcoming election." For his part, Khamenei said in a speech earlier this week that Trump had shown "the real face of America", echoing the hardline Iranian criticism of the Obama administration's comparatively accommodating stance as insincere or devious. Khamenei dismissed a Trump administration threat to put Iran "on notice" for carrying out missile tests. But he also avoided signalling a break with the nuclear accord, and the speech was interpreted as a sign that he will stick by Rouhani for now. "The leader's speech showed that the leadership has agreed on a less confrontational line. They prefer to wait and see Trump's actions and not to act based on his rhetoric," said Tehran-based political analyst Saeed Leylaz. Ordinary Iranian voters also seem inclined to keep Rouhani in power. Many complain that they have still seen few economic benefits from the lifting of sanctions, and those who hoped Rouhani would reform restrictive social policies say they are disappointed by the lack of meaningful change so far. Nevertheless, there seems to be little appetite to reverse course at the election and restore power to a confrontational hardliner like Rouhani's predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "I did not want to vote. Nothing has changed under Rouhani. But now I have to choose between bad and worse in Iran. We cannot afford a hardline president when Trump is in power," said high-school teacher Ghamze Rastgou in Tehran. (Editing by Peter Graff)
Eds: Major scheduled events for the week of Feb. 12 - Feb. 18. Note that many events are subject to change at the last minute.

The following economic reports will be issued in Washington (all times EST), unless otherwise noted:

SUNDAY: No events of note.

MONDAY: No events of note.

TUESDAY: Labor Department releases the Producer Price Index for January, 8:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Commerce Department releases retail sales data for January, 8:30 a.m.; Labor Department releases Consumer Price Index for January, 8:30 a.m.; Federal Reserve releases industrial production for January, 9:15 a.m.; Commerce Department releases business inventories for December, 10 a.m.; National Association of Home Builders releases housing market index for February, 10 a.m.; Treasury releases international money flows data for December, 4 p.m.

THURSDAY: Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims, 8:30 a.m.; Commerce Department releases housing starts for January, 8:30 a.m.; Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, releases weekly mortgage rates, 10 a.m.

FRIDAY: No events of note.

SATURDAY: No events of note.

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SUNDAY, FEB. 12

No events of note.

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MONDAY, FEB. 13

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

WASHINGTON  Supreme Court on break until Feb. 21

WASHINGTON  Senate votes expected on President Donald Trump's nominees for treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, and veterans affairs secretary, David Shulkin.

TOKYO  Japan reports preliminary fourth-quarter GDP.

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TUESDAY, FEB. 14

WASHINGTON  Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen testifies on monetary policy before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.

WASHINGTON  House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on judicial transparency and ethics.

WASHINGTON  House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee hearing strengthening U.S. cybersecurity capabilities.

WASHINGTON  House Armed Services Committee hearing on the terrorism threat and counterterrorism strategies.

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WASHINGTON  House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on Syria.

BERLIN  Federal Statistical Office releases fourth-quarter growth figure for the German economy, Europe's biggest.

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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

WASHINGTON  Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen testifies on monetary policy before the House Financial Services Committee.

WASHINGTON  Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on modern slavery.

Pepsico Inc. reports quarterly financial results before the market opens.

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THURSDAY, FEB. 16

WASHINGTON  House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on the F-35 fighter program.

WASHINGTON  House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing on drug cartels.

WASHINGTON  Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on the nomination of Andrew Puzder to be labor secretary.

WASHINGTON  House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Iran.

WASHINGTON  House Science, Space and Technology Committee hearing on NASA.

WASHINGTON  House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on religious liberty.

Freddie Mac reports quarterly financial results before the market opens.

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FRIDAY, FEB. 17

Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly are among the U.S. officials expected to attend the Munich Security Conference, which runs through Feb. 19. Pence also plans to visit Brussels.

Fannie Mae reports quarterly financial results before the market opens.

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SATURDAY, FEB. 18

No events of note.
Energy Minister directs hydropower officers not to visit abroad for studying project

The Ministry of Energy has directed the office-bearers of the Nalsinghgad Hydropower Project to go visit the Upper Tamakoshi Project rather than to Australia for a study about the hydroelectricity projects.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously against President Donald Trumps immigration ban in a ruling issued Thursday evening. Trump is widely expected to challenge the courts ruling in the Supreme Court. The executive order, Trumps highest profile and most controversial of his presidency so far, will be void until then.

The decision took square aim at the Trump administrations argument that the ban must remain in place for national security reasons. We hold that the Government has not shown  that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay, the court ruled.

The stay on the ban will remain in place, although that does not set a national precedent as a Supreme Court ruling would. The ruling is not based on the merits of the executive order, but it keeps the temporary restraining order on Trumps executive order in place. Still, Supreme Court lawyer and Georgetown University law professor Neal Katyal called the ban an utter repudiation of the Trump order.

Trump, for his part, responded on Twitter.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

On Feb. 3, a George W. Bush-appointed federal judge in Seattle, Washington blocked the enforcement of U.S. President Donald Trumps ban on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries  Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.

The Departments of State and Homeland Security announced they would comply with that decision. On Feb. 5, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied an emergency request filed by the Department of Justice. Both sides put forth arguments to the three-judge panel On Tuesday.

Lawyers for Department of Justice argued that the temporary suspension of the order was causing irreparable damage to Americas national security. The federal judges bored into the argument, presaging the coming Supreme Court showdown. Judge Michelle T. Friedland, an appointee of Trump predecessor President Obama, asked whether there was evidence connecting any of the countries concerned to terrorism. When Department of Justice Special Counsel August E. Flentje replied that the proceedings were moving quite quickly, the judges noted it was the Department of Justice that had asked for the emergency hearing.

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The Government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the Order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States, the court wrote, arguing that public interest required a stay of the travel ban.

Flentje had also argued that courts cannot review the presidents national security judgement.

The Government has taken the position that the Presidents decisions about immigration policy, particularly when motivated by national security concerns, are unreviewable, even if those actions potentially contravene constitutional rights and protections, the court wrote.

There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy.

Washington state solicitor general Noah Purcell, representing Washington and Minnesota, argued that, though roughly only 15 percent of the worlds Muslims would be impacted by the ban (according to the judges calculations), it was indeed a Muslim ban, citing Trumps campaign promises to do just that. Not every Muslim must to be harmed, he argued, for religious animus to be inferred.

The court declined to rule on whether the executive order is in fact based on religion.

The original argument made by the lawyers from Washington and Minnesota was that the ban would unleash chaos by splitting up families and stranding travelers. Trumps executive order sparked confusion and protests across the country immediately after it was signed. U.S. green card holders, Iraqi translators for the U.S. military, and even a 5 year-old Iranian child were caught in ensuing chaos. Former Democratic Secretaries of State John Kerry and Madeleine Albright sent a joint statement to the appeals court saying the ban undermined national security.

It would seem the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agrees that at least that should be decided at a later date as states continue to bring forth their case. In the meantime, it will allow citizens from the seven countries impacted to travel to the United States.

The country will now likely turn to the eight-justices-for-now U.S. Supreme Court to see if it does, too. Whats less clear is when the Supreme Court might hear the case: Justice Neil Gorsuch, Trumps court nominee, could see a confirmation hearing as early as next month. Though he irked Trump by criticizing the presidents own lambasting of the district and circuit courts  Trump blasted the so-called judge for halting his order  Gorsuch is still on track for confirmation, which would tilt the court back to a 5-4 conservative majority.

Photo credit: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images
A federal appeals court on Thursday declined to lift a nationwide suspension of Donald Trumps immigration order, refusing to reinstate a temporary travel ban that has dominated the turbulent start of his presidency.

The 3-0 decision by the Ninth Circuit, based in San Francisco, is a major legal setback for Trump, who had sought to block a Seattle judges order that the policy be put on hold. But the appeals court judges were broadly skeptical about the arguments made by Trumps lawyers, rejecting their claim that a Presidents authority on immigration matters could not be reviewed by the courts.

Trumps controversial executive order, issued January 27, temporarily suspended the U.S. refugee program and barred citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the U.S. The appeals courts ruling Thursday allows travelers who had been blocked by Trumps order to continue entering the U.S.

The judges, who convened an expedited hearing on Tuesday night to consider a matter with particularly sensitive and weighty concerns on both sides, were not persuaded by Trumps lawyers, who argued they should reinstate the travel ban while the courts weighed its lawfulness.

We hold that the Government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, the judges wrote, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay.

The Justice Department said it was considering its options in the wake of the decision. But many legal experts believe the case will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. At the moment, the Court has only eight sitting justices, though the Senate is preparing to consider the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch, a conservative tapped by Trump for the bench last week. If the Court takes up the case before Gorsuch is confirmed, it could deadlock 4 to 4, which would leave the Ninth Circuits decision in place.

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The case climbed quickly through the judicial system. On Jan. 30, just three days after Trump issued the order and as chaos unfolded at airports around the U.S., the state of Washington sued the President and several key administration officials, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. Washington state attorney general Bob Ferguson argued the order was unconstitutional because it discriminated against Muslims, violated immigration law, harmed the state and its residents and denied due process to people whose visas were revoked. The state of Minnesota joined as a plaintiff in the suit soon after.

On Feb. 3, a federal judge in Seattle sided with the states, issuing a temporary restraining order that blocked the enforcement of Trumps executive order nationwide. The judge, James Robart, found the states have met their burden of demonstrating that they face immediate and irreparable injury, noting, among other things, that the order harmed residents by limiting the freedom to travel, depriving businesses of customers and splitting up families. While other judges have blocked parts of Trumps orderand others have upheld itthe ruling by Robart, a George W. Bush appointee, was the farthest-reaching.

After his decision, the Department of Homeland Security suspended enforcement of Trumps controversial directive. But the Department of Justice quickly appealed. Four days after Robarts decision, the Ninth Circuit convened in San Francisco to hear arguments in a case that has riveted the country and prompted President Trump to lash out against the judge. More than 100,000 people tuned into the oral arguments on a Tuesday night.

Though consequential, the quick decision Thursday was not unexpected. The Ninth Circuit is considered one of the nations most liberal. The panel reviewing the case included two judges appointed by Democratic Presidents and one appointed by a Republican. They telegraphed skepticism about the governments case during oral arguments.

In the decision issued Thursday, the judges rejected the Justice Departments claim that Trump had unchecked power to block immigrants from entering the U.S. for reasons of national security.

The Government has taken the position that the Presidents decisions about immigration policy, particularly when motivated by national security concerns, are unreviewable, even if those actions potentially contravene constitutional rights and protections, the court wrote. There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy.

Although our jurisprudence has long counseled deference to the political branches on matters of immigration and national security, the judges continued, neither the Supreme Court nor our court has ever held that courts lack the authority to review executive action in those arenas for compliance with the Constitution. To the contrary, the Supreme Court has repeatedly and explicitly rejected the notion that the political branches have unreviewable authority over immigration or are not subject to the Constitution when policymaking in that context.

The executive order, the judges wrote, might violate the due process clause in the Fifth Amendment by denying entry to the country to lawful permanent residents as well as refugees seeking asylum. In addition, they said, Trumps lawyers pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the Order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States.

Trump greeted the decision with a blast of defiance. SEE YOU IN COURT, he tweeted in all caps, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE.

A senior administration official told TIME the President had not spoken with Jeff Sessions, who was sworn in Thursday as the new U.S. attorney general, before his tweet.

With reporting by Zeke J. Miller
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP)  Tax appraisers in North Carolina have put a price tag on the iconic Biltmore House, the land it sits on and related development: nearly $300 million.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports (http://avlne.ws/2kuqrwE) Buncombe County officials this week released numbers showing the approximately 135,000-square-foot home with 250 rooms is valued at about $37 million.

The county tax department also says the approximately 2,194-acre property is valued at more than $64 million. With hotels, restaurants, outbuildings and private residences, the total value of public areas of Biltmore Estate is nearly $300 million.

Keith Miller, who oversaw the tax department appraisal, said appraising Biltmore Estate is "one of the most complex tasks that we have."

Miller said the job has more in common with appraising a factory or a big box store than with a typical residence.

"Comparables for the house are pretty much nonexistent, at least in America," he said. "Really you've got to go somewhere out of this country to see a chateau like that."

The tax department examined Biltmore's revenues to determine a value. Square footages are recorded, but they're not as relevant as they would be to a residential appraisal, Miller said.

As for the Biltmore Co. itself, it's not concerned with value, said Kathleen Mosher, director of communications.

"As a national historic landmark, we're in the business of preserving things for generations, so it's not something that is our focus," Mosher said. "Our focus is preserving these objects and preserving the estate for generations to enjoy, so if valuations need to take place, those external people seeking those valuations do them themselves."

Mosher said as a privately owned company, the Biltmore Co. pays taxes like any other business. She referred all questions about its new tax rate to the county tax department.

Biltmore Estate has gained value since the last reappraisal was released in 2013. The land immediately surrounding Biltmore House increased in value by 40 percent, and the value of the buildings, including Biltmore House but not the hotels, increased by 27 percent.

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Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, http://www.citizen-times.com
By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - More than 400 migrant deaths have been recorded so far in 2017, including on the Mediterranean crossings to Europe from North Africa and the route into the United States from Mexico, the International Organization for Migration said on Friday. The deaths were recorded in the slow winter months and the IOM fears the toll will rise in the warmer weather, spokesman Joel Millman told a U.N. briefing in Geneva. "Forty days into the year weve recorded almost 420 deaths worldwide of migrants, which is a rate of about 10 a day," Millman said. "That is half of last years total rate." The IOM receives migration data sporadically. This week an update from Pima county in Arizona added 15 deaths to the total from a single county on the U.S.-Mexican border. It was unclear when the deaths occurred, he said. "Weve seen drownings in the Rio Bravo on the other side of the border at a much more robust pace than this time last year. We dont know if this is reflecting more traffic or just a very unlucky stretch. Its impossible to speculate on the motives," Millman said. Asked if people could be rushing to enter the United States before U.S. President Donald Trump tightens border controls, he said the strengthening U.S. economy might also be a lure, spurring an earlier rush than the usual mid-March "commuting season". In Europe, migrants and refugees are crossing the Mediterranean in far smaller numbers than a year ago, after the route between Turkey and Greece was effectively shut down, but traffic has become much heavier on the smaller and more dangerous route between North Africa and Italy. Most of those making the trip are from West Africa, but most of those dying are from East Africa, specifically Eritrea and Ethiopia. Although many bodies are never recovered from the sea, information from activists tracking social media for enquiries about missing family members show those nationalities are most at risk. Many other migrants die in the desert or in detention centers in Libya, or are killed along the way. "Eritreans are known to be Christians, and quite a number of them have a cross tattooed on their foreheads. Thats always been a source of great danger crossing parts of North Africa and into the Sinai," Millman said. In South America, migrant mortality so far this year is twice the rate of a year ago. "That doesnt bode for a very safe year ahead," Millman said. (Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
President Trumps crackdown on undocumented immigrants has become a reality for an Arizona mother who was deported to Mexico. Protesters tried to block the van that held Guadalupe Garcia De Rayos after she was detained at the Phoenix Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center. She was dropped off in Nogales, Mexico, nearly 1,200 miles away from her husband and two children, who were born in the U.S.
A judge in Peru has issued an international arrest warrant for the countrys former President, Alejandro Toledo, in a growing corruption scandal sweeping Latin America. Toledo  last seen in France  has denied claims he took $20 million in bribes from Brazilian building firm Odebrecht in exchange for awarding public works contracts. Judge Richard Concepcion said evidence uncovered so far in the probe warranted putting Toledo in preventive prison while charges of influence peddling and money laundering were prepared. But Toledos lawyer Heriberto Benitez accused the judge of having a vengeance and said he would appeal against the ruling. He cant come back  I wouldnt recommend it, Benitez told reporters. With judges like this, careful! #UPDATE Peru judge issues international warrant for arrest of ex-president Alejandro Toledo on bribe accusations https://t.co/6CEMCkum0A AFP news agency (@AFP) 10 fevrier 2017 Despite the denials, Odebrechts confession to the US Justice Department that it paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes in several countries threatens to implicate leaders and ex-leaders who once promoted the hydroelectric plants, highways and irrigation canals that Odebrecht has built over the past two decades. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has himself called for a thorough investigation of claims his 2014 re-election campaign may have received $1 million from Odebrecht. The engineering conglomerate is also at the centre of the probe into bribes for contracts at Brazils state-run oil firm Petrobras and other government-controlled businesses there.The multi-pronged inquiry has seen dozens convicted of corruption and has left popular former President Lula da Silva facing several trials. Analysis: A record fine raises hopes of an end to a bribery culture at Latin Americas largest construction group https://t.co/NkHDKu1MEg pic.twitter.com/RAY2ri7LJV Financial Times (@FT) 28 decembre 2016 Odebrecht became one of the biggest government contractors under Panamas former President Ricardo Martinelli. Now living in the US, he is also under investigation for corruption. In a further twist, Panamanian prosecutors have raided the offices of Mossack Fonseca, the law firm at the centre of the Panama Papers tax haven scandal. They were seeking possible links to Odebrecht. Ramon Fonseca, a partner at Mossack Fonseca, denied that his firm had any connection to Odebrecht.
U.S. President Donald Trump, so amenable to Russia on so much, has been talking tough when it comes to nuclear weapons.

On Thursday, Reuters reported that in his phone call last month with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump criticized the 2010 New START treaty, an Obama-era agreement designed to limit both sides nuclear arsenals. Putin reportedly asked about extending the treaty beyond 2021. Trump, asking after aides what New START was, said he thought the treaty was a bad deal.

This apparent willingness to jettison a successful arms limitation treaty was not received well by groups worried about nuclear war. David Wright, co-director the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said in a statement, The provisions apply equally to both nations. Its a win-win situation in which both nationsas well as the rest of the worldare more secure. It would be a grave mistake for the United States to pull out of the treaty or allow it to expire.

Bruce Blair, co-founder of Global Zero, a group dedicated to limiting proliferation, released a statement saying, The Treaty is also a powerful restraint on Putins nuclear ambitions. Without it, there would be nothing to prevent Russia from expanding its nuclear arsenal after 2021. That could trigger a dangerous nuclear arms race, one Trump recently promised to win no matter the cost.

Whats not clear is exactly what Trumps stance on nuclear weapons is. During the campaign, he mulled using nukes on the battlefield and encouraged allies like Japan and South Korea to build the bomb. After taking office, he said the United States needs to increase its nuclear capabilities, telling the hosts of MSNBC program Morning Joe, Let it be an arms race.

At other times, Trump suggested easing sanctions on Russia in exchange for nuclear arms reductions. For one thing, I think nuclear weapons should be way down and reduced very substantially, thats part of it, he told the Times of London, adding, But Russias hurting very badly right now because of sanctions, but I think something can happen that a lot of people are gonna benefit.

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Perhaps, then, Trumps rejection of the extension of New START and threat of an arms race are just negotiating tactics. If thats the case  if Trump is attempting to rewrite the art of the nuclear deal  there are still several big challenges.

For one thing, Russia has already rejected the idea. On the day after Trumps inauguration, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said symmetrical disarmament between Russia and the United States was unacceptable. And the Kremlin could easily call Trumps bluff: Russia has on more than one occasion conducted mock nuclear attacks in its war games; boycotted last years Nuclear Security Summit; and deployed nuclear capable missiles to Kaliningrad.

But maybe Moscow is just playing hard to get. Even so, theres another issue: Europe and NATO. A U.S.-Russia arms race does not benefit Europe, and European leaders would therefore support a deal reducing nuclear weapons  but they have to be at the table.

If there is a Trump-Putin negotiation on anything  including nuclear  that is over the heads of European leaders, that would be very damaging for NATO cohesion and transatlantic security relations, said Sir Adam Thomson, Director of the European Leadership Network.

Photo credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
France security: 'Bomb plot foiled' in Montpellier

Three men and a girl of 16 have been arrested with bomb-making materials by anti-terrorist police in the southern French city of Montpellier.
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It's ironic that men who worship female deities would harass women. But that's exactly what one Malaysian artist is fighting against through a photo series depicting Hindu Goddesses.

Ruby Subramaniam created the photo series in response to a Facebook group that was set up to threaten Hindu women with spray paint, should they be "inappropriately dressed" during Thaipusam.

SEE ALSO: These black and white photos from Singapore's Thaipusam festival will give you chills

Thaipusam is a festival of devotion, where Hindus commemorate the occasion when the Hindu Goddess Parvati gives the Hindu God of war Murugan a spear, to vanquish an evil demon. The festival is celebrated in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and Sri Lanka on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai.

The photo series, titled "This Body Is Mine", attempts to fight body-policing by giving a contemporary art spin to Hindu Goddesses.

The series of nine photos focuses on women reclaiming and embracing their inner Goddesses, according to the self-taught artist, who prefers to be called Ruby. The women represent various deities in Hindu culture  Lakshimi, the preserver; Kali, the destroyer; and Saraswathi, the creator  and have their bodies painted with various motifs.

She has studied Hindu symbolism from a young age, and found it to be a great tool for self-discovery.

"When you study about the Hindu Godesses, the holy texts often speak about her character and [she would] be surrounded by elements that embodied those values," she said. "None of those texts reveal information about the length of her saree blouse, or any other part of her attire, except colours that she wore," she said.

Ruby added that if ancient depictions of goddesses in India were to come to life, they would also be considered provocative, asking "how do you put your palms together and worship these deities, but give no respect to the women who embody those values?"

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Ruby Subramaniam (left) paints on model Rathimalar Govindarajoo (right) in preparation for her depiction as Saraswathi.

Image: Kenny Loh

She felt threatened and angry when she first heard about the group of men that threatened to spray women with paint. "Is this the biggest issue our society is going through?" Ruby said. "And how long before this turns into a society that would normalise acid attacks on women?"

Ruby has faced many instances of body-policing in Malaysia, a country with increasingly strict dress codes on women.

"I've been told to leave in government offices although I was wearing a formal dress that fell an inch above my knee," she said. "I'm tired of having to think of what others would think of me when I choose to wear something."

She adds: "Can't I just choose to wear what makes me look good? Is that too much to ask?"
By Sara Hemrajani LONDON (Reuters) - Love, sex and passion - in all their forms - have inspired a new sale collection at Sotheby's in London. Titled "Erotic: Passion & Desire," the auction lots feature art works from across the centuries and the world, including pieces by Pablo Picasso, Sarah Bernhardt and Helmut Newton. "We've put together 107 works of art ranging from antiquity to contemporary," said Sotheby's senior director, Constantine Frangos. "It covers passion, desire and the appreciation of the human form." Some works are explicitly carnal in nature, showing moments of intimacy, lust and pleasure. Both heterosexual and homosexual acts as well as masturbation are represented. According to Sotheby's, the sale has attracted interest from an array of buyers in North America, Europe and Asia. The exhibition encompasses diverse media, from photographs and pen sketches to ornate wood carvings and marble busts. One item generating buzz is a recreation of a table that was supposedly delivered to Russia's Catherine the Great. The painted plywood table has details of breasts and penises. It is priced between 15,000 and 20,000 pounds. Another highlight is a sculpture by Antony Gormley called Pole II, an abstract sculpture on the human body and the space it inhabits. That's expected to fetch as much as 450,000 pounds. The collection goes on display on Saturday. The auction will be held on Feb. 16. (Reporting by Sara Hemrajani in London; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
In an extraordinary exchange with Yahoo News Chief Investigative Correspondent Michael Isikoff, Syrian president Bashar Assad was confronted with photographs documenting the torture of political prisoners by his government. The Syrian president dismissed them as allegations and fake news. The photos, smuggled out of Syria by a former regime photographer, were part of a 3,600-page dossier compiled by human-rights lawyers and cited in a lawsuit last week filed in a Spanish court by a Syrian immigrant whose brother was arrested and disappeared in prison. The woman claims she recognized her brother among the brutally beaten prisoners in the photos. The interview in Assads office was his first since President Trump took office. As with all interviews granted by President Bashar Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.
By John Davison BEIRUT (Reuters) - President Bashar al-Assad rejected the creation of safe zones for refugees and displaced people in Syria, an idea supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a transcript from an interview with Yahoo News released on Friday. He signaled he would welcome cooperation with Washington in the fight against Islamic State, however, as long as the United States took a "clear political position" on Syria's sovereignty and unity. Assad has cautiously welcomed the new U.S. administration's focus on fighting the jihadists, in which Trump has held out the possibility of cooperation with Damascus ally Russia. Under former U.S. President Barack Obama, the United States called for Assad's departure and supported rebels fighting to unseat him. The Syrian government has rejected the creation of safe zones, favored by rebel backers including Qatar, which could ratchet up U.S. military involvement in Syria. "It's not a realistic idea at all," Assad said in the transcript. "This is where you can have natural safe zones, which is our country. They don't need safe zones at all." "It's much more viable, much more practical and less costly to have stability than to create safe zones." Assad said safe zones would be at risk of attack from armed groups. The United Nations also rejects safe zones, saying conditions in Syria, where battles rage on between multiple sides, are not suitable. Trump has not provided details about the proposed safe zones, except to say he would have the Gulf states pay for them. Much of the conflict is focused on a number of separate battles being waged against Islamic State: by Russian-backed Syrian government forces and their allies, U.S.-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters, and Turkish-backed Syrian insurgents. The United States has deployed special forces to Syria to support the Kurdish YPG militia and its allies, and not in coordination with the Syrian army. FIGHT AGAINST ISLAMIC STATE Assad said U.S. troops would be "welcome" in Syria to fight Islamic State provided Washington coordinate with Damascus and recognize the sovereignty of his government. "If the Americans are genuine, of course they are welcome. Like any other country, we want to defeat and to fight the terrorists," he said "Troops is part of the cooperation ... (but) you cannot talk about sending troops ... if you don't have a clear political position toward not only the terrorism, toward the sovereignty of Syria, toward the unity of Syria," he said. "It must be through the Syria government." Moscow said Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had discussed setting up "genuine coordination" in the fight against Islamic State and "other terrorist groups" in Syria during a phone call last month. There has been no indication the United States would coordinate with Syria itself. For now, U.S.-Russian cooperation is largely limited to ensuring that the two countries' air forces operate safely and that the risk of accidental confrontation or collision is minimized. Assad also dismissed a report by Amnesty International which said up to 13,000 prisoners had been executed at a military jail in Damascus since 2011. World powers involved in the Syrian conflict have pushed diplomatic efforts to end the war, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and created millions of refugees. Assad repeated that he would leave power if voted out by the Syrian people, and would consider an early presidential election after parliamentary polls are held. (Reporting by John Davison; Editing by Dominic Evans)
Washington (AFP) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said some of the millions of refugees who have fled his country's conflict are "terrorists," in an interview published Friday.

Asked by Yahoo News about US President Donald Trump's claim that extremists are hiding among refugees, Assad agreed, saying "you can find it on the net."

"Those terrorists in Syria holding machine guns or killing people, they are peaceful refugees in Europe or in the West," the Syrian leader said.

He did not specify how many of the 4.8 million Syrian refugees he meant, saying "you don't need a significant number to commit atrocities."

He also rejected Trump's plan to carve out safe zones for civilians in Syria.

The US president said last month that he "will absolutely do safe zones in Syria" for people displaced by the violence in a bid to reverse their migration to Europe and elsewhere. He did not provide details.

"Safe zones for the Syrians could only happen when you have stability and security. Where you don't have terrorists. Where you don't have flow and support of those terrorists by the neighboring countries or by Western countries," Assad said.

"It's not a realistic idea at all."

The White House last month ordered the Pentagon and State Department to draw up a plan to "provide safe areas in Syria and in the surrounding region."

The announcement came ahead of a surprise ban on refugees from Syria traveling to the United States, which a court has since suspended.

Other US politicians and officials have long supported the idea of safe zones in Syria, including Democrats such as Trump's presidential rival Hillary Clinton.

Critics say it would risk the US military becoming bogged down in Syria's civil war.
Arson caused the blaze that burned down the Victoria Islamic Center in Texas last month, investigators said Wednesday. The fire left members without a place of worship and came hours after President Donald Trump passed a ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations.

While the fire was believed to be intentional, the investigation "does not indicate the fire was a biased crime," the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives said. Soon after, the Muslim center took to its Facebook page and urged whoever was responsible to come forward.

"We appeal to the arsonist or arsonists to put an end to this tragedy and surrender to law enforcement," mosque members said in the news release. "The blessing of not having loss of lives or physical injuries makes it easier to try to correct the wrong and fix the damage before its too late."

Shaid Hashmi, president of the Victoria Islamic Center, said last month the cause of the fire perhaps could have been an electrical problem from inside.

The entire building was destroyed, he told International Business Times days after the fire. We dont know the situation right now  dont know if it was set intentionally or if it was an accident.

He made it clear he did not want to call the fire a hate crime despite it happening hours after Trump's ban on immigration. In Wednesdays news release, the center said because American Muslims have suffered from, and advocated against, stereotyping and bigotry, they do not want to be  hypocritical as far as pointing the fingers on any group of people based on assumptions and stereotype. Our Islamic faith calls upon us to not judge others, let alone base such judgment on assumptions and suspicion. Therefore, our message of unity, of hope, and inclusiveness will continue.

Firefighters took about four hours to put out the blaze that left an estimated $500,000 in damages, ABC News reported. A reward of $30,000 was being offered for any information leading to the arrest of the persons responsible for burning the mosque, according to the Victoria Advocate.

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A Gofundme page was created shortly after the fire to help with funds for rebuilding the uninsured mosque. The fundraising page has raised more than $1.1 million as of Thursday, surpassing its $850,000 goal.

"Our cry for help crossed geographical boundaries of donors of many states and over 90 countries," the news release said. "It crossed religious sects and faiths. It crossed political affiliations of Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives. Our 'human family' and spiritual friends heard us and responded with love, support and donations."

The members have already set up a mobile home next to the site to continue their services, Hashmi told the International Business Times.

Victoria is 79 percent white, 43 percent Latino or Hispanic, 6 percent black and 10 percent some other race, according to U.S. Census data. In 2000, 271 Muslims were living in the area known for its agricultural and industrial economy.

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By Jonathan Barrett and Sonali Paul SYDNEY/MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Major energy users in Australia shut down on Friday, and the public were asked not to go home and cook or watch television, averting big blackouts amid strained supplies as an extreme heat wave moved from the desert interior to the east coast. The temperature climbed to 47 Celsius (117 Fahrenheit) in parts of New South Wales (NSW) state and the Australian Capital Territory on Friday, while Saturday is expected to see a record for the hottest February day on record. The extreme heat caused power prices to soar to an unprecedented A$14,000 per megawatt-hour (MWh) as power stations struggle to meet skyrocketing demand for cooling. Authorities had been preparing to temporarily suspend power to selected areas of New South Wales late on Friday to prevent overload just days after 40,000 homes and businesses lost electricity in the state of South Australia. But the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) said late on Friday tight power supply conditions had subsided for the day, without power cuts to residents. "AEMO can confirm that residential load shedding was not required at any point throughout the day ... predominantly due to reduced electricity consumption across the state," it said in a statement. Earlier, NSW Energy Minister Don Harwin urged households and businesses to save electricity. "Rather than going straight home and turning on the television and cooking, (you might) want to consider going to a movie, going out to a shopping center, keeping the load low, every bit like that helps," Harwin told reporters in Sydney. A paper mill, water treatment operations and Australia's largest aluminum smelter, Tomago, were among businesses that halted operations to conserve energy, with many industrial users required to do so under their contracts. The Tomago smelter, which exports to Southeast Asia, Japan and China, is the single largest consumer of electricity in NSW and is jointly owned by Anglo-Australian group Rio Tinto and Oslo-based Norsk Hydro. TOO HOT FOR ICE CREAM Weather forecaster Olenka Duma said a build-up of heat in the vast interior outback was being pushed east across NSW, the country's most populous state. "It was like the windows and doors were closed for a long time, and now a weather front has dragged the hot air here," Duma, an official of the Bureau of Meteorology, told Reuters. It was even too hot for ice cream. "I'm not doing any business today, I'm just sitting in the air-conditioning at home," said Ned Qutami, owner of six mobile ice cream bars in Sydney. "People at the beach are either in the water or heading home. No one is hanging around to eat ice cream," said Qutami, who runs Sydney Ice Cream & Coffee in beachside suburbs. The intense heat and power outages have sparked debate over energy security, after the market operator told power companies in South Australia state on Wednesday to switch off some customers' power supply for a short spell to manage demand. South Australia depends on wind for more than a third of its power supply, and the wind died down at the same time as people started cranking up air-conditioners. That was the latest in a string of power disruptions and electricity price spikes to hit the southern state, including a state-wide blackout that forced copper mines, smelters and a steel plant to shut for up to two weeks last September. The problems have sparked a review of the national electricity market and energy policy on how to cope with rapid growth of wind and solar power and the closure of coal-fired power plants that have been essential for steady supply. (Reporting by Jonathan Barrett and Sonali Paul. Additional reporting by Melanie Burton in Melbourne.; Editing by Michael Perry, Robert Birsel)
Australia's central bank lowered near-term growth forecasts Friday after a rare contraction in the September quarter, but stayed positive about the economic outlook as the International Monetary Fund warned of risks ahead.

The Reserve Bank of Australia slashed the growth figures for the year ending June 2017 by one percentage point to 1.5-2.5 percent following a 0.5 percent contraction in the third-quarter of last year.

"Some of the factors weighing on reported GDP growth in the September quarter were temporary and have not materially affected the outlook for growth," the RBA said in its quarterly Statement of Monetary Policy.

"Overall, year-ended GDP growth is forecast to pick up as the drag from mining investment and effects from the earlier fall in the terms of trade dissipate.

"GDP growth is forecast to increase to 2.5-3.5 percent in late 2017, and to be above potential for most of the forecast period."

Australia has avoided a recession for more than a quarter of a century. But the economy has charted a bumpy course in recent years since the end of the mining investment boom.

The RBA has eased rates by 300 basis points since November 2011 -- including two cuts in 2016 -- to support growth in non-resources industries.

Even so, non-mining business spending has been soft, with the outlook tipped to be "relatively subdued in the near term", the central bank added.

The IMF said in a report released Friday that the Australian economy was resilient and enjoyed strong policy frameworks.

But it warned of "significant risks and uncertainties" ahead, including the rise in protectionist policies in the global economy and a significant slowdown in Australia's main trading partners.

Analysts said the RBA was likely to remain on the sidelines at this stage amid its expectations of a rebound in GDP figures.

"The outlook still contains some vulnerabilities - consumption and dwelling investment to name two -- suggesting to us that the RBA will need to be alert and sensitive to the downside," National Australia Bank economists David de Garis and Tapas Trickland said in a note.

"For now, reasonably positive data and prospect of a bounce back growth in Q4 is keeping the RBA on the sidelines."
Cardiff (United Kingdom) (AFP) - The BBC has axed a video advertising this weekend's Six Nations clash between Wales and England following accusations it was racist.

A 30-second film shared on BBC Wales' social media pages saw a series of Wales fans apparently unable to come up with an answer to the question: 'What's good about England?'

Angry social media users branded it "racist" and "embarrassing" and it was promptly taken down by the BBC.

"This was a tongue-in-cheek approach that wasn't meant to cause offence, but was pulled after not hitting the right note," the BBC said in a statement.

Some Twitter users disagreed with the decision to drop the video, saying they found it amusing.

BBC Wales regularly broadcasts gently mocking television adverts in the build-up to the Six Nations match between England and Wales, which is one of the highlights of the Welsh sporting calendar.

Wales are hoping to prevent defending champions England from extending their winning run to 16 matches.
Fringe parties: Threshold design to disenfranchise marginalised groups

Fringe Madhesi and Janajati parties have stood against an electoral threshold in the parliamentary election, claiming it as a design to disenfranchise marginalised and excluded communities.
Ms DeVos was making her first school visit since she was confirmed as Education Secretary: CNN

Donald Trumps Education Secretary was met with protesters shouting stand up - fight back, when she made her first visit to a state school in her new role.

Several dozen protesters, some of them with small children, gathered at Jefferson Middle School in Washington DC, and shouted as Betsy DeVos tried to enter the premises.

Video footage showed her leaving the door she was trying to enter and walk away. Reports said she was eventually able to enter the school by means of an alternative entrance.

WATCH: Sec. Betsy DeVos physically blocked by protesters from entering DC school--turned away and left.

Video: @SweeneyABC pic.twitter.com/RAycuKEVgm  ABC 7 News - WJLA (@ABC7News) February 10, 2017

ABC News said one protester shouted: She doesnt represent anything that they stand for. Others chanted: Shame, shame, shame.

The Associated Press said the visit, which was closed to the media, was designed to try and help her mend fences with state school teachers and parents across the country.

Ms DeVos, 59, is a billionaire Republican donor who spent more than two decades promoting charter schools and school voucher programmes in her home state of Michigan and elsewhere.

The AP said she faced fierce opposition during the confirmation process from teachers' unions who fear that she intends to defund traditional state schools. Two Republican senators from rural states that rely heavily on public schools, opposed the nomination and Vice President Mike Pence had to cast a tie-breaking vote.

Randy Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the groups that vigorously opposed Ms DeVos nomination, condemned Friday mornings incident.

Several dozen protesters showed up (AP)

Just heard a protester blocked & almost knocked Secy BetsyDeVos down at Jefferson, she wrote on Twitter. We dont condone such acts.

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DC Mayor Muriel Bowser also said on Twitter that protests should be peaceful. We welcome Betsy DeVos & anyone who wants to learn more about our schools, she wrote.

Jennifer Ibrahim, 34, a humanitarian worker, brought her son to the protest.

I want to support our local public schools, make sure that everybody gets fair treatment under the system and I dont feel like that's where we are headed with our new education person, Ms Ibrahim said. Charter schools aren't necessarily better than public schools.
Heavily armed and expertly kitted with body armor and ballistic helmets, the men can be seen defending bunkers, storming buildings, and even posing by whiteboards giving tactical lessons. Though the titles of these YouTube videos are written in Russian Cyrillic, their background music is an a cappella Islamic chant known as a nasheed, which is often used by extremist groups in propaganda films. But the men are no ordinary jihadis. They are members of Malhama Tactical, the worlds first jihadi private military contractor (PMC) and consulting firm.

Malhama Tactical isnt an enormous military conglomerate like the infamous Blackwater (now named Academi). It consists of 10 well-trained fighters from Uzbekistan and the restive Muslim-majority republics of the Russian Caucasus. But size isnt everything in military consulting, especially in the era of social media. Malhama promotes its battles across online platforms, and the relentless marketing has paid off: The outfits fighting prowess and training programs are renowned among jihadis in Syria and their admirers elsewhere. It helps that until now the group has specialized its services, focusing on overthrowing Bashar al-Assads regime and replacing it with a strict Islamic government.

The groups leader is a 24-year-old from Uzbekistan who goes by the name Abu Rofiq (an Arabic pseudonym that means father of Rofiq). Little is known about him other than that he cycles through personal social media accounts rapidly, using fake names and false information to throw off surveillance efforts. In virtually every video and photo posted online, he wears a scarf or balaclava to cover his face from the nose down, leaving visible only his narrow dark eyes and long, somewhat tangled, pitch-black hair. He speaks fluent Russian, but with a slight Uzbek accent.

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Since launching in May 2016, Malhama has grown to do brisk business in Syria, having been contracted to fight, and provide training and other battlefield consulting, alongside groups like the al Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly known as the Nusra Front) and the Turkistan Islamic Party, a Uighur extremist group from Chinas restive Xinjiang province. And despite recent rebel setbacks in Syria, including the loss of Aleppo, demand for Malhama Tacticals services in the country is as strong as ever, Abu Rofiq told Foreign Policy in an interview conducted over the messaging app Telegram.

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But he is also beginning to think about expanding elsewhere. His group is willing to take work, Abu Rofiq says, wherever Sunni Muslims are oppressed. He cites China and Myanmar as places that would benefit from jihad. He also suggests that Malhama Tactical might go back to its roots, returning to fight in the North Caucasus against the Russian government.

In November, the group placed job ads on Facebook looking for instructors with combat experience to join the group. The ad described the outfit as a fun and friendly team looking for recruits who are willing to constantly engage, develop, and learn and work with Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. It even specified that instructors were privy to benefits like vacation time and one day off a week from jihad. The wording was more befitting of a Fortune 500 company than a group of extremists fighting in a brutal and bloody war. Jihad went global long before Malhama Tactical, but rarely with so entrepreneurial a spirit.

Left: An undated image of Abu Rofiq performing military drills in Syria. (Photo by Malhama Tactical/ Vkontakte) Right: Abu Rofiq and two other members of Malhama Tactical pose for a selfie. (Photo by Malhama Tactical/ Vkontakte)

Although Malhama Tactical is the first PMC to work exclusively for extremist groups, its hardly the first foreign PMC to enter the Syrian battlefield. The Syrian war has now lasted for nearly six years and cost the lives of more than 400,000 men, women, and children. And amid the chaos of groups like the Islamic State, the left-wing Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham vying for territory and influence, the Syrian front has also been a boon for military contractors, who have found work fighting on both sides of the war.

The first iteration of PMCs in Syria was the Slavonic Corps, an ill-fated, Hong Kong-registered company comprising ex-Russian military that briefly worked alongside government forces in 2013, according to a report by the Interpreter magazine. But it quickly became clear that they did not have the full support of the Syrian government. First, the Syrian army stole their vehicles, then their paychecks never arrived, and finally a Syrian air force helicopter crashed into the Slavonic Corps convoy after flying too low and running into power lines, injuring one mercenary. The Slavonic Corps misadventures came to an end when the group disbanded after a defeat by rebels in the desert near the city of Sukhnah in southern Syria in October 2013. The mercenaries returned home to Moscow and were promptly arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) for their unsanctioned Syrian intervention.

Following the Kremlins own intervention in Syria in September 2015, nearly 1,500 Russian mercenaries arrived from the Wagner group, an infamous and secretive Russian PMC that previously fought alongside Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, according to an investigation by Sky News. Their mission was to assist the Assad regime, and unlike the Slavonic Corps, Wagner enjoys extensive support from the Russian government. Dmitry Utkin, a former special forces brigade commander of Russias military intelligence service, allegedly leads the group. Although little is known about Wagner, its believed that it mimics Academis model by operating as an elite infantry unit and relies on the Russian government for support, even flying into Syria on board official military aircraft and training at a Russian special forces base in Molkino in southwestern Russia. Wagner remains in Syria to this day.

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At the same time, a litany of Russian-speaking fighters have fought alongside jihadi groups waging war against the Syrian government. According to the Soufan Group, there are at least 4,700 foreign fighters from the former Soviet Union in Syria, the majority of whom come from the Russian republics of Chechnya and Dagestan. These fighters typically arrive in Syria better equipped and trained than local militants and with years of experience fighting the Russian government in the mountains of Chechnya and Dagestan during the 1990s and 2000s.

These battle-hardened fighters quickly earned respect from local militants, who noticed the Russian speakers took on a much higher death rate than local fighters. They came to populate the ranks of both the Islamic State and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, as well as various smaller groups, where locals refer to them as inghimasi, a term used among jihadis to refer to fighters who plunge into enemy front lines to inflict the maximum amount of casualties with no plan of returning alive. The archetypal inghimasi fights until he runs out of ammunition before detonating his suicide vest as his position is overrun.

But while many of their compatriots have become front-line shock troops, the former Soviet fighters of Malhama Tactical go a different way, carving out their own distinct niche between the worlds of professional PMCs and jihadi groups operating in Syria. They function as consultants, arms dealers, and, on occasion, elite warriors.

Malhamas elite status makes sense against the background of Abu Rofiqs own military career. Abu Rofiq told FP that he had moved as a young man from Uzbekistan to Russia, where, in addition to starting a family, he joined one of the Russian governments most elite military units, a group of airborne troops known as the VDV. In 2013, Abu Rofiq left Russia for Syria, where rather than joining one faction, like most foreign fighters do, he remained independent and moved between them, before founding Malhama in 2016.

Throughout 2016, Malhama Tacticals units trained the hard-line Islamist rebel group Ahrar al-Sham and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in urban combat to help their fight against the Syrian regime in Aleppo. In one video, trainees practice firing multiple rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) rounds and work as squads to assault a building. In another, a two-man team clears rooms and eliminates targets using grenades and gunfire, all under the watchful eye of Malhama instructors.

This type of training isnt cheap  the RPG rounds Malhama uses in its practice sessions are estimated to cost around $800 each on the black market  which is why military training for most rebel and jihadi groups in Syria has tended to consist of little more than marching, acrobatics, and basic marksmanship. But for jihadi groups that can afford it, Malhama Tacticals infantry training is worth the expense. One European military contractor who spoke on the condition of anonymity acknowledged that the groups tactical skills would provide it, and whomever it trains, a distinct advantage on the Syrian battlefield.

Left: A Malhama Tactical member explains how to take apart and assemble an M16 assault rifle in an instructional video. (Photo by Malhama Tactical/ YouTube) Right: A Malhama Tactical member tests the group's manufactured grips for the PKM machine gun. (Photo by Malhama Tactical/ YouTube)

Malhama Tacticals operators have, on occasion, also acted as special forces for different jihadi groups. In September 2016, they embedded with the Turkistan Islamic Party to help it repulse an Assad regime attack in southern Aleppo, according to a rebel activist source familiar with the group. However, Abu Rofiq says his outfits primary goal is to train other rebel and jihadi groups in combat, rather than fight on the front lines. Abu Rofiq admitted that Malhama also produces equipment for other jihadi groups as needed. Malhama, for example, manufactures accessories for the PKM, an extremely popular Russian-made 7.62 mm machine gun. The vests and grips, widely used in Aleppo during the intense fighting there, have become especially sought after among jihadis.

Malhama Tactical also takes its social media presence very seriously. The group advertises its services through Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and the Russian social media site VKontakte, although the groups account has been suspended. Its Instagram feed has the feel of something produced by a major corporate gun manufacturer. It features artsy, filtered photos of weapons and fighters taken from multiple angles, interspersed between various high-quality Malhama logo designs. With more than 208,160 views on YouTube, Malhama has a large reach, especially for its size. By comparison, the Free Syrian Army al-Moutasem Brigade, which is 50 times larger and half a year older, has just over 110,000 YouTube views. Everyone from rebels in Syria to Ukrainian soldiers and Russian separatists in Donetsk has commented on the groups posts.

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Malhamas YouTube and Facebook pages also showcase free online guides for jihadis, covering improvised grenade construction, weapon cleaning, room clearing, and urban combat, among other skills. The groups instructors organize online training sessions  on subjects including battlefield first aid; the use of weapons, such as RPG-7s; hand signal systems for urban combat; and introductions on how to conduct ambushes  when in-person assistance and consulting is not possible.

Although Malhama Tactical charges for its services, Abu Rofiq insists he isnt a mercenary. He says his groups motivation transcends money. Our goal is different; we are fighting for an idea, he said  namely, jihad against Assad.

Well see a lot more of this activity going forward in the decades to come, said Sean McFate, an associate professor at the National Defense University and author of The Modern Mercenary, a book about private armies. For McFate, the growth of Malhama Tactical is a natural offshoot of the prolonged Syrian war, but the outfits mixture of extremist ideology with the privatization of war is a unique and troubling trend. A jihadi group doing this is a new level because if youre talking about hardcore idealists paying for [military training], then thats a milestone of modern warfare, McFate said.

Abu Rofiqs leadership has also brought him unwanted attention from the Russian government, which views him as a major terrorism threat. On Feb. 7, Russian airstrikes flattened Abu Rofiqs apartment in Idlib, killing his wife, infant son, and several other civilians. Despite initial reports to the contrary, a local source confirmed that the airstrikes missed Abu Rofiq entirely. He had exited his apartment just moments before to help casualties from another nearby bombing.

In either case, Abu Rofiqs jihadi PMC model has already had a significant effect on battles in northern Syria and could soon inspire copycat organizations outside the Middle East. Even if Abu Rofiq is killed and Malhama Tactical is destroyed, hes already shaken up the war against Assad  and maybe even the future of the global military-industrial complex.

Neil Hauer, lead analyst for the SecDev Group in Ottawa, Canada, contributed to this report.

Top Image Credit: Malhama Tactical Vkontakte page/Foreign Policy illustration
By Alwyn Scott

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Boeing Co <BA.N> must sell more 777 and 787 jetliners to keep production plans on track, despite a $13.8 billion order that landed earlier on Thursday, its chief executive said.

The order from high-profile customer Singapore Airlines <SIAL.SI> is a strong endorsement of both planes, and could lift sales in a sluggish market if other carriers follow Singapore Air's lead, analysts said.

But the win over rival Airbus <AIR.PA> did not lessen two big risks Boeing faces, Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg said on Thursday at a conference in New York hosted by Cowen and Co.

Sales of Boeing's highly profitable 777s have slowed so much that Boeing is cutting production 40 percent this year to cope as it begins switching to the successor 777X model that Singapore Airlines ordered.

"When I take a look at risk areas, filling out the 777 bridge is the area that we're focused on," Muilenburg said, referring to the production spanning the two models.

Boeing also must sell more 787s so it can proceed with plans to lift output to 14 planes a month from 12 in the next few years, Muilenburg said.

That increase has looked iffy and some investors have worried Boeing would abandon it. Muilenburg said Boeing still plans to lift 787 output and currently does not envision a scenario that would require cutting 787 output below 12 a month.

Boeing shares were up 0.4 percent at $164.42 in afternoon trading.

The Singapore Airlines order is a boost for the 787 assembly line, but it does not help with slow 777 sales, since the order is for the newer 777X model.

Muilenburg said the airplane market is still "very healthy" with passenger traffic growing 5 percent to 6 percent a year, well ahead of GDP rates.

But airlines have deferred delivery of about 2 percent of Boeing's backlog, double the figure Muilenburg cited in July, though well below historical averages.

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Boeing has already cut 777 output to 7 planes a month from 8.3, and will trim it to 5 a month in August. Deliveries - which generate the bulk of airline payments - will actually fall to about 3.5 a month as Boeing builds 777X test planes in the next few years, he said.

Even with those reductions, Boeing has to sell a few more 777s to fill out production this year and has 10 percent of production unsold in 2018 and 2019. Those figures include the planned sale of 80 planes to Iran, including 15 Boeing 777s, Muilenburg said.

Muilenburg voiced confidence that the Iran sale would go through despite the potential political and bureaucratic hurdles.

"These are airplanes that support American manufacturing jobs," he said. "The economic value to the U.S. is real."

He also saw prospects for more U.S. defense sales, noting "re-emerging strength" in the defense budget. And, he said Boeing's KC-46 aerial tanker for the U.S. Air Force, which has incurred about $2.4 billion in cost overruns, is expected to begin generating positive cash flow next year.

(Reporting by Alwyn Scott; Editing by Tom Brown and Leslie Adler)
Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Nigeria's military on Friday said seven of its soldiers were killed and 19 others injured in a Boko Haram ambush, in the latest incident against troops and the security services in the country's northeast.

Lieutenant Colonel Kingsley Samuel, a spokesman for the Nigerian Army 7th Division in Maiduguri, said the ambush happened on Thursday evening on the road to Dikwa during "routine rotation" of troops.

"The gallant troops fought their way through, killing many of the terrorists. Unfortunately seven soldiers paid the supreme price... while 19 soldiers sustained various degree of injuries," he said in a statement.

The injured were taken to hospital in Maiduguri for treatment. Reinforcements were sent and they were in "aggressive pursuit" of Boko Haram, he added.

A military source had earlier told AFP at least eight soldiers were killed in the attack and that it happened at about 9:00 am (0800 GMT) on Friday at Ajirin village, in the Mafa area of Borno state.

The source, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media, described the battle as "a heavy gunfight".

"It was a surprise attack and this is what led to the casualty toll," the source added.

A civilian vigilante involved in helping the military with security in the restive region also confirmed the account but said as many as 10 soldiers may have been killed.

Conflicting death tolls and accounts are not uncommon in the remote region, access to which is strictly controlled by the military and government, making independent verification difficult.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in the Boko Haram conflict since it began in 2009. More than 2.6 million have been made homeless.

- Sporadic attacks -

Nigeria's military and government have claimed repeatedly in recent months that Boko Haram, which is allied to the Islamic State group, is in disarray and nearly defeated.

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The army has mounted a sustained counterattack against the group in its Borno state stronghold of the Sambisa forest. In December, commanders said the rebels had been flushed out.

Sporadic attacks since then have been attributed to desperate Boko Haram remnants on the run.

Nevertheless, there have been a number of attacks on military and police targets in Borno and the neighbouring states of Yobe and Adamawa, as well as deadly suicide bombings.

Residents in the village of Kautikeri, in southern Borno state, said Boko Haram killed one person and abducted a seven-year-old boy from the neighbouring village of Kaumutaiyahi on Thursday.

The rebels looted food stores before setting fire to the village, which is some 15 kilometres from the town of Chibok, where Boko Haram abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in April 2014.

Chibok is also near Boko Haram's Sambisa forest camps. Thursday's raid and recent attacks on the road between Damboa and Maiduguri have prompted speculation the militants are still in the area.
LA PAZ (Reuters) - Bolivia's government on Friday said a Danish tourist had tested positive for yellow fever, its first case in a decade, after he visited a jungle area in the far west of the landlocked Andean country. After an initial stay at a Bolivian hospital, National Health Director Rodolfo Rocabado said the stricken tourist traveled on to Chile for treatment. He also urged Bolivians not to fear an outbreak. "This person came from another place and was not vaccinated," he told Reuters. "Our population is covered because massive vaccination campaigns have been done." Yellow fever is a viral disease found in tropical regions of Africa and the Americas that mainly affects humans and monkeys and is transmitted by the same type of mosquito that spreads dengue and the Zika virus. Brazil experienced an outbreak in a rural area earlier this year, leading to 40 confirmed deaths. Brazil has not had an urban outbreak of yellow fever since 1942. Most people recover from yellow fever after the first phase of infection, which usually involves fever, muscle and back pain, headache, shivers, loss of appetite and nausea or vomiting, according to the World Health Organization. (Reporting by Daniel Ramos, writing by Caroline Stauffer, editing by G Crosse)
Government told to shut emergency gate at TIA

The Parliamentary Good Governance and Monitoring Committee on Thursday directed the government to shut emergency gate of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu amid suspicion that it has allowed people to engage in illegal activities in the sensitive area without getting caught.
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Relatives of police in Brazil blockaded law enforcement stations in a protest over pay despite an agreement to end an officers' strike and limited police presence in some of the southeastern state's cities.

At least 137 people have been reported killed amid looting and robbery in Espirito Santo state since police went on strike a week ago demanding better pay.

"We spoke with our officers, and urged common sense. And that they get back on their jobs. We are talking about more than 100 people killed," Espirito Santo state human rights chief Julio Cesar Pompeu told Agencia Brasil.

According to an agreement Friday night between local authorities and police representatives, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, the police were meant to return to work from 7:00 am Saturday (0900 GMT).

In exchange, they would not face disciplinary action.

But the deadline came and went, and the situation remained unchanged.

The agreement came after authorities ran out of patience and said they were filing rebellion charges against more than 700 officers who had refused to leave their bases.

Police, who are classified as military, are barred by the constitution from going on strike or demonstrating. To get around that law, relatives of officers have blocked the entrances to all police bases in Espirito Santo.

Family members of police said the agreement was not legitimate because their representatives were absent from negotiations.

"They cannot sign an agreement between them. This is a movement led by the wives of officers, and none of us were there. The movement continues," the wife of a police officer told the G1 news site.

More than 3,000 soldiers were patrolling the streets while police remained on strike, but tension was running high. Businesses and schools have been closed all week.

By late Saturday about 600 police were patrolling in Vitoria, the state capital, though the strike still was on, officials told Agencia Brasil.

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Justice Minister Raul Jungmann acknowledged that "the situation is not back to normal yet. But since the army got there, looting has stopped and fewer people have been killed".

On Friday, similar strikes erupted at some of Rio de Janeiro's police stations over unpaid wages, though spokesman Major Ivan Blaz told journalists that "95 percent" of officers were working as normal and that the state and city were secure.

The situation in Rio was calm early Saturday.

Morale among street police is low as a result of nearly bankrupt Rio state's inability to pay full wages, as well as brutal crime fighting that has seen more than 3,000 officers killed in Rio since 1994 -- a casualty rate exceeding that of US troops in World War II, according to a recent study.

President Michel Temer, who said nothing in public about the crisis all week, called the situation "unacceptable" on Friday and said that demonstrators "cannot hold the Brazilian people hostage".
By Alonso Soto BRASILIA (Reuters) - A Brazilian Supreme Court justice called on Friday for the legalization of marijuana and even cocaine to undo the growing power of drug gangs behind a wave of violence that has shaken Latin America's largest country. Justice Roberto Barroso, a Yale graduate and constitutional law professor, said 50 years of war against drugs had failed miserably, clogging jails with small-time dealers and fuelling a violent gang battle for control of the lucrative trade. "Unlike the United States and Europe where the problem lies in the impact drugs have on consumers, in Brazil the problem lies in the power drug traffickers have over poor communities," Barroso told Reuters in the court's modern glass building in Brasilia. "I can assure you it is only a matter of time. Either we legalize marijuana now or we do it in the future after we have spent billions and incarcerated thousands." The rare appeal from a top judge in the deeply conservative country reflects rising fears about the violence plaguing Brazil's overcrowded prisons and city slums. A New Year's day prison massacre in the jungle city of Manaus in which inmates from one drug gang decapitated dozens of rivals sparked jail riots across the country. This week, a strike by police in Brazil's southeastern state of Espirito Santo unleashed a crime frenzy that killed more than 120 people - many of them linked to criminal gangs, according to police unions. Regulating the production, sale and consumption of marijuana - as in Brazil's smaller neighbour Uruguay - could be first step in curbing crime in one of the world's most dangerous countries, Barroso said. "If that works we can easily move to legalize cocaine," said Barroso, who as a lawyer pushed to legalize stem cell research and gay rights. "If you want to break the power of traffickers you need to consider legalizing cocaine." In 2013, Uruguay become the first country in the world to legalize marijuana. Few countries have decriminalised the possession of cocaine, with experts divided over the practicality of legalizing one of the most addictive illegal drugs. DIVIDED COUNTRY While many Latin American peers have decriminalised possession of marijuana for consumption, Brazil remains divided. Barroso is one of three judges on the 11-member Supreme Court who recently voted in favour of decriminalising marijuana in a case that he hopes could eventually pave the way for legalization. A rising number of Brazil's conservative and evangelical politicians are vowing a tougher stance on drugs, however. Drug use has skyrocketed in Brazil, the second-biggest consumer of cocaine after the United States, according to the United Nations. Since the approval in 2006 of a law that gives judges discretion to determine who is a drug consumer and who is a dealer, the prison population has surged 55 percent. With more than 622,000 inmates, it is the fourth largest in the world. One in every four male inmates was convicted for drug trafficking, by far the most common conviction, according to justice ministry data. "I'm not sure if my proposal for legalization will work, but I'm sure that the war on drugs has not," Barroso said. "We cannot just keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again." (Reporting by Alonso Soto; Editing by Tom Brown)
By Alonso Soto BRASILIA (Reuters) - A Brazilian Supreme Court justice called on Friday for the legalization of marijuana and even cocaine to undo the growing power of drug gangs behind a wave of violence that has shaken Latin America's largest country. Justice Roberto Barroso, a Yale graduate and constitutional law professor, said 50 years of war against drugs had failed miserably, clogging jails with small-time dealers and fueling a violent gang battle for control of the lucrative trade. "Unlike the United States and Europe where the problem lies in the impact drugs have on consumers, in Brazil the problem lies in the power drug traffickers have over poor communities," Barroso told Reuters in the court's modern glass building in Brasilia. "I can assure you it is only a matter of time. Either we legalize marijuana now or we do it in the future after we have spent billions and incarcerated thousands." The rare appeal from a top judge in the deeply conservative country reflects rising fears about the violence plaguing Brazil's overcrowded prisons and city slums. A New Year's day prison massacre in the jungle city of Manaus in which inmates from one drug gang decapitated dozens of rivals sparked jail riots across the country. This week, a strike by police in Brazil's southeastern state of Espirito Santo unleashed a crime frenzy that killed more than 120 people - many of them linked to criminal gangs, according to police unions. Regulating the production, sale and consumption of marijuana - as in Brazil's smaller neighbor Uruguay - could be first step in curbing crime in one of the world's most dangerous countries, Barroso said. "If that works we can easily move to legalize cocaine," said Barroso, who as a lawyer pushed to legalize stem cell research and gay rights. "If you want to break the power of traffickers you need to consider legalizing cocaine." In 2013, Uruguay become the first country in the world to legalize marijuana. Few countries have decriminalized the possession of cocaine, with experts divided over the practicality of legalizing one of the most addictive illegal drugs. DIVIDED COUNTRY While many Latin American peers have decriminalized possession of marijuana for consumption, Brazil remains divided. Barroso is one of three judges on the 11-member Supreme Court who recently voted in favor of decriminalizing marijuana in a case that he hopes could eventually pave the way for legalization. A rising number of Brazil's conservative and evangelical politicians are vowing a tougher stance on drugs, however. Drug use has skyrocketed in Brazil, the second-biggest consumer of cocaine after the United States, according to the United Nations. Since the approval in 2006 of a law that gives judges discretion to determine who is a drug consumer and who is a dealer, the prison population has surged 55 percent. With more than 622,000 inmates, it is the fourth largest in the world. One in every four male inmates was convicted for drug trafficking, by far the most common conviction, according to justice ministry data. "I'm not sure if my proposal for legalization will work, but I'm sure that the war on drugs has not," Barroso said. "We cannot just keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again." (Reporting by Alonso Soto; Editing by Tom Brown)
London (AFP) - Britain will be "just fine" after it leaves the European Union, Apple's chief executive Tim Cook said in an interview broadcast on Friday.

"We are very optimistic about the UK's future and we are all in," the CEO of the US tech giant told ITV television after meeting Prime Minister Theresa May and London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Thursday during a visit to Britain.

"We're a big believer in the UK. The UK will be just fine," Cook said after visiting a coding class at a London primary school.

But he told reporters Thursday he expected "bumps in the road" on the path to Brexit.

Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum in June last year and Prime Minister Theresa May is preparing to kickstart the departure process by the end of March.

Apple announced in September that it would create a London headquarters in the iconic and long-abandoned Battersea Power Station on the banks of the River Thames.

Around 1,400 staff from eight existing offices in London will relocate to the renovated landmark, whose distinctive chimneys have towered over the southern riverbank since the 1930s.

There will be enough space there for 3,000 staff.

"We're double-downing on a huge headquarters in the Battersea area... and we're leaving significant space there to expand," Cook said in the interview.

The former power station lay derelict since it stopped generating electricity in 1983, but is undergoing a 9 billion ($11.7 billion, 10.4 billion euros) makeover to turn the 42-acre (170,000 square metre) space into offices, apartments, shops and leisure facilities.

The new "Apple complex" will take over 40 percent of the office space.

Facebook, Google, Apple and Snapchat have all announced major investments in London in the past few months, underlining the capital's status as a technology hub.
UPDATE: 10:10 p.m. EST  Power officials tweeted the Brussels blackout was not the result of terrorism but rather a fault in the power grid.

Power was being gradually restored.

Original story

A blackout plunged large sections of Brussels into darkness Thursday and sparked fears of a terror attack. Sirens could be heard across the city.

The London Mirror said no cause for the outage had been given.

BNO News reported the blackout hit at 10:45 p.m., but it was not immediately clear how extensive it was although outages also were reported in suburban areas, including Etterbeek, Schaerbeek (also known as Schaarbeek), Saint-Josse, and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.

Sibelga, which provides gas and electricity services, said a smaller outage that hit earlier in the day had been resolved by 8:30 p.m.

Brussels, which is host to a number of European Union agencies, has been hit by a series of terrorist attacks and was the hotbed of planning for the attack in Paris that killed 130 people and left hundreds more injured in November 2015.

The blackout sparked fears the darkness was either orchestrated by terrorists or would give them the perfect opportunity to strike. The Mirror said security personnel were reinforcing sites across the city.

Last year, three coordinated suicide bombings on March 22 killed 32 people and injured more than 300. The bombings occurred after a series of police raids targeting Islamic State group militants.

In May 2014, a gunman with ties to the Syrian civil war attacked the Jewish Museum of Belgium, killing four people. The following January, anti-terrorist authorities carried out operations against a group suspected of involvement in the Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris that left a dozen dead. In August 2015, a suspected terrorist shot and stabbed passengers aboard a high-speed train headed to Paris from Amsterdam.

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Suspects in the November 2015 attacks in Paris came from the Brussels enclave of Molenbeek.

Belgium is part of the military alliance fighting ISIS and was involved in the Iraqi civil war.

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Brussels (AFP) - Talks between Greece and its creditors ended with no breakthrough Friday as months of feuding with the International Monetary Fund raised fears of a new debt crisis.

Greece is caught up in a complicated row with its eurozone paymasters and the IMF over debt relief and budget targets that has rattled markets and revived talk of the country's place in the euro.

Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem said progress was made after five hours of talks in Brussels with Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and other EU and IMF officials, but provided few details.

"There is a clear understanding that a timely finalisation of the second review is in everyone's interest," Dijsselbloem said in a short statement, referring to the long delayed signing off on the next payment of bailout loans.

The Greek government faces debt repayments of 7.0 billion euros ($7.44 billion) this summer that it cannot afford without defusing the months-long feud that is holding up new loans from Greece's 86 billion euro bailout.

Breaking the stalemate in the coming weeks was seen as paramount with elections in the Netherlands on March 15 and France in April through June threatening to make a resolution even more difficult.

But Dijsselbloem also warned that the next meeting of eurozone ministers on February 20 -- seen as an unofficial deadline ahead of the votes -- would still be too early for a breakthrough.

"We will take stock of the further progress (during that meeting)", said Dijsselbloem, who is also Dutch finance minister.

The central focus of the talks was whether Greece can deliver a primary balance, or a budget surplus before debt repayments, equal to 3.5 percent of GDP for several years after the completion of the current bailout in 2018.

- Overly optimistic calculations? -

That is far higher than the 1.5 percent that the IMF says is feasible. The fund insists that attaining 3.5 percent would require a fresh round of reform commitments that Athens is baulking at.

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The IMF accuses Athens and Europe of relying on overly optimistic calculations in an effort to rule out major debt relief, which powerful Germany is firmly opposed to.

The IMF this week warned in a report that Greece's debt projection was "explosive" and its growth prospects uncertain.

The differences have delayed the next bailout payment, angering Athens, even though the leftist government backs the IMF call for strong debt relief.

Earlier this week, Tsakalotos said the IMF's pessimistic forecast for the Greek economy "fails to do justice" to the sacrifices made by Greece by underestimating growth and progress made.

But the IMF managing director Christine Lagarde defended the report, saying the review of the Greek economy "tried in full honesty to be ... ruthless truth tellers" despite the criticism.

The report highlighted that despite a "massive effort" by the Greek people, some of the reforms are incomplete, including changes to the pension and income tax systems, where too few people bear most of the tax burden, Lagarde said.

The quarrelling has spooked investors with Greece's two year borrowing rates soaring to near 10 percent this week on the financial markets.
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Burundi collected 15.7 percent more tax in January than in the same month a year ago, surpassing the government's target amount, the revenue board said on Friday. The semi-autonomous body said it had collected 54.6 billion francs ($32.59 million) in tax last month, more than the 52.9 billion franc target and 47.2 billion francs more than in January 2016. It did not say how the target had been exceeded. Cuts in aid following President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to seek a third term in office, ignoring constitutional limits, mean the East African nation relies for revenue on domestic tax collection and coffee and tea exports. The 2016-2017 budget, estimated at 1.326 trillion francs, will be 70.7 percent funded by internal resources and 29.9 percent externally. Burundi's finance ministry expects the economy to grow by 2.9 percent in 2017 although the International Monetary Fund sees growth of 2 percent after a predicted contraction in 2016. Nkurunziza's April 2015 decision not to step down sparked nearly two years of political turmoil and violence and his government has been accused of gross human rights violations and stifling media and civil society groups. ($1 = 1,675.2100 Burundi francs) (Writing by Clement Uwiringiyimana; Editing by Catherine Evans)
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- No one likes to pay tolls, some more so than others. And toll-collection agencies across the country are fed up.

Some drivers blatantly zip through toll gates without paying. Others get more creative, like the truck driver accused of using fishing line to flip his license plate to avoid capture, or the motorcyclist who used a toggle switch to retract his plate.

Agencies that operate highways, tunnels and bridges say they're losing millions of dollars annually to the scofflaws, and they're stepping up efforts to collect what's owed with a stronger police presence, partnerships between states and other stricter enforcement measures.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's police force has arrested several drivers in recent weeks who had each racked up hundreds of toll violations and owed thousands of dollars  or much more  in unpaid tolls and fees. The toll evaders were charged with theft and other criminal charges.

Evaders cost the Port Authority about $31 million in unpaid tolls in 2015, the last year for which data are available. A recent audit showed the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission lost about $37 million to toll violators.

"Toll evasion is costly for everyone, especially law-abiding drivers," said Joe Pentangelo, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police department. "Getting toll cheats is just one of the many things our officers do, but it's an important task. It's something we take very seriously."

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BAGS OF TRICKS

Detecting and catching violators has become a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse.

A truck driver was accused in March 2016 of using fishing line to flip his license plate to avoid paying tolls from New Jersey into New York City on the George Washington Bridge. Police found a fishing line rigged from the cab to a hinge on the front license plate. They say the line could flip the plate out of view going through the toll plaza, while the rear license plate was bent up to defeat security cameras.

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A few months later, a man on a motorcycle used a retractable license plate to skip a toll at the Holland Tunnel in Jersey City. Authorities say the license plate was concealed as the motorcycle entered an E-ZPass lane, and an officer then saw the man use a toggle switch to return the license plate to its proper position.

The motorcyclist eventually pleaded guilty to a disorderly persons offense in municipal court.

In New York, the police department has had to police its own officers to make sure they aren't using a type of license-plate cover on personal vehicles that conceals the numbers. Spokesman Peter Donald told the New York Post that about a dozen officers were ticketed for having the improper covers.

Some people and businesses have accumulated debts totaling thousands of dollars  or higher.

Among them are the owner of a New Jersey trucking company accused of racking up more than $1 million in unpaid tolls and fees. The man was arrested last month at an airport while trying to board a flight to Aruba. Authorities say the company had 100 trucks going through tolls with a delinquent E-ZPass automatic payment account more than 100 times per day.

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COST OF EVASION

While states can target residents who chronically skip tolls, getting payment from evaders who live in other states can be difficult. Many are looking into agreements with other states that would make it easier to collect.

Interstate agreements are on the rise, said J.J. Eden, president of the Alliance for Toll Interoperability, a Durham, North Carolina-based government organization that promotes toll industry standardization.

Loss caused by toll evasion "gets to be a financial hit for the toll agencies, so they see these high numbers and realize they have to do something," he said. "It's just basically a matter of fairness."

Scofflaws are often hit with fines and penalties that can add thousands to their bills, while states and agencies can also file lawsuits, use debt collection services and bar them from renewing a driver's license or vehicle registration until they settle up.

They also can have their vehicles impounded and often face theft charges over the unpaid tolls, though sometimes the matters are downgraded to lesser charges.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies, which oversees the operations of the 51 miles of toll roads in Orange County, California, said roughly 4 percent of the 300,000 daily transactions it sees result in a violation. The TCA partners with the California Highway Patrol for enforcement of toll payments, as well as pursuing the most egregious violators.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, recently announced a new regulation allowing the state Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend the registration of motorists who fail to pay three or more toll violations within a five-year period. Previously, the DMV was allowed to suspend a registration when someone avoided five or more toll payments within 18 months.
Havent received electoral laws, says CEC Yadav

Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has said the Election Commission has yet to receive the poll-related laws.
LONDON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Chelsea will face a much tougher game on Sunday than their straightforward 3-0 win in August over Burnley because of the latter's remarkable home form, manager Antonio Conte said on Friday. The Italian has done his homework on the statistics. "They're really strong at home, they're third in the table for home games with Chelsea top and Tottenham second," he told a news conference. Burnley have taken 28 of their 29 points this season from matches at Turf Moor, losing at home only to Swansea City on the opening day, Arsenal in October and Manchester City in November. Since then they have won seven successive home games in the Premier League and FA Cup. "It's a fantastic achievement," Conte added. "The style is always the same. They fight a lot, play a lot of long balls and put a lot of pressure when we have the ball." After taking four points from games against Liverpool and Arsenal, Chelsea's players were given extra time off. "I thought they deserved it because we had three games in seven days," said Conte, who took the opportunity to return to Italy. "It's important to have two or three days off, to relax with the family, and come back fresher." Despite having a nine-point lead at the top of the table, with only one defeat in the last 18 league matches, Conte insisted the top six teams can still win the title. "If we think that with a nine-point lead we are close to winning the title it's a big mistake," he said. (Reporting by Steve Tongue; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos children spoke out in Phoenix on Thursday about watching their mothers sudden deportation, while immigrants rights advocates warned that similar cases are likely to follow across the country.

No one should ever go through the pain of having their mom taken away from them, Garcia de Rayos 14-year-old daughter, Jacqueline, said at a press conference. No one should be packing their mothers suitcase.

Garcia de Rayos, 35, was deported to Mexico on Thursday morning after being arrested during a routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking protests outside the ICE office.

She came to the United States illegally when she was 14 years old and has regularly checked in with ICE officials since 2008, when she was arrested during a workplace raid for using a fake Social Security Number, resulting in a felony conviction. Her latest required check-in, on Wednesday, came weeks after President Donald Trump signed an executive order prioritizing the deportation of undocumented immigrants who have been charged with a crime.

What was Guadalupe doing to you last week that was causing you harm? Absolutely nothing, her attorney, Ray Ybarra Maldonado, said at Thursdays press conference. This has nothing to do with public safety.

Maldonado thinks Garcia de Rayos is the first person since Trumps order to show up for a scheduled meeting with ICE and be deported.

In a statement to the New York Times on Thursday, ICE spokeswoman Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe said Garcia de Rayos case was reviewed at multiple levels of the immigration court system, including the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the judges held she did not have a legal basis to remain in the U.S.

OKeefe referenced a 2013 deportation order issued against Garcia de Rayos, who had not been a priority for deportation under the Obama administration. ICE will continue to focus on identifying and removing individuals with felony convictions who have final orders of removal issued by the nations immigration courts, OKeefe said in the statement, according to the Times.

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Seeing my mom in that van  it was unexplainable. It was really heart-dropping, Jacqueline said Thursday. My moms a really kind person. She would never hurt anyone.

She and her brother, Angel  both U.S. citizens  spoke with their father at Thursdays press conference, where all three vowed to fight for Garcia de Rayos return.

My sister needs my mother. Shes only 14 years old, and shes growing, said Angel, 16. We need my mother back with us, and were going to keep on fighting.

She belongs with us, he added.

At this point, Maldonado said, the legal options for reversing her deportation are limited. Immigrants rights advocates said her case has already become an example of what to expect as they advise others in similar situations.

My advice to them is going to be lets look for a sanctuary  a church that might want to take you in, if youre willing to do that  or this is going to be whats going to happen to you, Maldonado said.

They now know how ICE is going to act, said Carlos Garcia, director of the immigrant advocacy group Puente. Lupita might have sacrificed herself for others to be better prepared or not turn themselves in.

He said each family affected by new immigration policies will need to make their own decisions. If it were him, he said, he might not show up to future ICE check-ins.

The battle lines have been drawn, said Marisa Franco, director of the grassroots organization Mijente. We know that this case will be replicated in many places across the country, and we think its critical for communities to take a stand.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China is investigating seven people, mostly security officials, in the restive deep south of troubled Xinjiang region on suspicion of graft, the regional government's anti-corruption watchdog said. All seven were apparently ethnic Uighurs, judging by their names. Hundreds of people have been killed in far-western Xinjiang in the past two years, most in violence between the Muslim Uighur people, who call the region home, and ethnic majority Han Chinese. The government has also blamed attacks in other parts of China, including Beijing, on Islamist militants from Xinjiang. The Xinjiang regional discipline inspection committee said in a statement late on Thursday those being investigated included six senior public security officials from Hotan and Karakax counties in Xinjiang's south, as well as the former deputy party secretary of Xinjiang's education department. All seven were being investigated for "serious disciplinary violations", it said, using the usual government euphemism for corruption. It did not provide further details and it was not possible to reach any of them for comment. Hotan and Karakax have been at the frontline of what China terms its war on terror. In December, attackers drove a vehicle into a government building in Karakax, setting off an explosive device and using knives to kill two people before all three assailants were shot dead. The incident was described by Chinese state media as a terrorist attack. Last month, another three "violent terror" suspects were shot dead by police in Hotan. The government anti-corruption watchdog's statement did not specify the ethnicity of the seven officials under investigation, but all appeared to have Uighur names. Dilxat Raxit, a spokesman for exile group the World Uyghur Congress, said the mass removal of senior Uighur public security personnel was designed to eliminate any lingering obstruction to the strengthened monitoring and repression of Uighurs. "Even though they acted as Chinese executors of repression and monitoring of the Uighurs, they themselves could not escape China's hostile defenses," he said in an emailed statement. On Friday, the anti-graft watchdog said one of its former senior officials in Xinjiang, Han Xincheng, had also been put under investigation for suspected corruption, though it likewise gave no details. Han had worked in Xinjiang's party discipline division from 1984 until 2015, according to his official biography. He is from the ethnic majority Han. (Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by Ben Blanchard and Paul Tait)
BEIJING (AP) -- President Donald Trump has reaffirmed America's long-standing "one China" policy in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, potentially alleviating concerns about a major shift in Washington's relations with Beijing.

The White House and China's state broadcaster CCTV said the two spoke at length by phone on Thursday evening.

The two leaders discussed numerous topics and Trump agreed "at the request of President Xi" to honor the "one China" policy that requires Washington to maintain only unofficial ties with China's rival Taiwan, the White House said.

CCTV reported that Xi "praised" Trump's affirmation and said China was willing to work with the U.S. to enhance ties and bring "more fruitful gains for the benefit of our two peoples and those in every country."

The White House described the call as "extremely cordial" and said the two leaders had invited each other to visit their respective countries and looked forward to further discussions.

Some had questioned why Trump had taken so long to call Xi given that he'd already spoken with more than a dozen world leaders. Chinese observers had also noted that Trump had broken with his predecessors in not extending good wishes to the Chinese people on the occasion of last month's Lunar New Year holiday, prior to the issuing of a belated greeting on Wednesday.

Trump has accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, criticized China's military buildup in the South China Sea and said Beijing is doing too little to pressure North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and complained after Trump upset decades of diplomatic precedent by talking by phone with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen shortly after winning November's presidential election.

In December, Trump said in an interview that he didn't feel "bound" by the decades-old one China policy unless the U.S. could gain concessions from China in trade and other areas. Washington has robust unofficial relations with the island and provides it with arms to guard against Beijing's threat to use force to reunify with it.

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Underscoring uncertainty in the relationship, the call between the leaders came as the U.S. Pacific Command reported a Chinese jet and a U.S. Navy patrol plane had an "unsafe" encounter over the South China Sea this week.

Pacific Command spokesman Robert Shuford said Friday that the "interaction" between a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft and a U.S. Navy P-3C plane took place on Wednesday in international airspace. He did not say what was unsafe about the encounter.

Shuford says the U.S. plane was on a routine mission and operating according to international law.

The Chinese defense ministry has not responded to a faxed request for comment.

China routinely complains about U.S. military surveillance missions close to its southern island province of Hainan, which is home to numerous sensitive military installations.

A collision between a U.S. EP-3 surveillance plane and a Chinese naval air force jet in April 2001 resulted in the death of the Chinese pilot and the 10-day detention of the U.S. air crew by China.
Indian water minister Uma Bharti says she had rapists tortured

An Indian minister says she made rape suspects beg for their lives and ordered police to torture them.
BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian prosecutors investigating Brazil's Odebrecht [ODBES.UL] for corruption will travel to that country next week to look for evidence that the construction conglomerate bribed politicians and sent funds to presidential campaigns, an official said on Friday. Attorney General Nestor Humberto Martinez has said a portion of $4.6 million that Odebrecht allegedly paid a former senator accused of graft might have been funneled to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos' 2014 reelection campaign. But Martinez has admitted that his office has no evidence to back up the allegations made by ex-Liberal Party Senator Otto Bula Bula, who was arrested last month on charges of bribery and illicit enrichment. Martinez, two magistrates from the national electoral council and a team from the investigator general's office will meet with Brazilian head procurator Rodrigo Janot, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The campaign of Santos's 2014 right-wing rival, Oscar Ivan Zuluaga, is also under investigation. Both Santos and Zuluaga have denied the allegations and called for a thorough investigation U.S. prosecutors said Odebrecht had paid hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes for contracts for projects in 12 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela, between 2002 and 2016. Odebrecht and affiliated petrochemical company Braskem SA pleaded guilty in a U.S. court in December and agreed to pay at least $3.5 billion to settle with U.S., Brazilian and Swiss authorities. A court in Bogota on Friday said it had temporarily suspended the contract for the Ruta del Sol Dos highway project, which prosecutors say Odebrecht won in 2009 through bribery of a roadway official. Colombia's companies regulator said on Friday it would apply special oversight to Odebrecht and Navelena, a consortium tasked with a navigability project on the Magdalena River. Odebrecht has an 87 percent stake in the consortium. The companies are allowed to continue routine transactions for construction materials and other expenses but cannot move money out of Colombia or make changes to their legal structure. Chinese construction company Sinohydro is negotiating with Odebrecht to replace the Brazilian company in the Magdalena River project, a government official said. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta and Carlos Vargas; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Helen Murphy and Meredith Mazzilli)
The only conflict this cop was getting into was a dance-off.

Read: Cop Tears Up the Dance Floor at College Football Game: 'Smiling, Dancing and Protecting'

When locals called 911 to report a fight breaking out in town, Constable Jarrod Singh of the Durham Regional Police Service in Ontario, Canada, responded to the scene.

But, once he arrived, he realized the commotion happened to be a group not fighting, but dancing for a scene in a music video.

So instead of breaking up the fight, he decided to break it down.

In a video licensed by Vivid Media, Singh could be seen showing off his moves alongside dancer Mahdi Tarif, as crew members on the shoot cheered them on.

Read: Footloose Cop: Officer Shows Off His Dance Moves at Children's Holiday Party

I can see how a member of the public thought it was a fight, Singh said, according to a press statement. "But when I got closer I could see he was break dancing in the middle and there was someone filming it."

Before Singh joined the police department a year ago, he was part of a dance group at his college and even appeared in music videos and as an opening act for major concerts.

Watch: A Night to Remember: Cops Escort Girls Without Fathers to Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance

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DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  In a story Nov. 18, 2015, about a militant attack that wounded an Italian priest in Bangladesh, The Associated Press, relying on information from police, misspelled the priest's name. It is Piero Parolari, not Piero Arolari.

A corrected version of the story is below:

Italian priest attacked in Bangladesh

Italian priest attacked in Bangladesh while riding bicycle

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  Three men fired shots at an Italian priest Nov. 18, 2015, as he rode his bicycle to church in northern Bangladesh, leaving him in critical condition amid a recent surge in militant violence.

The three assailants were on a motorbike when they attacked Piero Parolari in the town of Dinajpur, police officer Abul Hasan said. They fled after the attack.

The 57-year-old priest, who also is a doctor at St. Vincent hospital, was hit in the neck by a bullet, said AsiaNews, the news agency of the Vatican's missionary office.

After undergoing surgery at a local hospital, he was taken by helicopter to Dhaka, the capital, in critical condition, AsiaNews said.

It said several Protestant pastors in Dhaka have received death threats from Islamic extremists in recent days.

The bishop of Dinajpur, Sebastian Tudo, called for better security, saying "it is unacceptable that our people become such easy targets," AsiaNews said.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Parolari has lived in Dinajpur for 35 years, treating poor people from the area, said local police chief Ruhul Amin. The town is 415 kilometers (260 miles) north of Dhaka.

Local media reported that the assailants attacked him from behind near a bus stop. As he fell to the ground, residents rushed to his rescue and took him to the hospital.

Bangladesh has been rocked by a series of attacks this year claimed by Islamic extremists, including the killings of bloggers and, more recently, of two foreigners  an Italian aid worker and a Japanese agricultural worker.

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An Oct. 24, 2015, bomb attack on thousands of Shiite Muslims in Dhaka killed a teenage boy and injured more than 100 others.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the two earlier attacks on foreigners, but the government said the extremist Sunni militant group does not have a presence in the country.

The government accuses domestic Islamist militants along with Islamist political parties  specifically the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its main ally, Jamaat-e-Islami  of orchestrating the violence in an effort to destabilize the fractious nation.
A couple recovering from a fire that saw their Georgia home destroyed was struck by devastating tragedy this week when a second blaze in as many years claimed not only their house, but two of their young children, authorities said.

Michael Reeves and Chassity Carter had no choice but to rebuild when a fire that broke out in May left their mobile home inhabitable, ultimately parking a camper trailer on the same Brunswick lot for the family of five to live in.

But another fire broke out inside that home Wednesday, engulfing the structure within the three minutes it took emergency responders to arrive on the scene, officials said.

The couples 3-year-old son, Blayden Wade Reeves, was killed in the blaze, while their 4-month-old daughter Tallie Ann Carter, succumbed to her injuries after being rushed to the hospital, police said.

Carter and their 2-year-old son, Brighton Michael Reeves, were hospitalized in critical condition, while Reeves was released from the hospital with minor injuries, cops said.

Investigators on Thursday determined the fire likely started in the kitchen of the tight space.

Read: Horrific House Fire Kills Congressman's Aide's 6 of 9 Children: 'This Unimaginable Tragedy Is Shocking'

There was a pot of noodles left on a hot plate on a countertop that was the cause of the fire, Glynn County Police Chief Matt Doering told reporters.

He called the determination preliminary and said that the investigation is still underway.

No foul play is suspected, Doering said, adding that the previous fire was deemed "suspicious," but did not elaborate on the classification.

Neighbors on Wednesday reported hearing continuous explosions after the fire started, authorities said.

Glynn County Fire Chief Randy Jordan said the flames could have detonated something inside the camper.

That could be easily aerosol cans that make a loud noise and increase the fireball, he said.

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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the State Fire Marshal's Office is assisting the Glynn County Fire Department and Police Department with the investigation.

Read: Dad Who Rescued Young Daughter from Fire Dies Trying to Save Another Child

Loved ones were devastated by the loss of the toddler and infant, offering their condolences and prayers to the childrens young parents, who neighbors said had fallen on hard times.

They have been struggling and struggling, neighbor Danny ONeal told WTOC-TV.

He said he could hear the couple outside wailing, telling the television station: I heard the worst screams you could ever hear between him and her, about their children being inside.

A woman who identified herself as Reeves former foster mother created a GoFundMe page to offset funeral and hospital expenses, writing: Pretty much everything they own was lost in the fire - their home, clothes, furniture, etc. They will need to completely start over.

"This is the hardest thing they have ever had to go through, she wrote on the page, which as of Friday had raised $680 if its $15,000 goal. This family needs all the help and prayers they can get."

Watch: Father of 3 Daughters Who Died in Connecticut Christmas House Fire Dies at 51

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Could the Obamas finally be returning from their insanely enviable vacation? (Please come back.)

The upcoming fifth season of Masterchef Junior has announced a guest that might just cure our February blues: you guessed it, former FLOTUS and beloved health-food enthusiast, Michelle Obama.

SEE ALSO: Let us now remember 11 of Michelle Obama's coolest moments

The cooking competition, which premiered Feb. 10 on FOX, will be replacing former judge Graham Elliot with a rotating crew of guest judges including Martha Stewart (if she can make it out of the snow), and the Muppets.

This guest spot shouldn't be a shock considering Michelle rocked us all for eight years with her Let's Move! initiative and spearheaded the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, making school lunches healthier around the country.

We're so ready for Michelle's return, and hope these kids are ready to saute some vegetables.
By Michael Flaherty NEW YORK (Reuters) - CSX Corp has extended the director nomination deadline for its board of directors, giving the U.S. railroad company more time to reach an agreement with an activist investor and industry veteran Hunter Harrison. CSX said the deadline would be extended to Feb. 24 from Friday, in a sign that the two sides remain in talks but have details to hammer out. Mantle Ridge LP, run by ex-Pershing Square Partner Paul Hilal, is buying up a big stake in CSX and teaming with Harrison, the former Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd chief executive. Mantle Ridge is pressing CSX to install Harrison as CEO, a prospect that has sent the company's shares up 34 percent since news of the partnership broke last month. News of the Hilal-Harrison partnership broke on Jan. 18, when Canadian Pacific announced Harrison was leaving his CEO post early. CSX's board is open to having Harrison as the company's CEO, according to people familiar with the matter, and he has met with the board twice since leaving Canadian Pacific. The sticking points of the talks remain how much representation Mantle Ridge gets on CSX's board, who becomes board chairman and who chairs key board committees, the people familiar with the matter said. Harrison, reached by Reuters on Friday, expressed frustration that the two sides have yet to reach a deal. He spoke before CSX extended the nomination deadline. "At this point, I don't really know what's going on, and I don't understand what the issues are that are holding things up," Harrison said. CSX's board is made up of 12 members, which includes current CEO Michael Ward who also serves as chairman. Ward has previously signaled he plans to step down. People familiar with the matter said that the number of board seats up for discussion ranges from two or three to a majority. CSX and Mantle Ridge declined to comment. Harrison's record of cutting operating costs and driving up profitability at the helm of CP and at Canadian National Railway Co has led to a surge of support from CSX investors. Mantle Ridge has raised more than $1 billion for its CSX stake, Reuters reported earlier this month. (Editing by Meredith Mazzilli)
Kathmandu  Kuala Lumpur direct flight service flagged off

Himalaya Airlines, a Nepal-China joint venture airline, launched its first direct flight from Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
Dumpsters may be filled with trash, but some also contain discarded food thats perfectly good to eat.

Inside Editions Chief Investigative Correspondent Lisa Guerrero and food waste expert Rob Greenfield recently went dumpster diving at some CVS stores around Orlando, Florida, and found box loads of edible food items being thrown.

Read: Do You Know What's in Your Dog's Food? Labeling Leaves Veterinarians and Pet Owners Confused

This right here is enough food for a hundred people in this dumpster alone, Greenfield explained while pointing to a large pile of food rescued from the trash.

Guerrero and Greenfield found piles of food discarded well before its suggested sell-by date, including baby formula, which was still good for another month, and grape juice, which was good for at least two months.

Its outrageous and it's appalling, Greenfield said.

To show how perfectly edible the food was to eat or drink, Guerrero and Greenfield snacked on items they pulled right out of the trash.

"So every single piece of food in here will be distributed to dozens of people in need," Greenfield said referring to all the good food they found in multiple CVS dumpsters.

But at one CVS dumpster, before Greenfield and Guerrero could haul away three bundles of good food, a CVS manager appeared.

"If you take a look over here this is all the food we got out of this one dumpster and it was all before the sell by date," Guerrero told the manager.

"Anything a month before, we trash it, regardless," he replied.

Guerrero told him the food they had gathered would be donated to the needy, but he insisted it go right back into the dumpster.

"I know it doesnt make sense but it is our company policy," the manager told Guerrero before dropping the boxes of food back into the trash.

Read: Investigation Finds Police Personnel Covering Their License Plates; Are They Trying to Avoid Paying Tolls?

CVS provided Inside Edition the following statement: "CVS Pharmacy works with numerous nonprofit organizations to arrange for damaged or near-expired goods from our stores to be donated to people in need in our communities. In fact, last year we donated almost $56 million worth of product to charity, including Feeding America and Feed the Children.

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"Ensuring that unused products are donated in a safe manner is our utmost priority, and most consumable products must be at least one month from its expiration date to be eligible for donation. Our product disposal guidelines and procedures comply with applicable state and federal regulations, and they are consistent with that of the retail industry."

Watch: Violent, Boozed-Up Adults Create Chaos at Some Chuck E. Cheese Kiddie Parties Across America

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By Makini Brice PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - John Stevens Val borrowed $3,000 from friends and family and trekked through 10 countries to make his way to the United States, where he hoped life would be better than in Haiti, his impoverished homeland. But in the end he landed in a U.S. immigration detention center and was deported back to Haiti, deep in debt and struggling to integrate, like so many other Haitians. Val, 28, left home after a devastating 2010 earthquake that wrecked the economy of the Caribbean nation, the poorest in the Western hemisphere. He worked in Brazil at a supermarket for about two years until a crash in Latin America's biggest economy led him to pack his bags again. After gathering the cash, he made his way via, plane, boat, three days of walking through forests, and a dozen buses before reaching Arizona. For seven years after the quake, U.S. policy protected Haitians from deportation unless they were convicted of a serious crime or posed a national security threat. Encouraged by the policy, between October 2015 and December 2016, more than 13,500 Haitians like Val made the perilous trip, up from just a few hundred in the previous year. In September, in response to the surge in Haitian immigrants, the United States restarted deportation flights for newly arrived Haitians who do not have a case for seeking asylum. More Haitians arrived late last year, with more than 7,000 crossing the border between October and December alone, creating a backlog that will take months for the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to clear. For Val, who was still en route through South America when the shift occurred, the new policy came as a huge shock. "You lose all of your money and now you do not even succeed," said Val, sitting in the library of non-profit organization, the Jesuit Service for Migrants. Back in a country with 40 percent unemployment, Val was worried. "It's not easy to live in Haiti. It's complicated. There is no aid; there is no organization that can help us in one way or the other. We're here. We live poorly," Val said. To make things worse, shortly after deportations resumed, Category-4 Hurricane Matthew trashed Haitis southwest. TEARS AND ANGER After one flight carrying some of the first Haitians to be repatriated arrived a few weeks ago, some of the 60 passengers sobbed, while others looked furious, clinging to gray sweatshirts issued in the U.S. detention centers. They spent a lot of money. It's like a broken dream. They left thinking they would stay 20, 30, 40 years or never return, said Adelson Lorgeat, the technical and research director for Haitis National Office of Migration. They consider it to be a dishonor, a defeat. Lorgeat advises deportees at Port-au-Prince airport but said the office did not have funds to provide additional support. In November, of some 40,000 people in immigration detention, more than 4,400 were Haitians, according to the then U.S. secretary of homeland security, Jeh Johnson. Between October 2016 and Jan. 16, 2017, 1,513 Haitians were deported, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official said. As of Jan. 16, 4,060 were in U.S. detention, an indication more are crossing from Mexico, where even more are massed on the border. Val said he had not ruled out leaving Haiti once more for different shores, if he had the money. If I dont have any opportunities, Ill leave, he said. (Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Leslie Adler)
A French olive farmer convicted of helping illegal migrants slip across the border from Italy was given a suspended fine of 3,000 (2,550) by a court in Nice on Friday.

Cedric Herrou, from the Roya valley near the Italian border, was cleared of other charges that he illegally accommodated migrants in a disused holiday camp and helped them travel and stay in France.

However, he told French radio on Friday that he still had four teenagers from Eritrea and one from Sudan staying in caravans at his farm.

It is an act of humanity, not a crime, he said, defiantly claiming to be part of a support network of thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of people who believe in fraternity.

He is part of an underground group of local residents and academics who provide food and lodging and help migrants on their way northwards towards Britain or Germany.

With his black beard, beret and round glasses, Mr Herrou, 37, has become an unlikely media celebrity, seen as an outlaw by some, but as a local hero to others.

Unapologetic about breaking the law to help migrants, he told the court during his trial that he helped migrants because he felt it was his national duty as a Frenchman.

Dozens of supporters gathered outside the court and cheered as he left after the verdict was announced. Posters placed on the courthouse railings read crime of solidarity and they are us.

Even the prosecutor, Jean-Michel Pretre, who asked for an eight-month prison sentence, at times appeared sympathetic to the organic farmer who admitted seeking out needy migrants across the border and bringing them to France.

Mr Pretre described his cause as noble but said the law must be upheld.

Mr Herrou said it was shameful and unlawful that French police rounded up thousands of migrants each year and expelled them to Italy.

French police arrested more than 36,000 migrants in the south of France last year, most of whom were sent back to Italy.

Mr Herrou said the figure was misleading because many had returned to France several times.

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It is not the first time a French court has shown leniency towards those charged with helping migrants.

Last month a university professor arrested with three Eritrean women in his car was cleared of aiding illegal immigration. The court ruled that he had acted to help persons in distress.

After a string of terror attacks, migration is a key issue in the presidential election campaign. Polls suggest that Marine Le Pen, the far-Right anti-immigration candidate, will win the first-round vote in April, although she is expected to be defeated in the second round.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP)  A Danish prosecutor says a 16-year-old girl has been formally charged with planning bomb attacks against two schools in Denmark.

Prosecutor Lise-Lotte Nilas says the teenager is accused of "having made preparations to make bombs" using the explosive known as TATP. She said her targets were a school west of Copenhagen and a Jewish school in the capital.

Police thwarted the plans by arresting the girl on Jan. 13, 2016. A trial is set to start April 7, 2017 in Holbaek, northwest of the Danish capital.

Charges against a 25-year-old man, initially believed to an accomplice, have been dropped.

Defense lawyer Michael Juul Eriksen told The Associated Press his client, who twice had been in Syria, would be released later Friday.

Neither the girl nor the man could be identified.
By Alistair Smout BRAINTREE, England (Reuters) - Britons have protested in their thousands against Donald Trump, almost 1.9 million oppose his planned state visit to their country and the U.S. president is not welcome to address the lower house of parliament. But in Braintree, people feel differently. Residents of the eastern English town are unenthusiastic about Trump but they reflect what national opinion polls are showing - that Prime Minister Theresa May has the backing of many voters as she tries to court the new U.S. leader. "I'm not for Trump, I don't like what he's about. But he should visit, I don't see why not," 73-year-old pensioner Alan Rowe told Reuters. A recent poll by YouGov found 49 percent of Britons believe the state visit should go ahead, with 36 percent wanting it cancelled. But behind the national figures lie big differences of opinion. Braintree is only about 60 km (40 miles) from London but political views in the mid-sized town are far apart from those in the multicultural capital. Whereas Londoners overwhelmingly backed remaining in the European Union in last year's referendum, 62 percent of Braintree residents voted to leave - 10 percentage points more than the national result. Many approve of the prime minister's decision to seek a clean break from the EU after more than 40 years of membership, including leaving the European single market. "I agree with May's approach. If we're leaving, we shouldn't just go half way," said Rowe, who voted leave in June. With Britain distancing itself from EU allies, there is support in Braintree for May's attempt to revitalise what politicians call the "special relationship" with the United States. Trump has repeatedly praised Brexit. "I trust Theresa May," said Brenda Williamson, 79, another retiree who voted for Brexit. She expressed backing for the U.S. alliance and concern about immigration - an issue that won support for both Brexit campaigners and Trump in last year's votes on either side of the Atlantic. Equally, she felt May, who has described Trump's comments on women as "unacceptable", would stand up to him. "It's such early days for Trump, we have to wait and see. He's such a new broom and he might sweep too quickly," she said. "But they are our best allies, and May wants to make the best of it, and she will be firm with him." EMBARRASSING HER MAJESTY Such views are common in the less affluent towns that voted to leave the EU and have sometimes struggled with rapid economic change. Braintree's shopping high street has been gutted in recent years, and the town has a relatively large proportion of the elderly voters who largely backed Brexit - around 20 percent are over 65, compared with roughly 18 percent nationwide. But Britons are split, with thousands in London joining worldwide women's protests against Trump last month. These divisions deepened with May's invitation to Trump for the state visit when she became the first foreign leader to visit the new president in Washington. State visits are marked by much pageantry, traditionally including a carriage ride for the visiting head of state to Buckingham Palace to stay as a guest of the Queen. Overall, May is feeling relatively little heat. Her Conservatives are around 15 percentage points ahead of Labour in the polls, with the opposition party split over Brexit. Still, an online petition, which calls for Trump to be let into Britain but not for a state visit "because it would cause embarrassment to Her Majesty the Queen", has attracted 1.85 million signatures. An opposing petition has drawn just 300,000. Then this week House of Commons speaker John Bercow, a Conservative, rejected any plans for Trump to address the chamber during the visit, a date for which has yet to be set. While Britons remain far from convinced about Trump, there are some signs of movement. Another poll by YouGov found that only one in five has a positive impression of Trump, but this has more than doubled from just eight percent since last August. The survey also found that Conservatives, pro-Brexit voters and people over 65 had the most improved views on the new president. Braintree fits those demographics. Many respondents expressed concern over immigration, with older voters more likely to favour restrictions. Younger Braintree residents appear less worried. "It doesn't bother me - I've worked with people from all different countries. I think it's more the older generation that care about immigration," said Tammy Davies, 28, a bartender. In London, thousands have also demonstrated against Trump's attempt to suspend entry to the United States for citizens of seven Muslim majority states on the grounds of protecting the country from terrorism. But feelings aren't quite so strong in Braintree. "I don't like the policy. Maybe one or two, or a dozen people in a country might be dangerous, but you can't ban everyone," said Mohon Ahmad, who is in his late thirties and works in a dry cleaners. "But as a country's leader you have to accept that he can visit. He's been democratically elected." (editing by David Stamp)
On his 20th full day in office, President Donald Trump finally had his first conversation with his Chinese counterpart.

He reportedly told Xi Jinping, during what was described as an extremely cordial call, that the U.S. would honor the one China policy. But while that has eased immediate tensions between the worlds top two economies, potential flash points remain.

The democratic aspirations of Chinas freest city, Hong Kong, could be one. A pro-independence group in Hong Kong sent a letter Wednesday to the White House, urging Trump use the power of executive orders to intervene in Beijings continuous encroachment of rights and freedoms in the city.

Blocking the arrogant, lawless and dishonorable communist regime from harming the world through Hong Kong is of the common interest of the U.S. and the city, read a statement from the Hong Kong National Party.

We can see that the majority of [Trumps] team take a firm, hawkish and unfriendly stance towards China, convener Chan Ho-tin tells TIME.

Read More: Hong Kongs Former Governor Slams U.K. for Kowtowing to China Over Eroding Rights

During his campaign, Trump was markedly more hostile toward China than previous candidates.

Trump repeatedly took aim at Beijing on the campaign trail  during one debate with Hillary Clinton, Trump not only claimed falsely that climate change was a Chinese-invented hoax but also accused it of using our country as a piggy bank to rebuild itself. He also suggested, when President-elect, that the U.S. shouldnt have to be bound by its four-decade recognition of China as one single entity unless we make a deal.

Then there was the call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, which Trump took, prompting frantic reactions from people living in the mainland, and a forceful response from Beijing that closer U.S.-Taiwan links were out of the question.

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Then, during his Senate confirmation hearing, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson characterized Chinas construction of militarized artificial islands in the South China Sea as akin to Russias taking Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, and suggested that the U.S. should block Chinas access to those islands. His comments drew fiery responses from the Chinese state and state-run media alike in the following days.

More recently, Defense Secretary James Mattis reassured Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his visit to Japan and South Korea that a group of disputed islands in the East China Sea  known in Japan as the Senkakus and in China as Diaoyu  would remain covered by the joint U.S.-Japan security pact.

At one point, there were fears that relations between the U.S. and China may well head toward a downward spiral, with state media in China warning after Tillersons comments that the two sides had better prepare for a military clash.

Read More: Donald Trumps Top Priority Must Be a Strong China Strategy

But longtime China analyst Willy Lam tells TIME that, judging by Trumps call and his letter to Xi  which says he looks forward to a constructive relationship  the U.S. leader is dialing down his China rhetoric  at least for now.

These instances show that Trump might not be carrying out the threats he made during the campaign, for example, labeling China as a currency manipulator and slapping a 25% tariff on Chinese products, Lam says.

He suggests that China is somewhat hopeful that Trump would climb down from his hard-line posture during the campaign and be willing to talk.

Even though its difficult to predict anything about Trump, it seems that hes amenable to negotiations first, Lam adds.

As for whether a more confrontational Trump administration would be a forceful defender of freedoms in Taiwan and Hong Kong in the face of China, Lam sees the two places as merely the Taiwan card and the Hong Kong card in Washingtons dealings with Beijing.

I dont think hes genuinely committed to backing democratic rights for Taiwan and Hong Kong, he tells TIME.
Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - Insider trading suspicions against Deutsche Boerse chief Carsten Kengeter took a new turn Friday after a German media report that he discussed merger plans with the London Stock Exchange with a government official shortly before a large share purchase.

Der Spiegel news weekly reported that Kengeter told Lars-Hendrik Roeller -- an economic advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel -- in November 2015 that he was "basically in agreement" with the LSE over a planned merger.

Frankfurt prosecutors announced last week that they had opened a probe against the Deutsche Boerse CEO on suspicion of insider trading after he bought around 4.5 million euros ($4.8 million) worth of his own firm's shares in December 2015.

Those shares increased sharply in value after the announcement of the LSE merger plans in February 2016.

Investigators say they suspect merger talks between executives at the two stock market operators in fact began in July or August 2015 and ran until early December.

Deutsche Boerse says the shares were part of the normal executive pay programme -- and that in any case, the two stock market operators did not open tie-up talks until January 2016.

Asked about the report in Der Spiegel, which did not cite any sources, a Deutsche Boerse spokesman told AFP the operator was cooperating with the insider trading investigation.

A chancellery spokeswoman told AFP it does not comment on meetings held by Merkel's economic advisors.

The LSE-Deutsche Boerse merger would create a financial markets behemoth competing with the likes of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and ICE in the United States, as well as the Hong Kong stock exchange in Asia.

A tie-up would ring up one of the globe's biggest groups for stock listings and market data, creating competition fears among EU rivals.

LSE formally offered this week to sell clearing house LCH Clearnet SA to European rival Euronext if the European Commission approves the deal at the end of a competition probe.
President Trump continued to chastise the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Friday morning for refusing to reinstate his executive order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries and suspending the U.S. refugee program.

Trump cited an analysis by Benjamin Wittes, the editor in chief of the blog Lawfare, which focuses on national security law, to attack the three-judge panel for unanimously voting to reject his claim of authority. Trump called it a disgraceful decision!

LAWFARE: "Remarkably, in the entire opinion, the panel did not bother even to cite this (the) statute." A disgraceful decision!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 10, 2017

The president was apparently reacting to a Morning Joe segment that quoted the Lawfare post.

But Trump might have wanted to read Wittes entire take before redirecting his millions of followers to the article, which ultimately supports the 9th Circuits decision to keep the temporary restraining order in place for the simple reason that there is no cause to plunge the country into turmoil again while the courts address the merits of these matters over the next few weeks.

On Jan. 27, Trump signed an executive order titled Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States, which demanded that immigration from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen be stopped for at least 90 days. It suspended the countrys entire refugee program for 120 days.

Wittes, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution think tank, dismissed a large chunk of the 9th Circuits opinion as moral throat clearing and virtue signaling thats fun to read but ultimately not what the case is about.

President Trump listens to questions from reporters. (Photo: Mike Segar/Reuters)

According to Wittes, the case is about two questions: How extensive is the presidents authority to ban travelers from specific countries under a specific statute on inadmissible aliens? And should Trumps invidious or worrisome motivations  as expressed on Twitter or by his team  be sufficient cause to invalidate an otherwise legitimate exercise of power?

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As Wittes notes, the panel did discuss the latter but not the former. The statute in question  Section F of U.S. Code  1182  gives the president the authority to suspend entry or impose restrictions on aliens.

Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.

The full paragraph that Trump cited in his early-morning tweet points out that in ignoring this executive power, the 9th Circuit was effectively ignoring the Trump administrations legal basis for the controversial executive order.

Remarkably, in the entire opinion, the panel did not bother even to cite this statute, which forms the principal statutory basis for the executive order (see Sections 3(c), 5(c), and 5(d) of the order). Thats a pretty big omission over 29 pages, including several pages devoted to determining the governments likelihood of success on the merits of the case.

After the ruling was announced, Trump fired off a tweet suggesting that he would have attorneys from the Department of Justice challenge the courts decision.

In conversation with reporters at White House, he further accused the panel of basing its decision on politics. He said national security is too important for him not to contest the decision.

We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake, and its a very, very serious situation, he said.

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The town hall meeting held by House Oversight Committee Chair Jason Chaffetz in a Salt Lake City suburb Thursday night was raucous, packed  and a sign of things to come.

The meeting had to be moved to accommodate the crowd, and still hundreds of people couldnt get in, waiting outside it and chanting, Your last term! after it was over. The Salt Lake County GOP knew it was going to be packed and urged its members Tuesday to turn out to counter an expected wave of angry resistance movement attendees. It didnt make any difference.

The room in Cottonwood Heights held more than 1,000 and was quickly filled.

Auditorium for Cong Chaffetz Town hall packed. Police say 1000 outside. Now chanting, "You work for us!" @UtahIndivisible @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/R9iDakiWrZ  Kyung Lah (@KyungLahCNN) February 10, 2017

Attendees chanted Let them in! when the doors were shut, and Do your job! after Chaffetz, a Republican who represents Utahs third congressional district, was pressed on why he was not conducting oversight into the Trump administration with the same vigor with which hed pursued Hillary Clinton.

Cong Chaffetz Town Hall crowd chanting "Do your job!" He's having a hard time answering over crowd noise @UtahIndivisible @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/gO0BXybGy5  Kyung Lah (@KyungLahCNN) February 10, 2017

After the Womens March on Washington and its sister marches around the country turned into the largest street protests in American history, and after a robust array of groups helped drive the calls that led to the busiest three days in Capitol switchboard history, the progressive anti-Trump movement thats loosely organized under the banner of the resistance has a third target in sight: congressional town halls.

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In fact, just as the confrontational Chaffetz town hall was getting started, an online video training about how to put members of Congress on the spot at town halls was winding down. The founders of the postelection group Indivisible  which aims to build a progressive version of the tea party movement  and the representatives from Organizing for Action  the advocacy group that grew out of the 2008 Obama for America campaign  had come together to teach a new generation of progressives spurred to action by Trump the fine art of putting the screws to their members of Congress during the upcoming congressional recess, which begins on Feb. 20.

Their three main messages: Organize and show up. Your member of Congress works for you. And, critically, the old Internet dictum: Pics or it didnt happen.

Trainer Angel Padilla of Indivisible advised going to meetings and town halls with a group and make sure you record, record as much as you can. That means during the meeting, before the meeting and after the meeting, too  especially if filming is shut down during the meeting. When you get a good interaction with a member, it can really get amplified when its caught on video, he said. Go in a group. Its easier to ignore one person.

Its not just publicly advertised town halls that are on the district recess agenda. Activists interested in preserving the Affordable Care Act are being urged to request town halls, too, as well as district meetings with senior staff. And they are being urged to show up at all public district events, from ribbon-cuttings to walkabouts to office hours.

Already they are coming up with creative approaches. For Resist Trump Tuesday office visits we use a Donuts with Dialogue model. We take donuts for staffers and target specific issues & tell stories. Each time, we have been met with respect and staffers take notes, wrote Grace Haynes in the group chat accompanying the video call.

Austin TX, people here are meeting every single Tuesday at lunch at John Cornyns office bc phone lines dont work, added Kristy Sprott.

The current efflorescence of activism is so intense that it comes with the risk of overloading the system and causing members to shut out even voices they might want to be listening to. Im in a red district and one of my MOCs has been complaining about being bombarded by individuals outside of the state. Ive noticed that his people have stopped asking for my zip code when I call. Thinking that my calls are now being discredited be/c they are getting so many out of district, wrote one watcher during the OFA-Indivisible training.

That explains the emphasis on in-person, in-district action. The entire premise of Indivisible is that members of Congress  and especially members of the House, who face voters every two years  care first and foremost about reelection, and thus about anyone who can help or hurt on that front, regardless of broader national currents of public opinion. Constituents are really important to members of Congress, and other people are not. If youre not a member of Congress constituent, they dont care what you think, explained Matt Traldi, one of the leaders of Indivisible, during the video call. He said that after study of the tea party, which came into power when Obama had a supermajority on Congress and was enormously popular and still managed to significantly slow his agenda, or even block it, he believed that progressives could be even more effective in light of the new presidents unpopularity. Trumps agenda is not just a bad one, its also very unpopular. If we stick to the facts  we can win, he said.

But that requires the same single-minded focus that characterized the tea party in 2009-2011. The tea party focused on saying no to the presidents agenda, he said. We should absolutely replicate that right now.

Donald Aguirre is just the sort of person the national organizers are counting on. A Utahan with what he described as an office job at a communications company, he co-founded Utah Indivisible along with two fellow millennials, sisters who work as a nurse and a 911 dispatcher. The group is one of three local Indivisible groups that turned out at the Chaffetz town hall. Its so new it just held its first protest, organized online in opposition to the confirmation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and has yet to hold its first in-person meeting. The group has drawn Democrats, Republicans and libertarians, Aguirre said. He estimated that, all told, the three Indivisible groups combined had turned out maybe 100 people to the town hall. Others came representing other groups. But many came on their own.

CNN reported from the scene that most of those at the town hall were attending one for the first time in their lives.

About this turnout: The first dozen people I interviewed at the #Chaffetz town hall said they'd never been to one before.  Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) February 10, 2017

Even though we had members of Congress and senators that denounced the words that Donald Trump was saying, they condemned his actions, like that video of him talking about grabbing ladies, its too much hypocrisy with people saying they stand for something, then they dont. We got sick and tired of members of Congress not really representing us but toeing the party line, said Aguirre. He livestreamed the town hall on Facebook to the group. (You can watch the full Chaffetz town hall, as recorded by Aguirre, here.)

Indivisble, OFA and other activist groups such as MoveOn have also been holding twice-a-week calls to compare notes and catalog all the events Republicans are having in their districts, with the goal of fostering a massive mobilization at the local level to have an impact in a strategic way. Among the new groups theyve been relying on in this process is the Town Hall Project 2018.

Co-founded by Nathan Williams, a political field organizer who worked on Obamas 2008 campaign and in 2016 helped turn out voters in Las Vegas for the League of Conservation Voters, and by Clinton 2016 campaign field organizer Jimmy Dahman, the all-volunteer group saw an opening after the election to give people the tools they needed to continue expressing themselves to their representatives, Williams said. They snagged an off-the-shelf interface to promote a simple concept: A Google document with a complete list of upcoming congressional town hall meetings, launching the Town Hall Project 2018 with the help of volunteer labor from dozens of Democratic field organizers in their network. Many of them were, like Williams, unemployed after the end of the 2016 campaign. Now that guide is being used by Indivisible and other groups.

Planned Parenthood also has been actively rallying members to confront members of Congress at town halls, holding a series of forums across the country in communities beyond the big cities. That paid off in a big way Thursday night in Murfreesboro, Tenn., where Rep. Diane Black, a conservative Republican who wants to roll back Obamacare and defund Planned Parenthood, was confronted by women wearing or carrying the groups logo.

In other news: the rowdy scene outside of a healthcare townhall in Murfreesboro, TN, tonight: pic.twitter.com/AIIeir61kz  MJ Lee (@mj_lee) February 10, 2017

Her town hall on Obamacare was so swamped that a woman from the back of the crowd that was trying to get in cried out, If you want to represent us, let us in!

Chaffetz was also confronted by a Planned Parenthood patient Thursday. The national organization sent video of the confrontation to reporters Friday, in case theyd missed it.

The woman stood to testify that when she found herself at high risk for cervical cancer as a single mother of three with no health insurance, she relied on Planned Parenthood for her annual screening tests. Sir, can you please tell me, can you explain to me why you are trying to take that vital health provider away from women like me? she asked.

Chaffetz replied with a story about his mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30s, then drew murmurs of outrage when it seemed like he might be avoiding a direct answer and moving into a story about his wife. He shushed the crowd. I want her to know that I care about this, and I care deeply and I care personally, he said, seeking to address the questioner directly. His further answer  My concern is to give that organization federal taxpayer dollars when we have so many in our community that disagree with that, and that he thought there would be a better use of the money  drew deep boos and shouts from the audience.

In Tennessee, a woman from Blacks district who described herself as a Christian spoke up feelingly for the ACA as the healthy people pull up the sick.

Seriously urge everyone to watch this entire question from a woman at GOP #Obamacare townhall in Tennessee: pic.twitter.com/8mBGE1z6Rj  MJ Lee (@mj_lee) February 10, 2017

I HAVE to have coverage in order to make sure that I dont die, said Mike Carlson, a 32-year-old student from Antioch, Tenn., according to CNN.

"I HAVE to have coverage in order to make sure that I don't die and you want to take away this coverage?" #ObamacareTownhall pic.twitter.com/C2JtPcOuGA  MJ Lee (@mj_lee) February 10, 2017

But the anger wasnt all about ACA and Planned Parenthood. At Chaffetzs town hall, constituents spoke up about tribal sovereignty and the Bears Ears National Monument, which was designated by President Obama and which Chaffetz opposes. A 6-year-old girl spoke up on behalf of science. And a former teacher drew cheers when she asked Chaffetz, What is your line in the sand when it comes to impeaching President Trump.

At rowdy town hall, ex-teacher asks Chaffetz  chair of House oversight  whats your line in the sand for Trump? pic.twitter.com/8U7IkpZtsS  Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) February 10, 2017

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Kuchbadhiya kids deprived of education

Puja Kuchbadhiya, 14, of Indrapur in Banke district stopped going to school six years ago. After passing the second grade her parents decided to take her out of local school, so that she could help them in household works. Puja was eight years old then.
Photo credit: Dodge

From Road & Track

This is the way the Viper's world could end: not with the bang of obsolescence or defeat at the hands of its megabuck Eurotrash competitors, but with the whimper of a union contract that just happens to close one small-scale manufacturing facility. The supposed end of the Conner Avenue plant in 2017 would also be the end of the Viper. There's just no case to be made for restarting production somewhere else. It might impact FCA's ability to turn out more crossovers or something like that.

(Note: This was originally published on 10/15/2015, but with the news that you can no longer order a Viper, we thought it deserved a second look from you. - Ed.)

There's still time for you to go out and buy a Dodge Viper. There's still time for me to go out and buy a Dodge Viper. Still time for all of us to save our pennies for a down payment. So we cannot say that we weren't given plenty of notice, plenty of warning. Because the day that Conner Avenue closes, it won't just be the Viper that growls off into that good night; it will be the idea of the Great American Car itself.

I don't know if the Viper has ever been a terribly good car. The first-generation cars had the half-life of flerovium-289 and seemed to disintegrate while you were looking at them. The early coupes were rattle-trap affairs. The 500-horsepower SRT-10 seemed to have had its emotional rheostat turned halfway towards the setting marked "Corvette." It wasn't until the Viper got variable valve timing and some serious chassis tuning that it became the all-conquering track weapon that we know today. As of 2015, however, the Viper still has some cheap interior parts and it still smells weird when it gets hot and it still sounds like a UPS truck at a distance. What can I say? If you want a well-rounded sports-y vehicle, get yourself an M235i xDrive.

Photo credit: Dodge

No, the greatness of the Viper is in its very spirit, its very conception. It's the idea that supercars can be built in Detroit. It's the idea that the hyper-rich sheikhs and software moguls and Russian oligarchs out there don't get an exclusive monopoly on driving a six-hundred-plus-horsepower nightmare chariot with wings that wouldn't disgrace a Bleriot monoplane. It's the idea that a working-class man in Phoenix can save up most of his life and spend his hard-earned money on something built by other hard-working Americans in Michigan and that at no point do we require the approval of Enzo Ferrari or Ferdinand Piech to make that happen.

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It's the way the SRT guys set the "Nurburgring record" by using cars that were already in dealership inventory. It's the way that you could buy a Viper ACR-X and race heads-up against Ralph Gilles and have a good chance of beating him. It's the "1 of 1" program and all the wonderfully tacky ideas people have to make absolutely tasteless and trashy-looking Vipers that they earned the right to buy with the sweat of their own brows. And if you don't like it, friend, then I suggest you go to the Ferrari dealer and humbly petition to be permitted to buy a used 430 Scuderia at MSRP-plus.

Photo credit: Dodge

The Viper is the Harley-Davidson Ultra Glide of automobiles: unashamedly gauche, brilliantly satisfying, absolutely fit for purpose. Yes, the Corvette is a great car, and it's made in America, but from the very moment the first one appeared in 1953, there was always a sort of Euro-longing about it. Only the ridiculous Coke-bottle Vettes of the late Seventies ever really managed to wave two fingers in the direction of our Continental betters. The rest of the time the Corvette has been deliberately aimed at Porsche and Ferrari and BMW.

Not so with the Viper. It's aimed at ... something else. Consider the fact that you can buy the ACR package and the full Laguna luxury package, all in one car. Porsche wouldn't let you do that, wouldn't let you have a GT3RS with puffy leather seats and the big sound system and all the useless trimmings, because Porsche knows what you need better than you do, and you should listen to Porsche when they tell you what to buy. The Dodge guys, on the other hand, will let you mix and match. Why not? So what if you make a bright-pink ACR with steel brakes and heated seats? What's it matter? This is America! You paid for the car, you should get what you want!

Don't worry about the hype: You don't need to be a pro racer to drive a Viper on track, and you don't need a titanium spine to drive it off-track. These final-generation cars are surprisingly pleasant to operate. Owning one isn't a test of masculinity. The decision to buy one, on the other hand-well, to go out and buy the last stick-shift, non-turbo, ten-cylinder, big-wing, hot-cockpit, snake-shaped car on sale in the world today, that's a pretty manly thing to do. Which is why most Viper owners are men. But there are female Viper buyers, too. God bless those ladies. Please write me care of this website.

Photo credit: Dodge

So even if the sun is about to set on this splendid automobile, even if the tide of egg-shaped CUVs rolling out of FCA's union-approved factories exceeds in one hour the number of Vipers built for all time, even if every "supercar" you'll ever be able to buy from now on does everything from your differential adjustments to your laser cruise control for you, at least I can rest easy knowing that some of you will still pull the trigger before it's too late. As long as there are still Vipers in private garages somewhere out there, there is still hope for the renaissance of the truly American automobile. Don't let the Canadians who wrote "Red Barchetta" fool you: The last automobile to flee an "alloy aircar" at full throttle won't be a Ferrari.

It will be a Viper.

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When President Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, the power of the United States was unprecedented. It had come out of World War II as the wealthiest and strongest nation in the world. It was the only major state to emerge from the war vastly richer rather than much poorer, and its standard of living was higher than that of any other country. Its per capita gross domestic product exceeded that of any other nation. Its manufacturing production accounted for more than half of the global total, and it was responsible for a third of the worlds production of goods. On top of this, the United States possessed an exceptional military arsenal. Its navy was unrivaled, its air power was unsurpassed, and, at the time, it alone possessed the atomic bomb  a weapon whose awesome power had just devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The world had never seen economic and strategic power on this scale.

In Trumps formative years, however, Americans were forced to come to terms with the fact that Americas power, though considerable, had its limits. Many Americans look back on the 1950s as a golden time in U.S. history, an era when the nation was secure, self-confident, and supreme in its global hegemony. Yet as Harry S. Truman prepared to leave the White House in 1952, the United States was mired in the Korean War and Americans were angry at their government, alarmed by their nations military performance and anxious about the countrys position in the world. Despite possessing unparalleled power and prosperity, the United States was struggling to secure victory on the Korean peninsula and the Truman administration was being accused of having lost China, after Mao Zedong established a Communist regime in 1949.

Writing in the lead-up to the 1952 presidential election, the British historian D.W. Brogan summed up the prevailing American attitude. Across the United States, Brogan observed widespread disbelief that there were areas of the world where Americas power did not extend. For Brogan, this illusion of omnipotence was encapsulated by a common American attitude to the Chinese Revolution. Rather than recognizing this as an event of immense historical importance that the United States could not control  occurring as it did 6,000 miles away in a country containing a fifth of the global population  American setbacks in Asia were simply blamed on the incompetence of its elected and non-elected officials. As Brogan noted, many Americans held to the illusion that any situation which distresses or endangers the United States only exists because some Americans have been fools or knaves.

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Trump was a child of the 1950s and, just as his domestic agenda is a nod to that eras vision of the American Dream, his worldview reflects the mentality that Brogan identified. This attitude maintains that if the world is moving in ways that are disagreeable and dangerous to the United States, then this can only be explained by the incompetence of American officials.

For Trump, almost every international problem that has beset the United States is explained by the idiocy of its leaders. For decades, he has claimed that Americas politicians are being duped by the rest of the world. In his 1987 open letter to the American people, when Trump bullishly inserted himself into national politics for the first time, Trump declared that the world is laughing at Americas politicians. The same day that letter appeared, he told Larry King in a CNN interview that other countries laugh at us behind our backs, they laugh at us because of our stupidity and [that of our] leaders. He has been repeating that refrain ever since.

Convinced that the United States is losing out in international trade, Trump declares: Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people, but we have people that are stupid. We have people that arent smart. In its alliances, Trump says, the United States is defending wealthy nations for nothing, nations that would be wiped off the face of the earth in about 15 minutes if it werent for us, while they laugh at our stupidity. In Americas immigration policy, Mexico is laughing at us, at our stupidity. On the environment, while China and other countries, they just burn whatever the hell is available, the United States adhered to international regulations because our leaders are stupid, they are stupid people. When oil prices rose in the 1980s and 1990s, Trump suggested that the cartel kept the price up, because, again, they were smarter than our leaders. And the fact that the United States did not reimburse itself and its allies by taking Iraqs oil before its withdrawal in 2011 is because our politicians are so stupid that theyve never even thought of it. For decades, under Republican and Democratic administrations, Trump has blamed virtually every international development that has negatively affected the United States on the foolishness of Americas leaders.

Trumps litany of charges constitutes a decisive challenge to the bipartisan consensus that has underpinned U.S. foreign policy since the early years of the Cold War. Central to Trumps indictment is his antipathy to Americas alliance commitments in Europe and East Asia, which he argues do little to aid American security and prosperity, while allowing its so-called friends to take advantage of it on trade and exploit its strategic protection.

Many of these security commitments were made in the decade after World War II. And some of the most vociferous Republican critics of Trumans policies in China and Korea in the early 1950s, such as Sen. Robert Taft, were also suspicious of the alliance arrangements that the United States was then embarking on in Europe and Asia.

No figure in the debates of the early 1950s is directly analogous to Trump. That was a very different era. Trump does not share the fears of Trumans opponents, who were attempting to balance Cold War concerns about Soviet Russia and the spread of Communism against their anxiety about growing state power at home and expensive overseas commitments. Nor, as the Brookings Institution scholar Thomas Wright has pointed out, did the most prominent figures, like Taft, share Trumps mercantilist economic policies or his affinity for authoritarian leaders.

Like Trumans critics, however, Trump scorns Americas alliances and favors a more unilateral, nationalist approach to foreign policy. And like those Americans who displayed, in Brogans words, a curious absence of historical awe about the Chinese Revolution, Trump has shown a remarkable lack of curiosity about the myriad conflicts that have engulfed the Middle East, which taken together constitute a civil war within the worlds second-largest religion, but which he sees merely through the prism of U.S. foreign and domestic policy.

Above all, like the many Americans who were frustrated in the 1950s that no clear triumph had occurred in Korea, Trump has consistently complained that we dont win anymore. One example among many was Trumps declaration when announcing his campaign for presidency in 2015 that we dont have victories anymore. We used to have victories, but [now] we dont have them. Trumps reason for this is similar to that espoused by Trumans critics  the ineptitude of Americas leaders.

Trumps message resonated with voters because, ever since the Korean War, many Americans have shared his bewilderment and outrage that Americas overwhelming military and economic power has not translated into decisive victories. The clearest example was the war in Vietnam where, despite a half million American ground troops, technological superiority, and success in conventional battles, the United States was forced into an ignominious withdrawal. Even when the United States has crushed an adversary, such as in the first Gulf War, a decisive victory has proved elusive. Indeed, large numbers of U.S. troops have been stationed in the Middle East ever since. And since 9/11, the United States has been engaged in a war on terror that has involved seemingly interminable military engagement overseas. For Trump, who told Rona Barrett in a 1980 NBC interview that he looks at life as combat, endless struggle with no clear victory is intolerable.

In Trumps view, for the United States to become a winner again and reassert its greatness, all that is required is effective leadership. As he remarked to Barrett more than 30 years ago, I feel that this country with the proper leadership can go on to become what it once was, and I hope, and certainly hope, that it does go on to be what it should be. In 1987 Trump took out a full advertisement in three major newspapers to present these views. As the headline accompanying it proclaimed: Theres nothing wrong with Americas Foreign Defense Policy that a little backbone cant cure.

The international situation and the global balance of power is not the same as it was in the years immediately after World War II. While the United States remains the strongest and most prosperous country in the world, its relative power has declined. America is now responsible for less than a fifth of global industrial production, and China has surpassed it as the worlds largest trading nation. Trump is acutely aware of this shift. Since the 1980s, he has constantly claimed that the United States has become a second-rate economic power. Nor does Trump believe that Americas liberal and democratic values can or necessarily should be promoted around the world. Yet Trump has persisted in his belief that Americas power should be decisive whenever and wherever it decides to apply it. And if the imposition of American power is resisted or overcome then this can only be explained because of stupidity on the part of American leaders.

Trump is a believer in the power of human agency to bring about fundamental change, particularly when that agent is Trump himself. As he put it in a 1990 interview with Playboy: People need ego, whole nations need ego. I think our country needs more ego, because it is being ripped off so badly by our so-called allies. And, after many years of flirting with the presidency, in 2015 Trump declared: Our country needs a truly great leader, and we need a truly great leader now. We need a leader that wrote The Art of the Deal. He had clearly decided, as he put it at the 2016 Republican National Convention when accepting the partys nomination for president, I alone can fix it.

Trump certainly portrays himself as a showman. But during the past three decades, he has also been laying out in interviews, articles, books, and tweets what amounts to a foreign-policy philosophy. For most of that period, he has been roundly mocked by pundits and politicians, and his ideas widely dismissed. His critics have failed to engage seriously with his worldview, to their own detriment.

Trump represents a nationalist critique of American liberal internationalism that might have been dormant in policy circles since the 1950s but which has never really gone away. It has always retained considerable purchase on the public mind. The irony is that while some leftist critics have claimed that U.S. foreign policy is too focused on advancing American economic interests, others on the right have complained that it does not put those interests first and that Americas overseas interventions have not done enough to materially benefit the United States.

In fact, as the historian John Thompson has recently shown, there is some truth to the critique that the multilateral trading system and liberal political order established by the United States in the 1940s has not been geared primarily toward advancing Americas economic interests, narrowly defined, or to a limited conception of national security. But thats because what has undergirded Americas global role since World War II is the belief that the nations unprecedented power brought with it the responsibility and opportunity to fashion an international order that advanced a broader conception of Americas national interest, security, and prosperity. That order, based on the rule of law and economic openness, was designed to ensure that international trade flourishes and that the United States was not embroiled in a large-scale regional interstate conflict, such as what occurred in World War I and World War II.

International political stability depends on American leadership; it is underpinned by Washingtons alliances with more than 60 countries across the globe and American military bases in 65 countries, helping to deter would-be aggressors. It is an order that certainly aids Americas allies, but it is one that also benefits the United States immeasurably by ensuring that the world is more stable, orderly, and prosperous.

For the United States to continue playing that global role, however, American internationalists, like their predecessors in the 1950s, will have to convince the public that its retreating from international commitments, not maintaining them, that would be foolish. In the meantime, after decades of lambasting Americas leaders as the real fools, Trump will be trying to prove that he can do a better job.

This is adapted from Donald Trump: The Making of a Worldview, co-written with professor Brendan Simms of the University of Cambridge and published by Endeavour Press. It is available now as an ebook and in paperback on Amazon.

Credit: Donald J. Trump Facebook page/Getty Images/Foreign Policy illustration
President Donald Trump's relationship with Russia made headlines again Thursday night after the Washington Post exclusively reported that National security adviser Michael Flynn went over U.S. sanctions against the Kremlin with Moscow's ambassador to Washington just weeks before Trump took office. The report came after months of critics slamming Trump's seemingly cozy relationship with the Kremlin.

It's unclear if Flynn promised Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak that the Trump administration would end sanctions imposed by the Obama administration in late December after intelligence officials said Moscow hacked Democratic officials during the 2016 election to help Trump win. Flynn repeatedly said this week that he did not discuss the sanctions with Kislyak. But his spokesman said Thursday that Flynn indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

Kislyak, for his part, has said he enjoyed unchecked communication with Flynn via text message, by phone and in person. Its something all diplomats do, he said.

Former officials in the Obama administration, however, expressed concern about the communications. Kislyak was left with the impression that the sanctions would be revisited at a later time, an unnamed former official told the Washington Post.

Flynn has other ties to Russia. He was once photographed sitting next to Putin at a lavish party in Moscow. He also visited Moscow in 2013 while serving as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Vice President Mike Pence has denied that Flynn discussed the sanctions with Russia before entering the White House. "General Flynn has been in touch with diplomatic leaders, security leaders in some 30 countries. Thats exactly what the incoming national security advisor should do, Pence told CBS anchor John Dickerson in January. But what I can confirm, having spoken to him about it, is that those conversations that happened to occur around the time that the United States took action to expel diplomats had nothing whatsoever to do with those sanctions.

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Trump defended Vladimir Putin this week after a Fox News reporter called the Russian president "a killer." Trump answered: There are a lot of killers. What, you think our countrys so innocent?

"For an American president to suggest that his own country is as murderous as Russia is unprecedented, wrong and a gift to Moscows propagandists. And for Mr. Trump to think that Mr. Putin has much to offer America is a miscalculation not just of Russian power and interests, but also of the value of what America might have to give up in return," the Economist wrote Thursday. "Russian hacking may have helped Mr Trump at the polls, but that does not mean he can trust Mr Putin. The Kremlins interests and Americas are worlds apart."

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U.S. President Donald Trump has assured Chinese President Xi Jinping in a phone call that he will uphold the one China policy, according to a White House statement on Thursday evening, in a move likely to ease diplomatic friction between the worlds two largest economies.

According to the statement, Trump used the first direct contact with his Chinese counterpart to say the U.S. will abide by the 1992 Consensus agreed by Beijing and Taipei that declares Taiwan and China to be part of the same nation, even if both sides disagree as to that nations sovereign power.

The consensus has been the bedrock of warming relations between these old adversaries, which effectively split in 1949, when routed Nationalists fled across the Taiwan Strait following the communist victory in Chinas civil war. Since then, Taiwan has become a self-ruled island, but Beijing continues to regard it as a renegade province, to be retaken by force is necessary.

Trumps acceptance of a phone call in December from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen  breaking almost four decades of no direct contact between U.S. and Taiwanese leaders  threatened to send Sino-U.S. relations into a tailspin. So did his repeated statements that U.S. recognition of one China was up for negotiation.

The breakdown in relations that such a stance would have inevitably caused appear to have been averted by Thursday evenings phone call  even if Trump had chosen to speak to 18 different world leaders before picking up the phone with Xi.

In response to the call, the Chinese President said his nation would work with the United States to enhance communication and cooperation so that bilateral ties can advance in a sound and stable manner and yield more fruits to benefit the two peoples and people of all countries in the world, according to the Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece Global Times newspaper.

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The call came after Trump neglected to send a goodwill message to China on the first day of the Lunar New Year holiday, as has been the norm for recent U.S. Presidents. However, on Wednesday Trump did send Xi a letter that wished the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and prosperous Year of the Rooster, and expressed his desire to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China.

Professor Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Beijings Renmin University, says Trumps letter and phone call mean Sino-U.S. cooperation is moving forward after a difficult start. That is very important as both China and the U.S face so many challenges, and many are similar, like commerce, and we should be working on those together, he tells TIME.

Still, many other issues of friction exist between the superpowers, including Beijings aggrandizement in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, how to rein in rogue state North Korea and combating climate change. Trump also pledged to label China a currency manipulator during his presidential campaign and to impose 45% tariffs on Chinese exports, threatening to spark a trade war.

Trumps trade team is stacked with China hawks, and his defense chief James Mattis said earlier this week that the U.S. would come to Japans aid in the event of a military confrontation over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, which are also claimed by Beijing. On Tuesday, a report by a panel of top China experts warned that this key bilateral relationship stands at a precarious crossroads.

On Friday, U.S. Pacific Command spokesman Robert Shuford revealed a U.S. Navy P-3C plane and Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft had an unsafe interaction in international airspace two days earlier. Chinese officials have yet to comment on the incident.

It remains to be seen whether Thursdays call has permanently lowered the temperature of bilateral relations. The White House statement described the conversation as extremely cordial and said that the two leaders extended invitations to meet in their respective countries.

That would be the next stage of rapprochement, and it is likely no accident that the Xi-Trump call came on the eve of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes visit to the White House. Abe is expected to dine with the U.S. President four times and fly on Air Force One to Trumps resort in Florida, where the two leaders will enjoy a weekend of golf. Such extravagant courting of Chinas historic rival while relations with Beijing were on ice would have further infuriated the Chinese leadership.

That leadership is treating Thursdays phone call with the utmost delicacy. Reader comments on state news reports of the conversation were suspended at the time of publication, presumably as officials attempt to head off any negative reaction. Trumps open baiting of China had not gone down well with the jingoistic Chinese public.

Trump finally confirmed the one China policy, he has finally woken up, posted one user on Chinas Twitter-like microblog Weibo on Friday. He is a businessman who lacks a politicians qualities, but as a businessman he is still cunning. China must always stay alert.

With reporting by Yang Siqi / Sanya
Donald Trump has backed down over his confrontational stance towards Beijing, committing to the One China policy in his first phone call with Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, since taking office.

In a move that is certain to ease tensions between the United States and China, the US president agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our one China policy, the White House said in a statement.

The lengthy telephone conversation on Thursday evening was extremely cordial and the two leaders extended invitations to meet in their respective countries, the statement added.

Mr Xi told Mr Trump that he appreciated the president's reaffirmation of the policy, China's state news agency Xinhua reported.

Mr Trump angered Beijing by accepting a congratulatory call from the President of Taiwan in December, breaking decades of diplomatic protocol.

He has since suggested there could be a renegotiation of the One China policy, in which the US recognises there is one China and Taiwan is part of that. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province, which will be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.

At a glance | The One China policy

Observers had questioned Mr Trumps apparent willingness to use the Taiwan issue as a bargaining chip with China, and they believe his decision to back down over the issue is the correct one.

Paul Haenle, director of the Carnegie-Tsinghua Centre for Global Policy in Beijing, said: Trump played with the notion of using this arrangement as leverage, but I think he ultimately came to the right conclusion that this is not where the US Administration can get leverage.

The One China Policy is not a card on the bargaining table  it is the table itself.

Taiwan is also a vital US partner and thriving democracy of 23 million people. Its future is not ours to bargain away, Mr Haenle, who served on the National Security Council under Mr Bush and Barack Obama, told The Telegraph.

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Bonnie Glaser, senior advisor for Asia at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said: The US-China relationship has been on hold as Beijing waited for Trump to make this statement.

Now the two countries can get down to business and discuss how to manage their differences on a wide range of issues, she told The Telegraph.

The phone call comes ahead of a visit to Washington on Friday by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, Chinas Asian rival.

US-China Relations | What US presidents have said on Taiwan

It emerged as speculation mounted over a serious rift between Beijing and Washington over Mr Trumps Taiwan policy.

The leaders of the worlds two biggest economies and most powerful militaries had not spoken since a phonecall on November 14.

Mr Trump has spoken on the phone with about 20 world leaders since he became president on January 20.

The New York Times said Mr Xi had been stung by Mr Trumps stance on Taiwan, and was refusing to receive his call.

Administration officials say they believe he will only do so after Mr. Trump publicly commits to recognizing a single Chinese government in Beijing, it said.

Interesting how the U.S. sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 3, 2016

Mr Trump had been unapologetic over the phone call with the Taiwanese leader in December.

Despite China lodging a protest, Mr Trump tweeted afterwards: "The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!

"Interesting how the US sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call."

He has also accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, said Beijing was doing too little to pressure North Korea, and criticised China's military buildup in the South China Sea.

China has been taking out massive amounts of money & wealth from the U.S. in totally one-sided trade, but won't help with North Korea. Nice!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2017

Tensions have been high over the maritime dispute.

In the latest development, a US Navy P-3 plane and a Chinese military aircraft came close to each other over the South China Sea in an incident the Navy believes was inadvertent, a US official told Reuters on Thursday.

The official said the aircraft came within 1,000 feet of each other on Wednesday in the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal, between the Philippines and the Chinese mainland.

South China Sea - Competing claims in the Pacific Profile | Xi Jinping
United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke over the phone and the former reassured Xi that the U.S. is committed to honoring the "One China" policy, according to a White House press release late Thursday night.

"President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'one China' policy. Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest. ... They also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries. President Trump and President Xi look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes," the statement reportedly said while describing the call as cordial.

The release comes in the light of a recent report from the New York Times, which claimed that the White House omitted the fact that Trump had to send Xi a letter because the latter would not accept the presidents call. The report said that Xi was upset over Trumps phone call on Nov. 14 with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen following his election victory, and added that was the last date on which the two spoke over phone.

To help mitigate souring relations, Michael T. Flynn, Trumps national security adviser, reportedly spoke to Chinas top foreign policy official, Yang Jiechi, last Friday where they decided on a vague pledge to reinforce high-level exchanges.

Flynn and his deputy, K.T. McFarland, then personally delivered Trumps letter to Chinas ambassador to the U.S., Cui Tiankai. In the letter to the Chinese president, Trump said he was looking forward to working with Xi to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China." Trump also thanked Xi for a congratulatory note on his inauguration, besides wishing the Chinese people Year of the Rooster and a happy Lantern Festival, a statement by White House spokesman Sean Spicer reportedly said.

It wasn't immediately clear if Trump, who had publicly questioned the "One China" policy and argued to use Taiwan as a bargaining chip to negotiate with China over trade and other issues, was counseled to reconsider his stance by his secretary of state. Rex W. Tillerson had pledged to uphold the "One China" policy. However, what is known is that Trump has antagonized China on several other occasions, through and after his campaign trail.

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Trump accused China of being a currency manipulator that has been siphoning off American manufacturing jobs, and threatened to impose a 12 percent import tax on Chinese goods if they dont fall in line.

Trump has also condemned China several times for not doing enough to stymie North Koreas nuclear and missile efforts. Earlier this year, when North Korea declared its plans to test an intercontinental ballistic missile, Trump tweeted: "China has been taking out massive amounts of money & wealth from the U.S. in totally one-sided trade, but won't help with North Korea. Nice!"

And, in a December interview with Fox, Trump said: Were being hurt very badly by China with devaluation; with taxing us heavy at the borders when we dont tax them; with building a massive fortress in the middle of the South China Sea, which they shouldnt be doing; and, frankly, with not helping us at all with North Korea.

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Defiant: Donald Trump has vowed to take his battle to the highest US court: REUTERS

Donald Trump has lost a court battle to reinstate his controversial ban on travellers from seven mainly Muslim countries.

The San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals said it would not block a lower-court ruling that halted the executive order.

Mr Trump responded with a furious tweet, stating: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

The unanimous ruling means previously barred travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen can continue to enter the US with visas.

It also means refugees are no longer the subject of a temporary ban.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

Mass protests were held at airports across the US and in cities all over the world in the wake of the president's so-called Muslim ban, with thousands marching through the streets of central London.

The appeal court's panel of three judges said the argument that the ban targets Muslims raised "serious allegations" and presented "significant constitutional questions.

The judges agreed the administration presented no evidence that any foreigner from the seven countries was responsible for a terrorist attack in the US.

They also said the administration failed to show that the order met constitutional requirements to provide notice or a hearing before restricting travel.

However, the battle is likely to end up at the nation's highest court, the US Supreme Court.

Two of Mr Trumps top White House aides insisted last night the ruling was not a major setback and said they were confident the decision would eventually be overturned.

The presidents press secretary Sean Spicer and his outspoken adviser Kellyanne Conway played down the significance of the ruling.

Mr Spicer labelled it a political decision and claimed the administration would win an appeal in my opinion, very easily.

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This ruling does not affect the merits at all, added Ms Conway, the presidents former campaign manager.

It is an interim ruling, and we are fully confident now that we will get our day in court, and have the opportunity to argue on the merits, that we will prevail.

However, Mr Trumps beaten opponent in the election race, Hillary Clinton, was quick to celebrate the court ruling.

She issued a tweet reading simply 3-0 - a reference to the unanimous vote by the three-judge appeals court panel.

Several experts claimed the administration would struggle to win the case if they take it to the US Supreme Court.

John Yoo, a law professor at UC Berkeley who worked for President George W. Bushs administration, told the Los Angeles Times the inclusion of green-card holders in the travel ban meant it was unlikely to succeed.

Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, added: "This is probably going to the Supreme Court, but I don't think it's going anywhere good for Donald Trump  even if the Supreme Court rules along party lines and is deadlocked, because the lower court's decision would stand."
The American heiress who murdered her wealthy mother during a 2014 vacation in Bali has confessed to the heinous crime.

Read: Anna Nicole Smith's Sisters Still Haunted by Her Death 10 Years Later

I don't regret killing my mother, and as evil as that may sound, that's my reality, she said in a shocking YouTube video posted on February 2.

Heather Mack, 21, says she beat her mom to death and stuffed her body in a suitcase.

When I was 10, my mother killed my father in a hotel in Athens, Greece, she claimed. I made it up in my heart in my mind, my soul, in my blood, in the oxygen running through my body that I wanted to kill my mother.

Her stunning confession raises questions about whether she is making up the story to justify her crime.

Family friend Elliot Jacobson told Inside Edition that the young womans claims are nonsense.

"It's the kind of statement that doesn't even warrant a response, it's such an absurdity," he said.

Jacobson showed Inside Edition the death certificate for Heather's father, James Mack. It gives the cause of death as pulmonary embolism  a blood clot in the lungs.

He believes she is lying about the death of her father because Heather was never easy to figure out."

He added: "I just think she's unhinged. I also think in this video she's under some kind of opiate heroin or cocaine.

Heather also claims in the video confession that she tricked her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, into taking part in her mom's murder. He's now serving an 18-year prison sentence.

Read: Mother of Woman Badly Burned by Boyfriend Speaks Out About Grisly Crime: 'I Knew He Wanted to Kill Her'

I regret trapping an innocent person into this because it was my battle, my mother, it was my father, she said.

Heather was pregnant when she committed the murder. She gave birth to a daughter, Stella, and has been raising her in prison.

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Heather later told authorities her video was coerced.

Watch: Jogger's Mom Yells at Suspected Killer in Court as His Dad Insists He's Not a Murderer

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Kinshasa (AFP) - Former Congolese warlord Germain Katanga, a convicted war criminal, was back before a top military court in his home country Friday as his trial on fresh charges of war crimes and insurrection resumed.

Katanga, 38, was sentenced to 12 years in jail by The Hague-based International Criminal Court three years ago for a 2003 attack on a village in the mineral-rich Ituri province, which left 200 people dead.

He finished serving a reduced sentence in January 2016 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

But he remained behind bars as Kinshasa readied to try him for "other crimes" committed in Ituri, near the Ugandan border.

Katanga appeared in court Friday along with six co-accused, wanted for "war crimes, crimes against humanity and participation in an insurrectional movement" in Ituri, where some 60,000 people died in fighting between 1999 and 2007.

The trial, which began in February last year, was interrupted soon after his lawyers argued that Katanga's prosecution could not proceed under the ICC's founding Rome Statute.

The statute says a sentenced person cannot be prosecuted in a country where he is serving his sentence without the ICC's approval.

The ICC gave the green light in April of that year, however the trial was postponed again two months later to allow Katanga's team to shore up its defence.

At the time, one of the accused had also testified that "there was nothing insurrectional" about their rebel group and that instead it "was working with the government to defend national territorial integrity" against militias supported by neighbouring countries.

For the first time since the trial began, families of the victims have been allowed to take part in the court proceedings.

The next public hearing has been scheduled for eight days.

A former member of the armed fighters of the Patriotic Resistance Forces in Ituri (FRPI), Katanga has offered his apologies to the victims, insisting he had turned his back on the militias which still wreak havoc in parts of the DR Congo.

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Arrested in 2005 and then transferred to The Hague in 2007, Katanga was convicted of supplying weapons to his militia in the attack on the village of Bogoro where 200 people were shot or hacked to death with machetes.

He was acquitted of enforcing sexual slavery and using child soldiers.

Several senior officers in President Joseph Kabila's government, some of them former rebels integrated into the army, have been convicted of war crimes by Congolese courts.
Liquidity crunch in BFIs will ease soon

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara has expressed concern over the acute liquidity shortage being faced by banks and financial institutions (BFIs).
By Ehab Farouk and Abdel Rahman Adel ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (Reuters) - Egypt's Alexandria Mineral Oils Co (AMOC) plans a secondary offering of 10-20 percent of its shares on the Cairo stock market and will also issue 10 percent as global depositary receipts in London, its chairman said. The oil company first floated on the Cairo exchange in 2005 and around 20 percent of its shares are currently listed there. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's office said in January that Egypt plans to list shares in state-owned banks and other companies on the stock market as part of moves aimed at jump-starting investment and boosting the economy. AMOC's Chairman Amr Mostafa said the board would decide next week exactly how much of the company would be listed. "I think AMOC will be the first company listed as part of the government listings programme. The listing will come out of the principal shareholder's share or from more than one shareholder's shares," Mostafa said during an interview in his office in Alexandria this week. AMOC's biggest shareholder is state-run Alexandria Petroleum Co. with a 20 percent stake. Two other state oil companies each own 3.6 percent stakes and various banks and investment funds own 52 percent of the company. Mostafa said he expects the share issues would be in the first half of 2017 and that the issue price would be the average stock price for the six months preceding the listing. He also said that the company plans to make dividend payments of no less than 7-8 Egyptian pounds per share from 2016/17 profits, up from 5.5 pounds in 2015/16. AMOC produces essential mineral oils, paraffin wax and its derivatives, naphtha and butane, and distributes and markets them in Egypt and abroad. On Jan. 22 it announced a first-half net profit of 545.8 million Egyptian pounds ($30 million) up from 157 million a year earlier and Mostafa said he expected a similar profit in the second half. The company is moving into oil refining and will start operations at its Midor refinery next month. "We agreed with the (state-owned) Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation that we would start refining crude next month in Midor. We will start with around 350,000 barrels per month and the Corporation will buy the crude for us and we will sell the products back to them," he said. Mostafa said AMOC expects to make $2 per barrel and that it aims to make refining crude oil contribute around 12 percent of its annual profits. Al-Ahly Capital, the investment banking arm of Egypt's largest state-owned bank the National Bank of Egypt, will be responsible for promoting the London GDR issue. ($1 = 17.9500 Egyptian pounds) ($1 = 17.6000 Egyptian pounds) (Writing by Ahmed Aboulenein; Editing by Susan Fenton)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP)  Testimony at a U.S. Coast Guard investigative hearing revealed that a cargo ship that sank after losing propulsion in a hurricane could have suffered a catastrophic boiler explosion.

Lou O'Donnell, assistant chief surveyor with the American Bureau of Shipping, told the panel on Friday that the cargo ship's hot boiler could have exploded if it was exposed to cold water entering the sinking ship.

The El Faro sank on Oct. 1, 2015, while traveling between Jacksonville, Florida, and Puerto Rico. All 33 aboard died.

Coast Guard Capt. Jason Neubauer said images of the ship's wreckage 15,000-feet-deep in the Atlantic show evidence of damage that could possibly be from an explosion.

O'Donnell said he had reviewed the photos, but could not say for sure if an explosion had occurred.
A Texas elementary school teacher believes in the power of starting the day off right. Thats why she greets her students every morning while donning a silly costume.

Read: Elementary School Teacher Shares a Unique Secret Handshake With Each of His Students

Bransom Elementary School teacher Cindy Matthews, of Burleson, stands outside the school every morning for about an hour.

Instead of saying a traditional hello as students start to filter in for class, the 56-year-old teacher's assistant for special needs students wears a silly costume, and greets students with a song and a dance.

Its a lot of fun, the kids love it, she told InsideEdition.com. They get energized.

She explained it all started two years ago, on a rainy day.

I put some floaties on, an inner tube and some rain boots, just went outside and the kids just thought I was crazy, Matthews joked. It was fun, it made the morning go faster, and I didnt have to just stand there and wave, Good morning, how are you?

From that day on, Matthews did a different costume every morning, inspired by upcoming holidays or a school event.

For Christmas, its the Santa hat with the Mickey ears and the Mickey gloves, she explained. Right now, its Valentines, so I have the springy ears [] and the boa.

She then started adding jumping jacks, high fives and a skip to her routine, according to video shot by students from Centennial TV-Film, Connor Williams and Josh Mayer, and teacher Marc Miner.

"Some are too cool to give me five," Matthews said. Some dont even bother to acknowledge me at all, but then I run after them  I dont scare them but I run after them  and then I do get a smile eventually. Those are mostly boys."

Read: This Cancer Sufferer Wore Something New on Her Head Every Day to Raise Awareness

Matthews, who has been teaching at the school for five years, said she can see the difference her positive attitude makes on the students.

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You could either go in the school and be all humdrum, with no pep, or you can just be happy, and the kids read your body movement, she said. These children know  if youre happy, then theyre going to have a great outlook on everything. I get them excited.

Watch: Coach Gives Each Player a Different Handshake Before Game: 'It Gets Them Hyped'

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London (AFP) - Phallic furniture, graphic ancient Roman sculptures and hardcore photographs are among the new exhibits on show at London's Sotheby's auction house ahead of a sale of sexually-charged art through the ages.

"Erotica: Passion & Desire", which opens on Saturday ahead of the sale next week, brings together over 150 titillating items to explore the varied attitudes to nudity and sex across eras and continents.

"A lot of it is depictions of the human form, some of it more graphic than others. What we see is a subject that has repeated itself throughout history," Sotheby's head of sale Constantine Frangos told AFP.

The sale is expected to raise up A5 million (5.9 million euros, $6.2 million), with a 19th-century mahogany bed decorated with a carved female nude expected to be the standout item.

"Le Lit de La Paiva" was commissioned by the richest 'demimondaine' -- or hedonist -- of Second Empire Paris, and unearthed at the famous 19th-century brothel "La Fleur Blanche", where artist Toulouse-Lautrec set up easel.

Other prestigious lots include one of only four known examples of Roman marbles depicting human couples engaged in the act, photographs by Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe and Man Ray and centuries-old Japanese and Indian erotic drawings.

"In certain cultures and different countries you had certain things that were taboo and other countries that were more liberal," explained Frangos.

"What we've seen is a huge appreciation of the human form and erotica."

Among the pieces of furniture on display is an ornate coffee table that would likely raise an eyebrow in polite society, decorated with intimate body parts, its "legs" formed from male members.

The piece was inspired by a similar piece found in the collection of Russian empress Catherine the Great.
President Donald Trumps White House counselor Kellyanne Conway is under the scanner once again after she publicly promoted Ivanka Trumps clothing line. Some members of the House Oversight Committee urged the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Thursday to recommend disciplinary action against her.

Go buy Ivanka's stuff...Im going to go get some myself today, Conway told Fox News in an interview. Im going to give a free commercial here: Go buy it today, everybody.

The bipartisan letter by Republican Jason Chaffetz and ranking democrat Elijah Cummings, addressed to OGE Director Walter Shaub Jr., said the comments by the counselor violate the ethical principles for federal employees and are unacceptable.

They wrote that Conways statement could be taken as an explicit endorsement and advertisement of Ivanka Trumps personal business activities.

Chaffetz and Cummings called on Shaub to use the power vested in him to recommend to the head of the officers or employees agency that appropriate disciplinary action (reprimand, suspension, demotion, or dismissal) be brought against the officer or employee, especially since it was a case representing an inherent conflict of interest for President Trump, whose daughters line was being promoted.

The OGE did not respond to a request for comment by Reuters.

During a press briefing Thursday, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked whether Conway had crossed an ethical line, to which he responded: She has been counseled on that subject, and that's it.

No further details were provided.

Trump also face flak Wednesday for using his position to attack the department store chain Nordstrom after it dropped his daughters clothing line following massive protests. The company, however, has maintained that the brand was dropped because of its poor performance.

To avoid such complications, Ivanka had said she would step away from her company after Trump took office.

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I would not pretend we do not have different views on some issues.

So said Federica Mogherini, the European Unions high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, on the difference between the EU and U.S. President Donald Trumps administration on Friday. Her remarks came at an event on Friday, a day after meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, several members of Congress, National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, and presidential senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

There has been much speculation as to how the European Union would deal with U.S. President Donald Trumps administration  indeed, European Council President Donald Tusk identified it as a threat to the EU.

But if Tusks reaction to Trump was to issue a warning to European leaders, Mogherini tried to take a more positive approach, attempting to shape priorities with the new administration while its still early enough to do so  even if its in more of a transactional way.

Policies in Washington are still in the making, Mogherini said, speaking at the Atlantic Council, a think tank in Washington. She noted it is the EUs policy to work with the United States at these early stages on issues where there is common ground  for example, in the fight against terrorism in the Middle East and Africa, on the issue of Syria, and on the fighting in eastern Ukraine. She added she was glad to hear that those with whom she met are committed to making sure all parties are fulfilling their commitments to the nuclear deal with Iran.

But common ground with which to work may be hard to find if Trumps administration doesnt see the EU as worth working with. In a move reminiscent of Canadas foreign minister on Wednesday, Mogherini said she is prepared to remind Americas administration why it needs the EU if need be. She noted, for example, that 80 percent of foreign investment in the United States comes from the EU, which created American jobs across the country. And the EU is working to get more out of its defense and security through new investments and coordination individual European countries couldnt do on their own.

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And this brought Mogherini to the point on which she is most forceful. The state of our union, she said, is strong and good. She noted that the EU would stay united in keeping sanctions on Russia until the Minsk agreement was implemented (Those who have bet on Europeans to divide ourselves have been wrong), on holding together during and after elections in the Netherlands, Germany, and France this year, and in the wake of Brexit (I do not see others following).

And, when asked what her best and worst case scenarios for working with the Trump administration are, Mogherini replied, I only have one case: no interference in the strength of the union (Trump, after all, was cheering for Brexit). There is plenty at home with which the administration could occupy itself, she said. Maybe free time to dedicate to European politics is not that much.

Still, there is at least one issue on which Mogherini and Trump see eye to eye.

I also tweet, she said, adding, I also do it myself.

Photo credit: Leon Neal-Pool/Getty Images
Paris (AFP) - Walt Disney is planning to take full ownership of its Disneyland Paris subsidiary in a bid to turn around its flagging fortunes, the company said Friday.

The announcement came as Euro Disney, which operates Disneyland Paris, said visitor numbers were up in the first quarter, despite the state of emergency that has been in place in France for over a year.

Initially, Walt Disney would increase its stake in the theme park to 85.7 percent by buying shares currently held by the billionaire Saudi prince Al-Walid ben Talal.

After that it would launch a public offering to acquire the remainder of Euro Disney's shares, it said.

Walt Disney said the offer price of 2.0 euros ($2.13) per share was a 67-percent mark-up on Euro Disney's closing price on Thursday.

It is nevertheless, a long way below the share price of 11 euros when Euro Disney went public in November 1989.

Walt Disney said that Euro Disney's financial condition "has been significantly and negatively impacted" by Islamist attacks on the French capital in November 2015, which killed 130 people.

Business conditions have also remained challenging in France and the rest of Europe since then, it said.

The buyout offer "affords maximum flexibility to shareholders, addresses the group's financial needs and reflects its ongoing support for the long-term success of Disneyland Paris," Walt Disney said.

- Situation 'improving' -

Meanwhile, Euro Disney said it is observing a pick-up in visitor numbers.

"After a difficult year, the Paris tourism environment remains challenging, with the year-long state of emergency still in place. However volumes at both our parks and hotels are improving," said Euro Disney chief executive Catherine Powell.

Euro Disney, which operates its business year from October to September, said revenues were up five percent at 354 million euros ($377 million) in the three months to December.

Park revenues rose by three percent to 194 million euros thanks to a six-percent increase in attendance, the company said.

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That was because the year-earlier period had been "impacted by a four-day closure of the parks following the November 2015 events in Paris," it said.

In the October-December period, most of the additional guests came from France and Britain, while there were fewer visitors from Belgium and the Netherlands.

Nevertheless, the increase in attendance was "partially offset by a three-percent decrease in average spending per guest... primarily due to lower average ticket rates," Euro Disney explained.

Revenues generated by the hotels and Disney Village business grew by four percent to 141 million euros, "mainly due to a three-percentage point increase in hotel occupancy."

Euro Disney said Disneyland Paris was scheduled to celebrate its 25th anniversary in March and was hoping that would attract more visitors.
A woman who woke up in the middle of the night because she felt an odd "crawling sensation" in her head turned out to be harboring a real, live cockroach in her nose, according to a new report of the case.

The 42-year-old woman, who lives in Chennai, India, said she woke up after feeling that something had crawled up her nose, reported the New Indian Express.

"I could not explain the feeling, but I was sure it was some insect. There was a tingling, crawling sensation. Whenever it moved, it gave me a burning sensation in my eyes," the woman told the New Indian Express. She also reported experiencing a severe headache and difficulty breathing, according to CNN.

The woman visited several clinics before doctors found the nightmare-inducing cause. The cockroach had "burrowed into the roof of the nose, almost near the skull base, which is the dividing point between the brain and the nose," Dr. M.N. Shankar, the ear, nose and throat physician who treated the patient at Stanley Medical College in Chennai, told CNN. [27 Oddest Medical Cases]

Reports of cockroaches crawling up noses appear to be unusual, doctors said.

"I've never actually seen that. I would imagine it's not very common," said Dr. Richard Nelson, an emergency medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, who was not involved in the case. "[But] it makes sense that it could happen," because there have been numerous reports of cockroaches crawling into people's ears, Nelson told Live Science. In fact, Nelson said he has seen at least a dozen cockroaches in people's ears over his three decades in medicine.

According to guidelines published in the journal American Family Physician, common foreign objects found in people's (usually children's) noses include beads, buttons, toy parts, pebbles, candle wax, food, paper, cloth and button batteries. Insects are more commonly found in the ears of people who are older than 10 years.

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It's not clear why bugs more commonly appear in ears than noses, but Nelson speculated that insects in the nose would be more likely to wake people up, and could perhaps be expelled more easily, than an insect in the ears.

"Maybe if it goes up the nose, you would start coughing or sneezing and expel the insect, whereas you can't do that in your ear," Nelson said.

But if an insect does find its way into the nose, could it crawl into the brain? Nelson said it's "highly unlikely" that the bug could enter the brain from the nose, because a bone separates the top of the nasal passage from the brain.

To remove the cockroach, doctors in India first ran an instrument called an endoscope up the woman's nose, so they could see the insect. Then, they used small forceps and a suction machine to remove the bug, according to CNN. The doctors also took a video of their procedure.

If doctors hadn't removed the cockroach, it would have likely died, and might have caused an infection, CNN reported.

Original article on Live Science.

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Sarajevo (AFP) - Ljubisa Beara, a former senior Bosnian Serb army officer jailed for life for genocide over the 2005 Srebrenica massacre, has died in a German prison aged 77, Bosnia media reported Friday.

Beara, who held key posts in the Bosnian Serb army at the time of the worst atrocity committed on European soil since World War II, died on Thursday, Bosnian Serb public broadcaster RTRS reported, citing an ex-servicemans group.

Some 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed and their bodies dumped in mass graves during the massacre, which became a symbol of the horror of the 1990s Balkan wars that accompanied Yugoslavia's collapse.

Bosnian Serb police and the military packed the prisoners into a warehouse and began shooting and throwing grenades, according to the prosecutor and court hearings.

Bosnia's inter-ethnic war between its Muslims, Croats and Serbs claimed some 100,000 lives while 2.2 million people -- almost a half of the pre-war population -- were displaced.

Beara was condemned to life imprisonment in 2010 along with six other defendants, including Lieutenant Colonel Vujadin Popovic in one of the biggest trials at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague.

Their sentences were upheld on appeal in 2015.

Beara and Vujadin were sentenced to life on genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity charges.

Beara had turned himself in to the ICTY in 2004 after two years on the run following his indictment.

The Hague tribunal has charged 20 people in total over the Srebrenica massacre, including former Serb military chief Ratko Mladic as well as Radovan Karadzic, the Bosnian Serb political leader during the 1990s war who was sentenced last year to 40 years in prison for genocide and crimes against humanity.

Former Serb strongman Slobodan Milosevic was found dead of a heart attack in his prison cell in The Hague in March 2006.

There was no word on Beara's cause of death.
Month-long Swasthani Brata Katha concludes (in photos)

The month-long Swasthani Brata Katha festival concluded on Friday with the devotees mobbing the river banks considered holy to offer their prayers.
Barcelona (AFP) - The trial of Artur Mas, former president of Spain's Catalonia region, over a non-binding independence vote in 2014 ended Friday after a day of heated courtroom exchanges.

Prosecutor Emilio Sanchez accused Mas, president of Spain's wealthy, northeastern region from 2010 to 2016, of breaking "the rules of the democratic game" and of open defiance for organising the symbolic referendum despite a ban by Spain's Constitutional Court.

Accused of serious civil disobedience and misconduct, the 61-year-old retorted he and his two co-defendants had never intended to disobey.

"But yes, there was the intention to stand up to a Spanish government that was stopping people from participating in a normal, democratic way," he said in his final plea.

The trial has stoked pro-independence fervour in Catalonia at a time of high tensions between the local separatist government and Madrid, with 40,000 supporters turning up Monday on the first day of trial.

Prosecutors want Mas and his former associates banned from holding public office for nine to 10 years.

But their defence argues they were merely defending "the right to freedom of expression" for Catalans, many of whom want a say in the future of their 7.5 million-strong region.

Catalonia, a region with its own language and customs, has long demanded greater autonomy.

But in recent years, tensions with Madrid have markedly increased, as have calls for outright independence, culminating with the election in 2015 of a pro-independence government in Catalonia backed by a majority separatist regional parliament.

When he was president, Mas had initially tried to hold a referendum similar to the one organised in Scotland in 2014, but this was banned by the court.

So he decided instead to hold the non-binding, symbolic vote for which he and his associates were on trial this week.

More than 80 percent of those who cast their ballot in the 2014 vote did so for independence -- although just 2.3 million people out of a total of 6.3 million eligible voters took part.

"I'm responsible for having listened to people on the streets and in the polling booths, I'm responsible for having fulfilled parliamentary mandates... and I'm not hiding, I'm proud," Mas told the court.
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - A former member of the Army National Guard in Virginia was sentenced on Friday to 11 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to Islamic State, despite calling himself a "complete idiot" for having once accepted the group's views on Islam.

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 27, of Sterling, Virginia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Liam O'Grady in Alexandria, Virginia, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Prosecutors had sought a 20-year term for Jalloh, a U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone, while the defense sought a 6-1/2-year term.

Joseph Flood, a lawyer for Jalloh, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The United States has designated Islamic State as a foreign terrorist organization. Islamic State controls parts of Syria and Iraq, and its fighters have carried out shootings and bombings of civilians in several countries.

Jalloh was arrested on July 3, one day after he bought an assault rifle from a Virginia gun dealer, but which unbeknownst to Jalloh had been disabled because he was already under surveillance. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 27.

Prosecutors said Jalloh spent six months in Africa in 2015, where he met Islamic State members in Nigeria and started laying plans to join the group.

He also began communicating online with an Islamic State member who put him in touch with someone he thought would help him carry out an attack, but who was actually a government informant, prosecutors said.

According to a statement of facts he signed and filed in court, Jalloh thought about carrying out an attack similar to the one by former Army Major Nidal Hassan, who killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas in 2009.

By May 2016, Jalloh was talking with the informant about attack operations, calling them "100 percent the right thing," and began efforts to buy weapons, the statement of facts said.

In a letter to the court, he renounced Islamic State.

"I have and have always had deep respect and still have respect for the American people and the American values that I pledged to serve," he wrote. "I feel like a complete idiot for accepting such a superficial and dishonest interpretation of Islam."

The case is U.S. v. Jalloh, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, No. 16-cr-00163.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Grant McCool)
DAMASCUS  In an extraordinary exchange with Yahoo News, Syrian president Bashar Assad was confronted with photographs documenting the torture of political prisoners by his government. The Syrian president dismissed them as allegations and fake news.

The photos, smuggled out of Syria by a former regime photographer, were part of a 3,600-page dossier compiled by human-rights lawyers and cited in a lawsuit last week filed in a Spanish court by a Syrian immigrant whose brother was arrested and disappeared in prison. The woman claims she recognized her brother among the brutally beaten prisoners in the photos.

Who verified the pictures? Who verified that theyre not edited and Photoshopped and so on? Assad asked a reporter. Do you have a photo? Can you show it to me?

Assad was handed three of the photos showing emaciated, scarred corpses lined up in one of his military prisons and given a copy of an FBI lab report that concluded the photos showed no signs of manipulation and appear to depict real people and events.

If the FBI says something, its not evidence for anyone, especially for us, he retorted. Its just propaganda. Its just fake news. They want to demonize the Syrian government. In every war, you can have individual crime. It happened here, all over the world, anywhere. But its not a policy.

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As with all interviews granted by President Bashar Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.

Full interview



Read more from the Yahoo News Exclusive interview with Syrian President Assad:
DAMASCUS  President Bashar Assad of Syria will leave office whenever the Syrian people dont want me, he told Yahoo News in an exclusive interview in Damascus.

Assad, whose country has been racked by a civil war that has created nearly 5 million refugees, was elected in 2014 to a seven-year term (his third) with nearly 90 percent of the vote. The election, which was held only in government-controlled areas, was widely denounced as a farce.

Assads willingness to step down was contingent on first defeating the terrorists and establishing a national unity government after dialogue between the Syrians about the future of Syria. He added that there would need to be a public consensus on his leaving.

Asked how he would know if there was such a consensus, he said it was something you can sense, you can feel  and then if you want to do something documented, you can have [a] referendum.

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As with all interviews granted by Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.

Full interview



Read more from the Yahoo News Exclusive interview with Syrian President Assad:
By Greg Roumeliotis and Lauren Hirsch

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Private equity firm Blackstone Group LP <BX.N> has agreed to acquire insurance broker Aon Plc's <AON.N> employee benefits outsourcing business for around $4.8 billion, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

The deal gives Blackstone ownership of a business that processes work benefits for 15 percent of the U.S. population.

It also allows Aon to exit a mature, capital-intensive outsourcing business, allowing it to invest in growth areas beyond its core insurance brokerage operations, such as cyber security and health insurance.

Blackstone prevailed over buyout firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice LLC (CD&R) in an auction for the benefits administration and human resources business process outsourcing platform of Aon, providing assurances it can successfully carve out the unit, the people said. The deal will be announced by Friday, the people added.

The sources asked not to be identified because the negotiations are confidential. Aon and CD&R declined to comment, while Blackstone could not immediately be reached for comment.

Headquartered in London, Aon is an insurance brokerage active in more than 120 countries.

Aon took on the benefits outsourcing unit it has agreed to sell to Blackstone as part of its acquisition in 2010 of Hewitt Associates Inc for $4.9 billion.

"The potential divestiture of the outsourcing business moves Aon away from the most mature and lower growth area of the business. Selling the benefits administration business would therefore be consistent with the actions to improve the business mix," William Blair analysts wrote in a note on Jan. 23, after Reuters reported that Aon was in talks to sell the unit.

Private equity firms have been prolific investors in businesses that help companies cut costs by outsourcing large parts of their administrative functions, since such operations can generate strong cash flows. A few years after they invest, they seek to sell ownership of those assets at a big profit.

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In September, Canadian pension fund manager Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec said it would acquire a $500 million minority stake in Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc, which specializes in workers' compensation and is owned by buyout firms KKR & Co LP (KKR.N) and Stone Point Capital LLC.

In another example, Blackstone and Singaporean sovereign wealth fund GIC invested $750 million in 2014 to obtain minority stakes in Kronos Inc, a workforce management solutions company controlled by buyout firm Hellman & Friedman LLC.

(Reporting by Greg Roumeliotis and Lauren Hirsch in New York)
Confronted with new evidence of torture and mass hangings in one of his military prisons, Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an exclusive interview with Yahoo News Chief Investigative Correspondent Michael Isikoff that the allegations were the product of a fake news era and charged that a human rights group, Amnesty International, had fabricated evidence to discredit his embattled government. As with all interviews granted by Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.
DAMASCUS, SYRIA  Syrian President Bashar Assad, in an exclusive interview with Yahoo News, rejected President Trumps idea to create safe zones inside Syria as not a realistic idea at all. He said he could see a role for American troops to fight the Islamic State in Syria, but only with his governments approval and as part of a rapprochement with Russia.

So, if you want to start genuinely as United States to [defeat the Islamic State] it must be through the Syrian government, said Assad, when asked about reports that Trump has directed the Pentagon to develop new plans to destroy the Islamic State that could include the deployment of more U.S. special forces troops and Apache helicopters inside Syria.

We are here, we are the Syrians. We own this country as Syrians, nobody else, he added. So, you cannot defeat the terrorism without cooperation with the people and the government of any country.

Assads comments during a 34-minute interview reflected his increasingly emboldened stance since Russian airstrikes helped drive rebels from eastern Aleppo, turning the tide in the countrys six-year-old civil war. He acknowledged regularly consulting with Russias President Vladimir Putin, and demanded that the U.S. lift economic sanctions against Syria as a first step to working with his military and Moscow to defeat terrorists.

Syrian President Bashar Assad during an interview with Yahoo News. (Yahoo News)

The interview turned contentious when Assad was questioned repeatedly about new allegations of torture and other human rights abuses by his government  allegations he dismissed as lies and part of a campaign by Amnesty International, the Persian Gulf states and even the U.S. FBI to demonize the Syrian government.

Watch: Yahoo News full interview with President Assad

The interview in Assads office was his first since President Trump took office. While he said he found Trumps public statements about fighting terrorism promising, he was dismissive of the U.S. presidents recent assertion that he would absolutely do safe zones in Syria for the people endangered by the countrys fierce civil war.

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But actually, it wont [protect civilians], it wont, Assad said. Safe zones for the Syrians could only happen when you have stability and security, where you dont have terrorists, where you dont have [the] flow and support of those terrorists by the neighboring countries or by Western countries. This is where you can have a natural safe zone, which is our country. They dont need safe zones at all. Its not a realistic idea at all.

Assad was pressed on his opposition to safe zones, considering that nearly half the population of Syria has been displaced by the war.

The first thing you have to ask: why were they displaced? Assad replied. If you dont answer that question, you cannot answer the rest. They were displaced for two reasons: first of all, the terrorist acts and the support from the outside. Second, the [U.S.] embargo on Syria. Many people didnt only leave Syria because of the security issues. As you can see, Damascus is safe today, its nearly normal life, not completely.

But they dont find a way for life in Syria, so they have to travel abroad in order to find their living. So, if you lift the embargo, and if you stop supporting the terrorists  Im talking about everyone who supported terrorists, including the United States during Obamas administration. If you stop all these acts, most of those people will go back to their country.

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As with all interviews granted by President Bashar Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.

Full interview





Read more from the Yahoo News Exclusive interview with Syrian President Assad:
DAMASCUS  Syrian President Bashar Assad told Yahoo News he would welcome U.S. troops into his country as part of a genuine effort to fight terrorists that also includes a rapprochement between the Russians and the Americans.

Assad made the comments in an exclusive interview with Yahoo News amid reports that President Trump is considering sending more U.S. troops and Apache helicopters into Syria. If the Americans are genuine, of course, they are welcome, like any other country that wants to defeat and to fight with the terrorists, Assad said.

But, he added, any such move must include respect for the sovereignty of Syria as has been shown by his ally, Russia. Asked if he could see cooperation between the United States and Russia to attack ISIS in Syria, Assad replied that it was essential and called for a rapprochment between the Russians and the Americans.

Assad said he of course talks to the Russians all the time, adding that he last spoke with Russian President Putin a few weeks ago and discussed the advancement of the Syrian army in Syria.

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As with all interviews granted by President Bashar Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.

Full interview



Read more from the Yahoo News Exclusive interview with Syrian President Assad:
Yahoo News chief investigative correspondent Michael Isikoff traveled to Syria for an exclusive sitdown with President Bashar Assad, his first interview since the inauguration of Donald Trump. During the 35-minute interview, Assad tells Isikoff that some of the 4.8 million refugees from Syrias civil war are definitely aligned with terrorists, adding you don't need significant number to commit atrocities. Speaking at a presidential office in Damascus, Assad also says President Trumps controversial executive order barring refugees from entering the United States is an American issue. As with all interviews granted by President Bashar Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.
Nepse dips below 1,300 points as banks curb loans

Nepal Stock Exchange dipped below 1,300 points on Thursday, as the benchmark index closed at 11-month low of 1,296.23 points.
Skip Paris and Nice for these beautiful, must-see places.

France is replete with a rich history that lies within the walls and atop the hills of its ancient cities. Spectacular to see from a distance and fascinating to visit, these well-preserved places artfully blend historic buildings with modern shops and restaurants. If you want to capture a sense of time and place and experience the ambiance of what life was like in the early settlements in France, there's no better place to do it than in its ancient towns. Lesser-known, with their storied and well-maintained architecture and original structures, these tucked-away towns and villages will capture your imagination and take you back in time.

Perouges -- Day 1

The fortified village of Perouges is classified as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, or Most Beautiful Villages in France. Located in the Rhone-Alpes, it lies just 25 miles northeast of Lyon (about about 300 miles southeast of Paris). Perched on a hill on the Dombes plateau overlooking the Ain River valley, this charming medieval village appears to have been frozen in time. On your way to La Place de la Halle, the main square and heart of the village, you'll walk the winding narrow streets with uneven cobblestones and pass half-timbered homes leaning with time and built tightly side by side with characteristic wooden doors and shutters.

Perouges -- Day 2

Perouges is a working village, with 80 residents within its walls. You'll discover several active businesses, including an artisan paper maker, a wine shop and a traditional boulangerie. To really experience what life might have been like in medieval times in the village, plan to stay within the ramparts at Hostellerie de Perouges. Located on La Place de la Halle, this charming hotel serves local specialties such as carp from the rivers of the Dombes plateau, Bresse chicken (the native blue-footed chicken) cooked in cream and the famous Galette de Perouges, which is best described as a warm caramelized sugar- and butter-topped pizza.

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Aigues-Mortes -- Day 1

Aigues-Mortes, a walled medieval town with four corner towers, appears to rise up out of the flat coastal marshlands of the Petite Camargue. Located approximately 50 miles northwest of Marseilles (and about 75 miles west of Aix-en-Provence), the town was founded in 1240 by Louis IX, the first king of France, as a Mediterranean port. Highlights include walking around the rampart walls to view the layout of the town with its linear streets and a visit to Constance Tower, which offers a spectacular pinnacle view. Beyond the walls, in the summer, you can see the red salt lagoons of the Camargue, with their glistening salt piles that seem to bloom from the water.

Aigues-Mortes -- Day 2

The center of activity is Place Saint-Louis, the main square, which is lined with the usual mix of cafes, galleries and boutiques. While wandering through the cobblestone streets of this charming town, you'll discover that most of the original medieval structures have been destroyed. Today, there is primarily 19th-century architecture on display. There are exceptions, however, like the Eglise Notre-Dame-des-Sablons (The Church of Our Lady of the Sablons). Stay within the walls of Aigues-Mortes at the lovely Villa Mazarin and enjoy some of the town's Provencal specialties. Stop by La Cure Gourmande to purchase the glazed fruits, candies and nougats for which the town is famous.

Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne -- Day 1

This medieval hill town in south--central France near the Loire River (and about 270 miles from Cannes), has been a well-traveled destination for travelers since the Middle Ages. The town served as one of the starting points for the pilgrimage to St. James Way, also known as the Santiago de Compostela, where the apostle James is buried. The first tourists to Le Puy-en-Velay may have been pilgrims beginning their journey from Le Puy Cathedral to the Galicia region of Spain. This famous church is perched on Mount Anis overlooking the city, but it's also worth taking the time to explore the old town, a beautiful area with a rich heritage.

Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne -- Day 2

The oldest chapel in Le Puy, Chapelle St-Michel d'Aiguilhe, towers over the city. Visitors must climb 268 winding stone steps to reach the top. Wander the well-preserved streets of the old city with its medieval architecture and narrow passageways. Known as a lace-making center for centuries, this area is also where the Le Puy lentil is grown, a traditional ingredient in many French dishes. For a throwback to Renaissance times (circa A.D. 1524) and when Francis I was king, visit the third week of September when the town hosts Les Fetes du Roi de l'Oiseau (the Bird King Festival). Daily festival events include archery competitions, music, costume parades and mock skirmishes throughout the town.

Gwen Pratesi is a James Beard Finalist in Journalism, award-winning food and travel writer, and coauthor of PratesiLiving.com, where she shares the stories of her international food and travel experiences. She also freelances for other regional, U.S., and international publications. You can follow her at Twitter (@pratesiliving), Linkedin, Google+, Facebook, and Instagram.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP)  Relatives of three people who died when the sand at a New Jersey beach gave way beneath their feet begged a judge to permanently close the beach, saying it's only a matter of time before someone else dies there.

Relatives of Brad Smith asked Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez on Friday to order a section of the beach in North Wildwood, along the Hereford Inlet, closed to the public following the July 2012 death of Smith.

Although they are not part of the litigation, relatives of Jamila Watkins and Shayne Hart, who died in a similar 2009 accident, also called for the beach to be closed.

North Wildwood and the state say the deaths were due to natural conditions that government has no obligation to fix.

"Everyone knows that this will happen again; it's just a matter of time," said Nicole Gaeta, Smith's oldest daughter. "It would destroy all of us."

Sandra Smith, of Horsham, Pennsylvania, is suing North Wildwood over the 2012 incident that killed her husband and nearly killed their 7-year-old daughter.

Brad Smith was walking in ankle-deep water at the beach with his daughter when the sand collapsed, plunging them and a friend into the swirling waters. A passer-by on a personal watercraft rescued the girl, who was being held above the waves by her father before he drowned.

Three years earlier, Watkins, 27, and Hart, 15, were walking along the water's edge when the sand gave way beneath them, plunging them into the swirling waters of the inlet.

The plaintiffs have presented a report from a former official with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which does extensive beach protection and restoration work in New Jersey, that said tidal conditions undermined sand just under the water line, creating a drop-off of 10 feet or more that's invisible to people walking along the water's edge.

North Wildwood's chief lifeguard said in a deposition the town knew of the condition, which occurs twice each day, for at least six years before Smith drowned.

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Signs at the beach prohibit swimming and warn of dangerous rip currents. But Smith's family wants the town to post more alarming signs that warn of a "sudden drop-off, deadly currents and whirlpools" and note that "people have drowned in these waters."

Mendez said he will issue a ruling in the next few weeks.

At Friday's hearing, a letter from an official with the state Department of Environmental Protection was made public, saying the department would not object to the beach being closed "upon a showing that an unreasonable risk to public safety exists."

Michael Barker, an attorney for North Wildwood, said the town is under no legal obligation to fix conditions at the inlet.

"The state and North Wildwood did not create the channel, did not create the current, did not create the tides," he said. "All those things are natural conditions."

Friday's hearing involved a request to have the beach closed immediately. Smith's family has a separate lawsuit pending that seeks damages arising from his death. That litigation is on hold until the more immediate question of whether the beach should be shut is determined.

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Follow Wayne Parry at http://twitter.com/WayneParryAC
Women are preparing for an Obamacare repeal. (Getty Images)

The first thing Julie Potyraj did after waking up on Nov. 9 was to check her calendar to see when her IUD was inserted. Panicked after Republicans vowed during the presidential campaign to roll back womens health care initiatives, Potyraj wanted to ensure that her long-term birth control method would last through at least four years of a Trump administration.

She breathed a sigh of relief when the dates showed she was in the clear. As a long-term reversible form of birth control, an intrauterine device is placed inside a womans uterus. A hormonal IUD can work for up to five years, and a copper, nonhormonal IUD can last up to 12 years. They are among the most popular contraception options for women in the U.S. and around the world.

Potyraj also began discussing contraception options with her friends, encouraging others to look into various birth control methods soon, because the future of affordable contraception access felt uncertain.

Even though many of them would not have considered an IUD otherwise, they thought that getting one was better than having no option, said Potyraj, a masters of public health candidate at George Washington University.

Danielle Rosen, a senior editor at CIA Medical, had a similar reaction after Trump was elected president. She made an appointment to get an IUD the same day and began stocking up on Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, for extra backup for herself and her friends. Just in case.

Since the presidential campaign season, Republicans have promised to repeal Obamacare (while also vowing to entirely defund Planned Parenthood), but what, if anything, will replace it remains a mystery. The law, enacted in 2010, has made health insurance affordable for more than 22.5 million Americans who otherwise would have had to do without it. The policy also created more gender equality within health care  maternity and newborn care were made a required benefit in health plans, and preventive services and medicines were free of charge. Those services included birth control, including pills, IUDs, shots, implants and rings, for women who wanted them. The law also provided free breast pumps for new mothers.

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Around 55 million women currently receive birth control without out-of-pocket costs, according to the National Womens Law Center.

Data collected from the health care transparency company Amino Health found that consumers, especially women, would likely pay much more for preventive care if the Affordable Care Act were repealed. Depending on what were to replace it, insurance companies might not cover preventive care services. According to the firms independent data, 51 percent of privately insured workers have an annual deductible of $1,000 or more, so many routine exams and screenings would have to be paid for out of pocket. Of particular note, Amino found that after the repeal of the ACA, an IUD could cost a woman $1,000, a mammogram could cost $200, and a tubal ligation (i.e., getting your tubes tied) could cost $4,000. Under Obamacare, insurers must cover these procedures.

The result could have an economic impact for both government and individuals. The unintended pregnancy rate, which is already too high, will once again rise and result in additional cost for the system and consequences for women having more children than they intended or can afford, said Saundra Pelletier, leader of WomanCare Global, an international nonprofit that seeks to provide affordable womens health care products to those in need. Pelletier noted that 45 percent of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended, at an annual cost to taxpayers of $9.4 billion for expenses such prenatal care, labor and delivery, along with postpartum and infant care. With the rollback of womens reproductive health access, that number could go much higher.

While waiting to see what the administration and Congress come up with to replace the law, many women are already preparing for less accessibility to birth control and family planning measures in the future.

Many mothers of teen girls have also expressed concern. Stephanie Dolgoff, a New York-based writer and editor, said shes had frank discussions with her 13-year-old daughter about sex (much to her mortification), and while the girl isnt sexually active now, Dolgoff said she hopes that her daughter will talk with her directly about birth control options when the time comes. And if, for some reason, she doesnt feel comfortable, I plan to make sure she knows where the condoms are and can access them without my having to know about it. If I know shes sexually active for sure, I will get her an IUD or the pill and pay for it.

And if by some crazy, medieval decree, teenagers are not allowed birth control at all anymore, I will take her to a country that is not as moronic and sex-negative and anti-woman as this one and get her fitted with an IUD, and I will consider myself privileged to have that option, added Dolgoff, who noted that this is an option many other families wouldnt be able to afford.

In January, Planned Parenthood reported a 900 percent increase in demand for intrauterine devices since Trumps election. In a CNN interview, Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, said that women are desperately concerned that they might lose their access to health care in Trumps America.

Other data seems to back Richards claim. In January, new research from AthenaHealth showed a spike in IUD prescriptions and procedures of 19 percent between October and December of 2016.

Stephanie Long, MD, a family medicine physician with One Medical in San Francisco, said that anxiety among female patients has been notably higher since Trumps election victory, and she often fields questions from women about how to prepare for an uncertain future in reproductive health care. Many patients have inquired about the cost of birth control in the future and whether they can get a years supply or more, she said.

Women are willing to undergo the discomfort of a premature IUD removal and reinsertion to be assured that they can have their method of choice throughout the potential duration of the current administration, said Long.

More than 99 percent of women ages 15 to 44 in the U.S. who are sexually active have used at least one kind of contraceptive method. Married women are more likely to be using contraception than never-married women (77 percent vs. 42 percent), largely because married women are more likely to be sexually active, according to the Guttmacher Institute.

The ability to delay and space childbearing is crucial to womens social and economic advancement, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Womens ability to obtain and effectively use contraceptives has a positive impact on their education and workforce participation, as well as on subsequent outcomes related to income, family stability, mental health and happiness, and childrens well-being.

Some states, such as New York, have already introduced measures that would require insurers to still offer contraceptives without a co-pay if the Obamacare-era benefit is not included in the replacement law. But most havent acted yet.

As the country waits for the fallout from a potential Obamacare repeal, WomanCares Pelletier has a message for lawmakers considering a replacement. Affordable access to contraception, she said, is a measure toward breaking the cycle of poverty and its implications for society by allowing girls to stay in school and women to rise in the workforce, gaining in equality and equity.

Follow Mikaela Conley on Twitter.

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(SAN FRANCISCO)  A federal appeals court in San Francisco is set to issue its ruling in the legal fight over whether to reinstate President Donald Trumps ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals announced that it will release its decision before the end of the business day Thursday in California.

The court is deciding whether to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is possible.

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban last week after Washington state and Minnesota sued.

The administration said the seven nations  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  have raised terrorism concerns. The states argued that the ban targets Muslims.
(San Francisco) A federal appeals court refused Thursday to reinstate President Donald Trumps ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, dealing another legal setback to the new administrations immigration policy.

In a unanimous decision, the panel of three judges from the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is possible.

The court rejected the administrations claim that it did not have the authority to review the presidents executive order.

There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy, the court said.

The judges noted that the states had raised serious allegations about religious discrimination.

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban last week after Washington state and Minnesota sued. The ban temporarily suspended the nations refugee program and immigration from countries that have raised terrorism concerns.

Justice Department lawyers appealed to the 9th Circuit, arguing that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

The states said Trumps travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities. Citing Trumps campaign promise to stop Muslims from entering the U.S., they said the ban unconstitutionally blocked entry to people based on religion.

Both sides faced tough questioning during an hour of arguments Tuesday conducted by phone  an unusual step  and broadcast live on cable networks, newspaper websites and social media. It attracted a huge audience.

The judges hammered away at the administrations claim that the ban was motivated by terrorism fears, but they also challenged the states argument that it targeted Muslims.

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I have trouble understanding why were supposed to infer religious animus when, in fact, the vast majority of Muslims would not be affected, Judge Richard Clifton, a George W. Bush nominee, asked an attorney representing Washington state and Minnesota.

Only 15 percent of the worlds Muslims are affected by the executive order, the judge said, citing his own calculations.

Has the government pointed to any evidence connecting these countries to terrorism? Judge Michelle T. Friedland, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, asked the Justice Department attorney.

The lower-court judge temporarily halted the ban after determining that the states were likely to win the case and had shown that the ban would restrict travel by their residents, damage their public universities and reduce their tax base. Robart put the executive order on hold while the lawsuit works its way through the courts.

After that ruling, the State Department quickly said people from the seven countries  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  with valid visas could travel to the U.S. The decision led to tearful reunions at airports round the country.

The Supreme Court has a vacancy, and theres no chance Trumps nominee, Neil Gorsuch, will be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban.

The ban was set to expire in 90 days, meaning it could run its course before the court would take up the issue. The administration also could change the order, including changing its scope or duration.
By Alex Bregman

Nine-year-old Joe Maldonado loved being a Cub Scout. I think it was really cool that I was in the Boy Scouts, and it was really fun, and I was proud for being in there, he told Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric. He loved the camping, the science experiments, the barbecues and just being one of the boys.

Joe, however, was born Jodi. But at a young age, he felt something was different. He said, Well, at the age of 2, I noticed that I was a girl, and then my Mom kept saying, Oh youre a good girl! I would say No! Im a good boy.

His mother, Kristie, said that she first thought it was just a phase that Jodi was going through, I didnt take him seriously. I just took it that hes a kid. But after seeking advice from professionals, and doing a lot of reading on the subject of transgender identity, she decided to allow Jodi to cut her hair to look like a boy after the first grade. In second grade, at the age of 7, Jodi officially became Joe.

Joe said that after he made the transition, the other kids in school took it in stride. I didnt get picked on by the kids at all, he said. It was like nothing.

His local Cub Scout pack in Secaucus, N.J., however, found this to violate the Scouts national policy at the time, which relied on birth certificates to validate a boys gender. In November, about a month after Joe signed up, a Boy Scouts official called his mother to tell her that her son was no longer welcome in the pack.

Kristie Maldonado soon took her story to her local paper and to the New Jersey attorney general, and less than three months later, she was informed that Joe was free to return to the Scouts.

The Boy Scouts of America announced that it was changing its national policy and would no longer require a boys birth certificate to validate a scouts gender.

To those who dont feel comfortable with the Scouts decision or with transgender people in general, Joe said, Id say, How about you try being transgender? How about you get educated? Look online, read a book about transgender, then youll get it.

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On Tuesday, Joe returned to the Scouts as the first openly transgender boy, not to his original pack, but to another pack in Maplewood, N.J. His mother told Couric that although he was invited back, she didnt feel comfortable letting her son return to the Secaucus pack.

She is also considering whether to pursue legal action against the North New Jersey Council of Boy Scouts, despite the change in national policy. She said, Because I feel like they still discriminated against my kid. They threw him out.

In a statement to Yahoo News, Effie Delimarkos, director of communications for the Boy Scouts of America, said in part, The North New Jersey Council and the Boy Scouts of America look forward to welcoming Joe and the Maldonado family back into the Scouting community.  The BSA will continue to work to bring the benefits of our programs to as many children, families and communities as possible.

Joes message to young boys or girls going through the struggles he went through? Dont be scared for who you are.
Washington (AFP) - US National Security Advisor Michael Flynn discussed the issue of US sanctions with Russia's ambassador weeks before Donald Trump was sworn in as president, contrary to the senior aide's assertions, US media reported Friday.

The talks took place in December just as then-president Barack Obama was ordering new actions against Russia over its alleged interference in the US election.

The Washington Post, which first reported the talks, said some senior US officials interpreted Flynn's communications with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak as an inappropriate and possible illegal signal to the Kremlin that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions.

The Post cited unnamed current and former officials familiar with reports by US intelligence and law enforcement agencies that routinely monitor the communications of Russian diplomats.

The reports include Flynn's discussions with Kislyak around the time of Obama's December 30 announcement of new sanctions on Russia and the expulsion of 35 suspected Russian intelligence agents.

The Post's sources said Flynn made "explicit" references to the election-related sanctions, and two sources said that he urged Russia not to overreact to Obama's move, suggesting that the two sides could revisit the issue after Trump was sworn in as president on January 20.

The New York Times published a similar account of the retired lieutenant general's discussions with Kislyak, also citing current and former US officials.

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russian president Vladimir Putin directed a campaign to interfere with US elections, specifically to support Trump, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is examining ties between members of Trump's presidential campaign team and Moscow.

A US law, the Logan Act, forbids private citizens from negotiating state affairs with foreign governments. But no one has ever been prosecuted under the measure.

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- Democrats: Flynn should be fired -

Flynn and Vice President Mike Pence both denied in January that the calls with Kislyak concerned US sanctions on Russia, and Flynn told the Post in an interview Wednesday that no mention of sanctions was made in his communications.

On Thursday, however, a spokesman for Flynn walked back the national security advisor's statements, telling the Post and the Times that "while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn't be certain that the topic never came up."

Meanwhile on Friday an administration spokesman noted that "the vice president's comments were based on his conversation with General Flynn."

Russia's embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.

The reports sparked strong criticism from Democrats in Congress. Adam Schiff, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, and Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urged Trump to fire Flynn.

"The allegation that general Flynn, while president Obama was still in office, secretly discussed with Russia's ambassador ways to undermine the sanctions levied against Russia for its interference in the Presidential election on Donald Trump's behalf, raises serious questions of legality and fitness for office," Schiff said in a statement.

Engel added: "the president must relieve General Flynn immediately."

Flynn's choice as Trump's top national security advisor has been controversial. Many in the US intelligence community say he is ill-suited for the crucial job.

The retired three-star general was fired as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency after two years for alleged poor management.

He sees militant Islam as the biggest threat to global stability, and has said that Washington and Moscow need to cooperate on the issue.
A Michigan woman claims she was ignored last year by a jails staff when she told them she was going into labor, leading her to prematurely give birth on the floor of a cell, according to reports.

Jessica Preston was eight months pregnant when she was arrested for driving with a suspended license, and taken to the Macomb County Jail when she was unable to make her $10,000 cash bond, she told CBS This Morning.

Days into her time at the jail, Preston realized that she was going to give birth, but staffers at the facility did not believe her, she said.

They told me to knock my crap off, to stop lying to them, they could put another charge on me if I kept lying to them, Preston told CBS.

Preston asked to go to the infirmary three times, bleeding during the last trip to the medical unit, she said, and eventually gave birth on a jail cell floor. Footage courtesy of WDIV Detroit shows her giving birth surrounded by staff, but she says there was no doctor present.

Read: Mom Gives Birth To Baby In The Middle of Ocean Aboard Rescue Ship

"I was scared," Preston said. "I was terrified  I was so worried for both of us that either one of us could catch something that would be life-threatening."

Her son Elijah was born one month early and weighed less than five pounds.

I was scared, she told CBS. My first son was delivered by emergency C-section because of a placental eruption  so by having this one naturally I could have been bleeding to death on the floor and no one would have known.

Preston spent five more days in jail after delivering her son.

Now nearly a year old, the little boy is in good health, but his mother said there are still times that shes brought back to that moment in the jail cell.

I remember hearing him cry, I remember how small he was, Preston said. It didnt have to happen! Thats where Im completely blown away!

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Macomb County Jail is facing two federal lawsuits claiming its officials have deprived sick inmates of medical care, records obtained by CBS showed.

Read: Mom Gives Birth to Baby Girl on Leap Day Again: 'I Won The Baby Lottery'

In 2014, inmate Peter Stojcevski was reportedly found dead in his cell after going through a painful withdrawal from doctor-prescribed methadone for more than two weeks.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel has defended the jail, telling reporters that deputies repeatedly checked Stojcevski and notified medical staff, WXYZ reported.

One year earlier, Jennifer Meyers died in her cell from a severe bacterial infection after allegedly suffering for days. Macomb County attorney John Schapka told The Deroit News that the county would vigorously defend itself and its personnel.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said Preston was cared for properly, telling CBS the facility had nothing to hide.

"Im 100 percent that our people did what they need to do," Wickersham says. "At some point, she said she had to go to the hospital, the baby came before that happened."

Correct Care Solutions, the medical care provider at the jail, is the defendant in more than 200 active federal civil cases across the country, CBS This Morning reported.

A spokesman for the company would not comment on specific cases, but told CBS This Morning: Our practice standards of care are held to the highest industry level in the country. While we fully understand that the ideal place for a pregnancy is not a jail cell, we also know  through first-hand experience  that a cell delivery might be the only option."

Watch: Woman Goes to Hospital to Pass Kidney Stone, Gives Birth

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Oli pays tribute to ANNFSU CC member Rai

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli on Friday paid tribute to Milan Rai, CC member of the party aligned All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU), by reaching the party central office.
Sydney (AFP) - Controversial Frenchwoman Anne Lauvergeon has stepped down from the board of Rio Tinto just three years after joining the mining giant as a non-executive director, the company said Friday.

Lauvergeon, also known as "Atomic Anne", was charged by French authorities last year in a case linked to nuclear giant Areva's disastrous 2007 purchase of a Canadian uranium mining firm.

French investigators had been questioning Lauvergeon, who ran Areva from 2001 to 2011, over presenting and publishing false accounts and spreading false information.

Lauvergeon and another Rio non-executive director Robert Brown "indicated their intention to step down from the board at the Rio Tinto Limited annual general meeting on 4 May 2017", the Anglo-Australian miner said.

They would be replaced by two new non-executive directors immediately -- David Constable, a former head of South African petroleum giant Sasol, and Britain's domestic energy provider Centrica's ex-chief executive Sam Laidlaw.

Outgoing Royal Dutch Shell's chief financial officer Simon Henry will join the board as a non-executive director on July 1, Rio added.

The trio have extensive experience in the oil, gas and energy industries.

Rio chairman Jan du Plessis welcomed them, praising their "outstanding pedigree, having operated in upstream, capital intensive and global industries".

Canadian Brown joined the Rio board in 2010 and Lauvergeon in 2014

"It's a little bit of a surprise... her tenure's been somewhat shorter than be would normally expected," Fat Prophets resources analyst David Lennox told AFP.

"But the board's still going to be very strong."

The changes came after Frenchman Jean-Sebastien Jacques replaced Sam Walsh as Rio's chief executive in July.

The world's second-largest miner on Wednesday reported an annual net profit of US$4.62 billion for the year to December 31, a strong turnaround from last year's loss, on the back of improving commodity prices.
Nice (France) (AFP) - A French farmer who has become one of the symbols of Europe's migrant crisis after helping Africans to slip into the country was given a suspended fine of 3,000 euros ($3,200) on Friday.

Cedric Herrou, 37, was tried for illegally helping migrants across the French-Italian border under the noses of the French police, and then giving them accommodation.

The sentence is far lighter than the eight-month prison term that prosecutors had requested.

Herrou was unrepentant before hearing the verdict, saying he would not stop helping people who had come to Europe.

"We will continue to act despite the threats from the state and the prosecutor," he told Europe 1 radio.

At his trial last month, he said he was compelled to help migrants "because it has to be done... families are suffering."

A small group of Herrou's supporters gathered in the drizzle outside the court building in Nice on Friday.

He is one of several people to appear in court in southern France recently charged with illegally assisting migrants who have travelled up through Europe after crossing the Mediterranean in rickety boats.

Their cases have pitched the spirit of solidarity against the letter of the law at a time when border controls and migration have become hot issues in the run-up to this year's presidential and legislative elections in France.

On January 7, a court acquitted researcher Pierre-Alain Mannoni, who had faced a six-month suspended jail sentence for aiding Eritrean migrants who entered France from Italy.
Washington (AFP) - French jihadist Rachid Kassim, suspected of inspiring several attacks in France, was targeted in a coalition air strike near the Iraqi city of Mosul, but his death is not yet confirmed, the Pentagon said Friday.

Earlier in the day, several French media reports had reported Kassim's death.

"We can confirm that coalition forces targeted Rashid Kassim, a senior ISIS operative, near Mosul in a strike in the past 72 hours," said Pentagon spokesman Major Adrian J.T. Rankine-Galloway.

"We are currently assessing the results of that strike and will provide more information when it becomes available."

In Paris, a high-ranking official involved in counterterror operations told AFP on condition of anonymity there was not "absolute confirmation" of his death, but that the probability was high.

Kassim, who is in his 30s, is believed to have inspired an attack last year in which a senior French policeman and his partner were knifed to death and another in which an elderly priest's throat was cut.

He is suspected of using the encrypted Telegram app to direct attacks on France from IS-controlled territory in Iraq or Syria.

Originally from Roanne in the Loire Valley, Kassim is suspected of guiding the attacks in France from Syria and has launched on the internet numerous murderous appeals.

Dressed in fatigues with a turban on his head, the black-bearded Kassim was seen in July in an IS propaganda video in which he praised the attacker in the Nice truck massacre that killed 86 people on the July 14 Bastille Day holiday.

US-backed Iraqi forces are currently battling to take back the remaining western districts of Mosul that are still under IS control.

France, which is taking part in the US-led, anti-IS coalition in Iraq and Syria, has been the target of a series of jihadist attacks since 2015 that left 238 people dead.
PARIS (Reuters) - French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said on Friday the next round of United Nations-led peace talks on Syria, scheduled for Feb. 20, could turn out to be "disappointing" because of Syrian government "intransigence". "It is important that these negotiations are credible, that the parties come in good faith, because we have already had disappointing experiences," Ayrault said at a joint news conference with the U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. "In Geneva last year, the intransigence of the regime made any dialogue impossible." The UN-sponsored talks had been planned to begin in Geneva on Feb. 8. De Mistura said he delayed the meeting to take advantage of indirect talks between the Syrian government and opposition in the Kazakh capital Astana. They ended with Moscow, Ankara and Tehran agreeing to monitor government and rebel compliance with a shaky ceasefire. The U.N. envoy said he hoped that by Sunday the Syrian opposition would produce a full list of representatives which would include "a good balance of those who fight and who give political advice". Syria's main opposition body said on Feb. 1 it would be "unacceptable" for the United Nations to choose opposition delegates to the next round of peace talks. "I have said that the resolution 2254 gives a possibility for the special envoy, not to choose, but to finalize the delegation (list), but this is not an option I hope to use," de Mistura said. (Reporting by Marine Pennetier; writing by Maya Nikolaeva; editing by Andrew Roche)




Mr. President. Thanks for giving us the opportunity. This is your first interview with American media since President Trump has taken office. Have you had any communications with President Trump directly or indirectly, or anybody in his administration?

No, not yet.

This is an opportunity for you to convey a message to President Trump, if you have one. What would you like to say to him?

I wouldnt convey the message through the media. I would send it through different  channel, maybe diplomatic channel. But any message for us is the public one. We dont have two messages. We have one stand, one position toward whats happening in Syria. And its about fighting terrorism.

You said yesterday, I believe, that what you have heard from the new administration is promising. Explain what you meant.

The position of President Trump since he started his, the campaign for presidency till this moment is that the priority is to fight terrorism. And we agree about this priority. Thats our position in Syria. The priority is to fight terrorism. And thats whats mean, what I mean by promising.

You indicated that you thought there was some way for cooperation between the United States and Syria. But you didnt explain what that would be. What sort of cooperation can you envision?

Against terrorists and against terrorism. Thats self-evident for us. This is beside having cooperation between any two nations, but in the meantime, in these circumstances, the priority is to have cooperation in fighting terrorism between the different nations, including Russia and Iran and Syria of course.

The president has tasked his Secretary of Defense with developing plans for  defeating ISIS  or Daesh Among the proposals they are reportedly considering is using more special forces and even military assets such as Apache helicopters inside Syria. And arming Kurdish fighters who are fighting Daesh in the North. If such moves would defeat ISIS., would you welcome them?

Could the American prowess defeat the terrorists in Afghanistan or in other place? No. It cannot. It is not enough to have these Apache or F-16 or F-35, whatever want to to to label it to defeat a terrorist. Its more comprehensive way of dealing with that complicated issue.

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So if you want to start genuinely as United States to do so, it must be through the Syria government. We are here. We are the Syrians. We we we own this country as Syrians. No nobody else, nobody would understand it like us. So you cannot defeat the terrorism without cooperation with the people in the government of any country.

But you have welcomed Russian troops into your country. Would you welcome American troops into your country?

We invited the Russians, and the Russians were genuine regarding this issue. If the Americans are genuine, of course they are welcome. Like any other country, we want to defeat and to fight the terrorists. Of course with no hesitation we can say that. But

So you want American troops to come into Syria to help fight ISIS?

Troops is part of the cooperation. Again, lets go back to the comprehensive. You cannot talk about sending troops, if youre not genuine, if you dont have a clear political position toward not only the terrorism, toward the sovereignty of Syria, toward the unity of Syria.

All these factors would lead to to trust where you can send your troops. Thats what happened with the Russians. They didnt only send their troops. First of all, theres a clear political position regarding the those factors. This is where the Russians could come and succeed in fighting the terrorists and say

Do you see cooperation between the United States and Russia to attack ISIS in Syria?

It is essential. Any cooperation in any conflict around the world, it needs the lets say the rapprochement between the Russians and the Americans. Its very essential. Not only for Syria

Well, you you talk to the Russians all the time, dont you?

Of course, yes.

Yeah? Whens the last time you spoke to President Putin?

Few weeks ago.

All right. Whatd you talk about?

About the problems in Syria. (LAUGH) About the advancement of the Syrian Army in Syria

Okay. So are you going to try right. Are you going to try to broker some sort of arrangement between the United States and Russia in this fight?

Theres direct contact between them. And President Putin had a telephone call with President Trump week or or so. And they talked about the different issues, including Syria. So they dont need my role to to do so. And we dont have any contact with the Americans to help the Russian make contact or improve their relations. Were not in that position.

President Trump also recently said he, absolutely wants to create safe zones inside Syria to protect refugees. And possibly allow many of them to return. If such a move would help protect your countrys endangered citizens, would you support that?

Actually, it wont it wont. Safe zone for the Syrians could only happen when you have stability and security. Where you dont have terrorists. Where you dont have flow and support of those terrorists by the neighboring countries or by Western countries.

This is where you can have natural safe zones, which is our country. They dont need safe zones at all. Its much more viable, much more practical and less costly to have stability than to create safe zones. Its not realistic idea at all.

Upwards of half of your countrys population has been displaced. How can you say that safe zones to protect them from bombardment would not be helpful?

The first thing you have to ask, Why were they displaced? If you dont answer that question, you cannot answer the rest. Were displaced for two reasons. First of all, the terrorist acts and the support from the outside. Second, the embargo of Syria. Many people didnt only leave Syria because of the security issues.

As you see, Damascus is safe today. You it its nearly n normal life, not completely. But they dont find a way for life in Syria. So they have to travel abroad in order to find their living. So if you lift the embargo and if you stop supporting the terrorists. Im not talking about the United States, Im talking about about everyone who supported terrorists, including the United States during Obamas administration. If you stop all these acts, most of those people will go back to their country.

There are, what? 4.8 million Syrian refugees since this crisis began. Just as way of comparison, that is more than four times the total number of Palestinian refugees from the events of 1947 and 48. Do you accept that this is a humanitarian disaster?

It is a humanitarian disaster created by the Western support of those terrorists of course, and the region supported by Turkey and Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It didnt happen just like this.

And do you bear any responsibility at all for this disaster?

As president?

Yes.

Regarding the policies that I undertake since I be, since the beginning of the crisis were supporting the dialogue between the Syrians, fighting terrorists, and supporting reconciliation. And they succeed. So no. Regarding these policies, I think we are correct. And we are continuing on these pillars for for the future of of of Syria, regarding this crisis.

As you know, President Trump has signed a very controversial executive order barring refugees immigrants from predominantly Muslim countries, but specifically all Syrian refugees, saying that Their entry into the country would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. The premise is that some of them are terrorists. Do you agree with President Trump on this?

This question has two aspects. The first one is American. This is American issue, and its related to the sovereignty of the American nation. Every country has the right to put any regulations to enter their country. We can disagree and or agree.

But if you ask me as president, as official in Syria and the Syrian state, my responsibility not to go and ask any president to allow the Syrians to go there and to have refu refuge in that country. My responsibility is to restore the stability in order to bring them back to Syria and find refuge in their country. So Im not going to discuss that this is right or wrong. This is American issue.

But the question was, Are some of these refugees in your view aligned with terrorists?

Oh definitely. And

Definitely.

Definitely. You can find it on the net. The same picture that you saw them, in some cases of course, in some instances, those terrorists in Syria holding the machine gun or killing people, they are peaceful refugees in in Europe or in the West in general. Yeah, thats true. It

So how many terrorists do you believe are among the 4.8 million Syrian refugees

No one no one has any number. Nobody knows. Because nobody knows

Do you believe its a significant number?

Because nobody knows all the terrorists to give a percentage. No one at all, invisible.

Do you believe its a significant number?

Its not about significant, cause you dont need significant number to commit atrocities. 11th of September it happened by only 15 terrorists out of maybe millions of immigrants in the United States. So its not about the number. Its about the quality. Its about the intention.

So if what youre saying is correct, then President Trump would be justified in keeping them out of the United States.

Im not American to justify it. Only as American people who say This is against the interests of the United States or with the interests. From our side, we can discuss it as value. This is with the value of the humanitarian situation in the world or not. Thats how we can discuss it. But again, I can only speak as president. For me the priority is to bring those citizens to their country. Not to help them immigrate. That is the natural duty, according to the constitution and to the law.

Would you welcome all of Syrias refugees back into your country?

Definitely definitely.

Definitely. Even the terrorists?

I dont have to welcome them as president. I dont own the country. Its not my house. Its not my company. Its not my farm. This is country to every Syrian.

But if you believe that some of them are terrorists, what would you do with them when they return to Syria?

It doesnt matter what I believe. Whats matter is what the law would say about every person committed any act against this country. Take into consideration that we give amnesty in Syria to thousands of people who committed actions or acts against their country as part of the reconciliation.

How do you expect them to return? What is your vision or plan for bringing Syrias refugees back into Syria?

Already many of them, not a huge number, but many of them st came back to Syria. Many of them. In spite of the security issues and the embargo. So the majority of Syrians would like to come back to their country. This is natural for every citizen. They will come back when they when theres security and where theres no embargo.

Your military just last month drove the rebels from Eastern Aleppo. Do you see this as a turning point in Syrias Civil War? And do you believe youve now won this war?

No, its not turning point. Turning point was when we took the decision to fight terrorism in spite all the propaganda against us abroad. Especially in the West, and against all, every pressure. This is, that was the turning point. Aleppo is important steps against the terrorists, in the fight against terrorism.

But I cannot say a turning point, because were still going in the same way in the same direction. We havent changed our direction. Maybe for the terrorists a turning point? They better answer. Maybe for their masters in the West and in the region, it could be. But they have to answer. I cannot answer on their behalf.

I was asking you before about potential cooperation between the United States and Syria. But the problem that many would have with that is the continued allegations of human rights abuses by your government. Now just today, we have a new report from Amnesty International  about  Saydnaya prison, human slaughterhouse they call it, 5,000 to 13,000 detainees hanged in mass in mass hangings there. Horrific conditions. Trials of blindfolded prisoners, one to three minutes in length. No lawyers. Secret, all in secret. These, this would on its face be contrary to every aspect of international law. What do you know about whats going on in that prison?

Lets first of all talk about the first part of your question, which is the problem how to for the United States to open relation with Syria regarding the human rights. I will ask you, how could you have this close, very close relation and team relation with Saudi Arabia? Do you consider behaving as a human right criteria?

Yes, but Im not interviewing the King of Saudi Arabia right now. Im Im interviewing you.

Yeah, I know, but

Im asking you about reports of human rights abuses in your prison, in your country

Yeah, of course, yeah yeah. You own the question, I own the answers. So thats my answer. (LAUGH) So when you answer about Saudi Arabia and your relation, you can put your pos on that position. Second, the United States is in no position to talk about human rights. Since Vietnam war till this moment, they killed millions of civilians. If you dont want to talk about the 1.5 million in Iraq without any s assignment by the Security Council. So the United States is in no position to say, I dont open relations because of human rights. And they have to use one standard. This is first.

The second part now. Now I can move to the to the ra to that that report, like many other reports published by Amnesty International put into question the credibility of Amnesty International. And we never look at it as unbiased. Its always biased and politicized. And its shame for such organization to publish a report without a shred of evidence. If you, they said, its based on interviews on interviews. What about the document? What what about the concrete evidence? Not single concrete

Interviews with four former prison officials and guards, three former Syrian judges, three doctors at the prisons.

It means nothing.

It means nothing?

No no, its interview. No no, you you, when you be when you need or to make a report, you need evidence, concrete evidence. You can make any report. You can pay money to anyone like Qatar did last year. They paid money for such a report, and they brought their own witnesses. And they made a report. So basically

The pross I I want to just read you something from the report. The process of the hangings is authorized by officials at the highest levels of the government. Death sentences are approved by the Grand Mufti of Syria and by either the Minister of Defense or the Chief of Staff of the Army who are deputized to act on behalf of pres President Bashar al-Assad.

First of all, what the evidence? So this is first.

Is it true or not?

Second no no, its not true, definitely not true. The

How do you know? Do you know what goes on in that prison? Have you been there?

No, I havent been. I Ive been in the presidential palace. Not in the prison. (LAUGH)

So here you have a very disturbing report about something going on in one of your prisons. Are you going to investigate it?

So so Amnesty International knows more about Syria than me, according to you. No, thats no true. No. They they havent been to Syria. They only base their reports on allegations. They can bring anyone, doesnt matter whats his title. You can forge anything these days. And were living in a fake news era, as you know. Everybody knows this. So we dont have to depend on this. Second. You have to talk about reality. They said in in their report that we made serial executions. Is that correct? What they mentioned

Yes, mass hangings.

First of all, execution is part of the Syria law. If the Syrian government or institution wants to do it, they can make it legally because its been therefore indicated.

Secret trials. No t no lawyers?

Why do they need it? They can make it legal. They dont need anything secret.

Is that legal in your country?

Yeah yeah, of course its legal. For decades since independence, the execution, according to the law after a trial is a legal action. Like any other court in many countries in this region.

Will you allow international monitors to visit that prison and inspect and investigate these reports?

It depends on the credibility of that organization. Not anyone. Cause theyre going to use, This is it, just to demonize the Syrian government more and more and more, like whats happening.

This is not the first time that very serious human rights allegations have been made. Just last week woman in Spain, Syrian filed a lawsuit accusing nine of your senior government intelligence and security officials of human rights abuses. Her brother had disappeared in one of your prisons. The la you asked about documents.

The lawyers who have filed this accusing your government of human rights abuses have collected 3,000 pages of evidence. And over 50,000 photographs taken by one of your former governments photographers, showing emaciated, tortured bodies in your prisons.

Who verified the pictures? Who the verified that theyre not edited and photo-shopped and so on?

Have you seen the photos?

No, I didnt.

Have you seen the photos?

No no no. I saw I saw some photos in previous report. But its not about the photos. How can you verify the photo?

You have said that the

Do you have a photo?

I do have the photos.

Can you show it to me.

Yes, Id be happy to. Here.

Okay. This photo have you verified who are those?

I can tell you

You should be becu because you have it and because you mention it in in front of your audience.

Theres a number of photos. You may want to

You have to convince your audience. You cannot mention such a picture without verifying who are those and where and everything about it, just to put it in front of the audience and tell them, Oh they theyve been killed by the Syrian (UNINTEL).

The woman who filed the lawsuit, the Syrian woman who filed the lawsuit says, she saw her brother in those photographs.

Then these are allegations. You have to talk about concrete evidence, at the end. Thats thats how you can base your judgment. Not anyone can say whatever he wants.

You said that you believe these photos may have been doctored. The U.S. State Department gave these photos to the American F.B.I. Crime Lab, digital lab. They examined these photos and said, The bodies and scenes depicted, this these are 242 of these images, The bodies and the scenes depicted exhibit no artifacts or inconsisties inconsistencies that would indicate they have been manipulated. As a result of the above observations, all of these 242 images appear to depict real people and events.

Who said that?

The FBI. Have you seen their report?

No. When was that?

That was 2015.

Yeah, and the question, when your institutions were honest about whats happening in Syria. Thats the question. Never. For us, never. So we dont have to rely on what they say. Whether, if the FBI says something, its not some something, its not evidence for anyone, especially for us.

The most important thing. If you take these photos to any court in your country, could they convict any criminal regarding these? Could they tell you what what this crime, who committed? If you dont have this full picture, you cannot make judgment. Its just propaganda. Its just fake news. They want to demonize the Syrian government. In every war, you can have any individual crime. It happened here all over the world anywhere. But its not a policy its not policy

But let me just if I hear what youre saying, the F.B.I. is just forwarding propag prop propagating propaganda. Amnesty International is propagating propaganda. Everybody is conspiring against the Syrian government. Why?

Ask them. Were not we dont have

Youre the one youre the one making the allegation.

No no. Im not making allegation. They supported the terrorists, and you go back to what they said. John Kerry, few months ago said and by his voice that We were watching ISIS advancing and we expected the Syrian president to make concessions. What does it mean? Obama said it in in interview in in one of his speeches that The war in Iraq created ISIS.

So who supported ISIS? We didnt create it. You created it. The United States created all this mess. Who supported the rebels and called them moderate rebels, while they became ISIS and Al-Nusra in Syria? We didnt. So its not responsibility. These are facts. This is reality. We didnt give money, we didnt support these terrorists. Your country supported them. U.K., France publicly, and they said they sent armaments. We didnt. So you can take that what I s its not my allegation. Its your official allegation including Joe Biden, the vice president of Obama. He said about Saudi Arabia and other countries supporting this 

Thats Saudi Arabia, but the uni but the United States and its

So if its allegation, its their allegation. Its American allegation before its been Syrian allegation.

The United States and its coalition partners have been bombing ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Its supporting the Iraqi Army in its efforts to liberate Mosul from ISIS. How can you say that the United States is supporting ISIS?

Can you explain to me how could they defeat ISIS. in Iraq, and ik and ISIS. was expanding since the American coalition started attacking Syria?

Is it expanding now?

Its been expan no.

s it expanding now?

It started shrinking after the Russian intervention, not the American one. How could they use our field or oil fields and export with thousand of barrel of barrel trucks to Turkey without being seen by your drones and by your satellites, while the Russians could be able to do so and attack them and destroy them? Its for all the fasities facilities. How? Yes, this is cosmetic campaign against I.S.I.S.

Just to be clear. I have shown you the F.B.I. report. I have shown you the photographs. Ive shown you the Amnesty International report. Will you cooperate in investigations (FOOTSTEPS) to determine if these very serious reports are in fact true?

You showed me many things, but you didnt show you a single evidence.

I showed you an FBI report.

No no. That its not evidence at all. Its its actually the contrary. Any American institutions for us during the k Syrian crisis was against Riyadh, since it was the opposite of the truth. Thats how we look at it. So its not Syrian institution. We dont care about what they say.

For me, what I care about is what reports I have from Syrian people. And we had investigations cause we have many claims regarding not the mass crimes, actually more individual acts. And weve been investigating many. And many people were punished. But that happens in every war.

Do you, are you disturbed enough about any of this to try to determine the truth yourself?

I think if youd show it to the Western officials, to to ask them that question, Are they disturbed to see whats happening since they started supporting the terrorists in Syria, this killing, and this destruction? Thats the question. Of course, Im disturbed. Im Syrian. I have this natural

You are disturbed about this. About these reports

What whats happening in Syria. No no, not about the report. I dont care about those

Not not about this, okay.

No no. Im Im Im disturbed about whats happening in Syria. Its my country. Its being destroyed by proxy terrorists, of course.

You have acknowledged that your troops in this war have committed mistakes in its prosecution against the rebels and that anyone could be punished. So how many mistakes are we talking about?

No I didnt say that. I never said or I said, theres al There are always mistakes in any action. Thats a human

So how many mistakes are we talking about? How many how many innocent civilians have been killed by your governments mistakes?

Nobody knows, because thousand and thousand of those are missing people. Nobody knows the anything about their fate. Nobody at all. So you cannot tell till the end of this war.

Was it a mistake to bomb hospitals in Aleppo?

We never bombed hospitals in Aleppo. Why to bomb hospitals? Can you convince your offi your audience that we have interest in bombing hospitals? Actually this is against our interest. So this is against our interest to bomb hospitals, if its used as hospital. And the proof that it was a lie.

Every time they talk about bombing hospital, every time they say, This is the last hospital in Eastern part of Aleppo. And the second time, they s they talk about another hospital and they say the same. They bombed the last hospital, so its lies and lies and lies. We can spend the whole interview talking about lies, and we can talk about the truth and reality. I have to talk about reality.

Is it a mistake to use barrel bombs and chlorine gas?

You have to choose which part of the narrative is correct. Once they said we are using indiscriminate bombs, and they called it barrel bombs. The other day, they said we targeted hospitals and schools and convoys. We either have precise armaments or we have indiscriminate armaments. So which one do you choose?

Will you (CHUCKLE) you do acknowledge though that innocent civilians, there have been civilian casualties in this war?

Yes, of course. Every war is a bad war every war is a bad war. We cannot talk about good war. Lets agree about this. Every war has casualty. Every war has innocent people to pay the price. This is the bad thing about war. Thats why we need to end that war. But having casualty doesnt mean not to defend our country against the terrorists and against eh invasion from abroad through those proxies by foreign countries, like the Western countries and the regional ones. Thats self-evident.

President President Obama gave a speech in 2013 about his, about the U.S. counterterrorism efforts, including drone strikes. And he says, While defending those strikes, nevertheless it is a hard fact that U.S. strikes have resulted in civilian casualties for me and those in my chain of command. Those deaths will haunt us as long as we live. Are you haunted by the deaths of innocent civilians caused by your governments military action?

That important example about the armament. Its not about what bomb do you use, whatev whether you call it barrel or any other name. Its not about that. Its about the way you use your intentions. Thats why the state of the art drones with their missiles, the American ones killed much more civilians than terrorists. So its not about the the drone. Its its not about the armament. Its about your intentions. In our case, in Syria, of course we have to avoid the civilians because, not because they are our people, not only because they are our people and this is a moral issue.

Its actually because its going to play into the hands of the terrorists. If we kill the civilians intentionally, it means we are helping the terrorists. So why would we do it? Why we are defending the civilians and killing the civilians? It doesnt work. This is contradiction. If we are killing the civilians, who are we defending Syria, against who and for who?

You were asked just yesterday Are all means justified in this war? And you said, your answer was, Yes. Its a duty. So you can use every mean in order to defend the Syrian people.

Exactly.

Every mean?

Every mean.

Including torture?

No, its not to defend. Torture is not to defend. What why do you torture? What the relation between torture and defending your country?

So where do you draw the line?

No. You have rules. You have very clear ru rules like any other, like any Army. When you want to defend your country, use your armaments against the terrorists. This is the only rule that Im talking about. This is all the means that you can use in order to to defend your country militarily, if Im talking about military. Of course, you have to defend it politically, economically and every sense of the word. But if you talk about militarily, torture is not part of defending your country.

Last question. Can you just give us your vision of a settlement of this conflict? And can it under any circumstances, will you be willing to step aside if it can end this disaster of a war for the Syrian people?

Yes. Definitely. For me, whenever the Syrian people dont want me to be in that position, I will leave right away. This is very simple answer for me, and I dont have to think about it. And I will, Im not worried about this point. I would worry if Im in that position and I dont have the public support. This is going to be a big problem for me, and I cant bear it. And I cannot produce anyway.

Regarding the the first part. How would I see the solution? Two pillars. The first one is fighting terrorism. Without fighting terrorism and defeating the terrorists, no other solution would be fruitful at all at all. Any kind of solution. In parallel, dialogue between the Syrians about the future of Syria.

That would include anything, everything regarding the whole political system, the whole Syria in in every sense of the word. Then we can get elections and can have nationality ga government, and you can have parliamentarian elections. Then if the Syrian people think about early presidential elections or any kind of presidential election, that will be viable

So earlier than the completion of your term, which I believe is in 2021?

If if there is public consensus about this, if there is

Well, how would you how would you determine whether theres public consensus?

We can discuss it at that time. Its still early to talk about it. We havent finished any of the stages that Im talking about. So any other thoughts about how, because we dont know what circumstances are we going to face that time. But at the end, when you live in a country, you can sense Syria is not its not its not continent.

Its small country. We can deal with each other. We can know each other as as society. We can you can sense, you can see it if there theres public consensus. And then if you want to do do something documented, you can have referendum. Thats very clear.

Do you have any cause for optimism?

Of course. Without that optimism, we wouldnt fight for six years. The main optimism that weve had that were going to defeat those terrorists and their masters. And we are going to restore stability in Syria. And more important than this in my optimism is determination of the Syrian people. This is very important source for optimism.

Without that determination, you wouldnt see Syria in these very difficult and exceptional circumstances still living the minimum life, lets say, if not the normal life. But they need minimum life to survive and for the government to offer different services and subsidies and and so on.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you very much for you.

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As with all interviews granted by President Bashar al-Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.

Read more from the Yahoo News Exclusive interview with Syrian President Assad:
Hamburg (AFP) - A German court Friday barred a TV comedian from reciting in full his so-called "defamatory poem" against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan which sparked a diplomatic row last year.

In the poem, broadcast in March 2016, satirist Jan Boehmermann accused Erdogan of bestiality and watching child porn, while gleefully admitting he was flouting legal limits to free speech as a deliberate provocation.

The Hamburg civil court, upholding a ruling from last May, barred Boehmermann from repeating lengthy passages of the poem, objecting to 18 of its 24 lines.

It ruled that the claimant "does not have to accept insults or verbal abuse", even if the offensive passages were clearly not intended to be taken seriously.

The Turkish leader had sought a complete ban on the poem.

Boehmermann's performance sparked a row that badly soured Berlin-Ankara relations at a time when Turkey was vital to EU plans to stop the mass flow of migrants from the Middle East and Africa into the bloc, especially to Germany.

Erdogan had also sought to bring a criminal case against Boehmermann under a rarely enforced lese majeste law, but German prosecutors rejected the claim as they found the satire so exaggerated it could not be taken seriously.

German lawmakers voted last month to strike the 19th-century lese majeste law, which threatened jail terms for insulting foreign heads of state, from Germany's legal code.

The comedian's poem came in reaction to Ankara's decision to summon Germany's ambassador over another satire, a song broadcast on German TV which had lampooned Erdogan in far tamer language.
Panel to consult with State 2 MPs

A three-member taskforce formed by the government to study the report prepared by the Local Level Restructuring Commission (LLRC) has decided to hold consultation with lawmakers from the eight districts of Province 2.
By Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - The German and Dutch militaries have agreed to further deepen defense cooperation this year by putting a German short-range air defense unit under the command of the Dutch military, a source familiar with the plans told Reuters on Friday. The German defense ministry had no immediate comment on the agreement, which comes as Europe is seeking to expand defense cooperation on a broader level in the face of U.S. pressure to contribute more to its own defense under the NATO alliance. "There is agreement that the German air defense unit will be put under the control of the Dutch air defense command in De Peel," the source said, adding that the arrangement had been concluded this week. The change is based on a broader agreement for a mixed German-Dutch 414 Tank Battalion, which is expected to be fully formed by 2019, according to the source. The German and Dutch militaries have already knitted together closely some land forces and naval elements in what analysts and military officials say could be a model for deeper security cooperation in Europe in the future. "The German military cooperates with the French, the Dutch and others, but the cooperation with the Dutch is by far the least complicated," said Tim Stuchtey, executive director of the Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security in Potsdam. "This is a great example for how things can work in the future on the European level," he said. ELECTIONS Rainer Arnold, defense policy spokesman for the Social Democrats in parliament, said the agreement underscored the importance of German-Dutch military cooperation. "We welcome every step in this direction," he said. "We cooperate very well with the Dutch military." Germany and the Netherlands also plan to jointly develop a new short-range air defense system as part of the expanded cooperation, according to the source. No further details were immediately available. The German military last week said it had decided to replace its ageing short-range air defense systems and help fill a gap in capabilities. [nL5N1FN6PW] Germany and the Netherlands last year declared operational a new joint concept of operations for their Patriot air and missile defense systems that they said could be expanded to include other countries. [nL1N1AM139] In a separate development, the German defense ministry this week informed lawmakers that it may not finalize a contract for a big medium-range missile defense program until after national elections in September, according to Tobias Lindner, a Green lawmaker and member of the parliamentary budget committee. European missiles maker MBDA has been answering a raft of questions after its proposal to build the system came in billions of euros higher than the previous estimate of 4 billion euros ($4.5 billion). [nL8N1CN54F] Germany in 2015 chose MBDA, jointly owned by Airbus Group, Britain's BAE Systems Plc and Italy's Leonardo Finmeccanica SpA to build the system, but set tough milestones for it to retain the contract. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by Ralph Boulton)
BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese state media on Friday broadly welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump's letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping belatedly wishing a happy Lunar New Year, saying it was a positive sign and that "good food is worth waiting for". In a brief statement, the White House said that Trump told Xi he looked forward to working with him to develop relations, though the pair haven't spoken directly since Trump took office last month. "The letter conveys the reassuring message that bilateral relations are still on the right track despite the speculation that has arisen with Trump's victory in the November election," the official China Daily said in an editorial. Trump upset China in December by taking a phone call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. China considers Taiwan a wayward province with no right to formal diplomatic relations with any other country. In his Senate confirmation hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said China should not be allowed access to islands it has built in the disputed South China Sea. The White House also vowed to defend "international territories" in the strategic waterway. "Against this backdrop, the letter, though terse and issued nearly three weeks after Trump's inauguration, is still a positive signal, as it suggests that reason still prevails in the White House," the China Daily added. Even the normally hawkish tabloid the Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily and which had railed against Trump, struck an upbeat tone. "Over the past few weeks, more positive signs have emerged between China and the U.S., making people re-evaluate the trajectory of the bilateral relationship under Trump," it said in an editorial. Chinese officials have downplayed the significance of Trump breaking with recent precedent and not sending greetings for the Lunar New Year, which began late last month, though state media was pleased his daughter Ivanka Trump went to a Lunar New Year reception at the Chinese embassy in Washington. Diplomatic sources say China has also not been in a rush to have a telephone call with the unpredictable Trump, in case the call went badly, embarrassing Xi. In a front page commentary, the overseas edition of the People's Daily said the letter was an opening to help manage friction. "There's a saying in China - good food is worth waiting for." (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Michael Perry)
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Are you happy while you work? The answer to that question may depend on when youre being asked it. Significant amounts of research suggest that people are  overall  happy with their jobs and get a sense of purpose from work. But our research suggests its not so simple.

The way that our study differs from many others is in the way we carried it out. Most research on happiness relies on surveys that ask people to reflect back on and evaluate their experiences these days or nowadays. In doing so, respondents usually attach weight to events that are related to their overall sense of well-being or satisfaction with their lives.

These studies find consistent evidence that paid work plays an important role in peoples happiness and overall life satisfaction. The research also finds that becoming unemployed results in a precipitous decline in well-being from which  unlike most other changes in personal circumstances  people do not fully recover.

Paid work is a central part of most peoples lives, so it should not be surprising to find that it is critical to the way we feel about ourselves and our sense of well-being. Perhaps it is because work generates a feeling of being worthwhile, leading to a sense of meaning or purpose in life.

To find out how people feel when they are at work  in the moment  one of us (George) designed an app called Mappiness, which allows people to record their well-being on-the-go via a smartphone. This enabled us to capture and analyse peoples feelings at the time they are doing an activity, rather than on reflection afterwards.

Real-time responses

With Mappiness, we were able to collect more than a million observations on tens of thousands of individuals in the UK, from August 2010. People who downloaded the app received randomly timed dings on their phone to request that they complete a very short survey. They were asked to rate how happy they felt and how relaxed they were; whether they were alone and, if not, who they were with; whether they were indoors, outdoors or in a vehicle; and whether they were at home, at work or elsewhere. Finally, they were asked what they were doing just now.

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This way we got a spectrum of responses  including their feelings at work, at home or elsewhere. Together with the responses to the survey, the app transmits the location of the individual (via satellite positioning) and the precise time at which the survey was completed. It also records the time elapsed between the random ding and the response, thus making it possible to distinguish between immediate, random responses and delayed ones.

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Although there are drawbacks to this method of data collection (such as the non-random sampling of participants) it has considerable advantages over more traditional research methods where individuals are asked to reconstruct their activities and experiences of the preceding day. These surveys may be subject to recall bias and retrospective distortion. In contrast, Mappiness obtains instantaneous responses so that people report their feelings at the time they are undertaking the activity.

Anywhere but work?

Strikingly, our analysis of all these data found that paid work is ranked lower than any of the other 39 activities people engage in, with the exception of being sick in bed. The effect is equivalent to a 7-8% reduction in happiness relative to circumstances in which someone is not working. Time spent in paid work has a similarly bad (in fact, slightly larger) effect on how relaxed people feel.

Precisely how unhappy or anxious someone is while working depends on the circumstances. Well-being at work varies significantly with where you work (at home, at work or elsewhere); whether you are combining work with other activities; whether you are alone or with others; and the time of day or night at which you are working. Many of these circumstances can be shaped by public policies to facilitate happier working conditions  which can also improve productivity.

But why does work appear to have such an adverse effect on peoples momentary well-being? We know that part of the answer is related to anxiety at work. Even though people are positive about paid work when reflecting on the meaning and value of their lives, actually engaging in paid work comes at some personal cost in terms of the pressures and stress they face while working.

But this is not the whole story. Working continues to be negatively correlated with happiness, even when it is combined with other activities that are pleasurable such as chatting with friends. Plus, even when we account for how relaxed people felt, working continues to be negatively associated with momentary well-being.

Instead, it appears that we would just rather be doing other things than working. This is why economists have long theorised that work is dependent on getting paid to do it  and why people typically put in more hours and more effort when the pay is higher.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Alex Bryson co-authored this paper while he was at the ESRC-funded Centre for Economic Performance at LSE. He has subsequently received funding from a variety of sources to undertake well-being research, but not in connection with Mappiness data. Alex is currently a Fellow at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research and IZA.

George MacKerron lectures in Economics at the University of Sussex. He is also a director and co-founder of PSYT Ltd, which measures wellbeing within organisations and is developing a successor app to Mappiness. The data collection behind this article was funded under an ESRC studentship at Imperial College London and the London School of Economics.
President Donald Trump has been ringing the alarm over the nation's judiciary branch for weeks, and his complaining reached a new level Thursday with a message on Twitter that declared in all caps that federal judges were putting national security at risk. After a federal appeals court refused to allow the Trump administration to reinstate an executive order banning travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, Trump tweeted: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

Trump was referring to the ruling from a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals against his Jan. 27 executive order creating the immigration ban. The panel included two Democratic appointees and one appointed by a Republican. The court said Trump's administration failed to provide evidence that showed the ban was crucial for national security.

Trump has previously gotten testy over the nation's judiciary branch designed to provide checks and balances in government. He said Wednesday there was too much politics involved in the court system.

"I don't ever want to call a court biased," Trump said while speaking to a gathering of law enforcement officials. "So I won't call it biased. And we haven't had a decision yet. But courts seem to be so political. And it would be so great for our justice system if they would be able to read the statement and do what's right."

Days earlier, Trump accused U.S. District Judge James Robart, a federal judge in Seattle judge who suspended Trump's travel ban, of opening the United States to "potential terrorists." And on the campaign trail, Trump said U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who was born in Indiana, couldn't fairly oversee a lawsuit against one of Trump's businesses, Trump University, because his family was Mexican. House Speaker Paul Ryan called the remarks the textbook definition of a racist comment.

Trump's ban applied to travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen and all refugees.

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So are judges too political? There aren't supposed to be. Here's how the federal court system works: Congress has created 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals, 94 U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Court of Claims and the U.S. Court of International Trade. Federal judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. They generally remain on the bench for life.

Americans tend to hold a dim view of the Supreme Court. Justices had a 42 percent job approval rating in September and haven't enjoyed an approval rating above 50 percent since September 2010. Democrats are more likely to approve of the Supreme Court. Only 32 percent of Republicans told pollsters the court was doing a good job, while 60 percent of Democrats said the same.

The Gallup poll of 1,023 adults was conducted between July 13-17, 2016 with a margin of error of 4 percentage points.

Related Articles
France notched up record exports of wine and spirits for a second straight year in 2016 thanks to brisk sales of Cognac but the amount of wine sold declined, industry figures showed Thursday.

Sales abroad rose 1.2 percent to 11.9 billion euros ($12.7 billion) last year, with spirits making up a third of the total and Cognac alone hitting an all-time export high, according to the French Federation of Exporters (FEVS).

The figures showed that while the amount of wine sold declined -- France fell behind Italy as the world's biggest wine producer two years ago -- the product that was sold was of higher quality than in previous years and hence sold for a higher price.

Alcohol is now France's second biggest export sector after the aerospace industry.

Cognac was the star product in 2016, showing a 5.5-percent rise in sales, with drinkers in the United States happy to pay premium prices and Chinese customers rediscovering their taste for luxury, too.

Wine sales dropped 1.8 percent, continuing a downward trend in terms of volume, and in value.

The post-Brexit vote drop in the value of the pound hit the important British market, with a sharp 10-percent drop in wine sales.

However, France's main market, the United States, was strong and accounted for 2.8 billion euros of business, equivalent to one quarter of the overall sales, "mainly thanks to a euro-dollar parity that was favourable to our exports", said FEVS president Christophe Navarre.

China returned with a bang after a lean few years, with a 12.7 percent rise in sales, but French wine producers said they feared the key Chinese market was fragile.

"Our competitors such as Chile have agreements with China, where they no longer pay any customs taxes, while we still pay quite high taxes," said Philippe Casteja, a Saint-Emilion-based producer, who was speaking on behalf of Bordeaux wines.
(Reuters) - Highlights of the day for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Friday: JAPAN Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe open a new chapter in U.S.-Japan relations with Trump abruptly setting aside campaign pledges to force Tokyo to pay more for U.S. defense aid. IMMIGRATION Trump says he is considering issuing a new travel ban executive order, while a White House official says the administration does not plan to escalate a legal dispute over Trump's original travel ban to the Supreme Court. Trump's proposed barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border would be a series of fences and walls that would cost as much as $21.6 billion and take more than three years to construct, according to a report seen by Reuters. CHINA Trump changes tack and agrees to honor the "One China" policy during a phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a major diplomatic boost for Beijing which brooks no criticism of its claim to self-ruled Taiwan. RUSSIA-UKRAINE The Washington Post reports White House national security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with Moscow's ambassador during the month before Trump took office. Flynn had previously denied discussing sanctions. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposes Slovenia, the birthplace of Trump's wife Melania, as a good place for a meeting with Trump, but says the decision on a location is not Moscow's alone. Trump expresses support for an undivided Ukraine in a letter to Lithuania's president, using language similar to that of his predecessor Barack Obama's, and seen as likely to be welcomed by Kiev and North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies. ADMINISTRATION Trump pulls Elliott Abrams as a contender for the No. 2 position at the State Department after learning that the Republican foreign policy veteran criticized him during the 2016 election campaign, sources say. Tom Price is sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Health, which Trump says will allow his administration to fulfill his pledge to dismantle Obamacare and reshape the healthcare system. BANKING The Federal Reserve Board's top bank regulator says he will resign, giving a boost to Trump's plans to ease reforms put in place after the 2007-09 financial crisis. Two U.S. senators are seeking details from Goldman Sachs Group Inc's chief executive on the extent to which the bank's employees were involved in drafting Trump's executive orders on banking and fiduciary regulations. (Compiled by Bill Trott and Jonathan Oatis; editing by Andrew Hay, Grant McCool and G Crosse)
President Donald Trump sharply reversed himself Thursday after months of suggesting he wouldn't hold himself to the long-standing "one China" policy, under which the United States only maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan. A history of Trump's statements on Taiwan since November:

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Dec. 2, 2016  Trump speaks by phone with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, breaking four decades of protocol. It's the first time an American president or president-elect has publicly spoken with Taiwan's leader since 1979, when the United States switched diplomatic ties to Beijing. "The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency," Trump tweets. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accuses Tsai's government of playing a "trick," without directly rebuking Trump.

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Dec. 4, 2016  Facing criticism of the call with Tsai, Trump attacks on Twitter. "Did China ask us if it was OK to devalue their currency (making it hard for our companies to compete), heavily tax our products going into their country (the U.S. doesn't tax them) or to build a massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea?" Trump wrote in two separatetweets . "I don't think so!" A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Lu Kang, said China would "not comment on his personality," but rather his policies while in office.

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Dec. 11, 2016  Trump suggests he would use Taiwan's status as a bargaining chip. "I don't know why we have to be bound by a 'one China' policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade," he told Fox News Sunday . Beijing responds sharply. A foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, called on Trump to "understand the seriousness of the Taiwan issue," and Wang, the foreign minister, said "any power in the world" threatening China's core interests would "smash their own foot while trying to lift a stone."

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Jan. 13, 2017  Trump tells The Wall Street Journal , "Everything is under negotiation, including 'one China.'" The Chinese foreign ministry in turn says Taiwan is "non-negotiable." Chinese state media, tightly controlled by the government, publish two English-language editorials condemning Trump, including one China Daily editorial saying Trump was "playing with fire."

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Feb. 8, 2017  The White House announces Trump sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping offering well-wishes for the Chinese Lunar New Year. While he sent the letter more than a week after the Jan. 28 holiday, China responds with praise and rejects suggestions that the timing was a slight. "It is known to all that since President Trump took office, China and the U.S. have been in close contact," said Lu Kang, the foreign ministry spokesman.

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Feb. 9, 2017  The White House says Trump and Xi have spoken by phone, and Trump "agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'one China' policy."
Prez tells leaders to end deadlock

President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday called Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur and leader Sarbendra Nath Shukla to discuss contemporary politics.
A Taiwan tourist was among three people in critical condition on Saturday after a rush hour arson attack on a Hong Kong subway train the previous night, officials said, with one man with a history of mental illness arrested for the crime.

A total of 18 people were injured in the incident which occurred at 7:15 pm Friday, while police said they had seized suspected liquid accelerants from the scene.

Police have ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack and said the man acted alone, with investigators looking into his mental state.

"We visited a female tourist from Taiwan, her condition is still considered critical and is in intensive care," the city's number two official Matthew Cheung told reporters.

"To our knowledge, she has a friend in Hong Kong, and that friend has notified her family, and that they are on their way to the city," Cheung, the chief secretary, said.

Health Secretary Ko Wing-man said the three in critical condition were on breathing apparatuses.

Ko added that the suspect had a history of mental illness.

"In the long term, his condition was stable, but recently he was supposed to receive treatment but he missed it," Ko told reporters.

Video footage showed chaos on the platform of the packed Tsim Sha Tsui station, with a train carriage on fire and one man lying on the floor with his clothes ablaze as bystanders tried to help him.

Images broadcast on Cable Television news also showed multiple people with burn injuries, as emergency personnel carried out rescue operations.

Cable also reported that a 15-year-old high school girl received burn injuries to her legs.

- 'It burned' -

"I heard loud cries, and the smell of the fumes didn't smell like a normal fire -- it had a chemical smell," an eyewitness identified as Mr. Chow told reporters at the scene.

"Once I inhaled it, it burned the throat," Chow said.

Police said they had arrested a 60-year-old man surnamed Cheung for arson.

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"The mental condition of the arrested person is one of (the) directions of (the) police's investigation," a government statement said Saturday.

Reports said the suspect was not on good terms with his family and had previously been arrested for minor crimes such as gambling.

The South China Morning Post had earlier reported that the man tried to light a Molotov cocktail and said "burn you to death" before he took out the bottle.

Cable Television reported the man had said loudly some people had harmed his son and he needed to take revenge, and that he had doused his trousers with thinner liquid.

Local media said the suspect was among those in critical condition, but police would not confirm the reports.

The Tsim Sha Tsui station, which services a popular shopping and nightlife district, was evacuated following the incident with trains skipping the station on Friday night. It was re-opened Saturday morning.

It was a rare incident in the Asian finance hub, where the transport network is known for its safety and efficiency.

In 2004, 14 people were injured on the subway when a man started a fire in another busy station during the morning rush hour.
By Parisa Hafezi ANKARA (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of Iranians rallied on Friday to swear allegiance to the clerical establishment following U.S. President Donald Trump's warning that he had put the Islamic Republic "on notice", state TV reported. On the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, which toppled the U.S.-backed shah, marchers including hundreds of military personnel and policemen headed towards Tehran's Azadi (Freedom) Square. They carried "Death to America" banners and effigies of Trump, while a military police band played traditional Iranian revolutionary songs. State TV showed footage of people stepping on Trump's picture in a central Tehran street. Marchers carried the Iranian flag and banners saying: "Thanks Mr. Trump for showing the real face of America." "America and Trump cannot do a damn thing. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for our leader", a young Iranian man told state TV in a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Last week, Trump put Iran "on notice" in reaction to a Jan. 29 Iranian missile test and imposed fresh sanctions on individuals and entities. Iran said it will not halt its missile program. Iranian leading religious and political figures, including Pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani had called on Iranians to join the rally on Friday to "show their unbreakable ties with the Supreme Leader and the Islamic Republic". VIGILANT In a speech marking the revolution's anniversary, Rouhani urged Iran's faction-ridden elite to seek unity amid increased tensions with the United States. "Some inexperienced figures in the region and America are threatening Iran ... They should know that the language of threats has never worked with Iran," Rouhani told the crowd at Azadi Square. "Our nation is vigilant and will make those threatening Iran regret it ... They should learn to respect Iran and Iranians ... We will strongly confront any war-mongering policies." The rallies were rife with anti-U.S. and anti-Israeli sentiment. Some carried pictures of Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and British Prime Minister Theresa May captioned "Death to the Devil Triangle". "This turnout of people is a strong response to false remarks by the new leaders of America," Rouhani told state TV, which said millions had turned out at rallies across Iran. U.S. flags were burned as is traditional although many Iranians on social media such as Twitter and Facebook used the hashtag #LoveBeyondFlags to urge an end to flag-burning during the anniversary. They also thanked Americans for opposing Trump's executive order banning entry to the United States to travellers from seven mainly Muslim countries, including Iran. Trump's travel ban is being challenged in U.S. courts. Some marchers carried banners that read : "Thanks to American people for supporting Muslims". Both U.S.-based social media sites are blocked in Iran by a wide-reaching government censor but they are still commonly used by millions of Iranians who use special software to get around the restrictions. Iranian officials, including Khamenei, have Twitter and Facebook accounts despite the ban. Trump has criticized a nuclear deal reached between Iran, the United States and other major powers in 2015 aimed at curbing the country's nuclear work. Most of the sanctions imposed on Iran were lifted last year under the deal. Rouhani defended the deal, which his hardline rivals oppose as a concession to pressure from Washington, saying it protected the Islamic Republics rights to nuclear power, ending Iran's political isolation and crippling economic sanctions. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; editing by Ralph Boulton; Editing by Catherine Evans)
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Hungary's populist prime minister on Friday lashed out against billionaire financier George Soros, claiming he and groups backed by him want to secretly influence the country's politics.

In his annual state of the nation speech, Viktor Orban said groups partly funded by Soros, who was born in Hungary, needed to be made transparent and identifiable.

"Large-bodied predators are swimming here in the waters. This is the trans-border empire of George Soros, with tons of money and international heavy artillery," said Orban, who received a Soros-funded scholarship as Hungary was transitioning from communism to democracy in the late 1980s.

"It is causing trouble ... that they are trying secretly and with foreign money to influence Hungarian politics," Orban said.

He did not cite evidence backing his claims, and did not identify the groups he mentioned. Government officials had earlier taken aim at corruption watchdog Transparency International and rights groups like the Hungarian Helsinki Committee and the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union.

In 2014, Orban ordered a crackdown on civic groups supported in part by Norway, but extensive investigations and audits did not uncover any financial irregularities of note.

In an email to The Associated Press, a Soros representative said they were "proud to support Hungarians who insist on having a voice in their democracy."

"The Open Society Foundations for over 30 years have supported civil society groups in Hungary who are addressing profound problems in education, health care, media freedom and corruption," said Laura Silber, the organization's chief communications officer. "Any attacks on this work and those groups are solely an attempt to deflect attention from government inability to address these issues."

Orban also claimed that Soros' organizations were still working on bringing hundreds of thousands of migrants into Europe, contrary to the wishes of Hungarians and their government.

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Orban has been outspoken about his strong opposition to taking in refugees and migrants, and in 2015 ordered fences built on Hungary's southern borders with Serbia and Croatia to stop the migrant flow.

On Friday, he reiterated a government plan to keep migrants in border camps built from shipping containers while their asylum applications are being processed.

The proposal drew strong criticism from local and international rights groups, which said it was clearly against EU law and the United Nations Refugee Convention.

Amnesty International said the plan was "yet another disturbing move in a pattern of demonizing" refugees.

"Rounding up all men, women and children seeking asylum and detaining them months on end in container camps is a new low in Hungary's race to the bottom on asylum seekers and refugees," said Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty International's deputy director for Europe.

Orban also painted a bleak picture of Western Europe, saying its "future is casting a long and dark shadow on its present."

He joked that Hungary was ready to take in Western Europeans, whom he said are suffering from globalization's effects.

"Naturally, we will take in the real refugees," Orban said to laughter and loud applause. "The panicked German, Dutch, French and Italian politicians and journalists, Christians forced to leave their countries who want to find here the Europe they lost at home."

Orban, who returned to power in 2010, will seek another four-year term in April 2018.
The Red Cross said Friday it was desperately searching for two employees who went missing after their convoy came under insurgent fire in northern Afghanistan, leaving six other workers dead.

The aid workers were ambushed in northern Jowzjan province on Wednesday while they were en route to a remote snowbound area to deliver much-needed relief supplies.

Six employees were killed on the spot, many of them shot from close range, in one of the worst attacks on the international charity in the country for years.

"Unfortunately, there's no news yet on our two colleagues unaccounted for," Thomas Glass, a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told AFP.

"We are actively trying to locate them."

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the killings, but Jowzjan's police chief Rahmatullah Turkistani has blamed local Islamic State jihadists.

The ambush underscores how aid workers in Afghanistan have increasingly become casualties of a surge in militant violence in recent years.

"This event demonstrates the urgent need for all parties to respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law to... (provide) aid workers with a safe environment to work in," the UN said, noting that those killed were travelling in a clearly marked ICRC vehicle.

The attack comes at a time when Afghanistan is in dire need of humanitarian assistance, with more than 100 people killed in recent avalanches and tens of thousands displaced by the wrenching conflict.

The ICRC, which has been working in Afghanistan for three decades, said it was putting its nationwide operations on hold, but there were no plans for now to withdraw staff.

The Taliban, the largest militant group in Afghanistan which promptly distanced itself from the attack, has assured ICRC of security in areas under their control.

"The (Taliban) calls on the officials of ICRC to refrain from suspending their services as the Afghan nation is (in) need of humanitarian aid and health services more than ever before," the group said on their official website on Thursday.
By Olga Grigoryants

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A Mexican immigrant to the United States whose daughter asked Pope Francis for help in stopping her father's deportation attended his first hearing before an immigration judge in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Judge Rose Peters made no rulings at the brief hearing and postponed the proceedings against Mario Vargas-Lopez, 45, until March 22. Vargas-Lopez's attorney, Alex Galvez, is seeking to have the case put on an indefinite hold citing his client's good conduct since his release from a Louisiana detention center in 2014.

"The family represents struggles that other families are going through. They are heroes and a lot of people are looking up to them," Galvez said shortly before the hearing.

Galvez said the proceedings could last as long as three years, during which Vargas-Lopez is set to remain free.

Vargas-Lopez was arrested in Tennessee in September 2013 on a drunk driving charge and served a six-month sentence. Upon his release he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and held in a Louisiana detention facility.

He was later freed on bond just three days after his then 10-year-old daughter, Jersey Vargas, delivered her message to the pope. He was later reunited with his family in Los Angeles.

Jersey Vargas was part of a group from Southern California who traveled to Vatican City in 2014 to deliver letters to the pope from children of undocumented parents, according to "The Tidings," a publication linked to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

She was able to speak briefly with the pope and told him, "My father is suffering," according to the publication. The delegation hoped to convince the pope to discuss immigration reform in a subsequent visit with then President Barack Obama.

Jersey Vargas, now 13, said before Thursday's hearing, "I'm trying to be strong for my family. I'm concerned."

"I hope everything is going to be okay," she added.

The proceedings come just weeks after Republican Donald Trump was sworn in as president of the United States. Trump ran on pledges to get tough on immigrants, including plans to build a wall on the border of Mexico and the United States.

(Reporting by Olga Grigoryants in Los Angeles; Writing by Curtis Skinner; Editing by David Gregorio)
(The Feb. 8 story adds official clarification that ties partially, not fully, cut in paragraph 1, 4, 7) By Aditya Kalra NEW DELHI (Reuters) - A group backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that works on India's immunization programs will now be partially funded by the health ministry, a government official said, a move in part prompted by fears foreign donors could influence policy making. The decision is seen as part of India's broader clampdown on non-governmental organizations to assert control over decision making in key policy areas. Last year, India ordered the dismissal of dozens of foreign-funded health experts working on public welfare schemes. The Gates Foundation has for years funded the Immunization Technical Support Unit (ITSU), which provides strategy and monitoring advice for New Delhi's massive immunization program that covers about 27 million infants each year. A key unit of ITSU that assisted the country's apex body on immunization will now be funded by the government as it felt there was a need to completely manage it on its own, senior health ministry official Soumya Swaminathan told Reuters. "There was a perception that an external agency is funding it, so there could be influence," Swaminathan said on Wednesday. Swaminathan, however, stressed there were no instances of influence found and the decision was only in part prompted by a wider perception about foreign funding of the program. Other operations at ITSU  such as tracking vaccination coverage and logistics management - would continue to receive funding from the Gates Foundation, she said. She had earlier said the entire ITSU funding would move to the health ministry. A spokeswoman for the foundation said its grant for the ITSU ends this month. "We are in advanced stages of discussion with the ministry on the contours of the next phase of technical support," she said. Critics have in the past raised concerns the foundation should not have any association with the program due to apparent conflicts of interest. That's because the foundation also backs GAVI, a global vaccine alliance that counts big pharmaceutical companies as its partners. India's immunization program vaccinates children to shield them from life-threatening conditions such as measles and polio, and is viewed by experts as crucial for improving public health. A key win has been the successful eradication of polio, but more than a million Indian children still die every year before reaching the age of five. "The government must ensure that universal immunization does not suffer in any way," said Keshav Desiraju, a former federal health secretary. BMGF, the charity funded by the personal wealth of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, has enjoyed good relations with the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Reporting by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Douglas Busvine)
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iranians on Friday marked the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution with nationwide celebrations and mass rallies that saw people step on large U.S. flags laid out on the streets while President Hassan Rouhani called the new American administration "a problem."

This year, the anniversary came against the backdrop of remarks by President Donald Trump, who has already engaged in a war of words with Iran's leadership and put Tehran "on notice" over its recent ballistic missile test.

At the Tehran rallies Friday, demonstrators chanted traditional slogans against the United States and Israel, and later, hundreds of thousands marched toward the city's central Azadi Square, where Rouhani addressed the crowds, telling them that Iran will strongly answer any threat from its enemies.

"All of them should know that they must talk to the Iranian nation with respect and dignity," Rouhani declared. "Our nation will strongly answer to any threat. (Iranians) will resist before enemies until the end."

Rouhani called Iran the home of "lions" but said the country does not seek hostility. "We are not after tensions in the region and the world. We are united in the face of bullying and any threat."

Many of the marchers carried the Iranian flag, others had banners and posters with revolutionary slogans. Printed U.S. flags and pictures of current and former U.S. presidents lay scattered on the streets  so they could be trampled by the marchers.

Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic relations since 1979, when Iranian students stormed the American Embassy and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Friday's rallies commemorated Feb. 11 of that year, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the U.S.-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi. The United States helped orchestrate the 1953 coup that overthrew Iran's popular prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, which brought Pahlavi to power and set the stage for decades of mistrust between the countries.

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Some of the posters distributed in English on Friday read: "Thanks to American people for supporting Muslims."

Another one with a picture of Trump said: "Thanks Mr. Trump ... for revealing the face of the U.S."  a reference to remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, earlier this week.

Khamenei said on Tuesday that the "newcomer" Trump has shown the "real face" of the United States. He spoke after Trump tweeted  following a ballistic missile test by Iran  that Iranians were "playing with fire," saying they "don't appreciate how 'kind' President (Barack) Obama was to them. Not me!"

Trump has repeatedly criticized the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran, the U.S. and five other world powers, in which Tehran agreed to curb its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions, but he has not said what he plans to do about it.

His administration said Iran was "on notice" over the missile test, and imposed new sanctions on more than two dozen Iranian companies and individuals.

In Tehran, some of the demonstrators threw balls and darts targeting pictures of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Others burned an American flag. The semi-official ILNA news agency reported that an Israeli flag was also burned.

Many ranking officials attended the ceremony in Tehran, including Gen. Qassem Soleimani who heads the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations such as the war in Syria and Iraq's fight against the Islamic State group where the Shiite power Iran supports Iraq's government.

Rouhani told reporters prior to addressing the crowds that Iranians will make the U.S. regret using threatening language, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.

"Anyone who speaks the language of threat to this nation, the Iranian nation will make him regret" it, he said, without elaborating.

"This presence (of demonstrators) is a response to wrong comments by new leaders in the White House, and they announce with their presence to the world that they (U.S. leaders) should talk with respect and not use threatening language to the Iranian nation," Rouhani added.

Iranian state television aired footage of commemorations in Tehran and other cities and towns across the country, many of them held in sub-zero temperatures.

In the central city of Kashan, the official IRNA news agency said the country's prosecutor general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, told reporters that members of the Islamic State group have been arrested near Tehran. "They planned to sabotage" the anniversary rallies, he said.

And Khamenei's senior adviser, Gen. Rahim Safavi, said during a similar rally in the southern city of Ahvaz that the "evil triangle" or America, Britain and Israel "cannot create a serious military threat against Iran."

Tehran resident Mohammad Soufi, 33, a medical lab technician, said Trump's recent stance encouraged him and his wife to participate in the rally this year.

"We did not participate in the rally for more than 10 years," he said. "This year my wife told me: 'Let's go out to show to the world, particularly Trump, that we love our county despite differences'."

Sorraya Khalili , a 44-year-old hairstylist, said she was out to support the government and object to the "U.S. bullying of Iran."

"Why people like Trump think they can make decisions for the entire world? Iran is an independent country like the United States," she added. "I wish Americans get to visit Iran to find out we are similar to them; we warmly welcome our guests and respect them."

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif posted a photograph on his Twitter account showing protesters with posters with the words: "American people are welcome and invited to visit Iran."

Zarif also said that Iranians on their anniversary praised American people for rejecting Trump's executive action on the visa ban. Iran was among the seven Muslim-majority countries affected by the ban, which remains suspended while U.S. courts debate its legality.
Sagoon announces $20m online public offering

Sagoon, a social commerce platform founded by a non-resident Nepali in Washington, DC, announced amid a programme in Kathmandu on Thursday that it would be launching an online public offering to raise $20 million.
By Steve Scherer ROME (Reuters) - Italy on Friday adopted measures to accelerate the asylum process, easing pressure on shelters and speeding deportations of those whose appeals are rejected. With an emergency decree, Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni's government cut the number of possible appeals to an asylum ruling by a state-run committee to two from three. The current process has caused a bottleneck in civil courts following hundreds of thousands of boat migrant arrivals in recent years, with a definitive response to an asylum request taking some two years, Interior Minister Marco Minniti said. But they can take much longer. "The process will be much more streamlined but people's rights will not be diminished," Justice Minister Andrea Orlando told reporters after a Cabinet meeting. Orlando said the government acted by decree because the court backlog was stacking up quickly and during the appeals process migrants have a right to remain in asylum-seeker shelters, which are filling up. VIDEO RECORDINGS Some 175,000 are currently being housed in such shelters and more boat migrants are arriving almost everyday. Italy currently has a capacity to house 200,000. A record 181,000 boat migrants arrived in Italy last year, and the committees that handle asylum bids rejected more than 60 percent of the 124,000 requests received. Until last year, Rome turned a blind eye to many migrants and let them head north. Now, in line with European Union law, Brussels requires Italy to set up migrant centers called "hotspots", while many countries, including Germany, have sealed their borders against migrants. In the hotspots, officials distinguish between those who say they were persecuted or faced serious harm, and those who fled poverty, who are supposed to be sent home. Since there is no other way to legally stay in Italy, many migrants ask for asylum even if they do not qualify and they then can appeal three times if they are refused. Humanitarian groups have come out against shortening the court process, an idea Orlando first proposed last year, calling it unconstitutional and saying migrant rights' would suffer. But the Interior Ministry said that it would hire 250 specialists in immigration to staff the committees that weigh asylum requests. Also, according to the decree, the committee's interview with the asylum seeker will be video-recorded so that judges do not have to conduct a new interview during the appeals process. The decree foresees 12 special tribunals to exclusively handle asylum appeals. The decree includes measures that will help Italy increase deportations and toughen its stance on irregular migrants that were detailed earlier this week. (Reporting by Steve Scherer; editing by Ralph Boulton)
Rome (AFP) - The Italian government on Friday created 14 fast-track asylum appeal courts in a bid to speed up decisions on deporting migrants with no right to stay in the country.

This latest sign of Italy moving to a tougher approach to deter further migrant arrivals, was approved by decree at a cabinet meeting on Friday.

It comes into force immediately but has to be approved by parliament inside two months.

Around half a million migrants have arrived in Italy in the last three years, most of them Africans who were rescued from overcrowded boats in the Mediterranean after setting off from Libya on vessels operated by people smugglers.

Registered asylum requests rose from 23,620 in 2013 to 123,482 last year and the average time taken to study them has risen from 167 to 268 days.

"The complexity of the migratory phenomenon is also increasing with people arriving from very different countries," Justice Minister Andrea Orlando said after the cabinet meeting.

"We are talking about life-defining decisions, we don't want to leave people in limbo," he added.

The government is also recruiting 250 additional specialists to speed up the work of the commissions which carry out the first assessment of asylum requests.

Around 60 percent of those end with a decision to deny the applicant the right to remain in Italy.

The new courts will be designed to ensure people in this case have their appeals heard much quicker and that a binding decision is made at that stage.

- 'Quality rather than speed' -

As things stand, rejected asylum seekers can generally mount two appeals in a lengthy process that overturns the original denial in an estimated 70 percent of cases.

"These will be specialised judges with detailed knowledge of migration issues," Orlando said, denying the abolition of a second appeal involved lowering standards of legal protection.

The UN refugee agency welcomed the strengthening of the asylum commissions but voiced reservations about the new courts.

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"There will have to be a very thorough examination of individual cases. If it is impossible to appeal, the first hearing has to be as good as possible with the emphasis on quality rather than speed," a spokeswoman said.

Orlando vowed the commissions would become more reliable and consistent in their decisions thanks to the new recruits and the recording of all discussions becoming compulsory.

Friday's initiative follows recent moves by the government to make it easier for migrants awaiting decisions on their fate to do voluntary work that will help them integrate into Italian society.

Italy has also recently agreed to help train Libya's coastguard to better police its coastal waters to reduce the number of boats leaving the country, and to help its former colony with the running of centres to house migrants pending their repatriation to their home countries.

On Friday, the government announced the creation of around 20 permanent repatriation centres capable of housing a total of 1,600 people pending deportation.
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese police have arrested six men on charges of child pornography involving the abuse of at least 168 boys, Japanese media reported on Friday. The arrests come as Japan tries to clean up its image ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In 2014, responding to criticism that it was lax in protecting minors from sexual exploitation, Japan revised the law to ban possession of child pornography. Media, citing a police statement, said the victims were aged 4 to 13 and more than 100,000 files of child pornography were found on the arrested men's computers. The arrested men were aged 20 to 66. Some worked as volunteers at camps for elementary and middle school children, and some were elementary school teachers, media reported, adding that the suspects exchanged pornographic images directly, not over the internet, to avoid being detected. Police said they could not immediately comment on the reports. The number of victims of child pornography rose to a record 781 in the first half of last year, compared with 384 in the same period the previous year, according to police data. (Reporting by Minami Funakoshi; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Former Vice President Joe Biden has signed with Creative Artist Agency for post-White House work, the company announced on Friday.

The agency will represent Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, across all areas, helping to build upon their lifetime of work improving the lives of Americans and countless others around the world.

The Bidens continue to lead the initiative to end cancer they began during their final years in office. They also recently announced the creation of the Biden Foundation, as well as partnerships with the University of Delaware and the University of Pennsylvania.

Also Read: Former Sen. Barbara Boxer Signs With CAA

In his three-plus decades in the U.S. Senate, Biden authored the landmark 1994 Crime Act and the Violence Against Women Act. As Barack Obamas vice president, he oversaw the implementation of the Recovery Act that helped bring the economy back from the brink of depression, and managed the United States foreign policy in Iraq, Ukraine, Central America and more.

Jill Biden has been a national leader on the importance of community colleges, military families, and the rights and welfare of women and girls globally.

Jill and I remain more dedicated than ever to addressing the critical issues of the day, and we see in CAA a shared passion and shared values that are at the core of our family and our goals, Biden said in a statement. We look forward to leveraging their expertise, across many fields, as part of our team.

Also Read: Mel Gibson Signs With CAA

As a company, and as individuals, we are deeply honored and excited to work with Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden to advance their vital efforts, said CAA President Richard Lovett. The Bidens have long led with integrity, authenticity, and compassion. Their extraordinary commitment to lifting people up is not only a great inspiration to us personally but a tremendous foundation upon which they will build an unprecedented post-White House career.

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The agency has been beefing up its roster this year with prominent out-of-work Democrats such as former California Sen. Barbara Boxer and Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett.

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(LIMA, Peru)  A Peruvian judge on Thursday ordered the arrest of former President Alejandro Toledo on suspicion of taking bribes from a Brazilian construction company at the heart of a region-wide corruption scandal.

Judge Richard Concepcion accepted prosecutors request Toledo be jailed for up to 18 months as they investigate allegations he received $20 million in bribes from Odebrecht in exchange for permission to build a highway connecting Brazil with the Peruvian coast.

Toledo, who was president from 2001-2006, has denied any wrongdoing. He is believed to be abroad. He was in Paris for a meeting earlier in the week and is a visiting scholar at Stanford University in California.

The judge said a red alert had been sent to the international police agency Interpol for his arrest wherever he is.

Even though he has been president, he must be subject to the law, said Concepcion, adding that there is a high degree of probability he was involved in money laundering and influence peddling, including selling the (highway) work) in exchange for a sum of money.

Police searched Toledos home in Lima on Saturday. The 70-year-old former president has said would return to Peru as long as he could be assured of a fair trial.

Say when, how and where and in what bank theyve given me $20 million, an angry Toledo said in an interview with a local radio station over the weekend.

If Toledo is jailed in Peru, he would join Alberto Fujimori as the countrys second former president behind bars.

Odebrecht has admitted to paying almost $800 million in bribes to governments across Latin America as part of a December plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department. In Peru, they acknowledged paying $29 million for projects built during the government of Toledo and two successors.

The alleged payments were believed to have been made through Toledos friend, Peruvian-Israeli businessman Josef Maiman, who prosecutors say they are also investigating along with the Odebrechts former boss in the country, whose testimony triggered the probe.

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Authorities throughout Latin America have been moving fast to charge officials accused of taking bribes from Odebrecht, but Toledo is the first ex-president to face an arrest warrant.

Toledos lawyer, Heriberto Benitez, said he would appeal the decision and denounce the case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Benitez had told the judge the preventative arrest order against his client wasnt merited because of the guarantee that he will present himself for the legal process.
Students protest public buses refusal to provide service in Damak

Students of Damak Bahumikhi Campus on Friday organised an hour long vehicular strike at Campus Mod in Damak in protest of passenger buses refusal to provide service to students.
By Lawrence Hurley

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Justice Anthony Kennedy's legal reasoning in a little-noticed 2015 U.S. Supreme Court immigration ruling could play a pivotal role in deciding the fate of President Donald Trump's travel ban if the high court eventually decides the matter.

The case involved an Afghan-born naturalized U.S. citizen named Fauzia Din who argued she had the right for a full explanation from the U.S. government as to why her Afghan husband was denied entry. The justices ruled 5-4 against her.

On its face, the ruling would seem to help the administration in its defense of the president's Jan. 27 executive order, which temporarily barred entry into the United States by people from seven Muslim-majority nations and put on hold the entry of refugees. Lower courts have blocked the order, but the administration may ask the Supreme Court to revive it.

But in a concurring opinion in the 2015 case, Kennedy wrote that in some circumstances the U.S. government's motives in denying someone entry could be subject to legal review. That reasoning was cited by the states of Washington and Minnesota in their lawsuit seeking to overturn Trump's ban.

Kennedy is a conservative justice who sometimes joins the court's four liberals and often casts the deciding vote in close cases.

The states argued that the executive order violated the U.S. Constitution by discriminating against Muslims. Trump during the presidential campaign called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."

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In the 2015 case, Din, who lives in Fremont, California, sued the U.S. government after her husband, Afghan citizen Kanishka Berashk, was denied a visa in 2009. She objected to the government's visa denial under a law giving consular officials wide discretion to bar people linked to "terrorist activities."

The high court's ruling overturned a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that the government had not given a legitimate reason for denying the visa.

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Kennedy's opinion suggested he could be willing to dig into the Trump administration's rationale for the order, said Mark Haddad, the Los Angeles-based lawyer who represented Din in the 2015 case.

"The ostensible reason for the travel ban is security but that's not a good faith concern if the underlying reason is religious animus," Haddad said.

'TOTAL DEFERENCE'

Kennedy's opinion showed he is "not prepared to give complete and total deference to the executive branch in the enforcement of immigration laws," Haddad added.

Samuel Alito, one of the court's most conservative justices, signed onto Kennedy's opinion. In total, six of the current eight justices suggested in that 2015 case that the government was not immune from scrutiny over immigration-related decisions if there was evidence of a questionable motive.

The case brought by Washington and Minnesota could reach the high court quickly, in the wake of Thursday's decision by a three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based 9th Circuit upholding a Seattle district judge's decision to block Trump's order.

The Trump administration, which could appeal to the Supreme Court as early as Friday, would need to win the support of five of the current eight justices to reinstate the order while litigation over the legality of the directive continues. The case could reach the high court again at a later date.

The Supreme Court is ideologically split, with four conservative justices and four liberals. Neil Gorsuch, Trump's nominee to fill a lingering vacancy, is awaiting Senate confirmation hearings and is unlikely to be seated on the court for at least two months.

The 2015 case, called Kerry v. Din, was cited both by the challenging states and the Trump administration in their court fight.

Washington state's lawyers argued Kennedy's opinion showed that courts must look at what motivated the government's decision beyond the words that appear in the order itself. They cited the previous comments by Trump and others expressing a desire to keep Muslims from entering the United States.

The administration noted in court papers Kennedy also made it clear that the government is entitled to deference, especially on national security.

Anil Kalhan, an immigration law professor at Drexel University School of Law in Philadelphia, said there are multiple ways of interpreting Kennedy's opinion, which could muddy the waters.

Kennedy's opinion "doesn't necessarily mean he would reach the same conclusion" on Trump's ban, Kalhan said.

In Tuesday's 9th Circuit oral argument, administration lawyer August Flentje called the executive order "facially legitimate," meaning there is no need for courts to inquire further into motive.

Judge Michelle Friedland immediately pounced: "Haven't there been allegations here of bad faith?" She said Kennedy's opinion in the Din case as well as a 1972 Supreme Court ruling in a case with similar themes "envision that's something we should look at."

The 1972 case involved professors objecting to the U.S. government's decision not to allow a Marxist academic to speak at a Stanford University conference. The appeals court cited both cases in its Thursday ruling.

(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Sue Horton and Will Dunham)
A barking dog never bites, but he may lick his K9 handler if hes asked to sit still in a photo.

Read: K9 Gets Stage Fright as He Is Sworn Into Office as Department's First Comfort Dog

Officer Levi Knach and his K9 partner Kenobi of Indianas DNR Law Enforcement District 2 were posing for photos, and the pup couldnt help but give him a kiss.

Kenobi could be seen in the pictures, posted to Indiana DNR Law District 2's Facebook page, licking his handler on the face, and nudging him with his nose.

"[Knach] sat down and he tried to give Kenobi the 'sit still' commands, and the dog starts licking his face," Captain William Browne told InsideEdition.com.

He explained the photos were taken for the agencys archives, but he decided to post them to Facebook after noticing the affectionate exchange.

"You should see Knach and Kenobi together  hes entertaining, the dogs entertaining, they love each other to pieces, and theyre very affectionate," Capt. Browne said. Its entertaining to watch how much these handlers love their dogs.

Knach, who has been with the department for at least 10 years, became a K9 handler three years ago, when he and Kenobi started working together. Browne said Knach was even able to name the pup.

"Hes a Star Wars guy," he joked.

Read: Boy with Leukemia Sworn In as K9 Handler, One Day Before He Begins His 3-Year Treatment

Despite Kenobis spontaneous interaction caught on camera, Browne guaranteed all 13 K9 officers in their department, who are trained in recovering evidence and man tracking, are serious about their work.

Theyre working dogs when theyre in the vehicle, and theyre lap dogs when theyre not, he said. Its a neat transition to watch."

Watch: Elderly K9 Officer Receives Hero's Salute Before Being Put Down: 'He Was Family'

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Kellyanne Conway apologized to Donald Trump after she endorsed his daughters clothing line on live TV Thursday.

Read: Kellyanne Conway Endorses Ivanka Trump Products on TV, a Possible Ethics Violation

The presidents top adviser apologized for the remarks following the broadcast. The president reportedly said he backed her "completely."

Conway tweeted that she had Trumps support Friday morning.

POTUS supports me, and millions of Americans support him & his agenda. https://t.co/FTaPXTymGV  Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) February 10, 2017

The controversy started Thursday morning on Fox & Friends, when Conway was asked about Nordstrom dropping Ivanka Trumps clothing line.

Conway said the first daughter is a very successful business woman and champion for women empowerment.

She added: I'm going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online."

Ethics lawyers and Democratic lawmakers have since called for an investigation, according to CNN.

In addition, the group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has asked for the Office of Government Ethics and the White House counsel's office to look into the "apparent violation of law" and to "take any necessary discipline against [Conway]."

Read: Melania Trump's Rep Claims She's Not Trying to Profit From First Lady Role After $150M Libel Lawsuit

At the White House daily briefing Thursday afternoon, Press Secretary Sean Spicer addressed the situation.

Kellyanne has been counseled and that's all Im gonna say, he said.

According to reports, the president hated that Spicer used the word counseled during the press conference.

Watch: Melania Trump Spotted for the First Time Since Inauguration, Avoids Manhattan Protests

Story continues

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Bamako (AFP) - Key provisions of a peace deal signed by the Malian government and ex-rebels in 2015 are finally due to be rolled out imminently, according to an official document obtained by AFP Friday.

Tuareg-led rebels led an uprising in 2012 that was hijacked by jihadists, throwing Mali into chaos and triggering a UN-French military intervention the following year, but the rebels later signed an accord without the Islamists.

The official document seen by AFP and under consideration Friday by the government, ex-rebels and pro-Bamako militias at a gathering in the Malian capital appeared to show a willingness to overcome several sticking points after months of limited progress.

Also present were Algerian foreign affairs minister Ramtane Lamamra, the United Nations' Mali special representative Mahamat Saleh Annadif and a French diplomatic representative.

Algeria helped to broker the peace deal and France is Mali's former colonial master.

"We are all attached to this accord, we do not see an alternative," Lamamra said at the opening of talks.

Interim authorities for the restive north where the uprising took place would be put into place between February 13 and 20, the document said, to allow the state the re-enter territory where it has been effectively absent.

The strategic city of Kidal is still entirely controlled by the former rebels.

These interim authorities will remain in place until the security situation permits full local government to be installed.

Another key component of the deal -- joint patrols between regular troops, pro-government militia and former rebels -- would be rolled out on February 20 in Gao and February 28 in Kidal, with Timbuktu following a week later.

An African diplomat present at the talks said the CMA had "given agreement for the peace process to restart on the condition of having a precise timeline on the key points."

The rebel alliance known as the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) signed the deal along with the government and loyalist militias with hopes of bringing stability to the north, the cradle of several Tuareg uprisings and a sanctuary for Islamist fighters.

Since then, rival armed groups have repeatedly violated the ceasefire, threatening attempts to give the north a measure of autonomy to prevent separatist uprisings.

Jihadists continue to sow chaos: just over three weeks ago almost 80 people were killed in the northern city of Gao by a suicide bomber targeting pro-government and ex-rebel militia preparing joint patrols in the area.
Another Virat Kohli double century powered India to a record total against Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Hyderabad Friday -- but only after he had to be persuaded to challenge his dismissal.

In reply, Bangladesh were 41 for one at stumps on day two after losing opener Soumya Sarkar for 15 in one of the final overs of the day as their bruising introduction into Test cricket in India continued.

Skipper Kohli became the first batsman to score double centuries in four consecutive series as he reached 204, the standout performance in India's 687-6 declared which featured three centuries.

The hosts became the first international team to record three successive scores of more than 600 after posting totals of 631 in Mumbai and 759-5 in Chennai against England last year.

Bangladesh's misery was compounded when Sarkar was caught by Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha off the bowling of Umesh Yadav in the third last over of the day.

Tamim Iqbal (24) and Mominul Haque (one) were at the crease, with the visitors still trailing India by 646 runs.

The headlines belonged to the Indian batsmen whose big knocks were centred around Kohli's heroics at Hyderabad's Uppal Stadium, which witnessed its highest-ever Test score on a day bursting with records.

"Virat backs everybody. He encourages us to play our natural game. He always gives us confidence and it's a big plus for the team," said centurion Saha, who was involved in a 39-run partnership with his skipper.

Kohli, whose 246-ball knock was laced with 24 boundaries, surpassed legends including Donald Bradman and Rahul Dravid, who had scored double tons in three consecutive series.

Kohli also scored double centuries in his three most recent series against West Indies, New Zealand and England.

- DRS to the rescue -

He needed a stroke of luck though to reach his landmark after successfully reviewing a confident lbw shout on 180 from Bangladesh spinner Mehedi Hasan which was initially given out.

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Saha revealed that Kohli was ready to walk and had to be persuaded to review the decision which was overturned by the third umpire as TV replays showed the ball was sliding down the leg side.

"Virat thought that he was out but I told him that you have probably stretched your front foot more...So he took a call and was saved," said Saha.

The 28-year-old skipper was eventually trapped lbw off Taijul Islam, who ended with three wickets, early in the final session which then saw the Indian middle order plunder runs.

Saha (106) shared an unbeaten 118-run seventh-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja (60) as they made hay against a tiring bowling line-up during what is Bangladesh's first-ever Test on Indian soil.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Saha scored his second Test century to entertain a raucous home crowd, including seven fours and two sixes, helping India maintain an impressive run rate of over four.

Jadeja also raced to his fifth Test fifty as he celebrated the mark with his customary sword dance.

Earlier Kohli's 222-run fourth-wicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (82) set the hosts on course as they broke their previous highest score against Bangladesh of 610, set in Dhaka in 2007.

Murali Vijay (108) and Cheteshwar Pujara (83) were other notable contributors for the world's number one Test team, who have never lost to the minnows in eight outings.

"Our batsmen got big scores in New Zealand and have the self-belief to do it again," said Hasan, whose side lost the the first Test in Wellington after posting 595 in the first innings.
By Carolyn Crist (Reuters Health) - When high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later, attendance rates and graduation rates improve, according to a new study. The study backs previous research that says additional sleep boosts psychological, behavioral and academic benefits for teens. So much research explains the impact of insufficient sleep on suicide, substance abuse, depression, auto accidents and more, said lead study author Pamela McKeever of Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. This connects the dots between the world of science and education, she told Reuters Health. Through this, educators and parents can see how lack of sleep impacts the school indicators that we use to measure student success. McKeever and colleague Linda Clark looked at school start times, graduation rates and attendance rates for 30,000 students in 29 high schools across seven states. They found that two years after a delayed start was implemented at these high schools, average attendance rates and graduation rates had increased several percentage points. For example, the average graduation completion rate was 79 percent before the delayed start was implemented, and it was 88 percent afterward. This doesnt only impact our high school students. This impacts all of society, McKeever said. As graduation rates improve, young adults experience less hardship after graduation, a lower chance of incarceration and a higher chance of career success. Delayed bell times could close the achievement gap as well, McKeever and Clark wrote in Sleep Health, the journal of the National Sleep Foundation. When schools start later, students in lower socioeconomic categories are more likely to get to the bus on time. When they arrive at school on time, theyre more likely to stay in class and graduate. When kids miss a bus early in the morning and thats their only form of transportation, they miss class and then soon the credits, said Kyla Wahlstrom of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, who wasnt involved with this study. People dont understand the link between early wakeup times and graduation rates, but its that direct. Since the late 1990s, Wahlstrom and other researchers have suggested that delayed high school start times may help students. In 2014, she and her colleagues reported that in a three-year study with 9,000 students in eight public high schools across three states, attendance rates increased with a start time of 8:35 a.m. or later. In December, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine advised that later school start times could improve sleep, reduce car accidents and reduce sleepiness. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends 8:30 a.m. as the earliest time to begin school. But school policies have yet to change nationwide. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 42 states, 75-100 percent of public schools start before 8:30 a.m. Teens are driven by biology to go to sleep later, and theres not much we can do about that, but school start times are the main reason they get up when they do, said Anne Wheaton, an epidemiologist at the CDC in Atlanta, in email to Reuters Health. Wheaton wasnt involved with this study. A limitation of the study is that many variables affect attendance and graduation rates. Changes at the school level, such as different teachers, policies and the surrounding community itself, could affect students and their ability to complete class credits, extracurricular activities and afterschool jobs. Also, the data didnt measure sleep time or indicate whether students slept more due to delayed start times. The debate about school start time and adolescent sleep patterns has been going on for a number of years, said Mary Carskadon of the Sleep for Science Research Lab at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, who wasnt involved with this study. Efforts to delay the school bell are more likely to succeed best when parents and the teens themselves use better choices, she told Reuters Health by email. This includes having a set bedtime and limiting arousing activities in the evening. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2kQvSHo Sleep Health, online February 1, 2017.
The Latest on legal challenges to President Donald Trump's travel ban (all times local):

1:30 p.m.

A temporary restraining order in a Los Angeles challenge to President Donald Trump's travel ban has been extended until Tuesday.

Attorneys told a U.S. District Court judge they are trying to work out a settlement involving hundreds of Yemenis and Somalians stranded in east Africa.

Attorney Julie Goldberg flew to Los Angeles this week with 27 clients who had been stuck in Djibouti when Trump's order took effect.

Goldberg says she's trying to work out an agreement to allow travel for hundreds of others spouses and children of U.S. citizens or green card holders.

Goldberg says she's representing 800 people either in Djibouti or with family stuck there.

A hearing could be held Tuesday on the merits of the case if Goldberg and the government can't reach a deal.

___

3:30 p.m.

U.S. government lawyers have asked a judge in New York to dismiss one of the legal challenges to President Donald Trump's travel ban on the grounds that the two Iraqis who were the original subjects of the case have both been freed from custody.

The legal petition was initially filed on behalf of two men who had been granted permission to come to the U.S. because of links to the U.S. military, but who were detained when they arrived at New York's Kennedy Airport.

In papers filed Friday, the government said that since the men were ultimately allowed into the country, the case was moot.

ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said the government isn't correct and the case should be allowed to continue.

___

12:45 p.m.

Lawyers for the federal government say they are weighing their options after a federal appeals court refused to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations.

A government lawyer who spoke at a hearing in Virginia on Friday said that, following Thursday's ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the Trump administration may or may not appeal.

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"All options are being considered," Erez Reuveni said.

Reuveni spoke at a hearing at which the state of Virginia was challenging the ban.

The appeals court in San Francisco unanimously refused to restore Trump's refugee and immigration order on Thursday.

___

This item has been corrected to delete a quote wrongly attributed to the appeals court.

___

4 a.m.

Lawyers for the state of Virginia are challenging President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration, arguing in federal court that its seven-nation travel ban violates the Constitution and is the result of "animus toward Muslims."

Michael Kelly, spokesman for Virginia's Democratic Attorney General Mark Herring, said Friday's hearing in federal court in a Washington suburb poses the most significant state challenge yet.

He says in a statement ahead of Friday's scheduled arguments in Alexandria, Virginia, that it "will be the most in-depth examination of the merits of the arguments against the ban."

Virginia's challenge comes after a federal appeals court in San Francisco refused Thursday to reinstate the ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  The Latest on the car crash involving Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo. (all times local):

12:05 a.m. Saturday

Dr. Andrzej Jakubowski says Prime Minister Beata Szydlo suffered some injuries to the body in a car crash Friday in southern Poland, but that the prognosis for her is good.

Jakubowski examined Szydlo in the hospital in Oswiecim, a town of 40,000 where the accident took place. He made the comments TVP INFO.

The prime minister was later flown by medical helicopter to Warsaw for more tests.

___

11:50 p.m.

Government spokesman Rafal Bochenek has tweeted that there will be a news conference at 08.20 GMT on Saturday following the injury of Prime Minister Beata Szydlo in a car crash.

Officials have said that Szydlo is in "good condition" after crash Friday in southern Poland.

She has been flow in a medical helicopter to a hospital in Warsaw for more medical tests. Two security officials were also injured in the accident.

___

11:30 p.m.

A yellow-and-red medical helicopter has landed near the government hospital in Warsaw, Poland and a passenger was put on a wheeled stretcher and into an ambulance, which drove to the hospital building.

The helicopter had taken off from the southern city of Oswiecim after Prime Minister Beata Szydlo had a car accident there.

Government spokesman al Bochenek has said that Szydlo is in "good condition" after being in the car crash but was to be flown to Warsaw for more medical tests.

___

10:20 p.m.

Poland's interior minister has called an emergency meeting with the leadership of the Government Protection Office, which protects and drives Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and other top government figures.

The action by Minister Mariusz Blaszczak comes after Szydlo was injured in a car crash in southern Poland and was being flown to Warsaw for more medical tests.

Friday night's accident in the southern city of Oswiecim was the third official car crash in recent months.

Story continues

In November, several vehicles in a Polish government convoy collided during a state visit to Israel, injuring two Polish officials. Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz also escaped uninjured from an eight-car collision in January.

___

10 p.m.

A yellow-and-red helicopter ambulance has taken off from the southern Polish city of Oswiecim after the country's prime minister had a car accident there.

Poland's PAP agency said the government hospital in Szaserow street in Warsaw was waiting to receive Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, 53, for more tests.

Poland's government spokesman says Szydlo is in "good condition" after being in the car crash but is being flown to Warsaw for more medical tests.

Local police spokesman Sebastian Glen said a 21-year-old driver in a Fiat abruptly turned left and hit Szydlo's car while being overtaken by Szydlo's convoy. Szydlo's car swerved to the left and hit a tree. Glen says police are questioning the driver and witnesses.

____

9:45 p.m.

Poland's government spokesman says that Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo is in "good condition" after being in a car crash in southern Poland but will be flown to Warsaw for more medical tests.

The accident occurred about 6:30 p.m. Friday in the town of Oswiecim, which is Szydlo's hometown. Officials say Szydlo was traveling in the second car in a convoy along the town's main road when another car drove into Szydlo's black Audi limousine, causing it to hit a tree.

Two security officials were also injured in the accident.

Government spokesman Rafal Bochenek said Szydlo was conscious and in good shape. A helicopter was to transport her to Warsaw.

___

9:30 p.m.

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo has suffered minor injuries after a small Fiat hit her car, officials and Polish news reports said. Her spokesman said she was being examined in a hospital but wasn't badly hurt.

The accident occurred Friday in the southern town of Oswiecim, which is Szydlo's hometown. Szydlo was traveling in the second car in an official convoy along the town's main road when another car drove into Szydlo's black Audi limousine, causing it to hit a tree.

The state broadcaster TVP published an image of her limousine, with the front of the car bashed in.

Sebastian Glen, a police spokesman, said the car that hit the prime minister's car was a small Fiat driven by a 21-year-old man who was sober. He said Szydlo, the driver and a security officer were taken to a nearby hospital.

Government spokesman Rafal Bochenek told the news agency PAP that Szydlo's injuries were not serious but that she was undergoing a precautionary examination in a hospital.

"Fortunately, nothing bad happened," he said.

Oswiecim is best known to the world by its German name, Auschwitz. It is the town where Nazi Germany ran the death camp in occupied Poland during World War II and today is the site of a memorial and museum that draws large numbers of visitors.

It was the second such accident involving a convoy that Szydlo was traveling in.

In November, several vehicles in a Polish government convoy collided during a state visit to Israel. Szydlo was not in one of those that collided but two other Polish officials had minor injuries.

Separately, Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz escaped uninjured from an eight-car collision in January.
TIA gold smuggling: House committee forms 7-member probe panel

The Good Governance and Monitoring Committee of the Legislature-Parliament has formed a probe panel to look into the recent gold smuggling via Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in the Capital on Friday.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  Linus could still explain the true meaning of Christmas to Charlie Brown under a bill approved by the Kentucky Senate.

Senators voted Friday for the measure that sets out the rights of students to express religious beliefs in public schools and allows the Bible to be used for the secular study of religion. The 31-3 vote in the GOP-led chamber sends the proposal to the House, also run by Republicans.

A part of the bill would permit local school boards to allow schools to sponsor "artistic or theatrical programs" that advance the learning of cultural or religious heritage.

That provision is in part a response to a 2015 decision in an eastern Kentucky school district to cut Bible passages referenced in a performance of "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Some audience members responded by reciting lines from the play in which Linus quotes from the Bible, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported at the time. The Johnson County school superintendent told the Lexington newspaper he made the decision to remove the Biblical references on the advice of his attorney and state officials.

"There is no basis for the schools and the districts to censure the religious aspects of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas,'" Republican Sen. Albert Robinson, the bill's lead sponsor, said Friday.

Robinson said he would have introduced the measure regardless of the controversy.

His measure would allow students at Kentucky public schools to engage in religious activities and express political views on school grounds. Religious or political views could be expressed in homework, artwork and other assignments. The bill also pertains to public universities.

Also under the measure, students could display religious messages on their clothing "to the same extent" nonreligious messages are allowed. Like other school groups, religious-based student groups could meet outside of instructional time.

In supporting the bill, Democratic Sen. Julian Carroll bemoaned the lack of attention to teaching moral values in schools. Robinson said he wants to free school officials from the fear of being sued for allowing religious expression in schools.

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"Unfortunately, when faced with some of these issues, sometimes school administrators operate more out of fear than facts," Robinson said. "Fear of being sued by one of a few that are determined to suppress the freedom of speech and free exercise of religion."

Another key section of the bill would allow public school teachers to use the Bible or other scripture for the secular study of religion, its history and role in the U.S. Other purposes could be to study the Bible as literature and study religious influences on art, music and social studies. Teachers could not provide religious instruction.

Asked by a colleague whether his intent was to preclude other major religious texts from being used, Robinson replied: "I have no objections. If I would, I'd be going against the Constitution."

At a committee hearing on the bill Thursday, Kate Miller of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky said the bill's framework for Bible literacy study lacks sufficient guidelines "to keep that study from straying from teaching to preaching."

She said the bill would likely create confusion about what's "constitutionally permissible" in classrooms. That could "invite legal challenges," she said.

At the same meeting, Democratic Sen. Perry Clark said the bill seeks to "establish one ecclesiastical policy as pre-eminent over others," and said religious instruction is "best left to the home and to the church, unaided and untainted by the state."

Clark was among the three senators voting against the bill Friday.
As the Northeast was getting pummeled with heavy snow and blizzard conditions, local news anchors were very concerned for the general safety of their viewers. And if you happened to watch hours and hours of storm coverage, as we did here at Superfan, you learned very quickly that these anchors just want you to do one thing out there: Be careful.

Greg Kelly and Rosanna Scotto from Good Day New York were perhaps the most concerned, but it wasnt just the anchors. Local New Jersey man Ray Burt was also quite serious in his be careful warnings. Either way, its good to know that people are looking out for each other.

And just a word of advice from us here at Yahoo: Be careful. And also, watch this video.

Watch this weather reporter who cant stop giggling:

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter.
TRC, CIEDP terms extended by one year

The government on Thursday extended the terms of two commissions formed to investigate human rights abuses committed during the decade-long insurgency.
Trump loses appeal court bid to reinstate travel ban

A US federal appeals court has rejected President Donald Trump's attempt to reinstate his ban on citizens from seven mainly Muslim countries.
MasterChef Junior junior has finally returned, which means there are plenty of tiny confident cooks hoping to win the coveted trophy and the grand prize.

Season 5 of the Fox series will see 40 chefs between the ages of eight to 13 compete for a place in the top 20 where they will have a chance to win the MasterChef Junior Trophy and a $100,000 grand prize.

In MasterChef Junior Season 5, episode 1, Quest for the Apron, Pt.1, viewers saw the first eight chefs secure their spots in the top 20. However, fans of the show will have to wait until episode 2, Quest for the Apron, Pt. 2, to find which 12 contestants will fill the remaining spots.

Chefs Gordon Ramsay and Christina Tosi will be deciding who stays and who goes along with special guest judges which include The Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik, Modern Family actress Julie Bowen, the Muppets Miss Piggy and more.

Take a look at the first eight contestants that snagged a spot in the top 20 on MasterChef Junior Season 5.

Cydney Sherman

Cydney Sherman

Photo: Fox

Cydney, 10, of Brooklyn, New York, will pose some major competition among the contestants, she just might be chef Ramsay's favorite. When she is not competing on the series, the New Yorker enjoys making roasted lamb chops with a mint and lemon marinade and roasted potatoes.

Elisabeth Wingo

Elisabeth Wingo

Photo: Fox

Elisabeth, 9, of Sweetwater, Texas, wowed the judges with her delicious tart dessert. Her signature dish is chicken alfredo.

Sydney Newser

Sydney Newser

Photo: Fox

Sydney, 9, of West Bend, Michigan, specializes in angel hair pasta with onion and green pepper marinara.

Donovan Milstein

Donovan Milstein

Photo: Fox

Story continues

Donavon, 9, of Brooklyn, New York, is very confident when cooking any type of Asian cuisine, thanks to lessons from his babysitter. This pint size chef likes to make his signature dish of vegetable stir fry with squid.

Jasmine Stewart

Jasmine Stewart

Photo: Fox

Jasmine, 11, of Milton, Georgia, uses her Jamaican roots to help her spice things up in the kitchen. The young cook has a signature dish of oven-baked meatballs with homemade tomato sauce.

Mark Coblentz

Mark Coblentz

Photo: Fox

Mark, 11, of Starkville, Mississippi, the southern gentleman with impeccable manners enjoys making chicken pot pie and his very own homemade stock.

Gonzalo Ingram

Gonzalo Ingram

Photo: Fox

Gonzalo, 11, of Whitestone, New York, is a confident Peruvian chef that specializes in cooking causa rellena de pollo.

Justise Mayberry

Justise Mayberry

Photo: Fox

Justise, 11, of from Sugar Hill, Georgia, enjoys making grilled steak and homemade french fries at home with her police officer parents. Justise hopes to be a teacher when she grows up.

MasterChef Junior Season 5 airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.

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Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg isnt the only billionaire trying to eradicate diseases. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Bridgewater Associates Chairman Ray Dalio also have ponied up big bucks to eliminate such scourges as polio. Berkshire Hathaway genius Warren Buffett has donated billions.

Zuckerberg and his wife, Chan, established a billion-dollar philanthropy organization in 2015 to "cure, prevent or manage all disease" by 2100 and has hired 47 scientists to begin researching and designing long-term strategies. Now the medical component, Biohub, has been funded with $50 million.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which was founded in 2000 and is the largest transparently operated privately funded foundation in the world, launched the Global Health Investment Fund in 2013 with $108 million to develop drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and other interventions against diseases that disproportionately burden low- and middle-income countries. Among the foundations partners are JPMorgan Chase & Co., GlaxoSmithKline, Merck and the Pfizer Foundation.

Gates also invited fellow billionaires Bloomberg and Dalio last year to aid in the fight to eradicate polio, raising an additional $70 million for the effort. The World Health Organization reported 42 new cases of the paralytic disease last year and one new case so far this year, mostly concentrated in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria where terrorist groups have made vaccination efforts dangerous. Polio no longer is a problem in the Americas, Europe or Australia but before the vaccine was introduced in 1955, the United States reported 10,000 to nearly 29,000 cases annually.

polio

Photo: Jayanta Dey/Reuters

The Gates Foundation also is active in the fight against malaria, a major killer of children. Nearly half the worlds population is at risk of the disease, with 212 million cases reported in 2015 and an estimated 429,000 deaths. Since 2019, malaria rates have fallen 29 percent.

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Buffett donated $31 billion to the Gates Foundation in 2006, in hopes the money would be used to fight AIDS. Approximately 78 million people worldwide, 1.1 million in the U.S., are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, with 2 million new cases reported in 2014. The scourge started in the last 1970s and by the end of 1985, there was at least one case in every region of the world.

Genentech CEO and Apple Chairman Arthur D. Levinson heads up Calico, which uses Googles cloud and data centers to mine data on disease and aging. Google CEO Larry Page has indicated the projects aim is to extend human life by as much as 100 years.

Among the other diseases, the Gates Foundation has targeted are enteric and diarrheal diseases, neglected tropical diseases, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

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Meghan McCain, the daughter of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., criticized President Donald Trump on Thursday for attacking her fathers remarks on a Yemen raid that left a Navy SEAL and several civilians dead, including an 8-year-old girl.

McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, attracted the presidents wrath by criticizing the raid as a failure following a briefing in light of the death of Chief Petty Officer William Ryan Owens, a member of SEAL Team 6, who died when his aircraft crashed as part of a raid targeting the head of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Qasim al-Raymi.

"When you lose a $75 million airplane and, more importantly, an American life is lost  I don't believe you can call it a success," McCain, who heads the Senate Armed Service Committee, told NBC News Wednesday. Trump had declared the raid a success.

Asked about McCains comments at the daily press briefing, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Owens fought knowing what was at stake in that mission.

But Trump apparently was not satisfied to let the issue lie and unleashed a tweetstorm Thursday, saying McCain shouldnt be talking about success or failure because only emboldens the enemy and called him a loser.

McCains daughter, who is a Fox News host and contributor, was not amused. She noted Trump never served in the military and her father was seriously injured in Vietnam.

She also noted her family has a long military history.

This wasnt the first time Trump had criticized McCain. During the presidential campaign, Trump called McCain a loser and not a war hero for being captured by the North Vietnamese after his Navy dive bomber was shot down in 1967. I like people who werent captured, Trump said.

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Trump, however, avoided military service with four student deferments and then a medical disqualification for bone spurs in his heels after he graduated from college in 1968. His military experience was limited to five years at the Cornwall-on-Hudson military academy about 60 miles from New York City, during which he was relieved of his command in his senior year because of a hazing incident involving a freshman and a sergeant under his command.

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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray on Thursday rejected a CBS news report that he had made changes to U.S. President Donald Trump's speech announcing an executive order for the construction of a border wall with Mexico. "I never thought I would use this phrase, but today I'm doing it: FAKE NEWS," Videgaray said on social network Twitter, after CBS News quoted unnamed Mexican officials as saying he had worked with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to tone down the speech. Trump wants to put up a border wall to keep illegal immigrants from entering the United States, but his insistence that Mexico will pay for it has been the source of friction between the two governments. In a report on Thursday, CBS News said Kushner last month showed a speech Trump was preparing to deliver at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Videgaray, who was horrified, and the two changed the speech to cast the future of U.S.-Mexico relations in a more positive light. Then Kushner, who is also a senior adviser to Trump, went with Videgaray to brief Trump on the reworded version, and the president was ultimately convinced to accept the changes, it added. Asked about the report, Videgaray told Reuters: "I played no part whatsoever in drawing up the president's speech." A day after the construction order was issued, Trump tweeted that Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto should cancel a planned meeting between the two leaders if Mexico was not prepared to pay for the border wall. Shortly afterwards, Pena Nieto scrapped the meeting. Videgaray's denial is the second time in eight days that the Mexican government has knocked down reports about details of its relationship with Trump. On Feb. 1, Pena Nieto's office dismissed as "lies" claims that Trump had threatened to send U.S. troops to Mexico in a phone call with the Mexican president. The White House later said it was investigating leaks of the conversation. (Reporting by Dave Graham and Natalie Schachar; Editing by Randy Fabi)
Twelve killed in Bali village landslide in Indonesia

Twelve people, including two children, have been killed in a landslide on the popular Indonesian tourist island of Bali.
President Donald Trumps America First gambit and restrictive rules on immigration may drive away highly-skilled workers, particularly from the tech industry. One Mexican state is happy to offer them sanctuary.

To our colleagues in U.S. tech companies who are adjusting to policy changes affecting your 85,000 foreign workers, the Mexican state of Jalisco hears you, read a full-page ad in Politico magazine on Thursday. The state, to the west of Mexico City, is trolling Trump hard, and making the case for U.S.-based technology companies and entrepreneurs to move to whats widely known (in Mexico at least) as Mexicos Silicon Valley.

Where many see in Trumps disastrous early steps to limit migration little to cheer about, Jalisco Governor Aristoteles Sandoval spies an opportunity, even if hes worried about the longer term effects for bilateral relations.

In an interview with Foreign Policy, Sandoval called Trump irresponsible, divisive, and xenophobic, and said hed welcome any tech or skilled immigrant workers forced to flee.

He said Trumps policies would ultimately harm the U.S. economy and its relationship with Mexico, particularly with the uncertain fate of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that binds the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican economies together.

Now Sandovals angling to poach some talent with a potent cocktail of federal and state subsidies, education grants, and favorable migration policies to attract new skilled workers  pretty much the exact opposite of Trumps approach. With over 50 industrial and tech parks, Jalisco alone hosts about 40 percent of Mexicos high-end tech industry

And U.S. companies are taking note. Next week, Sandoval is traveling to California to meet with leaders from 13 major tech companies and 30 to 40 startups rattled by Trumps bombast. Sandoval said there was already a strong Californian presence in Jaliscos business hubs, and he was looking to boost it further.

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The U.S. companies hes meeting with are all anxious about the whole situation with Trump Sandoval said. And he said theyve expressed interest in moving operations and talent south of the border to weather the protectionist storm Trumps kicked up in Washington. (Sandoval declined to name specific companies at the companies request, presumably for fear of Twitter retribution.)

Jaliscos gambit comes at an opportune time. For decades, Mexico has been afflicted by a serious brain drain. One-third of Mexicos 30,000 Ph.Ds live in the United States. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of college-educated Mexicans in the United States rose from some 300,000 to 530,000 resients.

Jaliscos hardly the only state working to capitalize off Trumps nativism. Queretaro, Hidalgo, Puebla, and the federal district of Mexico City are all ramping up their courtship of foreign businesses, offering what they say is a friendlier business environment than Trumps America.

Sandoval said he, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, and Mexican businesses were all bracing for Trump to make good on his promise to renegotiate NAFTA, if not scrap it altogether.

We are ready to negotiate free trade, but with dignity, he said. In the meantime, Mexico can try to poach much-coveted workers.

We believe talent has no borders, he said.

Photo credit: ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP/Getty Images
Mexico City (AFP) - Mexico's government is warning its citizens to "take precautions" amid the "new reality" in the United States, after an undocumented mother was deported to her home country.

Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos was sent back to Mexico on Thursday, a day after she checked in for a routine visit at the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Phoenix, Arizona.

A 35-year-old mother of two US-born children, her deportation sparked protests outside the immigration office, according to US media.

"The case of Mrs Garcia de Rayos highlights the new reality that the Mexican community is experiencing in US territory with the stricter application of migration control measures," the Mexican foreign ministry said in a statement late Thursday.

"For this reason, the entire Mexican community is invited to take precautions and keep contact with its closest consulates to receive the necessary help to face this type of situation."

US President Donald Trump signed executive orders last month to build a wall along the US-Mexico border and speed up the removal of immigrants living illegally in the country.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto canceled a White House visit over Trump's insistence that his country will pay for the wall.

Pena Nieto also pledged $50 million to his country's consulates in the United States to increase legal assistance to Mexicans living in the northern neighbor.

The foreign ministry's statement said the consulates have "intensified their work to protect fellow nationals in anticipation the tightening of migration measures by authorities of this (US) country, as well as possible violations to constitutional precepts during such operations or absence of due process."
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - A mentally disturbed Canadian man who disappeared in 2012 has been found by Brazilian police in the Amazon after wandering on foot, with no passport, through terrain filled with predators.

Anton Pilipa, now 39, had last been seen at a crossroads in Vancouver in 2012 until Brazilian police found him shoeless and swearing on a busy road in Ji-Parana in the northwestern state of Rondonia on November 28 last year.

"He could not speak Portuguese, was undocumented and clearly showed signs of a mental illness," said Helenice Vidigal, the Brazilian policewoman who first investigated the mysterious foreigner and, as an English speaker, took on his case.

Vidigal wrote in a Facebook post Thursday that the man, who swore a lot and had been walking dangerously among the cars and trucks on the highway, gave indications that he was Canadian.

"The first thing I noticed about him was his looks: very blond, blue eyes, unprotected white skin, no shoes... Rondonia is a very hot place to go walking bare feet," she wrote.

While he refused to talk about his family, he mentioned wanting to see the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. So Vidigal began researching with Canadian sources.

However in mid-December the man ran away while being treated in regional hospitals -- just days before Vidigal finally succeeded in tracking down his Canadian family.

"To my despair we found the family and I had no idea about Antons whereabouts," Vidigal said.

Brazilian police searched frantically and on December 25 federal highway police got a tip that the Canadian had been spotted in the Amazon.

"Here is where we started to really fear for his safety, because up there big predators like jaguars, alligators, snakes among other deadly animals are real, we are talking about the Amazon Jungle," the police officer wrote.

He was finally picked up and reunited with his brother who took him back to Canada.

The brother, Stefan Pilipa, told Canada's CBC network he was "amazed that he's alive and had made it that far."

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"I found myself being really frustrated all the time, always having that aching question: 'Where is he? What happened?'"

The family describes Anton as a longtime anti-poverty activist who suffered "a prolonged struggle with mental health illness."

His disappearance for five years left them "devastated," the family said in an appeal for help to cover the financial costs on GoFundMe.
Washington (AFP) - EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini warned Donald Trump's administration Friday not to "interfere" in European politics, in an apparent reference to the US president's praise of Brexit.

"We do not interfere in US politics... And Europeans expect that America does not interfere in European politics," said Mogherini, who is wrapping up her first visit to Washington since Trump took office.

Mogherini held her first meetings with Trump's administration on Thursday at a moment of uncertainty for trans-Atlantic ties.

While the new US leader has toned down some of his criticism of America's NATO allies since his election, he has shown no enthusiasm for the 28-member European Union and has praised Britain's decision to leave the bloc.

"The unity of the European Union, I believe, is more evident today than it was some months ago," Mogherini said Friday.

"The UK will stay a member state of the European Union for another two years at least... And it will not be able to negotiate any trade agreement bilaterally with any third country."

According to some media reports, Trump has tipped as the next US ambassador to the EU businessman Ted Malloch, who has ruffled feathers with anti-EU comments.

Last week in the German and British press, for instance, Malloch reportedly said that Brexit was a harbinger of the EU's eventual disintegration, and has in the past compared the bloc to the Soviet Union.

Mogherini said she had been told "there is no decision taken and no specific name considered at this point" concerning Washington's next top diplomat to Brussels.

The EU, she added, was not an institution, but rather a "union of 28 member states, still 28, and 28 for quite some months ahead of us."

Trump's election dismayed many European leaders, who see him as dangerously naive about the threat posed by Russia and fear his victory will inspire Europe's own far-right populist parties.

"Europeans feel and believe that their interest are better protected and promoted through our union," Mogherini said.

"The European Union is here to stay."
Getty Images

Its common for new parents to analyze every little detail about their newborn baby, but mother of four, Jenna Knutz, didnt think twice when her eight-week-old baby came down with a common cold. Saying that it was bound to happen as her baby was celebrated between friends and family alike, the Pennsylvania mother admitted she didnt want to appear rude, turning down requests to hold infant Alicea.

Its so hard, because people have good intentions. They just want to love on your baby, explained Knutz.

Alicea caught a cold two weeks ago but the mom didnt panic until she noticed her daughters nostrils began flaring at church on Sunday morning.

My mother instincts kicked in, Knutz told CBS News. I knew something was wrong.

Peeking under her daughters dress, the Connellsville mom noticed the babys ribs were contracting  something she had not seen before. Alicea had difficulty breathing when she was first born so Knutz rushed her to Frick Hospital where, after several tests, Alicea was diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The baby was airlifted to the Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Its a pretty scary virus. It really happened so fast. From the moment I looked at her and saw her nostrils flaring to the time we first got to the ER and got an air mask on her, she started turning blue within that hour, said Knutz.

For healthy people, RSV can cause a head cold, but for children under the age of one, it is much more serious. It causes bronchiolitis, inflaming the small airways in the lungs leading to pneumonia.

Fortunately for the Knutz family, Alicea recovered quickly, only spending two days in hospital. Baby Alicea is home now, resting with constant monitoring. The life-altering experience inspired Knutz to share a post on Facebook for other parents, alerting them of what RSV looks like  before its too late.

You want to look for wheezing, pale skin, lacing skin, lips blue or pale, sucking in under ribs, nostrils flaring, throat sinking in, shoulders moving up and down and head bobbing, Knutz wrote in a Facebook post.

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Since sharing, the post has received more than 11,000 likes, 66,000 shares and 5,700 comments from parents who have had similar experiences with RSV.

This is horrible my son had it at 4 months and was hospitalized. Was a horrible time, recounts one mother on Facebook.

Thank you for this. Wish I had seen it earlier, another said. My 3 month old stopped breathing today and her oxygen level was at 70. Turns out, she has RSV.

Knutz was overwhelmed with the response from others who had similar experiences to hers. Having never heard of RSV, Knutz was shocked to see so many people who had also encountered the respiratory infection.

Were really thankful that its been able to help so many people.

Let us know what you think by tweeting @YahooStyleCA.




After an Arizona wife and mother of two was deported to Mexico, her family has vowed to continue fighting for her safe return to the U.S.

Read: South Carolina PhD Graduate Banned From Returning Home After Visiting Family in Iran

Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, 35, an undocumented immigrant, was detained in Phoenix Wednesday and deported to her native Mexico 24 hours later after years of being allowed to stay.

No one should ever go through the pain of having their mom taken away from them," Jacqueline Rayos Garcia, Guadalupes 14-year-old daughter, said during a demonstration Wednesday, according to KPHO.

Her lawyer Ray Ybarra Maldonado called the deportation a result of President Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration, and claimed she was the first of many to be deported.

"We need my mother back with us and we're going to keep on fighting, her 16-year-old son Angel Rayos Garcia chanted. We want her back, back in our arms. We want her back, over here where she belongs. She belongs with us."

Both of her children are U.S.-born citizens. In a Thursday press conference from Nogales, Mexico, she called them the reason she had come to the United States.

"For my children, for a better future [] I dont regret it, because I did it for love," she said.

She arrived to the United States with her parents when she was 14.

In 2008, she was arrested during a raid at a Mesa water park, where officials discovered she had been working under a fake Social Security number. She was later convicted of felony criminal impersonation. Her lawyer claimed she didn't know the woman whose identity she was accused of stealing.

I think it's unfair that they just took her away just because she was working in order to support us, Jacqueline said.

Upon appeal, she was ordered to check in regularly with immigration, which she complied with until her 8th visit, when she was detained and ordered to leave the country.

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Although Maldonado reportedly recommended she look for sanctuary instead of checking in on this visit, Guadalupe reportedly wanted to confront the issue head on.

Read: Texas Couple Fights to Keep Adopted Russian Son, Despite Russia's Demands

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tweeted: ICE will remove illegal aliens convicted of felony offenses as ordered by an immigration judge.

Her lawyer did not dispute that Guadalupe was a convicted felon, but insisted they will continue to fight to bring her back into the country.

Watch: Frozen Like the Yukon: Canada's Immigration Website Crashes During U.S. Election

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Michael Flynn allegedly spoke to the Russia ambassador in five phone calls on 29 December - the day of Barack Obama's sanctions: EPA

Nine people have said Donald Trumps national security advisor did in fact discuss Barack Obama's Russia sanctions with the country before the inauguration  contradicting what he said earlier this week.

The current and former officials claim Mike Flynn explicitly discussed the sanctions on the Kremlin with the Russia ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak  although a spokesperson for Mr Flynn said he couldn't remember if the issue of sanctions was discussed.

That is despite Mr Flynn twice saying no in an interview this week when asked if the sanctions, over Russias interference in the US election, were talked about.

Some officials told The Washington Post that Mr Flynn's actions are potentially illegal and inappropriate.

Kislyak was left with the impression that the sanctions would be revisited at a later time, said one former official.

Various counterintelligence officials have already investigated Mr Flynn over his communication with Mr Kislyak in the month before Mr Trumps inauguration on 20 January.

The retired lieutenant general allegedly spoke to Mr Kislyak on the telephone five times over, on 29 December; the same day Mr Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats from the country.

Two Russian compounds in the US were also closed in retaliation to cyber-attacks on the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Hillary Clintons campaign and other political organisations.

Two of the nine officials say Mr Flynn urged Russia not to overreact to the penalties because the situation would be reassessed after Mr Trump was sworn in.

Officials say the FBI is continuing to investigate the communications.

Despite Mr Flynns denial on Wednesday, a spokesman for the 58-year-old backtracked on Thursday.

The spokesman said Mr Flynn indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

The various officials also told The Washington Post, that while sanctions were discussed between the pair, the FBI has not found Mr Flynn gave an explicit promise to reverse Mr Obamas sanctions.
US senators table bill to slash number of legal immigrants to US

Two Republican Senators have proposed a bill to curb immigration, cancel the Diversity Visa lottery and limit the family quota.
PARIS (Reuters) - Authorities and volunteers in Nice have removed thousands of mementoes laid out for victims of last summer's truck rampage as the city readies for its annual carnival, its biggest public event since the Islamist attack that killed 86 people. Authorities plan to preserve some of the poems, photos and other objects draped over the bandstand at the city's seafront Promenade des Anglais and move others online as a permanent memorial. Relatives of the victims helped clear the bandstand on the eve of the 133th carnival. Last year's event attracted 240,000 visitors. "Being from Nice, being in solidarity with my town, and having two cousins who survived the tragedy, I just had to be there to preserve everything that was placed," Nice resident and volunteer Annie Piveteau told Reuters. City archivist Marin Duvigneau said the form that preservation would take was still under discussion. "We're going to partly digitize the objects, poems and photos with perhaps the idea in mind of creating a website, perhaps the idea of dedicating a publication," she said. Christian Estrosi, head of the Riviera regional government that has responsibility for Nice, said on his Twitter feed that exceptional security measures would be in place for this year's carnival. (Reporting by Reuters TV, writing by Maya Nikolaeva; editing by John Stonestreet)
ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's anti-corruption watchdog has seized $9.8 million in cash from the former head of the state oil company, a spokesman said on Friday, as the government continues to battle endemic corruption. Graft, particularly in the oil sector on which Nigeria relies, has taken large sums from the country's coffers. President Muhammadu Buhari rode to victory in 2015 on an anti-corruption platform after widespread anger at the plundering of the state under his predecessor Goodluck Jonathan. But some have criticised the current administration's efforts as ineffective. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided a building belonging to the former head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, in Kaduna on Feb. 3, Friday's statement said. Yakubu was group managing director of NNPC from 2012 to 2014, under Jonathan. In the house, officials found the cash in U.S. dollars in a fireproof safe, said the statement, adding that Yakubu had reported to the EFCC office in Kano on Feb. 8 and claimed ownership of the money. Yakubu said the money was a gift, but did not say from whom, and is now assisting the investigation, the statement said. Yakubu was not immediately available for comment. (Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by Paul Carsten; Editing by Andrew Roche)
A Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel has upheld a temporary restraining order related to the Trump administrations executive action on immigration from seven Mideast nations and the admission of refugees into the United States.

In a unanimous, per curium opinion, Senior Judge William C. Canby Jr., Senior Judge Richard Clifton and Judge Michelle Taryn Friedland denied the Justice Departments request for a stay of a temporary restraining order issued by Judge James Robart, based in Seattle.

In its 26-page ruling, the appeals court listed numerous reasons why it didnt agree with the Justice Departments request. (Note: our Supreme Court correspondent, Lyle Denniston, has analysis on the decision.)

The executive order signed by President Trump on January 27 directed federal agencies to issue a 90-day suspension of entry into the United States for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The order also barred entry of all refugees into the United States for 120 days, and it barred Syrian refugees indefinitely.

Robart had ordered a temporary stop to parts of the order from going into effect. Robart issued the temporary restraining order (or TRO) until he could weigh further arguments, but he made it clear that he had serious doubts about the constitutionality of the executive order.

The Justice Department appealed Robarts order to the Ninth Circuit, arguing the TRO was too broad and it went against the Presidents powers, as granted to him by Congress, as a lawful exercise of the Presidents authority over the entry of aliens into the United States and the admission of refugees.

Washington state, supported by Minnesota and Hawaii, made several arguments demanding Robarts order remain in place. It cited Trumps campaign promises to ban Muslims from the United States, the economic impact on Washington state brought by the executive order, and harm brought to the states system of public universities as causing the need for Judge Robarts order.

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At this point, the case will wind up at the Supreme Court at some point in the near future. In response to the ruling, President Trump issued the following response: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

He then had a few words for the press. Its a political decision, Trump told reporters in an audio clip published by the Washington Post. Were going to see them in court and I look forward to doing it.

We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake and its a very, very serious situation, Trump added. Were going to win the case.  Its a decision that well win in my opinion very easily.
I grew up in New York, just like President Donald Trump did, so perhaps like me he became a Star Trek fan watching reruns on WPIX at 11 p.m. every weeknight. If so, hopefully he knows about the Kobayashi Maru  a test every Starfleet cadet takes to experience a no-win scenario. If unfamiliar with the Kobayashi Maru, Trump may soon learn the lesson a different way as he decides how to manage the persistent challenge of North Koreas advancing nuclear and missile programs.

Frankly, Im surprised Trump has not been forced to take the test already. While North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been patient, this is unlikely to last for long. All indications are that Kim can test at any time a long-range missile that could deliver a nuclear weapon to the United States. Perhaps he is waiting to see what Trump does. More likely, he is allowing the slow-moving train wreck that is South Korea politics to play out. But instead of using this interval to calm U.S. allies and plan for the inevitable provocation, Trump decided to do the one thing we knew would make North Korea want to test a missile sooner rather than later: He dared Kim to do it 

North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2017

 and in so doing drew the new administraions first of two red lines.

North Korea probably acquired enough plutonium to achieve its ends in 1991. Since then, despite persistent efforts to put the genie back into the bottle, the program has grown steadily. China, at times, has helped pressure North Korea, but has never done enough to make North Korea negotiate in earnest. Beijing fears a collapsed North Korea more than a nuclear North Korea. And while some experts thought that Trump might be onto something by calling out China and making it feel less comfortable with the North Korean status quo, since then Trump has shown, to extend the Star Trek metaphor, that he is more of an emotional and angry Klingon without a clear plan, as compared to a repressed and logical Vulcan like President Barack Obama.

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So, this leaves us with a no-win scenario in which two untested leaders with nuclear weapons will seek to outdo each other. Sadly, and not for lack of looking, the choices available to the United States remain of the no-win variety. From bad to worse, they include:

1) Send down a landing party. Many respected experts have called for the United States to directly engage North Korea and seek a freeze on its program in advance of full elimination. This would require accepting  at least for now  North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. Maybe, the argument goes, the United States could convince North Korea to freeze its nuclear and missile programs by freezing both sanctions and military training with Seoul. Such a trade would undermine U.S. security and the U.S. alliance with Seoul. In response, South Korea would likely repeat its request that the United States return nuclear weapons to the peninsula, or worse, perhaps Seoul would take Trump up on his suggestion that South Korea just go nuclear. But even this is a false choice, since North Korea is unlikely to declare and open up all of its nuclear facilities to inspectors, meaning a freeze would be based on Pyongyangs word. Keep in mind that North Koreans have cheated on more agreement than Star Treks Romulans. Illogical choice, Captain.

2) Even less appealing: Heap more pressure on North Korea until it cries uncle or collapses. Obama several times looked at all possible options but rejected the extreme option of placing maximum pressure  including a blockade on North Korea to stop access to money, food, and needed natural resources  a Tholian Web of sanctions and interdiction. While the United States did keep ramping up sanctions, and there is more that can be still be done, this extreme option was rejected because even with a naval blockade, overland trade with China would be impossible to stop. Without full Chinese cooperation, such an effort would be ineffective. So even this would be unable to keep North Korea from advancing its programs and defying Trumps red line.

3) Worse still is the option chest-thumpers seem to like the most: Provoke North Korea into firing its missiles and hope that U.S. missile defenses provide protection. Full power to the forward shields? Too bad the $250 billion invested in missile defenses since President Ronald Reagan fell in love with the Star Wars (clash of the franchises) has yet to produce a reliable system to shoot down long-range missiles. The United States does have some basic systems in Alaska, but despite the best efforts of multiple presidents, these systems are effective less than half of the time. I am not sure that even Trump is prepared to protect American lives on a coin flip.

4) At the end of this simulation comes the doomsday machine: regime change. In the minds of some Trump advisors, and the neoconservatives lurking, this remains the only option. Sure, Iraq was a disaster, theyll say, but in North Korea the United States has no other choice and will do it better this time. Besides, the logic goes  once the Chinese know this is going to happen, they will go in themselves to mop up the place. Theyd never let South Korea or the United States occupy or reunite North and South. Like the old Scottish saying goes: Fool me once.

All of these options are bad, which is why Obama sought, without success, to rely on strategic patience. No one who worked on this issue for the past eight years is satisfied with the outcome, but Obamas choice  given the ones above  was understandable. So I sympathize with the choices that the current administration must now face. The Obama administration made great progress by keeping allies close and by drawing China in so that it saw North Korea, and not the United States, as the problem to be solved. Now, it seems, Trump  like Captain Kirk  hopes to reprogram the simulator and beat the Kobayashi Maru. But it is just as likely that he, and we, lose.

I say this with no joy or comfort. Ive personally been involved in trying to address and reverse North Koreas capabilities most of my adult life. I spent New Years Eve at North Koreas nuclear development center at Yongbyon when the countrys nuclear program was frozen under the now defunct Agreed Framework. And I sat through countless interagency and cabinet-level meetings as the Obama administration worked to simultaneously pressure China into pressing North Korea, reassure U.S. allies of Americas commitment to their security, and plan for the worst should efforts to pressure and deter North Korea fail. There are no easy answers, and in the end no good ones. But that is part of the job Trump has been elected to handle. I wish it were only a simulator, but the North Korea no-win scenario is already real.

Photo credit: CBS/Paramount/Foreign Policy illustration
NEW YORK (AP)  Officials are investigating a possible small engine fire on a plane at New York's Kennedy Airport.

A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says the pilot of an Argentina Airlines flight reported the engine fire late Thursday night while the plane was on the runway preparing for takeoff.

But, Steve Coleman says when rescue trucks arrived they found no evidence of a fire. The plane taxied back to the gate for further examination. No injuries were reported.

The plane was headed to Buenos Aires.

No other information was immediately available.
One of the worst whale beachings in New Zealands history occurred Friday morning after more than 400 pilot whales got stuck in the sand.

Volunteers and conservation workers raced between whales beached at Farewell Spit at the northern tip of the South Island, sloshing water from buckets over their bodies, which were skewed fins akimbo and over three or four deep in places, the New York Times reports.

Kath Inwood a community ranger at New Zealands Department of Conservation, told the Times that around 300 volunteers had joined conservation workers at the scene. Some formed human chains to prevent rescued whales from swimming back ashore, others doused water over surviving whales, trying to keep them wet and cool.

It can be really quite distressing seeing so many dead whales, Inwood said. People need to be resilient and handle that and then get on with what needs to be done.

Although some whales had been rescued and others remained beached but alive on Friday morning, about three-quarters had reportedly died.

Mass pilot-whale stranding is common in New Zealand and occurs most years at the Farewell Spit, which has reportedly been described as a whale trap. However, according to Inwood, the scale of Fridays beaching has nevertheless come as a shock.
Twenty-one years after moving to the U.S. from her native Guanjuato, Mexico, Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos has been dropped off alone in Nogales, Sonora, a bustling border town just over the 20-foot fence from Arizona and nearly 1,200 miles from the home she left behind at age 14.

Thats a long drive, her husband, Aaron Rayos, said at a press conference in Phoenix Thursday, the news of his wifes deportation visibly just starting to sink in. Of course, for undocumented immigrants, the fear of deportation is one that always looms heavily. But, said Rayos, We never thought this day would come.

One day after Garcia de Rayos was detained during a routine appointment the at ICE field office in Phoenix, she and her family appear to have become among the first casualties of Trumps promised crackdown on illegal immigration.

I think this is a direct result of the new executive orders that are being put into action, Garcia de Rayos attorney, Ray Ybarra Maldonado, told reporters on the phone Thursday, after receiving word from the Mexican consulate that his client had, indeed, been deported. Specifically, Ybarra Maldonado pointed to the order signed by President Trump last month entitled Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States which, among other things, moved to more broadly define criminal aliens, while making it easier for federal immigration agents to deport them.

This has nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with kicking people of color out of our country, Ybarra Maldonado said, calling the order a complete sham.

As their American-born teenage children noted in their own tearful statements Thursday, Garcia de Rayos and her family have pretty much lived in fear of this day since 2008, when sheriffs deputies showed up at their home to arrest their mother after a raid on her then-employer revealed that shed been using a fake social security number. The raid was one of many orchestrated by longtime Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio as a means of rounding up and slapping criminal charges on undocumented workers. Garcia de Rayos pled guilty to criminal impersonation  a low-level felony  and by the time a federal judge deemed Arpaios raids unconstitutional in 2015, shed been branded with a criminal record that would haunt her for years to come.

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In 2013, after having already served six months in an ICE detention center, an immigration judge ruled that the mother of two had no legal basis to remain in the U.S. and she was ordered to leave the country.

Garcia de Rayos appealed the order and, thanks to an Obama-era policy that prioritized deporting dangerous criminals, known gang members, and other people believed to pose a threat to public safety, she was permitted to stay under the condition that she check in at the local ICE field office periodically, at first once a year and later every six months.

When it came time for her latest appointment this Tuesday, Ybarra Maldonado said, No facts in her case [were] any different than the last time she checked in. The only difference is the executive order and the new president.

Aware of the potential impact those factors could have on the outcome of this years check-in, Garcia de Rayos showed up anyway  and she wasnt the only one. Local immigrant rights group Puente Arizona rallied about two hundred people outside the ICE office in anticipation that Garcia de Rayos might be detained, erupting in protest and blocking an ICE van from leaving with Garcia de Rayos for several hours before seven protesters were arrested.

Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos in the van. Reflection is her son Angel, 16. pic.twitter.com/cZMjdUi67C  Daniel Gonzalez (@azdangonzalez) February 9, 2017

It wasnt until Thursday morning that Ybarra Maldonado was informed  not by ICE, he said, but by the Mexican consulate  that his attempt to stay Garcia de Rayos deportation order had been denied and she had, in fact, been removed from the country.

Here it is this morning and those cowards have yet to even return my call, to send me an email, the frustrated attorney told reporters Thursday, referring to federal immigration officials.

Meanwhile, ICE has deflected attempts to pin Garcia de Rayos removal on President Trump.

Ms. Garcia, who has a prior felony conviction in Arizona for criminal impersonation, was the subject of a court-issued removal order that became final in July 2013, said ICE public affairs officer Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe in a statement to Yahoo News. Ms. Garcias immigration case underwent review at multiple levels of the immigration court system, including the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the judges held she did not have a legal basis to remain in the U.S.

ICE will continue to focus on identifying and removing individuals with felony convictions who have final orders of removal issued by the nations immigration courts, she added.

Asked about the Garcia de Rayos case during Thursdays press briefing, White House spokesman Sean Spicer referred reporters back to the immigration officials, saying, Thats an ICE matter.

But for those in Garcia de Rayos corner, theres no question about whom to blame.

ICE has done what President Trump wanted to, which is deport and separate our families, Carlos Garcia, executive director of Puente Arizona, told reporters Thursday. But long before there was Trump, Garcia said, the suffering of this family began with Sheriff Arpaio and his worksite raids.

Thats why, he continued, Puente and other local activist groups will continue to organize and call on local officials like Maricopa Countys newly-elected Sheriff Paul Penzone, who unseated Arpaio in November after 24 years in office, and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton to look at this case as an example for them to step up and show their support for the citys immigrant population.

Meanwhile, Ybarra Maldonado is working to simply reach Garcia de Rayos in Mexico and reconnect her with family  though he acknowledges that the chances of returning his client to the country shes lived in for more than two decades are slim.

Thanks to that felony fake ID charge, he said, legally, there are not a lot of options for her to come back.

As for other clients who may have their own ICE dates looming, Ybarra Maldonado said, my advice to them is going to be, Lets look for a sanctuary  a church that might want to take you in, instead.

Its no fun walking someone to the slaughter, he said.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Panama City (AFP) - The founders of the law firm at the center of the "Panama Papers" scandal were being held Friday as part of a probe into a sprawling graft case involving Brazilian construction group Odebrecht.

Ramon Fonseca Mora and Juergen Mossack, named partners of the Mossack Fonseca firm, were put in preventive detention late Thursday by Panamanian authorities, one of their attorneys said.

Chief prosecutor Kenia Procell said the law firm was suspected of money-laundering and forming "a criminal organization that sought to hide assets and money of doubtful origin."

She alleged the firm also "got rid of evidence" implicating people in Brazil's "Car Wash" corruption scandal, in which the Brazilian national oil company Petrobras allegedly gave Odebrecht and other contractors inflated contracts in return for bribes.

Mossack Fonseca's attorney, Elias Solano, said there was a "lack of evidence" supporting the allegations.

On Thursday, as he turned up at the prosecutors' office to answer questions, Fonseca told reporters that Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela -- a former friend -- had confided in him that he had accepted "donations" from Odebrecht.

Varela denied the accusation, saying "there were no donations from the Odebrecht company" to his 2014 electoral campaign.

Fonseca used to be a high-ranking advisor to Varela but was dismissed when the Panama Papers scandal broke in April last year.

The vast data leak from the Mossack Fonseca law firm detailed how the world's wealthy stashed assets in offshore companies.

Several countries in Latin America, among them Panama, Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Uruguay, are carrying out investigations into bribes paid by Odebrecht.

In December, the Brazilian construction company agreed with the US Justice Department to pay a world record $3.5-billion fine after admitting it paid $788 million in bribes to win fat construction contracts in 12 countries.

More revelations are expected soon because current and former Odebrecht executives have signed tell-all plea deals in Brazil in exchange for lighter sentences.

In Panama, ex-president Ricardo Martinelli's son and brother are under investigation.
USAID offers $300k award

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) on Thursday announced a $300,000 Challenge for Data-Driven Solutions for Food Security through the US governments Feed the Future Initiative in a bid to help Nepali farmers increase value from agricultural productivity.
PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Panamanian prosecutors raided the offices of Mossack Fonseca, the law firm at the center of the "Panama Papers" scandal, seeking possible links to Brazilian engineering company Odebrecht, the attorney general's office said on Thursday. "Raid of offices of law firm that created limited liability companies in Brazil linked to #LavaJato #PanamaPapers," the attorney general's office said on Twitter, without providing more details. The Panama Papers, which consist of millions of documents stolen from Mossack Fonseca and leaked to the media in April 2016, provoked a global scandal after showing how the rich and powerful used offshore corporations to evade taxes. Ramon Fonseca, a partner at Mossack Fonseca, denied that his firm had a connection to Odebrecht [ODBES.UL], which has admitted to bribing officials in Panama and other countries to obtain government contracts in the region between 2010 and 2014. "Mossack Fonseca has no relationship with Odebrecht, nor with any other Lava Jato company," Fonseca told reporters, referring to companies involved in the so-called Lava Jato probe centered on Brazil's state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA. "They're using me to divert attention," he said. Fonseca also accused Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela of directly receiving money from Odebrecht, Latin America's largest engineering company. "He (Varela) told me that he had accepted donations from Odebrecht because he could not fight with everyone," Fonseca said, without giving more details. At a media conference, Varela denied he received donations from Odebrecht, saying he would make all donations to his political campaign public on Friday. Odebrecht did not respond immediately to requests for comment. (Reporting by Elida Moreno; Writing by Natalie Schachar; Editing by Paul Tait)
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  Republican efforts in the North Carolina legislature to reduce Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's authority in choosing his Cabinet are back in court.

A three-judge panel scheduled arguments Friday on whether to extend their recent temporary block of a law requiring Senate confirmation of Cooper's Cabinet secretaries.

The GOP-controlled legislature passed the law shortly before Cooper took office, one of several provisions designed to limit Cooper's powers.

Cooper's attorneys say confirmation usurps his authority to carry out core executive functions. Republicans respond that the state Constitution gives senators "advice and consent" powers with gubernatorial appointees.

The governor wants the law blocked at least until a hearing scheduled for March.

In another gubernatorial power issue, a state appeals court temporarily reinstated a law Thursday that stripped Cooper of his oversight of elections.
NEW YORK (AP)  The partner of a New York City police officer shot and killed by a suspected bicycle thief has testified in court about the 2015 shooting.

Officer Omar Wallace said Thursday he saw Tyrone Howard get off his bicycle, and instead of running, pull out a gun and start firing. Wallace says the first shot struck Officer Randolph Holder in the head and he "fell immediately."

Holder was responding to a report of shots fired and a bicycle stolen at gunpoint in East Harlem.

The Daily News reports (http://nydn.us/2kxRlpZ ) that jurors also saw video of the chaotic scene following the shooting. The video showed officers carrying the stricken Holder to an emergency services van.

Howard's lawyer says they may have gotten the wrong man.

The trial is to continue on Friday.

___

Information from: Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com
LIMA (Reuters) - A Peruvian judge issued an international arrest warrant on Thursday for former president Alejandro Toledo and said he should spend up to 18 months in jail while prosecutors investigate him for allegedly taking $20 million in bribes from Brazilian builder Odebrecht SA. Judge Richard Concepcion said evidence uncovered so far in a graft probe, including testimony from an Odebrecht executive and bank records, warranted putting Toledo in "preventive prison" while charges of influence peddling and money laundering were prepared. In issuing an arrest warrant, Concepcion said Toledo appeared to have used the "high office of the presidency" to "make an illegal pact" to sell off a highway project that promised to integrate the region. Toledo, who rose to power denouncing the corruption of his predecessor, has repeatedly denied taking bribes from Odebrecht. Toledo was in France last week and absent from the hearing. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, lead prosecutor Hamilton Castro said. Toledo "laughed at Peruvian society, he laughed at the expectations Peruvian society had for ... clean public work projects," Castro told the court hearing into the prosecutor's request for "preventive prison" for Toledo. Toledo's attorney Heriberto Benitez accused the judge of having a "vengeance" and said he would appeal against the ruling. "He can't come back ... I wouldn't recommend it," Benitez told reporters. "With judges like this, careful!" The government of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who served as Toledo's finance minister and prime minister a decade ago when the contracts were awarded, said it would offer a reward for information leading to Toledo's capture if he did not turn himself in. Odebrecht has been at the center of a growing graft scandal in Latin America since admitting to doling out hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes from Peru to Panama. The revelation, made in U.S. courts in December, threatens to implicate presidents and former presidents who once promoted the hydroelectric plants, highways and irrigation canals that Odebrecht has built in the past two decades. Toledo, a shoeshine boy turned economist who plays up his indigenous roots, inspired scores of Peruvians to vote for him in 2001 as an antidote to widespread graft in the government of Alberto Fujimori, who is now serving a 25-year prison sentence for corruption and human rights abuses. Prosecutor Castro opened his case, that Toledo be jailed while investigations continue, quoting the Incan law "ama sua" or "do not steal." He said Toledo met the head of Odebrecht Peru, Jorge Barata, in a luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro in 2004 and promised to help the firm win two highway contracts in exchange for $35 million. Odebrecht only paid $20 million because Toledo did not change the bidding terms to exclude competitors, Castro said, citing testimony from Barata. Toledo did, however, change laws to pave the way for Odebrecht's bid and pressured the tendering committee to pick its proposal, Castro said. Some $10 million in transfers from Odebrecht have been traced to offshore companies linked to Yosef Maiman, an Israeli businessman and longtime friend of Toledo tasked with receiving the bribes, Castro said. Maiman did not respond immediately to requests for comment. The contracts helped pave a highway from the Andes through the Amazon to connect Peru's Pacific ports and Brazil's Atlantic shores. Originally requiring an investment of $658 million, cost overruns pushed the final price tag for the two contracts to $1.34 billion, according to the comptroller. Odebrecht and its junior partner on the projects, Peru's biggest construction conglomerate, Grana y Montero, still maintain a 656 km (400 miles) stretch of the highway. (Reporting By Mitra Taj; Editing by Michael Perry)
Lima (AFP) - Peruvian police launched a manhunt Friday for ex-president Alejandro Toledo, once hailed as an anti-corruption champion, after a judge ordered his arrest over accusations he took $20 million in bribes.

Authorities offered a $30,000 reward for information to help them capture Toledo, who rose from poverty to lead the fight against a graft-stained government in the 1990s, then served as Peru's first indigenous president from 2001 to 2006.

Toledo, 70, was initially believed to be in Paris. But the Peruvian government said Friday it now has information he is in San Francisco and could try to flee to Israel.

Authorities in both countries have been alerted, it said in a statement.

"US authorities have been asked to cooperate in detaining and deporting him," it said.

Toledo is a visiting professor at Stanford University, near San Francisco, where he graduated with a PhD in economics. His wife, Eliane Karp, has Israeli citizenship.

A judge ordered an international arrest warrant for Toledo Thursday, granting prosecutors' request to jail him for 18 months pending a full investigation.

The former president is accused of taking bribes from scandal-plagued Brazilian construction company Odebrecht to give the firm a juicy contract for a highway linking Brazil and Peru.

He denies the accusations, branding them political persecution.

But he has struggled to explain where the money came from.

He originally said it was a loan from his mother-in-law that came from compensation she received as a Holocaust survivor.

But his former vice president, David Waisman -- himself a prominent member of Peru's Jewish community -- said that was untrue.

"Lies just flow out of him," he said, adding a message for his former boss: "If it turns out you're guilty and you go to jail, then rot in there."

- 'PhD in poverty' -

Toledo was once a hero to many Peruvians.

He came to office on a promise to clean up politics after a dirty decade under ex-president Alberto Fujimori, who is today in prison for corruption and human rights violations.

Story continues

It was the culmination of a remarkable rise from a childhood of destitute poverty.

Toledo was born into a family of indigenous Quechua peasants in the Andes mountains.

The eighth of 16 children, he went to work as a shepherd at a young age. He was still a child when he left home for the port city of Chimbote, where he hawked newspapers and worked as a shoeshine boy.

He excelled in public school and won a scholarship to study in the United States, attending the University of San Francisco then earning his doctorate at Stanford.

But even as he rose through the ranks of the Inter-American Development Bank and World Bank, he often joked he had a "PhD in extreme poverty."

Since losing his 2006 re-election bid, he had become something of an elder statesman, lecturing at prominent universities and founding the Global Center for Development and Democracy.

As recently as last month, he was rubbing elbows with fellow policy pundits at a conference of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development -- the reason for his trip to Paris.

- Petrobras fallout -

The accusations against Toledo emerged from the giant scandal in Brazil involving the state oil company there, Petrobras.

In a probe whose fallout is now being felt around Latin America, Brazilian prosecutors discovered Petrobras was bilked for billions of dollars over the course of a decade by corrupt executives, politicians and contractors.

Those contractors included Odebrecht, which turned out to have a secret bribery department that had been paying off politicians throughout Latin America for years.

Among the tell-all plea bargains to come out of the Brazilian investigation was one from Odebrecht's former boss in Peru, Jorge Barata, who said the company paid Toledo $20 million via an intermediary.

Peruvian ex-presidents Alan Garcia (2006-2011) and Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) are also caught up in the scandal.

Investigators say Odebrecht paid a total of $29 million in bribes in Peru from 2005 to 2014.
LIMA (Reuters) - Peru said on Friday that it believes the country's fugitive former president Alejandro Toledo, wanted in connection with a far-reaching bribery probe, is now in San Francisco, California and will try to flee to Israel. The government of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski added that it was asking authorities in the United States and Israel to help capture him. Peru put Toledo on its most wanted criminals list after a judge issued an international arrest warrant on Thursday. (Reporting By Mitra Taj; Editing by Chris Reese)
GROVE CITY, Ohio (AP)  Police say an Ohio college student whose body was found near a park had been shot, and they are investigating the death as a homicide.

Grove City police said Friday that the body of 21-year-old Reagan Tokes was found near the entrance of Scioto Grove Metro Park on Thursday afternoon.

Police in the Columbus suburb say the Ohio State University student was last seen Wednesday night leaving a Columbus cafe where she worked. Columbus police confirmed that they had taken a missing person report Thursday evening on Tokes.

Authorities say Tokes' car later was found in Columbus.

Ohio State University says Tokes was majoring in psychology. She was formerly from the Toledo area.

Police didn't immediately release any additional details on their investigation.
Pope Francis repeated his appeal for people to build bridges of understanding, not walls as he marked a feast day of a Sudanese immigrant amid a global uproar over the Trump administration's attempts to impose a travel ban on seven mostly Muslim countries.

The pope didn't refer to President Donald Trump in his comments. But at the end of his audience, he noted that Wednesday marked both the church's day of reflection for young victims of human trafficking and coincidentally the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita.

She was a 19th-century Sudanese slave who, after migrating to Europe, became a nun. Sudan is one of the seven countries on the U.S. travel ban list.

"In the social and civil context as well, I appeal not to create walls but to build bridges," he said. "To not respond to evil with evil. To defeat evil with good, the offence with forgiveness. A Christian would never say 'you will pay for that.' Never.

"That is not a Christian gesture. An offence you overcome with forgiveness. To live in peace with everyone."

Francis made the reference during his weekly Wednesday catechism lesson, dedicated to the general Christian precepts of hope and forgiveness in forging peace.

Francis has frequently invoked the "bridge not walls" appeal in urging countries to welcome migrants, including when he returned from a visit last year to the U.S.-Mexico border. On that occasion, he was asked about Donald Trump's campaign pledge to build a border wall and said anyone who wants to build a wall is "not Christian."

The Vatican has in recent weeks come out strongly and directly to criticize the Trump immigration policy, with a senior official saying the Vatican was indeed concerned and the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, saying the recourse to walls and travel bans was against U.S. economic interests.

In his remarks Wednesday, Francis also appealed for prayers for members of Myanmar's Muslim Rohingya ethnic minority, who face official and social discrimination in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, also known as Burma.

"These are good people, peaceful people," Francis said. "They're not Christians, but they're good, our brothers and sisters. And they have been suffering for years. They've been tortured and killed, simply because they are continuing their traditions, their Muslim faith. Let us pray for them," he said.

Most of the estimated 1 million Rohingya do not have citizenship and are regarded as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even when their families have lived in Myanmar for generations. Communal violence in 2012 forced many to flee their homes, and more than 100,000 still live in squalid refugee camps.
President Donald Trump has abandoned plans to pursue the Trans-Pacific Partnership, TPP. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is in Washington and will meet with the President today. Also, President Trump had a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping and affirmed the United States behind the 'One China' policy. Tom Price was confirmed as the new Health and Human Services Secretary in the wee hours of the morning. The vote was 52-47. This puts the former orthopedic surgeon in charge of overhauling Obamacare. Oil prices are high after the Energy Information Administration lifted its demand forecast and said OPEC is sticking to its pledge to cut production. It says a record 90% of OPEC countries are in compliance with the agreed upon production cuts. The monthly budget statement will be released later today. January import prices will also be reported. February Michigan sentiment is also out.
Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos quickly became the poster child this week for the increasingly heated debate over President Trumps approach to deporting undocumented immigrants.

The 35-year-old Arizona woman, who first came to the United States at age 14 and has two children who are U.S. citizens, was returned to Mexico on Thursday. Her crime? Using a fraudulent Social Security number to get a job at a Phoenix-area waterpark in 2008.

Under the Obama Administration, Garcia de Rayos was not considered a high priority for deportation. In Arizona, criminal impersonation is a class 6 felony, the lowest level of felony in the state, and though an immigration court ordered her deported in 2013, officials had let Garcia de Rayos stay in the country until now.

News of her scheduled deportation spread like wildfire, largely because she seemed the opposite of the undocumented immigrants Trump had pledged to focus onpeople that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, as he told 60 Minutes in November.

Activists staged protests and attempted to block a van carrying Garcia de Rayos away from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building. Now, immigration advocates say their concern is that Garcia de Rayos was just one of many similar deportations to come.

On Jan. 25, Trump issued two executive orders aimed at meeting campaign promises hed made on immigration. While the orders make clear that Trump will prioritize the deportation of criminals, the order on Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States greatly expands what the federal government considers a crime worthy of a speedy deportation. Among them: being convicted or charged of any criminal offense, using a fake Social Security number, not leaving after final removal orders and posing a threat to public safety or national security in the eyes of an immigration officer. Under the order, even committing an act that could lead to a criminal charge would make an immigrant a priority for deportation.

Story continues

Cleveland immigration attorney David Leopold says the sweeping nature of the order provides the blueprint for the mass deportations Trump promised on the campaign trail. Its insidious, he says. Almost any infraction could lead to deportation. Its not limited.

Andre Segura, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union Immigrants Rights Project says instances like the one in Phoenix had been their concern since the orders were released.

A priority is not just what President Trump came out to say was the most serious criminals, that was more along the lines of what President Obama was attempting to do, he says. This pretty much incorporates everyone.

There are 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. today and while its unclear exactly how many will be affected by the order, there are already clear signs that large swaths of the community at risk. Karen Tumlin of the National Immigration Law Center said Friday that law enforcement officials have already carried out raids on homes, communities and workplaces in Los Angeles and Georgia. The raids themselves are not new, but advocates say there are sign that are are being carried out on a larger scale.

Advocates have already begun fielding questions from immigrant communities about what the orders mean for them and the sense of fear within those communities is palpable. Lynn Tramonte, the Deputy Director of Americas Voice Education Fund, said on a conference call Friday that shed met with immigrant mothers and all asked for guidance on how to keep their children safe in case they are deported.

These are real people with real lives and were just tearing them apart, she said.

Immigrants are being urged to get in contact with community organizations and attorneys in order to protect themselves. And organizations like the ACLU are providing tips and resources on what to do if ICE agents come knocking translated in several languages.

After Garcia de Rayos was deported, her two children drove to Mexico to reunite with her. In a news conference on Thursday, Garcia de Rayos said she does not have any regrets about attending the ICE meeting that led to her deportation.

I dont regret it, because I know I did this so that more families could see whats in store, what could happen, and so that they could know what they could risk,she said. I am not what [Trump] says. I simply am a mother who fights for her children, who fights to give them the best.
President Donald Trump expressed confidence Friday that his Administrations ban on refugees and travel from seven majority-Muslim countries would be sustained on appeal.

Speaking to reporters during a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump said the ban was necessary to ensure American security.

We will continue to go through the court process, and I have no doubt that we will win that particular case, Trump said in the East Room. We are going to keep our country safe. We are going to do whatever is necessary to keep our country safe.

White House aides are contemplating rewriting the order in part, in order to reinstate it sooner while the legal process is under way. Trump hinted at additional security measures coming next week, but it was unclear whether he was referring to a new version of the order.

Well be doing something very rapidly having to do with additional security for our country, Trump said.

Trump repeated his assertion that since taking office hes been briefed of a multitude of threats facing the country. Ive learned tremendous things that you could only learn if you are in a certain position, he said.

I feel terribly confident that we will have tremendous security for the people of the U.S., Trump added. We will be extreme vetting.
Dubai (AFP) - Authorities in Qatar have barred a prominent human rights lawyer and former justice minister from leaving the country, a rights group said on Friday.

Najeeb al-Nuaimi was also a lead defence lawyer in ousted Iraqi president Saddam Hussein's trial, and has since voluntarily defended prisoners of conscience in the Gulf state.

"Authorities in Qatar prevented... Nuaimi from travelling without informing him about any possible reasons," the Gulf Centre for Human Rights said in a statement.

It said he had been placed on a list of individuals banned from leaving the state, without giving "prior clarification or directing any charges against him".

One of Nuaimi's clients, poet Mohamed Rashid al-Ajami, was given a life sentence in 2011 for a poem he wrote criticising the Gulf state's ruler, which authorities said incited violence against the state.

Ajami was released in 2016 after serving more than four years in jail.

Nuaimi was also head of an international committee in 2003 to defend suspected Islamist militants imprisoned by the US military in Guantanamo.

Amnesty International condemned the decision to bar him from leaving the country.

In a statement Friday, it urged Qatar "to immediately rescind the ban or to urgently provide to him, in writing, its legitimate legal basis and reasons for doing so".

Qatar, like most Gulf states, has been spared much of the unrest brought in by the Arab Spring uprisings that have rocked the Middle East since 2011.

But activists throughout the region have resorted to social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to advocate human rights.

That has prompted what rights groups say is a systematic clampdown by authorities.
In the wake of Donald Trumps executive order banning refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, one of the loudest outcries against it was that it could serve as a de facto rallying cry for the Islamic State. In a recent article, Simon Cottee, curiously, rejected that notion, brushing it off as conventional liberal wisdom. In doing so, he politicizes the issue of terrorism.

To make his case, he cherry-picks several quotes from counterterrorism scholars and practitionersincluding Paul Pillar, Jessica Stern, and Nada Bakos, an author of this piecesuggesting we share a racist, pinholed view of Islam and counterterrorism. He portrays us as worrying that the ban could lead to the kind of polarization between Muslims and everyone else that ISIS explicitly embraces as a goal. But reading our original words in their full context clearly shows that we do not believe in any sort of polarization between Muslims and everyone else. That is the terrorists view.

Cottee writes that the assumption that the ban serves as a recruiting tool for ISIS contains a contemptible implication about Muslims: namely, that theyre not thinking, reasoning individuals capable of agency, but mere vessels of feeling in a larger geopolitical game between America and the jihadists, adding that the idea that some of the more vulnerable among them  will want to wreak murderous vengeance for it against their fellow Americans is dangerous. The view that Trumps travel ban will spur ISIS recruitment, he says, posits an overly simplistic understanding of jihadist radicalization, linking this exclusively to grievances over domestic and foreign policy.

There is no doubt that Muslims, like everyone else, are capable of rational thought. But as our combined 50 years of experience in the intelligence community taught us, Muslims, like everyone elseacross all religions, ideologies, and nationalitiesare equally susceptible to radicalization.

Recommended: These Conservative Christians Are Opposed to Trumpand Suffering the Consequences

In this regard, as in all others, Muslims are subject to the same laws of human nature. Cottee doesnt give enough weight to the possibility that some Muslims could indeed feel the lure of radicalization because of the ban; such a response would be an understandable human impulse. In our work, we examined the cases of hundreds of individuals in their transformations into full-fledged terrorists, including many who stopped part way through or deradicalized. The process, at its core, is no different for a Muslim than for a Christian, or for a Yemeni than for an American, though of course the details vary.

Radicalization is a multi-step process with many tipping pointsone doesnt simply wake up one morning and decide to be a terrorist. This ban may be the tipping point to violence for some, while for others it may merely heighten a sense of anxiety and frustration. Whatever an individuals particular circumstances, the most powerful push toward radicalization is a sense of injustice, humiliation, or betrayalprecisely the situation this ban sets up.

Cottee also dismisses the notion that the ban is a gift to ISIS propagandists, writing that the key evidence to support this claim is that a small number of anonymous ISIS fanboys have cited the ban as evidence for the true face of an anti-Islamic America. Of course ISIS will use this as propaganda. In fact, as Rukmini Callimachi pointed out from Mosul this week, ISIS has reportedly begun using the term blessed ban to refer to the executive order. If it angers Muslims, if it fuels anti-Muslim rhetoric, if it serves as an easy rallying point, ISIS will use it. ISIS supporters are also using the hashtag #muslimban and #refugeecrisis, to direct traffic a pro-ISIS site, where readers can find a picture of a Syrian family detained at Dulles airport.*

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Cottee oversimplifies America's complex response to the travel ban. The ban, he writes, has generated a raft of critical commentary from leading politicians, while provoking a wave of vociferous protests in major cities that has brought Muslims and non-Muslims together in solidarity. What the ban has done, paradoxically, is solidify the gray zone against which ISIS is fighting. It has revealed not a satanic American face but a pacific and liberal one.

Making American Muslims less safe will make all Americans less safe.

But that outpouring of protest doesnt tell the whole storywere certainly not living in some pacified, liberal America. The ban has spurred a range of emotions and aggravated a deep divide in American and indeed Western society, heightening anxiety among all Americans. It has angered allies in the Middle EastQatar, UAE, Iraq, to name a few, who may strike back by reducing their cooperation with U.S. counterterrorism operations. All of these things benefit ISIS.

Cottee concludes that, rather than making Americans less safe, writ large, the ban will make American Muslims, specifically, less safe. [I]t will further embolden the far right in America, legitimizing their fear and loathing of the group. The recent massacre of Muslims in a mosque in Quebec could have been long in the planning, but the exact timing of it, just days after Trumps travel ban was chaotically implemented, may not have been coincidental, he argues.

Recommended: How to Build an Autocracy

This is hardly groundbreaking. Making American Muslims less safe, however, will make all Americans less safe. Violence begets violencean old, simple, and still-valid concept. Stubborn insistence in framing this issue in political terms will only make it more difficult to reach those solutions that generally reside in the middle ground. We all have the same goal: reducing violence from terrorism.

One of our strongest objections to Trumps bannext to its possible unconstitutionality and ham-handednessis exploiting the issue of terrorism for political gain. Doing so will only make it more difficult for governments to settle on effective counterterrorism strategies.

* This article originally stated that ISIS's semi-official news agency, Amaq, displayed a photo of travelers detained at Dulles. The photos were on a different, unofficial site for ISIS supporters. We regret the error.

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This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Boulogne-Billancourt (France) (AFP) - French carmaker Renault said Friday it booked a record year in 2016 and said it would not set aside any provisions for potential financial fallout from a diesel emissions probe.

Renault, which has now become France's biggest carmaker in terms of sales, said in a statement that profits leapt almost 20 percent in 2016, driven by strong sales.

Net profit jumped by 19.7 percent to 3.54 billion euros ($3.77 billion) last year on a 13.1-percent increase in revenues to 51.2 billion euros, the statement said.

The company attributed the strong performance to a 13.3-percent increase in registrations of the group's Renault, Dacia and Samsung Motors brands to 3.18 million vehicles worldwide.

"In 2016, Renault reached a new sales record and became the number one French automotive group worldwide. Volume and market shares were up in all regions," the statement said.

Financial director, Clotilde Delbos, described 2016 as "a very good year" in which the group reached all of its strategic targets.

"These objectives, in particular that of exceeding 50 billion euros in sales, have been achieved by 2016," she told a news conference.

"We have achieved these very good results despite the fact that a number of the countries that count a lot for us and which were strong in the past... are still at lower levels than in the past," she added, citing Brazil, Russia and Iran.

In January, Paris prosecutors announced they were probing Renault over possible cheating on diesel emissions.

While German giant Volkswagen is still counting the cost of an unprecedented emissions scandal, known as "dieselgate" that shook German industry to the core, similar allegations are now being levied against other carmakers, notably Italian-American giant Fiat Chrysler and France's Renault.
By Charlotte Greenfield WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Rescuers were trying to save scores of pilot whales on Friday in a remote bay in New Zealand, where some 300 carcasses littered the beach after one of the country's largest recorded mass whale strandings. Hundreds of volunteers flocked to Golden Bay, at the northwest tip of South Island, after dawn broke and surviving whales were refloated at high tide by lunchtime, but 90 quickly became stranded once again as the tide ebbed. About 50 more lingered in shallow waters near their beleaguered pod. A conservation department worker spotted the whales washed ashore on Thursday evening. But the government agency decided against a night rescue effort because of the risk of accidents. Hoping to save more whales at the next high tide on Friday evening, rescuers took turns pouring water over the beached whales to try and keep them cool, while school children sang to soothe the distressed beasts. A ferry service offered free transport to qualified marine medics, while broadcast media carried a livestream of the rescue attempt. Even for a country with the most whale strandings in the world, the scale of the latest event "was a shock," said Darren Grover manager of marine environmental organisation Project Jonah. It was New Zealand's largest known whale stranding since 1985, when 450 were stranded in Auckland, and the third largest on record. The precise cause of the stranding was not known, though beached whales are not an uncommon sight at Golden Bay. Its shallow muddy waters confuse the marine mammals' sonar, leaving them vulnerable to stranding by an ebb tide, according to Project Jonah. Pilot whales are not listed as endangered, but little is known about their population in New Zealand waters. (Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
Madrid (AFP) - Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane hopes to have Gareth Bale back before the second leg of his side's Champions League last 16 clash with Napoli.

The postponement of Madrid's visit to Celta Vigo last weekend due to storm damage caused to Celta's Balaidos stadium has allowed Zidane to recover a fully-fit squad bar Bale, who is still working his way back from ankle ligament damage.

The Welshman hasn't featured since late November and whilst Wednesday's first leg against the Italians is likely to come too early, Zidane is confident of having Bale back well before the return in Naples on March 7.

"The return isn't till March 7 so hopefully he is with us before then," Zidane said on Friday.

"He is back on the field and the only step he has left is to train with the rest of the team.

"He is working very hard and I can see the desire he has."

The suspended Toni Kroos is Madrid's only other absentee for Saturday's visit to rock bottom Osasuna.

Marcelo, Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal are among those to return from injury

However, Madrid have only won one of their past six league meetings away at Osasuna and Zidane is not expecting an easy ride despite the fact the Navarrans are yet to win at home in La Liga this season.

"We have had time to work, physically we are good and ready to play," added Zidane.

"It is a very difficult place to go and we know that it is top against bottom, which I don't like at all.

"It has always been difficult for us at El Sadar and that isn't going to change."
Berlin (AFP) - Hollywood actor Richard Gere said the "biggest crime" of US President Donald Trump and European right-wing populists was to equate refugees with terrorists as it fomented hate.

Speaking at the Berlin film festival where he presented his politically charged new thriller "The Dinner", Gere, 67, told reporters that Trump's travel ban targeting seven Muslim-majority countries preyed on fears.

"The number of hate crimes in the US went up enormously as soon as Donald Trump started running for president and I think you've seen the same thing here in Europe," he said, referring to the "conservative movement around the world".

"Unfortunately we have leaders that stimulate fear and that fear causes us to do really terrible things."

Gere, a long-time human rights activist who met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday, said the "most horrible thing that Trump has done" since taking office last month was equating the words "refugee and terrorist".

"It means the same thing in the US now -- that's what he's accomplished -- to a large segment of our population," he said.

"'Refugee' used to be someone that we had empathy for, someone we cared about, someone we wanted to help -- we wanted to give refuge to a refugee... Now we're afraid of them and that's the biggest crime in itself, conflating these two ideas."

A US court on Thursday unanimously refused to reinstate Donald Trump's ban, which he has justified on national security grounds and pledged to fight to implement.

Trump repeatedly disparaged Muslim immigrants and refugees during his presidential campaign before going on to win the White House.

The FBI in November reported that hate crimes against Muslims in the US surged 67 percent in 2015 -- to the highest level since the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.
Speaking separately, Russia's deputy foreign minister the country considers the deployment of Nato troops and military hardware in the Baltic states, Poland and Germany as a threat: MAXIM MARMUR/AFP/Getty Images

Russia sees Romania as a Nato outpost and "a clear threat" due to it hosting elements of a US anti-missile shield, a senior foreign ministry official has said.

"Romania's stance and the stance of its leadership, who have turned the country into an outpost, is a clear threat for us," Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko told the Interfax news agency in an interview.

The US military says the shield is needed to protect from Iran, not threaten Russia.

The $800m (637m) Romanian part of the missile shield was switched on in May last year. Another part is due to be built in Poland.

Accusing Romanian authorities of revelling in anti-Russian rhetoric, Mr Botsan-Kharchenko said: "All these decisions... are in the first instance aimed against Russia."

Speaking separately, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Meshkov said Russia considers the deployment of Nato troops and military hardware in the Baltic states, Poland and Germany as a threat.

Mr Meshkov said Moscow was watching closely and would ensure its own security was guaranteed.

"This deployment is of course a threat for us," he said. "And who said that it will end with this? We do not have such information. For the first time since World War Two we see German soldiers along our borders."

Mr Meshkov's comments come after the United States deployed thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry to Poland, the Baltic states and southeastern Europe in its largest build-up since the Cold War.

InsideGov | Graphiq

German troops and armour are due to reinforce Lithuania this month under Nato plans.

US and Nato officials say the move is needed to provide extra security and reassurance to European countries after Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea, but Russia says it is part of an aggressive strategy on its borders.
Moscow (AFP) - The Kremlin said Friday that Turkey had provided Russian forces with the target location for an air strike in Syria that accidentally killed three Turkish troops, but Ankara gave a different version of events.

"The situation is obvious, unfortunately. Our military while launching strikes on terrorists followed coordinates that were given to us by our Turkish partners," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Along with the three killed, 11 Turkish soldiers were wounded when Thursday's strike -- which was meant to target jihadists -- hit a building where the troops were deployed, according to the Turkish army.

Peskov said the "causes of the incident are clear. There is no debate."

He said there had been a communications failure, adding: "There should not have been Turkish soldiers within the limits of these coordinates. That's why these strikes took place."

But the Turkish military said communications had been in full operation and that the army had provided its Russian counterpart with the location of its units ahead of the incident.

"The Russian armed forces attache in Ankara was invited to the chief of staff headquarters and provided by hand with the coordinates" of the Turkish units at around 20:11 GMT on Wednesday, the military said in a statement on its website.

The coordinates of the Turkish troops were also shared with personnel at the Hmeimim airbase in Syria, Moscow's main outpost for its bombing campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad, Ankara added.

The Turkish military said it regularly shared information with Russian counterparts on Syria operations as part of an agreement reached by the two countries on January 12 to "prevent units from harming each other".

"Our units hit by the (Russian) plane on February 9 have been located on the same spot for approximately 10 days," the military said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences in a telephone conversation with Turkish leader Tayyip Recip Erdogan.

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The Kremlin said the leaders agreed after the incident to "enhance military coordination in the course of the operation in Syria against the Islamic State fighters and other extremist organisations".

Turkey and Russia back opposing sides in the Syrian conflict, with Moscow supporting the Assad regime but Ankara pushing for the president's ouster.

The two countries had a ferocious falling-out after a Turkish jet shot down a Russian plane on the Syrian border in November 2015, but have since mended ties and begun cooperation over Syria.

They secured a deal to evacuate Syrians from Aleppo after Russia-backed regime forces retook the city, and have joined forces against the Islamic State group around Al-Bab.
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Daren Butler AMMAN/ANKARA (Reuters) - Russian air strikes on Thursday accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers during an operation against Islamic State in Syria, the Turkish military said, highlighting the risk of unintended clashes between the numerous outside powers in a complex war. "During an operation by a Russia Federation warplane against Islamic State targets in the region of the Euphrates Shield operation in Syria, a bomb accidentally hit a building used by Turkish Army units," the Turkish military said in a statement. Eleven others were wounded. The Kremlin also said Russian President Vladimir Putin had called Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and expressed his condolences, blaming the incident on poor coordination between Moscow and Ankara. Besides Russia and Turkey, the foreign powers embroiled in Syria's increasingly convoluted six-year-old war include members of a U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State as well as Lebanon's Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias. Russia is a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey supports the rebels who oppose him. In 2015, Turkey shot down a Russian air force jet that it said had crossed into Turkish airspace, though Moscow denied any incursion. The two countries have since repaired relations, and the Kremlin statement on Thursday said the two leaders had agreed to step up military coordination against Islamic State. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence also expressed condolences for the Turkish casualties in a call with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, in which they discussed cooperation in the fight against terrorism, Yildirim's office said. CLOSING IN ON AL-BAB Turkish-backed Syrian rebels pursued a major offensive against the IS-held Syrian city of al-Bab, 30 km (20 miles) south of the border with Turkey. The advance risks putting them in direct conflict with Syrian government forces who are closing in on the city from the south. A rebel commander said fighters of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), working with Turkish commanders, were moving forward from territory near the western gates of al-Bab, which they had stormed on Wednesday. "The battles began a short while ago to complete what had been achieved yesterday," said a commander of a leading FSA group fighting in al-Bab, who requested anonymity. The capture of the town would deepen Turkey's influence in an area of northern Syria where it has created a de facto buffer zone. It launched its Euphrates Shield operation in August, backing Syrian rebels with special forces, tanks and aircraft to sweep Islamic State from its border area and stop the advance of a Kurdish militia. Al-Bab is a major economic hub for the militants and lies on a key crossroads for the region north of Aleppo. Syria's army secured a string of villages on the southern edge of the city on Thursday, state media said. The Turkish military said it had killed 44 militants in aerial and artillery strikes and clashes in northern Syria. Five Turkish soldiers were killed in the clashes, the private Turkish news agency Dogan said. The Turkish-backed rebels said clashes took place for the first time with the Syrian army in the Abu Zandayn village south west of al Bab, where they were advancing. The army aided by Iranian-backed militias made rapid gains in recent days from the south of the city seizing more than thirty villages from the militants, bringing them close to their Turkish and rebel enemies. The army also secured a new string of villages on the southern edge of the city on Thursday and army units were now clearing out hundreds of mines and explosives planted by the militants in these villages, state media said. Rebels said storming the city on Wednesday was to preempt any army attempt to enter before them. Turkey has said coordination with Russia prevents clashes with the Syrian forces. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Ece Toksabay; additional reporting by Daren Butler in Istanbul and Andrey Ostroukh in Moscow; editing by Mark Trevelyan, Nick Tattersall and G Crosse)
Saint Petersburg (AFP) - Russia's highest court ordered a review of the precedent-setting case of an opposition activist jailed for two-and-a-half years for peaceful protests.

The Constitutional Court called for a compulsory review of the case of 34-year-old Ildar Dadin after he became the first Russian to be jailed for repeated participation in unsanctioned rallies.

Dadin was sentenced in 2015 to three years in jail, later reduced by six months. In prison, he has complained of torture and abuse, while international rights organisations have campaigned for his release.

Dadin has called for his jailing to be recognised as unconstitutional, an appeal that the Constitutional Court on Friday partially supported.

A Russian who is detained once at an unsanctioned rally does not face jail, only a fine or time in police cells.

In 2014 Russia controversially introduced criminal charges for those who breach rules at protest rallies twice or more in a period of 180 days.

In a ruling published on its website, the Constitutional Court confirmed the government has the right to prosecute people for repeated non-criminal offences, but stressed that punishment should be proportionate.

A court should choose whether to press criminal charges according to "the real scale of public danger" and only jail protestors after rallies that were not peaceful, the decision said.

Amnesty International, which calls Dadin a prisoner of conscience, said the ruling "offers a rare glimmer of hope for the right to peaceful assembly" in Russia.

"It sends a strong message to the authorities," the rights NGO said in a statement, calling for Dadin to be released "immediately and unconditionally."

Dadin must now wait for the Russian Supreme Court to review his case. It can then order his release from the penal colony where he is being held.

The ruling is likely to be largely symbolic for Dadin, who has been in jail since February 2015, including pre-trial detention, and has only six months left to serve of his sentence.

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Dadin's wife Anastasiya Zotova told AFP that the court's decision was "better than we could have expected in an authoritarian state."

She said she hoped legislation will be eased so "people aren't thrown in jail for peaceful protests."

If Dadin's sentence is overturned, "he might only come home a month early, but even that month is important," she added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said his homeland has a "beautiful" future because of science, technology and literature. Putin, whose relationship with newly elected President Donald Trump has drawn global scrutiny, seemed optimistic this week while discussing his nation's heritage.

I've listened to our laureates. But I didn't simply listen to what they said, I fell in love with their words, Putin said to students at a special event celebrating the Day of Russian Science. One simple but absolutely wonderful thought came to my mind. The foundations of our nation lie upon such deep roots, that our country's great and beautiful future is simply inevitable.

Putin also praised Russian scientists, the Moscow Times reported Wednesday. The whole world faces massive challenges which can be solved only with the help of science and technology," he said.

There are reasons for Putin to be so cheerful. He is well liked in his nation. He had an 83 percent approval rating in 2016 driven in part by his geopolitical conflicts with the West over conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.

Russia is also expecting a strong economy this year. Russia's Central Bank Gov. Elvira Nabiullina said Thursday the Russian economy would grow in 2017 despite an uncertain oil market. Putin has said the national budget, which depends on revenue from crude oil exports to European and Asian markets, is counting on oil priced at around $40 per barrel.

And Trump has said he wants to build stronger relations with Putin, who had many tense interactions with the previous Obama administration and has been accused by the CIA of hacking the 2016 presidential election. After an unsubstantiated report that alleged Trump spent time in Moscow with Russian prostitutes was controversially published by BuzzFeed in January, Putin defended Trump, and, of course, sang his nation's praises once again.

"Trump is] a grown man, and secondly hes someone who has been involved with beauty contests for many years and has met the most beautiful women in the world. I find it hard to believe that he rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world," Putin told Bloomberg Politics.

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By Sanjeev Miglani

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Sweden's SAAB <SAABb.ST> has offered to build the world's most modern fighter aircraft factory in India, it said on Friday, as it goes head-to-head with U.S. rival Lockheed Martin <LMT.N> to supply hundreds of locally produced planes to India's military.

Saab's pitch for its Gripen E aircraft comes a day after Lockheed said it is pushing ahead with its proposal to transfer the production line of its F-16 fighter to India, even though it understands that President Donald Trump's administration may want to take a fresh look at such plans.

The race to supply the Indian Air Force with an estimated 200 to 250 fighter planes over the next decade has narrowed to Saab and Lockheed after the Indian defense ministry floated an initial request for a single-engine combat plane in October.

"We are offering to set up the world's most modern (aerospace) ecosystem and facility in India to manufacture the Gripen for India and the global market," Kent-Ake Molin, Gripen's product sales director, told reporters.

Saab was in talks with nearly 100 aerospace and defense firms in India to provide components for the production of the plane which would lay the industrial base for India to design, develop and build future fighters.

"What we are offering is a futuristic, new generation plane and not one that is the reaching the end of its life and is being replaced by air forces around the world," Molin said, in a dig at the F-16.

Lockheed has offered to build the F-16 Block 70 in India which it said was the newest and most advanced version of the plane that is flying with the air forces of 25 countries around the world.

It said the proposed Indian facility for making the F-16s would be the only one in the world as the existing plant in Fort Worth, Texas switches to producing the fifth generation F-35 for the U.S. Air Force.

The Indian government is expected to decide between the two bidders some time this year to meet the urgent needs of the air force.

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A defense ministry official said the process was at an early stage. Defence procurement almost always takes years in India, although Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has promised the military faster modernization.

Last September, India signed a deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France for around 7.8 billion euros ($8.30 billion), the country's first major acquisition of fighter planes for two decades.

However, it trimmed back a planned larger order for Rafales after the two sides failed to agree on costs and local production terms, and India is now looking to other manufacturers to fill its remaining need for new fighters.

Trump's criticism of U.S. auto and drug companies moving manufacturing overseas and then selling goods back to the United States has raised concern of a potential impact on Lockheed's offer to India, although in this case the factory would supply the Indian military rather than export to the United States.

Both Saab and Lockheed are participating in India's biggest air show opening in Bengaluru next week, hosted by the Indian defense ministry.

(Reporting by Sanjeev Miglani; Editing by Adrian Croft)
Nice (France) (AFP) - For the first time in living memory, carnival revellers will not parade down Nice's Promenade des Anglais this year, seven months after the Bastille Day truck massacre that left 86 people dead.

The famous seafront avenue was ordered off-limits for major public events for at least a year after the July 14 jihadist attack, with the southern French city instead deploying unprecedented security along an alternate route this weekend.

"Never has the level of security been so high for an event of this kind in Nice," top regional administrator Georges-Francois Leclerc told a news conference ahead of the February 11-25 carnival, one of the biggest in the world.

This year Nice's boisterous street party, which in past years has drawn up to a million revellers, will take place along a new stretch of parkland, the Promenade du Paillon.

Inaugurated in 2013, the zone stretches 1.2 kilometres (three-quarters of a mile) from the Promenade des Anglais northeast to the historic Place Massena.

Some 200 police will man 36 entry points to the venue, which will be totally enclosed for the event. Carnival-goers will pay five euros ($5.30) to attend -- more for seats in the stands.

The frenzied "battle of the flowers" -- when revellers vie to catch blooms thrown from elaborate flower-bedecked floats -- will take place in the Place Massena, the city's main square.

Last year's carnival was already the object of heightened security in the wake of the November 2015 jihadist attacks in Paris, with attendance way down at some 400,000.

Speaking at Friday's news conference, the right-wing president of the Riviera region, Christian Estrosi, said cancelling the carnival would be "unthinkable".

"That would be a sign to the barbarians, to the terrorists, that they would have scored another victory."

After Tunisian jihadist Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel rammed a truck into crowds enjoying fireworks on the Promenade des Anglais for France's national day, both the Socialist government and Nice's right-wing city authorities came under severe criticism for perceived security lapses.

Since the July 14 attack, the Israeli company that provides security for the Tel Aviv airport has been among the city's advisors.
President Donald Trumps flurry of executive actions  10 orders and 12 memoranda since taking office  outline his strategy to build a border wall, restrict immigration, fight terrorism and more.

But these orders arent inviolable, as seen Feb. 3 when U.S. District Judge James Robart temporarily blocked Trumps travel ban. Robart said that a judges job is to ensure that an action taken by the government comports with our countrys laws.

Those laws, outlined in the constitution, dont make specific provision for executive actions. But presidents have issued actions since George Washington, whose orders included making Nov. 26 a national day of thanks. Other famous executive actions include desegregating the military and establishing the Peace Corps.

William Henry Harrison, who died after 32 days in office from pneumonia, is the only president that never issued an order. Franklin D. Roosevelt penned the most, at 3,721, creating the Works Progress Administration of the New Deal, and infamously permitting Japanese-American interment camps.

Click on the executive actions below, which include executive orders and presidential memoranda, to see a summary and the full text.
President Trump reacted on Twitter Thursday evening after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to reinstate his ban on refugees and travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations. The three-judge panel ruled unanimously, finding that the government lawyers failed to show they were likely to prevail on the merits. In his Twitter message, which was written in all capital letters, Trump indicated he will have Justice Department attorneys appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

White House director of social media Dan Scavino did not immediately respond to an email from Yahoo News asking whether the president planned to send any more tweets about the court decision on Thursday night. Trump also discussed the ruling in an impromptu appearance before reporters at the White House, where he called it a political decision and reiterated his desire to appeal.

Its a political decision and were going to see them in court, and I look forward to doing it, Trump said. We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake, and its a very very serious situation.

Reporters also asked Trump if he was concerned the legal setback undercut the early days of his presidency.

No. This is just a decision that came down, but were going to win the case, Trump said.

The presidents Supreme Court justice nominee, Neil Gorsuch, has yet to be confirmed. If the case comes before the current eight-member Supreme Court and the justices deadlock, the 9th Circuit ruling will remain in place.

Trump signed the executive order on Jan 27. The order largely affected citizens from Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia and Iran, barring entry from these countries into the United States for 90 days. It also indefinitely halted the entry of refugees from Syria and put a 120-day hold on refugees from elsewhere.

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The travel ban immediately led to protests and legal challenges, including one from the state of Washington, which argued that Trumps executive order violated the Constitutions ban on religious discrimination. On Feb. 3, a district court judge in Washington issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban until arguments in the case could be heard. The Justice Department filed an emergency motion in the 9th Circuit to have the restraining order lifted. The three judges on the panel began considering that motion on Tuesday night and left the restraining order in place while they heard arguments.

President Trump (Photo: Chris Kleponis-Pool/Getty Images)

Trump previously blasted the 9th Circuit judges in a speech on Wednesday morning where he expressed dismay the case was going on for so long and suggested it was political and biased for the court to not immediately reinstate the ban. The president said the merits of his position should be obvious to anyone.

You can be a lawyer. Or you dont have to be a lawyer. If you were a good student in high school, or a bad student in high school, you can understand this, he said.

Government lawyers argued that U.S. law very clearly grants the president broad authority to decide who can enter the country. The 9th Circuit judges acknowledged this in their ruling, but said this doesnt prevent courts from reviewing executive orders for constitutionality.

In his response to the appeal, Washington State Solicitor General Noah Purcell pointed to statements Trump made during his campaign last year where he called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims. He also noted that, on the day he signed the executive order, Trump suggested steps would be taken to prioritize Christian refugees. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a top Trump ally, has said he helped craft the order after the president asked him to find a legal way to implement a Muslim ban. However, the White House has repeatedly insisted the order is not a Muslim ban and is merely an attempt to impose extreme vetting for people entering the country from certain nations.

Read more from Yahoo News:
By Dan Levine and Mica Rosenberg (Reuters) - President Donald Trump suffered a legal blow on Thursday when a federal appeals court refused to reinstate his executive order temporarily banning people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that the Trump administration failed to offer any evidence that national security concerns justified immediately restoring the ban, which he launched two weeks ago. Shortly after the court issued its 29-page ruling, Trump tweeted: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" He told reporters his administration ultimately would win the case and dismissed the ruling as "political." The 9th Circuit ruling, upholding last Friday's decision by U.S. District Judge James Robart to suspend the order, does not resolve the lawsuit. It relates only to whether to lift an emergency halt to Trump's order put in place by a lower court. Trump, a Republican who took office on Jan. 20, faces long odds in getting the ban restored while litigation over his executive order proceeds. To ultimately win, the Justice Department will have to present evidence that people from those countries represent a domestic threat, legal experts said. In its ruling on Thursday, the 9th Circuit said the government had so far failed to show that any person from the seven countries had perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States. Trump's Jan. 27 order, the most divisive action of his young presidency, sparked protests and chaos at U.S. and overseas airports on the weekend after it was issued. It was challenged by the states of Washington and Minnesota, which argued it violated constitutional protections against religious discrimination. The Justice Department, which spoke for the administration at oral argument on Tuesday, said it was reviewing Thursday's decision and considering its options. Asked about Trump's tweet, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said: "We have seen him in court twice, and we're two for two." Trump says his executive order aims to head off attacks by Islamist militants. He has voiced frustration at the legal challenge to his order, calling Robart a "so-called judge" whose "ridiculous" opinion "essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country." The 9th Circuit judges said more legal arguments would be needed to decide the actual fate of Trump's order. [nL1N1FS1G4] While the court said it could not decide whether the order discriminated against a particular religion until the case had been fully briefed," it added that the states had presented evidence of numerous statements by the president about his intent to implement a Muslim ban. The administration argued that the courts do not have access to the same classified information about threats to the country that the president does. The judges countered that courts regularly receive classified information under seal. The three judges said the states had shown that even temporary reinstatement of the ban would cause harm. FINAL OUTCOME 'NOT CERTAIN' Curbing entry to the United States as a national security measure was a central premise of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, originally proposed as a temporary ban on all Muslims. U.S. presidents have in the past claimed sweeping powers to fight terrorism, but the 9th Circuit on Thursday wrote that courts have the authority to review whether the president violated the Constitution. Two of the three 9th Circuit judges were appointees of former Democratic Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama, and one was appointed by former Republican President George W. Bush. The government has 14 days to ask the 9th Circuit to have a larger panel of judges review the decision "en banc," or appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will likely determine the case's final outcome. But it would need five of the eight justices to vote in favor of suspending the travel ban during litigation. That is likely to be a tall order as the court is evenly divided 4-4 between liberals and conservatives, meaning the administration would need to win over at least one of the liberal justices. Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway told Fox News: "It's an interim ruling and we're fully confident that now that we will get our day in court and have an opportunity to argue this on the merits we will prevail." Asked if the administration would go to the Supreme Court, she said: I can't comment on that. ... He will be conferring with the lawyers and make that decision. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, said Trump's policies "still pose a threat to communities of color, religious minorities, women, and others." Democrats, the minority party in Congress, celebrated. "This Administrations recklessness has already done significant harm to families, and undermined our fight against terror," House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said in an emailed statement. But Tom Fitton from the conservative group Judicial Watch said on Twitter: "The Ninth Circuit ruling is a dangerous example of judicial overreach." (Reporting by Dan Levine in San Francisco and Noeleen Walder and Mica Rosenberg in New York; Writing by Lisa Lambert and Howard Goller; Editing by Peter Cooney)
Silwad (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Mariam Hamad remembers perfectly the day more than 20 years ago when her land was taken by Israelis to build the illegal settlement of Amona.

But a week after the Jewish village was finally demolished following a two-decade legal struggle, Hamad and other Palestinian land owners still don't know if or when they will be able to set foot on their soil again.

The tiny settlement, home to just forty families, was evacuated and demolished last week amid protests and even violence from Jewish hardliners.

Israel's courts declared it was built on private Palestinian land.

But the demolition prompted Israel's rightwing to propose a law opposing similar moves against other illegal settlements.

It passed through parliament this week in a move criticised by world powers.

Largely forgotten amid the turmoil of Amona's destruction and its wider ramifications are the six families who originally owned the land.

For them the demolition should herald a longed-for return to the land they called not Amona but simply Al-Mazarea, the farms in Arabic.

On the hilltop near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank they used to cultivate tomatoes and watermelons one year, wheat the next, said 83-year-old Hamad.

In her house in nearby Silwad she still has a sheaf of dried wheat from the last unfinished harvest.

"We worked in the fields with my husband until the settlers forced us out," Hamad remembered, saying the Jewish arrivals came armed.

"'This land is not yours, it's ours,' they said" she recalled.

Despite the demolitions, she and the other owners are waiting to see if they can return, with the Israeli army still in control.

Hamad told AFP she was "hopeful" but also had strong doubts, with other landowners also uncertain.

- How soon is 'soon'? -

The international community considers all settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem illegal, with more than 600,000 setters now living on land the Jewish state occupied in 1967.

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Settlements are viewed as one of the main obstacles to peace with the Palestinians.

Israel distinguishes between government-approved settlements and what it calls "outposts" such as Amona, which are illegal and in theory should be demolished.

But the demolition of those even Israeli courts deem illegal is opposed by right wingers, many of whom argue all the West Bank was given to Israel by God.

The demolition of Amona sparked a bill passed by the Israeli parliament this week which legalised more than 50 other illegal outposts, in a move condemned by the United Nations, the European Union and others.

After Amona was formed in 1995, Hamed twice tried to return to her two-and-a-half hectares.

The first time, she said, Israeli soldiers forced her back while the second she fled because a woman was shot dead, allegedly by settlers.

Another landowner Ibrahim Yaqoub, 56, said his mother was shot and his aunt killed while approaching family land.

He has more than three hectares of land his children have never seen.

From the creation of Amona to its destruction 13 Palestinians were killed, most during demonstrations and clashes near the outpost, Abdel Rahman Saleh, the mayor of nearby Silwad, said.

"Silwad has an area of 1,800 hectares," he told AFP in his office, showing maps to illustrate the issue.

Of that, he said, only 500 hectares are available for cultivation, with the rest declared off limits by Israel's army.

Realising protests were unlikely to succeed, the families threw themselves into a legal battle to get their land back, with support from Israel and Palestinian NGOs.

Producing documents showing their ownership, they eventually won and now await the day they can return.

Gilad Grossman, a spokesman for the Yesh Din NGO that fought the case, said everyone was "waiting" to see if the land would be handed over.

"We are hoping that it will happen and happen very soon."

He warned of other cases where the army has refused to give land back after demolitions, prompting fresh legal challenges.

"They can claim there are security reasons and this remains a closed military area," Grossman said.
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Well, at least we'll always have the time Shia LaBeouf punched a nazi.

LaBeouf resistance art project, HE WILL NOT DIVIDE US, is ending just three weeks into its intended four-year stretch.

The installation, kicked off brilliantly by Jaden Smith, began the day of Trump's inauguration. The basic idea was that concerned citizens would participate in a livestream for the entirety of his administration by repeating the phrase "he will not divide us." The whole thing took place just outside The Museum of Moving Images in Queens, New York, but due to increasing security concerns, the museum shut it down.

SEE ALSO: What to do when you're so overwhelmed by the Trump presidency you can barely move

LaBeouf tweeted the following image:

The museum defended their decision in a statement, explaining that "the installation become a flashpoint for violence and was disrupted from its original intent."

Indeed, LaBeouf's arrest was not an isolated incident, and the alt-right, of course, had no trouble finding ways to ruin what was intended to be a peaceful protest.

Read the Museum of Moving Images' statement in full below:
By Christine Murray and Lizbeth Diaz MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Since Mexico's top drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was extradited to a U.S. jail, gunfights in broad daylight have rocked his home state of Sinaloa in a power struggle that is a reminder of how hard it is to crush the country's drug cartels. U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the cartels his spokesman called "a clear and present danger." To succeed, history suggests, Trump will have to go further then capturing or killing gang leaders. When leaders such as Guzman are taken out, others replace them or the cartels splinter. Either way, the flow of drugs to lucrative U.S. markets is rarely interrupted for long. As boss of the Sinaloa cartel, Guzman escaped from prison twice before Mexico's navy arrested him last year after a chase through city sewers. Flown to the United States in January, he is awaiting trial in a New York jail. In his absence, violence has flared. The Sinaloans, long the worlds largest drug gang with a footprint across most of the United States, appear to be facing both an internal power struggle and challenges from upstart rivals. Last month, there were 116 homicides in Sinaloa, 50 percent more than the same month in 2016, an official at the state attorney generals office told Reuters. Shootouts in the state capital Culiacan resulted in 12 deaths over three days in the last week alone, the office said in a statement. The state education ministry suspended classes in 148 schools on Wednesday, citing security issues. A video obtained by Reuters from a Federal Police official showed a pick-up truck fitted with a mounted machine gun circling a gas station during a two-minute exchange of gunfire. The official said the footage was taken in Culiacan. Reuters could not independently verify that. Earlier, a Mexican marine and five other people were killed in clashes with a drug gang's armed convoy that was roaming the city. Tomas Guevara, who studies crime at Sinaloa State University, attributed the outburst of violence to the breakdown of an alliance between factions, with Guzman's sons Alfredo and Ivan Archivaldo on one side and another leader, Damaso "El Licenciado" Lopez, on the other. Scott Stewart, vice president of tactical analysis at security consultancy Stratfor, said Chapo was out of touch now he was in a U.S. jail. "That seems to have emboldened 'El Licenciado'," Stewart said. After Guzman was extradited the night before Trumps inauguration, former and current U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officials told Reuters they expected an imminent move on Chapo's sons by their rivals. A letter this week to a top Mexican journalist claimed they were injured in the latest violence. U.S. HELP In a call with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto this month, Trump offered help, saying Mexico had not done a good job knocking the cartels out, according to a CNN report. Trump's executive order tells federal agencies to increase help for foreign partners on security and on intelligence sharing. The order was vague on details. The U.S. government and Mexico already work closely to tackle cartels. For example, on Thursday, Mexican marines used a Black Hawk helicopter to kill eight alleged gang members including the head of the Beltran-Leyva gang, a rival of El Chapo. The United States sold Black Hawks to Mexico under the anti-cartel Plan Merida. Steve Dudley of think-tank Insight Crime said it was impossible to end the flow of drugs, but more could be done on violence. Success would depend on stabilizing the volatile turn in bilateral relations under Trump. "The overriding concern on the part of law enforcement officials on both sides of the border is that they are now at the whim of a seemingly erratic, chaotic approach," he said. Mexico's national security commission did not respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Christine Murray and Lizbeth Diaz; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and James Dalgleish)
Three of the legendary Wallendas performed their high-wire act Thursday night in Florida as five of their loved ones recover from a tragic fall that occurred the day before.

Read: Nik Wallenda Speaks Out After 5 Injured in High-Wire Stunt Gone Wrong: 'We'll Get Through This'

One of the injured watched from the sidelines on crutches.

Getting back on the high wire was an emotional experience for legendary aerialist Nik Wallenda.

After the show he addressed the audience, saying: Certainly the roughest day of my life was yesterday afternoon.

The performance came as authorities released the 911 calls made from inside the big top in Sarasota, when the mishap occurred.

One male caller told the 911 dispatcher: The high-wire act just fell. We have multiple people on the ground. There are four on the ground that are not moving.

In the call, the dispatcher asked: Do you know the extent of any of the injuries?

The reply was: It's bad!

A female caller said: We are at the big top circus. We just witnessed a high-wire act fall.

Another male caller frantically told the dispatcher: We're a circus. We have a high-wire act. They're rehearsing. They just fell from the high wire. I imagine we've got some pretty good injuries so we need ambulance and fire.

Read: After Ringling Bros. Closure, Animal Activists Zeroing in on Zoos: 'Animals Deserve Better'

The 911 operator asked the third caller: How many people are hurt?

Eight were on the wire so eight people at least, the caller replied.

Nik Wallenda, who has dazzled America with dizzying live high-wire walks over the Grand Canyon and other landmarks, says he believes the accident was triggered when one of the eight daredevils performing the pyramid fainted.

Watch: Wingsuit Daredevil Killed After Crashing Into Tree in Stunt Gone Wrong

Related Articles:
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German industrial group Siemens is considering listing its $15 billion healthcare business in the United States to take advantage of company valuations that are higher than in Europe, its chief executive told a German newspaper. "We don't have a final view on this yet, but we are looking at it very closely," weekly Euro am Sonntag quoted Joe Kaeser as saying in an interview. The separation of the Healthineers business is one of Siemens' biggest strategic steps to narrow its focus. Over the past decades, it had shed its semiconductor, lighting, automotive and communications businesses, among others. Kaeser told Euro am Sonntag that Siemens could separate stakes in further parts of its business as well. "I can imagine a future in which we give investors the opportunity to invest not just in the companies Siemens Healthineers or Siemens-Gamesa renewable energy, but also in a high-performing digital industry business," he said. He also indicated Siemens may hike its dividend payment to shareholders for the current fiscal year through September. "We have just raised our profit guidance for 2017 and have increased our dividend three years in a row. I wouldn't end such a streak for no reason," he said. (Reporting by Maria Sheahan; Editing by Mark Potter)
New York (AFP) - Raf Simons, considered one of the finest designers of his generation, made his debut for Calvin Klein on Friday, offering a tribute to America in one of the most eagerly awaited New York shows in years.

A-listers Gwyneth Paltrow, Julianne Moore and Sarah Jessica Parker, former Calvin Klein model Brooke Shields and current model Millie Bobby Brown, the 12-year-old star of Netflix hit "Stranger Things," were the guests of honor.

Other guests were film director Sofia Coppola and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour at the label's Garment District headquarters, which reportedly archives every Calvin Klein item ever designed.

The 49-year-old Belgian former creative director for Christian Dior sent out men's and women's wear in what the program called an homage to America, a contrast of sports chic and double-breasted suiting.

Simons, whose career has straddled Europe and America, offered an outsider's take on the diversity that makes up the contemporary United States as part of his mission to revive the iconic New York label best known for its racy underwear ads decades ago.

There was sharp suiting, denim, bat-wing style shoes for women, cowboy boots, plastic coated outerwear and dresses finished with feathers, an array of workwear, western wear and handcrafted quilting.

From the look that shouted modern urban, to the white bandanas sent to guests to promote diversity and the closing track -- David Bowie's "This Is Not America" -- it was hard not to see shade being thrown at President Donald Trump and his administration's assault on immigration.

- Past and future -

"All these different people with different styles and dress codes. It's the future, the past, Art Deco, the city, the American West," wrote Simons in the program notes.

"Not one era, not one thing, not one look. It is the coming together of different characters and different individuals, just like America itself. It is the unique beauty and emotion of America."

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Simons emerged at the end with Pieter Mulier, his long-term colleague and former right-hand man at Dior, before being mobbed backstage by well-wishers.

From the ceiling hung distressed fabrics and balls of wool, in a set designed by Ruby, who was born to a Dutch mother and American father, and whose work features in museums such as the Tate Modern.

Ruby has cited, among his influences, hip-hop, urban gangs, graffiti, prisons, globalization, violence, art history, as well as "American domination and decline."

Calvin Klein last year put Simons in charge of the entire brand's creative strategy, uniting all its clothing, underwear and jeans under one vision as it seeks to grow to $10 billion in global retail sales.

Simons, who also runs his eponymous label, was previously best known for breathing life into Dior after John Galliano was fired in 2012 following an outcry over anti-Semitic insults he made in a Paris bar.

"Not since Mr Klein himself was at the company has it been led by one creative visionary, and I am confident that this decision will drive the Calvin Klein brand and have a significant impact," said CEO Steve Shiffman at the time.

- Changing of guard -

"I really liked it," Imran Amed, founder of the London-based Business of Fashion website, told AFP after the show.

"It's quite a departure. When you change creative directors, part of the reason you do that is to get a new energy, a new direction, and I think they very successfully achieved that," he added.

"That he dared to try to live up to the founder's legacy and say something bigger and more visceral with his clothes  could make all the difference," wrote New York Times fashion critic Vanessa Friedman.

Here are other highlights of fashion week day two:

-- Oday Shankar, a red carpet designer with Iraqi roots, presented typically elegant evening wear in an personal show that he said was inspired by overcoming difficulties in life and "creating something beautiful."

There were his trademark billowing, two-tone gowns and pleated skirts, and sequined tweed that glittered and hugged the figure.

-- Retailer Kate Spade invited guests to sip mimosas and nibble blinis with caviar at The Russian Tea Room in tribute to 1920s Paris and "heroines who defy expectations."

Models sashayed on a leopard print platform to the sound of a waltz. It was a very feminine collection with lots of red and poppies, with a stand-out purse in the shape of a chocolate cake with cherries on top.
Thursday night massacre. In yet another potential headache for the perpetually troubled Trump administration, several U.S. officials are saying that National Security Advisor Michael Flynn spoke with the Russian Ambassador about U.S. sanctions on Moscow in the weeks before Trump took office. Flynn  and Vice President Mike Pence  had previously acknowledged the communications between the two men, but strenuously and repeatedly denied there was any talk of sanctions.

Flynns communications with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak were interpreted by some senior U.S. officials as an inappropriate and potentially illegal signal to the Kremlin that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions that were being imposed by the Obama administration in late December to punish Russia for its alleged interference in the 2016 election, the Washington Posts Greg Miller, Adam Entous and Ellen Nakashima report in a major scoop.

Pence went on national television last month to back up Flynn and unequivocally shoot down the story, insisting, I talked to Gen. Flynn yesterday, and the conversations that took place at that time were not in any way related to U.S. sanctions.

When Flynn was asked directly if there was any sanctions talk by the Post on Wednesday, he answered No. But by Thursday, his spokesman backed away from the denial, telling the paper that Flynn indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

The New York Times Matthew Rosenberg and Matt Apuzzo also spoke to anonymous officials who confirmed the story, writing, throughout the discussions, the message Mr. Flynn conveyed to the ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak  that the Obama administration was Moscows adversary and that relations with Russia would change under Mr. Trump  was unambiguous and highly inappropriate, the officials said. The Times story, which provided a bit more detail about the nature of the chats also drops a key detail: there are transcripts of the calls.

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Backing down. President Trump backed down from pre-inauguration tough talk about renegotiating the decades-old U.S. one China policy, in which he said hed use it as leverage in getting better trade deals out of Beijing. Everything is under negotiation including One China, Trump told the Wall Street Journal when asked about the policy.

Things looked quite a bit different Thursday when the White House released a statement that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone, and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our One China policy. A December call between Trump and the Taiwanese president upset decades of diplomacy and angered Beijing, which refused to have contact with the White House until Trump came around on one China. The New York Times reports that Administration officials concluded that Mr. Xi would take a call only if Mr. Trump publicly committed to upholding the 44-year-old policy, under which the United States recognized a single Chinese government in Beijing and severed its diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Warheads. Reports emerged Thursday that during his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Trump thundered that a key arms control deal between the two countries was unfair to the United States, but only after halting the call to ask his advisors what, exactly, the deal was. The New START treaty signed by Russia and the U.S. in 2010 limits nuclear arsenals to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads for each country. Its slated to expire in 2021, but it could be extended. To be fair, during the campaign Trump criticized the agreement as biased against the United States, even though it gives Washington the ability to inspect the Russian nuclear facilities at least 18 times a year. The White House has denied that the president was unsure what New START is.

Longer, longest. Fifteen years into what is by far Americas longest and costliest war, and the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan told Congress Thursday that he needs more troops and more time. The plea was hardly surprising, and Gen. John Nicholson, who leads U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, was only the latest in a long line of U.S. generals to come to Capitol Hill to make the exact same pitch. And as in most cases over the past decade and a half  in which Washington has spent $117 billion on the war effort  the assembled senators merely shrugged their approval. Nicholson told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he thinks the war against the Taliban has settled into a long stalemate, FPs Paul McLeary reports, and the only way to break the impasse is for the U.S. and NATO to send more troops to train and advise local Afghan forces.

Hill takes hard line on Russia. There appears to be some rare bipartisan agreement in the Senate, but its mostly confined to the Foreign Relations Committee, and focused on Russia. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle on Thursday agreed that sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine need to stay in place, and ranking member Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and several other senators voiced support for recently proposed bipartisan legislation that would take decisions about Russian sanctions out of the hands of the White House.

Senators want Yemen briefing. Following a recent raid on an al Qaeda camp in Yemen that left one Navy SEAL dead and several civilians  including children  dead, a bipartisan group of senators is demanding a briefing on U.S. policy in the country. We write today with serious concerns about U.S. policy in Yemen and to urgently request a classified briefing regarding our actions and objectives there, a group of senators wrote to Defense Secretary James Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and acting Director of National Intelligence Michael Dempsey. The letter was signed by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah).

Not so sure about this whole thing. In response to the very leaky early days of the Trump administration, several foreign governments are weighing how many joint intelligence operations they want to undertake with the United States. Voice of America reports that some foreign officials admit that the ongoing lack of communication combined with what, at times, appears to be contradictory messages from the White House, key departments and even from President Trump himself, is starting to strain ongoing efforts.

Welcome to SitRep. Send any tips, thoughts or national security events to paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or via Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley.

China

An American spy plane and a Chinese military aircraft have once again come into uncomfortably close proximity. Reuters reports that an unspecified Chinese military plane flew within 1,000 feet of a U.S. Navy P-3 maritime patrol plane in the South China Seas Scarborough Shoal, where the Philippines and China have competing territorial claims. Last year the Pentagon criticized China for carrying out what it called unsafe intercepts of an Air Force RC-135 and a Navy EP-3 but according to Reuterss sources this weeks incident is different. Sources tell the wire service that the run-in appears to be accidental, rather than an act of airborne brinksmanship.

Meanwhile, Beijing looks to be beefing up its military presence in the South China Sea, adding helicopter landing pads, buildings, and new shipping facilities to the islands it has built in the critical, and highly contested, waterway.

Israel

The White House is looking into naming the Muslim Brotherhood and Iranian Revolutionary Guards terrorist organizations, but when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu comes to Washington next week, he has another goal in mind: enlisting Trumps help in severing the ties between Iran and Hezbollah. Netanyahu will urge the U.S. to drive a wedge between the Lebanese Shiite group and Iran, Bloomberg reports, through harsh sanctions that will make Tehran think twice about extending support, said Israel Katz, intelligence minister and a member of Israels Security Cabinet. Katz told the news service in an interview that there need to be paralyzing sanctions on Hezbollah with a very credible threat of sanctions on Iran if it doesnt stop supplying the group with weapons and cash.

Syria

The U.S. military killed a veteran al-Qaeda member in a drone strike in Idlib, Syria on Saturday. CNN reports that Abu Hani al-Masri, whose ties to the organization stretched back to the 1990s, died in the strike. Al-Masri had links to former al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden as well as current emir Ayaman al-Zawahiri. Al-Masri, initially a member of Egyptian Islamic Jihad, reportedly ran terrorist training camps for al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.

Libya

Popular Mechanics takes an inside look at one of the last military operations of the Obama administration, the bombing of Islamic State camps in Libya by B-2 stealth bombers. Drawing on interviews with one of the pilots involved in the mission from takeoff in Missouri to Libya and back. The use of the B-2 for the mission struck many as an unusual, but Africa Command requested the long-range bomber for its ability to reach far, loiter for long periods, and deliver large payloads of munitions on target.

Yemen

The controversial special operations raid in Yemen which resulted in the death of a Navy SEAL remains shrouded in mystery and could stay that way for a long time. Buzzfeed reports that the Pentagon believes core elements of what took place on the raid that night are still difficult to determine, such as whether an 8- year old, the daughter of slain al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki, was killed by a stray American bullet. The girls grandfather, Nasser al-Awlaki, shared photos of her after the raid and wrote on Facebook that she had been killed. The Defense Department, while admitting that the raid killed civilians, has yet to conclude that the little girl was killed in the raid.

Navy

A new report from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) commissioned by Congress argues for a 340-ship Navy composed of smaller vessels and focused on deterring near-peers like China. Breaking Defense reports that the report calls for increasing the number of unmanned surface vessels, frigates, an extra super carrier and 10 light carriers. CSBA, however, recommends cutting back the number of cruisers and destroyers. The tab for CSBAs recommendations would come to around $23.2 billion a year over the next 30 years, or $3.5 billion per year more than the Obama administrations shipbuilding plan.

Photo Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII  Whether it's the noxious gases rising from the Kilauea volcano, or the lively coral reefs that sprawl across the seafloor around the island chain, Hawaii's ecosystems are under some serious scientific scrutiny this month.

Researchers are here gathering data using NASA's high-altitude airplanes, outfitted with cameras that capture visible light as well as infrared radiation. One airplane, the ER-2, can soar to 67,000 feet, or "the edge of space," as NASA systems engineer Michael Mercury put it. From that height, on daily flights over the islands, the cameras snap images that the scientists then stitch together and analyze, Mercury said, explaining the project at a media briefing that the space agency held here on Wednesday (Feb. 8). [Earth Pictures: Iconic Images of Earth from Space]

The goal of this current work in Hawaii is to find the best ways to use these measurements to gain new insights into volcanic activity and coral reef health. For example, scientists studying Hawaii's active volcano are trying to refine their models that predict exactly how and when the "vog," or volcanic smog that forms from Kilauea's gases, will blanket Hawaiian cities instead of blowing out over the Pacific. Other researchers, who study coral reef ecosystems, are using the images from the high-altitude flights to better understand what aspects of water quality make the difference between a thriving reef and one that is overgrown with algae.

But there is a larger goal, too. NASA has plans to launch an Earth-observing satellite into low-Earth orbit in 2022. That project, called the HyspIRI mission (or Hyperspectral Infrared Imager), will provide researchers with images of Earth's surface that are similar to those being gathered now in Hawaii, and from ecosystems all over the world.

The current project in Hawaii will help the researchers to figure out exactly which instruments and equipment are most useful for their work, and should be the ones that are loaded up onto that satellite.

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Eventually, the satellite could be used to gather data not only on volcanoes and corals, but also on many other features that change the Earth's surface over time, such as wildfires that destroy vegetation, thinning glacial ice or changes in the health of croplands.

Once the HyspIRI satellite is in place, researchers plan to use it in conjunction with aircraft- or ground-based instruments. "The satellite might see something new, [and] point us to new places to go with the airplane," Randy Albertson, deputy director of the NASA Airborne Science Program, told Live Science. [Colorful Creations: Incredible Coral Photos]

In the meantime, the Hawaii projects are in full swing. In the coral project, the images taken by the instruments aboard the aircraft can help the researchers spot changes in the color of a reef, said Steven Ackleson, an oceanographer with the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., who is in Hawaii to work on the project.

"Reef pigments come from both the zooxanthellae and from the corals themselves," Ackleson told Live Science, using the scientific term for the algae-like organisms that live in symbiosis with the coral polyps. "Colors indicate health," he said.

The researchers want to figure out the best ways to draw information from the images to determine coral health, he said. For example, the scientists are hoping to learn more about why some types of zooxanthellae tolerate warming waters better than others. The answer may involve differences in the chloroplasts between the different types of zooxanthellae, he said.

The researchers who are working on the volcano project are using the images to better study the composition of the gas plume that arises from Kilauea, and how it changes as the plume spreads out, said Vincent Realmuto, a geoscience researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

A key part of the project is looking at how the plumes affect Hawaii's air quality, Realmuto said.

For example, one question the volcano researchers are trying to answer with the new data is exactly how quickly the sulfur dioxide gas that the volcano emits becomes aerosolized, meaning it combines with other compounds to form particulate matter, which can be harmful to human health.

The current estimate is that process takes 10 hours, Realmuto said. But that estimate is very rough. "The local temperature, the humidity, the topography  all of these impact the conversion rate," he said. The new data will help the scientists to create better models to predict the formation and movements of the particulate matter, which could lead to better forecasts of the vog. [The 10 Biggest Volcanic Eruptions in History]

Albertson noted that even when it launches, the new satellite won't eliminate the need for gathering data from instruments aboard aircraft and on the ground. Ground-based instruments can gather measurements on a much finer scale than the satellite will. But the satellite's capacity to get images from the entire Earth in a short amount of time will be a huge advantage for researchers.

To put this in perspective, Mercury said, the current six-week effort will capture images, using the visible-light camera, for most of Hawaii. If that camera were on a satellite, for the same amount of time, the researchers would be able to capture the same level of imaging for the entire Earth's surface, four times over, he said.

Originally published on Live Science.

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By Shereen Lehman (Reuters Health) - Even dermatologists are best able to compare the effectiveness of sunscreens when presented with SPF values, a recent study suggests. The doctors tended to underestimate the effectiveness of sunscreens when they were presented with information on how much radiation is absorbed by the sunscreen, say the authors. "Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from the sun and artificial UV sources is the major cause of skin cancer and premature skin aging," lead author Stefan Herzog told Reuters Health in an email. "The sun protection factor (SPF) is the best known sunscreen parameter. It conveys a sunscreens effectiveness in protecting against the UV radiation that causes sunburn," said Herzog, a researcher at the Max-Planck Institute of Human Development in Berlin. Herzog said the UV radiation that causes sunburn is also known as is erythema (redness)-inducing radiation, or EIR. "The SPF is defined as the ratio of the EIR dose that induces the first visible redness on sunscreen-protected skin to the EIR dose that induces the same redness on unprotected skin," Herzog said. Herzog said that when it comes to skin damage, what matters is how much of the radiation is transmitted through the sunscreen to your skin and not how much is absorbed by the sunscreen. Doubling SPF, for example from 30 to 60, cuts the amount of radiation transmitted to the skin by half, thus protection is doubled, the researchers write in JAMA Dermatology. Herzog and his colleagues wanted to know whether dermatology experts are able to adequately assess differences in sunscreen protection based on SPF, the percentage of EIR absorbed by the sunscreen or the percentage of EIR transmitted through the sunscreen to the skin. A total of 261 dermatology experts from Germany, the U.S., Switzerland and Australia participated in the web-based test. The doctors were asked to assess the increase in protection for 10 pairs of sunscreens with different SPFs. Each sunscreen pair had effectiveness information presented as SPF, the percentage of EIR absorbed by the sunscreen or the percentage of EIR transmitted to the skin. The doctors were asked which sunscreen in each pair would protect a person longer and how much more effective one was compared to the other. On average, the doctors underestimated the protection ability of all the sunscreens, especially when they were presented with percentage of EIR absorbed. The underestimates were smallest when information was presented in terms of SPF. "For effective communication of sunscreen effectiveness, we recommend to only use SPF. Dont get too fancy and just stick to the SPF," Herzog said. Unfortunately, big increases in SPF look small when expressed as proportion absorbed, he said, so dermatologists underappreciated the increase in protection that comes with higher SPFs. "To curb the skin cancer epidemic, health-care professionals should understand the basics of the SPF and should consistently advise patients to use high to very high SPF sunscreens," he said. Herzog suggests looking for SPFs of 30, 50 or more and a "broad spectrum" claim on the product labels. Sun protection is not limited to just using sunscreens, he noted. Seeking shade and wearing protective clothing whenever possible are also important. "Even dermatologists can miss the nuances of what exactly SPF or sun protection factor really means from the physics standpoint," said Dr. Steve Xu, a dermatologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago who wasn't involved in the study. "For consumers, it's important to know that SPF is a laboratory measure of a sunscreen's strength," Xu said, adding that there are several things a consumer should consider when picking a sunscreen product. "I recommend consumers pick sunscreens that they find affordable, like to use in regards to smell, color and how it feels on the skin," he said. The sunscreen should offer broad spectrum protection and water resistance if there is going to be exposure to water or high ambient temperature, Xu added, and sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher, but even that isnt sufficient on its own. "A higher SPF offers an extra level of protection in the real world. But, consumers have to apply enough sunscreen and reapply frequently enough to ensure protection regardless of the SPF on the label," Xu said. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2kHwQFV JAMA Dermatology, online February 1, 2017.
Its not unusual for President Donald Trumps social media presence to spark outrage and confusion  but a recent tweet of his left even more of his 24.4 million followers scratching their heads than usual.

Big increase in traffic into our country from certain areas, while our people are far more vulnerable, as we wait for what should be EASY D! he wrote, at 12.41am Washington time Wednesday.

The content of the Presidents tweet is pretty straightforward; he was defending his executive order which banned entry to the U.S. from citizens from seven countries. However, the use of the phrase Easy D  a non-colloquial term  was far less clear. There were many speculations over the meaning of the D, which likely stood for decision.

But likely no one was more confused than Easy D, a 36-year-old French musician based in east London, who was baffled when his social media mentions blew up Wednesday. I felt like I was in the middle of something, Easy D  whose real name is Idriss Belatreche  told TIME in a telephone interview. Although I didnt gain as many extra followers as Id have liked!.

The meaning of his own Easy D is easy to explain. My friends call me Driss, short for Idriss he explained. And the Easy bit was introduced because of my love of hip hop and West Coast rappers like G-Eazy. Its a bit of a cheesy name.

As a Muslim with Algerian roots, Belatreche is less than thrilled to be associated with Trump. He needs to try to understand that real Muslims dont do terrorism, he said. To me, Islam is not that at all  these terrorists are just acting on politics but pretending its religion. By having these policies against Muslims, Trump is making things worse and increasing the anger between communities. He is acting like a Texas man pulling out guns when something goes wrong instead of thinking and seeing things from another point of view.

Belatreche, who also works as a caterer, describes his music as funky, groovy and electronic, in a French touch style. He is currently working to finish his EP, with a working title of New Romance.
Thousands lined up at Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, to protest against Republican State Representative Jason Chaffetz, who was holding a town hall there on Thursday, February 9.

KUTV reported the state fire marshal appeared before the crowd to tell them he had to shut the doors when the high schools auditorium reached a capacity of 1,000. Thousands of protesters locked out of the event stood outside and chanted, according to reporters covering the meeting.

The crowd had gathered to protest against Chaffetzs stance on President Donald Trump, demanding he start an investigation into the presidents actions since taking office. Others stood in support of public lands, specifically for Bears Ears, which former President Barack Obama declared a national monument in December 2016.

As seen in these videos, Chaffetz, who is the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, was met with boos from the crowd. Kristen Wolfe, who took the footage, was there specifically to ask Chaffetz about his stance on the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Chaffetz wrote a letter, seen in one of the images, telling her story of suffering from Lupus. She wrote that Chaffetz championed the repeal of Obamacare, but if it had not been for affordable healthcare, she would not have access to the care she needs for her autoimmune disease. Credit: Instagram/kissingwhisk3y via Storyful
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f36408%2fb46e3eb2-6adf-4b29-899f-d0270fae97fc

God bless Instagram.

Case in point  the work of photographer Warren Keelan, a master of the still image whose snaps will have you looking at the ocean in a whole new light.

SEE ALSO: You can now take selfies... with your feet?

Keelan is based in Wollongong, Australia, and has been a photographer for years, chalking up a number of awards. To take the snaps, Keelan paddles out into the ocean on a surfboard, often at unfriendly times of the day and in inhospitable temperatures.

"The hardest bit is getting out of bed knowing I have got a wet wetsuit to put on in freezing cold winter and then swimming out in the dark by myself off the beach waiting for the sun to come up," he said in an interview with the Illawarra Mercury.

But to say it's worth it is an understatement. Just look at Keelan's Instagram gems.

A photo posted by Warren Keelan (@warrenkeelan) on Feb 8, 2017 at 1:32pm PST

 A photo posted by Warren Keelan (@warrenkeelan) on Feb 4, 2017 at 10:16pm PST

Collapse the light A photo posted by Warren Keelan (@warrenkeelan) on Feb 7, 2017 at 12:54pm PST

D A N C E ! Hand signed prints in all sizes available and shipped worldwide from www.WarrenKeelan.com ... Your imagination is one of the best tools you have. I created this on a storm-filled evening with a Canon 5DMKII + 24-70mm lens and lit with a 580EXII flash. A photo posted by Warren Keelan (@warrenkeelan) on Feb 9, 2017 at 1:30pm PST

R U P T U R E A photo posted by Warren Keelan (@warrenkeelan) on Jan 30, 2017 at 1:24pm PST

'Sea Horse' Brand new print edition at www.WarrenKeelan.com Fine art hand signed prints shipped worldwide  A photo posted by Warren Keelan (@warrenkeelan) on Jan 28, 2017 at 2:58pm PST

Sometimes Keelan's shots are so stylised they almost look like footage from an alien planet: like the hostile surface of Mars.

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A photo posted by Warren Keelan (@warrenkeelan) on Jan 15, 2017 at 3:58pm PST

Evening grooves  #aquatech #adeliowetsuits #teamdafinoz #sunzapper #take3forthesea #nautiluscases A photo posted by Warren Keelan (@warrenkeelan) on Jan 9, 2017 at 1:01pm PST

Kinda puts your shots of dinner to shame, hey?
Santiago (AFP) - Striking workers at the world's top copper mine, BHP Billiton's Escondida in Chile, said Friday they were prepared to hold out for two months in their bid for higher salaries.

Workers went on strike Thursday at Escondida, causing jitters on world commodity markets.

The mine supplies five percent of global copper output -- some 927,000 metric tons (one million tons) a year -- and a long strike could cause shortages.

Some 2,500 workers are picketing in shifts at a protest camp set up outside the sprawling mine complex in Chile's Atacama desert, said the head of the miners' union, Patricio Tapia.

"Our spirits are high. We're (picketing) in two shifts and demonstrating that we're ready to hold out for two months," he told AFP.

"There are no discussions with the company" since government-mediated negotiations collapsed, he said.

The workers say they have a war chest of $389,000 to sustain the strike.

Their longest strike to date lasted 25 days, in 2006.

BHP Billiton, an Anglo-Australian mining giant, has rejected workers' demands for a seven-percent raise and bonuses of 25 million pesos (around $39,000).

It is offering bonuses of eight million pesos, with no raise.

The company has announced it will halt the mine for at least the first 15 days of the strike.

Analysts say a one-month strike at Escondida would cause a sharp rise in copper prices -- and also cost Chile, the world's top copper producer, 0.2 percent of gross domestic product this year.
Recovering from a stroke is frustrating. When time passes and you're still not where you want to be -- with no signs of progress -- you might be tempted to accept the status quo. For some stroke patients, trouble with swallowing, fatigue, weakness or paralysis, muscle spasms, loss of balance, vision changes, speech problems or other effects can persist. But don't give up, experts say. Although it takes effort and results may be gradual, patients can refine or maintain motor skills with practice and by working with therapists months or years after a stroke, according to the National Institutes of Health. Below, stroke specialists suggest possibilities for restarting a stalled recovery.

[See: 10 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Stroke.]

Ask for a specialist. At the beginning, stroke recovery follows a relatively predictable path, says Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, medical director of the brain injury and stroke program at TIRR Memorial Hermann, a rehabilitation hospital in Houston. Patients undergo rehabilitation in the hospital, often followed by intensive rehab in inpatient facilities and as outpatients. Later, however, recovery can plateau. "I see this all the time," she says. "That's when patients need to come back in if they're not recovering like they were; if they're not getting better." She suggests seeing a physiatrist , a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation and restoration of function: "Get an assessment of what can be done next."

Practice for permanent results. Long-term expectations have changed, says Verduzco-Gutierrez, who is also an assistant professor at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. "The data used to say that most neurological and functional recovery occurred in the first six months," she says. "But now we know [that's] not true. Recovery can happen for years and sometimes even decades." However, she tells patients, it becomes harder over time: "It's not going to happen spontaneously like before." Continued effort during your physical, occupational, vocational and at-home therapy -- as prescribed -- is essential.

[See: When Health Treatments Go From Hospital to DIY.]

Consider a clinical trial. Research continues to explore ways to help people recover after a stroke, says Dr. Mitchell Elkind, a professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University in New York City. With the development of new neuro-stimulation devices, medications and treatment techniques, he says, "It's worth people checking in with their physician or local rehabilitation center and seeing if any trials are going on." Verduzco-Gutierrez agrees that clinical trials allow patients to potentially benefit from advances at the forefront of emerging technology.

Watch for later decline. Sometimes the problem is not just stalled progress long after the initial stroke, but moving backward. "We do see some people, much later, start to show some subtle decline," Elkind says. "That may be due to secondary events, like a new small stroke." In those cases, more physical therapy may be indicated.

Work on one-sided weakness. Stroke often affects one side of the body alone. That's where constraint-induced movement therapy comes in. It encourages people to use their weaker arm to practice tasks by restricting the unaffected arm, or in some cases just the hand and wrist, with a mitt. The therapy is time-intensive, with supervised sessions lasting six hours daily for two weeks on a standard schedule. In return, patients may see benefit years after the stroke, Elkind says. But constraint-induced movement therapy is not widely available, he notes, and people often have to pay for treatment out of pocket, which can amount to several thousand dollars.

Address depression. Research shows depression after stroke hinders recovery, Verduzco-Gutierrez says, and physicians should assess patients for it. "If people are depressed, they're not going to recover as they should," she says. "If they're treated for depression that can help move their recovery along." Behavioral counseling and antidepressant medication can help patients overcome depression.

Get a driving assessment. Being forced to rely on others for transportation because of vision loss or other stroke-related changes only adds to frustration and depression. However, driving may not be as impossible as it seems. Driving-assessment programs include clinical evaluations and on-road assessments by driver rehabilitation specialists. They can suggest a variety of workarounds for chronic stroke effects, such as special prism eyeglasses and vehicle mirrors to compensate for reduced vision.

Supplement nutrition if needed. Swallowing problems, or dysphagia, may affect up to 65 percent of stroke patients, according to the American Stroke Association. Soon after a stroke, speech-language pathologists can identify swallowing issues and create a treatment plan to restore mouth and throat-muscle coordination. While most patients recover their ability to eat healthy food, it remains difficult for some, putting them at risk for malnutrition. Some patients eat what they can, Verduzco-Gutierrez says, and if that doesn't meet their needs, they may have a feeding tube placed so they can avoid skimping on nutrients.

Alleviate "foot drop." Foot drop, the inability to lift the front part of the foot due to muscle weakness or paralysis, impairs balance and makes walking a challenge for some stroke survivors. Foot drop is another reason to see a physiatrist, Verduzco-Gutierrez says. An ankle foot orthosis, or brace, can improve ankle and knee stability and increase walking speed. Neuro-stimulation with small electric pulses can help improve function. Physical therapists can recommend stretching and strengthening exercises and offer balance training to reduce the risk of falls.

Build endurance. Fatigue is a potential long-term stroke complication. "[People] are physically deconditioned, because they're not working at the activity level they were before," Verduzco-Gutierrez says. "Also, with the areas of the brain affected, it can cause fatigue." Exercise helps address fatigue, as well as muscle weakness and spasticity, or tightness. Many hospitals and rehabilitation facilities offer supervised, open-gym programs at low cost to promote stroke and cardiac rehabilitation.

[See: 10 Seemingly Innocent Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore.]

Socialize and find support. After a stroke, "people should be socializing," Verduzco-Gutierrez says. "One of the big determinants of people who don't do very well is if they don't have a good social-support network." Reaching out to family, friends and support groups, whether online or in person, can help stroke survivors surmount recovery plateaus.

Lisa Esposito is a Patient Advice reporter at U.S. News. She covers health conditions, drawing on experience as an RN in oncology and other areas and as a research coordinator at the National Institutes of Health. Esposito previously reported on health care with Gannett, and she received her journalism master's degree at Georgetown University. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at lesposito@usnews.com.
Khartoum (AFP) - Hours after an American court struck down a controversial travel ban, Mohamed al-Khatim's family began finalising plans to leave Sudan, despite concerns over their new life in the US.

Going to the United States has been a seven-year dream, but he worries that US President Donald Trump's speeches have created a hostile atmosphere.

"This American president's speeches are feeding hatred in American society and on the streets of the US," Khatim said.

"If I'm going for a better life than in my country, this kind of talk makes me hesitate."

Trump's executive order banning refugees and nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Sudan, had put the family's plans on hold.

But last week a Seattle court struck down the ban, and on Thursday a federal appeals court refused to reinstate it.

"After the travel ban all our hopes were shattered," said Khatim's wife Samah al-Amin, lifting her eight-month-old boy onto her lap as she sat in her parents' home in a suburb in the city of Omdurman.

The two had been cleared for US visas as part of the US Diversity Immigrant Visa programme, she said.

They moved out of their Khartoum flat a month ago and were busy completing preparations to travel when the ban came into force.

"We have moved into my parents' home where we are currently staying, but all our belongings are scattered," said Amin, 33, dressed in a black head scarf and a long skirt.

Now they plan to go to Denver, where they aim to take English lessons for a few months and then search for jobs.

"I think America is a state governed by laws, its constitution and its institutions," said Amin.

"For this reason I will put aside my fears and go."

Amin said she is optimistic that things will work out once they reach the United States.

"Over the past 27-28 years, Sudan has not given any indication that it's progressing in any field," she said.

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"To ensure a good future for my son... I think the US is better in every field, be it education or health."

Khatim said he wanted to build a better life for his family, and hoped his experience in the US there would be different from life in Sudan.

But Trump's tough stance on immigration was creating worries among people hoping to build a new life there, he said as his wife prepared traditional Sudanese dishes for breakfast ahead of Friday prayers.

"I have fears about living there forever," he said.

"I'm from a country suffering from political and ethnic divisions. If my son is asked at school what his religion is, it would be better to stay here."
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - At least 10 people were killed and 33 wounded on Friday, in a series of suicide bombings that hit Baghdad and parts of Mosul recently recaptured from Islamic State, medical and security sources said. The militant group, which still controls significant parts of Iraq and Syria, claimed the attacks in online statements. A man blew himself up inside the Sayidati al-Jamila ("My Fair Lady") restaurant at lunchtime in eastern Mosul, killing at least four people and wounding 15. A suicide car-bomb killed a soldier and wounded four others in the eastern side of the city, which U.S.-backed Iraqi forces took from Islamic State last month. A car bomb parked in the Ilam district of southern Baghdad blew up killing five and wounding 14. The offensive to dislodge Islamic State from Mosul, the largest city in northern Iraq, began in October but paused last month after Iraqi forces took all the districts lying east of the Tigris river that bisects the city. Friday's attacks in Mosul are the second major incident in those districts. A triple car bombing killed at least 23 people in the eastern suburb of Kokjali on Dec. 22. (Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Janet Lawrence and John Stonestreet)
Beirut (AFP) - Syria's army advanced on Friday to the outskirts of a key Islamic State group bastion that is also being targeted by Turkey's army and allied forces, a monitor said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said regime soldiers and allied fighters were now 1.5 kilometres (one mile) from Al-Bab in northern Syria.

The Observatory said the forces had made "important progress" and taken a village near the town, the jihadist group's last major stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo.

Al-Bab is being targeted by both regime forces and an alliance of Turkish troops backed by Syrian rebel forces.

The town has been besieged since Monday, when government forces advancing from the south cut off a road leading into Al-Bab.

Turkish troops and allied forces have been advancing towards the town from the north, east and west.

On Thursday, five Turkish soldiers were killed in the battle for the town, bringing the army's toll to 10 over two days, according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency.

Turkey on August 24 began an unprecedented campaign inside Syria against IS and Kurdish militia which initially made rapid progress but has become mired in a deadly fight for Al-Bab since December.

According to Dogan news agency, 66 Turkish soldiers have now been killed in the Syria operation since it began in August, mostly in attacks by IS.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu suggested that once Al-Bab was captured Turkey and its allies could send special forces to take Raqa, the jihadists' de facto capital to the southwest.
Syrian President Bashar Assad has dismissed allegations of extensive human rights violations at military prison outside of Damascus as fake news.

The Amnesty International report says that up to 13,000 prisoners were killed at the Saydnaya prison between 2011 and the end of 2015, Yahoo News reports.

You can forge anything these days, Assad responded when shown the report during an interview with Yahoo News in Damascus. We are living in a fake news era. He was also shown an FBI report concluding that photo of bodies at one of his prisons were genuine. Assad dismissed this as propaganda.

He added: If the FBI says something, its not evidence for anyone.

The Syrian President also said that life was returning to normal in parts of Syria, including Damascus, as the intensity of the 5-year civil war diminishes. Amnestys report said that between 20  50 people a week were executed in a calculated campaign of extrajudicial execution.

[Yahoo News]
President Bashar Assad of Syria will leave office whenever the Syrian people dont want me, he told Yahoo News Chief Investigative Correspondent Michael Isikoff in an exclusive interview in Damascus. Asked how he would know if there was such a consensus, he said it was something you can sense, you can feel  and then if you want to do something documented, you can have [a] referendum. The interview in Assads office was his first since President Trump took office. As with all interviews granted by President Bashar Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.
Syrian President Bashar Assad told Yahoo News he would welcome U.S. troops into his country as part of a genuine effort to fight terrorists that also includes a rapprochement between the Russians and the Americans. Assad made the comments in an exclusive interview with Yahoo News amid reports that President Trump is considering sending more U.S. troops and Apache helicopters into Syria. If the Americans are genuine, of course, they are welcome, like any other country that wants to defeat and to fight with the terrorists, Assad said. The interview in Assads office was his first since President Trump took office. As with all interviews granted by President Bashar Assad, this interview was filmed by his presidential press office. No editorial changes were made to the content.
Near Al-Torshan (Syria) (AFP) - They are fighting the world's most feared jihadists, but hundreds of Arab female fighters battling the Islamic State group in Syria are also confronting the disapproval of their relatives and society.

"I braved my tribal clan, my father, my mother. Now I'm braving the enemy," says 21-year-old Batul, who is part of an Arab-Kurdish alliance battling to capture IS's Syrian stronghold of Raqa.

She is one of more than 1,000 Arab women who have joined Kurdish male and female fighters in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance, according to a spokeswoman.

Standing in the desert some 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Raqa, Batul speaks passionately about her decision to fight IS, which holds the nearby village of Al-Torshan.

"My parents told me: 'either you put down your weapons or we disown you'," she says, wearing an ammunition vest and a floral scarf around her shoulders.

Her parents have not spoken to her since.

Batul comes from the Al-Sharabiyeh tribe, one of the best-known of the conservative Sunni Arab tribes of northeast Syria.

Her family views her as a rebel, who removed the headscarf worn by many Muslim women and refused her father's orders to pray in front of him.

But she is proud of the decision she took two years ago to join the YPJ, the female counterpart to the Kurdish People's Protection Units, which is a key component of the SDF alliance.

"I joined the YPJ to liberate my homeland, but also to free women from slavery," she says.

"We must no longer remain cloistered behind four walls."

- 'My weapon is part of me' -

Syrian Kurds and Arabs has been fighting IS since late 2015, with air support and other backing from the US-led coalition again

But the current battle for Raqa is the first time Batul has been on

st the jihadist group.

But the current battle for Raqa is the first time Batul has been on the front line, where warplanes roar overhead carrying out strikes, and mortars boom in the distance.

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"The first time I held a weapon, I was very afraid," she admits.

"But now, my weapon has become part of me. It frees me and protects me."

She speaks in Arabic, but her sentences are peppered with Kurdish words picked up from her fellow fighters.

"The relations between us and the Kurdish women are good. We don't speak the same language, but we're all here to free the country and women."

Jihan Sheikh Ahmad, spokeswoman for the campaign on Raqa, said the SDF now counts more than 1,000 Arab women in its ranks.

"The YPJ's experience has had a positive impact on society," she told AFP.

"The more territory we liberate, the more Arab female fighters have joined us."

In a tent near the front line, six young Arab female fighters joke and share secrets as they sip tea.

- 'Same rights as men' -

"My goal is to liberate women from the oppression of Daesh (IS), but also societal oppression," says Hevi Dilirin, an Arab woman who adopted a Kurdish nom de guerre when she joined the YPJ.

"In our society, women have no say. But they should have the same rights as men," she says, dressed in a camouflage jacket and white-and-grey sneakers.

Syria's Kurds have emphasised gender equality in both their militias and nascent autonomous institutions.

Since the outbreak of the conflict in March 2011, they have sided with neither rebels nor government forces, concentrating instead on developing a semi-autonomous region in north and northeastern Syria, as well as fighting IS.

But the Arab tribes there are among the more conservative segments of the population, and 21-year-old Doza Jiyan says most Arab families find the concept of female fighters "hard to accept."

"In our Syrian society, we find it bizarre for a woman to take up arms," adds Jiyan, from the town of Ras al-Ain in Hasakeh province.

But she speaks confidently as she discusses the military situation with male colleagues.

"IS is no longer invincible, they're only fighting on motorbikes and mining the villages," she says.

IS's extensive use of IEDs and mines has slowed the SDF's progress towards Raqa, the jihadist's group most important remaining bastion in Syria.

The SDF announced a new phase in their bid to capture Raqa on February 4, pressing towards the city gradually from the north and northeast.

Jiyan is convinced that the SDF's military successes will eventually sway the opinion of her relatives and society, and she has no plans to leave.

"I'm very happy here," she says.
BEIRUT (AP)  A prominent Syrian dissident has launched a new opposition party, calling from Lebanon for free and fair elections in Syria.

Louay Hussein says time for war is "over." He spoke in Beirut on Friday at what he described as the first press conference by his National Bloc.

Hussein's party emerged in late January when he traveled to Moscow for Russia-hosted talks with opposition figures tolerated by President Bashar Assad's government.

Hussein seems to support cooperation with Assad's government but it's unclear what kind of traction or following he'll garner or if he'll be accepted by the rest of the deeply fractured Syrian opposition groups.

The U.N. is planning to convene Syria peace talks in Geneva on February 20. It is not clear whether Hussein's National Bloc will be invited.
By Ellen Francis BEIRUT (Reuters) - A prominent Syrian dissident said on Friday he believed the country's war was effectively over, as foreign governments have cut support to rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad. Louay Hussein said Russian-backed diplomacy had "launched a new path" towards ending the conflict, which is nearing its sixth anniversary having killed hundreds of thousands of people and shattered Syria into a patchwork of territories controlled by different armed groups. "The armed conflict for the state is over," said Hussein, 57, a longtime pillar of Syria's internal Damascus-based opposition, seen by critics as aligned with the government. He stayed in Damascus when the revolt against Assad erupted in 2011, but finally fled in 2015, saying he feared the government would harm him. He had been detained several times. "There are no longer foreign states saying they support certain groups to topple the regime by force. We are going back towards a political struggle," he said. Hussein, who now lives in Madrid, was speaking during a visit to Beirut to launch a new political alliance that he hopes will be invited to U.N.-backed peace talks later this month. The diplomatic landscape has seen major changes in recent months, including an apparent shift in Turkish priorities towards fighting Islamic State and Kurdish militia instead of backing rebels against Assad. Turkey is cooperating with Russia, Assad's most powerful ally, co-sponsoring a ceasefire and helping Moscow revive peace talks. Turkey has been a major sponsor of rebel groups fighting in northern Syria under the Free Syrian Army (FSA) banner. These groups suffered their biggest defeat of the war in December when they were driven from Aleppo by the government with decisive help from the Russian air force and Iranian-backed militias. Some FSA groups are now fighting alongside the Turkish army in a campaign against Islamic State in northern Syria. Rebel groups have also received support from Gulf Arab states and the United States. While U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to spell out his policy on Syria, he has previously indicated he could cut support to rebels. Hussein said "Aleppo was not just one battle, it represented the war", which he said had been lost by the rebels. The fighting continues, however. A newly formed alliance of Islamist factions vowed on Thursday to launch new attacks against the government. Free Syrian Army rebels also said they had attacked government positions in northwest Syria on Friday. Swathes of Syria remain out of government control, including the Islamic State-controlled Deir al-Zor province, large areas of northern Syria held by a Kurdish militia, and pockets of rebel-held territory in the west. Hussein, a member of Assad's minority Alawite sect, has been a vocal critic of hardline Sunni Islamist factions, which are not covered by the ceasefire and continue to fight the government. He says Russia's involvement has given him new confidence. "We now have an international entity acting as a guarantor, Russia," he said, calling for support for the new diplomatic efforts that "might contribute to ending the crisis". "When I fled my country, Russia was not present", said Hussein. (Reporting by Ellen Francis; Editing by Tom Perry and Andrew Roche)
BEIRUT (Reuters) - A powerful Syrian jihadist group has made rapid gains against more moderate factions in northern Hama and southern Idlib provinces in recent days, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said on Friday. Jund al-Aqsa, which has had links with the former al Qaeda branch in Syria, this week captured weapons and bases from groups operating under the Free Syrian Army (FSA) banner, and has detained dozens of rebel fighters, the Observatory said. The advance of Jund al-Aqsa is another blow for foreign-backed rebel groups which have suffered defeats against Syrian government forces and been under attack by jihadist fighters in the west of the country in the last few months. The largest intra-insurgent battle is taking place between FSA groups, which have joined forces with the powerful Islamist Ahrar al-Sham, and more hardline factions which have allied themselves to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the former al Qaeda branch. Jund al-Aqsa's alliance in that particular battle, which is being fought in Idlib province, is not entirely clear. It pledged allegiance to Fateh al-Sham, formerly the Nusra Front, in October. But Fateh al-Sham rejected an "organisational allegiance" in a statement last month, citing disagreements within Jund al-Aqsa. The Observatory said the advance by Jund al-Aqsa, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department, raised fears that the Syrian government and its Russian allies could use the presence of a jihadist group to wage fierce aerial assaults there. Many more moderate rebel factions are party to a six-week-old shaky ceasefire between the government and the opposition. Jihadists such as Islamic State and al Qaeda linked fighters are not part of the truce. (Reporting by John Davison; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP)  The Texas Rangers have been AL West champions in each of manager Jeff Banister's first two seasons, and their 95 wins last year were the most in the American League.

That is a lot to celebrate. But not nearly enough after another AL Division Series loss to Toronto and again coming up short of that elusive World Series title .

"I think that burns deeper than just the prospects of being good. You've got to have talent, but desire overrides a lot of that," Banister said. "Still burns deep. Incomplete mission."

Texas heads to spring training in Arizona five seasons removed from their only World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

Adrian Beltre goes into his 20th major league season only 58 hits shy of 3,000 in his career, and after winning his fifth Gold Glove last year. But the third baseman, who will turn 38 days after the opener, is still looking for his first World Series ring.

"We do have a team that can compete, obviously," Beltre said. "Find a way how to get it done. Not only get to the playoffs, but go all the way."

Even though Gold Glove-winning first baseman Mitch Moreland, All-Star center fielder Ian Desmond and Carlos Beltran all left in free agency, Texas may be in better shape heading into this spring than a year ago.

Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish, their two aces, are set to start a season in the rotation together for the first time. Sam Dyson had 38 saves after taking over as the closer in mid-May, while Tony Barnette and Matt Bush excelled in their MLB debuts as 30-something relievers.

Catcher Jonathan Lucroy is set for a full season in Texas after being acquired in an Aug. 1 trade. Carlos Gomez, who came even later than that after his release from Houston, hit eight homers in 33 games and now moves to center field, where he won a Gold Glove in 2013 for Milwaukee.

"A lot of reasons that we have to believe that we are better, but that's all on paper," general manager Jon Daniels said. "It's got to play out on the field."

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NEW LOOK

The Rangers expect to fill out their rotation with former Padres right-handers Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross. Cashner, a Texas native, finished last season in Miami, while Ross was on the disabled list the rest of the year after starting the Padres' opener. Ross is still rehabbing from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in October. Texas didn't re-sign veteran starters Colby Lewis or Derek Holland.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Left-hander Yohander Mendez was the organization's top minor league pitcher last year and will likely be at Triple-A Round Rock, but made his big league debut last September.

THEY'RE SET

Up the middle, Texas has shortstop Elvis Andrus and second baseman Rougned Odor. Andrus, at 28 the team's longest-tenured player going into his ninth season, hit a career-best .302 last season. Odor, who just turned 23, had plenty of big shots last year with 33 homers  and that punch to Jose Bautista's jaw.

THEY'RE NOT

The Rangers have no plans for a full-time DH, giving Banister flexibility to use that spot to give different guys a break from the field while staying in the lineup. "We have a third baseman (Beltre) that's a little prickly about getting days off, and it's a little easier to convince him to take half a day," Daniels said.

ON DECK

Mike Napoli is expected to officially rejoin the Rangers at the start of spring training for a third stint with the team, filling the pressing needs for a first baseman and another big bat in the middle of the lineup. Former AL MVP and five-time All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton will be in camp on a minor league deal and working out at first base after missing last season following three operations on his left knee.
A prominent student activist was indicted Friday in the first royal defamation case brought under Thailand's new monarch, his lawyer said, after the UN urged the kingdom to scrap its lese majeste law.

Jatupat Boonpatararaksa was arrested in December for sharing on Facebook a profile of King Maha Vajiralongkorn written by the BBC's Thai-language service in London.

Criticising the royal family is punishable by up to 15 years in prison per count in Thailand, where the law is broadly-interpreted and aggressively enforced.

Scores of lese majeste cases have been brought against members of the public and activists in recent years, often for comments made online.

Jatupat, better known by his nickname Pai, was indicted by a court in northeastern Khon Kaen province Friday, his lawyer Krisadang Nacharut told AFP.

"He is still in good spirits and will fight," Krisadang said, adding that the activist has also been charged with violating the Computer Crimes Act -- another tough law used to punish online defamation. Jatupat has denied both charges.

While thousands shared the article, Jatupat -- a prominent critic of the country's military junta -- is the only person to have been prosecuted so far.

The 25-year-old law student had already been detained for more than 50 days, after judges rejected multiple requests for his release on bail in closed-door hearings.

The UN this week expressed concern over the secret proceedings and called for Thailand to repeal the lese majeste law.

Jatupat's lese majeste charges are the first to be taken up in court since King Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne in December following the death of his revered father, whose reign spanned 70 years.

Observers are closely watching whether the new monarch endorses or backs away from the royal defamation law.

The lese majeste law effectively bars public scrutiny of key royal figures, spawning a culture of self-censorship across media, academia and arts.

The profile shared by Jatupat contained details of 64-year-old Vajiralongkorn's personal life that are well-known inside the kingdom but rarely printed by the Thai press.

The new king has spent much of his life abroad and does not enjoy his father's widespread popularity.
(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to honor the longstanding "one China" policy in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a major diplomatic boost for Beijing which brooks no criticism of its claim to neighboring Taiwan. The following are some of the major developments in U.S.-Sino relations since Trump won the U.S. presidential election in November. Dec 2 - Trump speaks by phone with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, a move that is likely to infuriate China, which considers the self-ruled island its own, and complicate U.S. relations with Beijing. China lodges swift protest, blaming Taiwan for the petty move. Dec 11 - Trump says the United States did not necessarily have to stick to its long-standing position that Taiwan is part of "one China," questioning nearly four decades of U.S. policy. Dec 12 - China expresses "serious concern" after Trump said the United States did not necessarily have to stick to its long-held stance that Taiwan is part of "one China". Dec 14 - In a veiled warning to Trump, China's ambassador to the United States says Beijing will never bargain with Washington over issues involving its national sovereignty or territorial integrity. Jan 11 - Taiwan scrambles jets and navy ships after a group of Chinese warships, led by its sole aircraft carrier, sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the latest sign of heightened tension between Beijing and the island. Jan 12 - Trump's then nominee for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, says China should be denied access to islands it has built in the contested South China Sea, describing the placing of military assets there as "akin to Russias taking Crimea from Ukraine. Feb 3 - China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, tells Michael Flynn, Trump's National Security Advisor, that China hopes it can work with the United States to manage and control disputes and sensitive problems. Feb 9 - Trump breaks the ice with Xi in a letter that says he looks forward to working with him to develop relations. Feb 9 - Trump changes tack and agrees to honor the "one China" policy during a phone call with Xi. (Compiled by Lincoln Feast; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad dismissed as fake news allegations his government executed thousands of people opposed to his regime. More here

Daniel Tarullo announced he will resign from his role as member of the Federal Reserves Board of Governors on or around April 5, 2017. More here

Were tracking the news stories of the day below. All updates are in Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5).

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Planning a vacation on a budget is easy in the nation's capital. Many of the District of Columbia's top attractions are free, and there's plenty of options for public transportation and discounts on food and drink.

When overseas travelers come to Washington, "they're amazed by all of the free things to do here. It's why D.C. is such a wonderful mecca for tourists worldwide," says Jack Nargil, concierge at the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC.

Here are six things that penny-wise travelers should take advantage of.

Free Attractions

The city is known for its free monuments, memorials and federal museums. For people traveling in large groups, this can add up to huge savings. "We encourage people to investigate the museums. They're paid for by the American taxpayer, so that's why they're free," Nargil says.

[Read: 5 Charming Neighborhoods to Visit in Washington, D.C.]

Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of the city's tourism site, Destination DC, recommends the live butterfly exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Timed tickets are required, but the event is free to visitors on Tuesdays. At The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a free performance at the Millennium Stage takes place every day at 6 p.m. "It could be hip-hop, ballet, opera, choral music, jazz, clowning, you name it," Ferguson says.

Timed-entry tickets for the Butterfly Pavilion begin at 10:15 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage is open all year.

Hotels Outside the District

Staying in hotels outside the District can save you hundreds of dollars, says Erich Hosbach, director of sales and marketing at The Graham Georgetown hotel. Try a hotel across the river in Virginia, either in Rosslyn or Crystal City. It may be cheaper than a hotel in the District, and it's still just a short ride on the Metro to the city's central hub, he says.

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Hosbach's picks: Le Meridien Arlington in the Rosslyn area is a funky hotel with great service, and the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel has amazing views of the capital.

Restaurant Discounts

Opportunities abound for reduced-price food and drinks, depending on the time of year or day you're visiting the nation's capital. The District is a big happy hour town, and many places offer discounts on drinks and food, says Joaquin McPeek, director of communications with the city's Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.

Greg Leinweber, general manager at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC, suggests that visitors take advantage of the discounts that hotels and restaurants offer when Congress is out of session. The twice-yearly Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, which starts in January and August, is another way to enjoy fixed-price menus at a great value.

[Read: 8 Fun Day Trips from Washington, D.C.]

McPeek's top picks for happy hour include Ivy and Coney in the trendy Shaw neighborhood; nearby Lost & Found on Ninth Street NW, which has a selection of about two dozen beers on tap; and Black Jack on 14th Street NW.

Cheap Eats While Seeing the Sights

Another way to save on food: Seek out local sandwich shops for lunch or snacks instead of dining in tourist-heavy areas. "Prices on the Mall can be up to 15 percent more for bottled water, soda or sandwiches," Hosbach says. Good picks near the National Mall include Teaism in Penn Quarter, which serves healthy Asian fare, or District Taco, a fun and fast Tex-Mex eatery. While sightseeing in Georgetown, try The Best Sandwich Place or Cafe Tu-o-Tu for a bite to eat.

Public Transportation

It's not worth the expense to rent a car. "Driving and parking in D.C. is a nightmare, not to mention expensive," Hosbach says. Use alternatives like Metrorail, taxis and ride-hailing services, like Uber or Lyft.

Julie Saunders, head concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC in Georgetown, recommends the DC Circulator, a bus system that costs a dollar for adults. Its routes are limited, but one in particular goes from Union Station to Georgetown, a useful route for tourists, she says. Another goes around the National Mall.

For more information about the District's public transportation options, visit wmata.com. A special section offers advice to visitors and new Metro riders. For Circulator information, visit dccirculator.com.

[Read: The Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.]

Inexpensive Boat Tours

Boat tours are great for those who want to sightsee in style and save money. Leinweber suggests taking a cruise with Potomac Riverboat Co., which picks up in Georgetown, Alexandria in Virginia and the National Harbor in Maryland. "It's a fun way to see the city at a relative value," he says. Visitors can choose to tour the monuments by river, cruise to Mount Vernon to tour George Washington's estate, cruise to Alexandria's waterfront to explore the restaurants, shops and historic sites, or take the Canine Cruise, where pups ride free.

Prices vary for the Potomac Riverboat tours. The Alexandria seaport cruise is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 2 to 11.

To experience more of what Washington, D.C., has to offer, check out the U.S. News Travel guide.

Jennifer Lubell writes about real estate and travel trends for U.S. News & World Report. Much of her career has centered on health care policy and consumer health issues. Her work has appeared in numerous association and trade publications, including Provider magazine, Modern Healthcare magazine, American Medical News and women's lifestyle websites. She has also written stories for the Cleveland Clinic, Brand USA and Georgetown Business magazine. You can follow her on Twitter at @jreporter5.
A Texas city is mourning the loss of a war veteran who for five years brought his busy neighbors to a halt every night at dusk when he stood on a balcony with a bugle and played Taps for friends he lost in battle.

The streets of Galveston, Tex. would become still at sunset as 84-year-old Guy Taylors solemn military tune resonated around corners and stopped residents in their tracks.

When he played taps, it meant so much to so many people. Everything would just come to a stop. It was beautiful and absolutely incredible, Galveston Constable Clint Wayne Brown told TIME on Friday. He kept something alive.

Taylor, a Marine Corp veteran who served in Korea, died Tuesday. Now the city is planning a tribute to commemorate him next month where thousands will gather to hear Taps played for him. Its part of a promise Brown made to make sure Taylors tradition continues.

Taylor joined the Marines in 1950 and fought in the Korean War, according to the city. He was credited with saving the lives of two of his fellow comrades but lost friends in war, Brown said.

Taylor told those who asked him that he decided to broadcast Taps at dusk to honor his friends but also to pay respects to all the men and women who have and are serving the country. Brown said Taylor had emphysema, a lung disease, so he mostly let a pre-recording run while keeping the bugle tight to his lips.

You sit back and recognize our men and servicewomen who sacrificed their lives for us. It brings you back, keeps you humble, said Eric Tucker, who was one of Taylors neighbors. It gave you a sense of pride and a little bit of sadness. He was a true American hero.

Some older men cried when they heard the song. Others saluted in silence. Groups of people would wait for an hour to watch, Brown said.

Its hard to put into words what he meant to the city, Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough told TIME. He was a pillar in the community.

Brown said he plans to take it upon himself to keep Taylors legacy alive. I cant let it die. He would not want to let it die, he said, acknowledging that he wouldnt come close to filling Taylors shoes.

Its a big loss for the city. Were never going to replace him, Brown said. This was a true champion.
By Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) - (This February 9 story has been refiled to correct paragraph 19 to show HSN Inc has dropped Trump Home products, but still sells Trump presidential memorabilia; it did not sell Ivanka Trump products.) A congressional committee said on Thursday it was seeking a review into whether senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway had violated ethics rules by using her position to promote product lines of President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, a day after he attacked a retailer for dropping them. Federal ethics rules prohibit executive branch employees from using their positions to endorse products or for the private gain of friends. The law does not apply to the president. "Go buy Ivanka's stuff ... I'm going to go get some myself today," Conway told Fox News in an interview from the White House. "I'm going to give a free commercial here: Go buy it today, everybody." Republican Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House of Representatives Oversight committee, said late on Thursday in a statement he had agreed to a request by a member of the panel to ask the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) to review Conway's comments and recommend disciplinary action against her if warranted. Chaffetz and Elijah Cummings, the top Democrat on the committee, said in their letter to the ethics office: "Conways statements appear to violate federal ethics regulations, which prohibit actions that imply a government endorsement of the personal activities of another person. "In this case, there is an additional challenge, which is that the president, as the ultimate disciplinary authority for White House employees, has an inherent conflict of interest since Conways statements relate to his daughters private business, they said. The OGE did not respond to requests for comment. Asked at a press briefing on Thursday if Conway had crossed an ethical line, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said, "She has been counseled on that subject, and that's it." Conway, asked in an interview on Fox News on Thursday evening how she had been counseled, replied: "I'm not going to comment on that. She said she was aware of the letter from Chaffetz and Cummings and that it was being reviewed internally. "I'm just really happy that I spent an awful lot of time with the president of the United States this afternoon and that he supports me 100 percent, she added. The non-profit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and Public Citizen have both filed complaints with the OGE and the White House Counsel's Office. "It's a violation of the rule," Norman Eisen, who served as an ethics adviser to Democratic President Barack Obama, told MSNBC. "It's a serious matter." On Wednesday, President Trump attacked department store chain Nordstrom Inc for dropping his daughter's products, drawing intense criticism for using a White House twitter platform to intervene in a commercial matter involving his family's business ties. Nordstrom said it dropped the brand for its poor performance. Online sales of Ivanka Trump branded products fell 26 percent in January 2017 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to retail analytics firm Slice Intelligence which shared its findings with Reuters. The company analyzed data from email receipts of over 4 million U.S. online shoppers. The data also showed sales of the Ivanka Trump brand declined in the second half of 2016 at all online retailers including Amazon.com Inc, which sells most of the brand's merchandise. In-store sales of the Ivanka Trump brand was not available. Ivanka Trump had said she would step away from her company when her father took office in the White House. Retailers that have dropped Ivanka Trump products include Neiman Marcus [NMRCUS.UL]. HSN Inc has stopped selling Trump Home products, but still sells Trump presidential memorabilia. An ongoing campaign called #GrabYourWallet encourages shoppers to boycott products with ties to President Trump and his family. Supporters have launched an alternative social media campaign called #BuyIvanka. President Trump has pledged to ensure that products sold in America are actually manufactured on U.S. soil, but a New York Times report in December found that many of Ivanka Trump branded products were made in China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Ivanka Trump's company declined to comment where her goods were manufactured. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu, Susan Cornwell, Mohammad Zargham and Eric Walsh in Washington, Angela Moon in New York)
By Eric Walsh WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and his Afghan counterpart discussed security in a phone call on Thursday, officials said, hours after the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said thousands more troops were needed to break a stalemate with the Taliban. Trump and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also spoke about opportunities to strengthen ties, counterterrorism cooperation and economic development, the White House said in a statement. It said Trump also emphasized the continuing importance of the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership and his support for Ghani's government, which is faced with an emboldened Taliban-led insurgency that is still gaining ground after more than 15 years of war. The Afghan Embassy in Washington said Trump and Ghani had spoken on Dec. 3, but Thursday's call was their first since Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Hours before the call, General John Nicholson, the commander of U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan, told the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington he did not have enough troops to adequately advise Afghan forces on the ground. Nicholson said he had enough U.S. troops to carry out counterterrorism operations against the Taliban, al Qaeda and other insurgents but also acknowledged gains made by the Taliban over the past year. "We have a shortfall of a few thousand," Nicholson said. Trump has so far offered little clarity about whether he might approve more forces for Afghanistan. About 8,400 U.S. troops remain in Afghanistan, well down from their peak of about 100,000 in 2011. Nicholson said extra forces need not all come from the United States and could also be drawn from other allies. The focus of the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan has narrowed considerably to training Afghan forces and conducting counterterrorism missions since a significant drawdown began under Democratic former U.S. President Barack Obama. Obama was often criticized by Republicans in Congress for focusing too much on driving down U.S. troop numbers in an attempt to force Afghan soldiers to become more self-sufficient. Nicholson said U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis would speak with allies soon and suggested Mattis might also visit Afghanistan, which might help him prepare his own recommendations for Republican Trump. He also spoke of security in Afghanistan in terms of the often-difficult U.S. relationship with Pakistan, long seen as a haven for insurgents from the Taliban, the Haqqani network and other militant Islamist groups. "Our complex relationship with Pakistan is best assessed through a holistic review," Nicholson said. Addressing U.S. concerns about Pakistan was at the top of his list of priorities with the Trump administration, he said. The Afghan Embassy in Washington said Trump and Ghani had also discussed regional security issues, "as well as the joint fight against terrorism and countries that sponsor it." It also said Trump said he planned to meet Ghani soon. (This story has been refiled to say Afghan embassy, not U.S., in paragraph 4) (Reporting by Eric Walsh; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Writing by Paul Tait; Editing by Sandra Maler and Michael Perry)
Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump denounced as "disgraceful" Friday an appellate court's decision blocking his order barring US entry to refugees and nationals from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

Trump reacted to Thursday's unanimous decision by the US court of appeals based in San Francisco in an early morning tweet that selectively quoted from a post on Lawfare, a blog on law and national security issues.

The blog post found it "remarkable" that the appellate panel "did not even bother to cite" a key US legal statute that authorizes the president to suspend entry to the United States of all or any class of aliens he deems detrimental to US interests.

After quoting the Lawfare passage in his tweet, Trump declared the appellate court's conclusion: "A disgraceful decision!"

Trump neglected to say, however, that the blog goes on to conclude that the appellate court reached the correct decision in upholding a lower court judge's suspension of the ban.

Lawfare said the decision was right "for the simple reason that there is no cause to plunge the country into turmoil again while the courts address the merits of these matters over the next few weeks."

The case is seen as likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court, although it could go back for further review in the lower courts.

"SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" Trump tweeted Thursday minutes after the San Francisco appeals court handed down its ruling.
Photo credit: Getty

From Cosmopolitan

WASHINGTON (AP) - Supreme Court nominees don't often bite the hand that picks them and President Donald Trump is having trouble accepting the fact that his hand was bitten.

The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2017

Trump on Thursday disputed what at least three senators and a Republican operative have said - that Judge Neil Gorsuch voiced complaints about the president's recent attacks on the judiciary during the nominee's round of meetings on Capitol Hill.



Trump's missive came in a reality-bending tweetstorm about a variety of topics. Here's a selection:

TRUMP: "Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him?" In a lunch with senators later, Trump said of Gorsuch: "His comments were misrepresented."

Sen.Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie),now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him? - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

Chris Cuomo, in his interview with Sen. Blumenthal, never asked him about his long-term lie about his brave "service" in Vietnam. FAKE NEWS! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

THE FACTS: Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut who falsely claimed in years past that he had served in Vietnam, offered an account of his meeting with Gorsuch that was corroborated by Ron Bonjean, a Republican strategist serving as communications director for the team that is working to get Gorsuch confirmed by the Senate.

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The senator said Gorsuch told him it was "disheartening" and "demoralizing" to see Trump disparage the judge who temporarily blocked the president's restrictions on visitors from seven mainly Muslim countries and on refugees. Trump has called U.S. District Judge James Robart a "so-called judge" and accused the judiciary of being political. Robart's decision was upheld Thursday in a unanimous decision by an appeals court panel that includes a Republican appointee.

A Republican senator said Gorsuch also objected to Trump's comments about Robart during their meeting.

"He got pretty passionate about him, about it," Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska told MSNBC on Thursday. "I asked him about the 'so-called judges' comment, because we don't have so-called judges or so-called presidents or so-called senators, and this was a guy who kind of welled up with some energy and he said any attack on any of - I think his term to me was, brothers or sisters of the robe - is an attack on all judges, and he believes in an independent judiciary."

The Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer of New York, also said Gorsuch told him he was "disheartened" by Trump's insult.

Former GOP Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who is helping to usher Gorsuch through the Senate, said in a statement released by the White House that the nominee "made clear that he was not referring to any specific case," but "finds any criticism of a judge's integrity and independence disheartening and demoralizing." Even if Gorsuch did not name Trump in some of his exchanges with senators, however, it's clear that judicial integrity only came up because Trump had attacked it.

Blumenthal told AP that Ayotte and White House staff members were in the room during his conversation with Gorsuch, that "there's no question that he said that President Trump's attacks on the judiciary are demoralizing and disheartening" and that the nominee added: "You can repeat that. You can quote me."

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ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran President Hassan Rouhani "better be careful" after Rouhani was quoted as saying that anyone who speaks to Iranians with threats would regret it.

Trump was asked in a brief appearance in the press cabin aboard Air Force One about Rouhani's reported remarks to a rally in Tehran to celebrate the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

Rouhani was quoted in media reports as saying Iran had shown in the 38 years since the revolution that "it will make anyone who speaks to Iranians with the language of threats regret it."

"He better be careful," Trump said.

Trump on Feb. 2 put Iran "on notice" over charges that Tehran violated a nuclear deal with the West by test-firing a ballistic missile, taking an aggressive posture toward Iran that could raise tensions in the region.

Trump made the comments about Rouhani while flying on the presidential jet carrying him and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a weekend at Trump's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida.

(Reporting By Ayesha Rascoe; Writing by Steve Holland; Editing by Sandra Maler)

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Ill say this about Donald Trump: He is a one-man walking campaign for nuclear disarmament.

I havent seen this much interest in the bomb since I was a kid and The Day After scared the living crap out of everyone I knew. Of course, nothing keeps the mind focused on the apocalypse quite like the daily prospect that President Caligula might initiate a thermonuclear holocaust while screaming at Morning Joe in his bathrobe.

In case you havent heard the news, Trump has ordered the Department of Defense to conduct a new Nuclear Posture Review and rejected Vladimir Putins proposal to extend the New START treaty. Taken together, one might conclude that Trump is about to start up an arms race. Its probably not that bad, but its clearly amateur hour in the White House.

First, Trump signed a presidential memorandum that called for a new Nuclear Posture Review. (Every administration has a different name for its presidential directives for the same reason that dogs pee on fire hydrants. Under Obama, these were called presidential policy directives.)

I know I am starting to sound like a broken record, but THERE IS NO REASON TO CONDUCT A NUCLEAR POSTURE REVIEW. Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama each conducted a Nuclear Posture Review, so most people now assume this is just a thing a new president does. The Democratic platform stupidly called for one, too. But it aint so, although the habit seems to be contagious. Before Trump, Clinton was the only president to voluntarily conduct such a review  and it was a disaster for the administration. Congress mandated the other two in order to run out the clock on any further nuclear policies from Clinton and Bush.

As the name implies, a Nuclear Posture Review is just a study. The Obama administration began its posture review upon entering office and afterward commissioned a poorly named 90-day implementation study  thats right a study of a review!  that took nearly two years to complete. In the end, Obama didnt sign new guidance on the employment of nuclear weapons until June 2013, months after his first term was over.

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What Clinton, Bush, and Obama all discovered was that Nuclear Posture Reviews are, at best, a total waste of time. When a president actually wants to make changes to nuclear policy, forces, or posture, the White House will start from square one. By initiating a new Nuclear Posture Review, Trump is basically putting himself at the mercy of Secretary of Defense James Mattis. My guess is the 2017 Nuclear Posture Review will be, like the 2002 version, a quick and dirty affair that is basically the same wish list in the unpublished December 2016 Defense Science Board study, including tailored nuclear option for limited use.

But a wish list isnt going to implement itself. And as I keep pointing out, no one has any idea where to find the money to replace the existing nuclear triad, let alone to fund some of the new capabilities that are likely to get some air time.

Which brings me to Trumps comments on the New START treaty. According to press reports, Trump was talking to Putin on the phone when the Russian president suggested extending the treaty through to 2021. Trump apparently had to pause his conversation to ask aides what the treaty was and then launched into a diatribe about what a bad deal it was.

Trump said the same thing on the campaign trail when he criticized the START Up treaty (not its name) for prohibiting the United States from building nuclear warheads (which it doesnt) and allowing Russia to build up its arsenal (it imposes the same limits on the United States and Russia). The only thing Trump knew about the treaty was that Obama signed it  and that was reason enough to hate it.

This does raise an interesting question. Russia is in the midst of a fairly hefty nuclear modernization, as I have previously detailed in this column. It is developing new intermediate-range nuclear forces in contravention of the 1987 treaty regarding such weapons; new strategic forces like a heavy intercontinental ballistic missile and rail-mobile ICBM; and bizarre concepts like the Status-6 underwater drone, among others.

The New START treaty was an imperfect agreement. The Obama administration took office in January 2009 with less than a year before the 1991 START treaty  and its essential web of verification measures  expired. So New START was an interim agreement that preserved as many of the verification measures as Russia would allow and made very modest reductions for window dressing.

Im a supporter of the treaty, but Ill also acknowledge that the reductions werent deep enough, which has allowed Russia to build up its forces. I am not going to take any guff from treaty opponents, though, because they used to argue that the agreed-upon limits were already too low, and thus a concession to the Russians, who lagged behind us at the time. Why buy the cow when you can have the milk for free? they asked. Well, now Russias nuclear forces are increasing, and we are lucky there is any limit at all. The fact is, the limits Obama negotiated were too high, allowing Russia to build this array of new systems without worrying about violating any treaty limits.

Now some of my hypocritical opponents are staffing the Trump administration, planning a Nuclear Posture Review that will make my childrens Christmas lists look modest, and talking about jettisoning the New START treaty.

This isnt a strategy; its a temper tantrum. Theres no reason to piss all over the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review and the New START treaty (unless the commander in chief truly does have a fetish). It might make Trump and his eggs on Twitter feel powerful, but it wont reduce any nuclear dangers.

Whether or not you like the existing Nuclear Posture Review or the New START treaty, they do accurately reckon, more or less, with the political, technical, and budgetary realities that constrain our nuclear policy. A John McCain or Mitt Romney administration might have talked differently about the bomb than the Obama White House, but each would have inherited the same nuclear forces that needed to be replaced, had to make the same choices under the same lousy fiscal environment, and been forced to negotiate with the same irksome Russians. There just isnt that much space for a radically different outcome.

And I suspect thats why youve seen Defense Secretary Mattis caution that nuclear modernization could squeeze out other priorities and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson suggest the United States should remain engaged with Russia through the New START treaty. They may want to do things somewhat differently than Obama, but they are smart enough to realize that they face the same set of constraints.

The danger here is Trumps ego. After his tweet during the transition about expanding U.S. nuclear capabilities prompted concerns that he was restarting an arms race, Trump refused to back down. Let it be an arms race, he reportedly told Mika Brzezinski. We will outmatch them at every pass and outlast them all. I somehow doubt Trump meant the off-brand Braveheart nonsense  it is just his instinct to react to criticism by doubling down. So what happens when Mattis tells Trump there isnt enough money or Tillerson explains the importance of the New START verification procedures? Does Trump walk back his comments  or jump off the cliff, taking the rest of us with him?

It is easy to be appalled at Trumps willingness to play with the fate of the world for, in effect, ratings. Then again, it is sort of intoxicating. Thanks to The Donald, people now find my work interesting.

Photo credit: ANDREW RENNEISEN/Getty Images
President Donald Trump is no longer considering Elliott Abrams to fill the State Departments No. 2 slot due to critical comments the former Bush administration official made of Trump during the campaign, GOP aides said.

The turnabout, first reported by CNN, creates a surprise shakeup in a selection process for a deputy who is seen as key in providing a steady hand to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, an ex-CEO who lacks Washington experience and whose foreign policy credentials are thinner than many of his predecessors.

It also underscores Trumps reluctance to bring into the fold GOP establishment figures who criticized his candidacy during the presidential race, despite their willingness to serve in his administration or the expertise they may provide.

Trump so far hasnt tapped for key administration posts any of the more than 150 Republicans national-security professionals who signed onto so-called Never Trump letters during the campaign.

With Abrams out, the field is now reopened to previously-rumored candidates such as Paula Dobrianksy, a former Bush administration official, and Richard Haas, president of the Council on Foreign Relations. Jim Jeffrey, who served as deputy national security adviser under President George W. Bush, was also under consideration.

Abrams, a controversial figure given his enthusiastic support for the Iraq War and involvement in the Iran-Contra affair, had nevertheless won the blessing of Tillerson and even some Senate Democrats given his deep knowledge of the State Department apparatus. (Abrams was convicted, and later pardoned, for withholding evidence from Congress during the Iran-Contra affair. He also supported repressive governments in Central America.)

Tillerson, the former CEO of ExxonMobil, entered Foggy Bottom with no previous government experience. And given the forced departure of key management personnel at the State Department such as Under Secretary of Management Pat Kennedy, Republicans have urged the president to select a deputy with broad knowledge of the building.

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That could have been Abrams, who had also reportedly earned the support of Trumps chief of staff Reince Priebus. However, a GOP Senate aide noted that Abrams broke the golden rule.

Outspoken critics of Trump and the Never Trump crowd of the Republican party need not apply, the aide told Foreign Policy.

Abrams did not sign two prominent Never Trump letters that have set back the careers of several national security Republicans now eager to enter the administration. However, he did harshly criticize Trump prominently in a May 2016 op-ed in the neoconservative magazine The Weekly Standard in which he declared that Republicans have nominated someone who cannot win and should not be the president of the United States.

Asked by FP on Friday if he regretted making those remarks, Abrams said he wont be commenting at all.

Abramss fall from grace was mourned by fellow neoconservatives, such as Eliot Cohen, a former Bush administration official who called the snub a deliberate humiliation. Others noted that Abrams didnt have an unblemished public record going into the selection process. These are dark days when the foreign policy communitys best hopes  now dashed, yet again  were pinned on a convicted perjurer, tweeted Andrew Exum, a former Obama administration official.

Republicans still enjoy a bench of foreign policy professionals with knowledge of the State Department, but there is no clear frontrunner for the position. According to State Department sources, the Trump administration is considering Beth Jones, a former acting assistant secretary for Near East Affairs, for the No. 3 position in the building, under secretary of state for political affairs. Jones, who remains somewhat controversial in Republican circles for serving during the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, also brings extensive knowledge of State Department operations, according to sources.

Photo credit: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO via Getty Images
BERLIN (AP)  Richard Gere says U.S. President Donald Trump lacks substance, likening him to a burger without the filling.

The actor, who's in Berlin promoting his new film "The Dinner" about a politician facing tough personal and moral choices, says Trump "has pushed it to the limit."

In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Gere quoted the 1980s television commercial in which a fast-food chain customer asks "where's the beef?" when handed a giant hamburger bun.

Speaking of Trump, Gere said: "with him, there's no beef there, there's no protein, there's no center, there's no resonance."

The star of films such as "Pretty Woman" and "An Officer and a Gentleman" later told an audience at the Berlin Film Festival that Trump had made people fear refugees by equating them with attackers.
Jerusalem (AFP) - US President Donald Trump does not believe Israeli settlement growth in Palestinian territories is "good for peace," he told a paper Friday ahead of meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Appearing to soften parts of his previous hardline support for Israeli policies, Trump also said moving the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a policy fiercely opposed by the Palestinians, was "not an easy decision".

A marked shift from some of his bold declarations while campaigning, Trump's comments were almost a call for restraint at a time when Netanyahu is facing pressure from right-wing rivals to accelerate settlement growth in the Palestinian territories and even to abandon the two-state solution.

Speaking to the Hebrew-language newspaper Israel Hayom about settlements, Trump adopted perhaps his most hostile position yet, saying they were not "good" for peace.

"I am not somebody that believes that going forward with these settlements is a good thing for peace," he said.

"Every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left."

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For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

Around 600,000 Israelis now live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, communities considered illegal by the United Nations and most world powers.

Trump, however, has been inconsistent on the matter -- suggesting at times he is supportive of growth.

Faced with pressure from his right, as well as police investigations into his conduct, Netanyahu has announced more than 5,000 settlement homes since Trump's inauguration, as well as the first new settlement for more than 20 years.

In stark contrast to his predecessor Barack Obama, Trump's administration has not publicly criticised such announcements.

They also did not condemn a new law passed by Israel's parliament this week which legalises more than 50 settlements built without even Israeli permission.

The United Nations called it a step towards annexation of the West Bank.

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Speaking to the newspaper ahead of Netanyahu's visit to Washington on February 15, the first meeting between the two since Trump's victory, the US President also called for "reasonableness" from both Israel and the Palestinians.

- Embassy stay? -

The two men spoke shortly after Trump's inauguration and have committed to improving relations.

Palestinian officials, in contrast, have privately complained of having little contact with the new US administration.

Trump and Netanyahu are expected to discuss settlements, the potential to revive peace talks and the Iran nuclear deal, among other topics.

Trump told the newspaper, owned by Netanyahu ally Sheldon Adelson, that after 70 years of conflict he "would like to see peace" and that a "deal should be made and it can be made".

Naftali Bennett, head of the far-right Jewish Home party and education minister in Israel's right-wing government, said in November Trump's victory meant the idea of a Palestinian state was over.

He has called for annexing much of the West Bank, including the major settlement blocks, effectively rendering any hopes for two states dead.

Another key pro-Israel pledge of Trump's while campaigning was the commitment to move the US embassy to Jerusalem.

As the city's status is disputed, with both Israel and the Palestinians seeing it as their capital, no countries currently have their embassies there -- instead placing them in Tel Aviv.

Israel would see the move as a major diplomatic success, while the Palestinians and their allies have been pushing Trump to abandon the idea.

He cut a more cautious tone Friday, saying only that he was thinking about it "very seriously".

"I am thinking about the embassy, I am studying the embassy (issue)," Trump told Israel Hayom.

"The embassy is not an easy decision."

Both Bill Clinton and George W Bush made similar pledges on the campaign trail, only to renege once they took office.

Netanyahu has already indicated that Iran will occupy a prominent place in its talks with Trump.

Both men are fierce critics of the Obama-spearheaded deal signed with the Islamic Republic in 2015, and Trump reiterated his criticism to Israel Hayom.

"The deal with Iran was a disaster for Israel. Inconceivable that it was made," he said.

The nuclear deal between Tehran and six powers obliged Iran to curtail its nuclear programme and halt any nuclear weapons research in exchange for relief from US and international sanctions targeting the sector.
VILNIUS (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for an undivided Ukraine in a letter to Lithuania's president that is likely to be welcomed in Kiev and by the NATO alliance. "Your support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as your efforts to increase energy diversification, advance our shared goal to enhance European and regional security," Trump wrote in a Feb. 8 letter posted on the website of the U.S. embassy in Vilnius. (Reporting by Andrius Sytas; writing by Robin Emmott)
Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump reaffirmed Washington's "One China" policy in what he said Friday was a "very warm" conversation with Xi Jinping, in an apparent effort to ease tensions after angering Beijing by questioning a major plank of Sino-US relations.

"We had a very, very good talk last night, and discussed a lot of subjects. It was a long talk," Trump told a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his side.

During the phone call, the new Republican president pledged to "honor" a decades-old position that effectively acknowledges Taiwan is not separate from China -- a policy that Trump had suggested a few weeks ago he might jettison.

"President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'One China' policy," the White House said in a statement, adding that the two leaders had "extended invitations to meet in their respective countries."

The White House called the phone discussion -- the first since Trump took office -- "extremely cordial," saying the leaders "look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes."

Trump said Friday that he and Xi were "in the process of getting along very well, and I think it will be very much of a benefit to Japan."

Xi, who took the helm of the Communist Party-ruled country in 2012, welcomed Trump's gesture.

"Xi Jinping appreciates Trumps emphasis on the American governments commitment to the One China policy and pointed out that the One China principle is the political foundation of US-China relations," a Chinese foreign ministry statement said.

Trump's insurgent campaign for the White House included frequently lashing out at China, which he accused of currency manipulation and stealing American jobs.

He raised eyebrows in the wake of his election victory with a protocol-busting telephone conversation with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.

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He later threw doubt on the "One China" policy, suggesting that it was up for negotiation and could form part of talks on trade, drawing rebukes from official Chinese media.

- 'Backed Down' -

Ashley Townshend, an expert on US-China relations at the University of Sydney, said Trump's apparent capitulation was an indication of the moderating influence of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis.

"Everyone will be surprised at the speed with which Trump has backed down on this issue," he said.

The change was unlikely to be conciliatory, he added, but could be read as a sign of pragmatism in the new administration's approach to its powerful adversary.

"There was a real risk prior to this clarification that the two sides would be unable to even find a way to speak," he said.

"This removes an obstacle to relations, but it doesn't advance them in any meaningful way."

Taiwan has been ruled separately since the two sides split in 1949 at the end of a civil war.

Despite having its own government, military and independent foreign policy, Beijing has refused to recognize the island, viewing it as part of its territory awaiting reunification with the mainland -- by force, if necessary.

Washington cut formal ties with Taipei in 1979, when it recognized the Communist mainland rulers in Beijing.

However, the US remains Taiwan's most powerful unofficial ally and its main supplier of arms.

Trump's suggestion that he could restore relations with Taipei -- which Beijing views as a non-starter -- had threatened to chill ties with the Asian giant.

- 'Come to his senses' -

Beijing had been prepared to give Trump-the-candidate a pass, said Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at China's Fudan University.

"When Trump tweeted a few things about the 'One China' policy previously, it was prior to his inauguration, so we can consider those his personal opinion," said Wu.

"Now that he is in office, he represents the government's views, and as such, he must emphasize the continuity of policies such as the Taiwan issue and the One China issue."

Xu Guoqi, an expert in Sino-US relations at the University of Hong Kong, said Thursday's call showed the US president had "come to his senses" about a policy that had underpinned ties since Richard Nixon occupied the Oval Office.

"Without honoring the One China policy, the relationship only has one way to go: down to hell," Xu said, adding: "Now the two sides can assume business as usual. They are back to square one."

A high-ranking European diplomat told AFP he hoped that the call indicated an end to Trump's "incoherent signals" on China.

"Maybe the phone call marks the beginning of a more rational and consistent policy," he said.

On Chinese social media, commenters agreed the call was overdue.

"Trump has finally seen the light!" one user posted.

"What could be bad about having good relations with China?"
President Trump said all along he was going to go after the Iran nuclear pactanother of his worst evers. During his campaign, he promised more sanctions, a promise which he has now kept after Iran fired a ballistic missile test last month and then on Tuesday, fired a short-range surface-to-air missile from the same launch pad.

Its fast work for Trump and Michael Flynn, who holds the Iran portfolio. As of today, we are officially putting Iran on notice, Trumps national security adviser said just days after the missile was launched.

Related: Iran Vows 'Roaring Missiles' If Threatened, Defies New Sanctions

Next, comes Trumps demand to renegotiate the Iran nuclear agreement, which was signed by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Councilthe US, United Kingdom, Russia, France, and China, plus Germany. Trumps planned actions carry big risks; are they worth taking?

Sanctions. Treasury announced the new sanctions February 3, a few days after another of the ballistic missile tests Iran periodically conducts. They cover 12 companies and 13 peoplesome Iranian and some foreign, including one Chinese business executive. All are alleged to support, one way or another, Irans missile program or its Revolutionary Guards.

Its a proven loser. The Obama administration failed repeatedly to include the missile tests as a violation of the nuclear deal. When that didnt stick, Samantha Power, Obamas U.N. ambassador, asserted that the tests breach an earlier Security Council resolution.

They do not in either case. The Trump White House is down to claiming the tests violate the spirit of the pact, but they dont do that, either. As to the 2015 U.N. resolution, it covers missiles bearing nuclear warheads, and Irans could, but dont. Bottom line: Washingtons sanctions will never deter the Iranians from providing for their own defense.

Related: Iran Confirms Missile Test, Drawing Tough Response from Trump Aide

The nuclear accord. Its hard to negotiate when theres no one across the table, and Tehran made it clear even before Trumps inauguration that it has no intention of revisiting the terms of this agreement. Just as saliently, Trump and Flynn wont have anyone on their side of the table, either. The P5 + 1 group is not even remotely considering a renegotiation.

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Speaking in Tehran after the test last week, French foreign minister JeanMarc Ayrault expressed concern about it, which is just above a shrug in diplomacy-speak. He then said, We harbor real concerns about the U.S. administrations attitude toward this agreement.

Trump and Flynn need a reality check before they go any further. Their running theme, Iran should be grateful for the nuclear agreement, is myopic and needlessly provocative. As Ayrault and others now signal, Trump and Flynn are taking some big gambles, even if they dont yet realize it. And theres nothing to gain and a lot to losewhich is a good definition of an unwise wager.

Does Washington truly want to alienate the reformists in Tehran who pushed the agreement through at considerable political cost? Were things better under the egregious Ahmadinejad regime? What about the Europeans who are weary of the sanctions regime and the post-pact hostility between Washington and Tehran? Can Trump afford to annoy the Continent more than he already has?

Related: Mattis Says U.S. Not Adding Troops Over Iran Concerns

Since his telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin a couple of weeks ago, its clear that Trump is committed to his neo-detente policy toward Russia. Given Russias notable efforts to get the nuclear deal done, Trump should see the risk of shooting himself in the foot if he pushes too far on Iran.

On the GDP side, whats going to happen to Boeings $16.6 billion deal, signed in December, to sell Iran Air 80 planes?

Heres the irony: While a redone deal is an obvious reversal of Obamas policy, Trump and Flynn otherwise assume a variation of the policy the Obama administration handed them. This means theyre headed for the same kind of trouble Obama found and some new trouble of their own making.

The sanctions just implemented were drafted while Obama was still in office. As to the nuclear accord, Obamas Treasury began to undermine it as soon as it was signed. If an administration wanted to reap as little benefit as it could from a deal it worked hard to strike, Barack Obama and John Kerry, his secretary of state, showed how to do it.

Trump and his national security adviser should avoid making a variant of the same mistake.

No diplomatic settlement is ever perfect, but the Iran accord has plenty in it to Washingtons advantage. Iran accepted a significant infringement on its sovereign rights including inspections of unprecedented intrusion. And the Iranians are sticking to the terms, although the reformists who negotiated are now stuck in a battle they shouldnt have to wage.

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UPDATE: 8:10 p.m. EST  President Donald Trump said the appellate court decision against reinstating his travel ban was political and wont be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Its a political decision, Trump told NBC News, adding, We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake.  Were going to win the case.

Trump said he had not discussed the case with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was sworn in earlier in the day.

Last week Trump fired Acting Attorney General Sally Yates for telling Justice Department attorneys not to defend the travel ban because she thought it was illegal.

In a tweet earlier this week, it appeared Trump was bracing for a loss.

Original story

A federal appeals court Thursday refused to strike down a lower court order blocking President Donald Trumps ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, saying the interests of national security do not outweigh the hardships the ban imposes.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco in a unanimous ruling upheld a temporary restraining order issued in Seattle, preventing the administration from implementing the travel ban.

The president has pledged to take the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trumps executive order barred travelers from Syria indefinitely and from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen for 90 days. It also suspended the U.S. refugee program for at least 120 days. The order prompted says of protests at U.S. airports and caused chaos from travelers.

Trump has said the ban is only temporary and necessary to give U.S. officials time to develop extreme vetting protocols.

The court said it considered the public interest generally as well as national security interests.

The public  has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families and in freedom from discrimination. We need not characterize the public interest more definitely than this; when considered alongside the hardships discussed above, these competing public interests do not justify a stay, the court said.

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The appeals court ruled on a suit filed by the states of Washington and Minnesota, challenging the executive order as a violation of federal law. U.S. District Judge James Robart issued an order Sunday blocking the ban and has since incurred Trumps wrath.

Trump called Robart a so-called judge and later said the courts had been politicized.

The appellate court ruled the federal government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay.

Thursdays decision, however, does not address the merits of the case.

The suit cites three changes to immigration procedures affected by the order: the 90-day ban on travelers from six countries, the changes to the refugee program and the indefinite ban on Syrian travelers.

The impact of the executive order was immediate and widespread, the decision said. It was reported that thousands of visas were immediately canceled, hundreds of travelers with such visas were prevented from boarding airplanes bound for the United States or denied entry on arrival, and some travelers were detained.

travel ban

Photo: Noah Berger/Reuters

The court rejected federal government arguments that the states had no right to sue and noted temporary orders like the one Robart issued are not normally appealable. It also rejected administration arguments that the court lacks jurisdiction to review the executive order.

Though the administration clarified the order, saying it does not block permanent U.S. residents from re-entering the country, the court said it cannot rely upon the governments contention that the executive order no longer applies to lawful permanent residents. The government has offered no authority establishing that the White House counsel is empowered to issue an amended order superseding the executive order signed by the president. It also was unclear whether the change was binding.

On the issue of whether the executive order was directed against Muslims, the court said the administration failed to show the policy is not directed at a specific religious group.

Reaction to the court's decision was swift.

Related Articles
The following statements were posted to the verified Twitter accounts of U.S. President Donald Trump, @realDonaldTrump and @POTUS. The opinions expressed are his own. Reuters has not edited the statements or confirmed their accuracy. @realDonaldTrump : -Sen.Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie),now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him? [0657 EST] -Chris Cuomo, in his interview with Sen. Blumenthal, never asked him about his long-term lie about his brave "service" in Vietnam. FAKE NEWS! [0819 EST] -Sen. McCain should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media. Only emboldens the enemy! He's been losing so.... [0826 EST] -...long he doesn't know how to win anymore, just look at the mess our country is in - bogged down in conflict all over the place. Our hero.. [0831 EST] -..Ryan died on a winning mission ( according to General Mattis), not a "failure." Time for the U.S. to get smart and start winning again! [0852 EST] -Join us live in the Oval Office for the swearing in of our new Attorney General, @SenatorSessions! LIVE: http://bit.ly/2kqq2f0Sessions [1058 EST] -SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE! [1835 EST] @POTUS -Congratulations Attorney General Jeff Sessions! [1228 EST] -- Source link: (http://bit.ly/2jBh4LU) (http://bit.ly/2jpEXYR) (Compiled by Bengaluru bureau)
President Donald Trump welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with a brotherly hug and warm words of admiration, as he ditched previously hard-charging rhetoric toward Tokyo during a White House summit.

Trump praised his guest's "strong hands," the pair's "very, very good chemistry" and rolled out a White House military honor guard Friday in a remarkable public display of diplomatic affection.

"When I greeted him today at the car," Trump said after an Oval Office meeting, "I shook hands, but I grabbed him and hugged him, because that's the way we feel."

The odd political couple had lunch at the White House before heading to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for further talks and a round of golf on Saturday.

At Palm Beach airport, the pair were welcomed by a swarm of black SUVs, and a group of onlookers wearing red "Make America Great Again" hats.

Dozens of Palm Beach residents lined the sidewalks along the route to Trump's estate, photographing the motorcade and waving American flags.

The sporting gambit recalled the diplomatic exploits of Abe's grandfather, prime minister Nobusuke Kishi, who once donned a polo shirt to play with avid golfer president Dwight Eisenhower.

Abe is in the United States on a similar charm offensive.

Then, the topic was post-war reconciliation. This time, the Japanese leader is trying to build a personal rapport with the mercurial new US president and head off simmering disputes.

Ties have been strained by Trump's willingness to question long-standing defense commitments and his rejection of a trans-Pacific trade deal.

Plans under consideration in the White House propose a substantial hike of import tariffs that could have a serious impact on Japanese manufacturers.

Abe dodged questions about the trade deal, instead dispatching a slew of compliments.

"Donald, Mr President, you are an excellent businessman," he said, praising Trump on everything from his meteoric political rise to his golf game.

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"My scores in golf are not up to the level of Donald at all," Abe said self-effacingly.

- 'Very, very deep' bonds -

Abe's efforts appeared to have paid off. After some tough anti-Japanese rhetoric on the campaign trail, Trump embraced long-standing defense agreements and "free, fair and reciprocal" trade.

"We're committed to the security of Japan," Trump said.

"The bond between our two nations and the friendship between our two peoples runs very, very deep. This administration is committed to bringing those ties even closer."

In a statement, Trump offered reassurances the US would come to Japan's defense if China were to seize the disputed Senkaku islands, known as the Diaoyu in China.

In a joint statement, the pair said they "oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan's administration of these islands" -- comments that are sure to rile Beijing.

Although Abe has pushed ahead with efforts to boost Japan's military capabilities, Tokyo still relies on US security guarantees.

In a test of Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy, Abe floated the idea of building a Japanese-designed high-speed rail link that could take Trump between the White House and Trump Tower in New York in an hour.

Early Friday, Abe told business leaders that US-Japanese commerce had been "win-win" and highlighted the hundreds of thousands of American jobs created by Japanese investments.

Most budget cars sold by Toyota and Honda are "produced in US factories by American workers," he said, noting that US investments by Japanese firms total $411 billion, generating 840,000 jobs.

- 'Asia in turmoil' -

Trump has cast himself as a change agent willing to rip up existing agreements and relationships to put "America first."

While his defense secretary had traveled to Japan to send reassuring messages about the durability of the relationship, until now Trump has showed little inclination to play nice.

Inside the White House, foreign policy is sometimes treated as little more than a tool to frame Trump's image at home.

"The Trump administration has sent mixed signals about the relationship thus far," said Michael Green of the Center for International and Strategic Studies.

"For Abe, a strong relationship with the United States is critical given the threat from North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs and China's rise."

On the issue of China, however, Abe and Trump may find common cause.

Tokyo was often concerned about president Barack Obama's willingness to work with Beijing. Trump is expected to take a tougher line.

"We will work together to promote our shared interests, of which we have many, in the region, including freedom from navigation and defending against the North Korean missile and nuclear threat, both of which I consider a very, very high priority," Trump said.
Washington (AFP) - A federal appeals court unanimously refused to restore President Donald Trump's controversial executive order on immigration, prompting the US leader to vow a legal battle.

Trump's decree summarily denied entry to all refugees for 120 days, and travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. Refugees from Syria were blocked indefinitely.

The ban sparked international furor and created a high-stakes legal tug-of-war in the president's first weeks.

Here is a summary of the order's tumultuous rollout in five key dates:

January 27: Executive order, airport chaos

Just one week after his inauguration, Trump unveiled his order on January 27 with no prior warning, sowing travel chaos and confusion, and igniting worldwide outrage.

Legal challenges against the ban were quickly filed after airport officials detained dozens of travelers from the seven countries, as well as refugees seeking to enter the United States.

Protests were staged in cities across the United States and abroad.

February 3: Temporary suspension

A federal judge in Seattle on February 3 suspended the ban nationwide after two US states asked for it to be overturned on grounds of religious discrimination and that it had caused "irreparable harm."

Trump unleashed a string of fiery tweets defending his policy and attacking federal judge James Robart, calling him a "so-called judge."

With the ban temporarily halted, travelers from the targeted countries with valid visas began arriving on American soil, while others prepared to set off for the United States.

February 5: Emergency stay denied

In the early hours of February 5, a San Francisco-based federal appeals court rejected a Justice Department request to immediately restore the travel ban, asking both sides to present additional documents.

The Trump administration had filed an emergency motion with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, saying that suspending the ban was causing "irreparable harm" to the American public, and that Robart's decision "second-guesses the president's national security judgment."

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But the court instead scheduled a hearing.

February 7: Heated hearing

Two days later, on February 7, a panel of three judges heard arguments in the matter in what turned into a contentious hearing, with the Justice Department lawyer insisting the controversial ban was justified for national security reasons.

The hearing was focused on whether to immediately lift the suspension of the ban, not on the constitutionality of the decree itself -- a broader battle that looks likely to go all the way to the Supreme Court.

February 9: Suspension upheld

On February 9, the federal appeals court refused to restore Trump's controversial order, meaning a lower court suspension of the travel ban stands for now.

The court said the government had "not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury."

The billionaire president swiftly took to Twitter to vow a legal fight, writing "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"
Washington (AFP) - A Turkish computer hacker who helped steal $55 million from ATM machines in dozens of countries using data from credit card issuers was sentenced to eight years in prison Friday.

Ercan Findikoglu pleaded guilty last year to computer intrusion, fraud and other charges relating to organizing the round-the-world operation in which operatives used bogus credit and debit cards to raid thousand of bank accounts via cash dispensing machines.

The thefts took place in three distinct, tightly-organized operations between 2011 and 2013. The third operation, on February 19-20, 2013, involved crews withdrawing nearly $40 million in 36,000 ATM transactions in 24 hours.

That included 3,000 withdrawals over 10 hours for $2.4 million in New York alone, according to prosecutors.

Large withdrawals were enabled by Findikoglu being able to hack into card issuer computers and remove withdrawal limits on customer accounts.

Fake bank cards were distributed to the street crews who raised the ATM machines, splitting a portion of the proceeds with Findikoglu.

Findikoglu was arrested in December 2013 in Frankfurt, Germany and extradited to the Untied States in 2015.

"Findikoglu was a skilled hacker who chose to use his considerable computer talents for criminal financial gain and to wreak economic havoc, rather than for legitimate pursuits," US Attorney Robert Capers said in a statement.
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday rubber-stamped controversial constitutional changes that will boost his powers, paving the way for a referendum on the legislation in April.

The government says the proposals to create an executive presidency will simplify the government structure, but opponents fear they will lead to one-man rule in Turkey.

"Turkey has reached a major crossroads to change its governance system," Erdogan said in a speech on Friday.

"God willing, my beloved people are going to the ballot box on April 16."

Parliament in January approved a new 18-article constitution to create an executive presidency in the NATO member state along the lines of the system in France and the United States.

Brawls erupted between lawmakers during debates over the bill, highlighting the divisive nature of the changes, the most far-reaching constitutional shift since the creation of modern Turkey in 1923.

Erdogan is seen by critics as increasingly autocratic after 14 years in power as both prime minister and president.

And Western allies have been alarmed that a massive crackdown on the media and suspects linked to last year's failed military coup signals a shift towards authoritarianism.

But his supporters say the changes are necessary for effective government and to avoid fragile and unstable coalitions that were a feature of Turkey's political scene in the past.

Erdogan approved the legislation six months after the failed July coup in which a rogue military faction attempted to oust him from power.

Under the new constitution, the president will have strengthened executive powers to directly appoint top public officials including ministers.

The post of prime minister, currently held by Erdogan loyalist Binali Yildirim, would be replaced with one or more vice presidents.

The bill also calls for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held at the same time, with the draft giving November 3, 2019 as the date of the next ballot.

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- 'Unpredictable adventure' -

The referendum campaign is due to formally kick off on February 25, according to media reports.

In a campaign-style address to a large crowd in a town in central Turkey, Erdogan called for Turks to vote for a "Turkish-style" executive presidency, saying the changes would open the way for "speedy decisions" and remove the possibility of conflict between a president and prime minister.

But the main opposition has accused Erdogan of trying to decapitate parliament.

"Now we will take power from the parliament and give it to one man," said Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the secular Republican People's Party (CHP).

"Can Turkey be dragged into an unpredictable adventure? Did we found the republic for this?"

The 62-year-old Erdogan, the most powerful Turkish politician since founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, became president in August 2014, in the first ever direct elections for a Turkish head of state.

But there have been suggestions that the clock on his presidency will start from zero from 2019 and the changes could see Erdogan staying in power until 2029.

- 'No to lawlessness' -

Since the coup Turkey has embarked on a massive crackdown on supporters of US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, who denies government claims that he was behind the attempted putsch.

More than 41,000 people have been arrested over their suspected links to Gulen's movement, and 100,000 fired or suspended. Many of them are teachers, police, magistrates or journalists.

In the latest wave of post-coup purges, nearly 4,500 more civil servants -- including 330 academics -- were dismissed according to a decree published this week.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets Friday against protesters at Ankara University who were demonstrating against the dismissal of academics.

The protesters shouted "No to lawlessness!", an AFP journalist reported.

Human rights activists have fiercely criticised the magnitude of the crackdown, saying the measures have gone well beyond alleged coup plotters.

The government says the purges are necessary to clean the state of the "virus" of Gulen's movement, which encourages its members to work in public services. -
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has approved a constitutional reform bill paving the way for an executive presidential system, his office said on Friday, and a deputy prime minister said a referendum on the issue was expected on April 16. Erdogan says the reform will provide stability at a time of turmoil and prevent a return to the fragile coalitions of the past. His opponents fear it will herald increasingly authoritarian rule. A brief statement on the presidency web site said the bill had been sent to the prime minister's office to be published and submitted to a referendum. "With the president's approval, eyes are now on the YSK (High Election Board). The YSK will probably announce that April 16 is the appropriate date for a referendum," Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters. Parliament approved the bill last month after securing more than the minimum 330 votes in the 550-seat assembly. If the legislation is approved in the nationwide vote, it could pave the way for Erdogan to remain in office until 2029. The reform would enable the president to issue decrees, declare emergency rule, appoint ministers and top state officials and dissolve parliament - powers that the two main opposition parties say strip away balances to Erdogan's power. (Reporting by Tulay Karadeniz and Gulsen Solaker; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Nick Tattersall)
Washington (AFP) - A pile-up of controversies, sliding poll numbers, splinters within his own camp and a stinging setback in the courts: Donald Trump probably dreamed of a more triumphant debut in the White House.

The 70-year-old businessman and political novice wrapped up his third week in the Oval Office with a bruising defeat after the courts upheld a freeze on his travel ban targeting refugees and travelers from seven mostly-Muslim nations -- his most emblematic measure to date.

Trump's shoot-from-the-hip approach to high office has fired up a despondent political opposition with a new sense of purpose as huge segments of US society rally in "resistance" to his presidency.

Millions of Americans have filled the streets in protest at his plans to "make America great again," while his brash forays into global diplomacy have rattled key allies from Australia to Germany.

When Trump delivered his election victory speech in November, it seemed -- for a fleeting moment -- he would work to pull the country back together after a bitterly divisive campaign.

It has since become clear that Trump has chosen to speak to the loyal base of Americans who backed his insurgent bid for the White House -- and to them alone.

That decision is grounded in the unflinching support Trump still enjoys among his core supporters, even as his approval rating among Americans at large sits at record lows.

As political strategies go, it's a risky one -- all the more so since he is now locked in what is sure to be an arduous legal battle over his clampdown on immigration in the name of national security.

Thursday's decision by an appellate court in San Francisco, upholding a lower court suspension on the controversial decree, was a major blow to the president.

The case is now likely to wind up before the Supreme Court.

Trump's camp was at pains to stress -- with reason -- that the ruling concerned only the temporary stay on his executive order, not the constitutionality of the ban itself.

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But it carries heavy symbolic weight, as does the fact that the appellate panel's three judges were appointed both by Republican and Democratic leaders: Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

"SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" a defiant Trump quickly tweeted after the ruling, in one of the all-caps tweets he uses to convey anger and exasperation.

- 'Venom' -

Trump is far from the first US president to be thwarted by the courts.

But his angry, personal response to the ruling -- and his virulent attacks on the judiciary in the run-up to it -- have astonished even observers accustomed to his daily Twitter outbursts targeting everyone from political foes to the media to television celebrities.

In a New York Times editorial entitled "Trump's Leading Rivals Wear Robes," Charles Blow recalled that Obama had also spoken out strongly against a 2010 Supreme Court ruling that paved the way for unlimited political spending by corporations.

Obama was brutally criticized at the time, even though his objections were confined to "the ruling itself and not impugning in any way the character or qualifications of the justices who rendered it," Blow noted.

"But it is impossible to argue that his judicial rebuke, which looks quaint in retrospect, comes anywhere close to the venom Donald Trump is spewing at the judicial branch," he wrote.

"The only courts or press that Trump sees as legitimate are those that bow to his will."

- 'Larger man inside?' -

After the real estate mogul's upset win over Hillary Clinton, Obama was at pains to stress -- perhaps to reassure a shell-shocked Democratic camp -- that the sheer gravity of the world's most powerful job necessarily changed a man.

One thing is certain at this point: so far, the presidency has not changed Trump.

At least part of his White House team seems determined to replicate word-for-word the recipe that propelled Trump to victory, rolled out in rally after giant rally from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania.

"Part of the reason the president got elected is because he speaks his mind," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said on Thursday. "He doesn't hold it back, he's authentic, and he's not going to sit back."

It remains to be seen whether the turmoil of Trump's first three weeks in power -- and the small but growing number of dissenting voices in his Republican camp -- will lead him to change course, or adapt his tone.

For the writer and long-time US radio host Garrison Keillor, the answer is in little doubt.

"What we know so far is that the man is who he is," Keillor wrote recently in The Chicago Tribune. "There is no larger, finer man inside him trying to get out."

"Everyone who is paying attention knows this."
By Sabine Siebold WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. call for NATO partners to step up funding for the transatlantic alliance is "a fair demand", German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday after what she called a positive first meeting with Defense Secretary James Mattis. Germany and other European powers were unnerved when Donald Trump accused NATO allies during his presidential campaign of failing to pay their way, and described the alliance shortly before he took office last month as 'obsolete'. He offered some reassurance this week when he told U.S. forces: "We strongly support NATO." Von der Leyen said Germany, which spends less than the NATO target of 2 percent of economic output on defense, understood it needed to increase that. "I think it's a fair demand," von der Leyen said. "If we want to jointly master the crises in the world, namely the fight against terrorism, and also put the alliance on solid footing, then everyone has to pay their share." She told reporters she welcomed an offer from Mattis to deepen the strategic dialogue between the two countries. He had also reiterated his clear and deep commitment to NATO. Admiring comments from Trump about Russian President Vladimir Putin have raised concerns among some European countries that the United States might relax sanctions imposed against Moscow over its 2014 annexation of Crimea and its support for violent separatists in eastern Ukraine. Von der Leyen said it was critical that NATO members remained unified. "It is ... very important that we speak with one voice." She said she and Mattis agreed that many global problems, including the war in Syria, could not be solved without Russia, but Moscow needed to respect international law and the borders of other sovereign countries. They had agreed it was important to "continue to act from a position of strength to extend an outstretched hand to Russia and work out our mutual problems at the negotiating table and then solve them." Von der Leyen's meeting with Mattis lasted for about an hour, twice as long as planned. She was the first European defense minister to visit him at the Pentagon. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold and Reuters TV; Writing by Andrea Shalal; editing by Erik Kirschbaum and Mark Trevelyan)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy P-3 plane and a Chinese military aircraft came close to each other over the South China Sea in an incident the Navy believes was inadvertent, a U.S. official told Reuters on Thursday. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the aircraft came within 1,000 feet (305 meters) of each other on Wednesday in the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal, between the Philippines and the Chinese mainland. The official added that such incidents involving Chinese and American aircraft are infrequent, with only two having taken place in 2016. The U.S. aircraft was "on a routine mission operating in accordance with international law," U.S. Pacific Command told Reuters in a statement. "On Feb. 8, an interaction characterized by U.S. Pacific Command as 'unsafe' occurred in international air space above the South China Sea, between a Chinese KJ-200 aircraft and a U.S. Navy P-3C aircraft," it said. The KJ-200 is a propeller airborne early warning and control aircraft based originally on the old Soviet-designed An-12. "The Department of Defense and U.S. Pacific Command are always concerned about unsafe interactions with Chinese military forces," Pacific Command added. "We will address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels." In Beijing, China's defense ministry told state media the Chinese pilot responded with "legal and professional measures". "We hope the U.S. side keeps in mind the present condition of relations between the two countries and militaries, adopts practical measures, and eliminates the origin of air and sea mishaps between the two countries," the Global Times cited an unnamed defense ministry official as saying. Separately, China's Defence Ministry said in a statement on Friday three ships had left port for drills taking in the South China Sea, eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific. China's blockade of Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing spot, prompted the previous Philippine government to file a legal case in 2013 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, infuriating Beijing, which refused to take part. While the court last year largely rejected China's claims, new Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has sought to mend ties with Beijing and the situation around the shoal has largely calmed down. China is deeply suspicious of any U.S. military activity in the resource-rich South China Sea. In December, a Chinese naval vessel picked up a U.S. underwater drone in the South China Sea near the Philippines, triggering a U.S. diplomatic protest. China later returned it. The United States has previously criticized what it called China's militarization of its maritime outposts in the South China Sea, and stressed the need for freedom of navigation with periodic air and naval patrols nearby, angering Beijing. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard and Michael Martina in Beijing; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy P-3 plane and a Chinese military aircraft came close to each other over the South China Sea in an incident the Navy believes was inadvertent, a U.S. official told Reuters on Thursday. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the aircraft came within 1,000 feet (305 meters) of each other on Wednesday in the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal, between the Philippines and the Chinese mainland. The official added that such incidents involving Chinese and American aircraft are infrequent, with only two having taken place in 2016. The U.S. aircraft was "on a routine mission operating in accordance with international law," U.S. Pacific Command told Reuters in a statement. "On Feb. 8, an interaction characterized by U.S. Pacific Command as 'unsafe' occurred in international air space above the South China Sea, between a Chinese KJ-200 aircraft and a U.S. Navy P-3C aircraft," it said. The KJ-200 is a propeller airborne early warning and control aircraft based originally on the old Soviet-designed An-12. "The Department of Defense and U.S. Pacific Command are always concerned about unsafe interactions with Chinese military forces," Pacific Command added. "We will address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels." In Beijing, China's defense ministry told state media the Chinese pilot responded with "legal and professional measures". "We hope the U.S. side keeps in mind the present condition of relations between the two countries and militaries, adopts practical measures, and eliminates the origin of air and sea mishaps between the two countries," the Global Times cited an unnamed defense ministry official as saying. Separately, China's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday three ships had left port for drills taking in the South China Sea, eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific. China's blockade of Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing spot, prompted the previous Philippine government to file a legal case in 2013 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, infuriating Beijing, which refused to take part. While the court last year largely rejected China's claims, new Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has sought to mend ties with Beijing and the situation around the shoal has largely calmed down. China is deeply suspicious of any U.S. military activity in the resource-rich South China Sea. In December, a Chinese naval vessel picked up a U.S. underwater drone in the South China Sea near the Philippines, triggering a U.S. diplomatic protest. China later returned it. The United States has previously criticized what it called China's militarization of its maritime outposts in the South China Sea, and stressed the need for freedom of navigation with periodic air and naval patrols nearby, angering Beijing. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard and Michael Martina in Beijing; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
London (AFP) - Britain is dismissing hundreds of allegations of misconduct by its soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, the defence ministry said on Friday, following an investigation that uncovered spurious claims.

The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT), which was set up in 2010 and is dealing with hundreds of cases, will be shut down in the summer and 20 of its cases will be handed over to the Royal Navy police.

This follows an investigation that led to campaigning lawyer Phil Shiner, who had brought many of the claims, being struck off earlier this month.

The announcement was made by Defence Minister Michael Fallon, who also said that 90 percent of the 675 current misconduct allegations involving British troops in Afghanistan were being dismissed.

"This will be a relief for our soldiers who have had allegations hanging over them for too long," Fallon said in televised remarks.

"Now we are taking action to stop such abuse of our legal system from happening again," he said.

But Amnesty International criticised the decision to hand over the remaining cases to the Royal Navy police, calling instead for an independent investigation to be conducted.

"The UKas military reputation is on the line -- any credible allegations of abuses by UK forces in Iraq and Afghanistan should be independently investigated, which must mean by a body that is separate from the military itself,a the rights group said in a statement.

A parliamentary committee report earlier on Friday found that serving and retired troops had been subjected to "deeply disturbing" treatment by IHAT.

The report said IHAT investigators had used "intimidatory tactics" and spied on war veterans.

"IHAT has operated without any regard to its impact on the UK military which has directly harmed their reputation across the world," the report said.

IHAT was set up by the former Labour government to assess claims of abuse by Iraqi civilians. It started out with 165 claims but the caseload skyrocketed and eventually grew to more than 3,500.
Istanbul (AFP) - UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Friday he was "determined" to do his best to facilitate a deal to reunify the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus, declaring himself neither optimistic nor pessimistic of success.

Guterres met with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim in Istanbul for talks aimed at pushing for progress in reaching a Cyprus settlement, ahead of a whirlwind tour of five Arab countries.

Asked about chances of success in solving the Cyprus problem, Guterres said: "I am not optimistic, I am not pessimistic. I am just determined," referring to a popular quote attributed to French economist Jean Monnet, a pioneer of the European Union.

He added that the United Nations is not playing a leading role.

"We are in a supporting role that I am determined to do my best to help facilitate the conditions for a success," Guterres told a joint news conference with Yildirim.

Early this month Cypriot leaders asked the United Nations to prepare a new international conference on security arrangements for a reunified island to take place in March, with the participation of the guarantor powers.

xxGreece, Turkey and former colonial ruler Britain are the guarantor powers on the island under a 1960 deal that gave them the right to intervene to defend the island's sovereign integrity.

The three governments and the Cypriot leaders held a first conference in Geneva on January 12, followed by technical talks in the nearby Swiss resort of Mont Pelerin.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops occupied its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired coup seeking union with Greece.

The Turkish Cypriots declared a breakaway state in 1983 but it is recognised only by Ankara.

- 'Breakthrough'-

Guterres said Friday the date for the next conference was not fixed and hoped the efforts of the guarantor powers would allow for a "breakthrough" in the near future.

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"The United Nations will be entirely at disposal of the two Cypriot communities and of the guarantor powers to support in the search for a solution that is acceptable for all," he added.

Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Mustafa Akinci have been holding direct talks for nearly two years on reunifying the island.

At stake are thorny issues like its future internal borders, as well as the property rights of the tens of thousands of Cypriots who have been displaced.

For his part, Yildirim said equal and fair representation of the two sides on the island in a new federation was a "must", adding that security and guarantees were "indispensible" for Ankara.

Turkey insists that some 40,000 Turkish troops deployed on the Turkish Cypriot side must stay, which is an obstacle to any solution.

Guterres is due to meet Saturday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, before travelling to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Egypt.

The talks will be his first round of high-level diplomacy on Syria and on other Middle East conflicts since Guterres took over the UN helm at the start of the year.

Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal who was UN refugee chief for a decade, will then attend a G20 ministerial meeting in Bonn and the Munich security conference later this month.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is heading to Turkey, five Mideast nations and Germany on his first major trip since taking the helm of the United Nations on Jan. 1.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the U.N. chief was leaving late Thursday for Istanbul for talks with government leaders and will then travel to Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, for meetings with the king, crown prince, deputy crown prince and other senior officials.

From there, he is scheduled to fly to Dubai where he will speak at the 2017 World Government Summit and meet leaders from the United Arab Emirates.

Guterres will then meet with leaders during stops in Oman, Qatar and Egypt and finally head to Bonn, Germany to attend the G-20 ministerial meeting and Munich to attend the annual Security Conference.
A longtime ally of terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden was killed Wednesday by the U.S. military in an airstrike in Idlib, Syria. Abu Hani al-Masri was killed by an unmanned drone Saturday along with 10 other al Qaeda operatives.

He was "a legacy al Qaeda terrorist with ties to the group's senior leaders, including Ayman al-Zawahiri and Osama bin Laden," said Eric Pahon, a Department of Defense spokesman. Zawahiri has ruled al Qaeda in the years since President Barack Osama killed Bin Laden during a raid in Pakistan. Mastri and Zawahiri are both Egyptian natives who had been with al Qaeda since its early days.

Mastri, who was believed to be about 65 years old, was instrumental to al Qaeda's group. He created training camps in Afghanistan in the 1980s and 1990s and, as one of the founders of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad terror group, he oversaw the first generation of suicide bombers in its terror attacks.

U.S. officials called his death a turning point in the war on terrorism. The raids struck a building near Idlib that was being used as an al Qaeda meeting place.

"These strikes disrupt al Qaeda's ability to plot and direct external attacks targeting the U.S. and our interests worldwide," said Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis, adding that Mastri recruited and trained "thousands of terrorists who subsequently spread throughout the region and the world."

Al Qaeda has vowed to avenge Bin Laden's death. His son, Hamza Bin Laden, appeared in an al Qaeda video in 2016 where he warned Americans they would be held accountable for Washington's attacks and the "oppression" of Muslims.

"If you think that your sinful crime that you committed in Abbottabad has passed without punishment, then you thought wrong," he said.

His father was killed in a May 2011 raid at his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Hazma Bin Laden, the terror leader's youngest surviving child, was 19 at the time.

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By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Danish wind turbine maker Vestas Wind Systems has leapt to the top of the U.S. wind market, overtaking General Electric in new capacity installed last year, although slower demand growth and doubts over political support could threaten its position.

Vestas came back from the brink of bankruptcy just four years ago. Now the wind industry is entering a new phase with slower growth and more steady demand for turbines, prompting producers to turn to servicing and replacement of older turbines to grow revenue.

Vestas, the world's biggest wind turbine maker, supplied 43 percent of the 8.2 GW of wind power capacity connected to the U.S. power grid last year, the American Wind Energy Association said in a quarterly report. That was up from 33 percent in 2015 and just 12 percent in 2014.

By contrast, General Electric's market share stood at 42 percent in 2016, down from well over half in 2014, the association said, although GE remains the market leader in terms of overall installed capacity in the United States.

"It is definitely our ambition to at least keep our market share," Vestas Chief Executive Anders Runevad said in an interview.

Wind energy has surpassed hydropower as the biggest source of renewable electricity in the United States, according to the association, helped by tax credits under Barack Obama's administration.

Vestas reported record global revenues for 2016 on Wednesday but warned of lower orders in the United States this year, saying rapid growth in demand in the industry generally could be coming to an end as the wind market matures.

The Danish company is set to lose its status as the world's top wind turbine maker after Germany's Siemens and Spain's Gamesa agreed to combine their assets in the sector.

Both GE and Siemens depend on orders from a few large customers such as NextEra Energy, while Vestas supplies a broader range.

"They've been very aggressive and maintained a diverse order book," said Luke Lewandowski, research manager at MAKE, a consultancy.

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Numbers from MAKE, which include grid-connected turbines from wind farm projects that are not yet fully completed, show that GE held 42 percent of the market last year with Vestas second at 41 percent.

In June, Vestas secured a significant order for 1,000 wind turbines from MidAmerican Energy, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary which had until then been a Siemens client.

"Vestas has been really flexible in thinking and adapting themselves to the wishes of the clients in terms of location, type of turbines and the services around it," said Danny van Doesburg, senior portfolio manager at APG Asset Management, the seventh biggest shareholder in Vestas.

"We have widened the customer base quite substantially in the United States," Runevad said. "We have managed to penetrate further into the big U.S.-based utilities."

Still, risks remain for the the world's biggest wind turbine maker, which supplies the U.S. market from four factories in Colorado.

Vestas was one of the hardest hit European stocks, plunging as much as 10 percent, after Trump's election pointed to an uncertain future for the U.S. wind market, the company's largest.

After a record year in 2016, Vestas warned on Wednesday of lower order intake in the United States this year and said rapid growth in demand could be coming to an end, noting "signs of increased maturity of the wind market."

Vestas said that the Production Tax Credit (PTC), which was extended for five years in December 2015, could hit its U.S. business in the near term as it gives investors more time to build their wind farm projects, reducing pressure to get projects built next year.

Tax credits that are already awarded seem safe, but there is now more uncertainty about future government support.

"How (the U.S. market) will pan out over the years is still very hard to predict," Runevad said. He seeks to position Vestas for high growth in the service segment, which grew by 15 percent last year, helped by the acquisition of two service providers.

As the industry matures, more turbines need servicing, upgrading and eventually replacement. MAKE forecasts the global service segment to grow by 9 to 10 percent per year on average over the next ten years.

"The whole service element of the wind industry can be a potential trigger for the investment case," said APG's van Doesburg.

(Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen; Editing by Susan Fenton/Ruth Pitchford)
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Spot demand from Vietnam lent support to gasoil differentials despite ample supply of the fuel, trade sources said. Vietnam's top fuel importer Petrolimex bought three cargoes of 35,000 tonnes each of 500ppm sulphur gasoil for loading from Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand at a premium of about 55 to 60 cents a barrel to Singapore quotes, traders said. Vietnam's PV Oil followed with a tender requirement for March and April seeking a total of 80,000 cubic metres of gasoil, they added. Sri Lanka's Ceylon Petroleum Corp is seeking 200,000 barrels of jet fuel for delivery in February, traders said. Refinery maintenance in Asia, which is expected to be heavier than in previous years, will likely further boost gasoil and jet fuel differentials, traders said. Japanese oil refiner Cosmo Oil Co said on Friday it planned to shut two crude distillation units (CDU) this year for scheduled maintenance. The two CDUs at Chiba and Sakai refineries are likely to be shut for about 1-1/2-months each, a company spokesman said. Arbitrage economics to ship diesel to Europe also remain unviable with oil product inventory in Europe remaining high, traders said. The region's stocks of crude oil and all oil products apart from fuel oil edged higher despite the lower run rates, reaching a total of 1.150 billion barrels in January, data from industry monitor Euroilstock showed. TENDERS: - Pertamina is seeking 200,000 barrels of jet fuel for delivery into Jakarta over March 23 to 25. The tender closes on Feb. 14 and is valid until Feb. 17. - Ceylon Petroleum Corp is seeking 200,000 barrels of jet fuel for delivery into Colombo over Feb. 21 to 22. The tender closes on Feb. 14 and is valid for up to 72 hours. - PV Oil is seeking 80,000 cubic metres of 500ppm sulphur gasoil for delivery into Nha Be and Mien Dong over March to April. The tender closes on Feb. 10. CASH DEALS: Six gasoil deals, one jet fuel trade. - Please refer to MID-DISTILLATES CASH ($/T) ASIA CLOSE Change % Change Prev RIC Close Spot Gas Oil 0.5% 66.26 0.35 0.53 65.91 GO 0.5 Diff -0.40 0.00 0.00 -0.40 Spot Gas Oil 0.25% 66.46 0.35 0.53 66.11 GO 0.25 Diff -0.20 0.00 0.00 -0.20 Spot Gas Oil 0.05% 66.61 0.35 0.53 66.26 GO 0.05 Diff -0.05 0.00 0.00 -0.05 Spot Gas Oil 0.001% 67.46 0.30 0.45 67.16 GO 0.001 Diff 0.80 -0.05 -5.88 0.85 Spot Jet/Kero 66.20 0.46 0.70 65.74 Jet/Kero Diff -0.13 0.00 0.00 -0.13 For a list of derivatives prices, including margins, please double click the RICs below. Brent M1 Gasoil M1 Gasoil M1/M2 Gasoil M2 Regrade M1 Regrade M2 Jet M1 Jet M1/M2 Jet M2 Gasoil 500ppm-Dubai Cracks M1 Gasoil 500ppm-Dubai Cracks M2 Jet Cracks M1 Jet Cracks M2 East-West M1 East-West M2 LGO M1 LGO M1/M2 LGO M2 Crack LGO-Brent M1 Crack LGO-Brent M2 (Reporting by Jessica Jaganathan; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri)
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f378674%2fbd46fbd9-95ed-454f-9454-49af92a9cdc5

By now, it's a universally accepted fact that Fifty Shades Darker, the sequel to the Fifty Shades of Grey, is not worth your time.

While almost all critics have united in their disdain for the film, New York Magazine has blessed the world with at least one good reason to catch the film during opening weekend: Vin Diesel and The Chronicles of Riddick.

SEE ALSO: Ellen DeGeneres and Jamie Dornan turn up the heat in an office supply bondage sesh

You might be very confused as to why in the world Christian Grey would have anything to do with Diesel and the 2004 filmand even after seeing Fifty Shades Darker, you might still be confused.

Turns out during an intense scene in which our conflicted protagonist Anastasia and Grey have a confrontation about their flimsy relationship, a huge promotional poster of Diesel from The Chronicles of Riddick sits above the actors begging to be laughed at and noticed.

Both are Universal films, so as New York Magazine pointed out, it could just be a cross-promotional mess. Regardless, of those who have seen early screenings, it's turning out to be a lot of people's favorite part of the film so far.

The best thing about 'Fifty Shades Darker' is when you see a 'Chronicles of Riddick' poster in Christian Grey's teen room & everyone laughs.  Brian Formo (@BrianFormo) February 9, 2017

I can't stop thinking about the Chronicles of Riddick poster in Christian Grey's bedroom #FiftyShadesDarker pic.twitter.com/zoEm48Tz3q  Bex April May (@bexlectric) February 9, 2017

Favourite bit of Fifty Shades Darker: the fact that Christian Grey has a Chronicles Of Riddick poster on his bedroom wall.  Jordan Farley (@JordanFarley) February 9, 2017

"How do we communicate to everyone this scene is in the 2000s?"



PRODUCTION DESIGNER: "I've always wanted to do this lol"  C.G. Runyon (@CGRunyon) February 9, 2017

"How do we communicate to everyone this scene is in the 2000s?"



PRODUCTION DESIGNER: "I've always wanted to do this lol"  C.G. Runyon (@CGRunyon) February 9, 2017

Or maybe it means something much, much more than we could ever imagine. All we know is Grey totally would be a fan of Riddick.
Volunteers formed a human chain in the water to rescue dozens of pilot whales, after more than 400 of the species beached themselves in New Zealand.

Read: Chilean Navy Dives Into Ocean to Free Humpback Whale Tangled in Fishing Ropes

About 300 of the beached whales were dead by the time they were found Friday morning, APTN reported.

Its always a bit grim, especially this number, said Mike Ogle, a ranger from the Department of Conservation. This is a lot of dead whales.

Nearly 500 volunteers, including locals, tourists and rescue group Project Jonah raced to keep the surviving whales alive by placing blankets over them, and dousing them with buckets of water as they waited for high tide.

Volunteers were then able to help surviving whales back in the ocean, although nearly 100 more remained beached.

Theres a lot of death here, which is a sad thing, said Alex Waller, who was part of the volunteer rescue efforts. But hey, if we can get some of them out, thats got to be a good thing.

However, some experts were less optimistic. Ogle said they would not be able to assess how successful their efforts were in rescuing the whales for another day or so, especially since the pilot whales appeared to be weak.

They werent swimming off strongly. They werent looking very organized, Ogle explained.

Volunteers from around the country arrived at the remote beach at the northern tip of South Island to help rescue the whales, despite it being a three-hour drive and 15-minute hike from the nearest airport.

I was here first thing this morning, and there was a small group of us, said volunteer Kyle Mulinder, who arrived with Project Jonah. Ive never experienced death like this before. For such a majestic animal, its really strange to see them doing this.

Read: Fishermen Help Whale Tangled in Debris, Get Treated to an Epic Selfie

Some call the area, Farewell Spit, a whale trap, since it has been home to beachings in the past. The area is believed to confuse whales, however, experts are unsure what causes the whales to become beached.

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"This is the third largest mass stranding that we've recorded in our history, said marine biologist Rochelle Constantine, from Auckland University It's a very large one, [and] logistically it's a massive undertaking.

Watch: Marine Park Under Fire After Video Shows Captive Orca Banging Its Head Against A Gate

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South Africas simmering political crisis finally boiled over Thursday evening. What was supposed to be the South African presidents annual address erupted into fistfights and chaos in a bizarre incident that put the controversy over President Jacob Zumas scandal-plagued government on full display.

On Thursday, Zuma filed into the parliament to deliver his annual state of the nation address to cheers from his supporters and loud jeers from opposition parties.

Then, as he stood up to speak, opposition parliamentarians immediately stood up to speak over him  and didnt really stop for over an hour. Members of the radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters hurled accusations at Zuma for being corrupt and flouting the constitution while he sat quietly waiting for the jeers to die down to begin his speech.

Then, the EFFs leader yelled that security guards armed with cable ties and injections with biological weapons were outside the parliament waiting to detain MPs. He also yelled at the speaker of parliament for being used by Zuma. You went home, you slaughtered a cow, and he dumped you! he yelled. Its unclear what he meant there.

And then security guards came in to remove the rowdy EFF. Thats when the fistfight started:

Heres the brawl from another angle:

Zuma was purportedly heard chuckling from a live mic during the fight, while guests in the public gallery trying to watch what was supposed to be their presidents speech were pepper-sprayed.

After the EFF was removed, one MP repeatedly yelled F*CK YOU! while others chanted racists and no dogs here! to MPs in opposing parties.

Meanwhile, outside the parliament, police used stun grenades to quell protests against Zuma that briefly turned riotous:

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WATCH #SONA2017 stun grenades fired outside parliament . SM pic.twitter.com/cp1uQoLvrM  Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 9, 2017

After the chaos subsided, Zuma took to the stage to give an address on how 2017 was going to be a year of unity in action while half of the parliament stood up and walked out.

Zuma, a president with four wives but only 783 corruption charges against him, has hemorrhaged political support for the African National Congress thats ruled the country since 1994 after the end of the apartheid era.

He weathered three no confidence votes from parliament in the last year after he was caught in a major corruption scandal in 2016. In February, Zumas government suffered another blow when reports emerged that nearly 100 mental health patients died of starvation and negligence in the governments care. That was a major mobilizing force for the opposition heading into Zumas national address, Atlantic Council Africa expert Chloe McGrath told Foreign Policy.

McGrath said many werent surprised by the chaos. Fist fights, racial slurs, pepper spray are no longer an unusual occurrence in South Africa, she said. The country is in a state of political crisis, and yet somehow, Zuma persists, seemingly un-phased by the country falling to pieces around him, she said.

Photo credit: SUMAYA HISHAM/AFP/Getty Images
On the night when the nearly 200 volunteers from the Holy Trinity Catholic Church should have been greeting their family of refugees at the airport, they were at a candlelight vigil instead, praying for the two parents and their six young children, whose flight to a new life had been canceled by a presidential executive order.

The next day, when the volunteers had planned to settle the displaced Syrians into a home filled with furniture theyd collected over months of scrounging, and offering food theyd cooked that would be familiar and comforting, they were walking the halls of Congress instead, pleading their case to anyone in the House or Senate who would listen.

And in the coming days, instead of enrolling the children in school, and helping the father find work, and explaining how to navigate the bus system, enroll in English lessons and find a local mosque, they will be following statements by federal lawyers and judges and White House officials, hoping the legal door stays open long enough for them to get the strangers they all call our family onto another plane.

Despite all the talk of refugees since the Trump administration order freezing entry from seven predominantly Muslim countries, little attention has been paid to the Americans who are waiting to welcome them. By law, no refugee can be admitted to the United States without a volunteer organization to sponsor them and nurture them toward self-sufficiency.

The Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C., held a prayer vigil on Feb. 6 for a Syrian family whose arrival in the U.S. had been blocked by President Trumps travel ban. (Photo: Lisa Belkin/Yahoo News)

At Holy Trinity, a Jesuit parish in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, that group is more than ready, like adoptive parents pacing outside the fully stocked nursery for the child they have never met but already love.

These are our people, they are our family, they repeated over and over from one congressional office to the next this week, as well as to each other, almost like a prayer. We made a promise to help them. Help us keep that promise.

*****

It all began with that photo  the one taken in late August of 2015, of 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi, in his red shirt, blue shorts and tiny sneakers, face down in the surf on a Turkish beach, after the rubber raft carrying his fleeing family flipped in the waves.

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Twenty-five-year-old Chris Crawford saw that photo and decided he had to do something. He was already embarked on a life of service, active in pro-life marches and helping to run a youth ministry at Holy Trinity, which hed joined soon after college graduation, when he was considering becoming a Jesuit priest himself. After meeting his girlfriend at the church he chose not to enter the priesthood, but he remains committed to Pope Francis declarations that being pro-life means protecting all life, particularly and specifically including refugees.

Lauren Roy saw the same photo and was also moved to help. This breaks my heart, she told her husband over breakfast that morning. We need to do something, something real. What can we do? The couple, both raised and schooled at a Jesuit parish in Seattle, joined Holy Trinity when they moved to Washington in 2008, hoping to raise their five daughters in the same tradition. That afternoon she called Kate Tromble, the pastoral associate for social justice at Holy Trinity, and offered her basement as a new home for any refugee who might need it.

Eighteen months later, Crawford, Roy and Tromble are the coordinators of the Refugee Welcome Project at Holy Trinity, and the first thing they learned was that its not as simple as offering your basement. There are nine national voluntary agencies authorized by joint agreement of the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security to resettle refugees in the United States. Anyone entering the country as a refugee must go through one of the nine: the Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program, the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA, the Ethiopian Community Development Council, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the International Rescue Committee, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, and the World Relief and Corporation of National Association of Evangelicals.

A Turkish paramilitary police officer observes the lifeless body of 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi, whose death came to represent the plight of Syrian refugees, on a Turkish beach, Sept. 2, 2015. (Photo: Nilufer Demir/DHA/AP)

The groups prefer to settle refugees in neighborhoods where the cost of living is low enough to give a newcomer a good chance at becoming self-sufficient. The greatest number of Holy Trinitys congregants live in the Virginia suburbs outside of D.C., where rents are more expensive than in much of the rest of the country, but lower than other parts of the area. Tromble called around and learned that the only refugee group working there was Lutheran Social Services (LSS), an affiliate of the LIRS, which settles about 600 refugees in the area every year. So the LSS became their designated partner in this effort.

The next step was to decide what level of commitment the congregation was looking for. There are four, ranging from three months of involvement that mostly includes collecting home furnishings and conducting food drives before arrival, to a full year of involvement, which involves everything from finding and funding housing to offering friendship and help adapting to a new culture.

The Holy Trinity group quickly decided they were in at the highest level. It was clear pretty early on that accompaniment, walking side by side with a family, was what people felt called to do, Tromble says. Word spread, and soon they were signing up the first of an eventual 200 volunteers and raising a sum that would reach $60,000, several times the minimum required by the LSS.

Next the congregation had to prove itself capable of meeting the needs of a family that would arrive with next to nothing  a process that included a legal contract signed on behalf of the parish, and an orientation and security screening for all congregants who would come into contact with the newcomers. They were taught the philosophical underpinnings of the program  to make a family self-sufficient, able to pay their own bills and pay back within a year the loan the U.S. government provides upon entry. And they were taught practical matters as well: not to collect a lot of clothes in advance, allowing the family to dress in keeping with their own tastes, traditions and sizes, but to have coats ready at the airport for refugees arriving in winter from warm climates.

Once they were accepted as a co-sponsor, the Holy Trinity team ramped up. The volunteers were divided into committees for housing, transportation, education and food. Arabic speakers appeared from within the congregation, many of them former Foreign Service workers or current language students, who offered to serve as translators. Furniture donations poured in: a law firm that was remodeling its conference room offered what could serve as a large dining table with chairs; a congregant selling a condo provided three cars worth of bookcases, desks and rugs; there were bunk beds, and futons, and chests of drawers crammed into congregants storage units, basements and garages. An Amazon Wish List, with such items as garbage bags, garbage pails and laundry detergent, was bought out almost as soon as it was posted.

All this preparing took place against the backdrop of the 2016 presidential campaign, as Republican nominee Donald Trump began to speak out against refugees with increasing volume and venom.

We dont know anything about them, he said regularly on the stump. We dont know where they come from, who they are. Theres no documentation. Lock your doors, folks!

The talk worried Crawford. He describes himself as a single-issue pro-life voter; he organized for John McCain in 2008 (before he was even old enough to vote) and Mitt Romney in 2012, and he attended the March for Life in Washington every year. But Trumps statements on immigration, he says, made him realize he could not vote Republican that year.

A message on the wall of the multi-purpose room in the rectory of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where parishioners prepared to lobby for their family on Capitol Hill. (Photo: Lisa Belkin/Yahoo News)

He kept promising extreme vetting, but I knew all the levels of scrutiny these families were going through, and it was already extreme, Crawford says. Only a small percentage meet the existing standards, they have to produce paperwork and documentation and spend years passing interviews and tests, he says. I am pro-life, but the pope makes it clear that means all of life. Welcoming the most vulnerable is pro-life.

It was one thing to decide not to vote Republican, and another to back a candidate who supported the right to abortion. I went back and forth for weeks, he said. Do I vote for Clinton, or do I not vote at all? Crawford wrote two essays, one defending each option, and sent them to friends whose opinions he respected to debate the merits. In the end, he voted Democratic.

*****

On Nov. 14, six days after the election, the call came. Their case manager at the LSS had news  Holy Trinity had been matched with a specific family. And it was not just any family.

They said, its big, two parents and six children, and the father has a disability and uses a wheelchair, Tromble recalls. Some congregations wouldnt have the resources to support this large a group, but they thought we could do it. They wanted to know if we were up for it.

It was as if a prospective adoptive couple got the call that it was twins, or triplets. We took a deep breath and then decided, Yes, we were called to do this, Crawford says.

So now their family had names (which they have asked Yahoo News not to share, to protect their privacy) and ages (the children were 9 months through 12 years when the call came) and the outlines of a life story. They were Kurds who fled to Iraq from Syria in 2014 and registered as refugees with the United Nations. Their application had been in process for more than two years.

We added them by name to our prayers, Crawford says. Until then we had just prayed for our future refugee family.

We started looking for bunk beds, diapers and a crib, Roy says. And a wheelchair-accessible home.

On Jan. 23, three days after the inauguration, the LSS let Tromble know that the family had airline tickets in hand and would be arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport in exactly two weeks. The planning became granular. Who among the groups members would be part of the welcoming committee at the airport? What foods should be cooked for their first dinner? And there was still the challenge of a home, big enough for eight people and accessible to a wheelchair, that could be rented for $2,500 a month. They had a few possibilities, but each had a flaw; they had not signed a lease yet.

But, four days after that call, the president signed his executive order that severely restricted the entry of passport holders from seven predominantly Muslim countries, stopped all refugee admission for 120 days, and specifically barred the admission of Syrian refugees indefinitely.

A sign in front of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a Jesuit congregation, which has been working for more than a year to bring a Syrian refugee family to the U.S. (Photo: Lisa Belkin/Yahoo News)

On an emotional call with their case manager, the Holy Trinity group learned that the familys tickets had been canceled completely. Since the congregants had made all these preparations, they were asked, might they consider taking another family instead?

It was like a punch in the gut, a loss, almost like a death, Tromble says. We didnt want another family  we wanted our family.

If there was anyone who didnt think they were ours back when we found out who they were, Crawford says, the executive order solidified it.

The day the order was issued, Crawford attended the March for Life on the National Mall, holding a sign that said, I stand with people who are: unborn, undocumented, unemployed, undereducated, unhoused. The next day he rented a car and drove to Dulles airport to join in the protests. He held a sign there too, which read, No matter where you are from, were glad youre our neighbor in Spanish, English and Arabic.

Then he went back to his community and joined the rest of the group in fighting for their family.

Among the requirements for a refugee visa is a connection to someone in the United States. The father in this family had a friend in Arlington, Va. Through that friend Tromble found a cell phone number for the family, now in Iraq, and called it, finally talking directly to the man who until then had been just a name on a paper and a symbol of faith.

The father explained how he had given up the place where he had been living, taken his children out of school and sold everything the family could not carry, all in preparation for their departure for America. He did not know where he might live or how he might survive, now that Syrian refugees were barred indefinitely.

We expected death, he told Tromble of his journey from Syria. We didnt expect this.

*****

On Feb. 3 a federal judge in Seattle issued a stay against the executive order, which means that had the family arrived on their originally planned date of Feb. 6, they would have been permitted to enter. But because their tickets had been canceled on the ground in Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan, as soon as the executive order was issued, they had to wait for the next available flight, which, they were told, was not until Feb. 16.

So at 7 p.m. on Monday the 6th, at the time the original flight was to land, the parish held a candlelight vigil, where an overflow crowd prayed for the familys safety.

And the next day a group of 20 congregants walked several miles back and forth between the House and the Senate, meeting with aides in six different congressional offices. From Sen. John McCain to Rep. Barbara Comstock to Sen. Patrick Leahy to Sen. Richard Burr, they asked specifically for help in getting the family an earlier flight and more generally that the door be kept open to these refugees and others.

Parishioners from the Holy Trinity Church visited Sen. John McCains office, among others, during an all-day visit to Capitol Hill. (Photo: Lisa Belkin/Yahoo News)

They polished their appeal from one meeting to the next, telling the familys tale, stressing that they had passed every conceivable barrier and test, including the extra layers already added for Syrian nationals  like retinal scans to insure that the applicant who has been vetted is actually the person getting on the plane.

Linda Wiessler-Hughes, a congregant who retired from intelligence work after 33 years, the last part of which was spent in antiterrorism and antiradicalization work, stressed that no American has been killed in a terrorist attack by any refugee from any of the banned countries.

Refugees can be our best friends. They are our best way of knowing what is happening in the Muslin community, our best eyes and ears, she said. They are also our best ambassadors, she added. They spread the word back to their countries that America is a welcoming place.

And Annemarie Harthun, a lawyer who stepped away from practice to raise her children, stressed that by not being allowed to care for the most vulnerable, she and others like her were being denied the freedom to practice our religion. After the photo of Aylan Kurdi made its way around the world, Pope Francis urged every parish to shelter a refugee family, and he himself brought a dozen Syrian refugees back on his plane with him after a visit to Lesbos, Greece. Resettling refugees is how we demonstrate our faith  that is what we are called to do, Harthun said.

The last stop for the group of 20 was the office of Sen. Tim Kaine. If a rental could be found in Virginia  at this point they had still not found the right home  it would be in Kaines state, and the congregants were particularly looking forward to this visit.

They were standing in the hallway before the appointment when the senator himself walked up and said hello. He listened to their story. He agreed that the ban was outrageous, and the disruption it was causing was heartbreaking, and he promised that his staff would help in any they could.

Were Catholics, he told them. To call refugees the enemy when you wont even hold a floor debate on whether ISIL is the enemy, but to call those fleeing for their lives from ISIL the enemy, that is just wrong, he said. Then he posed for a photo with everyone.

As Kaine had promised, his staff offered to contact the American Consulate in Erbil to try and secure an earlier travel date for the family, but given that there were eight of them, and flights were few, Kaines staff was not optimistic.

Is there anything else we can do to help you help them? one of the Holy Trinity group asked as hands were shaken and goodbyes were said at the end.

Pray, came the reply.

During their visit to Capitol Hill, the Holy Trinity parishioners encountered Sen. Tim Kaine and told him the story of their family of Syrian refugees, who had been blocked from entering the U.S. (Photo: Lisa Belkin/Yahoo News)

*****

Crawford was up much of the night Wednesday, fielding some emails to prepare for the scheduled arrival of the family the following week, and other emails fretting that a ruling by a court between now and then might upend the plan yet again.

He was so tired at work on Thursday that he left early for home, where he sprawled, exhausted, on his sofa. There were details to be tended to in his inbox  most urgently the fact that a lease had not yet been signed  and a Plan B was forming to use hotels or Airbnb rentals should the family arrive before a more permanent place could be found.

At 6:15 his phone began to buzz with news that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, in San Francisco, had denied the governments appeal to reinstate the ban. So Crawford stood himself up and got back to work on his computer, newly energized.

This is a good development, but its not over yet, he said. Im not going to exhale until they land next week. Then he corrected himself. Im not going to exhale until we leave the airport and bring them home.

Read more from Yahoo News:
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - More than 27 percent fewer monarch butterflies migrated to Mexican forests during the 2016/2017 season, a study showed on Thursday, fueling concerns the orange-and-black insect could face growing threats from weather and deforestation. During the second half of December 2016, monarch butterflies covered 2.91 hectares (7.2 acres) of fir and pine forests in the central states of Michoacan and Mexico, compared with 4.01 hectares (9.9 acres) in the same period in the previous year, the study said. Led by the World Wildlife Fund, Mexico's National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), and others, the study cited fewer mating sites, extreme weather and deforestation as threats to the migration of the monarch butterfly. Monarch density in Mexico reached a record low during the 2013/2014 season, when the butterfly occupied just 0.67 hectares (1.6 acres) of the forests, the study noted. While their numbers have rebounded in recent years since, they are still well below what they were two decades ago. The butterflies congregate in Mexico and then go through several generations as they fly north on their long migration to Canada. Their plight has become an international issue in the past. In February 2014, the United States, Mexico and Canada agreed to set up a joint task force to protect the butterflies. Monarchs lay eggs only on milkweed plants, which grow wild throughout the United States. But milkweed, on which butterfly larvae feed, can cause stomach problems for cattle that eat it, so ranchers and farmers destroy the plant, researchers say. (Reporting by Natalie Schachar; Editing by Sandra Maler)
The mass stranding of more than 400 pilot whales on the beaches of New Zealand on Friday ranks among the worst in a nation accustomed to the phenomenon.

The cause of the beaching was unknown, though officials said the shallow bay and jutting hook shape of Farewell Spit, near Nelson, could have trapped the pod of Pilot whales.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation said it was the country's third-worst mass stranding; the biggest occurred when 1,000 whales beached at the remote Chatham Islands in 1918, followed by 450 that washed ashore in Auckland in 1985.

Here are other notable mass strandings of cetaceans from around the world.

- Argentina -

The International Whaling Commission says animals can swim to their deaths on shore, or die at sea and wash up on the beach later.

Strandings can occur for natural reasons, like age and disease, or from man-made disruption, such as environmental degradation or collision with ships.

One of the largest known mass beachings in the last century was of false killer whales in October 1946, when an estimated 835 false killer whales were stranded near Mar del Plata in Argentina.

- Chile -

In December 2015 more than 300 whales were discovered washed up on a remote Patagonian inlet in southern Chile. Scientists at the time called the sight of the stranding "apocalyptic".

A surge in algae in the water, known as a "red tide", was believed to be the culprit. It bloomed across the ocean around Chile in the early months of 2016, choking to death an estimated 40,000 tons of salmon in the Los Lagos region -- or some 12 percent of the country's annual production of the fish.

In July 2016 some 70 dead whales were also found on the southern Chile coast.

- Madagascar -

In May 2008 around a hundred whales swam onto the beaches of Madagascar and three quarters of them perished, in the first mass beaching blamed on high-frequency sonar mapping systems deployed in the hunt for oil.

According to a report released by the International Whaling Commission in 2013, the culprit was as a high-power 12 kilohertz multibeam echosounder system operated by an ExxonMobil vessel about 65 kilometres (40 miles) offshore. The company disagreed with the findings.

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The use of anti-submarine sonars was also suspected of causing the mass-beaching of whales in 2002, when some 15 beaked whales perished in the Canaries after a NATO exercise.

- Japan -

In April 2015, around 150 melon-headed whales were discovered washed up on a stretch of beach in Japan.

The cetaceans, which usually live in deep water and are a member of the dolphin family, were thought to have either suffered from a parasitic infection that disrupted their ability to navigate, or had become unable to navigate in the sandy shoals.
Mike Pence is not prone to winging it. A lawyer-by-training and cautious politician-by-habit, Pence was preparing for a series of interviews and wanted more information. So Pence, then the Vice President-elect, picked up his phone on Jan. 14 and called up the man who would have the suite of offices next to his in the West Wing.

Of incoming National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, Pence asked: What were people talking about when they mentioned Flynns conversations with Russias Ambassador to Washington? Did Flynn tell Sergey Kislyak that the Trump team would lift the sanctions that President Obama had just put into place, as some were reporting?

What happened next showed a developing problem for the Trump Administration, and one that appears it wont be resolved soon: A culture of misinformation and falsehoods that hurts the White Houses credibility and breeds mistrust among key players inside.

Flynn told Pence there was nothing to these rumors. They were merely efforts to hurt the incoming President, Donald Trump, and they would die out. That satisfied Pence, who relayed that message to several news organizations on the weekend before the Trump team assumed power. Pence brushed off the questions as bizarre rumors that have swirled around Trump. I can confirm those elements were not a part of that discussion, Pence told CBS News Face the Nation.

Weeks later, Pence was starting to doubt that he fully understood the whole story, or that Flynn was completely forthcoming with facts. Now settling into his office on the western front of the West Wing, with Flynn a few steps away, he started asking his aides to double-check some of Flynns assessments. None of the answers left Pence with much confidence. Beyond his faith in God, Pence isnt one to blindly trust.

By Thursday night, Pence knew for sure they had a problem. The Washington Post, based on interviews with nine officials, confirmed Flynn had in fact implied to the Russian Ambassador that the Trump Administration would take a kinder view of Moscow than did President Obama and economic penalties could be eased. Several officials questioned the legality of the communication, seeming to circumvent the still-in-power Obama Administration which had imposed the sanctions in response to Russias interference in the 2016 elections.

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Flynn initially denied that he had made those overtures, both to reporters and to White House colleagues. Later, an aide said Flynn did not recall making them, seeming to soften the absolute denial. Some inside the White House were livid. The Flynn statements that they were merely exchanging Christmas greetings seemed a bit flimsy now.

For a White House so bent on discrediting the media, they were facing a problem at home. These errors haunt Administrations, and there seemed to be no consequences.

Pence was stewing silently, according to two White House officials who demanded anonymity in order to discuss the sensitive internal matter. One of those officials said Pence had ordered an informal investigation into how and why Flynn had misled the Vice President and, through him, the country. Had Pence been better informed, he could have dodged the questions or obfuscated, rather than put his credibility on the line for an aide who has dragged controversy at his side for a long while. Pences reputation as a straight shooter stood to be dinged, so Pence told his aides to spread far and wide that Flynn was responsible for not telling the Vice President the truth.

This goes beyond the palace intrigueand there has been no shortage of that Washington staple in the three weeks since Trump assumed office. Rather, it goes to the very serious questions about how the Trump White House tells its version of truths and then confronts incorrect information that it shares.

The Flynn revelations are embarrassing and come after months of speculation about how, exactly, Trump and his advisers view Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin. Just days after moving into the White House, the Wall Street Journal published a bombshell report that Flynn was the target of counterintelligence operations at the FBI, CIA and the National Security Agency over his contacts with Russia. Trump brushed it off at the time. He has a tendency to trust Generals, and Mike Flynn was his kind of General.

Even so, White House officials are increasingly impatient with Flynn. This was not Flynns first (screw) up, one official told TIME.

Nor was Pence the only person to get tripped up by trusting Flynn. White House chief of staff Reince Priebus told NBCs Meet the Press that he had also asked Flynn about the calls with Russia and was assured sanctions did not come up. White House press secretary Sean Spicer, too, had issued denials of reports about Flynns calls with the Russians. Both of those individuals trusted Flynn to tell them the truth, and apparently he did not.

But the headache goes beyond Flynn, who was in the front row of the formal East Room of the White House when Trump welcome Japanese Prime Minister Abe on Friday and joined the world leaders on a weekend trip to Trumps Mar-a-Largo estate in Florida. Now, ending its third week of work in the storied West Wing, the Trump team is increasingly tired and having trouble relaying a cogentand honestseries of facts about its actions in public.

The boss with the office shaped like an oval doesnt much mind the chaos stemming from poor press relations, and Trumps supporters cheer on efforts to delegitimize the media. Fake news is the new way to deride any report that doesnt champion Trump. Trump has no problem dashing off tweets that are not grounded in facts.

But Trumps aides are not making this easy on themselves. Take White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, who had repeatedly cited the non-existent Bowling Green Massacre to justify the Administrations efforts to ban some immigrants and refugees. (She clarified it later.) She also coined alternative facts as a euphemism for her spin on a situation.

Spicer invoked an Atlanta terror attack that didnt happen. (He meant Orlando.) He also was forced to go before the White House briefing room to defend Trumps unfounded claim that millions of votes were cast illegally in November. The President does believe that, Spicer said under repeated questioning.

More broadly, there is a deep distrust of what these officials are saying from their perches of power. Conway used a visit to the briefing room to do television interviewsand in the process plugged First Daughter Ivanka Trumps fashion brand in violation of ethics laws. She and Spicer sparred with CNN over whether she had declined a Sunday show appearance or the cable network had passed her over, while Spicer saw his performance memorably lampooned on Saturday Night Live in a sketch that may have hurt him with his boss.

For the moment, Trump has the backs of his aides, including Flynn. Conway apologized to Trump for the Ivanka episode and he accepted it. All three have spent considerable time with the President this week.

And officials say Pence is likely to let the Flynn affair pass in coming days. The Vice President simply has too much going on to fret over someone misleading him, and its not as though he would ask Trump to pick sides. As the official rightly noted: Flynn can be fired, and Pence cannot.

Maybe some of this could be avoided if there were a tweak at the top. The White House is without a communications director, a role with a benign title but one that, in a typical White Houses, plays a vital role in planning the White Houses strategy on press and policy. Spicer has been assuming that portfolio at the moment, but hes already in a pressure-cooker job with little bandwidth for the tough, long-term planning that the communications czar requires. Conway has been helping out, but theres little point in sketching out too many details in a White House where the President is messager-in-chief.

If Trump wants to continue scripting this drama, perhaps he is the only one who can change this arc.

 With reporting by Zeke J. Miller
Bombshell revelations about National Security Advisor Michael Flynns potentially illegal conversations with the Russian ambassador have sullied his credibility, jeopardized his status in the White House, and fueled suspicions that the Trump administration is intent on appeasing a resurgent Moscow.

The episode  in which Flynn reportedly chatted with the Russian ambassador about the possibility of lifting sanctions on Moscow before President Donald Trump took office  reinforces growing concerns among lawmakers in Congress and European allies about Trumps apparently unshakable affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

With Flynn already mired in a power struggle with the presidents chief strategist, Stephen Bannon, and other officials, the embarrassing incident threatens to further undercut his influence and bolster Bannons role.

Flynn had insisted he never discussed sanctions in a series of phone calls in late December with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. But after numerous officials told the Washington Post otherwise, Flynn walked back his strenuous denials. His spokesman told the Post that while Flynn had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, the White House  which usually does not hesitate to hit back at unfavorable reporting  did not rush to Flynns defense on Friday.

After questions were raised last month about Flynns phone calls, Vice President Mike Pence had vehemently denied any sanctions talk had taken place. But on Friday, the vice presidents office said Pence had made those comments to CBS News based on Flynns own account of the phone calls.

The question now is whether Flynn will continue to stand by his previous statements and whether the White House will continue to stand by Flynn, said Susan Hennessey, a fellow at the Brookings Institution who worked as an attorney in the National Security Agencys Office of General Counsel.

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It is unclear what the leaks might mean for Flynn, who was on hand at the White House for the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday. President Trump was not asked about the reports on Flynn during a brief press conference, where he only took two questions from the American press. In theory, Flynn could face potential charges for violating the Logan Act, which bars private citizens from negotiating with foreign governments on issues affecting the U.S. government, though no one has ever been convicted under the law that dates back to 1799.

The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

The timing of Flynns phone conversations raised red flags, because the calls came just as the outgoing Obama administration was preparing to impose a new round of sanctions on Russia over its meddling in the U.S. election, including hacking into the emails of campaign aides to Trumps Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

As a career military intelligence officer, who once ran the Defense Intelligence Agency, Flynn should have been aware that the countrys spy agencies would have been eavesdropping on any phone call from the Russian ambassador and that intelligence officials would have had access to the transcript, former senior officials said.

In his phone calls to the Russian ambassador, Flynn reportedly made clear that ties with Moscow would improve under Trumps watch, after a rocky period during the Obama administration.

Democrats expressed outrage over the allegations, and the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Adam Schiff, demanded Flynn resign if the media reports proved accurate.

The allegation that Gen. Flynn, while President Obama was still in office, secretly discussed with Russias ambassador ways to undermine the sanctions levied against Russia for its interference in the presidential election on Donald Trumps behalf, raises serious questions of legality and fitness for office, Schiff said in a statement.

If he did so, and then he and other administration officials misled the American people, his conduct would be all the more pernicious, and he should no longer serve in this administration or any other.

Other Democrats, alarmed by accusations that Flynn discussed the lifting of sanctions and then lied about doing so, urged House and Senate intelligence committees to accelerate their investigations into potential ties between Trumps top aides and the Russian government.

Im hoping that todays news will provide even greater impetus for a bipartisan, no holds-barred investigation, Rep. Mike Quigley, a Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, told Foreign Policy. Theres a little more urgency because theyve pushed the envelope. These concerns go way beyond just mistakes.

Both committees are currently carrying out bipartisan investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign, including any intelligence regarding links between Russia and individuals associated with political campaigns, the chair and ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee announced last month.

Apart from accounts of Flynns phone conversations with the Russian ambassador, U.S. intelligence officials continue to collect information related to possible links between Trumps campaign and Russian representatives. CNN reported Friday that some details of a dossier compiled by a former British intelligence agent have been corroborated by U.S. investigators, giving them greater confidence in the dossiers overall credibility. None of the new information related to salacious allegations in the dossier, according to CNN, and officials said they are still seeking to verify other elements of the report.

Republicans initially refused to expand the scope of the investigation to Trumps aides, but when Democrats threatened to boycott, the two sides came to an agreement. Still, Democrats remain worried that Republicans could slow-roll the investigation.

Theres a concern that this will take too long and we wont get the information we need, Quigley said.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the reports of Flynns phone calls underscored the gravity and the urgency of its probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Flynn reportedly is under investigation as part of ongoing inquiries into the Trump teams contacts and ties to Russia. The FBI is investigating Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign chief; Carter Page, a former advisor to the campaign; and Roger Stone, a Republican political operative and longtime supporter of Trump.

In addition to an unlikely Logan Act indictment, Flynn could face charges based on other criminal statutes that prohibit a U.S. citizen from taking direction or providing assurances to agents of a foreign power. But legal experts said it was highly unlikely Flynn would be indicted  unless he lied to any federal investigators. It remains unclear if investigators have interviewed Flynn.

Retired Gen. James Cartwright was convicted of making false statements to federal investigators related to his role in leaking information to the New York Times about a U.S. cyberattack on Irans nuclear program. Former President Barack Obama pardoned Cartwright before he left office.

The revelations about Flynn only serve to fuel deep disquiet in Congress and among career diplomats and intelligence officers about the Trump administrations persistent overtures to Russia without clear demands for concessions in return. Trump has repeatedly flirted with the idea of lifting sanctions on Russia in exchange for better relations in general, or cooperation in the fight against the Islamic State.

As Russia already claims to be targeting the Islamic State while it props up Bashar al-Assads regime in Syria, its not clear what Washington would be getting in exchange for lifting an array of sanctions that were imposed for Moscows seizure of Crimea and its backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Some experts and former officials with contacts in Washington and Moscow predict the Trump White House will strike a deal in coming months that would remove sanctions in return for Russian assistance in the fight against the Islamic State in Syria and in places like Libya, where Moscow wants to extend its influence.

Thats fueling consternation in Congress. This week six Republicans and six Democrats proposed a bill to require a review of any measure to lift sanctions on Russia.

There are some, including in the administration, who believe that maybe we can do a deal with Vladimir Putin where he helps us fight against ISIS and in return we lift sanctions, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio said in a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday, using an alternate acronym for the Islamic State.

The idea was unrealistic and problematic, said the Florida senator, and would play into Russias effort to have a veto over U.S. influence across Eastern Europe or other potential spheres of influence.

Why do we have to do a deal with Vladimir Putin to fight ISIS? He already claims that he is. Why would we then have to cut a deal to encourage him to do what he claims to already be doing?

FP reporters John Hudson and Paul McLeary contributed to this report.

Photo Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Photo credit: Giphy

From Dr. Oz The Good Life

Ewwww! Doctors in India remove LIVE cockroach from woman's skull. Check out the video and read my upcoming @CNN story pic.twitter.com/Z7CfxaVcOW - Doug Criss (@CNNDoug) February 8, 2017

In Russia, there's a saying for never knowing what metaphorical demons someone is battling: "You don't know what kind of cockroaches they have in their head."

Well, for one woman in Chennai, India, that saying turned out to be a little more literal. According to CNN, the 42-year-old woke up one night with labored breathing and a severe headache that had an "itchy, scratchy feeling to it."

She went to a nearby medical college, where doctors conducted an endoscopy and realized there was something moving around in her head.

"We didn't know what it was," M.N. Shankar, professor and head of the Ear, Nose, Throat Department at Stanley Medical College, told CNN. "We didn't know whether it was a wasp, or some other insect. Slowly, we had to pull it out."

Almost an hour later, they pulled out a cockroach - 1 inch long and still very much alive.

The way the cockroach got there is equally troubling: According to Shankar, it must have "burrowed into the roof of the nose, almost near the skull base," and then set up residence in its comfy new home between her eyes. Shankar estimated it was there for about 12 hours before it was removed.

The woman's headache and breathing problems stopped after the operation, but it was a good thing that she went to the hospital. Had the roach stayed in her body, it would have likely caused an infection that could have been fatal, Shankar said.

Shankar told The Daily Mail that she has never seen anything like this in her 30 years of practice. She also said there's no reliable way to prevent a cockroach from crawling into your skull while you sleep, so good luck sleeping ever again.
Aden (AFP) - Yemeni government forces took full control of the Red Sea coastal town of Mokha on Friday after weeks of deadly fighting with Shiite rebels and their allies, a spokesman said.

Before the 19th Century, Mokha was Yemen's main port and export hub for coffee grown in the highlands and its historical symbolism meant it was fiercely fought over.

"We have done with the Battle of Mokha," armed forces spokesman Mohammed al-Naqib told AFP, adding that the rebels had been forced to flee the town.

Another loyalist military source confirmed that government forces were in "full control".

The rebels had put up fierce resistance in the town. Twenty-four rebels and eight loyalist troops were killed in fighting on Wednesday alone.

Tens of thousands of civilians were trapped in the fighting. Many of them had sought refuge in Mokha after fleeing their homes in towns to the south as government forces pushed up the coast.

The UN humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, said late last month that "scores of civilians" had been killed or wounded by shelling and sniper fire around Mokha or by air strikes carried out in support of government forces by a Saudi-led coalition.

He said most services in the town had ground to a halt, including the mains water supply.

- Next target Hodeida -

Government forces had already taken Mokha's docks earlier this month but there was heavy fighting in other parts of the town before the rebels withdrew north towards the main Red Sea port city of Hodeida, which they still control.

"We now preparing for the second phase of the battle for the coast, which is to advance towards Hodeida," the loyalist armed forces spokesman said.

Before the government launched its offensive on January 7, the rebels controlled virtually all of Yemen's 450 kilometre (280 miles) Red Sea coastline.

But with the support of the Saudi-led coalition, the loyalists have made their biggest advances in months in heavy fighting that has seen more than 400 combatants killed.

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Despite nearly two years of coalition air and ground support, government forces had previously been almost entirely confined to the south and areas along the Saudi border.

The rebels hold the capital Sanaa and most of the northern and central highlands as well as the coast around Hodeida.

The coalition has enforced an air and sea blockade of rebel-held territory that prevented the rebels making any use of Mokha's small docks.

All deliveries of basic goods are under UN supervision and those by sea pass through Hodeida making the port city vital to the rebels.

Late last month, the rebels carried out a rare seaborne attack on a Saudi frigate on patrol in the Red Sea, killing two sailors.

Last year, there were missile attacks from rebel-held territory on two US warships in the Red Sea and a United Arab Emirates vessel contracted to the coalition.

Washington responded with missile strikes.

- Humanitarian crisis -

The Red Sea is one of the world's most important shipping lanes linking to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and Washington has deployed warships to ensure it is kept open despite the conflict raging onshore.

The United Nations has called repeatedly for a ceasefire in the government's offensive to allow the delivery of desperately needed relief supplies.

UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien warned last month that Yemen could face famine this year if no immediate action is taken.

Nationwide, 17.1 million Yemeni's are now struggling to feed themselves and 7.3 million of those are in need of emergency assistance, UN agencies reported on Friday.

UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed has criticised President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi for refusing to discuss a political transition plan that would pave the way for government of national unity.

Hadi, who spends most of his time in neighbouring Saudi Arabia because of insecurity in second city Aden where his government has its base, has rejected the plan, which would see him cede most of his powers.
SANAA (Reuters) - Rebels controlling Yemen's capital called on the United Nations on Friday to take action to end violence that has destroyed large parts of the country and to investigate bombings carried out by a Saudi-led coalition. In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Houthi movement urged the U.N. to investigate a Saudi-led airstrike on a funeral in Sanaa last year and not renew the term of U.N. peace envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed. "The United Nations should take a serious stance against the foreign aggression in Yemen and end the air and naval blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia," the letter quoted Saleh al-Sammad, a Houthi official, as saying. The statement is a blow to the U.N., which has sought since 2015 to end fighting between the Iran-aligned Houthis and a Saudi-led alliance of mainly Gulf states in a conflict that has unleashed mass hunger and disease and killed over 10,000 people. Ould Cheikh Ahmed, who has served as United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen since April 2015, has brokered several ceasefires, which have however foundered within days. Earlier this week, Yemeni government forces backed by Gulf Arab troops recaptured control of the Red Sea city of al-Mokha in a push that paved the way for an advance on Hodeidah, the country's main port city. The U.N. said on Friday that the Saudi-led coalition had intensified air strikes on Hodeidah, possibly trapping civilians and hampering a humanitarian operation to import vital food and fuel supplies. The statement also expressed concern that civilians in al-Mokha had been deliberately targeted by Houthi-linked gunmen during the battle for control of the port. Across Yemen, some 12 million people, roughly half the population, face the threat of famine and conditions are worsening, the United Nations warned on Wednesday as it appealed for $2.1 billion to fund food and other life-saving aid. (Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari; Writing by Tom Finn; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
NEW YORK (AP)  A New York City man has admitted to plotting to help the Islamic State group.

Fareed Mumuni pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Brooklyn to charges that he planned to aid the extremist organization and tried to kill a federal agent searching his Staten Island home.

Prosecutors say the 22-year-old Mumuni attacked the agent with a kitchen knife, but the agent's body armor protected him.

He and his co-defendant, Munther Omar Saleh, are suspected of plotting an attack using a pressure cooker. Saleh is expected to plead guilty Friday.

The two were part of a group of six that planned to travel overseas and fight for ISIS. Three New Jersey residents have admitted to their roles in the 2015 case.

Mumuni is scheduled to be sentenced May 16.
A Texas middle-schooler is wearing a suit and tie every day of Black History Month. (Photo: Getty Images)

There arent many middle school kids out there willing to make a fashion statement and stand out from their peers. There also arent a lot of them who take on special independent history projects. TJ Collins is doing both to celebrate Black History Month, and hes looking mighty dapper in the process.

The student at North Belton Middle School in Belton, Texas, is dressing up in a suit and tie every day in February, each outfit representing a different notable African-American he will study for the day, the young man told local station KWTX. Hes not just studying the same handful of famous historical names everyone talks about this month, either.

It means a lot, and Im going deeper in my culture, instead of just talking about Malcolm X and Rosa Parks, who obviously did something great, but Im going deeper into people who also did other things great, Collins said.

On the day he was interviewed for television this week, he wore a pinstripe suit and purple shirt and tie to represent Bob Johnson, the creator of BET and the first black billionaire.

Where did his family get enough suits for a growing boy to wear for 28 days? We went to J.C. Penneys a lot, and Burlington, theyre getting some money from us, he said.

As if Collins wasnt already every teachers and parents dream, he told KWTX that he may just keep up his study after February ends.

If I want to learn about one black activist, I can keep learning about him no matter what, he said. Its not just one month of the year.

Related: 9 Inspiring Black Fashion Bloggers You Should Know Now

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
The Galaxy S8's batteries are bound to get a lot of attention. Samsung has already laid out its plans to avoid another Note 7 disaster, but there hasn't been much concrete information about the battery capacity for the new flagships.

According to a new report, the larger of the two S8 phones will offer less capacity than last year's S7 Edge, but the smaller S8 model will offer the same as the S7.

Credit: Dkonovlov/DeviantArt

Credit: Dkonovlov/DeviantArt

Korea's The Investor is reporting that the 5.7-inch Galaxy S8 will come with a 3,000-mAh battery, while the bigger 6.2-inch S8 (that's a huge screen) will have a 3,500-mAh battery. Other Galaxy S8 rumors have pointed to a 3,250-mAh pack for the S8 and 3,750-mAh for the S8 Plus.

The 5.5-inch S7 Edge actually featured a larger capacity battery of 3,600 mAh, and the 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 had a 3,000-mAh pack.

Is there cause for worry about battery life? After all, one could expect less endurance out of the larger S8, because Samsung would be offering less capacity for a bigger screen.

On the other hand, the Snapdragon 835 processor that's expected to power the S8  a chip for which Samsung supposedly has an early exclusive  is designed to be 25 percent more power efficient. So it's possible that both the S8 and S8 Plus could wind up lasting longer on a charge with the same size or even smaller batteries.

On the Tom's Guide Battery Test, which involves continuous web surfing over 4G LTE, last year's S7 Edge lasted a very good 10 hours and 09 minutes, versus 8:43 for the regular S7.

We'll have to wait until we get both S8's in our lab to see how long they last on a charge. Samsung is expected to announce the phones in March, and the S8 phones should go on sale by early April.

See also : The Most Amazing iPhone 8 Concepts
The wraps will soon come off the Galaxy S8. We already know Samsung won't be debuting its new flagship at Mobile World Congress in late February, but we now have a much better idea of when it will be unveiled to the public.





A Galaxy S8 concept. Credit: iPhone-Crash/YouTube

A Galaxy S8 concept. Credit: iPhone-Crash/YouTube

Samsung will be holding a press event late in March in New York City to unveil its Galaxy S8, The Wall Street Journal is reporting on Friday, citing people who claim to have knowledge of its plans. While the sources didn't provide an exact date, earlier reports have suggested that Samsung could hold the event on March 29.

Samsung's Galaxy S8 is one of the more sought-after and rumored devices in the mobile industry. When the device reaches store shelves, it's expected to offer a curved screen and move its home button to under its display. Samsung will also offer the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 in the device and will feature an all-new virtual personal assistant named Bixby.

MORE: Galaxy S8 Could Cost Nearly $1,000

The Journal's sources on Friday corroborated many of the rumors that have surfaced of late, including Samsung's plans to offer two versions of the Galaxy S8 with different screen sizes. However, apparently both versions will come with curved screens, a big departure from the Galaxy S7, which came in two variants but only one that had a curved display.

In addition, the Galaxy S8 will likely come with a button on the side that will be used to activate Bixby, according to the Journal's sources. However, it's now believed that Bixby won't be based on Viv Labs' technology and instead be an upgraded version of Samsung's earlier assistant, S Voice. There had been some hope that Bixby would rely solely on the technology developed by Viv Labs, but that apparently isn't happening.

Exactly when the Galaxy S8 will reach store shelves remains to be seen, but it's been rumored that Samsung is planning a mid-April release for the upcoming handset.

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See also : The Best Tech Deals Right Now
ROME (Reuters) - Italy's foreign ministry was hacked last year, a source close to the department said on Friday, confirming a report in the Guardian newspaper which also said Russia was suspected of perpetrating the attack. Last spring, hackers got into the system at the ministry, which was then headed by now-Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, and the attacks carried on for more than four months but did not gain access to classified information, the paper said. "The Italian government had already informed (the paper) of what it is reporting today," the source said in response to the article, noting that security had since been stepped up. "These were not attacks on the encrypted computer system which carries the most important and sensitive information, but the email system for staff at the foreign ministry and embassies," the source said. Gentiloni, who took over as premier in December, was not affected by the attack, the Guardian quoted a government official as saying. He avoided using email when he was serving as foreign minister, the paper said. According to the Guardian, two people with knowledge of the attack said the Russian state was believed to have been behind it. The source close to the ministry could not confirm this. Cyber crime has come into sharp focus since United States intelligence agencies accused Russia of interfering in last year's U.S. election. The Russian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday's report. The Kremlin has described allegations of Russian interference in the U.S. election as "fabricated" and "a witch hunt". An Italian government source told Reuters this year that the foreign ministry had been hacked in the past and that Rome suspected the perpetrators were Russian, but that it is impossible to say with certainty where such attacks came from. Last month, an Italian brother and sister were arrested on suspicion of hacking into the emails of European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and thousands of others. The police chief who conducted the investigation said there was no evidence they had acted on behalf of foreign states. (Reporting by Isla Binnie; Additional reporting by Antonella Cinelli; Editing by Louise Ireland)
By Jamie Freed SYDNEY (Reuters) - Macquarie Group and ING Direct on Friday said they would start using Apple Inc's mobile payment service in Australia this month, hoping to snatch market share from the major retail banks through digital technology. So far only one of the major banks, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, has adopted the Apple Pay system, creating an opportunity for smaller rivals in a market dominated by the so-called Big Four lenders. ING Direct and Macquarie have well-known brand names and national reach, giving them a potential leg up over similar-sized regional rivals like Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and Bank of Queensland in attracting retail banking and mortgage customers with technology. "In the context of the Big Four, it feels like the sector is ripe for disruption," Dominic Walsh, a managing director of branding firm Landor Associates, told Reuters. If you are a competitor like an ING or one of these other challenger entrants you need to provide a product that is superior. The major lenders ANZ, National Australia Bank Ltd, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Corp control about 80 percent of Australia's mortgage market and regulators are likely to welcome greater competition from smaller banks mobile banking platforms. ING Direct and Macquarie, which each have less than 3 percent retail market share, both lack physical branch networks. That gives them a cost advantage over the Big Four but means they rely on digital channels and word of mouth. In September, Macquarie introduced a smartphone banking app that took its design cues from products like Spotify and Facebook. Macquarie Bank Head of Personal Banking Ben Perham said the introduction of Apple Pay, allowing customers to make payments with iPhones and Apple Watches, would further enhance the bank's digital offering. Weve seen strong interest in Apple Pay from our customers and were delighted to confirm it will be available later this month," he said in a statement. ING Direct Executive Director, Customers John Arnott said most of the Dutch-owned bank's 500,000 Orange Everday account customers preferred to connect through mobile devices. "For many of them, their smartphone is their bank, and it's a natural extension that their iPhone will also become their wallet," he said in a statement. ING Direct has operated in Australia since 1999, with an initial focus on high-interest savings accounts. The bank, which also offers mortgages, has plans to introduce new credit card and life insurance products. Other banks, representing two-thirds of credit card issuers, have asked the competition regulator for permission to bargain collectively with Apple. A draft decision went against the banks, but a final decision has not been made. [nL4N1DU14N] (Reporting by Jamie Freed; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Microsoft wants to be able to tell its customers when the government has requested data/information on them.

In a victory for technology companies and their customers, a federal judge in Seattle has ruled Microsoft has the right to sue the Department of Justice on behalf of its customers over the governments practice of placing a gag order on companies when requesting customer data.

The case, which started more than one year ago, was filed by Microsoft to challenge the governments ability to request access to customer data while preventing the company from informing customers.

When an agency asks for access to user data and communications, it often places a gag order on the company its getting the data from. The order prevents the company from informing the customer subjected to the data search of what is happening. Often times, those gag orders had no end date, meaning the customer will never learn the government accessed their data.

Microsoft challenged the secrecy orders issued by the government and argued the First and Fourth Amendment rights of its customers were being violated. When Microsoft filed its suit against the government, it said it had received 2,576 gag orders over demands for dataincluding 1,752, or 68 percent, that had no end date.

The Department of Justice countered the claim by insisting Microsoft has not suffered any "concrete injury" by not disclosing information to its customers and that Microsoft cant bring a Fourth Amendment claim on behalf of others.

United States District Judge James Robart ruled largely in the favor of Microsoft. He allowed the Fourth Amendment question to be dropped but wrote in his ruling, In at least some circumstances, however, the Governments interest in keeping investigations secret dissipates after an investigation concludes and at that point, First Amendment rights may outweigh the Government interest in secrecy."

In essence, Robarts ruling allows Microsoft to continue forward with its case, granting the company the right to sue on behalf of its customerscustomers who would never know they have reason to sue because Microsoft is prevented from informing them.

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Were pleased this ruling enables our case to move forward toward a reasonable solution that works for law enforcement and ensures secrecy is used only when necessary.  Brad Smith, Microsoft's president and chief legal officer, told International Business Times.

If the name of Justice Robart is familiar, its because the judges recent ruling have placed him in the spotlight. He is the same judge who placed a nationwide, temporary restraining order on President Donald Trumps executive action temporarily banning travel from seven majority-Muslim countries and indefinitely barring refugees from Syria from entering the U.S.

Microsoft received support from a number of other tech companies regarding their case, including Apple, Google, Twitter and Snapchat. The companies have likely also been given gag orders during government requests for data.

The court case marks a continuation of attempts to clarify the text of the 1986 Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), which has been used by authorities to gather data without a warrant. Congress recently passed the Email Privacy Act, which would update the text of the law to require agencies get a warrant before accessing a persons data or digital communications.

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NEW YORK (AP)  A prolific foreign hacker behind sophisticated cyberattacks that netted an estimated $55 million was sentenced Friday to eight years in prison in rare win for law enforcement officials who have identified, but failed to arrest, hundreds of others like him.

Prosecutors in federal court in Brooklyn had sought up to 14 years behind bars for Ercan Findikoglu, a Russian-speaking Turkish national so skilled with computers that he tracked the sprawling international heist in real-time to make sure a small army of thieves wouldn't cheat him out of his share of the proceeds.

U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto opted for the lesser sentence after noting that Findikoglu could serve another 19 years in Turkey for an unrelated cyber theft.

"I could have used my skills for something good," Findikoglu said before hearing his sentence. "Instead, I wasted them. ... I only have myself to blame."

He also wiped away tears while describing his anguish over being separated from his Russian wife and 5-year-old in Turkey, where they've have been denied U.S visas needed to visit him.

"It is tragic that he has not and will not see his son," the judge said.

Before his capture by the U.S. Secret Service, Findikoglu had gone to great lengths to obscure his cyber fingerprints and stay out of the reach of American law, according to court papers.

It wasn't until Findikoglu made an ill-advised trip to Germany in December 2013 that he was arrested at the request of U.S. authorities. After losing a court challenge, he was eventually extradited.

Foreign hackers "know their safe havens and some are more challenging to get to," said Robert Sica, who retired last year as the special agent in charge of the Secret Service's New York field office. "Inevitably they make a mistake."

According to prosecutors, Findikoglu masterminded three complex financial crimes by hacking into different credit card processors, eliminating the limits on prepaid cards and then texting access codes to crews of so-called "cashers" who within hours withdrew thousands of dollars from ATMs.

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In one December 2012 hack, they say, 5,000 cashers in 20 countries withdrew a total of $5 million  including $400,000 in 700 transactions from 140 New York ATMs  in less than three hours, according to court papers.

A percentage of the stolen cash was then kicked back to Findikoglu via wire transfers and deliveries to co-conspirators in Turkey, Romania and Ukraine, prosecutors charge.

The Secret Service investigates financial crimes committed by international hackers. The FBI goes after state-sponsored hackers in counter-intelligence cases and has faced similar difficulties putting foreigners behind bars.

In 2014, U.S. authorities indicted five members of the Chinese military on hacking charges, though experts say it's unlikely they'll ever be extradited to the U.S.

Russian hacker Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev is on the FBI's most-wanted list, has a $3 million bounty on his head and is believed to be living freely in Russia.




The cast of Girls took momentous steps onto the Inside the Actors Studio stage on Thursday and talked about their dirty sex scenes. Allison Williams revealed that she told the shows creator, Lena Dunham, that she never wanted to be shown naked on-camera.

That hasnt completely worked out in Williamss favor, as she has admittedly done everything else under the sun onscreen. She added, I also bear the distinction of having had the most sex on our show.

Related: Judd Apatow Previews the Final Season of Girls

Dunham described the roots of her penchant for baring her body for the camera. She said, From the time that I was in high school and doing plays, I always used my body as, like, a comedy tool. Like a tool for investigating sort of issues of femininity and issues of self-identification.

Though the onscreen sex can seem steamy, Williams described the horror show of filming a sex scene in front of a crew while still trying to maintain any level of modesty. Everything has happened. My nipple covers ended up on the boys nipple. Their sock thing has fallen off. Like, weve seen each others stuff. Theyve gotten excited. They havent gotten excited. Its all happened.

Inside the Actors Studio airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on Bravo.

Watch: How Cuba Gooding Jr. was nearly arrested filming the show me the money scene from Jerry Maguire



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.
Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon had a debate on The Tonight Show Wednesday night in which one of them could draw the ire of some and the praise of others: Which of them is responsible for Donald Trump being elected president. Meyers believes hes responsible because of the jokes he told as host of the 2011 White House Correspondents Association dinner, where Trump was present. Fallon believes, or at least thinks that some people believe, it may have something to do with the time he messed up Trumps hair when he was a guest on the show before the election. Both make compelling arguments.

When Fallon messed up Trumps hair on The Tonight Show, it generated a huge response from the public because many people thought Fallon should have been harder on the controversial candidate rather than play around with him. Others said it humanized Trump when he smiled and let Fallon mess up his normally perfectly styled coif and thought the appearance led to more votes.

Meyers may have a stronger argument, however, because without the night at the Correspondents Association dinner, when he believes we started down this path, that moment with Fallon never would have happened. Meyers said that throughout the dinner, Trump was the butt of numerous jokes made by Meyers and President Barack Obama. Many of the jokes were about a Trump run for the presidency and were met with laughter from the crowd  but not from Trump. And this is why Meyers believes he is responsible for the Trump presidency.

I made fun of him in 2011. Thats the night he decided to run. I kicked the hornets nest, Meyers said.

Check out the people of Scotland showing Full Frontal how they fought Trump:

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter.
Education ministry officials have strongly opposed the proposed policy by the health ministry to roll out contraceptive use to children aged 10 and above.

According to Daily Monitor, the ministry of health intends to target universities, schools, religious centers and youth clubs among others.

Health officials argue that there is need to focus efforts on delaying sex debut and increasing contraceptive use among sexually active adolescents.

However, education Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza, they should have first been consulted as key stakeholders

He says students are already being taught about ways of controlling pregnancies and HIV/AIDs, saying this is duplication of government programs.
Story by Benjamin Jumbe

The opposition is set to launch a national campaign to educate masses on their rights, following a planned move by the government to amend the constitution to allow it take over public land for investment.

Addressing journalists at his offices situated on Katonga road, Former FDC presidential candidate Dr. Kiiza Besigye said they have come up with a six point plan to be rolled out.

Among these is rejecting plans to amend article 26 of the constitution, demand for suspension of large land acquisition, and demanding for formal inquiry into large scale land grabs.

He adds that they are also demanding for screening of investors seeking to acquire land in Uganda.
Catholic Charities Mobile Unit to visit Angola three times

ANGOLA  Catholic Charities Mobile Unit will be at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 700 W. Maumee St., the next three Wednesdays, Feb. 15, 22 and March 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The unit will assist Steuben County clients with utilities.

The mobiel unit travels the 11-county Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

For more details, call 745-6040.

Fake psychiatrist gets 13 years

CHICAGO (AP)  A 37-year-old Indiana man has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for posing as a psychiatrist at a Chicago clinic and prescribing drugs.

Federal prosecutors say Scott C. Redman of Hammond, Indiana, used the identity of an Illinois physician to see patients and prescribe medications, including giving a 9-year-old child medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Authorities accused Redman of prescribing medicine to more than 50 people from September 2015 to February 2016.

A jury convicted Redman in November of three counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of giving false information to the Drug Enforcement Administration and five counts of distributing a controlled substance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie M. Durick called Redman shameless and said he preyed upon an already vulnerable population.

Tire importer buys former GM plant

ANDERSON (AP)  A company that imports tires from China has purchased a former General Motors plant in Indiana as a site to service its business customers.

Anderson economic development director Greg Winkler says Houston-based Sutong China Tire Resources is in the process of upgrading the 330,000-square foot building.

Resource Commercial Real Estate says the company plans to have 20-40 workers at the site, where it will service the utility and RV trailer industry, large retail chain stores and independent tire retailers and wholesalers. The (Anderson) Herald Bulletin reports

o financial details were released.

S&S Steel bought the former GM plant in 2010 for an expansion, but the company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2015 and put the site up for sale.
West Salem High School senior McKenzie Fitzpatrick was sitting in her fathers law office in downtown La Crosse when she witnessed a truth that many would sooner forget, dismiss or deny.

Not everyone has a place to call home.

In the alley across the street, she saw a man taking shelter in a dumpster. Fitzpatrick had no way of knowing if he was homeless or not, but it got her thinking about homelessness in the region.

In that moment, the teen realized she didnt want to forget about the man. She wanted to do something to help those like him.

Fitzpatrick decided to focus her senior exit project on bringing awareness and what little aid she could to those who dont have a place to call home. She distributed care packages to the La Crosse area homeless after learning more about what people living in that kind of poverty need.

After a little research, she discovered that homelessness is a multifaceted condition that has various causes.

Fitzpatrick, however, wasnt content with learning about homelessness from the comfort of her home.

I visited tent city and talked to some of them, she said. I had to have two officers escort me.

There she discovered a vibrant community built on self-reliance. She said some of the people she met had lost their jobs and eventually their homes to addiction, while others had fallen on hard times and were slowing trying to reestablish themselves.

She described two men who had learned to rely on each other. One was a veteran who was trying to raise money to get an apartment, while the other was a world traveler who had set off from the east coast and had most recently settled down in La Crosse.

She said they helped and looked after each other.

This the first of many trips to tent city, but she took with her a better understanding of how she could help.

As her senior year started, Fitzpatrick began reaching out for help.

I wrote letters to companies to see if they would donate, she said.

From Natural Valley she received granola bars, Ace Hardware gave her tarps, LHI supplied 30 military-style backpacks.

From St. Patricks Catholic Parish, she was given a trunk-load of quilts to distribute to those in need.

In each of more than 100 care packages, she packed essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, tampons, Kleenex and other hygiene products.

Fitzpatrick said her research had taught her that homelessness has an effect on a persons mental, physical and emotional health and items like these can help keep one from affecting the other.

She said if someone is cold or gets frostbitten it is going to have an effect on their emotional health and over time it will take a toll mentally.

Days before Thanksgiving, Fitzpatrick set up shop at the Franciscan Hospitality House, where she spent four hours distributing her care packages and talking with the homeless.

It was really rewarding, she said.

Fitzpatrick said just because her project is over doesnt mean the problem has gone away.

I want to keep helping the homeless, she said. I want to do something to support them.
The Town of Farmington was certified as a Broadband Forward community by the Public Services Commission at a meeting this week to address the availability of adequate internet service in the region.

Public Service Commissioner Mike Huebsch presented the certification, which shows that a local government has taken steps to eliminate roadblocks preventing the expansion of broadband infrastructure, to Farmington Town Chairman Mike Hesse.

Hesse said the meeting was spurred by complaints from several residents who were struggling to find adequate internet access.

At the meeting, Hesse and clerk Betty Sacia sat down with Huebsch, state broadband director Angie Dickison, Nic Breidel and Daryl Taylor of CenturyLink, and Mike Hill of Charter Communications to discuss the issue.

Hesse described several complaints hed received since December about the availability of broadband internet, including one from planning commission member Paul Lash.

Lash, who operates a dairy farm in Farmington, recently installed robotic milking machines to automate much of his operation.

These machines required an internet connection to function properly, something Lash hadnt expected to be a problem.

His family had enjoyed internet service to their home through CenturyLink for years, but, when they asked to have their barnlocated just across the roadconnected, they were told it couldnt be done.

Lash said at first CenturyLink told him they werent taking new customers, but later said the service would be too unreliable.

Hesse argued that the lack of adequate broadband in Farmington is stifling growth within the region.

The internet is very important, he said, adding that many small businesses in the area rely on the internet to market their products.

Huebsch said access has become a requirement for getting a product to market and investment in broadband internet is essential to expanding that access.

He congratulated Hesse for acting swiftly to address these issues.

Youve taken some tremendous steps, Huebsch said. I am glad it didnt take you five years.

He said as much as $35 million is expected to be invested in rural broadband development in the next fiscal year, and as a Broadband Forward community, Farmington is now eligible for many of these grants.

I am hoping to see a lot more investment, Huebsch said. The certification is a huge step forward.

Dickison said in order to receive these grants, the town will need to work with local service providers to develop a plan, describe the need and determine a cost before filling out an application.

She recommended reaching out to community members and asking them to write letters in support of broadband expansion.

Once the applications are received, they are reviewed, and, if approved, the grants are dispersed almost immediately.

Dickison said the town could be awarded a grant as early as this summer.

Taylor, a supervisor for CenturyLink in La Crosse County, said the company would be willing to help with the grant work.

We will help you every step of the way to get grants out, he said.

According to Taylor, the biggest sticking point for service providers in rural Wisconsin is demand.

We are still a for-profit company; we cant make a $100 million development in an area (where) we will never get the money back, he said.

Hesse was pleased with the progress made at the meeting and will begin working with the representatives from CenturyLink and Charter to prepare a grant application.
The Department of Transportation audit announcement felt like a sucker punch to the gut. Projects in the works for our state roads have cost $3 billion more than projected, $3 billion more than the Legislature planned for. This is simply unbelievable. Wisconsin roads have gone from 53 percent good to 41 percent good in just five years.

How do our roads deteriorate that much in just five years? Complete lack of adequate funding. The 2011 state budget cut road funding by delaying projects, postponing large projects and cutting funds to rural roads in Wisconsin. Each and every budget since then has done the same thing. The Transportation Fund has been in crisis mode since the Legislature repealed the indexing of the gas tax and there have been no true solutions put forth by the majority party.

Before the last biennial budget, this crisis was truly recognized statewide by all legislators and the governor. Governor Scott Walker even asked his transportation secretary to come up with possible solutions to this economic crisis. A group of experts met and they came up with many different options for ensuring that our immediate road needs and our long-term funding crisis could be addressed. Walker and the Republican majority rejected each and every idea this group of experts put forth. Instead, they chose to borrow once again for our roads and delayed projects, postponed large projects, and cut funding to rural roads. It is like Groundhog Day with an increasingly bumpy road.

Why is funding for roads so important? First and foremost is the safety of all of us going where we need to go. Hazardous roads equal unsafe roads for our families. Second is the economy. How can we expect our lagging economy to improve if we dont have the infrastructure to support the businesses that work here? How can we expect new businesses to move into a state that has 41 percent poor roads? From farms to factories, road travel is still the cheapest and fastest way for businesses to move products and supplies. We will never catch up to our neighboring states if we do not invest in our roads.

Delaying and bonding and backfilling have been used time and time again to fund our roads and it simply is not working. Over 20 cents on every dollar we are spending now to build our roads is going to financing of yesterdays projects. This credit card, funding scheme has to stop.

I stand ready, as I have for the last six years, willing to work with any legislator with the strength to find a short-term and long-term solution for transportation funding. Walker and legislative Republicans need to put their money where their mouths are and help this state. No more excuses.
I cant figure out how, but my county has been taken over by an office supply salesman.

Ive met Marty Krueger, and he doesnt seem that scary. A bit gruff, perhaps, but that could be because the Sauk County Board chairman and my newspaper arent exactly bosom buddies. In any event, being in his presence doesnt move me to roll onto my back and whizz all over myself like a submissive puppy.

Alas, the same doesnt appear true of the board majority. Most of the other 30 county supervisors go along with his cloak-and-dagger political machinations. Its surprising, because the board members Ive met are smart people with sturdy backbones. Yet somehow, Marty gets his way, even when it runs contrary to the will of the people and the principles of good government. He wields a rubber stamp, no doubt purchased at cost from Reedsburg Office Supplies.

Board members tell me hes a master manipulator behind the scenes and an intimidating presence. Meet Marty Krueger, the worlds scariest office supply salesman.

He belittles supervisors who dare disagree with him during public meetings. He schedules meetings with minimal notice. He withholds documents from fellow supervisors. And recently Marty single-handedly picked the new county manager.

Oh sure, the county went through an official hiring process last year. But the woman they hired didnt see eye to eye with Marty. (Perhaps she preferred Bic, whereas Marty is a Sharpie man. Either way, he found that particular pencil-pusher unworthy of serving as his No. 2.) Despite generally positive reviews from department heads, she was shown the door and handed $135,000 in severance.

Four days after he signed that deal  in Sharpie, no doubt  Marty met for coffee with the woman he wanted to hire as a replacement. A few weeks later, the committee told him it wanted to review a list of finalists from the previous search. Instead, Marty invited his preferred candidate in for the only interview.

The committee was so incensed at being disobeyed that it voted unanimously to support Martys choice. Its belly was immediately rubbed. Apparently Marty is the kind of politician who can tell you to go to hell and somehow leave you looking forward to the trip.

A few on the board objected to this back-room approach to conducting county business, as did the newspaper and several constituents. But in the end, the board voted 24-4 to hire Martys favorite, and that was that.

Well, that was not exactly that. Now Martys working on rewriting the boards rules to make sure his authority is unchallenged.

Hes collaborating with the county attorney, who would prefer not to answer to the new county manager. This is where having ready access to bulk quantities of Wite-Out comes in handy.

The whole situation leaves me with questions. Why do the other board members let Marty get his way? Theyre respected adults elected by their neighbors, not nerds waiting to be relieved of their lunch money by a playground bully.

Also, why does the board continue to elect him chairman? Its one thing for him to be popular in his district in Reedsburg, where he was once mayor. But its quite another to get re-elected repeatedly by people whose voices he squelches. They dont seem to mind being treated like subjects, nor do they mind that their chairman owes the state $16,000 in taxes. Thats a lot of rolls of Scotch tape.

I have one more question: Whats in it for Marty? OK, so youre king of a small county in Wisconsin. Congratulations: You get to work nights for a middling salary, and get dumped on by the public.

You might as well work for a newspaper. Is it really worth all the confrontations and consternation, just to rule a county with an iron fist? You could be back at your store, sharpening pencils in peaceful obscurity.

Perhaps the reason I have so many questions is that I dont know whats going on at county headquarters. This is by design, as the newspaper gets stonewalled when requesting documents.

And even when we get them, we cant help but wonder whether the worlds scariest office supply salesman broke out the Wite-Out.
The La Crosse City Council signed off Thursday night on a $260,000 settlement with a former assistant city attorney.

To avoid further legal costs, the city and its insurer reached an agreement earlier this week with Peter Kisken to settle his claim that he was unfairly targeted and eventually fired in 2013. The council approved the settlement unanimously with one member abstaining after discussing the matter for almost half an hour in closed session Thursday night.

The agreement provides $260,000 for compensatory damages, attorney fees and other costs, with $65,000 coming from the city and the rest from insurance. The city of La Crosse denies Kiskens allegations in the agreement but will change its description of Kiskens termination to a resignation effective April 12, 2013.

According to the agreement, Kisken will not seek or accept future employment with the city. The settlement bars both sides from commenting on the agreement other than to state it had occurred.

Kisken was placed on paid administrative leave in May 2012 and fired 11 months later after an investigation. A 135-page report chronicled Kisken ignoring the city attorneys orders, neglecting cases, sharing confidential legal information and having an improper, two-year workplace relationship with another employee.

Kisken denied the findings, arguing city officials sought to oust him after more than 20 years in City Hall. He filed complaints with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Developments Equal Rights Division and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

He received a $55,000 settlement in 2006 and an office outside the legal department after numerous confrontations with former city attorney Pat Houlihan. He sought damages again in 2010 after moving back to the department, but those claims never went anywhere.

The citys investigation into Kisken and former community development administrator Liana Escott began soon after, Kisken said, with Escott resigning in January 2013.

Reached by the Tribune on Wednesday, Kisken said he was not allowed to talk about the case. His attorney, Michael Fox, declined to comment until the agreement is finalized.

In addition to the settlement amount, the city paid Kisken nearly $67,000 during the time he was on administrative leave.
For the third time in 30 days, Gov. Scott Walker was in La Crosse.

The day after presenting his two-year budget proposal for the state, the governor stopped Thursday at Western Technical College to pitch the proposal and meet with students, staff and community members. Walker had visited La Crosse the day after his State of the State address in January and was at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on Tuesday, previewing the ideas he had for higher education prior to Wednesdays full budget announcement.

During his remarks, Walker hit the highlights of his budget proposal, which includes a $640 million increase for K-12 education, a $145 million bump for higher education and almost $600 million in proposed tax cuts. He said the state was in a position to make these proposals due to the past several years of fiscal restraint as well as the growing economy.

This reform dividend has created a better budget climate, Walker said. Now it is time to reinvest in our priorities.

His top priority is the workforce, saying that the states low unemployment rate means businesses are struggling more and more to find skilled employees to fill openings. And to develop that skilled workforce, he wants the state to put resources into education as well as programs and initiatives aimed to give high school students college credit and workforce experience while in school.

It is good for students as it reduces cost and time to completion, he said. It is good for taxpayers. It is good for employers.

Walker spoke about the extra $10 million he proposed to offset a freeze of tuition and fees at the states technical college system over the next two years. That is estimated to save students about $275 per year and is similar to the proposal to freeze and then cut tuition at the UW System, paid for with $35 million in funding over the biennium.

Walkers budget proposal faces criticism from Democrat lawmakers and skepticism from those in his own party. Democrats have said the budget is too little, too late after the more than $800 million in cuts to K-12 education in the aftermath Act 10, which ended collective bargaining for most public employees. The $100 million in additional funding Walker has proposed returns less than half the amount the state cut from the UW System in the previous budget.

Walker had originally proposed a $300 million cut to the system, which the legislature reduced to $250 million, and his proposal to increase autonomy for the UW System never gained traction with lawmakers.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told reporters Wednesday the budget debate could drag into the fall over a long-term solution to transportation funding, with disagreement over different solutions, including Walkers proposal to hold the line on taxes while diverting funds away from metro Wisconsin projects to the rest of the state for road maintenance and repair.

The La Crosse County Board recently decided to send the idea of a half-cent premier area resort tax to voters to help fund road repairs and maintenance, after many supervisors lamented what they saw as a lack of political will in Madison.

According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, western Wisconsin has a larger proportion of roads in poor or worse condition compared with the rest of the state. Walker promised Thursday his budget would send a substantial influx of funding to local governments to help fix roads, bridges and potholes.

In order to get the buy-in he needs, Walker said, hell go straight to the voters. Visits such as the first of his two-day state tour on Thursday will let him talk to students, parents and business owners who he hopes will voice their support of his budget to their elected representatives.

I hope to make the case to the people of the state, he said. Im going to spend less time in the capital and more time around the state.
When the Democrats pick their new national chairman later this month, the choice will send a signal about the partys direction as it sets out to recover from the erosion that began even before Hillary Clinton lost the White House.

If they choose Rep. Keith Ellison, an African-American congressman from Minnesota who is one of two Muslims in Congress, they will opt for an outspokenly liberal course and, in effect, turn the party over to the forces of insurgent 2016 candidate Bernie Sanders.

If they elect former Labor Secretary Tom Perez, the son of Dominican immigrants who held elected local and statewide appointed posts in Maryland before taking two top positions under former President Barack Obama, they will choose a more centrist direction.

And if they pick the relative unknown who has emerged as the most interesting alternative to the two perceived front-runners, South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, they will elect a millennial from the industrial belt region that rejected Democratic candidates in 2016.

With 447 voters, the Feb. 24 election is the kind of political contest that is notoriously difficult to predict. Ellison, Perez and Buttigieg (pronounced Boot-edge-edge) have the most organized support and got the best receptions among the nine candidates last Saturday in Detroit at the third of four party-sponsored forums for Democratic National Committee members.

The others include four who have held significant positions within state and local parties: longtime New Hampshire Democratic Chairman Ray Buckley, South Carolina Democratic Chairman Jaime Harrison, Idaho Executive Director Sally Boynton Brown, and Jehmu Greene, an African-American from Austin, Texas, who was executive director of the states Young Democrats before holding several party posts in Washington and serving as a Fox News contributor. Interestingly, none of the top seven is a straight Anglo man.

The candidates range in age from 27 to 59, ensuring a chairman younger than the partys geriatric congressional leadership. While Ellison has the most big-name endorsements, followed by Perez, those may not mean much in a party that lacks major power brokers.

None of the nine fits all of the jobs requirements: spokesman, organizer, manager, fundraiser. But they agree on the need to provide the help for local and state parties that has been lacking in recent years, to reach out to the partys multiple constituencies, to make the party more transparent and accessible, and to stand up to President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn Obamas policies.

Given the high feelings among many Democrats these days, one consideration may be which candidate members feel can best make the anti-Trump case. Buttigieg got a leg up on his better known rivals as the only candidate to join one of the Jan. 21 womens marches against the new presidents policies while the others were at a Florida conference for major donors, a point he noted to cheers in Detroit. After the DNCs Jan. 28 forum in Houston, Buttigieg, Perez and Harrison joined protesters against Trumps travel ban at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The high-profile supporters for Ellison, 53, led by Sanders, include Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the AFL-CIO, the Teamsters, the Steelworkers, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and liberal icons Gloria Steinem and Rep. John Lewis. He agreed to leave his House seat if elected, heading off one major argument against him.

Perez, 55, who led Obama administration voting rights efforts as assistant attorney general for civil rights before becoming Labor secretary, was endorsed recently by former Vice President Joe Biden. He is also backed by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a former DNC chair and a key Clinton supporter; several unions including the Food and Commercial Workers, Plumbers, Bricklayers, Carpenters and Firefighters; and an array of Texas Democrats, including party chair Gilberto Hinojosa.

Buttigieg, 35, a Rhodes scholar and Afghanistan veteran who came out as gay during his first term as mayor, backed Clinton in 2016 but doesnt mention it much. He has the endorsement of Steve Grossman, party chairman during Bill Clintons administration. Alluding to the perception the Ellison-Perez battle is a proxy fight for the divisive 2016 Clinton-Sanders fight, he said, This is not a time to re-litigate an old battle.

What I bring to the table is a little bit different, he said in Detroit, warning that, If you do what youve always done, youre going to get what youve always got.

Whoever wins will become an important anti-Trump voice. But as Democrats struggle to counter Trump in middle America, the young South Bend mayor raised a potentially crucial question: Should the Democratic Party do something different?
The Group Insurance Board on Wednesday approved a plan to change the way Wisconsin pays for health insurance for nearly 210,000 state workers, retirees and dependents, many of whom live in Dane County.

The move to self-insure the $1.5 billion program also covers nearly 40,000 workers and dependents from local governments that have joined the program. They include the city of Madisons 7,000 workers and dependents.

Gov. Scott Walker said the change will save the state $60 million over the next two years, which will go to public education.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the planned change.

Q: What is self-insurance?

A: Its when employers pay for medical benefits directly, through third-party administrators, instead of paying premiums to insurance companies. Employers, instead of insurers, accept the risk for unexpectedly high claims. Sometimes employers buy stop-gap coverage to protect against the risk.

Q: How common is self- insurance?

A: Among large employers like the state, its common. Twenty states self-insure all state employees and 26 others self-insure some state workers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Wisconsins program already self-insures dental and pharmacy benefits, and less than 5 percent of workers are in a self-insured medical plan. The shift would self-insure the whole program.

The Alliance is a Madison-based group of 245 employers, including Lands End, Stoughton Trailers, Trek and Woodmans Markets, that self-insure. Nationwide, 82 percent of covered workers at employers with 200 workers or more are in health plans that are partially or completely self-insured, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Q: Why is the state making this change?

A: The insurance board and the state Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) said they want to contain costs while maintaining provider access, benefit levels and quality of care.

Self-insurance would also give the state more control over data on how workers use health benefits, which could improve wellness and disease management efforts, state officials said.

Q: Will it really save money?

A: The insurance board said it will save at least $60 million over two years, with an additional $30 million in savings from avoiding Affordable Care Act taxes.

In 2015, Segal Consulting said the shift could save $42 million a year, largely by avoiding $18 million in Affordable Care Act fees, cutting $11 million in administrative costs and eliminating $11 million in insurance company profits. Earlier, Segal said the move would save $50 million to $70 million a year.

Deloitte, the states previous consultant, said self-insurance could save $20 million a year but might cost $100 million a year.

One reason for the different estimates is that its unclear how rates health care providers charge would change under self- insurance.

Q: Will my premium go up?

A: For people in the state program, its not clear. Premiums could go up under self-insurance or under the current structure, known as fully insured. The state wont release premium rates for 2018 until the fall, when open enrollment takes place.

If anything, this might help hold (premiums) down in the short term if the savings estimates turn out to be correct, said Justin Sydnor, an associate professor of risk and insurance at UW-Madisons School of Business.

The state worker program makes up nearly 15 percent of Wisconsins fully insured health insurance market. Removing that business could trigger consolidation that might drive up insurance costs for others, some say.

Over time there is some risk that this move could make our entire system a little bit less competitive, Sydnor said. That could end up raising costs for everyone.

Q: Will my benefits change?

A: In the motion adopted Wednesday, the insurance board said it aims to maintain employee benefits as they currently exist. An ETF memo uses slightly different language, saying the board would like to minimize benefit changes for next year.

Benefits, like premiums, could change whether the state becomes self-insured or remains fully insured, though it could be somewhat easier for the state to make changes under self-insurance.

Under the current system, the state doubled the main out-of-pocket costs for medical services in 2016, though premiums went down slightly.

Q: Will I have to switch doctors or clinics?

A: For most people, probably not, according to ETF. Some 98 percent of providers in the current program are expected to remain. Lists of doctors and clinics covered under self-insurance wont be available until fall.

Q: If premiums, benefits and providers might not change, why is this such a big deal?

A: In addition to the potential disruption for employees, the move could disrupt the states competitive health insurance market, especially in Dane County, according to the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans. Wisconsin is unusual in having many insurance companies around the state that are owned by regional health systems.

This is a proposal that is making potentially quite large and dramatic changes to a system that seems to be functioning fairly well, Sydnor said. You worry that we might create a problem where one doesnt fundamentally exist.

In Dane County, four provider-owned HMOs cover most people in the state program: Dean Health Plan, part of SSM Health; Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin; Physicians Plus, part of UnityPoint Health; and Unity Health Insurance, part of UW Health.

The state selected Dean and Unity  through an affiliate called Quartz that also includes La Crosse-based Gundersen Health Plan  to administer the self-insured program in southern and southwestern counties. Physicians Plus is merging with Unity.

Group Health would be a provider through Quartz, allowing 15,000 of Group Healths 75,000 members who are insured through the state program to keep going to its clinics, said Dr. Mark Huth, Group Healths CEO.

WEA Trust, based in Madison, has 82,000 members, 22,000 of whom are in the state program, outside of Dane County. It was not selected.

Q: What happened when other states switched to self-insurance?

A: Minnesota shifted from a competitive HMO model to self-insurance for its state workers in 2000. Unions and state officials liked the change, the State Journal reported in 2013.

However, Minnesota had just three companies in its HMO model before one dropped out, prompting the shift to self-insurance. That is very different from Wisconsins system.

Q: What happens next in Wisconsin?

A: ETF will negotiate contracts with the vendors that were announced this week and submit its plan, likely in April, to the state Legislatures Joint Finance Committee. The budget committee will hold a hearing before deciding whether to approve the plan, said state Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, co-chairman.

Nygren and state Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, co-chairwoman of the committee, along with other Republicans and Democrats, have expressed skepticism about self-insurance and concern about its impact on the statewide health care market.

Q: What is the Group Insurance Board?

A: Its an 11-member board that oversees state worker benefits and includes the governor, the attorney general and three state administrators, or their designees, plus six members appointed by the governor.

Current members include Michael Heifetz, state Medicaid director; Ted Neitzke, former superintendent of the West Bend School District; and J.P. Wieske, deputy insurance commissioner.

[Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that Group Health would be a provider under the state's proposed self-insurance program through Quartz.]
Community Hunger Solutions (CHS), a project of the Vernon Economic Development Association (VEDA), had another successful year of providing locally grown produce to regional food pantries, food banks and other distribution partners. This year, 2017, will be a one of transition in some of its operations as it works to improve its role in feeding individuals facing food insecurity in Wisconsin.

Specifically, founding member Daniel Chotzen has decided to retire from his role as operations director after four seasons of involvement. Gary Thompson, who has helped lead and coordinate CHS since its beginning in 2013, said, A huge thank-you and well wishes go out to Daniel for his service, and we hope he enjoys having more personal time with family and friends. He will continue to be connected with the project as a volunteer consultant.

With this vacancy, CHS is seeking to hire an executive director/fundraiser/grant writer; also needed is a part-time warehouse manager, as Gary transitions to operate in other roles.

Meanwhile, a dedicated and energetic group of individuals have been meeting to discuss ideas for fundraising, partnership building, researching of a composting concept, and further development of CHSs Volunteer Worker Share program in which volunteers can take home produce in exchange for each shift worked. CHS coordinates volunteers and paid workers with varying abilities to harvest leftover produce from fields of partner farms and to assist with processing produce for distribution. The leftover produce is quality seconds produce that doesnt meet stringent retail standards but still contains 100 percent nutritional value.

After being harvested, produce is taken and stored at the Food Enterprise Center (FEC) in Viroqua where it is prepared for distribution to various locations in need. Besides storage and refrigeration capabilities, the FEC has loading docks which enable delivery and pick up of the surplus produce. VEDA serves as the fiscal agent for CHS and has provided the program with in-kind financial administration, grant-writing assistance and important organizational mentoring.

In 2016, the CHS team recovered and distributed 351,173 pounds of surplus fresh produce from local farms, which provided 292,644 meals, an increase in both produce and meals of 43 percent over 2015. Of the produce recovered, CHS staff delivered 79,193 pounds to local meal sites; 166,178 pounds were distributed by Second Harvest Foodbank in Madison, and 77,474 pounds. by Hunger Task Force and WAFER (West Avenue Food Emergency Resource) in La Crosse County. Another distribution partnership in Juneau County was able to provide 28,328 pounds to four area food pantries located there.

Farmers in the region sell quality seconds produce to CHS at below wholesale rates. In 2016, CHS purchased 175,203 pounds of seconds produce at a reduced rate from 31 local farmers. In addition, CHS received 191,104 pounds of donated produce from local farms, farmers markets, and other retail and wholesale distributors, representing an increase of 155 percent over 2015 when over 75,000 pounds were received.

For more information on the program, go to www.community-hunger-solutions.org. Please consider volunteering or making a donation to this important work. Every contribution puts nutritious food on the plates of families in need and helps make our communities healthier.

2017 membership drive

We thank those who support VEDA and our economic development work through memberships or donations. Your support is vitally important to our mission of creating economic wealth and prosperity while preserving our rural Vernon County lifestyle. While VEDA receives grants to help with specific projects, the actual day-to-day work of the organization relies on memberships and gifts from donors.

VEDA is a nonprofit, 5013 organization, not funded by county or state dollars, and contributions are tax deductible. Please renew your VEDA membership or join for the first time. Donations can be submitted by downloading the membership form on our website at www.veda-wi.org and sending to VEDA at the Food Enterprise Center, 1201 N. Main St., Suite 6, Viroqua, WI 54665. We look forward to your partnership!
MADISON  Gov. Scott Walker reiterated his opposition to raising the gas tax to pay for roads on Thursday in the face of Republican legislative leaders who were looking for alternatives to key parts of his budget, including the proposal to cut University of Wisconsin tuition by 5 percent.

Walker previously had said he would consider gas tax increases if there were corresponding cuts elsewhere, but he appeared to back away from that approach in his budget address and in comments as he toured the state Thursday in support of his spending plan.

Now is not the time to raise taxes, Walker told reporters in Milwaukee. Its not the time to raise gas taxes, its not the time to raise income taxes, its not the time to raise taxes on farmers and manufacturers as some have proposed in each of those categories.

Assembly Republicans had proposed cutting unspecified taxes by $300 million and raising transportation-related taxes and fees by an equal amount to pay for roads and rely less on borrowing. Walkers budget would cut nearly $600 million in taxes, including a roughly $200 million income tax reduction. He wants to borrow $500 million and not raise any taxes to pay for roads.

Thats led to consternation among key Republicans, especially Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who have been pushing for gas tax and vehicle registration fee increases to be a part of the road-funding discussion.

Republicans are also questioning other key parts of Walkers budget, including the level of funding for K-12 schools, cutting income taxes rather than some other tax and moving state workers to a self-insurance model, which could threaten tens of thousands of health care industry jobs in the Madison area.

At some point youre going to have to come up with some kind of compromise or cut a deal, said Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald. Thats not going to happen anytime soon.

Walkers budget would abandon work on a 3.5-mile east-west portion of Interstate 94 in Milwaukee near Miller Park between the Marquette and Zoo interchanges. Instead, Walker would spend $31 million on a section of I-94 south of Milwaukee to the Illinois border.

Vos said its disingenuous for Walker to claim that work is ongoing on the project in Racine and Kenosha counties when hes spending just $31 million on a project that has a total cost of nearly $900 million. The project is a priority for Vos.

The Transportation Development Association, a coalition of road builders and local governments, said Walkers budget doesnt solve the problem and reconstruction of the states aging interstates cannot be delayed indefinitely.

On the tuition cut idea, Walker said he was responding to concerns he heard from people about the high cost of a college education.

My hope would be that those parents and grandparents and students would talk to their lawmakers and that might change their perspective on this, he said.

His proposal to change the way state employees get their health insurance, moving from choosing from a variety of private insurance companies to a self-insurance model, has also ran into strong opposition.

Vos was joined by budget committee co-chairs Rep. John Nygren and Sen. Alberta Darling in raising objections both to making the switch and to Walkers assumption that the move would save $60 million over the next two years.

Walker taps that money to help pay for a $692 million increase in aid to K-12 schools, forcing the Legislature to find some other source if it nixes the self-insurance idea and still wants to give schools as much as the governor proposed.

Fitzgerald said schools will get more money, just not as much as Walker proposed.
LAS ARMAS DE CORONEL Ver tambien mi website: www.armasdecoronel.com para leer dos de mis libros, entrevistas, etc.
The deadline to sign up for this free community event that is open to all is Nov. 16.

Kennebunk Post

"We need to invest in our kids," said resident Brenda Robinson. "That's how we keep graffiti out of Waterhouse Center and mischief out of the downtown on Saturday night."


A United States federal appeals court has refused to cancel the suspension of a travel ban ordered by President Donald Trump.

The executive order from January 27 bans travelers from seven mostly Muslim nations.

Last week, a judge in Seattle, Washington issued a temporary restraining order that halted the ban. The federal government appealed that decision.

On Thursday, the appeals court upheld the lower courts suspension of the ban. All three judges agreed in the ruling against the government.

Trump responded on Twitter moments after the courts announcement.

"SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!", he tweeted.

The federal government is now expected to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The ban had led to heated debate and demonstrations around America. The president said the order was critical for national security. But critics said the ban discriminated against Muslims, and they questioned its value as a security measure.

Im Caty Weaver.

Caty Weaver adapted this story for Learning English from a VOANews report. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

issue - v. to announce (something) in a public and official way

at stake - n. in a position to be lost or gained

discriminate - v. to unfairly treat a person or group of people differently from other people or groups
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed is the new president of Somalia. He defeated incumbent president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, after two sets of voting. The new leader formerly served as Somalias prime minister. He holds both Somali and American citizenship.

"This is a victory for Somalia and the Somalis," Mohamed said after taking the oath of office. "This is the beginning of the era of unity, the democracy of Somalia and the beginning of the fight against corruption."

Who is Farmajo?

The 54 year-old Mohamed is widely known by the nickname Farmajo. He went to university in New York and served in the Somali Embassy in Washington, D.C. in the 1980s.

Mohamed sought asylum in the United States following the collapse of the Somali government. He lived in New York and worked for the state government there for many years.

However, Mohamed remained closely connected to Somali politics. In 2010, Somalias president asked him to serve as prime minister. He did so for eight months, until June of 2011. The rebel group al-Shabab was at the height of its power during that period.

Challenges and hope

Al-Shabab threatened to interfere with the voting Wednesday. African Union peacekeepers and government forces enforced strong security measures. The election took place peacefully.

Somalia's new president faces many difficulties, including the fight against al-Shabab.

The country is also troubled with corruption, poverty, and food insecurity.

"There is a daunting task ahead of me, and I know that," Mohamed said.

But for now, many people in Mogadishu appear to be hopeful. Witnesses told VOA's Somali service that public celebrations began in the Somali Capital following the announcement.

The AP reports that thousands of Somalis happily demonstrated in the streets, chanting the new president's name. "Somalia will be another Somalia soon," said Ahmed Ali, a police officer celebrating in the crowd.

I'm John Russell.

Dan Joseph wrote this story for VOA News. John Russell adapted this story for Learning English with additional information from Reuters and AP. Catherine Weaver was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

incumbent  n. a person who holds a particular office or position

era  n. a period of time that is associated with a particular quality, event, person, etc.

daunting  adj. very difficult to do or deal with

chant  v. to say (a word or phrase) many times in a rhythmic way usually loudly and with other people
The United Nations has asked for $2.1 billion to help Yemen where millions of people are caught in a two-year-old civil war.

A Saudi Arabian-led coalition began bombing in the Middle Eastern country two years ago. The attacks are in support of the Yemeni government as it battles against a group of rebels called Houthis.

U.N. officials said the air strikes have destroyed bridges, major roads, entire neighborhoods and a port. This has left millions of people without electricity, safe water or food.

Stephen OBrien is the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator for the U.N. He said 18.8 million people, or two-thirds of Yemens population, need humanitarian aid.

Immense human suffering is unfolding in front of our eyes...7.3 million people do not know where their next meal is coming from.

OBrien noted that he was shocked at how thin and sick-looking many of the people were when he last visited Yemen a few months ago.

Children and youth were stunted and severely malnourished, barely holding onto their lives. And that was five months ago. Since then, the situation in Yemen has just simply got worse.

The U.N. humanitarian chief warned that current humanitarian efforts are not enough. He said without immediate action, famine is now a real possibility for 2017.

Jamie McGoldrick has been the U.N.s humanitarian aid coordinator for Yemen since December 2015. He has watched the situation take place and says Yemeni people must make difficult choices to survive.

And so what you have is people having to make life and death decisions. 'Do you feed your child or your children or do you pay for medical treatment for the sick child?' And that is a daily call for many families.

Historically, Yemen has been one of the poorest countries in the world. McGoldrick said the two-year-long civil war has weakened the countrys communities. He said people had so little money they were unable to pay to travel to feeding centers or hospitals where they could find help.

The U.N. official said about 7,500 people have been killed and 40,000 injured since the war began. He added that these numbers cannot be confirmed because people die at home and are buried before they are ever recorded.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Lisa Schlein reported this story for VOA. Pete Musto adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. How do you think you can help the people in Yemen? What possible solutions do you see for this conflict? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

air strike(s)  n. an attack in which military airplanes drop bombs

neighborhood(s)  n. a section of a town or city

humanitarian  adj. related to to making other people's lives better

relief  n. things such as food, money, or medicine that are given to help people who are victims of a war or natural disasters

coordinator  n. a person who organizes people or groups so that they work together properly and well

stunted  adj. stopped from growing or developing
This website is inclusive of tolerant people of all faiths, without exception. Neither anti-Semitism nor Islamophobia nor homophobia should ever be acceptable to anyone. We must all strive to live in peace and harmony with each other, regardless of religious affiliations, or none. Intolerance is the mother of strife and conflict.   Mark Alexander

We Britons are Europeans!Wir Briten sind Europaer! Nous, les Britanniques, sommes europeens !  Mark AlexanderEmail me at:markalexander.librabunda@gmail.com




Particularly during my sojourns in South Africa, it may not be possible for me to perform the moderation function speedily. I regret the necessity of moderation but it has been rendered inevitable by the behaviour of a particular commentator whose contributions will always and without exception be rejected.





No correspondence will be entered into regarding moderation decisions.

Readers are invited to comment on blog posts. All comments require to be pre-moderated by me, and I shall reject all (a) that are not related to the Lockerbie disaster or (b) that fail to meet my -- perhaps idiosyncratic -- standards of courtesy towards other contributors. Comments will not be rejected simply because I disagree with them or because I, or other contributors, find them irritating. But comments will be rejected if they distort or misrepresent the evidence; are defamatory; or if they risk embroiling me, as publisher, in defamation proceedings. I am perfectly relaxed about being sued in respect of material which I personally have posted -- but not in respect of material that others wish to post as comments and which, in any case, I often strongly disagree with.
Hundreds of people turned out today to receive free dental care at the office of a Pasco County dentist.

Free dental work being provided today until 5 p.m. at 5139 Little Road, New Port Richey

Dr. Vincent Monticciolo's office

Dentistry from the Heart

The line began forming before sunrise and grew throughout the day. It is all part of the yearly Dentistry From The Heart event, which provides free dental work for the needy, including extractions, cleanings and fillings.

"The event has gotten bigger and bigger each year," Dr. Monticciolo said. "And we have had more and more help. We've grown in Florida and we're in every state now and five countries. So we do a lot of free work."

Dr. Vincent Monticciolo founded the charity in 2001.

For the past 16 years, Dr. Monticciolo has been hosting a Bay area Dentistry From The Heart day at his Little Road office in New Port Richey.

During that time, Dr. Monticciolo and his team of dentists, sponsors and volunteers have helped thousands of people in need of dental work. Monticciolo said the charity was created to aid those in need, including the growing population of under-insured Americans.

The dental team will work until 5 p.m. today, seeing as many as 400 patients today.

"It's humbling," Dr. Monticciolo said. "We're here to help the people. We get a lot of smiles. It's a great day for me and our staff and all the volunteers."

Since its beginnings, Dentistry from the Heart has grown to more than 300 events worldwide reaching more than 80,000 people. The charity has provided more than $7 million in dental work during its 16 years.

For more information, call (727) 376-7338 or go to happydentistry.com.
A Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputy was arrested after she lied to detectives during a criminal investigation surrounding an ex-employee.

Sarasota deputy arrested in connection to criminal investigation of ex-employee

Plank charged with providing false info to detectives regarding internal investigation

RELATED: Sheriff: Veteran deputy jailed on attempted murder charges

Former deputy Frankie Bybee was being investigated after authorities said he broke into a 79-year-old woman's home and attempted to kill her late last month.

Now, another deputy has been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Carson Plank, 23, is charged with providing false information during an investigation after she told Bybee about the internal investigation against him and then lied about it to detectives.

The internal investigation against Bybee began in December 2016 after the 79-year-old woman told deputies that she was being harassed and taken advantage of by Bybee, who was employed as a deputy at the time.

The victim contacted deputies again on Jan. 12, 2017 to report that Bybee broke into her home, attacked, and tried to kill her.

Bybee was arrested on Jan. 23 on several felony charges and was terminated seven days later.

Investigators said Plank was one of the first deputies on scene at the victim's home on Jan. 12. Plank was interviewed later that day and told detectives that she didn't see anything out of the ordinary at the victim's home nor had she been in contact with former deputy Frankie Bybee.

In another interview seven days later, Plank admitted to lying to detectives during the previous interview.

Plank admitted to photographing a blood droplet with human hair at the victim's home on Jan. 12 and that she did not submit the photo as evidence. She also told detectives that she contacted Bybee to make him aware of the questions detectives were asking related to the attempted murder allegations.

Plank was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 19 after the second interview.

Plank was arrested Feb. 9 and booked into the Sarasota County jail. Her employment status is pending the outcome of the investigation.
Jeff Atwater, Florida's chief financial officer, announced Friday that he is resigning to take a job at Florida Atlantic University.

Florida CFO Jeff Atwater stepping down after 2017 session

Atwater taking new job at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton

Florida Gov. Rick Scott will appoint Atwater's replacement

Atwater, a Republican from Palm Beach County, said he would leave his elected position to become vice president of strategic initiatives and chief financial officer of FAU, which is based in Boca Raton.

In a news release, Atwater said he would remain in his office until the end of the 2017 Legislative session, which starts in March.

"I am honored to join FAU in such a significant capacity," Atwater said in a statement. "While I would have preferred to embrace this opportunity at a later date, the timing of crucial university initiatives warranted an accelerated transition."

Atwater, a former state Senate president, was elected CFO in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. He couldn't run again because of term limits.

Atwater previously put his name in the ring to become FAU's president in 2014.

Gov. Rick Scott will be tasked with appointing someone to fill the remainder of Atwater's term.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
MADISON  New research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests an overpopulation of deer is having a long-term impact on the states forests.

Biologists have long known that an overabundance of deer negatively affects the number and diversity of forest plants. But a new study headed by Autumn Sabo, a Ph.D. candidate at the university, suggests its also changing the soil beneath the forest floor.

Sabo took samples from test plots that have been fenced off from deer for up to two decades and found less soil compaction and a thinner layer of depleted soil, which is called a leach zone.

The thickness of this low-nutrient layer appears to influence the abundance of forest plants including species like lilies and violets, Sabo said.

Sabo said she suspects the thinner leach zones are caused when deer eat hardwood tree saplings but that more study is needed to find the exact correlation.

She said its estimated there were around eight deer per square mile in Wisconsin before Europeans settled in the U.S., and that there are twice as many in the area near the test plots she studied.

There are now as many as 72 deer per square mile in some counties, Sabo said. She said her findings show the impact on forests from an overpopulation of deer exceed what the animals eat.

So these changes in growing conditions might serve as a legacy of deer overabundance and that could influence how well the forest recovers even if we are able to reduce deer numbers, Sabo said.

Sabos research began in 2011 and focused on test plots in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigans Upper Peninsula and the Peninsula State Park in Door County.

Its estimated there were around eight deer per square mile in Wisconsin before Europeans settled in the U.S.; there are now as many as 72 deer per square mile in some counties.
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The Macau Portuguese and English Press Association (AIPIM) has elected new governing staff during a meeting held yesterday. Jose Carlos Matias is the new president of the associations board of directors, replacing Joao Francisco Pinto.

Among other priorities for his mandate, Matias told the Times that the Association intends to highlight the role played by English-speaking media outlets.

Matias stressed to the Times yesterday that English media outlets play a significant role in the region as it keeps the English-speaking communities in Macau informed.

The English-speaking press does provide a valuable service for the communities in the Macau SAR, Matias said during a phone interview.

We believe that it would be desirable and we would welcome a situation where the support given to Portuguese- and Chinese-speaking press could be extended to the English speaking press, Matias, who is the editor of TDM English news, said. I think it would be a desirable development and that it would make sense.

Meanwhile, throughout the first half of the year, the association pledged to prioritize the analysis of the press freedom questionnaires that were handed out and collected in 2016.

The report aims to provide a comprehensive document, which would provide a better understanding of the current press freedom situation amongst Macau-based Portuguese and English-speaking journalists.

Commenting on the current status of press freedom in Macau, Matias remarked that it may still be tough for reporters to acquire access to some sources.

Its not so much about the press freedom downstream but more about the access to sources upstream, he said.

My general observation would be that the picture downstream seems satisfactory, but I think we have to look at the whole process in a more holistic manner.

Matias also confirmed that the association needs to conduct an Extraordinary General Assembly meeting to discuss and give the green light to the proposed Code of Ethics (Deontological Code) and Journalist Statute.

He noted that AIPIM is moving on with the approval process of the Code of Ethics, which will hopefully be a reference, and to be adapted on a voluntarily basis by Macau-based journalists.

Further written in the 2017/2018 action plan of AIPIM, it aims to collaborate with language centers to provide language courses in Chinese as well as in newspaper writing techniques, which would be held in English.

Regular debates and forums addressing topics of public interest related to the media industry and the MSARs social, political and economic development is also looked into.

Meanwhile, the newly elected presidents of the associations General Assembly and Supervisory Board are Joao Francisco Pinto and Paulo Barbosa (who is the Times managing editor) respectively.
A French film about a jazz guitar virtuoso who struggled under the Nazis kicked off the Berlin International Film Festival yesterday, the first of the years major European movie fests.

Django, from first-time director Etienne Comar, is the first of 18 movies competing for the festivals top Golden Bear award.

The film, inspired by the story of guitarist Django Reinhardt, portrays the Gypsy musicians life in France under Nazi occupation in 1943. Even as many Roma across Europe were being persecuted and killed in the Nazis death camps, Reinhardt initially believes that his fame will save him. He plays his guitar in sold-out concert halls in Paris, enjoying his popularity.

The freedom which music gives you in complex times is the topic of this film, Comar told reporters.

However, as the story progresses, the Nazis pressure on Reinhardt grows.

He refuses to go on a tour to Germany to serve the Nazis propaganda machine, but is later forced to play in front of German officers in France. The Gypsy village where he stays after leaving Paris gets burned down and in the end he runs for his life, leaving behind his pregnant wife and mother to escape across the Alps to Switzerland.

While the movie starts with joyous swing music and frisky dancing in Parisian underground night clubs, it ends with a requiem composed by Reinhardt and played for the first time after Frances liberation in 1945. He dedicated it to all the Gypsies who were slain by the Germans.

This years diverse program at the Berlin festival includes Oren Movermans drama The Dinner, starring Richard Gere and Laura Linney; a documentary on artist Joseph Beuys by German director Andres Veiel; and British director Sally Potters dark political comedy The Party.

A seven-member jury led by Dutch director Paul Verhoeven will announce the winners of the Golden Bear and other honors on Feb. 18.

Verhoeven said yesterday he hoped to see diverse and hopefully controversial movies so that we as a jury would really have heated arguments. Kirsten Grieshaber, Berlin, AP
Boeing Co. won orders for 39 wide-body aircraft from Singapore Airlines Ltd. as Southeast Asias biggest long-distance carrier upgrades its fleet over the next decade with more fuel-efficient models in an effort to cut costs.

The airline agreed to buy 20 777-9s, which are set to debut at the decades end, and 19 787-10s, the longest Dreamliner model, for USD13.8 billion at list prices that dont reflect customary discounts, Singapore Air said in a statement yesterday. Boeing was nearing an order for at least 35 wide-body aircraft from Singapore Air, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.

Deliveries of the jets will start as early as in the financial year ending March 2021, the carrier said, adding it also has options to buy six more of each of the two models.

The new deal would provide a critical boost to two high-profile Boeing products amid a tough market for twin-aisle jets. The Chicago-based company has been working hard to land sales of its upgraded 777X family after twice announcing it would cut output of current models. The new aircraft will replace some of Singapore Airs aging Boeing planes such as the 777-300ER, while giving the carriers low-cost units rights to jets not yet on the market.

Singapore is a deeply respected long-haul carrier, both in terms of brand quality and technical proficiency, said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst with Fairfax, Virginia-based Teal Group. It would be a fantastic endorsement.

Shares of the airline rose 1.4 percent to SGD9.94 yesterday in Singapore trading before the announcement.

Singapore Air has ordered 67 of the A350-900 jets, including an ultra-long range version, as it courts business travelers with non-stop service to markets such as New York and Los Angeles.

The Asian carriers current fleet includes 10 A350s, which Airbus says consume 25 percent less fuel than Boeings 777 aircraft, with 57 more on order. The airline already has 30 787-10s on order, according to Boeings website.

Singapore Air has also reviewed a proposed, longer version of the twin-engine 777 that would carry as many as 450 passengers, a load previously handled only by four-engine jumbo jets, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.

Buffeted by marquee Middle Eastern peers such as Emirates and regional budget operators, the only Asian carrier to have flown the Concorde has said it will maintain vigilance over its costs. Singapore Air, following two consecutive quarters of decline in profits, said Tuesday that 2017 will be another challenging year amid tepid global economic conditions and geopolitical concerns.

The carrier is the launch customer for the 787-10, the first Boeing jetliner to be manufactured solely at its new North Charleston, South Carolina, campus. Deliveries are slated to begin next year. Singapore Airs unit Scoot currently flies the carbon-composite 787-800 and 787-900 variants of the Dreamliners. Bloomberg
Brazilian port company Companhia Docas do Espirito Santo (Codesa) will negotiate with businesspeople from the Chinese special economic zone of Zhuhai to establish a direct sea link between that port city and the port city of Vitoria, the capital of Espirito Santo, according to a sector association.

The Brazilian Association of Port and Waterway Entities said in its February 2017 report that a Brazilian delegation will travel to Zhuhai on February 11 to assess the possibility of opening up the sea link with local businesspeople.

The president of Codesa, Luis Claudio Santana Montenegro, who is part of the delegation and who is due to return to Brazil on February 19, said that Zhuhai entrepreneurs had expressed great interest in the port of Vitoria and added that the interest in establishing a direct commercial link is mutual.

Santana Montenegro said that the Chinese interest in establishing the sea link emerged following the completion of modernization works at the port of Vitoria as well as dredging of the access channel, whose delay has meant that we lost ships to other ports.

The Brazilian delegation visiting Zhuhai includes a representative of the Vila Velha Terminal, a port facility that handles containers and general cargo. MDT/Macauhub
Live poultry imports to Macau will cease permanently due to concerns over the bird flu virus, Secretary for Administration and Justice Sonia Chan has said. The decision follows the discovery last month of the H7N9 influenza virus in a sample collected from the Nam Yuet wholesale market. Central slaughtering means the chickens will not be sent to the market [anymore], she said as cited by public broadcaster TDM. As long as there are live chickens and avian flu, chickens still have to be slaughtered [so] the problem will still be unresolved, she added contrarily. No decision has yet been made with regard to how the MSAR will supply consumers with chicken after the import ban, however the secretary added that it will be necessary to issue permits for the import of pre-slaughtered and frozen poultry.

Tam visits Fai Chi Kei Health Care Center

The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, visited the Fai Chi Kei Health Care Center on Wednesday to foster closer contact with both users and medical staff and learn about several facilities and services of the center. The Secretary exchanged views with patients and medical staff and learned about services performed by the facility, such as colorectal cancer screening, elderly healthcare and provision of a breastfeeding room. During the visit, Tam praised the great progress achieved by the Health Care Center since its inauguration two years ago. The secretary also noted the sense of mission needed from professionals in the sector, further stating that he expects all health professionals to improve service levels.

Local woman arrested for mailing drugs

A local female resident was arrested after having tried to mail marijuana to mainland China, Gongbei customs authority reported earlier this week. A total of 512 grams of marijuana was seized. According to the Gongbei customs, the mail bag originally came from Canada, and it had been declared as containing morel mushrooms. On the morning of February 5, Zhuhai police arrested the Macau resident, having seized a phone and a scale. The woman told the police that she purchased the drugs abroad, and was preparing to sell them to mainland drug users.

Zhuhai sees an increase in allergies during CNY

After the Chinese New Year holiday, Zhuhais Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Center registered a 10 percent increase in the number of people with skin allergic reactions, according to a report by Jornal Va Kio. Experts at the center said that the growth was caused by the patients unusual dining habits and by an unrestrained lifestyle. In regard to the elderly, allergies have been mainly caused by their overworking at home before the Chinese New Year, as well as by sudden changes in weather conditions. Among the younger ones, allergic reactions usually followed hair dying and inappropriate pill consumption for colds.

Govt to regulate breast milk-related services

The Health Bureau (SSM) is conducting research regarding the citys non-authorized professionals who help women increase their breast milk supply, according to the Secretary of the Council for Medical Affairs in Macau, Leong Pui San. Leong said that Macau has physical therapists and medical centers registered that provide breast milk-related services, and that these services are under SSMs supervision. One nurse from SSM, surnamed Vong, stated that the local government hires professional doctors from Hong Kong to provide a 30-hour training course to local medical professionals, specifically to improve their knowledge regarding breastfeeding. Vong urges local mothers to look for professional medical staff in case they need assistance.

Rabbit Lanterns on exhibition from tomorrow

Little Rabbit Lanterns  An Exhibition by Carlos Marreiros and Friends Part 12 will be inaugurated tomorrow at the Albergue SCM at Saint Lazarus district. As has become usual, the exhibition that celebrates the festivities of the Moon Lantern Festival will be held at the Albergue space (A2 Gallery) for about one month (February 11  March 5) showing a series of works on one of the most traditional local celebrations. Admission is free of charge.

Number of illegally parked cars in UM declines

The number of vehicles involved in parking space abuse at the University of Macau (UM) has dropped from 183 at the peak of the period of infringements to two, at present, according to a statement from the UM. With the assistance of the Macau police force, the UMs Security and Transport Section successfully persuaded owners of more than 100 vehicles to vacate the relevant parking spaces. The UM opened its campus and part of its facilities to the public after it completed its relocation in 2014. After implementation of the rules, the university started charging parking fees according to the user-pays principle. The university said that it will continue to improve its parking facilities and parking system this year.

Djibouti grants visa-on- arrival to local passport holders

Travelers to Djibouti who hold a Macau passport will be granted a visa upon their arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days, the Djibouti Immigration Authority has confirmed. To be eligible for the visa, travelers must also possess either an invitation letter, proof of hotel reservation or round-trip air ticket. According to a statement issued by the Identification Department, the MSAR was informed by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC in Macau. At present, a total of 126 countries or territories have agreed to grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to MSAR Passport holders.
The American Navy has moved thousands of people from the Chinese Nationalist Tachen Islands.

Communist forces on the Chinese mainland  within firing distance of the Tachens  have been threatening the Nationalist strongholds for several weeks.

The US Senate agreed the Chinese-American defence treaty two days ago to protect the anti-Communist, Nationalist power-base of Formosa (now called Taiwan)  regarded as the key to US security in the western Pacific.

Vice-Admiral Pride of Americas Seventh Fleet announced nearly 14,000 civilians have been taken from both North and South Tachen to the port of Keelung on the Nationalist island of Formosa.

American Ambassador Mr Rankin and Chief of the American Advisory Group, Major General Chase, have made an inspection trip to the Tachens and expect they will be completely evacuated  of 18,000 civilians and 15,000 troops  by the weekend.

Admiral Pride claimed North Tachen had been completely cleared of civilians by Tuesday evening (8 February) in an operation he described as satisfactory thus far.

His command of about two dozen evacuation ships worked through the night to embark civilians from the south island.

Communist forces have not interfered with the transportation process, but a statement from the Seventh Fleet revealed there had been anti-aircraft fire from Communist controlled islands against American aircraft patrolling the area.

The Americans have confirmed more than 400 carrier-based aircraft sorties in the past 44 hours. US Task Force 77- including five aircraft carriers  is on hand to counter what its commander, Admiral Ring, calls sneak attacks by the Chinese Communists.

After sweeping the straits for mines, the American fleet began the mass movement of people two days ago. The first group they rescued  on board the 16 tonne transporter Henrico  consisted oof approximately 100 over 65-year-olds.

Altogether the American force has the capacity to carry about 25,000 people between the Tachens and Formosa, 200 miles to the south.

Courtesy of BBC

In context

The US State Department announced they had completed the evacuation of the Tachen Islands on 11 February.

They used 132 boats and 400 aircraft to move 14,500 civilians, 10,000 Nationalist troops and 4,000 guerrillas, along with 40,000 tons of military equipment and supplies.

Three days later Chinese Communist forces invaded and overran the Tachen Islands.

The American Seventh Fleet returned to its normal Pacific bases and training areas, although a fleet of Sabrejets remained on Formosa.

US intervention in this region ensured the independence of the Nationalist Republic of China under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek.
The Macau Culinary Association Team, representing the territory, won the champions title on the 44th edition of Japans International Snow Sculpture Contest held in Sapporo, the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) said in a statement.

The team invited by MGTO to represent the region brought home the major title with a sculpture titled Crane Dance in Spring.

In its second participation in the contest and after having achieved second place last year, this years team consisting of Perry Yuan Kam Hung, Patrick Li Hing Cheung and Tam Kuong Wu managed to impress the judges with an artwork that took them four days to carve.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a winter festival held in the eponymous Japanese city and attracts over two million visitors every year from Japan and abroad.

The 44th Edition of the International Snow Sculpture Contest is one of the highlights in the Sapporo Snow Festival that this year reached its 68th edition.

In the contest, 11 teams, from different countries and regions including Latvia, Hawaii, Poland, Singapore and Macau, were called to carvetheir snow sculptures at on Odori Site from February 5 to 8.

Winners were announced at the site yesterday morning.

Last years edition of the festival enjoyed the presence of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, who led a delegation of MGTO to take part in the Festival and promote Macau as a travel destination, showcasing a snow sculpture of the Ruins of St. Pauls paired with video mapping projections.

According to the official figures, Japan is the second largest international source of visitors to Macau, accounting for over 300,000 visitors. This marks an increase of 6.5 percent over last year.
The Maldives former leader, who is living in exile in London, said yesterday he plans to contest next years presidential election in his country despite an outstanding prison sentence.

Mohamed Nasheed said he will seek his Maldivian Democratic Partys nomination later this year.

Nasheed was imprisoned in 2015 after receiving a 13-year jail term for ordering the arrest of a senior judge while in office. The following year he received asylum in Britain, where he had traveled for medical treatment.

The Maldives constitution bars anyone sentenced to more than 12 months from contesting elections unless three years have passed since their release or they have been officially pardoned. Nasheed insists his conviction was illegal and he is therefore able to run.

I can contest. I am a Maldivian national, I must be free to contest and I will contest, Nasheed told reporters in Colombo, the capital of neighboring Sri Lanka, where he met and held discussions with officials of his party.

However, if he is not permitted to run, Nasheed said his party will support a candidate from another party.

We will not boycott the election, he said.

Nasheed became the Maldives first democratically elected president in 2008, ending decades of autocratic rule by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He resigned after only three years after losing support over his detention of the top judge. Nasheed maintains that officials who remained loyal to Maumoon had orchestrated a coup.

Nasheed lost the 2013 presidential election to Yameen Abdul Gayoom, a half-brother of Maumoon.

Since his election, Yameen has tightened his grip on power and erased many of the countrys recent democratic gains.

A number of political leaders have been given lengthy prison sentences after trials on terrorism charges criticized for lack of due process.

Yameen is also accused of using the judiciary, police and bureaucracy to crack down on opponents.

The government tightly controls public gatherings and recently enacted an anti-defamation law with hefty fines and jail terms for journalists and social media users. Bharatha Mallawarachi, Colombo, AP
Three employees with Swedish broadcaster SVT have been sentenced to community work after being convicted of human smuggling for bringing a 15-year Syrian boy to Sweden during the 2015 migrant influx that swept across Europe.

The Malmos District Court said yesterday it was obvious the SVT team helped for purely humanitarian reasons.

Reporter Fredrik Onnevall, his cameraman and interpreter were making a documentary on the migrants when they met an unaccompanied minor in Greece who wanted to go to Sweden. They wanted to document his trip by car, ferry and train.

Before the court, Onnevall admitted paying for a car rental and knowing the boy had false papers. In Sweden, the then-15-year-old boy was granted permanent asylum.

It was not immediately clear whether the ruling would be appealed. AP
Communist guerrillas abducted three villagers, including a policeman, and burned construction equipment in new attacks in the Philippines yesterday and condemned President Rodrigo Duterte as a double- speaking thug for terminating peace talks.

Government forces were pursuing the attackers, about 60 suspected New Peoples Army rebels who separately seized the three people and burned construction equipment in far-flung Talakag town in southern Bukidnon province, army officials said.

The rebels burned a backhoe and two trucks at a construction company compound in Talakag apparently after failing to extort money from the firm, said Col. Eric Vinoya, an army brigade commander in Bukidnon, a mountainous pineapple-growing region about 860 kilometers southeast of Manila.

The abducted police officer was traveling on a motorcycle when taken at gunpoint by the rebels, he said.

Separately, the Marxist rebels also burned two trucks transporting copper ore in the northern mountain town of Itogon in Benguet province but didnt harm the drivers, police said.

Army troops backed by rocket-firing MG520 helicopters were pursuing the rebels, Benguet police chief Senior Superintendent Florante Camuyot said.

Duterte lifted the governments ceasefire and discarded Norway- brokered peace talks with the rebels last week after the guerrillas abandoned their own truce and killed six soldiers and kidnapped two others in new flare-ups in the 48-year insurgency, one of Asias longest-running.

Duterte, who took office in June and described himself as the countrys first left-wing leader, rapidly developed rapport with the guerrillas, initiating peace talks with them and appointing two left-wing activists to his Cabinet. All that has rapidly deteriorated in recent days, with the president labeling the insurgents terrorists and revoking an agreement that several freed rebel leaders were immune from arrests.

Duterte has gone berserk and upturned the entire peace process, the Communist Party of the Philippines said in a statement. His moves show how difficult it is to conduct serious negotiations with a double-speaking thug who only recognizes his own rules.

Dutertes all-out war will be completely frustrated, the communists said, citing how government troops have been overstretched fighting them and other insurgents, including Muslim militant groups in the south.

Military chief of staff. Gen. Eduardo Ano played down the rebels rhetoric, saying nobody believes the insurgent fighters, currently estimated to number 3,700, could succeed in their rebellion even in 100 years. They squandered their chance by waging attacks on troops that led to the collapse of the peace talks, he said.

You should go back, surrender or else hide for the rest of your lives, Ano said. AP
Macau Daily Times (MDT)  Why does MGM want to be the title sponsor of the Trail- Hiker?

Grant Bowie (GB)  I think this opportunity is good because, one, weve always had great commitment to the community. And from all the events in Macau, its clear that this is one of those events that has been built around community participation, something that we need a lot more of in Macau. Its not so much an international event, even though it has the capacity to grow, it really is focused on Macau participation. Two, this year, 2017, we will be moving to Cotai and TrailHiker is about Cotai and its about Coloane and its about the green side of Macau. Its about getting people to spend time out there, and as a new member of the Cotai community, we think that this is a great event for us to become part of that wider Cotai community.

MDT  Do you think this event will help promote your Cotai property?

GB  We would like to see it having [business] value. But more important is getting Macau people to take another look at their city. We all need to spend more time not focused just on the tourists, but on our own people. At last years event, the one comment that kept coming out over and over again was, We dont have enough participative events for Macau people. And thats something that excites us. From our perspective, we would like to see this event develop into being an opportunity for multiple activities during the year that celebrates different components of Macau. The best way for us to see [Macau] is on our feet with our friends. Whether youre a competitor who wants to run the course or whether you pack a lunch and take all day, this is a good thing for all of us.

MDT  One big change will be the start/finish line at MGM Cotai. Can you tell us something about the new route?

GB  Having our property in Cotai, we obviously want to start and finish the event at our property and fortunately, weve created a space, not specifically for this event, where we will be able to provide street access. For those people who have participated in the event, [they] understand that that last little pull up the ramp into the event center is tough for some people. It finishes some. This [finish line] is at ground level. It will really feel as if youve achieved a great success because its almost like crossing the finish line at any great event anywhere in the world, almost like the Arc de Triomphe. [The participants] will pass through our VIP driveway, and were going to create a carnival atmosphere celebrating participation. The event now will stay primarily to the east of the Cotai Strip, which means that its safer. Hopefully it will reduce some of the pressure on the traffic and simplify the exercise and will increase participation, particularly for schools and younger people.

MDT  The working date I believe is October 28. How long will MGM Cotai have been open by then?

GB  [Laughs] The event will begin and finish at MGM Cotai and our property will certainly welcome the beginning and the end of the event and, certainly, we are looking positively at making sure the property is open at that time. As I mentioned on a number of occasions, its a complicated project and its still going to be dependent on government approvals.

MDT  But it will be fully operating.

GB  Itll be finished, it will be finished, yes.

MDT  You spoke earlier about creating events leading up to the main event. What kind of initiatives are you thinking of?

GB  Wed like to sit down and work with the TrailHiker team to create opportunities that may even originate on the peninsula at MGM Macau. Even to this day theres still a lot of people in our city who dont really take the time to experience some of the traditional components that make up our city. I think a lot of the young people and even many of the new citizens dont understand the depth and quality of the peninsula and where our heritage [sites] are and why are they significant. We see the TrailHiker as being a healthy exercise, but also an event of discovery. I think a lot of people who go on the event for the first time are surprised by what they find. The dams, the bridges and, frankly, the hard work that the governments put in to creating and maintaining the trails. Since Ive been going on this event, theyve reforested Coloane. We know that from MGM because weve gone out there and planted the trees. So to be able to see the regeneration of the forest and the animal life, the bird life thats returning to the forest its a positive thing for our city. I think those are the things [we want to develop], from the heritage to the outdoors, plus creating some competitive opportunities for people to learn about it.

MDT  Do you mean trail- like events, like walks?

GB  Walks, runs. Im a business person and business is naturally competitive and we need to encourage our young people to learn to be competitive. Theres not a lot of organized sport in Macau and thats a tragedy. For me personally, I grew up in a competitive sporting environment.

MDT  How did your competitor that was the previous title sponsor [SCL] take it?

GB  All the gaming concessions get on pretty well and I think everybody is finding their own space. I think Sands China provided the support that they did for a period of time and it makes sense for them to say theyve taken the event as far as they could. Were looking for active participation from all gaming companies in Macau because this is another thing about this event. Were competitors on a day-to-day basis. When it comes to the TrailHiker, its an opportunity for us to come together to provide an event where all of our employees, all of our teams, all of our citizens can just have some fun. We want to encourage more corporates to become involved, both in terms of providing teams, but also providing support and presenting their products and services because, at the end of the day, Macau people should be using Macau products and services. Its good for the business, its good for the community.

MDT  From what you have been saying, you are pretty much engaged, yourself and the company, in this event. Are you going to buy it at some point?

GB  Its not a question of buying, its a question of building an investment and we are obviously looking to work extremely closely [with the organizers]. If it requires further investment to take it to another level, then I think MGM has demonstrated  just as Sands China did in the past  its prepared to invest if that allows us, in collaboration with the event organisers, to bring to life some of these additional opportunities, and build this event into something more significant. A critical point for us is about sustainability. History is an important thing for a commitment and having these events go on for a longer period of time is actually where you start getting true value. If we can keep it going [to a point] where we get intergenerational participants. That [would be] testament to the quality of this event and its longevity.

MDT  Are you going to promote it in schools?

GB  Clearly, we need to work with the authorities and through the Education Department, but it seems to me that this is a safe, healthy, positive way for young Macau people to learn some important life skills. Simple things, like when you need to set yourself an objective and prepare yourself to attain it. You need to train to prepare for the event and once you start the event you dont give up; because if we dont set objectives for ourselves and we dont train, then we get into the habit of giving up.

MDT  Theres a lesson about life there.

GB  Thats what sport is all about. Sport for all of us is about learning the lessons of life and hopefully in an enjoyable way and there is nothing more fun than achieving things together. They say that climbing Everest is wonderful, but when you get to the top and theres no one else there, what does it mean? It means something to you. However, celebrating a team achievement is much more exciting than a personal celebration for individual achievement.
Sri Lanka says it needs more time to fulfill promises given to the U.N. human rights body to investigate war crime allegations from the nations long civil war, which ended nearly eight years ago.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera told foreign correspondents late Tuesday that the government will seek more time at the next U.N. human rights session, starting Feb. 27 in Geneva.

Samaraweera said that Sri

Lanka will commit itself to going ahead as planned even though it has not been able to achieve all that it wanted.

In a joint resolution in 2015 at the U.N. Human Rights Council, Sri Lanka promised to work toward ethnic reconciliation, including investigating alleged wartime abuses.

It had promised the U.N., among other things, a truth-seeking mechanism, a judicial mechanism to prosecute those who are accused of human rights abuses and a new constitution that takes into account the island nations varied ethnicities and religions. However, little progress has been made.

According to U.N. estimates, up to 100,000 people were killed in the 26-year civil war, but many more are feared dead, including up to 40,000 civilians who are believed to have died in the final months of the fighting. Government troops and the Tamil Tiger rebels, who fought for an independent state for ethnic minority Tamils in the countrys north and east, were both accused of war crimes.

The U.N. human rights chief had called for a hybrid court with local and international judges. Sri Lanka agreed to the participation of foreign judges before backtracking and now insists on local courts investigating the allegations.

Samaraweera, however, said that Sri Lanka had agreed only to foreign participation at different levels in the judicial process, but not to have foreign judges hearing the cases.

The civil war ended in 2009 when Sri Lankas military crushed the Tamil Tiger rebels. AP
President Donald Trump has issued belated well-wishes to China for the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in the worlds most populous nation, saying he hoped to work with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to build a constructive relationship.

Trump had been the only U.S. president in recent years not to have issued greetings when the holiday fell on Jan. 28, triggering speculation in China as to whether it was an oversight or an intentional slight.

A statement from the White House late Wednesday said Trump wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping wishing the Chinese people greetings for the new year and the Lantern Festival that falls on Saturday.

President Trump stated that he looks forward to working with President Xi to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China, the statement said.

Trump has accused Beijing of unfair trade practices and currency manipulation, criticized Chinas military buildup in the South China Sea and accused Beijing of doing too little to pressure neighbor North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.

He also upended four decades of diplomatic protocol by speaking by phone with Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.

Beijing decried the phone call with Tsai and has rejected the other accusations. China has in fact been spending heavily from its pile of foreign currency reserves to prop up the value of its currency, which would make its exports less competitive.

The prospect of a military confrontation over the South China Sea had also been raised by Trumps chief strategist Steve Bannon when he hosted the conservative Breitbart News Daily radio show in 2015 and 2016.

Bannon said he envisioned the possibility of a U.S.-China war over the strategic waterbody within five to 10 years. China, which claims the sea virtually in its entirety, has been building man-made islands in the area and equipping them with airstrips and military installations.

Despite Trumps confrontational image, Chinese internet users were warmed by a brief video clip of Donald Trumps granddaughter singing in Chinese that circulated on the web earlier this month. AP
President Donald Trump yesterday lashed out at Republican Sen. John McCain, who has disputed the Trump administrations insistence that the deadly U.S. military mission in Yemen was absolutely a success.

Trump took to Twitter to assail the Vietnam War veteran and chairman of the Armed Services Committee for emboldening the enemy after the Arizona lawmaker initially called last months raid a failure. McCain issued a statement Tuesday in which he said that while many objectives of the raid were met, I would not describe any operation that results in the loss of American life as a success.

Sen. McCain should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media, Trump said over several tweets. Only emboldens the enemy! Hes been losing so [] long he doesnt know how to win anymore.

The raid was supposed to be an intelligence gathering mission but turned into a lengthy battle with al-Qaida fighters in which a Navy SEAL, Ryan Owens, was killed, a USD75 million aircraft was lost and there were multiple casualties, including women and children.

Our hero [] Ryan died on a winning mission [according to General Mattis], not a failure. Time for the U.S. to get smart and start winning again! Trump tweeted. Retired Gen. Jim Mattis is Trumps secretary of defense.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer has called the raid absolutely a success.

McCain, who spent 5 years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, has not been shy about criticizing Trump, especially over his accommodating attitude toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and his controversial immigration order suspending all immigration for citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries, including Yemen, for 90 days.

But yesterday, McCain was not eager to respond to Trumps latest missives.

Senator McCain will continue to execute his oversight duties as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and support the brave men and women serving our nation in uniform, said McCain spokeswoman Julie Tarallo.

McCain, 80, cruised to a sixth Senate term in November, defeating a Democratic challenger who hounded the senator for standing by Trump even after the billionaire businessman insulted him as a loser and appeared to question whether he is a war hero.

Trump, who received draft deferments during the Vietnam era, also said there was nothing heroic about McCains military record after he was shot down during the war.

McCain dropped his support for Trump in early October after a 2005 recording surfaced in which Trump boasted about groping women. The move led to an outcry from conservative voters firmly behind Trump. McCain has sought to limit his public criticism of Trump to policy differences but often struggles to hide his exasperation when encountering reporters in the corridors of the Capitol. Andrew Taylor, Washington, AP

Alabamas sessions sworn in as attorney general

Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions has been sworn in as President Donald Trumps attorney general. During an Oval Office ceremony, Trump called Sessions a man of integrity and principal, and someone who has devoted his life to the cause of justice. Sessions was sworn in the morning after the Senate confirmed his nomination following a contentious confirmation process. The Alabama lawmaker resigned his Senate seat shortly after his colleagues approved him on a 52-47 vote that broke largely along partisan lines.
U.S. officials stopped screening refugees held on Nauru for potential resettlement in the United States this week but will return to the Pacific atoll to continue working toward a deal that President Donald Trump has condemned as dumb, an Australian minister said yesterday.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton would not say when U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials would return to Nauru to conduct what Trump describes as extreme vetting.

Trump made enhanced screening a condition for agreeing to honor an Obama administration deal to accept up to 1,250 refugees refused entry into Australia. Australia pays Nauru and Papua New Guinea to keep more than 2,000 asylum seekers  mostly from Iran, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka  in conditions condemned by rights groups. The process of extreme vetting has yet to be explained.

U.S. officials were sent to Nauru within days of the deals announcement in November after the U.S. presidential election. But they left this week with arrangements under a cloud.

I dont have any comment to make in relation to when U.S. officials will be on Nauru next, Dutton told reporters. There have been officials there who have left [] in the last couple of days and we would expect other officials to be there in due course.

Dutton later denied in an interview with Sky News that the screening process was on hold, saying his staffers were working with homeland security officials in Washington to assess each of the refugees cases.

Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul said most of the refugees on Nauru who had been accepted by the United States as candidates for resettlement had initial interviews with U.S. officials in what they had been told was a two-step process. But there have been no second interviews so far, Rintoul said.

Australia has determined that there are 1,600 genuine refugees among 2,077 asylum seekers on Papua New Guinea and Nauru. There could also be refugees among the 370 asylum seekers who came to Australia for medical treatment then took court action to prevent their return to the island camps.

As of last week, Nauru held 1,132 asylum seekers including women and children. The Manus Island facility in Papua New Guinea housed 818 men with another 127 male asylum seekers living elsewhere in Papua New Guinea.

Australia has said the most vulnerable refugees on Nauru would be given priority for U.S. resettlement.

After committing to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull that he would honor the agreement, Trump tweeted that it was a dumb deal.

Asked last week whether the deal would continue, Trump said: Well see what happens.

Papua New Guinea was yesterday accused of breaching the rights of 60 asylum seekers who have been told they are about to be deported. Such deportations are rare.

The 60 have had their refugee claims rejected and one has already been removed from the men-only Manus facility, said Ben Lomai, a lawyer representing them.

Most of those targeted for deportation were from Iran, with others from Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Bangladesh.

It is not clear how Papua New Guinea hopes to overcome Irans refusal to accept back its citizens who have not returned voluntarily.

One asylum seeker from Nepal was put on a commercial flight Wednesday night and told he was being returned to his home country, Lomai said.

Lomai was preparing an application for the court in Papua New Guinea asking that the deportations be halted. The asylum seekers already have separate court applications pending asking that they be resettled in Australia, and Lomai said it would be unjust to deport them before those matters were heard.

Australian Attorney-General George Brandis defended Papua New Guineas legal right to deport the men, saying their refugee claims have been investigated and rejected.

The Papua New Guinea government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rod McGuirk, AP
An American woman imprisoned in Indonesia for killing her mother has retracted statements made in YouTube videos that her boyfriend, also convicted in the same case, was innocent.

A statement released by Heather Mack and her lawyer Yulius Benyamin Seran on Wednesday said the assertions in the videos were false and recorded under pressure. The statement said Mack, 21, was reading words written by her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer.

In a series of three videos posted last week, Mack says that Schaefer was trying to protect her when he confessed to striking her 62-year- old mother, Sheila von Weise-Mack, in the head with a metal fruit bowl.

Macks statement said the video was uploaded to YouTube by someone who deliberately created an account in her name.

Bali prison warden Tonny Nainggolan said authorities were investigating who recorded and uploaded the videos. He said neither Mack nor Schaefer had admitted to producing or uploading the videos and blamed each other.

The couple was convicted in April 2015 of premeditated murder, which carries a maximum penalty of death. Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison while Mack, who gave birth during the trial, received a 10-year prison sentence.

Von Wiese-Mack was the widow of highly regarded jazz and classical composer James L. Mack, who died in 2006 at the age of 76.

Schaefer testified at his trial that von Wiese-Mack was angry when she learned about her daughters pregnancy and tried to strangle him, prompting him to strike her with a metal fruit bowl.

In the videos, Mack said she plotted to kill her mother herself because Schaefer refused to help find someone who would kill her mother for USD50,000.

After that I got this new savage idea in my head that I wanted to kill her in a hotel room because she killed my father in a hotel room, she said. We were going to Bali, then I began to plot.

Mack, the composer, died in a hotel room in Athens, Greece, after suffering a pulmonary embolism, according to his Chicago Tribune obituary.

Prosecutors said the two discussed killing von Weise- Mack in text messages, but in the videos Mack said that she took Schaefers phone when he was asleep and sent text messages to her own phone.

Tommys an innocent man, said Mack. She said that he only helped her stuff the body in a suitcase and clean up the murder scene because she threatened to tell police that he committed the crime. AP
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TWIN FALLS  Many say theyve never seen anything like it.

Others, noses to the grindstone, are too busy to say much at all as they battle unprecedented floodwaters.

While city folk deal with flooded basements and pot holes, country folk are dealing with breached canals, washed out roads and wet, cold animals.

Out in the country, fields are muddy or puddled, but not as bad as might be expected.

Many fields are mostly bare because the wind blows the snow off, said Larry Hollifield, who farms near Hansen.

Hollifield said Thursday he hasnt lost anything yet, but hes been lucky.

Nothing has been damaged yet, but there will be some expenses in the spring, he said. Well pumps are under water and will need repair, and ditches will need maintenance.

Wind leaves large drifts in inconvenient places. When snow starts to melt, this is the where the trouble starts.

But no farmers with damage wanted to talk about damage  they were too busy.

Governor C.L. Butch Otter recognized the effects extraordinary weather conditions have had on agricultural producers, Idaho State Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Chanel Tewalt said.

From dealing with collapsed onion sheds to managing unusual moisture levels, producers and processors across the state are working in their own communities and with agricultural associations and the State to best mitigate damaging effects, Tewalt said.

Six counties  Ada, Boundary, Canyon, Custer, Payette and Washington  are now on the states disaster designation list. Several counties  including Twin Falls and Cassia and municipalities have made disaster designations of their own.

In addition, the Idaho Dairymens Association encourages its members to report any compliance matters to appropriate officials.

This is a complex situation with many variables from one dairy or animal operation to the next, Tewalt said. The ISDA has been and will continue investigating complaints, self-reports or concerns. In doing so, the ISDA will evaluate all information on a case-by-case, consistent manner.

A dairyman near the Raft River in Cassia County said most of his fields were under water but his dairy is in a good spot. Meltwater is flowing through his sloped pens but not pooling.

Other cattlemen could be in worse shape, he said. Beef cows are pregnant, and if a cow drinks dirty water, she can abort her calf.

Eric Parrott, who raises organic beef south of Filer, agreed. One surprising source of bad water can be a watering trough.

Birds can introduce coccidiosis into the herd when they come to drink, Parrott said. Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract that ends up in a cows intestinal tract when birds poop in their drinking water.

Parrots cows are on crop ground and not penned.

The moisture is bad for young calves, he said. And so are wide swings in temperatures. It can break down a calfs immune system and bring on pneumonia.

Parrot said he has had only one calf born so far, so were not in too bad of a situation.
BOISE  State lawmakers, staffers for the congressional delegation, county commissioners, lawyers and professors gathered in a hearing room at the capitol Wednesday to try to clear the path to turn Craters of the Moon National Monument into Idahos first national park.

The idea has overwhelming local support. The commissioners of every county bordering Craters have passed resolutions in support. And in a November advisory ballot measure, 57 percent of voters in Butte County, which would be most heavily affected, supported the idea as well.

This week, Gov. C.L. Butch Otter joined in, telling reporters at an Idaho Press Club breakfast that he would support the change as long as it didnt affect local land management, according to the Idaho Statesman.

Weve jumped through the hoops. Weve done what youve asked, said Helen Merrill, an Arco chiropractor who has helped organize the push for a national park.

Now what locals need is help from state lawmakers and Congress. The advocates want lawmakers to introduce a resolution to be transmitted to Congress expressing the states support.

The only opposition has come from the Idaho Farm Bureau.

Sen. Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton, opened the informal meeting, which stretched for nearly two hours. Representatives Van Burtenshaw, R-Terreton, and Karey Hanks, R-St. Anthony, were also present. All three represent District 35, which encompasses Butte, Clark, Jefferson and Fremont counties.

Im willing to stay until we come to some kind of a resolution, Siddoway said.

The Idaho Farm Bureau previously expressed concerns that a change in designation could endanger commerce along a section of U.S. 26 between Carey and Arco, which is used by many area farmers to transport hay.

Organizers gathered experts in an attempt to demonstrate, once and for all, that those concerns dont have any basis in reality.

Butte County Prosecutor Steve Stephens pointed out that President Franklin Roosevelt had given Idaho possession of the roadway in the 1940s.

Roosevelt basically redrew the boundaries of the original monument, taking the highway out of the monument, he said.

Jason Minzghor, the Idaho Transportation Departments District 6 engineer, said he thought some confusion arose because the roads in Yellowstone National Park are owned and regulated by the federal government. Yellowstone was created before Idaho was a state, he said, but at Craters, Idaho owns the road plus 120 feet of right-of-way on either side.

As long as we can maintain and own it, we dont have any issues, he said.

Representatives of the Farm Bureau werent originally present, but Siddoway left to find Russ Hendricks, the groups director of governmental affairs and chief lobbyist.

There were two primary issues Hendricks raised after being summoned to the discussion.

First, the Farm Bureau doesnt trust the word of the federal government. Whatever protections for agriculture are put into the deal, the group is skeptical the feds will follow through.

Second, the Farm Bureau is concerned that the very thing that advocates hope will boost the local economy  raising the profile of Craters  could bring unwanted additional scrutiny to ranchers from environmental groups.

Were very leery, he said.

Hendricks said promises had been made to ranchers and broken by the feds before. When bighorn sheep were being reintroduced to Hells Canyon, domesticated sheep ranchers received assurances it wouldnt impact them.

Hendricks provided a copy of a 1997 letter signed by representatives of the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, and the fish and game departments of Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

The committee recognizes the existing domestic sheep operations in or adjacent to the Hells Canyon Complex, on both National Forest and private lands, and accepts the potential risk of disease transmission and loss of bighorn sheep when bighorns invade domestic sheep operations, the letter stated.

But 10 years later, faced with a lawsuit from the Western Watersheds Project and other groups for failing to examine the environmental impact of grazing allotments there, the Forest Service stopped sheep grazing in Hells Canyon.

Hendricks also pointed to two other incidents  the use of ATVs by farmers in Owyhee County and proposed routing of a power line through the Birds of Prey National Conservation Area  in which ranchers feel promises havent been kept.

Theres a key difference between the incidents Hendricks pointed to and the proposed national park at Craters, explained John Freemuth, executive director of the Andrus Center for Public Policy. In each of those cases, ranchers were dealing with executive agencies and their rules.

But only Congress can create a national park, he said.

And the stipulations that Congress puts into legislation arent promises. Theyre laws.

Butte County Commissioner Rose Bernal said she had contacted every rancher who has a grazing allotment in the preserve that was created on the outskirts of the national monument, and none of them were opposed to a national park.

Bernal ended with a plea to the lawmakers and the congressional delegation. Butte Countys economy is struggling, she said. And because of that, the county is losing population at the second-highest rate in the state.

But if more tourists would stop and stay at Craters, that would mean an influx of jobs and spending that could help keep the struggling county economically viable.

Help us help ourselves, Bernal said.
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BOISE  Two Magic Valley charter schools received approval Tuesday to keep their doors open for the next five years.

The Idaho Public Charter School Commission gave an OK to charter renewals for Heritage Academy in Jerome and Syringa Mountain School in Hailey.

It means the schools can continue to plan for the future. But the renewals  effective July 2017 through June 2022  come with conditions schools must meet or theyll face further review.

Its nice to have the charter commissions support and confidence in our school, said Christine Fonner, school administrator for Syringa Mountain School.

She said its important for the school to be held accountable.

Charter renewals are a new requirement through the Idaho Public Charter School Commission, said Christine Ivie, administrator at Heritage Academy.

And the renewal application was a huge project.

It was 800 pages  longer than the dissertation for Ivies doctoral degree in education  and it took two months to complete.

Ivie said she and a group of other Idaho charter school officials are worried about the cumbersome process and would like to see it streamlined.

It takes up a lot of time that could be spent helping students, she added.

Heritage Academy

For us, were really happy our charter is renewed for five years, Ivie said.

Heritage Academy, which opened in 2011, has about 180 students in kindergarten through eighth grades.

In addition to traditional curriculum, it uses a school-wide enrichment model developed by professors at the University of Connecticut.

Each week, students choose from topics such as woodworking, music, business or science, and work on producing real-world products and services.

One condition for the schools charter renewal: boosting proficiency levels in all subject areas on the Idaho Standards Achievement Tests for third through eighth grades to meet or exceed the Jerome School Districts rates by 2020.

The charter commission also set targets for academic growth measures for continuously-enrolled students.

Showing academic growth is important, Ivie said, and a better measure in the long run than proficiency.

Within the last one-and-a-half years, Heritage Academy has implemented new reading and math programs.

We think theyre more effective in meeting kids needs, Ivie said.

About 94 percent of Heritage Academy students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. And 40 percent of the student body has special needs or is an English language learner.

But the biggest challenge for the school: poor attendance rates and high mobility, which may be an impact of poverty, Ivie said.

About 24 percent of students are proficient on the ISAT when they enroll, Ivie said. For those who stay for three years, the proficiency rate rises to 84 percent.

Syringa Mountain School

Syringa Mountain School, which opened in 2014, serves 137 students in kindergarten through sixth grades.

The public Waldorf school has a nature-oriented approach that de-emphasizes technology, with the goal of developing students imaginations.

Syringa must raise its ISAT scores in English/language arts and math to average state levels or higher by 2020, according to the charter commission.

They want to see test scores improve to be competitive with neighboring schools in our region, Fonner said.

When Syringa opened three years ago, 75 percent of students were below grade level in English/language arts and math, she said.

Since Fonner started as administrator in July, she implemented a new literacy and math program to boost test scores and is already seeing improvement.

Syringa has also faced frequent administrative turnover and persistent under-enrollment, according to the charter commission.

And its dealing with significant financial struggles, the commission says, but has done extensive fundraising.

Fundraising makes up about 20 percent of the schools budget, Fonner said. We tend to operate on less money than the local school districts because we have to.
GOODING COUNTY  Efforts to mitigate flooding and reopen roads continued Friday across the Magic Valley.

As Minidoka and Cassia counties needed volunteers to help bag sand, Gooding County was hoping that state emergency money might help it fix damaged roads. Meanwhile, a Red Cross shelter in Twin Falls was relocated and farms continued to be inundated.

Niagara Springs Grade was hit hard by water this week, narrowing the road to one lane and washing out at the bottom of the grade.

Both sides of that road have been washed away, said Jerry Chapman, manager of the Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery. You cant get down here right now.

The Niagara Springs unit of Thousand Springs State Park was closed until further notice, the agency posted Friday on its Facebook page.

County road crews were working on graveling the road, and were supposed to be done by 11 a.m., Chapman said.

Early Friday afternoon, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game announced that access to Niagara Springs Wildlife Management Area is also closed.

Extreme runnoff has resulted in substantial road damage, Fish and Games Magic Valley office posted. Please avoid the area to allow road crews access to complete repairs.

The Gooding County Commission declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon after receiving calls from the Gooding County sheriff about the flooding.

He said this was escalating a lot faster than anyone thought, Commissioner Mark Bolduc said.

Bolduc went out to survey the damage to Niagara Springs Grade and other roads in the county.

Were kind of in the same boat as everybody, he said.

Most of the flooding Thursday was south of Wendell, as far as he could tell, but Bolduc was not aware of the state of events Friday morning.

The Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery is still operating, and most staff live on site or nearby, Chapman said. But flooding had prevented a truckload of medicated feed from making its way to the hatchery Wednesday. The hatchery  operated by Fish and Game and owned by Idaho Power Co.  was able to get a load of feed down Thursday by using radios to control traffic. The additional, medicated feed will treat sick fish, he said.

Chapman guessed Clear Springs Foods operations may be more impacted, as hes seen trucks parked at the top of the grade as people were shuttled down.

Ruth Harder  who lives west of Miracle Hot Springs  said Friday local farms are flooding. Its getting a little dicey.

The snow is melting rapidly, she said. Traveling around the area is also a challenge, she said, and requires finding alternate routes. A lot of the gravel roads are becoming fairly impassable.

But at their property, were fairly fortunate compared to a lot of other people, Harder said. Since Christmas Eve, theyve been removing snow, which has helped.

She said shes counting her blessings and praying for others.

In Twin Falls, the Red Cross shelter has moved to the Eastside Southern Baptist Church, 204 Eastland Dr. N., and will be open at noon. The shelter will remain open over the weekend if needed. The Red Cross shelter at the Jerome County fairgrounds remains on standby.

The Red Cross is closely watching evolving conditions across the state and is preparing to open additional shelters in other affected counties if needed, a statement from the agency said.
BOISE  Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden put out a notice Thursday warning about a particularly dangerous phishing scam that could compromise sensitive employee data.

The Internal Revenue Service notified the Attorney Generals Office this week of a scam targeting organizations such as schools, restaurants, hospitals and tribal groups.

That includes the College of Southern Idaho, but specific groups affected werent named in the statement.

A number of Idaho organizations have been targeted by this threat, according to the statement.

An individual  who was impersonating a college employee  sent an email Thursday to a CSI employee requesting W-2 forms. An employee released information later that day for all college employees for 2015 and 2016.

Through the scam, cybercriminals use email addresses made to look like its from an organization executive.

Its sent to an employee in a payroll or human resources department requesting a list of all employees and their W-2 forms.

The cybercriminal then follows up with an executive email to the payroll or comptroller and asks that a wire transfer also be made to a certain account, according to the statement.

Although not tax related, the wire transfer scam is being coupled with the W-2 scam email, and some companies have lost both employees W-2s and thousands of dollars due to wire transfers.

The scam isnt new, but reappeared in the last two weeks, according to the Idaho AGs Office. Some organizations being targeted were also subject to a similar scam last year.
MALTA  Assembly lines of people held sandbags while others wielded shovels Thursday in several Mini-Cassia cities as people banded together to help others protect their homes, property and animals from encroaching floodwater.

Students from Declo were bused to Albion to help bag sand, and Raft River High students were on their fifth day of filling bags. Minidoka County students were released early because roads were washing out in the county.

Minidoka County School District Superintendent Ken Cox said there will not be school on Friday. School is also canceled Friday at Raft River and Almo due the road conditions.

Its kind of all a blur, said Jared Gardiner, a 17-year-old Raft River High School student. But, its fun to me. I like helping people.

Principal Eric Boden said the students are volunteering for the job.

They have been great, he said. I havent had one say no yet.

The worst area in Malta is south of town where three roads are impassable, Boden said.

Ross Lloyd of Almo said there was not flooding yet in that area but he was picking up a pallet of sandbags at the high school as a precaution.

Andrea Scott, with Raft River Electric, said the company has been using its equipment to help with the relief effort.

This is a small community and if I had something wrong there would be 100 people on my doorstep to help, Scott said.

The ranchers, she said, are being hit the hardest.

They are calving and some of them cant get feed out to their animals, she said.

The Declo Fire Department is collecting non-perishable food and supplies for the relief workers at the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce. On Thursday, food went to workers in Albion and Malta, said Fire Chief Winn Osterhout. The chamber office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday for donations.

Pat Field, who lives outside Albion, worked alongside the students to fill sandbags that were placed on pallets. Fork-lift drivers then picked up pallets and delivered them to low areas along Marsh Creek, which runs through town.

Many farmers fear the winter wheat in the ground will be lost and the ranches could lose up to 25 to 40 percent of their calves this year, Field said.

When the weather changes back and forth like this the calves develop pneumonia and die or they freeze to the ground after they are born. When you are calving 500 head, you just cant keep up with it, Field said. Were survivors out here; thats why we live out here. We are used to dealing with Mother Nature, but right now were just doing the best we can.

Declo High School made an announcement at the school asking for volunteers, and about 50 students signed up to help. They were bused from the school to Albion to join the crews working there.

We know how bad it is and you never know when something like this will hit Declo, said Christian Kidd, 17.

In Minidoka County, Sheriff Eric Snarr said flooding is widespread with the worst north of Rupert.

Idaho Highway 24 between Rupert and Acequia at milepost 8 to 9 is closed and many county roads are flooded, Snarr said.

If people need help and cant get it, they need to say something, Snarr said. Dont wait until its too late.

Authorities are also concerned about sewage backing up and the quality of ground water in wells.

The Cassia County Commissioners held an emergency meeting Wednesday night to renew the county-wide emergency declaration. Language was added to request assistance from state and federal agencies. The commissioners met again Thursday to prioritize assistance needs.

Motorists should always cross floodwater with care because the asphalt can be washed away or the water can be deeper than expected, Cassia County Undersheriff George Warrell said.

Becoming submerged is a danger, he said. If it looks deep, dont enter it, especially if you have a small vehicle.
BUHL  Floods have overwhelmed the Magic Valley in one of the largest wintertime natural disasters in generations, forcing emergency evacuations, closing schools and prompting desperate pleas for volunteers to help stave off rising water.

Warm weather is melting a historic snowfall. The thaw that began earlier this week triggered widespread crisis Thursday. A canal was partially breached overnight near Castleford and Buhl, displacing several families. The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at Amazing Grace Fellowship, 1601 Eastland Drive N.

Districts in Filer, Buhl and Minidoka County closed schools in the middle of the day. A car that bypassed a police barricade in Twin Falls County was swept away by violent floodwaters west of Buhl. Segments of some roadways simply disappeared, ripped apart by rushing water.

Authorities reported no deaths or serious injuries but pleaded with motorists to stay off water-covered roads.

Becoming submerged is a danger, Cassia County Undersheriff George Warrell said. If it looks deep, dont enter it, especially if you have a small vehicle.

Aerial photographs showed floodwaters stretching for miles across Cassia County. A 36-mile stretch of Interstate 86 that had been closed since Monday reopened, but authorities worried floodwaters could soon threaten Interstate 84, the primary stretch of interstate highway through the Magic Valley.

In Twin Falls County, officials told people to avoid the entire western portion of the county, where roads washed away and at least eight homes flooded. Inspectors rushed to canals, roadways and bridges threatened by the rising water.

Sheriffs deputies went door to door in Twin Falls County after the canals flooded. Emergency crews were overwhelmed, and authorities warned residents they were mostly on their own.

"The county received no sandbags whatsoever from the state of Idaho," Twin Falls County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Jackie Frey said. "The citizens need to prepare their own homes and do their own mitigation efforts."

Sandbags were in short supply across the valley. Volunteers ran out of bags in Malta and ordered an emergency supply from a distributor in California; they were expected to arrive Friday.

Runoff, ice in canals caused flooding

Carrie Myers' husband was up half the night diverting floodwater from their Filer home, but after two hours of rest, the front yard was flooded and water was spilling into their basement.

The water wasnt coming from the overflowing irrigation canals but directly off the field in back of her house. And there was no stopping it.

I really dont think it was preventable, she said.

The 6 inches in her familys basement was about half what it had a couple of weeks prior during the last flood. But despite stocking up on sandbags and digging channels for the water, it still did damage.

The basement isnt bad, but the front of the house is sinking, Myers said as she stood outside her home wearing tall rubber boots.

Other families were evacuated from the Buhl and Castleford area. Overflowing in numerous places along the Lowline Canal  and a partial breach in the Highline Canal  resulted from ice buildup and rapid melting, canal company staff said.

Some homes escaped the flooding, but one farm (and an unknown number of other homes) wasnt so lucky.

We feel terrible about places that have been flooded, Twin Falls Canal Co. General Manager Brian Olmstead said. This wasnt one drop of our water.  Everything above the canals ended up in the canals.

By the afternoon, the Lowline Canal and the Cedar Draw drainage were far below where theyd been the night before, but water from various fields and Deep Creek continued to flow across county roads.

Unusual weather

It was around 6 p.m. Wednesday evening when Olmstead got the call from the canal companys water master: The gauges measuring flow at the Cedar Draw were rising rapidly.

He said: Were not going to be able to confine it, Olmstead recalled. Its too much.

This was the most water Maintenance Supervisor Doug Howard had seen in more than 30 years with the Twin Falls Canal Co.

Rising temperatures rapidly melted snow in higher places, and water coming of the Salmon Falls canals inadvertently flooded the other canals.

Additionally, extra water flow in the Highline and Lowline canals broke off large chunks of ice along the bottom, formed during freezing weather earlier. The ice floated to the top and created dams in multiple places. The Highline Canal had experienced a partial breach early Thursday morning at its tail end, flooding one farm.

We just need to get the water level down, Howard said as he surveyed four excavators plucking up ice from the cold water of the Lowline in the afternoon. We tried to evacuate everybody within a 2-to-3 mile radius this morning.

Hed already planned to bring in four more excavators from contractors, adding to the 11 machines that were already hard at work.

We cleared ice," Olmstead said, "but it keeps on coming.

Crews aimed to push flooding farther downstream, having already diverted the water away from highways and towns. It was mostly the last 4 to 6 miles of canals that were affected, Olmstead said.

Crews used spillways like Cedar Draw, which looked like Niagara Falls coming in last night. Sounded like it, too, Olmstead said.

While spilling as much as safely possible into Cottonwood, Cedar Draw, Rock Creek and Deep Creek, the Lowline still flooded its banks. Deep Creek also flooded, inundated with about 800 cubic feet per second of water from the Highline Canal  and another 600 cfs from the Lowline. Thats about four times what it usually receives.

This is probably the biggest flood Deep Creeks ever had, Olmstead said, recalling another major flood back in 1979.

A section of road at 3500 North and 1900 East was destroyed by the water, and a bridge at 3400 North was still under water. The Twin Falls Canal Co. had run completely out of Water Over Road signs, Olmstead said.

The canal company could not have used laterals to lighten the load on the main canals, Olmstead explained, because the laterals are filled with snow. It is too hard for crews to maintain the small channels in the winter, and clearing them would only have pushed the flooding to less preferable areas, he said.

Emergency response

After being notified of the potential for flooding, residents in the Buhl and Castleford area sprang into action, preparing their homes with sandbags, Twin Falls County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Jackie Frey said.

The American Red Cross opened the shelter for displaced families shortly after midnight.

We have cots and blankets, said volunteer Nicole Stevenson. If we do have a lot of people, Salvation Army will usually come in and feed everybody.

Water and fruit for immediate needs was available. Each of the two shelter trailers was equipped for 50 shelter residents, said Red Cross Disaster Action Team coordinator Diana Ochsner.

As of 10:30 a.m. Thursday, no residents had used the shelter. They opted instead to stay with families or protect their homes, Frey said.

The Twin Falls Canal Co., Twin Falls Highway District and Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office worked to mitigate damage to life and property, but the National Weather Service has warned of an upcoming rainstorm that may affect the South Hills drainage area. McMillen Creek, Rock Creek and the Perrine Coulee on College of Southern Idaho's campus are being monitored, Frey said.

Should a problem occur, an emergency system will send warnings to those in affected areas.

"Mother Nature has definitely come after us," Frey said. We never expected to see the amount of moisture we received.
I wish to clarify Brown's reporting when he states, "Peterson went to court, but the case was dismissed." Judge Moody granted our court request against our mom's life insurance company to have our lawsuit dismissed without prejudice. We feel we had forensic evidence and added exhibits along with testimony to prove our case truthful. The problem was we needed more forensic work to be done before we returned back to court. Judge Moody opened the door for future cases by granting us the order that we deserved.
THE University of the Philippines welcomed on Friday its 21st president, UP Diliman College of Law dean Danilo Concepcion, in a ceremonial turnover of the university leadership in Diliman, Quezon City.

The new UP presidents platform is the redefinition of UPs culture, enhancing the time-honored traditions of honor and excellence to include compassion, a virtue he considers as UPs moral core as the national university.

The 21st UP president has reappointed three officials from the previous administration to continue serving as part of his executive team Vice President for Planning and Finance Joselito Florendo, Cesar Virata school of Business-Department of Accounting and Finance, Vice President for Development Elvira Zamora, also from the same school, but from the Department of Business Administration, and Vice President for Legal Affairs Hector Danny Uy from the UP Diliman College of Law.

The executive vice president post will be occupied by Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, former undersecretary of the Department of Health, 3rd vice president of the UP Alumni Association, and professor at the UP Manila College of Medicine. Vice President for Academic Affairs is Dr. Cynthia Rose Bautista, former commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education and professor at the UP Diliman College of Social Sciences and Philosophy-Department of Sociology.

Dr. Nestor Yunque, professor at the UP Visayas College of Arts and Sciences-Division of Biological Sciences and former UP Visayas vice chancellor for Administration, has been appointed by Concepcion as the vice president for administration.

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Vice President for Public Affairs is Dr. Jose Dalisay Jr., a professor at the UP Diliman College of Arts and Letters-Department of English and Comparative Literature.

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It is wonderful that our bishops have finally, unequivocally and courageously spoken against extrajudicial killings and the death penalty. Speaking truth to power, they guide the faithful on how to respond to these two crucial issues.

In its most recent Pastoral Letter, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, while recognizing the problem of illegal drugs, expressed grave concern over the unacceptable solution by this government to kill suspected drug users and pushers. The Pastoral Letter adds: An additional cause of concern is the reign of terror in many places of the poor. Many are killed not because of drugs. Those who kill them are not brought to account. An even greater cause of concern is the indifference of many to this kind of wrong.

The CBCP deplores the indifference to this reign of terror, considered as normal, and, even worse, something that (according to them) needs to be done. The Letter emphasizes that change must be guided by truth and justice; that the life of every person comes from God and the opportunity to change is never lost in every person. And to destroy ones own life and the life of another, is a grave sin and does evil to society.

The Bishops reiterate basic teachings of the Catholic Church, teachings rooted in our being human, our being Filipino, and our being Christian. These are:

1. The life of every person comes from God. It is he who gives it, and it is he alone who can take it back. Not even the government has a right to kill life because it is only Gods steward and not the owner of life.

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2. The opportunity to change is never lost in every person. This is because God is merciful, as our Holy Father Pope Francis repeatedly teaches . . .

3. To destroy ones own life and the life of another, is a grave sin and does evil to society. The use of drugs is a sign that a person no longer values his own life, and endangers the lives of others. We must all work together to solve the drug problem and work for the rehabilitation of drug addicts.

4. Every person has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Society has ways and processes to catch, prove guilty and punish perpetrators of crimes. This process must be followed, especially by agents of the law.

5. Any action that harms another (seriously) is a grave sin. To push drugs is a grave sin as is killing (except in self-defense). We cannot correct a wrong by doing another wrong. A good purpose is not a justification for using evil means. It is good to remove the drug problem, but to kill in order to achieve this is also wrong.

6. The deep root of the drug problem and criminality is the poverty of the majority, the destruction of the family and corruption in society. The step we have to take is to overcome poverty, especially through the giving of permanent work and sufficient wages to workers. Let us strengthen and carry forward the unity and love of the family members. Let us not allow any law that destroys the unity of families. We must also give priority to reforming rogue policemen and corrupt judges. The excessively slow adjudication of court cases is one big reason for the spread of criminality. Often it is the poor who suffer from this system. We also call upon elected politicians to serve the common good of the people and not their own interests.

7. To consent and to keep silent in front of evil is to be an accomplice to it. If we neglect the drug addicts and pushers we have become part of the drug problem. If we consent or allow the killing of suspected drug addicts, we shall also be responsible for their deaths.

In another pastoral letter, this time for the Archdiocese of Manila but relevant to all of us, Cardinal Chito Tagle offers the following reasons for opposing the death penalty as guides for reflection by the faithful:

1. Studies worldwide show that the death penalty has not lessened violent crimes. The threat of punishment by death has not reduced criminality. The best approach is to address positively and comprehensively the roots of crime of which offenders have probably been victims themselves: the loss of moral values, injustice, inequality, poverty, lack of access to food, education, jobs and housing, proliferation of weapons, drugs, pornography, loss of respect for sexuality, and many others. The death penalty has not reduced crime because it does not solve criminality from its roots. To help solve these roots of criminality, the Church and the state need to protect and strengthen the basic unit of society, which is the family.

2. There is a danger that the death penalty might legitimize the use of violence to deal with very wrongdoing. We affirm that victims of crimes need justice and healing. An honest and upright judicial and penal system assures the victims and society of protection and renewal. There is real danger that the death penalty might be applied to an innocent person. We need to reform institutions so they would safeguard justice while preventing the spread of a culture of violence. Penalties are not imposed for vengeance but for the correction of offenders and the good of society. A culture of violence dehumanizes. A culture of justice, integrity, and hope heals.

3. As Christians we believe that human life is Gods gift. Every human being is created in Gods image and likeness. Every human being is saved by Jesus Christ. This is the reason for forgiveness, hope and salvation. This is the reason why an ethic of life, a culture of life, is inconsistent with abortion, euthanasia, human trafficking, mutilation, and violence against innocent and vulnerable persons. Before God the source of life, we are humble. We cannot pretend to be gods.

The message is clear. The Church is urging the faithful to wake up from their stupor and indifference, and to take a more vigorous and pro-active course in fighting the anti-life culture manifested by the extrajudicial killings and the proposal to reimpose the death penalty.

With these pastoral letters, the Catholic Church is once again taking on its principal, traditional and ancient role as mother, teacher and family. Surely, as the Church leadership grapples with the moral and social issues presented by this presidency and the society at large, it would be doing its people grave disservice unless it remains faithful to its nature and role to, as the catechism says, announce moral principles, including those pertaining to the social order, and to make judgments on any human affairs to the extent that they are required by the fundamental rights of the human person or the salvation of souls.

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The City of Binan is the newest component city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. Accessible from Metro Manila via the South Luzon Expressway, Binan has become both a suburban residential community of Metro Manila and a location for some of the Philippines largest industrial estates and export processing zones.

Before it was converted into a city, Binan was the richest municipality in the Philippines with an annual gross income of P677 million and net income of P250 million, as of 2007 by the Commission on Audit. According to the latest census, it has a population of 262,735 in 42,307 households.

History

Binan, according to historical literature, was discovered and established by the Spaniards in June 1571, a month after Miguel Lopez De Legaspi founded Manila.

Under the leadership of Juan de Salcedo, Legaspis nephew, about 45 Spaniards sailed and landed on the towns of Taytay and Cainta in the province of Morong (now known as Rizal). Armed with small cannons and other weapons, the Spaniards conquered the people of Morong. They then sailed Laguna De Bay and peacefully invaded one by one the places along the shores of the lake.

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Mayor Arman Dimaguila shares lunch with volunteers, boodle-fight style, after the Brigada Binan city cleanup activity.

They proceeded to Pinagsangahan (now Pagsanjan) then to Nagcarlan and ended in Majayjay. From these three towns, the Spaniards return to the lake and landed on the biggest town they named Bahi, Bae, or Bay. The town of Bahi became the first capital town in 1688.

The Spaniards sailed once again from Bahi going Northwest and landed on a wide town they named Tabuco (now Cabuyao). After Cabuyao was founded, Kapitan Salcedo and his men continued sailing but were driven by strong winds to the mouth of the wide river and ended between residential houses.

Some of the residents on the left of the river exerted resistance and fought against the colonizers using bows and arrows, and bolos and swords. The residents later conceded and the place was named Manlalaban (now Brgy. Malaban).

The Spaniards resumed sailing the river until they reached the center of the area. Kapitan Salcedo, accompanied by Father Alonzo Alvarado, explained to the people that their purpose was not to conquer and invade but to spread friendship and help the people. The people consented, and Father Alvarado planted a big wooden cross on the ground and announced the birth of a new church. Father Alvarado invited the people to thank God and know Jesus Christ by showing respect to the wooden cross through the means of giving a bow.

The Servi Dei Vocal Ensemble proudly displays their trophy for winning in the Binan Chorale Festival.

The following day, Kapitan Salcedo and Father Alvarado successfully built a government at Cabuyao near the capital town Bay. The appointed leaders of certain areas were named cebecillas, which later became known as Cabezas de Barangay.

In 1769, when the town of Pagsanjan was the capital, Binan was separated from Bay and became part of Sta Rosa. In 1771, during the time of Pablo Faustino, Binan was finally established as a separate town from Sta Rosa.

The church of Binan had no immediate parochial priest and as a result, the priest of Cabuyao led the mass. Augustinian priests took control of the church of Binan until 1637 when Dominican priests took over. In 1757, the first appointed parochial priest of Binan was Dr. Jose Monroy. In the same year, Dr. Jose Monroy appointed Antonio de Sta Rosa as the first Kapitan.

How Binan got its name

Anecdotes about the name Binan had originated from the name of a big tree called Banyan or Banian (Ficus Bengalensus; Urtika Crae). Since the tree was unusual to the place and people had not heard of it, it was then disregarded. In Greece, Banyan means trader or Mercader, which then changed to Binan.

The Young Christian Choir, first runner up.

Others believe that Binan came from the word Binyagan which means baptized or baptismal place. During the Spanish Era, the town was named Parochia de San Isidro de Binan, which is now the emblem of the church.

Other notable Binan facts:

 Shaped like a number 7, Binans total land area is 43.5 square kilometers and is the second city or town in Laguna if youre coming from Manila. It is bounded by San Pedro City in the north, Santa Rosa City in the south, the town of Carmona in Cavite in the west and Laguna de Bay to the east.

 Binans population as of the 2015 census is 333,028, making it the fourth-most-populous city or municipality in Laguna after Calamba, San Pedro and Santa Rosa.

 Binan has 24 barangays, all classified as urban, with Barangay San Francisco the largest in terms of land area and Barangay Casile the smallest.

 Spanish Captain Juan de Salcedo discovered and founded Binan in June 1571, one month after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established Manila, when he explored Laguna de Bay, the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines and second-largest in Asia.

Nereo Joaquin Choir, second runner up.

 Binan as its own town emerged in 1688 when the seat of the provincial government of the Provincia de la Laguna de Bay was moved from Bay to Pagsanjan, separating it from Tabuco (now the city of Cabuyao).

 Binan became a city in 2010 through Republic Act 9740, which was ratified by its residents in a plebiscite on February 2, 2010 under the leadership of then-Mayor Marlyn Len B. Alonte-Naguiat, now the citys Representative in Congress.

 Binan gained its own congressional district on March 27, 2015 when then-President Benigno Aquino III signed into law Republic Act 10658, separating the city from the first district of Laguna.

 The city is known for Puto Binan, a pancake made from rice flour topped with cheese or butter. Residents say the best makers of Puto Binan are in Barangay San Vicente.

 Binans Barangays Dela Paz and Malaban host several skilled shoemakers and slipper manufacturers, and Barangay Platero has well-known sombrero or hat makers.

 Despite its cityhood, Binan still has about 220 rice farmers, 240 vegetable farmers, and about 25,000 fishermen, who take their produce every week to the public market in front of Plaza Rizal.

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But Marinduque's already degraded and fragile island ecosystem is apparently excluded from the presentations. Not a word on this and Marinduquenos are kept in the dark as usual.





The backlash from the controversial closure and suspension orders by Environment and Natural Resources Gina Lopez against supposedly erring mining companies has prompted Malacanang to intervene, backed by the Cabinet, according to the Department of Finance.





"Members of the Cabinet have expressed their full support behind President Dutertes decision to observe due process before implementing a directive of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to shut down or suspend 28 mining sites across the country," the department said in an emailed statement on Thursday.





But Lopez made it clear that due process was heeded in the industry-wide audit on mining operations in the country. "I fully support due process and I have followed due process. I can prove it," she said in a text message to GMA News Online.





Lopez announced on February 2 the results of a months-long audit by the DENR in which more than half of the large-scale mining operations failed.





"The DENRs move ... has triggered outrage in communities hosting mining sites, as some 195,000 direct and indirect workers and their families, or a total of some 1.2 million people, would be adversely affected by the closure and suspensions of the mine sites," the DOF said.





"Malacanang has swiftly moved to calm fears of massive layoffs in communities affected by Lopezs sudden move to close down or suspend mining operations in 10 provinces across the country, after several Cabinet officials expressed concern over the detrimental impact of her decision, which she had apparently kept to herself and even excluded members of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) team that conducted the audit, as well as the panel that reviewed the audit findings," the DOF said.





Industry lobby group Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), which counts as regular members 26 of the biggest miners in the company, welcomed the latest development.





"The Chamber of Mines thanks President Rodrigo Duterte and the Cabinet for deciding to observe due process with regard to the mining issue," the group said in a separate statement.





It said the decision by Malacanang and the Cabinet "... gives hope to our mining communities comprised of the many women and men who rely on the industry for their living."

Sec Gina Lopez and President Duterte





Former President Benigno Aquino III created MICC under Executive Order No. 79 in 2012, the MICC is mandated to oversee reforms and make miners more socially and environmentally responsible while giving the state a bigger share of mining revenues.





"We commit to work closely with government and the Minerals Industry Coordinating Council regarding issues raised to ensure that a fair and just conclusion to the mines audit is reached," COMP said.





"We have not wavered in our commitment to continue being significant contributors to nation-building and inclusive growth," it added.





COMP earlier this week said the country stands to lose more than P1 trillion of investments should the DENR proceed with its closure order.





But Lopez belied such claim, saying most of the money does not benefit the economy.





To whatever they invest, most of the net income goes to them. They get a seven-year tax holiday, and at the end of the mine they can sell all their equipment and keep the money ... So how are we benefiting here? Lopez said in a text message to GMA News Online.  VDS, GMA News




The new UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has informed the UN Security Council of his intention to appoint Salam Fayyad as his Special Envoy for Libya.

The letter was sent to the Security Council on Thursday and it immediately raised objections to the appointment. Fayyad, 65, served as the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority from 2007 to 2013 and also occupied the post of finance minister twice.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said he couldnt confirm the appointment disclosed in the letter that was leaked to the media and circulated on social media.

Information of Fayyads planned appointment came a couple of days after Martin Kobler, current special envoy, told the Security Council that 2017 is the year of decisions and political breakthrough in Libya. It is unclear if Fayyads appointment will be approved because the US is expected to veto it considering that Palestine is not a member state of the organization and the said post is a high profile position. Palestine has an observer status at the UN and has long advocated for full membership but the U.S. and Israel are vehemently opposed to it without a two-state solution being reached in advance.

However, Kobler who assumed the post in 2015 in replacement of Bernadino Leon seems to be bidding farewell to his collaborators in a tweet stating that you have all my admiration for laying the ground so people can return home and live in peace and open the door for prosperous generation.

Some members of the Tobruk-based House of Representatives are reportedly against the alleged appointment because the body was not consulted while the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord is yet to comment on the matter.

Observers think that appointing a heavily qualified Arab-speaking diplomat could help to surpass the crisis in Libya that has been ongoing for more than six years but critics claim that it could also be a sign of normalizing Palestines presence at the UN.
A Russian airstrike in Syria has killed at least three Turkish soldiers and injured around eleven during a sortie where a bomb incidentally hit a building used by the Turkish Army units of the Euphrates Shield operation that was launched around the end of last year according to a statement released by the Turkish military.

Russia has accepted its role in the airstrike and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov lamented that the lack of agreement of coordinates during strikes by the Russian air force contributed to the incident at al-Bab in northern Syria. The presidents of the two countries have spoken on the phone and Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences.

Contrary to the November 2015 incident when Turkey shot down a Russian warplane that allegedly flew into its airspace, the two countries have since repaired relations in June 2016 and their ties are not expected to be affected by the latest incident.

As part of efforts to avoid similar incidences, both sides have agreed to boost their military cooperation in Syria.

Turkeys presence in Syria is dubbed illegitimate by Damascus while Russias presence has its blessing. Turkey is engaged in fighting against the extremists and armed Kurdish groups but supports rebel groups battling to oust President Assad from power. Russia provides aerial support to pro-Assad forces and has been instrumental in pushing the rebels back.

Ankara launched Euphrates Shield operation to limit the progress of the Islamic State and Kurdish forces towards its border and since then, more than 60 Turkish soldiers have been killed most of them in the al-Bab offensive due to ISILs strong resistance.
Former Tunisian president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali has been handed, together with his wife Leila Trabelsi, a 10-year jail term for administrative and financial corruption.

The latest conviction is one of many issued to the ex-president in absentia following his ousting from power in 2011. The case also saw two other officials convicted, including a former minister for the environment who was sentenced to five years in prison and another ministry official sentenced to three years.

Ben Ali and his close aides have been found guilty of corruption and abuse of power to amass wealth. Some of their properties have been seized by the state and auctioned to help the government ease the countrys financial crises. The former Tunisian president ruled the country for 23 years and his last days in power left 338 people dead during protests for his departure. He has already been sentenced to life imprisonment for his atrocities during that period.

The strings of convictions of the former president, his children and members of the government are expected to be much more symbolic because some of them are out of the reach of the Tunisian justice system.

Ben Ali is living in exile in Saudi Arabia and details about him are not made public except for a picture of him that surfaced online with his grandson. Meanwhile, the victims of the Ben Ali regime say the former ruler and his officials must be held accountable for their crimes.

Public hearings of the Truth and Dignity Commission on human rights violations are underway in the country and are held at the Club Elyssa located in the grounds of a state-owned nature park in the suburbs of Tunis where the former first lady Leila Trabelsi used to organize social gatherings.
The Moroccan security services have dismantled 168 terrorist cells since September 2011, a figure which shows Moroccos relentless war against terrorism.

About fifty of the dismantled cells are linked to hotbeds of tension, particularly Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria and the Sahel, said Mohamed Moufakir, Head of International Cooperation at the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior.

The dismantling of these cells led to the arrest of 2,963 persons and helped to foil 341 terror plots, he explained at a seminar held Thursday in Rabat on the fight against terrorism and extremism in the Mediterranean region.

He also said that more than 1,600 Moroccans are believed to have gone to these conflict zones and 147 of them returned to Morocco. After the interrogation of the returnees, 132 were arrested and prosecuted.

According to Moufakir, the Moroccan strategy against terrorism is based on a comprehensive and proactive approach, in addition to the reform of the religious field, the consolidation of socio-economic development, human rights culture and multilateral cooperation.

The senior official of the Interior ministry said Morocco has strengthened its security cooperation with various partners, including Spain and other European countries.

The North African Kingdom is sharing its experience in the field with Sahel countries and is ready to strengthen its counterterrorism cooperation with Maghreb countries, he said.

According to US strategic intelligence firm Stratfor, one of the main factors helping to keep Moroccos jihadists in check is the competence of its security forces.

Stratfor also said that the countrys powerful intelligence agency, national police force, paramilitary police and Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (Moroccos version of the FBI) work closely with their American and European counterparts, receive extensive training and are highly proficient.

Because of Moroccos robust security environment, it is difficult for jihadist groups to establish operations in the country, despite the large number of militants who hail from within its borders, stressed Stratfor.
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
Physicians often fail to recommend genetic testing for breast cancer patients at high risk for mutations associated with ovarian and other cancers, according to a large study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and five other U.S. medical centers.

Asian-Americans and older women were particularly likely to be undertested. Not testing these women represents a critical missed health care opportunity, the researchers said.

We found that genetic counseling and testing are not well-matched to medical need, said Allison Kurian, MD, associate professor of medicine and of health research and policy at Stanford. Women are very interested in genetic testing but many fail to receive it. This is particularly worrisome because it means that doctors are missing the opportunity to prevent cancers in mutation carriers and their family members.

Kurian is the lead author of the study, published online Feb. 7 in JAMA. University of Michigan researchers Reshma Jagsi, MD, DPhil, and Steven Katz, MD, MPH, share senior authorship.

Surveying more than 2,500 women

Genetic testing can identify the presence of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are strongly linked to the development of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as the presence of other cancer-related mutations.

Kurian and her colleagues surveyed 2,529 women with stage-0 to stage-2 breast cancer two months after surgery. The women were asked whether they wanted genetic testing and, if so, whether they had received it.

Although about two-thirds of the women said they wanted to be tested, only about one-third said they had been tested. About eight in 10 of those at highest risk for BRCA mutations wanted testing, but just over half of them were actually tested. About 56 percent of the women who were not tested attributed the lack of testing to the fact that it was not recommended by their physicians.
Kenyan High Court on Thursday quashed a government decision to close the Dadaab refugee camp, the worlds largest. They High Court argued that the governments orders were discriminatory, excessive, arbitrary and disproportionate.

The judge directed the state to adopt mechanisms that would ensure the department of refugees is functioning properly.

Kenyas government announced in May 2016 that Dadaab would be closed arguing the sprawling camp is a recruitment ground for al-Shabab and a base for the extremist group to launch attacks on Kenya.

Al-Shabab has carried out several attacks on Kenya, which sent troops to Somalia in 2011 to fight the militants who are waging an insurgency against the countrys weak western-backed government.

Reacting to the High Court Ruling, Muthoni Wanyeki, Amnesty Internationals Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes said, This ruling reaffirms Kenyas constitutional and international legal obligation to protect people who seek safety from harm and persecution.

Stopping the imminent closure of Dadaab refugee camp is an essential first step in respecting and protecting refugee rights in Kenya. Now, Kenya and the international community must work towards finding alternative solutions for refugees including local integration options, the AI official said.
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.
@amysherman1

One month after the mass shooting at the Fort Lauderdale airport, Broward County Commissioners will discuss a resolution Tuesday to oppose legislation that would allow guns at government facilities.

The resolution doesn't specifically mention airports but the sponsor, Commissioner Steve Geller, said he opposes State Rep. Greg Steube's bill to allow conceal carry permit holders to carry guns in airports, one of multiple proposed bills to expand where guns may be allowed.

Here is the text of the resolution:

"The Board supports legislation allowing local governments to regulate firearms in government owned buildings and facilities. The Board further supports legislation prohibiting the possession of firearms, weapons, and ammunition in substance abuse programs, mental health programs, and sexual assault treatment facilities.



The board opposes legislation allowing individuals with concealed-weapons licenses to open-carry firearms on college and university campuses; at state legislative and cabinet meetings; governing board meetings of counties, cities, school boards, special districts; and in courthouses."

The County Commission previously approved it's state legislative program which included statements on gun regulations, however Geller's resolution would make opposing certain bills about guns a priority for county lobbyists.

The Democratic-dominated County Commission located in the most left-leaning county in Florida doesn't typically carry weight in GOP-dominated Tallahassee on partisan issues such as gun control. However, Broward officials may have more of a bully pulpit this year after an Army veteran opened fire in baggage claim at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Jan. 6th, killing five and injuring six others.

And Geller says he believes there is common ground with some senators, many of whom previously served in local government, who oppose efforts to allow guns in certain settings such as local government meetings.

Local government meetings "get very heated and to permit people to come in packing to me sounds absurd," said Geller, a former state senator. "What is it -- an attempt to intimidate elected officials?"

The shooting has also renewed the debate about the city of Fort Lauderdale allowing gun shows at War Memorial Auditorium in Holiday Park. The City Commission has continued to support allowing the shows, the Sun Sentinel reported.

- With Kristen Clark
@SteveBousquet

Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran on Thursday dared the Senate to make good on a threat to file a lawsuit challenging the House's power to impose new budget-writing rules that affect how the Senate crafts a budget, but Senate President Joe Negron has shot back, saying that's not going to happen.

"Legislative business should be resolved in the Capitol, not in the court system,'' Negron told the Herald/Times. "I expect that to happen."

Negron's comments follow a day-long public feud between Corcoran and Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, after Latvala took credit for a compromise that he said would avoid a lawsuit and a feared shutdown of state government over differences in how to resolve the state budget -- the only bill legislators are required to pass each year.

Latvala sponsored a proposed joint rule designed to meet the House halfway and it passed the Senate Rules Committee Thursday.

"This saves us from going to the precipice of potentially gridlock, government shutdown, all those bad things," Latvala told reporters. "I think that's all going to be avoided now. It's not completely worked out between the two sides, but we're well on the way.

But it doesn't go nearly as far as Corcoran wants.The House rules imposed by Corcoran include a detailed questionnaire on every member-sponsored project and a requirement that only one-time non-recurring money can be spent on projects -- an effort to halt the practice of embedding permanent projects into the budget without annual review.

In a statement on Thursday, Corcoran stood by his rules and dared the Senate to follow through on the lawsuit.

"They threatened to sue us if we put that language in our House rules. We're still waiting," he said. "If they want to sue the House for fighting on behalf of the people for unprecedented levels of transparency, accountability and public scrutiny of pork barrel spending, I'll pay their filing fee."

The feud carried into the night late Wednesday as Corcoran and Negron negotiated by phone on how the Senate might offer a compromise that respects House changes to the budget-writing process. As they spoke, a story about the Senate's threatened lawsuit appeared in the Naples Daily News.

The story, bannered as an exclusive, quoted Latvala as saying: Were adhering to the fidelity of the Constitution ... Were not abiding by the other Houses rules in the budget process. Were going to abide by our policies and procedures and long-standing customs."

Although Negron said the Senate has no intention of filing a lawsuit, the Senate has retained the Chicago law firm of Sidley Austin to advise Negron on a variety of legal issues, Negron's spokesperson said. The Times/Herald could not get confirmation that the firm has drafted legal briefs in preparation for a lawsuit.

"All communications between the Senate and outside counsel are privileged,'' said Senate spokesperson Katie Betta.
@amysherman1

Broward Mayor Barbara Sharief and Florida Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera met Friday and discussed Port Everglades projects and why the port pursued an agreement with Cuba and then axed it.

In January, port officials in Fort Lauderdale planned to sign a memorandum of understanding with Cuba but cancelled it after Gov. Rick Scott threatened to cut off funding to any Florida port that does business with Cuba. The agreement would have covered future cooperation and could have led to joint marketing studies and training.

Sharief said she explained that the agreement was "benign."

The Port-Cuba agreement was one of many topics that Sharief, a Democrat, and Lopez-Cantera, a Republican, discussed Friday morning at her Pembroke Pines office.

Sharief said they discussed putting Port Everglades "on the governor's list for priority in terms of what the President Trump administration has said about moving major port projects and capital improvement project to the top of the list."

While campaigning, Trump promised to invest $550 billion in infrastructure.

Sharief and Lopez-Cantera also discussed funding plans for the C-51 reservoir project and the county's request for state funding for the northbound ramp off Pat Salerno Way near the Sawgrass Mills mall.

Sharief said this was her first individual meeting with Lopez-Cantera and that he sought the meeting. His schedule showed that he also planned to meet with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo.


via @learyreports

WASHINGTON -- Craig Fugate was never one to call attention to himself, so it's fitting that his tenure as the nation's disaster response chief ended without fanfare.

Fugate resigned as FEMA administrator just before President Trump took office, a routine move for political appointees. The acting head is Robert Fenton.

"I'm a Gator," Fugate told the Tampa Bay Times in 2011. "As soon as the president says I am done, I will be on the way back home as fast as I can get in my vehicle and crank the ignition."

Fugate ran the Florida Emergency Management Division from 2001 to 2009, a time known for a series of punishing hurricanes. President Obama appointed him in 2009 and by all accounts, Fugate ran FEMA well, even as Gov. Rick Scott sometimes complained about a lack of federal funds.

We're seeking information from FEMA.

In early January, Fugate wrote a piece for the Tampa Bay Times on a smarter way to fund disaster recovery in America.

"FEMA has proposed an alternative based on an insurance model. What if states were required to kick in a larger share of disaster recovery costs up front? In other words, states would have to pay a "deductible" toward recovery costs for certain types of assistance after each disaster as a condition of receiving federal funds. Additionally, what if we allowed states to earn credits toward their deductible by making investments in activities that actually save lives, mitigate risks and reduce disaster costs?"

Times staff writer Craig Pittman contributed to this report.

--ALEX LEARY, TAMPA BAY TIMES
@PatriciaMazzei

Over the past week, a string of town-hall meetings held across the country by Republican members of Congress have drawn hordes of constituents angry about repealing the Affordable Care Act and the GOP's embrace of President Donald Trump.

But if South Floridians want a similar forum to vent to their Republican lawmakers, they're out of luck.

The only local member of Congress who plans to hold open meetings soon is U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, a Boca Raton Democrat, who's got two scheduled -- in Wilton Manors and Pompano Beach -- Saturday. Democrats just haven't been getting the same sort of protests as Republicans at their public events.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio has no town hall planned, a spokesman said, noting that the Senate is still in session. (Progressive activists say they will nevertheless stump outside his Doral office Tuesday to ask him for one.) Neither does Miami Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. No in-person town halls are scheduled either for Miami Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo, though he hopes to let constituents call into a "tele-town hall" in late March, a spokeswoman said.

A spokeswoman for Miami Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart refused to admit the congressman isn't holding town halls.

"The Congressman is constantly traveling the district and meeting with constituents, but we do not publicize his schedule," Katrina Valdes said in an email.

When pressed if that means no public events without pre-screened attendees, she added: "He has countless meetings with constituents and constituent groups while traveling the district. Our office is in touch with those who he will be meeting with."

More than 200 pro-Obamacare protesters showed up last Saturday at a town hall for Republican Rep. Gus Bilirakis in Palm Harbor, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
DETROIT (AP)  Rick Helderop has spent almost 30 years bringing old sounds to new places.

The Detroit-based organ builder has removed more than 50 vintage pipe organs from shuttered churches, rehabbed them and installed them in newer churches where they can be heard by a new generation of worshippers. Through the process, he has become an organ transplant specialist.

"Just the whole world of organ building from design, to fabrication to installation and the final voicing, absolutely blows my mind," said Helderop, 55, of Bloomfield Hills.

Helderop's company, Covenant Organs, operates from a workshop in the Russell Industrial Center in Detroit that is bursting with pipes and keyboards and wooden parts of organs that most listeners never see.

The shop includes a paint booth, a leather cutting station, and an area for carpentry complete with a computer-controlled cutting machine that can cut wood to designs measured in the thousandths of an inch. He reads over blueprints on a table beside 100-year-old windows while I-75 traffic is visible in the distance.

Helderop said Detroit is home to dozens of great pipe organs. The Fox Theatre and the Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church are two of his favorites. Meadowbrook Hall, the mansion built by automotive heir Matilda Dodge Wilson that is now part of Oakland University, also has an impressive organ, Helderop said.

"Detroit has some incredible gems, and with Detroit coming back, these gems are going to be woken up," he said.

One such gem is a massive 1929 Casavant Freres organ that was rescued from Orchestra Hall. It's covered in dust, but Helderop hopes someone will appreciate its history and craftsmanship and pay to have it restored.

Most of the instruments Helderop works on are older than him.

One current restoration project involves the 1929 Kilgen pipe organ from St. Benedict Catholic Church in Highland Park. After the church closed, the Archdiocese of Detroit sold the building, but agreed to make the organ available to other Catholic churches that might want it.

The Rev. Thomas Meagher of St. Patrick in White Lake Township jumped at the chance. His church was built in 1966, and its organ was due for a major overhaul because of its age. The organ was undersized when it was installed and placed in a corner by the choir where its sound is muted.

"It was never put in the right place," Meagher said.

He considered having it moved to the center of the church behind the altar, but it never worked out.

"Then we got the opportunity to rescue this instrument from St. Benedict," Meagher said. "It's wonderful to reclaim this beautiful instrument."

Helderop removed the organ from St. Benedict's, moved it to his shop and began cleaning more than 80 years of dust off it. The organist at St. Patrick, Aaron Kaleniecki, later found a smaller 1935 Kilgen organ, available from a church in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

He and Helderop rescued that organ as well and the two instruments will be combined in a 2,500 pipe organ at St. Patrick sometime next summer. Meagher is anxious for his congregation to hear it.

"I think it's going to be something people have never heard before," he said.

Helderop said technology has improved organ consoles and the electric fans that push air through the pipes, but the older instruments have unique advantages that can't be replicated today.

"They had access to old-growth forests, which give you much more stable wood," Helderop said.

Pipe organs push air into wooden chambers known as chests. Pipes sit on top of the chests and leather valves hold the air inside. When the organist presses a key, the leather valve opens, allowing air to flow up the pipe and make the sound. When the organist releases the key, a spring pushes the valve closed.

The chests are typically made of poplar, but not all poplar is created equal. Low-quality wood will degrade over time, and the air can leak out through the grain, damaging the sound.

"That's why the old-growth wood is better," Helderop said. "The grain is much tighter."

Christian Van De Wiele, 31, works for Helderop. He said the work can grow tedious because each piece of the organ has to be worked on by hand. When these instruments were built originally, labor was much cheaper and organ companies had far more workers to complete the jobs. Now, there are just a handful of people working on them.

"When I have to cut out leather pouches, I have to do them one at a time, and I do like 300," he said. "There's not really an education system for it. It's a lost art."

Years ago, organ-building firms employed hundreds of people. But today, it's a much smaller-scale industry, said Rick Parsons, a fourth-generation organ builder in Canandaigua, New York, who serves as president of the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, an industry trade group.

"Somebody with 20 employees, in our industry, would be considered at least medium-sized, if not large," he said. "It used to be an appliance that every church had. It was like getting a roof."

Helderop is a Grand Rapids native who earned a bachelor's degree in music education from Grand Valley State University in 1984 and a master's degree in organ performance from the University of Michigan in 1987.

He does maintenance and repair work on about 150 pipe organs across Michigan and has done work in neighboring states as well. A few years back, he was asked to look at the pipe organ at Detroit's Cass Community United Methodist Church, which had sounded off-key for years.

"The blower was miswired, and it was blowing backward," Helderop said. "Apparently, it had been that way for 30 or 40 years."

Helderop rewired the organ and improved the sound immediately.

In January, he leaves for Bryansk, Russia, a city of about 400,000 people about 200 miles southwest of Moscow. He's going to install a restored organ that came from a Grand Rapids church. The 2,500 or so pieces of it have already been shipped, and he will travel there to put it together.

It's the second time he has worked in Russia. Helderop speaks Russian, though he admits he's a bit rusty. He first visited there in 1992 on a church mission trip. When people there learned what he did for a living, they asked him to help them get an organ for their church.

He found one in the First Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan. The building had been sold to the Salvation Army, which had no use for the instrument, so Helderop arranged to remove it, restore it and transport it to Russia.

"Most of the churches there are Russian Orthodox, which don't have any instrumentation," he said. "It's all chant."

The organ made the church unique, and pictures of it were later featured on a Russian stamp.

"My biggest joy is to sit in a dedication concert and watch people's faces as the organ is being used," he said. "I just like to wonder what they are thinking and how they are being inspired and knowing that I was a part of that."
Starting next week, a crew of workers will begin dismantling the historic Missoula Mercantile in downtown Missoula, an event that will be marked by many with sadness at the loss of an iconic touchstone but by others as a step of forward progress.

Either way, it marks the beginning of momentous change for Missoulas downtown, where the Merc kept watch for more than 140 years.

According to the book The Missoula Mercantile: The Store that Ran an Empire by Minie Smith, the Merc sprouted from a log cabin at a dusty crossroads in Montana Territoryto become the largest department store between Minneapolis and Seattle. Smith detailed how the Merc became a western institution that drew customers from all over the region to purchase big-city silks, hardware, horseshoes and hosiery for nearly a century and a half.

The building has languished since Macys shut down in 2010. When a Bozeman developer proposed demolishing it to build a five-story hotel this past March, it ignited a bitter debate that divided the community.

The buildings owner and the developer contended that all reasonable uses for the building were no longer economically feasible given the costs to rehab the building and the price tenants were willing to pay for renting an old building.

The citys Historic Preservation Commission unanimously denied the demolition permit, but the City Council reversed the commission's decision. A local preservation group sued to overturn the council vote, but ultimately a District Court judge sided with the developer and the city.

Now, developer Andy Holloran of HomeBase Montana has hired L. Keeley Construction out of St. Louis to oversee construction of a $35 million, custom Residence Inn by Marriott with about 150 rooms. The pharmacy portion of the Merc on Higgins must be saved per an agreement with the city.

Rather than demolishing the Merc and hauling debris to a landfill, the developer has also promised to salvage as much material from the building as possible. Holloran has already promised that there will be a brick giveaway in the future. Also, L. Keeley has subcontracted a local nonprofit, Home ReSource, to deconstruct the building. That nonprofit has, in turn, subcontracted another private company called Heritage Timber to help out.

Home ReSource deconstruction manager Jason Nuckolls said hes spent about 150 hours in the building over the last year figuring out how to take apart the building in the safest and most efficient way possible.

Theres a ton of dimensional lumber, some 2x12 and greater rough-cut, clear fir in there, he said. Its big wood, stuff you dont see very often. Theres also an assortment of various types of lumber beam sizes, six-inch and eighteen-inch. Its about the best stuff you want to see.

Nuckolls said his crews come across that big, non-knotty wood every once in a while and it is in high demand when it goes for sale at Home ReSources headquarters and re-sale store on Russell Street.

We find a little bit here and there, but just not in this quantity and quality, he said.

The first part of next week will be spent on snow removal, and Nuckolls estimated it will take about two months for the whole building to come down.

He said hes worked with an engineer to determine how to take apart the building without having walls cave in or have pieces damage the pharmacy portion.

The contractor will shore up the pharmacy before anything happens and before an excavator comes in to dig out the foundation, he said.
The University of Montana Faculty Senate voted Thursday to "strongly object" to  although not "condemn"  President Donald Trump's executive order affecting travelers from seven mostly Muslim countries.

Roughly a dozen students from UM are from affected countries; none was delayed as a result of the ban, according to UM.

Thursday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to block a ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the United States.

At UM, the number of faculty and staff from countries affected by the ban has not been made available.

"UM faculty are disturbed by this action and concerned for the people directly affected by the immigration ban as well as by the climate of racial, ethnic, and religious intolerance and hostility that it fosters," reads Thursday's Faculty Senate resolution.

Trump's order also indefinitely suspended admission of Syrian refugees into the United States.

At UM, the Faculty Senate approved the resolution with all but a couple of senators in support. The measure passed after the faculty voted on a split 21-14 vote to "object" to the order rather than "condemn it," a recommendation from Senator John Eglin.

The resolution is similar to one the faculty at Montana State University approved earlier, said UM Faculty Senate Chair John DeBoer. It notes faculty's obligation to protect academic freedom and the executive order's disruption of the lives of academics.

" ... This ban offends academic values because it does not reflect informed judgments about who presents the most serious threats to our national security," the resolution said.

Senator Linda Frey voted against the resolution, saying "I think it's politically inauspicious to do this." When she compared Trump's executive order to the previous administration's and said it wasn't discriminatory, a couple of other faculty members interjected.

Senator Abhishek Chatterjee said he isn't the biggest fan of former President Barack Obama, but he didn't take the same actions or target the same people.

"I'm telling you, you're wrong ... initially, the plan (from Trump) was to have a general Muslim ban, right? And the idea was to somehow make this legally possible, and this is the straw that they clutched on," Chatterjee said.

In his presidential campaign, Trump called for banning all Muslim travel to the United States; he has denied the current executive order is linked to religion and argued he wants to keep people safe from terrorism.

The Cato Institute, promoting conservative public policy, has said foreigners from the seven affected nations have killed zero Americans in terrorist attacks on U.S. soil between 1975 and 2015.

***

At the meeting, UM President Sheila Stearns said the university will be releasing its spring enrollment numbers next week and anticipated a headcount in the neighborhood of 11,000 students.

Stearns and vice president of finance Mike Reid asked faculty to monitor their budgets closely early on in the semester while time remains to make adjustments. The president predicted the university will close out 2017 "in good shape," but she and Reid warned campus units against overspending because budgets are tight.

The president also noted she has been visiting classrooms in order to introduce herself and discuss the relationship state funding has to tuition. She also presented a timeline for planning being undertaken at UM, such as strategic planning and a program review.

In the discussion that followed, several campus leaders expressed concern that the timeline proposed for reviewing programs  and allocating resources to them  was too aggressive.

Paul Haber, head of the faculty union, proposed faculty themselves lead the program review as an option. Haber said he sees reasons to leave the project in the hands of the administration, but he sees more reasons to lead it; the faculty will continue the discussion at another meeting.

Another senator questioned the president's visits to classrooms. Senator Jule Banville said colleagues have told her some of the talks are unannounced to the professor, take 15 minutes of class time, and offer only the administration's perspective on the UM budget.

"A lot of it is her introducing herself, but some of it is the administration's spin on what has been happening at this university," Banville said.
Teachers is rural elementary schools in Montana often dont have the time and resources to provide their students with specific, in-depth, scientific lessons on subjects like ecology and wildlife biology.

But thanks to the work of a technology company and a Missoula nonprofit, 42 fourth-graders at Pine Butte Elementary in Colstrip were immersed in an hour-long intellectual adventure on Thursday, discovering how animals adapt to a winter climate, even though the teacher was 465 miles away in Missoula.

The Montana Natural History Center in Missoula employs a naturalist, Amy Howie, as an Interactive Distance Education Coordinator to conduct virtual science classes for kids in Rapelje, Lincoln, Colstrip and Helmville.

Howie, who worked as a science teacher for many years, said the kids are exposed to a curriculum that they wouldnt otherwise get.

This is totally new to them, she said. They love it because its something new and even though this is new to them, they still know the tech part. So they interact very well.

The MNHC partnered with Vision Net, a technology company with offices in Great Falls, Missoula and Billings, to set up the video conferencing platform. Essentially, Howie stands in a green room complete with light boxes, cameras, microphones, speakers and a giant video screen to chat with the kids in real time about how animals like bobcats and snowshoe hares are able to travel quickly in deep snow.

She interacts with the kids, making sure she knows most of their names, and pauses often to take questions. Other lessons have been on seeds, flowers and animal skulls.

It does take some practice, because its like youre on camera, Howie said. Especially with our green screen, you have to know where youre pointing. But the kids love it. One of the teachers told me the kids feel like they are right there in the classroom.

Bruce Wallace, video conferencing systems manager for Vision Net, said the company built a statewide network in 1995 and now over 180 schools use it to take advantage of resources in other cities. Their system is also used by the legal community, medical institutions and private industry. The technology saves time and money because teachers dont have to spend hours driving to little schools all over the empty expanses of Montana.

We try to provide the best technology that we can so that its as close to being there as it can get, Wallace said.

Thurston Elfstrom, the executive director of the MNHC, said this year is a pilot program for the classes. The schools get a great deal, because they are only charged about $245 for a once-a-month class for the entire school year, which includes a bin full of materials.

The MNHC is a nonprofit on Hickory Street in Missoula that provides nature education programming for people of all ages. Elfstrom said the program relies on fundraisers and donors. One private donor has been helping with most of the distance learning so far.

Our goal is to get 20 more classrooms next year, Howie said. We need to start training some other people. The great thing is its so flexible. You can schedule these schools and you dont have to travel anywhere.

Elfstrom said the technology allows the MNHC to extend its reach much farther than they could if they had to teach in person. Thats good news for kids, who are learning about the world around them in new ways.

Those teachers in rural schools have a general education, so I think a lot of them are looking to add more science, because thats not their specialty, Howie said. Especially in rural schools, they need help with adding science into the curriculum. And now we are aligning our curriculum to the Next Generation Science Standards, so the teachers love that.
SAN FRANCISCO  A federal appeals court refused Thursday to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, unanimously rejecting the administration's claim of presidential authority, questioning its motives and concluding that the order was unlikely to survive legal challenges.

The three judges of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the argument that the ban targets Muslims raised "serious allegations" and presented "significant constitutional questions," and they agreed that courts could consider statements by Trump and his advisers about wishing to enact such a ban.

Moments after the ruling, Trump tweeted, "SEE YOU IN COURT," adding that "THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

In response, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat who leads one of the states that challenged the ban, said: "Mr. President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you."

The panel declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S. But it did not shy away from the larger constitutional questions raised by the order.

The judges sided with the states on every issue except for one technical matter. They rejected the administration's argument that courts did not have the authority to review the president's immigration and national security decisions. They said the administration failed to show that the order met constitutional requirements to provide notice or a hearing before restricting travel. And they said the administration presented no evidence that any foreigner from the seven countries was responsible for a terrorist attack in the U.S.

"Despite the district court's and our own repeated invitations to explain the urgent need for the Executive Order to be placed immediately into effect, the Government submitted no evidence to rebut the States' argument that the district court's order merely returned the nation temporarily to the position it has occupied for many previous years," the panel wrote.

The court battle is far from over. The lower court still must debate the merits of the ban, and an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court seems likely. That could put the decision in the hands of a divided court that has a vacancy. Trump's nominee, Neil Gorsuch, cannot be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban.

The appellate judges noted compelling public interests on both sides.

"On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies. And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination."

The Justice Department said that it was "reviewing the decision and considering its options." It's the first day on the job for new Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was sworn in at the White House earlier Thursday by Vice President Mike Pence.

Last week, U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban after Washington state and Minnesota sued. The ban temporarily suspended the nation's refugee program and immigration from countries that have raised terrorism concerns.

Justice Department lawyers appealed to the 9th Circuit, arguing that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

The states said Trump's travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities. Citing Trump's campaign promise to stop Muslims from entering the U.S., they said the ban unconstitutionally blocked entry to people based on religion.

The appeals court sided with the administration on just one issue: the argument that the lower court's temporary restraining order could not be appealed. While under 9th Circuit precedent such orders are not typically reviewable, the panel ruled that due to the intense public interest at stake and the uncertainty of how long it would take to obtain a further ruling from the lower court, it was appropriate to consider the federal government's appeal.

Josh Blackman, a professor at South Texas College of Law in Houston, said the "million-dollar question" is whether the Trump administration would appeal to the Supreme Court.

That could run the risk of having only eight justices to hear the case, which could produce a tie and leave the lower-court ruling in place.

"There's a distinct risk in moving this too quickly," Blackman said. "But we're not in a normal time, and Donald Trump is very rash. He may trump, pardon the figure of speech, the normal rule."

Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School, said the ruling was thoughtful and supported by a great deal of legal precedent. More important, though, it was unanimous despite the fact that the panel included judges appointed by Democratic and Republican presidents.

"It's a very important message that judges are not just politicians in robes and not just political hacks," Levinson said. "The role of the judge is to transcend politics. That's why they're appointed for life, so they don't worry about what's popular. They worry about what's legally correct."

After the ban was put on hold, the State Department quickly said people from the seven countries  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  with valid visas could travel to the U.S. The decision led to tearful reunions at airports around the country.

The ban was set to expire in 90 days, meaning it could run its course before the Supreme Court would take up the issue.

___

Associated Press writers Brian Melley in Los Angeles, Gene Johnson and Martha Bellisle in Seattle, Rachel La Corte in Olympia, Washington, and Eric Tucker in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.
There are several Democrats who represent coal states in the United States Senate: Clair McCaskil of Michigan, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Joe Donnelly of Indiana and of course, Montanas own Jon Tester.

But Tester is unique among this group. While those other coal-state Democrats have established a track record of working to protect coal jobs, Tester has consistently voted to support every Obama-era regulation designed to kill the coal industry.

Case in point is the Senates vote on the Orwellian-named Stream Protection Rule (SPR), which ostensibly protects water near coal mines. I say its Orwellian because the SPR doesnt actually protect water near coal mineswe already do that through a plethora of state and federal regulations. The true purpose of the SPR is to kill coal jobs.

The SPR is not a law passed by Congress, its a rule promulgated by President Obama. The Senate has the authority to continue or discontinue rules like the SPR, and this case pushed to eliminate the rule due to the extreme threat it poses to thousands of jobs in the coal industryincluding in Montana.

In a bipartisan vote, the Senate did just that  they eliminated this Obama-era rule. And only one coal-state Democrat voted to keep it in place: Sen. Jon Tester. He sided with the Sierra Club over Montana miners.

Its a calculated move on Testers part. He has an election coming up next year. He needs votes, no doubt, and the thousands of Montanans whose livelihoods are supported by Montana coal are an important voting block. But its become clear who is even more important to Tester: the big money, out-of-state environmental groups who bankroll his campaign.

Tester has always relied heavily on environmental organizations headquartered in California and Washington, D.C., for campaign cash. But this takes it to another level. By blatantly voting to kill Montana jobs and undermine our economy, hes made it clear that hes willing to do whatever it takes, sacrificing any Montana interest, in order to keep his political power.

Testers lost touch with Montana. Its time he come home to spend some time with the real people hes voting to kick out of a job. If not, he might just wake up next November and find out those same people have voted to do some kicking out of their own.
Last weekend I attended the annual Light of Hope Banquet benefiting CASA of Missoula  a non-profit dedicated to helping abused and neglected children in the court system. I am so proud to how many people in our community continue to support this wonderful organization. The children CASA serves need our support more than ever.

Recently the Legislature heard testimony on the budget that funds Child and Family Services (CFS), the state agency dedicated to investigating and protecting abused and neglected children and helping parents get to a place where a family can be reunified. If individuals are incapable of parenting, then the CFS staff works to get the child into a safe and permanent home.

Part of the legislative discussion stemmed around why there has been such a dramatic increase in caseloads in Montana in recent years. People brought up a rise in meth use and the incredible turnover of CFS staff as reasons. As a former director of CASA and a current CASA volunteer serving two cases, I can tell you from my experience that the answer is much more complicated.

Staff turnover is a significant problem. On one of my cases, in less than a year, there were three difference CFS caseworkers. Each time staff turns over the case slows down to get everyone up to speed. Its not the fault of any one person, but finding ways to lower the turnover would help kids, help volunteers, help parents and help caseworkers.

There are many other reasons that there is an increase in cases. Some of these include lack of resources for the office of public defenders that represents parents in termination proceedings, safe and affordable housing, and access to mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Just as families are complicated, these cases are complicated. If we, as a state, want to dramatically reduce abuse and neglect cases in Montana, we must invest in a variety of solutions.

We must make sure that families have access to affordable health care so they can receive addiction counseling and appropriate treatment for mental health issues. We must make a significant investment in Child and Family Services to give the attention necessary to bring families back together when possible and to keep these cases moving forward. The same can be said for the Office of the Public Defender  they simply need more staff to serve their clients. We need more housing that is both safe and affordable all over the state.

Yes, these things are all expensive, and yes, we have a tight budget this legislative session. However, a failure to invest in solutions means failing the most vulnerable children in Montana and ensuring long-term costs to our state as the children become adults. These kids cant afford to wait for state revenue to rebound. There are ways we can bring more revenue into our state to fund the important services that protect them.

If we want to truly make a difference in the lives of these kids, we must adequately fund the programs that make a difference. We need our Legislature to be brave. We need them to look at not just the causes of the increase in abuse and neglect cases, but also solutions. Then they need to find responsible ways to fund those solutions.
I wrote to U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke to congratulate him on his many successes in life, especially the latest pending appointment and congressional acceptance as the new secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, which includes eight different agencies, excluding only the national Forest Service under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Zinke will rule it all. He will be in charge of everything of interest to me in my world. He wrote back thanking me.

My only thing in common with Ryan Zinke, a very famous Navy SEAL, is that I was once hired by the U.S. Navy. It was to work as a civilian, canceling my new enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps, on the Phantom F-4 Fighter Jet Program and the Gemini Space Capsule Program right out of college, under the Navys leadership and jurisdiction as contract administrator. I did both computer systems engineering (degrees in both engineering and mathematics) and legal contracts administration duties (I attended law school at night). I used both secret and top secret security clearances.

The reason I wrote to Zinke (we have met a couple of times) is that while I admire his getting this latest position, I had to remind him that I am an independent, progressive environmentalist and I fight like hell on behalf of wildlife and wilderness (public land stewardship) and global warming issues as my current lifes missions. That means upholding the Endangered Species Act, and especially preventing the delisting and subsequent hunting of grizzly bears, among many other species too long to list here, and stopping the mining of Montana dirty coal and never developing the Keystone XL pipeline (atmospheric heating and trapping greenhouse gases), et al. I work on all these issues pro bono, and plan on holding Zinkes feet to the fire to accomplish my missions. Humans should be merely observers in wildlifes forest domain.

Understandably, Zinke has no jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Agricultures national Forest Service to protect wildlife habitat from excessive logging (trees capture carbon dioxide and, in return, release oxygen), recreational motorized (adding carbon dioxide into the atmosphere due to fossil fuel combustion) and mechanized vehicle access, and hunting and trapping in that habitat, but he does have influence and persuasiveness using his considerable public speaking skills and charisma with them.

I ask that Zinke rise up to the occasion to be great and oppose U.S. President Donald Trump with his habitual, ideological, pathological lies to suppress scientific inputs based on research and innovation, and that Zinke do us all proud on behalf of the animals that do not get to vote nor come to the bargaining table nor have representation on his staff. They very much deserve to live in peace with us and survive life on Earth. After all, wildlife and plant life are part of Mother Natures ecosystem, but not humans.

Someday, Ryan Zinke will complete his mission with Interior and then take his next step and run for the U.S. Senate, or even possibly president of the United States. He will need to plan far ahead and pre-establish the support of many more Americans than merely conservative and Tea Party and Trump Republican capitalists. He will also need the support of independents and moderate Teddy Roosevelt Republicans, and conservative and liberal and progressive Democrats, and Democratic Party split-offs known as environmentalists. It will take Zinke considerable thought, insight and a gut feeling for the land and the animals and ecological environment we must live in on this only inhabitable planet we know of: Earth. Is Ryan Zinke up to the challenge? He is our only chance.
A high-rise of huckleberries to Missoulas record-setting construction boom. Last year the citys department of Development Services issued construction permits worth a total market value of $248.7 million, significantly more than the previous record of $184 million set in 2015. The unprecedented investment in new housing, business offices and other major developments is good news for those in the construction industry, and for Missoulas economy overall.

Chokecherry finales to the collapse of the Silver Theater last Saturday, presumably due to the buildup of heavy snow on the roof. Sadly, the theater was only six weeks away from celebration the completion of a remodel. The good news is that Executive Director Carolyn Maier and other staff noticed water and fallen ceiling tiles inside the theater, located on the 2023 S. Higgins Ave., and were able to get everyone out of the building well before the roof began to buckle. The bad news is that a new commercial projector was buried in the collapse and scheduled screenings for the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, which begins Feb. 17, will have to take place somewhere else.

Millions of famous Montana huckleberries to the 12.3 million out-of-state visitors who traveled to Montana last year, helping to make tourism a major industry in the state. Their visits support more than 52,600 jobs and contributed nearly $3.5 billion in spending to boost the states economy in 2016. These out-of-staters came to visit friends, family, and Montanas plentiful and varied outdoor attractions. What else can we say? They have excellent taste.

A blizzard of chokecherries to the snow storm that shut down much of northwestern Montana this past week. In Northwest Montana, some sections of highways and railroads were impassable, most schools cancelled classes and many businesses opted to close up shop as heavy snow accumulated to more than 4 feet deep in some parts of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The tribe declared a state of emergency and the Flathead Avalanche Center issued extreme avalanche warnings for mountain ranges around the Flathead, Swan and Whitefish as well as the southern portion of Glacier National Park, which closed some areas in order to conduct avalanche mitigation.

Huckleberries to Rep. Adam Hertz, a Missoula Republican who is leading the effort to abolish Montanas death penalty this legislative session. Hertz introduced House Bill 366 to replace the death penalty with a sentence of life without the possibility of parole, and was in attendance at the bills hearing this week in the House Judiciary Committee that included testimony from a variety of supporters, from fellow conservatives to the mother of a murder victim. The 2015 session saw a similar bill die on a tie vote, with strong opposition from Republicans. Thanks to Hertz and like-minded legislators, this session may finally see an end to the cruel, costly, flawed practice of capital punishment in Montana.
The "alt right" (alternative right) screams about immigrants and refugees, even foreign students, tourists and business travelers, as if all were the same, as if different words did not have different meanings.

But, in some cases, different words dont have different meanings. Alt right is a pseudonym for white nationalists.

President Donald Trump is promoting white nationalism rather than representing the delightfully diverse population of this country. He has closed the borders to refugees, limited immigration and created obstacles to international travelers.

Most of us have ancestors who came from foreign lands. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 20 million American adults are the U.S.-born children of immigrants.

Refugees stimulate the economy of the host community.

Writing for Forbes, Katie Sola explained "why welcoming refugees is a sound economic investment as well as a moral imperative." In a special report for the New Scientist, Debora MacKenzie documented how "welcoming more refugees makes economic sense." Writing for ABC, Tim Dunlop stated that "accepting refugees makes the most economic sense."

A healthy community needs workers, consumers, students, so Utica, New York, turned to refugees who revived the economy and the community.

Refugees are people who fled their homelands for safety, and they cannot safely return.

"No one chooses to become a refugee," explains Amnesty International.

Accepting refugees is a humanitarian act that benefits refugee and host country alike.

Returning refugees to a place of danger is against the humanitarian principle of non-refoulement, non-return. The principle of not forcing refugees to any place of danger is firmly established in international conventions and in customary practice dating back to ancient times.

I welcome refugees, and immigrants, foreign students and international travelers on business or pleasure trips.

I welcome refugees!

Anne Millbrooke,

Bozeman
The Montana Race to the Sky sled dog race returns for the 32nd time this weekend, under a full moon, and the non-mushers among us have to wonder what that will be like.

When the dogs are happy and the snow is cold, when youre over Huckleberry Pass or crossing moonlit Kleinschmidt Flats east of Ovando  is that when it hits you why youre in this game in the first place?

There is nothing better than that, I am here to tell you, race publicity director Pam Beckstrom said. You can turn off your headlamp and just run.

A veteran field of 20 mushers starts Saturday at 2 p.m. on 300- and 100-mile jaunts from Hi-Country Snack Foods west of Lincoln. Theyll follow the traditional trails to Seeley Lake, where the lead junior and adult 100-milers tend to finish before sunrise Sunday at the Morrell Creek Trailhead north of town. The others veer north along Rice Ridge and almost to Holland Lake, turning around at the Owl Creek checkpoint to retrace their paw prints.

First, though, the 300-milers gather Friday in Helena for a vet check at the YMCA, visits to three middle schools, and a 20-mile Camp Rimini Commemorative Run up the Continental Divide and back.

When they all get down to business on Saturday, three past champions will be harnessing up. Mark Stamm of Riverside, Washington, has been coming to the Race to the Sky for 30 years. He won in 2007 and 2009, when the long runs went 350 miles.

Another veteran, Rick Larson of Sand Coulee, won the 350 in 2010 and is competing in the Adult 100 this time around. Roy Etnire of Seeley Lake, one of the busy trail groomers this week, is back in the Adult 100, and won that race in 2013 and 2014.

Not here this year is Jessie Royer of Darby, whose name is all over the races record books. In 1994, she became the first female and, at 17, the youngest musher to win it. Last year she won for a record third time and second time in a row, at 8:39 a.m. on Monday.

Royer, a veteran of the famed Iditarod in Alaska, took fourth place there in 2016, a month after winning the Race to the Sky. Shes preparing this week by running for the first time the Yukon Quest from Whitehorse to Fairbanks.

Women have won the last four long Races to the Sky. Alea Robinson of Alaska took it in 2013 and Jenny Greger of Bozeman in 2014.

For the first time, the race features two father-son teams. Chris Adkins and his 24-year-old son Jeff, both of Sand Coulee, have entered the 100-mile race. Brett and Spencer Bruggeman of Great Falls start from the back of the pack in the 300-miler.

Beckstrom said she believes Spencer Bruggeman, at 15, is the youngest entrant in the Race to the Skys feature race. His father, a 46-year-old dentist, has been racing sled dogs for just five years. He gave Royer a run for her money last year and finished second after she passed him on Huckleberry Pass, 20 miles from the finish.

Brett Bruggeman is coming off a second-place finish at the Eagle Cap Extreme in Oregon in January, a race he won in 2016. Stamm and Laurie Warren, two other entries in the six-team Race to the Sky 300, finished third and fourth, respectively. Warren, a mule trainer from Council, Idaho, is the lone woman in the 300-mile race.

Two Idaho friends and Race to the Sky rookies make up this years 100 Junior field. Meg Conklin, 13, is from Boise and Kali Herbst, 14, lives in Ketchum. Herbsts dad is Idiatrod veteran Trent Herbst.

The 100 Adult field grew from nine to 12 in the last few days when veterans Larson and Laura Daugereau of Stockett entered and Joseph Carson of Wasilla, Alaska, jumped from the 300.

Plagued by a lack of snow in recent years, this time theres almost too much, Beckstrom said. Etnire and other volunteers have been working hard to groom the route that winds through mountains, along creeks and across meadows of western Montana.

For trail and checkpoint information go to www.racetothesky.org and Facebook. All mushers will have GPS units on their sleds. You can track their progress on a website map.
HELENA  In his Head Start Day address at the Capitol on Friday, Gov. Steve Bullock asked parents and teachers to speak with legislators about the importance of funding early childhood education.

He said teacher and parents see how children benefit from early education and have the most power to encourage their elected officials to support state-funded preschool programs. Montana is one of five states without it, although theres significant opposition from Republicans who say the state cant afford to fund the proposed programs.

The state received $30 million in federal grants from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education to fund free preschool and Head Start, a federally supported program for children ages 3 to 5. Early Head Start serves children 0-3 in collaboration with local child care providers.

Another $10 million in federal funds will help expand the programs to additional communities in the state.

This session, the governors budget proposal directs $12 million to preschool programs. Studies show that Head Start students are more likely to finish high school and go to college and less likely to commit crimes. They also have access to health care and nutritional services and have a lower death rate from disease than people who didnt attend Head Start.

Its an investment we cant afford not to be making, Bullock said.

Rep. Kathy Kelker, D-Billings, is carrying a bill to implement Bullock's plan, which is in legal review and is expected to be introduced next week. Kelker said she understands shes asking for a lot of money, but repeated the importance of education.

We have to put our children first, she said.

The proposal faces strong opposition from Republicans.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen wont be supporting Bullocks bill. She said the governor is not prioritizing the needs of current K-12 students, who will be affected by proposed budget cuts.

The governor and the Legislature have already cut over $14 million from the education budget, plus shifted $11.4 million in taxes to local property taxpayers, she said in a statement.

Republicans said they dont expect the bill to go anywhere.

I wouldnt start any new government programs until were back on a sustainable track, said Rep. Nancy Ballance, R-Hamilton.

When asked if putting more money into programs like early education could keep kids out of the costly and strained services such as Child and Family Services and the Department of Corrections, Ballance said shes asked for evidence from people testifying before the Appropriations Committee.

We dont necessarily see it, she said. All these services keep growing.

But several parents stood in the rotunda to support early education, many saying they couldnt imagine being a successful parent without it. The Head Start program is modeled on a two-generation approach by providing support for homeless children and families, offering parenting classes and adult education.

Bree Garrett said she was pregnant when she was 17 and felt as though everyone around her doubted her ability to be a young parent.

They were able to make me feel like I could do it, she said.

Both of Garretts children are in Head Start, which allows her to pursue her education. Next year shell graduate with a bachelors degree in early childhood education.

Michaela Talksabout, a parent to three children under the age of 5, said the program addressed their entire family dynamic. When her son was diagnosed with a disability, she was unsure what to do.

The teachers showed me all the things he could offer the world, she said.
HELENA  Dozens of nurses have emailed the chairman of a committee that tabled a bill making it a felony to assault health care workers and first responders, asking him to revive the legislation.

I am a nurse that has been attacked on the job multiple times. Nothing was done because the police state that the charges won't stick, wrote Ryan Carroll, a registered nurse. I feel that I should not have to worry about being hurt by my patients and they can get away with it. If you were attacked on your job, it would be a different story.

House Bill 268, carried by James OHara, R-Fort Benton, was tabled in the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 1 after a motion by Rep. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, passed on a 12-7 vote.

When the bill was first heard by the committee, more than 100 nurses came to the Capitol to support it, filling the hearing room and an overflow room. Nurses again gathered Wednesday for Montana Nurses Association Legislative Day and to lobby lawmakers to bring the bill out of committee.

On Feb. 1 Manzella told the committee that Montana already has laws against assault, but nurses arent using those avenues. She cited testimony provided at the bill hearing that in one year there were 2,155 workers' compensation claims paid to nurses hurt on the job but no coinciding police reports.

I really think that nurses need to provide us with the necessary information we need to expose the holes in the system, should there be holes, she said. We may have a problem we need to address but theyre not giving us what we need to address it.

At the bill hearing, two nurses testified they were assaulted by patients and reported it to police, but the assailant only received a citation. Other nurses said they did not report assaults because they felt nothing would happen as a result.

Rep. Dale Mortensen, R-Billings, said before voting to table the bill that a felony conviction on a persons record could destroy their life. As a former police officer, Mortensen was covered under state laws that make it a felony to assault law enforcement.

If I changed every person that shoved me or spit on me or anything like that while I was making an arrest for a misdemeanor offense and I charged them with a felony, I guarantee you half of my jurisdiction where I used to work would probably still be in prison, he said.

Dozens of nurses who wrote letters to Rep. Alan Doane, R-Bloomfield, the committee chair, requesting him to revive the bill, said it was necessary to protect their safety. They shared stories of those who were attacked while working. Doane on Thursday said a member of the committee could bring a motion to untable the bill; the motion would require a majority vote by the committee to pass.

I have filed charges against these individuals, and nothing happens, wrote nurse Jaala Wickman. When they return, they know they can continue to be violent, to assault myself and others. I was once attacked by a patient who punched me in the head twice before another nurse could pull the patient off me. Nothing happened to that patient."

Vicky Byrd, executive director of the Montana Nurses Association, said her group will work to encourage nurses to report more assaults, but also said fault shouldn't be placed with them.

"You can't blame the nurse," Byrd said. "She's traumatized. You can't blame the victim. We have to get away from that way of thinking."
DILLON  Eight students from Beaverhead County High School have been selected to perform with the National Association for Music Educations Northwest Division Conference Honor Groups gathering Feb. 15-20 in Bellevue, Washington.

Those selected from BCHS include Tiel Lochridge (horn) and Heidi Martin (clarinet) in the Honor Band; Justin Anderson (trumpet), Sarah Griffin (flute), and Bradley Harvey (trumpet) in the Wind Symphony; Madison Johnson and Tyler Steadman in the mixed choir; and Maggie Magee in the treble choir. Students were selected to participate through recorded auditions.

NAfME advocates at the local, state and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers.

The NAfME Northwest Division Conference is a biennial conference for music educators of the Pacific Northwest. Teachers and students from Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska will attend.
WASHINGTON -- The Obamacare repeal effort was already in unstable condition. Now its status must be downgraded to critical -- and completely unserious.

After years of Republican yammering about the urgent need to repeal the Affordable Care Act and months of fruitless pursuit of an alternative, President Trump now says he may not unveil a replacement this year at all. And from Capitol Hill comes new word that Republicans aren't even talking about a plan.

"To be honest, there's not any real discussion taking place right now," Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) told reporters Tuesday at the Capitol. Corker, according to the Huffington Post, said he has "no idea" when Republicans might start drafting an alternative to Obamacare, adding, "I don't see any congealing around ideas yet."

For seven years, opponents of the Affordable Care Act vowed to make its repeal their top concern, warning that the law would turn America overnight into a socialist dystopia. Now these opponents have unfettered control of the government and they aren't even talking about repealing.

On Nov. 1, a week before the election, Trump gave a speech pledging "to immediately repeal and replace Obamacare."

But in his weekend interview with Fox News's Bill O'Reilly, Trump said that "maybe it'll take till sometime into next year" for his administration to unveil a new health-care plan. It is, the president said, "very complicated."

So complicated, in fact, that he apparently wants nothing to do with it. At Trump's meeting with congressional leadership, Trump told the lawmakers Obamacare would be replaced with something better, and then he turned to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). "And Paul's going to fill in the details. Right, Paul?"

Right.

A secret recording of Republican lawmakers' Obama-repeal talks late last month revealed angst and uncertainty about how to proceed and a great deal of worry that they would be blamed for whatever went wrong in the health-care market. Corker, in his talk with reporters this week, said that "you would have heard more of the same" in other meetings that weren't recorded.

What Republicans don't seem to have come to terms with is that, as a political matter, they already will be held responsible for whatever happens to health-care markets, even if they don't introduce a replacement soon. An executive order Trump signed relaxing enforcement of Obamacare, and the constant talk of repeal, have injected a debilitating uncertainty into the health-care market -- essentially beginning the unraveling of Obamacare with nothing to replace it.

The executive order Trump signed directed federal agencies to do what they could to "minimize" the burdens of the act by exercising their authority "to waive, defer, grant exemptions from or delay" parts of the law. Insurers have warned that the uncertainty is deterring them from participating in Obamacare. The head of Anthem told Wall Street analysts that he would be deciding about "extracting" his company from health-care exchanges if it doesn't see stability.

This means that Republicans, while waiting for their alternative to "congeal," have already set in motion the disintegration of the current health-insurance market. "It's worse than the dog who caught the car," said Jesse Ferguson, a strategist advising Democrats on health care. "It's the dog who somehow is now driving the car."

That would explain the series of erratic maneuvers we've seen from GOP lawmakers lately.

Take Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who in 2011 called Obamacare "the single greatest assault on our freedom in my lifetime. It will destroy our health-care system. ... It must be repealed."

Now Johnson has shed the hysteria. "Let's start working with Democrats," he said on CNBC. "Let's transition to a system that will actually work, that, you know, Democrats are talking about. ... It's way more complex than simply repeal and replace."

Then there's Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.). In 2014, he proclaimed that Obamacare's "damage cannot now be undone by delaying it or tinkering with it -- it must be repealed and replaced with the patient-centered plan proposed by House Republicans."

These days he's not so bold. "We'd better be sure that we're prepared to live with the market we've created," McClintock said in the recorded session with Republicans. "That's going to be called Trumpcare. Republicans will own that lock, stock and barrel, and we'll be judged in the election less than two years away."

Or sooner. Arguably, Republicans already own the instability in the health-care system that their inaction has caused. Now that Trump is talking about delaying a health-care rollout for another year and Republican legislators aren't even talking about an Obamacare alternative, it's becoming clear what "Trumpcare" will look like: chaos.

Follow Dana Milbank on Twitter, @Milbank.

(c) 2016, Washington Post Writers Group
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 []
Police in Saudi Arabia have arrested 29 Kenyan women after a raid on a residential building used for prostitution.

The Kenyan nationals were arrested alongside three Pakistani nationals who were running the illegal business in Saudis Riyadh city.

According to a local daily, Riyadh Daily, Riyadh District Police raided the building for illegal liquor den but stumbled upon a brothel in the process.

The paper reports an initial search of the building in AlDar AlBaida neighborhood in southern Riyadh also revealed a makeshift factory for producing liquor.

Riyadh Police spokesman Col. Fawaz Al-Mayman said the Pakistanis, all in their 30s were running the business while the Kenyan women engaged in prostitution.

The accused are in police custody prior to transferring them to the competent authority for further investigations and filing of charges.
Garissa Town MP Aden Duale has responded to Raila Odingas claim that he was a nobody when he(Raila) introduced him to politics.

Raila Odinga made the claims on Thursday while addressing residents of Garissa. He said he picked the National Assembly Majority leader from Mombasa in 2007, when he was a nobody.

I personally picked up Duale and took him to one of the Sheikhs and a group of renown elders in Garissa Town, and prevailed upon them to support him for the Dujis constituency parliamentary seat, said Raila.

He added that Duale went on to win the seat on an ODM ticket and progressed to become who he is today.

But unfortunately Duale, a political novice then, is now among those going around the country abusing and calling me all manner of names. I leave all this to God.

But according to Aden Duale, he is the one who added the value to Raila Odinga and ODM.

Picked me? From where? In 2007, it is I who delivered more than 10 MPs in North Eastern to ODM and heavily funded his [Railas] campaign, Duale told The Star on phone.

To the contrary, it is I who added value to Railas politics by giving him a national outlook; from a Luo leader to a national leader, added the Majority leader.
ROME  The World Health Organization says China has taken steps to end its once-widespread practice of harvesting organs from executed prisoners but that its impossible to know what is happening across the entire country.

At a recent Vatican conference on organ trafficking, a former top Chinese official said the country had stopped its unethical program, but critics remain unconvinced.

In an interview, WHOs Jose Ramon Nunez Pena said he personally visited about 20 hospitals in China last year and believes the country has reformed. But he acknowledged that it was still possible there may still be hidden things going on. China has more than 1 million medical centers, although only 169 are authorized to do transplants.

Nunez Pena said he had seen data including organ transplant registries and was convinced the country was now shifting away from illegally harvesting organs.

What is clear to me is that theyre changing, he said. But in a country as huge as China, we cant know everything.

Earlier last week, critics questioned Chinas claims of reform and suggested that WHO should be allowed to conduct surprise investigations and interview donor relatives. The U.N. health agency has no authority to enter countries without their permission.

Chinas Dr. Haibo Wang responded that China shouldnt be singled out for such treatment while other countries were not. The head of the Chinese delegation, Dr. Huang Jiefu, told the conference there had been an increase in both living and deceased voluntary organ donors following Chinas crackdown on the illicit organ trade.

It sounds a little hard to believe that China could have so quickly made this change to its organ donation program, said Vivek Jha, executive director of the George Institute for Global Health in India.

He said China should provide the international transplant community with data to prove that its organs are no longer being illegally procured.

It could be the case that China has changed, he said. The problem is we just have not seen the information to prove it.

Nunez Pena said tracking illegal organ activities was inherently difficult and that countries with past problems like India and Costa Rica appeared to have improved practices, but that officials couldnt be absolutely certain that was the case. He said WHO officials were now focusing on other countries like Egypt and Sri Lanka as worrisome centers of organ harvesting.

Campbell Fraser, an organ trafficking researcher at Griffith University in Australia, agreed the trends over the past few years have shown a drop in the number of foreigners going to China for transplants and an increase of organ seekers heading to the Middle East.

At a press conference at the Chinese Embassy in Italy following the two-day Vatican organ conference, Fraser said migrants  including Syrians, Somalis and Eritreans  sometimes resort to selling off a kidney to pay traffickers to get them or their families to Europe.

Egypt is where the biggest problem is at the moment, he said, adding that it has the best medical facilities in the region and can perform the live donor surgeries.

He estimated as many as 10 such illicit transplants could be happening per week, though he had no statistics and said he based his research largely on anecdotal information from recipients, law enforcement, doctors and even some organ brokers.

Fraser said he has access to transplant patient chat boards because he himself had a kidney transplant in his native Australia in 2003.

Nunez Pena said it was likely that organ trafficking would find its way to conflict-plagued regions.

Were hearing about a lot of problems in Egypt, Pakistan and the Philippines, he said, predicting that authorities were poised to break up an organ smuggling ring in Egypt in the next few weeks. Wherever you have vulnerable people, you will see these kinds of problems.
WASHINGTON  Rep. Tom Price of Georgia has been sworn in as health and human services secretary, setting the stage for the conservative to play a leading role in dismantling President Barack Obama's health care law.

Vice President Mike Pence administered the oath to Price hours after he won Senate confirmation on a narrow 52-47 vote early Friday.

Price is an orthopedic surgeon who is expected to help scuttle the Affordable Care Act, in part, by issuing regulations to weaken it.

Democrats assailed Price as an ideologue with a questionable history of trading health care stocks and warned that he would take away health insurance from millions of Americans.
Thanks to an increased crop and prices, the value of Napa Countys grape harvest rose 28 percent, from $533 million in 2015 to $683 million in 2016.

At the same time, the average price per ton for Napa County grapes rose 7.8 percent to $4,666 per ton, the highest in the state.

State and federal agriculture officials released the preliminary 2016 grape crop report midday Friday, showing that the number of tons harvested in Napa County rose from 123,319 tons in 2015 to 146,557 last year, a 19 percent increase.

I think its all good news if you are a Napa grower, said Glenn Proctor, partner at the Ciatti Company.

Proctor said an abnormally light crop in 2015 led to a strong demand for grapes in 2016.

We saw a very active market and higher prices in 2016, in Napa County, said Proctor. They were motivated because of the shorter 2015 crop.

Proctor predicts that the demand for Napa grapes will continue.

Were already seeing early activity from buyers looking to source grapes this year for 2017, he said. Even though the crop is up, we dont think that will affect buying.

Im not surprised to see that once again the Napa County wine grape crop is one of Californias most valuable agricultural assets, said Patsy McGaughy, communications manager of the Napa Valley Vintners.

Such increases verify that Napa Valleys reputation as a quality wine region continues to grow.

Im pleased to see that yields were up, said McGaughy.

If you look at the prices, clearly there is demand. Its great to see there are some increased yields to meet that demand.

The year 2016 appears to be a winning vintage all around, she said.

Weve heard that vintners and growers thought it was a vintage of exceptional quality. It seems like there are solid yields and strong prices to add to that.

Andy Schweiger, winemaker for Schweiger Vineyards & Winery, said that higher prices are a fact of the business.

The reality is there is no more acreage to plant on, he said. More consumers want Napa wine and we can only make so much Napa wine so demand will drive that price up.

Unfortunately, I think some of the prices are being driven up by very wealthy people who parachute into to the valley and dont care about how much money they are spending, said Schweiger. In a way we are victims of our success.

Being a grower, yes, I like seeing the prices per ton go up, said Jack Varozza, of Varozza Vineyards in St. Helena.

Thats good news, he said. The price of labor in this valley is so expensive, that prices per ton need to increase accordingly so growers can afford the labor.

The labor supply continues to be a problem, Varozza said.

Last year trying to get enough people to do the vineyard work was very tough.

To see cabernet continue to climb just reinforces the strength of the industry and the strength of Napa Valley cabernet and other varieties, said Jennifer Putnam, executive director, Napa Valley Grapegrowers.

It also speaks to the quality commitment that growers have made. When you see price increases like this, its safe to assume were talking about high quality fruit.

Cabernet sauvignon grapes hold the top spot in Napa Valley, with 63,484 tons produced. Thats a 20 percent increase from last years cab crush, which totaled 52,970 tons.

At an average of $6,881 a ton, the price for the valleys cabernet sauvignon grapes continues to climb, up 8.9 percent over last years value of $6,319 a ton.

The average price paid for valley chardonnay in 2015 was up slightly to $2,669, while tonnage rose from 21,097 tons in 2015 to 25,181 tons in 2016.

Tonnage rose for sauvignon blanc, from 10,889 to 13,537 tons. The price for a ton of sauvignon blanc increased to $2,139 on average from $2,011 a year ago.

Local merlot production was also up to 14,322 tons in 2016 from 14,001 tons in 2015. The price paid per ton of merlot was up slightly, at $3,358 from $3,145 last year.

District 3 (Sonoma and Marin counties) received the second highest return of $2,584.87, up 5.9 percent from 2015.

Statewide, the 2016 crush totaled 4,196,753 tons, up 8.5 percent from the 2015 crush of 3,868,459 tons. Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 2,255,300 tons, up 10.5 percent from 2015.

In California, the 2016 white wine varieties totaled 1,745,490 tons, up 4.9 percent from 2015. Tons of raisin-type varieties totaled 98,205, up 6.2 percent from 2015, and tons of table-type varieties totaled 97,759, up 38.3 percent from 2015.

The 2016 average price of all varieties in California was $750.27 per ton, up 11.7 percent from 2015.

Average prices for the 2016 crop in California by type were as follows:

-Red wine grapes, $899.44, up 13.9 percent from 2015.

-White wine grapes, $594.01, up 10 percent from 2015.

-Raisin grapes, $213.64, down 13.7 percent.

-Table grapes, $153.05, down 39.4 percent.
Dealing with stigmas related to mental health diagnoses was a reoccurring topic at Wednesdays 2017 Consumer Speaks Conference  the first conference of its kind in Napa County in at least a decade.

As soon as youre identified with that label of mental illness, that label is sticky, Eduardo Vega, CEO of Dignity Recovery Action! International and the conferences keynote speaker.

Vega, who is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, said that consumers may also have self-stigma  something they believe or have been told that holds them back. Consumers are told If youre a person with a mental health diagnosis, your life might be limited, he said.

Conferences like this help with reducing that stigma, said Bill SmithWaters, co-executive director of Caring, Community, Compassion, Inc. the organization that sponsored the event. Caring, Community, Compassion, Inc., or Triple C, is a consumer-run nonprofit that provides support services to adults with psychiatric and other disabilities in primarily Napa and Sacramento counties.

I sat at home with the stigma that I cant do anything because Im mentally ill, said Karen Dias following Vegas presentation. Dias said that when she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 16 years ago, she isolated herself. But now she is open about her diagnosis.

Ill stand up in a crowded room and say Yep, Im bipolar, she said. Dias, who now works with other people who have mental health diagnoses, said that its important to talk about.

Dias said that shes glad its getting easier for people to come out with their illness just like anyone with diabetes or cancer might. Still, though, there are many people who want to keep it hush-hush.

According to Vega, consumers pretty much have two options  either avoid it or embrace it like Dias does. To combat the stigma, he said, consumers need to show people that that isnt true and that individuals with mental health illnesses can still be successful, contribute to their communities and live meaningful lives.

People often see mental health patients as the bottom of the barrel, he said  people who are taking more than they are giving.

Empowerment for us really needs to be about giving, Vega said.

It all goes back to stigma, said Bill SmithWaters husband, Frank W. SmithWaters, who is the director of Napa County Office of Patients Rights and co-executive director of Caring, Community, Compassion, Inc.

Frank SmithWaters, a survivor of mental illness himself, was leading a small group discussion on Patients Rights, Stigma, and Life after Mental Health at the organizations first Napa County conference. During the 45-minute breakout session, he went through a brief history of the mental health system, explained how the language used to describe those diagnosed with mental illnesses has changed over time and how that language, along with popular culture, has reinforced stigma.

Terminology is everything, he said.

Psychiatrists give people labels, said Linda Georgette of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), referring to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

While thats true, Frank SmithWaters said, the mental health industry is like a lava lamp moving all the time. For example, he said, Doctors used to say homosexuality was a mental illness and they dont anymore.

Anytime a major celebrity shares their story, it helps reduce stigma, said one woman sitting in the front row.

We all hold stigma, said Traci Bole, a peer mentor at Innovations Community Center. Theyre not just gonna go away overnight, but we work on them.

When we talk about stigma and how it affects peoples self-esteem, both consumers and providers will realize that the conversation needs to change, Bill SmithWaters said.

We think its important not only for the mental health consumers to get together and brainstorm and what they see needs to be improved, he said. Its also a good opportunity for the providers to see the clients in a setting thats non-clinical  to see each other as peers.

For more information on Caring, Community, Compassion, Inc., call 1-855-927-7447.
ST. HELENA  A group of residents who came together in opposition to the citys recent water and sewer rate hikes are hoping the City Council takes the first steps next Tuesday toward reconsidering.

St. Helena Citizens for Fair Water and Wastewater Rates is urging the City Council to form an ad hoc committee to reevaluate the rates and consider financing more of the citys capital improvements through long-term bonds rather than cash. Critics say the proposed rates are unnecessarily high because the city is relying too much on cash to fund expensive projects up front within the next few years.

The new groups second meeting drew about 80 people this week. It was held at Vineyard Valley Mobile Home Park, whose residents would see their rates more than double under the currently proposed rate structure.

Pat Dell, a resident of Vineyard Valley and one of the founders of the group, said the campaign against the rate hikes isnt being driven just by seniors on fixed incomes. A petition urging the city to reevaluate the rates had received 723 signatures as of Monday, with 134 coming from residents of the middle-class Sylvaner neighborhood, she said.

Rather than pursuing a referendum to put the proposed rates on the ballot, the group has agreed to work with the council, which approved the rates in November.

We need to talk to each other, Dell said. Theres so much need for that in this city, and not only for this issue.

This is not an adversarial relationship (with the council), said Dale Grossman, who discussed the financing of the citys capital improvement plan. Its not a zero-sum game where our win is their loss. We feel that by working together, everyone in St. Helena will benefit.

At recent council meetings, three councilmembers have spoken in favor of further review of the rates and the underlying financial assumptions involving the citys long-term capital improvement plan. Those councilmembers  Paul Dohring, Geoff Ellsworth and Mary Koberstein  attended Mondays meeting but didnt speak publicly due to limitations imposed by the Brown Act, the states open meetings law.

Koberstein has asked for the formation of an ad hoc committee to appear on the councils Feb. 14 agenda. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Vintage Hall.

Opponents say that the citys capital improvement plan, consisting of $33 million worth of water and wastewater projects, relies too heavily on cash and sets an overly aggressive schedule that isnt practical.

Twenty-three of these 48 projects are scheduled to be started this year and next year, said Grossman. Im not an engineer, but this seems like a lot of projects to be taking on in a very short period.

A more gradual schedule would be more manageable for city staff and would help spread out the costs, resulting in less steep rate increases, he said.

Critics also say the city is depending too much on cash rather than debt to finance improvements.

We need to explore spreading the funding of the (capital projects) over a reasonable period to soften the blow for all residents, especially those that can least afford a steep increase, said Tom Vence.

Tom Belt said he wants the city to consider tapping the General Fund to remove the Upper York Creek dam, rather than burdening ratepayers with the project, last estimated at $6.5 million.
The Napa Valley got another drenching Thursday, but the impacts on roadways were considerably less than during Tuesdays major storm that closed more than a dozen roadways.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the Napa Valley shortly after 1 p.m. Thursday, saying that streams were rising rapidly due to heavy rain. But by mid-afternoon, the rain began to lessen and no significant flooding was reported.

In Napa, Salvador Avenue was closed from Big Ranch Road to Summerfield Drive due to flooding. Also Big Ranch is closed from El Centro Avenue to Oak Knoll Avenue, the Napa County Sheriffs Office reported. Upvalley, Lodi Lane was also closed.

The Napa River wasnt expected to rise as high as it did on Tuesday, according to the California Nevada River Forecast Center. It was forecast to peak at 11 p.m. at 25.1 feet north of Napa. On Tuesday, the river crested at 25.7 feet.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, 3.32 inches of rain had fallen over the past 12 hours in Angwin, 1.3 inches at the city of Napas corporation yard, 2.4 inches on Mount St. Helena and 2.76 inches on Mount Veeder.

The forecast calls for showers on Friday, then sunny weather through Wednesday.
President Donald Trump says he wants "safe zones" in Syria. His intent is to keep displaced people, who might otherwise be inclined to join the nearly 5 million Syrian refugees, within their country. What might he be able to achieve?

The first thing a new president should know is that a safe zone must entail robust protection by both ground and air forces. This is what distinguishes it from a killing zone.

Over the nearly six years of conflict in Syria, there have been many calls for no-fly zones. They have studiously avoided discussing who would defend the zone on the ground, as if civilians could be protected from 30,000 feet. Indeed, the ground protection question acted as a conversation-stopper in discussions of how to shield Syrian civilians from a homicidal regime.

In Syria today, there are at least three active conflict areas that might lend themselves to being transformed into safe zones. The Islamic State currently occupies areas of central and eastern Syria; part of the Euphrates River Valley, north of Aleppo, where Turkish soldiers and Free Syrian Army rebel forces are closing in on the Islamic State-held town of al-Bab; and in northwestern Idlib province, where al-Qaida's Jabhat Fatah al-Sham is still a major force.

The presumed forthcoming military defeat of the Islamic State, if handled properly, could produce the mother of all safe zones - one stretching from the Euphrates River to Iraq. But proper handling requires a major strategy shift by Washington. The ground force currently battling the Islamic State is the Kurdish YPG, the Syrian arm of the Kurdistan Workers' Party - a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. The YPG and some Arab auxiliaries, under the name "Syrian Democratic Forces" (SDF), are slated to enter the Islamic State's "capital" of Raqqa, an Arab city.

Fighting in urban areas is not, however, a job for lightly trained militiamen. It requires the specialized skills that are the calling card of first-world militaries - skills that minimize casualties both for the entering force and for the civilian population.

A professional ground force coalition-of-the-willing led by the United States is something this writer has been long urging. This would involve American combat skin-in-the-game along with ground forces from countries such as Turkey, Jordan, France, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The final three on the list have already volunteered forces to fight the Islamic State; recruiting the others would require hard-nosed diplomacy. But if the Islamic State is the threat the Trump administration says it is - and the people of Paris, Brussels, Istanbul, and Ankara, who have all suffered terror attacks at its hands, would agree - why would its neutralization be left to militiamen?

In addition to putting the military defeat of the Islamic State in the hands of military professionals, the Pentagon's plan for northern Syria must take several other factors into account. The military campaign should cover all of eastern Syria (not just Raqqa), eliminating the Islamic State in Deir Ezzor and all of Syria. A post-combat stabilization plan establishing local governance is absolutely essential. It can draw on Syrian local councils that have been forced underground by the Islamic State, the Syrian nationalist opposition, Syrian civil servants, and the SDF in its own localities. Finally, the forces that defeat the Islamic State must plan for sustained ground and air force protection for the liberated areas.

This isn't simply a matter of defeating the Islamic State. Converting central and eastern Syria from "caliphate" to safe zone means keeping President Bashar Assad's forces out. Permitting a murderously corrupt regime to replace the Islamic State would simply set the stage for the jihadi group's resurgence, which will eventually lead to a stampede of Syrian civilians heading to Turkey and Iraq.

The area from which the Islamic State is being attacked by Turkey in the Euphrates River Valley might also become a safe zone. Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies are experiencing difficulty ousting the terror group from al-Bab, a large Sunni Arab town northeast of Aleppo. But assuming al-Bab is eventually taken, the Islamic State will have been cleared from a sizable pocket extending south from the Turkish border.

An effective safe zone, however, will require a sustained and significant Turkish ground force presence and air cover, supplemented by nationalist Syrian rebels willing to fight all comers: Shiite militias, al-Qaida, the Islamic State, and Assad.

In Idlib province, Russian President Vladimir Putin could play a crucial role in the establishment of a safe zone - if he is willing and able. If Russia can help neutralize undisciplined, Iranian-led Shiite militiamen while enforcing a genuine cessation of hostilities in northwestern Syria, nationalist rebels will be able to disentangle themselves from Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and work with Washington and Moscow to defeat al Qaeda and defend civilians.

For Idlib to evolve in the direction of a safe zone, however, Russia would have to refrain from the kinds of air attacks it inflicted on Aleppo while keeping the Assad regime and its Iranian-led backers on a very tight leash. Will Moscow do so? Can it? Will the Russians, in effect, impose a no-fly zone on the Assad regime once Jabhat Fatah al-Sham is history? Will conditions actually emerge that enable the nationalist Syrian opposition to kill al Qaeda? For Idlib province to be safe for civilians, much heavy lifting lies ahead.

Trump and Jordan's King Abdullah have also reportedly discussed a safe zone in southwestern Syria, between Damascus and the Jordanian border. That area has been relatively quiet. For it to be truly safe for civilians, however, a central role for Jordanian ground and air forces would be ideal.

Only in the case of establishing a post-Islamic State safe zone might American "boots on the ground" in the form of large combat formations be a possibility. Unless Islamic State fighters simply vanish from central and eastern Syria, densely populated areas must be liberated from their grip by military professionals. Pitting militiamen against the Islamic State will only deepen a humanitarian abomination and worsen its political consequences.

For nearly six years, Syrian civilians have had a bull's-eye painted on them. They, their neighbors, and Western Europeans have paid the price for Assad and the Islamic State's criminality. A full political transition moving Assad, his family, and his entourage off stage can make all of Syria a safe zone. In the meantime, however, Washington and Moscow must revise their strategies for protecting civilians from the horrors of war.

Fred Hof is director at the Atlantic Council's Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and served as a special adviser for transition in Syria at the State Department in 2012. He wrote this for Foreign Policy magazine.
Chris d Craiker writes to oppose what is popularly called the travel ban, which takes some courage in his case, since he seems to understand that most Americans support it ("Travel ban won't make us safer," Feb. 8). But Craiker is mistaken when he tells us that St. Paul the Apostle was a Syrian.

Of course, the people we refer to as Syrians today are, at least in part, Arabs. Their ancestors were living in the Arabian Peninsula in St. Pauls day, and did not overrun Syria till the seventh century of the Christian era.

The Syrians of St. Pauls day were largely of Aramean, Phoenician, and Persian extraction. As in most of the eastern Roman Empire, the principal language in Syria was Greek. It is very likely that the Roman soldiers who crucified Christ were Syrians, as records indicate that Syria supplied most of the levies for Judea at that time.

But St. Paul wasnt even from Syria. Craiker is confused on this point because Pauls city of origin, Tarsus, was also called Antioch, after Antiochus Epiphanes, as was another city located in Syria. The Antioch  that is, Tarsus  of Pauls birth was in Asia Minor and is now a part of Turkey.

Moreover, although a Roman citizen, St. Paul was a member of a minority group. Thats right: St. Paul was a Jew, of the Tribe of Benjamin; even after his conversion to Christianity, he occasionally referred to himself as belonging to the party of Pharisees. By the way, Jews with Israeli passports are now prohibited from entering Syria, just as they are prohibited from entering five of the other travel ban countries. Why isnt Craiker protesting this anti-Semitic travel ban? And what would St. Paul say?

In a single brief sentence, Craiker labors to excuse the Obama administration for its part in destabilizing Syria  because Obama and his officials thought they were doing the Near East a favor. This point bears further consideration.

When Obama was elected, he was still decrying George W. Bushs part in destabilizing Iraq. Yet, instead of learning from Bushs mistake, Obama (and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) repeated it throughout North Africa and the Middle East. Most notably, and with the most disastrous consequences, they destabilized Libya and Syria  all because Obama was under the basbousa-in-the-sky delusion that an Arab Spring would lead to democratic regimes.

Obama and Clinton would have destabilized Egypt, too, but the Egyptian military under Abdel Fattah el-Sisi managed to forestall that result of the idiocy that constituted Obamas foreign policy.

So, when youre thinking of Syrians, and wailing over the refugee crisis, be sure to apportion appropriate blame to Obama and Hillary. In the spirit of bi-partisanship, let me add that you can also blame that well-known GOP warmonger John McCain and his allies in the intelligence community. Way to go, guys! Youve truly handed us a changed world.

Tom Riley

Napa
Absolutely no swirling, said Paul Martin, brand ambassador for Napa Valley Distillery.

I was about to have my first taste of Napa Vodka, made with sauvignon blanc grapes, at the distillerys new tasting salon on Stockton Street. No swirling is the first rule. The second: No shooting it back like a shot.

Martin has developed his own breathing method for tasting spirits, which hes coined Booze Yoga. You take a deep breath and hold it, then take your first sip, and immediately swallow. Lastly, gently exhale from your mouth, nice and slow.

Booze Yoga causes all of the spirits flavors and nuances to reveal themselvesand prevents your face from contorting in pain, as it often does after taking a shot.

Now, this is the part youre not going to enjoy, but you have to go through it, warned Arthur Hartunian, Napa Valley Distillery founder.

Its an educational thing, Martin added, before instructing me to this time swirl the remaining vodka, and throw it straight back.

Now it tastes like rubbing alcohol; really hot, very heavy, he said. You have to know what not to do. How do you know the stove is hot? You have to touch it first.

The Digs

You wont accidentally stumble upon the Napa Valley Distillery operation, tucked away on Stockton Street in the small industrial pocket of downtown Napa. But the lack of visibility isnt by choice; its simply one of the few places they could fully run their business due to zoning restrictions.

Most of Napa Valley is dedicated to farming or specific use, and we had to find an area, a zone, that allowed us to do what we do, without having to only use Napa Valley ingredients, said Hartunian, who owns the business with his wife Lusine. You cant make whiskey, because you cant find corn or grains in Napa Valley; you cant make rum because theres no sugar cane. The industrial zone allows us to make things with not just Napa Valley ingredients.

Formerly, the distillery was located in an apartment building around the corner on Walnut St. It was too small to be able to have visitors and do tours, but as Hartunian said, It was cheap, which they needed when starting out in 2009. It was, and still is, the only active Napa distillery since Prohibition.

We were doing this thing without having done much research. We did about eight minutes of research and jumped right in, he said. We just wanted to be in the business. It was a big, big gamble and we were on a shoestring budget, so we needed somewhere cheap.

In the meantime, they were able to sell and eventually pour some of their products at their Oxbow Marketplace location, which they opened in 2013.

It was a great opportunity for us to get our name and brand out, and we want to keep it because its great visibility from a business standpoint, but also, what you taste at the Oxbow is going to be a completely different experience than what you taste here, said Hartunian.

Due to state AVC laws, they can only offer spirits in a satellite location (the Oxbow) that are made from fruit, which excludes whiskey and rum. These restrictions dont apply to the new space, which welcomed its first visitors last summer.

Ive always wanted to open up the doors and create a place where people can come in and learn the process, taste and just soak in that distillery environment. It was a perfect find for us and its just worked really, really well, said Hartunian of the new digs.

The Tour

As you walk up to the warehouse, its hard to miss the sky blue 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine, aptly named Creme Puff and featuring a license plate that reads CREMPFF. Hartunian said Creme Puff is often used to give customers free rides back to their hotel after their visit.

Once inside, a cardboard cutout of Breaking Bads Walter White greets you, paired with a sign that says, Brandy this way. Your first stop on your 15-20 minute educational tour is at the barrels, many of which are retired wine barrels from local producers, like Castello di Amorosa and Dolce.

Uniquely, the barrel heads are covered with a thin layer of chalkboard paint, with chalk writing indicating things like its contents and barreling date. The chalkboard paint is a fun aesthetic, but Hartunian says its also functional, making the barrels reusable.

We experiment with barrel aging all the time. I love barrel aging, said Hartunian. Distillation is one thing, its a really important process of spirits making, but its just one step. Its a journey and it sometimes takes years to make spirits.

Hartunian thoughtfully selects barrels, especially for the final finishing stage, where the spirit really extracts its flavor.

For me, whats more exciting is infusing a spirit with a barrel that used to house something completely different. For instance, were aging rum and bourbon in used port barrels. It makes a big, big difference, he said.

Front and center are 13.5 barrels labeled 21, which Hartunian can hardly wait to release this year. Finishing inside a port barrel is an apple brandy thats old enough to legally drink in the U.S., having aged for 21 years.

Its the oldest apple brandy in the U.S. Second place is 12 years, said Hartunian.

Napa Valley Distillery hasnt been in business for even half of that time, but every once in awhile gets the opportunity to purchase existing spirits from another distiller or winery. When this call came from a famous Napa Valley wine family that cannot be named, he couldnt pass it up.

I asked them for a sample, I tasted it, and it was unbelievable, he said.  But we wanted to throw our own touch on it. I didnt want to just bottle it as it. Even though it was fantastic, I had to do something to it to put our name on it, so were finishing it in the port barrels.

Along the rest of the tour, youll learn about the stills, see the tanks, fermenters, tiny bottling line (does just four at a time), and very likely witness the small production team at work.

The facility is still undergoing developments, as there are plans to put in a kitchen and offer cocktail and food pairings.

Its something Ive always wanted to do. Were Armenian. We rarely drink without having a little food, and we rarely eat without having a little drink. Its just part of our culture, said Hartunian. We love pairing these things together and we want to introduce a way to pair foods with cocktails and spirits. The reason were developing the kitchen is to be able to bring those two elements together and create an experience.

Theres also a back lot, formerly occupied by a tow truck company, called Building B. Its being completely renovated into a dedicated event space and hospitality lounge for the culinary pairings, which Hartunian hopes to have complete by the end of the year.

The Tasting

Upstairs in the tasting salon, its tough to nail down a theme for the space. Ornate chandeliers balance out the warehouses industrial elements. The long, white art deco bar was custom-ordered to resemble one you might have seen on a 1950s cruise ship. There are island elements, like palm tree wallpaper, colorful parrots, Conga drums and glass pineapples, contrasted by old-timey lithograph prints, cigars, a tufted Victorian sofa and a marquee sign that spells BAR.

Its an eclectic mix of the early 1900s. Its like a cocktail: one part tiki, one part prohibition era, one part old Hollywood, mid-century, said Hartunian. Its an eclectic mix of that era, everything we love, the color, the vibrancy.

Tastings feature six quarter-ounce pours. Napa Valley Distillery has more than 30 spirit brands, so theres always something new or different to try, like the Old Hollywood Gin, a bath-style gin, replicated from a recipe from 1840, or the sweet, brown-sugary Brandy Cordial. If youre a first-timer, Martin will likely talk you through his Booze Yoga method.

Paul loves showing you how to properly taste the spirits. Youre trying to taste the barrel. With wine, you want to taste the land, the terroir, but with spirits, you cant really taste the terroir, but you can taste the barrel, said Hartunian.

The whole goal was really to create a place for people to relax, to just chill, feel comfortable and enjoy the environment. We want to be welcoming and educate, and really provide this experience that people can take home and then share what theyve learned. Thats number one for us.
Following an extremely scary few days in a Louisiana hospital, Jamie Lynn Spears daughter, Maddie, is heading home to continue recovering in her own bed.

Maddie flipped her ATV last weekend, leaving her unconscious and hospitalized, but the resilient eight-year-old made miraculous strides in her recovery within days. Now, Spears has posted on social media for the first time since the incident to share the news everybody has been eager to hear.

Were headed home with our baby girl as she continues to recover. Thank you again to everyone. We are truly blessed? pic.twitter.com/4Q684K8th2  Jamie Lynn Spears (@jamielynnspears) February 10, 2017

Our thoughts remain with Maddie as she continues down this road to a complete recovery.

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Thank you, Minister Reynders.

It is a distinct honour for me to speak with you today on such an important topic.

I want to begin by thanking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for hosting this conference.

Let me make clear from the outset: NATO is fully committed to implementation of UNSCR 1612, along with related Resolutions on the protection of children affected by armed conflict.

We commend the United Nations and the Secretary Generals Special Representative for their strong leadership on this issue.

Tragically, serious threats to children in war zones are far too numerous today  too often subjecting the most innocent and vulnerable among us to indiscriminate attacks, sexual violence and recruitment as soldiers.

We must remember: These are children. Those who are most in need of protection.

Conferences like this help to call attention to a problem that is still too often overlooked and under-reported.

This attention puts pressure on countries and international organisations to do more. Its imperative that we all do more.

NATO has done a lot to address the protection of children affected by armed conflict. And we are committed to doing even more.

Protection of children in NATO-led operations and missions was first addressed at NATOs Chicago Summit in 2012.

Thats when NATO Heads of State and Government decided to develop practical, field-oriented measures to better prepare NATO-led troops when they encounter violations against children.

Following up on that decision, NATO adopted Military Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict  which provided commanders with instructions to equip deployed forces with more training on the issue.

The Assistant Secretary General for Operations was appointed the Senior NATO Focal Point on Children and Armed Conflict.

In 2013, NATO developed  in cooperation with the UN  an e-learning module on child protection. Available to all Allies and partners, this online tool provides an overview of the six grave violations against children identified by the UN Secretary General.

We took additional steps at the Wales Summit in 2014 to ensure we are prepared  whenever and wherever children are impacted by armed conflict.

Again in close cooperation with the UN, NATO prepared a policy document called The Protection of Children in Armed ConflictWay Forward.

This policy was approved by the North Atlantic Council in March 2015. It provides additional guidance for integrating UNSCR 1612 and related resolutions into the Alliances military doctrine, education, training and exercises, as well as NATO-led operations and missions.

When training local forces, NATO ensures that the protection of children affected by armed conflict is given the necessary attention it deserves.

NATO-led operations, including in Afghanistan, are taking an active role in preventing, monitoring and responding to violations against children.

Children and Armed Conflict policies are also being incorporated into NATO military exercises. In practice, this means that NATO Commanders receive training in situations where the six grave violations are encountered.

Focal points for Children and Armed Conflict have been appointed throughout the NATO Command Structure.

The focal points support the integration of the Military Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict into training opportunities, exercises, and mission planning.

A specialized Children and Armed Conflict Adviser, Mr. Swen Dornig, who is participating in this conference and will appear on a panel this afternoon, deployed in April 2016, for the first time in a NATO-led mission, as part of our Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

NATO officials continue to raise the issue of protection of children in their political and military engagements with senior Afghan officials  just as we have been doing in other conflict areas.

Over the years, NATO and its operational partners have learned important lessons about how to guard against civilian casualties  and specifically how to mitigate dangers posed to children in conflict areas.

We continue to learn and to adapt. And we remain committed to doing even more.

The global community must do everything possible to protect children  and indeed all civilians  from being victimized in conflict zones  whether inadvertently or otherwise.

NATO will do everything we can  working closely with the UN, NGOs and IOs  to protect the most vulnerable among us  children who through no fault of their own find themselves in areas of armed conflict.

This is a moral imperative for our time. Working together, we can make a world of difference, and a better, safer future for the children.
Editor's note: The following is a transcript of President Claire E. Sterk's address at her formal inauguration ceremony, held Feb. 8, 2017, in Glenn Memorial Auditorium.

Thank you, Chairman Morgan; members of the Board of Trustees. I am very honored by the presence of Emorys faculty, staff, students and alumni; I am grateful for the presence of distinguished civic and community leaders, delegates, speakers and performers. I am indebted to Emorys past presidents, especially those seated on the platform today: James Laney, William Chace, and James Wagner. Thank you for all that you have given to Emory and for your gifts to me personally  your guidance, inspiration, and encouragement. I am delighted by the presence of mentors, former students, and friends. The presence of my relatives, sitting close by, provides great comfort. I want to recognize my husband Kirk Elifsonwise friend and caring partner and somebody who makes me pull weeds.

Today we celebrate an institutional rite of passage. We do so with excitement, determination, and optimism because of our faith in and hope for Emory. The opportunity to lead Emory in this moment of its history is a tremendous honor. It also brings an equal share of responsibility. I am humbled by the confidence that so many of you place in me.

Most of you do not know that as an adolescent, I pictured myself one day as an orchestra conductor. When no one was around, I would pick up my baton and with the help of at least one hundred imaginary musicians, translate my vision into a glorious sound. Given that I am standing before you today, I believe that in many ways I have received a role that resembles my adolescent dream. I relish inspiring people to collaborate and to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. I am inspired by listening to all voices and harmonizing those into an inclusive community  a community with focus and intent and based on mutual respect.

The inauguration of a university president is an infrequent occasion in the history of the institution. Inauguration brings together all parts of our university so that we can celebrate together. For some of us, it is also an opportunity to wear our regalia! From my vantage point, you look fabulous! More seriously, though, since a university inauguration does not happen often, it offers a moment of meaningful reflection  a time when we consider the institutions past, take stock of the present, and envision the future.

Inaugural traditions remind us that universities are enduring institutions. At Emory, nineteen men have taken the presidential oath before me. They have led in times of war and peace, prosperity and recession, comfort and adversity. No matter the circumstances, each of them remained true to Emorys motto: The wise heart seeks knowledge.

At todays inauguration, we renew our commitment to Emorys reason for being.

As we consider the future, it is important for us to also look back at our roots and the lessons learned from our history. The flashback of my own life shows that I am the oldest daughter of parents whose education was cut short by the Second World War. That makes me the first in my family to graduate from high school. My parents instilled a love of learning in their three children. They taught us the value of compassion and caring, and insisted on courage. I remember that when I was just ten years old, I told my mother that I was no longer going to volunteer assisting the elderly in our neighborhood with their grocery shopping because our family needed money. If I could earn money, I could contribute. But I will never forget my mothers reaction  with great disdain, she reminded me that we must always help others, for in that caring and service for others is the true wealth and reward in life. My parents taught us that als je de controle los laat, gebeuren de mooiste dingen, which means, if you are willing to be open to others, the most beautiful things will happen.

Dad passed away five years ago, and now dementia has altered the ways in which I connect with my Mom. Nevertheless, I feel my parents presence today and I am grateful for the lessons they taught me, for these align beautifully with the lessons we learn and teach at Emory: lessons for living, for caring, for courage, and the value of knowledge, preservation, and inquiry. Lessons that are rooted in a history of bold actions, inspired by the motivation to serve humanity.

It all began in 1836, when a small group of Methodists founded a new college, naming it for John Emory, an American Methodist bishop who imagined an education that molded the character as well as the mind. They also created a new town and called it Oxford. This was quite a bold action on their part. Today that college is Oxford College of Emory University.

During the early part of the 20th century, the ambition of the Southern Methodist Church to create a new university in the South came to fruition when Asa Griggs Candler offered one million dollars and 75 acres of land in the Druid Hills neighborhood. In 1915, DeKalb County granted a charter to Emory University.

Throughout the 20th century, Emory continued to take bold actions, actions aligned with its purpose of contributing to society. Our doctors and nurses staffed the Emory Hospital Unit on European battlefields during both World Wars. In fact, a naval cargo ship was christened the M.S. Emory Victory in honor of the universitys contributions in France and Algeria during the Second World War.

Emorys resolve kept pace with historical events in society at large. The opening of doors to women began at Emory in 1917, and the first female graduated in 1920, the year when American women were finally guaranteed the right to vote. The long struggle for civil rights in the United States was mirrored by vigorous debate on the Emory campus. The university began admitting students regardless of race or color in 1962. The path to racial integration at Emory was not without controversy, resembling debates we face today about access, inclusion, open expression and support. Emory has a history of fighting for social justice, while also recognizing that as an institution, as a community, we sometimes fall short.

Academically, Emory also has both experienced change and remained true to its mission. Research universities, like Emory, have grown larger and more complex over time. Emory now a leading global, research university with the liberal arts at its core  grew out of a smaller, regional teaching university. It has changed so much since the first PhD programs began 70 years ago. We are called upon to search for answers to the complex issues of our day. Emory has indeed stayed true to its mission, which as you have heard several times already today, is to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.

But the questions we must ask change over time and are driven by the larger context of our society and our world. Let me briefly share some key questions that currently are on my mind.

What are the roles and responsibilities of research universities?

How do we bring institutional history, capacity, and values into addressing contemporary social, economic, and cultural challenges?

How do we lead during times of transformation in higher educationor, for that matter, times of dramatic transformation in the world at large?

How can we nurture global innovation and discovery that are guided by ethical leaders?

How can we improve health and reverse the heavy toll of preventable diseases around the world?

How can we foster respectful, ongoing dialogue in a divided society?

The research universitys obligation to society is ingrained in the very reason for its being service to humanity. Emory has the responsibility to contribute to society, to prepare inquiring minds, to develop moral leaders, and to contribute to addressing contemporary problems, to help solve these. Research universities must continue to earn the public trust. We must be faithful stewards of that public trust. This, Emory will continue to do.

We cannot afford to be complacent  nor will we be. From my first day on the job, about five months ago (although it feels like longer than five months, I have to admit), the call for action has been loud and unmistakable. An emerging theme in the feedback from members of the Emory community is that of our shared responsibility to the world. That is not an easy obligation to fulfill during times when society is fragmented, whether close to home or around the world, and during times when interactions are contentious.

Despite this climate I am hopeful about the future because I know what the people at Emory are capable of accomplishing. We will be guided by what we stand for: knowledge, the pursuit of truth, evidence, rational reasoning, and ethical principles. Our past demonstrates that with the right people aligned behind a common purpose, we will forge a future worthy of our ambition.

As Emory's president, I will proudly stand with our staff, faculty, students and alumni to clearly articulate and demonstrate what we stand for. I am encouraged by and committed to Emory's core values of inclusion, compassion, collaboration, integrity, optimism and boldness. I share these values and I will forcefully represent them.

As we look into that future, I want to share three commitments that I am making to you, and I hope that you will adopt these as Emorys commitments.

First is the commitment to move Emory from a diverse institution to a more inclusive one  from being a gathering of different people to being a real community that actively welcomes the voices, strengths, and contributions of all, recognizing that our very differences strengthen us. We will transform our culture, and thereby enhance our contributions to society.

Second is the commitment to engage in the broadest and deepest ways globally  beginning around the corner in our city, county and state. This is how we will bring lasting and positive change, while also enabling Emorys students and faculty to grow intellectually and personally. Emorys location in Atlanta reinforces our responsibility as a global research university, a university located in a city and region that is our gateway to the nation and the world.

Third is the commitment to lead by employing Emorys enduring qualities of excellence, distinctiveness, and relevance. These qualities will enable us to signal the way through the rapidly changing landscapes of higher education and health care, as well as of society at large. It includes a commitment to leading by enrolling and graduating students who will excel, and by offering an optimal student experience. Leading by attracting and retaining eminent faculty and staff, whose integrated knowledge, scholarship, and creativity will contribute to society. Leading by being focused on the common good and the moral responsibility we have.

Today affords me the great privilege of sharing with you some of my story, and I am grateful for such attentive listeners. But this is also an opportunity to share Emorys story. In the noise of todays world, to stand out and to be heard, we must not shy away from attention, but instead take every opportunity to proclaim what we stand for, to note the contributions we make in serving humanity, and to celebrate the impact we have in the world.

A quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln, who was president of the United States when Emory College was just a quarter of a century young, reads as follows: Character is like a tree and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. We must ensure that the reputation of Emory, the way in which the world perceives this great university, is consistent with the real thing. We need to help the world see and appreciate our deep and nurturing roots, our substantial and solid trunk, and its widespread and flourishing branches.

I have just described ambitious commitments and transformations to you. Ambition is not new to Emory. It is at the core of our history and it will be part of our future.

Just as my parents taught us that if we are willing to be open to others, the most beautiful things will happen," Emory will also be open enough for amazing things to happen. Now is the right time for Emory to seize its ambition. We will make the right choices and leap forward. And as the wise heart seeks knowledge, lets use our place of privilege, of being this amazing educational, social and humane institution, for optimal impact.
Zachary Wenz first encountered Emory President Claire E. Sterk this summer.

Two Emory students had been killed during a terror attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Although Sterk wouldnt officially assume the role of Emory president until Sept. 1, she spoke at the Oxford College campus memorial service for Abinta Kabir and Faraaz Hossain in August.

Her words were really comforting, says Wenz, a senior majoring in quantitative social sciences (QSS). It was a really tough situation to be thrust into, and she handled it so well. I think shes already shown she wants to make Emory a place of comfort in a really stressful world and time.

Most students celebrating the inaugural-themed Wonderful Wednesday  held right after Sterk's formal inauguration ceremony  echoed those themes, both of Emorys role in the world and Sterks position as the universitys leader.

The weekly tradition harkens back to the years when Emory didnt have classes on Wednesday. While the mid-week break lasted only from 1967 to 1982, Wonderful Wednesday was revived in 2006 as a student-led gathering featuring activities and information from a variety of groups.

Waiting in line for free panini sandwiches and meeting with groups from the anime club to prehealth mentoring, students said they are excited to be part of Emory installing its 20th president, who is also the university's first female and first foreign-born president (she is a native of the Netherlands).

Joseph Liu, a first-year student hoping to major in biology, called Sterk brave for her recent message emphasizing that Emory is committed to protecting the rights of all our faculty, staff and students irrespective of their country of origin.

Now he is hopeful that, in the wake of federal travel restrictions on those from seven mostly Muslim countries and worries about the fate of undocumented students studying on campus, she will do more.

Other students said they are excited about Sterks leadership because she has been such a visible presence on campus throughout her first semester at the helm. Some students recalled meeting her on Move-in Day, while others reported her stopping by to have coffee with international students.

Sterk's call to emphasize the undergraduate experience is especially encouraging, several students said.

As a public health researcher and Emorys first president who is a social scientist, she also has the ability to remake the stereotype of Emory undergrads as all pre-med or business students, they said.

At the same time, the push for one Emory community should open new opportunities for undergraduates and those in the professional and graduate schools to work more together.

We want more of a focus on the liberal arts because we have a litany of things to offer, says Dwitiya Sapre, a junior majoring in psychology.

Junior Chiara Gonzales-Portillo, a neuroscience and behavioral biology major, agrees.

No other president has mentioned the undergraduate experience, and that brings more of a focus to us, she says.

Students also cited a need to prioritize scholarships and continue to be forward-looking.

For instance, Wenzs quantitative social sciences major has existed only since 2014. He describes it as a liberal arts take on data sciences. A career working on data analysis for a nonprofit is, he hopes, in his future.

I do think she understands the need for a greater emphasis on the liberal arts and more variety of what to study, so that we are on the forefront, Wenz says. Listening to the students is always going to be important.
Posted by Mark Williams | February 10, 2017

Our spy photographers have caught a partially covered 2018 Toyota Tundra out in the wild, and it looks like there may be some small trim changes in store for the full-size pickup. We know Toyota is adding a TRD Sport trim level to the 2018 model-year lineup. It will be at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, but we won't see the 2018 Tundra until September. In the meantime, here's what our spy shooters shared:

"Toyota looks to give the Tundra another update before an all-new version appears sometime around 2020. This model's camouflaged front end makes it appear that the revisions will be far less comprehensive than the ones the truck received for 2014.

"Expect a new grille, hood, headlights, taillights and revised trim pieces to keep the Tundra fresh for another couple of years. We're also hearing some engine tweaks may be in the works. A new 10-speed automatic that first appeared in the Lexus LC and LS models could also be slated for all of Toyota's rear-drive vehicles, including the Tundra, but it's not clear if it will show up before the redesigned Tundras make their debut."

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NEW YORK: Social media giant Facebook has announced an update to Safety Check, called Community Help, that lets people find and give help such as food, shelter and transportation after a crisis.

In the areas of immediate danger, Safety Check allows people to notify their family and friends that they are safe. This feature of Facebook has been used during natural calamities and terrorists attacks across the world.

"With Community Help people can find and give help, and message others directly to connect after a crisis. Posts can be viewed by category and location, making it easier for people to find the help they need," said Naomi Gleit, VP Social Good, Facebook, in a statement.

To start, Facebook will make Community Help available for natural and accidental incidents, such as an earthquake or building fire and will be rolled out in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and Saudi Arabia for the first couple of weeks.

For the community to use Community Help after an incident, Safety Check must first be activated.

For Safety Check to activate, two things need to happen. First, global crisis reporting agencies NC4 and iJET International alert Facebook that an incident has occurred and give it a title, and Facebook will begin monitoring for posts about the incident in the area.

Second, if a lot of people are talking about the incident, they may be prompted to mark themselves safe, and invite others to do the same.

"If an incident is a natural or accidental disaster, people will see Community Help. They can find or give help, and message others directly to connect from within Safety Check," Gleit added.

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LONDON: Sunlight, heat in a room and even movements may soon power your portable and wearable gadgets such as smartphones, thanks to a material identified by scientists that can extract energy from multiple sources at the same time.

Researchers from the University of Oulu in Finland have found that a mineral with the perovskite crystal structure has the right properties to extract energy from many forms of energy that surround us and is normally wasted.

Perovskites are a family of minerals, many of which have shown promise for harvesting one or two types of energy at a time - but not simultaneously.

One member may be good for solar cells, while other my be good at harnessing energy from changes in temperature and pressure.

Yang Bai and his colleagues studied a specific type of perovskite called KBNNO, which may be able to harness many forms of energy.

Like all perovskites, KBNNO is a ferroelectric material, filled with tiny electric dipoles analogous to tiny compass needles in a magnet.

When ferroelectric materials like KBNNO undergo changes in temperature, their dipoles misalign, which induces an electric current.

Electric charge also accumulates according to the direction the dipoles point. Deforming the material causes certain regions to attract or repel charges, again generating a current.

Previous researchers have studied KBNNO's photovoltaic and general ferroelectric properties, but they did so at temperatures a couple hundred degrees below freezing, and they did not focus on properties related to temperature or pressure.

The new study represents the first time anyone has evaluated all of these properties at once above room temperature, said Bai.

The experiments showed that while KBNNO is reasonably good at generating electricity from heat and pressure, it is not quite as good as other perovskites.

Perhaps the most promising finding, however, is that the researchers can modify the composition of KBNNO to improve its pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties.

"It is possible that all these properties can be tuned to a maximum point," said Bai, who, with his colleagues, is already exploring such an improved material by preparing KBNNO with sodium.

Within the next year, Bai said, he hopes to build a prototype multi-energy-harvesting device. The fabrication process is straightforward, so commercialisation could come in just a few years once researchers identify the best material.

"This will push the development of the Internet of Things and smart cities, where power-consuming sensors and devices can be energy sustainable," he said.

This kind of material would likely supplement the batteries on your devices, improving energy efficiency and reducing how often you need to recharge.

The research was published in the journal Applied Physics Letters.

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Alumnus John Pollitz named dean of Library Affairs

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- John H. Pollitz, an alumnus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will be returning to his alma mater as the new dean of Library Affairs.

The SIU Board of Trustees ratified Pollitzs appointment at its meeting today (Feb. 9).

Pollitz has held a number of higher education library administration positions. Most recently, he has served as the director of libraries for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 2007. During his tenure there, he led a 30-member staff while overseeing a $3.8 million budget. He was also promoted to the rank of full professor, established a student employee scholarship and a diversity internship, led a variety of initiatives and fulfilled a term as president of the Wisconsin Library Association.

Previously, Pollitz was the associate university librarian for public services and innovative technology at Oregon State University, OKeefe Library Director at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and assistant director of library automated services at Augustana College in Illinois. He has also taught university classes and served in a variety of professional service positions and activities in the last two decades.

He completed his bachelors degree in history/education at SIU Carbondale in 1975. He also holds a master of library science degree from the University of Iowa and earned a masters degree in history from the University of Denver where he was a doctoral candidate, completing all but his dissertation.

I am very excited to be coming home, Pollitz said. SIU means so much to me and I am very happy to be able to give something back. Southern Illinois University changed my life in so many ways. I arrived on campus with the goal of becoming an artistic photographer and left with a commitment to a life of scholarship and helping others learn. There were bumps in my road but my career as a librarian has been built on helping students pursue their intellectual curiosity.

Pollitzs connection to the university is strong for other reasons as well. He met his wife, Aracely (Manrrique) Pollitz at SIU -- in Morris Library, in fact, when she was a student worker there -- and theyve been married for 40 years. They have two adult daughters and a granddaughter living in Chicago.

When visiting campus recently, Pollitz said he was impressed by the energy of everyone in the library and their commitment to SIU. I am thrilled to be able to represent those people to the campus and the community. My goal is to build on the strong foundation that has been established at Morris Library over the years. The universitys commitment to student learning has been given form in the beautifully renovated Morris Library and I will be working with our library faculty and staff to reinforce that commitment every day. It is always my goal to work with the campus faculty to meet their research needs and to furnish students with the resources they need to succeed in their pursuit of learning.

Pollitz also appreciates SIUs commitment to sustainability and its designation as a Bicycle Friendly University and he plans to ride my bike to work every day. There, I said it publicly so I will have to honor this commitment.

Pollitz will assume his new role at SIU on March 6.
Presentation on Alexander Lane is Feb. 16

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate its long history of diversity and inclusion with a special presentation honoring the universitys first African-American male student.

Alexander Lane: From Slavery to Freedom is set for 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, in the John C. Guyon Auditorium at Morris Library. The presenter is Pamela Smoot, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Africana Studies and in the history department as well as recruitment, retention and outreach office coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts.

Lane was born in pre-Civil War Mississippi and his mother, a slave, sent him north with a Union army colonel who promised to educate her son. Lane was living in Tamaroa when he enrolled at SIU Carbondale. The year was 1876 and SIU was founded just seven years before as the states second teachers college, with a first class of just 143 students. Two women were the first African-Americans to enroll at SIU but Lane was the first black man.

He made the most of his opportunities. After attending Southern Illinois Normal University, as it was then known, Lane became the first principal of Attucks School. He subsequently moved to Chicago, graduating from Rush Medical College in 1895 and earning an appointment as the Cook County assistant physician. He was a prominent physician on Chicagos south side.

Lane was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1906 and won reelection two years later. He died in 1911 and is buried in Carbondale. SIUs Paul Simon Public Policy Institute has established the Alexander Lane Internship Program that enables at least one student each spring to work with and learn from a minority Illinois General Assembly member.

SIUs Morris Library and its Special Collections Research Center are the sponsors of the Feb. 16 presentation recognizing the life and legacy of SIUs first African-American male student. The event is free and open to the public.
Earlier this week, a Senate committee revealed that government-owned Australia Post's chief executive, Ahmed Fahour, earned 5.6 million Australian dollars ($4 million) in 2016, made up of a 4.4 million salary and a 1.2 million bonus, Xinhua news agency reported.

Turnbull said a 'cult' of overpaid CEOs was emerging in Australian business, and said to many bosses were accepting highly-inflated, multi-million dollar salaries.

"I believe (Fahour's) salary is far too high. That is too much money for that job," Turnbull said.

"I think there are lot of corporate CEOs, by the way, who are overpaid. I think it has become almost a cult of excessive executive remuneration."

The Prime Minister said it "would be a good thing" if Fahour took a significant pay cut from next year, considering Australia Post is a government-owned and therefore taxpayer-funded company.

Earlier this week, a spokesperson from Australia Post defended the CEO's salary, saying: " Fahour's salary takes into account the size and complexity of the organization, which has an annual turnover of more than 6 billion Australian dollars ($4.5 billion)."

--IANS ksk

( 208 Words)

2017-02-10-08:16:07 (IANS)
The arrests of Ramon Fonseca Mora and Jurgen Mossack came hours after the Panamanian authorities accused them of being involved in the "Lava Jato" corruption case in Brazil, Efe news reported.

Fonseca, a former aide of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, and Mossack, were transferred from the Public Prosecutor's Office headquarters to police custody here, defence lawyer Elas Solano said.

The Panama Papers are an unprecedented leak of 11.5 million files from the database of the world's fourth biggest offshore law firm, Mossack Fonseca.

The records were obtained from an anonymous source by the German newspaper Sddeutsche Zeitung, which shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

The ICIJ then shared them with a large network of international partners.

The documents showed myriad ways in which the rich exploit secretive offshore tax regimes. Twelve national leaders are among 143 politicians, their families and close associates from around the world known to have been using offshore tax havens.

--IANS in/vm

( 201 Words)

2017-02-10-11:22:11 (IANS)
Hollywood actor Channing Tatum is launching his own brand of vodka called Born and Bred. "On the inside label, once you drink it down, or if you get your eye really close to the bottle, it says, 'Cross my heart and hope for mischief'. That's just what I want when I pour myself a drink. I want to just cause a little havoc, get into some trouble, get into some safe, manageable mischief," Tatum told Bon Appetit magazine, reports femalefirst.co.uk. The 36-year-old star came up with the idea for the spirit line after going on a quest to find a "good American vodka" with his friend. He said: "It was me and my buddy Jack, we were just sitting around drinking one day and he was like, 'Why are all vodkas foreign and from somewhere cold? I would like an American vodka!' This was before Titos became what Titos is. We had no intention of jumping into the business at all. We just drank vodka. That was it. From there we went on a search. "We wanted to find a good American vodka. We tried 25 or so and we really only liked about three. Grand Teton became our favourite. It just tasted better, different than any vodka that was on the top shelf. There was a smooth taste to it, like a cool feeling in your mouth. The aftertaste doesn't burn. That's the difference." Tatum is not surprised by his new venture because every part of his life has been "shocking". "I'm a stripper that became an actor that I guess is working in vodka. Nothing surprises me anymore. It's all shocking. Every day I wake up and I have a pinch-yourself reality moment," he said. --IANS dc/rb ( 301 Words) 2017-02-10-04:16:07 (IANS)
According to Chen, Amal is pregnant with a boy and a girl, reports tmz.com.

Actor Matt Damon, who is close friends with the couple, has also revealed that he is "thrilled" that George and Amal will soon be parents to twins.

"I was working with him last fall and he pulled me aside on set and I mean, I almost started crying. I was so happy for him. And I was like, how far along is she?' And he goes, eight weeks'," Damon told ET Canada.

"(I said), Are you out of your mind? Don't tell anybody else! Don't tell anybody else! Don't you know the 12-week rule?' Like of course he doesn't," Damon added.

Damon went on to add: "I'm thrilled for him. She's amazing. He hit the jackpot. Just on every level. She is a remarkable woman. They're gonna be great. They're gonna be awesome parents. Those kids are lucky."

George and Amal got married in 2014.

--IANS sas/dc/vm

( 186 Words)

2017-02-10-12:58:06 (IANS)
Judd said she and the team of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) interacted with the Chief Minister about empowering and protecting youths and women.

"They share our mission of empowering and protecting youths and women empowerment, in particular. I admire the Odisha goverment for its determination in this regard," said the Hollywood actress.

She also said that they discussed child and maternal mortality in the state.

Describing her visit to India, she said it has been wonderful.

The actor-activist on Thursday received KISS Humanitarian Award 2016 for her relentless work for the protection of the rights of girl child and women.

Expressing her gratitude for the honour, Judd said the award will empower and make her energetic to do more work for women and girl children.

"I was sexually assaulted as a seven-year-old," she revealed, while stressing that violence and discrimination against women are pervasive in all countries and cultures.

"Women should have control of their own body, sex, and fertility," she said.

--IANS cd/nn/vt

( 208 Words)

2017-02-10-18:28:07 (IANS)
Filmmaker Karan Johar, whose 2016 film "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" came under attack from a Maharashtra-based party for featuring Pakistani star Fawad Khan, says that he feels "terrible" about putting out a video statement in which he said that he will not engage with talent from Pakistan. The film's release became doubtful after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena protested against the involvement of Fawad in it. Prior to the release of the film, Karan issued a video statement seen as an apology to appease the strong-arm tactics of the Sena leaders. Asked by anchor Vir Sanghvi about the apology video, Karan said during an interview on news channel CNN-News18: "At the time of 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', I was torn between ideology and circumstance. I have my own belief and thoughts on this, but there's a studio and cast I'm accountable to, the team of the film I'm accountable to. So I had to put out a statement which I feel terrible about." The 44-year-old filmmaker says he felt terrible to be in a place in his life where he had to "sit in front of the camera" and speak about his "nationalism and patriotism". "I feel I've contributed to this country in my own tiny way over the last 20 years of my career... I've been working in this industry for two decades and the fact that I had to be there and was given the advice to do this," added Karan, whose directorial debut "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" released in 1998. Karan counts the apology as one of his top three worst moments in life. "Everyone said it looked like you were going to cry. I wasn't crying and pleading to profess my nationalism. I wanted to break into tears... the fact that I had to do this. It felt like there was an invisible gun on my head," he said. The director also talked about filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who was recently assaulted on the sets of his upcoming film "Padmavati" in Jaipur. "I couldn't stop myself when I saw what happened to Sanjay Leela Bhansali because he's a fellow filmmaker. He and I are not best friends but I have great regard for him as a filmmaker and he's a very prominent filmmaker. How dare someone come on that set and assault that man? It's ridiculous," he said. --IANS dc/nn/hs/dg ( 409 Words) 2017-02-10-18:38:06 (IANS)
A study reveals that administering a single dose of ketamine - a drug commonly used as general anesthetic or a rapid-acting antidepressant - one week before a stressful event, can buffer against a heightened fear response and may also prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) in the U.S., conducted the study on mice and suggested that prophylactic administration of ketamine may help soldiers and others who subsequently experience psychological trauma. The study appeared online in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology. "Ketamine is a powerful drug and we wouldn't advocate widespread use for preventing or reducing PTSD symptoms. But if our results in mice translate to humans, giving a single dose of ketamine in a vaccine-like fashion could have great benefit for people who are highly likely to experience significant stressors, such as members of the military or aid workers going into conflict zones," said study author Christine A. Denny. PTSD symptoms include re-living a trauma - experiencing repeated flashbacks, hyperarousal and hyperreactivity - as well as mood changes, psychological numbing and chronic physical symptoms such as headache. For the research, the mice were given a small dose of intravenous ketamine or a placebo either one month, one week, or one hour before they were subjected to a series of small shocks. Only the mice given ketamine one week before the stressor, exhibited reduced freezing when they were returned to the test environment. "Our findings indicate that the timing of ketamine administration is critical for buffering fear expression," said first author Josephine C. McGowan. They also found that giving ketamine immediately after the stressor did not affect the animals' fear response. However, giving ketamine one hour after a second shock, decreased the expression of fear, suggesting that there may be another potential window after the initial trauma when the drug may be effective. (ANI)
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday, in a strong worded attack, condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'raincoat' barb against his predecessor Manmohan Singh, saying it was his pride which was doing the talking. NCP leader Tariq Anwar urged Prime Minister Modi to apologise to the nation and to the Parliament. "Rahul Gandhi is right. This cannot be any Prime Minister's language. It wasn't Narendra Modi who was speaking, it was his pride. Everybody in the country is criticising him for his words," he said. "Prime Minister Modi should apologise to the Mr. Manmohan Singh and to the Parliament," he added. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday provoked a walk out in the Rajya Sabha with his scathing attack on his predecessor and veteran economist Dr. Manmohan Singh. Taking a dig at his squeaky clean record of 35 years of service as an economist, he accused the former prime minister of having a talent of 'bathing in raincoats', and getting away with the ugliest of scams. "Dr. Manmohan Singh has played a significant role in the economic system of India. In the history of India it is rare to find a man who has had a such a long relationship with the economy of India, 35 years of 70 years of independence.", Prime Minister said in reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in Rajya Sabha today. He further added that in 35 years of service, so many scams surfaced, yet it marked no stain on Dr. Manmohan as an economist. "We leaders have so much to study as so much happened at the time, but there was not a single blot on him. This is a special skill Dr. Manmohan Singh excelled at and we should all learn this art of bathing in raincoat," he said. The remark stirred an instant outrage, with leaders of Congress deciding to walk out amid the futile pleas of Speaker Hamid Ansari to maintain the decorum of the house. (ANI)
The Supreme Court will today hear a plea filed by Delhi University Professor Nandini Sundar, who has been named as an accused in the alleged murder of a tribal person in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. The Chhattisgarh government had earlier assured the apex court that it will not arrest Sundar. The state government told this to the court division bench headed by Justice Madan B. Lokur and also comprising Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel while replying to the plea filed by Sundar. While telling the court that no coercive action would be taken against Sundar, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the state would submit to the court its report in a sealed cover before the next date of hearing on November 15. Earlier, refuting charges of murder Nandini Sundar said it was part of the state police's vendetta against all researchers, journalists, lawyers and activists who have been critical of their fake encounters and mass gang rapes, adding that she would take up the matter legally. "It's part of the Chhattisgarh Police's vendetta against all researchers, journalists, lawyers, activists who have been critical of their fake encounters, their mass gang rapes of women and the complete lawlessness of the police. This FIR against us is absurd. We haven't even been to the area for five months. We will be taking it up legally," Sundar told ANI. Sundar and 10 others have been booked for the murder of a tribal in Sukma. Sundar has been named in a complaint by the wife of Shamnath Baghel, who was killed by Maoists last Friday in his village in Maoist-hit Bastar. Baghel had been leading a campaign against Maoist activities since April and had recently formed the "Tangiya (axe) group". Baghel and other villagers had in May lodged a complaint against Sundar and others for allegedly inciting tribals against the police. (ANI)
A special CBI court earlier on Wednesday completed hearing on bail applications of all 11 accused in Vijay Mallya loan default case. The court will announce its order in the case today. All the accused are employees of IDBI and KFA. This is a case where IDBI bank employees allegedly sanctioned about Rs. 900 crore loan to KFA while it was having a low credit rating. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged in its chargesheet that this loan was sanctioned by IDBI official by doing a criminal conspiracy by them in connivance with the KFA employees. The basic arguments were put up by defence lawyers who were replying CBI counsel's arguments on Tuesday who opposed bail to all the accused. Defence Lawyer Advocate Abad Ponda, while replying to CBI counsel's arguments said, "It had been clarified by the Supreme Court time and again that court should not go into the minute merits and demerits of the case in bail pleas. We just recommend the loan...it was passed by someone else. It is a matter of argument during trial that whether we recommended right or not while we examine and cross examine the witnesses." He said nowhere in the chargesheet they say that even a single penny from Mallya or anyone else come to the accused, adding that there is no possibility of this trial getting over in near future. 'If arrest is really necessary, there should be real reason for keeping them behind bars. But nowhere in his two and half hour argument CBI counsel has pointed out the reason why they should be kept behind bars. This was an unjustified arrest and this can't be allowed to continue in the name of remand when nothing is needed from us as far as investigation is complete. And chargesheet is before this honourable court," he added. Advocate Rajiv Chavan said the IDBI officers cooperated throughout the investigation, adding that they didn't hinder any part of the investigation. "The loan amount was diverted, word is used siphoned, but it was not used for personal use , it was used for aircraft rental and Salaries etc. The CBI claims that There was a criminal conspiracy on the night of November 23, 2009. This allegation is completely ridiculous,' he added. He further stated that the CBI has not bothered to investigate this fact that whatever proposal is submitted by the credit officer, the credit committee has rights to do variations to it. "They can increase, decrease and keep the rating similar.It generally variates. The Credit Committee and rating committee are two different bodies and it is not the case of CBI that credit committee pressurised rating committee to give those ratings to KFA. 38 corporate with BB rating and 24 corporate with B+ rating have got loans so it's not the CBIs case that corporate low credit ratings," he added. Chavan said all the judgements which they have relied upon about tampering of evidence are of the cases of influential and powerful people. "Here, there is no possibility of tampering of witnesses because all are already retired," he said. Bharat Badami, CBI counsel chipped in and argued a point. He said that it is not necessary that prosecution must say that the accused have taken bribe/ money. Another Lawyer for accused Yogesh Agarwal, ex-chairman IDBI said, "There is not a single inquiry ordered in the whole carrier of my client.He sanctioned umpteen number of loans but not a single case of sanctioned was sent for inquiry. Only on the basis of a meeting he attended , he can't be hold guilty because CBI thinks that after this meeting the loan was sanctioned." (ANI)
Strongly condemning Jama Masjid Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari over his 'boycotting the Samajwadi Party' comment, party leader Abu Azmi on Friday dubbed the former as a 'blackmailer', adding that he is taking undue advantage of his position. 'Shahi Imam is misusing the power of his position. He is a blackmailer. He is a sort of a person who negotiates with the ruling party, get a position. He cannot get even one vote," Azmi told ANI. Highlighting the respect shown towards the Imam by SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, Azmi asserted that their party does not want such Imams. "Mulayam Singh ji gave him so much respect. He gave ticket to his son-in-law. The Samajwadi Party does not want such Imams. It works on the strength of people and will work so in the future as well," he said. Bukhari yesterday urged the Muslim community of Uttar Pradesh to boycott the Samajwadi Party in the upcoming state assembly polls. He said the party has been a constant cause of rue for the Muslims in the state, be it the frequent break-out of riots or discrimination in the employment sector, adding that the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) could prove to be a better contender this time. Bukhari lashed out at the Samajwadi Party for having gone back on its word and said it must be taught a lesson so that other political parties may desist from doing the same. (ANI)
A day after India issue a demarche to China over blocking the proposal to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, defence expert D.S. Grewal said China has created an ill-will between two countries by sporting Pakistan terrorism. "Though U.S., U.K., France and others were vehemently asking for it, China was consistent of not passing the resolution which has created an ill-will between two countries and as a result demarche has been issued by India to China. Two countries have to survive together for better development and peace," D.S. Grewal told ANI. Asserting that the insistence of China to sport Pakistan terrorism is against the universal peace, Grewal added the neighbour country must understand that India is also powerful and cannot be cower down by such pressure tactics. "China does not even consider Azhar as the global terrorist who has been behind the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks where lots of lives of national and international citizens were lost. It is a great damage to the peace of the world. The way China is proceeding these days it is dangerous for its own country," he added. India has issued a demarche to China for blocking the US-backed proposal to ban Pathankot mastermind Azhar and designate him as the global citizen in the UN security council. Refuting China's stand that India and Pakistan should talk to each other over Masood Azhar issue, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) yesterday said the joint proposal by India, U.S., UK and France was a classic counter-terrorism proposal to proscribe the JeM chief. "The proposal wasn't moved by India but by three UNSC members U.S., UK and France. It was classic counter-terror proposal meant to proscribe Masood Azhar," MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media. The MEA also confirmed that the matter has been taken up by both Chinese embassy in New Delhi and in the foreign office in Beijing by the Indian embassy and that demarches have been served in the same. On January 19, China once again blocked the proposal to proscribe Azhar. (ANI)
Colombia's government has eliminated a tax paid on local portfolio investments by Peruvian and Chilean pension funds, and may add Mexico, a government official said today.The measure - intended to bolster market integration from Pacific Alliance nations - was included in the new tax reform that came into force in January, but had yet been announced to the market, David Salamanca, director of financial regulation at the Ministry Of Finance, told Reuters."Today, Chile and Peru have such agreements and have been applying them since January 1, 2017. In the case of Mexico, another country in the alliance, the issue is being reviewed," he said.The remainder of foreign investors will continue to pay a 14 per cent tax on local portfolio investment.Finance Minister Mauricio Cardenas has said he wants to create better integration among trade partners in the alliance and bigger competition among investors.The Pacific Alliance includes Colombia, Peru, Chile and Mexico."What we want is to attract pension funds from countries like Peru, which has more resources than investment opportunities, to come and invest in Colombia so that there is more competition among institutional investors," he said.The announcement comes as foreign funds have slowed the pace of investment in Colombia's domestic public debt. Still, overseas investors are the second largest holders of local debt, with 58 trillion pesos ($20.2 billion) at the end of January.REUTERS PS 0452 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1144226.Xml
New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed to work together to support free trade and globalisation when they met in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, China's foreign ministry has said in a statement.The pair met on Thursday and discussed launching negotiations to upgrade an existing bilateral free trade agreement and cooperate in sectors such as infrastructure, tourism and judicial enforcement, said the statement published late on Thursday on the ministry's website."Hand in hand, we should protect the international trade system, build the open economy, and try to start upgrading the negotiation of the free trade agreement," it quoted Wang as saying.New Zealand was the first Western country to sign a free trade agreement with China in 2008. China is now New Zealand's largest goods export partner, with New Zealand exports to China at NZ$12.2 billion ($8.54 billion) in the year to June, 2016.During the meeting, English also welcomed Chinese enterprises to invest in New Zealand, while Wang said he hoped New Zealand could support China's One Belt, One Road initiative with its infrastructure projects.The Chinese foreign ministry also said that English spoke highly of Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the 2017 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, which offered a vigorous defence of globalisation and signalled Beijing's desire to play a bigger role on the world stage.It did not say whether the two had discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact.New Zealand and Australia have said that they hope to salvage TPP by encouraging China and other Asian countries to join the trade pact after U.S. President Donald Trump kept a promise to abandon the accord.China has been playing up its role as a steadying force from global trade to climate change amid a turbulent start by new U.S. President Donald Trump, whose first weeks in office have been marked by media feuds and protests.REUTERS PS 0653 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1144237.Xml
State Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty launched an awareness campaign at Umakanta English Medium School here.

The double fortification of salt with both iodine and iron is an attractive approach to the reduction of both anaemia and iodine-deficiency disorders.

The main aim of launching the upgraded product of salt is to battle anaemia which is one of the major causes of malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

He said, "Understanding the importance of double fortified salt, the Tripura government has decided to launch it, which will fight against the deficiencies of Iron and Iodine."

"From now on the Midday Meal Programme here in the state will make use of iron fortified iodized salt (double fortified salt)," he said.

Prevalence of anaemia in majority of India's population, particularly among adolescent girls, women and children, is a major public health challenge and it should be tackled urgently, expressed the experts.

Iodine is unstable under the storage condition found during manufacturing, distribution and sale of salt in most developing countries.

The effects of packaging materials and environmental conditions on the stability of salt double-fortified with iron and iodine are investigated, they said.UNI BB AD1114

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Refuting the charges leveled by N R Congress president and former chief minister N Rangasmay that the Congress government failed to implement any schemes here, party legislators today cautioned him to stop "baseless" charges. Talking to mediapersons here parliamentary secretary to Chief Minister K Lakshmi Narayanan and Government Chief Whip R K R Anantharaman said the statement of Mr Rangasamy that the Congress government was paralysed and need to be condemned strongly. He said the Congress was formed only seven months back here and out of this no schemes could be implemented for three months since, the model code of conduct of election was in force for the Nellithoppe by-election. Presently, the Congress government is functioning properly and are in the process of clearing the dues left by the previous N R Congress government, they said, adding that over Rs 100 crore due was there with the PWD and the N R Congress had not paid salary to the employees of public sector and cooperative sector institutions. The Congress government had taken steps for industrial development here by introducing the new Industrial Policy and steps are being taken to open the now defunct industrial units here, they said. During the N R Congress regime, many do not know about Puducherry, a union territory with a legislature and now with Mr Narayansamy participating in all meetings in New Delhi including the GST, people came to known about Puducherry, they said. They also said that previously the Centre was prepared to compensate the revenue loss under the GST regime only to state governments and after the intervention of Mr Narayansamy, it had agreed to compensate the union territories too, they added.UNI PAB SHS 1354 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1144533.Xml
Talking to UNI , Mr Pawar said in the rural areas, farmers have suffered a lot due to demonetisation.

He disclosed that Congress and NCP have forged an alliance in three talukas -- Paithan, Gangapur and Kannad.

In rest of the six districts, there will be friendly fight in the forthcoming ZP election adding that Congress would emerge as a single largest party in 62-member House.

On snapping of ties between Shiv Sena and the BJP, Mr Pawar said they are trying to divert the attention of people from the present scenario after ''failing'' on all fronts, he added.

Congress would be campaigning in full swing in the district as three former state chief ministers Ashok Chavan, Narayan Rane, Prithviraj Chavan and state assembly opposition leader Radha Krishna Vikeh-Patil are scheduled to address numbers of election rallies in coming days.

Besides, MLC Subhas Zambad, former district chief Abdul Sattar, Keshrao Autade, former MLA Kalyan Kale, Waqf board president M M Shaikh have also been given responsibility to campaign in the district, Mr Pawar added.UNI VKB NV SV 1315

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In an interview with Sena mouthpiece Saamna, he said the way BJP was functioning like this that even Dawood Ibrahim, underworld Don would be seen in BJP.

Mr Uddhav also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his comments on former PM Dr Manmohan Singh of taking bath in bathroom wearing raincoat.

He said these people (Modi, BJP) are making bubbles of soap in air. He referred to the slogan 'acchhe din'.On the other hand, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan of BJP at a programme said in future the two parties can come together.UNI JM NV SHS 1312

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Himaj Modha, owner of Varkas corporation Private Ltd, came in contact with Amitkumar Babaso Shelke, who owned Siddharath Rural Food development company and his uncle Dnyandev Ganpati Salunkhe.

Modha met both and lured them of governments grant and loan with less interest for their industrial growth and earned their trust, assuring them to give a contract of Gujarat based dairy and cheated them of Rs 81.24 lakhs.

Police have registered a cheating case against Mr Modha under IPC section 420,465, 468 and 47.

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A day after he threw his weight behindrebel leader and caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, whoraised a banner of revolt, senior leader and AIADMK PresidiumChairman E Madhusudhanan was today sacked from the primary membership of the party for alleged anti-party activities. AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala, in a statement here said former Minister K A Sengottaiyan, has been appointed as the new Presidium Chairman in place of Mr Madhusudhanan. She said since Mr Madhusudhanan had acted in a manner thatbrought disrepute to the party and violated the party principles and discipline, he was expelled from the primary membership of the party from today. She also expelled him from all the posts he had held in the party. She also urged the AIADMK cadres not to have any links with him. In another statement she said, Mr Sengottaiyan, who was madethe AIADMK Organising Secretary last week ahead of the MLAs meeting on February five, in which Ms Sasikala was elected as theLegislature Party leader, was relieved from the post and elevatedas the Party Presidium Chairman. MORE UNI GV 1430 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1144610.Xml
A team of internet search giant Google India has met Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and discussed various issues for giving related to government's initiative of digital Assam.According to the statement, Google India team apprised the chief minister about several measures for enhancing use of digital medium in the operation of small business, skill development, promotion of cultural sites, supporting the economic activity.The BJP-led Assam government has put renewed focus on connecting the rural masses through new technology and empowering their skills. Provisions have been made in the state budget and knowledge centre is proposed in each village of the state. UNI ABI RN 1435 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1144619.Xml
A Naxal was today shot dead during an encounter with police near Chilkapalli village in Chhattisgarh's Maoist-affected Bijapur district, police said.''A joint team of the Central Reserve Police Force and the District Police Force had set out on patrol from Basaguda when the ultras who were lying in ambush opened fire near the village. A rebel belonging to the Military Dalam was killed in police retaliation,'' said Superintendent of Police KL Dhruv. A pistol, a hand grenade and other daily use items were recovered from near the body.UNI XC-PS AE SNU 1426 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-1144566.Xml
Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangements in all the 73 Assembly seats in 15 districts of western parts of Uttar Pradesh, where polling for the first phase of elections would be held tomorrow. Over 2.59-crore electorate are expected to cast their ballots through electronic voting machines tomorrow between 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs at 14,514 polling stations. The first phase will be a litmus test for the BJP and the BSP as well as of the SP-Congress alliance which will give an indication of the party emerging as topper in the state polls. There are 836 candidates in the fray in the first phase of polling in which around 20 per cent have criminal cases registered against them and 36 per cent are crorepatis (multi-millionaires). Central Para military forces have reached the booths while the security forces are holding flag marches in sensitive pockets to instill confidence among the voters. Special security measures have been made in the communally-sensitive Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Bulandhshar, Etah and Agra districts.More than two-lakh security personnel have been deployed in the first phase of elections where 836 candidates are in the fray. More than 400 companies of central forces along with 100 companies of PAC along with state police and Home Guards have been deployed for this first phase of polls. Ariel monitoring of the law and order during the polling would be done through chopper and drone cameras while almost all the booths would have video-recording and several would go for live coverage. State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) T Venkatesh told UNI here today that all preparation for the first phase of polls in UP has been completed. He said poll parties have been reaching their designated polling booths.The phase one will witness some direct fight between the BJP and BSP but in several seats, the SP-Congress alliance and the RLD could surprise the formidable contestants. But bickering within the BJP over candidates selection could ruin their prospect, which is totally banking on the polarisation of the elections and roping in all the majority community votes like they did in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The VVIP seats in the first phase would be Noida where Pankaj Singh, son of the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Atrauli in Aligarh district Sandeep Singh, grandson of former UP CM Kalyan Singh would be vying for their maiden entry in the UP Assembly. Similarly, Ms Mriganka Singh, daughter of BJP MP Hukum Singh, is also fighting her first election from Kairana seat on BJP ticket. There are more than 25 VVIP seats in the first phase where there is a tough contest of ballots. The Sardhana seat in Meerut and Thanabhawan seat in Shamli, from where Muzaffarnagar riot accused and BJP candidates Sangit Singh Som and Suresh Rana respectively are trying to re-enter the Assembly. Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Mathur, a three-time MLA from Mathura seat, has been challenged by BJP national spokesperson Srikant Sharma this time while Rahul Yadav, son-in-law of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, is contesting on SP ticket from Sikendrabad seat in Gautam Buddha Nagar district. Former BJP UP President Laxmikant Bajpai is also trying his luck from Meerut (City) seat to make a hat-trick. The SP-Congress alliance was trying to dent into the Muslim and upper caste vote bank but confusion in their alliance was jeopardising their chances. At least in three Assembly segments in the first phase -- Baldev in Mathura, Kol in Aligarh and Purkazi in Muzaffarnagar -- have SP and Congress candidates contesting against each other. Candidates by the RLD led by Ajit Singh, AIMIM of Asaduddin Owaisi and other smaller parties would impact the fate of the bigger parties and could spoil their run to the UP assembly. RLD is banking on its core Jat vote bank and is contesting in 59 seats in the first phase. In the 2012 Assembly polls, the results in these 73 Assembly segments were 24 in favour of SP, 23 for BSP, 12 for BJP, nine for RLD and five for Congress.BJP, which won just 12 seats in 2012 Assembly polls, would be looking for repeat of its 2014 Lok Sabha feat when it took lead in 60 seats and won all the Lok Sabha seats except for Ferozabad.MORE UNI MB SV SNU 1417 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-1144529.Xml
A magisterial enquiry was today notified by Kamrup (metro) administration into separate complaints of misbehavior against each other by a lecturer of Cotton College State University and a student here.Registrar of the varsity Shikhar Sharma said the order copy for the enquiry was received today.Accordingly, both the complainants the lecturer and the student, have been asked to abstain from taking or attending classes during the period of enquiry for the sake of neutrality, he said.The report of the magisterial enquiry will be submitted within 10 days, while the varsity is also conducting a separate fact-finding probe on its own.Sharma said the lecturer of psychology department and one of the students had filed complaint against each other of misbehavior, with the student resorting to indefinite hunger strike demanding action against the teacher.The students' union had taken up the cudgels on behalf of the student complainant and has been demanding suspension of the lecturer.UNI SG RN 1550 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1144769.Xml
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonwoal today said that Assam is a melting pot of several tribes and ethnic groups and it has been a constant endeavour of the State Government to integrate the contributions of all tribes and ethnicities to bring about all pervasive development of the State. He also said the present BJP led state government which is representing various ethnic groups is also working relentlessly to speed up equal development of all tribes and ethnic groups to make Assam a stronger State. Speaking as the chief guest in the 15th Bodoland Day at Bodofa Nwgwr at Kokrajhar, Sonowal said, "We want peace and harmony among all living in Assam, as through harmony strength is generated and through strength change can be achieved". Hailing the advent of positive changes that have ushered in the BTAD areas under the leadership of the BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary, Sonowal said, "It is through harmony among all sections of the people living in the BTAD areas change has been made possible". Outlining his Government's commitment to Sabka Saath Sabka Vikash, Sonowal said the state government has been taking all sections of the people into confidence before taking any major decision as the budget 2017-18 recently presented in the state Assembly adequately reflected that. Sonowal also lauded the role of the Bodos in enriching the composite culture of the State. Sonowal also paid rich tributes to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma along with others who laid down their lives in the Bodo Movement. He also felicitated Anjali Basumatary, Masoom Narzary and Halicharan Narzary for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields. Earlier, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary while speaking on the occasion thanked all groups for extending support towards signing the BTC Accord way back in 2003. He sought the cooperation from all sections of the people living in BTAD areas to bolster development. He also informed that the families of martyrs of Bodo movement will be given financial aid in recognition to their unparallel sacrifice. Hagrama also endorsed the demand of six communities for ST status. President of Assam Pradesh BJP Ranjeet Dass, president AGP and agriculture minister Atul Bora, deputy BTC chief Kampa Borgoyari, ex-Ambassador to South Africa Dipak Vohra also spoke on the occasion. The Bodoland Territorial Council was created consequent upon signing of Bodo Accord between Government of India, Government of Assam and the now-defunct Bodo Liberation Tigers on February 10 in 2003. UNI SG AKM 1756 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0213-1145099.Xml
Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao today held discussions with Chief Secretary Girija Vaidhyanathan, Director General of Police T K Rajendran and Commissioner of Police S George. The meeting assumes significance as it took place a day after caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam met the Governor andreportedly said he had resigned under duress and sought time to prove his strength in the Assembly and AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala staked her claim to form the next government following her election as the Legislature Party (LP) leader on Sunday last. During the meeting, the Governor was believed to discussed about the prevailing situation in the state and about the law and order in the wake of the rebellion by Mr Panneerselvam against the AIADMK High Command. The Governor was also believed to discussed about the allegations that ruling party MLAs were 'housed' in a resort on the East Coast Road illegally by the party. The meeting lasted nearly an hour. MORE UNI GV 1615 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1144829.Xml
Tata Motors, India's largest automobile manufacturer and among the top 10 commercial vehicles manufacturers globally, today launched its world smart truck brand, The Tata PRIMA, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to a company release, a next-generation range of heavy-duty commercial vehicles from Tata Motors, the Tata PRIMA will set new benchmarks in styling and features, with a combination of power, world-class performance, fuel efficiency, superior technology and safety, uncompromisingly built for long-distance and long hours of transportation. Developed with Tata Motors subsidiary, Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicles (TDCV), the Tata PRIMA range is designed and developed with technical inputs from across the world, hence is also referred to as the 'World-Smart Truck' from Tata Motors. The Tata PRIMA is based on an Italian cab design, with engine technology from the US, gearbox expertise from the US and Germany, chassis frame know-how from Mexico and sheet metal dies from Japan and Korea, combined with Swedish precision on a robotic weld line. Tata Motors today unveiled two new PRIMA heavy-duty trucks in Saudi Arabia, the PRIMA 4438.S (4X2) tractor head and the PRIMA 4038.K (6X4) Construction tipper, with KSA dealer-partner Manahil International Company, a unit of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi & Brothers group (MYNM).Ravindra Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, "The launch of our next-generation range of Tata PRIMA heavy-duty commercial vehicles is an important milestone in our journey towards further enriching the value trucking proposition, in one of the largest construction and infrastructure hubs in the Middle East."He said, ''Shaped by technology know-how and expertise from across the globe, the Tata PRIMA is world-class in every sense, enabling customers to upgrade to a next-generation commercial vehicle, with the trusted credentials and reliability of the Tata Motors brand, as they ready themselves for the next wave of growth in the country's logistics sector.''The Tata PRIMA is available in different trims, including multi-axle trucks, tractor-trailers and tippers, apt for several applications, thus meeting varied end user requirements. With the range extending up to 49 tonnes and engine options up to 400 bhp, the Tata Prima is an ideal work horse for movement of goods and material across distances and terrains, at the same time delivering efficiencies to the trucking business.The new next-generation range of Tata PRIMA commercial vehicles boasts outstanding material and build quality, comfort, driving dynamics and economy, at the same time offering customers with a lowest cost of ownership. Equipped with strong aggregates and a robust chassis frame and suspension, the Tata PRIMA range meets the highest operating standards under extreme conditions.UNI ADP AE SNU 1749 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0429-1145015.Xml
A day after the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad busted an Inter-Services Intelligence-linked call racket, involved in making funds available on the directives of Pakistan-based handlers to secret agents, Congress state president Arun Yadav today demanded that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recommend an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or some other federal agency into the matter.In a statement issued here, Mr Yadav said arrests of 11 accused from Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Satna districts lay bare the truth behind the regime's security-related claims. He said involvement of the brother-in-law of a Bharatiya Janata Party corporator from Gwalior fuels suspicion over the role of people associated with the dispensation. Likewise, Dhruv Saxena who was arrested from Bhopal has been linked to BJP leaders. His photographs with BJP bigwigs have gone viral on social media. Mr Yadav added that the seizure of about 3,000 SIM cards and 35 SIM boxes has also put into question the part played by telecom companies. UNI PKJ-PS SW SNU 1835 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-1145141.Xml
The BSF on Friday allowed the wife of a trooper, who was allegedly missing after he complained about "substandard food" in a social media video clip, to meet him after an intervention from the Delhi High Court. The government informed the court that Tej Bahadur Yadav was not under arrest but was shifted to another battalion in Samba near Jammu after a division bench of Justice G.S. Sistani and Justice Vinod Goel directed the BSF to let his wife meet him and also to stay overnight for two days. Yadav's wife Sharmila had filed a habeus corpus petition seeking her husband's whereabouts or his presence in a court if he was arrested. Sharmila told court she and other family members had failed to contact the Border Security Force trooper for three days. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain appearing for the BSF told the court that Yadav was "not missing". "The wife's apprehension was baseless and unfounded as she was in regular contact with him over the phone till February 7. We completely deny the allegation that Yadav is missing," the solicitor told the court. "He has been transferred to another battalion. Family is aware of this. He has been allowed to talk to his family. He was not under arrest or under confinement. He has not been put to any harassment," he added. The court directed the BSF to let Yadav's wife meet him over the weekend in Samba. It posted the matter for February 15 when it is expected that the court will take up the woman's plea for a high-level inquiry into Yadav's disappearance and the rejection of his application for voluntary retirement. The BSF rejected Yadav's plea for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) because a Court of Inquiry (CoI) was pending against him. Advocate Manish Tiwari appearing for Yadav's wife told the court that the family had no information about his whereabouts and she last spoke to him on February 7 when the trooper told her that he was being taken to an unknown location. "His family has been calling him on his mobile number but it goes unanswered. When they contact his official phone number, nobody tells us about his location or they keep the call on hold," said the wife's lawyer. The solicitor said the BSF took Yadav's personal mobile phone, and gave him a new phone with another SIM card. He said his personal mobile, which Yadav used to upload the videos of "poor quality of food", was being scanned for a probe. Yadav's wife said the family also sent two letters to BSF Director General K.K. Sharma to find out about Yadav's whereabouts but got no response. The family earlier alleged that the trooper was being "threatened and tortured mentally". In January, Yadav posted a video clip on social media complaining about the quality of food served to BSF personnel and accused unnamed officers of illegally selling food supplies meant for troopers. The video clip showed a meal box comprising a watery soup-like dal that he said had only turmeric and salt in it and a burnt chapatti. Yadav alleged that it was the kind of meals troopers on duty at difference places, including the borders, were served and that paramilitary personnel often went to bed empty stomach. The Prime Minister's Office had sought a detailed factual report on the video from the Home Ministry and the BSF. The trooper faces an inquiry on various charges, including indiscipline. His plea for voluntary retirement was rejected by the authorities. --IANS gt-rak-sar/vt ( 602 Words) 2017-02-10-19:56:06 (IANS)
RSS ideologue and former spokesperson M G Vaidya today took a dig at Shiv Sena who were enacting resignation drama, suggesting them that instead of keeping the letters in their pockets, they should submit them. Reacting to Shiv Sena Ministers' remark about resignation, Mr Vaidya said, "I don't think the Sena ministers will resign. They should not just carry the resignation letters in their pockets, rather they should submit them." Mr Vaidya added that the BJP and the Shiv Sena are contesting against each other in the upcoming local body elections even though they are partners in the Fadnavis-led government in the state but if the Sena Ministers resign, the Shiv Sena will split."At Centre and the state, the Sena ministers are there and doing a good job but in case they resign, are they prepared for the elections?" Mr Vaidya posed a question.The entire picture in the state will be clear only after elections of Municipal Corporations, he believed.UNI PK SW SHK 2041 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1145297.Xml
The Allahabad High Court today summoned criminal history of Atiq Ahmad and has directed police to arrest all accused in Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHIATS) case. The Court also directed Superintendent of Police here to file progress of investigation in the case. The Court also made it clear that if Atiq wants to surrender in this case than he can surrender before High Court and no other Court shall consider his surrender application till next date of hearing and fixed February 13 as next date of hearing. The Bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Yashwant Varma passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Ram Kishan Singh, a security officer of SHIATS.In the petition it was alleged that police was not investigating this case properly and petitioner had approached district authorities to provide security to him but till date no security was provided by the district administration.During the course of hearing, petitioner's counsel informed the Court that petitioner wants to withdraw this petition. On which Court declined Petitioner's request and said that if petitioner does not want to contest this case, Court will treat this petition as a PIL and will proceed suo motu in this case.On last occasion, Court had asked the SP, Allahabad to remain present in the Court to apprise it with the progress of investigation. However, when SP informed the Court that police has conducted raids to arrest Atiq and other accused in this case but was unsuccessful in catching them. The Bench said if SP, Allahabad cannot arrest accused than it will recommend for his transfer from Allahabad to some other place and if police officers are unable to catch accused then it will direct some other agency to arrest accused in this case.Noteworthy, that on December 14, 2016, Former MP Atiq Ahmad, along with his henchmen, allegedly barged into the campus of SHIAT in Naini area and assaulted the staff and management officials of the institute for taking action against two students who were debarred from examination after they were caught cheating during examination.UNI XC-JDM MB PY SHK 2212 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1145549.Xml
In quite a significant political development, Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, who earlier backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation decision, today slammed NDA government saying the attempts to propagate the idea of 'cashless society' is erroneous."They (BJP-led Government) are experts in diverting the debate. Now they are talking about cashless society. This is impossible in India," Mr Kumar said at a book release function here."It is time the Centre came clear on what has been achieved by demonetisation. There is no use diverting attention from the issue," he said sharing platform with prominent opposition leaders like P. Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal (both Congress) and CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury. Former Minister Chidambaram's book "Fearless in Opposition" was released on the occasion.The book is a collection of his articles published in a popular daily."Now we need to ask how much black money has come out after so many days," said Bihar Chief Minister, whose support to Prime Minister's November 8, 2016 announcement on old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes ban had rattled many opposition leaders and at the same gave a shot in the arm to the BJP camp.Mr Yechury said the so called 'support' from all quarters to the central government's move was in effect in favour of fight against black money and "not for demonetisation". Both Mr Kumar and Mr Yechury stressed on the need for opposition unity and suggested drawing out a certain set of agreed programmes and policies.The book release function was also attended among others by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi besides leaders of various parties.UNI DEVN SHK 2151 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0445-1145543.Xml
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi threatening to expose the Congress for their 'corruption-riddled' past, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday called on the former to take action if he actually had evidence and stop with the stream of verbal assault, as it was unbecoming of his post. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi addressed an election rally in Haridwar, where he warned the Congress to not test him, asserting that crossing of limits will result in him exposing the UPA Government's "corrupt" history. Joining the panel discussion during the launch of former finance minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram's book "Fearless in Opposition", Yechury questioned the recent usage of language by the Prime Minister. "I just got a tweet from ANI, I'll just read it out because it is actually very telling. Prime Minister speaking at an election rally - "I appeal to the members of the Congress to hold their tongue, otherwise I have a full record of their actions, today in Haridwar." This is not the level of decorum and the level of politics that at-least we have grown up in," he said. Adding that the Left has had scathing arguments with the Congress and will continue to have them, Yechury further said that these are not the issues on which such language must be used, adding that if the Prime Minister has a record of their actions, he must put it out and take action. "I was asked by some of the media friends that Dr. Manmohan Singh was sitting in the Parliament when PM made the comment and why didn't he get up then and immediately answer. I said that knowing Dr. Manmohan Singh, that was the last thing he would do, but suddenly an old English saying came to my mind - In a street fight a gentleman would never win, because a gentleman loathes to stoop to the level of a street fighter," the CPI (M) leader stated. "And for heaven's sake as the PM of the country if you have some information which of something illegal, some loot, some sleaze, it is your foremost duty to proceed and take action, why are you threatening?," Yechury said referring to the Prime Minister's address in Uttarakhand. Yechury had earlier stated that the "raincoat" jibe at former prime minister Manmohan Singh probably came of Prime Minister Modi's "peculiar imagination". "I think the raincoat example came out of the peculiar type of imagination that the Prime Minister has," Yechury told reporters. Prime Minister Modi had trained his guns on his predecessor Dr. Manmohan Singh, accusing him of letting corruption run free under his nose but managing to steer clear of any charges. "Dr. Manhmohan has played a significant role in the economic system of India. But during the most corrupt regime in the nation, there was not a single corruption charge against him. This art of taking a bath wearing a raincoat must be learnt from Dr. Manmohan Singh," the Prime Minister said, setting off cries of shame by the Congress and a walkout. (ANI)
Foreign visitors will be banned entry to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) between February 25 and April 1 by the Chinese government in anticipation of protests by both Tibetans and Uyghurs against Beijing's continuous authoritarian rule over the area. Such massive protests have been taking place across the TAR since 2008, when monks in Lhasa undertook a march on March 14 that year that eventually assumed the proportion of an uprising. Despite efforts by China to clamp down on Tibetans within the country and often attempting to coerce other sovereign nations to treat Tibetans, including their religious leader, The Dalai Lama, as 'terrorists', Tibetans around the world have continued with their struggle against Chinese-led rights violations in TAR. The first month of 2017 has been very eventful as far as anti-China protests go. During President Xi Jinping's visit to Switzerland while the Chinese State-owned media proclaimed the visit to be a success, they quietly omitted reporting that during President Jinping's stay in the country from January 15 to 18, groups of Tibetans braved freezing temperatures to protest against the ongoing human rights abuses in TAR. Protests were held in Bern, Davos as well as in Geneva during the period of the visit. On Xi's arrival in Bern on January 15, more than 800 Tibetans and Swiss nationals gathered in the city to voice their protest against Chinese policies in Tibet. Later, the Swiss police detained more than 30 protestors when they refused to comply with orders to disperse, and tried to enter what was designated as the 'no protest zone'. The Swiss did not want a repeat of what had happened during the visit of Chinese President Jiang Zemin to Switzerland in 1999, when Tibetan protestors tried to throw eggs at the visiting leader and demonstrators took to roof tops of buildings overlooking the Swiss parliament with banners demanding "Free Tibet". Prior to Xi's departure from Switzerland, more than 150 Tibetan and Uyghurs also gathered outside the UN Human Rights Commission headquarters in Geneva, demanding release of their imprisoned brethren and family members by Chinese security agencies, their right to be issued passports and to be free to practice their religion and culture. Holding placards that said 'Xi Jinping-Stop Torture in Tibet', and 'Freedom for Uyghurs', these protestors not only tried to catch the attention of the Chinese leader but influential members of the international community who had gathered in Davos for the annual economic conclave. Protests have also been held outside the Chinese Embassy in London on January 27, demanding the release of Tashi Wangchuk, a Tibetan detained in China on January 27, 2016 for featuring in a New York Times article and video about the loss of Tibetan language. Similar demonstrations were held on the same day in New York and Dharamsala. Wangchuk has been charged with 'splittism' by the Chinese authorities and could face up to 15 years in prison, if found guilty. Beijing should realise by now that it is unlikely to win this fight by sheer intimidation. (ANI)
"President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau look forward to a constructive conversation on strengthening the relationship between our two nations," Xinhua quoted a White House statement as saying.

However, the statement did not provide any details about the agenda of the meeting.

In January, Trump signed an executive order to advance the controversial Keystone XL project, which was rejected by former President Barack Obama due to environmental concerns.

The $8 billion-project is proposed to go from Canada through the US state of Montana and South Dakota to Nebraska, where it would connect with existing pipelines to carry more than 800,000 barrels of crude oil a day to refineries along the US Gulf Coast.

On trade issue, Trump has dismissed a free trade deal with Canada and Mexico in 1994 as one of the worst trade deals the US ever signed and announced to renegotiate it.

The US opinion is divided over whether Trump's plan to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will bring back jobs to the US as promised.

--IANS sku/

( 214 Words)

2017-02-10-08:00:07 (IANS)
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"Gen. Bajwa reiterated Pakistan's commitment to counter all militant groups operating in its territory. Secretary Mattis recognized the significant sacrifices the Pakistan military has made in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and expressed appreciation for the Pakistan military's recent support for efforts to defeat ISIS-Khorasan Province," said a readout from Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis.

The statement added that both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral military-to-military relationship, and highlighted the importance of continuing to work together on counterterrorism and regional stability. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump's proposed wall along the southern border with Mexico is unlikely to deter migrants fleeing violence, poverty or a lack of opportunities, a Mexican immigration official said. "There is no way to stop a person who wants to migrate or to cross the border," Rodolfo Figueroa Pacheco, a representative of Mexico's National Migration Institute in the border state of Baja California, told Xinhua news agency on Thursday. "The real solution to the migration issue lies in the countries that expel migrants," said Figueroa, referring to policies that exacerbate violence, drug trafficking and poverty in Central America and other regions. "Our obligation is to ensure that those who are in Mexico are orderly, safe and have their rights respected," he said. Undocumented migrants have many ways to cross borders, noted Figueroa, adding "there's the maritime route and the overland route, the use of fake, borrowed or rented documents, and there are also tunnels and ramps. That is to say it is very complicated and difficult to deter." Mexico's geographic location has made it a springboard for migrants who are driven not just by the promise of a better life, but often by the destruction of their own way of life, as the current refugee crisis shows. "We can't change our geography. Baja California is where it is, so our proximity to the US turns us into a natural corridor for migration," said the official. Fences with floodlights, sophisticated sensors and cameras lead many migrants to avoid the overland route and find an underground alternative to cross. Esteban, an undocumented migrant who has sneaked across the border several times, said: "The sewage system is one of the best (options), as it takes you straight to San Diego." "The exit is close to a shopping centre. You arrive, change into clean clothes and no problem. Sometimes you go in groups or individually." Some of the "other ways" are dangerous, especially for women and minors, said Salome Limas, an activist who works at a migrant shelter called Casa Madre Assunta. Shelters usually offer migrants a place to stay for up to 15 days, enough time for those who have already travelled long distances to rest and recover before attempting a potentially dangerous crossing, said Limas. Women who decide to risk the crossing at present, she said, are mainly those who were deported from the US, "but must go back there, where they have homes, husbands or children". Last year, according to government figures, some 250,000 undocumented migrants crossed the border, most from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Independent groups say the number is close to 400,000. --IANS ksk ( 448 Words) 2017-02-10-09:20:07 (IANS)
US President Donald Trump changed tack and agreed to honour the "one China" policy during a phone call with China's leader Xi Jinping, a major diplomatic boost for Beijing which brooks no criticism of its claim to self-ruled Taiwan.Trump angered Beijing in December by talking to the president of Taiwan and saying the United States did not have to stick to the policy, under which Washington acknowledges the Chinese position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it.A White House statement said Trump and Chinese President Xi had a lengthy phone conversation yesterday night, Washington time."President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'one China' policy," the statement said.Reaction from Taiwan was muted. A spokesman for President Tsai Ing-wen said in a statement it was in Taiwan's interest to maintain good relations with the United States and China.The US and Chinese leaders had not spoken by telephone since Trump took office on Jan. 20. Diplomatic sources in Beijing say China had been nervous about Xi being left humiliated in the event a call with Trump went wrong and the details were leaked to the media.Last week, US ties with staunch ally Australia became strained after the Washington Post published details about an acrimonious phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.No issue is more sensitive to Beijing than Taiwan. China and the United States also signalled that with the "one China" issue resolved, they could have more normal relations."Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest," the statement said.In a separate statement carried by China's Foreign Ministry, Xi said China appreciated Trump's upholding of the "one China" policy."I believe that the United States and China are cooperative partners, and through joint efforts we can push bilateral relations to a historic new high," the statement quoted Xi as saying."The development of China and the United States absolutely can complement each other and advance together. Both sides absolutely can become very good cooperative partners," Xi said.Taiwan's presidential office spokesman Alex Huang said in a statement that the island's government and the United States "both maintain close contact and communication so as to keep a 'zero accident' approach" to their relationship.In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the "one China" principle was the political basis of Sino-US ties."Ensuring this political basis does not waver is vital for the healthy, stable development of China-US relations," Lu said."PAPER TIGER"Lawyer James Zimmerman, the former head of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said Trump should have never raised the "one China" policy in the first place."There is certainly a way of negotiating with the Chinese, but threats concerning fundamental, core interests are counterproductive from the get-go," he said in an email."The end result is that Trump just confirmed to the world that he is a paper tiger, a 'zhilaohu' - someone that seems threatening but is wholly ineffectual and unable to stomach a challenge."Jia Qingguo, dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University and who has advised the government on foreign policy, said Trump had created a lot of uncertainty but was now back on track.Trump has reassured people that he will be a responsible president," he told Reuters. "...This is good news for China, because stable US-China relations are good for China. Now we can do business."The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but is also Taiwan's biggest ally and arms supplier and is bound by legislation to provide the means to help the island defend itself.Defeated Nationalist forces fled from China to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control."EXTREMELY CORDIAL"China wants cooperation with the United States on trade, investment, technology, energy and infrastructure, as well as strengthening coordination on international matters to jointly protect global peace and stability, Xi said in the statement.The White House described the call, which came hours before Trump plays host to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as "extremely cordial", with both leaders expressing best wishes to their peoples.China has repeatedly said it has smooth contacts with the Trump team, led by China's top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi.Yang told Michael Flynn, Trump's National Security Advisor, last week that China hoped it could work with the United States to control disputes and sensitive problems.There was little or no mention in either the Chinese or U.S. statement of other contentious issues - trade and the disputed South China Sea - and neither matter has gone away.A US official told Reuters yesterday that a US Navy P-3 plane and a Chinese military aircraft came close to each other over the South China Sea, though the Navy believes the incident was inadvertent.China today reported an initial trade surplus of $51.35 billion for January, more than $21 billion of which was with the United States. REUTERS SW BL1458 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0101-1144639.Xml
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov today denied that Russia is delivering any tanks to the Donbass region in east Ukraine."It (Donbass) is part of Ukraine, after all. These are the areas uncontrolled by Kiev, but still this is Ukraine," Mr Peskov told reporters."Even though Ukraine is consistently rejecting these regions. That is why, it is, perhaps, necessary to ask Kiev about why this situation has developed," he pointed out."Naturally, tanks have arrived for Donbass, not from Russia," Mr Peskov said.It is also necessary to ask Kiev about why the implementation of the Minsk accords on the political settlement in east Ukraine "is stalled. No volunteers are dispatched through any official channels from Russia to Donbass."Naturally, we know that there are Russian citizens, who voluntarily set off for the region to defend people from aggressive actions of the Ukrainian armed forces," Mr Peskov noted.UNI XC RJ SNU 1712 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-1144782.Xml
When conservation biologist Matt Shirley discovered the world's newest crocodile species after years of sloshing through mangroves and swamps from Senegal to Uganda, the elation was tempered by the knowledge that it was on a path to extinction.Now, in its struggle to survive, the West African Slender-snouted Crocodile's fate is tied to a zoo in the heart of Ivory Coast's traffic-choked main city, Abidjan, that itself faced an uncertain future not long ago."It's very frustrating. But it also gives you a desire to throw your whole body and heart into figuring out what needs to happen to make sure it exists in the future," Shirley told Reuters. "This species in particular, it's my baby."Until just a few years ago, the West African Slender-snouted Crocodile was hiding in plain sight.Before Shirley began his research, the new crocodile and its Central African cousin were considered to be one species. Using genetic testing, he determined they were as different as humans and chimpanzees.Today, no more than 1,500 West African Slender-snouted Crocodile are believed to exist in the wild, scattered across a territory extending from Gambia to Nigeria - an area nearly the size of the continental United States.But in the shade of a stand of broad-leafed trees, some three dozen adults - the largest captive population of the species in the world - lay stretched out in the dust or bobbed motionless in a newly upgraded pond in the Abidjan National Zoo."It makes it a very critical institution for the future of this species," said Shirley, who works for the Florida-based Rare Species Conservatory Foundation.The zoo already has a breeding programme for the crocodiles and is receiving assistance from partner organisations in the United States.And though a lack of easy access to specialised equipment has forced a certain amount of improvisation, including egg incubators built out of old Coca-Cola refrigerators, survival rates have been remarkably high."We're roughly around 24 to 25 percent. And even the percentages we're getting in the US, this zoo right here will beat them," said Matt Eschenbrenner of the ABQ BioPark Zoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is assisting the programme."SECRET UNDER THE WATER"Things could easily have been different however.In 2011, following a decade-long political crisis and a contentious presidential election, civil war broke out in Ivory Coast. Soon, gun battles were raging in the neighbourhoods surrounding the Abidjan Zoo.Tia Lama, who has worked there for nearly 25 years, was one of a handful of dedicated employees who braved the violence to feed and care for the animals."There were personnel who were stepping over dead bodies to go out looking for food. If we didn't, what were (the animals) going to do?" he said.Despite their efforts, by the end of the months-long war, roughly a quarter of the animals had died. Carnivores were hit the hardest. The zoo's lions were wiped out. But the crocodiles survived."I told myself there must be a secret under the water that kept them alive," Lama said.So far, the zoo's breeding efforts have produced around 40 young crocodiles. Some of them are now two years old, and Shirley is negotiating with the government to reintroduce them into the wild - first in Ivory Coast and then possibly elsewhere in West Africa."Man depends on nature. If nature disappears, so will humans," said Barnabe Digbe, who heads the Abidjan Zoo's crocodile department. "And so when you are at the heart of a project to protect nature, you can only be happy about it."REUTERS SW BL1701 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0101-1144869.Xml
Restorers of vintage stained glass are enjoying a new lease on life in Madrid these days, bringing their artisanal skills to a luxury retail and hotel complex in the centre of Spain's capital.The old-but-new leadlights are destined to shine on what business and government cheerleaders see as the epicentre of a wide movement to propel Madrid into the big league of global shopping destinations.Alongside revamps of tired beach resorts, Spain is attempting to lure tourists with shopping city breaks to widen its appeal to the biggest spenders -- and not coincidently to keep its economic recovery on track.Regional governments, construction and travel firms as well as shops are working hand-in-hand to recast Spain - and Madrid in particular - as a retail hub to rival Milan or Paris.These efforts include simplifying Spain's value-added tax refund system from foreigners and promoting Madrid's shopping credentials with Chinese bloggers, many of whom were invited to tour the sights last year.The sprawling Canalejas shopping complex is at the centre of the capital's luxury makeover. It is a private initiative - due for completion in 2018 - which involves refurbishing seven buildings and which will house Spain's first Four Seasons hotel.With a price tag of 500 million euros, the work includes renovating the ornate pillars, crumbling marble and mahogany wood interiors in the 19th century buildings, which were once used as head offices by Spanish banks."We are failing to attract the tourists we want," said Maria Jesus Escobar, public sector officer at Ernst & Young, at a recent tourism summit in Madrid. "We want to target those with the most purchasing power."Tourist arrivals in Spain have reached record highs for four years in a row, growing to 75.6 million in 2016.But some 20 percent of those were potentially "borrowed" from other Mediterranean destinations that have suffered from recent violence, such as Turkey or Egypt, according to industry lobby group Exceltur.Retaining these visitors is key: tourism generates one in eight jobs in Spain and has underpinned its recovery from recession.But that alone is not enough.The number of foreign visitors has risen around 30 percent since 2006, but their spending per head has actually decreased slightly. http://tmsnrt.rs/2kcmX2OOne reason for this is that Spain draws a fraction of the world's most profitable tourists - Chinese and Russians - and has cornered only 4 percent of Europe's luxury shopping market.FLYING TO CHINAPlaying catch-up will not be easy - nor unchallenged. France has gone all out in cutting visa turnaround times for Chinese tourists to 48 hours at most, for instance.Singapore and Tokyo are also vying for attention from Asian shoppers while London's allure will get a fresh boost from a fall in the value of the pound following Britain's decision to leave the European Union.But Spanish industry players are rising to the challenge, with airlines increasing the number of flights between Spain and Asia. Spanish carrier Iberia touched down in China for the first time in 2016.Outlet centres in Madrid and northeastern Barcelona - a port city famed for its Gaudi architecture and a popular stopover for cruise ships - recently added chauffeurs, stylists and a hands-free service allowing shoppers to avoid carrying their own bags.As for what is on offer, few Spanish brands attract the same recognition as Paris or Milan-based fashion houses.But firms like luxury leather label Loewe or designers Adolfo Dominguez and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada may stand to benefit, and Madrid also boasts flagship outlets of Inditex , owner of high-street brands Zara and Massimo Dutti.Like department stores in Paris or Moscow, Spain's El Corte Ingles chain has staffed up with Mandarin-speakers.Fine jeweller Suarez, which already derives 60 percent of its sales from foreign tourists, has done the same and also hired Russian-speaking sales staff for its store in the high-end resort town of Marbella."We need to create a cosmopolitan experience: one that is unique and that means promoting international brands alongside Spanish ones," said Carlos Delso, director of the 70-year-old family business which designed Queen Letizia's engagement ring.Ernst & Young calculates that turning Spain into a shopping hub could more than triple spending by non-Europeans on tax free purchases to 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) by 2019 - and create 50,000 jobs.REUTERS SW BL1711 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0101-1144967.Xml
"According to the initial findings, the incident is a result of incorrect coordination, an incident that happened unwillingly," Xinhua news agency quoted Kurtulmus as saying.

He added that the coordination mistake will be revealed over an investigation, local broadcaster CNNTurk reported.

Kurtulmus underlined the need for closer coordination with Russia to avoid such incidents.

On Thursday, a Russian war-jet, conducting airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in al-Bab town of Syria, hit a building where Turkish Armed Forces units were placed, killing three soldiers and wounding 11 others, according to the Turkish Armed Forces.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that the airstrikes were launched based on coordinates provided by the Turkish military.

"It was a lack of coordination in providing coordinates. That is how I would formulate it," Peskov said.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin talked to the Turkish President over telephone and expressed sorrow.

--IANS qd/vt

( 191 Words)

2017-02-10-18:26:06 (IANS)
Islamic State militants have shifted to desert valleys and inland hills southeast of Tripoli as they seek to exploit Libya's political divisions after defeat in their former stronghold of Sirte, security officials say.The militants, believed to number several hundred and described as "remnants" of Islamic State's Libya operation, are trying to foment chaos by cutting power and water supplies and to identify receptive local communities, the officials said.They are being monitored through aerial surveillance and on-the-ground intelligence, but Libyan officials said they cannot easily be targeted without advanced air power of the kind used by the United States on January 19, when B-2 bombers killed more than 80 militants in a strike southwest of Sirte.For more than a year, Islamic State exercised total control over Sirte, building its primary North African base in the coastal city. But it struggled to keep a footing elsewhere in Libya and by December was forced out of Sirte after a six-month campaign led by brigades from the western city of Misrata and backed by US air strikes.The jihadist group lost many of its fighters in the battle and now has no territory in Libya, but fugitive militants and sleeper cells are seen to pose a threat in a country that has been deeply fractured and largely lawless since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi.The threat is focussed south of the coastal strip between Misrata and Tripoli, arcing to the southeast around the town of Bani Walid and into the desert south of Sirte, said Ismail Shukri, head of military intelligence in Misrata.One group of 60-80 militants is operating around Girza, 170 km west of Sirte, another group of about 100 is based around Zalla and Mabrouk oil field, about 300 km southeast of Sirte, and there are reports of a third group present in Al-Uwaynat, close the Algerian border, he said.Some fighters were based outside Sirte before last year's campaign, some fled during the battle and some have arrived from eastern Libya where they have been largely defeated by rival armed factions."They work and move around in small groups. They only use two or three vehicles at a time and they move at night to avoid detection," said Mohamed Gnaidy, an intelligence official with forces that conducted the campaign in Sirte.Those forces published pictures in the wake of last month's US strike showing hideouts dug into the sand, temporary shelters camouflaged with plastic sheeting and branches, stocks of weapons and satellite phones."This area is very difficult so it's hard for our forces to deal with them," said Shukri, pointing to satellite images of steep rocky banks and tracks in the sand southwest of Sirte. "The only solution to eliminate them in this area is through air strikes."ATTACKS ON INFRASTRUCTUREMohamed Gnounou, a Misrata-based air force spokesman, said the militants had been monitored for 45 days ahead of the US strike. "It confirmed a large number of individuals who were preparing something new in this place, as well as developing a strategy to head to new areas." The areas included rural districts near the coastal cities of Al Khoms and Zliten, between Misrata and Tripoli, and the region around the southern city of Sabha, he said.Islamic State fighters had received logistical help from civilians and had paid some of them to help cut off power and water supplies, including by sabotaging a water link to Tripoli in the Great Man-made River system built by Gaddafi, and attacking electricity infrastructure near the southern city of Sabha, where there have been long blackouts in recent weeks, said Gnounou."Daesh (Islamic State) destroyed more than 150km of electricity pylons in the south between Jufra and Sabha. These acts fuel crisis and frustration in Libya, as well as giving an opportunity for gold diggers who smuggle through the open borders and make easy money from Daesh," he said.Sirte suffered extensive damage during the battle against Islamic State. Military officials from Misrata say they have the city secured and some residents have begun to return to central neighbourhoods.But they also complain about a lack of support from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and are nervous about military advances by forces loyal to military commander Khalifa Haftar to the east and south of Sirte.Haftar, who has rejected the GNA, was on the opposite side to Misrata's brigades in a conflict that flared up across Libya in 2014, just as Islamic State was gaining strength.Both sides accuse the other of using Islamic State to their advantage, while waging separate campaigns against jihadists."The support we are getting is not equivalent to the risk we face or the sacrifice we have made," said Shukri. "We need the political authorities, the (GNA) to continue the next step."REUTERS PY AS1811 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1145132.Xml
In a press conference with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Trump also promised to move "rapidly" to introduce "additional security" steps for the US next week, BBC reported.

He spoke as Virginia state lawyers argued in court that his policy "resulted from animus toward Muslims".

"We are going to keep our country safe, we are going to do whatever is necessary to keep our country safe," Trump said at the White House on Friday.

"We'll be doing something very rapidly having to do with additional security for our country, you'll be seeing that sometime next week," he added.

"In addition we will continue to go through the court process and ultimately I have no doubt that we'll win that case."

Trump did not clarify what he meant by additional steps, but his remarks were in response to a journalist's question about whether he was considering fresh executive orders, the report said.

--IANS sku/

( 183 Words)

2017-02-11-03:06:08 (IANS)
WASHINGTON, Feb.9 (Xinhua) -- Kellyanne Conway, a Counselor to U.S. President Donald Trump, came under fierce criticism Thursday for promoting the brand of Ivanka, Trump's daughter, on television.

"Go buy Ivanka's stuff is what I would say, I'm going to give a free commercial here: go buy it today everybody, you can find it online," Conway said while giving an interview to TV network Fox.

The remarks immediately drew questions that they might have violated federal ethics rule that stated government employees "shall not use his public office for his own private gain, for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise, or for the private gain of friends, relative, or persons with whom the employee is affiliated in a nongovernmental capacity."

Jason Chaffetz, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said Conway's words were "clearly over the line and unacceptable," and that he and Democrat Congressman Elijah Cummings will jointly request a review of Conway's conduct.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a left-leaning group, also filed a complaint, calling her remarks "an apparent violation of federal law, ethics regulations and other standards of conduct."

In a daily press briefing, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Conway "has been counseled."

The controversy over Conway came only one day after Trump ripped a store chain on twitter for pulling Ivanka's brand off the shelf, tweeting that his daughter was treated unfairly by the store chain.

The store said its decision was made because Ivanka's products were not performing well in sales.

Trump has previously called on his twitter followers to buy an outdoor sportswear brand on Jan.12, because the brands owner supported Trump.
People against a Jan. 27 executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump barring entry into the United States by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries and media staff gather outside the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, the United States, Feb. 7, 2017. A U.S. federal appeals court heard oral arguments Tuesday about one of President Donald Trump's executive orders but withheld an immediate decision on the travel ban imposed on citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. (Xinhua/Xu Yong)

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The motions panel of a U.S. federal appellate court ruled Thursday against reinstating the travel ban in a presidential executive order.

The three judges sitting on the motions panel of the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, based in San Francisco, presented their decision in 29 pages of written opinion released in the afternoon.

In a unanimous move, the judges, two of them appointed by former Democratic presidents and one by former Republican president, wrote at the end of the ruling: "the emergency motion for a stay pending appeal is DENIED."

The motion, by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf the White House, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, was to overrule a temporary restraining order (TRO) imposed by a lower court judge against the travel ban.

The latest development effectively maintained the TRO in place since last Friday, allowing citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries with proper visas to enter the United States.

The motions panel heard oral arguments Tuesday pertaining to the executive order signed on January 27 by President Donald Trump that bars entry into the United States by nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Last Friday, Judge James Robart of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled in favor of the states of Washington and Minnesota and put the travel ban on hold, prompting the DOJ to appeal Saturday.

The two states filed a suit on Jan. 30 before the district court and challenged the travel ban citing harms to the states in areas including employment, education, trade, family relation and freedom of travel.

The DOJ, however, insisted that the ban is within the authority of the president, dismissing the states as well as the federal court system's role in the matter.

In its response, the motions panel of the appellate court wrote: "although courts owe considerable deference to the President' s policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action."

In stead of initiating a full review of the case, the panel is in charge of specifically deciding whether to lift the TRO put in place by Judge Robart.

Related:

Trump accuses U.S. courts of being political over travel ban issue

WASHINGTON, Feb 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused U.S. courts of being political after his executive order banning immigrants from the Middle East was halted. Full story

U.S. court turns down request to reinstate Trump's travel ban
People against a Jan. 27 executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump barring entry into the United States by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries and media staff gather outside the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, the United States, Feb. 7, 2017. A U.S. federal appeals court heard oral arguments Tuesday about one of President Donald Trump's executive orders but withheld an immediate decision on the travel ban imposed on citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. (Xinhua/Xu Yong)

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The motions panel of a U.S. federal appellate court ruled Thursday against reinstating the travel ban in a presidential executive order.

The three judges sitting on the motions panel of the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, based in San Francisco, presented their decision in 29 pages of written opinion released in the afternoon.

In a unanimous move, the judges, two of them appointed by former Democratic presidents and one by former Republican president, wrote at the end of the ruling: "the emergency motion for a stay pending appeal is DENIED."

The motion, by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf the White House, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, was to overrule a temporary restraining order (TRO) imposed by a lower court judge against the travel ban.

The latest development effectively maintained the TRO in place since last Friday, allowing citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries with proper visas to enter the United States.

The motions panel heard oral arguments Tuesday pertaining to the executive order signed on January 27 by President Donald Trump that bars entry into the United States by nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Last Friday, Judge James Robart of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled in favor of the states of Washington and Minnesota and put the travel ban on hold, prompting the DOJ to appeal Saturday.

The two states filed a suit on Jan. 30 before the district court and challenged the travel ban citing harms to the states in areas including employment, education, trade, family relation and freedom of travel.

The DOJ, however, insisted that the ban is within the authority of the president, dismissing the states as well as the federal court system's role in the matter.

In its response, the motions panel of the appellate court wrote: "although courts owe considerable deference to the President' s policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action."

In stead of initiating a full review of the case, the panel is in charge of specifically deciding whether to lift the TRO put in place by Judge Robart.
YANGON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Curfew hours have been reduced in Maungtaw, Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, as peace and stability are improving in the region, Myanmar News Agency quoted the Maungtaw district administration as saying Friday.

According to the Maungtaw regional authorities, the curfew was reduced from 9 p.m. till 5 a.m. the next morning instead of from 7 p.m. till 6 a.m. and the new order will be effective for two months starting Friday.

The locals are being urged to effectively use the limited time and cooperate for the security of people's lives.

Three border outposts in Maungtaw, Rakhine state were under violent attack by armed men on Oct. 9 last year in which nine policemen and five soldiers were killed.

A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed in Maungtaw since Oct. 10.
WELLINGTON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's investigators on Friday began a probe into how a Filipino crew member died while a Bermuda-registered cruise ship was docked in the South Island city of Dunedin.

Police were called to the port late Thursday after reports that a gas cylinder had exploded on the Emerald Princess cruise ship, killing the unnamed Filipino man.

Two Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) investigators arrived at the ship in Port Chalmers early Friday, said a TAIC statement.

"The Bermuda authorities where the ship is registered have been informed that an investigation by the commission is underway," it said.

"At this stage, it's not known how long the investigators will be on board or whether the ship will move from its current berth."

Police inspector Jason Guthrie said Thursday that the matter had been referred to the local coroner.
People against a Jan. 27 executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump barring entry into the United States by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries and media staff gather outside the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, the United States, Feb. 7, 2017. A U.S. federal appeals court heard oral arguments Tuesday about one of President Donald Trump's executive orders but withheld an immediate decision on the travel ban imposed on citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. (Xinhua/Xu Yong)

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The motions panel of a U.S. federal appellate court ruled Thursday against reinstating the travel ban in a presidential executive order.

The three judges sitting on the motions panel of the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, based in San Francisco, presented their decision in a 29-page written opinion released in the afternoon.

In a unanimous move, the judges, two of them appointed by former Democratic presidents and one by former Republican president, wrote at the end of the ruling: "the emergency motion for a stay pending appeal is DENIED."

The motion, put forward by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of the White House, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, was to overrule a temporary restraining order (TRO) imposed by a lower court judge against the travel ban.

In a press conference held about an hour after the court panel's ruling, Bob Ferguson, Washington state attorney general, who initiated the legal challenge against the ban on behalf of the state in the U.S. Pacific Northwest 10 days ago, called it "a complete victory."

The latest development keeps the TRO effective since last Friday, allowing citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries with proper visas to enter the United States.

The motions panel heard oral arguments Tuesday pertaining to the executive order signed on Jan. 27 by President Donald Trump that bars entry into the United States by nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Last Friday, Judge James Robart of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled in favor of the states of Washington and Minnesota and put the travel ban on hold, prompting the DOJ to appeal Saturday.

The two states filed a suit on Jan. 30 before the district court to challenge the travel ban citing harms to the states in areas including employment, education, trade, family relations and freedom of travel.

The DOJ, however, insisted that the ban was within the authority of the president, dismissing the states as well as the federal court system's role in the matter.

In its response, the motions panel of the appellate court argued: "although courts owe considerable deference to the President's policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action."

This seemed to be a direct rebuttal of what August E. Flentje, special counsel to the assistant U.S. attorney general, said during the hour-long oral argument by phone Tuesday afternoon, that national security is "inarguable" at the court.

Instead of initiating a full review of the case, the motions panel is in charge of specifically deciding whether to lift the TRO put in place by Judge Robart.

Noah Purcell, Washington state solicitor general, who argued before Judge Robart and then the three appellate court judges, said he "cannot be more pleased" by the ruling.

Related:

Trump accuses U.S. courts of being political over travel ban issue

WASHINGTON, Feb 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused U.S. courts of being political after his executive order banning immigrants from the Middle East was halted. Full story

U.S. court turns down request to reinstate Trump's travel ban
TIJUANA, Mexico, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed wall along his country's 3,200-km southern border with Mexico is unlikely to deter migrants fleeing violence, poverty or a lack of opportunities, a Mexican immigration official and activists said.

"There is no way to stop a person who wants to migrate or to cross the border," Rodolfo Figueroa Pacheco, a representative of Mexico's National Migration Institute in the border state of Baja California, told Xinhua.

"The real solution to the migration issue lies in the countries that expel migrants," said Figueroa, referring to policies that exacerbate violence, drug trafficking and poverty in Central America and other regions.

"Our obligation is to ensure that those who are in Mexico are orderly, safe and have their rights respected," he said.

Undocumented migrants have many ways to cross borders, noted Figueroa, adding "there's the maritime route and the overland route, the use of fake, borrowed or rented documents, and there are also tunnels and ramps. That is to say it is very complicated and difficult to deter."

Mexico's geographic location has made it a springboard for migrants who are driven not just by the promise of a better life, but often by the destruction of their own way of life, as the current refugee crisis shows.

"We can't change our geography. Baja California is where it is, so our proximity to the United States turns us into a natural corridor for migration," said the official.

Fences with floodlights, sophisticated sensors and cameras lead many migrants to avoid the overland route and find an underground alternative to cross.

On a tour of the border region, a team of Xinhua reporters met Esteban, an undocumented migrant who has sneaked across the border several times.

"This sewage system is one of the best (options), as it takes you straight to San Diego in the U.S. state of California," said Esteban. "The exit is close to a shopping center. You arrive, change into clean clothes and no problem. Sometimes you go in groups or individually."

As he walked along the edge of a steep incline, some 15 meters high, Esteban explained how, at night, some migrants slid down the side on a piece of sheet metal or other material, then sneaked through the bushes below until they arrived at a drainpipe that also leads to San Diego.

"This route still exists, but there are also other ways," said Esteban.

Some of the "other ways" are dangerous, especially for women and minors, said Salome Limas, an activist who works at a migrant shelter called Casa Madre Assunta.

Shelters usually offer migrants a place to stay for up to 15 days, enough time for those who have already traveled long distances to rest and recover before attempting a potentially dangerous crossing, said Limas.

Women who decide to risk the crossing at present, she said, are mainly those who were deported from the United States, "but must go back there, where they have homes, husbands or children."

Last year, according to government figures, some 250,000 undocumented migrants crossed the border, most from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Independent groups say the number is close to 400,000.
UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday congratulated Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo upon his election as the federal president of Somalia, voicing his hope that the president-elect "will move expeditiously to form an inclusive cabinet."

The secretary-general, in a statement issued here by his spokesman, commended the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a peace keeping mission operated by the African Union in Somalia with approval by the United Nations, and the Somali security forces for ensuring a secure environment during the poll.

Guterres said "the new government and federal member states should together tackle urgent national priorities immediately, including finalizing the constitution and establishing effective national security forces."

"The current humanitarian situation created by the drought and the imperative of averting a famine should, however, be at the top of the agenda," said the statement. "The United Nations stands ready to support the government in this regard."

Meanwhile, the secretary-general also expressed his appreciation to international partners, including the African Union, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States and donor countries for their vital support to the electoral process and continuing humanitarian assistance.

Guterres commended former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke for the work done during their terms of office and for facilitating a smooth handover to the new president.

Earlier Thursday, the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) issued a statement welcoming the conclusion of presidential elections, and congratulating Farmajo on his victory.

The statement noted that President Farmajo will face formidable challenges, particularly with regard to the country's worsening drought crisis and the possibility of famine, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, adding that security is another area of key concern.

Farmajo, the former prime minister in Somalia's transitional federal government between 2009 and 2010, was elected the new president of Somalia on Wednesday.
WELLINGTON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to expand cooperation with New Zealand, said visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Friday.

During talks with his New Zealand counterpart Murray McCully, Wang said the China-New Zealand relations have achieved a leaping development since the two countries established diplomatic ties 45 years ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to New Zealand in 2014 and decided to establish the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership, opening new perspectives for the development of bilateral ties, Wang said.

He hoped that both sides would take the opportunity of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to make plans for future high-level exchanges and expand all-round cooperation.

China welcomes New Zealand to actively participate in the "Belt and Road" initiative, Wang said.

He said China is willing to boost cooperation with New Zealand in such areas as science and technology, innovation, agriculture, livestock farming, biomedicine and biopharmaceutics, among others.

In light of the current international situation, China and New Zealand should not only advocate an open world economy.

McCully said cooperation between the two countries in the fields of tourism, education, economy and trade have become increasingly closer.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, McCully said, adding that it provides a great opportunity for both sides to enhance high-level exchanges and promote the comprehensive strategic partnership.

He also expressed his country's readiness to actively engage in the "Belt and Road" initiative proposed by China.

He expected the two sides to be actively committed to trade liberalization and economic integration and play leading roles in strengthening regional economic cooperation which are in line with the interests of both countries and conducive to promoting prosperity and development of the region as well as the world as a whole.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday released three tweets in succession lashing out at fellow Republican John McCain for denying a Yemen raid that killed a U.S. navy officer was a success.

"Sen. McCain should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media. Only emboldens the enemy! He's been losing so long he doesn't know how to win anymore, just look at the mess our country is in - bogged down in conflict all over the place," Trump said.

"Our hero Ryan died on a winning mission (according to General Mattis), not a 'failure.' Time for the U.S. to get smart and start winning again!" he added.

The strong words were directed at McCain's previous remarks on the deadly mission, saying he "would not describe any operation that results in the loss of American life as a success."

U.S. Navy's "Sea, Air, and Land" (SEAL) Team officer William "Ryan" Owens died during a raid on Al-Qaida in Yemen on Jan. 29, which killed around 10 Al-Qaida militants and at least 25 civilians.

The incident marked the first combat death of a U.S. soldier under Trump's presidency.

Lindsay Graham, another Republican heavyweight in the Senate and a close ally of McCain, advised Trump not to antagonize McCain. "I don't think President Trump will have a better ally in the United States Congress when it comes to rebuilding the military than John McCain."

McCain, a Republican senator from Arizona, who ran for the presidency in 2008 against Barack Obama, is now the chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services.

Less than three weeks into Trump's presidency, the relationship between the president and establishment Republicans are already under strains.

Trump and members of his inner circle on multiple occasions put Congress Republicans in an awkward position with their controversial remarks or actions, such as the attacks Trump has launched against U.S. federal courts.
by Victoria Arguello

CARACAS, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's openly protectionist policies represent an "opportunity" for Latin America to diversify its trade ties, said Venezuelan economist Luis Enrique Gavazut.

Trump's stance represents an opportunity for regional countries "to look inward," instead of relying on the hemispheric giant for guidance on policy, said Gavazut.

"By giving us this opportunity..., countries like Mexico can redirect their exports away from the North American market and toward the Latin American market" and to "strengthen Latin America through greater internal growth, multiplying intraregional trade," Gavazut told Xinhua in a recent interview.

However, not all of Trump's policies on Latin America can be turned to the region's advantage. "Mass deportations (of illegal immigrants) will negatively impact Latin American economies by reducing remittances in foreign currency (the U.S. dollar), and by increasing unemployment in countries receiving the flow of migrants," Gavazut analyzed.

Mexico is a case in point. Remittances sometimes rank as the country's leading source of foreign revenues, bringing in billions of dollars a year.

In terms of employment, Mexico has traditionally been unable to generate enough jobs or to offer a living minimum wage, both of which have forced the labor force to migrate northward.

Trump has signed executive orders to carry out 13 of his 28 campaign promises, including withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade pact between 12 Asia-Pacific countries, building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force between Canada, the United States and Mexico in 1994.

Of all Latin American countries, Mexico, which sends up to 80 percent of its exports to the United States, stands to lose the most from any protectionist policies, such as taxing imports.

Venezuela could also see its oil exports to the United States affected by Trump's decision to revive the Dakota Access Pipeline, a 1,886-km underground oil pipeline project that can curtail the U.S. need to import crude.

Venezuela currently exports 792,000 barrels a day to the United States, or 38 percent of its total crude exports.

Trade between the United States and Venezuela dropped by 44.68 percent in the first half of 2016 from the previous year, according to the Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Therefore, Latin American countries need to redirect trade and investment ties toward countries and regions with "better prospects," such as China, before their trade balances are hard hit by Trump's policies, said Gavazut.

Regional countries also need to strengthen existing trade and integration blocs, such as the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), he said.

"Unasur and CELAC offer very interesting options, from a political and economic standpoint, which have not been developed to their full potential, because Latin American economies continue to be oriented toward and to be reliant on the U.S. economy," said Gavazut.
UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday started a visit to six Middle East countries before his trip to Germany, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here.

"Later today, the secretary-general will travel to Istanbul, Turkey, and then to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Egypt, as the first part of his visits to the region," Dujarric said.

In Istanbul, the secretary-general is expected to have separate meetings with the president and prime minister of Turkey, the spokesman said.

From there, the secretary-general will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to have discussions with the King, the crown prince and deputy crown prince, as well as with senior officials, he said.

Guterres will then fly to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to deliver remarks at the 2017 World Government Summit, Dujarric said. "While there, Guterres is expected to meet with the leaders from the UAE."

"The secretary-general will also visit Oman and Qatar to exchange views with the respective leaderships," he said.

In Egypt, the secretary-general will meet with the president and members of the government, the spokesman said. "During this tour to the region, the secretary-general expects to discuss a number of issues of regional and global interest."

Guterres will then go on to Bonn and Munich in Germany, for a Group of 20 (G20) Ministerial Meeting and an annual Security Conference respectively, Dujarric said.
JAKARTA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two other landslides occurred in two villages in Bangli district of Indonesia's resort Island of Bali earlier Friday, leaving the total casualty of the disaster in the district to 12 people with five persons wounded, disaster agency official said.

The two landslides took place in Awan and Sukawana villages, killing five villagers and injuring another person, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of national disaster agency told Xinhua via phone.

Hours earlier, Sutopo said seven people were killed and four others sustained injury as landslides hit five houses in Songan village of the district at 11:00 p.m. local time Thursday.

All the bodies have been recovered and the wounded persons have been rushed to a nearby hospital, he added.

Emergency relief efforts have been undertaken, involving soldiers, police, personnel of local search and rescue office and disaster management agency office as well as Red Cross, Sutopo said.

The disaster agency warned people in the district and the districts of Jembrana, Buleleng, Badung, Tabanan and Gianyar over other possible landslide, floods and whirlwinds as heavy rains are forecast to continue by Saturday, he said.

Indonesia is frequently hit by landslide and flood during heavy rains.
by Feng Yingqiu

YANGON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will hold the second meeting of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference starting Feb. 28 in Nay Pyi Taw, officials said.

A total of 700 representatives are estimated to take part in the five-day conference.

"We agreed to carry out the process with union spirit and to encourage groups that have not yet signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in the conference," U Zaw Htay, acting director-general of the Ministry of the State Counselor's Office, told the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) in the capital.

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also chairperson of the UPDJC, called for making clear and firm decision for peace.

At the UPDJC meeting, she emphasized the importance of the UPDJC in Myanmar's peace process and highlighted that the organization is neither working for the National League for Democracy (NLD) nor the government but for the emergence of the union.

Chairman of the Joint Cease fire Monitoring Committee Lt. Gen. Ya Pyae also urged for placing emphasis on avoidance of armed conflicts in order to hold the second meeting of the Panglong Peace Conference successfully for national reconciliation and peace.

Late last month, Aung San Suu Kyi held talks with the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) of armed groups in Nay Pyi Taw with the two sides pledging to strive for achieving a concrete result in the upcoming Panglong peace conference.

Their discussions covered the current conflicts in northern Shan state, the impact on the peace process, domestic and international aid for the development of the ceasefired areas in the state and efforts to bring in non-ceasefired groups to the NCA.

Myanmar government and eight armed groups initiated the NCA on Oct. 15, 2015 and the first meeting of the 21st Century Panglong Conference was held on Aug. 31, 2016.

The first meeting of the Panglong Conference ended on Sept. 3, 2016 with participants agreeing to find solutions through coordination and discussions towards the goal of achieving peace under the guideline of NCA and the establishment of a democratic federal union.

The four-day conference called for prompt implementation of peace without delay and coordination of diversified stances and opinions expressed at the conference.

Challenges remained as to how to bring in non-signatories to the NCA.

Meanwhile, Myanmar begun last month to hold the first national region-oriented political dialogues separately in three areas of Tanintharyi region, and the race-oriented political dialogue in Hpa-An, the country's southeastern Kayin state.

The subject-oriented political dialogue is to follow in Nay Pyi Taw Council area.

The outcome of all regional dialogues will be submitted to the second meeting of the Panglong Peace Conference at the end of this month in accordance with the NCA.
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said he appreciated his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, for stressing that the U.S. government adheres to the one-China policy.

Xi made the remarks in a phone conversation held Friday with Trump, in which Xi indicated that the one-China policy is the political basis of China-U.S. relations.

China will work with the United States to enhance communication and cooperation so that bilateral ties can advance in a sound and stable manner and yield more fruits to benefit the two peoples and people of all countries in the world, Xi said.

Trump said he fully understands the high significance of the U.S. government's pursuit of the one-China policy, adding that the U.S. government adheres to the one-China policy.

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China appreciates Trump's greetings on Chinese Lantern Festival

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday confirmed that it has received a letter to President Xi Jinping, sent by U.S. President Donald Trump, who extended his greetings ahead of the Lantern Festival.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily press briefing, responding to reports that Trump on Feb. 8 sent a letter to President Xi, wishing Xi and the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and saying that he looked forward to working with China to develop a constructive relationship. Full Story

Spotlight: Constructive U.S.- China relations to stay strong & thrive in long run
KABUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and U.S. President Donald Trump talked on the telephone Thursday night and discussed several issues including war against terrorism and extremism, the Afghan presidential palace said Friday.

The two leaders discussed different topics including security situation in Afghanistan, Afghan development and investment, economic affairs, and the fight against terrorism, the palace said in a statement.

"They also discussed cooperation between the two nations which is based on shared interests and risks," the statement added.

Ghani told his U.S. counterpart that Afghan National Security Forces, which have passed a difficult stage after taking full security responsibilities from U.S. and NATO forces, were ready to defend their country.

The two leaders also stressed their beliefs in the strategic relations between Kabul and Washington, the statement said.

During the conversation, Trump said he will meet President Ghani soon, the statement noted, saying the two sides agreed that working teams of the two countries will work on discussed issues between the two leaders and try to facilitate the meeting between them.
SHANGHAI, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Shanghai court has sentenced eight people to prison for stealing and illegally buying and selling information on newborn babies.

Sentences ranging from seven to 27 months were given along with fines from 2,000 to 5,000 yuan (around 290 to 720 U.S. dollars), Pudong New District People's Court ruled Thursday.

One of the convicts, surnamed Han, worked for the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The court said Zhang used another employee's account to steal information about newborns from the center.

Han sold the information to a convict surnamed Fan, who ran a baby healthcare products business. A convict surnamed Zhang working for the disease control center of Shanghai Huangpu District served as the middleman.

The information was sold on to a further five people, the court said.

Han emailed information on about 5,000 babies to Zhang every two weeks, according to court investigation. A total of 200,000 pieces of information were passed on between early 2014 and July 2016, when Han and others were detained.
MOSCOW, Feb.10 (Xinhua) -- The development of constructive, mutually beneficial bilateral ties can bring real benefits to the peoples of Russia and the United States and will also have a positive impact on the world situation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told local media.

"From our side, we are ready to work with the administration of D. Trump on the whole agenda of the Russia-U.S. relations on the basis of the principles of equality, mutual respect and taking each other's interests into account," the minister said in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia published on Friday.

The top Russian diplomat also said that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been discussing the possibility of the allies' military deployment in Bulgaria and Romania, which the minister said is "certainly provocative and destabilizing."

"We are closely monitoring the current and prospective military-political situation in Europe. We will stick to a comprehensive approach aimed at securing our borders and Russia's national interests," he said.

Concerning the Syrian issue, the minister stressed: "Unanimously adopted Resolution 2254 of the UN Security Council remains a key element of the internationally accepted framework of the Syrian settlement."

Lavrov insisted that "only Syrian people can determine its future without interference from the outside world."

Talking about Ukraine, Lavrov said that in recent days, the situation in southeast Ukraine has deteriorated and that radical and nationalist forces in Kiev are responsible for the new round of escalation of the situation in Ukraine.

The minister urged Kiev's government to immediately stop military provocations, and to follow existing agreements and begin to fulfill the terms of the Minsk agreements.

Lavrov also said that Russia's Foreign Ministry will continue to promote the creation of favorable external conditions for Russia's security and well-being of its citizens.
HOUSTON, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Two workers were injured and another worker went missing Thursday night after a huge explosion occurred at a pipeline near a natural-gas plant in Paradis, west of New Orleans, the largest city in the U.S. state of Louisiana.

Six workers were cleaning a Phillips 66 pipeline near the Williams Discovery natural-gas plant in Paradis when the explosion and fire broke out, and the two injured workers were rushed to a hospital and another worker was still unaccounted for, according to The Times-Picayune, the English daily in New Orleans.

The company also confirmed the accident in a statement, saying that the accident happened at about 7:30 p.m. local time (0130 GMT Friday) and emergency response agencies have responded to the accident.

The pipeline has been shut down but the fire could last for another few hours or days.

Sixty homes within a couple of kilometers of the pipeline have been evacuated as a precaution.
LIMA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Peruvian court on Thursday ordered a pre-trial detention of former president Alejandro Toledo for a period of 18 months for alleged money laundering and influence peddling.

Judge Richard Concepcion Carhuancho adopted the historic decision that places the former president, who is allegedly abroad, in a difficult situation.

According to the magistrate, the arrest warrant will be issued nationally and internationally through the Interpol office, and the term of confinement would begin from the moment Toledo is detained.

Toledo, president of Peru from 2001 to 2006, is suspected of receiving 20 million U.S. dollars in bribes in exchange for the contract of the Interoceanic highway linking Peru with Brazil awarded to Odebrecht and other Brazilian construction firms.
KABUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A leading commander of Islamic State (IS) militant group has been killed following a joint operation in Afghanistan, the country's Interior Ministry said on Friday.

"Qari Moneb, a prominent commander of Daesh (Arabic acronym for IS), has been killed during an anti-terrorism joint operation carried out by Afghan National Security and Defense Forces and (NATO-led) Resolute Support troops," the ministry said in a statement.

However, the statement did not provide details about the identity of the targeted militant and the raid, saying the operation launched on Feb. 1 was authorized by Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.

The killed militant was responsible for atrocities against local residents in Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province, and was involved in organizing several bombings, including suicide bombings against a mosque and a demonstration in capital Kabul last year, the statement noted.

The mountainous Nangarhar province, bordering Pakistan, is a known IS militants' stronghold.

The province with Jalalabad city as its capital, 120 km east of Kabul, has been the scene of heavy clashes between security forces and IS militants since the emergence of IS in early 2015.

The militant group has yet to make comments.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- White House press secretary Sean Spicer played down the speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump may be at odds with his Supreme Justice pick, who was reported as saying Trump was "demoralizing."

"He made clear that he was not referencing any specific case, he said that he finds any criticism of a judge's integrity and independence disheartening and demoralizing," Spicer said of Neil Gorsuch.

It was reported Wednesday that Gorsuch said during a conversation with Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal that he thought Trump's tweets attacking federal judges were "disheartening" and "demoralizing," but Spicer countered by saying Gorsuch's words were taken out of context.

"There is a big difference between commenting on the specific comments that have been made in the tweet, and his general philosophy about the judiciary and his respect for his fellow judges," he said.

Spicer also maintained that Trump still firmly stand by his choice, saying Trump "has no regrets. But he's very proud of the selection he's made."

In a bid to divert the conversation, Trump tweeted Thursday "Sen.Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), not misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him?"

In a lunch event with Senators on both side of the aisle, Trump told the lawmakers that "Gorsuch is an exceptionally qualified nominee. Probably there's rarely been anybody that's been more qualified. He has impeccable academic and legal credentials."

Gorsuch's comments came after Trump made a string of negative remarks on federal judges who rule against his executive order temporarily banning the entry of citizens from seven Middle Eastern countries.

He called federal district court judge James Robart a "so-called judge," and accused the ruling of putting United States in danger.

The complaint against the judge raised eyebrows even among Trump's own ranks in the Republican Party.

Senate heavyweights including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Lindsay Graham have distanced themselves with Trump, saying they did not believe lashing out against a federal judge was a good idea.

Spicer said Trump will continue to speak his mind on twitter.

"The president's going to speak his mind. It goes back to Thomas Jefferson that presidents have commented on judicial nominees...the idea of one branch talking about or commenting on another branch is as old as our republic," he said.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- About 113 people have been killed in a crime wave since Saturday, as police continue to strike in Brazil's Espirito Santo state, local media reported Thursday.

The police strike blockade started on Saturday and there is no end in sight. As a result, crimes like murders and lootings are rampant in the state. Public schools have been temporarily closed and transportation suspended, and authorities have urged people to stay at home. The local commerce sector has estimated a loss of about 180 million reais (57.5 million U.S. dollars), according to the local news website G1.

Representatives of the striking police, including some of the officers' wives, blocked the precincts and prevented officers and police cars from leaving for patrol. They demanded higher wages and better working conditions for the officers.

Police forces in Brazil are divided into a Civil Police, which handles investigations, and a Military Police (PM), which handles patrolling and repression. Police in Brazil are notoriously underpaid in general, but PM personnel in Espirito Santo have one of the lowest wages in the entire country.

Earlier this week, the state requested federal aid. The army and the National Security Force ordered thousands of officers to patrol during the police strike. However, despite tanks on the streets and heavily armed soldiers, the violence continues.
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump pledged Friday to boost win-win cooperation in a variety of areas and develop a constructive China-U.S. relationship.

The two leaders made the pledge in a phone conversation Friday, the first of its kind since Trump took office in January.

Xi congratulated Trump on being inaugurated as U.S. president and thanked him for sending a letter Wednesday to extend his holiday greetings to the Chinese people, who are celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year -- the Year of the Rooster -- and the upcoming Lantern Festival that falls on Saturday.

Xi said he greatly appreciated Trump's willingness to expand China-U.S. cooperation and develop a constructive bilateral relationship that will benefit the two countries and the international community.

China and the United States have maintained close communication on issues of common concern since Trump's inauguration, Xi noted, saying that the necessity and urgency of strengthening China-U.S. cooperation is further increased in the face of the current complicated international situation and various challenges.

The development of China and the United States can complement each other and promote each other, and the two countries are totally capable of becoming good cooperative partners, said the Chinese president.

Xi said that building a sound China-U.S. relationship is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and it is also the responsibility China and the United States need to assume as the world's major countries.

China is committed to coexisting peacefully with other countries in the world, as well as conducting win-win cooperation with them, Xi said.

China is ready to boost mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States in various fields such as trade and economy, investment, science and technology, energy, culture and infrastructure, the Chinese president said.

China will strengthen coordination and communication with the United States in international and regional affairs to jointly safeguard world peace and stability, Xi added.

For his part, Trump said he was glad to talk over the phone with Xi, adding that it is very important for both countries to maintain high-level communication.

Trump expressed his satisfaction with the close communication the two sides have maintained since he took office and admiration toward the Chinese people for the historic accomplishment they have achieved in developing their country.

Developing U.S.-China ties has won wide support from the U.S. people, Trump said, adding that the two countries, as cooperative partners, can make joint efforts to help the bilateral relationship reach an unprecedented level.

The United States is committed to enhancing win-win cooperation with China in economy, trade, investment and international affairs, Trump said.

Besides, Trump said he fully understands the high significance of the U.S. government's pursuit of the one-China policy, adding that the U.S. government adheres to the one-China policy.

Xi said he appreciated Trump's stressing that the U.S. government adheres to the one-China policy, adding that the policy is the political basis of China-U.S. relations.

China will work with the United States to enhance communication and cooperation so that bilateral ties can advance in a sound and stable manner and yield more fruits to benefit the two peoples and people of all countries in the world, Xi said.

The two leaders also agreed to maintain close contacts to exchange opinions on issues of common concern in a timely manner. Both of them expressed their eagerness to hold a meeting at an early date.

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Xi appreciates U.S. gov't's adherence to one-China policy in phone talks with Trump

BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said he appreciated his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, for stressing that the U.S. government adheres to the one-China policy. Full story

China appreciates Trump's greetings on Chinese Lantern Festival

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday confirmed that it has received a letter to President Xi Jinping, sent by U.S. President Donald Trump, who extended his greetings ahead of the Lantern Festival.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily press briefing, responding to reports that Trump on Feb. 8 sent a letter to President Xi, wishing Xi and the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and saying that he looked forward to working with China to develop a constructive relationship. Full Story

Spotlight: Constructive U.S.- China relations to stay strong & thrive in long run
TEHRAN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of Iranians attended nationwide rallies on Friday to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution in 1979.

People in the Iranian cities swarmed to the streets carrying images of the late founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Seyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, and his successor, incumbent leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In the capital Tehran, people carried flags and banners in support of the Islamic establishment and chanted anti-U.S., anti-Israeli slogans.

Earlier, Khamenei and Iran's President Hassan Rouhani called for mass turnout in the rallies to condemn the U.S. recent threats against the Islamic republic.

The 1979 revolution in Iran toppled the U.S.-backed regime of Shah and brought the country under the leadership of Khomeini, an event seen as a turning point in Iran's history.
Iranian students take part in a rally marking the 37th anniversary of taking over the U.S. embassy by a group of Iranian students in Tehran, capital of Iran, on Nov. 3, 2016.(Xinhua photo)

TEHRAN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of Iranians attended nationwide rallies on Friday to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution in 1979.

People in the Iranian cities swarmed to the streets carrying images of the late founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Seyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, and his successor, incumbent leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In the capital Tehran, people carried flags and banners in support of the Islamic establishment and chanted anti-U.S., anti-Israeli slogans.

Earlier, Khamenei and Iran's President Hassan Rouhani called for mass turnout in the rallies to condemn the U.S. recent threats against the Islamic republic.

The 1979 revolution in Iran toppled the U.S.-backed regime of Shah and brought the country under the leadership of Khomeini, an event seen as a turning point in Iran's history.
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A four-day multinational naval exercise "AMAN 2017" kicked off in the Pakistani southern port city of Karachi on Friday, officials here said.

A total of 36 countries including Australia, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Britain, United States, Japan and Russia are participating in the exercise, commander of Pakistan Fleet vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini said at the inaugural session.

The drill is aimed at devising procedures and techniques against conventional and non-conventional threats.

Husaini said that the exercise will help in competing human trafficking, smuggling of narcotics and terrorism in the region.

Pakistani officials said that 15 ships along with two P3C Orion aircraft, five helicopters, 11 special operation forces' teams are also important modules of the exercise.

Russian vessels participated in the exercise for the first time amid a thaw in relationship between the two rivals of the Cold War era. Russian troops took part in a two-week military exercise in September last year, marking the first ever joint exercise between Pakistan and Russia.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a message on the opening of the drill said that Pakistan, being a major stakeholder in maritime security of Arabian Sea, is fully committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order.

"The maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean are both multidimensional and multifaceted. Threats like maritime terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy have acquired international dimensions," he said.

The prime minister said cooperation between international navies is imperative to counter these emerging threats.
MANILA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' merchandise trade in 2016 grew 5.8 percent from 2015, backed by double-digit growth of imports that offset exports decline, the National Economic and Development Authority said on Friday.

The Philippine Statistics Authority data showed that total trade reached 137.4 billion U.S. dollars last year, with a 14.2-percent growth in imports mitigating a 4.4-percent decline in exports.

"This means that we need to keep diversifying and exploring new markets, in addition to fully tapping our existing trade agreements to push further our upward trajectory," said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

The data also showed that growth in December 2016 reached 12.9 percent (12.9 billion U.S. dollars) backed by a 4.5-percent in exports and continued a 19.1-percent increase in imports.

The data also showed that export earnings jumped to 4.9 billion U.S. dollars during the same period propelled by positive growth in all major commodities, led by agro-based products, petroleum and mineral products, and manufactured goods.

"This demonstrates the recovery of our agricultural sector from the effects of the El Nino. It also indicates the positive contributions of mining and petroleum to the economy. This implies that we will have to find a wholesome balance between mining development and environmental protection," Pernia said.

Moreover, the data showed that import payments grew to 7.4 billion U.S. dollars due to the expanding demand for capital goods, consumer goods, and raw materials and intermediate goods, despite the drop in mineral fuels and lubricants.

Pernia added that the country's increase in exports receipts from its neighbors, largely from China, which registered 36.6 percent, was able to offset the decline from other markets.

"Only Vietnam and the Philippines posted positive gains for the 2016 merchandise trade as other selected Asian countries remained weak," Pernia said.

"If we want to continue being in the forefront," Pernia said, "We need to create policies that enhance and expand opportunities for industries, expand our infrastructure, and shift to a knowledge-based economy."

Pernia said the Philippines needs to instill a global mindset on micro, small and medium enterprises and provide them a conducive business environment.

"This can be done through helping them address internal and external constraints to their development and trade potential. He noted that all these strategies are included in the proposed Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022," Pernia said.
BANGKOK, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Thai government is considering a total ban on alcoholic beverages advertising and marketing as tacit alcohol marketing using loopholes is popular, local media reported Friday.

The office of Alcohol Control Committee under Ministry of Public Health said overt alcoholic drinks advertisements have decreased since the Alcohol Control Act took effect nine years ago, but producers tend to use loopholes to implement their marketing strategies.

Thus,"a total ban on alcoholic beverages advertisement should be enforced, similar to that of cigarettes", said Samarn Futrakul, director of the office.

Alcohol advertising in Thailand is regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, 2008. Under section 32 of the law, alcoholic beverages may not be advertised in a manner which directly or indirectly claims benefits or promotes its consumption, and may not show the product or its packaging.

Since the act took effect, more than 15,000 violation cases have been reported.

Violators may face a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of up to 14,285 dollars, or a daily fine of 1,428 dollars throughout the period of violation.

However, there are loopholes reflected in photos that celebrities posted on their social media pages. In a series of controversial pictures, some high-profile celebrities were pouring beers, with the labels on the bottles perfectly facing the camera.

Celebrities sharing drinking photos on Instagram in what seems to be a bid to encourage the public to drink the beer has raised suspicions about tacit alcohol marketing. Netizens have questioned these kind of marketing campaign.

The Prime Minister's Office in 2015 announced that the sale of alcohol is banned by law on five religious days in Thailand. However, some restaurants keep selling alcoholic drinks under the table during these periods.

The seven-day new year holiday at the beginning of 2017 has seen 426 deaths from road accidents, during which drink driving remained the main cause.
CHENGDU, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Panda breeders in southwest China's Sichuan Province are preparing for the return of Bao Bao, a female giant panda born in the United States, who is scheduled to arrive Feb. 22.

"The Dujiangyan base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda in Chengdu city has prepared a 100-plus-square-meter panda habitat composed of a lounge and playground," said Qiu Yu, a publicity worker with the center.

"After arrival, the panda will spend a month-long quarantine at the base, where she will start to adapt to local bamboo and Chinese-style bread, as well as breeders speaking Sichuan dialect," Qiu said.

Bao Bao was born on Aug. 23, 2013 at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D. C.

The zoo said that a FedEx aircraft will carry the panda to Chengdu from Washington D. C. on Feb. 21 local time.

The panda's mother Mei Xiang and father Tian Tian moved to the zoo in 2000 under a collaboration agreement between China and the United States. According to the agreement, panda cubs born in the United States to parents on loan from China must be returned to China.
TEHRAN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that the nationwide rallies to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution on Friday are a reaction to the recent threats of the U.S. officials against Iran.

The Friday rallies are an embodiment of "national power" and show that "the Iranian people will make regretful those who use the language of threat against the Iranians," Rumania said in an address to the large gathering in the capital Tehran's Azadi (liberty) square.

"This mass turnout is a response to the incorrect claims of the new U.S. officials," he said, adding that "people have swarmed to the streets on Friday to show to the world that (Iran's) revolution is alive and its leadership is not alone."

The United States recently announced sanctions on multiple entities and individuals involved in Iran's missile development after Tehran carried out latest medium-range ballistic missile test late last month. The Iranian authorities unanimously defended the missile tests for defensive purposes.

The Iranian president also dismissed what he called the U.S. "treason" against Iran by confiscating Iran's money in the U.S. banks, and said that the Islamic republic has filed a complaint in the international court against the United States in this regard.

Earlier, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and president Rouhani called for mass turnout in the rallies to condemn the U.S. recent threats against the Islamic republic.

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians attended nationwide rallies on Friday to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution in 1979.

People in the Iranian cities flocked to the streets carrying images of the late founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Seyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, and his successor, incumbent Khamenei.

In the capital Tehran, people carried flags and banners in support of the Islamic establishment and chanted anti-U.S., anti-Israeli slogans, and pro-Palestine slogans.

The 1979 revolution in Iran toppled the U.S.-backed regime of Shah and brought the country under the leadership of Khomeini, an event seen as a turning point in Iran's history.
A Kashmir man crosses a barbed wire barricade with his child during the restrictions in Srinagar, summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 11, 2017. Authorities Friday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir to thwart a protest march of separatists to United Nations (UN) local office, officials said. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Authorities Friday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir to thwart a protest march of separatists to United Nations (UN) local office, officials said.

The march was jointly proposed by the region's separatist groups after congregational afternoon prayers to lay stress on world body to pressurise Government of India to return the mortal remains of two Kashmiris hanged in Tihar jail of New Delhi.

Contingents of Indian police and paramilitary were seen enforcing restrictions outside the UN office and in Lal Chowk (red square) - the heart of Srinagar. Barricades have been laid in city center and outside the UN office to restrict movement of traffic and people.

"The restrictions have been imposed to prevent any disturbance in the city," a police official posted outside UN office to supervise restrictions told Xinhua.

"It's a precautionary measure, for government doesn't want the situation to deteriorate."

The police official was not authorised to talk to media using his name and designation.

An office of United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) is stationed in Srinagar since 1949. The office was set up to monitor the ceasefire line, now known as LoC, a de facto border that divides Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani controlled parts.

The region's three main separatist leaders - Syed Ali Geelani, MirwaizUmar Farooq and Mohammed Yasin Malik have been placed under house arrest to prevent them from leading the protest rally.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the psyche of residents across Indian-controlled Kashmir. Authorities fear participation of senior separatist leaders in UN march would ignite tempers in the region and trigger anti-India demonstrations.

Last year at least 90 people most of them teenagers were killed and over 14,000 injured (including those blind and maimed) in police and paramilitary shooting during protests that hit the region for around five months. Authorities resorted to strict measures and arrested around 8,000 civilians to contain protests.

On Thursday the Muslim majority areas of the region observed a complete shutdown in response to a call given by separatist leadership on fourth death anniversary of Indian parliament-attack convict Mohammed Afzal Guru.

The separatist groups have called for a similar shutdown on Saturday to mark death anniversary of another separatist Mohammad Maqbool Bhat.

Guru, a Kashmiri was executed on Feb. 9, 2013 for his role in Indian parliament building attack in 2001. He was hanged in New Delhi's Tihar jail and buried inside the jail premises.

Like Guru, Bhat too was hanged and buried inside Tihar jail on Feb.11, 1984. He was among the founding members of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), a pro-independent group.

Many in the region believe Guru and Bhat were denied fair-trail. Both are seen as martyrs in Kashmir.

Every year since 1990, a strike was being observed in the region on Feb. 11 to mark death anniversary of Bhat. However, with the hanging of Guru, the strike period has been extended to Feb. 9 as well.

The pro-India and separatist parties have been urging New Delhi to hand over mortal remains of Guru and Bhat. However, the federal government rejected the plea, fearing it could trigger large scale protests in the region.

"Government of India is morally and ethically responsible for returning the mortal remains of the martyrs back," a statement jointly issued by separatists earlier this week said. "It is worst form of human rights violation that even after a person's death he was being subjected to political vendetta."

A separatist movement and guerilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has granted a 100 million-U.S. dollar loan to support farmer cooperatives and help reduce rural poverty in the northwestern province of Shaanxi.

The loan will help local cooperatives with major purchases and allow them to build partnerships with established businesses to give smallholders access to modern markets, according to a press release from the World Bank on Friday.

Cooperatives provide farmers with technical training, manage the collective purchase of seeds and fertilizers and help to sell products, but many cooperatives lack management vision and funds, said Yan Guangming, World Bank senior urban specialist and co-task leader for the project.

The government also provided 50 million U.S. dollars to the project, according to the World Bank.

It said the project will be carried out in 11 poor counties in Shaanxi from 2017 to 2022 and cover about 48,600 poor people.
LIMA, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- A Peruvian court on Thursday ordered a pre-trial detention of former president Alejandro Toledo for a period of 18 months for alleged money laundering and influence peddling.

Judge Richard Concepcion Carhuancho adopted the historic decision that places the former president, who is allegedly abroad, in a difficult situation.

According to the magistrate, the arrest warrant will be issued nationally and internationally through the Interpol office, and the term of confinement would begin from the moment Toledo is detained.

The Peruvian judge issued the arrest warrant after the anti-corruption prosecutor, Hamilton Castro, upheld this request before the court.

According to Castro, the authorities have begun to investigate Josef Maiman, a businessman and close friend of Toledo, as well as Jorge Barata, a former executive for Odebrecht Latinvest in Peru.

Toledo, president of Peru from 2001 to 2006, is suspected of receiving 20 million U.S. dollars in bribes in exchange for the contract of the Interoceanic highway linking Peru with Brazil awarded to Odebrecht and other Brazilian construction firms.

Authorities have so far arrested two other officials, including a deputy minister, in relation to Odebrecht's network of bribes and kickbacks.

Speaking to the Peruvian press last week from Paris, France, Toledo said he was the victim of "political persecution" and that he had already been investigated without any solid evidence against him.

If Toledo is detained, he will become the second Peruvian president to be arrested. Alberto Fujimori, another ex-Peruvian president, is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for crimes against humanity and acts of corruption.
SEOUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- One of two presidential hopefuls affiliated with a new South Korean conservative party, which splintered away from the ruling Saenuri Party, said Friday that conservative supporters will be reunited after the constitutional court reaches a conclusion on the motion to impeach President Park Geun-hye.

Rep. Yoo Seong-min of the Righteous Party, which broke away from the governing party following the passage of the impeachment motion on Dec. 9, told foreign correspondents in Seoul that after the court upholds or rejects it, conservative voters will make efforts to reunite the divided support for the conservative bloc.

The Righteous Party was created on Jan. 24 as it drew a clear line from the ruling party, which decided to change its name into the Liberty Korea Party, casting votes in favor of the impeachment of President Park for a corruption scandal.

The overwhelming passage confirmed a rare division in the conservative camp, eventually leading to the division on the streets among conservative voters over whether to permanently remove Park from office or not.

Candlelit rallies have been held since late October to demand an immediate resignation, and later impeachment, of President Park. Following the parliamentary passage of the impeachment bill, conservative elderly voters began to stage pro-Park rallies on the streets, calling for the rejection of the motion by the constitutional court.

According to opinion polls, nearly 80 percent of South Koreans have demanded Park's impeachment over the past two months, but 13-15 percent, most of them those in their 60s or older who admire Park's father, former military strongman Park Chung-hee, clamor for the reinstatement of the impeached leader.

Reflecting the peak in disenchantment with the Park-led government, approval scores for conservative politicians tumbled, with support for Righteous Party presidential contenders, including Yoo, hovering at the low single digits.

Yoo said support for presidential hopefuls of the main opposition Minjoo Party, which reaches nearly 70 percent in all, reflects disappointment at the conservative governments in the past 10 years as well as the scandal that led to the presidential impeachment.

The four-term lawmaker forecast that conservative voters would be reunited if the constitutional court makes the ruling on the impeachment, which has divided conservative voters.

In some of recent surveys, almost a quarter of respondents expressed no support for any party and any politician, which raises expectations that some of so-called "shy" conservative voters have yet to decide what party and who would be the best hope in the conservative bloc.

Yoo is former chief of staff of President Park for 10 months in 2005 when she was the chair of the Grand National Party, the predecessor of the ruling party, but he is one of main figures who led the new conservative party and advocated the impeachment passage in the parliament.

The expert on economics has been described as a politician who is conservative in national security but liberal in economic affairs.

Yoo maintained his longtime support for the deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to South Korea, saying it is aimed to protect against what he claimed were nuclear missile threats from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Seoul and Washington unilaterally agreed in July last year to install one THAAD battery in southeast South Korea by the end of this year.

It sparked strong oppositions from China and Russia as its X-band radar can peer deep into territories of the two countries. The unilateral decision also caused objections from residents and opposition lawmakers as it was made without public and parliamentary consensus.

Doubts remained about the operability of the U.S. anti-missile system on the Korean Peninsula given that most of DPRK missiles targeting South Korea travel at an altitude of less than 40 km. THAAD is designed to shoot down incoming missiles at an altitude of 40-150km.

THAAD in southeast South Korea is incapable of defending capital Seoul and its surrounding metropolitan areas, which have about half of the country's 50 million population.

Here in South Korea, many of conservative politicians tend to fall into temptation of politicizing security issues by exaggerating DPRK threats. Escalated tensions between the two Koreas, whether those were formed intentionally or not, tended to grant election victories to the conservative camp.

Asked about it, Yoo said the THAAD has nothing to do with the politicization of security. He noted the trajectories of Rodong and Scud missiles, which were test-fired by the DPRK in recent years, flew at an altitude of 130-150 km that is within the intercepting range of THAAD.

However, experts opposing the THAAD deployment have claimed that those test-launches were aimed at testing the capability of missiles and that there is no reason for the DPRK to fire those medium- and short-range missiles at a high altitude as it takes much more time and raises possibility for being intercepted.
TOKYO, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks surged on Friday with the benchmark Nikkei index advancing 2.49 percent as the market mood was buoyed on hopes that U.S. President Donald Trump will come through with his planned huge overhaul of business taxes in the U.S.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average gained 471.26 points, or 2.49 percent, from Thursday to finish at at 19,378.93, while the broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange added 33.01 points, or 2.18 percent, to close at 1,546.56.

Gains were extended towards the end of play in a positive day of buying with the yen's late slide and Trump's remarks in a meeting of airline executives that "phenomenal" tax reforms were on the way imminently contributing to buying.

Trump said that he would roll out plans aimed at reducing the overall tax burden of American businesses and said that within the next month there would be an announcement made that would be "phenomenal" in terms of tax.

"What he wants to do is to create a tax climate that not only keeps jobs here but incentivizes companies to want to come here, to grow here to create jobs here. To bring their profits back here," White House spokesman Sean Spicer was quoted as saying.

Local brokers said that investors were beginning to loose faith in Trump over a barrage of unpopular executive orders and at the currents standoffs with higher courts having only been in office for a couple of weeks.

Masaru Hamasaki, head of market and investment information department at Amundi Japan, said investors were relieved to focus on the positive side of Trump's policies, like tax cuts, after earlier being rattled by his controversial stance on immigration and conflict with U.S. courts on the issue.

"Investors would also be focused on the outcome of talks between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later in the global day, with discussions likely to touch on trade, security and macroeconomic issues including currencies," Hamasaki said.

"Markets are sensitive to anything related to currency and economy. That said, some of us are laid back as we've been hearing that the main purpose of the meeting could be bonding and building a trusted relationship with him," he said.

Other analysts added that the market mood became less circumspect on hopes the tax breaks would lead to new job creation and growing markets in the U.S. and the yen's slide in later trade also supported buying.

Sentiment was underpinned earlier on in the day by the release of China's robust trade data, which added to market faith in the world's second-largest economy and gave China-linked issues here a solid boost, traders said.

China reported better-than-expected trade data for January as demand picked up both at home and abroad, with preliminary data from customs showing on Friday that January exports rose 7.9 percent from a year earlier as global demand increased, while imports expanded 16.7 percent on improved domestic demand for coal, crude oil and iron ore.

China's trade surplus stood at 51.35 billion for the month, the General Administration of Customs said.

China-linked shares duly advanced, with Kubota gaining 4.2 percent to 1,891 yen, while robotics maker Fanuc rose 4.2 percent to close at 22,750 yen. Komatsu, meanwhile, gained 2 percent to finish at 2,820 yen.

Exporter issues also found favor, with Toyota Motor accelerating 3.1 percent to 6,446 yen, while smaller rival Isuzu Motors rose 3.4 percent to 1,538 yen. Honda Motor, meanwhile, gained 2.9 percent to 3,605 yen.

All sectors closed in positive territory on the final trading day of the week, with tire, warehousing and harbor transportation services and mining issues, among the day's notable advancers.

Trading volume on the main section on Friday totaled 2,066.04 million shares, up from Thursday's volume of 1,933.51 million shares and advancing issues outpaced declining ones by 1,691 to 238, On the First Section.

The day's turnover on Friday was 2,756 billion yen (24.20 billion U.S. dollars).
COLOMBO, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka opened its first hybrid power plant on Friday for the generation of 60 megawatts of electricity in the northern part of the island nation, a spokesman said.

Power and Energy Ministry's Media spokesman Pethum Pasqual told Xinhua the plant would generate electricity using wind, solar and diesel.

The plant is located in a small island off the Jaffna district of Sri Lanka called with a population of 787 people belonging to 190 families.

The plant was built with financial assistance of Ceylon Electricity Board and the Asian Development Bank for the promotion of green energy in the country.

The spokesman added that it was part of the government's plan to move toward green energy.
BULQIZA, Albania, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Albania confirmed Friday that rescue teams had found three bodies of trapped Chinese mining specialists in a chrome mine here, and that the bodies are being retrieved.

Two Albanian rescue teams were sent in for the search operation, together with Albanian and Chinese mining experts, after a hydrogen gas explosion occurred in the chrome mine on Saturday, said Mehmet Hasalami, head of the Albanian Mining Rescue Unit.

The Albanian government and the Chinese Embassy have also dispatched two separate working groups to the mine in the northern Albanian town.

One Chinese miner suffered minor injuries in the accident.

The chrome mine was run by Albanian Chrome, owned by Albania's Balfin Group. The Chinese mining experts were from Wenzhou Corporation of Mining Tunnel Design and contracted by Albanian Chrome, according to the Chinese Embassy.
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Friday urged greater progress in promoting development under the Belt and Road Initiative this year.

Efforts should be made to achieve new breakthroughs in certain significant areas, Zhang said at a work conference on the Belt and Road development.
File photo taken on May 8, 2015 shows that then UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres (2nd L) is welcomed by Somali refugees at the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya.(Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

NAIROBI, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of refugees who have settled in temporary camps located in Kenya's northern frontier districts are an asset rather than a burden to the local economy, says the World Bank in a new report launched in Nairobi.

According to the report "Economics of Refugees and their Social Dynamics in Kakuma, Kenya," the east African nation could reap enormous benefits through integration of foreign refugees into the local economy and cultural setups.

Apurva Sanghi, World Bank Lead Economist and co-author of the report, urged the authorities to harness the skills and talents of refugees from neighboring countries to foster economic growth, stability and peace.

"Refugees presence in Kenya has been a boon to the macro-economy as evidenced by higher demand for goods and services and provision of skilled labor," Sanghi said.

The World Bank and UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) collaborated in the study to ascertain the contribution of displaced persons from neighboring countries to Kenya's economy.

Kenya is the second largest refugee hosting country in Africa after Ethiopia with government statistics indicating the country is home to an estimated 700,000 refugees from strife-torn neighboring states.

World Bank researchers noted the presence of Kenya's second largest refugee camp Kakuma had a positive impact on key economic sectors like agriculture, fisheries and retail in the Turkana County where it is located.

Their conclusions revealed the presence of refugees in the expansive and semi-arid Turkana County boosted overall income and job creation by 3.4 percent and 3 percent respectively.

In addition, the refugees increased consumption of local staples and dairy products by 35 percent hence expanding the revenue base for smallholder farmers and herders.

Sanghi noted that livestock keepers, farmers and retailers in Turkana County were the greatest beneficiaries of the presence of a refugee camp in their locality.

"Other benefits linked to the presence of a refugee camp in Turkana county include better nutritional outcomes for local population," said Sanghi.

He said the government should invest in skills development for refugees to enhance their contribution to the economy and social renewal.

Raouf Mazou, the UNHCR Representative in Kenya said that reintegration of foreign refugees in their host country will catalyze socioeconomic development.

"Government policies should facilitate a transition from emergency support for refugees to their involvement in long-term development of their host country," Mazou said.

He noted that development of social amenities like education and health is key to hasten reintegration of foreign refugees in Kenya.
NEW DELHI, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- India has said that it has not imposed any restrictions on Indians migrating to the Gulf countries, except for issuing a advisory against travelling to Yemen.

"It was done in view of the security situation in Yemen," General V.K. Singh (Retd), India's junior Foreign Minister, informed the Parliament Thursday.

India had in April 2015 evacuated over 6,500 people, including foreign nationals, from war-torn Yemen in a special operation, titled Operation Raahat, and also shut down its Embassy there.

The Minister said that the government is keenly watching the situation in some Gulf countries where economic downturn resulted in job losses to Indians.

"We are working in close coordination with the governments in these states towards extending all possible assistance to Indian nationals abroad," he said.
JAKARTA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) - Indonesia's longest-ever dragon lantern is scheduled to be paraded during Chinese Lantern Festival on Saturday in Singkawang, the West Kalimantan province, officials announced Friday.

The 178-meter dragon lantern was recognized by Indonesian record museum as the longest one that has ever been built in Indonesia.

"The dragon lantern is now on display at Singkawang Grand Mall. It would be paraded during Lantern Festival," Tourism Deputy Minister for Domestic Tour Marketing Esthy Reko Astuti said in a statement.

Making of the giant dragon lantern was initiated in October last year.

Asia's longest batik dragon will also be on display during the Chinese Culture Week event on Feb. 5-11.

Co-organizer of Singkawang Lantern Festival Andy Victorio said that hundreds of Tatungs are expected to enliven the upcoming event, displaying their resilience against sharp weapons pierced into their bodies.

Presence of Tatungs is an essential part of in Lantern Festival, symbolizing efforts to get rid of misfortune.

Andy also said some 20 foreign country ambassadors are expected to witness the parade. The parade itself would showcase cultural creations resulting from the mixture of Chinese culture with local ones.

Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb. 11 this year, is held to mark the first full moon of the new lunar year. It falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
An elephant and its child are seen at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Nov. 24, 2013. To pursue food and water, a large number of wild animals made their second migration trip of this year to the Kenyan Maasai Mara National Reserve due to drought in Serengeti National Park of Tanzania. (Xinhua/Meng Chenguang)

NAIROBI, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Severe drought in Kenya is likely to lead to increased human-wildlife conflict, the country's wildlife conservationists warned.

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) East Africa Regional Director James Isiche told Xinhua in Nairobi that lack of water and pasture will force wildlife to move out of protected areas in search of water.

"As a result, we are likely to witness increasing cases of human wildlife conflict this year," Isiche said on the sidelines of the conference on building capacity in the management of the wildlife-livestock interface.

Isiche said that the situation for elephants is very dire as they will likely encounter livestock and humans as they all search for water.

A crocodile hides in the underwater to prey zebra at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Nov. 24, 2013. To pursue food and water, a large number of wild animals made their second migration trip of this year to the Kenyan Maasai Mara National Reserve due to drought in Serengeti National Park of Tanzania. (Xinhua/Meng Chenguang)

"Elephants tend to move along in families and the old and young are likely to be impacted because they are weaker," he added.

IFAW noted that it will be a mammoth task to avoid animal deaths resulting from the human-wildlife conflict. Some of the measures that could be used include deploying wildlife rangers to separate wildlife and humans.

Isiche said the drought has been exacerbated due to the destruction of Kenya's key catchment areas.

Wildlife conservationists noted that drought could reverse the gains made to reduce elephants deaths caused by poaching.

The number of elephants killed by poachers has been reducing from a high of approximately 350 elephants a year in 2012 to fewer than 200 currently.
COLOMBO, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lanka government will undertake a tourism promotion drive in Fujian province of China next week to attract more and more Chinese tourists, a Sri Lankan Minister said on Friday.

Tourism Promotion Minister John Amaratunga told Xinhua that tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka were up by 20 percent in January compared with the corresponding period of the last year.

"We received more than 200,000 tourists last month. This is despite flight restrictions at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport for renovations of the runways," he said.

Asserting that the Chinese and Indian nationals account for a bulk of tourist arrivals, he said he would leave for Fujian on Feb. 17 to start a promotion drive with the help of authorities in the southeastern province of China.

"We will set up a tourism promotional centre in that area for the benefit of those willing to travel in Sri Lanka," he said.

Last year 2.2 million tourists visited Sri Lanka. The minister said he was targeting to bring as many as 2.5 million this year.

Sri Lanka became a place of attraction particularly after the civil war ended in May 2009.
WINDHOEK, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Former land reform deputy minister Bernadus Swartbooi is holding meetings across Namibia urging people to demand fairness in the resettlement process and the return of their ancestral land.

Swartbooi was fired by President Hage Geingob on Dec. 14 last year over comments he had said about land reform minister Utoni Nujoma.

Geingob fired Swartbooi after he had refused to apologize to Nujoma for accusing him of unfair land reform practices.

Some of the comments Swartbooi made were that Nujoma was ignoring people from the Nama and Herero tribes whose ancestral land in the south and east of the country was taken away by mostly the Germans between 1904 and 1908.

Swartbooi, a former governor for the //Karas region in the south of the country and a Nama himself, also accused Nujoma of resettling people from other regions.

Some of the demands being made by Swartbooi and a number of land activists is that the Land Bill should not be re-tabled before consultations have been made.

They are also demanding that Nujoma should convene the second land conference to address the issue of returning ancestral land to those who belong to the dispossessed families.

Nujoma had indicated that he would re-table the Land Bill in the National Assembly this year regardless of whether the second land conference has been held or not.

The Land Bill was first tabled in the National Assembly in November 2016 but had to be withdrawn after some opposition parliamentarians had raised several issues among them lack of proper consultations.

Nujoma has also postponed indefinitely the second land conference that was supposed to have been held last year, saying there was no money.

The cancellation of the land conference has been at the centre of controversy especially after Nujoma announced that he would be re-tabling the Land Bill.

Namibia's president Hage Geingob has, however, ordered Nujoma not to re-table the Land Bill until consultations have been completed.

Geingob said this when he spoke during the official opening of the 2017 judicial year in Windhoek Wednesday.

The order comes after Swartbooi had held three meetings, with the first held at Keetmanshoop on Saturday and another at Maltahohe (300 kilometers from Windhoek) on Sunday.

On Tuesday, Swartbooi met some landless people in Aminius Constituency, Omaheke, a region where mostly the OvaHerero people live.

These meetings are being attended by some traditional chiefs who are considered as among the most powerful when it comes to the land issue.

At Keetmanshoop meeting on Saturday, the people elected members to the Landless People's Movement that will organize a Landless People's Conference set for Sept. 2017.

The movement has also said there will be a march on the National Assembly when it opens Feb. 14 to protest against unfair land resettlement program.

"Freedom without land is not freedom," Swartbooi told the Keetmanshoop meeting Saturday, adding that nobody was born land less but was deprived of land.

He appealed to Geingob saying: "We say Mr Geingob, give us back our land. For Mr Geingob we are hungry and we are thirsty. As land-dispossessed citizens, we demand our ancestral land."

Describing the Land Bill as a notorious and ridiculous working document, Swartbooi said any law on land must only be tabled after the inclusion of and buy-in from those who were dispossessed.

He told the people who attended the Maltahohe meeting that there is need to realign the land reform in the country.

"We will not make inputs to the narrow dictates of the government reform agenda. It is not in our interest and it is not in the national interest," he said.

At Aminius, Swartbooi said the landless should not be silenced just because of fear of being fired or risk being labelled as tribalists.

"We will all be silenced by the grave, that's the only way for us," he said.

The Swapo Party to which Swartbooi is still a member and parliamentarian has said they are studying the comments the former deputy minister made with a view of taking appropriate action.

The party's secretary general Nangolo Mbumba told the media Tuesday that as a party they were "organizing their thoughts before" regarding Swartbooi.

Swartbooi has, however, dared the party to drag him before a disciplinary hearing, saying that he did not do anything that affects the party negatively.
CAPE TOWN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Southern African Development Community (SADC) facilitator, left for Maseru, Lesotho on Friday to mediate the political conflict in the kingdom.

The working visit by Ramaphosa is to pursue his SADC mandate to consolidate peace and stability in the kingdom, his office said in a statement.

Ramaphosa will review progress made with regard to the implementation of SADC recommendations on constitutional and security sector reforms including the investigation into the death of the late Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao, said Ronnie Mamoepa, spokesperson of Ramaphosa.

The visit came amid mounting concern over the deteriorating situation in Lesotho following the flight of three opposition leaders to South Africa and the killing of Mahao, former Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).

Lesotho was forced into an early election in early 2015 following an attempted coup in August the previous year. Pakalitha Mosisili emerged as the winner in the elections. He fired Mahao after taking office. Mahao was killed in June 2015. His death plunged the country into uncertainty.

Ramaphosa has conducted a series of missions which contributed to the reopening of parliament, the holding of democratic elections and the inauguration of a democratic government in Lesotho.

During his latest one-day visit, Ramaphosa will be supported by several members of the SADC-appointed Oversight Committee.

Ramaphosa will pay a courtesy call on His Majesty King Letsie III and hold discussions with Prime Minister Mosisili and members of his coalition government.

As is customary, the Deputy President will also have an occasion to meet with leaders of all opposition political parties, college of Chiefs, Council of Lesotho Churches, and members of the Mahao family to be briefed on their assessment of the current political and security situation in the country, according to Mamoepa,

The SADC has committed to providing experts in the various fields to assist the kingdom in developing a long lasting solution to the constitutional and security sector reform.

Ramaphosa is expected to return to South Africa later in the day ahead of his planned meeting with exiled Lesotho political leaders on Saturday.
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said he fully understands the high significance of the U.S. government's adherence to the one-China policy, adding that the U.S. government adheres to the policy.

The one-China policy is the political basis of China-U.S. relations. When former U.S. president Richard Nixon visited China in early 1972 to end the two nations' more than two decades of estrangement, both sides reached the agreement that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China.

This agreement has since served as an indispensable ballast for the stability and development of China-U.S. ties.

In December 1978, China and the United States issued the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, in which the United States "recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China" and "acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is a part of China."

The one-China policy is also the foundation stone for the Chinese government's policy on Taiwan.
Hi, here's what you need to know about China:

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump pledged Friday to boost win-win cooperation in a variety of areas and develop a constructive China-U.S. relationship.

The two leaders made the pledge in a phone conversation Friday, the first of its kind since Trump took office in January. xhne.ws/yLC4D

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QINGDAO -- Several hospital officials in east China's Shandong Province have been sacked after nine patients were infected by hepatitis B there.

The head and deputy head of the People's Hospital in Chengyang District of Qingdao City have been removed from their administrative and Communist Party of China posts, according to the district government. xhne.ws/OelHx

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BEIJING -- Chinese exporters have suffered a total of 20 trade remedy probes initiated by the United States in 2016, an 81.1 percent increase year on year, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday.

The 11 anti-dumping and nine anti-subsidy investigations involved 3.7 billion U.S. dollars, up 131 percent from 2015, the MOC said. xhne.ws/MWe5Y

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BEIJING -- China will fingerprint foreigners when they enter the country, the Ministry of Public Security said in a statement Thursday.

In 2017, exit-entry departments across the country will begin to collect the fingerprints of foreign nationals aged between 14 and 70. Those holding diplomatic passports or under reciprocal conditions are exempted. xhne.ws/O7rGv

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WELLINGTON -- China is willing to expand cooperation with New Zealand, said visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Friday.

During talks with his New Zealand counterpart Murray McCully, Wang said the China-New Zealand relations have achieved a leaping development since the two countries established diplomatic ties 45 years ago. xhne.ws/e2b3h
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Colorful lanterns are lighting up the Chinese night sky, as activities begin across the country to celebrate Lantern Festival on Saturday.

In Quanzhou city, eastern China's Fujian Province, the lantern shows kicked off Thursday night. Xinmen Street was decorated by 805 traditional hand-made lanterns embroidered with various beautiful patterns.

"While enjoying the shows, some people walk around with a small lantern in hand, making the atmosphere especially festive," Mai Binbin, a local resident, said.

At the Confucius Temple, a tourist spot in Nanjing city, eastern China's Jiangsu Province, tens of thousands of colorful lanterns for a grand lantern show are creating a sea of lights to attract tourists.

Local resident Mao Mingjuan took her son to the temple to watch the lanterns Thursday evening.

"I hope this visit will help the kid better understand the history of the festival and the temple," she said.

Dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC - 8 AD), the Lantern Festival is held on the 15th day of the first lunar month to mark the first full moon of the lunar new year.

You Guoqing, a folk custom expert in Tianjin Municipality, said that, differing from some other traditional festivals that stress family gathering, the Lantern Festival was more about going out for a celebration.

Besides watching lanterns, it is also a day to appreciate the full moon, solve lantern riddles, watch art performances and eat "tang yuan" -- dumpling balls made of glutinous rice, usually with sweet fillings.

The festival was once also a time for romantic encounters. In feudal times, young women were not allowed to go out freely, but Lantern Festival was an exception, when young men and women could meet up.

Some aspects of the festival, such as its romantic atmosphere, are fading, but people still see the festival as a day to rejoice and wish for happiness.

Childhood memories of Lantern Festival are still vivid for Yu Le'an, an elderly man from Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province.

"Due to the limited economic conditions, we kids were so expectant for the arriving of new years and festivals, as it would be a time when we could have new clothes and good things to eat," he said. "Sometimes my mom would wrap a small ancient coin in a tang yuan when making them, and ask us to eat slowly and watch out for our teeth. The coin was believed to be able to bring about luck and good health to the one who find it."

The Lantern Festival is a now a mixture of the traditional and modern.

The workshop of lantern craftsman Lyu Xiezhuang in Shanghai is especially busy, as flocks of people visit to appreciate and buy his lanterns on the eve of the festival.

Lyu, 63, is glad to see people's love for the lanterns, but she believes that there is still much to do to ensure the traditional craftsmanship survives.

She believes "innovation" is key to keep the ancient art alive, and has been exploring the creation of lanterns of different patterns and colors catering for modern day aesthetics.

The spirit of innovation is on display in Quanzhou: the lantern shows of Fengze District are brilliant -- a blend of traditional lanterns and modern LED lights.

Quanzhou has also launched an online lantern show, demonstrating pictures of creative lanterns and offering live broadcasts of lantern shows across the city.
by Xinhua writer Liu Chang

BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The China-U.S. relationship now sees a positive sign as U.S. President Donald Trump told his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, over phone that his country is ready to work with China to take bilateral ties to new historical heights.

The two leaders' telephone conversation on Friday came one day after the U.S. leader sent a letter to Xi, in which he congratulated the Chinese president and the people for the coming traditional Chinese Lantern Festival and pledged to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both sides.

It is also the second such direct talks between the two since Trump won the U.S. presidential election last November.

The past 38 years since Beijing and Washington has officially established their diplomatic ties, the two nations have enjoyed broad range of common interests, have every reason to keep their relationship healthy and growing.

Over the past decades, political, security, economic and trade cooperation, mutual investment, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges have made China and the United States interdependent.

Such a cooperation and relationship have also benefited the both sides.

U.S. exports of goods to China have more than doubled between 2006 and 2015, the fastest growth among America's top 10 export markets, according to the U.S.-China Business Council.

China's economic ties with the United States have also been vital to job creation in the world's largest economy.

Bilateral trade and investment have supported some 2.6 million jobs in the United States across a range of industries, while Chinese manufactured products have also helped lower costs for U.S. consumers, said the council in a recent report.

One of Trump's campaign promises to the American people is to upgrade the country's crumbling infrastructure and create more quality jobs. More Chinese investment in the United States can help him deliver.

Meanwhile, the two countries need each other in key areas such as the fight against climate change, the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the fight against global terrorism, and the maintenance of security in the Asia-Pacific and the whole world.

During the phone call, Trump also stressed that Washington will stick to the one China policy. His pledge is commendable for it shows that the new U.S. leader now has a clear picture of the political bedrock of probably the world' s most important bilateral ties.

Of course, like every other pair of bilateral ties worldwide, China and the United States do have their differences. To better manage their differences, the two sides should stay cool-headed and be candid with each other. There is no better way than dialogue to achieve that end. And fortunately the two countries do not have to reinvent the wheel as there are abundant channels of communication between them.

When then U.S. President Richard Nixon made a historic trip to China in February 1972, he had proved that there was no unbridgeable gap for the sake of common interests.

Forty-five years later, the task is far less arduous as the bridge is already there and what is needed is political will to meet each other halfway.
PHNOM PENH, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian police destroyed 22,418 marijuana plants in the southern Takeo province during raids on Friday, the National Police website reported.

Police raided on four locations in Kiri Vong district's Preah Bat Chonchum community along the Vietnamese border, and seized the cannabis as the growers fled, said Lieutenant Colonel Yuk Sarath, police chief of Kiri Vong district.

"We had cut the marijuana plants and set them on fire at those locations," he was quoted as saying by the National Police website.

The crackdown was part of a six-month anti-illicit drug campaign that Cambodia launched on Jan. 1, 2017. According to government figures, some 2,428 people were arrested in almost 1,000 drug-related cases in January. Last year about 9,800 people were arrested in drug offences.

Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen vowed on Wednesday to intensify the fight against illicit drugs for a drug-free Cambodia.

"I'd like to appeal to all people to join the government to prevent the use of illicit drugs and to eliminate the drugs for the future of our offspring," he said in a speech during a ceremony.
NAIROBI, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched an appeal on Friday, seeking 13 million U.S. dollars to support nearly 475,000 people facing starvation in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.

Fatoumata Nafo-Traore, regional Director for Africa called for an immediate and expansive response in order to prevent widespread drought conditions from triggering a humanitarian catastrophe as millions face starvation in the Horn of Africa.

"We need to act decisively, we need to act massively, and we need to act now if we are to prevent a repeat of the awful scenes of 2011," Nafo-Traore said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

The charity said prolonged and worsening drought conditions across Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya has left more than 11 million people facing severe hunger and are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Countries in the Horn of Africa are likely to see a rise in hunger and further decline of local livelihoods in the coming months, as farming families struggle with the knock-on effects of multiple droughts that hit the region this year.

"We are undoubtedly in a crisis, but the situation will even get worse, especially if the April rains perform poorly," Nafo-Traore said.

The situation is particularly severe in Somalia where nearly 40 percent of the population now needs some form of humanitarian assistance and where deaths have already been reported in the country's north.

According to the charity, water sources have dried up in Kenya, leading to large-scale loss of livestock. In Ethiopia, the worst drought in half a century is further compounded by an influx of people fleeing Somalia.

"This is the worst situation we have seen in the region since 2011, when more than a quarter of a million people died in Somalia alone," said Nafo-Traore.

"We have an opportunity to prevent suffering of a similar scale, but only if we act now," she added.

The IFRC is calling on its partners in the region and globally to increase their support for Red Cross and Red Crescent emergency operations that are already underway, but hindered by low levels of funding.

It said additional funding will allow volunteers and staff present in the worst affected areas to better respond to immediate humanitarian needs, as well as begin rolling out initiatives designed to strengthen longer-term resilience.
ANKARA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday ratified the constitutional amendment package for presidential system change, paving way for a referendum on April 16.

The popular vote is planned to take place on April 16, Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told state-run TRT broadcaster on Friday.

"God willing, Turkey will start a new era on the evening of April 16," he added.

The High Election Board will announce the date for referendum, but the procedure requires April 16 for the popular vote.

On Dec. 30, 2016, a constitutional committee of deputies from the ruling AK Party and the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) submitted a proposed bill to Parliament for ratification.

The parliament passed the constitutional amendment on Jan. 21 in two rounds of voting for 18 articles. A total of 339 deputies voted in favor of the amendment, exceeding the 330-vote threshold to bring it to a referendum.

The constitutional change will bring a shift of regime change in Turkey with a strong partisan presidential system that will take over all authorities of the prime minister and cabinet.

Related:

Spotlight: Turkey at threshold for shift to presidential system

ANKARA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is on the threshold for shift to an executive presidential system as the parliament approved early Saturday an 18-item constitutional amendment package.

"A new door in Turkish history in the lives of the Turkish people has been cracked open today. With our people's 'yes' vote, this door will be completely opened," Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag posted on his official Twitter account. Full story

Turkish parliament approves constitutional changes
ZHENGZHOU, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Each year after Spring Festival, Majie village in central China's Henan Province is visited by folk artists from across the country.

The folk art fair there has lasted for 700 years. The event is said to originate from a prestigious folk artist in the village, whose many disciples gathered to celebrate his birthday in 1316.

The birthday celebration later evolved into a folk art fair. This year's event, from Tuesday to Thursday, in a wheat field in Majie, attracted 1,200 artists and 300,000 visitors.

Chinese folk art, or Quyi, has many forms, including ballad singing, story telling and cross talk, etc.

The Quyi fair presents an opportunity for the audience to establish contact with their favorite artists and pay them to perform.

At the height of Quyi, Zheng Jinpin, an artist at this year's fair, could earn 200 yuan (about 30 dollars) for a day's performance. But in recent years, spectators are less interested and the love of Quyi has waned.

Despite this the annual Quyi fair remains a calling for artists.

"It doesn't matter whether or not I am invited to perform at the event," said Zheng, 68, who has attended every year since he was 16. "I have to come to meet with my colleagues."

Like Zheng, Li Dongmei, 61, has attended almost every fair since she started performing in her teens.

She was the "Quyi fair champion" last year, an award for the best performing artist during the fair. This year, she turned down a week-long performance in order to attend the fair instead.

"Here is a home for us artists," Li said. "We are busy with our own lives all year around, and this is a time for us to gather."

VILLAGE HOST

Majie village has about 5,000 residents, but it hosts more than a thousand folk artists every year. Many villagers volunteer to provide free food and lodgings for artists during the fair.

Zhang Mantang, 64, has housed about 150 artists this year. Zhang, a businessman, returned to Majie in 2004 when the fair was losing popularity.

In 2006 he built 12 rooms, and bought bunk beds and cushions to host the guests. Over the years, Zhang has spent hundreds of thousands of yuan protecting the arts.

In 2006, the Majie Quyi Fair was inscribed on the first national intangible cultural heritage list. Zhang received government subsidies for his efforts in recent years.

As the fair ended and night fell, many guests gathered in Zhang's yard to talk about their lives and arts.

"The artists are the soul of Quyi," Zhang said. "I have to keep them together."
PARIS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- French police on Friday detained three men and a women in southern town of Montpellier on charges of planning an imminent terrorist attack, local news channel BFMTV reported.
MEHTARLAM, Afghanistan, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two people were wounded after a bomb struck a police vehicle in Mehtarlam, capital of Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman on Friday, the provincial government said.

The blast took place at around midday after a sticky Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attached to the moving police vehicle was detonated along a main road in the city, 90 km east of national capital of Kabul, it said in a statement.

The injured were shifted to a hospital, the statement said, adding that "The affected persons, a civilian passerby and a traffic police officer, did not receive life-threatening wounds. No person aboard the vehicle was hurt but the backside of the police van was damaged by the blast."

The statement blamed enemies of peace and stability, a term referring to the Taliban militant group, for the attack.

More than 3,498 civilians were killed and over 7,920 others injured in conflict-related incidents across Afghanistan last year, according to the UN mission in the country.

The IED attacks are the third largest cause of civilian casualties in Afghanistan, following ground engagement and suicide attacks.
ANKARA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Russian jet accidentally killed Turkish soldiers in northern Syria as a result of a mistake in coordination between Turkish and Russian militaries, Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Friday.

"According to the initial findings, the incident is a result of incorrect coordination, an incident that happened unwillingly," Kurtulmus told reporters in central Anatolian Afyon province of Turkey.

He added that the coordination mistake will be revealed over an investigation, local broadcaster CNNTurk reported.

Kurtulmus underlined the need for closer coordination with Russia to avoid such incidents.

On Thursday, a Russian war jet, conducting airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in al-Bab town of Syria, hit a building where Turkish Armed Forces units were placed, killing three soldiers and wounding 11 others, according to the Turkish Armed Forces.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that the airstrikes were launched based on coordinates provided by the Turkish military.

"It was a lack of coordination in providing coordinates. That is how I would formulate it," Peskov said.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin talked to his Turkish counterpart via telephone and expressed sorrow.
TAIPEI, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Uber drivers joined a motorcade in Taiwan Friday to protest against the authority's decision to slap huge fines on the company last week, which led Uber to suspend its services.

The motorcade, with cars sporting the company's logos or slogans such as "Legalize Uber," drove around the transportation authority's building. Several protesters also sat in front of the building, holding placards calling for a meeting with the chief transportation official.

The official did not show up, but a representative of the authority appeared and promised to schedule a discussion with Uber drivers within seven days.

Uber announced Thursday last week that it would suspend services in Taiwan starting Feb. 10 following the transportation authority's issuance of 11 fines for Uber, which totaled over 230 million new Taiwan dollars (7.4 million U.S. dollars).

Taiwan regards Uber's services as illegal, saying the company is not registered as a taxi service and, as such, allegations of tax avoidance have also emerged.

"We're not a taxi company so it's absurd to ask us to register as one. We are a smartphone application that connects people willing to share their ride with people needing one," Uber responded earlier in a statement. It also said it is subject to a levy but the supporting cross-border e-commerce bill is not in place.

The U.S.-based ride-hailing app entered Taiwan in 2013 and, up until the suspension, operated in four cities, including Taipei and Kaohsiung. It said it had provided 15 million trips, with more than 1 million people having downloaded the app and 16,000 citizens signing up as drivers.

Local taxi drivers accuse the firm of operating illegally, which has affected their business.

On Friday, Uber released a farewell letter saying it was unwilling to, and hoped it was not forced to, withdraw from Taiwan.

"The decision has affected more than 1 million people that rely on Uber, but these endless fines make it hard to survive in such an environment," it said.

In another statement released Friday, the Uber Taiwan team said they hope to restart conversations with the island's administration to find a way to allow ride-sharing to flourish.

"We will do everything we can," the statement read.

Driver Chang Sheng-kai told reporters that he hopes the administration will reconsider its policy.

"New good things need to be well managed rather than stopped," he said.

Another driver, Chan, 57, who asked only to be identified by his surname, explained, "We are here today to appeal to the administration to allow Uber to resume operation. I rely on it to make a living."

"I used to earn at least 45,000 new Taiwan dollars through Uber, driving for over 10 hours a day. Now I have no income, how am I going to afford the repayments on my mortgage and car loan," he said.

"I am in my late 50s, who will employ me?" he said.

However, taxi driver Lung Shin-yu said Uber's transportation service is illegal, and has no rights operating on the island.

"Uber is stealing our jobs, and most importantly, it does not pay any taxes," Lung said.

"Why don't these people just become a normal taxi driver?" said Lung.

Another taxi driver, Mr. Lee, said Uber had not affected his income, as many people in Taiwan prefer to hail a taxi on the side of the road.

There have been no opinion polls conducted about support for Uber's legalization.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber have been met with mixed responses globally, popular among the younger generation, but rejected by taxi drivers. Still they have managed to gain legal status in some areas including the Chinese mainland.

"Innovative economic models, of course, need to be supported, but the premise is fair competition," said Jessica Wang, from the think tank Taiwan Competitiveness Forum. "If ride-hailing services do not pay taxes and offer cheaper prices, that is unfair to taxi drivers."

She also noted that a lack of insurance and checks on drivers' criminal records also pose risks for passengers' safety and interests.

Chang Hsien-ping, an analyst with the Topology Research Institute, said Uber has had a major impact on the innovation of Taiwan's transportation industry and the spread of the sharing economy. Uber's payment manner and online hailing of cars will spur the taxi industry to follow the times, he said.
People against a Jan. 27 executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump barring entry into the United States by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries and media staff gather outside the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, the United States, Feb. 7, 2017. A U.S. federal appeals court heard oral arguments Tuesday about one of President Donald Trump's executive orders but withheld an immediate decision on the travel ban imposed on citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries. (Xinhua/ Xu Yong)

BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- "SEE YOU IN COURT," U.S. President Donald Trump responded on Twitter after a federal appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate his controversial travel ban.

Refusing to see it as a major setback for the White House, Trump vowed to win the battle in the end, further cracking up an already divided nation.

MORE PARTISAN BRAWL

In response to the court's unanimous vote of "3-0," Trump said it was a "political decision." The president later told reporters that his administration would win the case "very easily."

The new ruling to block Trump's order barring immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries was seen as a victory by Trump's challengers.

The governor of Washington state, which sued over the travel ban along with Minnesota, applauded the court's decision.

Responding to Trump's tweet of "SEE YOU IN COURT," Governor Jay Inslee, a Democrat, said, "Mr. President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you."

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra also pledged to fight on until the executive order was permanently dismantled.

The legal disputes over Trump's hardline policy seem to have further intensified clashes between Republicans and Democrats following a heated fray over Trump's cabinet picks and nominees for other key posts.

On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Jeff Sessions as attorney general on a mostly party line vote of 52 to 47. Betsy DeVos was greenlighted Tuesday to head Trump's Department of Education after being rescued by Vice President Mike Pence's tie-breaker in a 51-50 vote.

Rex Tillerson, Trump's pick for secretary of state, was approved 56-43.

Such a divided Senate contrasts with the past 40 years, which saw most cabinet selections overwhelmingly approved.

The partisan tension added to Trump's frustration on delays to confirm his nominees. The new U.S. leader tweeted Tuesday: "It is a disgrace that my full cabinet is still not in place, the longest such delay in the history of our country. Obstruction by Democrats!"

As a rebuttal, Democratic senator Patty Murray was reported as saying that Trump was shaping a cabinet that "benefits those at the top and their allies, but really hurts the workers and families."

A FURTHER DIVIDED NATION

Since its launch on Jan. 27, the travel ban has sowed chaos and confusion, sparking furor at home and abroad.

National security veterans, major U.S. technology companies and law enforcement officials from more than a dozen states backed the legal effort against the ban.

Protests were staged in cities both inside and outside the country.

A group of United Nations (UN) human rights experts issued a joint statement saying that the executive order breaches the U.S. international human rights obligations.

While Trump's message has been criticized by experts as violating U.S. law, it appears to be resonating with supporters.

A Morning Consult-Politico poll revealed on Wednesday that Trump won a 55-percent

voter approval for his immigration ban, against a 38-percent disapproval rate.

The bitter division in public will probably go on as the legal wrangling continues.

The appeals court's ruling did not resolve the lawsuit. It said that more briefing would be needed to decide the actual fate of Trump's order.

The Department of Justice, on behalf of the Trump administration in the court, said it was reviewing the decision and considering its options.

According to legal experts, the federal government can either take the case to the Supreme Court, or ask a panel of 11 judges from the appeals court to review the case.

If the Trump administration appeals to the Supreme Court, it would need five of the eight justices to vote in favor of a stay blocking the district court's ruling.

Related:

U.S. appellate court rules against president's travel ban
JAKARTA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Palembang, capital of Indonesia's South Sumatra province, is scheduled to hold Indonesian Spring Festival on Saturday to celebrate Chinese and Indonesian culture.

The two-day event would be featured by Chinese and local dances, lantern display, fireworks and laser beam attractions, cultural and dragon parades, cooking and calligraphy demonstrations, screening of documentary films and photo exhibitions.

Different from the ones held in two previous years that highlighted bazaar during the event, the upcoming spring festival would feature mixture of Indonesian and Chinese cultures, Deputy Tourism Minister for Domestic Tour Marketing Esthy Reko Astuti said.

"This event is expected to light up Chinese culture which is part of Indonesia's myriad of ethnic cultures and promote harmonious life among people living in this multicultural nation," Esthy said in a statement released on Friday, expecting that it would attract some 25,000 people.

The Tourism Ministry co-organized event would also highlight Admiral Zheng He, commander of Chinese ancient kingdom's fleet voyaged to several areas across Indonesia, including Palembang, who made close interaction with royals of Indonesian ancient kingdoms centuries ago.

Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said that Admiral Zheng had a strong bond with Indonesian history. His traces can still be found today in Indonesia's coastal cities, he added.

Besides promoting mixed cultures in the city, the event is also expected to further promote Palembang as a tour destination as the area provides diverse kind of tours comprised of religious and historical, culinary, cultural, urban and rural attractions.

Palembang welcomed 64,257 foreign visitors last year, or 15.93 percent higher than a year earlier. The city is scheduled to co-host the Asian Games in 2018.
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A graft fugitive returned to China from the United States Friday to turn herself in, according to the Communist Party of China's disciplinary watchdog.

Wang Chengjian, 63, a former financial employee at Huangshi shipping department in Shanghai, fled to the United States in May 2005 after being accused of joint embezzlement, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

She was number 67 on China's top 100 fugitives listed in an Interpol "red notice" and the 38th to return since the country launched its "Sky Net" campaign in April 2015.
TEHRAN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Amidst rising fresh tensions between the Islamic republic and the United States, hundreds of thousands of Iranians attended nationwide rallies on Friday to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution in 1979.

People in the Iranian cities swarmed to the streets carrying flags and banners in support of the Islamic establishment leaders and chanted anti-U.S., and anti-Israeli slogans.

The rallies in capital Tehran turned into a demonstration against the recent U.S. sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program, and against new U.S. administration's travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iran.

They also chanted slogans against some regional allies of the United States, including Saudi Arabia.

Addressing the large gathering in Tehran's Azadi (liberty) square, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that the nationwide rallies to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution are a reaction to the recent threats of the U.S. officials against Iran.

The Friday rallies are an embodiment of "national power" and show that "the Iranian people will make regretful those who use the language of threat against the Iranians," Rouhani's words followed by the heat of applause from the people.

"This mass turnout is a response to the incorrect claims of the new U.S. officials," he said, adding that "people have flocked to the streets on Friday to show to the world that (Iran's) revolution is alive and its leadership is not alone."

Last Friday, the United States announced sanctions on multiple entities and individuals allegedly involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and providing support to the military in Iran.

The move came days after Iran launched a ballistic missile test, which drew a stern warning from Washington.

In reaction, Iranian officials unanimously described the missile test as an "inalienable right" of the country to boost its deterrent power. Tehran has vowed to counter the fresh U.S. sanctions.

The Iranian president also dismissed what he called the U.S. "treason" against Iran by confiscating Iran's money in the U.S. banks, and said that the Islamic republic has filed a complaint in the international court against the United States in this regard.

In May, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the transfer of nearly two billion U.S. dollars to the American victims of terrorist attacks, including the 1983 truck bombing of a Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Investigators of the court concluded that Iran was responsible for that attack, which Iran has denied.

On Friday, Rouhani also hailed the achievements of 2015 nuclear deal for Iran, saying that it enabled the country to establish its nuclear rights internationally.

Under the deal, Iran has been able to boost its research activities on the advanced centrifuges and to upgrade the first generation IR-1 centrifuges to IR-8 ones.

Last month, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) announced that it had started injecting uranium hexafluoride (UF6) into advanced domestically-manufactured IR-8 centrifuges.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the deal, as a pact of "disaster" or "the worst deal ever negotiated" and has vowed to renegotiate the accord.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has shrugged off what he called the U.S. "threats" against the Islamic republic.

On Wednesday, Khamenei and Rouhani called for mass turnout in the rallies to condemn the U.S. recent threats against the Islamic republic.

Rouhani said people's "massive" attendance in the anniversary of the Islamic revolution would show solidarity and unity of the nation with the revolution and the leadership.

"In the rallies, people will demonstrate that their glory, independence and national sovereignty are bound to the Islamic revolution," said Rouhani, adding that the active participation of people is of particular importance given the current global and regional situation.

The 1979 revolution in Iran toppled the U.S.-backed regime of Shah and brought the country under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, an event seen as a turning point in Iran's history.
Iranians take part in a rally marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution on February 10, 2017, in the capital Tehran. (AFP Photo)

TEHRAN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Amidst rising fresh tensions between the Islamic republic and the United States, hundreds of thousands of Iranians attended nationwide rallies on Friday to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution in 1979.

People in the Iranian cities swarmed to the streets carrying flags and banners in support of the Islamic establishment leaders and chanted anti-U.S., and anti-Israeli slogans.

The rallies in capital Tehran turned into a demonstration against the recent U.S. sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program, and against new U.S. administration's travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iran.

They also chanted slogans against some regional allies of the United States, including Saudi Arabia.

Addressing the large gathering in Tehran's Azadi (liberty) square, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that the nationwide rallies to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution are a reaction to the recent threats of the U.S. officials against Iran.

The Friday rallies are an embodiment of "national power" and show that "the Iranian people will make regretful those who use the language of threat against the Iranians," Rouhani's words followed by the heat of applause from the people.

"This mass turnout is a response to the incorrect claims of the new U.S. officials," he said, adding that "people have flocked to the streets on Friday to show to the world that (Iran's) revolution is alive and its leadership is not alone."

Last Friday, the United States announced sanctions on multiple entities and individuals allegedly involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and providing support to the military in Iran.

The move came days after Iran launched a ballistic missile test, which drew a stern warning from Washington.

In reaction, Iranian officials unanimously described the missile test as an "inalienable right" of the country to boost its deterrent power. Tehran has vowed to counter the fresh U.S. sanctions.

The Iranian president also dismissed what he called the U.S. "treason" against Iran by confiscating Iran's money in the U.S. banks, and said that the Islamic republic has filed a complaint in the international court against the United States in this regard.

In May, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the transfer of nearly two billion U.S. dollars to the American victims of terrorist attacks, including the 1983 truck bombing of a Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Investigators of the court concluded that Iran was responsible for that attack, which Iran has denied.

On Friday, Rouhani also hailed the achievements of 2015 nuclear deal for Iran, saying that it enabled the country to establish its nuclear rights internationally.

Under the deal, Iran has been able to boost its research activities on the advanced centrifuges and to upgrade the first generation IR-1 centrifuges to IR-8 ones.

Last month, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) announced that it had started injecting uranium hexafluoride (UF6) into advanced domestically-manufactured IR-8 centrifuges.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the deal, as a pact of "disaster" or "the worst deal ever negotiated" and has vowed to renegotiate the accord.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has shrugged off what he called the U.S. "threats" against the Islamic republic.

On Wednesday, Khamenei and Rouhani called for mass turnout in the rallies to condemn the U.S. recent threats against the Islamic republic.

Rouhani said people's "massive" attendance in the anniversary of the Islamic revolution would show solidarity and unity of the nation with the revolution and the leadership.

"In the rallies, people will demonstrate that their glory, independence and national sovereignty are bound to the Islamic revolution," said Rouhani, adding that the active participation of people is of particular importance given the current global and regional situation.

The 1979 revolution in Iran toppled the U.S.-backed regime of Shah and brought the country under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, an event seen as a turning point in Iran's history.
TEHRAN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two workers were killed in a wall collapse in a subway station in Iran's central religious city of Qom, official IRNA news agency reported on Friday.

The two workers were reported missing on Thursday when the subway station wall in Vali-Asr square which is under construction collapsed.

Six other workers were injured, local media said.
MADRID, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The ruling People's Party (PP) and left-wing Podemos both hold their party congresses over the next three days, it was reported Friday.

The PP Congress comes just over three months after it returned to power in Spain as the head of a minority government.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy aims to use the national congress of his party to strengthen internal organization. For example, some party members such as Maria Dolores de Cospedal, currently occupies the positions of secretary general, regional president of Castilla-La Mancha and minister of defense.

Rajoy is expected to push for the creation of an "office for public accusations" to deal with corruption cases against party members.

Meanwhile, Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias and party spokesman Pablo Errejon will battle to lead the party. Iglesias announced that if he loses, he will not only step down as leader, but also renounce his seat in Congress.

Iglesias has been the public face of Podemos since its foundation in March 2014, and wants the party to maintain its traditional close links to community groups. Analysts say Errejon sees the party holding a more parliamentary role, softening its image and moving closer to the political center in order to be seen as the main opposition party.
French President Francois Hollande delivers a speech to the Asian community during a Lunar New Year reception held at Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Feb. 8, 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

PARIS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The year 2016 "was a great year for France and China," said French President Francois Hollande Wednesday, lauding the outcome of bilateral relations over the past year.

During a reception at Elysee Palace celebrating the Chinese New Year, Holland said France and China have witnessed solid advances in civilian nuclear power in recent months, and expressed his appreciation for China's recognition of 45 appellations of wines from Bordeaux.

"I also hope that we can have more (human) exchanges between France and China," Hollande said, referring to the increase in the numbers of French visas issued to Chinese in the past few years.

In his speech, Hollande also praised his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on defending free trade at the Davos summit held in mid-January.

"President Xi Jinping, during his visit at the Davos summit, defended the principles of regulated trade," said Hollande, adding that France also rejects the "temptation of withdrawal, closure and protectionism."

In his keynote speech at Davos, Xi said: "Whether you like it or not, the global economy is the big ocean that you cannot escape from. Any attempt to cut off the flow of capital, technologies, products, industries and people between economies, and channel the waters in the ocean back into isolated lakes and creeks is simply not possible. Indeed, it runs counter to the historical trend."

Hollande also praised China for reaching an agreement on climate change in Paris, stressing the importance of the joint statement between France and China in fighting against climate change.

"France will not accept the questioning of the achievements of this negotiation or the agreement which commits all countries and surely the biggest of them," said Hollande.
Illegal immigrants from North Africa are attracted by flying seagulls near their makeshift tents on Lampedusa island, southernmost Italy, March 29, 2011.(Xinhua/Wang qingqin)

ROME, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Italian government has emerged as a key player in transforming the way the European Union will approach the worldwide migrant crisis.

The most recent developments came on Feb. 4, when leaders from 28 European Union states gathered in Malta for what was billed as an "informal summit" on the migrant crisis agreed to a new 31-billion-euro (33.1 billion U.S. dollars) plan to stem the flow of migrants into Europe.

The tone for the summit was set two days earlier, when Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni met with Libyan counterpart Fayez Al-Sarraj in Rome, where they unveiled a bilateral cooperation agreement where Italy will help Libya finance an array of domestic initiatives.

But the Malta summit was the big news. And while the plan negotiated there has drawn mixed reviews, the summit was significant because it showed the EU has begun searching for solutions to the migrant crisis as a bloc -- a view Italy has long promoted.

"We realize now that we're all in the same boat," Gian Carlo Biangiardo, an expert on migration and demographics with Bicocca University in Milan, told Xinhua.

Gentiloni has been one of the main advocates for the collaborative policy. The 62-year-old Rome native has only been prime minister since December, but he has focused on migrant-related issues for years, advocating for a single European policy in his previous role as Italy's minister for foreign affairs.

Until recently, the strategy among most major European Union players was to turn boats of migrants around when possible, and arguing that Italy and Greece, the two countries most impacted by migrant arrivals and also among Europe's most indebted nations, should shoulder most of the financial and bureaucratic burden of processing refugees because most migrants were landing on their beaches.

In 2015, Gentiloni, as foreign minister, used the words "selfish" and "short-sighted" to describe Europe's strategy.

"It is on this issue that Europe will either rediscover its soul, or lose it for good," Gentiloni said at the time. "Asking Italy and Greece to do more on immigration is like asking a country hit by floods to increase its production of umbrellas."

In Malta, the EU agreed with that view. The plan calls for the nations of the bloc to collectively spend more than ever before to help prevent would-be African migrants from reaching Europe's shores through a combination of collaborating to police the highly-trafficked Central Mediterranean Route that connects Libya and by helping to stabilize the political and economic situation in Libya and other African states to make it more attractive for potential migrants to stay home.

The number of migrant arrivals -- as well as the number to die en route -- has risen each year since 2010. Last year alone, more than 180,000 arrived via the Central Mediterranean Route alone.

Stabilizing Libya is "more important than ever, and the European Union will do its utmost to contribute to that objective," the Malta Declaration stated, adding that the EU is "determined to take additional action to significantly reduce migratory flows along the Central Mediterranean route and break the business model of smugglers."

Seen as an important first attempt at confronting one of the world's most prickly issues, the response to the recent developments among some expert observers was lukewarm.

"The 31 billion euros the EU says it will spend sounds like a lot, but it is not nearly enough," Umberto Triulzi, a political scientist focusing on international issues, said in an interview.

"If potential migrants are going to conclude they are better off staying at home, we will have to confront civil wars, a lack of infrastructure, income inequality, and inadequate education systems."

Biangiardo, from Bicocca University, was only a little more supportive of the conclusion the leaders reached.

"It's a first attempt to solve the problem, and that's a lot better than doing nothing," Biangiardo said. "It will be important to watch what happens next."
JUBA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Intense fighting in South Sudan has displaced 1.5 million people who have been forced to leave the country and seek safety since conflict erupted in December 2013, the UN refugee agency said on Friday.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement that an additional 2.1 million people are displaced inside the world's youngest nation with no solution in sight.

"With this large scale displacement, South Sudan is now Africa's largest refugee crisis and the world's third after Syria and Afghanistan - with less attention and chronic levels of underfunding," UNHCR said.

Intense fighting broke out in South Sudan in July 2016 following the collapse of a peace deal between the government and opposition forces.

The UN agency said over 760,000 refugees fled the country in 2016, as the conflict intensified in the second half of the year - on an average of 63,000 people were forced to leave the country per month.

Some half a million had to flee in the last four months, it said, adding that over 60 percent of the refugees are children, many arriving with alarming levels of malnutrition - enduring devastating impact of the brutalities of the ongoing conflict.

"We are appealing on all parties involved in the conflict for an urgent peaceful resolution of the crisis, without which, thousands continue to arrive in South Sudan's neighbouring countries of Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Central African Republic every day with the conflict now in its fourth year," it said.

The majority of the refugees are being hosted by Uganda, where some 698,000 have arrived.

Ethiopia is hosting some 342,000, while more than 305,000 are in Sudan and some 89,000 in Kenya, 68,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 4,900 in the Central African Republic.

According to the UN agency, recent new arrivals report suffering inside South Sudan with intense fighting, kidnappings, rape, fears of armed groups and threats to life, as well as acute food shortage.

"In 2017, we are seeking 782 million U.S. dollars for regional operations inside South Sudan and the neighbouring host countries," it said.

Those fleeing South Sudan are being hosted by the poorest communities in the neighbouring countries, under immense pressure with scarce resources.

UNHCR said it is extremely worried by the lack of resources to handle one of the world's largest refugee crises.

"We are working with authorities in South Sudan's neighbouring countries to provide life-saving support and look after the basic needs of those arriving in desperate conditions. However, our relief efforts are being hampered by severe underfunding," it said.
British European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Major Tim Peake gives a talk during the first New Scientist Live event on his experiences of ESA expeditions lasting over six months in space in London, Britain, on Sept. 22, 2016. (Xinhua/Ray Tang)

LONDON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Britain's ambitions to journey into space took a leap forward Thursday when the government announced a scheme to see rockets taking off by 2020.

As well as a 12.5 million U.S.dollar-scheme to incentivise the commercial spaceflight market, the government announced that within weeks, a draft legislation will be put before parliament to enable spaceflights from Britain.

Grants are to be made available to help develop commercial launch capabilities for spaceflights.

The funding program comes as the government set a timeline for new legislation which will facilitate and regulate commercial spaceflight.

The Department for Business, Engergy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said the government's ambitions is for Britain to hold a greater share of the commercial spaceflight market, worth an estimated 25 billion pounds (32 billion U.S.dollars) over the next 20 years.

It has issued a call for businesses to develop competitive, commercial and safe spaceflight proposals for Britain-based satellite launch services and sub-orbital flights.

Science Minister Jo Johnson said: "Spaceflight offers Britain the opportunity to build on our strengths in science, research and innovation. It provides opportunities to expand into new markets, creating highly-skilled jobs and boosting local economies across the country."

"We want to see the UK space sector flourish, that is why we are laying the groundwork needed for business to be able to access this lucrative global market. The call for proposals I announced today, together with a new, dedicated Spaceflight Bill, will help make our space ambitions a reality.

Organisations expected to bid for a share of the funding are likely to be joint enterprises of launch vehicle operators and potential launch sites.

BEIS say the funding must be used to develop spaceflight capabilities, such as building spaceport infrastructure or adapting launch vehicle technology for use in Britain. The aim is to establish a commercial spaceflight market to capture a share of the emerging global market from 2020.

A BEIS spokesman added: "There will be further discussions with industry on the future of the UK's commercial spaceflight market at the Royal Aeronautical Society on February 21, hosted by the UK Space Agency."

"The initial call is focused on establishing the commercial spaceflight market in the UK by potentially providing grant funding to the most feasible proposals, and is not a prize. The UK Space Agency will continue to offer support and advice to all potential UK spaceports and operators, regardless of the outcome."
BUCHAREST, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Romania's Minister-delegate for European Affairs Ana Birchall was appointed on Friday as interim minister at the Justice Ministry.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis signed earlier in the day the proposal sent Thursday by Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu.

Grindeanu made the nomination in the context in which Florin Iordache tendered his resignation as Justice Minister on Thursday amid huge anti-government protests in the country after the adoption of a emergency ordinance formulated by his ministry that, according to the opposition and protesters, would likely prevent some politicians charged with crimes from being punished.

Birchall will ensure the interim of office until the appointment of new ministers, within a period no longer than 45 days, in accordance with current legislation.

Birchall, 43, is a graduate in Law Studies by the University of Bucharest and holds a PhD degree in law by Yale Law School, the United States.
File photo taken on July 19, 2011 shows the European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters building and the euro sign in Frankfurt, Germany. (Xinhua/Ma Ning)

BARCELONA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The root problem of the financial system is still present some ten years after the subprime crisis, Xabier Vence, Professor of Applied Economics at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"The economy did not find ways to restore growth in a solid and sustained way," Vence said, adding that "austerity policies aggravate the situation by preventing demand from recovering."

According to the economist, the business model within the financial system has not changed and "it is simply living with assisted ventilation thanks to two huge oxygen pumps: bailouts with public funds in the U.S. and in almost all EU countries, and fantastic injections of money by central banks."

Vence warned that these policies only "temporarily save the banks, but they do not help the productive economy recovery, neither the families" and they are going from being a "temporary oxygen pump" to a future "time bomb."

The crisis revealed "the exhaustion of an extreme financialization system of the economy," Vence said, explaining that the system had tried to "supply with increasing indebtedness the lack of dynamism of the real productive economy."

Speculation and excessive credit boosted a bubble that erupted in 2008 triggering a global financial crisis with severe consequences for the productive economy, the banking sector and society in general.

For the recovery, Vence advocates a radical change in the financial system that should serve the productive economy and society as a whole.

"If the model does not change, we remain controlled by the interests and logic of financial capital, I think it is difficult for the economy to recover in a lasting way," Vence warned, "at most, there could be a new bubble."

Vence believes that there could be a short-term economic recession in some countries derived from the current situation.

"The definancialization of the economy would have to be the goal and the basic condition to lay the foundations of a new model," he said, referring to a new model of financial globalization that gives more power to countries in order to define their own productive, industrial, commercial and cohesion policies, thus giving "a new impetus to growth based on the expansion of domestic solvent demand."
JAKARTA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian national police give a warning on Friday to Islamists leading the opposition to Jakarta Christian's gubernatorial candidate not to take to the street in the city at week end, police chief said here.

The warning was given as thousands of Islamic hardliners plan to gather and pray at Jakarta's major mosque of Istiqlal on Saturday, and the police need to prevent the activity from shifting to a massive demonstration opposing against incumbent governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who will contest in polls on Wednesday.

"Should they do it (rally), police backed by armed force will take a stern action," National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said on Friday.

Under the rules, days before the election days all campaign activities have to be terminated.

Last year, hundreds thousands of conservative Muslim staged in a rally in the country's capital, opposing Purnama, who is on trial for allegedly insulting Islam.

Police have refused initial requests from the Islamic hardliners to stage a rally in the city.

Karnavian stressed that the Islamists may only have their worshipping activity around the mosque and could not march to the street.

Over 23,000 police personnel and nearly 5,000 soldiers will be dispatched to secure the city on Saturday.

Purnama has gained popularity and supports for his efforts to battle graft and simplify bureaucracy.
NAIROBI, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's benchmark 91-day Treasury bill performed poorly for the second straight week as investors shunned it due to poor yields.

The paper was once again heavily undersubscribed this week, pulling bids that amounted to 44 percent of the 38 million U.S. dollars sought, auction data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) showed Friday.

"The total number of bids received amounted to 17 million dollars while total bids accepted were valued at 13 million dollars," said the CBK.

Yield on the bill stood at 8.65 percent from 8.66 percent. The paper was the only one to record a decline as both the 182-day and 364-day bills registered rises in this week's auctions.

Last week, the paper attracted bids worth 37 million dollars, a subscription of 93 percent, with the apex bank only accepting 25 million dollars.

Analysts noted that the 91-day T-bill is currently trading below its five-year average of 10 percent and attributed the poor yield to low interest environment following the operationalisation of the Banking (Amendment) Act 2015, which has led to investors channeling funds more actively towards government securities.

"There is also reduced pressure from the government borrowing programme as they are currently ahead of the pro-rated domestic borrowing target of 140 million dollars, having borrowed 156 million dollars, which is 111 percent of the pro-rated target," noted Cytonn, a Nairobi-based investment firm.

As the 91-day paper performs dismally, investors have shifted to the 182-day and 364-day paper.

This week, CBK sought 58 million dollars from each of the bills and received 172 million dollars representing 299 percent subscription and 60 million dollars accounting for 137 percent subscription for 182 and 364 days bills, respectively.
GARISSA, Kenya, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Somali refugees on Friday welcomed Kenya's court ruling, which declared the closure of the Dadaab refugee camps illegal.

The refugees who fled violence in Somalia to Dadaab refugee camps celebrated after Thursday's court ruling which blocked the planned closure of the camps home to more than 300,000 aliens of Somali origin.

The refugees said that the ruling had brought a sigh of relief to them because the hurry in which the government was enforcing the closure of the camps was worrying since security in Somalia was still fragile.

"It's a big sign or relief for many of us who had no idea where we would be taken to and how we were to start life afresh. The ruling came at the right time because the new Somalia president will have humble time to fix the runaway insecurity," said Mariam Hassan, a refugee from Dagahaley.

High Court judge John Mativo ruled that the interior cabinet secretary and his principal secretary had acted beyond their powers by ordering the closure of the sprawling Dadaab complex.

The judge ruled that the government's decision specifically targeting Somali refugees as an act of group persecution, and was illegal, discriminatory and therefore unconstitutional.

Abdi Mohamed who has been living at the Ifo 2 camp for over ten years said that they had been receiving reports from those who had gone back home that things were not rosy there, creating panic among the refugees.

"As the day of the closure nears, majority of us were in a panic not knowing what awaits us back home. We welcome the courts ruling," said Mohamed.

Garissa peace committee secretary Hassan Osman welcomed the judgment saying that it was timely noting that the judge "has re-affirmed Kenya's commitment to the international convention agreement in which Kenya is signatory".

"It is only when real stability and governance are attained in Somalia with complete social amenities for the refugees and their children that they be taken back," Osman said.

Majority of the refugees who have voluntarily gone back home have been resettled in central and southern parts of Somalia in Doble, Badaab, Jilib and Kismayu.

The Kenyan government through its spokesman Eric Kiraithe said that while Kenya respects the rule of law, it will appeal against the ruling.

Kiraithe said the decision to close down the camp was irreversible, noting that the Garissa University attack that left over 147 people most of them students dead were planned, financed and executed from the refugee camps.

Meanwhile, international medical charity, Medicins Sans Frontiers (MSF) which has long opposed closing the camp, welcomed the court ruling which also reinstated the Department of Refugee Affairs.

"This is a very positive step for the lives of the hundreds of thousands of refugees who have been stuck in limbo since the official announcement about the camp closure was made in May last year," it said in a statement.

The medical charity called on Kenya to uphold the decision, saying any return of refugees to Somalia must be undertaken on a voluntary basis.

MSF has strongly opposed the plan to close the camps since day one, instead urging immediate consideration of alternative solutions to long-term encampment on such a large scale, including increased resettlement to third countries, smaller camps in Kenya or integration of refugees into Kenyan communities.
JAKARTA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese prominent smartphone producer Xiaomi initiated the production in at its Indonesian plant, aimed at complying with Indonesia's local content adoption obligation.

Xiaomi's Indonesian production was declared in an event themed "We are made in Indonesia" held in a lavish hotel here on Friday, attended by the firm's executives, senior government officials and Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Xie Feng.

Operating its production facility located in Indonesia's Batam industrial zone, Xiaomi embraces local partners that comprised of Erajaya Swasembada, Sat Nusapersaada and TSM Technologies.

Addressing the event, Xiaomi Senior Vice President Wang Xiang said initializing its production in Indonesia is a proof of the importance of the Indonesian market to Xiaomi.

"We learn huge potentials for growth in Indonesia. It would be an honor for us to take part during the period that would encourage Indonesia in entering new phase in smartphone industry," he said.

Xiaomi initially entered Indonesian smartphone market in 2014 with Redmi 1S model. It consequently launched more advanced models offered in affordable prices to tap fortune the lucrative smartphone market in Indonesia.

To support its booming sales Xiaomi also opened its service center in Indonesia.

The smartphone model designated to be produced in its Indonesian plant is Xiaomi Redmi 4A. The gadget is fitted with Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, 4G dual SIM card and 3120 mAh battery, allowing the device to have longer active time up to seven hours.

The smartphone would be offered at 1,499,000 rupiah (about 113 U.S. dollars) for Indonesian market with sales scheduled to commence by the end of this month.

Ambassador Xie Feng said the initialization of Xiaomi's Indonesian version represents a new stage in China-Indonesia cooperation, namely a transition from traditional trade and project contracting to investment, technological transfer, personnel training and joint production.

"Once again, it proves the commitment of Chinese enterprises to localization and readiness to grow together with the Indonesian society," the ambassador said in his remarks.

He added that Xiaomi has demonstrated a fine example of Chinese manufacturing in the global market. Its smartphone market share currently ranks the fourth in Indonesia.

"It shows that Indonesian customers not only recognize Xiaomi's quality and service as well as Chinese manufacturing but also have high expectation and confidence in our bilateral cooperation," he added.

According to the ambassador, Xiaomi is among the nearly 1,000 Chinese enterprises investing in Indonesia, bringing their capital, technology and advanced managerial expertise, which help boost local revenue and employment and strengthen Indonesia's economic growth.

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia region, has a growing number of internet users which mostly accessed through smartphones.

According to the results of a 2016 survey, 132.7 million from 256.2 million of population actively accessed the internet in Indonesia. That figure was 51.8 percent higher than in 2014.

Of that internet user figure, 63.1 million ones, or 47.6 percent, used smartphones to access internet.

According to an official data, Indonesia has vibrant smartphone market with annual sales estimated at 35 million ones nationwide.
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council General Office has issued a pilot plan to improve transparency in administrative law enforcement.

The document includes publicity and recording mechanisms and a legal review mechanism for major decisions.

The plan will be piloted in regions and government departments including Tianjin, Hebei, Anhui and the Ministry of Land and Resources.

The plan is crucial to regulation of administrative law enforcement, supervision of performance and protecting the rights and interests of the people, the document said.

It calls for prompt disclosure of information, and requires personnel to identify themselves while performing their duties and record their action via text and video.

The plan sets out a coordination mechanism which includes the Legal Affairs Office of the State Council, National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
VIENTIANE, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Laos will establish its own FDA-like system on food, drug and beverage quality inspection and quarantine, according to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed Friday in Lao capital Vientiane.

Acting Director of Department of Standardization and Metrology under Lao Ministry of Science and Technology Viengthong Vongthavilay, Deputy Director of Lao National Accreditation Bureau Souksavath Sihapanya, and Xie Yu, Chairman of Nakhone Sup Group Sole Co., Ltd, a Lao private enterprise, jointly signed the MoU.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Acting Director of Department of Standardization and Metrology Viengthong Vongthavilay said cooperation in the area is of significance in implementing the Resolution of Laos' 10th Party Congress and the socio-economic development plan of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

As Laos is an official member of the World Trade Organization and ASEAN Free Trade Zone, inspection and quarantine work play a decisive role in Laos' integration in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the world, Viengthong said.

Since the end of 2016, Lao Ministry of Science and Technology has assigned the Department of Standardization and Metrology to conduct consultation with Nakhone Sup Group Sole Co., Ltd on Lao food, drug and beverage quality testing and standard certification. The signing of MoU on cooperation will serve as a basis for feasibility study of the project.

For his part, Xie Yu said following the fast economic development, the Lao government is standardizing and improving its legal regulations and strengthening administrative management. The establishment of the agency will promote Laos' overall environment and help attract more international visitors to Laos for investment.

"The agency will become an important landmark in Laos' standardized development," Xie said.

In future work, the company will utilize advanced testing, inspection equipment and technology as well as experienced personnel. A well-equiped testing and inspection system will be set up, Xie told Xinhua, adding that this will provide a strict quality supervision of food, drug and beverage products being imported into Laos and those of Laos being exported to other countries.

This will ensure that the standards of Lao products can catch up with and even surpass international level, thus guaranteeing food safety for people consumption. The new facility will promote the standardized development of Lao food industry, so that products of Laos can become popular in the world, said Xie.

Lao Minister of Science and Technology Boviengkham Vongdara as well as the ministry's deputy ministers also attended the signing ceremony. Enditem
TIRANA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- President of Albania Bujar Nishani on Friday expressed condolences and sorrow for the tragic loss of lives of the three Chinese miners trapped at a mine in the northeast Albanian town of Bulqiza.

The bodies of the three Chinese miners, who were trapped as a result of a hydrogen gas explosion in the chrome mine on Saturday last week, were found Thursday night after six days of intensive research.

Nishani urged the relevant institutions here to take all necessary technical measures in order to enhance miners' safety at work and prevent tragic events from repeating in the Albanian mining galleries.

"During these days I have followed the rescue operations with great attention and concern, but also with hope, but last night I received the bad news that the three miners were found dead," Nishani said in a statement. "I take this opportunity to reiterate my institutional, but also human appeal, to take all necessary technical measures so that such serious and tragic events are not repeated, and also to shed light on the causes."
LILONGWE, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Floods devastated Malawi capital Lilongwe Friday morning displacing residents, forcing the Malawi Defense Force into aero-rescue response using helicopters.

A number of rivers that feed into the Lilongwe River through one of the largest rivers in the city, Lingadzi River, burst their banks following heavy rains that fell on Thursday night for over six hours.

The floods washed away bridges, crops and submerged homes to hundreds of residents, while children were trapped on their way to school.

Eyewitnesses and local media reported that two school pupils from one of the affected locations in the city were trapped in the floods after a bridge they usually used got washed away and they stood clinging to some of the few standing maize stalks until rescue team arrived.

"It was a very shocking scenario seeing the two pupils aged between 10 and 12 standing in the middle of the floods that went up to their waist and they only had the green maize stalks to cling to for support," an eyewitness told Xinhua.

She said two men braved the floods and swam to the horrified girls in an effort to rescue them but the flooding water raged harder forcing the men to stop the rescue attempts and, instead, let the pupils cling to them for an anchor firmer than the maize stalks.

The Malawi Defense Force came just in time to airlift the stranded four to the relief of the onlookers most of whom were already in tears, according to the eye witness.

Elsewhere downstream similar rescue operations went on and according to the local media about 20 people trapped in the floods were airlifted to safety by the Malawi Defense Force helicopters.

No death was officially reported following the Friday floods but crops and property worth millions of dollars have been destroyed in the areas along the affected river banks.

Floods were also reported in Malawi's lakeshore district of Salima where residents were also displaced and their property destroyed following the rains that also fell on Thursday night.

Over the years floods have hit the southern region of Malawi especially the border districts of Nsanje, Chikwawa and Phalombe.

The Lilongwe flooding incident on Friday was the first of its kind in the city and it has left residents along the river banks fearing for their lives.

Recently the Malawi government announced through the Department of Disaster and Management Agency that it had prepositioned rescue mechanisms in all flood-prone areas and that the department was ready to handle any disaster including where aero-rescue operations would be required.
DAMASCUS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that the recent report issued by Amnesty International about mass hangings in a prison near the capital Damascus is biased and politicized.

In an interview with the American Yahoo News issued Friday by state news agency SANA, the president said the report put the reputation of the organization into question.

"We don't look at it as unbiased, it's always biased and politicized, and it's a shame that such an organization releases a report without any evidence whatsoever," Assad said.

On Feb. 7, the Amnesty released a report stating that the Syrian authorities in Saydnaya prison near Damascus carried out mass hangings of as many as 13,000 people.

The rights watchdog accused the government of a "policy of extermination," adding that its report is based on interviews with 84 witnesses, including guards, detainees, and judges.

The executions happened between 2011 and 2015, said the report, adding that most of those slain are civilians opposed to the Syrian government. They were taken out of their cells "in the middle of the night and in total secrecy."

In his interview, the president said "that doesn't mean anything."

He continued that Amnesty International didn't visit Syria, "and they have made their reports based on allegations, they could bring any person, regardless of whom he is, you can forge anything these days, and we are living in the era of fake news, as you know, and thus we should not rely on that."

On allowing international organizations to visit the prison and inspect the allegations, Assad said that such approval relies on the credibility of the organization, "because they could use such a visit to demonize the Syrian government more and more, like what is happening now."

Assad maintained that what is happening in Syria is a result of the western and regional support to the terrorist groups, saying that the United States have killed civilians since their war on Vietnam, all the way to Iraq, where 1.5 million Iraqis were reportedly killed by the U.S. invasion.

He further quoted former U.S. President Barack Obama as confessing that the presence of IS was a result of the U.S. invasion to Iraq.

On prospects of cooperation with the current administration of Donald Trump, Assad said that if the Trump administration was serious about fighting terrorism, it should happen through cooperation with the Syrian government.

Regarding Trump's talks of creating safe zones in Syria to host the Syrian refugees, Assad said that such a plan is "unrealistic."

"Safe zones in Syria can happen when there is peace and security, where there is no more support to the terrorists by neighboring or Western countries, then there can be a natural safe zone, which is our country."

He further said that restoring stability to make Syria safe again is less costly, and more practical that creating safe zones.

Assad considered that any cooperation in any conflict around the world demands a Russian-U.S. rapprochement, "It's extremely essential, not only for Syria."
VIENTIANE, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Laos has been seeking to attract more Chinese tourists after noticing the large numbers of Chinese people who travel overseas and the large sums of money they spend, local media reported on Friday.

"Laos should target more Chinese tourists because they are high-end customers and spend a lot," Lao state-run Vientiane Times on Friday quoted Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Bosengkham Vongdara as saying at an annual meeting of the information, culture and tourism sector held recently in capital Vientiane.

According to statistics from the ministry's tourism sector, China ranked third in terms of the number of people visiting Laos in 2016. Some 399,556 Chinese nationals came to Laos from January to September in 2016. In 2011, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Laos was recorded at 150,791 people and the figure has steadily increased since then.

China is one of Laos' five neighboring countries, with the others being Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar.

But tourism operators and specialists say Laos needs to develop its tourism market to meet the demands of Chinese customers. Supporting factors such as transportation, services, and tourist sites must be upgraded, while it is also necessary to address the problems that perennially cause difficulties for visitors, according to Vientiane Times.

Xanglao Travel Sole Co., Ltd. Director Vilaysone Louangaphay said on Vientiane Times that in order to fully welcome large numbers of Chinese people the tourism sector needs to study their requirements.

Vilaysone said service standards are something that entrepreneurs must improve, stressing that restaurants, hospitality facilities and transport operators must engender trust among their guests.

Meanwhile, Director of the Information, Culture and Tourism Department in northern Oudomxay province Phonsavanh Phanthavichit said Oudomxay authorities had met with related sectors in three northern provinces that share borders with China, those being Luang Namtha, Bokeo and Phongsaly, to seek consensus in solving issues that impact the tourism climate.

Oudomxay authorities have also discussed with their Chinese counterparts efforts to encourage Chinese companies to invest in various sectors in the province, including tourism.

Phonsavanh said the department will continue to work with hospitality businesses, tourist site operators and restaurant owners to upgrade their services and infrastructure to facilitate visitors.

Chinese people are interested in Lao culture and the lifestyle of ethnic groups, so these areas should be highlighted as part of Laos' sales pitch, said the official. Enditem
PARIS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- French police foiled "an imminent" terrorist plot after arresting four suspects in the southern town of Montpellier earlier on Friday, French Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux said.

During a raid by anti-terrorism units, four people were detained in and around Montpellier with "three of them are directly suspected of preparing violent action on our territory," Le Roux said in a statement.

"This operation, according to initial indications, has foiled an imminent attack," he added.

Le Roux confirmed three men and a minor female suspect were arrested during the raid in which police found explosives and other bomb-making materials.

One of the suspects was believed to be planning a suicide bombing assault against targets which were not identified yet, according to news channel BFMTV.

The 21-year-old man tried to join insurgents in Syria in November 2015. His 16-year-old girlfriend, the minor female suspect, had recorded on Feb. 8 a video in which she pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS).

Recently, an Egyptian national, armed with two machetes, attacked soldiers patrolling the area near Louvre Museum. He slightly injured a serviceman before being seriously shot. He reportedly said he acted alone to avenge Syrian civilians.

Risks of terrorist attacks remain high in France where a state of emergency has been declared after a group of terrorists killed 130 people in a series of explosions and shootings on Nov. 13, 2015.

In 2016, police foiled 17 terrorist attacks, according to official data.
Somali refugees listen during a meeting between refugee representatives and members of UNHCR delegation at Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya, May 8, 2015. Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeastern Kenya, currently houses some 350,000 people. For more than 20 years, it has been home to generations of Somalis who have fled their homeland wracked by conflicts. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

GARISSA, Kenya, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Somali refugees on Friday welcomed Kenya's court ruling, which declared the closure of the Dadaab refugee camps illegal.

The refugees who fled violence in Somalia to Dadaab refugee camps celebrated after Thursday's court ruling which blocked the planned closure of the camps home to more than 300,000 aliens of Somali origin.

The refugees said that the ruling had brought a sigh of relief to them because the hurry in which the government was enforcing the closure of the camps was worrying since security in Somalia was still fragile.

"It's a big sign or relief for many of us who had no idea where we would be taken to and how we were to start life afresh. The ruling came at the right time because the new Somalia president will have humble time to fix the runaway insecurity," said Mariam Hassan, a refugee from Dagahaley.

High Court judge John Mativo ruled that the interior cabinet secretary and his principal secretary had acted beyond their powers by ordering the closure of the sprawling Dadaab complex.

Photo taken on May 8, 2015 shows an overlook of Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya. Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeastern Kenya, currently houses some 350,000 people. For more than 20 years, it has been home to generations of Somalis who have fled their homeland wracked by conflicts. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

The judge ruled that the government's decision specifically targeting Somali refugees as an act of group persecution, and was illegal, discriminatory and therefore unconstitutional.

Abdi Mohamed who has been living at the Ifo 2 camp for over ten years said that they had been receiving reports from those who had gone back home that things were not rosy there, creating panic among the refugees.

"As the day of the closure nears, majority of us were in a panic not knowing what awaits us back home. We welcome the courts ruling," said Mohamed.

Garissa peace committee secretary Hassan Osman welcomed the judgment saying that it was timely noting that the judge "has re-affirmed Kenya's commitment to the international convention agreement in which Kenya is signatory".

"It is only when real stability and governance are attained in Somalia with complete social amenities for the refugees and their children that they be taken back," Osman said.

Majority of the refugees who have voluntarily gone back home have been resettled in central and southern parts of Somalia in Doble, Badaab, Jilib and Kismayu.

Somali refugees prepare to get on a bus heading for Somalia at Dadaab in Garissa, Kenya, July 1, 2016. The Kenyan government on Friday kicked off voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees at the Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeast part of the country. (Xinhua/Stephen Ingati)

The Kenyan government through its spokesman Eric Kiraithe said that while Kenya respects the rule of law, it will appeal against the ruling.

Kiraithe said the decision to close down the camp was irreversible, noting that the Garissa University attack that left over 147 people most of them students dead were planned, financed and executed from the refugee camps.

Meanwhile, international medical charity, Medicins Sans Frontiers (MSF) which has long opposed closing the camp, welcomed the court ruling which also reinstated the Department of Refugee Affairs.

"This is a very positive step for the lives of the hundreds of thousands of refugees who have been stuck in limbo since the official announcement about the camp closure was made in May last year," it said in a statement.

Refugees gather to watch UN High Commissioner for Refugee Antonio Guterres' visiting delegation at Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya, May 8, 2015. Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeastern Kenya, currently houses some 350,000 people. For more than 20 years, it has been home to generations of Somalis who have fled their homeland wracked by conflicts. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

The medical charity called on Kenya to uphold the decision, saying any return of refugees to Somalia must be undertaken on a voluntary basis.

MSF has strongly opposed the plan to close the camps since day one, instead urging immediate consideration of alternative solutions to long-term encampment on such a large scale, including increased resettlement to third countries, smaller camps in Kenya or integration of refugees into Kenyan communities.
TOKYO, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is to hold a formal summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday, during which he is reportedly to present Trump with a number of ways Japan plans to work with the U.S. on trade and job creation.

While Abe claimed that he wants to "build a strong relationship of trust with Trump," many politicians as well as scholars here have criticized and cast doubts over the effects of Abe's "tribute diplomacy" with Trump.

During the summit, Abe is reportedly to present Trump with a five-pronged plan, called the "U.S.-Japan Growth and Employment Initiative," which sets out to create up to 700,000 jobs and new opportunities worth 450 billion U.S. dollars over the next 10 years for the United States, according to local media.

"Trump wants to impose tariff on Japan-made automobiles, but (Abe) now wants to promise to invest huge money in the U.S. infrastructure. This is indeed tribute diplomacy," said Seiji Mataichi, Secretary General of the Social Democratic Party.

"Japan has made a catalog of tributes before Abe set out for his meeting with Trump, including forcibly pushing forward construction work of the U.S. base in Henoko, Okinawa despite strong opposition from local people, as well as the promise to create 700,000 jobs for the U.S.," said Kazuo Shii, head of the Japanese Communist Party .

"Japan itself saw domestic jobs for regular employees decreasing, but Abe is now trying to create more jobs for the U.S.... Such a gesture of offering tributes from the Japanese side would only make Japan more subordinate to the U.S.," he said.

Trump has previously accused Japan of devaluing its currency and blasted Japan's top automakers, including Toyota, for unfair trade. He has also taken aim at Japan for not paying enough for U.S. military forces to be based here.

"Why does the prime minister of the country suffering from deflation try to help create jobs in the world's top economic superpower (the U.S.) ?" said Japan's Hokkaido Shimbun Press in a recent editorial.

The editorial also pointed out that targets such as creating 700,000 jobs and new markets worth 450 billion U.S. dollars will possibly impose huge burdens on private enterprises in Japan.

"Even though (the investment) is to be led by the Japanese government, it is private enterprises that actually pay for it. If the projects are not profitable, the investment and jobs may not grow as planned," said the editorial.

Last week, Abe met with Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda. Though it is not clear what they said, Abe apparently wanted to seek support from private companies such as Toyota to help making contributions to U.S. employment as a way to deal with Trump's trade policy, according to local media.

Earlier reports also said Abe planned to use money from the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the world's largest pension fund, to finance the cooperation he is to present to Trump, which drew wide criticism from opposition parties as well as the public for using public pension fund politically.

Abe later denied the accusation, saying the government has no plan to use money of public pension fund to invest in U.S. infrastructure development and he is not authorized to order the GPIF to make such investment, as the GPIF is in principle independent from the government.

GPIF President Norihiro Takahashi, however, did not rule out the possibility that the fund would expand its U.S. infrastructure investment on its own judgment, saying the fund has a quota to invest in advanced economies such as the U.S. and Europe, which, once again, raised concerns from the public.

Steve Clemons, editor at large of The Atlantic magazine and also an expert on Japan, for his part, said recently at Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo that he thinks Trump and Abe may actually be quite similar in the sense that Abe's previous actions show him to be a nationalist hawk, something Trump can relate to.

But "Abe's trip to the Trump Tower (in November 2016) made him look desperate for attention. It made him look weak in the eyes of Trump's family and advisers," said Clemons.

In Clemons' opinion, Abe could flatter Trump during the coming summit. "They (Trump and his advisers) played along for that moment. But I'm waiting to see if the real Trump, the more pugnacious Trump, begins to show himself with Abe in the Feb. 10 meeting, or whether we'll see a more grown-up Trump," he said.
GENEVA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- In light of the recent U.S. travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) said Friday that it would not take part in the 61st session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York's UN headquarters next month.

"The U.S. travel ban is just the latest in a series of obstacles to women's meaningful participation in international fora," WILPF Secretary General Madeleine Rees said in a statement.

"We had intended to have events profiling women from Yemen, and other Middle East countries affected by conflict. This is no longer possible. As a matter of principle... we have decided to withdraw our participation," she added.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month barring citizens from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Yemen for 90 days from traveling to the United States, as well as suspending the U.S. refugee program for four months in a bid to "protect Americans from terrorist attacks."

The motion has since been overturned, with a federal appeals court refusing on Thursday to reinstate the controversial ban.

Rees pointed out that women from the affected countries had either been denied visas or were unable to attend with certainty the CSW to voice "their struggles for equality, freedom, and nonviolence shared with fellow activists and decision-makers around the world."

In light of this, Rees said that WILPF would redirect its focus and scheduled activities to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, as well as other forums "that allow all women irrespective of nationality, race, language or religion to speak."

Founded in 1915, WILPF is the world's oldest women's peace non-governmental organizations and was one of the first NGOs to be granted consultative status with the UN.
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A child was killed and four others injured in a bomb blast in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region of Bajaur Agency on Friday, officials said.

An official of the local political administration said a roadside planted bomb hit a pick-up truck in Arang area of sub-district Utmankhel in Bajaur Agency, the country's northwestern tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

The official said the miscreants attacked the children of a local elder's family, who were returning home after attending their tuition class.

Security forces, local police and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the body and wounded to the Timergara Hospital.

According to hospital officials, all the injured children were in stable condition and were being treated at the intensive care unit.

Police said around four to five kg of explosives were used in the improvised explosive device and it was detonated with a remote-controlled device.

Security forces cordoned off the area and started a search operation for the perpetrators.

No group has claimed the attack yet. Enditem
SANTIAGO, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A strike paralyzed operations at Chile's leading copper mine for a second day on Friday, after talks with the union failed to produce any results.

The work stoppage by some 2,500 workers at the Minera Escondida of Chile, the world's top copper producing country, began early Thursday over demands for a wage hike, a bonus payment, and other benefits.

The mine, one of the world's largest, is controlled by the majority share holder, the Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton, which said only 80 executives will remain in place to handle pressing affairs.

According to local media, miners are demanding a 7-percent wage increase as well as 25 million pesos (39,000 U.S. dollars) to end the strike.

The company has refused a wage hike and offered 8 million pesos (12,000 dollars).

The union said in a statement that talks failed because the company maintained "its position of differentiating between old and future employees."

"The union maintains it cannot agree to an illegal and unconstitutional discrimination," the statement said, accusing the company of "trying to cut our benefits."

"We are convinced that the blame for the failure of the talks lies with the company, which is trying to take away hard-won union rights in order to maximize profits in the long term for the owners of Minera Escondida," the union said.

Miners indicated they will stand their ground, saying "we will begin the most important union struggle in our country's recent history."

Mining Minister Aurora Williams said the strike could impact the price of copper.

Minera Escondida, located in the Atacama desert in northern Chile, produces about 1 million tons of copper each year.
ABUJA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's technology giant Huawei on Friday donated relief materials including food items to people affected by the insurgency of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

At an event in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, Huawei handed over the food items to the Nigerian government, saying it will increase its social responsibility to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and others facing humanitarian challenges in the West African country.

"Huawei Technologies Ltd, as a company which has been doing business here for more than 15 years, would like to extend our deep commitment to Nigeria by standing by her in her time of need," said Zhong Haiying, deputy managing director of the tech firm.

The donated food items included 2,300 bags of rice, 200 cartons of spaghetti, sugar and oil.

Speaking at the event, Zhou Pingjian, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, hailed Huawei's decision to bring succor to the IDPs in the country as a lofty idea that needed to be encouraged.

"As a good friend of Nigeria, we are ready to play our due part. At the government level, we are working with the government to do something on the issue and at the business level we encourage more and more Chinese companies here to follow Huawei's example to better integrate with the Nigerians here," Zhou said.

On behalf of the Nigerian government, Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau expressed gratitude to Huawei for the humanitarian effort "by contributing toward making life meaningful for the internally displaced persons, most of them being women and children.

More than 2.3 million people have been internally displaced by Boko Haram since the insurgency in northeast Nigeria started in 2009. Most of the internally displaced people are reportedly suffering food shortage. Enditem
Police officers cordon off a street near the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, on Feb. 3, 2017. A French soldier on duty opened fire on Friday at a man who tried to attack him with a knife at the entry of the Louvre Museum, according to local press and witnesses. (Xinhua/Ying Qiang)

PARIS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- French police foiled "an imminent" terrorist plot after arresting four suspects in the southern town of Montpellier earlier on Friday, French Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux said.

During a raid by anti-terrorism units, four people were detained in and around Montpellier with "three of them are directly suspected of preparing violent action on our territory," Le Roux said in a statement.

"This operation, according to initial indications, has foiled an imminent attack," he added.

Le Roux confirmed three men and a minor female suspect were arrested during the raid in which police found explosives and other bomb-making materials.

One of the suspects was believed to be planning a suicide bombing assault against targets which were not identified yet, according to news channel BFMTV.

The 21-year-old man tried to join insurgents in Syria in November 2015. His 16-year-old girlfriend, the minor female suspect, had recorded on Feb. 8 a video in which she pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS).

Recently, an Egyptian national, armed with two machetes, attacked soldiers patrolling the area near Louvre Museum. He slightly injured a serviceman before being seriously shot. He reportedly said he acted alone to avenge Syrian civilians.

Risks of terrorist attacks remain high in France where a state of emergency has been declared after a group of terrorists killed 130 people in a series of explosions and shootings on Nov. 13, 2015.

In 2016, police foiled 17 terrorist attacks, according to official data.
ABUJA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-two people died and 58 others sustained injuries on Friday in a road accident in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kaduna, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said.

The accident occurred when an overloaded articulated vehicle had a burst tyre on the busy Kano-Kaduna expressway, Ahmed Sa'idu-Daura, a commander of the road safety police, told Xinhua.

The official said the accident was "avoidable", noting the vehicle was overloaded with passengers and wood when it suddenly suffered a tyre burst due to speeding.

The injured have been taken to government hospitals for treatment, he added. Enditem
GENEVA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Geneva-based UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Friday said that it received extremely worrying reports suggesting civilians and civilian objects have been targeted over the past two weeks in the southwestern port of Al Mokha in Taizz governorate in Yemen.

It said that while the intense fighting made it impossible for its field monitors to access the area and to verify the number of civilian casualties, "credible reports" indicate that civilians were caught in an intolerable situation between warring parties giving them opposing instructions.

The popular committees affiliated with the Houthis and their allies warned civilians not to leave their homes while pro-government and coalition forces were demanding that they evacuate, the UN office said.

In a statement, OHCHR added that credible reports indicate that Houthi-affiliated snipers shot at families attempting to flee their homes in Houthi-controlled areas, suggesting the use of civilians as human shields.

"In at least one incident, on Jan. 22, 11 civilians were reportedly killed and four injured inside a house that was struck by an air strike," the statement noted.

Reports received by UN also show that more than 200 houses have been either partially damaged or completely destroyed by air strikes in the past two weeks.
BRUSSELS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- There are wide disparities between minimum wages in member states of the European Union (EU), where the highest is around nine times the lowest, the bloc's statistical agency Eurostat said on Friday.

Twenty-two EU member states had a national minimum wage as of Jan. 1 this year. Ten countries, located in the east of the EU, had monthly minimum wages below 500 euros (532.16 U.S. dollars) while seven countries, all located in the west and north of the EU, monthly minimum wages were well above 1,000 euros.

According to Eurostat, the lowest were 235 euros per month in Bulgaria, 275 euros in Romania, and 380 euros in Lithuania and Latvia.

While, the highest were 1,999 euros per month in Luxembourg, 1,563 euros in Ireland and 1,552 euros in the Netherlands.

The federal minimum wage in the United States was 1,192 euros per month in January 2017.

However, the EU statistical agency argued that, when the minimum wages are expressed in purchasing power, the inequalities between the countries will be smaller.

Meanwhile, Eurostat said, compared with 2008, minimum wage increased in all concerned countries except Greece. In Greece, the minimum wage dropped by 14 percent to 684 euros per month.

Six countries -- Denmark, Italy, Cyprus, Austria, Finland and Sweden -- do not have a minimum wage.
ISTANBUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of people in Istanbul and Ankara protested on Friday against the latest purge of 330 academics from universities across the country over their alleged links to terror organizations.

Around 500 protestors, mostly academicians and students, gathered in front of the main entrance to Istanbul's prestigious Bogazici University to say "no" to the government's ongoing crackdown against scholars, rejecting the dismissals as "unfair and illegitimate."

The crowds chanted slogans against the government's use of power to purge not only those with suspected links to terror organizations but also its opponents.

The academics purged lately were among 4,464 public workers expelled on Tuesday under a new statutory decree issued amid the state of emergency imposed soon after a failed coup in July last year.

In Ankara, the national capital, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the dismissed academics, who staged a protest at an Ankara University building to denounce the government decree, local media reported.

Some of the academics were sacked over their suspected links to Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based Turkish cleric who is accused of being behind the failed coup, while others were targeted for signing a petition calling for renewed peace talks with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), press reports said.

The so-called Gulen Movement established by Gulen and the PKK have been branded as terror groups by Ankara.

Some 140,000 people have been detained or dismissed from their posts in the purge launched in the wake of the coup attempt, mostly from the military, police, judiciary, government agencies and schools.
ABUJA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two policemen and a detainee were killed early Friday when bandits attacked a police station in central Nigeria's Kogi State, local media reported.

The bandits stormed the police station at about 1.a.m. and opened fire on the security agents on duty before setting ablaze the facility, Abdullahi Chafe, the Kogi State police chief told the official News Agency of Nigeria.

Another group of bandits attacked and killed a local resident in the area, he said.

A police investigation aimed at apprehending the bandits is underway, Chafe added. Enditem
The crowds chanted slogans against the government's use of power to purge not only those with suspected links to terror organizations but also its opponents. (AFP photo)

ISTANBUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of people in Istanbul and Ankara protested on Friday against the latest purge of 330 academics from universities across the country over their alleged links to terror organizations.

Around 500 protestors, mostly academicians and students, gathered in front of the main entrance to Istanbul's prestigious Bogazici University to say "no" to the government's ongoing crackdown against scholars, rejecting the dismissals as "unfair and illegitimate."

The crowds chanted slogans against the government's use of power to purge not only those with suspected links to terror organizations but also its opponents.

The academics purged lately were among 4,464 public workers expelled on Tuesday under a new statutory decree issued amid the state of emergency imposed soon after a failed coup in July last year.

In Ankara, the national capital, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the dismissed academics, who staged a protest at an Ankara University building to denounce the government decree, local media reported.

Some of the academics were sacked over their suspected links to Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based Turkish cleric who is accused of being behind the failed coup, while others were targeted for signing a petition calling for renewed peace talks with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), press reports said.

The so-called Gulen Movement established by Gulen and the PKK have been branded as terror groups by Ankara.

Some 140,000 people have been detained or dismissed from their posts in the purge launched in the wake of the coup attempt, mostly from the military, police, judiciary, government agencies and schools.
PRETORIA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's National Education Health and Allied Worker Union (Nehawu) protested in various parts of the country on Friday, demanding higher salaries and better working conditions.

Nehawu is the largest public sector union in the country with 235,000 members.

The protests broke out in places including Pretoria, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape. The medics marched in Pretoria and delivered a memorandum to the Department of Social Development with various demands.

Nehawu general secretary Bereng Soke read the memorandum before handing it over to the government official. He said the government has not properly aligned their salary scales to retain skilled staff.

"We demand the implementation of accelerated grade progression, introduction of rural allowance and provision of working tools," Soke said.

Nehawu president Mzwandile Makwayiba told Xinhua that the Department of Social Development had been not responding to their communications for the two to iron out their differences.

Lumka Oliphant, spokesperson of the Department of Social Development, however said they are prepared to negotiate with the workers.

"The department has done a lot of work around the issue of rural allowance with the interests of the workers at heart and we maintain that the workers' demands are genuine. However, these demands should be considered within the context of the country's current economic climate and overall financial situation as well as other competing priorities of national importance," Oliphant said.

She said the government is committed to ensure the safety of all workers. Enditem
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko attends a joint press conference at the end of the EU-Ukraine summit in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)

KIEV, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller on Thursday has reaffirmed the alliance's support for Ukraine, urging Kiev to push forward the anti-corruption and other reforms, the press service of the Ukrainian government said in a statement on Thursday.

"I encourage Ukraine to continue to press ahead with such reforms. NATO will continue to provide political and practical support to Ukraine," Gottemoeller was quoted as saying during her meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman in Brussels.

NATO's assistance includes a program to enhance Ukraine's air security, a program on medical rehabilitation of Ukrainian army servicemen, defense lessons for the military personnel and anti-corruption trainings for the officials of the East European country, Gottemoeller said.

For his part, Groysman has expressed his gratitude to the alliance for the support, saying it is very important for Kiev to continue reforms.

"We have a very precise plan of action which will allow us to implement reforms and they will be on the NATO standards," Groysman said.

Ukraine and NATO established the partnership in 1991, shortly after Kiev gained its independence from the former Soviet Union. Ukraine closely cooperates with the alliance and actively participates in NATO's Partnership for Peace Program.
ROME, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni's cabinet on Friday approved a package of new measures to better manage migration flows in the country.

Key provisions included boosting repatriation of illegal migrants, and shortening the average proceeding time for asylum requests.

"Our strategic aim is not to shut our doors," Gentiloni told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

"We want to transform migration flows from a predominantly irregular phenomenon to a regular one, in which no life is put in danger, and arrivals in our country are regulated," he said.

New permanent repatriation centers will be created across the country, according to the cabinet's decree. "They will be small in dimension, and would provide a total 1,600 available places," interior minister Marco Minniti told reporters.

"There will be one repatriation center in each Italian region (except for small Valle d'Aosta and Molise regions), to be located near major transport infrastructures and, if possible, outside cities," Minniti added.

Another measure would allow Italian municipalities to regularly employ asylum seekers in "socially useful" jobs, such as maintenance of public spaces, or volunteer work with local charities.

The Italian government had already suggested such measures in late 2014, but it has been randomly applied by few municipalities so far.

Besides boosting repatriation and involving asylum seekers in local society, a third key pillar of the decree concerned the length of asylum request proceedings.

Currently, two years is the average time asylum seekers have to wait for a definitive response from Italian authorities, according to the interior ministry. "It is too long, again for both the applicant and the society," Minniti said.

Two measures to speed up the response time were introduced: firstly, cancelling the one degree in the Italian court system to which applicants can appeal; secondly, nominating an extra 250 experts to strengthen existing asylum committees and alleviate their burden.

Italy has taken in a large majority of the migration flows coming from North Africa to Europe through the Mediterranean lately, with a record of 181,000 arrivals registered in 2016.
BAGHDAD, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and 32 others wounded on Friday in a car bomb explosion in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, a police source told Xinhua.

The attack occurred in the evening when a booby-trapped car detonated at a thoroughfare in Resalah district in southwestern Baghdad, the source said on condition of anonymity.

The blast caused damages to several nearby shops, buildings and civilian cars, the source said.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the Islamic State (IS) militant group, in most cases, is responsible for targeting Iraqi security forces as well as crowded places, including markets, cafes and mosques across the country.

Terrorist acts, violence and armed conflicts killed 382 Iraqis and wounded 908 others in January across Iraq, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq said.

The attacks came as the Iraqi security forces backed by anti-IS international coalition are carrying out a major offensive to drive out the IS militants from its last major stronghold in and around Mosul.

Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups, such as the IS, on the United States, which invaded and occupied Iraq in March 2003.
ANKARA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Police seized 153 kilograms of heroin worth estimated 15.3 million Turkish lira (4.14 million U.S. dollars) on Friday in the northeast of Turkey.

The drugs were hidden in the rear floor of a truck heading to Italy from Iran. The vehicle was then stopped by Customs Enforcement Anti-Smuggling and Intelligence Units in Agri province near Iran's border, local Daily Sabah reported.

Police launched the operation after obtaining intelligence that it was smuggling large amounts of heroin.

Iran lies on a major trafficking route between Afghanistan and Europe, and the Gulf states. Large drug seizures are common across the region. Enditem
DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Tanzanian court on Friday convicted a couple of smuggling ivory valued at 1.1 million U.S. dollars.

The Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam found Peter Kabi and Leonidia Kabi guilty of ivory smuggling, while Simon Malisa who was charged along with the couple was acquitted due to a lack of evidence.

The couple was charged with illegal possession of 210 pieces of ivory weighing 450.6 kilograms and five pieces of elephant bones.

They were found with the haul at their Kimara home in Dar es Salaam on October 27, 2012 without a license from the Director of Wildlife in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. Enditem
Terrorist acts, violence and armed conflicts killed 382 Iraqis and wounded 908 others in January across Iraq, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq said. (Reuters photo)

BAGHDAD, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and 32 others wounded on Friday in a car bomb explosion in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, a police source told Xinhua.

The attack occurred in the evening when a booby-trapped car detonated at a thoroughfare in Resalah district in southwestern Baghdad, the source said on condition of anonymity.

The blast caused damages to several nearby shops, buildings and civilian cars, the source said.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the Islamic State (IS) militant group, in most cases, is responsible for targeting Iraqi security forces as well as crowded places, including markets, cafes and mosques across the country.

Terrorist acts, violence and armed conflicts killed 382 Iraqis and wounded 908 others in January across Iraq, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq said.

The attacks came as the Iraqi security forces backed by anti-IS international coalition are carrying out a major offensive to drive out the IS militants from its last major stronghold in and around Mosul.

Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups, such as the IS, on the United States, which invaded and occupied Iraq in March 2003.
U.S. President Donald Trump (L-R), joined by Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, Vice President Mike Pence, senior advisor Steve Bannon, Communications Director Sean Spicer and National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, speaks by phone with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. January 28, 2017. (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

MOSCOW, Feb.10 (Xinhua) -- The development of constructive, mutually beneficial bilateral ties can bring real benefits to the peoples of Russia and the United States and will also have a positive impact on the world situation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told local media.

"From our side, we are ready to work with the administration of D. Trump on the whole agenda of the Russia-U.S. relations on the basis of the principles of equality, mutual respect and taking each other's interests into account," the minister said in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia published on Friday.

The top Russian diplomat also said that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been discussing the possibility of the allies' military deployment in Bulgaria and Romania, which the minister said is "certainly provocative and destabilizing."

"We are closely monitoring the current and prospective military-political situation in Europe. We will stick to a comprehensive approach aimed at securing our borders and Russia's national interests," he said.

Concerning the Syrian issue, the minister stressed: "Unanimously adopted Resolution 2254 of the UN Security Council remains a key element of the internationally accepted framework of the Syrian settlement."

Lavrov insisted that "only Syrian people can determine its future without interference from the outside world."

Talking about Ukraine, Lavrov said that in recent days, the situation in southeast Ukraine has deteriorated and that radical and nationalist forces in Kiev are responsible for the new round of escalation of the situation in Ukraine.

The minister urged Kiev's government to immediately stop military provocations, and to follow existing agreements and begin to fulfill the terms of the Minsk agreements.

Lavrov also said that Russia's Foreign Ministry will continue to promote the creation of favorable external conditions for Russia's security and well-being of its citizens.
ISTANBUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Some Turkish students from Bogazici University in Istanbul on Friday celebrated the Chinese Lantern Festival by involving themselves in traditional recreations as lion dance, making rice dumplings, cracking lantern riddles and performing tea ceremony.

Chilling cold outside, the long corridor of the Confucius Institute's part of building inside the campus was warm and in festive mood, with red lanterns hung in the ceiling, and Peking opera facial masks, Chinese calligraphy works and paintings put on the walls.

Two male students, who were asked to perform the lion dance only in the morning, learned hard from videos and completed their feat to repeated applauses.

The booth for making rice dumplings, or Tang Yuan in Chinese, drew a large crowd. Female and male students, under instructions from their Chinese teacher, made in earnest the traditional Chinese food for the festival and much enjoyed their fruits of labor later, as they know the round-shaped food symbolizes a family reunion in China and the celebrations mark the end of the Chinese New Year festivities.

Some students were invited to have Chinese food on Saturday, on which the Lantern Festival falls, as they were lucky to be awarded the chance in the prize draw, part of the celebrations.

Some 100 Bogazici University students take the Chinese course with the Confucius Institute each semester, with about 30 others from outside attending the weekend courses.

Chen Su, a vice consul general from the Chinese consulate general, lauded the efforts by the Confucius Institute in promoting the exchanges between the peoples of China and Turkey and the overall relationship between the two countries.

Two other Turkish universities, the Middle East Technical University and Okan University, are hosting the Confucius Institute as well.
DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Friday invited development partners and other countries to support his industrialization drive.

The industrialization drive was aimed at achieving for the country, the second largest economy in East Africa, a middle income status by 2025.

Addressing a New Year Diplomatic Sherry Party at State House, Magufuli said he was optimistic that by 2020 Tanzania's economic growth would hit 10 percent annually.

"I am also optimistic that by 2020 about 40 percent of Tanzanians would get jobs in industries and the national per capita income would be 3,000 U.S. dollars," Magufuli told diplomats accredited to Tanzania and representatives of UN agencies and international organizations.

The president appealed to the diplomats and international organizations to bring in investors, especially in putting up industries.

He also asked the diplomats to invite investors towards the implementation of projects such as the standard gauge railway.

The standard gauge railway project will link Dar es Salaam to Mwanza, connecting landlocked Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi.

"My government has already started constructing 300 kilometres of the standard gauge railway starting from Dar es Salaam," said Magufuli.

He said last year the government started to implement its five-year (2016-2021) development plan which is expected to cost 55.5 billion dollars.

Magufuli said out of this amount, the government of Tanzania will release 29.5 billion dollars and the remaining will be given by development partners.

The Tanzanian government has increased development budget from the previous 26 percent to 40 percent this year, according to the president. Enditem
LONDON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Britain and Cyprus are to step up co-operation in maritime security and officer training as part of a new defense program, the British Ministry of Defense (MOD) said Friday.

British Defense Secretary Sir Michael Fallon and Cypriot Defense Minister Christoforos Fokaides signed a defense co-operation program in the capital Nicosia earlier Friday, agreeing to closer working.

The MOD said the two ministers agreed that the key regional partners would now work closely across special forces, counter terrorism, crisis response, intelligence, air defense, hybrid warfare and cyber.

In their statement, the MOD said improved maritime search and rescue co-operation will be a particular focus.

During his visit Fallon offered Cyprus the chance to display alongside the international community at Royal International Air Tattoo 2017, and reviewed opportunities for naval personnel exchanges.

Fallon also announced a continuing commitment to train senior Cypriot officers at the Royal College of Defense Studies in London, together with other training being opened up on the Advanced Command and Staff Course.

An MOD spokesman said: "Sir Michael's visit comes at an important time for Cyprus, following the UN-facilitated talks held in Geneva in January, and as negotiations continue towards a solution to the long-standing Cyprus issue.

"The Defense Secretary confirmed that as a Guarantor Power, the UK will do whatever necessary to secure a settlement and our priority is for both sides to find an agreement allowing each community to feel secure," the spokesman said.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday lauded the "very, very good conversation" he had with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday night.

"I had a very, very good conversation ... yesterday with the president of China. It was a very, very warm conversation," Trump told a joint news conference with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House.

Trump said that he and President Xi discussed "a lot of subjects" during the long phone talk, the first since his inauguration on Jan. 20.

Trump said China and the United States are "on the process of getting along very well," which he said will also be very much beneficial to every country in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan.

The United States is currently holding talks with various representatives of China on the issues concerned, he added.

The White House said Thursday night that Trump and Xi held an "extremely cordial" phone talk, during which they both extended best wishes to the people of each other's countries.

They also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries as the two sides will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest.

Most importantly, Trump agreed to honor the one-China policy, the political foundation of the China-U.S. ties in the past decades, which only recognizes Beijing as the sole legal representative of China.

During the phone call, President Xi said that China is ready to boost mutually beneficial cooperation with the U.S. in various fields such as trade and economy, investment, science and technology, energy, culture and infrastructure.

China will strengthen coordination and communication with the U.S. on regional and international affairs to jointly safeguard world peace and stability, Xi added.

The Xi-Trump talk came amid rising concerns that the China-U.S. ties could be headed toward renewed tensions due to their frictions on issues such as Taiwan, trade, currency and maritime disputes.
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures to media before boarding Marine One departing for Andrews Air Force Base en route to West Palm Beach, Florida, at White House in Washington D.C.,the United States, Feb. 3, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday lauded the "very, very good conversation" he had with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday night.

"I had a very, very good conversation ... yesterday with the president of China. It was a very, very warm conversation," Trump told a joint news conference with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House.

Trump said that he and President Xi discussed "a lot of subjects" during the long phone talk, the first since his inauguration on Jan. 20.

Trump said China and the United States are "on the process of getting along very well," which he said will also be very much beneficial to every country in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan.

The United States is currently holding talks with various representatives of China on the issues concerned, he added.

The White House said Thursday night that Trump and Xi held an "extremely cordial" phone talk, during which they both extended best wishes to the people of each other's countries.

They also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries as the two sides will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest.

Most importantly, Trump agreed to honor the one-China policy, the political foundation of the China-U.S. ties in the past decades, which only recognizes Beijing as the sole legal representative of China.

During the phone call, President Xi said that China is ready to boost mutually beneficial cooperation with the U.S. in various fields such as trade and economy, investment, science and technology, energy, culture and infrastructure.

China will strengthen coordination and communication with the U.S. on regional and international affairs to jointly safeguard world peace and stability, Xi added.

The Xi-Trump talk came amid rising concerns that the China-U.S. ties could be headed toward renewed tensions due to their frictions on issues such as Taiwan, trade, currency and maritime disputes.
ANKARA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) on Friday announced recall and dismissal of Turkish imams who were accused of spying by Germany.

Turkey doesn't accept the accusations of spying but decides to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB) said in a statement.

"The Directorate of Religious Affairs decide to discharge the religious officials from their duties in Germany following necessary examinations and assessments after determining that they had exceeded their power," read the statement.

The measures aim to avoid damaging relations that have been continuing for 40 years between Turkey and Germany, and to prevent the growth of a negative perception among the public toward the directorate and its officials, it added.

German spy agency chief claimed that they "would not tolerate" Turkish intelligence operations within its borders, and the chief prosecutor has launched an investigation into suspected Turkey's Muslim imams in the country.
LIMA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Peruvian government on Friday put up a reward of 100,000 soles (around 30,000 U.S. dollars) for any information leading to the arrest of former president Alejandro Toledo.

It was revealed by Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio on Friday morning in an interview with Canal N television.

"Any person in the world who knows where to find the former president Toledo can receive a reward of 100,000 soles," said Basombrio.

The Ministry's Evaluating Committee for Rewards against Criminality (CERCRI) confirmed that it had agreed to Toledo being added to the reward list.

On Thursday, the country's judiciary issued a resolution ordering 18 months of preventive detention for Toledo, for his suspected crimes of money laundering and influence peddling. This decision came in response to a petition lodged by Peru's anti-corruption prosecutor, Hamilton Castro.

According to Richard Concepcion, judge of the National Penal Court, there is "a high level of probability that former president Toledo carried out illegal agreements with executives of (Brazilian construction company) Odebrecht."

According to Castro's petition, illegal donations or bribes worth 20 million U.S. dollars were donated by Odebrecht to Toledo. 9.626 million U.S. dollars of these were found on UK accounts belonging to a personal friend of Toledo, Josef Maiman.

The money was allegedly paid by Odebrecht to win contracts to build stages II and III of the Interoceanic highway between Peru and Brazil.

Toledo's lawyers have stated they will appeal the resolution.

Last week, Toledo was known to be in Paris, France, from where he was interviewed by Peruvian media. However, Peruvian authorities say his whereabouts have not been known since last weekend.
MEXICO CITY, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- 12 alleged members of the Beltran Leyva drug cartel were killed on Thursday night by Mexican soldiers in two shootouts in the city of Tepic in the western state of Nayarit.

A statement by Mexico's Ministry of the Navy and Army on Friday said that the cartel's lieutenant Juan Francisco Patron Sanchez, also known as H2, was killed.

The ministry said that a joint air and land operation began after gunman opened fire on soldiers, leading Patron Sanchez to be killed by Navy troops backed by a helicopter in Tepic's neighborhood of Lindavista. Seven other members of the gang were also killed.

The ministry also explained that Patron Sanchez was known as being the head of the Beltran Leyva cartel in Nayarit and the neighboring state of Sinaloa.

The second shootout came near Tepic's airport when federal troops again responded to an attack by the cartel. The statement said that four gang members died in the shootout, while no soldiers were injured.

The Beltran Leyva cartel arose in the 1990s, mainly dealing cocaine from South America into the U.S., in alliance with the Sinaloa cartel of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

The two cartels broke their alliance in 2008, leading to a bloody rivalry between them.

Also on Thursday, El Chapo's former sister-in-law, Idalia Romelia Salazar, was shot dead by unknown assailants in the western state of Jalisco.
WARSAW, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo was injured in a car collision in the south Polish city of Oswiecim late on Friday, Polish Press Agency (PAP) reported.

Szydlo was in the second car of a government motorcade when a Fiat Cinquecento collided with it. The prime minister and a Government Security Bureau officer were injured in the accident, according to the local police.

Szydlo was taken to a hospital in Oswiecim immediately after the collision.

Government spokesperson Rafal Bochenek said the prime minister is undergoing a routine medical checkup after a minor collision in Oswiecim and has not suffered any serious harm.

Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW) is in Oswiecim to investigate the circumstances of the accident and try to reconstruct what happened, PAP has been told by Stanislaw Zaryn, spokesperson for the minister-coordinator of special services.
SANAA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's dominant rebel Houthi group called on the United Nations to play "an active role" in stopping the civil war, demanding not to renew the term of the UN peace envoy, according to a letter published by Houthi-controlled Saba news agency late on Friday.

In a letter sent to the UN Secretary General, the Houthi group demanded the UN to end the commercial air and sea blockade imposed by Saudi-led coalition and investigate the coalition's aerial bombardments on the last year funeral hall in the capital Sanaa and other civilian targets.

"We also demanded not to renew the term of the current UN peace envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, for his failing and lacking of impartiality during his mission," the letter quoted Houthi official Saleh al-Sammad as saying.

In December, the coalition-backed Yemeni government rejected a peace roadmap suggested by Ould Cheikh on forming a new sharing government with Houthi rebels and ending the two-year-old war.

The situation in Yemen has deteriorated economically and politically since March 2015, when the war broke out between the Shiite Houthi group, supported by former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and the government backed by the Saudi-led Arab coalition.

The ongoing ground battles and airstrikes have already killed more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians, injured more than 35,000 others and displaced over two millions, according to humanitarian agencies.
UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday welcomed the conclusion of the electoral process in Somalia and the election of a new president in the country.

On Wednesday, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, former prime minister in Somalia's transitional federal government between 2009 and 2010, was elected the new president of Somalia.

In a presidential statement adopted here, the 15-nation Security Council welcomed the political and security progress in Somalia since 2012 and underscored the need to maintain the momentum towards democratic governance in Somalia.

It underlined the importance of the timely and transparent appointment of ministers and cabinet positions in consultation with the Somali parliament, according to the statement.

The council members also called on President Farmajo and his government to give urgent attention to the immediate risk of famine, to take active steps to prevent it, and to address the consequences of the severe drought in Somalia.

The country's new president will have to deal with multiple challenges facing the country including security threat from extremist group Al-Shabab and the severe humanitarian situation.

UN statistics show that five million Somalis -- more than 40 percent of the country's population -- do not have sufficient food.

Besides, Somalia was one of seven Muslim-majority countries whose citizens were banned from entering the United States for 90 days by a now-suspended Trump administration executive order.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L) and Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim attend a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey, on Feb. 10, 2017. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed their optimism for a breakthrough solution in the near future to the Cyprus issue that would satisfy both communities. (Xinhua/He Canling)

ISTANBUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed their optimism for a breakthrough solution in the near future to the Cyprus issue that would satisfy both communities.

"The efforts of the guarantor powers will allow for a breakthrough in the near future, a breakthrough able to fully respect the concerns of the Turkish Cypriot community about the security, but at the same time compatible with the concerns of the Greek Cypriot community," the UN chief told reporters following a meeting with Yildirim in Istanbul.

The Turkish premier said security and guarantees are indispensable issues at the Cyprus talks.

"The important point is to secure the future of the Turkish Cypriot people," he reiterated Turkey's stand at the talks.

A landmark conference was held in Geneva on Jan. 12, when the three guarantor powers -- Britain, Greece and Turkey -- attended talks aimed at bringing peace to Cyprus by establishing a united and bi-zonal federation on the island.

The talks, however, stalled over the security and guarantee issue as the parties could not agree on the fate of Turkish troops on the island.

Greece urged the Turkish troops to leave Cyprus, while Turkey insisted that a full withdrawal of its troops is something "out of the question."

"The two leaders of the two communities are meeting every week now and making progress in relation to the outstanding issues that need to be solved between the two communities," Guterres said in Istanbul.

He said the UN will be entirely at the disposal of the two Cypriot communities and of the guarantor powers "in the search for a solution that is acceptable for all."

The Greek and Turkish-Cypriot communities have been divided since 1974 with a UN buffer zone in between.

Cyprus is home to about 800,000 Greek Cypriots and 220,000 Turkish Cypriots. The 1974 invasion by Turkish troops displaced a total of some 200,000 Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

During the Geneva talks, the two communities exchanged maps setting out proposals for new boundaries, the first time they had taken such a step.

In Istanbul, Guterres also spoke of the Syrian talks in Geneva slated for Feb. 20, stressing that his organization is aiming for an "inclusive" representation.

"We want that representation to be inclusive of all the relevant parties from the opposition, both at the level of the armed groups and also the political components," he said. "That is absolutely essential."

The current Middle East tour will also take the UN chief to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Egypt.
UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- An appeal of 748 million U.S. dollars was launched Friday to assist 6.7 million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2017, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said.

"This represents the first year of a new three-year action plan in the DRC, where civilians are affected by one of the world's most acute and protracted humanitarian crises," Haq told a regular briefing at the UN headquarters.

The appeal, which was launched in DRC's capital city of Kinshasa by the humanitarian community and the Congolese authorities, targets over 2.1 million internally displaced people, 500,000 children less than five years old suffering from acute malnutrition, and hundreds of thousands threatened by diseases and epidemics.

With worsening levels of conflict over the past year, humanitarian actors project that the needs are likely to increase even further in the coming months, Haq noted.

According to the UN, insecurity has forced on average 2,000 people per day into displacement in 2016, increasing the number of displaced people from 1.6 million to more than 2.1 million. Moreover, measles and cholera have also become major recurring health issues.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The phone talk held by Chinese President Xi Jinping with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump is a good first step in fostering the China-U.S. dialogue and provides a platform for further cooperation, U.S. experts said Friday.

"The phone call was a good first step...for fostering dialogue between Presidents Trump and Xi," Dan Mahaffee, an analyst at the Center for the Study of Congress and the Presidency, told Xinhua in an interview.

Trump and Xi held a lengthy and "extremely cordial" phone conversation Thursday night on numerous topics, during which they agreed that the two sides will engage in discussions on various issues of mutual interest.

"The fact that it was cordial, and the discussion' s tenor reflects that both leaders understand that while differences remain, they need to be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy," Mahaffee said.

Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International peace, told Xinhua that the call "was very important to provide a foundation of stability in the U.S.-China relations as well as a platform for further wide-ranging cooperation and the management of emerging tensions."

The call was the first between the leaders of the top two economies in the world since Trump's inauguration in late January. Before Thursday, Trump had already talked on the phone with about 20 foreign leaders except Xi, fueling concerns that the absence of contact between the two leaders could lead to renewed tensions in the China-U.S. ties.

The Xi-Trump phone conversation was important to break the ice in the China-U.S. ties, Darrell West, vice president and director of Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua in an interview.

"The call helped to open the door on high-level consultation, which is good for both countries," West said.

"It is important that China and the U.S. remain in close contact. They are the two leading nations in the world and it is crucial that there are open communications so there are no misunderstandings or (something) that could spiral out of control," he added.

The experts agreed that Trump's affirmation of the one-China policy, the bedrock of the China-U.S. ties, paved the way for the phone call, which probably came after Trump and advisers concluded that the costs of not doing so could bring greater costs than benefits.

Trump had previously aggravated China by taking a call from Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen after winning the U.S. presidency last November and telling the U.S. media in December that the one-China policy was open for negotiation.

"The fact that Trump now embraces the one-China policy will allow the relationship to unfold more naturally," West said, citing that resolving the issue was a prerequisite for addressing every other issue.

If Trump continues to question the one China policy, there would be no basis for President Xi to interact with him, said Paal, a former director of the American Institute in Taiwan.

Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Xinhua that Trump probably was convinced by his top aides that it was necessary to make the one-China statement "in order to move forward with the U.S.-China relationship in other areas."

"The costs of not adhering to the one China policy were very high," Glaser said, though adding that this should not be seen as Trump making a concession.

Media reports revealed that U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had said in written answers to questions after his Senate nomination hearing that the U.S. should adhere to the one-China policy.

As China and the U.S. start negotiations to address their frictions and advance cooperation on various issues of mutual interest, there is a broad range of issues that demand early attention, the experts said.

They include the nuclear program of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, U.S. trade deficit with China, mutual investments and boosting American exports, Paal said.

Mahaffee said at the top of the agenda of the China-U.S. talks should be the issues of maritime disputes in the South and East China Seas, cyber security, as well as trade, investment and currency.

"I think there can be discussions aimed at avoiding miscalculation between the nations in the sea, air, space and cyber domains, and I also think that agreements on trade and investment could be reached that would make it easier for companies from either country to invest in the other," he said.

Related:

Xi appreciates U.S. gov't's adherence to one-China policy in phone talks with Trump

BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said he appreciated his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, for stressing that the U.S. government adheres to the one-China policy. Full story

China appreciates Trump's greetings on Chinese Lantern Festival

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday confirmed that it has received a letter to President Xi Jinping, sent by U.S. President Donald Trump, who extended his greetings ahead of the Lantern Festival.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily press briefing, responding to reports that Trump on Feb. 8 sent a letter to President Xi, wishing Xi and the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and saying that he looked forward to working with China to develop a constructive relationship. Full Story

Spotlight: Constructive U.S.- China relations to stay strong & thrive in long run
Espirito Santo's secretary of public security Andre Garcia (C) and the state's commander-in-chief of militarized police Nylton Rodrigues (L) attend a press conference in Vitoria, capital of the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, Feb. 10, 2017. The government of Brazil's state of Espirito Santo may seek to indict 703 military police for mutiny, it said on Friday. The move came almost a week after around 10,000 police officers went on strike on Feb. 4, causing a surge in violence in the state. (Xinhua/Wilton Junior/AGENCIA ESTADO)

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The government of Brazil's state of Espirito Santo may seek to indict 703 military police for mutiny, it said on Friday.

The sentences might be eight years to 20 years imprisonment, it added.

The move came almost a week after around 10,000 police officers went on strike on Feb. 4, causing a surge in violence in the state.

In a press conference, Espirito Santo's secretary of public security, Andre Garcia, and the state's commander-in-chief of militarized police, Nylton Rodrigues, said that the police would not receive their pay until the strike ended, and that the families of officers could also be prosecuted for their participation.

"We will bring back discipline and hierarchy to the military police. We will rebuild the military police as a new police which does not turn its back on society," said Garcia, adding that the government had made every effort to dialogue with the police to end the strike.

Rodrigues also said that the military police's justice system would accelerate the process to determine responsibility among the officers. These reports would be sent on to the federal army and if accepted, the police officers found responsible would receive a military trial.

Since last Saturday, the military police of Espirito Santo have been staying at home, demanding greater public investment on security and a salary raise.

The absence of police officers in the state has led to a spike in crime. The local authorities said that at least 121 people have been murdered, over 300 shops have been looted and over 170 cars have been stolen in the state capital of Vitoria since the strike began.

The state's chamber of commerce estimated that the damage due to the looting had risen to at least 300 million reais (about 96 million U.S. dollars).

The situation reached such a level that the federal government has dispatched 1,700 troops to ensure security on the streets, the number which might rise to 3,000 this weekend.
Tourists visit a lantern fair ahead of the Lantern Festival in the Tang Paradise in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 9, 2017. Lantern Festival falls on Feb. 11 this year. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)
CTO: Caribbean tourism arrivals and spending hit all-time high

CTO Secretary General, Hugh Riley, revealed the statistics yesterday during his presentation of the Caribbean Tourism Performance Report 2016 at the CTO head office in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Despite political, security and economic uncertainties and challenges in our main source markets, tourist arrivals to the Caribbean increased by 4.2 percent in 2016, better than the 3.9 percent overall internationally. Riley said it was encouraging to note that the Caribbean welcomed over one million more visitors last year than in 2015, to reach 29.3 million, continuing our proud record of continuous growth for the seventh straight year. Visitor expenditure also hit a new high, growing by an estimated 3.5 percent to reach US $35.5 billion.

The United States remained the Caribbeans primary market with an estimated 14.6 million stay-over arrivals, up 3.5 percent than in 2015.

However, it was Europe that recorded the highest rate of growth among the main source markets, led by strong increases from Germany (8.2 percent) and the United Kingdom (4.1 percent).

Despite terrorist attacks in some countries, the Brexit referendum in the UK and bumpy economic outcomes across continental Europe, arrivals from that market climbed by 11.4 percent, to reach 5.6 million.

The strong European performance was evident by the healthy increases of between six and 16.8 percent in each month, compared to the corresponding month in 2015, Riley said.

Intra-Caribbean travel also performed well, recording a 3.6 percent increase  the second straight year of growth  despite costly and fragmented air service.
Escaped prisoner recaptured

According to reports, officers from the Warrant Section in the Sangre Grande Police Station, led by Cpl Garcia and including PCs Kheerai, Smith and Cortez received information and went into a track about half mile into a forested area where they saw a makeshift camp and found Clifton Moses asleep.

He was arrested and handcuffed by officers who took him back to the Sangre Grande Police Station. He is expected to be charged with escaping lawful custody and assaulting a police officer.

On Tuesday at 1 pm, Moses who was awaiting transportation to be taken back to Remand Yard in the Golden Grove prisons, Arouca managed to escape from the cell at the police station.

He pushed down a police officer and ran out of the station.

Moses was on remand after being unable to raise bail for charges of house breaking and larceny.

He appeared in the Sangre Grande Magistrates court on Tuesday, hours before his escape.
Servol student in court

The teenager, a student of Servol in La Romaine, appeared in the San Fernando Magistrates Court before Gloria Jasmath and pleaded guilty to both offences.

Cpl Vinton Dinoo of the San Fernando Police Station laid the charges. The accused student lives in Claxton Bay. Court prosecutor Sgt Krishna Bedassie said that at about 3 pm on Wednesday, Cpl Dinoo was awaiting transportation to go home having completed duties at the police station.

While standing at the corner of Lord and Coffee Streets in San Fernando, he observed a group of female students, from various schools, fighting. With the assistance of civilians, the off-duty officer intervened to stop the fight. While doing so, the 16-year-old assaulted a Form Four pupil of La Romaine Secondary.

On being warned by Cpl Dinoo, the accused student cursed his mother.

Warned a second time by the officer about her conduct, the court heard, the accused student again cursed Cpl Dinoos mother, this time in a louder tone. She was arrested and taken to San Fernando Police Station where the charges were laid.

She was also granted station ownbail and her parent contacted.

Attorney Cedric Neptune who held for attorney Marissa Bubb in the matter, said that the accused student lives with her father, who was present at the hearing.

The magistrate ordered a Probation Officers report and adjourned the case to March 23 for sentencing.
Relatives baffled at Enterprise mans killing

The only people that could really tell you what happened is him, his killer, and God, said a relative who awaited the results of an autopsy done at the Forensic Science Centre in St James. I was not there at the point in time, and I am hearing a lot of mixed stories, so I dont know what to believe. Relatives were told gunshots were heard on Manswell Street, Enterprise, and when residents checked they found Stephenson lying in a pool of blood in the road, suffering from gunshot wounds.

He died at the scene.

Yesterday, the man was initially identified by reports in the media as Gabriel King, however relatives clarified his name, along with other pertinent information.

He is not 35, his name is not Gabriel King, and no relative killed him. said one relative, I dont understand where they (the media) got their information from. Relatives described Stephenson as a quiet person who kept to himself. He was also described as a family man, who did everything for his two children. Relatives expressed shock on hearing of his death, knowing that he was not involved in any criminal activity.

Police officers are also trying to determine a motive behind the shooting as they continue their investigation.

He wasnt in a gang, and he kept to himself, said one relative, When I heard he was killed I couldnt believe it. I had to ask over and over, just to be sure. This is something no one would want to experience. The autopsy confirmed that he died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Man who had cutlass is fined $300

Rampersad Kowlesser, 62, of Dereck Avenue, St Charles Village near Ste Madeleine, appeared before San Fernando Magistrate Gloria Jasmath and pleaded guilty. Estate Constable Gosine, of Special Elite Investigations Limited, charged him with possession of a cutlass with intent to commit an arrestable offence namely to wound.

Fourth Court prosecutor Sgt Krishna Bedassie told the court that on Wednesday at about 6.50 pm, Kowlesser entered Wong Ming Restaurant and Bar at St Charles Village and started shouting and knocking on a table. Gosine, who was on duty at the establishment, warned Kowlesser about his behaviour and he (Kowlesser) left.

The prosecutor added that about 20 minutes later, Kowlesser re-entered the restaurant and bar with a brown-handled cutlass in his right hand.

Yesterday,Kowlesser, who was unrepresented by counsel, told the magistrate he went into the establishment to make a complaint about inconsiderate parking of customers.

Jasmath fined him $300 to be paid within a day or in default he will spend 30 days in jail.
ACP Crime advises: Ignore crime info on Social Media

According to ACP Hackshaw, for the past week persons have been sending photographs of persons allegedly being murdered, even naming persons as victims, and in one instance a video was shared of a man being beheaded.

Coupled with that, there have been numerous voice notes as well as some women alleging that they escaped from human traffickers.

The senior officer said that all the information waschecked and all turned out to be bogus.

He said officers of the Police Cyber Crime Unit have been working around the clock to ascertain where the information was coming from, and the police would get involved once the perpetrator/s was/ were found.

He said that people were engaging in causing a nationwide panic in the country when people were already concerned about crime. He added that persons should put country first and stop using social media for their own selfish purposes.

Yesterday, people received information on messaging app WhatsApp that three men were murdered at Mission Road, Freeport, and names of the alleged victims were given.

However, when Newsday contacted the Homicide Bureau, it was determined that the information was fake. Hackshaw further advised that if persons were concerned about the information they received on social media, they can contact the Police Service and provide the information.

Newsday understands that acting CoP Stephen Williams was also informed about the bogus information being sent through social media and he advised his communications manager, Ellen Lewis, to condemn the falsehood being perpetrated by unknown persons
Devant challenges Dillon in court

In a lawsuit filed by Maharajs team of attorneys, the former minister contends that by failing to prepare the reports and have them laid in both houses of Parliament, the minister has acted illegally and has breached his ministerial duties. He also contends that the failure to provide the reports can stymie the collection of data for the formulation of policies for crime prevention and policing.

Under the ICA the national security minister is mandated to lay annual reports, within three months, after the end of each year, which provides number of warrants applied for to intercept communications, warrants granted and refused, the number and nature of interceptions made, the number of persons arrested, the number of criminal proceedings commenced by the State and the number of prosecutions commenced and their outcome.

Maharaj contends that Dillon has breached the statutory duty under Section 24 of the ICA by failing to prepare the reports for the years 2012 to 2015.

He said in his lawsuit that the legislation directs that the reports are to be laid so as to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of State funds...

And that communications are being intercepted in accordance with the law. Maharaj also contends the minister is accountable to the courts for the legality of his actions/inactions and administrative decisions.

Justice Frank Seepersad is presiding over the matter and Maharaj is represented by attorneys Jagdeo Singh, Larry Lalla, Dinesh Rambally, Criston J Williams, Kiel Taklalsingh and Karina Singh.

The lawsuit further noted that democratic accountability of the far-reaching powers granted under the ICA is mainly achieved through the obligations imposed on the minister to prepare and lay the reports in Parliament. Failure to adhere to this statutory provision does not only have implications of illegality, but also undermines the principles of democratic accountability, rule of law and the basic trust that the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago can place in its Government, the lawsuit contended.

Unregulated interception of communications of citizens is open to misuse and abuse, the lawsuit added. Maharaj wants the court to order the minister prepare the reports and have them laid in the parliament.

He said he was told in November, 2010, that he was one of the persons whose communications were intercepted unlawfully.

The ICA represents a real conflict between an individuals constitutional right to respect for his private and family life, his common law right to privacy and the publics interest in national security, Maharaj said in his lawsuit.
Plenty police at Chutney final

The 120-strong police constable strength was approved yesterday in the San Fernando Magistrates Court. A Liquor Licence application came up before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John, in which attorney Ravi Diptee submitted on behalf of show promoter George Singh, that such a strength was not necessarily needed.

Diptee said that despite the scaling down of prizes for the 11 artistes in this years final, attendance is expected to be in the thousands. At last years final, 111 police constables were on hand. Court prosecutor Cleyon Seedan announced that the police had no objection to the licence and that the total number of police constables would be 120; 16 corporals; eight sergeants and four inspectors. There will be 26 firemen together with senior fire officers.
SEPoS teachers on go-slow

The teachers decided to take this action hoping that police presence near the school could be heightened.

The teachers began calling in sick on Wednesday and yesterday, only a handful attended classes. Newsday was told if the police presence increases, classes would resume as normal next Monday. On Tuesday, a 14-yearold Form Three student was making her way to school and being late, decided to take a short-cut to reach the school faster. This proved a bad decision as she was accosted by a group of men who robbed her of a cell phone and money. While they were robbing her, the men threatened to rape the schoolgirl who was fondled by her attackers. A passer-by who saw what was happening, raised an alarm causing the men to flee.

The weeping child was accompanied to the school where a report was made to teachers.

School sources said a police presence initiated some time ago in and around the school have dwindled. Only last week, another student was robbed near the school.

Officials of the TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) yesterday said they were aware of the actions of the SE PoS teachers adding that similar action was taken two years ago when teachers felt their personal safety was compromised.

As a result, Port-of-Spain police began to conduct patrols around the school and a mobile patrol unit was in place every morning before classes and in the afternoon when classes ended.

Ministry of Education officials yesterday met with police to have in increased presence at the school to ensure the students and teachers safety.

Contacted for comment, a senior police source promised that patrols will be increased in the area.
Industrial relations expert hits Petrotrin handling of settlement

Courtney McNish questioned how a trade union could force a company to the negotiating table to negotiate a current agreement while a previous one was awaiting conciliation at the industrial court. The trade union outfox; outsmart; outthink big ... these are people with Masters and PHDs running the country and they let Roget get them to go to the table and talk about a current period before the court. Take me to court then for failing to meet and treat...I am not negotiating, he said. On January 9, 2017 after some thirty hours of negotiations, Petrotrin and the OWTU reached an interim agreement on a five percent wage increase for the period 2011-2014 while the two sides were also negotiating an industrial agreement for 2014-2017. McNish said he was not upset at the agreement that was reached but he was upset that a company as important as Petrotrin could get itself into a position where it began negotiating for a current period while a previous one was outstanding at the Industrial Court.

Mc Nish was the feature speaker at a seminar, The secret to successful negotiations in collective bargaining held yesterday at the headquarters of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce at Westmoorings.

He told participants that a union should not be expected to accept a companys response that it cannot pay a benefit but that the company should be prepared to show its books to prove its position. He added that inability to pay is not an argument on its own. He said human resource professionals must have sources which can tap into what is happening in the workforce as this would be useful in informing them whether the interests of the workers are in keeping with those of the union. He said the union might have national objectives which are not the same as those of the workforce.

Mc Nish said the company should always be in settlement mode and some signs that the union is ready to settle would include the withdrawal of new items proposed and when the two parties are between one to two points of settlement. He said once the settlement has been reached the negotiating team should break the meeting and have the terms of settlement typed up and signed. During a panel discussion, Industrial Relations Consultant Kawal Singh said it was most important that the company maintain a social relationship with the union. He said the company often begins with the view that the union is bad or evil but once the union achieves majority status in the company it is like a marriage - the union is there for life. He said that 90 percent of the time when companies build good relationships with the union, they never end up at the Industrial Court.

He said that employers are at a disadvantage in negotiations because while trade unions are talking and strategising with each other, employers hardly ever talk to each other.
Dan Crawford | February 10, 2017 5:10 am



by Linda Beale

Betsy DeVos was confirmed as Secretary of Education in a Senate vote that had every Democratic Senator voting against her, along with two brave Republican Senators (Lisa Murkowski, Alaska; and Susan Collins, Maine). Thanks to those no-voters who showed integrity. Regrettably, the vote created a tie, broken in DeVoss favor by Trumps Veep, Mike Pence. Note that the result is that Senators representing by far the vast majority of the American people voted AGAINST DeVos.

As a Michigander, I can tell you firsthand that this is a disastrous choice for the head of the most important Education agency in the country. Betsy DeVos is just another one of Trumps billionaire crony capitalists who are using service in the governmentwhich is supposed to be about service on behalf of We the Peopleas a way to funnel more money to their fellow crony capitalists through elimination of protective regulations, open exploitation of federal lands, and willful ignorance about the harm that their crony capitalist policies have done and will do to the economy.

ASIDE: Check out, for example, Melania Trumps new lawsuit claiming $150 million in damages from The Daily Mail because its article on the company she modeled nude for suggesting that the company was an escort service cost her the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get rich off of her multi-term exposure to being the most photographed woman in the worldi.e., (not explicitly stated but clearly implied) her status as First Lady.

Betsy DeVos is an heiress with billions who married into another crony capitalist family with billions. The DeVos family has used its wealth to curry favor and influence in state and federal government. IN particular, Betsy DeVos has been busy using her wealth to remake public education in Michigan in line with her own particular religious and crony-capitalist views on Michigans education. She supports junk science including intelligent design, the pseudo-science replacement term for religious creationism, in an attempt to undo scientific support for evolution. She has pushed charter schools on Detroitblaming any education shortcomings on dedicated teachers and disadvantaged students in public schools that have been deprived of hundreds of millions of state dollars owed them while turning a blind eye to the abject failures of for-profit charter schools in which management companies rip off taxpayer dollars to overpay executives without having to comply with any of the accountability measures that are pressed on public schools that are underfunded.

Betsy DeVos knows nothing about public education, knows very little about the privatized charter schools she pushes, knows nothing about education law, and knows nothing about improving education in inner cities or poor rural areas. What she does know is that she supports any way possible to take taxpayer money and give it to religious and other private schools to use without accountability to the public.

I predict that the result of her term as Secretary of Education will bring further devastation of public schools, more funneling of taxpayer money to line the pockets of private school managers and even less requirements of assessment and accountability from those very managers, a dearth of fact-based evidence for anything in education, more and more rip-offs of ordinary Americans by for-profit purported schools like the fraudulent so-called university that was Trump Universityi.e., a precipitous slide in American education caused by the crony capitalist privatization impulse and real harm to the children and grandchildren of that minority of the American population that voted Trump and his ilk into office.

The result is that tax dollars that public education so desperately needs will be sent instead to the pockets of the already rich. Public education will continue to struggle to innovate and expand programs that can reach underprivileged children who dont have enough food, shelter or home stability to learn well. MOre and more children will be subject to religious indoctrination rather than education, and be less prepared to deal with the global world we all live in and to take the kinds of jobslike renewable energy, and engineering and medical researchthat provide the basis for a broad-based, stable, productive economy that makes life better for all of us.

Trump voters, beware. You thought Trumps promise to restore energy jobs was one devoted to helping you. Look, there are already more jobs in electric power generation from renewable energy in this country than in coal. See, e.g., US solar power employs more people than oil, coal and gas combined, report shows (Independent.co.UK, Jan 23, 1017); There are now twice as many solar jobs as coal jobs in the US (Vox Feb. 2, 2017). The way to restore jobs (whether energy or otherwise) isnt to try to drive the country back to the 1950s when white men were almost the only workers at any decent paying jobs and the multinational corporations had not yet taken over U.S. businesses and moved much manufacturing to other countries. The way to create jobs in the United States is to embrace the creativity and ingenuity of the American people, build an environmentally better world with clean water, clean air, clean food, regulating the companies to protect the people, and teach our children facts rather than alternative facts about the world we live in. Climate change denialism, continuation of the hundred-year-old giveaways to oil and gas and coal industry polluters while squelching assistance to the new renewable energy industries; privatizing education and health care (including moving Medicare to the States in a way that would allow them to make serious cutbacks in health care for those on Medicare)these things that the Republicans stand for will ultimately leave America the Great more of a third-world country and seriously hurt that group of rural and suburban ordinary Americans that voted for Trump more than anyone else.

Betsy DeVos is the most obvious example of a Trump crony money-bags who has no business in government, but there are plenty of others that Trump has put forward, such as the EPA director nominee (a person who has filed numerous lawsuits intent on destroying the EPA and doesnt want the government to act to protect Americans from rich polluters), the Labor Secretary nominee (a person whose company has frequently violated worker protection laws and who wants businesses able to make profits by exploiting (and harming) their workers), and the Attorney General nominee (Jeff Sessions, a person who in his career made a point of trying to squelch black vote organization drives).

The Trump administration is engaged in class warfare in its most heinous formusing the agencies of the federal government that are designed to protect ordinary American people to roll back those protections and give away federal resources to crony capitalists. And the Republican party leaders, after their obstructionism of health care and environmental protection for working class folk during the last 8 years, are now rolling over backward in spineless obedience to the Trump machine steamrolling over ordinary Americans needs.
Union calls on PM to apologise

During the first Conversations with the Prime Minister forum on Monday, Rowley, responding to a question on the high murder rate said onethird of the murders were related to domestic violence and called on women to be more selective in their choice of mates, Im not in your bedroom.

Im not in your choice of men. You have a responsibility to determine who you associate with and to know when to get out. His comment caused national outrage among womens groups with many saying he was victim shaming and blaming those women who were victims of domestic violence and other forms of crime.

In a statement yesterday, Maharaj, who is also political leader of the National Solidarity Assembly (NSA), said the PM must understand that the intent of his statement and even if in his mind his statement was misconstrued, is irrelevant to the perceived insult generated against all women and the manner in which his statement came across to the general public. To turn this issue into a mountain, defending it at all cost is to show arrogance by the Prime Minister that is unwarranted and unjustified.

The Prime Minister must clarify his statement honestly and admit that he wanted to send a genuine warning to women and that inadvertently he would have been unable to express what he felt properly, he said.

Maharaj said women were not property, slaves or possessions but were the backbone of our families and our society and should never be afraid to simply live or to love or to have feelings and emotions. To simply tell women to be careful about the men they get into relationships with is to turn them into robots, without emotions and feelings, Maharaj said, adding, no one can definitely say or know what goes on deep within the recesses of anothers mind. You cannot, in a vacuum, call on women to choose wisely, we are all human beings and will make mistakes, to do so is to subtly place all blame on women even if they are the victims, he added.

He said the PM should have urged men to treat women with the respect they deserve while women should not allow themselves to be treated as chattel by any man, to demand their respect and at the first sign of disturbing behaviour on the part of a man, to take note, to try and assess logically and if unsure to get help. Our mothers and daughters and sisters must never be put in a position where they are blamed for the misdeeds of men, he said.
EU grant funding soon for TT

This past Monday, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Planning and Development Joanne Deoraj, who is also this countrys national authorising officer, held valuable discussions with ambassador of the EU Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago Arend Biesebroek, in anticipation of the development and official signing of TTs 11th EDF Innovation Programme.

The meeting, held at the ministrys head office, Eric Williams Financial Complex, Port-of-Spain, was also attended by Ulrich Thiessen, international co-operation programme coordinator; Monica Paul-Mc Lean, programme officer; Beverly Khan, deputy permanent secretary; Marie Hinds, deputy permanent secretary; Natasha Helena Zoric, international co-operation advisor, and Ashti Ragoonanan, programme officer, European Development Fund Unit.
Govt moving to reopen school

Referring to issues which have caused the closure of the school, Gopee-Scoon said, In the interim, the ministry is exploring the option of securing alternative accommodation for teachers and students of the school. Asked by Mark how soon classes would resume at the school, Gopee-Scoon reiterated that the Education Ministry is treating the matter with urgency.

She added that the Blind Welfare Association is in dialogue with the ministry at this time. She said the ministry has told the association that issues such as the promotion and discipline of teachers are the remit of the Teaching Service Commission.

Gopee-Scoon said the daily operations of the school fall under the ministry and by extension, the principal.

She also said a memorandum of understanding has been drafted which will guide the operations and functions for the School for the Blind, including the roles and responsibilities of the respective parties. Responding to another question from Mark, Gopee-Scoon said Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ayanna Webster- Roy, recently held talks with officials of the Childrens Authority to determine the status of the services they offer.

She said the authority has been asked to submit a revised submission about posts to be filled on a priority basis as well as any financial resources they require.

Gopee-Scoon added that Cabinet will consider these matters.
Minister: Court matter will not affect Carnival

Addressing the post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Anns, Gadsby Dolly said, I would like the public to know that this in no way affects Carnival. Everything has been put in place for Carnival and we are expecting a very successful and enjoyable event.

Based on the turnout at calypso tents and the various panyards so far, Gadsby Dolly stated, It seems Carnival is being well enjoyed by the public and we expect this matter, whatever the outcome, will not affect that to any extent and we look forward to a wonderful Carnival.

On the issue of allocation of money to various Carnival stakeholders, the minister said, There will never be a time that everybody is happy with everything, because the world is not perfect. Gadsby Dolly observed that even in better economic circumstances, there are those who are, not satisfied at that time either.

She said the nations current economic circumstances require people to make the most of what is available to them. Gadsby Dolly said people need to be open to change and, restructuring of the way we do things. She added that Government stands ready to support Chutney Soca and all the different genres, as we go forward.

Speaking later, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young said, government has not given money to the organisers for prize money. He added it was up to organisers of particular events and not Government, to decide as an enterprise what quantum of money is allocated towards prizes. Regarding the building currently occupied by the Trinidad Theatre Workshop (TTW), Gadsby Dolly said, At this time there is no crisis to be averted.

Indicating there were conversations with Public Administration and Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie about identifying new accommodations for the TTW, she explained, The issue is that building is up for sale. It is not that they are being put out of the building, they do have a lease until this June. She said there is no issue at this time regarding the use of the TTWs current location.
UNC alderman: I have paid all my debts

In the last few weeks, several people have said they promised payment by Bidaisee for work done during his campaign in the months leading up to the election and on election day itself, November 28. However, speaking at the corporation yesterday, Bidaisee produced several receipt books showing dates and amounts paid to different people who worked with him.

The alderman said he paid more than 30 people for work done during his campaign. I have all my receipts to show that I paid these people so for some to say Im owing them, its wrong, Bidaisee said. He told Newsday that the people who are making these claims are envious of his position.

I am a little humble fella who the partys political leader (Kamla Persad-Bissessar) trusted enough to put in this position and its just envy with these people, he said, adding that he has always been a man of the people.

He is calling on the those who are claiming to be owed by him, to pursue the matter in the courts.

I have nothing to hide, I have all my documents with me so if they want to take me to court, they are more than welcomed. My mission is not to be a millionaire, I want to help the people of Sangre Grande. That is all I want to do, he said.

Newsday spoke to several persons who said they worked very hard campaigning for Bidaisee and are still awaiting payment.

Karen Samaroo said that besides campaigning for Bidaisee she worked as a street captain on the day of the local government election.

She was promised $600 for her work and claims she has received no payment.

I have two children and I could not even buy toys for them for Christmas, she said.

Samaroo said she tried contacting Bidaisee but claimed he has stopped answering her calls.

I dont mind if he told me to be patient but he hasnt said anything to me at all. Im here waiting and I dont know what direction to go to take this further, she said. Megan Seejattan said she was paid half $600 promised and did not get a receipt.

I dont know what those receipts show but I did not get any receipt, Seejattan said.

She too, claimed to have tried contacting the alderman but was not successful.
Maharaj wants special Parliament sitting

In a media release, Maharaj who also heads the All Trinidad General Workers Trade Union (ATGWTU), said the Parliamentary sitting must be one with a difference and not used to score political points as much as it must be a discussion among Parliamentarians, the peoples representatives about the best way to deal with the escalating and almost out of control crime situation. It must be a sitting carried live not only on television but on radio, where every member elected to the House of Representatives by the people, must let the people know what are their suggested solutions to the crime situation, Maharaj stated.

It must not be a sitting where the Opposition opposes for opposing sake or the Government imposes for imposing sake.

It must be a coming together of ideas in full view and witness of the people who would have elected these members to office.

Let the Members of Parliament earn their keep and let every single one of them speak, he added.

Let it be that at least once in our nations history if only for one day, we could have a United National Front Parliament, where Members of Parliament will discuss the crisis facing our country, not as PNM or UNC Members of Parliament, but as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, representing the peoples interest, Maharaj stated.
PP slammed for Red House

Recalling that Parliament was relocated from the Red House to Tower D of the Portof- Spain International Waterfront Centre in 2011, Young said, The question must arise as to what happened in the period 2011 to 2015, the period when Senator Mark held that position as Speaker of the House. Indicating that as Speaker Mark chaired a steering committee which was dealing with restoration of the Red House, Young disclosed, In the period 2012 to 2015, they tried to restore the roof of the Red House and that is now a national scandal presided over by the goodly Senator Mark, where over $23 million were expended. While the technocrats at the time advised the committee to terminate the contractor, who had absolutely no experience in building roofs, Young said, No termination took place until this administration came in and took charge of it. Referring to Marks earlier contribution, Young said $13.7 million was spent over three years on a companion building for the Red House. You found coins for $13.7 million? That must have been a lot of coins, Young observed.

After indicating consultancy fees at that time amounted to $26 million, Young told Mark, In total, you oversaw the expenditure of $47.5 million of taxpayers money, excluding VAT, and you still think the taxpayers want you to oversee this? Senators expressed shock when Young said the PP approved a sum of $744 million for the restoration of the entire parliamentary precinct, including the Red House. Indicating a companion building was part of this project, Young said that would have cost taxpayers $411 million, had it been constructed.

He said the Peoples National Movement has ensured there would be substantial savings to taxpayers by clearing and outfitting Cabildo Chambers as the companion building instead of constructing a new building.

On the advice of the Cabinets Historical Restoration Sub-committee, which is chaired by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Young said the approved budget for the restoration of the parliamentary precinct is $241 million. Other members of the committee are Young, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, Finance Minister Colm Imbert and Planning Minister Camille Robinson- Regis.

Young said the Urban Development Corporation of TT has issued 15 packages of works for the Red House and is undertaking an open competitive tendering process to select contractors to undertake these works. He said the project should be completed before 2019. At the appropriate time, he said, a joint select committee will be appointed for the accommodation of the Parliament.
Trumps approval rating keeps climbing despite lying media attempts to show hes SO unpopular

The discredited establishment press wants you to believe that a man who won by an electoral landslide and a sizeable majority outside of the single state of California is suddenly the most unpopular new president ever.

Like, really. Ever.

The sheep among us believe that tripe and swallow it hook, line, and sinker. But most Americans with common sense know that doesnt pass the smell test, and they are right.

In a country as divided as ours is (more on this in a moment), Trump  according to the daily presidential tracking poll by Rassmussen Reports  has a 53-percent approval rating, and its been rising steadily since he took office. The poll found that 47 percent disapprove.

Meanwhile, other polling has him already falling out of favor with the majority of Americans. The Washington Examiner, for instance, reported that Trumps approval was at 45 percent, an underwater mark previously unseen for a president this early in his first term.

Thats just difficult to believe, given so many intangibles that suggest otherwise. (RELATED: Find out how theyre fooling you today at Hoax.news)

Yes, its impossible to turn on the nightly news and not see new images of fresh protests against some Trump policy or another. But the vast majority of those protests are staged, paid for, and involve relatively small numbers of Americans, comparatively speaking.

Also, it is clear that American corporations trust Trump to deliver on his pledges of lowering corporate taxes and cutting federal bureaucracy, the two macro policies he believes will jump-start the nations moribund economy, which never reached 3 percent growth in a single quarter during the Obama administration, a record (low).

Average Americans are also feeling much better about things since Trump beat the hapless, chronically investigated and hopelessly corrupt Hillary Clinton, especially when it comes to the housing market. Breitbart News noted:

A National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index revealed [in December] that Builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes rose to its highest level since July 2005. This most recent index jumped seven points to 70.

And there is this: CNN, ABC, and other fake news outlets were caught doctoring their polls in January to tank Trumps favorability among the electorate by oversampling Democrat voters. The Daily Caller noted that two polls released [Jan. 17]  one from ABC and a second from CNN  tout Donald Trump as being the most unfavorable incoming president in modern history  yet on second look, the data is clearly boosted by the pollers decision to oversample Democrats.

Fake news; fake polling. (RELATED: Whats real in the news and what isnt can be found at MediaFactWatch.com)

Moreover, the Washington Examiner delved further into existing polling. Trumps policies, objectives, and his image are holding up just fine among voters in Republican districts and states key to the presidents ability to drive his agenda through Congress, and his partys success in 2018.

In other words, Trump is is much stronger than national polling indicates.

The bad news for you and your colleagues is that writing about the national numbers in this environment is a useless exercise, David Carney, a veteran GOP New Hampshire operative who has served as an adviser to some presidential contenders, told the Washington Examiner. People are arguing over Super Bowl ads, the country is divided.

Forget the national numbers. The reality is that Trump and his policies won the election and they havent hurt him since. In fact, as Rassmussen notes, Trumps favorability numbers have actually been going up, not down. That the Alt-Left mainstream media is calling him the most unpopular president ever at this early stage of his first term doesnt make any sense, and in fact, they had to doctor up their polls.

The thing to remember is this: The forces aligned against Trump are varied and many, most all of them associated with the old order  the nexus of political, academic, media, and foreign policy establishment. They will say and do anything to discredit our 45th president, cast him in an inaccurate light, and undermine his agenda.

And for the record, Rasmussen was one of the few accurate polls in the last election cycle, predicting a Trump victory.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for Natural News and News Target, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources:

RassmussenReports.com

WashingtonExaminer.com

Breitbart.com

DailyCaller.com

GoodGopher.com

Submit a correction >>
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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 ...

What Happened to Shane Kilcher? His Injury Update, Net Worth and More Shane Kilcher is well-known thanks to the Discovery Channel series Alaska: The Last Frontier. It is a show that documents the daily lives of the extended Kilcher family, people who live without plumbing or modern heating. The episodes follow their routines as they rely on hunting and farming for their nutritional needs as well as ...

Is Stephanie Gosk Gay or Lesbian, Who is the Wife or Partner  Jenna Wolfe? In August 2013, NBCs Today viewers were greeted with two shocking news. Today weekend anchor, Jenna Wolfe, announced that she was as a lesbian, introducing her partner as NBC News correspondent Stephanie Gosk, and said the two are expecting their first child. A long time has passed since then and certainly, a lot of things ...

Nikki Mudarris  Bio and Net Worth: 5 Interesting Facts You Need to Know Nikki Mudarris, also known as Miss Nikki Baby, is a reality television star, model and fashionista. Shes best known for VH1s reality TV series Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood. Her entrepreneurial skills enable her to create and run a successful lingerie line Nude by Nikki. Not only that, but Nikki has also successfully run the Las ...

5 Interesting Things You Need To Know About Kelly Nash Ever heard of the lady who gained national prominence for taking a selfie with a dangerous ball just a few inches away from hitting her? Its no other person than Kelly Nash, an American sports broadcaster currently working as host of The Rundown show which airs on MLB Network every weekday at 2 pm ET. ...

Understanding The Height of Fame John Oliver Achieved With The Daily Show and How He Met His Wife Without knowledge of who he is and his exemplary career, John Oliver cuts an unassuming figure of a regular man but he is one of the most influential personalities in America, especially on television. Since he began his career in 1998, he has been a loud and unapologetic agent of change, using his wit and ...

Why Did Big Chief Leave Street Outlaws, Where Is He Now And Why Did He Divorce His Wife? Justin Shearer, otherwise known by his professional name Big Chief is a famous street racer and television personality. He is famously known for being one of the main characters on the racing reality television series, Street Outlaws. Justin, who had been a significant part of the show since its premiere in 2013, appeared in a ...

Who is Josina Anderson of ESPN? Her Husband and Family Facts There has been a gradual paradigm shift in the world of sports which has today produced the likes of Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and other female athletes that are pulling great feats in different sporting fields. Their achievements have also been followed by the emergence of female sports journalists such as Jillian Mele, Eboni Williams, ...

Is Brittany Wagner Married, Who Is The Husband, How Old Is She? Brittany Wagner has been an inspiration to a lot of sports youngster. She has won the hearts of many athletic students with her role as a life coach and an academic counselor. She is well groomed in her career and has worked over a decade for The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and The National ...

Tati Westbrook Bio  Age, Husband & Net Worth With five videos dished out every week, alongside running her own brand, beauty guru, and YouTube superstar Tati Westbrook has proved to the world that theres utterly no impossibility or limit to whatever one is passionate about. Tati is best known for being the owner and manager of the worlds most-viewed beauty and lifestyle YouTube channel, ...

Cathy Areus Long Road to Becoming a Freelance Journalist and What to Know About Her Kids An American freelance journalist, news analyst, and author, Cathy Areu has built a lasting reputation for herself on cable television. Popular for her skillful and sassy presentation of professional views on varying topics including cultural and feminist issues, Cathy is an inspiration to many women across the globe. In addition to being a journalist, she ...

Tucker Carlsons Love Story With Wife Susan Andrews, their Children and Net Worth Today On the TV screens, Tucker Carlson is that fiery fellow who passionately dishes out his conservative and often controversial views on issues of national importance. Such brazenness has fetched him many enemies, especially on the left-wing, but it has also helped him cement a reputation as one of the foremost broadcast journalists in America. His ...

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Amanda Balionis Rise Through the Ranks of Sportscasting and the Identity of Her Boyfriend Amanda Balionis is an American sportscaster currently working as a golf broadcaster for CBS Sports. Among so many of her works in the field of sports reporting, Amandas PGA Tour coverage seems to be the most popular so far. She covered the Super Bowl working with CBS Sports social media team in Atlanta, where she ...

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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Is Simon Cowell Gay? Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend and Why is He Famous? Simon Cowell is a well-known talent show judge, TV producer, entrepreneur and one of the most popular TV personalities that Britain has ever produced. In conjunction with his company, Syco, Cowell is the brain behind hugely successful talent hunt shows such as The X-Factor UK, The X-Factor US, Britains Got Talent, Americas Got Talent and ...

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Revolution: 250,000 Romanians march to end Government corruption

Citizens in Romania apparently want to drain the swamp, too.

Every night for almost two weeks, some 250,000-plus people have shown up in Bucharest, the capital, to protest the policies of the left-wing government, the second-largest protests since the toppling of communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

Prompting the demonstrators to take to the streets was an emergency executive order by placeholder Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu and his ruling Social Democrats (known as the PSD) to weaken anti-corruption laws.

As a result of the mass protests against the government scheme they tried to sneak though, PSD leaders withdraw a decree scheduled to go into effect on February 10 that would have permitted bribes to officials of up to about $50,000 in U.S. dollars, according to the Free Thought Project.

Officially, the measure is supposed to prevent prison overcrowdingBut critics allege that the government is now using the overcrowding to justify pardoning its own political allies, the Washington Post explained before the Romanian decree was dropped. (RELATED: Read more about government overreach at BigGovernment.news.)

Decriminalizing public corruption could also be a ploy to put PSD party leader Liviu Dragnea, who is serving a two-year suspended sentence for election fraud and is under investigation for other alleged misconduct, back in power, the Free Thought Project, along with various other news agencies, suggested.

The official who prepared the decree, Justice Minister Florin Lordache, has stepped down from his post, while at the same time insisting that the bill was legal, the BBC reported.

Elected in December 2016, the PSD-controlled government, which survived a no-confidence vote in the legislature this week, now plans to rewrite the law and submit it to parliament rather than try to use the Obama technique of circumventing lawmakers a second time. (RELATED: Read more about political news at NewsTarget.com.)

Romanias ceremonial president Klaus Iohannis, who was elected by direct vote in 2014, scolded the PSD for trying to push through the controversial decree in a country that has a reputation for rampant corruption owing to its communist legacy.

Romania needs a strong government which works transparently, which governs predictably, in the light of day, not hiding at night. Make good laws for Romania, not for a group of politicians with problems, Iohannis said, according to Euronews.

Iohannis has not called for new elections, however, which is permissible in a parliamentary system if or when things go sideways. The PSD won in December with 45 percent of the vote and formed a coalition with several smaller parties.

Since 2013, Romanias Anti-Corruption Directorate prosecutors have stepped up their investigations of government malfeasance.

Follow more conservative news at Conservative.news.

Sources:

TheFreeThoughtProject.com

BBC.com

WashingtonPost.com

Euronews.com

Submit a correction >>
Celkon Win 400 vs Microsoft Lumia 535 : Comparison of Features and Specification

New Delhi, Sun, 12 Jul 2015 NI Wire

Celkon Win 400 is the smartphone from Celkon with 4.0 inches screen and the resolution of the screen is 480 x 800 pixels pixels. Phone was announced in 2014, November.

Microsoft Lumia 535 is the smartphone from Microsoft with 5.0 inches screen and the resolution of the screen is 540 x 960 pixels pixels. Phone was announced in 2014, November. Screen of the phone comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Here we are taking about comparison of the features and specification of the devices Celkon Win 400 and Microsoft Lumia 535. Celkon Win 400 device comes with Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. This phone is powered with Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor which gives maximum performance. While Microsoft Lumia 535 device comes with Li-Ion 1905 mAh (BL-L4A) battery. This device is powered with Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor which gives maximum performance.

Celkon Win 400 phone comes with 4 GB, 512 MB RAM and it provide support for microSD, up to 32 GB.

Microsoft Lumia 535 phone comes with 8 GB, 1 GB RAM and it provide support for microSD, up to 128 GB.

The primary camera of Celkon Win 400 is 5 MP and the specification of the primary camera is Geo-tagging.

Celkon Win 400 phone comes with a front camera and its specification is: 1.3 MP.

The primary camera of Microsoft Lumia 535 is 5 MP and the specification of the primary camera is 1/4'' sensor size, geo-tagging.

Microsoft Lumia 535 phone comes with a front camera and its specification is: 5 MP.

Main Features comparison of the devices Celkon Win 400 and Microsoft Lumia 535.

Touch

Celkon Win 400 provide the support for multi-touch and the screen comes with 480 x 800 pixels (Approximately 233 ppi pixel density) resolution.

Microsoft Lumia 535 provide the support for multi-touch and the screen comes with 540 x 960 pixels (Approximately 220 ppi pixel density) resolution.

Battery

Battery of the Celkon Win 400 is Li-Ion 1500 mAh.

Battery of the Microsoft Lumia 535 is Li-Ion 1905 mAh (BL-L4A).

Display

Display size of the Celkon Win 400 is 4.0 inches and display resolution is 480 x 800 pixels pixels.

Display size of the Microsoft Lumia 535 is 5.0 inches and display resolution is 540 x 960 pixels pixels.



OS

The mobile device Celkon Win 400 runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1. Whereas Microsoft Lumia 535 runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1.

Processor

Celkon Win 400 is powered with Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. Whereas Microsoft Lumia 535 comes with Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor.

Storage

Celkon Win 400 device comes with the 4 GB storage supported model(s).

Microsoft Lumia 535 device comes with the 8 GB storage supported model(s).

Camera

Celkon Win 400 comes with Primary camera is of 5 MP and the second camera is of 1.3 MP.

Primary camera is of 5 MP and the second camera is of 5 MP in the device Microsoft Lumia 535.

Check the full specification of Celkon Win 400.

Check the full specification of Microsoft Lumia 535.

Check Celkon Win 400 vs Microsoft Lumia 535 : Comparison of Features and Specification in detail..
Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM vs Nokia C1 : Comparison of Features and Specification

New Delhi, Sun, 12 Jul 2015 NI Wire

Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM is the smartphone from Microsoft with 5.0 inches screen and the resolution of the screen is 720 x 1280 pixels pixels. Phone was announced in 2015, March. Screen of the phone comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Nokia C1 is the smartphone from Nokia with 5.0 inches screen and the resolution of the screen is 720 x 1280 pixels pixels. Phone was announced in Exp. announcement 2015, Q1.

Here we are taking about comparison of the features and specification of the devices Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM and Nokia C1. Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM device comes with Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery. This phone is powered with Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor which gives maximum performance. While Nokia C1 device comes with Non-removable Li-Ion battery. This device is powered with processor which gives maximum performance.

Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM phone comes with 8 GB, 1 GB RAM and it provide support for microSD, up to 128 GB.

Nokia C1 phone comes with 32 GB, 2 GB RAM and it provide support for TBC.

The primary camera of Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM is 8 MP and the specification of the primary camera is 1/4'' sensor size.

Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM phone comes with a front camera and its specification is: 1 MP, 720p.

The primary camera of Nokia C1 is 8 MP and the specification of the primary camera is Geo-tagging, touch focus.

Nokia C1 phone comes with a front camera and its specification is: 5 MP.

Main Features comparison of the devices Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM and Nokia C1.

Touch

Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM provide the support for multi-touch and the screen comes with 720 x 1280 pixels (Approximately 294 ppi pixel density) resolution.

Nokia C1 provide the support for multi-touch and the screen comes with 720 x 1280 pixels (Approximately 294 ppi pixel density) resolution.

Battery

Battery of the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM is Li-Ion 2500 mAh.

Battery of the Nokia C1 is Non-removable Li-Ion.

Display

Display size of the Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM is 5.0 inches and display resolution is 720 x 1280 pixels pixels.

Display size of the Nokia C1 is 5.0 inches and display resolution is 720 x 1280 pixels pixels.



OS

The mobile device Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM runs on Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Denim. Whereas Nokia C1 runs on Android OS, v5.0 (Lollipop).

Processor

Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM is powered with Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. Whereas Nokia C1 comes with processor.

Storage

Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM device comes with the 8 GB storage supported model(s).

Nokia C1 device comes with the 32 GB storage supported model(s).

Camera

Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM comes with Primary camera is of 8 MP and the second camera is of 1 MP.

Primary camera is of 8 MP and the second camera is of 5 MP in the device Nokia C1.

Check the full specification of Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM.

Check the full specification of Nokia C1.

Check Microsoft Lumia 640 LTE Dual SIM vs Nokia C1 : Comparison of Features and Specification in detail..
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Former Palestinian Premier Salam Fayyad has been rumoured to replace Martin Kobler at the helm of UN Special Mission in Libya.

A leaked letter by the UN Chief Antonio Guterres to the UN Security Council dated February 8 went viral on social media announcing the appointment of the Palestinian official, Libya Herald reports.

The Libyan media, citing high key sources, confirms the Palestinians appointment, but says the German diplomat will remain in the position for a while.

Fayyad was Palestinian Premier between June 2007 and June 2013. He also held the Palestinian finance ministry from June 2002 to November 2005 and again from March 2007 to May 2012.

Educated in the US with a background in finance, Fayyad is appreciated in the West for his reform of the financial system within the Palestinian Authority.

The 65-year old man also worked with the World Bank (1987-1995) and as the International Monetary Funds representative to Palestine based in Jerusalem from 1996 to 2001.

Kobler is criticized by Libyan factions for imposing western agendas to Libyans. Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar has reportedly refused to meet him since their January 2016 meeting.

Libyas internationally recognised parliament House of Representatives (HoR) has lambasted Fayyads appointment. HoR member Tariq Geroushi attacked the appointment as violation of Libyan law, similarly rejecting the notion that the appointment of the Secretary-Generals representative to Libya should be the Secretary-Generals own choice, Libya Herald notes.

Libyas former permanent envoy to the UN, Brahim Dabbashi also lashed out at the appointment arguing that it violates Libyas sovereignty.

Nominating a new SRSG in Libya without consulting the constitutional authorities is a violation of Libyas sovereignty, he wrote in a tweet.

The HOR [House of Representatives] should take action.
The former Tunisian President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali and his wife have been handed each another 10-year condemnation for corruption, reports say.

Ben Ali and his wife Leila Trabelsi had been convicted in absentia over several charges following the revolution in 2011. The couple fled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The new condemnation follows a new charge for administrative and financial corruption in which the couple has been again named, French AFP reports.

Sofiene Sliti, spokesperson of a Tunis lower court, indicated that the new affair is related to environment.

Three other people including a former minister of environment under the Ben Ali regime, and a top official of the same ministry have been handed respectively five and three years in jail. The third person who is a relative of the former first lady has been sentenced for three years in prison.

A source from the Tunisian government pointed out that the convicts are accused of utilizing state-owned natural park Elyssa club for commercial purposes.

The posh club created by Leila Trabelsi used to host popular events.

The couple has been named in other corruption affairs.
Chaos is festering in capital Tripoli as forces aligned with self-style Khalifa Ghwell announced Thursday the creation of the Libyan National Guard (LNG) to protect institutions and foreign missions.

The announcement came from Brig. Mahmoud Al-Zigal who indicated that the LNG is not linked to any political party and would operate away from regional, tribal and political disputes, reports say.

The men from Misrata, Ghwells hometown, arrived in Tripoli on Wednesday in a convoy of a dozen vehicles triggering heavy clashes with an armed group loyal to the GNA in the southern districts of Salaheddin and Abu Salim, Reuters reports.

Most of the brigades under the Libyan National Guard took part in Sirte battle against IS, The Libya Observer reports.

The LNG will stand against all criminal and terrorist acts and it will provide support to all state institutions and protect them from coup attempts and terrorist acts, Al-Zigal said.

We will provide all support to build a Libyan army based on technical standards, an army that is not involved in the political disputes, he added.

According to Al Zigal, the LNG will also take on illegal migration and spread of arms and provide protection to foreign missions.

Al-Zigal denied that the LNG is under Ghwell, the former head of the Salvation government. Ghwell still controls some factions in capital Tripoli.

The former Tripoli strong man in January announced the overthrow of the UN-backed Government of National Accord after he seized three ministries including the defense department.

The LNG was first announced in 2015 by the General National Congress, the Salvation Governments affiliated parliament which does not recognize the GNA.

The GNA installed in the capital in March 2016 has been unable to assert its power. Despite driving out IS militants from Sirte, the UN-backed unity government has become unpopular.

Few hours before his replacement by Palestinian Former Premier Salam Fayyad was leaked, Head of the UN Special Mission in Libya Martin Kobler announced that the GNA and the Presidential Council would undergo changes to include the other GNA major rival Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
The Algerian government has given the green light for the construction of a $3.3 billion-deep-water port at the industrial zone of El Hamdania, 70km west of the capital Algiers, local media reported.

The Algerian port will be developed by China Harbor Engineering, and China State Construction Engineering Corporation, which, combined, will hold a 49% stake in the operating company. The remaining 51% stake will be taken by the Algerian Ports Authority that has reportedly managed to secure $900 million in funding from the African Development bank.

The port will include 23 berths, with a 20-meter (66-foot) draft, and will have an annual handling capacity of 6.3 million TEUs per year. This would make it Africa second largest container port after Moroccos Tanger Med.

Construction is set to begin in March this year, with the first phase of the project completed by 2021.

Several observers see the project as an emulation of the success story of the Moroccan Tanger Med port, which will be the busiest port in the Mediterranean by 2018.
Thanks to a pre-emptive security approach, Moroccan authorities succeeded in aborting 341 terrorist plots and dismantling 168 terrorist cells before they moved to action, Director General of International Cooperation at Moroccos Interior Ministry, Mohamed Moufakir, said.

Speaking at a seminar on security cooperation in the Mediterranean region in Rabat, Moufakir highlighted the efficiency of Moroccos counter terrorism strategy, noting that 50 of the 168 busted cells were linked to terrorist groups in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria and the Sahel.

Since 11 September attacks in the US, Morocco arrested 2,963 suspects involved in terrorist plots in the Kingdom, he added during the seminar held at the Moroccan Parliament.

On foreign fighters, he said that more than 1,600 Moroccans joined extremist groups in conflict zones. Some 147 of these Jihadists have returned and have been investigated while 132 were arrested and brought before justice, he said, adding that 6 individuals intending to join extremist groups abroad were prevented from leaving the national territory.

The seminar was also an occasion to shed light on the proactive approach adopted by Morocco in the fight against terrorism. This comprehensive approach focuses on the security aspect along with social and economic reforms, reform of the religious field, human rights and multilateral cooperation.

In this respect, Morocco led efforts to foster security cooperation with different partners including Spain. The two countries led successful joint operations resulting in the dismantlement of terrorist networks specializing in the recruitment of fighters.
I am not a sheep, I have my own mind

I have had enough of being told what and how to think

Whilst we are still allowed the remnants of free speech,

I will speak out.



I also reserve the right to discuss less controversial matters should I feel the urge.
Washington, Feb 10, 2017 (AFP) - President Donald Trump reaffirmed Washington's 'One China' policy on Thursday in his first conversation with Xi Jinping, in an apparent effort to ease tensions after angering Beijing by questioning the policy that underpins Sino-US relations.In a phone call with China's leader, the US president agreed to "honor" a position that effectively acknowledges that Taiwan is not separate from China."President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'One China' policy," the White House said in a statement, adding that the two leaders had "extended invitations to meet in their respective countries."The White House called the phone discussion -- which came on the eve of Trump's slated meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe -- "extremely cordial," saying the leaders "look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes."Xi, a nationalist who took the helm of the Communist Party-ruled country in 2012, welcomed Trump's gesture."Xi Jinping appreciates Trump's emphasis on the American government's commitment to the One China policy and pointed out that the One China principle is the political foundation of US-China relations," the official broadcaster CCTV reported.Trump's insurgent campaign for the White House included frequently lashing out at China, which he accused of currency manipulation and stealing American jobs.He raised eyebrows in the wake of his election victory with a protocol-busting telephone conversation with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.He later threw doubt on the "One China" policy, suggesting that it was up for negotiation and could form part of talks on trade, drawing rebukes from official Chinese media.Taiwan has been ruled separately since the two sides split in 1949 at the end of a civil war.Despite having its own government, military and independent foreign policy, Beijing has refused to recognise the island, viewing it as a troublesome province that will one day be reunited with the mainland -- by force, if necessary.Beijing will not do business with countries that recognise Taiwan diplomatically.Washington cut formal ties with Taipei in 1979, recognising the Communist mainland rulers in Beijing as the sole government of "One China".However, Washington remains Taiwan's most powerful unofficial ally and main supplier of arms.Trump's apparent refusal to accept this policy -- which Beijing views as non-negotiable -- had threatened to chill Washington's relations with the Asian giant.While relations were strained under Barack Obama, there has been very little high-level interaction between the two countries since Trump came to power.The White House said earlier this week that Trump had sent a letter to Xi, weeks after receiving a letter of congratulations from the leader of the Asian giant.That was seen by observers as an attempt to break the ice.burs-hg/gh
An increase of Azerbaijani ceasefire violations was recorded February 9 and overnight February 10 in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 10, ARTSAKHPRESS: Azerbaijani forces made over 70 ceasefire violations, firing more than 1000 shots at Nagorno Karabakh (NKR) posts with 60mm and 82mm mortars, various grenade launchers and machine guns. Intense violations occurred in the eastern, southern and north-eastern directions of the line of contact, where Azerbaijani forces fired a total of 34 shells  24 from mortars and 10 from grenade launchers.
Donald Trump. Photo: Andrew Harrer - Pool/Getty Images

I guess I should start by saying this is not a blog. Nor is it what one might call a column. Its an experiment of sorts to see if theres something in between those two. Most Fridays, from now on, Ill be writing in this space about, among other things, the end of Western civilization, the collapse of the republic, and, yes, my beagles. If youre a veteran reader of my former site, the Dish, you may find yourselves at times in an uncanny valley. So may I. The model Im trying to follow is more like the British magazine tradition of a weekly diary  on the news, but a little distant from it, personal as well as political, conversational more than formal.

I want to start with Trumps lies. Its now a commonplace that Trump and his underlings tell whoppers. Fact-checkers have never had it so good. But all politicians lie. Bill Clinton could barely go a day without some shading or parsing of the truth. Richard Nixon was famously tricky. But all the traditional political fibbers nonetheless paid some deference to the truth  even as they were dodging it. They acknowledged a shared reality and bowed to it. They acknowledged the need for a common set of facts in order for a liberal democracy to function at all. Trumps lies are different. They are direct refutations of reality  and their propagation and repetition is about enforcing his power rather than wriggling out of a political conundrum. They are attacks on the very possibility of a reasoned discourse, the kind of bald-faced lies that authoritarians issue as a way to test loyalty and force their subjects into submission. That first press conference when Sean Spicer was sent out to lie and fulminate to the press about the inauguration crowd reminded me of some Soviet apparatchik having his loyalty tested to see if he could repeat in public what he knew to be false. It was comical, but also faintly chilling.

What do I mean by denial of empirical reality? Take one of the most recent. On Wednesday, Senator Richard Blumenthal related the news that Judge Neil Gorsuch, Trumps nominee for the long-vacant Supreme Court seat, had told him that the presidents unprecedented, personal attacks on federal judges were disheartening and demoralizing. Within half an hour, this was confirmed by Gorsuchs White Houseappointed spokesman, who was present for the conversation. CNN also reported that Senator Ben Sasse had heard Gorsuch say exactly the same thing, with feeling, as did former senator Kelly Ayotte.

The president nonetheless insisted twice yesterday that Blumenthal had misrepresented his conversation with Gorsuch  first in an early morning tweet and then, once again, yesterday afternoon, in front of the television cameras. To add to the insanity, he also tweeted that in a morning interview, Chris Cuomo had never challenged Blumenthal on his lies about his service in Vietnam  when the tape clearly shows it was the first thing Cuomo brought up.

What are we supposed to do with this? How are we to respond to a president who in the same week declared that the murder rate in our country is the highest its been in 45 to 47 years, when, of course, despite some recent, troubling spikes in cities, its nationally near a low not seen since the late 1960s, and half what it was in 1980. What are we supposed to do when a president says that two people were shot dead in Chicago during President Obamas farewell address  when this is directly contradicted by the Chicago police? None of this, moreover, is ever corrected. No error is ever admitted. Any lie is usually doubled down by another lie  along with an ad hominem attack.

Here is what we are supposed to do: rebut every single lie. Insist moreover that each lie is retracted  and journalists in press conferences should back up their colleagues with repeated follow-ups if Spicer tries to duck the plain truth. Do not allow them to move on to another question. Interviews with the president himself should not leave a lie alone; the interviewer should press and press and press until the lie is conceded. The press must not be afraid of even calling the president a liar to his face if he persists. This requires no particular courage. I think, in contrast, of those dissidents whose critical insistence on simple truth in plain language kept reality alive in the Kafkaesque world of totalitarianism. As the Polish dissident Adam Michnik once said: In the life of every honorable man comes a difficult moment  when the simple statement that this is black and that is white requires paying a high price. The price Michnik paid was years in prison. American journalists cannot risk a little access or a nasty tweet for the same essential civic duty?

Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

*

Then there is the obvious question of the presidents mental and psychological health. I know were not supposed to bring this up  but it is staring us brutally in the face. I keep asking myself this simple question: If you came across someone in your everyday life who repeatedly said fantastically and demonstrably untrue things, what would you think of him? If you showed up at a neighbors, say, and your host showed you his newly painted living room, which was a deep blue, and then insisted repeatedly  manically  that it was a lovely shade of scarlet, what would your reaction be? If he then dragged out a member of his family and insisted she repeat this obvious untruth in front of you, how would you respond? If the next time you dropped by, he was still raving about his gorgeous new red walls, what would you think? Heres what Id think: This man is off his rocker. Hes deranged; hes bizarrely living in an alternative universe; hes delusional. If he kept this up, at some point youd excuse yourself and edge slowly out of the room and the house and never return. Youd warn your other neighbors. Youd keep your distance. If you saw him, youd be polite but keep your distance.

I think this is a fundamental reason why so many of us have been so unsettled, anxious, and near panic these past few months. It is not so much this presidents agenda. That always changes from administration to administration. It is that when the linchpin of an entire country is literally delusional, clinically deceptive, and responds to any attempt to correct the record with rage and vengeance, everyone is always on edge.

There is no anchor any more. At the core of the administration of the most powerful country on earth, there is, instead, madness.

*

With someone like this barging into your consciousness every hour of every day, you begin to get a glimpse of what it must be like to live in an autocracy of some kind. Every day in countries unfortunate enough to be ruled by a lone dictator, people are constantly subjected to the Supreme Leaders presence, in their homes, in their workplaces, as they walk down the street. Big Brother never leaves you alone. His face bears down on you on every flickering screen. He begins to permeate your psyche and soul; he dominates every news cycle and issues pronouncements  each one shocking and destabilizing  round the clock. He delights in constantly provoking and surprising you, so that his monstrous ego can be perennially fed. And because he is also mentally unstable, forever lashing out in manic spasms of pain and anger, you live each day with some measure of trepidation. What will he come out with next? Somehow, he is never in control of himself and yet he is always in control of you.

One of the great achievements of free society in a stable democracy is that many people, for much of the time, need not think about politics at all. The president of a free country may dominate the news cycle many days  but he is not omnipresent  and because we live under the rule of law, we can afford to turn the news off at times. A free society means being free of those who rule over you  to do the things you care about, your passions, your pastimes, your loves  to exult in that blessed space where politics doesnt intervene. In that sense, it seems to me, we already live in a country with markedly less freedom than we did a month ago. Its less like living in a democracy than being a child trapped in a house where there is an abusive and unpredictable father, who will brook no reason, respect no counter-argument, admit no error, and always, always up the ante until catastrophe inevitably strikes. This is what I mean by the idea that we are living through an emergency.

*

Ive managed to see Scorseses Silence twice in the last couple of weeks. It literally silenced me. Its a surpassingly beautiful movie  but its genius lies in the complexity of its understanding of what faith really is. For some secular liberals, faith is some kind of easy, simple abdication of reason  a liberation from reality. For Scorsese, its a riddle wrapped in a mystery, and often inseparable from crippling, perpetual doubt. You see this in the main protagonists evolution: from a certain, absolutist arrogance to a long sacrifice of pride toward a deeper spiritual truth. Faith is a result, in the end, of living, of seeing your previous certainties crumble and be rebuilt, shakily, on new grounds. God is almost always silent, hidden, and sometimes most painfully so in the face of hideous injustice or suffering. A life of faith is therefore not real unless it is riddled with despair.

Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

There are moments  surpassingly rare but often indelible  when you do hear the voice of God and see the face of Jesus. You never forget them  and I count those few moments in my life when I have heard the voice and seen the face as mere intimations of what is to come. But the rest is indeed silence. And the conscience is something that cannot sometimes hear itself. Ive rarely seen the depth of this truth more beautifully unpacked. Which is why, perhaps, the movie has had such a tiny audience so far. Those without faith have no patience for a long meditation on it; those with faith in our time are filled too often with a passionate certainty to appreciate it. And this movies mysterious imagery can confound anyone. But its very complexity and subtlety gave me hope in this vulgar, extremist time. We cannot avoid this surreality all around us. But it may be possible occasionally to transcend it.
Chaffetz. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz leads the House committee tasked with combating corruption in the federal government. Last month, Chaffetz released a list of 43 issues his committee will be taking on this year. The ethical questions raised by our presidents globe-spanning business empire failed to make the cut. In fact, the only Trump-related item on the House Oversight Committees agenda is an investigation into Office of Government Ethics  ostensibly, for its alleged bias against the president.

On Wednesday, President Trump publicly disparaged a private company for dropping his daughters product line amid lagging sales.

My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person -- always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2017

White House press secretary Sean Spicer defended the presidents statement  arguing that Trump had every right to respond, since refusing to sell Trump-branded products is tantamount to attacking the presidents policies.

Theres a targeting of her brand and its her name, Spicer said. There are clearly efforts to undermine that name based on her fathers positions on particular policies that hes taken. This is a direct attack on his policies and her name.

Chaffetz saw nothing untoward in all this.

I think the president has the right to weigh in on his opinion on things, and especially as it relates to his children, Chaffetz told CNN. I tweet a lot about cheeseburgers  Ive never had people complain about that.

If Chaffetz can suggest that cheeseburgers are preferable to grilled chicken sandwiches, why cant the president try to intimidate companies that drop his daughters fashion line?

But while Chaffetz has little interest in policing Trumps ethical lapses, he is happy to play the independent overseer when one of the presidents surrogates takes sycophancy too far.

On Thursday morning, counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway addressed the Nordstrom controversy on Fox & Friends. Its a wonderful line. I own some of it, Conway said. I fully  Im going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online.

Federal employees are prohibited from using their public offices for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise. Giving a free commercial would seem to qualify as an endorsement. And, in this case, Chaffetz recognized a distinction between vouching for cheeseburgers and shilling for the First Daughters brand.

The congressman called Conways remarks wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable.

It needs to be dealt with, Chaffetz told the Associated Press. Theres no ifs, ands or buts about it.

So, why is Chaffetz more scandalized by Conways endorsement of Ivankas fashion, than by Trumps attack on Nordstroms business decisions?

The most defensible answer is that the former appears to be illegal, while the other is not. As Trump loves to point out, the president is immune from federal conflict of interest laws.

But the president is not immune from the Constitution. And Chaffetz has expressed little concern over Trumps apparent flouting of the Emoluments Clause.

So, the most important factor here would seem to be the lack of political downside in holding Conway to account. Judging from the administrations endless leaks, taking Kellyanne down a peg may make Chaffetz more friends in the White House than enemies.
Michael Flynn. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Several current and former U.S. officials say National Security Adviser Michael Flynn discussed new sanctions imposed on Russia by the Obama administration during conversations with that countrys ambassador in December. That may be illegal, and to make matters worse, it contradicts denials made by senior members of the Trump administration, including Vice-President Mike Pence.

The Washington Post reported on Thursday that nine current and former U.S. officials who had access to intercepted communications between Flynn and Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak say that Flynn made explicit references to election-related sanctions. Two said Flynn even urged Russia not to overreact. Kislyak was left with the impression that the sanctions would be revisited at a later time, said one former official.



When the Post asked Flynn on Wednesday if he ever discussed sanctions with Kislyak, he said no. Then, on Thursday, his spokesman walked that back, saying Flynn indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

Flynn exchanged phone calls and texts with Kislyak a day before the Obama administration imposed new sanctions and expelled 35 Russian diplomats over the Kremlins alleged attempt to meddle in the U.S. election. The Logan Act, an obscure 1799 statute, makes it illegal for civilians to negotiate with foreign governments in disputes involving the U.S. government. Its unclear if someone could be successfully prosecuted under the act today, but regardless, it does not look good for Trumps top national security adviser to be discussing policy with Russia as the nation is being punished for its alleged efforts to swing the election in Trumps favor.

As reports emerged that U.S. intelligence agencies were looking at Flynns intercepted communications with Kislyak as part of their wider investigation of Russias involvement with the election, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Flynn and Kislyak were merely trying to set up a call between Trump and Vladimir Putin for after the election.

During a January 15 appearance on Face the Nation, Pence insisted that there was no discussion of sanctions with Russia, citing his conversation with Flynn:

MIKE PENCE: I talked to General Flynn about that conversation and actually was initiated on Christmas Day he had sent a text to the Russian ambassador to express not only Christmas wishes but sympathy for the loss of life in the airplane crash that took place. It was strictly coincidental that they had a conversation. They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia.



JOHN DICKERSON: So did they ever have a conversation about sanctions ever on those days or any other day?



MIKE PENCE: They did not have a discussion contemporaneous with U.S. actions on



JOHN DICKERSON: But what about after



MIKE PENCE: my conversation with General Flynn. Well, look. General Flynn has been in touch with diplomatic leaders, security leaders in some 30 countries. Thats exactly what the incoming national security advisor



JOHN DICKERSON: Absolutely.



MIKE PENCE: should do. But what I can confirm, having spoken to him about it, is that those conversations that happened to occur around the time that the United States took action to expel diplomats had nothing whatsoever to do with those sanctions.

An administration source appeared to throw Flynn under the bus, suggesting to the Post that if what Pence said was incorrect, its Flynns fault:

A third official put it more bluntly, saying that either Flynn had misled Pence or that Pence misspoke. An administration official stressed that Pence made his comments based on his conversation with Flynn.. The sanctions in question have so far remained in place.

Putin announced a day after the sanctions were imposed that there would be no retaliation until Moscow could assess Trumps policies, which increased the officials concerns about Flynns conversations. Several emphasized that while Flynn might have suggested that the sanctions could be reviewed under the Trump administration, he did not explicitly promise that they would be reconsidered after the inauguration.

Since Flynn is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general and director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, he knows that such communications are monitored by the U.S. The New York Times reports that, in light of Flynns background, federal officials who saw the transcript were surprised he made the remarks, and even more surprised that the Trump administration publicly denied that sanctions were discussed.
STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 10, ARTSAKHPRESS: Thereafter, he will take part in the G-20 meeting in Bonn and the annual Munich Security Conference.

The Secretary-General will firstly visit Turkey, then Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Egypt, which will be his first visit to the region, the statement said, adding that the UN Chief hopes to discuss a number of issues of regional and global importance.

He will return to New York on February 21. That day the UN Security Council will hold debates over the conflicts in Europe. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko is expected to attend these debates.
The suspects apartment in Montpellier. Photo: Sylvain Thomas/AFP/Getty Images

French police arrested four people, including a 16-year-old girl, who were allegedly plotting a terror attack in Paris. Authorities uncovered a bomb-making workshop in the apartment of one of the suspects, located in the far southern French city of Montpellier.

Officials have not named the four people apprehended, but they included three men  ages 33, 26, and 20, and one teenage girl, who is a girlfriend of the 20-year-old male suspect. Both he and the girl were known to authorities for possible radical ties, reports the Guardian.

The initial indications are that an imminent attack on French soil has been thwarted, Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux, said Friday. French media reported that the group had planned to use explosive belts to target a tourist site, though officials have not publicly confirmed. The chemicals found in their apartment were similar to those used in bombs detonated in the Paris rampage in November 2015, and in the March 2016 attack in Brussels, reports CBS News.

The foiled plot comes about a week after man wielding a machete attempted an attack on a solider near the Louvre in Paris. The assailant  who appears to have ISIS sympathies, if not direct ties  was shot five times; the soldier escaped with a few minor cuts. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Egyptian national Abdallah El-Hamahmy, told authorities he had planned to deface the museums artwork (he reportedly also had spray paint in his backpack) because he considered it a symbolic attack on France.
Photo: Rick Bowmer/AP

House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz has resisted calls to investigate President Trump, and this week he assured everyone that the president wouldnt even let him discuss oversight during his visit to the Oval Office. On Thursday night, Utahns let Chaffetz know that they do not think continuing the investigation of Hillary Clintons emails and going after an ethics watchdog that criticized Trump is the best use of his time.

More than 1,000 people showed up to Chaffetzs town hall in Cottonwood Heights, a Salt Lake City suburb, to question the congressman on his failure to investigate the president, his support for Trumps controversial executive orders, and his efforts to repeal the Obama order establishing Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah.

Like those of many politicians, Chaffetzs office has been swamped by calls in recent weeks, and several liberal groups, including Utah Indivisible and Our Utah, organized members to pack the town hall event. The Salt Lake County Republican Party urged the REAL majority of Utah voters to turn out in support of Chaffetz after the event had to be moved to a larger venue. Nevertheless, Chaffetz found himself being booed by a rowdy crowd that filled the 1,080-seat venue nearly to capacity, with many more protesting outside.

Cong Chaffetz Town Hall crowd chanting "Do your job!" He's having a hard time answering over crowd noise @UtahIndivisible @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/gO0BXybGy5  Kyung Lah (@KyungLahCNN) February 10, 2017

Chaffetz drew applause when he noted that earlier on Thursday, the House Oversight Committee called on the Office of Government Ethics to recommend disciplinary action against White House aide Kellyanne Conway for promoting Ivanka Trump products.

#Chaffetz hits Kellyanne Conway as "wrong, wrong, wrong" to promote Ivanka Trump's business. pic.twitter.com/RDtAi0k1f7  Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) February 10, 2017

But the crowd was far less receptive when Chaffetz explained that President Trump isnt required to release his tax returns, and said he wanted to get rid of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos as well  by eliminating the entire department.

Again, #Chaffetz says he wants Trump to release his tax returns, "but it is not required by law." Reaction: pic.twitter.com/KF6rX8Ei3J  Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) February 10, 2017

#Chaffetz says he wants to eliminate Edu Dept. "I want to get rid of Betsy DeVos!"



Man: "We want to get rid of you!"



Right vid this time: pic.twitter.com/VItRuX9d8A  Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) February 10, 2017

At rowdy town hall, ex-teacher asks Chaffetz  chair of House oversight  whats your line in the sand for Trump? pic.twitter.com/8U7IkpZtsS  Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) February 10, 2017

Chaffetz ended the town hall 40 minutes early, and refused to take questions from the press.

#Chaffetz spox says he's leaving town hall w/o responding to press. Says his town hall speaks for itself. pic.twitter.com/skX6Izse5U  Kyung Lah (@KyungLahCNN) February 10, 2017

Outside, protesters promised Chaffetz hed see them again.

#Chaffetz town hall post-game: Protesters who couldn't get in are still outside chanting "we'll be back!" and "investigate Trump!" pic.twitter.com/tnkPa2Wput  Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) February 10, 2017

Since Trumps inauguration, Republicans across the country have seen large crowds of left-leaning constituents turn up to events in their districts. More than 600 people turned out for a town hall with Representative Justin Amash in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Thursday. The meeting was only scheduled to last an hour, but Amash stayed late to continue answering questions. The crowds reaction to Amash was mixed. He was applauded for saying he believes President Trumps immigration order needs to be rewritten, but booed when he discussed repealing Obamacare.

Meanwhile in Tennessee, Representative Diane Black and other Republicans were met by a group of 75 to 100 protesters at an event held by the Middle Tennessee State University College Republicans. Many complained that they werent allowed in the room:

In other news: the rowdy scene outside of a healthcare townhall in Murfreesboro, TN, tonight: pic.twitter.com/AIIeir61kz  MJ Lee (@mj_lee) February 10, 2017

Inside, lawmakers mostly faced questions about the Affordable Care Act. As a Christian, my whole philosophy in life is to pull up the unfortunate, said one woman. The individual mandate: thats what it does.

Seriously urge everyone to watch this entire question from a woman at GOP #Obamacare townhall in Tennessee: pic.twitter.com/8mBGE1z6Rj  MJ Lee (@mj_lee) February 10, 2017

Rep. Diane Black responded that lots of ppl didn't get insurance under Obamacare. When asked follow-up Q, she said: "I'm going to pass." https://t.co/WMwbeQaibZ  MJ Lee (@mj_lee) February 10, 2017

While some Republicans, like Amash, say theyre happy to see people getting more engaged, others are avoiding meetings with their constituents. Congressman Mo Brooks of Alabama called off a town hall with a tea party group after Democrats tried to show up. Congressman Lee Zeldin, who represents Long Island, has already canceled a town hall event scheduled for April because liberal protesters were planning to show up. Constituents requesting a meeting with Representative Jimmy Duncan Jr. of Tennessee have received a form letter informing them that he has no intention of holding town hall meetings.

I am not going to hold town hall meetings in this atmosphere, because they would very quickly turn into shouting opportunities for extremists, kooks and radicals, the letter reads. Also, I do not intend to give more publicity to those on the far left who have so much hatred, anger and frustration in them.
President Trump and President Xi Jinping. Photo: Andrew Harrer - Pool; Nicolas Asouri - Pool/Getty Images

After angering China by accepting a congratulatory phone call from the leader of Taiwan, President-elect Trump suggested he would use the longstanding One China policy  which rules out recognizing Taiwans independence  as a bargaining chip in negotiations with China. Everything is under negotiation including One China, he told The Wall Street Journal a week before the inauguration.

This week the White House announced that President Trump sent Chinese President Xi Jinping a belated letter wishing him a happy Chinese New Year, and now we know what prompted the weird diplomatic outreach. Riled by Trumps suggestion that he may not honor the One China policy  and presumably his many other hostile remarks about China  Xi had not spoken to Trump since November 14.

On Thursday, the two leaders finally had a lengthy conversation, and Trump agreed to honor the One China policy. While Trump once said he wouldnt uphold the policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade, it appears the only thing the U.S. won was improved Sino-U.S. relations.

The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our One China policy, the White House said in a statement, adding that the discussion was extremely cordial and that the presidents extended invitations to meet in their respective countries.

According to Chinas official state-news agency Xinhua, Trump said he admires the historic accomplishments of Chinas development, and expressed confidence that there could be a new high in relations between the two countries.

The call came on the eve of a U.S. summit with one of Chinas key rivals. On Friday, Trump will meet with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe at the White House, then the two leaders will spend the weekend at Mar-a-Lago, Trumps club in Palm Beach, Florida.
Elliott Abrams. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

Until Friday, Elliott Abrams was expected to be named the Trump administrations deputy secretary of State  a powerful position, particularly in a department headed by a former oil executive with no diplomatic experience.

Abramss apparent selection was not treated as a scandal. But in a less degenerate republic, it would have been: The last time Abrams worked at the State Department, he helped the Reagan White House covertly sell weapons to Iran  in defiance of an embargo  so as to fund reactionary rebels in Nicaragua, in defiance of a federal law that Congress had passed 411 to 0.

After his crime against the rule of law was exposed, Abrams lied to Congress about what he had done. He eventually pled guilty for that last offense, but was promptly pardoned by our first President Bush.

When Abrams wasnt undermining democratic rule at home, he promoted genocide abroad. As the Nations Eric Alterman writes:



As assistant secretary of state for human rights, Abrams sought to ensure that General Efrain Rios Montt, Guatemalas then-dictator, could carry out acts of genocidethose are the legally binding words of Guatemalas United Nationsbacked Commission for Historical Clarificationagainst the indigenous people in the Ixil region of the department of Quiche, without any pesky interference from human-rights organizations, much less the US government.



As the mass killings were taking place, Abrams fought in Congress for military aid to Rios Montts bloody regime. He credited the murderous dictator with having brought considerable progress on human-rights issues  When The New York Times published an op-ed challenging the official State Department count of the mass murders under wayby a woman who had witnessed a death-squad-style assassination in broad daylight in Guatemala City without ever seeing it mentioned in the pressAbrams lied outright in a letter to the editor, even citing an imaginary story in a nonexistent newspaper to insist that the mans murder had, in fact, been reported.

Nevertheless, Abrams persisted. A decade after George H.W. Bush pardoned his crime against Congress, Abrams was plotting coups against democratically elected South American governments  as an adviser to George W.

Later, Abrams oversaw the National Security Council directorate responsible for promoting Democracy, Human Rights  which is a bit like having Hannibal Lecter oversee the directorate of Homicide Reduction and Veganism.

During his campaign, Trump pledged not to surround himself with those who have perfect resumes but very little to brag about except responsibility for a long history of failed policies and continued losses at war.

We have to look to new people because many of the old people frankly dont know what theyre doing, the GOP nominee continued, even though they may look awfully good writing in the New York Times or being watched on television.

This is a (generous) description of Elliott Abrams. But the president did not hold that against him.

Rex Tillerson and Jared Kushner both lobbied the president on Abramss behalf. And, after a meeting with the war criminal, Trump was prepared to make the neoconservative his number-two diplomat.

And then, Trump came upon a column Abrams had written in May 2016, titled When You Cant Stand Your Candidate.

The party has nominated someone who cannot win and should not be president of the United States, Abrams wrote. Do not allow the Republican convention to be a coronation wherein Trump and Trumpism are unchallenged  The party needs to be reminded that there are deep divisions, and Trump needs to be reminded of how many in the party oppose and even fear his nomination.

Now, Trump has personally vetoed Abrams appointment, according to sources who spoke with CNN.

Let this be a teachable moment for every careerist in Washington: Foment genocides and constitutional crises to your hearts content, but watch what you say about your co-partisans  some find it difficult to forgive.
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

If I had a vote in the Senate, I would have opposed the nomination of Betsy DeVos for Education secretary. But if I were to rank Trump cabinet secretaries by their level of offensiveness, she would not come close to the top. Yes, she lacks the requisite policy knowledge and had a weird line about bears. But at least education is the issue she knows the most about  unlike, say, cabinet novices Rick Perry or Ben Carson. When you compare DeVoss shortcomings to, say, Putin crony Rex Tillerson, self-dealer Tom Price, robber baron Steve Mnuchin, vote-suppression aficionado Jeff Sessions, scandal-tinged social Darwinian maniac Andrew Puzder, or fossil-fuel-industry sock puppet Scott Pruitt, she seems positively benign.

Democrats have wildly oversold the damage DeVos could wreak in office. She would single-handedly decimate our public education system if she were confirmed, exclaimed Senator Charles Schumer, in an example of the kind of apocalyptic hyperbole Republicans routinely threw around against Barack Obamas agenda in 2009. DeVos could not decimate the public-education system even if she tried. Her department doesnt have that kind of power. The federal government contributes less than 9 percent of all spending on education. DeVos has advocated a $20 billion-a-year private-voucher subsidy system, but Republicans are unlikely to finance a costly new scheme like that  they prefer tax cuts  and even if they did, it would still be a drop in the national education bucket. Education is overwhelmingly controlled and financed at the state and local level.

The fear that has gripped many liberals, of an overweening Department of Education laying waste to established public schools across the land, is not a realistic account of how education policy actually plays out. In actuality, education politics tend to cut across party lines. Republicans usually favor local control and oppose reforms that threaten the property-based system favored by affluent suburban parents, who dont want to risk losing exclusive access to the school district they bought their way into. The last major fight in Congress featured the Obama administration and civil-rights groups against an alliance between Republicans and teachers unions, both of whom opposed an Obama plan to supply new funds for low-income students, because it threatened local control.

Its important to understand what is actually concerning about DeVos. In addition to lacking policy heft, she is in the grip of simplistic ideas about education and she sees parental choice as a panacea. If parents can choose which school to send their children to, she believes, competition will inevitably force improvement. From the standpoint of center-left education reforms, this is dangerously simplistic. On the whole, based on the conclusions of the most rigorous studies that compare equivalent students, charter schools do a better job than neighborhood-based schools of educating urban students. (As Ive noted on multiple occasions, my wife works for a public charter school in Washington.) But the performance of charters varies widely across the country. The best public charter systems have strong oversight to regulate and close down ineffective schools. Michigan  the system DeVos helped shape  has extremely weak oversight and ranks among the worst-performing charters in the country. DeVos has favored not only public charter schools but public financing for private schools  which, unlike charters, have no public accountability mechanisms.

This weakness by DeVos has been drowned out by the peculiar quality of attacks from the right and the left, which have taken essentially the same position. Conservatives have mocked pro-reform liberals who oppose DeVos on the grounds that opposing DeVos must mean opposing the concept of charter schools. National Review, the Wall Street Journal editorial page, and Breitbart have attacked Cory Booker, an advocate of education reform, for opposing DeVos despite having once spoken at a meeting held by her organization. Jacobin has made essentially the same attack on Booker and other pro-reform liberals from the left. Both the right and the left have a shared interest in defining the liberal pro-reform position out of existence, and treating support for DeVos and support for any kind of education reform as synonymous.

For unions, the campaign against DeVos offered a unique opportunity to organize on favorable terms. The Obama administration support for education reform placed the unions in an awkward spot, in which they were reluctant to make a villain of a president adored by their own members. (Their typical solution was to pretend Obamas education secretaries, Arne Duncan and John King, had somehow taken control of his education policy against his will.) DeVos relieves them of the dilemma, allowing them to associate policies they oppose with an administration their members also oppose. Even though most liberal reformers  like Democrats for Education Reform  opposed DeVos, critics of reform from the left have sought to associate them with her views and her record.

But the unions did not whip up opposition to DeVos on their own. Her candidacy struck an authentic note of fear in the Democratic grassroots. And while it is a good thing that activists mobilized opposition against a bad nominee, liberals ought to find it disquieting that the brunt of their organizing was brought to bear upon a member of the Trump cabinet who is among those with the least power. DeVos frightened middle-class Democrats because she seemed to pose a threat to their children and their schools (a threat she is unlikely to carry out). Meanwhile, Price will be trying to snatch health insurance away from millions of Americans too poor or sick to buy it, Puzdar will be grinding labor rights into dust, Sessions will be attacking voting rights and protections from police abuse for minorities, and Pruitt will be turning the EPA into a vassal of oil and coal interests.

All these are policy fields where federal law mostly reigns, unlike education, which remains overwhelmingly local in its governance. And all of them put at risk the most vulnerable Americans.

Trumps critics dont have to choose which Trump nominees or policies or scandalous behavior to oppose. They can oppose all of it. But mass opposition is a resource that cannot be rallied against every single cause. The resistance to Trump has shown it can muster enormous political energy. But does it know how to allocate it?
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The Strategist is a new site designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best notebook, black T-shirts, fashion-editor-approved jeans, toothbrush, and apartment decor. Note that all prices are subject to change.



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Now that Nordstrom has dropped Ivanka Trumps clothing line, Donald Trump has launched  what else  a Twitter offensive against the Seattle department store. While buying something from Nordstrom is a nice show of solidarity (wouldnt it be interesting if the company posted a banner sales month?), you can take it a step further with purchases that are a bit more pointed. Like a nice white pantsuit, or a newspaper tote bag, or a pair of boys gloves (size small).

Comme des Garcons Heart Graphic Woven Cotton Shirt $255 Because we cannot even begin to imagine what Rei Kawakubo would do to Donald Trump if left in a room alone with him, but we are fairly certain it would not be pretty. $255 at Nordstrom Buy

Smartwool Snowflake Pattern Crew Socks $24 Because as any kid whos been bullied on the schoolyard will tell you, the only way to defuse an insult is to reclaim it as a badge of honor. Not only are these the most comfortably warm wool socks  they also scream, Yes, Im a snowflake, and Im proud of it. $24 at Nordstrom Buy

Update: These socks are sold out, but heres a lovely, $12 snowflake choker.

The North Face eTip Gloves (Boys) $40 Because these have double meaning! The easily bruised Trump really does need to be handled with kid gloves; and, of course, Drumpf is famously sensitive about his smaller-than-average hands. And either way, your son will have a nice, new pair of warm gloves. $40 at Nordstrom Buy

The Strategist is a new site designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best notebook, black T-shirts, fashion-editor-approved jeans, toothbrush, and apartment decor. Note that all prices are subject to change.



If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.


Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Panda. Photo: Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Image

Lately, the mood in America has been grim. Each day seems to bring with it a new set of political horrors and injustices that often feel like too much to bear. Last night we partied with several people who are working to fix a pressing matter in our ongoing national embarrassment: the lack of giant pandas in New York City.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is leading this effort to bring two giant pandas to the Central Park Zoo, and on Wednesday night she (along with supermarket billionaire John Catsimatidis, former AIG chairman Maurice Greenberg, and TV personality Yue-Sai Kan) hosted a gala at the Waldorf Astoria to benefit the newly formed nonprofit group The Pandas Are Coming to NYC. Attendees paid up to $50,000 for premier tables at the gala, and all the funds are going to fix the most dire problem affecting our city today: no pandas.

Stephen Baldwin was there, and so were we.

DRESS CODE

Allie: The Black & White Panda Ball was not strictly a Fashion Week party, but it did have a specific dress code: black and white gala attire, to honor the giant pandas Congresswoman Maloney hopes to get from China by the year 2020. Attendees took this wardrobe suggestion literally, illustrating both a deep commitment to the cause and a general lack of thought about anything but pandas, pandas, pandas.

At the cocktail hour before dinner, we saw one older blonde woman who had fastened a 6 x 6 laminated photo of a panda head to her snappy black pantsuit. Another uptown lady had savagely turned a teddy-bear panda into a stole (by apparently removing its insides and pinning the deflated fur to her shoulders). If you had stumbled onto the Waldorf terrace last night and did not know the purpose of the event, you might have walked away assuming panda is the hot new trend sweeping the Upper East Side.

Kelly: Almost no one had a long gown on, but the number of people who incorporated actual panda-related images into their outfits was inspiring  perhaps the pandas would come here of their own accord, if only they knew how much they were wanted.

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS

Kelly: What is a celebrity, really? Is it someone you recognize because they are famous? Or, perhaps, is a celebrity an everyday donor to a nonprofit that aims to bring two giant pandas to New York City by the year 2020 if only it can raise $5 million, an effort Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio told CBS2 they support as long as the funds remain privately raised? Its something to think about.

Photo: Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Image

We did spot one celebrity though, while we were sitting on the dirty floor behind Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. You may know him as Nero from 2016s The Apostle Peter: Redemption, or as Stephen Baldwin from 2007s Fred Claus  of course it is: Stephen Baldwin.

Allie: I also saw John Catsimatidiss daughter, Andrea, wearing a white dress.

ENLIGHTENING CONVERSATIONS

Allie: Our top priority at the Black & White Panda Ball was to ask Congresswoman Maloney about her top priority, which is bringing two giant pandas to New York City. In the middle of dinner, a publicist said we could approach her table for a short interview.

Kelly: Our question for Congresswoman Maloney was: How likely do you think it is that NYCs gonna ever get these pandas? She thinks it is very likely. I think its very likely, she said. Then she gave us her pitch:

Theres something about pandas that makes everybody be happy. We have everything in New York: the center of commerce, of financial services, of media. We even have Broadway! The only thing were lacking are pandas and a little bit of luck. Theyre symbols of luck so its about time we had some luck. We had 9/11, we had Sandy, we had the financial crisis, its about time to get a little bit of luck.

Heh. The only things were lacking are pandas, a little bit of luck, affordable housing, strong social safety net, pandas, etc.

Photo: Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Image

ATTRACTIVE MEN

Kelly: Unfortunately were not at a point in history where it is possible for a white man in a tuxedo to be attractive. Our hands are tied.

WAS THERE A KID FROM STRANGER THINGS?

Allie: It would have been great to finally see a Stranger Things kid in tiny formalwear, but that did not happen at this party. We did, however, enjoy the live musical stylings of the Joyous Strings Ensemble. Have you heard of these children? Oh my god. Here they are playing Smooth Criminal:

The littlest one said he would name one of the pandas Joy, which almost convinced me that we should spend untold millions bringing pandas to New York City.

GIFT BAG

Allie: We did receive gift bags, which contained silver panda pendant necklaces. New York may not have real pandas yet, but we certainly have panda style. And Broadway, of course.

Kelly: Also the gift bags had Hello Panda cookies in them! Im eating them now!

The Black & White Panda Ball Party Review: Panda Party
Photo: Getty Images

Every year people say were living in strange times, but honestly, these days are the strangest. A gang of merry misfits is parading about D.C., Mariah Carey is a reality-television star, and Valentines Day unexpectedly rolled up on you like your period on a tropical getaway. You deserve to feel good  partake in self-care, as they say. February 14 is a great day to craft your own home spa while cash-burning couples en masse gnaw through rubbery steaks and bitter chocolates. You dont even need to be single to do this! Just gather a few spa essentials and tell your partner youre having Me time. Sure, people say it is better to give than receive, but lets all admit that those people are stupid.

Light Up

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black candle.

Around this time of year stores beef up their rose candle inventory. Typically the candles smell extraordinarily floral, powdery, and a little like Grandmas bathroom. You, on the other hand, deserve something that says sexy but not sex, since sex is obviously off the table. Consider Elizabeth and Jamess Nirvana Black candle, which is the seventh iteration of the brands sandalwood and vanilla scent (an eau de parfum, oil perfume, body oil, solid perfume, dry shampoo, and a body lotion preceded the candle). The scent is warm and comforting and the black wax and tub double as a chic complement to that seance you were preparing for later in the day anyway.

Lube Up

Aromatherapy Associates Relax oil.

Chances are high that youve spent the past few months protesting, willing Seth from your 11th-grade English class to shut up about deleted emails, or Googling the veracity of methods to sway the Electoral College. You need a relaxing break, and lo, theres an oil for that. Aromatherapy Associates Relax oil is the perfect vessel, with notes of lavender to ease your rage toward your ungrateful ex, misogyny, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, over-tanned trolls  you name it. Slick a few pumps all over your body after a shower and for once imagine that shadow cabinet is actually real.

Mask Up

Peter Thomas Roth sulfur mask and Dr. Jart sheet mask.

If your face is ablaze with stress-induced acne then reach for a sulfur mask, which smells quite literally like farts. Peter Thomas Roths Therapeutic Acne Masque is a good one. Have at it  even fart a little if you like, which will either blend into the smell of the mask or be smothered by the throw of your seance votive.



On the other hand, if acne isnt a concern but, say, hydration is, then drum up one of Dr. Jarts moisturizing sheet masks. The occlusive nature of the rubbery mask traps moisture onto skin and nifty additions to the formula like aloe and phytoncide work to calm and soothe an inflamed face. Sure, words like calm and soothe seem like poorly refracted memories that predate the past year, but at least give this mask a chance, okay?

Condition Up

Softhood attachment.

A fun activity to do when youve got loads of time is to deep condition your hair. The madly expensive ones are a treat, but for our purposes lets consider a cheap DIY version. Mix equal parts Aubrey GPB conditioner and coconut oil. Let the tropical-scented goo sit in your hair for at least an hour. Better yet? Sit under a Softhood hair-dryer attachment, which will help the oils penetrate your hair more quickly and effectively. These hooded attachments look wonky, but everyones doing it  even Laila Ali has her own branded one! Yes, its a little annoying to listen to the loud whirl of a blow-dryer for the better part of an hour, but dont let this opportunity go to waste. Yell a little bit. Shout where your fuckboy ex can shove that pair of Yeezys he just had to have and you could barely afford (but you bought anyway). Its fun and cathartic and at the very least will drown the sound of your neighbors having glorious, mind-bending sex.

Flake Up

Babyfoot.

The dry, cruel winds of winter have probably run a number on your feet. Polish those things into shape with Baby Foot. Baby Foot is a uniquely disgusting creation, in that after one treatment with the chemical foot peel, your feet will be covered in dead skin flakes for days. But who cares? Its easy as pie to use (just slip the included plastic bags over your feet), and after the (up-to-one-week-long) dusty foot phase, your feet will feel soft and smooth and ready to stomp around the outside of a garish gold building in Manhattan (for fun or whatever).

Drink Up

Photo: Sujata Jana/EyeEm/Getty Images

I had intended to recommend This Works pillow spray to help you fetch a restful sleep (it graciously knocked me out last winter when a mouse was terrorizing my apartment), but then I realized the brand is selling an I Have a Dream sleep set and immediately called upon all of the ancestors to haunt this forsaken brand. Instead, to sleep well this Valentines Day, I say this: Grab a bottle of delicious red and sip slowly and confidently. February 14 is just another day, and January 2021 will be here before you know it.
Michael Alig. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for DailyMail.com

The healing crystal trend continues to grow: Spencer Pratt has a massive collection, Katy Perry says rose quartz helps her find love, and now Michael Alig  a club promoter otherwise known as the Club Kid Killer who served 17 years in prison for bludgeoning his roommate and drug dealer Angel Melendez to death  is apparently jumping in on it too.

The New York Post reports that Alig, 50, was picked up by police in a Bronx park at 1:30 a.m. on February 2. Alig, who had a pipe in his pocket, reportedly told police that he used it to smoke crystal meth. Per Thump, the drug charge was dropped, but he was charged and pled guilty to trespassing; he was later conditionally discharged.

But as Alig explained to Page Six, the whole drug thing was just some confusion over healing crystals. He insists that he wasnt carrying crystal meth but a crystal called piedra alumbre.

Classic mix-up.
Finally, the story was a bold attempt to expose an element of society often shamefully hidden.

The story also had a ring of authenticity, helped tremendously by Angelines confident control of dialogue and narrative as the tension built up to its shocking conclusion.

It was outstanding for several reasons. First, the subject matter was extremely sensitive and would test the talents of someone much older than her 16 years.

IN 2012, the winner of the only award the Crocodile Prize ever offered for student writing, Angeline Low, wrote an incredibly powerful short story, Going through the Unimaginable.

One of the judges said the story is a reflection of the social conscience not only of what happens in Papua New Guinea but all around the world.

And a major sponsor, also a judge, observed: Given the breast beating about the decline of educational standards, the quality of the English language expression was rather good, better than I'd expected  and comforting.

With this in mind and a desire to encourage young writers in Papua New Guinea a last-minute decision was made to extend the award to three other runners-up in the student category.

The three winners of this encouragement award were Axel Rice, Jeremiah Toni and Kayla Reimann. Axel impressed the judges with his choice of adventure genre and journalistic flavour; Jeremiah with his surprising poetic imagery; and Kayla with her maturity and breadth of subject matter.

__________

Going through the Unimaginable

ANGELINE LOW

LIFE back at home is simple and easy. Not much has changed since you left, Molong said to Jacob in her native dialect.

But Ive been gone for almost 15 years! Surely there should be some development in Boda, Jacob said flabbergasted.

Jacob had grown up alongside Molong on Boda Island located 10km away from Madang. Molongs uncle had adopted him and took him to Lae at the mere age of two.

Yes it seems like a long time but we still have no proper schools, no electricity, no clinics, Her voice shook at the mention of the word clinic.

Jacob knew that Molong had lost her mother to the deadly disease malaria. If there had been clinics on the island maybe she could have been saved. He looked down at the slim, dark-skinned girl sympathetically.

You know there are some things we cant change in life and I know you just lost your mother only a month ago but dont you think if she were alive she would want you to be happy? He asked gently. Molong studied the tall, handsome boy for a moment.

Since she had arrived in Lae from Boda, he had always been friendly towards her and always knew the right things to say.

You know what, Im sorry I said anything. It must be terrible for you. Sorry, Jacob apologized after Molong did not reply to his question.

No, don't apologize. I was just thinking about how you . . . . 

Hello children! I see you are up to your usual chit chat again. The lawn isnt going to rake itself, you know, A deep, rusty voice cut in.

Jacob and Molong turned to see a tall, broad and muscular man walking towards them from the front gate.

Uncle Fegsley! Molong cried out and went to hug him.

Hi Paps, Jacob said calmly.

How many times have I told you about using that term son? Fegsley replied.

Ha-ha sorry, Papa. How was work? Fegsley let go of Molong.

It was all right. Now finish up your cleaning and come up for dinner, he replied sternly.

Fegsley then walked away into the standalone house he called home as the two teenagers stared after him. He had this strong presence that commanded people to stop, look and listen to what he had to say. Molong had always admired this about her uncle.

Fegsley had taken Molong with him to Lae after her mother had passed away. Molong's father had run away with another woman, claiming he could not look after Molong anymore because she reminded him too much of her mother. Fegsley then took the initiative and took Molong in and cared for her when the word got out that both her parents were gone.

"You're really fond of him, aren't you?" asked Jacob curiously.

"Well yes, if it weren't for him, I would still be on Boda Island, suffering under my own misery. So yes, uncle Fegsley is like the father I never had. You should be grateful you have him as your father."

Jacob smiled at this. They then cleaned up the yard in silence.

Janet, a short, plump woman who was Fegsley's wife stood at the entrance of the house, one hand on her hips.

"You two, I asked you to rake the lawn two hours ago. What took you so long?" she asked, shaking her head at the same time.

"They were gossiping," said a small girl with a high-pitched voice playing with her Barbie doll.

"Lynn, you are such a liar. Don't listen to her Mum," Jacob said slightly annoyed.

"Okay, okay. Dinners on the table," she said while ushering them into the living room.

Lynn was Jacob's little sister and was quite mischievous. Molong started disliking her when she accidentally put chewing gum inside Molong's cap. When Molong had worn it the gum had got stuck in her hair and so they had to cut her shoulder-length hair to remove it.

Now Molong has short boyish hair. She had forgiven her already but was not fond of Lynn at all. The whole family as well as other relatives all sat down in the centre of the living room and ate dinner, cracking jokes as they ate.

After dinner Fegsley pulled Molong outside the house where no one was around. She knew she was going to get scolded because this was usually where he took her before lecturing her. It had been two months since Molong had arrived from Boda Island and so she had got used to Uncle Fegsley lecturing her on morals and ethics. He was like a father to her.

That day however his usual calm lectures turned into loud, terrifying screams of rage. Fegsley took Molong's friendship with Jacob as something else and was very upset about it.

He is like your brother for goodness sake! He may not be blood related but that does not mean you can have a relationship with him! Fegsley screamed at her.

But I never intended on having a . . . . She was cut off.

Ah, bullshit! Noken giaman long mi! he shouted and then took a deep breath. Before Molong realized it, he had raised his right hand and slapped her across the face.

Get out of my face . . . ., he said. Molong just stood shocked and dumbfounded. He had never laid a hand on her before.

Now! he said.

With that, Molong ran straight into the house, bypassing Lynn, Jacob and Janet who were standing staring through the window of the kitchen. She locked herself in the room and cried all night.

The next morning, Molong woke up to the sight of dozens of flowers in her room and a brightly wrapped present. It was a pleasant surprise. She stared at it in complete silence but her curiosity got the better of her and she gently tore the present open. Molong was perplexed. It was a rectangular object with a square reflective mirror in it. She did not know what it was and so she went into Lynns room to ask her.

Lynn explained to her that it was a phone that was used to talk with people. She showed her how to use it before asking her where she got it from. Molong told her that she found it in her room but Lynn did not believe her.

Just then, Jacob walked in and when he saw her, he quickly turned around and walked away. From that moment, Molong realized that Uncle Fegsley had scolded him too. Lynn realized how tense Molong looked and she quickly remembered what happened last night.

Ah, Papa mas sore lo yu so em buyim yu fon. Lucki blo yu, Lynn said.

Lynn was only thirteen years of age but she was quite assertive. Molong walked out of her room, showered and went on with her everyday chores, all the while ignoring Jacob.

At around five oclock in the afternoon, Fegsley came home. He came straight to Molong and hugged her in front of Aunty Janet. Fegsley, then apologized, saying how wrong he had been to have concluded something like that about Jacob and her and how terribly sorry he was for slapping her. Molong accepted his apology and said it was alright. He is like a father to me and sometimes fathers and daughters have arguments she thought. It was normal.

The following days, were the same. Molong would wake up to presents and flowers in her room. She knew it was a bit strange but she was too infatuated with all the gifts she had received. Molong felt so loved knowing he cared enough for her to buy her all these gifts.

The next Saturday afternoon everyone went out for a family gathering and Molong was left behind to look after the house. It was around 6pm when everyone went out. She then went into her room and played with her phone. It was so silent in the house that Molong jumped when she heard a knock on her door.

Yes, who is it? She asked warily in her native tongue.

Its me, uncle Fegsley, I came back to get something in the house.

Oh, you scared me. Molong stood up and opened the door.

Did you find what you were looking for? She asked.

Yes..., he replied, strangely calm. Oh, I found it. I wanted it so much since the day I saw it but there wasnt enough time for me to find it and get it, he said as he moved closer.

What? Molong asked completely dumbfounded. Then before she caught what he meant he had grabbed her by the arm. His grip was so tight and strong that she yelped in pain.

Ssshhh dont scream. Itll be over very soon, he said soothingly then he pushed her down on the bed.

Molong wanted to scream to cry out for help but she was so lost in confusion and shock that she grew completely numb. She had thought Fegsley was a nice, genuine man who cared for everyone. He was like a dad to her. She never thought what would happen next would have ever occurred, but it did. He kicked the door shut with his foot and that was when Molong lost her innocence.

After he was done, her whole body ached and she began to sob. Blood covered the bed sheet.

Dont cry Im so sorry I promise I wont ever do that again to you. Please dont tell anyone. Lets keep this between me and you, he said.

Molong continued to cry uncontrollably. She could not dare look at him and she crawled away from him like a scared puppy afraid of thunder.

I will buy you anything you want. Just promise me you wont tell anyone, he said almost desperately.

Molong curled up, holding her body tightly; scared he might touch her again. When she didnt reply, he responded by again begging her not to tell anyone.

Okay, she managed to say just to get him away from her.

Good girl. Im going to go now, clean up the mess, he commanded before he buckled up, and took off.

Molong stayed in her room for an hour before she gathered up the energy to go wash her aching body. She also washed and hung out her stained clothes and the bed sheet as well, too scared of what uncle Fegsley might do to her if she didnt.

Molong was so young and so stupid. She couldve gone to the police but she felt too embarrassed to do so. So she spent the whole day in her room crying her eyes out. She cleaned up before uncle Fegsleys family and he came back. When they returned from their trip, everyone noticed her sudden change in character.

Are you okay? Lynn asked genuinely.

Yeah mi orait, she lied. Molong knew her eyes were puffy and her appearance terrible but she still tried to appear normal as best she could.

Jacob looked at her concernedly but she just shrugged. Then suddenly Aunty Janet came into the living room extremely angry.

Em wanem? she shouted while holding up Molong's trousers.

Molong had missed a spot on the back of her trousers and the blood stain could be seen clearly. She grew numb again. Her mind whirled and twisted, she couldnt focus. Then someone shook her hard. She regained her senses to see Fegsley and Janet arguing. Somehow her mind had blanked for a few seconds. It turned out it was Jacob who had shaken her. He held her close to him as they watched in silence.

It was all her fault, she seduced me! Uncle pointed at her in disgust. Its true! She came on to me. She was touching me all over, that little bitch! he said loudly.

Molongs mouth went dry when she heard this.

Aunty Janet then shot her a look. Is this true? She asked harshly.

I  I  no, its not true, she replied.

Dont lie to me! Aunty Janet screamed and walked closer to her.

I swear in the name of Go

Dont say his name in vain. You filthy animal, Fegsley cut in.

Why is he doing this? How can someone be so cruel? Molong thought.

You came into my house. I feed you, clothed you, did everything for you and this is how you repay me? By sleeping with my husband? Aunty Janet asked, her tone escalating with each word and her fists clenching and unclenching, ready to bash Molong up. She ran to the kitchen and picked up a knife.

Oh no, this cant be happening. Molong thought. I shouldnt be at fault here. She tried to speak but words couldnt seem to come out. Her heart rate increased rapidly.

Im going to die now; shes going to kill me she thought.

Time seemed to freeze and Molong saw everything in slow-motion. Aunty Janet running towards her with the knife. Fegsley trying to stop her. Lynns jaw dropping. Jacob  Whats Jacob doing? Time regained its normal pace and she saw Jacob step in front of her just before Aunty Janet launched the knife right into his heart.

NO! she cried out as blood spurted out from Jacobs chest, staining his shirt.

One drop of blood landed on her face. Then Jacob dropped on his knees, the knife stuck in his heart.

Hes ly...lying... mama..., he managed to say before he collapsed to his death.

Molong staggered towards him holding him in her arms as she cried and sobbed out loud. She couldnt believe what she had witnessed. There, lying on the floor in a puddle of blood was a young man, a moment before full of potential, full of life.

He had sacrificed his own life for her and for that Molong would forever remember him. Aunty Janet, Uncle Fegley and Lynn just stood in silence completely shocked and devastated at the same time.

"Rest in peace Jacob. I love you," Molong whispered to him while caressing his face gently. Tears soaked up her shirt and she sat there holding him for half an hour in complete silence.
Chelsea Handler and friends.

Earlier this week, the president of the United States tweeted angrily at Nordstrom for dropping daughter Ivanka Trumps eponymous brand. Though Ivanka had said she would be stepping away from her fashion line once her father became president, he insisted that she had been treated so unfairly by the department-store chain. Looking past the general absurdity of the situation, it highlighted the concerns about Donald Trumps many conflicts of interest. It also served as a springboard for a new form of protest: shopping at Nordstrom.

Chelsea Handler tweeted out a photo of herself and two companions jumping gleefully outside the White House, their arms full of Nordstrom bags. It was captioned: A Gay, a Muslim, and a Jew hit Nordstrom and then hit @WhiteHouse to give the finger to @realDonaldTrump. Michael Moore responded to a Trump tweet with, OK!! SEE YOU THERE!! JUST AS SOON AS I FINISH MY SHOPPING AT NORDSTROM!! And Mia Farrow went for a simple and straightforward, Ive never plugged a store but Nordstrom is great. Celebrities arent the only ones getting in on the action. Websites have run roundups of Nordstrom products to buy, including our own. And plenty of ordinary anti-Trump folks are responding to the presidents condemnation of the store by advertising their plans to shop there on their social-media feeds. Im going shopping at #Nordstrom tonightjust because, one such tweet read. Dont really need anything, just seems like the place to go. #TheResistance.

The desire to publicly proclaim your feelings about the presidents actions (for or against) is understandable in the current climate. And while personal style can certainly be political, shopping at a luxury department store is not a means of resisting against the government.

By contrast, take a look at what presumably caused Nordstrom to drop Ivankas line in the first place: a boycott. #GrabYourWallet, a campaign that launched last fall, encouraged people to cease buying from retailers that carried Ivanka Trump products. When Nordstrom confirmed they would no longer be selling her line, a spokesperson explained, Weve said all along we make buying decisions based on performance. In this case, based on the brands performance, weve decided not to buy it for this season. (Neiman Marcus followed suit for the same reason shortly afterward.)

Placing direct economic pressure on a company forces them to focus on what they care about: their bottom line. Take the recent backlash against Uber dropping surge pricing near JFK airport when the New York Taxi Workers Alliance announced a work stoppage to protest Trumps immigration ban. The #DeleteUber campaign led to CEO Travis Kalanick resigning from Trumps advisory board shortly afterward. Sometimes, boycotts take a bit longer to be effective. Back in November, Nordstrom responded on Twitter to a viral letter condemning them for selling Ivanka Trump products, writing, We hope that offering a vendors products isnt misunderstood as us taking a political position; were not. We recognize our customers can make choices about what they purchase based on personal views & well continue to give them options. Later that month, a leaked internal email from co-president Pete Nordstrom to employees affirmed that they would continue to sell her brand. Ultimately, Nordstrom did not part ways with Ivanka Trump because they felt a kinship with protesters in pink pussy hats, they did it because they crunched the numbers and realized that her mid-priced nude pumps werent bringing in business anymore.

Withholding cash as protest is one thing, but its also worth considering where it goes when you spend it effusively. Following Trumps election, nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to directly fighting his policies have seen massive upticks in charitable donations. Right after the immigration ban, the American Civil Liberties Union received a record $24 million from donors. Some retailers have donated part of their proceeds to charities, so that each purchase does benefit a cause. Meanwhile, Nordstrom has also seen gains without taking any sort of political stance: their stock jumped 7 percent since the Trump tweet, and, per Forbes, Nordstrom heirs Bruce Nordstrom and Anne Gittinger are now $115 million richer.

Symbolically, Nordstrom is also a peculiar vehicle for protest in this political climate. It is a luxury department store: not a mom-and-pop shop, or somewhere more accessible like J.C. Penney or Sears. Donald Trump ran a populist campaign; his message resounded with white working-class voters, where celebrity endorsements failed. Just as it felt mockable and out of touch when his supporters attempted to boycott Hamilton, shopping-as-protest only feeds into the pervasive stereotype that Trump detractors are coastal elites.

The first few weeks of the Trump presidency have revealed exactly how serious he was about his campaign promises, with sweeping executive orders, and one potentially catastrophic cabinet member sworn in after another. Theyve also revealed a vast and engaged opposition. Over 3 million people marched on Inauguration Weekend, with many more turning out to protest other Trump actions since. Membership in leftist organizations is growing rapidly, and an unprecedented number of women are planning to run for office. There are numerous ways to actively oppose the Trump administration and help those who will be most affected by its policies. By all means, buy whatever you want from Nordstrom  but dont make the mistake of thinking its a political action.
When Calvin Kleins new creative director Raf Simons unveiled his debut ad campaign last month, Instagram (or at least the glamorous section reserved for fashion commentators) exploded. Not only was it the first look at the brands new made-to-measure label, but it also happened to feature Stranger Things starlet Millie Bobby Brown, among a host of current top models. To understand what this means for the brand, its helpful to cast your mind back to the time of Stranger Things; the 80s, to be precise, when Calvin Klein the label was just 12 years old (coincidentally, the age Brown is now).

Photo: Calvin Klein

It was 1980, and eponymous designer and provocateur Calvin Klein cast Brooke Shields, then 15, in what was to be the first of many racy ads. Do you know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing, Shields slyly intoned, simultaneously igniting outrage and Shieldss career. It also had the effect of forever imprinting Calvin Klein (and those jeans) into the collective consciousness, and set the bar for all the salacious ads that were yet to come.

Brown, at 12, is younger than Shields was at the time  in fact, shes the youngest person to star in a Calvin Klein campaign  and though the tone of her ad is more reserved, its equally star-making. Her first foray into fashion is the toast of the campaign, which also features such industry veterans as Abbey Lee Kershaw, Jamie Bochert, Julia Nobis, and current favorites like Lineisy Montero, Natalie Westling, and Mica Arganaraz, among others. And from early reactions, it seems that the ads have firmly established the young actress as fashions latest darling.

Calvin has always had a knack for exalting young talent. In the 90s, there was Kate Moss, who, at 17, starred in the infamous Obsession campaign. At the time, the future supermodel was far from a household name. But that was about to change: Shot by her then-boyfriend Mario Sorrenti, the boundary-pushing ads featured Moss, by measures topless (nipple freed) and sprawled on a couch. He was obsessed  He basically shot me like that for ten days, Moss told Nick Knight in a recent interview, remembering the experience as the beginning of the end of her romance with the photographer. We split up after that.

Moss would become synonymous with Calvin Kleins fresh-faced, if subversive, aesthetic, going on to star in ads for the highly successful underwear and denim lines, sharing screen time with Marky Mark (now Mark Wahlberg) for the latter. Those ads were the stuff adolescent fantasies are made of  the two share a topless embrace, clad in the just-sagged-enough denim of the era, riding low to reveal the branded underwear above  making it a locker- and bedroom-wall pinup par excellence.

And of course, there was Christy Turlington. Her breakout moment came with the 1988 Eternity campaign (shot by Bruce Weber), which would be the first of many a successful CK collab. The 1995 Eternity ad, shot by Peter Lindbergh, was so seminal the brand reissued it almost 20 years later, and also reprised it (with Christys husband Ed Burns in place of original co-model Mark Vanderloo) in an image by Inez & Vinoodh.

More of the many boldface names that have appeared in the ads over the years include: Patti Hansen (whipping her hair back and forth in 1979), Jenny Shimizu (crouching topless among Moss and friends in the famous CK One ensemble shot), pre50 Shades of Grey Jamie Dornan (also topless), alternately oiled up with Eva Mendez (2009) and cavorting in jeans and nothing else with Kate Moss (2006), and Lara Stone, who originally appeared in an orgiastic, banned-in-Australia ad in 2010, and lately was seen (also NSFW) canoodling with Justin Bieber in the 2015 #MyCalvins series.

And last years genius I ____ in my Calvins Series, shot by Harley Weir and Tyrone Lebon, saw the return of Moss (this time relatively tame), while upholding the brands grand tradition of controversy. In addition to Kendall Jenner and that grapefruit pic, an upskirt shot of 22-year-old actress Klara Kristin caused especially great consternation. (Caption: I flash in my Calvins.) Kristins reaction? I love this photo.

So by Appointment, this latest entry in the pantheon of Calvins advertising is  like Simonss tenure is expected to be  an entirely new direction for the brand. His imagery is demure, ladylike, shot in black-and-white by longtime collaborator Willy Vanderperre. The series, which promotes the designers surprise made-to-measure collection (the American brands answer to couture), proves that Rafs already making his architecturally elegant mark  and that his star-launching powers are, too, very much in evidence.

Today, the landmark CK billboard at Houston and Lafayette streets  the site where so many embattled images were gawked at and squabbled over  shows a softer side of the brand. Up-and-coming model Selena Forrest occupies the prime real estate. Given that previous tenants included a 1990s threesome scene, which so scandalized that it was removed, the campaign image from Simonss by Appointment collection is comparatively tame. The left side of the billboard is dedicated to a flat shot of the underwear  artistic, inert, and inoffensive  while the right features Forrest in an ankle-grazing dress with underboob-exposing cutouts. Its barefoot elegance with just the faintest reveal, leaving much to the imagination and teasing Simonss new vision of American fashion.
do you guys think the brothers were really abused by their fathers?

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I've watched several doc about this (years ago) and I definitely believed that they were.

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any docs you would recommend?

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I work with survivors of sexual assault/abuse and while I'm not an expert on their story, I def think they were abused by their father

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i think they were, and also they had their cousins testimonial



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Yeah, I think it's been well established. However, they were 18 and 20 years old when they conspired to kill them, it was totally premeditated & they deserve what they got.

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I watched 'Murder made me Famous' and the recent 20/20 of their story along with what I always thought, I don't believe them.

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I don't know enough about the story to have a strong opinion. Also don't really feel comfortable judging and speculating about Sexual abuse but... Probably

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Yes

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i thought they both abused them? groce

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I believe it. And I also believe they deserve their prison sentences.

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i think he did. i watched the special on abc and some relative said at 8 one of them brought it up. the relative could have been lying, but if it was true 8 year old whoever said it, i believe it.

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I think both the mom and dad were abusive.

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somehow, i doubt it.

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I think they were abused although I also think they made tons of shit up at the trial, though, so I don't know if what they said happened exactly as they said it did, like I don't know if I believe their parents were sticking them with needles or whatever.



That being said, I don't think they were even considering the abuse when they killed their parents beyond 'let's get rid of them so we never have to see them again and we can get all their money', I think they killed their parents because they were entitled rich kids who wanted their due before it was time.

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yes. is atched that abc documentary and i don't think you can't fake erik's reaction when lyle was on the stand talking about it. at the very least, erik was experiencing abuse from his dad and his brother since lyle said he did to erik was his dad would do to him, so i have a lot of sympathy for erik, he was preyed upon by his father and by his older brother who was himself being abused. the situation in that household was truly fucked up.

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I know the best friend that actually turned them in and he swears that they were never abused and the whole thing was an act. He said they wanted their parents money and their parents were very strict with it. Apparently Eric and Lyle were amazing actors and rehearsed the whole thing before it happened. It was all planned very far in advance.

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Without a doubt in my mind, tbh.

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Personally, I believe they were abused as young children (perhaps it stopped when they got big enough to protest). I don't believe the mother was involved, but I do believe as children, one or both talked about it with their cousins. I don't believe they were still being abused at the time of the murder.

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smh at this thread. it's established that they are both narcissists and pathological liars and that the defense theory was a concoction. the crimes were committed with the intent of gaining control of their parents wealth, not out of fear as they claimed.

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I always swing between yes and no. They absolutely were at least emotionally abused. Their father was known to be a tyrant. Their behaviour during the murder, afterwards and the focus on the money has always sewn seeds of doubt for me. We will likely never know, unless they come out and confess it was false. God, I hate how often sexual abuse is used as a defence tool in murder cases. It makes it so hard to tell when someone ACTUALLY killed due to abuse. If it is true, I do not think their motive was for the abuse to stop. It was anger and greed. If the abuse claims were false, it was hatred/indifference towards their parents and greed.



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The People vs. OJ has to be one of the best things I have ever seen. It was so incredibly well written! I, too, was way too young to understand what was going on, while it was going on. So it was totally my first time "experiencing" the whole OJ trial.

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i'm currently watching it as well and i'm liking it so far. i'd love to see them take on this case.

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I watched it when it aired and I thought it was one of the best series ever, but now that I am rewatching with my mom since it's on netflix I definitely think that experiencing the whole OJ trial for the first time (the murders happened before I was even born) was the thing that sold me the most on the series because I am not that impressed by it under the second watch tbh.

I actually think Courtney B. Vance slaaaayed and outacted almost everyone, but Sterling & Sarah were good as well.

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there are parts that were so fucking terrible, like anything with john travolta was painful and ross kardashian, like i'll give david schwimmer some credit, i think he did the best he could, it's just too bad that was what it ended up being. He didn't bring anything to that role beyond what we already knew from the Kardashians and the OG trial coverage, it wasn't an insightful performance.



I also think both Courtney and Sterling had equally tremendous performances, but Courtney's was much more dynamic and active vs the subtlety of what Sterling did, it's a quieter performance but it's just as good.

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I've been watching it too, I really like it. My mom tells me that I ran out to get the newspaper that Monday & sat on the floor dragging my finger along to read the news, I was just a hair under 7 years old and didn't know what several of the words meant, but I was apparently obsessed with reading everything about the case.



I don't remember much of that because my recall of my own life is shot, but she + her parents swear it's true.

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i just finished watching the people vs. oj simpson on netflix and finally understand the hype. i don't think i really knew much about the trial at all before this

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Watch OJ: Made in America. It's fantastic.

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That doc was so so so good. I was very emotionally drained after finishing it lol.

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I really enjoy the Generation Why podcast. I try to find similar podcasts, but none of them grab me. Mostly because of the hosts.

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I love Generation Why. I also love Sword and Scale but, it can be very intense. I don't enjoy 911 calls/real audio despite my own obsession with the macabre.

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Same. I really loved S&S in the beginning, but for some reason I was suddenly turned off. I went back to it after abandoning it for awhile and I decided to stop listening again. I guess it's gotten to me.

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Tonya harding and now this? Sheesh



At least the menendez story is intriguing, but it was already well made (from what I can remember) for TV.

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They seem to be dredging up all these '90s scandals again, OJ, Tonya, JonBenet, Monica Lewinsky. I wonder when they will recycle the Amy Fisher stuff, even though she already got 3 TV movies, lol.

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Edited at 2017-02-10 04:21 am (UTC) that model who was arrested a few years back looks a lot like one of those menedez brothers in his court appearance photo

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What did he do?

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coke, I think

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sold drugs

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I'm still haunted from watching the serial rapist/ killer's confession that somebody linked in the last true crime post 

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i love his articles about them, they are so intriguing

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I have two papers to write, so thanks for this great excuse to procrastinate!

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I love Dunne. He did a great book on the OJ trial that I read before anything else on that subject. He was such a social climber but, also had his own tragedy with his daughter.

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If y'all enjoyed 'The People v. OJ Simpson', you need to watch 'O.J.: Made in America'. It was well crafted. They even mention one of the Menendez brothers because he was in the same prison as OJ at that time /csb

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lol i just mentioned that in my own comment!

im watching the doc rn on hulu & it's so interesting to watch it from a sociological point of view

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It's really good. I stayed up all night watching it because I couldn't stop myself from binging. The way they build up to the actual infamous events is neat and the cultural context explains so many things that I couldn't understand as a child when the chase and everything went on

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I started The People v. OJ and gave up. I really like OJ: Made in America and I feel like I don't need anything else after watching that.

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Easily one of the best documentaries I've ever seen and I know a shit ton on the OJ story. I live quite close to where she was murdered/he lived. I watched Made in America all day and was never bored.

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interesting. were they abused as boys or was that a lie?

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also, im a so ashamed of myself bc i think erik was so attractive, & i know somebody that looks a lot like him, so now i find that person attractive as well

i've been on a true crime binge lately, i saw their documentary on hulu along with oj made in america, and i had no idea they were in jail togetheralso, im a so ashamed of myself bc i think erik was so attractive, & i know somebody that looks a lot like him, so now i find that person attractive as well #daddyissues

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I find him attractive too... Yikes @ us tbh

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he looks reptilian

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gurl, learn to love urself

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Lol this reminds me of that SNL skit





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I used to read random pages on the Unsolved Mysteries Wikia site but it got so depressing after a while :(

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someone linked a podcast on here and it legit scared the shit out of me where I couldn't even go to bed. I wish I could remember it.

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this whitewashing yikes mess. i almost thought this was another ryan murphy series at first

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Kitty was white though, Jose was Cuban.

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never said they werent. llol gringos remain clueless

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I think she means the casting of the brothers, not the parents.

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Oil prices were up more than 1 percent early Friday morning after the International Energy Agency (IEA) said that OPECs supply-cut deal achieved a record initial compliance rate of 90 percent.

As of 7:23AM (EST), WTI Crude was up 1.19 percent at US$53.63, while Brent Crude was trading up 1.29 percent at US$56.35.

Oil prices are thus building on yesterdays rise, driven by a bullish sentiment on the markets.

The IEA said today that it had estimated OPECs crude oil output at 32.1 million bpd in January, with record compliance, and some producers, especially Saudi Arabia, cutting more than pledged.

When OPEC decided last November to coordinate an output cut to 32.5 million bpd between January and June, the majority of analysts and experts were skeptical about the cartel achieving a high compliance rate, given its track record of breaching promises and tendency to cheat. OPECs average historical compliance rate is around 60 percent.

The most bullish of analysts had expected compliance at around 80 percent. Early into the cuts in January, OPEC sources were telling media and tipping the oil markets by saying that even a 50-percent compliance would be acceptable, with up to 60 percent deemed as good enough, and 80 percent  good compliance. Related: Is $55 Oil Really Enough For Qatar?

But the latest estimates, 90 percent by the IEA, and 91 percent by S&P Global Platts, suggest that this time around, OPEC may have delivered on its promise, at least for January. Both estimates concur that while some OPEC producers are still above their targeted production level  Iraq, in particular  others, like the cartels biggest producer and de facto leader Saudi Arabia, are cutting deeper than required.

OPECs own monitoring committee, consisting of both OPEC and non-OPEC members of those that have joined the cuts, is expected to report January production figures after February 17.

The estimates by the IEA and Platts exceed all expectations and defy skeptics. But its only early February; there are no mechanisms to actually enforce cuts; and OPEC and non-OPEC producers may find it tempting to pump a bit more now that their deal has pushed oil prices up roughly US$10 per barrel since the end of November.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Two new pipelines to be built over the next 12-18 months are likely to bring down natural gas prices on the U.S. market just when they were starting to rise more consistently. While this is good news for consumers, it is not so welcomed news for producers, who might have to start thinking about finding new markets.

The pipelines in question are Atlantic Sunrise, a project of Williams Partners, and Energy Transfer Partners Rover. The two got the greenlight from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last week and became cause for celebration for producers in the Utica and Marcellus shale plays, who have been forced by low prices and lack of governmental support to sell their gas at a solid discount to the national benchmark Henry Hub.

Of course, Energy Transfer Partners and Williams Partners will also take part in the celebrations, as would power utilities as they will be able to buy cheaper gas. Yet, the party may soon be over for the producers as the reality of abundant supply sets in.

Atlantic Sunrise will extend the Transco pipeline to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S., adding 1.7 billion cubic feet to its daily capacity. The Rover pipeline is part of a project that will see gas flowing to the Midwest, the Northeast, the East Coast, and Canada. It will transport 3.25 billion cubic feet of shale gas daily.

This gas will be added to the output marketed by other pipeline operators and is bound to push down prices, as Bloomberg Gadflys Liam Denning notes in an analysis, just as any new supply of a commodity on any given market would push down the price of that commodity. Related: From Bust To Boom: Why Canadas Rig Count Increased 50 Percent Last Year

Whats more, in the short term, local gas prices could fall even more if the White House continues following the hard line against Mexico. According to analysts quoted by Bloomberg, if the conflict escalates into a trade war, gas prices may slump by 40 percent to $2 per million British thermal units. This, however, is a scenario where gas exports to Mexico are suspended. Such a scenario, the analysts admit, is unlikely but still a possibility.

On the other hand, regardless of prices, part of the increased supply will go towards new power generation plants, which will curb the downward pressure on prices. The natural gas-fired generation capacity of the U.S. is set for an 8-percent growth by next year, according to EIA data gathered from the power generation industry. This year newly added capacity should reach 11.2GW. 2018 will be even better, with 25.4 GW to be added to overall capacity. Related: Can Natural Gas Rescue Algerias Ailing Economy?

Foreign markets are another option for offloading the gasAsia and Europe in particular. A special focus is placed on Europe because of its liquidity, storage capacity, and, not least, the willingness of Europeans to increase the share of LNG in their energy mix and the money to do it. Besides, Europe will only be too happy to embrace more U.S. gas imports at the expense of Russias Gazprom.

With half of U.S. households relying on natural gas for heating, and with the growing adoption of gas as a power generation fuel, the downward risk for prices is relatively limited, assuming U.S.-Mexican relations dont get worse than they are now. At the same time, the upward potential of foreign markets also needs to be carefully considered, and E&Ps should not waste any time in exploiting it. Gas is the bridge fuel and everyone wants it, but there are also major suppliers that U.S. exporters will have to contend with on international markets.

By Charles Kennedy of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
SC halted operation of Sharif family sugar mills

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday halted the operation of three sugar mills, owned by the Sharif family, and remanded the matter to the Lahore High Court (LHC).



The Sharif family and their relatives had shifted their sugar mills to a new land in the garb of interim relief, which was sought from the LHC. A division bench of the LHC gave relief to the Sharif family and their relatives by allowing three sugar mills - namely Ittefaq Sugar Mills, Chaudhry Sugar Mills and Haseeb Waqas Sugar Mills - to continue crushing sugar at the new locations.



The judgement was pronounced on a petition filed by JDW Sugar Mills of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Secretary General Jehangir Khan Tareen, the owners of Indus Sugar Mills and others in 2006. Later, Jehangir Tareen and others, through Aitzaz Ahsan, approached the top court against the interim order.



Now, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, during the course of the hearing, observed that the high court had not taken into consideration the fundamental documents and passed various restraining orders in favour of the Sharif family and their relative.



Justice Umar Ata Bandial, a member of the bench, wondered how a chief executive (chief minister) of a province could form a policy that was extending benefits to his family.



The top court also observed that the interim orders were "non-speaking and mechanical".



The SC directed the LHC's office to fix the matter before a division bench, preferably headed by LHC Chief Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, on February 16, with instructions to the CJ to hear all sides of the case and deliver a verdict within a week. It also directed the counsel for the Sharif family that the order to suspend operation of the mills should not be violated.



During the hearing, Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, the counsel for Jehangir Tareen, contended that the government in 2005-06 had itself taken a policy decision to ban the establishment or enlargement of sugar mills in Punjab.



Citing a 2006 Punjab government notification, which not only banned the establishment of new mills but also the shifting of their location, Aitzaz said that shifting of sugar mills was an illegal move.



He, however, alleged that the Sharif family had set up new sugar mills under the pretext of relocation, adding that the ruling family had managed to obtain permission to move the sugar mills despite a ban.



He contended that a notification issued by the industries department on December 4, 2015 allowed the owners of the Chaudhry Sugar Mills, Ittefaq Sugar Mills in Sahiwal, Haseeb Waqas Sugar Mills in Nankana Sahib, Abdullah (Yousaf) Sugar Mills in Sargodha and Abdullah Sugar Mills in Depalpur to move the units to other districts.



He also contended that the Sharif family's three sugar mills were continuously crushing sugar in southern Punjab in the guise of the LHC division bench's interim order.



He submitted that the ruling family should have been a role model in the country, adding that now they were misleading the superior courts.



Salman Akram Raja, the counsel for the Sharif family, said that an amendment in 2015 to the 2006 notification, overseen by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, made provisions for the shifting of sugar mills from one point to another, although the creation of new mills remained illegal.



When Raja tried to inform the court about the merits of the case, the CJP observed that this court was only hearing the matter of the interim relief. The counsel stated that if the top court stopped the sugar mills from crushing then the owners would face irreparable loss, and the workers would also suffer, adding that the investment of Rs 380 million would be also lost. He requested the bench to allow three sugar mills to continue sugar crushing this season and later the court may ban their operation.
US court unanimously refused to reinstate Donald Trump ban on refugees 10 February, 2017



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Woke Bingo A US court on Thursday unanimously refused to reinstate Donald Trump's ban on refugees and nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, dealing the new president and his controversial law-and-order agenda a major defeat.



The ruling from the federal appeals court in San Francisco on Trump's executive order, issued on January 27 with no prior warning and suspended by a lower court a week later, capped a turbulent first three weeks of his presidency.



A defiant Trump quickly pledged to battle on, tweeting within minutes of the decision: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!



The Justice Department had asked the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to restore the measure on an emergency basis, but the three-judge panel instead maintained the suspension ordered by a federal judge in Seattle.



We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, the judges ruled. Refugees from Syria were blocked indefinitely.



The new Republican administration argued the ban was needed to prevent the militant Islamic State (IS) and Al Qaeda fighters migrating from reaching US soil, but it sparked travel chaos and was roundly rejected by immigration advocacy groups.



Critics say the measure targeted Muslims in violation of US law.



Now, the case could end up in the Supreme Court. The court in San Francisco said aspects of the public interest favoured both sides, highlighting the massive attention the case had drawn. On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies, the ruling said.



And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination.



While acknowledging that the Seattle judge's ruling may have been overbroad in some respects, the panel said it was not their role to try, in effect, to rewrite the executive order.



The government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States, the court said.



Civil rights campaigners and state officials applauded the decision, vowing to fight on until the executive order was permanently scrapped. For now, it means that travellers with valid visas can continue to enter the country.



Washington Governor Jay Inslee, whose administration sued for the measure to be blocked, hailed a victory for his state and the country, arguing that the ruling showed no one is above the law, not even the president.



Human Rights Watch senior researcher Grace Meng called the decision an important declaration of judicial independence, which is crucial for checking harmful overreach by the president.



Trump had blasted the original suspension and decried the politicisation of the federal courts in a series of fiery tweets and public statements.



Republican lawmakers jumped to Trump's defence, with Senator Tom Cotton calling the ruling misguided, while Democrats predictably hailed it.



Pres Trump ought to see the writing on the wall, abandon proposal, roll up his sleeves & come up w/ a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe, tweeted Senate Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer.



Trump's election rival Hillary Clinton tweeted simply: 3-0.



Ahead of the ruling, and with tensions high between the executive and the judiciary, Trump defended his hardline policies and declared a new era of justice in America as he swore in Attorney General Jeff Sessions.



We face the menace of rising crime and the threat of deadly terror, he said, doubling down on his dystopian vision of America.



A new era of justice begins and it begins right now. Trump's tough talk belies a political and legislative agenda that has been beset by missteps and legal challenges.



Even his own Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, described the president's comments about the judiciary as disheartening and demoralizing.



Though Trump's message has been criticised by experts, it appears to be resonating with supporters. The billionaire won the election last November with 46 per cent of the popular vote, and the RealClearPolitics average of polls shows his job approval at about that level, with the split largely along Republican-Democratic lines. Trump on Wednesday trumpeted a Morning Consult-Politico poll showing 55pc voter approval for his immigration ban, although earlier polls  dismissed by the president as fake news  have shown majority opposition.



His administration has 14 days to file a petition for reconsideration, either by the same panel or en banc  meaning by every judge on the court. Another option would be to ask the Supreme Court to review the case, although some analysts have argued that this path poses the possibility of an embarrassing defeat, given the unanimity of the San Francisco panel, which included a Republican-appointed judge.
For Immediate Release

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) today condemned the shuttering of Egypts premiere anti-torture organization and clinic, the El-Nadeem Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence. On Thursday, Egyptian officials sealed the organizations office doors after a protracted effort to halt its work.

The following statement is attributable to PHR Executive Director Donna McKay:

It is both sad and troubling that Egypts government would shut down a center dedicated to the treatment of torture survivors  its truly a new low when those who care for victims of torture and ill treatment are punished for doing their jobs. Lashing out against the El-Nadeem Center is a direct assault on all those who fight to defend human rights in Egypt and the greater Middle East.

Our colleagues at the El-Nadeem Center use medicine and science to fight impunity and end torture and ill-treatment, which have  for far too long  cast a dark shadow across Egypt. Theyve stood up to the Egyptian state by condemning not just torture, but also forced disappearances, kidnappings, unsubstantiated arrests, and illegal detentions. Closing down El-Nadeem is an attempt by Egypts authorities to paper over the governments abysmal human rights track record.

We demand the center be permitted to re-open and that the baseless allegations against them be dropped entirely. We stand in solidarity with them and all those who seek to end the brutality and cruelty of torture.

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Learn more here.
AUBURN  Donning a cap as a prop to signal her transformation, Barrie Gewanter became "Officer Guinness" to demonstrate the thought process of a police officer responding to a situation.

Officers can execute certain powers, such as detaining individuals and giving orders, when they assess a need. The law does not allow subjects of these orders wiggle room to disobey, leaving affected persons  regardless of race or ethnicity  with an overarching goal during the encounter, Gewanter said: Survive unharmed.

Police-involved fatalities in recent years, including several high-profile cases involving black people, have cast a nationwide spotlight on these issues.

So Gewanter, executive director of the Onondaga County/Syracuse Human Rights Commission, imparted that survivalist mentality  and related guidelines  on Wednesday to another group of civil stewards in the local community: Auburn's Human Rights Commission.

The commission exists as a resource to area individuals who feel their rights have been violated in one way or another. Police-involved complaints are just a facet of their purview, as the Human Rights Commission counsels on a wide range of issues that may involve a person's race or social standing, such as complications with employment or residency.

The group is now eight strong after four were appointed by the Auburn City Council last Thursday: Air Force veteran Robert Ellison, Auburn high school teacher William Gonzalez and Rhoda Overstreet-Wilson and Kathy Barnard, both members of the Auburn chapter of the NAACP.

The four volunteered to join longstanding members Gwen Jones, the Rev. Stephen Mack, Joe Leogrande and acting Chairperson Gilda Brower. Each term on the commission lasts three years.

The Human Rights Commission has a budget of $15,000. The money allows the group to schedule training like Wednesday's session, during which commissioners (sans Mack) were joined by other Auburn NAACP representatives as well as Jeff Pirozzolo, superintendent of the Auburn Enlarged City School District.

Along with explaining an officer's mindset during a response, Gewanter reviewed how civilians should behave with their rights in mind when confronted by police  as well as what details to commit to memory if there may be a need to seek legal redress afterward.

Gewanter focused Wednesday's lesson on teaching commissioners and NAACAP members how to pass her lessons to others  a "train the trainer" session, she called it  whether it is to students in a classroom or to adults claiming their rights have been infringed.

The Human Rights Commission plans to confer on these issues with the Auburn Police Department, Brower said. She noted she would like to build on concepts from the department's participation in implicit bias training at Syracuse University in November.

"We need to do something about that," Brower said about institutional racism, though she added that poverty can also provoke bias regardless of race.

With the addition of the four members, Auburn's Human Rights Commission has been rejuvenated following the death of its former leader, Fred Richardson, in August.

Brower said Richardson led the commission for more than 18 years. His death, she said, left the group in a bit of a lapse for a few months, which was compounded by the vacancy left by another member, Anthony DeCaro, who resigned last year for personal reasons.

"We have some big shoes to fill around here," she said Wednesday.

The new members, Brower said, bring complementary skills to help with people's needs.

Barnard, for example, works in finance, is a former real estate agent and also has some training in management and legal issues, she said. Along with her service to the NAACP as its treasurer, Barnard is a member of the Auburn Zonta Club and and Diverse Auburn.

Raised in a diverse area just outside Los Angeles, Barnard said she did not encounter high levels of racial prejudice until she moved to Syracuse, and later Auburn, more than a decade ago.

In a time where individuals need to be trained on how to interact with the police  particularly people of color, she said  Barnard feels the Human Rights Commission serves as an important avenue for people to use as a resource, or to express their concerns.

"We may not have all the answers, but I think, collectively, we will complement each other to help these folks where they need to go and get the help they need," she said.
AUBURN  An Auburn woman will spend the next two years in prison for possessing 600 envelopes of heroin in Cayuga County.

Stephanie Sweeting, of 19 McMaster St. Apt. 125, pleaded guilty in December 2016 to one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. At the time, the 37-year-old admitted she helped two co-defendants traffic heroin from Connecticut to Cayuga County.

Sweeting was arrested in September 2014 after police found 600 bags of heroin in her vehicle during a traffic stop in the village of Weedsport. During her plea, Sweeting told Judge Thomas Leone she had driven her co-defendants  Robert L. Benjamin and Brittany M. Smith  to Connecticut to pick up roughly $12,000 worth of heroin, which they intended to sell in Auburn.

Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann addressed Sweeting's extensive criminal history in court, dating back to 2005 when she was charged with felony forgery and criminal possession of stolen property. She was also charged with second-degree bail jumping in North Carolina in 2008 and, in 2011, she was extradited to Cayuga County after being picked up at a traffic stop in North Carolina as one of Auburn's top 10 fugitives.

"This defendant is no stranger to the court," Budelmann said.

The district attorney went on to describe Sweeting's role as a confidential informant in the county, saying she initially helped police with a case against Tyrone Matthews. However, Budelmann said Sweeting then went into hiding, refusing to testify at Matthews' trial.

"She double-crossed police ... and allowed a four-time convicted drug dealer back on the streets," he said, noting that Matthews was acquitted without Sweeting's testimony.

When asked if she had anything to say to the court, Sweeting cried as she apologized for her actions in 2014.

"This whole experience has been a learning experience for me and I apologize for what I did," she said.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, Leone sentenced Sweeting to two years in prison plus two years post-release supervision. He also agreed to recommend shock camp so she can get drug treatment while incarcerated and ordered her to pay roughly $400 in restitution, which Sweeting still owes from a previous crime.

Also in court:

 An Auburn man was sentenced to one to three years in prison Thursday for violating the terms and conditions of his probation.

Gary Joy, of 42 South St. Apt. 12, was previously sentenced to five years probation in 2010 for fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. However, in June 2015, Joy was arrested for failing to pay $12,000 in restitution and driving while his ability was impaired by drugs.

In December 2016, Joy pleaded guilty to violating his probation. Leone sentenced the 50-year-old Thursday to one to three years in prison on each violation. Both sentences will run concurrently to one another.
This blog will focus on political images I have found all around the Internet, though I will intersperse some commentary and quotes that I find interesting.
Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the American Authors Association

Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the Military Writers Society of America.
In an effort to reduce property taxes across the state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed a November ballot initiative that would require counties to develop consolidation plans. But some county officials are not convinced that the plans would be as cost-saving or realistic as the governor thinks.

The idea of the proposal is for local municipalities to eliminate service redundancies, coordinate services and jointly purchase transportation and emergency equipment. The plans would be submitted to the county Legislature in August, and appear on the November 2017 general election ballot for residents to vote up or down. If residents vote "no" on the proposal, the county will be required to come up with a new plan for the following year.

"The property tax is the most burdensome tax to homeowners and business owners in every part of the state, inhibiting their ability to grow and contribute to our economy," said Cuomo in a January news release. "By challenging local governments to create a plan to streamline government bureaucracy for voter approval, this innovative and powerful initiative will empower communities and lead to real, recurring property tax savings. While we have significantly reduced the growth of property taxes over the past six years, this tax is still a significant expense for property owners, and this proposal will reduce the burden of the tax and establish New York as a national model for government efficiency."

The New York State Association of Counties, however, said that it's important to recognize that the state plays a role in the county property tax levy, too. In a release, NYSAC said state mandates are some of the largest expenses for counties.

"In New York, county expenditures are heavily driven by state law under which county governments are required to administer and fund an array of state and federal programs," NYSAC said. "The major cost categories for counties include health and human services, general government projects, employee salaries and benefits, and public safety."

One state mandate that has a significant effect on Cayuga County's budget  between $800,000 and $1 million  is indigent defense. The state has also expanded the coverage of those eligible for an attorney with no new funds coming down the pipeline. And Cuomo vetoed plans for the state to pay back counties for those attorney fees at the end of last year.

Additionally, the state will this year require defense attorneys for off-hour arraignments. The Cayuga County Magistrates Association is working on how best to tackle that new mandate, which will likely cost the county even more money to get defense attorneys to various parts of the 692 square-miles of land during weekends and overnight hours.

County Legislature Chairman Keith Batman said he thinks having consolidation conversations is worthwhile, but the majority of town and village budgets goes into roads. He said cutting back, for example, on the number of people who plow roads wouldn't necessarily help since one person and one truck can only do so much work. Batman also said many of the towns and villages already work together on various highway projects.

"People already are doing that kind of sharing," he said. "It's hard to see how a lot of money can be saved."

Batman suggested that town boards could consolidate, but with most board members making about $1,500 a year, he said the savings would be minimal. Still, he thinks having the conversation with municipalities is a good idea. He said while towns have already done a good job of figuring out ways to cooperate and collaborate, there may be new ideas that surface should everyone get together and brainstorm.

"There might be some real advantages that I and no one else are thinking about," he said.

For now, Batman said he's going to wait a few weeks before starting those conversations. He said he's hoping to have a better picture of what will be in the governor's budget before diving into discussion. He's also hoping some questions will be answered around the proposal, including what would happen if the county Legislature votes a proposed plan down after it's submitted in August. In a release, the governor said the county Legislature has 45 days to review the plan once it's submitted on Aug. 1. If it does nothing, the plan will automatically be put on the ballot.

Batman is also skeptical about the timeline for creating a plan. With the governor's budget to be passed in April, counties will have about four months to create a consolidation plan for consideration.

"Four months isn't enough time to get anything of value done," he said.
Winter returned in its full fury Thursday, when temperatures plunged from the 40s into the single digits, and the biggest snowstorm of the winter buried much of the East Coast and dropped 4 inches on the Glens Falls area and much more farther south and east.

The storm moved through quickly in the afternoon. By 4 p.m., the sun was shining and the winter weather warning for the area had been called off two hours early.

Schools were closed throughout Washington and Warren counties as the storm moved slightly more north and east than initially expected. In some areas farther south, where the heaviest amounts were expected, school districts called off classes the night before.

We got a little more snow than we expected, but not as much as places south and east. It was definitely significantly higher in the Capital District, said Brian Whitley, a meteorologist at Weather Routing in Glens Falls. They had 12 inches in Delmar and 13 in Voorheesville.

The storm, which Whitley called a classic Noreaster, got more intense toward the coast. In fact, it was declared a blizzard, first on Long Island and on Cape Cod, and eventually in parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Most schools in those states and New York had snow days Thursday, as did most of Connecticut, parts of New Jersey and most of eastern New York south of Essex County.

Boston, which had called school off Wednesday night, did much the same thing Thursday, canceling school for Friday at mid-afternoon.

Slick roads

Law enforcement agencies throughout the area reported many accidents throughout the day, including some in which cars slid off the road.

In a 4 p.m. crash in Fort Edward, the driver of a car was turning into a driveway on Lower Allen Street when it was struck by a Jeep coming from the other direction. Both drivers were taken to the hospital complaining of ankle and head injuries, according to a Washington County Sheriffs official.

The State Police Northway office said it had handled dozens of accidents during the day, including a tractor-trailer that rolled onto its side during the morning commute.

The Warren County Sheriffs Office responded to 11 accidents in an eight-hour span Thursday.

Albany-area hit hard

The National Weather Service said the storm dumped nearly a foot of snow on the Albany area and more than 9 inches in New York City.

Of the 28 flights scheduled to take off from Albany International Airport on Thursday, 10 were canceled. Eleven of the 36 arrivals were canceled.

The morning commute into Albany was an exceptionally difficult one, and the evening commute was no easier. A band of heavy snow sat just south of the city, adding 1 to 3 inches each hour.

There were whiteout conditions in New York City, where the first death of the storm was reported.

A Manhattan doorman died after he fell through plate glass while shoveling snow. The accident occurred around 9:30 a.m. Thursday on the Upper East Side.

The man was identified by police as 59-year-old Miguel Angel Gonzalez of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Witnesses said he was shoveling when he fell down stairs leading from the street level and hit a glassed-in vestibule.

Temperatures plummet

In the Glens Falls area, temperatures were expected to drop as low as 3 degrees early Friday morning, with wind chills as low as 8 below zero.

Friday will be sunny with a high near 24, but it will feel much colder, because of a northeast wind that will range from 8 to 14 mph.

Light snow is expected very early Saturday morning, and the low will be around 10 degrees with snow showers expected. It will be cloudy with a high near 35.

Sunday morning will bring a slight chance of snow showers before 1 a.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 25 degrees.

Sunday will bring more precipitation, with a chance of snow before 10 a.m., a chance of rain between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and a chance of rain after that. It will be cloudy with a high of 38 degrees.

As the temperature falls Sunday night, the precipitation will return to snow at about 10 p.m., and the low will be around 28 degrees.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Two local nursing homes are to be sold as part of a deal that will turn them over to a man who is chief operating officer of the company that bought several county-owned nursing homes in recent years.

The Stanton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Queensbury and The Orchard Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Granville are among the seven homes to be sold to two men. One of them is Amir Abramchik, COO of Centers Health Care, the company that bought county-owned nursing homes in Warren, Washington, Essex and Fulton counties in recent years. It also operates Indian River Nursing Home in Granville.

The homes, the majority of which are in the Capital District and points south, are owned by Schenectady-based Capital Living & Rehabilitation Centres, which would receive $85 million for the homes and the land on which they sit. The sale price of the 120-bed Stanton was listed at just over $12.3 million, and the 88-bed Orchard at $6.6 million.

Capital Living has owned the homes since 2003, when it bought them from Hallmark Nursing Centre.

The state Health Department was scheduled to consider approval of the sales on Thursday, but the snowstorm that hit the Northeast forced a postponement. No new date had been set as of Friday.

Separate limited liability companies will be set up to operate each home, and the buyers have not indicated whether they plan any significant changes.

Centers has been criticized by some for violations and low ratings at some of its homes, a patient care record that was repeatedly cited by opponents when Centers was buying Warren Countys nursing home, then known as Westmount Health Facility, in 2015.

Abramchik is part owner of at least four nursing homes that Centers operates. But Tom McCartin, a spokesman for Centers Health Care, said Centers will have no role in the operation of the homes Abramchik is seeking to buy.

He said the purchase has nothing whatsoever to do with Centers Health Care or its ownership.

Documents filed with the state Department of Health, however, indicate that Centers Health Care will serve as a consultant for advisory services on the homes to be purchased.

Abramchik did not respond to a request for comment Friday.

Centers owns 31 nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island, according to its website.
Opendore, the former home of Isabel Howland being restored by the Howland Stone Store Museum in Sherwood, has been given a twofold gift.

Elsie Gutchess, of Dryden, has donated $25,000 to the home's restoration, the museum announced in a news release Thursday. The donation, which the museum said will be matched by state funds, is due to Gutchess also gifting Opendore her 20-year collection of books, newspapers, artwork, stamps and biographies of famous U.S. women.

"Many of the women remembered in her collection have been forgotten in history and Ms. Gutchess' collection energizes renewed interest in the incredible accomplishments of women, especially New York state women," the museum said.

Historic home in Sherwood being brought back to life SHERWOOD | After six years of planning, a local historical landmark is being brought back to

A longtime community historian and women's rights advocate, Gutchess was also one of the founders of Aid to Victims of Violence, the domestic violence and rape crisis center at the Cortland YWCA, in 1977. She subsequently volunteered many hours providing support and shelter to victims of violence there.

Gutchess' interest in Sherwood and the Howlands stems from family roots. Her grandmother lived in the area and her uncles, who attended Cornell University, farmed there.

The Opendore project will restore the former Isabel Howland home into an exhibit and meeting facility for the Howland museum. Isabel Howland (1859-1942) and her aunt, Emily Howland, worked for years to secure the right for women to vote. Opendore was a site of much local and active suffrage activity until the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

For more information on the museum and the Opendore project, visit howlandstonestore.org or call (315) 364-5587.
MARCELLUS  Marcellus High School Principal John Durkee witnessed something Thursday he never thought he would see.

"I've never seen 600 kids leave an auditorium in silence (before,)" Durkee said.

Durkee said this was due to a presentation from Rachel's Challenge, an organization focused on peace and kindness toward others. The organization's namesake is Rachel Scott, the first student to be killed at the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado.

Larry Scott, Rachel's uncle, spoke with two sets of students at Marcellus High School Thursday morning and with parents and other members of the community that night.

Durkee said several students cried at the morning's event, and that students left Groeling Auditorium in what he believes was reflective silence.

"We were able to get a message of kindness out to each and every one of our kids," Durkee said.

At the night presentation, Larry Scott spoke to attendants in the auditorium with a video presentation behind him. When the presentation got to a video showing the aftermath of the shooting outside of the school, some attendants watched with closed, stiff lips. Others were shaking their heads.

Larry Scott talked about Rachel Scott's endeavors to constantly reach out to those in her school who were ostracized or mocked and the desire she wrote in her diaries about leaving an impact on the world around her.

"Speak with kindness. Words can hurt or they can heal," Larry Scott said.

Durkee said Rachel's Challenge had been to the school district before, but the district felt it was necessary to bring the event back after a cyber-bullying incident occurred over the fall.

"I really think we struck a heart chord today. I really do," Durkee said.

Larry Scott joined Durkee for lunch duty Thursday, and several students went up to Scott and thanked him, which both men were impressed by.

"I probably had a couple hundred kids come up to me and thank me, shake my hand," Larry Scott said.

Senior Isabella Matro, who said she was born four days after the shooting, couldn't help but think about her self and family while sitting in the auditorium that morning.

"Putting yourself in the situation, it was kind of hard to sit and watch," Matro said.

After the night event, a banner was put on the stage for people to sign. Signing meant that person would promise to try to live by the principles Rachel Scott lined out in the diaries, including finding the positive qualities of others and to "dream big," Larry Scott said.

Stephanie Benner and her daughter Alyssa Hopper, who is in eighth grade, said they signed the banner. They said they both felt changed after the presentation.

Benner said she came to the conclusion that there were people she wanted to contact, saying she wanted to tell them that she appreciates them.

Hopper also thought of people she needs to speak with.

"I need to be nicer to my siblings," Hopper said.
WASHINGTON  I seem to be surrounded by fellow citizens who are indelibly confused. They are everywhere. Americans who, after previous election losses, would have simply grumbled and grouched, are now disconsolate, and their opposites, who everyone agrees won the election, seem to be unusually uncertain about it, as well.

And I? Well, I seem to be like a poor soldier caught between two armies: those who absolutely, utterly and without pause hate Donald J. Trump and can barely pronounce the word "president" anywhere near his name, and those Trumpists who are still so angry about the "establishment" and how it humiliated them that they cannot abide any rational discussion.

Then when you read about the scene in the White House, with the president strolling around, not quite knowing where he is, surrounded by a mere six or eight close aides, systems and structures unattended, the question of what judgments to make hangs, lonely indeed, over the morning sky.

Please appreciate my dilemma. I could have written about what is surely a Russian attack on eastern Ukraine right after President Trump spoke to the Ukrainian president, showing how strong and virile is Trump's man, Vladimir Putin. I could have composed something about the American drone strike on faraway Yemen, and even posed the delicate question: "What the hell are we doing in Yemen?"

But why not use this time in sober study of some questions underlying all of this? Let's think about why Americans voted for Donald Trump, about who these voters really are, and why their inner rage and their outer political expression have changed this country, without many Americans even suspecting it.

Why did the so-called "elites"  the word given to virtually anyone who graduates from college today  so blind themselves to that white working class "out there" between the oceans? Why did so many experts offer so little to these seeking citizens?

So, let's say that seriously studying up on where we are as a nation is one way to productively fill our days. And others?

Well, we could, instead, effectively take on the rhetorical rags of the president and his followers, employ his and their vulgar language, tweets and tricks, hang on the repetitive cable news accounts so lacking in any human impulse, and wallow in the noise and chaos of that world.

(Please don't think I'm being only critical. I may be one of the few Americans who are tempted to agree that, when President Trump told Fox News' Bill O'Reilly when he criticized Putin, that "We've got a lot of killers," and that a lot of people have died at America's hands, Trump was right! There, I've said it. Shoot me.)

Then, of course, there are those Americans who want to establish a new politics that, as difficult as it might be, would blend the best of the liberal critique of society (human rights, civil rights, moderate welfare programs, control and punishment for Wall Street malefactors, a principled foreign policy, for starters); and the best (yes!) of what Trump offers so many Americans.

I saw an old friend of mine the other day, Dr. Alush Gashi, a respected doctor and parliamentarian from Kosovo whom I knew during the horrible Balkans wars of the 1990s. He asked me, about America, "Do you think the Trump experience will wake up the fuzzy old American establishment that brought him on?"

I said I didn't know.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
"We must, I now think, prepare ourselves to accept the inevitable. I do it with composure and cheerfulness. To me the result is no personal calamity."

 Entry in the personal diary of Rutherford B. Hayes, Nov. 12, 1876

FREMONT, Ohio  He went to bed thinking he had lost the election, and in truth it looked as if his rival, Democratic Gov. Samuel J. Tilden of New York, had triumphed. That was somewhere between midnight and 1 in the morning, and, according to Hayes, he and his wife talked a bit before they drifted off to the sleep of disappointment, he consoling her "with such topics as readily occurred of a nature to make us feel satisfied on merely personal grounds with the result."

They soon fell into what Hayes, the governor of Ohio and the Republican presidential nominee, described as a "refreshing sleep," adding, "and the affair seemed over."

But the election of 1876 was not over. It would not, in fact, be over for months  and the man who lost the popular vote eventually won the presidency. Tilden would not become the 19th president of the United States, just as Hillary Clinton would not become the 45th.

Donald J. Trump is the fifth person to lose the popular vote but win the presidency. John Quincy Adams preceded Hayes in that distinction, followed by Benjamin Harrison and George W. Bush. None of Trump's predecessors is regarded as a particularly successful president, but all offer lessons for him, none more so than Hayes.

It was here in Fremont that Hayes and his wife are buried, and it is here, in leafy and lovely Spiegel Grove, that sits the Rutherford Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, one of those quiet, almost forgotten landmarks off the beaten track of history, but a formidable reminder of the caprices of politics and of the challenges faced by a president who won the Electoral College vote in fraught circumstances.

Ohio is the classic swing state, the one Republicans always win when they capture the White House, and perhaps Trump will stop by here one of these days, examine the remarkable private library of 8,000 books Hayes assembled, and maybe stroll through the 25-acre estate, the Trump Tower of its day, a majestic presidential home with a rustic flair.

Trump might find that the Hayes presidency began with even more tumult than his own  "a political drama," the Hayes biographer Kenneth E. Davison wrote in his 1972 volume, "without parallel in the history of American presidential elections." While Trump's election is the political manifestation of the economic, social and cultural disruption of the digital age, the Hayes-Tilden affair reflected the disruption of the Gilded Age.

Like the deadlock between George W. Bush and Vice President Albert Gore Jr., the 1876 election went into overtime  an extended period of political strife that lasted until days before the inauguration. With the votes in several states in dispute, a 15-member commission divided evenly among members of the House, Senate and Supreme Court was nonetheless not divided evenly among Republicans and Democrats. Repeated commission votes reached an 8-7 GOP advantage.

"Able and tenacious Republican leaders," the late Ari Hoogenboom, a scholar of the Gilded Age, wrote, "challenged and outclassed Democrats in a sordid struggle for electoral votes."

Their guile gave the presidency to Hayes and relegated Tilden, a reform governor not so unlike his rival, to an asterisk in history, though if you walk through the streets named for the presidents in Wichita Falls, Texas, you will find Tilden Street, right between Grant and Hayes Streets.

"I can retire to private life," Tilden said, "with the consciousness that I shall receive from posterity the credit of having been elected to the highest position in the gift of the people, without any of the cares and responsibilities of the office."

But those responsibilities fell heavily onto the winner's shoulders, as they do on Trump's.

They share several challenges, among them internecine fighting within the Republican Party. (In the case of Hayes, there was lingering tension between the president and Sen. Roscoe Conkling, who was aggrieved he hadn't won the party's nomination and who dismissed the president's civil-service reform efforts as "snivel service reform.") Republican lawmakers also were angered the president hadn't consulted them on Cabinet appointments.

It was a time, too, of unusually brutal labor strife, bursting into full flower with the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, with the greatest clashes in Pittsburgh, where 20 were killed, more than three dozen buildings set on fire and 104 locomotives and 1,245 rail cars destroyed.

But the most significant strife came over Reconstruction. Hayes, who once said that half his life was dedicated "to resist the increase of slavery and ... destroy it," worked to gain pledges that Democrats would respect the rights of Republicans and blacks if federal troops, garrisoned in the South since the end of the Civil War, were withdrawn.

Those vows were not kept, though Hayes kept his part of what was known as the Compromise of 1877 by inviting a Southern Democrat into his Cabinet. A year later he opposed the Bland-Allison Act to inflate the currency through the government purchase of silver; Congress overrode his veto.

Overall it was a sad and sober time, marked by sectional, party, economic and racial tension, the sad and sober harvest of a disputed election won by a minority-vote president.

Mark Twain described Hayes as "quiet and unostentatious," two words never applied to his successor 140 years later. But in the time of Rutherford B. Hayes, as in the time of Donald J. Trump, the greatest challenge is to win national unity.

The trials that Hayes, who won 254,235 fewer votes than his rival, endured serve to underscore the difficulties in the path ahead for the current president, who won 2,864,974 fewer votes than his principal opponent, though conservative-oriented candidates outdrew liberal-oriented candidates in 2016. The mansion at Spiegel Grove stands as a landmark, but also a lantern of warning. Uniting a divided country is no easy task.
The outspoken Djaba was recently sworn in as Minister following a controversial vetting session that saw the minority in Parliament reportedly walk out in protest of her eventual approval.

The Central Regional chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described the new Minister's hair as a "gladiator cut".

"I mean shes qualified (for the ministerial post). The only problem I have with her is her gladiator cut," said Allottey Jacobs.

Meanwhile, Ms Djaba has cried foul about the public obsession with her hair, which many have pointed out as being similar to that of global pop star Rihanna, thus rendering it 'inappropriate' for a government official.

"When you ask me about my hair, you are discriminating against me," she told JOY News.

"I have the right to maintain my hairstyle. It is not crazy; it is very African. The students call me the 'Swagger Mama'; they enjoy me because I am young at heart. When I hit the campuses, they are happy."

"Look, my hairstyle doesn't affect the price of Kenkey," she continued.
The case has been viewed as a consequence of President Donald Trump's recent expansion of immigration laws.

Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, who is living in the US illegally, was visiting a local Immigration Customs and Enforcement office in Phoenix for a yearly review on Wednesday. The meetings stemmed from a 2009 criminal case in which Rayos was convicted of using a phony Social Security number for employment, The New York Times reported.

A judge had ordered her deportation in 2013, but she was allowed to stay in the US because the Obama administration generally limited deportations of immigrants living in the country illegally to only those who were convicted of serious crimes or who had ties to criminal organizations, The Times' Fernanda Santos wrote.

During Rayos' meeting on Wednesday, officers arrested her and prepared her for deportation.

Protesters saw the move as directly related to one of Trump's executive orders, called Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States, which contains a section that gives immigration officials broader latitude to detain and deport people who are in the US illegally.

Rayos is a married mother of two. She has been in the US for more than 20 years, several local media outlets reported.

"Ms. Garcia de Rayos is currently being detained by ICE based on a removal order issued by the Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review which became final in May 2013," the agency said in a statement cited by the Los Angeles Times.

Protesters surrounded a van carrying Rayos and other immigration detainees on Wednesday night.

Trump has made immigration crackdowns a cornerstone of his presidency. In late January, he issued an executive order meant to stop refugees from entering the US for 120 days and banning travel from seven majority-Muslim countries for 90 days.
HIT: To the Union Springs Central School District for spreading the word about lead poisoning.

The district will be offering free screenings for children entering preschool and kindergarten this year to see if children have elevated levels of lead in their blood. People may assume that their homes are free of lead in paint and plumbing, but that isn't always the case.

It's important to know whether young children are being exposed to lead, because long-term exposure can cause permanent damage.

MISS: To an altercation that injured a police officer.

Police: Auburn man punched officer in face An Auburn man is facing a felony assault charge after police said he punched an officer in t

We know that some people can get a little rambunctious in the wee hours of the morning, but when the police show up, that means it's time to settle down. Auburn police said that wasn't the case on a recent 2 a.m. around closing time when police were called to the vicinity of a downtown tavern and an officer ended up getting hit in the face.

The 22-year-old arrested Feb. 4 was initially charged with harassment, but police said that the pain and swelling caused by a punch supported the charge being upgraded to felony assault.

MISS: To a woman who helped bring heroin into Cayuga County.

Auburn woman sentenced to prison for trafficking heroin in Cayuga County AUBURN  An Auburn woman will spend the next two years in prison for possessing 600 envelope

The woman was sentenced this week to two years in prison for driving two men from Connecticut to New York with hundreds of doses of heroin meant to be sold in Auburn.

Prosecutors described the woman as a double-crosser who initially agreed to cooperate with authorities but then reneged on a promise to testify, leading to the acquittal of one of her co-defendants.
The ruling, issued by a three-judge panel on the San Francisco-based 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, means that refugees and citizens of the countries in question can continue entering the US  striking a blow to Trump's ability to deliver on one of his key campaign promises.

"We hold that the Government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay," the panel said in its ruling.

Shortly after the ruling was announced, Trump posted a defiant message to Twitter:

"SEE YOU IN COURT," Trump tweeted, foreshadowing a legal challenge that could play out in the Supreme Court.

The Justice Department said it is reviewing the court's decision.

The ruling comes after a lower-court judge in Seattle, James Robart, issued a nationwide hold on the ban on Friday, prompting the US Justice Department to file an emergency stay. Robart's decision elicited a furious outburst from Trump, who called Robart a "so-called judge" and his opinion "ridiculous."

The executive order, signed by Trump on Jan. 27, halted for four months all admissions of refugees into the US, and froze for 90 days immigration from seven countries: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen. Its hasty rollout caused chaos at airports nationwide, leaving some refugees and visa-holders stranded for hours.

Justice Department lawyer August Flentje argued on Tuesday that freezing Trump's order was an unlawful check on the president's authority over national security decisions. Trump has maintained the order is necessary to defend the country from terrorism.

However, lawsuits filed around the country have accused the White House of unconstitutionally targeting Muslims  accusations buttressed by Trump's own campaign promise to temporarily halt the entry of Muslims into the US.

"We are a nation of laws," Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson told reporters Thursday evening. "Those laws apply to everyone in our country, and that includes the president of the United States of America.

The three judges on the panel were Michelle Friedland, appointed by Barack Obama; William Canby Jr., appointed by Jimmy Carter; and Richard Clifton, appointed by George W. Bush.
Gorsuch made the comment during a meeting with Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, as he seeks Senate confirmation. Blumenthal told reporters of Gorsuch's remarks, which were confirmed to Business Insider by a spokesperson for the Supreme Court nomination team.

"He said very specifically that they were demoralizing and disheartening and he characterized them very specifically that way," Blumenthal said, according to CNN. "I said they were more than disheartening and I said to him that he has an obligation to make his views clear to the American people, so they understand how abhorrent or unacceptable President Trump's attacks on the judiciary are."

The comments in question included tweets over the weekend where Trump called US District Judge James Robart  appointed by President George W. Bush  a "so-called" judge. Robart issued a nationwide stay on parts of Trump's controversial executive order temporarily barring travel into the United States from seven majority Muslim nations identified as hot spots for terror, in addition to suspending all refugee entry.

Trump later suggested that, should any terror attacks occur while the stay was issued on the travel ban, the judge should be blamed. Critics of his remarks said the president was seeking to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
According to a letter purportedly handwritten by Jesus Alfredo and Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, the attack occurred when they arrived with Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada at a meeting on February 4 called by longtime cartel member Damaso Lopez "on the issue of having evidence that Damaso Lopez ordered the kidnapping of the sons of 'El Chapo'" in August.

When they arrived at the meeting site  reportedly in Badiraguato, the Sinaloa municipality where "El Chapo" was born  gunmen opened fire on them. According to the letter, which was originally published by the Mexican journalist Ciro Gomez Leyva, some of the bodyguards were killed instantly.

The brothers "realized they were betrayed by el licenciado Damaso Lopez, trying to kill them so as to end" the Guzman family at the root, the letter says, referring to Lopez as "licenciado" because he has a law degree.

"This, in fact, did happen," Mike Vigil, a former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, told Business Insider, citing conversations he had with Mexican security officials.

"Apparently, [Lopez] called for an important meeting, and when they showed up they ran into a barrage of bullets from at least five or six or individuals," Vigil said. "They killed some of their bodyguards, but they were able to [get] away."

Guzman's sons and Zambada fled, but they encountered other armed men, who had orders from Lopez to kill them. The letter says they traveled several kilometers before finding a small town, where their wounds were treated  though it's unclear if "El Mayo" Zambada was wounded.

"Apparently, [the gunmen] didn't wait for these guys to get out of the vehicle when they started shooting," said Vigil, the author of "Metal Coffins: The Blood Alliance Cartel."

"Had they waited until they got out of the vehicle, they would've probably killed them," he added.

Jose Refugio, a Mexican lawyer who represents "El Chapo," acknowledged the letter in an interview with Mexico's Radio Formula.

"I had knowledge of this. I knew of that letter, and I knew they made that letter," he said. "But it did not arrive through me."

The Damaso Lopez referenced in the letter appears to be Damaso Lopez Nunez, a high-level leader of the Sinaloa cartel who was rumored to be Guzman's successor after Guzman's arrest in February 2014.

Lopez Nunez, originally from Sinaloa state, was a police officer in that state and later deputy director for security at Puente Grande prison in Jalisco state when "El Chapo" was there in the 1990s. He aided the kingpin in his escape in 2001.

"He's a former police officer, and he's also an attorney, and he's got a son that ... they call him 'Mini Lic,' or 'Mini Licenciado,' or 'Mini Attorney,' who apparently also is tied to the Sinaloa cartel [and] apparently works out of Baja California Sur," Vigil said.

In 2013, the US Treasury identified Lopez Nunez as a principal lieutenant of the Sinaloa cartel because of his alleged role in the cartel's drug trafficking and money laundering activities.

Because of his law degree, Lopez Nunez is nicknamed "El Licenciado."

The letter refers to him as such, suggesting he was in fact behind the attack. However, some reports of the incident say "El Mini Lic"  Lopez Nunez's son, Damaso Lopez Serrano  was the culprit. The younger Lopez, 37, is reportedly the founder of Los Antrax, an armed wing of the Sinaloa cartel.

Lopez Nunez is the son of Damaso Lopez Garcia, who was a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party in Sinaloa. The PRI is also the party of Mexico's current president, Enrique Pena Nieto.

The link between the Lopez family and the PRI has added to suspicions that the party is currently tied to drug trafficking  a belief bolstered by the party's involvement with the drug trade in the latter half of the 20th century, when it governed Mexico as a de facto one-party state.

The attack on Guzman's sons and Zambada comes amid a spike in violence in Sinaloa state, which has picked up in the weeks since Guzman's extradition in late January.

Twelve people were killed in the state over the weekend, with four people killed in Culiacan, the state capital, in two shootings 40 minutes apart.

In 72 hours between Sunday and Tuesday, 13 more people were slain in five shootouts between criminal groups.

The state's public security secretary, Gen. Genaro Robles Casillas, told the news agency EFE that the wave of violence was the result of fighting between factions of the Sinaloa cartel for control of the territory.

"There's been a rash of killings in Culiacan," Vigil told Business Insider on Thursday. "I think there were quite a few murders. They estimate about 30 to 60 murders that have happened there in the last couple of days."

"El Chapo" Guzman's sons also distributed a letter in October denying their involvement in a roadside ambush in Culiacan in which five soldiers were killed and several others were injured.
The release also said the two leaders extended invitations to meet in their respective countries and representatives of each country "will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest."

Trump rattled the US's relationship with China after his inauguration by breaking with decades of US policy and taking a call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen in December.

The "One China" policy, to which the US and China agreed in 1972, holds that China and Taiwan belong to a single country. Many on the island of Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, see themselves as the legitimate government-in-exile of all of China after the Communist Party took control of the mainland.

For that reason, recognition of Taiwan internationally poses an existential threat to China. China has warned Trump that the "One China" policy between the US and China was nonnegotiable.
We know this because Cook has been publicly sharing updates about his travels with his 4.1 million Twitter followers, posting a stream of new photos with the zeal of a work colleague flooding their friends' timelines with vacation photos.

While it looks as if Cook is having a blast in his posted photos, it is still a business trip. A French startup CEO told Business Insider that Apple people contacted him 10 days ago to help set up one of Cook's meetings, so that he could learn more about French app developers.

Cook also gave a speech at the University of Glasgow on Wednesday after receiving an honorary degree, and spoke out against US President Donald Trump's immigration ban.

And on Thursday, he met British Prime Minister Theresa May to chat about Brexit and Apple's investment in Britain.

Cook appears to be eating well, meeting interesting people, and testing out his foreign-language skills. And he's dutifully chronicling it all on Twitter  of Cook's 330 total tweets, 10 are from this trip alone.

So far this week, he's visited France, Germany, Scotland, and England  and the trip's not over yet.

Here's a quick look at his European travels:

Here's an overview of where Cook has been this week so far.

The public portion of Cook's trip started when he dropped into an Apple Store in Marseille, France.

Then Cook met up with Jean claude Luong, who said he spent two hours with Apple's CEO. Luong had taken a photograph that was used in Apple's "shot with iPhone campaign. "

Apparently Cook wanted to know how he got the shot.

That wasn't the only Apple Store Cook visited that day. He popped into a Paris store late in the day.

Now in Paris, Cook spent time meeting interesting people, like fashion designer Julien Fournie, in his couture studio.

Cook also found time to meet the CEO of BPCE, France's second-largest bank.

And chat with some French journalists.

Then he had a meal hosted in the home of a Parisian. The meal included salmon filets in creamy lemon shallot sauce, and was organized through an app called VizEat.

Of course, he needs to check out what the cool new apps are in France, too.

He wrapped up the Paris part of his trip with a visit to artist JR's studio.

Apparently, the artist wanted him to take a look at a 13-year-old computer.

Cook made his way to Germany, just across the Rhine river, next. Here's Cook checking out the factory of the company that builds the tables for Apple Stores and the Apple headquarters.

Then it was off to Berlin. Cook stopped by the Berlin Philharmonic where he was "was particularly interested in the Digital Concert Hall," according the Berliner Philharmonike.

... but he also sat in the real concert hall and listened in on rehearsals for Ligetis opera "Le Grand Macabre" and met chief conductor Sir Simon Rattle. In a video the Berlin Philharmonie made about Cook's visit, he said: "I knew I was going to hear something fantastic but it was better, it was great."

Cook then visited a kitchen in Berlin run by cooking app Kitchen Stories. Here, he's showing nice form flipping what appears to be a pancake of some sort  perhaps the famous German Apfelpfannkuchen.

Nailed it.

He was spotted visiting an Apple Store in Scotland on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Cook took part in a question and answer session at the historic University of Glasgow.

He also received an honorary degree.

While there, he spoke critically about President Trump's immigration ban, saying: "Our simple view is that Apple would not exist without immigration, so this is a huge issue for us."

"We dont support the immigration ban and we have been very public about it," The Alabaman exec said.

"I don't view Apple as an activist, and I don't view myself as an activist ... The reason is that a lot of people hear that word and they think of a professional activist, and that's not what we are. What we do, for things that we have deep knowledge on, or think we do, or a strong point of view based on what we've learned, that gives us some standing to make a point, we're not shy. We'll stand up even when our voice shakes."

And on Thursday morning, he met with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street, London. They discussed investment and Brexit.

Here's what the Prime Minister's office said in a statement about the meeting:

"It was a meeting with the prime minister. It was a very positive and useful discussion. Apple have made a recent announcement about their investment in the UK and they had a conversation around that and the importance of government and business on digital skills which going forward will clearly be a huge part of the future industry. It was a chance for the prime minister to outline her plans for negotiating our EU exit. It was also a chance for her to reiterate and welcome Apple's investment in the UK."

Cook's next stop was a visit to London's Mayor Sadiq Khan who tweeted: "Delighted to welcome @Tim_Cook to City Hall to discuss access to talent, digital skills & Apples investment in London #LondonIsOpen"

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London told Business Insider:

London is the tech capital of Europe and the Mayor met Tim Cook to discuss Apples investment into Battersea Power Station that will generate new jobs and economic prosperity for the city. They also discussed trade and investment opportunities post-Brexit and the Mayors new Digital Talent Programme that that will arm young Londoners with the skills they need to access jobs in the industry.

And then he popped up at a primary school in North London called Woodberry Down. The school tweeted: "Thumbs Up From @tim_cook This Afternoon At Woodberry Down! @woodberrydownN4 @AppleEDU @Grazebrook_Pri @ShacklewellE8"

East London games studio Ustwo Games were the next to host Cook, he tweeted: "Met the incredibly creative team behind #MonumentValleyGame @ustwogames in London & got a sneak peek at their latest project, coming soon!"

Cook then paid a visit to Tate Britain, an art gallery in central London, where he looked at some digital artwork.
Blow Group, manufacturers of Bel-Aqua who are behind the move said the factory will employ about 500 people.

READ ALSO:

If you look at all the other brands on the market, they are all imported, so we decided to do a locally manufactured instant noodles product with international quality, he said.

Yum-mie noddle, which received some positive reviews immediately it was introduced into the market, comes in six flavors; chicken, pepper chicken, onion chicken, pepper beef, Jollof, beef and light soup.

Mr Quist said the long-term plan of the company is to empower persons in the noodle food chain to enhance their skills.

Many local industries in Ghana often face stiff competition from importers who usually sell their products at cheap prices.

Mr Quist has, therefore, appealed to the government to intervene and shield local industries from such competition.
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She was presented before Court Magistrate, Ade Adefulire who granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 following her not-guilty plea.

Addressing the court on the matter, Inspector Ben Ekundayo, the case prosecutor stated that the accused committed the offence on Friday, January 27, 2017 at the headquarters of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Marina.

Ekundayo stated that the female banker obstructed the officer from discharging his duties, while also tearing his uniform.

Obi assaulted SP Sina Olunlade, the DPO at Ebute-Ero Police Division by holding and tearing his uniform.

She also beat the DPO and in the process, she gave him bruises on his face with her artificial nails.

The accused was not allowed to drive through a particular an access road in the area because an electric pole fell on a road after a rainstorm in the area.

People were directed to another route but the accused refused because the blocked route is closer to her office," the prosecutor mentioned.

ALSO READ: Army arrests soldiers who brutalized crippled man
With the Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) celebrating its silver jubilee, this was also an opportunity for the ministers, development partners and experts to take stock of the progress made in the last 25 years. Having achieved successes in the policy arena, many capacity challenges remain.

"To achieve economic, political and social transformation, we will need critical skills and a change of mindsets" said Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie, Executive Secretary of the ACBF. When asked to elaborate on what that meant in real terms, Nnadozie stressed the need to develop skills, such as more engineers, more agronomists, and more managers.

Nnadozie said that currently Africa had a gap of 4.3 million engineers if the continent was to implement all its flagship projects. "We need 1.6 million agricultural scientists and researchers; we have identified a gap of 2.8 million water and sanitation engineers. And this relates to the targeted needs identified for 2023 - the 10-year target for the first leg of Africa 2063".

Right now over 80% of students are enrolling in social sciences and humanities and there needs to be a conscious effort to stem this trend and direct more students towards the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and maths).

Amongst the speakers present, it was agreed that capacity issues remained the missing link in achieving development agendas in Africa. And that a strategic and coordinated approach was needed. In a keynote address, Dr Anthony Mothae Maruping, Commissioner for Economic Affairs at the African Union, highlighted how the AU had been working with the ACBF in assessing the capacity requirements for implementing Agenda 2063. "Through Agenda 2063 Africa has a clear and articulate roadmap for change. We are counting on ACBF to make this Agenda a reality. The focus should be on building capacity that builds further capacity to make it sustainable," he said.

Permanent Secretary in Zimbabwe's Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Willard Manungo, co-host of the CDF, commended the ACBF for the work it had done across Africa in the past 25 years, testifying that Zimbabwe was a key beneficiary of the ACBF's work. "This gathering of diverse minds offers ample opportunity for us as a continent to introspect different ways and means of strengthening capacity development for the advancement of our continent," he said.

Nnadozie stressed how the skills gap was not only relevant to the private sector but that institutional capacity needed to be reinforced. "To what extent are our constitutions development-friendly. We also need to ensure our parliamentarians have the necessary skills to push through a development agenda and understand the treaties they are ratifying."

As well as the hard skills, Nnadozie stressed the importance of the development of 'soft' skills, which he identified as the confidence and leadership skills to define solutions to the continent's problems. "We need to educate African youths in order to solve African problems" he said.
This era of rapid growth and interconnectedness has brought tremendous benefits to billions of people around the world. However, nearly every opportunity globalization offers also comes with challenges.

This two-sides-of-the-coin scenario is a common condition that presents itself in nearly every choice we make in life. But when it comes to globalization, the remarkable aspect is the belief that the benefits have already been realized increased connectivity, medical innovations, improved nutrition and global supply chainsand what remains is their unintended consequences cyber attacks, antimicrobial resistance, obesity and climate change.

The interconnectedness of our globalized world also means that a crisis in one sector can harm other industries, and a pandemic in one country can spread to others.

The sub-prime mortgage crisis in the United States quickly escalated into a global financial crisis in 2008 that we continue to feel the effects of today. And the financial industry is one of the most highly regulated industries in the world. Various institutions at the national and international level, from central banks and finance ministries to the International Monetary Fund, are charged with overseeing it, yet none of these organizations was able to predict the financial crisis.

However, the failure to forecast the crisis on the part of international institutions is more the result of limited resources and outdated models than incompetency or complacency. These organizations were designed to function in a post-WWII world where states were the main actors, not in the world as it exists today, with a plethora of non-governmental actors. Reforms are needed to reflect these dynamic changes that have completely altered the way the world operates.

Perhaps the greatest criticism of globalization has been the stark rise in inequality, which has been steadily climbing for decades. According to the Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), income inequality is at its highest since records began.

In response, populism is gaining momentum. In the United States, calls to make America great again resonate with people who feel their country and its leaders have failed them. Across the Atlantic, this anti-establishment sentiment is also evidentfrom Spains left-wing Podemos party to Frances right-wing National Front. Scotland also recently held a referendum to pull out of the United Kingdom and, next month, the UK is holding a referendum to pull out of the European Union.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, politics have become increasingly fragmented. A backlash is emerging across the globe, appearing as a rise in trade protectionism, increased nationalism and isolationism. And this desire to retreat from global engagement is not unfounded. There are far too many examples of the threats that we face in an increasingly interconnected world. Terrorist attacks in capital cities from Beirut to Paris to Brussels, cyber attacks on the U.S. Government, as well as major corporations like Target and Sony, and pandemics such as Ebola and the Zika virus, to name just a few.

These events, and the perception that threats are growing, have triggered a desire to return to some idealized version of the past where we were more in control and less vulnerable to external forces. Many believe that governments have let them down and have not effectively responded to the forces of globalization. Politicians make promises they cant keep. Policies are reactiveinstituted after crises occurrather than proactively predicting and preparing for events.

Even if turning inward was the answer, which I dont believe it is, it would be impossible to shut out the rest of the world. As former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said, Arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity.

Rather than trying to build walls to guard against the outside, the proper policy responses should focus on increased collaboration and reform of international institutions. The more we try to isolate ourselves, the less able we will be to shape the forces that will affect our future. By working together, across national boundaries, international institutions and their government stakeholders, can actively manage globalization in order to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks that transcend borders.
In an interview with Accra-based Joy FM she said the backlash mainly from members of the NDC is because they wish they were in similar styles.

It is the propaganda of the opposition. They wish they could have my hairstyle, they wish their wives could have my hairstyle.

She mentioned that the hairstyle she wears is her personal choice depending on how she feels and what she wants to portray.

You have to be confident about how you look and I am very confident about how I look. And Im ok with it. The day I want to wear a headscarf I will, if I want to change my hair it is my choice not because of somebody elses.

During her vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Otiko was asked by the Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu about her hairstyle.

Otiko who was wearing a headscarf that day responded that the hairstyle represented her emotions at the time.

After she was approved, she wore a similar hairstyle she had been wearing during the campaign to the swearing of herself and other approved ministers.
READ ALSO: Two dead in renewed clashes at Bimbilla as government extends curfew

As at 8:30 PM on Thursday, gunshots could be heard in the township, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer ASP Ebenezer Tetteh said.

A joint security force comprising police and military men have been deployed to the area to forestall any disturbance.

The Ministry of Interior has since renewed the curfew on the town to between the hours of 4pm and 6am.

Background

Bimbilla is one of the poverty endemic areas in the Northern Region.

There has been sporadic violence in Bimbilla since 2014 after a contestant in the longstanding kinship dispute between members of the Gbugmayili gate was assassinated.

READ ALSO: Interior Ministry reviews curfew in Bimbilla
The man, Desmond Owusu, is facing additional charges of assault and threat of death, but he has denied the crime, GNA reports.

The court, presided over by Madam Comfort Tasiame, on health grounds, granted him a GH 20,000.00 bail with three sureties.

READ ALSO:

Mr Owusu was ordered to make his next appearance on March 15.

Police Chief Inspector Timothy Amoako told the court that the victim, a biological daughter of the accused, has been living with the mother since the parents divorced in 2008.

She was, however, forced to move in with her father because she needed money to pay for her registration and tuition fee to enable her re-sit a paper that was cancelled by the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in the year 2015.

Her father had indicated that she could only provide the money if his daughter moved in to stay with him at his Kromoase New Site residence.

But a week after her stay in the house, her father raped her whilst she was asleep and subsequently had sex with her on three different occasions.

READ ALSO:

He, however, threatened to kill his daughter if she revealed her ordeal to anyone.

Owusu tried to have sex with her at a later date, but the girl resisted and managed to escape to her mothers home.
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It has not been easy for us. What has been a story for many people and an event that occurred has been our reality; my children and I, but God has kept us alive. Justice delayed is justice denied, she told Accra-based Citi FM.

Mr. Danquah Adu was murdered at his Shiashie residence on February 9, 2016.

A suspect, Daniel Asiedu was arrested, after allegedly confessing to committing the crime.

He is currently standing trial for the murder, but relatives of the late MP have always felt that the case is being delayed.

READ ALSO:

Stephen Asamoah Boateng, a former Minister of Information in the erstwhile Kufuor administration said the New Patriotic Party government will ensure that justice is served.
A fourth-grade girl stands before her class of about 18 students, reading an essay she wrote, completely in Navajo.

The student, who is enrolled in a Navajo immersion class at Puente de Hozho Elementary School, has spent the last few years studying the language at the trilingual magnet school, which is a beneficiary of a portion of the $2.2 million the district collects in a tax levy for desegregation funding.

The Flagstaff Unified School district is one of 18 districts to use the tax levy, which does not require voter approval. However, a bill in the Arizona Senate would change that if passed.

SB 1174, sponsored by Sen. Debbie Lesko R-Peoria, would require district governing boards to authorize an election to allow voters to decide whether to approve the desegregation tax, beginning in fiscal year 2019-2020. Unsuccessful bills in past legislative sessions would have required an incremental phase-out of the money collected through the tax.

52 STAFF POSITIONS

In FUSD, the special tax pays for 52 staff positions, including 49 teachers and bilingual aides, most of whom teach at Puente de Hozho or Leupp Public School, the districts school on the Navajo Reservation, said Kerry Kelley, the districts English Language Learning and Bilingual director. The money is also used for a district-wide English language learning program.

About 96 percent of current and former ELL students in FUSD graduate from high school, Kelley said. That's an achievement she credits to increased teaching time per student through money provided by the desegregation tax levy.

Desegregation is hugely connected to that, she said. Its difficult for students who are navigating learning English but also at the same time learning content.

The districts use of the money is subject to both state and federal auditing processes designed to show the districts compliance with laws regarding how the money must be used, Kelley said.

We dont buy things with (desegregation), Kelley said. In my experience, the best way we can steward this money is by paying for highly trained people who work with students.

According to district documentation, only three positions funded by desegregation money are not directly instructional.

About 95 percent of the money goes directly into classrooms, Kelley said. 98 percent is used for salaries -- most are for people who interact directly with students.

'BRIDGE TO PEACE'

At Puente de Hozho, whose title includes the Spanish word Puente meaning bridge, and the Navajo word hozho meaning peace, balance, beauty and harmony, students in classes include kids who are learning in a first or second language.

Children who speak Spanish at home are in class with students learning Spanish as a second language, and can help one another learning both language and academic content.

In Luis Melos fourth- and fifth-grade Spanish immersion class, students take turns discussing a short story they read in front of the class, entirely in Spanish.

Our aim is to develop proficiency in the language, Melo said. Proficiency means reading and writing in other subjects. Some classes do science, math or reading in both languages.

The educational model at Puente de Hozho drew Melo to move to Flagstaff from his native country of Chile after trying to start his own bilingual education program there. He and his students visited Flagstaff while working on perfecting their English, and eventually decided he wanted to teach at the school.

In Melos class, students study literature, reading and writing in Spanish. Other teachers in the school teach science or social studies in Spanish.

We want to emphasize the appropriate use of the language, Melo said. For some of the kids, Spanish is their first language, but we want them to use academic language.

MORE EMPATHETIC

Across the hall, in the Navajo immersion class, teacher James Jones reviews verb conjugations for the phrase to warm up. The phrase corresponds with a story the class is reading.

Jones said his students have worked their way up from writing a paragraph in their daily journal to writing one page a day, entirely in Navajo.

The class also does weather observations and grammar lessons in Navajo, Jones said.

Because there is not much course material available in Navajo, Jones said he creates most of his own worksheets and course material.

Im hoping the kids keep the language going, Jones said. I want them to keep reading and writing in Navajo alive.

Robert Kelty, the principal at Puente de Hozho, said studies have shown that people who are bilingual are more empathetic and their brains function differently.

Ive always been inspired by how the district uses this funding, Kelty said. We truly do desegregate, and this is exactly what the desegregation law was about.

If the bill in the Arizona Senate were to pass and the district did not secure the votes to keep desegregation funding, Kelley said the schools and services that benefit from the money would not be eliminated, but money would have to be shifted around to keep them.

We always talk about what would happen if we lose funding, especially large amounts of funding, Kelley said. We would always serve our students, but Im not sure about where we would get the money.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM the Member of Parliament for the Bimbilla constituency, said the protracted chieftaincy dispute has delayed developments and other socio-economic activities in the area.

Ill be sending reinforcement to ensure that it never happens again. It is a challenge, but I believe that challenge we can surmount it. It just calls for me and my team to ensure that this problem is solved once and for all; because we cannot continue like this so that everyone has peace. Children have to go to school not something like this.

READ ALSO: Hundreds of traders trapped in violence

Nitiwul also denied that the recent shooting incidents have any political influence.

We are just lucky that politicians in the area did not get involved. You cannot accuse any of the politicians that they have been involved in this matter and that is just our luck that the people who could have been fanning it are not involved. It is purely a traditional matter.

The Interior Ministry on February 9, 2017, reviewed the curfew in the Bimbilla Township from 4:00 pm to 6:00 am with immediate effect.

READ ALSO: Two dead in renewed clashes at Bimbilla as government extends curfew

This follows the sporadic gunshots that occurred in the township on Thursday, February 9, 2017.

Media reports suggest that a number of houses have been set ablaze.

The Public Relations Officer of the Northern Regional Police Command ASP Ebenezer Tetteh who also confirmed the incident and added that more security personnel have been sent to the town to ensure calm restored.
As at 8:30 PM on Thursday, gunshots could be heard in the township, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer ASP Ebenezer Tetteh has said.

He confirmed that two people have been killed and several others wounded.

Bimbila is one of the poverty endemic areas in the Northern Region.

There has been sporadic violence in Bimbilla since 2014 after a contestant in the longstanding kinship dispute between members of the Gbugmayili gate was assassinated.

READ ALSO: Interior Ministry reviews curfew in Bimbilla

Properties were damaged while more than 10 people lost their lives after some butchers broke custom by refusing to offer sacrifices to Yakubu Dasana Andani whose legitimacy they challenged.

--Unfortunate development--

Mr Albert Yelyang, National Network Coordinator of the West Africa Network for Peace-building, Ghana (WANEP-Ghana), described the renewed conflict as "unfortunate."

He described the conflict as "protracted" if it is linked to the installation of the new sub chief, adding that the real issues on conflict has not been addressed.

In an interview with Radio Ghana he said: "It is very discomforting for us as a Civil Society Institution interacting with them and engaging with them in dialogue together with other partners...it was kind of interesting because there was beginning to be increase in interaction and good attitude and behaviours among the factions."
The Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy for Cote DIvoire and Head of the countrys delegation at the ITLOS, Adama Toungara said his country for decades have always asked that this issue is resolved but there was never an agreement.

READ ALSO: Marietta Brew and Gloria Akufo represent Ghana at ITLOS

Mr. President, even if Cote D'Ivoire and Ghana have concluded an agreement on their land boundary, Cote Dlvoire and Ghana have never concluded an agreement on the maritime boundary, despite meetings of the Ivorian Ghanaian commission on delimitation of maritime boundary, despite meetings between Ministers entrusted with these matters and despite several meetings with Heads of State. The state I represent has constantly repeated over the years since 1988 to date of the consensual demarcation of the land boundary, that Cote Dlvoire and Ghana have never arrived at an agreement on delimitation of their maritime boundary.

The two countries are at the Tribunal after several talks over their maritime boundary in the Atlantic Ocean failed.

Ghana ended the first round of oral argument in the case on Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Gloria Akufo praises Marietta Brew for her corporation

Ghanas new Attorney General, Gloria Akuffo, who led the legal team, during the first round of Ghanas argument, said the request of Cote DIvoire should not be granted since there has been a long-standing agreement on their maritime boundary under their domestic laws.

Cote DIvoire has accused Ghana of using the development of its oil industry to annexe the territory which does not belong to it.

However, Gloria Akufo argued that Ghana had only developed its oil industry based on a recognised pre-existing maritime boundary by the two countries.

It is on the basis of this tacit, mutual understanding that over many years Ghana has developed this industry step by step, openly, from the first licensing of blocks, through decades of studies, exploratory drilling and the eventual drilling of wells she told the Special Chamber when it resumed public hearing on Tuesday, February 7, 2017.
Osman Kikaa believes political meanings will be read into the development if the government does not stay away and allow the matter to be dealt with in court.

I dont think the NPP government will have anything to do with this, no. The government has been very careful in his choice of executives especially when you come to the Northern Region because of thee chieftaincy issues. I am telling you government is very careful about chieftaincy issues in the Northern Region.

The regional minister-designate (Salifu Sa-eed)s way of dealing with things, if will not improve the situation in the Northern Region, will not worsen it. But I want government to stay away entirely from our Bimbilla chieftaincy matters. We want to deal with the case through the legal process and then we will make sure that there is lasting peace in Bimbilla forever, he said on Accra FM.

Background

Police have arrested 17 people following gunfire exchanges in the Northern Regional town of Bimbilla.

READ ALSO: 17 arrested in clashes at Bimbilla

As at 8:30 PM on Thursday, gunshots could be heard in the township, the Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer ASP Ebenezer Tetteh said.

A joint security force comprising police and military men have been deployed to the area to forestall any disturbance.

The Ministry of Interior has since renewed the curfew on the town to between the hours of 4pm and 6am.

Bimbila is one of the poverty endemic areas in the Northern Region.

There has been sporadic violence in Bimbilla since 2014 after a contestant in the longstanding kinship dispute between members of the Gbugmayili gate was assassinated.

READ ALSO: Interior Ministry reviews curfew in Bimbilla
This follows claims by the government that over 200 vehicles have gone missing at the Flagstaff House.

Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin in an eralier interview said "President Akufo Addo is currently using a 2007 BMW model purchased by the state during the Ghana @50 celebrations...That is what he is using. So where are the cars?" he questioned.

But a statement signed by former Deputy Chief of Staff Johnny Osei Kofi said "As part of the transition process, both the Assets and Logistics Committee on the NPP side were given a detailed list of all vehicles in the pool at the Presidency."

Johnny Osei Kofi has released a statement of a list of vehicles at the Presidency.
Gaviria, who presided over the hunt for and killing of Pablo Escobar, cautioned against deploying armed police and troops to fight the drug trade and called for more efforts to address the social factors related to drug use in a New York Times op-ed titled "President Duterte is repeating my mistakes."

Duterte, whose campaign against the drug trade in the Philippines is believed to have led to more than 7,600 killings since he took office in summer 2016, gave little weight to Gaviria's words.

"To tell you frankly [they say that] Colombia [leader] has been lecturing me. That idiot," he said, according to Philippine news site Rappler.

During his speech, Duterte had been describing the virulence of "shabu," the local name for methamphetamine used in the Philippines.

According to Rappler, he said he had been "receiving so many lectures, communications, and criticisms" about his war on drugs. But, he said, observers should be more understanding, since he was dealing with around 4 million or 5 million addicts in the Philippines.

That number doesn't quite jibe with other estimates. Data from the President's Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) put the number of drug users at about 1.8 million, about half the 3.7 million that Duterte has cited in the past, according to Reuters.

Of those 1.8 million, only about one-third had used drugs in the previous 13 months, and only 860,000 had used shabu. Overall, drug-usage rates in the Philippines are thought to be roughly similar to the US or Australia.

Duterte also contrasted the nature of Colombia's drug trade with that of his country, saying the dissimilarities necessitated a different approach in the Philippines.

"You know, they have cocaine there. Cocaine and heroine, not really; cocaine and marijuana are kind of okay. You can still communicate," he added. Colombia is the world's biggest producer of cocaine, and in the past, much of the heroin consumed in the US has come from South America as well.

Duterte's comments about Gaviria, who is a founding member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, differed from a statement issued by his spokesman prior to his speech.

"We respect the opinion of former President Cesar Gaviria that Colombias experience of 'war against drugs' cannot be won by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies alone," the statement said, noting that the "second phase" of Duterte's anti-drug campaign "focuses on the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents."

"We appreciate the ex-Colombian president's concerns and we encourage our people to see our situation in the light of comprehensive nation-building," the statement concluded.
They are not directly tied to specific details about Trump that were mentioned in the 35-page dossier. However, the corroboration of some details could lend the document and its primary source credibility in the eyes of the US intelligence community.

The officials said that newly intercepted information suggests the conversations  which occurred between "senior Russian officials and other Russian individuals"  happened at the same times and locations detailed in the dossier, which could further the ongoing US investigation into the document.

Those individuals, CNN reported, were part of a group "heavily involved" in gathering information damaging to Hillary Clinton during the US election.

The dossier was part of an opposition-research project conducted by a former British spy, Christopher Steele, at the behest of anti-Trump Republicans and, later, Democrats. Steele wasthe former head of the Russia desk in Moscow for Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6. The memos he wrote made their way to US intelligence officials sometime last year.

A summary of his findings, collected from the network of Russian intelligence sources he had cultivated, was presented to Trump, former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, and the country's top lawmakers on intelligence matters last month as part of a classified briefing about Russia's intervention in the US presidential election.
Here's something that happens a lot in science:

Two researchers disagree about the best way to go about studying something. They fight about it. Maybe at first it's a small personal squabble, but later it plays out in essays and papers and other documents that the whole world can look at.

The stakes in this kind of fight are serious. A career's worth of research might be on the line, or the accepted method for caring for patients, or even the future of a whole field of study. So things can get pretty heated; this past September one famous psychologist accused her peers of "methodological terrorism" in the midst of one such debate.

But the audience for this scientific infighting is usually pretty small, made up of fellow researchers, students, and the occasional nosey reporter.

Climate scientists don't have that luxury. Every step they take happens under the scrutiny of a well-funded peanut gallery of professional science deniers, anti-science politicians, and agenda-driven writers eager to spin any misstep into evidence of a vast conspiracy.

This happened back in 2009, when several climate scientists found their names dragged through the mud in Congress based on some stolen emails, despite no evidence of wrongdoing.

And it's happening again right now, after Daily Mail crime writer David Rose published an article with the alarming headline "Exposed: How world leaders were duped into investing billions over manipulated global warming data."

Rose interviewed John Bates, a retired NOAA scientist, who has a very specific criticism about the methodology used by fellow NOAA researcher Thomas Karl in a 2015 paper. That paper looked into a specific question in climate science: Why, according to some analyses, did the global rise in temperatures seem to pause or slow down during the first decade of the 21st Century?

The answer, Karl suggests, is that the climate didn't stop warming at all. Rather, measurement tools changed, creating the illusion of a pause. His conclusion isn't exactly controversial: Other scientists using other methods have arrived at essentially the same result.

But Bates felt that Karl's paper wasn't rigorous enough, and wrote a blog post about it on February 4. His criticism is fairly narrow: That Karl didn't hew closely to the data-archiving standards Bates had worked to implement during his time at the agency.

The key thing to understand though is that this is a fairly typical argument between scientists, the kind you can find in just about any field that relies on statistical analysis and data interpretation.

Bates suggested that Karl put his "thumb on the scale" in an attempt to discredit the warming pause. And he told Rose in an interview that Karl had exchanged "good" data for "bad" data.
PHOENIX  State constitutional provisions that deny bail to people solely because they're accused of having sex with a minor violate the U.S. Constitution, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The justices acknowledged arguments by prosecutors that trial judges have the right to keep certain people behind bars while awaiting trial as a method of protecting the public. And they said that the crime of sexual conduct with a minor is a serious charge.

But Justice Clint Bolick, writing for the unanimous court, said the seriousness of the charge, by itself, is insufficient to result in automatic denial of release. He said prosecutors have to prove that the defendant in question poses a specific threat and that there are no conditions that can be imposed that allow that person's release while protecting the public.

Thursday's ruling comes despite arguments by prosecutors that the justices should honor the will of voters who approved state constitutional provisions in 2002 limiting access to bail.

The people of Arizona determined that sexual conduct with a minor is an acute problem and that pretrial detention for those accused of that crime was in the best interest of the community, said Deputy Maricopa Attorney David Cole.

The ruling involves Joe P. Martinez who is facing several charges, including sexual conduct with a minor younger than 15. He has been held without bail since April 2014 based on both the state constitutional provision and a companion law which deny bail in certain kinds of crime if the proof is evidence or the presumption great that the person is guilty of the offense charged.

Bolick said there are situations where an individual's right to freedom can, in appropriate circumstances, outweigh an individual's liberty interest. He cited a U.S. Supreme Court decision which upheld denial of bail to those who may be a danger to the community.

But Bolick pointed out that federal ruling was based on a finding that a defendant posed a danger to specific individual or the community at large. By contrast, he said, the Arizona law and constitutional provision looks only at the crime charged and whether it's likely the person is guilty.

It does not consider whether the defendant poses a danger to others, Bolick wrote. And that, he said, offends federal constitutional provisions guaranteeing the right of due process.

The crime charged against Martinez ... is not in itself a proxy for dangerousness, he said. In fact, Bolick noted, the charge of having sex with someone younger than 15 is fairly broad.

The offense sweeps in situations where teenagers engage in consensual sex, Bolick pointed out. In such instances, evident proof or presumption great that the defendant committed the crime would suggest little or nothing about the defendant's danger to anyone, the justice said.

He also said the requirement is not narrowly focused on the goal of protecting the public, saying there are alternatives that would serve the state's objective equally well at less cost to individual liberty. For example, Bolick said judges can require those awaiting trial to be outfitted with devices that monitor their movements through global positioning systems.

Nothing in Thursday's ruling means that those charged with similar crimes will automatically be entitled to be released while awaiting trial. Bolick said the only thing that is required is an individualized determination rather than a blanket ban.

The court may deny bail altogether for defendants for whom such conditions are inadequate, which may well include many or most defendants accused of sexual conduct with a minor under age 15, he wrote.

And Bolick said the state can deny bail categorically for crimes that inherently demonstrate future dangerousness where proof is evidence that the defendant committed the crime.

What it may not do, consistent with due process, is deny bail categorically for those accused of crimes that do not inherently predict future dangerousness, he said.

This isn't the first time an appellate court has voided a provision of Arizona laws on bail.

In 2014, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voided a 2006 voter-approved change to the Arizona Constitution that made bail unavailable to those charged with serious felony offenses if they are in this country illegally and there is evident proof the person is guilty of the offense charged.

In their ruling, the federal appellate judges said the measure violates the U.S. Constitution. The majority in that case said the right against being deprived of liberty without due process extends to even one whose presence in this country is unlawful.

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to disturb that ruling.
The former boyfriend of Toyin Aimakhu was paraded before a judge in Ogudu today, February 10, 2017, for his recent crime, the alleged scam of N10million naira and has been charged of 36 counts of fraud.

ALSO READ: Seun Egbegbe charged to court for stealing

Further information on the trial hasn't been released yet.

Recall that Vanguard reported Egbegbe was arraigned before Magistrate Aje Afunwa on a one-count charge of stealing back in November and granted bail.

ALSO READ: Seun Egbegbe charged to court for stealing

Story still developing...

Meanwhile, Egbegbe was recently accused of stealing 9 iphones and was arrested at the Computer Village, Ikeja, lagos. Egbegbe who was arrested and charged to an Ikeja Magistrates Court for theft, was reportedly granted bail in the sum of N1 million

According to reports, the Ebony Productions CEO fled the country late last year for Malaysia, in a bid to escape the controversies trailing him following the phone theft.
The prostitutes who were prosecuted, according to the Acting Director of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Wadata Aliyu Bodinga, were handed over to Social Development Secretariat for rehabilitation.

Bodinga disclosed that during the one-week operation of the Task Team, more than 20 brothels dotting the city and some satellite towns were raided with over 104 ladies of the night arrested at different locations.
The 25-year-old lady made the revelation after the fake man of God, Enyeribe Nkwocha was arrested after he allegedly forced her into prostitution and also made her his sex slave since she was 17-years-old.

Narrating how he cast a spell on her, the lady who further narrated how Nkwocha made her abandon school in SS2 and forgot about her family for the years he held her, said he was using her to make money from servicing men in different hotels in Abia State.

Recounting her ordeal, the victim said she was traveling from Lagos to Bayelsa State when she first met Nkwocha.

"When I got to Yenagoa, it was late and I boarded a taxi that would take me home. I did not know that the driver and the other passengers were kidnappers. But I became worried when the cab diverted into a bush.

I started screaming and one of the passengers who turned out to be Nkwocha, told her not to be scared, that he would help me. He promised that nothing would happen to me.

He told me that God sent him to come and use me for a missionary work. He reassured me he came to assist me; he said I shouldnt cry or be afraid.

He also told me that he was led by God to tell me that I had the gift of prophecy, which I should use to serve God. He said I was going to make money.

He said he would keep the money for me and use it to open a church for me. He brought out N1000 from his wallet and made me take an oath that whatever I did with him, would remain a secret between us.

He told me that any money I got would be kept for me in a special account. He said he was a foreigner, not a Nigerian. I was forced to take an oath with him in that taxi.

After the incident, he allowed me to go to my sisters house that night, but I couldnt tell my sister what happened because of the oath.

He warned that anytime I divulged the incident to anyone, I would vomit blood and die. I repeated the same pronouncement on him.

When my sister moved to Lagos, Nkwocha had more access to me and ordered me to start attending clubs and to have sex with men for money.

I am sure he used something on me because I was obeying him like a sheep. All the money I made while sleeping with men, I handed them to him.

When I got tired of going to the clubs and sleeping with men and told him I wanted to stop, he started taking me to hotels himself where he would arrange for men to have sex with me.

I was in SS2 and only 17 years when all these started. Today, Im 25 years old. I stopped going to school and forgot that I had parents or relatives.

He said that if I allowed any man to have sex with me without a condom, I would die! He said, he alone, had the right to have sex with me without a condom. He would me drink his semen anytime he had sex with me.

I now know that I was under a spell. In those eight years, he was also having sex with me.

The Abia State Police Commissioner, Leye Oyebade who confirmed the incident, said Nkwocha and others had abducted the lady from Bayelsa State and took her to Abia where he turned her into his sex slave and made sure he collected all the proceeds from her.
Fani-Kayode who, alongside Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has been giving the government serious fire, took on Mohammed following a statement credited to him (Mohammed) that Christians clerics are preaching hatred which could lead to a religious crisis in the country and that it is not true that Muslims kill Christians in Nigeria.

The former Minister, in a scathing article, entitled 'Lying Lie Mohammed', took the former spokesman of the APC to the cleaners.

"LYING LIE MOHAMMED

This is not the time for preaching peace when the enemy is ready to destroy the world. To forgive Islamic terrorists is up to God but to send them to see God is my duty" - .

Is there any sane person that disagrees with Putin? Evidently, there are a few people in high places in Nigeria that do.

The greatest evil that plagues our land today is not Boko Haram or the Fulani militias. The greatest evil is those so-called moderate Muslims and practicing Christians who pretend that the terrorists don't exist, who turn a blind eye to their evil and who sit back silently and watch them.

Consider the foul-breathed, pamper-wearing lying Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information. He falls squarely into that category.

The other day he claimed that the assertion that Muslims kill Christians in Nigeria 'is a fallacy.' This man is nothing but scum. He is filth. He is sick. He is an unrepentant and pernicious liar.

He is the lowest of the low and every day I pray that God punishes him for his callous heartlessness and continuous support for the terrorists.

It was the same lying Lie Mohammed that complained that it was wrong for the government to have banned Boko Haram in 2013 when he was the spokesman of the defunct ACN.

As a matter of fact, I am reliably informed that it was that statement that endeared him to Buhari's heart. Buhari himself went on to say in that same year that 'an attack on Boko Haram is an attack on the north'.

12 years before then, in 2001, he had said that it is his belief that Sharia Law should be spread to every part of the nation, that he did not see why Christians should complain about sharia law because it was 'Muslim hands and arms that are being chopped off' for theft and that Muslims should vote for only Muslims.

Again, it is on record that in the history of Nigeria, he is the only President or military Head of State that has ever had a member of his own religious faith as his number two. In 1983, another northern Muslim, was his number two and de facto Deputy Head of State.

In view of this, it is no wonder that so many Christians are being butchered, harrassed, intimidated, arrested, insulted and threatened under his watch and that his Minister of Information has so much disdain and contempt for Christians.

As Minister of Information, lying Lie Mohammed has NEVER condemned the Fulani militias that are slaughtering Christians all over the north.

He has never condemned those that slaughtered thousands of innocent and defenseless Christian men, women and children in Southern Kaduna, Agatu, Taraba, Plateau, Enugu, Abia, Ondo, Ekiti, Delta, Benue and elsewhere by the Fulani militias.

He has NEVER shown any remorse or offered any explanation or apology for the Federal Government's inability to protect or defend Christians from the terrorists and those who kill them and occupy their land.

He has NEVER called for their arrest; he has NEVER consoled or visited the families or the communities that were attacked and ravaged and he has NEVER acknowledged that the Fulani militias are the greatest, most connected, most protected and most powerful terrorist organization in Nigeria today."

The blood of ALL those Christians that have been butchered in the north over the last one year and seven months will haunt lying Lie until the day he dies.
Aside from banning the Danfo buses which have been seen as being a major menace in the mega-city, Ambode also declared that the government will also put in place a well-structured and world class mass transportation system that would facilitate ease of movement within the city.

This piece of news couldn't have come at a better time as residents of the state have been held to ransom by Danfo bus drivers who believe they are the kings of the road and other road users should obey them.

For anyone living in Lagos, the fear of the Danfo bus driver is the beginning of wisdom. They are the kings of the road and in every situation, they are always right.

They have the right of way, so you do not argue with them. The average Lagos bus driver is always in a hurry and woe betide you if you stand in their way.

They drive against traffic, take one way and clime road medians at will. On the expressways, they are lords and masters of the road, cutting in and out of traffic as much as they want.

You are always the one at fault when they ram into your car and be prepared for their caustic tongues if they perceive you are not getting out of their ways fast enough.

So for Governor Ambode to have the courage to ban them off the road calls for celebration by all and sundry, especially as he has told Lagosians there would be a better and more refined replacement.

Most of the accidents on the streets of Lagos can be traced to the Danfo driver who sometimes has no side mirrors, (often depending on his conductor to monitor the roads) no seat belts and is often punch drunk.

Speaking at the 14th annual lecture of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), Ambode said:

When I wake up in the morning and see all these yellow buses and see Okada and all kinds of tricycles and then we claim we are a mega city, that is not true and we must first acknowledge that that is a faulty connectivity that we are running.

Having accepted that, we have to look for the solution and that is why we want to banish yellow buses this year. We must address the issue of connectivity that makes people move around with ease and that is where we are going."

"For instance, people going from Ikorodu to CMS have started leaving their cars at home because the BRT buses are very convenient and so why cant we do that for other places?"
Punch reports that the deceased who had a doctorate degree in Adult and Continuing Education from the University of Ibadan, where she also had her bachelors degree in Language and Literacy and masters degree in Education, was consumed in the fire that gutted her residence on Jemigbon Street, Apollo Estate, Ketu on Thursday, February 9, 2017.

The victim who lived alone, according to residents, had reportedly bought a 30-litre jerrycan of fuel the previous day which she kept in her balcony of her two-bedroom flat and when power was restored, there was a spark which reportedly caught a mosquito net in one of the windows leading to the inferno.

The residents said they were awoken by the victims call for help but that the fire became fiercer when it got to the keg of petrol, it exploded and that made it difficult for anyone to rescue her.

Operatives of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and more than five water trucks from two fire stations in the area could not save the lady from death as the fire was said to be so ferocious that she was burnt beyond recognition.
Joshua was found guilty on charges of criminal breach of trust and cheating by the presiding judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, after he used the money given to him for a project to invest in the scheme with the hope of making a huge profit but was disappointed with the freezing of the MMM accounts.

According to the police prosecutor, Zannah Dalhatu, Joshua, a resident of at Nimasa Estate, Gwarimpa, had collected the money from the complainant, Fagbo Tubosun, in October 2016, but instead of doing the job it was meant for, he put it in the Ponzi scheme.

Dalhatu said after trying in vain to collect his money back, Tubosun reported the matter at Gwarimpa Police Station, leading to the arrest and arraignment of the accused.
PHOENIX -- Saying they're promoting the rights of all parents to choose, members of a Senate panel agreed Thursday to open the door to allow all 1.1 million students in Arizona schools to use state dollars to attend private or parochial schools.

The 4-3 vote by the Senate Education Committee followed hours of testimony from individuals who already get what lawmakers call "empowerment scholarship accounts'' detailing how they have helped their children. Eligible groups range from children with special needs to those on reservations and those who attend schools rated D or F.

And Sen. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, sponsor of SB 1431, said vouchers save taxpayer money. She said schools get an average of $9,529 a year for each student while a typical voucher is in the $5,200 range.

But Chuck Essigs of the Arizona Association of School Business Officials said that's misleading.

He said that $9,529 figure includes federal aid to schools as well as locally raised dollars for bonds and overrides. Essigs said the actual amount paid in state aid to schools is an average of $1,100 less per student than a voucher for an elementary school child; for high schools the difference is $1,200 per child.

Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, said there is no danger of wholesale shifting of funds from public schools even if SB 1431 is approved and all students are eligible for vouchers. He cited existing law that limits vouchers to no more than one-half percent of all students, a figure that computes out about 5,500.

What Smith did not say, though, is that cap self-destructs in 2019, removing all limits.

Sen. David Bradley, D-Tucson, argued that if state dollars are going to private schools they should have to comply with the same regulations that apply to all public schools. That includes not only rules testing and accounting but also the mandate to accept all students, even those with special needs, who private and parochial schools can turn away.

Committee members rejected his amendment.

Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, R-Phoenix, broke ranks with her Republican colleagues in opposing SB 1431.

Brophy McGee said she supports school choice.

But she said there needs to be a level playing field, including "the same level of accountability and transparency. And Brophy McGee said she cannot support having tax dollars going to private and parochial schools until the state adequately funds the public schools it is required to maintain.

"We need to resolve the teacher shortage,'' she said. "We need to get us somewhere in the middle of the pack (nationally) of school per-pupil funding.''

Sen. Catherine Miranda, D-Phoenix, said the reason that some children opt for alternatives is "we're not funding public schools.''

Lesko's bill is the culmination of a multi-year effort to further expand the concept of "school choice.''

Arizona already has multiple options. Students need not attend their neighborhood school but can go to any other public school anywhere in the state which has space.

The state also has an extensive system of charter schools. These are technically public schools which can be run by nonprofit or for-profit corporations.

While they are exempt from some state regulations, they cannot turn away students they do not want. They also cannot charge tuition beyond the state aid they get.

In 2011 lawmakers approved a program to allow students who cannot get their special needs met at public schools to get a voucher to pay tuition and fees at private schools.

But proponents never made a secret of their goal of universal vouchers. And since that time the law has been expanded to foster care children, children in military families, students residing on reservations and those in D- and F-rated schools or school districts.

Until now, however, Lesko has been unable to line up the vote for an all-comers plan, with a key objection being the lack of accountability.

Hoping to address that, SB 1431 requires students in grades 3 through 12 who use vouchers to take a nationally recognized achievement test, advanced placement exam or any college admissions test that assesses reading and math.

But unlike public schools, the results would not be made public and instead given only to parents. Lesko said that's sufficient.

"After all, it is the parents that decide what is the best education for their child,'' she said. "And they are the ones that will be able to make sure that whatever choice they make that it's living up to their standards.''

"For some kids the local school doesn't work or isn't working,'' said Sydney Hay of American Federation for Children which lobbies for voucher and similar programs nationwide.

Multiple foes cited the high cost of private schools -- some charging more than $10,000 a year -- saying the vouchers become a subsidy of state dollars to parents whose children already are enrolled. For everyone else, said Sarah Stohr, the concept of school choice is an illusion/

"Single parents like me with no family support in this community have little true choice when it comes to choosing between my job and shuttling my child around town to a school that's farther from my home,'' she testified. Stohr told lawmakers if they really care about children they would "finally choose to fully and adequately fund our public schools so that no parent feels like their neighborhood school isn't an excellent choice for them.''

Tory Roberg of the Secular Coalition for Arizona said her objections relate to the idea of using tax dollars to help children go to parochial schools, saying it amounts to using public funds "for the purpose of religious indoctrination.''
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AMCON spokesperson, Mr Jude Nwauzor disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Lagos on Friday.

Nwauzor explained that Sanusi will assume office on Monday to take over from Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, who was recently appointed Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) by the Federal Government.

The AMCON official said the objective of the appointment is to make Aero, which remains Nigerias oldest carrier with strong brand equity, regain its prime position within the shortest possible time.

Until his appointment, Sanusi was Deputy Managing Director of Arik Air, the largest local carrier in the country.

The new Aero CEO is a thorough-bred aviation professional; highly respected in the industry for his immeasurable contribution to the sector over the years.

He previously led NAMA as Managing Director in 2009.

Sanusi, who is expected to hit the ground running on resumption, has been mandated by the AMCON management to reposition the airline.

This is by returning it to full operational capacity, offering reliable, safe and secure operations which the airline is known for, he said.

The AMCON official noted further that industry watchers has also commended AMCON for the appointment of Sanusi whom they described as the best suited for the job of rebuilding Aero.

He said that the stakeholders believe that Sanusi will bring his experience to bear in rejuvenating the airline.

Nwauzor said Sanusi started his flying carrier in Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria where he obtained Commercial Pilot License and a National Diploma in Aeronautical Sciences.

He said that Sanusi later proceeded to the United States where he advanced his education and obtained Air Transport Pilot Licence, Certified Flight and Ground Instructors license in many institutions in United States.

The instructions include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Flight Safety Savannah GA, University of Southern California, Simuflite Dallas TX, North America Training and Development TX, USAir Training center Pittsburg PA, Flight Safety International Wichita KS.

Sanusi also worked for Kabo Air, a local airline as a Senior First Officer and then proceeded to ExxonMobil as Captain and flight Safety Officer.

ALSO READ: Aero workers list 10 reasons why airline must be saved

He then joined Virgin Nigeria as a Captain on the B737 Classic and later became the MD, NAMA.

He was responsible for managing the entire Nigerian Airspace and succeeded in laying the foundation for a performance base airspace.

Other parastatals Sanusi worked in the aviation industry include NCAT, Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) where he implemented the total radar coverage on the Nigeria Airspace (TRACON).

He designed the blue print of capacity building by organising training for the Air Traffic Controllers and Engineers in the United States.

This position in charge of safety of the Nigerian Airspace allowed him to have an insight into safety critical areas of the aeronautical industry including airports management and meteorological services.
The cash totalled $9.8M and 74, 000 by the time the anti-graft agency was done counting.

The money belongs to Mr. Andrew Yakubu who oversaw affairs at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) between 2012 and 2014.

It was the era of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Diezani Alison-Madueke.

It was "a special operation", EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren said in a statement made available to Pulse.

EFCC operatives considered the amount "staggering".

According to Uwujaren; a special operation conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 3rd February, 2017 on a building belonging to a former of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Andrew Yakubu in Kaduna yielded the recovery of a staggering sum of $9,772,800 and another sum of 74,000 cash.

"The huge cash was hidden in a fire proof safe.

The house where the cash was found, didn't look the part. It stands as one of the cleverest decoys in the book--sandy neighbourhood, falling roof and scanty interior.

You also wouldn't have guessed that the shanties of Sabon Tasha, Kaduna would play host to millions of dollars.

The contrast couldn't have been starker.

Uwujaren said the EFCC received intelligence reports that proceeds of crime were hidden in this particular Kaduna slum and moved with as much haste as it could manage.

When the EFCC arrived this nondescript apartment in this nondescript neighbourhood of Kaduna, Yakubu's younger brother, Bitrus Yakubu, revealed that the apartment belongs to his elder brother who probably resides in the posh areas of Abuja or Lagos.

Uwujaren said: On arrival at the facility, the caretaker of the house, one Bitrus Yakubu, a younger brother to Andrew Yakubu, disclosed that both the house and the safe where the money was found belong to his brother, Andrew Yakubu.

When the safe was opened, it was discovered that it contained the sum of $9,772,800 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand, Eight Hundred United States Dollars) and another sum of 74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling)".

The former NNPC GMD has since turned himself in. He however said the stash of cash were gifts.

According to the EFCC spokesperson, On February 8, 2017, Andrew Yakubu reported to the commissions Zonal office in Kano and made statement wherein he admitted ownership of the recovered money, claiming it was gift from unnamed persons. He is currently assisting the investigation.

Yakubu wasn't immediately available for comments for this story because he was still locked in EFCC custody at the time of heading to press.

Appearing before a House Committee on Financial Crimes this week, EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu said the anti-graft agency has recovered N102.91B, $8.30M, GBP 29,155, 12,475 pounds, 117,004 Canadian dollars as proceeds of crime between January and December, 2016.

A breakdown of the documents tendered to the House shows that the commission has secured 135 convictions in the Muhammadu Buhari era.

46 convictions were secured from the Lagos zone, 30 from Abuja zone, 22 from Port Harcourt zone, 19 from Kano zone, 15 from Enugu zone and three from Gombe zone during the period under review, according to the commission.

President Buhari rode to power on the back of a promise to crack down on graft.
In a statement issued on Friday in Maiduguri, Malam Isa Gusau, Special Adviser to Gov. Kashim Shettima on Communication and Strategy, said the prayers were led by Chief Imams of various mosques shortly after the mandatory Friday prayers.

"Chief Imams in about 350 Jummaat Mosques in Maiduguri, Jere, Biu and other parts of the state, on Friday, led thousands of worshipers to offer special prayers for the speedy and full recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari following request by Governor Kashim Shettima.

"The prayers were offered in appreciation of President Buharis commitment to the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents, which resulted in the liberation of many communities and relative peace now being enjoyed by residents across the state," he said.

ALSO READ: Shettima presents cows, food items to NYSC members
The former VP made the call via a statement released by his media office on Friday, February 10.

We deserve the care and support of one another in trying times, Atiku said.

He also reminded Nigerians that President Buhari needs all the prayers and goodwill that he can get at this time, to enable him return from his medical vacation in the UK and continue with his God-ordained assignment of steering Nigeria to her next level of greatness.

Each of us go through times when we are not feeling in top form. The last thing we need in those times is mockery or ill will, he said.

Atiku also urged Nigerians to stop the rumour mongering and instead channel that energy into praying for God to strengthen President Buhari and his family through this time.

President Buharis health has been the subject of controversy since he left Nigeria for London on January 19 for a 10-day medical vacation.

The government has repeatedly denied rumours that the president is either critically ill or dead and even threatened to punish rumour mongers.

The situation was escalated further on Sunday, February 5, when Buhari extended his vacation indefinitely.

ALSO READ:

According to the president, who was initially due to resume on February 6, he is staying back due to the advice of doctors who urged him to wait to complete a test cycle.

However, according to Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, Buhari is not in any danger healthwise.

Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo has also said that the president is hale and hearty, a sentiment which was mirrored by Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

Happy to have spoken with @NGRPresident @MBuhari tonight. He was in good spirits and joked about my working late into the night, as usual, Saraki tweeted on Wednesday, February 8.

The Presidency, on Thursday, February 9, released photos of the president in which he was seen receiving All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande.
According to the Speakers Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, the President called Dogara on Wednesday night.

The President called the Speaker at about 9.20 p.m. on Wednesday and the two leaders spoke for a little over five minutes.

Although the President and the Speaker discussed other national issues, much of it centred on how the Executive and the Legislature can work together to ensure food security for Nigerians and prevent a relapse into events of 2016, Hassan said in a statement.

Senate President Bukola Saraki, who said he had also spoken with Buhari, tweeted: He is hale and hearty, going by his voice on telephone which suggested that he is in sound health.

The President had proceeded on a 10-day vacation in UK on Jan. 19 for a routine medical check as indicated in a letter to the Senate which also authorised Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to act as president pending his return.
Azarema said this during the third phase of the handover of the relief materials to the IDPs on Thursday in Yola, the state capital.

He said that the essence of the donation was to alleviate the suffering of the IDPs in the state.

He said government was donating 15,210 (50kg) bags of rice, 7,540 (20 litres) kegs of vegetables oil, 1,240 bales of second-hand clothes, 1,383 cartons of spaghetti, 1,240 cartons of soap and 1,096 pairs of second-hand shoes.

Azeram, an Assistant Controller-General of Customs, charged those involved in the distribution of the items to ensure transparency in the process.

To us in the committee, it is a privilege to be called to serve in a team that seeks to alleviate the sufferings of citizens displaced by insurgency.

We remain committed to discharging this assignment under the Comptroller-General of Customs,  he said.

He commended the efforts of the Adamawa government in providing logistics for the transportation of the items from different Customs warehouses across the country.

The Deputy Governor, Mr Martins Babale, who represented Gov. Bindow Jibrila thanked the federal government for alleviating the plight of the IDPs and ensuring their safety in the three formal camps in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the handover ceremony took place at Malkohi camp, which housed no fewer than 8,900 IDPs at the peak of the insurgency.
Malam Uma Bolori who spoke on behalf of the clerics said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Maiduguri on Friday.

He said, "Our prayer is what President Buhari needs from Nigerians rather rumours.

"President Buhari deserves payers from the people of North-East, for not allowing Borno to go on extinction when almost all the territories in the state were taken over by Boko Haram.

"We are going to fast, supplicate and recite Holy Quran 50 times for improved health condition of our President.

"Nigerians must rally round their leaders and pray for them, to enable them succeed in steering the affiars of this country.

"No citizen should wish his or her president death, he or she should rather wish him wisdom, sound health and political will to enable him fulfill his campaign promises to the people."


 :     ,   ,   

  ,        , -     28         .
In the 75 years since the United States entered World War II, U.S. foreign policy has started from three broad premises shared by most American leaders.

One is American exceptionalism, the idea that the United States is a unique country with a special responsibility to exert global leadership. Exceptionalism, combined with military and economic power, spawned a second, revolutionary notion: that the United States should try to promote democracy and human rights around the world, or at least defend them when they were in peril. The third is that the best and cheapest way for the United States to lead is by building strong alliances, usually with other democracies.

Donald Trump has abandoned all three of those premises. And in their place, he has revived an old slogan of self-interest, America first. That could lead to disaster.

Never before has a modern president said he doesnt believe the United States is special. Barack Obama came close, but when conservatives howled he beat a hasty retreat.

In 2015, though, Trump said this when he was asked to define exceptionalism: I dont like the term  because I think youre insulting the world, he told Tea Party activists in Texas. If youre German, or youre from Japan, or youre from China, you dont want to have people saying that.

It wasnt only the tender feelings of foreigners that he had in mind.

Germany is eating our lunch, he said. Were dying. We owe $18 trillion in debt. Id like to make us exceptional.  I want to take back everything from the world that weve given them.

When traditional politicians describe American exceptionalism, they usually talk about values  about democracy, or individual freedom, or entrepreneurship, or racial and ethnic diversity. Trumps measure of exceptionalism was material wealth  specifically, the trade balance and national debt.

In his inaugural address last month, he barely mentioned American values. He promised to defeat Islamic State (Make America safe again) and revive the economy (Make America wealthy again). But the word democracy wasnt there at all.

Heres what the president said about foreign policy in that speech: We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world, but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first. We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow.

That was a signal  an implicit rebuke to both Obama and George W. Bush, who used their inaugurals to reaffirm the goal of promoting democracy and human rights.

The following week, when Trumps nominee for secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, was asked in his confirmation hearing to condemn human rights abuses in Russia, Syria and Saudi Arabia, he dodged the questions.

Its debatable, of course, how high on any presidents priority list democracy and human rights should be. But Trump has betrayed no interest in the question.

By all evidence, his administration will spend little time or energy on those goals, which have been embraced, in different measure, by every president since Jimmy Carter  including, emphatically, Ronald Reagan. U.S. diplomacy, however inconstant, has helped to free millions of people from oppression. If Trump abandons that effort, its not a surprise, but its a tragedy.

That brings us to the most worrisome change: Trumps devaluation of alliances.

The president says most other countries are ripping us off  especially allies that arent spending enough on their defense. Theyre laughing at us, he complains.

He has a solid argument that allies havent met their commitments for defense spending; most of them havent. But hes talked about NATO and other treaty arrangements as if they were mercenary contracts, not partnerships among countries with values in common. Hes given longtime allies like Australia, which sent troops to help Americans fight in Afghanistan, less courtesy than adversaries like Russia.

The underlying principle is not pay any price, bear any burden; its what have you done for me lately?

The allies have gotten the message. Some, especially the ones directly threatened by Russia, are rushing to increase their defense spending. (Score one for Trump.) But all of them are asking whether they can count on the United States to keep its promises in the future.

Trump has embraced a narrower interpretation of vital American interests than his predecessors, the London-based International Institute of Strategic Studies concluded in a recent report.

Trumps foreign policy will be driven principally by the pursuit of American economic advantage, for which he will likely sacrifice some of the security concerns of his allies, the institute said. At a minimum, he will leave  Americas partners uncertain about U.S. reliability.

It is a pivotal change, with potentially profound negative implications for global stability.

That sounds right. Trump has promised Americans security and prosperity. By narrowing our national goals, downgrading our values and eroding our alliances, hes likely to get neither.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) gathered that the bandits invaded the police station at about 1 am and immediately opened fire on policemen on duty, killing them, alongside a detainee

The heavily armed hoodlums, said to be about 10, later set the station ablaze and proceeded to the house of Mr Sadiq Obomi, Chairman, Eika Community Development Association, and killed him.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdulahi Chafe, confirmed the incident , promising to provide details later.

However, a resident of Eika community who is also a member of a local vigilante group, told NAN that the gunmen came in two vehicles and started shooting into the air as they made their way to the police station.

He said that the gunmen later escaped after the operation, which he said, lasted almost two hours.
Uchechi also said that her husband is a man that is obsessed with Biafra to the point of insanity.

He is a man that is obsessed with Biafra to the point of insanity and many times he has said publicly that he would gladly sacrifice me, the children and the wider family, if that is what it would take for Biafra to be free. That is the type of man Nigeria is facing, and that is the kind of man my husband is, Mrs Kanu told ThisDay.

Nigeria is presently situated in the right context of the word democratic ignorance, which prompts me once again to call the government of Major-General Buhari a democratic dictatorship, not a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

We Biafrans have the uncontested right to self-determination; the Nigerian government and their terrorized judiciary, who are afraid of honest interpretation of the law, should stop interfering in this case because all they end up doing is foolishly showcasing their unintelligent criminal cheating minds before the whole civilized world.

As for the struggle, the Nigeria government and her agents should allow us Biafrans to hold a referendum (with reference to Scotland/UK). If we lose, we will stop agitating for Biafra.

Let me tell you, Biafra is my hope. I see Biafra as a new beginning, a place where systems are well structured, where there is civility, law and order because as it is, all I see is barbarism in Nigeria. My husband is right for insisting on freedom for all of us Biafrans and beyond because without it, life is meaningless.

My family is in England today, a very beautiful country, because the likes of Oliver Cromwell fought and many died that the House of Commons may be established to speak for the common man. Without justice, equity and fairness, Africa will remain backward, she added.

ALSO READ:
The warning dated 9th February 2017, recommends that US citizens should avoid all but essential travel to Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kano, and Yobe, due to the unpredictable security situation in the North-East.

This follows a security warning issued by the US embassy on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, advising citizens and officials to show extra consideration for their personal safety and security as they travel within Nigeria.

It was issued in response to the governments plans to shut down the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport for repairs and the re-routing of air traffic from that airport to the Kaduna airport, as well as the international airports in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt.

According to the document issued by the Embassy, this more recent warning is driven by heightened insecurity in the North of the country, mostly as a direct result of the activities of Boko Haram.

The governments efforts to weaken the terror group, have met a degree of success; the military has reclaimed vast areas in territory and a number of the Chibok girls have either been rescued or released. However, the group still pulls off isolated attacks, especially bombings, in public gatherings, social events or highly populated areas.

ALSO READ: US Embassy issues security warning to citizens travelling within Nigeria

The Department of States travel warning says U.S. citizens should be vigilant at public gatherings and locations frequented by foreigners. Markets, hotels, restaurants, bars, and places of worship may become targets for terrorist attacks.

It also adds that the poor state of transport infrastructure in the country means that the US embassy finds it difficult to provide consular services in the aforementioned risk areas, advising that All U.S. citizens should have evacuation plans that do not solely rely on U.S. government assistance.

US citizens are also advised to avoid the Gulf of Guinea, the area of the Atlantic Ocean on the shores of Ghana, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

The travel warning also refers to security threats outside of the North, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta; the directive states,  Due to the risk of kidnappings, robberies, and other armed attacks, U.S. citizens should also avoid all but essential travel to Bayelsa, Delta, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

The document also makes updated provisions for officials of the US mission working in Nigeria; it states that they remain subject to restrictions while travelling within Nigeria, with the exception of local areas of Lagos and Abuja.

The Department of States newest travel warning will serve as a replacement for the previous warning dated August 3, 2016.
What better way to ease off the stress of the week than watch a good movie.

With that in mind, check out our list of movies currently showing in cinemas across Lagos and Abuja.

1.

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter

Synopsis: Picking up immediately after the events in Resident Evil: Retribution, Alice (Milla Jovovich) is the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity's final stand against the undead. Now, she must return to where the nightmare began - The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.

Friday - Thursday: 2:45pm, 4:45pm, 6:45pm, 8:45pm

Daily: 2:35 PM, 7:30 PM, 9:50 PM

Daily: 6:45PM, 9:00PM

Daily: 12:30PM, 2:40PM, 4:50PM, 7:00PM, 9:10PM

Starring: David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport

Synopsis: Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana causes an international stir when he marries a white woman from London in the late 1940s.

Showing:

Daily: 10:50AM

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons

Synopsis: When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society.

Showing:

Daily: 1:30PM, 3:40PM, 5:50PM, 8:00PM

Friday - Thursday: 1:00PM

Fri-Thur: 10:00am, 12:05pm, 5:55pm, 8:10pm

4.

Starring: Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Chidi Mokeme, Memry Savanhu, Adonijah Owuruwa, Daniel K. Daniel, Nelly Ekwereogu

Synopsis: The story is told from two points of view: that of a young pregnant woman, and that of her husband, a soldier accused of being involved in the 1976 military coup and assassination of General Murtala Mohammed, the Head-of-State of Nigeria.

Friday -Thursday: 1:00PM

Friday -Thursday: 1:00PM, 3:20PM, 5:40PM, 8:00PM

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen

Synopsis: A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early.

Showing:

Daily: 6:00PM, 8:10PM

Starring:Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Alibaba, Iretiola Doyle, Banky W, and Adesua Etom

Synopsis: Our love birds just want to tie the knot in peace, but will true love stand even the most chaotic of wedding celebrations?

Showing:

Daily:12:50 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:10 PM, 7:20 PM, 9:30 PM

Friday -Thursday: 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, 8:50pm

Friday -Thursday: 10:35AM, 9:30PM

Sunday: 9:30PM

Friday - Thursday:12:30PM, 2:30PM, 4:30PM, 6:30PM, 8:30PM

7.

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Zooey Deschanel, Justin Timberlake

Synopsis: From the creators of Shrek comes the most smart, funny, irreverent animated comedy of the year, DreamWorks' Trolls. This holiday season, enter a colorful, wondrous world populated by hilariously unforgettable characters and discover the story of the overly optimistic Trolls.

Daily:

8.

Starring: ZACK ORJI, RMD and VICTOR OLAOTAN

Synopsis: The Three Wise Men is a Dramatic comedy that humorously presents the follies of three aged men. The comedy satirizes the actions and intents of three elderly men in their mid/late 60's who struggle to re-live their lost youth.

Friday -Thursday: 2:00pm

9.

Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Theo James, Lara Pulver

Synopsis: Vampire death dealer, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) fights to end the eternal war between the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her.

Friday -Thursday:

Starring: Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton

Synopsis: A dog looks to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes and owners.

Showing:

Daily:

Friday - Thursday: 10:40AM

Not showing on Sunday.

Starring: Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet

Synopsis: Retreating from life after a tragedy, a man questions the universe by writing to Love, Time and Death. Receiving unexpected answers, he begins to see how these things interlock and how even loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty.

Friday - Thursday: 2:30PM, 6:50PM, 8:50PM

Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker

Synopsis: When 12 mysterious spacecraft appear around the world, linguistics professor Louise Banks is tasked with interpreting the language of the apparent alien visitors.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 6:00PM, 8:20PM

Friday - Thursday: 10:35AM, 7:10PM

Sunday: 7:10PM

Daily: 10:45am, 12:45pm

Starring: Ben Affleck, Elle Fanning, Brendan Gleeson

Synopsis: A group of Boston-bred gangsters set up shop in balmy Florida during the Prohibition era, facing off against the competition and the Ku Klux Klan.

Showing:

Friday - Thursday: 6:45PM

Friday - Thursday: 3:30PM

Daily: 12:00 PM, 4:55 PM

(--VIP SHOWS--)

Daily: 9:30 PM

Starring: Yomi Black and Kiki Omeli

Synopsis: The Series stars Yomi Black and Kiki Omeli as Sunday and Lolade, a middle aged live-in couple based in Lagos. Sunday is a good-hearted man who really wants the best for Lolade, but somehow never knows how to say or do the right things. He constantly makes mistakes but his love for Lolade keeps him trying to be better. Lolade who fell in love with Sunday despite all his mistakes is an overzealous woman as she trys balance her hectic relationship and her work life.

Showing:

Daily:3:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:10 PM, 9:20 PM

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Jenny Slate, Rosario Dawson

Synopsis: : Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.

Showing:

Daily: 12:30 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:45 PM, 5:00 PM

Friday -Thursday: 12:45PM, 2:50PM, 4:45PM

Friday - Thursday: 12:00PM, 2:00PM, 4:00PM

Starring: Enyinna Nwigwe, IK Ogbonna, Nancy Isime, Bayray Mc Nwizu, Keppy Ekpeyong, Shaffy Bello and Daniel Lloyd.

Synopsis: The movie was directed by Desmond Elliot (who also plays a role in the movie) and tells the story of a young lady who hires a man to pose as her fiance at a family event, after her younger sisters engagement.

Showing:

Daily: 4:40 PM

Friday -Thursday: 2:45PM, 5:35PM, 8:40PM

Friday - Thursday: 12:40PM, 2:40PM, 4:40PM, 6:40PM, 8:40PM

Starring:Deyemi Okanlawon, Ijeoma Agu, Adeniyi Johnson and Seun Omojola.

Synopsis: This bloggers power was his internet-enabled laptop and his downfall is almost his wife and his weapon, sex. The quest to overcome his challenges and meet his wifes expectation leads to the various intense scenes that add a twist to the story.

Showing:

Daily: 2:35 PM, 7:00 PM, 9:10 PM

Friday -Thursday: 4:45PM, 6:40PM, 9:20PM

Friday - Thursday: 1:00PM, 5:10PM

Starring: Somkele Idalamah, Chamberlain Okoro, Chika Chukwu, Neville osai, Omolola Ojo, Florence Paul, Jeremiah Etukudo

Synopsis: 'The Guest' is the story of a passionless but dedicated and faithful couple who take in an old friend. An affair soon begins between the husband and the friend, but when she starts to kill off members of his household who stand in the way of her getting what she wants, the couple realize that they have it all in each other and that their family is worth fighting for.

Showing:

Daily: 12:20 PM, 4:45 PM

(--VIP SHOWS--)

Daily: 7:10 PM

Friday -Thursday: 3:15PM, 4:55PM, 7:30PM, 9:10PM

Friday - Thursday: 12:10PM, 2:10PM, 4:10PM, 6:10PM, 8:10PM
The governor made the comments on Thursday, February 9, while receiving the General Overseer of Champions Glory Assembly Church, Pastor Joshua Lasisi at the Government House.

I want to equally join Nigerians to pray for the President and ask God to give him good health, Fayose said.

But the best thing we should all realize is that the presidency owes Nigerians accurate information about the situation of things. Otherwise people would continue to spread one rumour or the other.

Nigerians demanding for truthful and accurate information about the Presidents health from the Presidency are right because the moment you assume such a position, your life has become public. So, we should let Nigerians have the accurate information about the whereabouts of Mr. President.

At the same time Nigerians too, should be praying for the President. Nobody has control over health challenges, the only thing they are doing wrongly is hiding the facts from Nigerians.

I cannot say I cannot be sick when Im sick because I am a public figure. I represent the interests of many people. They must know where I am, what is wrong and what am doing it is the right of every Nigerians. But I want to urge all of us to stick together and pray for Mr. President, he added.

In February 2015, before Buhari became president, Fayose insisted that the former military ruler was suffering from an unknown ailment and receiving treatment for it in a London hospital.

"Gen. Buhari is not well, he is sick in the hospital. This is not personal. I am not against the north, I am not against the south. Our leaders should show us their medical records," Fayose said at the time.

I am saying that Nigeria needs a healthy leader who will be able to address the problems of this country. Even in advanced countries, those wishing to lead present their medical records because they know the amount of energy to be deployed, the governor added.

President Buharis health has been the subject of controversy since he left Nigeria for London on January 19 for a 10-day medical vacation.

The government has repeatedly denied rumours that the president is either critically ill or dead and even threatened to punish rumour mongers.

The situation was escalated further on Sunday, February 5, when Buhari extended his vacation indefinitely.

ALSO READ:

According to the president, who was initially due to resume on February 6, he is staying back due to the advice of doctors who urged him to wait to complete a test cycle.

However, according to Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, Buhari is not in any danger healthwise.

Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo has also said that the president is hale and hearty, a sentiment which was mirrored by Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

Happy to have spoken with @NGRPresident @MBuhari tonight. He was in good spirits and joked about my working late into the night, as usual, Saraki tweeted on Wednesday, February 8.

The Presidency, on Thursday, February 9, released photos of the president in which he was seen receiving All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande.
The tycoon-turned-statesman agreed he would "honour" a position that has been held by successive US governments since Richard Nixon's administration.

It marked an apparent shift in thinking for Trump, who before coming to office had told an interviewer he didn't feel "bound by a one-China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade".

Here are the key issues surrounding the delicate triangle of the United States, China and Taiwan.

What's the problem?

The deep rift between China and Taiwan dates back to China's civil war, which erupted in 1927 and pitted forces aligned with the Communist Party of China against the Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) army.

Eventually defeated by Mao Zedong's Communists, KMT chief Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan, which was still under KMT control.

From there, Chiang continued to claim the entirety of China -- just as the mainland claimed Taiwan.

Taiwan's full name remains the Republic of China, while the mainland is the People's Republic of China.

Both sides still formally claim to represent all of China.

Many people in Taiwan today remain distrustful of Beijing while others are keen to explore warmer relations, especially when it comes to trade opportunities.

What does 'One China' mean?

In 1992, Taiwan and mainland China are said to have agreed that there is only "one China," which includes both places, but they agreed to disagree about what that precisely meant.

In principle, the decision means that countries can only have formal diplomatic relations with one or the other, but not both at the same time.

Most countries have chosen Beijing, but many continue to maintain economic ties to Taipei.

Washington cut formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 when it switched recognition to Beijing.

Since then, it has followed a "One China policy" -- different than Beijing's "One China principle" -- which acknowledges both sides' positions that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it.

But it has never made a clear statement about Taiwan's sovereignty, leaving the question unsettled.

The result is a de facto two China policy, where the small island enjoys many of the trappings of diplomatic relations with the US.

What does the US usually do?

The United States has long maintained an ambiguous and at times contradictory approach to Taiwan.

China regards self-ruling Taiwan as part of its own territory awaiting reunification under Beijing's rule, and any move implying support for independence raises China's hackles.

Although there is traditionally no formal contact between the US president and his Taiwanese counterpart, US law requires Washington to sell high-end weaponry to Taipei.

The legislation was designed to provide democratic Taiwan with enough military clout to defend itself against China's vastly superior armed forces, although in practice the island's defences lag the mainland's considerably.

While there is no official US embassy in Taipei, Washington runs a nonprofit centre called the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves many of the same functions.

How has Trump affected ties?

Shortly after his November victory, Trump spoke by phone to Tsai Ing-wen, breaking decades of US protocol.

He rubbed salt in Beijing's wounds by tweeting about the call, a move that riled Chinese nationalists.

On December 3, Beijing issued a formal protest to Washington then followed up with a statement warning of a deterioration of Sino-US relations.

Many Chinese newspaper editorials called for reinforcement of the country's military arsenal to prepare for possible conflict.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told Hong Kong media that the call was "a petty trick" by Taipei, putting the blame on Tsai.

State media also gave him the benefit of the doubt, calling Trump "inexperienced" -- with the Xinhua news agency warning that "diplomacy is not child's play and you can't run it like a business".

So has the call fixed things?

Trump built his popularity, in part, on bashing Beijing for "stealing" American jobs and there are a number of committed China-sceptics in his administration, so a dramatic softening is unlikely, analysts say.

But at the same time, now that he is in office, China is much less likely to cut him slack.

Ashley Townshend, an expert in US-China relations at the University of Sydney, expects Trump to continue to be tough on China across many aspects of the bilateral relationship.

jpegMpeg4-1280x720The assurance to honour the "One China" policy "removes an obstacle to relations, but it doesnt advance them in any meaningful way," Townshend said.

Xu Guoqi of the University of Hong Kong says the call could offer something of a reset on which the two sides can now build.
It is due for a public vote, two months after it is formally law.

The bill must still be entered into the Official Gazatte.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said the referendum would likely take place on April 16.

Critics say the amendments will weaken checks and balances and the role of parliament and leave too much power concentrated in the office of the president, while damaging the independence of the judiciary.

The government says it will bring stability.

NAN recalls that on Jan 19, the two largest opposition parties in parliament say the 18-article bill, which could enable Erdogan to rule until 2029, will fuel authoritarianism in the NATO member and European Union candidate country.
The vote was held as part of a EU-brokered deal between Macedonia's four main political parties and aimed to end a long-running crisis, but none of them secured a majority and a coalition deal has yet to be struck.

"It is important to stress that elections are not the end of the process," EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn told reporters during a two-day visit.

"The earlier there is a government in place the better it is. There is no further time to waste."

Macedonia's crisis erupted in February 2015 when a mass wiretapping scandal incited huge street protests for and against the government, forcing the EU to step in.

Former premier Nikola Gruevski stepped down a year ago after nearly a decade in power to pave the way for new elections.

His conservative VMRO-DPMNE party secured 51 seats in the 120-seat parliament -- or two more than the main opposition Social Democrats (SDSM) -- but he has failed to reach a deal with ethnic Albanian parties, who have a kingmaker role.

President Gjorge Ivanov subsequently told SDSM leader Zoran Zaev that he would be appointed prime minister-designate once he secured the support of 61 MPs.

Macedonia wants to join both NATO and the EU, but its membership has been blocked by Athens over a dispute about the country's name -- a northern region of Greece is also called Macedonia.
In the spring of 2014, Fredrik Onnevall was filming a documentary about the response of European nationalist parties to the migration crisis when he met the 15-year-old boy in Greece.

Along with two colleagues, Onnevall helped "Abed", which is not his real name, travel to Sweden.

Scrawny and exhausted, the teenager was travelling alone and asked Onnevall to help him get to Sweden to join his cousin.

"It took 10 to 15 minutes maybe for me to get that question into my head, and to understand what he was asking me and to make up my mind," the 43-year-old journalist told AFP in an interview last month in the southern Swedish town of Malmo just prior to the start of his trial.

"Everything became more clear when it came down to that very question: 'What decision will I be able to live with in the future for myself?'," he said.

Onnevall's lawyers had called for an acquittal on the grounds that he acted out of compassion and concern for the boy's fate.

But the Malmo district court found him guilty of human trafficking and gave him a suspended sentence and ordered him to complete 75 hours of community service.

While the court noted the SVT team had acted for purely humanitarian reasons, it said "jurisprudence leaves little scope to acquit someone for that reason."

The journalist said he would appeal the ruling.

"This is no surprise because I was prepared for all scenarios," he told AFP.

"The district court is only the first legal step and I hope the appeals court will come to a different conclusion," he added.

His two colleagues, a cameraman and an interpreter, received the same sentence.

Since 2015 -- when the number of asylum applications in Sweden soared (from 80,000 in 2014 to 160,000 in 2015), requiring the country to halt its generous refugee policy -- the number of cases of people helping illegal immigrants come to Sweden has skyrocketed.
It was the first criminal sentence in the country against the practice of shark finning, which involves slicing off a shark's fins before dropping the live fish back in the sea. Unable to swim effectively, the wounded creature faces a grim future: suffocating, starving or being eaten.

Shark fins fetch a high price in Asia, where they are often used in soups served on special occasions.

Tseng's was "a historic sentence," said Gladys Martinez, lawyer for the Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA).

Her case began in October 2011, when her fishing boat, the Wan Jia Men 88, was found with 151 sharks aboard. Their fins had been chopped off.

She was initially acquitted in 2014, but the matter went to appeal, and the Puntarenas court this week found her responsible for damage to Costa Rica's natural resources.
The famous seafront avenue was ordered off-limits for major public events for at least a year after the July 14 jihadist attack, with the southern French city instead deploying unprecedented security along an alternate route this weekend.

"Never has the level of security been so high for an event of this kind in Nice," top regional administrator Georges-Francois Leclerc told a news conference ahead of the February 11-25 carnival, one of the biggest in the world.

This year Nice's boisterous street party, which in past years has drawn up to a million revellers, will take place along a new stretch of parkland, the Promenade du Paillon.

Inaugurated in 2013, the zone stretches 1.2 kilometres (three-quarters of a mile) from the Promenade des Anglais northeast to the historic Place Massena.

Some 200 police will man 36 entry points to the venue, which will be totally enclosed for the event. Carnival-goers will pay five euros ($5.30) to attend -- more for seats in the stands.

The frenzied "battle of the flowers" -- when revellers vie to catch blooms thrown from elaborate flower-bedecked floats -- will take place in the Place Massena, the city's main square.

Last year's carnival was already the object of heightened security in the wake of the November 2015 jihadist attacks in Paris, with attendance way down at some 400,000.

Speaking at Friday's news conference, the right-wing president of the Riviera region, Christian Estrosi, said cancelling the carnival would be "unthinkable".

"That would be a sign to the barbarians, to the terrorists, that they would have scored another victory."

After Tunisian jihadist Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel rammed a truck into crowds enjoying fireworks on the Promenade des Anglais for France's national day, both the Socialist government and Nice's right-wing city authorities came under severe criticism for perceived security lapses.
Moise, who was sworn in on Tuesday, is expected to quickly name his successor.

Due to a constitutional amendment that came into effect as Moise took office, the Haitian president no longer needs approval from parliament for his choice of prime minister. The need for this approval in the past has led to lengthy government paralysis.

The future prime minister however will still need his policies approved by the legislature -- which in this case is a formality, since Moise supporters have a majority in both chambers.

Moise, a 48-year-old banana exporter who has never held political office, was former president Michel Martelly's hand-picked choice to lead the poorest country in the Americas.

Haiti is struggling to emerge from a major cholera outbreak, with an estimated 30,000 cases expected this year, and is still suffering the effects of the January 2010 earthquake, with tens of thousands of people still camping in tents without proper sanitation.
Ramon FonsecaMora and Juergen Mossack, named partners of the Mossack Fonseca firm, were put in preventive detention late Thursday by Panamanian authorities, one of their attorneys said.

Chief prosecutor Kenia Procell said the law firm was suspected of money-laundering and forming "a criminal organization that sought to hide assets and money of doubtful origin."

She alleged the firm also "got rid of evidence" implicating people in Brazil's "Car Wash" corruption scandal, in which the Brazilian national oil company Petrobras allegedly gave Odebrecht and other contractors inflated contracts in return for bribes.

Mossack Fonseca's attorney, Elias Solano, said there was a "lack of evidence" supporting the allegations.

On Thursday, as he turned up at the prosecutors' office to answer questions, Fonseca told reporters that Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela -- a former friend -- had confided in him that he had accepted "donations" from Odebrecht.

Varela denied the accusation, saying "there were no donations from the Odebrecht company" to his 2014 electoral campaign.

Fonseca used to be a high-ranking advisor to Varela but was dismissed when the Panama Papers scandal broke in April last year.

The vast data leak from the Mossack Fonseca law firm detailed how the world's wealthy stashed assets in offshore companies.

Several countries in Latin America, among them Panama, Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Uruguay, are carrying out investigations into bribes paid by Odebrecht.

In December, the Brazilian construction company agreed with the US Justice Department to pay a world record $3.5-billion fine after admitting it paid $788 million in bribes to win fat construction contracts in 12 countries.

More revelations are expected soon because current and former Odebrecht executives have signed tell-all plea deals in Brazil in exchange for lighter sentences.
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Dadin was sentenced in 2015 to three years in jail, later reduced by six months. In prison, he has complained of torture and abuse, while international rights organisations have campaigned for his release.

Dadin has called for his jailing to be recognised as unconstitutional, an appeal that the Constitutional Court on Friday partially supported.

A Russian who is detained once at an unsanctioned rally does not face jail, only a fine or time in police cells.

In 2014 Russia controversially introduced criminal charges for those who breach rules at protest rallies twice or more in a period of 180 days.

In a ruling published on its website, the Constitutional Court confirmed the government has the right to prosecute people for repeated non-criminal offences, but stressed that punishment should be proportionate.

A court should choose whether to press criminal charges according to "the real scale of public danger" and only jail protestors after rallies that were not peaceful, the decision said.

Amnesty International, which calls Dadin a prisoner of conscience, said the ruling "offers a rare glimmer of hope for the right to peaceful assembly" in Russia.

"It sends a strong message to the authorities," the rights NGO said in a statement, calling for Dadin to be released "immediately and unconditionally."

Dadin must now wait for the Russian Supreme Court to review his case. It can then order his release from the penal colony where he is being held.

The ruling is likely to be largely symbolic for Dadin, who has been in jail since February 2015, including pre-trial detention, and has only six months left to serve of his sentence.

Dadin's wife Anastasiya Zotova told AFP that the court's decision was "better than we could have expected in an authoritarian state."

She said she hoped legislation will be eased so "people aren't thrown in jail for peaceful protests."
The plane had been seeking to hit targets of Islamic State (IS) jihadists but "by accident three of our heroic soldiers were martyred when a building was bombed where our units were," it said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had already reached out to Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to express his "sadness and condolences."

"Russian officials have said that the incident was an accident and have passed on their sadness and condolences," the army said, adding an investigation is being carried out by both sides.

It said that of the 11 injured, one was badly wounded.

In Moscow, the Kremlin said Putin had offered Erdogan his condolences and that the leaders had "agreed to enhance military coordination" going forward in the fight against IS in Syria.

Turkey on August 24 began an unprecedented campaign inside Syria against IS and Kurdish militia which initially made rapid progress but has become mired in a deadly fight for the IS held town of Al-Bab since December.

While Turkey gave no details over the location of the deadly incident, Moscow said that it took place around Al-Bab where Russian forces have also been conducting air strikes.

Before Thursday's casualties were reported, the Dogan news agency said 66 Turkish soldiers have now been killed in the Syria operation since it began in August, mostly in attacks by IS.

Turkey and Russia have been on sharply opposing sides in the Syria conflict, with Moscow supporting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad but Ankara pushing for his ouster as the key to peace.

Relations reached a dangerous low in November 2015 when Turkish warplanes shot down a Russian fighter jet over the Syrian border.

But a normalisation deal was reached over the summer and the two sides have been working ever more closely over the Syrian conflict.

They secured a deal to evacuate Syrians from Aleppo after the city was retaken by Assad backed by his Russian allies.

The two sides have since backed a process in the Kazakh capital Astana to search for peace to end the almost six-year civil war in Syria.

Meanwhile, separate operations by Turkey and Assad's forces, backed by Moscow, were trapping the jihadists inside Al-Bab.
The UK Government has released a Brexit White Paper - its official policy document setting out its Brexit policy plans. This paper follows on from the Prime Minister, Theresa May's Lancaster House Brexit speech on the 17 January setting out her 12 Brexit negotiation objectives. Unfortunately, the White Paper really doesn't give us the additional detail we have been awaiting. It is also unclear what plans or strategies the UK Government will employ if it cannot reach an agreement with the EU within the Article 50, two year period.

Notable in the White Paper, though, is the assertion that the UK will bring forward separate bills on immigration and customs. This prompts the question as to whether the UK will make substantive changes to existing EU Customs laws when drafting their own and what that might mean for importers and exporters. This does present an opportunity for business to lobby for more favourable legal provisions to support and facilitate trade and to introduce more cost efficiencies.

Brexit Secretary David Davis provided useful oral commentary on the Brexit White Paper in the House of Commons, which gives some additional detail or at least clarification. The International Trade comments I picked up on were:

we would leave the Customs Union, that we would not seek EEA or EFTA membership but our own Free Trade Agreement with the EU (EEA and EFTA - both having been discussed greatly as alternatives to EU membership). Also, the White Paper states that the UK does "not seek to adopt a model already enjoyed by other countries" which confirms that the UK is confident that it can achieve a deal which is 100% beneficial to the UK.

the common travel area policy between Ireland and Northern Ireland would be maintained, and he added that the customs border wouldn't be a hard border, but would be administered using mutual recognition regimes and technology to create as frictionless a border as possible (the appetite from both sides of the Irish border to achieve this is great, but, achieving similar frictionless procedures with continental Europe will be, in my opinion, be far more difficult).

the rules of Origin set out in the UK EU FTA are likely to be similar to those of the Canada EU FTA, therefore, I am now expecting some goods to be excluded or 'derogated' from the FTA, some to be covered by the substantial transformation rule of changing the first 4 digits of their classification code and some to be under 40% or 60% content rules to qualify for a nil rate of customs duty when moving across the new Brexit border. Many EU businesses will never been impacted by such rules before and may be frustrated at the continued uncertainty.

that we will seek to replicate as much as we can from our current EU FTA position with global trading partners.and with countries that have fast growing economies and with whom the EU does not have FTAs.

We will all need to remain patient for details and clarification, which we expect will come overtime, likely through oral commentary, as above. Our Brexit journey will officially begin by the end of March 2017, with the prime minister promising to trigger Article 50 by then. Shortly thereafter, can we expect to know the EU's Brexit negotiation objectives?
RING OF HONOR RETURNING TO PITTSBURGH TOMORROW, OHIO SUNDAY - COMPLETE DETAILS

Ring of Honor continues the march to their 15th Anniversary show with live events this weekend, featuring:

2/11 Steel City Excellence in Pittsbugh, PA at Stage AE:

*ROH champion Adam Cole & ROH Tag Team champions The Young Bucks & Cody Rhodes vs. The Brisoces & Bobby Fish & Jay Lethal.

*ROH TV champion Marty Scurll vs. Donovan Dijak.

*ROH Six Man Tag Team champions The Kingdom vs. The Rebellion.

*War Machine vs. BJ Whitmer & Damien Martinez - No DQ.

*Motor City Machinegun vs. Tempura Boys.

Pre-Show signing with Lio Rush, Marty Scurll, Cody Rhodes, The Brisoces.

2/12 The Experience in Columbus, Ohio at Express Live!:

*ROH Six Man Tag Team champions The Kingdom vs. Opponents to be determined via voting.

*ROH Tag Team champions The Young Bucks vs. War Machine.

*ROH champion Adam Cole & Hangman Page vs. Jay Lethal & Bobby Fish.

*ROH TV champion Marty Scurll vs. Lio Rush - Non-title, Fans will decide if its two-out-of-three falls, a submission match or a European rounds contest.

*Cody Rhodes vs. Dalton Castle.

*The Motor City Machinegun & Jay White vs. The Rebellion.

*The Briscoes vs. Tempura Boyz.

For ticket information, visit www.ROHWrestling.com.

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Sacred art show planned for RI church

An activity-filled sixth annual Art of Faith sacred art show and sale is Saturday and Sunday, Feb 18-19. Artists and musicians will perform at the free event, "Contemplating the Holy Face of God," and the work is for sale.

Special talks are planned by guests, including John Luke from the Community of St. John, who will speak on the philosophy of art at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Lunch is served on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. The event is held in the parish hall at St. Pius, 2502 29th Ave., Rock Island. Phone: 309-793-7373.

Unitarian Church hosts Guatemalan fundraiser

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad-Cities has begun a service project to build the family a new home. To raise funds, a Mayan chicken dinner will be served 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the congregation, 3707 Eastern Ave., Davenport.

All proceeds from the meal go to the project, which will happen in July.

Tickets should be purchased by Feb. 12; contact Marcy Doyle at mjdq@hotmail.com, or call, 309-912-6266.

CROP Walk appreciation Feb. 21 in Davenport

An event to honor the CROP Walk in the Quad-Cities will be 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Metropolitan Community Church, 2930 W. Locust St., Davenport.

It will feature ice cream sundaes, according to Rick Martin, CROP Walk coordinator. Trophies will be given to top teams.

This year's CROP Walk raised $43,000, and involved 33 teams. Sixteen of these raised more than $1,000 each, Martin said.

Our Lady of the Prairie plans March retreats

Our Lady of the Prairie, a retreat center in Wheatland, Iowa, is operated by the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, Davenport. Retreats for March include:

 Friday-Sunday, March 10-12, 5 p.m. Friday to 11 a.m. Sunday. Men's retreat: "Empty Yourself So That You Can Believe God Abundantly Loves You." Led by John Cooper, of St. Ambrose University, Davenport.

"Our human lives are like bowls," Cooper said. "We are created to hold what God gives us. At least thats what the story of Creation was supposed to be like for Adam and Eve and their descendants. This retreat will focus on what we are carrying in our bowls today." Fee: $125

 Thursday, March 23, 7 p.m. "Singing the Liturgy," with the Rev. Jan Michael Joncas, author of books on liturgy, and who composed 25 collections of liturgical music including "On Eagles Wings." Site: St. Paul the Apostle Church, 916 E. Rusholme St., Davenport. Free will offering will be taken.

To register, call 563-336-8414, or message: olpretreat@gmail.com. It is online, chmiowa.org, and click on the icon.

Bishop speaks at St. Anthony's Lenten service

Bishop Robert Gruss of Rapid City, S.D., will be the keynote speaker at four sessions of the parish renewal event at 7 p.m. March 12-15 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Davenport. This years theme: "Stewardship: Reclaiming Our True Identity.

For information or to make a donation in support of the renewal call Sister Judy Herold at 563-322-3303.

 Do you have a new, or interesting event going on at your place of worship? If so, please contact Deirdre Baker, who each week prepares news items for Saturday's Beliefs page. Send a message to: dbaker@qctimes.com, or call, 563-383-2492.
An Erie, Illinois, couple believed to have been abducted Wednesday have been located and a suspect has been taken into custody, according to a news release from the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office.

According to the news release, at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday the sheriff's department received a 911 call from First Trust Savings Bank in Albany, Illinois.

The bank alerted authorities about a withdrawal of money from an account and a possible abduction of a customer and her husband.

The customers, Larry and Constance Van Oosten of rural Erie, were found by investigators at an address in Geneseo, Illinois. They were being treated at a local hospital.

Sheriff's investigators were able to develop information that led to a suspect in the case.

Deputies located a vehicle that the suspect, Chad C. Schipper, 40, was driving. Schipper fled authorities and a high-speed chase ensued.

Schipper, of rural Geneseo, was arrested and was taken to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries he suffered in the crash.

The case is in its early stages, the Sheriff's Department said. A total of 16 agencies, including the FBI, Illinois State Police, police departments in Erie, Albany, Fulton, Rock Falls and Geneseo, and the Rock Island County and Henry County Sheriff's departments are involved in the investigation.
High street sandwich chain Subway is to give away free six-inch subs to anyone who buys a large drink on 14 February.

As part of its first Customer Appreciation Day, which will see a month of offers and deals for customers, Subway will be giving away six-inch subs with every large dispensed drink (597ml) or 500ml bottle of water purchased in participating stores nationwide.

The offer is supported by a #FreeSubFace social media campaign featuring comedian Arron Crascall. As part of this he will be surprising the public with free subs to showcase the campaign.

The offer will be available on 14 February between 11am and 7pm in the UK and all day in Northern Ireland.

In addition, customers who take up the Customer Appreciation Day offer will receive a bounce back voucher, which is redeemable from 15 February to 1 March. For 99p, customers can get a Mega Melt six-inch breakfast sub or a six-inch sub free with any purchase of a six-inch sub and large dispensed drink (597ml).

Sacha Clark, marketing director, Subway UK and Ireland, said: Strong customer relationships are at the heart of each Subway store. So what better way to show our customers our appreciation than on the most romantic day of the year?
Here's the afternoon forecast from the National Weather Service.

This afternoon will be mostly sunny and breezy with a high near 50 degrees. Winds will be from the south at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low around 33 degrees.

Sewer work in Davenport resumes late Sunday

Road Sewer lining is set to resume on Brady Street beginning Sunday night. This portion of the Brady Street project will be completed in the overnight hours.

Here's the schedule:

 The two right lanes of Brady Street will be closed between River Drive and 3rd Street beginning at 10 p.m., Sunday but are expected to reopen by 7 a.m., Monday. One eastbound lane of travel will also be closed on 3rd Street and on 2nd Street between Main and Brady streets during this time.

 The two right lanes of Brady Street will be closed between River Drive and 2nd Street beginning at 8 p.m., Monday and are expected to reopen by 7 a.m., Tuesday. One eastbound lane of travel will also be closed on 2nd Street and on River Drive between Main and Brady streets during this time.

 Additional lining will be scheduled Feb. 19 through Feb. 22 and Feb. 27 through Feb. 28.

 ICYMI: The Davenport Moose Lodge has posted this surveillance camera video on its Facebook page of someone its says is on the group's "Most Wanted List." The Facebook post says the video shows someone breaking into the building over the weekend, stealing money and causing other damage. If you see of know this person you are asked to call police.

 ICYMI II:The public's help is being sought in locating a Rock Island woman who has been missing since Sunday.

The missing woman, Amanda Huntley is a 27-year-old, female, 54 tall and weighs about 115 pounds. She has brown hair normally worn in a bun, brown eyes, and several tattoos, one of a squid on her left forearm down to her wrist and a Christmas Tree between her should blades.

Amanda was last heard from on Sunday when she texted her employer. She has not shown up to work, and her car has been left at her apartment in Rock Island, according to the Quad-Cities Missing Persons Network's Facebook page.

It is unclear what clothing she might have been wearing at the time. She told friends that her phone had quit working.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Amanda is asked to contact the Rock Island police department at 309-732-2677 or call 911.

Too much self-tanning lotion? Orange gator puzzles residents

No one seems to know why there's an orange alligator in a pond near Charleston, South Carolina.

Residents joke the gator used too much self-tanning lotion. Or maybe it's a fan of the Clemson Tigers, who are known for their orange colors. Residents living near the pond in Hanahan say they've seen the orange or rust-colored alligator a number of times. Photos show the 4- to 5-foot-long alligator on the banks of a retention pond at the Tanner Plantation neighborhood.

Jay Butfiloski with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says the color may come from where the animal spent the winter, perhaps in a rusty steel culvert pipe. Experts say the alligator will shed its skin and probably return to a normal shade soon.

Deer runs amok inside supermarket, gets wrangled by shoppers

Pandemonium broke out at a southern Pennsylvania supermarket when a rogue deer smashed through its glass entrance and briefly ran amok. The doe burst into a Giant grocery store in the borough of Manchester on Monday, The York Daily Record reported.

Once surprised shoppers figured out what the noise was, they worked together to wrangle the animal and force it outside.

Robert Beck III, of Conewago Township, was in the store at the time with his wife. He said he heard a loud bang then people screaming "Deer!" He caught a glimpse of the animal as it scampered toward the bakery section.

"When I seen it, it was game on," he said.

An avid hunter, Beck grabbed the deer around its neck and forced it outside with help from two other men. The animal was in the store for about 50 seconds.

Police generally advise the public not to get involved in animal control when wild animals venture into populated places.

Full moon, eclipse and comet in sky tonight

A full moon and comet share double billing in a special night sky show tonight.

A lunar eclipse starts everything off tonight. The moon will pass into Earth's outer shadow, or penumbra. The moon won't be blacked out like in a full eclipse. Only part of the moon will be shaded, but it should be easily visible from much of the world.

Comet 45P, meanwhile, will zoom past Earth early Saturday morning. It will be an extremely close encounter as these things go, passing within 7.7 million miles (12.4 million kilometers) of Earth. Its relative speed: 14.2 miles per second, or a breakneck 51,120 mph.

The comet, glowing green, will be visible in the constellation Hercules. Binoculars and telescopes will help in the search.

Stargazers have been tracking Comet 45P for the past couple of months. The ice ball  an estimated mile across  comes around every five years. It's officially known as Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova, named after the Japanese, Czech and Slovak astronomers who discovered it in 1948. The letter P stands for periodic, meaning it's a recurring visitor to the inner solar system.

The Slooh network of observatories will provide a live broadcast from the Canary Islands for both big events.

The eclipse will last more than four hours, beginning at 4:32 p.m. CST.

Online:
1. A warm-up in the Q-C

A good Friday to all. There's some good news on the weather front  temps will rise into the 40s today, tomorrow and Sunday. It's a welcomed warm-up after several days of near zero wind-chill values.

Here are the weather details from the National Weather Service.

Today will be mostly sunny and breezy with a high near 49 degrees. South winds between 10 to 20 mph will gust as high as 30 mph.

Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low around 33 degrees.

For the weekend, Saturday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 49 degrees and a low around 33 degrees. There's a slight chance of rain overnight.

For Sunday skies will be mostly sunny and breezy with a high near 41 degrees and a low around 25 degrees.

Enjoy it.

2. Trump's health secretary pick confirmed narrowly for Cabinet

 From overnight: Rep. Tom Price, President Donald Trump's choice to be health secretary, is the latest of a handful of Cabinet nominees to eke out a confirmation victory in a bitterly divided Senate.

Following the pattern of strictly party-line votes on two previous nominees  Attorney General-designate Sen. Jeff Sessions and Betsy DeVos for Education secretary  the Georgia congressman was approved early today on a 52-47 vote. Former Exxon-Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson fared somewhat better than Sessions and DeVos, but still won confirmation for secretary of state by only a 56-43 margin. Read more.

3. Auto show opens this morning at the RiverCenter

The Quad-City Regional Auto Show kicked off Thursday with premiere night and the awarding of 17 scholarships to area high school students. The show opens this morning and continues through the weekend. Read more.

What: Quad-City Regional Auto Show

Where: Davenport RiverCenter

When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Cost: Adults $8; seniors (62 and older) $6; children 12 and under free with a paid adult

4. Davenport mayor proposes dismantling some commissions, boards

A new advisory board for riverfront amenities is the impetus behind a proposal to dismantle Davenport's Levee Improvement Commission, which was formed in 1911.

In addition, the new entity would take the place of the advisory board for the RiverCenter/Adler Theatre, as well as Davenport Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

During a news conference Thursday, Mayor Frank Klipsch explained the recommendation, which includes streamlining several of the city's 21 boards and commissions. Read more.

5. Fire damages Clinton home

Fire officials are investigating a house fire in Clinton that caused an estimated $50,000 in damage.

The call came in at 8:44 p.m., Thursday, of a structure fire at 1015 South 5th St. When firefighters arrived they found fire on the front porch of the house. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and remained on the scene for two hours.

No one was home at the time of the fire.

Smoke damage was reported throughout the structure with water damage to the first and second floors.

The Camanche Fire Department provided mutual aid.

6. Blue Devils make big splash with new facility, added talent

They have transitioned from a cramped and dingy four-lane pool to a spacious and well-lit eight-lane facility.

That has not been the only upgrade for the Davenport Central boys swimming program this winter. The performances in the water have vastly improved, too.

Central compiled a winning dual record and has participants in 10 of the 11 events Saturday afternoon at the Iowa high school state meet in Marshalltown, believed to be the most for the program in at least four decades. Read more.
A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest for Thursday:

TRAINING IOWANS: The House approved HF 231 to make clear the Legislatures intent that participation in a 2014 program to make up to $3 million available for apprenticeship programs was for Iowa residents. So far, about 8,000 people have been trained through programs offered by more than 600 program sponsors around Iowa, according to Rep. Andy McKean, R-Anamosa. TMC, an Iowa transportation company, sought a $1 million grant to train 1,000 future truck drivers, many who were not Iowa residents. The Iowa Economic Development Authority rejected the application. That decision is being challenged in court and McKean said the Legislature needed to act quickly to make its intent clear rather than leave it to the interpretation of the court. The House voted 94-0 to approve the bill and send it to the Senate, where a companion bill, SF 180, is being considered.

NO EXEMPTION: A bill to eliminate the exemption in Iowa law for parents who have religious objections to immunizing their children has been introduced in the Iowa House. Iowa law requires that children be immunized before enrolling in a licensed day care or public school. However, parents may exercise a religious or medical exemption to immunization requirements if it conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized religious denomination of which the parent is a member. HF 261, sponsored by Rep Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, has proposed eliminating the religious exemption even as another bill, HF 7, to add a personal conviction exemption is in the Human Resources Committee.

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES: Iowa lawmakers are working to remove a provision of state law that currently makes it illegal to use a remote device to start the engine of a vehicle parked on the street or public property. Iowas current law dating back to 1913 prohibits a person from permitting a vehicle to stand unattended on public property without first stopping the engine or without effectively setting the brake and turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway when the vehicle is on any perceptible grade. Violating the law carries a $20 fine. Transportation committees in the House and Senate this week unanimously approved legislation (SSB1020 and HSB66) to amend the law. Representatives Thursday also approved legislation changing the protocol for drivers involved in fender-bender accidents. House Study Bill 70 requires Iowa drivers involved in a minor, property damage traffic accident to first move the vehicle from the travel portion of a roadway if the vehicle was operable and could be removed in a safe manner. Current law requires the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle to immediately stop the vehicle at the accident scene until the driver has fulfilled the legal requirement relating to the exchange of personal information with the other driver involved in the accident. However, safety officials say that increasing the possibility for secondary accidents to occur.

FUEL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS: Fuel prices to operate vehicles came down a little while heating costs went up over the past week in Iowa. Officials with the state Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship report that propane prices rose by four cents to $1.29 per gallon while natural gas prices made the same four-cent jump to $3.04/MMbtu. However, home heating prices dropped a penny from last week, ending with a statewide average of $2.03. On the motor fuels side, state officials say the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.29 per gallon across Iowa according to AAA. That price was two cents lower than the previous week and 62 cents a gallon higher than one year ago. The national average on Tuesday was $2.27. Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa held steady at last weeks price with a statewide average of $2.47 a gallon  four cents lower than the national average. One year ago diesel prices averaged $1.88 in Iowa.

 Times Bureau
DES MOINES  House Republicans pressed ahead Thursday with an effort to pre-empt local governments from usurping state authority in business and civil rights areas, rejecting a Democratic effort to raise the statewide minimum hourly wage to $11 by 2019 in the process.

Members of the House Local Government Committee voted 12-9 along party lines to approve legislation to bar cities and counties from establishing minimum wage levels or employment regulations, invoking marketing or consumer merchandise sales restrictions or adopting civil rights ordinances that go above and beyond what the Legislature and governor have set as a statewide standard.

The only thing that were doing here is asking them not to exceed whats already set out in the state code, said Rep. John Landon, R-Ankeny, not to establish their own standards. Were not taking the rights away from anyone. Were trying to provide a seamless business climate in the state of Iowa.

Landon said House Study Bill 92 merely ensures a level playing field in all Iowa communities by reasserting that Iowas minimum wage is $7.25 per hour statewide and by preventing cities and counties from establishing broader protected classes than are already protected under state and federal law.

Officials in Johnson, Linn, Polk and Wapello counties have approved hourly wage minimums in their jurisdictions already in affect or slated to take effect in the future that exceed the state standard, but those actions would be rendered void and unenforceable if the bill is adopted by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Terry Branstad.

Rep. Brian Meyer, D-Des Moines, said the ultimate affect of the legislation would be to eliminate home rule and local control, and he opposed the measure. He offered an amendment to strike the GOP language entirely and replace it with provisions to raise Iowas minimum wage in increments to $8.75 on July 1, $9.75 on Jan. 1, 2018, and $11 on Jan. 1, 2019, along with cost-of-living increases and training wage raises.

Meyer said the proposed changes would meet the GOP objective to create consistent uniformity and not a hodge-podge of different minimum wages from city to city, but Landon said the Democratic amendment changes the total meaning of the bill in recommending Republicans to defeat it 12-9.

Theyre basically taking away the raises in the counties that have already done it, Meyer said after the meeting. We have local communities trying to do something, and theyre pre-empting them.

I think its interesting that they preach that for schools the best decisions are made by local school boards, but with everything else, were just going to tell them what to do, he added. We dont like mandates from Washington, but were going to give mandates to our local communities.

Committee chairman Jake Highfill, R-Johnston, shrugged off talk from local officials that they might bring legal challenges to the state pre-emption bill if it becomes law, telling reporters, I already believe they cant do it, so if they do sue, theyll probably lose that, too.

Earlier in the day, House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, said the issues covered in the bill have always been the function of state and federal government and not the responsibilities of local entities.

The House speaker said she did not know whether there would be a separate bill to come before representatives to raise the state minimum wage but added, I have no doubt that there will be people talking about that during the pre-emption debate. She added that majority Republicans were not interested in grandfathering in higher minimum wages that have been passed in four counties.

No employer is required to lower whatever theyre paying, Upmeyer said. Employers can pay whatever they wish and whatever competition requires. Weve got among the lowest unemployment that weve ever had in this state. Its a wonderful competitive market for people seeking jobs.

Rep. Phyllis Thede, D-Bettendorf, said the civil rights pre-emption concerned her because Iowa communities can be quite different, especially those in rural and urban areas.

Ive been here, this is my ninth year, and weve always talked about allowing cities to have local control, and to take that away from them, I am concerned about that, Thede told committee members. Were taking that solid piece away from them.

Landon said the provision was not directed at anything specifically taking place in Iowa but was a response to head off situations that have occurred in other states where local entities developed ordinances that were not specifically disallowed under state law.

Were trying to bring this to say this is a statewide issue, he said. "We are trying to protect everyone at the level thats uniform across the state of Iowa."
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CANNON BALL, N.D. | Wednesday's bitter cold wind swept in the news to about 300 men and women camping out in opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline, that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had issued the easement to drill under the Missouri River's Lake Oahe.

The Oceti Sakowin protest camp quietly absorbed the news without a ripple, at least on the surface. People bundled in layers, gloves stuffed with hand warmers, went about the business of digging out abandoned campsites and cleaning up ahead of high water, which is expected to fill the Cannonball River floodplain come spring.

No one charged the hill one-half mile away where the brightly lit drill pad looms. That is where drilling of the final link in North Dakotas portion of the 1,172-mile line between the Bakken oil fields and Illinois will begin.

Protesters aiming to stop the pipeline for fear of water contamination and destruction of sacred ground have been in the camp since August. Of the thousands once there, just hundreds remain, many determined to stay.

Were not charging the bridge, not anymore, said Matthew Bishop, of Alaska, who arrived in mid-October and will leave soon to operate his seasonal business back home. It bothers me that theres no reaction, but the other side has got us in here where we cant do anything."

Law enforcement is visible to the north and west of the camp, and airplanes circled overhead.

Bishop, like others in the camp, is preparing to move, but only to higher ground, despite the Standing Rock Sioux tribes official call for protesters to return home and carry on the pipeline fight from there.

Hannah Vandagrist, of Oregon, said shell move as far as Facebook Hill, so-named in the camp because cell coverage made it a mecca for people trying to connect to the internet.

The news of the easement didnt faze her much, and she continues her work in the camps animal medical shelter.

"I feel like I didnt have a large reaction. Were not charging the (drill pad) hill; thats not a good plan of action, she said. "Im staying until the pipeline is stopped or the water is safe.

Floyd Hart is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and was sitting in one of the large green tents where his tribe is based in the camp, making plans to empty the tents and move to higher ground.

I anticipated it to be that way, he said of the easement. I felt not defeated, but still in distress.

He said the group will make its stand on treaty land inside the camp.

Bryce Peppard, of Idaho, a former U.S. Navy fire control technician, came with the call-out to veterans in November and has remained. Hes planning to move with the Cheyenne River Sioux contingent to Facebook Hill.

I want to stay. The pipelines a done deal. The fight for me is more about treaty land taken from the Indians, he said, referring to the 19th century treaties that assigned land to tribes and are still contested. Hell stay in the camp on treaty land, rather than "retreat" to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation across the river.

Meanwhile, volunteers and staff members from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe moved though the camp this week, identifying abandoned camps and cleaning up the grounds to prevent contaminating the floodwater. Man and machine worked together to haul tons of abandoned gear and ruined equipment to nearby roll-off Dumpsters.

Steve Harrison, a crew leader, was organizing the cleanup of a camp kitchen, left behind weeks ago with equipment and food stores still inside.

We can clean up eight to 10 campsites a day, but many people want to wait as long as they can. We need them to say what theyre taking or leaving. I volunteered for this because I want to see everyone get out safely, Harrison said. A lot of people want to stay until the end, but the end is going to come real soon once Mother Nature starts the melting.
PIERRE | A bill that would allow South Dakotas 17 largest cities to publish their public notices, such as meeting minutes, online instead of in the local newspaper was defeated in committee Thursday.

House Bill 1167 would have allowed cities with populations of more than 5,000 to publish their public notices on their websites, freeing them from the current requirement that notices be published in their local newspapers.

Rep. Greg Jamison, R-Sioux Falls, the bills sponsor, said the states larger cities are already posting their notices online, as well as broadcasting the meetings.

HB1167 makes it so it doesnt have to be in the newspaper, Jamison said. Thats the big difference here.

Yvonne Taylor, representing the South Dakota Municipal League, said the requirement to publish amounts to a $2 million subsidy for newspapers.

Taylor said the bill requires that a public computer with internet access be available in those communities that choose not to publish notices in the newspapers. It also offers the option that notices could be mailed to citizens who wish to receive them that way.

Notices would still be provided to the newspaper, Taylor said. If the newspaper wants to publish it, they sure can.

Speaking in opposition to the bill, David Bordewyk, executive director of the South Dakota Newspaper Association, called the idea that citizens would repeatedly check a city website for public notices wishful thinking.

Citing readership surveys commissioned by SDNA, Bordewyk noted the results included high readership of South Dakota newspapers, including public notices.

The cost savings here, I think, is a myth, Bordewyk said, adding that the cost of publishing public notices in a newspaper is generally less than one half of 1 percent of a citys budget.

After South Dakota newspapers publish a public notice, Bordewyk said, it is then published on the internet at SDpublicnotices.com at no cost to taxpayers.

Justin Smith, an SDNA lobbyist, said that having a third party print the notices ensures that the government cannot come back later and change them.

In his work as a lawyer, Smith said, he has at times needed to check on notices published as far back as the 1950s.

There is forever a record of that information, Smith said. HB1167 would destroy this permanent archive.

Patrick Weber, a policy adviser in the governors office, said Gov. Dennis Daugaard opposes the legislation.

Many South Dakotans depend on publication in the newspaper, Weber said.

Jamison called the process of publishing notices in the newspaper outdated and silly. He said the bill was about connecting with citizens in ways that theyre accustomed to.

Rep. Karen Soli, D-Sioux Falls, moved to defer the legislation to the 41st day of the session, effectively killing the bill.

Soli said she admitted that the bill gives governments local control but there are times that we need a broad approach that governs the whole state. I think the expense is negligible.

Rep. Lana Greenfield, R-Doland, envisioned confusion at nursing homes and care facilities where residents are loyal newspaper readers and would need to get public notices mailed to them.

To me, that would be a total nightmare, Greenfield said.

An attempt to add large school districts to the bill failed.

The motion to move the bill to the 41st day passed on an 11-1 vote.
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) | U.S. service members ordinarily have to say goodbye to family as they head out for deployments, but one deployment brought a brother and sister together after 10 years of separation.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mary Jane Palumbo and her brother, Army Staff Sgt. Quincy Mora, were able to meet outside a military air terminal in Southwest Asia for a couple of hours as he forward deployed closer to the fight.

Both brother and sister are currently deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Palumbo, a 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron aviation resource manager, last saw her brother when he was on his way home from his first tour in Iraq. She was vacationing in Hawaii when he stopped for a layover en route to their hometown of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.

Palumbo and Mora, an AH-64 Apache mechanic deployed from Fort Lewis, Washington, were born and raised in the Federated States of Micronesia along with their nine other brothers and sisters.

The family was big, but they were close, according to Palumbo. They all lived in one house with her grandmother growing up, and although there were separate rooms for the adults, the children would spread out in the living room with sheets and blankets at night.

For most Americans when youre 18, youre an adult, you move out, she said. For us it doesnt matter. We can still live together even if you are married with kids; we still are really close.

Growing up in such a close family added to the difficulty of leaving for basic training, but Palumbo said she wanted to test herself and see if she could succeed in the military.

That is why she joined the Army directly after high school.

Although it was hard to leave her family, she said it was an exciting new experience. It wasnt until she decided to start a family of her own that she knew she had to make a change.

I had my oldest son and I didnt really want to move around that much with the baby so that is why I got out [of the active duty military], Palumbo said. Then I moved to Vermont and thats when I joined the Vermont Air National Guard.

The ANG gave Palumbo the stability she felt she needed to raise a family and the kind of support structure she had growing up in Pohnpei.

The Guard, they take care of you and your family, she said.

Even though she decided to plant new roots in Vermont, Palumbo said keeping in touch with her extended family is important to her.

That is why she called up her brother last summer to make plans to meet for Christmas. Unfortunately, he was tasked to deploy.

It was not until November 2015, when Palumbo herself was tasked for deployment that she realized this set of unlikely circumstances was destined to reunite brother and sister after 10 years apart.
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A batch of leaked emails sheds new light on how current South Dakota School of Mines & Technology President and Air Force secretary nominee Heather Wilson used her contacts from her time in Congress to operate a consulting business after leaving office.

Documents obtained by the Center for Public Integrity  a nonprofit investigative journalism organization  show how Wilson advised a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin called Sandia Corp., consulting with the company on how to lobby for a multimillion-dollar deal from the Department of Energy while avoiding competition from other firms.

The several pages of emails show how Wilson advised Sandia to use her contacts in Congress to craft a strategy to obtain a contract for Sandia National Laboratories. That strategy was aimed at avoiding competition from other companies. Typically, government contracts are put out to bid with several companies to help keep costs down. The plan ultimately proved unsuccessful for Sandia.

One email, from 2009, shows Wilson corresponding with David L. Goldheim, Lockheed Martin's director of corporate development at Sandia Corp. That email from Wilson said, "Your message to these people is that competition is not in the best interest of the government and ask them to call (name redacted) today and tell him that a recompete at Sandia is not needed."

Wilson has maintained that she did not engage in lobbying but was only consulting and therefore did nothing wrong. The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 prevents anyone from lobbying Congress for two years after leaving office. Wilson started consulting about a month after she left the U.S. House of Representatives in 2009.

A Wilson aide  who agreed to speak to the Journal only if their name wasn't used  said Wednesday that Wilson would not be available for interviews until after the confirmation hearings, but the aide agreed to give the Rapid City Journal some background information.

That aide said Wilson had no contact with members of Congress, their staff or any employee of the executive branch concerning a contract extension for Sandia National Laboratories. The aide did not contest the authenticity of the leaked emails.

"She was not a lobbyist for Sandia, and she did not contact any federal official to influence the extension of the Sandia contract," the aide said in an email.

Wilson was a U.S. representative from New Mexico until 2009 and is President Donald Trump's nominee for Air Force secretary. After her time in Congress, she was a paid consultant for Sandia Corp., a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, and became president of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 2013.

If Wilson is confirmed as the Air Force secretary, she would probably have dealings with Lockheed Martin, the parent company of her former client. Lockheed has billions of dollars of contracts with the Air Force, including the new F-35 fighter jet.

Wilson has deep ties in Washington.

An executive order signed by Trump last month bars top officials  such as the Air Force secretary  from working on particular matters that are directly or substantially related to the work they did for private-sector clients, but it applies only to work done within the past two years. Wilson would be outside that two-year time frame and would presumably be allowed to make decisions dealing with Lockheed and the Air Force if confirmed.

As a nominee, Wilson will have to submit a financial disclosure report and ethics agreement to the Office of Government Ethics. Then a designated agency ethics official will review the documents and decide if any action should be taken to avoid a conflict of interest. Those documents have not been released but will be before the confirmation hearings.

The emails obtained by the Center for Public Integrity show Wilson sending emails from her AOL email account to high-ranking officials in Sandia telling them exactly whom they should approach and what they should say to receive a lucrative contract from the U.S. Department of Energy.

In those emails, the names of the lawmakers and officials Wilson told Sandia to contact were redacted, but the documents allude to the contacts being senior members of Congress and officials in the White House.

I had a very effective meeting w/ Heather this PM, David L. Goldheim, of Sandia Corp., wrote in an email dated March 31, 2009. "Her advice and insights are excellent. Essentially, our next steps will be to map contacts (as well as individuals to be avoided).

In another email dated July 6, 2009, Wilson told Goldheim to start working the 'edges' like key members of Congress etc.

A 2013 Department of Energy and U.S. Justice Department investigation into the situation alleged that Sandia was improperly using taxpayer funds to influence members of Congress. Sandia reached a settlement to pay $4.8 million in 2015. The Department of Energy auditor, however, did not fault Wilson for her conduct.

The lobbying efforts by Sandia for the noncompetitive contract ultimately failed. The Department of Energy did solicit other bids but gave Lockheed several extensions. It ultimately awarded that $2.8 billion annual contract just last month to a group of private companies that didn't include Lockheed or its subsidiaries.
Joe Heitzeberg and Ethan Lowry hope to market their grass-fed, organic beef to beef-savvy customers in western South Dakota.

These two beef lovers from Seattle founded their online company called Crowd Cow, a take on the concept of crowd-funding applied to organic beef, about 18 months ago.

Their business, selling shares of beef one steer at a time, quickly took hold, their first steer selling out among friends and friends of friends in less than 24 hours.

Now they are attempting to build their customer base from Washington state into Oregon, Montana, California, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Idaho and the Dakotas.

Were moving beef around, but were not a bricks-and-mortar operation, Heitzeberg said. We can get our beef to people (in South Dakota) now.

Heitzeberg said Crowd Cow puts the spotlight on organic beef raised entirely in low-stress settings and fed native grasses without the use of any antibiotics, herbicides or pesticides.

Heres how Crowd Cow works: Online customers may reserve any of up to 50 shares, or portions, of a grass-fed steer, including packages of steak, hamburger, tenderloin and brisket and including the heart, tongue and liver.

Nothing goes to waste, and people can explore everything that animal has to offer, Heitzeberg said.

Once enough shares of the animal have been reserved, the cow tips and buyers become steakholders in the animal.

After slaughter and processing, the bundles of the properly aged meat are quick-frozen and shipped to their buyers.

Offering smaller portions gives consumers the chance to buy what they want and are able to conveniently store, without the need to buy a quarter or even a half of beef.

They have the yearning for the quality of beef, but they dont have the space, Heitzeberg said.

Organic or grass-fed beef is not new to western South Dakota. Local producers, including Mark Hollenbeck of Sunrise Ranch north of Edgemont, have been selling organic grass-fed or grass-finished beef in both large and small bundles for years.

Hollenbeck said he sells his beef by the truckload to high-end organic markets such as Whole Foods, or by quarters or halves through smaller local markets in Rapid City and Sturgis.

He tried offering smaller portions, including combination packages of beef, lamb and pork, with limited success.

It just didnt go, Hollenbeck said. It seems like they (customers) either had room for a quarter of beef or they had room for hardly any.

Hollenbeck said that as with the quality of grapes for a fine wine, some years for grass-fed beef are better than others.

Grass-fed beef is known for its flavor. Grain-finished beef may have a blander flavor, but it can be more consistently tender and juicy.

It is much easier to grain-finish cattle because you can adjust the amount of energy they get and keep them gaining, where grass finishing is much more difficult because Mother Nature doesnt put the same amount of food on the table every day, he said.

Heitzeberg and Lowry are also seeking local producers of organic, grass-fed beef to market their beef through Crowd Cow.

We know how to connect to consumers and their iPhones and make it all move around, and they know how to produce excellent beef, Heitzeberg said.

Hollenbeck said he would prefer that South Dakotans buy local beef, but he said he is also open to help in marketing his local beef to a wider audience through the internet.

Quite frankly, those of us who are ranching are too busy ranching to be marketers. We like production, and we pride ourselves in what we produce, Hollenbeck said.

Roger Huck of Sturgis Meat Service offers organically raised beef from several regional cattle producers, including Hollenbeck.

Huck already uses social media platforms such as Facebook to market Sturgis Meats products. He is also interested to see what Crowd Cow brings to the dinner table.

Ill look them up and see whats going on," Huck said. "Im always looking for more (ideas).
Case of Russian opposition activist Dadin to be reconsidered  Constitutional Court

ST. PETERSBURG, February 10 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov)  Russias Constitutional Court on Friday held that a case against Russian activist Ildar Dadin, sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for numerous violations of protest laws, must be reviewed, RAPSI reports from the courtroom.

The court considered an appeal filed by Russian activist Ildar Dadin, the first person convicted under the Criminal Codes Article on repeated violations committed during rallies.

The Constitutional Court explained that criminal punishment for such violations must be comparable to public danger caused by an offense.

The court held that if a violation committed by a person, who earlier, within 180 days, had been held administratively liable minimum thrice, did not result in infliction or real threat of causing harm and was technically illegal, it cannot be qualified as an act posing a risk to the public and create criminal liability.

The Criminal Codes Article stipulating punishment for repeated violations committed during rallies should be strictly used in cases when violations are confirmed by effective court rulings on imposing administrative penalty.

Moreover, courts are to prove persons criminal intent to commit violations, according to the Constitutional Courts ruling.

Therefore, court orders regarding Ildar Dadin are to be reviewed.

Legal constitutional interpretation of the challenged Articles provisions defined by Russias Constitutional Court is compulsory for executors of law. Lawmakers were ordered by the court to adjust the Criminal Codes clause.

However, the contested Article of Russias Criminal Code was declared not contradictory to the Constitution.

Dadin was convicted and sentenced on December 7, 2015. Initially he received a 3-year prison term. The Moscow City Court later reduced the sentence to 2.5 years.

According to case papers, Dadin was arrested five times during rallies held between August 2014 and January 2015. Administrative proceedings were instituted against Dadin in all cases and he was fined. A criminal case was opened against him for participating in four meetings.

The convict in his application asked the Constitutional Court to recognize the Criminal Codes Article on repeated violations of determined arrangement procedure or holding of meetings or rallies as contrary to law to the extent it fails to meet the requirements of adequacy of rights restrictions. This includes, among other matters, possibility of being indicted for breaching established rules for holding peaceful rallies on grounds of frequency of such violations. Dadin also complained that this clause stipulates prison sentence for actions not resulted in harm to health or property and not endangered citizens and natural environment.
Russian ambassador lays out conditions for lift of adoption ban for U.S. citizens - report

MOSCOW, February 10 (RAPSI)  Russian ambassador in the United States of America Sergey Kislyak has said that ban on adoption of Russian children for U.S. citizens may be lifted if the United States would provide safety guarantees for the children, Vedomosti newspaper reported on Friday.

If you ask me whether situation may be fixed in the future, then, perhaps it may be. But we will follow the situation closely, looking for safety guarantees of our children, the newspaper quoted Kislyak as having said.

The ambassador noted that agreement between Russia and the United States did not work in practice. Kislyak argued that sometimes when Russian side required to accumulate information regarding children left for the U.S., who are still Russian citizens, the United States federal government refused to help saying that it is not in competence to do so.

Kislyak added that he does not see the situation changing in near future.

The adoption ban is justified by the deaths of Russian-born children adopted by American parents, according to Russian lawmakers. The law prohibiting U.S. nationals to adopt Russian-born children is named after Dima Yakovlev, a boy who died after his adoptive father Michael Harrison left him locked in a sweltering car. Harrison was later acquitted of involuntary manslaughter.

The law was signed by President Vladimir Putin in late 2012 and came into force in January 2013.
LINCOLN  Gov. Pete Ricketts' plan to cut Nebraska's top income tax rate drew praise Wednesday from business and conservative organizations but criticism from groups that represent teachers, farmers and low-income residents.

Ricketts formally presented the measure to lawmakers, repeating his argument that it's necessary to help Nebraska keep pace with neighboring states that have lower top rates.

"We have to be more competitive for companies looking to expand here, we have to help small businesses and we have to make sure we let Nebraska families keep more of their hard-earned income," Ricketts said in testimony to the Legislature's Revenue Committee.

The hearing before a legislative committee rehashed many of the arguments presented by both sides after the bill was introduced last month.

The state's leading business groups and economic development officials said a lower tax rate is one major factor companies consider when deciding whether to relocate. Opponents of the bill pointed to academic studies that show little correlation between tax rates and economic growth.

The bill would lower Nebraska's top income tax rate in eight steps, from 6.84 percent to 5.99 percent, in years when projected state revenue increases by more than 3.5 percent.

The measure would cost the state an estimated $11.7 million in lost revenue when it goes into effect in fiscal year 2020 and increase each year, according to the Legislature's fiscal office. By fiscal year 2028, the bill would cost the state an estimated $287.9 million.

Brian Gubbels, a small business owner from Omaha, said the bill sends a message to business owners that the state is working to create a friendly environment.

"You need entrepreneurs and investors. They're the catalyst of our economy," he said.

According to the Washington-based Tax Foundation, Wyoming and South Dakota have no income tax, Kansas' top rate is 4.6 percent, Missouri's is 6 percent and Iowa's is 8.98 percent.

Businesses that want to expand from other states look at a variety of factors such as workforce availability and the cost of living, but tax rates also play an important role, said Courtney Dentlinger, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

"If we're weak in one of those areas, it can lead to elimination from consideration, often before we're even aware that we're under consideration," said Dentlinger, a Ricketts appointee.

But Renee Fry, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute, said a similar tax plan in Oklahoma provides a cautionary tale.

Fry said Oklahoma's automatic tax cut triggers contributed to a budget crisis when that state's oil revenues plummeted. The financial problems were so severe that nearly one-third of Oklahoma's schools switched to a four-day week to compensate, she said.

"We're greatly concerned about the automatic nature of this proposal," she said, referring to the tax cuts mandated when state revenue grows by more than 3.5 percent.

Jason Hayes, a lobbyist for the Nebraska State Education Association, voiced concerns that the tax cuts could affect the state's long-term ability to finance public education.

Farm groups said the governor's plan should have focused more on rising agricultural property taxes.

"We have altogether too much reliance on property taxes" to finance government, said John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union.

Nebraska's top bracket kicks in at roughly $29,800 for single taxpayers and $59,700 for married couples, but with deductions and credits, many taxpayers would have to earn tens of thousands of dollars more before they could qualify for the cut.

People whose taxable income is less would see no savings. And lowering the top rate would provide a much larger tax savings for the wealthy than the middle class because more of the wealthy's income is taxed at the top rate.

The bill's opponents outnumbered supporters in the hearing, but each side was limited to 30 minutes of testimony before committee members. Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha objected to the restriction, saying some people were upset because they didn't have a chance to speak.

Ricketts also presented legislation that would switch the state's property tax valuation system to one that relies on how much income a land could produce. The current system assesses land based on sales prices.
Internet providers to face fines for failure to block websites with banned information

MOSCOW, February 10 (RAPSI)  The State Duma, the lower house of parliament, has adopted in the third and final reading a bill introducing fines for Internet providers failed to restrict access to websites containing information banned in Russia.

The blacklist of websites was launched in Russia on November 1, 2012.

The respective law envisages that websites may be blacklisted by the Federal Service for Drug Control, the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Protection and Welfare (suicide-related content) and the Federal Agency for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (child pornography). Starting February 1, 2014, the register also includes websites promoting extremism and mass riots.

In 2016, the State Duma passed the initiative allowing to restrict access to websites containing information about potentially dangerous psychoactive substances potentially dangerous psychoactive substances.

According to the law, providers must block web pages containing prohibited content within 24 hours after their blacklisting.

However, current legislation does not fix penalties for failure to restrict access to prohibited information spread online.

Under the passed bill, such violations would result in fines ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles ($50-83) for officials, from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles ($167-500) for businessmen and from 50,000 to 100,000 rubles ($834-1,700) for companies.

The legislation is to amend the Code of Administrative Offences.
Sybil Ludington was born in 1761, the eldest of 12 children of Henry and Abigail Ludington. During the Revolutionary War, Henry was a colonel in charge of the 7th regiment of the Dutchess County militia in New York. Colonel Ludingtons area of command included a strategic but vulnerable route that the British could use between Connecticut and the coast of Long Island Sound.

One night in April of 1777, a messenger on horseback who had ridden from Danbury, Connecticut arrived around 9:00 pm to warn Colonel Ludington of an impending attack on that town. A 2,000-man British force had landed at Fairfield and were intent on taking the Continental Army stores that had been recently been moved from Peekskill to Danbury. The colonel immediately sought to round up his troops. However, not only had the regiment been disbanded for the planting season, it was also late at night and the men were scattered all over the county.

Since the Danbury messenger was exhausted after his long ride, Ludington asked his barely 16-year old daughter, Sybil to ride through the night to alert members of the militia. Riding 40 miles (a distance greater than that of Paul Revere) over rugged, unfamiliar roads and through rainy woods, the young lass was able to spread the word to the men of the regiment. At one point she had to defend herself against a highwayman using her fathers musket. The British are burning Danbury. Muster at Ludingtons at daybreak! she shouted as she rode past farmhouses. By dawn, almost the entire 400-man regiment had assembled at the Ludington home. But, by the time the militia arrived at Danbury, it was too late - British forces had already burned most of the town. However, Ludington and his regiment were still able to engage the British as the enemy was leaving the scene. Ludingtons men, along with other local militia, harassed the British all the way to Long Island Sound where the British fleet awaited.

After the battles, General George Washington himself went to the Ludington home to thank young Sybil for her daring and her courage.

Amazingly, her deed was virtually unknown during her lifetime. It wouldnt be until 1907 when her great-nephew Louis Patrick published an article about her remarkable nighttime heroism. In that account, he stated that her father bade her to take a horse, ride for the men, and tell them to be at his house by daybreak.

Although Ludington never gained the historical fame that Paul Revere did, in 1975, she was finally honored with a stamp by the United States Postal Service. In addition, historical markers in Putnam County trace the route of her valiant nighttime ride through the county.

Most people have heard or read the poem, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. But few know about the poem, Sybil Ludingtons Ride, by Berton Braley  Listen my children and you shall hear, of a lovely feminine Paul Revere

By the way, despite what is generally believed, Revere did not yell, the British are coming, the British are coming. This would not have been a helpful warning as most people in the colonies, even rebels, considered themselves British. What he did shout was the regulars are coming out, meaning the regular British army.
HELENA  A proposed checkoff program would allow hunters purchasing licenses to voluntarily donate for lethal control of wolves.

Rep. Becky Beard, R-Elliston, brought House Bill 367 before the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee Tuesday. The bill creates a voluntary checkoff where hunters can donate $1 or more to help reduce the impact of wolves on landowners and livestock producers.

Beard brought the bill at the request of her constituents, she told the committee.

The bill requires Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to use the funding to contract with USDA Wildlife Services, including but not limited to flight time, collaring, and lethal control of wolves.

FWP currently spends about $800,000 annually on collaring and lethal control programs.

Similar checkoffs are available for programs such as non-game animals and Hunters Against Hunger.

Avon-area rancher Brian Quigley with the Rocky Mountain Stockgrowers Association detailed some of the additional expenses faced by livestock producers, such as paying fees per animal for predator control.

We were asked how else hunters could help and this is what we came up with, he said of the proposed checkoff.

Ranchers will continue to bear the brunt of predator costs, particularly with the recent loss of a federal grant that financed a portion of predator programs, Jim Brown with the Montana Woolgrowers Association said.

Jay Bodner with the Montana Stockgrowers Association also voiced support.

In our mind, its money very well spent and another opportunity for hunters who want to contribute to this, he said.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks opposed the bill for technical reasons that it felt could be addressed through amendments. Wildlife division administrator Ken MacDonald said the department does not oppose the concept of the bill.

Marc Cooke with Wolves of the Rockies did oppose the concept of HB367. He argued that the bill excludes nonlethal measures that have proven effective and that wolf populations are stable.

To say wolves arent being killed and we need to kill more, I just dont buy it, he said.

Also opposing was Ben Lamb with the National Wildlife Federation, agreeing that funding should be available for lethal and nonlethal wolf management. Voluntary checkoffs also do not tend to work well in most cases, pointing to a similar program in Wyoming that runs at a deficit.

Beard closed on the bill noting the importance of agriculture in Montanas economy and touting the bill as a voluntary step to assist livestock producers requesting assistance. She indicated that she may be open to FWP suggested amendments but would need additional fact checking before deciding.

The committee took no immediate action on HB367.
HELENA  Landowners might think twice about slapping a locked gate on a county road if fines for doing so are substantially increased, a Great Falls legislator told a committee Thursday.

Democratic Rep. Tom Jacobson brought House Bill 295 before the House Judiciary Committee. The bill offers two changes to the law. The first allows counties to issue a permit, excluding a locked gate, for an encroachment upon a county road right-of-way, as may occur in the case of a structure. Secondly, HB295 increases the fine for failing to remove an encroachment from $10 per day to up to $500 per day.

What the bill aims to alleviate are cases where the public is locked out of using county roads, Jacobson said, and it gives judges discretion to fine offenders based upon the egregiousness of the offense.

The bill drew support from pro-access groups and the Montana Association of Counties.

Sometimes its local landowners, but it tends to be people from out of state with lots of money, and the first thing they want to do is keep us off, said Chris Marchion with the Anaconda Sportsmen Association.

More rural counties often struggle with the resources to fight illegal road closures, he said, adding, This would actually give us some leverage to prevent this from happening.

Former Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commissioner Mark Sweeney said he agreed HB295 will strengthen the law.

In my opinion, this is how well lose our access to public lands, he said of illegally gated roads.

MACO Executive Director Harold Blattie said the bill is taking the right approach by allowing a measured view to addressing disputes.

Nick Gevock with the Montana Wildlife Federation pointed to his organizations annual report on illegally blocked roads and examples in recent years where access has been restored after legal fights. HB295 addresses public access and county authority, and it gives landowners clarity on receiving a permit when needed.

Speaking against the bill, Abby St. Lawrence with the Rocky Mountain Stockgrowers Association blasted the notion that HB295 is a consensus bill. St. Lawrence said raising fines from $10 per day to up to $500 per day is an enormous hammer over landowners with questions or concerns about the status of roads.

St. Lawrence testified that as an attorney litigating road cases, the status is seldom cut and dry. She also took issue with the characterization of the bill targeting rich, out-of-state landowners, saying that often the disputes arise on family ranches and are brought by sportsmen groups.

Chuck Denowh, representing United Property Owners of Montana, argued that HB295 gives an unfair advantage to those trying to force access when road status has yet to be determined.

What this bill is asking to do is throw out adjudication and tip the scales of justice to one side in these disputes, he said. In our experience, these lawsuits dont target wealthy out-of-staters, they target ranchers that are land-rich and cash-poor.

Gevock responded to the opponents, saying they were trying to confuse the issue between road disputes outside of the bill and those dealing with established country roads.

What constitutes a country road, how the law would be enforced and whether the bill would fuel access advocates to pursue more battles with landowners pushed much of the committees questioning.

Blattie clarified that HB295 only pertains to county roads with an established right-of-way. Other public roads, such as Forest Service roads, would not be impacted.

Blattie further testified that the processes for record-keeping vary widely across counties, and under his interpretation, fines could only be levied once the county established its easement.

Rep. Bill Harris, R-Winnett, asked whether the bill was an effort to bully landowners into giving up access to avoid legal fights.

Jacobson replied that he saw a landowner putting the screws to the country as bullying. He further responded that granting judges the discretion to fine from $10 to $500 allowed them to enact different punishments for honest mistakes and egregious efforts to block the public from well-established county roads.

I think a lot of this comes down to local control and whether the county has the ability to open roads that have been encroached upon, Jacobson said in closing. This is about giving the counties more authority and ability for what happens on their roads, which are in effect our roads.
HELENA  The head of Montana State Parks would be hired and fired by the Montana State Parks and Recreation Board rather than the director of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, under a bill heard by the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee on Tuesday.

Rep. Bradley Hamlett, D-Cascade, bought House Bill 324, saying that his observations as a legislator led him to conclude that State Parks needs more autonomy from an agency often dominated by fish and wildlife issues. Having a Parks executive director hired by the board while keeping administrative duties, such as budgeting, with FWP, was the most painless way of providing that autonomy without creating a new agency, he said.

The bill comes after former State Parks administrator Chas Van Genderen was fired last year by retiring FWP director Jeff Hagener. Hamlett asked for HB324 to be drafted before the termination, but the move seemed to further cement the representatives position, calling the firing without board involvement disingenuous.

I think there was a turf war going on here, Hamlett said. I think this bill offers a solution going forward thats fair to fish and wildlife and fair to parks, and I dont think the director of parks should serve at the pleasure of the fish and wildlife director.

In 2013 following a recommendation from the Environmental Quality Council, legislation passed forming the parks board, independent of the Fish and Wildlife Commission. The move has not solved a continued rift between divisions, Hamlett believed, and HB324 would allow those divisions to better focus on their missions.

Member of the State Trails Advisory Committee Frank LaLiberty spoke in support of the bill. Trails are largely seeing increased usage but decreased maintenance, and more autonomy for Parks would allow better focus on recreation needs.

Coordinator for the Montana State Parks Foundation Marne Hayes also voiced support for HB324.

We believe it gives State Parks the autonomy it deserves, that has been long withstanding, she testified, citing record-setting visitation numbers and community ties to local parks.

Parks volunteer Bob Walker noted his frustration to the committee at a seeming lack of interest from FWP in parks issues brought before the Legislature, noting that the department did not request a recreation bill this session.

It doesnt appear to them and to us that the leadership of FWP devotes adequate if hardly any time to parks and recreation, he said. It sends a message to the community and Montana.

Speaking against HB324 was Paul Sihler, chief of staff for FWP, saying that the bill eliminates the chain of command and accountability critical to good governance.

Before the Montana Constitution was updated in the 1970s, the state government included more than 100 agencies and many boards unaccountable to the governor, described by Sihler as, a collection of individual fiefdoms. Under the current system, the director of agencies such as FWP are hired or removed by the governor, and the parks administrator hired or removed by the FWP director.

While State Parks faces many challenges from budgeting woes to maintenance backlogs, HB324 seems to exaggerate these problems rather than solve them, Sihler testified.

Under questioning from committee members, Sihler further noted that the separation creates some complicated questions about federal funding spent on things such as fishing access sites that later became state parks, and whether some of that money would have to be paid back.

Hamlett balked at the federal funding issue, saying his understanding was that federal funding would not be jeopardized as long as Parks remains attached to FWP administratively.

Former State Parks administrator Doug Monger voiced strong opposition to the bill, saying that similar arrangements such as the Montana Heritage Commissions loose ties to the Department of Commerce, lacked oversight and made resource allocation difficult.

If this bill came up on my watch Id be really embarrassed, he said. Theres been a derailment here. Parks hasnt been doing their job, or the agency hasnt been doing their job.

Monger described the divisions in FWP as a sibling rivalry, and he said rather than the history of divisiveness the department would benefit from more inclusiveness.

If youre not talking today and youre in the same agency, heads need to be cracked, he said.

Hamlett closed on his bill addressing Monger's comments.

The problem I see with banging heads is that Parks always loses and gets the concussion and gets the (Parks administrator) fired, he said.

Hamlett said he believed that much of the perceived conflict comes from funding, who has it and who controls where it goes.

The committee did not take immediate action on HB324.
HELENA  A representative of the state's hotel industry said Tuesday a bill that would require Airbnb-style rentals to register with the Department of Revenue would help ensure everyone pays rental taxes equally.

Senate Bill 150 is carried by Sen. Dee Brown, R-Hungry Horse. It would have the Department of Revenue provide a listing of facilities that collect the state bed tax. It also redefines facilities that must collect the tax to include vacation homes, homes, apartments or a room rented by or on behalf of the owner for fewer than 30 days.

"It's a way for outside visitors to check if their facility is registered with the state and in compliance," Brown said.

The state collects a 4 percent lodging facility use tax that pays for tourism promotion efforts and a 3 percent sales tax that goes into the general fund. The amount collected over the last several years has increased as the state has drawn record numbers of tourists to Glacier and Yellowstone national parks.

Cities around the state have struggled as Airbnb and VRBO rentals have become more common.

Missoula City Council passed a city ordinance in October 2016 regulating tourist homes that required local users of sites like Airbnb and VRBO to register their short-term rentals with the city, including registering a Lodging Facility Sales and Use Tax account with the Montana Department of Revenue.

Just last month Bozeman held a forum to talk about the challenges the city faces. Those who offer rentals say it's a vital part of their income, while some neighbors don't appreciate properties being used for short-term stays.

Stuart Doggett, executive director of the Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association, supported the bill, saying the money collected for tourism promotion benefits everyone who rents to tourists.

"Accommodation tax pays for tourism promotion. We're shorting the tourism promotion efforts my members have established."

David Herbst, with Americans for Prosperity Montana, said instead of making everyone pay the tax, the Legislature should consider if the money collected is well-spent. Last year the $7 million contract to promote tourism in the state was awarded to a Wisconsin company who had an employee related to the tourism department's marketing office bureau chief. Herbst said money that could go to Montanans shouldn't end up at an out-of-state company.

Gene Walborn, deputy director of the Department of Revenue, said money from the tax spent on tourism promotion helped attract 12 million non-resident visitors to the state last year who spent nearly $4 billion.

"That's a tremendous number," he said. "We think it's hugely effective. If we don't have the 4 percent tax to market our state we're not going to see those increases."

The Senate Taxation Committee took no action on the bill Tuesday.
A Hamilton High School senior presented Prevention of Teen Dating Violence to freshmen and sophomore health classes with statistics, warning signs, supportive videos and thought inducing activities earlier this week.

Lindsey Dunham completed an internship at Supporters of Abuse Free Environments (SAFE) and knew she needed to present the information about healthy relationships to her peers.

I think it is important because just walking down the halls you see a lot of violence, maybe its verbal violence but it is there and sad and kids need to know they are not alone, she said. I think the kids who need help paid more attention to my presentation. I hope this opens their eyes. This stuff happens and we can stop it if we try.

Dunham defined teen dating violence as a pattern of behavior that one partner uses to exert power and control over the other partner in a relationship; abuse can be physical, emotional verbal or sexual.

Dunham showed videos of a news report about a boyfriend stabbing his girlfriend, another featuring a survivor as she told about her abuse on a talk show, a video on texting pressures and a video called The Mask You Live In about feeling secure in masculinity.

Dunham discussed red flags with the students.

A red flag is a warning of a danger or a problem, she said.

Marie Antonioli, health class teacher, said the definition of a red flag includes when a person feels embarrassed, hurt, humiliated or uneasy.

Sometimes it is what is said or the change in their abusers voice pattern, Antonioli said.

Dunham listed 50 red flags including one-sided power, constant checking on where their friend is and who they are with, continual texting or calling, one person making all the decisions, controlling all the finances and not respecting boundaries.

Dunham listed the top 10 warning signs for a bystander to note including one person putting another down in front of others or one partner acting jealous when the other talks to people when the situation is innocent.

Other warning signs are one partner apologizes for anothers actions and makes excuses for them, one constantly cancels plans with friends and family at the last minute for causes that sound untrue, Dunham said. One always checks on the other, one is scared to upset the other, one tends to give up things that were once important to them because the partner doesnt want them to do it, ones grades drop and one has injuries they cant explain.

Dunham lead a discussion on why partners stay in an abusive relationship including the idea that they believe their partner will change, their self-esteem has been lowered by the abuse and they often rely on being in a relationship to define their worth.

Antonioli encouraged her students to listen carefully, spot the signs early and avoid the danger.

We want you to know right from the get go so you could avoid violence, she said. Do you see how if you really likes someone or loved someone you might not see these warming signs right away? From the outside it seems so easy but it is really, really hard for most people in an abusive relationship to end it.

Dunham said sometimes the partner is afraid to end a relationship.

Lindsey isnt talking to you about hypotheticals, this happens sometimes, Antonioli said. We want you to be well aware so you can spot the signs early on and address them early in the relationship. If they continue you need to break it off.

Antonioli explained that during her internship Dunham did not work directly with the people in the shelter or transitional housing who are trying to break away and trying to start their life again.

Right now she is mostly concerned with you guys, Antonioli said. She wants you to see what this is about, know the warning signs, practice good communication and end bad relationships.

Dunham shared statistics.

One in three adolescents in the United States is a victim of physical, sexual or emotional abuse from a partner, she said. One in 10 high school students has been purposely hit, slapped or physically hurt by a partner. Young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of partner violence, almost triple the national average.

Dunham talked about how SAFE serves as a refuge for people fleeing domestic violence in the Bitterroot Valley.

We have advisors that you can come in and talk to if youve been in an abusive relationship, she said. We can get orders of protection, we have shelter, we have a crisis line that is ready 24/7, we have a coalition which makes SAFE awareness to the public and we have transitional housing for people to get on their feet.

Dunham said her favorite part of interning at SAFE was presenting at Trapper Creek Job Corps every other Friday.

We teach a four-hour class to the students about domestic violence, healthy sex and healthy relationships, she said. It is amazing to see their progress. It is really cool.

Dunham provided bookmarks and pocket fliers from the Center of Healthy Teen Relationships, A College Students Guide to Safety Planning and a list of community resources and hotlines Supporters of Abuse Free Environments 406-363-4600, National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233, and National Suicide Help Line 1-800-273-TALK(8255).

Becky Brough, Hamilton Schools Coordinator of Career Education, said Dunham pressed for the internship at the non-profit and is available to give her presentation to other groups. If you are interested please contact Brough at Hamilton High School, 375-6067.

Im really hoping the kids will remember the warning signs and realize this is society-driven and we can stop it, Dunham said.
Twice in one day, Senator Steve Daines has disgraced Montana.

School choice does not help the budget of public schools in our cities and towns, and it offers nothing whatsoever for public education in our rural areas, where there will never be charter schools to offer choice. But Daines chose to back a major campaign contributor over the best interests of our citizens when he voted for Betsy deVos.

Later the same day, he played toady to authoritarian party powers, helping to silence open, honest debate, with the party-line vote to silence Senator Elizabeth Warren. Her out of bounds testimony? Reading letters written by Senator Ted Kennedy and by Coretta Scott King, which had been considered as testimony by earlier Senate committee hearings.

If Steve Daines and the party in power are so genuine in their adherence to Senate rules, why didnt those same rules compel them to allow Supreme Court nomination hearings last year, as provided for by the Constitution?

This is a sad day for Montanas representation in our nations capital. Steve Daines has disgraced our state by putting wealthy campaign donors ahead of Montanas school children, and by taking part in ham-fisted authoritarian practices more at home in the Kremlin or the 1930s Reichstag than in a twenty-first-century democracy.

 Tod Trimble, Stevensville
MANLIUS, N.Y. - Deb and Bill Donlon didn't need to see a house to know they found their new home.

When they first visited in 2002, deer roamed the empty lot. But they saw the potential in the location's blend of privacy and proximity to the village and after builder Bob Caron spray-painted a layout on the grass, they were sold.

"We knew it was exactly what we wanted," she said.

The motivation behind their move from Chittenango to Manlius was to have a home with an in-law suite for Bill Donlon's father, Bill Sr., who was independent, but did not want to live alone.

Bill Donlon Sr., a former CEO of Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., was "revitalized" by the move and would share stories of his career and time in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War with his grandchildren, Deb Donlon said.

The home is across the street from Eagle Hill Middle School, one block from Enders Road Elementary and a one-mile walk to Fayetteville-Manlius High School.

They had the 4,309-square-foot home built far off the road for additional privacy, as well as to have a large front yard.

"It's just the perfect location," she said.

They wanted a home with an open floor plan to accommodate large groups of friends and family. On one recent Thanksgiving, the family was able to sit all 26 people at one long, conglomerate of a table that stretched from the dining room to the foyer. Thanks to the double ovens, cooking two turkeys was a snap.

With their children grown and out of the house, the Donlons are looking to downsize. Deb Donlon said they'll miss the in-ground pool in the backyard where they hosted a three-family high school graduation party last summer and the hot tub off the deck where they'd soak and watch the snow fall.

An open house is scheduled for Feb. 12 from noon to 3 p.m.

THE DETAILS

Address: 8281 Decoy Run, Manlius, N.Y., 13104

Price: $579,900

Size: 4,309 square feet

Acreage: 1.15 acres

Monthly Mortgage: $2,226 (based on this week's national average rate of 4.19 percent, according to Freddie Mac, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20 percent down payment. Fees and points not included.)

Taxes: $17,332 (based on assessed value of $432,300)

Built: 2002

School District: Fayetteville-Manlius

Kitchen: The spacious kitchen features a granite-topped center island with room for at least four diners, plus a wine chiller and custom cabinetry.

Dining room: The home has both a formal dining room and a breakfast area in the kitchen.

Family room: Part of the downstairs open floor plan, the family room has a fireplace and views of the backyard.

Foyer: The two-story foyer leads to the dining room and formal living room.

Master bedroom: One of four bedrooms in the main home, the master bedroom includes plush carpeting and a massive walk-in closet.

Master bathroom: The master bathroom has a double vanity, water closet, shower stall and a large tub in the corner of the room with windows on either side. The main home has four full bathrooms and one half-bathroom.

In-law suite: The 900-square-foot first-floor suite has its own deck, bedroom and full bathroom. The open floor plan combines the kitchen, dining room and living room into one space.

Basement: The finished basement, with room for pool and ping-pong tables, has played host to many movie nights, Deb Donlon said.

Agent: Anne Trachtenberg

Hunt Real Estate ERA

Address: 7650 Highbridge Road, Suite 210, Manlius, N.Y., 13104

Office: (315) 682-7197

Cell: (315) 382-3891

Email: anne.trachtenberg@huntrealestate.com

To nominate a listing for House of the Week, send an email to home@syracuse.com.

House of the Week: Former Syracuse football coach Scott Shafer's Fayetteville home
BOSTON The biggest storm to hit the Northeast this winter dropped a foot or more of snow along the New York-to-Boston corridor Thursday, turning roads treacherous, grounding flights and giving millions of people weather whiplash a day after temperatures soared into the 50's and 60's.

Scores of accidents were reported as drivers confronted blowing snow and slick highways. Stretches of Interstate 95 in Rhode Island were closed in the afternoon after tractor-trailers got stuck, and dozens of motorists got stranded on New York's Long Island after they couldn't make it up icy ramps.

Schools closed in cities big and small, including New York City, Philadelphia and Boston, and government offices told non-essential workers to stay home.

More than 3,500 flights were canceled across the region and planes bound for New York's Kennedy Airport were ordered held on the ground for hours while crews cleared the runways. A de-icing truck caught fire at Bradley Airport outside Hartford, Connecticut.

In New York City, a doorman died after falling down a set of stairs and crashing through a plate-glass window while shoveling snow. Police said Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 59, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, suffered cuts on his neck and face.

In Rhode Island, they got "thundersnow," with whiteout conditions accompanied by the rumble of thunder.

"It's pretty nuts here," Felecia White said as she and friends hunkered down in a restaurant in Newport, Rhode Island, waiting for the weather to improve. "Even with four-wheel drive, you can't do anything. You can't see across the street."

As of late afternoon, New York's Hudson Valley and parts of Long Island had up to a foot of snow, while New York City recorded about 9 inches.

A blizzard warning was posted for a swath of the New England coast, with forecasters saying Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, could get up to a foot and a half by evening. Boston canceled school on Friday, too.

West Hartford, Connecticut, had more than 14 inches by late afternoon, and Ludlow, Massachusetts, had 18 inches. Farther north, Nashua, New Hampshire, received over 13 inches and Berwick, Maine, recorded about a foot.

In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, about 100 people turned out for a snowball fight. Organizer Andrew Bagley said that while there was snow aplenty, it wasn't ideal for snowball making.

"It's just an unsanctioned, family-ish event for people staying home on a snow day," he said. "It's an excuse to come downtown and act like little kids again."

In New York City, a group of women in pajamas waited on the sidewalk in the freezing cold to attend a taping of ABC's "The Chew" show, where the day had been proclaimed "Pajama Day."

"It's fun. And it's an experience. Yesterday was 65 degrees, and today, a snowstorm," said Elaine Higgins, a retired educator from Blackwood, New Jersey. "What's life without adventure?"

The storm came midway through a largely snow-free winter in the Northeast and a day after much of the region enjoyed a brief taste of spring, with record-breaking highs in some places. Temperatures then crashed more than 30 degrees as the storm rolled in.
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At the same time, the Chinese leadership will view statements by Mr. Trump with even greater skepticism. Even though Trump has said he will support the One China policy, China cannot fully trust him, said Yan Xuetong, dean of the school of international relations at Tsinghua University, in Beijing. Even his own people dont trust him.

Chinas official reaction to the telephone call, in which Mr. Trump affirmed that America would abide by the longstanding policy, was polite, even upbeat.

The conversation was very cordial, Lu Kang, the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said at a regular news briefing on Friday. The One China principle is the political foundation of China-U.S. relations.

Under that policy, the United States recognized a single Chinese government in Beijing and severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

American leadership was damaged by Mr. Trump staking out a position and then stepping back, said Hugh White, a professor of strategic studies at the Australian National University and the author of The China Choice, a book that argues that the United States should share power in the Pacific region with China.

The Chinese will see him as weak, Mr. White said of Mr. Trump. He has reinforced the impression in Beijing that Trump is not serious about managing the U.S.-China relationship.

Mr. Shi said that Beijing had chosen to remain firm and patient with Mr. Trump, and that approach had paid off.

Even though many other world leaders had spoken to the new American president by phone since his inauguration on Jan. 20, Mr. Xi had refused to talk to Mr. Trump until he was sure that the American president would give what turned out to be a concession  an affirmation of the One China policy, Mr. Shi said.

Mr. Trump put himself in a corner by questioning the status of Taiwan, an issue that the Chinese have regarded as nonnegotiable since President Jimmy Carter put the One China policy into effect in 1979, Mr. Shi added.

Some Chinese said Mr. Trumps decision to walk back on the issue of Taiwan at least lowered the risk of conflict.

If he agreed to the One China policy, that means there is no danger of direct war between China and the United States, said Mr. Yan of Tsinghua University. That fact is very positive.

When Mr. Trump took a precedent- shattering phone call from President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan in early December, and said a few days later that he wanted to extract concessions from Beijing in return for keeping the One China policy, the Chinese government issued ugly statements saying it would not waver on the issue of Taiwan, Mr. Shi said.

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Those statements came from the Foreign Ministry, which said that it was out of the question to negotiate and that the One China policy was a core issue that involved Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In diplomatic parlance, that meant Taiwan was a rock-bottom issue that Beijing was prepared to fight over.

The tough statements were intended to recall the time in 1995 when China tested missiles near Taiwan, prompting President Bill Clinton to dispatch an aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait, near Chinas coast.

China is militarily much stronger today, armed with far more advanced missiles and a more robust navy that includes one aircraft carrier, with more on the way.

The Chinese also decided to flatter Mr. Trump, Mr. Shi said. When the Trump administration started to make small steps to pave the way for the phone call with Mr. Xi, China was almost excessive in its response, a way of trying to reassure Washington without paying any price, Mr. Shi added.

So after Mr. Trump sent a letter to the Chinese Embassy in Washington this week, wishing the Chinese people a prosperous Year of the Rooster, Beijing responded that it was very happy to receive the presidents greetings.

The American secretary of state, Rex W. Tillerson, who had pledged to uphold the One China policy during his confirmation hearings, was at the White House on Thursday before the call, apparently pointing out the risks of Mr. Trumps approach.

The cost to the U.S. of refusing to recommit to the One China policy was very high, and Trump was persuaded, said Bonnie S. Glaser , director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

In an unusual move, the state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua posted on Twitter a cheeky quiz on the possible reason Mr. Trump had changed his mind on the One China policy. Twitter is banned in China.

Xinhua gave four choices, giving prominent play to the options blackmailing didnt work and Chinas unyielding stance, and including the possibility that a visit by Ivanka Trump and her 5-year-old daughter, Arabella, to the Chinese Embassys New Year reception last week had played a role.

The tension between Washington and Beijing over Mr. Trumps attitude toward Taiwan has reverberated around the Asia-Pacific region, where American allies have worried since the December phone call with Ms. Tsai that, in the extreme, there could be armed conflict over Taiwan.

On Friday, the United States Pacific Command said that a Chinese aircraft and an American Navy patrol plane had had an unsafe encounter over the South China Sea, The Associated Press reported. A spokesman said that the interaction between a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft and a Navy P-3C plane took place on Wednesday in international airspace. The spokesman did not say what was unsafe about the encounter.

That Mr. Trump appears to have smoothed things out for the moment has brought relief, but it does not assuage concerns about future dealings between Mr. Xi and the American president.

Both the White House and the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the two leaders wanted to strengthen cooperation. The White House statement said Beijing wanted to work with Washington on a number of issues, including trade.

Mr. Trump has threatened a trade war by raising the possibility of steep tariffs in response to what he portrays as Chinas predatory trade practices.

Neither side specified in their statements how they would cooperate, and doubts remained in the Asia-Pacific region about Mr. Trumps intentions on a variety of issues. China values predictability, and one phone call could not deliver that, analysts said.

Trump isnt attached to any particular policy line with China or anyone else, said Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. So working together could also be dumped whenever it suits.
America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance!
Boris F.J.Collardi, right, CEO of the private banking group Julius Baer, speaks during a press conference in Zurich, Switzerland, on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. Julius Baer has improved its profit in 2016. (AP)

GENEVA, Feb 10: Swiss bank Julius Baer says it is facing a claim of 306 million euros ($325 million) for allegedly not preventing the embezzlement of assets from a foreign corporation.

The bank said the liquidator of the unspecified corporation has filed the claim in an unspecified European Union country.

Julius Baer Group Ltd. has previously cited the liquidator's unspecified claim arguing that the bank didn't prevent two clients from embezzling from the corporation.

Its 2015 annual report said the liquidator two years earlier filed a draft complaint for 12 million euros and filed a payment order of 422 million Swiss francs ($420 million), but the bank had "formally repelled" it and was taking defensive measures.

A bank spokesman did not immediately respond to an e-mail from The Associated Press seeking comment.
Tokihiro Nakamura, left, governor of Ehime Prefecture, presents a wreath during the 17th anniversary memorial ceremony for the Ehime Maru at Kakaako Waterfront Park, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, in Honolulu. (AP)

HONOLULU, Feb 10: AA Families and friends of nine people killed when a U.S. Navy submarine accidentally rammed into a Japanese fishing ship off Hawaii 16 years ago remembered their loved ones at a ceremony Thursday.

Those killed were on board the Ehime Maru, a training vessel for fisheries students from Ehime, Japan. The submarine's rudder sliced into the ship's hull some 6 miles offshore.

"From critical sadness Ehime and Hawaii united to form a special bond, with a commitment to work towards the beneficial exchanges of goodwill, friendship and understanding," Hawaii Gov. David Ige told more than 100 people gathered for the ceremony.

This year's ceremony carried special significance under Buddhist custom because it marked the start of the 17th year since the deaths aAA a special time for healing and remembrance.

Buddhist tradition counts the moment of death as the first year of passing.

A Navy investigation found the USS Greenville's captain had rushed through mandatory safety procedures while demonstrating an emergency surfacing drill for the benefit of civilians touring the submarine.

The report said the captain didn't want the submarine to be late returning to Pearl Harbor with the 16 guests.

The Navy uses the Ehime Maru accident as a case study to teach prospective submarine officers what not to do.

It prompted the service to change the way squadron commanders monitor their submarines with the hope that supervision will prevent future collisions.
Guwahati, Feb 10 : The 145th Defence Pension Adalat to educate the Ex-Servicemen of North East region on pension policies and to rectify anomalies was held for the first time in Dimapur under the aegis of Spear Corps.

The event was held over two days on February 8-9.

It was well subscribed, and a total of 175 Ex Servicemen, Widows, Veer Naris attended the adalat.

Kohima based defence PRO Col Chiranjeet Konwar said that adalat was conducted by Controller General of Defence Accounts N Neihsial and officials of PCDA, Allahabad.

A total of 148 anomalies came up and out of these 109 cases were settled on the spot, balance cases were referred to PCDA, Allahabad for an early settlement.

The benefits of 7th Pay Commission and One Rank One Pension (OROP) were elaborated upon. As also delinking of qualifying service for pension and broad banding of disability pension were explained.

The GOC, Spear Corps praised the efforts of veterans in society building and acknowledged their contribution.

He also assured them, that their welfare would be looked after. In addition the Army had also set up a Medical and Dental Camp for all the attendees.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
A combination of file photos showing Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and US President Donald Trump. Photos: Reuters

BEIJING: President Donald Trump reaffirmed Washingtons long-standing one China policy in a call with Beijings leader, a move that could ease anger in China over his earlier suggestions that he might use Taiwan as leverage in negotiations over trade, security and other sensitive issues.

More than two months after deviating from decades of American diplomacy regarding Taiwan by accepting a phone call from the self-governing islands president, Trump appeared to be trying to reassure Beijing he would not seek to upend relations between the worlds two-largest economies.

This is an important step, said Bonnie Glaser, senior adviser on Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC This will now pave the way for the engagement of the US and Chinese governments on a wide range of issues.

The policy in place since 1979 requires Washington to maintain only unofficial ties with Taiwan, the self-governing island that China claims as its own territory. China views any hint of official US recognition of the island as anathema to Chinas revival as a great Asian power.

The long-awaited call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump came Thursday evening, Washington time, the White House and Chinas state broadcaster CCTV said.

The two leaders discussed numerous topics at length and Trump agreed to honor the one China policy, the White House said  though it said Trump did so at the request of President Xi. It described the call as extremely cordial and said the two leaders had invited each other to visit their respective countries and looked forward to further discussions.

Xi praised Trumps affirmation of relations, CCTV reported, and said China was willing to work with the US to bring more fruitful gains for the benefit of our two peoples and those in every country.

Some had questioned why Trump took so long to call Xi, given that hed already spoken with more than a dozen world leaders. Chinese observers also noted that Trump broke with his predecessors in not extending good wishes on the Lunar New Year holiday last month. His belated greeting on Wednesday was praised by China.

The move comes at a time of uncertainty in US-China relations. Trump has accused Beijing of cheating in trade, criticized Chinas military buildup in the South China Sea and said the country is doing too little to pressure North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs. He has accused China of manipulating its currency to keep its exports inexpensive and threatened a 45 percent tax on Chinese imports, potentially setting off a trade war.

Underscoring the uncertainties, Thursdays call between the leaders came as the US Pacific Command reported a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft and a US Navy patrol plane had an unsafe encounter over the South China Sea this week, without elaborating.

The Chinese defense ministry has not commented, but Beijing routinely complains about US military surveillance missions near China.

Beijing has been particularly concerned about how Washington would treat the question of Taiwan after Trump upset decades of diplomatic precedent by talking by phone with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen shortly after being elected.

In December, Trump said in an interview that he didnt feel bound by existing policy on China and Taiwan unless the US could gain concessions from Beijing in trade and other areas. Since switching diplomatic recognition from the island to Beijing in 1979, Washington has maintained robust unofficial relations with Taiwan and provides it with arms to guard against Chinas threat to use force to reunify with it.

Trump may have been convinced by a senior member of his Cabinet that the one China policy could not be used as a bargaining chip, said Glaser of the CSIS think tank.

Taiwan should also be relieved that it will not be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations between Washington and Beijing, she said.

Trumps statement marks a victory for Chinas public and private efforts to work with Trump and his team, but the White House may have been saying that we are expecting that you be nice to us as well, said Dali Yang, professor of political science at the University of Chicago.

Chinas leadership has refrained from attacking Trump since he took office and responded warmly to his delayed Lunar New Year greeting. Chinas patience in this regard has paid off, Yang said.

Yang also pointed to Trumps meeting before his inauguration with Jack Ma, one of Chinas best-known businessmen who founded online shopping giant Alibaba Group, and the visit of Ivanka Trump, the presidents eldest daughter, to a Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC.

While China will be happy with Trumps public acknowledgement on the policy, suspicion will remain, he said.

The call shows how Trump has matured in his appreciation of the importance of China-US relations, said Zhao Kejin, a professor of international relations at Beijings prestigious Tsinghua University.

For China, any card can be played except the card of Taiwan. I dont see Trumps expression on the issue as unusual since violating the one China policy would harm US interests, Zhao said.

In the end, Trumps toying with changes to Washingtons China policy cost him both credibility and momentum in resolving outstanding trade issues between the sides, said the former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China.

Threats concerning fundamental, core interests are counterproductive from the get-go, said James Zimmerman, a lawyer who has been in China since 1998.

The end result is that Trump just confirmed to the world that he is a paper tiger, a zhilaohu  someone that seems threatening but is wholly ineffectual and unable to stomach a challenge.
Two Republican senators proposed steps to slash the number of legal immigrants admitted into the United States by half on Tuesday, but the legislation, developed with the Trump administration, faces an uphill climb to get through Congress.

Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue said their bill would cut the number of immigrants granted U.S. residency each year to 500,000 from 1 million, through measures including cutting far back on which relatives can be brought into the country and eliminating a diversity visa lottery.

The legislation would not affect foreigners admitted to the United States on visas specifically tied to their employment.

Cotton and Perdue said they had consulted Republican President Donald Trump, who vowed to crack down on both illegal and legal immigration during his campaign for the White House.

Cotton said he had spoken to Trump about it by telephone as recently as Tuesday morning.

The measure faces stiff opposition in Congress. Although Trump's fellow Republicans control majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives, several back comprehensive immigration reform, not a tough crackdown.

Any measure would need Democratic support to advance in the Senate, and Democrats are strongly opposed.

Perdue and Cotton acknowledged the bill would not come up for a vote anytime soon. "We're hopeful that we'll see this on the floor of the Senate this year," Cotton told a news conference to unveil the bill.

The measure would admit only immediate family members of immigrants, eliminating preferences for adult siblings or adult children. Cotton said it would exclude parents unless they were sick and the family promised not to rely on public benefits.

The proposal came amid a larger immigration fight over Trump's travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries and refugees.

Cotton said his measure would still allow in "high-skilled individuals who can come and help our economy." He said it was intended to stop competition lowering wages for less-educated workers. "Unless we reverse this trend, we are going to create a near-permanent underclass for whom the American dream is always just out of reach," he said.

Asked if the White House would support the legislation and whether it was working with the senators, a spokesman said, "We are reviewing it."

U.S. companies often argue in favor of immigration, and more than 100 filed a legal brief opposing Trump's travel ban. They said the executive order "inflicts significant harm on American business."
Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli held a meeting to discuss about the current political deadlock of the country.

In a meeting held at CPN Maoist Center vice chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha's residence at Harisiddhi, Lalitpur on Friday, two communist leaders-Dahal, chairman of the CPN Maoist Center, and Oli discussed on ranges of issues including the recent political deadlock of the country.

As the meeting is held in the mean time when there is a speculation that the main opposition party CPN UML would extend support to the existing CPN Maoist Center led government, the meeting is taken meaningfully in the political sector.

There is also a rumor that the Nepali Congress, the largest party in the parliament, would withdraw support to the incumbent Dahal led government, thanks to the differences among the government allies on most of the issues related to the governance.

Though the meeting has sparked speculations, it is said that the two leaders had discussed over the issue of the constitution amendment and holding elections as envisaged by the constitution but not change of the government.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Dahal had urged the UML chairman Oli to support to passage the constitution amendment bill to create an environment conducive for holding elections.

Responding to the concerns of Prime Minister Dahal, UML chairman Oli urged the Prime Minister to concentrate to hold local level elections rather than constitution amendment claiming that constitution amendment is not necessary for the country.
Kathmandu, Nepal: the Impeachment Recommendation Committee (IRC) under the Legislature-Parliament submitted its report on the impeachment motion filed against disqualified CIAA chief Lokman Singh Karki to speaker Onsari Gharti on Friday.

The committee has handed over the report without recommending impeaching Karki stating that there is no need to impeach Karki as the Supreme Court has already scrapped Karki's appointment as CIAA chief.

Committee Chairperson Kumari Laxmi Rai handed over the recommendation report to Speaker Gharti at the latter's chamber at Parliament Secretariat stating that the Committee has identified enough ground to impeach Karki.

In the report the Committee has urged to keep the report on record at the Parliament Secretariat, Office of the Prime Minister, Secretariat of the Constitutional Council and the National Archives for future reference.
President Bidhya Devi Bhandari

Kathmandu, Nepal: President Bidya Devi Bhandari authenticated two election related bills- the Local Level Election Bill and the Election Offence and Punishment Bill on Friday.

The president authenticated the two bills as per the recommendations of the government. Following the endorsement of the two bills from the Parliament, the government had recommended the president for authentications.

The President enacted the two bills in accordance to Article 113.2 of the Constitution, the office of the president has sated.
Ilam, Nepal: CPN UML senior leader Jhalanath Khanal has accused the incumbent government for causing separation between Terai and the hilly districts and dividing Terai from the mountainous regions.

Speaking at a program organized by UML Kolbung Committee in Ilam on Friday, UML leader Khanal, who is also the former Prime Minister, said the constitution amendment bill registered in the parliament was brought as a seed to disintegrate the country.

During the function he also accused the incumbent government and its allies for intentionally dillydallying to announce the date for the local level elections under the influence of foreign forces.

Though leader Khanal had pointed fingers to the neighboring India while terming influence of foreign forces, he did not mention any name in the function. The main opposition UML has been alleging the government for bringing the constitution amendment bill under the influence of India.

In the function leader Khanal demanded the construction of a physical infrastructure in the no man's land at Pashupatinagar area in Ilam be stopped at the earliest.
[Posted below are editorial commentary from two of Indias well known national dailies The Times of India and The Indian Express]

The Times of India, February 10, 2017

Post-truth History: Rajasthan ministers want a new ending for the battle of Haldighati

Editorial

They say the history of ancient India is shrouded in mystery. A few Rajasthan ministers appear to have taken this dictum to heart to give their own spin to history. According to these learned luminaries a health minister Kalicharan Saraf, school education minister Vasudev Devnani, and urban development and housing minister Rajpal Singh Shekhawat a Rajput warrior-king Maharana Pratap actually won the battle of Haldighati against the Mughal army of Akbar.

Now, this is truly a brilliant insight. History is like those fun science fiction movies, where one can constantly travel back to the past to rearrange it. Never mind boring old pedants who point out that not just historical accounts but even folk ballads a including those sympathetic to Maharana Pratap a aver that the battle of Haldighati resulted in a Rajput retreat. Rajasthan ministers see Akbar as a foreign invader and Maharana Pratap as a brave patriot, sidestepping the trivial detail that India did not exist as a country back then. By the ministersa logic, the streams of history and literature can be merged. If which case, why stop at Haldighati? Letas go the whole hog. The Mughals never ruled in India; they were guests of Hindu kings who took the principle of atithi devo bhava way too seriously. And Subhas Chandra Bose was the first Prime Minister of India.

No doubt mixing history, fiction, politics and popular sentiments is an addictive game. And the other side too gets to concoct their own potion when they are in power, never mind that schoolchildren end up thoroughly confused. However, the key question that needs to be asked is: why are we so fixated on historical fights that took place half a millennium ago, when there are modern battles to fight against poverty, illiteracy, corruption and so on?

o o o

The Indian Express, February 10, 2017

Relax: Because like Haldighati, all history can be rewritten to make us feel great

Editorial

The pasta , wrote L.P. Hartley, ais a foreign country. They do things differently therea . Which leaves us free to do things differently in the present a and happily, those things include rewriting the past. Hence, three Rajasthan ministers propose to rewrite history to say that Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap won 1576as battle of Haldighati against Mughal emperor Akbar. History books, James Todd onwards, recorded that while the Maharana was indeed valiant, the fact is, Akbar won Haldighatias honours. But musty facts are so last-century.

After all, in the alt version, the spirit of Mohenjodaro survives and we all live in perfectly paved neighbourhoods, with covered drains crossing at 90 degrees, danced over by neighbours who look like Hrithik Roshan. This India saw no humiliating colonialism; there was only atithi devo bhava over yoga. And there was no big, bad battle of Panipat either; just some paani-puri between pals. Naturally, we never lost the Kohinoor. Itas still here, glittering away, but since India is so rich, having defeated poverty by investing in education, infrastructure and jobs, we simply canat see it shining. Given our blinding prosperity, Aadhaar has no aadhaar; it is only to make us go idhar and udhar, so that our superb nutrition doesnat roll into indolent fat.

That wouldnat happen in an India where champions awe the Olympics every year. Lagaan swept the Oscars, in a happy ending that Salim-Javed, who still co-write blockbusters (their latest is Trump ki Deewar) couldnat have written better. Having defeated all inner enemies, India rules the UNSC too, empowered by our brilliant development to tick off China a whom, of course, we defeated in 1962. No nation picks a bone with us for we win all our battles. And the ones we lose, well, we win those too. Later, if not sooner, in fact.

o o o

[ SEE ALSO:

http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/not-just-hadighati-battle-rajasthan-textbooks-have-been-in-controversy-six-times-in-last-one-year-271180.html ]
March 1, 2017 is our official Statehood Day, the 150th celebration of Nebraska becoming the 37th state in the Union, the first one following the end of the Civil War.

At the Beatrice Public Library, we are planning to celebrate this all year long. It will be part of our book discussions each month through October. It will be the theme of at least two exhibits in our new gallery space in the renovated lower level area. It will be part of our Summer Reading Program theme Build a Better World. It is even part of the quarterly Seed Library programs. Finally, it will be part of our 40th Memories of Christmas Past holiday display in December.

The monthly Beatrice Public Library Book Discussion will feature titles from the Nebraska 150 Books Project. I was fortunate enough to be part of the committee that selected these 150 recommended titles and really look forward to reading and rereading some of these incredible books!

We began the series with a diary from 1857 that paralleled the founding of Beatrice. The diarys author even noted when the HANNIBAL landed in Omaha in May. This was the trip that brought our town founders to Nebraska. In February we move on to a story of former slaves homesteading in Nebraska which is based upon true events. March takes us to a book about Nebraska women journalists including Clara Bewick Colby and Willa Cather.

April will feature BLACK ELK SPEAKS and a special guest speaker from the Neihardt Foundation board. May will highlight the autobiography of George Norris, the U.S. Senator who was instrumental in the establishment of Homestead National Monument. The summer months will feature a book about the State Capitol, a collection of stories by Roger Welsch and history of the tribes who have called Nebraska their home.

The last titles will be the first published book by Bess Streeter Aldrich and the  One Book, One Lincoln selection. Once again, we are pleased to have Homestead National Monument of America as our partner for this book discussion series.

March 1 will be the opening of a special exhibit NATIVE AMERICAN PRESENCE ON THE MISSOURI (1850s-1890s): An Exhibit in Honor of Nebraskas 150th Birthday from the Collection of George Neubert. Some of you will remember George as a graduate of Beatrice High School, others as the former Director of the Sheldon Art Gallery, and still others as the current head of the Flatwater Folk Art Museum in Brownville. Mr. Neubert has been kind enough to loan us a selection of over 40 prints and etchings from his personal collection which includes works by Bodmer, Catlin and Remington.

This exhibit will be open through May 21. At the same time in the Heritage Room, the Library will be displaying a collection of historic maps dating back to the original designation of Nebraska Territory which extended to the Canadian border. In the summer, the Nebraska Collection will be exhibited by the Library.

This includes works by Nebraska artists collected by Maurice and Dorothy Hevelone as well as pieces from the collection of the Beatrice Public Library. The year will end with a surprise exhibit emphasizing Nebraska that will be held in the Fall.

The Summer Reading Program Building theme has inspired the Library to plan a series of special presentations featuring historic buildings. Topics will include the State Capitol, Homestead National Monument, the Gage County Courthouse and the Downtown Beatrice Historical District. These will be held on Tuesdays in June and July. There will be an afternoon program for children at 2 p.m. and one for general audiences at 7 p.m.

The Seed Library programs will feature the Goldenrod, Nebraska wildflowers and the Cottonwood tree. In addition to their annual Tomato Tasting event and Iris Exchange, this gives the group an opportunity to present a different view of the State Flower, plants some characterize as State weeds and the State Tree.

These programs are planned for April, June and September.

In December we will be celebrating 160 years of holiday events in Beatrice, one of the oldest established towns in Nebraska. Beatrice is 10 years older than the State. This gives us 16 decades of holidays to commemorate, something few places in Nebraska can claim. Watch for more details about this exhibit.

And Happy Birthday, Nebraska! Its going to be a great year!
Donna Polizzi is a regional travel expert and founder of Keys2TheCoast.com. Keys 2 The Coast is a travel resource for Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties, offering recommendations on local choices for the best places to wine, dine and explore.
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Fans of international animation will do well to keep a close eye on Berlin this week, where Chinese director Liu Jian's animated neo-noir Have A Nice Day is slated to have its premiere February 17th.

A hard rain is about to fall on a small town in Southern China.

In a desperate attempt to find money to save his fiancees failed plastic surgery, Xiao Zhang, a mere driver, steals a bag containing 1 million from his boss. News of the robbery spreads fast within the town and, over the course of one night, everyone starts looking for Xiao Zhang and his money...

Liu Jian delivers a whirlwind neo-noir, cementing his place as a pioneering force in independent Chinese animation.

With a dark, gritty style somewhere along the lines of Anders Morgenthaler's Princess or Yeon Sang-ho's The King of Pigs, Have A Nice Day looks to be another strong entry on the list of dark animated tales for adults.

We are very pleased to present an extended clip for the film below along with the official poster. You can click the poster image below to enlarge.
Let us introduce you to the inaugural Sleeping Giant Fest coming to Jacksonville, FL, at the end of March. The festival will be held at the historic Sun-Ray Cinema at Five Points. The theater has been through many guises and facades during its ninety year history! Since new owner Tim Massett took over five years ago the cinema offers a mix of new releases and cult fare. And like many great local cinemas before it the Sun-Ray also has seatside service with food and beverages of the alcoholic variety.

Back to the Sleeping Giant Fest ! Read in the press release below that John Waters is coming to town to offer live commentary on his film. During a revival screening ofthere will be a noodle inspired menu. There will be a live score to Lon Chaney's 1927 film(1927 being the year the Sun-Ray Cinema opened as the Riverside Theater). A quick look through the rest of their lineup reveals screenings ofand. Band Xiu Xiu will be coming to town to perform their interpretation of the music from

Someone at the Sun-Ray Cinema knows a thing or two about putting on terrific events. Do not miss Sleeping Giant Fest if you are in the Jacksonville area at the end of March!

SUN-RAY CINEMA DEBUTS INAUGURAL SLEEPING GIANT FEST MARCH 30  APRIL 2

JACKSONVILLE, FL (FEBRUARY 9, 2017) -- Over the last five years, Sun-Ray Cinema has diligently carved out a unique space for adventurous film programming while also reinventing how audiences enjoy blockbuster fare in Northeast Florida. Building on the successes we've seen at Sun-Ray we thought it was about time to present a concentrated version of the distinctive films and events we provide year round, thus Sleeping Giant Fest is born.

From March 30  April 2 Sleeping Giant Fest promises to open your eyes and perk your ears to work that often gets lost in the digital streams that dominate our viewing habits today. Throughout the year intriguing and provocative films with limited releases often get overlooked while others dont even make it off the festival circuit. We aim to help you navigate an array of choices that often seems dizzying so you can immerse yourself in these so-called "less commercial" films, repertory titles, and screenings with exciting special guests while enjoying the communal experience that the cinema provides.

With forty film and music events over four lively days, the 2017 lineup includes filmmaker John Waters giving his film SERIAL MOM "The Talkies" treatment, providing live commentary over a screening of the film, avant-garde ensemble Xiu Xiu playing the music of Twin Peaks, Chicago band Roommate, providing a live score to Lon Chaneys compelling performance in the horror classic THE UNKNOWN (produced the very same year as the building in which it will screen opened), and a screening of Ramen Western" TAMPOPO with a special noodle menu inspired by the film

We are also delighted to feature a rare exhibition of Ghanaian movie poster art thanks to a partnership with Deadly Prey Gallery in Chicago. When rural West African villagers in the 80s and 90s wanted to watch a movie theyd visit a video club - a generator powered, outdoor A/V rig that featured the latest Bollywood, Nollywood, and Hollywood hits on VHS. Without access to commercial printers entrepreneurs promoted upcoming screenings with hand-painted posters that more often than not presented a bizarre take on the movie being advertised (given that the local artist commissioned typically hadnt seen the film). As more video clubs popped up, competition for moviegoers heightened as did the intensity of sex and violence (and surrealism) reflected in these posters. Ghanaian movie poster art was an inspiration for the theme for Sleeping Giant Fest 2017, and we will highlight these original works of cinema infused with outsider art at all festival venues.
 Third Circuit finds death row inmates granted resentencing stuck in solitary confinement have protected liberty interests | Main | Ohio Gov forced to delay scheduled executions yet again due to lethal injection ltigation 

February 10, 2017

Mississippi taking steps to have firing squad, electric chair and gas chamber as execution methods again

As reported in this new Fox News piece, "Mississippi lawmakers want to bring back the firing squad, electric chair and gas chamber as execution methods, a step three other states have taken recently, but for a different reason." Here is more:

Oklahoma reintroduced the gas chamber, Utah the firing squad and Tennessee the electric chair in response to a nationwide scarcity of lethal injection drugs for death row inmates. Mississippi legislator Andy Gipson said he introduced House Bill 638 in response to lawsuits filed by liberal, left-wing radicals challenging the use of lethal injection drugs as cruel and unusual punishment. "I have a constituent whose daughter was raped and killed by a serial killer over 25 years ago, and that person's still waiting for the death penalty. The family is still waiting for justice," Gipson told the Associated Press. Gipsons bill passed the House Wednesday, 74-43, and moves to the Senate for more debate. Mississippi hasn't been able to acquire the execution drugs it once used, and it last carried out an execution in 2012. The state has 47 people on death row, and some have been there for decades. The 33 states with the death penalty all have lethal injection as the primary method of execution, according to the Death Penalty Information Center and its executive director, Robert Dunham. The center says only Oklahoma and Utah have firing squads as an option; eight states have electrocution, five have the gas chamber, and three have hanging. The firing squad became an option in Utah in 2015. That same year, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed legislation to use nitrogen gas as an option. Tennessee enacted a law bringing back the electric chair in 2014. Its interesting that what we anticipated would happen is happening, Dunham told FoxNews.com Friday. As states are having difficulty obtaining drugs for lethal injections, theyre looking at different options. He expects legal challenges in states that reintroduce old execution methods. What you will see is when states change their method of execution, there are invariably legal challenges that arise, Dunham said. Jim Craig, an attorney who is suing Mississippi over lethal injection drugs, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that each of the proposed new methods of executions would be challenged in court. "Every single one, in essence, just injects a whole new series of issues in the existing case," said Craig, who is with the New Orleans-based Roderick & Solange MacArthur Justice Center. He said with the firing squad, for example, the state would have to set protocols and procedures to reduce the risk of torture, and he doubts the Department of Corrections has prepared to do that.... Oklahoma officials told Fox 25 in November they havent established protocols to use nitrogen gas as a backup execution method but have heard from a company offering pain-free and mistake-free gas chamber executions. The company sent a letter to Oklahoma Department of Corrections guaranteeing the demise of any mammalian life within four minutes, according to the station.

February 10, 2017 at 12:58 PM | Permalink

Comments

"I have a constituent whose daughter was raped and killed by a serial killer over 25 years ago, and that person's still waiting for the death penalty. The family is still waiting for justice,"

Hey, but as Joe says, the victims issues with the delays are a wash.

Posted by: federalist | Feb 10, 2017 2:35:04 PM

My family is divided on the death penalty. If I was murdered, how should legislators determine what my family understands as "justice"?

Anyway, delays come for a variety of reasons, and many people as the delays went by were released, their death sentences converted for a variety of reasons to life (see, e.g., "Death On Hold," an account of a murderer who got off death row in part with the help of two conservative academics) and so forth. A quicker penalty would result in some of these people being executed, in some cases even though later the sentence was deemed illegitimate, at times on innocence grounds.

This doesn't make victims feel much better, but it shows how justice is complicated. Again, I don't claim to be stating overly profound things, just basic ones that people seem to be reminded of a lot.

Posted by: Joe | Feb 10, 2017 4:00:06 PM

And as I've explained Joe, the idea that victims' interests are a wash (which you imply, but never come out and say) is preposterous. First of all, SCOTUS has specifically (and unanimously) stated that victims have an interest in the timely enforcement of a death sentence. ("Timely," of course, presupposes that valid innocence issues are dealt with, and you are completely disingenuous for suggesting that my desire for death sentences to be carried out means that I don't believe that legitimate innocence issues should be addressed.) Second, those victims that support the death penalty are dragged through hell when last-minute stays are granted, and that hell is not at all comparable to someone who opposes the death penalty. I cannot imagine the pain of a child who lost a parent waiting patiently for justice, only to have some BS stay issued. (And we can confidently say that they are BS---you never seem to be able to defend on the legal merits.)

Once again, I call you out on your sophistry, and you serve up pablum that doesn't really get to the point.

Posted by: federalist | Feb 10, 2017 4:28:30 PM

Prof. Berman, sorry to have heard about the murder of an OSU student today. My heart goes out to the OSU community, of which you are a member.

Posted by: federalist | Feb 10, 2017 5:54:55 PM

Fed. Eagle Scout, and great guy, who liked to help people. Taken by a lawyer protected, privileged, and empowered criminal.

Posted by: David Behar | Feb 10, 2017 8:24:25 PM

Here is another wonderful female OSU student taken from us. Shot down like a dog.

http://nbc4i.com/2017/02/09/body-found-outside-of-scioto-grove-metro-park/

Posted by: David Behar | Feb 10, 2017 8:27:59 PM

Lawyer Clients: 2; Great College kids: 0.

Posted by: David Behar | Feb 10, 2017 11:15:44 PM

My point, which obviously went over the head of someone, was that the wackier the execution method the greater will be the number who decide it's time to close down the death penalty. Bring it on. Proof - the latest poll in Utah (residents preferred life-sentence alternatives over capital punishment by a margin of 35 percentage points. 47% said they preferred life in prison without parole, plus a requirement that the convicted person work in prison to pay restitution to the victims; 9% selected life in prison without parole; 8% chose life in prison with a possibility of parole after 40 years; and 29% preferred the death penalty. The preference for alternatives held true across political party, religion, age, gender, and race. The poll also found that a majority (53%) of Utahns said they would strongly or somewhat support a bill to replace the death penalty with life without parole)

Posted by: peter | Feb 11, 2017 9:20:20 AM

Peter. Which would you prefer for yourself?

Posted by: David Behar | Feb 11, 2017 10:03:15 AM

I know that my beloved Guillotine will make a comeback. In the meantime, pass me the knitting needles.

Posted by: Madame De Farge | Feb 11, 2017 10:26:22 AM

I do not find "the idea that victims' interests are a wash" an appropriate summary of my views though I admit that it's hard to tell what exactly it means.

federalist's opening quote cited a legislator stating the feelings of a single victim's parent and family. I ask again. My family has mixed feelings about the death penalty. If I was murdered, how would one determine what we think is "justice"? A murder was in the news some years ago here. The brothers of the victim split on the appropriate penalty.

Appeals to the feelings of single victims only take us so far and federalist's remarks -- pushing past the vitriol -- underline it. He accepts (and this is not denied) the need for due process and how timely death sentences are but "an" interest, one balanced with others. As I noted, not refuted among the vitriol and labeling, during the long appeals processes etc., a range of people get off death row for a variety of reasons.

The length of time isn't painless to victims etc. Obviously. But, "justice" includes things that hurts people in some fashion. So, yet again, and I'm not saying anything profound here but if people keep on ignoring it I'll keep on repeating myself, the ultimate question is a matter of degree. What protections, all that will hurt someone in some fashion (e.g., need of children to confront their tormentors face-to-face in court, which Scalia et. al. said was constitutionally required) are necessary here?

Finally, yes, "justice" might not warrant the death penalty at all. Personally, as a I whole, I think the death penalty works against justice, including for people who are victims of murder.

It is argued that "that hell is not at all comparable to someone who opposes the death penalty." I don't know anyone in this position personally, but I find that somewhat unclear. Many victims have lives to worry about and mourning to do that concerns them a lot more than the state of appeals processes. Meanwhile, if someone is against the death penalty, they can have a strong opposition to what they deemed unjust killings, including if they think it would damn the memory of the victim. I'm not going to try to judge "hells" among victims, but if you wish to do so, it's your choice.

Posted by: Joe | Feb 11, 2017 11:52:47 AM

Joe, just stop. You always raise the "what about those victims who don't like the DP"--to try to take away from the fact that jerking around those who have been patiently waiting is just awful.

Here's another victim of enlightened sentencing: http://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/breaking-arrest-made-in-murder-of-reagan-tokes

Posted by: federalist | Feb 11, 2017 1:16:36 PM

Joe. Duterte is coming. Boo.

Posted by: David Behar | Feb 11, 2017 8:56:06 PM

"Joe, just stop. You always raise the "what about those victims who don't like the DP"--to try to take away from the fact that jerking around those who have been patiently waiting is just awful."

federalist doesn't much want to substantively answer my points, which is his right.

My citation of those victims -- federalist cares about victims so I'm sure he cares about all of them -- tends to be in response to arguments like this legislator who selectively cites their needs and desires.

And, overall, I don't think some sort of "The Lottery" execution of a few murderers [which seems to be the desire of the general population; they show no major desire to execute even hundreds of people a year] in a flawed system actually is in the best interests of victims either. Yes, many victims themselves have voiced this sentiment as did others who often have direct involvement with them. If federalist et. al. want to voice the interests of victims, it seems to me that these voices count too.

Finally, federalist clearly himself shows the various "interests" at play here, interests that include things that will hurt victims in some fashion. This is not about 'jerking' anyone around as such. It's the proper amount of procedures etc. required, which in some way will "jerk" around like law in all ways does in some sense. I'd add that by now that it's clear how the system works, and people are well aware of how extended appeals etc.

Posted by: Joe | Feb 12, 2017 12:06:40 PM

tl;dr -- so, no, I don't think "it's a wash" really is a great way to express my views

If anything, I think the interests of victims are harmed by the death penalty. As to the feelings of victims regarding delays, there are a range of feelings there. Simplification like "it cancels out" isn't how I'd phrase my opinion.

Posted by: Joe | Feb 12, 2017 12:08:51 PM

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The Afghanistan of A Thousand Splendid Suns is not one of splendor. The play's title is a reference to brighter, long past moments in Kabul's history  when women were once freer than they are in the timeframe of the play  and instead, the setting of the work is a harsh one. It's a place to be endured, particularly by the women central to its narrative who are essentially captive under authoritarian male rule.

When the parents of 15-year-old Laila, sweetly and brilliantly played at a variety of ages by Nadine Malouf, are killed by a shell blast in their home, Laila quickly becomes the second wife of her neighbor Rasheed (a villainous, desperate Haysam Kadri). Rasheed's first wife, Mariam (Kate Rigg), is initially threatened by Laila, but, maybe too quickly for the drama of the piece, comes to work together with her. After all, they share a mutual enemy in Rasheed, a man who is essentially their captor, and a stand-in for the authoritarian males of the city outside their home,  the Soviets, mujahideen, and Taliban, over the course of the historical period covered in the work.

To Laila, Mariam recalls her mother's counsel  "Endure," she was told as a girl. Endure what? "Don't you worry about that," her mother goes on, "there will be no shortage of things." Sadly, she's right, and Laila's and Mariam's pain and trauma  and soon that of Laila's daughter Aziza (Nikita Tweani)  is also the audience's. Enduring it is difficult, at times, though the work seems to think it's beneficial that we participate in it, if only for our education. When it gets particularly painful  a cesarian performed without anesthetic, the set itself echoing the surgery  that's tough, but effective.

Ultimately, Irish Indian playwright Ursula Rani Sarma's adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's 2007 novel, an inter-generational epic in the vein of his first hit book The Kite Runner has too much exposition to cover, even in two hours and forty minutes, and the first half of the play plods along with too few dramatic beats as directed by ACT Artistic Director Carey Perloff. To get their words out, actors nearly talk over one another, and there's little room for reflection or for the characters to convey their interiority.

Likely realizing this challenge, Perloff cleverly navigates it at times: While we watch Laila and Mariam waiting for a man to buy them a train ticket, for example, Laila asks how much time has gone by. "Five minutes," Mariam tells her after just several seconds. "And now?" Laila asks again moments later. "And now ten," Mariam replies. At moments like this the fast pacing becomes surreal and particularly interesting: Mariam remembering her mother, for instance, floating across the stage, or Laila recalling her former love, Tariq, as limping on and off of it.

An excellent score composed and played by David Coulter (Kronos Quartet) smooths over the faster, rougher transitions and gives a through-line to the work, whose second half is better paced and more rewarding. There's dramatic payoff, but especially in its accelerated form, it's heavy handed. One line, that Like a compass needle that points north, a mans accusing finger will always find a woman," provides thematic direction, and the irony of men keeping women cooped up and covered up for fear, they claim, of other bad men in the outside world, is a powerful animating irony.

The claustrophobia the characters experience is conveyed well to the audience: Spare, surrealistic set design from Ken Macdonald pens us in elegantly, and Perloff's use of that set is at times brilliant. A table that's flipped upright on its legs becomes a closet or basement holding Laila and her infant child, while a flipped bed frame becomes nearly a cage for Mariam as she's beaten by Rasheed.

There's power in bearing witness to their pain, as they bear witness to and provide support for one another as well. But audiences won't be blamed for wanting to depart from Rasheed's cruel world as much as they want Laila and Mariam to.

A Thousand Splendid Suns runs through February 26 at ACT's Geary Theater. Tickets here.
Yesterday there were some false-alarm rumors that there had been a catastrophic failure of the spillway at Oroville Dam, fed by some dramatic photos of a controlled release of water down the damaged spillway. While that erosion damage is going to require an expensive fix, we learn today that as the lake is reaching 98 percent capacity, per the Chronicle, and officials have been hoping not to have use a never-before-used, unpaved emergency spillway at the other end of Lake Oroville, which would lead to unknown and potentially catastrophic impacts for the salmon fishing industry because of the cloudy water that will be unleashed into the adjacent Feather River.

The dam and primary spillway, constructed in the 1960s, remain functional and there is no danger to the public from the damaged spillway, as officials from California's Department of Water Resources explained Thursday, though each release of water has caused further damage to the concrete waterway and sent water spilling down the adjacent hillside.

The emergency spillway is another story, however, and if put into use will lead to tons of trees and debris being swept down into the river and the Feather River Hatchery below, as the Chronicle reports, potentially killing off millions of unhatched steelhead salmon eggs that are vital to the fishing industry  salmon hatched here end up being released and caught all along the Pacific coast. Already, four million baby salmon have been caught in nets and trucked downstream, but millions more remain vulnerable.

The hatchery, and potentially a year's worth of salmon fishing, appear to be the biggest potential casualties as officials try to keep Lake Oroville under control.

Per the Chronicle:



The open concrete pools outside the hatchery, where the millions of evacuated fish lived  and where millions more still were trapped  take in water right from the river and were swamped with filth. The delicate fish eggs, which must be incubated in cold, clear water, are kept farther inside the facility behind filter defenses.

But the filters proved feeble in the face of the turbidity, and scientists inside scrambled to figure out how to safely mix tap water, which contains enough chlorine to kill the fragile eggs, with the cloudy river water that wasnt much safer.

KTLA has data as of midnight Thursday showing the current contents of Northern California's reservoirs, with Lake Oroville, second in size only to Lake Shasta, at 144 percent of its historical average, and Shasta at 133 percent of its average. Lake Oroville hit 98 percent of capacity due to all the rain and runoff from the Sierra, while Lake Shasta was at 92 percent as of last night.

The Sacramento Bee reports Friday that officials now "think they can avoid using the dam's emergency spillway, which they've been working feverishly to avoid." In addition to risks to fish in the Feather River, there are potential flood risks for communities downstream as well.

Perhaps catastrophe has been avoided, and now the Department of Water Resources just has to brace for the next storm and deal with repairing the damaged spillway down the line. According to the Sac Bee, "The dam was releasing about 40,000 cubic feet of water per second Thursday afternoon... including about 35,000 cfs from the damaged main spillway. But that was not enough to compensate for the 190,000 cfs pouring into the reservoir from continued storms in the vast Sierra Nevada watershed that feeds the Feather River and its tributaries."

Previously: Dramatic Photos Show Damage To Oroville Dam Spillway, Officials Say Dam Is Still Fine


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Screenings

Free blood pressure screenings, 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays at Countryside Senior Living, front lobby. No appointment necessary.

Programs/Self-Help Groups

Al-Anon Information Center, call 712-255-6724.

Al-Anon and Alateen, meetings locally. For times, dates and locations of area meetings, call 712-255-6724.

Alcoholics Anonymous, beginners information, call 712-252-1333.

Arc of Woodbury County, serving the mentally challenged, 5:15 p.m. meeting, second Monday of the month at Mid-Step Services, 4303 Stone Ave. For families and interested persons.

Child Care Resource and Referral, provides resources, education and advocacy for children, parents, and child care providers. Assists in child care needs. For more information, call 712-277-1180.

Co-Dependence Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at First Lutheran Church, Fireside Room.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA), 10 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St.

Compassionate Friends, 7 p.m. fourth Wednesday of each month (third Thursday in November and second Sunday December) in Mercy Medical Center's Leiter Room. For families who have lost children. Contact Nancy Webb 712-212-4032 or Don Mulder 712-541-5512.

Clinics

Siouxland District Health immunization clinics, call for appointment, 712-279-6119 or 1-800-587-3005.

Information

Family and Addictive Illness series, for more information, call 234-2300.

Iowa Fathers, 6 to 8 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month at Hope Lutheran Church, Education Building, 218 W. 18th St., South Sioux City, Neb. Support group to help single, divorcing and divorced parents residing in the state of Iowa.

Mercy Pathways Outpatient Program, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, on the third floor, Mercy's Central Medical Building, 801 Fifth St., Suite 360. Provides hope, help, opportunity to connect through group therapy for individuals experiencing personal, relationship, psychiatric issues. For more information, call 712-279-5991.

Narcotics Anonymous, meetings daily, various times, dates and locations. For more information, call 712-279-0733.

Overeaters Anonymous, 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3700 Indian Hills Drive; 6 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John's Lutheran Church, 402 Lane Ave., Storm Lake; 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Church of the Nazarene, 226 N. Main St., Viborg, S.D.; 5:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at Newman Center, 320 E. Cherry St., Vermillion, S.D.; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St. A 12-step recovery program for people who have problems with food and weight. No fees.

St. Lukes Outpatient Behavioral Health Program, 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Thursday on fifth floor of St. Luke's, located at 2720 Stone Park Blvd. Offers several levels of outpatient care including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and group therapy. This program provides support and integrated treatment to individuals experiencing personal or relationship issues as a result of their mental illness. For more information and admission criteria, call 712-279-3906.

Sobriety By Faith, 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For more information, call James Mothershead at 712-577-9715.

The Link-Recovery and Freedom, 1603 Glen Ellen Road; 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday workshop, and Christian 12-step meeting 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. For all ages. Call Dee at 389-7432.

Women in Recovery, meets monthly at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For details, call 712-255-4623.

Tarahouse Meditation Center, 8 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 6:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, all at 3112 Rebecca St. Three easy 10-minute sessions in small group; beginners welcome. For more information, call 490-6410.

Blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays in the lobby at Westwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Free to public.

Support Groups

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hawkeye Club basement, 420 Jones St. For more information, call 277-5935.

Celebrate Recovery, Bible-based 12-step recovery group. Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive. Childcare provided. 712-490-3343. All welcome.

PFLAG of Siouxland, (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays), 7 p.m., fourth Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. St. Mark ELCA Church, 5200 Glenn Ave., in the upstairs meeting area. 712-258-3116.

Singles widowed and divorced, all ages, 4 p.m., Sundays. McDonald's at Sixth Street and Lewis Boulevard. 712-252-2675.

GriefShare, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

HIV/AIDS Support Group, meets weekly. For more information, call Darla or Teri at Siouxland Community Health Center, 712-252-2477 or 888-371-1965.

Hospice of Siouxland, seeking volunteers. For more information, call 712-233-4144 and ask for a volunteer coordinator.

La Leche League of Siouxland, breastfeeding support group meets every third Thursday at 11 a.m. at Morningside Lutheran Church. Children are welcome. For more information, call Mary at 712-546-7280 or Jacquie at 712-255-2998.

Living Each Day Cancer Support Group, 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of the month, Floyd Valley Hospital, Conference Center Room 2, Le Mars, Iowa. Open to all cancer patients, cancer survivors and family members. No charge. Pre-register by calling 712-546-3441 or 800-642-6074, ext. 441.

Mom and Baby Support Group, 10-11 a.m. last Monday of the month at the Orange City (Iowa) Hospital, lower level. For new moms and babies. 712-737-5260.

Tri-State Sober Project, 12-step meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Friendship Community Church, 305 Sergeant Square Drive, Sergeant Bluff. 6-7 p.m., Thursdays, Transitional Services of Iowa, 1221 Pierce St., Sioux City.

Doug's Donors Support Group, information for organ donors and recipients, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Fridays, 5:15-6:30 p.m. second Thursdays of the month at Mercy Cafeteria Woodbury Room. 712-277-1050.

Divorce Care, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

NAMI Siouxland, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Group meets 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month at Friendship House, 1101 Court St. For individuals and family members dealing with mental illness. 712-255-4209.

New Life Life Support Group, 3:30 p.m. every Saturday at 2929 W. Fourth St. Spiritual 12-step program. For more information, call Donald at 712-574-1744 or James at 712-255-7624.

Orphan Sunday, 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday at Sunnybrook Community Church loft, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive.

Post Polio Support Group, 11 a.m. first Thursday of the month at Perkins Restaurant by Menards. 712-490-8213.

Relationship Support Group, 7 p.m. Fridays at Marketplace Mall. For more information, call 239-3129.

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Individual and Support Groups. For more information, call CSADV in Sioux City at 712-258-7233; Plymouth County at 712-546-6764; Monona County at 712-423-3443. Advocacy and support available 24 hours a day at 1-800-982-7233. All services free of charge and confidential.

Sickle Cell Disease Support Group, 11 a.m. third Saturday of each month at St. Luke's Hospital, meeting room 1. For patients, their family and any concerned member. Call La'Keshia Rainey at 712-203-2019 for more information.

Single and Parenting, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

Sioux City Association of the Deaf, 7 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Morningside Church of Christ, 5015 Garretson Ave. Regular meeting, September-May; no meeting, June, July, August and December.

Siouxland Autism Support Group, second Thursday of the month at Northwest Area Education Agency, 1520 Morningside Ave. For more information, call Julie Case at 712-490-8939.

Siouxland Epilepsy Support Group, 5 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at Prestwick Apartment Clubhouse, 4230 Hickory Lane. For anyone diagnosed with seizures or epilepsy and family or friends. For more information, call Steve at 274-6927.

Siouxland IC support group, meets quarterly in Sioux City. For patients struggling with interstital cystitis. For more information, call Jacque Dundas 316-641-9766.

Siouxland Informational Group for the Blind, 2-5 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Northern Hills Retirement Community, 4002 Teton Trace. For more information, call 712-266-8926 or 258-8151.

Grief support group, 5:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 5 for 13 weeks (may join at any time), Crescent Park United Methodist Church, 2826 Myrtle St., Sioux City. Scott, 712-899-6315.

Siouxland Ostomy Association, 2 p.m. first Sunday of each month (except September, which will be second Sunday; and no meetings June, July, August), in Room 300 at Mercy Medical Center, 801 Fifth St. For more information, call Dick Lindblom at 251-2453.

Siouxland Parkinson Disease Support Group, 1 p.m. fourth Monday of the month at Siouxland Center for Active Generations, 313 Cook St. For more information, call Sally Reinert at 402-987-3516.

Sojourners, support group for families of persons with life-threatening illness, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Room 416. For more information, call Marjorie Jarvill at 402-241-8637.

South Sioux City Weight Support Group, 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul United Methodist Church, South Sioux City. For more information, call 494-1401 or 494-2133.

Disabilities Resource Center of Siouxland, 520 Nebraska St., Suite 101: Women's Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Wednesday of the month; LGBT Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Friday of the month; Adult ADHD, 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; Advocacy Group, 1:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month. For more information, call 712-255-1065.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, group meetings various times, days and locations in Siouxland. For information on the chapter in your area, call 1-800-932-TOPS.

Voice Disorder Support Group, meets as needed at Mercy Medical Center, Buena Vista Room. 712-279-2686.

Women's Peer Support Group, in Wayne and South Sioux City, Neb., for those who have experienced domestic abuse. For more information, call the Wayne office at 402-375-4633 or 1-800-440-4633; in South Sioux City, call 402-494-7592. Help and support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services free and confidential.

Woodbury County D.M.D.A., noon-2 p.m. first Saturday of the month at Country Friendship Acres, 4501 West St.; 7-8 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at 515 Court St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at 441 W. Third St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at 409 W. Third St. in the Community Room. Support group for people with disabilities and mental disorders.

Natural Mamas in Siouxland, 1 p.m., third Tuesday of each month in the Garretson room of the Morningside Public Library. All ages of children are welcome to come with moms. For sharing natural living tips, recipes, natural remedies and health, homemaking, mothering, etc. For more information, call 402-913-0038 or visit their Facebook page.

A Step Beyond support group, 3:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, except for August, November and December when it meets at 5:30 p.m. (no meeting in January) at the Christy-Smith Resource Center, 1819 Morningside Ave. For more information, call 712-276-7319.

Divorce care, 5 p.m., Sundays. Fireside room, Morningside Lutheran Church, 700 South Martha St.

Gamblers Anonymous meetings, 4 p.m. Thursdays at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 315 Hamilton Blvd.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Morningside Presbyterian Church, 4327 Morningside Ave.; 7 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John Lutheran Church; 7 p.m. Sundays, Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St.. 712-277-2901.

Art therapy support group, 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Registration required, call 252-9387.

After Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call Brenda, 252-9370.

After Prostate Cancer Support Group, 5:15 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call 252-9426.

Alzheimer's Association, Big Sioux Chapter Support Group, 2 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; 4 p.m. third Tuesday of the month (under age 65) at 201 Pierce St., Suite 110 (Famous Dave's building); and 6 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the Barnes and Noble Cafe. For more information, call Emily Lord at 712-279-5802.

Christy-Smith Funeral Homes of Sioux City, extensive grief library at the Morningside location. Open to the public during weekday hours. For more information, call 276-7319.

Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness Support Group, 7:30 p.m. fourth Wednesday of the month in the lower level of the Orange City Hospital. For more information, call 712-737-5260.

Connections Area Agency on Aging, and Mercy Medical Centers Older Adult Services Welcome to Medicare, 1:30-4 p.m., the first Friday of every month at Connections Area Agency on Aging, 2301 Pierce St. To pre-register, or for more information, contact Connections Area Agency on Aging at 712-279-6900.
Archived Results for Friday, February 10th, 2017

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New topic at women's bible study

SIOUX CITY -- Shauna Niequist's "Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living" will be discussed at the next women's Bible study at Grace United Methodist Church, 1725 Morningside Ave.

The five sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. The study is open to all women.

The $22 book is available in the church office. Call Jill Clem at 712-276-3452 for additional information.

Boy Scouts Sunday celebration

SIOUX CITY -- Grace United Methodist Church, 1735 Morningside Ave., will celebrate Boy Scouts Sunday during the 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday.

A children's activity with lunch and a showing of "The Secret Life of Pets" will take place from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Children preschool through fifth grade are encouraged to attend.

For further information, call Jan Jacobson at 712-276-3452.

Sunday service at First Unitarian

SIOUX CITY -- The congregation of First Unitarian Church will hear UU Communion with Karen Mackey at 11 a.m. Sunday at First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St.

Cathedral to host organist

SIOUX CITY -- The Cathedral of the Epiphany, 1000 Douglas St., will host Johann Vexo, organist from Notre Dame de Paris, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17. A free will offering will be collected in lieu of tickets.

For more information, call the Cathedral of the Epiphany at 712-255-1637.

Musical evening set for Saturday

SIOUX CITY | "A Musical Evening with Terry Brooks and Friends" will be held from 7-9 p.m. Saturday at First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St. $10 admission will be donated to Mary J. Treglia Community House. Light refreshments will be served.
SIOUX CITY -- Even on his days off, Ricky Osorio, a registered nurse who works in UnityPoint Health -- St. Luke's emergency department, struggled to fall asleep.

He'd drink hot decaffeinated tea, read a book, meditate and picture a beach in Mexico.

"I would lay there for hours," said the 28-year-old Sioux City man, who is a member of the Army National Guard and a student finishing up his master's degree. "It's just really hard to adjust from working night shift to day shift. We work night shift, but the rest of the world operates on day shift."

A growing number of health care workers are suffering from sleep deprivation and fatigue, according to a survey published in the journal Sleep in 2010. Thirty-two percent of health care workers reported getting six or fewer hours of sleep per day in 2007, up from 28 percent in 1985. Seven to nine hours of sleep is recommended daily for adults.

Heather Davis said sleep deprivation is ingrained into the culture of medicine. Davis, director of UCLA's paramedic education program, will give a presentation about how a lack of sleep is making emergency medical services personnel "stupid, slow and dangerous" at the 2017 Emergency Conference, Feb. 24-25 at the Sioux City Convention Center.

After working a 24- or 48-hour shift, Davis said health care workers wear their tiredness and fatigue like a "badge of honor," even though it contributes to medication errors that kill more than 100,000 Americans every year.

A 2006 National Academy of Sciences study found interns who worked just three hours more per shift committed 22 percent more critical errors, which result in increased morbidity and mortality, than their counterparts.

Davis said shift work and long hours combined with the desire to do more in less time is leaving nurses fatigued. Instead of going home and sleeping for seven or eight hours after their shift, she said they're studying for classes, taking care of their kids and running errands. They're also likely picking up more hours at work, as there's a national shortage of nurses.

She said EMS workers make minimum wage, so they may have a second job to make ends meet. Rural areas are served by volunteer EMTs, who are on call at night and work another job during the day.

When his 4-year-old son was younger, Osorio didn't have a day care provider. He would sleep just two hours before returning to work for another 12-hour shift. Approaching 3 a.m., Osorio said he could either be his normal happy self or a bit crabby.

"I'm usually pretty happy all the time now because I sleep a lot more," he said. "We've got day care now, thank god. But still it's hard managing."

Davis said losing two hours of sleep a night over the course of two weeks is equivalent to being awake for two days. She said a person could recover from such a sleep deficit if they started getting adequate amounts of sleep again.

"If it was just the holidays where you were so busy, you would recover from that," she said. "The problem is, for folks who work in health care, it's not just the holidays. It's all the time, so they're chronically sleep deprived."

People who are sleep deprived feel drained and sluggish. They suffer from muscles aches, exhibit crankiness and become easily frustrated. Their decision-making and impulse control are also affected. Researchers at the University of Warwick linked sleeping for less than six hours a night to an increased risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke.

Davis said norepinephrine -- the neurotransmitter most involved in "fight or flight" -- is chronically being released in the bodies of the sleep deprived, raising their blood pressure and heart rate.

She said sleep deprivation also takes a toll on the endocrine system, increasing inflammation in the body and the stress hormone cortisol, which ramps up appetite and leads to weight gain.

"Not only are people packing on the pounds and all the health risks that come with that, but it's really hard to lose (weight) when you're sleep deprived," she said. "If you look around at both the EMS and the health care community, you see a lot of folks who are bigger. Much of it has to do with lack of sleep."

Health care employers are taking notice of the detrimental effects a lack of sleep has on their workers.

When tired employees started running red lights, causing car crashes and driving their vehicles into ditches, Travis County Texas EMS developed sleep safe rooms to help employees get to deep sleep and stay there. The rooms, which are equipped with a bed, clock and fan, are soundproof and feature blackout curtains.

Some hospitals require nurses to wear vests with the message "do not disturb" when dispensing medications. Davis said this safeguard helps tired nurses concentrate by preventing interruptions.

Suzie Fischer, a spokeswoman for St. Luke's, said the hospital works with employees to meet their individual needs including offering sleep rooms to team members who require those accommodations due to extended commutes, weather and other factors.

Davis said getting an adequate amount of sleep has to be a priority for both health care employers and employees.

"Work shouldn't be the only place that you're getting decent sleep," she said. "It is an important strategy for employers in terms of the health of their workforce, but employees also have a responsibility to take care of themselves at home."
SIOUX CITY | Woodbury County's top prosecutor on Friday cleared a Sioux City police officer in the shooting death of a Dakota Dunes man that officers believed to be armed during a Dec. 7 traffic stop.

Officer Dylan Grimsley was justified for firing at Daniel Anthony Riedmann, 36, and won't face criminal charges, Woodbury County Attorney P.J. Jennings said at a news conference at police headquarters.

Jennings said the three officers that first arrived at the scene were faced with a "rapidly evolving situation" in the 11 minutes between when the car was reportedly pulled over and when the four shots were fired.

"It was not until Officer Grimsley felt that his life, as well as the lives of the other two officers present, were in danger, that he discharged his firearm," Jennings said at the news conference. "It was reasonable under the circumstances known to Officer Grimsley for him to have fear of officer safety."

It took Jennings about a month to release his conclusion after he received the full report on the incident from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation early last month.

According to the report, an officer in a marked car believed there to be "suspicious activity" coming from a vehicle that was parked in the Burger King parking lot, 1724 Hamilton Blvd. after 10:15 p.m. on Dec. 7.

The officer then began to trail the Suburban as it left the parking lot and tried to initiate a traffic stop in the area of West First Street and Hamilton Boulevard after a check of the license plate showed the owner had a suspended license. The vehicle then came to a complete stop in the left turn lane on Hamilton at the intersection of Tri-View Avenue but then traveled eastbound before coming to a stop off the road onto Myrtle Street.

A second officer who was in uniform and in a marked patrol vehicle arrived on scene to assist the officer who pulled the vehicle over. Grimsley arrived shortly after in an unmarked vehicle and was wearing "plain clothes," the report said.

When pulled over on Myrtle Street, the first officer asked for identification from the female driver and Riedmann, a front seat passenger, and both gave "non-driver's license identification cards."

That's when one of the officers spotted what was believed to be a small handgun in the rear passenger area directly behind Riedmann, the report said.

A background check on Riedmann showed that he had an active warrant and had "violent tendencies" and was "usually armed and dangerous," Jennings said. The officer who pulled over the vehicle communicated those traits to Grimsley and the other officer and "instructed them to keep a close eye on (Riedmann)," the report said.

The three reapproached the vehicle and removed the female driver and placed her in a squad car. After that, police say Riedmann disobeyed repeated commands by the officers to show his hands and to exit the vehicle.

"Riedmann became combative with the officers and continued to resist their commands to exit...," the report said. "As the officers continued to make several verbal demands of Riedmann to exit the vehicle they did witness him make his first aggressive move towards his left side which immediately prompted the officers... to draw their service weapons and have them directed towards Riedmann."

The report included that Riedmann stated he was only attempting to "pull up his pants" and to "take off his seatbelt" when the guns were drawn at him after his "aggressive" actions.

Riedmann continued to disobey police commands and the officers thought he might try to jump into the driver's seat of the vehicle. An officer then removed the keys from the ignition, but Riedmann continued to make "furtive movements with his hands," the report said.

Another officer then holstered his weapon and began to make an attempt to open the passenger front door. At that point, Riedmann made "a second sudden and aggressive move away from the officers, causing Grimsley to discharge his service weapon four times at Riedmann out of fear for officer safety," the report said.

"Had Riedmann not made (his) aggressive movements away from the officers, which denied Grimsley the ability to see Riedmann's hands, Grimsley would not have been faced with the split-second decision resulting in him using deadly force for officer safety," Jennings said at the news conference. "Therefore, the death of Daniel Riedmann is determined to be a justifiable homicide under the laws of the state of Iowa."

All four shots hit Riedmann, but only three entered his body, according to the report.

As additional officers arrived on scene, Riedmann was taken from the front passenger seat and placed on the ground, and a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun fell from the vehicle as he was being removed, the report said.

Riedmann was taken to a local hospital where he died 30 minutes later. A toxicology report from the state's medical examiner revealed Riedmann tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine. The latter is commonly found in prescription medication.

Following the shooting, Grimsley and the two other officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave and returned after being cleared by doctors.

We are in agreement with County Attorney Jennings findings. Now the police department and the officers can move on, Police Chief Doug Young said Friday. But it is unfortunate that we have three young officers that have to carry this around with them for the rest of their lives.
SIOUX CITY | Republican lawmakers pushing for a major overhaul of Iowas collective bargaining law say the changes would give state and local governments more power and flexibility when negotiating contracts with unionized workers.

But no local elected official the Journal spoke to Thursday offered support for the controversial revamp, which has sparked angry protests from public sector workers across the state.

 I dont know that we want to see it gutted like some people do, Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott said Thursday of the collective bargaining law. I hope they dont go too carried away because I dont think we need to (make dramatic changes).

We have a great relationship with our unions, and we are going to do everything we can to keep that, he added.

After being asked by local union leaders, Scott said he signed a letter opposing major changes to the collective bargaining law, as established in Chapter 20 in the state code.

Sioux City School Board Vice President Michael McTaggart said Thursday he called the proposed changes to the law unfortunate.

Chapter 20 was a very successful tool, but it certainly needed to be modified, said McTaggart, a retired school teacher and administrator. But in my personal opinion, I think (legislators) went too far.

The school district, and others, are facing some real difficult challenges because of the constraints of arbitration," McTaggart added. "By and far, I believe our relationships with the Sioux City school association and other bargaining groups are very good, and in my experience are respectful with the needs of the school district.

Woodbury County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matthew Ung said Thursday he doesn't know enough about the specifics of the legislation to comment on it. Ung said the current union leaders are a good group to work with, so recent contracts have come together with little discord.

"Our relationship with the unions is vastly improved," Ung said.

The Sioux City Republican said it doesn't hurt for legislators to openly debate changes to a law that dates to 1974.

GOP Gov. Terry Branstad and Republicans who control the House and Senate say the legislation tweaks an antiquated law that has given bargaining units the upper hand in talks with state and local governments.

Proponents say the 68-page bill will benefit taxpayers by limiting the subjects that non-public safety workers can bring to the bargaining table, changing arbitration rules, altering how unions are certified and eliminating the longtime practice of gathering dues through payroll deductions.

The bill notably exempts public safety workers from most of the changes. Police officers, firefighters, sheriffs deputies and other public safety workers will continue to be allowed to bargain on such things as health insurance, vacation and other matters of interest as they do today. But non-public safety workers such as schoolteachers and street workers would no longer be able to bargain over health insurance, vacation time, work schedules or other non-wage issues.

Scott said carving out an exemption for public safety employees gives him pause. Non-public safety workers, such as those who clear snow from the citys streets, are just as essential to the community, he said.

I think its unfair when youre doing this separation, and (other employees) feel that theyre a separate class, the mayor said. Theyre out there to keep the city going, not that I dont appreciate what police and firemen do every day.

Chris DeHarty, president of AFSCME Local 212, which represents nearly 400 unionized workers, including Sioux City School District bus drivers, Sioux Gateway Airport workers, the Sioux City Assessors office and operations, field services, technical and clerical staff for the city, said the legislation would make non-public safety workers appear second-class.

As far as Im concerned, firemen, policemen and the State Patrol cant do their jobs without us, DeHarty said.

In a show of solidarity, local public safety workers are joining with other unions in opposition to the Republican-led bill.

Local 7 of the International Firefighters Association, which represents more than 100 Sioux City Fire Rescue employees, expects to issue a statement this weekend, president Leonard Kraker said Thursday.

Posts to the unions Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/scpff/), though, shown opposition to the bill, saying it will jeopardize public safety of citizens of Iowa and our members and allow firefighters to be fired without just cause, which could affect the environment of post-incident debriefings.

Local 7 is one of two public safety unions in the city. The Sioux City Police Officers Association represents more than 120 police department members.

The largest union in Woodbury County, the Communications Workers of America Local 7717, represents more than 30 Woodbury County sheriff's deputies and 80 jailers.

CWA Local 7717 President Todd Trobaugh said Thursday the proposed collective bargaining legislation could create a divide in the union, since he believes deputies could be exempted from the changes while jailers would not.

Trobaugh said he is most concerned that civil service rules could be changed so workers can be fired without cause. He said that will "extremely politicize" the office, since sheriffs, who are popularly elected every four years, could come in an clean house with "vindictive" firings of people they don't like.

Woodbury County Sheriff Dave Drew, a Republican, has spoken out against changes to the law at two public forums in the last week  at a Sioux City rally, then on Wednesday during a legislative committee hearing.

"Our entire department is thankful that (Drew) is standing up for his people," Trobaugh said.

Drew, who has been involved in bargaining for 36 years, with much of that as a deputy in a union prior to becoming sheriff in 2013, said collective bargaining gives the opportunity for both workers and bosses to hash out solutions when the two sides are at loggerheads.

"I have seen collective bargaining work," the sheriff told the House Labor Committee and a Senate Labor and Business Relations subcommittee

Trobaugh said most people who serve in law enforcement typically vote in large numbers for Republicans. He said the Republicans in the Legislature who seem determined to fast track the legislation should proceed more cautiously, or risk alienating a now favorable voting demographic.

"I honestly don't think we can stop it...I don't know of anybody that will vote Republican next time after (legislators) vote for this," Trobaugh said.

Leaders of non-public safety unions also are warning lawmakers to reverse course.

DeHarty, who visited the state capital Tuesday to speak with local legislators regarding the bill, said he believes the Republicans in the Legislature are playing politics with collective bargaining as a way to get back at Democrats.

Its not going to save the taxpayers money, DeHarty said. Basically its payback to the Democratic party for blocking bills in the past that they tried to get through.

DeHarty said hes heard concern from 20 to 30 of his union employees that if the bill goes through they will consider leaving the public sector for the private sector, where they believe they will receive better benefits.

Some of the younger guys that come up, theyve started questioning about staying and working with the city, he said.

Bruce Lear, longtime director of Siouxland UniServ Unit, which represents the Sioux City Education Association and the Sioux City Educational Support Personnel Association bargaining units for the Sioux City School District, did not mince words regarding the proposed legislation.

Its one of the worst bills that Ive seen in more than 30 years working with public sector folks, Lear said. It strips their rights away, its an insult to the hardworking teachers, secretaries and assistants and the public sector workers in general.

Lear said the ability to bargain locally has been a major recruiting tool for the district.

What this does to Iowa is devastate the ability of districts to attract and retain the best and brightest, period, he said.

Lear and other union leaders said the legislation could take Iowa down the same path as in Wisconsin, where GOP Gov. Scott Walker and a majority Republican legislature muscled through similar changes to the states labor laws in 2011. Critics said the changes decimated the employment packages previously enjoyed by public employees and union membership plummeted.

"This bill is Wisconsin on steroids," Danny Homan, a Sioux City native who heads Iowas largest state union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, said in a Journal interview Thursday.

Lear said the Wisconsin law led to a teacher shortage in the Badger state and he fears that could occur in Iowa as well.

Teachers can go from here to Sioux Falls, Omaha or Minnesota and still have the benefits of bargaining things that matter, he said.

Journal staff writers Dave Dreeszen, Greg Forbes, Bret Hayworth and Ian Richardson and Journal Des Moines Bureau reporters Rod Boshart, James Q. Lynch and Ed Tibbetts contributed to this story.
SIOUX CITY | A Storm Lake, Iowa, man has been arrested after police said he made felony misrepresentations in the attempt to sell a home in Buena Vista County.

The Storm Lake Police Department in a Friday release announced the arrest of Dalton Sassman, 20, of Storm Lake. Police since Jan. 19 had been looking into possible fraudulent practices on the sale of a home in Truesdale, a town located five miles north of Storm Lake.

According to the release, a person told police of responding to a Facebook advertisement on a house for sale and meeting with Sassman, who was allegedly using the alias of Dalton Fortymeyer. Police said the parties met twice over three days, and $1,800 was paid to Sassman as a down payment for the house on Jan. 16.

"The reporting party through their own research became concerned on the legitimacy of the real state contract they entered into," the release said.

Police said Sassman was not the owner of the property and had no authority to sell it. He was arrested on felony charges of second-degree fraudulent practices, second-degree theft and second-degree conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony.

Sassman was booked into Buena Vista County Jail in Storm Lake.

Later on Friday, the police department reported a second person had been involved in the incident and arrested. Angel Askren, 19, of Schaller, Iowa, was arrested on the felony charge of conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony.

Askren was held in the county jail.
SIOUX CITY | A Yankton, South Dakota, man was arrested after police pursued him through four counties from South Dakota into Nebraska.

The Yankton Police Department in a Friday release reported the arrest of James Lee Colman, of Yankton, on several felonies. Police said Colman was wanted on a parole violation and he fled in a car after an arrest attempt was made in Yankton late Thursday.

Police said Colman drove south into Nebraska in Cedar County, then went west to Knox County and Boyd County. He was arrested in Lynch, Nebraska, after spike strips were placed in the road to halt the car.

Colman was cited for the felony charges of aggravated eluding, aggravated assault of an officer and possession of a firearm by a felon.

A passenger in the car, Jarvis Bason, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City watchdog group has announced support for proposed legislation that would change collective bargaining rules for public employees in Iowa.

The Taxpayers Research Council said the group recognizes that if the legislation moving through the Iowa House and Senate becomes law, there would be big changes to thousands of public employees living in Siouxland.

"However, ensuring responsible usage of our tax dollars by our local governments continues to be our top priority," TRC executive director Taylor Goodvin said in a prepared statement.

"The rapidly rising cost of health insurance and other employment related benefits severely limit our local governments come budget time. A solution is needed to help prevent unnecessary tax increases for our taxpayers."

Republican lawmakers pushing for a major overhaul of Iowas collective bargaining law say the changes would give state and local governments more power and flexibility when negotiating contracts with unionized workers. They hold control of both chambers and are in a position to move a bill to Gov. Terry Branstad.

Among the many provisions in the bill: benefits such as health insurance, vacation, overtime pay and health and safety considerations no longer would be required to be negotiated by public employers and employees; unions would face a tougher process to recertify and would be required to do so more regularly; and could no longer accept dues via automatic paycheck deductions.

Several union groups have pushed back against the bill, saying it would negatively impact their job security. Union members have gone in large numbers to the Legislature to speak out over the past week and plan to again when the topic returns on Monday in Des Moines.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City woman has been sentenced to four months in federal prison for escaping from a halfway house.

Harden had been on home confinement with electronic monitoring at Dismas Charities Residential Reentry Center in Sioux City when she cut off her monitoring bracelet on Aug. 12 and left the residence. U.S. marshals arrested her later in Winnebago, Nebraska.
The cover of this book is quite appropriate for what lies inside. Chasing Jubal, by Bill Thompson is a story about the journey of Jubal Simpson, a young boy growing up in the rural south, in the 1950s. Jubal embarks on a journey, early in the book, to join his brother, who has just enlisted and stationed in North Carolina. Jubal, in utter brotherly devotion, takes off without a clue of where Fort Bragg is or how to get there. He is that determined to help his brother fight, for whatever enemy shows up. The adventure unfolds with every paragraph. Jubal has his fair share of companions on his journey. Rich dialogue ensures, they are everyone memorable-and the journey, is nothing short of an epic adventure.In a bit less than 300 pages, Jubal Simpson evolves from a young and gullible boy to a noble young man while he is wandering. Nothing that happens is predictable. What does happen, influences Jubal for the rest of his life.Jubals' small hometown in Virginia sends out a search party , who in reality, are chasing Jubal from one strange destination to another. They don't know where they are going either, but they do not escape getting caught up in the same sort of escapades, that Jubal experiences. Somehow, Bill Thompson, weaves all the journeys in to one exciting tale. This is a story where things unravel and then bind up again-and you won't see it coming.There is mystery, drama and fantasy in Chasing Jubal, and the elements combine in a seamless way. Raymond, Jubals' best friend records, the accounts- and he can't tell the difference either. Raymond, like everybody else, had his own encounters with all sorts of oddities, as he is chasing Jubal.I started reading Chasing Jubal and was hooked right off. Bill Thompson is an artist with words. He paints pictures with them, and will make you choke on the dust of the back roads and smell the rain that falls on the way. If you are looking for a book that you won't be able to put down, for love nor money, this is the one. It is a good thing to read a well-written book with a good story- and Chasing Jubal is all of that.* Chasing Jubal is available at Amazon.com-barnesandnoble.com - the Indigo Sea Press website -or for an autographed copy, contact Bill Thompson at 3815 Sam Potts Hwy, Hallsboro NC 28442
SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- The Cold War was waged and won in many places, including this beach city, home to the RAND Corp. Created in 1948 to think about research and development as it effects military planning and procurement, RAND pioneered strategic thinking about nuclear weapons in the context of the U.S.-Soviet competition. Seven decades later it is thinking about the nuclear threat from a nation created in 1948.

When Defense Secretary James Mattis said that any North Korean use of nuclear weapons would draw an "effective and overwhelming" U.S. response, he did not, according to RAND's Bruce W. Bennett, "overcommit" the president by saying that the response would be nuclear. But an overwhelming response could be.

On Jan. 1, North Korea's 33-year-old leader Kim Jong Un said that his regime was at "the final stage in preparations to test-launch" an ICBM, perhaps one capable of reaching America's Pacific Coast. On Jan. 2, Donald Trump tweeted: "It won't happen!" He thereby drew a red line comparable to his predecessor's concerning Syrian chemical weapons. So, Trump, who excoriated Barack Obama for ignoring that red line, must, Bennett believes, be prepared to threaten actions that would prevent North Korea from learning from its test, actions such as shooting down the missile.

The United States has 30-some ground-based interceptor missiles at Fort Greely in Alaska and others at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This small capability is intended to cope with an accidental firing by an adversary, or an intentional firing by a rogue general, or to deter or defeat a deliberate attack by an adversary with a small nuclear arsenal, such as North Korea. Will the U.S. anti-ballistic missile system work? Bennett says technologies can go wrong, so this would be an opportunity to fix any failures. And unless we then are prepared to shoot down theater-range ballistic missiles, we will signal less-than-convincing commitment to South Korea and Japan. To those who say it is premature to conclude that Kim is capable of delivering a nuclear warhead, Bennett says: In 1966, China, in its fourth nuclear test, just two years after its first, had a missile carry a nuclear weapon to its detonation over its western desert.

In 2006, William Perry, who had been defense secretary for Bill Clinton, and Ashton Carter, who would be Obama's final defense secretary, recommended U.S. action to destroy any ICBM set for testing on a North Korean launch pad. But that nation's conventional retaliatory capabilities, including artillery and rockets capable of inflicting considerable damage on at least Seoul's northern suburbs, forestalled this. And North Korea has perhaps 1,000 tactical-range ballistic missiles capable of striking throughout South Korea and Japan. Furthermore, North Korea has cyberwar, commando and sabotage capabilities.

Today, U.S. surface ships and submarines alone could deliver dozens of cruise missiles, and each of up to 10 B-2 bombers could carry two Massive Ordnance Penetrators to destroy underground leadership or missile bunkers. But as soon as Kim has one or more ICBMs (probably road-mobile) capable of delivering, on short notice, a nuclear payload to, say, Santa Monica, pre-emptive U.S. action, even just against his nuclear infrastructure, might be too risky.

Furthermore, preparations for a more ambitious strike -- against North Korean artillery and rockets, ports, airfields, command-and-control centers, leadership bunkers and forward-positioned forces -- might be apparent and might provoke Kim to strike first against Seoul and U.S. forces in South Korea. South Korea talks openly of creating, this year, a "decapitation brigade" involving perhaps as many as 2,000 troops whose mission would be to eliminate North Korea's leadership in the event of war.

Kim recently dismissed the head of his secret police, the latest sign of insecurity. Bennett believes Kim, undeterred by tweets, might test his ICBM for internal purposes -- to impress restive North Korean elites. Bennett suggests that the threat to shoot down the test flight would constructively exacerbate Kim's problems. As might U.S. propaganda, for example by reminding North Korean elites that China's president has had eight summits with South Korea's president in the last four years but never has had one with Kim, who China apparently considers not important.

North Korea, which has been run opaquely for the Kim family's benefit since 1953, is approaching a red line. Although the line was drawn before Trump took office, perhaps it represents continuity. It prefigured the kind of improvisational governance that has made his early weeks so interesting.
We recall few local issues that have produced as much emotion and discussion as traffic cameras.

To be honest, we don't get it. If you follow the posted speed signs and stop for red lights, you won't have a problem with speed and red-light cameras.

Nonetheless, here we are, still debating and arguing (and writing) about them, from Des Moines to Sioux City, years after they first went into use, with no sign of letup.

First three paragraphs of Our Opinion, Sioux City Journal, Feb. 23, 2014

Three years after we wrote those words, the traffic camera debate in Iowa rages on.

Two related bills have been introduced during this year's session of the Legislature.

One bill, passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, would ban traffic cameras in Iowa; the other, passed by the Senate Transportation Committee, addresses regulation of traffic cameras by the state.

Our view?

As we have said before, for reasons of public safety we prefer traffic cameras remain legal within a uniform set of reasonable rules, including fines.

If a majority of lawmakers in both chambers of the Statehouse believe traffic cameras represent pure evil, then they should vote to outlaw them altogether. However, if the Legislature believes these cameras represent an acceptable form of traffic enforcement in Iowa cities and decides to retain them, then we believe decisions about where to place them should be left to local municipalities, even on state roads within city limits.

Simply put, local jurisdictions know better than the state Department of Transportation where to put their speed and red-light cameras.
U.S. unit of Swiss technology group will invest $62 million

Contact: Ford Porter

Ford Porter govpress@nc.gov

RALEIGH, N.C. - Global technology group Oerlikon will invest $62 million to establish a manufacturing hub in Mecklenburg County that will create 93 new jobs during the next five years, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.Governor Cooper said.Oerlikon is headquartered in Pfaffikon, Switzerland. The company has been in business for more than 100 years and is a leader in surface solutions, advanced materials and materials processing. It has a global footprint of more than13,500 employees at more than 170 locations in 37 countries. It serves customers in the automotive, aerospace, energy, medical and other industries.Oerlikon's Charlotte facility will be the company's first additive manufacturing facility in the U.S. and will provide end-to-end advanced component manufacturing and house extensive research and development and production teams. The facility will showcase an integrated approach to the design and manufacture of advanced components to Oerlikon's customers.Oerlikon will hire engineers, R&D staff and skilled craftsmen for its North Carolina facility. While compensation will vary by position, annual salaries for the new jobs will average $93,011. Mecklenburg County's overall wages currently average $62,741 per year.said Dr. Roland Fischer, Oerlikon CEO.Helping facilitate Oerlikon's arrival in North Carolina was a performance-based grant of up to $1 million from the One North Carolina Fund. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance in support of local governments in creating jobs and attracting economic investment. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants are contingent upon a local government match.said N.C. Senator Jeff Tarte.said N.C. Representative Chaz Beasley.In addition to North Carolina Commerce and EDPNC, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Mecklenburg County, the Town of Huntersville, the Charlotte Regional Partnership, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Norman Economic Development Corporation.
Military Affairs Committee Chairman Martin and Military Affairs Secretary Larry Hall remove presentation critical of Amazon Wind Farm from agenda to prevent CJ from reporting on it



Larry Hall, secretary of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, defended Tuesday's decision to remove a report on the controversial Amazon Wind Farm from the agenda of Tuesday's N.C. Veterans Affairs Commission meeting because a Carolina Journal reporter was in the room. (CJ photo by Dan Way)

The chairman of the N.C. Military Affairs Commission refused to allow a presentation at an open committee meeting Tuesday because a Carolina Journal reporter was in attendance.The presentation on a controversial wind energy project was on the agenda of the commission's Executive Steering Group. But the commission's chairman, Brig. Gen. Mabry "Bud" Martin, attempted to prevent media coverage of the presentation even though Martin and Larry Hall, Gov. Roy Cooper's nominee as secretary of military and veterans affairs, acknowledged that the session was a public meeting.The presentation, by wind energy opponent John Droz, would have focused on the Amazon Wind Farm , a $400-million, 104-turbine facility near Elizabeth City. North Carolina legislative leaders last month sent Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly a letter asking him to consider closing down the operation. They fear that it will seriously degrade the operational performance of a sophisticated radar receiver at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Northwest Annex in Virginia on the North Carolina border.That military facility is a key national security component in tracking aircraft and ships used in drug trafficking. Some critics of the Amazon Wind Farm have expressed worry that its operation could result in the military installation being closed due to the radar interference, harming the local economy.Droz has spoken out against the Amazon Wind Farm and other wind projects along the coast.Before Droz's presentation, commission personnel stopped and questioned the CJ staff member outside the meeting room. He was allowed to pass after noting it was an open meeting and, by state law, members of the public could attend.CJ was the only media organization present at the meeting.Martin and Hall expressed surprise that a member of the media was present. So were two members of the public who were interested in hearing about the wind farm project. They asked for the visitors to identify themselves to the commission.Martin acknowledged that the session was a public meeting. But he and Hall said they were unaware Droz had alerted others that he would be making a presentation, and said he should have informed them.They expressed discomfort about allowing Droz's presentation in an open forum because of the sensitive nature of the topic and its importance to the state.Martin attempted to place a news blackout on the Droz presentation, asking if an agreement could be reached that none of the details discussed in the meeting would be printed or repeated outside of the session.The CJ reporter would not consent to that request. Discussion at public meetings by law is open and on the record.At that point Martin removed the item from the agenda and said he would delay its presentation until a later date that was not specified.Outside the meeting room, Hall defended the decision.Hall told CJ.But he said the commission did not want only one media organization to have exclusive information from the meeting, and that other agenda items could have been reported on.The Droz presentation may be added to the agenda at a later meeting, Hall said, and possibly at a larger venue to accommodate more media representatives who might attend. He said the commission needs to improve its communication with the public about its meetings and other functions.Hall, a former state representative from Durham and House minority leader, is scheduled for a confirmation hearing Wednesday before the Senate Commerce Committee.The commission was created by the General Assembly in 2013. Its purpose is to defend military facilities in North Carolina from encroachment by commercial or residential development; assist active-duty military members, veterans, and retirees with services; and lobby against closing military facilities in the state.
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The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
Two South Florida LGBT groups plan to discuss next week what they will do locally in support of the June 11 National Pride March in Washington D.C., which has attracted the interest of more than 100,000 people. Other groups plan to attend the D.C. march, but have no plans to do something in South Florida.

Our Fund Foundation and the Broward County chapter of Equality Florida are scheduled to meet on Tuesday so we can coordinate our efforts so we will all be on the same page, for June 11, said David Jobin, Our Funds president. The meeting will take place in Our Funds office

in Wilton Manors, Jobin said.

Jobin said he has emailed other nonprofits, but so far only Equality Floridas Broward chapter has confirmed it will attend. However, the Pride Center in Wilton Manors told SFGN they would attend as well. Our Fund also plans to discuss what they will do on June 12, the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Jobin added.

National Pride Marchs Facebook page was by New York City resident David Bruinooge. It will coincide with the annual D.C. Pride weekend.

Some South Florida LGBT groups are asking their members to go to the National Pride March, but have no local plans.

Were encouraging our members to go to D.C., said Rand Hoch, President of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, That may change as time goes on. Tony Plakas, CEO of Compass Community Center in Palm Beach County, wrote in a message, We have emails out, but weve gotten very few solid leads. OUT Miami Foundation will rent a bus and take a group to march in D.C., Executive Director Jaime Bayo wrote in an email.

National Pride March would be the third mass protest event created in the wake of the election of President Donald Trump, with more than 30,000 people so far indicating they will attend. The January 21 Womens March on Washington brought an estimated anti-Trump protesters to the nations capital, with millions more protesting across the country and the world. Another mass gathering in D.C., the , is scheduled for April 22. More than 7,000 people so far have indicated they will attend.
North Carolina is failing far too many children, especially those "at-risk." Few dispute that conclusion but fewer still agree on solutions to the problem. The Emerging Issues Forum has never shied away from significant and sometimes complicated issues and this year's event was no disappointment, focusing on early childhood development.We are paying the price for the failures. NAEP scores show only 38 percent of our state's fourth grade students are considered reading-proficient, dropping to 30 percent by the eighth grade. Low-income, African American and English language learners score appreciably lower. 26 percent of children nationwide who live in poverty at least a year and aren't reading proficient in third grade fail to graduate high school by age 19. Over half the dropouts and more than two-thirds of African American dropouts between the ages of 16-24 are unemployed, nearly one in ten male dropouts and one in four African American males are incarcerated. Female dropouts are six times more likely to have given birth as teens; 25 percent are single mothers. Unrealized potential, lost incomes and tax revenues and escalating public sector investments are the costs we pay when children don't succeed.Here are some observations from Emerging Issues. There is no "magic bullet" to reverse the outcomes and no quick fix. This will be a lengthy process. North Carolina, once considered a leader in early child development, with Smart Start, Star Ratings for childcare facilities, More at Four and pre-k programs is obviously not doing enough early enough.Professor Nathan Fox, chair of the Development Science Program at the University of Maryland, says the brain begins laying the groundwork for development at birth. Stable and caring relationships and environments stimulate and enrich that development, however toxic stress can easily derail it. Shortened attention spans, vocabulary gaps and inappropriate behaviors are result of development problems.Interventions must begin early; waiting until pre-kindergarten at age 4, may be too little, too late. Money is necessary, but money alone isn't the solution. Help and responsibility cannot and will not come just from the public sector. We must involve business, faith-based and nonprofit groups, healthcare providers, community support and civic organizations, all working alongside public efforts in committed and coordinated programs with clearly defined goals, roles and responsibilities.We see instances of progress. A business provides quality daycare, not just for their employees, but also for neighbor children. Faith groups provide backpack buddy programs to ensure food during weekends. Some healthcare providers offer free screenings and treatment for children. Community support groups teach adults parenting skills, nutrition and money management techniques. Some teach English at night. Afterschool tutoring and sometimes the all-important listening ear build trust and strong relationships, as do "big brother" and "big sister" mentoring and friendship efforts. Partnered with public sector resources that include effective social services and quality schools, we can make big improvements.The bottom line is that we must be totally dedicated and change our thinking to preventing problems rather than paying for treatments of outcomes. It truly takes a village, a commitment and significant investments, but if we are really serious about making children's lives better we can see both quantitative and qualitative returns on those investments.Tom Campbell is former assistant North Carolina State Treasurer and is creator/host of NC SPIN, a weekly statewide television discussion of NC issues airing Sundays at 8:30 am on WFXI. Contact him at www.ncspin.com
Floridas Ted Deutch was selected as a Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus for the 115th U.S. Congress.

Overall, 102 lawmakers joined the caucus, which is co-chaired by six openly LGBT representatives. Those chairs are: Jared Polis (CO-02), David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09), and Mark Takano (CA-41).

While weve made significant progress in recent years, we still have more work to do and must protect the progress weve made, said Sinema, a Phoenix Democrat. Our caucus continues to work to ensure every American has the fundamental freedom and opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

Deutch, a Boca Raton Democrat, represents parts of Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Other Florida representatives in the caucus include Charlie Crist (FL-13) Lois Frankel (FL-22), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27).

Of the 102 members, only two are Republicans and both  Curbelo and Ros-Lehtinen -- are from Florida.

According to its mission statement, the caucus serves as a resource to Congress, their staff and the public on LGBT issues, working to extend equal rights, repeal discriminatory laws, eliminate hate-motivated violence and improve the health and well-being of all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Meanwhile, Deutch will host town halls in Pompano Beach and Wilton Manors this weekend to meet with constituents of congressional district 22 and provide updates of the going-ons in Washington. The Pompano Beach town hall begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at E. Pat Larkins Community Center, 520 NW 3rd Street. On Sunday, Deutch appears at the Pride Center, 2040 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, at 2 p.m.

On Friday morning, the congressman attended a tree planting ceremony in Fort Lauderdale in observance of the Jewish holiday of Tu BShevat. While there is much change taking place in the nations capital, Deutch assured Fort Lauderdale residents, the bonds between the U.S. and Israel remain strong.

The one thing that is wholly unaffected by any of the discussions and new directions and arguments and debates is the strength of the relationship between the United States and the State of Israel, Deutch said.
Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.




Solar System formation NASA

Scientists from MIT and their colleagues have estimated the lifetime of the solar nebula  a key stage during which much of the solar system evolution took shape.

This new estimate suggests that the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn must have formed within the first 4 million years of the solar systems formation. Furthermore, they must have completed gas-driven migration of their orbital positions by this time.

So much happens right at the beginning of the solar systems history, says Benjamin Weiss, professor of earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences at MIT. Of course the planets evolve after that, but the large-scale structure of the solar system was essentially established in the first 4 million years.

Weiss and MIT postdoc Huapei Wang, the first author of this study, report their results today in the journal Science. Their co-authors are Brynna Downey, Clement Suavet, and Roger Fu from MIT; Xue-Ning Bai of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics; Jun Wang and Jiajun Wang of Brookhaven National Laboratory; and Maria Zucolotto of the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro.

Spectacular recorders

By studying the magnetic orientations in pristine samples of ancient meteorites that formed 4.653 billion years ago, the team determined that the solar nebula lasted around 3 to 4 million years. This is a more precise figure than previous estimates, which placed the solar nebulas lifetime at somewhere between 1 and 10 million years.

The team came to its conclusion after carefully analyzing angrites, which are some of the oldest and most pristine of planetary rocks. Angrites are igneous rocks, many of which are thought to have erupted onto the surface of asteroids very early in the solar systems history and then quickly cooled, freezing their original properties  including their composition and paleomagnetic signals  in place.

Scientists view angrites as exceptional recorders of the early solar system, particularly as the rocks also contain high amounts of uranium, which they can use to precisely determine their age.

Angrites are really spectacular, Weiss says. Many of them look like what might be erupting on Hawaii, but they cooled on a very early planetesimal.

Weiss and his colleagues analyzed four angrites that fell to Earth at different places and times.

One fell in Argentina, and was discovered when a farm worker was tilling his field, Weiss says. It looked like an Indian artifact or bowl, and the landowner kept it by this house for about 20 years, until he finally decided to have it analyzed, and it turned out to be a really rare meteorite.

The other three meteorites were discovered in Brazil, Antarctica, and the Sahara Desert. All four meteorites were remarkably well-preserved, having undergone no additional heating or major compositional changes since they originally formed.

Measuring tiny compasses

The team obtained samples from all four meteorites. By measuring the ratio of uranium to lead in each sample, previous studies had determined that the three oldest formed around 4.653 billion years ago. The researchers then measured the rocks remnant magnetization using a precision magnetometer in the MIT Paleomagnetism Laboratory.

Electrons are little compass needles, and if you align a bunch of them in a rock, the rock becomes magnetized, Weiss explains. Once theyre aligned, which can happen when a rock cools in the presence of a magnetic field, then they stay that way. Thats what we use as records of ancient magnetic fields.

When they placed the angrites in the magnetometer, the researchers observed very little remnant magnetization, indicating there was very little magnetic field present when the angrites formed.

The team went a step further and tried to reconstruct the magnetic field that would have produced the rocks alignments, or lack thereof. To do so, they heated the samples up, then cooled them down again in a laboratory-controlled magnetic field.

We can keep lowering the lab field and can reproduce whats in the sample, Weiss says. We find only very weak lab fields are allowed, given how little remnant magnetization is in these three angrites.

Specifically, the team found that the angrites remnant magnetization could have been produced by an extremely weak magnetic field of no more than 0.6 microteslas, 4.653 billion years ago, or, about 4 million years after the start of the solar system.

In 2014, Weiss group analyzed other ancient meteorites that formed within the solar systems first 2 to 3 million years, and found evidence of a magnetic field that was about 10-100 times stronger  about 5-50 microtesla.

Its predicted that once the magnetic field drops by a factor of 10-100 in the inner solar system, which weve now shown, the solar nebula goes away really quickly, within 100,000 years, Weiss says. So even if the solar nebula hadnt disappeared by 4 million years, it was basically on its way out.

The planets align

The researchers new estimate is much more precise than previous estimates, which were based on observations of faraway stars.

Whats more, the angrites paleomagnetism constrains the lifetime of our own solar nebula, while astronomical observations obviously measure other faraway solar systems, Wang adds. Since the solar nebula lifetime critically affects the final positions of Jupiter and Saturn, it also affects the later formation of the Earth, our home, as well as the formation of other terrestrial planets.

Now that the scientists have a better idea of how long the solar nebula persisted, they can also narrow in on how giant planets such as Jupiter and Saturn formed. Giant planets are mostly made of gas and ice, and there are two prevailing hypotheses for how all this material came together as a planet. One suggests that giant planets formed from the gravitational collapse of condensing gas, like the sun did. The other suggests they arose in a two-stage process called core accretion, in which bits of material smashed and fused together to form bigger rocky, icy bodies. Once these bodies were massive enough, they could have created a gravitational force that attracted huge amounts of gas to ultimately form a giant planet.

According to previous predictions, giant planets that form through gravitational collapse of gas should complete their general formation within 100,000 years. Core accretion, in contrast, is typically thought to take much longer, on the order of 1 to several million years. Weiss says that if the solar nebula was around in the first 4 million years of solar system formation, this would give support to the core accretion scenario, which is generally favored among scientists.

The gas giants must have formed by 4 million years after the formation of the solar system, Weiss says. Planets were moving all over the place, in and out over large distances, and all this motion is thought to have been driven by gravitational forces from the gas. Were saying all this happened in the first 4 million years.

This research was supported, in part, by NASA and a generous gift from Thomas J. Peterson, Jr.
Comet at white dwarf WD 1425+540 STSCI

Scientists using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have observed, for the first time, a massive, comet-like object that has been ripped apart and scattered in the atmosphere of a white dwarf.

The destroyed object had a chemical composition similar to Halleys Comet, but was 100 000 times more massive than its famous counterpart.

The international team of astronomers observed the white dwarf WD 1425+540, about 170 light-years from Earth in the constellation Bootes (the Herdsman) [1]. While studying the white dwarfs atmosphere using both the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the W. M. Keck Observatory the team found evidence that an object rather like a massive comet was falling onto the star, getting tidally disrupted while doing so.

The team determined that the object had a chemical composition similar to the famous Halleys Comet in our own Solar System, but it was 100 000 times more massive and had twice the proportion of water as its local counterpart. Spectral analysis showed that the destroyed object was rich in the elements essential for life, including carbon, oxygen, sulphur and even nitrogen [2].

This makes it the first detection of nitrogen in the debris falling onto a white dwarf. Lead author Siyi Xu of the European Southern Observatory, Germany, explains the importance of the discovery: Nitrogen is a very important element for life as we know it. This particular object is quite rich in nitrogen, more so than any object observed in our Solar System.

There are already more than a dozen white dwarfs known to be polluted with infalling debris from rocky, asteroid-like objects, but this is the first time a body made of icy, comet-like material has been seen polluting a white dwarfs atmosphere. These findings are evidence for a belt of comet-like bodies, similar to our Solar Systems Kuiper Belt, orbiting the white dwarf. These icy bodies apparently survived the stars evolution from a main sequence star  similar to our Sun  to a red giant and its final collapse to a small, dense white dwarf.

The team that made this discovery also considered how this massive object got from its original, distant orbit onto a collision course with its parent star [3]. The change in the orbit could have been caused by the gravitational distribution by so far undetected, surviving planets which have perturbed the belt of comets. Another explanation could be that the companion star of the white dwarf disturbed the belt and caused objects from the belt to travel toward the white dwarf. The change in orbit could also have been caused by a combination of these two scenarios.

The Kuiper Belt in the Solar System, which extends outward from Neptunes orbit, is home to many dwarf planets, comets, and other small bodies left over from the formation of the Solar System. The new findings now provide observational evidence to support the idea that icy bodies are also present in other planetary systems and have survived throughout the history of the stars evolution.

Notes

[1] The white dwarf was first found in 1974 and is part of a wide binary system, with a companion star separated by 2000 times the distance that the Earth is from the Sun.

[2] The measurements of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, silicon, sulphur, iron and nickel and hydrogen come from the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS), installed at the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The W. M. Keck Telescopes provided the calcium, magnesium, and hydrogen.

[3] The team calculated that the accreted object originally resided about 300 astronomical units  300 times the distance Earth-Sun  away from the white dwarf. This is seven times further out than the Kuiper-Belt objects in the Solar System.
NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 8 February 2017 - Training to Capture a Dragon. NASA

The Expedition 50 crew trained today for the robotic capture of the SpaceX Dragon and studied how the brain adapts to living in space. Three crew members also conducted an emergency drill aboard the International Space Station.

Flight Engineers Peggy Whitson and Thomas Pesquet joined Commander Shane Kimbrough to study the robotics maneuvers they will use when the SpaceX Dragon resupply ship arrives later this month. Dragon is targeted to liftoff mid-February atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. The tenth commercial resupply mission from SpaceX will deliver advanced space research to improve disease-fighting drugs, observe Earths climate and automate spacecraft navigation.

Whitson also set up magnetic resonance brain imaging hardware for the NeuroMapping experiment. The study, which has been ongoing since 2014, is exploring changes in the brain and how an astronauts cognition, perception and motion are affected by long-term space missions.

Veteran station residents Oleg Novitskiy and Whitson along with first-time space flyer Pesquet practiced an emergency Soyuz descent today. The trio entered their Soyuz MS-03 spacecraft and simulated a scenario in the unlikely event the crew would have to evacuate the station quickly and return to Earth.

On-Orbit Status Report

Galley Rack Outfitting: Today the crew relocated the Node 1 16-Port Ethernet Switch from Node 1 Port-Deck location to the Galley Rack. All pre-existing cables remained mated to the switch during relocation, and the switch power feed will remain the same. Later today they will connect the two Microgravity Experiment Research Locker/Incubator (MERLIN) Ethernet connections to the newly relocated switch followed by the crew relocating the MERLIN-2 unit currently located in EXPRESS Rack 6 Locker-2 to the Galley Rack in Node 1.

JEM ORU Transfer Interface (JOTI) Retrieval from PMA2: Earlier today the crew ingressed the Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA2) and retrieved the JOTI hardware. After the crew retrieved the JOTI the crew egressed PMA2. JOTI will be used tomorrow, Friday 10-February, to install the Robotics External Leak Locator (RELL) on Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Airlock (A/L) Slide Table. RELL operations are planned this weekend to perform surveys, focused around Radiator Beam Valve Module (RBVM) P1-3-2, to assist in an investigation into a possible External Active Thermal Control System (EATCS) Loop B leak.

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) Universal Docking Port (UDP): The crew reconfigured the SPHERES satellites assembling the Docking Port hardware. They then loaded the test software and performed the session with ground support staff direction. The objectives of the UDP session are to demonstrate a reliably successful docking through running multiple, repeatable docking maneuvers using both global metrology and docking port cameras; perform joint maneuvers of docked satellites using the thrusters from two satellites to demonstrate controllability; and test an algorithm for docking to a satellite which is tumbling in a slow, known manner. The addition of the Docking Ports is a critical upgrade to the SPHERES facility aboard the ISS. With the new ability to dock and undock, SPHERES provides a test bed to address many of the challenges of combining autonomous spacecraft. Mated spacecraft can assemble complex systems in orbit or combine sensors and actuators for satellite servicing and repurposing missions. The SPHERES-UDP enables testing of complex tasks through optimal and adaptive control, autonomous decision-making processes, and real-time image processing.

Cool Flames Investigation: The crew performed a gas bottle change out in the Combustion Integration Racks (CIRs) Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) upper rack. The Cool Flames Investigation will provide new insight into the phenomenon where some types of fuels initially burn very hot, then appear to go out  but they continue burning at a much lower temperature, with no visible flames (cool flames). Understanding cool flame combustion helps scientists develop new engines and fuels that are more efficient and less harmful to the environment.

Story Time From Space Buoy Demo: The crew narrated and recorded a video demonstrating how buoyancy and sedimentation occur in microgravity just as it does on Earth. Story Time From Space combines science literacy outreach with simple demonstrations recorded aboard the ISS. Crew members read five science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related childrens books in orbit, and complete simple science concept experiments. Crew members videotape themselves reading the books and completing demonstrations. Video and data collected during the demonstrations are downlinked to the ground and posted in a video library with accompanying educational materials. The narrated demonstration based on the childrens book Max Goes to Space Station.

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: In preparation for the RELL RBVM scans this weekend, ground controllers walked off Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to Mobile Base System (MBS) Power and Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF) 1, unstowed Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), and translated the Mobile Transporter (MT) to Worksite (WS)7.

Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) Operations: Ground controllers at Japans Space Station Integration and Promotion Center (SSIPC) will maneuvered JEMRMS to stow Small Fine Arm (SFA) onto SFA Storage Equipment (SSE) and then moved to JEM AL cleared position for the next RELL transfer operation.

Treadmill 2 (T2) Belt Issue: Today the nominal, weekly T2 power cycle was not able to complete. Teams reattempted a ground powercycle via the nominal process with no joy. Crew confirmed the Graphical User Interface (GUI) was closed and the Command Logic Unit (CLU) was still showing as connected. All data LEDs indicated T2 was nominal so T2 was still considered GO for exercise. Later, however, when the crew attempted to exercise, the treadbelt would not spin. Ground teams are meeting today to determine a recovery plan.

Todays Planned Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

SM and DC1 [????] Tagup

RELAKSATSIYA. Hardware Setup.

DC1 S/G2 Comm Config

Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test  Subject

MLT2 Setup for EFU Adapter Wireless Access Point Checkout Part 2

Hardware setup for Orlan No.4 and Orlan No.6 checkout

RELAKSATSIYA. Parameter Settings Adjustment

JEM Airlock Press

Orlan No. 4 Activation

Water Recovery System Waste Water Tank Drain Termination

RELAKSATSIYA. Observation

Orlan No.4 and Orlan Interface Unit (???) checkout from ???-? panel

Node 2 Endcone Cleanout

RELAKSATSIYA. Closeout Ops and Hardware Removal

AstroPi IR health check

JEM Airlock Leak Check

DAN. Experiment Ops.

PMA2 Ingress

Galley Ethernet Switch Relocation and Install Galley Closeout Panel

JOTI Retrieval from PMA2

Orlan No.4 and ??? storage mode operation

PMA2 Egress

Orlan No. 6 Activation

Node2 Endcone Stowage Replace

Dose Tracker Data Entry Subject

Orlan No.6 and Orlan Interface Unit (???) checkout from ???-? panel

MLT2 Setup for EFU Adapter Wireless Access Point Checkout Part 3

Long Duration Sorbent Testbed Camera Return

Story Time from Space Exploring Buoyancy Demonstration

TIMER. Battery Charge

Story Time From Space Historical Photo

4K Encoder Disconnect

ISS HAM Radio Program

MELFI 1 Electronic Unit Remove

Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) /Group Combustion Module (GCM) Component Deactivation

Comm reconfig for nominal ops

SPHERES Crew Conference

SPHERES Test Session Setup

ESA Weekly crew conference

Combustion Integrated Rack Crew Conference

Orlan No.6 and ??? storage mode operation

Combustion Integrated Rack Inspection Hardware Gather

SPHERES Docking Port Test Run

Equipment stowage after Orlan No.4 and Orlan No.6 checkout

VEG-03 Plant Photo

TIMER. Experiment setup and initiation of video recording

Combustion Integrated Rack Bottle Replacement 1

Checkout of SM-AGAT-U42 Monitor Connection

VIZIR. Experiment Ops

Dose Tracker Data Entry Subject

TIMER. Termination of Experiment Ops Video and Closeout Ops

Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config LAB Setup

PAO Preparation

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD)  Lab

On-Orbit Hearing Assessment (O-OHA) with EarQ Software Setup and Test

Galley Rack MERLIN Transfer 2

JEM ECLSS/TCS1 Rack Umbilical Demate

ISS HAM Service Module Pass

RELAKSATSIYA. Charging battery for Relaksatstiya experiment (initiate)

Completed Task List Items

Manufacturing Device Print Removal, Clean and Stow

PMM1D2 Cleanout

Ground Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

JEM SFA Stow

SSRMS Walkoff to MBS1

SPDM Unstow

MT Translation

Three-Day Look Ahead:

Friday, 02/10: JEM Accumulator Package R&R, PMA2 Ingress, RELL and JOTI Install on JEMAL Slide Table, FIR Rack Light Replacement

Saturday, 02/11: Housekeeping, Crew Off Duty, RELL Operations

Sunday, 02/12: Crew Off Duty, RELL Operations

QUICK ISS Status  Environmental Control Group:

Component  Status

Elektron  On

Vozdukh  Manual

[???] 1  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1)  Off

[???] 2  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2)  On

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  Standby

Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA)  Process

Urine Processing Assembly (UPA)- Standby

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab  Off

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3  Full Up
Wed, 26.10.22 - 12:09

Another blast of heat at the end of the month is likely to break the record in Spain With only a few days left in...
Algiers, February 10, 2017 (SPS) - A delegation from the National Union of Saharawi Women (UNMS) headed by her Secretary General, Fatma Mehdi held a bilateral meeting with the Algerian women's organization, led by her SG, Ms. Nuriya Hafsi.

The head of the UNMS is accompanied by the Head of Cooperation in the Union, Ms. Deih Mohamed Chadad. For its part, the Algerian delegation includes, besides its Secretary General, important cadres of the organization of Algerian women and representatives of the solidarity movement with the Saharawi people.

The meeting addressed ways of promoting joint work between the two organizations at the national, international and continental level.

The two organizations approved a joint action plan for the current year which includes several joint programs aimed at strengthening the position of the Saharawi State and also aimed at spreading the struggle of the Saharawi people, especially at the level of civil society and women's organizations.

The actions plan also includes the exchange of experiences and knowledge between the two organizations in the fields of training, media and promotes joint action in the field of human rights

In this regard, the two delegations expressed their support and solidarity with the political prisoners of Gdeim Izik. SPS

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Brussels, February 10, 2017 (SPS) - European MPs called Thursday, in Brussels, Morocco to respect its international commitments and to comply with the international law concerning the issue of Western Sahara, denouncing the latest warnings to the European Union (EU) on the implementation of the agriculture agreement signed in 2012.

The European deputy Maria Gimenez Barbat, who spoke in a meeting of the delegation for the relations with Maghreb countries, said she is convinced that Morocco, which recently joined the African Union, will be able to meet the objectives and principles of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, notably to the points B of the articles 3 and 4 of this Act.

In an exchange of views with Moroccos ambassador to EU Ahmed Reda Chami, the Euroepan MP reminded Morocco of its obligations in accordance with the provisions of AU Constitutive Act that it signed to join this African body.

In this regard, she underlined that AU Constitutive Act stipulates clearly that the Unions objectives are to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its member States.

While broaching the issue of Western Saharas natural resources management, Gimenez Barbat called for the implementation of the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) which excludes definitively the territory of Western Sahara from the scope of the association and liberalisation agreements concluded between EU and Morocco.

For her part, Euro MP Marie Christine Vergiat called for the implementation of CJEUs decision, made on 21 December 2016.

I totally agree with what Barbat said, she underlined, affirming that she shares with her cautions about the statements of the Moroccan minister of Agriculture.

I think that the words (used by Moroccan minister) were a little strong compared to the serenity necessary to debates, notably concerning issues of peoples, she said.

Calling for the respect of the international law, Vergiat expressed her support to the European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Canete.

Canete affirmed, few days ago, that EU will, from now on, take into account the distinct and separate status of the territory of Western Sahara in its exchanges with Morocco in terms of renewable energies.SPS

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Although his behaviour is certainly not deceitful, dishonourable or underhanded, New York Sire Stakes champion Devious Man does have a mischievous glint in his eye, which warrants special surveillance and lends credence to his name.

Hes a horse with lots of personality, thats for sure, said Julie Miller, the colts conditioner. Hes a character; always nickering around the barn. He already knows he is a talented horse and he wants the attention from everyone else for it.

Owned Andy Miller Stable Inc. and Stroy Inc., Devious Man is a newly turned three-year-old son of Credit Winner-Miss Garland. Selected by the Millers and purchased for $62,000 at the 2015 Standardbred Horse Sale, the colt is the 12th foal out of his prolific dam and is a half sibling to Goodlookngirl (Giant Hit, $154,088), Celebrity Shark (Dream Vacation, $139,528), Broken Record (Muscles Yankee, $134,858) and the multiple Dan Patch Award winner, OBrien Award winner, world champion and 2005 Hambletonian victor Vivid Photo (S Js Photo, $3.27 million).

He stood out to us right from the beginning, Miller said. We were prepared to go higher for him, but were happy to get him for what we paid. We were surprised though with this pedigree and the fact he is a half-brother to a Hambletonian winner. He was a little on the smaller side and the mare is older, so maybe that is why, but he was very nicely gaited from the beginning.

From his sole season of racing, Devious Man has amassed a record of 12-7-1-1 and banked $308,233.

The colt commenced his career on June 30, 2016 at Monticello Raceway in a $22,200 New York Sire Stakes event. He lost by a mere neck. He then broke his maiden in his next trip to the post on July 13 at Buffalo Raceway in the same company prior to finishing third on the same circuit at Vernon Downs.

Devious Mans next engagement was the Peter Haughton Memorial where he was fourth in his $20,000 elimination and fifth in the $294,450 final on Aug. 6 at The Meadowlands. His journey in the final, however, was quite eventful and impressive despite the fact he broke behind the gate. After spotting the field a ton of real estate, Devious Man, who was steered by regular pilot Andy Miller, gobbled up ground to finish extremely well once he returned to trotting.

That was one of those things where he didnt mind his manners, Miller said. He got hot going to the gate and did not keep his mind on what he was doing, which with him you need to keep him focused. Hes the kind of horse that will pay more attention to the birds flying around than his business. But Andy and I were really pleased with how he performed in the race once he was back on stride. That was quite a big move he made to finish where he did.

After the miscue in the Haughton, Devious Man returned to the Empire State for his New York Sire Stakes schedule where he reeled off five consecutive triumphs, including the $225,000 New York Sire Stakes final on Sept. 24 at Yonkers Raceway with ease.

He then traveled to the Bluegrass State where he earned his sixth win in a row by capturing his $56,000 division of the International Stallion Stake on Oct. 6 at Red Mile by a hard fought neck over the talented Simply Volo from the John Butenschoen barn.

Devious Mans next engagement would be a $20,000 elimination for the Breeders Crown, but he failed to make the final after an eighth place finish behind Walner. Sent off as the publics third selection behind Dan Patch Award winner and world champion Walner, the colt certainly had a valid reason for the worst finish in his young career.

He displaced his palate that night so he had a breathing problem, Miller said. He did not hit What The Hills wheel (the second place finisher) but he got on that line and veered in when it happened. Fortunately, it was not a serious enough problem that required anything other than some extra care, but it was unfortunate it happened on that night.

Although he was scheduled to compete in the $147,100 Matron Stake at Dover Downs on Nov. 3 to conclude his freshman campaign, Devious Man was scratched shortly before that race. It was not related, however, to the breathing issue he endured in the Breeders Crown elimination.

He ended up ripping his right front shoe off on the ship down to Dover and drove a nail up into his hoof wall, Miller said. Its not the first time hes done that, but this time was more serious and it wasnt something we could fix right away so he could race. That is when we just turned him out for the winter.

He can be a handful and you have to watch him all the time, but its only because he is such a good-feeling horse. He is very playful; but he loves to trot. Even when hes out there bucking and rearing, he comes right back down into his gait.

As to what Devious Mans 2017 campaign consists of, expect to view him on the New York circuit and select open stakes engagements.

I am very happy with how he came back in, Miller said. He put on weight and grew taller. He looks great, but now you have to hope his mind matured as much as the rest of him. This is a horse that needs to mind his manners and be kept to his task. He has talent, but he needs to learn to stick to his business when hes out there. Andy was always very happy with him last year and said he always had something left in the tank, which is what you want.

We will follow the same plan with him as we did last year. People say you should always stick to what the horse does best. This horse got over all those different New York surfaces and then transferred that form to the Red Mile. That is another thing you want to see."

Is the 2017 Hambletonian on the radar? The Millers finished third in the trotting classic last year with Sutton.

We know Walner is definitely the big horse in this division and he will be tough to beat, but we think we have a nice horse.

The Hambletonian for him? We will see how it goes, but getting there is in the family.

This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com.
Divided government has its benefits. North Carolina voters and taxpayers are seeing some of those benefits on display now on Jones Street in Raleigh. More benefits could be on the way.Sure, most Republicans wish Pat McCrory had won a second term as governor. He would have been much more likely than successor Roy Cooper to endorse conservative legislative proposals over the next four years.On the flip side, realistic Democrats know that Cooper will have limited power to enact much of his agenda without his party controlling either chamber of the General Assembly. Republicans hold enough seats in the state House and Senate to override any Cooper veto if they stick together.So no one can expect a fully Republican or Democratic political agenda to sail through state government unscathed in the weeks and months ahead.Opportunities arise, however, for achievements that could improve government operations over the long term, regardless of who holds the reins of political power.Take, for instance, the current scuffle over state Senate confirmation of the governor's Cabinet appointments. Regardless of whether judges determine that the N.C. Constitution means what it says ("The Governor shall nominate and by and with the advice and consent of a majority of the Senators appoint all officers whose appointments are not otherwise provided for," Article III, Section 5(8)) or agree instead with Cooper's arguments against the confirmation process, senators' interest in questioning Cooper's nominees demonstrates a healthy application of the checks and balances necessary for constitutional government to succeed.Contrast the approach in Raleigh to the one employed in recent years by U.S. senators on Capitol Hill. Even some progressive constitutional scholars and pundits have lamented the fact that Senate Democrats often rolled over and assented to Barack Obama's constitutionally questionable assertions of executive power. It remains to be seen how likely Republicans on Capitol Hill now will be willing to stand up against executive overreach from President Trump.Not all opportunities presented by divided government need to involve interparty political battles. One opportunity in the news this week could generate bipartisan support.It's the notion of creating new rules for the state's " rainy day " reserves. True, Republicans had been talking about instituting new rules while McCrory still lived in the Executive Mansion. It's likely they would have pursued legislation on the topic even if McCrory had won his race against Cooper.Still, the prospect of dealing with a new governor whose spending priorities differ from McCrory's, including the likelihood that Cooper will eschew the self-imposed spending constraints Republicans have adopted over the past four years, might boost the sense of urgency in pursuing new "rainy day" rules.Among the provisions under consideration in House Bill 7/Senate Bill 14: Cooper and his successors would be required to set aside 15 percent of each year's revenue growth for savings. While some Democrats might view this idea as a partisan attempt to shackle Cooper, others with a long-tern perspective might support a tool to enforce fiscal discipline on all future governors and legislatures - whoever holds the purse strings. Republicans and Democrats alike would face limits on new spending for their high-priority items.Still other opportunities await. In recent years, lawmakers have shied away from pursuing a state-level version of the federal Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny, or REINS , Act. That measure would ensure the costliest proposed state regulations would face votes in the House and Senate before taking effect. Proponents argue that elected officials, rather than appointed bureaucrats, ought to be held accountable for state rules that generate significant economic costs.It's likely that Republican legislative leaders felt less threatened by the prospects of costly regulation from the McCrory administration than they do from Cooper's team. If the new administration prompts the General Assembly to take a fresh look at the issue, a resulting REINS Act could lead to major benefits for taxpayers, small business owners, and others who would be most likely to face the brunt of a ramped-up regulatory regime.Those with a glass-half-full outlook on life ought to look for other opportunities during the next four years to take advantage of North Carolina's divided government.
The Mohawk Racetrack race office would like to inform horsepeople of a change to the training schedule at Woodbine.

Due to poor weather conditions in the Greater Toronto Area, training has been cancelled for Saturday (February 11) at Woodbine Racetrack.

The next training day is scheduled for Saturday, February 18.

(WEG)
On Friday, February 10, the Horse Peoples Alliance of Ontario publicly issued a list of questions that it would like answered during Friday afternoons OR webinar.

On Thursday, February 9, the Horse Peoples Alliance of Ontario issued a response to Ontario Racings proposal, which can be viewed by clicking here.

The contents of the Horse Peoples Alliance of Ontario release  including the questions  appear below.

Questions from The Horse Peoples' Alliance to OLG/WEG Regarding Letter of Intent

Dear Mr. Cook,

As per your instructions on the opening pages of the Letter of Intent document, please find below questions from the Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario to be answered during the Ontario Racing webinar today. We have added a few questions after reviewing the LOI document.

We have shared these questions with our mailing list, website and also on our social media channels.

1  Why is there such urgency to create and sign off on agreements that are so definitive to the future of racing in Ontario when there is time to do so in a measured and considered manner through 2019, and to be extended through 2021, with established funding by the Government of Ontario?

2  Did OR engage independent legal counsel to review the LOI on behalf of all industry parties and participants including horsepeople, and if so did they seek and receive an opinion as to the LOI?

3  Has OR ever received, is, or will be receiving any financial support or assistance from either of the parties to the LOI?

4  Why was a LOI negotiated and drafted before the OR proposal has been fully considered and commented upon by the horse racing industry?

5  Why was an agreement about the industry negotiated by only one racing industry party with a government funded agency?

6  Why would the race industry future be determined by arrangements entered into without any full disclosure as to the underlying financial arrangements being disclosed?

7  Why would the LOI be revealed only several hours before the webinar thereby disallowing others to consult with legal counsel to better understand the LOI when subsequently explained by WEG and OLG counsel?

8  Why is it assumed that any kind of operating agreement, which the LOI may be, must be drafted only by WEG with a government agency. Does that presuppose that WEG expects to be the controlling race industry leader, and if so why does that have to be the case?

9  At what point in the history of the Ontario Racing industry was it decided by the horse racing industry inclusive of horsepeople that WEG must determine how the industry will develop and be administered?

NEW QUESTIONS

10  Why does the LOI not set out any specifics for the benefit of all horsepeople and breeders?

11  Why are race industry participants other than racetracks left adrift and in the dark always as to what their future opportunities will be?

12  Why has the OLG as a government agency failed to recognize that there is significant concern among horsepeople with the loyal control of WEG with dates purses and conditions of racing.

13  Why does the LOI fail to require a clear obligation that would require all racetracks to operate live racing in order to have slots or other gaming at their premises.

14  What is the process to determine which horsepeoples group negotiates the single agreements that will cover all Alliance members?

Frank Roth

Horse Peoples' Alliance Chair
Longtime harness racing industry participant Marcel Dostie passed away on February 3, 2017, at the age of 87.

Marcel was born in Lac-Megantic, Quebec. He was a well-known horseman and private trainer for the powerful Miron Bros. stable in the 1960s. He later went on to work for Mac Cuddy in the 1980s before relocating to Florida, where he passed away.

Marcel is survived by his wife Lise, along with his daughter Liza and step-son Richard. Cremation has taken place.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Marcel Dostie.
On Thursday (February 9), the Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario issued a statement on the proposal for a long-term funding arrangement as presented by Ontario Racing.

The statement from The Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario appears below.

The Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario has concerns that the proposal of Ontario Racing, as a basis for the going forward of the industry, speaks primarily, and perhaps completely, to and about the needs and concerns of race tracks. The Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario believes that it does not reflect the absolute essential of horse people's equal participation in the decisions to be made every day as to race dates and provincial distribution thereof, breeding issues, horse population, purses and conditions. It is not enough to say that the financial stability of Government funding each year will help the industry, if horse people are again left outside without significant involvement and are forced to accept others' decisions.

The Letter of Intent between WEG and the OLG when disclosed on Friday may be an effective arrangement for those two parties, but more likely it will demonstrate clearly that horse people will continue to have no say, control or equal involvement in the future of their industry. Moreover proposals and LOIs put forward for consideration without any basic details as to financial and contractual arrangements is not worthy yet of consideration. and no agreements should be put forward for acceptance until there is clarity and full knowledge as to those basics that are presently unknown, but rather reserved only for the few.

It is interesting to note that when OR was requested by the Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario on December 12, 2016 to disclose details of the financial and contractual arrangements upon which their proposal was based, no response was forthcoming. This week when the same request was made in reference to the LOI, OR advised that "OR does not currently possess any other documents related to financial or contractual matters relative to the LOI." The Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario is therefore uncertain and very concerned as to the breadth of information upon which the OR proposal is based.

It is unknown whether OR had documents in the past but not presently, or never had them. In either case horse people are again denied the opportunity to examine and assess them and thereby to know, study and comment thereon.

The Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario believes that there is no need to comment on and or decide agreement to the OR proposal in the suggested and rushed timeframe. The Government of Ontario has approved funding through 2019 with an extension through 2021 and therefore the industry has the time to deal with all of these and many other issues. There are contractual agreements with race tracks through 2019 together with likely extensions through 2021 and therefore there should be no urgency for any party. The OR suggested timeframe of comment by the end of February is an arbitrary approach to force a speedy decision that serves only certain parties' interests and certainly is detrimental to horse people once again. Such urgency of decision is completely at odds with the requirements of full transparency and accountability.

The Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario stands for and requests on behalf of all horse people the need for full and complete disclosure and the necessity of horse people being an equal to the race tracks in all things, failing which the industry cannot flourish.

Frank Roth

Chairman

Horse Peoples' Alliance of Ontario
MINNEAPOLIS  Concern about the republic is widespread. But in Minnesota, where water still flows in summer and freezes in winter, and where wild critters rise and fall in abundance but nonetheless are ever-present, along with wild lands and the wild times they afford, indications are the future is bright.

Such optimism, perhaps ironically, is founded in this newspapers obituaries, which regularly publish, usually on Sundays, photos of citizens, recently deceased, holding fish. How often this occurs  and it does, regularly  is to me a barometer of the health of this state and its people, and the good times that accrue to them here, outdoors.

On some Sundays, three such Minnesotans are celebrated, along with snapshots of them holding memorable catches of walleyes, northerns, bass or panfish. Such photographic trifectas are rare. But two is not uncommon, as was the case this past Sunday, when announcements appeared noting the passing of Cliff Buddy Buland, 65, of Bloomington, and Gary Gib Comstock, also 65, of Minneapolis.

Bulands announcement was accompanied by a photo of him on Mille Lacs, smiling while holding a 22 1/2-inch walleye. Comstocks obituary photo showed him proudly displaying a Leech Lake northern pike.

I called Buddy Bulands brother, Jimmy Buland.

Our parents bought 10 acres by Outing in 1966, he said. At first we built a 10x16 cabin, which we stayed in for two years. Eventually we ended up with a 10x50-foot trailer with a 12x24-foot addition, which we still have. Its great. As kids we fished up there. Also duck hunted. Deer hunted. Grouse hunted. Picked wild plums. Picked blueberries. And we had a campfire pit in the back where we grilled anything you could think of: chicken, pork, ribs; everything.

Buddy, who worked at the Bureau of Engraving in the Twin Cities, had three passions in his life, his brother said: fishing, duck hunting and deer hunting. He hunted the latter with a bow when he was young, but switched to a rifle with age.

When he was diagnosed with colon cancer about a year ago, Buddy had one request. He told his doctor, I want to be able to see at least one more deer season,  Jimmy said.

Jimmy, with Buddys son, Chris, made that happen, driving Buddy to the Outing cabin early last November. Buddy wasnt well enough to hunt, so Jimmy cared for him, while Chris hunted, killing a buck.

Then on Sunday night of opening weekend, we made a big dinner and all of our good friends and fellow deer hunters from up there who knew Buddy came over to see him. We sat out back by the fire like we always did. He really loved it.

Buddy Buland died Christmas Eve. His survivors, his obituary noted, include his beloved dog Belle, a Labrador mix.

Gary Comstocks obituary photo highlighted a northern pike only because his family couldnt find a suitable image of him with a walleye, his brother, Mark Comstock, said.

Gary  the family called him Gib  loved all hunting and fishing and conservation, Mark said. But mostly he was a duck hunter.

Their father  Eldon, aka Ice  was a World War II dive-bomber pilot who later owned his own plane. In the 1960s, while flying a Beechcraft Bonanza over Leech Lake, he saw a point of land he thought would be good for hunting bluebills, and bought it.

Sometimes we would have seven or eight guys hunting that point, Mark said. Ducks would come over and Gary would yell, Dont shoot the hens! 

A civil engineer who graduated from Edina High School and Montana State University, Gary always fished with a fly rod. His dad gave each of his kids  Gary, Mark and three other sons, along with two daughters  fly rods when they were young, marking each with different colored tape.

The rest of us switched to trolling or spinning rods as we grew up, but not Gary, Mark said. It didnt matter if he fished in 6 feet of water or 30, he used his fly rod.

An inveterate commuter to the Leech Lake cabin, Gary, upon arrival, would tinker with his tractor or otherwise pass the good time. He was the guy who followed all the rules and wanted to do what was best for the environment, Mark said. He was very intelligent. He knew everything. I dont know what we will do this summer and fall without him. There will be a huge void.

Gary Comstock died suddenly, of heart failure, Jan. 20. A celebration of his life was held Sunday at the Dan Patch American Legion Post in Savage.

We had Garys fly rod there, on display, Mark said. No one wore suits.
Legislation to prod the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to do more to combat elk hoof disease has received a mostly favorable response before the state Senate Natural Resources and Parks Committee.

But the provision in Senate Bill 5474 that would allow landowners, hunting license holders and tribal members to euthanize limping elk got blasted at a public hearing in Olympia on Tuesday.

I guarantee you every large bull elk in the state of Washington will suddenly develop a limp and will be shot year-round and it will have a major effect on our elk herds, testified Mark Smith, owner of Eco Park Resort on the upper Toutle River in Cowlitz County.

Bruce Barnes of Vancouver, founder of Mount St. Helens Rescue, agreed.

I oppose this bill because I really do believe people are dishonest in the woods, Barnes said. I think you are going to run into a major law enforcement nightmare.

Anis Aoude, game division manager for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, said not all elk with a limp have hoof disease.

All they have to say is We killed this elk. We thought it was limping, Aoude said.

Sen. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, sponsor of the bill, said it is not his intention to initiate a free-for-all.

Bills can be worked on, Pearson said.

The measure also would:

Require Department of Fish and Wildlife staff in possession of a firearm to euthanize an elk exhibiting a severe limp if located in an area where hoof disease is present.

Prohibit anyone, including the Department of Fish and Wildlife, from moving a live elk from an area affected by hoof disease to any other location.

Require the department to meet at least quarterly with its elk hoof disease public working group.

Observations of elk with deformed, broken, or missing hooves have increased dramatically in Southwest Washington in the past decade.

The Cowlitz River valley is the epicenter of observations of ailing elk, but sightings also have been reported by the public in the Willapa Hills, Mount St. Helens, south Olympic Peninsula and in the Skagit River valley, plus northern Oregon.

Tests conducted by scientists in the United States and abroad show these abnormalities are strongly associated with treponeme bacteria, known to cause digital dermatitis in cattle, sheep and goats.

All who testified Tuesday said the Department of Fish and Wildlife needs to be more pro-active on hoof disease.

Smith is a member of the departments Elk Hoof Disease Public Working Group. The agency did not take the suggestions of the group seriously, he added.

Its a dysfunctional committee that hasnt met for two years, he said.

Barnes told the lawmakers they partially are to blame for doing too little about elk hoof disease.

The elk are an iconic animal in our state, he said. They are a revenue collector  not only for fish and wildlife (department), but for businesses that thrive on huntersWe owe these animals something better than what weve got going here.

Pearson noted his committee has had numerous work sessions on the topic in recent years.

I believe this is a very serious issue or I wouldnt keep bringing it back in front of this committee, he said.

The committee did not vote on the bill.
The regions latest winter storm shut down three main Washington passes across the Cascade Range Thursday and dumped rain throughout the already-sodden region, but some sunshine is on the way.

Avalanche dangers forced authorities to shut down Snoqualmie, Stevens and White passes. Stevens and White were expected to remain closed into Friday, with state highway officials scheduled to update the status of White Pass at 10 a.m. Friday.

Snoqualimie Pass was tentatively scheduled to reopen later Thursday night, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

A winter storm warning remained in effect for the Cascade Range, which forecasters had expected to get two feet of fresh show Thursday.

More locally, Highway 47 south of Clatskanie was closed for part of Thursday morning due to a earth slide about two miles south of Clatskanie.

Hard rain pummeled most of the Southwest Washington, and and mix of snow and rain swelled local rivers. The Cowlitz River was forecast to crest just above flood stage at 11 p.m. Thursday night. Flood stage is when the river reaches the top of its natural banks and starts to flood in protected lowlands, but its still well below the top of dikes.

More showers and clouds are expected locally through the weekend, but forecasters expect partly sunny skies for the Kelso-Longview area on Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures may even creep up in to the 50s.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Juno spacecraft orbiting Jupiter has beamed back another close-up shot of the largest planet of the solar system.

Juno acquired the image, looking directly at the Jovian south pole, on February 2, 2017, at 6:06 a.m. PST (9:06 a.m. EST) from an altitude of about 63,400 miles (102,100 kilometers) above Jupiters cloud tops. Cyclones swirl around the south pole, and white oval storms can be seen near the limb  the apparent edge of the planet.

JunoCam is a color, visible-light camera designed to capture remarkable pictures of Jupiters poles and cloud tops. As Junos eyes, it will provide a wide view, helping to provide context for the spacecrafts other instruments. JunoCam was included on the spacecraft specifically for purposes of public engagement; although its images will be helpful to the science team, it is not considered one of the missions science instruments.

The Juno spacecraft launched on Aug. 5, 2011, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and arrived at Jupiter on July 4, 2016. During its mission of exploration, Juno soars low over the planets cloud tops  as close as about 2,600 miles (4,100 kilometers). During these flybys, Juno will probe beneath the obscuring cloud cover of Jupiter and study its auroras to learn more about the planets origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere.

Junos name comes from Roman mythology. The mythical god Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischief, and his wife  the goddess Juno  was able to peer through the clouds and reveal Jupiters true nature.

JPL manages the Juno mission for the principal investigator, Scott Bolton, of Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. Juno is part of NASAs New Frontiers Program, which is managed at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for NASAs Science Mission Directorate. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, built the spacecraft. Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages JPL for NASA.

You can see all the images captured by Juno spacecraft here
Sheldon Pinto

Internet.org or Free Basics by Facebook was not exactly a failure at what it attempted to do, but it would make for a good case study on how bad implementation of an idea can be detrimental for customers (or users).

There were plenty of reveals, some shaming and some really interesting perspectives that came out of Facebooks Internet.org episode in India. Finally, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) ruled in favour of net neutrality and banned the service on grounds of differential pricing, effectively banning all services that offered or allowed discriminatory pricing for data and services based on content.

But the past is the past and Facebook along with its CEO Mark Zuckerberg has moved on. Zuckerberg too was quick to comment that Free Basics was only one of the many initiatives it had in store for bringing the internet to those without internet access.

As per his Facebook post, the other parts of this larger initiative to bring people online included solar-powered planes, satellites and lasers, and partnering with local entrepreneurs to provide wireless hotspots. Internet.org still continues to exist in other countries.

While internet.org was initiated back in 2014 (it arrived in India a lot later), Facebook also launched another product called Facebook Lite in June 2015.

Goodbye, Free Basics; hello, FB Lite

Facebook Lite is simply a lighter version of the Facebook app, one that comes with its core functionalities, but built from the ground up to work on slow data networks. In fact, the size of the app package at just 1MB says it all. User get access to the News Feed, status updates, photos, notifications and more, and it all comes at a fraction of the price because it uses less data and can also work on low end smartphones with limited resources.

When the service came to India, it was well received keeping in mind that it reached 100 million users in Asia and parts of Latin America, Africa and Europe. Back then Facebook also pointed out that Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the Philippines were the top countries using the app.

A year later, Facebook seems to have doubled that success with Facebook Lite now reaching 200 million users in under two years, keeping the global numbers in mind.

India is important to Facebook

We reached out to Facebook and an executive commented that India is one of the top countries for FB Lite, hinting that it still makes it to that list a year later after it was launched, which is impressive. But then again, India does have a rather impressive population, and Facebook is banned in China.

What is even more impressive is that it seems to have done a lot better than Facebooks previous product, internet.org. An old report from Reuters hinted at the numbers from Free Basics, stating that it gained only 1 million users in our country. While these numbers did look impressive for what was a relatively short stint, they are nothing in comparison to Facebook Lite.

Indeed, Facebook does have a lot of other initiatives in store. In more ways than one, we have yet to learn about those complications when they arrive in India. But for now, Facebook Lite even with its smaller window to the world, is still a better deal than Free Basics ever was or could be.

In fact, Facebook is now busy setting up Express Wi-Fi, a new product that should help get millions online, but similar to FB Lite it too comes at a price. Seems like the word 'free' is not going to be synonymous with Facebook, at least out here in India.

Minus the free its still a good deal

Even if you consider the debate about fake news, which Zuckerberg called crazy, from the Facebook app you still have access to data saving features that let you stay connected to any news publisher you want. You also get to stay connected to your friends and family, and as Sheryl Sandberg pointed out with a case study, you also get to run a business using just your mobile phone.

In more ways than one, you still get a fair picture of the web you want, with a few sponsored posts thrown in. It's not free, but it still makes for a better mix and a whole lot better than the bottlenecked internet.org.
tech2 News Staff

The current owners of the Nokia brand, HMD Global, have reportedly filed for a trademark for the 'N Series' name. The same was spotted on the website of the Trademark office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) in China, which is expected to be the first step to introducing some new Nokia N Series smartphones keeping the previous line-up's capabilities in mind.

The N Series from Nokia was a lineup of smartphones that came just before the Lumia series showed up. They were powered by the Symbian mobile operating system and each one of them arrived with its own special multimedia capabilities.

The smartphones were chunky, but focussed on particular features like camera, music or web-browsing. First introduced in 2005, the devices were quickly replaced when the Lumia series came on to the scene with Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system on board.

As reported by GizmoChina, HMD is looking to use the older naming convention to go ahead with its newer models. mydrivers.com claims that HMD could be looking to first launch its first N series smartphone with N95 as the model name.

The older N95 was a multimedia smartphone, which focussed on the camera, music and video capabilities. It was a slider model which also opened from the top side to reveal physical music play back buttons as there were no touchscreens back then.

While all of these features are common today, in almost every Android smartphone out there, it will be interesting to see how HMD builds on its older portfolios.

According to the same source, Nokia is most likely to announce this N95 device along with some new releases at the MWC 2017 in Barcelona. The smartphone is expected to pack in a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 series chipset and will sell in the mid-range category.

Read our complete coverage of the Mobile World Congress 2017.
tech2 News Staff

OnePlus developers seem to be back from a month long vacation and they have launched a new update for OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T users. The new update bumps the OxygenOS version to 4.0.3, fixing bugs submitted by the users online. The company is working hard to regularly push timely updates to users to fix the bug fixes. The developer team took an off for a month on the occasion of Chinese New Year and other festivals. The update focuses primarily on fixing the bugs and does not introduce anything new in terms of features.

One thing to note is that the update still has the December Security patch, while Google has already released the February Security patch. The detailed changelog of the update is given down below:

Added Wi-Fi IPv6 Support toggle

Optimised Smart Wi-Fi Switcher, if turned on, device will switch to data connection if Wi-Fi signal is consistently poor

Fixed crashes for Line

Increased stability of the Camera app

Optimised exposure when taking night time photos

Updated Audio Parameters and improved the quality of audio recordings

Updated APN settings for select carriers

Amazon Prime App will be pre-installed for India Users

I woke up today and saw there was a new OTA 4.0.3, and I then I went to check their github and voila, the Kernel source code is already out  Francisco Franco (@franciscof_1990) February 9, 2017

One important thing to note is that like all the updates this OTA is an incremental update gradually rolling out to users. The developer community has praised OnePlus for timely uploading the Kernel source code changes to the company Github along with a proper changelog about what the new changes are.
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Alibaba Group Holding Ltd on Thursday alleged that several intellectual property agencies were filing false complaints against vendors on its e-commerce platforms.

The company called for a boycott of these IP agencies, also known as "reputation-protection" firms, which are hired by businesses to help manage their IP rights.

Alibaba singled out Hangzhou Wangwei Technology Ltd, an IP agency, as an abuser of its system for reporting intellectual property thefts, adding that it would no longer process claims made by the firm.

Alibaba's comments come at a time when the Chinese e-commerce company has started cracking down on counterfeiters amid persistent allegations that fake goods are widely available on its sites.

Critics, however, have said that counterfeits remain prevalent and argue the company has not done nearly enough.

The United States in December returned Taobao, China's most popular consumer-to-consumer shopping website, to its blacklist of "notorious marketplaces" known for the sale of counterfeit goods and violations of intellectual property rights.

Alibaba said on Thursday that claims by IP agencies hurt more than a million merchants on the Taobao platform in 2016.

The decision to not process claims from Hangzhou Wangwei was a result of an investigation that showed the firm had withdrawn over 60 percent of its complaints that since 2015 after counter-appeals from merchants.

Alibaba said it would now investigate claims for merit, and give merchants time to respond before penalizing them.

Reuters
BISMARCK, N.D.  The federal judge who will decide whether oil flows through the disputed Dakota Access pipeline has shown sympathy for the historical plight of American Indians, but has also made clear that he doesn't think that should play a role in judicial decisions.

U.S. District Judge James "Jeb" Boasberg is overseeing a lawsuit filed by the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux that could be their last hope of stopping the $3.8 billion pipeline to carry North Dakota oil to Illinois. The tribes argue the pipeline threatens drinking water and cultural sites. A hearing is scheduled Monday.

While the Washington, D.C.-based Boasberg cited in a previous ruling the historic exploitation of Indians in early America, he also told an attorney for the tribe last year he won't be influenced by phone calls from pipeline opponents to sway his opinion.

That doesn't surprise Michael Kellogg, a law firm colleague of Boesberg's in the mid-1990s, or Virginia attorney Tim Heaphy, who once worked with Boasberg in the D.C. federal prosecutor's office.

"He is not motivated by ideology or politics," Heaphy said.

Boasberg has been appointed to judgeships by both Republican and Democratic presidents, showing he is respected by both conservatives and liberals, said a third colleague of Boasberg, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Senior Judge Dorothy Nelson, for whom Boasberg once clerked.

Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners this week received approval from the Army Corps of Engineers to lay pipe under Lake Oahe, a Missouri river reservoir that's the tribes' water source. It's the final chunk of construction for the 1,200-mile pipeline. The Cheyenne River tribe has asked Boasberg to stop the work until the legal battle is resolved.

Boasberg earned his law degree from Yale in 1990. He was appointed to his current post on the federal bench by President Barack Obama in 2011.

In responding to questions in 2010 from then-Alabama U.S. senator and current U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions about his judicial philosophies, Boasberg agreed with another judge who had rejected Obama's call for empathy in a Supreme Court justice.

"If empathy means sympathizing with one party such that a judge fails to follow the law, then I believe it should not play a role in a judge's consideration of a case," Boasberg said.

In a September ruling Boasberg wrote, "the tragic history of the Great Sioux Nation's repeated dispossessions at the hands of a hungry and expanding early America is well known."

But he denied an attempt by the Standing Rock tribe to halt pipeline work, rejecting arguments that tribal officials hadn't been properly consulted and that cultural sites were in immediate peril.

"Lake Oahe is of undeniable importance to the tribe, and the general area is demonstrably home to important cultural resources," Boasberg said. "Even here, though, the tribe has not met its burden to show that DAPL-related work is likely to cause damage."

About the same time, Boasberg said his chambers had been flooded with calls about the pipeline. He urged Standing Rock attorney Jan Hasselman to remind his clients that "tallying calls for and against ... is not how our judicial system works."

Boasberg has been in the spotlight before. In 2012 he ruled that the Obama administration wouldn't have to turn over images of the body of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, and last year he dismissed lawsuits arising from Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email server as secretary of state.
For a third night in a row, hundreds of extremist haredi men took to major roads, thoroughfares and highways around the country on Thursday afternoon, blocking traffic to protest the arrest of a yeshiva student by the Military Police for failing to appear at IDF draft offices to begin his service.



Protests took place beginning at 3:30 p.m. in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, the Shilat junction near Modiin, Elad, Kanut junction near Gedera, Beit Shemesh and other locales, during which 31 protesters were arrested by police for disturbing the peace.



In Jerusalem, hundreds of protesters blocked the Bar-Ilan and Shmuel Hanavi in intersection, a major traffic artery, causing significant traffic jams.



Police used a water cannon and mounted officers to disperse the protesters, but shortly after each attempt to clear the junction, the protesters would return and resume blocking traffic.



Police intermittently approached the crowds of protesters to drag one of the men away, and their actions were met with shouts of Nazis to men and shiksas, meaning non-Jews, to women.



At other times, protesters danced in the middle of the road, even while being blasted by the water cannons, and sang songs about their devotion to God and the Torah.

The protests are being organized and led by a group known as the Jerusalem Faction, a breakaway from the mainstream haredi (ultra-Orthodox) political grouping that has taken a more radical stance on the issue of military service.



According to researchers at the Israel Democracy Institute, the Jerusalem Faction constitutes approximately 10% of the Ashkenazi haredi community and 6.5% of the overall haredi community, including the Sephardi haredim.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan on Friday lashed out at Haredi protesters who attacked an IDF soldier during a demonstration in the predominantly ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, a day earlier.



The incident took place during a series of protests by members of the ultra-Orthodox community over the arrest of a Haredi man who refused to appear at his draft office. Protesters clashed with police in a number of locations, resulting in security officials employing riot dispersal measures, including the use of water cannons.



Footage from the incident in Bnei Brak shows the protesters knocking the soldier to the ground, then kicking and hitting him, before he was retrieved by other members of the security forces.



The soldier said the attack led to him using tear gas to repel his assailants, Channel 10 reported Friday. The soldier is also a resident of Bnei Brak, the report said. Protesters claimed that the security forces used tear gas before the attack on the soldier.



Writing in Hebrew on Twitter, Erdran said he instructed police to bring the lawbreakers to justice and urged community leaders to speak out against the violence.



The images depicting an IDF soldier being violently attacked by dozens of young ultra-Orthodox men are shocking, Erdan wrote. Bullying must be uprooted. I have instructed the police to do everything possible to bring the lawbreakers to justice. I expect the heads of the Haredi community to condemn and denounce such acts, which are not representative of the Haredi public and only do it harm.

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said Wednesday he would take action against two ultra-Orthodox yeshivas after their students took part in riots protesting the military draft.



[...] In response to the protests, Liberman asked Israel Beytenu MK Oded Forer to work with relevant government ministries to stop the funding of the Maalot HaTorah yeshiva in Jerusalem and the Grudna yeshiva in Ashdod, which are both led by Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach, a staunch anti-draft advocate.



This is in response to the riots and inciting protests that were held by Rabbi Auerbachs students over the arrest of an IDF draft-dodging yeshiva student, Liberman said.



The defense minister also ordered his ministry to reconsider the automatic draft deferral granted to students of those two yeshivas, his office said.

It's been at least 3 days, and more Haredis against army drafts have been causing trouble for the taxpayers who should not have to foot their bill:It's almost laughable how they claim devotion to God and Torah, yet do everything they can to desecrate God's name, and the Torah's. And the gurus who've caused this should be jailed and prosecuted for inciting public disorder.Again, the sources encouraging these riots and jams should be prosecuted. Especially after they assaulted a soldier during one of the protests And the sad part is that a lot of these heads are too cowardly to bother, which only demonstrates why they're sliding into pure disaster so easily.Update: the defense minister wants to defund inciting yeshivas They should do all this now, and not wait.

Labels: haredi corruption, Israel, Jerusalem, Knesset, military, misogyny, Moonbattery, racism
Hillary trolls Trump over travel ban ruling

NDTV , Washington :

Hillary Clinton trolled US President Donald Trump after a federal appeals court rejected his bid to reinstate a temporary ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations, the media reported. Her tweet simply read, "3-0", a reference to the unanimous decision by the three-judge panel at the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, San Francisco.The ruling came in a challenge to Mr Trump's order filed by the states of Washington and Minnesota. The US Supreme Court will likely determine the case's final outcome.

Mr Trump's January 27 executive order barred entry for citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days and imposed a 120-day halt on all refugees, except refugees from Syria who are barred indefinitely. Shortly after the ruling, Mr Trump tweeted:

Ms Clinton was not the only critic celebrating the decision, politicians, pundits and activists around the country celebrated the victory against the administration. "President Trump ought to see the handwriting on the wall that his executive order is unconstitutional. He should abandon this proposal, roll up his sleeves and come up with a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
WILLISTON, N.D.  The owner of a popular Williston restaurant says he temporarily shut down the business last week to reorganize his staff after federal immigration officials took eight employees whose visas were believed to have been expired into custody.

Simon Chan returned from vacation on Jan. 31 to find agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations division at Basil. Authorities searched through the restaurants financial records and detained two women and six men who were employed at the restaurant.

Four of those people remain in the custody of ICE, Chan said, while the other four have since shown that their working permits are unexpired. They have been released from a holding facility in Minnesota, and two of them are returning to Williston, he said.

The search was part of an 10-month-long ongoing investigation into an alleged tax scheme, authorities say.

Simultaneous actions were done in Wyoming, where, according to media reports, two Chopstix Asian Bistro locations were temporarily shut down after three people believed to be in the U.S. illegally were detained by ICE.

A total of 11 people were administratively arrested in the inter-state operation, Carl Rusnok, an ICE spokesman, said. Those detained are from Guatemala, Mexico and Indonesia.

A federal immigration judge will determine the disposition of each individual on a case-by-case basis, he said.

They are being held under ICE custody, although its unclear where those taken in North Dakota are now.

Initially, they may have been held in Grand Forks. However, ICE may have transferred them to a different facility, which is a common practice based on available bedspace, Rusnok said in an email.

He declined to talk further about the financial and tax investigation.

Those detained in Williston are from Mexico and Indonesia, and worked as servers, cooks and kitchen staff, Chan said. Hed hired several when Basil opened more than three years ago, while the rest were on staff for at least a year.

Their paperwork was current when he hired them, but it was the employees responsibility to make sure their permits remained valid, he added.

The restaurants in Wyoming are not connected to his business, Chan said, although he hires a Wyoming accountant to do his taxes.

The incident sparked curiosity and online speculation, which Chan dismissed as unsubstantiated.

Theyre very supportive, he said of his customers. They know me, they see me. I care about the business and about the food.
Iran, a Major Victim of Terrorism

From the very beginning of the Revolution in 1979, Iran has suffered many terrorist attacks. One could even say Iran is somehow one of the major victims of terrorism in the world. If you take a look at the history of countries in the world, you'll notice that no other country has ever lost such a great number of officials in terrorist acts as Iran has. Interestingly, those who are claiming to be at war with terrorism provide those responsible for the death of civilians with office and the free rein to work in their countries.

The contradiction sharpens and reaches to the point that one of these terrorist groups rented an office a block away the White House which is the so-called pioneer of war on terror! All these measures prove the fact that terrorism is divided into two forms of "good" and "bad" from the point of view of certain Western countries; since they describe those who are for them as "good terrorists" and those who are against them as "bad terrorists".

That is why each year Iran faces different kinds of labels by the West as well as the usurper Zionist regime.

Below you will find brief accounts of the terrorist attacks carried out against the Iranian people over the last 38 years.

Attacks by Mujahedin-e-Khalq

The People's Mujahedin of Iran (also called Mujahedin-e-Khalq, MeK or MKO) is a terrorist organization regarded by the Iranian, the U.S. governments, and others as a terrorist organization. This group has publicly accepted the killing and assassination of 17000 innocent Iranians (including both ordinary people and government officials).

On 28 June 1981, bombs set by the MKO killed 70 high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic Party, including Chief Justice Mohammad Beheshti who was the second highest official after Ayatollah Khomeini at the time. Two years after the Islamic Revolution of Iran, the MKO detonated bombs at the headquarters of the now-dissolved Islamic Republic Party. Two months later, the MKO detonated another bomb in the office of the president, killing President Rajai and Premier Mohammad Javad Bahonar. Their attacks did not succeed in overthrowing the Islamic Republic of Iran government.

There is also a deep-seated resentment toward the group in Iraq because of its criminal past. The MKO widely supported Saddam in his brutal crackdown on opponents.

In recent years, attacks carried out by the Mujahedin-e-Khalq include:

Asadollah Lajevardi assassination (1998)

Two members of Mujahedin-e-Khalq assassinated Asadollah Lajevardi, a prosecutor and director of Evin Prison, along with his brother and a bystander on 23 August 1998.

Assassination of Ali Sayad Shirazi (1999)

On April 10, 1999, 6:45 local time Brigadier-General Ali Sayad Shirazi, deputy chief of staff of the regular army of the Islamic Republic and a military adviser to the Supreme Leader of Iran, was assassinated outside his house as he left for work. The People's Mujahedin of Iran claimed responsibility for the assassination of Sayyad Shirazi.

Attacks by Taliban extremists:

Mashhad bombing (1994)

On June 20, 1994 explosion of a bomb in a prayer hall of Imam Reza shrine in Mashhadthat killed at least 25 people. The Pakistani daily The News International reported on March 27, 1995, "Pakistani investigators have identified a 24-year-old religious fanatic Abdul Shakoor residing in Lyari in Karachi, as an important Pakistani associate of Ramzi Yousef. Abdul Shakoor had intimate contacts with Ramzi Ahmed Yousef and was responsible for the June 20, 1994, massive bomb explosion at the shrine Imam Ali Reza in Mashhad".

Mazari Sharif killings (1998)

On August 8, 1998 the Taliban assisted by Al-Qaeda, attacked the Afghan city of Mazari Sharif killing 11 Iranian diplomats and journalists along with thousands of Afghan civilians, in what was considered an attack motivated by takfir against Shia.

The Taliban were also thought to have "secretly" backed anti-Iranian terrorist groups. The group received weapons and support from the Taliban.

The group sought to overthrow what it called the "Shia Iranian government", despite the fact that Iran has always been home to both Shias and Sunnies and has always strived to foster amity and unity amongst all Muslims of different faiths.

Jundallah (since 2003)

Jundallah is a notorious terrorist organization in Balochistan. It is believed to have to have killed 800 Iranians. The group has been identified as a terrorist organization by Iran and Pakistan and many have confirmed it is linked to Al-Qaeda. It is also believed to receive support from the US government.

Zahedan bombing (2007)

A car filled with explosives stopped in front of a bus full of Revolutionary Guards in Ahmabad district, Zahedan, Sistan-Baluchestan Province at 6:30 a.m. on 14 February 2007. A few seconds later the bombs exploded, killing 18 Guards.

Jundallah claimed responsibility for the attack on 15 February.

The Iranian government has arrested five suspects, two of whom were carrying camcorders and grenades when they were arrested, while the police killed the main "agent" of the attack.

Tehran attacks (2001)

MKO members fired five rockets at the general command of the Internal Security Forces in Tehran, killing and injuring several, on 7 January 2001. MKO members fired mortar shells at several government buildings, including the Supreme Court, in Tehran on 21 January 2001.

Ahvaz Bombings (2005)

The Ahvaz bombings were a series of bomb explosions that took place mostly in Ahvaz, Iran. The first bombing came ahead of the presidential election on 12 June.

Shiraz bombing (2008)

A terrorist bombing inside a mosque in Shiraz in April 2008 killed 14 people including 10 men, 2 women and 2 children. More than 200 were also injured.

Scientist assassinations (2010 -2012)

Four Iranian nuclear scientists-Masoud Alimohammadi, Majid Shahriari, Darioush Rezaeinejad and Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan-were assassinated between 2010 and 2012, and one further scientist wounded in an attempted assassination. Two of the killings were carried out using magnetic bombs attached to the targets' cars; Darioush Rezaeinejad was shot dead; and Masoud Alimohammadi was killed in a motorcycle bomb explosion. Israel was behind the killings. In 2011-12, the Iranian authorities arrested a number of Iranians it said had carried out the assassination campaign on behalf of Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service. Western intelligence services and U.S officials are said to have confirmed the Israeli connection. In June 2012, the Iranian government stated that it was confident it had arrested all the assassins.

Moshe Ya'alon, the Israeli defence minister, stated, "We will act in any way and are not willing to tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran."

According to private American intelligence firm Stratfor, a fifth Iranian scientist was poisoned by Mossad in 2007. In January 2015, the Iranian authorities thwarted a further attempt by Mossad to assassinate an Iranian nuclear scientist.
Message from the Ambassador

On the behalf of the Iranian government and the people of Iran, we would like to extend our heartfelt greetings to the government and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Every year on the 11th February, the Iranian people gather around to commemorate the greatest achievement in the history of Iran; the success of the Islamic Revolution which took place in 1979 led by imam Khomeini (R). The revolution brought a huge impact on the social, cultural, and political atmosphere within Iran. It brought the sense of self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and sovereignty to the spirit of the Iranian people.

Now and thanks to the Revolution, Iran Is completely capable of making its own decisions regarding its national policies and governance without paying heed to foreign influence. In the last three decades, Iran has made huge technological advances and progresses in sciences including nanotechnology, space research, and nuclear technology.

Iran's nuclear program was deemed controversial by the Western world. According to them, Iran was planning to build a stockpile of nuclear weapons. Although many assurances were given that the nuclear program was entirely peaceful and that WMDs such as nuclear weapons did not comply with Iran's defense doctrine, the West remained unconvinced. In the end, an international agreement was struck between Iran and the P5+1. The deal was implemented on 16th January 2016 where the sanctions Imposed by the Western world were lifted, and in return, Iran decreased its nuclear activity. This deal was known as the greatest diplomatic achievement for Iran.

Iran, also, in the light of its location and outstanding capabilities, as well as being a member of O.I.C., D8, E.C.O., NAM, G77, an observer to SAARC has so far pursued an active role in regional & international arenas.

Bilateral relations with the People's Republic of Bangladesh:

Taking into the consideration the fact that the full-fledged expansion of cooperation with Islamic countries as a priority in our foreign policy, let me briefly explain the bilateral relations between the two Muslim countries, being located in Asia with vast areas of commonalities existing between the two nations and the people of Iran and Bangladesh.

While the relationship between Iran & Bangladesh dates back centuries ago, Iran established formal diplomatic relations with Bangladesh in the very year of the independence of Bangladesh. During these years, bilateral relations have always been warm and friendly. I am quite confident that we will be able to further enhance this relationship in all its dimensions in near future. In order to strengthen bilateral economic ties and lay down the appropriate foundation for further mutual cooperation, the 5th joint Economic Commission between the two countries was held in Dhaka in May 2013. During the meeting, both sides, Inspired by brotherly relations and in a friendly atmosphere, conducted constructive negotiations in the field of bilateral trade and investment, energy, transportation, ICT, agriculture, economic cooperation, customs, banking, culture, and education as well as agreed to advance relations in the mentioned fields. Moreover, during the year 2014, two distinct Iranian Parliamentary delegations visited Bangladesh and based on mutual agreement between two sides, they are moving towards expansion of parliamentary relations and people-to- people relations.

After that, delegations of high officials from both countries continued to visit each other's country. In 2016, Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor, Minister of Cultural Affairs, Mr.Nurul Islam Nahid, Minister of Education, Principal Matior Rahman, Minister of Religious Affairs, Mr. Amir Hossain Amu Minister for industry as well as Mr. Menon the Minister of Civil Aviation of Bangladesh visited Iran. In the same year, the Iranian Foreign Minister Mr. Javad Zarif visited Bangladesh and officially met with the Prime Minister, President and high officials of Bangladesh. At the end of the same year, four Iranian MPs went on a tour around Bangladesh. On January 2016, Rear-Admiral Habibollah Sayyari chief of the Iranian Navy has attended the 5th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium in Bangladesh. To conclude my remarks, I would like to take this opportunity to thank once again the people and the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh for their significant contribution to develop the ties and bonds of friendship between the two nations and governments.

Dr. Abbas Vaezi

Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary

of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Tanjin Tisha in short film

Sheikh Arif Bulbon :

Popular TV actress and model of present time Tanjin Tisha is mostly seen to work in telefilms and TV plays now. This time she will be seen in a new way on the screen. Tisha will be seen in Sanjay Samaddars short film titled Joler Shorir. Earlier she acted in a short film. Later got many offers to work in short films Tisha didnt agree to act due to disliking of those stories. This time she has liked the story of Joler Shorir so she agreed to act in the central role in the short film.

Director Sanjay informed that Sangeeta Banerjee gave main theme of the story of the short film. Sanjay himself has written its script and dialogue. Shooting of this 15-minute short film has been finished in the citys Uttara area recently to air on Youtube on the occasion of ensuing Valentines Day. Besides Youtube, this short film will also be telecasted in any satellite channel. It is the story of feelings and love.

While talking about the short film its heroine Tanjin Tisha told this correspondent, In the meantime, I got many proposals to work in several short films but I did not work because I couldnt like its stories. But I have liked the story of Sanjay Dada. My role was highlighted properly. So I have worked with having keen interest. I am very much optimistic about this short film. I think it will bring a new challenge for my acting career.

Tisha informed that besides her, Shampa Reza, Jovan and Shibly also acted in other roles in the film.

After taking part in shooting of a TV commercial of a multinational company Tanjin Tisha has returned to Dhaka from Kolkata recently. Therefore, she has also taken part in shooting of several plays on the occasion of Valentines Day. But she did not work in any TV serial. In fact, this year she has no interest to act in any serial, Tanjin Tisha added.


Mutation of government properties

Faruque Ahmed :

As we know that a final decree or order passed and drawn by a competent civil court/ tribunal is binding upon its parties and even binding upon all as to its existence as per Section 43 of the SR Act. Formerly Section 143(a) of the State Acquisition and Tenancy Act. 1950 was inserted after Section 143 by EP Ordinance No. VIII of 1965, had authorised a person aggrieved by a wrong order or omission of entry in record of rights finally prepared or revised and published under Chapter IV of the Act to file an application for correction of such record of rights in the civil court, and in pursuance of the order or decree of civil court the revenue officer shall make such alteration in the record of rights as may be necessary to give effect to such orders or decrees.

Of course, Section 143(a) was omitted by the Ordinance No. LXIV of 1975, which came into force in January, 1976. After omission of the aforesaid Section an aggrieved person is to file a regular title suit whose title is clouded due to wrong record of right. Now, power of correction of RS Record of-Rights has been invested to the Survey & Settlement Tribunal again.

2. Anyway, as we know as an ordinary person when right, title, possession and interest i.e. right to property of a person is declared by a civil court or revised record of right is declared wrong and concerned authority is directed to correct the same in favour of the plaintiff by the tribunal in that case the Revenue Authority has, in fact, no option in law but to mutate the name of the persons by correcting the record of right under Section 54 read with 143 of the SAT Act (vide Ref 53 DLR 506 and other case laws).

Moreover, Rule 535 of the Survey and Settlement Manual, 1935 provides thus. Owmwfj KvUi ivq gvZveK iKW mskvab Kiv hve| Aek GyI mUjgU I KvjiK cy Kivi wbqg iqQ|O But it is a matter of great concern that the Revenue Authority is very much reluctant in mutating the name of the decree/order holder of civil court or tribunal and as such litigant public suffer a lot.

3. On the other hand a circular issued by the Ministry of Land under Memo No fztgt/kv-9-19/93/214(582) wewea ZvwiL 28-9-1409 evsjv 11-5-1994Bs evsjv which provides that approval of Ministry of Land is necessary before mutation of the government property and thus creating embargo in mutating he name in the record of a decree holder of the civil court/tribunal.

Decree or order of a civil court/tribunal are creature of the statutory law i.e. code of civil procedure or special law and these have binding effect unless or until set a side by higher court of civil jurisdiction.

On the contrary, Govt. Circular, inter-ministerial communications, manuals etc. have no force of law. In this regard there are good number of case laws have been enunciated by our Hon'ble Apex Court. If so, it can be questioned why the approval of the Ministry of Land is to be obtained before mutation?

4. Of course, if the government is able to get the decree or order of civil court/tribunal set aside by the higher court of civil jurisdiction in that case the revenue authority has the statutory power to reverse or set aside the mutation order passed earlier as per law i.e.

The SAT Act. The Revenue authority has been invested power under Section 147 & 149 of the aforesaid law to set aside or revise any order as to mutation and hence the government need not at all to issue circular to create unnecessary barrier in the mutation process.

5. Here I am tempted to disclose my personal experience in this regard, The mother of my maternal grandfather purchased 2 poua land (0.18 acres) vide two registered deed being the year of 1942 & 1950 from Arjun Nath and Raman Nath who were under Raiyat of the then Zaminder Babu Gayanandra Kumar Paul Chowdhury & Amio Bala Paul Chowdhury and had been in possession of the same through her sons. Unfortunately, the purchased land by the aforesaid registered deeds had been wrongly recorded in the name of "Railway Board" during the SA settlement operation.

6. My maternal grandfather find his brother (since dead) carried to a title suit being No. 76 of 1979 before the then Munsif 1st Court, Habiganj (Now Assistant Judge Court) for a declaration of a title with respect of the aforesaid purchased land but unfortunately got a dismissal decree on contest and then we went to the District Judge's Court, Habiganj with an appeal being No. 38 of 1994 and we won and then the Railway authority approached the Hon'ble High Court Division with a civil Revision being No. 2038 of 2001 which was discharged on 10-112008 by his Lordship justice AFM Ali Asgar and the judgment of the aforesaid civil revision reported in 14 BLC 556 as case law or precedent.

7. And then we approached the local revenue authority for mutation in 2008, which delayed and wasted time on different plea & pretext and once we realized the negative approach of the local revenue officials including Deputy Commissioner, we went to the Hon1ble High Court Division with a petition for writ of mandamus being No. 8912 of 2009 which was made absolute on 27-5-2012 by their Lordships Madam Justice Naima Haider and ......... with a direction to the writ respondents i.e. local revenue Authority to mutate the name of the writ petitioners in roll of the record of rights within 60 days from the receipt of the judgment.

However due to delay in signing the judgment and order by the Hon'ble Justices concerned, the judgment and order could not be implemented. But we are lucky enough by this time, we won in the legal battle again before the Hon'ble Appellate Division of Bangladesh Supreme Court which was pleased enough to dismiss the civil petition for Leave to Appeal being No. 949 of 2009 on 28-1-2013. Preferred by Bangladesh Railway against the Judgment & Order dated 20-11-2008 passed in Civil Revision No. 2038 of 2001.

8. Thus, we ended our long mutation journey on the basis of the judgment & order of the Hon1ble Appellate Division of Bangladesh Supreme Court.

In doing so, we incurred heavy costs and expenditures and waited for since 1979 till 2013 i.e. 34 years. Not only us but also there are good number of litigant public are suffering in this connection and many of them approached both the Divisions of Bangladesh Supreme Court for getting their redress.

There are so many judicial pronouncements have already been made by both the Divisions of Bangladesh Supreme Court in this regard but the concerned govt. revenue officials by showing utter disregard and disrespect have chalked out an opposite direction contrary to the judgment and order of the civil court or tribunal even Apex Court of country and thus creates untold suffering & predicament for the litigant public.

9. Anyway, in my narrow view, for establishment of rule of law and for the greater interest of the public, the circular under Memo No. f~tgt/kv-9-19/93/214(582) wewea ZvwiL 28-9-1409 evsjv gvZveK 11-5-1994Bs or issued by the Ministry of Land imposing hindrance in the process of mutation should be lifted at an earliest possible date or by amending the law, a high level revenue authority of the government be given absolute power to deal with the matter quickly in lieu of court or tribunal so that mutation can be done in a shortest possible time.



(The writer is Advocate, District Judge's Court, Hobiganj.)
Bail in Destinys money laundering case



Appellate Division

(Criminal)

Surendra Kumar

Sinha CJ

Syed Mahmud Hossain J

Mirza Hussain Haider J

Durnity Daman Commission..Petitioner

Vs

Mohammad Hossain and another.Respondents

Judgment

November 13th, 2016

Money Laundering Protirodh Ain (Vof 2012)

Section 2 (d)

Bail in a money laundering case--Since the accused persons made positive statements that Destiny Group own 35,00,000 saleable trees planted on more than thousand acres of land, which may be sold at Taka 28,00,000 crore approximately, this court finds that if the proposal of the accused persons is accepted the public money will be secured. . ..... (6)

Bail in a money laundering case

The proposal made by the counsel is reasonable one the Durnity Daman Commission has no objection if the Destiny Group can deposit at this stage about taka twenty eight hundred crore or if the accuseds can deposit the sale proceeds from their own accounts. If the accused persons can collect the proposed amount, this amount will be distributed to the affected persons after verification. . ..... (8)

Bail

If the accused persons instead of selling the trees can deposit about twenty five hundred crore taka they may be enlarged on bail. If the accused want to withdraw any money from their personal accounts in order to cover the deficient amount, we direct the commercial banks with which the accused persons are maintaining accounts to honour cheque(s) if any is presented for withdrawal of the money subject to the condition that the withdrawn money would be handed over to the Chairman of the Commission. . .... (8)



Bail with directions

Jailors, Dhaka and Kashimpur Central Jail to allow the accused persons to hold meeting of the companies if necessary and to execute any document or documents, resolutions, deeds etc. as may be necessary for the purpose of selling 35 lac matured trees owned by Destiny Tree Plantation Limited. We also direct the Jail Authority to allow all sort of co-operation as may be necessary for the purpose of completing the transaction for sale of the trees and receiving sale proceeds for onward transmission to the Chairman, Durnity Daman Commission for distribution to the affected persons on the basis of list. The Special Judge shall admit the accuseds on bail to its satisfaction subject to the fulfilment of the terms. . .... (9)

Md Khurshid Alam Khan, instructed by Sufia Khatun, Advocate-on-Record-For the Petitioner. (In both the cases).

Ajmalul Hossain, Senior Advocate. instructed by Md Helal Amin, Advocate-on-Record-For Respondent Nos. I & 2 (In both the cases).

None Represented-For Respondent No.3 (In both the cases).



Judgment

Surendra Kumar Sinha CJ : This petition is directed against a judgment of the High Court Division granting bail to accused Md Hossain and Md Rafiqul Amin, Chairman and Managing Director of Destiny 2000 Limited respectively in Special Case No. 139 of 2014 pending before the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge, Dhaka.

2. There is allegation against the respondents that out of Taka 1935,53,2000 they misappropriated Taka 733,31,29,643 by way of commission in the name of Destiny 2000 Limited; Taka 270,52,42,824 from the account of Destiny Multi Purpose Co-operative Limited; Taka 68,87,49, 997 showing dividend of Diamond Builders Ltd and also Taka 174,77,50,557 showing fictions transactions. It is alleged that the Chairman and the Managing Director by resorting to deceitful means collected huge amount of money from the innocent persons promising to give then profit, dividend etc. and without investing the money the purpose for which it was collected syphoned the money in their accounts and thereby they have misappropriated huge amount of money.

3. The High Court Division enlarged the respondents on bail mainly on the reasoning that none of the investors made any complaint against the alleged misappropriation; that there is nothing on record that any amount of money was transferred by the accused persons in their accounts; that co-accused Lt. General M Harun-or-Rashid who stands on the same footing has been enlarged on bail and that there is inconsistency in the amount actually misappropriated by the accused persons in two cases.

4. Mr Khurshid Alam Khan, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the High Court Division erred III law in exercising its discretionary power in favour of the accused persons, inasmuch as, the accused persons have syphoned the money abroad after collecting the same from more than 17 lac people and therefore, their act attracts Money Laundering Protirodh Ain, 2012. He further submits that the period of sentence of the said offence is imprisonment for twelve years and as the accused persons without utilizing the money in the projects misappropriated the same, they have committed offences punishable under the Durnity Daman Commission Ain. He adds that on consideration of the gravity of the offence the accused persons are not legally entitled to be enlarged on hail particularly when the trial of the case is in progress and that since they are influential persons, if they are enlarged, on bail at this stage, the trial of the case will be hampered.

5. Mr Ajmalul Hossain, learned counsel appearing for the accused respondents, on the other hand, submits that the High Court Division has taken into consideration the pros and cons of the matter and rightly enlarged the respondents on bail. He further submits that the confinement of an accused person in hajot should not be taken as a measure of punishment. In this connection, learned counsel has submitted that as per law even if the accused persons are found guilty, the maximum sentence of offence is seven years out of which they have already suffered four years. Mr Hossain has added that on consideration of the period in hajot, and the status of the accused, there is no legal ground to interfere with the judgment of the High Court Division. He further submits that the allegations made in the FIR and the police report even if they are taken to be true, it is evident that the accused persons have not misappropriated any money and that the money. which they have collected is secured money as will be evident from the additional paper book annexure- 14 series.

6. Since the case is at the trial stage, we are not inclined to enter into the merit of the matter. Fact remains that there are allegations against the accused respondents of misappropriation of huge amount of money. The accused respondents do not deny about the collection of such huge amount of money from the shareholders. Only dispute which has been found as per submissions of the learned counsel are that according to the prosecution, the accused persons have misappropriated the money without investing in the projects hut according to the accused respondents the money has been utilized in different projects. Mr Ajmalul Hossain submits that besides plantations the companies own both moveable and immovable property the value of which is more than the amount allegedly collected by the accused respondents. Mr Ajmalul Hossain realising the involvement of huge amount of money in the companies of Destiny Group makes an alternative submission that the respondents are ready to repay the major portion of the amount collected from the shareholders by selling the matured trees if they are permitted by this court. Since the accused persons made positive statements that Destiny Group own 35,00,000 saleable trees planted on more than thousand acres of land, which may be sold at Taka 28,00,00,00,000 crore approximately, this court finds that if the proposal of the accused persons is accepted the public money will be secured. It is stated that Destiny Group own about 670.12 acres of land the value of which would be Taka 1649.72 crore.

7. According to Ajmalul Hossain, if his alternative submission is accepted, the accused respondents would be able to collect more than 70% amount out of the alleged defalcated amount and the money may be paid to the alleged affected persons. It is on record that both the moveable and immovable property have been attached by an order of the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge and the Police Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of the respective areas have been appointed as caretakers by order dated 24-2-2013.

Accordingly, the learned Counsel submits that this order requires to be modified and the accused respondents may be permitted to sell those trees from jail. He submits that Destiny Tree Plantation Limited has planted, trees in which Destiny 2000 Ltd. owns 51% shares and, that the accused respondent No.1 is the Chairman and the accused respondent No.2 is the Managing Director of the said Company. He further submits that Dr Md Shamsul Hug Bhuiyan, MP Chandpur-4 Constituency is the Chief Executive Officer of Destiny Tree Plantation Limited, who would arrange the fund in consultation with the Accused.

8. It is submitted by Mr Ajmalul Hossain that Dr Md Shamsul Hug Bhuiyan, the CEO may be allowed to initiate the purported sale of the matured trees and after finalizing the deal.

The accused respondents be permitted to hold meeting, if necessary and finally sign the necessary papers, resolutions, deeds for effecting the sale of the trees. The proposal made by the learned counsel is reasonable one and the learned counsel for the Durnity Daman Commission has no objection if the Destiny Group can deposit at this stage about taka twenty eight hundred crore or if the accused respondents can deposit the sale proceeds from their own accounts. If the accused persons can collect the proposed amount, this amount will be distributed to the affected persons after verification. Accordingly we modify the order of the learned Metropolitan Senior Special Judge,. Dhaka dated 24-2-2013 passed in Metropolitan Special Case No. 25 of 2013 attaching the trees of Destiny Plantation Limited and allow the accused respondents to sell 35 lac matured saleable trees planted by Destiny 2000 Limited within 6 (six) weeks from the date of receipt of the judgment.

If the accused persons instead of, selling the trees can deposit about twenty' five hundred crore taka they may be enlarged on bail. If the accused want to withdraw any money from their personal accounts in order to cover the deficient amount, we direct the commercial banks with which the accused persons are maintaining accounts to honour cheque(s) if any is presented for withdrawal of the money subject to the condition that the withdrawn money would be handed over to the Chairman of the Commission.

9. We direct the Jailors, Dhaka Central Jail and Kashempur Central Jail to allow the accused-respondents to hold meeting of the companies if necessary and to execute any document or documents, resolutions, deeds etc. as may be necessary for the purpose of selling 35 lac matured trees owned by Destiny Tree Plantation Limited. We also direct the Jail Authorities to allow Dr Md Shamsul Huq Bhuiyan, MP Chandpur-4 Constituency to meet the accused in Jail as and when necessary for consultation and obtaining necessary Signatures and instructions from them for the purpose of selling the trees. We also direct the Jail Authority to allow all sort of co-operation as may be necessary for the purpose of completing the transaction for sale of the trees and receiving sale proceeds for onward transmission to the Chairman, Durnity Daman Commission for distribution to the affected persons on the basis of list to be submitted by Dr Md, Shamsul Huq Bhuiyan, MP. The judgment of the High Court Division is modified accordingly. The Special Judge shall admit the accused respondents on bail to its satisfaction subject to the fulfillment of the above terms.

This petition is disposed or with the above modification and directions.
Master plan going on to save River Karnaphuli





The committee which was formed by Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to prepare a Master Plan for saving the river Karnaphuli is working for preparing a plan in this regard now. As Prime Minister Sheikh Hsina has directed to save the river Karnaphuli, the lifeline of country's economy, the committee is working to save the river.

Sources said, the office of Prime Minister has taken step to save river Karnaphuli, the lifeline of country's economy recently. The PMO has formed a high-power committee headed by the Housing and Settlement Minister Engineer Mosharaf Hossain MP to prepare a Master Plan to save the river on December 15 last.

The committee will prepare a Master Plan to save the river Karnaphuli within next three months and the government will take action as per submitted plan, sources said.

According to the sources, the rest members of the committee headed by the Shipping Minister Shahajan Khan MP are: Chief of Bangladesh Navy, Mayors of Dhaka and Chittagong City Corporation, Chief Secretary of the office of Prime Minster, secretaries of Fisheries and Livestock Ministry, Home Ministry, Environment and Forest Ministry, Shipping Ministry and Divisional Commissioners of Dhaka and Chittagong.

The Director General of the office of Prime Minster was made Member Secretary of the committee. The committee will also include the river experts from home and abroad to prepare the Master Plan.

According to the sources in district administration, 2,181 illegal occupiers set up their illegal establishments on 158.45 acres of lands of both sides of river Karnaphuli.

There are 2,112 occupiers in Bakolia and East Patenga areas as per BD survey record while there are also 60 illegal occupiers in Gosaildenga, Monohorkhali and Feringi Bazar Mouja areas.

The price of the grabbed land of 158.45 acres at the both sides of river Katnaphuli is more than taka 2,370 crore.

Sources said, the High Court directed to evict the 2,181 illegal establishments from the bank of river Karnaphuli. The concerned bench in an order on October 16 last directed to evict the 2,181 illegal establishments. But, the illegal establishments are yet to be evicted by the concerned authority.

Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong Shamsul Arefin said, "We have plans to evict all illegal establishments from the both banks of river Karnaphuli. We need huge budget and planning in this regard.

We will conduct eviction drives against the 2,181 illegal occupiers who grabbed the lands after discussion with other concerned authorities."

Sources also said, on August 16 last, the HC bench also directed to issue notice to the concerned persons including 2,181 illegal occupiers by giving 90 days time from the receiving the direction of the court.

Bench of high court directed to secretary of Chittagong Development Authority, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) and Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Chittagong to publish notice in newspapers and issued notice to the concerned persons to shift the illegal establishments.

If the concerned persons fail to shift their establishments within the notice period, the government authorities have to evict those from the river banks, court sources said.
51 madrasa students get sick Probe body formed in Barisal

Barisal Correspondent :

Barisal district administration formed an inquiry committee after fifty-one madrasa students including one teacher of Ulalghuni Islamia Nurani Hafezia Madrasa and Orphanage became sick on Tuesday night after taking food on Tuesday afternoon.

Dr. Gazi Md. Saifuzzaman, deputy commissioner Barisal, said he visiting the hospital on Tuesday night ordered to form a 5-member committee led by Md. Monir Hossain, additional deputy magistrate and asked to submitted report within next seven working desk.

Dr.Md.Delwar Hossain, resident medical officer of Barisal General Hospital, said patients taking treatment with symptoms of dehydration caused from loose motion and vomiting.



Police recovered the body and sent it to Comilla Medical College Hospital.




Strengthening community policing to resist militancy stressed

BSS,Rangpur :

Strengthening activities of the community policing, involving the youth community can play vital role in eliminating militancy, terrorism, child marriage and other social curses to ensure peace in the society.

The opinion came at a rally against drug abuse, terrorism, militancy and corruption followed by distribution of warm clothes among cold-hit people held at Taluk Tampat High School ground under Ward No-32 in the city on Thursday.

The Ward No-32 unit of Community Policing Committee and Samaj Jagorn Committee (SJC) jointly organised the rally presided over by President of SJC Mozammel Hossain.

Additional Superintendent of Police ABM Zakir Hossain attended and addressed the rally and distributed warm clothes as the chief guest.

Member Secretary of Rangpur divisional and district units of Community Policing Shushanto Bhowmick, ASP (Circle-A) Saifur Rahman Saif and Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Thana ABM Zahidul Islam and Khatib of Laksmanpara Jam-e-Mosque Moulana Mizanur Rahman addressed as special guests.

The speakers lauded the improving law and order situation in all wards of Rangpur city and suggested for further strengthening activities of the community policing for ensuring sustainable peace and tranquility in the society.

Shushanto Bhowmick called upon members of the community policing for engaging spontaneous efforts involving the common people and extending full cooperation to the police forces in preventing drug abuse, terrorism, militancy and corruption.

The chief guest called upon members of the community policing committees for engaging their efforts involving the common people, especially youths, and extending full cooperation to the police forces in resisting militancy and terrorism.

"Members of the community policing have bigger responsibility to carefully monitor activities of the new comers in their respective areas and inform common people in their various meetings about the bad impacts of militancy," he said.

He also suggested community policing committee members for identifying local problems, conflicts and disputes to resolve those locally with assistance of common people to reduce number of cases in police stations and save commoners from hassles.

Later, the chief guest distributed warm clothes among the cold-affected poor and distressed people of the area in the function.

Another reports adds: Strengthening activities of the women community policing committees involving the common people could play vital role in maintaining law and order for resisting militancy to ensure sustainable social peace.

The opinion came at the introductory ceremony of the newly formed Kotwali Thana Women Community Policing Committee (KTCPC) followed by a views-sharing meeting held at Kotwali Thana office premises here on Wednesday.

The KTCPC began its journey with the firm commitments of resisting militancy, terrorism, anarchy, preventing child marriage, dowry, repression and domestic violence against women and building a drug- free society.

Police Super and Chief Adviser of the District Community Policing

Coordination Committee Mizanur Rahman attended the function as the chief guest.

With Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Thana ABM Zahidul Islam in the chair,Assistant Police Super Saifur Rahman, City Councilor Hasna Banu, President of KTCPC Zakia Ahsan and its General Secretary Anwar Ferdousi Poly addressed, as special guests.

Member-secretary of district coordination committee of Community Policing Shushanto Bhowmick narrated activities of the women community policing committee as well as the overall activities of community policing in building crime-free society.

The speakers highly lauded the initiative of launching activities of women community policing committee that would play vital role in reducing social crimes, curses, drug abuse and resist militancy and terrorism.

They hoped that members of the women community policing committee would effectively bridge police-people on mutual trust in strengthening community policing activities to ensure peace in the society.

The chief guest stressed on forming of women community policing committees at all unions and wards to strengthen community policing activities to ensure peace, prevent drug abuse, child marriage, dowry, repression and violence against women.

Narrating tremendous success already achieved by the country's women

community in every sector, he said members of the women community policing committee would also contribute equally side by side with males to further reduce social crimes.

He called upon the common people to work unitedly with police through building mutual trust, partnership and information sharing for resisting militancy and terrorism and preventing social crimes to establish peace in the society.




Homelessness barrier to achieve SDGs

Ruth Owen :

The UN 2030 Agenda is a commitment to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development worldwide, and at its heart is a pledge to leave no-one behind. This needs to mean delivering for everyone, making special efforts to reach the poorest and most vulnerable. We cannot look forward to a future without poverty when hundreds of thousands of people within the EU face homelessness every day.

The EU has a vital role to play in delivering on the 2030 Agenda, just as it was instrumental in shaping the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indeed, on 22 November 2016, the European Commission published a Communication on 'Next steps for a sustainable European future: European action for sustainability' and First Vice-President Frans Timmermans stated "we are making the SDGs and sustainability a guiding principle in all our work". Preventing and tackling homelessness must be a cornerstone of the EU's response to the sustainability challenge.

Of the 17 SDGs, homelessness is particularly relevant to the following three goals, the achievement of which is simply not possible without decisive action to end homelessness.

The first is SDG1 - Eradicating poverty in all its forms - which, as the title suggests, is unquestionably linked with fight against homelessness. Extreme poverty is often treated as a non-issue in the EU, despite it being a clear reality, manifest in persistent and increasing homelessness. Whilst the global definition of $1.90 a day is not appropriate in this context, it would be misleading and wrong for the EU to focus exclusively on relative poverty, which is what the "at risk of poverty indicator" predominantly captures. This is especially true in a context of dramatic increases in homelessness in many member states, a trend that is often at odds with evolutions in relative poverty.

The second is SDG3 - Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Housing is a social determinant of health and homelessness is associated with ill-health and dramatically lower-than-average life expectancy.

Finally, SDG11 - Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This goal includes providing safe, adequate housing for all. By definition this includes preventing and addressing homelessness.

Four points need to be addressed in order to meet the goals and stop leaving homeless people behind.

Firstly, steps should be taken by member states to develop homelessness strategies and the EU should monitor and support their progress. Homelessness should also be maintained and indeed strengthened as a thematic priority in the EU's social policy field, especially under the Social Rights Pillar, the European Semester, the Social Open Method of Coordination and of course, the new EU Urban Agenda, which will be a particularly important framework for addressing sustainability challenges. Initiatives such as the Skills Agenda, the Migration Agenda, the Youth Guarantee, the Disability Strategy and so on all need to specifically target those facing homelessness. Otherwise the EU and its member states will continue to leave people behind.

Secondly, the Europe 2020 Strategy's poverty target has failed to fully engage with the reality of extreme poverty in the EU. It's vital that in its next ten-year plan, the EU addresses this gap. To do so, the Commission and member states should commit to ending the scandal of homelessness in the post-2020 era. This should start with a commitment to ensuring that no one need sleep rough by 2030.

Furthermore, to truly ensure no one is left behind, the homeless need to be viewed as key stakeholders by the European Commission. The Commission plans to launch a multi-stakeholder platform on the 2030 Agenda. It must actively reach out to include those that are currently left behind, such as the homeless. If only broader sustainability perspectives are focused on, the most vulnerable will continue to be left out.

Finally, in order to truly know where the EU and member states stand in relation to the implementation of the SDGs, indicators on homelessness and housing exclusion must be part of the Commission's reporting of the EU's progress towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Worryingly, Eurostat's first overview of where the EU and member states currently stand has left homelessness and extreme poverty completely out of the picture. From 2017 onwards, the Commission will carry out more detailed regular monitoring, developing a reference indicator framework for the SDGs. As a matter of urgency, Eurostat and other Commission services need to develop a strategy for measuring extreme poverty and housing exclusion. The Sustainable Development Goals are a historic opportunity for individual member states and the EU as a whole to take positive action to prevent and tackle homelessness.

Be fair, Europe. Stand up for the homeless.

(Ruth Owen is policy coordinator for FEANTSA, the European Federation of National Organisations working with the Homeless).
Iranians march against Trump 'threats' on revolution anniv

Trump inspires grassroots protest movement.

AFP, Teheran :

Millions of Iranians marched on the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution on Friday (Feb 10) in what the president described as a response to the new US administration and a rejection of "threatening language".

President Hassan Rouhani joined hundreds of thousands at an anniversary march through the capital, one of dozens of such events around the country. "This turnout is a response to false remarks by the new rulers in the White House and the people are telling the world through their presence that the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect," Rouhani said. "Iranians will make those using

threatening language against this nation regret it. "Anyone threating Iran's government and armed forces should know that our nation is vigilant."

US President Donald Trump has taken an increasingly strident line towards Iran since taking office last month, warning that it was "playing with fire" and "on notice". Last week, he imposed sanctions on Iran over a Jan 29 ballistic missile test and officials warned more might follow. Last weekend, new Pentagon chief James Mattis described Iran as "the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world."

Placards bearing slogans against Trump were brandished by the marchers as they weaved their way through the streets of the capital in the wintry fog to the central Azadi (Freedom) Square. One placard showed a caricature of Trump being punched by a hand wearing a bracelet of the Iranian flag.

"Thanks Mr Trump for revealing true face of the US," said another placard echoing comments made by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a speech this week. "Iranians are not scared of threats," said another, bearing the faces of Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May and her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. The United States and Britain have long been derided by the regime as the "great Satan" and the "little Satan". Iran does not accept Israel's right to exist. The rhetoric had been toned down after a July 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers including the United States.

But at Friday's marches, the traditional "Down with America" slogans were everywhere. Trump has made no secret of his opposition to the deal agreed by his predecessor Barack Obama under which Iran agreed to controls on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of international sanctions.
CANNON BALL, N.D.  The Cannon Ball District on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation is examining how it should enforce a resolution to close a Dakota Access Pipeline protest camp. At the same time, it has been petitioned for another vote on the matter.

The district was presented Tuesday with a petition with 66 signatures, asking for another vote on a resolution approved at a January district meeting to close the protest camps. That includes the Sacred Stone spirit camp near Cannon Ball that requires anyone going there to drive through the small community.

The petition asked for a special district meeting Sunday to vote to rescind the resolution, but district chairman Robert Fool Bear said the meeting was delayed because two deaths in the community must be honored first.

The 10-point resolution to empty the protest camps and not establish an alternative winter camp near Cannon Ball was also approved by the full tribal council and backed by five other districts on the reservation. Fool Bear said it isnt clear what effect a district vote would even have.

The petition was carried by Swan American Horse, who has been living at the Sacred Stone spirit camp. There is no known phone number for American Horse, but she had said at a public meeting last month that she didnt think the 24 district votes cast on the original resolution were fully representative.

Fool Bear said the original resolution remains in effect. It calls for the camps to be vacated by Thursday, in line with a stated 30-day deadline. In the meantime, the district wants clarification on its legal authority to close off access to Sacred Stone camp or take any other enforcement action. He said the district also wants clarification on land ownership where the Sacred Stone camp is located just north of town, along the Cannonball River.

The tribe maintains that the majority ownership on the tract of land is in tribal trust status and that LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, who identifies as camp founder starting last April, has only a small minority interest with other members of her family.

Allard did not return a phone call or text message seeking comment but has said she is working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to clarify land ownership questions.

Fool Bear said it remains in the best interest of Cannon Ball for the camp to be vacated.

We know there are violent people there and now (with the pipeline easement granted) people are being called back. Will they be peaceful? he said.
48 hrs yet to be over !

Staff Reporter :

The investigators are yet to nab the killers of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Nahar Runi even after the 43,800 hours of the gruesome murder.

The then Home Minister Shahara Khatun, within hours of the incident in 2012, had promised to

catch the culprits within 48 hours. Today (Saturday) is the 5th death anniversary of the journalist couple. Journalist organistions, including Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), will hold protest rallies today demanding justice.

Meanwhile, Journalists' leaders have expressed their disappointment over the slow progress of investigation of the double murder and urged the law enforcers to stop staging 'drama' in the name of investigation.

DRU President Shakhawat Hossain Badsha told The New Nation on Friday that although five years have elapsed into the gruesome killing, the investigators are still in dark to identify the killers. It is unacceptable.

"We have been demanding the arrest of the killers and their capital punishment since 2012. We also have submitted memorandums to the Prime Minister and Home Minister for justice. But the case is yet to make any headway much to our frustration," he said.

DUJ (one faction) General Secretary Sohel Haider Chowdhury said, "We are crying for justice since the murder of the journalist couple. But justice has been denied due to reason unknown. Such a situation has led to increasing torture and killing of journalists across the country."

"It is our constitutional rights to get justice. The state machineries must uphold the constitutional rights as well as ensure safety and security of the journalists," he said.

DUJ (another faction) General Secretary Jahangir Alam Prodhan said the then home minister assured the journalists to nab the killers within 48 hours, but after five years the killers are still at large. "We don't know how many hours we have to wait for justice. We don't know when the killers will be arrested. It is the duty of the state to bring the culprits to book and ensure justice," he said.

He called upon the journalist community to forge unity and go for tougher movement until the killers of Sagar-Runi are nabbed.

The journalists' leaders also slammed the home minister's recent comment on the progress of the murder case saying that we cannot expect such and irresponsible comment from him.

The incumbent home minister told the media recently that he was not aware of the progress of the sensational killing case.

On February 11, 2012, Maasranga Television News Editor Sagar Sarowar and ATN Bangla Senior Reporter Meherun Runi were stabbed to death in the bedroom of their apartment in Dhaka's Razabazar.

Sagar- Runi's only son Mihir Sarowar Megh is a student of grade four at a school in Gulshan now.

After the sensational murder Runi's brother filed the case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police.

Following the murder, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police started the investigation. Later, the case was shifted to the DB police. However, on April 18, 2012, the High Court in an order transferred the case to RAB for investigation as the former had expressed its inability to resolve the case.

But RAB investigators are yet to produce the probe report into the murder case.

Meanwhile, a Dhaka court on February 8 this year directed the RAB to inform by March 21 about the progress of the probe report in the murder case of journalist couple Sagar-Runi.
Shariatpur man hacked to death by son

UNB, Shariatpur :

A man was hacked to death allegedly by his son at Nagerpara Choto Kalinagar village in Gosairhat upazila on Friday morning.

The victim was identified as Wares Khan, 60, resident of the village.

Mofazzal Hossain, Officer-in-Charge of Gosairhat Police Station, said that Wares's son Dabir locked into an altercation with him at his house at around 10am.

At one stage, Dabir stabbed his father with a sharp weapon, leaving him dead on the spot. On information police recovered the body and sent it to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital for an autopsy.

Meanwhile, police arrested Dabir from the house.


Shahzadpur people frightened

Shimul killing: Exemplary punishment demanded

Md Joynal Abedin Khan with Selim Reza :

Mayor Halimul Haque Miru of Shahzadpur municipality in Sirajganj district reportedly used his arms frantically, violating the rules and regulations of licensed weapons on February 2 resulting in the tragic end of a journalist.

That is why the local people call him 'pistol mayor', while some others label him as 'gun mayor', 'commission Miru' and 'tender Miru'.

Miru and his goons used to import arms from India, dodging the law enforcers' eyes. His rented and nurtured cohorts always remain ready to carry out his instructions in the upazila, sources said.

The residents of Shahzadpur municipality and the government employees are helpless to the offensive activities of the mayor's gang.

Another sources said, Miru came to Shahzadpur after dismissal from the Bangladesh Rifles (now BGB) on charge of beating a high officials in 1978. He was also expelled from the Awami League four times for violating the rules of the party's charter. He is a fake freedom fighter and all the facilities he enjoyed have already been cancelled. He was also expelled from Shahzadpur College in 1981.

There are allegations of killing at least five persons, including an innocent housewife in the Naluar Cahar of Shahzadpur upazila in Sirajganj district in last seven years, they said.

In the latest incident, the Daily Samokal local correspondent Shimul was shot dead on February 2 that triggered a countrywide protest demanding exemplary punishment to him.

When Shimul was capturing the pictures of mayor's firing from his gun on his camera, the mayor shot at Shimul. We demand exemplary punishment to the mayor and his brothers," said Shimul's cousin Dr Abul Kalam Azad.

"Miru fired five bullets from his gun, one of which hit Shimul in the head. He was there to discharge his duty as a journalist," he said on Saturday before attending Shimul's Namaz-e-Janaza.

When contacted, Abul Hasnat, Assistant Superintendent of Police in Sirajganj, said that police in primary investigation found evidence of firing and bullet injuries.

He said they seized the mayor's firearm and recovered 43 bullets from his house. After forensic tests, it could be ascertained whether the bullet was fired from the mayor's firearm, he said.

Rezaul Haque, officer-in-charge of Shahzadpur Police Station, said six accused, including Miru and his two brothers-Habibul Haque Mintu and Hasibul Haque Pintu-were arrested in connection with the killing.

On February 2, the clash erupted following 'assault' on Bijoy Mahmud, President of Chhatra League at Shahzadpur Government College. One of the factions encircled Miru's residence, blaming him for the assault on the Chhatra League leader.

Shahzadpur Government College's Chhatra League President Bijoy Mahmud said, not only common men and the government employees fear Miru and his gang, most of the ruling party men also are scared of him.

They never consider the part interests, but interests of their own men. Even the engineers and inspectors never visit the construction worksites of the Miru gang, according to him.

He hired goons from Pabna district to ensure the security of the mayor as per his demand, Bioy said.

The mayor's gang once attacked him in presence of the mayor as he protested the sub-standard work done by his men, he claimed.

A 25-member armed gang always remains ready to execute all orders of Mayor and his two siblings Pintu and Mintu, Bijoy added

Shimul's wife Nurun Nahar Begum filed a case with Shahzadpur Police Station on February 3 against Miru, his two brothers, 15 named and 20 to 25 unnamed people.

"The bullet, which was shot from the mayor's house during the agitation, hit my husband, leaving him critically injured, and he died of his injuries Friday noon," reads the case statement.

"I want punishment of the real culprits no matter whatever position they hold," said Nurun Nahar.




Number of case backlog on rise

Gulam Rabbani :

The disposal rate of cases has increased in both the divisions of the Supreme Court (SC) in the recent years, but the scenario is different in death reference section, with the rising of the case backlog in last two years.

Sources said, 45 cases only were disposed in 2016, comparing with 58 in 2015. Record shows that 535 cases were under trial in 2016 and 519 in 2015.

According to the source, 101 cases were disposed in 2004. But this number fell to 49 the following year year. In 2006, it was 65, in 2007, the number was 148, and in 2008, this was 128.

In 2009, 2010 and 2011, disposal number of cases were 48, 43 and 74 respectively. In 2012, 2013 and 2014, the number increased to 145, 111 and 135 respectively.

Recently, hearing on some sensational cases' death reference has been continuing in the relevant benches of the High Court (HC) division.

Ramna bomb blast case, BDR mutiny case, child Rajon murder case of Sylhet, child Rakib murder case of Khulna are in the list. Besides, Police Officer Mahfuzur Rahman and his wife murder case's death reference is on the hearing list.

According to Section 31 of Criminal Code of Procedure, judges of trial courts can deliver any kind of punishment to the criminals as per law. But if a lower court passes death sentence in a case, its judgment is to be examined by the HC through hearing arguments for confirmation of the death sentence. The case documents and judgment reaches as death reference to the HC from the lower court in seven days within the delivery of the verdict.

Then the relevant section of the HC prepares paper book on the case and submits this for hearing. The sensational cases get priority in this regard.

A paper book contains all the details of a case, trial proceedings, statements, evidence, verdicts and other documents.

If a convict is aggrieved by the order of the HC, then he can appeal to the Appellate Division of the SC against it. He also get a chance to seek review if he is aggrieved by the judgment of the apex court. Even a convict can submit mercy petition if his review is rejected. After all these steps a death sentence is executed.

Sources said, hearing on death references continues in four benches of the HC division. Of them, two benches hear death references only two days a week. The rest two benches hear death references four days a week. That is why, the disposal number of the cases is not increasing.

But the lawyers have demanded increase of the number of benches and judges to increase the disposal rate.

Md Sabbir Faiz, Additional Registrar (Administration and Judicial), said, they are trying to take necessary steps for quick disposal of the death reference cases.

Now HC is facing judge crisis. That is why required number of benches cannot be formed, said he, adding that they send case documents to the BG press to print paper book. This problem would be solved if there is a press in the SC.

Senior lawyer of the SC Advocate Khandker Mahbub Hossain said, a judge needs practical experience, skills and knowledge of law to dispose a death reference case. But many HC judges being new, they took a long time to dispose a death reference case. The time of the disposal of cases can be shortened by forming benches with experienced judges.




US appeals court rules against Trump on travel ban

Iranian citizen and U.S green card holder Cyrus Khosravi (L) greets his brother, Hamidreza Khosravi after they were detained for additional screening following their arrival to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Internet photo

AFP :

A US court on Thursday unanimously refused to reinstate Donald Trump's ban on refugees and nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, dealing the new president and his controversial law-and-order agenda a major defeat.



The San Francisco federal appeals court's ruling on Trump's executive order-issued on January 27 with no prior warning and suspended by a lower court a week later-capped a turbulent first three weeks of his presidency. "It's a political decision," he told reporters later. The Justice Department had asked the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to restore the measure on an emergency basis, but the three-judge panel instead maintained the suspension ordered by a federal judge in Seattle.



"We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury," the judges ruled.



Trump's decree summarily denied entry to all refugees for 120 days, and travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. Refugees from Syria were blocked indefinitely.



The new Republican administration argued the ban was needed to prevent Islamic State and Al-Qaeda fighters from reaching US soil, but it prompted travel chaos and was roundly rejected by immigration advocacy groups.



Critics say the measure targeted Muslims in violation of US law. Now the case could end up in the Supreme Court. The San Francisco court said aspects of the public interest favored both sides, highlighting the "massive attention" the case had drawn. "On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies," the ruling said.



"And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination." While acknowledging that the Seattle judge's ruling "may have been overbroad in some respects," the panel said it was not their "role to try, in effect, to rewrite the executive order."



"The government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States," the court said.



Civil rights campaigners and state officials applauded the decision, vowing to fight on until the executive order is permanently scrapped. For now, it means travelers with valid visas can continue to enter the country.



Washington Governor Jay Inslee, whose administration sued for the measure to be blocked, hailed a victory for his state and the country, arguing that the ruling showed "no one is above the law, not even the president."



Human Rights Watch senior researcher Grace Meng called the decision "an important declaration of judicial independence, which is crucial for checking harmful overreach by the president."



Trump had blasted the original suspension in a series of fiery tweets and public statements. Republican lawmakers jumped to Trump's defense, with Senator Tom Cotton calling the ruling "misguided," while Democrats hailed it. "Pres Trump ought to see the writing on the wall, abandon proposal, roll up his sleeves & come up w/ a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe," Senate Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer tweeted.



Trump's election rival Hillary Clinton tweeted simply: "3-0." There was praise from those who had been denied entry to the US when the ban was first imposed. A Sudanese pharmacist in Khartoum, Mohamed Al-Rashid, 38, said the decision "confirms all that America stands for." He was among those taken off a flight in Doha last month after the ban was first announced, and now plans to head to Washington for a conference this month.



"The court order shows that America and the American people believe in freedom to live, freedom to travel and in freedom to share ideas." Ahead of the ruling, and with tensions high between the executive and the judiciary, Trump defended his hardline policies, declaring a "new era of justice" in America as he swore in Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "We face the menace of rising crime and the threat of deadly terror," he said, doubling down on his dystopian vision of America. "A new era of justice begins and it begins right now."



Trump's tough talk belies a political and legislative agenda that has been beset by missteps and legal challenges.



Even his own Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, described the president's comments about the judiciary as "disheartening" and "demoralizing." Despite experts' criticism of Trump's message, it appears to be resonating among his supporters. The billionaire won the election last November with 46 percent of the popular vote, and the RealClearPolitics average of polls shows his job approval at about the same level, with the split largely along Republican-Democratic lines. His administration has 14 days to file a petition for reconsideration of Thursday's ruling, either by the same panel or "en banc"-meaning by every judge on the court.



Another option would be to ask the Supreme Court to review the case, although some analysts have argued that that path poses the possibility of an embarrassing defeat, given the unanimity of the San Francisco panel, which included a Republican-appointed judge.
Case against linemen is a timely step

MEDIA report said Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Thursday filed three cases against 81 people for allegedly extorting money from hawkers who set up shops on the footpaths in Gulistan and other areas in the City Corporation. It appears that the South City's move comes at a time the eviction drive is facing resistance from powerful quarters instigating hawkers to defy the action.



We must say it is a bold step by the DSCC Mayor who seems to be determined to keep the city footpaths clear during busy hours of the day. He said he allows vendors in the evening to suggest he is equally concern about the livelihood of small traders. But city center can't be converted to open market place either. That the Mayor has clearly said and his latest action shows he means it.



The DSCC has rightly identified that hawkers are running the illegal business on city footpaths with active help of those people who are using them as captive to keep footpath occupied with their shops and make money for their own fortune. They are basically 'linemen' to collect money for the powerful people including police, goons and political leaders.



The DSCC's state department filed the cases with Paltan, Motijheel and Shahbagh Police Stations but none of the accused was arrested so far. Forty-nine were sued at Paltan Police Station accusing them for extorting money from hawkers. Moreover 25 were sued at Motijheel and seven at Shahbagh Police Stations.



DSCC said linemen collect the extortion money from the hawkers on behalf of the powerful quarter. As the eviction drive is in progress, city official said they are instigating hawkers to protest the eviction. The accused have been named taking into consideration some lists of the offenders prepared by several hawkers' organizations and media investigative reports published in different newspapers.



Jatiya Hawkers' Federation officials reportedly said they were demanding action for long against those linemen who collects Tk 50 to Tk 300 every day from a hawker for "police officials, local goons and political leaders."



Despite repeated attempts, the authorities failed to evict hawkers from the city's footpaths, as they return to their place paying "extortion money." Reports said there are around 3.5 lakh shops on the city's footpaths, and the hawkers pay over Tk 3 crore as "extortion money" a day. Since January 15, the DSCC has been conducting drives in Gulistan and its adjacent areas, including Purana Paltan, Dainik Bangla Mor and Motijheel areas, to keep footpaths free from hawkers but vested quarters are instigating hawkers to back to the spot to make the drive ineffective.



We must say the Mayor's action must bear fruit and whoever be the person behind instigating hawkers must keep their hands crossed.






Jumps in capital machinery imports

IMPORT payments for capital machinery increased by 80.80 per cent to US$ 2.49 billion in the first five months (July-November) of the current financial year compared with that in the same period a year ago, strengthening suspicion of money laundering as the growth came amid dull business and investment situation in the country, as per a report of a local daily.



The latest Bangladesh Bank data released recently showed that import of industrial raw materials also posted a positive growth in the July-November period of FY17 compared with that of the same period in FY16. Experts and BB officials said that some businessmen were now laundering money abroad in the form of import of capital machinery when the country's business was facing a dull situation.



The country's business is now facing a stagnant situation, and so the rising import of capital machinery raises a suspicion that money laundering might be occurring behind the scenes.



Former interim government adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam is reported to have said that some persons had conducted capital flight in the form of import of capital machinery, as per the report. They have done it through over-invoicing in the letters of credit form (LCF) as the country's economy now was not so strong that the jump in the import of capital machinery could be explained. This view was echoed by former BB governor Salehuddin Ahmed, as per the report.



It is well known that capital flight is a serious problem facing all developing countries including Bangladesh. The solutions to the problem are also easy-it should not be a big matter to coordinate the knowledge of Bangladeshi citizens who hold accounts which have huge cash reserves-provided the central banks of developed countries co-operate. While the Western banks have strict privacy policies these can be circumvented-as the US has done with the FACTA Act which requires all banks-including Swiss ones, to notify the US of the wealth of their US citizen accounts.



Data from the Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a Washington-based research organisation, gives a comprehensive picture about money laundered out of a country. Illegal capital flight from Bangladesh surged 33.78 percent year-on-year to $9.66 billion in 2013 through trade misinvoicing and other channels, according to the GFI.



The highest in a decade, the amount was more than six percent of the country's GDP and one-third of the export receipts in 2013. It is three times the size of average foreign aid Bangladesh received in recent times. The organisation had ranked Bangladesh 26th in the list of the countries that lost most money to illicit money outflows. This is why Bangladeshi citizens' deposits with Swiss banks rose to 8.85 percent year-on-year in 2015 to an astounding Tk 4,423 crore (550.85 million Swiss franc), shows Swiss central bank data-up from only 1222 crore in 2011.This tremendous amount should not be lost forever, it must be brought back into the country.
If departmental irregularity is corruption then ACC has to begin at home

Editorial Desk :

The news that several ACC officials including its Additional Deputy Directors, his police escort and a driver on his team were severely beaten by a group of Sylhet Deputy Commissioners office employees has come as a big shock to the nation. Report said they went to the DC Office to arrest a person while taking bribe raising the question whether there was anything wrong in conducting the drive.

In another case ACC officials arrested last week the former chairman of RAJUK and two businessmen of a big group of companies with some others against allotment of two residential plots at Purbachal City. RAJUK allotted the plots based on a previous application that they had withdrawn at certain time later on.

We dont say that there is any shortage of corrupt officials at any government office and the Sylhet DC Office is not in exception either. But over enthusiasm of ACC officials in most cases also suggest that they are misusing power and resorting to excesses to harass weak and innocent people.

Why the DC office employees reacted angrily is something that needs to be verified to make sure if anyone had played foul to create the shock forcing office employees to resist the ACC team. Sometimes ago same kind of anger we had to be faced by some ACC officials over allegation of bribing Tk.20,000 at RAJUKs office in Dhaka.

Violence against ACC officials is a very bad sign and we must say when the Anti-Corruption drive must get all cooperation from all sections of the society, a call is also growing that the anti-graft agency must carefully review its system of operation to be sure whether their excesses are creating dislike for them in public eye.

Those offences are not so dangerous that the courts cannot handle its own sober way.

Such anti-corruption drive is not only abusing the existing laws, but also denying human decency. People want combating corruption, not terrorizing the people at midnight. One wonders why ACC officials are eager to show excessive power and highhandedness.

ACC officials reportedly accused a woman of corruption demanding to know the source of income of some of her property. She produced her income-tax return where properties are duly shown. But ACC officials did not believe which they cannot. They charged her for owning the properties from illegal income of her husband. But some officials cleared her husband of illegal money.

As far the arrest of former Chairman of RAJUK Iqbal Uddin Chowdhury and others in Dhaka including a business man as published in the press yesterday is concerned the allegations was of departmental irregularities in allotting two plots occurred between 2001 and 2004. In the media report no allegation of bribing is mentioned.

Be that as it may, it cannot be denied that the offence committed is not grave and happened long time ago. So there was no justification to organise a late night raid to arrest them. They would have surrendered if they were told to.



But the fear of not granting bail is a great hindrance to an accused however innocent to surrender before the courts. Besides, for departmental irregularity an allottee of the plot cannot be held responsible. It should be known that corruption cases cannot be founded on mere assumptions.

Allegations of highhandedness on the part of ACC officials are open and heard often and not easily deniable. Some of them are trying to assume an attitude of holier than thou. Such an attitude is quite unnecessary for acting in accordance with the law. There is also no need to demonstrate show of power.

For the Chairman of the Commission we cite instances of haughtiness to be found in the conduct of some of his officials. It is quite clear that some ACC officials have waged a war against RAJUK.

In one instance an anti corruption case was started some twenty years after and the allegation is more compensation was paid for more trees than was available on the land acquired for RAJUK. The allegation was made two years later on the assumption that there was a piece of land where no trees were to be expected. And they took some twenty years to file the FIR. In this connection also ACC officials along with a police party raided the house to arrest a RAJUK official at midnight. Let us assume the case is genuine but was it necessary to arrest him at midnight and keep him wake whole day at a police station.

If the Commission tries to find out it will see that many corruption cases are filed without complying with its own laws and rules. Some Commission officials seem to be excessively conscious of their power to harass weak people and for petty allegations of corruption.

We do not mean to say that small corruptions are to be tolerated. What we want to highlight is the need of fighting big corruption in the government if small corruptions are to be eliminated. None of us should pretend to be an angel when big corruptions go unpunished. We also do not want to see the ACC officials risk their safety on insignificant cases and earn a bad name for the Commission.






The Undead Archives

I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world.
Registration is open for the 36th annual Montana Womens Run, which is set for May 13 in downtown Billings.

The 5-mile race begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 2-mile race at 9 a.m.

Getting Started Clinics begin on March 20, and take place each Monday at 5:30 p.m., to help participants get in shape with instructor-led exercise and stretching techniques. These clinics are free and will take place at the Rocky Mountain College outdoor track and the Lockwood School track.

In addition to the Womens Run, the Kids Run for those 10 and younger will be Tuesday, May 9, at Rocky Mountain College. The goal of this event is to encourage active lifestyles for children. Every race time is rewarded and every runner wins.

The Kick-Off Dinner and Womens Health Expo will be May 12 at the Billings Food Bank, 2112 Fourth Ave. N.

To register for any of the events, visit the Montana Womens Run website at womensrun.org. For announcements, updates and discussion about the many Womens Run events, please visit the Montana Womens Run Facebook page or the Montana Womens Run website.
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A talk on Wilderness and the Wild, Sacred Pryors will be presented by Charlie Smillie, Eastern Montana field director of the Montana Wilderness Association at 7 p.m. on Feb. 22 at the Large Community Room of the Bozeman Public Library.
The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now.

Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market.

In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender.

India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex.

Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted.

But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted?

Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner.

If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems.

I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now.

I want more variation in masturbation

I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own.

If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end.

What is sex toys for Indian?

Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation.

It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms.

They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable.

Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner.

The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner.

It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past.

In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping.

Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order.

In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing.

Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome.

Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own.

But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance.

More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around.

Sextoy situation in India

Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years.

In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India.

Mumbai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Delhi

Chennai

Hyderabad

These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India.

In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well.

If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too.

If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it.

What are Sextoys for beginner?

Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms.

Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy.

I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion.

I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy.

If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma.

Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it.

Advantages of using sextoy for Indians

There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians

You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways.

Can have stimulating sex

Can develop new sexual zones

If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern.

However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways.

You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation.

Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever.

There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure.

This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it.

When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems.

It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms).

For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles

[Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou...

Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India.

Sextoy for beginner men in India

So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners.

For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men!

The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men

Masturbator

Cock rings

Love Doll

Sex Lubricants

Toys for the prostate

Lets check each one in detail.

Masturbator

The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products.

It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands.

Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands.

They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.)

Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much.

Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! !

Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa   SEXToys India PR  (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018

Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood.

If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here

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Cock Ring

A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis.

It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow.

It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber.

In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection.

Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.

It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it.

Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time.

Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function.

Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy.

You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect.

[Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat...

Love Doll

Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex.

There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women.

Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price.

The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true.

You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste.

There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice.

You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls.

If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here

Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to...

Sex lubricants

Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules.

It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution.

Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse.

There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent.

Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent.

If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here.

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Toys for the Prostate

Another sextoy for men is prostate toys.

The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line.

Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men.

Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm.

You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus.

By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms.

Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.)

The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation.

Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure.

sextoy for beinner women in India

The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy.

The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy.

Vibrator.

Dildo

Electric Masserger

Lets check out what each one is in detail.

If you want to check out womens toys, click here.

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Vibrators

A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator.

Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy.

It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy.

Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women.

For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators.

Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex.

Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself.

This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual.

Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men.

When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons.

Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most...

Dildo

A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis.

It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass.

A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it.

They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well.

It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device.

A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo.

Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands.

For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis.

This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one.

To learn more about dildo, please click here.

What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th...

Electric Masserger

A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores.

It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low.

Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels.

Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation.

It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure.

For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm.

It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out.

If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager?

To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here.

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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.
A shooting in Cave-in-Rock resulted in the death of a Hardin County resident Friday, Hardin County States Attorney Daniel K. Cockrum said in a news release.

At about 4 a.m. Friday, an individual called the Hardin County Sheriffs Department and reported a death as the apparent result of a firearm discharge.

Officers confirmed the victim was deceased upon arriving at the scene.

A suspect is currently in custody. Authorities are not yet releasing the names of the victim or the suspect because of the continuing nature of the investigation and pending notification of family members.

The investigation is being conducted by the Illinois State Police, the Hardin County Sheriffs Department and the Hardin County Coroner.

 The Southern
Two deer mounts are on display in the Hamilton County State's Attorney's office after an investigation found the deer unlawfully harvested in the county, according to a news release from State's Attorney Justin Hood.

Alabama resident Jason Furrow illegally tagged a whitetail buck with another hunter's bow tag after he had used his own bow tag on a whitetail buck he had shot. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing a deer without an either sex permit, class B Misdemeanor, and unlawfully harvested more antlered deer than legally authorized to take, Class B Misdemeanor and paid fines and a $250 civil penalty for illegal taken deer on each charge.

The IDNR had received reports that a large buck had been harvested illegally in Hamilton County, and it was concluded that a large whitetail buck was tagged illegally. The hunter forfeited the confiscated buck capes and antlers to the IDNR and the Hamilton County State's Attorney Office, and the deer were located at a local taxidermist who recently finished completing the mounts for display.

The deer mounts will be located in the Hamilton County courthouse in the State's Attorney Office. They will be on display for anyone who would like to see them.

"I am glad these deer will remain in our community where they can be enjoyed by locals and out of state hunters wanting to see two great examples of large deer that have been harvested in our county," Hood said in the release. "It is important to follow proper procedure and not misuse deer tags because Conservation Police follow up on these type of cases, and a hunter thinks he is helping a buddy out and in the end they will have to pay fines and potentially lose out on a trophy buck."
CARBONDALE  The Southern Illinois Metropolitan Planning Organization (SIMPO) will host an open-house informational meeting this upcoming Tuesday to gauge public interest in possible roadway improvements between Reed Station Road and U.S. 51.

The project, which could lead to miles of new roads between Carterville and the Southern Illinois Airport in Murphysboro, stemmed from the East/West corridor study SIMPO conducted last year, said Director of Transportation Planning Joe Zdankiewicz.

The corridors under study include Dillinger Road and North Reed Station Road, plus some potential new roadway corridors. A map of the possible improvements provided by SIMPO shows four alternative roads and an extension of Herrin Road.

The project is in its earliest stages, and SIMPO does not actually handle building improvements, but simply makes recommendations to cities, counties and the state regarding long-range planning efforts.

Right now its just very open-ended, Zdankiewicz said. Is there a desire to see improvements to the roadways that are already there? Is there a need for a new roadways, or is the existing system adequate?

The organization will take public input into consideration and prepare a final report that will include recommended further actions.

Walkers Bluff, the winery and restaurant located at 14250 Meridian Rd. in Carterville, could benefit from the improvements: the map shows that the potential Herrin Road extension would increase accessibility to Walkers Bluff from the Southern Illinois Airport.

The plans werent brought about just for Walkers Bluff, Zdankiewicz said  but the fact that they would benefit the business was taken into consideration.

Any time a major improvement would benefit a major development, thats something that is considered, he said.

Any roads connecting with U.S. 51 near the Southern Illinois airport would have to cross portions of the Big Muddy floodplain. Building over those wetlands would require an environmental impact assessment and, down the line, permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

There would be quite an environmental process to go through, Zdankiewicz said.

The public is invited to provide comments at the meeting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Carbondale City Hall, located at 200 S. Illinois Ave.
Montanas U.S. senators are a yes and a maybe on President Donald Trumps Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.

Gorsuch, a Colorado-based federal judge in the 10th Judicial District, had one-on-one meetings with Sens. Jon Tester, a Democrat, and Republican Steve Daines this week.

Daines met with Gorsuch on Thursday. Tester received a Monday meeting with the nominee, as the Trump administration turned to the Democratic lawmakers from states Trump won easily. In Montana, Trump received 101,531 more votes than Democrat Hillary Clinton.

The pro-Gorsuch Judicial Crisis Network has been airing TV ads in Montana encouraging Gorsuchs confirmation, while not naming Tester specifically.

Thursday, Trump had Tester and nine other senators over for lunch to discuss Gorsuch.

"The president expressed his hope that these senators and their colleagues will give Judge Gorsuch a fair consideration and vote based on his qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Thursday during a press briefing. "With over 100 federal judicial nominations potentially happening during this administration, it's critical for us to have open dialogue and work towards bipartisan agreement so that our justice system returns to its important work on behalf of the American people."

In a press conference after the lunch, Tester was asked if Trump was pressuring him for a Gorsuch vote. Tester said no. The senator didnt respond to several questions emailed by the Billings Gazette on Thursday. He did issue the following statement Monday:

Every Supreme Court nominee deserves a fair shake, and the same goes for Judge Gorsuch. We had a productive meeting, and I will continue to review his qualifications and get feedback from Montanans about his nomination to our nations top court, Tester wrote. As I continue to review his body of work, I will be looking to ensure he understands Montana and our challenges, as well as the Constitution and that he is committed to protecting our freedoms.

Daines met with Gorsuch for an hour Thursday and came away convinced the Colorado native was someone Montanans would recognize as a Westerner.

I think he would bring some Western common sense to the bench, Daines said. I would like to take him back to Montana, have him ride shotgun in my pickup and drive around the state having one-on-one conversations with Montanans, Daines said. They would find that hes a smart judge. He spent 10 years on the 10th Circuit. Thats a court that cuts right through the Rocky Mountains. Were in the Ninth Circuit, but the 10th cuts right through the West.

The 10th Circuit cuts right along the Montana-Wyoming border. Daines and others see Gorsuch as an opportunity to fill a void left by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor, an Arizona resident who retired from the court in 2006.

The current Supreme Court is anchored by justices from the East, with one exception  Justice Anthony Kennedy, a California native. Western justice observers say that mix disadvantages the inland West, where the federal government is the largest property owner in most states and relationships with surface property rights and mineral rights are unique. Federal relations with American Indian tribes in the West are truly distinctive.

Hes going to have more background on certain areas of natural resources and public lands issues that arise in the West, said Anthony Johnstone, a University of Montana Law School professor who focuses on federal issues.

Gorsuch also spent a good a deal of his professional career in the East and was educated at Harvard University, roots similar to the other justices. His unique understanding of the West is likely more rooted in his Colorado upbringing than his time on the 10th Circuit, Johnstone said.

Daines is hopeful those Colorado roots will ground Gorsuch on Western issues. The two discussed Second Amendment rights from the context of western gun ownership and the Fourth Amendment in the context of westerners expectations of privacy rights.

Daines couldnt say whether with Gorsuch on the bench the Supreme Court would change its position on the 14th Amendment affirming a womans right to an abortion and prohibiting states from regulating abortion practices.

He wrote a book on the future of assisted suicide and euthanasia, Daines said. In there, he says all human beings are intrinsically valuable and the intentional taking of human rights by a private person is wrong. He wrote that.

However, Daines said Gorsuch also seems like someone who recognizes court precedence.
Thumbs down to 590 days, the length of time Illinois has been without a budget. Again, we hate to sound like a broken record, but thats the way things have been and continue to be. Any time there seems to be any hope toward a budget, it gets squashed. Its time to end this impasse. Get the job done.

Thumbs up to this weeks International Festival at SIUC. The festival kicked off Monday with the annual Parade of Flags and continues through today. The theme is Unity in Diversity, and that theme is more important today than it ever has been. With the current situation going around with immigration, I believe showing positive messages and providing information about our culture and traditions will create unity among us, said International Student Council President Ramesh Neupane, who is from Nepal. At the parade Monday, a group of community members, faculty and students walked alongside the flag-bearers in what they called a show of solidarity for Muslim and DACA students. Some carried signs with messages like All students are welcome at SIU. Its always good to see a community and its members getting together to support one another.

Thumbs up to the city of West Frankfort and its development plans near the outlet mall. A groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 20 for a Taco Bell to be built in front of the mall. West Frankfort Mayor Tom Jordan said the city is also set to nearly finish the $113,000 road expansion project approved in November that extends Factory Outlet Loop into the six acres of undeveloped land in front of the outlet mall. He also said the city will also likely finalize the purchase of 17.5 acres of property behind the mall this month. We are trying to put ourselves in a position strategically where we can compete, Jordan said. Were all for growing a community, and West Frankfort will be better for it.

Thumbs down to the upcoming closing of the AAA office in Carbondale. The Carbondale location is the clubs only one in the immediate region, and it will close Feb. 17. The need for brick-and-mortar facilities is diminishing, not only for us, but you see that in many businesses, said Michael J. Right, vice president of public affairs with AAA Missouri. The biggest problem the closure poses is for travelers looking to obtain International Driving Permits for the purpose of driving in foreign countries. AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance are the only agencies that provide those permits. Those services will be made at AAAs nearest offices in Paducah and Cape Girardeau. We understand that were living in a world where these types of services are now at your fingertips with hand-held devices, but its still tough to see it close.

Thumbs up to the 11 students from Marion High School who have been working the past year to build a home. The home, located at 803 N. Granite St. in Marion, is set to be completed by the end of the month and will be listed for sale with a local realtor. Giving young students the chance to get some hands-on experience is a great things, and can only do wonders for any trade. The students also worked professionals in the field to get a better grasp on what happens when building a home. "A student can read about a skill, have a teacher show them a skill, perform a skill themselves, or perform a skill with a professional and get four different learning perspectives," said Lester James, the building trades instructor at Marion High School.

Thumbs up to Orlan and Chasity Mays of Carbondale, as well as Angie Kuehl of the Jackson County Health Department, for winning Golden Beet Awards. The Illinois Stewardship Alliance gives the Golden Beet Awards to highlight progressive local food practices and recognize the people who are pushing the local food movement forward in Illinois. The Mayses won the innovative farmer award, while Kuehl won for community food projects. Promoting local food, as well as healthy food, is always a good thing. Kudos to all who are making a difference in this field.
A bill that could allow Lockwood to build a high school advanced unanimously through the Senate education committee Wednesday, despite School District 2's continued opposition to the concept.

SB 139 would amend a ban on new high school districts in Montana. Lockwood is one of three K-8 districts with more than about 1,000 students that would qualify for a high school district.

SD2 did not testify at the bill's hearing on Feb. 3, but school board chairwoman Greta Besch Moen submitted a letter outlining the board's opposition.

In a notable change from 2015, Helena Public Schools acting superintendent Jack Copps, who formerly helmed SD2, testified in favor of the bill. East Helena is one of the school districts that would qualify for a high school.

This year's proposal did address a number of the concerns that led to the narrow defeat of 2015's proposal. It eliminates a division of assets between the new and existing district and lays out more specifics about how a split would work.

"I'm sure many people are surprised when they find out I'm here as a proponent," Copps said. "It's sufficiently friendly that it's time for us to give it serious consideration."

However, the bill doesn't address a continued sticking point for SD2; only Lockwood voters would decide on a split, not the larger Billings district. SD2 has argued that the split could raise taxes for the larger district, and therefore all voters should have a say. Lockwood has argued that its own tax base would shoulder the vast majority of a potential tax increase and that a wider vote undermines the bill's local control intent.

"This is taxation with representation," said Colstrip Sen. Duane Ankney, who is carrying the bill.

SD2 also raised concerns about:

Loss of taxable value and budget authority.

Enrollment losses that could affect the viability of elective and advanced placement courses and special programs.

Ongoing uncertainty for long-term district planning if Lockwood may or may not vote for a split.

Testimony diverged on facts at points; Copps cited "very rapidly" increasing enrollment in the affected communities, while the SD2 letter says "Lockwood has lost a great number of students over the last several years."

Lockwood lost about 80 students between the 2013-14 school year and 2015-16 school year, down to 1,146, according to Office of Public Instruction data, and had an enrollment drop again this school year that led to staffing cuts. The district did gain students prior to 2013-2014. East Helena gained 27 students between 2013-14 and 2015-16, up to 1,207.

Enrollment often fluctuates from year to year independent of larger trends; during the 2007-2008 school year, Lockwood's enrollment was 1,158 and East Helena's was 1,075.

Creating a district

The bill would offer qualifying elementary districts an opportunity every five years to expand into a K-12 district. Lockwood Superintendent Tobin Novasio previously said that such a ballot would note estimates for potential tax increases, but the bill does not contain language requiring such a note.

If that vote passes, a district must pass a bond within two years to build a high school.

Once a new building is operational, students would be added one class at a time, beginning with incoming freshmen.

The new district would pay tuition, at a rate of 20 percent of the state's basic per-student payment or about $1,400 for next school year, to the existing district for students already attending high school. The existing district would still receive per student payments from the state.

However, after the passage of a bond, a new district begins collecting local taxes from its base instead of the existing district.

At SD2's January school board meeting, trustee Gordon Klasna, who represents Lockwood and is Lockwood's middle school principal, asked trustees to reconsider their opposition to the expansion proposal in future meetings. It was unclear if the item, which has been extensively debated among SD2 trustees and with Lockwood trustees over the lpst year, would be added to February's agenda.

SD2 officials have testified at hearings for other bills during this legislative session that ask for targeted school funding increases. District Superintendent Terry Bouck said that the district doesn't plan to testify in person against the bill unless it's amended.
Increasingly, Tanner Jorden's life became about the piano.

The youngest of four brothers and sisters with their own talents, he said that he wanted to find something to be great at. He was introduced to the instrument through them.

"I always wanted to, since I saw my siblings play," said Jorden.

He started at 7 years old and picked it up quickly. It wasn't long before he was able to zone in on reading and writing music. His mother, Kari Jorden, said the progress was a bit of a surprise.

"One morning I came out, and he was kneeling at the piano bench," Kari Jorden said. "And he was writing the five lines."

The lines made up a staff to write music. She said he was writing out the chorus to "Yankee Doodle."

Now 14 years old, Jorden has entered competitions, taken home some prize money and will accompany various symphony orchestras in Montana later this year.

In the meantime, he's practicing daily and is enrolled in classes at Montana State University Billings through its University Connections program. He takes courses in the music department late in the day.

"I have lessons and one where I take a performance class," he said.

Dorthea Cromley, chair of the MSUB music program, started teaching Jorden nearly two years ago. She said she didn't usually teach outside full-time college students. Jorden's grandmother, who was an MSUB faculty member, urged Cromley to listen to the young pianist.

After hearing Jorden, she was convinced she should teach him. Early on, Jorden had a brash style of play.

"As his grandmother said, he loves to play fast and loud," Cromley said.

Since then, she said he's come a long way and now plays far beyond his years. His performance at the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras Young Artist Competition in January caught the attention of some trained ears.

At the Bozeman competition, Jorden played the Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor, a moving piece by the 19th-century composer Edvard Grieg.

Hes really very good," Cromley said. "The head of the symphony was up at the MASO, and he came up to me and said, 'Oh my god, Dorthea.'

Jorden placed first in the junior competition, taking home $450 and the opportunity to play with symphonies across the state. On Feb. 25, he will travel to accompany the Great Falls Symphony.

Jorden is a deft player. As Cromley remarked, his maturity is shown through control of the volume and speed of the music. His favorite selections are from the Romantic Era, which can be expressive, intricate works. And he can still play fast.

The day after competing in Bozeman, Jorden traveled to Washington for another event. He earned an honorable mention.

He said practice is the key, and he's made choices that afford him that time. Jorden asked to be home schooled so that he would have more time to practice, as well as attend the MSUB courses.

And while he was adept at sports, he opted to focus more on his playing. His mother said she'd never seen someone so passionate about a skill.

"We knew that when he chose music, that was a big choice," Kari Jorden said.

Jorden thinks he'll attend public high school next year, though he's still working out his schedule. He's already thinking about college, a career and one day buying a Steinway piano of his own.
Orangeburg attorney Charles Williams, who pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing hawks, will be resentenced.

In June 2016, Williams and two co-defendants pleaded guilty to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for trapping and killing hawks without a permit.

Federal prosecutors said the 67-year-old trapped and killed hawks that preyed on quail that he released at the 1,790-acre Willcreek property in late 2013.

He pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor counts.

U.S. Magistrate Shiva Hodges sentenced the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees member to one year of probation, including a ban on hunting anywhere in the world during that time. He was also sentenced to a $75,000 fine and 50 hours of community service work at the Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw.

Sen. Brad Hutto, one of Williams attorneys in the case, said Williams guilty pleas still stand, but the sentencing doesnt.

According to an order filed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Shiva V. Hodges on Wednesday, the court invites Williams and his co-defendants to decide if they want to be tried and sentenced by a U.S. District Court judge.

Hutto said on Thursday that some cases are subject to concurrent jurisdiction, explaining that Williams case shouldve been heard by a U.S. District judge.

It wasnt long after Hodges sentenced Williams that his attorneys appealed the sentence because the judge told the court she loves hawks.

Williams, through his attorneys Hutto and Gedney Howe III, appealed the courts sentence, stating that Hodges erred imposing the sentence.

The U.S. Attorneys Office filed a response stating, in part, The magistrate did not err  much less plainly err  in failing to recuse herself from handling a case involving wildlife offenses merely because she expressed a personal love of nature and sympathy for the victim of wildlife.

The U.S. Attorneys Office also wrote that federal prosecutors could have charged Williams with more than 30 counts, one for each predator carcass recovered, but agreed to limit the counts to seven in exchange for Williams guilty plea.

Prosecutors requested a fine of $100,000, but Shiva granted $75,000.

Williams attorneys have until Feb. 17 to file their decision to be sentenced in a U.S. District Court.
A veteran hospital administrator will serve as the Regional Medical Centers interim CEO.

Bert Whitaker will step into the position Monday.

Whitaker will remain at the hospital through the end of Quorum Health Resources management contract with RMC. The contract ends March 30.

He replaces interim CEO Frank Swinehart, who will remain at the hospital as a QHR representative.

"I know Bert will be a welcome addition to the Regional Medical Center as we transition to another phase in what has been a highly successful partnership between QHR and RMC for the past 24 years," Swinehart said in a release.

Whitaker was not immediately available for comment on Thursday.

Swinehart became the hospital's interim CEO last month when a divided RMC board voted to replace President and CEO Tom Dandridge, who had served in the position for 24 years.

Dandridge's last day was Jan. 27.

Dandridge will remain an employee of QHR, the private company that has managed the hospital for 24 years.

In December, a divided RMC board voted to terminate the hospitals contract with QHR at the end of March.

Once the contract ends, the hospital will enter into an advisory contract with the company. QHR will serve in an advisory and consultative role for the next two years.

Trustees will conduct a search for a new CEO outside of QHR. Hospital officials say the average search process for a new CEO is between six and eight months.

A resident of Chattanooga, Tenn., Whitaker has served as an interim leader for QHR organizations in Vermont, Kansas, Maine and North Carolina.

He has been in health care administration for 35 years and has held both CEO and interim CEO positions in a variety of hospitals and health care organizations.

He has served as CEO at Baptist Health in Madisonville, Ky.; president and CEO at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tenn. and group vice president in Pittsburgh, Pa. with the responsibility for 12 full-service hospitals in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Hes also served in other CEO positions with QHR.

Whitaker received his masters of public administration degree in health services from the University of Kentucky in Lexington and he received a bachelors degree from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio.

Whitaker is a fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives.
Maybe its that men prefer to keep their space and dont like all the hand holding and hugging that goes on in a church.

Maybe its that the male brain thrives on competition and rough-and-tumble play, and church just seems boring. Maybe its simply lack of commitment and devotion.

Regardless, church leaders recognized long ago that the average congregation volunteers are decidedly female.

Its been a problem for a while, says Diane M. Hoffmann, author of 24 Hot Potatoes in the Church Today (www.24hotpotatoes.blogspot.ca). And its past time that churches got around to solving it.

In some respects, the gender disparity might not be that surprising. Although the ordained clergy is overwhelmingly male, women who are more likely to hold strong religious beliefs and teach Sunday school, chair a committee or sing in the choir.

For example, in the United States 60 percent of women say religion is very important in their lives, but just 47 percent of men make that claim, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Also, 64 percent of women say they pray daily, compared to 47 percent of men.

This is more than just an interesting cultural glitch, Hoffmann says. A Hartford Seminary study found that the presence of involved men is statistically correlated with church growth, health and harmony.

When men werent participating, Hoffmann says, the congregation was more likely to be in decline.

So why arent men more involved? In some cases, it could be their approach to life doesnt mesh with a churchs approach to worship.

Men appreciate logic, a no-nonsense approach to leadership, and efficient and effective use of time, Hoffmann says. They dont like services that are not organized.

She has a few suggestions for churches that want to address the problem:

Watch out for subtle discrepancies in how men and women are treated in church. Sometimes churches can, even if unintentionally, send out signals that certain things are expected of women but not men, and vice versa. For example, Hoffmann says, sometimes pastors announce an upcoming event and ask the women to bring food and to help. Why not include men? Many men certainly could and would be willing, but since women were specified, they dont think about doing it.

Understand that the presence of men as church volunteers itself can lead to more men taking on volunteer duties. They become role models for other men and, especially, for the boys and teenagers who will be the next generation of active church members. This is why its critical to get men involved, Hoffmann says. Ive heard many men say that it was a male teacher at church or school who influenced their faith the most.

Issue quarterly survey questionnaires so church members can express their thoughts about the church and make suggestions to improve. That could help the church discover opportunities it might be missing for drawing more men into active volunteer roles.

Just as with families, if churches are to prosper  even survive  they need the participation of men. Finding ways to appeal to males is a top priority. Promoting volunteerism is a sound approach to build interest, participation and support.

As Hoffman says, Its just like in a business. Most customers wont tell you when the service is bad. They just dont come back.
Waterville Valley, NH, February 6, 2017  On Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 10 a.m. Waterville Valley Resort will celebrate the culmination of the Resorts major Green Peak Expansion with the opening ceremony and ribbon cutting of the Green Peak Triple Chair Lift. The new Green Peak is the Resorts biggest expansion in over 30 years and the only ski resort expansion on the East Coast this year. When completed, it will add 10 new trails (45 new acres) for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, the former New Hampshire Governor John H. Sununu, and President and General Manager of Waterville Valley Resort, Tim Smith, along with hundreds of Resort employees, skiers, tourism officials, and the local public will be there to celebrate the Green Peak opening ceremony. After the welcoming address and ribbon cutting, the new Green Peak Triple chair lift will bring guests to the top of the new ski terrain.

We are very excited to open Green Peak during Waterville Valley Resorts 50th Anniversary Season, said President and General Manager Tim Smith. The Green Peak Expansion is a tremendous accomplishment for everybody who was involved in the project: the U.S. Forest Service, the local enthusiasts, the management team, and all of the Waterville Valley Resort family. Getting this project achieved is a huge step forward for Waterville Valley Resort. The expansion will provide an exciting new peak experience for the guests.

The Green Peak Expansion project was first announced in September of 2013, with construction getting the green light this past summer. Waterville Valley Resort partnered with all local New Hampshire contractors for this project: M.E. Johnston Construction of Thornton, NH and Wade Reed Logging of Rumney provided the site work, and SkyTrans Manufacturing of Contoocook, NH installed the Green Peak Triple chair lift. Waterville Valley Resort started the Green Peak Trail Name Contest in December and will continue accepting name suggestions and the stories behind them until February 10th, 2017.



Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained four season resort. Known as New Hampshires Family Resort, it features 265 skiable acres with an altitude of 4,004 feet and vertical drop of 2,020 feet, 60 trails, and 11 lifts. This year Waterville Valley Resort opens Green Peak Expansion, the first Resorts expansion in more than 30 years and the only one on the East Coast. Lodging options include country inns, condominiums and all-suite hotels. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit waterville.com.
Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday is still uneasy about aviation approval and accountability as they relate to the AIA.

Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday has indicated that he has written to the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) seeking answers to concerns related to the approval granted to begin operations at the Argyle International Airport (AIA).





He made the disclosure on Tuesday, during his response to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves 2017 Budget address delivered on Monday.





Dr. Friday said that he agreed with the Prime Minister that all Vincentians ought to work together to make the airport work.





However, even with the AIA opening scheduled for February 14, Friday said that there were a few issues regarding the state of readiness of the facility.





He referred to the work that was done on sections of the runway recently to attend to what Minister of Transport and Works, Senator Julian Francis said were some "weak spots.

Friday took issue with this, saying that he was advised that the problem was serious, with a good chance that it could reoccur.





He read from a copy of the letter date January 23, 2017 and addressed to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Godfred Pompey, in which the ECCAA indicated that it had conducted its assessments on January 19 and, based on those assessments, it had cleared the airport to begin operations on February 14.





Friday, though, questioned the method used by the ECCAA to grant approval, and disclosed that he has since written to ECCAA requesting details with respect to their assessment and its subsequent approval. granted.

Dr. Friday took the opportunity to make clear that the opposition NDP was never opposed to building an international airport at Argyle, He said, however, that the party was concerned about the seeming lack of transparency or accountability that characterized the undertaking of the project.





In fact, he said, members of the opposition have continually voted in approval of government borrowing money to fund aspects of the construction of the facility.

This did not deter the NDP from highlighting their dismay with what they described as the politicization of the project.





"Even before the construction, it was painted in party colours, Friday said.

"Our position of the airport is this: We support the intention to build an international airport at Argyle, but we do not support and we deplore the politicization that has taken place; the reckless behavior that has taken place in the administration, planning and financing and execution of the project, he continued.





"We call for a comprehensive report of the status of construction, financing, certification and prospective sustainable operation of the airport, including but not limited to, the audited financial statements from 2008 to the present - I dont think that is too much to ask, Friday said. (DD)
Left:US Federal Judge - James Robart of Federal District Court in Seattle, Washington put a temporary block on President Trumps immigration order to ban Muslims from seven countries. Right:Jose Francisco Avila of Garifuna PAC, said it was important that Garifuna involved themselves in the political process of the USA.





The Bronx, New York-based Garifuna Political Action Committee (Garifuna PAC), a non-partisan organization that provides opportunities for Garifuna and Communities of Colour to participate in the American political process, is urging strong resistance to United States President Donald Trumps executive orders on immigration .





"As Immigrants from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who have migrated to America since the 1930s, we absolutely reject President Donald Trumps hateful executive orders, said the group in a statement.





"Our country is a country of immigrants and refugees, it added. "Its what makes us strong. Inscribed on the Statue of Liberty is a poem that welcomes the tired, the poor and the huddled masses. President Trump definitely needs to read it.





In addition to resisting and objecting to Trumps executive orders, Garifuna PAC called on US Senate Democrats to launch "an organized effort to withhold consent on the Senate floor, for resisting a president who has no mandate and cannot claim to embody the popular will.





"We also invite all voters to tweet their senators and use the hashtag #WithholdConsent, the group said. "Doing so can bring the Senate to its knees and block or severely slow down the agenda of a president who does not represent the majority of Americans.





The Garifuna are an immigrant ethnic group of mixed ancestry  descendants of Carib, Arawak and African people living along the Caribbean Coast in Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras. They originated from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.





As a seafaring people, they arrived in the United States as merchant marines during World War II.

New York City is currently home to the largest Garifuna population outside of Central America, with an estimated 200,000 living in the South Bronx, Harlem, and Brownsville and East New York in Brooklyn.





The Executive Order

Trumps executive order, signed on Jan. 27, bars all nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the US for the next 90 days.





It also stops the entire US refugee program for 120 days, indefinitely bans Syrian refugees, and halts the planned entry of more than 50,000 refugees in the US fiscal year 2017, which began in October 2016 and will end in September 2017.





But a US Federal Judge - James Robart of Federal District Court in Seattle, Washington on Friday night temporarily blocked Trumps immigration order from being enforced.

On Saturday, Trump sought to belittle Judge Robart, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, describing him as a "so-called judge during a tweeting rampage.

"The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned! Trump wrote.





A United States federal appeals court early Sunday struck another blow to this Order by rejecting a request by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to immediately restore the presidents travel ban.

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco said on Sunday that a reply from the Trump administration was now due on Monday.





The ruling meant that refugees and travelers from the seven predominantly Muslim nations would, for now, continue to be able to enter the US, according to the New York Times.





Order denounced





The order has also been denounced by Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, warning that it may even extend to the Caribbean.





Last Sunday, Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, told an emergency meeting of the Muslim community in her Brooklyn, New York district, that she was concerned that Trump could expand the ban to the Caribbean "if we dont organize and push back now.





"We know that in the Caribbean region there is a very healthy Muslim population from Guyana, to Trinidad, to Jamaica across the board; and so, we have to make sure we come together, added the representative for the predominantly Caribbean 9thCongressional District in Brooklyn.

"We cannot as a nation allow xenophobia to undermine our principles or racism to determine our policies, she added.





Meanwhile, Jose Francisco Avila, treasurer of Garifuna PAC, said in justification of his organisations involvement in the politics of the USA, said, that "the importance of participation in the American political process becomes very evident when we consider the results of the recent Presidential Election and the uncertainty of federal public policy legislation, which will have side effects reflected at the state and city level.
Left:Opening of the Library/Literacy Facility at the Colonaire Government School. Right:The party at the opening of the refurbished learning facility at the Park Hill Government School.

On Thursday, January 19, 2017, Lavinia Gunn, Administration Director of the Mustique Charitable Trust (MCT), cut ribbons to officially signal the opening of refurbished libraries and literacy centres at Colonarie and Park Hill Government schools.





The funds provided by the Trust transformed two rooms in which teachers can work along with students to enhance their (students) reading, writing and listening skills.





At the official opening of the Literacy Centre in Colonaire, Head Teacher Mr. Wayne DaBriel thanked the Trust for its generous donation to the school, stating that the creation of the centre will make a worthwhile difference in the lives of the present batch of students, as well as for those to come.





Certificates of appreciation were presented to Mustique Charitable Trust Administration Director Lavinia Gunn, and also to Christabel Ashton, the local representative for Hands Across the Sea which donated books. Mrs Ave-Ann Legair, a member of the schools Parent Teachers Association provided tiles for the floor.

At Park Hill, teachers and students were just as excited as those at Colonaire, with the opening of their brand new library space.





Mrs Elizabeth Johnson, Head Teacher at the school, expressed similar sentiments as she too praised the Trust for its exceptional work in St Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly in the area of education. She recounted that the schools library was in a poor condition, but with the assistance of the Mustique Charitable Trust and Hands Across The Sea, as well as technical guidance from Peace Corps Volunteer "Teacher Rae, the school now has a facility of which all can be proud.





MCT is pleased to support the efforts of the Ministry of Education, the schools and their teachers, to raise the levels of literacy in primary schools in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Five other primary schools have previously received support from MCT. Considerable improvements in literacy skills have been recorded by these schools. It is anticipated that Colonarie and Park Hill Government schools will soon be reporting that their students have had similar successes.

The Trust thanks all who collaborated on these projects. (Source: MCF)
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has cleared the air with respect to approval from the FAA for the AIA to become operational.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not required to certify, or give the approval for operations to begin at the Argyle International Airport (AIA).





Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made the point in response to a claim made by the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday during his contribution to the budget debate on Tuesday.





Friday, in addressing the international airport project said: "At the core, the airport which they say is ready; the country needs to see a plan for the way forward. We need to know if it has requested FAA approval; this is necessary for American airlines to operate here. And as you all know, the FAA is the most powerful aviation authority in the world





But according to Gonsalves, the authority required to give approval is the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), who applies the guidelines and standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).





ECCAA is a Category One authorization body and the jurisdiction under which St Vincent and the Grenadines is classified under is Category One.





So for example, as the prime minister explained, flights can depart locally and enter United States airspace, but this cannot be done out of Barbados which Gonsalves said is a Category Two.





Officials from the FAA are however invited to audit the ECCAA, but "they dont come to aerodromes to give approvals, he said.





What is required in terms of transport and safety is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approval, officials of which, Gonsalves said, have come before and are scheduled to visit again sometime between the end of this month or early March.





He added that he heard that people were saying that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) was also required to grant permission before airlines could operate here, however, he explained, by definition the organization supports airline activity and helps formulate industry policy and standards, and is not involved in the certification of airports. (DD)
Former property owners at Argyle who gave way to the construction of the airport, turned up and were showered with praise and thanks.

Last Wednesday, former home and landowners at Argyle descended on the site of the Argyle International Airport (AIA) where their homes and farms once stood, for one reason  for the government to say thanks on behalf of a grateful nation.









What started almost 12 years ago is now complete.





"The faces remind me of the many gatherings we had between 2005 and 2007. It looks as though we are together again, but this time we are smiling, Dr Rudy Matthias, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Airport Development Company (IADC) commented.





He walked those in attendance through the process from inception; from the days of walking door to door to alert the residents at Argyle that the international airport project was to become a reality, and that they would be affected.





Back then, the process was not easy because only a small percentage of the population believed that such a project was possible.





"Sometimes when we knocked, you can see the people inside, but they not coming out. And you are knocking, and they not coming out, because they knew we were coming, Matthias said.





"We couldnt build the airport here if you did not move, and we did not want to put the Prime Minister in any trouble to have to acquire anybody home. If this was to be done, would be mutiny and marching in town, so we spent a lot of time agreeing to prices, he continued.





Increasing the value





Initially, the government hired a British company to oversee the task of valuating the vacant parcels of land and homes that were to be acquired. However, according to Matthias, the figures presented were, in the IADCs view, lower than anticipated and a decision was taken by Cabinet to increase the payment by 15 to 20 percent across the board.





There were many issues involved in the negotiating process which lasted two years.

"It was not a simple process, Matthias said. Sometimes it took more than one visit between the negotiating team and a property owner before the deal was closed, but eventually the process was complete.

"I want to thank you. We have talked and worked hand in hand, he added.





A wonderful people





Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves referred to the many former residents of Argyle gathered, as contributors to community and nationhood.





"You made this far easier than it otherwise would have been the case.

And the entire process was done without one case of acquisition, it was all done by consent, Gonsalves said.

"What a wonderful people, and I want to thank you again, he said.

There were political risks involved, according to the Prime Minister: "I could have fall flat on my face if you the homeowners had said Ralph, go to hell.





But as was earlier pointed out, the process got easier, and the then residents began asking questions about relocation and the overall project, Gonsalves explained.





Some practical measures were implemented to assist the process of persons moving and rebuilding, and now, as a result of the understanding and cooperation, the single biggest capital project in the country has become a reality.

"We have come this far, grace has brought us this far, and grace will take us home, Gonsalves said.





Still holding out





And amidst the showering of thanks and the amenable atmosphere last Wednesday at the AIA, Dr. Matthias disclosed that all but one former homeowner at Argyle have settled and have been paid.

He informed that the government had to acquire 460 vacant parcels of land, and 142 homes, up from an initial count of 135 homes.





The facility sits on 275 acres of land, purchased in the amount of EC$138 million. Of this figure, EC$58 million have been spent in the purchase of homes at an average of EC$410,000 per home, and EC$80 million have been paid out to landowners in the area.





When it was also done, however, the Argyle International Airport is now a reality, thanks in no small measure to the hundreds who sacrificed their homes and lands.




Being homeless is bad for a persons health, yet dozens of seriously mentally ill adults have been discharged from Montana State Hospital into homelessness in the past year alone. Information in legislative fiscal notes shows the problem has worsened:

26 patients were discharged to homeless shelters in 2011.

12 patients in 2012

10 patients in 2013

23 patients in 2014

48 patients in 2015

47 patients in 2016

On Tuesday, the Montana House recognized this terrible situation, giving overwhelming approval to House Bill 257 on second reading. The bill forbids the state psychiatric hospital from discharging patients to homeless shelters and prohibits the hospital from delaying discharge because the patient lacks housing.

The bill was re-referred immediately to Appropriations Committee to consider the cost to the state budget.

The fiscal note for HB257 estimates its cost at $155,893 per year to house 48 patients for up to six months in the community. Surely, that is an amount worth paying to keep people from going from hospital to homelessness  and back to the understaffed hospital again.

Among 768 people admitted to the state psychiatric hospital at Warm Springs, 386 were returning patients, said Rep. Ellie Hill Smith, D-Missoula. Hill Smith, the HB257 sponsor is an attorney who used to manage a homeless shelter in Missoula. She introduced similar legislation in 2013 to require the state hospital to have a workable plan for housing each patient when discharged.

Hill Smiths legislation resulted from a legislative interim study conducted before the 2013 session, which concluded that patients return to Montana State Hospital at a high rate, and that those with housing have a greatly reduced risk of returning. Her bill failed in 2013, but the problem of homeless patients grew over the biennium.

The lack of affordable housing is a huge barrier, said Barbara Mettler, executive director for the Mental Health Center headquartered in Billings. The centers PACT team helps nearly 100 seriously mentally ill adults live independently in our community at a fraction of the cost for hospitalization.

But finding homes for those folks is a challenge that takes time. Most have only disability income and government housing subsidies are limited. Try finding a safe apartment in Billings for less than $700 a month and see what Mettler is talking about.

A housing program specifically for mentally ill adults, Shelter Plus Care, only has funding for about 25 people in Billings. All slots were filled last week with a waiting list of about two dozen people.

Some patients are homeless before they go to Warm Springs, but others lose their homes while hospitalized. Joe Chalupa, executive director for NAMI-Billings, points out that an arrangement to pay rent while a person is hospitalized would allow a return to that home and prevent eviction. Most patients are hospitalized at Warm Springs for less than 30 days.

The planning for discharge to home  not homelessness  must start on the day of hospital admission. The discharge plan must be more than a piece of paper. It must be based on actual availability of community resources and partnership between the state hospital and community providers.

The Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors, which advocates for patients at the state hospital, recently noted that 30 patients ready for discharge remained at the hospital because there was no place for them to live elsewhere. Housing is the solution to this growing problem.
Left:Jeneth Jack collected her first prize of a flat screen TV. Right:Second prize winner Joan Bardo gladly accepted her audio stereo system. Inset:Ezekiel Richards, SVGTCCU Marketing and Development Manager, assessed the promotion as fulfilling its purpose of giving back to the Credit Unions members.

Three persons have won major prizes in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Credit Union (SVGTCCU) Christmas Promotion, while six others were awarded consolation Prizes .





During a handing over ceremony at the SVGTCCU on Wednesday, first prize winner Jeneth Jack collected a flat screen television. Joan Bardoo received a brand new audio stereo system as a second place prize, and third place winner Angela Crick, who was not present, should have collected an award of $1000 worth of groceries from Coreas Minimart.





In an Interview with THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper, Marketing and Development Manager at the SVGTCCU - Ezekiel Richards said that the promotion dubbed Christmas Loan Special was one of the many ways of the credit union giving back to its members.





The promotion was open to SVGTCCU members who applied for loans at a special rate of 7.5% interest, between October 2016 and January 31st 2017.





The consolation winners were selected on a weekly basis, while the three major winners were selected during the final draw which took place on Tuesday, February 7, at the Credit Union headquarters.

The consolation Prizes included hams, gift vouchers and bottles of wine.





"It was a good reward giving back to our members for their participation in or activities, said Richards, who added, "Others may take your interest, but Teachers Credit Union takes interest in you. (KH)




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The "alt right" scream about immigrants and refugees, even foreign students, tourists, and business travelers, as if all were the same, as if different words did not have different meanings.

But then, in some cases, different words dont have different meanings. The alt right is a pseudonym for white nationalists.

President Donald Trump is promoting white nationalism rather than representing the delightfully diverse population of this country. He has closed the borders to refugees, limited immigration, and created obstacles to international travelers, including tourists bound for Montana.

Most of us have ancestors who came from foreign lands. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 20 million American adults are the U.S.-born children of immigrants.

The movement of people into North America in general and into the United States in particular has historically stimulated the economy and helped keep taxes low by international standards.

Writing for Forbes, Katie Sola explained "why welcoming refugees is a sound economic investment as well as a moral imperative." In a special report for the New Scientist, Debora MacKenzie documented how "welcoming more refugees makes economic sense." Writing for ABC, Tim Dunlop stated that "accepting refugees makes the most economic sense." Even the head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, says that refugees stimulate the economy.

The flood of refugees is helping communities not only survive but thrive. That is the case abroad as well as domestically. Two examples are Riace, Italy, and Utica, New York. Refugees revived the dying town of Riace, and refugees turned around the economy of Utica.

Nonetheless, the United States ranks 68th of 93 nations offering asylum to refugees. The Refugee Project reported that, as of 2015, there are less than 250,000 refugees living in the United States.

Refugees are people who fled their homelands for safety, and they cannot safely return. "No one chooses to become a refugee," explains Amnesty International.

The United States continues to be No. 1 in weapons sales on the global market. The U.S. sold $40 billion in weapons in 2015. That number dropped to $33 billion in 2016, but it is still a huge number. Those weapons  and American profits  contributed to the displacement of people from their homes, their communities, and even their countries of origin.

Rather than Muslim terrorists, as Trump and his alt-right, white nationalist followers would have us believe, the refugees who settled in the United States in 2015 were mostly from China, followed distantly by Haiti, and more distantly by El Salvador, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Syria ranks 12th among countries of origin, despite social media and even some news media focusing on Syrian "terrorists" coming into the country under the guise of refugee. And Mexico is 15th despite the Mexican border's role in American politics.

Accepting refugees is a humanitarian act that benefits refugee and host country alike.

Returning refugees to a place of danger is against the humanitarian principle of non-refoulement, non-return. The principle of not forcing refugees to places of danger is firmly established in international conventions and in customary practice dating back to ancient times.

I welcome refugees, and immigrants, foreign students and international travelers on business or pleasure trips!
The demise of Saturday mail delivery is just another example of the changing times. Old curmudgeon that I am, I enjoy receiving mail, whe...
By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan and Ukraine which enjoy sustainable prospects of bilateral relations in political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian fields plan to breathe a new life into the economic cooperation.

Azerbaijan, the largest nation in the South Caucasus with rich hydrocarbon resources, can offer a large variety of products, in particular oil and agricultural products, to Ukraine, which is very interested in their supplies.

Based on huge opportunities the two nations possess, Vadim Sidyachenko, Head of the Economic Department of the Ukrainian Embassy in Baku, told Azernews about the prospects of increasing the bilateral trade turnover this year.

Question: How can you describe the development of relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan over the past 25 years?

Answer: Relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan were comprehensive and inclusive over the past 25 years of establishment of diplomatic ties. Indeed, there were ups and downs, even stagnation recorded in the early 1990's when Azerbaijan experienced difficult time of war for its territorial integrity. Ukraine fought on the side of Azerbaijan and helped both arms and humans.



The relations developed more dynamically in 2010-2011, when the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to over $1 billion per year, which was the most peak figure at the time.



In the end of 2015 Ukraine and Azerbaijan found a quick dialogue and visit of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to Baku in July 2016 significantly brought the positions of the two countries closer. So, 2016 was a breakthrough in relations between the two states.

Beginning from 2014 until the beginning of 2016 the trade turnover between the two countries tended to decrease by 30 percent a year compared to previous year. In the second half of last year this decline stopped and was stable.

During the negotiations in Davos this January President Ilham Aliyev and President Poroshenko held a friendly meeting, where they confirmed an interest in the projects which have been agreed. Also, it is planned to hold the 12th session of the intergovernmental commission under the chairmanship of First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyyubov and Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Gennadiy Zubko.

Besides, an Azerbaijani delegation of 15 companies are scheduled to visit Ukraine.

Q.: What spheres are the most attractive and promising for the development of bilateral economic relations? Which fields of Azerbaijani economy represent particular interest for Ukrainian businessmen?

Answer: Analysis into the bilateral turnover show that ferrous metallurgy. topped the exports to Azerbaijan. In particular, Ukrainian rolled metal had a particular share, almost 50 percent, in construction market when Azerbaijan experienced the construction boom during the preparations for Eurovision Song Contest, housing building and Baku Shipyard in 2010 to 2015. However, Ukrainian supplies reduced automatically following a decrease by 30-40 percent in the volume of construction activities beginning from 2014.



I would emphasize here a tremendous increase in the volume of supplies of agricultural products, sugar, confectionery and meat to Azerbaijan over the past few years. So, these products substituted metal exports to some extent. At the same time, 18 percent of Ukrainian exports to Azerbaijan account for cigarettes, which are produced in Ukraine by world leading companies such as British-American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco.

Ukraine, in turn, purchases products of chemical industry, polymers and plastics from Azerbaijan.

Q.: Ukraine is interested in Azerbaijan's oil and its transit to Europe. How do you assess the energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine?

Answer: Ukraine is interested in importation of oil products from Azerbaijan, which Ukraine purchases mainly from Russia, and gasoline acquired from Belarus. So, Ukraine is much more interested in supply of high-quality Azerbaijani oil for its refineries, as well as further transit to Eastern Europe.

For instance, Ukrainian UkrTransNafta signed a three-year agreement with SOCAR to purchase 4 million tons of Azerbaijani oil for processing at Krichevsky refinery. It will be exported to the refinery from Black Sea and Southern Port.



Along with crude imports Ukraine is also interested in transit of Azerbaijani oil. Another memorandum of UkrTransNafta with Azerbaijan provides for supply of Azerbaijani oil to the refineries of Eastern Europe. Of course it should have commercial interest for Azerbaijan and be attractive for SOCAR. Today SOCAR delivers oil mainly to Europe including Eastern Europe via the Mediterranean sea.



Belarus is also considering the ways to diversify its oil supply sources and regards Azerbaijani oil supplies through Ukraine as a possible option.

Q.: How can you assess the current level of Azerbaijani-Ukrainian economic cooperation? Can we call the current level of trade turnover between the two sides satisfying? What can you tell about the prospects of increasing bilateral trade?

A.: Ukraine takes an interest in import of Azerbaijani agricultural products such as pomegranate, tangerine, persimmon, hazelnut, tomatoes and cucumbers. Now, Ukrainians can easily differ Azerbaijani pomegranate from other countries as Azerbaijani are sweeter and tastier. We also know that Azerbaijan hazelnut is precisely one of the most high-quality varieties. However, many people alongside the quality also pay attention to its price, which is higher compared to hazelnuts from other countries.



Today grand part of Azerbaijani tomatoes and cucumbers is exported to Russia, but I think that it would be in demand in Ukraine as well. And now we are working on export of Azerbaijani products to Ukrainian market.



Besides goods export, Ukraine is also interested in development of tourist trips between the two sides. Recently, Ukrainians began paying increasingly much attention to Azerbaijan, especially Baku -- a romantic capital with beautiful infrastructure and different restaurants. But we also advise our tourist companies to organize tours to the regions of the country including Gabala, Sheki, Guba, Gusar, Shahdagh, and Mingachevir.



Ukrainian International Airlines are also engaged in this process. Two flights are carried out between Kyiv and Baku on a daily basis. One is performed by Azerbaijani side and the other one by Ukrainian. There is also increase in passenger flow, which increased from 150 a day in 2014 to 220-240 a day. Now we work on increasing the number of flights and directions.

Q.: How do you assess the prospects of participation of the two countries on major international projects? What are your predictions about the economic profitability of these projects?

A.: Azerbaijan is developing as a transit country. Azerbaijani and Ukrainian railways, as well as Baku Sea Port and Caspian Shipping Company seriously cooperate in development of New Silk Road.



In January 2016 the first train functioned through the Ukraine-Georgia-Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-China route, thus testifying for competitiveness of the route. The train smoothly passed the territory of Azerbaijan (Alat Port), whilst a little problem occurred in Aktau port, Kazakhstan, which is carrying out definite work to fix the shortage.



In 2016 Ukraine joined Trans Caspian Transit route together with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Turkey. And this project is very important for Ukraine and the country is planning to actively participate in it.



The second route passing through Azerbaijan is the North-South Transport corridor in the direction of Iran, the Persian Gulf, and India. Ukraine is also interested in this project, though there is still no goods in demand in this direction compared to eastern route. However, the project is still interesting on terms than to import goods around the whole of Africa.



Talking about investments between the two sides, we consider not only trade, but the most interesting is the establishment of industrial cooperation on the basis of mutual investments.



As Ilham Aliyev underlined at a meeting with President Poroshenko in Davos this January, Azerbaijani investments amounted to $200 million in Ukraine, in particularly, in construction and automaintenance. One of the expected projects is construction of asphalt plant in Ukraine by Azerbaijani investments. Today Ukraine has established itself in the construction and reconstruction of roads.

Ukraine also plans to invest in Azerbaijani market in particular in joint production of medicines. And this is the nearest projects that the two sides are expected to implement. The two countries plan to build a plant for production of infusion solutions.




By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

France bears special responsibility for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair country along with the U.S. and Russia, said French President Francois Hollande.

President Hollande made the remarks at the annual dinner of the Coordination Council of the Armenian Organizations in France on February 9, massispost.com news website reported.

We are in haste, and haste really exists, to find a solution to this issue since the dreadful incidents of April 2-4 of the last year reminded us that every day or nearly every day death cases are recorded in Karabakh, the president said. Therefore, we have to act to prevent clashes.

The situation on the frontline aggravated on April 2, 2016, after the Armenian military units in the occupied lands began shelling Azerbaijans positions. To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and as a result, the Azerbaijani troops retook hills around the village of Talish, as well as Seysulan settlement, and also took over Lele Tepe hill located in the direction of Fizuli region.

Azerbaijan and Armenia declared a truce brokered by Russia on April 5, 2016. However, Armenia continued to breach the ceasefire.

Hollande added that he plans to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan during his visit to Paris scheduled for March 8.

The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory of Azerbaijan, has continued for about 30 years, following the Armenias territorial claims against Azerbaijan in 1988. The military conflict, characterized by violence against civilians and ethnic cleansing, resulted in the injury, death, and disappearance of thousands of people, ended with occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions.

While the OSCE Minsk Group acts as the only mediator in resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, it failed to make any move to achieve a breakthrough in the peace process so far.
By Azernews





By Kamila Aliyeva

Central Asian nations of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have resumed air connection between the two capital cities after 25 years of halt.

A technical flight between Dushanbe and Tashkent was realized on February 10 by Tajik Somon Air, TASS news agency reported referring to the airline company.

"Somon Air intends to hold talks with representatives of the Tashkent airport and colleagues from Uzbekistan Airways to solve operational issues on the flights opening," the report says.

In autumn 2016, a protocol on cooperation was signed between the civil aviation authorities of of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the air transport sector. Under the signed Protocol, the Dushanbe Tashkent  Dushanbe flight will be operated twice a week by Somon Air, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan Airways.

Uzbekistan Airways performed the first charter flight to Dushanbe in November 2016.

Regular flights between the two countries are expected to start on February 20. The frequency of flights will be increased to two times per week in summer. Experts note that initial passenger traffic is unlikely to be great.

Flights between the two countries were terminated in the autumn of 1992, and in 2000, Uzbekistan introduced a visa regime for travel to Tajikistan.

The air traffic was interrupted with the beginning of civil war in Tajikistan, there were virtually no commercial, economic and political ties. The relations began to restore in 2016.

The legal base of bilateral Tajik-Uzbek relations includes 111 contracts and agreements signed at the interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels in the period from 1992 to the present.

The approved documents between two countries cover all the key areas of cooperation between two countries and provide a solid legal basis for the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the political, economic, trade and other areas.

Regarding the economy, bilateral trade turnover between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan reached the amount of $167, 1 million in 2015, while the potential is estimated at billions of U.S. dollars.
Dubai Properties, a leading UAE-based real estate master developer, is set to start work on its luxury project 1/JBR, a 46-storey tower located at the entrance of Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai, said a report.



The iconic tower, which will be built at a cost of over Dh1 billion ($272 million), features 161 two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments as well as some five-bedroom penthouses, reported The National.



Dubai Contracting Company (DCC) has been signed up as the main contractor for the project, which is due for handover in the final quarter of 2019, it stated.



Jumeirah Beach Residence is one of the leading destinations in Dubai developed by Dubai Properties Group, renowned for its stunning beachfront setting. With a promenade that stretches 1.7 km overlooking the Gulf, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.



The 1/JBR boasts ultra-luxury living with each apartment providing panoramic sea views, said the report.



The selling price of the two-bedroom apartments starts at Dh5.4 million ($1.46 million), it added.
The copper market is red-hot, nearing a two-year high on Friday at $2.77 per pound. Prices are exploding on news that the worlds largest copper mine is shut down due to a labor strike. Workers at the Chilean Escondida mine are asking for higher wages and have threatened to stop work indefinitely until their demands are met. Chile is the worlds largest copper producer, and this one mine accounts for nearly 5 percent of global output.

While few Americans keep copper as an investment, the red metal is everywhere in our society, as it is durable and an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Copper is an essential component in automobiles, buildings, and electronics, so rising prices will eventually filter into everyday life.

Should President Donald Trump succeed in his plans for increasing U.S. manufacturing and infrastructure spending, demand for the red metal, and therefore prices, could soar.

Grains spike higher

Corn, wheat, and soybean prices all rose this week, climbing on news of shrinking global supplies. A USDA report on Thursday projected tighter stockpiles for each of the commodities, driven primarily by rising demand.

For U.S. farmers, this is welcome news, as prices are beginning to return to profitable levels. This can allow producers to lock in break-even prices on the futures and options markets, a tool that many use to guarantee the financial strength of their farming operations.

As of midday Friday, the March futures contracts for corn, wheat, and soybeans stood at $3.74, $4.49, and $10.57 per bushel, respectively.

OPECs cuts stick

When OPEC announced a pact to reduce oil production among its 13 member countries last November, many analysts were skeptical that the cartel would reduce oil supplies in its effort to raise prices. Typically, individual members cheat on agreements, keeping production high while they hope their fellow members will cut. Instead, the cartel is working together; they cut more than 90 percent of the agreed-upon production.

This dropped global oil output by nearly a million barrels per day last month. Additionally, the International Energy Agency is projecting rising oil demand to rise by 1.4 million barrels per day this year.

Petroleum markets jumped on these assessments, pushing near a one-month high on Friday at $54.10 per barrel.

Despite the supply shakeup, global oil stockpiles stand near 3 billion barrels, so it will still take larger shifts or a very long time for these changes to create a shortage.

Opinions are solely the writers. Walt and Alex Breitinger are commodity futures brokers with Paragon Investments in Silver Lake, Kansas. They can be reached at 800-411-3888 or www.paragoninvestments.com. This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell any market.
MISSOULA  A dramatic change in weather that brought warmer temperatures, rain and wind to Montana on Thursday caused flooding and impassable highways and rail lines.

Heavy rain and snowmelt prompted the closure of Interstate 90 between St. Regis and the Idaho border due to standing water on the highway, the state Department of Transportation said.

Three avalanches were reported in the Marias Pass area, including one that blocked rail traffic and U.S. Highway 2 along Glacier National Park, BSNF Railway said.

Justun Juelfs, maintenance chief for the DOT's Kalispell division, said a 200-foot-long natural avalanche spilled 6 to 8 feet of snow over the rail line and 6 to 8 inches of snow on the highway.

The highway was closed between Essex and East Glacier due to ongoing avalanche danger. Juelfs said the department will not try to clear the highway.

"At this point we're backing equipment and staff out of the region due to instability," Juelfs told the Daily Inter Lake.

The eastbound Empire Builder train was holding in Whitefish, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said. The westbound train had not yet reached western Montana.

The weather service issued a blizzard warning for the Rocky Mountain Front, fearing that strong winds, with gusts up to 65 mph, might cause more drifting of the 3 to 5 feet of snow that fell over the weekend.

Meteorologist Paul Nutter in Great Falls said rain and warmer temperatures were helping keep the snow in place and rain threatened to leave a layer of ice on roads.

Ice was reported on highways south of Polson to St. Ignatius and Moiese and in the Dixon area as well as in the Butte and Wisdom areas.

Avalanche warnings were issued for western Montana and in the mountains north and west of Yellowstone National Park, in part because the rain is weighing down the most recent snowpack.

"We had a lot of dry snow earlier in the winter that's accumulated. Now you're actually warming up the new snow on top of that which is heavier. That's leading to a lot of snow slide activity," said meteorologist Dan Zumpfe in Missoula.

In Bonner, east of Missoula, snow and ice caused trees to fall onto power lines, interrupting service for about 400 customers, NorthWestern Energy said.

In Great Falls, the temperature rose from 1 degree at 1 a.m. to 47 degrees at noon. Winds were gusting up to 38 mph in Livingston.

The weather service also has issued flood warnings west and south of Missoula, mostly because the ground is frozen and the rain and melting snow can't sink in, Zumpfe said.
Friday support meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:30 a.m., 917 N. Beech; 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 10 a.m., 328 E. A; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 1124 Elma, Imitate the Image Church; 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 8 p.m,. 328 E. A; 8 p.m., 328-1/2 E. A, closed; 8 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 10 p.m., 917 N. Beech. Douglas: noon, 805 E. Richards, Ste. 1; 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.

Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 6 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 8:30 p.m., 302 E. 2nd St., Methodist Church. Web site: www.urmrna.org.

Overeaters Anonymous: 10 a.m., 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott. Info: Candace, 359-6225; Rebekah, 320-6779.

Al-Anon Family: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, Ste. 200, 12-24 Club, all ages welcome. Info: 377-7260 or 258-1444.

International Addictions Program: 7 p.m., Calvary Baptist Church, 1800 S. Conwell. Info: 266-5417.

LGTBQ AA/NA: 7 p.m., A 12-Step AA/NA Recovery Group for gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and questioning persons meets at the United Church of Christ, located at the corner of 15th and Melrose. Info: 259-5026.

Free tax help

The Natrona County VITA Program, a United Way of Natrona County initiative, is open through April 12, for free tax return assistance. This is a first come, first serve program, no appointments will be scheduled. Individuals must bring their Social Security card, photo identification and the appropriate paperwork with them. For a complete listing of required paperwork, please visit the website www.wyomingfreetaxservice.org

Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Aspen Creek Building, 800 Werner Ct., Ste. 206. Closed Sunday and Monday.

For more information, call (307) 333-5588 during hours of operation or look on Facebook. The initiative is supported by funding from the Wyoming Free Tax Service and local United Way.

Top Chef soup at

Mountain Plaza

Mountain Plaza Assisted Living, 4154 Talon Dr., has a packed month of February planned for residents, guests and those interested. Feb. 10: Homemade soup Top Chef competition at noon. Judge Top Chef and runner-up and enjoy a wonderful lunch with wonderful company.

Adult Coloring Club

Stop by the Natrona County Library anytime between 2 and 5 p.m. for Adult Coloring Club. Coloring books and pages will be available to turn into works of art. Colored pencils, crayons, and markers also will be provided. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Murder at the Theater

Casper Theater Company will present Murder at the Theater Sales with a Smile on Feb. 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 24 and 25. Join us to solve a murder compiling clues, solving puzzles and gathering props to identify the victim, perpetrator, where, how and why at 735 CY. You pick your team of 10 (or less), you pick your time, and call 267-7243 to make your reservation. Times are incremented every 2 hours from 3 to 9 p.m. The cost is $150 for 10 people or less. Bring your family, co-workers, friends, or board members to investigate four separate rooms filled with mystery and intrigue. Murder at the Theater is sponsored by Greater Wyoming Federal Credit Union.

Family game night

The Natrona County Prevention Coalition presents Family Game Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the UW Extension Office, located at 2011 Fairgrounds Rd. Family Game Night is a free event, designed to promote spending time as a family. Families are invited to play games and enjoy food and healthy snacks from Cent$ible Nurition. All families that attend will receive a board game to take home and enjoy.

Founded in 2002, the mission of NCPC is to prevent substance abuse in the community by promoting healthy and positive choices. NCPC is a collaboration of over 40 members made up from community agencies, businesses, and concerned citizens. Mercer Family Resource Center is the lead agency for NCPC and acts as the coalitions fiscal agent.

For more information on Family Game Night, please contact Lisa Brown, Parenting and Family co-chair, at 265-7366 or lbrown@mercercasper.com.

Celebrate Recovery every Friday

Celebrate Recovery meets at 5:30 p.m. every Friday at Highland Park Community Church, just south of Elkhorn Valley Rehabilitation Hospital on East Second Street. We start with a family meal, followed by praise and worship. At 7 p.m., theres either a lesson from Celebrate Recoverys planned curriculum or a testimony by a person who has found recovery through Christ. Then, people go to gender-specific small groups until 8:30 p.m., when dessert and fellowship conclude the evening. Child care is available at no cost. For more information, contact Chris at 265-4073.

Reception for

Nic photo exhibit

Members from the Casper Photography Association are exhibiting their photographic art at the Nicolaysen Art Museum until April 9, 2017. A reception, which is open to the public, is 6 to 8 p.m., this Friday. Members who are exhibiting are Beau Johnston, Jess Burgardt, Marlene Ashbaugh, Pete Ashbaugh, Pete Schmotzer, Sam Sherman, Harry Buhler, Lyn Clark, Frank Neville, Rose Fry, Rob Corbin, Mark Caldwell, Dennis Shambaugh, Lolena Shambaugh, and Nancy Patrick.

The Casper Photography Association meets the first Monday of the month (except on a holiday, then it meets the following Monday), at 7:15 p.m. at the Oil & Gas Conservation Commission Building, 2211 King Blvd. Use the east door and all are welcome. The purpose of the Casper Photography Association is to further members knowledge and enjoyment of photography by sharing important concepts, new developments and personal experiences and by encouraging participation in group photographic activities.

Friday Melrose music

Melrose Coffeehouse, 1511 S. Melrose, welcomes Steve Frame from 7 to 10 p.m.

Steve brings his guitar and he will be playing some of the new tunes which he has written, along with many old favorite covers.

As always, there is no cover charge, but tips for musicians are encouraged. Espresso drinks, soft drinks, desserts and popcorn are available for a small fee.
API holds raffles

The API, in conjunction with the 25th Annual Chili Cook-off, is holding a raffle for a chance to win $15,000 in total cash prizes, including a $10,000 cash grand prize. Tickets are $20 each with a maximum of 2,700 being sold. The drawing will be held Feb. 18 at the API Chili Cook Off with proceeds benefiting many Casper charities. You dont have to be present to win. Tickets are available from any API board member. For more info, call Bob at 473-2230.

The API, in conjunction with the 25th Annual Chili Cook-off, is holding a raffle to win either a Henry 44 Mag rifle or a Stainless SW1911 .45 pistol (first ticket drawn wins their choice of the two, second ticket drawn wins the other). Tickets are $5 each. The drawing will be held February 18th at the API Chili Cook-off with proceeds benefiting many Casper charities. You dont have to be present to win. Tickets are available from any API board member. For more information, call Bob at 473-2230.

Community impact at Pizza Ranch

Pizza Ranch, 5011 E. Second St., hosts Community Impact nights from 5 to 9 p.m. normally on Mondays and Wednesdays. Members of nonprofit groups bus tables for tips, and 20 percent of meal tickets from diners who mention the group are donated as well. Dine-in, delivery or pickup orders qualify.

Feb. 13, Bullwinkles 4-H Group; Feb. 15, ASSW; Feb. 16, Midwest Physics Club; Feb. 20, 4-H Goat Herders; Feb. 22, Casper College Nursing Students; Feb. 23, NCHS Speech and Debate; Feb. 27, KWHS Orchestra.

Relay for Life daffodil sales

The American Cancer Society is having its annual Daffodil Sales to benefit the local Relay for Life. Flowers may be ordered until Feb. 17, and they will be delivered around March 8. The cost is $10 for one bouquet of 10 buds; $40 for five bouquets of 10 buds; and $70 for 10 bouquets of 10 buds. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life. To order please contact any local Relay for Life team or Jennifer with the American Cancer Society at 235-0044.

Sale at Hospice boutique

Visit the new Memory Lane Boutique, 319 S. Wilson St., inside the administration building of Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Current inventory includes jewelry, household goods, furniture, books, pictures, games, and candles. Donations are gladly accepted; all proceeds benefit Central Wyoming Hospice. If you would like more information, please call 577-4832.

API Chili Cook-off Feb. 18

Saturday, Feb. 18, is the 25th annual API Chili Cook Off at the Casper Events Center. This year the cook-off is dedicated to Brian Scott with the theme of 25 Years in Oil & Gas  Lets Make it BOOM! Last year over $100,000 was raised and distributed to over 20 Casper charities. If you would like to be a sponsor or for more information please contact Nick Bailey at 259-7088, Pat Sullivan at 277-5272, or visit www.casperapi.com/api-chili-cook-off.

Wild sheep license raffle

The Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation 2017 Game & Fish Commissioners License Raffle is underway. Tickets are $100 each and only 300 will be sold. Enter to win one of 10 items to be given away at the annual Wyoming Wild Sheep Banquet on June 3, 2017 in Casper. Winners need not be present to win. First prize is a Wyoming Game and Fish Commissioners 2017 License; second prize, seven-day Caribbean Cruise or $2,000; third prize, Kimber Classic .338 Win. Mag. rifle; fourth prize, Nikon 13-30 x 50mm rifle scope; fifth prize, Ruger Precision 6.5 Creedmore rifle; sixth prize, Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag. revolver; seventh prize, Sony Cybershot DSC-HX300 camera; eighth prize, Nikon Monarch 7, 10x42 binoculars; ninth prize, Bushnell 14 megapixel trophy cam HD; 10th place, Ruger American .45 ACP pistol. Tickets are available online at http://wyomingwildsheep.org.
Japanese foods at CC dinner

Japanese dishes will be served at the third cultural dinner scheduled for the 2016-2017 school year at Casper College from 5 to 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 16, in Tobin Dining Hall.

The Japanese cultural dinner will feature Miso Soup, a traditional Japanese soup of soy paste and dried bonito; Cucumber Salad, cucumbers in sesame chili marinade; Gyoza, Japanese dumplings; Jasmine Rice; and Shoyu Pork, tender pork cooked in garlic, ginger and brewed soy sauce. For dessert, two dishes will be served: Mochi, a traditional chewy sweet rice cake, and Sata Andagi, a deep-fried sugar cake.

Tickets are $12.25 for adults and $8.90 for children ages 7-12 when purchased in advance by Friday, Feb. 10, and $14 for adults and $10.15 for children at the door. There is no charge for children 6 and under. Sales tax will be added to all ticket purchases.

Tickets may be purchased at the Casper College Financial Management/cashier window or the Gateway Cafe, both located on the third floor of the Walter H. Nolte Gateway Center, as well as at Tobin Dining Hall in the Union/University Building during regular meal times. Cash is accepted at all locations, and credit cards are also accepted at the cafeteria and cafe.

The final dinner in the series will feature Irish cuisine and will take place on Thursday, March 23. Because dinners often sell out, advanced ticket purchases are highly encouraged. The Casper College International Education Committee hosts the cultural dinner series. Both the Nolte Gateway Center and the Union/University Building are located on the Casper College campus.

Spring lecture series at Tate

The Tate Geological Museum will look at Science in the Public Eye through three lectures beginning at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 16.

The first lecture titled Total Solar Eclipse will be given by Dr. Andrew Young, physics and astronomy instructor at Casper College. Young will discuss the total solar eclipse happening over the United States on August 21, 2017, and will explore the various aspects of historical significance for this astronomical phenomenon. He will also look at several science outreach programs in progress on a state and national level. Finally, he will discuss the essential features of safely viewing the solar event.

The other two lectures set in the series will include Emily Calandrelli, host of FOXs Xploration Outer Space, on March 16. Dr. Donald Johanson, paleoanthropologist, will speak on April 20. Johanson is known for his discovery of Lucy, one of the most complete skeletons of Australopithecus afarensis, in the Afar Triangle region of Hadar, Ethiopia.

All presentations in the lecture series will begin at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. The first lecture will take place in the Wheeler Auditorium, Room 103 in the Wold Physical Science Center on the Casper College campus, the second will take place in the Wheeler Concert Hall on the Casper College campus, while the final lecture will be held at the John F. Welsh Auditorium at Natrona County High School.

Wildlife study group talks owls

Local rancher and birding enthusiast Stacey Scott will be the guest speaker at the February edition of the Werner Wildlife Museums Wildlife Study Group at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 16. Scott will present Silent Wings and Night Vision: Wyomings Owls.

During his presentation, Scott will discuss the natural history of owls, demonstrate the various calls they make, and tell owl stories gathered during his six decades in the field. A lifelong member of the National Audubon Society, Scott currently serves as treasurer for the Murie Audubon Society chapter in Casper and is also president of the Werner Wildlife Museum advisory board.

The Wildlife Study Group is free and open to the public and meets monthly in the Africa-Artic Room at Casper Colleges Werner Wildlife Museum, located off the Casper College campus at 405 E. 15th Street. For more information call the museum at 235-2108, stop by Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email indiahayford@caspercollege.edu.

Soroptimists hear filmmaker McInroy

The Soroptimists of Central Wyoming (SICW) meet at noon on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. The club will meet for the February business meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, at the Ramada Plaza, 300 West F Street.

A program meeting will be held at noon on Monday, Feb. 27, at the Cheese Barrel, 544 South Center Street. Patricia McInroy will be the speaker. Patricia created a documentary, Clara: Angel of the Rockies, which aired on Wyoming PBS, on Jan. 8, 2017.

The documentary tells the biographical story of Clara Brown, a former slave who came west and made a fortune. The film was a winner of PBSs To The Contrary: All About Women, film festival in the womens U.S. history category.

McInroy grew up in Casper, went to Casper College, and is a former Star-Tribune photographer. She will talk to the group about Clara Browns life and the documentary.

All women are invited. Soroptimist means Best for Women. SICW is a volunteer non-profit organization which strives to improve the lives of women and girls through community-based and international projects. SICW provides gift baskets and holiday meals to Seton House, gift baskets to the Transformation Center, and offers an annual Live Your Dream cash award for women seeking higher education or job training.

For more information about the monthly meetings or the Soroptimists, please contact Debbie Ehlers at 234-2173 or debbiehlrs@yahoo.com and find SICW on Facebook.Follow community news editor Sally Ann Shurmur on Twitter @WYOSAS
Casper, Wyoming

June 28, 1964February 6, 2017

Robert Paul Bob Garner passed away February 6th in Casper, Wyoming after battling ALS for several years. Bob was born in Casper on June 28th, 1964. He was raised by his mother and her parents. Bob spent much of his early life helping out with the family business; the Fireside Bar and Lounge. He grew into a smart, fun-loving man with a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous grin. He somehow managed to survive a series of youthful adventures that often ended in stitches (like the time he was tossing  and catching  a knife) and a really good story (for instance, an insane multi-part car wreck-totally worth the half an hour it took for him to tell it). In fact, there was nothing Bob couldnt spin into a tale. He was a natural born story teller.

Once married, Bob settled into the life of a family man, father and provider. He eventually became owner and operator of the Western Grill Restaurant. Customers, co-workers, friends and family all knew that he was fiercely loyal and would do anything he could to help those around him from making them a great meal, changing a tire, loaning money, or lending an ear and a joke at just the right time. No matter what they needed, folks knew they could always count on him.

He loved barbeques, camping, telling stories (with varying degrees of exaggeration), telling jokes (with varying degrees of appropriateness) Star Trek, and this country which he proudly served as member of the Army Reserves for many years. Most of all, he loved his wife, daughters and the family dog.

Bob was preceded in death by his loving mother, Jeannie Lange Garner Luck; his grandparents, Paul and Guelda Lange.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Nikki Barlos-Garner; daughters, Christina and Nia Garner; mother-in-law, Antonia Barlos; siblings, Rick Garner and his wife, Traci, Kelly Kukura and her husband Rob, and Ashley Schulte; father, Dick Garner and his wife, Nancy; best friend, Kate; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral service will be held at Bustards Funeral Home, Saturday, February 11th at 4 p.m. A celebration of life is also planned for Monday, March 13th.

Donations can be made to any veterans organization, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, The ALS Society or a charity of the donors choice.

Saying goodbye is never easy, but Bob worked hard for many years, and these last several were the toughest. Hes earned the rest, but well always remember his immortal words: Only three things matter in life: family, friends and the God-damn Dog.
CHEYENNE  Legislation that would make it a felony to sell tissue from an aborted fetus and would require that a physician offer an ultrasound to a patient before an abortion passed a Senate committee Thursday.

The five Republican men on the Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources passed each measure by a 4-1 vote, with Sen. Fred Emerich, R-Cheyenne, voting against the legislation.

Supporting the bills were Sens. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, Paul Barnard, R-Evanston, Curt Meier, R-LaGrange, and Glenn Moniz, R-Laramie.

The measures now proceed to the Senate floor. They have already passed the House.

Under House Bill 116, anyone who sells, transfers or gives cells or tissue of an aborted fetus would face felony criminal charges.

There was no discussion before lawmakers voted, although legislators did challenge some of the bill opponents as they testified.

HB182 would require doctors to offer women an ultrasound before an abortion, and to hear a fetus heartbeat if possible.

The bill was amended on the urging of Meier to provide exceptions to the ultrasound offer in times of medical emergency, such as to preserve the life of the woman or to remove a dead fetus. Similar exemptions existed in an original version of the bill but were removed in the House by lawmakers who disagreed with them, Meier said.

I think it would give some comfort to some of the people who feel some exclusions are necessary, he said.

The votes followed an intense discussion Thursday, featuring testimony from both sides of the abortion issue.

People who supported the legislation said fetuses were unborn children with rights to life, while opponents said the measures represented unnecessary government interference on womens rights.

Hicks, the committees chairman, started the meeting with a reminder to be civil.

Were going to have some disagreements here today, folks, but we are not going to be disagreeable, he said. Any person who violates the rules of decorum of this committee will be asked to leave. We have uniformed troopers who will escort you to the door.

Supporters of the legislation included Cheyenne resident Peter Seckle and his wife, who aborted their two children in 1987 and still grieve the loss. He said he supported the bills because he believes they will help protect the sanctity of life.

Their lives were cut short because of two scared kids  myself and her, he said. Im not blaming anybody, but it was difficult. It always has been and always will be.

Lisa Provance of Right to Life of Laramie County said that with the advent of ultrasound technology, women can see that the fetus isnt just a clump of cells but a living, developing human being.

The child in her body is a human being, with a right of their own, she said.

Sheila Bush of the Wyoming Medical Society, which represents physicians and physician assistants, said doctors already inform their patients of medical options, a process called informed consent. The doctors group, which Bush described as conservative, opposed the bills, not necessarily because the groups members support abortion but because of the message the bills send.

Much of what these bills speak to is already done, she said. I think the Legislature potentially sends a dangerous and offensive message to an already fragile community.

Heather Muth of Cheyenne spoke in opposition to HB116. She encouraged lawmakers to research how fetal tissue was used.

The underlying purpose of this bill is to take away a womans right to choose, or at least thats how I feel about it, she said.

A number of opponents testified that they didnt approve of how the bill was assigned to the ag committee, instead of Labor, Health and Social Services, where such legislation normally is vetted.

I share your disappointment of the placement of this bill, Hicks said.

Sen. Glenn Moniz, R-Laramie, pointed to HB116s spokeswoman, Rep. Cheri Steinmetz, R-Lingle.

I know youre disappointed there are no females on this committee, but the sponsor of this bill is female, he said.

The primary sponsor of HB182 is Rep. Chuck Gray, R-Casper.
Park County resumes search for missing Wyoming reporter

POWELL  Park County officials have resumed their search for Powell Tribune reporter Gib Mathers, who was last seen taking photographs near U.S. Highway 14 west of Cody on Jan. 31.

People were being asked to stay out of the area on Thursday so search dogs would not be distracted by other human scent or passing traffic.

Searchers looked for Mathers last Friday and Saturday, but weather conditions and not having any idea where to focus the search led them to suspend their efforts.

Improved weather conditions Thursday allowed the search to resume.

Mathers had taken some time off work last week and was reported missing when he did not show up for work on Feb. 2. Officials said a request last week for information from anyone who may have seen Mathers after Jan. 31 did not turn up any new leads.
JACKSON  The Teton County Commission has declared a state of emergency for the Teton Village area because of weather related issues, including power outages, heavy snowfall and increased risk of avalanches.

The emergency declaration lasts until Monday.

The areas affected include Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and several residential neighborhoods.

The resort remained closed Thursday as crews worked to restore power that was shut off by a storm that downed 17 power lines Tuesday night.

Officials noted that most of the Jackson Hole region, including the town of Jackson, Grand Targhee Ski Resort and Grand Teton National Park, are unaffected and remain open.

Commissioner Natalia Macker said the declaration is the first step should the county need to ask for state assistance.
CHEYENNE, Wyo.  Cheyenne had been on the short list to house a new Smucker's Uncrustables factory but has lost out to Longmont, Colorado.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that leaders at the J.M. Smucker Co. chose Colorado as the sire of its new $340 million facility. The company plans to hire up to 500 people to help make the crust-less peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Cheyenne LEADS leader Randy Bruns said Smucker's officials felt Cheyenne lacked a large enough workforce for the facility.

Cheyenne was one of four final sites located along the Interstate 25 corridor from Cheyenne to southern Colorado that the company considered.

J.M Smucker Co. is headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, and makes fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, peanut butter and beverages.
So you told an insurance agent what you wanted and got your policy in the mail, complete with a cover sheet declaring what coverages you have.

Now, if some lawmakers get their way, youll have to read that whole multi-page contract to be sure that youre getting what you want.

Legislation awaiting Senate action would spell out in statute that it would not matter whats on that cover sheet and synopsis of benefits. Instead, only what is actually in the contract would govern  even if that page of declarations clearly says otherwise.

And theres something else in HB 2045 that cleared the House last week on a 35-23 party-line vote: If there are differences between the English version of the contract and any version in a foreign language your agent gives you, the English version governs.

Rep. David Livingston, R-Peoria, is pitching the measure as one of consumer protection.

He said insurance companies are afraid to provide contracts in languages other than English for fear that something might not have been translated correctly and a policyholder could claim that he or she is entitled to coverage based on the Spanish-language version.

And Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, said thats only proper given that a state constitutional amendment makes English the official language.

We spent hundreds of millions of dollars in our public education system on something called English-language learning, he said. Yet we are making excuses for people to not learn the English language.

Rep. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, said that focus on foreign language misses the key point of the legislation: Policyholders would no longer be able to rely on that cover page to determine if they got the insurance they wanted.

This is about that declarations page ... and looking out for consumers, she said.

If we leave the law alone, they can trust the declarations page, Epstein argued. If we change this, all of our constituents will have to read every single word of their contracts in order to trust whats going on in their policy.

Rep. Isela Blanc, D-Tempe, questioned Livingston during floor debate about the change, noting his comments that it is good for insurance customers. She wanted to know whether the changes were actually requested by those who buy policies.

Citizens of the state of Arizona asked me to run this bill, he responded during floor debate.

That answer clearly did not satisfy Blanc.

These so-called citizens, are they connected to insurance agencies, companies, groups, special interests related to insurance? she asked.

Yes, he finally conceded.

Blanc said that proves HB 2045 has nothing to do with consumer protection and will lead to policyholders being misled. And she cited her own practices as an insurance consumer as a prime example.

I have home insurance, I have car insurance, she said.

I trust that my insurance company, in the one- or two-page sheet has covered me, Blanc continued. And I do not go through the contract.

Blanc said she presumes thats the case with most policyholders.

But it wasnt only the issue of consumer protection that resulted in all House Democrats voting against the change. Rep. Eric Descheenie, D-Chinle, pointed out to the GOP majority that they could eventually come to regret the idea that the majority should determine what is the official language of Arizona and that documents in other languages have no legal force.

Its a statistical certainty that in our lifetime the Latino community, the Hispanic community, are going to become the most populous race amongst us, he told House colleagues. I would like to think we would begin to shift away from English version in terms of institutionalizing some of these discussions and these bodies of law, given where were headed.

Descheenie said he comes from an area where the majority speak neither English nor Spanish. And he said thats not just reflecting the Navajo language but also the Hopi.
A 72-year-old woman was sentenced to three months in prison for failing to pay employment taxes on businesses that were operated in part within Arizona.

The prison sentence, handed down to Sarah Ellen Hightower Hill on Wednesday, will be followed by three years of supervised release.

Hightower Hill pleaded guilty to failure to account for and pay employment taxes. She was ordered to pay more than $909,000 in restitution to the government.

Hightower Hill was the majority owner of several companies, between the tax years 2009 through 2011, including Chandler Hill Partners, Inc.; Atlanta Career Specialists, LLC; Houston Career Specialists, LLC; the DHI Group, LLC; IBA Associates, LLC; Morales Career Management Group, LLC; the MHMP Group, LLC; Search Specialists of Dallas, LLC; and the Virginia Search Specialists, LLC.

According to the plea agreement, Hightower Hill, for each of the entities listed above, failed to account for, collect and pay more than $909,000 constituting the employee and employer portion of the employment taxes that should have been paid to the IRS.
One of the most colorful sections of downtown Tucson is scheduled to be torn down by late May.

HSL Properties, which owns the now-vacant La Placita complex, has taken out a demolition permit for the brightly colored property.

The developer has submitted plans to build market-rate apartments and ground-floor retail businesses, including a restaurant and a coffee shop.

The company has contracted with BCS Enterprises, which has offices in Gilbert, to handle the demolition.

Omar Mireles, president of HSL Properties, which owns the property, told the Tucson City Council last month that he expects a studio apartment will cost about $900 a month.

While HSL does own both La Placita and the shuttered Hotel Arizona next door, Mireles does not expect the new development at La Placita to spur economic activity next door.

He said the two properties have different investors behind them, with different goals guiding their development.

Placita Village, which opened in 1973, had more than 200,000 square feet of office and restaurant space and a 500-space parking garage, which remains open.

Several buildings eligible for listing in the State and National Registers of Historic Places by the State Historic Preservation Office will not be torn down.
Guilt, revenge, love and hope are packed tightly into 90 minutes of Lebensraum, getting a strong production at the Invisible Theatre.

The Israel Horovitz play imagines that the German chancellor wakes from a sweaty dream and realizes how the country can redeem itself for the Holocaust: Invite six million Jews back to his country to take the place of the six million killed.

Across the pond, in Massachusetts, a blue collar worker long out of work thinks this is his chance to be useful again. And a Holocaust survivor who has never recovered from the murder of his family in the concentration camps sees a chance to go home.

In Germany, mothers worry that their daughters will fall in love with Jewish men, and employed men see a threat to their jobs.

Jews in Israel fear its all a trick to bring Jews together again for another genocide.

Oh, theres trouble brewing in the chancellors Germany as he tries to make his dream a reality.

All these characters  about 50 of them  are given life by three solid actors, David Alexander Johnston, Lucille Petty and Steve Wood.

The smooth transition between characters was accomplished with a hat on the head, a stoop in the back, a shawl, a sweater, accents, masks.

Collectively, this small ensemble, smoothly directed by Susan Claassen, took the audience through the stories with deep-felt emotion.

Still, events and characters moved so fast it was sometimes hard to figure how who was who and what was happening.

But eventually you catch on.

The real fault in this play is that the story, though clever, is overwrought, contrived.

Of course the rage will build to violence. And we know that the Romeo-and-Juliet-esque love story can not possibly end well.

Part of Horovitzs point is that the horror of the Holocaust has become distant because of time and the inability of the Germans and others to own the atrocity.

There are moments in this play that come close to revealing the anguish, especially in a vignette with an elderly survivor who returns to the town of his birth with revenge on his mind.

But mostly, because of the construct, we dont get to know characters well, and there is a sense of distance between the story and the audience.

But Horovitzs writing is compelling, and this trio of actors embrace the material and pour their hearts into it.

While one can find fault with the script, theres little fault to be found in this production. And it is most definitely worth seeing and talking about.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Feb. 10 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages.
Lawmakers are weighing the creation of a new environmental regulatory agency, splitting off those operations from the North Dakota Department of Health.

Senate Bill 2327 would move the current duties of the state Health Departments Environmental Health Section into a new cabinet-level agency called the Department of Environmental Quality. It passed out of committee Friday with a "do pass" recommendation.

Bill sponsor Sen. Jessica Unruh, R-Beulah, said this is something lawmakers have been discussing for some time.

With the new governors initiative to reinvent government, we felt now is the time to make this move," she said.

The legislation emphasizes the separation of environmental issues from the medical world of public health. It would send a message to the EPA we are serious about our state primacy, and this is our jurisdiction," said Unruh, who compared it to moves other states have taken.

The proposed transition would take place under the supervision of Environmental Health Section Chief Dave Glatt over a period of two years, though an amendment pushes implementation to July 2019.

We dont want to create a mini-EPA, said House Majority Leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo.

Under the legislation, makeup of the committee overseeing the new agency would lose its public health focus in favor of representation from industry and environmental scientists. Unruh said it also would streamline rulemaking by consolidating two separate boards for air and water quality into one council.

Carlson said he also supports the measure because it shifts employees around rather than adding new ones.

Were not going to go hire 20 more people, he said.

Sometimes, efficiency isnt combining, said Sen. Kelly Armstrong, R-Dickinson, adding the bill would have two agencies "driving in their own lane.

Its working fine but, at the end of the day, theyre two very big jobs, he said.

The energy industry was mostly ambivalent to the change, with the only concern being the states maintenance of primacy, which allows it to run federal regulatory programs at the state level. Jason Bohrer, president of the Lignite Energy Council, said if the EPA is not satisfied with state programs, the states lose the ability to self-regulate.

The North Dakota Farm Bureau was the lone group raising opposition.

We do not like this bill, said Public Policy Director Pete Hanebutt, calling it a solution looking for a problem.

Creating a new agency must have a fiscal impact, and making its leader a cabinet member would make the office more susceptible to politics, according to Hanebutt.

Youre growing government regardless of what anyone says. Government has got to grow when you create a new agency," said Hanebutt, explaining the Farm Bureau would rather see a long-term study done first.

Right now, the system works, he said. This creates an unknown. Unknown is worse than what we have."
NOGALES  Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly met with federal and local law enforcement in Nogales Thursday to discuss improving border security.

The meetings were held behind closed doors at a Border Patrol station, but in brief comments before he met with four sheriffs from Arizonas border counties, Kelly said he wanted to hear from people who know the border better than anyone else.

Kelly did not take questions from the press, but Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said the discussion with Kelly was refreshing.

Dannels said the federal government now could work hand-in-hand with local authorities on prosecuting cross-border crime, among other issues. I think hopes on the table, Dannels said. The topic of the discussion was border security and law enforcement, not immigration policies, he said.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff Antonio Estrada said Kelly was receptive to suggestions, such as adding more customs officers to speed up trade and catch drugs smuggled through ports of entry.

Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot praised Kelly for understanding the unique issues of each border section, such as geographical differences and interactions with tribal governments.

Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier congratulated Kelly for opening the lines of communication. The sheriffs have more than 100 years of law enforcement experience.

President Trump has chosen well, said Gov. Doug Ducey, who also attended.

Asked whether Trumps rhetoric about Mexico posed a challenge to Duceys efforts to foster cross-border trade, Ducey said, If youre going to have a growing, healthy economy, you have to have public safety. Mexico is Arizonas top trading partner, but we dont want to see these drug cartels and these human traffickers coming through our desert.
In Chinese culture, 2017 is the Year of the Rooster.

To celebrate, the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center is having its annual Lunar New Year Celebration at the Tucson Mall on Saturday.

This is the first time the event will be held at the mall, and the hope is to expose more people to Chinese culture and inspire them to continue learning about it after the event, said Susan Chan, executive director of the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center.

The event, normally held at the cultural center at 1288 W. River Road, usually draws between 2,000 and 5,000 people in four hours. This year, Chan hopes to reach 5,000 during the 10-hour celebration.

Activities include free dance, music and martial arts performances and crafts for children.

An Asian market will be set up with an assortment of Chinese items such as dresses, umbrellas, kites, calligraphy items and more.

Since it is the Year of the Rooster, there will be a lot of rooster items for sale, Chan said. Roosters galore. Theyll be very hot, Chan said.
We have taken advantage of the poor, oppressed members of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce long enough!

They didnt bother mounting a real campaign against the minimum wage initiative, Proposition 206, and we voters had the audacity to go and pass it. What an outrage!

We have behaved badly, disobeying our betters among the rich and elite of Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, making them feel they might not have total control of the state. So now they must rise up from their undignified trampling and take away our misused initiative rights.

Thats the upshot of five measures introduced in the House of Representatives, four of which passed out of committee Thursday with a decisive vote in favor from a Tucson legislator. Todd Clodfelter, a new Republican representive in Legislative District 10, approved the measures despite efforts to sway him against and to kill the bills in committee.

Many legislators have long chafed under the restrictions of the 1998 Voter Protection Act, which makes it hard for the Legislature to change the laws voters have passed through initiative. Of course, that 1998 law was passed precisely because the Legislature had messed too many times with the voters intent.

Now they are back with a new justification  the minimum wage  and a powerful, monied lobby ready to enforce it. Never mind that the initiative process was a key part of the founding of the state of Arizona back in 1912.

Three bills that passed out of committee Thursday were sponsored by Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita (R-Scottsdale) and would:

Repeal the Voter Protection Act, meaning legislators could alter laws passed by voters even if the changes dont further the intent of the law and without a supermajority. (HCR 2002)

Allow the Legislature to repeal any referendum  a similar voter-sponsored ballot issue through which voters, with enough signatures, can force a vote on legislation passed by the Legislature. (HCR 2007)

Require a notice on the ballot, fundraising material and advertising related to initiatives that they can only be changed in the future by a three-quarters vote in the Legislature and if the change furthers the purpose of the original ballot measure (HB 2320).

Another measure, sponsored by Rep. Vince Leach (R-SaddleBrooke), would throw up potentially insurmountable barriers to signature-gathering by requiring companies circulating petitions to post a bond of up to $50,000, requiring background checks on signature gatherers and making them take classes and certify they understand state law on initiatives. (HB 2404)

This is the bill that the Arizona Chamber is most closely backing, though it also expressed support for the others.

Another bill that passed out of committee Thursday and was sponsored by Rep. Bob Thorpe would prohibit out-of-state donors from giving to committees supporting or opposing initiatives. This bill comes with a giant loophole, of course: An out-of-state person or group could give to an Arizona group that is on the same side of an initiative, which might then consider donating more to the initiative campaign. (HB 2255)

Thorpe, whos made a name for himself by introducing loopy, doomed legislation this session, made a characteristic amendment to his bill Thursday. It basically calls Arizonas initiative and referendum process a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

These are some of the amendments specific words: Article IV, section 4 of the United States Constitution states that [t]he United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government. Voter referendums, especially those financed by external forces, are an exercise in direct democracy, and thus violate the guarantee of a republican form of government.

A bill introduced in the upper chamber by Sen. John Kavanagh would make qualifying for the ballot much more onerous. Rather than gathering the signatures of 10 or 15 percent of the states total electorate, depending on the type of ballot issue, petition circulators would have to gather the relevant percentage of signatures from each legislative district.

This would make signature-gathering tremendously more complicated if not impossible.

What this is all about is taking power away from the citizens and giving it back to the Legislature and the interests that control them, such as the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. President and CEO Glenn Hamer said in a letter Thursday that The Chamber worked hard to campaign to defeat marijuana legalization and the minimum wage measures.

But thats not true. It spent $1,493,000 to defeat Prop. 205, the marijuana inititiative. It donated just $25,037 to the anti-minimum-wage campaign.

In his letter, Hamer asserts The Voter Protection Act only protects bad ideas.

But thats untrue  it really protects us from the chamber and the legislators it controls.

Town-hall tempest

Rep. Martha McSally was right when she said during her Tele Town Hall Tuesday that opponents are trying to get her into a room so they can yell at her. But her words went farther than that and demeaned sincere opposition that is integral to our system of government.

There are activist political Democrats around the country that are trying to create political theater that are demanding town halls so that they can create an ambush, she said. This is about trapping people in a political ambush for political theater. Dont be fooled by the trap of the activists that are trying to hurt Republicans right now.

I visited a demonstration of about 125 people outside her office Tuesday morning and talked to many attendees. They are Democrats, for the most part, and they are angry, in large measure at President Trump and his actions. But their demand is sincere: What they want is to face McSally and tell her how they feel.

Then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords faced similar demands in 2010 from tea-party members, and she held three real town-hall meetings  live ones that anyone could attend  anyway.

Gabby faced it, said Ron Barber, who was Giffords district director and successor till McSally beat him in 2014. It was ugly  and I thought dangerous at one point. The point Im making is that she was not afraid, even in the face of a screaming mob, to let her constituents talk to her.
PHOENIX  State constitutional provisions that deny bail to people solely because theyre accused of having sex with a minor violate the U.S. Constitution, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The justices acknowledged arguments by prosecutors that trial judges have the right to keep certain people behind bars while awaiting trial as a method of protecting the public. And they said the crime of sexual conduct with a minor is a serious charge.

But Justice Clint Bolick, writing for the unanimous court, said the seriousness of the charge, by itself, is insufficient to result in automatic denial of release. He said prosecutors have to prove that the defendant poses a specific threat and that there are no conditions that can be imposed that allow that persons release while protecting the public.

Prosecutors argued that the justices should honor the will of voters who approved state constitutional provisions in 2002 limiting access to bail.

The people of Arizona determined that sexual conduct with a minor is an acute problem and that pretrial detention for those accused of that crime was in the best interest of the community, said Deputy Maricopa Attorney David Cole.

The ruling involves Joe P. Martinez, who is facing several charges, including sexual conduct with a minor younger than 15. He has been held without bail since April 2014 based on the state constitutional provision and a companion law that deny bail in certain kinds of crime if the proof is evidence or the presumption great that the person is guilty of the offense charged.

Bolick said there are situations where an individuals right to freedom can, in appropriate circumstances, outweigh an individuals liberty interest. He cited a U.S. Supreme Court decision which upheld denial of bail to those who may be a danger to the community.

But Bolick pointed out that ruling was based on a finding that a defendant posed a danger to specific individual or the community at large. By contrast, he said, Arizona looks only at the crime charged and whether its likely the person is guilty. That offends the federal guarantee of due process, he said.
The Sheriff Departments former second-in-command pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft charges on Friday in federal court.

Christopher Radtke, the Pima County Sheriff Departments former chief deputy, will be sentenced April 7 after pleading guilty to three counts of theft of government property before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Markovich.

Radtkes plea agreement with federal prosecutors resulted in each of the three counts being for theft of less than $1,000. He is facing up to one year of probation and an agreement to never work as a law enforcement officer or with Pima County again. The sentencing agreement has to be approved by the judge.

We have reached a just outcome in this case, said U.S. Attorney John W. Huber of the District of Utah, which prosecuted the case. This investigation and prosecution has cleaned the Pima County Sheriffs Office of years of corruption and ensures it will not return.

Radtke, 55, was indicted in September on one felony charge of conspiracy to launder money and seven felony charges of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, according to U.S District Court records.

Radtke resigned from his job two weeks after the indictment, which followed a months-long investigation by the FBI into high-ranking department officials who allegedly misused public funds, according to Arizona Daily Star archives.

The investigation revealed that Radtke embezzled roughly $500,000 that had been seized from criminals under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known as RICO.

RICO funds are intended to be used for crime fighting and prevention, but the indictment says Radtke was misusing those funds, making purchases that didnt fall under those requirements.

Radtke admitted that for 18 years personnel at the Sheriffs Department would circumvent the strict restrictions on the use of RICO funds. The officers collaborated to make it appear the department was donating the RICO money to the Sheriffs Auxiliary Volunteers , although the funds were being used by the Sheriffs Department, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Radtke admitted that he became part of the practice about six years ago, the release said.

The three counts of theft Radtke pleaded guilty to were associated with purchases made in 2011, 2014 and 2015, U.S. Attorney David Backman said in court Friday morning when summarizing the factual basis for Radtkes guilty pleas.

For all three incidents, Radtke admitted to knowingly converting funds to be used by the auxiliary volunteers with the intention of depriving the owner  the U.S. government  of the use or benefit of the money or property, Backman said.

In 2011, Radtke used a sheriffs auxiliary volunteers check for $926 to reimburse the departments award banquet. The rest of the check was used to pay for a restaurant bill and a new microwave for the break room at sheriffs headquarters, Backman said.

Radtke also admitted to using the auxiliary volunteers credit card in 2014, to buy two model airplanes for himself and an unnamed colleague, at a cost of $599 plus $90 for shipping. Five days later, he used the card again to pay $50 rush shipping for the airplanes, Backman said.

In 2015, Radtke used another auxiliary volunteers check, this time to pay an artist $500 to make a menu for the chalkboard at sheriffs headquarters, owned by his niece, Nikki Thompson, Backman said.

The FBI investigation began after a November 2015 Star story about Thompson running cafes inside the sheriffs headquarters and the jail without a county contract and rent-free.

Public-records requests revealed the Sheriffs Department spent more than $30,000 on renovations and equipment, the Star reported in November 2015.

While the indictment listed a conspiracy charge and mentioned other persons known and unknown to the grand jury, no one else has been charged in connection with the investigation.

Im a little concerned about the plea agreement being for three misdemeanors, when he was charged with seven felonies, said Sgt. Kevin Kubitskey, chairman of the Pima County Deputy Sheriffs Association, and one of several department employees who came forward to the FBI to corroborate the allegations of misuse of funds. The men and women of the PCDSA want to know why, and were hoping that some explanation is given to us.

While it was a relief to finally hear Radtke admit wrongdoing and acknowledge this practice has been going on for 18 years, Kubitskey was also concerned the conspiracy wasnt addressed in the plea.

I hope that the U.S. attorney realizes the jeopardy people were in by giving all of this information, Kubitskey said. I worry that people may not come forward in future situations like this, because of this type of low plea.

Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier was disheartened by Radtkes admission that the illicit financial practices had been going on for nearly two decades, and said that the department is working hard to move forward and restore the publics trust.

Its disappointing that such a long-existing conspiracy involving criminal corruption is coming to and end with three misdemeanor convictions and a year of probation, Napier said.

When asked if any changes had been made to the way in which RICO money is requested and disbursed, Napiers answer was brief.

Simply put, were following the law.
The sheriff department's former second-in-command pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft charges on Friday in federal court.

Christopher Radtke, the Pima County Sheriff Department's former chief deputy, will be sentenced April 7 after pleading guilty to three counts of theft of government property before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric Markovich.

Radtke's plea agreement with federal prosecutors resulted in each of the three counts being for theft of less than $1,000. He is facing up to one year of probation and an agreement to never work as a law enforcement officer or with Pima County again. The sentencing agreement has to be approved by the judge.

"We have reached a just outcome in this case," said U.S. Attorney John W. Huber of the District of Utah, which handled the case. "This investigation and prosecution has cleaned the Pima County Sheriff's Office of years of corruption and ensures it will not return."

Radtke was indicted in September on one felony charge of conspiracy to launder money and seven felony charges of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, according to U.S District Court records.

Radtke resigned from his job two weeks after the indictment, which followed a months-long investigation by the FBI into high ranking department officials who allegedly misused public funds, according to Arizona Daily Star archives.

The investigation revealed that Radtke embezzled roughly $500,000 dollars of money seized from alleged criminals under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, otherwise known as RICO.

RICO funds are intended to be used for crime fighting and prevention, but the indictment says that Radtke was misusing those funds, making purchases that didn't fall under those requirements.

Radtke admitted that for 18 years personnel at the sheriff's department would circumvent the strict restrictions on the use of so-called RICO funds. The officers collaborated to make it appear the department was donating the RICO money to the sheriff's auxiliary volunteers fund, although the funds were being used by the sheriff's department, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Radtke admitted that he became part of the practice about six years ago, the release said.

The FBI investigation began after a November 2015 Star story about Radtke's niece, Nikki Thompson, running cafes inside sheriff's headquarters and the jail, without a county contract and rent-free.

Public records requests revealed that the sheriff's department spent more than $30,000 on renovations and equipment, the Star reported in November 2015.

Thompson was operating cafes inside headquarters and the Pima County Adult Detention Center without a county contract, and the department spent more than $30,000 in renovations and improvement to the locations.

The indictment listed a number of purchases, several of which were associated with cafe expenses.
A man, who had been romantically involved with an 18-year-old woman, is facing kidnapping after she was taken during a Wednesday night home invasion.

Tucson police found the woman safe Thursday morning in the 3800 block of North Romero Road, said Sgt. Kimberly Bay, a Tucson Police Department spokeswoman.

Nathan Peru, 23, was taken into custody and attempted to escape from officers, but was captured when he tried to jump through a window, Bay said.

Peru was booked into the Pima County jail on suspicion of domestic violence/kidnapping, aggravated assault and escape.

The woman, who sustained minor injuries and did not need medical treatment, was kidnapped from an apartment in the area of East 29th Street and South Swan Road.

Three men forced their way into the apartment, located in the 4800 block of East 29th Street, and assaulted a man before taking the woman with them, police said.
Marana police arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of first-degree murder Thursday night, after his mother was found dead with obvious signs of trauma, officials said.

Shortly before 9 p.m., police went to a home in the 8900 block of North Valhalla Drive to perform a welfare check on 62-year-old Debra Elaine Fouts, said Sgt. Chris Warren, a Marana Police Department spokesman.

Police found Fouts deceased inside the home, Warren.

The original welfare check call came from the Pima County Sheriff's Department, and deputies soon developed information that something had happened to Fouts. When it was found that she lived in Marana, PCSD asked Marana police to visit the residence and perform the check, Warren said.

Marana detectives's investigation at the scene resulted in the arrest of Nathan Fouts, on charges of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon, Warren said.

He was booked into the Pima County jail and is being held on a $1,00,100 bond, according to jail records.
Leman Academy of Excellence, a charter school that first opened in Marana in 2015, will open a new campus in Oro Valley next school year.

With the new schools opening at 12225 La Canada Drive, the Leman Academy network would be up to four schools, including in Parker, Colorado. The network opened its second Arizona school in Sierra Vista for the current school year.

The Oro Valley area is growing rapidly, said Kevin Leman, the schools founder. Were glad to be able to put a school where we can help a lot of families with rigorous education.

Leman Academy provides a classical education, which focuses on grammar, logic and rhetoric. At Leman schools, he said, children are taught to respect authority and other people.

The Oro Valley school would serve about 550 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The plan is to offer seventh grade in the following school year, according to Leman.

Leman Academy previously planned to open a campus in Mesa in a building that was previously occupied by another charter school. That plan was withdrawn because Leman said there were issues with the previous schools management.

But it hasnt abandoned its plans to move into the Phoenix area altogether. The organization will continue to search for a suitable option, Leman said. The school is also looking to open schools in Texas, Indiana and North Carolina.

Im open to anywhere where there is a desire to have schools like ours in their area, he said.

Bethany Papajohn, an administrator at the Marana location, will lead the Oro Valley school as its principal.

Leman Academy has not had trouble recruiting teachers, though most of the rest of the state is struggling with teacher shortage. A job fair it held last Saturday attracted droves of teachers, Leman said.

Weve had a lot of interest especially from teachers who were frustrated with their previous schools, he said.

The Amphitheater school district, inside whose boundaries the new Leman school would be , is not doing anything differently to prepare for possible reduced enrollment that may occur as a result of area students migrating to the Leman school, said Amy Sharpe, a district spokeswoman.

The district has also had a good teacher-retention rate, she said.

We have averaged nearly a 90 percent teacher-retention rate for the past four years.
PHOENIX  Republican lawmakers advanced four measures Thursday taking aim at citizens right to propose laws through ballot initiatives without legislative interference or veto.

However, voters would get a chance to reject two of them in 2018 if they dont agree.

The package of legislation comes on the heels of intensive lobbying by business interests upset that 2016 voters approved hiking the states minimum wage to $10 an hour now, and eventually to $12 an hour by 2020.

But its about more than the minimum wage: Business groups unsuccessfully opposed other ballot initiatives approved by voters, ranging from legalizing medical marijuana, to boosting taxes on tobacco, to banning leghold traps.

The effort does not seek repeal of the right of voters to enact their own laws, which dates to the first days of statehood. Instead, these proposals, all approved on a 5-3 party-line vote by the House Government Committee, seek to rein them in.

One target is the 1998 Voter Protection Act, a constitutional provision approved by voters, which bars legislators from repealing anything approved at the ballot. They can make changes only if they further the purpose of the original measure, and only with a three-fourths vote of the House and Senate.

HCR 2002 asks voters to repeal that 1998 restriction. Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, said other states that allow voters to craft their own laws do not similarly tie the hands of lawmakers.

Brian Hummell, lobbyist for the American Cancer Society, said repealing the Voter Protection Act would let lawmakers repeal the extra $1.42-a-pack tax that voters enacted on cigarettes. And Sandy Bahr of the Sierra Club said it would endanger voter-approved requirements to set aside dollars for land preservation and conservation.

Tomas Robles, who organized the just-approved Proposition 206 to increase the minimum wage, charged all four measures to be advanced by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which not only opposed his measure, but has a record of opposition to many other voter-proposed measures. Approval of HCR 2002, he said, would open the door to the chamber working to get lawmakers to repeal all of them.

Instead of seeing the will of voters, you see the will of the Chamber of Commerce, you see the will of corporations that put profits over people, Robles told lawmakers.

The panel also advanced a less-comprehensive version of the same measure. Two other measures approved Thursday are not subject to voter ratification.

One would ban anyone who does not live in Arizona from contributing to ballot measures. People who finance these referendums from outside of the state actually never have to live under the consequences of the referendums that theyre sponsoring, said Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff.

But Thorpes HB 2255 does not disturb the ability of out-of-state donors giving to political candidates for all offices. Thorpe ignored repeated requests to explain why he wants to preserve that right.

Rep. Ken Clark, D-Phoenix, cited U.S. Supreme Court rulings that struck down similar restrictions as unconstitutional. He said approval of this measure would force the state to spend money trying to defend it in court.

HB 2320 would require that all future initiatives contain a disclosure that they are subject to the Voter Protection Act and cannot be amended.

All four measures now need approval of the full House.
How many of you can point out Ukraine on a map? Then how many of you remember when Russia invaded Ukraine and gobbled up the Crimean Peninsula? Of the 9,160 murders that were committed, how many families did Vladimir Putin destroy, capture or force into refugees?

The date was Aug. 28, 2014, when Russia conducted a full-scale invasion by deploying 5,000 troops that rolled into Eastern Ukraine. Russia even shot down a Malaysian airliner on its way to the Netherlands, murdering 193 Dutch folks heading home. Outside investigators were not allowed near the crash site until Putins people altered the site.

This was a full-blown invasion that would be similar to Canada taking over Grand Forks and Fargo (yes, I know some of you think that might be a good thing). Putin launched artillery assaults, missiles and troops into a sovereign nation because they were willing to murder and slaughter anyone in their path in order to capture the Crimean Peninsula (find the Black Sea), which would guarantee Russias ability to control its access to the Mediterranean Sea. This despite the fact that no one would dare to block Russia in the first place, but I digress.

The European Union along with President Barack Obama imposed some severe sanctions on Russia. Together they stopped or slowed both the imports and exports of Russian goods. Energy (Ukraine has a lot of natural gas that Russia depends on), arms (the Russians buy a lot of stuff), technology and financial sanctions were imposed on an already weak economy. The European Union withdrew Russias credit from Russias state-owned banks and although most folks didnt hear much about the sanctions' effects a bit of research will show you that this stuff hit Putin between his headlights.

Therefore its no wonder Putin was so pissed at Obama and Hillary Clinton, more than likely this caused his ugly shadow to show up in our recent election. The facts are that Obama and the EU had Putin where they wanted him and Russias only way out was to get us (the U.S.) to change our course.

Russia has always been an untrustworthy country and its been said that Putins goal is to bring back the former states of the Soviet Union by hook or by crook  back to Ukraine. Most baby boomers can recall the nuclear era of MAD (mutually assured destruction). We were told to "duck n' cover" under our school desks in case of a nuclear attack. Eventually we were all convinced that if were nuked we might find time to bend over and kiss our butts goodbye.

Then whilst embroiled in Afghanistan the Soviet Union collapsed, with Russia holding its largest remains. Ukraine is in Eastern Europe and declared itself an independent and sovereign nation, severing its ties with Russia. Geographically, Ukraine is the largest country in the European Union, it borders the Black Sea and people have inhabited this area since 32,000 B.C. and most folks cant find it on a map.

So given that short history lesson I have to fully concur with Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham, "Russia is not our friend." Thus it seems to me that the sanctions imposed by Obama should remain until Russia relinquishes its desire to rule the world. As well, I hope this new administration follows Reagan's warning to "trust but verify" anything that Russia deals in.

Finally, heres my sincere thoughts on the latest immigration ban which comes from a heart that aches for the refugees and I sure hope we Christians will review Mathew 25: 43-44. Just in case you dont have your Bible handy here it is, I was a stranger and you did not take me in, I was naked and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit me." And they, too, will reply, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?" Then the King will answer, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."

So ends the lesson  by the way I got a call about last weeks missive saying that she resembled my remarks and wondered what she could do and the best answer I can come up with is that all of us not only need to pay attention to the world ahead of us but we also need to learn from the lessons behind us  then go back to Mathew 25:43-44.
PHOENIX  A Senate panel agreed Thursday to open the door to allowing all 1.1 million students in Arizona schools to use state dollars to attend private or parochial schools, so that parents can choose.

The 4-3 vote by the Senate Education Committee followed hours of testimony from people who already get what lawmakers call empowerment scholarship accounts, detailing how theyve helped their children. Eligible groups include children with special needs, those living on tribal reservations and those who attend schools rated D or F, among others.

Sen. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, sponsor of SB 1431, said vouchers save taxpayer money. She said schools get an average of $9,529 a year for each student while a typical voucher is in the $5,200 range.

But Chuck Essigs of the Arizona Association of School Business Officials said thats misleading. He said the $9,529 figure includes federal aid to schools as well as locally raised dollars for bonds and overrides. Essigs said the actual amount paid in state aid to schools is an average of $1,100 less per student than a voucher for an elementary school child; for high schools the difference is $1,200 per child, he said.

Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, said there is no danger of a wholesale shifting of funds from public schools if SB 1431 is approved and all students are eligible for vouchers. He cited existing law that limits vouchers to no more than one-half of a percent of all students, a figure that computes to about 5,500 students.

What Smith did not say, though, is that the cap will end in 2019, removing all limits.

Sen. David Bradley, D-Tucson, argued that if state dollars are going to private schools, the schools should have to comply with the same regulations that apply to all public schools. That includes not only rules testing and accounting but also the mandate to accept all students, including those with special needs, who private and parochial schools can turn away.

Committee members rejected his amendment. The legislation heads to a vote of the full Senate.

Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, R-Phoenix, broke ranks with her Republican colleagues in opposing SB 1431. She said she supports school choice but that a level playing field is needed, including the same level of accountability and transparency.

She said she cannot support having tax dollars going to private and parochial schools until the state adequately funds the public schools it is required to maintain.

We need to resolve the teacher shortage, Brophy McGee said. We need to get us somewhere in the middle of the pack (nationally) of school per-pupil funding.

Sen. Catherine Miranda, D-Phoenix, said the reason that some children opt for alternatives is were not funding public schools.

Leskos bill is the culmination of a multiyear effort to further expand the concept of school choice.

Arizona already has options. Students need not attend their neighborhood school but can go to any other public school in the state that has space.

The state also has an extensive system of charter schools. These are technically public schools which can be run by nonprofit or for-profit corporations. While they are exempt from some state regulations, they cannot turn away students they do not want. They also cannot charge tuition higher than the state aid they receive.

In 2011, lawmakers approved a program to allow students who cannot get their special needs met at public schools to receive a voucher to pay tuition and fees at private schools.

Since that time the law has been expanded to include foster care children, children in military families, students residing on reservations and those in D- and F-rated schools or school districts.

Proponents never made a secret of their goal of universal vouchers. Until now, however, Lesko has been unable to line up the vote for an all-comers plan.

A key objection has been lack of accountability. Hoping to address that, SB 1431 requires students in grades 3 through 12 who use vouchers to take a nationally recognized achievement test, advanced placement exam or any college admissions test that assesses reading and math.

But the results would not be made public  as they are for public schools  and would be provided only to parents. Lesko said thats sufficient.

After all, it is the parents that decide what is the best education for their child, she said. And they are the ones that will be able to make sure that whatever choice they make, that its living up to their standards.

For some kids the local school doesnt work or isnt working, said Sydney Hay of the American Federation for Children, which lobbies for vouchers and similar programs nationwide.

Foes cited the high cost of private schools  some charge more than $10,000 a year  and said the vouchers become a subsidy of state dollars to parents whose children already are enrolled. For everyone else, said parent Sarah Stohr, the concept of school choice is an illusion.

Single parents like me with no family support in this community have little true choice when it comes to choosing between my job and shuttling my child around town to a school thats farther from my home, she testified.

Stohr told lawmakers that if they really care about children, they would finally choose to fully and adequately fund our public schools so that no parent feels like their neighborhood school isnt an excellent choice for them.

Tory Roberg of the Secular Coalition for Arizona said her objections relate to the idea of using tax dollars to help children go to parochial schools, saying it amounts to using public funds for the purpose of religious indoctrination.
The Ina Road and I-10 traffic interchange in Marana will close Wednesday, and remain that way for the next 25 months, officials said.

Ina Road at I-10, including the east and westbound on and off-ramps at Ina, will close at 1 a.m. Wednesday. Scheduled to close at the same time is the westbound I-10 frontage road from the Orange Grove on-ramp to Cortaro Road, according to an Arizona Department of Transportation news release.

Ina Road east and west of I-10 will remain open during the 25-month closure, and ADOT will ensure that all business in the work zone are accessible throughout the project.

The closure is part of the $2.1 billion reconstruction project, designed to improve traffic flow in the area by widening I-10 and adding an extra lane in each direction, and widening Ina from Silverbell Road to Camino de la Cruz, the release said.

Several short-term closures related to the project are scheduled through next weekend:

The right lane of east- and westbound I-10 between Avra Valley and Sunset roads will be intermittently closed from 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 , for overhead sign work.

, for overhead sign work. Westbound I-10 between Sunset and Cortaro roads will be narrowed to one lane from 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, to 5 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 , for striping.

, for striping. Eastbound I-10 between Twin Peaks and Orange Grove roads will be narrowed to one lane from 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, to 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, for striping.
A Tucson toddler who died in December suffered a head injury and had marijuana in her system  a finding that differs from her fathers claims that night of a near drowning, according to newly released police records.

When police responded to the 911 call on Dec. 10 shortly before midnight, they found Warren Gastelum standing next to his car with two children inside and a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. When officers went inside the home, they found Gastelums 4-year-old son sleeping on the floor and again smelled marijuana, mixed with the stench of dirty diapers, according to a Tucson Police Department investigative report.

Gastelum, 27, said he was home alone with his four children when he put his daughter, 2-year-old Kamia Baptisto, in the bathtub before discovering her minutes later submerged up to her cheeks in water.

A captain with the Tucson Fire Department told police that Gastelum gave 911 the wrong apartment address and when they located the right unit, they found Gastelum standing over the girl and talking on his phone, the report said.

At that time, he wasnt performing CPR on the child, but he told police he had done so until the paramedics arrived.

He yelled at paramedics while they tried to work on Kamia, then he tried to leave the scene with the other children. Firefighters parked a fire truck behind his car to keep him from leaving, the report says.

Doctors at Banner-University Medical Center were able to restart Kamias heart, but told detectives that she had suffered non-accidental trauma injuries, according to the police report.

Further tests revealed she had a depressed skull fracture, intracranial bleeding and was brain-dead, the report said. She had bruises on her forehead and one side of her body, and drug tests revealed there was marijuana in her system.

Kamia never regained consciousness and died a week later.

Charged with murder

Gastelum was arrested Dec. 12 on charges of child abuse, but a first-degree murder charge was added Dec. 20, as Kamias death was found to be caused by abusive head trauma, according to the indictment.

Hes still in the Pima County jail on a $100,000 bond.

While police searched the one-bedroom apartment Gastelum shared with his girlfriend and their four children, he told officers he had a medical marijuana card. Receipts from marijuana dispensaries were found in the trash and police found drug paraphernalia in his car. The bathroom where paramedics found Kamia had the scent of burnt marijuana, the report said.

The only piece of furniture was an inflatable mattress and officers found a reddish orange stain near the bedroom door that appeared to be vomit.

Gastelums speech was slurred and his eyes bloodshot when he spoke to police, telling them he had given all the kids nighttime medicine because they had a cough.

The interviewing officer noted that while he was in Gastelums home, he never heard them cough, the report said.

When police spoke to Kamias mother at the hospital, she told them all four kids had visited her at work before the incident and she had been trying to contact Gastelum to pick her up. When he finally answered the phone, he only told her something had happened then abruptly hung up. It wasnt until she returned home that she learned what had happened to Kamia.

Gastelum pleaded not-guilty to all charges and has a case management hearing in Pima County Superior Court on March 27.

The Arizona Department of Child Safety had no prior reports on Gastelum or Kamias mother, according to a Jan. 25 case report.
In preparation for spring snowmelt and runoff, Missouri River reservoir levels have been dropped to aid in flood control.

The entire flood control capacity of the Mainstem Reservoir System stands ready to capture spring runoff, reducing flood risk while providing support to other authorized project purposes, Jody Farhat, chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division, said in a statement.

All 2016 stored waters were sent downstream as of Dec. 18, according to the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Water Management Division.

The latest annual runoff forecast for the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa, is 103 percent of average.

While the annual runoff is near average, the timing and distribution of runoff in individual reaches varies. Runoff in the reach between Garrison and Oahe is expected to be above normal in February through April, the months when plains snowpack normally melts, said Farhat.

Water releases from the Oahe Dam are expected to average 19,100 cfs in February, ending the month near an elevation of 1,607.4 feet.

Garrison Dam releases were 13,000 cfs in early February and will remain at that rate the rest of the month, ending the month at an elevation near 1,837.6 feet.
A community health clinic  the first of its kind for the area  is expected to open in April in Bismarck.

Northland Community Health Centers, a federally funded organization that offers medical treatment to people regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, will be opening a primary care and walk-in clinic in south Bismarck.

The clinic, called Northland Community Health Centers of Bismarck-Mandan, will be in the old Cash Wise Video store, 914 S. 12th St., Suite 201. The smell of popcorn no longer permeates the building, which stands empty at the moment. But Patrick Butler, CEO of Northland Health Centers, has big plans for the facility.

"Weve been wanting to get into Bismarck," said Butler, who runs the Turtle Lake-based organization with locations in Bowbells, McClusky, Minot, Ray, Rolette, Rolla and Turtle Lake. Since 2012, Northland Heath Centers has been looking to expand into Bismarck.

Butler said a group of local community organizations was the impetus in bringing the community clinic to Bismarck, including the Wilson Health Cooperative and the Sacred Pipe Resource Center.

Cheryl Kary, executive director of Sacred Pipe, said her organization identified a community clinic as a huge need here, particularly for Native Americans.

We have such high health disparities in the Native community, a lot of issues around health care and lack of access to health care," Kary said.

Northland Community Health Centers received a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration to open the Bismarck facility.

Services at the clinic will include primary medical and preventive care, a walk-in clinic and behavioral health services.

Were looking to bring mental health straight into this clinic when we open up and expanding that as much as we can," Butler said, noting mental health counseling is offered at clinics in Minot, Turtle Lake, McClusky and Ray.

The Bismarck clinic will start with two health care providers. The building will have seven exam rooms, some for primary care and others for walk-ins. A couple of rooms are designated for mental health services.

The clinic will offer a sliding fee scale, providing discounts for in-house services based on income.

Butler said the clinic could eventually expand, depending on the community's needs.

"The sky's the limit," he said.

For more information on the clinic, visit www.northlandchc.org.
But it is not just White House executives like "National Security Advisor" Mike Flynn and "Chief Strategist" Steve Bannon who seem on board with the tough talk about Iran. James Mattis, the newly appointed Secretary of Defence and presumably a voice of reason within the new administration, recently dubbed Iran "the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world". With statements by senior members of the White House and the Cabinet being that unanimous, a feature not necessarily obvious when you look at the short track record of the new Presidency, it is pretty clear that there is now a very deliberate policy shift towards Iran.

This combination of events triggered National Security Advisor Mike Flynn into putting Iran "on notice", an expression devoid of any meaning in international diplomacy and therefore probably all the more dangerous. The escalation is pretty obvious and additional US sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities only added to it.

Twitter warnings by "The Real Donald Trump" were followed by Iran test firing a ballistic as well as a cruise missile, which may or may not constitute violations of the Nuclear Deal and UNSC resolution 2231. Additionally, in what might be considered an unrelated incident, Houthi forces in Yemen launched an attack against a Saudi frigate, killing two sailors and seriously damaging the ship.

During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump had already hinted at his determination to take on Iran. He had stressed the need for a more confrontational approach and condemned the nuclear deal that the Obama administration had signed with Tehran, literally threatening to tear it up. As President, he has now backed away from such drastic measures, but heightened tensions with Iran became apparent as soon as he took over at the White House.

So this is where President Trump apparently decided to make his first significant foreign policy move. Not in Iraq or Syria, as part of the fight against ISIS and other Jihadi groups, not in Ukraine, which has seen a recent flare-up in combat. But in Yemen, at the Strait of Mandeb, the "Gate of Tears". Push back against Iran is the scent of the day in D.C. and the new administration has picked the most unseemingly place for it. American concern for what is going on in Yemen is understandable and may call for closer monitoring. Aggressive moves in the Red Sea however, or in Yemen itself, bear tremendous risks. The Bab-el-Mandeb, as its name indicates, has always been treacherous waters.

"I need not tell you, Sir, that the Red Sea is as much closed as the Gulf" (from 20 000 Leagues Under The Sea, by Jules Verne)

Where this is going to take us is hard to say, most likely, not a good place judging by the people in charge and the measures they are contemplating. The most striking thing however about this renewed fixation on Iran is the country chosen to confront the Mullahs. Indeed, why pick small, impoverished and war-ridden Yemen to put the squeeze on Iran ? The answer to that question may already give insights as to what the future has in store for us in that part of the world.

Chaos in Yemen

Yemen has mostly been in the headlines since the Saudis and the GCC began their "Operation Decisive Storm" in 2015. Interfering in their Southern neighbours' business is nothing new for the Saudis, even though in this case, they chose to go in with military force. But Yemen had already been a mess since at least 2004, when the Zaidi Houthis  named after their founder, Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi  rose up against local strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh.

In 2011, Saleh lost his grip on Yemen's presidency as a consequence of the "Arab Spring" which also swept away the regime in Sanaa. In a reversal of alliances that Saleh was customary to, he then sided with the Houthis and parts of the army. In 2015, Saleh's army and Houthis forces finally were in a position to overrun much of Central Yemen, almost pushing as far as Aden in the South and Mocha in the South-West (on the coast to the Red Sea).

This was probably too much for the Saudis to stomach, given that there were already rumours about Iranian weapons and advisors helping out Houthi forces at that point. Contrary to the Shia of Southern Lebanon however, the Houthis do not belong to the same branch of Shiism as the Iranians. Branding them as "Iranian proxies" for that reason alone, as seems to be the argument put forward by some think tankers, only points to fundamental ignorance about diversity in beliefs and culture. The Houthis, or rather their Zaidi forefathers, were certainly not considered Iranian proxies when the Saudis supported them in the bloody civil war against Egyptian backed opponents, back in the 1960s.

Operation "Decisive Storm"

In 2015 however, things had changed and the battle for regional hegemony was in full swing between Saudi-Arabia and Iran, or from a broader sectarian perspective, between the Sunni and Shia of the Middle-East. Inexperienced Royals in the Saudi cabinet thought they could make an example of impoverished Yemen, achieving a quick victory and showing their lukewarm allies in D.C., as well as their foes in Tehran, that they were now a force to be reckoned with. Their operation however quickly turned into a P.R. disaster.

Saudi ground forces do not exactly have a fearsome reputation, and this showed time and again in their unsuccessful attempts at driving back the Houthi warriors into their mountainous homeland. Other than the Saudi airforce's reckless airstrikes, which have cost many civilians their lives and brought the country closer to humanitarian disaster, the Saudi military intervention has proven futile. On the ground, in Central and Northern Yemen, the Saudis will never muster a force capable of any significant advance.

Not even allied troops and private mercenary armies will do the trick. Meanwhile, anarchy has taken over parts of Yemen that were reasonably quiet before the Saudis went in. Al Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula managed to extend its area of influence and even ISIS has taken a foothold in South-Eastern Yemen.

As for the US, their footprint got lighter with Yemen descending into chaos. Al Anad Air Base, which served as a launch pad for many US drone strikes against AQAP over a number a years, was closed when the last US special forces left in March 2015. Ever since then, US camps in Djibouti have taken over the task of hitting the Jihadis. Recent developments however, like the botched SEAL Team 6 raid in January, as well as increased US Navy presence in and around the Red Sea, are indicators of a gear shift in the fight against AQAP and Co.

The Houthis, an Iranian proxy ?

The presence of the local AQ franchise, considered the most effective and most advanced one in a number of areas, may also be one of the reasons why the Trump administration decided to make a move in Yemen. By putting a marker there, the President and his advisors want to show their determination to fight radical Islamism of any credence, which is very much in line with various reports and statements made by a number of current WH officials and advisors.

However, as far as Iranian influence on Yemeni Houthis is concerned, the case is not easy to make. There are most definitely Iranian advisors in Yemen, but their numbers are unknown and in all likelihood, there would be very few of them. On several occasions, Anti-Houthi forces in the South claimed to have arrested Iranians, during the fighting around Aden in particular, but the evidence trail is thin.

And making any case about Iranian meddling in Yemen will take much more than a borderline incompetent interpretation of the Houthis chanting "God is great, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews, Victory to Islam" as they take on a Saudi frigate with remote controlled torpedo drones. Admittedly, the slogan is not exactly testimony to the Houthis wish for peaceful coexistence.

But inferring from it that the Houthis may actually have been targeting US ships, possibly through seaborne suicide attacks, reflects sheer ignorance about the slogan's genesis and Houthi goals in the current conflict. They certainly are not doing themselves a favour if they want to avoid confrontation with the White House, but those within the administration who have been looking for an excuse to step up military efforts, certainly have one now. In this regard, sending in the "USS Cole" down there is probably not a coincidence either.

Strategic importance of the Mandeb Strait

To be fair, Yemen and the Mandeb Strait certainly feature in good place in Tehran's regional strategy. This is probably where we need to look at, more than at any move made by the Houthis themselves, if we want to understand strategic thinking behind Washington's recent decisions (assuming of course, there is something like a strategy at work here, which is not a given).

From an Iranian point of view, President Trump's first statements as far as they are concerned revolve along two lines: on the one hand, making sure the Iranians comply with every provision of the nuclear deal they signed, and on the other, rolling back Tehran's "nefarious" influence in the region. It is in this context that Iranian moves need to be analysed.

The test firing of missiles is certainly one way for the Iranians to probe American limits and red lines, should there be any. Presumably, they also want to find out what kind of reaction the crossing of any line in the sand might have. Trump has proven he can back away from boastful statements with relative ease, when he realizes that delivering on what he promised might actually not be such a great idea. The Iranians are clever, proficient and subtle operators. Discounting their abilities as well as their duplicity might be ill advised. Yemen in that regard will prove a good test both for the Iranians and for Trump.

Undoubtedly, there are a couple of sharp brains in the new administration (well, at least one), albeit some of their thinking on Iran may still be a legacy from past experiences in Iraq, not necessarily helpful in the present days. Flynn, Mattis, but also other senior personnel like Rayburn and Harvey seem convinced of the Iranian "uber"-influence in the US military's failure in Iraq. How much of their resentment about US casualties at the hands of Iranian proxies or IRGC members plays into their current posture is difficult to assess.There certainly is a subjective, emotional component to it, but there are also tangible indicators to back-up their claims.

Long term Iranian efforts

Put in simple terms, the Iranians have now committed to not developping any nuclear arsenal. There is strong reason to believe they will abide by those rules, considering that they would have much more to lose than to gain if they decided otherwise. Additionally, they have a much easier option at hand, one that offers nearly as many guarantees as a nuclear device pointed at Washington, Riyadh or Tel Aviv for that matter.

For a number of years, the Iranians have systematically extended their area of influence in the Middle-East, way beyond anything they had managed to achieve since the days of emperor Darius III (roughly 330 B.C.). Theirs is not an empire anymore, not in the traditional sense, but an "empire by proxies". In an painstaking effort that took them several decades, they managed to establish a strong foothold in Lebanon, through Hezbollah, and in Gaza, through Hamas. Both organisations have a domestic agenda but also work as force projection tools of Iranian foreign policy towards Israel in particular.

During the US intervention in Iraq, Iranian agents had a field day infiltrating various levels of government, setting up sectarian armed groups and parties that were friendly to their interests, while at the same time making sure American forces got bogged down in the fight against various factions of Sunni insurgents, among them the predecessor group to Baghdadi's "Islamic State". Finally, in Bashar Al-Assad's Syria, they managed to cultivate a client State that had no allies left after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Yemen's Houthis fit into this picture as something intermediary between a proxy militia and a client State. Again, it needs to be stressed that the Houthis are by no means an Iranian pawn, but they cannot dismiss the help that Tehran is offering them. Iran also made similar moves towards the Shia majority of Bahrain and has extended an olive branch to Oman, the only GCC country that is not participating in Saudi intervention in Yemen.

The "choke point" strategy

These Iranian efforts however are not random. They follow a long term logic and rationale that is fully apparent in Yemen as well. Short of launching a ballistic missile armed with a nuclear warhead against any enemy force threatening vital Iranian interests, what is the next best thing Tehran could do ? Well, for one thing, they might interrupt international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as they have threatened to do time and again ever since the mid-1980s.

They certainly do have the ability to do so temporarily, and in particular they could interdict transit of oil and gas tankers for a period long enough to send the global economy into deep recession. That they would finally be on the losing end of such a move does not make a difference, because their main foe in the region, i.e. the Saudis, would probably not be able to recover from such a disaster. The US too would be seriously affected, either directly (through effects on the American economy itself) or indirectly (through the impact on US' main trading partners in Europe and the Far East).

Iranian strategists realized however that holding the key to the Hormuz "choke point" might not be enough to have a dissuasive effect on their adversaries. Saudi-Arabia in particular has access to the Red Sea and manages to ship a significant part of its oil production through the Yanbu port infrastructure there. To choke off the Saudis, the Iranians needed to get a hold either of the pipelines that carried Saudi and Gulf oil to its recipients in the West and Far East, or they needed to be in a position where they interrupt shipping routes used to carry those fuels to the aforementioned recipients.

Looking at a map of the wider Middle-East, it appears the Iranians have managed just that, or almost. Their grip on the Strait of Hormuz is as strong as ever, at least they are still in a position to temporarily check any effort of the US forces to break it. They also improved their ballistic missile capabilities and could therefore target Saudi oil installations at Abqaiq or Ras Tanura for example, or even the Fifth Fleet HQ in Bahrain. They also have control over Iraqi militias and parts of the government, which allows them to interdict any Saudi oil from transiting through Iraq if they wished to do so. As mentioned above, they can count on Hezbollah in Lebanon and have made sure Assad's government will remain in power for as long as the conflict in Syria goes on.

To be continued: part (2).
Help India!

By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.ent

Our Government is trying everything possible for progress of Uttar Pradesh  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, February 4, 2017 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in Delhi in May 2014 on the promise of Sabka saath, sabka vikaas i.e. all together and development for all. In the public meeting in Meerut, Mr. Modi also said, We are willing to do everything for the growth of UP. To change the fortunes of UP change the government in the state.

This claim suggests that since winning the 16th Lok Sabha, BJP has been working for the progress of the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and that if they also to win the UP Assembly election in 2017 they will do everything possible for the growth of the state. But how do you measure the performance? We decided to look at the performance of peoples representative i.e. individual MPs from the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Following are some indicators of an MPs performance:

a. How much of the funds available to the MP through the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Division (MPLAD) were actually utilized?

b. How many questions did the MP raise in Parliament?

c. The debates they have participated in Parliament?

d. Attendance record

The larger question is: Are these MPs able to represent the interests of their constituents once they get to the apex law-making body in India? TwoCircles.net (TCN) has gathered the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Division (MPLAD) scheme data for all 80 MPs from UP.

Further, to test the claim of Sabka saath, sabkaa vikaas, we paid a closer look at two types of seats:

1. 16 seats where population of Muslims is greater than 20%. These seats will be referred as Muslim Seats in this document

2. 17 reserved seats where only Dalits who come under Scheduled Caste category can contest. These seats are referred as Dalit Seats in this document.

The report was compiled by TwoCircles.net and was sponsored by Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC).

Observations:

 There are whopping 333.6 crores of MPLAD funds that remain unspent. 71 crores of these funds are allocated for 17 reserved seats.

 All Muslim and Dalit (reserved) seats are represented by BJP. Three Muslim seats are reserved i.e. only SC candidates can contest from there.

 Three ministers come from the Muslim seats, however only one of the MPs from reserved seats was made minister. Ram Shankar Katheria representing Agra was made minister of state for Human Resource Development but he was dropped from the cabinet in July 2016. Krishna Raj from reserved Shajahanpur was made minister when Katheria was dropped i.e. number of Dalit ministers from UP remained one.

 BJP has 10 female MPs from UP and five of those are from reserved seats and three of those five seats are also Muslim seats.

 Average of the percent utilized for MPLAD funds drops for Dalit seats to 58.9% while it goes up significantly for Muslim seats to 67.8% while the average of all seats is 60.8%.

 Average of debate participation by MPs drops from 54 for all to 44 for Muslim seats and to only 29 for Dalit Seats.

 Average number of questions by all MPs is 99, for Muslim seats 98, and drops significantly for Dalit MPs with just 85 questions. Three Dalit MPs have zero questions asked; one of them has so far asked just one question in the last 2.5 years.

 Out of total of 93 private member bills presented in the parliament by UP MPs only FOUR are from Dalit MPs.

 Marginalization of Dalit MPs is very clear when analysis is made in contrast to the performance of MPs representing Muslim seats.

Download the full report here.
Help India!

Lucknow, (IANS) : The stage is set for the crucial first phase of the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, voting for which will begin on Saturday morning.

Polling will be held in 73 assembly constituencies spread across 15 districts in the western part of the state, beginning 7 a.m.

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In the first of the seven-phased staggered elections in the state, a total of 839 candidates are in fray.

The mMaximum number of candidates are in Agra South where 26 are trying their luck to be part of the 17th state assembly. The least number of candidates  six each  are from Hastinapur, Iglas and Loni seats.

Amid heightened fears of poll violence, already proved true by a spate of incidents in the past few days, an unprecedented security deployment has been made in sensitive areas  Shamli, Aligarh, Muzaffarnagar, Mathura, Bulandshahr and Agra.

In all 826 companies of central forces have been stationed for the first phase of polling.

The campaigning for this phase had many firsts.

This was for the first time in the electoral history of the region that former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, now a mere mentor for the Samajwadi Party (SP), did not campaign.

So also Congress President Sonia Gandhi who did not turn up due to ill-health.

The duo of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav-Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi campaigned jointly.

While Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, despite named star campaigner did not join in the canvassing, Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav and veteran actress Jaya Bachchan did campaign for party candidates.

In the 2012 assembly polls, of the 73 seats  SP had won 24 seats, Bahujan Samaj Party 23, Bharatiya Janata Party 12, Rashtriya Lok Dal 9 and Congress 5 seats .

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won all the 12 seats here and many veterans like Ajit Singh were drowned in the saffron surge.

There are 2.59 crore voters who would exercise there franchise on February 11, of which 1.42 crore are men, 1.17 crore women and 1,511 from the third gender.

Prominent seats which have attracted attention, include Noida from where Pankaj Singh, son of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is contesting; Mathura where senior Congress leader Pradip Mathur is locked in a direct battle with Shrikant Sharma, the national spokesman of the BJP and Sardhana where BJPs Sangeet Som is challenged by SPs Atul Pradhan.

In Meerut city, former state BJP President and sitting MLA Laxmikant Bajpayi is being challenged in a triangular contest by SP-Congress combines Rafiq Ansari and BSPs Pankaj Jolly.
Help India!

By Sukanya Shantha for Twocircles.net

Mumbai: Eight years after his first brush with the criminal justice system, 33-year-old Mohammad Atik is back in the system once again. This time not as a terror accused standing in the witness box seeking courts mercy for release, but as a lawyer representing many like him awaiting justice. After having spent a little more than four years in prison and studying law post release, Atik has made a paradigm shift in his career path. From a computer engineer working with a leading IT firm to now a lawyer practicing in the courts of Mumbai, he says this journey has been a long one. Things changed for him after the Mumbai Crime Branch picked him up from his residence on September 30, 2008. He was one of the 23 to be arrested for their alleged links with a banned terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM).

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Although Atik was released on bail in October 2012, his case is yet to come up for trial. So far, only seven of them have secured bail. But Atik in this period has studied law and has already begun practicing in the same court premises, along with other courts in the city, where he still has to appear as an accused. The State prosecutors now file their responses to applications moved by him in these courts. It seems odd. But the good side of our constitution is that it allows me to stand on an equal footings in court with the police officers and prosecutors who had once pressed charges against me, said Atik.

All this was not an easy transition, Atik says. Before his arrest, Atik, eight years younger and highly ambitious, was climbing up the success ladder swiftly. Unlike fresh graduates, Atik did not face any difficulty in finding a good job soon after completing engineering. His first job itself was with Infosys where his work was instantly appreciated and rewarded with a foreign deputation. I lived in the UK for eight months. Foreign placement not only helped me build my career but also pulled my family out of their debt taken to educate me and my siblings. I could even send my parents for Haj, Atik recalls. But he lost everything in a blink of an eye. Things changed overnight. I was married just a few months before my arrest. My wife was pregnant with our first child at that time.

Atik spent 49 months in the jail. His several bail pleas were rejected by the trial court on the ground that he was booked under serious charges. Finally the Bombay High Court granted him bail and observed: Mere presence during a discussion or attending a dinner party cannot amount to membership of an organised crime syndicate or a terrorist organisation. Atiks bail order was used to build a parity ground for four others later released on bail.

Atik points out that the media plays a serious role in damaging lives of several youths like him. Media prints the police version as a universal truth. During the investigation, police releases part of their findings and media laps it up without ever taking the accused version into account. The fundamental principle of law presumption of innocence gets twisted to presumption of guilt due to unprofessional reporting by media, he rues.

The charges against Atik and others were of allegedly sending emails to media houses before a series of blasts in Gujarat on July 26, 2008. Atik, like his co-accused who are out on bail, were not accused of any role in those bomb blasts or of sending an email. It is interesting how most men booked in this case belonged to lower middle-class Muslim families but with sound educational backgrounds. Their professional degrees excited media and most men were profiled on the front pages of leading newspapers with a theory of educated Muslim men straying into terror activities floated around. But Atik points out that their releases did not elicit similar interest. We made headlines then, but when the High Court released us under a clear ground that the prosecution failed to gather evidence against us, the stories reluctantly made into the inside pages of the same newspapers which had once screamed terrorists next to our names, he adds.

Atik says his jail experience taught him a lot about life. One does not bother about life, family and career once he is in the prison, Atik says. You just want to be out. Highly hopeful to be released soon after his arrest, Atik recalls how he spent the first six months readying himself to step out every day. It is only a year later and after several conversations with many like me inside the prison that I realised I was in for at least a few years.

Atik was lodged at Taloja central prison in Thane district, also home to several others accused in gang wars and other terror cases. Like the society outside, prisons, too, functions under a strict hierarchical structure. The rich and influential prisoners constitute the upper tier of the structure and the impoverished ones with no agency and hope to be released remain at the bottom. Atik recalls how he maintained a cordial relationship with the influential ones in order to avoid being bullied by the right-wing fundamentalists and jail staff who are notorious for ill-treating Muslim men under terror charges in the prison. I had already started helping my lawyer by reading the chargesheet, pointing out loopholes in polices version and other favourable judgments. I slowly began taking interest in law and helped several inmates in the prison , Atik shares. Looking at Atiks interest, many prisoners would approach him for help. Atiks interest was specifically in helping those without any legal representation. Even their most basic right of production before the court was not honoured. I started writing applications and filed RTI applications for them. A few people were released from prison because of these efforts.

Although it has only a few months since Atik got his license to carry out his legal practice, he made the first representation while still in the custody in 2011 seeking separation of his case from other accused. Most of them were booked in multiple cases in Gujarat and other States. They were lodged at Sabarmati prisons and not produced before the court here under the pretext that their custody was taken in multiple cases pending trial outside Mumbai. The prosecution would inform the court that they (co-accused) were in another State and cant be produced and the judge would just give a next date. This went on for months. I finally decided to appear in person and seek separation of my case on the ground of inordinate delay, Atik says. While his argument did not yield a desired outcome, Atik says, it definitely garnered sympathy from the court and in a couple of months the State was compelled to bring his co- accused back to Mumbai for trial.

Life after prison has not been easy either, for both Atik and his family. He had to spend initial months under the constant threat of being implicated in other cases. After every terror attack, the police would approach him and question him. That is the time my father pushed me to take law seriously. I, by then, knew I could not have returned to engineering and Infosys had already terminated my service arbitrarily. Finding a decent-paying job in a small town like Yavatmal was also difficult, Atik shares. Several religious organisations and NGOs wanted him to associate with them on his release. Atik did not want any attention focused back on him, so dodged them all.

There are several innocent Muslim men across India, who languished in prisons for years, sometimes near to a decade in the prison, only to be acquitted later. This acquittal means nothing when one has to lead a life ostracized by neighbours, relatives and friends. Atik says he was fortunate to have supporting parents and wife, who believed in him.

Now Atik wants to turn the table around and use his experience of victimisation in building a strong legal career for himself. Jamiat Ulama-e- Maharashtra which has been providing legal support to people implicated in terror cases has also been supportive of Atik. Not just legal support, Jamiat has also employed me with their legal unit now. I am practicing under Jamiats senior lawyer Tahiwar Khan Pathan, who handles a wide range of cases. Atik says his presence in Jamiats legal cell gives hope to other family members who are struggling to prove their sons innocence. They look at me and feel, someday, like me their sons too would be able to pick threads of their lives. I am their hope, Atik says.
A two-day riot triggered by a pair of possibly drunk Oxford students throwing their drinks in the face of the Landlord who they accused of selling inferior beer ended with the death of 63 scholars and 30 locals, strengthening the control of the University on the local area, and the of 470 years of oxford Mayoral humiliation.

Swindlestock Tavern

The dispute allegedly began when Oxford students Walter Spryngeheuse and Roger de Chesterfield, confronted tavern owner John de Bereford (or Croidon in some accounts), complaining about the quality of the wine.

Priests were also present (drinking), but it isnt noted whether they had any similar complaints or not.

Instead of calming the students down the landlord reportedly replied with stubborn and saucy language which caused one of the students to throw a pot at his head. Someone caused the St. Martins at Carfax city church bell to be rung, bringing locals to help the Mayor.

The University replied by ringing the bell at University Church, calling students to join in what was rapidly becoming a full-blown riot. The good landlord also happened to be the Mayor of Oxford at that time which is one reason the argument turned into a riot and why for nearly 500 years the Oxford mayors had to pay especial deference to the college once each year.

Not content to let matters lie, on the 11th of February the Mayor/landlord called upon the king for help, after that more than a thousand locals stormed the school, destroying rooms and killing 62 of the scholars in residence.

It is noteworthy that the scholastica day riot occurred in the wake of the recent wave of Black Death which killed off a large part of the population of Europe and England and triggered a significant change in the way people looked at the pleasures of life.

It also occurred during The Hundred Years War. The tavern is now a bank

Thirty years later a country-wide uprising/riot occurred now remembered as the Wat Tyler Rebellion which confronted Richard II on the high taxes they were required to pay in the wake of the War.

Saint Scholastica

St. Scholastica died in the year 543, so she wasnt involved in either the riot which bears her name or with beer or pubs.

She is considered the patron saint of The Benedictine Nuns. The saint herself was Italian, never visited England, and is a Saint for both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. She is buried at the monastery of her more famous twin brother, St. Benedict and her feast day is today, February 10th.

Since she is the patron of school, texts, and reading (essentially education in general), it is appropriate that she is linked with Oxford. There are also Anglican and Lutheran adherents to the rule of St. Benedict.

Benedictine

Associated with the Benedictine monks is a liqueur including 27 or more herbs and spices. Each bottle has D.O.M. on the label - this is a common Benedictine document notation standing for "Deo Optimo Maximo" ("To God, most good, most great") and was created as a medicinal drink by Alexandre Le Grand and a local chemist.

It is widely believed that the drink was invented at a Benedictine monastery, but that isnt true.

(NOTE: your reporter used to work for Campus Police in Boston at a major University, and we had almost total control over the Boston campus area even to the point of asking Boston Police to leave the property - which they did. So University rights are still being respected hundreds of years later. He also grew up over a hotel bar (pub) where his father was the landlord.)
A cambridge university student has been kicked out of the Conservative Association after he was recorded burning a 20 note in front of a homeless man in the streets of Cambridge. Ronald Coyne, who was caught burning the note in a white bow tie and tails, claims to be a relative of Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

Part of a ceremony?

In the video, the Ronald Coyne has problems lighting the note as the film maker focused on the homeless person in the early hours of February 2nd. Reportedly, burning a 50 note in front of a homeless person is part of the initiation ceremony for Oxford's Bullingdon club, which boasts former Prime Minister David Cameron and former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne as previous members.

Speaking to The Tab, an onlooker said: 'I couldn't get a good view of what was going on at the time. There was a lot of noise and laughing. Then, the next morning, I saw the video. I'm utterly shocked and appalled that someone could treat another human being with such contempt'.

Current honorary president of the Conservative Association at Cambridge University, prolific historian Andrew Roberts, condemned the actions of Ronald Coyne in the staunchest of terms: 'We wish to disassociate the Conservative Association with the actions of this individual. Coyne's behaviour was morally repugnant. Given the circumstances, we have permanently revoked his membership to the Conservative Association and have banned him from all upcoming events.

There is no room for people who choose to behave this way in the Conservative Association'.

Despite the CUCA's firm stance on Ronald Coyne, the CUCA have been involved with their fair share of scandal over the past several months. Last year, the CUCA was accused of 'aggressive sexism and bigotry'.

No close relation to Sturgeon, according to spokesperson

A spokesperson for the SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, distanced the First Minister from Coyne's claims that he is a relative of hers. The spokesperson said: 'The man in question has no direct relationship with the First Minister or her husband. It's really that simple. He may well go around claiming to be Nicola Sturgeon's nephew but he isn't. Coyne's actions are absolutely deplorable'.
In a press conference nine days before his inauguration, the president-elect Donald Trump dismissed a recent Buzzfeed report as a "direct attempt to sabotage" his presidency before it has even begun. Donald Trump prefaced his first press conference since July 2016 by directly responding to the allegations in the report, stating: "A thing like that should never have been written [the Buzzfeed report]. It should never have been released."

A condemnation of the report

Further, Donald Trump praised the press, citing his "great respect for the freedom of the press".

Before Mike Pence introduced the president-elect, Sean Spicer, Trump's incoming press secretary, condemned the Buzzfeed report. "It is frankly outrageous and highly irresponsible reporting from a left wing blog [Buzzfeed]. Dropping highly salacious false information just days before he [Trump] takes office is a pathetic attempt to garner clicks".

Mike Pence, the incoming vice president, said that the items published by Buzzfeed were yet another attempt to "delegitimse Trump's election victory. The publication of these documents is a further example of media bias".

Half way through the press conference, in reference to the report, Trump joked about "tiny cameras in foreign hotel rooms [that] you've got to be careful of".

Trump continued, dismissing Buzzfeed's accusation that he paid three prostitutes to urinate on him in a hotel room as "ludicrous because I'm a germaphome".

Later in the speech, Trump, for the first time since he won the election, appeared to accept Russia's involvement with the US Presidential Election and the hacking of Democratic party emails."As far as hacking goes," Trump stated, "I think it was Russia, but I also think that we get hacked by a lot of other countries".

Trump went on, blaming the Democratic party for not having adequate defences against being hacked.

When asked if Vladimir Putin was responsible for his election as 45th president of the US, Trump deftly dodged the question, responding by saying: "If Vladimir Putin likes Donald Trump that is an asset and not a liability, we have a terrible relationship with Russia and we should be looking to improve that relationship".
A dossier of evidence compiled by a man claiming to be a former British intelligence officer has alleged that Russia is in possession of a wealth of compromising information on the soon to be president Donald Trump. However, the dossier is currently unverified and is being used by the president-elect as an illustration of the dishonesty of the liberal Media.

Unproved evidence

The dossier, which is a collection of unverified memos, alleges regular contact between Trump and Russian operatives. On Tuesday, CNN reported that a two page synopsis of the report has been viewed by Barack Obama and Trump.

The unsubstantiated dossier claims that, while in Russia, Donald Trump paid prostitutes to urinate him in a luxurious hotel room. President Obama and his family stayed in the same room when they traveled to Russia in 2009. The report claims that Trump's exploits occurred during 2013 when he was hosting the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow.

Further to the sensitive allegations of a personal nature, the report alleges that Trump is in regular contact with Moscow. Since he won the election in November, Trump has been under increasing pressure to agree with the findings of the CIA, who state that Russia was responsible for hacking Democratic party emails during the presidential campaign. As of yet, Trump has yet to explicitly concur with US secret service findings.

Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's personal attorney, said the allegations were false in the strictest terms. "It's so ridiculous on so many levels. Evidently, the person that manufactured this story did so from their imagination or did so with the intent to convince the media to run with the fake news story for whatever reason," said Cohen.

The president-elect also responded via Twitter, labeling the story as fake.

FAKE NEWS - A TOTAL POLITICAL WITCH HUNT!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 11 January 2017

The FBI is now probing the veracity of the reports.One high level member of the FBI said: "I think that the concern was to be sure that whatever information was out there is put into the system so it is evaluated as it should be and acted upon as necessary".

Fuel for the fire?

For a number of years, Donald Trump has been outspoken about the "dishonest and corrupt" liberal media. If Trump is able to disprove the dossier, the media in America could face sanctions that restrict press freedom as punishment when Donald Trump becomes president.
Last week the new U.S. government lashed back at irans provocative measures and testing a medium-range ballistic missile, slapping a new round of sanctions against Iran. On the other hand, senior Trump administration officials and leading members of Congress also criticized the Obama administrations policy of appeasement vis-a-vis Iran.

In the course of eight years the Obama White House allowed Iran pursue its aggressive policy in the region and continue its atrocious record of human rights violations. The Obama administration chose to neglect all of the mullahs confrontational actions for the sake of preserving the Iran nuclear deal.

The appeasement policy not only failed to contain Iran, in fact, it paved the path for more intensified Iranian meddling across the Middle East. The lethal nature of Irans involvement in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, and continuing to enhance its ballistic missile program parallel to a slate of test launches are all the result of this policy.

Right approach for Iran

23 former senior U.S. government officials from both sides of the aisle signed a hand-delivered letter to the then President-elect Donald Trump on January 9th saying:

Through their extremely high rate of executions at home, and destructive sectarian warfare in support of the Assad regime in Syria and proxy Shiite militias in Iraq, Irans rulers have directly targeted US strategic interests, policies and principles, and those of our allies and friends in the Middle East.

The fast and firm reaction shown by Team Trump in regards to Irans ballistic missile tests, in line with the positions taken by senior government officials and members of Congress during the past few weeks, are all indications of shifting policies on Iran.

These signs have raised fear in the Iranian regime on one hand, and anger amongst the mullahs international supporters and the Wests pro-appeasement camp.

This can be vividly seen in the articles written these days by such advocates in mainstream Western media.

Such writers are attempting to depict an image as if any change in Washingtons Tehran policy is against U.S. interests. They have resorted to the known tactic of deception employed by Iran: any pressure on Tehran and a shift in policy will provoke the mullahs and lead to war.

In line with such efforts, this front continuously parrots the lies dictated by Irans Ministry of Intelligence aimed at discrediting and demonizing Irans main democratic opposition, being the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and their long slate of international supporters.

Now the question is why are the Iranian regimes lobbies and its supporters in the West once again resorting to repeating the Iranian intelligences lies and allegations against the MEK? What interest do they have in demonizing the Iranian opposition?

The answer is simple. Signs of changing tides in U.S. foreign policy in regards to Iran are vivid, and this has caused major concerns among Irans lobbyists and supporters.

Iran's Achilles Heel

One such action is to build on the new sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on Iran, and the Iranian opposition welcomed such a measure. The next step is to sanction and blacklist Irans Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization, a measure currently under consideration by the Trump White House.

Considering the IRGCs leading role in Irans nuclear program, ballistic missile drive, foreign military intervention and domestic crackdown, this is a measure Iran will understand loud and clear, and has the potential of acting as a silver-bullet since the IRGC controls a large stake of the mullahs economy.

Irans lobbies and advocates in the West have chosen the first option.

To this end, instead of targeting the Iranian regime, they have focused their demonizing effort against the Iranian opposition. This is a continuation of the Obama administrations failed policy and will in fact only further encourage the mullahs to continue their belligerence.
Despite getting slapped down in the North Dakota Legislature for the fourth time in five sessions, members and supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community said the fight will continue and the state will eventually embrace protections of them.

Among the nearly 50 that watched from the House gallery as House Bill 1386 was roundly defeated by a 22-69 vote Friday afternoon, many said their spirits were bent, but nowhere near broken.

Recognize that those of us in the LGBT community are people, said Bismarck resident Vallie Needham. (This) is absolutely absurd.

Needham, who is married and identifies herself as a bisexual woman, said the Republican majority' words  that North Dakota is welcoming of all people provided her with little solace.

North Dakota definitely feels very hostile to the LGBT community, said Needham, adding that she and her husband are planning on moving out of state, perhaps to Oregon or Washington, in a few years for a career move.

She said the states rejection of legislation, such as HB1386, does weigh into the decision.

Needham, who said she once was a staunch conservative, said shell be watching the actions of her district legislators and possibly be involved in next years campaign to try and oust those not supportive of the LGBT community.

Kevin Tengesdal, a member of the LGBT community and gay rights activist in Bismarck, said he was saddened to yet again see failure, but still hopeful and optimistic after the vote.

Its inevitable, Tengesdal said of legislation passing in North Dakota.

Tengesdal said the states attitude, and the nations as a whole, has reversed markedly since 2004, when more than 73 percent of North Dakota voters passed a constitutional measure defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

I feel it is bringing people together to keep the battle going, Tengesdal said.

State gay marriage bans have been reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court and the dont ask, dont tell policy in the U.S. Armed Forces has been eliminated. Polling has also shown the pendulum has swung in support and acceptance of LGBT people in the past decade, according to Tengesdal, who said a ballot measure could be a possibility.

We passed medical marijuana, and that blew everyone away, Tengesdal said.

Christopher Dodson, executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference, said repeated attempts to pass legislation isnt the right way for the LGBT community to reach its goal.

The right way to do it is by changing hearts and minds, Dodson said. If more people treated people with respect, it wouldnt be an issue.

Dodson said testified in opposition to LGBT legislation in recent sessions about concerns over infringements upon religious liberty.

The fact is the culture is far more accepting than 10 years or 20 years ago, Dodson said, reiterating that wielding the legislative hammer isnt the answer.

Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield, is chairman of the House Human Services Committee that heard HB1386 in committee and carried it on the House floor Friday.

Weisz said himself and virtually every member of the Legislature know friends, coworkers or family members in the LGBT community and are accepting.

However, he said the concern with HB1386 is how it was written. In future versions of the bill, discrimination against an individual within the LGBT community and infringing on ones religious beliefs need to be reconciled, he said.

Im sure, at some point, we can find a solution, said Weisz, who acknowledged that, if lawmakers on both sides of the issue worked together to reconcile differences in the future, that might make for a more palatable compromise.

Casey Buchmann, of Washburn, who has a gay family member, didnt mince words with his frustration with the majority party after the vote.

Its just really sad that a lot of really gray-haired old men, unless it happens to their family (member), are clueless, Buchmann said.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, has said he is "strongly opposed" to United States (US) President Donald Trump speaking in the Commons, as reported in the Independent newspaper. As we consider what was said, let us address the key question: should Donald Trump be allowed to speak in the Commons chamber?

What happened?

But before we proceed, let us examine what exactly was said. As reported in the Guardian newspaper, Bercow is especially opposed to allowing Trump to address Parliament mainly because of their long held opposition to "racism and to sexism".

The Speaker also made the point that speaking in the "prestigious" Westminster Hall was not an "automatic right", but more an "earned honour".

The reasons why he should

Let us now address the main question: should Donald Trump be allowed to address Parliament on his state visit? As ever, there are two sides, for and against. For the former, there are a few reasons as to why he should be allowed, first of all to maintain the 'special relationship' between the two countries. This was made clear by Prime Minister (PM) Theresa May on her visit to the US as she stated the need "to renew the special relationship for this new age", as reported in The Sun newspaper. Number 10 were said to be "annoyed" at Bercow's comments.

Another reason that Trump should be allowed to speak is because preventing him many have financial implications going forward. The Financial Times newspaper stated that the PM was infuriated at what Bercow said, mainly because it may put in jeopardy the "US-UK trade deal" that is so important to Britain in light of Brexit. Another argument is that preventing Trump from addressing Parliament is hypocritical.

This is because in the past the Speaker has welcomed foreign leaders including China's Xi Jinping and the Emir of Qatar. A final point to be made is that, irrespective of what people may think, the US is an ally and it would be disrespectful to treat a friend like this.

But why he should not be allowed

And now to the other side; why Donald Trump should not be allowed to speak.

One key argument is that by allowing the President to speak may in some way legitimise what he stands for. His comments and actions have caused condemnation throughout the world and in welcoming him with open arms may send out the wrong message. Another related point is that the UK Parliament stands for certain values: equality and justice to name but a few. But in allowing someone who clearly does not believe in those values threatens to tarnish the reputation of the Commons chamber as a champion of those such values. There has also been extensive opposition within Parliament to Trump speaking. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and others have stated that Trump's visit should be cancelled until he reverses his "Muslim ban" on travelers, as reported in the Independent newspaper.

The problem is that Parliament is a representative body for the people. The MP's represent their citizens and so the government must act in accordance with the views of those elected officials. The PM cannot simply go it alone; she needs to act in accordance with Parliament.

Overall

So, should Trump be allowed to visit? Whilst I oppose his policies, it is important to not rock the boat at the moment. The UK needs the US and this means that stability is required. It would also be hugely disrespectful to Trump. But if he is allowed to speak, I dread to think the reception that he will get.
Dannie Senger, 76, Bismarck, passed away suddenly on February 7, 2017, at CHI St. Alexius Hospital. Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 9:30 a.m., at the Bismarck Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bismarck Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Dannie was born on May 22, 1940, to Wendelin and Vera (Zinger) Senger, in Devils Lake. He was raised and educated in Devils Lake. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1963. Dannie married Rita Kueneman on May 21, 1966, in Devils Lake and together had two children.

Dannie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rita; daughter, Danette (David) Heine, Mandan; son, Dean (Tricia) Senger, Mountain Home, Idaho; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; sisters, Delsie (Patrick) Benshoop and Jackie Merrell.

Dannie was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Brittany Heine.

Go to www.bismarckfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook or to share memories with the family.
Once again, a handful of South Dakota lawmakers have sponsored a bill that would deprive the public of easy access to the permanent records of city governments official actions.

House Bill 1167 allows municipal governments in communities of 5,000 or more residents to no longer publish legal notices, minutes of city council meetings, delinquent property tax rolls and other information required by state law in the local newspaper.

Instead, the legislation allows Rapid City, Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Spearfish, Pierre, Sioux Falls and other cities to post the information on the website of their choosing, which likely would be municipal websites maintained by their city employees.

If this legislation  which targets only 17 cities  passes it would replace the current system where public records are published in the local newspaper as well as on the South Dakota Newspaper Association website, which assures taxpayers those records will be available and not altered in the future.

In Rapid City, it would mean the same elected representatives who now meet with city department heads in private meetings before City Council and committee meetings to fine-tune agendas could do the same with meeting minutes already posted on their websites. Who would know the difference if there was no other published record?

There are other problems with HB1167 that should concern taxpayers and those who desire open and transparent government.

First, government websites are often extremely difficult to navigate as there is no incentive to make them user-friendly. Secondly, not everyone in Pennington, Butte, Meade, Lawrence and likely every other county in the state has internet service. Some people don't want it and it might not be available to others, especially in far-flung western counties. The legislations remedy for that is to require local libraries to allow residents to use their computers for no charge, which is not much of an option if you live 50 or more miles away from the nearest library as many do in western South Dakota.

Then there is the inherent unfairness of legislation that singles out the states largest communities. Why are the bills nine sponsors not including the vast majority of communities in the legislation? Could it be that rural lawmakers see the value of public notices being published in their newspapers?

A justification for the legislation is that it will save money for the 17 communities even though the cost of legal advertising is apparently not an issue for the rest of the state.

This, however, is entirely misleading. Rapid City, for example, has an annual budget of around $158 million. The money it pays to publish legal advertising in the Rapid City Journal represents less than 1 percent of that figure.

This legislation is not about money. Rather, it is an effort to enable local governments to become less transparent and less accountable, the very concerns that led to the passage of Initiated Measure 22.

This legislation will do nothing to improve the performance of government or the quality of our lives. In fact, it does just the opposite. Instead of having legal notices and other public information delivered to our doorsteps and into the hands of residents across the state and elected officials knowing that, it will be more difficult to obtain information that is exclusively maintained by those in power.

As they have done in the past with similar legislation, lawmakers should reject this bill. The publication of public records in local newspapers has not harmed taxpayers nor caused financial harm to city governments. In other words, it serves no purpose beyond whatever motivates the bill's sponsors.

If HB1167 is passed, however, it will be a significant step toward making it more difficult to monitor government, a key part of the democratic process.

 Rapid City (S.D.) Journal
After CNN broke a bombshell story Tuesday night claiming that Russia had planned to blackmail Donald Trump with "compromising" personal and financial information, it quickly made headlines. As expected, Trump was not happy and instantly pushed back.

Trump on Twitter

The exclusive story released by CNN alleged that Donald Trump had been informed that Russian operatives had crucial information about his past, and that he was made aware of it during a recent meeting with intelligence officials. Not long after the story broke, Buzzfeed reported with further information, including a plan by Russia to allegedly blackmail Trump using with an apparent sex tape, though the report was unverified.

Trump lashed out on Twitter and referred to the story as "fake news." As seen on his offical Twitter account on January 11, the president-elect is continued to speak out.

Russia just said the unverified report paid for by political opponents is "A COMPLETE AND TOTAL FABRICATION, UTTER NONSENSE." Very unfair!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2017

"Russia just said the unverified report paid for by political opponents is "A COMPLETE AND TOTAL FABRICATION, UTTER NONSENSE," Donald Trump tweeted out Wednesday morning, before adding, "Very unfair!" An hour later Trump returned to Twitter to continue his frustration.

Russia has never tried to use leverage over me. I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA - NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2017

"Russia has never tried to use leverage over me.

I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA - NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING!" Donald Trump added on Twitter. "I win an election easily, a great "movement" is verified, and crooked opponents try to belittle our victory with FAKE NEWS," Trump tweeted once again, while adding, "A sorry state!"

I win an election easily, a great "movement" is verified, and crooked opponents try to belittle our victory with FAKE NEWS. A sorry state!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2017

In his final tweet on the issue, the former host of "The Apprentice" then compared the United States to "Nazi Germany." "Intelligence agencies should never have allowed this fake news to "leak" into the public," the president-elect wrote, while asking, "One last shot at me.

Are we living in Nazi Germany?"

Intelligence agencies should never have allowed this fake news to "leak" into the public. One last shot at me.Are we living in Nazi Germany?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2017

Next up

As of press time, CNN and Buzzfeed are sticking by their reporting, while Donald Trump and Russia continue to deny any wrongdoing.

Ever since the CIA revealed that their secret investigation concluded that Russia hacked the Democratic National Committee, it's been a blame game, as the Kremlin has pushed back against the report, with Trump dismissing they had any impact on his election win.
With just over a week until Inauguration Day, a new report exposed Donald Trump and his alleged history of engaging in controversial sex acts. As expected, the president-elect was not happy about it.

Trump on Twitter

On Tuesday night, a bombshell story broke on CNN that revealed the details of the intelligence briefing given to Donald Trump and President Obama in regards to Russia hacking the Democratic National Committee (DNC). When the story first broke, CNN reported that Russian operatives had "compromising" financial and personal information, and had planned to bribe Trump in the process.

Not long after that first story broke, Buzzfeed examined the details further, which showed that Russia had details on Trump's sexual history, including paying for women to engage in "golden showers," which is the act of urinating on each other. On his Twitter account on January 10, Trump fired back.

FAKE NEWS - A TOTAL POLITICAL WITCH HUNT!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2017

FAKE NEWS - A TOTAL POLITICAL WITCH HUNT!," Donald Trump wrote in all caps on his Twitter account. Trump's comment comes just hours after his lawyer, Michael Cohen, labeled the CNN report "ridiculous" and a "fake story." The former host of "The Apprentice" then sent out a follow-up retweet from Cohen, who attached a picture of his password and wrote, "I have never been to Prague in my life." Cohen then added the hashtag "fakenews."

Report claims Russia wanted to blackmail Trump w/ evidence of him hiring sex workers to perform "golden showers" https://t.co/6qoe3vG0Um pic.twitter.com/iUpddbHBPW  The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) January 10, 2017

Donald Trump has long denied any wrongdoing with Russia, despite his constant praise of President Vladimir Putin.

The press and his critics have long called for Trump to reveal his tax returns to disprove reports that have him linked back to the Kremlin, but the president-elect refuses to comply.

I have never been to Prague in my life. #fakenews pic.twitter.com/CMil9Rha3D  Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) January 11, 2017

Moving forward

Even with the allegations against him, Donald Trump is less than two weeks away from being sworn in as the next commander in chief, with over 100,000 protesters planning to be in attendance.

Regardless of the CNN report, or previous investigations from the CIA that concluded Russia hacked the DNC in his favor, Trump appears unwilling to accept that his election was impacted by a foreign country.
In recent days, President Donald Trump has increased his use of social media to express his frustration with the current status of the administration. As his "Muslim ban" executive order hangs in the balance of the legal system, the commander in chief went back to Twitter to give his thoughts on a variety of topics.

Trump on Twitter

Just days after Donald Trump was sworn into office, he quickly began signing off on several executive orders. The most controversial to date has been the aforementioned "Muslim ban" which restricts travel to and from seven different countries in the Middle East, while banning refugees from Syria.

Since then, a federal judge blocked the order, which was quickly appealed by the White House and is now hung up in the court system. In a separate topic, First Daughter Ivanka Trump is dealing with the backlash to her father, as her business ties to Nordstrom have severed. As seen on his Twitter account on February 8, Trump is not happy.

If the U.S. does not win this case as it so obviously should, we can never have the security and safety to which we are entitled. Politics!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2017

"If the U.S. does not win this case as it so obviously should, we can never have the security and safety to which we are entitled," Donald Trump wrote on Twitter early Wednesday morning, before adding, "Politics!" In a follow-up tweet, Trump noted, "I will be speaking at 9:00 A.M.

today to Police Chiefs and Sheriffs and will be discussing the horrible, dangerous and wrong decision."

I will be speaking at 9:00 A.M. today to Police Chiefs and Sheriffs and will be discussing the horrible, dangerous and wrong decision.......  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2017

An hour after sending out the tweet, Trump appeared with law enforcement officials and continued to double down on his attack on the court system.

"I dont ever want to call a court biased, so I wont call it biased," he said, while noting, "But the courts seem to be so political."

(Trump's comments to law enforcement on his travel ban are in the above video.)

Trump on Ivanka

Over the weekend, department store Nordstrom announced that they would be dropping Ivanka Trump's clothing line, citing poor sales "based on performance." Donald Trump wasn't pleased by this, and once again took to Twitter to give his thoughts.

"My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom," the former host of "The Apprentice" tweeted, before adding, "She is a great person -- always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!"

My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person -- always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2017

Unlike his previous tweets attacking a public company, Nordstorm wasn't impacted by the president's criticism. While their stock saw a slight drop following the tweet, it fully recovered within minutes and is sitting at just under $43 a share as of press time.
The sound of faint cries caused Cheree Morrison to investigate the shores of farewell spit, New Zealand on Friday, February 10. What she saw was more than 400 pilot whales washed ashore, more than 275 of them were already dead. Within a few hours, a massive rescue effort was launched gathering people from all sides of the local community from students to tourists to farmers. What caused this carnage and how successful was the rescue effort?

Not the first mass stranding on Farewell Spit

This particular sliver of sand arches like a hook into the Tasman Sea.

It often confuses whales and has been the site of previous mass strandings, earning it the nickname "the whale trap." Beached whales appear most years here, but without a doubt Friday displayed one of the worst carnage episodes in the nation's history. Only two previous events topped the 400 stranded this year in 1918 when 1,000 pilot whales were stranded and in 1985 with 450.

Several theories exist as to why whales become stranded, including chasing prey too far in shore to protecting a sick member of their community. The gently sloping beaches of Farewell Spit make it very difficult for whales to navigate away when they swim too close. The cause of this particular incident remains a mystery and is chalked up to unfortunate geography.

Project Jonah

Authorities were asking for nearby, able-bodied volunteers to join in the rescue effort. Those who appeared were a diverse bunch of students, farmers, and even tourists. Cold buckets of water relieved the few whales that were still alive and volunteers maneuvered the whales upright so they could breath more easily.

As the tide came in, volunteers were able to refloat several of the surviving whales. They proceeded to make a human chain in the water to stop the creatures from becoming stranded a second time. It will take a few days to determine just how successful their efforts were, but 100 or so were likely saved out of 416, the Department of Conversation put the dead whales at about 250 to 300.
I see in the paper that 80 percent of North Dakota voters support wind energy. I wonder what percent that would be if they know that we are paying for it?

Fifty percent is government subsidized and 50 percent is tax writeoff. I see Montana-Dakota Utilities wants to charge extra to acquire the wind farm in Hettinger County. That means we're paying for it twice. There's more coal in the United States than in the rest of the world and the coal plants pay their own way. I would rather see one new coal plant than the thousands of wind towers that are scattered all over the state wherever you drive.
During last year's election and the last few weeks of Donald Trump's incoming presidency, Ivanka Trump has been described as the steady hand that tempers her father's erratic behavior.

She has been credited for helping #gay people, when she helped kill a bill that would trample on LGBT rights during the Obama era.

She was accredited with reining in #Trump when he uttered the words Mexican rapist. She has been described as sounding like a Democrat in her speeches. When she was at the RNC last year she gave a speech that started: like many of my fellow millennials, I do not consider myself categorically #Republican or Democrat.

The image presented to the public

The Ivanka Trump the press have been writing about the last few weeks is a torn daughter split between her duties to her father who loves her, and her own New York-inspired liberal mindset.

But how much of that is a PR-driven effort that hopes to keep her in the good books of the many influential #New York media and political personalities she consorts with in her business and personal life  not to mention the women who buy her clothes?

News that #Nordstrom and Nieman Marcus dropped her last week came as a blow to her personal brand. Even Kelly Anne Conway got involved and appeared to be talking up her wares.

Perhaps Ivanka Trump will clarify what side of the political fence she really belongs to once all of this is over. When Trump is #impeached. When the Republicans lose the next election. When there is a coup. When they replace Trump with Pence. Insert your version of the future here.

But for now we can only sit back and watch a carefully curated and, perhaps, increasingly inauthentic personality work behind the scenes in #Washington.
In #Trump's negotiations with Mexico two weeks ago, the Washington Post reported that it was jared kushner, 36, the Presidents Elect's son-in-law, and once a Democrat, who persuaded Trump to soften his language around Mexico.

Of course, the president didn't listen, going off on his own rant and alienating the Mexican prime minister  and then frustrating #Kushner. But insiders are saying that Kushner has become a first point of contact for presidents, ministers and ambassadors from over 20 countries.

Shadow secretary of state

Some are comparing him to a shadow #secretary of state, one that operates without the checks and balances of the State Department.

Which is interesting, given that his father used to be a hefty Democrat donor.

According to a New York Times report last week, his main ambition is to help broker peace in the #Middle East  a task that Trump has publicly given him. Plenty of power brokers who have communicated with him have said that they like his style: he is a good listener and a considerate go-between who swiftly perceives the underlying issue and has the ability to create meetings with the rest of the administration

Along with Ivanka Trump, Kushner holds many strong relationships with people of wealth and political power across both sides of congress. Ivanka even once hosted a Democratic fundraiser in her home. These two liberals from New York have been settling into a heavily conservative milieu in Washington unlike anything they've witnessed in New York.

And the question rises  are they Democrats in Republicans' clothing?

As two of the most influential social liberals in the White House inner circle, last week Ivanka and Kushner helped to bin a planned executive order that aimed to overturn the Obama-era L.G.B.T. protections.

Bipartisan style

They exert considerable influence on Trump and were major shapers of the campaign.

But as New York social liberals who were schooled amidst open-minded power brokers from the left, and with friends from close inside the Clinton campaign (hello #Chelsea Clinton), the question of bipartisan style has been continually raised.

Trump himself, once a Democrat, holds this paradox within his presidency too. He's an urbane New Yorker who has worked in an industry and city where sexual preference isn't held front and center.

Trump's sexual indiscretions and outrageous transgressions have been willfully deleted by many of those who supported him. But he is now beholden to social conservatives like Steve Bannon and VP Mike Pence.

Donald Trump himself was quoted as saying "In many cases, I probably identify more as Democrat," to CNN's Wolf Blitzer in a 2004 interview (no surprises that this was quoted all throughout the election cycle).

Everyone is trying to get to know #Jared Kushner, the New York Times reported an ambassador from a US ally saying. Maybe this is because he is more level headed and easier to communicate with than Trump. Perhaps it's also because he has the chameleon-like ability to understand both Democratic and Republican agendas.
While Donald Trump has often dominated the news cycle, members of his administration have also had their time in the spotlight. Presidential Kellyanne Conway appears to be following in the president's footsteps by lashing out at the media, both on Twitter and during interviews.

Conway on Twitter

Over the last two weeks, former Donald Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway has found herself in several controversial situations. Conway first caught heat for using the term "alternative facts" to describe the falsehoods coming out of the White House.

Just days later, Conway then cited the nonexistent "Bowling Green Massacre" during an attempt to defend Trump over his "Muslim ban" executive order. While pushing back at her critics, Conway has used her Twitter account to voice her frustrations, which were on display during a social media rant on February 9.

Lipstick? Had no idea this is the key to female empowerment and leadership.

Imagine if a @GOP had said this. https://t.co/K6SVURVybp  Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) February 9, 2017

In an interview with CNN on Thursday morning, Democratic Sen. Barbara Mukulski commented on recent remarks made by Hillary Clinton. In response, Mukilski stated, "Once you're a woman in the Senate, you have to square your shoulders, put your lipstick on and fight on!" Kellyanne Conway was not happy with what was said, and vented on Twitter to express her thoughts.

"Lipstick? Had no idea this is the key to female empowerment and leadership," Conway tweeted, before adding, "Imagine if a @GOP had said this."

Conway on Spicer

Recent reports have claimed that Donald Trump is not happy with the job being done by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, which could lead to a change in the administration.

During an appearance on Thursday morning's "Fox and Friends," Kellyanne Conway dismissed those reports, while labeling them "false." "He's got the full faith and confidence of the president, these reports are completely false," Conway said, while adding, "I've talked to the president. I've talked to Sean Spicer, and they are just false."

.@KellyannePolls: Sean Spicer has the full faith & confidence of the president. Reports stating otherwise are false. pic.twitter.com/qW2ZOA7Vg1  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) February 9, 2017

Next up

The former host of "The Apprentice" and his team have only increased their presence on social media as they continue to feud with the mainstream press. While it's unknown if the relationship between both sides will improve, it doesn't appear on the right track as of press time.
The Pennsylvania state Senate passed legislation on Wednesday designed to ban abortions at 20 weeks, following in the footsteps of sixteen other states with similar bans modeled after a proposal from the National Right to Life Committee.

The bill easily passed the Republican-controlled Senate by a 32-18 vote, but before it can become law, the bill must be put to a vote in the House. However, the biggest roadblock in the path to becoming law is the state's governor, Tom Wolfe, who is a pro-choice Democrat. According to the Associated Press, Wolfe, who has called the bill "radical and unconstitutional," has promised to veto the legislation.

The Pennsylvania state Senate is two votes short of the two-thirds majority required to override a veto.

No exceptions made for rape or incest

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks of Mercer County, prohibits abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Presently, state law bans elective abortion procedures after 24 weeks. The bill includes exceptions to protect the life of the mother, though under the new bill no exceptions are offered for pregnancies resulting from sexual assault, rape, or incest. There are also no exceptions for cases in which the baby is likely to develop congenital defects or abnormalities.

Opponents claim new bill criminalizes abortion

Advocates of the bill claim that closing the abortion window by four weeks is necessary because of medical advances in recent years that make fetuses viable in earlier stages of pregnancy.

Sen. Brooks argued that fetuses are now viable at 23 to 24 weeks.

Opponents of the bill, however, view some of the provisions as an attempt to "criminalize" abortion. According to the provisions of the abortion ban, doctors who perform "dismemberment abortions"-- procedures in which fetuses are destroyed in the womb and left to bleed to death -- can face up to seven years in prison. Critics also contend that the new bill would prohibit dilation-and-evacuation procedures, which is the most common method of second-trimester abortions.
Out of all the cabinet nominations made by Donald Trump, the most controversial has been Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary. As backlash continues, DeVos was off to a rough start during her first day on the job.

Betsy blocked

Betsy DeVos is a well-know wealthy donor to the Republican party, and has been active in fighting back against public schools in an attempt to change the system. DeVos is a supporter of private and charter schools, while also being a believer in Christian education, most notably her stance on creationism over the fact-based theory of evolution.

DeVos' confirmation in the Senate was the most contested, with Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, splitting from the Republican Party to vote against the new Secretary of Education. After Vice President Mike Pence was forced to be the deciding vote, DeVos was finally confirmed. As reported by a local ABC News affiliate in Washington, D.C. on February 10, DeVos is not getting off on the right foot.

WATCH: Sec. Betsy DeVos physically blocked by protesters from entering DC school--turned away and left.

Video: @SweeneyABC pic.twitter.com/RAycuKEVgm  ABC 7 News - WJLA (@ABC7News) February 10, 2017

As Betsy DeVos attempted to enter a public school in Washington, D.C., she was met by a growing group of protesters that are not happy with the recent confirmation.

"Shame! Shame!" the protesters screamed, with others shouting "Go back!" Other demonstrators focused on DeVos' donations to the Republican Party, which they believe was instrumental in her getting confirmed. "Keep giving money to Senate and buying your way into the position!," the protesters yelled.

Security was forced to surround Betsy DeVos, and help her into a vehicle.

As the car moved through the gate into the school parking lot, a protester stood in the front of the vehicle, holding an anti-DeVos sign, and was nearly hit in the process. The backlash against the new Education Secretary follows increased mockery on social media after DeVos sent a tweet asking were the pencils were located.

Moving forward

As has been routine for Donald Trump and nearly all of his administration, the backlash and outrage over Betsy DeVos is expected to continue. With only three weeks in the White House, the former host of "The Apprentice" is reportedly struggling in his new role as commander in chief, which appears to be rubbing off on some of his cabinet selections.
President Donald Trump, whose Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, said that schools in Wyoming may need guns to fight off "grizzly bears," fired off a Twitter tantrum against the judges of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. The judges, who ruled against Trump's appeal to lift the restraining order against his immigration ban, were challenged to "see" Trump "in court" over their "disgraceful decision," as Trump characterized it. Trump also described the decision as "political," although he offered no documentation to prove his claim.

Statute not cited

In another tweet, Trump responded to the fact that in their ruling, the circuit court judges did not cite legal statute. Trump specifically was referring to the well-known blog Lawfare, in which the author, Benjamin Wittes, mentioned the appellate court's failure to cite statute. However, Trump, in his tweet, did not mention the fact that Wittes supports the appellate court's decision: "For the record, I support the decision," (ABC News, 2/10/17).

Trump's controversial immigration order

Trump's controversial immigration order, which bans immigrants from seven muslim countries in the Middle East and Africa from entering the United States, shuts down the refugee program temporarily.

Trump was hoping that the three judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals would grant a stay on the restraining order against his immigration order. As of the posting of his tweets, Trump had not yet discussed the immigration decision with his newly sworn-in attorney general Jeff Sessions. However, he was to have dinner with his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and noted casino magnate Sheldon Adelson on Thursday evening.

The basis for the decision

The basis for the circuit court's decision was as follows: 1) The government (the Trump Administration) has failed to establish "a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal," (ABC News, 2/10/17), and 2) The government has failed to demonstrate that not entering a stay "would cause irreparable injury." The circuit court then stated its decision: "We therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay, (ABC News, 2/10/17).

Trump meeting with Japanese Prime Minister

Meanwhile, Trump is meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today. The two leaders are hoping to reach a bilateral agreement concerning trade. One of the issues of concern, at least for the United States, is the huge automobile trade deficit between the United States and Japan. The Japanese have exported 1.6 million cars to the United States annually; whereas the United States has exported only 19,000 cars to Japan annually over the last few years. Japanese observers have attributed the discrepancy to the lack in quality of American cars.
In many ways being in Opposition in the United States is harder than in many other Anglo-Saxon countries and especially those with some form of the Westminster system of government where the Opposition is officially recognized as the potential alternative Head of Government. The traditions and the regulations of Congress and the Senate do not give the same opportunities for the major opposition Party to present its case within the Houses and so the Democrat Party must be prepared to fight a disciplined multi level battle against the Trump Presidency and the Republican majorities within the two Houses.

Too easy a target

In the space of a few short weeks the #Democratic Party went from polls showing a possible electoral grand slam to a #Donald Trump White House and Republican majorities in Congress and the Senate. This has meant that the Party must build itself up first for the midterms and then for the run for the White House in 2020.

Without forgetting the nearly 3,000,000 popular votes win by Hillary Clinton, the protests against President Donald Trumps orders, not only in relation to the Moslem ban but also the wall with Mexico and the pipelines show that the Democrats have the potential to look to the future with real possibilities in a number of States. Yet the very protests may well prove to be their weakness when it comes to fighting the man in the Oval Office.

It would be too easy to aim at each and every decision made by Donald Trump and to turn the next four years into a running battle that will be a major strain on all involved, including the public at large. The first three weeks of the new Administration have shown that Trump supporters and even members of the Republican Party are willing to overlook some of his eccentricities to achieve results in matters such as climate control, gun control, equal rights and other contested issues.

Rather the Democrats must pick and choose the battles that they will fight to achieve the maximum results from the struggles. Elizabeth Warren gave an example of this in the Senate when her blocked speech against the nomination of Jeff Sessions as Attorney General. Although she was unable to present her case, the publicity received and the public reaction to her actions give hope that a strategic battle on important issues will be more effective than a war on all fronts.

Possible allies?

Furthermore, the presence of Republicans such as Marco Rubio and particularly Senator John McCain who publicly declare their opposition to certain aspects of Trumps political agenda also encourage the use of targeted and precise battles in which these erstwhile opponents may well come on board for certain issues.

Donald Trump has shown that he is not a traditional politician; in fact he prides himself on this and continues to behave as a businessman running his personal empire. Up till now this has endeared him to many and raised the hackles of just as many others, but over time this behaviour will crash into the walls of institutional and constitutional reality as we are now seeing in the courts.

These will then give the Democrats the weapons to fight the political battles and the targets that will be most effective.

The Democrats must act with patience and a level of shrewdness that they have failed to achieve in recent years. Only by waiting for the right opportunity will they be able to act most efficiently. At the moment the ball is in the Republicans court, but as in all sports, sooner or later the opponent will have the opportunity to plays his or her hand and this is when the real battle begins.
The beginning of Donald Trumps Presidency saw nation wide protests centred on the Womens March in Washington on the day after the Inauguration. In the course of his winning campaign the new President had become under attack in relation to his attitude towards women that was highlighted by the leak of a controversial tape in which the candidate made disparaging remarks about women with Billy Bush which caused much controversy and would follow him even to the White House. It is appropriate therefore that the Democrat that chose to come up to the plate to bat against the new Administration is a woman.

Battle in the Houses

In the aftermath of the November elections which left the Republicans holding the majorities of both the Senate and Congress to Democrats had to force the political battle against the new President in the light of a hostile environment from a cocky, triumphant Republican leadership. The battles began quickly and this is where #senator elizabeth warren took the stage and grabbed the spotlight.

President #Donald Trumps nominations as Secretaries and other important positions were even more controversial than usual for a change of occupant at the White House. Many of the Secretaries were considered unsuitable for their new positions and none more so than new Attorney General Jeff Sessions whose previous nomination as Federal Court Justice was blocked due to his controversial positions on race, immigration and criminal justice reform.

Although the Democrats and a groundswell of popular protest with appeals to Republican Senators to oppose the nomination, there was little doubt that eventually Sessions nomination, just like the others would be approved by a friendly Senate. This set the scene for Warren to make one final stand.

On the day for the vote and despite warnings from Republican Leaders that she would not be allowed to make her protest, Warren tried to read a letter from Coretta Scott King regarding the about to be approved Attorney General.

With the application of a little used regulation she was blocked from speaking and taking part in the debate.

This had two effects, the first of highlighting even more the protest as Warren then put it on her web page where it became subject of much debate and support around the country. Tellingly, yesterday Republican Senator Lindsay Graham stated on CNN that the Democrat Senator had been long overdue for silencing.

This then leads on to the second effect of the Senates action.

2020

With her vocal and very public protest Elizabeth Warren may well have put herself in the prime position to become the Democrats candidate for the White House in 2020. For reasons of age, and probably even of controversy, Hillary Clinton will be out of the running. This possibility will mean that she will be even more determined to press for battle in any occasion that presents itself in the House.

The open hostility of the Republicans towards the one time Bostonian of the year will probably also has the effect of mobilizing the Womens protest movement to support her over the period of Trumps presidency. As a woman who married young and raised young children as she went through Law school and eventually followed though to be elected to Congress and the Senate Warren will present a candidate in marked contrast to Donald Trump.

Pointedly in the quoted interview Lindsay Graham openly stated that she was aiming for the 2020 Presidential race which puts the Republican move against her in the Senate in a new light.

The first three weeks of the Trump Administration have seen a roller coaster ride of orders and protests which will probably be the hallmark of the next four years. Elizabeth Warren has shown that she is willing to challenge the Republican Party in the Senate on issues dear to large sections of the population. In 2020 will she be the one who will replace Trump in the Oval Office?
yolanda hadid, the mother of models Gigi, Bella, and Anwar Hadid, recently listed her Los Angeles condo in preparation for a move to the east coast. While Hadid was once known for her role on "The Real Housewives of beverly hills," she is parting ways with her former life and starting a new life in the Big Apple, where her daughters reside.

Earlier this week, the Daily Mail confirmed Hadid's move to readers, revealing that the former reality star had put her Los Angeles condo on the market for $5 million. According to the report, Gigi and Bella live in the city full-time and Hadid's youngest child, son Anwar, has been spending a lot of time there as well, as he pursues his own modeling aspirations.

Yolanda Hadid reportedly purchased her condo for $4.59 million just over a year ago after she and her former husband, music producer David Foster, sold their Malibu home for a whopping $27.5 million. As fans of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" may recall, Hadid and Foster ended their marriage in late 2015, and in the months that followed, the series captured Hadid packing up and moving into her new home.

Yolanda Hadid's children have had a lot of success as models

Following Gigi's modeling debut years ago, her younger siblings have followed in her footsteps, with numerous campaigns and roles in fashion shows. In fact, just months ago, both Gigi and Bella starred in the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which was filmed in Paris, France.

Yolanda Hadid starred on 'RHOBH' for four seasons

Hadid joined the cast of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" during the show's third season as the ex-wife of Lisa Vanderpump's best friend, Mohamed Hadid. At the time, Vanderpump and Hadid were on good terms, but as the series continued, they appeared to grow apart as rumors swirled in regard to Hadid's Lyme disease diagnosis. While she has chronicled her illness online, a couple of her co-stars questioned whether she was really as sick as she claimed during the 6th season of the Bravo show.
The Lunar New Year is more than just an important occasion when the entire family reunites - it is also the most expensive event of the year for some Chinese

While many Chinese would complain about having eaten too much during the Lunar New Year holidays - feasting is after all a key part of the festivities - others would lament about how their wallets have drastically lost weight.

Latest data by China's Ministry of Commerce shows that retailers and restaurants across the nation generated about 840 billion yuan ($122.03 billion) in revenue, up 11.4 percent year-on-year, during the seven-day Chinese New Year holiday this year.

According to a report by China UnionPay, the nation's largest bank card payment processor, its customers made as many as 343 million swipes of their bank cards during the festivities, amassing a total expenditure of 462 billion yuan, a year-on-year rise of 11.7 percent and 48.1 percent respectively.

Chen Han, a data analyst from China UnionPay, said that shopping, dining and travel make up most of the transactions.

Shopping

The effervescent e-commerce market in the country has no doubt been a major factor behind the rise in spending. Consumers today have a wealth of options to choose from when shopping for New Year essentials such as food, gifts and home decorations.

According to Euromonitor, the high proliferation of smart phones in the country has been key to e-commerce's growth. It reported that mobile e-commerce consumption in the country had spiked about 80 percent from 970 billion yuan in 2015 to 1.75 trillion yuan in 2016.

"I bought products from across the nation, such as hotpot ingredients produced in Sichuan province, seafood from the coastal city of Dalian in Liaoning province and snacks made in Xiamen in Fujian province and Macau," said Wen Ting, a Shanghai resident.

"I have no idea how much I've spent for the New Year, but I'm sure I've spent even more than what I did during the Singles' Day sales," she added.

Shopping online also means that consumers get to enjoy the convenience of home delivery. As many as 13.75 million packages were delivered across China during the Chinese New Year holiday, a 19.86 percent rise from last year, according to the State Post Bureau.

Data from Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, shows that most of the packages were delivered to major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

Liu Hui, director of public relations at JD.com, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in China, said that the volume and value of orders placed on its site this year was twice that of last year.

According to Liu, Chinese consumers have maintained a strong interest in fresh food items, with the most searched products being steak, cherries, shrimp, dumpling, sea cucumber, seafood and fruit. The top three products bought during the Chinese Spring Festival were wines, seafood and fruit.

Dining

While Chinese families traditionally gather at the homes of their loved ones for a time of feasting, many also choose to celebrate the Lunar New Year at restaurants.

"Our family had the New Year Eve's dinner at a local restaurant instead of preparing all the food ourselves, saving us both time and energy. We usually have to prepare for the dinner several days in advance," said Lu Bin, whose family has spent the past two reunion dinners in restaurants.

This year, about 400,000 families booked their New Year's Eve dinners through Koubei, an online-to-offline e-commerce platform backed by internet giant Alibaba Group Holding.

The restaurants that were open during the holiday saw 30 percent more orders than usual, according to Koubei.

Data by Koubei showed that only one-tenth of the restaurants were open during the Chinese New Year holiday as most restaurant staff returned to their hometowns to be with their families. However, there were still about 20,000 dining establishments in Shanghai that people could go to, the most among Chinese cities, followed by Beijing and Guangzhou.

An increasing number of Ctrip customers are having their reunion dinners in restaurants too - 47.9 percent of consumers did so this year, a year-on-year increase of 15 percent. Data from the Ctrip Gourmet List data also shows that the average spending per person for the dinner was 279 yuan in China and 352 yuan abroad.

Travel

Embarking on a short getaway is a similarly expensive endeavour during the festive period. Wen said that she had to shelf her travel plans because the prices during the Lunar New Year were too prohibitive.

"We had planned to escape the winter in Shanghai by making a trip to Sanya in Hainan island but the cost of enjoying more sunshine and the beach was simply too high. In the end we drove to the surrounding Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces instead," said Wen, who added that hotel prices were as high as three times the usual rates.

According to UnionPay, the number of transactions related to transportation rose 33.7 percent year-on-year while the amount of money spent on deals for scenic spots rose 29.1 percent compared to 2016's Spring Festival.

The China National Tourism Administration said that 344 million passenger trips were made domestically during the Chinese New Year, generating 423.3 billion yuan in revenue for the tourism sector, up 15.9 percent year-on-year.

About 52 percent of the trips made by Chinese were to domestic locations with the top three destinations being Sanya, Lijiang of Yunnan province, and Xiamen of Fujian province. The top three overseas destinations were Thailand, Japan and South Korea, according to Chinese online travel agency Tuniu.

Red packet

Besides shopping, dining and traveling, Chinese also spend considerable amounts on an activity that is not monitored by companies - red packet handouts.

Giving red packets filled with money to family members and friends is a tradition that is deemed as a blessing of peace and safety as well as a way to ward off evil spirits. According to a survey by China Youth Daily which polled about 2,000 people, 60.7 percent of Chinese view this tradition to be a key element of the Lunar New Year.

However, the survey also found that 57.9 percent of the respondents indicated that giving money away during the festive period has become a heavy burden for them - 57.2 percent of them said the money they gave away accounted for more than half of their monthly income.

Regardless, Chinese have been eager to share their wealth during the holiday period, especially in the digital realm.

From Chinese New Year's Eve to the fifth day of the New Year, 46 billion red packets were given out and received through mobile messaging app Wechat, a 43.3 percent increase from 2016, according to Wechat operator Tencent.

wang_ying@chinadaily.com.cn
An official representing the American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota said a bill under consideration at the state Legislature is motivated by an unfounded concern about Sharia law making its way into the states court system.

But the bills primary sponsor said House Bill 1425 isnt targeting any religion and is simply meant to assure the states courts adhere to U.S. and North Dakota law.

The bill, which was heard in the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday, says its the policy of the state to protect its citizens from the application of foreign laws when the application of a foreign law will result in the violation of rights guaranteed by the state or U.S. Constitution, such as due process, equal protection and freedom of religion. A foreign law would not include any laws of Native American tribes in North Dakota, but instead would mean any law, legal code or system of a jurisdiction outside any state or territory of the United States.

The bill received support from an official representing the Center for Security Policy, a controversial group founded by former Reagan administration official Frank Gaffney that the Southern Poverty Law Center said has gone from a respected hawkish think tank focused on foreign affairs to a conspiracy-oriented mouthpiece for the growing anti-Muslim movement in the United States. Part of its mission is to identify challenges and opportunities likely to affect American security, according to its website. It also warns that some are seeking to install Sharia as a parallel legal and political system in the United States.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Kim Koppelman, R-West Fargo, the bills primary sponsor, said he was unfamiliar with the group. He pushed back against any assertion that his legislation is aimed at Muslims or Sharia, which a University of Wisconsin law professor described as Islams legal framework in an article for the Washington Post last year.

Koppelman pointed out the bill doesnt mention Sharia, and it includes exceptions for religious freedoms. In testimony to the Judiciary Committee, he said the bill wasnt prompted by any specific problem.

Sometimes you hear of courts enforcing or mentioning in their decisions some foreign law, Koppelman said in an interview. We just want to make sure in North Dakota were dealing with North Dakota and U.S. law.

Jennifer Cook, policy director for the ACLU of North Dakota, said the bill is unnecessary because the First Amendment already prohibits U.S. courts from imposing religious law as civil law. She added that courts routinely consider a foreign countrys statutes, especially in issues dealing with family law.

But under this bill, a court would be prohibited from recognizing a foreign marriage, an international adoption agreement, or a will executed abroad unless the court first determines that the pertinent countrys legal system provides the exact same rights and liberties as our laws with respect to the issue at hand, Cook said in prepared testimony.

Christopher Dodson, executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference, also opposes the bill, arguing in written testimony that it interferes with the freedom to contract in a manner that an individual believes furthers their religious beliefs. He pointed out that employers might negotiate a contract with their workers that includes a day off for a religious holiday, and health care directives may require decisions be made in accordance with religious law.

A similar bill that declares American laws for American courts generated heated testimony last week at the Arkansas Legislature, according to Arkansas Public Media. There, a man representing the Islamic Center of Little Rock questioned its intentions. The bill passed the state House Monday.

Cook said theres evidence that an anti-Islamic sentiment prompted the introduction of foreign law bans elsewhere, making them susceptible to constitutional challenge. The Center for Security Policys Paul Deckert said nearly identical legislation passed in other states havent resulted in legal challenges, but a federal judge struck down an Oklahoma constitutional amendment that specifically prevented its courts from considering Sharia in 2013.

Rep. Lawrence Klemin, R-Bismarck, asked Deckert, a retired Marine Corps colonel, whether the bill has to do with Sharia. Deckert responded that any foreign doctrine that doesnt fit with U.S. and North Dakota constitutional law would be at issue with this bill.

Its not limited to (Sharia), its not focused on that, he added. It is designed to deal with any outside influence.
A documentary celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC) made its debut on January 24 during a ceremony at the Shanghai Natural History Museum.

The 20-minute documentary, titled Connection of Hearts - A Chronicle of the 60 Years of Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, was screened to more than 200 people, including officials from different consulates in Shanghai, representatives from Shanghai's sister cities, as well as winners of the Shanghai Magnolia Award.

The documentary starts off by recalling the friendship between Xu Guangqi, a top official and agricultural scientist during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), and Matteo Ricci, an Italian Jesuit priest. It then reveals how the city evolved into one with cross-cultural traditions and how it cultivated people who possess inclusiveness and a thorough understanding of Chinese and Western concepts.

The production team had spoken to 70 people in a span of 10 months to gather research and prepare for the show. Some of the interviewees include Grandoni Dario, vice-president of Matteo Ricci International Foundation of Italy, Akihisa Sato, a Japanese recipient of the Magnolia Silver Award of Shanghai, Zhou Muyao, former president of SPAFFC, and Li Xiaolin, president of Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

According to SPAFFC President Zhang Xiaosong, the association has constantly championed the value of friendship, cooperation, peace and development since it was established in 1956. He added that the organization has helped foster cooperation between the city and other nations in a variety of arenas, including political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological. As of 2015, the organization had forged relationships with 345 organizations in 100 countries.

"People-to-people diplomacy is playing an increasingly important role in the friendship between countries. I'm glad to be part of a group that is making contributions to the enhancement of such communication and coordination," said Raj Khosa, president of the Indian Association which falls under the Consulate General of India in Shanghai.

Pan Yixuan contributed to this story.

wangzhenghua@chinadaily.com.cn
A total of 39,000 visits to China were made using the 144-hour visa-free entry policy within a year of its implementation, according to the Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection.

As of the end of January, 36,000 passenger trips at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport were made due to the policy, a surge of more than 80 percent compared to the previous 72-hour visa-free policy.

Authorities also said that the airport had issued about 3,000 144-hour visa-free border entry permits every month in the past year, and 620 foreign tourists had specially applied for the visa in order to celebrate the New Year in China. In addition, the number of places that foreigners arrive from have increased from 51 to 53.

"My friend who works in Shanghai suggested that I take advantage of the visa policy to visit the city. I think the visa-free policy is quite useful for travelers like us who are heading to different cities and regions for trips," said Sofie Ravier, a French tourist who spent the New Year in Shanghai with her family.

China's first cross-region visa-free transit policy took effect on Jan 30 last year. It allows foreign visitors to pass through the Yangtze River Delta to a third destination without a visa within 144 hours. Those who benefit from the policy include people traveling through Shanghai's airports, ports and railway stations, Nanjing Lukou airport in Jiangsu province and Hangzhou Xiaoshan airport in Zhejiang province.

"The visa-free policy is expected to attract more foreign tourists to Shanghai and its nearby areas and it will contribute to the economic and tourism development in the Yangtze River Delta," said a senior officer of Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection.

yuran@chinadaily.com.cn
The Anne Frank - A History for Today exhibition kicked off at the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum on January 23.

The exhibition, which tells of the story of the late Jewish woman Annelies Marie Frank, one of the most prominent victims of the Holocaust, will run for a year. It is co-funded by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum.

Organized by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, the exhibition features 32 exhibition boards in both English and Chinese which tell the story of her childhood in Frankfurt and Amsterdam. Many of the photos on display, which depict the lives of the Jewish community during World War II, are being exhibited for the first time in Shanghai.

"The girl was sending a message that racism, indifference and lack of courage can destroy individuals and families. Shanghai could well resonate with the message because it once served as a safe harbour for Jewish people," said Anneke Adema, Consul General of the Netherlands in Shanghai.

According to historical records, about 23,000 Jews found solace in Shanghai after they fled Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II.

Born in June 1929, Frank came into prominence only after her death in 1945 when her diary documenting her life during the German occupation of the Netherlands was discovered and published in a book titled The Diary of a Young Girl.

According to her diary accounts, Frank and her family started seeking refuge in a secret annex in the Prinsengracht 263 building in July 1942, with the door to this annex hidden behind a bookcase. Frank and her family were later arrested by the Gestapo in August 1944.

Her father Otto Frank, who was the only survivor, returned to Amsterdam after the Germans were defeated and found that one of his helpers had saved Frank's diary. He worked to have the diary published in Dutch in 1947 before an English version was released in 1952. The Diary of a Young Girl has since been translated into 60 languages.

Anne was only 15 when she died of typhus in the German concentration camp of Bergen-Belsen.

yuran@chinadaily.com.cn
Li Shaolin, president of PetroChina International (America), Inc, accepts a token of appreciation from Austin Zhao (right), chairman of the Asian Chamber of Commerce. MAY ZHOU / CHINA DAILY

Li Shaolin, president of PetroChina International (America) Inc, shared with the members of Asian Chamber of Commerce the story of his company's journey from a three-person office to a large trading company employing more than 160 employees in both North and South America.

"When we first started in New Jersey in November 2003 with three people, we only had a ping-pong table as our office desk. For the first three years, we only managed to ship one cargo a year and suffered losses. Today, on any given day, there are at least 50 ships in the ocean carrying our goods," said Li at a business luncheon hosted by the Asian Chamber of Commerce.

Today, the company, headquartered in Houston, has branch offices in Canada, Brazil and Venezuela.

Starting as a nobody and refused a letter of credit by banks, PetroChina overcame obstacles and grew. Li recounted how he tackled both external and internal business challenges to make the company prosper.

"We started networking to show people that we are serious. Business is about people you know and connections. We went to events and conferences to let people know us," Li said.

Taking one small step at a time, practicing good corporate citizenship, and attracting and retaining talent with competitive salaries as well as constructing a harmonious work environment helped the company flourish, Li said.

About 85 percent of PetroChina's employees are locally hired, and the communication between the Chinese staff and local employees is vital to creating a pleasant and productive work environment.

Through leadership workshops, cultural sensitivity training and social events within the company, Li said the company has created an environment where people enjoy being.

Li also offered some advice on how to do business with Chinese companies. "When US business people went to Shanghai to meet with potential business partners, first time they met, they ate and drank; second time they met, they ate and drank; the third time they met, they ate, drank and started to discuss business. For many Americans, this seems inefficient," Li said,

But that's the Chinese culture people like to get to know you personally before they are willing to do business with you. They might ask if you are married, how old your kids are and how much you make a month  they just want to get to know you, Li said.

Flexibility about cultural differences as well as business goals is important to forge a successful business relationship with a Chinese company, Li said.

Also at the event, Austin Zhao, chairman of the chamber, expressed appreciation to Linda Toyota, who is leaving the post as president of the chamber to take a position as associate vice-chancellor of communications at Houston Community College.

Toyota encouraged chamber members to continue to be engaged in civic events and politics. A third-generation Japanese American, Toyota said that her parents were held in a detention camp during World War II simply because of their ethnic background.

"We need to be aware of what's happening around us and be politically active to not let such a thing happen again," said Toyota.

mayzhou@chinadailyusa.com
Najmia Abdishakur (R), a Somali national who was delayed entry to the US because of the recent travel ban, is greeted by her mother Zahra Warsma (L) at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, US February 6, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Feb 9 - A US federal appeals court on Thursday unanimously upheld a suspension of President Donald Trump's order that restricted travel from seven Muslim-majority countries.

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruling came in a challenge to Trump's order filed by the states of Washington and Minnesota. The US Supreme Court will likely determine the case's final outcome.

Shortly after the ruling, Trump tweeted: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

The Justice Department said it was reviewing the decision and considering its options.

Trump's Jan. 27 executive order barred entry for citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days and imposed a 120-day halt on all refugees, except refugees from Syria who are barred indefinitely.

US District Judge James Robart suspended Trump's order last Friday.

The ruling from the 9th Circuit, which followed a hearing on the case on Tuesday, does not resolve the lawsuit, but relates instead to whether Trump's order should be suspended while litigation proceeds.

Two members of the three-judge panel were appointed by former Democratic Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama, and one was appointed by former Republican President George W. Bush.

The government could ask the entire 9th Circuit court to review the decision "en banc" or appeal directly to the US Supreme Court.

The three judges said the states had shown that even temporary reinstatement of the ban would cause harm.

In the ruling, they said they acknowledged the competing public interests of national security and free flow of travel but that the US government had not offered "any evidence" of national security concerns to justify banning the seven countries.

They added that the government did not show evidence that any person from the affected countries had perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States.

Their ruling also said it was unlikely the White House's counsel had authority to amend a presidential executive order and that the government did not show how the order could be administered in parts.

Curbing entry to the United States as a national security measure was a central premise of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, originally proposed as a temporary ban on all Muslims. He has voiced frustration at the legal challenge to his order.

US presidents have in the past claimed sweeping powers to fight terrorism, but individuals, states and civil rights groups challenging the ban said his administration had offered no evidence it answered a threat.
A bill that would require school bond elections to be held only during the general election every two years had a hearing Thursday at the House Committee on Political Subdivisions.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Kathy Skroch, R-Lidgerwood, opposes school districts holding special elections on bond issues. Instead, districts could only place school bond issues on general election ballots, saving on election costs and ensuring larger voting numbers.

Officials from two school districts opposed the measure, which they say would be restrictive and could jeopardize future school projects.

Tamara Uselman, superintendent for Bismarck Public Schools, said she was largely against the legislation, especially considering her district has a special election on a $57.5 million bond issue on March 7.

If this law passes and my districts bond doesnt pass, the next opportunity that we could realistically go out for a reconsideration would be November of 2018," Uselman told the committee.

Then, the district wouldn't have the space by 2020, Uselman said. By that time, Bismarck would be 1,900 students over capacity.

This bill disallows my school board from being nimble," Uselman said.

Skroch, who told the committee she had been a school board member for the city she represents for 12 years, said, in researching school elections, she found that the cost of school bond elections can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

One district, she said, spent $80,000 to $85,000 in preparing, promoting and finally voting on its $30 million school bond project.

Repeated school bond votes "wear the electorate down," she said. "Eventually, they just stay home.

John Ertelt, a resident of Barnes County, attested to this. Ertelt told the committee his community voted against a bond issue three times over a period of 13 months in Barnes County, according to the Fargo Forum.

What theyre doing is theyre wearing down the voter," Ertelt said.

Mark Lemer, business manager for West Fargo Public Schools, said the bill's passage would limit a growing school district's  like his  response to an influx of students.

Having to wait two years, in our case, is going to be problematic," he said.

"West Fargo has seen continuous and ongoing growth in enrollment. Weve seen, on average, over 500 students per year in the last five years. This has required us to go from having a single middle school and a single high school, to having two middle schools and two high schools," he told the committee.

Lemer said the district had two failed bond referendum attempts, one in 2009 and another 2010. A new superintendent, David Flowers, took rein of the district shortly after the failed bond referendums and worked to get more community input.

More than 80 community meetings later, a special election was held May 2011, Lemer said. Seventy percent cast in favor of the bond, which included constructing a new elementary school.

The committee did not take any action on the bill Thursday.
North Dakota commodity groups have expressed confusion about the intent of a bill that would govern their procurement methods and removal of members and conveyed their concern about overly broad language in the bill.

The primary sponsor, Rep. Mike Brandenburg, R-Edgeley, on Thursday testified before the House Agriculture Committee that House Bill 1282 would provide more oversight and accountability for the groups and position them as executive branch agencies.

Brandenburg said the bill is necessary to avoid a situation in which checkoff funded groups and industry membership groups have the same staff and leadership, and could thus move money between the groups.

Larry Kinev, president of the Independent Beef Association of North Dakota, spoke in favor of the bill, saying the commodity groups are well-run organizations that do a good job and wont be hurt by additional oversight and accountability.

However, even Kinev conceded that much of Brandenburgs testimony was confusing, a point that was reiterated by numerous people speaking in opposition to the bill. Opponents also corrected points made in Brandenburgs testimony, indicating he didnt have all the facts or was incorrect in his beliefs about their operations.

Brandenburg specifically mentioned two commodities that have the same staff working on both the checkoff funded and the membership group activities: corn and pulse crops.

Dale Ihry, executive director for the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council and the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, said his organizations have worked on organizational structure and correcting past issues since he came on board in 2015. While he does head both groups, Ihry said the two do not meet jointly. The Corn Utilization Council may pay to advertise in Corn Growers materials, but those things are handled properly, he said.

Brandenburg also insinuated the organizational structure of the Northern Pulse Growers Association and the North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Council had resulted in a lawsuit from the state of Montana. Shannon Berndt, executive director of NPGA and administrator of the Dry Pea and Lentil Council, and others in the two organizations explained no lawsuit ever was filed by Montana, though there had been a dispute about whether checkoff dollars should go to the North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Council or the Montana Pulse Advisory Committee because of differences in the laws of the two states, a situation not addressed by Brandenburgs bill.

Opponents also expressed concern about sections of the bill that would disallow anyone with a conflict of interest from contracting with a checkoff-funded group, as well as a section that would allow the governor to remove a member for cause under the advisement of the state agriculture commissioner. Neither term is defined.

HB1282 muddies the water more than it clarifies procedure, said Dan Wogsland, executive director of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association.

Both the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the Office of Management and Budget spoke as neutral parties to the legislation. Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Tom Bodine said the ag department does not want additional oversight over the commodity groups.

Sherry Neas, with OMBs procurement division, explained commodity groups already are executive agencies that must follow state procurement rules that lay out conflict of interest situations.

Rep. Craig Headland, R-Montpelier, returned from a short break in the Thursday hearing with a copy of an existing North Dakota law that already specifies when and how the governor can remove a custodian of public moneys.

Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Devils Lake, chairs the committee and said a subcommittee may be formed to iron out issues with the bill. No action was taken on Thursday.
DENIS BALIBOUSE/AFP/Getty Images(NEW YORK)  Then-President-elect Donald Trump's unprecedented phone conversation with the leader of Taiwan in December, followed by his anti-China tweets, signaled strongly that upon becoming president he could seek to deviate from America's long-standing one-China policy.



Now in office, however, Trump has reversed course, confirming his commitment to honor the United States long-standing one-China policy, according to the White House's characterization of a phone conversation Thursday night with Chinese president Xi Jinping.



"The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'one China" policy," the White House said.



Trump's December phone conversation with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen prompted headlines across the United States that Trump had broken with a decades-old policy and even forced the Obama administration to respond and affirm its commitment to the one-China current policy.



In the months since that call, the China-U.S. relationship has been strained. So what is the U.S. position on China and Taiwan, and why is it so delicate?



One-China, Briefly



Since the signing of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, it has been the policy of the United States to recognize Taiwan as part of China.



"The United States does not support Taiwan independence," reads a State Department fact sheet updated just this September. But, it continues, "maintaining strong, unofficial relations with Taiwan is a major U.S. goal, in line with the U.S. desire to further peace and stability in Asia."



Taiwan is the United States' ninth-largest trading partner, and according to State Department figures, Taiwan employed more than 12,000 workers in the United States and paid them nearly $1 billion. The one-China policy amounts to a delicate balance between respecting China's claim to the territory and maintaining close ties to Taiwan.



Missiles Pointed



The U.S. commitment to Taiwan permits the sale of defensive weapons, and last year the U.S. sold Taipei $1.83 billion worth, most of which it uses to defend the island from a potential provocations from Beijing.



That last package, the first of its kind in four years, consisted of two Oliver Hazard Perry class Navy frigates, Javelin anti-tank missiles, amphibious assault vehicles, anti-aircraft missiles, anti-ship systems and other equipment.



Since 1979, the U.S. has made $12 billion in weapons sales to Taiwan, and Beijing voices its opposition every time.



A State Department official told ABC News in December that the United States is constantly reviewing Taiwan's defensive needs and requests and will continue to do so. "We do not consult Beijing about our military cooperation with or arms sales to Taiwan," this official said.



Despite the weapons sales and the importance of good relations emphasized by both sides, Taiwan is not a treaty ally with the United States, and the U.S. has no obligation to defend it if it is attacked.



Trump's Approach



ABC News learned in December that Trump's congratulatory call from Tsai was expected and likely arranged by people in his transition team. So while it was a surprise to China and many in the U.S. government, Trump's advisers claimed it was calculated.



Trump took a firm stance on confronting a rising China during his campaign, repeatedly accusing China of manipulating its currency and once saying, "We already have a trade war [with China]," suggesting he doesn't fear an escalation.



He also floated the idea of imposing major tariffs on Chinese products. "We have the power over China, economic power, and people don't understand it," he said in April.



After taking office, Trump issued an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), which effectively leaves the future trade relationship with China unclear.



Chinese state media in recent weeks had increasingly called for the United States to recognize the one-China policy. Trump's acknowledgement of it will undoubtedly calm Chinese fears that a Trump presidency could mean a major upheaval in U.S.-China relations.

Did China ask us if it was OK to devalue their currency (making it hard for our companies to compete), heavily tax our products going into..  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2016

their country (the U.S. doesn't tax them) or to build a massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea? I don't think so!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2016

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Google has announced that it is changing terms to be able to release the identity of its users in its advertising. Beginning Nov. 11, the search giant wants permission to use names, photos and product reviews in advertising that it sells to businesses.

That means the reviews of restaurants, shops and products that are created by users would be fair game. Content, including songs that are purchased in the Google Play store could also be included in ads that are displayed to friends, connections and the public general as they conduct Google searches. These new ad features are being called shared endorsements.

As an example, Google may have a user named John Doe. John may write a review detailing his weekend stay at a resort in the Daytona Beach, Fla., area. That resort may decide to advertise with Google. As the ad appears on the screen, a photo of John Doe and his review could appear underneath it, sort of as an endorsement to recommend the resort to his friends and family. What if someone doesnt want their photos and information shared? They can opt out. Google has some 390 million users who are active each month.

When explaining the changes, Google said, We want to give you  and your friends and connections  the most useful information. Recommendations from people you know can really help.

Instead of opting out, if a user wants to limit an endorsement to specific friends or business circles, that restriction will be respected in any ads that use an endorsement, according to the company.

Googles move follows on the heels of a similar move by social networking site Facebook. Back in August that company said it would show the faces and names of users who clicked like for products in ads. Privacy groups were very critical of the proposal and asked the Federal Trade Commission to look into the proposal farther.
No changes across the board at Wells Fargo today, including the 30 Year Fixed mortgage rate which is on the books today at a rate of 4.250% with an APR value 4.421%.

The FHA/government loan for 30 year period shows an interest rate of 4.125%, with an APR of 5.640%.

No changes observed in the 15 Year Fixed rate mortgage category at Wells Fargo and these rates are on the books for 3.375%, with an APR of 3.669%.

All rates including 30 year and 15 year fixed mortgages from Wells Fargo are published based on, the refinance of a single-family, primary residence, that you pay 1% of your loan amount toward the loan origination charge, a 60 day interest lock-in-period.

The 5 Year fixed Rate ARM is steady at 3.000% while the APR is listed at APR of 3.076%.

The 5 Year ARM FHA is also holding at 3.000% with an APR of 3.789%.

The best 30 Year Refinance Fixed Rate Mortgages are on the books this evening at a rate of 4.250%, while the corresponding APR value is holding steady at 4.377%.

On the books for the 30 Year FHA category is a rate of 4.250% and an APR of 5.791%. Borrowers can find the 5 Year ARM at 3.125% and the corresponding APR at 3.080%.

30 Year Fixed Jumbo Loans are still at 4.000% with corresponding APR at 4.112%.

The 5 Year ARM Jumbo Loan rate is listed at 2.375%, with an APR 2.808%.

To schedule a personal consultation, please see the lenders website for more information or contact the mortgage specialist closest to you.

Also in the news, San Francisco based Wells Fargo have settled with the Federal Housing Finance at a rate of $1 billion in response to faulty mortgage bonds being sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Disclaimer: The rates quoted above are basically the average advertised by a particular lending company. No guarantee of taken from the lender aspect whether the borrower will qualify for the mortgage rates mentioned in the article. The lenders dole out interest depending upon various facets, some of which may be unique to the borrower. This website does not engage in the sale or promotion of financial products and makes no claims as to the accuracy of the quotation of interest rates.
The Walking Dead has spawned two video games, one using AMCs characters published by Activision, and the other being a unique story in the same world which was developed and published by Telltale Games.

Overkill Software, the development studio behind Payday, is looking to make a third game, possibly in the same vein as the Activation failure. Hopefully, this time Overkill and Skybound will be able to get the co-op zombie survival genre right.

The statement was announced by Robert Kirkman on the Payday 2 Steam page.

Little was said about the core mechanics of the game. Under Skybound Entertainment, we cannot see why Overkill wouldnt use different characters, as it is bound to interest fans of the series more.

It appears to be all about the gameplay, and co-op might be the only way to try it out, similar to Payday 2. This would make it a lot like Left 4 Dead, another survival horror. Hopefully Overkill recognizes the similarity and try to differentiate from Valves own franchise.

Survival horror is not a new genre to come up either, as DayZ, Rust, The Forest and other early access indie titles have already gobbled up a lot of the market. Overkill does state the game will bring chaos to the traditional industry model, whatever that means.

Overkill has slated The Walking Dead for 2016  still a wild way off, and it looks like the developers have only begun work on the video game.
With just 10 detectives under his leadership and in about three weeks' time, Senior Superintendent of Police of Uttar Pradesh's Special Task Force Amit Pathak cracked an online digital racket that swindled 600,000 people and is now worth Rs 3,700 crore and counting.

Anubhav Mittal, centre, known for his flashy lifestyle, was arrested by the UP STF, as the kingpin of the Rs 3,700 crore online ponzi scam; Photograph: PTI

Call it 'digital marketing', or 'get-paid-for-likes' scam, the fact is high-heeled, well-educated scammers, suave in their use of technology, social media and a solid grip on the greed factor of the masses that works behind the success of such schemes, a computer scientist from NOIDA (North Okhla Industrial Development Authority), UP, which is also within kissing distance of the national capital, hoodwinked 600,000 people with the carrot that they can make 32 per cent on their initial investment every month, month after month.

Consider the simple math and you will understand how greed preys upon people's psyche:

Those investing Rs 57,500 in this scheme for a month were promised a return of Rs 625 every day, that is, 1.08 per cent daily.

Multiply this daily return (Rs 625) by 30 (days of a month), divide it by the original investment (Rs 57,500) and multiply the answer by 100: The return is a mindboggling 32 per cent per month.

Mittal, 26, who is known for his flashy lifestyle -- he had invited Bollywood stars Sunny Leone and Amisha Patel for his birthday on November 29, 2016 at his Delhi bungalow -- had devised his schemes in a shrewd manner that allowed people, who could not afford to invest a huge amount, to invest in different slabs beginning with Rs 5,750, Rs 11,500, Rs 28,750, and get proportionate returns.

Apart from the monthly returns, investors were free to take away their initial corpus at the end of the year.

Aren't you already planning your next vacation in the Maldives? That's how greed overwhelms common sense!

This is the greed factor that not just Anubhav Mittal, but many others before him, have used successfully to swindle money by promising the moon.

However, Mittal's luck ran short, when Amit Pathak and his 10-member team of detectives began following up on more than 4,500 emails to the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force's email ID complaining about the wrongdoing by various companies floated by Mittal, from across India, and a full-blown, multi-billion crore scam began to manifest itself before the investigators.

The going was not very easy though as Mittal, a BTech in computer science, had made every attempt to obliterate his online footprint by hiding behind a web of companies that went by the name of 3W Digital Private Limited office, Ablaze Info Solutions Private Limited, or kept changing URLs from socialtrade.biz and later to frenzzup.com.

Amit Pathak, below, who spoke to Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore about the details of the case so far, finally blew the lid off this scam early February after working on it for three weeks.

The UP STF has shared the data gathered from Mittal's offices and their investigations of four people arrested in this case so far with the Income Tax department and the Enforcement Directorate, indicating there is more to this scam than meets the eye.

Though Pathak did not speak about the nature of the data shared with other investigation agencies, which naturally have jurisdiction over this scam, the ED has already filed a case against Mittal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act based on the first information report filed by the UP STF.

Most importantly, Rs 524 crore were recovered from Mittal's account in Yes Bank that could yet get the market regulator Securities Exchange Board of India and banking regulator Reserve Bank of India become a part of the investigations soon.

***

IMAGE: Anubhav Mittal and his CEO Shridhar Prasad and technical head Mahesh Dayal operated from 3W Digital Private Ltd in NOIDA's Sector 63; Photograph: PTI

What can you tell us about the people you have arrested so far and how did you arrive at the Rs 3,700 crore figure?

These are all technology-savvy, educated people who have made use of technology sufficiently well to defraud people.

Our investigation of the arrested people revealed that this scam is worth Rs 3,700 crore and more.

We cross checked this with their bank accounts to reach the figure.

We recovered Rs 524 crore from his (Mittal's) bank account and the Rs 3,700 crore scam involves all the amount is right from the time he formed this company in 2015.

Out of the Rs 3,700 crore you are now left with Rs 500 crore. So, where is the rest of the money?

A part of this money has already been given to his customers to win their trust. In return, these customers got him more investors.

Happy customers help attract more customers who would keep the machine running.

It is possible that out of this total money collected over two years (Mittal floated this business model in 2015) he must have paid back Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 2,000 crore to his customers to win their trust and keep the scheme going.

It is quite possible that he could have shelved off or laundered Rs 1,000 crore for himself too.

Isn't this money laundering?

Using, depositing other people's money and use that money to pay other people using fictitious bank accounts is laundering only.

Siphoning money abroad?

No, most of this money was laundered only in India to keep his ponzi scheme well-oiled.

The kingpin/s of the scam...

We have made four arrests yet in this case and Anubhav Mittal is the kingpin of this entire 'digital marketing' or 'get paid for likes' or 'clicking on links' racket.

Apart from the arrests of Anubhav Mittal, who is the director of 3W Digital Private Ltd, his CEO Shridhar Prasad and technical head Mahesh Dayal, we made one more arrest on February 8 (of Atul Mishra, relationship manager, Yes Bank's Raj Nagar District centre, Ghaziabad).

There can be more people associated along with these four in this scam and they could be unearthed in the coming days.

But Anubhav Mittal is the kingpin of this racket.

More arrests, likely...

100 per cent!

What more remains to be unearthed?

The rest of the amount remains to be unearthed.

Where have they spent or kept the rest of the amount; whether they have invested their wealth into real estate or any other place.

The team that cracked this case...

We were on this case since the last three weeks and 10 of my men worked diligently to crack this case.

When we arrested these three, they were non-cooperative with the investigators.

When we confronted them with the evidence that we had they started to speak.

We had half the evidence with us before we made the arrests and these three then gave us access to CPUs, hard disks, and other electronic and digital material from their offices.

We have asked for the custody of this evidence gathered by our team and Anubhav Mittal told us about their modus operandi.

We have analysed and understood half the data gathered from the evidence and we need some time to understand more from the evidence that we have.

Insights and data analysis...

There is a huge connivance of bank people; there are clear instances of flouting of bank norms; there is a clear flouting of various warnings that were generated in the (bank's) system and the bank people overlooked it; there is violation of Companies Act; violation of Money Circulation Scheme (Banning) Act, 1978; violation of Income Tax rules, service rules...

There could be accountants and auditors, too, involved criminally with these people.

We have deciphered and understood a lot of data we have gathered and we need to analyse a lot more for which we will need at least another month.

But it may take another six months to complete a thorough investigation of this scam.

The bank from which the money was recovered...

The Rs 524 crore was recovered from Anubhav Mittal's account in Yes Bank, NOIDA branch.

Anubhav Mittal's political connections?

There are no political connections of the four arrests we have made so far.
The Madras high court on Friday sought the Tamil Nadu governments response to allegations that All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MLAs were being illegally detained in a resort near Chennai and 20 of them were on a fast.

Referring to claims by the counsel for habeas corpus petitioners that the 20 MLAs were on a fast protesting their illegal detention, a division bench of justices C T Selvam and T Mathivanan said if true, it was a matter of serious concern, but added the court cannot act on mere submissions of counsel.

(Counsel) K Balu submits that 20 of the MLAs are refusing food and drink owing to their illegal confinement. If true, the matter is one of serious concern.

However, this court cannot act on the mere say of the counsel. Given the nature of the case, it would only be appropriate to afford the state an opportunity to inform its response, the bench said in its order and adjourned the matter to February 13 for further hearing.

The allegations were made by the counsel when the HCPs seeking to trace and set at liberty MLAs T Ramachandran and Geetha came up for hearing.

Petitioner M R Illavarasan submitted Ramachandran representing Kunnam constituency, was missing since attending a party meeting a few days ago. The MLA was not accessible by phone also, the petitioner, a voter of the constituency, said.

The other HCP was filed by cousin of Krishnarayapuram MLA M Geetha.

When the court sought to adjourn both the HCPs by two weeks, Balu said it could become too late.

He said contrary to the claim made by the Assistant Public Prosecutor before another bench on Thursday that the 130-odd AIADMK MLAs were in the MLAs' Hostel in Chennai and were free to move around, media reports suggested they had been accommodated at a resort near the city.

State Public Prosecutor Rajarathinam, representing the government, then admitted that its statement on Thursday of MLAs being in the MLAs' Hostel in Chennai was incorrect, which was recorded by the bench.

The additional public prosecutor had on Thursday made the submission before a bench of justices M Jaichandren and T Mathivanan following which it had declined an urgent hearing of the matter by petitioners Traffic Ramaswamy and Ilavarasan.

Ramaswamy had submitted that the 130-odd AIADMK MLAs, who elected party General Secretary V K Sasikala as the Legislature Party leader recently, were under illegal detention and sought an urgent hearing.

Citing the categorical submission by the APP, the bench had declined urgent hearing.

Rajarathinam on Friday said no MLA was in the hostel, adding he would require time to ascertain their whereabouts.

Balu said one of the MLAs, S P Shanmuganathan, had written to the state governor and the director general of police stating that he had escaped from confinement.

A complaint in this regard had been lodged with police, he claimed, adding at least 20 MLAs were on a fast protesting their confinement and their lives were under threat.

He wanted the bench to direct the Kancheepuram district superintendent of police to inspect the resort and submit an interim report to the court.
Amid continued uncertainty over the swearing-in of V K Sasikala, the feud in Tamil Nadu's ruling party escalated on Friday with the chief ministership aspirant sacking party presidium chairman E Madusudanan, who wrote to the Election Commission not to recognise her as All India Anna Dravida MUnnetra Kazhagam general secretary.

Sending a strong message to her detractors, Sasikala sacked Madusudanan from the primary membership of the party, a day after he switched over to the rebel camp led by caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, and appointed former minister K A Sengottaiyan in his place.

Sengottaiyan was relieved as the party's Organisation Secretary, a post to which he was appointed last week.

Sasikala urged the party workers not to have any truck with Madusudanan and said that they should extend their cooperation to Sengottaiyan.

Madusudanan, however, claimed he infact had sacked party interim general secretary V K Sasikala and continued to be the party's Presidium Chairman.

"Before that (his sacking), I expelled her (Sasikala) from the party," he told reporters tonight when asked about his removal from all party posts, including Presidium Chairman and primary membership, by Sasikala.

Flanked by a smiling Panneerselvam and other leaders, Madusudanan announced that an election will soon be held for the post of party general secretary, adding the chief will be elected by the party cadres.

"Very soon, election for the post of AIADMK general secretary will be held, the date will be announced soon," he said.

He said a "property protection committee" to protect the assets of former chief minister late J Jayalalithaa will be "announced soon at the general council."

In an indication that political situation was becoming more complicated, more AIADMK leaders from several regions, including former union minister E Ponnusamy, joined the ranks of Panneerselvam.

Giving a major boost to the rival camp, Madusudanan on Thursday extended his support to Panneerselvam, saying he wanted to "safeguard" the party.

"To protect the AIADMK, everybody should join hands with OPS (Panneerselvam)," he had said.

Sasikala had removed Panneerselvam from the treasurer post immediately after his revolt, but he has maintained that being a temporary general secretary, she does not have the powers to appoint or remove party functionaries. Insisting that he continues to be the treasurer, Panneerselvam has written to banks not to allow anybody else to operate the party accounts without his consent.

Sasikala had appointed another senior leader Dindigul C Srinivasan as the treasurer.

Hitting back at Sasikala, Madusudanan has written to the poll panel urging it to not to recognise her as AIADMK general secretary, saying she was not elected to the post as per party by-laws.

Madusudanan told reporters about the letter shortly before he was sacked from AIADMK by Sasikala for "acting against the party".

Asserting that only cadres can elect a general secretary as per party rules, Madusudanan said he had asked the EC not to recognise Sasikala as party chief.

Expelled AIADMK Rajya Sabha member Sasikala Pushpa has already petitioned the EC against the election of V K Sasikala, saying it was not done as per procedure and the EC has sought the party's response to it.

"As per party by-laws, the general secretary can be elected only by cadres. As per rules, there is no temporary General Secretary post," Madusudanan said.

A candidate for the general secretary's post should also have completed at least five years in the party.

"Since Sasikala re-joined the AIADMK only on March 31, 2012, she does not qualify to become general secretary. I have requested Election Commission not to accept her appointment," he said.

Meanwhile, a section of AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala have dismissed media reports and allegations by the Panneerselvam camp that they have been "detained" at a resort near Chennai, and asserted that they were "free".

V C Arukutty, MLA from Kavundampalayam in Coimbatore and a supporter of Panneerselvam, alleged that the MLAs had been "detained" and were "not reachable."

"The MLAs are not reachable. They have been detained. They are legislators elected by people, so release them. Let them go and meet people," he told reporters.

However, the MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala rejected the allegations.

"We are free. We are keenly awaiting Governor's invitation (to Sasikala to form government). We are not children to be detained or abducted as is being reported in a section of media," Perundurai MLA ND Venkadachalam said.

Responding to reports that most of the MLAs were not reachable on the phone, Venkadachalam said he had switched off his mobile phone to avoid taking "unnecessary calls," and speculations and "wrong news."

Gudiyatham MLA Jayanti Padmanabhan also said she has not been detained as was being claimed by Panneerselvam loyalists.

Former minister and senior party leader B Valarmathi insisted that the MLAs were free and alleged they were being "intimidated" by those close to Panneerselvam.

"The MLAs are free. They are being intimidated by Panneerselvam's relatives over phone and that is why they have switched off their mobile phones," she said.

Meanwhile, Srivaikundam MLA and former minister SP Shanmuganathan, a supporter of Panneerselvam, filed a police complaint here seeking to know the whereabouts of the legislators.

"There is no idea where the MLAs are," he said, adding that he has urged the police to find them.

As there was no word from Raj Bhavan about Sasikala's swearing-in even five days after she was elected AIADMK legislature party leader, party spokesperson Vaigaichelvan voiced confidence that she would take over the reins of the state soon.

"Chinnamma (Sasikala) had met the Governor on Thursday. Good news will come soon. She will become the chief minister," he asserted.

He also reiterated the party stand that the DMK was behind Panneerselvam's revolt.

Meanwhile, in an indication that the swearing-in might be further delayed, the venue of the ceremony today wore a desolate look even as the police security was withdrawn.

Soon after Sasikala was elected AIADMK legislature party leader, the University of Madras auditorium was spruced up on a war-footing for her swearing-in.

The heavy police bandobust which was visible for the last few days is no more there and the premises wore a quiet look.

Even the workers who were decking up the entry points are conspicuous by their absence.
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I have not been updating this blog for years, but Im keeping it around because it has many of my posts from a decade ago! For the moment, heres why you c...

1 year ago
On this edition of Radio Free Acton, were joined by Judge Joseph Scoville, former United States magistrate judge for the western district of Michigan, to review the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the United States Supreme Court. We examine the qualifications and judicial philosophy of Judge Gorsuch, and address the question of whether or not the left is correct to accuse Republicans of stealing the seat from President Obama. Additionally, we start the drumbeat of support for the nomination of Acton Director of Research Samuel Gregg for the next Supreme Court Vacancy.

You can listen to the podcast via the audio player below; weve also posted the video of Judge Scovilles excellent Acton Lecture Series address on the Growth of Leviathan for your edification.
HA NOI  Viet Nams leather and footwear industry expects to reach a total export value of US$18 billion this year, up 10 per cent from last year, said the Viet Nam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (Lefaso).

According to Lefasco, there are plenty of chances for expanding exports given that orders for footwear and bag processing may be diverted from factories in China that have cut back on incentives for investment in garment and footwear manufacturing to focus on high technology.

Another promising element is the Viet Nam-European Union free trade agreement, which will take effect in 2018 and afford Vietnamese footwear makers more opportunities to boost exports.

To achieve this years target, the leather and footwear sector needs to boost technological innovation, invest in new equipment and modernise existing equipment, expand the production scale of domestic enterprises to increase productivity as well as improve the quality of products, Lefasco said.

Lafesco reported that the sector raked in $16.2 billion from export last year, up 8.8 per cent from 2015. Of which, $13 billion came from footwear and the remaining was from handbags and leather items, marking respective annual increases of 8.2 per cent and 11.1 per cent.

According to Lefaso, leather and footwear exports last year faced many difficulties as orders from the EU market plummeted and the sectors export to ASEAN markets was also unstable.

Since January 1, 2016, the tax levied on footwear and leather handbags and items circulated within the ASEAN bloc have been reduced to 0 per cent, leading to stiffer competition from regional rivals.

Vietnamese enterprises also confronted obstacles due to the lack of capital and increasing input costs, which significantly affected the footwear sectors export. Footwear currently ranks fourth and suitcase-bag-briefcase ranks tenth among Viet Nams top 10 foreign currency earners.

The sectors manufacturing index in 2016 rose a modest 3.7 per cent year-on-year, much lower than the 17.4 per cent and 22 per cent growth in 2015 and 2014, respectively.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam was named the nation facing the second-highest level of cyber security risk in Asia Pacific markets by a Microsoft Asia report yesterday.

The Asian branch of the American computer giant released regional findings from the Security Intelligence Report (SIR), Volume 21, a twice-yearly report that provides unique insights into the threat landscape to help organisations learn about trend data in industry vulnerabilities, exploits, malware and web-based attacks.

The latest report identified Asia Pacific markets--especially emerging markets--as among those facing the highest risk of cyber security threats. Three out of the top five global spots for the rate of malware encounters in the region.

The new edition of the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report covers threat data from the first half of 2016, based on analysis of threat information from over a billion systems worldwide. Also included are longer-term trend data and detailed threat profiles for over 100 individual markets and regions.

Out of the top five locations across the globe most at risk of infection, two are located in Southeast Asia: Viet Nam and Indonesia. Both locations had a malware encounter rate of more than 45 per cent in the second quarter of 2016, which is more than double the worldwide average of over 21 per cent during the same period. Other top markets under malware threats include large developing markets and Southeast Asia countries  Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand and India  each with encounter rates of more than 30 per cent.

However, markets in the region with higher levels of IT maturity such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore have displayed malware encounter rates that are below the worldwide average, highlighting the diverse cyber security landscape in the Asia Pacific.

The report showed that the top most encountered malicious software families in Asia Pacific include gamarue, a worm which can give a malicious hacker control of your PC, steal information and change PC security settings; lodbak, a trojan that is usually installed on removable drives by Gamarue, and which attempts to install Gamarue when the infected removable drive is connected to a computer; and dynamer, a trojan which can steal personal information, download more malware or give hackers access to computers.  VNS
AK LAK  The Central Highlands province of ak Lak plans to increase the proportion of processed coffee such as instant coffee and powdered coffee from less than 10 per cent to 15 per cent in total coffee output by 2020 and up to 30 per cent by 2030.

Pham Ngoc Nghi, chairman of the provinces Peoples Committee, said the provinces policies were being adjusted to attract more domestic and foreign enterprises to invest in coffee processing.

He said that most locally based processing companies were private firms whose market access and product advertising capacity were modest.

ak Lak, which has the largest coffee area and output in Viet Nam, has more than 200,000ha and an annual coffee bean output of 450,000 tonnes.

However, the province only has 145 coffee processing facilities with a total capacity of 32,100 tonnes, accounting for 5.55 per cent of the provinces total coffee bean output.

To achieve the targets, the province has created a more favourable investment environment for both domestic and foreign enterprises, particularly those specialising in roasting and grinding.

The province has also helped coffee enterprises improve their corporate governance, promoted the use of advanced post-harvest and processing techniques and expanded market access for local companies.

Coffee farmers, producers and businesses are being encouraged to produce beans that can be certified by the coffee global certification programme (UTZ), the fair-trade labelling organisation (FLO), Rainforest Alliance (RFA) and 4C (Common Code for the Coffee Community).

The province, which has helped organisations, enterprises and co-operatives build brands, has offered assistance to companies to acquire rights to the geographical indication for processed coffee products.

Last year, ak Lak produced 28,000 tonnes of processed coffee, including 23,000 tonnes of powdered coffee and 5,000 tonnes of instant coffee.

It exported 4,520 tonnes of instant coffee worth nearly US$27 million, accounting for 7.5 per cent of the provinces coffee export revenue.

In the 2016-17 coffee season, ak Lak estimates it will export 230,000 tonnes of coffee to 75 countries and territories.

Export potential

Viet Nams processed coffee exports are predicted to increase in the coming years due to more investment from domestic and foreign enterprises, according to experts.

Many coffee companies, including Trung Nguyen, Me Trang and Vinacafe, for instance, are expanding the scale of their production.

In addition, Viet Nams free trade agreements with the EU, Europe-Asian Economic Union and Korea will create opportunities to boost Viet Nams processed coffee exports.

Under free trade agreements, exports of Viet Nams processed coffee are taxed at only 0-5 per cent compared to 15-20 per cent in the past.

The countrys coffee industry is raising the value of coffee beans by speeding up the processing of powdered and instant coffee and other products.

Processed coffee products from Viet Nam are sold in many international markets.

The G7 instant coffee of Trung Nguyen, for example, has passed the requirements of Walmart Stores, Inc and is now sold at Walmart stores in many countries such as Chile, Brazil, Mexico and China.

Luong Van Tu, chairman of the Viet Nam Coffee and Cocoa Association, said China is one of the most important markets for Viet Nams processed coffee.

Coffee consumption in China is rising rapidly, particularly among younger consumers exposed to Western coffee drinking habits, he said.

Viet Nam targets producing about 50,000 tonnes of powdered coffee and 255,000 tonnes of instant coffee by 2020, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments Department of Processing and Trade for Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Production and Salt Production.

Last year, Viet Nam exported 1.79 million tonnes of coffee products with total value of $3.36 billion, up 33.6 percent in volume and 25.6 per cent in value compared to 2015.

Of the total exports, processed coffee accounted for $350 million.  VNS
HA NOI  The 15th Viet Nam Poetry Day will open on February 11 at the Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) in Ha Noi attracting hundreds of poets.

The event, like always, will be held during the Nguyen Tieu Festival falling on the 15th day of the first lunar month of the year to honour traditional hobby to compose extempore poems during the first days of the year. This year the festival will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Viet Nam Writers Association.

"The highlight of the festival will be presentations by poets from different generations of the two war resistance periods," Nguyen Quang Thieu, the associations deputy-chairman, said.

The poets from the war time include Tran inh Ho, Anh Ngoc and Hoang Nhuan Cam, while the post-war poets are Y Phuong, Tran Quang Quy and Nguyen Quang Thieu. The poets will also talk and exchange experiences with younger poets and festival goers. The event will be held at the Van Mieu court.

It is the first time for young poets such as ao Quoc Minh, Lu Thi Mai and Nguyen Quang Hung who won a poetry award at a contest held annually by Van Nghe Quan oi (Army Literature and Art) magazine  among the most prestigious literary contests in Viet Nam.

The poets will also recite poems on stage at the Thai Hoc court. Artist Le Thiet Cuong and his team will decorate the court with pottery products which feature selected poetry lyrics. The stage on court will witness stirring performances of popular poems that are put to music. Two veteran writers Chu Lai and Le Minh Khue will appear for the first time at the court to introduce their Viet Nam Writers Association 2016 award-winning works.

This year will also see for the first time the "Path of Poet," which introduces the portrait and notable works of major poets of Viet Nam. An exhibition will be organised as part of activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the Viet Nam WritersAssociation. It will showcase documents, photos and items highlighting achievements of the association until now.

As scheduled, hundreds of poets from the four northern provinces of Quang Ninh, Vinh Phuc, Ninh Binh; and Bac Ninh will attend the festival. A space will be also set up for children at the festival.

Meanwhile, other localities are getting inspired to organise a similar poet day at historical sites or travel destinations.  VNS
NAM INH  The 110th birth anniversary of the late Party General Secretary Truong Chinh was marked at a ceremony in the northern province of Nam inh on Thursday.

Prominent among guests at the event were Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Tran ai Quang, President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan and Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat inh The Huynh.

Secretary of the Nam inh provincial Party Committee oan Hong Phong delivered a speech highlighting the revolutionary career of the late Party leader, who is known as the Party General Secretary of oi Moi (Renewal).

Truong Chinh, real name ang Xuan Khu, was born on February 9, 1907 in Hanh Thien Village, Xuan Hong Commune of Nam inh Provinces Xuan Truong District. When he was 18, Truong Chinh participated in a movement campaigning for the release of patriotic scholar Phan Boi Chau from French prison, marking the first step in his revolutionary career.

In 1927, Truong Chinh joined the Viet Nam Revolutionary Youth League, the predecessor of the Indochina Communist Party. He was one of those who campaigned for the establishment of the Indochina Communist Party in North Viet Nam in 1929.

Truong Chinh served as Party General Secretary three times and as a Politburo member for more than 20 years.

It was him who realised the need for and initiated the oi Moi (Renewal) process.

The late Party leader is also known as an outstanding political theorist, journalist, cultural researcher and poet, with many works on Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, as well as the Partys view on cultural issues, which laid the theoretical foundation for the building of a new Vietnamese culture.

Nam inh is proud to be the homeland of Truong Chinh, who is a steadfast communist, a brilliant student of President Ho Chi Minh and an outstanding leader of the Communist Party and the revolution of Viet Nam, said oan Hong Phong.  VNS
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin meets with Viet Nams Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh (L) in Jerusalem on Tuesday.  VNA/VNS Photo Viet Thang-inh Vien

TEL AVIV  Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and top Israeli government figures met this week with Viet Nams Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh, affirming their countrys support of defence ties with Viet Nam.

Both sides agreed that increasingly effective defence co-operation will help deepen their relations, meeting their peoples interests and actively contributing to efforts towards peace, stability, co-operation and development.

At the meeting in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Rivlin described the delegations visit to Israel as a demonstration of the growing co-operation, including in defence, between the two countries. He expressed his admiration for Viet Nam and its late President Ho Chi Minh, as well as for the countrys achievements.

Reflecting its policy of multilateralising and diversifying foreign relations, Viet Nam attaches importance to bolstering friendship and co-operation with Middle Eastern nations, including Israel, said Lieutenent General Vinh. He also informed his host about the defence links, thanking Israeli leaders in general and Rivlin in particular for providing favourable conditions for the two defence ministries fruitful co-operation.

He expressed hope for the Presidents continued support for building up a reliable partnership. Rivlin is scheduled to visit Viet Nam in March.

Deputy Minister Vinh also had talks with the Director General of the Israeli Defence Ministry, Udi Adam. They exchanged views on international and regional issues of shared concern while voicing their delight at the expansion of bilateral friendship and co-operation in various spheres, including defence.

On the basis of the sound relationship, Viet Nam wants to discuss measures for enhancing defence connections in conformity with the memorandum of understanding on bilateral defence relations inked in 2015, Vinh noted.

For his part, Adam described the Vietnamese officials visit as important to defence co-operation activities in 2017. He spoke highly of the Southeast Asian nations role and stature in the region, adding that Israel wants to join Viet Nam in building a trustworthy, effective and sustainable partnership.

Concluding the talks, the two sides signed minutes of the Vietnamese delegations visit and another on building a consultation mechanism for the two ministries working groups.

During the trip, Vietnamese officials had meetings with Israels Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Acting National Security Advisor Jacob Nagel. They also visited some units and businesses in the local defence industry.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has proposed that the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Republic of Koreas Yonhap News Agency continue strengthening their multi-dimensional co-operation and make more contributions to promoting the strategic partnership between the two countries.

He made the remarks at a reception for Park No-hwang, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yonhap, in Ha Noi yesterday.

The Prime Minister hailed the expansion of the bilateral collaboration between the two media outlets, saying it had helped increase mutual understanding between the two peoples.

As a partner of VNA, a leading news agency in Viet Nam, Yonhap is expected to boost information on the culture, land, people and business environment in the Southeast Asian country, the PM said.

He asked the two sides to focus on news about increasing the competitive edge and improving the investment climate in Viet Nam so as to attract more RoK investors, which is targeted to reach US$100 billion in the future.

Park No-hwang said his visit to Viet Nam aims to tighten co-operative ties with VNA and contribute to the enhancement of Viet Nam-RoK relations.

He also briefed the PM about the positive outcome of his talks with VNA General Director Nguyen uc Loi, noting that the two sides signed a new agreement on professional co-operation, which will make it easier to provide accurate information on political issues, business environment and the Vietnamese and Korean land and people.

PM Phuc said a large number of Vietnamese and Korean citizens are living in each others countries. Korean culture is strongly developing in Viet Nam and the RoK is currently the second biggest foreign investor in the Southeast Asian nation.

He noted that 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of Viet NamRoK diplomatic relations.

VNA, Yonhap step up co-operation

The VNA and Yonhap News Agency will enhance the exchange of multimedia news in line with the development trend of the media in the digital era. This was agreed during the talks between VNA General Director Loi and Yonhap President Park No-hwang yesterday.

They also agreed to improve the quality of exchanged photos and help to promote their reporters and editors Vietnamese and Korean language skills.

VNA General Director Loi noted that both VNA and Yonhap have implemented co-operation agreements, which involved the exchange of news and delegations, assistance to correspondents, and mutual support at multilateral press co-operation forums. He said news provided by Yonhap was an important source of information about the RoK and the Korean Peninsula.

The Yonhap President, for his part, asked VNA to support the PyeongChang News Service Network (PNN), which is designed by Yonhap to serve the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics hosted by the RoK.

The news agencies set up the co-operation relationship in 1994, which was also the year VNA opened a bureau in Seoul. Yonhap sent correspondents to Ha Noi in 2000.  VNS
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Hai Binh

HA NOI  The first APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1) of 2017, scheduled for February 18 to March 3, holds significant meaning in reasserting the organisations determination to boost co-operation for growth in the Asian-Pacific region.

The comment was made on Thursday by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Hai Binh at a regular press conference in Ha Noi to report on Viet Nams external activities. He said the APEC meeting will take place in the south central coastal city of Nha Trang. Close to 1,500 delegates from the member economies, international organisations, and businesses are expected to attend.

Nearly 60 relevant meetings, dialogues and workshops will be held as part of SOM 1, focusing on the theme of APEC Year 2017, Creating New Dynamism, Fostering A Shared Future, he added. Participants will put forth incentives to implement APEC priorities in 2017, the spokesperson said.

The APEC Finance Deputies Meeting and Central Bank Deputies Meeting will also be held in Nha Trang from February 23-24, he said.

Regarding reporters queries about Viet Nams reaction to a Chinese bank setting up a branch in the "so-called" Sansa City, Binh said that the Chinese bank branch on Phu Lam Island in Viet Nams Hoang Sa archipelago was illegal.

We have repeatedly affirmed that Viet Nam has indisputable sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes. Therefore, every activity carried out by foreign countries in this area, if there is, without Viet Nams permission is illegal and does not change the fact that Viet Nam has full sovereignty over the area, Binh said.

In response to queries relating to the Government decree granting e-visas to foreigners, he said copies of the decree in different languages will be sent to embassies and international agencies in Ha Noi in order to boost tourism and international exchanges between Vietnamese people and international friends.  VNS
 E.U.-Supported Palestinian University Calls to Blow Up Jews | Main | In Haaretz in English, Petah Tikvah Attack Is Only 'Suspected' 

February 10, 2017

Igor Sadikovs Insincere Apology at McGill

Igor Sadikov, a student at McGill University in Montreal, Canada has revealed the underlying hostility toward Israel and Jews motivating the BDS campaign on college campuses.

Sadikov, a BDS activist and a member of the Legislative Council and Board of Directors of the Students Society of McGill University, did this by calling on his Twitter followers to punch a Zionist.? Sadikov apologized? for his call to violence in the face of criticism from BNai Brith in Canada.

In his apology,? Sadikov expresses regret for harming his fellow students and adds that as a Jew, he wants to be disentangle? Jewishness from Zionism. Sadikov has since deleted the threatening Tweet and his Twitter account.

His Facebook account currently includes the text of his apology, the replies to which indicate that a fair number of his supporters support violence against Zionists. Oliver Melancon, for example, offers to punch a Zionist on Sadikovs behalf. And sadly enough, Sadikov liked? this comment, indicating that his apology is insincere. Apparently, he still thinks its OK to punch Zionists.

By the way, international students can expect to pay between $19,000 and $44,000 CDN for one year of attendance at McGill University.

Posted by dvz at February 10, 2017 03:28 PM

It gets much worse at McGill Posted by a student there I have never felt so targeted, disgusted, or disappointed in my life. Last night, at a Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU) Legislative Council meeting, the same representative who tweeted punch a Zionist? said, and I quote, that it is contested that Jews are an ethno-religious group.? In the same train of thought, he stated that there is no evidence that Jews are indigenous to the Levant. Various members of the McGill community snapped and cheered loudly upon hearing this statement. When the rest of SSMU Council (all 37 members) was called upon to condemn this anti-Semitic conspiracy theory, they fell silent. In the same meeting, I asked how SSMU and the Arts Undergraduate Society of McGill University would protect my safety as someone who identifies as Zionist. Again, I was met with silence, until the representative who initially advocated the punch said that while he regretted the way that he phrased his call for violence, he stood behind the sentiment. He then said that the violence that he was encountering after posting his thoughts on a public social media account was worse than any violence that I, as a Zionist, or my Zionist peers, would encounter or have encountered. Once again, all 37 elected members of SSMU council were completely silent. Their silence spoke volumes about how little they care about Jewish and Zionist students. SSMU President Ben van der Ger refused to condemn the call to violence that one of his board members posted on social media, even in a crowded room. By not condemning this violence, he was condoning it, and the collective silence of the rest of the SSMU Executive made it explicitly clear that they agreed. Ben put every single McGill student in danger last night by supporting violence against a group. While I have been careful thus far to characterize the initial tweet as incitement of political? violence, last nights meeting made evidently clear to me that it was, in fact, advocating violence against Jews. If this wasnt enough, a prominent member of the BDS Action Network asked SSMU Council how they could allow a Zionist to sit on council given SSMUs social justice mandate. Yet again, the council was completely silent, and the one representative brave enough to admit to holding Zionist beliefs was left to advocate for herself. No one should ever be told they cannot hold public office when their personal ideologies objectively do not interfere with their work, and especially not when the ideology in question stems from religious belief. If the Zionist student representative had been anything other than Jewish, the proposition would have been denounced as hate speech within seconds. It is absolutely sickening that the rest of SSMU Council did not defend Jasmine's right to sit on this elected body. I really and truly thought that McGill had seen the worst of its anti-Semitic ugliness. After the McGill Daily banned Zionist contributors, the radio silence on campus made me think that perhaps the worst was over. However, seeing members of the McGill community, including the PRESIDENT OF SSMU AND SEVERAL SSMU EXECS advocate for an individual who literally called for physical violence to be inflicted upon those who identify as Zionist made it very clear to me that this is not over. I love McGill. I love my classes and my teachers and my friends and my co-curricular involvement. I love the community that I have found here. I was happy to see the AUS call for the resignation of Igor Sadikov, and happy to see the administration condemn his tweet and assure the community that appropriate action is being taken to remedy the situation. However, I have never felt more scared or unsafe in my entire life. As good as all of those steps are, knowing that students who hold power  a vast amount of power  advocate violence against Zionists and Jews is absolutely terrifying. At the end of the day, if one of my peers takes violent action against me or any other student because of their political or religious orientation, we will know that the SSMU Legislative Council, including the SSMU executives, condoned it. Our student government completely failed ALL OF US last night, and I can honestly say that McGill is a more unsafe place today than it was yesterday because of this.



Posted by: Ron Temis at February 12, 2017 12:57 PM

More about Igor, yet he always plays the victim. Hi everyone, It has recently been brought to my attention that, between the years of 2009 and 2012, before I entered university, I published several highly objectionable tweets of a violent and discriminatory nature on my Twitter account. These tweets are currently being used to blackmail me, and so I want to address the situation honestly and openly. These tweets contained violent slurs and discriminatory remarks targeting racialized people, women, queer people, people with disabilities, and people with mental illness. One tweet in particular was an intentionally outrageous hateful comment toward Black people, and contained a racial slur and a reference to a hate group. While it did not accurately reflect my attitudes toward Black people at the time of its publication, this tweet was an act of violence and has caused significant harm to Black people regardless of my intent. I deeply regret the publication of these tweets and I take responsibility for the harm that they caused. My careless use of slurs and discriminatory statements reflected the biases that I held at the time, but cannot be excused by ignorance. I should have been aware of the harmful effects of my statements, and I should not have published these tweets. I sincerely apologize for having done so. Since 2012, I have developed my understanding of social justice through anti-oppression training, work experience, coursework, volunteering, activism, and independent learning. I stand firmly opposed to racism, sexism, heterosexism, and ableism, and my past behaviour is not reflective of the values that I now hold. Seeing those tweets again has reminded me that anti-oppression work is a process of continuous learning  a process that I look forward to continuing with the necessary humility. Although I have now deleted the tweets in question, I recognize that the harm that they caused, both at the time of their publication and throughout the period during which they were available on my Twitter profile, is ongoing. Furthermore, as a student representative and as a member of activist groups on campus, I expect to be held to a high standard on equity-related matters. As such, I am offering to work with anyone who is or has been affected by my behaviour to repair and be accountable for the harm that I caused. I remain available for further discussion of this issue. Thank you all for reading. In solidarity,

Igor

Posted by: Ron Temis at February 12, 2017 12:59 PM

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HCM CITY A new species of Shiitake mushroom called Lentinula platinedodes has been found in Cat Tien National Park in ong Nai and Lam ong provinces.

Associate professor Le Xuan Tham, a researcher specialising in fungi, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday that his research group had identified the new species as the second Shiitake species in Viet Nam and the eighth Shiitake species globally.

Before the new species was found, Lentinula edodes was identified as a Shiitake species native to Viet Nam, according to Tham.

The research group worked with experts from the University of Toronto to analyse the spores of the Shiitake mushrooms at the a Lat Nuclear Research Institute before their findings were published in international science magazines.  VNS
HCM CITY  Authorities in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of ong Thap will continue to closely monitor the illegal breeding of crawfish, which has caused serious damage to crops in the area.

Considered an exotic invasive species in Viet Nam, crawfish are banned from import by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments Aquaculture General Office.

Authorities learned about the crawfish breeding after local residents reported seeing them in a pond on a farmers field in Tan Hoi Trung Commune in Cao Lanh District.

A local company had rented land from the farmer to cultivate lotus plants in ponds, according to local authorities.

Nguyen Tan Xieu, head of the main office of the provinces Peoples Committee, said the provincial Aquaculture Division and other agencies had destroyed around 107 crawfish in the pond and sprayed pesticides in an attempt to wipe out all the crawfish in the area.

However, some of the crawfish could still be living in the bottom of ponds, he said.

Most crawfish in Viet Nam are imported illegally from China, according to the Phap Luat TPHCM (HCM City Law) newspaper.

Last year, Tran Van Hoa, director of Sen Hoang Giang Ltd Co, rented 2,500sq.m of land from farmer inh Van Ut in Tan Hoi Trung Commune to cultivate lotus plants.

The company hired Ut in April last year to cultivate lotus after receiving training from Chinese workers employed by Hoas company.

The imported lotus plants, which are different from local lotus flowers in that they do not flower, were cultivated for their rootstocks only.

Hoas company rented the land for three years to plant lotus to use the rootstocks for export, according to the provinces Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The land lot, located on Uts 22-ha rice field, was being rented for VN3.5 million (US$154) per 1,000sq.m per year, according to the department.

The department allowed the company to plant lotus on 3,000sq.m on a trial basis in a more isolated area used for lotus cultivation.

The provinces Aquaculture Division inspected the site twice and confirmed that crawfish were being raised by Hoa.

Hoa told local authorities that he had been raising four kilos of crawfish (about 120 crawfish) in a 500-sq.m pond on the rented land lot.

He said that he did not know that it was considered a harmful species in Viet Nam, and that he had received the crawfish from a friend of his, whose name he did not reveal, according to local authorities.

Ut, who had been hired by Hoa, said all of the lotus plants had been destroyed by the crawfish.

Pham Minh Chi, deputy manager in charge of legal issues of the provinces Aquaculture Division, said This is considered an invasive, exotic species in Viet Nam which can cause damage to crops, so the division has worked with Hoa to destroy them all.

We have also asked him to spray pesticide to kill all the crawfish in the pond so there would be no risk of spread to other locations, he added.

Nguyen Thanh Tai, deputy director of the provinces Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said on February 5 that the departments inspection team visited the site and noticed that Hoa and his Chinese employees were not present at the time.

He said all of the cultivated lotus had died and the crawfish had been destroyed by the Aquaculture Division.

Nguyen Van Duong, chairman of the provinces Peoples Committee, said local agencies would monitor the situation and continue to destroy any remaining crawfish.

Crawfish, also known as crayfish, crawdads, freshwater lobsters, mountain lobsters, mudbugs or yabbies, are freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters, to which they are related.

They breathe through feather-like gills. Some species are found in brooks and streams where there is running fresh water, while others thrive in swamps, ditches and rice paddies.

Most crawfish cannot tolerate polluted water. They feed on living and dead animals and plants.

The species, common in Louisiana in the US, is often called Louisiana crayfish.  VNS
HCM CITY  A telemedicine system connecting Preah Ket Mealea Hospital (Royal Cambodian Armed Forces General Hospital) with Viet Nams 175 Military Hospital was launched on Wednesday to assist Cambodian doctors in diagnosis and treatment.

Ultrasound and CAT scan images of patients with bladder stones and pleurisy tumours treated at the Preah Ket Mealea Hospital were broadcast live on Wednesday to 175 Military Hospital doctors.

Vietnamese doctors can also view operations at the Preah Ket Mealea Hospital and assist doctors in the surgery room.

The Viet Nam Ministry of Defence helps fund and provide technical assistance to the telemedicine system.

Major General Nguyen Hong Son, head of the 175 Military Hospital, said that doctors in Viet Nam can assist with diagnosis and treatment of patients with serious conditions at Preah Ket Mealea Hospital.

The 175 Military Hospital is ready to help Preah Ket Mealea Hospital to improve quality in health examinations and treatment. The system has helped our co-operation become even closer, Son said.

Major General o Nang Tinh, deputy head of the General Department of Logistics under the Viet Nam Ministry of Defence, said the establishment of the telemedicine system at the Preah Ket Mealea Hospital had improved emergency aid and treatment of patients as well as relations between the two countries.

In Viet Nam, the 175 Military Hospital, one of the leading hospitals providing technical assistance via telemedicine, has helped save dozens of patients living on the countrys islands.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam plans to invest in its transport infrastructure comprehensively while linking development strategies among sectors in order to develop a multi-modal transport environment, making the country the gateway connecting Southeast Asia to the Indian Ocean.

This was the target of a master plan on developing infrastructure and linking national infrastructure with other regional networks from now until 2020. The master plan was approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Tuesday.

According to the plan, Viet Nam will give priority to construction work which ensures the connection between national modes of transport, major economic centres, key transport hubs and traffic infrastructure networks in the region.

Specifically, the country will focus on building expressways, including the Ho Chi Minh Expressway, and upgrading and connecting national highways of the northern and southwest belt roads and sea routes linking Vietnamese ports with neighboring countries such as Lao, Thailand and Cambodia. Around 2,000 kilometres of highways will be completed and put into use by 2020.

The country aims to complete construction projects to connect the route from northern Cao Bang Provinces Pac Bo District to southernmost Ca Mau Provinces at Mui District with a two-lane road.

In terms of its sea route network, Viet Nam will focus on construction work that connects seaports with national transportation networks and logistics hubs in the region. Dry ports and other infrastructure that supports the development of logistics services will also be given priority.

Development of waterway systems is also important. Viet Nam has set a goal to complete the national technical regulations on domestic waterways. Water routes connecting the Mekong Delta region with HCM City and other routes of Tien, Hau, Hong and Thai Binh rivers will be upgraded.

The country will continue upgrading and modernising three international airports, including HCM Citys Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ha Nois Noi Bai Airport, and a Nang Airport. Other facilities will also be built at other airports to help achieve total designed capacity of airports of between 110-120 millions of passengers and 1.5-2.5 millions of cargo by 2020.

E-Government developed

Over the coming years, the Government plans to enhance the development of e-Government to improve the quality and effective operation of State agencies.

It will accelerate the application of information technology in management and operation of the socio-economic infrastructure system. Databases on population, land fund, finance, and insurance will create a foundation for e-government development.

The nation will build favourable policies for information technology and communication infrastructure, in line with trends in the region and the world. Enterprises in software development will receive support to create competitive products.

Concentrated information technology zones will be built in Ha Noi, a Nang and HCM City.

In the near future, the Government will complete mechanisms for concentrated information technology zones and build network links between these zones and universities, research institutes, businesses and governmental agencies.  VNS
CA MAU  Huynh Quoc Toan, a resident from Phu Tan Commune in Ca Mau Provinces Phu Tan District, said he no longer worried about his house being ruined by natural disasters.

Toan was among 23 households that received State support to build new houses in the region before Tet (Lunar New Year).

Since relocating in December last year, my family now feels secure, he said cheerfully.

Huynh Van Toi, another resident, said like other locals whose lives are based around the sea, he often dreamed of having a house that was resilient against strong storms.

We have never been afraid of dangers posed by the sea, but always worry that our houses would collapse after being hit with strong waves and wind, Toi told Nhan Dan (People) newspaper, adding that he could stay offshore for months after his new house was completed.

Nguyen Van No, deputy head of Phu Tan Communes My Binh Village, said 130 households in his village have been relocated to safer areas. Of these, 93 households were engaged in seafood exploitation and one had houses near sea dykes or the western coastal protective forest, he said.

Being one of the localities most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, the southernmost province of Ca Mau has taken measures to minimise the damage.

According to a climate change scenario, if the sea level rises by 25cm, about 85.4 per cent (or 4,700sq.m) of the total natural area of Ca Mau Province will be inundated, and about 200,000 households will be displaced by 2040.

As local residents live on seafood exploitation, any rise in sea levels will affect their property, particularly over 13,000 households who live in coastal areas and areas vulnerable to climate change.

To meet the demand for urgent evacuation of households in high risk areas, Ca Mau Provincial Peoples Committee has approved the master plan on population arrangement in the province.

Accordingly, 8,731 households would be subject to evacuation in the 200615 period.

However, insufficient funding and land shortages have caused delays in the implementation of the project, said Pham Thanh Hai, an official from Ca Mau Provinces Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

More than 1,000 households have been relocated so far, he said.

The province needs about VN1.4 trillion (US$61.7 million) to evacuate 4,800 households who live in high risk areas in 2016-2020, with a view to 2025, Hai said.

The province has set a target of reducing the number of poor households from 2 per cent to 1.5 per cent per year and increase access to clean water and electricity to 80 per cent and 95 per cent, respectively.

To promote the projects effectiveness, the provincial agencies have strengthened dissemination to improve peoples awareness on environmental protection.

In addition to evacuation, the local authority is also committed to upgrading the sea dyke system, restoring protective forests, as well as setting up projects to create sustainable livelihoods for local residents with an aim to mitigate the impact of climate change.  VNS
President Tran ai Quang (R) recieves Uzbekistans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources Mirzaev Zoyir in Ha Noi on Thursday.  VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sang

HA NOI  President Tran ai Quang urged Viet Nam and Uzbekistan to fully tap their co-operation potential in various fields while receiving Uzbekistans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources Mirzaev Zoyir in Ha Noi on Thursday.

He suggested the two sides work out measures to boost two-way trade, which stood at US$37.42 million in 2016, via the intergovernmental committee on economic-trade and science-technology co-operation.

The President also recommended stepping up affiliation in specific realms such as garment-textile, footwear, cotton and fiber production, farm produce, seafood, plant varieties, animal breeding, and oil and gas.

Apart from increasing high-level delegation exchanges for better mutual understanding and trust, Viet Nam and Uzbekistan should expand co-operation in culture, tourism, and education-training, he said.

He took this occasion to thank Uzbekistan for actively supporting Viet Nams bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council in the 2014-2016 tenure and the World Heritage Committee in the 2013-2017 tenure. He called on Uzbekistan to continue supporting and co-ordinating with Viet Nam at multilateral forums in the region and the world at large.

For his part, Deputy PM Mirzaev Zoyir said the ongoing visit of the Uzbekistani delegation is intended to study Viet Nams experience in socio-economic development. Uzbekistan wants to enhance co-operation with Viet Nam in politics, economics, trade and investment, specifically in cultivation, processing and exporting farm produce, footwear, and apparel products, he added.

The country is also keen to further bilateral co-operation in personnel training and sharing know-how in the sustainable and effective use of water resources, he said.

The guest handed a letter from Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to President Quang, expressing his wish to propel the two nations friendship and co-operation forward, and inviting President Quang to pay a State-level visit to Uzbekistan.  VNS
KHANH HOA  Severe erosion at the riverbank is putting the lives of hundred households in Nha Trang City at risk while local authorities lack money to comprehensively tackle the problem.

The most serious case is the riverbank along Cai River in four communes in Nha Trang City, a well-known resort city in south-central Viet Nam.

According to estimates by the Khanh Hoa provincial authority, the erosion has affected 150 houses in which 600 people reside in Vinh Thanh Commune and more than 250 houses inhabited by 1,000 people in Vinh Trung, Vinh Phuong and Vinh Ngoc Communes.

Years ago, people living in these areas planted bamboo trees to protect the riverbank. However, rows of trees have fallen and been swept away by the water due to landslides and erosion.

The house of Vo Thi Cuc, 62, a resident of Vinh Phuong Commune, used to be 20m away from the riverbank, but now the distance has reduced to 10m.

Cuc told Vietnam News Agency that whenever the water level rises, part of the riverbank is submerged, resulting in the bamboo trees collapsing en mass.

We are very worried, but we dont know where to relocate because of financial difficulties, Cuc said.

Phan Tran Nghi, vice chairman of Vinh Ngoc Communes Peoples Committee, said landslides and erosion had encroached upon some 20m of land, forcing some households to move to other places.

At some areas where breakwaters were built, such as at the foot of Vinh Phuong Bridge and in Vinh Ngoc Commune, erosion still occurred and had damaged the breakwaters.

Meanwhile, Khanh Hoa Province is continuing to build breakwaters at spots where serious erosion and landslides occur. However, the province is facing financial difficulties to execute this work and to repair the damaged breakwaters.

The province has asked the central government for financial support of VN150 billion (US$6.7 million) to build more breakwaters along the river.

A representative of Khanh Hoa Irrigation Branch said building a system of breakwaters is an urgent requirement to protect peoples safety. However, measures should also be taken to stop sand dredging in the river, which has been taking place for many years and was a reason for the landslides and erosion, he added.  VNS
HAI PHONG  An electric bus using renewable solar energy will be run on trial basis this year on two main roads of Cat Ba Island in the northern Hai Phong City.

The free bus service will do four trips a day to serve the needs of tourists.

In 2018, an additional 10 buses will be run on trial. The number will rise to 30 by 2020. During the trial period, the service will be free.

The electric bus project (EV bus project) on Cat Ba Island is one of the 15 green development projects that Hai Phong City is executing with Kitakyshu City of Japan.

The advantage of running electric buses is that they dont burn petrol and they dont have toxic emissions, Kengo Ishida, executive director, Kitakyushu Asian Centre for Low Carbon Society, Environment Bureau of Kitakyshu City, said.

The buses use renewable solar energy to generate power so they dont discharge carbon dioxide either. The bus battery can be charged even with domestic energy as a standby in case of cloudy skies, he said.

Once it is fully charged, a bus carrying 50 passengers can run non-stop on a 160-km-long journey. Its battery can be replaced in the middle of the trip.

Le Thanh Son, deputy chairman of Hai Phong Citys Peoples Committee, said the city authorities will create favourable conditions so that relevant units can implement the projects quickly. If the electric bus model is effective and relevant, more buses will be added and they will run all through the city.

The city has proposed to the transport ministry to waive the road maintenance fees for buses during the trial run.

The EV bus is the first solar energy-operated public transport project to be implemented in the country. Hai Phong City is one of the first localities that is trying to conserve resources and using renewable energy to boost economic growth. It aims to become a green port city by 2020.  VNS
HCM CITY  Six people belonging to two drug gangs have been arrested for trafficking 14kg of methamphetamine from China to the southern region, the HCM City police said on Thursday.

After a month of investigations, the central Department of Drug Criminal Investigation zeroed in on Giap Van ao, 42, of the northern province of Bac Giang.

Together with the city police they caught him red-handed on January 19 while transporting 2.2kg of meth to HCM City. The police seized another 2.8kg from his house in Di An town in the southern province of Binh Duong.

On the same day officers arrested Le Trong Manh, 55, and his wife Nguyen Thi Xuyen, 28, also of Bac Giang while they were delivering four kilogrammes of meth to a customer in front of a supermarket in the citys Go Vap District.

On questioning, the couple said they were paid VN20 million (US$885) a time by ao to carry drugs.

He regularly hired them as mules to transport to the south drugs he bought at Lang Son Provinces Tan Thanh border gate.

Expanding their investigation led the police to Vien Ngoc Dung, 33, of Go Vap District, who had been a loyal ao customer.

They suspected he was buying from Hoang Phu Huynh, 27, of Hai Phong after aos arrest. On February 7 they caught Huynh red-handed while delivering five kilogrammes of meth to Dung in District 10.

Vu Thi Thu Ha, 46, of Hai Phong, who had supplied the drugs to Huynh, was arrested soon afterwards.  VNS
HCM CITY  HCM Citys Transport Department has built barriers on pavements along some streets in the city centre to prevent motorists from encroaching upon them.

Nguyen Van Dung, deputy director of the departments Urban Transport Management Board No 1, told Phap luat Thanh pho HCM (HCM City Law) newspaper the barriers were built on pavements along streets, including Pasteur, Ly Tu Trong and Nguyen Binh Khiem.

He said despite the ban on driving motorbikes and cars on the pavement, some drivers were violating the regulation, particularly when the streets were overcrowded and traffic jams occurred.

The violations threaten the safety of pedestrians and damage pavements, he said.

Dung said the barriers were high enough to prevent motorbikes from encroaching upon the pavement, but would not trouble pedestrians much.

Vo Quoc Hung, vice chairman of Ben Nghe Ward Peoples Committee in District 1, said the stretch of Nguyen Binh Khiem Street passing by the Nguyen Binh Khiem Primary School was usually overcrowded during peak hours and motorbike riders usually rode on the pavement.

The local committee arranged staff to detect and warn those flouting the rules, but the drivers continued to ignore them, he said.

Hung said ever since barriers were set up on the pavement in the area, the violations had reduced sharply, with residents welcoming the move.

Governments Decision 46/2016/N-CP, effective from last August, imposed a fine of VN300,000-VN 400,000 (US$13 -17) on motorbike drivers who drive on the pavement and a fine of up to VN1.2 million ($53) for car drivers.  VNS
LOS ANGELES  A US court on Thursday slapped down Donald Trumps effort to bar refugees and nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from US soil, dealing the new president and his controversial law-and-order agenda a major defeat.

The ruling from the federal appeals court in San Francisco on Trumps executive order, issued on January 27 with no prior warning and suspended a week later, capped a turbulent first three weeks of the Republicans presidency.

"We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury," the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously.

Trumps decree summarily denied entry to all refugees for 120 days, and travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.

Refugees from Syria were blocked indefinitely.

The Republican leader was quick to react to the courts decision, tweeting within minutes of its publication: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

Trumps administration argued the ban was needed to keep out Islamic State and Al-Qaeda fighters migrating from Middle East hotspots, but it sparked travel chaos and was met with condemnation by immigration advocacy groups.

Critics say the measure targeted Muslims in violation of US law.

The court in San Francisco said aspects of the public interest favored both sides, highlighting the "massive attention" the case had drawn.

"On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies," the ruling said.

"And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination."

While acknowledging that the Seattle judges ruling "may have been overbroad in some respects," the three appellate judges said it was not their "role to try, in effect, to rewrite the executive order."

"The government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the US," the court added.

Tremendous toll

Civil rights campaigners politicians and officials -- including the National Iranian American Council, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, whose administration initially applied for the measure to be blocked, and CaliforniaAttorney General Xavier Becerra -- applauded the decision, vowing to fight on until the executive order was permanently dismantled.

"The governments erratic and chaotic attempts to enforce this unconstitutional ban have taken a tremendous toll on innocent individuals, our countrys values and our standing in the world," Omar Jadwat of the American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement.

The Republican leader had blasted the original suspension, labelling the Seattle federal judge who issued it as a "so-called judge" and branding the courts "disgraceful" and politicized.

Echoing Trump, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly -- who is in charge of enforcing the immigration ban -- has said the courts do not understand the threat the country faces.

"In their world it is very academic, almost in a vacuum. In their courtrooms, they are protected by people like me," Kelly told lawmakers.

New era of justice

Earlier in the day, Trump defended his hardline policies as he declared a "new era of justice" in America and swore in his attorney general Jeff Sessions.

The property mogul-turned-president also signed three executive orders designed to burnish his law-and-order credentials.

The first created a task force on violent crime, the second is aimed at tackling crime directed at law enforcement officials and the last tasks officials with looking at how the US tackles organized crime syndicates.

"We face the menace of rising crime and the threat of deadly terror," said the Republican leader, doubling down on his dystopian vision of America.

"A new era of justice begins and it begins right now," he said.

The rate of violent crime in Americas 30 largest cities rose slightly last year but remains near historic lows, according to the Brennan Center, an independent think tank.

Trumps tough talk belies a political and legislative agenda that has been beset by missteps and legal challenges.

The blowback from Trumps outbursts over the travel ban suspension showed no signs of abating, with his own Supreme Court nominee describing the presidents comments as "disheartening" and "demoralizing."

Opposition Democrats echoed those criticisms, but suggested the nominee, Neil Gorsuch, was trying to smooth his nomination by appearing as an independent voice.

Popular support

Though Trumps message has been criticized by experts, it appears to be resonating with supporters.

The billionaire won the election last November with 46 per cent of the popular vote, and the RealClearPolitics average of polls shows his job approval at about that level, with the split largely along Republican-Democratic lines.

Trump on Wednesday trumpeted a Morning Consult-Politico poll showing 55 per cent voter approval for his immigration ban, with 38 per cent disapproving.

Previous studies -- which the president dismissed as "fake news"  had shown a majority of Americans opposing the measure.  AFP
UNITED NATIONS, United States  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will travel to Turkey later on Thursday for talks ahead of a whirlwind tour of five Arab countries, a UN statement said.

Guterres is expected to push for progress in reaching a Cyprus settlement during his talks in Istanbul with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and also discuss upcoming peace talks on Syria.

He then travels to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Egypt for high-level talks expected to touch on Syria, Yemen, Libya and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The UN statement said Guterres would discuss "a number of issues of regional and global interest" but did not offer details.

The former prime minister of Portugal who was UN refugee chief for a decade has said ending the nearly six-year war in Syria was a priority when he began his term on January 1.

The talks will be his first round of high-level diplomacy on Syria and on other Middle East conflicts.

Guterres then attends a G20 ministerial meeting in Bonn and the Munich security conference.  AFP
U.S. general: More Afghan troops needed

WASHINGTON (TNS)  The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said Thursday he needs several thousand more troops to help Afghan government forces break a stalemate with the Taliban less than a year after President Barack Obama drew down American forces.

Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr. told the Senate Armed Services Committee more troops are needed to help train Afghanistans military and police forces as they battle Taliban insurgents, Islamic State militants and other militias.

He said the troops could come from the United States or other countries in the international coalition in Afghanistan.

President Donald Trump said little about Americas longest war, now in its 16th year, during the campaign last year or since taking office.

Construction resumes on Dakota pipeline

CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP)  Construction crews have resumed work on the final segment of the Dakota Access pipeline, and the developer of the long-delayed project said Thursday the full system could be operational within three months.

Meanwhile, an American Indian tribe filed a legal challenge to block the work and protect its water supply.

The Army granted Energy Transfer Partners formal permission Wednesday to lay pipe under a North Dakota reservoir, clearing the way for completion of the 1,200-mile pipeline.

Deer runs amok inside supermarket

MANCHESTER, Pa. (AP)  Pandemonium broke out at a southern Pennsylvania supermarket when a rogue deer smashed through its glass entrance and briefly ran amok.

The doe burst into a Giant grocery store in the borough of Manchester on Monday.

Once surprised shoppers figured out what the noise was, they worked together to wrangle the animal and force it outside.

Missing Army drone found in Colorado

DENVER (AP)  An Army drone that disappeared on a training flight in southern Arizona has been found about 600 miles away in Colorado, and the military is trying to figure out how it got there.

Officials at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, say a hiker found the $1.5 million Shadow drone stuck in a tree in the mountains west of Denver on Thursday. It was missing a wing.

Soldiers lost contact with the drone at Fort Huachuca nine days earlier. A search failed to find it, and the Army concluded it probably crashed and disintegrated in the area.

Officials say the 450-pound drone has a 20-foot wingspan and can fly for eight or nine hours.

Bee's endangered listing on hold

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP)  The Trump administration on Thursday delayed what would be the first endangered designation for a bee species in the continental U.S., one day before it was to take effect.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adopted a rule Jan. 11 extending federal protection to the rusty patched bumblebee, one of many types of bees that play a vital role in pollinating crops and wild plants. It once was common across the East Coast and Midwest, but its numbers have plummeted.

Federal law requires a 30-day waiting period before most new regulations become effective. The addition of the bumblebee to the endangered species list was scheduled for today. The listing would require the service to develop a plan for helping the bee recover and provide more habitat.
CHARLES CITY  The Iowa Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld a Charles City mans conviction and prison sentence for indecent contact with a child.

Jeff Allen DeVries, 53, was sentenced in August 2015 to up to two years in prison. He was ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release after the end of his prison term and to register as a sex offender.

The indecent contact occurred when DeVries was watching a girl younger than 12 at his home in 2013, according to court records.

DeVries pleaded guilty in April 2015 in Floyd County District Court.

In his appeal he claimed the district court erred in denying his request to withdraw his guilty plea before sentencing and by considering alleged conduct he did not admit to when sentencing him.

Woman facing stabbing charges

DECORAH  The Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office has charged an Oelwein woman with numerous charges, including being involved in a stabbing.

Jade McAllister, 32, was arrested and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail on Monday for second-offense operating while intoxicated, driving while her license was suspended, possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of controlled substance (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia and having an open container.

On Tuesday, deputies received additional information McAllister had been involved in a stabbing in Winneshiek County. Upon further investigation and following a search warrant, McAllister was charged with willful injury and domestic abuse-assault. According to KTTC TV in Rochester, Minn., the Winneshiek County Attorney said the male victim is recovering after receiving medical care.

Man arrested in Waterloo assault

WATERLOO  A Waterloo man has been arrested after he allegedly struck the mother of his children as she held their 1-day-old child Wednesday.

Police arrested Damien Alexander Cage, 31, of 1408 Washington St., for serious domestic assault and misdemeanor child endangerment. He was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail, and his bond was set at $3,000.

According to police, the assault happened about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital. Court records allege Cage struck Marissa McGee in the head with a closed fist while she was holding their newborn son.

1 hurt in crash on Highway 218

PLAINFIELD  A Nashua man suffered injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 218 north of Waverly on Tuesday afternoon.

Bremer County sheriffs officials said a Dodge Neon driven by William Billington, 31, of Clarksville, was traveling west on County Road C-33 when he failed to yield the right of way to the northbound traffic. A Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Ryan Pothast, 36, of Nashua, was northbound on U.S. Highway 218 and collided with Billington.

Pothast was hurt and was transported to the Waverly Health Center. Billington was issued traffic citations for no valid drivers license and failure to obey traffic control device.
BASSETT  A 16-year-old Chickasaw County boy, formerly of Osage, who died last week is being remembered for his caring nature and sense of humor.

Jaykob Wiese, of Bassett, died Feb. 2 at home. A cause was not given. His memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Osage.

Wiese, who attended school in Osage before moving to Bassett in Chickasaw County, began his sophomore year at Nashua-Plainfield High School in the fall.

N-P Superintendent Randy Strabala said staff members who worked closely with Wiese say he was always smiling, had a good sense of humor and cared a lot for his family and friends.

This death bothers a lot of students as well as staff, he said.

Multiple grief counselors were available at the school the day after Wieses death. They are still available for students and staff who need them, according to Strabala.

The sophomore class is planning a memorial for Wiese.

Wiese lived in Charles City and then Lyle, Minn., in the earliest years of his life. In 2005 his family moved to Osage, where he started school. He attended school there through 2015.

Osage Superintendent Barb Schwamman said the two middle-high school counselors have been meeting with students as needed. Professional therapeutic services also are provided in the building on a weekly basis.

Our sympathies to Jaykobs family and friends, she said.
Preschool event

set in Dunkerton

DUNKERTON  All parents or guardians of students who will be 3 or 4 years old on or before Sept. 15 are welcome to attend the Dunkerton Community Schools preschool round-up at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 in the high school commons. Staff will give a brief overview of the preschool program and information about signing up children. Parents may bring the childs birth certificate, an up-to-date copy of immunization records and a current physical to the meeting.

Those unable to attend should call 822-4295 to have names put on the preschool mailing list.

Library to host

refugee speaker

CEDAR FALLS  Borrowed by the Sheikh, a talk by Umaru Balde, will start at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Cedar Falls Public Library.

Balde, now director of Latino and Multicultural Services at the YWCA of Black Hawk County, will share the story of his life in Guinea-Bissau where he was born, later becoming a child soldier. He journeyed to the Middle East, Israel and on to the United States through the aid and support from families, human rights NGOs and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

The program is sponsored by the Cedar Valley United Nations Association and cosponsored by Cedar Falls AAUW, free and open. to the public.

Mental illness class offered

WATERLOO  NAMI Black Hawk County will offer a free 10-week class for people who have mental illness and want to establish and maintain their wellness and recovery.

The class will meet every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., beginning March 22 and running through May 24 on the lower level of the First Congregational Church, 608 W. Fourth St.

The class combines lecture, discussion and interactive exercises, with proven techniques and coping strategies. People must register for the class by March 6. For more information or to sign up, call 235-5263.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man has been arrested after he allegedly struck the mother of his children has she held their 1-day-old child on Wednesday.

Police arrested Damien Alexander Cage, 31, of 1408 Washington St., for serious domestic assault and misdemeanor child endangerment. He was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail, and his bond was set at $3,000.

According to police, the assault happened at about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at UnityPoint-Allen Hospital. Court records allege Cage struck Marissa McGee in the head with a closed fist while she was holding their newborn son.
WATERLOO  More than a dozen people had been waiting in the sparsely heated Salvation Army lobby for a couple of hours by mid-morning Monday. But the mood was jovial.

People didnt mind waiting that long to get their taxes done for free  and accurately  said Leon Adams Jr. of Waterloo, who had been waiting for more than 90 minutes.

Last year, I waited three hours, said Leon Adams Jr. of Waterloo.

He said it was worth the wait.

If I did it myself, Im sure thered be mistakes. This way, there wont.

Adams was one of several dozen who would make their way to the Salvation Army in Waterloo to have their taxes done by volunteers from AARP and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP.

Originally begun by retired John Deere engineers about 25 to 30 years ago, the free tax preparation service is open to anyone with a relatively simple tax return, said JoAnna Van Gerpen, AARP/RSVP district coordinator.

The sites  scattered around the Cedar Valley  tend to attract senior citizens, those without access to or knowledge of computers and those who have trouble speaking English, Van Gerpen said, as well as those who cant afford to pay a professional tax preparation service.

I think we all feel that we are doing an important service for the community by helping people who would have difficulty doing their own taxes, and saving the extra few hundred dollars they would otherwise have to pay to a paid preparer means a lot to them, Van Gerpen said.

Many volunteers count themselves among the senior citizen category. Pat Harper, a former Iowa legislator, teacher and Courier 8 Over 80 alum, was navigating tax forms for people in an overflow room marked storage area inside the Salvation Army building on Monday.

Its Harpers 15th year volunteering with the tax preparation service. She started, she said, because someone asked her to.

Just meeting all the people  everybodys different, and its a pleasure to do it, Harper said.

Another volunteer, Karl Bultsma, had been volunteering for five years. A former engineer at John Deere, he said he needed to find something to do in my spare time.

Were swamped in February, the first month the service is offered each year, Bultsma said. Ive seen that whole (waiting) room down there full.

The Salvation Army is the only drop-in site  the other sites are by appointment only. For locations and to schedule an appointment, call 211 from a landline or (866) 469-2211 from a cell phone.

AARP/RSVP has locations in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Oelwein, Independence, Vinton and Tama. They also hold special Saturday sessions for the growing Burmese population, with volunteers on site to translate different Burmese dialects, as well as doing the tax returns of about 75 clients with Exceptional Persons Inc.

We get a lot of hugs and feedback from the clients, Van Gerpen said. It might be a small (tax) refund, but we just know these refunds mean a lot to these people.
CEDAR FALLS  The City Council called a special meeting Thursday to formally approve tentative collective bargaining agreements with all three of its employee unions.

City Administrator Ron Gaines said the special meeting is being called so the council could have those agreements approved and in place prior to a Feb. 20 city budget hearing.

He said representatives of employee unions, all of which have ratified the agreements, were notified of the meeting and invited to attend. He said that vote was not possible at Mondays council meeting because not all the paperwork had been received. The meeting met the 24-hour advance public notice notice provisions of the state open meetings law.

Gaines said Thursdays meeting was not called for the intention of approving the agreements in advance of any changes public employee collective bargaining now being considered by the Iowa Legislature. But he did note everyone involved in and affected by the local contracts is aware of those discussions. City legal counsel indicated the agreements would stand because they have been ratified before any state law change.

Under the agreements slated to take effect July 1 pending ratification, some 100 city employees, including police, firefighters and parks and public works employees, would receive pay raises of 2.75 percent for each of the next two fiscal years and raises for the subsequent three years based on the federal Consumer Price Index plus 0.75 percent. Those raises would be no less than 2 percent and no greater than 3 percent.

Those raises would be in addition to step pay increase employees receive based on length of service.

Employees also would pay an additional $15 per month on single and family health insurance premiums. Premiums for family coverage would increase from $85 per month to $100 per month. Premiums for single coverage would increase from $30 per month to $45 per month.

Its among the longest-term agreements the city and its unions have reached. The tentative agreements would allow the city to reopen the contracts to discuss wage and insurance issues after two years if necessary, beginning Jan. 1, 2019. The city also would make available a dental coverage plan if enough employees express interest, with the employees picking up the full cost of coverage.

Nonunion employees would receive similar increases, based on merit, under the proposed budget set for public hearing Feb. 20.
DES MOINES  Proposed reforms to Iowas collective bargaining law are like killing a fly with a sledgehammer, a Democratic senator and former public employee union member told Republicans before a party line vote setting up a showdown on the Senate floor next week.

Rather than tweak collective bargaining laws as the GOP Statehouse majority said when matching bills were introduced in the House and Senate earlier this week, Sen. Tony Bisignano, D-Des Moines, said the proposal gutted this way beyond what I was going to give you credit for.

Rather than gut Chapter 20, which sets the parameters for contract negotiations between public employee unions and schools, cities, counties and the state, floor manager Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, said Thursday it restores local control to local boards and local officials  restores the ability of elected officials to make decisions on a wider range of negotiating topics.

Union supporters disagreed, pointing to the wording in the bill that would limit collective bargaining by public employees other than police and firefighters only to base wages. They no longer would they be able to bargain for insurance, hours, vacations, holidays, overtime compensation, health and safety matters, and other provisions previously negotiated.

The changes are necessary, Schultz said, to update the 1974 collective bargaining law.

We find ourselves in a different America, in a different Iowa, he said in a 90-minute Senate Labor and Business Relations Committee meeting, and we believe it is time to address Chapter 20 to modernize it, to bring it up to todays conditions.

Democratic committee members, however, said the real purpose of the bill is to bust unions.

I really cant blame you because you think they are against you, Sen. Rich Taylor, D-Mount Pleasant, a former correctional officer and AFSCME member, said. Theyre not against you. They just are not with you, because you are not with them.

One change in the bill, prohibiting payroll deductions for union dues, is a death knell for unions because theyll lose 80 percent of their dues, Bisignano said.

He also questioned Schultzs claims there was tremendous support behind the scenes from local elected officials. He called it disingenuous those officials would be afraid to speak out publicly.

Although Schultz denied outside groups wrote one word of the bill, Bisignano intimated the bill was not written by Iowa Republicans.

Its unfortunate that Dave and Charles Koch couldnt be here today to see what theyve created across this country, because this isnt Iowa, Bisignano said, referring to the conservative financiers who have supported attempts to rewrite collective bargaining laws in Wisconsin and elsewhere.

I wish they could meet some of our good public employees, he said. Theyre good people. Theyre not that awful. Theyre people who do a lot of great service for you, and I feel bad they have to sit here and feel they have become the problem.

The proposed changes arent an attack on public employees, Schultz said.

The public employers need these employees. Citizens demand these employees, he said.

Despite warnings Republicans will pay a price for changing Chapter 20, House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, doesnt believe there will be a political cost.

I dont believe it will cost us seats over this issue, she said Thursday. This is not about seats. This is about doing the right thing for Iowans. We dont calculate every decision we make by seats, so I reject that premise.
DES MOINES  House Republicans pressed ahead Thursday with an effort to preempt local governments from setting minimum wages, rejecting a Democratic effort to raise the statewide minimum hourly wage to $11 by 2019.

The House Local Government Committee voted 12-9 along party lines to approve legislation to bar cities and counties from establishing minimum wage levels or employment regulations, invoking marketing or consumer merchandise sales restrictions or adopting civil rights ordinances that go beyond state law.

The only thing that were doing here is asking them not to exceed whats already set out in the state code, said Rep. John Landon, R-Ankeny, not to establish their own standards. Were not taking the rights away from anyone. Were trying to provide a seamless business climate in the state of Iowa.

Landon said House Study Bill 92 merely ensures a level playing field by reasserting Iowas minimum wage is $7.25 per hour statewide.

Officials in Johnson, Linn, Polk and Wapello counties have approved wage minimums that exceed the state standard. Those would be rendered void if the bill becomes law.

Rep. Brian Meyer, D-Des Moines, said the legislation would eliminate local control and opposed the measure. He offered an amendment to strike the GOP language entirely and replace it with provisions to raise Iowas minimum wage in increments to $8.75 on July 1, $9.75 on Jan. 1, 2018, and $11 on Jan. 1, 2019, along with cost-of-living increases and training wage raises.

Meyer said the proposed changes meet the GOP objective to create consistent uniformity and not a hodge-podge of different minimum wages from city to city.

Landon said the Democratic amendment changes the total meaning of the bill before Republicans rejected it.

Theyre basically taking away the raises in the counties that have already done it, Meyer said after the meeting. We have local communities trying to do something, and theyre preempting them.

I think its interesting that they preach that for schools the best decisions are made by local school boards, but with everything else were just going to tell them what to do, he added. We dont like mandates from Washington, but were going to give mandates to our local communities.

Committee chairman Jake Highfill, R-Johnston, shrugged off talk of legal challenges.

I already believe they cant do it, so if they do sue theyll probably lose that, too, Highfill said.

House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, said she did not know if there will be a separate bill to raise the state minimum wage.

I have no doubt that there will be people talking about that during the preemption debate, Upmeyer said.

But she added Republicans were not interested in grandfathering in higher minimum wages passed in four counties.

No employer is required to lower whatever theyre paying, Upmeyer said.

Rep. Phyllis Thede, D-Bettendorf, said the civil rights pre-emption concerned her.

Ive been here, this is my ninth year, and weve always talked about allowing cities to have local control, and to take that away from them, I am concerned about that, Thede said. Were taking that solid piece away from them.

Landon said the provision was meant to head off situations in other states where local entities developed ordinances not specifically disallowed under state law.

Were trying to bring this to say this is a statewide issue. We are trying to protect everyone at the level thats uniform across the state of Iowa, he said.
Capitol will hold UNI Day Feb. 13

CEDAR FALLS  The University of Northern Iowa will host UNI Day at the Statehouse from noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines.

The event will highlight UNI programs and inform legislators about the impact UNI has on the state.

UNI Day at the Capitol is an amazing opportunity to illustrate how the incredible work of our students, faculty and staff benefits the state of Iowa, said UNI President Mark A. Nook. We are fortunate to have so many members of the UNI community engage with our legislators and advocate for our university, and Im thrilled to be sharing my first UNI Day with such passionate individuals.

At UNI Day at the Capitol, students, faculty and staff will showcase interactive displays highlighting various UNI programs, departments and organizations. Alumni are encouraged to attend to reconnect with their university and speak with their elected officials about the value of UNI.

Spay and neuter clinic scheduled

WATERLOO -- The Cedar Bend Humane Society is partnering with Iowa Humane Alliance Regional Spay and Neuter Clinic in Cedar Rapids to offer the public reduced cost spay and neuter surgeries.

Surgery prices include: dog spay, $80; dog neuter, $65; cat spay or neuter, $40; and feral or barn cat spay or neuter, $35.

This offer is by appointment only. Call 232-6887 to reserve a spot. Free transportation is available from Cedar Bend Humane Society in Waterloo to Iowa Humane Alliance Regional Spay and Neuter Clinic in Cedar Rapids. Space is limited to 40 pets.

The trip to Cedar Rapids will be March 13, and pets will be transported back to the Cedar Bend Humane Society the following day.

Hawkeye hosts open house

WATERLOO  Hawkeye Community College will host a Trucking with the Troops open house from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 18 at the Regional Transportation Training Center, 6433 Hammond Ave.

Information will be available about a grant supporting veterans, service members, their spouses and children looking to earn a commercial drivers license.

For more information or to RSVP, go to www.hawkeyecollege.edu/go/open-house.
Charles City ideas

JEFF BERGSTROM

CHARLES CITY  Concerning the discussion of having a combined law enforcement center in Charles City: May I suggest instead of spending $12 million or more to add on to the west side of the present courthouse, why not acquire the old Charles City Middle School and convert that into a combined law enforcement center?

Also, keep the swimming pool at the old middle school and make that the Charles City public year-around pool since it is centrally located in Charles City. Theres also plenty of parking available.

They should then tear down the old city hall on Clark Street and use that space for a parking lot for the Charles City Public Library and the Optometric Center. Also, tear down the old car wash and gas station west of the courthouse and make that a public parking lot for the courthouse.

These ideas of mine would be in the best interest of the public and save taxpayers money.

Council discord

SHYAM GOSAWAMI

DES MOINES  Councilman Tom Lind, your email to Mayor Quentin Hart disappointed me. Your subsequent statement, its unfortunate that Mayor Hart saw my email as some sort of racial attack, suggests you do not understand the implicit racism in your derogatory email to him. You wrote, you work for us. Obama (yesterday) is gone. The reference to President Obama was a racially charged threat to an African-American mayor.

I have trouble believing your explanation it was in reference to President Obamas executive orders. This justification appears to be a wink wink explanation, like President Trumps claim when he said Megyn Kelly had blood coming out of her wherever, he meant her nose. Councilman Lind, you said, in todays political climate when disagreements occur it seems to have become custom to immediately attack someones character.

I think this is exactly what you did to Mayor Hart. At best, your initial email was a rude, careless and an unprofessional email to a colleague who deserves your respect.

Tax reform

ROBERT BUCHANAN

CEDAR FALLS  Sen. Chuck Grassley indicated this week he intends to introduce legislation to permanently eliminate the estate tax. This would represent a massive step backward in creating an economy that works for everyone and would exacerbate the current economic climate that benefits a fortunate few.

Senator Grassley says the estate tax is commonly known as the death tax. This is untrue. The phrase death tax was never used to describe the estate tax until it was created by the marketing firm LuntzGlobal with the expressed purpose of making it sound as though it would apply to every household.

The truth is, it would apply to perhaps one in 1,000. The threshold for household wealth to have to pay the estate tax for a married couple in 2016 is more than $10 million. The estate tax only applies to some of the wealthiest of the wealthy and millions of Iowans will never give a second thought to it.Eliminating it only will allow extremely wealthy households to transfer their wealth between generations, so those who benefit will not be those who obtained it by merit and hard work but by luck of birth.
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Nuclear more competitive than fossil fuels: report

09 February 2017

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"Nuclear power generation technologies are now cost competitive with fossil fuels and innovation is gathering pace across the sector," British consultancy Lloyd's Register says in a report published today. The report, titled Technology Radar - a Nuclear Perspective, is based on the "insights and opinions of leaders across the sector", as well as the views of almost 600 professionals and experts from utilities, distributors, operators and equipment manufacturers.

It is the "sister report" to the Lloyd's Register Technology Radar - Low Carbon, which reviews renewables, nuclear, energy storage and infrastructure, that was also published today. This is the third year that Lloyd's Register has conducted its Technology Radar research. Earlier editions have focused on the oil and gas sector.

Respondents were asked to rate a number of technologies in terms of their potential impact, the amount of time it would take for these technologies to hit the market, and how likely they are to be adopted once they do. They were also asked on reflect on the pace and success of innovation in their sector, and what they see as the major drivers and also the main challenges.

Lloyd's Register listed the report's main conclusions in a statement announcing its publication.

Nuclear is one of the cheapest options for power generation when lifecycle costs are taken into account, it said.

The potential contribution of small modular reactors (SMRs) is "unclear at this stage", though its impact will most likely apply to smaller grids and isolated markets. The "underlying modularisation technology" is, however, expected to have a major impact on the sector.

Nuclear will continue to be "part of the solution to climate change long into the future", it says. Although public acceptance is a major challenge in some countries, nuclear is likely to contribute to the energy mix "for the foreseeable future".

Software advances will be "instrumental" in transmission and distribution. "They are seen by respondents as the innovation that will be the quickest to arrive and the most likely to be adopted. Blockchain could reshape the way we think about the transmission and distribution of power by enabling a new era of peer-to-peer low carbon generation," it says. Blockchain is a distributed database that maintains a continuously-growing list of ordered records called blocks.

Electrical technologies will "transform storage", rather than mechanical storage or chemical technology innovations. "In particular, respondents expect supercapacitors, which will rapidly speed up charging times for large batteries, to have the greatest impact on storage," it said.

Deployment is a major barrier, it said. "Implementation of technology in nuclear is hindered by deployment, which faces its own distinct challenge. However, 71% of respondents agreed there had been an increase in the scale of deployment of renewable energy sources," it added.

Standardisation is a "much-needed" development for the low-carbon sector, with industry experts agreeing that "regional and global consensus" on regulations could speed up deployment and further reduce costs.

Alasdair Buchanan, energy director of Lloyd's Register, said: "We are very encouraged by the findings, which highlight not only a growing optimism across the industry but a vigorous and intelligent debate about the pathways to decarbonisation." He added: "Clearly, there are many uncertainties about exactly how the nuclear sector will evolve, but what is inarguable is that the conversation is no longer about 'should we?' but 'how should we do it?'"

Five findings

In the report, Richard Clegg, chief executive of the Lloyd's Register Foundation, says the agreement that came out of COP21 last year served as a catalyst for evaluating awareness of decarbonisation and energy security - and is leading to more countries contemplating nuclear as a viable low-carbon power source.

"People are essentially looking over the edge of the cliff and thinking, 'I don't want to go there', and so they begin to think differently about all the options, including nuclear," he said.

Respondents were asked to rate a number of technologies in terms of their potential impact on the nuclear sector, the amount of time it would take for these technologies to come to market, and how likely they are to be adopted once they do.

The first of five findings outlined in the report, looks at SMRs.

"When costs are levelised across the lifecycle, nuclear is one of the most cost-effective methods of power generation. Indeed, OECD research shows that nuclear is the lowest levelised cost option for power generation for all OECD countries under certain capital cost projections," the report says. "Regional differences in the cost of capital for nuclear projects mean that while cost can be a challenge for greenfield nuclear projects in Europe and North America, it is seen as less of an issue in Asia, where economies of scale, lower labour costs and more recent experience in building reactors all have an impact. In economies where financing traditional greenfield projects is seen as challenging, SMRs are often cited as the future because their size and the fact that they are ready to install keep investment costs low," it adds.

A number of the experts interviewed for the report predicted that SMRs would rank highly in terms of the innovations with the largest impact, but this turned out not to be the case, Lloyd's Register said. Respondents predicted that SMRs have a "low likelihood of eventual take-up, and will have a minimal impact when they do arrive", it said.

Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the UK's Nuclear Industry Association, says in the report there is very strong interest in SMR technology, adding that the government is running a competition which "might have a quite significant impact in the medium term".

One explanation for respondents' "lack of enthusiasm" for SMRs, Lloyd's Register said, is that modularisation technologies were also included on the list. "Respondents seem to favour the technologies that make SMRs possible, rather than the SMRs themselves," it said. "Modularisation technologies, respondents predict, will hit the market sooner than fully fledged SMRs. They also see these technologies as more likely to be adopted, and expect them to have a much larger impact on the sector."

The second finding of the report covers materials science, where it says developments are likely have a profound impact on the nuclear sector.

"Both reactors and reactor cores could look drastically different in the future thanks to new materials such as metallic fuel or silicon carbide, which will boost their strength, working life and resilience," the report says.

David Scott, advisor to the chairman at the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, says in the report that most fuel used today is uranium oxide, a ceramic fuel. Although it is safe and effective, he says, its performance "tops out" at around two years inside the reactor.

"This imposes a limit on how long you can operate without having to refuel, and how much energy you can load into the reactor at the beginning of the process. However, metallic or other alternative fuel designs could be available within the next decade for large land-based reactors, with major implications for operating cycles and safety," Scott said.

The third finding is there is "plenty of room for improvement" for nuclear waste management strategies.

"Countries such as France, the UK and the US, which have the longest nuclear histories, first devised their strategies for dealing with nuclear waste in the 1950s - at the height of nuclear weapons testing - and have not significantly revised them since," it says.

The research found that "nuclear waste disposal innovation, for example, would have a considerable impact and a good likelihood of implementation - but would have to appear in the longer term."

It adds that many of the latest reactor designs can achieve 'deep burn' of nuclear fuel - leading to a smaller and much shorter-lived waste stream. The potential of these reactors has led some industry experts to advocate the adoption of dry cask surface storage of nuclear waste, the report says.

"What is currently unusable and designated as waste may one day be usable as fuel - much better then, they argue, to store it in a location that is easier to access than traditional geological disposal solutions," it adds.

The fourth finding covers the deployment of new reactors.

"Predictable pricing and scheduling of nuclear projects have long been seen as key non-technical challenges. The executives we polled for this study agree, with deployment topping the list as a critical issue for the sector today; it was selected by 17% of nuclear respondents," the report says.

The 'boom-and-bust' nature of development affects experience in deployment and the maturity of supply chains, but deployment appears to be "less of a challenge for Asian respondents, with only 7% highlighting it as a major barrier compared with 18% in Europe and 21% in North America. This could be as a result of the economies of scale that have been built up in key Asian markets in recent years, the report says.

Public opinion, the fifth finding of the report, is seen as "more of an issue in North America", where 16% cite it as a major barrier, and Europe (17%), than in Asia Pacific (9%) or the Middle East (6%).

"In Asia, the waste issues are seen by respondents as a much more critical issue than public opinion - although waste disposal issues often feature in the negative press that nuclear receives in western markets," the report says.

"Although in the low-carbon context nuclear is sometimes discussed as a stop-gap solution until renewables' intermittency issues can be solved, in fact, its potential as a low-carbon power source is much greater than this. Given developments in efficiency and lifecycle and the fact that in many parts of the world, nuclear is now the cheapest power generation option, it should form a critical and permanent component of the low-carbon agenda," it says.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear Association

Related topics
The HSUS joined several national and local conservation groups this week to challenge an attempt by trophy hunting interests to reopen some of the cruelest hunting practices on federal lands in Alaska. Photo by Alamy

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One of the most despicable acts against animals in contemporary times is the aerial gunning of wildlife  chasing down these animals in aircraft and then strafing them with bullets, mainly as a way to wipe out local populations and artificially boost populations of moose and caribou for hunters to shoot at a later time. Its not only a scrambling of intact ecological systems, but it is barbaric, and its been sanctioned by some Alaska politicians and their appointees at the Board of Game in Alaska for years, even though voters in the state time and time again have tried to ban it by ballot initiative.

In 2015 and 2016, the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said not on our lands, and adopted rules to forbid aerial scouting, landing, and then shooting of grizzly bears; killing of hibernating black bear mothers with cubs; and denning of predators on national preserves and national wildlife refuges. It was a long overdue pair of policies, and broadly supported by so many Alaskans and by people throughout the nation.

Now these rules are facing a double-barreled attack  in the federal courts and in Congress.

The HSUS joined several national and local conservation groups this week to challenge an attempt by trophy hunting interests to reopen some of the cruelest hunting practices on federal lands in Alaska. Lawsuits filed last month by the state of Alaska and Safari Club International seek to nix the regulations. And next week, in the U.S. House of Representatives, Alaskas sole Congressman, Don Young, will offer a resolution to strike the rule, under a law known as the Congressional Review Act. The CRA allows Congress, by simple majorities in the House and Senate and with the signature of the president, to strike any recent rule of the prior administration in the first few months of a new Congress.

These are our federal lands, and the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are the primary managers. Those attacking these rules are attacking the professional wildlife managers who developed these policies on the ground in Alaska. At field hearings conducted in the run-up to the final rulemaking actions, significant numbers of Alaskans testified in favor of adopting the rules. Its false framing for Rep. Young and anyone else to say Alaskans oppose these rules and support these unsporting and barbaric practices. In fact, voters have put the issues of aerial gunning of wolves on the ballot three times, and passed two of the measures (still lawmakers, violating the wishes of their own constituents, overturned those laws).

Congress created national wildlife refuges and national preserves so people can enjoy these magical places, but also to allow wildlife to thrive. We now know too much about wolves and grizzly bears to treat them like a curse and to try to decimate them. They play an essential role in balancing ecosystems, and have a cascade effect to benefit species up and down the food chain and even to help forest and stream health. It also is a proven truth that wolves and grizzly bears are the biggest draws for tourists who trek to Alaska and spend over $2 billion annually to see these creatures in their native habitats. Wildlife-based tourism creates thousands of jobs and commerce for Alaska  particularly for rural gateway communities. The FWS has reported that, in Alaska, wildlife watchers number 640,000 compared to 125,000 hunters and spend five times more ($2 billion) than hunters ($425 million) for wildlife recreational opportunities.

The state officials who brought these lawsuits, and the federal lawmakers from Alaska who are pushing their resolutions to repeal these new federal rules, are working against the economic interests of their state in advocating for more killing and maiming of wolves and grizzly bears. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service were right to draw a line and say these activities cannot occur on federal lands set aside for wildlife. Wolves and bears are the best ambassadors for these land holdings, and no one has to pay them a dime or provide an ounce of food or a drop of water. They just need to be left alone.

But those rules are in jeopardy unless you act. Contact your federal lawmakers and urge opposition to the Young CRA joint resolution (H.J. Res. 69) and a similar effort in the Senate, advanced by Alaska Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (S.J. Res. 18).

Its time to raise your voice if we want to ground the aerial gunships revving up to kill wildlife on some of Americas most extraordinary wild lands and ecosystems.
Peter Schjeldahl at The New Yorker:

The enigmatic, fantastically erudite artist Raymond Pettibon takes to Twitter like a bird to sky. My favorite of some fifty tweets that he posted on a recent day offers a reason that Donald Trump cant be the Antichrist: Not charming, goodlooking, endearing enuff. In his art, Pettibon only sometimes addresses topical politics, or topical anything, but he knows his archetypes, and its nice to have eschatological expertise on current events. How seriously to take it is an uncertainty that haunts all of Pettibons art, which is surveyed in A Pen of All Work, a retrospective at the New Museum of some seven hundred creations, mostly drawings with text. He has intrigued and befuddled a growing audience since the late nineteen-seventies, when he emerged, in Hermosa Beach, California, as a bookish surfer who made flyers and album covers for the punk band Black Flag (his older brother Greg Ginn was the founder and guitarist) and a flurry of zines. His fame took hold slowly, and it remains confined largely to fine-art circles. Seeing the show is like being lost in a foreign but strangely familiar city, where polyphonic disembodied voices whisper, yell, or sputter wit and wisdom that youre rarely sure that you heard quite right.

The title, A Pen of All Work, is from Byrons The Vision of Judgement, in which the mediocre poet Robert Southey proposes to ghostwrite a memoir for Satan and, upon being rebuffed, extends the same offer to the archangel Michael. This befits Pettibon, who says that roughly a third of his texts are lifted, or rephrased, from cherished writers: a pantheon in which St. Augustine consorts with Henry James and Mickey Spillane. But every Pettibon phrasing sounds like a quotation from someone else, often in the formal, slightly stilted tones of a Victorian wordsmith.

more here.
Brand-new U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVoswho was sworn in this week after the most controversial and turbulent confirmation process for any education-secretary nominee in historymade her first visit to a public school, Jefferson Middle School Academy in Washington, D.C., on Friday. The event was closed to the media. But there were protesters there to greet her, including some retired teachers.

Those protesters blocked DeVos and Antwan Wilson, the chancellor of the District of Columbia public schools, from entering a side-door, according to this clip by ABC-News WJLA. The pair eventually made it in through an alternate entrance.

Sec. DeVos physically blocked by protesters from entering DC school--turned away and left. Unclear if she attempted another door. @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/buNgmOJbya  Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) February 10, 2017

UPDATE: DeVos released a statement Friday after her visit, addressing the demonstration: I respect peaceful protest, and I will not be deterred in executing the vital mission of the Department of Education. No school door in America will be blocked from those seeking to help our nations school children.

DeVos visit was publicized by Washington Teachers Union president Elizabeth Davis yesterday, who urged protesters to meet DeVos at the school.

Meet Betsy DeVos at Jefferson Academy in SW DC tomorrow morning at 10 am to say NO to privatization of our schools!@wtuteacher@rweingarten  elizabeth davis (@davis704) February 9, 2017

And they showed up:

Community members in Southwest DC protest EdSec DeVos first school visit at Jefferson Middle School. pic.twitter.com/tJNwHcH5bk  Rep. Ellison For DNC (@FeelTheBern11) February 10, 2017

And got attaboys from plenty of likeminded folks on social media:

Betsy DeVos is not welcome in our community. Public schools are not for sale. #FundBlackFutures pic.twitter.com/SICMMzJ7bG  Advancement Project (@adv_project) February 10, 2017

Plus at least a few raised eyebrows:

Your protests have jumped the shark when youre protesting the Education Secretary like this is a Game of Thrones episode https://t.co/Pu9q6npuw1  Lindsey Burke (@lindseymburke) February 10, 2017

Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation for Teachers, said she was dismayed that protestors, including some union members, had blocked DeVos entrance:

Just heard a protester blocked & almost knocked Secy @BetsyDeVos down at Jefferson.We dont condone such acts.We want her to go to pub schls  Randi Weingarten (@rweingarten) February 10, 2017

And one close associate of DeVos, Greg McNeilly, who is the CEO of her company (the Windquest Group) tweeted an especially eye-popping comparison, saying the protesters were acting like Bull Connor, the commissioner of public safety in Birmingham, Ala. during the early 1960s who encouraged violence against civil rights activists:

Bull Connor = BLM? Ironic but accurate?  Greg McNeilly (@gregmcneilly) February 10, 2017

McNeillys tweet, in turn, got this reaction from Zakiya Smith, who worked on higher education at the White House during President Barack Obamas tenure:

DeVos made a brief statement after her visit, but took no questions, according to tweets from reporters:

Betsy DeVos briefly spoke to press after visiting Jefferson MS. The school is awesome, she said. pic.twitter.com/6v6SLF7clG  Martin Austermuhle (@maustermuhle) February 10, 2017

This isnt the first time that DeVos has gotten out and about since taking the helm of the department. She visited Howard University Thursday, along with Omarosa Manigault, an alumna of President Donald Trumps reality show, the Apprentice, who is working on African-American issues at the White House.

Not everyone at Howard University, a historically black college in Washington, was so excited about the visit.

As Secretary of Education, we do not trust Betsy DeVos to administer sound policies that will help black youth matriculate into college  #HUAgainstHate (@HUAgainstHate17) February 10, 2017

It makes us wonder how long it will be before a DeVos visit to a school or universitypretty routine for education secretariesis no longer a high-profile, divisive event. And apparently were not the only ones wondering:

Agree or disagree w @BetsyDeVos on any issue, but lets all agree she really needs to be in public schools. Please let her in.  Arne Duncan (@arneduncan) February 10, 2017

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
Fiammetta Rocco in The Economist:

An advance of $1m for any novel is extraordinary; when the book is an unfinished first novel by a young, out-of-work immigrant from Cameroon, something big is happening. Imbolo Mbue (above), whose Behold the Dreamers came out recently, is part of a wave of new literature from Africa, much of it written by immigrants to America. I wanted to write about what its like to be working class, says the author, who was employed in market research in New York until she lost her job in the financial crisis. To be struggling with poverty, to be barely getting by in America. I wanted to write about what its like to be an immigrant. I wanted to write about me.

Great African literature has come in waves. The first was in the 1950s, led by Chinua Achebes Things Fall Apart, which was published in 1958, has sold more than 12m copies and has never been out of print. The experience of colonialism spawned some extraordinary writing; and, as colonial guilt took hold, there was a receptive audience in the rich world. A second wave began after the end of the cold war, when the Wests interest in foreign parts shifted away from proxy wars and moral politics. A far more personal engagement with individual countries and their peoples began to take hold. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian writer, is the most celebrated of this generation: her Purple Hibiscus, which came out in 2003, made her famous. Just as Gabriel Garcia Marquez led the surge of interest in Latin American fiction in the 1970s, so too have Chimamanda and her fellow writers from Africa done today.

More here.
Let's catch up.





Science Guy Returns With Show Set for April, Ozy

The beloved TV educator's new show debunking anti-scientific claims, Bill Nye Saves the World, now has a premiere date: April 21. A new trailer indicates the 13-episode Netflix series will feature experiments, panel discussions and lots of celebrity guests, like fashion icon Tim Gunn, covering hot-button political topics from genetic modification to alternative medicines to climate change. Read more.





Hummingbird Nest Halts Upgrades On Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, CBS Bay Area

A little bird could become a big hold up for important upgrades on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.

A path on the upper deck will enable bike riders to get across in both directions and a third traffic lane on the lower deck will ease congestion for drivers heading eastbound.

The backhoes are waiting  the safety barriers are lined to go up  but thanks to a little winged friend work on a key part of the $70 million Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Bridge re-do has been put on hold.

Randy Rentschler, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission said, "In this particular case a bird's nest was found." Not just any bird  but a protected bird under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act  and one with an egg waiting to hatch. Read more.





'I Felt Like I Belonged There': Transgender Cub Scout Breaks Barrier, New York Times

Joe Maldonado, 9, was in the car with his mother when she got the call in November telling them that he was barred from the Boy Scouts.

He knew what all the fuss was about, why the Northern New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America said he had to leave a Cub Scout pack just weeks after he had joined.

"Because I was born a girl," he said by phone on Thursday from his home in Secaucus, N.J.

How things have changed. Read more.





Flooding in San Anselmo occurred on Tuesday. (Courtesy of abc7news.com)





Storm Brings Damaging Winds, Flooding Rains to the Bay Area, ABC 7 News

Marin County residents are watching their creeks and taking flood precautions Thursday. Meantime, utility crews are already busy with downed trees and power lines.



The downpours started around 6:30 a.m. in San Anselmo and haven't stopped. Marin County is seeing a lot of rain and wind, making it very uncomfortable to be outside. Read more.









Bay Area McDonald's Testing New Crab Sandwich, Mercury News



Following its Gilroy Garlic Fries success, McDonald's of the Bay Area is testing another regional favorite: a Crab Sandwich.

Believed to be a first for a fast-food chain, the sandwich features snow crab blended with seasoned mayonnaise and diced celery, served with tomato slices and romaine lettuce atop a toasted sourdough bun that's been brushed with herb butter.

Helping develop the recipe for McDonald's was Bay Area chef Ryan Scott, a "Top Chef" contestant, TV-radio personality and owner of Finn Town restaurant in San Francisco. Read more.
Bottlenose dolphins are taking up residence in historically uncharted territorythe waters around San Francisco, Richardson, and Horseshoe Bay.

The first common bottlenose dolphin to play in the Bay Area was spotted 15 years agopreviously Monterey Bay had been their northernmost hang spot. But, as The Chronicle reports, warming Bay Area waters are luring these beauties in droves.





"This is not a migration," says R.H. Defran, a San Diegobased researcher for the California Dolphin Online Catalog (CDOC). "These dolphins are moving weekly and they aren't always taking short trips [back to other resident waters]."





In other words, this new dolphin population appears to here to stay. Here's where you can spot them in the Bay Area:





Golden Gate Bridge (GGB)

Obviously, the GGB is one of the best vantage points to spot bottlenose dolphins in the San Francisco Bay. But the, time of day is key: You're most likely to see dolphins entering back into the Bay from early morning feedings in the Pacific sometime around dawn.

Pro tip: Sightings in the evening hours are quite uncommon.

// Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco





Point Cavallo

Because of Horseshoe Bay's calm waters and rich baitfish populations, this is a favorite feeding ground amongst Bay Area dolphin pods, making Point Cavallo the most likely place to see dolphins actively hunting.

Pro tip: Dolphins rely heavily on their ability to hear in order to navigate the world around them. Heavy boat traffic interferes with their ability to echolocate, and will definitely lessen your odds of a sighting.

// 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito





Marina Plaza, Kappas and Clipper Yacht Harbors

Richardson Bay is unique in that both bottlenose dolphins and harbor porpoises bump flippers here. And, with all three Richardson Bay harbors within walking distance of one another, there are plenty of places to watch.

Pro tip: Dawn and dusk are the best times to catch dolphins at their prime, breaching and traveling in synchrony.

// Parking at 2320 Marinship Way #160, Sausalito





Rodeo Beach

Of these viewpoints, Rodeo Beach offers the most encompassing dolphin-watching experience. Sink your feet in the sand, bring a drink, and marvel at the marine-mammal acrobatics happening directly in front of you. (Rodeo Beach is also a whale-watching hotspot, with fairly common sightings of both humpback and gray whales) Be sure to check weather conditionsrough, murky waters will leave even the bravest of cetaceans searching for calmer sea.

Pro tip: If you're interested in whale watching, Rodeo Beach is best visited on sunny days mid-January to late-April, when California gray whales are moving either north or south along the coastline.

// Parking at 1033 Fort Cronkite, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin County




Despite improvements over the last few years, the District of Columbias charter schools are still suspending and expelling students at significantly higher rates than the national average, according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office .

And, echoing trends seen nationwide, black students and students with disabilities were also disciplined at disproportionately high rates.

Whether charter schools discipline students at higher rates than their district school counterparts is one of the most longstanding and contentious debates over the sectora debate that is often focused on cities with large shares of charter school students, such as D.C.

Forty-five percent of D.C.'s public school students attend charters. Only New Orleans, Detroit, and Flint, Mich., have higher proportions, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools .

Although the suspension rate for D.C.'s charter schools dropped from 16 to 13 percent between the 2011-12 and 2013-14 school years, those numbers are still double the rates of charter schools nationally, and slightly higher than D.C.'s district schools. The GAO used the Education Departments biannual Civil Rights Data Collection to make the comparisons.

Furthermore, black charter school students were six times more likely to be suspended than white charter students, while students with disabilities were twice as likely to be suspend as their peers without disabilities. The report says similar trends are seen within D.C.'s district schools.

The report also found that discipline rates in D.C. were especially high in a handful of charter schools: 16 out of 105 charters suspended over a fifth of their students last school year.

See Also: Which Students Are Arrested the Most at School? An Education Week Analysis

The GAO is required by law to conduct a management review every five years of the citys Public Charter School Board, which is in charge of authorizing new schools to open and shutting down poorly performing ones.

Although the Public Charter School Board has taken steps to reduce suspension and expulsion rates among charter schools, including publishing annual Equity Reports for families and the community, the GAO report identified other ongoing issues. The GAO says it saw a lack of consensus around roles and responsibilities regarding charter school discipline among the various agencies charged with overseeing the citys charter schools. The report recommends those agencies clear up their roles and collaborate more to address the issue.

Related stories:

Graph from United States Government Accountability Office Report to Congressional Committees, February 2017
How many people have already voted absentee in South Dakota ahead of Election Day?
The mycotoxin testing market, in terms of value, is projected to reach USD 1.56 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2016 to 2022. Labelling-compliance, growing health effects among consumers, consumer complaints (food recalls), and implementation of stringent food safety regulations are some of the factors driving this market.

The report Mycotoxin Testing Market by Type (Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, Patulin, Fusarium Toxins), Technology (HPLC-Based, LC-MS/MS-Based, Immunoassay-Based), Food Tested (Feed & Food), and Region  Global Forecast to 2022, The mycotoxin testing market is projected to reach USD 1.56 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2016 to 2022. The market is driven by humid atmospheric conditions leading to an increase in mycotoxins production in food & feed products, implementation of stringent food safety regulations, increase in international trade, growing health concern among consumers, and consumer complaints (food recalls).

Browse 137 market data tables and 58 figures spread through 205 pages and in-depth TOC on Mycotoxin Testing Market  Global Forecast to 2022

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The Fusarium segment accounted for the largest share in the mycotoxin testing market in 2015

The market for Fusarium toxin, among all types of mycotoxins, accounted for the largest share in 2015. The Fusarium genus includes various species, which produce a large number of toxins such as fumonisins, trichothecenes, zearalenone, and others. As they are mostly present in cereals and their by-products, the increase in commodities trade and contamination in grain due to changing climatic conditions have become significant drivers for the Fusarium testing market. The exposure to these mycotoxins has caused concerns of possible health consequences, which in turn has increased the demand for Fusarium toxin testing.

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HPLC-based testing is projected to be the largest segment, by 2022

HPLC technology is found to be the most common and economic technology to detect and quantify mycotoxins in food products. It is considered to be one of the most powerful tools in analytical testing of foods. It has the ability to separate, identify, and quantitate compounds present in any sample that can be dissolved in a liquid. The European countries have largely adopted this technology for the mycotoxin testing.

Europe led the market with the largest share in the mycotoxin testing market in 2015

Governing organizations present in the European market have enforced various mycotoxin testing policies. The U.K. is projected to be fastest growing country in the European region. In this region, food safety policies have been emphasized by efforts from Control Laboratories (CLs), National Reference Laboratories (NRLs), Euroepan Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and EU Reference Laboratories (EURLs). The EU legislation protects consumers by:

Setting maximum levels for mycotoxins in food and feed to ensure they are not harmful to human or animal health.

Keeping mycotoxin levels as low as reasonably achievable following recommended good agricultural, storage, and processing practices.

This report includes a study of marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolios of leading companies. It includes the profiles of leading companies such as SGS S.A. (Switzerland), Bureau Veritas S.A. (France), Intertek Group plc (U.K.), Eurofins Scientific SE (Luxembourg), ALS Limited (Australia), Microbac Laboratories Inc (U.S.), AsureQuality Ltd (New Zealand), Silliker Inc (U.S.), Romer Labs Diagnostic GmbH (Austria), and Symbio Laboratories (Australia).

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A federal appeals court panel on Thursday declined the Trump administrations request to reinstate its executive order temporarily barring U.S. entry for individuals from seven countries, citing disruption in higher education among other factors.

Although courts owe considerable deference to the presidents policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action, said the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, in San Francisco.

The panel unanimously rejected the administrations request for a stay of a federal district courts temporary restraining order that enjoined enforcement of key sections of the Jan. 27 executive order signed by President Donald Trump.

Citing the potential for terrorism, the order barred for 90 days entry for those from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The two other blocked sections deal with refugees. The executive order created widespread disruption in immigration and was met with protests.

Washington state, joined by Minnesota, sued the Trump administration to block the order on due process and religious discrimination grounds.

The 9th Circuits Feb. 9 opinion, issued jointly by the three judgesWilliam C. Canby, Richard R. Clifton, and Michelle T. Friedlandwho held a telephone argument two days earlier, relies on the states arguments about the executive orders impact on universities and foreign students for a key part of the ruling on whether they had standing to challenge the executive order.

The interests of the states universities here are aligned with their students, says the opinion in State of Washington v. Trump . The students educational success is inextricably bound up in the universities capacity to teach them. And the universities reputations depend on the success of their professors research. Thus, as the operators of state universities, the states may assert not only their own rights to the extent affected by the executive order but may also assert the rights of their students and faculty members.

Besides the disruption to state universities that Washington and Minnesota emphasized, the presidents executive order has alarmed many in K-12 education, especially in communities with large numbers of refugees or immigrants from the countries cited in the order, as Education Weeks Corey Mitchell and Francisco Vara-Orta reported last week .

A friend-of-the-court brief filed in the case on the states side by the American Immigration Council said, this ban on travel into the countryeffectively operating as a ban on travel out of the countryprevents students from seeing their families during school breaks and inhibits the ability of employees to do business on a global scale.

The 9th Circuit court panel found that the states had a likelihood of prevailing on their claim that the three provisions of the executive order violated the constitutional guarantee of procedural due process.

The procedural protections provided by the Fifth Amendments due-process clause are not limited to citizens, the court said. Rather, they apply to all persons within the United States, including aliens, regardless of whether their presence here is lawful, unlawful, temporary, or permanent. These rights also apply to certain aliens attempting to reenter the United States after travelling abroad.

Trump reacted on Twitter soon after the ruling: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE! The U.S. Department of Justice issued a more measured statement, saying it was reviewing the decision and considering its options.
KC-135 aircraft arrives at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

A KC-135 Stratotanker arrives at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y., marking its official arrival and the beginning of the transition of the 914th's mission from an airlift wing to an air refueling wing. This was the first of eight aircraft that will be flown in over the course of the next several months. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Sawyer)
Trump's Crime Task Force Will Take on Drug Cartels and More

In a series of executive orders issued this morning by the White House, President Trump is targeting criminals both at home and internationally. Each of the three orders has a different focus. One executive order focuses on the safety of law enforcement officials across the country, one focuses on the public's general safety from crime, and the last focuses on fighting transnational criminal organizations.

This last executive order of the three passed today simply instructs federal agencies to strengthen the enforcement of federal law. This seems counter to what Trump's platform has been pushing for when it comes to the elimination of federal regulations that result in white collar business, compliance, and financial crimes. The stated purpose of this executive order, which basically is just directing federal agencies to do what they are already tasked with doing, is to "thwart transnational criminal organizations." But that order also asks federal agencies to make transnational criminal organizations a high priority.

Trump's Crime Task Force

Despite the fact that crime has actually been decreasing over the last few decades, President Trump and attorney general Jeff Sessions claimed that crime is on the rise when making statements related to these new EOs. Nevertheless, developing policies to reduce crime can still have a positive effect, and these EOs task groups with trying to figure out how to reduce crime.

In the order that is about the public's safety from crime generally, Trump specifically establishes a new task force to evaluate crime data and current laws in order to propose new legislation and policies to curb criminal activity and increase public safety.

However, in the EO to combat transnational criminal organizations, Trump is utilizing the Threat Mitigation Working Group, an already existing interagency group, as the task force that will evaluate current data and laws to see where improvements can be made. Additionally, this EO demands federal law enforcement concurrently increase their efforts to extradite, and deport, foreign criminals, as well as focus on transnational crime organizations engaged in human trafficking, drug smuggling, financial crimes, cybercrimes, fraud, corruption, and more.

Law Enforcement Officer Safety

While attempting to create new policy to strengthen enforcement of anti-crime laws, one of today's executive orders focused on providing additional protections for law enforcement officers, not just federally, but also on the state, local and tribal levels. While it is not completely clear what the end result will be, it is speculated that law enforcement officers will receive more immunity from civil liability than they already have. Also, the order itself calls for new federal laws designed to prevent violence against law enforcement officers.

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Capt. Robert Orallo, 26th Aerial Port Squadron ramp flight commander, hugs his daughter Iliana during a surprise homecoming Feb. 7, 2017 at Bulverde Creek Elementary School. Orallo, who recently returned from a six month deployment to Iraq, surprised his daughter in the school cafeteria as her class read a fairy tale story that was written by Capt. Orallo during his deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Benjamin Faske)

The cafeteria at Bulverde Creek Elementary School was filled with first graders, parents, teachers, and local media waiting in anticipation of a big surprise. Capt. Robert Orallo, 26th Aerial Port Squadron ramp flight commander, recently returned from a six month deployment to Iraq and wanted to surprise his daughter Iliana upon his return."I'm here to surprise my little girl" said Orallo. "It was a long deployment and especially hard on her so I wanted to surprise her and it has blossomed into this."Throughout his deployment, Orallo wrote to his daughter about the tales of a fictional character, Sir Snorful of Hamelot. His daughter created other magical characters as well such as, King Waffle, Queen Syrup and the Lava Monster. These short stories served to broaden here imagination and remember her dad who was serving our country.Leslie Clay, a first grade teacher, began reading the story of "Sir Snorful and the Soldier's Surprise", to Iliana's classmates who had gathered in the school cafeteria for story time. As the story was being read, Orallo appeared from a room and moved into position at the back of the cafeteria unbeknownst to the children who were listening to the story.As Clay read from the story, "The Soldier walked on and after another day of travelling, he finally reached his town. He arrived home and ran in to see his little girl but she was gone! He searched and searched for his little girl, looking in her closet, under her bed, and in their backyard but she wasnt at home. Then the soldier decided he would try her school. As he walked into the library all the students were sitting down, even the Soldiers little girl, Iliana! The teacher was reading a story to them when suddenly the teacher looked up and saw the Soldier standing there and said to the little girl, Iliana, look behind you!Just as the story foretold, Iliana turned to see her father standing at the back of the cafeteria with flowers in hand. The two ran to meet each other with open arms. As they met Orallo wrapped his arms around his daughter and lifted her off her feet in a warm embrace, there wasn't a dry eye in sight as everyone cheered the two."It was really hard keeping this a secret because she is really good at figuring things out," said Mrs. Gabriela Orallo, the mastermind behind the surprise for their daughter. "I had to hold in my excitement when he came home because I just knew she would know."
Sena attacks BJP and praises the erstwhile UPA government led by Congress for taking the nation forward.

Shiv Sena which is threatening to quit the Fadnavis government has sharpened its attack on BJP and said that they cant become devotees of Shivaji Maharaj by merely performing jal pujan for his memorial. Sena is unhappy with BJP for trying to hijack the Shivaji memorial agenda for political benefits. Of late the relation between Sena and BJP had strained over seat sharing issues as both parties are involved in a blame game. Sena praised the erstwhile UPA government led by Congress for taking the nation forward.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray said, Our party wont have an alliance with BJP after BMC polls. BJP has understood its mistake and is eyeing reconciliation.

Sena praised former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who sacrificed her life for the nation. It also lauded the efforts of Rajiv Gandhi for bringing transparency in governance and introduction of computers in India. Sena appreciated the contribution of former Prime Ministers P.V Narsimha Rao and Manmohan Singh for liberalisation of Indian economy.

(BJP President) Amit Shah says it is a friendly match between them (in BMC polls). It only means that they have realised their mistake. They have understood that they have taken wrong steps and it will be difficult for them to fight the anger of Mumbaikars. Thus, they are now trying to get back to us, Thackeray said.

When asked whether Shiv Sena will withdraw support to the BJP led government in Maharashtra, Uddhav replied, I will have to think about it. If they are thinking of dividing the state by unscrupulous means, I will have to seriously think about giving them support.

Sena took a swipe at the Prime Minister Narendra Modis economic policy and his personal public relationship machinery which it claimed painted anyone who opposed these policies as being anti-national. The party praised Indira Gandhi who taught Pakistan a lesson in the 1971 war, never displayed a hypocritical stand on anti-nationals, did not trouble the poor by demonetising currency notes and was thus nicknamed Durga by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It added that Indira had nationalised banks, made better the nations economy, gunned down Khalistani terrorists and gave the message that India will not bend before terrorists

Shiv Sena is planning to contest Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) singlehandedly after it failed to arrive at a consensus with BJP over seat sharing issues. If Sena quits the government, the BJP will need 10 seats to keep afloat in the House. Sena has 75 corporators in the 227-member BMC, while the BJP has 31. BJP strategists believe if the Shiv Sena crosses the 90 mark and the BJP fails to reach the 50 figure, the former will quit the government.
Rapid climatic changes have been witnessed across the world. Since last 100 years human civilization has made a remarkable growth. We caused harm to the environment and were more focussed about modernization and development. We reached the moon and other celestial bodies on the strength of this development but are least bothered about our existence on earth. Scientists are studying about the weather condition of Mars but are least bothered about changing weather on the earth. Today world is witnessing climate change. In some regions rainfall has become untimely and at some others desert is covered by snow sheets. Another example of this came to sight, when a famous photographer Karim Buchetata shared the pictures of snow covered Sahara desert on the internet.

According to an analysis, the temperature in the foothills of Atlas Mountain region was 10 to 15 degree cooler than normal. Snowfall occurred in Algerian city Ain Sefra, which is situated between Atlas Mountain and northern boundary of Sahara desert. According to scientists, this is the beginning of change in Sahara. Several studies say that about 41 hundred years ago, this desert was quiet opposite than what it is today. At that time, this area was full of greenery. But with the passage of time, earths surface came closer to Tropic of Cancer and gradually the normal atmosphere changed in Sahara. Breezes started warming. Earth surface became rough and sandy. Now, once again the cycle is changing and the return of greenery in Sahara has begun again.

The other reason why snowall is occurring is due to rising global warming. Actually, emission of greenhouse gases has increased continuously due to day by day rise in pollution. Thus, the earths average temperature is rising and because of increasing temperature the entire cycle of season is changing.

All of us are responsible for global warming and creating natural imbalance, which the world is facing today. In December 2015 a meeting was held between many countries in Paris to discuss about global warming. However, instead of passing any resolution countries were busy pointing fingers at each other. Even today when this problem has exacerbated people are least bothered to conserve environment.

Statistics shows that almost all developed and developing countries are responsible for the climate change. China alone ejects 11 billion tons of carbon every year whereas America emits 5.8 billion ton. India and Russia ejects 2.6 billion ton and Japan emits 1.4 billion tons of carbon each year. It clearly means that China is the biggest culprit for the pathetic condition of the environment however other nations like USA, Russia or India are equally responsible for global warming. All of us are aware about what is the condition of our national capital and other big cities. Therefore time has come for India to remain alert and conserve environment. If the condition doesnt improve in future the day is not far when snowfall will be witnessed in Thar (Rajasthan) also.

Moreover, forest and trees plays a vital role in balancing the environment but sadly we are destroying them for development. More forest cover is required to absorb carbon dioxide. For example, in developed countries like Japan and Russia, the percentage of forest cover is 67 and 45 respectively. On the other hand, India has only 24.4 per cent of forest cover which is rapidly dwindling every year. We have cleared jungles in the guise of industrial development and growing population. The snowfall in Sahara doesnt mean that it is a matter of concern only for African countries as such incidents might occur in our country too.

Vivekanand V. Vimarya

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
Ahead of UP elections where Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav is hell bent on maligning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP, Modi took a dig at Congress Jr. Gandhi saying, If you google his name, then you will find the largest number of jokes on his name, which is actually a fact. However, the same thing is applicable on Modi too, he is listed as most wanted criminal and there was huge social media war on this issue. Finally, Google had to publish the disclaimer stating this appears with search engine optimization. Political leaders should talk on merits and demerits of each other rather than restoring to such unwanted taunts. Modi did not stop here and went on criticising Akhilesh Yadavs decision to form alliance with the Congress. The PM was very much humorous while attacking the two but the ground reality is that, the duos are having strong chances of making it to power. Right now, BJP has only one strong opponent and that too these two political parties. BSP too is warlord of UP power game. Nothing is certain but one can predict no future for BJP in the state. I hope one day PM speeches will have more merits to talk about his government and less about slamming opposition. Despite winning with splendid majority our PM is unable to breathe even today without attacking Congress and that is the irony of the time.

Meanwhile, to solace Jat anger against the BJP, Modi invoked Chaudhry Charan Singh, comparing his government with the latter. Modi promised to provide funds to farmers on Charan Singhs name in every district if the BJP comes to power in the State. From playing communal card to pleasing Jats and promising long pending assurance about building Ram Mandir, BJP is trying anything to everything but still voters of UP are not ready to buy jumlas.

Demonetization, might lead to BJPs downfall, Congress took on ruling party by calling it an anti-peoples move. On the other hand, even after coming to power for three years, Modiji is still in attacking mode. Till today, he failed to prove his corruption claims against Congress. Now, they are in power for about 32 months and there is no progress on any front. Those who made such money are not gullible like the bhakts to keep them in cash form. It is less than 15 lakh crore currency in circulation and they want people to believe that 12 lakh crores is with Congress men. Setting the tone for the Winter Session of Parliament, Shah claimed that Congress was unhappy with the withdrawal of the high-value currency notes as its fortune was reduced to paper scrap by PM Modis move. Shah also mocked the Rahul Gandhi going to a bank in a Rs. 4 crore car to exchange Rs. 4,000, but he forgot to mock PMs own mother Heeraben Modi visiting bank and for exchanging currency a news which made headlines for two days. Actually that was the PR stunt, as many people died while standing in queue, but she being PMs mother could withdraw money in no time.

BJP has always alleged that during UPAs 10-year rule, the Sonia-Manmohan government indulged in one scam every month, be it 2G, CWG, coal allocation, Adarsh Society, aircraft purchase and many others. With such large-scale corruption, Congress leaders accumulated Rs. 12 lakh crore which is equal to the size of three Union budgets. They parked this huge amount of money in their houses, godowns and at their friends places thinking that it was safe. But Modi turned it into paper scrap by announcing demonetisation on November 8. This has taken away all the charm from the faces of the Congressmen. Now the question here is, what was BJP doing after coming to power?

When Amit Shah shouts, India knows who are the real thievesbut corrupt BJP possessed 200,000 cr black money which was converted into white money through new telecom company, overnight huge money was deposited in their bank accounts. Still BJP has no guts or honesty to disclose their party funds and its sources. Surprisingly, BJP as party is unaffected, and its leaders are pretending to be clean. Well, they might have fought elections with crores of white money?

Modi ruling India, his party is in power and his government departments can be sent to arrest Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. When Shah knows the location, amount and many things about Congress, what is stopping him to act against them? Why only verbal accusations? Modiji expanding his lungs, screamed from roof top against Sonia Gandhis son in-law and his corruption, but so far no action has been taken against him. BJP and its leaders failed to act or prove their claims against Gandhi family. Even after coming to power the blame game continued but no action has been taken, because those are false allegations.

I am not a Congress supporter but, we cannot ignore that the UPA has achieved more than what Modi could. A 9.5 per cent average growth rate compared to Modis truncated 7 per cent no job growth during BJP raj, export and manufacturing has fallen drastically. Prices of essentials commodities have gone up, so is farmers death. There is so much unrest and hahakar among common man. By the way look around, all the technology, scientific achievements like Nuclear submarine, ISROs successful journey to Mars; Cryogenic Engine, MGNREGA, 123 Nuclear Agreement Cellular Technology spread is UPAs achievement. Today, India is the 5th largest economy, 6th Nuclear Power, Third Space Power, 2nd largest Defence Force. If Modi was anywhere in the picture, he opposed all the major agreements including 123 Nuclear Agreement, MNREGA. All the allegations of corruption against Congress, in spite of best attempts by Modi, have been discarded by the court including Coal scandal, National Herald, 2G scam. Everyday a new corruption charge is surfacing against BJP either in MP or Rajasthan. BJP is the biggest spender in the elections which spent three times than Congress in Lok Sabha. Would it explain the source of that money? Is their stash been converted into new currency or deposited in banks before demonetization?

Why BJP does not understand that the voters are not in a mood to buy their allegations and fake assurances, they want some action to be taken. Black money issue still remains unsolved and back to where it was. How long this party is going to fool people? Anyway, if such attacks and loose talks continue, in coming future BJP is going to lose its battle for another ten long years.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
By John Stone



An associate editor of British Medical Journal and member of the Cochrane Collaboration, Peter Doshi of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, has written an article in the journal supporting Donald Trumps sceptical attitude to vaccines. In the article Doshi challenges the mainstream medias lazy agenda based reporting both of Trump generally and of the vaccine issue. Doshi, who has long been a critic of flu vaccination writes:

One topic the new president may test journalists on is vaccines. Candidate Trump expressed doubts about vaccine policy...there is reason to think a vaccine safety commission may be in the worksGood journalism on this topic will require abandoning current practices of avoiding interviewing, understanding, and presenting critical voices out of fear that expressing any criticism amounts to presenting a false balance that will result in health scares.

Doshi makes several interesting points. He criticises labelling vaccine critical parents who had vaccinated as anti-vaccine:

Many parents of children with developmental disorders who question the role of vaccines had their children vaccinated. Anti-vaccination is an ideology, and people who have their children vaccinated seem unlikely candidates for the titleSecondly, they [the mainstream media] lump all vaccines together as if the decision about risks and benefits is the same irrespective of disease

Doshi would like de-polarise the issue, though for many here it will be a little late. One problem that arises is that when you have such very successful repressive machinery any real assessment of risk-benefit is heavily prejudiced, and it makes it much easier to market and mandate faulty products. Given the place of publication it is not surprising that Doshi dismisses the MMR-autism connection - perhaps at odds with his acknowledgement that developmental disorders are likely implicated - but the call for tolerant and open discussion is at the very least welcome.



John Stone is UK Editor for Age of Autism.








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Date: 16 January, 2017.

Place: Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran.

On 16 January, a shocking event occurred in the capital city of Iran, Tehran.

According to a video published by YouTube user and famous UFO hunter secureteam10, the Iranian military forces opened fire at a group of alleged UFOs in broad daylight.

The video contains a couple of clips showing several white, round objects moving across the sky. Immediately after being detected, the objects were attacked by military troops with machine gun shots, but none of them were apparently destroyed.

The incident was also mentioned on British online news site Express.co.uk. A report has been filed to the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) with video alleging to be of a mysterious UFO appearing over the Iranian capital before soldiers fire shots, the news stated.

One video shows a strange white orb that appears to speed up and change direction. Another clip shows a similar object in the sky while shots are fired from a building roof, it continued.

The event reportedly took place at the centre of Tehran Enghelab square, where thousands of people were seeing this unbelievable incident and many pictures and videos were captured, it was said.

The strange sighting alarmed the Iranian military forces, and several war planes were sent to intercept the unidentified object. After the shooting, many airforce aircraft started flying above Tehran searching for these glowing orbs but they couldn't find anything, stated Express.

Quoted by the British news source, the author of the video related: they [Iranian authorities] said they were UAVs (drones) to censor and debunk this incident, but as you see in videos UAVs can't fly like that and can't change their direction suddenly - just UFOs and alien technology can fly and move like that.

And for UAVs they don't start to shoot that heavily at the centre of Tehran like it was a war, and they don't use the airforce aircrafts just for finding UAVs! he continued.

The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) is currently investigating the case. They still need some time to verify its authenticity.

Draw your own conclusions

For further information: http://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/758843/Iranian-Airforce-gunners-UFOs-cover-up

SHOCK CLAIM: Iranian Airforce gunners filmed firing at UFOs before government 'cover up'

PARANORMAL researchers are probing claims that the Iranian Airforce was filmed shooting at mysterious UFOs over Tehran.

A report has been filed to the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) with video alleging to be of a mysterious UFO appearing over the Iranian capital before soldiers fire shots.

One video shows a strange white orb that appears to speed up and change direction.

Another clip shows a similar object in the sky while shots are fired from a building roof.

An anonymous report filed with the video said the incident happened on January 17 at 5pm local time.

This has called the report into question because the same clips have been uploaded to YouTube a day earlier on January 16.

It said: "Iranian Airforce defence started shooting heavily to many UFOs.

"At the centre of Tehran Enghelab square thousands of people were seeing this unbelievable incident and many pictures and videos were captured.

"After the shooting, many airforce aircraft started flying above Tehran searching for these glowing orbs but they couldn't find anything.

"Then they said they were UAVs (drones) to censor and debunk this incident, but as you see in videos UAVs can't fly like that and can't change their direction suddenly - just UFOs and alien technology can fly and move like that.

"And for UAVs they don't start to shoot that heavily at the centre of Tehran like it's a war, and they don't use the airforce aircrafts just for finding UAVs!"

The report writer said they were the administrator of the "biggest UFO disclosure page on Instagram".

MUFON is investigating the claims, but the organisation admits it receives many reports and video or camera footage that is deliberately hoaxed.
Starbucks Now Offering Free Immigration Legal Advice to Employees

In response to the executive order on immigration prohibiting entry to the US from the seven identified Muslim nations, Starbucks had a few major announcements. The coffee behemoth announced that not only will they be hiring 10,000 refugees worldwide; they also announced a new employee program that provides their employees with free legal advice on immigration issues.

The free immigration legal advice program is meant to help US Starbucks employees that are immigrants and may be concerned about whether the new executive order, which was blocked by a federal judge, impacts them. Additionally, employees are not limited to asking questions about the EO, they can ask any of their legal immigration questions, or other questions about travel restrictions as well. In addition to Starbucks, several tech giants came out against the president's immigration ban. Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoft all signed onto a legal brief, with numerous other corporations, which decried the ban, stating that it would inflict harm on American businesses.

Should Your Business Follow Starbucks' Lead?

Starbucks' announcements made headlines across the country, and likely drove a short spike in sales. That latter assumption likely has many small business owners wondering whether they too can capitalize on social and political movements.

While your small business may not have the resources of Starbucks, you may be considering getting political on social media, or sponsoring social justice causes. But you may also be worried about potential consequences. As a preliminary matter, if the motivation is solely for profit, you should really consider the risks carefully, particularly as insincere efforts could result in being hated by people on both sides of an issue. You may also see backlash from employees over their political beliefs.

Business and Politics

Generally, businesses are allowed to be political, and can fund social justice causes or other projects. While small businesses can see positive returns as a result of any sort of publicity, businesses need to be careful not to be too polarizing, and not to be seen as green-washing.

If your business takes a political or social stance adverse to the community it exists in, that could equate to financial trouble if local consumers decide to stop supporting your business. Conversely, even if your business takes a stance that conforms with the local politics, outsiders and opponents might band together and attempt to organize boycotts or protests.

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Liberal Politics from the Heart of Bluegrass Country
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 67F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 67F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
Assyrian Question Discussed At Human Rights Forum

As part of its intensive campaign to promote the Assyrian cause on the national and international level, a delegation of the Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA) and the Assyrian Australian National Federation (AANF) attended the 2017 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)-NGO forum on Human Rights that was held on Thursday 9 February 2017, at the Australian National Museum in Canberra. The Assyrian Universal Alliance was made up of Mr Hermiz Shahen, Deputy Secretary General of the AUA and Mr David David, President of the AANF. Also in attendance was Ms Elizabeth Kendal representing Christian Faith & Freedom and a representative from the Coptic community During the meeting, Mr Shahen raised the question of the indigenous Assyrians of Iraq and Syria who are systematically deprived of their basic human rights endangering their survival in the region. He added that Assyrians are increasingly becoming the target of both ethnic and religious attacks since the U.S.-led invasion and the overthrow of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003. On his final note he mentioned that ISIL is clearly participating in a conspiracy to destroy a national, racial and religious group. Undertaking an attack against life, liberty or property of members of any group makes them guilty of the crime of genocide. He asked the government of Australia to internationally condemn these acts of terrorism by ISIL, and to acknowledge that these acts of terrorism are acts of genocide and crimes against humanity against the Assyrians, the indigenous and original people of Iraq and their cultural heritage. He also asked that Australia assist the Assyrian nation's needs for the establishment of a self-governed safe haven in the Assyrian heartland in Northern Iraq (between the Upper Zap and Tigris Rivers) for the Assyrian Christians, Yezidis and other persecuted minorities, so that they can live in peace and security, where they can practice their religion, culture and language in freedom with human dignity, and to safeguard their ancient heritage, history, architecture, churches and sacred land. Mr Shahen also presented a submission on behalf of the AUA and the AANF to the Chairman of the Forum on Human Rights. The meeting was attended by the Hon Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Attorney-General Senator George Brandis. Julie Bishop gave the following speech:

Good morning everybody. I'm delighted to be here this morning, particularly in the company of my very good friend and colleague the Attorney-General Senator George Brandis. The quest for freedoms, and the protection of human rights is as old as humankind. This day -- 9 February -- marks the 280th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Paine, a political activist who prominently, and in a very pivotal role, promoted American independence from Great Britain. But of course, he famously wrote the Rights of Man in which he noted and observed that the rights are inherently within humans, within "all inhabitants" were his words, and that these inherent rights must be protected by governments. The idea that humans have inherent rights because and by virtue of their humanity, in fact defines Australia's approach to the promotion an protection of human rights, both at home and abroad. The Australian Government remains committed to the United Nations, to its principles and its Charter. We have a very busy year in 2017. Australia is appearing before a number of UN Human Rights treaty bodies, we are hosting several special rapporteurs and this year we are a candidate for election to the UN Human Rights Council, and this is the first occasion that Australia has sought election to the Human Rights Council. The historical anachronism finds Australia in the 'Western Europe and Others' group. There are two positions, there are three candidates -- France, Spain, Australia. I have unapologetically said to all nations whose votes we're seeking, well France and Spain are neighbours, they're in the EU, choose one of those, don't mind which one, but Australia has a different perspective from the Asia Pacific region and that we will be running on a platform, indeed on our track record, on promoting gender equality, a particular passion of mine that has become a significant part of our aid and overseas development budget and policies; on the rights of Indigenous people; on freedom of expression; on good governance and on the commitment to the rule of law. I'll just mention our focus on freedom of expression. It is deeply troubling that around the world we see some egregious examples of the crushing of dissent and the crushing of opposing political voices, and this is often manifest in the disappearance or indeed the killing of political opponents, journalists, bloggers and activists. And we believe that this should be a focus of our work on the Human Rights Council, should we be elected. We take a stand against human trafficking and slavery. We take a stand against the death penalty; in fact advocate the abolition of the death penalty around the world. We focus on human rights abuses whether it be in Syria, in North Korea or Sudan. We also take a very active and constructive role in engaging with other countries on human rights issues. We have bilateral human rights dialogues with Vietnam, with Laos, with China. I recently hosted China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi here in Canberra and we spoke openly and frankly about our bilateral Human Rights Dialogue and the focus and the work that we undertake together. We make recommendations to other countries and we receive recommendations, and we take them seriously. Indeed in Australia's Universal Periodic Review in 2015, we received 27 recommendations on the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and I'm delighted that my friend and colleague the Attorney-General Senator Brandis will respond to that Review and make an announcement today on the Government's position. So we continue to actively promote and protect human rights at home and abroad. We're prepared to be subjected to the scrutiny that comes with UN membership but we're also prepared to stand for election to the Human Rights Council so that we can remain deeply engaged in protection and promotion of inherent, inalienable, universal rights. May I hand over to my colleague, Senator Brandis.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco today refused to reinstate Donald Trump's ban on travelers from the seven predominantly Muslim nations in which the so-called President has no known business interests.

The ruling addresses a challenge to Trump's January executive order, which was filed by the states of Washington and Minnesota.

The New York Times describes the court loss as "the latest and most stinging judicial rebuke to his effort to make good on a campaign promise and tighten the standards for entry into the United States."

Next stop for this legal battle, most likely, will be the Supreme Court.

From the New York Times:

The ruling was the first from an appeals court on the travel ban, and it was focused on the narrow question of whether it should be blocked while courts consider its lawfulness. The decision is likely to be quickly appealed to the United States Supreme Court. That court remains short-handed and could deadlock. A 4-to-4 tie in the Supreme Court would leave the appeals court's ruling in place. Trial judges around the country have blocked aspects of Mr. Trump's executive order, which suspended travel from seven predominantly Muslin countries and limited the nation's refugee program, but no other case has yet reached an appeals court.

When Trump lost an earlier court ruling last Friday on this case, the so-called 'President' tweeted, "If the U.S. does not win this case as it so obviously should, we can never have the security and safety to which we are entitled."

"Politics!," he added.

Trump hasn't commented on his latest ass-whupping by our still functional judicial system yet.

At 3:35pm Pacific Standard Time today, Trump tweeted, "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!," using his trademark 'demented racist uncle' style of all-caps and exclamation points and lies.

The American Civil Liberties Union is all up in his grill.

"The appeals court's refusal to reinstate the Muslim ban is correct. The government's erratic and chaotic attempts to enforce this unconstitutional ban have taken a tremendous toll on innocent individuals, our country's values, and our standing in the world," said Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project. " We will keep fighting this un-American executive order until it is permanently dismantled."

IMAGE: Reuters. Activists march to protest against President Donald Trump's travel ban in Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Trump's Travel Ban Has Little Impact on Iraq's Assyrians

Iraqi Christians come to visit the heavily damaged Church of the Immaculate Conception after Iraqi forces recaptured it from Islamic State in Qaraqosh, near Mosul, Iraq, Dec. 9, 2016. ( Reuters/Ammar Awad) On the slopes of a low mountain, a chilly breeze blows up from the Nineveh plain and through the spires of the Assyrian, Chaldean and Syriac churches in the village of al-Qosh. The peace amid the stone and concrete homes of al-Qosh contrasts starkly with the checkpoint just outside the town, manned by gruff peshmerga soldiers of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). It belies the war only 25 miles south, where Iraqi security forces and militias are fighting the Islamic State (IS) to retake Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city. Rabie Patros Younis, a deacon and Christian community activist, settled down in his home office after a phone conversation in his native Syriac. A strained smile came to his face. "To be honest, Iraq used to be full of Christians," Younis said. "After 2003, we Christians started to get the idea that we have no place in the region," referring to the waves of sectarian-based violence that washed over Iraq, hitting religious minorities particularly hard, after the 2003 US-led invasion. Read the full story here.
Chelsea Manning's lawyer Chase Strangio has set up an official Chelsea Manning Welcome Home Fund. Please join those of us who have contributed to help with her living and healthcare expenses. As a reminder of what she's endured:

She survived solitary confinement, systemic denial of health care and years of being separated from her friends and community. Through it all she has remained a steadfast voice for liberty and justice and an inspiration to so many. We now have a chance to show our appreciation for all that she has given us. Following the commutation of her 35 year sentence, Chelsea will head home to Maryland on May 17, 2017 and we, her closest friends and family, are raising money to meet her survival needs. The majority of Chelsea's adult life has been spent under the control of powerful institutions. Upon her release she will need logistical, emotional, and financial support to safely transition into the free world.

If you are interested in offering an in-kind donation or other support, please e-mail: CMreleaseneeds@gmail.com.

 Chelsea Manning Welcome Home Fund (GoFundMe / Chase Strangio)
February 10, 2017

CAIRO  The final court ruling on the case related to the closure of Shiite media outlets and websites has been repeatedly delayed. In October 2016, lawyer Samir Sabri filed a lawsuit before the Second Circuit of the Administrative Judiciary Court, demanding that Shiite media outlets and websites be shut down in Egypt. The court decided Jan. 15 to postpone the examination of the case until Feb. 19, for the completion of procedures.

On Oct. 10, Egyptian newspapers quoted Sabri as saying, It is unacceptable and unreasonable to have a media platform in Egypt promoting Shiite ideology. Egypt is an Islamic state and the main source of legislation is Sharia under the constitution, which recognizes Christianity and Judaism to be monotheistic. El-Nafis is one of the news websites inciting against Saudi Arabia, Al-Azhar and the Ministry of Awqaf, where Ahmad Rasem al-Nafis attacks in his articles the Sunnis and Saudi Arabia and calls for professing the Shiite faith.

In a Jan. 12 joint statement, a number of Salafist leaders demanded that Shiite TV stations be removed from the list of satellite channels on Nilesat, for defaming Prophet Muhammads companions and promoting Shiite ideology among Muslims in Egypt.

In response to Sabris lawsuit and Salafist statement, Ahmad Rasem al-Nafis, a Shiite activist and founder of el-Nafis website, told Al-Monitor, The Salafist leaders Wahhabism was behind the dissemination of extremism in Syria and Yemen. Shiite channels and websites in Egypt do not advocate extremism or renounce any ideology or doctrine. They call for dealing with the Shiites as Muslims at a time when Salafist movements claim that Shiites are non-Muslims.

Shiite activist and spokesman for the Egyptian Shiite Youth Coalition, Islam al-Radwi, told Al-Monitor, The demands that Shiite channels be shut down is a sign indicating that Salafists are unable to cope with the Shiite ideology, due to their takfiri ideology that calls for exclusion and bloodshed. This is true particularly since Egyptian citizens have become aware that the Salafist ideology was behind the spread of extremism in Egypt and many Arab countries. The remaining option for the Salafists is to try to muzzle voices they believe to be Shiite.

He added, Shiite channels have been operating for years and have not caused strife or crises that Salafist channels ignite. This is because Shiite channels do not incite to violence and bloodshed and do not declare others to be infidels.

Human rights activist and lawyer at the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression, Ahmed Ezzat, told Deutsche Welle in 2012 that the law does not criminalize embracing or promoting the Shiite faith. Shutting down any Shiite channel or prosecuting any promoter of the Shiite ideology would be based on a broad application of the law against blasphemy of religions, he said.

According to Ezzat, the law against blasphemy of religions criminalizes acts considered to be blasphemous, starting with the attacks on places of worship to verbal abuses against religions and religious beliefs. He said that legislators did not give a clear explanation for verbal abuse, which gives the judges wide discretion in determining whether the channels' discourse is blasphemous against the Sunni sect.

Speaking to Al-Monitor, Mahmoud Kobesh, a former dean at the faculty of law at Cairo University, agreed with Ezzat. He told Al-Monitor, The Egyptian law and constitution guarantee the freedom of religion and expression of these beliefs. He indicated that the closure of any channel would depend upon its content and the court ruling will not be collective, as some believe.

He said, The legal criteria in shutting down any station would be based on its content and on whether or not it is viewed as blasphemy or incitement against any religion or belief." Kobesh stressed that the judiciary stands at equal distance from everyone, and noted that some Salafist channels, such as al-Hafez and al-Nas, were shut down in 2013.

He added, The judiciary may resort to a technical committee consisting of Al-Azhar scholars to determine whether or not the channels characterized as Shiite are inciting against or showing lack of reverence to religions. Yet this will not be binding for the judge.

Speaking to Al-Monitor, Sami al-Sharif, a former dean of the faculty of mass communications at Cairo University and former head of the Egyptian Radio and Television Union, commented on the controversy over characterizing Shiite or Salafist media outlets as extremist. What is happening is a part of the chaotic media and religious discourse. There are 121 religious channels broadcasting via Nilesat, including more than 60 Shiite channels, some of which explain Shiite ideas in a moderate way," he said. "Others are extremist and incite against the Sunni sect. Sunni channels respond also to such incitement with counterincitement. Thus, all extremist channels  be they Shiite or Sunni  need to be taken down.

Of note, Al-Azhar deputy head Abbas Shuman said in a July 2015 statement that Al-Azhar refuses to consider Shiites infidels, as they are Muslims just as the Sunnis are. He noted that Al-Azhar prohibits attacks and killings.

In December 2016, Iraqi Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr called on Al-Azhar to convene an open ideological dialogue between Muslim scholars of all sects to unite the Islamic world and reject violence in all sects, including among Sunnis and Shiites, thus reflecting the trust that some Shiites have in Al-Azhar.

The judiciary, and probably Al-Azhar, will decide whether the 60 Shiite channels and websites will continue to broadcast in Egypt, most notably Ahlulbayt TV, al-Manar TV and al-Anwar TV. The Egyptian state has so far not taken any measures against these channels, although Salafist channels were previously shut down. This indicates that many Shiite channels are not at loggerheads with the state institutions, but rather with some Salafist parties.
February 10, 2017

On the slopes of a low mountain, a chilly breeze blows up from the Nineveh plain and through the spires of the Assyrian, Chaldean and Syriac churches in the village of al-Qosh. The peace amid the stone and concrete homes of al-Qosh contrasts starkly with the checkpoint just outside the town, manned by gruff peshmerga soldiers of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). It belies the war only 25 miles south, where Iraqi security forces and militias are fighting the Islamic State (IS) to retake Mosul, Iraqs second-largest city.

Rabie Patros Younis, a deacon and Christian community activist, settled down in his home office after a phone conversation in his native Syriac. A strained smile came to his face.

To be honest, Iraq used to be full of Christians, Younis said. After 2003, we Christians started to get the idea that we have no place in the region, referring to the waves of sectarian-based violence that washed over Iraq, hitting religious minorities particularly hard, after the 2003 US-led invasion.

Weve been waiting for someone to come change our reality, Younis continued. Since 2003, its only gotten worse. That, in short, is why many in Younis' shrinking community supported Donald Trumps candidacy for president.

Trump was against extremism, Younis said. Obama spoke against it, but in eight years, things only got worse. So Trump said he would change that.

Younis said many Iraqi Christians, like those in al-Qosh, were excited by the prospect of a world leader making the elimination of IS, under which they have suffered greatly, a top priority. Now, however, Younis is questioning his support for the new president after Trump issued an executive order Jan. 27 banning immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Iraq, leaving Christians here with one less place to find safety.

It was just hope, Younis said. If we feel the situation changing for the better, then we can say, Trump is the right person for the job. He added, Were waiting. Right now we dont have trust in anybody.

With high unemployment, no career opportunities, sectarian persecution and the instability that comes with living in an area disputed by the KRG and the central government in Baghdad, few young people have reason to remain in al-Qosh. To combat this phenomenon, Younis founded the Nisha Organization for the Empowerment of Youth, which he runs from the basement of his home. It seeks to curb the drain of skills and education plaguing small towns. Nisha offers vocational training for youths and conducts workshops on religious tolerance to diffuse the sectarianism driving Christians away.

For Yousef Qasyanon, another al-Qosh resident, Trumps immigration ban, although stayed by US courts, blocked his departure from Iraq just as he was about to join his family in the United States.

I went through the visa process! Qasyanon said, frustrated, speaking in the shade of a currency exchange shop. I was hoping to go to America. The process was under the SIV program [Special Immigrant Visas for Iraqis]. I had the visa. But everything has stopped now because of that order.



When asked about the circumstances that led him to apply to live in the United States, Qasyanon said, My sons, my daughters, my sisters, brothers  all of them are abroad. I have no one here but my wife. This pushed me to go to the US. Secondly, the security situation in the area [has been a concern].

Qasyanon said that communities were becoming more ethnically segregated, noting that these days he only feels comfortable among fellow Christians from al-Qosh. Threats from jihadist groups like IS, tensions with neighbors, and land seizures in areas under Kurdish control have all contributed to the continuing sense of insecurity among his community.

Although Qasyanon appeared to approve of Trumps aggressive attitude, his disappointment with Trumps ban runs deep. Trump makes things happen, Qasyanon said, noting that Trump was keeping his promise to push through certain policies during his first days in office. I had an application, I did an interview, and I had a visa. This isnt just a ban on Muslims. This is a ban on everyone.

Qasyanon was resigned when asked whether he would try to appeal his case for travel. He said there was nothing else to do except wait for a change in policy.

As for the Christian community across northern Iraq, Qasyanon remarked that their numbers were dropping precipitously on the Nineveh plain. You know, we shrank from one and a half million in Iraq to no more than 300,000 now, he asserted. It was security that pushed them to go, despite the fact that they had houses, salaries, enough money to put in the bank.

Qasyanon added, If the security situation improved, the [Christians] would stay. But ever since Daesh [IS] came, everything has changed.

Adding that he feels Trumps migration policy is furthering sectarian divisions, Qasyanon commented, Its not about whether [Trump] destroys Daesh or doesnt. Its about changing the policies toward the [Middle East] region. He has created barriers between people, so that no one has trust in the other.

Some 12 miles north of al-Qosh, in the Iraqi Kurdistan city of Dahuk, Father Emanuel Youkhana, an Assyrian priest, explained the logic behind many Iraqi Christians support for Trumps candidacy.

My grandfather survived the [Ottoman] genocide of Assyrians in 1915, in which hundreds of thousands died, said Youkhana. My father survived the massacre of Simele [in Iraq] in 1933. Now 100 years later, people like me and my community are trying to survive IS.

A history of persecution from Ottoman times to the present and the recent wave of violence across Iraq have made local Christians desperate for anyone who appears to have the power to help them. So of course [the Assyrians] will live this illusion of a savior, Youkhana said bitterly.

He dismissed the idea that Trumps executive order is Islamophobic, claiming that Western countries have been hamstrung in their efforts to combat terrorism because of political correctness. There is naive thinking among Western countries, who are trying to beautify this thing called Islamic terror, he said. But in my country, Islamic terrorism has a name.

Despite the current situation, Youkhana believes that Christians should be helped to stay in Iraq. Facilitating their resettlement elsewhere, he said, would be aiding the sectarian project of extremist militants, who wish to see the country emptied of minority religious groups.

We must keep Christians here, Youkhana said. [Otherwise], you are completing the unfinished mission of IS. The diaspora, he contends, cannot be an alternative homeland for Iraqs Christians. In dispersing around the globe, ties to religion, language, tradition and land are lost. Resettlement can be good for individuals or families, Youkhana believes, but not for an entire people.

What about the 2,000 years of Eastern Christian identity here? Youkhana asked. Can we preserve it in Arizona? Can we preserve it in Chicago? He insists that the international community must push Iraqi authorities to do more to make religious minorities safe.

For Youkhana, Trumps ban is minor compared to the exodus of his community and his desire to keep them in Iraq. I am bleeding, he said. I am in the last minute of 2,000 years of Christianity. This is my priority.
February 8, 2017

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The Palestinian Authority announced Jan. 31 that local council elections will be held on May 13 in all Palestinian territories  the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem  in coordination with President Mahmoud Abbas.

However, Hamas said it will not take part in the process, as it believes it will deepen the internal division. The movement sees the step as an extension of a process that already failed when elections were canceled back in September.

On Sept. 8, the Palestinian High Court of Justice decided to cancel the local elections originally slated for Oct. 8. The decision followed a lawsuit filed by Palestinian lawyer Nael al-Houh, who demanded the elections be canceled over what he called the illegitimacy of the Gaza courts and their Hamas staff tasked with overseeing the elections.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Local Government Mohammad al-Jabarin told Al-Monitor that the governments announcement came after judicial arrangements and amendments were made to Local Council Elections Law No. 10 of 2005. According to Article 1, the appeals courts were originally the district courts, called the Courts of First Instance. However, the article was amended based on a Jan. 10 presidential decree, and a new court tasked with examining appeals will be established when the electoral process begins.

The Palestinian Central Elections Commission is waiting for a presidential decree to begin the electoral process, after which another decree will establish the new court. Although no date has been set yet, the presidential decrees are expected by mid-February.

The amendment was a reaction to Gaza's district courts disqualifying a number of Fatah electoral lists on Sept. 8. The courts cited legal violations by some candidates such as maintaining their regular jobs while running for election.

Fatah treated the Gaza courts' move as politicization of the judiciary. It withdrew its recognition of Gazas courts despite all Palestinian factions having signed a Charter of Honor on July 24, stipulating that Gazas courts, security services and other institutions would participate in overseeing local elections.

Jabarin explained that based on the governments decision, elections must be held for all local councils on the same day. If an electoral area fails to do so, all the elections would be postponed for four weeks. If it still can't hold elections after four weeks, the local council elections will be conducted where no obstacles prevent the process, as was the case in 2012, when local elections were held in the West Bank and Eastern Jerusalem without the Gaza Strip.

On Feb. 6, the elections commission set a timetable for the local elections, including details on the electoral process stages and dates from voter registration on Feb. 25 up through polling day, May 13.

Hisham Kahil, the executive director for the commission, told Al-Monitor that preparations will include all Palestinian provinces and the elections commission will start to contact the various factions that will participate to guarantee that elections will be held in all provinces and according to the law.

Kahil stressed that the special court established for the elections will be authorized to consider appeals filed before the commission. Its work will begin and end with the electoral process.

The announcement of the local election date has sparked renewed bickering in the media between Fatah and Hamas. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said that holding elections under the prevailing division is unreasonable, adding that the local elections were disrupted in October due to the judicial and security division as well as Abbas interference in the electoral process.

Qassem told Al-Monitor that Abbas took several judicial and legal actions after the elections were canceled and called for holding local elections in May without consulting the Palestinian Legislative Council, the only body authorized to amend the law. He stressed that any amendment to the electoral law should be made in consensus and no party should have the power to make one on its own. He noted that Hamas will make sure the elections are held in a democratic and legally legitimate environment in all Palestinian territories, not the way Abbas wants to hold them.

Fatah spokesman Osama Qawasmi told Voice of Palestine radio on Feb. 1, Hamas stance against the local elections is predictable because it does not believe in democracy. He accused Hamas of already having decided to prevent the holding of elections in Gaza.

The last Palestinian local elections were held in October 2012 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Hamas boycotted and prevented them from being held in Gaza.

Mustafa al-Sawwaf, the former editor of Felesteen, believes that the decision to hold local elections in May is proof that Abbas is making unilateral decisions in Palestine to serve his own personal interests. He told Al-Monitor that Abbas call for elections is intended to deepen the internal division between Palestinian factions.

Sawwaf called on Palestinian factions to take a unified stance against this call to force Abbas to renege on his decision, explaining that elections should be held after the division ends and there is a national consensus to guarantee the electoral process transparency.

Asad Abu Sharkh, a retired political science professor at Gaza's Al-Azhar University, concurred with Sawwaf that the call for elections under the current division and the amendment to the law indicate that the results of the electoral process will favor one party over the other. Speaking to Al-Monitor, Sharkh also called for postponing the elections until the division ends.

He noted that the decision to hold elections in May after Abbas amended the law aims to make Hamas appear to refuse to hold elections altogether. He said Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah should visit Gaza to unite the Palestinian institutions before calling for elections.

Despite the ongoing media war between Fatah and Hamas, most Palestinians expect the government to stand behind its decision to hold the local elections even if Hamas refuses to participate and prevents them from being held in the Gaza Strip.
February 10, 2017

Against the backdrop of a recent serious escalation of the security threat along Israel's southern border, Israeli media published reports on negotiations for a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. Leaks about the negotiations, sourced to spokesmen from both sides, were intended to put pressure on the opposing side and to present their red lines regarding any potential deal. Both sides now share a desire to reach a deal.

Hamas is in crisis and therefore wants to show the people of Gaza that it has accomplished something. Meanwhile in Israel, the families of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, soldiers killed during the 2014 Gaza war, are intensely pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the members of his government to bring that episode to an end by obtaining the return of their sons' bodies, so they can give them proper burials.

Talk about a potential prisoner exchange has been coupled with the tightening of Israel's closure policy toward Gaza as well as toward Hamas prisoners in Israel. All of this is intended to coerce Hamas to agree to Israel's terms for a deal. The result thus far, however, has been an escalation in tensions in the south, culminating in the firing of a rocket at Israel and the bombing of dozens of Hamas targets by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in retaliation on Feb. 6.

Since the conclusion of Operation Protective Edge against Gaza in 2014, Israel has said that it will not release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the bodies of Goldin and Shaul. Hamas, however, is demanding that the deal be broad and comprehensive and that the release of the two fallen soldiers and two Israeli civilians who crossed into Gaza, Avraham Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayyad, depends on the Palestinian prisoners released. Amos Harel of Haaretz reported on Feb. 2 that Israel has a bargaining chip of its own in its negotiations with Hamas: It holds Bilal Ruzaina, the emotionally disturbed brother of Mustafa Ruzaina, head of internal security for Hamas in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, and a proposal for a prisoner exchange on humanitarian grounds has been relayed to Hamas.

In an interview with Al-Monitor, a senior Hamas official in Gaza who requested anonymity and is involved in the prisoner issue said that the details published to date are disinformation. For about a year, he said, all contacts on the issue have been deadlocked, because of one condition that Hamas considers essential to any deal. We are steadfast in our demand for the release of the 54 Shalit deal detainees. Without that, there is nothing to talk about and no way to proceed, the official declared. The detainees were released as part of the 2011 exchange for the IDF soldier Gilad Shalit but rearrested after the abduction and murder of three Israeli teens in the Etzion settlement bloc in 2014.

He said that all rumors and leaks surrounding a prisoner exchange on humanitarian grounds or proposals to ease the closure of Gaza were intended to hide the real essence of the talks. He also claimed that Israel is trying to conceal this information from the Israeli public, including the families of the fallen soldiers and the detained civilians, so that it can blame Hamas for the failure of the talks to this point.

The same source said that the logic behind the demand is that Hamas wants to ensure that if one deal or other is reached, and Palestinian prisoners are released from prison, Israel will not be able to launch a raid and arrest them again  and in so doing, erase the movement's achievement. I am telling you this in no uncertain terms, without being vague or coming up with excuses. If Israel accepts our precondition and releases everyone it arrested illegally, counter to the agreement we reached regarding the release of Gilad Shalit, we can then enter into sensible negotiations.

According to the Hamas official, Israel told the various intermediaries between the parties that following a small deal in which Mengistu and Sayyad are released, Israel would then be willing to proceed to a second stage, in which Palestinian prisoners are released, the bodies of the Israeli soldiers are returned, and a significant easing of the closure is implemented. He explained, Israel told us, We are only prepared to release the Shalit deal detainees as part of a [new] deal. But it makes no sense to enter into new discussions about prisoners who were already released [in the past]. That is unacceptable, not only to the senior leadership of Hamas, but also to the Palestinian public in Gaza and the West Bank, who would consider that an act of surrender to Israel. If Israel releases the prisoners who were already released once, we will be able to enter into talks about a deal in which the [civilian and military] prisoners are released.

In a conversation with Al-Monitor, another senior Hamas source who also requested anonymity and is identified with the movement's more hawkish wing in Gaza, said that in an effort to force Hamas to agree to its terms, Israel is trying to make things difficult for Hamas and for Gaza residents and is making conditions more difficult for prisoners held by Israel. He added that these moves, which are being kept from the Israeli public, are what exacerbated tensions last week.

The source emphasized that the tensions, which almost led to another military clash with Israel, are in no way connected to the internal election now underway in the Hamas movement or Hamas' effort at reconciliation with Egypt. Israel knows that all the major Palestinian factions are committed to a cease-fire, but there are still people who want to interfere with the current situation and bring the two sides into conflict. Israel is jumping on this and making a big mess, for us and for itself, he said.

As for reconciliation between Hamas and Egypt, the same source said, There are things they [the Egyptians] don't like about Hamas, but they eventually reached the conclusion that in their conflict with Hamas, they come out the losers. Now they want to turn over a new leaf. He remarked that the Egyptian leadership has received reports that the Palestinians in Gaza are furious with Egypt and blame it for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. They [the Egyptians] also realize that if they want to resolve the [Islamic terror] problem in the Sinai, they must first reconcile with Hamas.
February 10, 2017

Morocco is ready to raise its global stature, flexing its muscle before the world by joining the African Union (AU) and making clear what it can offer  or withhold  in the areas of finance and security.

The countrys investments, security and migration control will remain its power points with which to bargain for political support from the West, which in turn wants a greater presence in Africa.

Morocco wants to put to bed international friction over its decadeslong battle with the Polisario Front independence movement over disputed Western Sahara territory recognized by some countries as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). In fact, Morocco left the AUs predecessor, the Organization of African Unity, in 1984 to protest the groups admission of SADR.

But now Morocco is back.

On Jan. 31, Moroccan King Mohammed VI gave his first speech before the AU at a summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, seeking to open a new relationship with the African bloc. Thirty-nine countries reportedly voted for Moroccos return to the AU. Counting Morocco, 55 countries are now members of the union. The king has been touring eastern Africa during the past six months to gain support for his countrys AU bid, meeting with African leaders from Nigeria to Ethiopia to sign trade agreements.

Although Morocco has been out of the AU for decades, it maintains economic ties with other African countries. The king made that clear in his speech, emphasizing Moroccos economic presence in the African continent.

Strong bilateral relations have thus been significantly developed: Since 2000, Morocco has signed nearly a thousand agreements with African countries, in various fields of cooperation, he said.

Some 85% of Moroccos foreign investments are in Africa, varying from banks and agriculture to car insurance. Morocco is also Africas third-largest exporter after South Africa and Egypt. According to African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, Morocco is one of the banks best-performing portfolios on the continent.

However, Moroccos lengthy absence from the highest decision-making body in Africa has left it without much political capital regarding the Western Sahara issue.

Africa has a long history of decolonization, and the sensitivity of this particular matter has given the Sahrawi peoples right of self-determination a top priority on the AU agenda. Over the past three decades, the AU has been calling for a UN Security Council referendum on what is considered Africas last colony.

Issandr El Amrani is the Crisis Groups North Africa project director, based in Rabat, Moroccos capital. He believes there are two reasons Morocco insisted on becoming part of the AU.

First, Morocco has gained little political support on the Western Sahara question within the AU, so it wants to weigh in along with other West African ally states, he said. Second, Morocco wants to become the intersection point between the West and West Africa.

Amrani told Al-Monitor that Tanger Med Port in Morocco is considered one of Africas most important transshipment points, linking West Africa to the rest of the world, from Europe to North America to Asia.

Perhaps these goals explain the friendly tone of the Moroccan kings speech, which was well-received and applauded by other African leaders.

It is so good to be back home, after having been away for too long! It is a good day when you can show your affection for your beloved home, Mohammed said.

Previously, Morocco set the expulsion of SADR as a precondition for it to join the AU. Though that demand has been dropped for now, observers still see the new approach as simply a way for Morocco to get along with others while it develops its long-run plan.

Academic and lecturer Patrick Delices, who specializes in African and Caribbean studies, told Al-Monitor, The policy of Morocco remains the same regarding SADR, but its political approach is different, as it now elects to win over various member states within the AU in hopes of weakening the political influence of SADR, Algeria and South Africa on the continent of Africa.

Nevertheless, SADR has had the upper hand within the AU for the past 30 years. Its allies  Algeria, South Africa and Nigeria  have been the major powers shaping the continents policies. Morocco has watched the developments closely, but has much less influence, so it is entering the union using a new strategy, rather than issuing demands.

By joining the AU, Morocco is planning to become a major economic and political player in Africa by capturing markets and by eroding and subverting the political influence of SADR and its Polisario Front, Delices said.

Recently, SADR Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Salek said Moroccos readmission to the AU constitutes recognition" of SADR. Later, Moroccan Deputy Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita rejected his adversarys statement in an interview with Le Desk to say that Morocco does not and will never recognize  this so-called entity.

Beyond that, Bourita confirmed Delices assessment by adding that his country will redouble its efforts so African states that recognize SADR change their position.

The Moroccan king demonstrated that intention when he traveled to Juba immediately after the AU summit to meet South Sudans president, Salva Kiir Mayardit. During the early February state visit, Morocco agreed to fund a $5 million feasibility study on moving South Sudans capital from Juba to Ramciel. In 2011, South Sudan estimated the move would cost a total of $10 billion.

The youngest African state had previously recognized and pledged support for SADR. Some observers have alleged that the Moroccan kings travels to South Sudan and other countries amount to a "bribery expedition" in which Morocco offers financial support to countries in exchange for their votes to revoke SADRs membership in the AU.

Globally, Morocco does not want to be seen as a kingdom engaged in colonialism and the negativity associated with it  economic exploitation and political oppression. Morocco wants to be viewed favorably by Africa and the rest of the world, especially as Africa's leading investor, Delices told Al-Monitor.

Morocco is determined to establish stronger political and economic ties with African and European countries, but its return to the AU comes as the Western Sahara cause is becoming more visible in the European Union.

The EU Court of Justice recently decided to separate Western Sahara imports from EU-Moroccan trade agreements. Though it wasnt clear why that move would endanger Moroccos agreements, Morocco threatened to end economic cooperation with the EU unless a farm deal is renewed. Moroccos state news agency, MAP, reported in an official statement that there would be further repercussions on the EU if the agreement isnt extended.

Morocco has been an important partner in monitoring terrorist activity in Europe. Will the EU be forced to choose between respecting its justice system and taking care of its security concerns? The latter has been more challenging since terror attacks have taken place from France to Germany.

As a security partner, Morocco would be hard to lose. But breaching a judicial decision would also harm Europes reputation globally.

Moroccos recent moves all demonstrate that it is unafraid to use its strengths as leverage both to dominate its enemy, SADR, and to improve its place in the world order.
February 8, 2017

BAGHDAD  The Iraqi air force recently dropped millions of leaflets on western Mosul alerting residents of pending operations to liberate the area from the Islamic State (IS). In late January, Iraqi forces supported by the US-led coalition retook eastern Mosul from the jihadi group. Counterterrorism units and others are currently gearing up to launch ground operations in the western half of the city. The area's dense population, old buildings and natural and architectural barriers will make its liberation challenging. It is also unlikely that IS will withdraw without putting up a fierce fight.

Western Mosul consists of 50 highly populated residential areas whose urban landscape is characterized by alleyways and narrow streets. Lise Grande, UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, has expressed deep concern about the fate of the 750,000 people trapped there. IS wants to use them as human shields and, therefore, will not allow them safe passage. Even if some were to manage to make their way toward the front, crossing it would not be easy.

The Tigris River splits Mosul into its eastern and western halves. In the battle for the city's eastern section, international coalition warplanes targeted the bridges across the river. The destruction of the Old Bridge on Dec. 11 severed the last connection between the two sides. Floating bridges will therefore be needed for military crossings, which will be a challenging undertaking at the wider parts of the river. This is the case in the north, whose relative openness makes it a good place for transferring military equipment.

Al-Monitor has learned from a senior military source who requested anonymity that counterterrorism units are preparing to establish three floating bridges on the river. That part of the mission will take place after international coalition airstrikes clear the area.

Federal police and rapid-response forces in southern Mosul are also on alert for the launch of the offensive. A leader of the local police told Al-Monitor, These forces have to advance toward Mosul International Airport, the Ghazlani camp and the towns of Karama, al-Lazak and Bu Saif, which are still under IS control. The forces will move from the Hamam al-Alil area to retake the airport and the camp, which will serve as launch pads for operations toward the west.

Ahmed al-Asadi, spokesman for the predominantly Shiite Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), had said on Dec. 25 that the PMU militias will be purging IS cells from the area west of Mosul all the way to Tal Afar and Sinjar. The battle for Tal Afar will be a war of attrition and it will require the extensive mobilization of human and military resources to liberate the district, the largest in Iraq. If the PMU cuts the road linking Mosul to Tel Afar, IS fighters will not be able to easily escape the city, which could translate into fierce fighting in the area.

The Ninevah Guard  consisting of three brigades established by former Ninevah Governor Atheel al-Nujaifi  was originally supposed to take part in the battle on the northern front. On Jan. 30, however, the Joint Special Operations Command announced that the militia would not be fighting because an arrest warrant had been issued against Nujaifi for collaborating with a foreign country, Turkey, from which his forces received training and support in northern Iraq.

The counterterrorism and other forces that took eastern Mosul in exhaustive fighting will have their hands full on the western front. In the battle for the east, IS mustered a tough defense, executing high-tempo attacks with car bombs that did not slow until all the Tigris bridges were destroyed. They also made use of booby-trapped houses, roadside bombs and other ambushes, causing significant military and civilian losses, in addition to shelling with Katyusha rockets and snipers along the front.

IS also introduced unmanned aircraft in the battle, dropping small bombs on the Iraqi forces, a move that took them by surprise. One such attack, on Jan. 16, left an embedded Al-Hurra TV correspondent dead and several soldiers injured. If the battle to take eastern Mosul is any indicator, the fight to liberate the west will likely be ferocious, posing many challenges for Iraqi forces and their allies.
February 10, 2017

RAMALLAH, West Bank  At Al-Amal Marriage Center, which opened in December 2016 in Ramallah, Amal Kokash Abu Hijleh spends eight hours a day in her office taking requests from men and women searching for a spouse.

Al-Amal Center is a marriage matchmaking service. Abu Hijleh, 45, matches couples by relying on her extensive social contacts, as she is the former mayor of Deir Istiya in Salfit governorate and a social worker. She has been a wedding videographer for 20 years.

Al-Monitor visited Al-Amal Center and met with Abu Hijleh, who explained why she opened the center. She said, Whenever I film weddings, women ask me to use my social network to find spouses for their sons, so I decided to start a matchmaking service. I also like helping older men find a spouse since their chances of meeting someone decreases with age.

Traditional marriage (a marriage arranged by the parents without the couple having a prior relationship) is very common in the Palestinian territories.

Abu Hijleh emphasized that her main aim is helping women find a spouse, saying, In our society men could be 40 years old before deciding to marry, and when they do decide they choose girls who are much younger. On the other hand, the chances of a 30-year-old woman finding a husband are slim.

Al-Amals procedures require the man or woman to visit the center and formally apply by giving their personal information (name, age, marital status, employment, place of residence and so on), paying the registration fee of 300 Israeli shekels ($80) and writing a description of what they are looking for in a spouse. The center then starts the search, and if a match is found the applicant pays the balance of the centers expenses, which ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 shekels ($400-$533). After finding a match  which is a process that may take weeks or months  the center sets up a meeting for the couple in the womans home and in the presence of both families. This is where the centers role ends, Abu Hijleh said.

The center has been open for only two months and has received hundreds of calls inquiring about its procedures, even though it has not advertised or launched a website. Abu Hijleh added, We receive hundreds of calls a day, indicating that the idea has spread to all provinces from only one poster at the centers entrance. A woman took a photograph of the poster and posted it on her Facebook page to start a discussion; the picture quickly spread on social media and in local media outlets.

Abu Hijleh said that about 20 men and women have filed applications with the center, a high number since the work that the center performs is not common in Palestinian society. She said that the center has so far successfully matched one couple.

The matchmaking service has some restrictions, as men, for instance, cannot just request women who are very beautiful. Some men request a woman who is tall, light skinned and has blue eyes. But I refuse to include these very high standards in the application, she said.

Abu Hijleh does not allow the couple to have their first meeting at the center, saying, The meeting takes place at the womans home in the presence of both families due to the social traditions and customs. The center also does not accept requests from older men who wish to marry a much younger woman because a large age difference would be unfair to the woman.

In regard to whether Palestinian society approves of the centers work, Abu Hijleh said, I think that the center has been well-accepted based on the reactions I get from the public. I expect the centers work to double by next summer as I plan to open two new offices  one in Hebron and one in Jerusalem  in response to the demand in those cities. At first my friends and acquaintances scoffed at the idea when I discussed it with them and my husband didn't encourage me. I understand them, as the idea was strange in social terms, but I believed that it would succeed.

Khitam Zahran, who works with the Palestinian Women's Development Society, told Al-Monitor in response to a question about how society views the matchmaking center, A matchmaking center is a strange idea for [Palestinian] society that is not accustomed to it, but it consecrates the idea of traditional marriage in society. It might be difficult for the center to succeed in light of the gradual opening up of social relations and the technological advances that have made it easier for people to meet. Finding a spouse through a matchmaking service is not socially acceptable and is based on superficial specifications.

However, a 38-year-old teacher in the northern West Bank who applied with the center disagrees. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he told Al-Monitor, I submitted an application with the center several weeks ago, as I liked the idea and I thought it may provide an opportunity for older men to find a spouse. Many men and women are growing older without getting married, and there is a rise in the divorce rate. So this center may help them find a marriage partner.

He is still waiting for the center to contact him about a suitable match.

Although the idea of a marriage matchmaking service is new to the traditional Palestinian society, many have accepted the center that opened in Ramallah. This acceptance may grow in the future in light of the societal changes such as the rising number of older unmarried men and women who are looking for a spouse.
February 10, 2017

When US President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning the entry of citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries Jan. 27, travelers and families around the world were plunged into confusion and disbelief. The sudden and unexpected move disrupted the lives of people who have been endlessly vetted over years. Sick grandparents were kept from entering the United States for medical treatment, and an Iranian baby girl was initially denied access to life-saving surgery. Before the clarifications came in the days after the announcement, even green card holders traveling outside the United States struggled with the prospect of not seeing their American children for the foreseeable future.

Even though US District Judge James Robart ordered a national halt to the enforcement of Trumps executive order Feb. 3, the effects on academia in the United States remain.

More than 17,000 students in the United States come from the seven banned countries. In the 2015-16 academic year alone, Iranian students with visas to study in the United States numbered 12,000, with the vast majority enrolled in graduate degree programs. In the same academic year, students from Iraq numbered 1,901, Syria 783, Yemen 599, Somalia 35, Libya 1,514, and Sudan 253.

In interviews with Al-Monitor, students who remain reluctant to have their full names published for fear of reprisal from immigration officials at US borders relayed stories of anxiety as they contemplate being forced to abandon their studies.

The ban has already had an unprecedented impact on many bright minds who make important contributions to US academia.

When the executive order was announced, Sara, a Ph.D. biology student originally from Syria, found herself stranded in Europe, where she had gone over winter break to visit her ailing mother. Hossein, a Ph.D. student in anthropology, did not know if he could return from Iran, where he has been conducting fieldwork for the past eight months. Seyed Soheil Saeedi Saravi, a PhD researcher from Iran and a newly accepted fellow at Harvard Universitys Brigham and Womens Hospital, was barred from entry. Suha Abushamma, a physician at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic originally from Sudan, was detained in New York upon her arrival and sent back to the Middle East. Samira Asgari, an Iranian with a Ph.D. from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland, was prevented from boarding a plane to Boston at the Frankfurt Airport to begin work on a tuberculosis project at Harvard Medical School.

American universities have been quick to respond. Presidents from the United States leading colleges and universities have individually and jointly sent letters to Trump, including a widely publicized letter from 47 university presidents stressing that the executive order threatens American higher education. In addition to publicly voicing their dissent, university leaders have also sent out emails to faculty and students, vowing to provide legal assistance to their international students and faculty members affected by the order.

Subra Suresh, the president of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), wrote a particularly strongly worded letter to his university community, saying, The topic of immigration is very personal to me.  I first came to the US at age 21 with a partially filled suitcase, less than $100 in cash, and a one-way airplane ticket purchased with a loan. Once in the US, I was able to pursue a series of extraordinary opportunities for scholarship and service without regard for my national origin  an experience that forged in me an unshakeable faith in the ability of this nation to help everyone to succeed, wherever they came from.

Suresh added, My own story is just one among millions that have shaped the history of this country. Immigration and international collaboration are not footnotes in the story of higher learning. Andrew Carnegie, CMUs founder and such a central figure in Americas industrial dominance during his time, was an immigrant. All six Americans who were awarded Nobel Prizes in 2016 were born abroad, as were a substantial portion of the membership of the US National Academy of Sciences. Tens of thousands of foreign-born students, researchers, scholars, innovators and faculty members across the country, including many at CMU, do pioneering work at the cutting-edge of science, technology and artistic creativity. The point is clear: Our very prosperity and security as a nation, and thus our freedom, depend in part on the people who come to this country from around the world.

Over 30,000 US faculty members and 62 Nobel laureates have signed a petition condemning the executive order.

The executive order has had other negative effects on American academia. For instance, the backlash against the ban has extended to Iran, which has announced a reciprocal ban on the issuance of visas to US citizens, though not retroactively.

The Association for the Study of Persianate Societies had long planned to hold a major conference bringing together American and Iranian scholars. The conference was set to be held in March in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz. But shortly after the executive order was made, the association announced that the historic gathering, which 45 Americans were set to attend, had to be canceled.

To be clear, the reciprocal visa ban by Iran has prompted a backlash too. Last week, 72 academics at Irans prestigious Sharif University publicly called on the Iranian government to do away with its retaliatory ban and allow US academics into the country. Meanwhile, universities across Canada and the United Kingdom have stepped up to offer admission to students destined for American universities but who now face being refused entry into the United States.

As of this writing, legal efforts to keep the ban from being further implemented seem to be working. But even if the ban is lifted entirely or ends after the executive order's specified 90 days, its effects seem likely to linger much longer.

Even if the courts in the US overturn Trumps order, I dont know if I want to be in a country where the administration sees me as a threat, Ali, an Iranian PhD student in the social sciences, told Al-Monitor. And Trump is so xenophobic and so unpredictable that who knows if this order gets overturned, but another one is put in its place? Will I forever be barred from visiting my family in Iran for fear that I wont be let back into the US to finish my studies, which Ive now spent decades on?
Donald Trump has issued an executive order calling for a 1,000-mile-long wall on the US-Mexican border. The order allows for six months to survey all 1,000 miles before the groundbreaking.



Smithsonian magazine consulted a panel of expert geologists on the logistics of such a wall and came away with the impression that Donald Trump has no idea what this involves, and will end up with an expensive, useless disaster.

Take surveying: field geophysicist Mika McKinnon has been working on a three-mile stretch of pipeline, which is now in its fifth year of surveying. The terrain that Trump wants to cover with his wall includes hydrophilic clay soil (which swells and moves, shattering foundations), sand, and regions where the bedrock is thousands of feet down.

A "megastructure" like a 1,000-mile wall is substantially different from a single dwelling or even a skyscraper: each section depends on the integrity of the adjacent one. Heterogenous soil conditions (including acidic soil that dissolves rebar and other materials) mean that each section has to be built differently, but must still adapt to soil and weather and seismic conditions in lockstep with its neighbor.

These are just the first-order difficulties with the wall. China's Great Wall took 2,000 years to build (and didn't keep the barbarians out).



Dirt can also eat up the wall's support system. Soils that are naturally acidic or have high chloride levels can rapidly degrade iron-rich metals, says McKinnon. These soils could "corrode any, say, nice big metal rebar that you're putting in there to stabilize your foundation," she says. Other soils have a high amount of sulfates, a compound found in the common mineral gypsum that breaks down both metals and concrete. Sulfate-rich soils are common in what's known as the Trans-Pecos soils along the border in the southwestern arm of Texas. Upkeep of such a lengthy structure is challenging. And even if such a wall can be erected, the size of budget necessary to keep it standing remains unclear. "You're going to encounter hundreds, if not thousands, of different types of soils along [such a lengthy] linear pathway," says Clendenin. (In fact, there are over 1,300 kinds of soil in Texas alone.) And many of those soils aren't going to be the right type to build on top of. At that point, would-be wall-builders have two options: Spend more time and money excavating the existing soils and replacing them with better dirtor avoid the region altogether. One thing they can't always avoid, though, are regions at risk of earthquakes and floods. Rivers run along a sizeable portion of the U.S.-Mexico border, which can create a very real danger of flood. Building adjacent to rivers can also present unexpected legal issues: A 1970 treaty necessitates that the fence be set back from the Rio Grande river, which delineates the Texas-Mexico border. Because of this, the current fence crosscuts Texas landowner's property and has gaps to allow landowners to pass.

What Geology Has to Say About Building a 1,000-Mile Border Wall

[Maya Wei-Haas/Smithsonian]

(via Skepchick)
February 9, 2017

Turkish security forces in 2016 detained 2,936 people on charges of being violent Salafi jihadis. So far this year, the pace of security operations against Salafi networks is much faster.

On Feb. 5-6, in 29 cities including Ankara and Istanbul and especially in provinces close to the Syrian border, 820 people were detained on charges of being Islamic State (IS) militants or sympathizers. With this roundup, the number of accused extremist Salafists detained in the first 40 days of 2017 is now about 1,400  almost half of the total detained in all of 2016. Among the detainees are many illegal Syrian, Central Asian and Uighur immigrants.

What's behind this unusual pace of Turkish security forces targeting violent Salafi networks in 2017, after they truncated local networks of Salafists made up of Turkish nationals in 2016?

The main reason is the political climate in Turkey, which is preparing for a constitutional amendment referendum in April that would greatly expand the president's power. The Justice and Development Party (AKP) government is very much aware of the shock effect of the Istanbul nightclub attack in the first hours of the new year. That attack heightened Turkish people's fear of IS and what it can do. The government was harshly criticized for the countrys intelligence and security flaws. IS-initiated, extreme Salafi violence on the eve of the referendum would further frighten the public and expose the government's weaknesses, probably boosting the "no" votes.

On the other hand, the number of people voting yes  in favor of expanding the president's power  could get a lift if there were a new Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) attack, like the one Dec. 11 in Istanbul that killed 44 people, most of them police, and the Kayseri bus bombing Dec. 14 that killed 13 soldiers going on leave. The AKP government is able to couch these attacks as PKK actions, which makes them much easier to sell to the public.

This could explain why the government prioritized its struggle against extreme Salafi networks in the early weeks of 2017.

But at the core of this struggle is a major dilemma for Ankara: Should it eradicate the Salafi-jihadi movement, or learn to live with it?

In Turkey, we note three types of extreme Salafi-jihadi networks with different levels of motivations and inclination for violence:

The first is the IS-linked/inspired violent Salafi networks. Turkish security forces consider them terror organizations that must be eliminated.

The second type of Salafi networks are the ones closest to al-Qaeda/Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra). Turkey sees these networks as frenemies, sometimes friends but sometimes enemies. Whether Turkey ultimately determines these groups to be friend or foe will be determined by their ongoing struggle for power in Syria and the attitude of the administration of new US President Donald Trump.

The third are comparatively moderate groups, and their allies are associated with the Free Syrian Army, which is supported by Turkey in the ongoing Operation Euphrates Shield around al-Bab. These are groups such as Sultan Murad Brigade, Hamza Division, Ahrar al-Sham, Brigade 51, Sham Legion, Nureddin Zengi Brigade, Northern Hawks Brigade and Levant Front. These groups are able to freely enter and leave Turkey for their logistics, maintenance and medical needs.

Ankaras basic dilemma is how to simultaneously eradicate the operational capacity of the first type while keeping the second type under control and supporting the third type.

To cope with such a diversified, heavy load will not be easy. Here we have to remember a bitter truth voiced by the perpetrator of the nightclub attack, Abdulkadir Masharipov.

Security sources told Al-Monitor that Masharipov admitted having briefly joined a moderate group. Ankaras most difficult challenge in overcoming the jihadi movement in Syria is that there are no changing loyalties at the level of notables and leaders, but there is a constant movement of foot soldiers changing their affiliations. A careful study of the backgrounds of Salafi foot soldiers shows that they  especially those with Central Asian, Uighur and Russian backgrounds  have been in contact with many IS, Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and moderate groups. This makes tracking them down and keeping an eye on them particularly difficult.

For example, how can Ankara really trust a Central Asian or Uighur militant now serving with the Sultan Murad Brigade alongside Turkish soldiers in Syria, but who earlier had served with groups affiliated with Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and even IS? Could IS convince these "moderate militants," who have easy access to Turkey, to carry out terror acts there?

Ankara is obviously aware of these critical questions and is taking its struggle against violent Salafi groups more seriously in 2017, but so far without being able to eradicate the jihadi movement in Syria or managing to live with it.

At the risk of repeating myself, Ankaras final decision on this will be determined by the escalating internal strife among Salafi-jihadi groups in Syria, by the Astana peace process and above all, by whether the Trump administration will consider the moderate groups that are helping Turkey in Operation Euphrates Shield friends or terrorists.
February 10, 2017

On Feb. 4, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched the third phase of the operation to liberate Raqqa, which had begun on Nov. 4, 2016. Named Operation Euphrates Shield, this operation's second phase began on Dec. 10, 2016, and many settlements have been liberated. The goal of the third phase of the operation is to capture Raqqa's city center.

The SDF commanders in the region who spoke to Al-Monitor say liberating Raqqa will be easier than militarily seizing Manbij. The operation has been going on for four months and is expected to continue until the summer.

SDF officials have been talking to Kurdish and Arab politicians and opinion leaders to discuss the future of Raqqa. The diplomatic side of this operation is the most crucial.

Before touching upon these issues, one should understand the importance of Raqqa. Geographically, Raqqa is in the middle of Syria and is of strategic importance. It has been under Islamic State (IS) occupation over the past three years and has been the main source of revenue for the organization. It is the organizational and supply center of IS both in Syria and Iraq. The liberation of Raqqa will be a deadly blow against IS and mark the turning point in the marginalization of gangs benefiting from the war.

Raqqa is the most diverse city in Syria with Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, Turkmens and Christians. It is difficult to know what IS did to all of these people.

People of nearly all ethnic and religious backgrounds participate in the operation to liberate the town. But it is the SDF that is carrying out the operation with the participation of many women and men who are natives of Raqqa.

SDF commanders say they will first besiege the city and later target the city center with arms to be supplied by the coalition. The SDF currently advances on the city from the east, west and north. The Euphrates River is located to the south of the city and has two bridges on it. If the city is besieged, the coalition will reportedly hit these bridges and the Euphrates will be a natural part of the siege. In this case, IS would have no option but to go to Deir ez-Zor to the southeast.

Such a development will also introduce new political developments. The initiative will be a cornerstone in getting rid of terror in Syria and will facilitate the establishment of a new Syria. Kurdish officials from Northern Syria and Rojava say the liberation of Raqqa will be "the guarantee of a democratic and federal Syria and a free Rojava." Again, many people view Raqqa's liberation as an indispensable part of the Kurdish-Arabic alliance in the region.

What will be the administrative model for Raqqa after the military liberation of the city? Kurdish officials told Al-Monitor the model that will be set up in Raqqa will be a resolution model for all of Syria. They note that they have discussed this with the Arab tribes in the region and have received crucial material and moral support from them. Recently, many Arab tribes visited the battlefront and supported the fighters. Political and military authorities here say after its liberation, Raqqa will be run by a civilian administration and people will preserve their own identities. These authorities emphasize that military forces have no goal of administering the city themselves.

This issue has also been discussed with the coalition authorities led by the United States. The new US administration continues supporting the operation like the previous one. The strong rapport between the Pentagon and the SDF administration is expected to become even stronger in the coming period.

The relationship between the United States and the Northern Syrian Forces won't regress until Raqqa's fate is decided. Raqqa's fate has come to mean Syria's fate. After Raqqa is liberated, there will be a gathering to form the new Syria. Those who were strong in the field will naturally have more effective cards at the table.

But Raqqa isn't northern Syria's and Rojava's only agenda. The Astana and Geneva talks are also closely followed here. And then there's the draft constitution prepared by Russia. Russia's draft is neither rejected nor accepted  it is considered to be a draft that should be discussed. It is taken as an insufficient step, but a first one by international powers. Geneva and Astana meetings haven't generated hope for a resolution yet. Russia took a step by preparing this draft. Russia suggests autonomy for Kurds, but the Kurds think their issues will be solved not through autonomy, but through a democratic, federal Syria. In Russia's draft, other peoples and faiths outside of the Kurds have been ignored. That is also seen as a flaw. But it is important that Kurdish rights are mentioned in a document for the first time.

Some sources Al-Monitor spoke with talk of a "social contract draft" being prepared to act as an alternative constitution for Syria. This draft is expected to be announced soon. The draft will be presented as the Constitution for Federal Syria. How this draft from northern Syria will be received in Damascus, Moscow and Washington is a very important question. But whatever the outcome is, it will be very important for the solution in Syria. If it's rejected, chaos will continue.

Another development in the region is the Turkish operation in al-Bab. What's happening there is generally perceived as a fiasco. This is a useful reminder: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan invaded the Shehba region to the north of Aleppo because of his anti-Kurdish sentiment and his ambition to prevent the Kurds from attaining a status in Syria. They took Jarablus and other places from IS without much fighting. But now, Erdogan's plans appear to be failing at al-Bab.

Erdogan sold out his friends of five years whom he was supporting in Aleppo. Just to be against the Kurds, he gave up all of the Free Syrian Army's (FSA) gains in Aleppo. He made a nasty deal that may be his demise.

The Erdogan administration first said they would create a buffer zone from IS 20 kilometers (12 miles) deep after they took Jarablus and Dabiq. But their goals turned out to be different. Forces in the region saw that Erdogan was only pursuing his own agenda there. That is why the FSA, his allies at al-Bab, are upset with Erdogan. They think they have been sold out in Aleppo. Cracks in the alliance between the FSA and Erdogan will surface soon.

Erdogan's defeat at al-Bab, Northern Syria Forces' Raqqa operation and their growing relations with the United States, and the draft constitution Russia submitted are all developments of vital importance for Syria. In the spring and summer months, these developments will for the most part be implemented, and by the end of this year a "New Syria" may emerge.
Officials hope a site designation near the Toyota engine plant will lead to new jobs and development in north Huntsville.

(Courtesy)

The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County hosted a news conference Friday announcing the 67-acre North Huntsville Industrial Park - Phase III has been named an Alabama AdvantageSite, a program that requires economic development organizations to provide documentation specific to a proposed industrial site, including a set of standard data related to ownership/control, environmental and geotechnical conditions, and infrastructure status.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said the application process, managed by the Chamber in partnership with the city, took a year to complete. The AdvantageSite designation is different from TVA Megasite certification, which is typically given to sites appropriate for large-scale industrial projects.

"(AdvantageSite) is made for the smaller businesses," Battle told AL.com. "It's divided up into lots so that you can have a company come here that could be as small as 20 employees or it could be as large as 200 employees. It gives us another tool in the tool chest as we recruit industry."

The AdvantageSite is located on Prosperity Drive near the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama facility. Alabama has 54 AdvantageSites in the state.

Battle said the AdvantageSite designation is a precursor to new jobs and industry in the north Huntsville area.

"We could have an announcement in two months; we could be waiting and in a year from now have an announcement," he said. "When industry comes, you've got to have the product on the ground ready to go."

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama manages the AdvantageSite program, which is designed to make the state more competitive to companies looking to expand in Alabama. The program is jointly sponsored by the Alabama Department of Commerce, Alagasco, Alabama Power Co., the North Alabama Industrial Development Association and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

District 1 Councilman Devyn Keith said the AdvantageSite announcement kicks off what should be an eventful year for North Huntsville.

"I want to have jobs that are attainable for those individuals who did not attend college," he said. "I think within the next 365 days you'll hear some exciting news."
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(File photo/Gulflive.com)

(File photo/Gulflive.com)

Here are some of today's top AL.com business headlines:

Officials will gather Friday morning to make an infrastructure announcement for the North Huntsville area.

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The first state surplus auction of 2017 will take place next week in Montgomery.

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NASA has been on a "Mission to Mars" for the last few years, but it might get there by way of a stop on the moon. At least, that's what the latest leaks out of Washington suggest.

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A new deal between Walmart and Renfro Corporation will create approximately 440 manufacturing jobs in Fort Payne.

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Protective Life has hired a TIAA executive as its Chief Underwriting Officer.

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Google Fiber representatives met with more than 100 young entrepreneurs Wednesday night to talk about how their lives might change in the soon-to-be Gig City of Huntsville.

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Belk has responded to its decision to remove Ivanka Trump's fashion line from its website and some stores, saying the move was part of the "normal course of business operations."

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For more news, visit AL.com/business.
Khaula Hadeed came to the United States from Pakistan in 2002 to join her husband, who was training in internal medicine in New York.

They moved to the South in 2004 so he could serve the indigent population in rural Alabama.

Dr. Talha Malik and another Muslim doctor were among three physicians working in the emergency room at Bullock County Hospital. Malik worked in Union Springs for four years before becoming a researcher at UAB, where he is now a gastroenterologist.

While her husband treated needy patients, Hadeed graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in political science in 2008 and a master's degree in international relations in 2009. She graduated from Cumberland Law School at Samford University in Birmingham in 2014 and had the couple's first child, a daughter, in 2015.

A crescent moon symbol adorns the roof of the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center.

Hadeed, 32, now serves as executive director of the Alabama chapter of CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which incorporated in 2015. She has been helping Alabama Muslims straighten out problems with travel and visas. And there are a lot of problems these days.

"It's just hard being a Muslim right now," Hadeed said.

The CAIR group was formed as a response to anti-Sharia laws proposed in the Alabama Legislature. Amendment One, an amendment to the state constitution that prohibits foreign law being used to decide cases in Alabama courts, passed easily in 2014 and was added to the Alabama Constitution. "That's the climate, a climate of fear," Hadeed said. "People are giving away their own rights out of fear."

Her legal training has now been put to use in trying to help Muslims and their families who are having problems traveling to the United States.

In December, that happened to her mother-in-law, a Pakistani who lives in Bahrain and had been to visit the Maliks in Alabama several times. This time, her travel visa was denied. "They felt the attitude change at the U.S. Embassy (in Bahrain, after the Nov. 8 election of President Donald Trump). After pleas to government officials and a reapplication, she was allowed to visit again.

Now Hadeed worries that her own mother, who has visited three times in two years to see her grandchild, could have trouble visiting the next time she tries to travel to America from Pakistan.

"In the name of national security we think there needs to be more checks," Hadeed said. "There are already extreme checks."

Hadeed and her husband applied for citizenship in 2015. She was granted citizenship last year. Her daughter was born as a citizen. Her husband is still waiting to hear back on his application. She's not sure why. "We're here because of him," Hadeed said.

A sign at the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center features a verse from the Quran, the Islamic holy book.

"It was a grueling process to become a citizen," she said.

Hadeed is assisting a UAB doctoral student from Syria who recently brought his wife and daughter to the United States. He's afraid to leave the country because he might not be allowed back in. "This is the one secure place he found himself," she said.

The situation is bleak for other Syrians escaping civil war who want to move to the United States. Birmingham has significant communities of Syrians, Yemenis and Iranians who are all from countries included on a seven-nation travel ban issued by Trump in an executive order that has now been delayed by court challenges. Even with implementation of the order delayed, citizens from those countries fear traveling to visit sick or dying relatives, worried they may not be allowed to return.

"I am the reluctant activist," Hadeed said. "We're talking about things that affect people every day."

The election of Trump and his efforts to curb the number of Muslims traveling to the United States has thrown the Muslim community into turmoil and uncertainty.

She has seen it before. She and Dr. Malik were married in December 2001, three months after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C., that left the nation in a panic. The backlash against Muslims was harsh then, and it's harsh now. "We've seen a huge spike in anti-Muslim attacks in the last year," she said.

Hadeed hopes that the United States will work through this difficult period and return to welcoming immigrants who do their best to help this country by providing medical services and other needed expertise.

Her husband helps run a free health clinic at Hoover Crescent Islamic Center with other Birmingham area Muslim doctors and professionals.

"I'm a hopeful person; I'm very optimistic," Hadeed said. "I have great faith in the American people. I believe this is the best country on earth."
A woman has been charged with trafficking in opiates in Etowah County.

Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit Commander Randall Johnson said April Gilliland, 42, of Gadsden, is being held without bond at the Etowah County Detention Center. She was arrested Feb. 2.

Deputy Commander Phil Sims said a deputy stopped a vehicle for a moving violation on Hutchins Drive in Gadsden. Gilliland was a passenger in the vehicle. Officers discovered Gilliland had a felony drug probation violation warrant and she was placed under arrest.

Then officers discovered trafficking weight of oxycodone pills, along with methamphetamine, cocaine, morphine pills, marijuana and suboxone strips, as well as $2020 in cash.

The Etowah County Sheriff's Office, Gadsden Police Department and the ECDEU worked together on the case in response to complaints about drug activity in the area, Sims said. The FBI North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force also participated in the case.

Gilliland was on probation with community corrections for trafficking and distribution of methamphetamine, and could face additional charges in relation to this incident, Sims said.
IV.JPG

Nurse Rachael Lorino and customer Lacey Woodroof talk before she receives an IV to treat fatigue.

Lacey Woodroof of Vestavia Hills inhaled oxygen from a plastic tube as a nurse quizzed her about symptoms during the grand opening of Vida-Flo, a shop in Vestavia Hills that offers IV treatments for everything from hangovers to PMS.

"I'm exhausted all day, every day," Woodroof said.

So the registered nurse - known as a wellness consultant - Rachael Lorino suggested a treatment of intravenous fluids laced with B vitamins and an antioxidant called glutathione. Woodroof uncurled her arm and Lorino slid a needle into the crook of her elbow. The nurse estimated it might take up to 40 minutes for the bag full of saline, vitamins and electrolytes to drain into Woodroof's body, so the customer curled into pleather chair and got comfortable.

Vida-Flo is the first elective IV clinic in the Birmingham area and it's part of a chain with outposts around the South. Proponents say the treatments reduce the physical effects of dehydration, increase energy and immune response. But the treatments haven't been tested or evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the insertion of IV needles can cause complications that range from bruising to infections. Nurses at Vida-Flo follow the same guidelines as nurses in a hospital or doctor's office to prevent infections.

In an article about elective IV treatments in Time, one emergency room physician questioned the need for intravenous fluids for patients capable of drinking by mouth. She said there isn't any evidence that hydration with an IV is any more effective than drinking water and consuming medication by mouth. Hospitals use IVs on patients who are unconscious or unable to keep down food and water.

Still, Woodroof and others praise the service. She said she suffers from frequent sinus infections and tries to avoid antibiotics. It was her third treatment since Vida-Flo opened its doors in December.

"It makes you immediately feel better," she said. "Especially the next day you feel back to your normal self."

Michael Gayle, one of the owners, said wellness consultants will not diagnose conditions or write prescriptions.

"We treat the symptoms of dehydration," he said.

Clinics offering IV treatments for hangovers began cropping up in Las Vegas and Chicago in 2013, and quickly spread across the country. The Recovery Room in Mobile offers similar treatments.

Vida-Flo offers treatments for people suffering hangovers, but doesn't tout those benefits as prominently as it advertises services for exhausted athletes or those feeling under the weather.

Nurses mix vitamins into intravenous fluids inside a side room lined with bags bulging with saline, and also add a handful of medications if needed, including Zofran for nausea, low-dose Toradol for pain and Pepcid for acid reflux. A doctor serves as medical director, but he isn't on-site all the time. Instead, treatments are prepared and dispensed by registered nurses.

Vida-Flow, located in Vestavia Hills, does not feel like a clinic with its stylish decor and relaxing ambience. On opening night, customers nibbled on appetizers while they waited for treatment.

Before administering IVs, nurses measure heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen levels. If those levels fall outside normal parameters, they will not treat the customer. Pregnant women can receive infusions of vitamins and fluid, but not medications for pain or nausea and diabetics receive plain saline instead of bags that also include electrolytes.

Treatments start at about $60. Vida-Flo does not take insurance.

Janie King, a nurse practitioner from Eufaula, worked in several hospitals during the first few years of her career.

"I've put in IVs galore," she said.

So she didn't flinch when the needle went in for her first elective treatment. King traveled three hours to Birmingham for the opening, skipped breakfast and ate just a little for lunch, she said. She didn't drink as much as usual and wanted to replenish before her three-hour drive the following morning.

"I just think this is a wonderful healthcare choice," King said. "It's a very healthy thing. A very surefire way to replenish."

Updated at 4:47 p.m.to include information about another IV clinic in Mobile
A Hoover man, who pleaded guilty to illegally selling male enhancement drugs from China that could cause serious side effects, won't go to prison.

Nabil Chagri, 38, was charged in September with receiving and reselling a misbranded male enhancement drug from China called Zhen Gong Fu, according to court records.

U.S. District Court Judge Abdul K Kallon sentenced Chagri to five years of probation with special conditions of release. Certain records have been sealed in the case.

Federal Public Defender Kevin Butler, whose office represented Chagri, declined comment.

Federal authorities have said the product labeling didn't declare that Zhen Gong Fu contained sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, which is FDA approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

"In addition to various side effects, sildenafil-containing drugs can be particularly harmful to persons taking medications containing nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, because sildenafil can interact with the nitrates and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels," according to the charge against Chagri. "Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates."

That's why Viagra is a prescription drug, federal authorities said.

According to court documents the labeling for Zhen Gong Fu included this false and misleading statement: "This product is the substitute for American Viagra successfully developed by Hong Kong Hongwei Biological Research Center in 2007 after years of clinical trials and the best challenger of Xilishi. It can quickly elongate, thicken and enlarge the penis to effectively rescue you from short sexual intercourse time, take good therapeutic effect on preventing impotence and premature ejaculation...It does not effect heart diseases (sic), hypertension or diabetes. It is of good therapeutic effect on prostate disease. Alcohol does not interfere with its therapeutic effect. "

From April 2015 to March 2016 Chagri received a number of products, including Zhen Gong Fu, from China. He would then deliver the male enhancement products to various gas stations and wholesale distributors, who would then sell the products to customers.

Authorities said the drugs were mailed from China to Chagri at various northern Alabama addresses. Between March 2015 and March 2016, the FDA intercepted multiple packages containing the drugs and issued eight import detention notices to Chagri. Chagri received the FDA detention notices but continued to order and receive the drugs from China. According to the press release, those packages sometimes contained fake names in an effort to mislead and evade police detection.

Chagri entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office. dmitted he sold the Zhen Gong Fu to wholesale supply stores or gas stations, who then would sell the products to retail outlets such as gas stations or convenience stores. Some of the drugs contained tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis which is another FDA-approved prescription drug for erectile dysfunction.

The FDA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chinelo Dike-Minor prosecuted the case.
Impeachment Press Conference

Alabama Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle, said today's appointment of Luther Strange to the U.S. Senate by Gov. Robert Bentley 'looks like collusion' because Strange had requested a suspension of an impeachment investigation of the governor in November. Strange and Bentley denied any connection.

(Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

The state lawmaker who launched the move to impeach Gov. Robert Bentley said the process is tainted by Bentley's appointment of Attorney General Luther Strange to the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle, said the fact that Strange asked the House Judiciary Committee to suspend the impeachment investigation of the governor last year and then accepted the governor's appointment today "looks like collusion."

Strange and the governor denied any connection between the suspension of the investigation and the appointment.

Henry, who sponsored the resolution to impeach Bentley supported by 22 other House members last year, said "the air of corruption is thick."

"I do not understand how Attorney General Strange can stop an impeachment proceeding and then in a matter of weeks turn around and petition for an appointment by the very person he stopped the impeachment for," Henry said.

Strange asked for the suspension of the impeachment investigation because he said his office was investigating related matters. He said today that he never said his office was investigating Bentley.

Strange and Bentley noted that Strange's request to suspend the investigation came a week before Donald Trump was elected president, which is what led to the Senate vacancy that Strange now fills.

"He wrote that letter (asking for the suspension) long before anybody ever thought that President Trump would be president," Bentley said.

Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, a lawyer and a member of the Judiciary Committee, said the circumstances of Strange's appointment were a concern, although she said she respected the attorney general and the governor.

"I do have some concerns about the appointment of Luther Strange to that position," Givan said. "I cannot stand here and say it does not give me pause sitting on the committee, him being the now former attorney general, him having some degree of review over the investigation as the head of this agency here and elected by the people to do so, and now being appointed to the U.S. Senate."

Givan said she did not know the governor's rationale for making the appointment.

"But I do know the governor may have done himself a little more harm than good in this case with regards to the impeachment," Givan said.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, who made the decision to suspend the investigation in response to Strange's request, said today he believes the request was made in good faith.

On Nov. 1 last year, Jones and House Speaker Mac McCutcheon met with Strange, Chief Deputy Attorney General Alice Martin and Matt Hart, head of the AG's special prosecutions division, about the request to suspend the investigation, McCutcheon said.

Jones said he asked that the request be put in writing, and it was two days later.

"And based upon that request -- it came from the highest ranking law enforcement officer in the state -- we've honored that request," Jones said. "There's been a lot of discussion about whether or not this is linked to appointments and things of that nature. The timing of that meeting and that letter was before the election.

"In my opinion, the request was made in good faith. And I felt like then, I still believe, I have no reason to believe different, that it was made in good faith.

"Obviously things have evolved where it may make people think different, but at the time it was made, I do believe it was in good faith, and I'm still in that same position today."

Wesley Helton, Bentley's director of legislative affairs, talked to reporters today after Henry's comments that the Strange appointment smacked of corruption.

"We don't believe it's tainted at all because Attorney General Strange and his office never once mentioned to us there was any investigation," Helton said. "The governor has zero conflict with appointing someone that is a very well qualified candidate, has won statewide, has a good Republican agenda and wants to follow Donald Trump's agenda in Washington. And that's what he's asked for, and that's what Luther Strange brings."

Strange had said he would run for the Sessions seat whether or not Bentley appointed him. The governor has said he plans to call a special election for the seat during the regular election cycle in 2018.

The seat will be up for election again in 2020.

Jones said today's appointment does not immediately change the suspension of the impeachment investigation. But he said he planned to meet with the attorney general's office soon about resumption of the committee's investigation.

Jones has said since the suspension that he intends to resume the investigation when given the go-ahead by the AG's office.

Strange today named Martin acting attorney general. Bentley will appoint Strange's permanent replacement and said he would be interviewing candidates. He did not say when he would announce a choice.

Givan said she expects the impeachment investigation to move to a "fast track." If the Judiciary Committee concludes that the impeachment charges have merit they would be considered by the full House of Representatives, which could vote to send the matter to a trial in the Senate.

"At the end of the day, I still do not think that the governor will be impeached," Givan said. "I just do not think there will be enough votes in the Senate for that."

Givan sponsored legislation proposing Amendment 6 on the ballot in November which set a requirement for a two-thirds vote in the Senate to remove an impeached official from office. Voters approved it.

Previously, the state Constitution was silent on the number of votes needed to remove from office. Givan's bill was not related to Bentley's impeachment but based on a recommendation of a constitutional revision commission in 2014.

There's almost no precedent for impeachment proceedings in the Legislature. The last case was in 1915.

Henry sponsored the impeachment resolutions after allegations that the governor had an affair with his former political adviser and questions about whether state resources were used to facilitate the relationship.

Bentley admitted to making inappropriate comments to former adviser Rebekah Mason but they denied having an affair.

The governor has denied doing anything illegal or anything to warrant impeachment.
Phil Williams of Senate contributed photo.jpeg

Sen. Phil Williams, R-Rainbow City, was interviewed by Gov. Robert Bentley for attorney general today. (Senate GOP Caucus)

( )

State Sen. Phil Williams, R-Rainbow City, said Gov. Robert Bentley interviewed him today for the state's vacant attorney general position.

Williams, who has served in the Senate since 2010, is a lawyer in private practice and a colonel in the Army Reserve.

"A very positive interview," Williams said. "It was very direct, very forthright.

"We spent time talking about not only my personal experience on my resume but also my philosophy on leadership and my love for the law and the practice of law."

Bentley will appoint a replacement for Attorney General Luther Strange. On Thursday, the governor appointed Strange to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions' confirmation as U.S. attorney general.

The governor has not said when he would make his selection.

Among others who have interviewed for the position or talked to Bentley about it include state Board of Education member Mary Scott Hunter; Marshall County District Attorney Steve Marshall; Chris McCool, district attorney for Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties; and Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster.

Bentley spokeswoman Yasamie August said the governor's office would release a full list of candidates interviewed when the interviews are completed.

Williams was one of 20 candidates Bentley interviewed for Sessions' seat before choosing Strange.

Williams said he told the governor at that time that he would be interested in the attorney general position should Strange get the Senate appointment.

He said the governor called him Thursday night and asked him to come for an interview.

Williams said his work as a lawyer and his military career, which has included receiving two Bronze Star medals for service in Iraq and Afghanistan, gave him a strong base of experience for the job.

"Leadership, administration and the law are three things that have been in my life quite a bit," Williams said.

In November, Strange asked the Alabama House Judiciary Committee to suspend an impeachment investigation of the governor because he said the attorney general's office was conducting a related investigation.

That suspension remains in place.

Williams said he brought up the issue during the interview. He said he would not recuse himself if there is an investigation of the governor's office.

"If we were in an awkward position of there being something that had to be taken care of, that's what I would do because that's the calling that would be placed upon me," Williams said he told the governor.

"I don't want to in any way say that I believe Senator Strange left something unfinished on his desk. I don't know what I don't know right now.

"But I assured him that the job that I'm given, if given it, is the job that I would do."

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike Jones said he plans to confer with the attorney general's office soon about resuming the committee's impeachment investigation, which Jones said he intends to do.

Bentley has denied doing anything illegal or anything to warrant impeachment.

The impeachment resolution signed by 23 Houses members last April came after allegations that the governor had an affair with his former political adviser, Rebekah Mason, and questions about whether state resources were used to facilitate the relationship.

Bentley and Mason denied having an affair.

Chief Deputy Attorney General Alice Martin is serving as acting attorney general.

Updated at 4:06 p.m. to add names of some others who have talked or interviewed with the governor about the position.
PHNOM PENH - About 830,000 Chinese tourists visited Cambodia in 2016, a 19.5-percent rise year-on-year, according to a Cambodian Tourism Ministry report on Thursday.

Chinese holidaymakers accounted for 16.6 percent of the 5 million international tourists traveling to the Southeast Asian country last year, the report said.

It added that China ranked the second largest source of tourists to Cambodia after Vietnam, whose 959,600 people visited the kingdom last year, down 2.8 percent year-on-year.

Cambodia targets 2 million Chinese tourists by 2020.

Last year, the country launched a white paper which listed steps to be taken by tourism authorities to facilitate visits by Chinese tourists, such as providing Chinese signage and documents for visa processing, encouraging local use of the Chinese yuan currency, encouraging the use of Chinese language, and ensuring that food and accommodation facilities are suited to Chinese tastes.

Cambodia is famous for the 12th century Angkor Archeological Park in northwestern Siem Reap province. Besides, it has a 450-km pristine coastline stretching across four provinces in the country's southwestern part.

Tourism Minister Thong Khon estimated last month that tourism industry earned gross revenue of more than $3 billion in 2016, accounting for 13 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Update, 330pm PT: Aaaaand it looks like the White House just issued statements that reverse everything they said a half hour ago.

White House changes earlier statement, says it may take fight over temporary halt of travel order to Supreme Court https://t.co/rkUjbpFFyG  Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 10, 2017

A tale of two news alerts that landed 30 minutes apart. pic.twitter.com/8mLH5DsB4q  Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) February 10, 2017

Less than 24 hours after Donald Trump lost his #MuslimBan appeal in court and subsequently tweeted 'SEE YOU IN COURT!' to the courts, he flip-flopped. Like he does.

WASHINGTON (AP)  Amid legal setback, President Donald Trump says he's considering signing a 'brand new order' on immigration.  darlene superville (@dsupervilleap) February 10, 2017

Priebus now telling reporters: "Every single court option is on the table, including an appeal of the Ninth Circuit decision"  Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) February 10, 2017

An unnamed White House staff member today told CNN Trump will not be seeing the court in court, which probably terrified the court, which would of course be scared of being a court.

The administration is now promising some kind of do-over on Trump's January executive order intended to halt entry into the U.S. from seven primarily Muslim nations.

"No rush" is a bad look when your executive order is based on a supposed national security emergency.  Ian Samuel ? (@isamuel) February 10, 2017

WSJ: Trump tells reporters on Air Force One that he'll rewrite travel order and will win court battle, but is mulling other options  Jacob Gershman (@jacobgershman) February 10, 2017

From CNN:

The decision to not go to the Supreme Court comes as the White House is examining several options to save President Donald Trump's controversial executive order on immigration, sources say. The White House is working on "possible tweaks" to the executive order, according to a source in close contact with the White House on national security issues. Another possibility is writing a new order altogether, a source familiar with the process said. A new order would be more narrowly tailored than the one issued two weeks ago, the source said, such as explicitly stating that it does not apply to legal permanent residents. An administration official familiar with the process tells CNN the possibility of issuing a new or revised executive order is being contemplated, but nothing has been confirmed. "Nothing's off the table," one White House official said. Questions on next steps have swirled since Thursday evening when the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to lift of temporary restraining order on Trump's executive order barring foreign nationals from Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Iraq and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, all refugees for 120 days, and all refugees from Syria indefinitely.

And about this next passage, I wonder if this unnamed source taking the Trump administration's Department of Justice representative out to the woodshed was Spicey? Trump has a long history of never taking responsibility for any failures, and of blaming those nearest to him, and punishing them. He is nothing if not consistent. Again, from CNN:

An official tells CNN that administration officials were not happy with the DOJ lawyer's performance during the oral arguments before the three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit and thought he was not as prepared as he should have been for the arguments against Washington and Minnesota, the states that challenged Trump's executive order. The source said it's clear the judges asked more about merits than the government lawyer anticipated, and he stumbled on simple arguments concerning the states' standing, or ability to challenge, the order.

The Trump train looks wobblier every day.

A judge on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has asked the full court to vote whether they want the full court to re-hear the travel ban case pic.twitter.com/2bPA5PSKhc  Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) February 10, 2017

It takes a majority of judges to vote to hear case "en banc," and if ordered it ordinarily means 11 judges (Chief and 10 picked random) /3  Rick Hasen (@rickhasen) February 10, 2017

Here's what Trump said aboard AF1 about potentially signing a new executive order on immigration, via pool pic.twitter.com/dSA0sjlTjj  Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) February 10, 2017

Donald Trump advisor Stephen Miller defends travel ban in our new interview https://t.co/QukoaZdAUh pic.twitter.com/LBEHrmidME  Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) February 10, 2017

An executive order by POTUS cites a section of U.S. law that doesn't exist, per ProPublica. https://t.co/tHngbTihdV pic.twitter.com/14WkqfhcnJ  Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) February 10, 2017

SEE YOU IN COURT or idk maybe I'll just see you around, whatever works https://t.co/IfUB2nOHWZ pic.twitter.com/N1zzEKLCOF  Mark Berman (@markberman) February 10, 2017
Jerusalem  Walking with a slight limp, his lower right arm wrapped in a cast, Eshaq Abu Jibneh crossed the living room slowly to place a tray of coffee and cakes on the table.

Right now, I can move my hand, but I cant lift heavy things or open bottles, he told Al Jazeera, noting that he would soon go for surgery on his wrist, while his ankle had recovered well after surgery in the summer.

Abu Jibneh suffered the injuries in a brutal attack in a West Jerusalem public square last summer, belatedly recognised by Israeli authorities as a hate crime.

A taxi driver by trade, Abu Jibneh had arrived at Zion Square to meet a friend in the early hours of August 5, 2016. The square is a popular location for Palestinian taxi drivers to take breaks between shifts, drink coffee and catch up on the latest local news and gossip. Abu Jibneh had wanted to congratulate his friend, who had recently bought a new taxi.

It was 3:30 on Friday morning. I parked and was standing there with the other taxi drivers. We were talking. It is normal at that time that Arab taxi drivers stop in that spot and meet, he said.

He recalled that he and his friends were then approached by a group of six Israeli men who looked like normal Israelis.

One of them said, Here is an Arab taxi driver, right here. He started to curse us, told us, Get out of our country, go to work in Gaza. This is our land. Get out of our land, and saying rude things about us, cursing our families, our mothers.

READ MORE: The death of Ali Dawabsheh

Responding to the men in Hebrew, Abu Jibneh said that he drew on his previous training and experience as a security guard in an attempt to defuse the situation, but he and his friends quickly decided to leave the area. At that point, he said, the gang started to hit the taxi drivers.

One of the Israelis had pepper spray, and they sprayed me in the face, in the eyes. I couldnt see what was happening around me. They started to kick me, hit me with stones, and it left me with several injuries, he said.

The by Steven

job and investigate.]

Abu Jibneh said that the attackers started to shout, Hes a terrorist, adding that he feared for his life. However, a group of Jewish Israeli passers-by intervened and the police were called.

Police arrived at the scene within half an hour, and although an officer questioned Abu Jibneh about the attack, he did not interview other witnesses or move to apprehend the attackers, who had fled on foot, Abu Jibneh said.

Two weeks later, having made no arrests, police closed the investigation into the attack. But Abu Jibnehs lawyer, who works with the anti-racism organisation Tag Meir, would not allow it to be dropped: He went ahead and collected testimonies from witnesses and the ambulance service official who took the call that night. After being presented with more evidence, the police agreed to reopen the case.

Months later, in November, police confirmed that Abu Jibneh had been a victim of a hostile act in which the motivation was nationalistic. Still, no suspects have been pinpointed.

Israeli police did not respond to Al Jazeeras request for comment on the case.

Steven Beck, deputy director at the Israeli Religious Action Center (IRAC), a civil and human rights organisation that tracks hate crimes in Israel, told Al Jazeera that Israeli police have historically not taken hate crimes against Palestinians seriously.

The police basically sit on their hands and dont deal with the issue, he said. When a Jew is attacked by an Arab, the police [do their] job and investigate. Our issue is that these [Palestinians] are residents of Jerusalem, sometimes citizens of Israel, and the police need to investigate and treat citizens and residents equally.





Its not about the number of attacks, he added. Its about the fact that if a Palestinian who is attacked by a group of Jewish teenagers then goes to the police, I can assure you  that there will be no investigation.

IRAC recently launched a racism crisis centre and hotline for victims of hate crimes, Beck said, partly because the data on the number and frequency of such attacks was spotty. There is no official data on hate crimes against Palestinians in Israel.

Although no arrests have been made in Abu Jibnehs case, the acknowledgement by police that he was the victim of a hostile act entitles him to a wide range of compensation from branches of the state, including coverage of medical expenses, disability benefits, grants, and discounts or assistance with the purchase of vehicles or household items.

The police didnt catch the people who beat me, but they gave me the paper showing that I was attacked for nationalist reasons, Abu Jibneh said. Now, I am waiting for the insurance to give me my benefits and salary.

INTERACTIVE: Broken homes  A record year of home demolitions in occupied East Jerusalem

Abu Jibneh has taken this letter to Israels National Insurance Institute, where his case is still under processing, more than two months later. As a result of his injuries, he has been unable to earn an income through driving and sold his car to cover living costs for his family. He has yet to receive any compensation from the state.

I didnt expect to receive this letter. I was surprised and my lawyer was also surprised that we got this paper, he said. If the national insurance acknowledges this paper, then I will receive everything. I wont be relaxed until I have the money in my hand.

In addition to the letter, senior police officers visited Abu Jibneh and a fellow taxi driver late last year in order to learn more about the problems facing Palestinians in certain areas of West Jerusalem. A police spokesperson told Al Jazeera that they had also significantly increased the number of patrols in the centre of Jerusalem to prevent attacks on Palestinians.

The police promised us to control the situation, especially in Zion Square where the Arab taxi drivers meet, Abu Jibneh said. They said there would be more police cars in that location.

So far, he said, his colleagues have not been feeling safer  just last month, another taxi driver reported being verbally assaulted in the same location where Abu Jibneh was attacked.
Islamabad, Pakistan  Two narrow minarets rise into the sky, flanking a deep green dome on top of a building nestled in rolling hills on the outskirts of Pakistans capital.

Inside, the walls are lined with inscriptions from the Quran and verses in praise of Islams Prophet Muhammad, whose mosque in the Saudi city of Medina the dome seeks to mimic. The ceiling is inlaid with an intricate mirror-work mosaic, a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes.

In the centre of the inner chamber lies a white marble grave. The stone around its edges is carved into a delicate latticework. The grave is covered with fresh roses, whose scent fill the room.

On the carpeted floor, visitors pay their respects. Some pray, others read from the Quran. In one corner, three young men quietly recite poems in praise of Prophet Muhammad.

The peaceful calm is eerily at odds with the act that brought them all here. For this is the grave of Mumtaz Qadri, a Pakistani police officer who, in 2011, fired 28 bullets into then-Punjab governor Salman Taseer over alleged blasphemy, killing him instantly.

From the people

Qadri was hanged last year after being found guilty of the murder. His funeral was attended by tens of thousands, and now his family has used donations in his name to build this ornate shrine, with an accompanying mosque and seminary to follow.

This is all from the common people, says Aamir Qadri, Mumtazs older brother, gesturing to the still under-construction shrine. Aamir sits at a small plastic table at the entrance to the shrine, a well worn passbook for donations in front of him.

We made this for him, it is his right as an aashiq-e-rasool [lover of the Prophet], he says, adding that thousands of people visit each week.

READ MORE: Disappeared  Silencing Pakistans activists

So far construction has cost $67,000, all of it either donated by supporters or raised from the familys savings. When the mosque and seminary are completed, in around two years, the total cost will be about $955,000, Aamir says.

We will build as much as we can  We have put bricks, the next person will put marble. And the next person after that might put gold, others silver.

Pakistans blasphemy laws have been on the books since before independence from the British in 1947, but they have seen increased use since the 1980s when they were strengthened by then-military dictator Zia-ul-Haqs Islamisation campaign.

Today, those convicted of insulting the Prophet Muhammad face a mandatory death sentence. Other offences carry punishments ranging from fines to life imprisonment.

Currently, about 40 people are on death row or serving life sentences for blasphemy in Pakistan, according to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Increasingly, however, right-wing vigilantes and mobs have taken the law into their own hands, killing at least 68 people over alleged blasphemy since 1990, according to an Al Jazeera tally.

Rights groups say blasphemy allegations have regularly been used to target minorities and to settle personal feuds or discredit people publicly.

Senate debate a sin





In late January, Pakistans Senate officially took up the issue of the laws potential misuse for the first time in 24 years.

Blasphemy is a very controversial law in Pakistan because people feel very strongly about it, and we naturally respect the sentiments of all people, Nasreen Jalil, who heads the Senate Human Rights Committee, told Al Jazeera. We should do something about the procedure  so that blasphemy allegations are not misused.

While making it clear that the Senate was not discussing repealing the law, Jalil said one of the recommendations being reviewed was to amend procedure so that a senior police officer must conduct an inquiry before any blasphemy case is filed to rule out personally motivated allegations.

We hope that the debate will be able to open peoples minds and do something good for the people, she says.

Rights groups, however, suspect that such procedural changes would do little to lessen the number of cases of vigilante murder.

I think its more a question of enforcement, says Zohra Yusuf, chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. When people are accused, the police tend to panic, and  they often then give them away to be handled by the mob, she added, citing several cases where such violence resulted in the death of the accused before a legal case was ever filed.

There is an urgent need for these laws to be amended. Its like a sword hanging over everyones head. If you disagree with some religious point of view, then its very easy to accuse someone of blasphemy.

London-based rights group Amnesty International says procedural changes must be backed by a strong statement of will by the government to take on those killing in the name of religion.

A public message also has to be sent by the Pakistani government that they unreservedly condemn acts of violence, threats and intimidation purportedly justified in the name of religion, and ensure that effective steps are taken to prevent their recurrence, Nadia Rahman Khan, Amnestys Pakistan campaigner, told Al Jazeera.

That political will, many say, has been lacking in recent years, particularly since Taseers murder. Two months after his killing, Shahbaz Bhatti, then federal minister for minority affairs and an ardent campaigner for reforming the blasphemy laws, was shot dead.

Sherry Rehman, a member of parliament who subsequently presented a bill to amend the laws that was abandoned by her party, continues to face blasphemy cases and threats in connection with her proposal.

What happened [to Taseer and Bhatti] and the aftermath, the state shouldve set precedents and their failure to do so emboldened these actors, says Shehrbano Taseer, Salmans daughter. There was a very palpable fear that spread in the country. People moved away. Everything changed overnight [and now] no one wants to touch the issue.

Pakistans right-wing, meanwhile, remains adamant that the laws cannot be touched, unless it is to make them even stricter.

Our parliament should, keeping these issues in mind, make the law so strong that any person about to blaspheme is too scared to do so, since the law is so strong that it will get him, says Abdul Rasool, a leader of the Pakistan Sunni Tehreek party. Rasool says he believes Qadris act was justified, as police officers had refused to register a legal case against Taseer.

There is no harm in debating [the law] to make it more effective. But to make it ineffective or to remove the death penalty, or to give room for any person who insults Islam, having that debate is a sin, he declares.

Why all the violence?





This is one of the issues at the centre of the debate surrounding the laws: that even questioning them is considered blasphemy.

Qadri proclaimed that he killed Taseer for declaring the blasphemy law a black law while he campaigned for the release of Aasiya Noreen, a Pakistani Christian sentenced to hang after being convicted of blasphemy. Others who have been killed by vigilantes include lawyers for those accused of blasphemy, judges adjudicating cases, and even family members of those accused.

For Arsalan Khan, a cultural anthropologist who studies Islamic revivalist movements, the reason there are such high levels of violence surrounding the debate on the laws in Pakistan is because of a fractured social contract between the state and its people.

The states legitimacy for [someone like] Qadri is its link to Islam, he says. The blasphemy law is crucial to this link between state sovereignty and Islam because it proscribes the defilement of the sacred symbols such as the Quran and the Prophet.

It is precisely the link between Islam, law and state sovereignty that Qadri believes people like Salman Taseer are destroying  The elimination of Taseer and the fear that that would spread through other potential Taseers was conceived as a restorative act that re-links the Pakistani state with its Islamic roots.

That argument seems to ring true with visitors to Qadris shrine.

Why did the government not take action themselves [against Taseer]? rails Talha Shahbaz, a garment trader who travelled more than 400km to visit the shrine. Because he was a member of the government. Why did Mumtaz Qadri have to take this action himself?

Others point to the conflict between strict interpretations of divine law and laws codified by a representative democracy.

According to our Muslim law, [what Qadri did] is completely correct, says Gul Zaman, 60, a visitor to the shrine. It is obvious that shariah law supersedes a countrys law  This is our faith, that what our Prophet has taught us is the truth.

READ MORE: How will Pakistan deal with religious tension?

There also appears to be a perception, Arsalan argues, that in a country such as Pakistan  where economic inequality is high and formal judicial processes are often inefficient  the ruling elite is disconnected from the concerns of regular citizens, and enforcing the borders of the debate on blasphemy  sometimes on pain of death  is a way of citizens fighting back.

The sense of alienation comes also from being economically marginal. The base of Sunni Islamic movements is overwhelmingly, though not uniformly, working to middle class people and petit bourgeois merchants. This also feeds the sense that the elite and state are corrupt, he says.

Or, as Shahbaz puts it: Why were we forced to do this, why did the issue get to where it is  You can see how justice is done here. The rich always get away with it. Everyone knows it.

Meanwhile, a few metres away, an elderly woman ambles up to Aamer Qadris donation table to contribute Rs100 (about $1) for the cause.

He is a lover of the Prophet, she said when asked why she donated. Can there be anything better than this?

Asad Hashim is aljazeera.coms correspondent in Pakistan. Follow him on Twitter: @AsadHashim
Israels move to retroactively legalise settler homes in the occupied West Bank has triggered a storm of criticism.

Jerusalem  Some 17 Palestinian municipalities in the occupied West Bank have petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court to strike down a new law that retroactively sanctions the theft of their lands by settlers.

Lawyers representing the villages, who filed their petition on Wednesday, have in the meantime asked the court to impose an immediate freeze on the so-called Regulation Law, passed by the Israeli parliament on Monday night.

It is the first time that an Israeli law, rather than temporary military orders, has been directly applied to Palestinians in the West Bank.

Supporters of the settlements have hailed the law as a turning point that paves the way to Israel annexing significant parts of the occupied territory.

READ MORE: Israels settlement law  Consolidating apartheid

But the measure has already provoked a major diplomatic backlash. Leaders from Germany, Britain, France, the European Union, the United Nations and the Arab League have condemned the law, warning that it severely undermines prospects for a two-state solution.

Suhad Bishara, one of the lawyers who drafted the petition, told Al Jazeera that the law would legalise thousands of settler homes built on lands privately owned by Palestinians, denying them the right to claim back their property.

The petition  submitted jointly by Adalah in Israel, the al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights and the Jerusalem Legal Aid Centre  notes that the Hague Convention states private property cannot be confiscated by an occupying power.

In a sign of the diplomatic damage the law has already caused Israel, Haaretz reported that the Israeli foreign ministry told embassy staff to avoid discussing the law wherever possible.

The EU responded by postponing a summit with Israel, due later this month, which had been intended to mark a thaw in relations between the two.





On Wednesday, during a visit to Paris, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas threatened to end security cooperation with Israel if the settlement drive continued. I would have no other choice, he said.

The US has kept silent so far, saying it will wait to see what the Israeli Supreme Court decides. The issue is expected to be raised when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Donald Trump in Washington next week, The Times of Israel reported.

The petition warns that legalising the settlements risks dragging Israel deeper into conflict with the International Criminal Court at The Hague. Under international law, an occupying power can take occupied land only out of military necessity.

ICC prosecutors are already investigating Israel over possible war crimes for transferring more than 600,000 Jewish civilians into the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

If the Supreme Court rejects the petition, it would raise pressure on the ICC to act, said Issam Aruri, head of the Jerusalem Legal Aid Centre, which represents many of the villages petitioning the court.

This looks like a massive own goal by the right wing in Israel, he told Al Jazeera. It should open the worlds eyes to the fact that what has been created here is a copy of apartheid.

All of Israels settlements are built in violation of international law. But Aruri said the Regulation Law reversed a significant limitation on settlement construction.

In the late 1970s, in accordance with the Hague Convention, the Israeli courts prohibited the government from locating settlements on land for which Palestinians had ownership papers.

READ MORE: West Bank  One day on my land is worth a lifetime

Israel declared much of the rest of the West Bank, including all public and refugee lands, as state land. Officials treated such territory as effectively part of Israel and reserved for Jewish settlements.

However, in many cases Israeli officials either ignored the court restrictions or allowed settlements established on confiscated public lands to expand on to privately owned Palestinian land, said Aruri.

The settler population has grown five or sixfold since the early 1990s, he said. That was done by allowing the settlers to carry out a massive land grab, even while the Oslo accords were supposed be creating the framework for a peace deal.

It by Suhad

suspends international humanitarian law in the West Bank and replaces it with Israeli law. That will be a hard pill for the Supreme Court to swallow.]

Aruri added that Israel had also reneged on a promise, made as part of the Oslo arrangement, not to establish any new settlements. Instead, he said, officials had secretly supported the settlers in setting up some 100 outposts, many of them on private Palestinian land.

Although Israel says it didnt authorise the outposts, they were immediately provided with public services, including roads, water and electricity, he said. Now with this new law, the collusion has come out of the shadows.

Naqura, close to the Palestinian city of Nablus in the northern West Bank, is one of the villages petitioning the Israeli Supreme Court.

The head of the local council, Ahmed Abu Hashish, said Israeli officials had seized more than two square kilometres of his communitys lands to build the settlement of Shavei Shomron in 1978. Neighbouring Palestinian villages lost additional land.

Six families, including my fathers, have the papers to show we own these lands, he told Al Jazeera. We grew olives, apricots and plums there before the settlers stole it.

A concrete wall surrounding the settlement means the villagers can no longer see their lands.

READ MORE: Israels settlement bill big step towards annexation

Abu Hashish said that no one had listened when the villagers originally protested against the confiscations.

We are a small village and could not take on the might of the Israeli government by ourselves, he said. Now we hope that together with the other villages, we can persuade the Israeli court to reverse this law and win back our lands.

Bishara, who works with the Adalah legal centre, said she was hopeful the court would intervene, as the new law flagrantly violated both international law and Israeli law.

It suspends international humanitarian law in the West Bank and replaces it with Israeli law, she said. That will be a hard pill for the Supreme Court to swallow.

Dan Meridor, a former government minister from Netanyahus Likud party, has observed that West Bank Palestinians did not vote for the Knesset [Israeli parliament], and it has no authority to legislate for them. These are basic principles of democracy and Israeli law, as reported by the Haaretz.





Unusually, Israels chief law officer, attorney-general Avichai Mendelblit, has said he will refuse to defend the new law before the court. On Tuesday, The Times of Israel reported that he might make the unprecedented move of testifying against the law.

There are expected to be other petitions against the new law. Three Israeli human rights organisations  Peace Now, Yesh Din and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel  said they would petition the court later this month.

Anat Ben Nun, of Peace Now, said the law would initially legalise 3,900 settler homes. But a provision allows the justice minister to add more settlement homes to the list in the future.

It is important to stop this law before it inflicts devastating damage on the two-state solution, she told Al Jazeera.

It is unclear how the Israeli parliament will respond if the court overturns the law. Zvi Barel, a columnist for the Haaretz newspaper, warned that right-wing legislators may try to pass an even worse law.

Bishara agreed that this was a danger. The parliament could enact another law that simply bypasses the Supreme Court decision, she said. We have seen this happen before with court rulings the parliament did not like.

She noted that the judges would also be under strong political pressure not to intervene. This is considered a highly sensitive issue in Israel and it will be difficult for the court to be seen reversing the will of parliament, she said.

READ MORE: Palestinians  Israel settlement expansion a war crime

Yariv Levin, the tourism minister, told the Army Radio on Tuesday that it would be undemocratic for a handful of judges who are self-selected behind closed doors [to] decide whether they like the law or not.

Pressure to pass the Regulation Law mounted after the court-ordered eviction last week of settlers from an outpost called Amona.

Abdel Rahman Saleh, mayor of the Palestinian village of Silwad in the central West Bank, told Al Jazeera that more than 100 families had lost their lands to Amona, as well as the neighbouring settlement of Ofra. Additional lands were seized from the villages of Dayr Jarir and Taybeh.

The outpost has been at the centre of a legal battle with the villages ever since its establishment in 1995.

We didn't just lose the lands the settlers stole from us. The Israeli army created a 'security area' all around the settlement, a kilometre wide and monitored with cameras, that takes even more land from us. by Abdel Rahman Saleh, Silwad mayor

Thousands of police were sent to dismantle the outpost in 2006, shortly after the withdrawal of settlers from Gaza, provoking major clashes with the settler movement. A short time later, the settlers returned and re-established their homes.

The Supreme Court insisted again on evicting Amonas 40 families in 2014, after an investigation by police confirmed that papers purporting to show the settlers had bought the land were forged.

The Israeli authorities then dragged their feet for three years before finally implementing the eviction order last week.

We didnt just lose the lands the settlers stole from us, Saleh said. The Israeli army created a security area all around the settlement, a kilometre wide and monitored with cameras, that takes even more land from us.

The law passed this week allows for the return of Palestinian property to its owners, but only at the completion of a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

Bishara said: Given the apparent lack of interest among the Israeli leadership in resolving the conflict, that means in practice these lands will be kept indefinitely.
Who would lead the Islamic Republic if the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei passes away unexpectedly?

As the celebrations for the 38th anniversary of the Iranian revolution get under way, the ruling elite in the Islamic Republic faces one of its most existential questions: with the death of former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who would lead the country if the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also passes away unexpectedly?

While Rafsanjani was alive there was a chance that he could control any eventual leadership crisis. With his death last month the scene is set for a possible leadership vacuum and a probable takeover by the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which would groom its own leadership figure.

Khamenei has been ruling for almost three decades and before that he was the president for two terms. As he looks around him, none of his old revolutionary compatriots are alive. Many of that first generation of revolutionary ayatollahs such as Mahmoud Taleghani, Morteza Motahari and Mohammad Beheshti, and now Rafsanjani, are no longer there to carry the authority of Velayat Faghih (Jurists Prudence) as set by the architect of the revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

A potential limbo





So who would be the leader whose word would veto all decisions and carry that authoritarian Islamic leadership based on mass support?

Among the ayatollahs in Iran there are none with the required combined charisma, popularity, Islamic or revolutionary credentials once Khamenei passes away.

There are no powerful opposition voices either to mimic the Grand Ayatollahs Mohammad Kazem Shariatmadari and Hussein-Ali Montazeri, who in one way or another disagreed with the Islamic Republic becoming too authoritarian.

Some of those Ayatollahs were killed or sidelined, as were many of the regimes modernist ideologues such as Saeed Hajjarian. Reformist Islamist thinkers such as Abdolkarim Soroush and Mohammad Mojtahed Shabestari were silenced and exiled.

As such there has been no regeneration of ideas or the narrative. Khamenei still models himself on Khomeini and almost four decades later he has not as yet taken Iran out of that revolutionary mode.

The bases of the revolution and revolutionary thinking should be so strong that the death and life of such and such a person will not influence the revolutionary movement of our country, Khamenei said in the only speech with a vague reference to the issue of succession. In the same speech he designated outstanding personalities in IRGC to guard against such eventuality.

Succession amid US tensions

A defining factor in the succession process would be Iran-United States relations, which seem symbolically to be heating up just as both countries remember how they came to confront one another during the Iranian revolution 38 years ago and the ensuing hostage crisis.

Tweets by the US President Donald Trump against Iran gave Khamenei the pretext he needed: The Iranian nation will respond to your comments with a demonstration on 10 February, he said, referring to the anniversary procession.

Recent threatening exchanges over Irans missile test, increased sanctions or any tightening of the noose over the Iran deal would encourage a more hawkish succession.

President Hassan Rouhani would be sidelined in the forthcoming June presidential elections with IRGC and hardliners pushing for a president that would stand up to the US.

Qassem Soleimani as the chief of IRGC would be well placed to take command of any unexpected leadership crisis. by

In theory, Article 111 of the Constitution stipulates that when the Leader dies a leadership council consisting of the President, head of the Judiciary, and a faqih from the Guardian Council chosen by the Expediency Council will temporarily take over all his duties.

As things stand, that would mean President Rouhani plus the Judiciary chief Sadeq Larijani and a cleric, possibly the hardline ayatollah Ahmad Jannati (89), who heads the Assembly of Experts.

In practice, neither the 39-seat Expediency Council, nor the 88-member elected Assembly of Experts, which has the duty to anoint a new leader, or the 12-member Guardian Council, which vets the Assemblys candidates, has any real power.

Their power emanates from the leader. Once he has passed away the IRGC will weigh in to influence the succession, hence Khameneis advice.

The IRGC likely to weigh in

The IRGC would prepare its own leadership figure: possibly Qassem Soleimani, the popular commander of IRGCs elite foreign operations unit Quds Force  with credentials in Syria and Iraq.

Soleimani is due for a promotion. He has been in his post since 1998 and is one of the most experienced among the IRGCs main division commanders. One scenario is that the supreme leader may, at some stage, promote him to replace the IRGCs present chief Mohammad Ali Jafari.

This would be in line with his five recent military reshuffles; four in the army and one in IRGC. The former powerful Basij Forces commander, General Mohammad Reza Naghdi, was replaced in December with General Gholam Hossein Gheibparvar.

Soleimani, as the chief of IRGC, would be well placed to take command of any unexpected leadership crisis. He is popular and supported by a major segment of IRGC. Often described as charismatic and authoritative, he is respected enough to unite the opposing sides.

In Syria he is widely credited with delivering the strategy that has helped Syrian President Bashar al-Assad turn the tide against rebel forces. Iraqi officials say he has been instrumental in the ongoing operations to retake Mosul.

OPINION: Will Trump play into the hands of Iranian hardliners?

Soleimani is, however, not liked by the Americans and is on the US and UK sanctions list (PDF) . Hes also not qualified to become the supreme leader.

All indicators tell us that while Khamenei is alive and well, he would continue to hold on to the status quo while nurturing those he trusts most. Even if Rouhani is not re-elected, he would probably be kept in a key position because of his vast experience, especially in security affairs.

After Khamenei, however, his seat of power would remain vacant for a long while and the ayatollahs and their councils and assemblies would play only a symbolic role.

The IRGC, with might and economic influence, would move centre stage, gradually turning Iran into a military theocracy. That would transform the designation of Velayat Faghih and put an end to the political structure of the Islamic Republic as envisioned four decades ago and as we know it today.

Massoumeh Torfeh is the former director of strategic communication at the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and is currently a research associate at the London School of Economics and Political Science, specialising in Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
As they watched across the Danube River, Bulgarians wished they could do what the Romanians spectacularly did.

When I recently interviewed a British former Member of the European Parliament over coffee in London, he kept referring to me as Romanian. I kept correcting him, so he eventually quipped in desperation: Gosh, I am awfully sorry  but you see, I never hear about political activists from Bulgaria, you people seem quite resigned to your fate. Now, the Romanians seem very determined to clean up their act.

Well, that hurt.

Throughout the Balkans, peace of mind often lies in the belief that your neighbours are doing worse than you are, or are at the very least equally hapless.

For most of the 20th century, Balkan nations have been steeped in a state of permanent crisis and came out from behind the Iron Curtain poor, politically disoriented and clinging on to the reassuring idea that the misery was preordained by bigger powers and shared around equally  that it was not up to their own civic agency to break the bad karma strangling the region.

However, the MEPs offhand statement resonates with a new reality, ushered gradually by Romanias institutional and civic development as one of the three newest members of the European Union, and brought to rousing culmination over the past week by the mass street rallies against the underhand attempts of the new Romanian government to backtrack on anti-corruption prosecution and enforcement by sheltering politicians.

The epic turnout for the current Romanian anti-corruption rallies inspired much solidarity and envy throughout the region. Bulgarians responded with a small solidarity rally in front of the Romanian embassy in Sofia, with bittersweet memories of 2013  the year when Bulgarians came out in their thousands, for the first time since 1989, to protest against gross government collusion with corrupt private interests trying to overtake key investigative positions in the state-organised crime-fighting agency.

And while a friend at the Sofia rally sighed wistfully: We have no backbone, we have learned to be helpless, a friend in Bucharest screamed down the phone in elation after a sleepless night in sub-zero temperatures: Do you see!? We are teaching Europe how its done, as the West seems to have forgotten how to take their governments to task!

The difference in outlook between a politically minded Bulgarian and a politically minded Romanian, living a river apart is absolutely striking.

Reform failure

Indeed, Bulgarians have plenty to be jealous about.

When it comes to steps against endemic corruption, Bulgaria and Romania started out in very similar situations, but took divergent paths.

As of today, Romania has an impressive track record in anti-corruption prosecution targeting scores of Cabinet ministers thanks to the resurgence of a brave and zealously independent judiciary.

In countries with small, ageing populations where the legacy of communism is extremely strong throughout the networks of power, state capture is an easier task, as is stamping out or simply ignoring dissent. by

Bulgaria has more in common with Albania on this front  it is openly acknowledged that the judiciary in both countries is in desperate need of radical reform, but said reform is persistently blocked by governments acting in concert with beholden legislative bodies.

While the Romanian story shows distinct progress and boasts popular standard-bearers such as former Minister of Justice and prosecutor Monica Macovei, anti-corruption agency head Laura Codruta Kovesi and President Klaus Iohannis, Bulgaria has yet to find a triumphant hero who is in a position to effect change and give civic activists hope and actual leverage.

OPINION: Romanias gift of hope to the world

What we have is a lovable martyr, Hristo Ivanov, a former justice minister who resigned in protest when parliament demonstratively scuppered his radical and much-needed plans for judicial reform in late 2015.

Weary of protesting from the outside and attempting the trickiest alchemy of all  turning outrage into voter turnout, his followers have harnessed his aura in creating a new political movement  Yes, Bulgaria  which will run in coalition with liberal and green formations in the upcoming snap elections in March.

Lack of critical mass

While the spirit of resistance is very much present in the Balkan societies, two factors appear to make the Romanian example the exception, rather than the rule  an achievable, champion-led starting point and scalable protest demography.

At their fullest, the Romanian rallies numbered around 600,000, a historic showing, unmatched since the toppling of Nicolae Ceausescu and widely covered by the Western press.

International media coverage has often served as a litmus test for the impact of any civic movement in the region  it legitimises protesters as a political force and tends to make authorities, wary of embarrassment or fearing a telling-off from Brussels, sit up and listen.

Bulgaria and other small Balkan countries such as Macedonia and Albania can never dream of such numbers, and this is not simply a drawback as far as publicity goes.

Effective activism needs to accumulate and sustain a critical mass in order to maintain pressure on the system, ideally across generations and social groups.

It requires a certain percentage of citizens feeling independent enough from the various snares of the system as to afford the risk of rallying against it.

In countries with small, ageing populations where the legacy of communism is extremely strong throughout the networks of power, state capture is an easier task, as is stamping out or simply ignoring dissent.

The system is too compact to allow enclaves of independent expert officials. The scope of the market is too narrow to allow for a strong social strata of professionals, businesspeople and academics who are not dependent on the public sector jobs and funding or the political machinations of large local employers.

A viable organising principle seems to elude many national anti-corruption movements in the region. Nations such as Bulgaria suffer from the internal fragmentation typical for post-communist societies which struggle to make sense of and agree on their recent past and, as a result, on the best course of action for the future.

In a sense, only the broadest anti-corruption slogans have been as successful as witnessed exactly because they harness the one emotion most Romanians and most Balkan countries in transition have in common  a deep frustration with marching in a circle while a select few grow obviously and shamelessly richer.

OPINION: Romania  Keep the corrupt in jail, where they belong

Whether regular Romanians and Bulgarians have a detailed view on the trickle-down effects of corruption and whether they are all equally passionate about the rule of law remains to be seen. What they certainly are is extremely angry at their political class, mostly for their immoderate and strikingly conspicuous money-grabbing and responsibility-shunning shenanigans.

In places such as Bulgaria and Albania, citizens find it difficult to believe that protest works. Allies are fewer, networks play a zero-sum game for power, and the absence of success stories and popular leaders  who are actually active politicians as opposed to fringe figures  appears extremely disempowering.

Romanians poured out on the streets demanding something simple and powerful  punishment. Punishment for public servants stealing from the very public they must serve, and for governments who gather ignominiously at night to try to subvert justice and shield each other.

The enemy is very clear, but so is the saviour. Romanias neighbours are still searching for such clarity.

Maria Spirova is an award-winning Bulgarian journalist, editor and translator, regularly reporting on British and European politics. She is based in Oxford, UK.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Given his serious unpopularity, an incident for illegal power grab is increasingly a dangerous possibility.

Donald Trump and his top Islamophobe nomenklatura gathered at the White House, now led by the militant crusader Stephen Bannon, are on a desperate lookout for their Reichstag Fire and their favourite propaganda outlet, Fox News, is franticly searching for it  even in Canada.

Reichstag Fire was an arson attack on the Reichstag, the German parliament, in Berlin on February 27, 1933. The incident was soon abused by Adolf Hitler and his gang to demand a suspension of civil liberties in systematic preparation for his putsch for total fascist power.

Ever since, the term Reichstag Fire is used metaphorically to mark a dreadful event abused by any proto-fascist movement to blame an amorphous internal enemy, to be coupled with an external enemy, and rapidly from there rapidly move towards a total control of the state apparatus by criminalising and crushing public dissent.

Given the fact of Trumps serious unpopularity with a significant portion of American society, this Reichstag Fire incident is increasingly a dangerous possibility.

From the historic Womens March in Washington to widespread airport rallies against his Muslim ban, Trump and his handlers know only too well his loss of the presidential popular vote by about three million nationwide is now growing into widespread public discontent, state-level gubernatorial opposition, and systematic resistance by the judiciary branch.

Fake news and Fox News

Soon after the executive order late in January banning Muslims from seven countries for 90 days to enter the United States, the Trump administration was given what it thought was its Reichstag Fire moment to justify its draconian measures and push for even more.

The incident presented itself when reports emerged that a gunman had attacked a Muslim centre in Quebec, Canada. Fox News, Trumps most trusted source of fake news, instantly came forward and reported the perpetrator was a Moroccan Muslim.

This, however, like most other things on Fox News, was a case of bogus reporting. The suspect of the mass murder in Quebec was, in fact, a violent white nationalist named Alexandre Bissonnette, who is a notorious character known to the local authorities for his racist Islamophobic views. Not only was the perpetrator of this crime no Muslim, but, in fact, Muslims were his direct targets.

None of this, however, prevented Fox News from jumping to the conclusion that the act of terror was perpetrated by a Moroccan Muslim and, on the basis of this false news, the White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer instantly jumped the gun, declaring it a vindication of Trumps Muslim ban.

Demonisation and official persecution of Muslims, just as Jews were in Nazi Germany, will progress apace until he manufactures his 'Reichstag Fire'. by

But the proverbial cake in this desperate search for a Reichstag Fire goes to the notorious Kellyanne Conway, Trumps top chatterbox consigliere, who, in an interview soon after the Muslim ban, referred to two Iraqi refugees as masterminds behind the Bowling Green massacre with baldfaced charlatanism.

There is no such thing as a Bowling Green massacre. She just made it up  and the dimwitted interviewer just stared at her and did not object to this fiction. Yes, two Iraqis were arrested in that city for allegedly having ties to an explosive device used against US troops in Iraq.

But there was no Bowling Green massacre, except in the viciously demented mind of Conway, the flowering achievement of American charlatanism.

State of emergency

Trump and his handlers are desperate to find a Muslim Reichstag Fire and they will use the incident to further demonise Islam in the US and push for a Muslim registry or even worse.

The illegal and unconstitutional Muslim ban is only the first salvo. Trump has a longer spectrum in mind. Demonisation and official persecution of Muslims, just as Jews were in Nazi Germany, will progress apace until he manufactures his Reichstag Fire.

In addition to a domestic threat, Trump and his gang will need a foreign war to safeguard his presidency for this and the next terms. He never stopped campaigning after his win. He knows for a fact he is a vastly unpopular president. His entire first term will be spent campaigning for the second.

OPINION: Trumps Muslim ban is a dangerous distraction

Donald Trump needs a war, Bradley Burston correctly diagnoses and further adds, But not just any war. He needs just the right global non-Christian, all-powerful, all-frightening, non-white, non-negotiable enemy. He needs a Holy War.

The only Holy War Trump can wage is of course against Muslims.

Standing next to him is one Steve Bannon, an obsessed crusader you have to go back all the way to characters such as Raynald of Chatillon or Guy of Lusignan of the Crusaders period to find the likes of him: vicious, malignant, hatred of Muslims and Jews definitive to who and what he is.

Bannon has a malignantly illiterate conception of a perpetual war between Islam and Christianity that he has picked up off some lunatic website like his own Breitbart, fully on display in a vile speech he gave via Skype to a gang of like-minded militant Christians in 2014.

OPINION: All international laws Trumps Muslim ban is breaking

At one crucial point in this speech he says: I believe you should take a very, very, very aggressive stance against radical Islam, and if you thought he means radical Islam and not Islam, he immediately corrects you by adding: If you look back at the long history of the Judeo-Christian West struggle against Islam, I believe that our forefathers kept their stance, and I think they did the right thing. I think they kept it out of the world, whether it was at Vienna, or Tours, or other places  It bequeathed to us the great institution that is the church of the West.

From Samuel Huntington to New Atheists to Benjamin Netanyahu to Bannons Christian zealotry have been pointing to an all-out war with one final standing Muslim country not entirely subservient to the US Christian militarism: Iran.

Trumps National Security Adviser  and Bannons fellow militant Islamophobe  Michael Flynn just came out putting Iran on notice.

Consistently raising public awareness and mobilising civil disobedience against Trumps policies have now become the hallmarks of a whole new generation of anti-war civil rights movement in the US.

Hamid Dabashi is Hagop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at Columbia University in New York.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Mariya Salim is a Kolkata born Indian with a degree in human rights law from the School of Oriental and African Studies.

As Uttar Pradesh, Indias most populous state and home to its largest Muslim minority community, prepares to go to the polls later this month, seven women gang-raped in a horrific communal violence in the state more than three years ago still await justice.

In September 2013, clashes sparked between the Jat and the Muslim communities in the Muzaffarnagar district of western Uttar Pradesh, after members of the Bharatiya Janta Party made a number of inciting speeches and circulated a fake video of Hindu boys being attacked by Muslims.

During this communal violence, which claimed more than 60 lives, the women from the minority Muslim community were specifically targeted and sexual violence of various forms was unleashed upon them.

It is common for women, who are considered to bear the honour of a community, to be specifically targeted during community riots in India, because attackers use violence against women and their bodies as a way to dishonour and shame the entire community they are targeting.

And in many cases, this leads to the religionisation of sexualised violence, as women from a minority religion become the sole target of sexual violence.

In Muzaffarnagar clashes, all of the rape survivors who came forward and made official statements belonged to the Muslim community and the men they accused were all from the majority Jat community.

Failed by the legal system





Despite dozens of reports on sexual violence on Muslim women during the Muzaffarnagar riots, only seven women came forward to file a First Information Report (FIR)  a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognisable offence.

These women, six from the village of Fugana and one from the neighbouring village of Lak, said they were all gang-raped by groups of three or more men.

Amnesty International India recently released a briefing titled, Losing Faith: The Muzaffarnagar Gang-rape Survivors Struggle for Justice, which reveals how these women were failed by the delays in the legal system and the lack of support by the state machinery. These women are still waiting for a fair trial and justice.

In their FIRs these seven women said they were raped by men known to them, men from their own villages and they identified each one of their attackers. But continued threats to their lives and their families lives led to three of the seven victims changing their statements. There was an acquittal in one of these three cases in January 2016.

They threatened me, said we will hurt your son. I was scared and I changed my statement and said nothing happened. I did not inform anyone but when others found out they encouraged me to stick to the truth, one of the seven survivors told me during an interview for the Amnesty briefing in July 2016.

She told me that she chose to retract her statement about the attack in 2013 as a result of continuous threats, but later gave a fresh statement naming her attackers once again and requesting her case to be reopened. It has been more than two years since she recorded her fresh statement, but the trial in her case is yet to begin.

Compensation and support

The victims had threats looming over them, received little support from the state and had difficulty in filing FIRs and basic statutory provisions, but they managed to reach out to the Supreme Court in December 2013.

It is imperative, however, to note that all seven, from rural backgrounds in Uttar Pradesh, were only able to reach out to the highest court in the country with the help of human rights activists and lawyers.

Human rights lawyer Vrinda Grover filed a written petition on behalf of the seven gang rape survivors in 2013, demanding compensation, security and the accused to be arrested.

OPINION: Rape and the Indian male

Indias Supreme Court, in its subsequent Mohd Haroon Judgment, ruled that all seven survivors were to be given compensation in addition to other benefits and support. The court also directed the police to provide the victims with security and record their statements before a woman magistrate.

But the Supreme Courts directions on victim compensation and security were not immediately followed and a contempt petition was filed on behalf of the seven in 2014.

All seven victims, who were displaced from their ancestral villages and lost their livelihoods as a result of the attacks, said in 2016 that they received no financial assistance from the state other than a $7,500 payment, given to them as compensation as rape survivors.

OPINION: Bengaluru attacks  Misogyny by night and day

In addition, they told me that they were now trying to take care of the food and lodging costs of their security detail, assigned to them after the Supreme Court decision, while trying very hard to make ends meet for themselves.

The Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2013 introduced Section 376(2)(g) to the Indian Penal Code, which deals with the offence of rape committed during communal or sectarian violence. Through this amendment, the Indian legal system recognised sexual violence as a crime committed against women during communal violence for the first time.

Setting precedent





Since the communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and the reported gang rapes were the first such incidents to take place after this amendment was adopted, the framework in which these cases are being dealt with would set a precedent for future incidents.

Despite this, the police failed to mention this provision while registering the FIRs of the seven gang rape victims and it was only after the petition filed by the victims lawyers that the accused were charged under this section.

Amnesty International spoke to six of the seven survivors between July 2016 and January 2017, all of whom narrated tales of being harassed by the accused men, their relatives and even the investigating officer at that time, who was removed in November 2014 after repeated requests and complaints.

The survivors in various complaints to authorities narrated how this officer would threaten them to take their complaints back and subjected them to humiliation as well.

Human rights lawyer Vrinda Grover, who is still representing one of the survivors, has asked for her case to be transferred out of Muzaffarnagar owing to safety concerns.

What is it that we are asking the women to do today? We are saying yes, you must stand up, in court, in a rape trial, and give evidence, and your dignity must be vindicated, but for that what should she do? She should either put her own life or the life of her children or other family members at stake. Is that even a demand that should be made by the justice system of a person, not just a woman, and definitely not in a case of a rape, Grover told Amnesty.

The state elections in Uttar Pradesh begin on February 11. Of the seven cases, there is acquittal in one, the trial has not even begun for two and there have been no convictions in any of the remaining cases. One of the survivors, the trial in whose case had begun, died during childbirth in August 2016, waiting for justice.

While the present state government swears by its commitment to minority rights, the seven survivors have another story to tell.

Mariya Salim was a researcher for the Amnesty International briefing titled Losing Faith: The Muzaffarnagar Gang-rape Survivors Struggle for Justice. She is a Kolkata-born Indian citizen with a degree in human rights law from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London. She has been working in the development sector for seven years, with a special focus on womens rights.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
In setback to US president, appeals court declines to back ban on travellers from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

A federal appeals court has refused to reinstate US President Donald Trumps ban on travellers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, dealing another blow to his young administration.

In a unanimous decision, the panel of three judges from the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals declined on Thursday to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travellers to enter the US.

Shortly after the ruling, Trump responded furiously on Twitter, writing his response in capital letters.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

He told reporters his administration ultimately would win the case and dismissed the ruling as political.

Trumps January 27 order barred travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, except those from Syria, whom he would ban indefinitely. He said his directive was done for the security of our nation, the security of our citizens.

District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order on the ban on February 4 after Washington and Minnesota states sued, prompting Trump to label him a so-called judge.

The 9th Circuit judges noted that the states had raised serious allegations about religious discrimination.

Asked about Trumps tweet, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said: We have seen him in court twice, and were two for two.

An appeal to the Supreme Court is possible.

A point-by-point rebuttal

In its ruling on Thursday, the 9th US Circuit rejected the administrations claim that the court did not have the authority to review the presidents executive order.

There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy, it said.

Al Jazeeras Rob Reynolds, reporting from San Francisco, said the court presented a point-by-point rebuttal of the governments case in the ruling.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Melanie Sloan, a consultant and a longtime ethics monitor in Washington DC, said: This tells the world that there is a significant portion of our country that is not behind this kind of thing at all.

We will work very, very hard to defeat this kind of discriminatory ban that really doesnt help anybody.

Justice Robarts ban order temporarily suspended the nations refugee programme and immigration from countries that the Trump administration says raise security concerns.

Justice department lawyers appealed to the 9th US Circuit, arguing that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the US and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

The states, however, said Trumps travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities.

Citing Trumps campaign promise to stop Muslims from entering the US, they said the ban unconstitutionally blocked entry to people based on religion.





Both sides faced tough questioning during an hour of arguments on Tuesday conducted by phone  an unusual step  and broadcast live on cable networks, newspaper websites and social media. It attracted a huge audience.

The judges chipped away at the administrations claim that the ban was motivated by terrorism fears, but they also challenged the states argument that it targeted Muslims.

Sloan, the Washington DC-based ethics monitor, said: Its really wonderful. As an American I can be so proud of these folks and the image we want to project to the world.

I think you will see, going forward in the Trump administration, that often it will be lawyers and judges who will be on the forefront, stopping these abuses of power. Remember we are only in Week Three of the administration.

Justice Robart temporarily halted the ban after determining that the states were likely to win the case and had shown that the ban would restrict travel by their residents, damage their public universities and reduce their tax base.

Thoughtful opinion

Robart put Trumps executive order on hold while the lawsuit worked its way through the courts.

After that ruling, the state department quickly said people from the seven countries with valid visas could travel to the US.

Commenting on the 9th Circuit decision, Noah Purcell, Washington states solicitor general, described it as an excellent, well-reasoned, careful, thoughtful opinion that seriously considered all the governments arguments  and rejected them.

He said it is important to recognise the real impact that this is already having on peoples lives. We have just been hearing from people all over the state and all of the country about what a difference this has made, and were so thrilled for that.





The Supreme Court has a vacancy, but there is no chance Trumps nominee, Neil Gorsuch, will be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban.

The ban was set to expire in 90 days, meaning it could run its course before the court would take up the issue.

The US administration also could change the order, including changing its scope or duration.

We could go on for several more rounds  but presumably everything would be done very quickly, just as this has happened, David Levine, a law professor at the University of Californias Hastings College in San Francisco, told Al Jazeera.

The US government has several choices. One is that they could go to the Supreme Court in Washington  to see if they can get a stay. The other thing they can do is try to and get a majority of judges in the 9th Circuit here to agree to review the ruling.

The government has 14 days to ask the 9th Circuit to have a larger panel of judges review the decision en banc, or appeal directly to the Supreme Court, which will likely determine the cases final outcome.
Toledo is accused of receiving $20m in bribes from construction company Odebrecht, an allegation he denies.

A Peruvian court has issued an international warrant for the arrest of ex-President Alejandro Toledo on suspicion of taking bribes from a Brazilian construction giant at the heart of a region-wide corruption scandal.

Judge Richard Concepcion, late on Thursday (local time), accepted a request by prosecutors that Toledo be jailed as they investigated allegations that he received $20m in bribes from Odebrecht in exchange for permission to build a highway connecting Brazil with the Peruvian coast.





The order calls on Toledo to be placed under preventative custody for 18 months, while demanding his immediate location, capture and confinement.

Toledo, who is believed to be in the French capital, Paris, has denied any wrongdoing.

Say when, how and where and in what bank theyve given me $20m, Toledo said in an interview with a local radio station over the weekend.

Multinational scandal

Odebrecht, once Latin Americas biggest construction company, has admitted to paying almost $800m in bribes to governments across the region as part of a December plea agreement with the US justice department.

In Peru, the company acknowledged paying $29m for projects built during the government of Toledo and two successors.

Toledo, a former World Bank economist, served as Perus president from 2001 to 2006.

In 2010 he sought the presidency anew but failed to make it to the second round of voting.

The scandal also threatens to implicate Toledos successors: Alan Garcia and Ollanta Humala.

Garcia has denied any wrongdoing in recent weeks as authorities have arrested several accused of taking bribes from Odebrecht during his 2006-2011 government.

Aside from Peru, several countries in Latin America, including Panama, Mexico, Argentina and Uruguay, are carrying out investigations into bribes paid by Odebrecht.

In Panama, a former personal adviser to President Juan Carlos Varela on Thursday said his former boss had accepted campaign donations from Odebrecht.
Tough new measure adopted after prime minister said country needed to protect itself from terror threat.

Hungarys government plans to hold refugees and asylum seekers in border camps built with shipping containers, completely restricting their freedom of movement.

The measure will also apply to people in already existing facilities, who will be moved to the camps and kept there until their asylum claims are processed.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbans right-wing government said it had taken the tough new measure to deal with the thousands of people who have fled to Europe in the past two years. Orbans chief of staff described it as a protective measure.

We need a legal system that protects us. This is a very serious change, Janos Lazar, head of the prime ministers office, said, adding that the measure would be enacted only when the government was in a state of emergency over migration. The government has declared the country to be in such a state since March of last year.

Containers suitable for accommodating 200-300 people will be erected. Migrants will have to wait there for a legally binding decision on their claims, Lazar said.

Asylum seekers will be able to take part in court proceedings via telecommunications equipment that will be provided in the camps, he added.

IN PICTURES: Dark and smoky shelters for refugees stranded in Serbia

Lazar also said Hungary was ready to build a second, stronger fence on its southern border with Serbia and Croatia, and that the government was prepared to increase aid to charities working on the border.

Hungary built a previous border fence in September 2015 and introduced legislation making it a crime to climb or damage it. According to police, more than 2,200 arrests were made on the border between March 1 and March 22 of last year.

The border camp plan is part of a package of proposals to go before parliament, including one that would reintroduce automatic detention for asylum seekers, a measure suspended in 2013 after pressure from human rights groups.

Familes and children detained

Orban  who professes to be an admirer of US President Donald Trump  said last month that automatic detention was needed again in response to terror attacks in Europe, citing the November 2015 attacks in Paris.

Hungarys immigration policies have been roundly condemned by rights groups and refugee advocates, who say large numbers of people were already being held in closed camps.

Automatic detention of all asylum seekers from the start until the end of the asylum procedure is a flagrant and clear breach of EU law and human rights standards, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a Budapest-based refugee rights group, told the AFP news agency, vowing to sue Hungary at the European Court of Justice in every case where refugees were illegally kept in custody.

In addition, the indefinite detention of many vulnerable migrants, including families with small children, is cruel and inhuman.

OPINION: Another incurable, ugly disease  Far-right populism

Hungary is also building four small military bases along the border to house some 3,000 soldiers who now patrol it alongside police. The barracks are also being built with shipping containers.

Orban said he was aware his plans went against the policies of the European Union, of which Hungary is a member, putting the country in open conflict with the 28-nation bloc.

In October last year, the majority of Hungarians voted against an EU referendum aimed at sharing 160,000 refugees around the 28-member bloc through mandatory quotas.

Hungary has since not accepted any asylum seekers allocated under the scheme.

In 2016, Hungary granted asylum, or some form of protection, to 425 people out of 29,432 applications.
Russians say Turkish troops should not have been in building while Turks say they were in the same position for 10 days.

The Kremlin has said that Turkey had provided Russian forces with the target location for air strikes in Syria that accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said on Friday that there should not have been Turkish soldiers within the limits of these coordinates.

Besides the three fatalities, 11 soldiers were wounded in Thursdays incident, in which Russian forces, trying to target the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group, hit a building where the troops were deployed, according to the Turkish army.

Russia and Turkey have joined forces against ISIL, also known as ISIS, around Al Bab, where Turkish forces are battling the group on the ground.

Al Bab, 30km south of the Syria-Turkey border, is the last remaining significant ISIL stronghold in Syrias north.

The situation is obvious, unfortunately. Our military, while launching strikes on terrorists, followed coordinates that were given to us by our Turkish partners, Peskov said.

Communications failure

Peskov stressed that the causes of the incident are clear. There is no debate.

Asked if this was a mistake by the Turkish intelligence, he said the incident was caused by a communications failure.

The Turkish military said it considered the Russian incident an accident.

But it reiterated on Friday it had given the coordinates of the building to its Russian counterparts on Wednesday.

The Turkish statement said the soldiers had been in the same position for 10 days and that their coordinates had been communicated to Russias Khmeimim airbase in Syria, and in person to the Russian military attache in Ankara.

SPECIAL SERIES: The boy who started the Syrian war

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences in a telephone conversation with Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Kremlin said that the two leaders agreed to enhance military coordination in the course of the operation in Syria against the Islamic State fighters and other extremist organisations.

Speaking in the city of Afyon, Numan Kurtulmus, Turkish deputy prime minister, said it was important that Putin had expressed his condolences to Erdogan.

From our side, the issue is being investigated. Initial information shows this was an accident  and an undesired incident as a result of incorrect information, coordinates, he said.

However, Al Jazeeras Andrew Simmons, reporting from the Turkish border town of Gaziantep, said there appeared to be a dispute about what exactly happened.

Now, Turkey is saying that they have been in their position with their army for 10 days and they had warned the Russians exactly where they were the day before they were struck, he said.

Fighters neutralised

Against this backdrop, at least 23 ISIL fighters were neutralised in northern Syria by the Turkish military as part of the ongoing Operation Euphrates Shield, the Turkish army said on Friday in a statement carried by the Anadolu news agency.

In addition, Free Syrian Army (FSA), with support from Turkish troops, hit 154 ISIL targets, including shelters, headquarters, defence positions and vehicles, the statement said.

Turkish fighter jets also destroyed seven buildings used as hideouts, three headquarters and an arms depot of the group.

The Turkey-led Operation Euphrates Shield began in late August through FSA fighters backed by Turkish artillery and jets to improve security, support coalition forces and eliminate the threat along the Turkish border.

By contrast, Russia has been waging a bombing campaign in Syria in support of the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since 2015.

In yet another development on Friday, Syrian government forces and their allies in the Lebanese Shia Hezbollah group drew closer to Al Bab, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

According to the Britain-based SOHR, government forces made an important and strategic advance by taking the village of Abu Taltal in the southern sector of Al Bab.

The regime forces are now 1.5km from Al Bab city, the SOHR said.
UNHCR appeals to government and rebels to find political solution to crisis as more than 1.5 million flee country.

The number of refugees who have fled South Sudan has crossed the 1.5 million mark, putting the country third after Syria and Afghanistan in terms of producing refugees, according to the UNHCR.

The UN refugee agency said on Friday that unless rival government and rebel forces agreed to talk, the ongoing flow of refugees within the country and abroad will continue this year.

More than 2.1 million people are internally displaced, the UNHCR said.

READ MORE: UN  South Sudan on brink of ethnic civil war

With this large-scale displacement, South Sudan is now Africas largest refugee crisis and the worlds third after Syria and Afghanistan  with less attention and chronic levels of underfunding, the agency said.

We are appealing on all parties involved in the conflict for an urgent peaceful resolution of the crisis.

William Spindler, UNHCR, said that in 2016 alone, an estimated 760,000 fled the country, including 500,000 in the second half of the year when the armed conflict  now in its fourth year  intensified.

More than 60 percent of the refugees are children, many arriving with alarming levels of malnutrition and suffering trauma, he said.

A political split between President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and his former deputy, Riek Machar, escalated into a military conflict in December 2013, leaving tens of thousands of people dead.

A unity government was formed in April 2016, but fighting erupted again in July, sending Machar and his forces into exile.

The UNs top human rights agency has previously blamed both sides for ethnically targeted violations, including extrajudicial executions and sexual violence incidences in August 2015.





There are an estimated 13,500 UN peacekeeping forces in the country. But in January, the government rejected an additional 4,000 troops.

Recent refugees report of suffering inside the country, with many facing threats of kidnappings, rape, armed attacks and acute food shortage, the UNHCR said.

Currently, most South Sudan refugees are being hosted by Uganda, where some 698,000 have arrived.

Ethiopia ranks second with 342,000, while more than 305,000 are in Sudan.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Andreas Kirchhof, a UNHCR representative, told Al Jazeera aid workers faced difficulty in accessing the newly arrived refugees.

There are security problems, which so far prevented us from reaching the areas. In border areas, there are several militia groups operating, he said.

It was difficult to peg the number of new refugee arrivals, he said.

But of the refugees he had seen, Kirchhof described them as looking exhausted after days of marching through the forest, as they avoid roads because they know that they might be killed.

The UNHCR said it needs $782m in 2017 to support the refugees. In 2016, only 33 percent of the $649m fundraising goal was funded.
Ramallah-based writer stranded abroad after controversial novel banned and an arrest warrant issued.

A Palestinian author says he is unable to go home to the occupied West Bank after authorities there confiscated copies of his latest novel and issued a warrant for his arrest.

Abbad Yahya, 29, who is currently on a visit to Qatar, says he learned of the warrant and the banning of his novel, Crime in Ramallah, through the official Palestinian news agency while abroad.

He fears he will be jailed if he returns.

Speaking to the AFP news agency, Yahya said: I dont know what to do. If I go back, I will be arrested, and if I stay here  I cant stay far from my home and family.

Yahya, who lives in Ramallah, has been accused of including sexual terms in a provocative work that tackles issues considered taboo in Palestinian society.

Themes explored in the book include politics, religion and homosexuality.

Morality and public decency

Ahmed Barak, Palestines attorney general, said Crime in Ramallah contained indecent texts and terms that threaten morality and public decency, which could affect the population, in particular, minors.

The decision does not violate freedom of opinion and expression, Barak said.

The novel, Yahyas fourth, was released two months ago and charts the lives of three young men who work in a bar where a young woman is murdered.

The book goes on to show how the incident affects each mans life.

Incidents portrayed in the book seek to symbolise the Palestinian national movement and what Yahya sees as its failure to secure independence from Israeli occupation.

READ MORE: Bringing the funk to an occupied dancefloor in Palestine

It also criticises Palestinian leaders and touches on the complexities of modern Palestinian culture.

Like all societies in the region, our society is seeing the growth of fanaticism and extremism and is reproducing social conservatism, said Yahya.

These trends appear in the society in a mixture of religious and national slogans.

Yahyas book, and the reaction to it, has set off a wide-ranging public debate in Palestine.

The writer said on Tuesday that the decision to ban his novel was an unprecedented attack on freedom of expression, and that he doubts that authorities have fully read it.

Reader should judge

According to Yahya, his editor and distributor, Fuad al-Akleek, was arrested on Monday and released on Tuesday morning after interrogation.

The police seized all copies in bookshops from Jenin to Hebron, he said.

Speaking to local news media, Yahya challenged the effectiveness of the ban, saying that people who wanted to find a way to read the book would be easily able to.

He said that Palestine had a long line of intellectuals, writers, poets and artists, and that the ban could destroy what they had accomplished for Palestinian society.

Had the person who ordered his novel banned read them, perhaps their work would have been banned, too, Yahya said.

Adel Osta, a professor of literature, has joined several writers in criticising Yahya, saying he went too far in crossing the red lines of Palestinian society.

Job of the writer

Murad Sudani, the head of the Palestinian Writers Union, said he wrote a silly novel that violates the national and religious values of the society in order to appease the West and win prizes.

The job of the writer in our occupied country is to raise the hope and enlighten people  not to break the national and religious symbols, Sudani said.

My freedom as a writer ends when the freedom of the country begins.

READ MORE: Palestinian hip-hop group uses music as a weapon

While Yahyas Facebook page has been inundated with messages of support, he said several people had left threatening messages conveying their intention to harm him and his family.

Some in government, though, commended both Yahya and his novel.

Ehab Bseiso, Palestinian culture minister, said in a Facebook post that he was interested in reading the book.

He also urged the attorney general to repeal the book ban and Yahyas arrest warrant.

Brutal censorship

The cultural department of the Palestine Liberation Organisation has condemned what it calls an unjustified decision that opened the door to abuses of brutal censorship.

To use the term public decency is a form of manipulation and unacceptable justification because it has no legal or logical definition. It opens the doors for an endless censorship, which violates freedom of expression and right to creative writing, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

Human rights organisations in the West Bank have called on the attorney general to reverse the ban and withdraw the charges against Yahya, saying that the actions violated international law.

It is not a crime to distribute a book, Akleek, a novel distributor, said. The one who judges a novel and author is the reader.
Government says the changes will provide stability, but opponents fear creation of a system without checks and balances.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has approved a constitutional reform bill, according to his office, in a move paving the way for a referendum on an amendments package that seeks to extend his powers.

The move on Friday came weeks after Turkeys parliament approved a new 18-article constitution to create an executive presidency along the lines of that in the United States and France.

The referendum is planned to take place on April 16, deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmus said in comments broadcast on state-run TRT television.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Turkeys constitutional reform

The changes would enable the president to issue decrees, declare emergency rule, appoint ministers and top state officials and dissolve parliament  amendments that the two main opposition parties say strip away balances to Erdogans power.

The proposed constitution, which would create an executive presidency for the first time in modern Turkey, also foresees the creation of vice presidents and the abolition of the office of prime minister.

Erdogan says the changes will provide stability at a time of turmoil and prevent a return to the fragile coalitions of the past.

Yet his opponents fear they may eventually bring Turkey under a one-man rule.

We are about 60 days away from the referendum, Al Jazeeras Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul, said.

For now, public polls show that the Yes campaigners and the No campaigners are almost at the same level.

READ MORE: Erdogan offers citizenship to Syrian and Iraqi refugees

If the changes are passed in the referendum, Turkey would head to general and presidential elections together in November 2019  and the proposed powers would be granted to the president elected.

The bill indicates a person can be elected president for two five-year terms.

Erdogans existing time as president will not be counted. If the legislation is approved in the nationwide vote, it could pave the way him to remain in office until 2029.
Detentions of undocumented migrants seen as culmination of big shift in the US policy since January 25 executive order.

Texas, USA  Protests have erupted across the US after the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency swept across several US cities, detaining undocumented migrants.

Early Fridays raids came quickly after President Donald Trump signed three executive orders on Thursday reportedly aimed at crime reduction.

Los Angeles, Austin and Phoenix have all seen demonstrations.

Demonstrators in Los Angeles shut down a highway following reports of raids, and Arizona has seen increased numbers at a number of weeks-old protest sites following the detainment of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos.

Garcia de Rayos was the first undocumented immigrant to be detained late on Wednesday in Phoenix, prompting increased demonstrations in front of Phoenixs central ICE office.

Jose Matus of the Arizona-based Indigenous Alliance without Borders, a non-profit that works to educate indigenous and non-indigenous people living on the border of their rights, told Al Jazeera that Garcia de Rayos had been deported along with her family.

READ MORE: The lives interrupted by Donald Trumps immigration ban

They found she had a police record, so they decided to take her. Its part of Trumps idea to deport so-called felons, Matus said.

The moves are seen as a culmination of a huge shift in the US immigration policy following Trumps January 25 executive order to ensure the faithful execution of the immigration laws of the country.

The ICE reportedly declined to deport Garcia de Rayos for four years under former President Barack Obama, who was informally known as the deporter-in-chief.

Matus did not view her as a threat to US national security.

In Austin, at least five undocumented residents have been detained.

Scrambling for information

Cristina Parker, the immigration programmes director at Austin-based Grassroots Leadership, which organises against deportations and mass incarceration, informed Al Jazeera there may be more.

Everyone is scrambling to get information. There are unconfirmed reports of detentions across the city. Those who are most affected by these actions are the hardest to get in contact with, currently, Parker said.

Austin has been the epicentre of the national battle over so-called sanctuary cities, an unofficial designation of cities that generally offer safety to undocumented migrants and often do not use municipal funds or resources to advance the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

According to local reports, the ICE detained each of the five in separate, targeted raids.

Robert Painter, the interim executive director of American Gateways, which provides low-cost legal help to immigrants, told Al Jazeera on Friday morning that ICEs actions were counterproductive  they only sow mistrust between the immigrant community and the government.

READ MORE: Six other times the US has banned immigrants

Painter was similarly unable to provide a firm number of how many had been detained or if they were being deported.

We stand ready to advocate for our immigrant community and provide representation wherever we can, he concluded.

Back in Arizona, Matus was similarly defiant: Were going to continue protesting. Now that the courts have blocked the Muslim ban, theres the wall. The Tohono Oodham tribe, whose lands cross the [US-Mexico] border, they dont want that there.

Native Americans have seen an increase in threatening policies, including infrastructure initiatives and Trumps revival of the Dakota Access Pipeline that protesters at Standing Rock had fought for months to defeat.

Were also worried about the changes to border crossing following these executive orders. Its a lot of threats, Matus said.

Follow Creede on Twitter: @creedenewton
Congressional candidate hits out at CAIR amid growing witch-hunt of Muslim groups and rising Islamophobic attacks.

A US congressional candidate has become the latest legislator to label the countrys largest Muslim rights group a terrorist organisation.

Republican Josh Mandel, who is also Ohio treasurer, claimed on Wednesday that the Council on America-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is Hamas.

Mandel posted an article on social media in reference to the Palestinian faction that controls the Gaza Strip.

Americas largest Muslim rights organisation, CAIR: The Council on America-Islamic Relations is the United States largest Muslim civil liberties organisation. It is non-profit and its advocacy is conducted at the grassroots level. CAIR was founded in Washington, DC in 1994 and its first chapter opened in San Francisco in 1995. The groups founding principles include protecting the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of faith. The group is decentralised. Each chapter has an independent board of directors and nearly all funding comes from community donations. While many have accused CAIR of being a front for such disparate groups as Hezbollah and Hamas  armed groups in the Middle East with vastly different ideologies  no firm proof has ever been produced to support these claims. Nihad Awad, CAIRs executive director, said in 1994 that he supported Hamas social programmes more than those of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation during a talk on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. He rejected radical elements within the group. Hamas took credit for its first suicide bombing in April 1994, and wasnt labelled a terrorist organisation by the US state department until 1997 . The group has since discontinued suicide attacks. Awad disavowed Hamas in 2006. My position and CAIRs position is extremely clear: We condemn suicide bombings. We are mainstream American Muslims, he said.

The caption read: If Council on American Islamic Relations is for it, it is probably bad for America. What a horrible organisation.

A day later, he said on Twitter that CAIR also had ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

His comments follow Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruzs announcement of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) Terrorist Designation Act, which aims to label the Islamic political, religious and social movement, founded in Egypt in 1928 and active across the Muslim world, as a threat to national security.

Along with the Brotherhood, several affiliates, including CAIR, are named.

Julia Shearson, the executive director of Cleveland, Ohios CAIR office, said she was not surprised.

Mandel, who is running for a seat in the senate, wants to have a higher office than he has now, and hes going to use the ladder of Muslim hate to get there, she told Al Jazeera.

Unfortunately, it is a popular tool these days.

CAIR has spent years dispelling rumours about its ties to foreign groups, Shearson explained.

This subtracts from the real meat and potatoes work we need to do, she said.

The article Mandel posted was written by the Washington, DC-based Center for Security Policy (CSP).

J Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), referred to the CSP as an extremist think-tank headed by anti-Muslim conspiracist Frank Gaffney.

The SPLC is an American nonprofit legal advocacy organisation specialising in civil rights and public interest litigation.

Shearson continued: CSP is pushing for the Muslim Brotherhood to be labelled a terrorist organisation using outlandish conspiracy theories which are also used against CAIR  its all the xenophobic dog whistles about Muslims who dont belong here.

READ MORE: The Muslim Brotherhood and Trumps terror list

Adam Soltani, CAIR Oklahomas director, told Al Jazeera that a campaign to smear the organisation has been growing for years.

The election of Donald Trump, the presidents subsequent Muslim ban, and plans to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group has simply highlighted the issue, he said.

Oklahoma State Representative John Bennett has accused CAIR of being Hamas or Muslim Brotherhood for years, Soltani said.

Bennett also accused mosques of being terrorist recruiting centres without evidence. That seems to be common among those with Islamophobic views.

READ MORE: US court refuses to reinstate Trumps Muslim ban

Last October, Bennett held an interim study  a fact-finding session on which future legislation will be based  entitled Radical Islam, Sharia Law, the Muslim Brotherhood and the radicalisation process.

Reverend Dr William Tabbernee, the executive director of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, a group that works with CAIR-OK, attended Bennetts meeting.

He told Al Jazeera that Bennett invited a panel of experts largely comprised conspiracy theorists who had no idea about the tenets of Islam.

Bennet referred to members of the Islamic community as terrorists, Tabbernee said, adding that all of that is total nonsense.

Fear in Islamic community

Both Soltani and Shearson said propaganda was having an effect, and moves against the Muslim Brotherhood could be used as fuel to further target Muslims.

Hate crimes against Muslims have risen nationwide. Last August, an Arab man was killed in a racist attack in Tulsa.

In December, a pig carcass was dumped outside a mosque in Lawton, Oklahoma. Also in December, in Ohio, a teenaged boy was shot in Cleveland after his assailant reportedly called him a terrorist.

In January this year, a profane message against Arabs and a swastika were painted on a family home in Toledo.

Members of the Muslim community are afraid, Shearson said. However, she welcomed a recent uptick in interfaith volunteers and new donors.

Lauding members of the Jewish, Christian and other communities that rallied around their Muslim neighbours, she said: This kind of support has been a very positive development.

Follow Creede on Twitter: @creedenewton
A now disgraced senior diplomat at the Israeli embassy in London spent several hours courting the Scottish National Partys deputy leader ahead of his official trip to Israel, raising further questions over Israels interference in British politics, Al Jazeeras Investigative Unit can reveal.

In undercover footage recorded as part of Al Jazeeras investigation The Lobby, Shai Masot  a senior political officer at the embassy who was forced to quit after the film exposed his attempts to manipulate British politics  is seen boasting of his relationship with Angus Robertson to our undercover reporter Robin Harrow (alias).

I had hours and hours with him, like I think nine hours in total of sitting around in the embassy  we had a lot of meetings and he told us a lot of stories, Masot told Robin and their companion, Maria Strizzolo, a British civil servant.

[Robertsons] feeling really close, you know, to the Jewish people, Masot explained, adding that the SNP deputy leader has a great trip to Israel lined up.

WATCH: The Lobby  How the Israel lobby influences British politics

Over dinner at a Kensington brasserie, Masot recalled Robertsons story about his German heritage.

Robertsons grandfather, a politician in the Reichstag, was persecuted by the Nazis, Masot said.

After his arrest, Robertsons grandfather had his birth certificate changed to identify him as Jewish, which made him a de facto enemy of the state, Masot added.

He said that Robertson had also told him a story from Scotlands history of a 14th-century manuscript that laid claim to the Scottish nation by declaring that the Scots were in fact one of the lost tribes of Israel.

Strizzolo, who was active with the Conservative Friends of Israel parliamentary group, was clearly won over.

I actually really like him, she said.

Mmm  I love Angus, Masot replied, apparently keen to let his companions know that Robertson was someone Israel could work with at a political level.

Strizzolo also resigned when The Lobby was first broadcast.

She was filmed plotting alongside Masot to take down Sir Alan Duncan, Britains pro-Palestinian deputy foreign secretary.

Duncan has previously shown strong sympathies towards Palestinians who suffered under Israels illegal occupation.

The SNP, too, has been a long-standing advocate for a Palestinian state.

READ MORE: Israel funding spin trips as it smears critics

Many in the partys grassroots draw parallels with their own struggle for an independent Scotland, and decry the British governments policy towards Israel.

In the 2015 general election, the SNPs ranks swelled in Westminster. The party recorded a historic landslide victory in Scotland, winning 56 of 59 seats.

In a separate meeting, Masot told our undercover reporter that he wants grassroots pro-Israel movements to fill a vacuum in the SNP.

Trip to Israel

Robertson, along with fellow MPs Kirsten Oswald and Paul Monaghan, made their visit in November at the invitation of the Israeli and Palestinian ambassadors to London.

During the one-week trip, they met with Israeli and Palestinian government officials, Israeli businesses and human rights groups such as BTselem and Breaking the Silence.

They also visited the Palestinian Shufat refugee camp, UN positions in the occupied Golan Heights and the Holocaust memorial at Yad Vashem on a programme Robertson described as extremely balanced.

OPINION: Israel Lobby  Insidious threats should be feared

An SNP spokesperson told Al Jazeera that while the SNP Westminster Group funded the official trip, Israeli government officials were among those who provided assistance in terms of logistical support and in-country travel.

The Palestinian Authority, the UN and the Council for Arab-British Understanding provided similar assistance, the spokesperson said.

According to parliamentary rules, MPs do not have to declare overseas trips wholly funded by their own parties, but members must declare any hospitality and travel costs amounting to more than 300 ($375).

The nature and value of this assistance remains unclear.

Israel a successful start-up nation

Speaking to The Jewish Chronicle on his return in November, Robertson praised Israels success as a start-up nation and looked forward to the huge potential for trade and tourism with Scotland.





He also cited Israels relationship with Jews living in the diaspora as something Scotland could learn from.

But in January, in a meeting with the Palestinian Authoritys diplomatic representative to the UK, Manuel Hassassian, Robertson was critical of Israel.

According to a statement from the Palestinian embassy, Robertson said that seeing the facts on the ground had been a sobering and depressing experience.

He also condemned plans by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expand illegal construction in the occupied West Bank.

Robertson added that he believed the term settlement was inappropriate because it is a word that connotes something temporary whereas sadly they have been built and planned to be permanent.

Downplaying Masots role

When The Lobby was broadcast in January, the Israeli embassy in London played down Masots position, saying he was a junior employee.

However Masot, a former major in the Israeli Navy, was not inexperienced.

At one point, Masot told undercover reporter Robin that he had applied for a job as the head of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Intelligence Department in Israel.

An SNP spokesperson confirmed that Robertson met Masot during meetings with the Israeli ambassador in his capacity as the ambassadors assistant.

Masot was not among the 20 diplomats and support staff named on the embassys official list. However, Al Jazeera has learned that Masot was instead granted a visa as one of the embassys technical and administrative staff.

While most embassies of a similar size usually have around two visas granted for these kind of roles, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office recently confirmed that Israel has 17.

While the British government has been quick to sweep the sensitive, counterintelligence matter under the carpet, the parliaments foreign affairs committee is taking a closer look.

Its chairman, Crispin Blunt, singled out by Masot as a supposed Arabist during undercover filming, has announced an inquiry into the way that foreign states and interested parties seek to influence UK policy.
Traditional celebration of US-backed Shahs toppling comes after Donald Trump sparked war of words with Tehran.

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets to begin a nationwide celebration of the 38th anniversary of the countrys 1979 revolution.

Marchers chanted traditional slogans against the United States and Israel as they gathered in the main streets of the capital Tehran on Friday.

In an address to crowds gathered at the Azadi [Freedom] Square, President Hassan Rouhani issued a warning to those using threatening language against the country.

OPINION: Trump and Iran  Scenarios of escalation

Some inexperienced figures in the region and America are threatening Iran  They should know that the language of threats has never worked with Iran, Rouhani said.

They should learn to respect Iran and Iranians  We will strongly confront any warmongering policies.

The official Mehr News Agency reported that Major General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, and Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the atomic energy agency, had also joined the Tehran march.

The commemoration came as US President Donald Trump was engaged in a war of words with Irans leadership, saying he had put Tehran on notice over a recent ballistic missile test and imposing new sanctions on Iranian businessmen and companies.

Responding in an Al Jazeera interview, Iran warned of dark days if the US was to carry out a military attack, insisting its missile test did not violate the historic nuclear deal it reached with Western powers in 2016.





Al Jazeeras Dorsa Jabbari, reporting from Tehran, said the the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had called on people to take to the streets to show the world that the US threats do not mean anything inside Iran.

Jabbari said that, regardless of their political affiliations, many young people had said they would do whatever it takes to defend the country.

State television aired footage of enthusiastic celebrations in Tehran and other cities and towns across the country, many of them taking place in sub-zero weather.

The commemorations mark February 11, 1979, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the US-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi.
Leaders of US and Japan sign joint statement reaffirming formers commitment to defend its ally militarily.

Donald Trump has offered Japan assurances that mutual defence agreements cover the disputed Senkaku Islands, claimed by China, where they are known as the Diaoyu.

After repeatedly questioning defence pacts, the US president signed off on a joint statement with Shinzo Abe, Japans prime minister, on Friday that reaffirms US commitment to defend Japan through nuclear and conventional military capabilities.

The pair said they oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japans administration of these islands  comments that are sure to anger China.

The statement amounted to a victory for Abe, who came to the US wanting to develop a sense of trust and friendship with the new US president and send a message that the decades-old alliance is unshakeable in the face of a rising China.

Trump said the alliance between the US and Japan was a cornerstone of regional peace and stability, edging away from campaign pledges to force Japan to pay more for the US security umbrella.

Abe and Trump began two days of talks with a hug as Abe entered the White House and more handshakes and smiles in the Oval Office.

They were to depart later for Palm Beach, Florida, for a weekend stay at Trumps Mar-a-Lago retreat with their wives.

However, at every stage of the meeting between the two leaders, there was awkwardness, said Al Jazeeras Alan Fisher, reporting from Washington DC.

It was all very unusual. The protocol in the Oval Office was odd. The handshake between the two men was odd. The conversation between Abe and Trump was slightly odd. And, at the end of it all, Abe even rolled his eyes, he said.

At the news conference afterwards, we had the bizarre sight of Shinzo Abe speaking in Japanese and Trump not even listening to the translation.

READ MORE: Trump era heightens Asia-Pacifics tripwires

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Richard Weitz, an American foreign policy analyst, said: Some of Trumps phone calls and other meetings and comments have been more unorthodox.

This time, he actually tried to adhere to the talking points and the content was very similar to what you could have seen in past engagements.

I am fairly optimistic about the Japan-US relationship. They can work through the economic and security differences.

At a joint news conference with Abe, Trump avoided repeating accusations that Japan was taking advantage of US security aid and stealing American jobs.

We are committed to the security of Japan and all areas under its administrative control and to further strengthening our very crucial alliance, Trump said.

The bond between our two nations and the friendship between our two peoples runs very, very deep. This administration is committed to bringing those ties even closer.

Japan has had lingering concerns about what Trumps self-styled America First strategy means for US foreign policy in Asia, as well as what his decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact means for bilateral economic ties.

Trump last month threatened Japanese car manufacturer Toyota with a border tax if it built a planned new factory in Mexico, and the company later announced plans to add 400 jobs at a US plant.

Abe pledged Japan would help create US jobs, hoping to persuade Trump to turn down the heat on economic matters and stand by the alliance.

He even made a pitch to the president for Japanese high-speed rail technology.

Abe said that the latest system could cut travel time to one hour from Washington to New York  noting that the city is home to Trump Tower.

He is the second leader to visit Trump at the White House, following Theresa May, UK prime minister, on January 27, and before Canadian leader Justin Trudeaus planned meeting on Monday.
US president reaffirms Washingtons position recognising Chinas sovereignty over Taiwan, in a move welcomed by Beijing.

US President Donald Trump has affirmed support for Washingtons long-standing position that Taiwan is part of One China during a phone call with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping.

Trump angered Beijing in December by talking to the president of self-ruled Taiwan and saying the US did not necessarily have to stick to the policy, questioning a position held for nearly four decades.

President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our one China policy, the White House said in a statement following a lengthy phone conversation between the two leaders on Thursday night Washington DC time.

Trump and Xi look forward to additional talks with very successful outcomes following the extremely cordial call, the White House said.

READ MORE: Trump withdraws US from Trans-Pacific Partnership deal

In a separate statement read out on Chinese state television, Xi welcomed Trumps move.

I believe that the United States and China are cooperative partners, and through joint efforts we can push bilateral relations to a historic new high, the statement cited Xi as saying.

The development of China and the United States absolutely can complement each other and advance together. Both sides absolutely can become very good cooperative partners.

The two leaders had not spoken by telephone since Trump took office on January 20.

Victor Gao, director of the China National Association of International Studies, described Trumps phone conversation with Xi as a very encouraging development.

Its a very important call and it reflects the fact that China-US relations are so important and the weight of the presidency is now felt on the shoulders of President Trump, he told Al Jazeera from Beijing.

Both China and the US want to really engage with each other in peace and talk over whatever differences there may be.

READ MORE: Turnbull  Potential for China to join TPP after US exit

With the One China issue resolved, the two sides also signalled that they could have more normal relations.

China wants cooperation with the US on trade, investment, technology, energy and infrastructure, as well as strengthening coordination on international matters to jointly protect global peace and stability, Xi said.

China is proactively dedicated to harmonious coexistence with all countries in the world, he added.

China has repeatedly said it has smooth contacts with the Trump team. The foreign ministry in Beijing said last week the two countries were remaining in close touch.

The US switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but is also Taiwans biggest ally and arms supplier and is bound by legislation to help the island to defend itself.

Beijing considers Taiwan to be a renegade province and the subject is a sensitive one for China.

READ MORE: Chinas economy grows but 2016 weakest in three decades

Trumps campaign for the White House included frequently lashing out at China, which he accused of currency manipulation and stealing American jobs.

While relations were strained under ex-US President Barack Obama, there has been very little high-level interaction between the two countries since Trump came to power.

In a move seen by observers as an attempt to break the ice, the White House said earlier this week that Trump had sent a letter to Xi, weeks after receiving a letter of congratulations from his Chinese counterpart.
Is Indias crackdown on Kashmiri protesters creating new generation of young fighters?

The most militarised zone in the world isnt in Iraq or Syria. Its in Indian-administered Kashmir, a region racked by a separatist insurgency for almost 30 years.

More than 600,000 soldiers are stationed here, accused by activists of decades of murder, torture, rape and other abuses. But Kashmir may have reached its tipping point. The governments violent crackdown on unarmed protesters has fuelled unrest in recent months.

Separatist leaders are now warning that the governments iron-fisted rule is radicalising Kashmirs young men. 101 East asks: Is Indias hardline policy in Kashmir creating a new generation of fighters?
Iran marked the 38th anniversary of the 1979 revolution with large rallies on Friday.

As Iran celebrates the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, its supreme leader has urged people to come out in great numbers in defiance of the US.

Tens of thousands of Iranians have been on the streets of Tehran.

President Donald Trump has threatened to get tough on Iran, telling the country recently it has been put on notice.

Irans President Hassan Rouhani spoke at the rally on Friday and told the crowds that the new American administration needs to respect Iran. And the country will respond with a decisive answer to any threats.

So, what does this latest escalation of tensions mean for Iran and the US?

Presenter: Sohail Rahman

Guests:

Mostafa Khoshchesm  political analyst

Kenneth Katzman  Iran expert with the US Congressional Research Service

Ellie Geranmayeh  policy fellow for the Middle East and North Africa Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations
We tell the story of Mouawiya Syasneh, the boy whose anti-Assad graffiti lit the spark that engulfed Syria.

Mouawiya Syasneh was just 14 when he sprayed anti-government slogans on his school wall in Deraa, Syria. It was February 2011, and he could never have imagined that such a minor act would spark a full-blown civil war.

More than half a million people have been killed in Syria since the start of the war. Mouawiyas home city has been ravaged by street fighting, shelling and barrel bombing. The war has left scars that may never heal.

Now a young man, fighting on the frontline for the Free Syrian Army, Mouawiya admits that had he known what the consequences of his actions would be, he would never have taunted the countrys president, Bashar al-Assad.

His life has been transformed by that adolescent prank. He has lost friends and relatives, including his father. And Syria has been changed for ever.

The Boy who started the Syrian Civil War offers a glimpse into life in Deraa since the start of the conflict.

We meet Syrians trying to lead normal lives amid the chaos as well as those who have taken up arms against Assads forces.

FILMMAKERS VIEW

By Emmy Award-winning producer, Jamie Doran

I was in Moscow recently, chatting to people you might have thought would have known better. Educated folks, among them an experienced journalist. I had asked them a simple question: how did the Syrian war begin?

They uniformly launched into the answer that has been peddled so often in recent times, that it has now become fact in certain circles: It was the terrorists who started it all.

The fact that ISIL in its current form didnt even exist in Syria at the time, or that al-Nusra wouldnt arrive until many months afterwards, appear to have been conveniently forgotten  not just in Moscow but in most media coverage around the world.

The surprise, even shock on their faces when I pulled out my laptop and showed them the trailer for our latest film for Al Jazeera, The Boy Who Started the Syrian War, was a wonder to behold. They simply had no idea.

They claimed they hadnt been aware of how, for decades, dissenters towards government authority had faced the daily dread of a visit from the secret police, of torture, disappearance and extrajudicial execution.

They had apparently never heard about how fathers were frightened to allow their daughters to be alone on the streets for fear of abduction, rape and murder at the hands of the Shabiha, Assad-family militias that operated with virtual impunity.

And they were totally unaware that it was a mischievous prank by adolescent schoolchildren that lit the fuse that set a country ablaze.

Early in 2016, I was sitting in Books@Cafe, a hangout for liberally-minded Jordanians on Al-Khattab Street, Amman, with cameraman and filmmaker Abo Bakr Al Haj Ali. He was busily puffing away on his narghile (hookah), as we discussed how Deraa, the city which had given birth to the revolution, had been virtually ignored by the media in recent years.

One of the reasons it had been overlooked was that the Jordanians wouldnt let any Western journalists cross from their side. Almost the only other option was an official tour of government-controlled areas via Damascus that didnt appeal to me at all, even if they had let me in, which was rather unlikely.

Id spent the previous week sitting on the border, just an hours drive from Deraa, having established an agreement with the Jordanian military which would have made me the first Westerner allowed to cross over in three years.

READ MORE: Syrias Civil War Explained

There I was, in the border compound about to leave Jordanian soil, when a call came to the post. Moments later, I was very politely placed in a saloon car  and driven back to Amman. I later found out that the representative of the British intelligence agency, MI6, in Amman had advised the Jordanian government that it would be a bad idea to let me cross  even though I was travelling on an Irish passport.

So, back at Books@Cafe, Bakr and I sat chatting about how we could make a film about Deraa without my physical presence. Its his home town. His territory.

So, who do you know, who was there at the very beginning? I asked.

I know the commander, Marouf Abood, who set up the very first peoples militia, after government troops attacked his village, he responded.

Interesting. And who else?

He went on to reel off half a dozen names; commander this, commander that.

Come on, Bakr. You must know someone else, someone different. Someone fresh, I said.

Continuing to drag deeply on the narghile, deep in thought, he told me that there was no one else that was really very interesting.

And then he added: Well, I suppose theres the boy who scrawled the anti-Assad graffiti on his school wall that started the war.

It was one of those moments where you could have knocked my 90 kilos over with a feather.

The boy who started the Syrian war! Think about it. It wasnt ISIL, nor al-Nusra, nor any other terrorist group. It was an act of defiance, a moment of youthful rebelliousness, if you like, that led to an uprising which has seen more than half a million people killed and a country torn to shreds.

It wasnt, of course, the fault of this 14-year-old boy and his three friends who joined him in this moment of adolescent disobedience  a prank which would have enormous consequences beyond their understanding. But when they were arrested by the police and tortured in a most horrendous way, a line was crossed from which there would be no turning back.

When their parents and families arrived at the police station to plead for their freedom, they were told: Forget these children. Go home to your wives and make some more. If you cant manage, send us your wives and well do it for you.

Anger rose. The fuse had been lit and, when police started randomly killing marchers in the demonstrations that followed, armed resistance became an inevitability.

READ MORE: The Syrian conflict does not end here

For me personally, this film has taken on an importance beyond many that I have made in the past. To be able to remind (and, in some cases, inform) a massive global audience of the true origins of the Syrian civil war, is an enormous privilege for a filmmaker.

For those directly involved in those origins, however, our film has provided an opportunity for reflection. So many have suffered greatly and sacrificed so much for a revolution which, by any calculation, is and will remain incomplete, no matter what the outcome of negotiations.

Mouawiya Syasneh, The boy who started the Syrian War, is now a young man who, like so many other young men in Deraa, carries a Kalashnikov rather than a satchel these days. As viewers will discover, his own family has paid a dreadful price for the events that followed his actions back in February 2011.

His own reflections are now a matter of record for the first time.
Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis on the EUs disintegration, and we discuss the future of cyberwarfare.

In this weeks UpFront, we speak to former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis on Greece and the future of the European Union.

In the Reality Check, Mehdi Hasan reveals how Brexit leaders misled Leave voters by not being clear on exiting the European single market as well.

And in the Arena, we discuss the perils of cyberspace and if future wars will be fought online.

Headliner  Yanis Varoufakis: Grexit never went away

With the UK on the cusp of leaving the European Union and Greece increasingly facing the same fate, is it over for the beleaguered body?

An epidemic washing over other European countries may see the end of the EU, warns Yanis Varoufakis, Greeces former finance minister.

The right question is: Is there going to be a eurozone and the European Union in one or two years time? asks Varoufakis, who served as finance minister for five months under the Syriza government.

Italy is already on the way out, Varoufakis tells UpFront.

When you allow an epidemic to start spreading from a place like Greece to Spain  to Ireland, then eventually it gets to a place like Italy, says Varoufakis. As we speak, only one political party in Italy wants to keep Italy in the eurozone.

When asked about his failure to pull Greece out of its debt crisis during his tenure as finance minister, Varoufakis blamed the so-called troika  the IMF, the EU Commission and the European Central Bank  by intentionally sabotaging any debt-repayment agreement.

They were only interested in crushing our government, making sure that there would be no such mutually advantageous agreement, says Varoufakis, who claims Greece was being used as a morality tale to scare voters in other European countries away from defying the troika.

The only reason why we keep talking about Greece  is because it is symptomatic of the architectural design faults and crisis of the eurozone.

Reality Check  Brexit and the single market myth

The UK is set to leave the EU in early 2019, but does that mean an end to being part of the European single market too?

According to statements made by top Brexit leaders, thats exactly what it now means.

In this weeks Reality Check, Mehdi Hasan exposes how pro-Brexit voters are getting more than they bargained for.

Arena  How big is the threat of cyberwar?

From allegations of Russian hacking of emails in the US, to the Stuxnet attack on Iran, countries are increasingly taking fights off the battlefield and into cyberspace.

Is there a cyber arms race brewing, and how worried should we be about cyber attacks?

Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer of cybersecurity company F-Secure, says we could be facing a decades-long cyber arms race that is just now in its infancy.

It seems we are now jumping to the next arms race, which will be the cyber arms race, says Hypponen. This next arms race is in the very beginning right now; it might go on for decades, for the next 60 years.

Hector Monsegur, the former LulzSec hacker who went by the name Sabu, says key infrastructure is particularly vulnerable to cyberwarfare.

From my personal experience, I got to see and I got to even connect to  in my previous life [as a hacker]  industrial systems, says Monsegur, who is now the director of Rhino Security Labs. In some cases  or most cases  a lot of these systems are installed with default passwords straight from the manual, and usually its just four zeroes.

Theres always a human element, a weakness to every infrastructure, and its always the human.

In this weeks Arena, cybersecurity expert Mikko Hypponen and former blackhat hacker Hector Monsegur discuss the perils of cyber war.

Follow UpFront on Twitter @AJUpFront and Facebook.
Farimah Farahmandi has woken up every morning for the past two weeks wishing what happened was a bad dream.

All of my hopes and dreams were faded with just one signature, said the UF computer science doctoral student.

Farahmandi, 28, and two other doctoral students organized a protest Thursday on Turlington Plaza against the signature: President Donald Trumps on an executive order that attempted to halt travel to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority countries.

About 50 people attended the protest, held as part of a series across the nation called Academics United - No to Visa and Immigration Ban. Scholars from more than 40 American universities protested the ban simultaneously.

Guita Banan, a UF physics doctoral student from Iran, a country affected by the travel freeze, said she thinks the ban will halt scientific developments in the U.S. because international scientists wont feel welcome.

No scientist would want to live in a situation like this, where you could wake up one morning and find everything that you worked for so hard just gone, said the 29-year-old, who helped organize the protest.

Farahmandi, who is also from Iran, said she doesnt know if shell be able to stay in the country after graduating in Fall.

I didnt do anything wrong, she said. I wrote articles. I wrote book chapters. I studied. I did research.

Mary Kay Carodine, UFs assistant vice president for Student Affairs, told students the university will do everything it is legally allowed to do to support them.

We are committed to provide care and justice and serve you in whatever ways, she said. Well try to be as creative as possible to do that.

Steve Arroyo, a 23-year-old UF history senior, said the protest was misguided.

This is purposeless, he said. This is a bunch of people trying to show each other how good, how virtuous they are.

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Arroyo said he believes the travel ban was a good idea but disagreed with how it was implemented.

People with green cards should not have been prevented from entering the U.S., he said.

But for Ela Sajjadi, a UF rehabilitation science doctoral student, the ban is personal.

I am not optimistic about this anymore, said Sajjadi, whos from Iran.

The 30-year-old said her mother and sister are back at home in Iran.

She wanted to go see them this summer and later apply for a job in the U.S., but now she doesnt know if either will happen.

Its very difficult because you have a plan on the back of your head, and then youre affected by a law, Sajjadi said. You just dont know what to do.

@taveljimena

jtavel@alligator.org

Leonardo A. Villalon, the UF International Center dean and an African studies professor, speaks at the Academics United - No to Visa and Immigration Ban protest. He encouraged students to keep demonstrating their discontent toward the ban and to engage in arguments with others using facts and statistics. "The university cares and is fighting on your behalf," Villalon said.

A person holds up a scarf during the rally today. Nicole Acosta, a 21-year old psychology junior, supported the protest against Trumps immigration ban. "I worry that this is the first step towards normalizing fascism and racism, and picking and choosing who we want in this country, and that's not right," she said.

Ehsan Fereyduni, UF graduate student in chemistry holds a sign that states (image-wise) Iran loves U.S.A. Ehsan expressed his concerns how the ban also includes educated people who come to the United States of America. More than 100 people attended the event Academics United-No to Visa and Immigration Ban.
A UF psychology professor will travel across the world today in an effort to save elephants.

Ron Chandler is returning to northeast India for 11 days, as part of his personal mission to preserve the home of one of the remaining five herds of Asian elephants in the world. Chandler is working with George Schaller, a biologist and conservationist, and a team of National Geographic explorers to document the elephant herds near Garo Hills, an Indian mountain range

Elephants just embody every wonderful thing a human could have, Chandler said. Theyre remarkably intelligent and facilitate the day-to-day life of every other creature in their ecosystem.

Chandler founded the locally based nonprofit Conservation Initiative for the Asian Elephant 17 years ago. The organizations petition to declare the Indian mountain range a world heritage site is being considered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. If the land is protected, so are the elephants.

Chandler said he believes the area needs to be internationally protected from damage by agriculture, mining and the palm oil industry. He said he hopes by this time next year Garo Hills will become valued for its culture and ecology.

The hills are made up of 90-percent unaltered forest and pristine streams and have one of the highest populations of wildcats in the world, he said. Villages of Garo people, who live in the mountain range and follow an ancient Earth religion, also face losing their home to an increasing amount of human activity.

Julia Jeanty, a UF sustainability studies junior and a teaching assistant for Chandlers psychology of sustainability class, said she became passionate about the preservation of elephants after hearing Chandler talk about it.

He just has this ability to instill passion in anyone, the 21-year-old said.

Jeanty founded a UF student organization called Gators for the Asian Elephant last Fall. She hopes Chandlers trip raises awareness about the conservation of elephants.

Its not that people dont care, she said. Its that they dont know.

jtavel@alligator.org

@taveljimena

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Ron Chandler
In the Reitz Union on Thursday, Bridget Sullivan laid out patriotic shirts she designed.

The 19-year-old UF nutritional sciences freshman partcipated in the soft opening of the Reitz Retail Gator Hatchery, located on the ground floor. The hatchery, organized by the Reitz Union and UFs Warrington College of Business Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center, allows students to sell their products, said Nola Miyasaki, the executive director for outreach and incubation at UF.

Products will officially be on sale Friday, Miyasaki said.

Its a terrific opportunity for students to sell their products and test the market for their products, she said.

Miyasaki said there are six student managers operating out of the hatchery, which includes companies specializing in apparel, games, promotions and virtual reality.

Sullivan founded her clothing company, Americamo, in 2015 with her older sister. She said she wanted to design patriotic clothes made in the U.S.

When you go to Bass Pro Shop or when you go to Tractor Supply, and you buy a T-shirt with the American flag and it was made overseas, there is something wrong with that, said Sullivan, whose tank tops sell for $12 and T-shirts for $16.

Sullivan said she heard about the hatchery through one of her business classes and is excited to start selling her products.

The hatchery will be open weekdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Students who want to sell their products can apply online, Miyasaki said.

Its a tremendous learning experience for anyone, she said.

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Seventy-two UF medical and physician assistant-school students will take a break from their textbooks for the next two weeks to put on a series of musicals for hospital patients, and adults and children with disabilities.

White Coat Company, the UF College of Medicines theatrical troupe, will debut Hercules, its annual Disney musical, tonight for friends and family at UF Health Shands Hospital before kicking off a five-show run.

They will perform for about 600 adults with disabilities at Tacachale, a Gainesville-based developmental disability center; about 20 patients at the Shands pediatric ward; and about 200 students at the Sidney Lanier Center, a school for developmentally challenged children.

Ly Velez, a UF first-year medical student, will play Meg, the lead female role.

Its an opportunity to meet people in a different setting where youre not super stressed or talking about molecules all the time, Velez, 21, said, adding that shes excited to perform for the children.

Sonora Williams, a UF second-year medical student, was an actress in last years Beauty and the Beast musical and is the director of this years show.

The kids at Shands are Williams inspiration to work in the musical because she dreams of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon someday, she said.

I didnt want to do this, the 23-year-old said, but I realized that for some people that were in the play last year, this is all they had. This was their only outlet from medical school.
The suspect in two armed robberies, both of which triggered UF Alerts, has been located.

Gainesville Police arrested Korey Derrenard Gunn, 23, in connection to robberies at a Chevron gas station on Feb. 3 and a Winn-Dixie liquor store on Wednesday, according to a police report.

In each instance, Gunn held a semi-automatic BB gun to a cashiers head and demanded money, according to the report.

After each robbery, UF alerts were emailed and texted to students, both ending the same: suspect not located.

After the robbery at the Chevron, located at 1024 W. University Ave., the cashier told police she recognized Gunn as a frequent customer. Police then found photos of him on Facebook brandishing the same weapon and wearing the same shoes from the gas stations surveillance video.

Four days later, Gunn entered the Winn-Dixie liquor store, at 2002 SW 34th St., carrying the same blue bag he used at the Chevron and threatening a cashier with his fake gun, according to the report.

Later that day, police pulled over a vehicle, in which Gunn was a passenger. Inside, they located the BB gun, clothing he had been wearing during the robberies  and their suspect.

Police arrested Gunn on violation of probation warrant and charge him with two counts of armed robbery. Authorities took him to the Alachua County Jail where he remains, as of press time, with no bond.

GPD spokesman Officer Ben Tobias said police are still investigating other armed robberies for which Gunn may have been responsible.

mkornfield@alligator.org

@merylkornfield

Korey Derrenard Gunn

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Kirstin Cutts will never forget the nickname Kobe Bryant was given during the Beijing Olympic.

Peter Pan.

When put to the test on national TV Wednesday, as a contestant on trivia show Jeopardy!, the 28-year-old drew a blank.

While upset at her lapse in knowledge, the Eastside High School graduate still won, making it her second night in a row.

Cutts, who won $11,001 on Wednesdays show and $14,601 on Thursdays, will continue her winning streak tonight.

Asked how she prepared, Cutts pointed to long nights playing bar trivia with her professors and friends at the University of Texas. Then she took an online Jeopardy! test in January 2016.

I didnt expect anything to come of it, the second-year graduate student said.

But in October, she got a call from the shows producers.

I didnt practice every day, otherwise I wouldnt have passed my classes, she said.

Cutts said she doesnt have time to bask in her victories; instead, shes making sure her classwork gets done.

Most of her winnings will be stashed away in a savings account, she said, but shell put aside some money for a few nice dinners, charity and a vacation.

Her mother, Jana Middleton, has watched her daughter on the show every night with her neighbor in Gainesville. Cutts told her parents she had made it onto the show, but she wasnt allowed to tell them she won.

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We were on the edge of our seats when it got close, Middleton said.

When Cutts was young, the family watched Jeopardy! together at night.

Shes always been someone interested in learning and comfortable with finding answers, she said.

Middleton said her daughter valued her education while living in Gainesville.

I think she was fortunate to have good teachers here and folks who encouraged her to learn as much as she could, she said.

Kirstin Cutts
Since the opening of the Central American waterways expanded third lane, roughly 2 percent of vessel transits have resulted in incidents that damaged the ship or the canal locks themselves, according to a recent report from the Associated Press.



Source: Matt Ragen / Shutterstock

Since the opening of the Panama Canals expanded third lane, roughly 2 percent of vessel transits have resulted in incidents that damaged the ship or the canal locks themselves, according to a recent report from the Associated Press.

More than seven months since the opening of the expanded Panama Canal, the important Central American waterway is still suffering from growing pains, according to a recent report from the Associated Press.

The expansion, which began in 2007 and was originally scheduled for completion in late 2014, allows the canal to accommodate post-Panamax containerships with up to 13,000-TEUs of capacity, nearly three times the previous 5,000-TEU limit. Construction was initially expected to cost $5.3 billion, but reports suggest the actual budget for the project far exceeded that figure.

Despite the meticulous planning that went into the expansion, the narrow width of the canal is still posing a serious problem for ships and the tugs that guide them through the expanded third lane, according to the Associated Press report.

With little margin for error, ships are still scraping the walls and prematurely wearing out defenses designed to protect both the vessels and the locks themselves, the report said.

AP reporters traveled on a recent voyage by a tugboat guiding the containership Ever Living through the canals Cocoli locks on the Pacific side of the waterway and found multiple places where the black rubber cushion defenses were visibly worn down, hanging into the water or missing entirely.

In one spot, a pile of dislodged bumpers sat on the side of the locks, apparently waiting to be hauled away, it added.

London-based risk management consultancy PGI Intelligence in July 2016 published a report warning of considerable safety concerns with the canal expansion that could lead to accidents and delays for shippers and higher claims for insurers. According to the report, at 427 meters long and 55 meters wide, the new locks are still too small for neo-Panamax ships.

The largest vessels can measure up to 366m long and 49m wide, leaving a distance of just 6m across the width of the canal and 61m length-wise, much of which will be taken up by tugboats on either end of the vessel to guide it through the lock, said PGI. A joint study by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and Brazils Fundacao Homem de Mar (FHM) found that under windy conditions, the maneuverability of vessels would be compromised, making accidents likely due to the locks narrow dimensions.

Shortly after the report was published, a China Shipping (now part of China COSCO Shipping) containership scraped its side against the wall of one of the new locks while transiting the third lane, leaving a gash in the vessels exterior and causing damage to its hull.

Since the expansions opening in late June 2016, roughly 2 percent of vessel transits (15 of a total 700) have resulted in incidents that damaged the ship or the canal locks themselves, according to data from the Panama Canal Authority (ACP).

But ACP Deputy Administrator Manuel Benitez told the Associated Press the reported incidents have not been of a magnitude that could affect the operation of the locks.

The ships have not run aground; they continue their routes, he said, adding that it has been pretty positive the way our people have been able to navigate that [learning] curve.

The ACP declined to comment on the cost of repairing the new bumpers or whether the schedule for such repairs has been moved up as a result of the higher-than-expected incident rate.
A number of mostly elderly very important persons have been compromised by the global warming hoax. The following wise men signed a tract: The Conservative Case for Carbon Dividends.

George Shultz - 96

James A Baker - 86

Martin Feldstein - 77

Thomas Stephenson - 74

Rob Walton - 72

Henry Paulson - 70

N. Gregory Mankiw - 59

Ted Halstead - 48

The carbon dividend tract was promoted in a Wall Street Journal article published on February 7th and signed by former Secretaries of State, Shultz and Baker. According to Shultz and Baker: there is mounting evidence of problems with the atmosphere that are growing too compelling to ignore. That statement is simply wrong. There is no mounting evidence. Global temperature has been flat for 2 decades. The seas are not rising more than usual and the weather is not more extreme than usual. These important persons have simply fallen for the global warming hoax.

Ironically, just as our gang of global warming gentlemen launch their campaign for a carbon tax, the latest global temperature estimates from the government have been exposed as fraudulent, and inspired by politics, by a highly placed whistle blower.

Their carbon tax scheme is supposed to begin with a $40 per ton carbon tax. The proceeds from the carbon tax would be distributed to all persons with a valid Social Security number. This would appear to include every man, woman and child in the country except for illegal aliens who have not figured out how to get a Social Security number. Children are entitled to such a number at birth. Purportedly, this would provide a family of 4 with approximately $2000 per year.

Although the global warming gentlemen say they want to tax carbon, it is apparent that they are confused and are really proposing a tax on carbon dioxide (CO2), not carbon. Their numbers only make sense if that is what they are proposing. U.S. emissions of CO2 are about 5500 million metric tons per year, or 6,000 million 2000-pound tons. Assuming that 320 million people have Social Security numbers, or will quickly get one when they become lucrative, the $40 per ton tax on CO2 works out to $750 per person or $3,000 for a family of 4, not $2,000, as they state. A tax on carbon as opposed to CO2 would provide less than one third as much money, or about $800 for a family of 4.

If you work through the details, a $40 per ton CO2 tax would increase the cost of coal-generated electricity by 4 cents per kilowatt hour (KWH). For electricity generated by less-carbon natural gas, the increase would be about 2 cents per KWH. The cost of gasoline or diesel fuel would increase by about 12 cents per gallon. This amount of taxation is not enough to substantially change the use of fossil fuels or greatly reduce emissions of CO2. It would slightly advantage the use of natural gas compared to coal for generating electricity.

Wealthier people, with more automobiles and larger houses, would pay much more for energy than they would get back from the government. Low income people with fewer cars and smaller houses, particularly in areas with little coal use and mild climates, like California, would get back far more than they spent for energy. The tax would be very popular with lower income people, who would see it as free money from the government. That would ensure political support for the tax. At least that is what the carbon tax wise men assume.

The carbon dividend is designed to fight populism (i.e. Trump). The authors want to redirect this populist energy in a socially beneficial direction. By handing large sums of money to the less prosperous citizens who voted for Trump, these wise men think they can defeat Trumpism and regain political control for themselves and their friends. This is an unholy alliance between global warming believers and establishment political forces that have been shut out of power by the Trump victory. Trumps policy is to restore jobs that have been exported to low wage countries. The carbon tax advocates want to buy the Trump voters by giving them cash rather than jobs. Global warming provides a convenient excuse for distributing cash.

The carbon tax is supposed to increase according to a regular schedule. These wise men seem to assume that if we simply tax carbon enough, the carbon will disappear due to the workings of the free market. The problem with this theory is that the market is not actually free. For example, if the government declared that all electricity should be generated with nuclear energy and all automobiles should be fueled by natural gas, carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by more than half. Considering that the other half of carbon dioxide emissions disappear into the ocean, U.S. responsibility for carbon dioxide growth in the atmosphere would be eliminated. But this approach is not likely to emerge from the workings of the free market unless prompted by government guidance, research and changed regulations. Currently the government guidance promotes windmills, solar power, and electric cars. These are overpriced non-solutions.

The idea of reducing U.S. carbon emissions makes no sense because most carbon emissions come from Asia, not the U.S. China alone burns 4 times as much coal as we do. Reducing carbon emissions also makes no sense because the evidence is rapidly accumulating that CO2 is a minor actor in the Earths climate. Further, CO2 is beneficial for agriculture. Crops grow better with less water when the amount of CO2 in the air is increased.

What level of carbon dioxide tax would be required to actually cause a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions? At $40 per ton there will be some effect due to a gradual shift away from coal to natural gas for electricity generation. This shift is already taking place due to the current low price of natural gas and the disproportionate regulatory burden placed on coal. If all coal generation were replaced by natural gas, national CO2 emissions would drop by about 15%. This would probably not happen anytime soon with a $40 tax, but it might happen faster with an $80 per ton tax that would increase further the cost per KWH differential for coal versus gas.

The carbon tax is a deeply corrupt idea. By handing out money, using bad science as an excuse, a discredited political class hopes to regain power. It is hard to see how this scheme would favor either Republicans or Democrats. Both parties would be obliged to support the carbon tax if a large part of the population is getting free money. The part of the population that would lose money might not notice the increase in the cost of electricity and gasoline, and they too would get checks from the government. Although the wise men propose that all the money collected would be returned to the citizens, the temptation to skim part of the tax for the government would become almost irresistible. If the carbon tax actually succeeded in eliminating carbon emissions, then there would be no money to distribute.

A somewhat similar scheme is going strong. A large part of the corn crop is converted to overpriced ethanol that is mixed with gasoline and burned up in cars. The scheme is justified by fake claims that it reduces global warming. Corn ethanol is popular in corn states, particularly politically crucial Iowa. Most people dont notice the increase in the cost of gasoline, but the corn farmers notice the higher price of corn due to the ethanol mandates and subsidies. Such schemes are economic and political poison. Taking money from one group and giving it to another does not enhance prosperity.

Norman Rogers writes often on environmental and political issues. He maintains a website.
The big noise in education centers is on this claim: if only we had equal funding, we could have equal results.

Change agents, social justice warriors, and the Education Establishment complain endlessly about the injustice of some schools and neighborhoods having bigger budgets than others.

A good argument can be made that this complaint is dishonest.

First of all, there is little correlation between money and quality in education. Total expenditures on K-12 more than doubled from 1970 to 2005, but reading scores remained flat. Spend all the billions you want  there is no guarantee that anything will change.

Second, failing schools, far from taking constructive action to fix the situation, continue those practices that give the worst results. It's as if the top educators do not truly want improvement. They want an excuse for endlessly demanding bigger budgets. These budgets, by the way, may not make students more successful, but they will certainly make administrators wealthier. (As the song goes, "my God, how the money rolls in.")

The obvious answer is to find better classroom methods and thereby teach the kids to read. Instead, we hear the same basic complaints over and over.

Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association, said: "I am frustrated and angry about the inequality that denies many of our students a great education[.] ... We are [one of the richest nations] in the world, yet we have not ensured that all students, regardless of ZIP code, have the well-staffed and well-resourced schools they need. We know a well-rounded education offers students a way out of poverty, yet the schools serving the poorest students are often impoverished."

Anya Kamenetz, lead education blogger for NPR and the author of The Test, lamented "continued tacit acceptance of deep racial and social segregation across most of our school system, from prekindergarten through colleges and grad schools. All this year we have been hearing eruptions of despair across the country from students who have climbed the heights of elite education only to brave chilly winds of hostility and aggression."

You see that complaints focus on alleged discrimination, racism, and injustice. There's never any scrutiny of the methods used or demands that these methods be improved.

Professional educators cannot possibly be so oblivious. They surely have heard of the Reading Wars. Essentially, there's a contest between Phonics (which emphasizes the letters and their sounds) and Whole Word (which focuses on memorizing the shapes of the words). The Education Establishment sometimes pretends that this choice is like that between gasoline and diesel. No, it's a much more drastic choice, like that between abusing drugs and not abusing drugs. Most studies prove that Phonics works faster and better. (Jean Chall's The Great Debate, 1967, shows that of 27 studies from 1920 to 1965, Whole Word was found superior by only one study.)

Think for a moment about students learning history, geography, and science. If schools don't teach very much content, which is all too typical, you end up with a child who's by and large ignorant but otherwise healthy.

It's different with reading. When children don't learn to read immediately, all the rest of their studies is subverted. How can you study geography and history if you can't read such words as river, mountain, ocean, Virginia, England, Europe, etc.?

But the situation is even more dire. In the typical public school, a child is expected to memorize 50 to 100 sight-words in first grade. This is a piddling number in a language like English, but that's not the main problem. For many children, this task is difficult or impossible. They fall behind; they know they are failures. They develop emotional problems and lose interest in school. Next, slow progress will suddenly jump the child to different tracks known as remediation and intervention. Title I provides lots of money. All the school has to do is generate defective students, obviously a potential evil incentive. Many millions of children spend the second, third, and fourth grades caught in a tar pit they can't understand. They are bounced around among assessment experts, counselors, psychiatrists, tutors. They are labeled dyslexic, ADHD, learning disabled, and functionally illiterate. (My God, as you can imagine, how the money rolls in.)

We see why only one third of American fourth-graders are rated "proficient" in reading. That means that two thirds are trapped in an underworld of low literacy and falling self-esteem. But the money keeps flowing to everyone involved in maintaining this wretched system  teachers, tutors, and all the other technical experts all the way up to the psychiatrist who prescribed Ritalin to the long-suffering children.

Here, it seems, is the really ugly truth. The less sophisticated the parents and community leaders are, the less the children will be defended against the abuses heaped on them by an unchecked Education Establishment. Ergo, the poor neighborhood is suffering not from a lack of money  not primarily. It's suffering from an abundance of people who will take advantage of weakness to pursue ideological schemes and, I suspect, to create more Democrat voters. (Meanwhile, my God, how the money rolls in.)

If all these complainers were serious, they would demand comparative testing among various instructional methods. Let one school district try systematic phonics; let another district try Whole Word. If ed schools were the least bit serious, they would make sure future teachers know how to teach reading. (It's a big and revealing outrage that most young teachers do not know how to teach reading.)

The big need is for more people to protect these children, not spend more money on them. Where are the Chamber of Commerce and the local newspaper? Where is Bill Gates when he could be useful? Where are local colleges and universities? Where are rich people? The forces that should be defending children against predatory ideologues are curiously sleepy and indifferent. Kids are left to be bullied and exploited.

This has all the appearances of a scam. You complain aggressively about what is not the central problem even as you deliberately under-educate or pretend-educate lots of students. When they perform poorly on tests, you announce that the real problem is not enough money. Give us more money. When this strategy works and more money is delivered, you have no reason to worry whether children learn to read. After all, it seems you have turned illiteracy into a successful business.

Bruce Deitrick Price explains theories and methods on his education site, Improve-Education.org. For info on his four new novels, see his literary site, Lit4u.com.
Is the Trump administration inviting a constitutional crisis in the United States District Court (USDC)? Despite the fact that any half-conscious sot could, in a few Google clicks, find lists of refugees or immigrants from the seven subject countries caught committing or attempting to commit acts of terror, which would justify the temporary ban, when asked by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the administration demurred. Citing how quickly the case had developed, the Department of Justice (DOJ) merely raised and referred to the conclusions of the previous administration regarding the threat of immigration from the specific targeted nations.

It almost appeared as if the DOJ did not want to answer the question. Why wouldn't the administration want to justify the ban? Moreover, the DOJ did not offer, at least from what this author heard online, to supplement the record with actual instances of immigrants from the specified countries representing a threat.

There is little question the court's injunction faces some important legal issues:

1) A nationwide injunction issuing from a single USDC is, although with some precedent, difficult to support;

2) Immigration is, according to Congress, a peculiarly executive function, and Congress has granted great deference to the Executive Branch;

3) Without a sitting ninth Justice, the U.S. Supreme Court may deadlock on any issue, keeping the lower court ruling in place. Whether the result is good, one might think, depends on whether you support or don't support the ban. But, consider the possibility that there is a different objective than just a temporary ban on certain immigration.

Most people forget that the USDC system is NOT a constitutional court system. It is a statutory system. Congress established the system, and grants to the courts subject matter jurisdiction, which Congress can remove. Are the people in the Trump administration prescient enough to invite a crisis in order to justify weakening a court system that it finds "obstructive" on several fronts? My article, "The real significance of the Executive Order on Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States suggested that a prior Trump administration order on immigration "represents governance at a very high level, a level many thought Trump incapable of reaching." Outlining the sophistication of the order, and its objective to create a narrative, I concluded that the order "establishes the Trump administration as self-aware, proactive, and formidable."

The media, and apparently some in the Trump administration, would suggest that the executive order creating the temporary ban was, in contrast, not governance at its best, but a comedy of errors in its conception, drafting, and implementation. Is it possible, though, that the chaos, the resulting challenge, and the resulting crisis is welcome and intended? It would explain, for example, initially leaked stories suggesting that the EO was not vetted nor communicated to key secretaries, which later turned out to be false. These stories, and confusion whether the ban applied to those already-issued green cards or those otherwise previously admitted to the U.S., only added to the hysteria following the rollout of the order.

What if the real objective is support for restricting the power of the USDC to judicially review certain actions of the executive branch, or certain congressional legislation? An administration with the ability to achieve a defined objective is something the media is not even considering as it continues to be manipulated into believing, for example, that Steve Bannon runs the White House. Is it possible, that there is value to the Trump administration in its political adversaries seeing it as feckless, inexperienced, and helpless? Is it possible that, as with its previous immigration executive orders, the Trump administration is trying to develop and change the narrative, and the electorate. How many voters who otherwise would cringe at any other congressional effort to limit the subject matter jurisdiction of the USDCs, might support an effort to check "activist federal courts," particularly in a case popular with many Americans, In which the court system was incapable of operating properly due to circumstance?

The first month of the Trump Presidency may go down in history as the first effective use by a president of political "rope-a-dope."
The individual income tax is the largest source of revenue to the largest operation on Earth: the U.S. federal government. In fiscal 2015, the individual income tax alone brought in $1,540,802 million, or just over $1.54T, to the feds. To confirm that, see Table 2.1 -- Receipts by Source on page 37 of Historical Trends at the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank.

The federal individual income tax (also called the personal income tax) has always been highly progressive; those who earn more income have higher tax rates. Its been the case for years now that the top 5 percent of income taxpayers provide more than 50 percent of individual income tax revenue, while the bottom 40 percent, due to refundable tax credits like the EITC, provide less than nothing.

It was recently reported that the Middle Quintile of federal income taxpayers had an average effective tax rate of 2.6 percent in 2013. Even so, we hear calls for middle class tax cuts. So lets look at what the middle 20 percent of us have been paying for the last nearly forty years. In Historical Average Federal Tax Rates for All Households, the Tax Policy Center lists CBO data on average tax rates from 1979 to 2011 for various categories of federal taxes. The second block is income taxes, the left side of which I used to make the accompanying screen-grab. You can quickly see that the trend has been for the Middle Quintile to pay less and less income tax. The highest effective rate for the Middle Quintile was 8.2 percent in 1981. All through the Reagan, Bush 41, and Clinton years the middle classes were paying more, often paying more than twice what theyve been paying lately.

Whenever its pointed out how very little that middle and lower income earners pay the feds in income taxes, progressives begin caterwauling about all the other taxes these folks pay. And its true; most Americans pay more in payroll, sales, property, and other taxes than they do in federal individual income taxes. But just because theyre paying a ton of money in other taxes, doesnt mean that they should get cuts in a tax that many of them arent paying. If the middle and lower classes are overtaxed, then cut the taxes that they actually pay, not the taxes they barely pay. For instance, rather than again cutting the middle classs individual income taxes, end ObamaCares individual mandate instead. Indeed, Congress ought to sell the repeal of ObamaCare to the folks as a tax cut.

On Feb. 1 in H&R Block Is Enlisting IBMs Watson To Help With Your Taxes, Fortunes technology writer Jonathan Vanian reports that H&R Block, the worlds largest tax preparation business, will begin using A.I., i.e. Artificial Intelligence, at their brick-and-mortar outlets:

The deal puts IBM's Watson data analytics service in front of the millions of people who visit one of H&R Block's 10,000 U.S. offices during tax season. The Watson data sifting technology is one of IBMs key businesses including cloud computing and cybersecurity that it hopes will revive the company after several years of declining sales.

With our taxes getting so complicated that we need Artificial Intelligence to prepare them, one wonders what the relation is between the tax preparation industry and the government. Could the IRS be in cahoots with H&R Block?

The addition of Watson to H&R Blocks tax preparation team was touted during Super Bowl 51 (video of the TV ad).

Get Your Taxes Won is the ads slogan. (Are we to assume that taxes are a contest that can be lost?) The production values of the video are rather good, but the product it is selling isnt something anyone should have to buy. Real Americans should be repelled by the message, because taxes shouldnt be complex, they shouldnt be a chore, folks shouldnt need to use a super computer to lower their tax bills to something that is acceptable.

In 2015, candidate Trump said that he wanted to put H&R Block right out of business by simplifying our taxes. In an interesting short video, Blocks CEO responded to Trumps threat, and to charges that the company benefits from the tax codes complexity, reminding us that there are five different definitions of a child in the tax code. A columnist at Blocks hometown newspaper wrote that putting Block out of business would wipe out 80,000 jobs. Right, and the only reason those people have their jobs is because Congress has made our income taxes too damn complicated. If Congress really wants to give Americans another tax cut, then they should simplify income taxes so we dont need to pay someone to prepare our tax returns.

We know that Democrats have no compunction about making our lives more complicated in order to affect their social agenda, but what about the GOP? ObamaCare complicated our taxes with its tax credit subsidies, and now we learn that the replacement for ObamaCare might just have that same feature.

What sheep we Americans have become if we think that our personal income tax system is necessary, natural, and normal. Its disturbing that a supposedly free people would meekly accept such a tax system. It needs to be radically simplified, which would serve as a tax cut for the middle class and all Americans.

Jon N. Hall of Ultracon Opinion is a programmer/analyst from Kansas City.
Things have come to a pretty pass, and we don't know where we're at concerning Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. But we can't call the whole thing off. We can legitimately differ on whether Putin is a "killer" or not, or the father of his nation, or the noble knight saving Russia. Few, however, will dispute the conviction that there is no moral equivalence between the Russian and American political and social systems.

Understanding of the Russian system becomes imperative with the announcement of the creation of the MGB (Ministry of State Security), combining a number of existing bodies, which is to be operative before the Russian presidential election of 2018. It is ominous for two reasons. One is that with its seeping powers, it will resemble the former KGB; the other is that the MGB was the name of the infamous Stalinist organization for eight years, 1946-53.

The current differences between President Donald Trump and members of the U.S. Senate over policy toward contemporary Russia exist at almost the 100th birthday of one of history's most important train rides. In April 1917, Vladimir Lenin, accompanied by more than 30 companions, was allowed to ride from Zurich, where they were in exile, to the Finland Station in Petrograd. Germany allowed the train to go through its country because its leaders believed, correctly, that Lenin's presence in Russia would lead to political instability and to Russia pulling out of World War I so that Germany would no longer have to fight on an Eastern front.

The train ride did lead to the end of the tsarist regime; to the dictatorship of the Communist party; to a totalitarian regime, the Soviet Union; and indirectly to the growth of Nazism as the supposed herald of anti-communism. It is unlikely that the Bolshevik Revolution would have succeeded without Lenin, who articulated the promise of peace, bread, and land and channeled anti-war feelings and the longing for an end to the war with Germany. At the Finland station, Lenin declared, "Long live the worldwide Socialist Revolution!"

Petrograd itself became Leningrad, which it remained until 1991, when it became St. Petersburg. Though Lenin occupied power for a short time, his rule led to the deaths of millions. The uprising in March 1921 against the Bolsheviks by the sailors and workers at the naval fortress at Kronstadt was crushed, with several thousand killed.

Stalin was not on the train to the Finland station, though after he came to power, hundreds of photos were doctored to make him appear beside Lenin. There is abundant documentation of the crimes, euphemized as "mistakes," committed by the Stalinist regime. More information on them comes out all the time. A recent expose is by Andrei Zhuko, who worked for years in the archives of the NKVD Soviet secret police. In the Great Terror of 1937-38, about 1.5 million people were arrested and 700,000 killed. Zhuko examined the records of 40,000 senior officials in the NKVD, and a database was released of his findings by the organization Memorial, which documents crimes during Stalin's rule.

Memorial lists 3.3 million names of victims. In all, about 12 million were victims, internally deported or sentenced for political reasons. Of the 40,000 NKVD on Zhukov's list, about 10% were executed or imprisoned.

Vladimir Putin is not a Stalinist, but he refuses to admit the criminality of the Soviet state. To understand the present Russian system, it is helpful to trace the heritage and activities of existing Russian institutions, especially the FSB, the elite police force and spy agency, that is more than merely a security service and has immense power, including counterintelligence.

It stemmed from the Cheka, set up by Lenin, soon after the Revolution. Under its leader, Felix Dzerzhinsky, it collected and disseminated foreign intelligence. The Cheka then became the OGPU in 1923; the NKVD, notorious for the purges under Stalin of millions during the 1930s, in 1934; and the KGB in 1954. The KGB was dissolved into separate bodies in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. They included the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Service), FAPSI (Communications and Information), GUSP (Special Programs), and FPS (Federal Border Service), plus the main one, the FSK, which was renamed the FSB (Federal Security Service), representing a shift from counterintelligence to security.

Some KGB personnel became businessmen. One is Alexander Lebedev, now owner of two London newspapers, the Evening Standard and the Independent. The most important ex-KGB is Vladimir Putin, who joined in 1975 and worked in Leningrad and as an agent in Communist East Germany in the 1980s. It was Colonel Putin who burned KGB files when the Berlin wall fell on November 9, 1989.

Putin headed the FSB for a year before becoming prime minister of Russia. He was the third ex-KGB to become prime minister. Under his rule as P.M. and then as president, the FSB became more important. Noticeably, ex-KGB officials entered and controlled government bodies or business organizations, many engaging in corrupt activity. For U.S. politicians, the real question is whether all elements of the Russian system are still controlled by ex-KGB.

Politically, the FSB has its own special institute, IKSI (Institute of Cryptography and Protection of Information). The large staff works on code-breaking and now on information security and computer systems.

The FSB does not deal with foreign spies. This is done by the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Service). The SVR, which employs about 13,000, has been headed by individuals close to the Kremlin. Two were prime ministers: Mikhail Fradkov, 2004-2007, once rumored as a possible successor to Putin, and Yevgeny Primakov, 1989-1989.

According to the report by a British committee headed by former High Court judge Robert Owen, almost certainly it was Putin who approved the killing by poison by an SVR agent of Alexander Litvinenko, ex-FSB and KGB operative, in London in November 2006, while other agents attacked the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise in international waters in September 2013, arresting and detaining the crew.

There are rival organs and power struggles. One is the Investigative Committee, headed by Alexander Bastrykin, classmate of Putin, which looks into high-level political murders, contra the Federal Protection Service; the FSB (Federal Security Service); and the National Guard, which is the personal security agency of the president.

Putin favors the "Petersburg family," his former ex-KGB colleagues and former Petersburg officials, who are influential in military, security, and law enforcement issues. It is an informal group sometimes known as the siloviki.

Putin, gathering power and exerting personal authority, has said there is no such thing as a former KGB man. No longer abiding by a system of divide and rule, Putin has been consolidating power, reshuffling personnel, trying to root out corruption, and trying to decrease costs of the different organizations, as well as to get unity.

To that end, Putin put under his personal control the National Guard. Most important, he is setting up the MGB, the Ministry of State Security; uniting the FSB with the foreign intelligence service; and employing 250,000 people. It is ominous that the name is that of Stalin's secret police for almost eight years in 1946-1953. Even more disturbing is that it is a recreation of the KGB.

President Trump, beware and be prepared.
Federal district judge James Robart violated the Constitution in issuing a TRO (temporary restraining order) against President Trump's temporary entry ban for citizens of seven countries. Now a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed that stay.

What we have here is a creeping constitutional coup. As long as President Obama was in charge and had a massive open-door policy at our borders and at our airports, in violation of statutory law, the judiciary was content to be silent. But when Donald Trump became president and tried to use the powers of the presidency to put some national security safeguards into place, the judiciary sprang into action.

The judiciary has usurped the executive branch's powers and has created a parallel constitution  one that bears no relation to the founding document of our nation. The courts have now cited this parallel constitution to justify taking away the ultimate decision-making authority concerning national security from the presidency to rest in their hands. The constitutional crisis and injury to our national security caused by this illegitimate decision cannot be overstated.

What follows is an analysis of this travesty and the damage done to our system of jurisprudence and national security.

1) The legal concept of standing has been eviscerated. In order to sue, one must have "standing," essentially to show that one is an injured party. The state of Washington, among others, sued claiming that its state-owned universities were harmed because a few students from the affected seven countries could not come to their campuses. The Ninth Circuit (hereinafter "the Court") found that these grounds gave Washington standing to sue.

As of now, the concept of standing is now meaningless. The idea behind standing was to limit frivolous lawsuits so only people directly injured could sue. The Court's expansion of standing means that a state can now sue on behalf of anyone, for any reason. This is important because if anyone can sue on behalf of anyone, the courts become immensely more powerful. Remember that courts cannot get involved until someone sues. With standing gone, anyone can sue, and the court can immediately then exercise its power, as was this court's intent in doing away with standing.

2) "Irreparable harm" has been turned upside-down. One of the standards the Court used to adjudicate this case was to see if either party would suffer irreparable harm. The Court found that the University of Washington would suffer irreparable harm if students from Somalia and Yemen were temporarily delayed from coming to the U.S. The U.W. system has tens of thousands of students. The number of students affected here would be a small handful. The Court considers an action that would affect a tiny handful of students in a huge student body irreparable harm.

On the other hand, the Court does not think that the dangers of admitting unvetted foreign nationals who might be terrorists constitute irreparable harm. The Court demanded that the Trump administration prove that there is a terrorist danger from these countries. But the Trump administration is not obligated to prove the terror threat, because the Court has no jurisdiction in this area. It would be as if the Court suddenly demanded that Trump get approval for his DHS cabinet pick from an appeals court and struck down Trump's choice because he didn't submit evidence showing that his DHS pick is suitable. This is a mad, naked power-grab.

The Court opined:

When the Executive Order was in effect, the States contend that the travel prohibitions harmed the States' university employees and students, separated families, and stranded the States' residents abroad. These are substantial injuries and even irreparable harms.

Can you believe this? To consider the inconveniencing of a handful of students as an irreparable harm and the national security of a nation as unimportant shows that this court is fully in wanton disregard of the law, not to mention common sense.

3) National security policy has been wrested from the presidency and placed in the hands of the judiciary. National security is traditionally left to the presidency; indeed, the Court cited cases in support of this.

See, e.g. Cardenas v. United States , 826 F.3d 1164, 1169 (9th Cir. 2016) (recognizing that "the power to expel or exclude aliens [is] a fundamental sovereign attribute exercised by the Government's political departments largely immune from judicial control" see also Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project , 561 U.S. 1, 33-34 (2010) (explaining that Courts should defer to the political branches with respect to national security and foreign relations).

But the Court says this deference is not absolute, and when judges feel they want to overrule the executive branch, they can. They even cited cases for that proposition as well:

see Zadvydas v. Davis , 533 U.S. 678, 695 (2001) (emphasizing that the power of the political branches over immigration "is subject to important constitutional limitations"); Chadha, 462 U.S. at 940-41 (rejecting the argument that Congress has "unreviewable authority over the regulation of aliens," and affirming that Courts can review "whether Congress has chosen a constitutionally permissible means of implementing that power") See, e.g. Boumediene, 553 U.S. 723 (striking down a federal statute purporting to deprive federal Courts of jurisdiction over habeas petitions filed by non-citizens being held as "enemy combatants" after being captured in Afghanistan or elsewhere and accused of authorizing, planning, committing, or aiding the terrorist attacks perpetrated on September 11, 2001)

These cases are not constitutionally correct. The Constitution does not apply to foreign nationals. The Constitution is an agreement among the American citizenry. No one else. It doesn't apply to the people of Iraq, or Somali nationals who come here, or Yemenis with an American visa. By citing cases that were unconstitutionally decided, you can see how far back the judicial rot extends  the Courts have built precedent for a shadow constitution, which allows them to grab power from the executive.

4) The Due Process Clause has been expanded to add seven billion people. The Court cites the Due Process clause, which states in part, "No person shall ... be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." The problem is that foreign nationals are not legal "persons" under our Constitution. How could they be? How could we ever legally go to war or take action against a foreign country or a foreign group without letting them have their day in court? The implications are truly ridiculous.

The Court writes:

The procedural protections provided by the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause are not limited to citizens. Rather, they "appl[y] to all 'persons' within the United States, including aliens," regardless of "whether their presence here is lawful, unlawful, temporary, or permanent.

How could that be true? The Constitution applies to aliens? And the Court doesn't even have the courage to state its ultimate conclusion: that Due Process extends not just to aliens in America, but even to aliens in other countries who want to come to America. Because that's what they've extended it to.

5) The Court maliciously avoided a narrowly tailored legal remedy. Even if the Court honestly believes its own argument, its relief should be narrowly tailored to the handful of students affected at the University of Washington. Instead, it used this case as a wedge to assert its primacy over national security and to open the entire nation to unrestricted entry.

6) The Court disingenuously employed false religious protection claims.

The Court said:

The First Amendment prohibits any "law respecting an establishment of religion." The States' claims raise serious allegations and present significant constitutional questions.

Again, the Court has no jurisdiction here. The people affected are not Americans. The Trump administration can exclude Hindus, Muslims, Christians, women, red-haired people, anyone it wants to. Of course, this is not a Muslim ban, but even to play into that argument presumes that the Court has the power to rule over this. It doesn't.

7) False consideration of "public interest." The Court says it has to consider "the public interest" in deciding. No, it doesn't. It has to consider only the Constitution.

Aspects of the public interest favor both sides, as evidenced by the massive attention this case has garnered at even the most preliminary stages. On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies. And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination. We need not characterize the public interest more definitely than this; when considered alongside the hardships discussed above, these competing public interests do not justify a stay [of the TRO.]

So the Court weighed free entry to America for foreigners against national security for Americans. How to decide? The Court said, for now, that free travel for foreigners into America is definitely more in the public interest!

8) Conclusion: The false choices: Where do we go from here? Some commentators will say to appeal this to the full Ninth Circuit (this was a three-judge panel). Others will say to appeal this case to the Supreme Court. Still others will say to redraft the legislation to better meet the Court's dictates and current mood swings.

These are all false choices. It is like people coming into your home and telling you that you cannot redecorate it without their permission. Submit a proper plan, and perhaps they will approve it. The only way to win this game is not to play.

Yes, President Trump should appeal to the Supreme Court, but with a 4-4 split there (which will continue for months), his victory is far from assured.

More primarily, he should immediately disavow the Court's authority in this matter and order his officials to reinstate the ban. Trump will be said to be provoking a constitutional crisis, but let us be clear: it is the courts that have provoked this constitutional crisis, and Trump's entry ban is a relatively mild one. Remember, to secure the country, he is going go to have to do much more than this moderate executive order:

Let's say that Trump actually wants to have a permanent ban on refugees from Syria or Iraq, for security reasons. A Court could overturn it on the same grounds. Suppose Trump wants to stop all refugees coming to America for a year. A Court could actually force Trump to let 100,000 or more refugees in, if Trump lets them. A Court could stop Trump from doing enhanced vetting, claiming it discriminated against Muslims from ISIS infested countries. A Court also stop Trump's border wall, claiming it would have a negative effect on a snail or a worm. That's why Trump can't give in on his relatively limited executive order. If he does, he will give the Courts a green light to keep America an open borders country.

If Trump does nothing, merely playing out the process, he may well lose his constitutional power to protect our borders. And while we wait and watch matters go through the courts, every day, more and more terrorists could be coming into our country. There is no time to wait.

Ed Straker, the senior writer at NewsMachete.com, is an attorney by training who studied constitutional law at Harvard Law School.
President Obama was criticized by Republicans for attending a church led by Jeremiah Wright, who repeatedly criticized the United States for being, in his own opinion, an evil terrorist nation. People wondered, how could Obama sit through sermons like that, year after year? Didn't that mean that at the very least, Obama didn't have any serious problems with what Wright was saying?

Well, we saw after eight years of Obama that that was probably true  that Obama saw America in a bad light. That's why he kept trying to "fundamentally transform" it.

But what about Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch? He belongs to a far-left church that embraces marriage redefinition, gun control, and the theory of man-caused global warming.

He belongs to St. John's Episcopal Church in Boulder, Colo., the Episcopal diocese of Colorado confirmed on Wednesday. Church bulletins show that the judge has been an usher three times in recent months. His wife Louise frequently leads the intercessory prayer and reads the weekly Scripture at Sunday services, and his daughters assist in ceremonial duties during church services as acolytes. The first word that St. John's uses to describe itself on its website and Facebook page is "inclusive," and the church is led by a female rector. On its website, the church encourages members to write letters to Congress asking for actions addressing climate change.

That's not all. Its website also calls for members to lobby their congressmen for more gun control.

And more:

Rev. Susan Springer has said she is pro-gay marriage and offers blessings to same-sex couples The church's Rev. Ted Howard also signed a letter slamming the 'disrespectful rhetoric' directed at Islam as Trump floated a ban on Muslim immigrants[.] ... Church authorities also appear to be strongly in favor of environmental initiatives and added solar panels to the roof because of 'climate crisis[.]'

As an Episcopalian, it's not as though Gorsuch didn't have other choices:

A 2004 article in the journal Anglican and Episcopal History examined the two Episcopal churches in Boulder. At the time, the writer described St. John's as the older and more traditional church building, but the more theologically and politically liberal of the two. The churches diverged on the subject of homosexuality, the article said: the other church, St. Aidan's, underlined the word "traditional" on its website while St. John's added the words "AIDS-aware" to indicate its welcome to LGBT people.

So what does this tell us about Gorsuch? We don't really know. Perhaps he liked the church and simply disregarded its politics. Though I would think a constitutionalist might find the repeated emphasis on "rights" of refugees and "rights" to marriage for members of the same sex to be ridiculous if not unpleasant to repeatedly listen to.

That's why I wonder if Gorsuch may be sympathetic to some of these causes. That can have an impact when he is on the court and ruling on matters such as marriage or global warming regulations or increased vetting of people from Muslim countries.

I think, legitimately, if Reverend Wright's comments made you put a question mark by Obama, the politics of St. John's Episcopal Church might make you do the same with Neil Gorsuch.

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
The Washington Post, speaking for the Opposition Party consisting of the Democrats and mainstream media, on February 9, 2017, blared the headline: "White House says Conway has been 'counseled' after touting Ivanka Trump's products"

As usual, there is always a Republican ready, willing, and able to attack the Trump administration and help the Democrats. Jason Chaffetz, congressman from Utah, who was a NeverTrump, stepped up to say Conway's statement was "clearly over the line" and "unacceptable."

The facts are simple. Nordstrom canceled the line of clothing of Ivanka Trump. The cancelation and timing are suspicious, given the uproar by the usual suspects about Trump's temporary ban on immigration from seven countries. So Conway said on TV, "I'm going to give it a free commercial here. Go buy it today."

It was an innocent remark said on the spur of the moment in answer to a question. But the D.C. crowd considers this a violation of the ethics regulations that prohibit federal employees from "endorsing" products. There is no charge that Conway endorsed a product for financial gain.

The Opposition Party considers the Conway statement a major ethics violation. The Opposition Party considers the Conway statement much more serious than 1) Hillary Clinton selling access to the State Department; 2) using State Department to line up speaking fees for her husband Bill at about $500,000 per gig; 3) Attorney General Lynch meeting with Bill Clinton the day before Hillary was questioned by the FBI and Director Comey's decision to not recommend prosecution; 4) using a private email server in violation of government regulations that left the email system subject to hacking by foreign hostile actors; and 5) Hillary's friend, Terry McAuliffe, giving over $700,000 to the political campaign of the FBI chief investigating Hillary. These are only the major examples.

If only the independent counsel law were still in force, the Opposition Party would be demanding the appointment of an independent prosecutor to investigate this most serious charge. Put aside ISIS, tax reform, repeal of Obamacare, and the vote on Supreme Court nominee Gorsuch. We must deal with the Conway matter.

The furor over the innocent statement by Conway, a mistake with no harm to anyone, shows how low the Opposition Party has sunk.

It is open warfare on Trump, his advisers, and his nominees. The methods of the war are lawsuits to challenge the 2016 presidential election votes in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, followed by the lawsuits on the temporary ban on immigration from the seven countries listed as security threats by Obama, and constant attacks on Trump and all his advisers. Further, the Dems vote the straight party line to oppose Jeff Sessions and Betsy DeVos, with most Democrats voting against the other Cabinet appointees.

This is all a warm-up to the battle against Gorsuch. Gorsuch is wasting his time trying to be civil, meeting with die-hard Democrats like Blumenthal, Franken, Booker, and Warren. Mitch McConnell needs to get ready for the nuclear option.
An internal report by the Department of Homeland Security says the proposed wall along our southern border that President Trump wants to build will cost significantly more than congressional Republicans say it will and take longer to complete.

The Hill:

An internal report by the Department of Homeland Security found that President Trump's proposed wall along the U.S. southern border would take 3.5 years to complete and would cost as much as $21.6 billion, Reuters reported Thursday. Trump has said he expects the wall to cost $12 billion, while Republicans in Congress pegged the final cost at around $15 billion. The report looks at the cost and timeline for building a physical barrier of walls and fences along the currently unsecured sections of the U.S.-Mexico border  a little more than 1,250 miles. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly is set to receive the report in the coming days, according to Reuters. The cost put forth in the DHS report is much higher than estimates by Trump and GOP congressional leaders, including House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Both Kelly and Trump have said that construction on the wall would begin in a matter of months, and have waved off concerns over the project's price tag. In an interview with Fox News earlier this month, Kelly said he expected funding for the wall to come "relatively quickly." "I think the funding will come relatively quickly and like I said, we will build it where it's needed first as identified by the men and women who work the border," he said. Kelly also said during the interview that he hoped the project would be completed within two years  significantly quicker than the DHS report estimates. The report also revealed that the government is already working with contractors for the project, and is seeking environmental waivers, Reuters reports.

I can't think of a single major expenditure by government that ever came close to its original estimate in cost or time, so the DHS report  which was never meant to see the light of day  isn't surprising.

The question for Republicans in Congress and the president is, how far they are willing to go in busting the budget to get the wall built? There will be no immediate recompense from Mexico for the cost of the wall, although options down the road aren't completely closed off. So for the immediate future, the American taxpayer will foot the entire bill for building the wall  regardless of how much it ends up costing.

Missing from the DHS report is a cost-benefit analysis. Will the wall be worth it? No one believes that the wall will stop all illegal immigration, but as supporters have pointed out, the almost unrestricted flow of illegals could be cut considerably. Along with an increase in border agents and upgraded electronic detection, there is little doubt that the wall will make an impact on illegal immigration.

I imagine that for many U.S. residents along the border with Mexico, the wall will make a positive impact. So the question of whether the wall will be worth it in the end all depends on one's point of view. For some, building a wall at any cost is preferable to any other option open to the president. For others, gains in immigration enforcement must be weighed against the expected increase in budget deficits and long-term additions to the national debt.

It should be an interesting debate in Congress.
The tyrannical authoritarianism at the core of modern liberalism was revealed in the recent fight over Trump's proposed secretary of education, Betsy DeVos.

Liberals frantically opposed her because she supports school choice, allowing parents to decide which school is best for their child.

The primary problem with school choice, according to liberals, is that it diverts funds away from public schools. That objection reveals the authoritarian nature of modern liberalism.

The only way school choice will direct money away from public schools is if a significant number of parents eschew public schools in favor of private schools. Hence, liberals assume that given the choice, a large number of parents will decide not to use public schools. Otherwise, they wouldn't be concerned about money being taken away from public schools.

There are two reasons that parents might make that choice: either they think the private schools might succeed in educating their child or they, the parents, are stupid or don't really care about their child.

Clearly, if the former is the case, then liberals are saying they have the right to compel parents, especially poor black parents, to send their children to schools those parents know are not educating their children.

The later case is an example of liberal hubris and pride. Liberals think they can, at a national cookie-cutter level, do a better job in deciding what is best for children, especially poor black children, than their parents can. In fact, it's a singularly racist concept that poor black parents either care less about their children than rich white liberals or are too stupid to know what's best for their children.

The discussion tends to be about blacks because inner-city schools in Democrat cities mostly populated by blacks are where public education has a decades-long record of failure. Public schools in white suburbia tend to be much better, partially because the students' parents, being the taxpayers who pay for the school, have more clout in demanding a quality product.

In fact, it's inconceivable that the utter failure of the public schools in inner cities would be tolerated for a year, much less decades, in the white suburbs. This points to the racism that allows liberals to be perfectly comfortable with black kids failing to get a decent education in Democrat-run cities.

Whether liberals believe that parents don't have the right to choose their children's schools or that parents are too stupid to make the right choice, it's the height of authoritarianism to presume that the "elites" have the right to force the population to educate their children as they are told.

When discussing DeVos, it's useful to ask those who oppose her what's wrong with letting poor blacks choose what schools their children can go to. After all, Barack Obama didn't send his kids to public schools. Neither did Hillary Clinton.

Even more interestingly, in big Democrat-run cities such as Chicago and Philadelphia, 40% of public school teachers send their children to private schools.

The reality is that liberals don't really care about blacks, since blacks vote for Democrats no matter what, but they do care about the huge political contributions of the teachers unions. Those unions have long since given up caring about the students and become machines whose sole purpose is to maximize teachers' paychecks, no matter how poorly teachers perform  which is why teachers unions violently oppose rewarding excellent teachers with higher paychecks.

It's time to point out the rabidly racist and authoritarian aspects of liberals' objections to using competition to ensure that the poorest Americans, most of whom are black, can actually get a decent education.

While the liberals who regularly compare Trump to Hitler and call for his overthrow in a coup will declare that mentioning their authoritarian and racist roots is "uncivil," we can't let them continue to lie to the low-information voters about things that are critical to the poor in America. Black Americans are too valuable to America to be denied a decent education.

You can read more of Tom's rants at his blog, Conversations about the obvious, and feel free to follow him on Twitter.
President Trump may find that Mexicans are eager to renegotiate NAFTA after all. The left in Mexico has been against NAFTA since 1993 on the grounds that U.S. agricultural imports have hurt their farmers. Let's remember that the left almost won the 2006 election and did well in 2012.

President Enrique Pena-Nieto will probably call for negotiation just to show the emboldened Mexican left that he can stand up to President Trump.

Up here, President Trump may also find that many U.S. companies want NAFTA to stay the way it is.

This is from the New York Times:

The Mexican government said on Wednesday that it was beginning a 90-day consultation with the country's Senate and private sector before talks with the United States to review the North American Free Trade Agreement.

At the same, the article points out that renegotiating NAFTA may be complicated:

Job losses in American manufacturing have different causes, and not all industries in the United States have suffered. Last month, some 130 agricultural organizations sent a letter to Mr. Trump stating that "increased market access under Nafta has been a windfall for U.S. farmers, ranchers and food processors."

And that's a problem.

Mr. Trump dismissed NAFTA as a one-way street, a program that benefits only Mexico. In fact, it is a lot more complicated than that, as anyone who works in the U.S.-Mexico market will tell you.

My guess is that the U.S. exporters selling over $200 billion of goods and services understand what I mean. Mexico is a huge market and U.S. exporters don't want to hear about a trade war that will cost them sales.

So what will happen? Probably not much, especially after both sides come to terms with the reality that a lot of business is going north and south.

Are there problems with Mexico? Yes. We need the wall to stop the "bad hombres" running around the border. We need more cooperation from Mexico on immigration. Mexico needs to reform its energy and agricultural sectors to make itself more competitive worldwide.

NAFTA? With all due respect to President Trump, a man whom I voted for and would love to see succeed, NAFTA is not the terrible deal that we've heard about.

My suggestion to President Trump: Tone down the volume with Mexico and start screaming about China! The trade deficit with China was $367 billion!

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
In the course of my management consulting, I've been to some of the toughest neighborhoods in the country.

If you do business in these areas, you know to always visit them early in the day, when they are relatively safer. Thus, in my travels, I'd see four- and five-year-old kids playing as all four- and five-year-olds do.

But as they got older, they developed an increasingly hard look in their eyes. And, by only nine or ten, many had a look in their eyes no child in America should have.

Even at that age, they had put up with more crap than one can imagine. The neighborhoods they were born into have astonishing crime rates. The few terrorize the many, and, unlike the police, they don't leave.

Job opportunities are limited, and youth unemployment reaches heights unheard of anywhere else in the country. A hand up is not an easy thing to find in these neighborhoods.

In many of these places, a culture has taken root where the very keys to success are viewed as being somehow foreign and something to reject, not embrace. These realities are true regardless of one's heritage, but they have fallen disproportionally on black Americans.

What of the educational opportunities presented to these children today? The inner-city schools these children are forced to attend are a national disgrace.

Education has been called the civil rights issue of our time by political leaders across the political spectrum. I disagree  I believe it is the moral issue of our time.

What we see in the inner cities is the result of a lot of factors. But a major one is the collapse of the educational system decades ago, resulting in generations of people receiving a lousy education. Generations of people pretty much screwed from the womb with their only hope being a chance for a decent education. Without that, they are lost. Without that, they have little hope. In the face of this desperate need, the schools forced upon these children are an obscenity.

It is quite easy for someone who has never witnessed these realities to talk about hard work and pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. It is much easier said than done. What future truly awaits a 12-year-old with very poor reading and writing skills, little to no math skills, and no command of the English language? He is supposed to happily go to jobs pushing a broom or flipping burgers? And fighting for these jobs against an army of illegal immigrants who are willing to work for below-market wages? Or is a much more logical path one of crime? Far too many of these inner-city schools are simply one stop on the assembly line from school to prison or the cemetery.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character  that is the goal of true education."

But the public education system is doing neither for the poor souls forced to attend these life-destroying institutions.

How many of the problems of the inner cities in general and of black Americans in particular find their roots in generations of failed education? We will never address the issues of race, crime, poverty, and the pathologies they unleash until we at least provide an opportunity for every child in America to attend a quality school, where his intelligence and character are developed to the peak of their potential.

Will every parent and child take advantage of this? Of course not. But until all who wants it are given a true opportunity to send their kids to quality schools, this country will fail in its basic commitment to those poorest among us. And when you consider the resulting crime statistics and the cost of filling our prisons, that's a problem for all of us.

For the richest country the world has ever seen to allow this destruction of these young lives is simply wrong. Not every parent is "parent of the month" material, but at least let's give those who cry out for help a chance by offering them a school that has the potential to save their lives rather than destroy them.

John Conlin is a self-employed management consultant who lives in Littleton, Colorado. He started End The Education Plantation because he's seen firsthand the harm being caused by our nation's schools and believes it's time to do something about that. For more information, go to www.EndTheEducationPlantation.org.
The three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit affirmed the decision of Judge Robart to grant a TRO to stop Donald Trump's temporary ban on immigration from seven countries deemed a risk. The question now is whether Trump requests a hearing before a ten-judge, en banc panel of the Ninth Circuit or appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court or accepts the TRO and litigates the matter before Judge Robart.

Trump should immediately request a stay of the TRO from U.S. Supreme Court justice Kennedy, who hears such emergency petitions from the Ninth Circuit. Trump should also appeal the Ninth Circuit decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The strongest argument is that the state of Washington does not have standing to bring a claim on behalf of the residents of the seven countries who are not residents of the USA, no matter how they disguise the issue of standing. The foreign residents are not covered by the U.S. Constitution.

Further, the president has the sole statutory authority under 8 USC 1182(f) to issue the order at issue:

(f) Suspension of entry or imposition of restrictions by President Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate[.]

The only role, if any, of the Court is to determine if the president has found that the entry of any aliens would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. The Court does not have the authority to second-guess why the president made such a finding. To do so would involve subjecting the president's foreign policy decisions, based on intelligence findings, to the court system of discovery of documents, depositions of witnesses, and testimony in open court about why the decision was made and the basis for the decision.

We would have a situation where CIA agents, State Department agents, and the president would have to testify in court, subject to cross-examination, to satisfy Judge Robart about the merits of the executive order. Since President Obama made the decision about placing the seven countries under the risk status, then Obama would have to testify, along with his administration officials.

Since there have been numerous suits brought against President Trump to challenge the executive order, it is best to get a final ruling from the Supreme Court on the issues of standing and the authority of the courts to review the executive order made pursuant to Section 1182(f). This is preferable to litigating these issues in the various district courts, especially the Ninth Circuit.

Justice Kennedy should grant the Petition for a Stay because otherwise, the litigation before Judge Robart will delve into the merits of the order, which will involve discovery of intelligence findings and sources.

It is absurd to have a foreign policy security issue decided by a court when this authority is specifically delegated solely to the president.
The usually reliably conservative Chief Justice John Roberts was skewered for his contorted opinion in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, which held that the "penalty" for not buying health insurance (the infamous individual mandate of Obamacare) was actually a "tax" and therefore constitutional. There was a great wailing and gnashing of teeth from constitutional conservatives  and the dissenters led by Justice Scalia  who had hoped that the Supreme Court would put an end to the Affordable Care Act. It was not to be so on that day in June 2012. But watching the same Justice Roberts administer the presidential oath to Donald Trump made me reconsider: maybe there was a method to his madness after all.

As a brief recap of that decision, Chief Justice Roberts had retained the majority opinion for himself. He found the ACA unconstitutional as far as the Commerce Clause was concerned (if Justice Ginsburg had written the opinion, it would have been far worse) and, while upholding the penalties as a valid exercise of the taxing authority, plainly stated that it is up to the body politic to make a decision on the wisdom of the law: "The Framers created a federal government of limited powers, and assigned to this Court the duty of enforcing those limits. The Court does so today. But the Court does not express any opinion on the wisdom of the Affordable Care Act. Under the Constitution, that judgment is reserved to the people."

Jumping ahead to the closing months of the presidential election of 2016, there seemed to be a perfect storm of events interfering with the preordained election of Hillary Clinton. There were the slow and steady email leaks, the on-and-off FBI investigations, her branding of much of the American population as "deplorable," the Clinton foundation corruption, and the Democratic Party's tone-deafness to the white middle class as it pandered to liberal voting blocs. None of this prevented Hillary Clinton from being the frontrunner on the Democrat side, but she clearly was not able to put the race away. Slowly, and then with increasing momentum, a national wave of devastating health care premium increases put Obamacare back into the political picture. Not only did candidate Trump continue to promise to build the wall, end the erosion of good-paying jobs, fight Islamic extremism, etc., but he started to promise to repeal and replace Obamacare.

By any rational metric, Donald Trump should not have won. It really took a perfect storm, and all its constituent components, to make him our 45th president. The unpopularity and unsustainability of the ACA was certainly one of them. The RNC could not have had a better election gimmick had they mailed bills to the general citizenry directly. Whatever undecided or unmotivated voters remained were opening their health care premiums, trying to decide what they had to give up to maintain their health care, and reached the conclusion that this whole exercise into health care insurance was a tragic mistake costing them real money. They broke overwhelmingly for Trump.



If Justice Roberts had remained true to his conservative credentials, the Supreme Court would have struck down the ACA. There would have been an immediate political scramble to fix and reformulate it. Republican assistance would have been necessary to help "fix" the law because of decreased Democrat numbers in Congress. Republicans would have been labeled obstructionists if they did nothing. If they had attempted to fix the law, their fingerprints would now be on it. Either way, the Democrats would have a public rallying cry about the rascally white Republican men on the Supreme Court and why we needed to elect a Democrat in 2016 for those coveted Supreme Court appointments.

Had this decision been otherwise, we would have never seen what an abject failure the law would become, how high the premiums would go, how groups like the Little Sisters of the Poor would be bullied by the federal government, what a job-killer it would become, etc. We would have been spared the realities of the law and left with only the rhetoric of how wonderful it would or could have been.

So, thanks to Justice Roberts, we were in a timely way reminded when we cast our ballots in 2016 that we the people are the ultimate judges under the Constitution of the wisdom of any particular piece of legislation. We decided that the Affordable Care Act was unwise. And we may not have had a President Donald Trump had Justice Roberts decided otherwise.

Chuck Volz is a community activist, an attorney, and an adjunct professor at University of Sciences in Philadelphia. He can be reached at volzcf@aol.com.
The key point for everybody to know about the United States Court Appeals for the Ninth Circuit's opinion regarding President Donald Trump's executive order regarding immigration is that the three judges failed to discuss, or even acknowledge the existence of, the primary law that supports the E.O.

Title 8 United States Code, section 1182(f), which was enacted as section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, is entitled "Suspension of Entry or Imposition of Restrictions by President" and states (italics added):

Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.

On January 27, 2017, President Trump issued Executive Order No. 13769, entitled "Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States." The executive order expressly cited 8 USC, sec. 1182(f) and quoted its language three times. Section 3(c) of the executive orders states (emphasis added):

To temporarily reduce investigative burdens on relevant agencies during the review period described in subsection (a) of this section, to ensure the proper review and maximum utilization of available resources for the screening of foreign nationals, and to ensure that adequate standards are established to prevent infiltration by foreign terrorists or criminals, pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA,8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12), would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days from the date of this order (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas).

Section 5(c) of the executive order states (emphasis added):

Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of nationals of Syria as refugees is detrimental to the interests of the United States and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I have determined that sufficient changes have been made to the USRAP to ensure that admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest.

Section 5(d) of the executive order states (emphasis added):

Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of more than 50,000 refugees in fiscal year 2017 would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I determine that additional admissions would be in the national interest.

President Trump further emphasized the importance of 8 USC section 1182(f) by reading it to the Major County Sheriffs' Association and Major Cities Chiefs Association in Washington, D.C. on February 8, 2017. President Trump told the crowd that "a bad high school student" would understand 8 USC section 1182(f).

The Ninth Circuit's opinion was in the case entitled State of Washington; State of Minnesota v. Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, and others, case no. 17-35105, decided February 9, 2017. The three judges who issued the unanimous opinion were William C. Canby, Richard R. Clifton, and Michelle T. Friedland. These judges did not cite to, discuss, or quote from 8 USC, sec. 1182(f). They did not quote from those parts of the executive order that cited or quoted 8 USC, sec. 1182(f). If your knowledge about this case were restricted to what is in the opinion by these judges, you would not know that 8 USC, sec. 1182(f) exists. For these three judges, 8 USC, sec. 1182(f) is the law that never was.

All three of these judges were required to take the oath specified in 28 USC, sec. 453:

Each justice or judge of the United States shall take the following oath or affirmation before performing the duties of his office: "I, ___ ___, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as ___ under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God."

Did judges Canby, Clifton, and Friedland each "faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon" them "as judge under the Constitution and laws of the United States"? Their duty was to interpret and apply the law, specifically, 8 USC, sec. 1182(f). If they believe that the law does not apply here, they had a duty to explain why. If they believe that the law is unconstitutional, they had a duty to explain why. They violated their duty. They violated their oath.

If you had to make a list of things that a judge could do that warrants impeachment, deliberately ignoring an applicable law that contradicts the judge's opinion would be on the list.

Allan J. Favish is an attorney in Los Angeles. His website is allanfavish.com. James Fernald and Mr. Favish have co-authored a book about what might happen if the government ran Disneyland, entitled Fireworks! If the Government Ran the Fairest Kingdom of Them All (A Very Unauthorized Fantasy).
There is a curious grave at Evergreen Cemetery in the West River neighborhood of New Haven, Vermont, the United States. Its a small grassy mound with a large slab of concrete placed at the top. This concrete block has a small fourteen inch square glass window facing towards the sky. The glass window is hazy and has beads of water hanging on the underside from condensation, and you cant see much inside. But back in 1893, you could have peered inside and straight into the decomposing face of Timothy Clark Smith.

The grave of Timothy Clark Smith. Photo credit: Geoff Howard/Panoramio

Timothy Clark Smith while his heart was still beating was a doctor, a diplomat and a world traveller. Having received his medical degree from the City University of New York in 1855, he joined as a staff surgeon for the Russian Army where he remained until 1857. From 1861 to 1875 Smith was US Consul in Odessa, Russia, and then in Galatz, Romania from 1878 to 1883. Before he became a physician, he worked as a teacher and clerk in the US Treasury Department.

All throughout his life, Timothy Clark Smith suffered from an incurable fear of being buried alive. Known as taphophobia, from the Greek word taphos, which means "grave, the fear of being erroneously declared dead and placed in a grave while actually alive, is not very common today. But in those days, before the advent of modern medicine, the fear was not entirely irrational. Throughout history, there have been numerous storiesurban legend or otherwise of people being accidentally buried alive. There are gruesome tales about victims falling into the state of sopor or coma, and then waking up, days, months or even years later, to find themselves entombed.

The Scottish philosopher John Duns Scotus (1266-1308) was reported to have been buried alive after one of his occasional fits of coma was mistaken to be the loss of life. After his tomb was reopened, years later, his body was found outside his coffin. His hands were torn and bloody from the attempted escape. On February 21, 1885, The New York Times gave a disturbing account of a man identified as Jenkins, whose body was found turned over onto its front inside the coffin, with much of his hair pulled out. There were also scratch marks visible on all sides of the coffin's interior. Another story reported in The Times on January 18, 1886, tells about a Canadian girl named "Collins", whose body was described as being found with the knees tucked up under the body, and her burial shroud "torn into shreds".

The Premature Burial (1854), a painting by Belgium artist Antoine Wiertz that depicts a cholera victim awakening after being placed in a coffin.

Aside from these occasionally frightening news, many writers spun out horrifying stories about premature burials to overwhelm their readers. Edgar Allan Poe was especially guilty of this. His stories, The Premature Burial, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Cask of Amontillado", Berenice, and to a lesser extent, The Black Cat, were all based on this natural fear of being buried alive.

Some of the worst afflicted of this phobia began to use what is known as a safety coffin. A safety coffin is fitted with some type of device that allows the interred person to communicate with the outside world should that person be revived after burial. Many different designs were invented and patented during the 18th and 19th centuries. Most designs included a rope that the undead could pull from inside the coffin and ring a bell or fire a cracker or raise a flag placed outside. Others had ladders, escape hatches, and even a supply of food and water. Ironically, many designs forgot to include the most essential element a breathing tube to provide air. As the website of the Australian Museum in Sydney notes, most models had sufficient design flaws to suggest that they would have been unlikely to have worked properly if they had actually been used.

Although many people wished to be buried in a safety coffin, or had requested their relatives to check on their bodies for several days after they were dead, or delay the burial should the dead wake up again (George Washington made his attendants promise not to bury him for two days), there are very few recorded examples of people actually using a safety coffin, and none of anybody being saved by it.

Photograph of a burial vault built circa 1890 to protect against premature burial.

When Robert Robinson, an English Dissenting Minister, died in Manchester in 1791, a movable glass pane was inserted in his coffin, and the mausoleum had a door through which a watchman could go and inspect the body to make sure he was still dead.

Timothy Clark Smiths coffin in Evergreen Cemetery was of a similar design. When he died on Halloween of 1893, he was interred in his specially prepared grave that consists of a fixed glass windowas opposed to the movable type in Robinsons that looks straight down a six-foot deep cement shaft at the other end of which lies Timothys face. In addition, he was buried with a bell in his hand so that he could signal for help.

According to cemetery records, there is a second room within the burial crypt which houses Timothys wife. A set of stairs lead into the crypt, capped by the stone in the lower front of the mound.

Timothy Clark Smiths grave is a rare example of a phenomenon that has not quiet died out yet. The most recent patent for a safety coffin was filed in 1995. This modern safety coffin included an emergency alarm, intercom system, a flashlight, breathing apparatus, and both a heart monitor and stimulator.

A design for a safety coffin. Photo credit: Road Trippers

The window on Timothy Clark Smiths grave. Photo credit: vermonter.com

Timothy Clark Smiths grave mound. Photo credit: vermonter.com

Sources: Road Trippers / www.findagrave.com / Wikipedia / Wikipedia / Wikipedia / Australian Museum
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Mike Zimmerman, a mechanical engineering professor at Tufts University in Massachusetts invented a battery that seemingly cannot explode. Zimmerman managed to achieve this impressive feat by creating a battery which utilizes a certain plastic polymer that is fire retardant instead of a liquid electrolyte and a separator used by conventional lithium-ion batteries. This decision led to the creation of a battery thats not only significantly safer but also cheaper to manufacture than regular batteries. Zimmerman demonstrated the durability of his battery in the latest NOVA documentary which aired on PBS in early February. The remarkably safe battery was showed as a part of NOVAs Search for the Super Battery. If watching David Pogue abusing batteries sounds like your idea of a good time, check out the video below which shows an excerpt from the documentary.

While the fact that Zimmermans battery isnt prone to catching fire and exploding even when it suffers mechanical damage is impressive, its cost effectiveness is possibly even more notable. While this isnt the first durable battery ever created, it does seem to be one of the more affordable ones. However, that doesnt mean Zimmermans invention is ready for commercialization. Tufts Universitys professor said that he still isnt sure how his battery could scale and he has yet to come up with a solution for testing its reliability without damaging it. Given that state of affairs, Zimmerman believes that it would probably be wise to find a partner willing to provide financing to evolve his invention with the goal of commercializing it.

So, while Zimmermans invention certainly looks promising, it will probably be a while before it hits the market, provided that ever happens. However, as evidenced by the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco that the industry witnessed last fall, the search for safe batteries is still as important as ever given how consumer electronics manufacturers are adamant to keep reducing the size of their batteries in an effort to fit them into their new mobile products that are constantly getting slimmer. And while the aforementioned American professor is trying to come up with a way to make consumer electronics safer, another engineering professor on the other side of the world is currently trying to make it self-destruct in a reliable manner.
After deliberations and voting that began just over a week ago, unionized AT&T workers have decided that action may be necessary. The Communications Workers of America union (CWA) representing the workers commented last week, saying that AT&T has underestimated the frustrations of the workers. That prediction turns out to be true, as associated workers rallies will occur across 35 cities in the United States beginning February 10.

Despite that AT&T expressed confidence that a strike would not occur, the results of last weeks vote were overwhelmingly in favor of a strike. 93 percent of workers across 36 states voted in favor of the motion. The worker rallies are planned to take place over two days. The first day of rallies at several AT&T locations, with major events planned in New York  both in New York City and in Albany, as well as in Boston Massachusetts. In New York City, the rally is scheduled to take place at 5:30 PM local time at AT&Ts 6th Ave & 53rd St location. Albanys rally will take place at the companys 1762 Central Ave location at 12:00 PM. The rally in Boston will also take place at noon and is scheduled to occur at the AT&T flagship retail store at 699 Boylston. A further 23 locations across 16 states will also be holding rallies, bringing the total number of cities where workers are participating to 26 for February 10. The following day  February 11  has a major rally scheduled for the companys retail location at 600 N. Michigan Ave in Chicago at 11:30 AM. Further rallies for the second day will be also happening across California in Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. These initial rallies may not be the last. The CWAs Vice President, Dennis Trainor has said that AT&T workers resolve to win has never been stronger and when telecom workers commit to winning a fair contract they dont back down.

The internal turmoil at AT&T has been ongoing over the course of several years, with a similar outcry occurring just last year. Workers feel that despite that the company has seen massive revenue over that period  the company saw revenue of just under $42 billion in Q4 of 2016  workers have not been fairly compensated for their efforts. Ghiajaira Paz, a retail sales support representative in the Bronx, has said that she is even on a first-name basis with customers at her location. Paz has expressed concerns that worker healthcare, pay, and sick time each has been adversely affected by company decisions, despite that she and others provide such a high level of customer care. Nicole Popis, an AT&T wireless call center worker who lives in Illinois, has reported that herself and other workers are also concerned with outsourcing and offshoring practices by the company. Popis claims that she has watched staff numbers drop from around 200 employees down to 130. Neither the employees or the CWA appear ready to back down. At this point, any change or resolution to the current situation at AT&T is going to have to be brought about by the company itself.
HMD Global is manufacturing Nokia-branded smartphones in Vietnam. If you take a look at the gallery down below, youll get to see the Nokia 150 smartphone, and a belonging documentation that comes with this smartphone. That documentation clearly states that the phone has been manufactured in a factory called Microsoft Mobile (Vietnam) LLC, while the address is listed as well. As most of you know, HMD Global purchased rights to manufacture Nokia-branded smartphones from Microsoft a while back, it can manufacture Nokia-branded devices for the next 10 years. Well, it seems like HMD Global still did not make the effort to change the name of Microsofts factory in Vietnam, as the company apparently purchased rights to use some of Microsofts factories as well. Thats at least what we think happened, it is possible that the factories were outright purchased by HMD Global. The company did not really disclose such information, so we cannot be sure.

The Nokia 150 pictured in the images is not an Android-powered smartphone, but if HMD Global is manufacturing Nokia 150 devices in Vietnam, chances are that theyre doing the same with their new Android-powered Nokia 6 smartphone. In any case, the images down below date back to December, late December, so it is possible that HMD Global changes something since then. Now, to make things even weirder, the charger that is pictured next to the Nokia 150 actually has Microsofts logo on it, and is made in China, in a factory owned by Foxconn. As already mentioned, these images date back to late December, so it is possible HMD Global made some changes since then, its hard to believe the company aims to keep manufacturing smartphones in a factory that has Microsofts name on it, and even less probable is that HMD Global plans to ship chargers for their smartphones with Microsofts logo on them.

The Nokia 6 is HMD Globals first Android-powered smartphone, though the company plans to release a number of Android-powered devices this year. They have already scheduled a press conference in Barcelona, as part of the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC), and chances are well see a new smartphone launched during the event, and its even possible that Nokia plans to make Nokia 6 available in more regions as well. Nokias event will take place on February 26th, so stay tuned.
The January 2017 Android Security Update started hitting the Galaxy S5 Plus and the Galaxy S5 Neo. Samsung reportedly started pushing out the update for the unlocked variants of both phones in Europe, but all international models are expected to receive the update in the coming days. The firmware version of the latest security patch for the Galaxy S5 Plus is XXS1CAQ7, but theres still no confirmation of how the version for the Galaxy S5 Neo is labeled. Its unlikely that this pair of updates brings any other changes to the Galaxy S5 Plus and the Galaxy S5 Neo apart from fixing some security vulnerabilities of the Android operating system.

The Galaxy S5 Plus initially hit the market in late 2014, boasting a 5.1-inch FullHD display, the Snapdragon 805 system-on-chip (SoC) and 2GB of RAM. The device featured a 16-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front shooter, as well as up to 32GB of internal storage. Its hardware was fueled by a 2,800mAh battery while the phone itself shipped with Android 4.4.2 KitKat running out of the box. On the other hand, the Galaxy S5 Neo was released in August of 2015 with a lot of identical features but powered by the octa-core Exynos 7580 SoC and sporting a 5-megapixel front camera. The device launched with a pre-installed build of Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Despite shipping with removable batteries, both the Galaxy S5 Plus and the Galaxy S5 Neo boasted IP67 certification, meaning they were resistant to both dust and water. This combination of features was praised by both consumers and critics alike.

All things considered, this likely isnt the last Android Security Update for either device, though the Galaxy S5 Neo could possibly be supported for a bit longer than the Galaxy S5 Neo seeing how its almost a year younger than its predecessor. As for Samsung in general, the South Korean consumer electronics manufacturer is currently preparing to launch its pair of 2017 Android flagships, the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus. Before that happens, the company will arrive at Mobile World Congress to showcase a number of other products. Among other things, Samsung is expected to unveil the highly anticipated Galaxy Tab S3 at the Barcelona-based trade show.
LG Electronics was awarded $168 million in damages in a federal counterfeit headphones case which the company started last year after suing 17 firms for manufacturing and selling knockoffs of the LG TONE headsets. On Thursday, a federal court in the United States ruled that LG is due $168 million in damages in addition to all related court costs and interest. Given how the Seoul-based consumer electronics manufacturer originally asked for $200 million in damages, it isnt surprising that the companys latest press release refers to this turn of events as a major victory. Apart from declaring a massive legal victory, the tech giant also promised to put a larger focus on bringing more counterfeiters to justice in the future.

The ruling was made by the District Court for the Southern District of California which agreed with LGs assessment that thousands of customers were tricked into believing they were buying LG-made products when paying for the aforementioned knockoffs. LG Electronics MobileComm USA President Chang Ma said that this ruling shows how LGs strategy against counterfeiters is effective, adding how more similar initiatives will follow in the near future. Ma noted how LG didnt only sue because counterfeiters were making money using the companys brand, but also because they devalued that same brand in the process of selling cheap knockoffs. The South Korean tech giant believes that the LG TONE lineup of headsets created an entirely new category of products which counterfeiters specifically targeted to illegally make money. Finally, the President of the companys U.S. branch also promised that LG will do whatever it can to protect consumers and retail partners from counterfeiters in the future. However, Ma revealed no details regarding those efforts but implied that more information on the matter will be available shortly.

This legal victory aside, LG may soon find itself on the other side of the courtroom after the company was accused of infringing several GPU patents owned by AMD. In a complaint filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC) in late January, AMD accused LG, VIZIO, MediaTek, and Sigma Designs of infringing three of its GPU patents and asked the agency to investigate the matter that will likely end up with a trial.
Reports have recently surfaced that are almost guaranteed to raise controversy, revealing that many in the upper echelon of the Republican party have been using Confide as their preferred communications platform. A source from within the party has said that the president and key members of the administration are also among those using the hyper-secure chat application. The source, who remains un-named, also gives a reason for the secrecy. The party has allegedly developed a new fear of leaks brought on by the controversies surrounding last years election.

For those who dont already know, Confide is a messaging application that uses end-to-end encryption and auto-deletes messages by default. The messages are deleted immediately after being read and taking of screenshots within the application is deliberately difficult to accomplish. The digital cleanse doesnt stop with a users device, either. Messages are deleted from the companys servers and any data saved by the company is only stored as a combination of meta-data from all users. While Confide is hardly the only application in existence with that purpose  unfortunately, even ISIS has its own similar application  it is equally obvious that many Americans will be concerned that US politicians are now reportedly using it. Though it may seem arbitrary to some, others may be asking what exactly the party and the current administration have to hide. During the 2016 presidential election, many within the party seemed happy enough that so many damaging communications from the opposing party were leaked. That said, there have also been several legitimate security concerns about President Trumps online accounts and his choice of mobile device, so the use of a more secure messaging platform may be a positive thing. It is more likely that party members are simply concerned that their private personal communications could be misconstrued in light of the highly politically-charged atmosphere which has yet to dissipate following the election.

Whether or not fears that are likely to come out of this turn of events are found to be legitimate or not, communications that have to do with official business has been historically conducted over official email channels  at least since the advent of the Internet and email. Records of those communications are kept in case there is any need to go back over them in the future. It has not been said whether any official white house or political business has been conducted through the application. Since it is not necessarily likely that there has been a break with that tradition of transparency, it may not be a good idea to jump to conclusions. However, it can be said that any existing vulnerabilities within any given users device  or at very least within the presidents allegedly outdated device  could create an opportunity for would-be malicious entities to bypass the security of the application itself. So anybody using Confide or similar applications should always try to ensure that they have the latest security updates installed for the best results.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 will come with an AI voice assistant called Bixby, and it seems like Bixbys logo just surfaced. The company has filed a trademark application with the European Trade Mark and Design Network, and judging by the design of this logo, were looking at Samsungs Bixby branding. This logo is essentially a letter B, even though it also seems like a combination of a letter B and a number 8. In any case, its pretty obvious what its supposed to represent.

This document comes with a 016343931 application number, and the description of this trademark application is actually quite similar to Bixbys trademark application, so, were almost certainly looking at Bixbys logo here. So, what is Bixby? Well, this is an AI assistant that will come pre-installed on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, though it is quite possible well see it in other Samsung-branded smartphones as well. This AI assistant is expected to compete with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant directly, and weve seen a ton of rumors regarding Bixby. Samsungs AI assistant will, allegedly, support 7-8 languages out of the box, and will be able to recognize text as well. Languages that are expected to be included are English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese Latin, Spanish and Spanish Latin.

By the looks of things, Bixby will debut along with the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, unless Samsung opts to host a separate event for the Bixby launch, which is highly unlikely. Samsungs new flagships and AI assistant will arrive either in March or April, depending on which rumor youd like to believe. Samsung still did not schedule a press conference for their upcoming flagships, but they will not be announced at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus will be fueled by Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 64-bit octa-core processor, though it is possible that Samsung is planning to release Exynos-powered variants of their two smartphones as well, well see. Android Nougat will come pre-installed on the Galaxy S8 devices, and all we can do at this point is sit and wait for Samsung to release more details about their upcoming smartphones and Bixby, so stay tuned, well keep you in the loop.
Sprint is offering a new promotion for customers buying two unlimited lines at $90 a month (plus taxes and fees) and giving them three additional lines for free. The deal, which runs until the end of March 2018, offers customers enormous savings over T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon according to the press release. The deal offers one line at $50 a month with the AutoPay discount, and the second line at an additional $40 a month (again with the AutoPay discount). Lines three, four and five are free. The plan includes unlimited talk time, messaging and data. Sprints marketing material compares these prices with the second largest (AT&T) and third largest (T-Mobile) American carriers and shows a considerable saving to be had over the next year. As Verizon does not currently offer an unlimited data plan, there is no equivalent comparison to be made here. Sprints new deal, which runs for a limited amount of time, is the latest in an intense competition between Americas four national carriers.

In cash terms, the saving compared with AT&T is up to $180 a month for five lines with Sprint. For T-Mobile, the saving is up to $90 a month, but Sprints marketing is careful to explain that this $90 excludes taxes and fees, which must be added to Sprints cost but are included in the T-Mobile cost thanks to their all in pricing promise. From April 2018, Sprints prices will change with the first line costing $60 a month, the second one remaining at $40 and lines three through five costing $30 a month: the price increases to $190 before fees and taxes, so it will be more expensive than T-Mobile. Currently, AT&T only offer an unlimited data plan for customers who also buy DIRECTV, and this service is included in the monthly cost. Sprints chief marketing officer, Roger Sole, explains: Sprint understands the value of unlimited data to our customers. Customers do more with their phones every day and they want to use them without limits. With our new offer, you can sign up for a plan that allows you to surf and stream all you want and not worry about overage fees and charges.

Sprints offer could provide a family of five with great value, but customers do need to consider that these three carriers offer slightly different propositions. AT&Ts DIRECTV adds to the costs but also the benefits of the plan, and T-Mobile is offering sales tax back for customers upgrading or buying a new device.
BEIJING - Chinese exporters have suffered a total of 20 trade remedy probes initiated by the United States in 2016, an 81.1 percent increase year on year, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday.

The 11 anti-dumping and nine anti-subsidy investigations involved $3.7 billion, up 131 percent from 2015, the MOC said.

Recently, the US published a series of trade remedy rulings involving Chinese products, including truck and bus tyres as well as imports of Chinese stainless steel sheet and strip.

China suffered 140 trade remedy measures from the United States as of the end of 2016, including 102 anti-dumping and 38 anti-subsidy measures, according to MOC data.

"Given that the trade scale between China and the US is huge, it is normal that trade frictions will occur," said Wang Hejun, head of the MOC's trade remedy and investigation bureau. "However, it is noticeable that the US is imposing high taxes on Chinese imports and many of its measures are against WTO rules."

Wang said that China hoped to work with the United States to solve trade friction through negotiation within the WTO framework for a win-win relationship.

Last year, Chinese exporters suffered a record 119 trade remedy probes, initiated by 27 countries or regions, a 36.8 percent increase year on year.

"Trade friction is normally sporadic and played under the WTO rules, resulting from normal international trade activities, while trade wars lay aside trade rules and usually involving large trade sums," Wang said. "We do not want trade wars..., but we will be well-prepared for and are capable of defending our own rights and interests."
Police accidentally raped a man when his trousers fells down and a truncheon went up

To France, where Theo, a 22-year-old black man, claims he was raped when police inserted a truncheon in his anus. An internal police inquiry found nothing untoward. But Theo was showing severe anal injuries.

Police now says the wounding was an accident. In a video of the incident, police see a copper applying a truncheon blow horizontally across the buttocks. Theos trousers slipped down on their own. As such there are insufficient elements to show that this was a rape.

But an investigating magistrate disagrees. Theyve charged one of the police officers with rape.

French President Francois Hollande has taken the time to visit Theo in hospital and Prime Minister Bernard Cazenueve says their is an official state of solidarity with the alleged victim.

Karen Strike

Posted: 10th, February 2017 | In: Reviews, Strange But True Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
(ANSA) - Madrid, February 10 - Italian President said Friday that he hoped the March 25 European summit in Rome to mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome would be a "new start" for the European Union. During a visit to Madrid, he said that with this new start it should be possible "to recognise the citizens above all, not just the institutions and the governments of the member States".

Mattarella added that job growth and innovation were among the priorities of the Italian duty presidency of the G7. "Italy has decided to insert the examination of the issues of innovation and labour on the era of the new productive revolution into the guidelines for the G7 presidency," he said.

"Remaining inert means gradually leaving the stage of the most interesting markets in terms of innovation".


(ANSA) - Rome, February 10 - British newspaper The Guardian reported Friday that sources close to the case suspect that Russia was behind hacking targeting the Italian foreign ministry for several months last year.

On its website, the daily said the attack lasted at least four months before being detected. It said the hack did not infiltrate an encrypted system used for classified communications.

Premier Paolo Gentiloni was head of the foreign ministry at the time but The Guardian said he was not affected by the hack. The newspaper said an Italian official had told it that Gentiloni avoided using email while he was foreign minister.

The Italian official confirmed that the attack took place in spring 2016, but did not confirm that Moscow was behind it, the daily said.

It added that two other people with knowledge of the attack said the Russian state was suspected of being behind the hack and reports that the attack is being investigated by Rome prosecutors.


WASHINGTON DC - Foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini reiterated on Friday the EU's opposition to the White House proposal to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. After meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other representatives of the Trump administration, she said in a press conference in Washington DC that such a move could inflame Arab public opinion and be counterproductive.



She noted that there is also a UN Resolution on the issue. Mogherini warned the Trump administration against any ''interference'' in EU politics. The remark came after the US president criticized EU management of migration flows and praised Brexit, saying that he hoped other countries would do the same. She also said that EU supports the full implementation of agreements on Iranian nuclear power and that it will continue to keep all channels with Iran open. She added that the EU does however have restrictions on issues not included in the agreement such as terrorist activities, missile tests and human rights.
PARIS - A Nice court on Friday handed down a suspended 3,000-euro fine to French farmer Cedric Herrou for helping about 200 migrants cross from Italy into France.

He was acquitted of the charges of bringing migrants into an abandoned holiday resort owned by French railways without authorization in 2016 and of aiding the circulation and stay of undocumented foreigners.

The Nice prosecutor had asked for a suspended 8-month sentence as well as the confiscation of the vehicle he used, as well as limiting his driver's licence to driving as part of his job. Herrou, 37, has become a symbol of support for migrants and has repeatedly said that helping them ''is an honor''. He has regularly helped migrants by letting them stay in his home Breil-sur-Roya on the French-Italian border.

After appearing before the court on January 4, he was stopped again by French authorities with three migrants in his car.
Migrants give French and math lessons in Empoli Young Cameroonian asylum seekers at reception center

(ANSAmed) - Empoli (Florence), February 10 - Two young Cameroonian asylum seekers staying at a reception center managed by the Co&So Empoli consortium are giving French and math lessons to about a dozen students of secondary schools. Every week, the native French speakers help the students with their homework and form friendships with them. ''This is a different way to welcome and get to know each other,'' said Diego Lando, Co&So Empoli coordinator. ''They are youths with a high level of education and who have decided to make themselves available to help the community.'' ''I personally introduce the migrants that come here to the community,'' he continued. ''We are promoting real participation in the life of the community.'' Co&So Empoli manages seven facilities in Italy that host 125 asylum seekers of 15 different nationalities, all of whom are men between 19 and 30. (ANSAmed).




ROME - Large tent camps are not the solution to the challenge of migrant reception, Italian Red Cross Rome director Pietro Giulio Mariani said on Friday.

"We of the Red Cross hope that the tent camp in Monterverde is closed because this is not the right way to receive" migrants and refugees, he said.



"It opened in a moment of crisis to compensate for the lack of places, but it is not a solution," Mariani added. The facility in Via Ramazzini was originally set to close on December 31, 2016, but it was then given an extension.



"My personal fear is that it may not close at all," Mariani said.



The camp comprises two blocks of tents and a fixed structure for women and children.



"With the latest arrivals by boat we have reached full capacity of 414 people and no-one is set to leave," Mariani continued. "People directed to the camp were only meant to stay 48-72 hours before being transferred to special reception centres (CAS), but given the number of arrivals by boat people have remained for months on end," he said. Between November 2016 and January 2017 almost all the migrants in the camp took part in the EU relocation programme, but following recent boat landings approximately 100 migrants have arrived straight from the ports. "Officially the camp is due to close on February 28. What happens thereafter depends on the prefecture," Mariani concluded.


EU foreign policy chief against US embassy in Jerusalem 'Supports full implementation of Iran accords'

(ANSAmed) - WASHINGTON DC, FEBRUARY - Foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini reiterated on Friday the EU's opposition to the White House proposal to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. After meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other representatives of the Trump administration, she said in a press conference in Washington DC that such a move could inflame Arab public opinion and be counterproductive.



She noted that there is also a UN Resolution on the issue. Mogherini warned the Trump administration against any ''interference'' in EU politics. The remark came after the US president criticized EU management of migration flows and praised Brexit, saying that he hoped other countries would do the same. She also said that EU supports the full implementation of agreements on Iranian nuclear power and that it will continue to keep all channels with Iran open. She added that the EU does however have restrictions on issues not included in the agreement such as terrorist activities, missile tests and human rights. (ANSAmed).




ATHENS - An estimated 10,000 refugee and migrant children up to the age of 15 will be attending Greek public schools by the end of February, according to an announcement by Greece's Education Ministry.



The Greek government, which is also working on a similar plan to provide vocational training to teenagers and adults aged between 15 and 24, is rolling out its program in collaboration with the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE), and universities in Athens and Thessaloniki.



Following the results of a recent survey conducted by Metron Analysis on behalf of Greek television channel Antenna, which said that 67 percent of those polled approved of the government's policy on refugee education, the ministry's general secretary, Yiannis Pantis, said ''it is a pioneering endeavor on a European scale and the results are visible.'' Pantis added that of the 10,000 children that will attend Greek schools, 7,000 are from reception centers, and 3,000 live with their families in hotels and apartments rented out by the UNHCR.


100217BUIN TO BECOME A CITY

By Tom KATHOA



THE DESIRE BY THE MEMBER FOR SOUTH BOUGAINVILLE, HON TIMOTHY MASIU FOR BUIN TO ONE DAY BECOME THE FIRST CITY FOR BOUGAINVILLE HAS BEEN APPLAUDED BY SEVERAL PEOPLE AT TODAYS OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE MEMBERS OFFICE IN BUIN.

IN SAYING THIS, MEMBER MASIU CHALLENED THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH BOUGAINVILLE TO CHANGE THEIR ATTITUDE AND CONTRIBUTE MEANINGFULLY TOWARDS THE DEVEOPMENT OF THEIR REGION.

THE MEMBERS SAID BUIN TOWN HAS THE POTENTIAL AND CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE ALL THE NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS OF BEING TURNED INTO A CITY.

MR. MASIU SAYS HE STRONGLY BELIEVES THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN DURING HIS TIME OR EVEN WHILE HE IS STILL ALIVE.

THE MEMBERS WORDS IS BACKED UP BY THE HUGE AREA OF STATE-LAND IN THE TOWN AREA NOT SEEN IN OTHER PROVINCES AND EVEN IN BUKA.

MEANWHILE, ROAD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, RAIBRO HAS ALREADY BEGUN SEALING OF THE BUIN TOWN STREETS.

THIS ROAD SEALING PROJECT WILL BE OFFICIALLY LAUNCED NEXT WEEK.

EDS..




ROME - The Italian government is set to examine a new package of measures on immigration drawn up by Interior Minister Marco Minniti at a cabinet meeting in Rome on Friday.



The draft decree law indroduces new so-called Permanent Centres for Repatriation to replace the controversial old centres for identification and expulsion, unpaid socially useful work for asylum seekers and new measures to speed up processing of applications, including eliminating the possibility for unsuccessful asylum applicants of appealing against the decision. "No-one intends to raise walls," Minniti said.



"However, we intend to apply the same commitment that we show in taking in those that have a right to be here to checking irregular migrants," he continued. The new repatriation centres will be located in every region with the exception of Molise and Val d'Aosta, to a total of approximately 1.600 places. They will be small structures, with 80-100 places and will be located outside cities and near motorways and airports. "They will have a transparent governance and unlimited powers of access for the prisoner ombudsman," Minniti continued. Under the new measures asylum seekers can also be employed in socially useful work, but without being paid, "to avoid duplications and competition with the labour market".



Further, to reduce the time taken to process asylum applications special immigration sections are to be set up in 12 tribunals and asylum seekers will no longer be able to appeal against the decision in the event that their application is turned down. Last but not least, the decree should also contain financial incentives for municipalities that take in asylum seekers and disincentives for those that refuse, with corecive transfers of asylum seekers by the prefect's office.
Trump says Israeli settlements not 'good for peace' To see Netanyahu on Monday, embassy in Jerusalem 'hard choice'

(ANSAmed) - ROME, FEBRUARY 10 - US president Donald Trump on Friday said that he believes Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank are not ''good for pace''. The comment was made in an interview with the newspaper Israel HaYom, which will be printed on Saturday ahead of Trump's meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Monday. On the transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Trump said that he was considering it and that it is ''not an easy decision''. He added that he understood Israel and that he thought highly of it, and that the agreement with Iran was ''a disaster for Israel''. Trump also said that Netanyahu is a good person and that he has always liked him. (ANSAmed).




100217DOUBLE CELEBRATIONS

BY TOM KATHOA



THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH BOUGAINVILLE WERE TREATED TO A DOUBLE CELEBRATION AT THE REGIONS HEADQUARTERS, BUIN TODAY.



THE PEOPLE CDLEBRATED THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE OFFICE OF THE MEMBERN FOR SOUTH BOOUGAINVILLE AND NEW DAWN FMS BUIN STATION.

MOST SPEAKERS HIGHLY COMMENDED THE ESTABLISMENTS OF THESE OFFICES SAYING THEIR ESTABLISMENTS WILL ENTICE DEVELOPMENTS INTO BUIN AND THE REGION AS A WHOLE.

WHILE THE RADIO STATION WILL CONFRIBUTE TO PROMOTING EDUCATION AND HEALTH THROUGH PROGRAMS,AND OTHER ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES, THE OFFICE OF THE MEMBER WILL BE USED AS A VENUE FOR THE PEPLE AND STAKEHOLDERS TO MEET AND DISCUSS DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE TO THE GENERAL POPULATION OF SOUTH BOUGAINVILLE AND THE REGION AS A WHOLE.



GUEST SPEAKER AND NATIONAL ALLIANCE PARTY PARLIAMENTARY LEADER, PATRICK PURAITCH ASSURED THE PEOPLE THAT HE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR FUNDS TO DEVELOP AND PROGRESS BOUGAINVILLE.



HE SAID BOUGAINVILLE NEEDS THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT TO AHIEVE ITS DESIRED GOAL OF REFERENDUM.

ENDS..15LINES




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Under the programme, customers can exchange nacelle and flight-control surface parts that need repair or overhaul from a certified pool that Boeing maintains throughout its global network. This eliminates the need for customers to contract, schedule, manage and own or lease these parts.

Our customers have asked for more flexibility and weve heard them, said Lynne Hopper, vice president of Parts Solutions. This offering is one more example of how Boeing creates high-quality, flexible solutions that make life more convenient for our customers, allowing them to mix and match procurement approaches ranging from ownership to pooling to leasing to exchanging.

Parts distributed through the programme represent all Boeing models and are updated to the latest configurations, incorporating all applicable service bulletins and airworthiness directives.

Another benefit of an exchange is that customers only need to take an airplane out of service once, reducing maintenance needs. When a similar part is leased, the plane must be taken out of service for both removal and installation.
The board of directors has recommended a 35% cash dividend totalling KD7 million.

Jazeera Airways chairman Marwan Boodai said, "I am pleased to report that the year 2016 was our sixth consecutive year of profitability, however the slowing macro economic environment and the continued oversupply of seats on our routes placed pressure on our yields, resulting in a 29.8% drop from last year while carrying slightly more travellers. Having said that, with six years of consecutive profitability and virtually no debt, our balance sheet remains strong and cash-rich, making it the healthiest balance sheet in our industry."

Looking forward, we believe that with the recent investments in on-ground facilities that weve made - and launched in the second half of 2016- will attract more travellers in the quarters to come. Our new terminal, which we have announced earlier will differentiate our product and gradually counter the pressure on yields. The terminal is due to start welcoming travellers by year-end.

In 2016 Jazeera Airways broke new grounds by launching services that make the travel experience more efficient for travellers in Kuwait. The airline launched a remote check-in service called Park & Fly, the first in Kuwait, as well as a dedicated business lounge adjacent to its dedicated gates. The airline also upgraded the entire check-in experience for even faster service. In 2017, the airline will continue to facilitate travellers check-in, boarding, departure, and arrival experience with the construction of a brand new state-of-the-art dedicated terminal that aims to make the airport experience even more efficient for travellers flying in and out of the airport.

The new Jazeera Airways Terminal building will incorporate smart technology tasked with providing a seamless, congestion-free, check-in process. The automated building will also connect to travellers devices as soon as they arrive to the terminal and offer immediate assistance such as updating their flight status and navigation to their gate.
The aim of the MOU is to help market and promote local businesses in Oman, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to Oman Air. Taiseer will act as a mediator for Oman Air and will help to gain access to additional and new SMEs and vice-versa.

Taiseer operates by facilitating business deals, contracts and projects, as well as purchasing orders and recruitment opportunities through the promotion of the products and services of local businesses. The company then channels these into one platform that acts as a marketing and promotion tool enabling all companies who have an agreement with Taiseer to access the platform and find out the opportunities available in the local market.

Oman Air benefits from the yearlong contract signed with Taiseer by streamlining and expanding the airlines access to the services of local businesses, in particular SMEs. In doing so, Oman Air is continuing its commitment to promoting and developing local businesses as part of Oman Airs policy. Currently, local companies participation with Oman Airs tenders and requisitions in all areas of Oman Airs operations is more than 80%. It is anticipated signing the MOU with Taiseer will further enhance this participation, especially amongst SMEs.

Imad Abdul Majeed Al Lawati, vice president, supply chain management, Oman Air said: We are delighted to have signed an MOU with Taiseer, as we continue our commitment to supporting local business, in particular SMEs in Oman. We hope that by signing the MOU we can provide even more support for local businesses and make the most of the products and services they can provide to help maintain the smooth running of the airlines operations.
With a delivery volume of over 100,000 seats this year, the company set a new record with its four production sites for aircraft seats.

An outstanding year for Recaro and its employees has come to an end. New products, new customers and numerous new orders successfully drove business development in 2016. The full order books are ideally matched to the workforce and capacity expansion we have undertaken in recent years, said Dr. Mark Hiller, chief executive officer and shareholder at Recaro Aircraft Seating. Investments in the double-digit percentage of sales range flow into research and development. And this is clearly paying off: close to a third of the products sold in 2016 were product innovations. Dr. Hiller sees his growth forecast for the next few years confirmed: Plans for the future include ongoing job creation worldwide, product and process innovations as well as the further expansion of our sites. In 2016, we increased our sales by more than 10 percent.

Exact figures will follow in May as soon as annual financial statements are finalised.
ROME - Italy's wine sales to China registered a record increase in terms of value last year, according to a market study released here on Thursday.

"In 2016, Italy achieved the highest growth in terms of value (of wine exports) in China, compared to all major competitors," Bologna-based wine monitor Nomisma said in a report.

The study specifically focused on global wine exports to the BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

"Italian wine exports to China reached a 39 percent increase in the segment of still bottled wines," said the report.

Overall, Italy ranked fifth in wine sales to China, far behind France, Australia, Chile, and Spain.

But the performance of Italian wines becomes remarkable when growths of all the five countries are taken into account.

"Italy's was a respectable performance, considering both the category's average trend (17 percent increase) in 2016, and those of direct competitors such as Spain (up 27 percent), Australia and Chile (up 24 percent), and the leader of the market, France (up 12 percent)," the wine monitor said.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. An increase of Azerbaijani ceasefire violations was recorded February 9 and overnight February 10 in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

Azerbaijani forces made over 70 ceasefire violations, firing more than 1000 shots at Nagorno Karabakh (NKR) posts with 60mm and 82mm mortars, various grenade launchers and machine guns. Intense violations occurred in the eastern, southern and north-eastern directions of the line of contact, where Azerbaijani forces fired a total of 34 shells  24 from mortars and 10 from grenade launchers.

The ministry of defense of NKR told ARMENPRESS the Defense Army of NKR is in full control of the tactical-strategic situation in the frontline and takes countermeasures only in case of strict necessity.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. A US appeals court has rejected President Donald Trump's attempt to reinstate his ban on visitors from seven mainly Muslim countries, BBC reports.

US President Trump responded with an angry tweet saying national security was at risk and there would be a legal challenge.

Trump tweeted: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

But the 3-0 unanimous ruling said the government had not proved the terror threat justified reviving the ban.

The ruling means that people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen with visas can continue to enter the US.

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban last week after Washington state and Minnesota sued. The ban temporarily suspended the nation's refugee program and immigration from countries that have raised terrorism concerns, CNBC reported.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. A bipartisan group of US Senators told President Donald Trump in an open letter to run tough policy against Russia, reports TASS.

They also supported providing lethal weapons to Ukraine to defend itself.

The initiators were Republican Rob Portman and Democrat Dick Dubin. 11 more Republicans and 14 Democrats also signed the letter.

We ask you to run a result-oriented, but tough and principled policy on Russia, the letter reads. They supported maintaining the current regime of US sanctions against Russia and the Russian companies, as well as imposing new sanctions if necessary.

The senators link these proposals with the situation in Ukraine.

On February 8 a bill was submitted to the Senate which bans the elimination of anti-Russian sanctions without the agreement with the Congress.

Photo by AP
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. US President Trump held a lengthy, extremely cordial telephone conversation with Chinas President Xi Jinping late on Thursday evening in Washington, and  in a move set to ease tensions between the two nations  agreed to honor the one-China policy, the White House said in a statement, the Washington Post reports.

The one-China policy forms the bedrock of U.S.-China diplomatic ties, established by President Richard Nixon and Chinas leader Mao Zedong. It rules out independence and diplomatic recognition for the island of Taiwan.

The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our one China policy. They also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries. President Trump and President Xi look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes, the White House statement said.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres starts his first journey to the countries of the Middle East during which he will visit Egypt, Turkey and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, the UN Press Office said, reports TASS.

Thereafter, he will take part in the G-20 meeting in Bonn and the annual Munich Security Conference.

The Secretary-General will firstly visit Turkey, then Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Egypt, which will be his first visit to the region, the statement said, adding that the UN Chief hopes to discuss a number of issues of regional and global importance.

He will return to New York on February 21. That day the UN Security Council will hold debates over the conflicts in Europe. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko is expected to attend these debates.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. An auction of distribution of the 10-year repayment period state (state treasury) long term AMGB1029A250 bonds was held on February 9.

The finance ministry told ARMENPRESS the volume of bonds subject to distribution is 4 billion AMD, and the demand in 13 billion 810 million AMD, in which competitive -12 billion 290 million AMD and non-competitive  1 billion 520 million AMD.

The volume of bonds distribution comprised 4 billion AMD. The profit from distribution comprised 3 billion 996 million 298 thousand 580 AMD. The average profitability of distribution is 11.5867%, the marginal profitability is 11.6330 %.

Seven dealers took part in the auction.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The director of the State Service for Food Safety issued an order temporarily banning the imports of poultry products from Poland to Armenia. The order aims at preventing the entry of bird flu, which was documented in Poland. The ban is in force starting February 9 and includes all kinds of poultry products, live poultry, eggs, feathers, bone flour, feed, feed additives (except additives containing synthetics and chemicals), plastic and cardboard boxes. The ban will be in force until the disease is eliminated and contained in Poland, the SSFS told ARMENPRESS.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Oprah Winfrey, Americas most famous TV host has pulled one of the biggest private arts deals, Fox News reports.

The talk show legend sold a painting by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt for $150 million to an unnamed Chinese buyer according to Bloomberg.

Already one of the world's richest people with a net worth of $2.9 billion, Winfrey originally purchased the "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer" for $87.9 million at a Christie's auction in 2006.

Klimt created the painting in 1912 and it depicts the wife of an art patron and industrialist in Vienna.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul wont submit an application to the Istanbul Governorate regarding the election of a new Patriarch, Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Aram Ateshyan told Agos in Istanbul.

He mentioned that the Patriarchal election issue was discussed during the meeting of Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bedros Shirinoghlu, chairman of the board of trustees of the Holy Savior Armenian hospital of Istanbul. Since the President of the country is aware of the issue, we wont apply to the Governorate, Ateshyan said.

Agos reported the Patriarchal election is being postponed again. The issue will be put forward after the Constitutional referendum in Turkey.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a meeting on January 18 in the Presidential Palace with Bedros Shirinoghlu, President of the union of Armenian community foundations and the Board of Trustees of the Holy Savior hospital, Istanbuls Zhamanak newspaper reported.

The meeting proceeded without reporters and lasted approximately an hour. Shirinoghlu told a few details of the meeting to the Zhamanak newspaper.

According to him, among other issues, the meeting also included the issue of holding elections of the Patriarch and in the community institutions.

Erdogan said he is aware of expectations in this matter. According to him, the delay has two main reasons. First, the existing disagreements inside the Armenian community. Second, the overload of authorities. Erdogan said state structures continue to deal with the possibilities of solving the issues of Turkeys Armenian community. The issues of the Patriarchs election, as well as the community election will be solved after the forthcoming referendum, Zhamanak reported.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. There is no alternative to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Russias Ambassador to Armenia Ivan Volynkin said in an interview with TASS, reports Armenpress.

In general, Russia supports the issue that stability returns to the South Caucasus. We dont see an alternative to the peaceful settlement, the Ambassador said.

He recalled that the situation after the April four-day war in the line of contact was stabilized after Russias direct interference, as well as the respective steps by the Co-Chairing countries. Summits were held in Vienna in May, 2016, as well as in St. Petersburg in June, 2016.

Unfortunately, as of now, the agreements reached under the international mediation, including also the installation of investigative mechanisms and expansion of the OSCE observation mission in the conflict zone have not been implemented yet. Moreover, a clash was registered in the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on December 29, 2016. Armenian soldiers were killed, as well as an Azerbaijani soldier was killed in Armenias territory. We will continue taking steps with our partners towards making closer the stances, the Russian Ambassador said.

Commenting on the Armenian-Russian military-technical cooperation, he said it bears a complex nature and develops in the context of allied relations of the two countries.

Military operations were launched between the Defense Army of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and the armed forces of Azerbaijan along the entire length of the line of contact overnight April 1-2, 2016. More heated clashes were registered in the southern and north-eastern directions of the frontline. On December 29, 2016 Azerbaijan launched a sabotage infiltration attempt on the border with Armenia. However, the Armenian Armed Forces have neutralized the Azerbaijan attacks. Azerbaijani forces were pushed back, suffering losses.








YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The USA should not intervene in the European politics just in the way the EU does not intervene in US politics, Armenpress reports, citing Francepress, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini told the reporters in Washington.

We do not intervene in the US politics. The Europeans hope that the US will not intervene in the European politics in the same way, Mogherini said.
Catching up on museum news after five days in California, blissfully cuddling my precociously two-weeks-early new grandson (CultureDaughters first child), I did a double-take at the online headline for Robin Pogrebins Page One piece in Sundays NY Times:

The print headline was only slightly less ominous than the digital oneAmbitions for Met Museum Lead to Stumbles. I was expecting to read an expose, not what turned out to be a somewhat muddled rehash of what Id previously seen in the Times and what I myself had elucidated in my own detailed reporting (here, here, here and here).

Pogrebins piece did provide what were, for me, three interesting new insights:

Curators and conservators recently wrote a letter protesting compensation cuts. Huh? I knew about buyouts and layoffs, but what exactly were those compensation cuts? (I have a query pending on that.) There has been a turnover of three-quarters of the curatorial leadership through departures and retirements. I knew many experienced curators had left, but I hadnt seen it so disturbingly quantified. Then again, Robin doesnt make clear whether this turnover occurred because of the belt-tightening in recent months, or over the entire eight years of Campbells tenure. Also striking was Robins willingness to drop the usual discretion of reporters on the NYC museum beat. She strongly suggested (via quotes from mostly unnamed sources) that the blame for the Mets travails could rest, in large measure, with director Tom Campbell. The Times giving such prominent voice to Campbells detractors could signal the beginning of the end of his directorship.

I have several times expressed my own serious reservations about Campbell, both when he was first named to the post and, more recently, in my Met Mess post of last July, in which I concluded that seven years should be time enough for any directors learning curve.

Ill continue to ramble on Campbell in a future post. For now, its important to address the surprisingly mistaken impressions left by the Times piece, which over-dramatized an already difficult situation:

In Pogrebins second paragraph, she alarmingly and misleadingly stated that the Mets deficit was approaching $40 million. The fiscal 2016 deficit was, in fact, nowhere near that figure. Last April, it was projected to be $10 million, after which a mid-year reforecast identified a potential operating deficit of $23 million, as stated in the Report from the Director and President in the annual report for FY16 (ending June 30). Because of this predicted shortfall, the museum implemented a soft hiring freeze and engaged departments across the institution to reduce expenses.

The actual FY16 deficit came in at $8.3 million on an operating budget of $398 million, compared to the previous years $7.7 million on $368.9 million. But the LA Times, linking to Robins piece, has now promulgated the misconception that the mighty Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is facing a nearly $40 million deficit.

Heres what Met President Daniel Weiss had told me in our wide-ranging conversation last April, during which he explained the $40-million structural deficit that he dealt with proactively, to prevent the merely structural from becoming actual:

When a deficit grows from $4 million to $8 million, even though the absolute magnitude of $8 million is not an enormous amount, its double.Theres a kind of exponential quality to the way these deficits can grow under certain circumstances. And thats what we saw. There is a kind of cascading effect that can happen. The deficit we have now is not so substantial.But because of the divergence of these two lines [expenses and revenues], if we dont take action, proactively, over the next 18 to 24 months, that deficit could be $40 million. So what we have to do is not just cutting. Its thoughtful planning. Its growth management. Its a proactive management step, more than it is a crisis step. Its not so much cutting $40 million out of the budget as it is anticipating where the growth will take us and managing that growth. So when I say we have to cut costs and streamline, its looking out over this period over the next 24 months and seeing where it takes us.Its not so much cutting to get $40 million out of the budget as it is managing so were $40 million more efficient in 24 months.

George Goldner, the Mets former chairman of drawings and prints (who retired more than two years ago to advise collector Leon Black) was the only Campbell critic whom Pogrebin identified by name. His damaging comments, as reported in the Times, were somewhat misleading:

Its a tragedy to see a great institution in decline, said George R. Goldner, who in 2014 [actually, effective at the end of January 2015] retired after 21 years as the chairman of the Mets drawings and prints department and has since served as a consultant to the museum. To have inherited a museum as strong as the Met was 10 years ago [emphasis added]with a great curatorial staffand to have it be what it is today is unimaginable.

When Campbell inherited the Met, effective January 2009 (not 10 years ago), the museum was not nearly as strong as Goldner suggested: The Great Recession had arrived, and the Met, like most other museums, took a serious hit. As I wrote in my February 2010 Wall Street Journal profile of Campbell: His most pressing task upon assuming his new jobwas implementing a difficult phase of budget cuts and staff reductions necessitated by the financial crisis that caused a 26% drop in the museums total endowment funds for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.

Goldners comments and Pogrebins observation, near the end of her piece, that the Mets current retrenchment inevitably looks like a repudiation of much of Mr. Campbells original agenda can only undermine donor confidence, further exacerbating the financial and managerial challenges that lie ahead.

To aid in damage control, the Met now has a new chief communications officer, Kenneth Weine, whom I met today. Our chat and follow-up emails were congenial, but everything was off the record or not for attribution (in other words, not usable). Im hoping that reticence will change, once he gets the lay of the land. Thanks to Pogrebins incendiary piece, its likely to be trial-by-fire.
Company says its team is committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to act in overall interest of shareholders.

New Delhi: Mired in controversy centring around differences between its founders and the management, Infosys today denied any governance lapses and emphasised that its board is "fully aligned with the strategic direction" of CEO Vishal Sikka.

Taking a strong stand on issues  purportedly raised by the founders  such as CEO's compensation and severance pay of former employees, Infosys said while the board appreciates and respects inputs from the founders, it is committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to "act independently".

"The board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Dr Vishal Sikka and is very appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation," Infosys Chairman R Seshasayee said.

He further said: "Vishal and the board, while being pleased with the company's resumption of industry-leading performance on many parameters, are keen to further accelerate the progress and achieve even more shareholder value increase, on the foundation of sound governance."

Over the past few days, the Bengaluru-based firm has come under fire over purported differences between some of the founders and the Infosys board. Infosys has maintained that all decisions were made "in the overall interest of the company" and that it has made "full disclosures" on all developments.

However, Infosys' former chief financial officer T V Mohandas Pai has recently said the board should give a detailed answer and not take shelter under "bland" statement that decisions were taken in the interest of the company, which further added to the speculations.

Defending the board, Infosys today said its team is independent and professional. "The independent directors have no interest other than their commitment to enable this great institution that has been assiduously built by the iconic founders to succeed," it added.

Stating that the board appreciates and respects inputs from the founders, Infosys said the team is "committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to act independently and in the overall interest of the shareholders".

To formalise this process, the board has recently appointed Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas to receive various inputs from promoters and other key stakeholders, evaluate them and make recommendations to the board.

"This will be an ongoing process for some time. The company will take every step to uphold the standards of governance processes, of which the company has always been an exemplar," it said.

Besides, the board has full confidence in the leadership of Seshasayee to steer this company in these "challenging times", Infosys' senior-most board member and Chairman of Nomination and Remuneration Committee Jeff Lehman said.

The Infosys founders, along with their family members, owned 12.75 per cent in the company at the end of December 2016, as per the data available on BSE. Sikka has also written to employees asking them not to get distracted by speculations that question the company's commitment to "governance, integrity and values".

He asked them to keep a "sharp focus" on executing the company's strategy, which is bolstered by its services like Mana, Skava, Edge, Panaya and cloud services.

"...let us keep a sharp focus on the execution of our strategy. Let us not get distracted by media speculation that is designed to stir up gossip or rehash old rumours or speculate on the unknowns, around visas, or anything that questions our commitment to governance, integrity and values, in order to generate headlines and create, in the words of The Wire, Eardrum Buzz," Sikka said in an internal mail.
The crisis has been simmering in the boardroom for several months now.

Bengaluru: The bruising boardroom battle between the founders and the board of the countrys second largest software services firm, Infosys, which saw board members raise concerns over lapses in governance took a turn for the worse on Friday as founder NRN Murthy made it clear that his differences were not so much with CEO Vishal Sikka as much as with chairman of the board R. Seshasayee, with calls from former board members for the chairmans head to roll.

Mr Murthy defended Mr Sikka saying that he has done a good job. In an interview, Mr Murthy said however that certain acts of the board regarding corporate governance could have been better.

In a war of words that many said was similar to the damaging row at Tata Sons, the contradicting views of board members and founders pertaining to the salary and severance packages paid to the C-level executives has driven a wedge among shareholders of the IT bellwether. For sure, we dont see another Tata happening, a boardroom source said.

The crisis has been simmering in the boardroom for several months now. However it came out in the open when, the founder of Infosys, Narayana Murthy questioned the board over the Rs 23 crore severance paid to the companys ex CFO, Rajiv Bansal.

The severance is usually paid to departing employees on the basis on an agreement that keeps details of the payment, and information about the company, confidential.

Infosys former CFO V. Balakrishnan said that the incumbent chairman of the board, R. Seshasaaye should be held responsible for the lapses in corporate governance and that he should resign.

Mr Balakrishnan said the companys board had become lax on corporate governance and was undermining the values on which the company was built. He also said it is not about performance, or Vishal Sikka.

T.V. Mohandas Pai, the ex board of director of Infosys told this newspaper: Narayana Murthy questioned the 24 month severance pay given to Rajiv Bansal and the board did not respond properly. We were informed that the board stopped the severance paid to Bansal. Similarly, the compensation paid to the CEO is also a matter of concern for the shareholders.

He added Infosys is built on fairness, compassion, and meritocracy. There are certain value systems and norms that they need to follow. Thats exactly what Narayana Murthy is questioning and all the shareholders are supporting.

A fresher joining Infosys has not seen his compensation above Rs. 3.5 lakhs in the last seven years and why should the top level executives get higher salaries, questioned Pai. Vishal Sikka should reveal the strategy to achieve $20 billion revenue and 30 % margin by 2020, said Pai, highlighting his concern over Sikkas salary package,

However, in an official statement issued by Infosys, R Seshasayee, the chairman of the board defended Vishal Sikka.

"The Company is in the process of a formidable transformation journey. The Board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Dr. Vishal Sikka and is very appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation. Vishal and the Board, while being pleased with the Company's resumption of industry leading performance on many parameters, are keen to further accelerate the progress and achieve even more shareholder value increase, on the foundation of sound governance. We will remain undistracted with this focus," said Seshasayee in the statement.

Sources said that the board is likely to take the legal route to address the concerns of the founders NRN Murthy, Kris Gopalakrishnan and Nandan Nilekani.
Julie Chen announced the couple's double joy on her show after confirming the news with George Clooney.

George and Amal Clooney are one of the most popular celebrity couples in the world. (Photo: AP)

Mumbai: A sudden wave of joy has engulfed Hollywood as power pair George Clooney, 55, and wife Amal, 39, are expecting twins in June.

The news has been 'confirmed' by Julie Chen, a host of US chat show 'The Talk', who is said to be very connected in Hollywood.

Chen announced the couple's double joy on Thursday's show after confirming the news with the 'Ocean's Eleven' star.

"Beyonce is not the only superstar expecting twins," the 47-year-old, said on the CBS show.

"Congratulations are in order for George and Amal Clooney!"

The talk show host added: "What we did find out is that the twins are due this June."

A family friend of the couple also confirmed the news to the AFP on Wednesday, saying, "She's pregnant with twins, reports E! Online.

George and Amal, who tied the knot in 2014, are yet to comment on the news.
The websites had claimed that they would be streaming the film on the release day and now have kept its word.

Mumbai: 'Udta Punjab' and 'Great Grand Masti' were some of the films that were leaked on the internet before its release and South superstar Suriya's 'Singam 3' has met a similar situation, but luckily not before the release.

Some parts of the film were screened online on the evening of Febrauary 9, the day 'Singam 3' released.

The websites, who are responsible for illegally streaming Tamil movies, had earlier claimed that they would be streaming the film on the day of its release.

In fact, some of these websites had announced on social media that they had access to the original print of the film on Thursday itself, a day prior to its release.

Ahead of Singam 3 release, actor Suriya had posted a video on Twitter urging his fans to watch the film only in theatres.

In the recent past, Gnanavel Raja, upon learning about the claims these piracy barons were making, had spoken out against illegal streaming of movies at an event. He also revealed that he is contesting for the upcoming producers council elections and if elected, he would initiate a crackdown on piracy industry.

This is not the first time a high-budget film has been made available online on the day of its release. Superstar Hrithik Roshans recent revenge drama, Kaabil, was posted online by many websites within the first two days of its release. These illegal websites gain access to the print of the film and live stream it through Facebook :Live directly from the theatres.
The CBI had sought the court's permission for lie-detector tests on Tytler and arms dealer Abhishek Verma.

New Delhi: Congress leader Jagdish Tytler on Friday refused to appear before Delhi's Karkardooma Court and undergo a lie detector test in connection with the 1984 Sikh killings case.

Also, arms dealer Abhishek Verma has submitted papers in which he has stated that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) hasn't specified why they want a lie detector test to be conducted.

In response to Verma's plea, the Court observed that CBI cannot disclose their line of investigation and asked Verma to submit a copy of his reply to the investigative agency.

Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who represented the riot victims said, "Safety of witnesses is necessary, they ought to be provided security. Jagdish Tytler had himself demanded that lie detector test be conducted on him."

The Court has asked the CBI to file its report till March 9 instead of February 16, which was the date fixed earlier.

The next hearing on the case is scheduled to be held on February 23.

Earlier on Thursday, the CBI had sought the court's permission for lie-detector tests on Tytler and arms dealer Abhishek Verma.

The agency moved a written application in the Karkardooma court on Wednesday on the issue, after the arms dealer's accusation against the Congress politician of influencing a witness Surender Singh by giving him money and promising to send his son Narender Singh to Canada.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma has issued notice to Tytler and Verma, asking them to appear before it on February 10.

The CBI in its plea requested the court to direct Tytler and Verma to appear before it and accord their consent for conducting polygraph test so that the further investigation in the matter can be conducted.

Tytler is accused of leading a mob in the 1984 Pul Bangash case in which three Sikhs were killed.

The CBI had earlier given a clean chit to Tytler in the case but reopened investigation following December 4, 2015 court order in the wake of Verma's allegation.

The court also ordered the agency to find out whether Verma's statement was authentic.

The agency, in September 2016, had also filed its investigation report in the case which will be heard in the court on Friday where Tytler and Verma are likely to appear.
Under the court's orders now, Sharmila Devi will be allowed to meet Tej Bahadur over the weekend.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday conveyed to the Delhi High Court, that Border Security Force (BSF) soldier Tej Bahadur Yadav, whose video complaint about bad food at his unit triggered a row, had not been arrested but moved to another Unit.

The High Court took up took up the habeas corpus plea, in which Yadav's wife Sharmila has said that she is unable to contact him for the past three days.

The court further asked, why Yadav's wife had not been allowed to meet him at the new battalion camp.

The plea alleged that the jawan had been illegally detained after the video regarding bad food being served to jawan's went viral.

Under the court's orders now, Sharmila Devi will be allowed to meet Tej Bahadur over the weekend at the 88th battalion HQ in Samba and the matter is now set to be heard on 15th February.

The petitioner has claimed that after the video was floated, her husband was missing and there were no whereabouts about him, nor was his family being allowed to talk to him. His mobile phone has also been seized, the petition claimed.

However, the BSF advocate asserted that Yadav's wife's claims are unfounded and also submitted call details of the jawans speaking to his family.

The BSF has also stated that they have no objections to his wife meeting him, and that she will be meeting him at a suitable place and the necessary arrangements can be made for an overnight stay too.

Tej Bahadur Yadav had posted four videos on the social media in January, 2017, that showed his complaining about the unpalatable food at his camp along the Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir. The videos triggered outrage across the nation, but the BSF dismissed his allegations.

A probe was later ordered.
Swedens Saab was in talks with nearly 100 aerospace and defence firms in India.

New Delhi: Sweden's Saab has offered to build the world's most modern fighter aircraft factory in India, it said on Friday, as it goes head-to-head with US rival Lockheed Martin to supply hundreds of locally produced planes to India's military.

Saab's pitch for its Gripen E aircraft comes a day after Lockheed said it is pushing ahead with its proposal to transfer the production line of its F-16 fighter to India, even though it understands that President Donald Trump's administration may want to take a fresh look at such plans.

The race to supply the Indian Air Force with an estimated 200 to 250 fighter planes over the next decade has narrowed to Saab and Lockheed after the Indian defence ministry floated an initial request for a single-engine combat plane in October.

"We are offering to set up the world's most modern (aerospace) ecosystem and facility in India to manufacture the Gripen for India and the global market," Kent-Ake Molin, Gripen's product sales director, told reporters.

Saab was in talks with nearly 100 aerospace and defence firms in India to provide components for the production of the plane which would lay the industrial base for India to design, develop and build future fighters.

"What we are offering is a futuristic, new generation plane and not one that is the reaching the end of its life and is being replaced by air forces around the world," Molin said, in a dig at the F-16.

Lockheed has offered to build the F-16 Block 70 in India which it said was the newest and most advanced version of the plane that is flying with the air forces of 25 countries around the world.

It said the proposed Indian facility for making the F-16s would be the only one in the world as the existing plant in Fort Worth, Texas switches to producing the fifth generation F-35 for the US Air Force.

The Indian government is expected to decide between the two bidders some time this year to meet the urgent needs of the air force.

A defence ministry official said the process was at an early stage. Defence procurement almost always takes years in India, although Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has promised the military faster modernisation.

Last September, India signed a deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France for around 7.8 billion euros ($8.30 billion), the country's first major acquisition of fighter planes for two decades.

However, it trimmed back a planned larger order for Rafales after the two sides failed to agree on costs and local production terms, and India is now looking to other manufacturers to fill its remaining need for new fighters.

Trump's criticism of US auto and drug companies moving manufacturing overseas and then selling goods back to the United States has raised concern of a potential impact on Lockheed's offer to India, although in this case the factory would supply the Indian military rather than export to the United States.

Both Saab and Lockheed are participating in India's biggest air show opening in Bengaluru next week, hosted by the Indian defence ministry.
Modi also took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, saying that if you search Google, the most jokes are on the Congress Vice President.

Bijnor: Taking up issues of dynastic politics and law and order to target Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called it a tie-up between two families who have "looted" Uttar Pradesh and the country, and mocked Rahul Gandhi saying no leader has as many jokes on him as he does for his "childish" acts.

"When both families were separate, they caused so much destruction in the country and UP. What will happen when they have joined hands. If you want to save UP, you will have to save it from these families," he said addressing a rally here.

With BJP locked in a tough fight in the state assembly polls, the Prime Minister dwelt at length on the "family rule" of the Yadav clan and cases of major crimes under its watch, besides "corruption" during the reign of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati governments.

Modi, who has been accused by Congress of using foul language and repeatedly humiliating opposition after his raincoat jibe against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, persisted with his shrill attack on rivals saying they have only served their families.

With Jats playing a key role in the two phases for which polling will be held tomorrow and February 15, he said a BJP government in the state will set up a farmers welfare fund named after Charan Singh, a noted Jat leader.

Clearing the dues of sugarcane farmers and waiving loans of small and marginal farmers, both promises being part of the BJP's manifesto, will be a top priority for the state government if his party is voted to power, he said.

It was, however, his attack on the SP-Congress alliance and the ruling Yadav family which was the focus of his speech.

"I do not know Akhilesh Yadav much. I have met him a few times in meetings and it seemed to me after reading various reports that he is an educated young man who is trying to learn. I was hopeful that a young man will be fit for politics in 5-10 years.

"On the other hand there is a Congress leaders who does so many childish acts that if you do a search on computer, you will find that no other leader has as many jokes on him as he has.

"Even senior Congress leaders keep a distance from him. When the leader avoided by his senior party leaders was embraced by Akhilesh, then I began doubting his wisdom. One can make blunders but not of this kind," Modi said, targeting the Congress vice president.

He said it is an alliance between two families, one of which "looted" the country and the other Uttar Pradesh.

He noted that so many members of the extended ruling Yadav family are MPs, MLAs and serving in various other capacities in government.

While Bijnor with about 2,000 villages has one MP, there are so many of them in Parliament, assembly and other government bodies from Safai, the family village of Akhilesh Yadav, he said.

They made one caste (Yadav) as their vote bank but served only their family, he said.
Incidentally, three members of the spy ring  Manish Gandhi, Mohit Agrawal and Dhruv Saxen  have technical backgrounds.

Congress on Friday alleged that one of the spy ring members, Dhruv Saxena, was a member of BJP IT cell here. (Representational Image)

Bhopal: Pakistans spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had cultivated Balram Singh Yadav, the kingpin of the ISI-backed espionage racket busted by anti-terrorist squad (ATS) of the Madhya Pradesh police on Thursday, when he was in Dubai in search of job, investigation by the ATS has revealed.

Balram, who hailed from a poor family in the village of Suhash near district headquarters town of Satna, was a school dropout and an ambitious person. He wanted to be rich at any cost. He had visited Dubai a few years ago in search of a job. The ISI cultivated him and imparted him training on espionage in Dubai. Balram had then returned to Satna after eight months to spread the intelligence network for ISI across India through his parallel telephone exchanges to pass on information on military to his handlers in Pakistan, sources in the ATS told this newspaper on Friday.

Balram, along with his 10 other accomplices, was arrested on Thursday.

following inputs by two ISI operatives Satwinder Singh and Dadu  arrested in November last year in R.S. Pura area in Jammu district.

Incidentally, three members of the spy ring  Manish Gandhi, Mohit Agrawal and Dhruv Saxen  have technical backgrounds.

Balram used to receive funds in his bank accounts opened in different parts of India from ISI through hawala and then disbursed among other members, the ATS sleuth said.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Friday alleged that one of the spy ring members, Dhruv Saxena, was a member of BJP IT cell here.

Dhruv was an active member of BJP youth wing. He was a coordinator of local BJP IT cell, Congress spokesman K.K. Mishra said.

State BJP president Nand Kumar Singh Chouhan however denied the Congress charge saying that Dhruv was never a member of his party.

On Facebook posts by Dhruv showing him in company of BJP leaders such party national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, Mr Chouhan quipped, Anybody can take pictures with any political leader. That does not mean that he has link with the political leader.
India not to seek ISI mans extradition for now.

New Delhi: In a twist to the investigation into a conspiracy hatched by Pakistans Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), New Delhi will not seek extradition of Shamshul Hoda in a hurry as Nepalese security agencies have informed their Indian counterparts that so far they have not found any evidence to link Mr Hoda to the Kanpur rail tragedy.

Mr Hoda, a key ISI operative, was arrested by Nepalese security agencies in Kathmandu, after he was deported from Dubai following an active role played by Indian intelligence outfits.

Indian intelligence agencies suspect Mr Hoda to be the mastermind behind the Kanpur train derailment in November last year, in which over 150 people were killed.

Intelligence sources said that following sustained interrogation of Mr Hoda, Nepalese agencies have conveyed to their Indian counterparts that so far they have not found any direct evidence to link him with the train accident.

However, Nepalese authorities have confirmed that Mr Hoda indeed has links with ISI and other top criminal networks, and had been looking into funding their activities in the region.

A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which was scheduled to visit Kathmandu to question Mr Hoda, has deferred its visit as Nepalese authorities have sought more time to complete investigation at their end, people familiar with the matter said. The NIA is investigating the possibility of a terror angle into the Kanpur train tragedy.

Investigating agencies have conveyed to us that though Hoda has admitted the role of his operatives in two abortive attempts to plant explosives on rail tracks in Ghorasahan Nakardehi, he denied involvement in the Kanpur incident, a senior intelligence official said.

But this could be deliberate attempt to mislead investigating agencies Hoda has already admitted to involvement of his operatives in Ghorasahan and Nakardehi incidents, so somewhere the ISIs role remains under the scanner, the official said.

We are in no hurry and are cooperating with Nepal. There are additional details which we would want to confront Hoda during interrogation, the official added.
Raos report to MHA cites graft case in SC: Sources

Chennai: Tamil Nadu governor C.H. Vidyasagar Rao is understood to have told the Union home ministry that it would not be prudent to call V.K. Sasikala to form the government now in view of the corruption case pending against her in the Supreme Court.

A day after meeting the leaders of the two warring factions at Raj Bhavan, the governor sent his detailed assessment of the extraordinary situation in Tamil Nadu to the Centre. The report, according to reliable sources, may have dashed Ms Sasikalas immediate hopes of being sworn in as chief minister.

It is believed that the governor has also come to the conclusion there should be a reasonable guarantee that a contender, who is not a member of the Assembly, should have the ability to be elected to it within six months of being named as CM.

The governor is likely to await the Supreme Courts verdict in the Sasikala case, and is in no hurry to invite caretaker chief minister O. Pannerselvam either for a show of strength. The governor is reported to have said in his assessment to the Centre: Even when there is an iota of doubt about the ability of the person to get elected to the Assembly within six months, Article 164(4) has to be interpreted as a restriction/disqualification as contained in the interpretation of the SC mentioned above.

The report is said to acknowledge that the governor is also bound by Constitution to satisfy himself that a person staking claim would form a stable government. In view of the pending judgment in the DPA case, uncertainty exists about the qualification of V.K. Sasikala to become MLA. The source who revealed the governors thinking and his possible line of action also said pending court cases have been mentioned as an impediment to calling the particular person now.
In the Rajya Sabha also, AIADMK members rushed into the Well during Zero Hour while raising the issue.

New Delhi: The ongoing power struggle in Tamil Nadu reflected in the Lok Sabha too on Thursday as AIADMK members disrupted proceedings by raising slogans apparently supporting V.K. Sasikala as the next chief minister. As soon as the House took up Question Hour at 11 am, majority of AIADMK members present in the House rushed to Well shouting slogans such as Save our democracy.

Earlier, AIADMK leader in the House P. Venugopal wanted to raise an issue, but was disallowed by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

While most members were in the Well, some were seen standing near their seats. Deputy speaker M. Thambidurai, who was also present, was seen handing over slips to party members standing in the Well.

The Speaker asked them to raise the issue during Zero Hour and later adjourned the proceedings for nearly 20 minutes till 11.30 pm.

Later before the start of the Zero Hour, the Speaker rejected the notice for adjournment moved by Mr Venugopal, saying it is regarding the governor who is a constitutional authority and the matter cannot be raised in the House. After the House was adjourned, some Opposition members said AIADMK members were protesting the alleged delay on part of the governor to swear in V.K. Sasikala as the next chief minister.

In the Rajya Sabha also, AIADMK members rushed into the Well during Zero Hour while raising the issue.
Prime Minister Modi also assured the people that his government is not against the poor.

Haridwar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is under fire by the grand old party for attacking his predecessor Dr. Manmohan Singh, warned the Congress on Friday to not test him, asserting that crossing of limits will result in him exposing the UPA Government's "corrupt" history.

Seeking complete restoration of 'Devbhoomi' Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Modi attacked the Harish Rawat-led Congress Government in the state by saying that the spiritual land doesn't deserve a corrupt government which it has witnessed in past years.

"There is something very spiritual about Uttarakhand. This is a Dev Bhoomi. But, does this land deserve a corrupt Government? The corruption of the Government in Uttarakhand is well known and even then the party leadership is not bothered about it," Prime Minister Modi said addressing an election rally here.

Prime Minister Modi also assured the people that his government is not against the poor, but is fighting against the people who plundered the poor while remaining in power.

He even accentuated towards the incident of 2013, when a natural disaster struck the state leading huge loss of life and property and said that, "When disaster struck Kedranath in Uttarakhand, the Congress leaders were on foreign visit, the country cannot forget this. I don't want to cross my limits, but if the Opposition keeps on making irrelevant remarks then their corrupt history will not be concealed for a longer time."

While applauding the Indian Armed Force for successfully carrying out the surgical strike along the line of Control (LoC), the Prime Minister condemned the Opposition for playing politics over it.

"When the earthquake came a few days ago, the Prime Minsiter Office (PMO) was closely monitoring the situation. Teams were immediately dispatched to the state. My aim is to provide house to poor, employment opportunity to the youth, proper irrigation facility to the farmers, I only take those decision which are in favour of this country," he said.
Mr Singh criticised the Akhilesh government for its failure to control the law and order situation.

Lucknow: Union home minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was waging a losing battle in the elections to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.

He said that this was evident from the fact that the BSP had started seeking votes on communal lines. This is unacceptable in democracy, he said, adding that India was a country with unity in diversity, and that people could not be addressed on the basis of caste and community.

Mr Singh, while talking to reporters here, said that the Samajwadi Party and the BSP were in a state of depression.

The Samajwadi Party has already admitted to its weakness by forging an alliance with the Congress. The SP has committed a blunder by forgetting the mathematical principle that two minuses add up to a minus. This alliance is opportunist to the core and Mulayam Singh Yadav had even opposed it, he said.

He said that the Congress seemed to be suffering from amnesia, because a few months ago, it rode on the slogan 27 saal, UP behaal, and has now allied with a party that was also responsible for the plight of Uttar Pradesh.

Mr Singh criticised the Akhilesh government for its failure to control the law and order situation and cited the recent murder of a trader as an example.

People can lie, but statistics never lie. UP is witness to 13 murders, 11 cases of loot and nine rape cases every day. The recent murder of a trader shows the insensitivity of the government because the same traders son had been murdered two years ago and he was being threatened by his sons killers. We will order a CBI inquiry if the state government recommends it, he said.

The Union home minister said that the BJP was heading for an absolute majority in Uttar Pradesh because its focus on development and good governance was being accepted by people, cutting across caste and community.

Sabka saath, sabka vikas has been our hallmark and people have seen our governments in UP too, he said.
Mr Modi ridiculed the Congress-SP alliance saying that the Congress had attacked the Akhilesh government over the law and order situation.

Lucknow/Bijnor: Unrelenting in his personal attacks on Congress leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mocked Rahul Gandhi at an election rally in Bijnor, saying the vice-president of the Grand Old Party is the butt of the maximum number of jokes on the Internet.

The attack comes two days after Mr Modi mocked Dr Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha for escaping unscathed despite several corruption allegations against the UPA government. Ek bhi daagh nahi laga un par. Bathroom mein raincoat pehen kar nahaane ki kala sirf Dr sahab hi jaante hain, he had said on Wednesday.

The PM, without taking any names, said, There is this Congress leader known for his childish acts. If you Google, you will see that he has the maximum number of jokes on him. No other leader is the target of as many jokes as him.

He said that even senior Congress leaders maintain a safe distance from this leader, but since Akhilesh Yadav embraced him, he has started to doubt the UP chief ministers wisdom.

Addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradeshs Bijnor, he also ridiculed the Congress-SP alliance, terming it a case of aa gale lag jaa. Uttar Pradesh casts its ballot in the first of seven-phase polls on Saturday.

At another rally in Haridwar, in poll-bound Uttarakhand, where polling is scheduled for February 15, the PM asked people to vote out the Congress which had tainted the name of Devbhoomi and replace it with a government that will translate Atal Bihar Vajpayees vision for the state.

Mr Modi said that he has vowed to fulfil Mr Vajpayees dream for the hill state and asked, Wont you vote out a government which sullied the reputation of the abode of God?

There was a time when the mention of Devbhoomi evoked sacred feelings but it is no longer so... Now, the mention of the word brings to mind images of a tainted government. The entire country has seen it all on TV, he said, referring to the alleged sting operation in which chief minister Harish Rawat was purportedly seen negotiating a deal to buy support of disgruntled party MLAs during the political crisis last year.

In UP, Mr Modi ridiculed the Congress-SP alliance saying that the Congress had attacked the Akhilesh government over the law and order situation but was now holding hands with the same party.

He also charged that the SP-Congress tie-up is an alliance of two clans. Why are all MLAs, MLCs and MPs from Sefai? Are others not deserving enough? he asked.

Bijnor se Ballia tak parivartan ki leher chal rahi hai. One family has destro-yed India and the other family has destroyed Uttar Pradesh. They have both come together this time. In order to save UP, the voters must reject them, he said.
City officials cite Ravidas Jayanti to put off Rahul-Akhilesh campaign event.

Lucknow: The Varanasi district administration has denied permission for a joint roadshow scheduled to be held by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday.

The Congress postponed the roadshow to February 17 or 18. Varanasi is the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The district officials have declined to give permission, citing the Ravidas Jayanti as the reason.

Officials said that a large number of people turn up in Varanasi on Ravidas Jayanti to celebrate the occasion and a road show would cause inconvenience to the people.

The district administrations decision, however, is not without political overtones as the BJP, for which the Varanasi seat is a matter of prestige, has been facing a revolt-like situation from its cadres following ticket distribution.

Veteran party leader Shyamdev Roychaudhary has been denied a ticket from the Varanasi south seat for no apparent reason.

Efforts by Uttar Pradesh BJP president Keshav Maurya to pacify the veteran leader have proved futile and demonstrations are being held by the BJPs Varanasi unit on the issue.

It may be recalled that a roadshow held in August 2016 by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Varanasi had proved to be a huge success.

Mrs Gandhi, who fell ill during the roadshow and had to return to Delhi without completing the programme, now plans to visit Varanasi to offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Her visit could provide a major boost for the Congress in the district.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav have already held two roadshows in Lucknow and Agra.

Elections in Varanasi will be held in the last phase of the UP polls.
The victims were informed that the organisation would multiply their savings if they invested on insurance policies and other schemes.

New Delhi: Five persons have been arrested for allegedly luring people with the promise of investing their savings in order to multiply their money in short time, police said on Thursday.

The accused have been identified as Rajat Singh, Preeti, Nishu, Pragya and Alka Mathur, they said.

A retired government school principal Dhram Singh complained in July 2016 that a person made a call to him introducing himself as an Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA) agent.

He was informed that if he invested his savings on insurance policies and other schemes, their organisation will multiply his savings manifold.

"The complainant transferred money online aggregating approximately Rs 45 lacs in 2-3 instalments in accounts of different banks provided by the agent and his accomplice.

But when he found out that the amount which he sent in the accounts were on fake identities he lodged a complaint," a senior police officer said.

On February 8, the accused, Rajat Singh and Preeti, were nabbed from near Noida Sector 15 metro station and Nishu, Pragya and Alka Mathur were apprehended from Karol Bagh, they said.

On their interrogation they disclosed that young men and women having good fluency in English and Hindi to talk over the phone were recruited to carry out the work in call centers.

"The personal details of clients were taken through insurance agents and Facebook.," police said.

After identifying gullible clients their call were passed on to the seniors who used to give the details of bank account numbers, IFSC code for transfer of money online in given accounts which were on fake identities, they said.

The fraudsters also used to assure that the policy or scheme papers will be sent on their address through couriers.

"The call centre staff was not allowed to move out of the office during working hours or use their personal phones," police said.
The Delhi police commissioner had declared a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for providing any clue leading to their arrest.

New Delhi: Two contract killers have been arrested for allegedly killing a 28-year-old man for Rs seven lakh in Harsh Vihar area last year, police said on Friday.

The Delhi police commissioner had declared a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for providing any clue leading to their arrest.

The murder was the fallout of an old rivalry between the families of the deceased and those who had hired contract killers over a piece of land in their ancestral village.

In October last year, the body of Shakir was found in Jain Colony, Harsh Vihar with bullet injuries, said Pramod Singh Kushwah, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell).

The deceased was identified by one Shri Hakim who belonged to the same village as the former. Hakim told the police that he had come to Delhi with Shakir who wanted to take some money from someone.

"Upon reaching Delhi, two persons met them at Kashmere Gate metro station. Out of these two, one was Bane Singh as introduced to Hakim by Shakir. Singh and his associate took them to a place where Singh shot Shakir from behind while Hakim escaped," said Kushwah.

"A team, led by ACP Lalit Mohan Negi, inspector Sanjay Gupta and inspector Rajesh Kumar deployed informers to develop information about the unknown killers. Yesterday, they got a tip-off about the accused after which Durgesh and Vishan Singh aka Bane Singh were arrested at Loni roundabout in Jyoti Nagar," said the officer.

During preliminary interrogation, the accused told the police that they were hired by Shaukat and Jafru of Goverdhan village in Mathura for Rs seven lakh, the DCP said.

"The accused have received Rs two lakh as part payment till date. Shaukat and his other family members along with hired killers had allegedly murdered other family members of Shakir including his elder brother Fakru, who was hospitalised for six months after the gunshot injury," said the officer.

Due to Shaukat and his family's terror, Shakir's family are hiding in Haryana after escaping their native village and abandoning their property, he said.

Both Shaukat and Jafru and their other associates are wanted in a number of cases including murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping among others, the officer added.
Court felt that Rs 30 crore fine was not sufficient in view of the irreparable loss of lives.

New Delhi: In a 2:1 verdict, the Supreme Court on Thursday sentenced Uphaar cinema co-owner 69-year-old Gopal Ansal to one year imprisonment in the 1997 Uphaar cinema tragedy which killed 59 people in the capital.

The court, while deciding to review of the earlier judgment, however, did not interfere with the punishment of five months imprisonment already undergone by his 76-year-old brother Sushil Ansal. In August 2015, the apex court had reduced the two-year sentence to the sentence earlier undergone by both the Ansal brothers.

While Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Kurian Joseph agreed to partially review the order letting off both the Ansal brothers to the punishment already undergone by them with a fine of Rs 30 crore each, Justice Adarsh Goel was against any review of the earlier order.

Gopal Ansal, who has been asked to surrender within four weeks, will have to undergo the remaining term as the court felt that Rs 30 crore fine was not sufficient in view of the irreparable loss of lives.

While refusing to send Sushil Ansal to jail, the court considered his advanced age. Sending Gopal Ansal to jail, the bench said the fine of Rs 30 crore was not sufficient in view of the irreparable loss of lives. It said the gravity of the offence and illegal means used by him to make gains called for an enhancement of the punishment.

The petitions were filed by the CBI and Uphaar Victims Association to review the correctness of the August 19, 2015 verdict. The petitions said the Impugned Order after having enhanced the sentence of both the accused to two years substitutes the remaining sentence to be undergone with the sentence already undergone on payment of an amount of Rs 30 crores each. This substitution of remaining sentence on payment of Rs 30 Crore has resulted in miscarriage of justice. They pointed that the two accused had continuously violated every law on public safety for personal gain with scant regard to the safety of their patrons despite repeated warnings. That the age of the accused should not and cannot be factored in the present case as a mitigating circumstance. The incident occurred in 1997. The matter has been contested by the CBI and supported by the victims group vigorously.





The trial was successfully delayed by the accused until such time as a directive was issued by the high court to speed up the trial.

It said the fire safety rules were flouted with impunity for years by the accused who are, on their own assertion, extremely affluent builders. It would be a wrong message that a tortuous trial ends in a mere monetary fine which can easily be afforded by the accused and such a monetary fine is considered adequate to meet the ends of justice and the rule of law.

They faulted the court for not granting sufficient time to put forth their arguments adequately and properly. Due to the paucity of time on the day on which this case was heard, the prosecution could not adequately put across reasons as to why this court should not substitute a monetary fine in place of a jail sentence. The accused had not followed the rules which enjoin features which would enable the public visiting such public places to evacuate with safety. The association pointed out that the apex court had not considered the fact that the accused had threatened the witnesses and this has resulted in miscarriage of justice.
Attacking the Shiv Sena, Somaiya said that he never parked black money illegally through bogus companies.

Mumbai: The war of words between ruling allies in Maharashtra turned bitter on Thursday with the BJP MP Kirit Somaiya daring Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray to disclose his financial status.

"I want to ask a direct question to Uddhav Thackeray. My question is to the godfather of this (BMC) mafia. You have pointed fingers at Kirit Somaiya, isn't it? Kirit Somaiya is ready to show all his and his family's financial statements, including cheque books and bank pass books and I-T returns to any CA which Uddhav Thackeray decides," he said.

Somaiya said neither he nor his family members have ever indulged in corruption and that he never parked black money illegally through bogus companies.

"Uddhav Thackeray, I challenge you. Sena MP Rahul Shewale and Uddhav Thackeray should submit to CA of their choice, all their financial documents and also those of their family members," the Mumbai North East MP told reporters at the BJP office here.

"That CA should audit those papers and put forth (them) before the public," he demanded.

Shewale, who represents Mumbai South Central seat, had recently alleged that Somaiya wanted the Mulund dumping ground cleared to favour a private developer. BJP and Shiv Sena have been attacking each other relentlessly after Thackeray last month announced to contest upcoming civic elections, including BMC, solo without BJP.

Meanwhile, Shewale launched a counter attack terming Somaiya a "blackmailer chartered accountant" and dared him to probe his wealth or approach court.

"Somaiya is an infamous blackmailer CA. He himself should probe our wealth or else go to the court of law. I am an elected representative and I have submitted details of my wealth as per due procedure to Parliament. The wealth of Sena president Uddhav Thackeray too is known to all. Sena does not give any importance to Somaiya's challenge," the MP said.

He said the BJP MP has once again displayed his "ignorance".

"The action in respect of 'nullah safai' (de-silting of nallahs) was taken on the basis of my letter and not on Somaiya's complaint. He has once again tried to mislead by giving false information," Shewale added.

On the issue of Mulund and Deonar dumping grounds, the MP said the BMC commissioner has submitted an affidavit in the Bombay High Court stating the dumping grounds will be closed in phases.

He said BMC couldn't close the two dumping grounds as the BJP-led state government has not provided plot of land at Airoli and Taloja to the civic body. "Departments of Revenue, Urban Development as well as the district collector have not transferred the land in last one year," he claimed.

"We challenge Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to transfer the said lands to BMC before February 21 or else thousands of tonnes of garbage of Mumbai will have to be

dumped before homes of Somaiya and city BJP president Ashish Shelar."
The Aarey colony is the only left green cover in the city and acts as a buffer to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has proposed construction of a centralised operational control centre (OCC) at Aarey Colony for all the proposed Metro corridors in the city. The purpose of constructing the control centre would be to manage the traffic functioning and internal communication for pilots of Metro corridors. The proposal sent is for requirement of a two-acre plot on permanent basis and has been sent to the urban development department (UDD) and Aarey dairy development board. The control centre would be used for communication of all the proposed metro corridors in the city.

Pravin Darade, additional metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, said, We have sent the proposal to UDD and Aarey dairy development board requesting a plot measuring two acres inside Aarey colony for construction of the control centre. However, I am assuring that no trees would be cut for construction of the control centre.

The Aarey colony is the only left green cover in the city and acts as a buffer to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). The location of Aarey Colony is mired in controversy with environmentalists challenging the construction of a Metro car depot in the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The Metro car depot is part of the proposed Colaba-Bandra-Seepz underground Metro-3 corridor being executed by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC).

Earlier, the MMRDA had proposed construction of a labour camp inside Aarey colony. The proposal for construction of labour camp and a control centre are different. The proposal now is for acquiring two-acre land on permanent basis. While, the request for acquiring two-acres land for labour camp is for temporary basis, added Mr Darade. Nathu Rathod, chief executive officer, Aarey colony, said, The proposal is at the secretary level for now. I will conduct a survey and conclude whether the construction of control centre for metro is feasible or not.

The MMRDA has proposed to construct a network of 172-km-long Metro corridors in the MMR.
Sena targeted Modi, saying he is not ready to admit the chaos created by the note ban exercise.

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Friday hailed the development works done by successive Congress governments at the Centre and again targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he is not ready to admit the "chaos" created by the note ban exercise.

About Modi's "raincoat" remark against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, it said being in power with the corrupt is also corruption.

But for the work done by the Congress governments, Modi would be governing a backward nation in Africa, an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.

"Modi is not ready to accept the chaos demonetisation has caused. His personal advertisement machinery tries to hide every wrong policy of his government and leaves no stone unturned to attack the Congress. Modi should come out of this negative perception now," it said.

"Even if one believes the Congress governed while indulging in corruption, it transformed the nation, which could not even produce a needle during Independence, to one that is at the forefront of economic and industrial development. The previous rulers have made India what it is today," it said.

Referring to Modi's "raincoat" remark, it said being in power with the corrupt is also corruption. Therefore, even if one wears a raincoat and bathes, the body is bound to get wet.

"Today, if you do not believe with closed eyes that the previous government only indulged in corruption, you will be termed as an anti-national and killed," the ruling alliance partner said sarcastically.

Referring to Indira Gandhi, the Sena said the former Prime Minister taught Pakistan a lesson in the 1971 war, never displayed a hypocritical stand on anti-nationals, did not trouble the poor by demonetising currency notes and was thus nicknamed 'Durga' by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

"Her strong will was the nation's shield. She nationalised banks, made better the nation's economy, gunned down Khalistani terrorists and gave the message that India will not bend before terrorists. She sacrificed her life for the nation," it said.

Eulogising Rajiv Gandhi, the Sena said, "He had the will to govern by clean means. He may have got the taint of Bofors, but he has to be credited with bringing computers to India. The development of technology today is only because he laid a strong foundation."

"Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh were successful in saving the nation from economic imbalance. Had all this not happened in the last 60 years, Modi would today be governing a nation like Somalia or Burundi," it said.
Sai Durga said she had suffered a cardiac arrest twice but that Sai Baba came and healed her.

Nashik: An Italian sadhvi donated a gold crown studded with gemstones worth Rs 29lakh to the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi on Thursday. The 72-year-old sadhvi is a spinster and calls herself Sai Durga. Her given name is Selena Dolores. Sai Durga visits Shirdi for darshan five to six times a year, and claims that Sai Baba performed a miracle on her.

Sai Durga said she had suffered a cardiac arrest twice but that Sai Baba came and healed her. She has become his disciple ever since and visits Shirdi regularly, she said.

Wearing a spotless white dhaut vastra, Sai Durga laid the crown at the samadhi of Sai Baba. The 855-gram gold crown, which is studded with gemstones, is worth Rs 29 lakh.

Commenting on the offering, Mahant Sudhirdas of Kalaram Mandir said the Sai Baba temple is a prime example of international integration.

Now with the sadhvi and foreign devotees coming regularly, it has become a venue of international integration. This is faith and devotees see their wishes (come true), he said.

This is the sadhvis third offering to Sai Baba. Sai Baba Sansthan trustee Sachin Tambe said that on two earlier occasions, she had donated to the temple rudraksha necklaces worth Rs 12 lakh and Rs 1.4 lakh respectively.
NCP leader says the BJP has now become a party of goons.

Mumbai: A friend in need is a friend indeed goes the adage but in politics there are no friends and foes. Nation Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Friday without mincing words said that her party (NCP) will not save the Devendra Fadnavis government if the Shiv Sena pulls out its support. Ms Sule has been campaigning for the party in Mumbai where it is contesting 107 seats.

In an interview, Ms Sule, who is the daughter of NCP president Sharad Pawar made her political stand clear on several issues. Ms Sule, who has already made a firm ground in the political arena, said that she would be playing a bigger role in state politics. Referring to the Senas threat to leave the state government in a lurch, Ms Sule said that her party will not support the BJP-led government. Firstly I dont see any possibility of Sena leaving power, but if it does, our leadership has made it clear that we will not support the BJP government. It is our clear stand, she said.

It may be recalled that in 2014, the same NCP had offered their support from outside to the government. Ms Sule criticised the BJP for becoming a party of goons. Whenever they accused us for supporting goons, we expelled those leaders within two hours. But now Mr Fadnavis is not talking anything despite strong criticism from all corners. The BJP has become a party of goons, Ms Sule said.

Ms Sule also said that the forthcoming civic elections are important for her party but not a battle of prestige. Ms Sules comments are important as NCP is contesting most crucial battle from its inception. The partys second rank leadership (Chhagan Bhujbal) is under scanner for various corruption charges. Political pandits have started raising questions on future of the NCP. Little wonders then that the party has started projecting Ms Sule as the party face in the state.

Interestingly, Ms Sule has started taking keen interest in NCPs state politics at a time when the mass appeal of her cousin Ajit Pawar, who was former deputy chief minister seems to be dwindling. Only time will tell if this leades to yet another family fued in politics.
The events seek to celebrate dozens of black designers who, the FIT says, are often under-recognised and under-represented.

New York: As New York Fashion Week opens, a glaring near-absence stands out: why are there so few black models and designers at the pinnacle of the industry?

For that matter, is there such a thing as black fashion, and should black designers feel the weight and responsibility of their history and heritage?

A symposium held by the Fashion Institute of Technology this week and a major exhibit open until May have launched the debate on a more public scale. The events seek to celebrate dozens of black designers who, the FIT says, are often under-recognised and under-represented.

African American designers account for just one percent of those covered by VogueRunway.com, the main website for following fashion weeks around the world, said Ariele Elia, co-curator of the Black Fashion Designers exhibit at FIT. Discrimination still occurs in the fashion industry, both with designers and models, Elia said.

But many say they are tired of being seen as black designers and want to be considered designers  period. Some say they do not even think about race when it comes to thinking up beautiful, innovative clothing for men and women. Its a sad thing that there are not more black designers at New York Fashion Week, which opens on Thursday, but it is even more surprising that there are so many men and few women, designer Carly Cushnie, of the Cushnie et Ochs fashion line, said.

I am not sure what the real reason is for it, said Cushnie, who hails from London and is of Jamaican heritage. She shot to fame when then first lady Michelle Obama wore one of her designs  a forest-green crepe dress for a Christmas event in 2011.
Indian warships are generally not named after historical figures, but after rivers, mountains, ports, weapons and islands.

Recently, the media carried news about the Dalhousie Road of New Delhi, being renamed as Dara Shikoh Road after Aurangzebs elderbrother who had a reputation for being a liberal, tolerant and secular person, but was brutally killed by his younger brother on being captured after losing the battle for succession. It is believed that history may have been different if Dara Shikoh had become emperor because the ruthless Aurangzeb, had laid foundations for the decline of the great Mughal Empire.

A study of our neighbour Pakistan shows that its Navy at one time had its principal warships named after the great Mughals from Babur to Aurangzeb, with the exception of Akbar the Great because of his liberal views on all religions. Incidentally, Indian warships are generally not named after historical figures, but after rivers, mountains, ports, weapons and islands. However, two Indian Navy shore establishments in Mumbai are named after famous admirals of the medieval period, viz INS Kunjali and INS Angre. Given Indias strategic location, its great dependence on the oceans for trade, energy security and dangers posed by maritime terror, Pakistan and the ever increasing presence of the Chinese Navy in our backyard, the very limited allocation of the new defence budget for naval modernisation, this article suggests that naming any two prominent roads in Delhi as Admiral Kunjali Road (the title given to four Muslim admirals of a Hindu king of Calicut in the 16th century) and Admiral Angre Road (a Maratha admiral of the 18th century), would not only display our secular ethos, but also remind the ruling elite that the sea is vital to our economic growth and national security.

Kunjali Marakkar was the name given to the Muslim naval chief of the Hindu King (Zamorin) of Calicut (present day Kozhikode, Kerala) in the 16th century. As is well known, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in Calicut in 1498 with a powerful Navy and the next hundred years, commencing 1502 and ending 1600, saw a series of sea battles between the mighty Portuguese and four succeeding Kunjali Marakkars of the Zamorin. The four Kunjali Marakkars were the first to contest a major European naval power to be succeeded in the 18th century by the Maratha Admiral Kanoji Angre. The first four Marakkars were Kutti Ahmed Ali, Kutti Poker Ali (the most famous), Pattu Kunhali and Mohammed Ali.

Unable to get concessions from the Zamorin of Calicut, the Portuguese signed a treaty in 1503 with the Zamorins arch rival, the King of Cochin (modern day Kochi). The war between the Portuguese and Zamorins Navy continued till 1598, when the Portuguese convinced the Zamorin that his admiral (Kunjali Marakkar IV, i.e., Mohammed Ali) planned to take over his kingdom. The Zamorin joined the Portuguese to defeat and kill his own admiral in 1600 AD. A few years later, the British East India Company arrived and defeated the Portuguese in a sea battle in 1612, ushering in a new colonial power, whose global Navy, ensured it a superpower status, till the Americans took over by about 1950, with the Chinese now also eyeing the number one superpower spot based on the worlds fastest growing Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, fishing fleet, ocean exploratory ships, all supported by a huge industrial and scientific base.

In 1698, a Maratha named Kanhoji Angre, was appointed Surkhel or Darya-Saranga (admiral) by the chief of Satara, thus giving him authority to protect the coast from Mumbai to Vengurla in present day Maharashtra state. Kanhoji understood that naval warfare is based on offensive tactics, and began to attack merchant ships of the British East India Company, Portuguese ships, and in 1707, attacked and destroyed the British warship in Bombay. On November 4, 1712, Angres Navy captured the armed vessel Algerine belonging to the British president of Mumbai and by 1713, the entire Maratha Navy had officially came under his command.

In 1721, Angre defeated a combined British-Portuguese fleet, which attempted to attack Alibag (near Mumbai). By the time of his death on July 4, 1729, Admiral Angre exercised control of the Arabian Sea from Surat to South Konkan.

The 21st century is really the century of the seas, and India will find its rightful place in the comity of nations, only after it becomes a major sea power. A small step in this direction would be for India to name two prominent roads in the national capital after two admirals from our history, belonging to two different religions, who briefly gave our sea blind rulers, a glimpse of the importance of sea power.
The technology giant is committed to Britain's future outside the European Union.

London: Apple CEO Tim Cook says the technology giant is committed to Britain's future outside the European Union. Cook said after meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday that he's optimistic about the country's prospects, noting that Apple is moving ahead with a new UK headquarters in London. Cook also met with London Mayor Sadiq Khan amid uncertainty about the impact that Britain's decision to leave the 28-nation bloc will have on the UK economy.

Cook says Apple is "doubling down on a huge headquarters in the Battersea area and we're leaving significant space there to expand."

He says "we're a big believer in the UK, we think you'll be just fine ... yes, there will be bumps in the road along the way, but the UK.'s going to be fine."
Washington acknowledges China's position that it has sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan, said Trump.

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping his administration would respect the "one China" policy, during a telephone call between the leaders, the Financial Times reported, citing two people familiar with the call.

Trump, who was inaugurated last month, said in December the United States did not necessarily have to stick to the "one China" policy, by which Washington acknowledges China's position that it has sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan.
Trump told Putin the treaty was one of several bad deals negotiated by the Obama administration, saying that New START favored Russia.

When Putin raised the possibility of extending the 2010 treaty, known as New START, Trump paused to ask his aides in an aside what the treaty was, these sources said. (Photo: AP)

Washington: In his first call as president with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump denounced a treaty that caps US and Russian deployment of nuclear warheads as a bad deal for the United States, according to two US officials and one former US official with knowledge of the call.

When Putin raised the possibility of extending the 2010 treaty, known as New START, Trump paused to ask his aides in an aside what the treaty was, these sources said.

Trump then told Putin the treaty was one of several bad deals negotiated by the Obama administration, saying that New START favored Russia. Trump also talked about his own popularity, the sources said.

The White House declined to comment on the details of the call. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump knew what the New START treaty is but had turned to his aides for an opinion during the call with Putin. He said the notes from the call would not have conveyed that.

"I would say they had a very productive call," Spicer told reporters. He added, "It wasn't like he didnt know what was being said. He wanted an opinion on something."

It has not been previously reported that Trump had conveyed his doubt about New START to Putin in the hour-long call.

New START gives both countries until February 2018 to reduce their deployed strategic nuclear warheads to no more than 1,550, the lowest level in decades. It also limits deployed land- and submarine-based missiles and nuclear-capable bombers.

During a debate in the 2016 presidential election, Trump said Russia had "outsmarted" the United States with the treaty, which he called "START-Up." He asserted incorrectly then that it had allowed Russia to continue to produce nuclear warheads while the United States could not.

Two Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, senators Jeanne Shaheen and Edward J. Markey, criticized Trump for deriding what they called a key nuclear arms control accord.

Its impossible to overstate the negligence of the president of the United States not knowing basic facts about nuclear policy and arms control, Shaheen said in a statement. "New START has unquestionably made our country safer, an opinion widely shared by national security experts on both sides of the aisle."

Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, a Washington-based advocacy group, said: "Unfortunately, Mr. Trump appears to be clueless about the value of this key nuclear risk reduction treaty and the unique dangers of nuclear weapons."

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he supported the treaty during his Senate confirmation hearings.

During the hearings Tillerson said it was important for the United States to "stay engaged with Russia, hold them accountable to commitments made under the New START and also ensure our accountability as well."

Two of the people who described the conversation were briefed by current administration officials who read detailed notes taken during the call. One of the two was shown portions of the notes. A third source was also briefed on the call.

Reuters has not reviewed the notes taken of the call, which are classified.

The Kremlin did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

CONCERNS OVER PHONE CALLS

The phone call with Putin has added to concerns that Trump is not adequately prepared for discussions with foreign leaders.

Typically, before a telephone call with a foreign leader, a president receives a written in-depth briefing paper drafted by National Security Council staff after consultations with the relevant agencies, including the State Department, Pentagon and intelligence agencies, two former senior officials said.

Just before the call, the president also usually receives an oral "pre-briefing" from his national security adviser and top subject-matter aide, they said.

Trump did not receive a briefing from Russia experts with the NSC and intelligence agencies before the Putin call, two of the sources said. Reuters was unable to determine if Trump received a briefing from his national security adviser Michael Flynn.

In the phone call, the Russian leader raised the possibility of reviving talks on a range of disputes and suggested extending New START, the sources said.

New START can be extended for another five years, beyond 2021, by mutual agreement. Unless they agree to do that or negotiate new cuts, the world's two biggest nuclear powers would be freed from the treaty's limits, potentially setting the stage for a new arms race.

New START was ratified by the U.S. Senate in December 2010 by a vote of 71 to 26. Thirteen Republican senators joined all of the Senates Democrats in voting for the treaty, although Republican opponents derided it as naive.

The call with Putin was one of several with foreign leaders where Trump has turned to denounce deals negotiated by previous administrations on trade, acceptance of refugees and arms control.

In a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Trump questioned an agreement reached by the Obama administration to accept 1,250 refugees now being held by Australia in offshore detention centres.
On February 8, Lu defended China's move to block a US attempt to list Azhar in the UN saying that the conditions have not yet been met.

Beijing: Reacting guardedly to India's diplomatic protests over its move to block US resolution to list Pakistan-based JeM leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist, China on Friday hoped all members of the UN Security Council who are part of the anti-terrorism committee will follow rules.

"Will check on reports of India's diplomatic protest," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing in Beijing when asked about Thursday's demarche by India over China putting a technical hold of US resolution in the 1267

Committee of the UNSC to designate entities involved in terrorism.

Lu said China already reiterated its stand on its technical hold two days ago.

"China is a responsible member of the UNSC as well as a subsidiary organ. China has always been acting in accordance with UNSC resolutions and rules of procedure of its subsidiary organs. We hope that all members of the security council and its affiliation would follow the rules of the procedures," he said.

On February 8, Lu defended China's move to block a US attempt to list Azhar in the UN saying that the "conditions" have not yet been met for Beijing to back the move.

He said Beijing resorted to this move to allow the "relevant parties" to reach a consensus.

"Last year 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council has discussed the issue regarding listing Masood in the sanctions list. There were different views with no consensus reached," Lu said.

"As for the submission once again by relevant countries to list him in the sanctions list, I would say the conditions are not yet met for the Committee to reach a decision," he said.

This is the second year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would warrant Pakistan to act against him.

Jaish-e-Muhammad, a terrorist organisation based in Pakistan, has already been listed by the 1267 Committee.

India moved for UN ban against him in March last year accusing of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack.

China first blocked for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year.

The US along with the UK and France approached theCommittee again for the ban and Beijing once again put a six months technical hold on it.
The 80-year-old says his secret for dealing with stress is to write down all his problems in letters to Saint Joseph.

Vatican City: Pope Francis has shrugged off recent in-fighting in the Vatican and other stresses of his job by joking, I am not on tranquillisers.

There is corruption in the Vatican. But I am at peace, the pontiff said in a personally revealing interview with Italys Corriere della Sera, published on Thursday.

In it, the erstwhile Jorge Bergoglio reveals how feelings of anxiety he sometimes experienced while he was bishop of Buenos Aires disappeared following his elevation to the papacy.

And he insists that he is losing no sleep over the manoeuvring of conservatives opposed to his reforms of Church teaching and governance.

The 80-year-old says his secret for dealing with stress is to write down all his problems in letters to Saint Joseph.

He then places the missives under a statue of the man described in the bible as the carpenter father of Jesus.

And now he is sleeping on a mattress of letters! Thats why I sleep well: it is the grace of God. I always sleep six hours. And I pray, Francis said.

Franciss reform drive has run into opposition from conservative cardinals and entrenched interests in the Vatican bureaucracy.

Tensions have appeared to be running particularly high of late.

Francis last month dismissed the head of the Knights of Malta after the ancient order challenged his authority in a dispute seen as being linked to a broader row over the direction of the Church.

And the last week has seen a series of anti-pope posters plastered all over Rome by unidentified agitators. Asked how he dealt with such tensions and the challenges he faces, Francis quipped, Im not on tranquilisers, adding, The Italians offer a good lesson  to live in peace you need a healthy couldnt care less attitude.

I dont mind telling you that what I am going through is a completely new experience for me, the pontiff added.

In Buenos Aires I was more anxious, I admit it. I felt more tense and worried. Basically I wasnt like I am now.

From the moment I was elected I had a very particular feeling of profound peace. And that has never left me. I am at peace. I dont know how to explain it. What could be an allusion to opponents led by US Cardinal Raymond Burke, Francis implied he had made his intentions clear with other senior clerics before his election.

In the general assemblies we discussed the Vaticans problems, he said.
Trumps order barred travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days.

London: US President Donald Trumps order temporarily banning entry to people from seven Muslim-majority countries is wrong and Britain does not plan to adopt a similar policy, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Thursday.

Trumps order, announced hours after his first meeting with May in Washington last month, barred travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days.

We thought that was wrong, that was divisive, it is not a policy that the United Kingdom would adopt, May said when asked about the order during a news conference.

US President Donald Trumps order temporarily banning entry to people from seven Muslim-majority countries is wrong and Britain does not plan to adopt a similar policy, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Thursday.

Trumps order, announced hours after his first meeting with May in Washington last month, barred travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days.

We thought that was wrong, that was divisive, it is not a policy that the United Kingdom would adopt, May said when asked about the order during a news conference.
Vladimir Putin had already reached out to Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to express his sadness and condolences.

Istanbul: Three Turkish soldiers were accidentally killed and 11 wounded on Thursday when a Russian war plane struck a building in Syria where the troops were deployed, the Turkish army said.

The plane had been seeking to hit targets of Islamic State (IS) jihadists but by accident three of our heroic soldiers were martyred when a building was bombed where our units were, it said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had already reached out to Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to express his sadness and condolences.

Russian officials have said that the incident was an accident and have passed on their sadness and condolences, the army said, adding an investigation is being carried out by both sides. It said that of the 11 injured, one was badly wounded.

In Moscow, the Kremlin said Mr Putin had offered Erdogan his condolences and that the leaders had agreed to enhance military coordination going forward in the fight against IS in Syria.

Turkey on August 24 began an unprecedented campaign inside Syria against IS and Kurdish militia which initially made rapid progress but has become mired in a deadly fight for the IS held town of Al-Bab since December.

While Turkey gave no details over the location of the deadly incident, Moscow said that it took place around Al-Bab where Russian forces have also been conducting air strikes.

Before Thursdays casualties were reported, the Dogan news agency said 66 Turkish soldiers have now been killed in the Syria operation since it began in August.
by Fady Noun

Beirut (AsiaNews) - To guarantee the inalienable right of citizenship to diversity in Lebanon and the Arab world: this is the ambitious goal of the Adyan Foundation. Founded ten years ago, Adyan, which has promoted courses for secondary classes in the past, has shown once more revealed its innovative spirit with the launch of a website dedicated to pluralism. Called "Taadudiya" [which means pluralism], the online site is intended to bring fresh air and a new wind to the crowded space of the relationship between religions.



In fact, the Adyan approach simplifies the interfaith relationships detaching it from the imperative for a dialogue based on confused or equivocal results; it proposes pluralism as a socio-political fact, learned and willingly accepted by all, as the founding cornerstone of unity.



Presented in the context of a ceremony held on the evening of February 7, at the Le Gray hotel, a place chosen for its location charged with symbolism, the Taadudiya website (taadudiya.com) has three main components. First, it is a unique inter-religious calendar in the world, that parallels twenty calendars of different religious traditions.



And again, a model of unity in diversity which includes thematic information on religions, observed from different angles including those of sacred architecture. Finally, the third point it is a space for the collection of different opinions, where articles are published that can be taken as starting points for thematic debates on religious differences.



After the presentation of the site by interactive panels, the interventions explained the pedagogy of social relations in an interfaith context, such as the one developed by Adyan. Afterwards, there were interventions of the coordinator of the site Dahlia Mokdad; Ambassador of the United Kingdom Hugo Shorter; the Arab League head of dialogue between civilizations, Samia Bayer; the representative of the Ministry of Information Andre Kassas; and finally, the President of Adyan, Fr. Fadi Daou.



"From the square of Gebran and Samir ..."



In his speech Fr. Daou said that "in a region and in an era dominated by the one-dimensional discourse, which is exclusivist, extremist and dark, we are here celebrate together, in Beirut, the Martyrs' Square, the square of freedom of expression, the square of Gebran (Tueni ) and Samir (Kassir), the square of coexistence, the launch of this website ". The priest continued, "this reflects our convictions, our will and our goals of respect for diversity, and to develop the ability to create diversity and build social relations among Lebanese, regardless of their cultural, religious or ethnic affiliations."



"In a moment when borders are being closed, and walls rise, when there is an attempt to destroy cultural heritage - said the priest - here stands, strong and firm, the idea of freedom and pluralism. We oppose ignorance and isolationism, with openness and debate acquainted with the facts"
by Wang Zhicheng

Beijing (AsiaNews) - President Donald Trump this morning had his first long phone call with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. Defining in the conversation "friendly", Trump said he would honor the principle of "One China."



During the interview, both sides agreed to work together in areas of "mutual interest" and invitations to visit the respective countries were exchanged.



Chinese television reported that "Xi Jinping praised what Trump said on the commitment of the American government to the One China policy and stressed that this principle is the political foundation of China-US relations."



During the election campaign, Trump had often decried China accusing it of being a "currency manipulator" and threatened taxes on Chinese products exported to the US. Immediately after the election he had provoked many comments and concerns for accepting a telephone conversation with the president of Taiwan, Tsai Ying-wen and later when he had said that in future negotiations on trade the One China principle could be discussed again.



This principle states that there is only one country "China" which encompasses the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Beijing requires all those who want to have diplomatic relations with it to cut ties with Taiwan. But it is also true that many countries have trade relations with the island, without diplomatic presences. In the 1970s, the US established relations with the People's Republic recognizing it in principle, but say they are bound to defend Taiwan in the event of military attack by Beijing.



The morning call is a reinsurance in China-US relations after weeks of uncertainty and fears and advice from entrepreneurs and politicians not to spark a war (at least commercial) that would be to the detriment of all.



Analysts note that the Trump call to Xi came a few hours after the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had arrived in the US, almost as if to reassure China about the impact of this second visit by Abe to the new president.
Moscow (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Moscow and Ankara intend to strengthen and improve military collaboration in Syria, in a joint struggle against jihadist groups and, in particular, the Islamic state (IS) in the north of the country. The decision follows the serious accident yesterday, in which three Turkish soldiers died and 11 others were injured as a result of Russian "friendly fire".

According to preliminary reports a Russian fighter stationed in Syria hit a building in which there were alleged jihadist; in fact the building was occupied by the Ankara army troops, hit by the missiles launched from the jet.



Russian President Vladimir Putin phoned his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressing "sadness and sorrow" over the incident. Both fronts have opened an investigation to clarify the sequence of events.



In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin and Erdogan say they agreed on the need to "strengthen military coordination", in continuing the joint effort against jihadist groups in Syria. Ankara does not want to reveal the place where the accident occurred; Moscow explained that it occurred "near al-Bab", a town north of Aleppo where Russian forces are engaged in a series of air raids.



From time Russia and Turkey - in the past on opposing sides in the Syrian conflict  are working together to ensure a lasting peace in the country, and at the same time carrying on a common effort against terrorist groups. A radical change of strategy and alliances between Moscow and Ankara, after a period of tensions following the shooting down of a Russian fighter on the border between Turkey and Syria in November of 2015.



The two sides, along with Iran, also mediated the peace talks in Astana, the first "direct" meeting between representatives of the Syrian government and representatives of the opposition committed on the battlefield. Now the focus shifts to Geneva, where by the end of the month a new summit under the aegis of the United Nations is due to be held.
by Weena Kowitwanij

Mgr Philip Banchong Chaiyara sent a letter to the faithful, exhorting them to meditate on the pope's message, attend mass, and visit the sick.

Bangkok (AsiaNews)  Mgr Philip Banchong Chaiyara, bishop of Ubon Rachathanee, a diocese in northeastern Thailand, and president of the Episcopal Commission for Social Work, sent a letter to the faithful on the 25th World Day of the Sick. The latter will be marked tomorrow, 11 February, memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, protectress of the sick.

In his letter, the prelate emphasises the theme already expressed by Pope Francis in his message for the occasion, which is Amazement at what God has accomplished from The Mighty One has done great things for me . . . ( Lk, 1:49).

"On this special occasion, I would like everyone to join in the celebration of the World Day of the Sick, especially the Mass, said Mgr Chaiyara, with careful thought given to the theme the pope gave us to meditate seriously on, namely Gods greatness towards Mary, mother of Christ, who is just one of the great things the Lord has done for all of us, humanity.

This is why every human being, as a child of the Almighty, is born with the same human dignity, i.e. worthy of honour and respect. Nothing should reduce the value of our human dignity in spite of illness, disability or economic status.

No matter who is sick, disabled, marginalised or forced to endure great hardships in daily life, all of them have one thing in common: the equal dignity of being children of God."

"The mission of the Church is also our mission as believers, who assist, care for and serve the sick and the marginalised, the prelate went on to say. We renew our mission of 'love and service' to fill and strengthen our spirituality by following the example of Mary, our mother, and Saint Camillus, patron of the sick and those working in health care."

Bishop Chaiyara noted that in tomorrows Mass, priests will celebrate the sacrament of anointing the sick and the elderly, and emphasise the importance of preparing in advance those who will receive the sacrament to have a clear understanding of its meaning, so that it can be received fruitfully.

Moreover, he added that "it would be a good thing for everyone to remember to visit Jesus Christ, who lives in our older brothers and sisters and the sick, who cannot participate in the Sunday Mass. This task makes us witnesses to an authentic sign of the presence of the Church and Jesus Christ who gave us an example of this important mission."

Finally, the bishop calls on everyone to accomplish the mission. At the same time, he offered his best wishes to those who are suffering. "May you understand that the Church will never abandon you."

To those who work caring for the sick, he hopes they can "receive Gods blessing with physical and spiritual enthusiasm, to serve your brothers and sisters in Christ."
by Francis Khoo Thwe

In Kachin State, a Christian nurse is raped and murdered. China and Myanmar discuss security along the latters northern border. International media coverage focuses on the persecution of the countrys Muslim minority. Sources tell AsiaNews that violence against "various religions and ethnic groups" tends to be obscured by that against the Rohingya. Social and political factors are at play.

Yangon (AsiaNews)  The new Myanmar under Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy government elected in 2015 is still hostage to the military and marked by deep ethnic and sectarian divisions, this according to sources that spoke to AsiaNews.

The violence "affects various religions and ethnic groups", even though the focus of the international media "has been on the plight of the Rohingya minority" about whom Pope Francis spoke in his last general audience on Wednesday.

The latest incident to stir the political cauldron is the murder of a young Kachin Christian nurse in Myitkyina. "She was sexually assaulted, then stabbed to death 19 times, a source said.

Little is certain about the attack. In the past, young Kachin have been abused and murdered by soldiers in a region marred by bloodshed and an ethnic conflict that has displaced thousands of people.

"To this, we must add the destruction of churches and Christian places of worship in the region, which confirms that even the Christian community is not safe.

China, which has recently intervened as a result of the violence in Kachin State, has called for a ceasefire to end the exodus of refugees across its border.

Last Tuesday, high-level Myanmar and Chinese officials met in Kunming, in Chinas Yunnan province. Beijing wants to see the conflict end and peace and stability restored along the border to protect its own citizens and their businesses in the area.

Ethnic and sectarian tensions are so strong that the construction of two statues in Mudon (Mon State) and Myitkyina (Kachin State) dedicated to General Aung San, a hero of Myanmar (Burma) independence and father of Aung San Suu Kyi, have sparked protests.

Construction is underway in the two towns but civil society groups said that they cannot accept them so long as the conflict in Kachin State continues and federalism is not implemented.

Likewise, the death of a famous Muslim lawyer and constitutionalist, Ko Ni, who was a consultant of the Nobel Peace Prize laurate and the NLD, remains unresolved.

"This story has caused great sorrow throughout the country, a source in Yangon told AsiaNews. Regardless of his faith, everyone is mourning. He was a good citizen, a friend and fellow townsman. There is no reason to believe there was a sectarian motive; it was not a religious murder."

For some experts, the murder was politically motivated given his work to amend the existing military-imposed constitution.

The Rohingya Muslim minority also continues to top international headlines, although it has been going on for many years.

At present, a military commission (one general and five other senior officers) has begun an official investigation into allegations of violence and human rights violations committed by the military.

A ship flying the Malaysian flag brought in aid  2,300 tonnes in food and basic necessities  to help tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees. However, when it docked in the port of Yangon, it was greeted by protesting nationalist groups and Buddhist extremists.

Scores of Buddhist monks and protesters waved Myanmar flags, chanting slogans and waving banners that read No Rohingya.

"The situation is different from how it is described in the international media, the source told AsiaNews. Nationalism and widespread poverty, despite some development, play into it.

Many Burmese want priority given to their countrymen before others. However, young people are more open to others and their religion. There is some resistance if not outright hostility among older people and seniors.

"I agree with the popes words and I have many Muslim friends from childhood. This is not a religious problem but we have reached a breaking point for a number of political and social reasons.

In a country of about 135 ethnic groups, peaceful coexistence has always been a struggle, especially with the central government, which is dominated by ethnic Burmese.

In the past, the ruling military junta used an iron fist against the groups least amenable to central control, like ethnic Kachin, who live along the border with China in the north, and more recently, ethnic Kokang, in Shan state.

This is complicated by violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority, deemed illegal immigrants by the government and therefore deprived of any citizenship.
by Nirmala Carvalho

Mohan Bhagwat is the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He spoke at a Hindu conference in Madhya Pradesh. "Muslims are also Hindus by nationality but Islamic in faith." "Some evil forces will exploit the poor, the sick and the ignorant, and will ensure that they act against the country."

Mumbai (India) - "Every person living in India is Hindu, including Muslims, who are Hindus by nationality but Islamic by faith, said Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Hindu ultra-nationalist paramilitary group and of which the ruling party BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is the political arm. He spoke during the '' Hindu Sammelan "[Hindu Conference] in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, and stated that "everyone must respect the 'Bharat Mata [Mother India] is a Hindu. "

He had previously visited the # 1 local prison cell, where in 1948 after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned M S Golwalkar, former head of the RSS. Speaking to AsiaNews, Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), complains: "The head of the RSS continues to carry on the ideology of the founders of the radical right. This declaration and paying homage to the cell where Gowalikar was imprisoned, launches a strong message to the ideology of Hindutva ".

Bhagwat said: "Even if we follow different faiths, and we have different ways of worship, we are all the same thing. If India wants to become a world leader, Hindus must assume their responsibilities. If something goes wrong, the questions are only posed to the Hindus ". This is because, he stressed, "India is a country only for Hindus."

The RSS chief urged Hindus to remain united. "If we remain united - he said - and we do not help others, some evil forces will exploit the poor, the ignorant and the sick. They will use these differences to make sure that some people act against the country. " Some commentators see in this sentence indirect accusation of Christians involvement in social activities. Then he added: "We do not want anyone to remain weak. We want them to become capable and from receivers become donors. "

The GCIC condemns the comments of the leader of the radical Hindu group, and says that they "create division and sow discord and suspicion. Also comments of this type take target the most vulnerable sectors of Indian society, such as minorities, the Dalits and the tribals. "

Sajan K George said that "India's Constitution guarantees our religious freedom, cultural diversity and pluralism". And he concludes: "The leader of the ultranationalist fringe must refrain from uttering similar fascist statements".
News / Africa

by Staff Reporter

A Tanzanian tour guide who shamed his countrymen in an undated video while translating a tourist's message from English to Swahili has been arrested.According to edaily.co.ke , the country's minister for tourism Professor Jumanne Maghembe says after watching the video clip he ordered for the arrest of the tour guide.Read translation below:FOREIGNER: "Hi. My visit to Tanzania has been beautiful and gorgeous. The people are fabulously wonderful and friendly. Greetings are always jambo. I am happy to be here. The land is beautiful, the animals are wonderful."TRANSLATOR: "She is saying that you, Tanzanians, like to complain about hunger. Every day you lament that you are hungry yet you have vegetables at home that you can boil and eat. Why don't you do so? She is urging you to stop whining (Anasema Watanzania mnalia sana njaa! Kila siku mnalia njaa, wakati mna maua nyumbani. Si mchemshe maua mnywe? Anasema si vizuri kulia njaa)"
By Alister Graham, Professor of Astronomy, Swinburne University of Technology

ESA/Hubble, ESO, M. Kornmesser

Our love of black holes continues to grow as our knowledge of these celestial bodies expands. The latest news is the discovery of a rare middleweight black hole, a relative newcomer to the black hole family.

We already knew that some black holes are just a few times the mass of our Sun, while others are more than a billion times as massive. But others with intermediate masses, such as the one 2,200 times the mass of our Sun recently discovered in the star cluster 47 Tucanae, are surprisingly elusive.

So what is it about black holes, these gravitational prisons that trap anything that gets too close to them, that captures the imagination of people of all ages and professions?

Dark stars

As far back as 1783, within the framework of Newtonian dynamics, the concept of dark stars with sufficiently high density that not even light can escape their gravitational pull had been advanced by the English philosopher and mathematician John Michell.

Almost immediately after Albert Einstein presented his theory of general relativity in 1915, which supplanted Newtons description of our Universe and revealed how space and time are intimately linked, fellow German Karl Schwarzschild and Dutchman Johannes Droste independently derived the new equations for a spherical or point mass.

Although at the time the issue was still something of a mathematical curiosity, over the ensuing quarter of a century nuclear physicists realised that sufficiently massive stars would collapse under their own weight to become these previously theorised black holes.

Their existence was eventually confirmed by astronomers using powerful telescopes, and more recently colliding black holes were the source of the gravitational waves detected with the LIGO instrumentation in the United States.

A dense object

The densities of such objects is mind-boggling. If our Sun were to become a black hole, it would need to collapse from its current size of 1.4 million km across to a diameter of less than 6km. Its average density within this Schwarzschild radius would be nearly 20 billion tonnes per cubic centimetre.

The increasing strength and pull of gravity as you get closer to a black hole can be dramatic.

On Earth, the strength of the gravitational pull holding you to its surface is roughly the same at your feet as it is at your head, which is a little bit farther away from the planet.

But near some black holes, the difference in gravitational pull from head to toe is so great that you would be pulled apart and stretched out on an atomic level, in a process referred to as spaghettification.

In 1958, the American physicist David Finkelstein was the first to realise the true nature of what has come to be called the event horizon of a black hole. He described this boundary around a black hole as the perfect unidirectional membrane.

Its an intangible surface encapsulating a sphere of no return. Once inside this sphere, the gravitational pull of the black hole is too great to escape  even for light.

In 1963, the New Zealand mathematician Roy Kerr solved the equations for the more realistic rotating black holes. These yielded closed time-like curves that permitted movement backwards through time.

While such strange solutions to the equations of general relativity first appeared in the 1949 work of Austrian-American logician Kurt Godel, it is commonly thought that they must be a mathematical artefact yet to be explained away.









Black and white holes

In 1964, two Americans, the writer Ann Ewing and the theoretical physicist John Wheeler, introduced the term black hole. Subsequently, in 1965, the Russian theoretical astrophysicist Igor Novikov introduced the term white hole to describe the hypothetical opposite of a black hole.

The argument was that if matter falls into a black hole, then perhaps it is spewed out into our universe from a white hole.

This idea is partly rooted in the mathematical concept known as an Einstein-Rosen bridge. Discovered (mathematically) in 1916 by the Austrian physicist Ludwig Flamm, and re-introduced in 1935 by Einstein and the American-Israeli physicist Nathan Rosen, it was later termed a wormhole by Wheeler.

In 1962, Wheeler and the American physicist Robert Fuller explained why such wormholes would be unstable for transporting even a single photon across the same universe.

Fact and fiction

Not surprisingly, the idea of entering a (black hole) portal and re-emerging somewhere else in the universe  in space and/or time  has spawned countless science fiction stories, including Doctor Who, Stargate, Fringe, Farscape and Disneys Black Hole.

Ongoing productions can simply claim that their characters are travelling to a different or a parallel universe to our own. While it appears to be mathematically feasible, there is of course no physical evidence to support the existences of such universes.

But this is not to say that time travel, at least in a limited sense, is not real. When travelling at great speed, or perhaps falling into a black hole, the passage of time does slow down relative to that experienced by stationary observers.

Clocks flown quickly around the world have demonstrated this, displaying time lags in accordance with Einsteins theory of special relativity.

The 2014 movie Interstellar played on this effect around a black hole, thereby creating a sense of travelling forward in time for astronaut Cooper (played by Matthew McConaughey).





Despite the strangely endearing name, the phrase black hole is perhaps somewhat misleading. It implies a hole in space-time through which matter will fall, as opposed to matter falling onto an incredibly dense object.

What actually exists within a black holes event horizon is hotly debated. Attempts to understand this include the fuzzball picture from string theory, or descriptions of black holes in quantum gravity theories known as spin foam networks or loop quantum gravity.

One thing that does seem certain is that black holes will continue to intrigue and fascinate us for some time yet.

Alister Graham receives funding from The Australian Research Council.

Originally published in The Conversation.
Australia prides itself on having a non-discriminatory immigration programme, but concerns are being raised that new vetting powers could result in Trump-like bans on visa holders from certain countries and backgrounds.People from specific ethnic groups, religions or even whole groups of nationalities could be forced to have their visas revalidated, it is claimed. It is also suggested that new powers being discussed could see people having their visas checked due to their political views.The Migration Amendment (visa revalidation and other measures) Bill, which has just passed through the House of Representatives and now goes on to the Senate, would give new powers to Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.It was introduced to create a revalidation measure for the pilot programme of 10-year visas for Chinese nationals visiting Australia due to be launched later this year, but during the debate concerns have been raised that it is back door way to introduce checks on any group that the Government might want to target.Migration experts are warning that such powers as outlined in the Bill are not justifiable, too broad and could easily discriminate against specific groups of people currently living lawfully in Australia.The current wording of the Bill says that checks could be done on a 'specified class of persons' that the Immigration Minister thinks should be looked at 'in the public interest'. It gives examples such as people with a passport from a particular country and people who may have travelled through a particular area at a particular time.It currently would give Dutton the power to revalidate a visa if 'adverse information' comes to light but does not define what this could be. It also says visas could be checked on grounds of public health and safety, national security, the country's economic well-being and even circumstances in a country where a visa holder originates from.Critics say the powers proposed are unjustified and liable to exploitation. The Migration Institute of Australia said it is concerned that it would give the Immigration Minister 'unfettered powers' over who could and could not hold a visa.'In essence the institute agrees with the idea of revalidation, however, we are concerned that the Bill is broad in its definition. It discusses things like adverse information without defining it properly. The Bill is not specified at just one visa so it could apply to a myriad of other visa categories,' said Angela Julian-Armitage, national president of the Migration Institute of Australia.'We don't believe that someone who has been a permanent resident of Australia for a long time should be revalidated as well and there is an ability to do that the way the Bill stands at present,' she explained, adding that at worst, the Minister's powers could be used to significantly skew the interpretation of the public interest and discriminate against large numbers of long term visa holders lawfully living in Australia.The Law Council of Australia said it is also concerned that the Bill goes beyond 10-year Chinese visa programme that it was originally intended to relate to and said it is 'neither necessary nor proportionate to its intended objective'.Dutton defended the Bill. 'What we've said is during that period of holding a visa, if somebody, for example, commits a criminal offence or they are put on a terrorist watch list then we reserve the right to go back and have look at their details and stop them from coming to our country,' he told Australian radio.
I'm a 25 year old uk citizen over in Australia on 6 month tourist visa visiting family and my partner of over a year.

Only just recently found out I am 4 and a half months pregnant which is a surprise to us. Obviously I'm pregnant and in Australia on this visa and not quite sure to no what to do want this baby to be with both parents, the doctor we have seen has advised any travel now Isnt recommend and would be flying at my own risk if so,

I'm unsure of what to do now as I'm starting to get worried here, has any body got any idea what will happen?? Please advise if you can thank you
An update and tips:



I went to a different police station and didn't have any troubles. I was also not treated like my request was a huge inconvenience.



For those of you in the Brisbane Area, I recommend going to the City Police Station on Charlotte St., and stay away from the one in Fortitude Valley.



What I brought with me:

-My Passport

-Both pages of the FBI fingerprint card (fingerprint card and the other page that comes with it).

-They did not seem to require a letter and the lady I dealt with didn't see why the other police station would want this, as she stated 'we don't care what you do with them, you could take them home and hang them up on your wall'. But I did bring that second page of the FBI fingerprint card (as mentioned above) and I printed out the Document Checklist for the visa I am applying for, just in case they needed to see something.



Some tips:

-Call the police station ahead of time and tell them what you need and ask them when the best time to come in is. Ask them what all you need to bring in (and if they say anything about a letter I would try a different one). I went in this morning just after the start of the morning time frame they gave, and I was in and out in a half an hour. Everyone was helpful and nice.

-Don't wear jewelry on your fingers/hands, you'll have to remove them (I had to take my ring off so might as well just not have any on).

-Don't wear anything that you wouldn't want ink to get on. It's messy and could end up anywhere.

-Be prepared to pay for all of your sets of prints. I was told it would be the 30some per set, so I just got 2 done. In the end they only charged one fee, but I was prepared to pay per set of inking.



Hopefully this information will be helpful to others.



thanks to everyone for the replies as well.

-M
"how they handle my visa incompetently."



Don't feel like the Lone Ranger!



I have had several issues over the maybe 20 visa applications I have had. Some far more serious than others, in the old days I was verbally told what went wrong by the Second Sec at 2 embassies - now that contact is removed.



I think the last was around 2 weeks for the reply - the Case officer is fully supported during these investigations and all is done to make the applicant at fault. But if you are right in you incompetent claims you will be informed the Case officer has been counselled and informed how better to please the applicant, inform applicant or generally cover up mistakes.
I would be inclined to delay my application - apply for an 820 visa after you have done the ceremony in her home country and are back in Australia without any other commitments to leave - allow the 3 month period to lapse, get a BVA and if she subsequently needs to leave then apply for a BVB in good time.



That way you will know exactly where you stand. I wouldn't expect an issue with the officials at the port of entry, she is after all using her visa for the intended purpose. If you do have an issue with re entry then at least you don't have an 820 in progress and fees paid, then you can go down the 309 offshore route. Yes being apart for the time it takes to process sucks but its a means to an end.



If you are still unsure as to what to do I would strongly suggest having a consultation with a migration agent, their fees aren't huge - $200 maybe and will clear up any misgivings you have.



*edit - besides by waiting a bit longer it means you've been in the relationship longer and therefore have more evidence and a stronger case at the time of application.
Production model debut at Shanghai Auto Show 2017; the Urus range will also feature the companys first plug-in hybrid.

Industry sources say that the Lamborghini Urus (production version) is expected to launch at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2017. The Urus concept was first showcased to the world at the Beijing Auto Show. Before the official unveil, Lamborghini will preview the Urus to customers at private showings due to take place at their SantAgata plant. The company is also expanding its plant capacity in order to cope with increased demand. It is expecting sales of around 3,500 SUVs annually.

The Urus is Lamborghinis first SUV since the LM002 (1986-1993). The name Urus is derived from the ancestor of modern domestic cattle, also known as the aurochs.

The brands R&D chief, Maurizio Reggiani, said, The design [of the Urus] is pure Lamborghini. It has evolved considerably since the [2015] concept and the finished car is much better inside and out.

The Urus range will feature the first plug-in hybrid in the Lamborghini line-up. The plug-in hybrid Urus will be offered alongside a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 model. The Urus is planned to be based on an evolution of Audis MLB platform which underpins the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg and Bentley Bentayga.

Competition for the Urus is expected to come from the Audi Q8, Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DBX, BMW X7, Maserati Levante, Mercedes-Maybach SUV, Range Rover SVAutobiography and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Source
Company has announced Rs 1,500 crore investment in two of its Maharashtra plants that will produce the MPV.

We had reported a few months ago that Mahindra is readying an all-new MPV (Codename: U321) which is likely to rival the popular Toyota Innova Crysta. The carmaker has further announced that it is investing Rs 1,500 crore at its Nashik and Igatpuri plants in Maharashtra and the investment includes development and manufacture of this new MPV. While the investment in the Nashik plant will be towards the manufacturing of vehicles, investment in the Igatpuri plant will be for the manufacturing and supply of engines.

Mahindras Innova rival is still in development and is slated to hit showrooms in the second-half of this year. Camouflaged test mules of the vehicle have already been sighted near Mahindras vehicle development centre  Mahindra Research Valley  on the outskirts of Chennai, which is usually responsible for initial vehicle development and testing.

Going by the spy shots, this new vehicle has the traditional tall MPV stance with a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs for maximum interior room. Up front, the now-familiar Mahindra grille is an instant giveaway about its identity. The shape of the headlights resembles the recently-launched Mahindra Imperio pick-up truck; the bumper looks tall with a prominent air intake and provisions for fog lamps. Moving on to the sides, the glasshouse is typical MPV but going by Mahindras flamboyant design language, the body may include a number of stylistic slashes and creases.

Mahindra is also readying a long-wheelbase variant of its TUV. Read more on that here.
Carmaker denies any wrongdoing, but the South Korean government has ruled that the Renault-built 1.6-litre diesel engine cheated emissions tests.

Nissan has been found guilty of using a 'cheat device' on the Renault-sourced 1.6-litre diesel engine on the British-built Qashqai SUV sold in South Korea, the country's government has ruled.

The Japanese manufacturer insists it has complied with regulations. We are disappointed with the courts decision," a statement from Nissan said. "Nissan Korea maintains that it has complied with all existing regulations and did not use an unjustified arbitrary setup or an illegal defeat device in the Euro 6 Qashqai.

The South Korean government, however, ruled that the so-called device lowered nitrogen oxide emissions under testing, leading to excess nitrogen oxide emissions when the system deactivated under normal driving conditions.

The Qashqai models that have been affected were built in the UK and used 1.6-litre diesel engines from its sister brand, Renault. Qashqai sales in South Korea have been halted and 814 units have been recalled.

Nissan was fined around 3,00,000 last year after being accused of cheating on its emissions tests, but the company refuted the claims and later sued the government's environment ministry.

When it was originally accused, the manufacturer strenuously denied accusations by the South Korean government that it had used an emissions defeat device.

The South Korean government independently tested real-world emissions of 20 diesel cars in the wake of the VW scandal, and it was believed that the cheat device discovered was linked to Nissan's emissions-reducing Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, which stopped operating when the engine's temperature reached 35deg C.

"Usually, some cars turn off the emission reduction device when the temperature reaches 50deg C, to prevent the engine from overheating,'' a government spokesman said at the time. The Qashqai was the only vehicle that turned it off at 35deg C.
News / Africa

by Staff Reporter

A 48 year old man from Matebeleland has gone blind after stealing a blanket in South Africa from a Zimbabwean colleague.Maqhawe Mlotshwa told Kwayedza that he stole a blanket from Stanely Ngwenya in 2009 when he was coming back home.Mlotshwa had been in South Africa since 1996 and came back in 2009 when he became blind.He visited prophets who told him to go and beg for forgiveness to Ngwenya for him to receive back his sight but unfortunately when he returned in South Africa Ngwenya was reported dead.Mlotshwa is very remorseful for his actions and no one seems to know what happened between him and Ngwenya.
The new fifth-generation E-class comes to India with a very sharp focus on luxury and rear seat comfort. Does it pamper enough?

What is it?

The easiest way to score a goal, if you think about it, is to shift the goalpost. And that's exactly what Mercedes has done with the all-new long-wheelbase E-class, a car that it has specially developed for Indian buyers. Adapted to right-hand drive from the China-only LWB E-class, the new V213 has been engineered with a sharp focus on rear seat comfort. Given the fact that there are a high percentage of chauffeur-driven E-class customers in India, Mercedes-Benz has given focus to the long-wheelbase E-class. What Mercedes also found was that, though most of them drive only on the weekend, they still want to enjoy the car from behind the wheel too. And that's where the big 258hp diesel V6 under the hood of this car comes in.

Elsewhere in the range there is a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol as well that makes 184hp, and there's a new-generation 2.0-litre diesel too that will also follow later this year. Known as the OM654, this 1,950cc engine is well below the 2,000cc mark and can thus help evade any potential sub-2.0-litre diesel restriction in India. But this will only come to our market later.

Walk around the car however and it's the extra length that gets you first. It looks regal, classy and sophisticated, all rolled into one. The design of the car follows current Merc trends to a T. Things like the overall balance, the skinning of the car and the detailing are clearly similar to both the S-class and the C-class. The all-LED headlights are a link to the previous-gen car and the sporty grille up front provides plenty of continuity too. The headlight pods however are recessed and placed below the hood line, and the sporty chin gives the E a youthful appeal.

Follow the lines of the car all the way to the rear and it looks handsome in a big-boned way. The bonnet is long, there is a distinct ridge that runs through the door handles all the way to the rear and what's clear is that the three-meter plus wheelbase and the new rear quarter glass make it look like a baby Maybach. Notice how the base of the 'C' pillar is finished in a band of thick and luscious chrome. Some brand loyalists however will miss the traditional Merc grille up front, especially with the long-wheelbase version looking so regal.



The long-wheelbase version of the E-class, known as the V213, has an incredible 3,079mm between the wheels, making for massive cabin space. And this top-of-the-line 350d gets air suspension all round, with the S-class matching three-chamber design for the struts (others will get steel springs). Ground clearance is 120mm in the lowest setting, but this can be raised by a further 15mm if you use the 'lift' feature. What's nice is that, unlike some of the competition, Merc hasn't gone for outsized wheels. The 17-inch 10-spoke alloys look alright but, importantly, have a healthy profile for our rutted roads.
Photo courtesy of EveryCarListed via Flickr.

The average fuel economy for new vehicles sold in the U.S. in January rose 0.1 mpg to reach 25.1 mpg, according to Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle from the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).

The study, which includes window sticker ratings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, also found that the average fuel economy is up 5 mpg from October of 2007 (the first month of monitoring) but down 0.4 mpg from the high of 25.5 mpg from August of 2014.

The University of Michigans Eco-Driving Index (EDI), which estimates the average monthly emissions of greenhouse gasses generated by individual U.S. drivers, remained unchanged in October and November of 2016 at a value of 0.83 (the lower the value the better).

The EDI estimated that, compared to October 2007, new-vehicles produced 17% lower emissions. This is 5% higher than the record low for emissions reached in November of 2013.
Photo courtesy of General Motors

Maven, GMs mobility brand, is expanding its offerings in Atlanta from the Lyft Express Drive program to now including Maven City carsharing.

Mavens carsharing program allows registered members to reserve one of 50 vehicles at more than 20 locations throughout Atlanta. The initial offering will focus on areas such as Ponce City Market, Midtown, West Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, East Atlanta Village, and Inman Park.

Maven City members can choose a vehicle from a diverse fleet, which includes Chevrolet Cruze and Cruze Hatchback, Malibu, Tahoe and Volt; GMC Acadia and Yukon; and Cadillac ATS and Escalade, according to GM.

Hourly rates start as low as $8, including gas and insurance. Maven has no membership or application fees.

With cars right around the corner in Atlantas most walkable neighborhoods, there is now a Maven vehicle to meet the many different lifestyle needs of people living in the city, said Julia Steyn, vice president, General Motors Urban Mobility and Maven. Atlantas commitment to urban mobility solutions makes it a great choice as the next Maven City carsharing market.

In 11 months, Maven has launched three products and has grown to 17 cities in the U.S. and Canada, including Ann Arbor, Mich.; Atlanta; Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Denver; Detroit; Los Angeles; Jersey City, N.J.; Nashville, Tenn.; New York City; Orlando; Phoenix; San Diego; San Francisco; Washington, D.C.; and Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
Volvo will make its way into the crossover vehicle market with its soon-to-be-launched XC40. Volvo's R&D boss, Henrik Green, recently confirmed that the compact SUV will indeed be unveiled in the latter half of 2017.

AutoCar UK spoke with Henrik Green during the Detroit Motor Show. "There's a big chance it'll be one of the most successful cars in our line-up," pointing to the Volvo XC40. This compact SUV will be using the all-new platform aptly called Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), specifically designed for small cars. The CMA was developed in partnership with Volvo's Chinese parent company Geely.

Volvo XC40 will not be the only vehicle in this lineup to utilize Volvo's CMA. Two other small Volvos will ride on this new architecture, including the new replacement to the V40.

The Volvo XC40 is set to rival Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in its own segment. In fact, this specific compact SUV was seen last year as the Concept 40.1, alongside the 40.2.

According to MotorAuthority, Volvo's compact SUV will be wearing the "T5" badge. They will be featuring a twin engine plug-in hybrid technology. A possible 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol power unit could come as a standard option next to the 4-cylinder diesel.

At the heels of the debut of Volvo XC40, a family of 40-series models is set to be sold in the United States. They will significantly represent "part of growth in the next 3 to 4 years," adds Green.

Also, the second-generation XC60 will launch this year, replacing the company's best-selling SUV. Further, V60 and S60 replacements will soon follow suit. After this, the company will focus on their all-electric models come 2019.

Volvo XC40 is the 3rd SUV in its line-up. However, a possible addition to the lineup isn't ruled out by the R&D boss.
The new BMW M2 CS has been spotted during its cold-weather testing in northern Sweden. Reports noted that this could be the more driver-focused, yet wilder version of the BMW M2. It has been heavily camouflaged but this still could be a new model, not simply a facelifted version.

Car Magazine reports that there were clues pointing to the spy shots that this, in fact, is the new BMW M2 CS. First off is the arrangement of the exhaust. It closely resembles that of the M3 and M4, compared with the standard setup of the exhaust in the M2.

Further, the dual-clutch transmission cooler has also been moved. This could indicate that the M2 CS could be packing a different engine compared with the current M2. Usually, we can get a glance of the DCT cooler's return line right in the middle of the vehicle's kidney grille. But it seems that it is in the lower part of the grille for the M2 CS, which is again similar to that on the M3 and M4. Adding to more suspicion is the massive armor used to cover the front end. Well, the German automaker wouldn't go to such lengths if they weren't hiding anything under all that.

According to AutoGuide, since the DCT cooler has been displaced, this could mean that the BMW M2 CS has the S55 engine instead of the N55. If this vehicle is packing a more powerful engine, it could produce around 400 horses. But we will find out once the car makes its debut and whether the German automaker will allow it to reach 425 horses like that in the M3 and M4.

All these are true, then the BMW M2 CS could be a worthy adversary with even less weight and more power. Revised suspensions, adaptive dampers taken from the M3 and M4, and also a body kit for this vehicle are to be expected.

We will keep you updated as soon as this model makes it official debut. Stay tuned for more news and updates on the BMW M2 CS before 2017 commences.
The first civil version of the latest Lockheed Hercules transport, the LM-100J, closely modeled on the military C-130J, rolled off the assembly linein Marietta, Georgia Thursday morning. Lockheed Martin told reporters they expect customers will use aircraft for oversized cargo transport, aerial spraying and firefighting, austere field operations, and search and rescue applications.

Although demilitarized, Lockheed Martin says the LM-100J will retain much of the specialized equipment installed on its combat-oriented cousin for military applications including the heads-up displays, computer-aided release point software for precision airdrops, and ground-mapping radar. The key visual difference between the aircraft is the removal of the C-130Js lower cockpit windows. Air crews will be pleased to know that the LM-100J comes with a microwave oven, but the C-130Js flush toilet has been removed, and the coffee maker is now a customer option, according to Lockheed Martins internal magazine, Code One.

Spokeswoman Stephanie Stinn told Avweb that Lockheed Martin has 25 orders for the aircraft, among them 10 from ASL Aviation Group, who announced their intent to purchase the aircraft at the Farnborough Air Show in 2014 to replace their aging L-100 fleet. (Starting in 1964, Lockheed manufactured and sold 115 copies of the L-100, a civilian adaptation of the then-current C-130E, of which Lockheed Martin says 55 are still in service. The LM-100J is Lockheeds first civilian, fixed-wing product since production ceased on the L-100 in 1992.) Hugh Flynn, CEO of ASL Aviation, announced at the time of the deal that the LM-100J will be deployed in the most difficult and distressing circumstances, bringing humanitarian aid and relief to those suffering most around the world. In a press release, Lockheed Martin said the aircraft completed Thursday would begin flight testing in spring 2017 to support Lockheeds application for a type design update, permitting operation by non-military users.
Testifying before the House and Senate Armed Services committees this week, leaders of the Air Force and Navy described the billion-dollar economic impact the national pilot shortage is having on their services. Gen. Steven Wilson, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, told congressional leaders, We can recruit pilots without a problem. The problem is retaining them. For the last five years, retention of pilots has declined. We need to keep 65% of pilots past the 10-year point, when pilots post-training contracts expire. Gen. Wilson continued, Today, were doing less than half of that. Wilson reports that the Air Force and Navy train a combined 2,000 new pilots per year at an ultimate cost of $10 million for a seasoned fighter pilot. Retaining 400 more fighter pilots for an additional five-year commitment, by Gen. Wilsons estimates, would save the Air Force approximately $2 billion.

Service leaders described the push of too little flying, together with long deployments, and the pull of comparatively lucrative airline pay that is drawing pilots out of the armed forces. Gen. Wilson says flying is why people join the Air Force and todays fighter pilots are flying 140 to 150 hours a yearthats significantly down from before. Pilots averaged 260 days away from home per year during deployment and 110 days away from home on temporary duty when not deployed overseas. Wilson says that when pilots reach the 11-year mark, families ask whether it makes sense to keep doing this when the airlines are hiring, paying a lot of money, and providing better stability. Service leaders estimate the major airlines are hiring 4,000 pilots each year to meet the combined needs of industry growth and pilot retirements.
After a month on simmer, what do AVweb readers think aboutthe FAAs new BasicMed Third-Class medical exemption rule? Our recently completed survey provides a glimpse and if I could characterize the overall mood, Id call it disappointed resignation.

Why the disappointment? If theres any common theme in the responses we received on the survey its that readers expected and wanted a drivers license medical standard similar to the sport pilot rule. The fact that BasicMed falls short of this this drew a steady stream of ire. Third-Class medical exemption using a drivers license was very important. This BasicMed turkey is irrelevant, wrote reader David Dean in one of dozens of unvarnished, blunt comments we received.

To summarize, we published the survey on AVweb in early January and received 1966 responses, a fairly large number for this sort of thing. The vast majority of respondents had active Third-Class medicals and some 20 percent were flying on special issuances. An unknown number were flying under the sport rule on drivers license certs. That pilots were interested in medical reform is shown in the graphic at left. More than 90 percent of respondents followed the Third-Class exemption closely or very closely.

Similarly, a large number of pilots told us that having this medical exemption is important to their personal flying. Forty-five percent called it very important and another 32 percent said it was somewhat important. But having read over the proposed ruleit doesnt go into effect until May 1, 2017pilots seem less thrilled with the results. I see no difference between a Third Class and the BasicMed, other than four years and somewhat less FAA involvement, and ultimately more costs, commented one reader. (Not all readers agreed to our request to use their names for this report.)

Related to this was our question about how readers think BasicMed will stimulate aviation activity. Here, the opinions may be a little more encouraging as shown in the graph summary at right. It suggests a majority think BasicMed will help and 15 percent think it will be very effective. But those who left comments on this question werent expecting much. It wont slow the decline any. This legislation is useless, wrote James Koper. We would say his comment was in the majority. But at least some readers think BasicMed cant help but stimulate some activity, by either keeping owners in airplanes they might have otherwise sold or by breaking loose some sales. The used airplane market will explode upward, commented another reader.

When readers were asked if BasicMed would make them consider keeping an airplane they might otherwise not, a third said yes and nearly a third said no. However, many of our readers and respondents to the survey already own airplanes so its biased toward owners. That may explain why only 17 percent of respondents said BasicMed would make them consider buying an airplane, new or used. More than half said BasicMed will have no bearing on that decision, but again, it may be because theyre already owners.

One thing we hadnt figured on is that BasicMed may have an effect on owner decisions to equip with ADS-B. It removes the financial risk from an avionics (WAAS GPS, ADS-B Out GPSS, navcomm et al.) upgrade, so instead of postponing, now Im scheduling to begin soon, one commenter told us. We also asked if any light sport owners would consider moving into a certified airplane now that medical certification worries are off the table. Surprisingly, there werent enough LSA owners in the sample to make any sense of the question. I think this suggests that light sport pilots have crossed the divide on medical worry and just dont even think about it enough to answer a survey.

Clearly, the chief worry among pilots is finding a doctor who will sign the BasicMed checklist, a draft of which appears in AC 68-1. (We dont know if it will change in the final form, but its not likely to, since the draft reflects the legislative direction from Congress.) I noticed a dichotomy in the responses. As the graph shows, not quite a third of respondents thought it will be easy to find a doc while more than a third thought it would be a little difficult. Fourteen percent said impossible.

But in the comment fields, the remarks were more strongly negative; not universally so, but the majority of commenters said liability concerns will keep doctors from participating in BasicMed. I cant believe that the FAA wants everyone to believe that it took six months to make a copy of the 8500-8 form. I personally dont see much benefit in the whole dog-and-pony show program. If you presently have a valid state drivers license, there is no reason that you cannot pilot a aircraft. The medical profession is not going to want intrusion by another government agency, wrote one commenter.

My doctor already said no, and all the other doctors at my medical plaza said the same. The reason is obvious: Liability. FAA knew this, thats why it passed so easily, commented Michael Livote. To be fair, a number of readers said their doctors had already agreed to sign off on BasicMed and others said their docs would.

On a personal note, I saw my own doctornon-AMEthis week and brought along the AC 68-1 checklist. The news isnt good. He said the medical group doesnt sign such declarations when they are asked for driving permits and I doubt if theyre going to make an exception for aviation. He promised to hand it off to the groups legal counsel. Im sure mine wont be the only such request.

AOPA and EAA say theyre both aware of this potential problem and are developing educational programs for non-AME doctors. For now, as the survey indicated, the entire success of the program remains unknown if doctors wont participate. On the other hand, AMEs may step into the breach and scoop up some new business. Or at least reduce the erosion of pilots abandoning traditional medicals.

Last speaking of AOPA, readers recognize that the alphabets were instrumental in lobbying the BasicMed enabling legislation. But thats not the same as saying they think the advocates did a good job. The survey was full of complaints like this one: The compromise they reached was a huge failure. It is bad policy. AOPA was more concerned with getting a win than with getting it right, wrote one reader. AOPA was started by a doc. Do I need to say more? added Melvin Freedman. Still, despite these negatives, less than 5 percent of readers said AOPA and/or EAA made no difference. They helped get it passed, but could not prevent poison pill inclusion, added reader Mark Foringer.

Additional Comments:

I cant believe that the FAA wants everyone to believe that it took six months to make a copy of the 8500-8 form. I personally dont see much benefit in the whole dog-and-pony show program. If you presently have a valid state drivers license there is no reason that you cannot pilot an aircraft. The medical profession is not going to want intrusion by another government agency.

Cant see where BasicMed did much except going from two to four years to get a medical. With most of the same requirements it looks like FAA got a little vindictive after we/congress went around them. I was expecting/hoping it would be fairly easy for your family doc to do the medical but the way it looks, I doubt if many non-AMEs will want to go to the trouble or take the risk.Dennis R.

I think it will get increasingly difficult to find a doctor who will sign the checklist. As non-AME doctors become more aware of the liability concerns, fewer will be willing to sign. At the same time, fewer doctors will become AMEs due to the reduced demand for services. It will become more of an issue to find an AME within a reasonable travel distance. John McNerney

I am excited that it will be implemented! May 1, 2017.Wylie M. Smith

I feel let down. I see this as an attempt by the FAA to keep the regulations in their favor as opposed to what was laid out in the Pilots Bill of Rights.

This new rule did nothing more than appease ALPA and the FAA. It will be more difficult to get a medical because the general physician will be reluctant to accept the liability. Additionally, there is no physical exam requirement to drive a car, which is what was originally sold to the flying public. The checklist of the BasicMed medical exam is quite detailed. It will be simpler and cheaper to go to an AME. Furthermore, even though the FAA says that the medical findings by your private physician will be confidential, all bets will be off if there is an accident or incident that requires an FAA or NTSB investigation.

It about time this happened. Now we just need the training and test to be published and available to everyone  quickly and not at the last minute.Frederick Williamson

A reasonable solution to the problem. Took about 20 years too long.

Having a special issuance cert, I am relieved to have the BasicMed opportunity. I dont mind the weight/pax restrictions because I dont do that kind of flying. I will be getting with the AOPA medical experts because I have questions relating to my special issuance cert.

I will be recommending some of my students pursue the BasicMed program. The biggest frustration to me is the FL180 limitation. Im not sure what makes FL180 a big deal when pilots can fly under IFR with the BasicMed program. I could understand FL280 to stay below airline traffic in RVSM airspace. For pilots with a turbocharged piston airplane, it can be a fairly significant limitation to be required to stay below FL180.David Richardson

BasicMed is a good first step, but it should not be considered a complete solution. AOPA and EAA should continue to push for refinements to streamline the process and work towards a true drivers-license medical for Third Class, as per the original goal.Dean DeRosia

No doctor is going to sign this  AME is the only option. I know my doctor that I get a yearly physicaland I am in great conditionwill not be allowed to sign by his group and he would not sign this if he was on his own. They will get strong recommendations by their insurers and their organizations to not sign. This is a waste of time and effort since this inability to get a signed form will kill the program. Also, why do you think this makes it more likely that people will buy aircraft  no relationship. What you should have done is get the Third Class medical to be every four to five years after 40 with an AME.Manthou Tsiouris
When Yao Huifeng quit his well-paying job at a medical company to grow rice six years ago, he was nicknamed "Yao the idiot".Now people call him "Manager Yao" due to his successful career transition.

From city life to farm work in Yifeng county, Jiangxi province, Yao has tried various methods for growing high-quality rice, the only constant being that his produce is organic.

He avoids using chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and leaves the field fallow for a season to guarantee quality, which is what Chinese middle-class consumers now care about most.

His rice sells for 10 yuan ($1.45) per kilogram, three times higher than average, yet it is still popular.

Last year, his success drew more than 70 local farmers to join his rice cooperative.

"Ninety percent of the local field shave switched to organic rice, and the economic output in our cooperative has exceeded 4 million yuan," Yao said.

Organic farming, and eco-farming in a broader sense, is becoming increasingly popular in the world's most populous nation amid growing concerns for food safety.

China has become the world's fourth-largest organic food consumer, but organic food penetration is still small, taking up only about 1.5 percent of the country's food market share, according to a report by Zero Power Intelligence Group, a research institution headquartered in Shenzhen.

A governmental document issued earlier this week called for increased output of high-quality products based on "green" and innovative production.

It also said the country would maintain a zero increase in the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
News / International

by BBC

Household goods giant Reckitt Benckiser has agreed to buy US baby formula maker Mead Johnson for $16.6bn (13.2bn)The UK-based maker of Durex and Dettol said the purchase would help it grow in China, and provide "a significant step forward" in its efforts to become a "leader in consumer health".Mead Johnson makes infant formula under the Enfa brand and had sales of $3.7bn in 2016.The deal is worth $17.9bn once Mead Johnson's debt is taken into account.Mead Johnson chairman James Cornelius said Reckitt's offer provided "tremendous value" to shareholders.They will receive $90 per share, 29% more than its $69.50 share price on 1 February, before bid speculation began.China boomChina's 2015 decision to scrap its one-child policy could be an opportunity for consumer goods companies.Couples are now allowed to have two children after concerns about China's ageing population led the government to reverse the decades-long rule.Last year, China's birth rate was the highest this century, with the number of newborns rising by 7.9%, or 17.86 million, on 2015.As a result of this baby boom, analysts expect demand for food, formula, clothes and medicine to grow.Reckitt Benckiser said it would fund the purchase with loans from its banks Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank and HSBC, and through selling bonds.The deal will need the approval of shareholders for both companies and regulators. If Reckitt Benckiser shareholders reject the deal, the company will pay Mead Johnson $480m.
10 February 2017 10:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Reading the Twitter posts of one of the main agencies of the Armenian lobby in the US  the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)  one can find some flaws in education of those who write the angry posts directed against Azerbaijan, including against Trend Agency.

The tenacity, with which the Armenian lobby in the US is trying to set Israel and Azerbaijan  the two allies and strategic partners  at loggerheads, is somewhat disturbing.

By the way, ANCA has already attempted to negatively affect the relations between the two countries. Juggling with facts, ANCA has recently tried to set Azerbaijan and Israel at loggerheads in the most painful topic for the latter  the Holocaust.

That time, the provocation of the Armenian lobby received an adequate response from Trend Agency.

In this article, we will expose the recent provocative actions by ANCA regarding Israels Iron Dome missile defense system.

A recent Twitter post urging for prohibiting the sale of Iron Dome system by Israel to Azerbaijan is a continuation of ANCAs campaign. In late January, ANCA announced that the sale of the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense system to Azerbaijan must be checked under the US Arms Export Control.

Now the Armenian lobby has gone a step further and decided to practically force the US to exert pressure on Israel in the issue of selling the missile defense system to Azerbaijan.

ANCA's call is based on that the US and Israeli defense ministries have an agreement banning the sale of Iron Dome to third countries without each others consent.

The ban is based on the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), a US code governing the sale of American arms abroad.

According to one of the ITAR articles, the US has the right to veto the sale of certain types of military equipment, which may contain the US technologies, by Israel to third countries (or individuals).

It is quite obvious why the Iron Dome is covered by the agreement  though there are no American technologies in it, the Iron Dome project of Israel is financed by the US.

The US House of Representatives approved the law H.R.5327 United States-Israel Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act in May 2010. According to the law, the US administration is allowed to assist the Israeli government in procurement and maintenance of Iron Dome.

According to the official reports and expert estimates, the US has recently allocated several billion dollars to upgrade Iron Dome.

That money was allocated for the Israeli defense ministry to purchase Iron Dome from the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd which developed that system.

The company is among 100 largest arms producers in the world.

Apparently, the ban on the Israeli defense ministrys sale of Iron Dome refers directly to the batteries which were purchased through the US funds to meet Israels needs.

It is unlikely that the US can forbid Rafael to sell its products to other countries.

Azerbaijans Minister of Defense Industry Yavar Jamalov has earlier said that an agreement on the sale of Iron Dome was reached by the Ministry of Defense Industry and the respective Israeli authority.

This may have brought ANCA to conclusion that Azerbaijan will be buying the Iron Dome systems that were paid for by the US. However, it is important to know the nuances of contracts signed on Israeli weapons. The point is that Israels defense deals are signed at the level of government delegations, but in fact the country acts only as a guarantor for the fulfillment of obligations.

So, a contract could have been signed between defense authorities of Israel and Azerbaijan for the supply of Rafaels products.

Unprofessional approach of the Armenian lobby in the US to any matter connected with Azerbaijan seems to be related to the fact that the Armenian diaspora is losing ground under its feet and so it is taking everything very emotionally, forgetting to deal with facts.

The ANCA members had to, at least, think about the fact that an open deal contradicting the American legislation and bilateral agreements between Israel and the US would have brought about opposition from Washington.

The fact that the US didnt react to another hysteria of the Armenian lobby can either mean that the deal to be signed doesnt give the US a right to impose a ban on the Iron Dome sale, or that the US gave permission to Israel for a deal.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2017 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan and Ukraine which enjoy sustainable prospects of bilateral relations in political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian fields plan to breathe a new life into the economic cooperation.

Azerbaijan, the largest nation in the South Caucasus with rich hydrocarbon resources, can offer a large variety of products, in particular oil and agricultural products, to Ukraine, which is very interested in their supplies.

Based on huge opportunities the two nations possess, Vadim Sidyachenko, Head of the Economic Department of the Ukrainian Embassy in Baku, told Azernews about the prospects of increasing the bilateral trade turnover this year.

Question: How can you describe the development of relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan over the past 25 years?

Answer: Relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan were comprehensive and inclusive over the past 25 years of establishment of diplomatic ties. Indeed, there were ups and downs, even stagnation recorded in the early 1990's when Azerbaijan experienced difficult time of war for its territorial integrity. Ukraine fought on the side of Azerbaijan and helped both arms and humans.



The relations developed more dynamically in 2010-2011, when the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to over $1 billion per year, which was the most peak figure at the time.



In the end of 2015 Ukraine and Azerbaijan found a quick dialogue and visit of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to Baku in July 2016 significantly brought the positions of the two countries closer. So, 2016 was a breakthrough in relations between the two states.

Beginning from 2014 until the beginning of 2016 the trade turnover between the two countries tended to decrease by 30 percent a year compared to previous year. In the second half of last year this decline stopped and was stable.

During the negotiations in Davos this January President Ilham Aliyev and President Poroshenko held a friendly meeting, where they confirmed an interest in the projects which have been agreed. Also, it is planned to hold the 12th session of the intergovernmental commission under the chairmanship of First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyyubov and Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Gennadiy Zubko.

Besides, an Azerbaijani delegation of 15 companies are scheduled to visit Ukraine.

Q.: What spheres are the most attractive and promising for the development of bilateral economic relations? Which fields of Azerbaijani economy represent particular interest for Ukrainian businessmen?

Answer: Analysis into the bilateral turnover show that ferrous metallurgy. topped the exports to Azerbaijan. In particular, Ukrainian rolled metal had a particular share, almost 50 percent, in construction market when Azerbaijan experienced the construction boom during the preparations for Eurovision Song Contest, housing building and Baku Shipyard in 2010 to 2015. However, Ukrainian supplies reduced automatically following a decrease by 30-40 percent in the volume of construction activities beginning from 2014.



I would emphasize here a tremendous increase in the volume of supplies of agricultural products, sugar, confectionery and meat to Azerbaijan over the past few years. So, these products substituted metal exports to some extent. At the same time, 18 percent of Ukrainian exports to Azerbaijan account for cigarettes, which are produced in Ukraine by world leading companies such as British-American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco.

Ukraine, in turn, purchases products of chemical industry, polymers and plastics from Azerbaijan.

Q.: Ukraine is interested in Azerbaijan's oil and its transit to Europe. How do you assess the energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine?

Answer: Ukraine is interested in importation of oil products from Azerbaijan, which Ukraine purchases mainly from Russia, and gasoline acquired from Belarus. So, Ukraine is much more interested in supply of high-quality Azerbaijani oil for its refineries, as well as further transit to Eastern Europe.

For instance, Ukrainian UkrTransNafta signed a three-year agreement with SOCAR to purchase 4 million tons of Azerbaijani oil for processing at Krichevsky refinery. It will be exported to the refinery from Black Sea and Southern Port.



Along with crude imports Ukraine is also interested in transit of Azerbaijani oil. Another memorandum of UkrTransNafta with Azerbaijan provides for supply of Azerbaijani oil to the refineries of Eastern Europe. Of course it should have commercial interest for Azerbaijan and be attractive for SOCAR. Today SOCAR delivers oil mainly to Europe including Eastern Europe via the Mediterranean sea.



Belarus is also considering the ways to diversify its oil supply sources and regards Azerbaijani oil supplies through Ukraine as a possible option.

Q.: How can you assess the current level of Azerbaijani-Ukrainian economic cooperation? Can we call the current level of trade turnover between the two sides satisfying? What can you tell about the prospects of increasing bilateral trade?

A.: Ukraine takes an interest in import of Azerbaijani agricultural products such as pomegranate, tangerine, persimmon, hazelnut, tomatoes and cucumbers. Now, Ukrainians can easily differ Azerbaijani pomegranate from other countries as Azerbaijani are sweeter and tastier. We also know that Azerbaijan hazelnut is precisely one of the most high-quality varieties. However, many people alongside the quality also pay attention to its price, which is higher compared to hazelnuts from other countries.



Today grand part of Azerbaijani tomatoes and cucumbers is exported to Russia, but I think that it would be in demand in Ukraine as well. And now we are working on export of Azerbaijani products to Ukrainian market.



Besides goods export, Ukraine is also interested in development of tourist trips between the two sides. Recently, Ukrainians began paying increasingly much attention to Azerbaijan, especially Baku -- a romantic capital with beautiful infrastructure and different restaurants. But we also advise our tourist companies to organize tours to the regions of the country including Gabala, Sheki, Guba, Gusar, Shahdagh, and Mingachevir.



Ukrainian International Airlines are also engaged in this process. Two flights are carried out between Kyiv and Baku on a daily basis. One is performed by Azerbaijani side and the other one by Ukrainian. There is also increase in passenger flow, which increased from 150 a day in 2014 to 220-240 a day. Now we work on increasing the number of flights and directions.

Q.: How do you assess the prospects of participation of the two countries on major international projects? What are your predictions about the economic profitability of these projects?

A.: Azerbaijan is developing as a transit country. Azerbaijani and Ukrainian railways, as well as Baku Sea Port and Caspian Shipping Company seriously cooperate in development of New Silk Road.



In January 2016 the first train functioned through the Ukraine-Georgia-Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-China route, thus testifying for competitiveness of the route. The train smoothly passed the territory of Azerbaijan (Alat Port), whilst a little problem occurred in Aktau port, Kazakhstan, which is carrying out definite work to fix the shortage.



In 2016 Ukraine joined Trans Caspian Transit route together with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Turkey. And this project is very important for Ukraine and the country is planning to actively participate in it.



The second route passing through Azerbaijan is the North-South Transport corridor in the direction of Iran, the Persian Gulf, and India. Ukraine is also interested in this project, though there is still no goods in demand in this direction compared to eastern route. However, the project is still interesting on terms than to import goods around the whole of Africa.



Talking about investments between the two sides, we consider not only trade, but the most interesting is the establishment of industrial cooperation on the basis of mutual investments.



As Ilham Aliyev underlined at a meeting with President Poroshenko in Davos this January, Azerbaijani investments amounted to $200 million in Ukraine, in particularly, in construction and automaintenance. One of the expected projects is construction of asphalt plant in Ukraine by Azerbaijani investments. Today Ukraine has established itself in the construction and reconstruction of roads.

Ukraine also plans to invest in Azerbaijani market in particular in joint production of medicines. And this is the nearest projects that the two sides are expected to implement. The two countries plan to build a plant for production of infusion solutions.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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10 February 2017 11:38 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The Southern Gas Corridor is a project of strategic importance for the entire region of South-East Europe, the newly-appointed Energy Minister of Bulgaria Nikolay Pavlov said in an exclusive interview with Trend.



"Ensuring security of gas supply is one of the key priorities of the European Energy Union. Bulgaria and the EU are actively working on the diversification of sources and routes of gas supplies, which will ensure the implementation of this priority," said the minister.



"In this regard, the Southern Gas Corridor is a project of strategic importance for both Bulgaria and the entire region of South-East Europe that will provide energy security for the EU."



Pavlov pointed out that Bulgaria has supported this project since its initiation.



Azerbaijan is not only a major gas source, but also a key factor enabling the realization of the Southern Gas Corridor, added the minister.



"I must underline that Bulgaria and Azerbaijan enjoy excellent partnership, especially in the energy field. An expression of this partnership is the contract concluded between Bulgargaz and Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR for supply of 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from Shah Deniz 2. This gas will be delivered through the Southern Gas Corridor, namely: the South-Caucasus Pipeline, Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) to our country," said Pavlov.



The minister also talked about Bulgarias expectations from the upcoming meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council to be held in Baku, Feb.23.



At the forthcoming meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council, Bulgaria expects the countries involved in the project to inform about their progress regarding the above-mentioned projects, i.e. the development of the second phase of Shah Deniz, the expansion of the South-Caucasus Pipeline (SCPx), the construction of TANAP and the ongoing activities related to TAP, said Pavlov.



"On the Bulgarian side, we are going to present the significant progress in the IGB and the development of other Bulgarian interconnectors: the commissioning of the interconnector Bulgaria-Romania (IBR) at the end of 2016, the interconnector Turkey-Bulgaria (ITB) and the interconnector Bulgaria- Serbia (IBS)," he added.



The SGC Advisory Council held its first meeting on Feb. 12, 2015, and the second meeting on Feb. 29, 2016.



The Southern Gas Corridor envisages transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region to Europe via Georgia and Turkey.



The gas will be exported through expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 February 2017 11:04 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

A mission of the World Bank on financial and private sector development in the South Caucasus, headed by senior financial sector specialist Angela Prigozhina, will arrive in Baku on February 19.

The WB local office told Trend that the main purpose of the mission is to discuss the beginning of work within the second phase of the Financial Sector Development Program.

The WB mission, which will stay in Baku until March1, plans to discuss a variety of projects covering the insurance market, strengthening the financial infrastructure and solving the problem of overdue loans.

Besides, the mission will discuss the issue of improving the deposit insurance system in Azerbaijan.

The first phase of the Financial Sector Development Program was completed in June 2016. The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) allocated a grant of $4 million for its implementation in 2012.

The SECO will allocate $3 million as part of technical assistance to the second project on modernization of financial sector in Azerbaijan. The agency, which is responsible for planning and implementation of economic and trade policy measures, is expected to initially allocate some $2.2 million

Further, SECO will allocate additional $400,000 by November 30, 2018, and the same sum by November 30, 2019. The three tranches are expected to be totally drawn by August 2021.

As part of the technical assistance, SECO and the WB will support Azerbaijani government in enhancing the countrys financial stability by expanding regulatory and legal framework of the financial sector, as well as by strengthening regulatory and supervisory powers of Azerbaijans Financial Market Supervisory Body.

The assistance will cover five directions, namely supervision over the financial market, liquidation of banks, deposit insurance system, protection of consumers' rights and non-performing loans.

As part of the technical assistance, recommendations will be prepared to change the legal and institutional framework of the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF) to bring its activities in line with international standards, speed up the repayment of compensations and improve the mechanism of financing in unforeseen circumstances.

Azerbaijan became a WB member in 1992.

--

Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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10 February 2017 12:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran recorded a jump in the volume of trade turnover last year. Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said that the figure increased by 70 percent in 2016.

The minister, addressing an event at the Iranian Embassy in Baku, said that the two countries are constantly bolstering ties in different spheres, noting that nearly 40 documents have already been signed between the sides.

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran amounted to $175 million in January to November 2016, $130.13 million of which accounted for the import from Iran, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. The country's exports to Iran almost doubled to $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2016, while imports increased from $19.4 million in 2015 to $27 million in 2016.

In 2015, the index of trade turnover between the two countries stood at $ 123.786 million.

Currently, the two countries are focused on expanding economic ties in various fields, including industry, agriculture, energy, alternative energy, and transportation.

Irans Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mahmoud Vaezi earlier said that the two countries can develop mutual use of agricultural lands, organize joint export of agricultural products to third countries, and production of various agro-technologies, mentioning that the sides have already created a trade committee and determined a list of goods exported and imported by the two countries.

Iran is also Azerbaijans partner in construction of pharma plant in Pirallahi Industrial Park, which will start producing 84 kinds of medicines in the third quarter of 2018. The major part of drugs is planned to be sold on Azerbaijans domestic market, while a certain part will be exported.

Besides, the countries are reportedly considering the option on using the national currencies the manat and the rial  in bilateral trade. The issue has come in the spotlight following the announcement by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) to stop using USD as its currency of choice in its financial and foreign exchange reports.

--

Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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10 February 2017 16:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan and Iran plan to soon launch discussions on an earlier reached agreement on opening of settlement accounts.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in August 2016, the central banks of the two countries will open settlement accounts to defray the cost of transactions.

Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Javad Jahangirzadeh told Trend that head of Irans central bank Valiollah Seif will visit Azerbaijan on February 12 to discuss the issue.

The envoy further said that the talks over the issue have not yielded any results so far, expressing his hope for a positive outcome of the upcoming negotiations.

In the meantime, the sides may also discuss using national currencies (the manat, and the rial) in bilateral trade. The issue has come in the spotlight following the announcement by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) to stop using USD as its currency of choice in its financial and foreign exchange reports.

Moreover, the banking card systems of Iran and Azerbaijan are also expected to be integrated so that citizens of the two countries can use their banking cards in both states. The issue is currently being studied by a special expert commission.

Also, there are opportunities for creating branches of Iranian and Azerbaijani banks in both countries.

The banking sphere is deemed to be one of the most prospective directions for the expansion of the Azerbaijani-Iranian cooperation.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran amounted to $210.76 million in 2016, $49.68 million of which accounted for the export of Azerbaijani goods to Iran, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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10 February 2017 17:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan has called on the World Bank not to cooperate with Armenian banks operating in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev, addressing a meeting with the WB Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, Cyril Muller, said that the involvement of such banks in the projects of the WB is inadmissible.

He reiterated the position of Azerbaijan with regards to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, emphasizing that 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions is under occupation of Armenia.

The government of Armenia encourages its commercial banks to open branches in the occupied territories and undertakes efforts towards incorporating the occupied territories into its socioeconomic space (its banking and financial sector), in violation of international obligations. The branches of banks operating in the occupied territories are licensed by the Central Bank of Armenia.

Talking about the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the WB, Mustafayev said that the financial institution has already implemented some 40 projects in the country, while some 11 projects are in the process of realization.

He hailed the importance of financial projects, particularly realized in the private sector of the country.

Also, the minister said that Azerbaijan is interested in cooperation in such spheres as agriculture, in particular training of employees of industrial parks operating in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan became a WB member in 1992.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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10 February 2017 13:33 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijans State Philharmonic Hall will host an event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide on February 24, Trend Life reported.

Works by national composers will be performed by Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra conducted by People's Artist Rauf Abdullayev.

Khojaly, the second largest town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, came under intense fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by the Armenian armed forces in 1992.

About 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, and the fate of 150 of them remains unknown.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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10 February 2017 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Armenia must withdraw its troops from the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, including Nagorno-Karabakh and its seven surrounding regions, and should respect the international laws and UN Security Council resolutions, said Peter Tase, a political analyst and international relations expert at the Marquette University.

Tase named this condition as one of three items that must be followed so that concrete results are seen in the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"Secondly, Yerevan must refrain from embracing the current status-quo and engage in a results oriented set of negotiations with the leadership of Azerbaijan," Tase said in an interview with Eurasia Diary.

Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal, but they have not been enforced to this day.

Tase further added that the Armenian government must focus on combating corruption and organized crime, and not use the conflict as a shield and as a tool that helps overshadow the domestic problems that Armenian population faces.

In third, Tase considers that the OSCE, European Union and other distinguished international players and organizations must play an active role towards bringing peace and stability in the Caucasus region, and they must defend the principles of international law and be impartial during the negotiations process.

Speaking of the foreign policy of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, Tase said that no well deserved attention was provided for Azerbaijan and other Caspian region countries during the last two weeks.

"The historic partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States must be strengthened and further developed in many fields including, economy, trade, commerce, education and cultural initiative," Tase noted.

The expert also voiced hope that Washington will provide a more robust intervention towards the sustainable solution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"I am hopeful that President Trump will appoint a team of experts at the State Department that will address and bring concrete results in the decades long conflict that is succumbing the nation of Azerbaijan and is strengthening peace and stability in the Caucasus region," said Tase.

While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign State with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years.

Armenia ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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10 February 2017 10:54 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated that contacts with the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will continue, regardless of the schedule of meetings of the Russian, Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers at the Munich Security Conference.

Russia is currently coordinating a possible schedule of meetings in Munich, including meetings with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, she made the remarks at a briefing on February 9.

The spokeswoman noted that it will be announced later whether meetings will be held.

Earlier, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said that Moscow is trying to organize a meeting of foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia, and Baku gave its consent to the meeting.

He added that Munich Security Conference will be held on February 17-19 and it is planned to hold a meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs as part of the conference.

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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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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News / Local

by Staff Reporter

A Bulawayo married woman- Charity Zvomuya has accused her long time neighbour Khelina Moyo of snatching her husband.Zvomuya told magistrate Adelaide Mbeure that she felt betrayed by Moyo's actions.She said her hubby has since moved out of their matrimonial home to stay with Moyo."Khelina Moyo is my longtime neighbour and she betrayed my trust by snatching my husband" she told the court."I am surprised that she is now saying i am disturbing her peace by going to her place."Whenever i go to her place of residence in would be pursuing my husband so that he can give me money to buy food for the children".On her part, Moyo dropped a bombshell saying the man at the centre of the dispute has another third wife.Magistrate Mbeure order both women to keep peace with each other.
10 February 2017 11:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

France bears special responsibility for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair country along with the U.S. and Russia, said French President Francois Hollande.

President Hollande made the remarks at the annual dinner of the Coordination Council of the Armenian Organizations in France on February 9, massispost.com news website reported.

We are in haste, and haste really exists, to find a solution to this issue since the dreadful incidents of April 2-4 of the last year reminded us that every day or nearly every day death cases are recorded in Karabakh, the president said. Therefore, we have to act to prevent clashes.

The situation on the frontline aggravated on April 2, 2016, after the Armenian military units in the occupied lands began shelling Azerbaijans positions. To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and as a result, the Azerbaijani troops retook hills around the village of Talish, as well as Seysulan settlement, and also took over Lele Tepe hill located in the direction of Fizuli region.

Azerbaijan and Armenia declared a truce brokered by Russia on April 5, 2016. However, Armenia continued to breach the ceasefire.

Hollande added that he plans to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan during his visit to Paris scheduled for March 8.

The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory of Azerbaijan, has continued for about 30 years, following the Armenias territorial claims against Azerbaijan in 1988. The military conflict, characterized by violence against civilians and ethnic cleansing, resulted in the injury, death, and disappearance of thousands of people, ended with occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions.

While the OSCE Minsk Group acts as the only mediator in resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, it failed to make any move to achieve a breakthrough in the peace process so far.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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10 February 2017 14:48 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The legal liability and degree of guilt of blogger Alexander Lapshin must be defined by a court of Azerbaijan, said Rauf Guliyev, head of staff of Azerbaijans Constitutional Court.

Guliyev, talking to Trend, stressed that the Constitution and the relevant procedural legislation of Azerbaijan contain all guarantees inherent in a democratic state for an impartial and fair consideration of the criminal case initiated against Lapshin.

Blogger Lapshin, who illegally visited Azerbaijan`s Armenia-occupied lands was handed over by the Belarusian law enforcement bodies to Azerbaijani special services and extradited to Baku on February 8.

Helped by his accomplices in the occupied territories, Lapshin, a citizen of several countries, paid a number of visits to Azerbaijan`s occupied lands, where he voiced support for "independence" of the illegal regime, and made public calls against Azerbaijan`s internationally recognized territorial integrity.

Guliyev reminded that the Prosecutor General's office of Azerbaijan has initiated a criminal case against Lapshin on the 281.2 (appeals directed against state) and 318.2 (illegal border crossing) articles of the Criminal Code.

Due to the fact that the crime was committed on the territory of Azerbaijan, the extradition of Lapshin by Belarusian authorities was carried out in compliance with the international treaties governing procedural rules in this sphere, Guliyev said.

Highlighting that the judicial system of Azerbaijan is based on the principles of democratic statehood, he added that any person accused of committing a crime, regardless of citizenship, has broad procedural rights secured by the Constitution of Azerbaijan.

These rights also provide for the possibility to apply directly to the Constitutional Court for protection of rights and freedoms, Guliyev said.

Guliyev went on to say that the statements of the Armenian state authorities, who consider the extradition of Lapshin as human rights violations, are absolutely groundless.

Armenia has no legal grounds for expressing its position on this issue, Guliyev said.Such statements of Armenia, which is behind the decisions of the so-called illegitimate court against our innocent compatriots Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev, once again demonstrate that Armenia is ready to support any act committed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Guliyev said.

Yerevan sharply reacted to Minsks decision to extradite the blogger to Baku. Armenian MPs even stated that Belarus should be excluded from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Minsk announced that the country has fulfilled its obligations under the international treaty on rendering legal assistance when extraditing blogger Lapshin to Azerbaijan, noting that the extradition is a purely legal issue.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan met with Lapshin. The meeting was held based on the requirements of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, as well as the appeal of the Russian Embassy to Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry.

The embassys press attache Denis Apashkin told Trend that a trial will be held in the near future to determine the measure of Lapshins restraint.

Lapshin has no complaints about conditions of detention. He was secured with a lawyer and given the opportunity to make phone calls. He feels well, Apashkin added.

Baku has repeatedly warned foreign officials and diplomats of unauthorized visits to its territories that are occupied by Armenia, calling them contradictory to international law.

Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry and diplomatic missions pay special attention to the illegal activity in the occupied areas of Azerbaijan. The work is constantly carried out to prevent such illegal actions.

Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal, but they have not been enforced to this day.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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10 February 2017 17:49 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijan has sent 700 appeals to the European Court of Human Rights in connection with damage caused by the Armenians during the April events of 2016.

Chingiz Asgarov, Head of Human Rights Defense Sector of the Department of the Presidential Administration for Work with Law Enforcement Agencies and permanent representative of Azerbaijan to the ECHR, announced about this in Baku on February 10.

Asgarov noted that these cases are already being considered.

Long-simmering tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan flared again on April 2 when the Armenian side began to shell the Azerbaijani positions and settlements along the frontline. This resulted in the killing of two civilians and injuring of 10 another, including a 13-year-old child. More than 10 houses as well as local people`s property were also damaged.

To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and repulsed the enemy forces back. On April 5, the two sides agreed on a ceasefire.

Later it was established that the dead bodies of Azerbaijani soldiers, who became the victims of April battles, were mutilated before they were handed over. Following the battles, Azerbaijan's Military Prosecutor's Office opened a criminal case in connection with the Armenian provocation.

Chingiz Asgarov further added that Armenia has committed and continues to commit crimes in the Nagorno-Karabakh.

Historical monuments of Azerbaijan are being modified. Armenians use the Nagorno-Karabakh also in the economic sphere, representing the products produced there as their own. It is a crime that must be suppressed, he said.

Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal, but they have not been enforced to this day.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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10 February 2017 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Blogger Alexander Lapshin, who was extradited from Minsk and will soon stand trial in Baku, met with representatives of the Israeli Embassy in Azerbaijan on February 10.

Eldar Sultanov, the spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Prosecutor Generals Office said that the meeting was held in accordance with international law, at the request of the Israeli Embassy to the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan.

Earlier, representatives of the Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan met with Lapshin. After the meeting, the embassy said that Lapshin has no complaints about conditions of detention.

Blogger Lapshin, who owns several citizenships, illegally visited Azerbaijan`s Armenia-occupied lands and now is charged under the articles 281.2 (appeals directed against state) and 318.2 (illegal border crossing) articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

Helped by his accomplices in the occupied territories, Lapshin, paid a number of visits to Azerbaijan`s occupied lands, where he voiced support for "independence" of the illegal regime, and made public calls against Azerbaijan`s internationally recognized territorial integrity.

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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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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10 February 2017 10:02 (UTC+04:00)

A new print edition of the AZERNEWS online newspaper was released on February 10

The new edition includes articles about: Azerbaijan, UAE to cooperate in pharmaceutical industry; Strategic Road Map to catalyze economic changes, WB, BOTAS ink loan agreement on TANAP; Azerspace-1 generates $50 million in income, etc.

AZERNEWS is an associate member of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).
10 February 2017 10:49 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics will pay a working visit to Azerbaijan on February 11-14, Trend.az reported.

The minister will hold several bilateral meetings at the highest level in Baku.

The possibility of strengthening bilateral relations, the preparation for the top-level visit will be also discussed during Rinkevicss forthcoming visit.

Azerbaijan-Latvia relations are developing yearly and reciprocal visits play a huge role in taking bilateral relations forward. . Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Azerbaijan recognized the independence of Latvia on 30 August 1991. Latvia recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on 8 January 1992.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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10 February 2017 14:28 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan and adjacent areas experienced more than 1,050 tremors since early 2017, said Gurban Yetirmishli.

The head of the Republican Seismological Service Center informed that over 9,000 earthquakes were recorded in Azerbaijan and adjacent areas during a year.

Recalling that Azerbaijan locates in seismically active zone, Yetirmishli said that the quakes observed in 2016 were weaker compared to 2015.

The scientist further stressed that the most modern seismological equipment is installed in Azerbaijan, while no danger and powerful earthquakes are expected yet in the country.

Yetirmishli also spoke about the genetic link between mud volcanoes and earthquakes, stressing that eruption of volcanoes does not happen without a reason.

In 2014, two days after the eruption of Shikhzarli volcano in Gobustan an earthquake was reported near the volcano. The main influential factor in occurrence of volcanic is earthquakes, he explained.

Speaking about the recent eruption of the Otman Bozdag volcano, one of the world's largest mud volcanoes, he said that prior to the eruption of the volcano some 7-8 tremors were reported near it.

Yetirmishli added that the depth of the volcano was 3 km and it was erupted 2 times per the day.

The eruption of the Otman Bozdag volcano lasted over nine minutes. As a result of the volcanic eruption, the flame rose to the height of 350 meters. Mud waste of 100,000 cubic meters covers an area of about 10-12 hectare.



Saying that the volcano last erupted in 2004, the scientist emphasized need to conduct a monitoring in order to observe the process in volcanoes.

Mud volcanoes are a fairly widespread geological phenomenon and over a thousand mud volcanoes are known to exist in the world.

Azerbaijan holds the first place in the world for the amount of mud volcanoes  some 60 percent of mud volcanoes are active here. Azerbaijan's mud volcanoes definitely should be part of any tourist's itinerary. Most are located on Absheron, around Baku. There are 100 near the Gobustan Reserve alone. There are another 200 on the islands of the Baku archipelago and in Shamakhi and Shirvan regions, two hours drive from Baku.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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10 February 2017 12:26 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The issue related to the mandate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan has been elevated to such a crisis level that seriously affected trust that Baku put on the chairmanship and others within the organization, said the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the OSCE in a statement, the diplomatic mission told Trend on February 10.

During series of consultations over the past months, our delegation was informed of violations of the mandate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan from different angles. We have been informed that violation of the mandate even goes beyond the scope identified by Azerbaijan and includes certain managerial and organizational aspects of the work of the OSCE field mission. Against this background, it is of extreme disappointment that the situation continues to be addressed in a discriminatory manner with a view to putting the blame on Azerbaijan, says the statement.

Over the past months, Azerbaijan took constructive position hoping for finding a solution to the matter. Unfortunately, it was not reciprocated by the participating state that hosts the field mission. Instead, that delegation opted for open blackmailing and blocked the mandates of other field missions, says the statement. Yet, we have not seen any statement by those delegations which took the floor today condemning such inadmissible actions by Armenia. This casts doubt on sincerity of these delegations and demonstrates lack of constructive engagement on their part to help solve the current stalemate.

Clearly, we do not see green light at the end of tunnel with regard to the solution of the issue, until we put an end to misinterpretation and abuse of the mandate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, according to the statement. We do not trust to the Head of the Office and we do not see authority in the Chairmanship, as well as in the Delegations, which spoke today, to impose the position that activities of the Office are in line with its mandate. This is the responsibility of the Council to decide upon.

We do not want to go further in investigating the matter. There is mistrust to the Office and it may continue to engage into activities related to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This should be rectified with amendments to its mandate indicating that the Office is not entitled to be involved in any activity related to the conflict. This will be a clear signal to the Office and the host-country to refrain from misusing the OSCE field mission, says the statement.

It is already 3 years that our delegation has been raising concerns over this programmatic activity of the Office and we are fed up with a lack of clarity with regard to the mandate of the Office and apparent attempts to abuse this situation against legitimate interests of Azerbaijan. This should be stopped, noted the Azerbaijani delegation in its statement. Until the limits for activities of the OSCE Office in Yerevan in all three dimensions clarified through decision of the Permanent Council, we will not join consensus on the extension of its mandate.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani delegation informed the OSCE Permanent Council that they dont support the draft decision on extension of the mandate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

Azerbaijan expressed concern that the OSCE Office in Yerevan is engaged in activities, which dont befit the mandate of the organization. It has become source of serious concern that over the past years the Office in Yerevan has been drawn into the demining-related activity, which is clearly a post-conflict rehabilitation measure, noted the Azerbaijani delegation.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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10 February 2017 17:39 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Preliminary talks on the new EU-Azerbaijan strategic agreement, aiming to replace the 1996 partnership and cooperation agreement, were recently held in Brussels.

Only technical issues were discussed at the talks on the new partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan in Brussels, Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev told APA.

I had an individual two-hour meeting with the Head of Negotiating team during which the minor technical issues such as forms of the meetings and video conferencing were discussed, he said.

Saying that nothing substantial was discussed at the meeting, Mammadguliyev, however, noted that the main task was to find out European colleagues' opinion on the draft submitted by Azerbaijan.

Mammadguliyev said that now we are waiting for the EU position to address the proposed project, adding that while being there he asked the EU representatives to inform Azerbaijan about their decision so the country can consider and begin the substantive negotiations.

We must hold serious discussions and define our position, he stated.

Mammadguliyev emphasized that the faster the EU partners present their proposals and amendments, the better, as Azerbaijan needs time because all structures in the country are taking part in this project.

The Deputy Minister noted that the most sensitive issues for Azerbaijan are security and political matters and the opposite side also delicately refers to these questions, as without finding solutions to these issues, the clarification of the other ones will be difficult.

They also pay serious attention to the issues of trade and investment, he said.

All negotiations are conducted in three blocks, according to the deputy foreign minister.

The first one is on political and security issues, the second  on trade and investment, and the third - on the rest of the economic, humanitarian and social issues.

Our EU partners suggest holding negotiations in parallel on all three blocks, and we will consider this option, however, the first unit is very important to us and we offered to start with it, Mammadguliyev said.

In November 2016, the European Council adopted a mandate for the European Commission and the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy to negotiate on behalf of the EU and its member states, a comprehensive agreement with Azerbaijan.

The agreement will follow the principles endorsed in the 2015 review of the European Neighborhood Policy and offer a renewed basis for political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan.

The new agreement envisages the compliance of Azerbaijans legislation and procedures with the EUs most important international trade norms and standards, which should lead to the improvement of Azerbaijani goods access to the EU markets.

Azerbaijan has become a country of direct priority to the EUs strategy in its wider neighborhood since the last enlargement of the European Union in 2007. Azerbaijan affects Europes interests, mainly in a regional energy strategy.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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10 February 2017 15:33 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Policy that Armenia pursues towards Azerbaijan is quite clear. This country occupied our lands, destroyed cultural monuments and many people have been displaced due to the Armenian aggression.

Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova made the remark on February 10 during a presentation of the draft law "On prevention and punishment of international crimes".

The presentation ceremony was organized by the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament, according to Report. The event was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Parliament Bahar Muradova, Azerbaijani Military Prosecutor Khanlar Valiyev, Head of Human Rights Defense Sector of the Department of the Presidential Administration for Work with Law Enforcement Agencies Chingiz Asgarov, Chairman of the Council on State Support to NGOs under the auspices of the President of Azerbaijan, MP Azay Guliyev and others.

We have tried to bring the Azerbaijani truth to the world, but unfortunately did not get the result we want. Azerbaijani lands are still under occupation, she said.

Muradova stressed that the world community must be informed about Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan.

"Armenians still avoid criminal liability. The Khojaly genocide was recognized by 10 countries, as well as several states of the U.S. made relevant decisions. The UN Security Council adopted a resolution in this regard. However, requirements of this resolution have not been followed," the deputy chairman said.

Muradova also pointed to double standards reigning in the global arena. "Supporters of Armenia show biased attitude in this issue, she said, noting that this is the reason why the issue has not bet solved so far.

This February marks the 25th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, which is one of the blackest and bloodiest pages of human history. Even after 25 years, the scars remain raw and the trauma as stark as ever.

Khojaly, the second largest town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, came under intense fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by the Armenian Armed Forces in 1992.

About 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, and the fate of 150 of them remains unknown.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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News / National

by Staff reporter

GOVERNMENT has said it is assisting each of the families whose homes were destroyed by floods with $100.The Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Saviour Kasukuwere said Government was also providing food, tents, among other support to the flood victims.He, however, acknowledged that the assistance may be inadequate in certain circumstances.During the National Assembly's question time on Wednesday, Kasukuwere said his ministry had also requested $5 million from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to deal with challenges faced by people."We have received support from the Air Force of Zimbabwe through rescuing and helping our people trapped or marooned. However, with regards to housing, my ministry through the Civil Protection Unit gives support to the affected families to the tune of about $100," said Kasukuwere."Our budgetary requirements have not been entirely met and hence, we have that challenge. We want to thank the various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), our sister Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Services, which has been making efforts to support us to try and resettle as well as rescuing those families."He said when there is a disaster councillors are urged to inform the District Administrator (DA) who heads the local CPU department."From the DA it moves on to the province all the way to the national response institution. I am aware that we have been responding very much to the challenge in Binga. However, like I have said, it is a major challenge that we are facing across the country."Meanwhile, the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Oppah Muchinguri told MPs that Government would only repair destroyed dams when the rains have subsided."Unfortunately, because of excess rains which we received this year, some of it to an extent of causing floods in a number of areas, it is not advisable for my ministry to embark on any repairs on any weirs and dams," said Muchinguri."When the river flows become reasonable, we will be able to work with the relevant authorities to make sure that we undertake that responsibility to repair the dams and weirs."
10 February 2017 16:38 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Come eye to eye with wilderness in all its splendor and magnificence, learn about the life and habits of animals, enjoy time away from the city and the everyday hustle, be patient and wily  thats hunting!

For those who like hunting, Azerbaijan offers a lot of excitement: many of foreign visitors have acknowledged this, and more and more hunting enthusiasts visit the country to enjoy wilderness and hunting opportunities.

In Azerbaijan, visitors from abroad are allowed to hunt on the territory of the country if they have hunting permission issued by the local authorities. Local tourism companies organize hunting tours and can help foreigner with equipment, transport and permission.

Hunts in Azerbaijan only take place within a hunting sector and in accordance with the hunting season schedule approved by the Ecology Ministry. However, hunting is prohibited in certain areas, including National Parks and reserves.

The Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry has recently fined and achieved deportation of sixteen Arab tourists for violating the hunting rules.

The ministry stated that it analyzed media reports and footages (on social networks) about unethical behavior of foreign tourists during hunting in the territory of Azerbaijan, their disrespect for the countrys values and laws.

Under current regulations, local hunters can hunt up to six wetland birds and one rabbit in one hunting day and foreign hunter can hunt up to ten wetland birds and two rabbits in five hunting days. Foreign hunters usually go hunting in groups and usually tend to share pictures of what they have hunted, the ministry said pointing to the fact these footages are being analyzed to prevent poaching.

The ministry clarified that the facts are being thoroughly investigated before reaching any conclusions.

The ministry warned that those companies and travel agencies engaged in hunting tourism should give instructions to foreign hunters in advance to prevent undesirable situations.

If any tourist shows disrespect to Azerbaijans values by not observing the ethics of hunting, the cooperation with those tourism companies will be ceased, the ministry said.

Azerbaijan that locates in nine of eleven possible climatic zones enjoys a great diversity of flora and fauna, and is kind of a heaven for hunters. Here, in the different periods of the year, hunters can hunt for Dagestan wild ox, wild pig, hare, wood pigeons, quail, partridge, waterfowl, sandpiper, woodcock, and chamois.

The hunting season in the country opens traditionally in late May-June, while hunters need to apply to the Baku Ecology and Natural Resources Department and regional departments to acquire related licenses.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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10 February 2017 17:17 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Turkey and Ukraine have considered participation of the latter in the implementation of the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Project, a core pipe forming the Southern Gas Corridor.

The sides mulled the project as Turkeys Foreign Minister Movlut Cavushoglu met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Kiev, February 10, Ria Novosti reported.

For now, work on TANAP project, which within the SGC will serve as a new alternative for energy supplies to Europe is completed by almost 65 percent. Next year, Turkey is expected to receive gas passing through the pipeline.

Cavushoglu, speaking at a press conference following his meeting with the Ukrainian leader, also touched upon the Turkish Stream project, envisaging supplies of the Russian gas under the Black Sea (bypassing Ukraine) to Turkey and further to Europe.

Ukraine, which used to meet its gas demand through imports of Russian gas, has not bought blue fuel directly from Russia since November 2015, importing instead from Europe.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alexander Mishenko, earlier said that Azerbaijan has a strategic importance for Ukraine within its plans to find an alternative to Russian gas supplies, as diversification of energy resources is an issue of national security for Ukraine.

Answering the question whether the Turkish Stream can be assessed as a project directed against interest of Ukraine, the minister said that Turkey assesses all energy projects in terms of its energy security and national interest and none of the projects is directed against any country.

Turkey inks energy agreements with a number of countries to diversify supply routes and ensure its energy security, he said.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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10 February 2017 10:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim agreed over the phone Thursday to increase cooperation between the two countries, according to a Prime Ministry source, Anadolu reported.

During the call, Pence described Turkish-U.S. relations as entering a "new day", the source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media said.

The two leaders also agreed to increase bilateral cooperation on basis of the countries alliance and partnership, especially in the areas of military, security and counter-terrorism.

Pence also expressed condolences for the death of Turkish soldiers who were accidentally martyred Thursday during Russian airstrikes against Daesh in northern Syria's Al-Bab region.

On Tuesday night, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a 45-minute telephone call. They discussed the situation in Syria, the refugee crisis, and counter-terrorism, and their call reportedly led to the current visit to Ankara of CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

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10 February 2017 13:26 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on February 10 in Kiev, where the sides mulled the bilateral relations.

Poroshenko and Cavusoglu discussed the agenda of the next session of the High Level Strategic Council between Ukraine and Turkey planned to be held under the chairmanship of the two heads of state in spring 2017, the official website of the President of Ukraine reported.

The parties noted high dynamics of bilateral interaction in the context of the implementation of the agreements achieved. They also stressed that it was a solid basis for the further development of strategic partnership.

Both emphasized the importance of prompt completion of negotiations on the FTA Agreement between Ukraine and Turkey.

Cavusoglu further assured that Turkey would further retain unwavering position in support of Ukraines territorial integrity, including the non-recognition of the illegal occupation of Crimea.

Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Ukraine were established following the signing of a protocol in February 1992.

The first meeting of the HLSC was held in Turkey in December 2011. Then, the two countries signed an Agreement on the Mutual Abolition of Visas intending to further improve interpersonal relations, business ties and strengthen tourism sectors, which came into force from August 2012.

The latest meeting of the HLSC was held in 2016, where the two sides set a target to raise the trade volume between the two countries to $20 billion by 2023. The decision to enhance the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Turkey in the sphere of security and defense was the key achievement of the fifth session of the HLSC between Ukraine and Turkey.

Turkey is one of the most important trade partners of Ukraine, while the country ranked the 5th among Ukraines trade partners in the first half of 2016.

The major items of export from Turkey to Ukraine are citric fruits, petrochemical products, motor vehicles, plastics and plastic items, electrical technical equipment and electric appliances. The major items of imports are iron, products of plain steel, hot-rolled iron and steel products, aluminum and wheat.

Over the past years, Turkish investment in Ukraine increased especially in the telecommunications sector, while the country is also an important market for Turkish construction companies. The total value of construction investments completed by Turkey in Ukraine exceeds $5 billion.

The trade turnover between Ukraine and Turkey exceeded $2 billion since early 2016, including $1.4 billion worth of exports and $667 million worth of imports, according to the official statistics.

For the year 2015, the trade turnover between Ukraine and Turkey decreased by 25.4% and amounted to $ 3.624 billion in comparison with the same period of 2014.

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10 February 2017 12:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Central Asian nations of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have resumed air connection between the two capital cities after 25 years of halt.

A technical flight between Dushanbe and Tashkent was realized on February 10 by Tajik Somon Air, TASS news agency reported referring to the airline company.

"Somon Air intends to hold talks with representatives of the Tashkent airport and colleagues from Uzbekistan Airways to solve operational issues on the flights opening," the report says.

In autumn 2016, a protocol on cooperation was signed between the civil aviation authorities of of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the air transport sector. Under the signed Protocol, the Dushanbe Tashkent  Dushanbe flight will be operated twice a week by Somon Air, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan Airways.

Uzbekistan Airways performed the first charter flight to Dushanbe in November 2016.

Regular flights between the two countries are expected to start on February 20. The frequency of flights will be increased to two times per week in summer. Experts note that initial passenger traffic is unlikely to be great.

Flights between the two countries were terminated in the autumn of 1992, and in 2000, Uzbekistan introduced a visa regime for travel to Tajikistan.

The air traffic was interrupted with the beginning of civil war in Tajikistan, there were virtually no commercial, economic and political ties. The relations began to restore in 2016.

The legal base of bilateral Tajik-Uzbek relations includes 111 contracts and agreements signed at the interstate, intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels in the period from 1992 to the present.

The approved documents between two countries cover all the key areas of cooperation between two countries and provide a solid legal basis for the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the political, economic, trade and other areas.

Regarding the economy, bilateral trade turnover between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan reached the amount of $167, 1 million in 2015, while the potential is estimated at billions of U.S. dollars.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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10 February 2017 16:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yldrm has met with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Director, Mike Pompeo, and urged him to extradite Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of organizing a military coup attempt in July 2016.

During the meeting in Ankara on February 10, Yldrm stressed Turkey's attitude towards the fight against the Gulenist Terror Group (FETO) and requested Gulen's extradition, while also demanding cooperation with U.S. authorities to fight against FETO within the United States.

Yldrm also emphasized the importance of cooperation with the new U.S. administration, Daily Sabah reported.

The PM and the CIA Director also agreed to establish close relations in the war against terrorism as well as on issues of organized crimes and intelligence regarding bilateral and regional issues.

Pompeo stated that U.S. attached importance to dialogue with Turkey and also offered his condolences for the three Turkish soldiers killed in Syria's al-Bab on Thursday, who were mistakenly targeted by Russian fighter jets, the statement added.

The newly appointed CIA Director paid his first overseas visit to Turkey, after he took office in January 2017.

Pompeo and his delegation met with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan and Turkish military officials on Thursday before being received by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Led by U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, FETO is accused of orchestrating the July 2016 coup plot in Turkey as well as being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

The July 15 defeated coup left at least 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

The Turkish government has repeatedly requested Gulens extradition, while the Obama administration has said extradition is a lengthy, demanding legal procedure.

Earlier Ankara voiced hope that the Trump administration will make the right choice between the leader of FETO and the relations with Turkey.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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News / National

by Staff reporter

The ruling party of Zimbabwe is reportedly looking to spend some $2.5 million on President Robert Mugabe's 93rd birthday celebration on February 21, a media report said on Wednesday."Each of the ten provinces is expected to raise $2.5 million towards."They expect to raise it through provincial structures, individuals, private companies, parastatals and local authorities," Zanu PF party officials said.However, opposition parties have attacked Mugabe for wasting money on extravagant revelry while "93% of Zimbabweans are wallowing in poverty caused by his incompetence and misrule", NewZimbabwe.com reported.Opposition parties said they are not surprised about the huge budget because Mugabe always "had a penchant for profligacy and wastefulness".Movement for Democratic Change-Tsvangirai (MDC-T) national spokesperson Obert Gutu said Mugabe and the Zanu-Patriotic Front (PF) regime "have a satanic appetite for seeing the majority of Zimbabweans live in abject poverty and penury"."Just imagine what the sum of $2.5 million can do in buying scarce drugs and other medicines for our public hospitals."That amount of money should be diverted to the Department of Social Welfare where it can be used to buy food and other essentials that are badly needed by the poor and marginalised people in our country."Zimbabwe needs better leadership than what we are seeing from these people," Gutu added.MDC-T party spokesman Kurauone Chihwayi said: "A normal leader cannot be so reckless and extravagant to the extent of raiding state enterprises to celebrate his own birthday while millions are starving"."Our fellow citizens should boycott Mugabe birthday celebrations in protest of the man-made crisis and excessive looting of state resources by the Zanu PF administration."
News / National

by Mafu Sithabile

Former Youth Secretary General for the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has suggested that Joice Mujuru made the right move by firing Didymus Mutasa.Dr Bekithemba Mpofu said there was no way Zimbabwe People First could have have a coalition with the opposition if Mutasa was still in that party.In his Facebook post Dr Mpofu wrote: "I don't support Mujuru, but there was no way she would have had a coalition with the opposition with Mutasa in it! NO WAY!"I wont get into detail but some of us who led the Opposition Youth would never have allowed it FULL STOP!."
News / National

by Staff reporter

A WELL-known Marange diamond dealer - Blessing Chikwangura - was last week gunned down following a ruthless raid on his house in Kusena Village by two armed robbers who got away with $3 000 after pumping four bullets into his chest.Chikwangura, who was popularly known as Tongo, died before he could be taken to hospital for treatment moments after the midnight attack.Deputy Manicaland police spokesman Assistant Inspector Luxon Chananda confirmed the robbery and said the case was still under investigations.Circumstances are that on the fateful day at around 11pm, the deceased received a phone call from an unknown number inviting him to come out of his house. He woke up and asked his wife Chioniso Sithole to close the door after he had left.He got into his car, a Ford Range (ADY 6184), and drove towards Kurauone Primary School. After about an hour he came back home and parked his car in the yard. He called his wife to unlock the door and quickly got into the house and locked the door from the inside.The two armed robbers peeped through the window and ordered the deceased to come out of the house but he refused.In an instant, they went to the dining room window and broke all the window panes. They then used a wooden log to break the bedroom door and gained entry into the bedroom.At that moment, the deceased was hiding behind a wardrobe while his wife hid in the bathroom.One of the robbers hit the deceased on the head with a log while the other robber fired a shot towards the deceased. Chikwangura who was now armed with a machete managed to escape from the bedroom and he bolted out of the house through the main door which had been opened.The two criminals then started firing more shots towards the direction the deceased had used. His wife escaped into the darkness with her four year old child.The robbers who were now alone at the compound ransacked the house and stole $3 000 from a head board drawer and a Samsung Tablet.They disappeared into the night.Chikwangura was found about 20 metres away from his house in a pool of blood and he died immediately as efforts were being made to take him to hospital. However, police and army officers manning the diamond rich area under Operation Hakudozkwi arrived at the scene after they heard gunshots from a distance.They carried out some checks but the robbers had long gone.
News / National

by Staff reporter

FOLLOWING a recent report by this publication that there were two claimants to the Ndebele kingdom, it turns out more than 30 people have come out in the open claiming to be the real deal.To be exact, 31 people scattered in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana each claim to be the real heir.In Zimbabwe, there are reportedly three, namely Mcijwana Khumalo, Stanley Raphael Khumalo and Zwide Khumalo.Mcijwana Khumalo who claims to have been ordained "King Mzilikazi II" on 4 July 2010 said all the claimants were just causing confusion."I do not know why all these people want to cause confusion by claiming to be kings. In total there are 31 King Mzilikazi IIs, but I am the rightful one otherwise the rest are fake."In Zimbabwe the fake ones are Zwide Khumalo and Stanley Raphael Tshuma. The other fake kings are found in Botswana and South Africa," he said.Mcijwana lambasted Stanley Raphael Tshuma for misleading people and claiming to be Hlangabeza's descendant."Stanley should be ashamed of himself and stop lying. There is no way he can be Hlangabeza's descendant as he (Hlangabeza) died at the age of 12. At that age Hlangabeza had no son."He is a pathetic liar and should stop it. Enough is enough with all the fake kings and their confusion," said Mcijwana.On the other hand Stanley Raphael Tshuma also believes he is the real King Mzilikazi II."I had a vision twice in my sleep where God revealed himself to be using me. God told me he loved his people and had made me their king."God has loved his people and has made me their king and that their freedom, welfare, prosperity and that of mine is tied to the restoration of the Matebele Kingdom."I am God's choice by His grace and not merit or any qualification," he said.Stanley also claims that his real surname is Khumalo as his great grandfather Khuhlumba Khumalo adopted the Tshuma surname after fleeing to Botswana as King Lobengula was after his life.On the other hand, Zwide Khumalo in a written statement said: "Ndebele people should be wary of people who impose themselves as Kings. Most are on the ticket of our erstwhile enemies who are working day and night to destroy our valued institution. Worst of all, they are fundraising for their families using the high value institution."I have never made a claim to be a king of the Ndebele. I aggressively spearheaded the revival of the Ndebele Monarch and I continue to do so humbly following the proper procedures and we are nearing the end which will be celebrated by all, few and many that cherish this institution."Zwide Khumalo also dismissed Mcijwana Khumalo's claims that there was King Shembe who ordains kings saying:"There is nobody called King Shembe in this world that he talks of and who invited me and him."The Shembe I know is a Priest that originated a Zulu worship system that combines Zulu culture and a worship of God the creator."These revelations leave a lot of questions and one wondering who has their facts right as it seems it's now a game of outdoing each other.
Several of Crystal River's manatees got a doctor visit this week.

Crystal River manatees received health care checkup

Wildlife agencies caught and assessed 8 manatees

Health assessment part of 'Sirenia Project'

RELATED: Manatees rescued from golf course pond in Crystal River VIDEO: Manatees Rescued After Being Displaced by Hurricane Hermine



Doctor Bob Bonde, along with other wildlife agencies, spent two days making sure the lovable sea cows were healthy.

Eight manatees from Crystal River in Citrus County were caught and assessed.

The health care checkup is part of the U.S. Geological Survey's Sirenia Project which collects biological samples of Florida manatees.

The information helps scientists understand how manatees are doing in their environments and also helps conservation efforts.

This is research gold, said Bonde, a 38-year USGS research biologist and manatee specialist with the Sirenia Project.

Check out a manatee health assessment at Crystal River from 2014:

&amp;nbsp;

The team was able to catch the manatees off Shatz Island as they passed by.

Dr. Mike Walsh, an associated professor with the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicines Aquatic Animal Health Program, has assisted in the Shatz Island manatee health assessments for the past 10 years.

Our work is geared toward making sure theyre healthy on the beach, and we also want to look at the medical aspects of these animals, he said.

One of the manatees they assessed was a healthy pregnant female in her third trimester. Two others were a mother cow and her calf.

Overall, Bonde said the manatees health impressed him, proving Crystal River is a great place for them to live.

If I were a manatee, Id want to live here, Bonde said. Crystal River and its springs are the future of the manatees.

Information from our partners at the Chronicle was used in this report.
Omar Santiago was always the type of guy who wanted to help others.

2nd Annual Love Give Live 5K

5K to help raise awareness about organ and tissue donating

Carlos Ruiz-Santiago participating to honor his brother Omar, who died unexpectedly

Registration for the race begins at 6:30 a.m.. The race begins at 7:30 a.m.

The run will take place at Water Works Park, 1710 N. Highland Avenue in Tampa

But few knew just how generous Santiago was until he suddenly died.

Santiago didn't tell anyone, including family members, that he was an organ donor. His last gift led to helping several others continue to live.

Now, his family is honoring his legacy and on a mission to help the cause for organ and tissue donations.

"It was very confusing," said Carlos Ruiz-Santiago of when his brother passed away. "When you suffer the loss of somebody that you cared about so much and all of a sudden have to come to these terms, you still try to hold to anything you can."

Ruiz-Santiago said his younger brother's life-saving gift is a humbling lesson. And prompted him to action. Ruiz-Santiago shares his brother's story with others and has become an organ donor himself.

"To be so careless and give of yourself to others even when you have no more of you to give, that's huge," Ruiz-Santiago said.

Others will join the cause this weekend for the Love Give Live 5K, taking place at Water Works Park near downtown Tampa.

According to the Lifelink Organ and Tissue Donor Foundation, which is operating the 2nd Annual Love Give Live 5K, there is a big need for awareness about organ and tissue donation.

"Right now, we have more than 122,000 people on the national organ transplant waiting list," said Betsy Edwards with Lifelink Foundation.

And about 5,000 of those people on the list are in Florida, she said.

The run this weekend will raise money for the organization and help get the word out about being a donor.

Ruiz-Santiago will participate in the event and think of his brother and the people his donation saved. Ruiz-Santiago said he has never met his brother's organ recipients but he has received heartfelt letters and cards of thanks from them.
Call it "Mr. Lopano goes to Washington."

Tampa International Airport's chief executive officer met with President Trump this week at the White House.

White House hosted meeting of airline, airport executives

Meeting focused on improving experience of U.S. travelers

Follow-up meeting at the White House planned

TIA CEO Joe Lopano was one of a dozen airline and airport executives invited to meet with the president.



"i've been in the airport business a long time. I've never been invited to talk to the president about airport needs, said Lopano. "So this is a really good step for us."



President Trump wanted input on how to cut through regulations, upgrade infrastructure and modernize airport service.



"The discussion was really about how do we improve the experience for the American traveler," said Lopano.



Lopano agrees with the president that United States air service is falling behind its foreign competitors.



"You fly out of a beautiful airport in China and you arrive at any U.S. gateway and the experience is probably not as good as it was at the international point," said Lopano. "So we have a lot of work to do."



One suggestion Lopano offered the president was to consider raising a fee that airports are allowed to charge per ticket, known as the Passenger Facility Fee. Currently that fee stands at $4.50.



It has not been raised in the past 16 years.



Lopano believes increasing that fee by $2 or $3 would provide funding for airport modernization projects.



Lopano said at first President Trump was not open to the idea of a fee on passengers. Toward the end of the meeting, however, he signaled he would be willing to change his mind.



Airline executives have been invited to a follow-up meeting at the White House. A date for that meeting has not yet been set.
News / Regional

by Bekezela Maduma Fuzwayo on Facebook

Friends busy asking me of my take on the firing of Didymus Mutasa, Rugare Gumbo. Kudakwashe Bhasikiti-chuma and other colleagues from the ZimbabwePeople First party.First and for most I would like to make it clear that being the Matabeleland South Provincial Chairman of the party and member of the National Executive Committee I was part of the system that deliberated on circumstances leading to the dismissal of these senior members of the party.That being the case it spells it quite obviously that I am fully behind the move by party President Joice Mujuru to exempt the members from the party and well behind her leadership.Without going into too much detail on the circumstances that led to the dismissal of these members the short of it is that it was indeed a necessary decision that had to be taken purely because of the diverging policy views of these elders with that of most members of the party.It is expected in a political party that members will not always agree in deliberations but it gets difficult when a certain grouping within the same party has to be found with continuous policy divergence to the rest of the party members.I have been a member of the Zimbabwe People First since March last year after it's official membership drive kicked off in February last year and been in the various structures of the party since then. Throughout this period as members we could clearly feel the lack of cohesion in the functions of the party as the elders clearly did not appear to be backing the party president and more so the party programs.We continually raised concerns on the effect to party leadership and the President in particular but due to her nature she had a long heart to accommodate the resisting forces with the hope that things will change. This went on until this week where the party was on the verge of waking up without a President who we have worked so hard to market and place in the opposition political spheres of the country.In my very first encounter with Mutasa, Bhasikiti and Gumbo in March last year I openly told them that their coming into opposition politics will not be easily accepted as oppositions have massive reservations and questions on them due to several stories told about them in their dice with ZANU PF.My assertion to them was that if they needed to be accepted into the opposition politics they needed to show serious remorse and reform which would gain them the confidence of the people. I was indeed not the only one who expressed these sentiments to them, I know other colleagues who raised the same issues.Despite all this it is unfortunate that these elders throughout their dice with ZimPF they did not at all want to show any signs towards shedding off their old ZANU PF characteristics. They would go on disregarding the wishes of the people who after all tried to help them revive their political careers after being dumped by ZANU PF. I so hated one of them for continuously having disregard of other tribes in the country when he would openly declare other tribes as being incapable of managing their own issues and needing guidance of his tribe to survive.It is such arrogance and recklessness from people who believed they could lead the country that without regret pushed me to see them being kicked out of a project which Zimbabweans were beginning to buy into as a possible partnership in another dimension to bring about change in the country.I want to applaud madam Joice Mujuru for first having the guts and determination to save the Zimbabwe People First project from these non repentant people who should not in the first place have ever found themselves trying to pursue opposition politics but should have remained in ZANU PF succession battles.Secondly, I would want to applaud her for the humility she has shown coming into opposition politics with a willingness to learn and seek forgiveness for being associated with ZANU PF for so long.Most importantly Mujuru needs to be applauded for coming out open to demand for a process which will allow her and all others to be openly investigated of their activities while in ZANU PF in a bid to build a new Zimbabwe.Contrary to many beliefs that the exclusion from the party of these elders and their colleagues marks the end of ZimPF, the truth is that genuine members of the party are now so rejuvenated and prepared to see the party move forward.I am particularly more motivated in that finally Mujuru will have room to go out and execute the tasks the party has asked her to do paramount being to go out and bring to Zimbabweans a platform for a collective effort to wrestle power out of the hands of ZANU PF.LET THEM GO!
Opinion / Columnist

As expected, some opportunistic political parties with no grassroots support were up in arms following the Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC-T's resolution to field a candidate with a real chance of winning against President Robert Mugabe.If the removal of Zanu-PF from power is what Zimbabwe needs, then anyone who argues against such a position is either just power-hungry, jealousy, part of the Zanu-PF machinery or all of the three combined. How can you want to remove Zanu-PF and then field a candidate without the capacity to win against Mugabe, who has already been endorsed as the Zanu-PF candidate for the 2018 elections? Why then are phrases such as tried and tested developed if someone dismisses such a position?I have written my own opinion article on the subject and said that the political party with the biggest following must provide the candidate for the presidential elections against Mugabe, and I am still of the same opinion. Other parties who wish to present their own candidates must simply prove their political capital in the negotiations.The problem with some of these parties is that they overvalue their potential, just as Professors Arthur Mutambara and Welshman Ncube did in 2008 when, as confirmed by Tendai Biti, they allowed the talks to field a common candidate over two seats when they thought the MDC-T was wrongly static in its support in Bulawayo. Political parties opposing Tsvangirai in his party's position should study the 2008 effort to prove for themselves that the MDC-T are more realistic in their approach.The MDC-T must proceed to identify appropriate players to work with to achieve the goal to end Zanu-PF rule for the good of the nation.I appeal to all reasonable political parties opposed to Mugabe not to repeat the Mutambara, Dumiso Dabengwa and Simba Makoni's experiment of 2008 which was influenced, to a large extent, by the amateurish approach to politics and hate for Tsvangirai as expressed by Dabengwa who said he could not support a trade unionist and a Frederick Chiluba-like candidate, even when the late Father Zimbabwe Dr Joshua Nkomo was a trade unionist.I also appeal to Zimbabweans who wish to see Zimbabwe extricated from the jaws of the Zanu-PF dictatorship to rally behind a candidate with potential to remove Mugabe to bring about a new beginning for the country.
Opinion / Columnist

PROFILEKING MZILIKAZI llMy registered name is Stanley Raphael Khumalo. I was born on 27 September 1958 in Nyamandlovu Hospital under the family name "Tshuma" but my birth date was erroneously recorded as 27 April 1958 till today. My mother's maiden name is Meleni Mazibisa Dube and my father is the late Saul "Ngeza" Tshuma, oka Mdlomelo; oka Khuhlumba; oka Hlangabeza; oka King Mzilikazi.After the death of Prince Hlangabeza which was orchestrated by King Lobengula, esithi uyamsitha isithunzi sobukhosi, his son Khuhlumba Khumalo who is my great grandfather fled towards the modern Botswana border in fear of his life. He found refuge in the North Nata area (eMkupavula) at a home of an elderly lady called Bahanga Tshuma. She hid him in a thatch silo (isilulu) and when amanxusa eNkosi (armed assasins) who were on his trail arrived, MaTshuma denied ever seeing him. As a disguise, Khuhlumba adopted the surname Tshuma and that became temporarily the family name until 2009. They also gave him a Kalanga name "Batungazebe" ngoba wayekleklile.While in the United Kingdom on 26 April 2002, I had a vision twice in my sleep where God revealed Himself to me using a Scripture; 2Chronicles 2:11. The message was very clear even though scary and unbelievable at the time. God told me that "He loves His people and has made me their King." I have never had rest since that day. In 2005 I left the UK and returned home with nothing in obedience to God's call even though I did not understand what was expected of me.During the years; 2006-8, God spoke strongly about my return to our original name Khumalo. In order to "properly" do this my father decided that we consult spiritualists (izinyanga) for direction. Even though this was against my faith, I allowed it for the sake of progress. These spiritualists also confirmed God's calling in my life, even acknowledging the "Great Spiritual Anointing" in me. Finally we agreed to follow the way of the Lord.End of 2008, God sent me a messenger to come and tell me that God brought me back from the UK because He wants to restore the Matebele Kingdom and He has chosen me as the King. He also advised me to speak the Word of God; a king who also preaches like David. This Man of God has continued with me and my family till this day, in prayer and prophecy.Dreading the calling because of inevitable challenges and public life, I chose to quietly assist the needy and the disadvantaged through my own resources and also to teach the Word of God only, leaving the Kingdom issue aside. I learnt the hard way that when God speaks, it is wise to listen because to God, obedience is better than sacrifice (1Samuel 15:22).In 2012/3 I lost everything I ever had, including my home. My every business initiative pushed me deeper into losses. In poverty and shame I went to live and sleep in the streets with my wife.It was during this time that I sought a deeper knowledge of God through Scripture, prayer and fasting; seeking for answers to my situation, and have never stopped. I also decided that I need to know the mind of God about my situation through His prophets because I could no longer cope.To date, I have met with at least 10 Prophets of God, different nationalities and at different times, most of them more than once. Instead of addressing my financial situation, the Word of Prophecy has been consistent and it is that: "God has loved His people and has made me their King and that their freedom, welfare and prosperity and that of mine is tied to the restoration of the Matebele Kingdom. And that I, as their Servant King should take care of their freedom, physical needs and their salvation." I have been given Isaiah 61.I have full conviction of the calling and a very clear vision of what is expected of me. I am God's choice by His Grace (favour) and not by merit or any qualification, and THE TIME FOR THIS RESTORATION IS NOW.
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Jefferson County Sheriff's Office deputies seized six kilograms of cocaine from two men stopped for speeding Tuesday, Deputy Marcus McLellan said in a press release.

David Barona, 32, of Katy and Ivan Link II, 27, of Tampa, Florida were stopped for speeding while traveling eastbound on I-10. The men "appeared overly nervous during the stop and had conflicting stories when talking with the deputies," the release said.
In response to worsening space constraints at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the pediatric hospital plans to build a new $1 billion-plus facility in northeast Atlanta, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Children's said its total investment in the new pediatric hospital will likely be between $1 billion and $1.3 billion, which would make it the most expensive healthcare project in Georgia's history, according to the report.

"As the only freestanding pediatric healthcare system in Georgia, we need to ensure that we are able to serve the children in our state," Donna Hyland, president and CEO of Children's, said in a statement, according to the report. "To meet growing demand, we must find more ways to provide access to those who need Children's unique specialized care by improving and expanding our facilities."

In addition to the new hospital, Children's new property will include the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, a 260,000-square-foot specialized outpatient facility adjacent to the hospital.

Children's has engaged architects and land planners, and expects to work through various regulatory processes and site plans over the next 18 months, according to the report.

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CMS began to incorporate site-neutral payments into payment policies for 2017 and hospitals are reconsidering their acquisition and partnership strategy with off-campus service providers  particularly imaging services providers  for the future.

Here are 12 things to know about site-neutral payments.

1. Medicare payment policies use two different payment methodologies for outpatient procedures based on the site of service. The hospital-based procedures performed at hospital outpatient departments are paid on the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System while freestanding clinics are paid on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. As such, hospital-based procedures receive higher Medicare reimbursement than ambulatory and office-based procedures: In 2016, ASCs received 53 percent of the amount paid to HOPDs, according to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. Site-neutral payments seek to close that gap by lowering payment to HOPDs, with the most recent legislation focused on off-campus provider-based sites located 250 yards or more away from the hospital's campus.

2. President Barack Obama signed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which stipulates off-campus provider-based sites that began billing under the Outpatient Prospective Payment System on or after Nov. 2, 2015 won't be paid for most services under OPPS after Jan. 1, 2017. The facilities are now paid under the Physician Fee Schedule unless services are provided in a dedicated emergency department, which will still be paid under the OPPS. However, last year there were revisions to the Act addressing facilities that were in the planning phases when the bill was signed.

3. On Dec. 13, 2016, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act into law, which revised the site-neutral payment policy in Section 603 of the Bipartisan Budget Act. The 21st Century Cures Act addresses newly built off-campus outpatient departments that were poised to accept patients before Dec. 2, 2015, and submitted proper attestation to CMS; those facilities are exempted from the Bipartisan Budget Act's site-neutral payment provisions. The Act also exempts facilities that had a concrete plan to build a new off-campus outpatient department before Nov. 2, 2015, if they met mid-build requirements. To qualify for the mid-build exemption, hospitals must have had a binding written agreement in place for the construction of the off-campus site before Nov. 2, 2015 and the hospital must submit the required attestation and certification to its Medicare Administrative Contractor by Feb. 13, 2017 to receive the exemption.

4. The American Hospital Association has advocated against site-neutral payments and maintained that stance after CMS announced the 2017 final OPPS payment rule on Nov. 1, 2016. "We continue to be concerned that site-neutral policies and CMS' implementation of them could impede patients' access to care, especially in the most vulnerable communities," said AHA President of Governmental Relations and Public Policy Tom Nickels in response to CMS' 2017 final OPPS payment rule.

However, the association was pleased with modifications CMS made from the proposed to final 2017 payment rules. CMS originally proposed requiring off-campus provider-based sites to offer the same services they did on Nov. 2, 2015, in order to be excluded from the site-neutral payment provisions, but opted not to include that requirement in the final rule.

5. CMS adopted the initial proposal to terminate an off-campus provider-based site's exempted status if the facility relocated, according to a McGuireWoods report. The move covers changing physical addresses, including moving suites within the same building, and such facilities would no longer be able to bill under OPPS unless the move occurred under "extraordinary circumstances" such as natural disasters.

6. Off-campus provider-based sites with the exemption are allowed to undergo ownership changes and retain their accepted status to continue billing under OPPS as long as the acquiring entity purchased the entire hospital and off-campus facility and the new owner accepts the hospital's Medicare provider agreement, according to the McGuireWoods report. However, the exempted off-campus provider-based sites cannot be transferred between hospitals and maintain the exempted status.

7. The American Medical Association supports site-neutral payments as an initiative to align payment policies for hospitals and independent physicians. "Providing similar payments for similar professional services located outside of a hospital regardless of facility ownership could lead to a more level economic playing field and help preserve independent practice," said then-AMA President Andrew Gurman, MD, in a statement last July. "The new policy is more equitable for patients, who, CMS notes, often pay more for the same services provided in an off-campus department of a hospital."

8. ASCA estimates Medicare already saves around $2.3 billion annually on surgical procedures performed in ASCs instead of HOPDs. An estimated 7 million procedures were performed on Medicare beneficiaries at ASCs in 2016.

http://www.ascassociation.org/advancingsurgicalcare/reducinghealthcarecosts/paymentdisparitiesbetweenascsandhopds

9. Lawrence Vernaglia, a Boston-based attorney with Foley & Lardner, told Bloomberg that implementing site-neutral payments may not lower costs associated with HOPD operation and instead hospitals would shift costs to commercial payers or patients. Hospitals that aren't able to contract with payers to cover the cost may close off-campus outpatient sites or transfer them to the hospital's main campus, Mr. Vernaglia said.

10. The Alliance for Site Neutral Payment Reform, an organization in support of parity across sites of service, sent letters to House and Senate leadership urging Congress to further enact site-neutral payment reform due to potential cost savings. The group asked lawmakers to expand policies to equalize payments across all sites of service for outpatient care.

The letters state: "In addition to higher costs to the healthcare system, payment policies that support higher reimbursement in the HOPD setting encourage the acquisition of office-based physician practices, further restricting patient access to care in the lower-cost community setting. The alliance warns that unless steps are taken to stem consolidation in the healthcare marketplace through advancement of site neutral payment policies, healthcare spending will continue to increase while patient access to community-based care will decrease."

11. Hospitals across the country shifted their radiology center models in anticipation of the change, according to a Frost and Sullivan report summarizing trends at the 2016 Radiology Society of North America conference Nov. 27 to Dec. 2. Hospitals are transitioning from an outright acquisition model to partnerships and joint ventures and continuing with legacy systems. "With the anticipated reimbursement reductions for hospital-owned off-campus facilities, there will be a clear-cut preference toward continuing with legacy systems, coupled with judicious use of in-field upgrades whenever applicable over outright acquisition of new systems," according to the report.



12. The Advisory Board suggested in a December 2016 report that Medicare may continue expanding site-neutral payments. "This is almost certainly just the beginning of site-neutral payments in healthcare, as CMS still has the option of expanding site-neutral payment policy through its rulemaking cycle. Currently, CMS is collecting data it needs to implement MedPAC's more holistic approach to site-neutral payments."
Alaska lawmakers are making efforts to give patients better information about healthcare prices, reports the Alaska Dispatch News.

Here are three things to know.

1. Alaska Rep. Ivy Spohnholz, D-Anchorage, plans to introduce a bill by early next week to require healthcare providers to list prices for their most common procedures, according to the report.

2. Under Rep. Spohnholz's bill, providers would publish procedure-cost lists to be made available in their offices and online, the representative said, according to the report.

3. In separate legislation, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz's administration will introduce an ordinance that, if passed, would permit patients to request a price estimate for medical services, according to the report.

For more on this story, including further details about these proposals, read the full report here.
President Donald Trump nominated Seema Verma, president, CEO and founder of national health policy consulting company SVC, to head CMS. There, she would support confirmed HHS Secretary Rep. Tom Price by taking a hands-on role in the Trump administration's plan to repeal and replace the ACA.

The Senate Finance Committee will hold Ms. Verma's confirmation the week of Feb. 13.

Here are seven things to know about Ms. Verma.

1. At the helm of SVC, Ms. Verma has worked extensively on a variety of policy and strategic projects involving Medicaid, insurance and public health in conjunction with the Governor's office, state Medicaid agencies, State Health Departments, State Departments of Insurance, the federal government and private companies and foundations.

2. She is most widely known for her role as the architect of the Healthy Indiana Plan  the state's version of Medicaid expansion under the ACA. Indiana received a waiver from the Obama administration to implement the program, nicknamed HIP 2.0, in 2015.

Ms. Verma was also a key figure in Medicaid transformation in several other states, as detailed in point No. 7. Ms. Verma has said she considers Medicaid outdated. In her words: "The Medicaid program has not kept pace with the modern healthcare market," Ms. Verma said while giving testimony at a Congressional hearing in 2013, according to NPR. "Its rigid, complex rules designed to protect enrollees have also created an intractable program that does not foster efficiency, quality or personal responsibility."

3. Vice President Mike Pence  then governor of Indiana  hired Ms. Verma to design the Republican-friendly version of Medicaid expansion. The state paid her nearly $5 million over four years through 2017 through contracts of the arrangement, according to NPR.

4. HIP 2.0, which expanded coverage to about 246,000 previously ineligible for Medicaid, emphasizes enrollees' personal responsibility. For example, it requires Medicaid beneficiaries to make monthly payments for their insurance or otherwise lose benefits. Payments range from $1 to $27 and go into individual health savings accounts, to which the state also contributes. If enrollees get preventive care and vaccines, they are eligible for a discount on their premiums the next year, according to NPR.

5. HIP 2.0 also imposes penalties on beneficiaries. Those with incomes above the poverty line can be cut off from the program for six months if they miss a payment to their HSA. Those below the poverty line who fail to pay are moved to a plan with fewer benefits.

6. Ms. Verma received praise for garnering buy-in to her plan while working with both Republican and Democratic state legislators, the Obama administration and health system leaders, according to CNBC. "She was a very good listener and was able to put a lot of different perspectives into the mix," said Sarah Stelzner, MD, a pediatrician with Indianapolis-based Eskenazi Health, according to the report.

7. In addition to HIP 2.0, Ms. Verma and SVC have developed several other Medicaid reform programs, including 1115 Medicaid waivers for Iowa, Ohio and Kentucky. Her firm helped design Tennessee's coverage expansion proposal and also provided technical assistance to Michigan when the state implemented its Medicaid waiver. Ms. Verma and SVC helped guide the transition of Iowa's Medicaid program to a managed care program, and supported strategy efforts for Maine's Medicaid plan.

8. Before founding SVC, Ms. Verma served as vice president for the Health & Hospital Corporation of MarionCounty in Indiana and as a director with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials in Washington, D.C.

9. Ms. Verma received her master's degree in public health with concentration in health policy and management from Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor's degree in life sciences from the University of Maryland in College Park.
Stay in the know with Becker's Hospital Review's weekly roundup of the nation's biggest healthcare news. Here's what you need to know this week.

1. Rep. Tom Price confirmed to lead HHS

The Senate voted along party lines early Friday morning to approve the confirmation of Rep. Tom Price, MD, R-Ga., for secretary of HHS.

2. Judge blocks $54B Anthem-Cigna deal: 7 things to know

A U.S. District Court judge sided with the Justice Department and blocked Indianapolis-based Anthem's proposed $54 billion acquisition of Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna on grounds the combined insurer would harm consumers and impede innovation.

3. Physician imposter gains access to 5 Brigham and Women's ORs

A 42-year-old woman dressed in scrubs attended patient rounds and observed operations at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston even though she wasn't a physician, according to the Boston Globe.

4. Recently discharged patient found dead in Illinois hospital

A man was found dead in a bathroom at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria, Ill., on the morning of Feb. 3 after being discharged from the hospital the day prior, according to the Journal Star.

5. Hospital execs share concerns about revenue, ACA repeal with Republican lawmakers

Hospital executives met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and expressed concerns over losing insured patients and revenue under an ACA replacement plan, reports The Wall Street Journal.

6. Zenefits to lay off 45% of its workforce

Zenefits, a health insurance and human resources startup based in San Francisco, is laying off 430 employees, or about 45 percent of its workforce, according to the San Francisco Business Journal.

7. UnitedHealth expects $4B loss in premium revenues from ACA exchange withdrawal

Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealth Group anticipates it will cover roughly 1 million fewer consumers through individual insurance plans this year due to its widespread ACA exchange withdrawal  resulting in a $4 billion loss in premium revenues, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

8. HHS: Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute are barriers to innovative payment models

HHS recently released a report that provides observations on the effect healthcare fraud and abuse laws have on the industry's transition to value-based payment models.

9. Theranos under fire, again: Inspection finds Ariz. lab breached its own policies

The Wall Street Journal dug up more deficiencies at Palo Alto, Calif.-based blood testing startup Theranos, this time at its Scottsdale, Ariz., lab.

10. Cerner, Allscripts win top EHR ranking from Black Book, Epic left off

A recent Black Book survey unveiled the EHR vendors that ranked No. 1 in client experience in 2017.

11. Humana to lay off about 500 workers

Louisville, Ky.-based Humana will lay off about 500 workers by April 3, as it scales back its home health division's workforce, according to The Enquirer.
From a judge blocking the proposed merger of Indianapolis-based Anthem and Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna to a physician staffing company agreeing to pay $60 million to settle a false claims case, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.

1. Judge: Feds owe Moda Health $214M in risk corridors payments

A U.S. Court of Federal Claims ruled the government must pay $214 million to Portland, Ore.-based health insurer Moda Health under the ACA's risk corridors program.

2. Bankrupt Louisiana hospital faces lawsuit over layoff notification

A former employee of Louisiana Heart Hospital in Lacombe filed a lawsuit alleging the hospital violated the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act when it laid off employees without proper notice.

3. Judge blocks $54B Anthem-Cigna deal: 7 things to know

A U.S. District Court judge sided with the Justice Department and blocked Indianapolis-based Anthem's proposed $54 billion acquisition of Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna on grounds the combined insurer would harm consumers and impede innovation.

4. TeamHealth to pay $60M to resolve false claims case

TeamHealth, a physician staffing company based in Knoxville, Tenn., agreed to pay $60 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations.

5. Nurse files $6.5M retaliation suit against HCA, Florida hospital

A nurse filed a $6.5 million retaliation lawsuit against St. Petersburg (Fla.) General Hospital and its parent company Nashville, Tenn.-based Hospital Corporation of America.

6. Court stays order blocking Regeneron, Sanofi's cholesterol drug from market

A federal appellate court stayed an order that would bar Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi from selling their cholesterol drug Praluent. The drugmakers can continue to sell the medication as they undergo the appeals process.

7. Western Reserve-Summa Health legal battle will not get new trial

A Summit County, Ohio, judge denied a request for a new trial and judgments from Cuyahoga Falls, Wis.-based Western Reserve Hospital Partners in a legal battle over hospital ownership with Akron, Ohio-based Summa Health System.

8. Wis. publisher files lawsuit to stop medical faxes from coming to office

Milwaukee-based Moose Moss Press, a publishing company, filed a lawsuit claiming it has been receiving private medical faxes intended for another recipient.

9. Mylan to settle class-action Provigil suit for $96.5M

Canonsburg, Pa.-based Mylan will pay $96.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging it entered a "pay-to-delay" deal with the drugmaker Cephalo.

10. Judge OKs Epic lawsuit settlement

U.S. District Judge William Conley signed off on a settlement between Verona, Wis.-based Epic Systems and a group of former technical writers.

11. Judge's Aetna-Humana ruling sparks class-action lawsuit: 5 things to know

A Pennsylvania law firm filed a shareholder class-action lawsuit against Aetna following a judge's ruling the payer's proposed $37 billion acquisition of Humana violated antitrust laws. The lawsuit alleges the Hartford, Conn.-based payer made false claims about its decision to withdraw from the majority of ACA exchanges it participated in.

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A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine compared patient and physician perspectives on increasingly popular physician rating websites.

Here are 10 things to know:

1. The study's surveys were filled out by 828 physicians and 494 adult patients in August 2015 after the patients had received care in the physicians' system in May 2015.

2. Of the included physicians, 53 percent reported visiting a physician rating website, while 39 percent of patients had done so.

3. Numerical data found on health system patient experience surveys was trusted by 53 percent of physicians and 62 percent trusted the added comments. Only 36 percent of the physicians trusted numerical data and narrative comments found on independent websites.

4. On the other hand, 57 percent of patients trusted data obtained from independent websites as opposed to the 45 percent of those who preferred health system patient surveys.

5. The prospect of posting narrative comments online for all to read was supported by 21 percent of physicians and 51 percent of patients.

6. Most physicians (78 percent) believed that their job stress would rise dramatically if narrative comments were posted online.

7. Of the patients involved in the study, 29 percent believed that posting narrative comments online would cause them to be less open.

8. Nearly half (46 percent) of the physicians believed that online narrative comments would damage physician-patient relationships.

9. The researchers concluded that physicians and patients have starkly different views when it comes to physician rating websites.

10. The Boston-based researchers were Alison M. Holliday of Harvard Medical School; Allen Kachalia, MD, of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital; Gregg S. Meyer, MD, of Harvard Medical School, Partners Healthcare System and Massachusetts General Hospital; and Thomas D. Sequist, MD, of Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Partners Healthcare System conducted the study.





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6k physicians using MotionMD  4 observations




Rep. Tom Price, MD, R-Ga., has transferred ownership of Chattahoochee Associates to his wife, Georgia Representative Betty Price, MD, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Here are six important details:

1. Rep. Price is expected to be confirmed as secretary of HHS on Friday.

2. A trained orthopedic surgeon, Rep. Price recently resigned as managing partner at Atlanta-area Chattahoochee Associates, which he has been connected to since 1993.

3. Dr. Betty Price has served in Georgia's House of Representatives since 2015.

4. Prior to her political career, Dr. Betty Price practiced anesthesiology in the Atlanta area for over 20 years.

5. Even after assuming her husband's ownership interests, Dr. Betty Price has expressed interest in running for her husband's vacant seat in Georgia's 6th district.

6. Rep. Price also served as chairman of the House Budget Committee before his nomination to head HHS.

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Five trends that every orthopedic professional should watch in 2017



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6k physicians using MotionMD  4 observations




Raymond Kim, MD, an award-winning joint replacement specialist, has joined Vail, Colo.-based The Steadman Clinic to specialize in knee and hip replacements.

Here are five things to know:

1. Dr. Kim will join The Steadman Clinic on Feb. 24.

2. He specializes in adult reconstruction and utilizes minimally invasive anterior approaches to treat hip replacements.

3. Marc J. Philippon, managing partner of the clinic and co-chair of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail called Dr. Kim "one of the finest joint replacement specialists in the nation."

4. The Knee Society recognized his research on total knee replacements by awarding him the 2010 John Insall Award for the best work on a clinical subject or outcomes report.

5. Dr. Kim graduated from Marshall University School of Medicine in Huntington, W.Va., before completing his residency at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, Minn., and his fellowship at the Insall Scott Kelly Institute in New York City.

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Telemedicine reimbursement parity status for all 50 states



Five trends that every orthopedic professional should watch in 2017



Dr. Ramin Abbasian performing spinal cord stimulator implants to relieve pelvic pain




Three spine surgeons discuss healthcare regulatory burdens.

Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses.

Next week's question: What is the most pressing financial challenges facing your practice at the moment?

Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. CST.

Question: Which regulation governing the healthcare industry would you like to see overturned?

Brian R. Gantwerker, MD. Founder of the Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: Four things must be changed or overturned. Firstly, there must absolutely be tort reform mandated on a federal level. Malpractice award caps and other safeguards must be attached to the law if we are to keep costs down and keep physicians from leaving areas or from restricting their practices.

Secondly, insurance companies must not have unrestricted ranges on raising premiums. Just like a rental agreement, they should be limited to no more than 2 to 5 percent per year cap on raising premiums. It is ridiculous to raise premiums 50 percent  did it really become twice as expensive to take care of the same patient pool? Or is it just your shareholders and executives who are the ones asking for it?

Thirdly, the insurance companies must accept the preoperative establishment of medical necessity as a contract for payment for services. The disconnection between the authorization of services and provision of payment is intentionally disjointed and must be fixed.

And finally, the Independent Payment Advisory Board must be banished and an oversight mechanism for the CMS must be established.

Richard Kube, MD. Founder and CEO, Prairie Spine & Pain Institute (Peoria, Ill.): In Illinois it would be the certificate of need. A free market would allow competition and enable costs to drop. Need should be determined by the public, not a panel. If your services are needed, you will thrive. If your services are not needed, you will go bankrupt. It is the only fair solution; no picking of winners and losers by the elected and their appointees and lobbyists.

Vladimir Sinkov, MD. Spine Surgeon at New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center (Nashua): Repealing and replacing Obamacare would be great.
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The Best Dance Moves For Attracting Someone

Trending News: Study Reveals The Best Dance Moves For Attracting A Partner

Long Story Short

Youve always suspected it, but heres the scientific proof  your dance moves are amazing and the more you go for them the more likely you are to attract a partner.

Long Story

When you think about it the dance floor is nothing more than a mating ritual, and the result of millennia of evolution is you throwing some drunken shapes for everyone to enjoy.

But while you may feel like you should rein in those moves, a new study has confirmed that they are in fact the key to sexual conquest and the bigger the better.

via GIPHY

Scientists at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom used motion capture technology to create videos of 39 women between 18 and 30 dancing to 125 beats per minute.

The womens bodies were then replaced by avatars to avoid prejudicing the 200 male and female viewers who were asked to rate how attractive they found the dancers.

The results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, showed that the more carried away the dancers got, the more attractive they were to viewers.

Hip swinging and arm movements were especially popular, explaining scientifically the success of Shakira, and both men and women agreed that bigger was better.

via GIPHY

This tallied with a related study that found women were more turned on by men who tilted and twisted their necks and torsos on the dance floor.

The main difference between what the sexes find hot seems to be that men are more interested in arm movements and women want to see some action in the legs.

Dr. Nick Neave, associate professor at the department of psychology at Northumbria University explained the science of shaking some ass, as quoted by Net Doctor: When you are dancing you are painting a complex biological picture which shows your age, health, motor skills, hormonal status, personality and intelligence to others. Dance is not just a bit of fun; it is a serious way of expressing yourself to other people.

So, the next time you find yourself on the dancefloor, remember to paint that beautiful biological picture as complex as possible. And even if people appear to be laughing, science says youre irresistible.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Are you going big enough with your dance moves?

Drop This Fact

Researchers at the University of Washington previously found that dancers with good body symmetry were more attractive to viewers, possibly because symmetry is seen to be linked with healthy genes.
A successful resolution to what becomes of the border with the Republic will be the "litmus test" of Brexit, according to the new Belfast-born head of the Institute of Directors (IoD).

Former construction boss Stephen Martin said he was giving his first speech as IoD director general in Northern Ireland as it was on the "frontline" of Brexit.

Addressing the IoD annual dinner at Europa Hotel last night, he said: "Both the UK and Irish governments have stated they do not want a 'hard' border put in place - and we welcome that commitment - but we know this will just be one issue among many in broader Brexit negotiations with the EU. Getting the question of Northern Ireland's border with the Republic right will be the litmus test for a successful Brexit." Mr Martin, former chief executive of building firm Clugston Group, said he had joined the IoD at an interesting time.

"In just the last few weeks, we have seen the UK Government compelled by the Supreme Court to seek the approval of the Westminster Parliament before beginning Brexit proceedings, while in Northern Ireland, the resignation of the Deputy First Minister has triggered new Assembly elections, now just weeks away. You do not need me to tell you that political uncertainty has been dialled up a notch for businesses here in Northern Ireland."

And IoD chairman Ian Sheppard said the run-up to Brexit was "no time" for Northern Ireland to lack its government institutions.

"We are going to need words of grace... and leaders who have a vision to lift themselves above the parochial, and stretch themselves beyond their own constituency and make compromises to restore fully-functioning institutions. The next few months will be a real test of political maturity."
Tata Steel UK chief Bimlendra Jha said the deal was good news for Speciality Steels and for Tata's core business in the UK

Tata has signed an agreement to sell its Speciality Steels business to Liberty House Group for 100m. The business employs around 1,700 workers - making products for the aerospace, automotive and oil and gas industries - across several sites in South Yorkshire.

Bimlendra Jha, chief executive of Tata Steel UK, said: "This is good news for Speciality Steels and for Tata Steel's core business in the UK.

"For Speciality Steels, which is largely independent of our European strip products supply chain, this is an important step forward in securing a future for the business under new ownership.

"This news also marks another important step forward in realising a more sustainable future for our Port Talbot-based supply chain in the UK."

The company sold its Long Products business, which has a plant in Lisburn, last year.
Members of the Unite union working in BA's so-called mixed fleet will walk out on February 17

British Airways cabin crew are to stage a fresh four-day strike in a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of the Unite union working in the airline's so-called mixed fleet will walk out on February 17.

The announcement was made on the second day of a three-day stoppage, which followed a similar strike earlier this week .

Unite also urged BA to meet the union for fresh talks at the conciliation service Acas.

A BA spokesman said: "We have flown all customers to their destinations during the previous strikes by mixed fleet Unite and we will ensure this happens again.

"We will publish more details on February 14 once we have finalised our contingency plans. Our pay offer for mixed fleet crew is consistent with the deal accepted by 92% of colleagues across the airline, most of whom are represented by Unite.

"It also reflects pay awards given by other companies in the UK and will ensure that rewards for mixed fleet remain in line with those for cabin crew at our airline competitors."

Unite national officer Oliver Richardson said: "British Airways should focus on addressing poverty pay in its mixed fleet, rather than continuing to waste hundreds of thousands of pounds on chartering in aircraft to cover striking workers.

"Despite the bully boy tactics, the threats and the sanctions, our members in British Airways mixed fleet have continued to show great resolve in their fight for better pay. Mixed fleet cabin crew are the future of British Airways and deserve better.

"We would urge British Airways to join us at reconvened Acas talks and negotiate a settlement to avoid the cost and disruption of a further four days of strike action."

The two sides have clashed over pay, with Unite saying the cabin crew earned an average of 16,000 a year, including allowances, but BA insisting no-one was paid below 21,000.

The mixed fleet work on short and long-haul flights.
Hermoine Corfield, the 23-year-old star of hit ITV drama The Halcyon, has more than 28,000 followers on Instagram. She's acted in films opposite Tom Cruise, Vin Diesel and Ian McKellen, and yet she says she finds it easy to go out in London incognito. "No one's ever recognised me," she laughs. "Which is how I like it."

Today, dressed in a black jumper, skirt and black-rimmed specs, she looks like a typical student. "I'm normally quite tomboyish," she acknowledges, adding that her "round face" means she can play 14 when she's not wearing make-up.

The Halcyon, a drama about the inner workings of a top London hotel during the Second World War, has won rave reviews as ITV's "new Downton Abbey". Written by playwright Charlotte Jones and produced by the people behind The Crown, it looks gorgeous. There's political intrigue as well as storylines focusing on betrayal, infidelity, interracial relationships and homosexuality.

And Corfield is the heart and conscience of the drama. She plays Emma Garland, daughter of the manager of the hotel, who is caught in a love triangle with Lord Freddie Hamilton (Jamie Blackley) and American reporter Joe (Matt Ryan).

In many ways Emma represents the "new woman" liberated by war. "It's such a brilliant arc to play," says Corfield. "She really moves up a ladder in her professional career. Later in the series we'll see her move out of the hotel and get involved in the real world."

We see Emma blossom from a shy young thing to a woman in love. "When I first put the red lipstick on I remember somebody said: 'You look nicer in colour,' because I'd been so plain with no make-up. I spent three-and-a-half months in the same grey dress and Olivia Williams, playing Lady Hamilton, would come down in these unbelievable satin dresses."

There's an irony that we've fallen for Corfield playing such a demure character because on the big screen she's usually wearing a bikini or firing a gun - or both. She was an undercover agent in 2015's Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, alongside Tom Cruise, and in the new Vin Diesel film xXx: Return of Xander Cage she plays an ex-MI5 agent.

These Hollywood turns have led to Corfield fast becoming a red-carpet professional. For xXx's premiere in LA she wore a catsuit by female art-fashion collective Galvan, based in Ladbroke Grove. "I worked with Neil Rodgers, a UK stylist in LA, who designed my shoes as well." As for the cameras: "You learn to put on a persona. You have to block out the noise because everyone's shouting at you: 'Look this way. Chin down. Smile from behind'."

Corfield grew up in London and Gloucestershire. Her mother is the shirtmaker Emma Willis, whose clients include Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Craig. Corfield attended boarding school at Downe House, near Newbury. She joined the National Youth Theatre at 15 and was hooked.

During the holidays she worked in her mother's shop and modelled to earn the money to spend three months training at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York. At 19, Corfield was snapped up by an agent in LA, then returned to study English literature at UCL (she has deferred the final year of her degree). She secured a role in Mr Holmes, opposite Sir Ian McKellen, and then the blockbusters came calling.

She is heartened to work with so many women. "My last three auditions were all with female film directors. There's a different chemistry with an all-female production," she says.

Eight months ago Corfield moved into a house in Brixton with two female friends. She skilfully dodges questions about any romantic relationships, but enthuses about nearby parks, pizza places and local pubs.

With two episodes left to go, she's tight-lipped about how The Halcyon's love triangle will end. "It's going to be a long drawn-out one," she says. "Secrecy was so tight," she explains, "that the cast only got scripts a week before filming."

For all the cocktails and Art Deco furnishings, she relishes the way the series mirrors world events now. "There are horrible things happening in Syria. In the same way, during the Second World War it was easy for people to go: 'Oh well, it's not happening here, I can close my eyes'."

The director told the actors to take the fear of the big threats of our time, such as terrorism, and to put it into their roles.

"Every generation has a threat, so it's tapping into that fear that drives the characters," she says. "The show starts off with everyone thinking there's no way the war will make its way to Britain, but as time progresses they realise it's becoming more and more of a reality."

Corfield knows how brutal war can be. Her mother started the charity Style For Soldiers, which makes bespoke shirts for injured servicemen and women to help them enter the workplace.

"Mum goes to Headley Court, the Help for Heroes rehabilitation centre, to measure them up. The aim is to help soldiers feel that they can step back into the world looking and feeling great," she says.

She's keen to act on the London stage but in the meantime we'll see her next in Guy Ritchie's latest film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (out March 24). She plays Syren, a character she describes as "a villainous creature, sort of like one of the three Macbeth witches". Most of her scenes were filmed in water. "It was a very physical role so I did a scuba diving course."

In the meantime she's auditioning again. "It teaches you to be more relaxed," she insists. "Because everything can change in a split second. You might have to be on a plane tomorrow. You might have to cut your hair off. You're constantly in a state of: 'What's next?'"

The Halcyon is on ITV on Mondays at 9pm.
Britney Spears has thanked fans for their support after her niece Maddie was released from hospital after an accident in the grounds of the family home in Louisiana.

The eight-year-old, who is the daughter of her sister Jamie Lynn, travelled home in a helicopter from hospital in New Orleans.

Spears wrote on Instagram: " So grateful that Maddie was able to go home today... it's truly a miracle.

"Our prayers were heard, and they were answered! Thank you so much for all your love and support this week.

"My family appreciates it more than you will ever know."

Maddie was riding in an all terrain vehicle at home in Kentwood on Sunday when it flipped over into a pond, according to a statement from the family released to E! News.

Earlier this week she shared a photograph of Maddie with the caption: "Need all the wishes and prayers for my niece" and yesterday updated fans that the youngster was making progress.

Jamie Lynn also shared the news of her daughter's recovery on social media, posting a picture of her family in a Children's Hospital New Orleans helicopter and wrote: " Thanks to the amazing first responders, and medical teams at University and Children's Hospital in New Orleans, LA, we are headed home with our baby girl as she continues to recover.

"Above all else we are so thankful for each and every prayer, because we know that is what truly made the difference. Thank you again to everyone. We are truly blessed."
Lee Mead found fame in BBC1 singing contest Any Dream Will Do

Actor Lee Mead has signed up to join hospital drama Holby City.

Mead, 35, is resurrecting the role of Ben "Lofty" Chiltern, which he played in another BBC1 medical drama, Casualty.

Last year, viewers saw Lofty resigning from his post to retrain as a bereavement counsellor in palliative care and head to Australia for a break.

Holby City is set in the same hospital as Casualty.

Mead said: "I'm really excited to be coming back as Lofty. I've missed him! I'm looking forward to being in a new part of the Holby hospital and seeing what it has in store for him next."

Mead, who will be on screen from the spring, shot to fame when he won BBC1's singing contest Any Dream Will Do.

He went on to marry T V presenter Denise Van Outen, who was a judge on the show, but the pair divorced in 2015.

The Holby City team will also see the return of Jaye Jacobs as nurse Donna Jackson, who left the wards in 2011.

Jacobs said: "Donna and I have unfinished business. She's flirty, brash and ballsy. I've missed her!"

Waterloo Road actress Ayesha Dharker is also joining the cast as Nina Karnik, a tough but compassionate general surgeon, while David Ajao is Dr Damon Ford.

Holby City and Casualty acting executive producer Simon Harper said: "I'm beyond excited to welcome on to the wards two new faces, a returning face and a much-loved Casualty character.

"It's thrilling to bring Jaye back as the sparky, irreverent Donna, one of the most popular and iconic Holby characters ever and equally so to have Lee make the 'trip upstairs' as Lofty.

"Keller Ward is going through some dark times, so Lofty's trademark warmth and kindness will come at just the right moment."
You can tell a lot about someone from their earliest childhood memory. For Eddi Reader - the ginger goddess of alt.pop folk - it wasn't playing with her Barbie doll on the front lawn while her mother made buns for tea.

"I was climbing a tenement stair (in Glasgow) and my legs were too short to reach up," she says, "the stone looked like slept-in pillows.

"I also remember faking sleep in Mass so the adults would carry me home; and, the following may have been a dream but I remember floating inside a bubble which in itself was floating through a dark deep blue with twinkling occasional lights. Someone told me it was a womb memory."

You can also tell a lot about someone from the first record they ever bought. For Reader, it was The Hissing of Summer Lawns by Joni Mitchell.

"Freedom to hear melodies that didn't stick to a formula - even though I loved those old songs of my parents, aunts and uncles - Joni's creative voice," she says, "seemed to weave and duck and dive wherever the river went."

A bit like Eddi Reader, in fact.

She has a vivid imagination, with a memory to match. When I inquire about the low moments in her life, Eddi for all intents and purposes disappears into a reverie only to return five minutes later ...

"I have had a look back and I remember those broken moments. I remember desperate sadness, incredibly lost and alone times when no comfort was possible.

"One very dark night I nearly became a ghost. My children," she says of Charlie and Sam, now 28 and 24 respectively, "were my reminder that life changes fast.

"So decisions can't be made in those desperate times.

"I can't go into the depth of it all, but no-one reading this will be any different from me in the experience of profound sadness. I've found my escape routes to the surface.

"The first stone up can be a big reach and it might be disguised as mundanity, but once you start climbing you never get so low again. Simply doing the dishes or washing a step can be the first glorious medicine to the surface."

The beautiful voice of Patience of Angels - and of course that 1988 number one, Perfect, with Fairground Attraction - Eddi Reader once reflected that singing was "my way out of this, my way out of the wild west Dodge that was the southern Glaswegian education system, which was very tough".

How does she look back on that time in her life?

"I reached exam age and there seemed to be no investment," she answers, "and they streamed kids into: 'high achievers', 'clueless with potential', or 'factory fodder'. Then there was the sub-section, non-exam-taking 'criminally psychotic'.

"Weak teachers were locked in cupboards in those classes. The sexes were split up too. So I'm only talking about the lassies!" she laughs.

"My card was marked from being under-confident in exams. So I was dumped with the teacher-jailers in many subjects, but after I discovered that if I took my guitar to school and sang daft songs to the lassies," she continues, "then the day would end with no real problem."

Luckily, she says, a more left-wing policy was applied in the final year and all streaming was stopped: classes were of mixed abilities and gender.

"Therefore criminals were out-numbered and I gained a form teacher who encouraged me to bring in my guitar and encouraged debate amongst all of us.

"She saved my education. I passed my exams. Ms Maureen Smith - form-mistress, Bellarmine Secondary, 1975, biology department and a Bob Dylan fan. I still see her." Born on August 29, 1959, Sadenia 'Eddi' Reader is the eldest of seven children.

The welder's daughter from a council estate in Glasgow was to rise to great heights - winning best single and best album at the 1989 Brit Awards, singing with Gang of Four, Eurythmics and Alison Moyet, acting in Me And Orson Welles alongside Claire Danes, being awarded an MBE, singing at the re-opening of the new Scottish Parliament building in 2004 (where she was presented to the Queen.)

The sort of inspirational, quirky woman you don't meet every day, Eddi has been singing for her supper (and for the suppers of her two kids) for nearly three decades now.

What I love about Ms Reader is that you don't know what she is going to come up with (either in person, during an interview) or in the recording studio.

Not least her brilliant The Songs of Robert Burns in 2003 with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Indeed she spoke of the 18th century Bard of Ayrshire thus: "People didn't want their daughters anywhere near him because he was a scallywag, and he was always getting in trouble with the people in the chapel. Mostly for fornication."

Can Eddi remember the first time she sang? "I can't remember exactly the first time, but I loved to do the mundane tasks I was given to the best of my ability," she says.

"My favourite was washing the 'close'," she says (explaining that the 'close' was "the shared stone entrance and stairwell for 8-10 families").

"I would hone my singing in those reverb-filled stairwells; singing in them sounded more powerful than singing while peeling tatties or washing or ironing or hanging out clothes," she says.

"One afternoon while singing and sloshing about with my mop and bleach-filled bucket - I would be paid to do the neighbours' 'turn' - Mrs Hosie had a visitor and when he was saying goodbye to her he turned to me and gave me some money. He said: 'Thank you for singing that lovely song'."

This, she recalls, had "some mad effect on my tiny brain. I felt like a prince had showed up and given me a ticket to the palace".

What songs of hers is Eddi most proud of?

"I love many of them - some haven't been recorded yet. I don't think 'pride' is an accurate word to describe the way I feel about songs. It's too disembodied a word. I'm not outside looking in, I'm inside looking out. All the songs that occur surprise me when they arrive. I don't have a past or a future with a song," she says, "they just live in my brain constantly. They wake me up too early though. Quite cacophonous in my head at five am! Especially when they're bursting to come out if I'm recording, like this week."

How would her kids describe her, this profoundly vibrant woman?

"When they bump into me in the hall I get the feeling they would say: 'She's the one that will get me my missing whatever and give me that stuff people use to buy things, she brings up things I don't want to talk too long about, right that's enough of her, gotta go! Love you! Bye!'"

How would Eddi's partner John Douglas describe her? "I'll ask," Eddi says texting him at their home in Glasgow. (Two minutes later.) "He says: 'Beautiful'.

And her him? "He is a good man who has all the right words when talking to me!" Eddi laughs.

Eddi Reader plays the Market Place Theatre, Armagh, February 23, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, February 24 and the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, February 26. All concerts start at 7.30pm. For further information go to www.eddireader.co.uk
Tim Cook is being awarded a doctorate of science in a ceremony at the University of Glasgow

Tim Cook has told Prime Minister Theresa May that he is very optimistic about the UKs future outside of the European Union.

The chief executive of Apple met Ms May at Downing Street on Thursday morning and reiterated the tech giant's plans to build a new UK headquarters at the Battersea Power Station as proof of the company's support of the UK.

He said the iPhone maker is a big believer in the UK adding Britain would be just fine outside of the EUeven if there are some bumps in the road along the way.

"We're doubling down on a huge headquarters in the Battersea area and we're leaving significant space there to expand," Mr Cook said.

The company, last year, revealed it would move 1,600 employees to the new office in south London in 2021. The Government hailed the move as a sign that major firms were still investing in the UK after the Brexit vote.

In a statement released after the meeting, Apple said: "We are proud that Apple's innovation and growth now supports nearly 300,000 jobs across the UK."

Mr Cook was awarded an honorary doctorate degree earlier this week at the University of Glasgow, where he seized the occasion to voice opposition to President Donald Trumps immigration ban saying: "If we stand and say nothing it's as if we're agreeing".

Apple has been among a host of major technology firms which have voiced their concerns over the travel ban.
The Random Things That Make Women Uninterested In An Online Dating Profile

Trending News: Women Reveal The Random Things That Turn Them Off A Dating Profile

Long Story Short

Your dating profile says a lot about you  but does it suck? Women on Reddit shared the things that turn them off somebody's profile.

Long Story

You're a great guy, I have no doubt. But oftentimes most guys' online dating profile doesn't them you off well enough. I know, it really sucks that things need to be so superficial, but that's the name of the dating game these days. And in some ways, online dating is even better than back in the day when you only met in person because at least this gives you the option of putting in a bio and photos of you looking snazzy at your friend's wedding.

RELATED: Best Online Dating Sites

But that brings us back to the bio. What does it say about you? Are there any words in there?

And what about your photos? That certainly is a mighty big fish you got there, but isn't it a tad played out?

If your dating profile is set to heterosexual, you might not know what's played out and what's crap cause you don't see other guys' profile, but thanks to Reddit's AskWomen forum, now there's a way to compare.

Reddit AskWomen asks: What is a random thing that instantly makes you uninterested in an online dating profile?

Here are some of the best responses:

cubistgirl

When it says "if you want to get to know me just ask" instead of providing any information about themselves that might compel me to want to get to know them in the first place.

umop-apisdn1

Posing with other women. Not sure why so many men feel the need to post pictures with their hands all over the ladies at the bar ? Blurry/dark pictures. Pictures of them with 8,000 other guys that all look the same and you can't tell who is the owner of the profile. Shirtless pics. Pics of them with dead animals/hunting/with guns or knives. Empty profiles, phrases like "I'm not like other guys" or "I don't like myself, I'm crazy about myself." "Texting" talk instead of using full words on their profile. I could keep going but I think I've covered about 95% of the profile out there.

rhapsodytwelve

Not single anymore, but I was always turned off by male profiles that discusses their "crazy" ex(es) or how they've been wronged by so many women ~insert sad story~.

VladTheSoviet

For example, I have a weird disinterest in anyone who poses with a fish they caught. I'm not a vegan or vegetarian, it's just a turn off. I admit that it's very weird and superficial.

I_PEE_WITH_THAT

"I love to laugh and have fun." You and literally every other person on this planet. No one laughs and then screams "FUCK, IT HAPPENED AGAIN!"

dipdopdoop

"I'm not like other guys/girls." eye roll

Now go and update your profile(s).

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

What's the worst thing you can put in your bio (not as a joke)?

Drop This Fact

Almost 2 out of every 5 singles would judge a potential date based on their grammar usage in their online posts, according to data from Match.com.
A "stable" Assembly and Executive must be in place to tackle the legacy of the Troubles, the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has said.

In response to comments from Victims' Commissioner Judith Thompson, the NIO also stressed the Government remained committed to the bodies proposed in the Stormont House Agreement, including an historical investigations unit.

In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph on Monday, Mrs Thompson also implicitly criticised Secretary of State James Brokenshire over claims that investigations into Troubles-related killings have been disproportionately weighed against security forces personnel.

The commissioner said: "I don't understand where the evidence is here. My understanding is that all of the around 2,000 cases awaiting review by the (proposed) historical inquiries unit are in the same position - they cannot be skewed in a particular direction."

A statement on behalf of Mr Brokenshire's office said the proposed bodies, which also include an independent commission on information retrieval, would "investigate Troubles-related deaths in ways that are fair, balanced and proportionate".

A spokesperson for the NIO added: "It is also important to note that we need stable devolved institutions in place so we can continue to address challenging issues like the legacy of the past.

"The Government remains committed to the establishment of the new bodies proposed in the Stormont House Agreement, including the historical investigations unit.

"We will continue discussions with political parties and victims' groups to try and build sufficient consensus to establish the legacy institutions."
A Larne man who wore a balaclava while driving said it was to stop the PSNI from identifying him as he was previously banned from the road.

However, Alan Humphrys (28) quickly came to police attention - when he crashed in to three PSNI cars.

Ballymena Magistrates Court was told yesterday that "substantial damage" was caused to the vehicles which had been parked during a property search on Larne's Killyglen Road on September 17 last year.

Humphrys, of Churchill Road, had taken a cocktail of drugs and claimed it was an accident and that he had "blacked out" before his red Hyundai smashed into the police vehicles.

A PSNI sergeant in one of the cars was taken to hospital for injuries to his back, chest and arms.

The prosecutor said both Humphrys and a front seat passenger were wearing balaclavas.

After the crash both tried to escape. Humphrys was caught, but his passenger got away.

Police suspected Humphrys was on drugs and a blood sample showed traces of cocaine, Diazepam, Temazepam and amphetamines.

The prosecutor said "substantial damage" was caused to the police vehicles.

He said the defendant told police he bought the Hyundai for 150 in Belfast and was intending to do it up. He was driving from his home to his mother's house and "wore a balaclava so police would not recognise him, as he was previously banned from driving".

Humphrys said his friend was wearing the balaclava "for fun".

The defendant told officers the crash was an accident.

At a previous High Court bail application related to the case, it had been alleged Humphrys deliberately crashed into three parked police cars in an attempt to hinder a burglary investigation.

It was also claimed in the High Court that at the time of the incident Humphrys was on police bail in connection with the suspected break-in.

He had been originally charged with dangerous driving, but that was withdrawn.

Last month, he pleaded guilty to charges of driving while unfit, no driving licence, no insurance, driving without due care and attention and resisting police.

Back in Ballymena Magistrates Court for sentencing yesterday, Humphrys' barrister Aaron Thompson said his client had originally been arrested for attempted murder. The defendant was never charged with that.

On the date of the offences, Mr Thompson said Humphrys had "blacked out at the point of collision". He said "something extremely foolish happened that day" and said the defendant had already spent four weeks in custody in relation to the matter.

Humphrys was put on probation for a year, must carry out 100 hours of community service and was banned from driving for three years.
Same wavelength: Sabrina loved to chat on the phone to her sister Donna

Looking stunning on her wedding day it seems impossible that radiant new bride Sabrina Ryan was in fact fighting for her life. Diagnosed 18 months earlier at the age of 27 with an incurable and rare form of lung cancer, Sabrina who was a young, fit, non-smoking career girl amazed everyone by her positive attitude and determination to carry on making life as full as possible.

She set up a blog 'So She Knows' giving practical, fashion and beauty advice to others coping with cancer. It became a worldwide sensation, with more than 10,000 followers and led to her becoming a spokeswoman for the Irish Cancer Society.

Read More

After her wedding in August 2011, Sabrina, who was from Killeen, near Armagh, went on to face a number of gruelling treatments before sadly losing her battle with cancer in April 2015, aged just 32.

This weekend her identical twin sister Donna Ronan and family - brothers Shane, David and Cahill, parents John and Mary McNamee and husband Paul Ryan - will launch a new foundation in her memory to continue the good work she started with her blog.

The Sabrina Ryan Foundation aims to help reduce the emotional and lifestyle impact on cancer sufferers by paying for weekend retreats, reflexology, aromatherapy massages, wig purchasing and eyebroidery - many of the things which Sabrina wrote about in her blog and which helped her cope during her illness.

The foundation will be launched on Saturday with an inaugural black tie gala ball to be held in the Carrickdale Hotel in Co Louth.

Her sister Donna says it is a fitting way to get the foundation rolling as her sister loved the glitz of a big night out.

"She loved dressing up and going to fancy events, she loved the glitz and glamour so we thought it was appropriate to launch the charity in style," she says. "Sabrina was a ray of sunshine, she was so funny and so, so positive. She had unbelievable strength.

"She had quite a few seizures in her last year after the cancer spread to her brain, sometimes one or two a day and they would leave her very fatigued.

"I remember one day after she had a seizure I could see how much it had taken out of her and I helped her to bed. I thought she was resting but I popped up to check on her and she was sitting up in bed with her laptop doing her blog.

"She was using the last bit of strength she had to answer emails from blog followers and that just blew me away. She was struggling and yet she was trying to make someone else's life easier. She was so strong and so brave."

A couple of years before her diagnosis Sabrina, who worked as a fashion buyer, moved to Dublin with her twin sister Donna, who worked as a nurse in A&E in the city's Mater Hospital.

Donna said they were "living the dream" when their world fell apart with Sabrina's shock diagnosis just after Christmas in 2009.

Donna recalls: "She had a pain in her shoulder coming up to Christmas and had recurring chest infections, but we thought nothing of it as it was the time of year when everyone gets sick.

"When she still didn't feel well after Christmas I suggested she come up to A&E when I was on duty one night.

"She came up and we were both laughing and didn't think anything of it. She went for an X-ray and they suspected she had pneumonia, which shocked us, and she was admitted."

Within just 24 hours the girls were facing the worst news imaginable when Sabrina was told she had a rare form of lung cancer which usually strikes non-smokers.

While there was no cure, there was some hope in that doctors felt confident that chemotherapy could keep it under control.

Sabrina's distraught boyfriend Paul proposed to her in hospital and later whisked her off to Portugal for another romantic proposal on a beach.

Donna says: "As a family we didn't want a prognosis, we just focused on the news that the treatment could help keep it at bay.

"You associate lung cancer with older people who have been smoking 50 cigarettes a day for years, not with a young 27-year-old, fit woman who goes to the gym and doesn't smoke. It was such a shock for all of us.

"Sabrina was so positive and determined to try everything; she even took part in drug trials and managed to continue to work right up to two weeks before her wedding.

"She was in remission when she got married and she had a gorgeous fairytale black tie wedding and just looked like Sabrina - she still had her beautiful long blonde hair and she looked absolutely stunning."

Tragically within just two weeks of her wedding a routine scan revealed that the cancer had spread to Sabrina's brain.

She had to undergo radiotherapy which had horrendous side-effects. She lost her hair, eyelashes and eyebrows and had blisters on her scalp.

She also faced chemotherapy and after a year of treatment was left so weak she was forced to give up work and had to spend a lot of her time in bed.

Her sister got engaged in 2013 and was delighted that Sabrina was able to be her maid of honour when she got married in September of the following year.

Sabrina had started her blog and as she found ways to cope with her illness, she shared them with her thousands of followers.

Donna says: "When she lost her eyebrows she used to take pictures of herself with no eyebrows and then pictures showing how to draw eyebrows on and post them up on her blog.

"I remember mum taking her to get her eyebrows tattooed and she came out of the salon crying and mum was worried, but she was crying because she was so delighted. It was things like this she shared on her blog to help bring a bit of normality back into the lives of others.

"We saw first-hand as a family how a treat changed Sabrina's mental attitude and helped her to cope. Wee things like pedicures and manicures when she had finished chemo helped to lift her spirits and she always said it gave her back a wee bit of herself.

"That's what we hope to provide through the foundation."

As identical twins Donna and Sabrina shared a special bond. The sisters spoke constantly on the phone and saw each other every day.

Donna describes Sabrina as her soulmate and best friend and says that setting up the foundation in her sister's memory has helped her to cope with the devastation of her loss.

"A few days before she passed away I found out I was pregnant and I did the test in her room and she was so delighted for me," she says.

"My son Daniel has given me something to live for, he is my ray of sunshine now and I think without him I couldn't have gone on.

"There are some days I don't want to get out of bed and other days I just want to sit and cry. Setting up the foundation has helped with the grieving process.

"I hope I am making her proud. I want to keep her memory alive and build her legacy. I'm always talking about her and I want to talk about her and pretend she is still with me.

"I didn't want her blog to just go away. The foundation allows us to continue the work she started and I feel as if I have got a wee bit of Sabrina back.

"The aim of the foundation is to make someone smile and feel good about themselves while going through one of the hardest things any person should have to go through."

The Sabrina Ryan Foundation was granted charity status in September and a committee has been set up to process any requests for support from cancer patients or their families.

Donna paid tribute to her local community in Killeen who she said had rallied round to stage a number of fund raisers to help get the charity off the ground.

"We have been blown away by how good people are and by how much our local community has rallied round," she says.

"When people heard we planned to launch the foundation, they started to hold fundraising events all over the place. We really can't thank people enough."

For more information or to benefit from the Foundation or support it with a donation go to www.facebook.com/thesabrinaryan foundation
The road to Belfast International Airport will be closed

The planned roadworks on the main road to Belfast International Airport have been postponed due to low temperatures.

The A57 Ballyrobin Road was due to close for resurfacing work.

Temperatures in the next few days will be up to 5C colder than normal at this time of year, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for ice in parts of Northern Ireland, Wales, south-west England and Scotland.

Stay up-to-date on Northern Ireland weather and traffic news here.
There was uproar in court as west Belfast dad Christopher O'Neill was cleared of the murder of his baby daughter Caragh Walsh, whom he "just loved to bits" and still thinks about "every single day".

It had taken the Craigavon Crown Court jury of eleven sitting in Armagh, just over four and a half hours since Thursday to acquit the 26-year-old by a majority of at least ten to one.

Even before the jury foreman had announced the verdict Tammy Louise, baby Caragh's mum was already in tears. However, as the "Not Guilty" decision came there were shouts of disbelief from her other members of her family, who were quick to their feet and shouting.

Behind him, his family were also in tears, but of joy. Then when freed by trial judge Madam Justice McBride, they gathered him up in a group hug. Afterwards, his solicitor Paul Sweeney said O'Neill and his family did not wish to say anything, but that "it has been a very difficult case, and one in which there have been no winners".

O'Neill from the Whiterock Road, has always rejected and 'absolutely' refuted any suggestion he would have done anything to harm three-month-old baby Caragh, who was rushed from her Glasvey home in Twinbrook to hospital where she died two days later on February 7, 2014.

By their verdict the jury of ten men and a woman accepted his claims that far from attacking her in a rage, he had done all he could to save the toddler he dotted on, after she had awoke with a "painful cry" and was "barely breathing".

They also rejected the prosecution case that although a caring dad, O'Neill had finally found it all too much and reaching his limit, had simply snapped and having lost control, assaulted and abused the youngster in a momentary rage.

From the outset, the still greiving dad, maintained that he would "never" have done anything to harm her, and boasted that from the moment she was born in October 2013: "I was happy ... proud ... I loved her to bits, I didn't want to leave her, I just wanted to be with her all of the time".

First in police interviews, and again during his four week trial, O'Neill told how in the month and a half of paternity leave, and after the family moved into their own flat in Twinbrook, he "did most of the looking after of baby Caragh", and later would rush home from work to be with her.

On the "fateful day ... that terrible day" he described how, when watching a DVD, baby Caragh suddenly awoke in her bouncer, her arms shooting out in front of her. He tried to revive her, even giving her mouth to mouth, and tried to stimulate her with her bottle, but to no avail.

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Initially he told the court that he "was scared ... because I knew something was wrong" thinking, "that she was dying", and that "I just wanted her not to die. I just wanted to help her".

Although he accepted that at one stage he lifted her up in front of him and "shook her" he did not know how many times he did so.

"I felt helpless and scared ... completely scared of Caragh dying... I knew something wrong was happening".

When suggested he'd lost it, O'Neill told the jury: "I would never hurt my daughter ... that's completely wrong. I was trying to help her".

And that he only shook her, "because I thought she was dying and to this day I have had to live with the fact that I didn't help her enough".

He also told the jury, his voice raw with emotion, that not a day goes by that he does not think of her.
A young mum has vowed never to buy anything online after falling victim to a "scam" that cost her thousands of pounds she had saved for her wedding.

Arlene McCann, a retail assistant, bought four tickets, costing 375, for an Ed Sheeran concert in Dublin in April for herself and three friends.

But instead of being charged the amount she agreed to pay, the Dromore woman was shocked to see almost 2,200 debited from her credit card two days later.

Alarmingly, when she got the tickets, it said they had been paid for in cash.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, the devastated 27-year-old mother-of-one said she thought the website was misleading.

"I went into the Google search engine to find Ed Sheeran tickets and it brought up the Viagogo website," she added.

"Four tickets were priced at 375, but when I entered my details and received an order confirmation, the total cost was 2,191.62. It was a real shock.

"I went online to try and get the tickets pre-sale on Tuesday, January 31, but the money wasn't debited from my credit card until February 2.

"The website was misleading because it didn't allow me to see the amount I was being charged before I checked out. I'm worried I have been a victim of a scam."

Miss McCann, who has a five-year-old daughter, said she had not received a refund or even a response from any of the bodies she complained to.

"I was very upset and I didn't know what to do," she explained. "I tried to cancel the tickets, but I couldn't. My partner went to the bank to cancel the payment, but they wouldn't cancel it.

"It was some of the savings for my wedding this May. I'm getting married in Dromore and then having a reception in Donegal.

"I have written a letter of complaint to the bank and I've also reported it to Trading Standards, but I haven't heard anything yet."

Arlene also told how the experience had made her wary of conducting any business online.

"I don't want to go to see Ed Sheeran anymore," she said. "After what happened, I wouldn't go to the concert even if it was in my own living room.

"I just want my money back. This has put me off buying tickets over the internet. I have a wee girl who's coming six, so I have enough bills to pay with childcare without this."

Trading Standards spokesman Bill Malloy urged consumers to exercise extreme caution when booking tickets for concerts through online services.

"Consumers shouldn't be distracted by being at the head of an online queue, by screen timers, or information about other customers looking for tickets," he said. "They should take their time and check the entire web page.

It follows complaints to Consumerline from customers who had not checked if they were using an official or secondary website when buying tickets.
Nearly 800 people have been detained at Northern Ireland ports for immigration offences in the space of a year.

And the overall total has soared by two-thirds, statistics have revealed.

The exact figure of people detained at ports including Belfast, Londonderry, Larne and Warrenpoint in 2015/16 was 775 - a rise of 66% on the previous year.

They included 73 criminals who had previously been deported from the UK and 30 foreign nationals with serious criminal convictions in the UK or abroad.

But a senior PSNI chief has said there is no specific reason for the increase, such as Brexit. He was responding to concerns by the former chair of the Assembly's Justice Committee, Paul Frew, who asked whether specific trends have emerged.

PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent Hugh Hume, however, said: "None of the arrests or detentions are necessarily directly linked to Brexit.

"It tends to be a number of people from outside the European Union who are detained and people who have been deported from the United Kingdom and are attempting to regain entry.

"We are not seeing any particular trends apart from the general upward movement.

"There is an uplift; that is certainly true. The Irish ports have come under some greater notice, perhaps, from some people, but I would not say there is a trend or any exploitation of Brexit specifically; it is not driving it per se."

The senior police officer also warned, however, that tariffs or immigration differences introduced as a result of Brexit could cause an increase in cross-border smuggling.

The warning was a reply to a question from former MLA Trevor Lunn who said smuggling could involve retail goods and the "old favourite" - cattle and pigs.

The officer said 43% of organised crime by gangs in Northern Ireland "has a cross-border dimension. Some of that is drugs-based, and some is commodity-based or based on human trafficking".

"There already is a well-trodden path between the two jurisdictions on criminality, so any separation on immigration or tariffs will certainly create an opportunity and, in the mindset of our crime gangs, an intent to perhaps exploit those tax or immigration differences," he said.

"As well as the other criminality they are involved in, there will just be another commodity tacked on to their existing activity," Mr Hume added.

"It is something we have identified and recognised, and we are engaging with our partners to understand the threat around it.

"As you say, already, through the cross-border task force, a lot of work goes on in that activity as we speak."
The aftermath of the Loughgall shootings in 1987

The SAS killing of eight IRA men and a civilian is set to be the lead case in a major High Court battle to secure funding for inquests into troubles-related deaths.

Brigid Hughes, whose husband Anthony was shot dead after being innocently caught up in the ambush at Loughgall, Co Armagh in May 1987, has been granted leave to seek a judicial review against the Stormont administration and British Government.

Separate litigation is also being pursued on behalf of the families of ten people killed by soldiers in west Belfast nearly 46 years ago.

Legal proceedings were issued on behalf of a daughter of one of the civilians shot dead in Ballymurphy over a three-day period during the introduction of internment in August 1971.

They claim the continued withholding of funding is thwarting a five-year plan devised by Northern Ireland's most senior judge to deal with a backlog of inquests into legacy cases.

But Mrs Hughes' case is now expected to be examined first at a full hearing later this year.

Both challenges are aimed at securing an order for the release of money required to hear all outstanding legacy inquests.

Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan has called for urgent action to fund his blueprint for having all cases dealt with within five years.

With the cost of the plan estimated at around 10m, the government has said resources will not be released until a political agreement is reaching on dealing with the past.

Mr Hughes was fatally wounded after unwittingly driving into an SAS ambush that inflicted the greatest single loss of life suffered by the IRA during the conflict.

Lawyers for his widow have accused former DUP First Minister Arlene Foster of being responsible for the funding logjam.

At a previous hearing they alleged that a press report where she referred to a perceived skewing towards inquests into state killings pointed to a discriminatory approach.

A reference to innocent victims and killings by paramilitary groups indicated a reliance on political opinion about different categories of cases, it was contended.

Counsel instructed by the Department of Justice and Secretary of State responded that any allegations of discrimination or blocking categories of victims were unsustainable.

Mr Justice Maguire will now scrutinise all arguments in greater detail when full judicial review proceedings get underway.

Outside court Mrs Hughes solicitor stressed the importance for all families still pressing for inquests.

Darragh Mackin of KRW Law said: "It's clearly arguable that this logjam is as a result of a discriminatory approach adopted by the former First Minister.

"We now look forward to a full hearing so this matter can be resolved and all those families subject to the coronial process can have their inquests in a timely and human rights-compliant manner.
A man is in a critical condition in hospital following an incident in Belfast.

The man, aged in his 20s, was admitted to hospital with serious head injuries.

The incident was reported to police on Wednesday February 8 and enquiries established that it happened in the early hours of Monday morning in the Arthur Lane area of Belfast.

A 27-year-old man was arrested in north Belfast on Thursday February 9 on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Grimes has appealed to anyone with any information about this incident to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101 quoting reference number 1034 08/02/17. Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A man was found with a small bag containing cocaine secreted "between his buttocks" after being stopped and searched by police, a court heard yesterday.

Terence Dunlop (27), of Queen Street, Ballymena, was stopped by police in the town's Carnduff Drive area, where he used to live, on December 2 last year.

A prosecutor told Ballymena Magistrates' Court that officers informed Dunlop he was going to be subjected to a strip-search.

The defendant said he preferred it to be carried out at his home nearby, rather than being taken to the police station.

When the cocaine was found he told police he got the drugs the night before in Belfast at a cost of 40 from an unknown man. While in his house, police searched the premises and found cannabis and three Class C Subutex tablets. Dunlop told police he did not use Subutex.

Defence barrister Stephen Law said the defendant had 52 previous convictions, all related to a "need to feed addictive habits".

He said his client's life was blighted by misuse of substances and his mind was often "muddled by a cocktail of drugs".

The lawyer added that Dunlop had the support of his mother and brother and was hoping to move out of the Ballymena area "away from influences that tend to drag him back to drugs".

"The court has probably had enough of Terence Dunlop," he told the hearing.

Mr Law said the defendant, who pleaded guilty to charges of possessing Class A, B and C drugs, had been on a methadone programme.

Imposing a four-month jail term, suspended for two years, District Judge Peter King urged Dunlop to get help.
James Justin Skivington (73), of Agolagh Heights, Cushendun, was detected at Mill Street in nearby Cushendall in the early hours of New Year's Day

A playwright and author from the Glens of Antrim who has been banned from the road for being over the drink limit while in charge of a vehicle said he only went into the car to smoke a pipe.

James Justin Skivington (73), of Agolagh Heights, Cushendun, was detected at Mill Street in nearby Cushendall in the early hours of New Year's Day.

The writer, who has penned a number of books and plays, including a play about Roger Casement called 'An Incorrigible Irishman,' appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath exceeded the prescribed limit.

He had a reading of 54 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, with the legal limit being 35 per 100.

A prosecutor said at 2.05am on Sunday, January 1 this year police saw the defendant approach a vehicle and get in.

The engine was running and when officers spoke to him they could smell drink. The prosecutor said the defendant admitted he had taken beer and wine.

Defence barrister Neil Moore said that while a guilty plea was entered, the issue was whether his client, a writer, was likely to drive.

He said the defendant has been driving for 50 years, with no criminal convictions.

Mr Moore said his client had been out attending New Year "festivities" in Mill Street and after walking an elderly friend to her home nearby he was staying in Cushendall that night and had gone to "smoke his pipe in the car".

Mr Moore said it was accepted the key was in the ignition, to put the window down to let out the smoke.

District Judge Peter King said the engine was running and it was not just a case of the electrics being used to open the window.

The judge said drink had clearly been taken and the defendant was in the driver's seat with the engine running.

Had the defendant not been interrupted by police, the judge said, he would have been facing an allegation of drink driving.

He banned the defendant from driving for six months and fined him 20 0.

Bail of 250 was fixed for appeal and the defendant is allowed to drive in the meantime.
Loyalists have placed several flags on lampposts around Magherafelt town centre in response to the removal of a Union flag and flagpole.

Loyalists from a group calling itself British Truth Forum erected the flag on a roundabout in the town in the early hours of Wednesday. Less than 24 hours later, a video emerged on social media showing council-employed contractors using an angle grinder to dismantle the structure.

The removal was branded an "outrageous attempt to dilute British culture and unionist heritage".

In response loyalists erected flags around the town on Thursday night.

Mid Ulster Council said it was working on a resolution.

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DUP councillor Paul McLean said he supported the move to put the flags around town.

He said: "This is the loyalist people of the community expressing their resentment at the actions of the council in the speedy removal of the flag and the flag pole.

"This is the flag of our country and it has been discarded by our council."

Mr McLean said there would be no trouble over the matter as the community were "very responsible".

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"We are not a terrorist community," he continued.

"This community, our community, my community is very resentful over the treatment from this republican-voiced council.

"We have had the Irish language shoved up our noses. Our signs, council vans all have Irish as a precedence over English.

"And what we have here is council officials dancing to the tune of Sinn Fein."

In a statement, Mid Ulster Council responded: "The council is liaising with its statutory partners and local community representatives to seek a resolution to this issue."

It added: "The flagpole structure was erected on the Diamond roundabout without authorisation.

"As the council had recently finished out the roundabout with a deep layer of loose and un-compacted soil, the erection of the structure gave serious concern in regards to its lack of an adequate foundation and overall structural stability.

"Given the serious risk of potential injury to pedestrians and motorists, the council was obliged to take steps to have the flagpole removed as soon as practicable.

Responding to the furore, PSNI Superintendent Mike Baird said on Friday: Police were in the area and observed a small number of Union flags being erected on lampposts in the town centre last night. Police were in attendance to ensure there was no breach of the peace and to identify if any criminal offences were committed.

The dispute over the flag began 18 months ago after the majority nationalist council voted to remove the flagpole, which was erected by the Orange Order on a roundabout in the Diamond area almost 65 years ago.

The council plans to install a new cross-community 46,000 artwork on the site as part of a public realm scheme.
The organisers of a veterans march that was scheduled to be held in Londonderry next month have cancelled the event over fears of street violence after republicans called for a mass mobilisation against the parade.

Veterans for Justice UK was set to bring 100 former soldiers to march around the city on March 4 in protest against ongoing vindictive criminal investigations into Troubles killings involving the Army, including Bloody Sunday in 1972.

Republican group Saoradh called for people to take to the streets to demonstrate local and national opposition to this charade that seeks to justify the killing of Irish citizens.

The IRSP, meanwhile, branded the march an act of evil sectarianism that it would be opposing, while hardline republican group Eirigi described it as nothing less than a calculated insult to the dead of Bloody Sunday and their families.

Some groups had been mobilising supporters to mount counter-protests, and anger was growing on the ground, leading to serious fears of violence.

The march was organised by 51-year-old Anto Wickham, a former Royal Irish Ranger from Craigavon.

Speaking from Afghanistan where he now works in private security, Mr Wickham said the demonstration was being cancelled because the group didnt want to be held responsible for any police officers being injured in the trouble that was being planned.

We are postponing the parade to avoid others exploiting the situation to create community tensions or to engage in violence, he added.

The veterans are peaceful and law-abiding and their presence in the city threatens no one.

We regret there are still some in the community who cannot tolerate another point of view, who cannot accommodate others and who are opposed to free speech and freedom of assembly. These are all things that the veterans fought to uphold and maintain.

Republicans talk much about respect, but it is clear that some at least cannot show any respect for veterans and are intolerant of anything or anyone who is different from them.

This is bigotry of the highest order, and they diminish their own cause with their intolerant and threatening behaviour. Veterans will continue to uphold the law and behave in a dignified and peaceful manner. We want justice for veterans and we want to be treated with equality under the law. Clearly, some republicans cant cope with either.

But march opponents expressed relief the event had been called off.

Kate Nash (67), whose brother William was shot dead on Bloody Sunday, had been planning to mount a counter-protest in the citys Diamond area for the duration of the march. She also lodged a complaint with the Parades Commission. Mrs Nash said was relieved the insulting march had been called off because the potential for violence was extremely high.

I am delighted that the march has been cancelled, she added. Ive had a knot in my stomach ever since this march was announced.

I was extremely worried about rioting and people getting hurt, and I knew that this march would have had that potential. I was listening to the feelings of those on the ground.

There was so much anger and rage. They thought it so unfair for them to march through the city. Everyone here felt like it was like a slap in the face to victims.

I am so very, very relieved that it has been called off because there was a serious potential for trouble in this city.

The last thing I would have wanted was for anyone to be hurt or for any property to be wrecked because of this.

People were so angry that it would have certainly went that way.
West Belfast man Christopher O'Neill has been cleared of the murder of his three-month old baby daughter Caragh Walsh.

Mr O'Neill, from Whiterock Road, had denied killing the three-month-old baby in February 2014.

It had taken the Craigavon Crown Court jury of eleven sitting in Armagh, just over four and a half hours since Thursday to acquit the 26-year-old by a majority of at least ten to one.

After the 'not guilty' verdict was read out, his solicitor Paul Sweeney said Mr O'Neill and his family did not wish to say anything, but that "it has been a very difficult case, and one in which there have been no winners".

Following the verdict Caragh's mother Tammie-Louise said: "We are disappointed with today's decision. Three years ago I lost my baby daughter and she is not coming back. We would like to thank the paramedics, doctors and nurses who tried to save Caragh s life.

"We would also like to thank the police and prosecution team, as well as the court staff. We have to live with the loss of Caragh as a family for the rest of our lives. Caragh will always be remembered with love and affection and will be in our thoughts and hearts forever."

The family requested that their privacy is respected.

The detective who led the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway, said: "The jury has made its decision. We will continue to support the family in any way we can and will, together with the PPS, consider the verdict that was delivered today. Our thoughts are very much with baby Caragh and her family at this sad time."

Mr O'Neill had always rejected any suggestion he would have done anything to harm the three-month-old baby, who was rushed from her Glasvey home in Twinbrook to hospital where she died two days later on February 7, 2014.

The jury of 10 men and a woman accepted his claims that far from attacking her in a rage, he had done all he could to save the toddler he doted on, after she had awoke with a "painful cry" and was "barely breathing".

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By the same measure they have rejected the prosecution case that although a caring dad, Mr O'Neill had finally found it all too much and reaching his limit, had simply snapped and having lost control, assaulted and abused the youngster in a momentary rage.

From the outset Mr O'Neill maintained that he would "never" have done anything to harm her, and said that from the moment she was born in October 2013: "I was happy...proud...I loved her to bits, I didn't want to leave her, I just wanted to be with her all of the time".

First in police interviews, and again during his four week trial, Mr O'Neill told how in the month and a half of paternity leave, and after the family moved into their own flat in Twinbrook, he "did most of the looking after of baby Caragh", and later would rush home from work to be with her.

On the "fateful day...that terrible day" he described how, when watching a DVD, baby Caragh suddenly awoke in her bouncer, her arms shooting out in front of her.

He tried to revive her even giving her mouth to mouth but to no avail.

Initially he told the court that he "was scared...because I knew something was wrong" thinking, "that she was dying", and that "I just wanted her not to die. I just wanted to help her".

Although he accepted that at one stage he lifted her up in front of him and "shook her" he did not know how many times he did so.

"I felt helpless and scared...completely scared of Caragh dying...I knew something wrong was happening".

When it was suggested that he'd lost it, Mr O'Neill told the jury: "I would never hurt my daughter...that's completely wrong. I was trying to help her".

And that he only shook her, "because I thought she was dying and to this day I have had to live with the fact that I didn't help her enough".

Mr O'Neill also told the jury that not a day goes by that he does not think of her.
Irish leader Enda Kenny meets his Polish counterpart, Beata Szydlo, after arriving at the Polish prime ministers chancellery in Warsaw

The Republic's push for special status in the negotiations over Britain's exit from the EU suffered a setback yesterday when the Polish prime minister refused to back the move.

Beata Szydlo said issues surrounding Northern Ireland were just one of "many questions" that would have to be addressed in the forthcoming discussions.

Speaking after a two-hour meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Poland, Ms Szydlo said the two countries shared many common interests in relation to the EU. In particular, she said Poland, like the Republic, was adamant that EU citizens in the UK should continue to enjoy the same rights in the post-Brexit era.

"We agreed that there can be no limitations whatsoever with regard to trade," Ms Szydlo explained.

But when asked about Mr Kenny's desire for special recognition for Ireland, she replied: "We are only at the start of the process of Great Britain leaving the European Union. There are a lot of questions being raised.

"There are questions that will have to be answered in the conduct of the process."

Mr Kenny told the same Press conference that Ireland would feel the impact of Brexit more heavily than any other country.

"The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are both the places most adversely affected by Brexit, and we need to be imaginative and creative as to how we deal with the situation," he said.

"It does give us a special situation, which is increasingly recognised in Europe."

The Taoiseach's trip to Poland was the latest in a series of EU visits to brief leaders on Brexit. He has already travelled to Spain and Malta.

Mr Kenny said he explained the "set of circumstances in Ireland" to the Polish prime minister.

"We are the only place in the EU where there is a peace process supported by both the European Union and the United States, and this gives us special status as it is," Mr Kenny added.

Both leaders, however, agreed the EU needed major reforms on the back of the Brexit negotiations if it is to survive.

"The European Union has to better respond to the needs of its citizens and it has to react more efficiently to the challenges they are facing," Ms Szydlo said.
Minister for Children Katherine Zappone is said to have thought Tusla's role would be included in the inquiry

The Tanaiste and Justice Minister has defended her decision not to reveal that a baseless rape allegation was at the core of the inquiry into a smear campaign against Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

Frances Fitzgerald said she knew Children's Minister Katherine Zappone was meeting Sgt McCabe in January.

But she said that her cabinet colleague did not give her the details of "confidential" records in Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, which revealed the damning chronology and content of an unfounded report of child abuse that was levelled against the whistleblower garda.

Ms Zappone, an Independent TD, said she alerted "relevant Government colleagues" to the affair but has refused to elaborate on who was told.

Questions have been asked over why the role of Tusla was not initially included in draft terms of reference for Judge Peter Charleton's inquiry into the peddling of unfounded sex abuse claims against Mr McCabe.

Ms Zappone said she always believed the agency's failings would be included in the inquiry.

Tusla confirmed the agency is apologising to Mr McCabe after what a counsellor called an "administrative error" led to an untrue claim of rape being included in a complaint file on the officer.

Ms Fitzgerald said she had taken care not to divulge details of the baseless allegations that Sgt McCabe faced.

"I have always been scrupulous to avoid any comment in the Dail on what was at issue in the criminal complaint against Sgt McCabe, referred to in the terms of reference," she said.

"Had I put into the public domain, anything which indicated or implied the nature of the complaint against Sgt McCabe, I would be rightly open to criticism."

Ms Fitzgerald said the terms of reference for Judge Charleton referred "specifically" to a complaint of criminal misconduct against Sgt McCabe and whether it was used against him.

Ms Zappone met the whistleblower and his wife on January 25 and in the following days her department was given a full chronology of the affair.

"Minister Zappone informed relevant Government colleagues during the course of this period," her spokesman said.

"Minister Zappone was always of the view that Tusla would form part of the investigation by the Commission of Inquiry."

Mr McCabe was subject to an unfounded and less serious abuse allegation in 2006 and found to have no case to answer. The same complainant made a second report in 2013 and a counsellor working for Tusla wrongly stated that it involved rape.

Labour's children's spokeswoman Jan O'Sullivan said: "T he Tanaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald claimed she was not aware of any contact between An Garda Siochana and Tusla about Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

"If Minister Zappone briefed her Cabinet colleagues on the details, then the Tanaiste must now account for why she misled the Dail on this matter."

Mr McCabe's wife Lorraine contacted Health Minister Simon Harris' office about the Tusla affair on January 18.

The private secretary of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs was asked to call Mrs McCabe and set up a meeting with Ms Zappone for January 25.

Mr McCabe and his wife set out the details of the entire affair at the meeting, their solicitor Sean Costello said.

Fianna Fail's children's spokeswoman Anne Rabbitte added: " Did the Minister for Children contact the Minister for Justice when she became aware of this grave error?"

"We now know that Minister Zappone met with Sergeant McCabe two weeks ago - why was this meeting not included in the terms of reference of the Commission of Investigation that was announced this week?"
The son of an Irish soldier murdered by the IRA has hit out at the organisers of the Tipperary Peace Prize after Martin McGuinness was controversially shortlisted for the award.

David Kelly is the son of Private Patrick Kelly (35), who died alongside Garda Gary Sheehan (23) in 1983.

They were taking part in a rescue operation to free businessman Don Tidey, who had been kidnapped and held hostage by the IRA.

Both men died from injuries caused by a grenade thrown by the kidnappers.

"I was shocked when I heard Martin McGuinness had been nominated for a peace prize," Mr Kelly told the Belfast Telegraph last night.

"His name should never have been put forward.

"They must only have been thinking about his time in the Assembly, not about the years he spent in the IRA."

Mr Kelly (42) is convinced the former Deputy First Minister, who was an IRA commander in Londonderry, has information about crimes he has not shared with the authorities.

No one has ever been brought to trial for the murders of Private Kelly and Garda Sheehan.

Mr Kelly said that Mr McGuinness had never revealed any information that could have led to his father's killers being brought to justice.

He also called on the Sinn Fein politician, who recently stepped down from frontline politics because of poor health, to give details to the Garda about the 1983 murders.

He described the organisers of the Tipperary Peace Prize event as "high-handed", claiming they refused to meet a group of survivors and victims of IRA violence, including him.

"They are not interested in dialogue," Mr Kelly said. "They won't meet us and hear what we have to say."

He also revealed that there was a Tipperary link to the IRA murders in the Tidey kidnapping. Gary Sheehan, the young Garda trainee who died with Private Kelly, was still in training at Templemore Barracks, in Co Tipperary, when he died.

"Garda Sheehan's elderly mother is still heartbroken," Mr Kelly said.

"It was only three months before his death that she and her husband proudly watched Gary enter Templemore to begin what they thought was his career."

Patrick Kelly was the first Irish soldier to die on active service on home soil since the Irish Civil War. In 2012, he was posthumously awarded the Military Star.

During the 2011 Irish presidential election, Mr Kelly confronted Mr McGuinness, was the Sinn Fein candidate.

The former IRA commander denied having any knowledge of the killers and denied that he was a member of the IRA Army Council at the time.

But Mr Kelly called him a liar and said that before there could be any reconciliation, there had to be truth.

He told him: "I want truth today. Murder is murder. I want justice for my father."

Mr Kelly later described Mr McGuinness's presidential bid as an "obscenity because his organisation killed members of the security forces".

"I feel sympathy for all of the people who were killed by the Provisional IRA over the years - Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in Limerick and all the other people," he said.

Mr McGuinness later responded, saying that "as a republican leader I have never and would never stand over attacks on the Garda Siochana or the Defence Forces".

However, he refused to condemn the murders of Private Kelly and Garda Sheehan.

The appearance of the former IRA leader on the Tipperary Peace Prize shortlist has prompted a wave of criticism from the families of people murdered by the terror group.

Among them is Ann Travers, whose 22-year-old sister Mary was shot dead by the IRA in south Belfast in 1984 as she walked home from Mass with her parents, and Jane Hunter, whose husband, Lance Corporal Stephen Burrows, was one of five soldiers killed along with Patsy Gillespie in an IRA proxy bomb in October 1990.

Ms Hunter said she could not understand how anyone who held the positions McGuinness did in the IRA and Sinn Fein could be considered a peacemaker.
Multiple sclerosis sufferers, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and epileptics could all benefit from the move

Ireland is to become the latest country to legalise the use of cannabis for treating specific medical conditions.

Despite a government-ordered report warning of a lack of evidence over the drug's safety and effectiveness, Dublin's Health Minister Simon Harris has given the green light for its use in certain circumstances.

Mr Harris said he will establish an access programme for cannabis-based treatments for conditions "where patients have not responded to other treatments and there is some evidence that cannabis may be effective".

These will include multiple sclerosis sufferers, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and epileptics.

"I believe this report marks a significant milestone in developing policy in this area," said Mr Harris.

"This is something I am eager to progress but I am also obligated to proceed on the basis of the best clinical advice."

Last November, Mr Harris asked Ireland's Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) to look at the latest evidence on cannabis for medical use and how such schemes operate in other countries.

The study found "an absence of scientific data demonstrating the effectiveness of cannabis products" and warned of "insufficient information on its safety during long-term use for the treatment of chronic medical conditions".

"The scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of cannabis across a large range of medical conditions is in general poor, and often conflicting," the HPRA report said.

"Cannabis has potential therapeutic benefits but these need to be better defined through clinical research."

However, it added any decision on legalising its use is ultimately one for society and government to make.

The HPRA advised if cannabis is to be legalised, it should be used only under strict circumstances for:

:: Spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis resistant to standard treatments;

:: Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy;

:: Severe treatment-resistant epilepsy.

Mr Harris confirmed he will set up "a compassionate access programme for cannabis-based treatments" and is now considering any changes in the law needed for its operation.

Pressure has been mounting in Britain for similar moves.

A cross-party group of MPs, including former deputy prime minster Nick Clegg and former health minister Norman Lamb, backed a report by The Adam Smith Institute and Volteface last November calling for legalisation.

Germany is already preparing to legalise cannabis for medical purposes while Canada is set for all-out decriminalisation.

The Netherlands effectively decriminalised cannabis decades ago while Portugal legalised it in 2001.
Migrants and refugees crowd on a rubber boat sailing out of control 21 miles north of Sabratha, Libya (AP)

The Republic of Ireland last year refused entry to 226 individuals from the predominantly Muslim countries that are the subject of President Donald Trump's executive order banning entry to the US to individuals from those countries.

That is according to figures provided by Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald that confirm the largest cohort refused 'leave to land' at the country's ports of entry were from Somalia, currently battling an Islamic militant insurgency and a looming famine.

The figures show that last year, 53 Somalians were refused leave to land, while 37 from war-torn Syria were also refused leave to land.

An additional 46 Iranians were refused entry by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, while 26 Iraqis and 47 Sudanese were also refused entry.

The figures provided by the Tanaiste in a written Dail response to deputies Thomas Pringle and Richard Boyd Barrett show that 10 Libyans were refused 'leave to land' along with seven Yemenis in 2016.

The Tanaiste said that in respect of those seven nationalities refused leave to land, "a total of 53 sought asylum and were admitted to the State to make a protection application".

"Information on numbers refused permission to enter the State may be subject to revision over time where individual cases are examined further and the status of some cases may change," she said.

CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, Nick Henderson said: "It is a cause for concern to see these numbers. A considerable number of people from refugee producing countries were refused leave to land in Ireland."

Meanwhile a defiant President Trump has vowed to fight an appeal court decision refusing to reinstate his ban on travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations, tweeting: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

The San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected the administration's claim of presidential authority and questioned its motives and concluded that the order was unlikely to survive legal challenges.

The appeal court's panel of three judges refused to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travellers to enter the US.

It said the argument that the ban targets Muslims raised "serious allegations" and presented "significant constitutional questions", and agreed that courts could consider statements by Mr Trump and his advisers about wishing to enact such a ban.

The court battle is far from over, with an appeal to the US Supreme Court likely.

That could put the decision in the hands of a divided court that has a vacancy because Mr Trump's nominee, Neil Gorsuch, could not be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban, which was set to expire in 90 days unless it is changed.

The appellate judges noted compelling public interests on both sides.

"On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies," they said.

"And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination."

The Justice Department said it was "reviewing the decision and considering its options".
A discredited 60 million Government probe into allegations against Iraq war veterans will be shut down within months, the Defence Secretary has announced after pressure from MPs.

The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) will close in the summer and around 20 cases will be dealt with by the Royal Navy Police, Sir Michael Fallon said.

It comes after a scathing report by the Defence committee said the probe had subjected serving and retired troops to "deeply disturbing" treatment and had "directly harmed" UK defences.

MPs set out a litany of failures about the way the Ministry of Defence, which created IHAT, has handled the probe.

They blamed the department for empowering law firms to generate cases that lacked credibility on an "industrial scale".

And they criticised it for "serious" failings after it handed over more than 110,829 to Abu Jamal, an Iraqi middleman, while he was employed by Public Interest Lawyers (PIL), the defunct firm behind many of the claims.

Phil Shiner, who ran PIL, has been struck off after being found to have acted dishonestly in bringing murder and torture claims against Iraq war veterans.

The committee said it was "deeply concerned" the MoD had used public funds to cover the costs of those who were bringing "spurious and unassessed" cases against the war veterans and about the lack of support for those accused.

IHAT investigators used "intimidatory tactics", including "deeply disturbing" methods such as impersonating the police. Serving and retired soldiers have also been spied on, the report found.

The damning report said the catalogue of serious failings in IHAT's conduct pointed to a loss of control in its management.

It added: "Both the MoD and IHAT have focused too much on satisfying the accusers and too little on defending those under investigation."

IHAT was set up by Labour in 2010 to assess claims of abuse by Iraqi civilians against troops who had served there.

It started out with 165 cases but the allegations rocketed. Most were generated by two law firms, PIL and Leigh Day.

The report states: "It is clear to us that legal firms were empowered by the MoD's approach to IHAT to generate cases against service personnel at an industrial level. The MoD cannot claim that it has been a victim of the industry; nor can it claim that it had no way of foreseeing the creation of this industry."

The Government said it had not been able to shut down IHAT sooner because the conduct of the investigations is under scrutiny by the High Court and the International Criminal Court.

Sir Michael said: "It was the MoD that supplied the main evidence that got Phil Shiner struck off for making false allegations against our Armed Forces. Exposing his dishonesty means many more claims he made can now be thrown out and the beginning of the end for IHAT.

"This will be a relief for our soldiers who have had allegations hanging over them for too long. Now we are taking action to stop such abuse of our legal system from happening again."

MPs were told that the war veterans had been "hung out to dry", with one becoming a recluse, because there had been a lack of military support.

"While the cost to the taxpayer is significant, the psychological and actual cost to individual soldiers is arguably greater," the report states.

"Their lives have been put on hold and their careers damaged, sometimes for years, because of allegations made against them - in many cases without any credible supporting evidence. The effects of this on the British military are profound and enduring."

The Defence subcommittee inquiry, chaired by former army captain Johnny Mercer, said Iraq veterans had been treated in an "unacceptable manner as a result of serving the United Kingdom".

"Throughout this process there has been an almost total disregard of the welfare of soldiers and their families," the Conservative MP said.

"We need to hold our people in the highest esteem and a repeat of IHAT must never be allowed to happen again.

"The MoD must take responsibility for allowing this to happen. They could have discriminated between credible and non-credible cases yet they lacked the will to do so."

Chief of the General Staff General Sir Nicholas Carter said: "The army's leadership code requires the highest values and standards. It is right therefore that on the occasions that there are credible allegations of unacceptable behaviour they should be investigated.

"However, a significant number of claims made against our soldiers have not been credible. The recent exposure of unscrupulous law firms and vexatious claims has clearly shown this to be the case.

"Mutual trust is at the heart of the army leadership code as is the care of soldiers and their families. We therefore welcome the Government's commitment to ensuring we have the nation's confidence and the tools to do our jobs effectively on operations, free from the burden of unjust litigation."

The report by MPs said exploitation by law firms saw the caseload hit more than 3,500, despite many having no credible evidence, and pointed out that no prosecutions have been secured.

A Leigh Day spokesman said: " We would like to thank the committee for giving us the opportunity to provide evidence to this inquiry and we welcome its assertion that the UK's military must be equally subject to the law as any civilian, whether in barracks or on operations. As the report makes clear, we have referred 15 cases to IHAT.

"We will continue to represent individuals including service personnel and citizens in this country and overseas against this Government. The cases we are taking in relation to alleged abuses against Iraqi citizens are brought solely against the MoD and not individual soldiers.

"We will continue to defend ourselves fully and vigorously against the allegations made against the firm by the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) when we go before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal later this year. The allegations being brought against us are separate to those brought against Public Interest Lawyers."

Defence Committee member Johnny Mercer told BBC Radio Four's PM programme: "This process has caused real damage.

"It has affected the way UK military is seen, particularly in Iraq, and the individual effects on the men and women who have been put through these are horrific. Families torn apart, careers ended, and for what?

"I think it should have been shut down a long time ago. I think the MoD has been extremely slow off the mark with this. I think there is a lot for questions to answer around how this was allowed to go on for so long.

"A good period of inflection amongst key decision makers would be a good start, and then we will take it from there."
Historian Alexander Bateman has been jailed for stealing a log book from the widow of an RAF airman who was in the Dambusters squadron (Metropolitan Police/PA)

The daughter of an RAF airman from the Dambusters squadron has said she will not give up hope of finding his stolen logbook after a military historian was jailed for its theft.

Alexander Bateman, 48, of Headstone Lane, Harrow, north-west London, was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday at Wood Green Crown Court, north London, after being found guilty at a trial in January.

The treasured log book worth 10,000, which belonged to the late Sergeant John Fraser, was lent to Bateman by his widow, Doris Fraser, in 1996 for research - but he lied repeatedly after he was asked to return it.

Bateman has refused to divulge the memento's whereabouts and it has not yet been found.

Sergeant Fraser's daughter, Shere Lowe, 60, who has flown over from Washington in the United States, blasted Bateman for his "cruel charade" and urged anyone who had the book to come forward.

Speaking outside court she said: "My father was a great and brave man. To the world he may have been a hero, to us he was so much more, he was devoted husband and he was Dad.

"The stolen log book to anyone else is just a commodity. To us, it was a reminder of a loved and cherished man.

"Due to the greed of a dishonest man, an integral part of our family's history has been stolen from us."

She added: "It can't be sold on now, and will forever be hunted until it is back with my family. It belongs to its rightful owners.

"I hope that Mr Bateman reflects on and finds it in his heart to disclose the whereabouts of my father's log book."

The court heard that Bateman had produced a copy of the log book on the final day of the trial, despite previously insisting he had never reproduced it.

The family have since seen the document but Ms Lowe said she believes they could still find the original.

"I always believe there is a chance and that is what kept me going for 14 years - I believe and I have faith and I have not stopped," she said.

Sentencing, Judge John Dodd QC described it as a "despicable offence" and said Bateman abused the trust placed in him and misled the family.

The court heard Bateman had previously been cautioned for theft in February 2003 for stealing two documents and a badge from the National Archives.

He was also convicted in May last year for six counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possession.

Ms Lowe had been unaware her mother, 92, had lent the log book to Bateman until 2003, and promptly asked for its return.

But when an envelope arrived from Bateman it had been carefully cut open at the bottom.

Her mother was "physically sick" when she realised the item was missing, Ms Lowe said.

Bateman initially claimed the log book must have been lost, but later said he had recovered it.

He then told the family he had been gifted the book by Ms Fraser.

In June 2003, after being told a report on the missing log book would appear in the national press, he reported a burglary at his address and alleged intruders had stolen it.

In an emotional statement from the dock, Ms Lowe said: "I had every reason at the start to believe that this man was a historian and wanted to uphold the legacy of the Dambusters.

"The action that followed - the deception and the cruel charade, the lies, it's had its weight on our family."

Sgt Fraser, who was born in Canada, was a member of 617 Squadron and took part in the Dambusters raids in the Second World War.

His plane was shot down and he was held as a prisoner of war after being interrogated by the Germans.

After the war he moved to Canada with his wife, but died in 1962 in an air accident, leaving three children behind.

Outside court, Ms Lowe said it was important that relics of the war were not treated as "commodities".

"What we value most is upholding his memory and his legacy and his courage," she said.

"For future generations, the log book details his missions, it details his whole service.

"War is terrible but what is important is that we recognise the courage, the bravery, and we never abuse it - we never treat these items as a commodity.

"I know there are good historians and I know there are honest collectors out there. I'm not out to say anything bad about that. But what I want is a balance of respect and trust maintained."
Pimlico Plumbers owner Charlie Mullins outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London

A plumber has won the latest round in campaigns to win rights for the growing army of self-employed workers, amid the threat of industrial action in parts of the so-called gig economy.

The Court of Appeal rejected an appeal by Pimlico Plumbers on the employment status of former worker Gary Smith.

He worked for the London-based firm for six years until 2011, and had already won an employment tribunal case after challenging the company's view he was self-employed.

His solicitor Jacqueline McGuigan said Friday's court decision could affect other workers in the gig economy, such as delivery drivers.

"We are absolutely delighted. The decision brings welcome clarity to the issue of employment status relating to work in parts of the economy," she told the Press Association.

Mr Smith worked for Pimlico Plumbers as a plumber for six years until 2011, when he claims he was dismissed following a heart attack.

He took a case to a tribunal, which found he was a "worker" and so was entitled to employment rights.

Lawyers believe the decision will have a significant impact on the gig economy, which has seen a huge increase in the number of people working under self-employed contracts.

Pimlico Plumbers boss Charlie Mullins said he was "likely" to take the case to the Supreme Court.

Asked about the impact of the decision on the employment status of the company's 350 staff, he said: "I don't think it will affect us.

"This contract was six years ago - we have changed our contracts since then."

Mr Mullins said workers could earn up to 100,000 if they were self-employed, twice as much as if they were directly employed.

Maria Ludkin, the GMB union's legal director, said: "This case, like the Uber case last October, is yet another victory for the bogus self-employed who have been treated appallingly by their employer.

"All they want is basic employment rights as are enjoyed by the majority, including the right to be paid a minimum wage and holiday pay."

The GMB is supporting a group of Deliveroo drivers in Brighton who have given two weeks' notice to the company to offer better pay and more hours or face protests and strike action.

They are currently classed as "independent contractors", not workers or employees, and are not entitled to basic employment rights such as minimum wage, holiday or sick pay, said the GMB.

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said the Pimlico Plumbers case had exposed the growing problem of "sham self-employment", adding: " Unscrupulous bosses falsely claim their workers are self-employed.

"This allows them to get out of paying the minimum wage and providing basics like paid holidays and rest breaks.

"The Government must crack down on these shady employment practices by beefing up the law."

Rebecca Hilsenrath, chief executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which funded Mr Smith's case, said: "This judgment will help workers who are incorrectly described as contractors by the companies they work for.

"Companies will no longer be able to avoid their duty to provide workers with support such as sickness benefits."
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has admitted that performance in some parts of the NHS is 'completely unacceptable'

Performance in some parts of the NHS is "completely unacceptable", Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has acknowledged.

Mr Hunt said there was "no excuse" for some of the problems faced by patients over the winter and accepted that some of the care being offered was not what anyone would want for their own family.

The Health Secretary was speaking after figures emerged showing that numbers of A&E patients seen within the target of four hours fell to a record low of 86% in December, while those waiting longer than 12 hours to be admitted to a hospital bed doubled to more than 2,500 in 2016.

The number of people waiting more than two months to start cancer treatment after an urgent referral was at a record high of 25,157, and the proportion of patients receiving hospital treatment within 18 weeks fell below 90% for the first time since 2011.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Hunt said there was already a "big transformation programme" under way in the NHS with the aim of treating more people at home or in the community to ease burdens on hospitals.

But he conceded that the changes would take time and said progress had been "disappointingly slow" in some areas.

"It is incredibly frustrating for me," said the Health Secretary. "I am doing this job because I want NHS care to be the safest and best in the world. That kind of care is completely unacceptable. No-one would want it for members of their own family."

He said there were "no excuses" for cases such as 89-year-old Iris Sibley, who was stuck on a hospital ward at Bristol Royal Infirmary for more than six months because a nursing home place could not be found for her.

"It is terrible for Mrs Sibley but it is also very bad for the NHS," Mr Hunt said.

He insisted the Government was addressing problems in the social care system which are preventing many elderly and frail patients from being discharged from hospital - so-called "bed-blocking".

"The Prime Minister has been very clear," said the Health Secretary. "We recognise the pressure's there. We recognise there is a problem about the sustainability of the social care system.

"That has to be addressed and we are going to do that."

Barrister Sir Robert Francis, whose 2013 report uncovered poor care in Mid Staffordshire, said the NHS was facing an "existential crisis" which made a further similar scandal "inevitable".

Sir Robert, a non-executive director at the Care Quality Commission, told the Health Service Journal there was an "increasing disconnect" between what is said nationally about the NHS and "what people on the ground feel or see is going on".

"Let's make no bones about it, the NHS is facing an existential crisis," he said. "The service is running faster and faster to try and keep up and is failing, manifestly failing.

"The danger is that we reach a tipping point; we haven't reached it yet, but there will come a point where public confidence in the service dissipates."

Mr Hunt told the BBC: "What you have to recognise is that overall there are positive things as well as negative things and there is huge commitment in the NHS to sort out these negative things.

"The particular pressure point we have is A&E and what we need to do is find ways of treating particularly people with complex conditions, older people with dementia, at home and in the community.

"It's wrong to suggest to people that these profound challenges such as we face with an ageing population are ones where there is a silver bullet that can solve the problem overnight.

"We have a very good plan that has the support of the NHS. It will take time to deliver, but in terms of immediate support we are doing what we can with extra financial support in the NHS this year - more doctors, more nurses.

"We also need to row in behind people in the NHS who are working very hard to try to solve these problems. And we also need the public's help, because we know that a number of the people who are seen in A&E could actually have their needs dealt with in another part of the NHS.

"We need to make sure that as far as we can we free up people in A&E departments to deal with the most vulnerable older patients who have particular needs."

Asked whether there would be more money for the NHS in the Budget, Mr Hunt said: "That is for the Chancellor and Prime Minister, but look at what the Prime Minister said this week: This is an area where there is pressure and if we are going to have a solution, it needs to be a long-term and sustainable solution and not a quick fix."
Tragic Tara Palmer-Tomkinson was in a dark place when she died, a close friend of the socialite has claimed.

The former 'It girl' was found dead aged 45 at her London home just months after revealing she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Ivan Massow, the former chairman of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), told ITV's This Morning he and Tara became "unlikely friends" after they "hit it off" when they shared a car to a charity event at Ascot.

"It was amazing and we were inseparable and remained close ever since," he said.

But he revealed that in recent weeks it had been difficult to get hold of Palmer-Tomkinson, who because of her years of drug abuse underwent reconstructive surgery in 2006 after her septum collapsed.

"She was facing a lot of problems," Massow added. "One, it was very hard for her to stay off the drinking and things, and then there was lots of surgery around her mouth and bits and pieces - her nose kept giving her problems.

"She was terribly conscious about that, and then there was this (tumour) on top, so it was another worry. And she was never comfortable becoming an older person. It was hard for her to see herself in that role and she was very frail.

"I hadn't seen her for over a month, and it's been hard to reach her.

"With people like this, you have to sort of let go with love... you can't badger them."

Asked if he thought Palmer-Tomkinson had returned to a "dark place", Massow replied: "Well, I know that every time I didn't hear from her, that's where she was."

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Tara Palmer-Tomkinson aged 16, with parents Charles and Patty, her sister Santa and brother James PA Tara on the catwalk PA File photo dated 27/10/03 of the Prince of Wales is geeted by Tara Palmer Tomkinson during a reception at Clarence House, London, as Palmer-Tomkinson, who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, has been found dead at her home in south west London, sources said. Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Tara Palmer-Tomkinson aged 16, with parents Charles and Patty, her sister Santa and brother James

This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby also spoke about her time with the socialite, revealing that Palmer-Tomkinson (below) gave her a Chanel diamond ring, on a whim, the first time they met.

"She just had that special energy about her," Willoughby said. "She was just so funny and incredibly kind.

"I always remember that she was very generous with her time, but with her spirit also.

"The first time I met her ... I was having dinner and she came over to my table and said, 'You know a very good friend of mine'. We started chatting and as she's talking to me, she's gesticulating with her hands, and I noticed this diamond bling, gorgeous ring, and I'm like watching her hand like a magpie and said, 'Your ring is beautiful'.

"She said, 'Oh this, this is just a bit of tat from Chanel', and she dropped it in my champagne glass and went, 'It's yours'. I said, 'No, I can't take that', and she replied, 'If you don't take it, I'll throw it across the restaurant'."

Palmer-Tomkinson revealed in November that she was being treated for a non-malignant growth in her pituitary gland and expressed fears that she would die after being told of her condition.

She was diagnosed with the tumour last January after she returned from a ski trip.

Author Santa Montefiore, Palmer-Tomkinson's sister, posted a black and white photograph of the socialite smiling on Twitter, and wrote alongside it: "My darling sister. I miss you."

Montefiore also used a heartbroken emoji in her online message.

Palmer-Tomkinson's body was removed from her home on a trolley, placed into a private ambulance and driven away on Wednesday evening.
Experts check the location where an unexploded Second World War bomb was found in Thessaloniki (Giannis Papanikos/AP)

Military officers in Thessaloniki, where an unexploded Second World War bomb has been found (Giannis Papanikos/AP)

Authorities in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki have distributed fliers and put up posters as part of preparations to evacuate about 75,000 people in order to defuse an unexploded Second World War bomb.

Bomb disposal experts are to tackle the 500-pound device, found buried beneath a petrol station, on Sunday in an operation expected to last about six hours.

All residents in a nearly two-kilometre (1.2-mile) radius are to be evacuated, starting at 7am (0500 GMT) on Sunday.

The bomb, dropped during an air raid on the city in the 1940s, was found last week during work to expand fuel storage tanks.

A state of emergency has been declared in the three municipalities involved and about 1,000 police and 300 volunteers are expected to help out during the evacuation, Thessaloniki's deputy governor Voula Patoulidou said.

"It is the first time something like this is happening in Greece," Patoulidou said.

"The transfer of all residents is mandatory and we will go door-to-door to make sure everyone leaves."

Thessaloniki's long-distance bus terminal, which is in the area, will shut down during the operation, and trains will also stop running to and from the city, as the main railway line passes through the exclusion zone.

Traffic along a major road nearby will be halted, while churches in the area will not hold services.

Army spokesman Colonel Nikos Fanios said the device's exterior was too degraded to be able to determine whether it was a German or an Allied bomb.

But one resident said he recalls the day it fell.

"The bombing was done by English and American planes on September 17 1944. It was Sunday lunchtime," said Giorgos Gerasimou, 86, whose home is 800 metres (half a mile) from where the bomb was found.

"We could see the planes coming."

They were targeting local German rail facilities, he said.

Nazi Germany occupied Greece from 1941 until October 1944.

A 13-year-old at the time, Mr Gerasimou said he and his friends would go to the railway station each day for food rations.

"That day something told me I had to leave, and in the end we did," Mr Gerasimou said.

"When I heard the (air raid) sirens, I jumped into a ditch with my friends and we survived."

Another one of his friends was not so lucky.

Ten-year-old Panagiotis was killed in the air raid, Mr Gerasimou said, clutching a photo of the boy that he keeps to this day.

During Sunday's evacuation, residents will be transported by bus to schools, sports halls and cultural centres elsewhere in the city while the exclusion zone is cordoned off.

Army bomb disposal experts will initially attempt to defuse the bomb's detonator, and then transport the device to an army firing range, where they will determine what further steps to take, said Col Fanios.

"Every operation involving munitions is always difficult," he said.

Some residents expressed concern about leaving their properties vacant.

"I'm really worried about the house, mainly in case thieves take advantage of the evacuation," said Giorgos Aravias, 44.

"I hope there are security measures in place."

AP
Kenya's drought management authority said about 2.7 million people are in need

Kenya's government has declared the drought ravaging large parts of the country a national disaster.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned food distributors not to take advantage of the crisis to enrich themselves.

The president has also asked the international community for aid, but a statement from his office did not say how much the government is seeking from abroad.

Almost half of the East African nation's counties are facing drought - 23 out of 47.

Earlier, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the worsening drought is putting 11 million people in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia in urgent need of help.

Kenya's drought management authority said about 2.7 million people are in need and livestock are threatened.

AP
More than 400 pilot whales have become stranded on a New Zealand beach - with three-quarters already dead when they were found.

Authorities described it as the worst whale stranding they have ever seen.

The whales were found at remote Farewell Spit at the tip of the South Island on Friday. It is an area that seems to confuse whales and has been the site of previous mass strandings.

Conservation workers and volunteers were hoping to refloat the surviving whales at high tide on Friday morning.

Volunteer rescue group Project Jonah said a total of 416 whales were stranded.

Department of Conservation spokesman Andrew Lamason told Radio New Zealand they were putting sheets and buckets of water on the surviving whales and trying to keep them calm.

AP
US President Donald Trump has promised to take action "very rapidly" to protect the country and its citizens, a day after a federal appeals court firmly kept his travel ban on hold.

He did not reveal his planned next step to control travel into the US from countries that he considers potential terrorist threats.

But at a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Washington, he pledged: "We'll be doing things to continue to make our country safe.

"It will happen rapidly. We will not allow people into our country who are looking to do harm to our people."

Mr Trump added that he still expects to prevail in a legal challenge to his travel ban, despite Thursday's 3-0 ruling by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals that kept it from going back into effect.

"Ultimately, I have no doubt that we'll win that particular case," he said.

Mr Trump stressed that voters elected him to keep the country secure, "so we'll be doing something very rapidly having to do with additional security for our country. You'll be seeing that sometime next week".

He added that "extreme vetting" is still planned for would-be visitors or immigrants from other countries.

Conjuring images of unspecified danger, Mr Trump said he had "learned tremendous things that you could only learn, frankly, if you were in a certain position, namely president. And there are tremendous threats to our country. We will not allow that to happen, I can tell you that. We will not allow that to happen."

The president is standing by his argument that national security hangs in the balance.

He issued an all-caps tweet shortly after Thursday's court ruling: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

In West Wing comments on Thursday night, he exhibited an air of confidence: "We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake and it's a very, very serious situation, so we look forward ... to seeing them in court.

"We're going to win the case."

The Justice Department said it was "reviewing the decision and considering its options". It could launch an appeal against the restraining order on Mr Trump's travel ban to the U. Supreme Court or it could attempt to remake the case in the district court.

White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway suggested the next step would be to argue the merits of the executive order.

"The statute provides a president ... with great latitude and authority to protect the citizens and to protect the nation's national security," Ms Conway said.

"This was not argued on the merits. Now that we'll have an opportunity to argue on the merits we look forward to doing that. We look forward to prevailing."

The ruling represented a setback for Mr Trump's administration and the second legal defeat for the new president in the past week.

His decision to sign the executive order late last month has sparked protests at airports around the world as authorities barred scores of travellers from entering the country amid confusion over how to implement the details.

The appellate decision brushed aside arguments by the Justice Department that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

US District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued the temporary restraining order halting the ban after Washington state and Minnesota sued, leading to the federal government's appeal.

The Trump administration has said the seven nations - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen - have raised terrorism concerns. The states have argued that the executive order unconstitutionally blocked entry based on religion and the travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities.

The president, in his third week in office, has criticised the judiciary's handling of the case.

Mr Trump has yet to nominate a candidate to be solicitor general, the lawyer who argues before the Supreme Court on behalf of the United States. The president said he will be making that decision over the next week.

AP

Government lawyers fighting to defend Mr Trump's executive order on immigration said that "all options" are being considered after the court ruling.

A Justice Department lawyer, who spoke at a hearing in Virginia, said the administration was weighing whether to challenge the ruling that upheld a temporary block on Mr Trump's ban, saying it was unlikely to survive a legal challenge.

"We may appeal. We may not," lawyer Erez Reuveni said. "All options are being considered."

It could launch an appeal against the restraining order on the travel ban to the US Supreme Court or it could attempt to remake the case in the district court.

Mr Reuveni was appearing at a hearing before Judge Leonie Brinkema at which the state of Virginia was challenging the ban. The judge did not rule. She noted that "the status quo remains" because of the 9th circuit's decision and suggested that a well-reasoned ruling would take time and could not be written "overnight".

Michael Kelly, a spokesman for Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, said Friday's hearing in a federal court in a Washington, DC, suburb posed the most significant state challenge yet to Mr Trump's order. In a statement, he said it "will be the most in-depth examination of the merits of the arguments against the ban".

In the specific Virginia challenge, lawyers for the federal government aid that Virginia doesn't have the right to challenge the ban - and that the court doesn't have the power to review the president's executive order.

"Judicial second-guessing of the president's determination that a temporary suspension of entry of certain classes of aliens was necessary at this time to protect national security would constitute an impermissible intrusion" on his constitutional authority, say lawyers Dennis Barghaan and Mr Reuveni.

AP

Later Mr Trump said he was considering signing a new executive order on immigration.

On his way to Florida aboard Air Force One, the president said he is confident that he will win his court battle.

But he added: "We also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand new order.

"We need speed for reasons of security. So it could very well be that we do that."

He said a new order would likely change "very little" from the first and said he will likely act on Monday or Tuesday.

AP
A Chinese newspaper at a news-stand in Beijing carries a photo of Donald Trump with the headline 'Outsider counter attack' (AP)

Donald Trump has told President Xi Jinping that America will honour Washington's "one China" policy, which has been at the centre of friction between the global powers since his election as US president.

During a phone call on Thursday night Mr Trump "agreed, at the request of President Xi", to honour the policy that requires Washington to maintain only unofficial ties with China's rival Taiwan, the White House said.

The White House described the call as "extremely cordial" and said the two leaders had invited each other to visit.

Before taking office, Mr Trump questioned the policy, which shifted diplomatic recognition from self-governing Taiwan to China in 1979, and said it was open to negotiation.

China has bristled at the "one China" comments by Mr Trump, who wants to pressure Beijing to narrow its huge trade surplus with America.

Mr Trump had accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, criticised China's military build-up in the South China Sea and accused China of doing too little to pressure North Korea.

AP

Some had questioned why Mr Trump had taken so long to call Mr Xi given that he had already spoken with more than a dozen world leaders.

Chinese observers also noted that Mr Trump had broken with his predecessors in not extending good wishes to the Chinese people on the occasion of last month's Lunar New Year holiday, before issuing of a belated greeting on Wednesday.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and complained after Mr Trump upset decades of diplomatic precedent by talking by phone with Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen shortly after winning November's presidential election.

In December, Mr Trump said in an interview that he did not feel "bound" by the decades-old China policy unless the US could gain concessions in trade and other areas.

Washington has robust unofficial relations with Taiwan and provides it with arms to guard against Beijing's threat to use force to reunify.

Underscoring uncertainty in the relationship, the call between the leaders came as the US Pacific Command reported a Chinese jet and a US Navy patrol plane had an "unsafe" encounter over the South China Sea this week.

Pacific Command spokesman Robert Shuford said on Friday that the "interaction" between a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft and a US Navy P-3C plane took place on Wednesday in international airspace.

He did not say what was unsafe about the encounter but said the US plane was on a routine mission and operating according to international law.

China routinely complains about US military surveillance missions close to its southern island province of Hainan, which is home to numerous sensitive military installations.

A collision between a US EP-3 surveillance plane and a Chinese naval air force jet in April 2001 resulted in the death of the Chinese pilot and the 10-day detention of the US air crew by China.

AP
French investigators have interviewed two children of conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon in an embezzlement probe into paid, but allegedly fake, political jobs.

Mr Fillon's lawyer Antonin Levy told a news conference that his client had already provided investigators with "explanations" regarding his children working with him between 2005 and 2007.

Prosecutors are investigating the jobs that Mr Fillon's wife and two of their five children had working as his parliamentary aides.

The preliminary probe involves suspicions of embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds.

Mr Fillon denies wrongdoing.

Mr Levy said lawyers for Mr Fillon and his wife Penelope called on the financial prosecutors to drop the investigation, arguing they violate the principle of separation of powers of the French Constitution, a "preoccupying situation" before the April-May presidential election.

AP
The Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child (SPUC) has launched a campaign to urge people to vote only for anti-abortion candidates in the forthcoming election. The NHS, education, the economy - they're all important. But there are even more important issues at stake on polling day, SPUC says. Matters of life and death.

In one sense, SPUC is quite right. There are indeed matters of life and death in question here, and it would be appalling if abortion - an issue of paramount significance to society - was once again pushed aside by other concerns.

As the law stands presently, a woman has to be effectively on the verge of dying before she will be permitted to have a termination. When it comes to abortion, we have some of the harshest, most inhumane legislation in Europe.

"Abortion in Northern Ireland is a criminal offence which is punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment". Those are the words of our Attorney General, John Larkin.

And the situation is getting worse. The recent sharp increase in prosecutions for abortion has deterred doctors from recommending the procedure, even where our unfeasibly strict, Victorian-era laws - which only allow terminations where a woman's life is in danger, or there is a permanent or serious risk to her mental health - might allow it.

Over the last year, three women have been taken to court, and one received a three-month suspended prison sentence. Only 16 terminations were performed in Northern Ireland during 2015/2016. This is not a coincidence.

I understand that the idea of abortion is not pleasant. People can feel very uncomfortable talking about it, and I've come across many who fear that if the law is reformed, it will open the way towards abortion being treated as just another form of contraception. So their impulse is to turn away, as one might from any challenging question, and pretend that the need for change doesn't exist.

But in their heart of hearts, most people realise that we cannot continue treating women - especially women who are victims of sex crime, or who find themselves carrying a foetus which cannot live outside the womb - in this atrocious way. Criminalising them if they can't raise the money to go to England and end up taking desperate measures with pills.

People get it. They know it is wrong to punish women for the failures of the State, which should be providing free, safe, legal care for them.

That's why an Amnesty International poll, in October of last year, found that nearly three-quarters of people in Northern Ireland agree that abortion should be available in cases of rape and incest, or fatal foetal abnormality.

And yet our politicians prevaricate. There's always some bigger crisis, some more pressing concern, some new form of inter-tribal warfare to indulge in.

Only the Greens and People Before Profit stand up for full reproductive rights for women. The DUP remain implacably - depressingly - opposed to any change in abortion law. Sinn Fein appears to support the legalisation of abortion in the cases of rape, incest and fatal foetal abnormality. It claims to be fighting this election on the issues of equality and human rights, but while I've seen many lovely rainbow-coloured posters calling for the introduction of gay marriage, I haven't seen any supporting abortion reform.

The Ulster Unionists and Alliance duck the issue by leaving the matter to the individual consciences of their representatives.

The SDLP's position is particularly frustrating: it wishes to style itself as the voice of progressive nationalism, yet maintains a trenchant anti-abortion stance, opposing any change in the current law. But what is so progressive about denying rape victims a termination? How do SDLP politicians dare to show their faces in the International Women's Day march, celebrating gains in women's rights, when they take this antediluvian view?

So by all means, make abortion a vital door-step question for politicians seeking your vote. Whatever your beliefs, it's far better to talk about them openly then to keep them hidden away. We need to start having far more conversations about these pressing issues of life and death.

But in the privacy of the ballot box, I believe it's important to vote for a candidate who wants reform of our abortion laws. That doesn't mean you have to like the idea of abortion. Who does? It simply means that you support a woman's right, when confronted by impossible circumstances, to choose what happens to her own body.

Is that so very much to ask?
Two phone calls a week ago brought the lives of one Northern Ireland family crashing down around them. That was how the parents of Jack Glenn learned that he had deliberately entered the River Foyle, a tragedy that they are still trying to come to terms with, never mind understand.

Why would a 23-year-old man beloved by his family, handsome, intelligent, charming, and a talented sportsman, apparently take his own life? He had lost his job recently, but no one guessed how deeply that may have impacted on him.

Like so many others bereaved by suicide, Jack's family wonder if they missed any warning signs, or what was the trigger for their son taking such a desperate and final step?

Sadly, suicide is a huge problem in Northern Ireland. In 2015, 318 people took their own lives, an increase of 50 on the previous year. As one report starkly put it, suicide is a greater annual killer than even the Troubles.

And yet the expenditure on mental health services remains woefully inadequate. It is estimated that one in five people in Northern Ireland exhibits some signs of possible mental health problems, and depression levels here as measured through prescribing practise are significantly higher than other regions of the UK.

Now with Stormont in abeyance - and slight prospects of a speedy return to devolved governance following what has all the signs of a toxic election campaign, already marred by puerile name calling - the problems of mental health are unlikely to be addressed in a meaningful way in the near future.

The divisive election campaign is in stark contrast to the real Northern Ireland, as illustrated by the events on the banks of the River Foyle, where Jack's family keep their heartbreaking vigil hoping to see his body recovered from the river.

People of all religions and none from all over the province have rallied around the family, offering support and prayers.

It is a spontaneous outpouring of sympathy for a family going through a nightmare, showing that Northern Ireland's reputation as a caring society is in the main well founded.

Would it be possible for politicians to view this unity of purpose on the banks of the Foyle and see in it a reason to appeal to people's core values, rather than their basest instincts?
Too often, unionist leaders have tried to tell my community that unionists can go it alone, that our role is to vote for them so that they are the biggest party and can dominate nationalists. Look where it has got us: incompetent and wasteful governance, almost literally burning money with RHI, while our schools and hospitals are starved of cash.

The two communities in Northern Ireland are often educated separately, but we share the same roads, we attend the same hospitals, we share the same towns and use the same facilities. When one government department at Stormont squanders public money, we all suffer.

Rather than trying to run our departments as a series of independent domains, each dominated by political warlords, we need parties that can form professional relationships.

The DUP likes to pretend it alone can govern. It denounced as weak those who wanted to share power with the SDLP. Yet, when they won access to power, the DUP was happy to embrace Sinn Fein in government.

Prosperity for Northern Ireland is dependent on stable government shared between unionists and nationalists, but DUP dishonesty over this means they are inherently incapable of functioning in their coalition with Sinn Fein.

The DUP/Sinn Fein coalition relies on the public sense of helplessness; they rely on us staying at home, so their own faithful can re-elect them to do exactly the same again. Are we going to stay at home and let them mess it up again?

Recent elections have shown that when first-time voters come out in force, dramatic change is possible. We must seize this chance. We can vote for smaller parties under PR and transfer with a second preference to larger parties if a voter revolution doesn't happen.

That way, we can serve notice on the established parties that we want honest, competent (and perhaps boring) government - not squabbles about events that happened before most of us were born.

Arnold carton Belfast
Annika Hernroth-Rothstein is a political adviser and writer on the Middle East, religious affairs and global anti-Semitism. Twitter @truthandfiction.

Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..Israel Hayom..09 February '17..On Saturday night, my house guests and I sat down to watch the news, and in between reports from Syria and updates on the local snowfall, there was a segment on cancer care filmed in a hospital in the Gaza Strip.The moment I saw the map on the screen, I knew what to expect. Seventy children will die this year, the solemn journalist said, because Israel won't give their families travel passes to the West Bank to receive treatment. The camera panned to a boy and his mother weeping in a rundown treatment room. For almost 10 minutes, the reporter, who represented Swedish state media, made no reference to terrorism emanating from Gaza or the security risks involved in unlimited movement between it and Israel. He did have time to use the term "heartbreaking" no fewer than three times when referring to the fate of the people in Gaza.Yes, those sick children would break anyone's heart, but any journalist worth his salt would have interviewed Israeli representatives, too, or at least explained how Hamas and Fatah have chosen to spend their significant funds since 2005 and why they insist on prioritizing mortars over medicine.I was watching the news with two Jews and one Greek Christian, and out of all of us, it was my Greek friend who had the strongest reaction. Imagine anyone making a segment like this about Greece, he said. Imagine someone from Swedish state TV being allowed to take clear sides in the conflict between Greece and Turkey without public outrage and loss of funds. It wouldn't happen, and it doesn't. But it happens to the Jews every week of every year and we have come to expect it as regularly as the setting of the sun.It's sad but it's also more than that. It is a sign that the Jewish minority in Sweden has lost faith in its government along with any hope for change. The fabric of any society can be ripped if the trust between a government and its citizens is broken. If the people start doubting that the state has their back, they won't have its back when it matters, and at that point they go from being a people in one land to some people in a place.Every day I watch the news and see another country turning against me, making me the enemy in a place I call my home. I no longer trust my government or its emissaries to protect me or my own and the journalist employed to tell the truth prefer to tell stories, skewed for political gain.We Jews helped build Sweden, and we have been an integral part of it for almost 300 years, yet we are treated like strangers in this land and enemies of it when it suits the majority. It is not only immoral but also deeply disloyal, and should worry non-Jewish Swedes, as well, as we are the symptom of a greater flaw in a country searching for its soul.During the war, Sweden switched sides based on political expediency, and hid behind false neutrality to fill coffers and strike shady deals. Not much has changed, and the country still plays all teams and takes all sides, yet somehow we Jews end up on the losing side of any and all political and societal considerations. Watching that news segment, I realized that Sweden has created a perfect cycle, where it criticizes, demonizes and ostracizes the Jews until we find ourselves so far removed from Swedish society that the stereotype of us as the other eventually comes true.We're so used to this treatment -- the lies and distortions and constant barrage of anti-Israel and anti-Jewish reporting -- that we've gotten too desensitized to feel the outrage it deserves. Watching that report from Gaza alongside a non-Jew, seeing his shock and comparing his reality to mine, made me see how bad it has become and what anomalies I refer to as my normal. My friend's reaction was healthy; it came from someone who feels part of this country and expects change when he demands it. That is citizenship, and that is belonging, and I'm beginning to think that as a Jew, I never truly had either.
Arlene Foster said she will never support an Irish Language Act in Northern Ireland

It's not that I have any strong feelings about the Irish language one way or another. Even at the height of the Troubles, I never learned a word of it in my Catholic school in the middle of a loyalist area of north Belfast.

Local diehard unionists no doubt imagined that the girls inside were all being brainwashed with Provo propaganda "as Gaeilge" from morning assembly till the going-home bell rang.

If only they knew. Playing camogie was as radically nationalistic as we ever got.

And we weren't even very good at that.

Like many down the years, I've since dipped in and out of Irish classes and listened to the odd language tape, but I never stuck at it, nor lost much sleep over the fact that I couldn't pass the time of day in Irish, never mind hold a conversation.

The First Minister's insistence that she will "never" support an Irish Language Act in Northern Ireland, though, stirred something deep inside - some long-suppressed crocodile, you might say - turning my benign indifference into an unexpected indignation.

In comparing Irish speakers to Polish nationals, Arlene Foster inadvertently let slip how she views those of a nationalist persuasion.

Poles in Northern Ireland are in a foreign land. They're very welcome, but they're not from here. Irish speakers in Northern Ireland are in their own country and can expect not to be regarded as alien.

There may be practical difficulties to enacting an Irish Language Act, not least how the Police Service of Northern Ireland can operate effectively if required to provide services in Irish.

The Republic's own Language Commissioner has identified a lack of gardai with fluency in the native tongue as a major obstacle to delivering on a commitment to offering policing in Irish.

If that's the case in the south, after decades of compulsory Irish language education, it's going to be even more difficult in Northern Ireland.

It could, for a while, be used by suspects to frustrate law and order.

But these are not reasons to do nothing. They're merely indications of potential pitfalls, which can be overcome by gradually staggering the introduction of services as it becomes practical to do so.

Likewise, since there are very few people with the facility to conduct complicated Government, or legal, business through Irish, the cost shouldn't be prohibitively expensive. Nor would it be un-British to let them do so.

There are similar language acts in other parts of the UK, including Wales and Scotland. The popularity of Cornish is growing throughout south-west England and Manx is undergoing a revival on the Isle of Man.

There may be only a few hundred people with the ability to converse in Manx, but the greater cultural visibility of the language gives all on the island the chance, if that's what they want, to connect with another, older part of their heritage and identity.

On this issue, it's Mrs Foster who's out of step with mainstream British opinion.

Diversity is not a threat to social and political cohesion; what threatens it is tearing up agreements that have already been signed off on in good faith.

The DUP's Edwin Poots may have claimed last month on The Nolan Show that proposals on promoting and protecting the Irish language as included in the 2006 St Andrews Agreement were a side deal between Sinn Fein and the British Government and that his party never accepted them, but that's entirely irrelevant.

The British Government is the ultimate authority within the United Kingdom; as a unionist, he ought to welcome that fact. That being so, London has as much right and duty to protect the interests of Irish speakers here as Welsh speakers in the valleys of South Wales.

The First Minister will soon discover this is the case when talks convene after the election. She doesn't have the last say on this. Far from it.

Like all single-issue fanatics, some Irish language activists can make for tiresome company and sometimes worse; Sinn Fein has certainly politicised the language in ways that are unhelpful, to say the least.

But their extremism is only fuelled by the mindless obstinacy of their opponents, which is why Mrs Foster's disparaging statement was much more troubling than Gregory Campbell's "curry my yoghurt" jibe at Stormont.

He was speaking as an individual MLA; Arlene as a woman who was, until last month, First Minister for the whole of Northern Ireland and all its people.

The manner in which she spoke was bitter and contemptuous and nastily tribal.

If peace means anything, it should be about acknowledging that this small piece of earth belongs exclusively to no tribe, Green or Orange.

Arlene sounded as if she still resented sharing it at all.

Her mind ought to be on the bigger picture. More and more Catholics are willing to self-identify as Northern Irish.

There is no great urge towards a united Ireland. In the latest poll, four out of 10 might now hanker for joint authority; but six out of 10 just want the Assembly back, in its present or reformed state.

There's a clear moderate desire for stability. The recession has brought other priorities into focus. National questions are secondary to getting by.

These are the reasonable people in the centre that unionists should be wooing, especially with Brexit looming.

This is their opportunity to persuade the nationalist community that they have nothing to fear from remaining in the UK.

Instead, the First Minister went out of her way to deliberately belittle them and make them feel illogically demanding. Politically, it makes no sense.

The wise thing would be to accommodate Irish language and culture, thereby removing that as a weapon from your opponents. On a human level, it was just obnoxious.

For moderate unionists, who've lent the DUP their support in recent years, that has to be an unsettling echo of the bigotry of old.

What would Arlene Foster rather have - a Northern Ireland in the UK, where there is as much cultural Irishness available for any community that wants it, or to stoke a permanent disconnect amongst hundreds of thousands of her fellow citizens, just because they happen to care about keeping alive a connection to a culture which she personally finds disagreeable?

The choice ought to be a no-brainer and the fact that the First Minister fluffed it so badly not only sets a serious question mark over her commitment to non-partisanship, but also over her strategic approach to advancing the long-term interests of unionism.
Every time I read about families desperate that the murderers of their loved ones be brought to justice, I think of the brave men and women who pursued the bombers of Omagh who wrecked their lives in August 1998.

Let down by the legal system, they took a civil case (where the barriers to a guilty verdict are lower) and saw four of the five defendants found responsible for murdering 29 people.

They were funded first through public appeals and later legal aid.

The guilty men are unlikely ever to disgorge the damages awarded to the families, but they were named and shamed and decent people shun them.

Yesterday, Alan Black, the only survivor of the 1976 IRA sectarian attack at Kingsmill, responded with great dignity when the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announced that because they had insufficient evidence, they would not be prosecuting the man whose palm print was allegedly found on a suspected getaway vehicle.

The only good news about this was that the PPS had sent him a detailed document explaining their decision - an indication of how these days some parts of the legal system are making more efforts to consider the feelings of victims.

Alan Black and other victims of Kingsmill hope for answers from the stalled inquest.

If they get no satisfaction, might they consider taking a civil case?

They can be pretty sure that they will get no help from the Legal Aid Agency, who on Wednesday turned down an application for funding from families of the four soldiers murdered in the 1982 IRA Hyde Park bombing who allege IRA on-the-run John Downey has a case to answer.

The reason given was that to grant the 317,000 needed would not be "proportionate to the benefits".

The families' solicitor Matthew Jury, who worked on the Omagh civil case and specialises in cases involving victims of terror worldwide, pointed out afterwards that the state "is willing to spend millions to investigate and prosecute UK veterans - many for actions they took combating terrorism.

"When it comes to justice," he asked, "is a soldier's life worth less?"

Mr Jury is also representing families of the three Scottish soldiers - two of whom were teenage brothers - abducted when off-duty and murdered by the IRA in 1971

With no hope of legal aid, they are seeking crowd funding.

Yesterday John Mason, an SNP member of the Scottish parliament, was forced by a beleaguered First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to apologise for refusing to "take sides" between the IRA and the three dead young men.

Perhaps she could be persuaded by angry Scots to back the crowd-funding initiation.

Isn't it time for good people who feel the scales of justice are tilting in the wrong direction to remember what the ordinary people in Omagh managed to achieve and put pressure on politicians and their hands in their pockets?

Ruth Dudley Edwards is the author of Aftermath: the Omagh bombing and the families' pursuit of justice
Journalists Sagar Sarowar (center) and Meherun Runi appear with their son, Mahir Sarwar Megh, in an undated photo.

Saturday marks the fifth anniversary of the stabbing deaths of two journalists in Dhaka  among 22 killings of Bangladeshi reporters that remain unsolved over two decades  as the local press demands answers and justice for their slain colleagues.

Police still have not revealed a motive or released an investigation report into the Feb. 11, 2012, killings of husband and wife Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi although six suspects have been in custody for at least four years without charges filed against them in the case.

At this moment, I have no knowledge on progress of the investigation, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told journalists on Thursday.

Those in custody have been identified as Enam Ahmed (alias Humayun Kabir), a guard who worked in the apartment building where Sarowar and Runi were killed; Rafiqul Islam, Bakul Mia, Mintu (alias Masum Mintu), Kamrul Hasan Arun and Abu Sayeed.

Two others, Tanvir Rahman and apartment guard Palash Rudra Paul have been released on bail. Ahmed was arrested Feb. 9, 2013, while the others were arrested in October 2012.

Judges have extended the deadline 48 times  most recently on Wednesday  for submitting an investigation report, but lead investigators for Bangladeshs Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) failed to produce a final report, angering the journalism community and others.

The Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union, Dhaka Journalists Union, Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and other groups have been calling for authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

We will be continuing the protest until the trial of the killers is done, Sakhawat Hossain Badasha, president of DRU, told BenarNews.

The case has been dumped

On the morning of Feb. 11, 2012, Sagar, the news editor of the Maasranga TV station, and Runi, a senior correspondent at TV station ATN Bangla, were found dead inside their fourth floor apartment in the West Rajabazar neighborhood of Dhaka.

Their 6-year-old son, Mahir Sarwar Megh, was found unhurt.

In November 2012, international press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) questioned why RAB interrogated the couples son for hours months after their deaths, citing concerns that such interrogation could cause psychological and physical harm.

On the day of the killings, then-Home Minister Shahara Khatun told reporters that the killers would be arrested within 48 hours. While the six suspects have been jailed for at least four years, RAB investigators have not identified the killers or their motives.

The case has been dumped in a planned way, Runis brother, Nawsher Ali Roman, told BenarNews. They just suggest we have patience.

During a court appearance on Wednesday, investigating officer and RAB assistant director Wares Ali Mia failed to produce information regarding progress during a court appearance.

Metropolitan Magistrate Judge Mazharul Islam granted another six weeks for RAB to submit a report on progress, ordering investigators to appear on March 21.

In the past, High Court and magistrate court judges have expressed anger at the investigations slow pace.

22 unsolved killings

The couple is among 22 journalists killed in Bangladesh since 1996.

The list of others include Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, Saiful Alam Mukul, Mir Eias Hossain, Shamsur Rahman, Nahor Ali, Harunur Rashid, Shukur Hossain, Syed Faruq Ahmed, Manik Saha, Humayun Kabir, Kamal Hossain, Dipankar Chakravarty, Shahid Anwar, Sheikh Belal Uddin, Golam Mahfuz, Gautam Das, Belal Hossain Dafadar, Jamal Uddin, Talhad Ahmed Kabid and Sadrul Alam.

Many journalists were killed in the last decade, but there have been no trials against their killers, Omor Faruk, president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, told BenarNews.

Last week in Sirajganj district, a correspondent for the Bangla daily Samakal, Abdul Hakim Shimul, was shot and killed by the local mayor. Investigators have said it is unclear whether Shimul was targeted or killed by accident during a confrontation between opposing political groups, according to reports.

Faruk demanded a trial for Shimuls killer.

Perils of the job

Reporters Without Border last year spoke out about the dangers faced by Bangladeshi journalists.

In Bangladesh, it is a bad idea to criticize the constitution or Islam, the state religion. Journalists and bloggers who refuse to submit to censorship or to censor themselves on these subjects risk life imprisonment or the death penalty, RSF said while releasing its press freedom report in April 2016.

Outspoken secularists are also targeted by Islamist militants. The media are nonetheless quite diverse and fairly outspoken on less sensitive issues, it said.
Ferry Kurnia Rizkiyansyah (right), a member of Indonesias General Elections Commission, shows ballots prepared for the upcoming provincial elections at a printing house in Pulogadung, Jakarta, Jan. 11, 2017.

Updated at 9:45 a.m. ET on 2017-02-11

Millions of people are expected to vote for the governor of Jakarta next week in a race seen as a springboard for the presidency of Muslim-majority Indonesia but that has been overshadowed by blasphemy charges against the ethnic Chinese-Christian incumbent.

As many as 7.1 million residents are eligible to vote in Wednesdays Jakarta gubernatorial polls, which will take place alongside 100 other elections for governors, mayors and regents across the sprawling Southeast Asian nation.

The contest for governor of Indonesias capital has grabbed national headlines and is being closely watched by some as a test of the country's long-standing philosophy of tolerance and religious diversity. The Feb. 15 election pits two candidates who are vying to push Gov. Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama out of office after more than two years on the job.

He and Deputy Jakarta Gov. Djarot Saiful Hidayat are going up against Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono  the son of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono  and running mate Sylviana Murni, the former mayor of Central Jakarta and first woman to run for deputy governor of the city.

They are also running against gubernatorial hopeful Anies Rasyid Baswedan, a former minister of education, and running mate Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno.

The winner of Wednesdays polls must receive more than 50 percent of ballots cast to clinch the election outright. If not, a run-off election will be held next month between the top two finishers.

The polls will determine who will be chief administrator of Indonesias capital region for the next five years and offer a window into the 2019 presidential elections, observers said.

Whoever wins the election will manage a 70 trillion rupiah [U.S. $5.2 billion] regional budget annually and administer a city where 70 percent to 80 percent of all money in Indonesia circulates in. Any political party would want to gain control of Jakarta, Emrus Sihombing, a political analyst at Pelita Harapan University in Jakarta, told BenarNews.

Emrus said the governors post could be a stepping-stone to the next presidential election. Parties are vying to control the capital by winning the gubernatorial election because it could provide them with a better chance to rule the country, he said.

Tensions around Ahok

If Ahok wins by the ballot box, voters would place him a step closer to the presidency. A member of the small ethnic Chinese minority has never been elected president in Indonesia.

Ahok became governor in 2014, when he succeeded Joko Jokowi Widodo, the former governor who was elected president that year.

Ahok, of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), is running for election although he is standing trial for a blasphemy case stemming from allegedly anti-Islam comments made in September. He has proclaimed his innocence but also apologized to Muslims, saying he did not intend to offend them by quoting a passage from the Quran in a way that was interpreted as blasphemous.

Muslim groups, led by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), have staged three rallies in Jakarta in recent months, in which they have called for Ahok to be prosecuted over the allegations that he insulted their religion. One of the rallies ended in violence on Nov. 4, when riots broke out.

Official campaigning among the candidates is to end Saturday, but the same anti-Ahok groups plan to hold a mass prayer service that day at the Istiqlal Mosque, the citys largest mosque.

About 28,000 police officers and military personnel will be deployed to keep the peace in Central Jakarta on Saturday, according to Jakarta Police Chief M. Iriawan.

The FPI and other groups had planned to march in downtown Jakarta. But after meeting with Security Minister Wiranto on Thursday, the FPI and its firebrand cleric, Rizieq Shihab, said the groups had changed their plans.

The clerics and religious figures who planned to participate in the Feb. 11 rally have wisely pondered to change the location from the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout to the Istiqlal Mosque, and have a mass prayer there, Rizieq told a press conference after the meeting with Wiranto.

The minister said the government would not ban any mass rallies, despite security concerns.

From my part as a chief security minister, they can go ahead with their activities, as long as they dont do anything that breaks the law, Wiranto said.

What the polls say

Agus, the ex-presidents son and a candidate from the Democratic Party, was leading in polls taken earlier in the campaign season, but the former army major has slipped into third place going into the final days of campaigning.

According to the latest survey by pollster Indikator that came out Friday, 39 percent of voters surveyed said they would pick the Ahok-Djarot ticket, compared with 35 percent who would elect Anies-Sandiaga, and 19 percent who would go for Agus-Sylviana.

However, Jakartans were skeptical about the accuracy of surveys by pollsters, according to Emrus.

Assuming that all pollsters are good and credible, the public still has to know who financed the poll and look at whether the methodology is accountable academically, Emrus said.

Voters opinions

Dyah Adiwangsa, a supporter of Agus, said she didnt believe in pre-election surveys.

They cant be used as reference  many of them are not fair, she told BenarNews at Bidakara Hall, where the candidates were taking the stage on Friday night for their third and final official debate.

She said she would vote for Agus because he is young and has the potential to be a leader with a clean track record, and his running mate is a woman.

Sylvi represents our gender and we should be proud of her, Dyah said.

Gayatri, a resident of Pela Mampang, South Jakarta, told BenarNews she would vote for Anies, a candidate from the Gerindra party, because he and his former businessman running mate were offering a program to empower small-medium enterprises.

Jou Hasyim, a resident of Pondok Kopi, East Jakarta, said he would vote for Ahok because of his reputation for cleaning up seedier parts of town.

He was able to evict [the people in] Kalijodo and cleared the area, turning it into a public park, Jou told Benar, referring to an area in North Jakarta that used to be the citys biggest red-light district.

Arie Firdhaus in Jakarta contributed to this report.
A Malaysian humanitarian mission offloaded 500 tons of aid intended for Rohingya Muslims affected by recent violence in Myanmar at a port near the countrys commercial capital of Yangon on Thursday.

It is not an easy task to reach Yangon, and praise God the first phase has been accomplished, mission chief Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim told BenarNews. We have asked the Myanmar government that several of our volunteers be present during the distribution of aid in Rakhine.

Several dozen protestors rallied outside the port area as the mission delivered rice, instant noodles, water and hygiene kits to Myanmars Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Win Myat Aye.

These ships arrived in Yangon under the pretext of helping refugees, said Buddhist monk Ven Thuseitta from the Yangon chapter of the Patriotic Myanmar Monks Union.

We can accept sincere help for refugees, but not this being exploited politically with the use of the word Rohingya. We have never had Rohingya in our country, and we dont want to hear that they want to help this nonexistent group.

The countrys majority-Buddhist populace views the Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and denies that they constitute a legitimate Myanmar ethnic group.

But Myanmars foreign affairs ministry on Thursday said the government would conduct an investigation of the crisis in Rakhine state following accusations by the United Nations that security forces committed serious human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims there.

30 disembark

The Nautical Aliya, carrying 2,200 tons of food and medical supplies, set sail Feb. 3 from Port Klang, Malaysia following a send-off by Prime Minister Najib Razak and other dignitaries.

The ship was also carrying 230 volunteers, including doctors, from Turkey, Indonesia, China, the United States, France, Thailand and the Palestinian territories. But only 30 people were allowed to disembark at Yangon Port for a handover ceremony on Thursday.

Malaysian officials deliver aid to Myanmars Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Win Myat Aye (far left) at Yangon Port on Feb. 9, 2017. Also seen (from right) Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organization President Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, mission chief Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and Malaysia Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican. [Courtesy of Food Flotilla for Myanmar]

Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia have criticized the Myanmar government over the Rakhine crisis and its treatment of the Rohingya, who are denied citizenship and access to basic services although many have lived in the country for generations.

Indonesia has already sent 10 shipping containers of food, baby supplies, and clothes for Rohingya affected by the violence.

The Myanmar government initially objected to the food flotilla from Malaysia, which it claimed had not received official permission to enter its waters and deliver aid.

But Win Myat Aye, the social welfare, relief, and resettlement minister, called the delivery an official arrangement between our ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] member countries.

Malaysia has contacted us officially to send this humanitarian assistance, and we will distribute all this assistance fairly among the two communities through the Rakhine state government, he said.

The Myanmar government has said that the aid must be distributed to both Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine people alike.

Some of the food and other items will be transported to Rakhines capital Sittwe and northern Rakhine state, while the rest will go to southern Bangladesh for distribution to tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees living in camps in Teknaf, Kutupalong, and Nayapara, Rahim said.

The Nautical Aliya was due to depart Myanmar early Friday and reach Chittagong seaport before Feb. 14, officials said. It was originally bound for Teknaf, a town closer to the refugee camps, but Bangladesh authorities said the harbor there was too shallow.

Military inquiry board

Some 66,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh over the past four months amid a military crackdown in western Rakhine state following the killing of nine police by militants in October.

A U.N. report issued Feb. 3 and based on interviews with more than 200 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh said the Myanmar militarys actions very likely amounted to ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar's government and military have largely dismissed allegations of abuse against the Muslim minority.

But on Thursday, a government statement announced that an inquiry board of five senior military officers would try to determine whether soldiers used excessive force and committed human rights violations in Maungdaw district of Rakhine.

Well have to find out how truthful the allegations are, the foreign affairs ministrys director-general Aye Aye Soe told Radio Free Asia, a sister entity of BenarNews.

A commission led by Vice President Myint Swe has been investigating reports of murder, torture, arson, and rape in northern Rakhine state since December.

In an interim report issued in January, the commission said it had found no cases of genocide or religious persecution of Rohingya Muslims living in the region. It also said its interviews of local villagers and women about rape allegations yielded insufficient evidence.

The Rakhine state commission which is carrying out the investigations hasnt even released its [final] report yet, Aye Aye Soe said. How can we comment on these allegations? she said of the U.N. findings.

Hata Wahari in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report.
Stephen M. Flatow, a vice president of the Religious Zionists of America, is an attorney in New Jersey. He is the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in an Iranian-sponsored Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995.





Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..JNS.org..09 February '17..To hear the foreign news media tell it, Israels Knesset has approved extreme right-wing legislation that will steal Palestinian land by legalizing illegal outposts, thereby demolishing hopes for Middle East peace.The truth, of course, is very different.The Israeli government has not authorized the establishment of a new Jewish community in Judea and Samaria since the establishment of the Oslo Accords.But Oslo did not resolve the status of the empty land in those territories. And there is a lot of empty land out there  as anybody who has ever traveled in the territories knows.
Police said four people were shot and killed in three provinces of Thailands insurgent-stricken Deep South on Friday, including a local sub-district chief.

The killings prolonged a deadly trend in February, bringing to seven the number of people killed so far this month in a series of attacks in the southern border region.

The first incident took place late Friday morning near the administration office of Tambon (village cluster) of Piyamumang, in Yaring district, Pattani province, where assailants armed with assault rifles shot and killed the administrative chief.

Yaring station police chief Col. Montree Kongwatmai identified the victim as Sama-ae Doloh, 63.

The incident took place while Sama-ae was driving from his home to the Tambon Piyamumang administration office. Three assailants followed him and shot and killed him with guns. We are investigating the cause, he told reporters.

Officers gathered bullet casings from AK-47 and M-16 assault rifles from the crime scene, the Associated Press reported.

In Narathiwat, police at Yee Ngor district station said assailants shot and killed two people at a residence in the late morning. The victims were identified as Pakorn Lipikawong, 66 and Usman Sahabuding, 24.

They were both getting rest when unknown assailants stormed in and killed them with handguns. We are investigating the motive, he said.

In the evening, a former ranger identified was shot dead at his home, Lummai station police said. Capt. Siripol Chanya said Maropee Hajisamae, 31, was shot and killed as he was tending to his cattle.

Deadly month

Earlier this month, three people were killed and two injured in four attacks in the Deep South.

On Feb. 3, ranger Samnusee Yusoe, 33, was shot and killed while he was walking to a prayer at a mosque in Yaring District, Pattani.

Since then, a civilian was shot and killed in Narathiwats Rue-soh district on Feb. 6. Two days later, a man was shot and killed and a woman was injured in Yalas Betong district while working as tappers at a rubber plantation.

On Thursday, Samsugding Beding, 50, was shot and seriously injured in Narathiwats Yi-ngo district.

The Muslim-majority, Malay-speaking region has been home to a separatist insurgency since the 1960s. At least 6,700 people have been killed in violence linked to the conflict since it rekindled in 2004.
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The United States government remains committed to the one-China policy, US President Donald Trump assured his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in their first telephone call since Trump assumed office.

During the call on Friday, the two leaders also agreed to keep close contact and said they expected to meet each other at an early date, China Central Television reported.

After winning the election last year, Trump angered Beijing as he posted a tweet that seemed to question the one-China policy and he received a phone call from Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen.

After Trump took office on Jan 20, attention has been focused on the interaction between the leaders of the world's two largest economies.

In the call on Friday, Trump told Xi that he is fully aware of the great importance of the US government honoring the one-China policy.

Xi hailed Trump's assurance and said the policy forms the political bedrock for the China-US relationship.

"China is ready to work with the US to strengthen communication, expand cooperation, boost the healthy, steady development of China-US ties" to achieve greater results and benefit people of the two countries and the world, Xi said.

The White House said on Wednesday that Trump had written to Xi wishing the "Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and a prosperous Year of the Rooster".

Trump also thanked Xi for a congratulatory letter on his election to the presidency and to express his hopes of developing "a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China".

The Lantern Festival, which falls on Saturday, is a festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first Lunar month, and many regard it as the final day of the annual Spring Festival.

When speaking to Trump on Friday, Xi congratulated Trump on assuming office as US president, and expressed appreciation for his festival greetings.

Xi spoke highly of Trump's readiness to expand two-way cooperation and develop a constructive bilateral relationship.

In return, Trump extended his appreciation and once again wished Xi and the Chinese people a happy festival.

On the two-way relationship, Xi said "the necessity and urgency is on the rise" for the two countries to reinforce cooperation, and they are fully capable of becoming a great partner for the other.

"Effectively tackling China-US ties serves the very interest of the two peoples and is an expected duty shouldered by China and the US, the two major countries, for the world," Xi said.

Beijing is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with Washington in areas including economy and trade, investment, science and technology, energy, culture and infrastructure, Xi said.

Both countries are also hoped to strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs to jointly champion world peace and stability, Xi added.

According to a media release by the White House, the phone call "was extremely cordial".
For Immediate Release, February 10, 2017 Contact: Leigh Moyer, (520) 623-5252 x 313, lmoyer@biologicaldiversity.org 40,000 Endangered Species Condoms Sent to 10 Most Sex-crazed Cities for Valentine's Day Conservation-themed Condoms Highlight How Safe Sex Saves Wildlife TUCSON, Ariz. The Center for Biological Diversity is sending America's 10 most sex-happy cities a Valentine's Day gift: 40,000 Endangered Species Condoms to help couples consider population growth's threat to wildlife before giving in to the holiday's romance. Local volunteers in Austin, Tex. and the other top-ranking cities identified by Men's Health Magazine will give away the condoms during events at zoos, museums and breweries. Center volunteers will work to remind couples that safe sex saves wildlife. Lots of couples will get lucky this Valentine's Day, but wildlife and the environment will be far less fortunate in our increasingly crowded world, said Leigh Moyer, the Center's population organizer. The habitat loss, resource depletion and climate change that come with rapid human population growth make it next to impossible for biodiversity to thrive. It's important to bring population growth back into the environmental conversation. Endangered Species Condoms make starting that conversation easier, and they also make great Valentines. The Valentine's Day condom distributions will take place in Arlington, Texas; Austin, Texas; Bakersfield, Calif.; Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; Denver; Durham, N.C.; Houston; Indianapolis; and Oklahoma City. In the past 50 years, as human population has grown, wildlife populations have been halved. The United Nations predicts that the world's human population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and exceed 11 billion by 2100. The population of the United States is likely to reach 389 million in 2050, growing by more than 200 million people from 1950. Scientists agree that we are currently in the midst of the planet's sixth mass wildlife extinction. While previous extinction periods were driven by geological or cosmic factors, the current crisis is caused by human activities. Center volunteers in Austin, Texas, the top city on the list, will hand out a total of 4,000 condoms for Valentine's Day at a number of events, from burlesque shows and breweries to art exhibits and flea markets. One thousand Endangered Species Condoms will be distributed at the largest event, the Mexic-Arte Museum's Mix n' Mash: XOXO party on Friday, Feb. 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. Species we know and love in here in Austin  from the horned lizard to the monarch butterfly  are threatened by our ballooning population, said Jessica Herrera, the Center's Population and Sustainability media specialist, who will be handing out Condoms at the Mexic-Arte museum. While it's pretty cool that Austin is such a 'sex-happy' city, it's not cool that overcrowding could be putting critters at risk. That's why I'm handing out condoms this Valentine's Day. The Endangered Species Condoms are wrapped in colorful packages featuring six different endangered species and information about the impact of runaway human population growth on polar bears, monarch butterflies and other imperiled wildlife. The Center has given away 700,000 free Endangered Species Condoms since 2009. The Center's population and sustainability program uses creative media to promote a range of common-sense solutions like access to family planning and reproductive health services, as well as education, opportunity and equal rights for women and girls.
It can be tough to be a vegetarian. You have to work harder than everyone else to make sure youre getting all the nutrients your body needs. So, when its time to take a
Media houses have described the blanket ban sought by children's rights lobby groups, on the identification of child victims of crime, as extraordinary, with far-reaching consequences.

The media houses, including Media24 and Times Media, argued through advocate Wim Trengove SC in the Pretoria High Court yesterday that such a blanket ban did not exist anywhere in any open democratic society.

He said this was because it infringed rights to freedom of expression.

According to Trengove, children's rights are sufficiently protected in a number of laws aimed at giving effect to children's rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

Children's rights lobby groups Centre for Child Law, Childline, Nicro and Media Monitoring Africa have approached the court for the provisions in the Criminal Procedure Act, which protect child offenders and witnesses, to be extended to protect child victims.

The legal wrangle was sparked by the case of a kidnap victim, a teenager who became known as Zephany Nurse.

The media said it would reveal her true identity once she had turned 18.

But CCL intervened and swiftly obtained an interdict to stop media from identifying her once she turned 18.

Trengove argued that the Criminal Procedure Act was meant to regulate court proceedings, not to protect children.
Havas Johannesburg has pulled off a unique achievement, placing third in the Creative Circle's December TV category, with a campaign that cost precisely nothing.

The Creative Circle is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting creativity as a business resource and maintaining high levels of creativity in the SA advertising industry.

For our client, Gaviscon, a brand that prides itself on helping peoples stomach cope with the over-indulgence over the festive season, we capitalised on the viral success of Shirley Caesars You Name It song and the social media meme-style adapting of it by people all over the world, says Eoin Welsh, Chief Creative Office for Havas Johannesburg.

The agency wrote its own versions of the song in a variety of South African languages, reflecting on the wealth of South African festive feeding customs. The footage was filmed by staff on their mobile phones while other members of the creative team performed the song, with the video concluding with the tag line  Keep Over-Indulgence Under Control, which is Gaviscons messaging.

The video was placed on social media and had an incredible uptake with thousands of likes and shares, and all of this with a budget of zero cents.

Our congratulations to our co-finalists MTN and Tusker, but were guessing your films, wonderful as they are, cost a little more than ours. All of which goes to show  the size of an idea can never be measured by how much it cost.

As the Creative Circle continues to promote high standards when it comes to creative outputs, many agencies keep challenging the norm with the aim of producing high-quality work.

To stay in touch with us, join the conversation and log on to www.za.havas.com or like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.




Apart from being the happy day on which many South Africans kick off their summer holiday, the 16th of December in South Africa is Reconciliation Day. This is a day of national unity and goodwill, where personal issues (colloquially referred to as beef') with adversaries are set aside.

Nando's South Africa, the casual dining restaurant chain that has become well known for its quirky and culturally topical advertising campaigns, couldnt pass up on the opportunity to add some spice to the day. Together with their advertising agency, M&C Saatchi Abel, Nandos decided to set up Reconciliation Tables at some of their key restaurants. The brand then invited popular South African public figures who had some well-publicised beef to make up at the Reconciliation Tables.

Invitations were sent to DJ Black Coffee and AKA; Bonang and Somizi; as well as Lerato Kganyago and Tbo Touch.

These high-profile personalities were invited in the days leading up to Reconciliation Day to come together and enjoy a meal at Nandos to forget their beef and have delicious Nandos chicken instead, explains Doug Place, Chief Marketing Officer at Nandos South Africa. It was a powerful idea, but we knew that the execution would be crucial.

To up the ante and create the desired buzz, invitations were delivered via social media and placed in online publications such as Times Live and MTV Base Africa. In true Nandos fashion, the invitations were peppered with tongue-in-cheek references to the issues surrounding the cause and outcome of these public figures disagreements.

We made sure that both the people who knew the exact details of the disagreement and those who didnt could still understand and laugh when reading the invitations to reconciliation, adds Place.

The Reconciliation Tables in restaurants also had elements such as place mats with conversation starters for would-be reconcilers, written with the typical Nandos tone of playful irreverence.

As is sadly too often the case in South Africa, reconciliation is harder to practise than preach and the celebrities themselves proved to be no-shows. That said the campaign received overwhelmingly positive responses on social and traditional media in the days leading up to Reconciliation Day, on the actual day and afterwards, says Gordon Ray, Executive Creative Director at M&C Saatchi Abel.

Notably, @NandosSA trended in SA just three hours after the first invite post went up on Twitter on Wednesday, 14 December. The hashtag #NoBeef & Reconciliation also trended in Johannesburg, and Nandos was the brand with the most impact linked to the term Reconciliation Day on Twitter on 15 December.

We were delighted to be able to provide the creative rocket fuel and expertise that was required to carry out this bold campaign with Nandos, adds Ray.




The annual South African Institute of Environmental Health Conference was hosted lasted week, for the first time, in the Western Cape. The City of Cape Town has committed to working with the institute to explore ways to assist environmental health practitioners and improve public health and safety.

Renay McPherson-Smith received the Outstanding Performance Award at the Institute of Environmental Health Conference

One of the key areas includes exploring technological innovations such as an electronic municipal health information management system.

"Our environmental health department staff are responsible for assessing, correcting, controlling and preventing those aspects in the environment that are detrimental to public health. Theyre doing a very good job in spite of very real limitations, but there is always room for improvement. The management and sharing of information is crucial to any organisation. The city recently became the first in Africa to roll out Project EPIC, which is an integrated emergency and incident management system. I can already see the potential synergy and am excited about how we could possibly include health services in this," said the citys mayoral committee member for safety and security, and social services, Alderman JP Smith.

Challenges facing the profession

The conference also deliberated on a number of challenges facing the profession, including the ratio of environmental health practitioners relative to the size of the population, the slow devolution of municipal health services from provincial health departments to municipalities, the placement of community services environmental health practitioners, and whether municipalities are prioritising equitable share from the National Treasury in addressing the limited resources for environmental health services.

Some of the draft resolutions were as follows:

The South African Local Government Association, South African Institute of Environmental Health, and tertiary institutions to assist municipalities on developing evidence-based indicators to improve health outcomes.

Improving the linkage between environmental health services and political decision-makers to ensure effective budgeting and ensuring that environmental health is included in the integrated development plans of municipalities.

The National Department of Health to sensitise and assist municipalities in the implementation of environmental health norms and standards.

Hosting a summit for academics to deal with environmental health issues e.g. community service placement, work-integrated learning, and curriculum development.

"Municipal health services are crucial yet woefully underfunded. We need to resolve the funding issue, but we also need to create greater public awareness about the work that our environmental health department does to safeguard communities and how communities unfortunately add to the environmental health burden. Illegal dumping, for example, is a massive problem in Cape Town. While our law enforcement staff are doing good work in fining wrongdoers and impounding trucks used in the act of dumping, the city spends far too much money cleaning up after dumpers and the environmental health practitioners are overrun with attending to the health hazards associated with dumping," added Smith.

Outstanding Performance Award

A city senior environmental health practitioner, Renay McPherson-Smith, was acknowledged at the Institute of Environmental Health Conference when she received the Outstanding Performance Award for her "outstanding contribution through exceptional diligence, personal sacrifice and enthusiasm to serve communities and general services of the Institute of Environmental Health". McPherson-Smith joined the City of Cape Town 10 years ago after beginning her career in the hospitality industry and having obtained her tertiary qualification in 1997. She delivers services to communities in the citys Eastern Health Sub-district and is based in Kuils River.

"We are proud of the fact that the city was able to host this conference and we also congratulate Dr Selva Mudaly on being elected the next president of the International Federation of Environmental Health. This is truly a feather in the cap of the discipline in South Africa. Environmental health is at the forefront of creating conditions which ensure that our residents are healthier and that they live beyond 70 and the city will intensify its development of our environmental health department," said Smith.
Jo Boufford, president of The New York Academy of Medicine

Boufford provided the global context for the discussion on urban health in Africa by initially highlighting the most prominent public health challenges faced today and how they relate to the urban environment. They include epidemiological shifts and the rapid rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the demographic shift in ageing, and climate change.

Rapid urbanisation

The most critical challenge, however, for urban health, explained Boufford, is the rate of urbanisation - it is therefore the area that requires considerable focus: "Rapid urbanisation must be at the forefront of global and national plans for achieving the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda. There's general agreement that health is critical to the economic and social development of any country, so it only stands to reason that cities, where most of the people live in most countries, have to get special attention."

Boufford believes opportunities in cities lie in the power of local government and governance, and the linking of all sectors and decision-making. This does, however, present challenges to widely accepted international development frameworks and the dominant medical model. What's required, said Boufford, is "a better understanding that medical care and the healthcare system are only one component of factors contributing to health, and it requires the health sector to partner with other disciplines and sectors in achieving health".

Multi-sectoral collaboration

While goal three of the SDGs, "Good Health and Wellbeing" remains focused on specific diseases, it also now requires focus on NCDs and the prevention thereof, allowing for multi-sectoral collaboration in areas including city design. Goal 11, "Sustainable Cities and Communities", however, does not make mention of the word 'health', noted Boufford, leaving the urban agenda a narrow one that does not promote collaboration. "This really emphasises the need to bring urban health to the forefront in the conversation on the future of cities and the future health agenda for the SDGs," she said.

The World Urban Campaign, which advised on the Habitat III process in developing the New Urban Agenda, identified 10 principles for the ideal city, one of which was a healthy city and the need to bring the importance of health, especially in the built and natural environment, into the Habitat conversation. Boufford noted that despite the efforts of the health community to increase focus on health in the final outcome document at Habitat III, the result was disappointing.

Positive governance and city management

Density, diversity, complexity and disparities are some of the unique features of cities, she pointed out, and none individually are positive or negative - their effects are influenced by various issues, and this is where the intense demands of rapid urbanisation present a real danger. However, Boufford said, positive governance and management of cities can be the drivers of national development when they present opportunities to transform national health: "Population density in cities can facilitate delivery of development interventions and healthcare social services to large numbers of people. If planned, the built environment can include consideration of the health impact.

"Cities can facilitate healthy choices of food, exercise, social engagement, as well as maximise the resilience of its residents and, if well managed, cities can be edges of development for national economies, hubs for technological innovation, centres of positive social progress, including advancing education and empowering cities as sources of opportunity, choice and resources."

The Urban Health dialogue took place 6-7 February at the Hotel NH Cape Town, The Lord Charles in Somerset West. Click here for more info.
As a high growth, vastly influential sector impacting all aspects of the South African consumer experience, digital needs to undergo ongoing and conscious transformation. The IAB SA champions diversity in digital, which is apparent in the IAB Digital Summit's programme and speaker lineup including female digital leaders and experts of all ethnicities.

Josephine Buys, CEO of the IAB SA, comments: Promoting diversity in digital is still an intentional act in South Africa, where positions of power have been dominated by one segment of our community. Each of our speakers brings a fresh perspective to the current challenges and opportunities digital holds in South Africa.

The programme for the summit has been specifically curated to have relevance to all IAB SA members and assist in boosting the digital performance of any business. Attendees can expect a cross section of industry professionals speaking at the event, including:

Thebe Ikalafeng, CEO, Brand Leadership



Jessy Severins, Advertising Yield Manager at Gumtree



Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion



The IAB Measurement Council



Leonel Silva, Director of Programmatic Development, Celtra



John Sanei, Trend Specialist



Ferial Haffajee, Editor-at-Large, HuffPost SA



Bronwen Auret, Head of the IAB Transformation & Education Council



Davin Phillips, Executive Director at Communication Services Africa



Tbo Touch, CEO of TouchCentral and Founder of #DataMustFall

More speakers will be confirmed during the course of the next few weeks.

Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder/Chairman of Brand Africa and Brand Leadership Group, and 2017 Digital Summit speaker, says: The IAB Digital Summit is a timely platform to showcase the impact technology/digital has had as the most significant catalyst for Africas transformation. It has obliterated community and commercial borders and given Africa a voice in the world. Because of the global breakthroughs of technology-led brands such as MTN and Mpesa, two of the most well-respected made in Africa brands, Africa is acknowledged as a cutting edge market for the digital revolution.

Bronwen Auret, Head of the IAB Transformation & Education Council will speak about the reasoning behind the merging of the two councils, and how they will work together on transformation initiatives in the industry. Aurets presentation will stimulate conversation on the MAC Charter, the Skills Development Fund and other immediate opportunities to engage with transformation as an IAB member.

According to Auret, there is a huge opportunity for us to make a significant contribution to transformation in South Africa. As the digital industry we are firmly placed in all sectors. Through the IAB we can directly affect media, advertising and brands. We have a digital skills deficit which needs to be addressed very quickly. This will take commitment and passion from IAB members and the industry collaboration to change. There is one only option  and that is to transform.

Digital holds many tools in its arsenal to aid in transformation. Education and the professional recognition of skills will nurture new talent, while industry collaboration will accelerate a more equitable working environment. Transformation also needs to be consistently measured to ensure ongoing progress.

Recognising the importance of education in transforming the digital industry, the IAB SA will invite 50 future digital leaders to the Summit free of charge. This is an area of focus and passion for the IAB, as the body strives to transform the digital industry through the provision of education and opportunities.

Says IAB SA CEO Josephine Buys: Our commitment to sponsoring 50 future digital leaders to attend the Summit is just one of the ways that we are investing in South Africas up and coming talent. We have engaged many colleagues and IAB members over the past year and look forward to formalising these initiatives with appropriate industry partners in 2017 and beyond. We are encouraging our partners to deliver on a promise that transformation is taking place in the digital industry via recruitment, staff retention, career development and work environment by committing to evolving their company cultures to embrace the new wave of talent.

In addition to transformation, conversations at the Summit will include analysing data through a digital lens, programmatic native, digitals impact on Africas brands, fake news, content marketing and the future of television content in the digital age.

As digitals pervasive impact continues to influence all industries, the IAB SA expects the diversity and number of attendees to evolve and grow. Over 70% of attendees last year were in C-suite management roles, a trend that is set to grow as digital decisions increasingly become the territory of top decision makers.

The IAB Digital Summit and Bookmarks will be held on 16 March at The Galleria in Sandton from 9am until 3pm. Early bird tickets are available until 17 February and cost R1,690. Following that, standard, non-member tickets will cost R1,950. Get your Bookmark Awards tickets now for R1,090 for both the awards and after party or pay R450 for the after party only. Both IAB Digital Summit & Bookmarks tickets are on sale here: http://iabdigitalsummit.co.za/.
Talented designers showcased their Autumn/Winter 2017 range at Lexus SA Menswear Week in Cape Town. The fashion week is held twice a year - once for summer and once for winter - and runs over four days. In partnership with the City of Cape Town, and African Fashion International, the show ensures that the platforms are credible and designers are awarded further opportunities for growth and development.

As every year, this show was very exciting and only the best in menswear design were invited to participate. Among the showcases were Imprint, Mai Atafo, Martelle Ludik, Unknown Union and Maxivive, just to name a few.

The looks were interesting, authentic and fashion forward. A few common threads were seen, as shown below:

Androgyny

There was a continuation of androgyny from summer 2016 into winter 2017. Many designers showcased dresses, skirts and even bodysuits on men which were previously associated with ladieswear, as shown by Merwe Mode, Imprint, Alexandra Blanc, Jahnkoy, etc.

Merwe Mode Alexandra Blanc

Shades of Blue

There was also a huge focus on shades of blues, albeit denims, cottons, or synthetics, as shown by Good Good Good, ALC, FMBCJ and Issa Leo.

Good Good Good Issa Leo

Buckle and belted details

Belts and buckles details as well as harnessing were shown by NguniShades, Naked Ape, ALC and Martelle Ludik.

ALC Martelle Ludik NguniShades Naked Ape

Statement words

The use of meaningful words was shown by Rosey & Vittori, Tokyo James and Mai Atafo.

Rosey & Vittori Tokyo James

I interviewed Martelle Ludik and Mai Atafo, who have very divergent signature styles, after their showings.

Martelle Ludik

Martelle Ludik

Martelle's range is vibrant and adventurous. Its inspired by the direction fashion is moving to in the future, with the shift in gender.

Drawing inspiration from glam rock music of the late 70s and new romanticism of London during the early 80s, he played with masculine vs feminine elements, which include power shoulders and sequins in menswear.

He enjoys mixing hard vs soft elements and makes use of coated leathers, sequins and checkered wools as his fabric choice.

Martelle graduated from Lisof in 2014 and has tested all the fashion platforms including Mercedes Benz fashion week in Johannesburg and Cape Town and now Menswear week as well.

To see more of Martelle's ranges please visit - facebook.com/MARTELLELUDIK.studio

Mai Atafo

Mai Atafo

Mai Atafo is a premier African fashion brand focusing on well-tailored, functional attire for special occasions.

He described his journey from when he was 19 to the present day. His range is reminiscent of his upbringing, which includes wearing 'hand-me-downs' from his brothers and second hand clothes, because they could not afford new clothes, and re-inventing these pieces by reconstructing them.

Of late, his love for tuxedos are visible in the range, but he juxtaposes them with exciting details on the trousers, rather than traditional tartan checks. His collection is so versatile that there is definitely something to suit everyone.

For more of Mai's range, visit www.maiafato.com

www.menswearweek.co.za
Cape Town retail entrepreneur, Nic Haralambous, is encouraging everyone to make Valentine's Day extend to a month of love, highlighting tolerance.

Owner of premium mens socks and accessories company NicHarry.com, Haralambous feels passionate about men not having to conform to societys expectations of what a man is supposed to look like and how he is supposed to dress.

Its this viewpoint that gave birth to his latest in-store 'Month of Love campaign for Nic Harry Socks, which is built on the philosophy of having the right to choose. The campaign showcases men and women of all sexual orientations and racial backgrounds sharing a bed. It also sees men sporting a variety of brightly coloured and patterned socks in celebration of individuality and choice.

I don't want us to think of Valentines Day as the day of love. This year, I want us to celebrate our freedom to choose love of any kind and in any shape, says Haralambous. To start different, important and relevant conversations in this Month of Love', rather than the usual focus of buying chocolates and teddy bears.

The Month of Love campaign imagery illustrates two men together, two women, a man and woman, same race couples and mixed race couples.
Tongaat Hulett Developments have teamed up with the Wildlands Conservation Trust to rehabilitate the banks of the Ohlanga River in Cornubia which have been degraded by years of human settlement, including sugar cane farming, and have filled with alien plants.

Image by Jordan Milton

The strip of land on either side of a river - riparian areas - are an important element of healthy rivers. They provide essential habitats for wildlife while also acting as buffers between upland areas and open water. Having the correct plants in place assists in filtering pollutants from the water and provides a barrier to erosion. The shade afforded by the vegetation helps to reduce water temperatures which, in turn, leads to better oxygen levels to support aquatic animals.

By removing the alien vegetation and replacing it with indigenous flora, says David Moldenhauer, strategic manager  technical support of Wildlands, we can restore the valuable habitat to its original state. But its not just any indigenous plants which are used. Thorough research has been undertaken to ensure that the correct historic plants  those which used to be in this location before the sugar cane fields  are planted. This is the best way to ensure that the correct biosphere of both flora and fauna is created.

Job creation

On top of this, the Wildlands project is not only aimed at environmental restoration. The initiative is also creating jobs and providing skills and training to the local community. There are several different programs that they have been developed which aim to empower the community.

The first is a team of individuals who have been employed to work on the rehabilitation of the riparian zone itself. These people clear the floodplain tract on either side of the banks of the river using the chop and drop method: the alien vegetation is chopped down and left on the ground in place. This saves on the cost of removal and, perhaps more importantly, the cut material left on the ground makes an excellent mulch for the newly planted indigenous species while also supressing weed growth. It specifically isnt burnt as this would be a waste of perfectly good nutrients for the soil.

Considering the 9.2km length of the river, and the fact that the riparian zone can extend anywhere from 10m to 100m from the riverbank, this is certainly a considerable undertaking. The rehabilitation began on Arbour Day 2014 and thus far some 54ha of initial clearing and 51ha follow-up clearing of sometimes very dense bush have been effected.

To date, 31 jobs for the alien plant clearing have been created for people from the local community. A new team has just been trained to use chainsaws and both Wildlands and Tongaat Hulett aim to use this training and practical application as a basis to incubate a future working environment for those trained.

It is essentially the same as teaching a man to fish, explains Moldenhauer, and he will never go hungry again. The hope is that these skilled workers can go forward and apply their trade as woodsmen and subcontract their services to residents and businesses in the area. This is the very definition of a business incubator.

Restoring health and balance

In addition, the local community is to be involved in growing the desired indigenous plants. Members are to be trained in the cultivation of the specific plants that will restore health and balance as well as increase the biodiversity of the floodplain. We are not looking at the easy-to-grow landscaping plants, although in time we expect that the growers will also be able to provide nursery services to the greater Cornubia region, including residents and businesses.

A clear benefit in the initial stages of this initiative is the ready market for the indigenous plants. Those working on the restoration team will hopefully use the stimulated productivity gain out of this initiative as a springboard to undertaking other productive activities.
With 2016 bringing a year of unexpected developments across the globe, from Brexit to the election of the 45th president of the US, and from falling commodity prices to waning GDP growth across Africa, there are now diverse global realities impacting the African continent as a whole and Southern Africa's construction industry in particular.

Here are the top trends to watch that will impact Southern Africas construction industry in 2017:

1. Spatial transformation: South Africas National Development Plan (NDP) identifies spatial transformation as one of its key objectives and neighbouring countries are following suit. At a technical level, changes in regulation and the introduction of many new building, planning and environmental regulations require expert technical and scientific input at the early stages of architectural design. The project design process is moving towards a cyclic and iterative rather than linear model, which will translate into the spatial transformation of the built environment in the medium to long term.

2. Building information modelling (BIM): Building information modelling is an innovative technology and process that is transforming the way buildings are designed, analysed, constructed, and managed across the globe.

The time for us to rethink our quality control systems is now and for us all to benefit from information technology that is constructed and developed efficiently for a construction environment, says Vaughan Harris, executive director of the BIM Institute in South Africa.

3D modelling is just part of the BIM process and will only drive transformation if its combined with wider and deeper support from the industry, including behaviour, culture, transparency and processes.

3. Demand for green cement: The global market for green cement is expected to grow to $38.1bn by 2024 from $14.8bn in 2015. Green cement reduces the carbon footprint of construction activities through the substitution of cementitious industrial wastes, such as fly ash from coal-fired power plants and slag from the steel and iron processing industry as a replacement for traditional cement.

Demand for green cement in Africa will provide an increasingly lucrative market over the next few years due to growing trends in sustainability and energy efficiency for both buildings and infrastructure. 2017 will witness an increased demand from local African marketplaces for more sustainable products in the local built environment.

The Southern African construction industry is a growing market offering attractive business opportunities. The fifth annual African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo is taking place on 2324 May 2017 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg and will provide access to the African built environment.
Pan-African property fund Mara Delta is on track to grow distributions between 2% and 4% for the financial year to June, as it weathers a multitude of headwinds on the continent.

"We are very pleased with declaring an interim dividend of 6.12 US cents per share despite some challenging geopolitical and economic headwinds. Our focus ... on our US dollar-based leases has mitigated these risks to a large extent," said CEO Bronwyn Corbett.

The property fund's strategy was to invest in buildings that it could fill with blue chip, often multinational, tenants.

During the reporting period, Delta grew its rental income 24%, from $10.7m to $13.2m on the back of asset acquisitions in the second half of the prior financial year.

Corbett said the firm had a yield-accretive pipeline valued at $244m under transfer, which would increase revenue further as it came on stream.

The company is working on plans to reduce its cost of debt. The company's loan to value increased to 51% from 48.9% in the prior reporting period.

"Our business model is based on structured investments underpinned by property assets," she said.

"Debt is a major lever in this equation and the team successfully reduced our average weighted cost of capital by 0.42% to 5.80%, in line with our strategy to further diversify our sources of finance."

Mara has grown its assets more than threefold since listing in mid-2014, from less than 140m to about $504.4m, which includes acquisitions that have not yet transferred.

Source: Business Day
LONDON, ENGLAND: British travel group, Thomas Cook said on Thursday that demand for holidays in Egypt is picking up again, after unrest in the North African nation had pushed holidaymakers into choosing rival sun spots. Thomas Cook said the improvement, along with especially strong demand for bookings to Greece, is helping to offset persistent weakness for holidays in Turkey, which last year suffered an attempted coup and deadly bombings.

MarjanVegt via pixabay

The update came as Thomas Cook announced flat revenues and losses for its first quarter or three months to the end of December. "Continued reductions in bookings to Turkey have been more than offset by strong demand for Greece," the company said of its holidays for summer 2017. "We have also grown bookings significantly to a number of smaller European destinations including Cyprus, Bulgaria, Croatia and Portugal, and we have seen a strengthening of demand for Egypt and Morocco."

Thomas Cook, along with other UK travel groups and airlines, last year canceled flights to the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh. This was after the crash of a Russian airliner near the Red Sea holiday destination in late 2015 that killed all 224 people on board. Investigators have concluded it was downed by a bomb and the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility.

The UK Foreign Office meanwhile is sticking to its advice of warning Britons "against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh".

Thomas Cook typically posts a loss during its first half ahead of the peak demand season coinciding with the northern hemisphere summer season. "Key will be the summer season coming up when the real money is to be made," said Neil Wilson, senior market analyst at ETX Capital. "Bookings are already nine percent ahead of last year, which ought to offer some comfort."

Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown, said the good news for Thomas Cook was that its recent tough trading period does not appear to be worsening. "Like-for-like revenues and losses were broadly flat on last year, which probably represents a small victory against such a competitive backdrop," he said.

"Times are tough in the European travel industry," Khalaf added in a client note.

In early deals, shares in Thomas Cook tumbled by about 6.0 percent, sending it to the bottom of London's second-tier FTSE 250 index, as investors found only small comfort in the group's outlook.

Source: AFP
Given that Mpumalanga has been awarded the opportunity to host World Tourism Day on 27 September 2017, the province's government has declared 2017 the 'year of tourism'.

Claudirene via Wikimedia Commons - Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Panorama Route, Mpumalanga

Tourism carries significant weight in South Africas and Mpumalangas economy, and is one of the leading elements of international trade, says Mpumalangas MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Eric Kholwane. Thats why the department will be focussing on tourism infrastructure and tourist attractions in particular, as well as aggressive marketing of the province in 2017.

Hope for a much-needed facelift of tourist attractions and infrastructure upgrades

Concrete steps will be taken to address the issues of routes development, investment in anchor products, enhancement of training and skills development, improving safety measures and the promotion of small medium and micro-enterprises.

The province will further leverage on the existing Memorandums of Understanding with Swaziland, Mozambique, Angola, China, and Russia through developing packages according to their needs, investing in infrastructure to improve tourism products, identifying and training tourism operators and working with Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to conclude the Air Transport strategy, says MEC Kholwane.

This is great news for Kruger Lowveld Tourism (KLT), the tourism division of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism, which represents the interests of the majority of tourism and leisure operators in the region.

Lisa Sheard, the executive director and marketing consultant of KLT, is hopeful that existing tourist attractions operated by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) are going to get a much-needed facelift and upgrade in 2017. This could make a huge difference to the number of visitors to the region, says Sheard, who expects to see continued growth in international visitors this year, following the 2016 rebound from the 2015 visa debacle.

Growth in visitors

KLT is tentative about domestic tourism, though, due to the tough economic environment, but we are optimistic that a travel culture is developing and that travel is becoming more accessible to more people, she says.

According to MEC Kholwane, Kruger Lowvelds occupancy/booking statistics over the festive season  a combination of the total day visitors and bed nights  indicate fluctuating statistics compared to the same period in 2015.

The Kruger National Park recorded an increase of 8% (140,676 in 2015 to 152,974 in 2016), whilst in and around Hazyview there was an increase of 5% (58% in 2015 to 63% in 2016). In Swadini and around the Blyde River Canyon, the numbers reflect a slight decrease in terms of both day visitors and bed nights, he says.

Xolani Mthethwa, the Head of Tourism of the MTPA, says that fewer local people go on domestic trips due to the tough economic conditions. Those who take a trip for leisure purposes, take a shorter trip compared to 2013/2014. In 2017, we will see the domestic market continue to strain due to the economic climate, but international visitor numbers are growing due to the weak Rand. The average occupancy rate for Mpumalanga products over the festive season was 60%, he says.

Anne Briggs, chairperson of the SATSA Mpumalanga Chapter, is optimistic that the Kruger Lowveld is going to have a busy 2017, judging by forward bookings. Weve already had bookings for 2018 and our tour and transfer stats for December 2016 were higher than those in 2015, over the same period, she says.

A boost for Kruger Lowvelds economy

The region is excited by the prospect of increased marketing budgets for the MTPA and upgraded MTPA-managed public attractions in 2017. Furthermore, some new and iconic tourist attractions are opening in the region in 2017, particularly the Graskop Gorge Lift project which will give visitors the experience of being lowered 51 metres into the gorge in a glass elevator. At the base of the gorge, an extended boardwalk network will provide access to indigenous forest walks, crossings over suspension bridges, bird watching, and tree identification spots. Its expected that the project  which also consists of shops and a restaurant  will break ground in March 2017 and will be open for business before Christmas.

Add this project to the vast number of tourist attractions in the area  from the Kruger National Park to Gods Window and the Blyde River Canyon  and youll understand why the Kruger Lowveld is a must-see destination.

Briggs says theres nowhere else in the world like the Lowveld. The diversity of the area is breath-taking, from the Eastern Drakensburg Escarpment to the wild wonders of the Kruger National Park. In addition, the proximity of Swaziland and Maputo add additional interest as they are an easy day trip away from the Lowveld, she says.
G Adventures has acquired 60-year old pioneering UK cruise line, Swan Hellenic, a respected name in the boutique cruising sector. The acquisition will further diversify G Adventure's portfolio of brands, adding boutique small ship cruising to its adventure travel, adventure cruising, and new touring businesses.

BobiMpower via Wikimedia Commons - MV Minerva cruise ship of Swan Hellenic

The acquisition extends to G Adventures purchasing the Swan Hellenic brand and associated intellectual property, with scheduled itineraries slated to commence in 2018. More details about the 2018 Swan Hellenic programme will be communicated in due course.

John Warner, vice president of global sales, G Adventures, says the company is determined the legacy of this great UK brand will live on.

We know how beloved Swan Hellenic is to its loyal customer base and respect it has in the British travel community. Our long-term aim is to re-launch Swan Hellenic and re-establish the award-winning values that make it so well-loved."
This week a young black man grapples with his own sexuality and finds love in the most unexpected place in the not-to-be-missed Moonlight (nominated for eight Oscars); obsessive love whips up more passion in Fifty Shades Darker; a Holocaust denier reveals the truth in Denial, big changes brew in Gotham city in The Lego Batman Movie, and the month of love is celebrated with opera's classic lovers in Gounod's lush Shakespeare adaptation of Romeo et Juliette.

Moonlight

A consummate masterwork from writer-director Barry Jenkins, this not-to-be-missed film takes you on an emotional journey into the heart and soul of humanity and will live in your heart forever.

The film opens with Chiron (Alex Hibbert) at age 10 (nicknamed Little in the movie), fleeing from bullies in his housing project until he is rescued by the drug dealer Juan, who becomes his mentor and unofficial guardian with the help of his saintly girlfriend Teresa. In the second chapter, Chiron (Ashton Sanders) grapples with young love in the form of his teenage schoolmate Kevin, the declining state of his mother Paula and a traumatic schoolyard incident that changes the course of his life. The third chapter follows Chiron in adulthood - now known by his street name Black (Trevante Rhodes) - contending with the thwarted love that has hindered his identity through his inability to express his feelings. In a virtuoso sequence set in a Miami diner, Chiron reunites with Kevin in a thoroughly unforgettable and unexpected way. A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery

Written and directed by Barry Jenkins, it is based on the play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney. One of the most powerful aspects of Moonlight is that it was conceived in cinematic form by a straight man working from material rooted in the personal experiences of an openly gay man, yet the films sexuality is not its centerpiece or defining feature, owing to Jenkins penchant for subtlety and introspection over telegraphed moments or sermonising. Ultimately, Moonlight transcends labels and definitions, telling a universal story through one young mans cathartic personal struggles.

Says Jenkins: The title Moonlight refers to shining light in the darkness or illuminating things youre afraid to show. Everybody in life has had a struggle like Chirons at some point, whether its for a short period of time or an entire lifetime. Anyone who insists they havent put up a facade is living in some kind of darkness.

Fifty Shades Darker

The second chapter based on the worldwide bestselling Fifty Shades phenomenon invites audiences to slip into something a shade darker.

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in the highly anticipated sequel to Fifty Shades Of Grey. Following the events of Fifty Shades of Grey, Anastasia Ana Steele tries to move on from her relationship with Christian Grey. A wounded Christian convinces her to resume their romance under Anas conditions. As the couple begins their normal relationship, Christians past threatens to tear the couple apart.

The film gives fans a taste of what to expect when a fairy tale doesnt play by the rules. It is directed by James Foley (Fear, House of Cards) from a screenplay by EL James husband, Niall Leonard, based on the novel by James. With her author hat squarely on her head, EL James reasserts: All of the Fifty Shades books are romance books, full stop - they should be, and hopefully will be, romantic films. In this one, we discover more, go deeper, and theres also the first hint of Christians old life, with that coming back and infecting the couple as they try to get it together. Thats one of the reasons why its darker because there are these threats in the wings that come in to destabilise what should be a happy romance.

Note: Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed were lensed simultaneously, resulting in two successive Valentines Day weekend releases in 2017 and 18, further exploring the compelling romantic tango of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.

Denial

Based on the acclaimed book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier, Denial unmasks the historical truth of the Holocaust and recounts Deborah E. Lipstadts (Rachel Weisz) legal battle for historical truth against David Irving (Cannes Award winner Timothy Spall), who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier. In the English legal system, the burden of proof is on the accused, therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred.

Lipstadt believes the film provides an opportunity for her to take her lifes work another step forward. Id like people to understand that the Holocaust is the best-documented genocide in the world. There is no denying it. You can debate aspects of it  why it happened, how it happened, but not the fact that it happened. It is incontrovertible fact. It cant be debated. And thats not being closed-minded, its acknowledging the truth.

The Lego Batman Movies

In the irreverent spirit of fun that made The LEGO Movie a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble  LEGO Batman  stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Jokers hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up.

Directed by Chris McKay, the writers on The LEGO Batman Movie have roots in a range of comedic and/or animated projects. Seth Grahame-Smiths novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was made into a successful feature; writing partners Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers have been recognised for their work on Community and American Dad; Jared Stern counts Toy Story 3 and Wreck-It Ralph among his feature animation credits; and John Whittington is a staff writer on the upcoming series Green Eggs and Ham, based on the classic Dr. Seuss childrens book.

Because its a LEGO movie, there are built-in themes about creativity and play, teamwork and sharing, says McKay. Thats inherent in the property and will always be a part of what we do. And because its a Batman movie, there are underlying ideas about family and connection. But we also wanted to say something about the nature of happiness. Can a guy whos based his image on being that dark silhouette on a rooftop, bearing all the responsibility of keeping Gotham City safe, make happiness a choice? I think its interesting to recognise that there will always be obstacles and conflicts in life, good days and not-so-good days, but that maybe choosing happiness as a philosophy isnt a bad way to go.

Romeo et Juliette

Hailed by the New York Times for singing with white-hot sensuality and impassioned lyricism, Diana Damrau and Vittorio Grigolo star as the tragic star-crossed lovers in this operatic adaption of Shakespeares classic love story. This new Met production of Charles Gounods Romeo et Juliette is directed by Bartlett Sher, with Gianandrea Noseda conducting the sumptuous score.

Shers staging of Romeo et Juliette is a co-production with La Scala and was initially presented at the Salzburg Festival in 2008. It features set design by Michael Yeargan, costume design by Catherine Zuber, lighting design by Jennifer Tipton, choreography by Chase Brock in his Met debut and fight direction by B.H. Barry.

Romeo et Juliette opened to great success in 1867, and the opera premiered at the Met in 1884, where it was sung in Italian and starred Italo Campanini as Romeo and Marcella Sembrich as Juliette. Since its Met premiere, the opera has been staged 329 times to date. Famous sopranos who have sung Juliette include Lucrezia Bori, Nellie Melba, and Anna Netrebko. Notable tenors who have sung the role of Romeo include Franco Corelli, Jean de Reszke, and George Shirley.

The exclusive backstage content and behind-the-scenes interviews during Romeo et Juliette, hosted by soprano Ailyn Perez, include:

Live backstage interviews with Vittorio Grigolo and Diana Damrau, who star as Romeo and Juliette

Live interviews with Romeo et Juliette conductor Gianandrea Noseda, director Bartlett Sher, costume designer Catherine Zuber, and set designer Michael Yeargan

GalleryMet short film: Romeo et Juliette (artist Rachel Feinstein)

The running time of Romeo et Juliette is approximately 3 hours 20 minutes, including an interval. Screening times at Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor cinemas are as follows: 11 February at 5pm, 12 February at 2.30pm, 14 and 22 February at 11.30am, and 21 February at 6pm.

For more information on the latest releases, visit www.writingstudio.co.za
With South African social media buzzing ahead of President Zuma's State of the Nation Address (SONA), global media intelligence provider, Meltwater analysed some trends.

Volume of content: SA editorial news vs. SA social media

In the last week within South Africa, mentions of the keywords State of the Nation or SONA have seen a steady increase across both online editorial news and social media, with the latter witnessing a marked spike on February 8 - the day before the official ceremony.

Sentiment: SA editorial news

The sentiment across editorial media has been predominantly neutral, suggesting journalistic reporting of SONA has been unpartisan in the majority of cases.

Sentiment: SA social media

South African social media featured a more distinct positive (17.32%) and negative (25.56%) split in sentiment, as tends to be the nature of more opinion-rich mediums.

Top sources: SA social media

Most people mentioning SONA on social media platforms are doing so on Twitter. This may be because Twitter is the platform most used for political debate and engaging in conversations beyond friend groups. It is especially true for the trending hashtags that have surfaced this week, i.e. #SONA2017 and #SONAPredictions.

Trending themes: SA social media

Social media exploded after President Zuma disclosed that Government would be spending a total amount of R204,000 on the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the upcoming State of the Nation (#SONA, #SONA2017). He reasoned that a security presence was needed to enforce law and order and avoid interruptions by protestors. South Africans took to social media to express their comments and criticism, which contributed toward many of the following terms trending.

#SONAPredictions has been one of the main trends on Twitter in South Africa this week. It consisted mostly of a stream of jokes and memes about what would happen at SONA and what Jacob Zuma and Julius Malema would say.

Trending themes: SA editorial news

More than three quarters of the editorial media is of neutral sentiment. Articles are mostly about factual, neutral details such as where and when the State of the Nation is taking place or what it is about. As such, terms including Cape Town, South Africa, Parliament, country, event and President Jacob Zuma have been identified as associated themes.

#SonaPredictions trending themes: SA social media

The #SonaPredictions trend saw South Africans taking to social media to share a variety of farcical predictions for the State of the Nation Address. Trending prediction keywords can be seen in the word-cloud above.
140 BBDO launched the third issue of its zine, I Get Paid for This at First Thursdays on 2 February to an overwhelming response.

Emma Strydom

The team comments:

Mike Schalit (CCO BBDO SA): More like FirstTHIRSTday, as people soaked it all up, more than parched for a drink as they clamoured for the cool new creations, courtesy of the BBDO I Get Paid for This posse whos eclectic range was snatched up and sold out. Thankfully without selling

out, as all proceeds went towards BBDO's proactive SEED Library initiative, rolling out at townships schools across SA (nine are already

in the bag, and another five are on the cards).

*BTW: It was his birthday :)

Emma Strydom (Designer 140 BBDO): Experiences like these bring people together. Its super rewarding to work with such a generous bunch, while giving back to those less fortunate.

Alexis Beckett (ECD 140 BBDO): We were so blown away by the response that we decided to do it all again on 2 March, when well be liberating another batch of ltd. edition bits and pieces. Once again, the awesome peeps at Dapper will be allowing us to use a space in their venue in Bree Street.

Emma Strydom: Originally we intended to make this a quarterly thing, but it made sense to take advantage of First Thursdays coinciding with Design Indaba and the extra influx of creativity in town.

Adrian Varkel (MD 140 BBDO): I loved watching all the positive energy in the agency as we put our creative talents towards giving back to our community. The support from the Cape Town locals who bought our wares was fantastic. We truly are lucky 'to get paid for this' and I hope we can get more partners and other agencies to start contributing their work and helping to raise more money for SEED libraries.

Read more: Seeding the First Thursdays creative spirit with BBDO
Never before have so many people had to flee their homes as in 2016: more than 65 million refugees and internally displaced persons around the world fled from crises, violence and natural disasters. Africa is a particular focus of Germany's humanitarian assistance, alongside the huge humanitarian crisis in Syria and its neighbouring countries.

Image by 123RF

In large parts of Africa, people are fighting for their day-to-day survival. The situation in many crisis regions on the continent has worsened: existing conflicts are escalating, new ones are flaring up, and there are continuing climate-related natural disasters. The countries of subSaharan Africa are currently sheltering the largest number of refugees and internally displaced persons in the world. At the same time, the aid programmes for the crisis regions in Africa coordinated by the United Nations are underfunded.

The number of crisis regions in Africa is increasing

There was an unexpectedly high increase in the duration and scope of humanitarian crises in 2016, particularly in the case of the complex crises in Libya, the Horn of Africa (especially Somalia and Ethiopia), Sudan and South Sudan, the Central African Republic, the DR Congo, Burundi, Mali, Niger and the Lake Chad Basin. Several of these conflicts are impacting on neighbouring countries.

The greatest areas of need are food supplies, health and nutrition, improved water supplies, sanitation and hygiene, and the provision of shelters. These are therefore the focal points of the German Federal Foreign Offices humanitarian assistance, it said in a statement.

The greatest areas of need are food supplies, health and nutrition, improved water supplies, sanitation and hygiene, and the provision of shelters

Humanitarian assistance helps people affected by conflicts and disasters in Africa to secure their survival and build up a livelihood near their original homes. With these goals in mind, the Federal Foreign Office dovetails its humanitarian assistance with stabilisation and conflict prevention measures, so as to offer the people possibilities for development in the medium term.

In recent years the Federal Foreign Office has greatly increased its funding for humanitarian assistance, also stepping up its financial support for Africa. In 2016 alone, it more than doubled its aid measures compared with the previous year, providing some 270 million euros for aid projects in Africa. The Federal Foreign Office provided a total of over 1.3 billion euros to respond to humanitarian crises around the world in 2016.

The Federal Foreign Office works closely together on humanitarian projects with partners from UN organisations (e.g. World Food Programme, UNHCR), the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement and many non-governmental organisations.

Humanitarian protection is a priority particularly in areas affected by armed conflict. It is also important to provide the suffering population with food and other goods, and to ensure the provision of drinking water. Other urgent priorities include the provision of medical care and the treatment of acute cases of malnutrition. Projects to help refugees or internally displaced persons usually also include elements for the host communities, in a bid to foster peaceful coexistence despite the scarcity of resources.

Urging further engagement

The Federal Foreign Office will continue its humanitarian engagement in Africas crisis regions this year in order to make it possible for people to survive in dignity and safety. As co-host of the Humanitarian Conference on Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region being held in Oslo on February 24, 2017, Germany will continue to urge others to provide political and financial support for humanitarian assistance in the crisis region.
February 10, Blessed

Source: Catholicsaints.info

Roman Martyrology: In the village of Krasic, Croatia, Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, bishop of Zagreb, who firmly rejected the doctrines opposed to faith and human dignity and of their fidelity to the Church, after prolonged imprisonment, victim of disease and misery, egregiously ended his episcopate (1960 ) .

Beatification date: October 3, 1998 by Pope John Paul II at Marija Bistrica, Croatia.

SHORT BIOGRAPHY



Born on May 8, 1898 at Brezaric, Krasic, Croatia as Alojzije Viktor Stepinac. Raised in the large Catholic Croatian family of Josip and Barbara (nee Penic) Stepinac. Graduated high school on 28 June 1916. Soldier in the Austrian army in World War I, fighting at several points in Italy. Following the collapse of the front in September 1918, he was imprisoned, then released and demobilized in December 1918.

Studied briefly at the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb, Croatia, but returned to work at home. He considered marriage, but realized a call to the priesthood, and began his studies in 1924. Studied at the Pontifical Germanicum-Hungaricum College, and earned doctorates in theology and philosophy at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. Ordained 26 October 1930. Parish priest in the archdiocese of Zagreb. He worked especially in the poor neighbourhoods, and established the archdiocesan Caritas on 23 November 1931.

Named Co-adjutor Archbishop of Zagreb on 29 May 1934 by Pope Pius XI. Created twelve new parishes in the archdiocese, established close ties with lay associations and youth groups, promoted the Catholic press, and helped protect the rights of the Church from the Yugoslavian state. Succeeded Archbishop Bauer on 7 December 1937.

In 1936, the rise of Nazism prompted Stepinac to support a committee helping people fleeing the Reich. Instituted the Action for Assistance to Jewish Refugees in 1938. This period galvanized him a stout defender of human rights regardless of race, religion, nationality, ethnic group or social class, a fight he would continue the rest of his days. During the war, Stepinac helped hide countless people, mainly Jews, in monasteries and other Church property; some remained there throughout the war.

By 1945, Yugoslavia had replaced the oppression of the Nazis with the oppression of the Communists. Stepinac, wrote a biographer, treated the new authoritiesin accordance with the Gospel but fought for the rights of the Church and the interests of Croatians. After publishing a letter denouncing the execution of priests by communist militants, Stepinac was arrested for the first time.

Following the Archbishops release, Yugoslavias new leader, Josip Broz Tito, tried to persuade him to have the Catholic Church in Croatia break from Rome. The Bishops of Yugoslavia issued a pastoral letter on 22 September 1945 in which they referred to the promises made  and broken  by the Belgrade government to respect freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, and private ownership of property. The Bishops demanded freedom for the Catholic press, Catholic schools, religious instruction, Catholic associations, and full freedom for the human person and his inviolable rights, full respect for Christian marriage and the restitution of all confiscated properties and institutions. The state-run media launched an attack on the Church in general, and the archbishop by name.

Stepinac was tried in September 1946 for defending the unity of the Catholic Church in Croatia, and its unity with Rome. The Pope objected to this show trial, and members of the Jewish community in the United States protested, this great man has been accused of being a collaborator of the Nazis. We Jews deny this. Alojzije Stepinac was one of the few men in Europe who raised his voice against the Nazi tyranny, precisely at the time when it was most dangerous to do so. On 11 October 1946, he was sentenced to 16 years of hard labour and the loss of his civil rights, such as they were.

On 5 December 1951, ill health forced the authorities to move Stepinac from prison to house arrest in Krasic. There he performed priestly functions, received visitors, and wrote more than 5,000 letters, none of which show the slightest resentment for those who persecuted him.

Created cardinal on 12 January 1953 by Pope Pius XII who called him an example of apostolic zeal and Christian strength. [This is] to reward his extraordinary meritsand especially to honour and comfort our sons and daughters who resolutely confess their Catholic faith despite these difficult times. This apparently was too much for the Yugoslav regime who, promptly broke diplomatic relations with Rome. Stepinac, however, retained his position and maintained his stance against the bullying government until his death, which may have been a murder to eliminate an annoyance to that government.

He died on February 10, 1960 at Krasic, Croatia. Suffered from polycythemia rubra vera, thrombosis of the leg and bronchial catarrh, but may have been poisoned as arsenic was found in his bones during the beatification examination.
The postponement was made not because of unpreparedness of the Chin political parties and Chin Civil Society Organizations but unwillingness of the Union Government. For that reason, the CNDP released a Statement on February 8, with reference to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), calling the Government to give permission immediately to launch national-level political dialogue in Chin State.

Concerning the national-level political conference in Chin state, Chin National Front (CNF) and the Chin CSOs have already made a well-prepared plan including financial support. The reasons for postponement of the conference said by the government and the UPDJC were just excuses whatsoever. Were ready to launch the conference. So, were calling strongly for letting to hold national-level political dialogue in Chin State, said Salai Ceu O Bik Thawng, general secretary of CNDP.

The second 21st Century Panglong Conference will be held in Nay Pyi Taw on February 28, the government has confirmed, after a meeting of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee at Thingaha Hotel in the capital on 6 February. Before the second 21st Century Panglong Conference, the UPDJC has decided to postpone national-level political dialogue in Chin State and Rakhine State.

Although, Chin and Rakhine states were under suspension, the UPDJC meeting reached a decision to hold national-level political dialogue meetings in the Pa-O Self-administered Zone, territory controlled by Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army-South, and Taung-ngoo in Bago Region.

Concerning the postponement of the national-level political meetings, U Zaw Htay, deputy director general of the Presidents Office, said that its not meant banning the meetings.

It is not intended Chin and Rakhine states are not allowed to hold national-level political dialogue at all. There will be more conferences after the second round of 21st Century Panglong Conference. Chin and Rakhine states have not been allowed to hold political dialogue for the time being and the decisions were made together by the UPDJC members in line with the situation, U Zaw Htay told Khonumthung News.

In addition, U Zaw Htay said via media that CNF may not be represented the whole Chin society because the Chin locals even did not allow opening of the CNFs liaison office and there is also a difference between southern and northern regions.

In response to U Zaw Htay, Salai Ceu O Bik Thawng said, His reason is not reliable. He should not say such words that did not respect equal status among the ethnic societies. Some ethnic groups got permissions and some are not. Security and stability is better in Chin state than in Shan state. He should not say theres a difference between southern and northern Chin regions. Which sources did he rely to say there is difference among Chin communities? He even did not visit Chin state as he lives in Nay Pyi Taw. We did not agree with his comment that made discrimination among our Chin societies. He should apologize for saying such kind of words.

Due to the postponement of national-level political dialogue, the Chin National Front (CNF) said that they will have to review to attend the 2nd round 21 Century Panglong Peace Conference on 28 February.

Translated by Zin Linn for BNI
He was speaking at the launching ceremony of the 2016 Peace Process Reference Guide, which was compiled by BNI.

The book launching ceremony was held at City Star Hotel in Rangoon on 27 January from 10 am to 12 pm.

Nai Kasauk Mon explained that the peace process in Burma is weakening after 2016 and more conflicts have taken place in ethnic areas after the 21st Century Panglong Conference.

The 21st Century Panglong [Conference] exposed the issue both sides couldnt agree on. The Burma Army wants to set up a federal [system] with the 2008 [Constitution]. The ethnic people dont want to set up the federal [system] with it. The opposite views emerged at the 21st Century Panglong [Conference]. Thats why conflicts and clashes have broken out after the 21st Century Panglong Conference. The Burma Army has seized the Kachin army (KIA)s bases. On the side of the ethnic [armed organizations], the Northern Alliance attacked Muse so more conflicts have been seen at the end of the 21st Century Panglong Conference, said Nai Kasauk Mon.

The 2016 Peace Process Reference Guide uses facts and references in describing the number of clashes that broke out in ethnic areas within 2016, peace dialogues, the situation of local IDPs and refugees, ethnic armed organizations, and the peace process carried out by the new government.

Mai Cherry Zahau, a human rights activist who led the discussion at the book launching ceremony, said: The word rebel was no longer used and the word ethnic armed organization has been used instead since 2014. Now, we seem to be stepping backwards. Now, the word insurgents has been used frequently. If we look from all side, there isnt anyone who will stand on the side of the ethnic people.

Although the Karen National Union (KNU) has signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement, the Karen State and nearby areas that are under its control have encountered many issues last year including skirmishes, business projects carried out on pretense of development, and uncertain future of the IDPs and refugees. Journalists from ethnic-based media do not receive any security guarantees from armed organizations and they have to do self-censoring when they are writing the news, explained Nan Paw Gay, chief editor of the KIC (Karen Information Centre).

Ko Htet Aung, the coordinator of the Peace Process Reference Guide, also explained that international donors have contributed to the compiling of the book but it was carried out independently without any influences from anyone.

BNI has published the Peace Process Reference Guide since 2013 and this is its fourth edition, according to BNI officials.

Translated by Thida Linn
The notification says the investigation committee will look into alleged human rights violations and other illegal activities committed during area clearing operations by Tatmadaw after coordinated attacks in Rakhine State on three Police Border Guard posts on 9 October 2016.

UNOHCHR alleged in its report issued on 3 January that Security Forces had committed numerous human right violations against Rohingya in Maungdaw, northern Rakhine State.

The news release issued by Tatmadaw says they will take legal action against anyone if there is evidence of such human rights violations.

The Committee is comprised of Lt. Gen. Aye Win, Tatmadaw Inspector General, as Chairman, and members are Brig. Gen. Khun Thant Zaw Htoo Joint Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Aung Kyaw Hoe Principal of No.9 Tatmadaw Advanced Combat Training School, Maj. Hla Myo Kyaw Deputy Advocate General, Western Command HQ, Lt. Col. Myo Win Aung Deputy Advocate General, Secretary, Advocate General Office.

Presidents Office Deputy Director General Zaw Htay told journalists, We will take action if there is sound and concrete evidence of such human rights violations.

Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on February 8 that the Rakhine State investigation committee led by Vice-President Myint Swe was investigating these allegations and instructed security forces in the region to perform their duties in accordance with human rights norms and said the government would take action against anyone if they are found guilty of abuses.
Thursdays meeting by the government also concluded that the name for the bridge will be decided in accordance with the peoples wishes.

Now, the ceremony for erecting the name signboard of the bridge is put on hold. We will acknowledge the publics voices, said Dr. Min Kyi Win, Mon States Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Conservation.

On Thursday, Mon National Party (MNP) also submitted an objection letter to the Mon State Chief Minister. The letter stated that naming the bridge General Aung San Bridge is not fitting with the wishes of the Mon State people, but rather damaging for ethnic unity and the peace process as well as not fitting in with the program towards national reconciliation.

With the current name, the Thanlwin Bridge (Chaungzone), no one will argue with it. For me, I accept that name, said Dr. Aung Naing Oo, deputy speaker of Mon State Hluttaw [Parliament].

On Wednesday, Mon monks, members of Mon literature and culture association, the Mon Youth Group and locals prepared to submit a complaint letter to the President for trying to [re]name the bridge.

On Tuesday, Mon State Hluttaw representatives received invitation letters to participate in the ceremony that involved erecting a signboard proclaiming the bridge as General Aung San Bridge instead of Thanlwin Bridge (Chaungzone). The ceremony is planned to take place in the morning of February 13, according to the invitation letter.

However, the public and Mon State Hluttaw representatives continue to reject the renaming of the bridge.

In our opinions, it is not suitable. There are names such as Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), and Thanlwin Bridge (Hpa An). Therefore, this new bridge should be named Thanlwin Bridge (Chaungzone).

The bridge is 1759 ft long and 64 ft wide across the water, with 689 ft on-land to the Mupon Ward side of Mon States Capital and 2756 ft on-land to Ka-nyur Village, Chaungzone Township, Bilu Kyun [Island].

This bridge has no connection with that name. So, for us, we wont accept that name, said State Hluttaw Deputy Speaker Dr. Aung Naing Oo, in an interview with MNA, after he received the invitation letter, while adding that being united, the public should object to the Gen. Aung San Bridge name and if necessary, letters must be submitted to the Union Government for review and the public should stage a protest.

The bridges construction started during the Thein Sein Government in early 2015 and is expected to be open for service by April, 2017.
Kriti Sanon Turns Heads In A Doodlage Dress While Shooting In Cape Town Fashion Kaustubha

Kriti Sanon is shooting in South Africa these days. After a long time, we have seen Kriti Sanon looking this beautiful.

While in Cape Town, Kriti opted for a simple casual lookbook. She picked an A-line Doodlage black striped dress. Now the interesting part of this dress is its red patchwork and full sleeves. Keeping it simple, Kriti matched the dress with a pair of white sneakers.

Surely, Kriti looked beautiful, but we would like to give more credit to her dress. Isn't it a beauty? A perfect ensemble for a movie day out? Or, perhaps, a shopping day?

We loved how the look has been kept simple and breezy. She finished the look with a leather handbag and sunglasses.

We loved the way she looked. What about you? Do you dig this look?

Do you have something to say about it? Let us know by commenting below.
Shocking Cases of Animals Found Alive In People! Pulse oi-Syeda Farah

There are times when we get excited and take up some unwanted dares. A little do we think before we do this and the end result could in turn put us in a lot of trouble.

Once such possibility is when people take funny dares seriously and the end result could be swallowing a live fish! And what if the fish gets stuck inside you? Sounds quite impossible and scary, right?

Also Read: Bizarre Stories Of Animals Getting Stuck

Here are some of the cases where animals were found to be stuck inside the human body and that too very much alive! Though this sounds impossible, there have been cases reported.

These are some of the countless examples of creatures crawling inside the body, which are obtained from all over the world.

Check out the cases where people found live animals being stuck in the human body!

A Spider A woman had been complaining about a scratching noise in her earlobe. When doctors examined her ear, they found a spider that was creating a web deeper in her ear canal. Apparently, the spider had to be drugged before it was pulled out. Botfly Larvae This unknown man got a shock of his life when he realised that he had a bump on his head when he came back from vacation. The doctors assumed it to be a bad insect bite, but when they had a closer examination, the result was quite shocking, as there were five botfly larvae that were growing inside his scalp! Luckily, all were removed! Larvae This is quite a painful case where a 5-year-old boy had maggots in his eyelid. It had apparently burrowed into his eye. His eye needed to be sliced open in order to remove the larvae. Squid Semen Twelve small, white, spindle-shaped, bug-like organisms were removed from the mouth of a woman when the squid that she was eating had released its semen. Damn, it must have been so disgusting! Live Cockroach A woman from India was suffering from sudden pain in her nose. She checked herself with a doctor who found a live cockroach living inside her skull. Luckily, it was removed by surgery. Fish This is one of the weirdest cases that you could come across! Apparently, a 14-year-old boy was cleaning his fish tank when he suddenly felt the urge of taking a dump and while he was doing it, one of the fish jumped right into the urethra of the poor teen and he had to be operated soon. Eel Using eels for a spa treatment would surely give nightmares to a guy who was enjoying his exclusive eel spa when one of the eels went inside his body accidentally through his urethra. He rushed to the hospital and when the eel was removed, it was still found to be alive! A Worm A 75-year-old man complained about an itchy eye, but when the doctors examined it closely, they found a 5-inch-long worm that had burrowed itself into his eye socket that needed surgery to be removed. Do share your thoughts and comments in the comment section below on this.

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 17:13 [IST]
Re: Roy Exum: All About "Resisting"

Mr. Exum,

You start your article by lionizing a man whose crackdown on a protest lead to death and injury, go on to imply with your "professionally made signs" comment that the protesters are being paid or planted by special interests, and finish with a letter from an "Oregon resident" that suggests some Americans, by virtue of their youth or employment status, have more of a right to protest than others?

I figured you for a person that considered himself an independent thinker, but you've fallen into lockstep with the Trump circus, disseminating its conspiracies and lies without question.

Is it so hard for you to believe that millions of people would organize independently against this unique threat to our rights, our democracy, our education, and our safety?

Conservatives "behaved" when Obama was elected (a dubious claim for another discussion), not because they're classier or more mature or more tolerant than liberals, but because while they may disagree with Obama, he was never going to be an existential threat to democracy. To pretend that the unqualified, thin-skinned, unprepared, easily provoked and dangerously reactionary man that sits in our Oval Office with his finger on the nuclear button and an unrepentant white supremacist whispering in his ear is the same situation is either ignorant or willfully deceptive.

And to joke that the young or inexperienced or unemployed shouldn't have first amendment rights is despicable. Would you prefer we go back to only wealthy, white, land-owning men having a voice?

So yes, Mr. Exum. We have resisted, are resisting, and will continue to resist. The right to organize, dissent, and protest is an unshakable pillar in the foundation of American democracy, and we will always use it to fight for the country we love and the ideals we believe it was founded upon.

Ray Ingraham

* * *

In All About Resisting Feb. 7, Roy Exum worries that the masses are playing right into the hands of expert manipulators. Besides a convenient amnesia, a flexible code of ethics, and a strong tolerance of hypocrisy, apparently Exum has no sense of irony either.

He claims that " those who did not vote for [President Obama] still behaved and the great majority treated him with respect. Really? Does he not remember the you lie outburst at the State of the Union address. Where was the great majority of Republicans who reproached that lack of respect? Was it respect to plot total opposition to even policies and programs Republicans formerly supported when proposed by a President the majority of voters as well as the Electoral College elected? Twice?. Was it respect for Republicans to refuse to carry out their Constitutional obligations to advise the President on naming a Supreme Court Justice? Anyone who has been paying any attention could easily add to this list.

Exum reproachfully asks who are these Americans who are protesting today? Perhaps I missed his article decrying the decidedly raucous Tea Party protests at town meetings. Did I also miss his editorial that asked who are these Americans who voted for and support a man who is a self admitted sexual molester, who incited his supporters to violence against protesters, who attacked people based on their ethnicity, who defrauded students of millions of dollars at his so called university, who stiffed small business people who worked for him, who accepted the support of neo fascists, who used his charitable foundation for personal aggrandizement, who refuses to disclose his tax returns or possible conflicts of interests, who endorsed the torture of prisoners, who threatened to challenge the results of an election and jail his opponent, who lies with abandon and without embarrassment, who admires a ruthless dictator? Anyone who has been paying any attention could easily add to this list.

And Exum berates people who are protesting the actions of this person? This person who since taking office has done nothing but to cynically stoke the irrational fears of legitimately angry voters, who brings into his government the very people he promised he would reject, who populates federal departments and agencies with leaders manifestly unqualified for or hostile to their responsibilities, who challenges the legitimacy of our time honored institutions including the independent judiciary, who has politicized the security of the nation, who has gratuitously insulted foreign leaders including close allies. Anyone who has been paying any attention could easily add to this list.

Is from an Oregon resident at the end of Exums piece meant to confirm that his ruminations have some merit? Publishing unsubstantiated internet postings is hardly a way to inspire confidence in a journalists professional competence.

Ted Tumelaire

* * *

Mr. Exum's column "All About Resisting" struck me as an odd tell all. Considering what was written, one can deduce that the author knows little to nothing about the current resistance or the people involved. I found it a poor showing to essentially cite an internet meme and purport it to be 'mostly' true in painting a picture of us. Who are these Americans, Mr. Exum?

I need move past my outrage at the mere mention that we might be affiliated with the Russians and the absurd spin on that, considering that a piece of our objection is the filling of our highest office with nefarious aid from this country we have sanctioned. The president says he likes Vladimir Putin, a war criminal, and he continues to hide his financial ties. We are being lied to on a daily basis. One needn't be a Democrat, Republican, or, as you so kindly put it, a hired "Kook", to have a problem with that. So much of what is before us isn't even partisan politics.

Readers, do you have children? Grandchildren? Maybe you want them to breathe clean air and have clean water into their later years instead of watching environmental protections rolled back one by one to favor large corporations. Maybe you want to know what's in the food they eat. Perhaps you want them to learn humility, to treat people equally, and you teach them not to lie to you or others. What example do we have right now? Is that something to sigh, shake our heads and go along with? For many of us, no.

The protesters I know are some of the kindest, smartest, funniest, most thoughtful people you'll meet. We are workers, doctors, tradespeople, veterans, moms, dads, artists, writers, lawyers, grandparents, teachers, business owners, and on and on. We are just like you in that respect. The suggestion that we are all just raucous, uninformed young people who need telling "what's best" by yet another patriarch goes to the heart of what is acutely wrong here.

I used to think Chattanooga was a conservative city. Now I know who is among us. We are young, we are old, and not only do we march, write letters, make phone calls, educate ourselves, and put our money where our mouths are- we organize and we vote.

Kate Poland

* * *

When resistance takes the form of personal physical attacks and property destruction it then becomes anarchy. We see the same operations and tactics use by the Progs / Anti-Trumpers as Hitlers Brown Shirts did in Nazi Germany.

Its in these protest that we see Saul Alinskys tactics played out as they distort, deflect, deny, deceive and most of all demonize President Trump and those of us who support his effort of restoration of the United States to greatness.

As we investigate the so called grass root resistance protest we find that there is a massive infrastructure that can be traced back to groups supported, financed and directed by George Soros and other organizations with the one goal of destroying the United States as it was founded.

I find it funny as comparisons are made to Tea Party assemblies and its so called violent protest as most problems encountered were due to plants just as was proven at the greatest protest / protests this country has ever seen.

As Trump campaigned and millions made their way to his Make America Great rallies just remember it was in this true grass root movement that the silent majority roared.

Yes, I know Ill hear the he didnt win the popular vote argument but we will have to wait and see how the investigation goes, but just like most other things President Trump probably will be proven right.

Jay Reed

Falling Water

* * *

In this day and time, we are bombarded with news; some true and a lot of it false. With the society that has rendered us countless social media outlets, unscrupulous and vial televised media, it is impossible to discern fact from fiction.

I personally do not believe anything I hear; do not trust anyone on this planet; and only expect the worst from all inhabitants of Mother Earth.

There have been many wars; and humans will continue to have conflict until the end of time. It is inherent for us to self destruct. Each of us has convictions based on our limited knowledge of the truth. How we were raised, gender, color of our skin, and most importantly our religious beliefs. Each aspect determines who we are and how we interact with others.

Resist or go with the flow; our destiny has already been written.

Jack Varner

Chattanooga

* * *

The Pro Administration crew neglects to accept we elect a president to uphold and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States. When that person acts in a way that ripples with outcry around the world and then bullies members of the federal judiciary, he has crossed a line. It is the same line the former president crossed when he derided the Supreme Court in a State of the Union Address. Two wrongs dont make a right.

I will give any elected official benefit of the doubt as to their words and deeds. I have relief when a day goes by without a wince at words said or actions taken.The news of this month of a new presidency resembles more reality show than the reality and seriousness the job any countrys President entails.

As for resistance, where were the detractors to current resistance when a band of heavily armed people took over U.S. government property as their own. That did ensue with property destruction and loss of life. The current resistance should take heart to Michelle Obamas words, take the high road". I do respect the organic nature and grass roots. There is no corporate hand involved as some hiss. This resistance is like the last one. A whole bunch of folks with little knowledge of civics reacted with great energy to how they felt they were disrespected. Some learned from it and changed. Others went back to being socially unconscious. That same cycle will repeat itself here. The telling difference will be if folks now learn that change comes when good people are not silent and good people bring positive change for good for all. As for the judiciary that one guy says in caps see you in court, wasnt that a court he just saw them in?

Prentice Hicks






The Hamilton County Democratic Partysfundraiser, featuring former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, will be held Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m.



In its first fundraiser of the year, Forward Together, the Hamilton County Democratic Party will feature two-term former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean as the keynote speaker. Mayor Dean, who is currently exploring a bid for governor, served from 2007-2015.



We are honored to have Mayor Dean joining us for this fundraiser. He brings strong leadership and a clear vision to the Tennessee Democratic Party, said Mark Siedlecki, event host and fundraising chair. We look forward to his presentation.



In addition to raising funds for the Hamilton County Democratic Party, organizers hope to recruit and educate new members and promote the local party.



The fundraiser will be held Thursday, Feb. 23. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Mark Siedlecki, 1903 McCallie Ave.



Registration for the event is requested. To register, call 423-266-4125 or email noogadems@gmail.com.
Memphis, an experience unlike any other. The smell of BBQ is always in the air, as are the sounds of gospel, jazz, blues, and legendary rock and roll. The history of racism, civil rights battles, and Elvis are rich in this place...a city too big to be a town, but not quite big enough to be considered a major metropolis. And it all sits on the mighty Mississippi.

Theres another unique quality of this city, and it quietly sits on Monroe Street, not far from the Mississippi. Its called The Little Tea Shop (famous for its delicious, out of this world cornbread sticks) and its owned and operated by my friend, Suhair, whom we all call Su for short. Su is the type of person who knows you by your first name, knows your entire family by their first names, knows everyones birthday, knows (probably), what you will order before you order it, how you take your tea, and where you like to sit in her little restaurant.

Su is a rarity in todays society, as so many of us rarely pay attention to details like that anymore, let alone remember them. Whenever I travel to Memphis to visit my family, she greets me as if Im her daughter...with a great big hug, and a smile that could light up any room. That great big hug is a feat for Su, considering shes about as tall as the average 5-year-old. And then shes off...running this way and that way to talk to people about their families, what they want to eat, or wish them a happy birthday.

Shes also a Muslim immigrant who legally came to this country 50 years ago (I threw that legally part in there for those that needed it), and she works harder than anyone I know. She doesnt take handouts or help of any kind. She works her butt off. She truly cares about everyone she meets, which is more than I can say for a lot of Americans these days. And its because of the person she is (not to mention those amazing cornbread sticks) that keep people coming back in droves to her tiny little downtown Memphis restaurant. Its one of the most popular eateries in Memphis, and has been for a long time.

Though most everyone knows Su is Muslim, no one cares. Its not an issue of concern for anyone. They just know her as Su, who came to this country many years ago to seek a different life, loves her life in Memphis, and loves you as if you were her own.

My mother passed away in Memphis in 2014 after a long batter with cancer. She only lived in Memphis the last seven months of her life, and most of the memories of that time are painful. Watching the woman who raised you slowly decline and become more and more helpless and dependent and sick and sad, knowing what was coming, and knowing theres nothing you can do to stop it, is heartbreaking. But there are a few happy memories mixed in during that time...one of them involves Su, and The Little Tea Shop.

It was a cold, blustery day in April 2014, about three weeks before mom passed away. She really wanted to get out that day, and Im so glad we did, as it was our last outing as the Fulton four...mom, dad, me, and my brother. She always like Suhair and the Little Tea Shop. She wanted to go there for lunch, and if she had the strength after, a walk by the river. We walked inside, me helping mom all the way. Suhair saw us come in, and immediately sprang into action. Despite it being lunchtime, which is her busiest time, she gave us a big table, which would allow more room for moms walker and portable oxygen tank, and even brought out a blanket for mom to wrap up in (mom was always cold at that point.)

After we were settled and had placed our orders, she gently pulled my brother and I aside to ask about mom. We gave her the latest grim update, which was mom barely ate anymore, could barely move anymore, and hospice had already prepared us that her passing was imminent and would happen very, very soon. Su grabbed in a big bear hug, and told us not to worry. At the end of the meal, Su paid for all of us, and even gave mom a rose from her birthday bouquet. It was our last meal as a family...the four of us, together. Three weeks later, mom was gone.

Sus comfort and support meant so very much to us in one of the most horrible times of our lives. But Su didnt just comfort us and support us then...she has for years. My elderly father also lives in Memphis, and is a regular customer at the Little Tea Shop. Su always makes sure hes fed, and okay, and if she suspects something is wrong, she puts in a call to my brother. Since I dont live in Memphis and my brother isnt always immediately available if hes working at the hospital, its nice to know Su has our backs...as she always has in the entire time weve known her. And I know when the time comes for dad to fly to heaven, whenever that may be, Su will be right there standing with us in support.

She doesnt see if youre white, black, brown or navy blue. She doesnt see if youre Southern Baptist, Catholic or Muslim. All she sees is you...and if youre hungry, you can bet shell bring you a bowl of corn sticks and a glass of sweet tea before you even sit down. And if its your birthday, youll get a rose and/or a balloon as well.

So Happy 50th Anniversary in America, Suhair! Our country is greatly improved by your presence here, and we love you.

Mariah Smith

Soddy Daisy
The Chattanooga law firm of Evans Harrison Hackett, PLLC announced that attorney Everett (Bo) L. Hixson Jr. has joined the firm as a member and that attorney Everett (Rett) L. Hixson III has joined the firm as an associate.

Bo Hixson has been practicing in the Chattanooga and North Georgia area for over 30 years. He is a 1983 graduate of UTC and a 1986 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he was an editor of the Tennessee Law Review. He has published articles involving premises liability in the Tennessee Law Review and forfeiture of collateral in the Tennessee Banking Journal. Mr. Hixsons diverse practice involves commercial, personal injury, and real estate litigation in Tennessee and Georgia, including construction disputes, foreclosures, landlord/tenant, Americans with Disabilities Act claims, homeowner associations issues, business dissolutions, creditors rights and bankruptcy, insurance coverage, and appellate representation.

Mr. Hixson is a member of various bar and trade associations, including the American, Tennessee, Georgia, and Chattanooga Bar Associations (where he served on the Board of Governors) and was a founding member of the Tennessee Association of Construction Council. He is a member of St. Pauls Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry, and is a past member of the Board of Directors of Metropolitan Ministries and Chattanooga Room in the Inn, as well as a past chairman of the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition.

Rett Hixson is a 2010 graduate of the University of Tennessee and a 2014 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Law. While in law school, he was the Research Editor of the University of Memphis Law Review, which published his note, All Losers Should Pay in Tennessee: How to Amend T.C.A. Section 20-12-119 to Deter Meritless Claims. He received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Pretrial Litigation. As an undergraduate, he was active in the Student Government Association, serving as a Senator in his senior year. He is a graduate of McCallie School.



Mr. Hixson is a civil litigator with an active commercial practice in state and federal court. He has experience in construction law, insurance coverage/bad faith actions, real estate, landlord/tenant, employment law, personal injury, and appellate practice. He is a member of the Tennessee and Chattanooga Bar Associations, as well as an Associate in the American Inns of Court, Brock-Cooper Chapter. He is a member of St. Pauls Episcopal Church.

Evans Harrison Hackett, PLLC is a client-focused law firm that represents a diverse portfolio of businesses, financial institutions and individuals in Chattanooga, the surrounding tri-state area and nationwide. The firm has eleven attorneys, and its office is located at One Central Plaza, Suite 800, 835 Georgia Ave.


Helen Brooks and Linda Kerlin present Old, New, Borrowed, Blue, their recent paintings as the In-Town Gallerys featured front wall show for March.

These two friends, living in the Sequatchie Valley, created a series of abstract paintings expressing their joy and awe in the natural beauty surrounding them. Their remembrances of earlier places of beauty in their lives, as well as the influences of other artists and instructors through the years, motivated them to create this current body of work.

There will be an opening reception to meet the artists on Friday, March 3, from 5-8 p.m. at 26A Frazier Ave.

Review for Old, New, Borrowed, Blue:

The artists have made many like-minded friends in their involvement in world of art. There are old friends and the continuing joy of new friends, all of whom have had some influence on their techniques or artistic viewpoints. In their studies and workshops, they have taken some of the technical knowledge and reinterpreted it into their own style - stepping stones borrowed from their mentors. The psychological reaction to blue is that of calm, trust, peace and tranquility, thus the color reference expresses the common emotional impact found in their work. Old and new friends and art techniques, borrowed influences of artists in the past, and the inner security and confidence expressed by the blue in their compositions explain the choice for the show title.

Art transcends all human boundaries," said sculptor Richard MacDonald. "It is a gift of almost inexplicable, magical energy. When our hearts, through our senses, are touched by art, our lives are enhanced. Ms. Brooks takes this somewhat mystical and spiritual approach to her paintings, many of which are florals. Using acrylic paints, this former teacher allows her enthusiasm to spill over into her work.

Ms. Brooks said about her paintings, In my journey to become a better artist, I have the continuing adventure of self discovery, challenge and excitement. Every painting is a new experience, a way to voice my feelings and ideas about the beauty around me, and a constant motivation to find true, original expression." Her outgoing persona seems to resonate as her buyers usually become collectors.

Tennessee born, Ms. Kerlin was enamored with living close to nature as a flower child and later in many different locales as a corporate gypsy. Michigan, Texas, Colorado and North Carolina had their charms, but it was while living in Texas she and a friend took a drawing class and she never looked back. The genie was out of the bottle and the artists passion took hold. Ms. Kerlin is more a studio than a plein air painter and begins her works without a subject in mind. Music is the catalyst and she begins by covering the surface with color or lines and continues experimentally layering, adding or subtracting and using different materials and tools and maybe some collage a well.

I add lots of color and movement and follow the principles of design until the results are satisfying," Said Ms. Kerlin. "The painting process for me is a spontaneous peacefulness of layering paint to create movement like a song that takes you away momentarily removing all distractions.

Their front wall exhibition runs through the month of March. The works of all 34 members are on continuous display throughout the year. In-Town Gallery, at 26A Frazier Ave. on the North Shore, is open every day, year round, except for major holidays. Hours are 11 a.m.--6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on Sunday and util 8 p.m. on First Fridays. Call 2267-9214 or visit www.facebook.com/intowngallery for more information.


India has also been conducting the TROPEX 2017 maritime drill in the Arabian Sea.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Navy has downplayed apprehensions over an international naval exercise being organised by Pakistan in the Arabian Sea this week, terming it as a "normal maritime activity" every nation was entitled to.



"This is an exercise hosted by Pakistanis once in two years. And 16 nations are taking part in it. It is a normal maritime activity any nation is entitled to," Sunil Lanba, Chief of Naval Staff, told reporters at the sidelines of a conference organised by the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) on Thursday.



Pakistan is organising 'Aman-17' from February 10-14.



Navies from Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States are participating in the joint exercise.



A day after the IL 38 Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft (LRMRA) carried out a successful anti-ship missile firing on a target ship in the Arabian Sea, Lanba said, all the LRMRAs with the Indian Navy will now have the ability to take on any ship.



The LRMRAs are used for surveillances, especially to keep a track on hostile submarines.



The P-8I Boeing aircraft with the Navy also has similar capabilities, the Navy Chief said.



Speaking at the conference titled 'The Blue Economy', Lanba emphasised on the need for a suitable policy and a legal framework for national and international level to address different aspects of the blue economy.



"Identify the differences between the existing national and international laws and policies which should be amended or modified to include tenants of blue economy. For instance, suitable safeguards (are necessary) for fisheries management so that the practise conforms to the tenants of the blue economy.



"Science based approach is also necessary for development of blue economy," he said, adding that high international cooperation was imperative if the concept of blue economy had to take roots.



Blue economy refers to the use of the sea and its resources for sustainable economic development.



"India has also been cooperating closely with a number of countries such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Bangladesh and Australia to implement and harness the concept of blue economy," the Navy Chief said.

Lanba said India had always been a maritime nation, but it "lost focus" in the past.



"We had become land-centric and (with a) continental mindset, which had shifted now. India as a nation...our destinies linked to the ocean. That is why, there is a renewed focus on maritime," he said.



Emphasising on the sea lanes of the Indian Ocean Region, known as the economic highways and critical to the global economy, Lanba said as the strategic and economic values of these sea lanes increase, the challenges entailing them will also rise.



"To address these challenges, it is imperative that the navies and maritime agencies of different countries join hands to anchor collective security, stability and sustained growth for the entire region.



"The Indian Navy will continue to accord greater focus to enhance collective ability of countries in Indian Ocean region to monitor and secure the maritime zones," Lanba said.



Speaking at the conference, Union Minister for Skill Development Rajiv Pratap Rudy emphasised on organising an international skill conference on blue economy and maritime activities, in which aspects like skilling retired navy personnel could be discussed.



This could further be taken up with the Skill Development Ministry, he said.




A Pak Navy frigate. File photo

ISLAMABAD (PTI): Pakistan is hosting warships from 36 countries, including Russia, China and the US, in the Arabian Sea for a naval exercise beginning Friday.



Codenamed Aman-17, the five-day-long exercise from February 10-14 will be held in the north Arabian Sea.



Russia has sent three ships for the exercise which, according to Pakistan Navy, is held every two years to raise awareness about naval affairs and improve coordination between different navies. Four ships from the US, and one each from Indonesia, Australia and Turkey will also participate.



Other participants of the exercise themed 'Together for peace' include China, Japan, Sri Lanka, the UK, and France.



Commander of the Pakistani Fleet, Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini said the exercise has helped navies to work together in eradicating terrorism, human, arms and drug trafficking.



He said Pakistani naval ships were also ensuring free sea trade in the Gulf of Aden.



"This region, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, is very important as well as complex. It is from here that the world's oil is transported," he added.



Asked about India focusing on increasing its naval assets, Hussaini said the Aman-17 exercise was aimed at promoting inter-operability and not at preparing for war.



Still, he said, Pakistan's navy can protect its waters and harbours. "We will ensure that our international interests are not jeopardised. We are not into escalating adventurism at sea. Pakistan is committed to international peace," he said.



He said such exercises have helped combat piracy in north Arabian Sea after Somali pirates caused lot of damage in the area.



A Pakistani naval official said warships from Russia, China and the US have arrived to take part in the exercise.



"Water salute was presented for the warships on reaching the Karachi port," he said, adding that it was mega event and the warships from 36 countries will take part in the exercise.



The exercise will feature ships, aircraft, helicopters, Special Operations Forces (SOF), Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD), marines and observers from different navies.



Pakistan has been organising such naval exercises since 2007 every alternate year. The current exercise is the fifth of the series.



Previous four exercise were held in 2001, 2009, 2011 and 2013. In 2015, only international maritime conference was held.


Teachers are physically, verbally, or emotionally abused in public schools on a regular basis by supervisors, colleagues, parents and students. Recently I participated in a television special on the subject here in Nashville. As I prepared for the interview I didnt have to go far for research. Educators frequently call or email and tell us of their personal experience.

It is true, not everyone behaves badly, but it has certainly increased the last few years. The numbers are escalating. There are also numerous instances of cyber bullying by parents and students against teachers on social media. This is also growing.

Journalist Sarah Cassidy wrote: Teachers are increasingly being abused online by their pupils parents  with growing numbers forced to endure personal insults, sexual smears and even threats. In one urban district parents targeted the work place of the spouse of a school district employee. Ultimately legislation may be needed to combat this growing issue. And school districts must be willing to confront parents when this occurs through legal means, if necessary.

We encourage educators or any school employee who suffers an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying either by supervisors, colleagues or students to immediately report it to the appropriate school official in compliance with the procedures set forth in the school district's policy. It is also important that they keep a record of the incident and the report. In our association, we like for members to also talk to our attorney for guidance if the situation has gotten out of hand.

Social media itself could help curtail cyber bullying by making sure anonymous comments are only allowed by people with legitimate, and verified, email addresses. In addition, educators should never friend or follow minors under the age of 18, unless they are a blood relative. They should probably not be friends of parents of the children they teach.

Lastly, educators should be very careful in what they post on social media. For example, no state of undress or adult beverages should ever be on display online. If you see an offensive comment, especially one harassing or bullying an individual, it is your duty to report it. Finally, you can block people from following you on Facebook or Twitter. Do not be afraid to use that option.

We see many children today who are raised in a culture of disrespect. Parents do not exercise appropriate authority; therefore some children do not exercise proper behavior or respect authority. That behavior is often extended to the classroom in many cases.

It is even more difficult, for example, when a 10 year old regular education student witnesses a peer getting away with behavior that may get them in a lot of trouble. One of the unspoken issues in some cases, students with disabilities may not be disciplined as harshly as a regular education student, if at all. This is commonplace, especially when a child who does not display physical signs of a disability has a diagnosed behavior disorder.

The bottom line: teachers are increasingly being bullied by supervisors, colleagues, parents and students. Harriet Wallace of Fox 17 had the courage to dig into a very real and timely issue where victims are often reluctant to come forward. My hope is other reporters will look into the issue as well. My guess is they will be surprised at what educators endure for a profession they truly love.

J.C. Bowman

Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville
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Police have ruled out foul play in the death of a man whose body was found in a city apartment complex shortly before Christmas.

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A man who was shot by police after a lengthy chase that ended at a strip mall in Soddy Daisy was shot 15 times, according to the autopsy report.

The report on Christopher Dalton Sexton, 29, said a handgun was found near his body.

He was being investigation for violation of an order of protection when he took off in a black pickup truck.

Stop sticks that flatten tires were used to finally halt the vehicle.

The report says Sexton "exited his vehicle and confronted law enforcement."
Clare Donohue will play at Charles and Myrtle's Coffeehouse on Saturday at 8 p.m. The coffeehouse is inside Christ Unity Church at 105 McBrien Road. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door.

Review for Clare Donohue:

Clares unique sultry sound easily reminds one of the greats: Sarah Vaugn, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Lamott, Anita ODay, Diane Schur, Keely Smith and on.

Her two greatest influences were Billie Holiday and Doris Day and you can hear both of them in her voice.

She performs jazz, torch/cabaret, standards and much of the Great American Songbook. She has the clarity of Frank Sinatra as well as the heavy NY accent when she speaks! Her debut CD Torch Baby Torch is available through her website (claredonohue.com).

Growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y. Clare sang back up for rock bands and played all over NYC. She sang with Joe Leone in his original act 911 and was in the studio at 19 years of age improvising on the spot. She later teamed up with Bonnie Cameron doing acoustic soul around the village and the upper west side.

The smoothness of her voice/sound had her singing soundtracks and commercials and voice over work.

In Ft. Lauderdale the late great Fred Silver accompanied her and wrote songs for her. She was the featured vocalist with the Doc Rogers Big Band as well as her own duo, trio and quintet with John Aubrey, Rob Sherber, Ariel Ramos and Anthony Cassimassima. Since moving deep south she is a featured vocalist with The Rocket City Jazz Orchestra; has started playing around town with veteran jazz cats Tom Cordell, RT Bowden, Ryan Crabtree, Stephen Powers and Harry Wilkinson. .
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 10/02/2017 (2094 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Smile for the camera

A recent Sound Off suggested using cameras at railway crossings etc. I was recently watching a series on Netflix showing the use of CCTV cameras in London, England. I believe the recent Sound Off was a good suggestion but should be expanded to have CCTV cameras installed in the core area of Brandon. The core area is the centre of street crime from purse snatching, assaults, theft, public drunkenness, panhandling and drug use. These cameras could be monitored by civilian staff at a much lower cost, police officers who could remain on patrol and be dispatched to crimes in progress with easy identification of the person or persons responsible. It would not require a lot of time spent doing a investigation when the crime is caught on video.

Keep pipelines above ground

Dont bury the pipelines, keep them visible, maintain and watch for leaks! A recent Sound Off writer is interested in solution for alternate economy from pipeline protesters. Pipelines are the worst way to move oil, except for all the rest; and they have a reputation of polluting the environment and our water sources. Two recent oil leaks from pipelines in Saskatchewan and a previous leak into the North Saskatchewan River that polluted drinking water for the residents of Prince Albert are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to leaks and pollution. I would be interested in hearing how the economy of pipelines (moving oil, etc.) will provide an alternate source of liquid that will sustain humans and all living things that require clean, unpolluted water just to survive.

Bank closures becoming common

Regarding the bank closing up in Elkhorn. They do it all over in small towns. They just dont want to care about the people. A credit union will likely go in there and help the town out. People should smarten up and quit using banks. Banks just dont care.

Pay attention to the turning light

So you are sitting at an intersection waiting for a turning light. You are about the third, maybe the fourth vehicle waiting for the turning light. The turning light comes on and you are waiting, waiting  what the heck is taking that first vehicle so long to get moving? You should be ready to go. Now we are all stuck through another red light. Be ready people!

Better way to deal with industrial animal waste

The hog industry or the big animal industrial production has lead us to believe that putting hog waste into our water is directly or indirectly through seepage into ground water is the only way to deal with the waste. It certainly is the laziest and the cheapest way to do that. There is an alternative  it is called an anaerobic digester that takes waste and turns it into methane that can be used as an energy source. Therefore, new mandate by governments, whether municipal or provincial, if you want to establish a hog plant, you must also develop an anaerobic digester.
Signal Mountain Police used a ruse to help in the "safe" capture of Robert Doggart by the FBI, it was testified Thursday.

An FBI agent said they did not want to confront Doggart at his home across the county line in Sequatchie County because of his stockpile of weapons and ammunition.

A Signal Mountain Police lieutenant called Doggart on April 10, 2015, to tell him he wanted his input on a suspected shipment of illegal aliens. Doggart earlier made a complaint to the department about some vans he suspected were carrying illegal aliens.

Doggart eagerly accepted the offer and was taken into custody as soon as he got inside the police station.

He is standing trial in a case being heard by Judge Curtis Collier at the Federal Building. The government is expected to close out its case on Monday.

The agent said the FBI wanted to act quickly because Doggart was making plans to go to near Hancock, N.Y., to scope out the nearby Muslim community of Islamberg, which he feared was a terrorist cell. The agent said the FBI found no such threat at Islamberg.

A number of members of the Islamberg community are attending the trial.

The government continued playing a number of conversations picked up with a wire tap on Doggart's phone. In all of them, he told of his effort to recruit "gunners" to go with him to attack the town and "burn it down." He said he had been advised that the group planned to poison the water supply of New York City and also take 40 men in vans to New York City to murder "as many people as they could before they were killed."

Doggart said a raid on the town by a militia group "would be the most wonderful, generous thing we could do in our lifetime."

He told Larry Smith, who had run for Congress in Texas, that "the other militia will come active" if his group stepped forward and made "a preemptive attack against a clear target."

He said he expected that government forces would not oppose the effort and would, in fact, join in.

Doggart, who was 63 at the time, said he could be the master gunner. He said, "It is going to take 30 people to get me."

He told one expected co-conspirator, "I think you are an American patriot and a true hero."

Doggart, a former candidate for 4th District Congress, at one point talked of a possible run for president. He said, "If one million people given $20 apiece, we can win with that."

The government played a long tape of a lunch meeting at the City Cafe in downtown Chattanooga the day before Doggart was arrested. He again discussed his plans with a potential gunner from Peoria, Ill., from the man the government was using to infiltrate the group and with local realtor Ann McNulty, who gave the blessing at the start of the meal.
KBC Bank says it is here to stay after confirming its commitment to Ireland.

On Wednesday, the bank shut down speculation it was pulling out of the market, alleviating the fears of more than 1,000 staff.
Thousands of people following the saga of Cork Airport's lost teddy bear will be delighted to learn he's soon to be reunited with his little owner.

The bear, named Teddy by airport staff, had been living the high life at Cork Airport for the past few days after becoming seperated from his human.

His owner, two-year-old Anna who is living in Amsterdam, has been found thanks to Teddys story making headlines across the world. Teddy was left behind when Annas family, who are originally from Cork, were returning home to the Netherlands following a family visit.

Teddys adventures at Cork Airport began last Sunday evening and thousands of people became invested in his story online. His plight was covered by news organisations in Ireland, China, the US and across Europe.

Teddy will be winging his way back to his owner on Monday as a very special VIP on Aer Lingus flight EI 844 from Cork to Amsterdam. The captain and cabin crew have promised to look after him to the high standard he became used to at Cork Airport.

"We looked after Teddy as well as we look after all our customers - with care and attention," said Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport.

"The response we have received to Teddys story has been astonishing and he has been turned into somewhat of a social media superstar.

"It is truly heart-warming the efforts made by strangers to find Teddys young owner and reunite him with her. He has literally been around the world and back again in 80 hours."

What a positive note to end the week on!
Gardai in Clondalkin are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision last month.

The incident involved a pedestrian and a 4x4 vehicle on the R120 Newcastle (12th Lock) Road at approximately 9pm on January 17.

A male pedestrian in his 50s was fatally injured when out walking and a 17-year-old female pedestrian was injured. The driver of the 4x4 was uninjured.

Gardai are appealing for anyone who was travelling on the Newcastle (12th Lock) Road between 8.30pm and 9.30pm that may have information in relation to this collision or who may be able to assist them, to contact Clondalkin Garda Station 01 6667600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Traveller groups have welcomed a new study that shows they split from the settled community more than 360 years ago.

The research by the Royal College of Surgeons and the University of Edinburgh examined the genetic structure of the Irish Traveller Community.
Students are being warned by University College Cork management of the disciplinary and legal repercussions of misbehaving or disrespecting local residents ahead of their annual fundraising week, writes Niall Murray.

Last years Raise & Give (Rag) Week raised 16,000 for charity and the 2017 events begin next Monday, with measures being taken by college management and UCC Students Union to try to ensure its success.

Among these efforts is the operation of a Student Community Support (SCS) team, which has helped in recent years to maintain a positive relationship with local residents. Following complaints about anti-social behaviour and drink-related incidents near the campus in previous years, students who work with the SCS monitor what is happening and also liaise with local gardai and residents groups.

UCCs acting head of student experience, Michael Byrne, has asked all students to support their work, but has also reminded them of the universitys student rules.

In particular, please note the expectations the university has in relation to high standards of conduct, Dr Byrne wrote in an email to the student population. This includes not bringing the university into disrepute and respecting local residents and members of the public.

Students have been advised that there will be a visible Garda presence in the area around UCC during Rag Week, and they will operate a zero tolerance policy around anti-social behaviour.

They have asked me to remind all students there can be significant consequences for anyone found breaking the law, including possible restrictions on future travel to the US, Dr Byrne wrote.

The feeds from CCTV cameras in the area around UCC will also be closely monitored, students have been told.

The charities chosen to benefit from this years Rag Week proceeds are Sexual Violence Centre, Autism Assistance Dogs, Bumbleance, CUH Childrens Appeal, and the charitable societies on UCC campus.

While fundraising events are organised from Monday to Friday on and off the UCC campus, lecture and tutorial timetables will be operating as normal during the week.

This story first appeared in the .
Update 11pm: An Army Bomb Disposal Team has made safe three suspect devices found in Naas, Co. Kildare.

The scene was declared safe at 9.30pm.

The Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have been removed to a secure military installation for further examination, and evidence will be handed over to Gardai.

Earlier: Gardai say a suspicious device has been discovered in a car in Co. Kildare.

Commuters are facing travel disruption while a section of the Naas to Newbridge road is closed to allow for examinations to be carried out.

An Army Bomb Disposal unit has been called to the scene.

The Newbridge Road out of Naas is closed as far as the Tougher's Roundabout.

It was shut at the road's junction with the Bundle of Sticks Roundabout at approximately 3.40pm today, according to Kfm radio station.

Kildare Gardai also say the M7 southbound, slip road is closed, as is the link road from the Bundle of Sticks to the M7.

Diversions are in place via the Rathangan Rd at Floods Cross which is very busy.
One day when I was still in grade school I got a frantic phone call from my school friend Ted Hoge, Jr's dad, and it turned out to be the only such call from a friend's father that I ever got. URGENCY was in his voice. Ted Hoge, Jr., my school friend, had moved with his family from Chattanooga to the Sequatchie Valley two or three years before, so I no longer saw him regularly. We were out of touch with one another most of the time now, and I no longer knew what he was doing on a daily basis.

Mr.

Mr. Hoge spoke hurriedly with my dad and got permission from him after I had agreed to participate. Seems that Ted had worked on his racer for some weeks, then became violently ill just before the parade of cars that evening. Said parade was simple enough, although I felt very strange pinch-hitting for the car's owner/builder. He, Ted, was emotionally involved with the car, and I was not. My dad and I got the necessary details as to when and where to meet the Hoges, and my dad drove me downtown.

I had never seen so many home-made vehicles in my life! Nothing was standardized back then, except for dimensions of the cars, and a few other things which had to conform to a certain mold. All the cars had a similarity, though they might be made out of very dis-similar materials. Ted's car was constructed of both wood and sheet metal, then painted red. Every car had to have a sponsor - a local downtown business - and Ted's was proudly lettered with the name of the well-known, "Don Cherry Tire Company". Each car owner was expected to walk beside his car and guide it through the downtown streets that evening. Easier said than done, because I had to bend down to maneuver the steering wheel while pushing the heavy car forward at the same time. I was aware of people pointing at Ted's entry with approval while I was busily trying to guide the car in a straight line - or turn the far more difficult corners. I DO remember how the rear wheel protruded from the body constantly, and uncomfortably struck my heel at almost every stride. If the car had brakes, I do not recall, but they would have been controlled from inside, doing me no good. I just remember how hard it was to slow the car down when desired while walking beside it. When I saw Ted next, he did not seem to be sick anymore; still, he wanted me to drive his car the next day.

That day was probably a Saturday, as they needed to close 9th Street (now MLK Blvd) down for the duration of the race - at a great hindrance to normal traffic flow. Better a weekend than a weekday, however. Anyway, I was there and ready to drive Ted's car - was trying to squeeze myself, very uncomfortably, into the driver's seat. And,Wow! that rough lumber interior, although sanded, was really scratchy against bare legs - and, hard as I tried, I could not get down onto the seat! I kept thinking how I was no bigger than Ted, but HE must have been able to get in.

My day was saved when Ted suddenly appeared on that beautiful Saturday morning to take over command of his vehicle. I can still remember the relief I felt when that moment came! His illness was all gone by now, and he was very anxious to drive it himself. I was amazed how easily he slid into the driver's seat and was able to participate through at least two heats. He washed out of the event on that second heat, however, not making it to even the semi-finals. This was in no way seen as a "defeat", though, as it was considered quite honorific for a young boy just to enter and participate. Ted kept his racer as a relic for many years after that event, housed in the barn Mr. Hoge had built in the early 1940's. (The barn - I saw it very recently - is still there on East Valley Road, although I did not get to check and see if Ted's racer is still inside.)

Ted's father, MISTER Hoge (to me), had moved his family from Chattanooga shortly before WW2, as I have told in another story - (about Ted's sister, Ann). He was afraid the approaching war would lead to bombing of our TVA system and Chattanooga would be flooded. He wanted only the safest and best for his young family so moved them to the safety of their family farm in Sequatchie Valley. (This was long before Nickajack Dam was built). Their home was one mile from a mill where there was a dandy little woodworking shop on the main floor. It was in that shop where Ted and Mr. Hoge did all the woodworking and assembly work for Ted's racer. (Free water-power has its advantages, folks!) Ted Sr. was a gregarious businessman who came to Chattanooga almost every day and was able to get Ted Jr. a sponsorship for his race car from here in town.

Too bad that the Soap Box Derbies were discontinued here. I forget the reasons given, although they continue to thrive in other parts of the country. MLK Boulevard - east of the railroad overpass - provided an ideal gently-sloping hill where a steeper starting gate could be set up. Three cars were positioned side-by-side and could all three be released at precisely the same moment. From that instant forward, gravity took over and the cars coasted downhill at varying speeds until one hit the finish line.

Earliest soap box racing began in America in 1933 when the racers might be constructed from any kind of scrap material, from apple crates, to (real) soap boxes, to old wagon parts. Wheels might be made from discarded baby buggies - or virtually anything that would roll.

Nowadays, I understand, contestants can buy kits which include all the necessary stuff to build their own racer; stuff that can be modified to suit their own taste or requirements. These kits would all have modern wheels, doubtless fitted with the most modern Space and Computer-Age technologies to make for a far more sophisticated race than in the past.

I still keep remember, though, the chagrin I felt when Ted slipped into his car so easily, while I had been totally unable to do it. (Anyone would have said we were almost identical in size). A private home on the south side of MLK set up a hot dog stand on race day, and that hot dog I bought was MY great prize of the day! I relaxed while munching a really great 'dog while my friend was sweating away on the racetrack! I never pass that way without looking toward the old house and its one day of fame for selling Chattanooga's best - and most comforting - hot dog!

(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 )






A 16-year-old girl has been formally charged with planning bomb attacks against two schools in Denmark, a prosecutor said.

The teenager is accused of "having made preparations to make bombs" using the explosive known as TATP, prosecutor Lise-Lotte Nilas said.
Donald Trump has told President Xi Jinping that America will honour Washington's "one China" policy, which has been at the centre of friction between the global powers since his election as US president.

During a phone call on Thursday night Mr Trump "agreed, at the request of President Xi", to honour the policy that requires Washington to maintain only unofficial ties with China's rival Taiwan, the White House said.

The White House described the call as "extremely cordial" and said the two leaders had invited each other to visit.

Before taking office, Mr Trump questioned the policy, which shifted diplomatic recognition from self-governing Taiwan to China in 1979, and said it was open to negotiation.

China has bristled at the "one China" comments by Mr Trump, who wants to pressure Beijing to narrow its huge trade surplus with America.

Mr Trump had accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, criticised China's military build-up in the South China Sea and accused China of doing too little to pressure North Korea.

Some had questioned why Mr Trump had taken so long to call Mr Xi given that he had already spoken with more than a dozen world leaders.

Chinese observers also noted that Mr Trump had broken with his predecessors in not extending good wishes to the Chinese people on the occasion of last month's Lunar New Year holiday, before issuing of a belated greeting on Wednesday.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and complained after Mr Trump upset decades of diplomatic precedent by talking by phone with Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen shortly after winning November's presidential election.

In December, Mr Trump said in an interview that he did not feel "bound" by the decades-old China policy unless the US could gain concessions in trade and other areas.

Washington has robust unofficial relations with Taiwan and provides it with arms to guard against Beijing's threat to use force to reunify.

Underscoring uncertainty in the relationship, the call between the leaders came as the US Pacific Command reported a Chinese jet and a US Navy patrol plane had an "unsafe" encounter over the South China Sea this week.

Pacific Command spokesman Robert Shuford said on Friday that the "interaction" between a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft and a US Navy P-3C plane took place on Wednesday in international airspace.

He did not say what was unsafe about the encounter but said the US plane was on a routine mission and operating according to international law.

China routinely complains about US military surveillance missions close to its southern island province of Hainan, which is home to numerous sensitive military installations.

A collision between a US EP-3 surveillance plane and a Chinese naval air force jet in April 2001 resulted in the death of the Chinese pilot and the 10-day detention of the US air crew by China.

AP
Anne Hill says she would give anything not to start each day in agony.

The 56-year-old multiple sclerosis suffer was grateful to have experienced her first overseas holiday 12 months ago - a surprise gift from her children - before her health rapidly deteriorated.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer, Anne Hill, with daughter Laura Elphick. Ms Hill is pleased with a new research project underway at the ANU to find new ways to treat MS. Credit:Graham Tidy

A strong advocate for MS research, Ms Hill welcomed new ANU research searching for cheaper and more effective ways to treat the chronic, inflammatory disease.

Sydney-based MS Research Australia has given the ANU a $200,000 grant to help improve many of the 23,000 Australian lives affected by MS.
The start of the school year is always tough on parents, tougher still on disadvantaged families who struggle to cover the costs of putting their kids into school, be it through financial shortcomings, domestic violence or other unforseen disasters.

Cinnamone Cummins and her mother, Carol, reached out to the Smith Family after an unfortunate domestic situation.

17-year-old Cinnamone Cummins has been recieving assistance from The Smith Family for several years. Credit:Jamila Toderas

"When I was younger we basically got locked out of the house and we had to just, fend for ourselves," Ms Cummins said.

"We had to stay at friends' places for a while. [Carol] had to find a full-time job, that was really hard on both of us but this just helps so much because now we don't need a second person in the house to help with everything."
Canberra Airport's take-off as a major international freight hub would ease congestion in Sydney and deliver broad economic benefits, new modelling reveals.

A report by Cadence Economics shows a maximum potential boost to the combined gross regional product of ACT and NSW of nearly $1200 million over 15 years and the creation of more than 540 jobs.

A new report shows significant economic benefits from developing Canberra Airport as an international air freight hub. Credit:Canberra Airport

The report identifies several scenarios and the maximum gain is based on reorganising freight movements for the Singapore, Hong Kong and Middle East routes.

The Singapore-only scenario reallocates 113 cargo flights a year, while the three-port model involves 279 flights.
Canberra Hospital intensive care nurse Therese Knight has just returned home to Kaleen after her second trip to Africa serving on board the world's largest independent hospital ship - the Africa Mercy.

It is one thing to acknowledge the devastating divide between 'the haves and the have-nots'.

Canberra intensive care nurse Therese Knight during a shift in B ward. Credit:Timmy Baskerville

But it takes a whole lot of pluck to break out of your own bubble and travel half-way around the world to help.

Through Mercy Ships the 62-year-old volunteered in Madagascar in 2015 and this time volunteered on board for six weeks in the maxillofacial surgery ward while docked in the port city of Cotonou, in the West African nation of Benin.
Sometimes, the only way that you can truly judge a man, is by working beside him. This is because when you work with another person, you dont get to judge that person on some sort of simplistic surface issues, but by the content of their character and the work ethic they posses. Luckily, I had the pleasure to work with Patrick Benson Jr.

At the time, I was working for his grandfather, Jack Benson, a fine man and wonderful representative of Chattanoogas 4th district. I was 20, a college student at Chattanooga State Community College, and was enjoying something every college student should: an unpaid internship.

One day, as normal, Jack was unleashing his wealth of knowledge and I was learning from him, when he told me that his grandson was stopping by with some paperwork.

I was excited to meet him.

Jack was obviously very proud of his grandson, and, in my eyes, anyone who Jack was proud of must be a good person. That day was the beginning of a great work relationship and wonderful friendship.

After meeting Patrick, I worked side-by-side with him on his grandfathers political campaign for the whole election season. Through good times and bad times, Patricks devotion to work always impressed me. No matter what Patrick was the man you could depend on. If anyone needed Patrick, they knew they would find him working; balancing budget sheets, making calls to constituents, researching data, and doing everything he could to help his grandfather.

So, I know Patrick Benson, maybe not in the same manner as some, but I have worked with him, and have seen the content of his character and the work ethic he possesses.

Therefore, this is my suggestion to District 9: Vote Patrick Benson Jr. and allow him to devote his time to you.

I have no doubt that you will be as impressed as I was.

Carson Alexander Doyle

Former Resident of Chattanooga






London: Rio Tinto has appointed three former senior managers from the energy industry to its board as non-executive directors, including Shell's departing CFO Simon Henry, the mining company said on Friday.

Mr Henry, who is stepping down as chief financial officer at Shell after seven years on March 9, will join Rio Tinto on July 1. Former Centrica chief executive Sam Laidlaw and ex-Sasol CEO David Constable will take up their non-executive posts immediately, Rio Tinto said.

"With diverse expertise across successful international engineering, resources and financial businesses, I have no doubt that their insight and hands-on experience will strengthen the board," Rio Tinto Chairman Jan du Plessis said.

Non-executive directors Anne Lauvergeon, the former CEO of French nuclear reactor maker Areva, and Robert Brown will step down from their roles at the company's annual general meeting on May 4.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in a forthright attack on Opposition Leader Bill Shorten during question time. Credit:Andrew Meares Another is childcare. He is proposing bigger and better federal rebates and also an extra two weeks of maternity leave paid by taxpayers. He paints Labor as the enemy of working mums and struggling families. He can do this because Labor opposes the government's method of paying for the extra childcare money. The government has made it conditional on cutting back the Howard-era family payments system, putting the two sets of measures into a single "omnibus" bill and Labor is blocking the lot. This recalls the line of American poet John Godfrey Saxe, usually misattributed to Bismark, that "laws, like sausages, cease to inspire respect in proportion as we know how they are made". These laws and proposed laws, on renewable energy targets and childcare, are the sausages that Punch and Judy fight over. These are important household and family matters that Turnbull is trying to turn against the Labor party. He seeks mastery of the cost of living agenda, long regarded as the Holy Grail of politics by Liberal pollster Mark Textor. Third is Turnbull's attack on the person of Bill Shorten. The Labor leader is not much liked by the people. Turnbull's critique, like all successful political attacks, crystallises the reasons for the public's dislike  that he's insincere.

Because he's a "sycophant of billionaires", a hypocrite and a fake Labor man, "blowing hard in the House of Representatives, sucking hard in the living rooms of Melbourne". Applied with new vigour, he intends to whack Shorten senseless with these slapsticks. This is an essential fight for him. Turnbull has stalked a failing prime minister. He knows that survival in the contemporary party room is a confidence game. When confidence in the leader is lost, the party pounces and the leader is torn apart. The collective coalition confidence took some hits this week. A bad Newspoll and the defection of Cory Bernardi shook the Liberals. The morale of the moderates took a further blow when a nascent effort to revisit gay marriage was swiftly stifled. To survive as prime minister, Turnbull knows he has to keep his party's confidence up. That's why he grabbed the slapsticks and got busy on Shorten. Turnbull had to show that he can prevail against Labor.

His performance so excited his party that, the next day, Scott Morrison threatened Bill Shorten in the House with a lump of coal, Josh Frydenberg threatened him with an attempt at stand up comedy, and Peter Dutton just threatened him: "We've only just started on this Opposition Leader," he intoned, glowering across the chamber. So Punch successfully whacked Judy. This will not win him an extra percentage point of public approval, but it will allow him to live to fight another day. But the crocodile lurks. It's the outside force, the agent of popular retribution, coldly indifferent to the tribal rituals that animate the established parties, and it's gathering its energy. In this Punch and Judy show, the crocodile is the rising populism that threatens to overtake Australian politics as it has elsewhere. Here, it wears the face of Pauline Hanson. The main parties aren't oblivious. Both leaders are acting to clean up the political ecosystem  "draining the swamp", as Donald Trump describes that agenda. If Liberal and Labor can drain the festering swamp of politics as usual, and do it fast, decisively, they will depriving the swamp predator, the croc, of its preferred habitat. They know that it's coming. That was a key reason that Bernardi abandoned the Liberal Party this week. He wants to be able to ride the populist anger, to pose as an insurgent and to benefit rather than to be an incumbent and be consumed.

Turnbull says that political leaders need to "rebuild trust in the political system". Shorten says that "there is one certainty in 2017: people are disengaged from politics and they're distrustful of politicians," and that "we, collectively, need to lift our game". A problem  even though Labor and Liberal are acting on this agenda, no one much is noticing. This week, for instance, Turnbull abolished the notorious Gold Pass  the lifetime free travel pass for retired federal politicians. Over the past 17 years it has cost taxpayers $17 million. "We have an opportunity to show Australians that the current generation of parliamentarians will subject themselves to higher standards than ever before," declared the Special Minister of State, Scott Ryan, with Labor's support, in announcing the Gold Pass was closed to all except former PMs. Except that few Australians noticed. Ryan made this announcement the very day Bernardi quit the Liberals. The Bernardi story, given saturation coverage far out of proportion to its consequence, crowded out everything else. Likewise, Turnbull's welcome move to create an independent authority to police parliamentary expenses. He called it the "biggest reforms to the management of parliamentarians' expenses in more than a generation", and he's right. Another important step in fixing the system, another action for which he gets scant credit. He was dragged into it to quell public outcry over the travel expenses of his former health minister, Sussan Ley, and so, seeming reluctant, is assumed to be insincere. If the main parties want serious recognition for fixing the system, they need to be more serious, more decisive and more thoroughgoing in the way they do it.

Besides, it's necessary for the establishment parties to fix the established system, but it's insufficient to fend off the encroachments of the crocodile. Because the main parties need to address not just the problems of the political system but also the problems of people's lives. Turnbull is busy rejoicing in the Punch and Judy opportunity to use electricity as a political instrument of punishment. He has failed to take meaningful steps to fix the electricity system. He has called electricity pricing and reliability "the defining issue of this parliament". As the people swelter through hot days and suffer through power outages, they'd prefer that Turnbull embrace it as "a defining reform of this government". To now, Turnbull has gleefully pointed to South Australia's three major blackouts of the past four months to claim it's all about renewable energy. The state, more reliant than any other state on solar and wind, has bungled the transition and fallen victim to the stop-start electricity that they generate. Turnbull uses this failure to say that Labor now wants to replicate this across the entire country with its proposed 50 per cent renewable energy target. But hold on. On Friday, NSW suffered an electricity shortage. The state was forced to choose between supplying families or supplying industry.
Power blackouts on days above the old 100F? But coal is good for humanity and renewables, like those ugly turbines and unsightly solar panels, will never compete with a truck load of the black stuff. And the planet isn't warming due to human activity anyway so we don't have to do anything about it? And the proof is that the place to be this week is in parliament. Bet that it doesn't suffer a blackout even with the air conditioners on. David Neilson Invergowrie Fiddling with coal while the country swelters and burns That wasn't a lump of black coal you produced in parliament this week, Mr Morrison, it looked more like Peter Dutton's heart ("Angry Malcolm channels Howard to soothe tribes", February 10). Corrado Tavella Rosslyn Park SA

It's getting hot. Let's burn some coal to make some power to cool us down. It's getting hotter. Let's burn even more coal to make even more power to cool us down. Keith Russell Mayfield West It seems a little greedy of Barnaby Joyce to take the lump of coal from Scott Morrison today in Parliament. Mr Joyce has a lot in his own electorate that he won't let anyone dig up! Stuart Kean Berowra Heights So it's a coal future for Australia PM? What else could we expect from a COALition??

Joan Croll Drummoyne Wouldn't a better way to secure our electricity supply be to give everyone cheap solar batteries so that we didn't choke the grid at the same time on hot days? Coal lobby money crushes good sense every time, Mr Turnbull. Meredith Anderson Macmasters Beach Imagine if there was some way of harvesting the energy from the sun to provide enough electricity to cope with these hot sunny days! I know it's science fiction but  Doug Steley Heyfield

Why people support church behind abuse is puzzling On Monday the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse reported the horrific details of the number of Catholic priests and brothers that had abused children over recent decades. On Tuesday in parliament, Bill Shorten spoke about the Royal Commission but did not mention the Catholic Church by name. He asked Malcolm Turnbull a question about the Royal Commission and in Turnbull's response he did not mention the Catholic Church by name. Just hours earlier they both attended a Catholic Church service for the start of parliament and spoke. I'm guessing they didn't mention the revelations from the Royal Commission of the previous day. And it seems that Lucy Turnbull has recovered her faith in the Catholic Church after being offended in 1972 when a Catholic priest denounced a Catholic girl for dating a protestant boy. Why do these people, and other parliamentarians continue to be closely associated with an organisation that has been responsible for the sexual abuse of thousands of children? And how do they think the victims feel when they see them on the news supporting the Catholic Church? Peter Hull Matraville I can't believe that five days after the most damning report of the Catholic Church submitting thousands of the young and vulnerable to decades of abuse, we have still not heard one politician commenting on the situation. At the same time two of our most conservative religious politicians plan to attend anti-Muslim meetings. Surely there has to be some consequences for churches which seemingly fail to display any human values at all. Bob Mackay Collaroy Plateau

NSW Premier has Baird's mess to clean up before striking her own path On January 23 Gladys Berejiklian became NSW's 45th Premier. Our premier has so far gone on tour to introduce herself, and promise to look into just about everything. ("The problems Berejiklian isn't talking about can't stay off the table", February 10). Her predecessor has left her a mess, and many questions to answer. Will she continue with Baird's lockout laws? While opinions remain divided, the exemption for Star City Casino was a bad look and led to the embarrassing #casinomike. Then there was the "I'll ban greyhound racing, no I won't" fiasco. Baird's backflip was a demonstration of his subservience to opinion polls.

Baird's reticence in sacking Jillian Skinner showed his concern for party room support rather than the NSW electorate. The amalgamation of councils was never put to the people, and was an example of a premier obsessed with overdevelopment in NSW. And of course the WestConnex project. Will the insanity of the St Peters interchange be reviewed? There is also the issue of tolling levels which will severely affect western Sydney residents.There are many things for our new premier to consider. It remains to be seen whether she will map her own destiny, or simply be remembered as Gladys Bairdjiklian. Graeme McKay Haberfield

Another issue we are unlikely to hear our new premier talking about is an essential component of a good governance framework in all councils: internal audit. Gladys Berejiklian should follow the advice of ICAC in 2011 and the NSW Auditor-General in 2012 and make internal audit a mandatory function of all councils. Unfortunately, when amending the Local Government Act last year in relation to governance, Mike Baird's government did not follow this advice, despite proposing to do so earlier. So if I could also offer some advice to Ms Berejiklian, it would be that she requires all councils to have an internal audit function  now. After all, internal audit is a management control important to sound corporate governance, and not having this function makes councils more vulnerable to corruption. Anne Wagstaff Oatley

Learning to read and write is harder than ABC As a Learning Support Teacher (recently retired) at a large multicultural public school, I have to write and take issue with Anne Marie Christie's article ("Why Tutoring is Booming", February 10). Specifying one method of tutoring (MSL) as a panacea for all children who fall behind is ridiculous. Perhaps Anne Marie would like to sit in on a day in the life of a kindy child in a public school. I am writing because all the excellent kindergarten teachers are probably too busy organising their literacy sessions. Learning to read is not a building blocks process. It is a multifaceted problem-solving process. It is a complex process as laid out by the literacy continuum Kindergarten  Year 10 by the NSW Department of Education. At my school, all kindergarten children on arrival are individually assessed in literacy and numeracy as is Department of Education policy (Best Start). They are then taught a range of literacy skills including phonemic awareness, phonics and sight words. After having structured play sessions, the children write about what they have just done. Reading, writing and spelling are all linked. After one semester of explicit, systematic and direct teaching by wonderful kindergarten teachers, our learning support team assesses the children deemed to be at risk of falling behind. Children who are behind are withdrawn and systematically taught and guess what  most catch up.

Fiona Murray Pyrmont Free trade delusion Poor Julie Bishop ("Bishop dismisses Trump trade threat", February 10). She seems to believe that US decisions are still being made based on logic, reason and facts, despite all evidence to the contrary. The sooner this government realises the old playbook has been hurled from the highest window in Trump Tower, the better. Richard Mason Newtown So much for John Howard's legacy! Julie Bishop has confirmed what we always suspected, that implementing the US-Oz Free Trade Agreement has seen more cash outflows from Australia to the US. Awesome, well done JWH. A phoney justification for war for your mate Bushy and a dud FTA with the US.

Ed Wilson Belrose First the Productivity Commission, and now Julie Bishop, has told us our 2005 trade agreement with the US, misnamed free trade, has favoured the US right from the start. In fact, the imbalance is getting worse. No wonder Prime Minister Turnbull refuses to allow the Productivity Commission anywhere near our "free" trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea. Why did China give our negotiator, Andrew Robb, a well-paid job when he retired from politics? Should we be celebrating the demise of the TPP? Perhaps we should be doing some tearing up.

Rob Davies Denistone Aus Post chief's salary A Senate inquiry has "revealed" the boss of Australia Post, Ahmed Fahour, earns a modest $5.6 million for his efforts (Letters, February 10). I say modest as apparently, he could earn at minimum the same figure, probably a lot more, as a chief executive in private industry. The salary is 10 times that of our PM but I would suggest, at least Ahmed actually delivers something! Australia Post, albeit a reliable service, is very expensive  is it any wonder with a need to support such salary structures? John Fryer Ryde

Shaun Davies (Letter, February 10), if Australia Post issues a million-dollar stamp bearing the face of Ahmed Fahour he will probably be looking neither left or right. But he would be well advised to be looking over his shoulder. Stephen Driscoll Castle Hill If he likes to rake in the dough, he would do well to join Australia Post's management as they are rolling in it. ("MP Ian Macdonald says politicians work extremely hard and don't get paid particularly well for their efforts," February 10). Steve Ngeow Chatswood As Ian Macdonald, on retirement, is set to receive a generous golden handshake (pension) from the public purse, he now wants a "Life Gold Pass" as well. I didn't see any outburst from him when the government changed the rules and reduced or discontinued the pension payments to thousands of self-funded retirees. Many years of a good salary, plus a generous superannuation for life, is surely enough reward for serving your community. Obviously not.

Denis Suttling Newport Beach Setting wrong example This is one for all the children of Australia. On Wednesday you saw the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull "unleash his inner attack dog" at Opposition leader Bill Shorten who responded in kind. So dear children, the lesson for today is that it's OK to berate, belittle and insult those you disagree with. Forget all that "no bullying" rubbish, this is the way those at the top act, so it's OK for you too! Malcolm and Bill, your mums must be very proud of you! Paul Ettema Riverview Bernardi in the past

Cory who? Peter Fyfe Erskineville Postscript We received the most charmingly addressed letter this week from a 91-year-old reader in Deniliquin, addressed: To- The Editor, Sydney Morning Herald, Perhaps Pitt St, Sydney GPO NSW 2000. Clearly the postie who delivered it is working hard for his money  but many letter readers think this is not so for his boss, Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour. HIs $5.6 million pay packet was the subject of many angry letters this week.
The boys club of radio has finally woken up and realised what women  both their and their advertiser's target market  want. It turns out they want more women.

Southern Cross Austereo is leading the charge of promoting more on-air female talent in 2017 with the introduction of "queen" blogger Constance Hall and the installation of comedian Em Rusciano as the new 2DayFM breakfast host.

Em Rusciano and Harley Breen have made a strong start on air at 2DayFM

Rusciano replaced Bachelorette star Sam Frost after she failed to win over listeners with banal stories of her relationship with now ex-boyfriend Sasha Mielczarek. It turns out taking pregnancy tests on air and whinging about tabloids who made you famous isn't what makes radio great anymore.

Rusciano brings to the station's marquee program all the razzle, dazzle and delight of her stage shows. She's the thinking women's crumpet who, in just a few weeks, has tackled issues of Donald Trump, domestic violence and Miranda Devine.
At the end of Fifty Shades of Grey, the first in E L James trilogy of novels now adapted as films, protagonist Anastasia ends her abusive relationship with the dominating businessman Christian Grey. She had attempted to understand his dark side, by allowing him to beat her. Traumatised, Anastasia vowed never to see him again.

The sequel, Fifty Shades Darker, opens in Australia this week. The movie is targeted at women. One of us attended a girls night out premiere. As they arrived, attendees were given beauty products and vaginal wipes.

Equipped to transform themselves into sexually desirable conquests, the audience was there to witness Anastasias tokenistic resistance to Mr Greys domination and demands. The film attempts to persuade us that claiming a male fantasy as our own, is, in fact, empowering  and the perfect way to get the guy.

After the first movie, there was debate about its romanticisation of an abusive relationship. The sequel confirms that this wasnt a misconception. As researchers, we are interested in the representation of womens sexuality in media and how this influences womens sexual health. Films such as Fifty Shades Darker, seen by millions of men and women around Australia, have the power to influence our perceptions of womens sexual agency.
Bert and Ernie: The ultimate flatmates. Last year QUT ran three workshops to help equip students with budgeting skills, and Lee and her colleagues are advocating that financial literacy should be among the generic skills taught to university students. ANU offers courses each semester for students looking to live independently, particularly those moving from campus accommodation to commercial rental properties. Often, though, lessons are learned the hard way. If you're on the verge of moving, how do you ensure your first experience is share-house heaven not hell? 1) Understand what you're signing

Yaelle Caspi, policy officer, Tenants Union of Victoria, says students need to be mindful of the legal implications of entering into a new lease with the other members of the share house. "Where all names are on the lease  all of the tenants are going to be equally responsible for any loss or damage that is suffered by the landlord down the track. If one tenant doesn't pay their rent or damages the property, all of the tenants under that agreement are going to be held liable." Discuss with your flatmates how rent is going to be divided and paid. Harry and Arlo opened a joint account for their share house and all rent money is transferred by direct debit into the agent's account. The bond should be registered with the Rental Bond Board in NSW or the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority in Victoria. Where things can get trickier is if you enter into an "informal" living arrangement, taking a room in a share house sometimes with people you don't know. In that case, Sophie Erpicum, the off-campus housing officer at UTS in Sydney, advises students to find out who is the head tenant (the person leasing the place from the landlord). "Check the ID of the person who is renting out the room; have a look at the initial contract and ensure that the head tenant has got the approval from the landlord to sub-lease the room." If so, the student can be added to the contract and the bond lodged with the relevant authority.

Sometimes students only realise they are inadequately protected when they move out. "The main issue that comes up every year is the bond refund," says Erpicum. Either they may not have a receipt for the bond or the receipt may not have sufficient details such as who the money was paid to; the date; or the signatures of both parties. It is also difficult if there is no written agreement. "They've paid rent, they didn't actually get any receipts for any payment and then we have to help them prove that they have made payments and try and help them get their bond back, for example." To protect yourself: get a written agreement with the leaseholder that indicates the rent you will be paying; get detailed receipts for any bond paid and pay rent via electronic transfer, not in cash. Erpicum also suggests keeping any text messages and confirming any verbal agreements via email. 2)Fill in the condition report carefully When you're caught up in the excitement of moving, it can be easy to overlook the condition report. But it can determine whether you get your entire bond back when you move out. Caspi recommends photographing any existing damage to the property when you move in. If damage occurs, raise the subject of payment with the culprit before they move out. "Otherwise they are going to move on and you might be held liable for it after that."

3) Choose flatmates wisely A flatmate who falls behind on their rent can have serious consequences for the entire house. As rent is paid two weeks in advance it is considered in arrears if it is not paid on the due date. Caspi says if it is in arrears for 14 days or more then in Victoria all the tenants on the lease could be served a notice to vacate for late payment. In NSW, a non-payment termination notice can be given. "That can be something which is very difficult for young people who might not have many previous experiences of renting and would be relying on that reference to be able to gain a new tenancy," says Caspi. 4) Discuss other bills arrangements If your name is on utility bills you are legally responsible for paying those bills. So agree on a system for how household bills will be divided and paid. Sharing the cost of food might make sense if you all plan to cook and eat together. Even if you're going solo, set up a house kitty for things like toilet paper and cleaning products.
Despite growing up in a society that had little value for professional women, her parents had drummed into her the importance of education and independence. "They wanted me to continue my education no matter what. They didn't push me to get married and let me go abroad to study. It was almost unheard of at the time," said the principal scientist specialising in molecular genetics and the effects of alcohol on the liver. During her postgraduate days, she would often walk into a lecture theatre to have 200 sets of male eyes staring back. "As the only woman I had to tolerate that. I became resilient, said Professor Seth, a principal scientist at the University of Sydney's medical school and RPA. "I knew I would have to work even harder than any of the men. I worked extremely hard. I grabbed every chance I was given and I kept telling myself, 'I can compete with these men. I'm just as intelligent as they are'.

"But there are many more women out there who are much more talented, but they never get the opportunity to become leaders in their fields." Scientists Dr Shweta Tikoo, (left) and Dr Devanshi Seth in the Centenary Institute, Camperdown. Credit:Janie Barrett An undercurrent of unconscious bias still preferences men for senior positions, and institutional structures hamper female scientists' attempts to reach their potential, she said. Some 32.5 per cent of management in professional, scientific and technical services were women in 2015-2016, according to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. Of the 1378 grant applications from female scientists to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in 2014, just 184 were funded, compared to 369 successful grants to men from a total 2322 applications.

The science industries did not offer the flexibility women needed to meet their research and family commitments, Professor Seth said. When mothers take maternity leave, their research can be stalled for several months. Travelling to scientific meetings becomes impossible with small children, and daily family responsibilities must be squeezed in between rigid institutional commitments. It was a problem Professor Seth was mulling over when she heard a handful enterprising young scientists at Centenary Institute had formed the Women in Science group, determined to tackle the gender inequity in their workplace. "I knew I wanted to be a part of it," Professor Seth said ahead of International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Saturday. The groundswell of support for the grassroots initiative has grown to become the Institute's Gender Equity Program, with the support of management and cash to back up the vision.

The program includes an early career award of $25,000 annually to provide seed funding for pilot studies, generate preliminary data, travel to conferences. A second award of $50,000 annually can be used to contribute to childcare costs as well as hiring a research assistant or postdoctoral student to continue research while the scientists is on maternity leave. "That way when a person comes back from leave the project has moved forward. It's not like you're lagging behind," Professor Seth said. The award can also be used to help pay for care if a scientist needs to take their child with them to overseas conferences. Where there was next to no paid leave for new parents, primary caregivers are now entitled to 12 weeks paid maternity leave, and two weeks for their partner.

An increasing number of organisations across an array of professions are adopting similar approaches of the past few years and organisations recognise inherent biases and the benefits of supporting women to reach their potential. The program's inception coincided with the launch of the NHMRC's gender equity policy to support women in health and medical research. The Institute also introduced a teleconference tool that allows scientists to patch into meetings from home, and changed meeting times to suit parents struggling to make school and childcare drop-offs and pick-ups. Scientist Dr Shweta Tikoo, in the Centenary Institute, Camperdown, Sydney. Credit:Janie Barrett Dr Shweta Tikoo, one of the founding members of the Women in Science group had watched the number of women studying science degrees rising, but she noticed the higher their career progressed the more those numbers petered out.
Newly appointed NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet says he is open to further privatisation of government-owned assets and overhauling state-based taxes in a signal he is contemplating an ambitious reform agenda before the 2019 election.

In his first interview since starting in the job, Mr Perrottet told Fairfax Media he had entered politics to make a difference.

"I'm not going to shy away from tough reform," he said.

"What I want to do is make sure that we have the best services and the best infrastructure for the people of the state."
Queenslanders using dating apps for no strings sex are being warned to protect themselves amid rising cases of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Gonorrhoea notifications in the state increased by a staggering 32 per cent in 2016, while chlamydia cases rose by 7.5 per cent.

Queenslanders are being warned of the dangers of unprotected sex as figures reveal gonorrhoea notifications in the state increased by 32 per cent in 2016.

Those aged under 30 account for the majority of infections, which can cause long-term complications including infertility.

Dr Bill Boyd says STI transmission is entirely down to human behaviour and people need to think twice when using dating apps for hook-ups.
One Nation has lost yet another candidate in the lead up to the Queensland election.

The far-right party's candidate for Callide Elise Cottam was disendorsed for not filling out paperwork and paying a fee, it has been revealed.

Elise Cottam has been dumped from One Nation. Credit:One Nation

Ms Cottam told the Guardian Australia she was disendorsed for not paying $2400 in fees by the deadline this week.

Candidates were expected to pay $3500 each for campaign costs.
Some residents in the town of Northam have evacuated their homes as flood waters from heavy downpours continue to swell the nearby Avon River.

Northam police said a number of people living in flood prone areas have left their homes to stay with family and friends on higher ground as a precaution, and that emergency services are monitoring the river and rainfall closely.

Sandbags have been placed in some areas of Northam and there are reports of one home being flooded so far.
Paris: A French farmer who smuggled African migrants to safety, defying authorities in an effort that his supporters likened to the Underground Railroad, was given little more than a slap on the wrist by a court Friday.

The farmer, Cedric Herrou, an olive grower, has become something of a hero after he shepherded migrants across the Italian border and into the Roya Valley of southern France, challenging official policy of rounding up migrants and sending them to detention centres or deporting them.

A court in Nice ordered Mr Herrou on Friday to pay a fine of 3,000 ($4,200). If he stays out of trouble for five years, he will not have to pay anything.

The light sentence was an indication of how politically delicate the case against Mr Herrou had become. He had popular opinion largely on his side  a fact the judges appeared to acknowledge in letting him off so lightly.
Amman: Russian air strikes accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers during an operation against Islamic State in Syria on Thursday, the Turkish military said, highlighting the risk of unintended clashes between the numerous outside powers in a complex war.

"During an operation by a Russia Federation warplane against Islamic State targets in the region of the Euphrates Shield operation in Syria, a bomb accidentally hit a building used by Turkish Army units," the Turkish military said in a statement. Eleven other soldiers were wounded.

Russian air force Tu-22M3 bombers strike IS targets in Syria, in January. Credit:AP

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin had called Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and expressed his condolences, blaming the incident on poor coordination between Moscow and Ankara.

Besides Russia and Turkey, the foreign powers embroiled in Syria's increasingly convoluted six-year-old war include Lebanon's Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed militias, and members of a US-led coalition fighting Islamic State.
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Bang, zoom  straight to Manhattan!

A Bensonhurst bus driver is launching an express service for Bay Ridgites who are fed up with the R train and sick of forking over a small fortune each week to ride Metropolitan Transportation Authority express buses into Manhattan. The service, Four Hearts Transportation, will put rubber to road in March and is geared toward riders who are looking for more of an experience than a mere morning commute, according to the modern-day Ralph Kramden behind the wheel.

I want to be part of the peoples routine. When they come on the bus theyll see a friendly face everyday, said James King, who drives school buses by day and also drives visitors to the Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone, NY, for conjugal visits. If you give people a good ride, make them feel comfortable. Theyll come back.

A one-way ride on Kings line will cost $5  compared to $6.50 for the Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys express bus  and a weekday commuter book that will run Ridgites $40 with the fifth day of rides free.

King expects to lure customers with the prospect of a cheaper ride, he said.

Its all about giving people an affordable, reliable alternative, he said. The people out here just want something to can call their own.

Bay Ridge has two Manhattan-bound express buses run by the transit authority  the X27 to downtown Manhattan and the X37 to midtown.

Kings route  inspired by the now-defunct Metro Apple Express  will start at 97th and Third Avenue, wind through Brooklyn (making stops along the way), speed into the financial district, and wrap up in midtown. King will pick up straphangers along the route starting at 7:50 am and return the way he came starting at 5:20 pm, he said.

His flagship engine is a 1985 General Motors bus with fire-engine red pleather upholstery and a sleek, silver paint job. The bus is registered with the city and undergoes safety inspections every six months  the most recent inspection was Feb. 7. King bought the set of wheels up in Massachusetts, where it ran as a campus shuttle for the University of Massachusetts, and restored the dilapidated bus to its former glory.

She needed some love, so I fixed her up, said King. She has that old-school vibe. It makes people stop and take a peak. The looks on their faces are just unbelievable.

But the service isnt just an excuse to get Ridgites cruising in 80s style. Kings father was a Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus driver for a handful of decades, and running a bus service is one way to preserve his memory, said King.

This is how I keep my dads spirit alive, he said. Im a sentimental knucklehead when I want to be.
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Cobble Hills community board is reigniting its long-smoldering campaign to reopen the neighborhoods old firehouse ahead of a population boom  but first it must rekindle a fire inside Mayor DeBlasio!

Hizzoner was famously arrested alongside local actor and former firefighter Steve Buscemi while protesting the closure of Engine 204 back in 2003, and members of Community Board 6 are hoping they can bring him on board by reawakening that white-hot passion for Brownstone Brooklyns Bravest.

If the mayor was willing to allow himself to be arrested for a cause that was close to his heart and important to our community, he might take a fresh look at this issue now that theres even more justification for bringing back a firehouse, said the panels district manager Craig Hammerman.

Getting the DeGraw Street station up and running again is the boards top request for the citys recent 2018 budget  although the communitys desire to bring it back has never died down entirely since Mayor Bloomberg axed the firehouse as a cost-cutting measure 14 years ago.

At the time, the city said nearby engines in Brooklyn Heights, Gowanus, and Red Hook could handle the extra heat. But now that massive residential towers are looming on the horizon at the old Long Island College Hospital campus, locals argue it is finally time to bring in some more heroes to serve the influx of new residents.

With all of the new development coming, were going to need more firehouses, said Amy Breedlove, president of local civic group the Cobble Hill Association.

To make matters more urgent, the old Engine 204 firehouse is currently sitting empty after a deal to lease it to the now defunct Brooklyn Philharmonic fizzled out  hence defunct  and the board wants the city to reclaim it now before developers start circling.

If Hammerman can just sit down with DeBlasio to plead the communitys case, he is positive he can set the blaze in the mayors belly alight once again.

Ive been pestering the mayors office and theyve been unable to get us any kind of response whatsoever, he said. Its frustrating because we do believe that this issue is important to DeBlasio personally and if we can get to him he might actually have a strong opinion on the matter.

But DeBlasios ears arent burning. City Hall declined to comment and redirected questions to the Fire Department, which said there are no plans to reopen the station anytime soon as the need just isnt there, and claimed response times of nearby trucks are faster than most in the city  although the agency refused to give exact figures.

And a local city-planning expert reluctantly agrees that modern advances in fire safety means 204 just isnt needed anymore.

I was one of the people who cried when they closed 204, said Cobble Hill resident David Burney, a professor at Pratt Institute and the citys former design and construction commissioner, who fondly remembers walking by Engine 204 with his kids and watching the firemen wash their trucks. But we dont really need a firehouse there. The old brownstone firehouses were built in the days before there were sprinklers and fire-safety precautions.

Buscemis people did not return requests for comment.

Reach reporter Lauren Gill at lgill @cngl ocal.com or by calling (718) 2602511. Follow her on Twitter @laurenk_gill
It was a lively week on Greys Anatomy as one doc was reinstated, one was suspended and yet another was promoted. Viewers were reacquainted with the force of nature that is Catherine Avery and made the acquaintance of Maggies mom, Diane, who breezed into town for a visit. And the truth was finally (FINALLY!) revealed about how Alex dodged a bullet and avoided prison time.

Tanking The Case

Lets cut right to it. I, unlike the Greys Anatomy writers, am not going to make you wait the better part of three months to learn how Alex Karev managed to end up at Merediths house instead of the clink. Fine. To be fair, we find out pretty much immediately in None of Your Business what went down at the D.A.s office on that dark and stormy night. In a short flashback, its revealed that Alex was all set to take the plea deal being offered but had to wait for his lawyer to arrive. In the meantime, DeLuca (tipped off by Ben Warren that the deal was going down) rushed in to drop the charges. Alas, that was no longer his call to make. The state was prepared to win this slam dunk case. But DeLuca had an ace up his sleeve. He couldnt drop the charges but he could refuse the testify against Karev. And just like that, Alex Karev was a free man.

Back in the present day, Meredith is relieved but ticked at Alex for sleeping all day while she combed every jail and court in Seattle looking for him. In the end, however, relief trumps annoyance and Karev begins to plan his next move: getting his job back.

Greys Anatomy Recap: Where In The World Is Alex Karev>>>

Unleashing The Dragon

Miranda Bailey knows she is not doing well handling the Minnick transition. The attending surgeons are boycotting (again, just to be clear, not so much over what is happening but how it is being handled) and, to make matters worse, Catherine Avery roars into town and wastes no time in criticizing Miranda for how poorly things are going. When Miranda tells Meredith (who, like the others, is refusing to have Minnick come into her surgeries) to step in line, Dr. Grey refuses and Bailey is not having it. She tells Meredith to go home. Shes suspended. Yikes! Guess it doesnt do you any good to have your name on the hospital. (Come to think of it, isnt Meredith technically Mirandas boss? Hmph.)

Anyway, Alex Karev, after crossing paths with Meredith at the house, speaks to Miranda (who hears the news about Karev and pretty much everything else via Ben) about getting his job back. After making him promise that hes the Karev who heals small children and not the one who beats people up, Bailey takes him back. And, of course, much to her chargin, shes barely gotten the words out of her mouth, when Alex questions why Meredith was suspended. But he knows better than to push the issue right then.

I Want To Feel Beautiful Naked

Ew, mom! Yep. Maggie Pierces mom, Diane, showed up unannounced to visit her daughter and to have a consult with Jackson Avery, who she understands to be the best. Maggie is horrified in every way and I cant say I blame her. Though the writing seems tilted to make Maggie to be the bad daughter in this episode, both she and Diane have a role in the epic misunderstanding that unfolds before our eyes.

Maggie, still stung that her mother left her father (after cheating on him) and moved to Hawaii, is clearly mourning the loss of her childhood family and the person she knew her mother to be. To make matters worse, Diane not only introduces herself to Maggies colleagues (Arizona and Jackson) and crush (Nathan) but also to Maggies biological father (Richard) and half-sister (Meredith) without Maggie being a part of the meetings in any way. The good part is that everyone loves Diane (she did help Meredith fold laundry, put the kids to bed, and make lasagna, after all). The bad part is that, to me, its as if Diane doesnt know her own daughter very well. Maggie is portrayed in this episode as childish and selfish and rude but, really, isnt Diane the one who is being presumptuous, barging into Maggies new life completely without warning? Maggie is the sort of person who has thought a lot about how she would introduce Diane to Richard and Meredith and she was denied that. Plus, why does Diane need plastic surgery anyway?

Turns out, she doesnt. Dianes true purpose for consulting with Jackson is to have him check out a severe rash on her torso, which turns out to be inflammatory breast cancer. She backs out of telling Maggie about the devastating diagnosis after their big fight and heads back home to Hawaii after telling Maggie to let her know when shes willing to share her life with Diane. Let me be clear. I feel badly for Dianes situation, but seriously. That seems far from fair. Boundaries, people! Plus, to state the obvious, a few well-chosen sentences could have averted this needless drama. Speaking of which

Greys Anatomy: Is Alex Ready To Forgive Jo?>>>

Endless Drama

* Alex tries to apologize to Andrew for the whole mess and is firmly rebuked. Andrew makes it crystal clear that hes helping Jo, not Alex.

* April is named Interim Chief of General Surgery while Meredith is suspended. Woah. Kepner!

* Eliza challenges Arizona. If she (Minnick) gets fired, they (Arizoza? Eliona?) could be a thing. But whatever. Minnick stalks off.

* Owen gets to show off both his badass trauma surgeon skills and his inherent sweetness while caring for a patient who got caught up in rolls of razor wire (dont ask). Later, he pleads will Amelia again (from outside her door) to come home but finally catches a flight to Zurich walks away, defeated.

* Jo (who becomes more annoying with each passing episode #NotSorry) is the last person on Planet Earth to find out that Alex didnt go to jail. She comes to the house and hugs him then leaves without a word.

So what do you think? Will Jo choose Alex, Andrew or neither? How long will Merediths suspension last? And whos going to win the power struggle at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital? Hit the comments!

Greys Anatomy Stars Camilla Luddington and Ellen Pompeo Team Up To Recreate Beyonce Pregnancy Photo>>>

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Meredith (to Alex, speaking for us all): You cant call? You cant text?

Meredith (to Eliza at the surgical board): Oh! I get a star? What did I do? Play nicely with others?

Stephanie: Bailey took out Grey. Winter is coming!

Ben (at Mirandas lack of knowledge when it comes to hospital gossip): Woman, are you blind?

Meredith: Go cut open some little kids. Its been too long.

Alex: Are we both ever gonna work at the same time again?

Nathan (speculating on why the razor wire patient had a wall around her property): Meth lab? Puppy mill? Think shes a nudist?

Meredith (on Diane): Are you kidding? Im in love with her. The womans incredible. Im going to go binge-watch TV. Tell her she can move in!

Jo (when Leah and Stephanie show up): Why?

Leah: We have pizza and beer.

Jo: I have shows with swords and dragons and decapitation.

Stephanie: We also have gossip.

Jo: Come in

Owen (to Stephanie about Amelia): Tell her Im not going to wait forever.

Moment I Loved: Alex, Maggie, and Meredith on the bed eating lasagna and being a family.

Moment I Loathed: The Jolex Hug of Doom #FreeKarev

Greys Anatomy airs Thursdays on ABC 8/7c. Want more news? Like BuddyTVs Greys Anatomy Facebook page!

(Image courtesy of ABC)
Management students offer free tax prep

IRS-certified accounting students from the School of Management will again provide free tax-preparation services to individuals and families with annual incomes below $54,000.

Area residents and students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity, which will be held on the North and South campuses. The IRS estimates that using such free services can save taxpayers $100 to $300 in preparation fees.

This service can be especially valuable to low-income tax filers by helping them apply for earned income tax credits that can provide a needed boost in annual income. The tax credits, which can reduce or eliminate income taxes by refunding taxes already withheld from wages, can mean as much as $5,028 for a family with two children.

The dates and times of tax-preparation sessions, as well as the documentation participants need to bring to the session, are available online.

Those with additional questions, can send an email to mgt-freetaxprep@buffalo.edu, and a student volunteer will reply within two business days.

Note that tax preparation for nonresident aliens requires special processing that is beyond the scope of the services provided by Beta Alpha Psi. UB international students on a nonimmigrant visa should visit UBs International Student and Scholar Services website for more information.
Daylight saving time ends soon, but will it soon be the new normal?
Infosys Chairman R Seshasayee came under fire on Friday with two former directors, T V Mohandas Pai and V Balakrishnan, publicly asking him to step down over alleged governance issues and disclosure lapses. The company remained silent on the charges.
Large investors of Infosys, both in India and abroad, have come out in support of Chief Executive Officer Vishal Sikka, and said the promoters and board of directors should back him to execute his strategy.
The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) on Thursday announced all its hotels will be brought under a single brand  Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris.

Each of the four Groups  Taj Hotels, Taj Palaces, Taj Resorts and Taj Safaris  which clubbed under a single identity will clearly define experiences reflecting the 'Tajness Brand'.

"The new brand identity honours the renowned legacy of Taj in a structure that will create greater brand resonance with our guests and also allow for considerable value creation for all our stakeholders. Taj, as a brand, truly speaks to the nation's pride and redesigned architecture is a tangible step in celebrating our heritage," Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Rakesh Sarna told reporters in Mumbai.

Under this restructuring, the brands of Vivanta by Taj and Gateway will merge under the aegis of a single Taj brand identity, he said.

The new brand architecture was designed to honour the over 100 year legacy of Taj and to realign Taj's vision of building a globally-reputable chain of world-class hotels, he added.

The new brand identity is a reflection of guest insight and research with all stakeholders, including associates, owners and partners, all of whom indicated a stronger emotional connect and affinity for brand Taj.

The essential elements of the corporate brand logo  the main unit and colour palette  will remain the same as it has a powerful recall as a symbol of Taj's heritage and tradition, Sarna said.

The addition of Taj Safaris to the corporate logo reflects the growing importance of this segment to the business. The transition of all hotels to the new architecture along with the Tajness guest experiences is expected to be completed by December 2017, he said.

Established in 1902, Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris is one of Asia's largest group of hotels, comprising 101 properties in 64 locations across the globe, including in India, North America, United Kingdom, Africa, West Asia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal.
The board of directors at Indias second largest software exporter, Infosys, asserted its independence and appointed law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas to engage with the companys founders over concerns raised by the latter on disclosures and transparency.
The ongoing tussle between Infosys' board and its founders does not pose any immediate threat to Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka's job, though there might be a need for a board reconstitution, said former Infosys executive and InGovern Research Services founder Shriram Subramanian.



Subramanian's statement comes in reaction to an interview by Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy, which included terms not often used in the context of Infosys  such as "hush money".
Marti G Subrahmanyam, a professor of finance, economics and international business at New York Universitys Stern School of Business, who helped Infosys acquire a view of its main market United States, may make a comeback as co-chairman at Indias second largest software exporter.
Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy told a financial daily that the software giant needs to bring in Marti Subrahmanyam, who is a professor at New York University's Stern School of Business, as co-chairman in the board and appoint DN Prahlad, an independent director with the firm, as the chair of the nomination and remuneration committee.
With a yet another boardroom battle building up in the corporate world, this time at Infosys, the company is looking to rope in Marti G Subrahmanyam as co-chairman in the board.
Former Infosys board member T V Mohandas Pai has called on Infosys to announce a share buyback that would help efficient use of capital by India's second largest software exporter and sought to look at the issue of founders raising questions as shareholder activism similar to that in rival Cognizant. He spoke to Ayan Pramanik on his take on the ongoing debate on the company's management practices. Edited excerpts:
The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, owner of the retail store chain, Spencer's Retail, is focusing on bringing the company out of red; first by turning EBITDA positive and then improving its bottomline, a move which will speed up listing of this entity on the country's bourses.

Sanjiv Goenka, the group's chairman said that for the last six months, Spencer's has been EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) positive while its earnings per square foot of floor space have increased to Rs 1,741 against the previous near Rs. 1,500.
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Cab drivers in the National Capital Region, following in the footsteps of their counterparts in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, stayed off roads on Monday in protest against high commissions charged by the aggregators and being compelled to ply at Rs 6 per km.
Supporters celebrate after UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav got the Samajwadi Party symbol

As many as 256 multi-millionaires and 107 persons with declared criminal cases against them, including charges of murder, are among the 721 candidates in the fray for the second phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

According to election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), of the 107 candidates with criminal cases, 84 face serious charges like murder, attempt to murder and kidnapping.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 25 nominees tops the list of candidates with criminal antecedents followed by the Samajwadi Party with 21 and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 16.

Fifteen constituencies in the second phase have been declared as "Red Alert Constituencies" -- the ones which have three or more candidates in fray with declared criminal cases.

The BSP also heads the list of "crorepati" (multi-millionaire) candidates, with 58 of its nominees possessing wealth in excess of Rs 1 crore. The BJP has 50 such nominees, while the ruling Samajwadi Party has fielded 45 multi-millionaires.

BSP's Nawab Kazim Ali Khan, contesting from Suar constituency, is the richest of them all with declared assets in excess of Rs 97 crore.

The average assets of BSP candidates in fray in this phase is worth Rs 7.20 crore, followed by the BJP candidates with Rs 4.07 crore, the Samajwadi Party with Rs 3.43 crore and the Congress with Rs 3.37 crore.

BJP's Rajeev Singh, contesting from Dataganj, has the highest income among the candidates. His annual income is in excess of Rs 1.16 crore and has declared assets to the tune of Rs 14.45 crore.

On the flip side, three candidates, all Independents, have declared 'zero assets' in their self-sworn affidavits.

On the education front, 310 candidates are graduate or above, 277 have studied in schools and 11 of them are illiterate.

Of the 721 candidates in fray, 69 are female, while a there is also a nominee from the third gender.

Sixty-seven constituencies spread across 11 districts will go to polls on February 15 for the second phase of the staggered Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

As many as 92 political parties, including six parties, six state parties and 80 unrecognised parties are in the fray, along with 206 Independent candidates.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday conveyed to the Delhi High Court, that Border Security Force (BSF) soldier Tej Bahadur Yadav, whose video complaint about bad food at his unit triggered a row, had not been arrested but moved to another Unit.

The High Court took up took up the habeas corpus plea, in which Yadav's wife Sharmila has said that she is unable to contact him for the past three days.

The court further asked, why Yadav's wife had not been allowed to meet him at the new battalion camp.

The plea alleged that the jawan had been illegally detained after the video regarding bad food being served to jawan's went viral.

Under the court's orders now, Sharmila Devi will be allowed to meet Tej Bahadur over the weekend at the 88th battalion HQ in Samba and the matter is now set to be heard on 15th February.

The petitioner has claimed that after the video was floated, her husband was missing and there were no whereabouts about him, nor was his family being allowed to talk to him. His mobile phone has also been seized, the petition claimed.

However, the BSF advocate asserted that Yadav's wife's claims are unfounded and also submitted call details of the jawans speaking to his family.

The BSF has also stated that they have no objections to his wife meeting him, and that she will be meeting him at a suitable place and the necessary arrangements can be made for an overnight stay too.

Tej Bahadur Yadav had posted four videos on the social media in January, 2017, that showed his complaining about the unpalatable food at his camp along the Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir. The videos triggered outrage across the nation, but the BSF dismissed his allegations.

A probe was later ordered.
The first half of the Budget session ended on Thursday with the Lok Sabha working more than the allocated time, and the Rajya Sabha trailing just short of 100 percent. Both the houses witnessed protests over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on his predecessor Manmohan Singh.

In the session that started with an address by President Pranab Mukherjee to a joint sitting of both houses, the Lok Sabha worked around 113 per cent of its allocated time, while the Rajya Sabha trailed -- working 97 per cent of the time decided.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar on Thursday also thanked the opposition parties for the cooperation.

The last day of the session before it went into near a month-long break saw protests from the Congress over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "bathing with a raincoat" jibe on his predecessor Manmohan Singh.

Modi on Wednesday said former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh knew the "art of bathing wearing a raincoat", and triggered an uproar in the Rajya Sabha.

The Congress had staged a walkout from the upper house following the comment, and staged protests in both houses on Thursday.

On Thursday, the Lok Sabha saw a brief adjournment during the question hour as Congress members raised the issue. In the zero hour, the lower house witnessed protests again but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan refused to allow the issue to be raised as it was related to the Rajya Sabha.

Congress, Nationalist Congress Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal members then staged a walkout from the lower house.

The Rajya Sabha meanwhile lost the whole of its proceedings in the first half, witnessing its first adjournment soon after it met at 11 a.m. till 12 noon, and then again when Chairman M. Hamid Ansari adjourned the house till 2 p.m.

The Upper House however took up a discussion on the general budget after that.

The session also saw opposition members protest demanding a probe in the death of E. Ahamed, president of the Muslim league and former Union Minister who had a heart attack in the central hall of Parliament right after the address of President Pranab Mukherjee to a joint sitting of both houses.

Congress members want a probe into Ahamed's death by a parliamentary panel. Trinamool Congress members meanwhile protested over alleged misuse of CBI against their party members in the two houses.

A debate on a Motion of Thanks to the President's address remained the highlight with both government and opposition using it as an opportunity to discuss demonetisation among other issues.

The opposition parties came together targeting the government over the demonetisation deaths. However, the issue did not find a mention in Prime Minister's reply to the debate in either of the houses.

The Lok Sabha on Thursday also concluded the debate on the general budget, which remains incomplete in the upper house.

Replying to the debate, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley stressed that cash in the economy has led to rise of corruption, justifying demonetisation.

"We were a high cash economy and this economy leads to tax evasion, corruption and a parallel economy. If you are a cashless society, crimes will still take place, but cash is the biggest facilitator of crime," the Minister said.

All together five bills were introduced in Lok Sabha - The Finance Bill, The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill 2017, The Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Bill, 2017, The Indian Institutes of Management bill 2017, and The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2017.

Both houses passed The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill 2017 for cashless transfer of salaries.

The Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Bill, 2017, or the demonetisation bill which formally make the banning of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes a law, was passed only in the Lok Sabha.

However, being a money bill, Rajya Sabha's approval would not be required.

Under Article 109(5), if Rajya Sabha fails to return a money bill to Lok Sabha within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed anyway.

The second half of the Budget session, which will start on March 9 and conclude on April 12, will see the Finance bill being passed and also discussions on the Demands for Grant for different ministries.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the Lok Sabha will discuss Railway, Defence, Coal and Agriculture ministries, while the Rajya Sabha will discuss Information and Broadcasting, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions ministry, which comes under the Prime Minister, Railways and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ministries.
The Congress on Thursday threatened to boycott Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the remaining part of Parliament's if he didn't withdraw his "unacceptable" remarks against his predecessor Manmohan Singh.

Modi had remarked that "only Doctor Sahab (Manmohan Singh) knows the art of bathing with raincoat on".

"We will boycott the Prime Mminister when he comes to the house. We will not listen to him. But, we will not assault the dignity of the office of the prime minister. At the same time, we will continue to protest," Anand Sharma, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, told the media here.

Modi on Wednesday took the dig at Manmohan Singh, raking up the his speech during the winter session when he described the government's demonetisation move as a "monumental mismanagement" that might shave at least two per cent off India's economic growth rate.

Modi, alluding to Manmohan Singh's clean reputation while heading a "scam-riddled" UPA government, said in the Rajya Sabha, "There is a lot for us politicians to learn... Only Doctor Sahab knows the art of bathing wearing a raincoat."

The remark sparked ruckus in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, with Congress lawmakers staging a walkout during Modi's speech and seeking apology from the Prime Minister.

"We know that he is an obdurate person. The Prime Minister is intolerant to criticism. He lives in denial. We have an arrogant person who occupies the chair of Prime Minister. He has demeaned his office repeatedly by his choice of words and language," Sharma said.

"He has injected bitterness in the political narrative. He has lowered the dignity of his office repeatedly. He has used language which is unacceptable in political debates," Sharma said.

"He has also dragged political debate to unacceptable low depths. We have been repeatedly urging the Prime Minister to desist from doing this but it is very clear that he actually relishes using foul language, insulting and berating the political opposition," he added.

Sharma also said the manner in which Modi conducted his speeches, the kind of language he used and provoked and targeted the opposition, it was "unbecoming" of a Prime Minister.

"We condemn it and we want to make it very clear that we have boycotted the Prime Minister yesterday. We walked out. The party consciously took this decision because we could not have been sitting there as he was hurling insults and abuses on our leaders former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh without any provocation and also insulted Indira Gandhi," said Sharma.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday informed that India has on Wednesday handed over the request for extradition of embattled business tycoon received from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to the United Kingdom High Commission.

"We have today handed over the request for extradition of as received from the CBI to the UK High Commission in New Delhi," MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media.

Mallya left for the UK last year after facing heat for defaulting on loans worth Rs 9,000 crore.

Under the laws of extradition, a host country is expected to ship back a man wanted for a crime in his own country.

The Centre has signalled its intention to frame a law that stops loan defaulters from fleeing the country and another to seize the assets they leave behind.

Mallya  who has called his stay in the UK since last April a "forced exile"  has denied the charges against him.

The CBI last month filed charges against Mallya, his now defunct Kingfisher Airlines and nine other executives and bankers, alleging he dishonestly induced the delivery of property and illegally obtained pecuniary advantage  charges that can carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison.

In April last year, the Indian government cancelled Mallya's passport but despite a warrant for his arrest the UK turned down a request to deport him on the grounds that he had entered Britain with a valid passport.
India TB Research and Development Corporation (ITRDC), an initiative of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is planning to raise Rs 500 crore to develop a drug combination to cure the dreaded disease (TB) in the next 5-7 years.
Uber and Ola users in Delhi and Capital Region might have a hard time booking cabs Friday onwards, as thousands of drivers plan to go on strike. Thousands in New Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon could be affected, after Hyderabad and Bengaluru saw similar strikes. Uber and Ola are cab-hailing apps.
He wears a thick ring on his finger with a massive A inscribed on the chunk of gold. VC Arukutty is a hefty man, sweating profusely as he waits for his leader, chief minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) to finish an interview with a local news channel.
At a record low of Rs 2.97 (4.4 cents) a kilowatt hour, the Rewa ultra mega solar power project has become not only one of the biggest solar parks in the world but also one of those with the lowest tariffs.
Finance Minister Amit Mitra presented another tax-free Budget on Friday even as the redemption of market loans is set to peak at the beginning of the next financial year, further constraining the states weak finances.
The West Bengal government Friday allocated funds for people affected by demonetisation and made adjustment to the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in its 2017-18 Budget, which aimed at a tax revenue rise of 14 per cent over the revised estimates of 2016-17.

The Budget was presented by state Finance Minister Amit Mitra as the Opposition Left Front, Congress and BJP members boycotted the proceedings protesting the alleged assault of the Leader of Opposition Abdul Mannan on Wednesday.

Mitra in his 2017-18 estimates, targeted to collect revenue of Rs 55,786.74 crore against the revised FY17 estimates of Rs 48,926.69 crore and projected the growth rate of the state's economy at 9.2 per cent.

The minister, however, did not explain how the government planned to increase the tax revenue.

The plan outlay for the year has been proposed at Rs 64,733 crore and the government continued all the social sector schemes for the year despite curtailment of central funds.

Mitra in his speech said to give relief to small businesses affected by demonetisation, the threshold turnover limit has been increased to 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh for VAT.

GST proposes to keep the tax threshold limit for taxation at Rs 20 lakh, he said.

An allocation of of Rs 250 crore was also made towards onetime assistance to 50,000 skilled workers who were forced to return home on account of demonetisation fallout.

The assistance will be Rs 50,000 and district magistrates are working to prepare a list of the beneficiaries, according to Mitra.

A special fund of Rs 100 crore has also been proposed to help farmers tide over the crisis arising out of note recall.

A major announcement was in the area of stamp duty. It



proposed rationalisation of stamp duty to two per cent from the existing rate of five to seven per cent.

However, Mitra said in order to get the benefit of the reduced rate, the registration has to be done within four years from the date of agreement on payment of balance stamp duty.

The Budget proposed 20 per cent reduction in the registration fee of property if done within a year of completion of construction.

Mitra also reduced the stamp duty on financial papers and stock exchange transactions.

The Budget exempted from tax net eco-friendly items like bio-diesel, bio-mass briquettes, solar water heater, plates and cups made of Sal leaf, terracotta bricks, kerosene stove, hair band and hair clip.

The Budget also provided for an increase in the monthly honorarium of Rs 500 to ICDS and Asha workers of the state.
Bharatiya Janata Party had most TV ad insertions between January 28 and February 3, according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc). At 11,563 insertions during the week under consideration, the BJP outstripped other brands like Idea 4G 9,144, Vivo V5 Plus 8,157, and Horlicks 7,344.
Prime Minister pays tributes to Guru Ravidas on his Jayanti

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Guru Ravidas on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti.

I bow to Guru Ravidas Ji on the special occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti. His pure thoughts and ideals have a profound impact on society.

Guru Ravidas Ji emphasised on values of harmony, equality and compassion, which are central to Indias culture and ethos., the Prime Minister said.
Shri Ananthkumar inaugurates Orientation Programme for launching of 1000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) Authenticity, Availability and Affordability (3As) must be emphasized while opening PMBJKs across the country: Shri Ananthkumar

Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar inaugurated and presided over the orientation programme for the district conveners of National Yuva Cooperative Society (NYCS) here today, for launching of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) in the country. The workshop was targeted to educate and channelize youth to synergize their efforts for taking ahead the mission to open 3000 PMBJKs by March 2017.

As a follow up activity to the MoU signed earlier between Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) and NYCS for establishing 1000 PMBJKs in the country, the workshop served the purpose of laying the details of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) threadbare and presented a future model of a PMBJK before the district conveners of NYCS. Representatives from 24 States and 106 districts from across the country attended the programme to further help spread the scheme in their respective zones and bring momentum in opening of PMBJKs.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ananth Kumar emphasized on the need to open more and more PMBJKs, which should be based on 3As Authenticity, Availability and Affordability.

He also appreciated the efforts made by BPPI and NYCS in achieving the same. As only 40% of the population is able to avail branded medicines whereas the remaining 60% are deprived of it due to poverty and other reasons, the PMBJKs will provide affordable quality medicine to all citizens, under PMBJP which is an initiative of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Currently there are 777 PMBJKs and the target is to achieve 3000 kendras by March 2017, the Minister added.

The gathering constituted of Ministry officials, around 170 delegates from various districts, BPPI officials, Medical and Pharma association representatives, representatives from Health Service Projects and Hospitals (Swasthya Seva Pakalps), Medical and Pharma sector entrepreneurs who gave their suggestions for smooth and effective implementation of the Pariyojana down the line at grassroots level.
The Union Minister For Science & Technology And Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan released Braille Atlas for Visually Impaired

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan released the Special Edition of Atlas for Visually Impaired (India)" in English Braille today in New Delhi. This Braille Atlas has been prepared by National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) under Department of Science & Technology.

The Minister expressed happiness at the production of these Atlases. He said these atlases will be distributed to various schools across the country for educating the students with visual challenges.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that all departments of Government will work to implement this. Efforts are being made to make these atlases more cost effective than the current price of Rs.600/- per atlas with 20 maps now. Silk screen printing used to prepare these atlases is unique to India, he added.

In the Braille Atlas, maps are raised and embossed with simple lines and point symbols to facilitate its users to realize the location and area coverage easily distinguishable in terms of shapes and textures.

The legend and reference is placed on the map in Braille script to navigate the map. About 20 maps on different themes of physical, socio-economic and cultural aspects such as river system, natural vegetation, Metropolitan cities, Roads and Railways, Food crops and cash crops have been incorporated in the atlas with write-ups on every map as ready reference. This Atlas has been bestowed with National award for S&T intervention in empowering the physically challenged by the Prime Minister on 3rd January, 2017 in Indian Science Congress held in Tirupati.

NATMO has recently walked ahead to prepare Braille atlases for visually impaired persons. NATMOs long effort from metallic tactile maps to silk-screen printing technology to prepare a full volume of atlas is perhaps unique in the World. NATMOs aim is to transmit scientific information in the form of maps and atlases in a cost-effective manner, as more than 50 lakh visually challenged citizens of our country are mainly from low-income group. Till date their knowledge is constrained within books and literatures. Enriched with this experience, they will be able to understand the Indian geographical contours and will be empowered with wealth of knowledge.

National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) is the premier agency of applied Geo-Spatial technology and pioneer in Thematic Mapping and Atlas Cartography under Department of Science & Technology(Ministry of Science & Technology) engaged in preparing different thematic maps and atlases and other documents on national, state, district, block level and many other monograms. The contribution made by NATMO in developing the thematic maps/ data is being regularly used by the decision makers in the entire country at districts and sub-divisions levels for implementing the developmental schemes as well as by the researchers, students and common people.

KSP/nb
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Feb. 9 upheld the restraining order on President Trumps immigration ban. A key argument used by the States of Washington and Minnesota was the negative impact of the ban on higher education, but an important corollary is the impact on medical care in the U.S. While the world waits for a final decision on the matter, potentially from the Supreme Court, its worth looking carefully at the potential ramifications of the ban.
A US federal appeals court has unanimously declined to reinstate Donald Trump's controversial executive order to temporarily ban refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim nations, prompting the President to call the judgement as a "political decision".

The judgement by a three-judge bench is seen as a major setback for the Trump Administration which argued that executive order was a major step to prevent entry of radical Islamic terrorists from entering the country.

Trump soon reacted to the court order in his tweet.

"SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" Trump wrote indicating that he is deeply disappointed on the decision of the San Francisco-based Ninth Court of Appeal.

The Trump Administration has reached out to the court asking it to lift the halt on the implementation of its executive order that was ordered by a federal court in Seattle after an appeal filed by the Washington State.

The San Francisco Court had held an oral hearing on the case early this week. The bench included Judges William C Canby Jr, Richard R Clifton, and Michelle T Friedland.

"We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay," the judges said in an unanimous order.

"Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the Executive Order, the government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all. We disagree," they wrote.

"In short, although courts owe considerable deference to the President's policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action," the judges said.

In a brief interaction with reporters after the judgement, Trump described this as a political decision.

"It's a political decision, and we're going to see them in court. This is just a decision that came down, but we're going to win the case," Trump said according to NBC news.

However, his political opponents and rights activists celebrated the court verdict.

"The Constitution wins," said Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who was one of the leading Democratic lawmakers against Trump's executive order.

"This is an enormous victory for democracy and for families in our country and around the world. The justices unanimously rejected the idea that they should narrow the temporary restraining order based on geography or scope. They signalled that this executive order will likely be overturned in higher court," Jayapal said.

Jayapal said the US retains its place as a refuge for so many around the world.

"Given the court's ruling, I urge the President to abandon this failed executive order, and to spare the American people the expense and pain of continued litigation. Instead of stoking hate and xenophobia, he should be a president for all Americans," she said.

Trump ought to see the handwriting on the wall that his executive order is unconstitutional, said Senator Chares Schumer, Senate Minority Leader.

"He should abandon this proposal, roll up his sleeves and come up with a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe," he said.

"The 9th Circuit's unanimous ruling is a victory for our Constitution and our fight against terrorism.

National security experts have urgently warned us that the President's ban is not just immoral and unconstitutional, but downright dangerous," said Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader.

House Democratic Whip Steny H Hoyer said America's judicial system delivered a strong rebuke to the Trump Administration's unconstitutional Muslim ban.

"With its unanimous 3-0 ruling, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel rejected the Administration's attempts to subvert the values and highest ideals of our nation.

It also rejected a policy that threatens our national security and will hinder us in the war against ISIS and other purveyors of terror," he said.

"This is a victory not only for the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the ban but a victory for everything America stands for as well. Now, it is incumbent upon the President to respect the independent judgement of our courts and abide by this decision. I urge him to withdraw this ban altogether," Hoyer said.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), welcomed the court's decision to maintain the freeze on President Trump's controversial "Muslim ban" executive order, which barred entry into the United States by refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations.

"We applaud this ruling as a reaffirmation of the strength and independence of our system of justice. This decision adds to the long list of federal judges - both Republican and Democratic appointees - who found reason to block this discriminatory order," said Nihad Awad, CAIR national executive director.

"If the President were serious about bringing our country together and keeping us safe, he would rescind this arbitrary and discriminatory order and recall what makes our country great," said Senator Patrick Leahy, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The workers of make unlikely revolutionaries. As a group, they are relatively wealthy, well educated and well connected.
is making inroads into South India owing to deficit production in some parts of the region in recent years. Lower prices, the cultivation of varieties popular in the south has allowed to access the southern .
Four Facebook Live Torture Suspects Plead Not Guilty

By Stephen Gossett in News on Feb 10, 2017 6:32PM



Chicago Police Department

The four people charged with a hate crime, among other charges, in the torture case that was streamed on Facebook Live pleaded not guilty on Friday morning.

It was the first time the suspects were in court since being indicted in late January. They were denied bail at a bond court hearing earlier that month. The four are not due back in court until March 1.

Jordan Hill, 18; Tesfaye Cooper, 18; Brittany Covington, 18; and Tanishia Covington, 24 each face charges of aggravated kidnapping, hate crime, aggravated unlawful restraint and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Video of the attackwhich was first streamed live on Facebook then heavily circulated on social mediashows the victim, a schizophrenic man, with his mouth taped and hands bound while his scalp and sweatshirt are cut with a knife. One offender is heard shouting, "fuck white people" and "fuck Donald Trump."

The video sparked widespread outrage. Supt. Eddie Johnson called the attack "brutal" and "sickening; and Barack Obama called it "despicable." Before charges were formally filed, the video was widely shared under the hashtag #BLMKidnapping, even though police eventually confirmed Black Lives Matter was in no way involved.

Public Defender Amy Campanelli in January said that "sensationalized" media coverage could potentially result in a contaminated jury pool. "[The clients] have already been denounced in the media before anything has been proven," she said after last month's indictment. Camera were not allowed in the courtroom during the indictment hearing due to reported death threats against the suspects.




rallied 5% to Rs 1,024 on the BSE in intra-day trade in an otherwise range-bound market, after index compiler MSCI included the company in MSCI India Index.
A Bhopal court on Friday sent five accused in the Bhopal espionage case to police remand till February 14.

In a major breakthrough, the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) yesterday busted an international call racket that allegedly helped ISI agents to spy on India's military operations.

"Two men were arrested in Jammu in November '16 for collecting and using information of strategic interests for espionage. They were being funded by a person in Satna. Five persons from Gwalior, three from Bhopal, two from Jabalpur and one from Satna arrested," MP ATS chief Sanjeev Shami told the media.

Shami said the accused converted internet calls to cellular network and acted as medium for overseas handlers to contact people in India.

"The arrested men are accused of supplying information regarding army and Air Force in Madhya Pradesh. Complicity of some employees of telecom companies also surfaced," he said.

In January, the Uttar Pradesh ATS had arrested 11 people who were running a similar exchange.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Bill to pave way for Kambala, the traditional buffalo race held in the coastal districts of Karnataka, has been tabled in the state assembly today.

After Jallikattu protests in Tamil Nadu, people in Karnataka have been demanding an immediate ordinance to lift the ban on Kambala.

Earlier in January 30, the Karnataka High Court had adjourned the Kambala matter for two weeks and advised the petitioner to come back once the apex court passes a verdict on Tamil Nadu's bull taming sport Jallikattu.

With the clamour growing for revoking the ban on Kambala, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah earlier pitched for the traditional annual buffalo race, saying that the government will issue an ordinance to lift the ban if necessary.

The Karnataka High Court in an interim order, in November 2016, had stayed holding of Kambala on a petition by PETA. The Kannada committee, however, filed an interim application seeking vacation of the stay.

As of now, the case has been adjourned till January 30.

Kambala is a folk sport, held traditionally under the auspices local land lords and households, in coastal Karnataka. The sport generally starts in November and lasts until March.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An international team of distinguished scientists, including five members of national academies have argued that there are crucial components missing from current climate models that inform about environmental, climatic and economic policies.

This new study shows the relationship between people and the planet shows that the climate change is one of the factors that threats Earth's capacity to support human life.

The article was published in the journal National Science Review.

The study describes how the growth in resource use, land-use change, emissions and pollution has made humanity the dominant driver of change in most of the Earth's natural systems and these changes are having drastic effects on humans with serious and costly consequences.

The authors say that current estimates of the impact of climate change do not connect human variables like demographics, economic growth, inequality, economic growth and migration, with planetry changes. That makes all the current models miss the important feedbacks in real Earth-human system, especially those that may result in unexpected outcomes.

Furthermore, the authors argue that some of the existing models are unreliable. The United Nations projections of a relatively stable population for the whole of the developed world depend, on dramatic and highly unlikely declines projected in a few key countries. For example, Japan must decline by 34%, Germany by 31% and Russia by about 30% for the projected stability in total developed country population to be born out. 12 countries in addition, often highlighted for their low birth rates, like Italy and Spain, are not projected to decline by even 1% for decades.

"Current models are likely to miss critical feedback in the combined Earth-Human system. It would be like trying to predict El Nino with a sophisticated atmospheric model but with the Sea Surface Temperatures taken from external, independent projections by, for example, the United Nations. Without including the real feedbacks, predictions for coupled systems cannot work; the model can get away from reality very quickly," said co-author Eugenia Kalnay, professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at University of Maryland.

In this new research, the authors present extensive evidence of the need for a new type of model that incorporates the feedbacks that the earth system has on humans, and propose a framework for future modeling that would serve as a more realistic guide for policymaking and sustainable development.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court will today take up the habeas corpus plea, in which Border Security Force (BSF) soldier Tej Bahadur Yadav's wife Sharmila has said she is unable to contact him for the past three days.

Yadav's complaint about bad food at his unit had triggered a row.

In the plea, the soldier's wife Sharmila said she was worried about his safety and pleaded that her husband be produced before the court.

Earlier this month, Sharmila alleged that her husband has been detained by the BSF. She lives with her son in Haryana's Rewari.

Sharmila claimed her husband told her on February 7 that he was being taken to an unknown location. The family members haven't been able to get in touch with him ever since.

The family is said to have written to the BSF, but haven't got any reply.

Tej Bahadur Yadav had posted four videos on the social media in January, 2017, that showed his complaining about the unpalatable food at his camp along the Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir. The videos triggered outrage across the nation, but the BSF dismissed his allegations.

A probe was later ordered.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
If you are doing a hot yoga - a style of yoga that takes place in a room heated between 26C - 40.5C - make sure you are drinking plenty of water before, during and after the class as it makes people more susceptible to dehydration and muscle injuries.

According to researchers from Washington University in St. Louis of United States, people doing hot yoga should take a break, cool down and get themselves hydrated as proper hydration is the key, reports The Mirror.

The findings indicated that more than half of the people doing hot yoga experience dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or dehydration, despite benefits such as greater flexibility and improvements in mood, fitness and stamina and if people are feeling dizzy - have headaches or feel weak or fatigued - then it may be related to fluid loss.

"People may assume the warnings, benefits and possible risks are the same for all types of yoga and that's simply not true," said assistant professor Casey Mace.

"There may be a misconception that these feelings are normal, but they're not," she says.

Doctors in Chicago reported last summer on a case, involving a healthy 35-year-old woman, who went into cardiac arrest induced by heatstroke during a hot yoga class. The woman survived.

Muscle and joint injuries may be common with hot yoga because the heat makes people feel more supple than they actually are.

"You have to be a bit cautious when you look at studies, because they are conducted with high-quality, well-trained yoga teachers under the best of circumstances," said another researcher Carol Ewing Garber.

"The reality is that out in the real world, there's a lot of variability across instructors in terms of their training," Garber added.

If you have low blood pressure or any condition, consult your doctor before trying hot yoga and if you are prone to heatstroke or dehydration, then you should stick with regular yoga, the authors concluded.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson has informed the Senate Armed Services Committee that freedom of action is being enjoyed by Taliban and Haqqani network leaders in Pakistan.

"The Taliban and Haqqani network are the greatest threats to security in Afghanistan. Their senior leaders remain insulated from pressure and enjoy freedom of action within Pakistan safe havens," the Khaama Press quoted General Nicholson, as saying.

He said they have no incentive to reconcile as long as they enjoy external enablement.

General Nicholson said the elimination of external sanctuary and support to the insurgents will enable the success of security forces in the region.

The U.S. Commander also alleged that Russia has openly extending legitimacy to the Taliban to undermine NATO efforts in Afghanistan.

"Similarly, neighboring Iran is providing support to the Taliban while also engaging the Afghan government over issues of water rights, trade, and security," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday, in a strong worded attack, condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'raincoat' barb against his predecessor Manmohan Singh, saying it was his pride which was doing the talking.

NCP leader Tariq Anwar urged Prime Minister Modi to apologise to the nation and to the Parliament.

"Rahul Gandhi is right. This cannot be any Prime Minister's language. It wasn't Narendra Modi who was speaking, it was his pride. Everybody in the country is criticising him for his words," he said.

"Prime Minister Modi should apologise to the Mr. Manmohan Singh and to the Parliament," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday provoked a walk out in the Rajya Sabha with his scathing attack on his predecessor and veteran economist Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Taking a dig at his squeaky clean record of 35 years of service as an economist, he accused the former prime minister of having a talent of 'bathing in raincoats', and getting away with the ugliest of scams.

"Dr. Manmohan Singh has played a significant role in the economic system of India. In the history of India it is rare to find a man who has had a such a long relationship with the economy of India, 35 years of 70 years of independence.", Prime Minister said in reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in Rajya Sabha today.

He further added that in 35 years of service, so many scams surfaced, yet it marked no stain on Dr. Manmohan as an economist.

"We leaders have so much to study as so much happened at the time, but there was not a single blot on him. This is a special skill Dr. Manmohan Singh excelled at and we should all learn this art of bathing in raincoat," he said.

The remark stirred an instant outrage, with leaders of Congress deciding to walk out amid the futile pleas of Speaker Hamid Ansari to maintain the decorum of the house.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi [India], Feb.10 (ANI):Former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ambassador Asoke Kumar Mukerji, has said that New Delhi's recent decision to issue a Demarche to China with regard to its position on stalling the declaration of Jaish-e-Mohammad leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist does not mean much if India is operating in the framework of the United Nations (UN).

In an exclusive interview to ANI, Ambassador Mukerji said, "If we are operating in the framework of the UN, the demarche does not mean much, because it is something for China to look at. As I said, we are not sitting in the SC (Security Council) so we cannot make the demarche to china in the SC, it doesn't have any traction. If it is a bilateral demarche, this is something we are dealing in the bilateral framework, which is outside the UN system. I believe that unless we have a platform for robust bilateral cooperation on multilateral issues with China, this kind of demarche will not really have much traction. We have one with the US. For example, a joint group on UN and multilateral issues. So, if we have a similar joint group with China then the demarche can have some prospect of having an impact on China."

Ambassador Mukerji further said that the initiative to put Masood Azhar on the UN Sanctions Committee list is normally taken by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

"The members of the sanctions committee are the five permanent members of the Security Council (SC) and ten elected members. India was not in the SC, we were a non-permanent member in 2012. As we do not sit in the committee or in the council, so we depend on other members of the Security Council to keep us informed on what happened to our request to put Masood Azhar on the sanction list," he said.

"It appears from the sources that the proposal was pushed by three permanent members -- according to the media -- US, UK and France -- to support the Indian request to put Masood Azhar on the sanction list. Inside the committee they work by consensus. So, it is not clear, nor is it possible to understand whether there was any voting or what was the result of the vote. Part of the reason, we want to reform the UNSC is because they have such non-transparent procedures that the outside world does not know what happens inside the closed room," he added.

"We are told that this proposal did not get consensus because one member of the SC put a block on it, which means that it did not have consensus, and therefore, this request was not moved forward. Faced with a situation like this, these kinds of things do happen in international affairs and we must look at the past practice of the UNSC. I will recall that in 2006, the U S had moved a proposal in the same sanctions committee to put four nationals of Sudanese origin in the sanction list. At that time two or more members of the committee had expressed their inability to agree and blocked the proposal. What the U S did in 2006 was to table a resolution in the SC itself. The difference between what happened in the committee and in the Security Council is that in the committee nothing is put in the public domain. That is their working procedure. No one knows what they look like what they do where they sit etc but the SC is a chamber known to the world at large, it is highly photographed and a resolution which is tabled is circulated and other member states of the UN are able to see a draft of the text of the resolution. So it's a piece of paper. In 2006 when the US moved the resolution to place these people on the sanctions list the request that the US made was for a vote, and a vote in the SC is always a public vote so therefore on that resolution the countries which did not agree in the committee were forced to express their opinion in the public and both of them abstained so the US was able to secure the resolution and put those people it wanted on the sanctions list. I think that is the lesson of history that we need to remember today which is why India must become a permanent member of the SC," Ambassador Mukherji said.

He also said that India is among the countries asking for early reform of the SC in order to make it more transparent, more representative.

"For example, from Asia, there is only one permanent member, and yet, we are 54 countries in Asia. From Africa, there are 54 countries, no permanent members. So, atleast these two continents need to have more representation permanently in the SC. So that is a part of our effort. There is no accountability of the SC, it is not accountable for anything it does or does not do and that is why we need to reform it to make it more democratically accountable," he said.

"Until the reform of the SC takes place the only other platform we have is the legal platform of the UN. The legal platform operates through its sixth committee of the General Assembly (GA) which is the legal committee and India has been active in that sixth committee right from the very beginning. One of our first ambassadors to the UN was Sir Benegal Rau who was the legal advisor to the constituent assembly and Baba Saheb Ambedkar has recognized his role in the debate in parliament and how he contributed to the framing of the Indian constitution. So, in the sixth committee, India tabled a draft resolution for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in 1996 after listening to the debate in the GA (General Assembly) where all the views of different countries were expressed. The Indian draft was discussed, amended and right now the chairman of the group who is the ambassador of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Rohan Perera, he has tabled a chairman's draft for adoption by the sixth committee and the GA," said Ambassador Mukerji.

"The core issue of the legal campaign by India is the principle of prosecute or extradite. It's a well established legal principle that if you have a person against whom prosecution is required and rule of law is to be applied then you have to prosecute that person and if you do not want to prosecute that person then you have to extradite that person to another jurisdiction where the prosecution can take place. Most recently, in July last year this principle was applied for a head of state in Africa Hissene Habre," he added.

"The International Court of Justice requested the African union to set up a court in Senegal because Mr. Habre had sought exile in Senegal and the Government of Senegal and the African union set up a hybrid court which implemented the International Court of Justice's ruling to try president Hissene Habre and they tried him and they convicted in July last year so the principle of prosecute or extradite has been well established in law. The Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism tries to get the same principle into International law. The comprehensive convention now faces a moment of decision. The chairman of the group that has formed the draft of the convention has broken it into two parts - One part is a purely legal part which puts the obligation of prosecute or extradite on the member states of the UN and that is the part that India is very keen to establish as a core international legal principle. For example if there is a person whom we are attempting to prosecute for the Mumbai 2008 terror attack and he is now in Pak then either Pak has to try that person or extradite that person. That is the principle and that is the obligation that Pak will have to take when the convention is accepted. There are other arguments about the politics of terrorism and the draft proposes that those be put into a resolution and for the GA to take," he said.

On what was required to reform the United nations and the U N Security Council, he said, "From the days when the proposal started to today the world has changed a lot but the fact that the SC needs to become more transparent, more accountable and more representative... So in the 70th anniversary of the UN more than 100 heads of state and government called for the reform to be done quickly. The question is why. The answer to that lies in the fact that today more than 65 million people across four continents of the world have been displaced by wars and conflict. These wars and conflicts have not been prevented by the SC whose primary responsibility under Article 24 of the UN chapter is to maintain international peace and security. The reason the SC has been ineffective is because it is not representative.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jeff Bridges To Play Architect Mies van der Rohe In Movie About Farnsworth House



Left: Modernist Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) Right: the man who will play him, Jeff Bridges. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SBIFF)

Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal are reportedly teaming up again to tell the story of Chicago architect Mies van der Rohe's legendary Farnsworth home.

The pair starred together in Crazy Heart in 2009 and a source told Showbiz 411, "Jeff and Maggie have been looking for another movie to do, and this script really appealed to them." The rumors of the movie were reported by the site, but they haven't been confirmed by anyone else.

Bridges will reportedly play the role of the modernist German architect who was internationally famous but who left a particularly deep imprint on Chicago architecture, in buildings like the the Chicago Federal Center and One IBM Plaza. The glass-walled Farnsworth House in Planoa town 60 miles southwest Chicago, near Aurorais one of van der Rohe's most famous projects. Gyllenhaal is reportedly set to star as Dr. Edith Farnsworth, the Chicago nephrologist who commissioned the home in 1945.

There was plenty of drama behind the scenes of the project that was finished in 1951. The Chicago Tribune notes that Farnsworth took van der Rohe to court when the project went far over budget, though van der Rohe prevailed. Architectural Digest says Farnsworth publicly complained the design ended up being unlivable in a 1953 House Beautiful article: The truth is that in this house with its four walls of glass I feel like a prowling animal, always on the alert. I am always restless. Even in the evening. I feel like a sentinel on guard day and night.

There has also been quite a bit of speculation over the years that Farnsworth was more than just a friend and a patron to van der Rohe. Farnsworth's sister told van der Rohe's biographer in the 1980s that they had a romanceone that seemed to sour over the home.

The home is now owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Currently, there has been a lot of debate about how to preserve it from the periodic flooding of the Fox River. Some of the options include lifting the home or, controversially, even moving it to higher ground. Preservationists think the movie could help bring attention to this important landmark.

"It would certainly generate more public interest in the Farnsworth House, and that's a good thing," Maurice Parrish, the executive director of the landmark, told the Trib. He added that the rumors of a romance between patron and architect are "pure speculation."
Congress leader Jagdish Tytler on Friday is likely to appear before Delhi's Karkardooma Court in connection with 1984 Sikh killings case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday said it has sought the court's permission for lie-detector tests on Tytler and arms dealer Abhishek Verma.

The agency moved a written application in the Karkardooma court on Wednesday on the issue after the arms dealer's accusation against the Congress politician of influencing a witness Surender Singh by giving him money and promising to send his son Narender Singh to Canada.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma has issued notice to Tytler and Verma, asking them to appear before it on February 10.

The CBI in its plea requested the court to direct Tytler and Verma to appear before it and accord their consent for conducting polygraph test so that the further investigation in the matter can be conducted.

Tytler is accused of leading a mob in the 1984 Pul Bangash case in which three Sikhs were killed.

The CBI had earlier given a clean chit to Tytler in the case but reopened investigation following December 4, 2015 court order in the wake of Verma's allegation.

The court also ordered the agency to find out whether Verma's statement was authentic.

The agency, in September 2016, had also filed its investigation report in the case which will be heard in the court on Friday where Tytler and Verma are likely to appear.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a joint operation the 53 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Special Operations Group (SOG) apprehended a Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, Irshad Ahmed, in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir.

A pistol, two pistol magazine and a hand grenade have also been recovered from the terrorist.

The capture of Ahmed comes off as a major success, as he was a category A terrorist.

Meanwhile in another successful endeavour, the Army in a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police busted a militant hideout in Mislai Bonjwah area of Kishtwar district and recovered a huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives.

The two days operation was launched based on a tip-off of a militant hideout at Mislai in Bonjwah.

After a sustained search, using all tracking equipment, security forces recovered one AK-47 rifle, 450 AK-47 ammunition, 224 Pika ammunition, one UBGL, two UBGL ammunition and one pair of binoculars from the hideout.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address rallies in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor and Uttarakhand's Haridwar on Friday.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi addressed a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

While addressing the rally, the Prime Minister took a dig at the opposition for criticising government's demonetisation move, saying that some people have problem with his fight against black money and corruption.

"Some people are in a problem because of my fight against black money and corruption, even after so many days they still talk about it," said the Prime Minister while addressing a rally in Ghaziabad.

The Prime Minister further said that corruption has eaten the country like termites.

"I can't fight against the corruption in Uttar Pradesh while sitting in Delhi. In order to fight against corruption, Uttar Pradesh must remove the corrupt government," he added.

Uttar Pradesh goes to polls on February 11 and Uttarakhand on February 15.

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Valentine's Day is around the corner, and right on schedule is the parade of bizarre. This year the Chhindwara district administration of Madhya Pradesh has issued a diktat calling on the young ones to worship their parents on the day, instead of frolicking with their beloved!

In a statement the Chhindwara district collector appealed the people of the district to worship their parents on the day in the rural as well as urban area and have made it compulsory for the schools and social institution to celebrate the day by worship their parents.

Last year, the Chhattisgarh Government had officially declared Valentine's Day as Matru-Pitru Divas (Parents' Day).

The state has been celebrating February 14 as Matru-Pitru Divas instead of Valentine's Day since 2012 on the advice of the jailed Godman, Asaram Bapu.

In 2015, Bajrang Dal had announced to solemnise the marriage of boys and girl in full public view at the place where they were caught.

In the past, activists had assaulted and misbehaved with couples found at public places on Valentine's Day.

The day brings along with it a host of diktats and threats by extreme groups, claiming that Valentine's Day is an abomination on the Indian culture and an attempt by the western world to besmirch Indian ideals.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
One would think that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati, whose very bedrock of campaigning has been the upliftment of the Dalit community, would try to appear as the daughter of the earth, but when looked very carefully, "Behen ji" seems to be surrounded by an impenetrable aura, dripping with elitism.

Marie Antoinette, who was the last Queen of France prior to the French Revolution, was beloved by the nation in her early years. However, as time flew by, her high-class lifestyle and unattainable status, especially when the nation experienced a terrible famine, brought about her downfall.

Mayawati, who has achieved something of a cult status with her "pro-Dalit" agenda, appears to be hurtling towards a similar, albeit not so ghastly, fate.

When regional parties came into existence in Uttar Pradesh, the political agenda was centred around class and caste politics, and it was during that time that the BSP rose to power.

Inspired by the principles of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar and armed with the slogan of upliftment for Dalits, the BSP established itself as a force to reckon with in Uttar Pradesh politics.

After party founder Kanshi Ram, Mayawati took over the reins and led its struggles for securing rights for Dalits, which soon turned her into a household name.

However, her meteoric rise did not change anything for Dalits. While the poverty stricken class still dwells in slums, the "voice of the voiceless" started living in a bungalow fit for a queen, was greeted with wreaths of money and imported sandals to beautify her feet.

The very woman who spoke of equality, started creating a class differentiation in her own party, which gave rise to an important question: Does "Behen ji", who used to fight for the rights and equality of the Dalits, now consider herself above others?

The differentiation came to the fore during a recent press conference of "Kaumi Ekta Dal" and BSP, where Mayawati could be seen in sandals while fellow party worker Afzal Ansari and his family came bare feet.

This incident is just one of the many, besides her finicky need for cleanliness and ordering things, especially white linens, from the capital, that raises a pertinent question: Why is "Dalit ki Beti" (daughter of Dalits) now called " Daulat ki Beti" (daughter of wealth)?

According to Dr Lalji Prasad Nirmal, Chief of the Ambedkar Mahasabha, which champions Dalit causes, Mayawati has in no way embraced the ideals of Dr. Ambedkar in creating equality for Dalits.

"Dr. Ambedkar used to stay awake from 12 a m-12 p m for the upliftment of his people. When once asked why so, he replied "I stay awake for my people to sleep peacefully". On the contrary, Mayavati has done nothing of the sort for Dalits as yet. She has even diluted the Schedule Caste Atrocity Act. Dr. Ambedkar never wanted dissolution of caste, but Mayawati's committees have weakened them to such an extent, that today, even the Dalits have many different castes and creeds among them, which has only created hatred between them," Dr Nirmal said.

Citing the example of the Qaumi Ekta Dal's press conference, Dr. Nirmal further asserted that the incident was an eye-opener for those who saw Mayawati as the voice of the oppressed.

"Those who follow Dr. Ambedkar, follow his 22 strict disciplines of life, while Mayawati believes in her own ideals. Dr.Ambedkar once said that nobody can point a finger on his character as he has never been involved in any financial irregularity. What Mayawati has done in that context is a well known fact," he added.

According to Dalit activist and ex-DGP S.S. Darapuri, Mayawati is one of those leaders who enjoys the perks that go with being at top of the political ladder, while their work ethics and behaviour reek of dictatorship.

"Even though she comes from a very poor family, Mayawati has completely forgotten her roots post her rise to power. She has encashed this to the fullest and whenever fingers are pointed at her, she has escaped the ramifications by calling herself a "Dalit ki beti". But the fact remains that no Dalit is ever allowed to meet her. Dr. Ambedkar was against idol worshipping but Mayawati is hell bent on putting up her own idols across the city.

The activist also pointed out that the upper class of Dalits such as the Jatavs, Pasis, Dhobis and Balmikis, who have been her chief vote bank from 1993-2007, have been trying to dodge and avoid her in UP Legislative Assembly elections from 2012.

From SAPA, there were only 25 MLAs and from the Jatav, which was her own home ground, a huge portion rose against her, as a result of which the BJP emerged with a larger seat share.

Those in her inner circle have often claimed that Mayawati refuses to associate herself with or even acknowledge those who helped her gain political strength in the beginning of her career.

According to an ex-BSP member and current BJP activist Brijesh Pathak, Mayawati is one of those who only cares about her political position and has no concern for the general masses. Her queen-like lifestyle has resulted in many of her supporters abandoning or opposing her.

Samajwadi Party leader Juhi Singh stated that Mayawati could never stand true to the expectations of the Dalits, thanks to her undemocratic and dictatorial demeanour.

"Only a handful of members run the administration and whoever leaves her party, condemns her for taking money as bribe for tickets. I do not consider her a mass leader and even the Dalit community does not see her as one of their own. I don't think a person who shows herself as a princess can reflect as a mass leader for very long," Singh stated.

Several Congress and BJP leaders have even made a spectacle out of dining and talking with the poor in their dilapidating abode, but the BSP supremo has not even made such an attempt in a while.

Even though Mayawati remains a political heavyweight and is very much a threat to her opponents in Uttar Pradesh, her 'touch-me-not' attitude towards the masses, especially the Dalits, could eventually result in her own ruin.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India revealed the findings of a study to evaluate the implementation of the 'Film Rule', under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), talking about the influence of portraying smoking on-screen.

The study finds that these messages, when properly implemented, are effective in countering imagery of tobacco with warnings about tobacco's harms - even prompting decisions to quit. However, there is an urgent need for better implementation and enforcement of the Rule across all media.

The study titled 'Evaluation of Tobacco Free Film and Television Policy in India' was conducted by Vital Strategies with support from WHO Country Office for India, under the guidance of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

"Tobacco use is detrimental to all aspects of life, and grips users in the most productive years. An effective way of tobacco control would be to ingrain and indoctrinate the young minds, the children and the youth. If they could be weaned away from tobacco use, we believe that the battle is half won, since the children and youth of today will be the policy and law makers of tomorrow," said C.K. Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

The size and popularity of India's film and TV industry has the power to influence the behavior and attitudes of millions of people. During the study period, 22 percent of TV programmes were found to depict tobacco. Worryingly, 71 percent of these programmes were broadcast when children and adolescents may have been watching.

While 99 percent of films with tobacco scenes implemented at least one of the three elements of the Film Rule, only 27 percent implemented all three elements fully, in the approved manner. Despite the inconsistent implementation of the Rule, exit interviews with audiences indicated positive results. Around half of those who recalled any tobacco warning message agreed it was easy to understand and made them stop and think. Around 30 percent said the messages had made them more likely to quit.

"When tobacco is depicted in films and TV programmes, it's doing the tobacco industry's work for them. Tobacco kills one million Indians every year and costs our economy USD 22.4 billion. Our objective in this study is to understand the importance of the Film Rule and the current gap in implementation," said Nandita Murukutla, Country Director, Vital Strategies.

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The Patiala High Court on Friday will continue the hearing in connection with the Herald case.

Earlier, in a big relief for Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi, the court had on Tuesday dismissed BJP leader Subramanian Swamy's plea, seeking documents related to the Herald case.

Today, Swamy will submit a list of witnesses.

He had earlier sought documents and ledger books maintained by the Congress Party and Associated Journals Limited.

Swamy had filed an application in 2012, accusing Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others associated with Congress of conspiring to cheat in a land deal.

In his complaint, Swamy had alleged that the Congress granted an interest-free loan of Rs. 90.25 crores to the AJL, owner of the Herald newspaper, established by Jawaharlal Nehru, which was either not repaid or repaid in case. This is in violation of Section 269T of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

In August, the court issued notices to Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and five others on Swamy's application seeking presentation of certain documents from Associated Journals Pvt. Ltd ( AJL) and Indian National Congress (INC) in connection with the National Herald case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Older adults who live in poor and violent urban neighbourhoods are at a greater risk of depression, a new study reveals.

The study appeared in the journal & Place.

According to researchers from the University of California in the US, older adults who lived in neighborhoods with more homicide and a higher poverty rate experienced more depressive symptoms.

"Given the shift towards an aging population and the growing rates of depression among older adults, understanding the factors that contribute to depression is critical," said first author of the study Spruha Joshi from the University of Minnesota's school of public in the US.

"Older adults tend to be less mobile and more dependent on the amenities, services and sources of social support in the neighborhoods where they live," Joshi said.

The researchers did a three-year study of elderly residents in the nation's most populous city. Depression was measured using the nine-question Patient Questionnaire.

They looked at several neighbourhood factors that might contribute to depression, such as high homicide rates, poor perception of safety, pedestrian and bicyclist injuries, green space, social cohesion and walkability.

The study sample was 61 percent female and 47 percent non-Hispanic white.

In addition, 60 percent of respondents had incomes below $40,000 dollars.

While many factors were examined, violence was the only neighborhood characteristic that substantially contributed to depression in older adults in impoverished, urban communities.

"We wanted to investigate the total effect poverty has on older adult depression, but also look at particular characteristics which might explain that relationship," said senior study author Magdalena Cerda.

"We found that about 30 percent of the relationship between neighborhood poverty and depression was explained by the higher homicide rate," Cerda stated.

These findings could help shape policy to improve quality of life for older adults in urban neighborhoods.

"The study highlights the key role that violence can play in shaping the mental health of local residents. By investing in violence prevention in high-poverty neighborhoods, it's possible to reduce violence and improve the mental health of vulnerable populations, Cerda explained.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tata Power, India's largest integrated power company, announced the appointment of Natarajan Chandrasekaran as the Chairman and Additional Director of the company, effective, February 11, 2017.

Chandrasekaran is the Chairman designate of Tata Sons Limited and currently the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services, a leading global IT solutions and consulting firm.

"I am honoured to be appointed as the Chairman of the Board of this historic organisation which has been serving the nation for the past 100 years with dedication. It will be my endeavor to help the management team fulfil Tata Power's commitment to light up the lives of our future generations," said Chandrasekaran.

The appointment of Chandrasekaran was passed at a Tata Power board meeting held on Friday in Mumbai. Chandrasekaran is currently the Chairman of Tata Steel Limited and Tata Motors Limited. He is also director of The Indian Hotels Company Limited and the Reserve Bank of India

Chandrasekaran joined TCS in 1987 after completing his master's in computer applications from Regional Engineering College, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. Under his leadership, TCS has become the largest private sector employer in India with the highest retention rate in a globally competitive industry.

TCS remains the most valuable company in India with a market capitalisation of over USD 70 billion. Under Chandrasekaran's leadership, TCS was rated as the world's most powerful brand in IT services in 2015 and recognised as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute across 24 countries.

A technopreneur known for his ability to make big bets on new technology, Chandrasekaran has been driving TCS's strong positioning in the emerging digital economy with a suite of innovative digital products and platforms for enterprises, some of which have since scaled into sizeable new businesses.

He has been playing an active role in the Indo-US and India-UK CEO Forums. He is also part of India's taskforces for Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan and Malaysia. He served as the Chairman of Nasscom, the apex trade body for IT services firms, in India in 2012-13 and continues to be a member of its governing executive council.

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U.S. President Donald Trump in a telephonic conversation with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani emphasised the importance of the U.S.-Afghanistan strategic partnership.

"President Trump today spoke with President Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and emphasized the ongoing importance of the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership and his support for the National Unity Government," said a White House statement.

"The leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relationship in areas such as security, counterterrorism cooperation, and economic development. President Trump looks forward to continuing a regular dialogue with President Ghani," the statement added.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by the Presidential Palace of Afghanistan said that during the conversation, Ghani said the Afghan Defense and Security Forces have went through a 'difficult' phase and that NATO's Resolute Support and the U.S. forces have cooperated with their Afghan partners in mainlining security as well as combat against terrorism in the country.

According to the press release, the two sides agreed that teams from the two countries will discuss and work on the issues which were mentioned by the leaders in the telephonic conversation.

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The Chicagoist will be launching later but in the meantime please enjoy our archives.
Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti claimed on Friday that during her stint as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, she had got rapists tortured in police stations and made them beg for forgiveness.

Addressing a rally in Agra, Bharti spoke about the increasing number of rapes and sexual assaults on women in Uttar Pradesh and said, she got them tortured when she was chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in front of survivors.

She added that when she ordered the police to torture rapists, they cautioned her that such actions were a violation of human rights.

"But, I replied back by saying human rights are for human beings and rapists are demons. Their heads should be dismembered like the Ramayana's mythological figure Ravana," Bharti said.

Earlier, Bharti had asked those questioning last year surgical strikes to go and live in Pakistan.

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Rabat, Feb 10 (IANS/MAP) Moroccan authorities dismantled 168 terrorist cells since the US 9/11 attacks, said an Interior Ministry official.

"These cells were dismantled in relation with conflict zones as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria and the Sahel," said Mohamed Moufakkir, the Director General of international cooperation at the Interior Ministry, in his speech at a seminar here on Thursday.

He added that the smashing of these cells helped to catch 2,963 suspects and foil 341 criminal plans.

Moufakkir said that over 1,600 Moroccans travelled to these hot spots, including 147 who returned to Morocco and were questioned, while the other 132 were arrested and brought to justice. In addition, six persons were arrested for attempting to leave the national territory.

--IANS

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Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai on Friday presented the report card of his departments ahead of the AAP government's second anniversary and said 90 per cent targets set up under 'Shramik Vikas Mission', which was launched two years ago, have been achieved.

"The success rate for objectives under Shramik Vikas Mission, which we launched two years back, has been 90 per cent. We hiked minimum wages of labourers to Rs 14,052 in Delhi but unfortunately the file was sent back to the department by the Lt Governor," Rai said.

The minister said that after the minimum wages file was returned, the government formed a new committee to do away with the discrepancies. The committee sat seven times since it was formed and officers were working very hard to get the proposal passed.

"With the new committee, it is expected that the minimum wages hike shall be implemented by the end of this month. Post approval of minimum wage hike scheme, an implementation monitoring team will be set up to keep a check," Rai added.

The minister said that the government did a lot for the labourers, farmers and the development of Mandis.

"We approved the revision of minimum wages by about 50 per cent in the national capital. After approval, the minimum wages in Delhi for unskilled workers will increase from Rs 9,568 to Rs 14,052 per month, for semi-skilled workers it will rise from Rs 10,582 to Rs 15,471, and for skilled workers from Rs 11,622 to Rs 17,033," he said.

The government started a helpline 155214 for the grievance redressal of the labourers, and received 25,563 complaints in two years.

"The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's fast-track courts for labour grievances continue to deliver time-bound rulings as they settled 1,135 cases in two years. We made processes like those for getting licences simpler for employers or factory owners."

"We have formulated a five-member committee to work on a proposal for health insurance for Delhi's construction labour. We distributed over Rs 90 crore to farmers as compensation," the minister said.

"The Delhi government's development department has taken major steps for modernising the Mandis in Delhi. The Delhi government's Rural Development Board is working on various projects worth Rs 326 crore for Delhi villages," Rai said.

Significantly, the Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday launched its 'Reality Check Yatra' to verify the AAP government's claims of development works in the city. Elections to then three Municipal Corporations of Delhi are to be conducted soon.

--IANS

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A US air raid in northern Syria has killed a top member who had close ties the terror network's late leader Osama bin Laden, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

Abu Hani al-Masri died in the drone strike in Syria's northwestern Idlib province last Saturday after air strikes killed 10 operatives near Idlib a day earlier, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis announced.

Masri is alleged to have set up and run training camps in Afghanistan during the 1980s and 1990s. He "recruited, indoctrinated, trained and equipped thousands of terrorists," the Pentagon stated.

He also had close ties to fellow Egyptian Ayman al-Zawahiri, who became Al-Qaeda leader when Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan by US forces in 2011.

"These strikes disrupt al-Qaeda's ability to plot and direct external attacks targeting the US and our interests worldwide," said Davis.

Al-Qaeda's influence in Syria operates largely through an affiliated jihadist group, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (JFS), formerly called the al-Nusra Front.

JFS, which at one stage controlled most of Idlib province, was one of the groups excluded from the ceasefire negotiated by Russia and Turkey in December.

Intelligence suggests JFS's leadership structure is still intertwined with Al-Qaeda's.
Cairo, Feb 10 (IANS/AKI) A 35,000 year-old stone axe unearthed with one of the oldest skeletons ever found in Egypt will be repatriated in the coming days after analysis was completed on the artefact in Belgium.

A team of Belgian archaelogists discovered the axe and skeleton, dating from the old archaic era, in upper Egypt and took them back to Louvain University for study, Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities said.

The find "shows the development of human species that lived in Egypt through the various ages", said Shaaban Abdel Gawad, supervisor of Egypt's general antiquities repatriation department.

--IANS/AKI

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Palermo, Feb 10 (IANS/AKI) Palermo's archbishop on Thursday called on the European Union (EU) not to turn its back on the drama of migration, less than a week after the bloc agreed a plan with Libya to stop the people-smuggling boats setting sail.

"As people flee war and death, we all need to stay aboard the raft of solidarity," said Monsignor Corrado Lorefice.

"This is our only anchor of salvation," he told a seminar on migration taking place in the Sicilian capital.

European Union leaders meeting in Malta last Friday agreed to a plan aimed at stemming the influx of migrants to Italy from Libya, including 200 million euros ($213 million) to help strengthen its coastguard.

But Lorefice urged Italy and other EU nations "to create a culture of welcome" rather than creating "barriers and walls".

"Europe should pride it self on this and not fall prey to fear," he said.

--IANS/AKI

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In a first of its kind effort in Kerala, the Indian Army will build a Bailey bridge in Enathu, an army official said on Friday.

Bailey bridge is a type of portable, pre-fabricated, truss bridge that has been extensively used since World War II as even vehicles can ply on it.

State Public Works Department Minister G. Sudhakaran, in a letter to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Enathu Lok Sabha member Kodikunnil Suresh, on Thursday had sought the help of the Indian Army in construction of the bridge.

Parrikar immediately accepted the request and a team of army engineering officials led by Lt Col Ravi Rajendran on Friday inspected the spot in Enathu, saying a bailey bridge will be built there.

Enathu, about 12 km from here, was in the news last month when an 18-year-old bridge in Kollam district was closed to traffic after damage to its two piers was noticed.

Enathu bridge is located at the very busy M.C. Road, where hundreds of vehicles pass through. There has been total chaos in the area after the closing of the bridge as traffic has been diverted.

The Kerala government had, in a report earlier, said it would take a while before the opening of the bridge as the repair work will take time.

--IANS

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Bahrain security forces killed three terror fugitives on Thursday after intercepted their vessel, which was heading to Iran.

The vessel occupants fired shots at the security forces in a chase on the sea, said Public Security Chief Major-General Tariq al-Hassan, adding that they changed its route to the northern part of Bahrain and refused to stop despite warning by the Bahrain security forces.

The operation is one of the two which are taken as part of their investigations, he said, and three men were killed in the incident, including one who was among 10 escaped men from the Jaw prison facility, Xinhua reported.

The men named Redha al-Ghasra, who was sentenced for life and additional 79 years for several terror cases, escaped for the fourth time from detention.

Major Al Hassan said a group of 10 terror fugitives were trying to escape in the boat and during the clashes two sustained injuries and five were arrested.

"We found a satellite phone, GPS system, money and personal belongings from the boat," he said.

--IANS

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A self-styled "revolutionary" from a town in England is believed to have become the first British woman to travel to Syria to join the fight against Islamic State (IS) group, the media reported.

Kimberley Taylor left Britain to join the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), the all-female affiliate army of the People's Protection Units (YPG) of Syrian Kurdistan, in March 2016.

The 27-year-old from Blackburn town told the Guardian on Thursday she had spent the past 11 months learning Kurdish and studying regional politics, weaponry and battlefield tactics at the YPJ's dedicated military academy.

She said she travelled to the frontline in Syria in October and is involved in the push towards Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS and the likely battleground for the group's last stand against the coalition Syrian Democratic Forces.

"I'm willing to give my life for this," she said in a phone interview to the newspaper from her frontline base, 30 km from Raqqa.

"It's for the whole world, for humanity and all oppressed people, everywhere. It's not just [IS's] killing and raping. It's its systematic mental and physical torture on a scale we can't imagine."

Explaining her motivation to join the fight against IS, Taylor recounted the story of a friend, an Arab YPJ fighter from Syria, whose village was ransacked by the militant group last year.

"She was from a pro-Assad family and her eight-year-old sister wrote on a wall: 'Without our leader, there is no life'. She did it as a protest against IS," she said.

"So, they took her to a tall building and ran her over and over again with a car. Then, with the last one pushed her off the building. My friend ran away to join the YPJ."

Taylor's journey to Syria began during a trip 18 months ago to report for a friend's humanitarian website on the first anniversary of the Sinjar massacre of August 2014, during which IS kidnapped and enslaved 5,000 Yazidi women and children and slaughtered as many men and boys, according to reports.

Taylor's primary role is to record the YPJ's operations by writing battlefield reports and taking photographs and videos of the action.

She told the Guardian she did not tell her family she was joining the conflict until she arrived.

Although Taylor is the first known woman from Britain to reach Syria to join the fight against IS, numerous British men have done so.

In January, it emerged 20-year-old Ryan Lock had died in December as a volunteer fighter for YPG during a battle for Raqqa.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday warned the Congress not to "cross limits" and "restrain their tongue" or else he will expose every one of them.

Addressing an election rally in Haridwar, the Prime Minister said nobody can stop him from his mission against black money and the corrupt and said he had everyone's "janmapatri" (horoscope) in his pocket and that he will expose everyone.

"Main Congress ke logon se Jenna ckahta hoon, Abhi bhi jabaan sambhal lein aur anaap shanaap na bolein warna meri paas un sab ki janampatri hai. Main vivek aur maryada bhoolna nahin chahta par ye log ye jaan lein ki unhein unke paapon aur kukurmon ka jawaab dena padega," he said as people clapped in response.

He said "Devbhoomi" of Uttarakhand should be a matter of pride for everyone but sadly because of the misrule of the Congress government the image had been stained. He alluded to a sting operation in which Chief Minister Harish Rawat was caught on tape involved in horse trading efforts when his government came in minority in 2016 owing to rebellion by senior Congress leaders.

Exhorting people to vote for the BJP and ensure a government that worked for the welfare of the people and give them good governance, Modi said that he personally will ensure that Uttarakhand became a front ranking state of the country.

"I have taken upon myself to fulfil the dreams of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who carved out the hill state from neighbouring UP," the Prime Minister said.

He also spoke of the difficulties faced by pilgrims who come for the annual 'Chaar Dhaam' Yatra and said all this will change once a BJP government is voted to power in Uttarakhand.

He also took on the opposition for questioning the cross-LoC surgical strikes done by the Indian Army and said it was a matter of great sadness and shame that bravery and valour of the Indian soldiers was questioned.

--IANS

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Editor's note: The traditional Chinese Lantern Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month under the Chinese lunar calendar. People eat Yuanxiao, or rice dumplings, on this day to celebrate the first full moon after the Chinese New Year. As the Lantern Festival marks the final day of the New Year celebrations, people may feel reluctant to say goodbye to the festival and will surely head for a new start with fresh hopes. Here, China.org.cn shares with you how people celebrate the traditional festival which falls on Feb. 11 this year.

Red lanterns are seen in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, Feb. 8, 2017. [Photo / VCG]

Watching lanterns

One of the Lantern Festival's important activities is watching lanterns. Throughout the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), Buddhism flourished in China. One emperor heard that Buddhist monks would watch sarira, or remains from the cremation of Buddha's body, and light lanterns to worship Buddha on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. So he ordered the lighting of lanterns in the imperial palace and temples to show respect to Buddha on this day. Later, the Buddhist rite developed into a grand festival among common people and its influence expanded from the Central Plains to the whole of China.

Till today, the Lantern Festival is still held each year around the country. Lanterns of various shapes and sizes are hung in the streets, attracting countless visitors. Children will hold self-made or bought lanterns to stroll with on the streets - extremely excited.
A federal appeals court on Friday maintained the ban on US President Trumps immigration order letting barred refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries to continue entering the country.

A panel with the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld the ruling of US District Judge James Robart decided that Trump's temporary travel ban should be put on hold. The Department of Homeland Security soon suspended all enforcement of Trump's controversial directive, The Washington Post reported.

The Justice Department, representing the Trump administration, could now ask the Supreme Court to intervene. The Supreme Court, though, remains one justice short, and many see it as ideologically split 4-4. A tie would keep in place whatever the appeals court decides.

The lawyers representing the sides faced skeptical questioning with the panel seemed interested in what evidence Trump relied upon in implementing his order and what limits the Justice Department saw on the President's authority to set immigration policy.

Washington state Solicitor General Noah Purcell asserted that reinstating the ban would "throw the country back into chaos," and he pleaded with judges to maintain the status quo of the past several days.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hyderabad will soon have a clean air authority on the lines of Clean Authority of Tokyo.

The authority will be headed by the Chief Secretary of Telangana and would include heads of all departments.

After his recent visit to Japan, Minister for Municipal Administration K.T. Rama Rao proposed setting up of a similar authority for Hyderabad.

A preliminary meeting to work out the modalities of the proposed authority was held here Friday.

It was felt that the proposed authority should have statutory powers and that it should not be confined to air pollution but also include noise and water pollution as well in its jurisdiction.

A committee was constituted to prepare a concept note and submit it by February 15. This committee would prepare a note on the creation of a model Act, define structure and jurisdiction of the proposed authority.

The contributory factors of pollution, rules of solid waste management and the guidelines of the Tokyo clean air authority would also be studied for preparing the concept note.

Navin Mittal, Secretary, Municipal Administration, said that while the Pollution Control Board (PCB) would function as a regulatory and enforcement agency, the proposed authority would look after planning, coordination and implementation.

PCB Member-Secretary Satyanarayana Reddy briefed about the Tokyo Clean Air Authority which was set up for management of solid waste and generating power out of waste.

--IANS

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Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday filed an RTI to get details about the expenditure incurred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's digital and other social media campaign.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said he was taking recourse to RTI as the Modi government was unleashing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the Delhi government to get similar information.

"If Modiji has CBI, we have RTI (Right to Information)," Sisodia told reporters here.

Sisodia's RTI comes after the CBI registered a preliminary inquiry against him last month to probe alleged irregularities in the "Talk to AK" social media campaign.

Backing his deputy, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the CBI should investigate Modi as well.

"Just like Prime Minister's Office awarded contracts for digital advertisements, Manish (Sisodia) awarded advertisements in the same way.

"Since Modiji is getting Manish investigated by the CBI, he (Modi) should be investigated by the same agency as well," Kejriwal tweeted.

In his RTI, Sisodia sought details of the procedures adopted by the central government to award social media advertisement contracts for Make In India, Namo App, Start-up India and Digital India.

"Advertisements in social media are paid for by credit cards and have a credit limit. Which credit card was used by the Modi government for these advertisements?" Sisodia asked.

He also asked for details of companies and individuals across the world awarded the contracts for the advertisements.

"When we talk about people's issues, it is corruption. When he (Modi) talks (Mann ki Baat), it is patriotism. Why this difference?"

Sisodia said if Modi had the CBI to seize files of the Delhi government, then he (Sisodia) would use RTI to access files from the Prime Minister's Office.

"We will place both files before the people and they will decide who is using public money for the right purpose and who is misusing it."

The "Talk to AK" campaign was an interactive session of Kejriwal, under which people could reach out to the leader through social media.

--IANS

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Iranian forces fired four mortar shells across the border into Pakistan's Balochistan province on Friday, officials told local media.

Habibur Rehman, Deputy Commissioner of Panjgur district, told Dawn News that "Iranian forces fired four mortar shells into Panjgur's Parom area without any justification and provocation".

"We have not received any report about any human loss," he added.

Islamabad has several times accused Iranian forces of violating its territorial integrity and has lodged protests with Tehran.

Pakistan shares a 900 km porous border with Iran and the two countries had in 2014 decided to boost intelligence coordination to wipe out terrorists from the border region.

--IANS

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Rome, Feb 11 (IANS/AKI) Italy's cabinet on Friday approved an emergency decree to accelerate asylum requests and expedite deportations to reduce pressure on the country's courts and asylum centres as the migrant crush continues.

"The measures equip Italy for new challenges and aim to speed up the process of recognition of refugees' rights...and the deportation of migrants who are not entitled to asylum," said Italy's premier Paolo Gentiloni after the cabinet meeting.

The emergency decree cut to two from three the number of possible appeals to an asylum ruling in a bid to cut the average two-year waiting time, Interior Minister Marco Minniti said.

The interior ministry will hire 250 immigration specialists to staff the committees that examine asylum requests, Minniti said.

The committee interviews with asylum seekers will be video-recorded so that judges do not have to conduct a new interview during the appeals process, justice minister Andrea Orlando said.

Twelve 12 special tribunals will be set up to exclusively handle asylum appeals, he said.

"The process will be much more streamlined but people's rights will not be diminished," Orlando claimed.

The decree distributes migrants more evenly across the country and allocates 100 million euros ($106 million) to councils that take more migrants in what Minniti called "a new model of integration".

Asylum-seekers will also be offered unpaid voluntary work while their applications are being considered, Minniti said.

--IANS/AKI

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Naga tribal groups have threatened to intensify their agitation after Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang refused to accede to their demand for his resignation and their three-day ultimatum in this regard ended on Friday.

The tribal groups, under the banner of Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) and Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), have threatened to intensify their agitation.

The two Naga tribal bodies had served a three-day ultimatum to Zeliang to step down following the government's decision to hold local bodies elections with 33 per cent reservation for women in 12 towns across the state and the death of two persons in clashes between the police and protestors at Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland, on January 31 night.

Government offices across Nagaland remained paralysed for the ninth consecutive days on Friday in view of the an indefinite shutdown of government offices and a ban on plying of government vehicles.

"We met the Governor (P.B. Acharya) on Friday and told him of our demand seeking the resignation of the Chief Minister. The governor told us that he is waiting for the chief minister (who is scheduled to meet him this evening) to discuss on the issue," NTAC Convener K.T. Velie told IANS.

The NTAC leader, however, warned: "If Zeliang does not step down, we have no other option but to further intensify our agitation in the form of an indefinite total shutdown which will affect all educational institutions, markets and functioning of banks."

Zeliang, who flew back to Nagaland on Friday morning after meeting Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday evening, had reiterated he would not not step down.

However, Naga People's Front legislator Neiphrezo Keditsu had last week submitted his resignation as Chairman of Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation (NSMDC) Limited on moral grounds since one of the persons killed in the Dimapur police firing was from his village.

The Chief Minister had explained Singh the ground reality of the on-going face off between the NTAC and the government, and the ensuing shutdown which have affected the normal day to day life.

Zeliang also briefed the Home Minister about how his government, determined to fulfill the Constitutional obligation of holding polls to the civic bodies, had initiated the process after several tribal organisations expressed their support to holding of elections to the ULBs with 33 per cent reservation of seats for women, and how these organisations took a U-Turn after the polls were announced.

Nagaland has never elected a women legislator since it gained statehood in 1963. The lone woman member of Parliament from the state was Rano M. Shaiza, who got elected in 1977.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Police chief L.L. Doungel told IANS that police are keeping a close watch on the strike and will function accordingly.

The government continued to shut down the internet and mobile data service to stop the spread of rumours through social networking sites.

The Kohima district administration also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC banning assembly of more than five persons and carrying of arms in certain areas including Raj Bhavan, Chief Minister's official residence and the Civil Secretariat.

--IANS

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NASA is set to open discussions about a study that has proposed a system capable of landing on Jupiter's icy moon Europa in search for life beyond Earth.

The study that NASA commissioned last year to assess the science value and engineering design of a future Europa lander mission submitted its report this week.

The report listed three science goals for the mission - the primary being search for evidence of life on Europa, the US space agency said.

The other goals are to assess the habitability of Europa by directly analysing material from the surface and to characterise the surface and subsurface to support future robotic exploration of Europa and its ocean.

The report also described some of the notional instruments that could be expected to perform measurements in support of these goals.

To discuss the report and receive feedback from the wider science community, NASA announced two upcoming meetings scheduled for March and April.

Europa, slightly smaller than Earth's moon, is widely believed by scientists to be having a global saltwater ocean beneath its icy crust.

This ocean has at least twice as much water as Earth's oceans.

While recent discoveries have shown that many bodies in the solar system either have subsurface oceans now, or may have had in the past, Europa is one of only two places where the ocean is understood to be in contact with a rocky seafloor (the other being Saturn's moon Enceladus).

This rare circumstance makes Europa one of the highest priority targets in the search for present-day life beyond Earth.

The team for this study was tasked with developing a life-detection strategy in Europa, a first for a NASA mission since the Mars Viking mission era more than four decades ago.

The report makes recommendations on the number and type of science instruments that would be required to confirm if signs of life are present in samples collected from the icy moon's surface.

The team also worked closely with engineers to design a system capable of landing on a surface about which very little is known.

Given that Europa has no atmosphere, the team developed a concept that could deliver its science payload to the icy surface without the benefit of technologies like a heat shield or parachutes, NASA said.

--IANS

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British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said there was no need for a second independence referendum in Scotland, the media reported.

"We don't see any need for a second referendum in Scotland," Fallon said on Thursday at a joint news briefing in Rome with Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti.

"The Scottish government should get on with what it was elected to do which is to improve school standards in Scotland, to tackle the problems of the Scottish health service, and above all to revive the Scottish economy where unemployment is now rising."

"Those are the priorities for Scotland, not a second referendum," Fallon said.

After Britain's referendum to exit the European Union last June, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said a second referendum on Scottish independence could be held in the future.

A referendum on Scottish independence was previously held in September 2014, in which 55.3 per cent voted against the plan to separate.

--IANS

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Swedish defence and aviation major Saab on Friday said that there was no reason to worry about the technology transfer from the US if it wins a contract to manufacture its Gripen E multi-role jet in India.

"There is a wide cooperation between India and the US. The technology that is used in Gripen would not be subject to stop. We don't have any reasons to worry about that," said Kent Ake Molin, Gripen Sales and Marketing Director, Saab during a press conference here.

"The core of Gripen is what we have control over, we are looking at the sensors side, avionics and software control and we will ensure that those are available for India," he added.

Gripen is powered by F-414 from the US engine manufacturer General Electrics. After the inauguration of the Trump administration there is a fear that the new government may not approve the sales of US products in a second country's contract.

In October 2016, India sent out communication to global fighter aircraft manufacturers for seeking information on their single-engine combat jets to replace its Russian vintage single-engine Mig-21s combat jets.

In response to the IAF proposal, Swedish aircraft manufacturer Saab has offered its latest Gripen E fighters to India and has plans to help India become net exporter of the fighter aircraft.

US aviation major Lockheed, in response to the tender, offered its latest F-16 Block-70 jets.

Saab is also participating in the Indian Navy's carrier-based fighter aircraft programme.

The Indian Navy sent out a Request for Information (RFI) for 57 carrier-borne aircraft for its naval fleet in January.

Speaking on the maritime version of the aircraft Gripen M, Tony Ogilvy, Head of Marketing Gripen Maritime, said, "We have a certified design for the maritime version and the next step will be to develop a prototype for demonstration."

"We don't have the prototype flying," he added.

According to the company the maritime version will be a part of the Make in India programme for the Gripen Air Force version.

"That leads the way. The Maritime version fits very well in with that development and build programme as part of the overall Gripen in India," Tony said.

Saab, if selected, has plans to establish the most modern aerospace facility in India. Company believes Gripen coming to India will add jobs in the US.

--IANS

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Calling the BJP-led government at the Centre "suppressor of freedom of speech", especially in the wake of demonetisation move, opposition leaders on Friday criticised the Centre for its authoritarian ways and called for maximum unity among the opposition.

Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar appealed for maximum opposition unity after launching a book "Fearless in Opposition, Power and Accountability", authored by P. Chidambaram, former Finance and Home Minister and a senior Congress leader.

"Why should the opposition be afraid? It is opposition job's to put forth its views bravely. Nothing can happen in democracy without dialogue and debate. Opposition should get due respect. There should be maximum unity among opposition," Kumar said, adding that there was no need to get certificate of patriotism from the government.

The discussion on the book, which saw speakers such as Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury and former union minister and Congress leader Kapil Sibal, focused on authoritarian ways of the BJP government and fallouts of demonetisation.

While Yechury called the methods of curtailing black money inappropriate, Sibal used the opportunity to call demonetisation "biggest scam ever".

The event was also attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

The speakers took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's for his "raincoat" comment against Manmohan Singh. Chidambaram called the comment "derogatory" while Yechury said: "It is not the level of ."

Chidambaram said that strong exception must be taken to the comment since it was made on the floor of Parliament.

Chidambaram also criticised the BJP for making declaration of "Congress Mukt Bharat". He said there much was fear stalking the country, which demanded opposition to be fearless.

"If you criticise the government, you are anti-national, if you speak against the government, you are unpatriotic, if you dissent that is sedition. This is complete mockery of democracy. Institutions and individuals are in fear, Dalits are in fear, minorities are in fear," Chidambaram added.

"Without a united opposition, we can't have democracy. There are enough cheer-leaders, enough drum beaters (for the BJP government). We must be fearless, we need voice of the opposition," the former union minister said.

He called the demonetisation "a terrible mistake", which "damaged India's growth story". "We should wait for jury to give its verdict," he added.

Meanwhile, Kumar defended his decision to support demonetisation soon after it was implemented, saying "immediate opposition was not appropriate", but he said the government should now talk about the recovery of black money after over 90 days of the move.

"Now the Centre should tell us how we have benefited (from demonetisation). They are talking about cashless transactions now, diverting the topic. It makes no sense," Kumar said, adding that complete cashless economy was not possible in the country.

He further said Manmohan Singh's description of the demonetisation as "monumental management failure" was an apt one.

Yechuri said: "The popular perception is anti-black money and not demonetisation. There is no dispute that money, illicit money should be curtailed. But methods adopted are not good."

Yechury expressed hope that opposition unity would happen in future.

Sibal said that the country had lost space for informed debate. "The media is controlled by industry, corporate sector, which has its own agenda and nobody wants to go on the wrong side of the government. The bureaucracy is in fear. Even Supreme Court has failed us. We need to build consensus and to form new way of the way forward."

Sibal, however, evaded a question when asked about the Emergency days, saying: "The leadership has already said it publically. We should not repeat it. We should look at contemporary issues."

--IANS

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Cuba's 26th International Book Fair (FIL) began on Thursday in an event that marked by a tribute to late former President Fidel Castro.

The inaugural ceremony, chaired by Cuban first Vice-president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, gathered authors and guests from 46 countries who will participate for the next 10 days in the most popular and widespread cultural event in the Caribbean nation.

Juan Rodriguez, President of the Cuban Book Institute, said the literary event will sell a collection of 24 books dedicated to the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution and there will also be several conferences on Fidel's contribution to literature and reading habits.

"Exactly 50 years ago, Fidel Castro founded the Cuban Book Institute and our editorial publishing houses, today we honor his legacy and work for literature and culture in this book fair," he said.

Around four million books of different Cuban and foreign authors have been printed for the fair, as well as 700 new publications.

Over 400 guests and 150 authors from 46 countries have confirmed their participation in the literary event which will run until February 19.

Canada is invited as the guest country this year at the book fair. Isabelle Berard, director of Latin American affairs at Canada's foreign ministry, said it was a great honor for her nation to be the guest country.

"We thank Cuba for recognizing our cultural diversity and the invitation to the fair is a sign of our long uninterrupted relation for over seven decades," she said.

"Canada and Cuba know the benefits of friendly and long-term relations. After Prime Minister Trudeau's visit to Cuba last year, Canada is willing to strengthen our ties based on a respectful approach and constructive engagement," she added.

The book fair, considered as the greatest cultural event in the island, takes place at the San Carlos de la Cabana Fortress, east of Havana.
Seven Pakistani fishermen detained in Yemen for over a decade will return to Pakistan.

The fishermen, who hail from Balochistan and Sindh's coastal areas, crossed the international water boundaries 10 years ago and were taken into custody by Yemeni authorities, the Dawn reported on Friday.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the fishermen had been held at Sanaa Central Prison and were freed due to efforts by the ICRC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

--IANS

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The two main partners of Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian law firm at the centre of the so-called 'Panama papers' scandal, have been arrested, a media report on Friday said.

The arrests of Ramon Fonseca Mora and Jurgen Mossack came on Thursday hours after the Panamanian authorities accused them of being involved in the 'Lava Jato' corruption case in Brazil, Efe news reported.

Fonseca, a former aide of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, and Mossack, were transferred from the Public Prosecutor's Office headquarters to police custody here, defence lawyer Elias Solano said.

Solano told reporters outside the Department of Judicial Investigation that his clients would spend the night there. However, he pointed out that there were no precautionary measures applied as the legal procedure was still ongoing.

The firm, which specialises in setting up offshore companies, acted as a criminal organisation dedicated to hiding assets and money of dubious origins within the 'Lava Jato' (Car Wash) case, according to an investigation, Attorney General Kenia Porcell said.

The law firm instructed its "person in charge" in Brazil to "hide documents and eliminate evidence" and to facilitate the transfer of the bribe money to Panama "washed or laundered", Porcell added.

He said the charges against the two were the result of a year-long investigation conducted in collaboration with prosecutors in other countries, including Brazil, Switzerland and the US.

The offices of Mossack Fonseca that also faces probe related to the so-called Panama Papers, were raided on Thursday shortly before the two main partners appeared at the Prosecutor's Office.

Meanwhile, Fonseca has accused former President Varela of receiving "donations" during the 2014 election campaign from Brazilian multinational company Odebrecht, involved in a transnational mega-scandal of bribes.

Fonseca Mora also accused the Prosecutor's Office of being arbitrary and of using him as a "scapegoat" to delay the probe.

The Lava Jato investigation has been looking into a massive scandal involving Brazil's state oil company Petrobras and dozens of businessmen and politicians.

The Panama Papers are an unprecedented leak of 11.5 million files from the database of the world's fourth biggest offshore law firm, Mossack Fonseca.

The records were obtained from an anonymous source by the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, which shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

The ICIJ then shared them with a large network of international partners.

The documents showed myriad ways in which the rich exploit secretive offshore tax regimes. Twelve national leaders are among 143 politicians, their families and close associates from around the world known to have been using offshore tax havens.

--IANS

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Bhopal resident Udayan Das, who allegedly killed his parents and live-in partner, was likely to be interrogated by a team of Raipur police for the murder of his parents.

"A team of Raipur police would come to Bankura on or after February 15 to interrogate Das about his parents' murder," Bankura Superintendent of Police Sukhendu Hira told IANS over phone.

Das told the police that he murdered both his parents in 2010 and interred their bodies in their house premises in Chhattisgarh's Raipur. He was also present at the spot when the police exhumed two skeletal remains, presumably of his parents, from the premises of his parents' house.

The Bankura police, who are interrogating Das about the alleged killing of his live-in partner from the district, said they found evidences of the girl buying tickets from Bhopal to West Bengal's Howrah station in the second week of July last year.

The police believed Das killed her after learning that she was about to go away.

"We found evidences that the girl booked tickets in the second week of July and was about to travel to Howrah on July 15. It is possible she was killed after that," the officer said.

"Das hasn't revealed why and how he murdered the girl yet. He would be interrogated for the next few days to confirm the motive," he added.

Das was brought to the state from Bhopal on transit remand by the Bankura police and was remanded in police custody for eight days by the Bankura district court on February 7.

He was arrested on February 2 by the West Bengal Police on charges of murdering his live-in partner Shweta Sharma (28) and entombing her body in a concrete block inside his house in Saketnagar in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. Later, he also confessed to his parents' murder.

--IANS

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As reality overtook rhetoric, US President Donald Trump ended uncertainty over commitment to the bedrock principle of Beijing's foreign relations by affirming to China's President Xi Jinping that he would "honour our One China policy".

In his phone call on Thursday night in Washington, Trump set the policy for East Asia on a clearer course ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to the White House on Friday.

The long-delayed call came 16 days after Trump's phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and after his talks with various smaller nations since entering the White House.

In the order of calls that appeared to set a hierarchy of friendship, the delay was a challenge to Beijing. But it also was due to the lack of a coherent policy to deal with the complexities of relations with China.

Overall, the development also underscores the new Trump era of foreign relations, more mercantile and transactional, rather than diplomatic.

Reflecting this, his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is a businessman, who headed Exxon-Mobil, with no government or foreign policy background.

As in a bazaar -- or real estate -- deal, Trump's earlier actions and statements raising prospects of diplomatic ties with Taiwan and taxes on Chinese imports can be seen as the opening bid for transactions and not a definitive statement of policy, as it would be considered in traditional diplomacy.

The Chinese can play this game better than most Europeans -- or the US diplomatic and policy establishments, which find it unsettling

The White House described the call as "extremely cordial" and said, "Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest."

Xi "said he appreciated his US counterpart, Donald Trump, for stressing that the US government adheres to the one-China policy", China's official news agency reported. "Trump said he fully understands the high significance of the US government's pursuit of the one-China policy, adding that the US government adheres to the one-China policy."

Trump's conversation with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in December and his subsequent statements that he could reconsider relations with Taipei roiled Beijing and sent waves of fear and anger in the US political and intellectual establishment, which seemingly reveres China.

Earlier, Trump had said the US could impose tariffs as high as 45 per cent on China's imports because of what he said was its unfair trade practices and that Japan could develop nuclear weapons for its defence.

Finally, reality took over as Trump uneasily settled into office and his handpicked national security and foreign affairs officials took charge -- and the Chinese side took on the challenge of mercantile diplomacy.

China and the US are locked in a tight economic embrace, with the US dependant on cheap imports and Beijing helping prop up the US by buying and holding $1.2 trillion in US treasury bonds - a virtual loan to the US.

In the short term, high tariffs on Chinese imports could lead to higher prices for US consumers and China could also dump its treasury bonds - which it started to do in a small way in December - although it could lead to mutually assured destruction for them, a prospect neither would want.

In Asia, the US needs China's cooperation in dealing with North Korea, which boasts of missiles that could hit Los Angeles, and in dealing with Pakistan.

For Washington, China and Russia getting closer together in lining up against it is also a matter of concern.

The delay in calling Xi was also partially because of China's reluctance to reach out at a high-level with the "One China" policy up in the air.

The matter was probably sorted out ahead of the call and Trump made his first public overture with a letter to Xi on Wednesday greeting him for the Chinese New Year - but 11 days after the event.

Trump's five-year-old granddaughter Arabella was also brought in for soft diplomacy. A video of her singing a New Year song in Mandarin went viral on social media.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)

--IANS

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AIADMK leader E. Madhusudanan on Friday said he had sent a petition to the Election Commission not to recognise V.K. Sasikala as General Secretary of Tamil Nadu's ruling party.

Speaking to reporters here, Madhusudanan, now in acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam's camp, said: "As per the party by-law, a person can become General Secretary of AIADMK only if he/she is a member for a continuous period of five years."

Madhusudanan said Sasikala was not a party member for a continuous five years and hence she was not qualified to be the General Secretary.

In December, after then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa's death, Sasikala was elected the General Secretary at a General Council meeting of the AIADMK.

According to Madhusudanan, it was initially thought that Sasikala alone would be in the party but her family members were starting to take control of the AIADMK. This, he said, cannot be permitted.

--IANS

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Television channels on Friday night reported that Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao had ruled out AIADMK General Secretary V.K. Sasikala for chief ministership in a report to the Union Home Ministry, but the Governor's House denied the report, adding to the continuing political uncertainity gripping the state since the past four days.

According the India Today news channel and several Tamil channels, the Governor in a report to the Union Home Ministry cited the pending disproportionate assets (DA) case against Sasikala as the reason for her not being qualified to stake the claim.

The channel, which said it has a copy of the report sent by the Governor, reported that he also took note of the PILs against Sasikala, on which verdict was pending.

The PILs have been filed challenging her elevation as the Chief Minister, since "she has not been the General Secretary for a continuous period of five years", as mandated by the party's constitution. Political uncertainty continued in Tamil Nadu for the fourth consecutive day on Friday,

However, the Governor's House said in a statement that he had "not sent any report either to the Ministry of Home Affaris or to the President of India, as reported in some of the media".

Earlier in the day, Sasikala dismissed E. Madhusudanan -- a close aide of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa -- from the party for backing O. Panneerselvam for the Chief Minister's post, saying he had violated the party's principles and brought disrepute to it.

Madhusudanan told reporters: "As per the party by-law, a person can become General Secretary of AIADMK only if he/she is a member for a continuous period of five years."

Sasikala was not a member of the party for a continuous five years and hence not qualified to be the General Secretary, he said.

Sasikala was elected as the AIADMK General Secretary following the death of Jayalalithaa in December last year and elected leader of the legislature party on February 5.

Panneerselvam revolted against the party General Secretary on Tuesday night, alleging that he was forced to resign as the Chief Minister to pave the way for Sasikala to occupy that chair.

But the supporters of Sasikala continued attacking Panneerselvam, charging him with betraying the party.

Former Union Minister E. Ponnusamy on Friday also chose to side with Panneerselvam, thus adding strength to the beleaguered acting Chief Minister's camp. It is believed that Madhusudanan and Ponnusamy will help garner support of their loyals for Pannerselvam.

Meanwhile, AIAMDK MLAs backing the General Secretary, who have been taken to a beach resort to ensure they are not influenced by the rival camp, told the media outside the resort that they were not being held hostage.

Their "assurance" came in the wake of filing of several habeas corpus petitions in the Madras High Court, stating they were being held hostage. "MLAs cannot be kept hostage. Sasikala is treating us like how (late Chief Minister J.) Jayalalithaa treated us," said one of them.

The high court adjourned to February 12 its hearing on the habeas corpus petitions filed by two advocates.

Amid the developments unfolding one after the other in the Tamil Nadu capital Chennai, a Panneerselvam loyal also moved the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing of a plea for direction against Sasikala being sworn-in as the Chief Minister, but the apex court declined to oblige.

The petitioner contended that Sasikala should not be sworn-in as the verdict on the Karnataka government's plea challenging her acquittal in a disproportionate assets case was awaited.

A top court bench said "sorry, declined" as the petitioner urged the bench to accord the plea an urgent hearing. The court is expected to pronounce its verdict on the Karnataka government's appeal next week.

The main opposition DMK has urged Governor Rao to intervene and ensure a government through a fair floor test.

The party's Working President M.K Stalin met Rao on Friday and submitted a representation on behalf of the DMK expressing concern over the "constitutional vacuum" in the state with the Chief Minister relegated to the side due to infighting in the ruling party.

--IANS

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Scientists using NASA's Hubble space telescope have discovered a white dwarf star whose atmosphere is rich in materials that are the basic building blocks for life -- carbon, nitrogen, as well as oxygen and hydrogen, the components of water.

The white dwarf is approximately 200 light years from the Earth and is located in the constellation Bootes, said the study.

White dwarf stars are dense, burned-out remnants of normal stars.

The study presents evidence that the planetary system associated with the white dwarf contains materials that are the basic building blocks for life, said study co-author Benjamin Zuckerman, Professor at University of California, Los Angeles.

And although the study focused on this particular star -- known as WD 1425+540 -- the fact that its planetary system shares characteristics with our solar system strongly suggests that other planetary systems would also.

"The findings indicate that some of life's important preconditions are common in the universe," Zuckerman said.

Many scientists believe the Earth was dry when it first formed, and that the building blocks for life on our planet -- carbon, nitrogen and water -- appeared only later as a result of collisions with other objects in our solar system that had those elements.

The research, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, described how the white dwarf came to obtain carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen.

The scientists reported that a minor planet in the planetary system was orbiting around the white dwarf, and its trajectory was somehow altered, perhaps by the gravitational pull of a planet in the same system.

That change caused the minor planet to travel very close to the white dwarf, where the star's strong gravitational field ripped the minor planet apart into gas and dust.

Those remnants went into orbit around the white dwarf -- much like the rings around Saturn, Zuckerman said -- before eventually spiraling onto the star itself, bringing with them the building blocks for life.

The researchers think these events occurred relatively recently, perhaps in the past 100,000 years or so.

This was the first time that nitrogen was detected in the planetary debris that falls onto a white dwarf, said Siyi Xu of the European Southern Observatory in Garching, Germany.

"Nitrogen is a very important element for life as we know it," Xu, who led the team that made the discovery, explained.

"This particular object is quite rich in nitrogen, more so than any object observed in our solar system," Xu said.

--IANS

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Taiwan has responded to a phone call between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping with a statement highlighting its own close communication with Washington.

Taiwan's core interest is to ensure its freedom and democracy, active participation in the international community and regional peace and stability, while maintaining positive relations with the US as well as across the Formosa Strait, said a Presidential Office statement on Friday.

This was in response to the White House statement on the Trump-Xi phone call, which said "President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'one China' policy", Efe news reported.

Taiwan and the US have very close ties and Taipei "is fully aware of the priority that the US assigns to East Asia peace and stability", it stated.

The statement added that Taipei will continue to strengthen its cooperation with the US in order to jointly further the peace, stability and welfare of the region.

The island's Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for ties with China, also released a statement underlining the importance the island attaches to balanced development of cross-strait ties and to firmly safeguarding regional peace and stability.

Taiwan also hoped Washington will continue its support for the island and called on China to maintain a positive attitude and communication to resolve mutual differences.

--IANS

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Presidents Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan and Donald Trump of the US discussed over phone the war against terrorism, the Afghan presidential palace said on Friday.

The two leaders on Thursday night also discussed the security situation in Afghanistan and economic affairs, Xinhua news agency quoted the palace as saying.

"They also discussed cooperation between the two nations, based on shared interests and risks," a presidential palace statement said.

Ghani told Trump that Afghan security forces, after taking full responsibilities from the US and NATO forces, were ready to defend their country.

According to the statement, the two leaders will soon meet.

--IANS

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Lecce, Feb 10 (IANS/AKI) Police arrested two suspected Russian people traffickers near the city of Lecce after 91 boat migrants were rescued overnight off the southern Puglia region's coast.

The two Russians were held on the orders of prosecutors in Lecce and are suspected of trafficking the 91 Iranian, Pakistani and Afghan migrants including 20 women and 26 children.

The migrants were saved by coastguard off the costal city of Otranto and brought to its port. A two-month-old baby was among the minors rescued in the operation and was taken to a nearby hospital.

The other migrants received medical attention at the port and were all reported to be in good condition.

The rescue operation, which began at 2.30 am local time, was hampered by bad weather conditions and poor visibility, Italian coastguard said.

A total of 11,010 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea this year through February 5, of whom some 85 per cent arrived in Italy and the rest in Greece, the Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday.

--IANS/AKI

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British actor Tom Hiddleston has opened up about his 2016 summer romance with Taylor Swift, insisting their relationship "was real" but explaining that his much-mocked "I (heart) T.S." tank top was just a joke.

The three-month romance between the Thor actor and the US pop star became a celebrity-media obsession last year, cataloged in paparazzi shots on beaches and at restaurants.

Many viewed it with suspicion, questioning whether it was a publicity stunt intended to benefit the public images of both Hiddleston, 36, and Swift, 27. It ended in September without explanation.

"Taylor is an amazing woman," Hiddleston told GQ magazine in an interview for the March issue that was released on Wednesday.

"She's generous and kind and lovely, and we had the best time. Of course, it was real."

Hiddleston says he was taken aback by the attention given to the skimpy white "I (heart) T.S." tank top he was photographed wearing while kissing Swift in the ocean at her annual July 4 beach party.

The actor says he had hurt his back playing a game and wanted to protect the graze from the sun.

"One of her friends said: 'I've got this.' And we all laughed about it. It was a joke.

"I was surprised. I was just surprised that it got so much attention. The tank top became an emblem of this thing," he says.

Neither Swift nor Hiddleston have said why they broke up, but Hiddleston suggests he had struggled with the media attention.

"A relationship always takes work. A relationship in the limelight takes work. And it's not just the limelight. It's everything else," he says.

The GQ interview was published ahead of Hiddleston's big-budget action movie Kong: Skull Island, which is due to roll out worldwide on March 8.
Dozens of Uber drivers on Friday staged a protest in Taiwan calling for the legalisation of the global ride-hailing app.

A protest organiser said that, at first, about 100 cars with Uber labels circled round the Transportation Ministry here, then some drivers parked their cars and gathered in front of the government building where they shouted slogans and carried placards, Efe news reported.

Around 30 drivers joined the rally at the ministry, while the rest continued driving on the streets, with some waving their hands trying to discourage media personnel from photographing them.

At the end of their action, one driver went inside the building to present a protest letter to a representative of Transport Minister Ho Chen Tan.

According to sources, Uber services were suspended in Taiwan, though transportation officials said they would meet with Uber drivers and company representatives within a week.

The suspension reportedly was Uber's decision after it was fined some $35 million for operating in Taiwan without a proper licence.

--IANS

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India's most populated and politically significant state, Uttar Pradesh, will go to polls on Saturday in the first of a seven-phased election of elect a new 403-member assembly. While most parties are busy promising freebies like mobile phones and laptops to woo voters, the state according to its citizens faces some real governance challenges.

People don't want freebies, they'd rather have better law/order, healthcare services and reduced corruption, according to a survey conducted by citizen engagement platform LocalCircles, which had a participation of more than 20,000 citizens.

Around 82 per cent of the citizens are concerned about their safety. In a related poll, 48 per cent citizens said that the incoming government should enable transparent and accountable police-citizen connectivity and governance.

People have also pointed out police and property registration to be the two key areas with the highest amount of corruption. Therefore, they questioned the plan that political parties vying for their votes have for reducing and removing corruption in their areas.

Public healthcare infrastructure is falling apart in the state with 72 per cent citizens rating it as poor. There have been numerous scams in healthcare in the past and 55 per cent citizens want the incoming government to improve the healthcare infrastructure and services in the government hospitals.

To reduce corruption in the state, 39 per cent of the citizens who responded wanted the government to move all citizen-government transactions online and make them cashless. This is one important reform that politicians rarely mention in their speeches.

The people also also want corruption redressal systems like Lok Ayukta to be strengthened in the state.

While 58 per cent see an improvement in infrastructure in the last five years, am ajority wanted more investment in improving the road infrastructure by the government. Ninety-one per cent citizens see no or very less job opportunities in the state.

Due to high corruption and less ease in doing business, more than 73 per cent citizens want the incoming government to cut red tapism and reduce corruption.

--IANS

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The BSF on Friday said trooper Tej Bahadur Yadav was moved to another battalion in Jammu and Kashmir to face a departmental enquiry after his video over "sub-standard" food caused an uproar.

"Before the controversy over Yadav's video on social media, he was posted at the 29th battalion. He was shifted to another battalion in Samba for a fair probe. He is not under arrest," BSF spokesman Subhendu Bhardwaj said.

The trooper faces charges of indiscipline, including uploading the social media post, and other charges, the official said.

Yadav had on January 9 posted several videos on Facebook showing visuals of poor quality food provided to Border Security Force troopers on the India-Pakistan border.

He alleged that BSF officers siphoned off food provided by the government.

Yadav also expressed apprehension that his seniors may take action against him for exposing the condition of soldiers on the border.

The BSF reaction followed a Delhi High Court order directing it to allow Yadav's wife Sharmila to meet him over the weekend.

Sharmila on Thursday filed a habeas corpus plea in the High Court demanding to know his whereabouts.

Earlier, the BSF said Yadav's plea under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme was rejected as an inquiry was pending against him.

--IANS

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is a hazardous profession. CBS News correspondent Lara Logan suffered a brutal sexual assault in Egypts Tahrir Square in 2011 while covering the countrys Arab Spring upheaval. In 2014, an Islamic State video showed the beheading of Steven Sotloff, a US journalist who was held hostage by the militants. Daniel Pearl, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan in 2002.
He might not be anywhere close to rival V K Sasikala and her extended family in money power. However, Tamil Nadus caretaker chief minister, O Panneerselvam, and his family have seen their income and assets grow steadily during his four terms in the state assembly, in three of which he has held the post of CM at some point.
Hours after V K Sasikala staked her claim to form government in Tamil Nadu, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamyon Friday made a sardonic remark on Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, saying he should ask the AIADMK general secretary to form the government if 'he has woken up to his duties as a constitutional authority'.

The BJP leader said if the incumbent Chief Minister O Pannerselvam withdraws his resignation, it'll be like putting the toothpaste back in the tube.

"Pannerselvam didn't give any list of MPs or MLAs who are supporting him. He didn't stake any claim. He just wants his resignation to be withdrawn. But, it has already been accepted. How can he do this? It's like putting toothpaste back in the tube," Swamy told ANI.

"So, if the governor has any chance, and he has woken up to his duties as a constitutional authority, he should ask Sasikala to form a government and then move a resolution in the assembly for a confidence vote and proceed from there. There is now nothing left. Had Pannerselvam produced a list, there would have been a question over which list to accept. If the governor now doesn't call Sasikala, it would mean he is playing and he deserves to be removed," he added.

Earlier, the AIADMK had informed the decision on Twitter. "Chinnamma stakes claim to form Government," the tweet read.

Sasikala had visited former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa's memorial at Chennai's Marina beach. Prior to this, she had met the Tamil Nadu governor.

Sasikala also carried along with her letter of support claiming a majority. She was accompanied by five senior AIADMK leaders.

The governor also met Panneerselvam.
The on Friday hailed the development works done by successive Congress governments at the Centre and again targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he is not ready to admit the "chaos" created by the note ban exercise.

About Modi's "raincoat" remark against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, it said being in power with the corrupt is also corruption.

But for the work done by the Congress governments, Modi would be governing a backward nation in Africa, an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.

"Modi is not ready to accept the chaos demonetisation has caused. His personal advertisement machinery tries to hide every wrong policy of his government and leaves no stone unturned to attack the Congress. Modi should come out of this negative perception now," it said.

"Even if one believes the Congress governed while indulging in corruption, it transformed the nation, which could not even produce a needle during Independence, to one that is at the forefront of economic and industrial development. The previous rulers have made India what it is today," it said.

Referring to Modi's "raincoat" remark, it said being in power with the corrupt is also corruption. Therefore, even if one wears a raincoat and bathes, the body is bound to get wet.

"Today, if you do not believe with closed eyes that the previous government only indulged in corruption, you will be termed as an anti-national and killed," the ruling alliance partner said sarcastically.

Referring to Indira Gandhi, the Sena said the former Prime Minister taught Pakistan a lesson in the 1971 war, never displayed a hypocritical stand on anti-nationals, did not trouble the poor by demonetising currency notes and was thus nicknamed 'Durga' by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

"Her strong will was the nation's shield. She nationalised banks, made better the nation's economy, gunned down Khalistani terrorists and gave the message that India will not bend before terrorists. She sacrificed her life for the nation," it said.

Eulogising Rajiv Gandhi, the Sena said, "He had the will to govern by clean means. He may have got the taint of Bofors, but he has to be credited with bringing computers to India. The development of technology today is only because he laid a strong foundation."



"Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh were successful in saving the nation from economic imbalance. Had all this not happened in the last 60 years, Modi would today be governing a nation like Somalia or Burundi," it said.
Taking on Narendra Modi over his "raincoat" remark, Shiv Sena President on Thursday said the Prime Minister had created "fizz" without soap.

"Though he wore a raincoat, (former Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh at least bathed using water. You (Modi) did not even use water to bathe everybody (in the country). You created fizz without soap," Thackeray said, in an apparent reference to hardships caused by the demonetisation.

The Sena leader was addressing a campaign rally here for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls.

Referring to the former Prime Minister during a speech in the Rajya Sabha yesterday, Modi had said, "Dr sahab's image remained clean despite his government being mired in scams, as only he knew the art of bathing with his raincoat on."

Uddhav said had he not severed ties with BJP (for BMC elections of February 21) his photo too would have been there in posters with Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and Pappu Kalani (former MLA of Ulhasnagar who was accused of murder). I am relieved that I did not have to join the likes of Kalani," he said.

"We are accountable to people. Earlier BJP had faces like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani. Now they have faces of goons. Now Kalani is with Modi and Shah on posters," he alleged.

The Sena chief also hit out at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who had said that Mumbai was on par with Patna in terms of the level of development.

"Mumbai is much progressed than any city. But Patna is also not a backward city. He (Fadnavis) has insulted both Mumbai and Patna. Mumbai has the highest share of tax collection for the Centre. This year Central government has got more than Rs 2 lakh crore through various taxes from Mumbaikar's pockets. I will demand Mumbai should get 25% share out of our collection," he said.
AIAMDK MLAs backing its General Secretary V.K. Sasikala in the power struggle in Tamil Nadu on Friday said they were not being held hostage.

With several habeas corpus petitions filed in the Madras High Court and questions raised about the legislators, the MLAs met the media outside the resort where they are staying.

"MLAs cannot be kept hostage. Sasikala is treating us like how (late Chief Minister J.) Jayalalithaa treated us," said one of them, Murugumaran.

"We are not birds being kept in a cage," added another legislator.

They accused the DMK of spreading rumours that legislators backing Sasikala against acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam were being held hostage.

spokesperson C.R. Saraswathi, who is not a legislator, also told the media that she had to switch off her mobile phone as there were lots of threatening calls.

After attending a meeting at the headquarters on Wednesday, the pro-Sasikala MLAs were bussed to a beach resort near Chennai.

On Thursday, responding to a habeas corpus petition filed in the Madras High Court, the Tamil Nadu government advocate said the legislators were free.
Two contract killers have been arrested for allegedly killing a 28-year-old man for Rs seven lakh in Harsh Vihar area last year, police said today.

The Delhi police commissioner had declared a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for providing any clue leading to their arrest.

The murder was the fallout of an old rivalry between the families of the deceased and those who had hired contract killers over a piece of land in their ancestral village.

In October last year, the body of Shakir was found in Jain Colony, Harsh Vihar with bullet injuries, said Pramod Singh Kushwah, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell).

The deceased was identified by one Shri Hakim who belonged to the same village as the former. Hakim told the police that he had come to Delhi with Shakir who wanted to take some money from someone.

"Upon reaching Delhi, two persons met them at Kashmere Gate metro station. Out of these two, one was Bane Singh as introduced to Hakim by Shakir. Singh and his associate took them to a place where Singh shot Shakir from behind while Hakim escaped," said Kushwah.

"A team, led by ACP Lalit Mohan Negi, inspector Sanjay Gupta and inspector Rajesh Kumar deployed informers to develop information about the unknown killers. Yesterday, they got a tip-off about the accused after which Durgesh and Vishan Singh aka Bane Singh were arrested at Loni roundabout in Jyoti Nagar," said the officer.

During preliminary interrogation, the accused told the police that they were hired by Shaukat and Jafru of Goverdhan village in Mathura for Rs seven lakh, the DCP said.

"The accused have received Rs two lakh as part payment till date. Shaukat and his other family members along with hired killers had allegedly murdered other family members of Shakir including his elder brother Fakru, who was hospitalised for six months after the gunshot injury," said the officer.

Due to Shaukat and his family's terror, Shakir's family are hiding in Haryana after escaping their native village and abandoning their property, he said.

Both Shaukat and Jafru and their other associates are wanted in a number of cases including murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping among others, the officer added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The People's Liberation Army does not want a war in the South China Sea, but will not be afraid of one if it knocks on China's door, the military has said.

An editorial published on Tuesday on the PLA Daily's website said the Chinese military is not afraid of "demons" and "intimidation", adding that the PLA dares to "show its sword" and has a proven record of safeguarding national interests.

It invoked China's determination and victory in the Korean War as well as the Chinese government's warning toward the United States' escalation in the 1960s during the Vietnam War.

"In the past, the PLA produced numerous miracles in wars, despite being outnumbered by enemies or having inferior weapons compared with those of its adversaries. Today, our troops are well equipped and high-spirited ... Facing risk-takers, the PLA, which owns DF series ballistic missiles, will show them that we are ready for a war and we do not fear wars," the article said.

In another article published on the same website on Wednesday, the writer blasted "some US politicians" for believing that lasting superiority over China and the Asia-Pacific will ensure the US' "global leadership", saying that playing tricks with China in the South China Sea is unreasonable and dangerous.

The article also suggests that the US should focus on its domestic issues instead of "interfering elsewhere" if it wishes to become "great again".

The articles came after recent claims from senior US officials threatening to take hard-line measures against China over issues relating to the South China Sea.

Shao Yongling, a professor of military strategy at the PLA Rocket Force Command College, told China Daily that the remarks show the Chinese military's determination and capability of safeguarding the country's sovereignty and interests anywhere.

"They also show that we are well prepared for contingencies. I believe these remarks are more like warnings than threats. They aim at telling the US that we will not tolerate negative actions that compromise our interests," she said.

Shao added that the PLA Rocket Force will definitely be mobilized if there is a large joint operation in the South China Sea and that Chinese ballistic missiles are capable of covering all of the sea.

Li Li, a military equipment expert at PLA National Defense University, said recent moves by the US, such as sending the littoral combat ship USS Coronado to the South China Sea, indicate that the new US government will not relax its interference in the region and it does not want to see the recent improvement in relations between China and other nations in the region.

"However, no matter what measures the US plans to take, we will never abandon our sovereignty, interests and rights in the South China Sea," she said.

Yang Xiyu, a researcher of Asia-Pacific security affairs at the China Institute of International Studies in Beijing, told China Central Television that some US politicians are hoping that military pressure will intimidate China in the South China Sea, but this has repeatedly turned out to be useless.

He said that the stronger the PLA is, the less willing the US will be to launch a war against China.
Congress leader Jagdish Tytler today told a Delhi court that CBI has not given any reason in its plea to conduct lie detection test on him in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Tytler, who did not appear before the court personally, filed an application through his lawyer stating that the CBI plea was a "gross misuse of law" and it was filed with "malafide intention".

Arms dealer Abhishek Verma, who was also issued notice by the court on the CBI plea, appeared before the court and said he stands by his statement given to the probe agency earlier and was ready to join investigation.

Advocate Maninder Singh, who represented Verma, also said CBI has not given any reason to conduct lie detection test on him and he was ready to record his statement before a magistrate unser section 164 CrPC.

He also sought a week's time to file his reply on the plea.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma granted time to Verma to file his reply and listed the matter for February 23 for hearing arguments on CBI's application.

Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who represented the riot victims, said Tytler had earlier given a statement to the media that he was ready to undergo lie detection test.

The court had on February 8 issued notice to Tytler and Verma on CBI's plea.

The case pertains to death of three Sikhs in the aftermath of the riots that broke out after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Tytler has been given a clean chit by CBI thrice in the case but the probe agency has been directed by the court to further investigate the matter.

Verma has made several statements to CBI against the senior Congress leader that he allegedly pressurised witnesses in the case.

During the hearing, Verma told the court he was facing threat and should be given protection.

CBI in its plea has said, "For the purpose of further



investigation, polygraph test (lie detection test) needs to be conducted on Abhishek Verma and Jagdish Tytler".

It has cited the court's December 4, 2015 order in which it was mentioned that lie detection test may be conducted, if required.

"The presence of these two persons namely, Abhishek Verma and Jadgish Tytler is necessary before this court to accord their consent about the polygraph test (lie detection test)," the plea while seeking the court's direction to Tytler and Verma to appear before it.

The court had earlier held that Verma in his statement to CBI disclosed an "active role" played by Tytler in extending a "helping hand" to a witness against him.

It had noted that the statement given by Verma to CBI in which he has claimed that Tytler had sent the son of Surinder Singh Granthi, a key witness against him, to Canada cannot be a "sheer coincidence" and the agency should probe if it is true.

The case pertains to riots at Gurudwara Pulbangash in north Delhi where three people were killed on November 1, 1984, a day after the assassination of Indira Gandhi.

The court had in December 2015 directed CBI to further investigate the matter and had said it would monitor the probe every two months so that no aspect of the matter is left uninvestigated.

CBI had re-investigated the case of killing of Badal Singh, Thakur Singh and Gurcharan Singh near the gurudwara after a court in December 2007 refused to accept its closure report. CBI has filed three closure reports in the case.

Tytler has denied any role in the riots.

(Reopens LDG 22)



While opposing CBI's plea for lie detection test, Tytler's counsel submitted that the Congress leader has appeared before the CBI twice and has also recorded his statement to the investigating officer.

He said there was no reason mentioned in CBI's plea for seeking permission to conduct the test and it was done to harass Tytler.

The court, however, said it cannot force the probe agency to disclose their line of investigation and even it cannot force Tytler and Verma to undego the test and they could say no, if they do not want it.

When Verma's counsel said the CBI was unnecessary asking for the test as he was not shying away and is ready to join the probe, the court said it was done just to check whether he was lying or telling the truth.

"They (CBI) might have found some contradiction in your statement that is why they are asking for it," the court said adding that it was up to them to give consent or deny it.

Verma also told the court that he has filed complaints with the CBI and Delhi Police that since the time he has made statement to CBI, he and his family was facing threat and sought protection.

Advocate Phoolka said safety of the witness' was necessary and if Verma was facing threats, he should be provided adequate protection.

The court asked the CBI to file a reply on action taken by it on Verma's complaint.
Five decades since he crossed over to India post the 1962 war and raised a family in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district, a Chinese soldier is all set to fly back to his native country.

Wang Qi, now 77, was caught when he entered the Indian territory shortly after the Sino-India War of 1962. He was later released from jail.

"Wang with his wife Sushila, and their son Vishnu and two other family members will be flying to China," Balaghat Collector Bharat Yadav told PTI.

He said Wang and his four family members got visa today and they might fly to China tomorrow, adding this became possible due to the help they received from the Ministry of Home and External Affairs.

Official sources in Beijing said Wang and his family members are expected to arrive there tomorrow.

After their arrival, they would travel to his native place in Shaanxi Province to meet Wang's relatives, they said.

Yesterday, the Ministry of External Affairs had said that it was following up the case and helping Wang and his family members to visit China to meet his extended family.

The development has come within a week after a delegation from the Chinese Embassy met Wang who had been wanting to visit his country.

"Three officials from Chinese Embassy in India met my father and talked to him for more than an hour. They assured him all possible help to visit China," according to his son Vishnu (35).

Wang, who lives with his wife and three children in Tirodi area of Balaghat district, has not been able to visit China for the last five decades for want to permission from Indian government, according to the family.

"My father joined the Chinese Army in 1960 and he entered India through the eastern frontier after losing his way in the darkness one night," son Vishnu said.

He landed in Assam where an Indian Red Cross team handed him over to the Indian Army on January 1, 1963.

"My father spent six years in prisons in Assam, Ajmer, Delhi before the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered his release in March 1969," Vishnu said.

"The Indian government had promised to the court that it will rehabilitate my father. He was taken to Delhi, Bhopal, Jabalpur and then finally handed over to Balaghat police," said his son.

Wang started working as a watchman with a mill and soon his colleagues named him Raj Bahadur, apparently due to his Nepali features, Vishnu said.

But little did he know that the enemy nation against whom he had waged a war would become his home, where he would raise a family. Wang married Sushila in 1975 but his desire to live a comfortable life was short-lived.

"Soon after my father married my mother, the Indian government stopped his monthly pension of Rs 100," Vishnu, who works with a small business unit as an accountant, said.

"My father faced a lot of hardships, wanting to go to China. He tried very hard and even entered into correspondence with the then Prime Ministers but in vain," he said.

According to Vishnu, Wang also moved a plea in Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2009 for going to China without success.

"His life has been difficult as he couldn't get Indian citizenship because of his Chinese origin. Hence, he couldn't buy land or avail other facilities," he said.

Wang's mother died in 2006 but he could not be with his dear ones in the time of grief, Vishnu added.

Three years later he met his nephew Yun Chun, who had come to India as a tourist and narrated his ordeal to him.

After returning home, Chun got in touch with Chinese politicians and authorities to bring his uncle home. Finally, he met then Chinese Foreign Minister who helped Wang to get a Chinese passport in March 2013.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid continued uncertainty over the swearing-in of V K Sasikala, the feud in Tamil Nadu's ruling party escalated on Friday with the chief ministership aspirant sacking party Presidium Chairman E Madusudanan, who wrote to the Election Commission not to recognise her as general secretary.

Sending a strong message to her detractors, Sasikala sacked Madusudanan from the primary membership of the party, a day after he switched over to the rebel camp led by caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, and appointed former minister K A Sengottaiyan in his place.

Sengottaiyan was relieved as the party's Organisation Secretary, a post to which he was appointed last week.

Sasikala urged the party workers not to have any truck with Madusudanan and said they should extend their cooperation to Sengottaiyan.

Giving a major boost to the rival camp, Madusudanan yesterday extended his support to Panneerselvam, saying he wanted to "safeguard" the party.

"To protect AIADMK, everybody should join hands with OPS (Panneerselvam)," he had said.

Sasikala had removed Panneerselvam from the Treasurer post immediately after his revolt, but he has maintained that being a temporary general secretary, she does not have the powers to appoint or remove party functionaries. Insisting that he continues to be the treasurer, Panneerselvam has written to banks not to allow anybody else to operate the party accounts without his consent.

Sasikala had appointed another senior leader Dindigul C Srinivasan as the treasurer.

Hitting back at Sasikala, Madusudanan has written to the poll panel urging it to not to recognise her as general secretary, saying she was not elected to the post as per party by-laws.

Madusudanan told reporters about the letter shortly before he was sacked from by Sasikala for "acting against the party".

Asserting that only cadres can elect a general secretary as per party rules, Madusudanan said he had asked the EC not to recognise Sasikala as party chief.

Expelled AIADMK Rajya Sabha member Sasikala Pushpa has already petitioned the EC against the election of V K Sasikala, saying it was not done as per procedure and the EC has sought the party's response to it.

"As per party by-laws, the general secretary can be elected only by cadres. As per rules, there is no temporary General Secretary post," Madusudanan said.

A candidate for the general secretary's post should also have completed at least five years in the party.

"Since Sasikala re-joined the AIADMK only on March 31, 2012, she does not qualify to become general secretary. I have requested Election Commission not to accept her appointment," he said.

Meanwhile, a section of AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala have dismissed media reports and allegations by the Panneerselvam camp that they have been "detained" at a resort near here, and asserted that they were "free".

V C Arukutty, MLA from Kavundampalayam in Coimbatore and a supporter of Panneerselvam, alleged that the MLAs had been "detained" and were "not reachable."



"The MLAs are not reachable. They have been detained. They are legislators elected by people, so release them. Let them go and meet people," he told reporters here.

However, the MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala rejected the allegations.

"We are free. We are keenly awaiting Governor's invitation (to Sasikala to form government). We are not children to be detained or abducted as is being reported in a section of media," Perundurai MLA ND Venkadachalam said.

Responding to reports that most of the MLAs were not



reachable on the phone, Venkadachalam said he had switched off his mobile phone to avoid taking "unnecessary calls," and speculations and "wrong news."



Gudiyatham MLA Jayanti Padmanabhan also said she has not been detained as was being claimed by Panneerselvam loyalists.

Former Minister and senior party leader B Valarmathi insisted that the MLAs were free and alleged they were being "intimidated" by those close to Panneerselvam.

"The MLAs are free. They are being intimidated by Panneerselvam's relatives over phone and that is why they have switched off their mobile phones," she said.

Meanwhile, Srivaikundam MLA and former minister SP Shanmuganathan, a supporter of Panneerselvam, filed a police complaint here seeking to know the whereabouts of the legislators.

"There is no idea where the MLAs are," he said, adding that he has urged the police to find them.

As there was no word from Raj Bhavan about Sasikala's swearing-in even five days after she was elected AIADMK legislature party leader, party spokesperson Vaigaichelvan voiced confidence that she would take over the reins of the state soon.

"Chinnamma (Sasikala) had met the Governor yesterday. Good news will come soon. She will become Chief Minister," he asserted.

He also reiterated the party stand that DMK was behind Panneerselvam's revolt.

Meanwhile, in an indication that the swearing-in might be further delayed, the venue of the ceremony today wore a desolate look even as the police security was withdrawn.

Soon after Sasikala was elected AIADMK legislature party leader, the University of Madras auditorium was spruced up on a war-footing for her swearing-in.

The heavy police bandobust which was visible for the last few days is no more there and the premises wore a quiet look.

Even the workers who were decking up the entry points are conspicuous by their absence.
Close on the heels of paper leak in Bihar State Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) test for clerks, a TV sting today exposed a purported shady deal in the ongoing recruitment of fourth grade employees in civil courts across Bihar.

The sting beamed by some private TV channels showed Hameeda Ashgari, claiming herself to be general secretary of state JD (U) minority cell, talking about deal of Rs 5 lakh with an aspirant of Darbhanga for the post of fourth grade employees in civil courts across the state.

The JD(U) claimed that the woman has no affiliation with the party and law would catch up with her for the wrongdoing.

State JD(U) spokesman Neeraj Kumar, MLC, told PTI that he has verified with state party chief of minority cell Mohammad Salam, Darbhanga district president of JD(U) Sunil Bharti and party candidate for Jale seat in Darbhanga from where the woman hails, "and all of them said the woman has no affiliation with JD(U)."



Kumar said rule of law prevailed in the state under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and in the present case also lawful action would be initiated if some wrongdoing has been done.

Meanwhile, police in Darbhanga has registered an FIR against Hameeda Ashgar with Laheriasarai police station on instruction of Superintendent of Police A K Satyarthi. Two candidates, Prashant Kumar and Mohammad Ushman, are complainants against Ashgari and her family.

Police is in hot pursuit of the woman and her family members who are absconding, the SP said.

The sting has come at a time when the state is rocked by paper leak in the BSSC exam for recruitment of clerks in state jobs. The exams have been cancelled atthe instance of the Chief Minister.

Secretary of BSSC Parmeshwar Ram and five others have been arrested for extorting Rs 5-6 lakh from each candidate for



recruitment of clerks.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said some of the millions of refugees who have fled his country's conflict are "terrorists," in an interview published today.

Asked by Yahoo about US President Donald Trump's claim that extremists are hiding among refugees, Assad agreed, saying "you can find it on the net."



"Those terrorists in Syria holding machine guns or killing people, they are peaceful refugees in Europe or in the West," the Syrian leader said.

He did not specify how many of the 4.8 million Syrian refugees he meant, saying "you don't need a significant number to commit atrocities."



He also rejected Trump's plan to carve out safe zones for civilians in Syria.

The US president said last month that he "will absolutely do safe zones in Syria" for people displaced by the violence in a bid to reverse their migration to Europe and elsewhere. He did not provide details.

"Safe zones for the Syrians could only happen when you have stability and security. Where you don't have terrorists. Where you don't have flow and support of those terrorists by the neighboring countries or by Western countries," Assad said.

"It's not a realistic idea at all."



The White House last month ordered the Pentagon and State Department to draw up a plan to "provide safe areas in Syria and in the surrounding region."



The announcement came ahead of a surprise ban on refugees from Syria traveling to the United States, which a court has since suspended.

Other US politicians and officials have long supported the idea of safe zones in Syria, including Democrats such as Trump's presidential rival Hillary Clinton.

Critics say it would risk the US military becoming bogged down in Syria's civil war.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Madhya Pradesh ATS said the accused in an alleged spy-racket run from Pakistan had built a hi-tech communication system in collusion with some staff of telecom companies to pass on strategic information to their overseas handlers.

Eleven people were arrested from different places in the state yesterday for being part of an alleged espionage racket being run from Pakistan to collect strategic information on important Indian establishments.

"Around 3,000 SIM cards, nearly 50 mobile phone instruments and many SIM boxes (an imported gadget or exchange system that holds multiple SIM cards) have been seized," an Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) official said.

"The overseas handlers used to connect to Madhya Pradesh from different international cities as calls from Pakistan are under strict surveillance in India," he said.

The overseas handlers primarily used voice over internet protocol (VOIP) to communicate with the accused to get information, the official said.

"The modus operandi was the handlers through internet calls would connect with the accused from some city abroad (except Pakistan) through the imported SIM boxes that were used and kept by the receivers in Madhya Pradesh. These boxes converted the internet call into GSM calls," he said.

Calls forwarded from the SIM boxes automatically erased the caller's identity from the display and showed the international calls as local, the official said.

In this parallel communication of the accused, some staffers of telecom companies too were involved, he said.

A BSNL official told PTI, till now the investigation has not suggested that any staffer of our company helped in espionage racket.

Meanwhile, all the accused have been sent to police



remand by a local court.

Balram from Satna district, Trilok Bhadoria, Ritesh Khullar, Jitendra Yadav, Jitendra Singh Thakur and Lashkar K Pandit from Gwalior, Manish Gandhi, Dhurv Saxena and Mohit Agrawal from Bhopal and Mohan Gupta and Sandeep Gupta from Jabalpur have been sent to police remand.

The court yesterday sent Balram to police custody for further quizzing till February 14 while five other accused from Gwalior were sent to police remand till February 12.

Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Satish Chandra Malviya today sent the three accused from Bhopal and two accused from Jabalpur to police remand till February 14 after the prosecutors informed the court that the police need time to interrogate them for anti-national activities.

The state police had zeroed in on the accused after the arrest of Satvinder Singh and Dadu along the R S Pura sector on the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir for sharing secret information of strategic establishments to their overseas handlers in November last year, MP ATS chief Sanjeev Shami had told reporters yesterday.

The two had reportedly revealed that they were gathering secret information regarding the locations of the Army and other security forces, and sharing the same with Pakistan on a social networking app.

Money was frequently deposited through 'hawala' transactions in the accounts of Balram with fictitious names by overseas handlers, Shami had said.

They were also involved in lottery frauds, he had added.

Shami couldn't be contacted after repeated calls today as he remained huddled in meeting and overseeing the quizzing of the accused.
Actor Sharad Kelkar has condemned the attack on filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, but he feels the concerns of Rajput community are justified though they should approach the right authority to sort out things.

"I have lot of friends who are Rajput and their point of view is correct, their concern and feelings for a person are right and it (feelings) shouldn't be hurt, but there is a way to sort out things," Sharad, who worked in Bhansali's "Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram Leela", told PTI.

"We respect the feelings of people who fear that something wrong could have been portrayed. In films people do tweak things to make it more commercial," he said.

Last month, Bhansali was roughed up by a group of Rajput community members, who also stopped the shooting of his film "Padmavati" in Jaipur. The protesters damaged the set at Jaigarh Fort, alleging that the director was "distorting facts" in the film, which is about Alauddin Khilji's obsession with Rani Padmavati.

"We condemn the attack. You are damaging property, beating people, it's not right. To beat someone is against the law and is unacceptable," Kelkar said.

The actor feels the matter should be sorted out by talking to concerned people.

"I think if someone has a problem with a film then it can be sorted out by discussing it in court or doing silent agitation or else going to concerned authorities



"It's your state and if you don't want to allow anyone to shoot, then talk to the government if there's the anything against the culture. To beat up someone is not good," he said.

Kelkar will be seen as a blind person in his next television show "Koi Laut Ke Aaya Hai", which will be aired on Star Plus from February 25.

He will also be seen in a negative role in Sanjay Dutt's upcoming film "Bhoomi".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Barcelona have the chance to go top of La Liga for the first time since October in a Copa del Rey final dress rehearsal when they visit Alaves tomorrow.

Alaves edged out Celta Vigo on Wednesday to reach the final for the first time, whilst nine-man Barca had to survive a second leg onslaught from Atletico Madrid in midweek to make a fourth straight final.

However, Barca's quest for a second treble in three seasons faces more severe tests this week as a visit to Mendizorroza is followed by a Valentine's Day trip to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday in the Champions League.

The champions trail Real Madrid by a point, who also have two games in hand, but, with Madrid not in action until later on Saturday at Osasuna, victory will take Barca top for a few hours at least for the first time since October 22.

Barca boss Luis Enrique has almost a fully-fit squad to choose from as Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta made their return from injury as second-half substitutes in midweek, whilst Neymar returns from suspension.

"We are delighted that Busquets and Iniesta have recovered," said Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

"They are very important players and (having been out) they can give even more of what they bring to the team now."



However, Enrique has followed a strict rotation policy throughout a demanding fixture schedule in January and February so the likes of Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto could be rested.

- Real return -



===============



Madrid are in action for the first time in two weeks when they face rock bottom Osasuna, who are still without a home win all season.

The European champions' clash at Celta Vigo last weekend was called off by wind damage caused to Celta's Balaidos stadium.

Zinedine Zidane's men now face having to play half their league season in just over three months.

However, the break has allowed Zidane to recover a series of important players from injury with the visit of Napoli in the Champions League also to come on Wednesday.

Full-backs Marcelo and Dani Carvajal have returned to training along with Luka Modric, James Rodriguez and Pepe leaving Gareth Bale as Madrid's only injury absentee.

Toni Kroos will be missing, though, through suspension.

Despite languishing eight points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table, Osasuna have shown signs of improvement since Petar Vasiljevic took charge in January.

Osasuna have taken the lead in each of their last three games and captain Oier Sanjurjo believes they are on the verge of turning their season around.

"We are strong. We have begun to show that we are competing," he said.

"What we want is for all that to come together for once and be rewarded in a win."



Third-placed Sevilla need to spoil Jese Rodriguez's home debut for Las Palmas on Sunday after joining his home town club on loan from PSG if they are to remain on Barca and Madrid's coattails in the title race.

Atletico hold the upper hand in the battle for the fourth Champions League spot, but six sides are separated by just seven points.

Two of them go head-to-head today as Espanyol host Real Sociedad, who can leapfrog Atletico with a win.

Atletico aren't in action till Sunday when they host Celta Vigo at the Vicente Calderon.
IIM Ahmedabad-backed Fund has received market regulator Sebi's approval to operate as a venture capital fund.

The Bharat Fund is a public-private-academia partnership set up by IIM Ahmedabad's Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) that helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses.

The objective of the fund is to support and provide funding (grants, seed capital, venture capital) and business support to innovation-driven start-ups that solve real problems faced by the masses through technology-enabled and rapidly scalable solutions.

It would focus on healthcare and life-sciences (including biotech, medical devices), sustainability (energy, agriculture, environment, water) and digital technologies (especially in manufacturing, design).

As per the latest update about registered Alternative Investment Funds with Sebi, Fund has secured the regulator's go-ahead to run business as category-I venture capital fund.

Under the norms, category-I funds get incentives from the government and regulators.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) had committed to invest Rs 50 crore in the fund over the next three years to help startup India initiative.

Earlier in September 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his US visit had announced the launch of the fund at the 'Startup Konnect' event in California.
The co-operation between India and Iran on the strategic Chabahar port in southern Iran will be beneficial to Afghanistan in terms of economic development, a top US general has said as he praised New Delhi's initiatives in the war-torn country.

"The governments of India, Iran and Afghanistan signed an agreement over the Chabahar Port in southern Iran. Actually, this initiative would be very beneficial to Afghanistan, in terms of economic development," General John Nicholson, Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan.

"There's also, ongoing conversations about water treaties between Afghanistan and Iran. Iran needs Afghanistan's water," he said in his testimony before the powerful Senate committee.

"There are mutual interests that Iran and Afghanistan share -- water rights, commerce. We welcome the recent economic treaty between Iran, Afghanistan and India on the Chabahar port. We think this offers Afghanistan economic alternative to going through pack," Nicholson said.

India has increased its aid to Afghanistan, he said.

"India has dedicated another USD 1 billion on top of the USD 2 billion that they have already given to Afghan development needs and we appreciate their support," he said.

At the Brussels Conference in October last year, 75 countries and organisations confirmed their intention to provide USD 15.2 billion to Afghanistan's development needs and this plays a very positive role, going into the future, he said.

"These expressions of international commitment reflect the importance which the world places on stability in Afghanistan," Nicholson said.

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 2016 after detailed discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

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A new tomb without a tombstone chills the festive air of a family in Yanxi Village, Zhenxiong Town, Yunnan Province. The family lost a son to suicide on the Eve of Spring Festival, which fell on Jan. 27 this year.

Xiao Bao's father collects his son's effects. [Photo:China Youth Daily]

The boy was named Xiao Bao (pseudonym), a left-behind child growing up with his paternal grandparents in the village while his parents worked odd jobs in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province.

In his last words, Bao claimed, "I was still young and I didn't want to die, but I can't handle the complaints. Dad, you must be happy when I die. It is you rather than anyone else to be blamed for my death."

In a dilapidated house, Bao's grandmother couldn't help shedding tears when talking about the tragedy of her eldest grandson, who was raised up by her and her husband since he was one year old.

Despite his rare opportunities to be reunited with his parents, Bao never ignored his responsibilities at the family farm.

His grandparents never imagined that their eldest grandson would have swallowed pesticide to end his life.

The two recalled that after dinner on that particular day, Bao shut himself alone in his room, where the ceiling is spotted with cobwebs. Later in the night, his grandma heard him vomiting. When she opened the door she was shocked by a strong smell of pesticides  the boy had drunk down half a bottle of dichlorvos.

The grandparents, who tried to send the agonized boy to hospital, were only informed by the doctor through a phone call that it was too late.

Some villagers later recalled that they had spotted Bao buying pesticides and even two chicken legs.
A triumphant China today welcomed US President Donald Trump's climbdown on the 'One China' policy during his telephonic call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping but parried questions on whether his change of stand was part of any concessions made by Beijing.

"One China principle is the political foundation of China-US relationship and to uphold it and abide by it based on previous communiques between the two countries is the obligation of the US government. It is also the long standing position held by China," Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Lu Kang, told media soon after Trump and Xi's conversation.

"In the telephone call President Trump said they are committed to 'One China' principle we appreciated that," Lu said answering a spate of questions on the policy that states that Taiwan is a part of China.

The White House statement after Trump-Xi first phone talks said, "President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'One China' policy".

Trump, after his election, had stated that the 'One China' policy on Taiwan is up for negotiation and that he is not fully committed to it.

While Trump's U-turn on 'One China' policy, his first major diplomatic climbdown after he took over on January 20 is being projected by China as a major victory for Xi who has emerged as China's most powerful leader in recent times, speculation is also rife whether Trump extracted any concessions from Beijing.

China had hit back saying 'One-China' policy which stipulates that Taiwan is part of Chinese mainland is "non-negotiable".

However, a Chinese official statement struck a different note saying "besides, Trump said he fully understands the high significance of the US government's pursuit of the 'One China' policy, adding that the US government adheres to the 'One China' policy".

"Xi said he appreciated Trump's stressing that the US government adheres to the One China policy, adding that the policy is the political basis of China-US relations," state-run Xinhua agency quoted the statement as saying.

Parrying questions on any understanding, Lu said the first telephone conversation between the two leaders was made after high level consultations between the two countries.

Observers say that the first phone call from Trump which came after he spoke to 18 world leaders may have been delayed due to both countries negotiating on how to handle the 'One China' policy hurdle because China said it is non-negotiable and Xi's political image would have suffered if he had spoken to Trump after US leader's strong statements on Taiwan.

Trump is also the first US political leader who spoke to Taiwanese President Tsai-Ing-wen after his election which riled China.

Asked whether China has made any concession for Trump to climb down from his earlier said he would renegotiate one china principle, Lu said "from the phone call between the two President you can see that President Trump has already expressed the American government's commitment for the 'One China' policy. We appreciated that," he said.

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China has released the theme and the



Cooperation priorities of the 2017 BRICS Summit which is scheduled to begin in September, the official media reported today.

The summit will be held under the theme "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future," state-run Xinhua agency reported.

It will also feature five key priorities such as deepening cooperation, strengthening global governance, carrying out people-to-people exchanges, making institutional improvements and building broader partnerships.

The BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The inaugural summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. South Africa did not take part in it as the nation was admitted to the group in 2010. So far a total of eight summits have taken place.

The last year's summit was hosted by India at Goa.

The summit will take place in Xiamen which is located in east China's Fujian Province.

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Wang Qi, a Chinese prisoner of war who settled in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district after his release from jail and raised a family here after marrying an Indian, is all set to fly to his native country after five decades.

Wang, now 77, was caught for entering the Indian territory shortly after the Sino-India War of 1962. He was later released from jail.

"Wang with his wife Sushila, and their son Vishnu and two other family members will be flying to China," Balaghat Collector Bharat Yadav told PTI.

He said Wang and his four family members got visa today and they might fly to China tomorrow. This has happened due to the help they received from the Ministry of Home and External Affairs.

Official sources in Beijing said Wang and his family members are expected to arrive here tomorrow.

After their arrival, they would travel to his native place in Shaanxi Province to meet Wang's relatives, they said.

The development has come within a week after a delegation from the Chinese Embassy met Wang who had been wanting to visit his country.

"Three officials from Chinese Embassy in India met my father and talked to him for more than one hour. They assured him all possible help to visit China," his son Vishnu (35) had told PTI over phone from Balaghat on February 4.

Wang, who lives with his wife and three children in Tirodi area of Balaghat district, has not been able to visit China for the last five decades for want to permission from Indian government, according to the family.

"My father joined the Chinese Army in 1960 and he entered



India through the eastern frontier after losing his way in the darkness one night," son Vishnu said.

He landed in Assam where an Indian Red Cross team handed him over to the Indian Army on January 1, 1963.

"My father spent six years in prisons in Assam, Ajmer, Delhi before the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered his release in March 1969," Vishnu said.

"The Indian government had promised to the court that it will rehabilitate my father. He was taken to Delhi, Bhopal, Jabalpur and then finally handed over to Balaghat police," said his son.

Wang started working as a watchman with a mill and soon his colleagues named him Raj Bahadur, apparently due to his Nepali features, Vishnu said.

But little did he know that the enemy nation against whom he had waged a war would become his home, where he would raise a family. Wang married Sushila in 1975 but his desire to live a comfortable life was short-lived.

"Soon after my father married my mother, the Indian government stopped his monthly pension of Rs 100," Vishnu, who works with a small business unit as an accountant said.

"My father faced a lot of hardships, wanting to go to China. He tried very hard and even entered into correspondence with the then Prime Ministers but in vain," he said.

According to Vishnu, Wang also moved a plea in Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2009 for going to China but couldn't succeed.

"His life has been difficult as he couldn't get Indian citizenship because of his Chinese origin. Hence, he couldn't buy land or avail other facilities," he said.

Home sick Wang's mother died in 2006 but he could not be with his dear ones in the time of grief, Vishnu added.

Three years later he met his nephew Yun Chun, who had come to India as a tourist in New Delhi and narrated his ordeal to him.

After returning home, Chun got in touch with Chinese politicians and authorities to bring his uncle home. Finally, he met then Chinese Foreign Minister who helped Wang to get a Chinese passport in March 2013.
In an indication of a further delay in the swearing-in ceremony of the new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister after VK Sasikala was elected AIADMK Legislature Party Leader, the venue scheduled to host the event currently wears a deserted look with even the police security being withdrawn.

Soon after Sasikala was chosen by the party MLAs to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on February 5, the University of Madras auditorium was being spruced up on a war-footing for her expected swearing-in.

Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had resigned after Sasikala's election, paving the way for her to take over the top post. However, he later rebelled against Sasikala, leading to a political uncertainty.

Probably, in view of the uncertainty, the heavy police 'bandobast', which was visible for the last few days, was no more there and the premises wore a deserted look.

Even the workers who were decking up the entry points were conspicuous by their absence.

Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao is yet to get back to either Sasikala or Panneerselvam, both of whom had met him separately yesterday, on the future course of action, even as the cloud of political uncertainty hung over the state.

Most of the AIADMK MLAs are huddled at a resort near Mahabalipuram, about 60 kms from here, amidst expectations that they could be summoned in case of a need for Sasikala to prove her strength by parading them before the Governor.

Sasikala had yesterday placed the list of MLAs supporting her at the Jayalalithaa memorial here, before submitting the same to the the Governor during the nearly 40-minute meeting between the two.

Earlier in the day, the Madras High Court had sought the Tamil Nadu government's response to allegations that AIADMK MLAs were being illegally detained in a resort near here and 20 of them were on a hunger strike.

Later, a few of the AIADMK legislators, owing allegiance to Sasikala, claimed outside the resort that they were staying there on their own and there was no restriction on their movement.

Meanwhile, DMK working president MK Stalin urged the Governor to expedite the steps to ensure that governance was in place.

Meanwhile, AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi expressed confidence that Sasikala would become the chief minister soon.

"We have submitted our MLAs' support letter (for Sasikala) to the Governor," she told reporters.

Saraswathi also alleged that she was receiving threat calls asking her to support Panneerselvam.

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The Code of Conduct in Goa, which came into force in view of the State Assembly elections, is likely to continue till the counting day as the state government has not yet sought a relaxation, a senior official said today.

"The state government is yet to write to the Election Commission of India (ECI) asking for relaxing the code of conduct. Only after a request it would be relaxed or else it might continue till March 11," a senior official from Chief Electoral Office in Panaji told PTI today.

The Code of Conduct was imposed in Goa on January 4 following the announcement of the elections for 40 assembly constituencies of legislative assembly.

The elections were held on February 4, while the results would be out on March 11.

When contacted, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said there is no question of relaxing code of conduct as it should happen automatically after the elections are over.

"They might have delayed in relaxing the code as there was re-polling on one booth in Margao constituency on February 7. We expect the code to be relaxed within a couple of days," he said.

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Pakistan is committed to countering "all militant groups" operating within its territory, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has assured US Defence Secretary James Mattis during their first telephonic conversation.

Gen (retd) Mattis reaffirmed the importance of bilateral military relationship during his conversation with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, the Pentagon said.

"Gen Bajwa reiterated Pakistan's commitment to counter all militant groups operating in its territory," Pentagon Spokesman Capt Jeff Davis said.

"Mattis recognised the significant sacrifices the Pakistan military has made in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and expressed appreciation for the Pakistan military's recent support for efforts to defeat ISIS-Khorasan Province," he said.

"Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral military-to-military relationship, and highlighted the importance of continuing to work together on counter-terrorism and regional stability," Davis said.

Pakistan Army spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor said in a statement that General Bajwa and Secretary Mattis "had a twenty minutes telephone conversation".

He said they reaffirmed the commitment towards the common goal of peace and stability in the region and discussed measures towards that end. Bajwa and Mattis also agreed on continued engagement at multiple levels.

"Secretary Mattis commended the sacrifices and resilience of the people and armed forces of Pakistan and appreciated the role Pakistan Army has played in battling the scourge of terrorism," Ghafoor said.

The army chief also congratulated the Secretary on his assumption of new responsibility and expressed the hope that his vast experience in the field will be of great value to the region, Ghafoor said.

Pakistan has been trying to establish a rapport with the new administration but so far without much success.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's close foreign policy aide Tariq Fatemi had visited Washington in December but could not meet any top official of then president-designate.

The only high-level contact so far between the two sides was a brief telephonic talk between Trump and Sharif, who had called the former to congratulate him after his electoral triumph.

The call became controversial after its transcript was issued by Pakistan.

It is believed that Mattis knows Pakistan well as he served as head of the US Central Command and has been to the country many times.

In his confirmation hearing before the Senate, Mattis had emphasised on remaining engaged with Pakistan.

General John Nicholson, who leads the US and international forces in Afghanistan, has called for a "holistic review" of the relationship with Islamabad.

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Congress today accused the government of being "insensitive" towards implementing GST and said the blame for delaying the key tax reform measure for three years should be on the Modi dispensation.

There is confusion on the launch of GST on July 1, Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said.

"VAT income of all states has declined sharply. This is mainly because of demonetisation and other factors. GST revenues will be decelerating in all states. The states will be badly hit. This has not been envisaged by Finance Minister. No provision has been made in the present Budget for meeting such challenges.

"That means they are most insensitive for implementing a very important enactment like GST, which was brought by us. If at all any blame should go, it is to the present government, which has delayed implementation of GST for more than three years," the former Union Minister said.

He said the GST network had rejected CAG's request to name Auditor and do extra audit. "This has had sad reflection with regard to preparedness to launch the GST," he said.

Moily said the Budget allocation for defence reflects the "sad affair" of allocations to the sector.

He said the allocation has been reduced by 5 per cent and this will "decelerate military modernization and preparedness".

Pointing out to the story of BSF soldier Tej Bahadur, who had put out a video of the food quality given to soldiers on social media, he said it reflects the morale of defence forces which is depleting day-by-day with such incidents.

"It is most unfortunate story, which reflects how the Army has been managed, how they are not being properly supplied with the rations, uniforms," he said.

He alleged that Rs 7,000 crore of capital budget in 2016-17 has been surrendered, "which underlies the structural incapability of this Government to spend even the inadequate allocation. I do not know whether the Defence Minister is doing his job or not except thumping his own chest".

"They do not do anything to strengthen the capabilities of their establishments. India faces conventional war challenges from Pakistan's F-16s and rapidly modernizing Chinese Air Force.

"The capital outlay has decreased in the fiscal year 2017-18 to Rs 10.5 billion that means 5 per cent decrease from the previous year. This will decelerate military modernization and preparedness," he said.

Moily alleged that the NDA government was indulging in



"only rhetoric and nothing else", saying it had no experience in handling things and the economy was in "bad shape", there are no jobs, agriculture growth is not there and bank NPAs are rising and loan growth is at a three-decade low.

"This government has no institutional memory, they do not have institutional experience and they do not have institutional network.

"So it is most unfortunate today that we are in this country where everywhere they are failing. There is only rhetoric, nothing else but rhetoric... No performance altogether," he said.

The former Law Minister said there is a "jobless" economy in India as CMIE estimated that Gross Fixed Capital Formation will contract by 2 per cent in 2016-17 and GDP will fall by at least 1 per cent, which is around Rs 1.5 lakh crore due to many "anti-development" policies of the present government.

He said the agriculture budget is "disappointing" and government has "created an artificial drought" and is doing nothing to help farmers.

"There is nothing to reform food and fertiliser subsidy in the budget. Doubling income of farmers is just a chimera. it is mere rhetoric," he said.

"With regards to providing employment under MGNREGS, it has been the lowest in the last five years. NPAs have increased and loan growth is at a three decadal low," he said.

Noting that the banking system is under stress, the Congress leader said, "It is your legacy to allow the banks to close. It is our legacy to nationalise the banks. They want to restart -- start with the open slate. I think they are going to create biggest crime against the banking system in this country."



Talking about fiscal consolidation that the government claims to have achieved, Moily said, "The calculation up to March, it (fiscal deficit) will definitely reach up to 4 per cent. That means that the so-called credible fiscal consolidation will just collapse.
Shiv Sena and Dogra front today held demonstrations against the illegal settlement of Rohingyas in the city.

The workers of Dogra Front and Shiv Sena, led by its president Ashok Gupta, took out the protest march in old Jammu against illegal settlement of Bangladeshi Rohingyas in the outskirts of the city.

"Jammu and Kashmir is a sensitive state and is reeling under so many threats ranging from terrorism, communal tensions, cold war and now infiltration of Rohingyas.

"Most of these Bangladeshis are beggars and street hawkers who are acquainted with the nook and corners of Jammu, which in terms of security is a very big threat," Gupta said.

He further alleged that Rohingyas have encroached the state land and made their 'jhuggis' (huts) upon them.

Several thousands of Rohingya immigrants, who were forced to leave their native land, entered India through porous Indo-Bangladesh border. Reportedly, many Burmese families had unlawfully settled in the outskirts of Jammu city during last three years or so.

Smelling a deep rooted conspiracy behind the settlement these immigrants in Jammu region, Gupta said, "It had been reported that these people had clandestinely managed Permanent Resident Certificates, identity cards, ration cards and water and electricity connections for their daily needs with the help of some politicians and officials in the administration."



He added that while the Rohingyas from Myanmar and Bangladesh could manage to settle in Jammu besides Tibetan refugees enjoying voting rights in Kashmir, "ironically the West Pakistan refugees, who crossed over to Jammu to survive the massacre of partition, were still struggling for their rights since 1947.

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A 23-year old woman was allegedly hacked to death by her drunkard husband at a village in the district, police said today.

Ramani, a farm labourer, attacked 23-year old Rajeshwari with a sickle in their house in Thiruvalampozhil village, causing her death on the spot last night, they said.

According to police, the couple were married for four years and had a three-year old child.

Ramani used to consume liquor daily and beat his wife. When he came home drunk and started assaulting her, Rajeswari shouted for help from neighbours. Enraged over this, he murdered her.

A case had been registered and he was arrested.

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Phallic furniture, graphic ancient Roman sculptures and hardcore photographs are among the new exhibits on show at London's Sotheby's auction house ahead of a sale of sexually-charged art through the ages.

"Erotica: Passion & Desire", which opens tomorrow ahead of the sale next week, brings together over 150 titillating items to explore the varied attitudes to nudity and sex across eras and continents.

"A lot of it is depictions of the human form, some of it more graphic than others. What we see is a subject that has repeated itself throughout history," Sotheby's head of sale Constantine Frangos told AFP.

The sale is expected to raise up 5 million euros (5.9 million euros, USD 6.2 million), with a 19th-century mahogany bed decorated with a carved female nude expected to be the standout item.

"Le Lit de La Paiva" was commissioned by the richest 'demimondaine' -- or hedonist -- of Second Empire Paris, and unearthed at the famous 19th-century brothel "La Fleur Blanche", where artist Toulouse-Lautrec set up easel.

Other prestigious lots include one of only four known examples of Roman marbles depicting human couples engaged in the act, photographs by Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe and Man Ray and centuries-old Japanese and Indian erotic drawings.

"In certain cultures and different countries you had certain things that were taboo and other countries that were more liberal," explained Frangos.

"What we've seen is a huge appreciation of the human form and erotica."



Among the pieces of furniture on display is an ornate coffee table that would likely raise an eyebrow in polite society, decorated with intimate body parts, its "legs" formed from male members.

The piece was inspired by a similar piece found in the collection of Russian empress Catherine the Great.

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A 64-year-old man suspected of attempting to set a fire died on Jan. 19, 2017, while in custody at a detention center in Xinning Police Bureau, Hunan Province, the local police confirmed on Feb. 8.

Xu Yunbo receives medical treatment. [Photo: cqcb.com]

According to the police, the suspect Xu Yunbo, died from a combination of respiratory and adrenal failures, electrolyte disturbance, alcoholic liver cirrhosis and ascetic fluid.

But Xu Hongmei, Xu's daughter, was skeptical of the official declaration.

"My father could not live a life by himself. He was unable to control himself and spoke ambiguously. But the police insisted that he confessed to attempting to set a fire, ,"Xu said.

Insisting on his father's innocence, Xu obtained a forensic examination about 20 days after his detention, from which her father was confirmed to have a mental illness. This illness can mislead him indistinguishing between right and wrong.

He was still held in custody after this judicial evaluation.

According to his daughter, Xu was admitted to hospital on Nov. 16, 2016, with 14 broken ribs, almost three months after his detainment. But he was sent back to the detention center only one month after being hospitalized which infuriated Xu' family, who believed that he had not yet fully recovered.

Xu did not return to hospital until Jan. 18, after he experienced fatal symptoms caused by the complications of his health condition.

The post-mortem exam is underway and the result is expected to be announced in due course.

According to the local police bureau, the posthumous issues of Xu should proceed in line with the regulations on the death of people in police custody, a legal framework mandated by the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
A former National Guard who admitted traveling to Africa and boarding a truck to join the Islamic State group before ultimately bailing out was sentenced today to 11 years in prison.

Jalloh, 27, of Sterling, Virginia, pleaded guilty in October to attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence. The defense had asked for a term of less than seven years, saying the man has renounced the Islamic State.

Jalloh is one of more than 100 people in the US to be charged with terror offenses connected to the Islamic State since 2014, according to George Washington University's Extremism Tracker, and one of seven from the northern Virginia area alone to be charged in the past two years.

In Jalloh's case, the charges originated from an FBI sting operation. After his arrest, though, Jalloh admitted that he had made his own contact with the group before he had ever been introduced to the FBI informant - contact the government had been unaware of at the time.

Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. Citizen from Sierra Leone, had traveled back to Africa with his father in 2015. While there, he met an Islamic State recruiter. In August 2015, Jalloh traveled from Sierra to Leone to stay with the group's facilitator. He intended to travel to Libya to join the Islamic State, but the plans fell through.

Later that year, Jalloh traveled to Niger, again with the intent of joining the group. This time, he went so far as to get on a truck with other recruits to trek across the Sahara to Libya. But, in court papers, Jalloh described how he got cold feet and sneaked off the truck after 18 hours.

"Guys in the truck would whip people with a hose to pack you in," Jalloh said, describing his experience as a recruit. "This was the worst, most scary situation that I had ever been in as an adult."



Before returning to the US, Jalloh made contact online with an IS operative named Abu Saad Sudani, who put Jalloh in contact with a person he hoped would help Jalloh carry out an attack in the US But that person turned out to be a government informant.

In conversations with the informant, Jalloh discussed carrying out a Fort Hood-style attack. He also sent hundreds of dollars to an undercover FBI employee he believed was an IS member.

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A 27-year-old woman has become the first British woman to join an all-female military unit to fight the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group in Syria.

Kimberley Taylor left the UK to join the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), the all-female affiliate army of the People's Protection Units (YPG) of Syrian Kurdistan, in March 2016.

She travelled to the frontline in Syria in October last year and has been involved in the push to re-take Raqqa, the de facto capital of the dreaded terror group.

"I'm willing to give my life for this," she told the 'Guardian' in a phone interview from the frontline base.

"It's for the whole world, for humanity and all oppressed people, everywhere. It's not just [ISIS] killing and raping. It's its systematic mental and physical torture on a scale we can't imagine," she said.

Taylor hails from Blackburn in the north west of England and studied Maths at the University of Liverpool.

She told the newspaper in the interview published yesterday about her extensive travels across Africa, South America and Europe and how she became involved in political activism working as a writer for left-wing magazines and websites.

Her journey to Syria began during a trip 18 months ago to report for a friend's humanitarian website.

"The lack of food, medicine, shelter, would have been hard enough for any human to endure. In that moment, I made a promise to myself that I would commit my life to helping these people," she recalled.

Taylor is one of an estimated 50-80 British citizens who have travelled to Syria or Iraq to fight against ISIS since 2014.

They join either the People's Protection Units (YPG) of northern Syria, or the Kurdish Peshmerga of Iraqi Kurdistan.

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A prolific foreign hacker behind sophisticated cyberattacks that netted an estimated $55 million was sentenced today to eight years in prison in rare win for law enforcement officials who have identified, but failed to arrest, hundreds of like him.

Prosecutors in federal court in Brooklyn had sought up to 14 years behind bars for Ercan Findikoglu, a Russian-speaking Turkish national so skilled with computers that he tracked the sprawling heist in real-time to make sure a small army of thieves wouldn't cheat him out of his share of the proceeds.

US District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto opted for the lesser sentence after noting that Findikoglu could serve another 19 years in Turkey for an unrelated cyber theft.

"I could have used my skills for something good," Findikoglu said before hearing his sentence. "Instead, I wasted them. ... I only have myself to blame."



He also wiped away tears while describing his anguish over being separated from his Russian wife and 5-year-old in Turkey, where they've have been denied U.S visas needed to visit him.

"It is tragic that he has not and will not see his son," the judge said.

Before his capture by the US Secret Service, Findikoglu had gone to great lengths to obscure his cyber fingerprints and stay out of the reach of American law, according to court papers.

It wasn't until Findikoglu made an ill-advised trip to Germany in December 2013 that he was arrested at the request of US authorities. After losing a court challenge, he was eventually extradited.
India has contributed 85 million Nepali rupees for the construction of two school buildings and one community hospital in Nepal's eastern Dolakha district.

"Ambassador of India Ranjit Rae handed over two schools and one community hospital to the people of Dolakha district," according to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy here.

The three development projects constructed with total Indian financial assistance of 85 million Nepali rupees included Satyashwor Higher Secondary School, Pawoti villae, Kalinag Higher Secondary School, Sunkhani village and ten beded Community Hospital building at Singati Bazar.

The newly constructed school building of Satyashwor Higher Secondary School is a three storey building comprising 12 classrooms, 3 library rooms and 2 rooms laboratory rooms.

Kalinag Higher secondary school provides education along with 4 years bachelor programme to approx 520 students out of which 70 per cent are girls.

The newly constructed community hospital has 10-beds and staff quarters at Singati bazaar. The hospital building is located in the centre of many villages and it would make quality healthcare accessible to the people in the region.

Rae stressed on the importance of the health and education facilities in the development of people and appreciated the steps initiated by the community to improve the education and health infrastructure in their region.

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Myanmar should take significant steps to achieve peace in Rakhine state, Indonesia's foreign minister said today, warning that the bloody crackdown on the country's Muslim Rohingya minority could lead to instability across South East Asia.

Hundreds of Rohingya are thought to have been killed during a brutal campaign by Myanmar security forces in Rakhine to find militants accused of carrying out deadly raids on police border posts.

Almost 70,000 have fled to Bangladesh since "clearance operations" began four months ago, bringing horrific stories of mass rape, murder, torture and arson.

Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, joined a chorus of concern Friday calling for an end to the crisis.

"I would like to once again reiterate the importance for the government of Myanmar to take significant steps to create an enabling environment for peace and reconciliation to take place," said foreign minister Retno Marsudi on a visit to Singapore.

"Indonesia shares the concern of the international community on the humanitarian and security situation in Rakhine state."



The plight of the Rohingya, a stateless group denied citizenship in Buddhist-majority Myanmar and reviled as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, has become a lightning rod for anger across the Muslim world.

Myanmar also drew criticism from Malaysia on the issue last month, in a rare spat between Southeast Asian neighbours.

Prime Minister Najib Razak said Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya was a "stain" on the 10-member Southeast Asian regional bloc ASEAN, and warned that Islamist extremists may exploit the crisis.

Marsudi made clear that Indonesia wanted to provide constructive assistance.

"Our inability to address the situation in Rakhine state will no doubt have (a) negative impact on the region's stability. It is within this context that Indonesia has taken an active role in assisting Myanmar to address the situation."



Last month, a Myanmar delegation was in Indonesia to learn how Jakarta reached a peace deal between warring Muslims and Christians in the eastern province of Maluku, Marsudi added.

One member of that delegation was Ko Ni, a 63-year-old Muslim lawyer who was assassinated outside Yangon's airport on January 29 on his return.

Ko Ni was a prominent Muslim figure who spoke out against the increasingly vocal anti-Islamic sentiments of Buddhist hardliners and criticised the military's lingering grip on power.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iranians today marked the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution with nationwide celebrations and mass rallies that saw people step on large US flags laid out on the streets while President Hassan Rouhani called the new American administration "a problem."



This year, the anniversary came against the backdrop of remarks by President Donald Trump, who has already engaged in a war of words with Iran's leadership and put Tehran "on notice" over its recent ballistic missile test.

At the Tehran rallies, demonstrators chanted traditional slogans against the United States and Israel, and later, hundreds of thousands marched toward the city's central Azadi Square, where Rouhani addressed the crowds, telling them that Iran will strongly answer any threat from its enemies.

"All of them should know that they must talk to the Iranian nation with respect and dignity," Rouhani declared. "Our nation will strongly answer to any threat. (Iranians) will resist before enemies until the end."



Rouhani called Iran the home of "lions" but said the country does not seek hostility. "We are not after tensions in the region and the world. We are united in the face of bullying and any threat."



Many of the marchers carried the Iranian flag, others had banners and posters with revolutionary slogans. Printed US flags and pictures of current and former US presidents lay scattered on the streets so they could be trampled by the marchers.

Iran and the US have not had diplomatic relations since 1979, when Iranian students stormed the American Embassy and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Today's rallies commemorated February 11 of that year, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the US-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi.

The United States helped orchestrate the 1953 coup that overthrew Iran's popular prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, which brought Pahlavi to power and set the stage for decades of mistrust between the countries.

Some of the posters distributed in English on Friday read: "Thanks to American people for supporting Muslims.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indian Space Research Organisation's workhorse PSLV will carry a record 104 satellites in a single mission on Wednesday from the space centre at Sriharikota Andhra Pradesh.

"PSLV-C37/Cartosat-2 Series Satellite Mission is scheduled to be launched on February 15, 2017 at 9.28 hours IST from SDSC SHAR Sriharikota," said.

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its 39th flight (PSLV-C37), will launch the 714 kg Cartosat-2 series satellite for earth observation along with 103 co-passenger satellites, together weighing about 664 kg at lift off.

It will be launched into a 505 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).

said the co-passenger satellites comprise 101 nano-satellites, one each from Israel, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and 96 from the United States of America, as well as two from India.

The two Indian nano-satellites are ISRO's INS-1A and INS-1B.

INS-1A and INS-1B will carry a total of four different payloads from Space Applications Centre (SAC) and Laboratory for Electro Optics Systems (LEOS) of for conducting various experiments, the space agency said.

Last year, ISRO had launched a record 20 satellites at one go.

The highest number of satellites launched in a single mission is 37, a record that Russia set in 2014. The US space agency, NASA has launched 29.

The 101 international customer nano-satellites are being launched as part of the commercial arrangements between Antrix Corporation Limited (Antrix), the commercial arm of ISRO and the international customers.

Speaking on the record launch, ISRO Chairman Kiran Kumar had earlier said the aim was to maximise the capability with each launch and it was not to set a record.

"We are not looking at it as a record or anything like that; we are just trying to maximise our capability with each launch, in trying to utilise that launch for the ability it has got and getting the maximum return," he had said.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is scheduled to visit four villages in Vadodara district on Sunday, which he has adopted under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY), a district official said.

"Jaitley will arrive in Vadodara tomorrow night and leave for Karnali village, where he will stay overnight," Vadodara District Collector Lochan Sehra told PTI.

Jaitley has adopted four villages of Karnali group panchayat namely, Karnali, Pipaliya, Vadiya and Baglipura, in Vadodara district as part of SAGY.

"Rs 20 crore will be spent on various development works in these villages, which includes water supply schemes, construction of roads, construction of a bridge between Chandod village and Karnali," Sehra said.

"Jaitley has also adopted Chandod village to transform it into a tourist spot. After a programme in Karnali, Jaitley will travel in a boat and go to a temple located at Chandod on the bank of river Narmada and perform puja there. Then he will return to Karnali for several other programmes," the Collector added.

According to some estimates, more than half of the top



100 stressed borrowers require debt reductions of 75 per cent or more, which only the government can force creditors to accept.

The PAMC plan, as suggested by Acharya, could be for sectors such as metals, construction, telecom, and textiles, where the assets will have economic value in the short run.

As per the plan, the banking sector may be asked to restructure about 50 large stressed exposures in these sectors by December 31, 2017.

The NAMC plan could be viable for sectors where the problem is not just of excess capacity but of economically unviable assets in the near term.
Jamia Millia Islamia will offer a certificate course in Korean language course from the next academic year.

South Korean Ambassador Cho Hyun made the announcement while delivering a lecture on "Synergy between India and South Korea: Opportunities for Indian students" at the university today.

"A certificate course under the CBCS (Choice-Based Credit System) programme will be offered that will help students in getting jobs in South Korean companies operating in India," Jamia said in an official statement.

The Ambassador said that the Korean language course will prove advantageous to Jamia students and help them in getting jobs in approximately 500 South Korean companies based in India.

He cited the example of Samsung which employs nearly 8,000 Indians, out of which nearly 1,000 are based in South Korea.

Vice Chancellor, Talat Ahmad said that the move will not only enhance job opportunities for the university students but also go a long way in cementing India-South Korea ties.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar will be the chief guest at 24th convocation of Himachal Pradesh University, likely to be held in last week of March.

HPU Vice Chancellor Prof ADN Bajpai today made a courtesy call to the Union Minister in New Delhi and said that he had agreed in principle to be chief guest at the24th convocation of the university.

He said the date of convocation would be announced soon, keeping in mind the convenience and availability ofthe HRD minister and the Chancellor.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nepal and China are poised to open a new avenue of defence diplomacy, with the Nepal Army (NA) and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducting their first ever joint military drill this month.

They seek to exchange skills and knowledge on disaster management and counter-terrorism through the drill.

Officials from the NA and the PLA are to hold their final meeting this week to fix date, venue and the number of participating soldiers in the drill.

"We will soon make public the date of the NA-PLA combined exercise aimed at enhancing professionalism and defence diplomacy between Nepal and China," said NA spokesman and Brigadier General Tara Bahadur Karki.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defence spokesperson and senior Colonel Yang Yujun announced on Dec. 29 last year that a military exercise would be conducted with the NA in February.

Nepal has been conducting similar drills with India and the U.S. on a regular basis.

The first drill with the PLA is seen as a significant step to further cement the centuries-old relationship with Nepal's northern neighbor and contribute to the regional peace.

"The decision to hold the Nepal-China combined military drill is a very welcome move, which should have been organized 15 or 20 years ago," said Dr Prem Singh Basnyat, a retired brigadier general of NA.

Dr Basnyat said that combined drills opened the door for further military cooperation between the two nations. "They will exchange their skills and also learn each other's shortcomings. This will enhance our military prestige in the world community."

He noted that the countries such as the U.S. and the U.K. that lie in far-away locations came to participate in joint military exercises with the NA. "But China is our close and immediate neighbor, so it is natural for Nepal to carry out military exercise with it."

According to him, the NA's relation with the Chinese army is older than India's. It began with the Betrawoti Treaty, also known as the Nepal-Tibet Treaty, following the Sino-Nepal War in 1792, in which the Qing emperor pledged to help Nepal defend against any external aggression. However, the Qing Dynasty became weak in the 19th century and failed to respect this treaty when the British East India Company invaded Nepal in 1814.

The NA, created by Nepal's founding father Prithvi Narayan Shah, fought bravely against the British invaders and protected Nepal from going into the fold of the British East India Company. Amar Singh Thapa, Balbhadra Kunwar and Bhakti Thapa were the generals who effectively stopped the British soldiers.

Similarly, the PLA, founded by charismatic generals Zhu De, He Long, Ye Jianying and Zhou Enlai in 1927, during the Nanchang uprising when troops of the Kuomintang (KMT) rebelled after the massacre of the Communists by Chiang Kai-shek, drove out foreign aggressors and emerged victorious in the civil wars under its supreme commander Chairman Mao.

Against this backdrop, the decision to carry out the combined drill between the NA and PLA has drawn positive response in Nepal, but a section of Indian media and intellectuals showed some signs of jitters over it, prompting Indian State Minister for External Affairs V K Singh to allay their unfounded fears.

"The Nepal-China military drill will not affect Nepal-India relations. Relations between the Nepal Army and Indian Army stand on their own. Let's not see these relations through the lens of a third country," Singh told a press meet organized at his office about a month ago.

NA spokesman Karki made it clear that Nepal was free to propose and conduct any kind of military exercise with nations that it has bilateral relations with.

"The military drill, either with China or India or America, takes place as per our annual calendar. Thus, the Nepal-China military drill should not be viewed from another angle," Karki told The Rising Nepal, English daily published from Kathmandu.

Ritu Raj Subedi is an associate editor of The Rising Nepal.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Actress Jemima Kirke says her acting career is to be blamed for her divorce with lawyer former husband Micheal Mosberg.

The 31-year-old actress spoke for the first time post her split to UK's ES Magazine, reported E! .

"I got divorced, and I attribute that to acting. And just asking myself, 'Is this really me?'" said Jemima.

The "Girls" star adds although the future is uncertain, she is remains unperturbed.

She said everything means something in acting and so "then you start looking at your own life in that way. I've learnt a lot more about myself and started to figure out what I really want."



Jemima and Micheal, 40 have two children together, daughter Rafaella Mosberg, 6, and son Memphis Mosberg, 4.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kabul today endorsed US general John Nicholson's call for thousands of additional troops in Afghanistan to stave off a resurgent Taliban, ahead of what is expected to be another intense fighting season.

Afghan forces, beset by record casualties, desertions and "ghost soldiers" who do not exist on the pay rolls, have been struggling to rein in the Taliban since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014.

Thousands of extra coalition troops were needed to break the war out of a stalemate, Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told the US Congress on Thursday, in what could be President Donald Trump's first major test of military strategy.

"We welcome the proposal of deploying thousands of additional troops to Afghanistan to effectively train and advise Afghan forces," Dawlat Waziri, the defence ministry spokesman in Kabul, told AFP.

"The war in Afghanistan is a war against terrorism and we want this war to reach a successful end. In that regard we think this is a positive step."



There are currently more than 13,000 NATO troops -- including 8,400 US forces -- deployed to Afghanistan for training and counter-terrorism purposes, down from a peak of about 140,000 in 2011.

Trump would seek the advice of Defense Secretary James Mattis before deciding on Nicholson's request for reinforcements, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.

Trump had suggested in a recent call to Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani that he would consider sending more soldiers, according to media reports.

The White House said the pair spoke again on Thursday to "discuss opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relationship in areas such as security, counterterrorism cooperation".

The debate over troop numbers underscores concerns over the worsening security situation in Afghanistan, with insurgents threatening several provincial capitals amid anxiety that Pakistan, Russia and Iran were actively propping up the militants.

Aside from additional troops, a holistic review of the US war strategy in Afghanistan, including sustained pressure on Pakistan to end insurgent sanctuaries on its soil, is vital, local observers say.

"Nearly 16 years of war and billions of dollars could not bring peace and stability to war-torn Afghanistan," Mia Gul Waseeq, a Kabul-based analyst, told AFP.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to visit Gujarat by the month end, as his Aam Aadmi Party turns its focus on the BJP stronghold which goes to Assembly polls later this year.

AAP will gherao the office of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on February 26 and submit a memorandum to him listing the grievances of the people.

"As we gherao the chief minister on February 26, Kejriwal is expected to address a gathering of people there," an AAP leader said.

Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai is also expected to visit the state, along with Kejriwal.

"Not only Kejriwal, but all top leaders will keep visiting the state now," the leader added.

The AAP supremo is now in Bengaluru undergoing naturopathy treatment.

He is expected to return to Delhi by February 22 after which a final decision on his Gujarat visit will be taken.

After Punjab and Goa where the Assembly polls were held earlier this month, the AAP will now focus on Gujarat, a state where Narendra Modi was chief minister for nearly 12 years before his election as Prime Minister.

The AAP wants to hit BJP and Modi where it hurts the most by attempting to wrest power in the state.

Gujarat had witnessed agitation by the Patidar community since 2015. The state also saw flogging of Dalits in Una over skinning of dead cows, which led to widespread protests.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Centre is attempting to boost MSME sector's contribution towards indigenous manufacturing in defence from the present 20-30 to 70 per cent in the next five years under its ambitious 'Make in India' programme, Lt General Ravi Thodge (Retd) said here today.

Lt Gen Thodge, AVSM, SM, VSM, who retired as Master General Ordnance, was addressing an interactive meeting, jointly organised by All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and World Trade Centre Mumbai.

"This will not only boost opportunities for the MSME sector, but also lead to job creation," he said.

At present, India is importing nearly 60 per cent of its defence manufacturing components. The Government of India is committed to working with MSMEs focusing on import substitution, he said.

The 'Make in India' programme puts great thrust on sustainability, Lt Gen Thodge said, adding that the Government is reaching out to MSMEs across India to encourage them to participate in this programme.

"The Government is also committed to introducing more clusters of defence manufacturing to help MSMEs reap the benefits of logistical efficiency, as well as to harness the benefits of innovation from all parts of the country," he said.

"The Ministry of Defence is already working with the Government of Maharashtra to promote clusters in Nashik for aircraft components, forging and foundry in Kolhapur and for tank and combat vehicles in Pune," he said.

The ministry was developing a testing center for Defence Procurement Assistance Center in Belgaum, Karnataka. This will also help MSMEs with testing facilities.

On the issue of procedural delays and transparency keeping MSMEs wary of participating in the 'Make in India' programme, Lt Gen Thodge said since 2014, the Ministry had done away with physical tendering and today it is done through e-tendering.

"The Government is finalising RFPs for procuring ammunition of the value of Rs 2,500 crore per year under the 'Make in India' programme and that these would be uploaded soon. This would be a game changer," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Aimed at building synergy between business and foreign policy, the Ministry of External Affairs will co-host the second Gateway of India Geoeconomic Dialogue on February 13-14 in Mumbai.

At the inaugural dialogue of the event, themed 'Where Geopolitics meets Business', Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar will participate in a discussion with his counterpart from Bangladesh, Shahriar Alam.

"The Ministry of External Affairs is co-hosting the Second Gateway of India Geoeconomic Dialogue with Gateway House on 13-14 February in Mumbai. This is India's premier geoeconomics conference focused on building synergies between business and foreign policy," an official statement said.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, Power Minister Piyush Goyal, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and former Prime Minister of Belgium Yves Leterme also figure among the list of expected participants.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least four mortars fired by Iranian forces today landed across the border in Pakistan's restive southwestern Balochistan province, officials said.

The mortars hit Parom area of Panjgur district, according to a senior district official.

"The mortars were fired without any justification. So far we have not received any report about any human loss," he said.

Local Pakistani officials have lodged a protest with the Iranian border guards chief over the border violation.

Security of the area has been beefed up after the attack as additional troops were dispatched to Panjgur district.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre-long porous border with Iran, which has alleged that militants and smugglers often sneak into its territory from Pakistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nebraska officials have started a new search for lethal injection drugs and are backing a proposal that would allow them to conceal a supplier's identity after voters reinstated capital punishment last year.

Corrections Director Scott Frakes said yesterday he has already "had some conversations" with potential suppliers but has not yet made any purchases. His comments came outside of a Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on a proposed shield law that would keep secret the identity of any lethal injection drug suppliers.

"I've just begun the process to see if I can obtain the substances needed to carry out the sentences," Frakes said after testifying in support of the bill.

Governor Pete Ricketts approved a new lethal injection protocol last month that gives the Department of Correctional Services greater flexibility to choose which drugs are used in executions. An early draft of the protocol included a secrecy provision, but Frakes said department officials removed it after deciding they first needed legislative approval.

Senator John Kuehn of Heartwell said he introduced the measure to protect would-be suppliers from threats and public harassment from death penalty opponents.

Commonly used lethal injection drugs have become scarce because many North American and European pharmaceutical companies refuse to sell drugs for use in executions.

Voters reinstated Nebraska's death penalty in November after state lawmakers repealed it in 2015. The measure was placed on the ballot through a petition drive with substantial financial support from Ricketts, a Republican who supports capital punishment.

Kuehn, a veterinarian, said the scarcity of death penalty drugs has deprived the public of substances with legitimate medical uses. He said voters "sent a clear message to Nebraska lawmakers" that they expect a workable solution.

Of the 31 states with the death penalty, 15 have enacted similar shield laws.

Lincoln attorney Bob Evnen, a former member of Nebraskans for the Death Penalty, said lawmakers should "stop listening to the obstructionists and instead heed the wishes of the overwhelming majority of this state."



"Nebraskans have spoken and they expect the Legislature to act now," he said.

Opponents pointed to the department's decision to spend USD 54,000 in 2015 on lethal injection drugs from Chris Harris, a broker in India with no pharmaceutical background who was unable to deliver the drugs because the federal government blocked the shipment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
"Piku" director Shoojit Sircar has said he does not believe in sticking to any particular formula or genre.

Shoojit's first film "Yahaan" (2005) was critically acclaimed and "Vicky Donor" (2012) was a runaway success which was followed by a string of hits.

"I have never worked with any particular formula and hence my film have never been slotted within any particular genre," Shoojit told PTI.

Describing his upcoming production "Runningshaadi.Com" as a "very nice simple love story", a romcom directed by Amit Roy, Shoojit said, "I love to be associated with human tales which chronicle the journey of small town people."



"I love films which are steeped in the milieu of small towns," he said.

Shoojit said while he was involved and interfered in every scene and frame in "Pink", the debut Hindi directorial venture of friend Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, in "Runningshaadi.Com" the story creation and scripting was entirely the credit of Amit Roy.

"But I came onboard (as producer) as I instantly liked the subject and the treatment.

"And yes, since my name is associated with 'Runningshadi.Com' people may go to the theatre with expections and I tell them you will not feel let down. The subject is relatable and don't we know someone around us who have run away with the loved person of their life to get married," Shoojit said.

To a question on Amitabh Bachchan's comments during the promotion of "Pink" on his admiration for Bengali directors in Mumbai over the years for imparting certain sensitivity to their work, Shoojit said, "Thanks to Amit ji for the observations.

"I think basically the cultural upbringing of Bengalis might have contributed in bringing such sensitivity - people like me, Anurag (Basu), Sujoy (Ghosh) and so on."



To another question Shoojit said though he had produced two Bengali films "Aparajita Tumi" and "Open Tee Bioscope", he would not direct any Bengali movie in the immediate future.

"This is because I am still not very well-versed with certain nuances of Bengali language, as I have lived outside the state for years. I am learning step by step."



About casting Taapsee Pannu for the second time in his production, first "Pink" and now "Runnigshadi.Com", Shoojit said, "For my production casting is important and Taapsee has that electrifying presence.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
board member and Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Friday asserted that there has been no breach in corporate governance at the IT bellwether, but said there may be some "judgement calls" on which the board differed with the promoters.

Reacting to co-founder N R Narayana Murthy's explosive comments on dropping governance standards at the company, she said in future, the board would try to allay such concerns of the promoters.

She also said the board is firmly behind CEO Vishal Sikka.

"As a board member, I would certainly say that there has been no breach in governance issues. Yes there may be judgement calls on which we differ with the promoters, but I think overtime we will try and see how we can allay these concerns that the promoters have in terms of the way the board conducts itself," she told a section of media here.

Mazumdar-Shaw denied there was any breakdown in governance of the company, but conceded there have been concerns and issues expressed by Narayana Murthy and promoters.

"Personally, I don't believe that there are governance breakdowns. Yes, there have been concerns and issues expressed by Mr Murthy and promoters. I think these are more to do with perception issues rather than real breakdown of governance," she said.

Murthy, in an interview with a business daily, had said that since June 1, 2015, the founders have seen a concerning drop in governance standards at Infosys.

"We won several awards for good governance all over the world. However, since June 1, 2015, we have seen a concerning drop in governance standards at Infosys," he had said.

Mazumdar-Shaw said there may be "perception challenges", but no governance issues at the company.

"It is unfortunate that it has been made into governance issue, which is not. I think it is really about perception challenges that have actually created this kind of unpleasant kind of situation," she said.

"I believe that what the board is doing is, it is creating a very formal channel of communication with the promoters. Hopefully will start seeing these kind of issues subsiding," she said.

Replying to a question, she said the board has always backed Sikka.

"The board has always backed Vishal Sikka. We remain very firmly grounded on this particular aspect. This is not the time for us to get into these kind of issues. This is the time when we should move forward," she said.

Instead, it is the time to move forward and support Sikka



and the management to focus on growth and transformation of the company because of the challenging times in IT sector globally, Mazumdar-Shaw said.

"We should support Vishal Sikka and the management team to really focus on growth and transformation because these are very challenging times globally for the IT sector and we must actually try and see how Infosys can continue to lead the way," she said.

On hefty severance package given to ex-CFO Rajiv Bansal, she said it was arrived at under very complex circumstances and it is for the management to make these judgement calls.

"You know, severance packages are basically drawn up by the management, and these particular severance packages that you are referring to, have been arrived at under very complex circumstances. I think we have to leave it to the management team to make these judgement calls," she said.

"They have justified why they have given these kind of severance packages. I think the board has accepted these justification," she added.
The Centre is unlikely to hold fresh round of talks with a Naga group spearheading the economic blockade in poll-bound Manipur for over three months now, after no breakthrough was achieved in two rounds of meetings with the stakeholders to resolve the crises.

The National Highway number 2 (NH 2) is blocked there since November 1 by United Naga Council (UNC) cadres which has affected normal life.

Though the dates for polls have already been announced by the Election Commission, Union Home Ministry sources today said that it may be difficult for poll officials to reach on duty in the present scenario.

Referring to the security scenario in the northeastern state, they said law and order is a state subject and the Centre cannot interfere.

Asked whether it would be conducive to conduct elections in Manipur considering the prevailing situation there, the sources said "final call" on it needs to be taken by the EC.

About 176 companies (about 17,600 personnel) of central paramilitary forces are already there, and more number of such policemen can also be provided, they said.

The Home Ministry may send 200 more companies (about 20,000 personnel) of the central paramilitary forces there, the sources said.

Polling for the 60-member Manipur Assembly is scheduled to be held in two phases next month-- March 4 and 8.

The Union Home Ministry had conducted two meetings -- on February 3 and 7 -- with representatives of UNC and Manipur government to end the crises there.

In the first round of discussions held in the national capital, the Centre had expressed hope that the blockade would end soon. However, the last round of talks failed.

Though the next round of talks are scheduled to be held on March 25, it is unlikely that it would happen, they said.

The Council is protesting against creation of seven new districts in the state and its cadres have blocked the NH 2.

Due to the blockade, normal life in Manipur has been badly affected and prices of essential commodities have sky rocketed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2nd R) and British Prime Minister Theresa May (1st R) talk to each other after the first round table discussion of the EU informal summit in Valletta, Malta, Feb. 3, 2017. (Xinhua/Mark Zammit Cordina)

Around October last year, I started to write an essay on the lack of discussion and debate regarding post-Brexit strategy. The reason I felt this question was important is due to a feeling that there is frankly no way a "soft Brexit" will happen, and we're going to eventually see a more confrontational EU, not just towards the U.K., but also the U.S.

Even though no one seriously considered a Trump presidential victory last November, the public dissatisfaction and various trends were evident on both sides of the Atlantic. At that point, I had no idea how this confrontation would play out; instead, on the basis of patterns and trends and other unknown variables, there were only probabilistic answers.

However, the potential for Brussels and Berlin to settle into a siege mentality with nationalistic overtones was obvious. And in situations like that, theories regarding international relations could only point to a grim future, and completely new world order.

When an economic giant and quasi-super state with a distinct ideology and nerve center but with failing policies and internal dissent faces antagonistic forces, there's a distinct possibility of unpleasantness.

In my analysis, which finally got published in November , I noted a probable future, where U.K., U.S. and Russia, alongside other nationalistic forces would become aligned against a globalist EU led by Brussels and Berlin. The first two weeks of the Trump administration have not been kind to American allies, and have done nothing to ease that fear.

President Trump and his supporters threatened Mexico with invasion, humiliated Australia over a refugee swap deal, threatened Iran with war, and botched its way into the conflict in Yemen. Surprisingly, China has been off-limits for the time being.

However, the biggest threat from Trump was perhaps towards Germany. Trump, ever since he came to power, has made clear his displeasure towards the EU. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was a person of especial contempt for Trump.

There are traditional displeasures regarding military affairs and NATO; added to that, Trump's cabinet recently accused Germany of currency manipulation. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Germany has devalued its currency, which is increasing its natural competitive advantage in exports. Germany of course vehemently denied it.

There's a pattern here, which historians and grand strategists might have observed. Peter Hitchens lectured about this at England's Keele University last year. The fundamental argument goes like this: Germany is too big for Europe, but too small to rule the whole world. Germany is also, since the time of Bismarck in the 19th century, a natural leader and central power right at the heart of Europe, the only realistic power to rule such a vast land.

This inherent contradiction is why Europe has repeatedly found itself in conflict. The German idea of dominating Europe militarily all but collapsed in 1945. But Germany's overall grand strategy has remained, taking the form of economic hegemony post-German unification and EU formation.

Parallel to this is a constant social force of external powers trying to control Europe. First, it was the British Empire and Imperial Russia, and now it's U.K., U.S. and Russia in loose alliance. This is in line with traditional international relations theory. Whenever a significant superpower or political entity rises within Europe, it inevitably attracts external powers to balance it.

The present situation is no different. There's a possibility of China and U.S. coming to a cold peace, even during the most trying times, precisely because the rivalry will be limited to geopolitical considerations. There will be mutual understanding of each other's needs and interests, if the channels of communication are open; a cautious measured and respectful distance will be maintained.

However, the rivalry between the U.K., the U.S., Russia and the EU is not geopolitical, but ideological. On one hand, we have nationalist forces, in the three major powers; on the other hand, we have an activist supranational entity with an ever closer union and specific set of ideas and values. It is difficult to expect coexistence.

And that's where my argument from last year seems to be coming painfully true. At that time, it was just U.K. post-Brexit; now, the U.S. is added to the mix. The EU naturally feels threatened, hence my expectation of possible confrontation.

Sumantra Maitra is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SumantraMaitra.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Actress Rajshri Deshpande says her upcoming film "Sexy Durga" does not have any connection with religious ideologies and merely talks about the issues women face in today's world.

Malayalam independent filmmaker Sanal Kumar Sasidharan's "Sexy Durga" bagged the top honour, the Hivos Tiger Award at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam recently.

The film, however, faced controversy when the director wrote in a Facebook post that he was being threatened because of the title.

"There is no connection with the goddess. The girl's name (in the film) is Durga. But it's not about the name, it's about the mentality we are trying to show in the film. That's what is more important than any other religious thing," Rajshri told PTI.

"It is a universal subject. It is not about a particular religion, or any area specific. The issue of women's safety and what all she goes through is relevant everywhere," she added.

"Sexy Durga" is a road movie that follows the horrifying experience of two hitchhikers, a man and a woman, at the hands of two men, in the dead of the night.

It explores the threat of violence faced by a young couple and reflects the collective attitude of the men towards woman.

Rajshri, who plays the titular role in the film, says people who have taken offense should watch the film and understand that it is trying to address an issue and not rake up any controversy.

"I feel very bad with what's happening. They should watch it first before jumping the gun. People are telling me that I am a Brahmin so I shouldn't do a film like that. When I told my mother, she was a little worried but she loved the title. She said it's a very strong, apt title for this project."



The actress, who also featured in the critically acclaimed "Angry Indian Goddesses", says the film was shot in 20 days flat and the role was such that it left her "emotionally drained."



Now, Rajshri hopes the movie gets a theatrical release in India so that it reaches a wider audience.

"I really hope influential people from the industry come forward and support the film. Unfortunately, without them releasing a film like this is very difficult. Though this is by a director based in Kerala it doesn't mean it should release only there.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee today criticised the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government in the state for "betraying" the people.

Deliberating on the ongoing impasse between the state government and the Naga people, the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) at a meeting, viewed that DAN government has "failed" to listen to the people.

"The government betrayed the Joint Coordination Committee, Nagaland Baptist Church Council and the people of Nagaland, thus leading to a complete breakdown of Constitution in the state," the NPCC PAC said.

Upholding the demand for imposition of President's Rule in Nagaland, the PAC of the NPCC also suggested total amendment of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001.

The suggestion was made as a resolution of the PAC of NPCC meeting held today at Congress Bhavan, NPCC general secretary Medokul Sophie said.

The NPCC PAC said that since Nagaland Municipal Act is an Act passed by the state Assembly, there is no reason why DAN government should approach the President or Prime Minister for an ordinance to exempt Nagaland from the purview of Part IXA of India Constitution.

It also said that "any such misadventure may infringe upon Art 371A of the Constitution, which guarantees special provisions for the Naga people".

The PAC of the NPCC also resolved to send a delegation to Delhi to apprise AICC on the present situation, Sophie said.

It reiterated the Congress stand to continue to endeavour to solve the Naga political problem through peaceful and constitutional means and serve as a bridge between Naga national groups and the Central government.

It also lamented about the fact that "60 MLAs in the state Assembly have come together assuring the public to bring about Naga political settlement, but instead they have divided Nagas into sections and have miserably failed to bring a solution".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US will never win its fight against terrorism until Pakistan ends supporting the extremist groups operating in Afghanistan, according to top American Senators.

"Pakistani support for extremist groups operating in Afghanistan, whether it is passive or deliberate, must end if we and Afghanistan are to achieve necessary levels of security," Senator Jack Reed, Ranking Member of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee said during a Congressional hearing here on Afghanistan.

He was joined by several other lawmakers in expressing their views on Pakistan not taking action against the Taliban and the Haqqani network.

"It's very difficult to succeed on the battlefield when your enemy enjoys external support and safe haven. I think we need to continue to work closely with Pakistan," acknowledged General John Nicholson, Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

He was responding to a question from lawmakers on the safe havens inside Pakistan.

"What's your view of what we need to do concerning the safe haven issue in Pakistan?" Senator John McCain, Chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee asked.

"We still have enemy sanctuary in areas like Quetta, like you mention, with the Taliban leadership, and other cities within the tribal areas for the Haqqani leadership," Nicholson said as he called for adopting a holistic approach in dealing with Pakistan.

Senator Reed alleged that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), at times seemed "to be aiding and assisting Haqqani Network" and others.

Maine Senator Angus King said the US will never win this fight as long as Pakistan is acting as a sanctuary.

"What can we do to get Pakistan off the dime on these issues? They were good in Waziristan. But, there's plenty of areas they've left untouched. What do we have to do? Cut off funding, have a summit or something?" he said.

"Because we're doing all of this work in Afghanistan which will never achieve final success as long as Pakistan sitting there enabling a lot of this activity," King said.

"We need to do a holistic review of our Pakistan policy. And sit down Pakistan leaders. Of course, we have an opportunity for such a review; given the new administration and the new chain of command. We have many areas where we could be working together and our mutual benefit. I think this is a key to the future," Nicholson said.

"I'm personally committed to this and working with my Pakistani counterparts. President Ashraf Ghani wants to work with Pakistan towards a peaceful resolution. And, in my initial conversations with my chain of command, this is a high priority for all of us," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Peruvian police launched a manhunt for ex-president Alejandro Toledo, once hailed as an anti-corruption champion, after a judge ordered his arrest over accusations he took $20 million in bribes.

Authorities offered a $30,000 reward for information to help them capture Toledo, who rose from poverty to lead the fight against a graft-stained government in the 1990s, then served as Peru's first indigenous president from 2001 to 2006.

Toledo, 70, was initially believed to be in Paris. But the Peruvian government said Friday it now has information he is in San Francisco and could try to flee to Israel.

Authorities in both countries have been alerted, it said in a statement.

"US authorities have been asked to cooperate in detaining and deporting him," it said.

Toledo is a visiting professor at Stanford University, near San Francisco, where he graduated with a PhD in economics. His wife, Eliane Karp, has Israeli citizenship.

A judge ordered an international arrest warrant for Toledo Thursday, granting prosecutors' request to jail him for 18 months pending a full investigation.

The former president is accused of taking bribes from scandal-plagued Brazilian construction company Odebrecht to give the firm a juicy contract for a highway linking Brazil and Peru.

He denies the accusations, branding them political persecution.

But he has struggled to explain where the money came from.

He originally said it was a loan from his mother-in-law that came from compensation she received as a Holocaust survivor.

But his former vice president, David Waisman -- himself a prominent member of Peru's Jewish community -- said that was untrue.

"Lies just flow out of him," he said, adding a message for his former boss: "If it turns out you're guilty and you go to jail, then rot in there."



Toledo was once a hero to many Peruvians.

He came to office on a promise to clean up politics after a dirty decade under ex-president Alberto Fujimori, who is today in prison for corruption and human rights violations.

It was the culmination of a remarkable rise from a childhood of destitute poverty.

Toledo was born into a family of indigenous Quechua peasants in the Andes mountains.

The eighth of 16 children, he went to work as a shepherd at a young age. He was still a child when he left home for the port city of Chimbote, where he hawked newspapers and worked as a shoeshine boy.

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Authorities say a pot of noodles cooking on a hot plate sparked a fire inside a camper trailer that killed two young children and critically burned their mother and a sibling in coastal Georgia.

Glynn County Police Chief Matt Doering (DORE-ing) told reporters yesterday that investigators believe the fire was accidental.

Neighbors reported hearing an explosion when the camper caught fire Wednesday. Doering said flames detonated something in the home, but no foul play is suspected.

Authorities said the blaze killed 3-year-old Blayden Wade Reeves and his 4-month-old sister, Tallie Ann Carter. Their mother and a 2-year-old brother were in critical condition at a Florida burn center.

Doering said the children and their parents had lived in the camper for months after their mobile home caught fire last May.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The chief of Radha Soami sect, Gurinder Singh Dhillon, was today flown to Singapore for medical check-up on the advice of doctors.

An official at Beas headquarters of the sect said Dhillon was flown to Singapore for complete medical check-up on the advice of a team of doctors at Fortis Escort hospital.

Dhillon was suffering gastritis problems but could not take any medicine without consulting the doctors at a hospital in Singapore from where he was receiving regular treatment after being diagnosed with throat cancer two years ago, an official said.

After Dhillon was flown to Singapore, a two-day religious congregation at Beas headquarter of the sect, nearly 45 kilometres from Amritsar, was cancelled.

The sect Dera Radha Soami also known as Dera Baba Jaimal Singh has a large number of followers across the nation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Over 100 aquaculture companies from country and abroad will participate in the four-day international conference beginning tomorrow at Bhimavaram in West Godavari district.

"The Profit on Aquaculture conference is fifth in series to be held at Bhimavaram," organiser and Anand Group chairman Udamraju Kasi Viswanath Raju told PTI.

The participating companies are from China, Taiwan, USA etc.

"The conference will be based on invited presentations and submitted abstracts," he said.

International experts will present key research and development topics on major fish and shrimp farming practices and will outline the immediate priorities for aquaculture development in India and elsewhere.

A major feature of the event is "China Day" wherein leading speakers from that country will speak about the success they have achieved in aquaculture and allied industries.

Andhra has a rich resource of water bodies, both inland and coastal that sustain a sizable fishery.

In 2014, the state was ranked first in total fish production in country with 2.02 million tonnes.

Andhra is the biggest producer of carps, Pangasius, and shrimp in India, second in quantity and value of freshwater fish production and fourth in marine fish production.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi asked US President Donald Trump in a phone call to remove his country from a contentious travel ban list, a statement said today.

Iraq is one of seven Muslim-majority countries whose citizens are barred from entering the United States for 90 days under an executive order the newly sworn in US president signed on January 27.

The ban was suspended by a lower court a week later and a federal appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate it but Trump vowed to continue the legal battle for his order to stand.

"The prime minister stressed the importance of a review of the decision on the right of Iraqis to travel to the United States," Abadi's office said in a statement after the phone call.

Abadi urged Trump to "lift Iraq from the list of countries mentioned in the executive order," the statement said.

The statement said: "Mr Trump stressed the importance of coordination to find a solution to this issue as soon as possible and that he will direct the US State Department in this regard."



Washington is a key economic, political and military ally for Baghdad, including in the war it has been waging against the Islamic State jihadist group for almost three years.

Abadi had argued when the decree was first issued that the measure, which Trump has billed as an effort to make America safe from "radical Islamic terrorists", was tantamount to punishing those fighting terrorism.

The statement said Abadi had expressed his wish to further develop relations with the United States and Trump had renewed an invitation for him to visit.

Trump's attempt to impose travel restrictions on Iraqis comes after an assertion that the United States should have seized the country's oil before withdrawing its forces in 2011.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rapper Rich Homie Quan has reached a settlement in his lawsuit over a nightclub scuffle in Florida in 2015.

The MC, real name Dequantes Lamar, and his entourage allegedly clashed with Christian Cajigas outside the LIV club in Miami Beach in 2015, reportedly leaving the bouncer with a broken nose, a bloodied lip and several chipped teeth.

He filed a police report following the incident and Lamar subsequently denied the allegations. However, Cajigas launched a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages and the rapper has now settled the suit for USD 60,000, reported TMZ.

"That's one expensive punch and hopefully it'll send a message - to not just celebrities, but regular people - you can't go around punching people," Cajigas attorneys, Eric and Josh Hertz, said.

However, Lamar's attorney, Ricardo Corona, remains confident the 27-year-old would have won the case and insists the settlement was business decision.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court on Friday agreed to give an urgent hearing on a habeas corpus plea filed by the wife of a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, who had posted a video on social media alleging that poor quality food was being served to soldiers.

The woman has claimed that her husband, Tej Bahadur Yadav, is untraceable and the family has been unable to contact him for last three days.

The plea for urgent hearing was mentioned before a bench of justices B D Ahmed and Ashutosh Kumar, who listed it for hearing this afternoon.

Advocate Manish Tewari, appearing for the jawan's wife, submitted that the soldier's whereabouts have not been known for the past few days, so the court should look into the issue.

Accepting the urgency, the bench said, "All right it (the petition) will be heard today."

Yadav had on January 9 posted a video on Facebook which showed a meal box comprising a watery soup-like dal, which he said had only turmeric and salt and a burnt chapatti.

He had said this is what jawans were served at mealtime on duty at places including the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and that they often went to bed on an empty stomach.

After the video went viral on social media, the Prime Minister's Office had sought a detailed factual report on it from the Union Home Ministry and BSF.

A PIL was also filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a direction to the government to depute higher officers to supervise cooking of proper healthy food and its distribution.

It sought a status report regarding the quality of food served to soldiers along the LoC.

The high court had issued notice on the petition to various paramilitary forces, including the BSF, seeking their stand on the allegation of poor quality food being served to the troops.

It had also directed BSF to produce before it the investigation report and the steps taken with regard to the allegations levelled by the .

Now, less than a month after the PIL was filed, Yadav's wife, Sharmila, and his family are claiming that the soldier is untraceable and that they have not been able to reach him.

She has sought a high-level enquiry into his disappearance as well as the recent rejection of his plea for voluntary retirement.

Yadav's wife Sharmila, through her counsel, told the court that she and her elder brother had met the BSF director general (DG) who had assured them that a "fair enquiry as per procedure" would be conducted in the case.

The counsel also said that the BSF DG told them that the jawan was hospitalised.

Earlier, BSF had said that Yadav's plea under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme VRS was cancelled as a Court of Inquiry was pending against him.
The five-day multinational exercise "AMAN-17" (AMAN meaning peace in Urdu) opened this morning in Karachi, Pakistan.

A national flag-raising ceremony is held at the opening ceremony of the Exercise AMAN-17 in Karachi, Pakistan, on Feb. 10, 2017. [China.org.cn / by Guo Xiaohong]

Naval officers and soldiers as well as observers from 37 participating countries attended the opening ceremony held at the dockyard of the Pakistan Navy in Karachi. The exercise was planned by the Pakistan navy and will be held in Karachi port as well as in the North Arabian Sea.

AMAN-17 is an effort to promote regional cooperation, inter-operability and to display a united resolve against multi-faceted threats on the high seas and in the littorals, said Pakistani Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini at the opening ceremony of the exercise.

He considered the exercise a good platform for all navies to exchange ideas, enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.

AMAN-17 exercise, containing harbor and sea phases with multiple-subject activities, was joined by navies from countries including Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, Britain and the United States.

Chinas 24th escort naval fleet took part in the joint drill with its missile destroyer Harbin, guided-missile frigate Handan and the supply ship Dongpinghu as well as over 700 troops. Its the fifth time that China has joined AMAN exercise since its launch.

AMAN exercise provides a chance for us to exchange ideas and reinforce our communication with other navies, said Chinese Captain Yu Tao, commander of missile destroyer Harbin. Due to an increasingly challenging maritime environment, Chinese navy should enhance their cooperation with other countries and learn others expertise to better fulfill its escort missions.

Initiated and organized by Pakistan, the "AMAN" series exercise has been held every other year since 2007, aiming to boost inter-operability and to demonstrate the allied nation's capabilities to fight terrorism and other maritime threats.
In a scathing attack on performance of Shiv Sena-controlled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said the Sena did nothing for the Marathi people and only exploited them by appealing to emotions.

Addressing a rally in Girgam in South Mumbai ahead of February 21 BMC elections, Fadnavis said, "You people (Shiv Sena) have given only verbal assurances to the people of the city and Marathi people for the last 20 years. But the grim reality is that they lack basic amenities and here in Girgam, water is supplied only for an hour. Is this development of the city? Please stop playing the emotional chord with Marathi people."



Fadnavis also lashed out at Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray for his jibe about BJP's promises on Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

"What the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has to do with BMC elections? Why don't you talk about the development agenda for Mumbai city? And Yes, our party has mentioned this issue (Ayodhya) in its manifesto for Uttar Pradesh polls," he said.

Sena was not focusing on issues of development and transparency because it had done nothing on these counts, while BJP had a development agenda that would transform the city, the Chief Minister said.

"We are constructing 200-km Metro network across the city of which work for 120 km has started and when complete, it would have the capacity to transport 70 lakh people, equal to capacity of suburban railway network....We are on fast forward mode to execute various railway projects including elevated railway corridors on Western and harbour line," Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis also targeted Sena over the bad condition of roads in Mumbai and said the irregularities and lack of transparency in the functioning of BMC was plaguing the city.

In a dig over the alleged 'de-silting scam' in BMC, he said, "The way the work of de-silting of nullahs was carried out by the people of BMC and its caretakers, only (southern superstar) Rajinikanth could have done it (in such a non-feasible way).

(Reopens BES 40)



Addressing another campaign rally in Dadar later, Fadnavis said Shiv Sena had the maximum number of candidates with criminal records.

"Which party has the maximum number, 63, of candidates (with criminal record)? Altogether 83 criminal offences were registered against these Sena candidates," the CM said.

Water-logging in Mumbai was due to corruption (in the Sena-led BMC), Fadnavis said.

"People won't fall prey to emotional issues," the CM said.

Work on MTHL trans-harbour link will be start soon, he said.
The stock markets failed to leverage the early momentum, but managed to close a little higher at 28,334 ahead of IIP numbers even as other Asian bourses closed at 18-month high amid a higher opening in Europe.

Lacklustre quarterly readings of a few Nifty constituents made sentiment depressed. On top of it, a rush to take profit towards the close of the session washed out much of the initial gains.

The Sensex after opening higher climbed to a high of 28,456.18, but hit a low of 28,286.80 before ending up 4.55 points, or 0.02 per cent, at 28,334.25.

The gauge had gained 39.78 points yesterday.

The broader NSE Nifty, which recaptured the 8,800-mark and touched a high of 8,822.10 intra-day, finally finished at 8,793.55, up 15.15 points, or 0.17 per cent.

There was a rally in global markets on upbeat Chinese trade data and an overnight record close in the US markets after President Donald Trump promised to unveil tax cuts soon.

However, investors turned cautious before release of key macro data -- industrial production (IIP) for December.

For the third straight week, the Sensex recorded a rise -- this time, 93.73 points, or 0.33 per cent -- while the Nifty gained 52.60 points, or 0.60 per cent, respectively.

In the the 30-share Sensex pack, 15 ended higher. TCS took the top spot, surging 3.12 per cent to Rs 2,396.70 followed by Adani Ports 2.23 per cent at Rs 311.25.

Shares of country's largest lender SBI ended up 0.15 per cent at Rs 276.25 after it posted a 71 per cent rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 2,152.2 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2016.

Other big movers of the day are Infosys (2.10 per cent), Tata Steel (1.71 per cent), NTPC (1.22 per cent), L&T (0.81 per cent), Coal India (0.79 per cent), Axis Bank (0.73 per cent) and Bharti Airtel 0.63 per cent.

Among sectoral indices, IT rose the most by 2.06 per cent followed by technology 1.61 per cent, capital goods 0.42 per cent, bank 0.24 per cent and power 0.12 per cent.

Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 356.63 crore yesterday, as per provisional data.

Broader markets displayed a mixed trend as the BSE small-cap index rose 0.14 per cent while mid-cap index fell 0.28 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei climbed 2.49 per cent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng 0.21 per cent while Shanghai Composite surged 0.42 per cent.

Europe was trading in the positive terrain too in the early session, with the UK's FTSE, Frankfurt's DAX and Paris' CAC advancing by up to 0.41 per cent.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The stock markets failed to tap into the early momentum today as both the Sensex and the Nifty did not make much headway in the end ahead of IIP numbers even as other Asian shares raced to an 18-month high amid a higher opening in Europe.

Lacklustre quarterly readings of a few Nifty companies kept sentiment depressed. On top of it, rush to take profit at the fag end of trading washed off much of the initial gains.

Investors treaded with a sense of caution before release of key macro data -- the index of industrial production (IIP) for December.

As a sign of volatility, the 30-share Sensex climbed to a high of 28,456.18, but hit a low of 28,286.80 before ending up a mere 4.55 points, or 0.02 per cent, at 28,334.25. It had gained 40 points on Thursday.

The 50-share Nifty, which rescaled the 8,800 mark and touched a high of 8,822.10 intra-day, finished at 8,793.55, up 15.15 points, or 0.17 per cent.

"The early positivity riding on potential US tax cuts failed to add more legs to Indian stocks, except for IT stocks which continued to tick higher. Lacklustre third quarter readings of a few Nifty constituents punctured sentiment, but expectations of a firm IIP release ensured the Nifty closed not much away from 8,800," said Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

There was a rally in global markets on upbeat Chinese trade data and an overnight record close in the US after President Donald Trump promised to unveil tax cuts soon.

For the third straight week, the Sensex recorded a rise -- this time, 93.73 points, or 0.33 per cent -- while the Nifty gained 52.60 points, or 0.60 per cent, respectively.

In the Sensex pack, 15 ended higher. TCS took the top spot, surging 3.12 per cent, followed by Adani Ports (2.23 per cent).

Shares of country's largest lender SBI ended up 0.15 per cent after it posted a 71 per cent growth in consolidated net profit for the third quarter ended December.

Other top movers of the day included Infosys (2.10 per cent), Tata Steel (1.71 per cent) and NTPC (1.22 per cent).

The IT index put up a stellar show, up 2.06 per cent, followed by technology, capital goods, bank and power indices.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) purchased shares worth a net Rs 356.63 crore yesterday, as per provisional data.

Broader markets displayed a mixed trend. The BSE small-cap index rose 0.14 per cent while mid-cap index fell 0.28 per cent.

In rest of Asia, Japan's Nikkei climbed 2.49 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng 0.21 per cent and Shanghai Composite 0.42 per cent.

European shares ruled firm in early part.

Of the 30-share Sensex, 12 scrips ended higher while 18



lost.

Both BSE and NSE will remain closed on Monday, March 13, for Holi.

The market breadth was negative as 1,641 shares ended lower, 1,153 higher while 180 went steady.

The total BSE turnover read Rs 7,509.23 crore, much lower than Rs 54,292.54 crore in the previous trading session.
A UK-based has written to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) demanding a public inquiry into Britain's alleged involvement in the 1984 Operation Blue Star.

Sikh Federation UK has been working on a report titled 'Sacrificing Sikhs: The need for an investigation', which claims to have evidence regarding the full extent of the UK's alleged role in the military action.

"It is of crucial public importance that the allegations are investigated, in an effective and transparent manner," reads the letter, addressed to Indian-origin foreign office minister Alok Sharma, in charge of India and the Pacific.

The letter goes on to claim that the 2014 Heywood Review, set up by then Prime Minister David Cameron into the exact nature of British involvement in Operation Blue Star, was "flawed" as it did not consider certain "directly relevant" material.

The FCO acknowledged the receipt of the letter, written by the group's solicitors KRW Law last month.

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is considering the points raised in your letter. You will receive a full response shortly," the letter dated February 2 reads.

The latest exchange follows a call for a "fresh, independent investigation" into the issue by the UK Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in a letter to British Prime Minister Theresa May last month.

"Given concerns regarding the effectiveness and integrity of the January 2014 review, I believe we must consider a fresh, independent investigation into this episode in British history. It is clear to me from my discussions with Sikh groups in the UK that there remains significant resentment that over the 30 years since this appalling event, questions remain about the role which the United Kingdom played," Corbyn said.

The Heywood Review had been ordered by Cameron in 2014 after documents released previously under the 30-year declassification rule had implied British SAS commanders had advised the Indian government as it drew up plans for the removal of militants from the Sikh shrine.

"The report concludes that the nature of the UK's assistance was purely advisory, limited and provided to the Indian government at an early stage in their planning," William Hague, then UK foreign secretary, had told the House of Commons in February 2014.

However, Sikh Federation UK has maintained that some files recalled by the Foreign Office hold further information on the issue and has been calling for the secret documents to be made public.

It claims the report it has been compiling will reveal certain measures taken against the Sikh community in Britain in 1984 and 1985 by the then Margaret Thatcher-led government.
The social stigma attached with diabetes and the fear of being poisoned by medical drugs is contributing to patients from South Asian background - India, Pakistan or Bangladesh - in the UK failing to take their medication, a new study has found.

For people from South Asian origin, diabetes and insulin were viewed as culturally unacceptable, making some patients reluctant to start insulin therapy or even admit to family and friends that they had the condition, researchers said.

"Not taking medicines - for whatever reason - can have a profound effect on patients' health and poor clinical outcomes for those withdiabetes and cardiovascular disease," said Dr Paramjit Gill, from the University of Birmingham'sInstitute of Applied Health Research.

"We identified a range of beliefs that influence how patients from South Asian communities approach taking medication for these conditions. These patients would benefit from tailored medicaladvice that highlights the long-term consequences of diabetes and CVD," said Gill.

South Asians in Britain are six times more likely than the general population to be affected with diabetes at a younger age and at greater risk of developing cardiovascular complications. Type 2 Diabetes is a major risk factor associated with heart disease.

Scientists recommend that South Asian patients would benefit from health professionals giving them tailored advice that highlights the long-term consequences of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Researchers studied the factors that influenced behaviour around taking medicines and identified a number of key areas that helped to shape when South Asian patients took their medication: Beliefs about the need for medicines and their effectiveness, fears around the toxicity of medicines, traditional remedies versus 'Western' medicines, stigma and social support and communication by health professionals.

"Health beliefs found in South Asian diabetic patients are present in other chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. These health beliefs should be explored when consulting South Asian patients about using long-term medication," Dr Kanta Kumar, one of the researchers, said.

The study, published in the journal BMC Endocrine Disorders, found that some patients were concerned about increasing numbers of prescribed medicines being added to their treatment plans - compounding their fears about toxicity.

A number of patients feared that taking too many medicines would lead to death.

Many patients missed doses intentionally because they



'felt fine' or their symptoms had become less severe. Others decided to stop their treatment during social gatherings - often stopping their medicines to take part fully in activities such as weddings.

The study foundmany patients of South Asian origin regarded medicines for treatment of diabetes and CVD as necessary.

However, patients who had migrated to the UK described the medicines they received in Britain as more effective than those they would have received in places like India and Pakistan.

Some patients used traditional and herbal remedies rather than 'Western' medicines, believing them to better at tackling illnesses without side effects. Family and friends were often important in deciding whether to take these medicines and, in some cases, would also supply them.

Health professionals' communication styles were found to influence the way patients viewed the treatment of their disease. Some patients felt that they were not always fully informed about disease management and how medication would help to control their symptoms.

The findings suggest that if health professionals took patients' beliefs about medicines into account when prescribing, this would help them to better advise diabetes and CVD sufferers about the benefits of taking their medication on a regular basis.
Congress has postponed the joint road show of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav scheduled for tomorrow here amid a huge rush of pilgrims arriving in the city on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti, a party leader said today.

Congress district unit president Prajanath Sharma said the event was postponed to avoid difficulties to the pilgrims visiting the Sant Ravidas temple here.

It could be held either on February 17 or 18, he said.

"We received a call from the Rahul's office in New Delhi about the postponement of the road show which was scheduled for tomorrow," Sharma said.

There were reports that the district administration had denied permission for the road show.

Sharma, however, said that the district administration had fully cooperated with them and that they had not denied them permission. He said it only tried to bring our attention to the huge rush of pilgrims arriving in the city on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti.

When contacted, Additional District Magistrate (city) Jitendra Singh said a notice was served to the local congress party leader yesterday as they had not contacted the administration about the road show.

"We sent them a notice yesterday morning asking them to give the details about their roadshow. Though the district administration had not denied them permission, they themselves postponed the event by late yesterday evening," he said.

Rahul and Akhilesh have so far held two joint road shows after a pre-poll alliance between the two parties, first in Lucknow on January 29 and the second in Agra on February 3, reflecting the new found bonhomie between the two parties in the poll-bound state.

Out of the 403 assembly seats, SP would be contesting 298 and Congress the rest 105.

There would be a three-cornered fight between BJP, BSP and SP-Congress alliance in UP.

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A 52-year-old Chinese man wanted by the United States for allegedly trying to illegally export military equipment has been arrested in Athens, Greek police said.

Given information by US authorities, Greek police yesterday said they detained the unnamed man as he was leaving a hotel in central Athens on Thursday, shortly after his arrival having travelled from China via Dubai.

He is wanted in America for having tried to buy military equipment and export it illegally out of the US, Greek police said in a statement.

The transaction, which would have been made in the name of a Chinese maritime company, involved equipment for intercepting information, the statement said.

US authorities had opened an inquiry into the affair in June 2013, it added. The suspect will remain in detention while a Greek court reviews the request for his extradition to the US.

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The All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) today threatened to launch a protest against the construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal on February 23.

A protest march will be taken out from Devigarh on February 23 and it will reach Kapoori village in Patiala at around 3 pm, where the outfit will start "closing down" the canal, said AISSF president Karnail Singh Peer Mohammed.

SYL is a 214-km long canal project to interlink the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers and defines water-sharing between Punjab and Haryana. The project has been suspended (rpt) suspended due to dispute between Punjab and Haryana and the matter is now before the Supreme Court.

Karnail Singh said Sikh groups have launched hi-tech mobile voting apps to muster support to challenge the Supreme Court's order on the canal before the International Court of Justice at The Hague in the Netherlands.

The groups are aiming to collect one million votes of the indigenous people of Punjab from all over the world by March 11, he added.

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Tajikistan's president said today that the death toll from a series of avalanches in late January had reached 13, with the government calling for international assistance.

President Emomali Rakhmon said nine people were killed on a road linking the capital Dushanbe to the country's northern regions, and four in the east.

More than 40 avalanches hit the mountainous Central Asian country over the last weekend of January, with the emergency services committee initially reporting seven victims.

Rakhmon said the country was struck by 244 avalanches last month.

On Wednesday the foreign ministry issued a call to foreign partners for assistance in dealing with the consequences of "anomalous" weather conditions.

The ministry said that precipitation over the autumn and winter had been "140-170 percent higher" than usual.

Poverty is widespread in Tajikistan, and the country is prone to natural disasters including avalanches, landslides and earthquakes.

In neighbouring Afghanistan, more than 100 people were killed this month in avalanches that buried whole villages.

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TIES, the new scheme for creating export infrastructure in states, will primarily focus on projects like customs checkpoints, cold storages at ports and last mile connectivity, a top official said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Budget announced a new central scheme Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) to develop export infrastructure in states.

"In this scheme, we are looking at infrastructure projects like border haats, custom checkpoints, last mile connectivity, cold storage at ports," the commerce ministry official told PTI.

Unlike Assistance to States for Development of Export Infrastructure and Allied Activities (ASIDE) Scheme, which was funded by the centre, the cost of projects under TIES will be equally shared between the Centre and states.

However, for north-eastern and the Himalayan region states, the centre will bear 80 per cent of the cost.

In this new scheme, the government would not get into areas like road construction, power sub-stations or parking spaces.

The commerce ministry has discussed the scheme with the states and they are ready for it, the official added.

The government announced TIES as the ASIDE scheme was shifted to states on the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission. States have time and again raised issues that the export infrastructure should be looked after by the centre.

Indian exporters face huge challenges in terms of infrastructure, particularly in states. Inadequate infrastructure pushes their transactions costs, impacting competitiveness of Indian goods in the global markets.

Although the government has worked in this area but lot more needs to be done as the exporters are facing tough competition in the world market from smaller economies like Veitnam and Bangladesh.

Exporters body FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) said the scheme will help create modern infrastructure like last mile connectivity to ports, testing labs and certification centres.

Recording positive growth for the fourth month in a row, India's exports rose by 5.72 per cent to USD 23.9 billion in December on better performance by petroleum, engineering and pharmaceuticals segments.

Besides infrastructure, government is working on several fronts like ways to reduce logistics cost to boost exports. India is aiming to increase its share in the global trade to 3.5 per cent from the current 2 per cent by 2020.

Increase in trade helps in creating huge employment opportunities and boost economic growth.

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At least two constables of the excise department were today injured after they were allegedly attacked by liquor traders at Karilopatana village here, police said today.

The incident took place when the excise patrol squad intercepted a van carrying smuggled liquor after which they were attacked by its occupants, who later fled spot, they said.

The victims have been identified as Debankant Acharya and Jagannath Beshra.

"Over 1,500 bottle of liquor and the van used for carrying, were seized," the excise personnel said adding the liquor was being smuggled for the panchayat polls.

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Britain's Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin will a lead a delegation of top 20 companies to India, as the two countries seek to build ties through a close industrial, military and economic partnership.

Baldwin and senior executives of the British firms will attend the 'Aero India 2017' exhibition held at the Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru from Tuesday.

Showcasing some of the most innovative technology in the defence, aviation and security sections, these cutting-edge businesses will be forging long-lasting industrial partnerships and joint ventures with Indian companies, the UK government said today.

"The UK and India have much to offer one another in defence: from manufacturing collaboration and simplified export controls, to military cooperation, training and research partnerships. As Britain steps up globally, we will work together with India to build knowledge, security and prosperity through a close industrial, military and economic partnership," Baldwin said.

Her visit builds on the Defence and International Security Partnership agreed between India and the UK in November 2015.

"The UK has a significant range of world class products across the air, land, maritime and security sectors and we are encouraging UK and Indian companies to develop and sustain long term industrial partnerships, to meet our future requirements and to launch new products into the global marketplace," said Sophie Lane, Regional Director for India in the Department of International Trade's Defence and Security Organisation.

The UK claims to be the top destination in Europe for inward investment, second globally to the US.

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Britain's top defense official said Friday that the country's two military bases on the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus are "more important than ever" in light of the turmoil gripping nearby Syria.

In the first-ever official visit to the island by a British defense secretary, Michael Fallon said British Tornado and Typhoon warplanes stationed at RAF Akrotiri have made 1,200 strikes against Islamic State group targets in Iraq and Syria in the last two years.

Fallon said coalition forces will this year aim to strike the "decisive blow" against the Islamic State group after pushing back its fighters in 2016, according to a transcript of his remarks provided by Cyprus' Defense Ministry.

Fallon said IS now holds less than 10 percent of territory in Iraq and that two million people have been liberated from IS rule.

Fallon also said the largely Kurdish Syrian Defense Forces are opening a second front against the IS stronghold in Raqqa, Syria and hailed the "larger role" Cyprus is playing in safeguarding security in the region. Britain has retained two bases on Cyprus after the island gained independence from colonial rule in 1960.

"We could have no better partner than our great friend Cyprus," Fallon said.

Fallon told the Associated Press after a meeting with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades that Britain is looking to extend an existing defense cooperation program with Cyprus to include maritime and aviation security.

Fallon repeated Britain's offer to cede nearly half of the 98 square miles (254 sq. Kilometers) of bases territory if current talks aimed at reunifying the ethnically divided island are successful.

Cypriot government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said Britain recognizes Cyprus' upgraded role in bolstering regional security which must be further strengthened as part of an aimed-for reunification deal.

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Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is heading to Turkey, five Mideast nations and Germany on his first major trip since taking the helm of the United Nations on Jan 1.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the UN chief was leaving for Istanbul yesterday for talks with government leaders and will then travel to Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, for meetings with the king, crown prince, deputy crown prince and other senior officials.

From there, he is scheduled to fly to Dubai where he will speak at the 2017 World Government Summit and meet leaders from the United Arab Emirates.

Guterres will then meet with leaders during stops in Oman, Qatar and Egypt and finally head to Bonn, Germany to attend the G-20 ministerial meeting and Munich to attend the annual Security Conference.

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Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday refused to be drawn into the boardroom controversy involving Infosys, maintaining that she does not see any conflict of interest in the appointment of Punita Sinha, wife of Union Minister Jayant Sinha, as an independent director.

"To comment on what is happening in a particular corporate organisation will be unfair from what reports I have seen in the media - that will be rather unfair to comment on whatever I have read in the media," she said.

She was speaking to PTI on the sidelines of The Hindu's The Huddle, an interactive event with eminent personalities from different walks of life.

Sitharaman was specifically asked about Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy flagging the issue of quality of governance at Infosys having "slipped" amid reports of uneasy equations between the company founders on the one hand and CEO Vishal Sikka and the board on the other.

On Punita's appointment, which was made almost a year ago and is also reported to be a contentious point in the rift, she said, "I am not sure I will personally have any objection. I am not sure again (whether) it is a conflict in the context of what is developing at Infosys."



Sitharaman made the point that Punita has been in this field because of her "capacity and credentials". "Well, I think Punita has a career of her own. She has been in this field of activity for a very long time and if she is there, it is because of her capacity and her credentials," she said.

On the rising tendency of protectionism by several countries as advocated by US President Donald Trump, Sitharaman said protectionism "is in India's face" and the government is negotiating to be less protectionist.

"Protectionism is in our face and we are negotiating with people to be less protectionist. A majority of the protectionist instruments are not tariffs, but standards," she explained.

She further said it is too early for her to comment on Trump's policies, which are yet to be ratified, but the Indian government is keenly watching the development and the Ministry of External Affairs is in touch with the US administration.

"We shall keep continuing the engagement and I would want to remind you that even with the Obama administration, we had engaged through Strategic Commercial Dialogue two years consequently - once in Washington and once here in Delhi... The issues continue. We need to have them resolved, and therefore we shall be continuing the engagement," the minister said.
A US appeals court has unanimously refused to reinstate Donald Trump's controversial ban on refugees and nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, in a major setback to the President, who vowed to fight on and slammed the ruling as a "political decision".

The judgement by a three-judge bench of the federal appeals court in San Francisco is seen as a significant blow to the Trump Administration which has argued that executive order was a major step to prevent entry of radical Islamic terrorists in the country.

Trump immediately reacted to the court order in a tweet.

"SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" he wrote, indicating that he is deeply disappointed with the decision of the Ninth Court of Appeal.

The Trump Administration had reached out to the court, requesting it to lift the halt on the implementation of its executive order that was ordered by a federal court in Seattle after an appeal filed by the Washington state.

The San Francisco court had held an oral hearing on the case early this week. The bench comprised William C Canby Jr, Richard R Clifton and Michelle T Friedland.

"We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay," the judges said in the unanimous order.

"Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the executive order, the government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all. We disagree," they wrote.

"In short, although courts owe considerable deference to the President's policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action," the judges said.

In a brief interaction with reporters after the judgement, Trump described the ruling as a political decision.

"It's a political decision, and we're going to see them in court. This is just a decision that came down, but we're going to win the case," Trump was quoted as saying by NBC .

Trump signed an executive order last month suspending the arrival of all refugees for at least 120 days, Syrian refugees indefinitely, and barring citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, fulfilling one of his central campaign promises.

Trump's political opponents and rights activists celebrated the court verdict.

"The Constitution wins," said Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who is one of the leading Democratic lawmakers fighting Trump's executive order.

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The US supports Afghanistan's unity government, President Donald Trump has said during a telephonic conversation with his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani even as both leaders emphasised on the importance of bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries.

"President Trump today spoke with President Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and emphasised the ongoing importance of the US-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership and his support for the National Unity Government," the White House said yesterday.

Trump and Ghani discussed opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relationship in areas such as security, counterterrorism cooperation, and economic development.

"President Trump looks forward to continuing a regular dialogue with President Ghani," the White House said.

The two leaders had their first telephonic conversation after Trump became the 45th President of the US on January 20, on a day on which the top American commander in Afghanistan briefed lawmakers on the situation in this war-torn country.

General John Nicholson, Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan told Senators that Ghani is making bold reforms and implementing anti corruption measures to professionalise and improve the Afghan security forces.

"The government of Afghanistan is committed to achieving peace through reconciliation. However, so long as external support and safe haven persist, the path to reconciliation will be extremely difficult. Afghanistan wants peace and we hope that their neighbours realise that their best interests are also served by peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan," Nicholson said.

"The National Unity government led by President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah has demonstrated the will to work through a complex set of issues with the goal of addressing much- needed political and governmental reforms," Senator Jack Reed, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee said.

"I hope they will continue to do so. Particular with respect to anti-corruption economic development and other governance initiatives which will be central to the long-term success," Reed said.

Nicholson said the Unity Government retains broad international community support, represented by the financial and security commitments through the 2020 time frame of the Warsaw Summit and the Brussels Conference.

To best translate the 2017-2020 Warsaw Summit timeline into success, President Ghani has directed the implementation of an Afghan four-year "Roadmap" to increase Afghan National Defense Security Force fighting capabilities, which will expand Afghan government control of the population and incentivise reconciliation, he said.

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Actor Vivek Oberoi has been invited by Harvard University in the US to deliver a talk on Bollywood.

Vivek has been extended a special invitation as guest lecturer to address the students and impart his knowledge of Hindi films.

"It's an honour to be invited to speak at Harvard. I'm looking forward to meeting illustrious people from all walks of life and listening to esteemed speakers," Vivek said in a statement here.

The "Company" actor will be seen in films like "Thala 57" (Tamil film), a web series and Ram Gopal Varma's "Rai" in which he plays the role of former underworld don Muthappa Rai.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said her government was against any job cut even for loss making state-owned enterprises.

"I am against any job loss. We had 90 corporations but to make them viable we had either merged or restructured them but without any job cut. Now the number had come to about 45," Banerjee said.

Today hundreds of employees of Central PSU Bridge & Roof staged a protest here against the Union government's decision for strategic sale of 99.53 per cent equity and transfer of management control of the company.

A demonstration was held today for a few hours at the company's head quarters here including road blockade.

"The government has already sought tender for legal advisors. So, now we have decided to start a mass agitation here tomorrow and demonstrate in Delhi later," a spokesperson of the Bridge & Roof (India) Ltd Employees & Unions said.

The government intends to go in for strategic sale of 99.53 per cent equity and transfer of management control in Bridge & Roof Company, which is under the control of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

"The unfortunate decision of the government will have a serious impact on the livelihood of thousands of employees and their families. Apart from 2200 employees on its rolls, there are around 15,000 direct and indirect workmen deployed across some 200 project sites of the company all over India," the union convenor Kamal Biswas said in the statement.

It said the employees were astonished with such a decision as the company is continuously making profits and paying dividend to the government of India.

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A woman police personnel, a former Naxal, allegedly committed suicide byshooting herself at the police community hall in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Bastar district, police said today.

'Gopniya Sainik' (secret trooper) Phulo Markam (25) was found lying in a pool of blood late last night at the police community hall in Jagdalpur, Bastar Additional Superintendent of Police Vijay Pandey told PTI over phone.

"Prima facie it appears to be a case of suicide but the investigation is on," he added.

Markam, native of Jiram in Darbha area of Bastar, was earlier a Naxal. She surrendered in 2015 and joined police as 'Gopniya Sainik'.

The surrendered Naxals who join the police as assistant constables and Gopniya Sainiks stay at the police community hall, said ASP Pandey.

Late last night the women personnels were awakened by a gunshot and found Markam lying in a pool of blood.

These troops have been issued SLR weapons as they have to be ready to rush at a short notice on getting information about Naxal movement, the officer said.

Preliminary investigation suggested that Markam shot herself with her service rifle, but probe was on taking into consideration all possibilities, Pandey said.

"The reason behind the incident can be ascertained after the arrival of postmortem report," he added.

Markam was among thewomen commandoswhotook part in an anti-Maoist operation in the Bastar district on September 24 last year in which two ultras were killed.

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The (Rs 28,500) looks much like the S2, with its rotating bezel, heart rate monitor and Tizen OS. But theres added girth because of a bigger battery, the addition of GPS, an altimeter-barometer combo and a speedometer. To take it through its paces, I wore the S3 as my primary watch on a recent trip to Manali. One can make and receive calls on the S3, at the risk of looking like a character from Star Trek.
Bots are going ballistic. Transparency Market Research predicts the global market to be worth nearly $1 billion by 2024. And according to bot specialists Personetics, there will be a surge in companies considering entry to the conversational financial bot space in the next 12 months.
In Uttar Pradesh, 73 of 403 seats go to polls on Saturday in Phase-I of assembly elections. While both caste and communal polarisations play across the 15 districts that vote on Saturday, neither seems dominant, making this a tight contest.



Results of the last couple of assembly elections, and 2014 Lok Sabha polls, suggest western Uttar Pradesh (UP) sets the tone for the rest of the state. A party that has won a majority of western UP's 130 seats, has also gone on to win a majority across the state.



Western UP is also among the most prosperous and urbanised regions of the state. The first phase has Muslims playing a crucial role in several constituencies, as they make up 20 to 25 per cent of the local electorate, and even 30 per cent in some.



If the BJP is trying its best to repeat its 2014 Lok Sabha win, 73 of UP's 80 seats, other parties believe 2007 and 2012 assembly polls offer a better frame of reference. BJP is Bharatiya Janata Party.



If there are signs of a communal polarisation favouring the BJP in urban areas, there are also signs that many in the economically dominant Jat community have dropped their love for BJP; they are now a far cry from 2014 Lok Sabha polls; they are upset with the party, and they could vote for Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). Earlier this week, BJP president Amit Shah had held meetings with the Jat leadership in Delhi to win them over. Dalits, particularly in rural areas, stand solidly behind Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), while the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance is serving up a buzz in urban areas.



Wounds from the Muzaffarnagar riots of September 2013 are yet to heal, despite efforts from both communities to mend fences. Demonetisation has irked, but it remains difficult to ascertain its influence on voting.



For 51-year-old Vikram Singh in Babri village near Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, Saturday's voting is more about community pride and prestige. Harvesting carrots along with his wife in his nearly two-acre farmland near Jat-dominated Sonjhwani village, Singh says the contest in the three riot-hit districts of Muzzafarnagar is primarily between BJP and Mayawati's BSP.



In Muzaffarnagar and surrounding areas, you can almost stare at the religious chasm, open right there. The Jats, filled with anger at the BJP, could still favour it, even as Behenji (Mayawati) emerges Muslims' first choice, largely because the party has fielded Muhammadan candidates. BSP's early announcement of candidates also seems to be helping.



Farming bowl



Referred to as India's sugar cane and wheat bowl, the area had suffered an economic meltdown over the past few years, thanks to mounting sugar cane dues and natural calamities such as hailstorm. The situation has eased up a bit, but there still are sugar mills that have started collecting cane this year, without clearing off previous years' dues.



The BJP is nervous at the prospect of Jats deserting the party. "The younger Jats might back BJP because of the Muzaffarnagar riots, but the older Jats are likely to return to Ajit Singh's RLD," Ravinder Pal, a timber merchant and political worker in Shamli, said. But he offers a caveat: "Communal polarisation is sharper in these elections than in 2007 or 2012".



Development talk, government schemes, and even promises of prosperity are struggling to block out the caste-communal binary. Not that people are fully discounting the "good work" done by Akhilesh Yadav government, but the last-minute tie-up with Congress as well as ticket distribution could weigh on the performance of Samajwadi Party-Congress.



Be wary of families which looted UP, country: Modi



Taking up issues of dynastic politics and law and order to target Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called it a tie-up between two families that have "looted" Uttar Pradesh and the country, and mocked Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi saying no leader has as many jokes on him as he does for his "childish" acts.



"When both families were separate, they caused so much destruction in the country and UP. What will happen when they have joined hands. If you want to save UP, you will have to save it from these families," he said addressing a rally at Bijnor.



With BJP locked in a tough fight in the state assembly polls, the prime minister dwelt at length on the "family rule" of the Yadav clan and cases of major crimes under its watch, besides "corruption" during the reign of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati governments.



Modi, who has been accused by Congress of using foul language and repeatedly humiliating opposition after his raincoat jibe against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, persisted with his shrill attack on rivals saying they have only served their families.



With Jats playing a key role in the two phases for which polling will be held on Saturday and Wednesday, respectively, he said a BJP government in the state will set up a farmers welfare fund named after Charan Singh, a noted Jat leader.



Clearing the dues of sugarcane farmers and waiving loans of small and marginal farmers, both promises being part of the BJP's manifesto, will be a priority if his party is voted to power, he said.



Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance and the ruling Yadav family were the focus of his attack and speech.

Inputs from Press Trust of India



"I do not know Akhilesh Yadav much. I have met him a few times in meetings and it seemed to me after reading various reports that he is an educated young man who is trying to learn. I was hopeful that a young man will be fit for politics in 5-10 years.



"On the other hand there is a Congress leaders who does so many childish acts that if you do a search on computer, you will find that no other leader has as many jokes on him as he has.



"Even senior Congress leaders keep a distance from him.



When the leader avoided by his senior party leaders was embraced by Akhilesh, then I began doubting his wisdom. One can make blunders but not of this kind," Modi said, targeting the Congress vice president.



He said it is an alliance between two families, one of which "looted" the country and the other Uttar Pradesh.



He noted that so many members of the extended ruling Yadav family are MPs, MLAs and serving in various other capacities in government.



While Bijnor with about 2,000 villages has one MP, there are so many of them in Parliament, assembly and other government bodies from Safai, the family village of Akhilesh Yadav, he said.



They made one caste (Yadav) as their vote bank but served only their family, he said.


Taking up issues of dynastic politics and law and order to target Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called it a tie-up between two families who have "looted" Uttar Pradesh (UP) and the country, and mocked Rahul Gandhi saying no leader has as many jokes on him as he does for his "childish" acts.

"When both families were separate, they caused so much destruction in the country and UP. What will happen when they have joined hands. If you want to save UP, you will have to save it from these families," he said addressing a rally here.

With BJP locked in a tough fight in the state assembly polls, the Prime Minister dwelt at length on the "family rule" of the Yadav clan and cases of major crimes under its watch, besides "corruption" during the reign of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati governments.

Modi, who has been accused by Congress of using foul language and repeatedly humiliating opposition after his raincoat jibe against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, persisted with his shrill attack on rivals saying they have only served their families.

With Jats playing a key role in the two phases for which polling will be held tomorrow and February 15, he said a BJP government in the state will set up a farmers welfare fund named after Charan Singh, a noted Jat leader.

Clearing the dues of sugarcane farmers and waiving loans of small and marginal farmers, both promises being part of the BJP's manifesto, will be a top priority for the state government if his party is voted to power, he said.

It was, however, his attack on the SP-Congress alliance and the ruling Yadav family which was the focus of his speech.

"I do not know Akhilesh Yadav much. I have met him a few times in meetings and it seemed to me after reading various reports that he is an educated young man who is trying to learn. I was hopeful that a young man will be fit for politics in 5-10 years.

"On the other hand there is a Congress leaders who does so many childish acts that if you do a search on computer, you will find that no other leader has as many jokes on him as he has.

"Even senior Congress leaders keep a distance from him. When the leader avoided by his senior party leaders was embraced by Akhilesh, then I began doubting his wisdom. One can make blunders but not of this kind," Modi said, targeting the Congress vice president.

He said it is an alliance between two families, one of which "looted" the country and the other Uttar Pradesh.

He noted that so many members of the extended ruling Yadav family are MPs, MLAs and serving in various other capacities in government.

While Bijnor with about 2,000 villages has one MP, there are so many of them in Parliament, assembly and other government bodies from Safai, the family village of Akhilesh Yadav, he said.

They made one caste (Yadav) as their vote bank but served only their family, he said.

Accusing the Akhilesh Yadav government of suppressing



rivals by lodging false criminal cases against them, Modi said poll results on March 11 will "expose" it and a BJP government will launch a probe into all such cases.

Can any decent person without any political affiliation say that the UP government has been unable to protect good people, the Prime Minister said, adding that a wave of change was blowing across the state in his party's favour, forcing SP and Congress to come to each other's rescue after targeting each other for years.

He cited several incidents, including the alleged Badaun gang rape, and subsequent insensitive comments of the ruling party leaders to allege that SP will not be able to protect women.

Without naming them, Modi referred to SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav's remarks that "boys make mistakes" in reference to a rape case and also that of senior SP leader Azam Khan.

Khan, he said, had to apologise in the Supreme Court.

Targeting Congress and SP, he said both ruling families believe that running governments is their right and will not allow the common man to do it.

Raising the corruption issue, he said those who "looted" the state under the rule of BSP chief Mayawati were given good positions by the current government and referred to graft cases involving Yadav Singh, who held senior positions in the Greater Noida Authority in the two governments and is currently behind bars.

Without naming Singh, Modi said he was sent to jail after central agencies began probing him. Akhilesh Yadav government went to the Supreme Court to oppose handing over the prove to the CBI, he said.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday rejected the suggestion of state funding of elections, saying it is not practical in the Indian context, but was open to the idea of modifying his Budget proposal of capping cash donations to parties at Rs 2,000 per source and issuing electoral bonds.

Jaitley said, "The Rs 2000 limit, that we have given, is the Election Commission's recommendation. It has suggested to lower it from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,000 to make it stringent. If there is consensus for ending it, then it is a different issue. We will discuss it during Finance Bill."

Replying to a debate on the Budget in Parliament, he said, "If somebody has any improvement to suggest to this idea, we welcome this. Because it is a matter which concerns all of us, we have put a proposal on the table at the stage of Finance Bill it will discussed," he added.

Jaitley, while responding to suggestions made by various members with regard to the political donations during the debate, said, "We can improve on it but don't suggest a problem for every solution. If you suggest a problem for every solution then the present status quo which is not an ideal situation will exist."

To demands for State funding of elections voiced by parties like Trinamool Congress, the Finance Minister said, "I am open to the idea. But your optimism is based on the fact that when State funding starts only Stateprovided funds will be used in elections and nobody will use private funds in the elections. So your optimism is based on this one belief which is not consistent with Indian reality."

Lamenting that even 70 years after Independence bulk of India's politics is funded through unaccounted money, he said, "We don't want an argument where people have a problem with every solution. And that is the tragedy of political funding in India. Whichever solution you suggest, people will suggest the problem arising out of that," he added.

People prefer to give donations in cash because it has anonymity, Jaitley said, adding that the current government has made a serious effort to legitimise this. "We have said that you pay by cheque, then donor and donee both will get tax advantage. We have said pay by digital mode," he added.

Stressing that issuing electoral bond would ensure that only legitimate, tax paid, accounted money comes into the political system, he said the identity of donor will be kept secret since the Banking Regulation Act prohibits sharing of details of bank transactions to anyone, including the government.
Even before corporate governance issue between Ratan Tata and Cyrus Mistry could settle, it is back again and this time at India's second largest software giant - Infosys.

Differences between the promoters of Infosys and the board erupted over Rs 49 crore package of CEO Vishal Sikka and the hefty severance packages given out to two top executives.

Reports suggest that Vishal Sikka gets a package which is much higher than his counterparts in other Indian IT companies. And, this sparked a debate over corporate governance and transparency at Infosys.

Even though Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka appealed employees not to get distracted by 'gossip' about Infosys, the dust is unlikely to settle anytime soon as company's founding members have started reacting very strongly over the issue.



ALSO READ: Govt finds 9 lakh registered firms never filed I-T returns. Crackdown begins



Here are the voices that matter



NR Narayana Murthy

In an interview to Economic Times, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy said that such 'generosity' - severance pay - points to utter arrogance towards honest employees, total lack of fiduciary responsibility, and an unbelievable lack of application of mind.

He said: "Providing huge severance pay (with 100 per cent variable) to some departing employees while giving only 80 per cent variable for employees in the company is one such example. Such payments raise doubts whether the company is using such payments as hush money to hide something."

"First is for the chair of the nomination and remuneration committee and the chair of the board to accept their mistakes and show contrition. Second is to follow the good practices of pre-2014 Infosys and improve upon them. Third is for the board to consult from time to time experts like Mohandas Pai, Bala, Marti Subrahmanyam and Omkar Goswami in finance and good governance," Murthy further suggested.

Mohandas Pai

Ex-Chief Financial Officer Mohandas Pai raised the similar concern and said that board should give a detailed answer and not take shelter under 'bland' statement that decisions were taken in the interest of the company.

"The founders who have built the company and created a value system have raised serious issues. As far as I know, no CFO in India has got a 24-month separation," Pai said. He was referring to ex-CFO Rajiv Bansal's severance package of Rs 17.38 crore, equaling 24 months of pay.

He also explained as to why the board should look at high salaries and look at what shareholders have got out of it. "From April 2011 till January 2017, the shareholder value has not increased at all and the market capitalisation of the Bengaluru-based IT major has also remained at the same level during the period," he said.

"And if you look at how shareholders have suffered in the last five years compared to the salaries paid to the management now and what was paid to the management earlier, the high compensation paid to people is excessive. It's "very good shareholders" who are former founders and are asking tough questions to the board," ex-CFO said.

JN Gupta, Former ED, SEBI

Joining Murthy and Pai, SEBI's Former Executive Director JN Gupta also expressed his displeasure over the current issue and suggested the board to talk to shareholders. "Infosys was known for its gold standard of governance and somehow or other, this current episode has dented its image. So the best thing would be to go ahead and engage with the shareholders who have raised the issue and see to it that all the issues are settled," former SEBI ED said"

"But then the question comes who is right. Both will lay claim to being right and we really do not know who is right. That is why a third party is an ideal solution to settle this issue because then nobody can blame that it was a biased opinion. Anyway one thing is very clear if the disclosures have not been proper, something has been hidden and then it is not up to the standard that has been set by Infosys in the corporate governance. I would say Infosys has to reset its clock and come back to the same governance standard which it followed earlier," Gupta said.
Infosys co-founder NR Narayan Murthy has voiced out his thoughts on a number of issues related to the IT giant that have dominated headlines in recent days.

Over the various reports of falling corporate governence at Infosys, Murthy told The Economic Times in an exclusive interview: "We won several awards for good governance all over the world. However, since June 1, 2015, we have seen a concerning drop in governance standards at Infosys."

He also raised his doubts over the severance pay Infosys has made to employees who left the organistaion.

"Providing huge severance pay (with 100 per cent variable) to some departing employees while giving only 80 per cent variable for employees in the company is one such example. Such payments raise doubts whether the company is using such payments as hush money to hide something.," he said.

Murthy said Infosys needs to take initiative to win the trust of its shareholders.

"First is for the chair of the nomination and remuneration committee and the chair of the board to accept their mistakes and show contrition. Second is to follow the good practices of pre-2014 Infosys and improve upon them. Third is for the board to consult from time to time experts like Mohandas Pai, Bala, Marti Subrahmanyam and Omkar Goswami in finance and good governance"

On the question of the rumours of a rift between CEO Vishal Sikka and its founders, he said: "Neither has he asked for my opinion on any aspect of his strategy or its execution, nor have I offered any advice on these issues."

He, however, added: "At Infosys, the culture has always been for all predecessors to only wish the best for the succeeding CEO and his management. It is in the same spirit that I continue to wish Vishal, the management, and every employee the best of everything in the coming year like I have done in the past".

On the issue of Sikka's pay which has created a huge controversy, Murthy said: "In countries with good governance in developed countries, the ration of the CEO salary to the next lower level is generally 1:2. At Infosys, today, it is about 2000 between the CEO salary and the entry-level for a software engineer."

Earlier, former Infosys CFO T V Mohandas Pai said that the present leadership at the Bengaluru-based company is not focussed on creating shareholder value even as he reposed faith in CEO Vishal Sikka's leadership, saying there is "need for a strong chairman".

Pai, who served as a board member of Infosys from 2000 to 2011, also said it was a "mistake" on the part of N R Narayana Murthy to "focus on only founders becoming leaders (CEOs)" which led many people to quit the company."I am very saddened. All of us spent a major part of our lives building up this great company, and I am very saddened by what has happened," Pai, who is not a founder but spent 17 years with the company before quitting in 2011, told PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)








Assyrian Statehood: Preventing a Rupture in Kurdish-American Relations

Assyrian autonomy would do more than rectify a centuries-old injustice. It could also be the key to preventing irreversible damage to relations between the U.S. and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG). President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban against seven Muslim-majority countries has been met with a growing backlash in the Middle East. In response to Trump's executive order, the Iraqi parliament voted to support reciprocal restrictions, barring Americans from entering Iraq unless Washington reverses its decision. This leaves Iraqi Kurds in a very precarious position. "The KRG must now decide whether to help unify Iraq or go to war with Iraq," said retired Lt. Col. Sargis Sangari, an expert on Assyrian Christians and CEO of the Near East Center for Strategic Engagement. "The Kurds may now feel compelled to implement their own travel ban against U.S. citizens, since their Muslim brethren would interpret such opposition as both a betrayal and an unpardonable offense against their religion." Any refusal by the KRG to implement such a ban would put the Kurds at odds with the federal government in Baghdad. It would also prove damaging to Kurdish aspirations for independence, since the KRG cannot afford to enter negotiations while opposing the travel bans imposed by Iran and Iraq against American citizens. By supporting Assyrian statehood, the KRG would send a clear message that it stands firmly with the U.S. and Western values. The three countries would share an unbreakable bond based on shared morals and economic prosperity. Assyrians are indigenous to Mesopotamia, and their history spans more than 6,700 years. When the Assyrian Empire came to an end in 612 B.C.E, the Assyrians would go on to become the first nation to convert to Christianity. The Assyrian language, a dialect of Aramaic, is likely what Jesus would have spoken during his lifetime. Prior to the Islamic conquest of the Middle East, the Assyrian Church had an estimated 80 million adherents. Today, the Assyrian population throughout the world has been reduced to a little more than 4 million. Continuous murder, rape and forcible conversions to Islam have resulted in as much as 95 percent of this ancient community being forced to live outside there native region. Until 2003, the Assyrian-Christian population numbered 1.5 million in Iraq. By the end of 2015, that number had been reduced to an estimated 150,000. This constitutes a 90-percent reduction of the Assyrian Christian population in their ancestral homeland. This genocide of Assyrians continues today, with the Islamic State terror group committing mass murder, forced conversions, rape and the destruction of Christian holy sites under its dominion. "If a new Assyrian state becomes a reality, Assyrians from all over the world would go back," said Sangari. "The majority of talented, Western-educated Assyrians would probably go back as well." American Assyrians who return to their homeland would represent a link to the U.S., which the KRG could cultivate by supporting the foundation of this new Assyrian state. President Trump recently stated that persecuted Christians in the Middle East would be given priority as refugees. If the KRG were to aid in the rebuilding of the Assyrian national homeland, this would represent a goodwill gesture that would reverberate to Washington and send a powerful message that the genocide of Christians in the region will not be tolerated. Western-educated Assyrians would serve as a significant boon to the region. Coupled with oil production, a sophisticated economy would emerge for everyone's benefit. Kurdish statehood is therefore contingent on the rebirth of an Assyrian state. Although KRG President Massud Barzani recently stated that a declaration of Kurdish independence was imminent, the problem is that the KRG remains deeply divided. There is no guarantee that the two factions that make up the Kurdish Peshmerga forces will remain unified, since both militias remain deeply partisan. This division, compounded by potential conflicts with Iran and Iraq, does not bode well for the continued survival of a Kurdish state. Rather than a blessing, oil wealth would be a regional curse as it is used to fund further military campaigns. If the KRG supported the rebirth of an Assyrian state, it would have a reliable and powerful ally in the region. A new U.S.-backed alliance between Kurdistan, Assyria and Israel that enshrines Western principles of freedom and democracy would create an oasis of peace and prosperity in an area of the world that desperately needs it.

Bradley Martin is a fellow with the Haym Salomon Center news and public policy group and deputy editor for the Canadian Institute for Jewish Research.
Boeing Co's new Indian unit will help the company win more business from local customers and mean more employment in the South Asian country, the head of the U.S. defence firm's Indian business said on Friday.

The new legal entity, announced this week, is the fourth separate country-specific business Boeing has established after setting up similar structures in Britain, Australia and Saudi Arabia.

Boeing will hire more staff, most of them locals, but also bring in specialists from overseas as it looks to win new deals and grow the $500 million a year worth of products it currently sources from India, Boeing India President Pratyush Kumar told Reuters.

He declined to say how many new jobs would be created.

"This is to really create the full ecosystem throughout the lifecycle for our customers in India," he said ahead of an Indian airshow in Bengaluru next week.

Kumar said that the new entity, which Boeing hopes will also grow its manufacturing presence in the country, was designed for its Indian clients rather than those overseas.

"In order to support U.S. exports, we need to better support our Indian customers," he said.

Boeing, as well as rivals like Airbus and Lockheed Martin, are looking to India, one of the world's largest arms importers, as a future source of growth as Western countries trim defence budgets.

India is expected to spend $250 billion over the next decade to modernise its armed forces, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that new deals must involve a share of local production to help the country grow its nascent defence industry.

Lockheed Martin said this week it wants to push ahead with plans to move production of its F-16 combat jets to India, but understands President Donald Trump's administration may want to take a "fresh look" at the proposal.

Trump has criticised U.S. companies that have moved manufacturing overseas and which then sell their products back to the United States.
Indian government's demonetisation exercise and the impasse in Indo-Pak ties over Kashmir are among the major issues to be discussed at this year's India Conference at the prestigious Harvard University in the US.

During the 14th annual edition of Harvard India Conference one of the largest in the western hemisphere - university students over the weekend would deliberate on issues related to this year's theme 'India: The Global Growth Engine.'

Rahul Srinivasan, one of the organisers of the two-day conference being jointly organised by the students of Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, said an exciting array of growth initiatives within India has ignited a positive spark in the global community.

As a result, eminent international institutions, financial companies, top global organisations and thought-leaders are now looking towards India to lead global change, he said.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior Pakistani leader Mushahid Hussain Sayed will join a panel discussion on Kashmir, during which the two leaders and other panelists will share different perspectives on why this conflict has persisted for over seven decades.

Students organisers said it is also an exploration of possible paths to peace and conflict resolution in the region.

Through this panel, Harvard students want to find out if there are reasons for young people on both sides of the border and in Kashmir to be hopeful about the future.

A panel of eminent economists Abhijit Banerjee, Bhaskar Chakravorti, Kenneth Rogoff and Jeffrey Frankel would respond to queries on demonetisation policy of the Indian government, which was promoted as an attack on blackmoney and a way to digitise India's cash-heavy economy.

It is unclear if these objectives were achieved, and the short and long term impacts of this policy continue to be debated, organisers said.
If you are a regular visitor to Connaught Place in the heart of New Delhi, you may have walked into some of the restaurants in the area which have rooftop sitting arrangements that overlook an incredible view of the inner-circle and the central park with the huge national flag.

Restaurants such as Warehouse Cafe, Farzi Cafe, Boombox Cafe are a favourite among youngsters, working professionals and families in the national capital. But, there is some bad news for the

customers who go to these restaurants and prefer sitting on the rooftop for the magnificent view.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has ordered these restaurants to shut down their rooftop sections. A total of twenty-one restaurants have been asked to do so after part of a building in CP's C Block collapsed last week raising safety concerns.

Below are the restaurants that have been instructed to shut down their rooftop sections:

My Bar Headquarters

Warehouse Cafe in D-block

The Vault Cafe in F-block

Kinbuck-2 in C-Block

Kitchen Bar in C-block

Lord of the Drinks

Open House Cafe

Jungle Jamboree

Boombox Cafe

Farzi Cafe

House of Commons

Hotel Palace Heights

Office Canteen Bar

Luggage Room

Cafe OMG

Unplugged Courtyard

Barbeque Nation

TC Bar & Restaurant

Teddy Boy Restaurant

The Niche Restaurant

Cafe Public Connection

"The open-air restaurants have been running for years without permission. The chief architect's office had sent showcause notices to these for misuse of premises under sections 250 and 252 of the NDMC Act, 1994. The rooftop sections were sealed on Friday," the Hindustan Times quoted a senior official as saying.

The NDMC, meanwhile, is looking into last week's roof collapse and has formed a panel of safety experts. Connaught place, which was built in 1933, comprises old heritage structures.
The puzzle behind one of the biggest cyber security breaches -that compromised 3.2 million cards last year in 2016- has been resolved. Japan-based Hitachi Payments Services on Thursday admitted the system breach and said: "We confirm that our security systems had a breach during mid-2016."

Hitachi Managing Director Loney Anthony said that data breach happened despite following adequate security measures. "As soon as the breach was discovered, we informed the RBI, NPCI, banks and card schemes. The extent of the compromise was limited and we have not seen any further misuse," he said.

"Hitachi Payment Services regrets the inconvenience caused to banks and its customers due to this lapse in its security infrastructure. We assure you of our highest commitment to building a robust infrastructure in our systems and preventing such cyber frauds in future," Anthony said.

Hitachi made the acknowledgement following the final assessment report from security audit firm SISA Information Security. "SISA's report pointed to a sophisticated injection of malware in the Hitachi Payment Services' systems, which was able to compromise the details of these debit cards," Hitachi said in a statement.

"While the behaviour of the malware and the penetration into the network has been deciphered, the amount of data exfiltrated is unascertainable due to secure deletion by the malware," Hitachi added. The data breach happened between May 21 and July 11.

Last year in October, India's largest bank SBI and several banks had recalled a large number of cards, while many others blocked the ones suspected to have been compromised.



National Payments Corporation of India or NPCI, which is an umbrella organization for all retail payments system in India, had confirmed that the complaints of fraudulent withdrawals from 641 customers and the total amount involved is Rs 1.3 crore were reported by various affected banks.

"All affected banks have been alerted by card networks that a total card base of about 3.2 million could have been possibly compromised. Out of this 0.6 million are RuPay cards," NPCI had said.
Big mergers in banking are coming. That was something the market has been waiting for with bated breath over the last few years. SBI's merger of five associate banks and also the Mahila Bank is the only official announcement so far. The process of merger is already on. The government has already indicated consolidation in the public sector banking (PSB) space by creating three-four large banks with substantial size.

Nobody had thought of a merger possibility of two large banks in the private banking space. That too, well run Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank (it recently acquired ING Vysya Bank).

Even as the two banks have denied the merger talks as mere speculation , the market is refusing to believe them. The speculators are betting on this big merger which will create a bank of the size of ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank , with total assets of over Rs 7 lakh crore. But the merger is not all about size. On the face of it, the odds are against the merger.

1) Size no longer matters

Banking is all set to change with digitisation, big data, artificial intelligence, robotics , digital wallets and app banking. Banks no longer bet on physical infrastructure ( like branches , ATMs and people ) to acquire new customers or business. The leaner you are , the better it is for you while competing in the new changing banking space. Globally , the app only banks are a reality. In India , too , players like PayTM are creating an altogether new model of 'digital wallet' banking.

2) The next big thing is differentiated banks

The new payments banks and small finance banks are going to call the shots in the banking space by focusing on transaction and payments space. Kotak, too, has taken a stake in Airtel Payments Bank. These new banks are not planning to create a large physical infrastructure but are betting big on new technology.

3) ING Vysya merger integration

Kotak Bank has recently gulped ING Vysya , which was almost equal to the size of the bank. There are many integration challenges in such a large merger. Kotak has got SME , Agri and MNC clients and also a new geography , South of India, to explore. In such a large merger , the benefit always accrue over a longer period of time. The top priority for Kotak currently is to increase the efficiency of the new branches acquired and also improve the productivity of people. Kotak Bank has a large suite of products including insurance , mutual fund, etc. to sell through these newly acquired branches. This process itself would take 3-4 years to get the maximum out of this merger.

4) Rough operating environment

The entire banking industry is on the cusp of change. In fact , given the speed at which changes are taking place in the industry especially on the digitisation front, the banks need management bandwidth to react and also keep ahead of the change. At this juncture, the other business challenges are taking a back seat. Axis Bank , however , has been facing issues on asset quality especially in its corporate book. In fact , the bank's asset quality has been deteriorating over the last few year. The bank has a very high restructured book of close to 4 per cent of its advances. Given the challenging environment , it would be difficult to make a recovery. The resolution mechanism has also slowed down a bit. ARCs with limited capital are busy resolving the existing backlog and tools like SDR and S4A have also not seen any traction because of valuation differences and lack of buyers.

5) No new geography or product suite

The mergers always take place either for acquiring product basket or for getting a new geography. ING Vysya merger provided a huge network of branches in the South where Kotak was not present. Similarly , ING gave access to SME , Agri and MNC portfolio , where ING Vysya was strong. In case of Axis , the duo have similar presence in urban , semi-urban and rural with Kotak having larger presence in metros.


The Indian pharmaceutical industry has urged the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), to remove India from its Priority Watch List (PWL) of countries having lax patent laws, which harm interests of the US drug companies.

In a letter to the USTR, the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), a grouping of 20 leading drug companies accounting for over 60 per cent of drug exports, said USTR should review its 2016 Special 301 Report and observations on India. The report also alleges that Indian companies deny adequate and effective protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) or deny fair and equitable market access to the US pharmaceutical industry, which relies on intellectual property protection.

IPA noted that India has improved its IPR environment in the last two years, through dialogue and consultation as well as adoption of the National IPR Policy, quadrupling of patent examiners and consistent judicial enforcement, in accordance with Indian law.

The letter also said that the country does not discriminate between Indian and foreign applicants for patents under the controversial Section 3(d) of the Patent Act, which deals with new forms of all drugs. And said that the country has not granted any compulsory license in 2015 and 2016 or revoked patents under Section 66 of the Indian Patent Act. The country has also come up with a comprehensive IPR policy, that protects interests of the domestic and trade partners, including companies from the US.

As reported in Business Today this week, a report brought out by the Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) of the US industry and business lobby group - The US Chamber of Commerce - had ranked India as 43rd in a 45 country list on the basis of intellectual property (IP) environment.
With 60% of men paying up to 1,500 per month on childcare, 61% believe that it is better and more cost effective for one parent to be at home to raise children and a third would consider job sharing in order to do this and to portion domestic responsibilities more evenly.



This is according to Irish recruitment agency, Osborne who recently commissioned a survey among men age 20  60 to find out what issues affect them at work.



Management mentoring, opportunities for promotion and reaching targets were the most important triggers for work satisfaction according to the survey while salary levels (40%), stress (37%), and the ability to maintain a work / life / home balance cause the most issues.

Sixty six per cent of Irish men turn to a partner to offload their concerns and a third regularly worry about balancing work and home.



In September 2016, Ireland joined 23 other EU member states by offering fathers two weeks paid paternity leave. A new study commissioned by Osborne has unveiled that since this positive move by the Government, a number of companies have introduced more flexible parental leave solutions for working fathers.

Sixty per cent stated that their workplace is flexible when it comes to taking time off or leaving early to resolve childcare issues. Over a third said that a flexible working environment is essential for their family in order to help when their children are sick and to attend parent teacher meetings or childrens dental or doctor appointments.



Although family dynamics are changing, 43% surveyed by Osborne said that their partner is the sole childminder at home and in 78% of cases, they were the main bread winner in their family and worked over 40 hours per week.

With 60% paying up to 1,500 per month on childcare, 61% believe that it is better and more cost effective for one parent to be at home to raise children and a third would consider job sharing in order to do this and to portion domestic responsibilities more evenly.



Commenting on the results, Director of Commercial Development, David Walsh said, "There is a different expectation across society now to 20 years ago and its a very positive shift. It is great to see that men are taking work life balance more seriously. With technology making work so accessible, it is important for us all to have personal time to recharge. This can lead to a more energised, productive work environment and a truly diverse and inclusive company culture."

He added, "Its also encouraging to see the percentage of men wanting and willing to share childcare responsibility and for employers to respect and facilitate this."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

About us
Way back in 2006 I disagreed with some analysts on the outlook for the Inland Empire in California. I wrote:



As the housing bubble unwinds, housing related employment will fall; and fall dramatically in areas like the Inland Empire. The more an area is dependent on housing, the larger the negative impact on the local economy will be.



So I think some pundits have it backwards: Instead of a strong local economy keeping housing afloat, I think the bursting housing bubble will significantly impact housing dependent local economies.

Click on graph for larger image.

And sure enough, the economies of housing dependent areas like the Inland Empire were devastated during the housing bust. The good news is the Inland Empire is expanding solidly now.This graph shows the unemployment rate for the Inland Empire (using MSA: Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario), and also the number of construction jobs as a percent of total employment.The unemployment rate is falling, and is down to 5.2% (down from 14.4% in 2010). And construction employment is up from the lows (as a percent of total employment), but still somewhat low.So the unemployment rate is back to a low level, but the economy isn't as heavily depending on construction.Overall the Inland Empire economy is in much better shape today.
Une rue de Bamenda le 9 janvier 2017 CIN

English speaking journalists in Cameron are in a dilemma following a recent surge in the arrest of Anglophone news gatherers in the country.

Most media men and women in the country were Friday morning shocked when reports widely circulated that two of their colleagues were seized in the night of Thursday breaking Friday in Buea in the South West region.

The political desk editor of The Sun newspaper, Atia Tilarious Azohnwi and Buea bureau chief of The Guardian Post, Amos Fofung were whisked from the latters Molyko abode and ferried to the third police district of the South West regional capital where they were still in detention at the time of this report.

It should be noted that Atia is also the president of the Buea chapter of Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ), and Communication Secretary of Cameroon Journalists Trade Union (SNJC) for the South West.

None of the groups had commented at the time of this report.

Though the police was also still to officially comment on the arrest, Elah Geoffrey, Editor of The Sun who confirmed the apprehension said it is related to the ongoing crisis rocking the two English speaking regions of the country.

A Buea-based journalist told Fofungs colleague at the head office of The Guardian Post in Yaounde that forces targeted a Bamenda journalist who cruised to Buea with Anti National Youth Day tracks.

Going by the allegations, Mofor Ndong, publisher of Voice of The Voiceless who was the police target was sharing pleasantries with his Buea colleagues when uniform men stormed and bundled them all.

The trio are not the first journalists to have been arrested since the crisis erupted in the two Anglophone regionsreason for the atmosphere of fear animating Anglophone journalists in the country.

Known cases of journalists who have been arrested in relation to the protests include the publisher of Life Time newspaper, Tim Finnian and Jean Claude Agbortem of Camer-Veritas Magazine.

While Tim in an article published in the January 24 edition of his paper alleged that two of some young people security forces arrested in the wake of the protests in the opposition stronghold of Bamenda died on transit to Yaounde, Agbortem was allegedly priding himself as communicator of the banned consortium that has been leading the strike.

It is alleged that the government is monitoring dozens of Anglophone Journalists. Some like the critical publisher of The Times Journal have not been seen in public lately and the question, are we safe? has been on the lips of those who are free for now.

It is therefore time for press freedom advocates like Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) just to name these few to take their rightful positions before all Anglophone journalists in the country are arrested.
Ghost Town in Buea (23/01/2017) Wilson MUSA

Sources say the two men were bundled from the Molyko residence of Amos Fofung where the bag was found, at the time of the search, Atia Tilarious was with him. Both men were later ferried to the 3rd Police District where they spent the night.

Two Print Media Journalists, Buea chapter President of Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ and Communication Secretary of Cameroon Journalists Trade Union for the South West, ATIA Tilarious Azonhnwi and South West regional Correspondent for The Guardian Post Newspaper, Amos Fofung have been arrested by elements of 3rd Police District in Molyko Buea in connection with a bag that contained anti 11 February tracks purportedly dropped by the Publisher of Voice of the Voiceless from Bamenda.

Sources say the two men were bundled from the Molyko residence of Amos Fofung where the bag was found, at the time of the search, Atia Tilarious was with him. Both men were later ferried to the 3rd Police District where they spent the night.

It is alleged that the Publisher of Voice of The Voiceless has been arrested and could be taken to Yaounde.

According to Elah Geoffrey, Editor of The Sun Newspaper where ATIA works, the arrest is connected with ongoing crisis rocking the two English speaking regions of Cameroon.

The Police are yet to make an official statement on their arrest.
La Ville de Bamenda, Cameroun Archives

The Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ), has condemned the increasing arrest of journalists and their continuous incarceration without judgment in the country.

In a statement issued on Friday February 11, the National President of the association, Simon Lyonga notes that since a protest erupted in the English speaking regions of the country late last year, many press officials have been harassed and radio stations closed.

Fridays statement followed the apprehension of two English speaking journalists in Buea in the South West region a day earlier.

Atia Tilarious, political desk editor of The Sun newspaper and Amos Fofung, Buea bureau correspondent of The Guardian Post were whisked from the latters Molyko domicile and conveyed to the third police district of Buea where theyve since been in custody.

This comes to increase the number of journalists held in custody this day by state authorities, the CAMASEJ release noted citing another journalist, Tim Finnian arrested in Bamenda last month and ferried to the Secretariat of State for Defence (SED) in the nations capital.

The association has called for their immediate and unconditional release.

While calling for their immediate release, we are calling on all our members and pressmen to remain calm and most of all professional in the discharge of their duties. For professionalism is the only but strongest weapon placed in the hands of a journalist, Simon Lyonga stated in the statement.

The CAMASEJ president called on authorities to regard journalists in the country as partners reminding the latter that Cameroon is signatory to the United Nations charter that promotes freedom of speech.

Also the 1990 law on social Communication in Cameroon enables its citizens; talk less of journalists to express their views freely, Simon Lyonga said wondering why media men and women should be prevented from carrying out their missions.

By Ernest NFORMI
Exploitation du bois au Cameroun Archives

The Minister of Forestry and Wildlife has suspended some thirteen logging companies accused of fraudulently carrying out exploitation of Cameroons timber and non-respect of the regulation.

In a press release on Thursday February 9, 2017, the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, Philip Ngole Ngwese said the erring enterprises have been sanctioned for offences largely associated to their non-compliance with sustainable management standards.

The statement read on national radio said the suspension for a period of six months will only be lifted after litigations initiated against the defaulters would have been closed and fines levied on them duly paid.

The Forestry and Wildlife boss urged the 13 concerned companies to stop forestry activities with an immediate effect as authorities have been struggling to combat illegal logging.

The identity of the concerned companies was not divulged in the release.

Philip Ngole Ngwese in the statement warned that should the suspension not be lifted within the indicated time, logging licenses shall be definitely withdrawn.

It is not the first time the Ministry is suspending logging companies in the country. Some 23 erring logging companies received similar sanctions in November last year.

Besides national regulations, the country is signatory to many regional and international instruments aimed at ensuring transparency in the forestry sector and protecting the vast rainforest the country is endowed with.
How did a Country that had all it needs to grow splendidly (and that has it still) fall flat on its back so dramatically and all of a sudden? How did Cameroon move so quickly from a promising dawn to a very moving night? The causes are as abundant as fruit on a mango tree.

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The destruction of Cameroon as of other African countries is something that has been ingeniously schemed. The sinking of Cameroon as of most of the francophone countries has its remote and internal causes.

When European oppressors abandoned the colonies here and there in Africa they made sure that things would keep streaming the way they wanted.

In most African countries and above all in the former French colonies, the new leaders were chosen by the masters to continue serving them.

African patriots and nationalists that mastered the true meaning of Independence and had good agendas for their people were hunted and many of them were arrested and jailed or were assassinated.

In Congo Kinshasa Lumumba, Maurice Mpolo and many of their comrades paid the price of their nationalism with their lives. We have Marien Ngouabi from Congo Brazzaville, Sylvanus Olympio from Togo. Amilcar Cabrals ambitions for a free Africa were stopped in Guinea.

The Portuguese were very afraid of Eduardo Mondlane from Mozambique for his patriotism and ambitions and he was eliminated, French government used all means to fight Um Nyobe and his comrades in Cameroon, Thomas Sankara was assassinated for his great vision for his country and Africa.

When some leaders reject the masters instructions and will and undertake reforms for a true independence, the specter of conflicts spread everywhere and the coups detat and the leaders assassination or exile become inevitable. But all these elements do not and cannot justify the damages Cameroon has suffered under Paul Biya.

In Cameroon, we are experiencing the saddest time of our countrys history: high rate of unemployment, corruption, injustice, inappropriate education system, discriminations and divisions, moral crisis, inequalities created by the state, violence, dictatorship, insecurity and instability at all levels, misuse of the countrys natural resources, wealth and human resources, economic collapse, etc.

Cameroonian authorities as most African leaders are mercenaries that have been chosen by the West to plunder and impoverish their people. Thus, they have a double mission:

They are in power to serve the masters and serve their personal interest. The readers can watch a documentary on the former leader of the Central African Republic, Jean-Bedel Bokassa, where he systematically describes the French methods of ruining its former colonies.

Most Cameroonian leaders have studied in the West and often they dont have the real vision of the local realities and priorities. They love the western lifestyle. They copy everything from the westerners. They live like them.

They are fond of the western foods, cuisine and fashions and spend fortune on that. They speak their languages and do not worry about the promotion of the national languages. They spend their vacations there. They love the western health care quality while they destroy it in Cameroon.

They eat like them. They drink like them. They copy their laws and rules. They have cheap and good materials for constructions in Cameroon but they love the imported ones, they build houses which windows and walls are in glasses despite the suns aggressiveness and the absence of snow. They are emancipated and westerners equals.

To become successful in his mission of serving his masters, Mr. Biya excels in the art of dividing the people to control them and to keep ruling, just as do most of his African peers. He is not patriot at all but spreads speeches and decrees that give people hope and put them to sleep from the abyss of despair.

And this is one of the reasons why, after 30 years of Paul Biya in power (30 years of misuse of the countrys wealth, natural and human resources), some Cameroonian who remain in the blankets of naivety dont understand that nothing good that brings Cameroon back from collapse will never come out of this man.

To fulfill his mission, Paul Biya strengthens the police and some branches of the army to thwart any riot, any serious strike, any demonstration and even some conferences that are plan inside the buildings.

He has weakened and plunged the education in the chaos because by doing so, the country has more ignorant and with emasculated and desperate populations, it is easier to rule.

Clothed with extreme poverty, religions and satanic sects have run into the weakened populations like a tsunami, and many souls cling onto them tenaciously in search of happiness and salvation. This is more destructive and counter-productive.

These people who seek refuge inside religions and sects are wrong. This is a serious loss for our country. Religions and prayers cannot change Cameroon or liberate it from the satanic hands. We have all we need to develop ourselves and our country. How can God love and need us if we cannot love and take care of ourselves in the first place?

People have to work harder to make ends meet. Children are abandoned by the parents and they miss the basic family education that is indeed a decisive factor in any childs future, they cannot afford any expensive health care or school fees, cannot live in good clean houses. Meanwhile, a handful of national corrupt gangsters called leaders eye them scornfully from their Hollywood lifestyle.

Cameroonian must understand that in Cameroon there arent Bassa, Boulou, Hausa, Ewondo, Bamileke, Toupouri, Douala, Baka, Anglophone and Francophone. All that has been said and is said about these groups and the others is just to divert the great people of Cameroon from focusing on the true challenges of our time.

To liberate Cameroon and develop it, we must understand that we are all Cameroonians. There is no way we can make Cameroon prosper coveting or sitting on the benches of divisions.

In a fair electoral context, we should not vote as Toupouri, Beti, Bamileke, Anglophone, etc. We should vote in Cameroun as Cameroonians only. We should vote for what candidates have in their agendas and for those who keep their promises.

We must start acting as a united people. We must come together as one and rescue Cameroon. Our personal interests should be put aside and the common focus should be on the national interests. Cameroonians cannot be humiliated by small nations or countries that have neither our national resources potency nor the great human resources that we keep wasting within our boundaries.

Cameroon is full of traitors who constitute a grave danger for our future. They are our worse enemies. As long as well not learn to be very hard on this category of our citizens, all our efforts to liberate the Land of Um Nyobe will be doomed to failure.

When we raise these concerns about our beloved country, some childish tongues accuse us of slandering Cameroonian leaders and destroying our motherlands reputation. No, our writings and critics about Cameroon, Africa and other parts of the world are highly constructive.

What is the role of a patriot as he or she sees his/her beloved land crumble down? Is it by taking on the forces that are tearing it to shreds or by praising them? Is it by alerting the people to stop the hands that are setting fire to the land or by watching them with arms folded and even by giving them a hand?

We believe that, to leave these mindless leaders with no rest incessantly is to be responsible patriots. Those who pretend that we tarnish the countrys image are completely wrong. Cameroon under Mr. Biya has gotten but a bad reputation abroad as within. Nobody with all his senses can oppose this view.

Cameroonian people must understand that the selfish unpatriotic Biyas major worry is but his power. Cameroonians must bear a new vision for their country and bury down their divisions and personal interests and come together to oust this Plague and save the Land.

As we contemplate Cameroon from the North to South and from the East to West, as we admire the abundance of resources and its strategic position in Africa, as we see our people face hardship and bravely overcome them, as we admire their dynamism and creativity,

As we imagine the great developed nation Cameroon should have been if it were led by good leaders, burning tears of nostalgia come and pay us a visit at times.

Oh, Cameroon! Humiliated destroyed Land of heroes and great patriots of yore! Cameroon, you weep, you bleed, you fade and burn. Today, where are your brave sons and daughters? Cameroon, you eagerly need them and they must come out now.







Leon Tuam,

Author, Human rights activist and Instructor

September 28/2012



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| BY Ricki Green |

BabyLove is encouraging parents of premature babies to share their little miracle with the new Premmie Proud campaign via BWM Dentsu, Sydney.

Created in partnership with the Miracle Babies Foundation, and the worlds leading baby photo sharing app, Baby Pics, the Premmie Proud initiative offers parents of premature babies a new way to share their experiences with the world.

The campaign, which launched this month, features a range of new, hand-crafted photo overlays exclusive to the app that speak directly to the moments only premmie parents can relate to, such as graduating from the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and being a Little Fighter.

Barbara Sault, CEO of Unicharm Australasia, said BabyLove wanted to give parents of premature babies the chance to experience some of the basic joys they so often miss out on during the first few weeks of their childrens lives.

Says Sault: In Australia, 8.6 per cent of babies are born pre-term annually, and this number is increasing. Parents of premmies can miss out on experiences other new parents take for granted, and one of these is sharing pictures of their newborn.

Unsure of how others may respond to seeing their baby in hospital, parents often avoid posting photos altogether. We hope the Premmie Proud campaign can go some way to changing this by encouraging parents to show how proud they are of their little miracle.

The launch video features Australian mothers whose babies were born prematurely discussing their reasons for shying away from sharing photos on social media, followed by their reaction to the Baby Pics app.

Skye Forbes, co-creator of Baby Pics, said the addition of premmie-specific features to the app had been received with overwhelming positivity.

Says Forbes: Its a small change that we believe will help make a big difference for premature families. Because no one should be more proud of their baby than a premmie parent.

Asheen Naidu, executive creative director, BWM Dentsu, Sydney, said the agency was honoured to have been a part of the Premmie Proud project.

Says Naidu: Its not often you get to work on a project as meaningful as this. It was a labour of love for all of us and we hope our little contribution will make a difference to the lives of premmie families.

The Premmie Proud campaign will be featured on YouTube, Facebook and within the BabyPics app.

The Premmie Proud range will be permanently available in the Baby Pics app, worldwide.

Download the Baby Pics app here: https://www.babypicsapp.com.

Client: BabyLove

Assistant Brand Manager  Baby Care, Unicharm Australasia: Mae Mizuno

Marketing Manager, Unicharm Australasia: Debra Smith

Client: Miracle Babies Foundation

General Manager, CoFounder, Counsellor: Kylie Pussell

Corporate Relations Consultant: Natalie Speranza

Western Sydney Coordinator: Frances Pellegrini

App Partner: BabyPics

Co-Creator of Baby Pics: Sky Forbes

Agency: BWM Dentsu

Chief Creative Officer: Rob Belgiovane

Executive Creative Director: Asheen Naidu

Creative Group Head: Denny Handlin

Creative Group Head: Jon Foye

Head of Onscreen: Margot Fitzpatrick

Senior Producer: Paul Johnston

Planning Director: Moensie Rossier

Senior Account Director: Andrew Henderson

Account Manager: Ashley Martin

Design Director: Eeuwout Dutchy Baart

Production Company: Blue Boat

Director/DOP: Nick Price

Editor: Brendon Killen
| BY Ricki Green |

In 2017, planners need to pivot out of the fragmented view they have of their brands and campaigns. They need to be able to stitch discrete campaign thinking, zooming in and out, and ultimately, develop a T-shaped skillset.

That is the view of industry leaders, who have responded by shaping this years agenda for The Communications Councils 2017 IPA Campaign Planning Course appropriately, placing this new knowledge at the centre of the three-day residential learning experience.

How ideas have evolved in the digital and experience economy, building brands in the digital age and the increasing importance of collaboration are among the key topics to be explored this year. The course will be headed up once again by UM chief strategy officer Sophie Price (pictured above, left) in Sydney, with Optus director of brand and communications Michelle Katz as co-chair. In Melbourne, GTB head of strategy Anuj Mehra (above, right) will take the lead. The three-day residential course runs in Sydney from 26  28 March and in Melbourne from 2  4 April.

The IPA Campaign Planning Course is noted for its informative and interactive speaker sessions with renowned industry leaders as well as its project briefs where delegates work in groups.

Says Price on this years agenda: Technology continues to have a dramatic effect on how people live, not least the way they interact with and judge brands. This is having profound implications for planners in agencies who are increasingly required to adopt and understand a diverse range of strategic skills; creative, brand, connections, digital, social, PR, Data, CX, business planning strategy skills etc. The Communications Councils 2017 IPA Campaign Planning Course has been designed to build the knowledge required to become a holistic, T-shape planner in todays modern marketing world.

Says Mehra: It is no secret that the strategy discipline has become hyper-specialised in recent times. One of the most debilitating side effects of specialisation has been the abdication of strategists to be active in the specialist areas, leaving it to someone else. For example, a social media strategist has very little knowledge of the nuanced skills of qualitative research, a creative strategist on the other hand has little exposure to planning earned media campaigns.

This reductive view of strategy has unfortunately led to a de-skilling of the strategy planner. The Communications Councils 2017 IPA Campaign Planning Course is a delicious smorgasbord of diverse strategic perspectives, designed to ensure we are raising strategists with a fish-eyed view, independent of their specialisation.

The three-day residential course is highly recommended for planners, account managers and relevant media professionals with two to six years experience who are seeking to expand their cutting edge thinking.

Course speakers for Sydney include:

 Maria Grivas, chief digital officer, UM Australia

 David Hartmann, head of strategy, Special Group

 Fabio Buresti, executive planning director, The Monkeys

 Angela Morris, executive planning director, JWT Australia

 Simon Joyce, CEO/founder, Emotive Content

 Justin Graham, chief strategy officer, M&C Saatchi Australia

 Carl Ratcliff, chief executive officer, One Green Bean

 Ben Hourahine, strategy planner, AnalogFolk

 Craig Adams, strategy director, Naked Communications

And for Melbourne the line-up will feature:

 Alex Wood, strategy director, DT

 David Dahan, managing director, M&C Saatchi

 James Greet, chief marketing officer, Cummins & Partners

 Pieter-Paul Von Weiler, strategy director, AJF Partnership

 Craig Adams, strategy director, Naked Communications

Says Tony Hale, CEO, The Communications Council: Strong strategic skills set good planners apart from mere mortals, but its no longer enough. Technology has driven the growth of specialist planning skills, leaving some strategic planners behind. This years IPA Campaign Planning course, taught by top-of-their-game industry professionals, offers completely updated content for 2017 to address this issue. We would strongly encourage our members to seriously consider how this course will propel them forward to become the most useful person in the room.
| BY Lynchy |

Edelman has appointed Celevel Butler as managing director, Integrated Brand in Singapore, effective immediately.

Butlers announcement follows a string of senior hires across Edelmans global network in the integrated brand communications space, including Mark Renshaw, global chair of the Brand practice, and Rupen Desai, vice chairman, APACMEA. Butler reports to Amanda Goh, CEO of Edelman Singapore, as well as Desai.

As managing director, Integrated Brand, Butler (pictured) will have immediate responsibility for the vision, strategy and operations of Edelman Singapores Consumer practice and partner with the firms digital, strategic planning and creative teams to further Edelman Singapores integrated marketing offer.

Brands, increasingly, need to be both authentic and talkable. Clients are already working with us on brand solutions that are earned and digital at their core, said Goh. Celevels commitment to client innovation and creativity coupled with her experience in leading award-winning integrated brand teams will further fast track our communications marketing mandate with clients.

With two decades of award-winning work in advertising, creative and brand marketing, Butler was most recently general manager of Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore. Over her seven-year tenure as general manager, she transformed the Singapore operation into a regional hub, leading 120 consultants and expanded Saatchi & Saatchis client portfolio into consumer products, tourism, banking and finance, insurance and automotive. Butler was most recently recognized at Cannes and Spikes Asia for her work for Scoots Inspiring Spirit Integrated and PR campaign.
| BY Lynchy |

WPPs GroupM has announced changes in its senior management structure. Kevin Clarke (pictured left) will take on the role as GroupM chairman for Thailand and Myanmar. As chairman, Clarke will focus on cross agency initiatives to support the rapid move into digital media management and expanding the business in Myanmar.

Siwat Chawareewong (pictured below right) and Niklas Stalberg (below left) are named Chief Executive Officers for GroupMs business in Thailand. Chawareewong and Stalberg have been with the group for several years operating as CEO and COO, respectively, for mInteraction, the digital business unit for GroupM Thailand. Their movement to the top of the GroupM organization underscores the importance of digital media to clients, and together they will inspire the organization to delivery of best-in-class digital solutions.

The change will be effective from April 1st, 2017.

Kevin, Siwat and Niklas will play a big part in our future, and their appointment reflects our direction, values and ambition, said Puneet Arora, CEO Singapore, Philippines & Thailand. Our future is built on tech, data, talent and scale. Siwat and Niklas have done a great job building our digital capabilities and supporting our clients in Thailand who now spend an average of 20% of their budgets on digital media, a number that will only increase.

This is an important & timely initiative to build on our position as industry leader and deliver against our key goals as one GroupM; providing advantage to our clients & inspiring our people. Consumers do not draw lines or think in terms of which media is traditional or digital. The changes we are making reflect our commitment to staying ahead and ensuring all our staff have bright futures delivering against our clients needs which are increasingly tied to data and new technologies, said Clarke.

This is a very exciting time for our company, our clients and the overall advertising industry. Data and technology are quickly changing how our clients reach out to consumers. I am very excited about the road ahead and looking forward to continue working closely with our strong leadership team. said Stalberg.,
| BY Lynchy |

Its been six years since Wooh Hoh moved to Bangkok as Chief Creative Officer of Hakuhodo Asia Pacific, where hes on a mission to raise the standards of the networks regional offices to be on par with Hakuhodo Tokyo.

In six weeks, Hoh (pictured) will join AdFest as Jury President, Direct Lotus & Promo Lotus. We sent a few questions in his direction to find out more about the challenges he faces leading Hakuhodos Asian agencies outside Japan and China.

What is the biggest challenge you face in this role? And which Hakuhodo offices are performing best?

The biggest challenge personally is the constant need to adapt to different markets.

As for the best performing Hakuhodo offices, I would say, hands down, Hakuhodo Inc. Japan and Hakuhodo Indonesia. But the rest of the offices are performing relatively well too, considering the slow economic growth in ASEAN countries these past years.

Your motto at Hakuhodo is irrelevant relevant. What does this mean?

Cross-pollination: mixing two totally irrelevant things and making it relevant to the story we want to tell.

Youve achieved so much at so many different agencies. But what is your proudest achievement?

Hiking up Paro Taktsang (Tigers Nest) monastery in Bhutan, which hangs 3,120 meters above the Paro valley. At my age, its a hell of a feat.

Which person has had the biggest influence on your career?

The late Alfonso Wong, author of the famous Old Master Q comic. He is such an amazing storyteller, being able to tell a story with just four frames, when we creatives sometimes struggle to even tell a coherent story in 30 seconds.

AdFest is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the theme 20 years of diversity. What are you looking forward to about joining AdFest 2017 as a Jury President?

Exactly that, diversity. It matters now more than ever, considering the state of the world that were living in right now.

Youre originally from Malaysia, but studied in America before working everywhere from Bangkok to Indonesia. Where is home?

Home is where the family is  which at this time is Bangkok.

One thing I learned from my years of working abroad is that to understand people, you have to look at what they eat.

Can you tell me something about yourself  a hobby or passion or habit  that people may be surprised to hear?

I like collecting Thai Buddha amulets. Other than its divinity purposes, theyre like antiques. When you chance upon a rare piece, youre also finding out its history, its mystical lore, and it is by its own right, a piece of art that is handmade by highly-skilled artisanal monks.

If you didnt work in advertising, what would you be?

A bum. Preferably a bum in Nordic countries. Free food and healthcare.
Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 8:41PM

Sony rolled out Android Nougat last month to the Xperia Z5 but have met some issues. Now, it looks like the Japanese company is ready to give it another try. Android 7.0 is making its way to the Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet, and Z5 series. It would seem Sony has been able to fix the issues such as inconsistencies related to audio playback via third-party apps and SD card encrypted data read performance. The new firmware heading the way of these Sony devices has a build number of 32.3.A.0.376. Despite the issues with the roll out, it has to be noted that Sony is also one of the first manufacturers to offer Nougat update to its devices beyond the latest phone series.

Source: Android Authority
"Every town that has ever wanted Centrelink or a tax office, every town that has ever wanted a Centre of Excellence, every town that has wanted an agency such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation or the Murray Darling Basin Authority, now is the time to make your bid."
Raha presently serves more than 1,500 businesses as well as a number of smaller retail customers with fibre, satellite, WiMAX and Wifi. They also operate in over 150 hotspot locations across the country including the cities of Arusha, Moshi, Mwanza, Mbeya and Tanga.

Nic Rudnick, CEO, Liquid Telecom said: We are very pleased to announce that this transaction has received its final approval. The agreement enables Liquid Telecom to expand its footprint into Tanzania, a growing and dynamic African country.

The acquisition of Raha by Liquid Telecom will provide enterprises and wholesale customers with direct and faster access to networks across Africa. Tanzania becomes the latest market to be added to Liquid Telecoms large fibre network, presently the largest of its kind serving eastern, central and southern Africa.

With Liquid Telecom's support, Raha can explore new ways to increase connectivity within Tanzania as well as to the rest of the region. We will also benefit from the groups skills and expertise, helping us to achieve our vision of a more connected Tanzania, says Aashiq Shariff, CEO, Raha. Our rollout plans will allow us to extend fibre coverage to thousands of new customers and create hundreds of new jobs.
Agility, a logistics company with interests throughout the world, has filed a complaint with the World Banks International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, in an attempt to settle the dispute. Agility says the investment is worth over $380 million.

Capacity has approached Orange, which bought the stake in 2011, for a comment.

According to Reuters, Agility says Iraq had indirectly confiscated its investment, which was worth over $380 million, and violated a bilateral protocol between Kuwait and Iraq on encouraging the movement of capital and investment between the two countries.

Neither the agency nor Agility are providing details of how the confiscation took place. Korek lists the group CFO of Agility as one of its directors, along with Marc Rennard, a deputy CEO of Orange. Rennard was the Orange executive in charge of the Middle East and Africa but moved on to other responsibilities from early 2016, to be replaced by Bruno Mettling, who is not listed as a director by Korek.

Korek was set up in the Kurdistan area of northern Iraq but its licence allows it to offer services throughout Iraq  that its ability to do so has been hampered by the security situation. The circumstances of the Iraqi governments action are still unclear.

Korek won one of three 3G licences in Iraq in 2015, and at the end of that year launched Free Basics, the free social media access service sponsored by Facebook. The company remains branded as Korek, not Orange.

The company announced in October 2016 that Ericsson had been contracted to upgrade its WCDMA core network.

Agilitys official Iraqi head office is in Basra, currently occupied by a number of militant organisations. A leader of the Iraqi Hezbollah group was assassinated in the city only yesterday, according to local reports.
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing.

You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
The University Of Glasgow is offering MBA scholarships for students pursuing Master of Business Administration program for the academic year 2017. The University of Glasgow has a number of MBA awards available for 2017 entry for students who demonstrate academic excellence.

The term "Scholarship" is a financial aid offered to students to further their education. Scholarships are given to students who meet certain criteria which reflect the values. Indian students can locate scholarships for MBA program now.

Eligible Countries:

Among all the other countries, Indian students are eligible to grab MBA scholarship offered by The University Of Glasgow.

Eligibility Criteria:

Indian nationality is a must.

Candidates must have obtained a degree equivalent to a U.K 2.1 Hons or better.

Hold an offer for MBA program.

Numbers of scholarships available?

10 scholarships are being awarded by the University.

The value of scholarship?

10 x 10,000. Every scholarship is worth 10,000 Euros.

How to apply:

The application can be filled and submitted through online mode.

There is no separate form required. An applicant who is being considered will receive a notification within the time frame below.

Dates to remember:

Applicants holding a program offer by 1, December 2017 will receive their scholarship outcome by 16, December 2017.



Applicants holding a program offer by 1, March 2017 will receive their scholarship outcome by 16, March 2017.



Applicants holding a program offer by 1, June 2017 will receive their scholarship outcome by 16, June 2017.



For more details go to the official website:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/scholarships/mbascholarships/#/eligiblecountries
Sara Jo Schneider and Hickle, along with fellow Girl Scouts Jayna Kelley and Autumn Helgeson, were killed when a pickup truck crashed into them as the scouts cleaned up debris on the west side of Highway P at about 11 a.m. Nov. 3, 2018. All four were killed at the scene. A fifth girl was injured but later recovered. The girls attended Southview Elementary and Halmstad Elementary in Chippewa Falls. On Wednesday, a 20-foot-tall memorial was dedicated at the crash site, honoring the three scouts and mother killed that day.
EAU CLAIRE  Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker brought his post-budget message tour to Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire on Friday, telling a gathering of local high school and CVTC students that the state is investing more in their education and job opportunities.

The visit came two days after Walker presented his 2018-19 budget proposal to the state Legislature, with much of the attention focused on education issues. Among the proposals is a $10 million increase in aid for the Wisconsin Technical College System in part offsetting a freeze in technical college tuition and fees, which he says will save the typical student $279 over the next two years.

Were also requiring the UW System to more than double the number of credits transferrable from the technical college system to the universities, Walker said.

Among the other education proposals in the proposal are $11.5 billion of state support in K-12 education, including a $509.2 million increase in per-pupil state aid. The university system would receive a more than $100 million funding increase, combined with a five percent tuition cut for resident undergraduates.

In this budget, we invest more in public education than at any time in the history of the state of Wisconsin, Walker said. We want to make sure all of our students have every advantage.

Walker promoted his proposal as the reform dividend, saying the money to fund it came from the reforms he led six years ago.

Weve got more people working at higher wages because we are better stewards of the taxpayers money, Walker said. A good business would reinvest that, which is what we are doing.

Among the students in the audience for Walkers visit were high school students from Stanley-Boyd and Cadott high schools, who are taking part in a welding academy through CVTC, taught mostly at Cadott High School. CVTC has similar academies in different subject areas at 10 area high schools, including an information technology academy at Chippewa Falls Senior High School.

Walker acknowledged that such cooperative efforts to bring more technical education into high schools enhances the states workforce development efforts. He recognized a group of students from Eleva-Strum High School who are part of the schools Cardinal Manufacturing program, in which students operate an actual small manufacturing company at the school.

Other schools have followed your leadership here and around the country, Walker said.

Wed like to see what were doing at Cardinal Manufacturing be at other schools as well, said Eleva-Strum senior Greta Munson. It gives you employability skills.

Also present for Walkers visit was Durand High School Principal Bill Clouse, who said, Im certainly excited theres going to be more money for secondary education.

Clouse said he hopes it will help the school as it works to strengthen its programs. Were working a lot with CVTC in dual credit, he said. We have 15 courses between dual credit and Advanced Placement options and were looking to create more opportunities for students.
The new Dodge Durango SRT made its first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show, generating a lot of interest as you would expect from a seven-seater model packing close to 500hp.



Dodge has installed the 6.4-litre Hemi V8 under the hood, which is good for 475hp and 470lb-ft of torque, and paired it to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

With V8 power channeled to all four wheels, the new Durango SRT is capable of a 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds, dealing with the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds.

Dodge has upgraded the gearbox with model-specific shift maps, dropping the time needed to change a cog up to 70 percent when the most aggressive driving mode is selected. It even smokes all four wheels, well, at least when its anchored.

The chassis also gets adaptive dampers from Bilstein along with a stiffer set of springs, while the rear sway bar is also stiffer by 18 percent. Braking is provided by a set of Brembo six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston ones at the rear.

It might not have Hellcat levels of power but that V8 grunt should prove enough for shaving a few seconds off your daily school run.

PHOTO GALLERY
Some of the worlds wealthiest and famous people buy expensive machines because, you know, they can. Not Gordon Ramsay, though.



Known to be a huge car fan and kind of a speedfreak, as he describes himself, the chef has an impressive collection, but few rise to the hype created by his ultimate set of wheels  a Ferrari LaFerrari.

Bought in 2015 straight from Maranello, Gordon Ramsay talked about it with pride during an ask me anything (AMA), on Reddit, comparing the experience of receiving the call to pick it up with his daughter being born, and receiving his 3rd Michelin Star.

Ive never felt so happy. The happiest I felt last time was either when I received my 3rd Michelin Star or when our eldest daughter born. When I went down to the track at Marinella, in Italy, to pick up LaFerrari, honestly, you know what, I wouldnt leave the garage. I literally slept by this car for 2 or 3 hours. It was beautiful.

Speaking about his ultimate supercar made Gordon Ramsay remember his young days, when his fathers car had more rust on the inside than on the outside. I used to ask him to drop me off from school a mile away from the front gate, out of embarrassment for the car. God bless him. So, to be in that Ferrari, it was just insane.

Gordon Ramsays supercar collection welcomed a new member late last year  the LaFerrari Aperta. The chef was spotted driving it through London, with the roof up, a few months ago, enjoying the impressive 950 horses produced by the 6.3-liter V12 and electric motor.

VIDEOS
1905 saw plenty of excitement. Las Vegas was founded that year, the Russo-Japanese War was in full swing, Canada founded the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and Albert Einstein wrote the beginnings of his theory of relativity.

Meanwhile in the UK a motor manufacturer called Rolls-Royce was just getting started, and in South Africa the worlds largest diamond was pulled out of a mine near Pretoria.



The diamond weighed more than 1.3 pounds uncut, and was so large that  following its presentation to King Edward VII  it was cut into nine jewels, the largest of which (at a quarter pound) was placed atop the royal scepter; the second in the imperial crown. That jewel was called the Cullinan Diamond, after Sir Thomas Cullinan and the mine he founded (from which the gem was extracted). A suitable name, in short, for the project leading to the first sport-utility vehicle being developed by Rolls-Royce.

A high-sided vehicle, the automaker calls it. But this is coming from the same BMW Group that calls the X5 a sports activity vehicle, and the X6 a sports activity coupe. No matter; we know what it is, and this is our best look at it yet.

These spy shots snapped way up near the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia give us an even better look at the preview shots released by the automaker itself. And like the jewel after which its named, its huge: it may emerge slightly shorter from nose to tail than the recently discontinued Phantom (even with the standard wheelbase), but it will be much taller  and likely wider, too. It may prove lighter, though, thanks to a new aluminum architecture thats slated to underpin every new model Rolls-Royce will make for the foreseeable future.

Expect motivation to come from a version of the same 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that powers the Ghost, Wraith, and Dawn, driving (for the first time in a Rolls-Royce) all four wheels, through an eight-speed automatic transmission. In true Rolls-Royce style, its anticipated to feature suicide rear doors to provide easy access to the most opulent cabin space in the business. And as you can see  in contrast to the growing trend of slant-backed crossover coupes  the Roller is slated to stick with a conventional wagon roofline to maximize interior space.

Look for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan to debut sometime next year, at which point it looks poised to eclipse even the Bentley Bentayga  and make Range Rovers look like Ford Fiestas by comparison.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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Photo: The Canadian Press

Twelve people including young children were killed in landslides on the tourist island of Bali that wiped out several homes, Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency said Friday.

The agency's spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said landslides hit three villages in mountainous areas of Bangli district and were caused by sustained torrential rains.

Members of two families were among those killed in Songan village including a 1-year-old boy, his 7-year-old sister and their mother. Four people were killed in Awan village and one person died in Sukawana village.

The agency said more heavy rains are likely in Bali and people should be aware of the possibility of landslides and floods.

Two people in Songan village were hospitalized with severe injuries, two others suffered minor injuries and five homes were buried.

The resort island is Indonesia's best-known tourist destination and famous for its Hindu culture, white beaches and lush green interior.

Rains often cause flooding and landslides in Indonesia, an archipelago where millions of people live in mountainous areas or on flood plains near rivers.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

A Chinese early warning aircraft and a U.S. Navy patrol plane had an "unsafe" encounter over the South China Sea this week, the U.S. Pacific Command said Friday, in the first such incident known to have taken place under President Donald Trump's administration.

The interaction between a Chinese KJ-200 and a U.S. Navy P-3C plane took place on Wednesday in international airspace, Pacific Command spokesman Robert Shuford said. He did not say what was unsafe about the encounter, although the term usually implies planes flying too close to one another.

Shuford says the U.S. plane was on a routine mission and operating according to international law. The Department of Defence and the Pacific Command "are always concerned about unsafe interactions with Chinese military forces," he said.

The Chinese Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment.

However, the website of the Communist Party newspaper Global Times quoted an unidentified ministry official as saying that the Chinese pilot had responded in a "legal and professional manner."

"We hope the U.S. side will focus on the relationship between the two countries and two militaries in their entirety, adopt concrete measures and eliminate the root causes of accidental incidents between the two countries on sea and in the air," the unidentified official was quoted as saying.

Philippine Defence Department spokesman Arsenio Andolong also expressed concern because the incident happened near Scarborough Shoal, which is located within the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone but claimed by China, which seized it in 2012 after a tense standoff with Philippine vessels.

"We're worried of possible miscalculation, and it's good to know that nothing untoward happened," Andolong said by telephone. If such foreign aircraft venture into Philippine airspace, "we deserved to be told out of courtesy."
Photo: The Canadian Press/file photo

Anti-terrorism forces arrested four people Friday in southern France, including a 16-year-old girl, and uncovered a makeshift laboratory with the explosive TATP and other ingredients for fabricating a bomb. France's top security official said the raid thwarted an "imminent attack."

A police official said the teen had pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group in a recent video.

The prosecutor's office said around 70 grams of TATP were seized in the Montpellier-area home of a 20-year-old man, along with a litre each of acetone, oxygenated water and sulfuric acid. TATP, which can be made from readily available materials, was used in the deadly November 2015 attacks in Paris and the March 2016 attack in Brussels carried out by Islamic State extremists.

Two other men were arrested, a 33-year-old and a 26-year-old, along with the teenage girl, according to the prosecutor's office, which handles terrorism investigations in France.

The police official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation, said one of the suspects was believed to be planning a suicide attack but that the investigation had not yet uncovered a specific target.

He said person in the group had tried to reach Syria in 2015 and was known to intelligence services. The group  notably the girl  attracted new attention with their social media postings, he said.

Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux said the arrests in three locations in the Montpellier area "thwarted an imminent attack on French soil."

The country's prime minister praised the work of anti-terror investigators.

"Faced with the heightened threat, there has been an extremely strong mobilization of our intelligence services to ensure the French are protected to the utmost," said Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.

France is still under a state of emergency after several deadly attacks in 2015 and 2016.
Photo: BC Forest Safety Council

A faller has been killed in a work-related accident on the southern B.C. coast.

The BC Forest Safety Council says the fatal accident happened on Feb. 4 when a tree uphill from where the man was working uprooted and struck him.

He was working in the Woods Lagoon area.

"Our condolences go out to the family and co-workers of the deceased," says the statement.

It's the first harvesting fatality of 2017.

The BC Coroners Service and WorkSafeBC are investigating.

While the exact details of what happened are still under investigation, the safety council is warning other fallers to be aware that red and yellow cedars in rocky areas with shallow or wet soils are likely to be unstable.

"Weather conditions can cause significant changes in ground conditions. Heavy rainfall can reduce soil strength which causes landslides and tree instability. Frequent freeze and thaw cycles can create ground instability and rockfall," said the council.
Photo: CTV

A marijuana dispensary and a daycare centre are proving to be unlikely neighbours in Nanaimo.

Parents dropping off children at Kidz Kompany were shocked to see signs go up right next door for Leaf Labs this week.

I was appalled that the City of Nanaimo allowed this to go through," mom Stephanie Mielty told CTV.

The dispensary does not have a business licence and has yet to open.

Mielty said she saw a man in a vehicle smoking a joint just steps away from the daycare.

The city says it has received numerous complaints about the pot shop.

Were looking into it. We certainly havent issued any business licences nor have we received any applications," business licensing manager Nelda Richardson.

In an email, the company says it will be discreet, have a strict adult-only policy and the clientele are restricted only to medical consumers. It plans to open in a couple of days.

Daycare owner Melissa Burke is worried the dispensary could harm her business.

A lot of families have reacted in a very negative way. Theyre concerned, its their children, she said.

RCMP spokesman Const. Gary OBrien said police are monitoring the situation and hope to resolve it informally.

 with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Patriarch Matthias: 'Peace is the Message of Every Day'

Contact: World Council of Churches, +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press



GENEVA, Feb. 10, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Patriarch Abune Matthias of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church offered a special greeting at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva on 10 February, commending the success of global ecumenical work while acknowledging the grave crises tearing the world apart.



Photo: Patriarch Matthias at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva.  Peter Williams/WCC

Patriarch Matthias is in the midst of a four-day visit to Geneva, during which he spoke with students and staff at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute, met with World Council of Churches (WCC) senior leadership, and toured the Orthodox Centre in Switzerland.

In his remarks, he brought greetings on behalf of more than 50 million members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. He also commended the WCC for remaining dedicated to its founding principle of forging unity between and among the worldwide Christian community.

The WCC's work is more vital now than ever, said Patriarch Matthias. "Compared to that historic time of the creation of the WCC, today Christianity is under assault, challenge and confrontation throughout the world," he said. "Let it be clear, therefore, that the principle and objectives articulated when the WCC was established have relevance and meaning today more than ever."

Much has been achieved to date, yet much more remains to be done, he said. "And may I stress that in all the activities and successes of the past, you, the staff of the organization and your predecessors, have played key roles  and must in the future continue to do sonot only by carrying out the normal functions expected of you, but also by devising creative and innovative ways of meeting the intricate challenges of each member church worldwide."

He cited the injustice, war, strife, poverty, and narrow nationalism tearing the world apart or tearing it down.

"Hence the WCC has been calling not only member churches and ecumenical councils but also governments, world leaders, and social movements to stand together in the fight against devastation  responding to manmade and natural disasters, ensuring peace, justice and dignity of all, and making our earth a safer place to live."

No human philosophy, high technology or weapons can bring peace and reconciliation better than the word of God, he continued. The WCC's pilgrimage of justice and peace continues to guide people in their mission of teaching and mobilizing churches and individuals to stand for peace and justice.

"In our church, peace is the message of every day," he said. "We have faithfully followed the call of the WCC for interreligious dialogue to be integrated as an important part of our ecumenical responsibility."

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, established in the first century, now has more than 50 million members; 35,000 parish churches; 1,500 ancient monasteries (including those in Jerusalem); 50 archbishops and bishops; 400,000 ordained clergy, and 20,000 classical and ecclesiastical schools.

Read full speech by Patriarch Matthias

Web streaming of speech by Patriarch Matthias

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church



The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 348 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.
Photo: Contributed surveillance image

A former Vernon man has officially been charged with the murder of a Japanese student in the Lower Mainland last year.

A second-degree murder charge has been filed against William Victor Schneider in relation to the death of Natsumi Kogawa.

Shortly before 7 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2016, police discovered the body of Kogawa on the property of the Davie Street mansion near Nicola Street.

She had been reported missing on Sept. 12th, 2016.

Schneider, 49, was arrested by the RCMP in Vernon, on the same day Kogawas body was found. A homeless camp between Polson Park and Vernon Jubilee Hospital was behind police tape and is believed to be the scene of his arrest.

At the time, Schneider was charged with indignity to a human body. Crown counsel has now laid an additional charge of second-degree murder. He remains in custody.

As the case is currently before the courts, police said no further information will be released at this time.

Schneider, who police said was a drifter with no fixed address, is the only suspect in the case and has been identified as the man seen on surveillance footage walking with Kogawa in Vancouver on the day she disappeared.

Schneider is a former student of Clarence Fulton Secondary School in Vernon, and when news broke of his arrest, former classmates on Facebook lit up social media with memories of him being a bully and often in trouble with the law.

A CTV investigation revealed he has a lengthy criminal record, including break-and-enter, assault with a weapon, and theft, and served four years in prison for armed robbery.
Photo: vibrantvictoria.ca

Victoria police smashed the window of a car to rescue a young child while her mother was passed out behind the wheel.

The mother and child were spotted in a running car on Gorge Road East Thursday night.

Police responded to the scene, but the car's doors were locked.

The woman appeared to be impaired by drugs and alcohol, so police broke the passenger side window to get the child out of the vehicle.

They were both checked over in hospital, and the woman was arrested.

The child was unharmed.

 with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Photo: Flickr/BC Gov't

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark says she regrets accusing the New Democrat Opposition of hacking her party's website.

Clark says she tried to reach Opposition Leader John Horgan to apologize, and left a message on his phone.

The apology is the latest in a strange political exchange that saw Independent MLA Vicki Huntington step forward today to say her staff uncovered the privacy breach on the B.C. Liberal Party website.

Huntington says the private information was easily accessible with just a few clicks of a mouse, and that no hacking took place.

Clark thanked Huntington for coming forward with the information, which the B.C. Liberal Party says will be forwarded to the privacy commissioner to add to an ongoing review of the incident.

Horgan couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
Trash was turned into treasure at the Okanagan Science Centre Friday during the Canadian Inventions Maker Day.

The free event was one of several put on by the OSC as part of the Vernon Winter Carnival.

Everyone gets to come in and make a new Canadian invention, said Jim Swingle, science centre general manager. The idea is just to use your imagination and create your great Canadian invention.

Children used recycled materials and common household items to create everything from cars to sail boats.

On Saturday, the centre, located in Polson Park, will host Great Canadian Scientific Discoveries.

Swingle said from 1-2 p.m. the centre will host Mapping the Visual Cortex. Participants will learn how the brain processes vision and how to trick it using optical illusions.

Every Saturday at o1 p.m. we do a science for families event, said Swingle. It's free to members and is included in the price of admission.

Along with their regular programs, the OSC will bringing in an exhibit of monstrous proportions.

We're very excited Dinosaurs Unearthed is opening here on March 4. It's a really big exhibit which will feature animatronic dinosaurs, fossils, skeletons and interactive exhibits. I think it will be a lot of fun, said Swingle.
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"No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth."



Plato





"This country has shed more blood for the freedom of other people than all the other nations in the history of the world combined, and I'm tired of people feeling like they've got to apologize for America."

Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN)







In a time of universal deceit  telling the truth is a revolutionary act.

George Orwell, the author of 1984







"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.""Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom.""A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example."Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' But conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but because conscience tells one it is right.
USA: Cupertino plant under pressure to reduce noise

10 February 2017

The Lehigh Southwest Cupertino cement plant was noise tested for 25 days in October and only recorded one day with higher readings than expected.



The results were shared during a city council meeting on 24 Jan. City staff presented the council with findings from a city noise monitoring study that was done continuously 3-28 Oct 2016, at two residential locations near the facility in California.



The results did not sway many residents in attendance at the meeting, many of whom said more needs to be done to curtail noise. Residents living near the facility and several miles away complain that the noise is disrupting their sleep and their well-being.



After much discussion about possible avenues the council could explore to press the county and the cement facility to address the noise issue, the council eventually decided to have Mayor Savita Vaidhyanathan send a letter to the county board of supervisors asking that more effort be placed on diminishing or eliminating the noise.



The cement facility is under the jurisdiction of Santa Clara County as it is located outside Cupertinos city limits.



Councilman Darcy Paul suggested crafting a new city noise ordinance, but city manager David Brandt said it wouldnt affect the Lehigh facility due to being outside Cupertinos jurisdiction.

So far, the city of Cupertino has spent almost US$15,000 on noise monitoring equipment to try and prove the facility is in violation.

Published under
Kuwait: Siwertell receives third order from Acico Construction

10 February 2017

Siwertell, part of Cargotec, has signed a contract with Kuwait-based Acico Construction for its third road-mobile cement unloader.

Similar to its last delivery in 2015, the next-generation, road-mobile unloader will be a trailer-based, diesel-powered Siwertell 10 000 S unit. It will be fitted with dust filters and a double bellows system and will have a rated capacity of 300tph. Acico also operates a Siwertell 5 000 S unit, which was delivered in 2014.

The new unit will be built at Siwertell's premises in Bjuv, Sweden, and delivered by the end of the 1Q17. It will operate in Kuwait's second largest port, Shuaiba, located south of Kuwait City.

Published under
Afghan government cancels licence on countrys only cement plant

ICR Newsroom By 10 February 2017

The Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has cancelled the licence to operate the Ghori cement plant, Reuters reports.

The 0.4Mta plant, located in Baghlan province just north of Kabul, was originally state-run, but control was transferred to the private sector in 2006. Last year, ownership of the firm was transferred to Afghan businessman Javid Jaihoon.

The government maintains that it was not informed of the change of ownership in advance, in breach of the licencing agreement. Authorities also cited disputes over unpaid taxes and other fees, said to run into millions of dollars.

The facility is expected to continue operations in the short term, but its future is currently uncertain.

Zabihullah Sarwari, a spokesman at the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, said that the licence would be put to international tender, but Mr Jaihoon questioned who would wish to operate a plant in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is dependent upon imports for most of its cement needs, with most coming from neighbouring Pakistan and Iran. Pakistan alone exported more than 2.5Mta in 2015, and 4.0Mta the previous year.

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Assyrian Family Returns to Home in Nineveh Plains

Telsqof, Iraq -- The first Iraqi Catholic family returned to Iraq since the rise of ISIS in 2014. Chaldean Patriarch Mar Raphael Louis Sako has been encouraging Iraqi Chaldeans to stay in Iraq or to return in order to keep Christianity alive in Iraq. Sako remarked, "A Christian community that was born in these lands cannot organize exodus trips that will mark its extinction." The Chaldean family returned on January 30 to Telskuf, which is in the Nineveh Plain of Iraq. Sako explained, "They returned home after spending two and a half years as displaced people in a centre in Dohuk. The local priest was there to welcome them -- Fr. Salar Bodagh, who heads the reconstruction committee. This is a real sign of hope for many more." Sako revealed that the name of the man who came back is Naoiq Quliaqus Atto, along with his wife, brother and three children. In 2015, concerning defeating ISIS, Sako said, "Americans are saying it will take five years, 10 years, 30 years, and this language is encouraging ISIS, (making them think) you can stay. It's discouraging Christians or other refugees, thinking they can't go back home now." Since the rise of ISIS in 2014, there has been a mass exodus of Christians from Iraq and the greater Middle East in response to ISIS savagery and terror. In response Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III commented:

The almost communal wave of youth emigration, especially in Syria but also in Lebanon and Iraq breaks my heart, wounding me deeply and dealing me a deadly blow. Given this tsunami of emigration what future is left for the Church? What will become of our homeland? What will become of our parishes and institutions?

It is with pain that we call to mind the situation in Syria, Iraq and other countries of the Middle East, and the massive exodus of Christians from the land in which our faith was first disseminated and in which they have lived since the time of the Apostles, together with other religious communities. In the home of the Islamic State, Christians have been killed by the thousands, and millions of others have been displaced. Thousands of victims have already been claimed in the violence in Syria and Iraq, which has left many other millions without a home or means of sustenance.

Pleading with Christians, he pleaded with Christians, "Despite all your suffering, stay! Be patient! Don't emigrate! Stay for the Church, your homeland, for Syria and its future! Stay! Do stay!" Before the rise of ISIS persecution of Christians, the Nineveh Plain had about 130,000 Christians, but the number has been reduced to 90,000 since 2014. Although Sako and Gregorios have urged Christians to stay or return, the future looks bleak. The conflicts in Syria, Libya and Iraq have led to unprecedented displacement of Christians, and some don't see much of a future for Christians in the Middle East. Father Emanuel Youkhana with the Assyrian Church of the East commented, "I don't see a future for Christians in Mosul. Christians aren't going to come back to stay. The churches I saw were not destroyed with bombs, but by the everyday business operations of the community. How can Christians return to that environment?" In the Middle East, Christians are experiencing record levels of persecution, with ISIS engaging in acts of unprecedented cruelty and depravity. In February 2016, Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill released an official joint statement condemning the persecution of Christians all around the world, particularly in the Middle East. The statement read in part:
Putin orders Russian Air Force to prepare for war

To many geopolitical observers, the world has not seemed as tense as it is now in decades  not since the globe convulsed for a second in the 20th century during World War II.

Many believe tensions are so high at the present time that just one spark is all that will be needed to begin the worlds third global conflagration.

And though President Donald Trump has signaled a great willingness to improve U.S. relations with Russia that were left in shambles by the incompetent Obama administration, there are forces seemingly beyond his control that are pushing the West closer to war with the worlds largest nuclear-armed force.

As reported by the UKs Daily Mail, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his air force to be prepared for a time of war, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, who added that Putin is currently engaged in personal inspections of air assets to evaluate readiness for combat. (RELATED: Are we inching closer to World War III? Stay informed at Collapse.news)

Shoigu also said that the Russian military would be deploying air defense systems, as NATO launches its largest military exercises in years near the countrys border.

In late January, U.S. forces moved into Poland to conduct exercises on ground once dominated by the Soviet military. Some 87 heavy tanks, 144 armored vehicles and 3,500 troops took part in live-fire exercises to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to NATO, and NATOs commitment to one of its newer members, NBC News reported.

While the exercises werent publicly directed at Russia, it was a message to the Kremlin nonetheless; following Russias invasion of Georgia in 2008 and its involvement in the Ukraine, NATO, and in particular the Pentagon, want Putin to understand there is still an alliance in effect and it is just as strong as ever.

There are other signs of trouble around the globe:

 Syria continues to self-destruct. There, the United States and Russia are backing different factions, and there have already been near-misses and dust-ups, including the downing by NATO member Turkey of a Russian combat aircraft last fall; its two pilots were subsequently killed by rebel forces on the ground.

 The South China Sea is tense. Beijing continues to fortify man-made islands in the middle of international waters, including air defense radar and missiles. In addition, a new report details that China appears to be developing plans for preemptive missile strikes on U.S. and Japanese military bases in a Pearl Harbor 2 type of attack, the Daily Mail reports. U.S.-China relations were not good under Obama, but Trump made campaign promises to renegotiate trade and other arrangements with China, and has angered Beijing by taking a post-election congratulatory phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen; China considers Taiwan a renegade province.

 The Middle East as a whole is aflame. Beyond Syria, there are growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as Iran and other regional powers, especially Saudi Arabia, which has been engaged in a war in Yemen against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The U.S. backs the Saudis. In recent days, a suicide craft believed to have been sent by Iran, damaged a Saudi warship in the Red Sea, killing two sailors.

The Trump administration has put Iran on notice over its continued ballistic missile development, reportedly in violation of the nuclear deal made by the Obama administration.

So there are several potential flashpoints around the globe  and a few inside the United States as well. (RELATED: Read all about the latest threats to the United States at NationalSecurity.news)

Putin ordering one of his military branches to be prepared for war could be for a couple of reasons: He really is preparing for an impending war with NATO (not likely); he wants his air power up to speed for use in Syria or Ukraine (more likely); or he is simply ensuring that his air force is ready for any major conflict, should one arise, and is sending a message to potential adversaries that hes prepared (most likely).

Nevertheless, its a sobering development in a nuclear-armed world that may be sleepwalking towards another world war.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for Natural News and News Target, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources:

TheNationalSentinel.com

DailyMail.co.uk

NationalSecurity.news

NBCNews.com

DailyMail.co.uk
A layered ruthenate Ca2RuO4-y ceramic body contracts on heating, or exhibits negative thermal expansion (NTE). The sintered-body structure shows colossal NTE when extremely anisotropic thermal expansion of the crystal grains produces deformation, consuming open spaces (voids) on heating. The total volume change related to NTE reaches 6.7 percent at most, the largest reported so far.

Machines and devices used in modern industry are required to withstand harsh conditions. When the environmental temperature changes, the volume of the materials used to make these devices usually changes slightly, typically by less than 0.01%. Although this may seem like a trivial change, over time this thermal expansion can seriously degrade the performance of industrial systems and equipment.

Materials that contract on heating, or negative thermal expansion materials, are therefore of great interest to industrial engineers. These materials can be mixed with normal materials, which expand on heating, with the final aim of producing a composite material with its thermal expansion adjusted to a particular value, typically zero, and maintained even at the extremely low operating temperatures used in cryogenic and aerospace engineering.

In a new study Nagoya University-led researchers report a reduced ruthenate ceramic material, made up of calcium, ruthenium and oxygen atoms, that shrinks by a record-breaking 6.7% when heated. This is more than double the current record for a negative thermal expansion material, and the bulk material expands again when it is cooled. The results may provide industrial engineers with a new class of composite materials that can be used to increase the accuracy of processes and measurements, to improve the stability of device performance, and to prolong device lifetimes.

The size of the volume change, as well as the operating temperatures for negative thermal expansion can be controlled by changing the composition of the material. When the ruthenium atoms are partially replaced by iron atoms, the temperature window for negative thermal expansion gets much larger. This window extends to above 200 C for the iron-containing material, which makes it particularly promising for industrial use.

Noting that the volume changes were triggered at the same temperature that the reduced ruthenate material changed from a metallic to a non-metallic state, the researchers looked at changes in the arrangement of the atoms using X-ray techniques. They saw dramatic changes on heating, with the internal atomic structure expanding in some directions but contracting in others.

Although the internal structure showed a net contraction, the crystallographic changes were not big enough to explain the giant volume changes in the bulk material. Instead, the researchers turned their attention to the material's overall structure, and found empty voids around the ceramic grains.

"The non-uniform changes in the atomic structure seem to deform the microstructure of the material, which means that the voids collapse and the material shrinks," study corresponding author Koshi Takenaka says. "This is a new way of achieving negative thermal expansion, and it will allow us to develop new materials to compensate for thermal expansion."
The heart of the system to generate groups of photons is a glass cell filled with hot gas vapor. Illuminating the cell with a laser results in the emission of photons with a wavelength in the infrared spectrum range.

Holographic atomic memory, invented and constructed by physicists from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw, is the first device able to generate single photons on demand in groups of several dozen or more. The device, successfully demonstrated in practice, overcomes one of the fundamental obstacles towards the construction of some type of quantum computer.

Completely secure, high-speed quantum communication, or even a model of quantum computer, may be among the possible applications for the new source of single photons recently built at the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw (UW Physics), Poland. An unprecedented feature of this new device is that for the first time it enables the on-demand production of a precisely controlled group of photons, as opposed to just a single one.

"Compared to existing solutions and ideas, our device is much more efficient and allows for integration on a larger scale. In the functional sense, one can even think of it as a first equivalent of a small 'integrated circuit' operating on single photons", explains Dr. Wojciech Wasilewski (UW Physics), one of the authors of the article.

The first single-photon sources were invented in the 1970s, and even though the many types of them that exist today still have their many drawbacks, single photons can nevertheless be successfully used in quantum communication protocols that guarantee full confidentiality. However, to be able to perform complex quantum computations we would need entire groups of photons.

The simplest method of generating groups of photons is to use a sufficiently large number of sources. The devices in widespread use today utilize the phenomenon of Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion (SPDC). Under certain conditions, a photon generated by a laser can split into two new ones, each with half the amount of energy, and with all other properties linked by the principles of conserving energy and momentum. Thus, when we record information on one of the photon from the pair we also find out about the existence and properties of the other photon, which nevertheless remains undisturbed by observation and therefore perfectly suitable for quantum operations. Unfortunately, every SPDC source generates single photons rather slowly and quite randomly. As a result, for a simultaneous emission from even as few as 10 sources we might have to wait up for several years.

In 2013 a team of physicists from the Universities of Oxford and London proposed a much more efficient protocol for generating groups of photons. The idea was to place a quantum memory at each source, which would be capable of storing emitted photons. The photons stored in the memories could be released at the same moment. Calculations showed that the time scale required to wait for a group of 10 photons would then be shortened by a whopping ten orders of magnitude: from years down to microseconds!

The source now unveiled by the University of Warsaw physicists represents the first implementation of this concept, and one that's much more integrated: here, all the photons are created immediately within the quantum memory as a result of the laser pulse, which lasts only microseconds. External sources of single photons are no longer needed at all, and the necessary number of quantum memories has dwindled to just one.

"Our entire experimental setup takes up about two square meters of our optical table surface. But the most important events take place in the memory itself, in a glass cylinder measuring approximately 10 cm in length and with a diameter of 2.5 cm. Anyone who might expect to see inside the cylinder a sophisticated design worthy of a semiconductor integrated circuit will be greatly disappointed: the interior of a cell is filled only with pairs of rubidium atoms 87Rb at 60-80 degrees Celsius", describes Michal Dabrowski, a PhD student at UW Physics.

The new memory, which was built with the support of PRELUDIUM and SONATA grants from Poland's National Science Centre and the resources of the PhoQuS@UW project is a spatially multimode memory: individual photons can be placed, stored, processed and read in different areas inside the cylinder, acting as separate memory drawers. The write operation, performed with a laser beam, works by preserving a certain spatial model, a hologram, in the form of atomic excitations. Illuminating the system with the laser allows us to reconstruct the hologram and read the memory's content.

In the conducted experiments the new source generated a group of up to 60 photons. Calculations show that in realistic conditions, the use of higher power lasers would help to increase this number even up to several thousand. (The calculations involved in the data analysis from this experiment were of such great complexity that they required the computing power of 53,000 grid cores of the PL-Grid Infrastructure).

Due to noise, losses and other parasitic processes, the quantum memory from UW Physics can store photons from several to tens of microseconds, which for humans can seem like a very short time. However, there are systems allowing for simple operations to be performed on photons in nanoseconds. In the new quantum memory we can in principle perform several hundred operations on each photon, which is sufficient for quantum communication and information processing.

Having such a working source of large groups of photons brings us an important step closer to constructing one type of a quantum computer, able to perform certain calculations in much less time than the best modern computing machines. Several years ago it was shown that by performing simple linear optics operations on photons we can increase the speed of quantum computing. The complexity of these computations depends on the number of photons processed simultaneously. However, the limitations of the sources of large groups of photons prevented linear quantum computers from spreading their wings, keeping them limited to elementary mathematical operations.

In addition to quantum computations, the photonic 'integrated circuit' may be useful in quantum communication. Currently, this involves sending single photons using an optical fibre. The new source would allow many photons to enter the optical fibre simultaneously, and therefore would increase the capacity of quantum channels.
Dr. Sandra Luber, University of Zurich, Switzerland, has been awarded the Clara Immerwahr Award 2017 for her contributions to the development of computational methods for catalysis. The award was presented at a public ceremony at the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin), Germany, on February 10, 2017.

The annual Clara Immerwahr Award honors a young female scientist at an early stage of their career for outstanding achievements in catalysis research. The award is presented by the Cluster of Excellence UniCat (Unifying Concepts in Catalysis), TU Berlin, and includes 15,000  of financial support for a research stay at UniCat.

Luberss research interests include the development and application of new computational methods for condensed phase systems, spectroscopy, and catalysis, the investigation of complex liquids and functional molecules in the gas phase and on surfaces, and the design of bio-inspired catalysts for efficient water splitting.

Sandra Luber studied chemistry at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland, where she received her Ph.D. in 2009 under the supervision of Markus Reiher. She then worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher with Mihaela Zavolan at the University of Basel, Switzerland, and with Victor S. Batista at Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. In 2012, she joined the Start-in program for young talents at BASF SE in Germany, and then became Project Group Leader in computational chemistry and materials science with Jurg Hutter at the University of Zurich, where she finished her habilitation in 2016. Among other honors, Luber has received the IBM Research Prize for Computer Modelling and Simulations in Chemistry, Biology, and Materials Science in 2007 and the ETH medal for an outstanding Ph.D. thesis in 2010.

Selected Publications



Also of Interest
CCC scholarship deadline set

COLUMBUS -- Central Community College has set March 1 as its deadline for new and returning students who want to apply for scholarships for the 2017-18 academic year.

Students can apply online at ccc.awardspring.com. Applicants must register to create an account.

Students who are interested in federal financial aid for the 2017-18 academic year must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov.

For more information, contact the financial aid offices at the Columbus Campus, 402-562-1290; at the Grand Island Campus, 308-398-7409; or at the Hastings Campus, 402-461-2413. Individuals living in Nebraska can call the college toll-free at 1-877-222-0780.

Hazmat class slated March 9

COLUMBUS -- Central Community College-Columbus will offer a Department of Transportation (DOT) hazardous materials course from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 9 in the West Education Center, room 179.

The workshop is designed for people who transport hazardous material, prepare shipping papers or labeling for packages to be transported, select or purchase packaging, or handle finished hazmat packages. It also will cover hazardous materials regulations and fulfill the tri-annual DOT hazmat refresher requirement.

Preregistration is required by March 2. The cost is $175.

For more information or to preregister, contact Sue Baer at 402-562-1425; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 1425; or email sbaer@cccneb.edu.

CCC Campus Visit Day set

COLUMBUS -- Prospective students who want to see Central Community College are invited to attend Campus Visit Day from 9 a.m.-noon on March 7 at its campuses in Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings.

Attendees will have a chance to tour the campus, meet faculty, and learn about financial aid and scholarships.

For more information or to register for Campus Visit Day, contact the appropriate admissions office: Columbus, Erica Leffler at 402-562-1257; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 1257; or email eleffler@cccneb.edu; Grand Island, Brittney Zetocka at 308-398-7383; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 7383; or email brittneyzetocka@cccneb.edu; Hastings, Ashley McCarter at 402-461-2480; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 2480; or email ashleymccarter@cccneb.edu.

To register online, visit www.cccneb.edu/CampusVisits. Individual campus visits also are available by appointment Monday through Friday.

Honor flight fundraiser set

COLUMBUS -- The American Legion, 2263 Third Ave., will host a soup supper from 5-8 p.m. March 25 to raise money to send Vietnam veterans on an honor flight to Washington, D.C.

Donation for the soup supper is $5 or more, and freewill donations also will be accepted.
Martin Murrell, working with Nissan, stands next to the Nissan Rogue SUV with "Star Wars" accents. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

You don't need a license to get behind a wheel or two at the Chicago Auto Show  but there's more to do than say "vroom, vroom."

The consumer show, running Saturday through Feb. 20, has diversions for those interested in tech, too, with simulators and virtual reality and augmented reality stations to demonstrate the latest in safety features and power and just have some electronic fun.

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High-tech ambulance

The MedEx Ambulance Service debuted its largest ambulance, customized with technology to provide on-site support to University of Chicago Medicine's helicopter transport network.

The 2017 Ford E-450 Type III ambulance allows for two-way communication between an in-air helicopter and an ambulance that will be taking the patient to the hospital.

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That saves time that can impact lives, its developers said.

The ambulance crew on the ground can know, directly from the helicopter, about landing times and any change in patient condition, so it can respond with the proper equipment.

Traditionally, such information had to go through several steps  from the flight crew to a communications center to an ambulance dispatch center to the ambulance.

The Chicago Auto Show runs through Feb. 20. (Nancy Stone / Blue Sky)

Simulated rides

The Dodge Challenger Challenge racetrack simulator features a version of the modern-day muscle car surrounded by screens, rigged to shake from the race and terrain.

The new Ford F-150 Raptor simulator features a chair rigged to pistons that move up, down and shake as riders move navigate a virtual course. Riders have to be at least 5-feet-2-inches tall.

Ford also has an electronic game kiosk that tests memory with observation and matching games  and let players drag race.

In Hyundai's area, guests can check out PlayStations that put visitors in arcade-style driver's seats.

'Star Wars'

Nissan has an entire "Star Wars" thing going on this year, with a section dedicated to "Rogue One"-related games and activities, including a virtual reality teaser trailer, a device that turns the images of visitors into those of stormtroopers, and an augmented reality set where visitors star in a short effects-laden video that's then sent to your smartphone for saving or sharing.

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The company is selling a limited edition "Rogue One" vehicle  its appropriately named Nissan Rogue SUV with "Star Wars" accents.

Safer driving

Volvo is demonstrating its City Safety technology that detects pedestrians, large animals or other vehicles and provides a collision warning  lighting up the entire windshield in red to signal the driver might need to avoid the subject. The brakes will automatically engage if a collision seems imminent.

Tech talks

As part of the day-long Women Driving Excellence program Feb. 15, a 1 p.m. panel called "Leading Women in Tech" will talk about the state of women in tech and digital industries. Speakers include Sandra Edwards, founder of Wheelz on Time; Cayla Weisberg, partner at InvestHER Ventures; and Amanda Signorelli, CEO of Techweek.

Another panel, at 4 p.m., called "Leading Women in Business and Marketing," will have Rebecca Berneck, CEO of Office Heads; Tania Haigh, founder and CEO of Magnolia Insights; and Katherine McHenry, owner of Building Block Toys.

Cheryl V. Jackson is a freelance writer.

Twitter @cherylvjackson
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 20 This space at 20 W. Kinzie St., formerly home to Google, spans more than 100,000 square feet. (Keri Wiginton / Blue Sky)

With more than $1 billion in funding and tens of thousands of members, WeWork has cemented its status as a juggernaut in the coworking world. Today, the coworking company operates 125 global locations in 38 cities  with five in Chicago alone. Megan Dodds, WeWork Director of Community Midwest, took us for a tour of the companys Kinzie location.
A Syrian refugee family was greeted with applause and joyful tears on Feb. 7, 2017 at O'Hare International Airport as a federal appeals court heard arguments on whether to restore President Donald Trump's controversial immigration order. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune) (Nuccio Dinuzzo / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

The corporate rage against President Donald Trump's controversial immigration ban is being led by the nation's technology companies, but nearly every business in the Chicago area and elsewhere has a stake in this melee.

Right now, a legal dispute is underway that's challenging the president's broadly written Jan. 27 executive order on immigration, which includes barring travelers from seven mostly Muslim countries.

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On Thursday, a three-judge appellate court panel knocked Trump back on his heels when it refused to reinstate his travel ban on those countries. On Twitter, the president vowed "SEE YOU IN COURT," which is assumed to mean the Supreme Court but could also mean the full 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

Hopefully, the judiciary will trash the Trump ban, and his administration will go back to the drawing board to draft more realistic, targeted and functional plans for improving security at the nation's borders.

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A reboot can't come too soon.

The presidential initiative  despite the appellate panel's action  remains capable of creating untold uncertainty, damage and disruption to businesses of all sizes and types. That's especially true when it comes to attracting, retaining or assisting employees who are immigrants, members of immigrant families or friends of immigrants.

In an unusual sign of corporate ire, more than 120 companies, mostly from the tech sector, signed a legal brief urging the Court of Appeals to uphold the suspension of the immigration ban sought by Washington and Minnesota.

Those states argued Trump's action was damaging their businesses and residents. Household names like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Netflix and Facebook signed a legal "friend of the court" brief arguing against Trump's executive order and advocating it remain in limbo.

Tech companies, in particular, make the case that the ban is so onerous because it hurts their ability to be global enterprises and cultivate multicultural workforces from around the world.

If ultimately upheld, the Trump travel ban will make it extremely difficult to hire or retain immigrant employees, who may choose to leave the country to see family or friends or who work overseas but are required to occasionally be in the U.S.

"(The order) is inflicting substantial harm on U.S. companies. It hinders the ability of American companies to attract great talent; increases costs imposed on business; makes it more difficult for American firms to compete in the international marketplace," asserts the amicus brief filed this week in the San Francisco-based appellate court.

Many of the companies supporting the appellate court brief have a significant product and marketplace presence in the Chicago area. However, no Chicago area-based companies signed the letter. Lawyers who filed the brief with the court declined to say if any Rust Belt or Chicago-area businesses were approached.

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Nevertheless, Trump's plan has forced large Midwest-based companies such as the giant automakers to reassert their commitment to doing business beyond national borders.

"Our focus on this has been very much on our employees and internally oriented, to make sure that they understand our message on (the) importance of diversity and everything else related to this topic," General Motors President Dan Ammann said Thursday during a meeting with the Tribune's editorial board.

By the way, Ammann is a native of New Zealand.

The mess and confusion brought on by Trump's immigration broadside is being felt locally too.

Chicago-area health care centers, for example, are coping with uncertainty over travel restrictions, particularly when connecting with overseas medical students who are candidates for domestic doctor residency programs.

Some students fear they will not be allowed to enter the country, while others may prefer to go somewhere more welcoming than the U.S., say health care experts.

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Meanwhile, the area's small-business owners are jittery.

Neighborhood restaurants, service shops and light manufacturing plants  traditionally first-time employers of immigrant labor  fret that their businesses and workers will be more aggressively targeted or raided by immigration authorities.

In addition to banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries, Trump's executive order suspended all refugee admissions for 120 days and put an indefinite hold on Syrian refugees.

It would be a relief if cooler heads prevailed and a more measured immigration policy emerged from the Trump White House.

But that's unlikely.

So business better get ready to rumble.

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roreed@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @reedtribbiz
In a meeting with airline and airport executives from Chicago and around the country Thursday, President Donald Trump made one thing very clear: He wants to rebuild America's airports.

It was Trump's refrain in the White House Meeting, said Kevin Burke, president and CEO of Airports Council International  North America. The chief executive of the airport owner and operator association recounted the president's comments later on a conference call with the media.

The president reportedly focused on enhancing the travel experience, an issue Chicago is attempting to tackle at O'Hare International Airport .

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced last summer that airlines have agreed to build up to nine new gates, a move crucial to improving on-time performance. The $300 million cost is expected to be paid for with existing fees tacked onto plane tickets.

Emanuel's plans also include demolishing and rebuilding Terminal 2, which would cost billions of dollars.

Though Chicago Aviation Commissioner Ginger Evans and Chicago-based United Airlines' CEO Oscar Munoz were in attendance, the city's plans weren't discussed.

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Trump was interested, however, in the expected $4 billion redesign of LaGuardia Airport, said William Vanecek, aviation director at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and chair of the airports council.

Executives said Trump's refrain to rebuild airports was positive. The administration wants "to put their shoulder into helping," Burke said. However, it's still unclear where airports would find funding.

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"He obviously wants to rebuild airports, but he wasn't very specific about where he wants to get the money," Burke said.

Airline executives also urged Trump to spin off air traffic control operations from the Federal Aviation Administration and place them under the control of a private, nonprofit corporation.

Airlines  with the notable exception of Delta  have complained that the FAA is taking too long to modernize the air traffic system.

Trump said he believes the system could work better if a pilot ran the FAA. The current administrator, Michael Huerta, a holdover from former President Barack Obama's administration, isn't a pilot.

Besides United, Trump met with the chief executives of Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue, executives from air cargo companies, and airport officials.

Associated Press contributed.

amarotti@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @AllyMarotti
Attention boycotters: Your #boycott brand-of-the-day efforts may not even matter.

Especially these days, since the boycotts, experts say, are constantly changing and unlikely to impact a company's bottom line unless its name remains in the headlines.

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One day it's #boycottNordstrom, the next, #boycottStarbucks and #boycottNetflix.

Most recently it was #boycottUnderArmour, after Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank said in an interview with CNBC earlier this week that Trump is an "asset" to the country. In a separate interview, Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, a paid brand ambassador for Under Armour, responded to Plank's statement with his own negative assessment of the new president: "I agree with that description, if you remove the 'et.'"

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The political split in the country is playing out in the marketplace as companies' outspoken stances for or against the new administration have launched firestorms on news sites and social media.

The athletic wear company Under Armour disclosed Thursday that data tied to its fitness app was breached this year, affecting 150 million user accounts. (Luke Sharrett / Bloomberg News 2015)

Uber found itself up against boycotters with #deleteUber when it appeared to support Trump's immigration ban and CEO Travis Kalanick took a spot on the president's economic advisory council. Kalanick later resigned from the council. New Balance was called "the official shoe for white people," on a neo-Nazi site when the company made a statement in support of Trump. (The company denounced the "white people" title.)

Experts say boycotts are unlikely to dent sales or ding stock prices unless the media attention drags on. This week proved they also can have the opposite effect. The stock prices of both Nordstrom and Under Armour have risen this week.

But what about public perception and a company's reputation?

"It's really difficult for the public to keep their attention on any one of these things," said Brayden King, an assistant professor of management and organizations at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. "If you have so many boycotts competing for the public's eye, you're diluting the effect of the boycott."

Consequently, companies can sit it out and wait until the brouhaha blows over or take it as an opportunity.

In the 1990s, Nike's decision to change its labor standards in its factories after a slew of protests on college campuses also led the company to take a leadership role in that movement.

In today's political and social media climate, "If somebody boycotts you, 50 percent of the country is happy and the other 50 percent is upset. You can either get through it or put a flag in the ground and make that happy 50 percent be fervent about your product," said Steve Gaither, CEO at JB Chicago, a marketing and advertising company.

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Chick-Fil-A, whose CEO Dan Cathy stuck to his guns after making it clear that he believed in "traditional marriage," energized a part of his customer base, Gaither noted.

Still, consumers are unlikely to change their buying patterns, boycott or no boycott, experts say.

As an example, Gaither said, "I may not share Netflix's beliefs, but they keep my kids happy and out of my hair. Most people don't care about the issues, but the product."

crshropshire@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @corilyns
The state of well-being for Illinois residents is not so well.

That's the conclusion of a report published Friday by the Boston Consulting Group, which finds Illinois badly lagging most other states, ranking 34th overall on the well-being score card.

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"Given our wealth level, we are probably the worst-performing large state," said Marin Gjaja, a senior partner and the head of the Boston Consulting Group's Chicago office.

The study attempts to break down well-being by grading the 50 states in four categories: economics, investments, sustainability and equality. While well-being  the state of being happy, healthy or prosperous  may seem hard to measure, the consulting group's methodology has quantified the concept and come up with a comparative ranking.

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Massachusetts leads the nation in well-being, followed by New Hampshire, Utah, Vermont and Minnesota, according to the report.

At the other end of spectrum, Louisiana ranked dead last in the well-being rankings.

For Illinois, the worst area was economics, where the state ranked 44th.

"The key findings there are we have declining revenues, poor fiscal management and we're last in the nation in pension funding, bond rating and migration ratio," said Justin Manly, a partner at the consulting firm in Chicago.

Illinois also did poorly in sustainability, ranking 38th. It was dragged down in that category by such factors as violent crime, low voter turnout and poor air quality.

The state ranked 39th in equality, with "pervasive" racial and income disparity, according to the report.

The brightest spot for Illinois was investments  putting resources toward education, health care and infrastructure  where the state ranked 17th.

"We are best on investments in education and health care," Manly said. "We are not doing well on infrastructure investments."

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A private management consulting firm, the Boston Consulting Group is based in Boston and has had a Chicago office since 1979. The firm, which does significant pro bono work, published the well-being report to coincide with the launch of its Center for Illinois' Future. The center was created to coordinate those pro bono efforts to focus on issues that are most important to Illinois, Gjaja said.

"It's our commitment to the community in which we live; to find a way to give back and have an impact in a state and in a city that are really challenged right now," Gjaja said.

"Hopefully, over time, we can use this as a way to hold ourselves accountable, to see if we are actually making progress," Gjaja said.

In 2010, Boston Consulting Group helped create a new rating system for Illinois public schools  the Illinois School Report Card  which provides a comparative online snapshot of key information for every public school in the state. The new report cards were adopted by the state in 2011.

The state rankings are based on a methodology the consulting group developed to conduct worldwide analyses of countries. Next up, it is producing a well-being report for Chicago, seeing how the city ranks against other major metros across the country, Gjaja said.

The full Illinois report is available at www.tinyurl.com/j5x9etb.

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rchannick@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @RobertChannick
Medical school graduate Ahmed Alsayed, of Sudan, talks about the uncertainty of working in the United States because of President Donald Trump's travel ban. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune) (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Ahmed Alsayed typed emails to more than a dozen hospitals after President Donald Trump announced his travel ban.

Alsayed urged them to still consider him for their residency programs despite the fact that he's from Sudan, one of seven Muslim-majority countries mentioned in Trump's executive order temporarily banning citizens of those countries from entering the U.S.

"I was really excited all my interviews went well and I could start ranking programs and hopefully match for next year," said Alsayed, who's been living in Chicago for two years on a visa, taking exams and applying for residencies in hopes of working as a doctor here. "Then came this executive order and everything became so confusing, so stressful."

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Though courts have suspended the ban for now, the continuing uncertainty surrounding it and what a potential rewrite could look like has international medical school graduates and teaching hospitals on edge as they prepare for one of their biggest days of the year  Match Day on March 17. It's the day when medical school graduates and students find out at which hospitals they'll do their residencies  putting into practice what they learned in medical school and honing their skills as doctors.

Aspiring residents like Alsayed wonder if they'll be turned away from hospitals that don't want to deal with the potential hassle of hiring physicians who would be subject to a travel ban. And hospitals worry whether the residents they choose will be barred from working in the U.S., leaving them short-handed to care for patients and, over time, making a shortage of doctors in the U.S. more acute.

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Trump recently defended the travel ban calling it "very important for the country" and saying "we have to have security in our country."

But hospitals in Illinois and across the nation rely heavily on doctors from abroad.

Last year, about 14 percent of residents who matched through the main matching program  more than 3,700 people  were non-U.S. citizens who graduated from medical schools outside the U.S., according to the National Resident Matching Program. This year, more than 42,000 people are expected to apply for 32,000 residency spots across the country, in all.

Ahmed Alsayed, 22, of Sudan, helps a friend study for a medical school test on Feb. 7, 2017, at their apartment in Chicago's Buena Park neighborhood. Alsayed, a medical school graduate, is worried about how the now-suspended travel ban may affect his chances of matching to a residency program. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

It would be "disastrous for not only medical education but bad for patient care" if hospitals can't get the residents they choose because of the travel ban, said Dr. Fred Zar, program director of the internal medicine residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine.

"If we lose that part of the workforce because we can't get enough people in our residency programs because these countries are banned, the ability to take care of the volumes of patients we care for (is) diminished," Zar said. "It's got very deep-running ramifications for health care."

Zar's particular program doesn't have many residents from other countries, but others certainly do, he said.

The American Medical Association has asked the Trump administration for guidance on Trump's order to ensure it doesn't keep out qualified med school grads or leave hospitals with unfilled training spots.

Hospitals' reliance on residents from other countries varies based on the institution and the specialty. Residency programs in popular specialties at top tier hospitals might not have as many doctors from other countries because so many American medical school grads want to work in them, and Americans might be easier to interview and hire, said Mark Smith, president of Merritt Hawkins, a placement firm specializing in physicians. But less prominent hospitals and less popular specialties might rely more on foreign doctors.

Those hospitals could suffer  including financially  if a ban keeps their top choices for residents from entering the U.S. If a resident is selected for a spot at a hospital and then can't follow through because of a ban, some hospitals will still likely be able to fill the spot with a bit of scrambling, but others may not.

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"The resident plays a critical role in not just the care-providing of a hospital but also the financial viability of a hospital," Smith said. Residents make an average of $56,500 a year, according to a 2016 Medscape report, but they work up to 80 hours a week. "They're the cheapest labor you have."

Hospitals could hedge their bets by simply avoiding those international residents. The National Resident Matching Program is "concerned" that hospitals might not rank those applicants, said Mona Signer, program president and CEO.

The program recently released a statement urging medical educators to support international medical graduate students and "make the best decisions they can under current circumstances."

"The affected applicants have worked hard for many years to achieve their goal of becoming physicians, and they should not be denied that opportunity because of a blanket policy that does not consider the individual," according to the statement. "Similarly, U.S. training programs should be able to select applicants based on their excellent character and qualifications, without regard to nationality."

Rush University Medical Center has already decided not to take applicants' nationality into account as it ranks its top choices for residents this year, said Dr. Richard Abrams, associate dean of graduate medical education at Rush.

It's possible that approach could leave Rush with last-minute vacancies. Abrams estimates about 10 percent of Rush's residents attended medical school in other countries and about 10 of its current residents and fellows are from the seven countries in question.

Still, if Rush accepts residents that ultimately aren't able to make it to the U.S. in time to begin their residencies because of the ban, Rush would hope to hold their spots until they can travel to the U.S., he said.

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"After the executive order went out, we made it very, very clear and I made it very clear to all our program directors here and our trainees here that we were going to do nothing differently," Abrams said. "I've been here 30 years and this is our family, and the people who come here, they're part of our family."

He just hopes those residents feel the same way.

Some doctors and health care leaders fear even the prospect of a ban could scare young foreign doctors away from the U.S. for years to come.

Alsayed, the aspiring resident now living in Chicago, said his brother, a student in his final year of medical school in Sudan, had planned to follow his lead and come to the U.S. for his residency. Now, his brother isn't sure if he wants to come here, Alsayed said.

Abrams said that one of his medical residents from the Philippines recently asked him what would happen if he traveled home and wasn't allowed back in the U.S. because of a ban. Abrams told him Rush would hold his spot until he could return. Doctors are concerned about what that kind of fear might mean for the growing U.S. doctor shortage.

The Association of American Medical Colleges projects that the U.S. will have a shortage of between 46,100 and 90,400 doctors by 2025. Doctors from other countries can help ease that gap, said Dr. Atul Grover, executive vice president of the association.

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About 29 percent of Illinois' licensed practicing doctors graduated from medical schools outside the U.S., and the majority of them were likely born outside the U.S. That includes 779 doctors from the seven countries affected by the ban: Iran, Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards.

"We need them as part of the physician workforce in this country because we're never going to be able to keep up and expand our medical school enrollment fast enough, given the growing and aging population," Grover said.

Alsayed said he wouldn't be surprised if future doctors are leery of applying for residencies in the U.S.

But he won't be deterred.

He knew he wanted to be a doctor from a young age, growing up the son of a science teacher mom and dad who worked with community programs. He was taught to help people.

He hopes residency programs appreciate his resolve.

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"Honestly, I've worked so hard for this that I'll try my best to find a legal way to stay here," Alsayed said. "Training here is like nowhere else. Being the person that I am, I'm always wanting to be the best. I haven't thought of any other place other than here for my training, and I'm not giving up on that."

lschencker@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lschencker
Enfamil baby formula is made by Chicago-based Mead Johnson. The company, which moved its headquarters from Glenview to Chicago in March, is being acquired by British firm Reckitt Benckiser.

The British parent company of the top-selling condom globally is poised to acquire the company known for the world's leading infant formula brand.

In the wee hours of Friday morning, Glenview-based Mead Johnson Nutrition, producer of Enfamil infant formula, announced it reached an agreement to be acquired by Reckitt Benckiser, maker of Durex condoms and Lysol, for about $16.6 billion, or $90 a share, pending shareholder and regulatory approval. The deal is valued at about $18 billion, including net debt, and is expected to close in the third quarter of this year.

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Mead Johnson will still move its headquarters to Chicago's River Point skyscraper next month, as previously announced, where it will occupy three floors. But the impact of the deal on Mead Johnson's 170 or so employees in the Chicago area isn't yet clear.

The merger is expected to produce some $250 million in annual cost savings by the third year, but the majority of the savings for the combined company will come from consolidating overhead costs and achieving supply chain efficiencies, said Raul Damas, a Reckitt Benckiser spokesman.

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"Regarding workforce, we can't provide more detail at this stage, but a key part of the deal rationale is acquiring Mead Johnson's experience and expertise, and investing in Mead Johnson's (research and development) and regulatory functions. The synergies are not driven by workforce reductions," Damas said in an email.

Both companies confirmed they were in advanced negotiations last week.

For Reckitt Benckiser, which also boasts brands such as French's mustard and Woolite detergent, the acquisition of Mead Johnson represents its largest deal ever and an opportunity to grow top-line sales, particularly in emerging markets in Asia.

For Mead Johnson, the deal represents a closing chapter to years of takeover speculation, though few, if any, analysts saw Reckitt Benckiser coming. More recently, industry rumors had pegged Nestle and Danone, the first and second largest suppliers of baby food globally, as the firms mostly likely to acquire Mead Johnson, which is the third largest supplier of baby food, according to data from Euromonitor International.

Zain Akbari, a Morningstar analyst, said in a research note Friday that he doubted the tie-up would run into antitrust regulatory concerns as there's little overlap in the two companies. He also considered it unlikely that another suitor would come forward with a counteroffer.

In March, Danone was rumored to be in the hunt for Mead, but then its $12.5 billion acquisition of Colorado-based WhiteWave Foods, announced in July but pending regulatory approval, effectively scuttled such talk.

Although not previously considered by analysts to be an obvious acquirer of Mead Johnson, Reckitt Benckiser has had the U.S. company on its radar for a number of years, CEO Rakesh Kapoor said Friday morning on a conference call.

The debt-funded acquisition will add to per-share earnings in the first full year and will be "double-digit accretive" by the third year, Reckitt Benckiser said.

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Mead Johnson stock soared in midmorning trading Friday, up almost 5 percent to $87.20 per share.

Associated Press contributed.

gtrotter@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @GregTrotterTrib
February 7, 2017

CAIRO  A 2,500-mile navigational shipping line connecting Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea via the Nile River should be up and flowing in 2024, 11 years after it was first approved.

The African Union Steering Committee, headed by Egypt, is directing construction of the project, which is part of the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative. The enterprise is being carried out under the umbrella of the New Partnership for Africa's Development.

The project entails building a shipping lane along the Nile River for small- and medium-size commercial vessels to boost bilateral trade among nine countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt. The line will stretch more than 4,000 kilometers (about 2,500 miles) along the White Nile all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. The project was widely welcomed, as it will contribute to the countries' development, and has gained even more importance since Ethiopia's bid to join the project in January.

The undertaking is also considered a component of the Alexandria-Cape Town land road project. The land venture is currently operating under the umbrella of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and links southern Africa to its north. The road is about 10,000 kilometers (6,214 miles) long and goes through Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Gabon and South Africa. The African Development Bank and other international organizations are financing the road's operation, which is being handled jointly by several Egyptian, Saudi and Sudanese companies, among others.

"We still have to add the special specifications related to this international road, such as signs and markers, but all the infrastructure work has been completed, said an adviser to Samir Salam, Egypt's transportation minister for river transport affairs. The adviser told Al-Monitor that linking the land and water projects will facilitate moving people and goods along the African continent, and then to Europe through the Mediterranean Sea.

Nihal Adel, head of the African Ministers Council on Water's Technical Committee, told Al-Monitor the Nile navigational line plan will be implemented in four stages: pre-feasibility studies, feasibility studies, design and blueprints, and execution and operation.

Egypt completed a pre-feasibility study in May 2015 with $500,000 of funding. Just a few weeks ago, Egypt also signed a contract to conduct other feasibility studies with a German-Belgian international consultancy office, using $650,000 in funding from the African Development Bank. The cost of implementing the project will range between $10 billion and $12 billion, Adel said.

The pre-feasibility studies provided six alternatives for implementation. Al-Monitor obtained a copy of the study summary, drafted by the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, and approved by COMESA.

The second, third and fifth alternatives focus on overcoming obstacles posed by river areas where navigation is difficult by turning, in part, to land transportation, including a railway network in Uganda that would need to be built to link the Victoria Nile region to Lake Kyoga. This would also involve using the White Nile port in South Sudans capital, Juba, to receive shipments by rail and river navigation networks, relying on Egypt's 800-kilometer (497-mile) "shortcut" navigable river channel from the Abu Hamed area to Aswan, rather than the 2,300 kilometers (1,429 miles) by road.

Nader Masri, head of the unit overseeing the studies on the Nile navigational line, explained other details of those plans to Al-Monitor. The mechanisms aimed at overcoming river navigation obstacles in the Nile in the second, third and fifth alternatives to the project [also] consist of [rectifying] the Nile course, setting canal locks to overcome waterfalls and traffic areas of the dams in the Nile, and providing elevators to transport cargo from one level to another in the Nile.

Meanwhile, the first alternative relies on the course of the Nile for navigating ships and transporting goods, excluding Lake Victoria. It also relies on the rail network through Uganda and the LAPSSET program, which connects East and Central Africa to the Mombasa port in Kenya. (LAPSSET stands for Lamu Port, South Sudan, Ethiopia Transport Corridor.) The fourth alternative is similar to the first, but provides an opportunity to link Rwanda with Lake Victoria by including navigation across the lake and the Nile. The sixth alternative depends entirely on river navigation in the Nile and on construction of navigation lines on Lake Victoria, which connects Kenya, Tanzania and, through the Kagera River, Rwanda.

These three alternatives (the first, fourth and sixth) require linking Lake Edward and Lake Albert, and the construction of a navigation channel linking the Abu Hamed region of Sudan to Aswan.

From his office in Cairo, Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Ati told Al-Monitor that the Nile navigation project has become a development corridor, especially since linking with the Alexandria-Cape Town land route.

"Its main objective is to be linked to Europe and to solve the problem of poor infrastructure and the high cost of transportation, which reduces the economic viability of investment projects in the African continent, he said.

Objections have been raised in Cairo against the Nile navigation line. Haitham Awad, former head of the irrigation and hydraulics department at Alexandria University, told Al-Monitor the LAPSSET project in Kenya threatens the economic feasibility of the Nile navigational line. The Kenyan project will connect East and Central Africa to international markets via a line between Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan that ends at the sea port on the Indian Ocean, he said.

Trade and commerce will be faster and easier from Kenya, instead of Egypt."

Egypts former minister of water resources and irrigation, Mohamed Nasreddin Allam, told Al-Monitor political tensions and lack of security and stability in African countries present major challenges for such projects. For example, unrest in South Sudan has been impeding completion of the Jonglei Canal Project between that country and Egypt, which is designed to divert 12 billion cubic meters of water currently lost in swamps, Allam said. Also, since that project is bilateral and not regional, "Some foreign parties are hindering [its] execution, he said.

But, as for objections to the Nile navigation line, he said, The 10 countries [including Ethiopia] that are partners in the project will deploy concerted efforts to overcome any developments that may hamper its completion." In addition, studies have shown that the LAPSSET corridor in East Africa complements the navigational line project, he said.

Supporters say the efforts of the New Partnership for Africa's Development to execute the Mediterranean, Victoria-Cape Town development axis project would solve numerous problems in Africa and create a spirit of development cooperation under the banner Africa Without Borders.
COLUMBUS  Arlyn Cattaus hydroponics facility has attracted curious visitors from across the country, from Texas to Minnesota.

Thursday morning's group set a new travel record as a delegation from China stopped by the farm just north of Columbus.

Curt Chittock, CEO of Simply Country, the manufacturer of Cattaus system, recommended the group make a visit.

Guan Zengzhu, president of Xinjiang Jifeng Environmental Technology Inc., said the group has spoken with hydroponics system manufacturers, but wanted to see the systems in action.

To see how the new system works in the environment  is it true to what is told by the manufacturer? Guan said through a translator. This is most important to visit to see it operated by a farmer.

Seeing is believing, added translator and trip organizer Yang WeiPing, president of Nustar International Development Inc.

Other members of the delegation were from the Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Science, which advises the government on agricultural production, particularly what equipment to purchase. Chief engineer and research fellow Li Zhongxin said hydroponics are of particular interest in that region of China.

Xinjiang needs this kind of production, said Li.

Xinjiang province is in far northwest China, bordering Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Li, speaking through a translator, said that although Xinjiang has a lot of land  it's comparable to the size of Iran  the area lacks water and most of that ground is not arable. Xinjiang is hemmed in by mountains and deserts.

Livestock and animal husbandry are two of the biggest agricultural industries in Xinjiang. This trip is part of a government effort to find more-efficient, sustainable methods for raising feed.

That's the same reason Cattau decided to add the hydroponics facility at his farm.

His son, Zach, learned about hydroponics in college and thought it would be a better way to grow barley for cattle since land is so expensive.

What we produce in here in a year, it would take 80 acres, said Zach Cattau. And we grew it in 3,000 square feet.

The Chinese delegation of five, plus Yang, took their time learning the ins and outs of the operation, from how the Cattaus manage air flow and prevent mold to how much barley they feed cattle and its effect on livestock. They also took plenty of photos and video.

I guess if youre going to come all the way from China you want to make sure youve got everything down, said Zach Cattau.

They also got to see some of Arlyn Cattau's own innovations, such as a device for power-washing the trays where barley is grown. When Yang explained that Arlyn Cattau made it himself, they gave him a thumbs-up.

Li said he and two other researchers from the academy will submit a report when they return to China with recommendations for equipment.

Weve got to look at the cost, said Li. Well want to take a little longer to study.

The group already visited Snowbird Grow Systems, which manufactures automated hydroponics systems in Florida, and will attend the 2017 World Ag Expo in Tulare, California.

As the delegation was leaving, they presented Arlyn Cattau with a handful of womens scarves, a specialty in Xinjiang, as a thank-you present.

Now Ive got my Valentines Day present taken care of, Cattau said.
Winner:

"Wow, what a boring winter. I would say let's go and catch a "Hamilton" matinee, but have you seen those ticket prices?"

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Rhonda Imhoff, Boise, Idaho

Extras:

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"Did President Trump ban snow in Chicago too?"

Sheila Barkes, South Bend, Indiana

"Ok, I believe that global warming exists. Now please make it snow here."

Wally Salganik, Buffalo Grove

"Just like the Chicago tax payers, we're high and dry."

John Slenczka, Woodridge

"Can we get some of those wheels Madigan threw off state government?"

Bill Mauer, Kenosha

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"I Executive Order You to SNOW!"



Mark Fleszewski, Homer Glen Illinois

"Take a good look at our country, Mikey, it's all downhill from here."

Carolyn Wartinbee

"If this is our entry for the winter Olympics, we are in real trouble....."

Thom Sczygielski, Zion

"I give up, let's go swimming."

Robert A. Koch, Chicago

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"WTF...Where're The Flakes??"

Cliff Kroeter, Chicago

"According to Trump's weather channel it was supposed to snow today."

Bob Murphy, Aurora

"That groundhog better be right."

Charles Wilt, Cary

"Ma. Did Trump sign the order for snow."

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Philip Lewan, Palos Hills.

"We're ready to emulate another childhood memory of yours, Dad."

John Rappel, Chicago

"Let's hurry up and get over the wall to Mexico before he signs another executive order!"

Latasha Wright, Monee

"We hiked up here, and switched who was in front  we did the 'climb it, change' Dad mentioned, so now what?"

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Paul Lockwood, Woodstock

"Hang on partner, it's going to be a bumpy ride."

Ronald Etickson, McHenry

"This winter's been a pain in the grass!"

Marc Connelly, Grand Beach, MI

"Oh no - don't look away-it's the slippery slope."



Lyn Stukalo, Lyons

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"Wait!! is it a 120 day ban on snow?"

Ronald S. Cheeks , Monee

"Good thing Rahm didn't count on a tax on every sled ride to close the budget. "

Gary Macari, Crystal Lake

I may only be in first grade but Im pretty sure I read January on the calendar.

Ed Washak, Yorkville
Tribune restaurant critic Phil Vettel has ranked his top 50 Chicago restaurants of the moment. You can find them all on the map below and read much more about them here.

Phils 50 is not a descended-from-the-mountaintop pronouncement of Chicagos best restaurants. Rather, its a guide to those Chicago restaurants that are delivering outstanding food, drink and service right now. It quite deliberately aims for variety in price, style and geography.

And because Chicagos dining scene is nothing if not dynamic, and terrific restaurants are opening every week, hell be adding and subtracting names from time to time, as circumstances warrant and to keep things fresh.

The map below shows where things stand after the most recent round of changes. Click on each point to learn about the restaurant.
If there's such a thing as an audiobook spectacle, George Saunders' "Lincoln in the Bardo" is it.

The size of the cast alone qualifies: With 166 individual voices, it's by far the largest of any assembled for an audiobook. And it's probably the most varied, including some as celebrated as Oscar-winners Julianne Moore and Susan Sarandon and others as unknown as a score of Random House publicity people.

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The result is quite a bit better than sheer spectacle; it is sui generis: engaging, moving, resonant. In a pitch-perfect and understated turn as Roger Bevins III, a young gay man disappointed in love, humorist David Sedaris captures the essence of the struggle to hang onto what one can never keep and, in fact, has already lost. Before he arrived in the strange in-between place where the story unfolds, he slit his wrists, he explains. "Feeling nauseous at the quantity of blood and it ? sudden percussive redness against the whiteness of the tub, I settled myself woozily down on the floor, at which time I  well, it is a little embarrassing, but let me just say it: I changed my mind. Only then (nearly out the door, so to speak) did I realize how unspeakably beautiful all this was, how precisely engineered for our pleasure."

Bevins and two other characters  Rev. Everly Thomas, voiced by Saunders, and Hans Vollman, performed by Nick Offerman ("Parks and Recreation")  form the backbone of the narrative. They are three of the residents of a cemetery inhabited by people who refuse to acknowledge their own deaths. They linger in this limbo  in Tibetan Buddhism, the bardo is the place between death and rebirth  certain that in a little while, they might yet recover.

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And then Willie Lincoln, the 11-year-old son of President Abraham Lincoln, arrives, having died of typhoid fever. When the grief-hobbled president arrives at the cemetery late at night, his presence stirs the residents with hope.

To tell the historical story, Saunders interweaves chapters filled with quotes  some real, some imagined  from contemporary observers of the Lincolns. It's an illuminating view. Each of these sources has its own voice, among them many regular audiobook narrators: Adenrele Ojo, Lorna Raver, Kimberly Farr, with a Southern-fried accent, Scott Brick.

Saunders' whole family gets into the act, too, with his parents, wife, sisters and daughters taking roles, as do director/actress/writer Miranda July; New Yorker fiction editor Deborah Treisman; Wilco's Jeff Tweedy (and his two sons); and authors Holiday Reinhorn and Mary Karr.

"Saturday Night Live" alum Bill Hader and Megan Mullally ("Will & Grace") play low-class, profanity-spewing Eddie and Betsy Baron, characters who move from crude (and hilarious) to crude-yet-touching by the recording's end. Ben Stiller is the cemetery night watchman. Rainn Wilson ("The Office") is a rich man still worrying about his houses. Lena Dunham ("Girls") is a young woman imprisoned in her afterlife. Don Cheadle voices a former slave who rides away with Lincoln.

Kelly Gildea, the audiobook's producer, said it was Saunders who realized it needed special treatment. "Early on in the process, he expressed fear about reading it himself," Gildea said in a telephone interview. "I couldn't understand why  he always liked narrating, and he's a great narrator  until I opened the book and saw what he was up against."

In fact, the book is ideal for cast-recording, with characters trading storytelling duties and providing the scene, stage direction and description.

The finished production avoids several of the pitfalls of cast recordings, which often sound like old-time radio dramas, complete with corny musical interludes. Even the music here is well-chosen.

"Lincoln in the Bardo" sets a new standard for cast recordings in its structure, in its performances, and in its boldness. Now, let's see who answers the challenge.

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Jenni Laidman, a freelancer, writes the Tribune's Audiobooks Roundup.

'Lincoln in the Bardo'

By George Saunders, narrated by Nick Offerman, David Sedaris, Saunders and a full cast, Random House Audio, 7:25






President Donald Trump's repeated targeting of Chicago as a hotbed of violence may have brought Chris Hayes back to the city to film a town hall meeting Thursday about the problem  but the MSNBC anchor wasn't feeling the heat.

Growing up in the Bronx in the high-crime early 1990s, Hayes and his pals got mugged often, Hayes told Chicago Inc. after coming off stage at the South Shore Cultural Center. The town hall was expected to be broadcast Friday.

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"We got our stuff jacked all the time," Hayes said. "They'd (steal) your hat, your jacket, your bus pass, that type of thing, but the difference is an order of magnitude now from what it was then."

Hayes, 37, spent "some of the happiest years of my life" making his bones as a journalist in Chicago  first with the Chicago Reader and then at In These Times  before becoming a cable star. And he still has many ties to the city. His father-in-law, Better Government Association chief and former ABC7 political reporter Andy Shaw, consulted with him ahead of his visit this week, he said.

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"I felt safe in Chicago," Hayes said. "I grew up in New York City, and in 1992 when I was 13, New York had like 2,200 murders. Last year it had about 350. That crazy downward trend is the case through a whole bunch of places, and so my reference case was the early '90s, which was in every major city 10 times as dangerous as it is now."

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The murder total fell less abruptly in Chicago  from nearly 1,000 in 1992 to just over 400 in 2014 before spiking again, according to Chicago police.

Chicago's status as the poster child of urban violence  even though it is nowhere near the U.S.'s most violent city, per capita  is "unquestionably" driven by a "concerted effort by particularly conservative media to highlight Chicago and violence in the city as a way of embarrassing President Obama," he said.

"There's a thing that people do about cities where they invoke them as these dangerous war zones, and it ends up obscuring a lot more than it reveals," he added. "America is a violent place, relative to its peers, and the violence in America is deeply, deeply unequal in its distribution, and it's intensely focused on certain areas and the trauma of that has a reproducing effect."

Hayes, who lived in the Chicago neighborhoods of Andersonville, West Town and Humboldt Park, had to rush back to New York on Thursday night to be with his 5- and 3-year-old children, so he didn't have time to stop by his favorite Chicago haunt, the California Clipper, in Humboldt.

"One of my favorite bars in America," he said, ruining the effect only slightly by revealing that his favorite drink is a Manhattan.

kjanssen@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @kimjnews
Keith Cooper reacts after newly elected Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb granted him a pardon for a 1996 armed robbery that ended in a shooting. It is believed to be that state's first gubernatorial pardon based on actual innocence. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

It was 20 years ago that police stopped Keith Cooper as he walked to his nearby apartment in Elkhart, Ind., after buying groceries for his children's breakfast.

That morning's arrest set off a tragic series of events that would rip apart his young family and take two decades to correct. On Friday, one day after Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb officially pardoned him for a violent 1996 armed robbery that he did not commit, Cooper said he was grateful to the new governor for doing something that his predecessor, Vice President Mike Pence , long had refused.

"I'm very thankful that (Holcomb) has the heart to do what Pence couldn't do," said Cooper, 49. "He abandoned me, but thanks to Eric Holcomb, I got my name back. I'm Keith Cooper. Not the Keith Cooper with the (inmate identification number). I know that number better than my own (Social) Security number."

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The Country Club Hills man spent nearly a decade of a 40-year prison sentence behind bars before he was released in April 2006. He has been trying to get the armed robbery conviction wiped off his record ever since. Nearly three years ago, after the victims who had identified him as the shooter recanted and DNA evidence pointed to another man, the Indiana Parole Board unanimously recommended Cooper be pardoned. His request, though, sat unsigned on Pence's desk.

The gubernatorial pardon is believed to be the first in Indiana history based on a claim of actual innocence, his attorney Elliot Slosar said. Cooper said he's hopeful other wrongfully convicted men and women in the state will find hope in his journey. He became overwhelmed with emotion at times during a Friday news conference.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Keith Cooper, 49, of Country Club Hills, talks about being granted an Indiana gubernatorial pardon on Feb. 10, 2017. His attorney Elliot Slosar is at left and his wife Nicole Cooper at right. Newly elected Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb granted Keith Cooper a pardon for a 1996 armed robbery that ended in a shooting. It is believed to be that state's first gubernatorial pardon based on actual innocence. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

"It was a hard journey for us all, being that I missed out on my kids growing up," he said.

Cooper's story had many collateral victims. His mother, Barbara Moorehead, 68, lost her Englewood home in a foreclosure after taking out a second mortgage to help post her son's bail and hire an attorney. His daughter, Lakeisha Cooper, 27, said she felt "robbed," growing up without a father and having at times to live in homeless shelters as her mother struggled financially. His wife, Nicole, said her husband still wakes up in the middle of the night with nightmares of his incarceration.

And his first wife, Sheryl Crigler, with whom he has three children and remains friends, also stood by his side Friday. She struggled while recalling the homeless shelters and motels she and her children lived in while she tried to make ends meet. When her husband went to prison, their children were ages 8, 6 and 2.

Ironically, the former couple moved to the small town of Elkhart to escape Chicago's violence and for better jobs. Months after the move, Cooper said, he was walking home from the grocery store when he was stopped and arrested for an attempted purse snatching.

While in police custody, Elkhart police questioned him about an Oct. 29, 1996, robbery in an apartment in the same complex where he lived. On that date, a teenager said he was watching a movie with friends in his mother's apartment when two armed men forced their way inside and demanded dope and cash. The teen was shot in the stomach. The shooter fled, leaving behind his hat.

Cooper denied any involvement. But the same day he was acquitted of the attempted purse snatching, prosecutors charged him with attempted murder and robbery. Six months later, after a one-day trial, a judge acquitted Cooper of attempted murder but found him guilty of the robbery based on eyewitness identification.

The case began to unravel in late 2005, when the Indiana Court of Appeals overturned a co-defendant's conviction and ordered a new trial. Prosecutors later dropped charges against the man, who later was awarded a $5 million federal civil rights settlement.

Cooper was given the choice of a new trial before the judge who had convicted him or to be released as a convicted felon. He chose to play it safe and to go home and be a father. After his release, Cooper said, he put his legal ordeal behind him until 2008 when Slosar, then a recent college graduate working on the co-defendant's lawsuit, put the pieces of the puzzle together.

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Slosar then was interning with the Exoneration Project, a joint venture between the Chicago law firm Loevy & Loevy and the University of Chicago Law School. Now a wrongful-conviction attorney, Slosar said Cooper was wrongfully imprisoned based on flawed police work, tainted witness identifications, an unreliable jailhouse snitch and a trial attorney who mishandled key DNA evidence.

The Tribune was the first to profile the confounding case in March 2015. The newspaper's review of more than 2,000 pages of trial transcripts, police reports, witness interviews and depositions gathered by Slosar showed many inaccuracies. For example, at Cooper's trial, his lawyer agreed to a stipulation that test results of DNA from inside the sweatband of the shooter's hat showed he could not be excluded as a suspect. But the Indiana state police lab report stated just the opposite  that Cooper "can be eliminated as a possible contributor."

Keith Cooper speaks during a Feb. 3, 2014, Indiana Parole Board hearing. (Courtesy of Eliot Slosar of Loevy & Loevy) (Courtesy Of Eliot Slosar Of Loevy & Loevy/Chicago Tribune)

Years later, with advances in testing and the nationwide offender database, the DNA evidence was linked to a man serving an up to 60-year prison term in Michigan for his role in an unrelated 2002 murder.

Slosar called Pence's inaction "a disgrace."

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Cooper argues Pence owes him an apology. In response to a request for comment, the vice president's spokesman in an email to the Tribune did not address the Cooper pardon but said Pence "is proud of his record" as Indiana's governor.

Slosar had filed a petition for a new trial last fall at Pence's request, and the petition still was pending when Holcomb granted the pardon. Prosecutors in Elkhart County were fighting the petition. Curtis Hill, recently elected Indiana attorney general, at the time was the county's lead prosecutor. He issued a statement after the pardon that said, in part, "We trust he reviewed the evidence and the record carefully in this case before reaching his decision.

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Holcomb cited the state parole board's support for the pardon, along with the backing of the prosecutor and witnesses in the case.

"I want to shake his hand," Cooper said of Holcomb. "I want to give him a hug. And I want to tell him he gave me my life back.

"Justice has prevailed. We won."

cmgutowski@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @christygutowsk1
Mayors from three of Mexico's largest cities were in Chicago on Feb. 10, 2017, seeking to reinforce their relationships with the city and reassure members of the local Mexican community who are worried by the policies of President Donald Trump. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Mayors from three of Mexico's largest cities were in Chicago on Friday, seeking to reinforce their relationships with the city and reassure members of the local Mexican community who are worried by the policies of President Donald Trump.

The delegation, which included Miguel Angel Mancera of Mexico City, Enrique Alfaro of Guadalajara and Hector Armando Cabada Alvidrez of Ciudad Juarez, met with their Chicago counterpart, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, to discuss commerce, human rights and immigration  issues brought to the forefront by a flurry of Trump executive orders.

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"We are in Chicago to make sure Mexicans living here and across the country know that their elected officials in Mexico care for them and will support them in the most effective way we can," Mancera said.

Mexico City is one of Chicago's largest North American trading partners, and Chicago has more than 1.65 million residents of Mexican origin, ranking fourth among U.S. metropolitan areas, according to the Pew Research Center.

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Guadalajara Mayor Enrique Alfaro, from left, Ciudad Juarez Mayor Hector Armando Cabada Alvidrez and Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera converse Feb. 10, 2017, after speaking with a Tribune reporter about Mexico-U.S. trade and political issues at the Union League Club in Chicago. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Emanuel and Mancera signed a partnership agreement in 2013 to promote economic, intellectual and cultural exchanges.

More recently, Emanuel pledged that Chicago would remain a "sanctuary city" in the wake of a Jan. 25 Trump executive order that threatened to withhold federal funds from cities that "shield aliens from removal" by federal immigration authorities.

The Mexican mayors sat down with the Tribune to discuss municipal relationships under the Trump administration, covering everything from deportation and tariffs to the proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. The interview was edited for length and clarity and conducted through a translator.

Q: A federal appeals court on Thursday unanimously refused to reinstate Trump's travel ban. While Mexico was not directly affected, what is your reaction?

Alfaro: That is a good lesson for everybody that the United States' institutions and laws are much more stronger than the will of any man  even if he is the president of the United States.

Q: Has the 2013 agreement between Chicago and Mexico City produced results?

Mancera: Ever since the memorandum was signed, they've been able to create more employment and business opportunities between the two cities. Gino's East opened up a restaurant (in 2015) in Mexico City.

Q: Trump has floated a 20 percent tax on goods imported from Mexico. What impact would that have on Mexico City's trade relationship with Chicago?

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Mancera: If the 20 percent tariff was to be imposed, Mexico would be doing something similar to American products. I believe that the relationship should be positive, as it has been in the past.

Q: On Jan. 25, Trump signed an executive order authorizing the construction of a wall to prevent illegal immigration from Mexico, a campaign pledge. Will it work, and will Mexico pay for it?

Alvidrez: We're on the border with El Paso, Texas. We already have a wall that serves as security right on the border. It's an unnecessary expense for the United States, and Mexico is not going to pay for it.

Mancera: The United States has the right to build a wall on their side of the border and to invest their own money in whichever way they see fit. What is already built between Mexico and the United States is communication and connection. Mr. Trump wouldn't be building a wall; he would be destroying those bridges of communication.

Q: That same order expanded the list of people considered a priority for deportation, beefed up the border patrol and expanded the number and size of detention facilities to speed up the process. Are you concerned about this policy?

Alfaro: We see now the consequences of immigration reform that was never completed. It's not just Mexico's problem  it's a problem for both Mexico and the United States. We're going to defend our people with everything we have.

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Q: You are inviting mayors from sanctuary cities to a forum in Mexico City on Feb. 20. What is the purpose of that meeting?

Mancera: It's very important for us to meet with mayors of sanctuary cities, to ensure the care and protection of human rights. Even though they may not be receiving as many resources from the federal government, it's very important that mayors of sanctuary cities have come out in defense of the human rights of immigrants.

Q: Chicago is home to a very large Mexican population. What do you want them to take away from your visit here?

Alvidrez: One of the reasons that we are here is because we understand the fear that is running through the Mexican community in the United States. We want to assure them that in the case that they were to be sent back, they would be received with open arms.

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Torrence Cooks speaks about how his proposal for helping young people on the South Side ended up being discussed in a meeting with President Trump last week at the White House. A summit with Chicago community leaders and administration representatives is being planned. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
LINCOLN -- Nebraska brewers are rallying their devout drinkers against a legislative bill they say would damage the state's hopping craft-beer scene.

Supporters of the proposal, including the state's beer distributors, say it would bring regulation of small, local breweries closer in line with that of larger producers such as Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors.

But opponents argue the bill would burden rural breweries and make it nearly impossible for craft brewers across the state to open new taprooms to sell their products.

They've adopted the social-media hashtag #DontKillOurCraft, and Thursday, craft brew fans and brewers from across the state crowded into Lincoln's Blue Blood Brewing Co. for a rally against the bill (LB632).

Similar rallies are planned in other cities in advance of a Monday public hearing on the proposal.

"We, in particular, feel very targeted by this bill," said Cody Schmick, owner of Kinkaider Brewing Co. in Broken Bow.

A pair of controversial provisions  one requiring all beer to be distributed from a wholesaler's warehouse, the other clamping down on brewer-owned taprooms  would hurt Kinkaider's existing operation and wreck its plans for a new taproom and restaurant in downtown Grand Island, Schmick said.

The bill's sponsor, state Sen. Tyson Larson of O'Neill, said his intent is to address constitutional concerns in existing law, which gives local brewers preferential treatment over bigger beer producers.

"I, too, like craft beer," Larson said. However, easing regulation of the craft-brewing industry must be balanced with "protecting the state and the taxpayers of Nebraska from getting sued."

Kinkaider has already secured a lease for the Grand Island space, part of an overall revitalization effort by the city. Schmick said the proposed law change would kill that project.

Another part of the bill would require virtually all beer and hard liquor made in Nebraska to stop at a wholesaler's warehouse before it goes to retail outlets. That would undo a standing Nebraska Liquor Control Commission policy that allows distributors to deliver beer from the state's far-flung craft brewers directly to their local bars and stores, saving them the round trip to a warehouse along Interstate 80.

The change would force Kinkaider to ship its beer 80 miles to Grand Island or 200 miles to Omaha, then back to local retailers in Broken Bow.

Bigger, out-of-state brewers already have their beer distributed through warehouses. They are also prohibited from selling their products to retail customers directly.

The three-tiered arrangement of producers, distributors and retailers is designed to keep national and international brewers from controlling the industry from kettle to keg tap, and to help regulators ensure taxes are properly paid.

Larson's bill includes other changes that were requested by the Liquor Commission, but executive director Hobert Rupe said the commission has "concerns" with the parts related to craft breweries.

"It's not that well of a drafted bill," Rupe said.

The Associated Beverage Distributors of Nebraska, which represents the state's distributors, supports the measure.

The effort here is not to penalize or restrict the growth of Nebraskas craft brewery industry, but rather to create a level playing field for all industry members," the group said in an emailed statement.

"I think the playing field's plenty even," said Schmick.

He said craft beer makes up just 2.5 percent of the market in Nebraska, with the rest coming from bigger brewers. Big producers don't need protection, he said, and applying their rules to in-state startups would stifle small business.

Owners of Lincoln-based brewers Empyrean and Zipline both said the proposed limits on taprooms might hinder their expansion plans.

For Empyrean, the bill could dash its hopes of converting Lincoln's former Meadow Gold plant in the south Haymarket into a new brewing facility, replacing the one at Seventh and Q streets.
MSNBC host Chris Hayes moderated a town hall meeting on violence in Chicago on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. The program, taped at the South Shore Cultural Center, will air at 7 p.m. Friday on MSNBC. (Virginia Sherwood / AP)

Panelists and community members at a South Side town hall meeting on violence put together by MSNBC agreed on Thursday that a greater investment in jobs, education and youth mentoring are needed in South and West side neighborhoods wracked by crime.

"When you talk about violence, you got to talk about economics," community activist Ja'Mal Green said during the afternoon discussion at the South Shore Cultural Center.

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President Donald Trump's persistent comments on Chicago violence prompted MSNBC to stage a taping of "All In with Chris Hayes" at the center.

"There are a lot of people who don't care about Chicago, that like to evoke Chicago to suit their purposes. But that does not deny the fact that there is a lot of messed up stuff happening in this city, right?" Hayes asked a crowd of more than 100 people.

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Panelists for the show included Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp, police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, community activist Ameena Matthews and Lori Lightfoot, the former federal prosecutor who now heads the Chicago Police Board. Audience members included U.S. Rep Bobby Rush and activist Jedidiah Brown.

The discussion touched on issues including the police shooting of Laquan McDonald and the critical U.S. Department of Justice Department report on the city's Police Department that followed.

When Hayes mentioned McDonald's name during the discussion, several audience members cried out, "Sixteen shots! Sixteen shots!"  referring to the number of times Officer Jason Van Dyke, who now faces murder charges, shot the African-American teenager.

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Johnson said the best way for officers to build trust within the community is by doing their jobs correctly and by removing more guns from the streets.

"One thing that police officers do every day is arrest bad guys with guns," he said "We should be focused on arresting the right people for the right reasons."

Most audience members raised their hands when Hayes asked them if they opposed Trump's threats to "Send in the Feds!" to address Chicago crime.

Green said that while improved policing is important, it's not a solution to preventing violence. He criticized Mayor Rahm Emanuel for not investing enough in the city's high-crime neighborhoods.

The show was taped and scheduled to air Friday.

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On the same day Amtrak officials announced they had put police officers involved in a shooting near Union Station on restricted duty, relatives of the Minneapolis man wounded in the incident demanded answers.

The Amtrak police officers involved in the Wednesday night shooting in the 300 block of South Canal Street were put on "administrative assignment" per department policy, according to a brief emailed statement. Chicago police, in coordination with the Cook County state's attorney's office, is the lead agency in the investigation, the statement said.

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Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari declined to say how many officers were involved and would not offer details of the incident, but said the officers' reassignment was standard practice after a shooting.

Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said no weapon was recovered from the wounded man. Police said drugs were found.

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As the transit agency announced the officers' status, more than a dozen family members for Chad Robertson gathered outside Stroger Hospital on Friday afternoon for an emotional news conference organized by members of Black Lives Matter Chicago.

Robertson, 25, is a loving father with two young children, his family said. His older sister, Nina Robertson, said nothing that her brother did justified him being shot by police.

Robertson remains at the hospital, where he is being treated for his gunshot wound. While police said he was struck in the shoulder, his family said he was struck in the back near the spine and suffered a severe spinal injury. They said they don't know yet if he will be able to walk again.

"This man (the officer) needs to be in jail," Nina Robertson said, her voice rising to a shout on Ogden Avenue as her family and activists huddled behind her in the afternoon chill. "He needs to be convicted. This is a crime, and we are tired! You will stop shooting us!"

Robertson's large Minneapolis-based family rushed to Chicago upon hearing news of the shooting.

Family members described what they said happened. Robertson and a longtime friend arrived in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon by Megabus after attending a funeral in Memphis, Nina Robertson told reporters. The pair had an hourlong layover until they could catch a connecting bus returning to Minneapolis, and decided to wait at Union Station with a young woman they met on the bus.

Once inside, the trio were "insulted" by an Amtrak officer and told to leave, according to the family's attorney, Douglas Hopson. "They were treated like trespassers and put back out in the cold," Hopson said.

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When someone in the group left a bag at the station, Robertson's companion returned to retrieve it. Robertson and the woman waited at a nearby cafe, according to the attorney. Two Amtrak officers then came to the cafe and ordered them to come out with their hands up. Robertson ran away from the officers and was fired on twice, Hopson said. He said Robertson did not have a weapon.

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"It was not a mistake, it was a reckless and callous act on (the officer's) part and he's going to pay for it," Hopson said.

Hopson confirmed that marijuana was recovered from Robertson but said it didn't justify the use of force. He said he was told prosecutors were looking into the shooting, but a spokeswoman with the state's attorney's office could not provide any details.

Robertson, who works as an independent contractor rehabbing homes in Minneapolis according to his family, has several misdemeanor convictions in Hennepin County in Minnesota dating back to 2008, records show, including one for attempted aggravated robbery and possession of drug paraphernalia. He has one felony conviction for damage to property, the records show.

As they await word on whether he will be able to walk again, Robertson's family members said they would remain in Chicago until they received answers about the investigation.

"This is crazy! This is a very difficult and hurtful time for us," said Nina Robertson, 27. "My brother has nine siblings. He is a father, an uncle, a cousin. He is loved, and we will not stand for this!"

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Maj. Gen. Ronald F. Lewis, shown in his Pentagon office, was named chief of public affairs for the Army in June, 2015. Lewis grew up in Chicago and served three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Jonathan Ernst, Chicago Tribune)

WASHINGTON  A former three-star Army general from Chicago who used his government credit card to pay four-figure bar tabs at clubs in Rome and Seoul, South Korea, will retire as a one-star general, the Army said Thursday.

Ronald Lewis was profiled in a front-page story in the Tribune in January 2015 and later became senior military assistant to then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter. Amid misconduct allegations that arose when he was a three-star general, Lewis lost that job  and one star  in November 2015.

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A Defense Department investigation found Lewis misused his government charge card for personal expenses, made false statements about it and engaged in conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman "on multiple occasions," Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said.

The investigation found Lewis used the card to pay a $1,121 tab at the Candy Bar club in a Seoul neighborhood commonly called "Hooker Hill" and a $1,756 tab at Rome's Cica Cica Boom club, which has signs advertising "Lap Dance" and "Sexy Show."

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Lewis, a 1987 graduate of West Point, grew up in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago's South Side and earned a diploma from the old Mendel Catholic Preparatory High School.

Under the law, officers retire at the highest grade in which they have served satisfactorily, and in Lewis' case, that was determined to be brigadier, or one-star, general.

Lt. Col. Jeremy Larchick, a lawyer representing Lewis, said Thursday he had not received the Army's decision and had no comment.

The Associated Press reported Lewis will see a $20,000 annual cut in his retirement pay and receive about $80,000 a year after taxes in his initial year.

kskiba@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @KatherineSkiba
A Cook County judge spared a Chicago police officer from prison Friday despite his conviction for perjury, saying he had already suffered enough with the loss of his job, pension and reputation.

Officer William Pruente, who remains with the department on unpaid status, faced up to five years in prison, but Judge Matthew Coghlan said state law called for a sentence of probation except under extraordinary circumstances.

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He placed Pruente, 55, on probation for 21/2 years and ordered him to complete 250 hours of community service.

Pruente's fiancee called the case nothing more than an "entanglement of technicalities and small errors."

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Prosecutors scoffed at the idea that the criminal case was built on tiny mistakes, telling Coghlan that Pruente's actions were clearly intentional and that he had only himself to blame for the criminal charges that resulted.

"What happened in this case was not an accident ... not a technicality," said Assistant State's Attorney John Brassil. "Perjury is insidious. ... The act of lying on the stand as a police officer affects every single courtroom, affects confidence in the judicial system."

Pruente had been caught lying in court at a drug hearing in March 2014 when a defense lawyer pulled a surprise and played a video of the arrest in suburban Glenview that contradicted testimony from the officer and three other cops. A furious Judge Catherine Haberkorn ordered defendant William Sperling released, and prosecutors launched an investigation. Pruente and three other officers  one with the Glenview force  were charged.

But at a bench trial in December, Coughlan convicted only Pruente and acquitted Chicago police Sgt. James Padar and James Horn, a former Glenview patrol officer, saying their testimony had been mistaken, not false. Three months before the trial, Chicago police Officer Vince Morgan, had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of obstruction of justice and was sentenced to a year of probation.

In issuing his sentence, Coghlan said Pruente had falsified his report on the arrest to cover up that a confidential informant had tipped him off that Sperling would be transporting marijuana in the car. Pruente repeated the lies under oath at a court hearing.

"He changes the facts to legally justify the stop," Coghlan said.

At the 2014 hearing, Pruente testified that he asked Sperling for his driver's license and registration, then spoke with him for about a minute before asking him to step out of the car so he could search his vehicle for marijuana. But the video showed that Sperling was almost immediately ordered out of the car and handcuffed.

Police recovered a bag packed with about a pound of marijuana as well as drugs known as mushrooms.

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At Friday's sentencing, Pruente's youngest son and parish priest joined the fiancee and others in testifying on his behalf.

Pruente's son, Trey, 22, himself a Chicago cop, called his father "my role model"  testimony that left his dad wiping his eyes with a tissue.

His attorney, Colleen Daly, said the veteran officer had amassed more than 100 awards during a 21-year career, including for once running into a burning building to rescue people.

Daly said the felony conviction means Pruente will lose his job and pension and can never work in law enforcement again.

Pruente, who had once worked as an electrician, is seeking to become a home inspector, his sister testified.

sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com

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Four people charged with hate crimes for kidnapping and attacking a teen with mental disabilities live on Facebook video pleaded not guilty Friday during a brief arraignment.

Assistant public defenders representing Jordan Hill, 18, Tesfaye Cooper, 18, and sisters Tanishia, 24, and Brittany Covington, 19, entered the not-guilty pleas before Judge William Hooks, who was tapped Friday to hear the case, which has drawn national outrage. Nearly a dozen reporters attended the brief hearing.

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Priscilla Covington, the sisters' grandmother, also attended. She stood and waved at the two, saying, "Oh, God" as they entered the courtroom in jail clothing.

All are being held without bail.

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Police allege that Hill met with the victim, a classmate in Aurora, at a McDonald's in suburban Streamwood on Dec. 31 and drove him to an apartment on Chicago's West Side. The 28-minute live-streamed video showed the group punching and kicking the victim, cutting his scalp and hair with a knife and forcing him to drink toilet water.

The defendants could be heard yelling on the video, "F--- Donald Trump" and "F--- white people" as the victim crouched in a corner, his mouth taped shut, hands and feet bound with what appeared to be orange electrical tape.

Prosecutors have said in court that the 18-year-old victim has schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and lives with his parents in Streamwood.

Facebook Live video posted on Jan. 3, 2017, shows the verbal and physical attack of a mentally disabled man. The Chicago Tribune edited this video to protect the victim's identity and for time. (Warning: Contains graphic content) (Chicago Tribune)

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The parents of an 11-year-old boy who underwent a heart transplant have been charged in his death after authorities said they failed to give him critical anti-rejection medications.

David Stroud, 41, and Jennifer Stroud, 36, of Park City, pleaded not guilty in Lake County court Thursday to charges of endangering the life of a child, prosecutors said.

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Their son, Jason Stroud, died Sept. 11.

Jason was born with heart problems and underwent eight open-heart surgeries and 20 surgical procedures, according to a GoFundMe page set up in his name that raised about $5,000.

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In 2012, Jason received a heart transplant in a Milwaukee children's hospital but had two rounds of organ rejection, and by August 2016, his heart was in "complete rejection/failure due to coronary heart disease," which would have forced another transplant, according to the fundraising site, said to have been set up by his mother.

The anti-rejection medications were "giving him terrible headaches, chills/tremors, and is just not allowing him to be (his) happy self," according to the GoFundMe page, which appears to have since been removed.

Assistant State's Attorney Eric Kalata said the parents had "a legal and moral obligation" to take care of their child. The charge of endangering the life of a child is not unusual, but this was the first case Kalata has handled in which a parent's medical neglect is alleged to have directly led to the child's death.

Prosecutors said another count of child endangerment against both David and Jennifer Stroud related to allegations that they also repeatedly missed medical appointments at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.

Hospital officials contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, which checked into the situation and got the couple to bring their child in, Kalata said.

A DCFS spokeswoman confirmed that the agency opened an investigation last August and made a finding of neglect against the mother and father in November.

If convicted of the endangerment charges, each parent could be sentenced to probation or up to five years in prison. Jennifer Stroud's attorney, Elliot Pinsel, said he was not yet fully familiar with the case, but he said the parents went through a lot to try to save their son.

"They did everything they could," he said. "It sounded like the child had loving parents. They were never trying to intentionally hurt their son.

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"It's been heartbreak ever since (Jason's death)," Pinsel added. "This (the criminal case) is just compounding it."

Jennifer Stroud posted $7,500 cash bail and was released, but David Stroud was still being held in Lake County Jail on Friday in lieu of a $75,000 bond, records show. A judge declined a request to lower his bond.

Jason was a student at Woodland Intermediate School until his death in September, said Carolyn Waller Gordon, communications director for Woodland School District 50. He entered the district as a first-grader in August 2011.

"Those who knew him remember him as a funny, thoughtful young man," she said.

A woman who identified herself as a longtime friend of Jennifer Stroud but asked that her name not be used spoke outside the Stroud residence Friday.

The friend said the Strouds did not intentionally neglect their son and that he seemed to be happy and acting normally when he last entered the hospital.

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Lisa Cuellar, a neighbor of the Strouds, appeared upset and shocked to learn about the charges against the parents. Cuellar said they've been good neighbors and have helped her more times than she can count. She said her children often play with the Stroud kids and that Jason loved to ride his bicycle.

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"It still hurts to talk about Jason," Cuellar said. She said a group that grants wishes to sick children once treated Jason and his family to a Disney World trip. "Jason was so happy."

Cuellar called Jennifer Stroud "a great mom" who made sure her children went to bed on time and that Jason ate a healthy diet.

Cuellar said the Strouds' was the only house on the street that decorated for all the holidays. They had inflatable characters this past Christmas.

"They make it cheerful for the children," Cuellar said.

Robert McCoppin is a Tribune reporter; Yadira Sanchez Olson is a freelance reporter. Tribune reporter Duaa Eldeib and Lake County News-Sun reporters Frank Abderholden and Jim Newton contributed.

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For Chicago police officers accused of misconduct, punitive damages awarded by juries often are negotiated away. (Chicago Tribune Staff/Chicago Tribune)

After William Hope Jr. was killed during an altercation with two Chicago police officers in 2010, a jury sent the Police Department a stern message, awarding the man's family $4.5 million.

That was for compensatory damages, paid for by city taxpayers. But the jury went a step further and ordered the two officers, Armando Ugarte and Michael St. Clair II, to each personally pay $10,000 in punitive damages to Hope's estate.

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It was a rare penalty that juries in civil lawsuits often reserve for particularly egregious cases of police misconduct.

But the officers never had to pay. Instead, their lawyers, who also work for the city, and the plaintiff's attorneys negotiated away the damages.

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In case after case, a Tribune analysis of court records found, the state law that requires officers to pay punitive damages in civil lawsuits is routinely undercut by negotiations absolving them of the penalties.

Of the nearly $1.1 million in punitive damages awarded in police misconduct verdicts the city has paid to resolve since 2009, the Tribune found that Chicago police officers were ultimately responsible for nearly $285,000, an analysis of court records shows.

To legal experts, that only undermines the law's intent, which is not only to punish individual officers but also to deter their peers from engaging in similar misconduct.

But for officers, the fact that some of the awards do stand shows that they can be exposed financially. . The fear of having to pay, they say, can have a crippling effect on their willingness to do police work.

City lawyers say that they are simply doing their job and are fulfilling their ethical and legal obligation to defend police in lawsuits related to their work.

"Our job is not to seek to punish the officers," said Liza Franklin, a veteran City Hall lawyer who defended Ugarte and St. Clair in the Hope case. "Our job is to do the best thing we can for our clients."

Even when officers are in jail or have been fired for misconduct, court records show that the city's lawyers have continued to appeal the court penalties.

Franklin said that a number of government agencies and offices, including the Independent Police Review Authority, the Bureau of Internal Affairs and, ultimately, the state's attorney's office are charged with handling disciplinary matters for police misconduct.

Some of the officers who have not had to pay punitive damages have recently been sued more than the vast majority of the police force. Among them is Ugarte, who has been named in 10 misconduct lawsuits since 2009. The city has paid damages in more lawsuits involving Ugarte, a narcotics officer, than any other officer on the police force during that time, a Tribune analysis of court records found.

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The Police Department declined to make Ugarte or St. Clair available for comment.

The findings come in the wake of a recently released federal Justice Department report that found Chicago's Law Department, at times, provides legal cover for a flawed Police Department. The department has been sanctioned eight times under Mayor Rahm Emanuel for withholding possible evidence in police misconduct lawsuits.

Jeffrey Granich, a lawyer who has for years represented plaintiffs in police misconduct cases, said that in his experience city lawyers do "everything humanly possible to keep cops from paying."

He and other plaintiffs' lawyers whose clients have won recent punitive damages say that the city will typically offer incentives for plaintiffs to reach a deal and eliminate or reduce the punitive damages. Examples of those incentives include agreeing to cover attorney fees, not appealing verdicts or seeing that plaintiffs are quickly cut checks.

Franklin said that city resources are not bargained away on behalf of officers. The Law Department often successfully negotiates down attorney fees and compensatory damages, Franklin said. She added that the city has some leverage, too.

"They talk about (how) they hold this over our heads. Well, they don't have to settle," Franklin said, referring to lawyers representing plaintiffs, "and we will file appeals and do what's appropriate, and they can wait two years for their money."

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But the result, some legal experts say, is the same  a potentially significant deterrent to officers engaging in future misconduct is given up.

"The officer is never feeling the heat," said Locke Bowman, a law professor and executive director of Northwestern University's Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center, "and that's the person whose conduct you are hoping to change."

Seldom awarded

In Chicago, punitive damages were awarded in 35 of roughly 200 police misconduct lawsuits that ended with a jury verdict in the nearly eight years' worth of court and Chicago Law Department records analyzed by the Tribune.

Of those, the punitive damages stood in 14 of the cases. In another case, negotiations over the damages are ongoing, according to the Law Department, and in three more it's unclear if the officer paid.

The nearly $285,000 in punitive damages for those 14 cases amounts to a token penalty when compared to the more than $350 million that the city has paid overall to resolve the roughly 1,300 civil lawsuits in police misconduct cases over the same time period. The vast majority, roughly 85 percent, are settled before trial; and there were rare instances where punitive damages are awarded in those cases as well.

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In the smallest award, the officers' share was fairly painless when a jury in 2011 ordered three of them to split $7 worth of punitive damages in an excessive force lawsuit filed by a man who was kicked repeatedly while handcuffed during an arrest.

In the most expensive punitive damages award by a jury, Richard DeFelice, an officer who is now retired, was ordered to pay $250,000 in an excessive force lawsuit that alleged he coerced a false confession from a man at a North Side police station by punching him repeatedly in the face.

Retired Chicago police Officer Richard DeFelice, at home among some of his commendations, was ordered to pay $250,000 in an excessive force lawsuit. He ended up responsible for $90,000. (Christopher Smith / Chicago Tribune)

The 28-year-old was taken from lockup to the hospital where he was found to have a broken nose and rib, according to court records. The injuries did not go unnoticed by a judge, who ordered pictures taken of his beaten face and body.

DeFelice denies that he was involved in the beating. Rather, he contends, he was singled out. Initially, other officers were named in the lawsuit, but they were dismissed by the time the jury began reviewing the evidence.

"All of a sudden, they were staring at one guy," DeFelice said. "They looked at me and I knew we were starting on a bad note."

Ultimately, his penalties were reduced to $90,000 during negotiations after the trial; he said he refinanced his house to free up money but is still paying it off, with interest.

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That amount was higher than most of the punitive damage awards reviewed by the Tribune, which averaged around $20,000 in lawsuits that included a variety of allegations from excessive force to failing to provide medical attention and false arrest. In one case, an officer himself won a punitive damages award when he alleged that he was wronged by another officer.

City lawyers say that they have an ethical and legal obligation to vigorously defend any city employee sued for their conduct on the job. In some cases, the officers are represented by private attorneys who reach the agreement.

That included the members of a disbanded tactical unit, known as SOS, who were convicted of crimes or fired by 2014 when punitive damages were being negotiated down by city lawyers in one lawsuit from $56,000 to $7,500, court records show.

Once allegations of misconduct are no longer work-related, the defense stops. When DeFelice, for example, was accused of fraudulently moving his assets to avoid paying a judgment, city lawyers abandoned an appeal.

Ultimately, he wasn't left entirely on his own; the police union hired him a lawyer. The president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Dean Angelo Sr., did not respond to requests for comment.

The fact that officers do, in some cases, have to pay shows that they are not given carte blanche, according to the city attorney Thomas Platt.

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And all punitive damages, even the reduced ones, hit officers hard, Platt said.

"They get wage-reduction orders," he said, and "they don't like it."

DeFelice said it's not just officers who end up hurt. The damages hurt morale, he said, and contribute to less aggressive policing.

"You get paid the same money whether you stop and arrest someone or not," he said, adding that officers then say, "I'm not going to go the extra mile if I'm not going to get the backup."

Meant to deter

The law requiring officers to pay punitive damages themselves has been around for more than a century, and is common around the country.

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It is standard practice to negotiate down punitive damages, according to Joanna Schwartz, a law professor from the University of California, Los Angeles.

"Officers are virtually always indemnified even if they have been disciplined, terminated or criminally prosecuted as a result," Schwartz wrote in a study released in 2014 where she examined data from 44 of the nation's largest police departments between 2006 and 2011.

Legal experts say it is important that lawyers representing the city have the ability to negotiate after the verdict is handed down, including if punitive damages are awarded.

"Honest officers can make mistakes and a jury can make arbitrary decisions. We have to protect against that," said Mark Iris, a lecturer at Northwestern University who has studied punitive damages and, for two decades, was the executive director of the Chicago Police Board.

And there are other reasons that punitive damages don't stick. In some cases, they have unraveled when a judge found that officers played a negligible role. In others, plaintiffs dropped their petitions for fines when it was clear that the officer didn't have money to pay.

But if punishment for troubled officers is routinely blunted, Iris said, there is danger in lending an air of impunity and "the deterrent effect goes down the toilet."

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Members of the jury in the Hope case recently told the Tribune that they were well aware that the officers would have to pay punitive damages. They said they were concerned with striking a balance between supporting the officers in their dangerous job while holding them accountable for misconduct.

When the facts of the case pointed to over-aggressive policing, some jurors insisted that Ugarte and St. Clair should share the financial pain. They then struggled over how much was enough to punish the officers for their role in the young man's death without crippling them financially.

"It gave them a message to stop and think before being active with a gun," a juror, Robert Mugnaini, said.

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But in Ugarte's case, it's not clear that the punitive damages had any effect.

While St. Clair has not been named in a lawsuit since, Ugarte's legal problems have continued.

Since the verdict in the Hope case, Ugarte has been named in six additional lawsuits  bringing his lawsuit tally to 11 since he was first sued in 2008.

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And he has continued to face civil judgments that have cost taxpayers nearly $5 million in damages since he was hired a little more than a decade ago.

He hasn't paid anything.

acaputo@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @AngelaTCR
Members of the Chicago SWAT team and a Chicago police negotiator meet in front of a residence in the 2600 block of West 23rd Place following a standoff Feb. 9, 2017, in the Little Village neighborhood. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

A man surrendered peacefully and was taken to a hospital after causing an hours-long standoff at his Little Village home Thursday afternoon.

Chicago police SWAT members responded about 1:45 p.m. to a suicidal man barricaded inside a two-story duplex in the 2600 block of West 23rd Street, according to officers on the scene.

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The man told SWAT team members he was a Vietnam War veteran who suffered from Parkinson's disease. He threatened he had weapons but police did not uncover any, according to police on the scene.

A neighbor who lives above the man said he has called the fire department multiple times in recent weeks to complain about smoke alarms and sometimes threatens to call immigration on them.

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The woman, who did not want to be named, said police came to her door about 2 p.m. and told her she had to evacuate. She said she was sleeping with her three children at the time.

The man surrendered peacefully about 3:30 p.m. after officers spoke with him and was taken to an area hospital to be checked out.

Police on the scene could not confirm he was a veteran.
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. Subscribe here.

Topspin

A nonpartisan budget watchdog group is calling for dramatic action to get the state's budget back on track, saying Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democrats are out of easy choices and need to consider raising taxes, among other things.

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A five-year plan to be released Friday by the Civic Federation calls for a strict spending limit that caps growth at 1.7 percent a year, hiking the personal income tax rate from 3.75 percent to 5.25 percent, eliminating Illinois' tax exemption on retirement income and lowering the sales tax rate from 6.25 percent to 5.5 percent but expanding it to apply to more services.

The group also calls for the elimination of numerous tax breaks that benefit businesses, saying they "do not provide sufficient public value to justify their cost," and the consolidation of local units of government. Other suggestions include borrowing billions of dollars to help pay down the state's massive pile of unpaid bills and creating a rainy day fund to better deal with future cash crises.

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The sweeping agenda will be a tough sell at the Capitol, where a massive budget proposal with similar tax changes stalled in the Senate this week. But it underlines what Democrats and Republicans alike have acknowledged: The longer the budget impasse continues, the more difficult the solutions could become.

Illinois so far has gone without a full state budget since July 2015.

In addition to the tax changes, the Civic Federation calls for combining the Chicago Teachers' pension fund with the state's retirement system for teachers, saying it will help stabilize the budget for Chicago Public Schools.

The group says the state should also consider changes to the Illinois Constitution to make it easier to cut employee pension benefits and allow for a graduated income tax, and cap interest payments the state pays on overdue bills.

"There are no politically easy choices left for the State of Illinois and, unfortunately, none of the shared pain from spending restrictions and increased revenues will go toward better or additional services for Illinoisans," Civic Federation President Laurence Msall said in a statement. "Rather, this will only settle many billions of dollars in obligations we have already incurred. Despite the pain, such measures are absolutely necessary to secure Illinois' financial future." (Monique Garcia)

What's on tap

*Mayor Rahm Emanuel will appear at a groundbreaking for a new maintenance complex at O'Hare Airport in the early afternoon. Later, he'll discuss the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico with Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera and the mayors of Guadalajara and Juarez City.

*Gov. Rauner will appear on WBEZ-91.5 FM to answer listener questions (see "From the notebook" below) and will hold a late-morning event in Chicago to highlight Illinois Tollway diversity initiatives.

*Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs will promote the new Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs will promote the new Achieving a Better Life Experience program at a stop in Rockford.

From the notebook

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Follow the money

*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.

Beyond Chicago

*U.S. appeals court refuses to reinstate Trump travel ban.

*Trump criticizes Democratic Sen. Blumenthal and Republican Sen. McCain in tweets.

*McCain hits back at Trump press secretary Spicer.

*White House says Conway "counseled" on Ivanka Trump product promotion.

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*A U.S. general wants more American troops in Afghanistan.

*Syria war seethes despite cease-fire.
SPRINGFIELD  Dozens of social service agencies that care for some of the state's most vulnerable people filed a second lawsuit against Gov. Bruce Rauner and others on Thursday as they try to get paid for programs they've continued to provide as the state stumbles along without a full budget.

The move by the Pay Now Illinois coalition comes as a temporary budget for universities and social service providers expired in January, leaving some groups struggling to offer services like sexual assault counseling, home visits for seniors and early childhood education for low-income families.

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A similar lawsuit filed by the group last year is before an appeals court, but Thursday's move represents a change in legal strategy. The latest suit was filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court, the same arena where a judge ruled in 2015 that state employees should continue to get paid despite the lack of a state budget.

That case was brought by 13 employee unions, which argued that failing to pay workers violated their collective bargaining agreements. Pay Now Illinois chair Andrea Durbin contended social service agencies may have a stronger case than the unions, noting they are providing services as required under contracts signed with the state.

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Failing to honor those contracts is "immoral and oppressive, and inflicts substantial injury on the plaintiffs and the fragile populations that they serve," according to the suit, which also argues the state's failure to pass a balanced budget is a violation of the Illinois Constitution.

The lawsuit lists both the Republican governor and Democratic Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza as defendants, in addition to some state agency leaders. Among the groups suing is the Ounce of Prevention Fund, an early childhood nonprofit agency headed by Diana Rauner, the governor's wife.

"We are hoping for the same success so that we can get paid what is owed to us and we can be certain of getting paid in the future," Durbin said. "After all, why should state workers be paid, but not state contractors?"

State employees' pay is now in jeopardy after Attorney General Lisa Madigan asked the judge in the St. Clair County pay case to lift the order that's kept paychecks flowing during the budget impasse. Madigan argued the ruling has "removed any imperative" for Rauner and Democrats to agree to a budget.

A hearing on the pay case is scheduled for next week. Employee unions and Rauner's office have blasted the move, with the governor posting a video on Twitter Thursday accusing Madigan of attempting to "shut down" the state until a budget is passed.

Rauner talked up a Republican proposal that would reclassify salaries so paychecks would go out the door automatically regardless of whether a budget is in place, as is the case for lawmakers and statewide officeholders like the governor. He vowed to veto a competing effort backed by Democrats that would only cut checks through the end of the budget year on July 1, saying House Speaker Michael Madigan is trying to create a crisis to force a tax increase. Attorney General Madigan is Speaker Madigan's daughter.

"Speaker Madigan will try to sell his June 30 government shutdown proposal as a solution in case his daughter wins in court. But don't be fooled," Rauner said.

A spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 called the video an "attempt to mislead state workers," noting that lawmakers are being paid six months late after former Republican Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger delayed their checks citing the budget impasse.

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The union is also in the process of voting on whether or not to go on strike amid a protracted contract battle with Rauner.

"The governor's threat to veto a bill not sponsored by his partisan political allies follows a familiar pattern: Rauner makes a demand, refuses to compromise and bullies those who disagree," said AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall. "If he wants to make progress, the governor should negotiate, not dictate, both in developing a fully funded budget and reaching a fair contract for state employees."

mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com

hbemiller@chicagotribune.com
KIRKWOOD, Mo. -- The day the boss man finally came for Bob King was July 22.

That day started out as routine. King stuffed a low-sodium breakfast and lunch into a brown sack and nosed his 2011 Toyota Camry north on Lindbergh Boulevard all the way to Boeing.

The stalwart employee found a parking space on the sprawling lot near the airport and ambled to the front door, cane in hand. Then he went down a long hall to the elevator, up a few floors, across another hallway and a few more stairs to Building No. 32, where he settled into a cubicle.

King, 87, ran his blue eyes over spreadsheets and databases. In his latest gig as a systems engineer in Off-Boeing Programs, he kept track of the labyrinth of regulations and directions on how to install new wings on the A-10 Warthog used by the U.S. Air Force.

In his seat that memorable day last summer, a manager -- about the age of King's children -- tapped him on the shoulder.

His career, which spanned more than a half-century of aerospace innovation, was coming to an end.

"I got caught in a RIF," said King, perturbed. "You know what that is?"

King was part of a reduction in force at the $97 billion behemoth. All of a sudden, he had 60 days to prepare for retirement and pass along parting knowledge.

There had been celebrations for him throughout his tenure, marking 40 years of service, 45 and 50. In September, after 53 years with Boeing, a cake-cutting marked his forced retirement.

A layoff, even this late in life, stings.

King was one of the oldest of 14,000 Boeing employees in the St. Louis area. Yet he still sounded a little bitter.

Then he yielded.

"God knew I was never going to retire and he said, 'I have news for you,'" said King, a devout member of Trinity Lutheran Church. "I'd have worked forever."

And so King has come home to Kirkwood.

He and his wife, Donamay, live in a ranch home with three bedrooms and one bath. They bought it in 1964 for $18,500 and raised six children there born within a span of seven years.

While Bob chipped away at missiles and electronic equipment, Donamay ran the packed home on Cherry Street.

"Some guys will do anything to get out of the house and get out of yard work," Donamay, finally coming out to talk, said laughing. "He's a workaholic with airplanes and other stuff. Nothing around here."

They met as children in a rural area near Toledo, Ohio, where, at times, they grew up without running water. Sometimes he cut asparagus and picked tomatoes for Donamay's father, who had a vegetable and fruit business.

"Maybe my dad was a little bit like my husband because my dad just worked and worked and worked. So did my mom," Donamay said. "Sometimes he was so tired, he'd be sitting there eating an apple and he'd fall asleep. He was a good guy."

Bob King was valedictorian of his high school class of 18 students, according to a newspaper clip. He studied engineering at the University of Toledo and taught radar repair in the Marine Corps.

Starting in the 1950s, he cut his teeth for a decade at Convair in San Diego by helping develop flight control systems for the F-102 Delta Dagger and F-106 Delta Dart.

"Those were good days when I would go out and work on the aircraft and go down to production and teach them how to rig the flight control," he said.

Upon moving to St. Louis in 1963 to work at McDonnell Aircraft, what would eventually become Boeing through a series of mergers, he developed the reputation of a tenacious analyzer.

"I have excellent skills at seeing the big picture and the little details all at the same time and keeping it all in the proper perspective," he said.

Tim Bartlett, director of Off-Boeing Programs, confirmed as much. King was recently one of 300 employees under Bartlett's wing. He said none of them, other than King, worked beyond their 60s.

Boeing didn't provide broader personnel demographics but pointed to stories a few years ago about Elinor Otto, a 93-year-old "Rosie the Riveter" who still worked for the company in California at the time.

Bartlett said King was respected late in his career for his intelligence: "A lot of wisdom. A lot of history. He's also attuned to state-of-the-art systems."

Bartlett, 47, shares the same birthday with his former employee.

"Bob is definitely good at giving me feedback," he said. "I valued it at different times for sure."

King previously held management positions and, as part of the corporate planning department, researched ways the company could diversify product lines and possibly get out of others.

"Should we build buses? Trains?" King said. "We even looked at Peabody (Energy) at one time and said, 'No way.'"

In the 1970s, he was involved with the suspended maneuvering system, which was supposed to help fire departments pluck people from burning high-rises.

"We felt there was a need for it," King said.

But it didn't become mass-produced because the system required a medium-size helicopter to deploy. Most cities had small helicopters that couldn't support the weight.

Reflecting on the project, King talked about the complexity of bringing a new product to market.

"There is a long way between an idea and design and development and production," he said.

He was also an engineer on the cruise missile and Tomahawk weapons system. He said he was a "trusted agent" with the Navy.

He justified helping manufacture lethal weapons by weighing the alternative.

"We are building what we need to keep the peace," he said. "Hopefully, we never use it, but you can't afford to be without it."

King's health eventually became an obstacle along his career path. He had a heart attack in 1989. A 2005 stroke limited use of his right arm. More recently, he's had a stent put in his left carotid artery. With congestive heart failure, fluid sometimes needs to be drained from his body. He's limited to consuming no more than 64 ounces of water per day.

He still spends a lot of time behind a desk, only now it's at home, where he studies various Excel spreadsheets. Each cell has Bible verses and other details for his "Kingdom of God" book project. He watchdogs his investments, which have included tuition for grandchildren and great-grandchildren, donations to many charities and his own retirement.

As part of his layoff package, he was paid one week's salary for every year he worked. Sounding disappointed again, he said Boeing capped the payout at 26 years of service.

Not that he needs the extra money. The house and family car are paid for many times over.

He said he wants to tutor math and stay involved in other projects.

He said it's time to spend time at home with Donamay.

"People ask me about Bob, and I say he's going to do what he's going to do," she said. "He probably says the same about me."

They are getting to know each other again.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos encountered protesters Friday morning outside a D.C. middle school and found her way barred as she tried to enter through a side door, forcing her to retreat into a government vehicle as a man shouted "Shame!"

Eventually, DeVos got inside for an event starting at about 10 a.m. that included the D.C. schools chancellor and others. The event was closed to the media.

But the demonstration outside Jefferson Middle School Academy was a further sign that DeVos remains a polarizing figure in the education world days after she took office.

A video clip circulated on Twitter by ABC 7 News WJLA-TV showed an unusual scene of DeVos attempting to enter the school. She was foiled as a protester blocked her way. She turned around, got back into her sport-utility vehicle and was driven away from that entrance. However, she did get in through another door.

As the event appeared to be winding down, DeVos appeared at the top of the steps outside the school's main door to make a brief statement to reporters.

"It was really wonderful to visit this school, and I look forward to many visits of many great public schools, both in D.C. and around the country," she said. "Thanks very much."

She declined to answer a reporter's question about the protests as she was re-entering the building. But asked what she thought of the school, she turned back to say: "School was awesome."

Shortly before DeVos's arrival, several dozen parents, teachers and others had gathered to show support for public schools. Some of the demonstrators were members of the Washington Teachers Union.

Outside Jefferson, a teacher from a D.C. charter school, who declined to be named, carried a sign that said: "Ms. DeVos: Our children are not props." Others shouted "We fight back!"

"Betsy DeVos does not represent our students or our families here in D.C.," the teacher said. "She doesn't have our best interests at heart."

Elizabeth Davis, president of the union, publicized the DeVos visit on Twitter Thursday, calling on protesters to "say 'NO' to privatization of our schools."

Davis said Friday morning the union is supporting Jefferson teachers, who are concerned about the visit.

"We want to share the message that we love our public school system," Davis told reporters outside Jefferson. "Public education teachers believe that public education is the cornerstone, it's the foundation of our society."

Maria Danilova / AP Protesters rally outside a middle school in Washington on Feb. 10, 2017, where Education Secretary Betsy DeVos paid a visit. Protesters rally outside a middle school in Washington on Feb. 10, 2017, where Education Secretary Betsy DeVos paid a visit. (Maria Danilova / AP) (Maria Danilova / AP)

D.C. Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson, who just took office himself in recent days, entered the school without speaking with demonstrators or reporters.

A spokeswoman for D.C Public Schools declined to comment. Officials at the U.S. Education Department did not respond to The Washington Post's inquiries about the trip.

According to several sources, teachers at the school were upset by her visit and planned to wear black to show their feelings.

DeVos is a billionaire who has spent three decades lobbying for private school vouchers, charter schools and other alternatives to traditional public schools. She was one of President Trump's most controversial Cabinet picks and barely won confirmation. Her supporters call her a bold reformer, while opponents fear she will seek to undermine public schools by funneling taxpayer funding to private and religious schools.

I really fear for our students' future and the future of our schools and communities.  Jefferson Middle School Academy staff member

She made a plea for unity on Wednesday, her first full day in office, saying in a speech to Education Department employees that "while we may have disagreements, we can - and must - come together, find common ground and put the needs of our students first."

On Thursday, DeVos visited Howard University, a historically black university in the District that receives special support through federal appropriations every year. But the reception at Jefferson shows the difficulty DeVos faces in winning the trust and confidence of those who opposed her confirmation.

Jefferson, a few blocks from department headquarters, is five years into a turnaround effort and is often cited as an example of the systemwide improvements in the city's public schools.

D.C. Public Schools was once among the nation's lowest-performing urban school districts, but in recent years has won widespread attention for making rapid progress as judged by scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

The District has also been a laboratory for the philosophy of choice in education. The growing charter school sector now enrolls nearly half the city's public-school students, and the nation's only federally funded voucher program helps more than 1,000 children attend private and religious schools at taxpayer expense.

While many advocates believe that the competition has been fruitful, providing families with options and encouraging the school system to improve, others argue that the rapid growth of charter schools has undermined efforts to improve neighborhood schools and left parents scrambling to win citywide school enrollment lotteries.

Lyndsey Medsker, the parent of two students in Brent Elementary, which feeds into Jefferson, said it was the "perfect place for the new secretary to see first-hand a public school that fell victim to the chaos of charters and a fervor for school choice."

"Today, thanks to a dedicated administration, impressive teaching staff and community support, the school is rapidly improving," Medsker said. "But, to make public schools like Jefferson 'great again,' if you will, they need a commitment from Secretary Devos and support from D.C.'s mayor and city leadership. It's time for all politicians to stop using quality schools as photo ops and to really invest in neighborhood public schools."

Medsker did not plan to join the crowd as she didn't want to appear to be protesting DeVos. She said now that DeVos is confirmed, she should be welcomed into public schools so she can learn why they are important and deserving of her support.

One staff member at Jefferson said that she and many of her colleagues are troubled by DeVos's decades-long campaign to promote vouchers as a way to escape from public schools that work hard to serve all students. She said she feared that the new education secretary would use Jefferson students - most of whom are African American and come from low-income families - for a photo op to burnish her image.
National security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with that country's ambassador to the United States during the month before President Donald Trump took office, contrary to public assertions by Trump officials, current and former U.S. officials said.

Flynn's communications with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak were interpreted by some senior U.S. officials as an inappropriate and potentially illegal signal to the Kremlin that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions that were being imposed by the Obama administration in late December to punish Russia for its alleged interference in the 2016 election.

Flynn on Wednesday denied that he had discussed sanctions with Kislyak. Asked in an interview whether he had ever done so, he twice said, "No."

On Thursday, Flynn, through his spokesman, backed away from the denial. The spokesman said Flynn "indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn't be certain that the topic never came up."

Officials said this week that the FBI is continuing to examine Flynn's communications with Kislyak. Several officials emphasized that while sanctions were discussed, they did not see evidence that Flynn had an intent to convey an explicit promise to take action after the inauguration.

Flynn's contacts with the ambassador attracted attention within former President Barack Obama's administration because of the timing. U.S. intelligence agencies were then concluding that Russia had waged a cyber campaign designed in part to help elect Trump; his senior adviser on national security matters was discussing the potential consequences for Moscow, officials said.

The talks were part of a series of contacts between Flynn and Kislyak that began before the Nov. 8 election and continued during the transition, officials said. In a recent interview, Kislyak confirmed that he had communicated with Flynn by text message, by phone and in person, but declined to say whether they had discussed sanctions.

The emerging details contradict public statements by incoming senior administration officials including Mike Pence, then the vice president-elect. They acknowledged only a handful of text messages and calls exchanged between Flynn and Kislyak late last year and denied that either ever raised the subject of sanctions.

"They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States' decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia," Pence said in an interview with CBS News last month, noting that he had spoken with Flynn about the matter. Pence also made a more sweeping assertion, saying there had been no contact between members of Trump's team and Russia during the campaign. To suggest otherwise, he said, "is to give credence to some of these bizarre rumors that have swirled around the candidacy."

Neither of those assertions is consistent with the fuller account of Flynn's contacts with Kislyak provided by officials who had access to reports from U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies that routinely monitor the communications of Russian diplomats. Nine current and former officials, who were in senior positions at multiple agencies at the time of the calls, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters.

All of these officials said Flynn's references to the election-related sanctions were explicit. Two of those officials went further, saying that Flynn urged Russia not to overreact to the penalties being imposed by Obama, making clear that the two sides would be in position to review the matter after Trump was sworn in as president.

"Kislyak was left with the impression that the sanctions would be revisited at a later time," said a former official.

A third official put it more bluntly, saying that either Flynn had misled Pence or that Pence misspoke. An administration official stressed that Pence made his comments based on his conversation with Flynn. The sanctions in question have so far remained in place.

The nature of Flynn's pre-inauguration message to Kislyak triggered debate among officials in the Obama administration and intelligence agencies over whether Flynn had violated a law against unauthorized citizens interfering in U.S. disputes with foreign governments, according to officials familiar with that debate. Those officials were already alarmed by what they saw as a Russian assault on the U.S. election.

U.S. officials said that seeking to build such a case against Flynn would be daunting. The law against U.S. citizens interfering in foreign diplomacy, known as the Logan Act, stems from a 1799 statute that has never been prosecuted. As a result, there is no case history to help guide authorities on when to proceed or how to secure a conviction.

Officials also cited political sensitivities. Prominent Americans in and out of government are so frequently in communication with foreign officials that singling out one individual - particularly one poised for a top White House job - would invite charges of political persecution.

Former U.S. officials also said aggressive enforcement would probably discourage appropriate contact. Michael McFaul, who served as U.S. ambassador to Russia during the Obama administration, said that he was in Moscow meeting with officials in the weeks leading up to Obama's 2008 election win.

"As a former diplomat and U.S. government official, one needs to be able to have contact with foreigners to do one's job," McFaul said. McFaul, a Russia scholar, said he was careful never to signal pending policy changes before Obama took office.

On Wednesday, Flynn said that he first met Kislyak in 2013 when Flynn was director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and made a trip to Moscow. Kislyak helped coordinate that trip, Flynn said.

Flynn said that he spoke to Kislyak on a range of subjects in late December, including arranging a call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump after the inauguration and expressing his condolences after Russia's ambassador to Turkey was assassinated. "I called to say I couldn't believe the murder of their ambassador," Flynn said. Asked whether there was any mention of sanctions in his communications with Kislyak, Flynn said, "No."

Kislyak characterized his conversations with Flynn as benign during a brief interview at a conference this month. "It's something all diplomats do," he said.

Kislyak said that he had been in contact with Flynn since before the election, but declined to answer questions about the subjects they discussed. Kislyak is known for his assiduous cultivation of high-level officials in Washington and was seated in the front row of then-GOP candidate Trump's first major foreign policy speech in April of last year. The ambassador would not discuss the origin of his relationship with Flynn.

In his CBS interview, Pence said that Flynn had "been in touch with diplomatic leaders, security leaders in some 30 countries. That's exactly what the incoming national security adviser should do."

Official concern about Flynn's interactions with Kislyak was heightened when Putin declared on Dec. 30 that Moscow would not retaliate after the Obama administration announced a day earlier the expulsion of 35 suspected Russian spies and the forced closure of Russian-owned compounds in Maryland and New York.

Instead, Putin said he would focus on "the restoration of Russia-United States relations" after Obama left office, and put off considering any retaliatory measures until Moscow had a chance to evaluate Trump's policies.

Trump responded with effusive praise for Putin. "Great move on the delay," he said in a posting to his Twitter account. "I always knew he was very smart."

Putin's reaction cut against a long practice of reciprocation on diplomatic expulsions, and came after his foreign minister had vowed that there would be reprisals against the United States.

Putin's muted response - which took White House officials by surprise - raised some officials' suspicions that Moscow may have been promised a reprieve, and triggered a search by U.S. spy agencies for clues.

"Something happened in those 24 hours" between Obama's announcement and Putin's response, a former senior U.S. official said. Officials began poring over intelligence reports, intercepted communications and diplomatic cables, and saw evidence that Flynn and Kislyak had communicated by text and telephone around the time of the announcement.

Trump transition officials acknowledged those contacts weeks later after they were reported in The Washington Post but denied that sanctions were discussed. Trump press secretary Sean Spicer said Jan. 13 that Flynn had "reached out to" the Russian ambassador on Christmas Day to extend holiday greetings. On Dec. 28, as word of the Obama sanctions spread, Kislyak sent a message to Flynn requesting a call. "Flynn took that call," Spicer said, adding that it "centered on the logistics of setting up a call with the president of Russia and [Trump] after the election."

Other officials were categorical. "I can tell you that during his call, sanctions were not discussed whatsoever," a senior transition official told The Post at the time. When Pence faced questions on television that weekend, he said "those conversations that happened to occur around the time that the United States took action to expel diplomats had nothing whatsoever to do with those sanctions."

Current and former U.S. officials said that assertion was not true.

Like Trump, Flynn has shown an affinity for Russia that is at odds with the views of most of his military and intelligence peers. Flynn raised eyebrows in 2015 when he appeared in photographs seated next to Putin at a lavish party in Moscow for the Kremlin-controlled RT television network.

In an earlier interview with The Post, Flynn acknowledged that he had been paid through his speakers bureau to give a speech at the event and defended his attendance by saying he saw no distinction between RT and U.S. news channels, including CNN.

A retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, Flynn served multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks - tours in which he held a series of high-level intelligence assignments working with U.S. Special Operations forces hunting al-Qaeda operatives and Islamist militants.

Former colleagues said that narrow focus led Flynn to see the threat posed by Islamist groups as overwhelming other security concerns, including Russia's renewed aggression. Instead, Flynn came to see America's long-standing adversary as a potential ally against terrorist groups, and himself as being in a unique position to forge closer ties after traveling to Moscow in 2013 while serving as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Flynn has frequently boasted that he was the first DIA director to be invited into the headquarters of Russia's military intelligence directorate, known as the GRU, although at least one of his predecessors was granted similar access. "Flynn thought he developed some rapport with the GRU chief," a former senior U.S. military official said.

U.S. intelligence agencies say they have tied the GRU to Russia's theft of troves of email messages from Democratic Party computer networks and accuse Moscow of then delivering those materials to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks, which published them in phases during the campaign to hurt Hillary Clinton, Trump's Democratic rival.

Flynn was pushed out of the DIA job in 2014 amid concerns about his management of the sprawling agency. He became a fierce critic of the Obama administration before joining the Trump campaign last year.
President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, accompanied by their wives, first lady Melania Trump and Akie Abe, wave before boarding Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base Md., Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Trump is hosting Abe at his estate Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., for the weekend. (Susan Walsh / AP)

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump pledged Friday that his administration remains committed to maintaining the United States' long-standing security alliance with Japan, aiming to calm jitters in Tokyo over his inflammatory rhetoric on the campaign trail.

In a news conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House, Trump called the alliance the "cornerstone of peace and stability in the Pacific region," and he vowed to make ties between the two countries "even closer."

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Trump's remarks on the alliance, which hewed closely to statements of previous U.S. presidents, would not have been remarkable were it not for the sharp criticism he aimed at Japan during the 2016 presidential campaign. He denounced a sizable U.S. trade deficit to Japan and suggested Japan and South Korea were not paying their share to support American troops based in the region.

But the summit, aggressively pursued by the Japanese, aimed to erase doubts, even as the two sides remain at odds over how to move forward on trade and economic ties.

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Trump sought to present the two countries in close harmony over shared challenges on North Korea's nuclear weapons programs and China's aggression in the South China Sea - "both of which I consider a very, very high priority," he said.

On several occasions, Trump gave Abe extended handshakes - one in the Oval Office lasted 19 seconds - and patted him on the back, displaying a personal warmth that has begun to develop between the two men since Abe became the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election victory in November. "

"Strong hands," Trump remarked in the Oval Office, mimicking a golf swing. The two were scheduled to play a round this weekend at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's winter retreat in Palm Beach, Florida.

"I grabbed him and hugged him because that's the way we feel," Trump said at the news conference, describing his greeting of Abe outside the West Wing. "We have a very, very good bond, very, very good chemistry."

"I'll let you know if it changes," Trump added, drawing laughs in the East Room before adding: "But I don't think it will."

Abe, who has made a concerted effort to court Trump since his election, praised the president's outsider candidacy and "uphill struggle and fight" to win the White House.

The Japanese leader also pledged that his country would play a "greater role" in defense and security operations, although he was vague on what that might entail. Japan's Self-Defense Forces are prohibited from combat missions abroad under the constitution imposed on the country by the United States after World War II.

"Of course, there are disagreements," Abe said, "but we should not close down the . . . dialogue just by pointing to the differences and ignoring the common interests and common goals."

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The summit was being watched closely by U.S. allies and partners across the globe for signs over how Trump would deal with a powerful ally after the unpredictable bluster of his campaign and early weeks of his presidency. Trump has clashed with the leaders of Mexico and Australia, and his move to cancel U.S. participation in a 12-nation Pacific Rim trade pact that includes Japan raised alarms over how he would receive Abe.

After finishing formal talks, Trump and Abe left the White House together through the South Lawn entrance and boarded Marine One, followed by Trump's daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to Trump. Another Trump adviser, Stephen Bannon, also joined them on the presidential helicopter, which whisked them past the Washington Monument on a flight path to Joint Base Andrews in Camp Springs, Maryland, where Air Force One was waiting.

There, the two leaders were met by their wives, first lady Melania Trump and Akie Abe, for the trip to Mar-a-Lago. White House officials said Trump plans to use the retreat for diplomatic bonding sessions in the way other presidents have used Camp David.

During the news conference, Trump was asked about his first phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which had come Thursday evening. The White House said Trump reaffirmed his administration would honor Beijing's "One China" policy that stipulates Taiwan is officially part of China despite the island having a separate government.

Trump angered Beijing by receiving a congratulatory phone call from Taiwan's president after his election and publicly questioning the "One China" policy, suggesting his administration might renounce it unless China offered better trade deals to the United States.

On Friday, Trump characterized the call with Xi as "very, very warm."

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"I think we are on the process of getting along very well," he said.

For his part, Abe largely avoided talking in specifics about Trump's decision to break with his predecessor and withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-nation Pacific Rim free-trade deal that Trump opposed during the campaign.

But he did promise that Japan would support Trump's economic "growth strategy."

"There will be even more new jobs born in the U.S.," Abe said.

Trump promised that the United States would "be an even bigger player than it is right now by a lot when it comes to trade."

In a joint statement, the two nations said Trump accepted Abe's invitation to visit Japan later this year.

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And, in another gesture of goodwill, Abe made sure to praise Trump's golf game.

"My scores in golf are not up to the level of Donald at all," Abe said in Japanese, according to a translator.

It was not clear, however, whether Trump understood him; the president failed to attach the earpiece of his translation device until after Abe's opening statement.
A month after announcing his candidacy, Donald Trump shocked the establishment by questioning the heroism of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a former prisoner of war. The near-unanimous verdict of the pundit class: Trump was doomed.

Eighteen months later, Trump is still insulting McCain - only now he's doing so from the White House.

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"He's been losing so . . . long he doesn't know how to win anymore," Trump tweeted Thursday.

Despite all predictions - including his own - that the country would see a new, more "presidential" Trump once he took office, the commander in chief has barely changed from the impulsive candidate who blew up every political norm that stood between him and the White House.

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He is still tweeting at odd hours, calling people names, promoting his family's business interests, bragging about crowd sizes, complaining about media coverage and lashing out at anyone who challenges him, including members of his own party and a federal judge. His White House seems just as chaotic, tumultuous and discordant as his campaign was.

All of which is according to plan, his team insists.

"Part of the reason the president got elected is because he speaks his mind," White House press secretary Sean Spicer said at Thursday's news briefing. "He doesn't hold it back, he's authentic, and he's not going to sit back."

Washington, meanwhile, is beginning to figure out that it had better get used to it. Surreal is the new normal.

"Most people in Congress and elsewhere did harbor the fantasy that he would become a different person," said Vin Weber, a former Republican congressman from Minnesota who is now a lobbyist. "I think they're learning differently."

Mark Salter, a confidant and former top aide to McCain, said he never expected Trump to change because that would have required "not just growing into the job, but growing up."

Other Republicans were deluding themselves in predicting that another Trump would emerge once the enormous weight of the presidency was placed on his shoulders, Salter said. "They just couldn't bring themselves to believe otherwise, because it would have been an indictment of them" for supporting Trump.

Lyndon B. Johnson once said: "The presidency has made every man who occupied it, no matter how small, bigger than he was, and no matter how big, not big enough for its demands."

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But in his first three weeks in office, Trump appears to be changing the presidency more than the reverse.

Rather than moderating his impulses, his top aides seem intent on amplifying them - pleasing their boss by attacking critics and the news media, defending his factually inaccurate assertions and adding to the growing pile of what counselor Kellyanne Conway called "alternative facts."

Trump and those around him had long promised that he would tone down his style if elected. There was even talk that he might give up the Twitter account that functions as an expression of his id.

In an April rally in Pennsylvania, Trump promised: "At some point, I'm gonna be so presidential that you people will be so bored."

Anthony Scaramucci, a prominent New York financier who now works at the White House, predicted the same during a Fox News interview in late December.

"I think that the gist of what happened during the election season is going to be slightly modified now," Scaramucci said. "I think the candidate as president is going to be way more presidential and way more precise than people think. That's my prediction."

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Reince Priebus, the former GOP chairman who is now Trump's chief of staff, repeatedly used the word "pivot" to explain how the businessman was prepared to mature as he transitioned from the primaries to the general election and beyond.

"He has a lot of space to grow," Priebus said in a July 17 interview with ABC News. "I think he's much more precise in his rhetoric, in his tone, in his attack. I think he's got a lot of room to grow. ... He knows the pivot is important. He has been better, and I think he's going to be great moving forward."

Trump kept repeating the promise himself.

"When I'm president, I'm a different person," Trump said at a rally in Pella, Iowa, last January. "I can do anything. I can be the most politically correct person that you've ever seen."

Two weeks later, Trump told NBC News that he would be "much different, much different" as president.

"When you're president, you act in a different way, there's no question about that, and I would do that," Trump said, after being questioned about why he called rival Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex., a "p---y" at a rally in New Hampshire.

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Yet there were other times when Trump made it clear he had no intention of undergoing an extreme makeover.

"I am who I am. It's me. I don't want to change," Trump said in an interview in La Crosse, Wis., in August. "Everyone talks about, 'Oh, well, you've got to pivot.' ... I don't want to pivot. I mean, you have to be you. If you start pivoting, you're not being honest with people."

After he obliterated expectations and pulled out an electoral college win in November, Trump sent conflicting signals.

Days after the election, Lesley Stahl of "60 Minutes" asked him in an interview: "Are you going to sometimes have that same rhetoric that you had on the stump? Or are you going to rein it in?"

"Well, sometimes you need a certain rhetoric to get people motivated," Trump responded. "I don't want to be just a little nice monotone character and, in many cases, I will be."

Stahl asked: "Can you be?"

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"Sure I can," Trump said. "I can be easily, that's easier. Honestly, to do that, it's easier."

His Republican allies on Capitol Hill insist that Trump's unorthodox style will not get in the way of their policy agenda.

Brendan Buck, chief communications adviser to House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said the speaker has a normal working relationship with the president and doesn't get "distracted by whatever the statement out of the pool spray is or whatever the tweet is."

"He's got a unique way of doing things," Buck said, "and we don't ever expect that to change."

The Washington Post's Alice Crites contributed to this report.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, center, walks through group of reporters on his way to visit Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, on Thursday. (Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post)

Senate Democrats sent mixed signals the day after Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch expressed concerns about President Trump's attacks on the federal judiciary - a sign that the judge's comments could attract some badly needed Democratic support.

"To whisper to a senator but to refuse to say anything public is not close to a good enough show on independence. So from my view, not a good start for Judge Gorsuch. Not a good start," said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., speaking on the Senate floor.

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But Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, struck a more positive note about Gorsuch's remarks, which came in a meeting with Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

"I for one appreciated them," Feinstein said. "I think he was being truthful as to how he felt about it. And that was very much appreciated." She said she wanted Gorsuch to have a "fair hearing process."

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The comments highlighted the lingering uncertainty over a crucial question: What level of support will Gorsuch receive from the Democratic caucus?

Republicans hope that at least eight of them will break ranks to help his nomination clear procedural hurdles, if not support him outright. But that will be challenging, as Democrats have largely united against Trump in the first three weeks of his presidency and have signaled they intend to keep doing so.

In a private session with Blumenthal on Wednesday, Gorsuch called Trump's criticism of federal judges "disheartening" and "demoralizing" - raising some Republicans' hopes that he had separated himself from the president's controversial posture in a way that could warm some Democrats to him.

"I think [Gorsuch's] position is very, very positive" and his recent comments "show respect for what we all respect from the judiciary, in terms of independence. He's established that, answered that question from the Democrats who were grasping at straws in the first place since they know he's a mainstream judge," said Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

Injecting further uncertainty into the process: Trump on Thursday disputed Blumenthal's account, even after it was confirmed by Gorsuch's team.

Republicans are hoping to confirm Gorsuch by early April, and they have moved swiftly toward meeting that self-imposed target. Grassley said Thursday that he is considering holding Gorsuch's confirmation hearings sooner than he had planned, in light of recent Democratic attempts to slow the confirmations of many of Trump's Cabinet nominees.

"The fact that we see all of these stalling shenanigans could impact the necessity of moving it forward," he said. "If we're going to have the same game played on Gorsuch, that'll be taken into consideration."

Grassley said early to mid-March is now under consideration as a time frame, whereas he had been looking at mid- to late March a few weeks ago.

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Several Senate Democratic officials called the White House's aim of winning over a few Democrats for the Gorsuch nomination overly hopeful. They said that Gorsuch's criticism of Trump's comments was not going to suddenly change Democratic minds about whether to confirm him.

The officials said the party's strategy moving forward is to further raise the bar as Gorsuch asserts his judicial independence. That means pressing Gorsuch to speak out more forcefully about Trump's comments and to do so publicly rather than in private meetings. They expect Democratic senators to push Gorsuch on issues such as Trump's temporary ban on entry to the United States for citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries and all refugees.

"Because President Trump has made unwise and unbalanced comments that are perceived as undermining judicial independence, I expect in my conversation with Judge Gorsuch to raise the issue of judicial independence, to ask for a demonstration of his commitment to judicial independence," said Sen. Christopher Coons, D-Del.

Gorsuch was back on Capitol Hill on Thursday, where he met with six senators - five Republicans and one Democrat. He ignored questions from reporters as he strode down a hall with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, for his first meeting of the day.

Afterward, Collins said she did not press Gorsuch on his comments criticizing Trump. But, Collins said, "I disagree" with Trump's attacks against judges, which included recent criticism of the judge who halted the refugee ban.

Collins said she has not decided whether she will vote to confirm Gorsuch.

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Democrats have signaled that they will seek to impose a 60-vote threshold on Gorsuch's nomination, while Republicans have said that he should get a straight up-or-down vote without having to first clear that obstacle.

Trump has said that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., ought to "go nuclear" and change the rules so that Gorsuch can be confirmed with a simple majority. Republicans hold a 52-to-48 advantage over the Democratic caucus.

"I thought he'd get more than 60 votes and still do," Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said.

Flake said he does not see Gorsuch's attention-grabbing comments as a "calculated statement" encouraged by the White House to get him confirmed.

"When you read his opinions, the statements and speeches he's given, he feels very strongly about the separation of powers," Flake said. "I have a hard time believing" that his statements were part of a political strategy.

Ahead of a Thursday lunch with a bipartisan group of senators at the White House, Trump said during a brief availability with reporters that he believed Gorsuch's comments were "misrepresented" by Blumenthal. Trump then took a shot at the Connecticut Democrat.

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"What you should do is ask Senator Blumenthal about his Vietnam record that didn't exist after years of saying it did," he said. "So ask Senator Blumenthal about his Vietnam record. He misrepresented that just like he misrepresented Judge Gorsuch."

Blumenthal came under sharp criticism during his 2010 Senate campaign for repeated remarks over the years that he had "served" in Vietnam, even though he did his full Marine service in the United States.

Blumenthal obtained several deferments between 1965 and 1970 and then joined the Marine Corps Reserve but did not serve in Vietnam. He later said he misspoke and intended to say that he was in the Marine Reserve during the Vietnam conflict.

Trump received five deferments from the draft during the Vietnam War, four while he was a student and a fifth for bone spurs in his heels, records show.

Trump on Thursday also reiterated his support for Gorsuch, calling him an "exceptionally qualified nominee." But the president acknowledged that getting Democrats to agree with him may be hard.

"I think that because of politics, perhaps they're not going to vote for him. I think that's a shame because that's not being honest," Trump said.

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Grassley said there was "absolutely not" a coordinated strategy between the Judiciary Committee and the White House to broadcast Gorsuch's comments widely.

"There couldn't have been any conspiracy between members of the Judiciary Committee or Republicans because how would we know that Blumenthal would do what he did?" Grassley asked. "These are usually private conversations."

As Gorsuch appeared to make at least some progress on the left, on Twitter and on talk radio, there were growing grumbles from the right about him.

"Doesn't that make you concerned that Judge Gorsuch might be the kind of justice then who would want to please the editorial boards of the New York Times and The Washington Post when a hot-button issue comes up? That crossed my mind last night, didn't make me happy to hear it at all," conservative commentator Laura Ingraham said Thursday on her radio program.

But Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, a conservative member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told the Post in a phone interview that a revolt against Gorsuch from the right is very unlikely - and said he was "surprised" by Ingraham's criticism.

Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., a centrist who attended the White House meeting with Trump, was not impressed by Trump's attack against Blumenthal - yet another reminder that as Gorsuch courts Democratic votes, the actions of the president will also be closely watched.

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"That's something I wouldn't have done," Manchin said, admitting that many in the room found the president's attack on a fellow senator awkward.

The Washington Post's Ed O'Keefe and John Wagner contributed to this report.
People gather outside Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, on Feb. 9, 2017, before a town hall meeting with U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz. (Rick Bowmer / AP)

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah  U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz was met by frequent, deafening boos at a Thursday town hall as constituents grilled him on everything from investigating President Donald Trump's tax returns to Planned Parenthood.

A young girl asked the Republican about his plans to protect the air and water and the crowd booed when he replied that supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which includes mining for coal.

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"We have a major problem here in Salt Lake Valley, with the inversion," Chaffetz said. He told the crowd gathered at a high school in a Salt Lake City suburb that he supports solar energy, but that it can have its own negative impact on animals and wildlife.

The chairman of the House Oversight Committee repeatedly said, "hold on," and "give me a second," as the audience members reacted negatively to nearly all of his statements.

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Hundreds of people stood outside the auditorium holding signs and chanting, "Vote him out," while one woman was arrested and put into handcuffs.

Chaffetz said earlier in the day that he hopes Trump will repeal the newly-named Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah, something he discussed with the president during a Tuesday meeting at the White House.

Chaffetz said Trump's Interior Secretary nominee, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana, wants to see Bears Ears before making any commitments about what, if anything, the Trump administration will do.

President Barack Obama named the monument in December after several years of lobbying from a coalition of Native Americans who said the protection was needed for the sacred tribal lands.

Holly Cobb Robinson from Salt Lake City said the congressman's push to repeal the monument would result in more drilling and mining for coal, which would destroy the land.

"Protecting your public lands provides a better future for not only communities and people who are visiting, but also habitats and revenue," she said.

The town hall comes as Chaffetz spends time in his home state, speaking to the state's lawmakers and visiting with Muslim leaders.

The congressman spoke with Muslim leaders Wednesday in Salt Lake City, and said that Trump's ban was rushed but singled out the "the right countries."

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Muslim leaders told the congressman that people stuck in refugee camps aren't safe and that the ban caused great anxiety among Muslim-Americans.

The Mormon congressman said he empathizes and if Trump imposes a "religious litmus test," he'll push back.

Thursday, he encouraged lawmakers  mostly fellow Mormons  to visit mosques and reach out to Muslims in their community, noting that those "people that have been vetted."

"We should know a few things about being a religious minority," he said.

Utah lawmakers asked Chaffetz if he'd use his role as the powerful chairman of the House Oversight Committee to investigate Trump's business interests.

"My job is not to be a cheerleader for the president," Chaffetz said.
Then-Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is welcomed by cheering supporters as he arrives for his last Florida rally of the 2012 campaign, in Sanford, Fla., on Nov. 5, 2012. (Joe Burbank / McClatchy-Tribune)

There's a paradox within the Democratic Party right now as leaders plot their path forward. On the one hand, they want to get back to their labor roots. On the other hand, electoral trends will pull them in the other direction: In 2016, the group that most swung toward Democrats was wealthy Mitt Romney voters, who will represent the key to Democrats making electoral gains in 2018.

Democrats would be forgiven for thinking "make labor great again" should be their electoral approach right now. In times of confusion and uncertainty, it's human nature to go with what you know. Even after losing many working-class white voters to the Republican Party, labor roots in the Democratic Party remain deep. On paper, focusing on those labor roots would please the labor interests within the party, and perhaps would win back some of those straying Trump voters.

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The problem is even the recent official strategy of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee acknowledges those aren't the voters they'll be targeting. Their main focus will be targeting the 23 seats held by House Republicans in districts that Hillary Clinton won, plus an additional 10 seats in districts that Clinton narrowly lost.

And what we know about those districts that swung toward Clinton is that they're full of rich people who voted for Romney in 2012. The five Republican-held House districts with the biggest swings toward Democrats in the presidential race in 2016 are in Texas and Georgia. All have average household incomes over $100,000 per year. Three of those five districts are on the DCCC list. Also on the list include four Republican-held districts in Southern California  the 39th, the 45th, the 48th and the 49th  which have average household incomes above $100,000.

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Making matters worse for labor interests in the Democratic Party is the districts on the other side of the ledger  Democratic-held seats that had big swings toward the Republican Party in 2016. These are the seats Republicans are most likely to target in 2018 as pickup opportunities. They're moderate-income districts in the Midwest. The five Democratic-held seats with the biggest swings toward Republicans are Pennsylvania's 17th, Ohio's 13th, Minnesota's 8th, Minnesota's 7th and Michigan's 5th. Ohio's 13th happens to be the district of Tim Ryan, the congressman who challenged Nancy Pelosi for House minority leader. In the unlikely scenario where Republicans produce another wave in 2018, he's the kind of Democratic congressman who could lose his seat. He's also the kind most likely to serve the Democrats' shrunken labor base.

Midterm elections tend to be referendums on the perceived overreach of the incumbent presidential administration. If 2010 was a referendum on Obamacare, the 2018 midterms may well be a referendum on overreach related to trade and immigration  or whatever else President Donald Trump turns into a signature issue by then. Rich suburban white voters in growing, diverse sunny states who registered their displeasure with Trump in the 2016 election are a more obvious demographic to target for such a campaign than older, moderate-income white voters in the Midwest.

Politicos know: You run the campaign you can win, not the campaign you wish you had. Trade and immigration and Trump will be symbolically on the ballot. Labor issues might not. Democrats might be turning into the party of free trade, global business and immigration  the kind of party Romney hoped to lead in 2012.

Bloomberg View

Conor Sen is a Bloomberg View columnist. He is a portfolio manager for New River Investments in Atlanta and has been a contributor to the Atlantic and Business Insider.

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The type of candidate Democrats love to hate
I started working with the U.S. Army, Bravo Company 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Baghdad on March 1, 2003. I joined because of my complete faith that the United States had come to Iraq to give us our freedom and dignity back and remove injustice.

Despite my decade of service to the United States, when I finally got my visa and arrived in New York late last month, I was detained for more than 18 hours at the airport because of the ban President Donald Trump ordered on travel from Iraq and six other mostly Muslim nations. This was not the America I knew. Maybe the ban is not really reflective of America: It has been blocked by the courts so far, including a federal appeals court ruling Thursday night, so that it cannot take effect while it's being challenged.

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When I was first detained, I was disappointed and surprised. But when I was released, my faith was again restored. I was moved by the crowds of people who came to welcome me. And I'm so glad that I have come to live here with my wife and our three children.

When they escorted me into the airport, a crowd greeted me. They welcomed me to the United States. In that moment, I felt the greatness of America.

I spent about a decade working for the U.S. government in Iraq, as an Army interpreter, an engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers and for the State Department at the U.S. Consulate in Irbil. I helped Americans protect Iraqis from al-Qaida terrorists, provide water and electricity, train local police and renovate utilities, roads, bridges, schools, libraries, clinics and hospitals. When I was with my Army colleagues, we were brothers in arms. We lived together, ate together and looked out for each other. They treated me like a soldier alongside them, and we were all one unit. I still have a very strong relationship with them.

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In 2005 in Baghdad, terrorists tracked and killed two of my Iraqi colleagues. I was also ambushed, but got away. The same terrorists tried to track me a second time. They knew my home address, and I expected them to attack any moment. I lived very carefully. The day that they came to my house, I ran away before they showed up. The next day, my family and I moved to another city. But after 1 1/2 years, the terrorists found me again. They were looking for me in a public marketplace, and neighbors warned me to leave. We moved again, but we knew we would not be safe forever. So I decided to try to move us to the United States.

I contacted a friend who was an Army officer, and he gave me the email address for the International Refugee Assistance Project, a New York-based nonprofit providing legal representation for people seeking refugee status. Its CUNY Law chapter took on my case in October 2014.

I waited almost three years for my visa. I filled out many forms and submitted documents to the U.S. government. I had to travel back to Baghdad to be interviewed at the embassy. I was finally granted my visa on Jan. 20, 2017, the day Trump was sworn in. I received the visas for my whole family the following Wednesday.

That day, our representatives in New York called to say we should fly to the United States immediately because an executive order would be issued soon that would prevent us from traveling. We didn't know it would take effect while we were in midair.

We had to leave most of our things behind; we didn't even get to inform our relatives that we were leaving. Our lawyers first booked us on a flight Thursday that would have gotten us to New York Friday morning. But the airline didn't let us board because we didn't have a visa we'd need to make two scheduled connections in Turkey. IRAP rebooked us on a flight out Friday morning, with just one stop in Istanbul, that would land that evening in New York.

We arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport around 5:45 p.m. on Jan. 27  an hour after the travel ban was signed. When we got off the plane, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer escorted me to another office without my family and asked me to wait. He held my passport with my U.S. Special Immigrant Visa inside and took an envelope with additional documents I had been given at the embassy in Baghdad. The officer said my family could wait outside by baggage claim.

They kept me in the back office.

At first, they didn't ask any questions. I could not see a clock, so I did not know how much time had passed. I started to worry: I knew our legal team was waiting for us in the airport, but I wasn't sure if they met my family.

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After about two hours, I asked an officer, "Why am I here?" She said, "You just wait." After a while, I asked again, and she got nervous. She told me they were waiting for a phone call. I asked if I was arrested or if they suspected me of something, and her answer was "No." I told them I wanted to meet my attorney or make a phone call, but they did not answer.

After four or five hours, I realized it must be because of the executive order. When I was still in Iraq, my legal team had prepared me for the possibility that the order would make an officer detain and question me. They even prepared a letter for me to give to the officers, which I had done right away. There was no other reason they could have stopped me.

That night, I was confused and did not know what to do. I kept asking about my family, but I got no answers. What happened to them? How were they doing? I was sure they were scared. But I had no choice: I knew I should listen to the officers and keep calm.

At some point, they decided to move me to another part of the airport. Two officers asked me to empty my pockets. They put everything I had in a bag and informed me that they would move me to another terminal. They said they were preparing to send me back to Iraq. When I asked about my family, they told me I would meet them there and we would all be deported from the United States to Iraq.

They said they would handcuff me until we arrived at the next building, telling me, "It is for your safety because it is a dangerous area." I told them I did not want any trouble, and they handcuffed me. It was the first time in my life I had been put in handcuffs. I tried to explain again that I served with the U.S. Army in Iraq, and had come to the United States because the government created a resettlement program to support people like me who worked with the Army. They didn't respond.

I was put in a chair in another room. I couldn't sleep because I was very worried about my family. I thought there must be something wrong, a misunderstanding. It was clear the officers were confused and did not know what to do with me. I asked them, "Are you arresting me?" They said, "No." "Do you suspect me?" "No." I told them again that I had a Special Immigrant Visa. They could not answer my questions.

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I was so confused. I had waited for so long and presented so many documents to the U.S. government over many years to prove my service. After all that, they were going to kick me out? They knew I was repeatedly threatened in Iraq. How could they treat me this way after all I had done? No one could give me any explanation for why they were holding me. People like me who served the United States should be welcomed. We have sacrificed and faced enough risks because of our service.

Around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, after nearly 12 hours in detention, one officer told me, "You have a right to talk to your attorney." They called Jonathan Polonsky, my family's supervising IRAP attorney. He said they were working hard to release me, filing a lawsuit to challenge the ban alongside the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups. He told me: "Do not worry about your family. They are safe with IRAP students. They have left the airport." Federal agents continued to hold me.

That day, one officer bought food for me with his own money. Finally, an officer said they would help by filling out a form with my information, asking me some questions and asking me to sign it. "We will return your stuff and you will be free with your family," one officer said. He apologized and told me they were just doing their duty and following an order. "Welcome to the United States, and thank you for serving our country," he said. "Thank you, sir," I told him. "I understand." And then they released me.

When they escorted me into the airport, a crowd greeted me. They welcomed me to the United States. In that moment, I felt the greatness of America. Yes, this is the United States of America  this is the America I knew from my work in Iraq.

Over the course of those 18 hours, I had grown more and more disappointed. They let me down by treating me as a criminal and handcuffing me. But then I was welcomed by good people cheering for me and for my release. I came from a country where there was no respect for human rights, no freedom of speech. So I was shocked to emerge from the airport and be greeted with cameras, members of Congress and reporters asking for my opinions. The people who welcomed me at the airport deserve all I did for their country -- they are the true Americans.

I can never thank IRAP, New York Democratic Reps. Nydia M. Velazquez and Jerrold Nadler, and the people who came to JFK to support me enough. Because of their compassion, I know that my hard work and risks were appreciated. I am grateful to my legal team: Polonsky, Gregory Fries, Amanda Candileri, Katy Naples-Mitchell and Whitney McCann. They worked hard for almost three years until I got here, and continue to support me.

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America is great because of its people. The American people have shown me that they are friendly, kind and generous. They believe in freedom, in human rights, in respect for other nations.

What happened to me did not make me cynical. I am very hopeful about my new life and the future of my family here in the U.S. I have a final message for the American people: You make up the greatest nation in the world. Thank you for your help and support. May God bless you and your country. And may you stay united.

Washington Post

Hameed Darweesh recently resettled to the United States after nearly 10 years working for the U.S. government in Iraq.

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Demonstrators gather outside of the Trump Hotel International during a protest on Jan. 29, 2017 in Washington, D.C. (Zach Gibson / Getty Images)

Imagine that a month from now terrorists again attack Mumbai  killing 100 hostages including more than a dozen American citizens at a luxury apartment complex. Only this time it is the 75-story Trump Towers.

For the first time in history, America has a billionaire president with worldwide holdings and business relationships. His name is on 264 properties and his initials appear on another 54 sites.

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The properties are soft targets for international and homegrown terrorist attacks, including by those motivated by President Donald Trump's perceived Islamophobic, anti-Mexican, anti-Chinese, anti-Syrian, anti-immigrant, misogynistic or other positions.

While citizens don't know the extent of his holdings, business partners, financing and other relationships because of the president's unwillingness to disclose his or The Trump Organization's income tax returns, 264 properties bear his name.

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The 264 Trump-named properties are in the United States, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey, Dubai, Ireland, Canada and India. There are projects slated to open in the Philippines and Dominican Republic.

Currently, Trump Tower in Manhattan and Mar-a-Lago Club resort in Palm Beach, Fla., are secured by Secret Service, Homeland Security and local law enforcement. Except for private country clubs, Trump-named properties are open to the public with many having underground or above-ground parking garages.

If there was an attack, would the president direct that federal resources provide security at home and abroad for Trump-named properties?

How would the president react to an attack on a Trump site? To what extent would America's military arsenal be deployed and service members be placed in harm's way?

While ethical, governmental, public policy and constitutional questions abound as to why President Trump should divest his holdings, consequential is protecting innocents who could be lost, permanently disabled or harmed if there was an attack.

If a tragedy occurs, patrons would be leery to stay, shop, live or work at properties bearing his name. The president should sell on the high before a foreseeable and horrific tragedy unfolds. He and the nation would be well served by divesting these potential targets.

Malcolm Lazin is a former Department of Justice attorney and a former chair of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission.

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Donald Trump would once have been thought an unlikely champion of religious freedom. But he staked out his claim at this year's National Prayer Breakfast, vowing to liberate churches to use their voices in political campaigns. His administration, he promised, would "get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear of retribution."

If you're not familiar with the Johnson Amendment, join a big club. It's an obscure tax law passed in 1954 under the sponsorship of a Texas Democratic senator named Lyndon B. Johnson and signed by Republican President Dwight Eisenhower. It bars tax-exempt churches and other charitable groups from "directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office," as the Internal Revenue Service explains. If they violate the rule, they can lose their tax exemption.

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What's wrong with that restriction? Trump sees it as a gross infringement on the rights of the faithful. "Everybody in this country has freedom of speech, except for you," he has told pastors. He has a point. But the risk of speaking out in a campaign isn't a jail sentence. It's merely the loss of a tax prerogative that the federal government has extended.

There is an excellent reason not to scrap the policy outright. Killing it would mean Americans could contribute unlimited sums to their churches for electioneering  and deduct the amount on their tax returns. It would privilege them over other political organizations, which can't offer such an incentive. It would effectively grant them subsidies for campaign activities, paid for by other taxpayers.

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It could turn churches into the equivalent of Super PACs  and encourage Super PACs to turn themselves into ostensibly charitable groups. The issue, as University of Virginia law professor Douglas Laycock told us, is preserving "a level playing field for the tax and regulatory treatment of political spending."

Keep in mind that under the Johnson Amendment, churches are free to provide voter education sessions, do registration drives and invite candidates to speak. Members of the clergy have the complete freedom to rail against abortion rights, racial discrimination or immigration laws. Chicago's Rev. Michael Pfleger doesn't seem to feel inhibited by it. And some clergy are grateful for the law, because it shields them from pressure to get involved in campaigns. Torching it "would usher our partisan divisions into the pews," Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, told The New York Times.

But the law as written does indeed sweep too broadly. To prevent churches from becoming engines of political spending is one thing. To penalize a minister for expressing a preference for one candidate in the course of a sermon is another. Most proposals to reform the Johnson Amendment keep the first limit while dispensing with the second.

In practice, the IRS appears to have already adopted this policy, more or less. Some pastors have invited action by preaching sermons that endorse candidates and even sending recordings to the agency. But it rarely takes action. Not since 1995 has it stripped a church of its tax exemption because of electioneering.

The Alliance Defending Freedom, a group that has long opposed the rule, has not gone as far as Trump did. It has endorsed legislation in Congress that would permit statements made "in the ordinary course of the organization's regular and customary activities" that involve no significant extra expenses  such as a pastor in the pulpit telling parishioners to go vote for Brother Smith.

That represents a sensible improvement in fundamentally wise policy. Trump has good reason to complain about the Johnson Amendment. We trust Congress will keep him from taking a legitimate objection and getting carried away.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.
Authorities have identified a body found in the Missouri River, but can't say for certain if it's the same man reported to have jumped into the river from a bridge more than a month ago.
After a speech at the Illinois State Capitol, President Barack Obama stops at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfieldon Feb. 10, 2016. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

Nothing says Happy Birthday, Barack Obama like a threatened government shutdown.

That's what a pair of South Side Democrats are up to with their proposal to make the 44th president's birthday a paid state holiday.

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Reps. Andre Thapedi and Sonya Harper have introduced identical bills in the Illinois House that would celebrate Obama's birthday  Aug. 4  by closing state offices for the day. Banks also could opt to close.

The intent is to honor the nation's first African-American president, who catapulted from the Illinois General Assembly to the U.S. Senate to the White House, scoring a Nobel Peace Prize along the way. Yes, Obama has made Illinois proud. Yes, he is worthy of public tribute. We're sure there will be many.

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But why is the default gesture in Springfield yet another paid day off for state employees? Why should we salute Obama's service by closing the courts, the driver's license bureaus and other agencies? Why should taxpayers be tapped for millions of dollars in lost productivity?

Obama's birthday would be the state's 13th paid holiday. Quick, can you name the other 12? Do your plans for Lincoln's birthday  that's observed Monday  have anything to do with Lincoln? Do you plan to celebrate Presidents Day (Feb. 20) by shopping for a new car or mattress? What would you consider an appropriate way to spend a holiday dedicated to Barack Obama? Going to a White Sox game does not count.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 79 State Sen. Barack Obama from Chicago listens during a session May 31, 2002, in Springfield. (John Lee/ Chicago Tribune)

To put things in perspective: The Illinois Chamber of Commerce surveys businesses every year about the holidays they provide their employees. This year, employers are granting an average of 8.1 paid holidays plus 2.9 paid personal days, for a total of 11. That's down from a combined 11.7 days the previous two years.

Many states sync their holiday calendars with the federal government, which has 10 paid holidays. Others are more generous: Hawaii observes Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day, King Kamehameha I Day, and Statehood Day among a total of 14. Texas workers get 17 paid holidays, including Confederate Heroes Day, LBJ's birthday, San Jacinto Day and Texas Independence Day.

Some states keep the calendar uncluttered by doubling up on holidays. Alabama celebrates Martin Luther King and Robert E. Lee on the same day (Jan. 16 this year). George Washington and Thomas Jefferson share Feb. 20, but Jefferson Davis gets his own holiday (June 5) and Confederate Memorial Day is April 24. Lincoln isn't mentioned. Virginia honors Lee and Stonewall Jackson in January, but Washington is the only one of eight Virginia-born presidents to merit a state holiday.

Some states are so flexible with holidays that the original intent is all but lost. This year, Indiana will observe Lincoln's birthday on Nov. 24, better known as Black Friday. Georgia will honor Washington on the day after Christmas.

Over in the Illinois Senate, there's a compromise bill that would add Aug. 4 to the list of commemorative dates officially celebrated by the state. "Barack Obama Day" would honor the legislator-turned-senator-turned-president who "dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Americans and building bridges across communities."

No, it wouldn't be a holiday. But there are other, better ways to honor Obama: Register to vote. Fly the flag. Write your congressman. Make a contribution to a charity of your choice. Bake a cake, sing "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" and talk to your kids about what they can do to lift up their community. An excellent way to do that would be to (gulp) volunteer your services. The opposite of a day off with pay.

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Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.

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Activity is seen outside the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals building in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. A federal appeals court refused Thursday to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, dealing another legal setback to the new administration's immigration policy. (Haven Daley / AP)

In response to a federal appeals court's decision to not reinstate a ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, the president of the United States of America tweeted, in part: "SEE YOU IN COURT."

My first thought was, "That's an odd thing to say to a panel of three judges. Where else would you see them?"

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My second thought was, "Oh, brother, the president is typing in all caps again."

And my third thought was, "Does the president think he's going to sue the appeals court judges?"

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SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

I suppose those thoughts don't matter much in the final analysis, but they're fine examples of how our new president breeds confusion, and how that confusion stands in stark contrast to the reasoned opinion the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued against Trump's ill-conceived travel ban.

Pushing back on the administration's insistence that the executive order  which created chaos at airports across the country as immigrants, refugees and even some permanent U.S. residents were detained or turned away  was necessary for reasons of national security.

The court wrote: "The Government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the Order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States. Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the Executive Order, the Government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all. We disagree."

President Trump, meet Mr. Checks and Mrs. Balances.

Citing an earlier opinion from Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, the appeals court's opinion also noted that "while counseling deference to the national security determinations of the political branches, the Supreme Court has made clear that the Government's 'authority and expertise in (such) matters do not automatically trump the Court's own obligation to secure the protection that the Constitution grants to individuals,' even in times of war."

Democracy is complicated, as Trump is now learning, but it tends to work.

More legal wrangling will come, and the president and his handlers can squawk and crow all they want  in all caps and everything  about activist judges or rogue courts or whatever. But the reality is that this executive order is in peril, particularly with an eight-person U.S. Supreme Court that would likely split along ideological lines, allowing a lower court ruling to stand.

Which brings us to the second part of Trump's Twitter response to the ruling: "THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

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That is, if I may adopt the president's preferred format, A DRAMATIC OVERSTATEMENT INTENDED TO SCARE PEOPLE INTO MAKING DECISIONS THAT GO AGAINST OUR VALUES AS A NATION!

Ever since a judge placed a stay on Trump's executive order, the president has been saying that "bad dudes" are pouring into our country, implying that his travel ban was the only thing stopping immigration officials from waving through a phalanx of terrorists.

That's utter nonsense. No immigrant or refugee pours into this country, from anywhere. People trying to enter the country under the system in place before the executive order were waiting 18 to 24 months, at least, and additional security screening was performed on refugees coming from Syria.

Anybody saying this order is necessary to prevent hordes of bad dudes from rushing into America is lying.

Per the appeals court's ruling: "Despite the district court's and our own repeated invitations to explain the urgent need for the Executive Order to be placed immediately into effect, the Government submitted no evidence to rebut the States' argument that the district court's order merely returned the nation temporarily to the position it has occupied for many previous years."

If the Trump administration can find ways to enhance how we screen people coming into this country and do so in a constitutional manner, that's great. But this executive order was bungled from the start, poorly thought out, borderline inhumane and a thinly veiled attempt at banning Muslims.

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The court used Trump's own words against him, in fact, noting that "the States have offered evidence of numerous statements by the President about his intent to implement a 'Muslim ban' as well as evidence they claim suggests that the Executive Order was intended to be that ban."

Careful what you tweet, Mr. President. Words matter.

And living up to our ideals matters as well, no matter how much you try to scare us.

In its opinion, the appeals court cited text from a 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case in which the justices ruled that even in the interest of national security, the government can't deprive people of constitutional rights: "Yet, this concept of 'national defense' cannot be deemed an end in itself, justifying any exercise of legislative power designed to promote such a goal. Implicit in the term 'national defense' is the notion of defending those values and ideals which set this Nation apart."

Wise words. And ones that deserve far more attention than an all-caps tweet from a president aggrieved.

Listen to Rex Huppke and WGN radio host Amy Guth discuss presidential politics each week on the "Guth and Huppke on Politics" podcast at chicagotribune.com/guthhuppkepodcast.

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rhuppke@chicagotribune.com
As one who loves Chicago, I hope President Donald Trump is not toying with my affections.

So far, Trump has been treating Chicago like the weather: He can't stop talking about it, but is there really anything he can do about it?

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He's been talking about Chicago's violence epidemic since a June 29, 2015, meeting with the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, which he addressed as if he were bringing news of which Chicagoans already were not painfully aware:

"Crime in Chicago is out of control, and I will tell you, outside of Chicago, it's a huge negative and a huge talking point, a huge negative for Chicago," he said. "You've got to stop it. You're not going to stop it by being nice. You're going to stop it by being one tough son of a bitch."

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Right. This is the same Big Apple city slicker who had such a poor grasp of the obvious that he wouldn't accept President Barack Obama's birth certificate until his refusal became a political liability.

Trump made numerous other references to Chicago's homicide problem as a presidential candidate  and has done so at least four more times during the first three weeks since his inauguration.

In each instance, he sounds sympathetic, bemoaning how terribly "sad" Chicago's situation is. Hosting a meeting of county sheriffs Tuesday in the White House, he segued into how Chicago's "hundreds of shootings a month" are "worse than some of the places that we read about in the Middle East, where you have wars going on."

The problem is bad, although his numbers are inflated. Chicago did record more than 700 homicides last year for the first time since 1998. That was more homicides than in New York and Los Angeles combined.

The reasons are multiple: long-simmering distrust between police and civilians, a flood of guns from neighboring suburbs and states, huge financial deficits in city and state budgets, political gridlock holding up funding for violence reduction programs  you name it.

There's plenty of blame to go around with city and state government leaders  and plenty are blaming. Trump has joined in the chorus, prompted at least partly by the people and rhetoric of commentators on his favorite news channel, Fox News.

Chicago, Democrat-controlled like most major American cities, has long been a target of conservative criticism, even more so after the city's favorite son Obama became president. Suddenly, its local woes became a convenient symbol for national Republicans who wanted to highlight Democratic failures.

Sure, the city's leaders bear the main responsibility for its success or failures. But now that Trump, a New Yorker who used to vote Democrat until he found greener pastures in the Grand Old Party, has stepped into the problem, he also owns a piece of it. He needs to do more than use Chicago's woes as an excuse to pander to his base.

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That sort of cynicism was most apparent in a Jan. 24 tweet that threatened to "send in the Feds" if Chicago couldn't reduce its violence. Besides revealing his apparent ignorance of the federal law enforcement agencies already working with Chicago's police, Trump's tweet was notable in its duplication of statistics and language broadcast in Bill O'Reilly's Fox News show the same evening.

Is Trump paying attention to the words coming out in his tweets? He had tweeted on Jan. 2, as president-elect, that Chicago should ask for "federal help," even though Mayor Rahm Emanuel had already done just that in a New York meeting with Trump on Dec. 7. How soon we can forget.

Yet Trump is full of surprises. Without any advance public notice, he signed three new executive orders late Thursday after he swore in newly confirmed Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

The orders direct Sessions to establish a task force and produce recommendations within the next year on how to reduce violent crime, illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

The conservative, get-tough approach to crime-fighting favored by Sessions and Trump runs counter to the findings of a just-completed Department of Justice investigation of Chicago's police. Obama's DOJ was not shy about using civil rights laws to force police departments across the country to change how they interact with suspects and citizens  the opposite of what is suggested by Trump's threat to "send in the Feds."

If he's truly interested in helping Chicago, Sessions will study the DOJ's report with an open mind. It details how poor training, low police morale and a cover-up culture contribute to poor relations between police and citizens. It would be a mistake to discard those findings.

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Getting tough isn't everything. To get the violence under control, Chicago must first rebuild trust between its police and the communities they serve.

Those of us who love Chicago and other similarly troubled American cities should care less about who's liberal or who's conservative than about what works.

Clarence Page, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/pagespage.

cpage@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @cptime

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How much time, if any, would you have to save in order to choose the Skyway, shown here in 2016, over the freeway? (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

I've driven round trip from Chicago to Ann Arbor, Mich., to see my folks well over 100 times since I moved here in 1980, almost always taking the Chicago Skyway shortcut and never giving it a second thought.

Last weekend I did. With a phone full of podcasts and in no particular hurry, I checked the alternate routes feature on Waze, my favorite navigation app. It told me that taking the Skyway instead of Interstate 94 (under its various names as it heads into and through Indiana) would cut four minutes off my trip.

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Vehicles with two axles pay a $5 toll to use the roadway. Not worth it, I decided, and skipped the Skyway.

When I discussed my decision on Facebook, commenters brought up four main points that figure into their Skyway versus freeway decision.

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1. The time savings can vary with traffic and time of day. My check of Waze, Mapquest and Google Maps at random intervals last week showed the differential ranging from zero to 18 minutes. One time I checked, I-94 was actually one minute faster.

2. The Skyway is prettier. You soar over that bridge when you take the Skyway and the portion of the Indiana Toll Road required to cut the corner into Michigan. You see Lake Michigan and you see much more greenery than when navigating the concrete canyons of I-94. Tribune photojournalist Chris Walker summed it up: "Skyway for the view!"

3. The freeway is scarier. More lanes, more trucks, whiter knuckles. "Everyone speeds and tailgates" on I-94, wrote Mark Krantz. "The greatly diminished aggravation (on the Skyway is) palpable," wrote Michael Miner. The Skyway is "a less tense driving experience," added Eric Jensen.

4. What's five bucks? "We travel infrequently enough that  tolls are a minor fraction of our budget," wrote Josh Vanderberg. "We just take the shortest route."

What do you think? How much time, if any, would you have to save in order to choose the Skyway over the freeway? Take my two-question click survey you can find here.

I'll reveal the results in next Sunday's column.

"Facing the chin music" item from my Sunday column is here



Re:Tweets

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The winner of our reader poll for funniest tweet of the week is @therealeatwood's satirical take on a common conservative complaint: "This political correctness is out of control. It's like you can't even perpetuate centuries-old oppression without facing social disapproval."

Never have the Mincing Rascals been so busy or so voluble! Listen to our weekly news chat via iTunes, WGN-plus or wherever fine podcasts are served.
As a center of low pressure develops to our northwest Friday and cold high pressure moves east, temperatures will rise well into the 40s in the Chicago area, riding strong southwest winds gusting more than 30 mph.

But in New England and the northeast, people will be digging out from a blizzard that hit Thursday, as an intense low pressure system off the coast produced snowfall in excess of a foot from New York City to Boston, driven by winds that exceeded 60 mph.

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Conditions will slowly improve out east, but clouds are expected to increase here as low pressure tracks east across the northern Great Lakes and the associated cold front moves south Saturday through northern Illinois. Temperatures on Saturday should surpass the 40-degree mark, but readings will likely peak during the morning, and then, as the cold front sinks south, fall back into the 30s especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline and north of the city.
We get that everyone has different needs on Valentine's Day. Whether you're looking to get drunk and yell obscenities at your ex's voicemail or nosh on fondue with your partner, there's something for everyone. We rounded up the best events for couples, singles and everyone in between. Here's where to get down on Valentine's Day.

*Unless otherwise noted, all events listed take place on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

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WITH A PARTNER

aliveOne

'AlOveOne' at aliveOne

2683 N. Halsted St. 773-348-9800

The Lincoln Park bar offers $3 flutes of champagne and $3 Bell's Two Hearted drafts and celebrates couples who have met there over the years. You and your honey can choose to be inspired by those couples or sip champagne in the corner and judge everyone. Your call. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Fondue and punch for two at Punch House

1227 W. 18th St. 312-526-3851

If cozying up in the basement of Thalia Hall sounds like the perfect night for you and your boo, head to the Pilsen bar Feb. 10-14. For $85, you can claim half a dozen oysters, fondue, dessert and a carafe of punch. Yes, a carafe. Step up your drink game. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Reservations are available from 6-9 p.m.

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Davis Theater

Dinner and a movie at Davis Theater

4614 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-769-3999

For a sexy take on a classic first date, the newly renovated theater and neighboring Carbon Arc restaurant and bar are teaming up on your V-Day plans. You can either enjoy a prix-fixe menu with a round of bubbly ($65 per couple) and stay at the restaurant for a screening of "Some Like It Hot" (7:30 p.m.) or order grub off of their regular menu to bring into the Davis Theater with you for any of the films they're currently showing. Email vday@davistheater.com for reservations.

Valentine's Day party at The Violet Hour

1520 N. Damen Ave. 773-252-1500

If a speakeasy is more your style, the Wicker Park cocktail destination will meet all your needs and then some. With two seatings availablea cocktail hour from 6-8:30 p.m. and the main event from 9-11:30 p.m.guests will be greeted with a specialty cocktail followed by a menu of more cocktails and complimentary sweet treats. You'll also have access to a champagne bar cart stocked with housemade bitters and garnishes galore. And when you're ready to declare your undying love for your better half, special stationary will be nearby to write the cheesiest love note you possibly can. $75 per person. For tickets, email andrea@theviolethour.com.

Raised (Isaac Maiselman)

St. Valentine's Day Massacre-themed dinner at Raised

1 W. Wacker Drive 312-795-3442

Nothing says romance like murder and massacre, right? If you're sick of the typical ooey-gooey Valentine's Day, head to the Loop rooftop bar for a St. Valentine's Day Massacre-themed dinner. Starting with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m., guests will head back to Feb. 14, 1929 and sip historically accurate drinks like the Scofflaw (created in 1920s Paris) and the Gin Rickey (from 1903). A seated dinner at 5:30 p.m. offers delights such as rosehip-scented beets and ribeye crostini. 5-8 p.m. $65 per person. Tickets: eventbrite.com

WITH FRIENDS

Estelle'

Wine About Your Love Life at Estelle's

2013 W. North Ave. 773-782-0450

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, yes, but it's also a cruel reminder of just how single you are, so head to the Wicker Park bar if you're the latter. Get tipsy on $5 glasses of wine (normally $10) and take over the jukebox with all the sad breakup anthems your heart desires. 5 p.m.-4 a.m.

Comfort food menu at Saint Lou's Assembly

664 W. Lake St. 312-600-0600

Who needs a significant other when you have barbecue and bread pudding? Head to the West Loop restaurant for a three-course tasting menu ($45 per person) or a la carte dining that includes beet salad, short ribs and biscuit bread pudding. Toss in optional (but necessary) wine pairings for $28 per person. 5-10 p.m. Reservations: saintlouschicago.com

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Happy hour at Remedy Bar

1910 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-698-7715

Just like the name would suggest, the Bucktown bar has the remedy for forgetting how awful Valentine's Day can be. Half-priced everything from 4-7 p.m. and specialty heart-shaped pizzas are the perfect recipe for helping you realize that, hey, maybe the Hallmark holiday isn't all bad. You can also nab any pink cocktail for $1 off. Adorable. 4 p.m.-4 a.m.

Tavern on Little Fort

'Love Bites' Anti-Valentine's Day party at Tavern on Little Fort

4128 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-360-1869

The name doesn't leave much to the imagination, so grab your crankiest and most single friends and head to this Ravenswood bar for $5-$7 drink and food specials. Plus, compete for a "Mystery Misery" prize by writing the funniest Mad Libs love letter and dance to single anthems such as Ne-Yo's "So Sick," Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and more. Yes, please. 6-10 p.m.

Anti-Valentine's Day Party at AceBounce

230 N. Clark St. 773-219-0900

Get your "love sucks" groove on early. On Saturday, Feb. 11, the ping-pong club will have an open bar, anti-love anthems and UV-lit ping-pong co-hosted by Bumblebecause you can't escape dating, even at an anti-Valentine's Day party. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. $50. Tickets: eventbrite.com

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EITHER WAY

Cheap Date Night at Easy Bar

1944 W. Division St. 773-227-4644

Whether you're trying to get trashed with your buds to forget love exists or want to wine and dine your sweetheart on the cheap, the Wicker Park bar will offer half-priced everything from 5-7 p.m. and $2 and $3 beers all evening. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

'Love Stories' at Under the Gun Theater

956 W. Newport Ave. 773-270-3440

No matter your relationship status or mindset on love, comedy is a solid bet for all. The Lakeview theater presents a Valentine's Day-themed show where a guest host tells a story about their love life and improv actors take it from there. The show doesn't run on Tuesday, so catch it instead on Feb. 11 or 18. 9 p.m. $12. Tickets: underthegun.theater

Frontier

Aphrodisiac happy hour at Frontier

1072 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-772-4322

Who says you can't enjoy an aphrodisiac happy hour with your friends? Whether you're taking your girl gang, dude bros or significant other, $1 oysters and $5 glasses of rose can't be denied. And if your boys are worried about their fragile masculinity, they can spring for bacon-wrapped oysters ($12 for four). 4-7 p.m.

@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com
It's all about the dough. And the oven. And the love of pizza.

The essentials: Spacca Napoli

1769 W. Sunnyside Ave. 773-878-2420

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Looks like: An Italian villa outfitted with ochre tile, chocolate-colored wood and an array of urns

Sounds like: The clink of wine glasses and buzz of an Italian piazza

Smells like: Wood smoke and yeast

Jonathan Goldsmith's pizza makes grown men cry. A few years ago, the owner of Spacca Napoli in Ravenswood got his mozzarella provider to sit down and try one of his Neapolitan pies. Of the experience, the provider wrote: "When I bit into it, it put tears into my eyes and I couldn't help it. For the first time, food meant something much more to me than just curbing my appetite. In a fraction of a second, the best memories of my Neapolitan life went through my mind."

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I understand the sentiment. A few years ago, I visited Brooklyn's vaunted Roberta's, and while I enjoyed the pizza, I was confused about all the fuss. It's not that it wasn't great. I'd just had the luxury of trying Goldsmith's pies, which are transcendent. I didn't really need to go to New York because greatness was in my own backyard.

The secret to Spacca Napoli's sustained quality lies in Goldsmith's dedication to the craft and immersion in Italian culture. Like Rick Bayless and his evangelism of regional Mexican, Goldsmith's championing of the Neapolitan way is boundless. He is fluent in Italian and returns to Naples regularly to hone his craft. Goldsmith, who was working in real estate, actually got his start in pizza because he heard a man speaking Italian on a plane. Never one to miss an opportunity to engage someone who speaks Italian, Goldsmith started a conversation. The guy had a few restaurants and told Goldsmith he should start a pizzeria.

Jonathan Goldsmith (Lenny Gilmore / RedEye)

This started a quest and the launch of Spacca Napoli. Goldsmith spent 18 months learning at the hands of masters like Enzo Coccia. He studied the works of Antonio Starita, who once presented his pizzas to Pope John Paul II. Back in the States, Goldsmith imported Italian brick and refractory materials and had third- and fourth-generation Italian builders create his oven. I asked Goldsmith how he had the foresight to make such a serious investment in the oven.

"It's crazy, right? But I focused on what I could put together to try make a great pizza. I wasn't the original. Cafe Roma and Pizza D.O.C. were making good Roman-style pizzas. But Neapolitan pizza is about good flour, a good oven and good ingredients," he said. "I spent 18 months talking to as many people as possible. I wasn't thinking about cost, but maybe I should have. I didn't realize how stupid I was  but the process of making pizza is very simple: You need a good mixer and good flour. It's simple, but focus, I think, makes the difference."

The oven at Spacca Napoli (Lenny Gilmore / RedEye)

It does. At Spacca Napoli, the pies, made with Antico Molino Caputo "00" flour, are blistered with a leopard print of wood-fire char and golden honey-colored crust. Fior di latte cheese rounds weep over a moat of sweet and acidic San Marzano tomato sauce. The center is soft and the edges crispy. A cross section of the pie is a matrix of bread bubbles that wafts smoky puffs of yeast. Some Americans don't like to eat the crustor cornichon, as Goldsmith dubs itbut at Spacca, those edges are a treasure you don't leave on the plate. They're also a telltale sign. Goldsmith said if people are leaving the crust, that's a hint that maybe things aren't right. Beyond the pies, Goldsmith said he hopes to replicate the energy of Naples.

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"You know that place on Taylor Street [Mario's Italian Lemonade], and it's a hot Saturday night and the line for ice is 40 people deep and everyone's buzzing, sitting on stoops eating their ice?" he said. "That's the kind of energy I seek."

Goldsmith has achieved this feel at Spacca Napoli. On weekend nights, people often line the 1700 block of Sunnyside Avenue in Ravenswood, braving the wait for Goldsmith's pies. A social worker by training, Goldsmith is an intuitive and avid listener. He cultivates hospitality by hearing and then delivering what people want and need.

"When I'm researching ingredients, it's not enough to trust myself. If I'm looking at new olive oil, vinegar or cheese, I'll taste it, but I'll also give it to my Italian friends and our diners and our staff," he said. "I look to everyone for feedback."

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The greatest secret behind Spacca Napoli is that Goldsmith doesn't see his restaurant as a destination, but as a lifelong journey. He's the primary dough maker, and you'll see him there most days. He experiments. He pays attention to the humidity and the weather, adjusting flour and water proportions to achieve consistency and ultimately superiority in his crusts. He admits that he doesn't always get it right. Even though he's been working at this for 12 years, he brings artisans from Italy to train his staff, saying that he's not yet good enough to be a teacher. He's also never finished learning.

"My interest is the same as it was in the beginning. I'm still asking the same questions I was 12 years ago. What's the best cheese? What's the best flour?" he said. "During the Renaissance, artists entered the guild. They spent years learning about the brushes or laying out pigments. It's only after a lifetime you become a master when you're 60 or 70. We don't know everything and that keeps us going."

Michael Nagrant is a RedEye contributor.

Reporters visit restaurants unannounced, and meals are paid for by RedEye.
Aurora police are seeking information on a series of burglaries and criminal damage to property at businesses over the last several months, stating that at least some of the incidents appear to be related.

The department took 18 such reports at businesses across the city between Oct. 27 and Jan. 28, totaling more than $13,000 in losses, police said in a Facebook post. Some of the businesses were hit more than once, according to the post.

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Police said they aren't sure if the same people are responsible in every instance and have no discernible suspect descriptions, but noted similar characteristics in several of the reports.

Among the locations where more than one report was taken are a muffler shop, a music shop and department store, two wireless phone stores, a liquor store and a rental business.

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The muffler shop, on the 700 block of North Lake Street, was targeted about 6:21 a.m. Jan. 26; between 1:45 p.m. Nov 24 and 8 a.m. Nov. 25; and at 3:22 a.m. Nov. 14. Computer equipment and cash were taken in the November burglaries, but nothing was missing in January, according to police.

At the music shop and department store, on the 1000 block of East Galena Boulevard, cash and electronics were taken in a burglary at 4:04 a.m. Nov. 16, and nothing was missing during an incident at 5:04 a.m. Jan 28.

Nothing was missing either time a wireless phone store on the 1100 block of East New York Street was hit, at about 6:12 a.m. Jan. 29 and 5:48 a.m. Nov. 28, police said.

Electronics and money were taken in a burglary to a wireless phone store on the 900 block of East New York Street at 12:56 a.m. Jan. 2, according to police. Only electronics were stolen in break-ins there at 5:50 a.m. Nov. 13 and Nov. 11, according to police.

Nothing was taken during incidents at 3:29 a.m. Nov. 6 and 3:55 a.m. Nov. 1 at a liquor store on the 700 block of North Lake Street, according to police.

Cash was taken during a burglary at 6:13 a.m. Oct. 27 at a rental business on the 900 block of North Lake Street, but the second time it was targeted, at 12:41 a.m. Nov. 29, nothing was missing, police said.

Prescription drugs were stolen at about 7:35 a.m. Jan. 8 from a pharmacy on the 300 block of West Indian Trail Road, according to police.

Nothing was taken in incidents at a 7:17 a.m. Jan. 28 at a mobile phone store on the 300 block of West Indian Trail Road; between 9 p.m. Jan. 26 and 3:53 a.m. Jan. 27 at a gas station on the 1000 block of East New York Street; or at 8:23 a.m. Jan. 23 at a vacant wireless store on the 900 block of East New York Street, according to police.

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Police ask anyone with information to call Aurora police investigators at 630-256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000.

Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to any arrests.

People also can submit tips through the Aurora Police Department's free My PD mobile app.

hleone@tribpub.com

Twitter @hannahmleone
A 34-year-old accountant from Newark has pleaded not guilty to charges he took tens of thousands of dollars from an Aurora business last year, court records show.

Darrell E. Willis remains free on $30,000 bail accused in a two-count theft indictment involving an unspecified amount between $100,000 and $500,000. Prosecutors allege he wrote checks between March and May 2016 from the account of Aurora-based Cyl-Tec to his business before moving them to his personal account. He also made purchases on a Cyl-Tec credit card, according to the indictment. Willis denied the allegations during a Feb. 3 court appearance.

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Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation records state Willis has been licensed as a certified public accountant since 2008 with no disciplinary action against him. Court documents indicate Willis has lived in Newark for at least 10 years.

Willis is scheduled to return to court Feb. 17 for a status hearing before Kane County Judge John Barsanti.

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Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
A nonprofit that had sought and been denied permission to open a charter school on Aurora's East Side is appealing the decision to the state charter school commission.

The charter school, which would be the first for the Greater Good Education nonprofit, is designed for students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out, executive director and proposed school principal Robin Lenart has said. The application was denied by East Aurora School District 131 board members in mid-January.

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Since then, Lenart said the organization has made no changes to the overall concept, but has tweaked areas of the application including their budget proposal to meet slightly different expectations during the appeal process. The organization is also considering a different location, because Lenart said they discovered their proposed site on East Indian Trail was being eyed for district use.

Lenart said there is a need in the community, pointing to the district's below-average graduation rate. Board members felt strongly about the proposal and did not want to give up easily, she said.

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"East Aurora is where the greatest need is, and so that's where our focus is," she said.

District and board officials indicated they stood by the decision to deny the appeal.

District spokesman Tom Jackson said in an email district officials were prepared to respond during the appeal if necessary.

"We trust our board of education made the right decision," he said. "From the careful review of the proposal it was clear to the board and our administration that it had flaws in it and wasn't as well developed as it should have been."

School board President Annette Johnson said the appeal process would consume staff members' time.

"They have a right to appeal, but we still stand on all of our points that we're providing good services to our students right now," she said.

The Greater Good Education board is made up of seven members, including Lenart. Five of them grew up in Aurora, and four are East Aurora High School graduates, she said. Lenart, who did not grow up in Aurora, is a former East Aurora building administrator.

The organization proposed about 50 students per grade. It planned to open with ninth grade next school year and add a grade level each year until it serves four grade levels.

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When the board unanimously voted against the proposal, Johnson said the school appeared to offer nothing different than what the district currently has in place. Other board members said in some places the proposed school appeared to lack services.

In a statement sent before the vote, East Aurora teachers' and staff union officials urged the board to deny the application. President Gerry Mestek said the charter would "divert funds from the public school system into a program that will only duplicate the services we already provide for the students we serve," and expressed concern that public money would go toward an "unelected board of outsiders."

Lenart attributed some of the concerns expressed during that meeting to the way the presentation was set up. Typically, she said, representatives from the organization would meet with district officials before a public presentation to provide information and for a conversation, but that did not happen. She said the organization was asked to give a 15-minute presentation, but encountered an "aggressive and hostile environment."

Representatives from Greater Good were extensively questioned before the vote.

Lenart sought to address concerns that the charter would take money from East Aurora, saying it was targeting students who are not currently enrolled in the district and so the district doesn't receive state money for them.

"We are not looking to replace current and existing programs at the high school," she said. "We are looking to be an additional option for students in need in the community."

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She also sought to address concerns raised during the meeting about the accountability of the board, saying the charter board would have to comply with the state open meetings laws and make public financial records and reports on student achievement.

The appeal was filed Wednesday, Lenart said. If approved, the charter would be authorized by the state, rather than the district.

sfreishtat@tribpub.com

Twitter @srfreish
Political strategist David Axelrod, left, and the Chicago Tribune's chief political reporter Rick Pearson appear before a packed house in the Crimi Auditorium at Aurora University Thursday night. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News)

Political strategist David Axelrod says Hillary Clinton's weaknesses led to her defeat at the hands of Donald Trump in the presidential election.

Axelrod offered his thoughts on the campaign and other topics during a talk called "From Obama to Trump: American Politics Today" at Aurora University on Thursday night. The event featured Axelrod, former chief strategist and senior adviser to President Barack Obama, discussing politics with Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson.

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Regarding the recent election, Axelrod said the same weaknesses that plagued Clinton in 2008 reappeared again in the 2016 election.

"Authenticity is a big factor and a leading indicator for candidates, and they have to be comfortable in their own skin," he said. "There is no one wishing that Donald Trump would speak his mind. Hillary Clinton has always been allergic to revealing herself, and when she does talk, it comes out through a political filter."

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National election polls were right, Axelrod said, as Clinton received 3 million more votes than Trump, but the state polls, he said, were wrong.

"Clinton knew she had the women and minority vote and didn't feel she needed the working-class guys in places like Wisconsin and Michigan, which made Trump's job easy," he said. "He went in there like the U.S. Air Force into Iraq and said they were disrespected and he'd be their champion."

When it comes to elections, he said, candidates "are never as smart as they look when they win or as dumb when they lose."

Crimi Auditorium at the university was packed for the event. Aurora University President Rebecca Sherrick said that the auditorium "could have sold out five times over" to hear more about November's historic election.

During a question-and-answer session with the audience, many of the questions revolved around the issues of alternative facts and fake news.

Audience members like Cheryl Johnson, of Batavia, said she had read Axelrod's best-selling book about his 40 years in politics and that the political strategist "tells it like it is."

"I think he's real, and I read his book last summer," Johnson said. "I don't know if he can predict what Trump or anyone will do, but he has an outstanding background."

Eva Serrano, director of Latino studies at Aurora University, said she hoped that beyond all the political rhetoric, Thursday's program would remind people "of our commonality."

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"We need to remember there is this great spirit of democracy we were founded on that connects us all, and hopefully we'll be motivated and reminded to engage in the process," Serrano said.

David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
Oswego is looking for input on a proposed ordinance that would allow residents to keep backyard chickens in the village.

The village has developed a draft ordinance for chicken-keeping similar to ones approved in other communities in the area.

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The Environmentally Conscious Commission of Oswego is inviting residents to attend its regularly scheduled meeting Monday at Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill. Andrew Larson, an extension educator from the University of Illinois Extension office in Oregon, Ill., has been invited to provide information and answer questions about backyard chickens. His presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Larson operates a poultry farm with 600 hens on 5 acres outside of Pecatonica, which is west of Rockford.

Ellen VonOhlen, chairwoman of the all-volunteer citizens group, said the village has received requests over time from residents interested in knowing whether the village allows backyard chickens. VonOhlen said she's looking forward to an informative discussion.

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"Oswego residents are interested in the farm-to-table experience and teaching their children where food comes from," VonOhlen said.

She said the group discussed the topic about five years ago. However, she anticipates people will be more receptive this time around as an increasing number of communities have embraced the change.

"There has been an increase in organic food options at grocery stores, and eggs from your own chickens are about as organic as it comes," she said.

She said the extension educator will share his experience with raising chickens and that residents can expect to walk away with a better understanding of the issue.

The area's communities that have approved ordinances regulating chicken-keeping include Naperville, Plainfield, Elgin, Batavia and St. Charles.

The municipalities have a range of restrictions limiting the size and location of the hen houses. Most also require permits with fees for raising chickens. There are also rules covering maintenance and cleanliness of coops in town.

Under Oswego's proposed ordinance, chicken coops in residential backyards would be a permitted accessory use under certain regulations. If approved, residents could have no more than six hens. The ordinance, however, would not apply to those subdivisions that restrict chickens as part of their homeowner association organizations, according to officials.

Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
Nearly four-and-a-half years after prosecutors said a night of drinking turned into a sex assault in Aurora, one of three men accused in the case is still months away from standing trial.

Corderro Pollard, 26, of Chicago, previously pleaded not guilty to multiple counts alleging he had sex with a Joliet woman when she was too intoxicated to consent while they, and others, were at a home near the Aurora University campus in August 2012. His trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday with Kane County Judge John Barsanti presiding over it, but has been reset to begin in mid-June, according to court records.

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This is at least the second postponed trial date for Pollard in the last year.

Two other men - Eric Stallworth and Shammrie Brown - were also charged with sex assault shortly after the incident. Stallworth pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint in 2015 and was sentenced to probation and periodic imprisonment. Prosecutors initially accused Brown on the grounds he failed to intervene on the woman's behalf during the assault, but dropped that case a few months later and instead charged him with misdemeanor battery which remains pending. Brown is listed in court filings as a potential witness for prosecutors.

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Court records describe Stallworth, Pollard, Brown and the woman as spending the night drinking together in Naperville before heading to Aurora with a plan to go to the casino. The documents don't specify how long they stayed, but the woman apparently vomited during the group's time there. The woman, a single mother, told police she was unsure how she got to the residence on Kenilworth Avenue where Stallworth and Pollard lived at the time, records show.

During a hearing early in the case, an attorney representing Stallworth contended the sex was a consensual encounter.

Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
Mourners share a moment in 2007 at a memorial set up for five Oswego teenagers killed in a vehicle crash that year. Ten years later, many in town say the tragedy is still fresh in their memories. (Chicago Tribune / Jose More)

The date sneaked up on me. And when it hit, I marveled at how quickly a decade could fly by.

It's been 10 years since that cold February morning when we awoke to the horrific news that, once ignited, spread throughout our communities like an avalanche careening down a frozen mountain.

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A car accident on Route 31 in Oswego killed five teenagers from that village and forever changed the lives of the other four who survived that mangled vehicle, including the 24-year-old driver, a mother of two small children who would eventually be sentenced to prison for 15 years.

Time has a way of blurring details, of course. But you likely remember that driver's name: Sandra Vasquez. You probably remember some, if not all of the names of those Oswego teenagers who were killed: Matthew Frank, Katherine Merkel, Jessica Nutoni, Tiffany Urso and James McGee. Their faces, unlike ours, will never age, and grew familiar to us over the next five years as the case wound its way through the system, eventually ending with a decision by an Elgin appellate court that uphold the verdict and sentence.

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Reporters reached out to victims and/or their loved ones for this sad anniversary, but who can blame them for not wanting to dredge up such pain again. I'm darn sure the date did not sneak up on any of them. While many communities  most especially Oswego  were impacted by the accident that led to so much finger-pointing and many emotional discussions, we all went on with our lives while these families and survivors were left with the kind of grief and trauma the rest of us don't even want to imagine.

Our intention is not to create more pain by writing about this accident again. This is one story we cannot forget, nor should we. Which is why Kendall County State's Attorney Eric Weis, who was the prosecutor during the heart-wrenching trial, decided to hang a remembrance plaque on his office wall last week and to publicly speak about why he did so.

It was to remind us all of how one event can impact so many lives, of how wrong decisions can change so many lives forever.

The framed wall hanging is nothing elaborate. The only words on it  February 11, 2007  leave plenty of room for the half dozen photos: five familiar faces and the ugly remains of the car that never delivered them safely home that night.

Despite the fact Vasquez started out the evening doing a favor  picking up her kid sister at a party  and ended the night trying to be a good Samaritan again, she had consumed alcohol and was found guilty of drunk driving and reckless homicide.

But the decade that has passed has done nothing to change defense attorney Kathleen Colton's mind about what caused that accident. She still does not believe Vasquez, who told the jury she consumed a beer earlier in the evening and drank a jager bomb later  was impaired. A car stuffed with far too many passengers likely caused her to swerve off the road and hit that pole, the Geneva-based lawyer insists, making Vasquez yet one more victim of the horrible night.

Weis disagrees with that assessment, as did the jury and the judge. Justice was carried out, he said last week when he sat with reporters to talk about the wall plaque and how the accident and trial affected so many people on both sides of the courtroom.

There's no doubt a perfect storm of bad decisions came together that evening. And the theme that seemed to win out when all was said and done is that there were no winners in this case.

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Perhaps more than anything, that's why this story still haunts. Back in 2007, I had kids the same ages as those teens who sneaked out of their homes that night and ended up doing stupid things teenagers do. But I also had a daughter Vasquez's age who, facing the same situation she did, would likely offer to take those kids home.

While the 10th anniversary itself crept up on me, I've thought about this case many times over the past decade  especially when I awake in the middle of the night and find myself staring out the bedroom window into an inky sky devoid of the light that a half moon or a few stars can offer. I wonder how the survivors have fared, whether the families of those dead teenagers have been able to find any sort of peace or normalcy, and how an imprisoned Vasquez  who sent me a beautiful remorse-filled letter she wanted to share with these eight families  has adjusted to life behind bars.

Colton said she too thought about the case frequently over the years, as it was so unique from the many others she's handled that often involved gangs and drugs. While Weis is still trying cases in Kendall County, Colton retired last August after 38 years of practicing law. But before she closed her office doors for the last time, she wrote a letter to Vasquez who will be living at Logan Correctional Center until at least 2023, when she's eligible for parole.

"I wanted her to know how much she touched me," Colton said. "She was and is a good person. She was and is a good mom."

Although Weis has not had any contact with the young victims' families since the case was closed, he said he hopes lessons have been learned from this tragedy that "tore at the fabric" of a community and "emotionally drained" those who dealt with the aftermath.

Yes, officials still "continue to see" the consequences of horrible decisions, he noted. At the same time, he reminded us that we'll never know if the headlines and programs and pain that came out of this accident has made a difference. If it stops even one person from making a fatal mistake, he noted," we won't know about it."

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"We'd like to think it would."

Dcrosby@tribpub.com
Each week, many of our Pioneer Press newspapers publish a "Throwback Thursday" historical photo. Sometimes, we are lucky enough to hear from readers who have personal connections to these photos. Such was the case with a recent photo that appeared in the Feb. 2, 2017, edition of the Barrington Courier-Review.

The photo showed Peter Bateman's late mother (Charlotte Hughes Bateman) and aunt (Kean Hughes Hunker). Mr. Bateman discovered that we had published the photo and then he shared more information and family history.

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Charlotte was born in 1912 and sister Kean in 1915 in Louisville, Ky. Their father (Ernest L. Hughes) rose to be president of Hughes Oil Company in Chicago and eventually was vice president of Sinclair Oil. This photo was probably taken when the family lived in Evanston.

Ernest and Marian Hughes built a home in Barrington Hills on Brinker Road called "Windridge." Their girls were sent to private schools. At Ferry Hall in Lake Forest, Charlotte's assigned roommate was Harlene Carpenter who soon after headed to Hollywood and took the stage name Jean Harlow. A quick rise to stardom!

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Charlotte married Lawrence F. Bateman who lived on Bateman Road in Barrington Hills in 1932. The road was named after his father Floyd Bateman, (1875-1949) president of the Transcontinental Freight Co. in Chicago. Charlotte and Larry had four children. Kean married Frederick Williams. They had three children. Kean's second husband was Albert Hunker.

Charlotte was a die hard Cubs fan. She passed away peacefully after watching the Cardinals defeat the Cubs in a doubleheader at St. Louis. On Aug. 9, 1998, mom and I played a word game in the Chicago Tribune that morning. That afternoon we watched the doubleheader. As soon as it ended, mom turned off the TV and said she was going to take a nap. She died in her sleep at home from congestive heart failure at age 86. My siblings and I could not have had a better mother.

Mr. Bateman explained that he had brought family photos to the Barrington Area Library. Kate Mills is the librarian at the Barrington Area Library who is in charge of the library's local history collection. Visit http://balibrary.org/local-history to see more local history material.

If you have historical local photos of your own to share, please reach out to Nancy Swanson at 312-222-3919 or nswanson@pioneerlocal.com.
WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam has turned down a third request by the League of Women Voters to appear at a public forum in his suburban district, saying Friday that "large meetings tend to devolve into shouting matches."

The Wheaton Republican was confronted last weekend by a few hundred protesters when he spoke at a Palatine Township Republican Organization meeting. He is one of several GOP congressman whose appearances have been met with angry protests fueled by Democrats and encouraged by social media.

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Roskam, in an interview Friday, said he prefers to limit constituent meetings to 25 people.

"My experience is that, and we see this around the country, where these large meetings tend to devolve in shouting matches," he said. "And they're not helpful in public discourse and it seems like people leave more upset and more angry than when they came."

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Asked why he spoke to the Palatine Township GOP event that was attended by about 100 people, Roskam said, "That's not a forum where it's conducive to shouting. I mean, these are not people that are coming to shout at a meeting."

A six-term House lawmaker, Roskam met Thursday for about an hour with 12 representatives of the nonpartisan League of Women Voters' eight chapters in his district.

He declined their bid to host him at a large public meeting, an effort league officials said was prompted by a "groundswell of public interest" in having him address voters.

Gail Chaney Kalinich, a lawyer and official of the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn, said Roskam had agreed to the Thursday meeting as long as no recording devices were used and no members of the news media were on hand.

Last October, she said, seven league chapters wanted to host Roskam at a candidate forum with his Democratic rival, but he said no.

This month, eight leagues offered to host him on Feb. 23  or another day that week  during the upcoming congressional recess. Again, the group was told no.

On Thursday the leagues were open to any future date for a meeting but were refused, Kalinich said.

"He stated that in his view, small meetings are more productive, that a conversation occurs that is not possible with a larger group and that he does not see a way for a large meeting at this point in time to result in anything more than a screaming match," Kalinich said.

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Roskam on Friday defended his record in meeting with constituents. "I don't think I am inaccessible," he said.

As U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Wheaton, addressed the Palatine Township Republican Organization at a closed-door meeting at the group's headquarters, protesters rallied outside Feb. 4, 2017, to protest President Donald Trump's executive orders. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune) (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Asked why he declined to appear before the league in October, Roskam said: "The timing didn't work.

"I was running a political campaign and my objective (in) a political campaign is to communicate in forums and in venues that are helpful to me to persuade and win an election. And their timing didn't work with my timing."

Roskam said the ground rules for Thursday's meeting, with his office mandating no recording devices or media, were "our standard practice for constituent meetings."

"It creates a freer environment where you can actually talk to one another," he said, "and you're not so concerned about the nature of a more public presentation."

Kalinich said after Thursday's meeting that the leagues had offered conditions to Roskam to make a potential public meeting a "very dignified and productive event."

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She said the eight leagues would have provided security, pre-screened questions to make sure they were appropriate and policy-related and prohibited attendees from carrying signs  "whatever steps necessary to prevent disruptive behavior."

Still, Roskam wouldn't budge, she said.

"I think they could offer it, I don't think they could deliver," Roskam said. "And the proof of that is look around the country, all these events that are in the news that are similarly structured that devolve into shouting matches."

Thursday, a GOP House member from Utah, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, was met by frequent, deafening boos at a town hall as constituents grilled him on everything from investigating President Donald Trump's tax returns to Planned Parenthood.

At the Palatine GOP event last Saturday, Roskam avoided protesters ringing the meeting by leaving through a back door. His spokesman David Pasch said police asked the lawmaker to use that exit because of the arrest of the protester who earlier tried to rush the front door.

Roskam "would have preferred to leave through the front," the aide said.

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Roskam said Friday that he is interested in hearing a wide range of opinion and would be willing to meet separately with groups limited to 25 to hear from both proponents and opponents of the Affordable Care Act.

A Feb. 1 meeting in his West Chicago district office with Roskam aides and pro-ACA constituents was called off because the group had a reporter along.

A Trump supporter, Roskam is one of 23 Republicans in the House representing districts won by Democrat Hillary Clinton, the Cook Political Report said. He's being targeted by the House Democrats' campaign arm, which hopes to organize 6th District residents and capitalize on anti-Trump sentiment roiling parts of the country.

The district takes in parts of DuPage, Cook, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.

In addition to the league in Glen Ellyn, the other leagues poised to join hands to host Roskam are chapters in central Kane County; Wheaton; Palatine; Naperville; Roselle/Bloomingdale; Downers Grove, Woodridge and Lisle; and McHenry County, Kalinich said.

"We went in try to persuade him to have a public meeting where no one is closed out. ... We're hearing from people in the community that they want this," she said.

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Kalinich acknowledged that Roskam meets with small groups of people and hosts "telephone town halls" when to her understanding about 20 people are allowed to speak or ask a question.

"This isn't a situation where he's never communicating," she said. "He's communicates in ways that he finds useful and appropriate."

kskiba@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @KatherineSkiba
A Will County judge agreed Friday to allow the jailed sons of a Joliet couple found dead in their home to attend a private visitation service.

Patrick and Angel Morgan were found shot to death in their home Sunday morning in what Joliet police are calling an apparent slaying-suicide following a "domestic incident." Autopsy results showed Angel Morgan suffered two gun shot wounds while Patrick Morgan suffered one.

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Their sons, Blaique and Amari Morgan, are accused of killing their 62-year-old neighbor, Robert Bialec, in January of 2016. Blaique, 20, and Amari, 18, allegedly had a long-standing disagreement with Bialec and Bialec was killed after allegedly making a sexual comment about their sister, officials said. The two remain in the Will County jail on $1.5 million bond each.

Judge David Carlson agreed to allow each of the two men to attend a private visitation for their parents. No other family members will be allowed to attend the visitation with the brothers and the brothers cannot attend at the same time. Each man will be allowed up to 30 minutes, but the visitation may be canceled at the discretion of the sheriff's office, Carlson said. The judge did not say what day the two men could attend the visitation.

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According to court records, prosecutors have discussed a possible deal in Blaique Morgan's case and have said their offer expires on March 2. But Blaique Morgan recently was charged with aggravated battery following an incident in the jail, according to court records.

Court records suggest the Morgans had a troubled marriage. Angel Morgan filed an order of protection against her husband in February 2009 that lasted for 21 days, according to the Will County Circuit Clerk's office. An order of protection filed by Patrick Morgan in March 2016 was dismissed the same day it was filed, according to circuit clerk records.

In May 2016, Angel Morgan filed for divorce, but the petition was dropped in October, according to court records.

Blaique and Amari Morgan are scheduled to appear in court again on March 2.

Funeral services for Patrick and Angel Morgan are 11 a.m. Monday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 404 Singleton Place in Joliet.

Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.




1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.

2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.

7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.

10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.

38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand.

39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems.

43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.

44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
Will County's 911 board has received some overdue funds from the state  enough to allow it to provide grants to its dispatch centers, police and fire departments, officials said.

The county's Emergency Telephone System Board, (ETSB) which oversees 911 operations in the county, recently awarded $1 million in grants  $325,000 to its nine dispatch centers and $674,800 to over 50 police and fire departments, which the agencies can use to purchase equipment, said Steve Figved, administrator for the county's 911 system.

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According to the list of grant allocations, the Eastern Will County Communications Center, (EASCOM) which includes Beecher, Crete, Monee, Peotone, South Chicago Heights University Park and Steger will receive $27,000. An additional $56,000 was distributed among EASCOM's individual police and fire departments.

The Lincolnway Communications Center, taking in Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Manhattan and East Joliet fire department, will get $57,653. The center's individual police and fire departments were awarded a total of $119,369.

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Western Will County Communications Center, (WESCOM) which covers departments from Bolingbrook to Wilmington, including Homer and Lockport agencies, gets the largest chunk of $108,895. A total of $226,272 was dispersed among its 22 agencies.

Joliet  the largest dispatch center  will receive $88,136, and its police and fire departments will each receive $91,000.

The Will County Sheriff's dispatch center will receive $28,108, and its agencies, which also includes Homer Glen and Rockdale, will get a total of $58,198.

Romeoville's dispatch center will get, $15,145, while its fire department will see $12,200 and police, $19,145.

Grants to the individual departments ranged from $1,000 to over $91,000 per department.

The ETSB derives its funding from the 86-cent surcharge that is applied to every phone line. That money is collected by the phone company and sent to the state for disbursement, but the state is currently four months in its payments, Figved said.

Even though the state payments were delayed, the state has been making payments more consistently in recent months, allowing the ETSB to give 20 percent of its revenues back to the local agencies, he said.

Locally, as well as statewide, 911 officials were concerned that the state would sweep up the 911 money, as they have done in the past.

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"Payments are more regular than they have been. We are getting enough from the state to keep us stable," he said, adding that this is not state money, but funds that pass through the state. It has nothing to do with the state budget, he said.

The state is $10 million behind in its payments throughout Illinois, Figved said.

In an average month, the ETSB receives $350,000 from the 86-cent telephone surcharge, he said. A state advisory board is now writing legislation in an effort to increase that to $1.05, to provide adequate funding to the Illinois State Police, which now administers the state's 911 system, instead of the Illinois Commerce Commission. If the state legislature passes the proposal, Will County would receive an additional $250,000 per year, Figved said.

Two years ago, the state mandated that all dispatch centers be consolidated. In Will County, the EASCOM, Lincolnway, Sheriff, and Romeoville centers are combining into one new center now under construction as part of the county's new public safety complex at Laraway Road and Route 52.

"As Will County 911 goes, we have been careful with our expenses, our reserves are good, and we keep our balances so we're not in crisis mode," Figved said. "That is how we are able to give grants to the local agencies."

The grants are allocated on a year by year basis, as funds allow.

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This Aug. 17, 2016, file photo shows, then Republican Illinois state Comptroller Leslie Munger in Springfield, Ill. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has hired former state Comptroller Munger to serve as a deputy governor. (Seth Perlman / AP)

When I heard Friday that Gov. Bruce Rauner hired former Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger for a $135,000-a-year job, I just groaned.

It's not that I have anything against Munger. She strikes me as a bright, talented individual, who showed herself to be more than capable dealing with the state's finances during the most challenging fiscal time in its history.

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But, let's be blunt. She got her keister kicked in November by Democrat Susana Mendoza.

The voters weighed Munger's two years in office and found her lacking.

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Sometimes the voters can be foolish. (After all, these are the same folks who elected Rod Blagojevich  twice.)

Nonetheless, in a democracy, elections have consequences.

But in the 18 years I've covered Illinois politics, I've seen governors blunt those consequences time and time again with our money.

The characters change but the game stays the same.

Back in the bad old days, when Blagojevich was governor, an acerbic fellow from Peru, Illinois, named Pat Welch represented a broad swath of north-central Illinois in the state Senate. He sponsored some of Blagojevich's most controversial budget measures.

That didn't sit too well with the voters back home and he was voted out of office.

Almost immediately after the election, I heard Democratic lawmakers quietly say: Blagojevich had better "take care" of Pat.

Eventually, Blagojevich hired him for a high-paying position in the Department of Revenue. And by all accounts he did a fine job there.

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And of course when Pat Quinn was governor, his administration became a safe haven for plenty of losers  particularly after the 2011 income tax hike.

We'll never know for sure what was going through a particular lawmaker's mind in the waning minutes of their political careers. But we do know some of these folks that the voters took off the state payroll ended up drawing state paychecks not long after their time in the legislature was through.

Just consider:

 Former state Rep. Bob Flider became Quinn's director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The job paid $133,273.

 Former State Rep. Careen Gordon was first nominated for the state parole board, but after state Senators said they would not confirm her, the Quinn administration found a spot for her as a lawyer handling real-estate licensing. The job paid $84,000.

 The late State Rep. Mike Smith snagged a job with the Education Labor Relations Board that paid $93,926.

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In fact, of the 12 lame-duck legislators who voted for the tax increase being pushed by Quinn in 2011, at least six were later hired by him.

So, when I hear Democrats clucking their tongues over Rauner hiring Munger, I just roll my eyes. This has been standard operating procedure in Springfield for many years. It happened under Republicans and Democrats, alike.

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That doesn't make it right. It just makes it common.

Illinois governors like to follow the adage: Take care of those who take care of you.

And that's why I find Rauner's behavior disappointing. He presented himself to the voters as a businessman, not a politician. He pledged to change how the state operates and to run it like a business. Both are admirable goals.

But instead we get the same old political shenanigans. State jobs shouldn't serve as soft landing pads for defeated politicians.

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After all, our money deserves to be handled more wisely.

Rauner, we expect more from you.

Scott Reeder is a veteran statehouse journalist and works as a freelance reporter in the Springfield area.
If you're having trouble telling fact from fiction these days, you're not alone. President Donald Trump says a lot of things. Some of them are true, some are lies, and a lot fall into a gray area in between.

Even members of Congress are struggling to get to the truth, U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski told me on Thursday.

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"It's been hard during these first few weeks to tell what's really going on and what's not true," Lipinski said. "I think it's important for Congressional Democrats to keep watch about what is going on as much as we can."

During a 30-minute conversation at his Orland Park district office, Lipinski addressed a range of topics. We focused on transportation and science  committees on which he serves  but also covered economic issues, health care, foreign policy, Trump's ethics conflicts and other concerns.

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Lipinski said he supports Trump's position on some issues he campaigned on, including spending up to a trillion dollars to rebuild America's infrastructure. Despite its potential for bipartisan support, there hasn't been much of a legislative push for an infrastructure bill during the first three weeks of Trump's presidency.

"It seems the Congressional Republicans are not that eager to do the transportation bill  It's really Democrats in Congress who are pushing this," Lipinski told me. "President Trump keeps pushing them. For Republicans it's on the back burner.

"We need to come up with a plan and how to pay for it. It's not going to be easy but it's something I think needs to be done."

Lipinski serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and said the country needs to rebuild roads and bridges, fix water and sewer systems, invest in public transportation, and fund improvements to railroads, airports and shipping ports.

"We need a first-class transportation system," he said. "By doing this not only do we put people to work immediately, but the more efficient we can make our transportation system the more efficient we can make American businesses.

"It helps the economy. We need to focus on jobs. I think that's what the election was really about. Despite the unemployment rate being low, wages have not grown. That's a major concern."

Lipinski has represented the 3rd District since 2005. His district includes parts of Chicago's Beverly, Bridgeport and Mount Greenwood neighborhoods and several south and southwest suburbs. His constituents include people in Bridgeview, Burbank, Hickory Hills, Homer Glen, Justice, Lemont, Lockport, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Romeoville, Worth and several other communities.

He's known as one of the most conservative Democrats in Congress. He's the only Illinois Democrat who voted against the Affordable Care Act, and one of just three House Democrats who recently voted to prohibit spending federal funds for abortions.

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Lipinski said he will oppose efforts to repeal President Barack Obama's health insurance law until a better replacement is proposed.

"Now, Republicans have full control of the House, Senate and White House and they are really on the spot," he said. "They've talked about repeal and replace for nearly seven years and they have not come up with a replacement.

"They're struggling to come up with a plan. I believe we need to fix it, not throw the whole thing out. Most Republicans have learned that. President Trump has said we need something better. The question is, what is better?"

He also serves on the Space, Science and Technology Committee and is ranking Democrat on the research and technology subcommittee. His district includes Argonne National Laboratory, and Lipinski said he's concerned the Trump administration might try to cut funding for science, especially research dealing with climate change.

"The No. 1 concern I have is that funding will be cut for alternative energy projects and clean energy," he said. "That we're going to move toward just helping the fossil fuel industry even more."

Lipinski can use his voice in Congress to address potential changes in policy on environmental protections. We talked about how immediately after the inauguration, the White House website was scrubbed of information about climate change.

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"It's also important that we don't have a situation where  especially in climate change  where we have politicians stepping in and dictating what kind of scientific research is going to be done," Lipinski said.

"That's something I'm going to be watching out for, helping keep oversight over, and calling out anything wrong that I do see and fighting for the research funding we need."

Argonne hosts visiting international scientists, researchers and scholars. Lipinski said he hasn't heard about Argonne being directly affected yet by Trump's executive order restricting travel between the United States and seven predominantly Muslim countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

He has, however, heard from area hospitals affected by the travel restrictions and said he expects Argonne would be affected if the executive order is upheld in court.

"It's a concern in all professions about who might not be able to come here, or who might be here and not able to take a trip back home," he told me.

"(There's concern about) some scientists not wanting  to work for the federal government because they don't know if there's going to be political interference in what we do  That's a problem. The United States needs to be a leader in scientific research. Generally, Republicans in Congress agree with that statement."

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Trump's handling of foreign policy is a major concern, Lipinski said.

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"We can't continue picking fights everywhere. A lot of Americans think we need to stand stronger. I don't disagree with that. But that doesn't mean you go picking fights with countries all around the world. That's not the way to be a stronger, more secure America."

Domestically, however, Lipinski said he believes he could find common ground with some positions supported by Trump and Republicans. For example, Lipinski recently sponsored "Buy American" legislation that closes loopholes, promotes hiring Americans and ensures federal contracts are awarded to domestic companies whenever possible.

Lipinski, like other Democrats in Congress, expressed a willingness to work with the president and Republicans on some issues. But he cautioned that in other areas, including ethics, he and other Democrats will closely monitor the president's conduct.

"There are great concerns over his business dealings and connections," Lipinski said. "There are so many things that would be easier for the president and, I think, better for our country if the president did not Tweet as much as he did."

"A lot of us had hoped he would be different when he became president. I'm not going to sit here and say I want the president to fail because that means that people suffer, Americans suffer. My job is to keep the president in line so things get better in our country."

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Twitter @tedslowik
Carpentersville's portion of the nearly $14 million Huntley Road/Route 31 improvement project has been whittled down to less than 20 percent thanks to various grants and funding commitments.

"So that's pretty good for the village," Village Engineer Ed Szydlowski said while giving an update on the project at Tuesday's Village Board meeting.

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"Pretty good? That's phenomenal," said Trustee Paul Humpfer.

The $13.9 million project, originally proposed in 2006, consisted of intersection improvements and upgraded signals, according to a news release from the village. In May 2010, the scope of work was revised to include intersection improvements at Main Street and Lincoln Avenue. The improvements also extend west to Elm Avenue. A separate project in conjunction with West Dundee extends from Elm Avenue to Sleepy Hollow Road.

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A 2011 traffic study conducted by a consulting engineer found that the intersection failed in both condition and functioning level of service during peak periods.

The study estimated that the intersection's ability to move traffic effectively will continue to decrease over the next 20 years, as the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has projected traffic growth of 21 percent by 2030, officials said.

"The goal of these intersection improvements is to provide reduced travel times, mitigate the high accident rates, reduce air pollution from traffic congestion and increase the level of service to those driving on our streets," Village President Ed Ritter said.

The project will entail adding dual left-turn lanes for northbound and southbound Route 31 (Western Avenue) and a northbound right-turn lane; the widening of 700 feet of Spruce Drive along Route 31; widening of Huntley Road going eastbound to provide dual right-turn lanes, a single left-turn lane, and two dedicated through lanes; and widening of Main Street going westbound to provide dual left-turn lanes.

For the Main Street-Lincoln Avenue intersection, improvements will include the addition of left-turn lanes on all legs and an eastbound right-turn lane from Main Street onto Lincoln Avenue.

Additionally, officials said, much-needed underground infrastructure improvements, including the rehabilitation of storm sewer and sanitary sewers, will be made.

The 1.06-mile improvement project is expected to begin this fall and be completed by spring 2019.

To date, the village has been able to secure $5.9 million in grants from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, $4.2 million in grants through the Kane/Kendall Councils of Mayors' Surface Transportation Program, and $1.4 million in proportionate share funds from the Illinois Department of Transportation for their portion of the right of way.

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Carpentersville will fund 100 percent of new water main and sanitary sewer costs as those improvements are not eligible for the grant funds, Szydlowski said.

"In the beginning, our contributions from other sources were $6.25 million. To date we're at $11.5 million. The village's portion, all said and done, is going to be about $1.95 million, so that's about 17 percent," he told board members.

Ritter said the Kane/Kendall Council of Mayors was instrumental in finding funding for the project.

"They, along with IDOT, have both raised their financial contributions twice because the costs have escalated, thus keeping Carpentersville's share as small as possible," he said.

Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
A former Carpentersville man faces multiple natural life sentences after being convicted of 11 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault in the sexual assault of three children  the same children involved in a sexual abuse case in which his brother was convicted 11 years ago.

Robert E. Craig, 48, of the 600 block of Hampshire Drive in Hampshire, was convicted Thursday by a Kane County jury of 11 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, each a class X felony, and six counts of criminal sexual abuse, each a class 2 felony, according to a Kane County state's attorney's office news release.

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Kane County prosecutors presented evidence that multiple times between 1999 and 2010 Craig sexually assaulted the three victims, who are siblings, the release stated. All were younger than 13 years old. The assaults took place in Carpentersville, it stated.

During that same time, Craig's brother, Richard E. Craig, 56, of Carpentersville, sexually assaulted the children, prosecutors said. He was charged in 2005, pleaded guilty in 2006 to predatory criminal sexual assault, a class X felony, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a class 2 felony, and was sentenced to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, the release stated.

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"Robert and Richard Craig are child predators," Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon said. "Their crimes stole a normal childhood from these children. Their place is not in a civilized society but prison. And after that they both will have one more judgment to face."

"The horrific facts about the Craig brothers' actions came to light because someone made a report to DCFS on behalf of these three victims," McMahon said. "I cannot stress enough the importance of making a report when someone suspects such abuse. Anyone can make a report. Child sex abuse victims deserve justice, and I'm so pleased these victims have received it. They have shown tremendous courage throughout this process, coming back to court 11 years later to again fight for justice."

In 2014 one of the victims disclosed to a school counselor that in addition to being sexually assaulted by Richard Craig, she also had been sexually assaulted by Robert Craig, according to the release. The counselor reported the disclosure to the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services, and a new investigation was opened, it stated.

Circuit Judge John A Barsanti set Robert Craig's next court appearance for 9 a.m. March 9 for motions and to set a sentencing date, the release stated. Craig faces 11 consecutive mandatory natural life sentences, it stated.

Craig remains in the Kane County Jail, where he has been held since his arrest. Bond was revoked upon conviction, the release stated.
Roxy is seen in its cage at The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago last year. After an outbreak of canine influenza, the shelter has taken measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Kane County Animal Control officials are keeping a close eye out on any potential outbreaks. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

Kane County Animal Control has not seen or heard of any canine influenza virus cases in the county but is keeping a close eye out for any potential outbreaks, officials said.

"We haven't had any," Animal Control Executive Director Brett Youngsteadt said. "We are still monitoring it and paying close attention. We are waiting to see if it breaks out here."

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Canine influenza virus has been reported in Chicago, where the Anti-Cruelty Society has halted adoptions, according to its website. The virus is a "contagious respiratory disease in dogs and does not affect humans. Signs of this illness in dogs are a honking cough, runny nose, and fever," the website states. Dogs who have the virus may not have symptoms or may have symptoms similar to pneumonia, it stated.

According to the website, the virus can be spread to other dogs by direct contact and through contaminated objects.

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Anderson Animal Shelter, in South Elgin, has not been hit with the virus, Executive Director Beth Drake said in an email. "However, because the virus is so contagious and because the dogs in the U.S. have very little immunity, there is virtually 100 percent infection rate. So, we're taking this seriously," she said.

For now, the shelter has stopped accepting new dogs from the local area and no longer allows potential adopters to bring their dogs to the shelter to meet its dogs, Drake said.

"We just can't be too cautious," she said.

Pet owners can take some steps to protect their dogs, including being alert for any signs of the virus, such as a dog not eating, being lethargic or not drinking, Youngsteadt said. There are tests for the virus and vaccines, he said.

"I tell people they know their animals best," Youngsteadt said. "If he (or she) is not acting right, take it to the vet."

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Take things in stride: I know a lot of people didn't like former President Obama, but when people said things about him, he took it in stride. He went about his business while trying to make America better. All our beliefs are not the same, but we have to get along. President Trump has to forget about the media and not react. Did we ever see Obama react when "Saturday Night Live" did skits about him? He probably sat back and laughed. Trump must think late night shows are reality. He needs to grow thicker skin and make Americans happy.

Looking into the future: This is the Amazing Psychic, I predict that Melania Trump will divorce Donald, and the Democrats will take over the Congress in 2018 and force investigations.

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Riled about Republicans: I have two comments. The Democrats believe in welfare for society because the Republican policies put in place are meant to keep the working people under their thumbs. The 99 percent will no longer stand for that just as we haven't for the past eight years. We should not sit back and watch how Republicans do it. For over 30 years, we have watched how Reaganomics and the trickle-down theory do not work. The Democrats and Independents will stand up and call President Trump out on every issue that is not in line with how Americans want to live their lives.

Living in fear: Donald Trump says the world's a scary place. He's right  it's scary because he's president.

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Fight for women's rights: Women worldwide are so upset about President Trump. They are marching and demanding their rights. Not one says anything about marriage and raising children. Perhaps this is why gay marriage is so prevalent today. The human race has 100 years before it becomes extinct from sexual orientation confusion.

Bring Americans together: I get it when all the President Trump supporters say that Hillary Clinton voters are angry about Trump's win. I also get it that Clinton won by 3 million votes. That has never happened before in the history of our election. During his inauguration, Trump reached out only to the voters who voted for him. He didn't reach out to all of America. That's what all former good presidents did. The president is the commander in chief whose duty is to bring all Americans together and make them feel at ease. We cannot have a divided America. I get it that people are angry about interference in our election. That never happened before. There needs to be sanctions on Russia and make sure it never happens again.

County motto: Kane County passed a motto of "In God We Trust," but heaven forbid we should have a treatment center here.

Doubts about America: I don't know about you, but when I hear, "Let's make America great again," it sounds like we are going backward instead of forward. Isn't America great now?

Musing about mayoral candidate: Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia is running for mayor of Aurora while she is supposed to be down in Springfield serving the people. Does she get paid for her job in Springfield, or does she deny the wages while she's campaigning? Chapa LaVia was given a fundraising dinner at $1,000 a plate. What does she donate to charity? What does she do for Aurora? Her signs are right on top of the road. Why does she get to break the law with her signs?

English instead of Spanish: I have been shopping at a Mexican food store on Summit Street. I love it there. It's very clean, and I like the food. However, the bakery and the deli don't have signs in English. I've mentioned this, but they ignored me. I think it would be nice since we are in the United States if they would put things in English.

Stand up to Trump: The Republicans in Congress are showing they are spineless when it comes to standing up to Donald Trump.

Harping about march: I read everything about the march by women, but what is their complaint? I don't understand. It's actually an anti-Trump march. What has the man done? He has only been in office a short time. I think the march was a farce.

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Tracking train car: In 2015, it was the anniversary of when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. A funeral train car was made, and they worked so hard to get it done. They took it to Springfield and other states. When will it be in Elgin? I didn't get to see it. Will they have it at the Illinois Railway Museum this summer? I am just wondering if Elgin people will get to see it.

Brawl at the mall: I want to talk about teenagers hanging out at the mall. I remember what happened in Aurora. Why do kids want to hang out at the mall? Malls are for shopping. The manager should make rules that teenagers should not be there without their parents. Teenagers should be home doing homework.

Freedom of beliefs: Every day religious leaders interject their spiritual beliefs about political affairs of the day. Our political leaders claim spiritual influences guide them and nothing is wrong in them doing so. Freedom of speech is vital to our society, and if actors want to use their celebrity to voice their beliefs then more power to them. It's like I sometimes say, "If you can't join them, beat them at their own game."

Trump tax returns: I am trying to figure out why people think President Trump should release his tax returns. That is nobody's business. I wouldn't do it either.

Help people in need: We're arguing back and forth about how many people were at the inauguration. Who cares? Do something for the country. Go down south and help those poor people who voted for you in southern Georgia, Texas and New Orleans. They have no homes because of some of the worst storms in history. Help these people out. You have better things to do than measure how many people watched you become the president. Do something for the people as you promised. We were told that Trump was going to take care of America. Let's do it. I want to support my president whoever he or she is, but I can't support them until they do the right thing. The right thing is to forget about signing bills and executive orders. Give the people in the south some help.

Troubled by Trump actions: The president wants to tax people for taking jobs outside of the United States. It's a good idea, but who does it hurt? It hurts Americans. Will he tax his children who are running his businesses that he supposedly gave up? His name is still on there. He is still liable. If you start putting a tariff on companies that move outside the United States, guess who gets the burden when products come in? The American people get stuck with paying that money. What about all these companies who hire people outside of the United States? Think about the times when you call for customer service and you get someone in Mexico or India. Slippery slope.

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Remarks about parks: I'm getting a kick on how the people that run Aurora want to turn any vacant land into a park. Ever notice how many parks in town have nobody using them? Perhaps people are afraid of getting caught in a gang-related shootout. These parks are maintained by well-paid park district or city workers at the taxpayers' expense. In addition, what do you think is going to happen to all the huge derelict buildings in downtown Aurora? Nobody wants to buy them. Wake up, people. Aurora is becoming a ghost town.

Plea to celebrities: For all the celebrities who are bashing President Trump, I have a suggestion. The borders are wide open for you to leave. Take advantage of this, and let it be a one-way ticket.

Life is good in Parkwood: I would just like to mention that I am an empty nester who has moved to Parkwood. Everything is great. The ranch homes aren't too big. Everything is on one floor, and there are no stairs or high stoops. There is a 110-acre park next to my home. You can walk to Jewel and Walgreens. There are doctors within walking distance. It's a beautiful place. I just thought I'd mention it in case there are other empty nesters who are looking for some place to go that is small but has enough land to grow vegetables. The ranch homes in Parkwood are great.

Coping with Copley: This is about what should or shouldn't be done with the old Copley Hospital in Aurora. Linda Chapa LaVia has been downstate for many years but was never interested in what was going on. Now she has all the answers. Why doesn't she let other people handle this? Why was she the only one pictured with the priest? There were oodles of people standing behind her, but I guess they don't count. Perhaps Linda Chapa LaVia and Michael Madigan could pay for the rehab of Copley or tear it down to make another park.

Bummed about beggars: The streets of Aurora are full of walking moochers. They stand outside businesses to beg. I came out of a grocery store on Lake Street, and a woman asked me for $5. I walk out of Walgreens on Union Street, and they hit me up for money. Then they go next door to McDonald's restaurant and beg the drive-up patrons. This goes on all year. Aurora is becoming skid row.

Kudos to Prigge and Ward: Thank goodness that we have good people like Councilman Prigge and Jeanette Ward on the School District U46 board. They are the only ones who are looking out for the American taxpayers and American youth.

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Get back on track: Have we had enough yet? We have a president who does not belong in the Oval Office. He convinces me of that every day. What is going on? Let's get our country on track and forget how many people voted for him and how many did not. He is the president. He needs to act like it.

Extreme vetting: How about extreme vetting for Donald Trump and his cabinet?

Roused about sloppy houses: Our neighborhoods are changing rapidly. As you drive down the street, you notice how many have sheds in their backyards. It reminds me of the olden days of outhouses before we had indoor washrooms. And then there are the two-plus garages attached to homes facing the street. Instead of using the garage to park cars, they are loaded with junk. I often think about what would happen if a fire broke out. It would be awful for both the homeowner and the neighbors next door. Maybe our fire departments need to do some home checks.

Seeking prosperity for all: As I read Speak Out, I see how some people think President Trump will make all Americans prosperous simply because he is a billionaire. We have a lot of naive people out here. I know people are grasping at straws because the economy is not picking up as fast as they would like. Just because I am a billionaire, am I able to run a country? No, I'm not. When you're dealing with millions of people, it's hard to make all of them prosperous. When you are dealing with a company and a handful of people, you are more likely to become successful. Wake up and don't be so naive. It's not as simple as you think.

Tweets instead of talks: I believe there were 30 million people at the inauguration. Even my husband watched it, and he's a Democrat. He's upset about the worker's unions disappearing in America. I have a husband who seldom talks, and I don't need a mute president. We can't get comfortable with a Tweet. We can't see him, his actions or his emotions. We need to see him, and we need to hear him.

Restore old buildings: You've got to love those comments from three mayoral candidates about old Copley Hospital. Do you seriously believe this building can be rehabbed? For the past 12 years, our development officials failed to find a new user. The building has deteriorated to the point where it is now an insult to every east side taxpayer. It's the same with the old Masonic temple. Cities up and down the Fox River Valley are breathing life into their old buildings, but in Aurora, our highly-paid development staff and elected officials remain laughingly incompetent. It's time to clean house.

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Master of distraction: I want to tell the American people that President Trump wants you to think he is crazy. Actually, he is very smart. What he's doing is saying ridiculous lies to get everyone's attention and divert it. He wants you to hang onto dumb stuff like voter fraud in order to keep you from thinking about what he's really doing. Let him talk. Let him tell all the lies he wants, but don't back down about what he's doing about taxes and who he is putting in his Cabinet. Forget about voter fraud. We all know it's not true, and so does he. It's a distraction. It's like holding a hand out while doing something with the other hand behind your back. Wake up, America.

Chiming in on Chicago crime: I don't know why all the taxpayers of the United States have to chip in to solve Chicago's crime problem. Other major cities like New York have managed to get a better handle on crime. Why don't they get someone from New York to come out here and tell us what they do differently? The mayor and chief of police of Chicago are in total denial of certain situations and think that gun control is the only answer. Everyone else doesn't need to pay for their stupidity.

Sweet November: Back in June, I called Speak Out to give my two cents worth on the election. I stated that if Donald Trump was elected, Hillary Clinton and former President Obama should take a long look in the mirror. It wasn't the Russians, the pipeline or climate change that won the election for Trump. It was these two. Obama was always worried about his legacy. Clinton thought she was above the law and called the rest of us "deplorables." Look who is laughing now. Being a big Cubs fan, I had an outstanding November. Yes, I voted for Trump.

Bawling about the wall: News reports say Mexico is angry about the proposed wall. It will be in Texas and not in Mexico. They are offended to have more than 60 years of sneaking into America ended. I wish millions from Honduras and El Salvador would pour into Mexico and then watch how Mexico welcomes them.

Opinions on abortion: I would like to ask Linda Chapa LaVia what she thinks about abortion. I think she's being a little hypocritical. Check it out.

Pondering about protesters: It's really something to see the devotion of the protesters against our government. Not only do they sacrifice a day's pay to protest, but they must have compassionate employers who give them the time off.

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Follow the laws: Chicago's mayor gave a list of countries that immigrants have come from in order to live in Chicago. He was defending his sanctuary city status. He did not add that these people did not come here through the legal process. You can't have it both ways. There are either laws or no laws.

Land of greed: I'm not a politician. I'm just an American citizen who respects our Constitution and laws. We are called the "Melting Pot," which means we all come together as one nation. The building of a wall between Mexico and the United States is absurd. It's way too much money, and Mexico will never pay for it. That is only wishful thinking. The money should either be spent on educating the immigrants or disciplining them on our law enforcement. Criminals are criminals. If you build a wall, they will find another way to get into our country. At one time, our nation was full of hardworking people. It has become a land of greed for the rich.

Missing plan: I want to say that I do want better health care, but why can't someone just speak to Americans and tell us what they plan on using to replace the Affordable Care Act? The president keeps saying he has a plan, but where is it? I'm afraid they will gut the ACA and leave us without health insurance.

Trump shows gumption: I'm not saying I agree with everything that President Trump is trying to do, but he has done more for this country in five days than former President Obama did in eight years.

Editor's note

Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-2460 or email couriernews@tribpub.com. Please include "speak out" in the subject line.
An Evanston businessman recently reported to federal prison to begin his 60-day sentence after pleading guilty last year to federal charges of tax evasion.

William Runzel IV and other co-owners of Bensenville-based Lake Cable evaded paying taxes on millions of dollars in income between 2006 and 2012.

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Runzel pleaded guilty and agreed to serve the prison sentence and pay about $28,000 in restitution, said his attorney, James Shapiro.

He is serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Pekin, a medium-security prison for men, after reporting there Feb. 1.

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According to court documents, Runzel and the co-owners of Lake Cable, a wire and cable manufacturing company, sold scrap metal to Tri State Metals in Chicago.

They asked Tri State to pay for part of the materials in cash, usually 10 to 20 percent of the sale amount. Those cash payments were not reported to the IRS.

Between 2006 and 2012 the amount paid in cash totaled more than $3 million, according to court documents. The money was delivered to Runzel and divided among Runzel and other business co-owners.

Because Runzel owned 25 percent of the company, he received 25 percent of the cash. The cash was not reported as income to the IRS by any of the recipients, authorities said.

In 2012, for example, Runzel reported his income on his tax return as $4,149,354, "when defendant knew that his total income substantially exceeded that amount," according to court documents.

Shapiro said Runzel and Lake Cable were caught up in the investigation of Tri State Metals. Officials with that company in 2014 pleaded guilty to paying more than $6 million in cash to 15 vendors between 2008 and 2012, among other charges, according to Chicago Tribune reports.

"It was certainly part of the same investigation," Shapiro said.

He said he was glad Runzel received only two months in prison because it will allow him to return soon to Lake Cable, which employs 400 people.

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"Without him the company probably would have been sold," Shapiro said.

Runzel is expected to be released at the end of March, according to federal prison records.

gbookwalter@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @GenevieveBook
Members of the Lincoln Trio, Desiree Ruhstrat, from left, David Cunliffe and Marta Aznavoorian have been nominated for a Grammy Award. (The Lincoln Trio)

Members of the North Shore-based Lincoln Trio, formed in 2003, are an imaginative group. Husband and wife team violinist Desiree Ruhstrat and cellist David Cunliffe of Highland Park and pianist Marta Aznavoorian of Glencoe seek innovative ways to stand out in the firmament of classical chamber music recordings. Plus they have an enthusiastic supporter in James Ginsburg, founder and producer of the nonprofit Cedille Records, which for 27 years has been spotlighting the Chicago area's most talented musicians.

The Lincoln Trio's third recording for Cedille, "Trios From Our Homelands," has received some serious attention, being nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. The Grammy Awards take place Feb. 12.

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In true American fashion, the album celebrates the family heritage of each player. Cunliffe was born abroad in Plymouth, England while Ruhstrat and Aznavoorian were born in the United States. Each selected a trio by a 20th century composer. Cunliffe chose Trio for violin, violoncello, and piano by Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979), Aznavoorian is playing Piano Trio in F-Sharp Minor by Armenia's Arno Babajanian (1921-1983), and Ruhstrat chose "Trio sur des melodies populaires irlandaises" by Switzerland's Frank Martin (1890-1974).

Cellist Cunliffe said his appreciation of Clarke's Viola Sonata led him to the Piano Trio. "Clarke's was one of a great many early-20th-century trios written in a neoclassical vein, but somehow hers got left behind." He calls it "technically very challenging for all three instruments, with quite a few unison passages. It's impressionistic, influenced by Ravel, and a lot of musical colors need to emerge."

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He also chose Clarke because of the importance of including a woman composer, adding that both he and she were immigrants to the United States.

"I have a Swiss mother," said Ruhstrat of her choice of Martin, though she noted wryly that this particular piece was based on Irish folk tunes. "David and I first played this piece when we met Carol Honigberg and she programmed it for the Pilgrim Chamber Players," she said. "We fell in love with this charming piece."

Martin's trio, written in Paris in 1925, has always been one the violinist's favorite trios to perform. "The last movement is like a bit of Irish fiddling. It's a lot of fun to play," she said. "The whole piece is written in cross-rhythms, with lots of intertwining between cello and violin."

Ruhstrat says it's yet another Lincoln Trio piece that prompts audiences to ask, "Why haven't I heard this before?"

Aznavoorian's choice Arno Babajanian was a national cultural hero in his native Armenia and enjoyed a major career as composer and pianist within the former Soviet Union. Pianist Aznavoorian says Babajanian's Piano Trio contains "big, difficult piano parts, like a concerto. Yet, it's so masterfully crafted that all three instruments can shine in a soloistic manner."

She credits an old acquaintance with introducing her to Babajanian's Piano Trio. In an interview with Cedille Records, she recounted how a non-musician she dated while in graduate school at the New England Conservatory of Music played a recording of the third movement for her and urged her to learn the piece. "I fell in love with it. It has the fire and passion I admire in Armenian culture," she said. Her affection for the piece, however, outlasted the relationship. "It turned out that I loved the music, especially that third movement," she said, adding, "but not the man."

"It's a special experience and honor for me to record this prodigious trio from an Armenian composer whom I greatly admire," she continued. "Armenian music, like the people themselves, is very expressive and soulful. It's immensely rewarding to perform this affecting piece for our audiences."

"Trios From Our Homelands" was produced by James Ginsburg and engineered by multiple Grammy nominee Bill Maylone.

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The Lincoln Trio previously received a Grammy Award nomination in 2014 for their work on James Whitbourn's "Annelies," for soprano, mixed choir, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano.
While she was a Warren Township High School student, Erica Buschick went out of her way to help a wheelchair-bound student get from class to class, her father Eric said.

She also spent her summers working for the Gurnee Park District, helping handicapped children, her father said.

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"That was her passion," Eric Buschick said.

That passion remained strong in the fall when she went off to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She enrolled as a special education major and joined the school's chapter of Best Buddies, a volunteer organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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The group's mission of inclusion really appealed to her, according to Macy Fraylick, a Miami University senior and the president of the 300-member chapter.

Attending Miami was her dream, her father said, and she wanted to one day become a teacher so she could work professionally with those less fortunate.

But Buschick's dreams were cut short when she was found dead in her Morris Hall dorm room on Jan. 20.

A Miami University Police Department report and a 911 call from her roommate indicate Buschick, 18, spent the previous evening drinking with friends, had fallen multiple times and had to be helped back to her room.

The Butler County Coroner's Office has not released a toxicology report, but Miami University President Greg Crawford acknowledged in a statement to the university community the police report's suggestion that "alcohol contributed to this tragedy."

"You have no idea how many questions I have about that night," Eric Buschick said.

Erica Buschick, a freshman at Miami University in Ohio, was found dead in her dorm room on Jan. 20, 2017. The following audio is from the 911 call her roommate made that morning. (Butler County Sheriffs Office) (Chicago Tribune)

Erica Buschick had just returned to Miami University after winter break, arriving at about 5 p.m. on Jan. 19, according to the police report. She and her roommate began drinking at about 10 p.m., consuming approximately two bottles of champagne between them, the report said. They then filled a water bottle about halfway with vodka and went to an off-campus apartment to "pregame," a term to describe drinking before going out to a bar or party.

Buschick continued drinking at the apartment, according to the report. She first fell as the group was leaving to walk to a bar, the report says, and was too drunk to enter the bar when she arrived. She eventually reunited with her roommate, and they called a taxi to take them back to Morris Hall.

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The taxi driver told police Buschick fell again while exiting the taxi at Morris Hall and that her roommate asked him to help get Buschick back into her room. The driver said in a written statement that the roommate asked him not to call anyone because the girls were worried about getting in trouble. The driver helped Buschick back into her room and was afraid she would fall down and hit her head, so he laid her down on her left side on a bean bag chair, according to the report.

When the roommate awoke the next morning, Buschick hadn't moved.

Eric Buschick had been in Las Vegas for business. He got a call about his daughter as he was driving home from the airport.

"It's something that everyone says, 'Time will cure,'" Buschick said. "But it's not going to cure it."

He said he is trying to "work with the university right now to correct, to make sure that this never happens again."

"I don't blame anybody," Eric Buschick said. "I'm just saying, if certain processes were in place, things would be different."

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His daughter was three minutes from a hospital, he said.

Buschick's roommate told police that Buschick brought some alcohol from home.

"I'm not going to lie. I have liquor at my house," Eric Buschick said. "And if she took liquor out of my house, that would have been of her own accord."

Police also found an expired Missouri driver's license for a 23-year-old woman in Buschick's possession during the investigation, according to the report.

Crawford, the university president, said in his statement that he will undertake a "holistic assessment" of the school's effort to curb high-risk alcohol consumption.

"She was my baby girl," Eric Buschick said.

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He described his daughter as a fun-loving girl who enjoyed traveling and working out. She was "very confident, but very passionate and very kind to others," he said, and she "really did what she wanted to do, whether you were going to like that or not.

"She was not a follower," Eric Buschick said. "She was a leader."

Clayton Neighbors, a professor and director of the Social Influences and Health Behaviors Lab at the University of Houston, has been studying excessive drinking among college populations for 20 years. He said many college students "don't understand how much they're drinking or what the consequences are for getting their blood-alcohol concentrations (BACs) up beyond a reasonable point, and how easy it is to do that, depending on what you're drinking."

Neighbors said "pregaming" carries "really heavy risk," especially if students drink hard liquor rather than beer. And gender plays a role, as well, he said.

"Women who don't weigh very much, their BACs can ramp up in a short amount of time," Neighbors said. "More than men, because their body concentration is different. So they would get higher BACs, even if they're the same weight as guys."

Neighbors said an average 18-year-old female weighing between 125 and 130 pounds would reach an estimated BAC of .39, which would be potentially fatal, by drinking 12 standard drinks in three hours. That would be 18 ounces of 80-proof vodka, or about half of a 750-milliliter bottle, he said.

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Eric Buschick said he "can't even explain" the toll his daughter's death has taken on his family. He and his wife, Donna, have two other daughters, ages 22 and 20.

"You can't comprehend a girl, 18 years old, who's no longer with us," he said.

Erica Buschick knew she wanted to go into special education after participating in P.E. Leaders both semesters her senior year, said Gail Triveline, her guidance counselor at Warren Township High. The program paired one regular education student with one special education student for the entire gym period.

"(It) gave her that feeling of supporting others," Triveline said. "It was what made her realize she was going into the right field. She was so happy she knew what she was going to do."

Triveline described Buschick as "an exceptional young lady  full of life," who would have been a "great special education teacher."

A past English teacher told Triveline she thought that too because Buschick always managed to make even her most boring lessons fun.

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"She made me smile every time she walked into my office," Triveline said.

News-Sun reporter Emily K. Coleman contributed.

lhammill@tribpub.com

Twitter @lucashammill
Two 17-year-old boys and a 14-year-old girl have been charged with delivery of marijuana in connection with a Dec. 6 incident in which at least a dozen Naperville North High School students became ill after eating pot-laced gummy bears, Naperville police said Friday.

Emergency workers transported 12 students to Edward Hospital in Naperville after they began experiencing accelerated heart rates, agitation, dizziness or dry mouths linked to the consumption of the candy, which toxicological testing determined contained THC, a liquid form of marijuana, police Cmdr. Lou Cammiso said. None of the victims required hospitalization.

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Two other teens were charged with possession of marijuana  a 17-year-old who was charged the day of the incident and a 16-year-old charged after the test results were returned, Cammiso said.

Because those arrested are juveniles, their names are not being made public and they're being prosecuted through the juvenile court system, he said. However, he did confirm that all of them are "believed to be Naperville North students."

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Cammiso added police have closed their investigation into the matter.

Michelle Fregoso, director of communications for Naperville School District 203, said Friday via email the district "does not discuss individual student discipline, and we have nothing further to add regarding this situation." Student discipline is handled on a case-by-case basis under district policy.

wbird@tribpub.com

Naperville Sun reporter Suzanne Baker contributed to this report.
Naperville Mayor Emeritus George Pradel wraps himself in a quilt presented to him Thursday at the Rotary Club of Naperville meeting. The quilt is handmade by members of the national Quilts of Valor organization and recognizes military service. (Erin Hegarty / Naperville Sun)

The Naperville Rotary Club Thursday honored Naperville Mayor Emeritus George Pradel with a quilt of valor in recognition of his service in the military.

"It is such an honor to award this quilt to a man who has meant so much to Naperville for so many years," said Alma Jones, the club's community service director.

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Pradel's quilt comes from the national Quilts of Valor organization. Handcrafted by members of the group, the quilts are meant to "cover service members and veterans touched by war" with comfort and healing, according to the group's website.

Pradel was surrounded by friends and fellow Rotarians from the moment he arrived at the Meson Sabika Pavilionfor the club's meeting and recognition ceremony until he walked out the door.

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Veterans in attendance, many of whom were presented with similar quilts in November, surrounded Pradel on stage as Jones spoke about his service to country in the U.S. Marine Corps and to the city of Naperville, where he was a police officer for 29 years and mayor for 20.

"In Naperville, with 147,000 residents, you can almost guarantee if you said the name George, probably most people would know you're referring to the mayor or Officer Friendly or dad or brother or the man who rocks a top hat like no other or the man who never needs a microphone," Jones said.

After the veterans helped wrap Pradel in the quilt, he thanked the Rotary and everyone in attendance.

"Thank you again for this quilt, I appreciate it," Pradel said. "I'll take good care of it, and I'll honor it for the rest of my life."

He added the quilt will help keep him warm during a time when he is often cold.

Pradel's quilt, and the 13 others presented Nov. 3 to Naperville Rotarians who are veterans, marks the first time the local Rotary Club has worked with the Quilts of Valor organization. Jones said they plan to honor more Naperville veterans the same way in the future.

"We are examining expanding the project annually so that it would include nominees from the entire community," she said.

The club members who received their quilts in November are Richard Stompanato, John Robbins, Pete Ellman, Marlyn Reishus, Dick Galitz, Cliff Crone, Frank Slocumb, Leo Lesage, Roger Iliff, John Sims, Ron Ory, Jim Rothermel and Ed Channell.

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Pradel was the city's longest-sitting mayor, elected in 1995 and serving until 2015, when he opted not to run for re-election. He was nicknamed Officer Friendly because he spent much of his police career visiting schools and speaking to children. He was also the first teacher at Naperville's Safety Town for children, and the facility now bears his name and that of his late wife.

ehegarty@tribpub.com
The names of two candidates for the Maine Township High School District 207 Board of Education will remain on the April 4 election ballot, despite attempts to remove them. (Jennifer Johnson / Pioneer Press)

The names of two candidates for the Maine Township High School District 207 Board of Education will remain on the April 4 election ballot, despite attempts to remove them.

The Cook County Electoral Board recently issued decisions allowing incumbent Jin Lee, of Des Plaines, and new candidate Aurora Austriaco, of Park Ridge, to appear on the ballot.

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Park Ridge resident Gary Gale had filed objections to the candidates' nominating petitions, which prompted hearings before the Electoral Board.

According to the board's written ruling, Gale objected to 77 of the 101 signatures Lee had collected on his petitions. He alleged that the some signers were not registered voters at the address provided, some signers lived outside District 207, some signatures were "not genuine" and that some people signed the petition twice.

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Following a records examination, 52 of Gale's objections were upheld, leaving Lee with 49 valid signatures  one fewer than the 50 he needed to appear on the ballot, the ruling said.

Lee filed another motion and presented affidavits from three of his petition signers, which led to a re-examination by the hearing officer and a change in the ruling, giving Lee 51 valid signatures instead of 49, documents indicate.

In Austriaco's case, Gale objected to 70 of her 90 signatures, but a records examiner overruled 36 of Gale's objections, giving Austriaco 56 valid signatures, the electoral board's written ruling says.

Gale did not file an appeal to these decisions, said Cook County Clerk's Office spokesman James Scalzitti.

Lee is completing his first, four-year term on the District 207 board. He is the director of business planning and development for Albany Park Community Center, which provides adult education, business planning, counseling, workforce development and other programs to residents of Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood.

Austriaco is an attorney who previously served on the Park Ridge Planning and Zoning Commission and was the Democratic candidate for state representative of the 65th District in 2008.

Other candidates running for four, four-year terms on the District 207 board are incumbent Carla Owen, an attorney from Park Ridge; and newcomers Linda Coyle, an attorney and member of the Park Ridge Planning and Zoning Commission, and Dan Gott, of Des Plaines, who was last year's Republican candidate in the 55th State House race.

jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com

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Twitter: @Jen_Tribune
Alec Moseley and Kelly Bourget participated in the 2016 Indiana Challenge in Merrillville. Bourget is the daughter of Tim and Sue Bourget, organizers of the annual Indiana Challenge dance competition, which runs Feb. 23-26 this year at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City. (Tim and Sue Bourget Photo / Handout)

Elegant, vibrant choreography soon will descend on the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa in Michigan City.

The 24th annual Indiana Challenge DanceSport Competition is set for Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 26.

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More than $55,000 in prize money is at stake.

The ballroom dancing on tap represents an array of styles.

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"A person can come in and dance waltz, tango, fox trot, Viennese waltz, quick step, rumba, cha-cha, swing  all those different dances," said Schererville's Tim Bourget, who owns and organizes the Indiana Challenge with his wife, Sue.

"You have an opportunity to dance, compete against other people your same age and same level," Bourget noted. "We're hoping for 4,000 entries."

After 23 years at Merrillville's Radisson Hotel, the brightly colored costumes and sensuous moves of the dance competitors have found a new home in the ballroom space at Blue Chip Casino.

"We're excited about the new venue," Bourget said. "Professional events are Friday night and Saturday night. We have a professional show on Saturday night."

Nightclub dances with a disco theme are on the Friday night schedule.

In a spectator-friendly vein, hundreds of dancers from across the Midwest will participate in events with names such as American Rhythm, American Smooth and International Latin.

Events are scheduled to start at 4 p.m. Feb. 23, 10 a.m. Feb. 24-25 and 9:30 a.m. Feb. 26.

Activities and events are scheduled into the night on Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25.

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Deborah Meade and James Nemeth of Schererville danced last year at the Indiana Challenge in Merrillville.

In 2016, Meade, 66, and Nemeth, 68, stepped lively as they showed off their footwork in the cha-cha, rumba, swing, tango, fox trot and Viennese waltz.

"We're an amateur couple," Meade said. "It's a lot of fun. It's kind of neat to watch the more advanced dancers. It's a great social outlet. The dance community is pretty close-knit."

Besides the pure physicality of ballroom dancing, concentration also is important.

"You want to make sure you're doing what you're supposed to," said Meade, noting there must be focus on such aspects as upper body posture and performing steps correctly.

Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

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Indiana Challenge DanceSport Competition

Where: Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City

When: Thursday, Feb. 23, through Sunday, Feb. 26

Tickets: $10-$45

Information: 219-322-8381, www.indianachallenge.com
South Shore Arts instructor Dawn Diamantopoulos works with third-grade students at Griffith's Wadsworth Elementary School as they fashion underwater creatures during a craft session. The craft followed a book reading by Waterville author Nick Mantis, as part of South Shore Arts' everykid program. (Sue Ellen Ross / Post-Tribune)

It's not every day a third-grade classroom hosts a private reading by a local author.

But such was the case when Northwest Indiana native Nick Mantis introduced his new book, "Waterville," to students at Wadsworth Elementary School in Griffith. The book promotes awareness of pollution in the environment.

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"I was elated when asked to visit the classrooms," Mantis said, of the invitation from South Shore Arts, the organization that coordinated the event. "I wanted to share my experiences with nature."

The program, which is part of the SSA everykid program, is a literacy-based art workshop that is held in area school classrooms. This year's highlighted book  "Waterville"  is geared toward third-grade students.

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A copy of the book was donated to various schools, and teachers at each of those schools read and discussed its premise with their students  to learn how the environment affects others. A hands-on craft session followed.

Three classrooms at Wadsworth Elementary School were chosen for a personal visit from Mantis.

"This is great for the kids to meet the author of this new book," said Wadsworth teacher Niki Sarver, while waiting for Mantis to arrive for a recent session. "We are honored to have him here."

After the author introduced himself to the class, he shared his reasons for writing the book and sharing it with others. Moving from a city to a town with open land when he was a teenager was an eye-opener.

"I lived by railroad tracks and factories, just concrete everywhere," Mantis said, of his childhood memories. "When I moved to a subdivision, it was a very different environment."

He found green areas, creeks, ponds and all the creatures that live around them.

"I spent much of my time outside," he added. "I love all creatures and nature."

The "Waterville" storyline follows the tale of a natural pond and those living under or near the pond  such as Wiggles the Worm and Myrtle the Turtle and her babies. The group looks at the effects of pollution as barrels of oil are spilled into their pond.

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After Mantis' presentation, SSA art instructor Dawn Diamuntopoulous brought in art supplies to help the class fashion the types of creatures mentioned in the book.

"I chose the turtle, it's not too hard to make," said Tallon Rainey, 8, as he chose green construction paper for his masterpiece. "This new book is important because it shows how pollution can hurt the animals."

South Shore Arts believes that the arts have a positive impact on the scholastic aptitude of children and young people. To that end, the everykid program began in 1995, starting with a single after-school fourth-grade class in Hammond.

Thirty students were served that first year and SSA built on the success of the pilot program and added more classes the second year  reaching out to Gary and East Chicago schools as well as Hammond.

Under the umbrella of everykid, more than 20 unique programs have been tailored to meet particular objectives at appropriate grade levels. Today, 28,000 students and families are served by these programs, according to the SSA website.

South Shore Arts offers classes and programs for both children and adults throughout the year.

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For more information, call 219-836-1839.

Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.
Lake County elections officials say a first committee meeting to discuss consolidating voting precincts went well, but they will not be meeting with State Rep. Hal Slager as expected.

Election board director Michelle Fajman, deputy director Patrick Gabrione and board member Lake County Clerk Michael Brown, three of the four-member small precinct committee, said the Wednesday meeting was fruitful. The bi-partisan committee also includes Republican board member Dana Dumezich.

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"We had our first initial meeting and we did come to some agreement," Fajman, a Democrat, said.

On Friday, board president Justin Murphy called an emergency meeting for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the issue.

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The precinct committee has been tasked with finding a local solution to House Bill 1147 introduced by Slager, R-Schererville, calling for Lake County to eliminate precincts with less than 600 active voters and give county officials an opportunity to make necessary precinct consolidations locally instead of by state-mandate. The bill applies to no other county in the state.

In meeting with state officials during the recent Indiana Association of Counties legislative session, state officials said they would be receptive to a local solution if Lake County could show a good faith effort toward resolving the small precinct issue.

The trio declined to discuss the specifics of the agreement until the details are finalized and the proposal is ready to be brought before the board of elections.

"We want to get all of the agreement together and make sure it's a complete agreement," Brown, the second Democrat on the committee, said.

Gabrione, a Republican, said there is still some work to be done.

"We made some progress but we are still at the table," he said.

Fajman said the committee will be meeting again and are hoping to finalize a plan by Feb. 16 so it can be presented to legislators in time to prevent Slager's bill from moving out of committee.

On Friday, Slager said he has not been in contact with the committee and is unaware of what progress has been made so far. He said he is hopeful the elections board will be able to resolve the precinct consolidation problem, which is something they have been fighting in court for three years.

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"My interest is they come up with a bipartisan solution that is adopted by the board. If that happens, I'm good," he said. "Hopefully they will be able to come to terms and an agreement. I would much prefer to see this resolved right here and not go back to the legislature."

Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
The owner of Paul's Auto Yard has his eyes set on Broadway in Merrillville for the site of his newest location.

Paul Shafer told the Merrillville Plan Commission he plans to remove the existing three buildings at 6530 Broadway and replace them with one new office building with a small parts counter.

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The area would be cleared out and the parking lot area expanded, according to plans.

Shafer said there will be cars in the back of the lot, which parts could be obtained from.

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"You won't see the cars (from Broadway)," Shafer said.

Shafer said he has nine other locations.

The proposal will come before the Plan Commission for a vote at its regular meeting Feb. 21, but members voiced no concerns with the project at a recent workshop session.

"Anything you can do to improve the facade on Broadway is welcome," Councilman Shawn Pettit, D-6th, said.

In other matters, a spokesman for Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church presented updated plans for a proposed separation of the lots containing the church and the parsonage, which include a decorative fence blocking a new driveway. The driveway would serve the house only.

Spokesman Randall Floyd said the congregation plans to sell the house at 5375 Harrison St., which has been vacant for 12 years.

The commission had earlier asked for the second driveway, pointing out that original plans would have resulted in a shared driveway that would have served the congregation and the new owners of the house.

Council President Richard Hardaway, D-2nd, who represents the district where the church is located, asked that the commission allow the church to make the changes after the house is sold.

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"Emmanuel Lutheran has been in this town a lot of years. The last thing I want to see is Emmanuel Lutheran closing its doors should we be unable to work something out," Hardaway said.

He said the reason the church is trying to sell the parsonage is because it doesn't have much money.

"They only have a part-time pastor. That's all they can afford," Hardaway said.

Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Residents packed Munster Town Council chambers Friday morning for an opportunity to question Town Council members and representatives of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District over the proposed South Shore train station at Ridge Road and Manor Avenue.

"I don't want the stop on Ridge Road whatsoever," said Tom Davis, 61, who lives in the 8400 block of Harrison Avenue. "How would you like it if the train went through your back yard?"

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Davis was one of a few expressing their opposition about trains running behind their homes.

"You'll be able to see right into my daughter's bedroom window from the train," another resident said.

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The station is one of four planned along the West Lake Corridor Project, which includes two in Hammond, Ridge Road and Manor Avenue and at the Munster-Dyer border.

Councilman John Reed acknowledged the residents' concerns, saying it is a "scary time," as there are a lot of moving parts with the project.

"We want Munster to be a place people come back to, not a place to escape," he said.

The plan for the station shows that Harrison Avenue will feed into the Ridge Road station parking lot. Concerns over traffic, noise, crime and the aesthetics of the project were also noted, along with confusion over the potential of NICTD to purchase up to 18 homes in the neighborhood to complete the project.

Mike Noland, NICTD president and chief executive officer, defended the Ridge Road stop, saying it was the "perfect location" to attract riders. He also said the area was rife for future development as an economic byproduct of the station.

Although not a done deal until the Federal Transportation Agency makes its final determination, Noland indicated the Ridge Road was the preferred location for the station and that other sites were not under consideration.

Munster Town Manager Dustin Anderson assured residents the town would not use eminent domain to acquire for such development. He added that Munster would prefer to perform its own maintenance and upkeep of the parking lot to ensure is met the high standards over other town properties.

Noland estimated the Ridge Road station would attract approximately 500 riders a day at the outset, and that the parking area would be expanded over the next 20 years as ridership grows. He said the residents could expect 24 trains a day going to and from Chicago.

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While town officials say they share many of the same concerns as the residents and are seeking solutions now, they are not of the mind to oppose the project or seek another location for the commuter rail stop.

Council President Joe Simonetto said people who live in Munster typically work somewhere else, including downtown Chicago.

"How they travel each day to work is a big-ticket item for them," he said.

Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

Next meeting is Tuesday

The public is invited to a meeting about the proposed Munster and Dyer South Shore commuter rail stations beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Centennial Park Clubhouse, 900 N. Centennial Drive, Munster.
The town is strengthening its ordinance regarding rental properties.

The Munster Town Council passed an ordinance to that effect Feb.6, which brings the town's code in line with an Indiana statute adopted in 2014.

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Councilman John Reed explained that the ordinance changes the term of rental permits from three years to being valid until there is a change in ownership of the property.

"It also strengthens the ability of the Community Development Department to conduct complaint-driven inspections and codifies the occupancy standards set for in the Indiana Residential Code," he said.

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Among the changes rental property owners in Munster can expect is the ability for any individual to submit a written complaint about a rental property to the town's building inspector, thereby triggering an inspection on that property. In addition, the ordinance forbids retaliatory action by a landlord if a tenant submits a complaint.

The ordinance requires the property owner to pay a $50 inspection fee if the complaint-driven inspection reveals any violations, including not having a valid rental permit for the property. Transfer or a rental property to a new owner without reapplying for a rental permit is prohibited, and the ordinance also establishes occupancy standards as outlined in state code.

Town Manager Dustin Anderson noted that the town plans to improve the way unregistered rental units are identified for inspection  the result of ongoing conversations between the Community Development Department, Fire Department, water billing and maintenance staff, and the Town Manager's office.

Adding further protections for Munster residents, the town council also passed an ordinance establishing the Household Flood Protection Program, which offers eligible homeowners a 50/50 match, up to $1,000, from the Hammond Sanitary District for installation of a flood prevention device.

Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
The Portage City Council late Thursday capped off a tumultuous week by passing an ordinance that strips Mayor James Snyder of his $30,000 salary as the Utility Services Board's chairman just hours after an Indianapolis law firm advised the council that doing so could be a violation of state law.

Council President Mark Oprisko, D-at large, who also is the vice chair of the Utility Services Board, also said the council may invoke the "nuclear option"  passing an ordinance eliminating the current Utility Services Board  and added that "we're not going to waste taxpayer dollars" on a potential lawsuit between the board and the city.

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The salary amendment ordinance passed on a 6-0 vote, with Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, absent.

The advice from Faegre Baker and Daniels did not go over well with the council or Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham, who countered the law firm point by point, defending the council's decision to also strip Snyder of his position on the board.

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The Utility Services Board, under Snyder's direction, voted to hire Faegre Baker and Daniels to represent the board against the council's moves to change the board's leadership. The law firm sent a two-page, double-sided letter to council members Thursday afternoon describing the controversial ordinances as violations of state law.

Council members claimed that hiring the law firm could cost the Utility Services Board more than $500 an hour, but Snyder said he had not yet signed the contract and did not know how much Faegre Baker and Daniels' work will cost the businesses and residents that use sewer service.

In a written statement he issued coinciding with the meeting, Snyder wrote that "the Council action sets the stage for further legal battles which could be very costly and burdensome for the city," but he also left the door open for a compromise and an opportunity to "reach a more workable agreement."

After the meeting, Snyder said he likely will veto the ordinance firing him and the other stripping him of the chair's salary "if they are invalid."

"If (the ordinances) are valid, then I have some decisions to make," he said.

Snyder has the option to veto the ordinances.

Earlier this week, the council passed a string of ordinances that appeared aimed at Snyder and his administration.

One ordinance prohibits Portage mayors from naming themselves to the Utility Services Board and moves the board's finances and budget responsibilities to the Portage clerk-treasurer.

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By state law, mayors appoint the majority of utility services board members, with local councils, or legislative bodies, appointing a minority of board members. In Portage's case, a local ordinance calls for the mayor to appoint two Democrats and two Republicans.

Following tradition, Snyder appointed himself and three others to the board, and the board elected Snyder its chairman. The chairman earns a $30,000 salary, also by ordinance.

In September, a Utility Services Board employee sent two checks totaling $93,000 to two law firms, Dogan and Dogan of Portage and Winston and Strawn of Chicago, for representing Snyder in a federal investigation, but both firms returned the checks, insisting they represented Snyder as an individual and not the board.

The move riled Oprisko and other city officials, who claimed Snyder never consulted them on the payments.

City officials also have complained bitterly of Snyder's use of Utility Services Board funds.

While not illegal, many of those moves were inappropriate, Stidham insisted Thursday night, calling Snyder's actions "a pattern of disrespect for the taxpayers of Portage."

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"It has nothing to do with legal or illegal, but it's just wrong," Stidham said.

Snyder tied the council's actions to his indictment last November on federal corruption charges, something the council has vehemently denied.

"I think you can imagine this isn't easy," Snyder told the audience. "I'm looking forward, and my family is looking forward  but hopefully things are dropped before we get to that point  to our day in court."

Michael Gonzalez is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
No sooner did the federal government file a lawsuit against the Hammond Sanitary District over violations of the Clean Water Act than a settlement was announced.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management filed the joint lawsuit in U.S. District Court on Feb. 3, which produced an agreement that apparently had already been in the works with the Hammond Sanitary District.

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The federal agencies issued a joint news release describing "long standing" violations of the Clean Water Act involving discharges of untreated sewage into the Grand Calumet and Little Calumet rivers and flow backup into homes. The settlement requires the Hammond Sanitary District to make "significant infrastructure improvements" and pay a $561,000 fine.

In addition, the Hammond Sanitary District has agreed to take actions over the next 18 years to manage sewer overflows and effectively treat stormwater runoff.

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The Hammond Sanitary District, with the town of Munster as its partner, has 10 combined sewer outfalls that discharge in the Grand Calumet and Little Calumet rivers. When wastewater systems overflow, untreated sewage and other pollutants can be released to local waterways, threatening water quality and potentially contributing to beach closure and health concerns, the release stated.

On Jan. 24, the Hammond Sanitary Board approved a consent decree with state and federal agencies agreeing to terms and thereby avoiding further litigation. Hammond Sanitary District President Dean Button, who also serves as Hammond city engineer, said he was pleased with the settlement and that it was turned around so quickly. He noted that it's not official until a public comment period is completed and that the district would pay the fine out of existing cash reserves.

The consent decree calls for finalizing a plan, likely during the middle of 2018, that will require the district to implement a series of construction projects to prevent over a billion gallons of combined sanitary and stormwater from discharging into the Grand and Little Calumet rivers annually. The largest of these projects, a large basin on Columbia Avenue, was completed in late 2014.

During the final phase of negotiations, the district worked with the U.S. EPA and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to resolve regional issues with its customer communities, namely Highland and Griffith. The district and Griffith approved their new agreement in November 2016, under which the district will receive $2.7 million from Griffith for its share of operating costs and capital projects. The district is working with Highland officials to finalize a similar agreement.

"We felt we owed it to the district ratepayers to ensure that the customer communities pay their fair share of the burden of these expensive projects in exchange for continued access to the district's wastewater treatment system," Button said. "We have now achieved that in agreements fair to all parties."

Mike Hawkins, Munster's representative to the Hammond Sanitary District, participated in negotiations over several years.

"At first, due to past missteps and poor communication between the district and the agencies of years back, the atmosphere was guarded on both sides," he said. "But a lot of good efforts and honest discussions between the agencies and the Hammond Sanitary District team in addition to considerable serious work resulted in the final agreement."

Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
A thermal camera hangs from the body of a DJI Inspire Quadcopter on Feb. 2, 2017, as the Valparaiso Police Department shows their new unmanned aerial vehicles. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)

No, Valparaiso police are not going to use drones to peer into people's windows or monitor how fast drivers go in their cars, said Sgt. Michael Grennes.

Those were some of the misconceptions that Valparaiso police heard after announcing their unmanned aerial program last month on the department's Facebook page, said Grennes.

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"It's not going to infringe on somebody's rights or invade their privacy. That's not what this is all about. It's more about a tool for law enforcement," Grennes said.

Valparaiso police aren't the only law enforcement agency to start using the technology, raising similar privacy concerns in other areas. But, as far as Valparaiso police are aware, they are the first law enforcement agency to use unmanned aerial systems in Northwest Indiana, aside from the Indiana Department of Natural Resource's Law Enforcement Division.

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Valparaiso police have two drones, one purchased last year and the other in 2017. The department had to go through more than 100 hours of training and a lengthy certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration. This year, they were certified to fly in Porter County at night.

Grennes likens the drone to a helicopter, just with less cost to run and maintain it, offering a more feasible option for a city the size of Valparaiso.

"It gives us the capability to have an overview ... in the city that we couldn't get to before without actually physically walking through them," Grennes said.

Still, there are a lot of restrictions the department has to follow. For instance, they still have to get a warrant, just as they would if they went on someone's property, Grennes said.

Their hope is that the drones will especially come in handy for search and rescue missions or trying to find a missing person. Shortly after they got their first drone last year, the department used it to find a person who had walked off, Grennes said.

"It was some pretty dense areas up on the north side of town where we were searching trying to locate him, so it came in handy there," Grennes said.

Some years ago, there was an accident involving multiple vehicles on U.S. 30, in which criminal charges were eventually filed, Grennes said. They had to bring in fire trucks and climb on the ladders to get an overview of the crash. Having a drone would have been a more effective way of photographing and mapping the scene for the investigation, he said.

Located between Indianapolis and Ohio, Rushville police have mostly used their drone, which the department has had for about four years, in crash investigations, said Chief Craig Tucker, and "it has provided very helpful evidence on several fatality crashes."

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In North Dakota, law enforcement agencies have used unmanned aerial systems for a "pretty wide variety of missions," said Alan Frazier, a Grand Forks County Sheriff deputy and an aviation associate professor at University of North Dakota. They've located someone in a river and helped with homicide investigations by "taking aerial video ... that were turned over to homicide investigators," Frazier said.

The technology could also be used to assess storm damage or to see how big a spill is if a train derailed in a town, Frazier said.

Rushville police have also used it to film training exercises to help in their debriefings and to help the fire department examine a structure, Tucker said. If other area departments, like Porter County Search and Rescue or the fire department asked, Grennes and Phil Rochon, a patrolman who works with the technology at Valparaiso police, said they "wouldn't hesitate" to use the technology to help out.

Rochon, who also flies drones in his spare time, said the two drones the department have are nothing a hobbyist couldn't buy, aside from thermal imaging camera, which cost about $10,000, to help them fly at night. While it's fun to learn the new technology, it's also difficult, he said.

"Sure it seems you're just flying a drone and a 12-year-old kid can do it, and it's certainly true, but we operate in a lot stricter environment. So, you know, for us to get to the point of even putting it in the air is a lot of work," Rochon said.

Just to operate Valparaiso's unmanned aerial systems requires an observer, a remote pilot and a camera operator, Rochon said. Three officers are certified, and they're working on training three more, he said. Plus, the smaller drones can only run about half an hour before having to come in, and they can't really go out of view of the person flying them, Frazier said.

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It's a bit costly to buy the drones -- Valparaiso estimates one of theirs is about $800, while the other was about $2,000. Valparaiso police said they budgeted for the drones, while Rushville police said their drone was funded by donations.

Even so, Tucker and Grennes think the technology is going to become more common in police departments across the country.

"I think as the stigma of a 'drone' dissipates, their use will increase," Tucker said. "It is a technology that cannot be ignored and can be obtained at a very affordable price."

Grennes sees it as "the wave of the future" and that will open "a whole new area" for Valparaiso police.

"I think it's got a lot of potential for us in the future where it can be used and how it can be used," Grennes said.

rejacobs@post-trib.com

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Suzana Flores, a clinical psychologist, says social media impressions are causing us to become cognitively programmed to function out of schemes regarding politics. (Suzana Flores / HANDOUT)

The 2016 presidential election taught us many things about our country and ourselves, but it also revealed something intriguing about social media expression in the Digital Age.

"It led us to form political impressions based on snippets of information from multiple sources at multiple times a day," said Suzana Flores, a clinical psychologist who I profiled in 2014 after reading her book, "Facehooked: How Facebook Affects Our Emotions, Relationships, and Lives."

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Because of this misleading social media trend in our Divided States of America, it's causing us to become cognitively programmed to function out of "schemas," Flores said.

This is the same thing I do on my social media sites, though I never fully explored this concept of "schemas" in regard to mental categories we create to make sense out of new data. Or, in many cases regarding the plethora of political issues facing us, data overload.

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For example, one of these schemas, Flores noted, is that we assume the President of the United States to be 1) male, 2) rich and 3) powerful.

"Any disruption to these schemas causes us to fight, defend or argue. Whatever it takes to maintain our comfort zone," Flores said.

"When President Trump Tweets, they resonate with the schemas we've become accustomed to and, therefore, we make assumptions based on posts  versus reading full articles," Flores said. "His tweets make many people question news sources and, because we're paying more attention to these brief snippets of information versus investigating the validity of his comments, we are placing more emotional weight on them than they deserve."

The problem with such thinking, or lack thereof, is that we are interpreting complex information based on fleeting, incomplete digital snapshots, such as 140-character tweets, story headlines, Facebook posts, Instagram photos, and so on.

These snapshots trigger visceral, emotional reactions from us, leading to forwarded or shared tweets and posts using common themes through hashtags such as, #Deplorables, #NastyWoman, #MakeAmericaGreatAgain, and #FakeNews.

"What the president is doing  and what he's expressing through his tweets  is known as a shock effect meant to horrify and confuse us. This pattern is leading to anxiety, fear and paranoia," Flores said.

I understand if you disagree with her conclusion, depending on your political leanings, but I feel you can't disagree with her assessment how many of us communicate these days.

"We've become programmed to communicate through brief phrases and interactions," Flores said.

This includes preferring texting to calling, getting annoyed by voice mails, a dependence on cell phone screenshots, and showing our approval through clicking the "like" feature, or using facial emoticons on Facebook. This depiction sadly but aptly describes me. How about you?

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"Such connections can lead to powerful social movements, but will also likely lead to misunderstanding," Flores said, citing a factor that we all should know by now.

Social media has drastically changed the political landscape, dating back to 2008 with President Barack Obama, the first president to successfully leverage it.

"Before it became as ubiquitous as it is today," Flores said.

Today, especially under Trump, social media is the go-to forum for so many political strategies, not only for connecting with voters and lashing out at critics. Just look at our president's recent attack against Nordstrom in regard to his daughter's clothing line.

It came through one of his tweets. Short and sweet, plus it was easy for the masses to rally behind or against. How many of us researched the issue more thoroughly, beyond the incomplete "snapshot" of talking points? I didn't.

"Most of us are not willing to listen to the other side's point of view, so we scroll down to bits and pieces of information shared by our guy," Flores said, referring to people with like-minded opinions about political issues.

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Once again, Flores has smartly, if not sadly, described too many Americans in the Digital Age. We're not forced to base our opinions on social media schemes that fit our ideology, we prefer it. This is all too convenient for us. It's a paint-by-number understanding of complex political subjects that we would otherwise struggle to grasp.

"It's the polarization of America based on fleeting statements without substance," Flores said.

Much of social media can be described as "fleeting statements without substance," I say, prompting reactionary responses such as anger and frustration. It's a digital world where silence can be perceived as consent, and opinions can be perceived as facts.

"Social media seldom connects us with people who don't fit our expectations of behavior, and it does not build the understanding and empathy that can come from those disparate connections," Flores said.

I purposely try to counter this assumption by reaching out to readers who obviously, and repeatedly, disagree with my opinions. I have repeatedly invited them as guests on my radio show to spark such "understanding and empathy." It rarely happens.

Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Maybe Flores is right. Birds of a feather, and all that. Even in the 21st century. Especially in the 21st century.

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"Social media, with its inherent lack of ability to expand and explain, coupled with our psyches being assaulted with aggressive unsubstantiated information, has led us to be driven further apart," she insisted. "And into the arms of those with whom we share views."

How comforting. How troubling. How American.

So, what can be done at this point? Can social media be used to build welcoming bridges as well as isolating walls? Can it be used as much to connect with others as to attack others? Should we blame our president for leading by the wrong example? Or are we responsible for our own Digital Age actions, multiple times a day, as Flores points out?

One thing is for sure. We don't need a clinical psychologist to tell us.

jdavich@post-trib.com

Twitter@jdavich
Phil Marvin talked to Pioneer Press about Valentine's Day plans and other subjects on Feb. 9. (Kathy Routliffe / Pioneer Press)

Phil Marvin's family owns and operates the Shawnee Service Center, 332 Linden Ave., a Wilmette business since 1916, offering more than a century of car service. But Marvin took some time Feb. 9 to talk with Pioneer Press about romance and other non-car related subjects.

Q: It's getting close to Valentine's Day. Do you consider yourself a romantic person? Do you plan on spending the day with someone special?

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A: I wouldn't call myself overly romantic. I will definitely get flowers and a card for my wife. I'll probably make dinner for her. I don't know what, but I'll figure something out. I think the important thing is that I make it for her. I met her in college in Tulsa, Okla. She actually grew up in Deerfield, but I met her down there. I think I was smitten the first time I saw her. We've been together 32 years.

Q: Did you ever have a crush on a famous person or movie star when you were younger?

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A: I think we all had a crush on the lady from "I Dream of Jeannie," what was her name? Barbara Eden. And probably on Raquel Welch, who was very beautiful back a few years ago. And of course during the 1980s, there was the lady in the poster  Farrah Fawcett. She was quite beautiful, too.

Q. Taking a break from the romantic theme  do you have a pet?

A: I do; he's a golden retriever named Charlie. He's a great dog. He's about 5 years old and he loves to play  he'll do anything for a ball.

Q: Do you have a cause or charity that you'd like people to be aware of?

A: I was just reading about a dog rescue operation, rescuing dogs from puppy mills. I think that's a very good cause. The puppy mills are really terrible, and that's something I could get behind, rescuing pups from that sort of thing.

Q: Finally, what's more romantic: roses and chocolate, a dinner date, or cleaning the kitchen for the one you love?

A: Definitely the dinner date. I don't often have the time to take my wife out. I might have to do that, take her out for dinner!

Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press

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kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @pioneer_kathy

Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
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Therefore, if an entity is interested in a particular measure, it may be able to find more information by contacting the local corresponding government departments.



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An Introduction to Doing Business in ASEAN 2016

An Introduction to Doing Business in ASEAN 2016 introduces the fundamentals of investing in the 10-nation ASEAN bloc, concentrating on economics, trade, corporate establishment and taxation. We also include the latest development news in our Important Updates section for each country, with the intent to provide an executive assessment of the varying component parts of ASEAN, assessing each member state and providing the most up-to-date economic and demographic data on each.

An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2017

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An Introduction to Doing Business in Hong Kong 2017

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An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2017

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An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore 2017

An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore 2017 provides readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Singapore and outlines the citys role as a trading hub within ASEAN. The guide explains the basics of company establishment, annual compliance, taxation, human resources, and social insurance in the city-state.

An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2017

An Introduction to Doing Business in Vietnam 2017 will provide readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Vietnam. Compiled by Dezan Shira & Associates, a specialist foreign direct investment practice, this guide explains the basics of company establishment, annual compliance, taxation, human resources, payroll, and social insurance in this dynamic country.
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China's outbound direct investment (ODI) will steadily slow, but be of better quality in 2017, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday.

Despite rapid ODI growth in 2016, Chinese companies face increased risks in investing overseas due to fluctuations on international financial markets, uncertainties in other country's economic policy and restrictions by some developed countries on investment from China, particularly from Chinese state firms, said MOC spokesperson Sun Jiwen at a press briefing.

The ministry will support authentic, legal outbound investment by capable and qualified Chinese companies, Sun told reporters.

He said measures will be taken to prevent risks in outbound investment, regulate the market and encourage investment in the real economy and emerging industries.

China's non-financial ODI soared 44.1 percent 170 billion U.S. dollars in 2016.
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Chinese aviation executive Zhang Guangjian was surprised when thousands of people turned out to welcome his flight from Nepal's capital of Kathmandu to Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace.

The China-made MA60 aircraft, brandishing a red dot on its nose from a religious blessing ceremony, was the first new aircraft for the national carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), in about 30 years.

"Now, we are creating history again with the delivery of two more planes," says Zhang, chairman of AVIC International Aero-Development Corporation.

One China-made 56-seat MA60 regional aircraft and a 17-seat Y-12E were delivered to NAC on Wednesday from AVIC International, a subsidiary of state-owned aviation giant China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC).

Connecting people

The delivery is a major step in improving mountainous Nepal's domestic transport network and a major contribution to China's international "Belt and Road" initiative.

This is the second delivery of China-made aircraft to Nepal after an MA60 and a Y-12E were delivered to NAC in 2014.

"It is mutually beneficial cooperation. We bring China's aviation products and services, while our customers receive cost-effective and reliable aircraft," says Zhang.

Both models "perfectly match" the natural and geographical environments of Nepal, with its mountains and plateaus as well as its climatic variations.

"Aircraft are the most appropriate modern vehicles for mountainous Nepal," says Jeeva Bahadur Shahi, Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. "They are of critical importance to poor people in remote regions. Air fares should be affordable. The Chinese planes are just right."

The turboprop MA60 is manufactured by AVIC Xi'an Aircraft Industry Company Ltd. in northwest China's Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, and is designed for short airstrips.

The Y-12 series, manufactured by AVIC Harbin Aircraft Industry Company Ltd., is a regional turboprop aircraft designed for passenger, cargo and emergency rescue flights in plateau or mountainous regions.

It has obtained certifications from the Civil Aviation Certification of China (CAAC) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The MA60 and Y-12E will fly a total of 32 services on NAC's domestic routes each week.

Mutual benefits

"With the delivery of new planes, NAC will open more routes. They are critical to the rejuvenation of the national carrier," says NAC managing director Sugat Rana Kansakar.

The Chinese aircraft are expected to lift NAC's share of the domestic aviation market from about 6 percent to about 20 percent, servicing 20 of the country's 50-odd airports.

"The new planes perform well and the Chinese side has promised to provide support in parts, maintenance and pilot training. More Chinese planes are expected to join the fleet," he says.

The aircraft deliveries were agreed by the Chinese and Nepalese governments in 2013.

One MA60 and a Y-12E were delivered in 2014. Since then, the MA60 has flown more than 2,200 flights and the Y-12E 1,000, boosting tourism as well as emergency services.

In April 2015, an 8.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Nepal, causing enormous casualties and damage.

"During the aftershocks, we arrived at the airport to help protect the planes and the NAC crews. Luckily, they were not damaged," says Yang Kunbang, deputy managing director of the civil aviation division of AVIC International.

AVIC International's project leader in Nepal, Yang and 11 colleagues worked to help resume flights as quickly as possible.

During the rescue operations, the two aircraft flew eight times a day in total, shuttling the injured and taking emergency supplies to remote regions.

Wider world

As part of China's effort to strengthen regional cooperation, its "Belt and Road" initiative aims to realize benefit-sharing and common prosperity. China's aviation industry is working with other countries to create "Silk Road in the sky".

"Air connectivity means not only more aircraft in the sky, but also more airports on the ground, maintenance and professional personnel," says Zhang.

Those factors sustain the development of the aviation industry.

AVIC is working with Nepal's aviation industry to build modern hangars, and provide technical support and training.

"We are exploring effective ways to combine the advantageous resources of technology, products, capital and markets of nations along the 'Belt and Road' to share development achievements," says Zhang.

China has also pledged to strengthen aviation cooperation with African countries by accelerating work on jointly running airlines, technology and aircraft exports.

Zhang says China's aviation industry is cultivating markets worldwide: "We are holding firm in African markets, competing in Asian markets, exploring South American countries, and starting to study the European and North American markets."
Chinese tourists made 6.15 million outbound trips, up seven percent year-on-year, and spent 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion) during the holiday lasting from January 27 to February 2. [Photo/China.org.cn]

China's Spring Festival holiday, long accepted as a time for family reunions and traditional celebrations, has become a "global Golden Week" in recent years as an increasing amount of Chinese choose to travel overseas during the holiday.

China Tourism Academy and the travel website Ctrip said in a joint report that Chinese tourists made 6.15 million outbound trips, up seven percent year-on-year, and spent 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion) during the holiday lasting from January 27 to February 2, according to a report by chinanews.com.

Travel website Tuniu.com said among the 1,254 overseas destinations in 85 countries and regions Chinese tourists traveled that week, Thailand was their favorite, attracting nearly 25 percent of Chinese outbound tourists in that period, followed by Japan.

In addition, five of the top 10 most popular destinations were Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Nha Trang, the beach city in Vietnam, thrived due to Chinese tourists during the holiday. Over 80 percent of the overseas tourists it received that week were Chinese.

As islands in Southeast Asia were crowded with Chinese tourists chilling out on the beach, the Antarctic also witnessed increasing Chinese tourists, who reach the far southern land by icebreaker. A trip to the Antarctic could cost more than 50-60 thousand yuan during the Spring Festival.

Chinese tourists are big spenders while they travel abroad. Ctrip said they spent 2,174 pounds ($2721) per capita on shopping in the UK during the holiday, 3.5 times as much as tourists from other countries.

Chinese outbound tourists departing from Shanghai and Beijing were the biggest buyers during the holiday, spending 10,380 yuan and 10,196 yuan per capita respectively.

Tuniu.com said the top three Chinese departure cities of outbound tourism over the week were Shanghai, Beijing and Nanjing, followed by Tianjin, Shenzhen and Hangzhou. Second-tier and third-tier cities such as Suzhou, Wuxi and Shenyang also generated great outbound tourists during the Spring Festival.

In 2016, 122 million Chinese traveled overseas and they spent $109.8 billion in total, which made China the world's largest country for overseas tourism for four consecutive years, according to China National Tourism Administration.
Lu Qiong accepts the exclusive interview of CIIC.[Photo/China.org.cn]

The Key Tasks for State Administration of Cultural Heritage in 2017 has recently been released on the official website of State Administration of Cultural Heritage. It elaborates on the 32 steering instructions and specific measures to be exercised for strengthening the protection of cultural relics, promoting popular accessibility to the results of heritage protection and exploring approaches to the protective utilization of cultural relics in six areas for the year 2017. Among them, "enlivening cultural relics" is particularly eye-catching to the present reporter.

Promoting popularization of Chinese civilization by joint efforts of "Big Vs" via "Internet+"

Back in 2015, official accounts of museums including "Palace Museum," "Shaanxi History Museum" and "Sichuan Guanghan Sanxingdui Museum" appeared in social media circles one after another. Those official accounts quickly rose to fame. "China Cultural Heritage," the official microblog account of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, went so far as to win the prize of "2016 Top 10 Influential Topics of Government Affairs Microblogs."

During the holiday season for primary and secondary school students in the summer of 2016, "China Cultural Heritage" organized a romantic eventAppointment with Museums. The event was enthusiastically disseminated, attracting a readership of nearly 700 million, a figure demonstrating the strong social influence of museums as an important front for the construction of the public cultural service system.

"We are justified in being culturally self-confident, since we have such a broad mass base. Enhancing cultural self-confidence should be rooted in the soil of excellent traditional Chinese culture," said Lu Qiong, deputy director of the Department of Policies and Laws, State Administration of Heritage. It proved that "Appointment with the Museum" was a successful action.

Probably because of the favorable results of Internet dissemination, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Finance jointly issued at the end of 2016, The Three-Year Action Plan for "Internet+ Chinese Civilization," turning the down-to-earth Internet dissemination into a macroscopic steering opinion.

According to the Action Plan, the Internet will be drawn on to seek alternative approaches for the inheritance, innovation and development of traditional Chinese culture and for exploration and expansion of the unique historical and artistic significances of cultural relics - enabling them to tell their own stories.

In fact, the concept of "enlivening cultural relics" has been put to practice in more fronts including the "Internet+." Development of creative products is another "tonic" for giving life to cultural relics and bringing them closer to the people.

In the past year, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage selected 92 museums as pilot units for developing a series of eye-catching products. Lu Qiong told reporters that at Dunhuang International Cultural Expo in September 2016, a scarf printed with Dunhuang fresco instantly became popular among visitors, many of whom were full of praise for the elegant item capable of telling its own story.

Making cultural relics tell their own stories by staging exhibitions in Hong Kong and New York

As the relationship between the preservation of cultural relics and the promotion of social and economic development becomes closer, the cultural relics of China are keen to tell their stories not only to the people of the Chinese mainland.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong SAR to China and to support the "Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum" to be held in Hong Kong SAR in late November 2017, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage will hold an exhibition of Silk Road Heritage at the Hong Kong Museum of History, in collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) of Hong Kong SAR.

Focusing on "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'anTianshan Corridor," is a program inscribed in the World Heritage list. Thanks to the joint efforts of China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the exhibition will draw on existing research and exhibitions and will be the first of its kind after the successful inscription of the program. It is expected to offer a sumptuous cultural feast for Hong Kong people.

In addition, to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the normalization of SinoUS relations, 31 heritage collection units from 13 provinces (cities) will display 283 pieces of cultural relics witnessing "the civilization of the Qin and Han dynasties" in 164 sets at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, starting late March, 2017.

It is said that the exhibition will retell the stories of the classic period of Chinese civilization in the Qin and Han dynasties, exploring the formation of "Chinese culture" while focusing on the Silk Road connecting ancient China to the West and the Maritime Silk Road spanning South and Southeast Asia. It is expected to inspire scholars from home and abroad and deepen the knowledge of China by the Western public.

"Heritage work means protection, conservation and inheritance of public valuable resources. It is everyone's obligation. Common support from all walks of life is needed to make it a success." Lu Qiong told the reporter.
A police investigation is underway into the theft of black swan eggs at a scenic spot over Spring Festival, which has left the Swan pair grief-stricken and unable to eat.

The male black swan keeps guard as the female swan hatches the eggs. [Photo: 1545ts.com]

The eggs were taken from the breeding pair at the swan scenic spot of Mount Tai, east China's Shandong province.

Staff members have reviewed security camera footage and said that two tourists may have been responsible for the theft.

Li Yaming, general manager of the swan breeding company in Taian city, told reporters that the swan eggs went missing on February 1. Keepers found that the black swan couple had left their nest, were making a lot of noise, and were being aggressive towards people coming too near to them.

"The two black swans were behaving very abnormally, and then the breeder found out that the five black swan eggs were all gone," said Li Yaming.

Swans tend to stay in the nest during the incubation period. In general, male swans keep guard while female swans incubate the eggs. The thieves would have needed to wait for the swan couple to take a break before taking the eggs, said Li.

According to the staff at the scenic spot, unhatched eggs are useless to ordinary people. The eggs can't be eaten nor can they be hatched. Also, the eggs could explode in hot weather. But even if they were returned by the thieves, the five missing eggs can no longer be hatched.

Swans are nationally protected animals, and as they are strictly monogamous, they are seen as a symbol of loyalty in love.

Incubating eggs for swans is a painful process. Female swans only produce 4-7 eggs every spring, and the time needed for the eggs to incubate is 36 days. Even with great care by swan couples, the survival rate of eggs is only 50 percent.
Eight people involved in stealing, selling and buying information of more than 200,000 newborns have been sentenced for infringing citizens personal information.

The Pudong New Area Peoples Court said yesterday that the defendants included two former employees of the citys Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The eight were sentenced from seven to 27 months, and were ordered to pay penalties ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 yuan (US$290 to US$730).

One of the accused, surnamed Han, 41, was working in the city-level Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and another surnamed Zhang, 50, was working for the district-level authority. In 2014, Zhang persuaded Han to steal information of newborns from the centers database to help his friend promote infant health products, promising a commission fee.

From the beginning of 2014 to July last year, Han illegally downloaded the information from the system and sent the details to Zhang via e-mail twice a month. Each time information on about 5,000 newborns was given. Zhang then sold the information to another of the accused, surnamed Fan, who was in the infant health products business. According to the court, Han, Zhang and Fan stole personal information on more than 200,000 newborns.

Moreover, Fan sold more than 250,000 pieces of information to another of the defendants, surnamed Li, who sold on the information to two of the accused, surnamed Huang and Wang. All three were also involved in infant health products. Wangs ex-driver, surnamed Wu, also stole information of more than 70,000 newborns.

All eight confessed their guilt to the court, returned their illegal income and paid the penalties imposed.
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A wild elephant has attacked two migrant workers in Jinghong, southwest China's Yunnan province.

Thirty-eight-year-old Zheng Dong was rescued after he climbed up a tree and called the police for help, while 53-year-old Chen Wenxiang is still missing.

The two victims are from Puer City, in Yunnan province, the Jingna township government in Jinghong reported on Thursday.

Rescuers are searching the surrounding areas, but as the wild elephant is still believed to be in the area, rescuers have applied for an unmanned aerial vehicle to survey the scene.
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A Russian airstrike mistakenly killed three Turkish soldiers and injured 11 in Syria's al-Bab town, the Turkish Armed Forces said in a statement on Thursday.

A Russian warplane, conducting airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria, mistakenly hit a building where Turkish soldiers were placed.

Russian officials explained that the incident was an accident and offered condolences, said the army.

Russian President Vladimir Putin talked to his Turkish counterpart and expressed sorrow, the statement said.

Investigation regarding the incident is being carried out by both parties.
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Syrian army backed by the Lebanese Hezbollah group are closing in on the IS stronghold of the city of al-Bab in northern Syria, while Turkish forces and allied rebels are advancing in the northern part of that key city near the Turkish borders, a monitor group reported on Thursday.

Intense battles are raging between Syrian army and Hezbollah on one side with the backing of Russian artillery shelling, against the IS in the southern and southwestern part of the city of al-Bab, the last major IS stronghold in the northern province of Aleppo, near the Turkish frontier, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Meanwhile, Turkish forces and rebels of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and other rebel groups fighting under the umbrella of the Ankara-backed Euphrates Shield are advancing in the northern part of al-Bab, according to the UK-based watchdog group.

The Syrian army and allied fighters have become less than three kilometers from al-Bab, said the report.

As for the Turkish forces, the troops are aiming to divert the attention of the IS militants inside the city, by heavily shelling al-Bab by airstrikes and artillery shelling.

The Observatory said tens of fighters from the Turkish and IS sides have been killed during the confrontation since Tuesday.

It also added that 315 civilians, including 64 children, have been killed by the Turkish shelling on al-Bab since Nov. 13, 2016, the date on which the Turkish-backed rebels reached the outskirts of the city.

Both the Turkish forces and the Syrian ones are fighting separately and haven't clashed with one another, as observers said it's a result of a Russian-Turkish coordination, which was reached when Turkey and Russia sponsored a cease-fire in Syria that went into effect on Dec. 30.

For the Turks, al-Bab is important to cut the road in front of the Kurdish dream to link areas under their control in northern Syria.

As for the Syrian army, securing the southern rim of al-Bab will help in protecting the city of Aleppo from IS attacks.

The Syrian army wrested full control over the entire city of Aleppo in December of last year, poising for further military operations in the sprawling countryside of that key province, with the help of the Russian air force and the ground fighters of Hezbollah and other Shiite groups.
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Iran's defense minister on Thursday denied as "fabricated" media reports that the Islamic republic has test-fired another missile recently.

"Such fabricated claims are propagated by the Zionist regime (of Israel) and are aimed at Iranophobia," Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan said.

The allegations are "provocative and lies" seeking to create enmity with Iran, Dehqan added.

He advised the Persian Gulf Arab states "not to be deceived by such propaganda.

"The Islamic republic is not and will never be a threat to them (Persian Gulf Arab states) and the Americans are seeking to sell arms by making a psychological war," Dehqan said.

On Thursday, an unidentified U.S. official told CNN that Iran fired a surface-to-air missile on Wednesday.

"The missile was launched from the same pad that Iran used to conduct its failed medium-range missile test earlier this month," the report said.

The United States on Friday announced sanctions on multiple entities and individuals allegedly involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and providing support to the military in Iran.

The move came days after Iran launched a ballistic missile test, which drew a stern warning from Washington.

In reaction, Iranian officials unanimously described the missile test an "inalienable right" of the country to boost its deterrent power.

Tehran has vowed to counter the fresh U.S. sanctions.
February 8, 2017

With the Iranian presidential elections in May, rivals of incumbent Hassan Rouhani continue to assess possible candidates. In recent weeks and months, one new name has repeatedly surfaced in the Iranian media: Ezzatollah Zarghami.

The former director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in industrial management. Born in 1959, Zarghami was appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and headed the state broadcaster from June 2004 until November 2014. Zarghami, who was a member of the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line, was involved in the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran. In an interview with Fars News Agency on Nov. 3, 2015, Zarghami spoke in detail about his involvement in the takeover. Having joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War, he also spoke about his experiences during the bloody conflict, saying, An important portion of my time in the IRGC was spent working in the military industry and producing military rockets needed on the front. The factory groups of Martyr Hasan Bagheri, which were launched from scratch, are today an important asset for the military industry of the country.

After his time in the IRGC, Zarghami joined the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and later the IRIB. He has also served as senior adviser to the minister of culture and Islamic guidance, deputy for the provincial and parliamentary relations of the Culture Ministry, member of the IRIB Supreme Council of Policymaking and deputy defense minister.

Under his leadership of the state broadcaster, the IRIB greatly expanded, adding more TV and radio stations, including foreign-language stations such as the English-language PressTV and the Spanish-language HispanTV news networks. Yet, the IRIBs viewership during this time actually decreased as more and more people started watching outlawed satellite TV channels.

Zarghami has not been without controversy. In March 2012, he and 16 other Iranian officials were placed on the European Union's sanctions list. The EU explained his inclusion on the blacklist as motivated by what it referred to as Zarghami being involved in gross human rights violations related to coverage of the disputed 2009 presidential elections. The targeted officials, including Zarghami, faced the freezing of any assets in the EU and were barred from entering EU member states.

In this vein, in an interview with Chelcheragh magazine published right after the 2013 presidential elections, Rouhani criticized Zarghamis approach of running the IRIB, saying, A sizable portion of our young population have boycotted IRIB since they have not found it honest and moral, as it should be. The media must address peoples needs and one of their most important needs is to have access to transparent news and information. When there is more [coverage] about foreign affairs than domestic affairs, when there is a program covering the birth of a panda bear in a zoo in China but no coverage of the workers protesting against late payments [of salaries], it is natural that people form a negative opinion of IRIB.

After the end of his term as the head of the state broadcaster, Zarghami did not take on another official role and instead, as he has said himself, has spent his time on the internet and especially Instagram. In an interview with Tasnim News Agency in November 2015, he said, After [stepping down from] IRIB, different organizations invited me to cooperate with them but I rejected all of them, because I preferred to show that I am not pursuing official positions.

As such, Zarghami has implicitly denied that he wants to run in the upcoming presidential elections. Indeed, in an interview with Tasnim News Oct. 4, Zarghami said, For now, I have no plans to become a candidate in the 2017 presidential elections and instead believe that my duty  at this point in time  is to support and strengthen the revolutionary forces.

However, it is common practice in Iranian politics for politicians not to disclose their true intentions about whether to run in elections until the very last moment. As such, he has in recent months been consistently referred to in Iranian media as a possible Principlist candidate.

On Sept. 13, Principlist Nasim News Agency published a list of eight possible candidates for the May 2017 vote, referring to Zarghami as a reasonably successful manager and called him fire under the ashes in the conservatives fight against Rouhani. On Nov. 11, Principlist member of parliament Ahmad Poor Mokhtar mentioned Zarghami as a potential Principlist candidate in an interview with the website Entekhab. On Aug. 2, another Principlist outlet, Tabnak, also mentioned Zarghami as a potential candidate, though it added that it would be impossible for him to succeed.

Although Zarghami has denied the possibility of his own candidacy, he has behaved in a way that can be interpreted as preparing for the elections. In September, this led Rouhanis cultural adviser, Hesamodin Ashna, to write on Twitter, A friendly piece of advice for Mr. Zarghami: It is better for you to wait another four years  it wont be too late.

Active on Instagram and often publishing political posts, Zarghami reminded Rouhani Dec. 24 that while the incumbent had it easy in the 2013 presidential elections, as he was the attacker, it is going to be much harder for him this time around since he is now the defender of his position.

Mehdi Rahimi, a political editor of Mehr News Agency, one of the major Principlist media outlets, thinks there is a good chance of Zarghami becoming a candidate. Speaking to Al-Monitor, he said, Although it is still a little too early to confirm anything, Mr. Zarghami has the potential to unify the entire Principlist movement.

However, far from all agree with this assessment. In an interview with Al-Monitor, Principlist political activist and secretary-general of the Iran Green Party, Hossein Kanani Moghaddam, said, More than being a political figure, Mr. Zarghami is a cultural and media figure and we cannot be sure whether he really is a Principlist. Although he is not connected to the radical movement known as the Endurance Front, there are still doubts about him being a Principlist.

In this vein, Kanani Moghaddam said, More importantly, it is possible that those who are bringing up his name are more interested in conducting a political maneuver than investing in a real potential [candidate]. In any case, the complex Principlist puzzle to find an alternative to Rouhani has yet to be solved and possible potential candidates include [Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher] Ghalibaf and [former nuclear negotiator Saeed] Jalili  both of whom were defeated by Rouhani [in the 2013 elections]  and new faces who are waiting for their turn as well as other already well-known political figures.
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The motions panel of a U.S. federal appellate court ruled Thursday against reinstating the travel ban in a presidential executive order.

File photo taken on July 16, 2016 shows Donald Trump speaking during a campaign event in New York, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

The three judges sitting on the motions panel of the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, based in San Francisco, presented their decision in 29 pages of written opinion released in the afternoon.

In a unanimous move, the judges, two of them appointed by former Democratic presidents and one by former Republican president, wrote at the end of the ruling: "the emergency motion for a stay pending appeal is DENIED."

The motion, by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf the White House, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, was to overrule a temporary restraining order (TRO) imposed by a lower court judge against the travel ban.

The latest development effectively maintained the TRO in place since last Friday, allowing citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries with proper visas to enter the United States.

The motions panel heard oral arguments Tuesday pertaining to the executive order signed on January 27 by President Donald Trump that bars entry into the United States by nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Trump on Thursday vowed to appeal the ruling made by a federal appeals court. "See you in court, the security of our nation is at stake," Trump tweeted in all block letters shortly after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco made its ruling.

According to legal experts, the federal government can either take the case to the supreme court, or ask a panel of 11 judges from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to review the case.

Last Friday, Judge James Robart of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled in favor of the states of Washington and Minnesota and put the travel ban on hold, prompting the DOJ to appeal Saturday.

The two states filed a suit on Jan. 30 before the district court and challenged the travel ban citing harms to the states in areas including employment, education, trade, family relation and freedom of travel.

The DOJ, however, insisted that the ban is within the authority of the president, dismissing the states as well as the federal court system's role in the matter.

In its response, the motions panel of the appellate court wrote: "although courts owe considerable deference to the President' s policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action."

In stead of initiating a full review of the case, the panel is in charge of specifically deciding whether to lift the TRO put in place by Judge Robart.
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The barrister at the center of the historic court case over Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) is to address the House of Lords on the Brexit bill, it was announced Thursday.

Lord David Pannick represented businesswoman Gina Miller who challenged Prime Minister Theresa May's right to trigger the article 50 mechanism to kickstart Britain's departure from Brussels without the consent of parliament.

The Supreme Court in London ruled in favor of Miller on Jan. 24, which means MPs (members of the Parliament) need to vote on a parliamentary bill before the process can start.

The Brexit bill ended its journey on Wednesday in the House of Commons with a landslide victory for May.

The parliamentary bill giving May authority to trigger article 50 must now be passed by to the unelected House of Lords.

It was revealed Thursday by officials at Westminster that Lord Pannick was one of 140 peers in the upper chamber wanting to speak in the debate later this month.

It also became clear that May wouldn't learn whether she is free to trigger the mechanism until March 7.

Officials at Westminster announced the timetable for taking the Brexit bill through its final stages in the House of Lords.

Because the House of Lords will be entering a short recess, the main debates will not start until Feb. 20 when the first of 140 peers have their say.

The debate will continue on Feb. 21, with the process switching to more detailed debates by a committee on Feb. 27, which will continue into early March.

The third and final stage will be reached on March 7 when the House of Lords makes its final decision with a vote.

If the House of Lords follows the Commons and approves the bill, it will then go to the palace to be given Royal Assent by Queen Elizabeth.

Only then will May have the legal authority to trigger article 50, but it will be tight to meet her end-of-March deadline.

Once article 50 is triggered, it means the process has reached a point of no return. It will set a two-year maximum timetable for London and Brussels to strike a deal on the post-Brexit relationship between the two.

Downing Street will be eagerly waiting to see whether any potentially-delaying amendments are put forward by peers in the House of Lords where there is strong support for Britain remaining in the EU.

Some MPs have already signalled that if members of the House of Lords attempt to delay or wreck Brexit, it could lead to demands for Britain's upper chamber to be abolished.

May made no comment on her landslide victory in the Commons when she met Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloini on Thursday for bilateral talks at 10 Downing Street.

However, the pair did discuss post-Brexit relationship between the two countries, with both prime ministers saying they looked forward to a continuing relationship between London and Rome.

May also said at a media briefing that after she triggered article 50 she would press for the status of EU nationals living in Britain and British citizens living in EU countries to be addressed at an early stage so assurances could be given to both.
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Moscow and Ankara agreed Thursday to improve military coordination in Syria after a Russian jet accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers in the Middle East country.

A Russian warplane in an offensive against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria, mistakenly hit a building in Al-Bab town where Turkish soldiers were stationed, killing three and injuring 11 others, the Turkish Armed Forces said Thursday.

During a phone conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the "tragic" accident, according to a Kremlin statement.

"The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination in military operations in Syria against IS and other extremist organizations," said the statement.

Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, also expressed condolences to his Turkish counterpart in a phone conversation.

"Both sides agreed on closer coordination in joint actions in Syria, as well as the exchange of information about the situation on the ground," said a Russian Defense Ministry statement.

Russia began its military intervention in the Syrian civil war in September 2015.

Russia has cut the number of airstrikes and withdrawn the majority of its troops since December 2016 when it, together with Turkey and Iran, brokered a truce in Syria, but a high-ranking military official said Russian jets will continue to support anti-terrorist missions there.

As for the political settlement of the Syrian crisis, Putin and Erdogan reaffirmed their readiness during Thursday's conversation to actively contribute to the dialogues in Astana, Kazakhstan and in Geneva, Switzerland.

In addition, the two presidents discussed bilateral trade and economic cooperation by phone.
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The Syrian forces clashed with the Turkish-backed rebels on Thursday near the northern city of al-Bab, the first confrontation between the two sides for the control of al-Bab, the last Islamic State (IS) stronghold in northern Syria near the Turkish borders, a monitor group reported.

Violent clashes were reported between the Syrian army backed by the Lebanese Hezbollah group and the Turkish-backed rebels of the Euphrates Shield near al-Bab, as both parties were closing in on the IS stronghold in that city from different directions, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Syrian side is supported by Russian artillery as the rebel side is supported by the Turkish forces and airstrikes.

With the fresh confrontation, Russia's Defense Ministry said that Russian airstrikes have accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers and injured 11 others in al-Bab on Thursday.

Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences over the accidental loss of lives in the airstrike, in a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Earlier in the day, the Observatory said Syrian army is closing in on al-Bab from its southern rim, while Turkish forces and allied rebels are advancing in the northern part of that key city.

The Syrian army and allied fighters have become less than three kilometers from al-Bab, said the report.

As for the Turkish forces, the troops are aiming to divert the attention of the IS militants inside the city, by heavily shelling al-Bab by airstrikes and artillery shelling, according to the Observatory.

The UK-based watchdog group said tens of fighters from the Turkish and IS sides have been killed during the confrontation since Tuesday.

It also added that 315 civilians, including 64 children, have been killed by the Turkish shelling on al-Bab since Nov.13, 2016, the date on which the Turkish-backed rebels reached the outskirts of the city.

Both the Turkish forces and the Syrian ones are fighting separately, as observers said it's a result of a Russian-Turkish coordination, which was reached when Turkey and Russia sponsored a cease-fire in Syria that went into effect on Dec.30.

But after Thursday's first-of-its-kind confrontation, and the killing of Turkish soldiers in the process, the prospects of the Turkish-Russian cooperation in the war on IS could become compromised.

For the Turks, al-Bab is important to cut the road in front of the Kurdish dream to link areas under their control in northern Syria.

As for the Syrian army, securing the southern rim of al-Bab will help in protecting the city of Aleppo from IS attacks.

The Syrian army wrested full control over the entire city of Aleppo in December of last year, poising for further military operations in the sprawling countryside of that key province, with the help of the Russian air force and the ground fighters of Hezbollah and other Shiite groups.
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China on Thursday confirmed that it has received a letter to President Xi Jinping, sent by U.S. President Donald Trump, who extended his greetings ahead of the Lantern Festival.

The national flags of the United States and China wave out of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, the United States, Jan. 5, 2009. [Photo/Xinhua]

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily press briefing, responding to reports that Trump on Feb. 8 sent a letter to President Xi, wishing Xi and the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and saying that he looked forward to working with China to develop a constructive relationship that "benefits both countries."

"China attaches great importance to developing the relationship with the United States," said Lu.

China is ready to work with the U.S. side to expand cooperation and manage any differences guided by the principles of upholding non-conflict and non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, so that bilateral ties develop in a healthy and stable way, said Lu.

Lu added, just as President Xi has said, China and the United States both had a responsibility to safeguard world peace and stability, and promote global development and prosperity.

"Cooperation is the only right choice for China and the United States,"said Lu.

Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb. 11 this year, is held to mark the first full moon of the new lunar year. It falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. Chinese people consider it to be one of the country's most important holidays.

His letter may help to end speculation that Trump made an intentional slight by being the only US president in recent years not to have sent greetings at the Chinese Lunar New Year.

US President Donald Trump has sent a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping, wishing the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival, which marks the last day of the Chinese New Year holiday, as well as a prosperous Year of the Rooster. [Photo/Xinhua]

Donald Trump's letter conveys the reassuring message that bilateral relations are still on the right track despite the speculation that has arisen with Trump's victory in the November election, and his breaking of long-held norms and practice that used to guide bilateral ties - on Taiwan, the South China Sea and trade.

Fueling the tensions has been the belligerent attitude of some of the members of the Trump administration, which has increased concerns that a military confrontation is in the cards. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, for instance, has suggested China's access to its islands in the South China Sea might be blocked, while Steve Bannon, the chief strategist in Trump's team, said he believed that the US would go to war with China within five to 10 years during a radio broadcast last year.

Against this backdrop, the letter, though terse and issued nearly three weeks after Trump's inauguration, is still a positive signal, as it suggests that reason still prevails in the White House. Although it is still too early to conclude Trump no longer seeks to antagonize China, this show of goodwill will to some extent minimize the possibility of antagonistic rhetoric being turned into policies or actions that will set the two giants on a collision course.

China consistently holds that cooperation, rather than confrontation, is the only choice for the two countries, and that both should try to manage and control the disputes and sensitive problems that exist between them.

The fact that their shared interests far outweigh their differences determines that if there is a clash between them, "both will lose and both cannot afford that", as Foreign Minister Wang Yi said earlier this week during a visit to Australia.

The US seems to echo this sentiment. US Defense Secretary James Mattis, during a visit to Japan last week, emphasized the importance of giving diplomacy priority in solving the disputes in the South China Sea, raising hopes that the sea will not necessarily become a flashpoint for conflict.

Trump's letter to President Xi Jinping is a goodwill gesture that will ease efforts to find more common ground between the two countries and lower the risk of clashes in the Western Pacific, analysts said.

After assuming office, Trump said China and Japan were currency manipulators. Beijing and Washington have traded barbs recently over sensitive topics, such as the Diaoyu Islands issue.

The US secretaries of state and defense assured Japan in recent days that the Diaoyu Islands fall within the scope of a US-Japan military treaty.

Su Xiaohui, a researcher of international strategy at the China Institute of International Studies, said Trump wrote the letter to "display more goodwill to Beijing and to convince people that he cares more about how China feels".

"The letter could be taken as a signal that Trump is shifting his role from a business tycoon to a state leader who takes a comprehensive view of international relations and tackles them in a win-win manner," Su said.

Xi had sent a congratulatory telegram to Trump on his election victory last year.

Earlier this month, Trump's daughter Ivanka visited the Chinese embassy in Washington for the first time with her 5-year-old daughter, Arabella Rose Kushner, to participate in the embassy's Chinese Spring Festival celebration.

On Wednesday, Bloomberg quoted an unnamed White House official who said Ivanka Trump's public meeting came after behind-the-scenes meetings between Ambassador Cui Tiankai and Jared Kushner, her husband and a presidential adviser.

Kushner and Cui have had an extensive, ongoing dialogue that has been positive, the report said.

Yuan Zheng, a senior researcher on US foreign policy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that Trump has recently drawn fire because of domestic issues such as immigration and has aroused hostility overseas.

Writing to Xi and pledging constructive ties with Beijing shows that stabilizing US-China ties is "of greater significance" for Trump, Yuan said.

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said that "what China hopes to see is the soft landing of the two-way ties, and even further development at the new starting point".
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A leading commander of Islamic State (IS) militant group has been killed following a joint operation in Afghanistan, the country's Interior Ministry said on Friday.

"Qari Moneb, a prominent commander of Daesh (Arabic acronym for IS), has been killed during an anti-terrorism joint operation carried out by Afghan National Security and Defense Forces and (NATO-led) Resolute Support troops," the ministry said in a statement.

However, the statement did not provide details about the identity of the targeted militant and the raid, saying the operation launched on Feb. 1 was authorized by Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.

The killed militant was responsible for atrocities against local residents in Achin district of eastern Nangarhar province, and was involved in organizing several bombings, including suicide bombings against a mosque and a demonstration in capital Kabul last year, the statement noted.

The mountainous Nangarhar province, bordering Pakistan, is a known IS militants' stronghold.

The province with Jalalabad city as its capital, 120 km east of Kabul, has been the scene of heavy clashes between security forces and IS militants since the emergence of IS in early 2015.

The militant group has yet to make comments.
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Naval platforms of 9 participating countries arrived Karachi on Feb. 9 to participate in multinational naval Exercise AMAN-2017 organized by Pakistan Navy. The exercise will be held from Feb. 10-14 in Karachi.





A Pakistan Navy boat patrols harbour while Russian Ship enters Karachi Harbour to participate in Multinational Naval Exercise AMAN.

Being held since 2007, AMAN-17 is fifth multinational exercise of AMAN series. Navies of 37 countries are participating in AMAN-17, out of which 9 countries are participating with naval assets including Australia, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, UK, USA, Japan and Russia. The detail of countries participating with naval assets is given below:

a. USA: USS AMELIA EARHART (OILER), USCGS MAUI, USCGSAQUIDNEK and USS TYPHOON

b. China: HARBIN DDG 112, HANDAN FFG 575 and DONGPHINGU AO 960

c. Russia: SEVEROMORSK (ASW), ALTAY Tug Boat and DUBNA tanker

d. Sri Lanka: SLS SAMUDRA

e. Turkey: TCGGELIBOLU

f. UK: HMS DARING

g. Indonesia: KRI SULTAN ISKANDARMUDA

h. Australia: HMASARUNTA j. Japan: 02 x P3C ORION aircraft

Upon arrival, the visiting ships were given a warm welcome by senior Pakistan Navy officials amid catchy tunes of national songs, played by PN band. Officials of the consulates of visiting countries were also present on the occasion.

During this exercise participating units will rehearse various naval operations to enhance mutual understanding and regional stability. Aim of this multinational exercise is to display united resolve against terrorism and crimes in maritime domain. The exercise will also help in enhancing Pakistan Navys interoperability with regional and extra regional navies thereby acting as a bridge between the regions.
By Lena Ge, China Aviation Daily | Feb. 10, 2017

On the eve of Chinese Lantern Festival, AVIC officially handed over one more MA60 aircraft to Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC). The MA60 delivery ceremony was held on the afternoon of February 8 (local time) at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.

Chinese and Nepalese governments attached great importance to this cooperation between the two nations in the field of air transportation.

To celebrate the second MA60 delivery to NAC, Nepalese Minister of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation Jiwan Bahadur Shahi, Secretary Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong, Economic Counsellor Peng Wei, NAC Managing Director Sugat Ratna Kansakar, AVIC Deputy General Manager Gao Jianshe, AVIC International Chairman Liu Hongde, AVIC Aircraft Deputy General Manager Chen Fusheng, Deputy General Manager Zhangxiaohong, AVIC International Aero-Development President Zhang Guangjian, Vice-President Xu Bo attended the handover ceremony.

After the ceremony, the VIPs from both countries boarded the MA60 aircraft and paid high compliments about the cabin comfortability. Apart from the aircraft delivery, AVIC will cooperate with Nepal in other fields of aviation, in order to help improve NAC's maintenance and operation ability of the China-made aircraft, and make NAC an airline with modern aviation and ground facilities, as well as advanced management.

Related News:

Two China-Made Planes Formally Handed over to Nepal's National Flag Carrier
Xinhua | Feb. 10, 2017

Chinese aviation executive Zhang Guangjian was surprised when thousands of people turned out to welcome his flight from Nepal's capital of Kathmandu to Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace.

The China-made MA60 aircraft, brandishing a red dot on its nose from a religious blessing ceremony, was the first new aircraft for the national carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), in about 30 years.

"Now, we are creating history again with the delivery of two more planes," says Zhang, chairman of AVIC International Aero-Development Corporation.

One China-made 56-seat MA60 regional aircraft and a 17-seat Y-12E were delivered to NAC on Wednesday from AVIC International, a subsidiary of state-owned aviation giant China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). CONNECTING PEOPLE

The delivery is a major step in improving mountainous Nepal's domestic transport network and a major contribution to China's international "Belt and Road" initiative.

This is the second delivery of China-made aircraft to Nepal after an MA60 and a Y-12E were delivered to NAC in 2014.

"It is mutually beneficial cooperation. We bring China's aviation products and services, while our customers receive cost-effective and reliable aircraft," says Zhang.

Both models "perfectly match" the natural and geographical environments of Nepal, with its mountains and plateaus as well as its climatic variations.

"Aircraft are the most appropriate modern vehicles for mountainous Nepal," says Jeeva Bahadur Shahi, Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. "They are of critical importance to poor people in remote regions. Air fares should be affordable. The Chinese planes are just right."

The turboprop MA60 is manufactured by AVIC Xi'an Aircraft Industry Company Ltd. in northwest China's Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, and is designed for short airstrips.

The Y-12 series, manufactured by AVIC Harbin Aircraft Industry Company Ltd., is a regional turboprop aircraft designed for passenger, cargo and emergency rescue flights in plateau or mountainous regions.

It has obtained certifications from the Civil Aviation Certification of China (CAAC) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The MA60 and Y-12E will fly a total of 32 services on NAC's domestic routes each week.

"With the delivery of new planes, NAC will open more routes. They are critical to the rejuvenation of the national carrier," says NAC managing director Sugat Rana Kansakar.

The Chinese aircraft are expected to lift NAC's share of the domestic aviation market from about 6 percent to about 20 percent, servicing 20 of the country's 50-odd airports.

"The new planes perform well and the Chinese side has promised to provide support in parts, maintenance and pilot training. More Chinese planes are expected to join the fleet," he says.

The aircraft deliveries were agreed by the Chinese and Nepalese governments in 2013.

One MA60 and a Y-12E were delivered in 2014. Since then, the MA60 has flown more than 2,200 flights and the Y-12E 1,000, boosting tourism as well as emergency services.

In April 2015, an 8.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Nepal, causing enormous casualties and damage.

"During the aftershocks, we arrived at the airport to help protect the planes and the NAC crews. Luckily, they were not damaged," says Yang Kunbang, deputy managing director of the civil aviation division of AVIC International.

AVIC International's project leader in Nepal, Yang and 11 colleagues worked to help resume flights as quickly as possible.

During the rescue operations, the two aircraft flew eight times a day in total, shuttling the injured and taking emergency supplies to remote regions.

As part of China's effort to strengthen regional cooperation, its "Belt and Road" initiative aims to realize benefit-sharing and common prosperity. China's aviation industry is working with other countries to create "Silk Road in the sky".

"Air connectivity means not only more aircraft in the sky, but also more airports on the ground, maintenance and professional personnel," says Zhang.

Those factors sustain the development of the aviation industry.

AVIC is working with Nepal's aviation industry to build modern hangars, and provide technical support and training.

"We are exploring effective ways to combine the advantageous resources of technology, products, capital and markets of nations along the 'Belt and Road' to share development achievements," says Zhang.

China has also pledged to strengthen aviation cooperation with African countries by accelerating work on jointly running airlines, technology and aircraft exports.

Zhang says China's aviation industry is cultivating markets worldwide: "We are holding firm in African markets, competing in Asian markets, exploring South American countries, and starting to study the European and North American markets."

Related News:

Two China-Made Planes Formally Handed over to Nepal's National Flag Carrier

AVIC Aircraft Delivers 2nd MA60 Aircraft to Nepal Airlines
Trade ministers of the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim countries attend a press conference after negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement in Atlanta, the United States, on Oct 5, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Move would help to strengthen economic ties throughout the Asia-Pacific region

China should join the Trans-Pacific Partnership as soon as possible to build closer business ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region and further cut the possibility of trade friction, according to a report by a leading think tank.

The report, released on Thursday by the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization, said that China should not be absent from the TPP after US President Donald Trump decided to withdraw from the previous 12-nation trade pact.

The report said that once in the TPP, China can improve its business integration in Asia and build better economic relations with Japan, South Korea and countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Wang Xin, CCG's deputy director, said that joining the TPP will advance the realization of its vision of domestic reform.

"Widening the TPP exposes the limitations of the multilateral trade system," said Wang.

Zhang Yunling, director of international studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences [Photo provided to China Daily]

Zhang Yunling, director of international studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said: "It is possible that the US may launch a trade war with China, but it may turn into a bigger and more far-reaching trade war."

The US withdrawal from the TPP has caused other members to readjust their policies regarding whether the TPP should welcome China. Some, including Australia and Chile, have been keen in recruiting China as a TPP member to enhance the degree of integration in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Other TPP members such as Vietnam and Malaysia have also showed their desire to develop the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as alternative to ensure their exports and factory businesses," said Zhu Feng, president of the Institute of International Studies at Nanjing University.

Zhu said the TPP membership will also be practical for China to start talks on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific with other countries. This would be able to combine the TPP and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, to put an end to the economic fragmentation in the Asia-Pacific region that undermines economic integration,

Huo Jianguo, former president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said to meet the TPP demand, China must adopt measures to promote market-oriented reforms at home to diversify its companies' earning ability, open the market further and improve government supervision.

Zheng Yiran contributed to this story.
By REN XIAOJIN in Beijing and YANG JUN in Guiyang | China Daily | Updated: 2017-02-10 09:17

Wanfeng Forest, a signature scenic spot in Xingyi city, Guizhou province, Feb 6, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Guizhou has released a key development plan on its digital economy, which aims to lift the contribution made by the sector to at least 30 percent of the province's total gross domestic product by 2020, senior officials said.

The plan, the first of its kind in the country, targets expanding the utilization of information technology and big data.

To achieve the goal, Guizhou officials said the province had taken progressive moves.

"The key to drive digital economy lies in the projects," said Xu Yuanzhi, deputy head of the provincial development and reform commission.

"Last month, the commission announced 97 projects were contracted out,"Xu said.

These covered areas of the digital economy including resources, technology and services. The total investment was 65 billion yuan ($9.45 billion), Xu added.

Guizhou wants to underpin the significance of big data during the further development of its digital economy, officials said.

"Big data features heavily in the digital economy," said Ma Ningyu, deputy secretary-general of further development in Guizhou provincial government.

"The Guizhou government has listed big data as a crucial strategy, alongside poverty alleviation,"Ma added.

In 2014, the Bainiaohe Digital Town was launched with a 5 square kilometer industrial park and an information hub, focusing on internet and information technology.

More than 30 companies decided to move in, including big names such as Baidu, HTC and Legend Star.

"The investment environment is good and the local government officials have a sound and deep understanding of the digital economy and offer sufficient services," said Sheng Hua, CEO of MDong Technology, an internet company that focuses on accurate online interactive marketing.

The company moved to the digital town in 2015 and in the following year it generated 20 million yuan in revenue with a profit topping 5 million yuan.

"We plan to double staff numbers in 2017 to 200 full-time employees," Sheng said, adding that the company was now targeting 50 million yuan in revenue.

Bainiaohe Digital Town is aiming to become the home of more than 100 big data development enterprises in the next three years, providing tens of thousands of jobs and creating a 10 billion yuan worth of industry. The town also looks forward to being host to 10 listed companies.
Foreign tourists down drinks during the Qingdao Beer Festival in Qingdao, Shandong province. WANG HAIBIN / FOR CHINA DAILY

Carlsberg A/S, the Danish beer maker, is weighing up whether to purchase a 20 percent stake in China's Tsingtao Brewery Co, sources said.

The Copenhagen-based company is working with an adviser on a potential bid for the Tsingtao stake being sold by Asahi Group Holdings Ltd, said the sources.

No final decision has been made, according to the people. The shares in Tsingtao, based in a port city in eastern China's Shandong province, are worth about $1.2 billion based on Wednesday's close in Hong Kong, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

Tsingtao rose as much as 5.9 percent in Hong Kong trading on Thursday, hitting its highest level in more than a year, and was up 4 percent to HK$35.45 ($4.57) at 2:59 pm in Hong Kong. The city's benchmark Hang Seng Index gained 0.3 percent.

Tying up with Carlsberg could help Tsingtao as it grapples with competition from China Resources Beer Holdings Co's best-selling Snow Lager and Anheuser-Busch InBev NV's Budweiser label.

Carlsberg already owns about 60 percent of rival Chinese beer maker Chongqing Brewery Co, in addition to selling its own brands in the country including Tuborg, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc and its namesake pilsner.

"Tsingtao is fighting a battle on multiple fronts and they're overwhelmed," said Jeremy Yeo, a Hong Kong-based analyst at Mizuho Securities Asia Ltd.

Bloomberg
A worker checks stainless steel products in Dalian, Liaoning province. LIU DEBIN / FOR CHINA DAILY

Ministry of Commerce calls for cutback on number of trade remedy probes

China has called on the United States to cut the number of trade remedy investigations on Chinese products, to reduce the chances for trade friction, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

The US launched 20 trade remedy investigations on Chinese products in 2016, up 81.8 percent on a year-on-year basis. Among these investigations, there were 11 anti-dumping and nine countervailing investigations

The amount of trade involved in the cases reached $3.7 billion, about 131 percent higher than the previous year.

The US recently announced several major findings on trade remedy investigations into Chinese products, including tires and stainless steel plates.

"Trade friction between China and the US is quite normal, as the trade volume between the two countries is significant," said Wang Hejun, head of the trade remedy and investigation bureau at the Ministry of Commerce.

The US will make final decisions on several trade remedy investigations concerning China this year.

"We have noticed that the rate of rulings on Chinese cases is abnormally high, and there are several practices that did not conform to the World Trade Organization rules, leading to strong objections from Chinese manufacturers in related industries," said Wang.

The US government has launched 265 trade remedy investigations on Chinese products including steel, glass, ceramics and photo voltaic products, worth $29.8 billion, since 1980.

Wang said China urged the US to implement trade remedy measures within the framework of WTO rules.

A total of 49 countries and regions have launched 1,745 investigation cases on trade remedies against China by the end of 2016, worth $126 billion.

Among these multi-billion-dollar cases, 1,392 were on anti-dumping and 117 on countervailing duties. There are 623 measures remaining active with estimated $62.1 billion amount of volume involved.

According to the WTO, China has become the biggest tar-get of anti-dumping investigation for 21 years, and of countervailing investigations for a decade.

Xue Rongjiu, deputy director of the Beijing-based China Society for WTO Studies, said that apart from the rising frequency of these cases, the situation will remain challenging and complicated because both the US and European Union are to or may soon experience dramatic changes in their political system, which will have a direct impact on their trade relations with China.

Last year was particularly tough, with frequent trade conflicts involving China. Twenty-seven countries and regions have filed 119 cases, up by 36.8 percent from 2015.

The total value involved in the cases surged 76 percent since 2015, topping $14.3 billion. It means that cases worth $100 million were filed against China every three days in 2016.
Workers assemble a next-generation 737 airplane in Renton, Washington. [Photo / Agencies]

Boeing Co is the front-runner as Singapore Airlines Ltd closes in on an order for at least 35 wide-body aircraft, people familiar with the matter said.

Southeast Asia's biggest long-distance carrier is considering buying 20 of Boeing's long-range 777-9 jets, which are set to debut at decade's end, after studying a rival bid for Airbus Group SE's A350 aircraft, one of the people said.

The carrier is also poised to take at least 19 of the Boeing 787-10, the longest Dreamliner model, the person said.

Those aircraft would be valued at $13.8 billion based on list prices, before the discounts that are customary in the industry. The order could be unveiled this week, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private.

Singapore Airlines, under pressure to cut costs after two consecutive quarters of declining profit, has been seeking more fuel-efficient aircraft as crude oil prices show signs of a rebound.

Representatives of Singapore Airlines and Boeing declined to comment.

"The global trend is to replace inefficient planes with efficient ones," said K. Ajith, an analyst at UOB Kay Hian Pte in Singapore. "This move is to bring down their cost."

Singapore Airlines also has ordered 67 of Airbus's A350-900 jets, including an ultra-long range version, as it courts business travelers with non-stop services to markets such as New York and Los Angeles.

The new deal would provide a critical boost to two high-profile Boeing products amid a tough market for twin-aisle jets.

The Chicago-based company has been working hard to land sales of its upgraded 777X family, after twice announcing it would cut output of current models.

Bloomberg
BEIJING - China's outbound direct investment (ODI) will steadily slow, but be of better quality in 2017, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday.

Despite rapid ODI growth in 2016, Chinese companies face increased risks in investing overseas due to fluctuations on international financial markets, uncertainties in other country's economic policy and restrictions by some developed countries on investment from China, particularly from Chinese state firms, said MOC spokesperson Sun Jiwen at a press briefing.

The ministry will support authentic, legal outbound investment by capable and qualified Chinese companies, Sun told reporters.

He said measures will be taken to prevent risks in outbound investment, regulate the market and encourage investment in the real economy and emerging industries.

China's non-financial ODI soared 44.1 percent to $170 billion in 2016.
Longjiang Airlines Co Ltd, the first local airline in Heilongjiang province in northeastern China, is set to launch its first flight from Harbin to Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on Friday, with a stopover in Hefei, Anhui province.

The airline will offer cheaper tickets for the Harbin-Zhuhai route to promote the flight this month. With its hub in Harbin, the airline plans to start more domestic flights to cities including Nanjing, Zhengzhou, Haikou, Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin.

In the next few years, Longjiang Airlines also plans to start international flights to the Far East area of Russia, to further expand tourism and freight transport between China and Russia. In addition, it has plans to launch direct flights to Japan, South Korea, Europe and the United States.

"We are bullish on the growth potential of the route, as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge is about to open, and it takes only 40 minutes to drive from Zhuhai to Hong Kong," said Liang Fuhua, CEO of Longjiang Airlines.

Founded in 2014, the private airline has two single-aisle A321 and one A320 aircraft. By the end of the year, the airline plans to acquire six more aircraft, and by 2020, it plans to own 25 jets.

Longjiang Airlines is expected to create more jobs in Heilongjiang province, especially in sectors such as commerce, hotels, catering, transportation and tourism, the company said.

"Harbin airport has seen an increasingly higher throughput in recent years, and Longjiang Airlines has significant growth potential.
MEXICO CITY - Mexico could quadruple its sales to China by 2030 if the public and private sectors unite behind a single strategy, a business leader said on Wednesday.

Efren Calvo, head of the Mexico Chamber of Commerce in China (Mexcham), said a unified strategy could see sales skyrocket from the current $6 billion a year to at least $25 billion over the next 12 years.

To do that, Mexico's government and businesses need to present their Chinese counterparts with an effective plan, he said.

Today the bilateral trade tilts strongly in favor of China at a ratio of 10 to one, with Chinese exports amounting to approximately $60 billion a year, according to government figures.

"The Chinese know it and they are open (to changes). They want to open their doors, but we have to present them with projects, not ideas," Calvo told reporters, following his presentation on bilateral trade ties at the Center for China-Mexico Studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

The key to building more prosperous ties with China is to offer long-term certainty and stability, otherwise Mexico will continue to be a sporadic source of goods.

Calvo recommended an approach of "selling by sectors, (such as) biomedical, aerospace and agriculture. What do we want in each sector, how can we develop that together, what is our goal?"

With the US, Mexico's biggest trade partner, spurning bilateral ties under President Donald Trump, the Latin American country is looking to strengthen its relationship with other countries, and China has been named as an obvious potential market to focus on.

Mexico's officials should brainstorm with a group of business leaders, academics and Mexcham members on possible strategies, Calvo said.
Starbucks announced the launch of "Say it with Starbucks", a new social gifting feature on WeChat. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Starbucks today announced the launch of "" (Say it with Starbucks), a new social gifting feature on WeChat, China's leading mobile social communications service.

The launch is the result of a strategic partnership between Starbucks and Tencent, WeChat's developer, in December 2016.

"Starbucks is the first retail brand to bring to life a locally-relevant social gifting experience in China," China Digital Ventures vice president Molly Liu said.

During the first stage, WeChat's wallet function offers convenient access for 'Say it with Starbucks' users. They can select from a carefully curated selection of Starbucks-branded gifts and add a personalized message in the form of text, image or video to lift the day of a loved one. Once a gift is received, it will be saved in the recipient's WeChat app and can be redeemed at any Starbucks store in the Chinese mainland.

"This is the beginning of an exciting social gifting journey for Starbucks. We are looking forward to inspiring even more of our customers to show their love and appreciation through Say it with Starbucks'. Meanwhile, we will continue to enhance the social gifting experience to celebrate important festivals and holidays in China and the special moments in our customers' lives," Liu added.

WeChat targets Chinese domestic users and has 846 million global monthly active users (as of the third quarter of 2016).
The logo of Didi Chuxing is seen at its headquarters in Beijing, Jan 10, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Didi Chuxing, China's largest car-hailing provider, is facing increased pressure after one of its rivals obtained a license needed to legally operate car-hailing business, experts said on Thursday.

Shouqi Limousine and Chauffeur, a unit of Beijing Shouqi Group, a major car-rental and taxi firm, on Wednesday received the first online car-hailing platform business license issued by the Beijing transport authorities.

Major cities rolled out regulations in October, asking car-hailing operators to obtain licenses from local governments.

Wang Xiaofeng, a tech analyst at Forrester Research Inc, said Didi has not been granted a license yet, partly because it takes time for government agencies to review Didi's sprawling and complicated business.

As of December, the Beijing-based company has about 400 million users in more than 400 cities.

"But there is an urgent need for Didi to accelerate steps to get a green light from the government," Wang said.

Car-hailing platform operators need to be reviewed by government agencies, including transport, public security and taxation, before being granted licenses.

Zhang Xu, a transport analyst for internet consultancy Analysys, said: "If Didi can get the license before March, Shouqi Limousine and Chauffeur's head start won't have big effect on it," Zhang said.

Shouqi Limousine and Chauffeur's service is now available in 35 cities.

"We will step up efforts to diversify business and expand our presence in more cities," said Wei Dong, CEO of Shouqi Limousine and Chauffeur.
Adam Neumann, WeWork's co-founder and CEO. [Photo provided to China Daily]

WeWork has set up over 100 sites at 35 cities in 10 countries, by 2016

"Do What You Love" is Adam Neumann's catchphrase and no-one who has visited a location of WeWorkthe world's biggest co-working space operatorcan fail to be impressed by the bon mot that can be found just about everywhere in the company's public spaces to inspire the start-up entrepreneurs, freelancers and self-employed professionals who gather there to work.

On pantry mugs, writing pads in meeting rooms, on the corridor walls, "Do What You Love" is the mantra of WeWork.

WeWork is the New York City-headquartered group founded in 2010 that provides shared workspace, communities and services for entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups and small businesses.

Neumann, WeWork's co-founder and CEO, and a Isreali navy veteran, is passionate about his vision for a global community of creatorsfor building WeWork not just as a place for people to work in at affordable rental cost, but as a way of working and living.

The business leader almost lost his voice during his trips in Asia, particularly on the Chinese mainland, to meet investors and partners as well as "members"the latter term replacing the more conventional one of tenants.

With the belief that the world is a better place because of "creators"and a desire to understand the demands of those creatorsNeumann and his team have turned WeWork, that began in 2010 as a small platform for co-working spaces with just one location, into a unicorn enterprise with a value exceeding $10 billion.

In China's context, the thinking behind "Do What You Love" is in alignment with the country's nationwide campaign of innovation and growing entrepreneurship, said Neumann.

This has helped power WeWork's rapid expansion in the market. In return, the co-working space operator helps improve productivity and empowers start-up entrepreneurs to reach further heights, he added.

Recently, he spoke with China Daily about the company's strategy, business opportunities and prospects. The following are the edited excerpts from the interview.

How do you see the co-working spaces market in China? Is there increasing competition as more players enter the market?

Indeed there are many types of services offering offices at affordable rental costs, such as incubators, creative-industry parks, co-working spaces, which is a good thing as long as they meet market demand.

The thing that differentiates us from the others is the networks and community we build up, which enable our members to be exposed to more business opportunities.

By the end of 2016, WeWork has set up more than 100 locations at 35 cities in 10 countries, and now nearly 10,000 companies are based at a WeWork location, with member companies ranging from start-ups to household names including Delta, IBM, KPMG, GE, Dropbox and Samsung. This creates a powerful community that other operators do not offer.

What is your plan for location launch in China market?

We will open several locations in China. In Shanghai, we will open locations in Yunan Lu, East Ocean Center (Yan'an Donglu) and Huaihai Zhong Lu very soon. In Beijing, WeWork Guanghua Lu is going to be opening in March and another location in the city will be opening by summer 2017.

Currently WeWork has two locations on the Chinese mainland, namely WeWork Yanping Lu and WeWork Weihailu. Both are located in Shanghai.

What's your view on China's startup entrepreneurs?

China's fast growth of startups, and nationwide encouragement of innovation and entrepreneurship, is a great opportunity for startups. There is so much demand yet to be met, and these are great opportunities for innovation. Of course, for WeWork it is also a great opportunity to grow in the world's second biggest economy.

What is your advice for startup entrepreneurs?

I think you really need to do what you love, and do not be afraid of making mistakes. I founded a company making babysuits for infants. It did not prove successful but I did not give up creating new business model. I learnt a lesson that in order to be successful it is key to understand market demands. You need to be passionate, brave, and understand demand to create a unique and effective business model.

What is your observation about the fast changing demand for co-working spaces?

WeWork's member demographics are changing as co-working networks expand. In factbesides conventional startup entrepreneursfreelancers and self-employed professionals, small businesses, artists, and divisions of large corporations have now joined the co-working network.

For example in Hong Kong, a division from HSBC is working in a WeWork location, as the employer believes that in an open, interactive environment, staff are more encouraged to be innovative and creative, which helps them to perform better and work with more well-being.

What is the core value of working in a co-working space?

The value-added services the community WeWork creates make WeWork far more than just a sublet cubicle at lower cost.

At WeWork, members are part of a global network of all the people who share resources on the same platform, which provides opportunities for letting everyone know everyone to seek collaboration opportunities.

More than 70 percent of WeWork's 90,000 members collaborate with each other and our international locations serve as convenient bases for business travel, enabling a great degree of work flexibility for both multinationals and smallto medium-size businesses alike, as well as options for easy expansion into new markets.

How do you cooperate with local partners?

Take the Beijing Guanghualu location for example. It is the first location WeWork will run in partnership with China local real estate partner Sino Ocean Group, based on a strategic cooperation agreement with a revenue share component between WeWork and SOG reached in November.

Each brings unique expertise and assets to the partnership: WeWork provides the brand, design, community, digital tools, global member network, and management operations. SOG provides the real estate, local market expertise and building-level capital. The partnership is the first of its kind for WeWork in China.

How does the globalization of China's enterprises and the Belt and Road Initiative influence WeWork's business?

The trend and the initiative creates demands that WeWork can meet. Globalization means that members need access to healthcare, payment processing, IT support, payroll management, and legal services, education, and training, and human resources in a new market.

WeWork takes care of members' multi-faceted demands, making opening a new office in a new market much easier. As I said, China is world's second largest economy and entrepreneurship, innovation and creators are all growing. We want to be a part of it.

How do you describe your leadership style?

I believe that people achieve more together than they can on their own. My team and I want to grow WeWork everywhere to serve everyone, expanding globally and focusing on building technology that connects members around the world so they are empowered to do what they love.

What is your take on balancing work and life?

I have four children and a lovely wife, and for me family is very important. At WeWork, our mission is to create a world where people work to make a life, not just a living.

An entrepreneur and a co-working space operator who provides services to entrepreneurs, I have always looked at more areas that WeWork can take care ofsuch as members' well-being after work.

In new locations, facilities such as a yoga room and fitness room are added alongside a nursery room and shower room, giving members comfortable spaces to relax, entertain, and have quality time with children and family.

CV

Age: 37

Nationality: Israeli

Career:

2010 onwards: Co-founder and CEO of WeWork

2007: Founded a business making baby care products

2001-07: Being a start-up entrepreneur and studying business modle in New York

Education:

City University of New York Baruch

Family: Married, with four children

Hobby: Surfing
View of Baidu Inc'stand at an exhibition in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, Oct 18, 2012. [Photo/VCG]

China's major internet search engine Baidu Inc is restructuring and optimizing its medical business, by emphasizing artificial intelligence in its layout, according to the company.

Baidu said part of its medical teams will be integrated into the artificial intelligence and search engine teams, while other health business units will be shut down and the related employees will be offered other roles.

Li Zheng, general manager of Baidu's medical unit, will join the AI team, a move to accelerate the exploration and application of AI solutions in the medical field.

The focal point of its medical business will be changed from low-level services to the higher-level medical R&D and AI-based innovation.

"The most important force to change the medical field is artificial intelligence," said Robin Li, chairman and chief executive officer of Baidu, on Wednesday.
Attendees inspect Huawei P9 smartphones on display at the China International Information Exhibition in Beijing. Nanshan / For China Daily

The majority of Chinese people believe that home produced products have made great progress over the past decade, according to a survey conducted by China Youth Daily.

In the survey of 2000 netizens, 65.1 percent of respondents say mobile phones were the domestic products they trust the most; 55.4 percent of them choose space and aviation facilities; and 54.1 percent place their trust in domestic high-speed rail products most.

A total of 41.4 percent of netizens praised domestic products, with 49.2 percent saying they were acceptable and only 1.3 percent of respondents rejecting made-in-China products.

Ten years ago, the most reputable domestic products were small items such as clothing and shoes. But today, high-tech products have won a good reputation for good quality and low prices.

Wu Zhen, a Doctor at Tsinghua University, said the biggest change for domestic products is that they are not only cheap, but also display advanced technologies. He noted that the smartphone he now uses is a Chinese brand, adding that the smartphone is easy to use and is of good quality.

Sun Yu working at a hospital in Henan province is planning to buy a Haier washing machine. He said many Chinese brands such as Haier, Huawei and Lenovo have won favour among foreign customers for their good quality and low prices.

To do better in the future, nearly 70 percent of respondents suggest Chinese brands focus on intellectual property rights and the development of core technology.

A total of 54.4 percent say innovation is the top priority of domestic products.
Attendants stand in front of the logo of China Mobile at a venue for the launch of Xiaomi's new smartphone in Beijing. [Photo/Agencies]

China Mobile Communications Corp, the world's largest telecom carrier by subscribers, will invest $200 million in Pakistan this year to expand its presence.

The Beijing-based company confirmed to China Daily on Thursday that it will expand its Pakistani network by adding 3G and 4G sites, taking the overall tally to more than 10,000 sites by the end of 2017.

China Mobile's Pakistan branch, also known as Zong, has pumped $2.1 billion into the country. As of 2016, it had about 6,000 4G sites.

"We intend to expand 4G coverage, not only to urban but also rural areas via additional investment and network expansion," the company said.

China Mobile started its operations in Pakistan in April 2008. At the end of last year, Zong's 4G subscribers had reached 2 million.

Xiang Ligang, a telecoms expert and CEO of the telecom industry website cctime.com, said Pakistan is one of the overseas markets where China Mobile has obtained 3G and 4G licenses.

"China Mobile's investment in Pakistan has a strong symbolic meaning. It is a testing field for Chinese telecoms carriers' overseas expansion, where they can accumulate experience," Xiang added.

Fu Liang, an independent telecoms expert, said: "Pakistan is a promising market. It has a big population and local consumers desire better telecom services."

Pakistan has more than 140 million mobile subscribers.

Cheng Yu contributed to this story.
China said overseas NGOs are welcome to carry out friendly exchanges and cooperation in the country.

Efficient and convenient services will be provided for overseas NGOs and their legitimate rights and interests will be protected, according to a statement from the overseas NGO management office under the Ministry of Public Security.

Authorities in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong province have issued registration certificates to 32 representative offices of NGOs from outside the Chinese mainland, according to the MPS.

Registration services for overseas NGO offices became mandatory on Jan 1, with a new law on overseas NGOs taking effect the same day.

To support the process, the ministry, which is responsible for registering the organizations, has released a guideline, set up registration counters at provincial-level police offices and launched a supporting website.

Registration records of some overseas NGOs, which were previously kept at the civil affairs and industrial and commercial authorities, have also been transferred to the new authority in charge.

The ministry and other authorities have held a number of meetings with representatives from overseas NGOs as well as delegates from the European Union to China and from foreign embassies and consulates, to listen to their suggestions on the new process.

In Shanghai and Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, police have provided demonstrations of the new procedures to foreign diplomats and representatives of overseas NGOs.

The new law, adopted by the top legislature in April, requests that all NGOs outside the Chinese mainland secure approval to operate in the mainland.

The ministry said it will continue to improve the new service.
China's first successful cardiac surgery in HIV-positive patient

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-02-10 07:41

SHANGHAI - The first HIV-positive patient to undergo heart surgery was discharged Thursday from the Shanghai hospital where he had been treated.



"It was China's first successful heart surgery on an HIV-positive patient," said Lu Hongzhou, director of the Shanghai Center for AIDS Diagnosis and Treatment.



The male patient, 58, had cardiac aortic valve calcification problem, which could only be corrected through surgery.



Sun Xiaoning, a surgeon with Zhongshan Hospital under Fudan University, said after the surgery on Jan. 6, the patient was transferred so that HIV-related complications could be treated.



"There is an occupational risk when operating on HIV-positive patients. Our team was not afraid, it was our obligation," said Sun.



Zhu Tongyu, director of the Shanghai Public Health Clinic Center, said people living with HIV/AIDS are often rejected by hospitals for surgery. The center's AIDS Diagnosis and Treatment Center has dedicated itself to addressing this difficulty for the past seven years.



It was with the help of the center that the patient was admitted by the hospital.



The center has helped AIDS patients get surgery ranging from orthopaedics, neurosurgery, oncology to ophthalmology.
From a giant salamander to a spotted deer, and both red and white foxes, Shanghai Zoo has taken in more than 1,000 animals deserted all over the city in the past year alone.

An elderly woman called the zoo recently, saying: "Please take a giant salamander from my home. I bought it because people said eating it would bring me longevity, but it keeps on crying so much that I can't fall asleep."

Shanghai Zoo is responsible for taking in rare species of wild animals from around the city. A zoo keeper surnamed Chen said she and her colleagues drove to the elderly woman's house to collect the giant salamander.

The zoo works closely with wildlife rescue stations in Shanghai. It also receives protected animals confiscated by the police, as well as those found or deserted by the public.

Chen said that from time to time, certain animals are seen as fashionable to have as pets, which often results in specific waves of deserted species. For example, one year saw lots of turtles coming in, while another saw more reptiles and parrots.

The zoo has received 14 foxes in the past year alone, Chen said, adding that most of them were once kept as pets by locals, who found foxes unsuitable as household pets after they reach puberty.

"Male foxes have a strong scent, make lots of noise and can become aggressive," Chen said, explaining why the seemingly cute cubs are far from ideal pets.

Chen and her colleagues at Shanghai Zoo have taken in animals that are first-class national protected species, such as an Oriental white stork and a Chinese crocodile lizard. They have also received animals listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, such as Siamese crocodiles, Bengal monitor lizards and slow lorises. Some species, such as an African spurred tortoise, are entirely new for the zoo and have presented zookeepers with new challenges.

According to Chen, the zoo has taken in more than 1,000 animals every year since 2015, leading to the zoo becoming overcrowded.

The Shanghai Observer reported that wild animals, including protected species, are often sold at local pet shops, including macaques and more exotic animals such as lizards and parrots.

Often people find the animals difficult to look after, so they end up at the zoo.

The zoo calls on the public not to purchase or keep wild animals against the law. "If you are interested in exotic pets, first you need to learn more about them," Chen said.

If people learn about illicit trading of wild animals, they should contact the police immediately, rather than buying the animals themselves and then passing them on to the zoo, or even worse, returning them to the wild, she said.

Animals taken in by the zoo go through a process of vaccinations, quarantine and medical treatment in case of injury or disease. If they are a local species, staff release them back into the wild when they are recovered and in a suitable condition.
In an effort to promote filial piety, a university in Fujian province has set aside 100,000 yuan ($14,560) to reward students who returned home for the winter break.

Students at Xiamen University of Technology who returned home can enter a lottery through the college's WeChat account to be reimbursed up to 500 yuan.

The money will be distributed in four rounds during the break, which lasts until the middle of this month. The winners of the first two rounds have already been announced.

According to the college, students were given a homework assignment to return home and help out, such as with spring cleaning or cooking the traditional Chinese New Year's Eve dinner, and to interact with their parents and grandparents.

The assignment was conceived in 2012 when academic leaders discovered many students were making use of the winter and summer holidays to work as interns or take part-time jobs rather than visit relatives. The lottery to reimburse travel costs was introduced last year.

Lin Zhicheng, deputy Party chief of the university, said the assignment stems from the college's education philosophy and is to foster students' enthusiasm for their heritage, in addition to learning new knowledge and skills.

"Affection for one's family is a basic responsibility. Many students, however, lack that affection," he said. "We object to socializing during the holidays, because students have many opportunities to do that, but less time to spend with their parents."

The university's efforts have been met with positive results, Lin said.

"Before we introduced the initiative, 1,000 of our 20,000 students remained on campus during the winter holiday. Now, the number has declined to about 100."

Cai Lingling, a student at the School of Cultural Industry and Tourism Management, welcomed the initiative and said students could also win money if they share photos or stories about their family on the university WeChat account.

"Before the special homework assignment, I tended to be lazy after just a few days of helping my parents with housework during the holidays. The homework is like a guiding light, reminding me about filial piety and the need to work harder," she said.

Li Junfu, an associate professor of sociology at Beijing University of Technology, said the university's special homework assignment could help students get more home education and preserve the country's traditions, many of which are rooted in family life.
An explosion at a chemical plant on Wednesday night in Tongling city, Anhui province, left at least two people injured.

Local authorities said a 100-cubic-meter liquid fuel container exploded at Tongling Hengxing Chemical Ltd's plant at about 10:45 pm, with two of its employees "injured by broken glass after the explosion".

Photos and videos taken by local residents and published on social media show the sky being lit up for nearly 10 seconds.

Fu Ling, a local resident from a nearby community, said, "The windows shook furiously, as if the apartment was about to collapse."

More than 100 firefighters attended the scene and had put the fire out by 11:30 pm, according to the local fire brigade.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is said to be underway.

Public information shows the private plant produces isophorone and other chemical materials. The city government said in a statement on Thursday morning that the firm had recently suspended production.

Though no people were reported dead in the explosion, the incident is still a cause for concern, as the plant is only 4 kilometers from the city's crowded downtown area and is situated even closer to several residential communities and schools.

Several other chemical plants are situated nearby, two of which reported explosions in 2005 and 2012. The 2012 blast occurred at a State-owned plant, killing two people.

The city government said in an official document released last month that it will speed up the moving of local chemical firms away from densely populated areas.
China has become most lighted nation in Asia, signaling its growth, expert says

China will this year launch the country's first remote-sensing satellite dedicated to observing ground light at night, according to designers.

The Luojia-1A, a 10-kilogram mini satellite, is being developed by scientists at Wuhan University in Hubei province and will carry a highly sensitive night light camera with a 100-meter ground image resolution, Li Deren, chief scientist of the project, told China News Service on Wednesday.

Li, a professor of remote-sensing surveys at the university and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the satellite will be capable of detecting large lighted structures on the ground within its designated observation area, such as bridges over the Yangtze River. He added that images taken by Luojia-1A will be clearer than those by United States-developed satellites.

Luojia-1A will be used to help economic planners and analysts with their research and to provide data to policymakers when they determine overseas trade measures, Li said.

Wuhan University is also working with China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp to design the Luojia-1B, a remote-sensing radar satellite, and plans to send it into orbit in 2019, the report said.

Pang Zhihao, executive editor-in-chief of Space International magazine, said on Thursday that China now has no satellite that was specifically designed to take night images of ground structures.

"Now we have satellites that have infrared imagers or synthetic aperture radars to obtain images of landscapes or buildings. Compared with them, the Luojia-1A's camera is specifically developed to capture lighted objects at night, so it is very sensitive to light," he said.

Pang added that images and data generated by Luojia satellites will be useful for provincial and city officials to monitor local economies and to improve their development planning.

Li Xi, a researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing in Wuhan, who is taking part in the development of Luojia satellites, said the project team has vast experience in researching lighted objects.

Its members have used images of lighted structures in Syria and Iraq to discover refugee movements and changes of battlefields. They have also analyzed the concentrations of lighted structures in Asia over the past 20 years.

The research concluded that China gradually became the most lighted nation of those surveyed, a visual representation of the continuous growth of China's economy, he said.
The former head of China's major automaker has been sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison for bribery, a Beijing court announced on Thursday.

Beijing No 1 Intermediate People's Court sentenced Xu Jianyi, the former chairman of FAW Group Corp, and ordered the confiscation of a list of his personal properties.

Between 2000 and 2013, Xu, the former Communist Party of China chief of Jilin city in Northeast China's Jilin province, accepted bribes in return for using his position in government and enterprise to benefit others, the court said.

For example, Xu accepted bribes from Zhang Qiang, the former head of a transport company in Jilin city, after helping him promote and operate business during the period, it said.

Xu accepted bribes totaling more than 12.19 million yuan ($1.78 million), it added.

"Xu is guilty of bribery, but we gave him a lenient sentence because he confessed to his crimes and gave us information we were not previously aware of," the court said in its judgment.

Xu pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in September, and his illicit properties have been confiscated, it added.

He was placed under investigation for corruption on March 15 and expelled from the Party in August, according to the country's top anti-graft watchdog.

The State-owned FAW Group was founded in 1953 and employs 120,000 people worldwide, selling products in more than 70 countries.

Since 2012, the central leadership has focused on cracking down on graft, saying that its campaign should cover all industries.

Last month, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the country's top anti-graft authority, reiterated its desire to fight corruption with "zero tolerance", adding that anti-graft measures will be further enhanced.
By Feng Zhiwei in Changsha and Liang Shuang in Beijing | China Daily | Updated: 2017-02-10 08:07

Lu De gives a Chinese lesson to children living in the Muguaba refugee camp in Myanmar.Photos Provided To China Daily

Psychotherapist volunteers in Myanmar refugee camps over Lunar New Year

For the past two Spring Festivals, psychotherapist Lu De's holidays have been different from most.

Instead of spending the vacation in her hometown of Changsha, Hunan province, Lu has traveled to the war-torn state of Kachin in Myanmar to volunteer.

She was inspired to make her first visit by a photograph a college classmate showed her last year, depicting the dire conditions in the refugee camps.

So Lu gathered together four like-minded friends and drove four days to Daluo in Yunnan province, on the border with Myanmar.

After crossing into the country, they went to an orphanage and began working with the locals, providing consultations and training.

"At first, I was simply curious about what their lives were like and I wanted to go there to have a meaningful Spring Festival," said Lu, who ended up staying in the country for nearly a month.

"Everyone there was in a state of panic because of the war, but they also have hopes for a better life and a peaceful world."

The conflict in Myanmar consists of a series of ongoing insurgencies that began shortly after the country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1948.

It has been described as one of the world's longest-running civil wars.

This year, Lu returned to Myanmar and volunteered at the Muguaba refugee camp home to thousands of displaced people, including hundreds of children.

The scarcity of materials and the general condition of the camp shocked her. It had a school constructed from nothing more than sticks and wooden boards, and there was only one doctor and one nurse to provide medical care in the makeshift clinic.

"I have more medication in my household medicine cabinet than they had there," Lu said.

"The minute I got there, I heard a boom and thought it was to celebrate the New Year, but everyone around me began to look for shelter in panic-that's when I realized these were explosions, not fireworks."

Despite the food shortages, Lu was able to find some pork, chicken and fish, which she bought for some of the children to enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner at the school, while she sat and ate roast potatoes.

"That's the only time I saw pork during my entire stay," she said.

Each day, she gave lectures to the children and made house calls to conduct consultations.

One man in his mid-30s she spotted hanging around people's homes looking for food had undiagnosed clinical depression, which began to improve once Lu met with him and taught him some coping mechanisms.

"It might seem like I am just consulting with them, but they have also helped me to appreciate life more," she said.

"I used to complain a lot, but my experiences there have changed me greatly."

Lu was particularly moved when the time came to leave.

"Everyone came to hug me and a girl, who was always shy, timidly came to shake my hand," she said.

Next Spring Festival, Lu plans to recruit 100 volunteers to help out in the camps, hoping that the extra manpower will allow her to "do things better".

"I came back with a renewed appreciation for the plight of the Myanmar refugees and love for my Chinese friends," she wrote in a social media post after returning to China.

"Though I came back in haste and in darkness, I don't feel tired at all."

Contact the writers at liangshuang@chinadaily.com.cn


Shaobing is a traditional snack, particularly popular in North China.Wang Song / Xinhua

As the burners below 100 griddle plates roared into action, 100 bakers waited eagerly for the starting gong. Then came the cry: "Rolling pins ready! Spatulas ready! One, two, three, go!"

The chefs were in Xiangfen, a small county in Shanxi province, for its first-ever contest to find the best baker of shaobing, a type of traditional flatbread that is a particularly popular snack in the north of China.

After more than two hours, 200 cooks had been whittled down to just one and Qiao Yongjun from Yonggu town was named the winner. He sells shaobing in Taiyuan, the provincial capital.

Since the 1990s, 20,000 people have left Xiangfen to become migrant workers in China's big cities. It is estimated that they earn a combined 500 million yuan ($73 million) per year.

While many migrant workers look for jobs as laborers or factory workers, a large number of people from Xiangfen have chosen to become bakers instead.

Some, such as Yuan Wugen, 43, have found great success.

Born into a poor rural family, he entered the workforce at age 14 and by the time he was 20, he had his own restaurant in Beijing that specialized in shaobing.

He is now the head of a lucrative catering enterprise and his success has inspired others to try their luck.

"When I was at the station in Linfen and I asked for a train ticket to Beijing, the ticket officer knew immediately that I was a baker from Xiangfen," said Yu Dongxiang, 45.

He moved to Beijing in 1999, after getting married and finding himself in debt. From a tiny rented store, not muchmore than a hole in the wall, he sold shaobing.

"I earned more than 20,000 yuan in that first year, which meant I could pay off my debt," said Yu, who now owns a restaurant in Beijing and a courtyard house in Xiangfen.

Shaobing pioneers such as Yu have reported earnings of more than 300,000 yuan a year, but he reckons the most astute sellers could rake in millions.

In order to make the most out of its local snacks and delicacies, Xiangfen recently registered a trademark. All of its food souvenirs will now be sold under the brand "Jinxiangsu", which is a combination of the names of the province, county and the Chinese word for delicious, according to deputy county chief Du Xutang.

The purpose of the baking contest was to promote Xiangfen shaobing and offer bakers an opportunity to share and perfect their skills.

"We want every resident of Xiangfen, especially the young, to know that this traditional snack has the potential to generate a good income," Du said.

The move comes as other small cities and towns around China explore the potential of food tourism.

Lanzhou in Gansu province is known for its beef lamian, or hand-pulled noddles, and there are more than 30,000 beef noodle outlets in China, generating 50 billion yuan per year in revenue.

In Liuzhou in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, sales of luosifen, a rice noodle dish made with river snails, generated 1.5 billion yuan last year.

The profitability of shaobing has not gone unnoticed by Xiangfen's younger generation, who are happily donning aprons and taking over their parent's businesses.

"Making shaobing may be hard work, but I am motivated knowing that this food is being turned into cash, cars and houses," said Yang Huiting, 31, who has sold the snack in Beijing for 15 years and recently took over a restaurant from her father.

Yang went home to Xiangfen for Spring Festival but she will return to Beijing in the coming days.

"Selling snacks is about more than just the money, its about keeping our traditions alive," she said.

By Xinhua in Taiyuan
Wang Qi has been unable to return to China for 54 years. [Photo/CCTV]

An 80 year-old Chinese veteran, who has been trapped in India for half a century, is setting off on his long-awaited return home today, China Central Television reports.

Wang Qi has finally received an Indian passport from India's Ministry of External Affairs allowing him to leave the country. He and his son plan to fly to China on Friday.

Wang says he is most looking forward to eating some of the specialty hand-made noodles from his village in Shaanxi province.

Wang said that he joined the Chinese People's Liberation army in 1960 and was dispatched to the border with India in 1960 during the Sino-India war. He got lost in December of that year in a forest near his camp and was then taken to India by an Indian Red Cross Vehicle.

He was later handed over to the Indian army and spent seven years in prison. After being released, Wang was sent to a remote village named Tirodi in India's central state of Madhya Pradesh and started a life there. He married a local woman and the couple raised four children.

The veteran had repeatedly applied to the Indian government to go back to China over the last few decades but he had been denied official Indian documents and citizenship time and again.

Wang Qi with his family. [Photo/CCTV]

He said he feels sorry for failing to make it to China when his mother passed away years ago.

His story was reported by media last month and instantly triggered calls for him to be repatriated.

China's embassy in India says it has pushed India to complete entry and exit procedures in time. Ambassador Luo Zhaohui talked to Wang over the phone on Saturday, telling Wang that the embassy has maintained close contact with the Indian government over the issue of facilitating his trip to China to visit family members. The embassy issued a 10-year Chinese passport to Wang in 2013, and since then has been providing him financial support.

In a report by Shaanxi-based Chinese Business View, a local official from Wang's hometown said the local government heard of Wang's plight years ago and decided to treat him equally with other villagers and give him a piece of residential land if he wanted to spend his later years at home.

According to Wang, there is another Chinese veteran in Tirodi named Liu Shurong. Originally from China's Chongqing municipality, Liu also got married to a local woman and has four children. However, Liu decided not to come back to China since he had gotten used to the life in India and has no relatives left in China.
Unlicensed human placenta intercepted in SW China

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-02-10 13:59

CHENGDU - A total of 100 vials of unlicensed human placenta extract were seized from a foreign passenger in a Chinese airport, local authorities said Friday.



The vials, a Japanese brand, were found in a luggage of a Republic of Korea (ROK) national in Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport of Sichuan Province, when airport staff were making inspections to a flight from the ROK Wednesday.



The passenger could not offer official permit for bringing the products into China, Sichuan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau said.



Human placenta extract is popular among people who believe it can remedy disease and combat aging. However, due to potential risk of transmission of hepatitis, syphilis or HIV/AIDS, it is strictly supervised, and entry without certification is illegal in China.



Officials with the bureau said the public should be cautious of unlicensed products, as rising e-commerce was causing a rise in foreign imports.
At least 16 people were injured in a deliberately lit fire on board a packed MTR train at Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) Station during Friday's evening rush hour. It is believed the man responsible had tried to set himself on fire.

Two people are in a critical condition, six were rushed to emergency wards while the others were in a stable condition. The injured people were sent to different hospitals.

Passengers were evacuated after the fire started. The TST Station was closed after the incident. All services to the station were suspended.

Police arrested a 60-year-old man on suspicion of arson. He is believed to have started a fire with "inflammable liquid" on the train. The man was incoherent when questioned, police said.

The police deployed officers from criminal and anti-terrorism units to the area. Further investigations are underway.

The police's Yau Tsim District Commander Kwok Pak-chung said the suspect's motive was believed to be due to personal problems. So far there is no evidence of a terrorist attack, Kwok said.

Photos and videos of the suspected self-immolation went viral on social media. Some showed the man with his trousers on fire, standing in the middle of the platform as shocked passengers looked on. Another showed him lying on the ground. Several people tried to put out the fire with their clothes while it continued burning inside the train.

According to a witness, the suspect threatened to "burn the passengers". He then set himself on fire with a bottle of inflammable liquid. The witness said people could smell chemicals.

The fire broke out around 7:15 pm as train was traveling from Admiralty to TST. The driver had driven the train to the TST Station at the fastest speed. Warnings were displayed at the station that a "serious incident" has occurred and everyone needed to leave immediately.

MTR staff extinguished the fire with the help of some passengers, MTR head of operations Francis Li Shing-Kei said. He said the company will cooperate with police and ensure people's safety.

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying expressed great concern over the incident. He requested relevant departments to investigate it.

Leung also extended his sympathies to the injured and wished them a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, CE hopefuls Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and John Tsang Chun-wah expressed their shock. They also extended their condolences to the injured.
China's top securities watchdog vowed on Friday to "capture big crocodiles" in the country's stock market, suggesting that a tougher regulatory stance against stock speculation and manipulation will be a priority for the regulator.

In a highly anticipated speech at the regulator's annual work meeting, Liu Shiyu, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, implied that the "big crocodiles" were tycoons who wield capital power to manipulate stock prices and disrupt fair market play.

"No one will be allowed to create winds and waves in the stock market. The big crocodiles will not be allowed to suck the blood of small investors," Liu was quoted by Chinese media outlets Caixin and Sina.com as saying.

Liu's remarks were seen as the latest evidence of China's increased supervision of illegal market activities.

"I think Liu has been frank with his opinion. Increased supervision and regulation have begun and will be one of the themes for 2017," said Hong Hao, chief strategist at BOCOM International in Hong Kong.

The CSRC chief has been known for his outspoken attitude and harsh criticism of the Chinese stock market. He recently condemned the aggressive buyouts of listed companies by those using speculative capital, whom he described as "evil monsters" and "barbarians" in the market.

Liu was appointed the country's securities chief in February last year after the stock market suffered a turbulent ride that wiped out massive market value.

At Friday's meeting, Liu also said that the regulator's review and approval of initial public offerings by companies is not contradictory to the goal of introducing a registration-based IPO mechanism, which he said remains the "direction" of the capital market reform.

Wang Jianhui, director of the research center at Capital Securities, said that Liu's comments underscored the regulator's effort to strike a balance between allowing the market to have a greater say and weeding out poor quality companies through the administrative approval process.

Deng Ge, a CSRC spokesman, said on Friday that the regulator will maintain a normal pace for the IPO approval and will actively increase new share supplies in the market while forbidding companies from using the proceeds for speculative purposes.
Consumers in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, are being urged to avoid contact with live poultry after tests found that more than 30 percent of live poultry markets in the city were contaminated with the H7N9 avian flu virus, according to Guangzhou's disease control authority.

Health experts have called for stricter measures to contain the virus to prevent possible outbreaks.

Zhang Zhoubin, deputy director of the Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said surveillance reports in the past week show that the H7N9 virus exists in about 30 percent of the city's farmers markets that sell live poultry.

The Guangzhou government had decided to suspend live poultry trade in all markets from Jan 16 to 18, Feb 16 to 18 and March 16 to 18 as a preventive measure to curb bird flu virus.

An assessment report shows that the three-day trade halt in January helped reduce all types of bird flu virus at these markets by at least 60 percent.

"But when the live poultry trade resumes, bird flu virus begins to be active again. In general, the virus concentration will return to its previous level about one week after the trade resumes," Zhang was quoted as saying by Nanfang Daily on Friday.

China faces a grim situation in fighting bird flu this winter, particularly H7N9 avian flu, with more than 130 cases of human infections reported in January, including 24 deaths.

The latest death was reported on Thursday in Yunnan province. The patient, an infant girl, died of the infection on Tuesday, according to the Health and Family Planning Commission of Yunnan province.

The girl went to Jiangxi province with her parents on Jan 21 for the Spring Festival holiday and had contact with live poultry there. She developed symptoms on Jan 29 and was hospitalized three days later. She returned to Yunnan on Feb 5 and died at a local hospital.

No case of human-to-human transmission has been confirmed in the country, and the virus has not mutated, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ni Daxin, deputy director of the center's emergency response department, said the H7N9-contaminated environment at live poultry markets brings greater risk for human infections of the virus, and he called for stricter control of the live poultry trade.

"So far, most of the human cases involve contact with wild birds or live poultry," he said. "Virus surveillance at chicken farms and live poultry markets suggests that birds infected with H7N9 show no symptoms, but they can pass the virus to humans via contact."

According to a recent survey, 53 percent of Guangzhou residents believed that banning live poultry in local markets would help prevent bird flu from spreading.

Shan Juan contributed to this story.
Wang Qi in the early 1960s and today. [Photo/China Daily]

After being held in India for 54 years, Chinese veteran Wang Qi was ready to make his long-awaited trip back home on Saturday.

According to the Chinese embassy in India, 77-year-old Wang had left his home in central India's Madhya Pradesh and arrived in New Delhi on Friday afternoon.

He was eager to return to hometown in Shaanxi province and would start the journey as early as Saturday, said the embassy.

In 1963, Wang, a Chinese army surveyor, got lost, crossed the border and was captured by Indian authorities. He was moved from one jail to another for nearly seven years

When he was finally released in 1969, police escorted him to the remote village of Tirodi in Madhya Pradesh and told him to start a life there. He married a local woman, and they had three children and grandchildren.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Monday that China had been "pushing India" to complete procedures to return the veteran. In 2013, the Chinese embassy in India issued him a 10-year Chinese passport and a living allowance every year since then, Lu said.

Vikas Swarup, the Indian External Affairs Ministry's spokesman, said on Thursday, "The ministry is helping Wang and his family membersincluding his son Vishnu Wang, daughter Anita Wankhede, daughter-in-law Neha Wang and grandson Khanak Wangto visit China to meet his extended family."

"We are working with the Chinese embassy in Delhi and the Indian embassy in Beijing to ensure that all formalities are completed and arrangements are in place," he said.

A China Central Television report on Friday said that Wang is eager to taste noodles, a local specialty in Shaanxi, after arriving home.

Wang's plight was highlighted last month in a special report by the BBC.

On Feb 4, Luo Zhaohui, China's ambassador to India, spoke by telephone with Wang and expressed sympathy over his suffering over the years. Yan Xiaoce, a counselor at the Chinese embassy in India, visited Wang's village on the same day, according to the embassy.

Liu Shurong, another Chinese veteran, underwent the same plight as Wang and lives in the same village. But Liu said he had no intention to return to China because he no longer has family there, the embassy said.




A scene from Ghost [Photo provided to China Daily]

The musical Ghost adapted from the popular movie with the same title is being staged at Beijing's Poly Theater through Feb 14.

With leading actors Liam Doyle and Lucy Jones, the musical made its debut in Chinese cities in 2015, including Beijing, Qingdao and Shanghai. The production took the Chinese audiences for a stroll down memory lane, thanks to the movie of the same name upon which it's based, and received warm feedback.

Staying close to the film, the musical revolves around potter Molly, who lost her lover, Sam. With the help of a psychic, the ghost pf Sam can reconnect with Molly and protect her.

The musical brings avant-garde futuristic special effects with the help of magic tricks and visual technology. Meanwhile, it conjures up nostalgic emotions for audiences.

The theme song of the movie, Unchained Melody, a classic recorded by The Righteous Brothers, and the romantic pottery-making scene featuring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze have also become favorite memories among Chinese fans.

US screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, who wrote the hit movie more than two decades ago, also wrote the scripts for the musical.

Scored by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, the musical premiered in Manchester, England, in March 2011, and was later staged on Broadway. It has won three Tony nominations.
MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY

North and South China are distinguished not only by geography and weather, but also by the way people there prepare their food. Northerners cannot understand how jellied bean curd can be sweet, just as southerners cannot fathom why rice dumplings have to be anything but salty.

Among the many traditional Chinese foods, the glutinous rice ball is one that doesn't differ much in North and South China. In the north, it is made with sweet filling and cooked in boiling water and called yuanxiao. In the south, it is made like dumpling and called tangyuan. This means northerners and southerners agree glutinous rice balls should be sweet, though in some parts of South China people prefer salty ones.

The size of glutinous rice balls can be anything between a quail's egg and a ping-pong ball, and they are not difficult to make. Yet the small balls have a history of more than 2,000 years.

The traditional filling for yuanxiao is made from sesame, peanuts, sugar and animal fat. Sesame came to China via the Silk Road from Central Asia during the Han Dynasty (202BC-220), and peanut reached the country via the Maritime Silk Road from the Philippines during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). So when you bite into a glutinous rice ball, you essentially bite into history.

Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first month of a lunar yearwhich sees the year's first full moonis actually named after yuanxiao and is called Yuanxiao Festival in Chinese. Yuan means round or full, and xiao night. And by eating yuanxiao on the first full-moon night of the year, people hope their life will be full of sweetness and joy.

Starting from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), some Chinese emperors tended to celebrate Lantern Festival with civilians to profess the unity of the country. During the Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty (960-1279) when Lantern Festival celebrations reached their peak, the imperial courts organized large-scale lantern shows for several days, and even lifted the routine curfews. As a result, the festival looked like a Chinese-style carnival with people enjoying lantern shows, dragon and lion dances, and folk performances, as well as setting off fireworks.

Lantern Festival is also important because all major tasks of Spring Festival should be finished before celebrating it: worshipping ancestors, giving gifts, exchanging new year greetings and visiting relatives. That Lantern Festival is celebrated in a more relaxed atmosphere when people do not necessarily have to attend to or please others makes yuanxiao an ideal and refreshing food for the occasion. Yuanxiao may taste oily and sweet, but it is not junk food. It may be a nightmare for dyspeptic people, though.

Being perhaps the only common preparation on the dining tables across the country during Lantern Festival, yuanxiao has come to signify unity, liberty, and detachment from mundane chores and ceremonial formalities.

Over the years, many festival customs have changed in China, but eating yuanxiao on the first full-moon night of a lunar year remains an exception. And the taste of the glutinous rice ball has largely remained unchanged, thanks to its 2,000-year-old history.

The author is a writer with China Daily.

liyang@chinadaily.com.cn
US President Donald Trump speaks while signing executive orders at the White House in Washington January 24, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

President Xi Jinping received a letter from Donald Trump on Wednesday, in which the US President said he looked forward to working with the Chinese leader "to develop a constructive relationship" that benefits both countries.

The letter conveys the reassuring message that bilateral relations are still on the right track despite the speculation that has arisen with Trump's victory in the November election, and his breaking of long-held norms and practice that used to guide bilateral tieson Taiwan, the South China Sea and trade.

Fueling the tensions has been the belligerent attitude of some of the members of the Trump administration, which has increased concerns that a military confrontation is in the cards. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, for instance, has suggested China's access to its islands in the South China Sea might be blocked, while Steve Bannon, the chief strategist in Trump's team, said he believed that the US would go to war with China within five to 10 years during a radio broadcast last year.

Against this backdrop, the letter, though terse and issued nearly three weeks after Trump's inauguration, is still a positive signal, as it suggests that reason still prevails in the White House. Although it is still too early to conclude Trump no longer seeks to antagonize China, this show of goodwill will to some extent minimize the possibility of antagonistic rhetoric being turned into policies or actions that will set the two giants on a collision course.

China consistently holds that cooperation, rather than confrontation, is the only choice for the two countries, and that both should try to manage and control the disputes and sensitive problems that exist between them.

The fact that their shared interests far outweigh their differences determines that if there is a clash between them, "both will lose and both cannot afford that", as Foreign Minister Wang Yi said earlier this week during a visit to Australia.

The US seems to echo this sentiment. US Defense Secretary James Mattis, during a visit to Japan last week, emphasized the importance of giving diplomacy priority in solving the disputes in the South China Sea, raising hopes that the sea will not necessarily become a flash-point for conflict.

In his letter, Trump also wished the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and prosperous Year of the Rooster. This may help to end speculation that Trump made an intentional slight by being the only US president in recent decades not to have sent greetings for the Chinese Lunar New Year.
US President Donald Trump speaks while signing executive orders at the White House in Washington January 24, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

US President Donald Trump won the 2016 election partly by cashing in on people's anger over excessive political correctness. Yet his words and deeds are cultivating a new political correctness in his country.

It is about keeping manufacturing jobs in the United States and bringing them back from overseas, as he said in his inaugural address that his rules are "buy American and hire American."

Walmart, the largest US company, has been running a TV ad about its commitment to purchasing $250 billion in the US and create 1 million jobs at home.

It is nothing new for US businesses to promote themselves by tapping into the public's patriotism, but more of them are under pressure now to do so after Trump threatened to punish those outsourcing their jobs abroad.

Under such pressure, Carrier decided in late November to keep several hundreds of jobs in its Indiana plant instead of moving them to Mexico as previously planned. Last month, Ford Motors cancelled its $1.6 billion plant in Mexico and said it would instead invest $700 million in an existing plant in Michigan to make electric and autonomous cars.

Trump also warned General Motors last month by tweeting "General Motors is sending Mexican made model of Chevy Cruze to US car dealers-tax free across border. Make in U.S.A. or pay big border tax!"

He has pressured Apple CEO Tim Cook to make iPhones in the US, instead of China, where the devices are assembled by a massive army of Chinese workers.

Such a bid to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US may sound great to some voters. But it is against the free market principle, does not make any economic sense and won't help US consumers.

The Walmart commercial features a factory scene where workers are hammering and welding, with sparks flying like fireworks. It does not look remotely like a factory with state-of-the-art facility or high automation, which should be the case for an advanced economy.

Walmart's campaign has already been called into question when some products with "Made in America" labels are accused of not meeting the government criteria, as many parts are made abroad.

In a globalized world, it is increasingly hard to find a product, especially a high-tech one, that is made totally by one country. Apple's iPhones are assembled in China but really designed in California. Its parts come from more than 700 suppliers from all over the world, and the assembly cost is less than $10, not big value.

US consumers, however, will have to pay $30-40 more if they want an iPhone assembled in the US and $100 more if more of the components are made in the US.

The Made-in-the-USA mania now seen in the US is not only against the basic economic law of comparative advantage, it is also going to hurt the most vulnerable US consumers and turn the US into a "Third World" economy.

In fact, the factory scene depicted in the Walmart ad is probably hard to find now in China's developed coastal region. Those factories have long been relocated to the low-cost hinterland of West China or else to other countries which have lower labor costs.

As a shrewd businessman, Trump should know all this well. The United Kingdom's Daily Mirror reported last week that Trump International Hotel, opened in Washington last October, contains rooms where almost everything in them was made outside the US.

It is sad to see such hypocritical political correctness of Made in USA permeating the world's most advanced nation in the 21st century.

The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
US President Donald Trump speaks while signing executive orders at the White House in Washington January 24, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP on Wednesday defended his travel ban on the citizens of seven predominantly Muslim nations, arguing that his legal authority to limit immigration should not be challenged in courts. Beijing News commented on Thursday:

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, which has denied the US Justice Department's request for an immediate reinstatement of Trump's travel ban, is expected to release its ruling this week. In all likelihood, the case will head to the United States Supreme Court because neither side is inclined to give in.

The court's denial of an immediate stay means the legal battle is likely to last for days at least, marking a major setback for the Trump administration which has accused a federal judge in Seattle of overstepping the president's authority by temporarily blocking the ban nationwide.

Should the Department of Justice confront federal judges, the case will go beyond an executive order or the power of federal judges, as it would raise concerns about whether or not the country is still subject to checks and balances.

More important, Trump's travel ban involves not just domestic politics but also foreign policy. Critics said the controversial executive order, which was focused on certain Muslim-majority countries, infringes the constitutional ban on religious discrimination.

What Trump wants from the federal appeals court is reinstatement of his travel ban, which was temporarily suspended in compliance with the order of US District Judge James Robart. But referring Robart as a "so-called judge" on Twitter puts Trump on the fringe of breaching the rule of law and defying the federal judicial system, as some claim.

Admittedly, Trump's travel ban was already in deliberation when his predecessor Barack Obama was in office, and it has been granted congressional authorization. But it has been Trump's incompetent decision-making and inflexible responses to the ensuing legal conflicts that caused all the mess. Hopefully he will learn a thing or two about the boundaries of presidential powers.
A boy with his younger brother. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

ON FEB 8, Mao Qun'an, director general of the department of communications of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, said after a few days of heated national debate, that surrogacy will not be made legal due to moral and social concerns. Beijing News commented on Thursday:

Surrogacy is still controversial, but the discussion should go on. Calls to make surrogacy legal have increased since the family planning policy was changed to allow all couples to have a second child. If the discussion was stopped only because of the sensitiveness of the issue, then problems such as the underground market to meet the demand are likely to become worse.

Even though the discussion hasn't made surrogacy any less controversial, it is important that the issue does not become taboo.

Open and public discussion is the premise for any administrative enforcement of a law aiming to ban or allow surrogacy.

The discussion on surrogacy is not a problem, even though surrogacy is illegal, as such discussions are necessary for society to reach a consensus on an issue.

In the future, if a consensus is reached in favor of surrogacy, then the law can be revised.
A LAWYER FROM CHENGDU in Southwest China's Sichuan province has revealed on his micro blog that the cost of the judicial expertise for a case, which involved checking a signature, a fingerprint and two stamps, was 170,000 yuan ($24,767). The judicial expertise agency responded that it followed a national charging regulation. However, that regulation was abolished last May. Lao Yue, a retired prosecutor, commented on Beijing News:

When the incident was reported by media outlets, the judicial expertise agency said that there is no new regulation yet so it followed the old one. This is a poor defense because as soon as a regulation is abolished, it is no longer law and cannot be quoted as legal support for any actions.

Actually, ever since it was jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Justice in 2009, the old regulation has been blamed for setting too high charging standards. According to the regulation, the price of judicial expertise was set as a certain percentage of the claim; but many argued that the cost of judicial expertise has nothing to do with how much money is involved in a judicial case. The judicial experts spend the same time and energy identifying each signature and fingerprint, no matter how big a deal it involves.

That's why the National Development and Reform Commission, the top economic planner, abolished the regulation. It also made it clear that before a new regulation comes into effect, the charging of judicial expertise should be co-decided by government price departments and judicial administrative departments at the provincial level. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the judicial expertise agency in the case is wrong and it should not have charged as it did.

Lack of proper charging standards is only one of the chaotic situations in the judicial expertise sector. In order to ensure their independence, the law requires judicial expertise agencies to be third-party agencies affiliated to no judicial agency, but some agencies run like commercial companies. Some of them overcharge, while some of them abuse the power by giving false results in certain cases after taking bribes.

To ensure justice, it is time that judicial departments at various levels better regulated these judicial expertise agencies.
The seminar held by The Center for China and Globalization (CCG) in Beijing to discuss China may seize the chance to fill the position vacated by the United States at the TPP table.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement could advance Chinas economic diplomacy standing and have advantages for constructing Chinas layout of propelling Free Trade Agreement of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) and advancing relations with other countries, according to a leading policy studies focused think tank.

The Center for China and Globalization (CCG) suggests China could seize the chance to fill the position vacated by the United States at the TPP table.

The report by the independent, non-profit think tank based in Beijing, considered both domestic and external circumstances, and the short and long term situation. It argues that supporters of the TPP like Australia and Japan, which have already put in much effort and aim to foster regional economic and trade development, were very worried about the US withdrawal. In turn, they are actively encouraging China to fill the void.

As Chile's foreign minister Heraldo Munoz said, the proposed grouping of the TPP member states and China and Korea, has already generated interest from many countries.

With the support of all these countries, the timing would enable China to keep alive the essence of the TPP - an effective mechanism of economic governance and enhance Asia-Pacific regional economic cooperation.

Researchers also pointed out that joining the TPP would allow China to deploy its own economic diplomacy, which may be vital when dealing with the challenges posed by current circumstances.

Entering a new phase and responsible for balancing security and development, facing challenges at home and abroad, fostering Chinas diplomacy requires establishing a more favorable external environment," CCG president Wang Huiyao said. "Putting more effort on economic diplomacy has proven to be a valid approach to accomplish this goal, and joining TPP might be an ingenious step.

Another long term scenario the research team looks at is Chinas future deployment in FTAAP. The report explains that if China promotes more cooperation between member states of the TPP and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECP), it could use that as a leverage to better involve the US, facilitate FTAAPs further development, benefit the countries in this region and achieve inclusive growth.

The common interest between China and the US in the Asia Pacific region remains an unavoidable issue that even US president Trump had to admit they still need a fairer trade arrangement for the region, even though he abandoned the TPP.

Though it might be a bumpy road, I believe China and the US will finally fit together to reach win-win cooperation, maintaining large trade flow and close cultural exchanges, CCG vice president Wang Xin said.

He imagined the US getting involved in the development FTAAP in a more evolving and comprehensive partnership that unites countries together to cope with challenges brought by world economy.

Concerning Trumps priority on infrastructure construction, he also suggested inviting the US to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and contribute to Belt and Road Initiatives which would definitely contribute a lot for trade and investment globalization.
By Zhang Yunbi in Beijing and Zhao Huanxin in Washington | China Daily | Updated: 2017-02-10 06:57

Letter calling for 'constructive' ties offers positive signal, analysts say

US President Donald Trump's letter to President Xi Jinping is a goodwill gesture that will ease efforts to find more common ground between the two countries and lower the risk of clashes in the Western Pacific, analysts said.

The White House said on Wednesday that Trump had written to Xi wishing the "Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and a prosperous Year of the Rooster".

Trump also thanked Xi for a congratulatory letter on his election to the presidency and expressed his hopes of developing "a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China".

It has been a tradition in recent decades for US presidents to send greetings for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Lantern Festival, which falls on Saturday this year, is celebrated by Chinese on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar year, and many regard it as the final day of the annual Spring Festival.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang confirmed on Thursday that Beijing had received the letter and the good wishes extended by Trump.

Lu said Beijing is ready to expand cooperation and manage differences with Washington, and cooperation is "the only right choice" for both countries.

After assuming office, Trump said China and Japan were currency manipulators.

Beijing and Washington have traded barbs recently over sensitive topics, such as the Diaoyu Islands issue.

The US secretaries of state and defense assured Japan in recent days that the Diaoyu Islands fall within the scope of a US-Japan military treaty.

Su Xiaohui, a researcher of international strategy at the China Institute of International Studies, said Trump wrote the letter to "display more goodwill to Beijing and to convince people that he cares more about how China feels".

"The letter could be taken as a signal that Trump is shifting his role from a business tycoon to a state leader who takes a comprehensive view of international relations and tackles them in a win-win manner," Su said.

Xi had sent a congratulatory telegram to Trump on his election victory last year.

Earlier this month, Trump's daughter Ivanka visited the Chinese embassy in Washington for the first time with her 5-year-old daughter, Arabella Rose Kushner, to participate in the embassy's Chinese Spring Festival celebration.

On Wednesday, Bloomberg quoted an unnamed White House official who said Ivanka Trump's public meeting came after behind-the-scenes meetings between Ambassador Cui Tiankai and Jared Kushner, her husband and a presidential adviser.

Kushner and Cui have had an extensive, ongoing dialogue that has been positive, the report said.

Yuan Zheng, a senior researcher on US foreign policy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that Trump has recently drawn fire because of domestic issues such as immigration and has aroused hostility overseas.

Writing to Xi and pledging constructive ties with Beijing shows that stabilizing US-China ties is "of greater significance" for Trump, Yuan said.

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said that "what China hopes to see is the soft landing of the two-way ties, and even further development at the new starting point".
White House advisor Kellyanne Conway listens as US President Donald Trump meets with county sheriffs at the White House in Washington, US February 7, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway drew sharp criticism from a top Republican lawmaker and complaints on Thursday over the ethics of using her position to promote product lines of President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, a day after he attacked a retailer for dropping them.

Federal ethics rules prohibit executive branch employees from using their positions to endorse products or for the private gain of friends. The law does not apply to the president.

"Go buy Ivanka's stuff ... I'm going to go get some myself today," Conway told Fox News in an interview from the White House. "I'm going to give a free commercial here: Go buy it today, everybody."

On Wednesday, President Trump attacked department store chain Nordstrom Inc for dropping his daughter's products, drawing intense criticism for using a White House twitter platform to intervene in a commercial matter involving his family's business ties.

Nordstrom said it dropped the brand for its poor performance.

Online sales of Ivanka Trump branded products fell 26 percent in January 2017 compared to the same period a year earlier, according to retail analytics firm Slice Intelligence which shared its findings with Reuters. The company analyzed data from e-mail receipts of over 4 million US online shoppers.

The data also showed sales of the Ivanka Trump brand declined in the second half of 2016 at all online retailers including Amazon.com Inc, which sells most of the brand's merchandise. In-store sales of the Ivanka Trump brand was not available.

Republican Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House of Representatives Oversight committee, told The Associated Press Conway's promotion of the brand was "clearly over the line, unacceptable."

Chaffetz spokeswoman M.J. Henshaw confirmed his comments.
BULQIZA, Albania - Rescuers told Xinhua on Thursday that they had found one body of the three trapped Chinese miners in a chrome mine in the northern Albanian town of Bulqiza.

Two Albanian rescue teams have been sent in for the search operation, together with Albanian and Chinese mining experts, after a hydrogen gas explosion in the chrome mine on Saturday, said Mehmet Hasalami, head of the Albanian Mining Rescue Unit, earlier.

The Albanian government and the Chinese Embassy in Albania have also dispatched a working group to the mine, respectively.

The Chinese Embassy confirmed on Sunday that three other Chinese miners inflicted minor injuries in the accident.
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad speaks to a group of Belgian reporters in this handout picture provided by SANA on February 7, 2017, Syria. [Photo/Agencies]

DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his wife, first lady Asma, received on Thursday tens of women and children recently set free from rebel abduction, according to state news agency SANA.

The women and children were abducted by the rebels from the countryside of Latakia province in northwestern Syria three and a half years ago, and were set free a day earlier during a swap between the government and the rebels.

"We have waited for three and a half years... there wasn't a day that people stopped asking about you... the state with all of its institutions have been looking for you and the goal of every soldier and martyr was your return," Assad told the women and children in Damascus.

Assad urged the people to "return to your normal lives and families, your villages and country... we want you to be an example of steadfastness and determination, and patriotism, and you actually are."

For her part, the first lady stressed that "the determination demonstrated by the abducted women and their children during the years of captivity must continue through rebuilding their lives and to try to compensate for their children and what they have missed of education."

The freed abductees said they have always had faith in the government, stressing resolve to stand again and overcome the difficulties that have been caused by the "tough years of abduction."

SANA also posted photos of the president meeting with the women and children, ahead of their departure toward their homes in the countryside of Latakia.

Sources familiar with the swap said 54 women and their children from Latakia were included in the swap, in exchange of a similar number from the rebel detainees in government prisons.

The swap took place in the countryside of the central province of Hama, by vehicles of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC).

The women and children from Latakia were kidnapped when the rebels stormed areas in the countryside of Latakia over three years ago.
The sculpture by artist Steven Whyte that has been adopted for the memorial dedicated to "Comfort Women" and will be installed in San Francisco's Chinatown this year. (Provided to China Daily)

San Francisco is expected to receive next month a "comfort women" memorial as a gift from an activist group that calls it the first-ever memorial to"comfort women" in a major US city.

The memorial's inscription received approval from the San Francisco Arts Commission this week.

The statue, which depicts a trio of women with linked hands as a fourth woman looks on, is expected to be installed at St. Mary's Square in Chinatown this year.

The project, which was unanimously approved by the city's board of supervisors in 2015, is spearheaded by retired San Francisco superior court judges Julie Tang and Lillian Sing, who co-chair the Comfort Women Justice Coalition, which funded the work.

"This monument bears witness to the suffering of hundreds of thousands of women and girls euphemistically called 'Comfort Women,' who were sexually enslaved by the Japanese Imperial Armed Forces in 13 Asian-Pacific countries from 1931 to 1945," the inscription reads.

"Most of these women died during their wartime captivity," it continues. "This dark history was largely hidden for decades until the 1990s, when the survivors courageously broke their silence. They helped move the world to declare that sexual violence as a strategy of war is a crime against humanity for which governments must be held accountable."

The coalition, as well as survivors and their families,say the memorial is necessary because Japan has never formally apologized for the suffering it inflicted on these women.

Some Japanese and members of the Japanese-American community argue that the memorial's message is divisive.

The Japanese right wing tried to "kill" the project from the very beginning by lobbying the San Francisco government at every level, according to Tang.

Tang said the last effort by the Japanese opposition at the San Francisco Arts Commission was the most intense. The agency reportedly received more than 200 emails, mostly from Japan, opposing the memorial's installation.

The most prominent objection was from Hirofumi Yoshimura,mayor of Osaka, a sister city of San Francisco.

But San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee pushed back.

"Their (the coalition) request was not unprecedented, as San Francisco has many public and private memorials that commemorate some of history's darkest moments, as well as call for peace and reconciliation," he wrote in a letter dated Feb 3 to Hirofumi.

"One thing they (the Japanese right wing) cannot kill is history,"said Tang. "The documents gathered around the world by all the former 'comfort women' prove that what Japan committed was one of the greatest atrocities in the Second World War and in modern history."

During the Asia-Pacific War, the Japanese military forced hundreds of thousands of women across Asia into "comfort stations" where they were repeatedly raped and tortured by Japanese soldiers. Most of the women were from China and Korea.

Sing said it was meaningful to erect the memorial in San Francisco, whose population is 35 percent Asian descent, many of them Chinese.

She called it unbelievable for a foreign government to try anddisrupt the righteous cause of a grassroots group in the US.

"What are they afraid of? They are afraid of the truth! It's never divisive to tell the truth," she said. "We need to remember the past so that all wounds can heal."

Last year, a lawsuit was filed against the city of Glendale, California, calling for the removal of a "comfort women"memorial statue erected in a community park in 2013. The plaintiff claimed the statue unconstitutionally disrupted the federal government's relations with Japan.

Last August, an appellate courtupheld the dismissal of the lawsuit.

Sing called the ruling significant,because it showed that those who object to the "comfort women" memorial in San Francisco wouldalso not prevail.
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BRUSSELS - Ireland asked EU negotiators on Thursday to help it keep the border across the island "invisible" after Brussels reaches a Brexit deal with London that will take the British province of Northern Ireland out of the European Union.

Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan speaks to the media on arrival at the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit in Dublin, Ireland November 2, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said after a meeting which the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier described as "positive and constructive" that Dublin believed EU officials and leaders of other member states had a "clear understanding" of the "priorities and anxieties" of people in Ireland.

High on the list is the preservation of the 1998 peace deal in Northern Ireland and continuing to let people and goods pass uninterrupted across a frontier on the island that will become Britain's only land border with the bloc it is leaving.

"We are anxious to maintain that invisibility of the border," Flanagan told reporters.

Flanagan also said he believed British Prime Minister Theresa May's commitment to leaving the EU single market would probably also mean leaving the customs union.

The European Parliament's Brexit point man, Guy Verhofstadt, has accepted an Irish invitation to visit the border, Flanagan added.

Flanagan acknowledged that Ireland faces a "challenge of monumental proportions" in navigating the withdrawal of its only land neighbour and main trading partner from the bloc they joined together 44 years ago, but said Dublin remained firmly on the side of Britain's 27 EU partners in the negotiations.

He said, however, that he saw no sign the others wanted "retribution" or to use Brexit to deter states from leaving.

"We would like to see a result that sees the UK having as close as possible a relationship with the European Union," he said. "We don't subscribe to the view that punishment should be exacted on the UK, that the UK should become a whipping boy."
No-confidence vote in Britain's Commons speaker tabled following remarks against Trump

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-02-10 18:07

LONDON - A move that could threaten the future of the House of Commons Speaker following his remarks against US President Donald Trump has been tabled by an MP (member of the Parliament) at Westminster.



The motion of no-confidence in John Bercow will be considered by MPs in the House of Commons.



It was tabled under a procedure known as an early-day motion (EDM) by James Duddridge, Conservative MP for the southern England constituency of Rochford and Southend Kent.



It follows a statement earlier this week when Bercow announced in the chamber of the Commons that he would not support Trump addressing MPs during his proposed state visit to Britain.



Although Bercow's comments were widely welcomed by opposition MPs, members of the governing Conservative Party were infuriated by his stand.



A spokeswoman at the Houses of Parliament told Xinhua Thursday night that the motion of no-confidence had been tabled by Duddridge as the House of Commons was rising for its February recess.



No date has been set for a debate by politicians in parliament.



The Commons spokeswoman told Xinhua: "An EDM is a formal motion submitted for debate in the House of Commons at an 'early day,' that is, an unspecified future day."

There are a number of routes for the EDM to be fully discussed in the chamber of the House of Commons.



In a media interview Thursday Duddridge said Speaker Bercow had "overstepped the mark a number of times".



He added: "This most recent incident, where he used the Speaker's chair to pronounce his views on an international situation in some quite detailed and lengthy manner, is wholly inappropriate."



During her recent visit to Washington, Prime Minister Theresa May invited Trump and the First Lady to pay a state visit to Britain. The visit would include a state banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth.



The announcement prompted a petition against Trump's state visit signed by almost 2 million people.



Around 70 MPs also signed a motion saying Trump should now be allowed to follow in the footsteps of other US presidents by addressing politicians at Westminster.

Bercow became embroiled in the row over Trump's proposed visit when he announced this week that Trump should not be allowed to address parliament.
LONDON - "Fifty Shades Darker", the sequel to the 2015 hit "Fifty Shades of Grey", promises to be a darker experience for viewers, both the cast and producer of the film agreed at the film's premiere in Britain.

Author E L James arrives at the UK premiere of Fity Shades Darker, in Leicester Square, London, Britain, February 9, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

"It does have darker elements," said producer E.L. James. "We have people trying to split up the couple, we learn about why Christian is the way he is, so, yes, it is darker."

James is also the author of the trilogy of erotic romance books on which the films are based, which were wildly popular when published in 2011 and 2012.

In "Fifty Shades Darker", protagonists Anastasia Steele and Christian Gray reconcile and start their relationship afresh. However, the couple are forced to confront Christian's inner demons and other people threatening to tear them apart.

"Fifty Shades Darker" began its global rollout on Feb 8.
BULQIZA, Albania - The Chinese Embassy in Albania confirmed Friday that rescue teams had found three bodies of trapped Chinese mining specialists in a chrome mine here, and that the bodies are being retrieved.

Two Albanian rescue teams were sent in for the search operation, together with Albanian and Chinese mining experts, after a hydrogen gas explosion occurred in the chrome mine on Saturday, said Mehmet Hasalami, head of the Albanian Mining Rescue Unit.

The Albanian government and the Chinese Embassy have also dispatched two separate working groups to the mine in the northern Albanian town.

One Chinese miner suffered minor injuries in the accident.

The chrome mine was run by Albanian Chrome, owned by Albania's Balfin Group. The Chinese mining experts were from Wenzhou Corporation of Mining Tunnel Design and contracted by Albanian Chrome, according to the Chinese Embassy.
BEIJING - "SEE YOU IN COURT," US President Donald Trump responded on Twitter after a federal appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate his controversial travel ban.

Refusing to see it as a major setback for the White House, Trump vowed to win the battle in the end, further cracking up an already divided nation.

MORE PARTISAN BRAWL

In response to the court's unanimous vote of "3-0," Trump said it was a "political decision." The president later told reporters that his administration would win the case "very easily."

The new ruling to block Trump's order barring immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries was seen as a victory by Trump's challengers.

The governor of Washington state, which sued over the travel ban along with Minnesota, applauded the court's decision.

Responding to Trump's tweet of "SEE YOU IN COURT," Governor Jay Inslee, a Democrat, said, "Mr. President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you."

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra also pledged to fight on until the executive order was permanently dismantled.

The legal disputes over Trump's hardline policy seem to have further intensified clashes between Republicans and Democrats following a heated fray over Trump's cabinet picks and nominees for other key posts.

On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Jeff Sessions as attorney general on a mostly party line vote of 52 to 47. Betsy DeVos was greenlighted Tuesday to head Trump's Department of Education after being rescued by Vice President Mike Pence's tie-breaker in a 51-50 vote.

Rex Tillerson, Trump's pick for secretary of state, was approved 56-43.

Such a divided Senate contrasts with the past 40 years, which saw most cabinet selections overwhelmingly approved.

The partisan tension added to Trump's frustration on delays to confirm his nominees. The new US leader tweeted Tuesday: "It is a disgrace that my full cabinet is still not in place, the longest such delay in the history of our country. Obstruction by Democrats!"

As a rebuttal, Democratic senator Patty Murray was reported as saying that Trump was shaping a cabinet that "benefits those at the top and their allies, but really hurts the workers and families."
ANKARA - A Russian jet accidentally killed Turkish soldiers in northern Syria as a result of a mistake in coordination between Turkish and Russian militaries, Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Friday.

"According to the initial findings, the incident is a result of incorrect coordination, an incident that happened unwillingly," Kurtulmus told reporters in central Anatolian Afyon province of Turkey.

He added that the coordination mistake will be revealed over an investigation, local broadcaster CNNTurk reported.

Kurtulmus underlined the need for closer coordination with Russia to avoid such incidents.

On Thursday, a Russian war jet, conducting airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in al-Bab town of Syria, hit a building where Turkish Armed Forces units were placed, killing three soldiers and wounding 11 others, according to the Turkish Armed Forces.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that the airstrikes were launched based on coordinates provided by the Turkish military.

"It was a lack of coordination in providing coordinates. That is how I would formulate it," Peskov said.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin talked to his Turkish counterpart via telephone and expressed sorrow.
At his chamber's annual Chinese New Year celebration in Brussels on Thursday, Bernard Dewit, chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said that China and the European Union will forge a closer economic partnership to cope with new challenges posed by the new US administration. [Photo by Fu Jing/China Daily]

Europe is expected to forge more free-trade deals with Asian economies such as China to cope with rising protectionism and new challenges brought by the new US administration led by Donald Trump, a leading European business leader said on Thursday.

"Donald Trump's taking office as president of the United States is bringing new challenges for China and Europe," said Bernard Dewit, chairman of the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, at the annual Chinese new year celebration in Brussels.

"With a more protectionist US policy illustrated by the US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the correct response from Europe is not to condemn President Trump's decision but to accelerate the EU's own free-trade deals with Asian countries like China."

Dewit said: "We must not see China as a threat or an enemy but as a partner. We shall have much more to win."

Dewit, citing what European Council President Donald Tusk recently said, said that threats to the EU are more linked to the bloc itself with the rise of anti-EU, nationalist and increasingly "xenophobic" sentiment in the EU.

Dewit said the China-led Belt and Road Initiative and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank provide opportunities not only for the immediate neighbors of China but also for the European economies.

At the same time, he said China's global outbound foreign direct investment has jumped to almost $200 billion in 2016, and the European Union continues to be a favorite destination for Chinese investors.

Dewit said Chinese investors are eyeing a broad range of industries but showed particularly strong interest in technology and advanced manufacturing assets, while Germany and the United Kingdom have accounted for more than half of the total inbound Chinese investment in Europe last year.

"This means that Belgium can still do better to attract more Chinese investors," Dewit said.

Dewit said the excellent political relationship between the two countries will help bring more economic deals, taking the examples of the visit of Prime Minister Charles Michel last October to China and the meeting between President Xi Jinping and the Belgian King Philippe at the annual meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos last month.

At the reception organized by Dewit's chamber, Qu Xing, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, said that both Belgian and Chinese businesses have showed a great interest in deepening the bilateral economic relationship in recent years, and trade volume has been rising, though global trade activity has slowed.

"In recent years, Chinese investors have launched a growing number of new projects in Belgium, and some of them are in non-manufacturing sectors such as insurance and finance," said Qu. "Relying on highly qualified professionals in Belgium, the Chinese companies have been localized."

Qu said China's efforts in restructuring the economy and realizing green and sustainable development will be creating more cooperation opportunities for Belgium and other European countries.
February 9, 2017

As much as the United States' new tone toward Iran is worrisome, and as much as the Islamic Republic's Jan. 29 ballistic missile test is disconcerting, Tehran and Washington are unlikely to collide directly.

In both capitals, decision-makers see an urgent need for harsh rhetoric  albeit for different reasons. The Iranians see a need to show resilience vis-a-vis an explicitly hostile US administration. Meanwhile, the latter wants to make clear to both its domestic and international audience that the Obama era is over. This involves signaling that the easing of tensions with Iran has ended. It also involves reassuring regional allies such as Saudi Arabia and Israel that Washington would not engage in a rapprochement with Tehran at their expense.

Indeed, it should not come as a surprise that US national security adviser Michael Flynn's warning that Iran "is officially on notice" came shortly after lengthy phone calls between the White House and both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud.

But escalating rhetoric aside, the reality is that US policy toward Iran has largely remained intact.

In the 13 months since the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran has repeatedly conducted ballistic missile tests. And it is entitled to do so. In UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231, which endorses the nuclear deal, Iran is "called upon" not to carry out tests of missiles "designed" to carry nuclear weapons. There is no legally binding prohibition of such launches, unlike in UNSCR 1929  the last and most harsh UN resolution against Iran over its nuclear program  which is superseded by UNSCR 2231.

To be clear, the nuclear deal does not address Iran's missile program. Moreover, the world powers with which Iran negotiated UNSCR 2231  apart from the United States  did not display any appetite to insert legally binding text on Iran's missile tests.

Thus, as provocative as the missile tests may be, it is hard to see them providing a legal basis for the United States to spearhead new multilateral sanctions, leaving Washington with the option of adopting unilateral sanctions, which it did on Feb. 3.

While it took the Trump administration less than two weeks to slap sanctions on Iran, the idea that there was a sanctions freeze in Obama's final year in office is inaccurate. In fact, the latest sanctions were prepared by the previous administration.

In January 2016, not long after the implementation of the nuclear deal, changes were made to the Visa Waiver Program, which excluded Iranian dual nationals and anyone who had visited Iran in the preceding five years. Moreover, last December, Obama refrained from moving to veto the congressional vote on a 10-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act. While these sanctions are unrelated to Iran's nuclear program, they undoubtedly undermine the impact of the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions.

Iran has reacted to the escalating rhetoric and sanctions by stressing that its missile program is defensive in nature, promising retaliatory sanctions, and by carrying out new military drills.

Yet, there is little incentive for Iran to greatly alter the status quo. Iranian leaders see the JCPOA as much more than just about the United States. It is an international arrangement with world powers  including the European Union, which Iran holds in high regard as a multinational institution. They see this arrangement as beneficial to Iran's economic and security calculations. Foreign investment, albeit limited due to remaining US sanctions, is trickling in. The EU oil embargo has been lifted and major contracts in the area of petrochemicals, civic aviation and transport are increasingly sealed. Additionally, the JCPOA provides a sense of security to Iran. It is highly unlikely for any party to the agreement to green-light military action by another party against Iran. Hence, Iran has little incentive not to abide by the nuclear deal.

As such, while the cycle of escalating rhetoric is discomforting at a time of deep uncertainty and conflict in the Middle East, it is important to see that it has its limits. Short of outright regime change, the United States has in fact rather limited options to weaken and contain Iran.

Given its experiences in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, it is unlikely that the United States will launch full-scale unilateral military action against Iran. It could move to arm a third country to hit Iranian infrastructure. This was tried with Iraq under Saddam Hussein. Today, Saudi Arabia could be such a third country. But given the lack of appetite in Riyadh for direct confrontation with Tehran, and considering the downward spiral in the Saudi military intervention against Yemen  the poorest country in the region  it is unthinkable that Saudi Arabia would take such a step. Israel has repeatedly threatened to attack Iranian nuclear sites. But considering the low chances of success and the potentially dire consequences, including retaliatory attacks by Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, it can be argued that such threats primarily serve a political purpose.

Less costly measures aimed at weakening and containing Iran, such as sanctions, have been tried and tested. The Obama administration managed to put in place an unprecedented multilateral sanctions regime targeting Tehran. Yet, it was under those very sanctions that Irans nuclear program evolved into what the international community came to perceive as a major threat to global security. Consequently, the Obama administration tried diplomacy. And it worked. The JCPOA reduced the capacity and increased the transparency of Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions. And as the International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly certified, the deal is working.

Bearing in mind the nuclear deal is fulfilling its objectives, the limited military options to contain Iran, and perhaps most of all the likely US inability to forge an international consensus against Iran in case of its unilateral breach of the accord, the security establishments of both Israel and Saudi Arabia have publicly urged Washington not to dismantle the JCPOA.

While reveling in the newfound reassurances from Washington, it can thus be argued that Riyadh and Tel Aviv understand the limits of the cycle of escalation and mostly take solace in Trump's unwillingness to realize their nightmares under Obama.

In this vein, the Trump administration can be expected to do whatever it can to minimize the economic benefits Iran will reap under the JCPOA. It will likely seek to discredit Iran's regional policies to prevent the normalization of the Islamic Republic's ties with the world, while also diminishing the political capital the deal affords Iran. But it will do this short of breaching the accord.

Thus, while likely to squabble about respective obligations and further drift away from rapprochement, neither Iran nor the United States has the incentive or ability to take the new cycle of tension to a military confrontation.
(Photo : Russian Navy) The Admiral Kuznetsov

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Weighed down by aging warships from the Soviet era and lack of funding, the Russian Navy surface fleet is trying to figure out its future after its only aircraft carrier, the RFS Admiral Kuznetsov (063), retires in 2020.







That date still remains despite Russian state media in May 2016 saying the Kuznetsov will undergo an extensive three year-long refit beginning the first quarter of 2017. The refit is expected to increase the service life of the carrier by 25 more years.



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The decommissioning of the Kuznetsov will inflict a huge loss of prestige on Russia and will be a huge slap to Russia's face. It will transform the Russian Navy into a coastal navy without the means to project Russian power overseas.



Only Russia's submarines can reach out worldwide and since no one is supposed to see a submarine, these warships can't be visible symbols of national power.



Russia will be alone among the five great military maritime powers (the U.S., China, India, the United Kingdom and France) without an aircraft carrier. Even Thailand and Brazil have their own aircraft carriers.



As for the Kuznetsov's refit, nothing has been heard about it from state controlled media since May 2016, leading to speculation no contract was signed for the overhaul work last year. The refit contract should have been signed in June 2016.



News of the alleged refit, however, was leaked before the Kuznetsov and a small squadron of seven ships on Oct. 15 began a journey from Murmansk in the Barents Sea to the Mediterranean Sea to launch airstrikes against anti-Assad rebels in Syria.



The squadron arrived off Syria in November and launched a few airstrikes before suspending them. Two of the fighters aboard the Kuznetsov crashed into the sea due to non-battle causes. One fighter was lost because the Kuznetsov's arresting gear failed, which meant the pilot had to crash his jet to save himself.



The surviving fighters were then transferred to the Russian air base at Hmeymin where they launched their bombing raids. The Kuznetsov and her escorts left the Mediterranean in late January and docked in Russia on Feb. 9.



The unnecessary three month-long deployment off Syria will likely delay plans for the refit and accelerate the decommissioning of the Kuznetsov, which experienced excessive wear and tear in the mission. It might not now be economical to refit such a badly battered ship.



State propaganda, however, immediately said the Russian Navy will analyze "all the positive aspects that were practiced at sea for the first time" after the Kuznetsov task force returned to Russia.



"Each subsequent voyage of a warship means an analysis and we'll analyze not only the warship's operation at sea but also the issues of timely preparing for a voyage, as well as the process of the warship's employment," said Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Vladimir Korolyov.



"This also applies to deck-based aircraft, warships and vessels of the aircraft carrier naval task force."



He also said the Russian Navy will also adjust "some plans of the employment of forces, including the tactical level of specific warships and groups."



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TagsRussian Navy, RFS Admiral Kuznetsov, Syria, Murmansk, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Vladimir Korolyov, Aircraft carrier
(Photo : Getty Images) Baidu's mobile healthcare unit was established in January 2015.

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Baidu Inc. has announced the shutdown of its two-year-old mobile healthcare business unit in exchange of artificial intelligence (AI) team.



The decision is in line with latest effort of the company to restructure itself as an AI-first company, refocusing more on intelligence-enabled healthcare research and innovation. To clarify, he content production team of the mobile healthcare business unit will be merged into the groups AI business and search business that will be effective immediately.



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Axing the department doesnt mean Baidu will stop exploring the field of medical care. Baidu is aiming to participate in more upstream areas, like gene detection and new drugs R&D, said Li Yanhong, the CEO of Baidu, said during a Q&A session at the China Entrepreneurs Forum.



The Chinese search engine artificial intelligence teams will direct its efforts to develop applications that could be used in the medical field. Areas included are drug development and testing, gene sequencing and patient diagnosis.



There will be two programs to the AI team  Thumb Doctor and Intelligent Little e. Thumb Doctor is an online platform, where real experts answer peoples questions about medical symptoms. On the other hand, Intelligent Little e is a chatbot project that aids in providing instant diagnoses.



According to Li, artificial intelligence will play an important role in analyzing the result of gene sequencing to help identifying rare and common diseases in advance. It also expected that AI will replicate the efficiency of new drugs and lower the cost and period of R&D as well.



Baidu's mobile healthcare unit was established in January 2015. Its key business is to offer online hospital appointment booking services to patients, online consultation between doctors and patients, and online booking of pharmacy deliveries. These services are also akin to other mobile healthcare apps like GuaHao.com, Haoyisheng and Xingren Doctors.



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(Photo : PLAN) Shenyang J-15 fighters take-off from the CNS Liaoning.

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China's more bellicose diplomacy and apparent readiness to war on the United States is because it because "it now has a military capable of delivering radical change in the region," said a 186 year-old British think tank.



In a new report, the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies (RUSI) said the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has a clear path ahead of it despite China's mounting economic problems. In particular, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) apparently has a goal of fielding 500 warships, including aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, amphibious ships, frigates and destroyers.



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RUSI said the growth of PLAN "has been rapid: indeed it is hard to recall growth at a similar pace in any navy across history."



It said that under Admiral Wu Shengli, the PLAN commander who retired this January, PLAN's growth "has been phenomenal."



"Not only have ship, submarine and aircraft numbers increased rapidly, but so too have the breadth of operations they have been involved in, from evacuation operations in Libya to counter-piracy patrols in the Indian Ocean."



Wu's successor, Admiral Shen Jinlong, now faces a problem far different from increasing the number of warships. Shen now has to contend with the weakest link in the PLAN combat chain: its ill-motivated and hastily trained personnel largely incapable of individual initiative.



These manpower defects spring from the PLA's organizational system "that relies on conformity of people and thinking."



Despite this intractable defect, PLAN remains set on attaining what the report termed as "phase two" of the plan of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to gain dominance in the Pacific Ocean.



Permanent military bases in the South China Sea and the full deployment of the BeiDou satellite navigation system will give the PLA a competitive edge in the South China Sea and East China Sea against its greatest enemy, the U.S. Navy.



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Tagschina, United States, Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies, RUSI, People's Liberation Army, People's Liberation Army Navy, PLAN, Admiral Wu Shengli
(Photo : Getty Images) At least five patients accidentally contracted HIV after hospital technician broke protocol and reused dirty needles in China.

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A Chinese hospital has admitted that one of its medical staff accidentally infected at least five people with HIV after reusing hypodermic needles on patients.



Hangzhou's Health and Family Planning Commission said on Thursday that the outbreak was reported to health authorities on Jan. 26, describing it as a "severe violation of procedure." Investigations found that a patient, who was tested with HIV, was the source of the virus. The Wall Street Journal reported that the blood screening revealed that the virus was spread to five other people after the technician gravely violated standard procedure and reused the same piece of equipment to five other patients.



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No official statement has been released about the details of the case yet, such as how many other patients have been exposed, what were they being treated for, or when the infection occurred, the BBC reported. Affected individuals, however, will be treated and will receive compensation.



At least five people have been arrested at Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine including the president and executive vice-president, according to South China Morning Post. The technician involved is now facing criminal investigation.



The recent incident has renewed fears among Chinese netizens. It can be recalled that some 20 years ago, poor safety policy and lack of regulation contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS in China.



Meanwhile, with the increasing number of people affected with the disease in China, the country planned to double the number of HIV/AIDS patients to be treated using traditional Chinese medicine as part of its five-year plan.



China plans to collaborate between traditional Chinese medicine departments and national health and family planning commissions "to find a therapeutic regimen which combines traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicines."



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(Photo : Getty Images. ) Trump's courtesy phone call to Xi comes at a critical time when Sino-U.S. relationship is being plagued by a lack of basic trust and good will.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to uphold the "One China" policy in his first courtesy call with President Xi Jinping since taking office last month. This marks a complete u-turn from Trump's previous stance that the "One China" policy is up for negotiation.



According to a statement issued by the White House on late Thursday evening, both leaders discussed a wide range of issues during the phone call. Their discussion was described as "extremely cordial." The statement did not shed light on what Trump exactly said regarding the "One China" policy, but maintained that the U.S. leader assured China of his complete support on the issue.



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In response, Beijing immediately issued a statement appreciating Trump's acknowledgment of the "One China" policy.



President Xi was quoted saying that China would "work with the United States to enhance communication and cooperation so that bilateral ties can advance in a sound and stable manner and yield more fruits to benefit the two peoples and people of all countries in the world," according to the state-owned English tabloid The Global Times.



Trump's courtesy phone call to Xi comes at a critical time when Sino-U.S. relationship is being plagued by a lack of basic trust and good will. The low ebb in the bilateral relationship was very much expected after Trump unexpectedly won the U.S. presidential elections last year.



During his campaign, the Republican leader blamed China's manipulative trade practices for America's economic woes. Trump promised his supporters to undo all these practices if he is elected as president.



But his unexpected overtures to Taiwan and subsequently challenging American government's commitment to "One China" policy surprised Beijing even more.



China's unpleasant reaction was also expected, considering that no other U.S. government was so openly dismissive about the "One China" policy or made direct contact with any Taiwanese leader.



The "One China" policy (or the 1992 consensus) entails that China and Taiwan are one nation. This directly challenges Taipei's claim to be a "separate, sovereign nation." The principle forms the bedrock of Beijing's foreign relation with almost all countries, including the United States.



Taiwan spilt from mainland China in 1949, when the nationalist forces fled across the Taiwan Strait after communist forces emerged triumphant in a prolonged civil war. Since then, Taiwan has become a self-ruled island, but the Chinese government regards it as a renegade province, to be reclaimed by force if necessary.



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Tagsdonald trump, Trump China, One China policy, China and US
(Photo : NASA) False color image of the Moon.

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Leaked documents show the Trump's administration space program involves the U.S. again landing its astronauts on the Moon and embarking on "the large-scale economic development of space."



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If proven accurate, the documents will largely invalidate NASA's current program that bypasses any Moon mission altogether in favor of manned landings on asteroids and on one of Mars' moons before a manned landing on Mars itself, probably by 2035.



The proposed space program urges a "rapid and affordable" return to the Moon by 2020. It provides for the construction of privately operated space stations and a redirection of NASA's mission towards "the large-scale economic development of space."



American media said this redirection is pitting NASA scientists against billionaire businessmen supporting Trump that want the space agency to become a money making venture and not a tool for scientific research.



Privatizing the U.S.' space efforts is the main aim of the billionaire boys club, whose goal now is to get Trump to appoint a NASA deputy administrator who supports their money-making faction called "New Space" against the science faction called "Old Space." The deputy administrator runs NASA's day-to-day operations.



Media reports say New Space represented by Elon Musk of SpaceX and Jeff Bezos of Blue Origin and their supporters have a clear upper hand at NASA.



NASA has released a statement about the administration's proposed plans while remaining silent on the corrosive infighting between businessmen and scientists.



NASA said it's focused on the future, "one that will ... advance America's technology and innovation leadership; see the full potential of research on the International Space Station; extend human presence deeper into space as part of our Journey to Mars; better understand our changing home planet from NASA's unique platforms in space; foster and grow a commercial space industry that is ready to move to the next level and return the flight to American astronauts to U.S. soil, and advance new frontiers in our solar system and beyond."



"NASA believes that future leaders will be enthusiastic about continuing the important work that NASA has been engaged in over these past several years, including the Journey to Mars. This includes leaders both today and tomorrow; be they leaders in government, industry, academia and civic life.



"A consensus has been emerging in the scientific and policy communities around NASA's Journey to Mars; specifically around our plan, timetable and strategy for sending human beings to Mars in the 2030s. There is widespread recognition that NASA's plan is clear, affordable, sustainable and attainable. This consensus is stretching not only across the aisle, but across the public, private, academic and non-profit sectors. And, our international partners have expressed enthusiasm for the Journey to Mars."



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Tagsmoon, NASA, Mars, Trump administration, New Space, Old Space
A legal case involving the religious freedom rights of California state counselors may be heard by the Supreme Court.

Charisma News reports that Christian counselors in the state have been battling against Senate Bill 1172 for nearly five years. According to the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), which is representing the counselors, The bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2012, requires state-licensed mental health providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors and many others to refrain from counseling youth in ways that differ from state orthodoxy on LGBTQ issues.

The Pacific Justice Institute and its Christian clients are hopeful that their case may be heard by the Supreme Court since the Court recently asked for additional information regarding the lawsuit.

Brad Dacus of PJI stated, "The state orthodoxy mandated by SB 1172 raises serious concerns for religious freedom and privacy, and we are glad the Supreme Court is taking our petition seriously. Many young people who struggle with same-sex attraction or gender confusion want to hear something different than political correctness on LGBTQ issuesthey want to hear biblical truth spoken in love. They absolutely should have the right to seek professional help, including church counseling, consistent with their values."

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: February 10, 2017
Oregon pro-lifers are fighting a bill in their states Senate that could allow the starvation or dehydration of patients with dementia or mental illnesswithout their prior written consent.



S.B. 494, introduced by a judiciary committee, appears at first simply to update the states advance directive laws. But it allows a patients representative to remove undefined life-sustaining procedures if the patient has a progressive illness, has stopped talking, and cannot recognize family members.



Patients would no longer need an advance directive, since an authorized guardian, spouse, a majority of their children, their parents, a friend, or if none is available, an attending physician can order the withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures.



A spokeswoman for the Senate committee said about 50 people worked on the legislation for the last two years. Authors of the bill did not respond to questions about its content.



S.B. 494 has as its goal to give surrogates the ability to withdraw food and fluids from Alzheimers patients, dementia patients, and mentally ill patients, Gayle Atteberry, director of Oregon Right to Life, told me. It does it in very sneaky and crafty ways, but it does it.



Atteberry said lawmakers kept the bills wording intentionally vague in order to make everything very unclear and subject to whatever the people surrounding the patient want to do.



The bill removes the definitions of tube feeding, life support, and dementia, along with all references to power of attorney from current Oregon advance directive law. But it leaves the definitions of tube feeding and life support in the advance directive form patients would fill out.



You can say, I dont want tube feeding, but unless tube feeding is defined in the statute, its just words, Atteberry said.



The bill also leaves room to stop spoon-feeding patients who can and still want to eat, Atteberry said. Last year, Oregon courts considered the case of a man who wanted nursing home workers to stop spoon-feeding his wife, Nora Harris, who had Alzheimers. He argued her advance directive against life support included spoon-feeding. A judge disagreed, ruling Oregon law requires nursing home workers to provide assistance with eating, including offering food on utensils.



Alex Schadenberg, director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, said the bill would not force people to choose death by dehydration, but its so highly suggestive its ridiculous.



Most advance directive forms allow people to choose death by dehydration, he said, but hes never seen an advance directive bill so focused on withdrawing food and water.



This is dressed up as a normal advance directive bill, but for some reason, someone has a fetish for dehydration, he said. Its the priority of this bill to get people to say, yes to dehydration. I will tell you that that is the gateway to euthanasia.



Since death by dehydration, even softened by morphine, is a death prolonged over roughly nine days, he said people will begin clamoring for death by euthanasia, which is faster and appears more compassionate: Who wants to watch Mom dehydrating to death? No one.



Oregon Right to Life members are working to inform legislators, both Republicans and Democrats, of every facet of the bill. Pro-life senators, Atteberry said, oppose the bill, while even pro-choice senators act surprised at its contents.



We are hopeful, Atteberry said. We are praying. The only one who can really stop this bill is God.

Courtesy: WORLD News Service

Publication date: February 10, 2017
Hawaii state lawmakers hope to make their state the next to force pregnancy care centers to promote abortion.



Twin bills in the state House and Senate would require the pro-life centers to post a pro-abortion statement in a clear and conspicuous place in their waiting areas or give it to women when they arrive.



The statement reads: Hawaii has public programs that provide immediate free or low-cost access to comprehensive family planning services including all FDA-approved methods of contraception, prenatal care, and abortion for eligible women. To determine whether you qualify, contact the appropriate Med-QUEST division eligibility office.



If pregnancy care centers dont cooperate with the state-sponsored message, they face a $500 fine the first time and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.



In addition, women who walk in and are offended by a violation may personally sue the center. The Hawaii proposal is more strict than Californias law requiring pregnancy care centers to promote abortion, because offending centers there face fines but not civil action.



Stacey Jimenez, director of operations at A Place for Women in Waipio, a pregnancy care ministry at Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor, told me the bills would violate the centers freedom of religion and freedom of speech.



The ministry offers Bible-study format recovery classes for women who have had abortions, and Jimenez said the bills would essentially make them tell women, Go out, go harm yourself, and come back and well help you heal.



We have had women come through our classes who have been infertile as a result of their abortion. And we have had women come through with emotional issues, she said. We shouldnt be in a position to refer out for one of the very things that we offer recovery classes for.



Women seeking abortion, she said, can search online for an abortion center: Why do I have to tell them about it? We don't do that here.



Other state laws requiring pregnancy care centers to post or hand out information on where to get an abortion have faced court challenges with varied results.



In 2014, a Maryland county dropped a case against a pro-life pregnancy care center protesting a law requiring thembut not abortion clinicsto post signs saying no doctor was on staff.



In October, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Californias Reproductive FACT Act, which requires pregnancy care centers to post or distribute information about where to obtain an abortion.



But in December, an Illinois judge issued a preliminary injunction against a new law requiring all healthcare providers to give out information on where to get an abortion if a patient asks. He called it compelled speech in violation of plaintiffs free speech rights.

Courtesy: WORLD News Service

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: February 10, 2017
Young professionals are helping to advance the gospel in Central Asia despite strict prohibitions against religion.

CBN News reports that life is challenging for Christians in the five stans of central Asia: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

These countries are now free from Soviet rule, but the totalitarianism from the Communist age, as well as the growth of Islamic extremism is a threat to those who profess faith.

Leaders in these countries have enacted laws prohibiting religious expression. These laws are ostensibly directed toward Muslims, but Christians often end up facing brunt of these laws.

"When the authorities discover someone has converted to Christianity, they will gather relatives, friends and family of the accused and bring him or her before an Islamic Council of Elders," said Maksim who lives in Tajikistan. "The convert then stands before the group and has to decide between faith or family."

Dr. Michael Cherenkov, who monitors religious freedom issues in the former Soviet Union says that, due to these laws, Christians in these countries have had to find new ways to worship and share their faith.

"These laws have forced Christians to be more creative and invent new approaches to sharing the Gospel," Cherenkov said.

One way Christians in these countries are building community despite restrictions is through the Next Generation Professional Leaders Initiative, started by Sergey Rakhuba. This event is a gathering of young professionals from across Central Asia.

Rakhuba commented on the importance of this community: "It is not possible to overstate the significance of this gathering when you have in one room over 500 of the key young leaders from across Central Asia.

Join us in praying for these young Christians who are being equipped to spread the gospel in an area that greatly needs the good news!

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: February 10, 2017
Of the 50 states in the U.S., those in the South continue to be the most religious, according to a recently released Gallup survey.

For the ninth year, Mississippi came in as the most religious state, with 59 percent its residents being "very religious." Alabama followed, with 56 percent of very religious residents.

Other southern states that came in the 10 most religious states include South Carolina (52 percent), Arkansas (52 percent), Louisiana (50 percent), Tennessee (50 percent), Oklahoma (49 percent) and Georgia (47 percent).

Only two states in the top 10 were not from the South: Utah (54 percent) and South Dakota (53 percent).

Vermont was found to be the least religious state, as 21 percent were "very religious." Maine (23 percent) and Massachusetts (25 percent) followed.

The survey classified residents as "very religious," "moderately religious," or "nonreligious" based on their survey responses on how important they believe religion is, and how often they attend church, Gallup explained.

"Very religious Americans say religion is important to them and report attending services every week or almost every week," the study states. "Nonreligious Americans are those for whom religion is not important and who seldom attend religious services. Moderately religious Americans meet just one of the criteria, saying either religion is important or that they attend services almost every week or more often."

Frank Newport, the editor-in-chief of Gallup, said that while there are no "clear-cut" explanations to the differing levels of religiosity state-by-state, much of it may have to do with a state's culture, "which in turn derives from many years of religious history."

"Children in highly religious states generally end up being more religious than children who grow up in less religious states," said Newport. "Persons moving to Mississippi may find themselves more likely to attend religious services because so many others are doing so, while persons moving to Vermont may be less inclined to attend because so few of their neighbors do."
home World 10-year-old Iraqi girl dies after being punished by ISIS with torture device

A 10-year-old Iraqi girl in Mosul bled to death after the Islamic State used a medieval torture device to punish her for stepping outside of her house alone.

The punishment was inflicted by the Al-Khansa Brigade, an all-female jihadi group who serve as religious police for other women. They are responsible for enforcing the terror group's stringent rules, including the prohibition on breastfeeding outside, not wearing socks or wearing high heels.

According to the Daily Mail, the 10-year-old girl, identified as Faten, was punished after she stepped over the threshold of her house alone while she was cleaning. Under the rules imposed by ISIS, women are forbidden from leaving home unaccompanied by male members of the family.

Reports have stated that the Al-Khansa brigade asked the mother to choose whether she or her daughter would endure the punishment of being bitten.

Believing that the bite would be administered by a person, the mother chose her daughter to face the punishment.

A female witness who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that the al-Khansa brigade produced a metal biting device, with poison on the teeth. The poison did not have enough time to take effect as Faten bled to death from her wounds.

The witness also shared the story of a woman who was punished by the Hisbah (morality police) for simply lifting up her veil to check a merchandise at the market. The woman was lashed 30 times on the spot, and she died a few hours later from her injuries.

The female witness said that she tried not to leave the house for two years because she feels dizzy every time she puts on the veil.

"I never felt like I was a human being. Why all of this black clothing?" said the witness. "It's like I'm getting into a bag and it's closed on me so I can't even breathe or enjoy the sun," she added.

She stated that she avoids wearing veils that would show the eyes because that is how the members of the Hisbah would estimate the age of the girl.

"If she's young she is more likely to be targeted for abuse. For this reason, I prefer to cover myself totally," she said.
home US Catholic scouting units won't have to comply with Boy Scouts' transgender membership policy

Scouting units sponsored by the Catholic church will not be affected by the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) new policy to accept members based on their gender identity.

The BSA announced on Jan. 30 that it will determine membership eligibility for its programs based on the gender identity on the youth's membership application instead of the gender indicated on the youth's birth certificate.

In a statement issued on Feb. 4, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting said that the policy change "has no impact on the operation and program delivery of Scouting program(s) in Catholic-chartered units."

"Scouting serves the Catholic Church through the charter concept, which is similar to a franchise," it said, as reported by Catholic News Service. "The units chartered to a Catholic institution are owned by that organization. The BSA has stipulated that religious partners will continue to have the right to make decisions for their units based on their religious beliefs," the committee added.

The signatories of the statement were George S. Sparks, national chairman of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, and Fr. Kevin M. Smith, a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, who is national chaplain of Catholic Scouting.

Following the BSA's announcement, some Christian leaders urged parents to withdraw their children from the scouting organization. American Family Association President Tim Wildmon said that parents and churches should join other scouting organizations that uphold biblical teachings on gender.

"It's time to make a break and it's time to get out. They are not redeemable any longer," said Wildmon. "That would be my advice [to parents] because the Boy Scouts are incompatible with scripture at this point. You are Christian first," he added.

The BSA's decision to accept transgender members came after two other significant changes were made to its century-old policies related to sexuality.

In 2013, it started to allow openly homosexual youths to join its scouting programs. In 2015, it permitted openly gay and bisexual adults to become unit leaders and employees.

A BSA spokesperson told the Baptist Press last month that churches and religious organizations that partner with the Boy Scouts will still be allowed to make decisions based on their religious beliefs. Sparks and Smith also affirmed that the teachings of the Catholic Church are upheld despite the policy change.

According to Catholic News Service, faith-based groups run about 70 percent of Boy Scout troops.
home Video Donald Trump isn't the Antichrist but he is anti-Christ - Eric Sapp

A few weeks ago, I was reading a piece on President Trump's inner circle. The story talked about how Trump's son-in-law saved the family fortune by selling their real-estate holdings and investing them all in a single building: 666 Fifth Avenue ... and how he then leveraged the profits from 666 Fifth Avenue to buy a new property adjoining the family's $666 million development in New Jersey.

Want to guess how high the new building being built from the profits of 666 Fifth Avenue will be? Yup, 666 feet!

I did my thesis in divinity school on Revelation and apocalyptic literature, so I was intrigued by those numbers and will admit it became a bit of a game to see what else I could find.

My favorite is that 666+666+666+6+6+6 = 2016, the year Donald Trump was elected President!

But to be fair, you can make most anything add up to 666 with enough mathematical gymnastics. So I decided to search for others signs of the apocalypse.

As it turns out, a super lunar eclipse, the phenomenon when the "moon turns to blood," is very rare. Only five "blood moons" occurred in the last century and only four during President Trump's lifetime.

Again, want to guess when the first blood moon was? The night Donald Trump was born. And the most recent time the moon turned to blood? The night after the "Values Voter Summit," when Trump articulated his vision for why Christians should follow him.

But the truth is that the imagery in Revelation wasn't intended to turn Christians into an End Times Scooby Gang, looking for clues and cosmic signs to unmask the Devil. Instead, the Biblical apocalyptic authors were delivering a powerful warning to Christians of their time (and all of us today) of how easy it isaespecially in times of fear and uncertaintyafor Christians to put our faith in worldly powers and strongmen, even when those leaders proclaim a message that is anti-Christ.

The problem with a singular focus on signs of the "End Times" (exegetical accuracy aside) is that doing so blinds us to the daily struggle we are called to as Christians.

No Rapture yet? Good, we don't have to worry which side we're on and can vote for a leader who denies the need for forgiveness, brags about his affairs with other men's wives, and lies about conversations his campaign now admits it had with the Russian dictator who openly meddled in our election. Because four horsemen haven't ridden out of the sky, we can continue to affirm leaders who say torture and killing women and children are necessary to keep us safe and protect American values.

So while I found the blood moon links eerie, and many of the 666 connections intriguing, there was one connection between President Trump and 666 that I found chilling.

666 Fifth Avenue falls almost perfectly in the "middle" of Fifth Avenue from north to south. And candidate Trump's famous proclamation that he could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue (where 666 Fifth is) and shoot somebody without losing any voters reflects precisely the environment and cult the Bible warns about.

President Trump didn't shoot anyone ... but look at all he has done and said and encouraged others to do in his name. Yet his followers a including most American evangelicals a did not abandon him. And this is precisely what the Biblical apocalyptic authors warned us to watch for.

The word "antichrist" is never used in Revelation. It comes from John's first letter, when John exhorts Christians to beware of false prophets and test the spirit of new leaders a to watch and listen to see if their spirit is from God or "the spirit of antichrist ... which speaks from the view point of the world and is listened to by the world."

So I ask, from which spirit do these words come: "The beauty of me is that I'm very rich ... The point is, you can never be too greedy ... You know, it really doesn't matter what the media write as long as you've got a young, and beautiful, piece of a**."

All the Biblical authors are clear that "the antichrists, the beast, the son of perdition" are most clearly known by their rejection of Christ. Is there a more fundamental rejection of Christ than to say that you alone are not in need of God's forgiveness? Cursing Christ at least acknowledges his significance a but denying the need for grace and forgiveness dismisses the necessity and efficacy of Christ's sacrifice and the foundation of all we believe.

President Trump's view of America is a fearful and dark one, to which he presents a single source of salvation: "I alone can fix it." He has told the Pope that only Trump can protect him. And Trump's only response to Senate Chaplain Barry Black's powerful words at the Prayer Breakfast was to proclaim to all that Rev. Black need not worry about his job because he had found favor with Trump a as if a godly man like Rev. Black needed or prioritized either.

Trump says he's a Christian but never talks about Jesus or what God has done in his life. Listen. When Trump talks about Christianity, it is only in terms of his own greatness and what he will give Christians.

He embodies Christ's warning of those who say, "Lord, Lord did we not do many things of power in your name" but ignore the sole criteria Jesus gives us for how He will judge the world: "feed the hungry, welcome the foreigner, comfort the prisoner."

John tells us that if all else fails, there is one certain way Christians can distinguish between the animating Spirit of truth or the spirit of falsehood that reveals the antichrists: let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God ...There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

Watch President Trump's inaugural address ... or most any speech he gives. When he says his favorite Bible teaching is "an eye for an eye" or advises his followers, "when people wrong you, go after those people, because it is a good feeling and because other people will see you doing it. I always get even," ask yourself: which spirit is reflected?

I do not believe Donald Trump is a supernatural spawn of Satan, ushering in the end of the world. As a total-depravity Calvinist, I know we don't need some supernatural Antichrist for humans to do horrible things or for societies to fall so far that they commit historic sins.

But after Trump's most recent executive order denying safe haven to Christians fleeing ISIS and genocide in Darfur, I feel I must speak the Biblical truth that Trump is anti-Christ.

It's not because he was born the night of a blood moon or has more connections to 666 than he does to Kevin Bacon. It's because his is a spirit of fear and emptiness, that seeks only to fill his bottomless insecurity with worldly affirmations and idols, instead of humbling himself before the only One who can make him whole. And it is that antichristian spirit that is both leading so many Christians astray and gathering such evil human forces around him in his alt-right and Russian enforcers.

I continue to pray for Trump because he is a man a like all of us a in need of God's guidance, forgiveness, and mercy. He was legally elected and is my president. But as a Christian, I absolutely reject his spirit. And I find myself in the same positions as the authors I studied in divinity school, pleading with my fellow believers flocking to his banner to remember that the federal government and worldly rulers are not from whence our salvation comes.

Don't pick the wrong side. None of us know what the next four years will bring, but I do not despair because the hope that is in me does not depend on Trump.
home US Donald Trump travel ban facing multiple legal challenges

A U.S. appeal court's refusal to reinstate a temporary travel ban on refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries is a setback for President Donald Trump, but the government plans to fight back on multiple legal fronts.

The White House is not ruling out the possibility of rewriting Trump's Jan. 27 order in light of the actions by a federal judge in Seattle and an appeals court in San Francisco putting the directive on hold, an administration official said.

"The administration is looking through all the options on how to move forward. But we'd like to win the case in court," the official said.

"SEE YOU IN COURT," Trump said in a Twitter post on Thursday after Thursday's ruling by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, which upheld a lower court's suspension of his ban.

The administration has been defending the executive order in the case that produced Thursday's ruling and in more than a dozen additional lawsuits now moving through the U.S. court system. The administration could appeal the 9th Circuit ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court as early as Friday.

The Republican president, who has repeatedly expressed frustration with the week-old court-mandated suspension, tweeted on Friday that the decision was "disgraceful."

Trump's order, which he has called a national security measure to head off attacks by Islamist militants, barred people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, except refugees from Syria, who are banned indefinitely.

Thursday's court decision related only to whether to maintain the decision by U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle to suspend the order, and did not resolve the lawsuit against the ban brought by the states of Washington and Minnesota. Those states have argued the ban violated constitutional protections against religious discrimination.

The government has 14 days to ask the 9th Circuit to have a larger panel of judges review the decision "en banc," or to appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will likely determine the case's final outcome.

In condemning the decision, Trump on Friday cited a security blog, Lawfare, as noting the panel had not cited the statute underpinning his order, a president's power to bar or restrict foreigners from entering the country if they would harm U.S. interests. [http://bit.ly/2ka0Wjs]

The Lawfare article added that the appeals court was right to leave the suspension of the ban in place, as "there is no cause to plunge the country into turmoil again while the courts address the merits of these matters over the next few weeks."

The travel ban, the most contentious action Trump has taken since he was sworn in on Jan. 20, sparked protests and chaos at U.S. and overseas airports on the weekend after it was issued, as well as legal challenges. The number of pending cases increases the likelihood that the Supreme Court will ultimately have to decide the fate of the policy.

The nine-member Supreme Court is currently ideologically split, with four liberal justices and four conservatives, pending Senate confirmation of Trump's conservative nominee, Neil Gorsuch, to the bench.

On Friday, a federal court in Virginia will hold a hearing on a request for a preliminary injunction on aspects of the ban in a case brought by the state of Virginia on behalf of legal permanent residents detained at Dulles International Airport outside Washington or denied entry after the ban went into effect.

MULTIPLE CASES

Some of the cases were filed on behalf of travelers from the countries affected by the ban, who were detained at U.S. airports upon arriving in the country.

Others have been filed by states, civil liberties groups and refugee resettlement agencies with companies and non-profit organizations joining in with supporting briefs.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a suit on behalf of all the affected people who were in transit at the time the ban took effect or who were detained on arrival in the country, including two Iraqis with connections to the U.S. military.

A district judge in Brooklyn issued a nationwide emergency order, which is still in place, preventing the removal of such travelers.

Federal District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Boston ruled very differently, upholding Trump's order in a case originally brought on behalf of two Iranian permanent residents of the United States who were detained on arriving in Boston.

There are now cases moving through 11 of the 13 U.S. appeals court circuits. And that does not include many additional habeas petitions, or challenges to detention, filed on behalf of individual people detained at airports after the ban, the majority of which would have been dropped after people were released.
home US Illinois committee approves bill ensuring abortion remains legal

An Illinois House committee has approved a legislation that would ensure abortion remains legal in the state even if Roe v. Wade is overturned.

On Wednesday, the Human Services Committee passed House Bill 40, which would strike out a "trigger language" that would criminalize abortion in the event that Roe v. Wade is overturned.

Under the legislation, abortions will be covered by Medicaid as well as the State Employee Health Insurance, according to the State Journal-Register.

The committee voted 7a5 in favor of the bill, with no Republican support. A total of 8,323 witness slips were filed in support of the measure, with 3,586 opposing it.

Republican Rep. Sheri Jesiel expressed her concern about a part of the legislation that would remove the provision in Illinois' 1975 Abortion Act, recognizing the fetus as an unborn child.

"I take great exception to the section that removes the personhood of a baby," Jesiel said. "From a financial standpoint, we're funding it with taxpayer dollars, which at the federal level, we've already decided that this is inappropriate," she continued.

Democratic Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago spoke in favor of the bill, telling other lawmakers that her three boys would not have been born if she did not have access to abortion services that prevented her from becoming infertile.

"I had to have that abortion to preserve my fertility. I want everyone to have the choices I had," she said.

Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, the sponsor of the bill, said that her proposal is a direct response to President Donald Trump, who promised to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade.

"We really have to protect Illinois women and make an affirmative statement as a General Assembly that says Illinois is going to be a state where abortion is safe and legal no matter what happens with the Supreme Court and Donald Trump," said Feigenholtz, as reported by The Chicago Tribune.

The measure would require a full House vote, a Senate approval and the signature of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner before it becomes law.

Planned Parenthood and ACLU are among the organizations that support the legislation. Among the organizations that are opposed to the bill are the Illinois Family Institute and Illinois Right to Life.
Thanks to Greg Folkers for alerting me to this editorial in The Lancet: Another kind of Zika public health emergency. Excerpt:

A year ago, on Feb 1, 2016, WHO declared the Zika virus epidemic a public health emergency. In a brave show of leadership no doubt spurred by the embarrassment of failing to act sooner on the Ebola outbreak threats, Director-General Margaret Chan sounded the alarm about the potential links between Zika virus and rising neurological disorders despite a lack of conclusive data. By doing so she stimulated an international collective effort, scientific research, and funding that helped stabilise the crisis.

A year on she has reflected on the rightness of that decision, writing in a commentary on WHO's website that it strengthened integrated surveillance for mosquito-borne viruses, and accelerated understanding of the modes of transmission and the abnormalities associated with congenital Zika virus syndrome. The coordination that occurred between international and national authorities and health professionals, especially in Latin American countries, to detect, diagnose, and characterise cases of microcephaly is commendable.

But the warm glow of that reflection must be tempered by the challenges ahead. It would be tempting to laud the Zika response as a success and redirect attention to other emergent issues. To do so would ignore the continued spread of Zika virus and its under-appreciated long-term effects. As WHO shifts direction under a new Director-General, we need even bolder Zika leadership that keeps victims and their families firmly on our public health agenda.

As of Feb 1, 2017, the number of countries reporting a Zika virus outbreak since 2015 has grown to 59, 48 of them in North and South America. Seven countries have reported active local transmission of the virus in 2016 or 2017. 13 countries report person-to-person transmission. New affected areas have emerged including Angola, already struggling under yellow fever and cholera epidemics, which reported its first two cases in January.

Continued geographical spread of Zika virus would be a challenge enough were it not for the anticipated long-term effects. Chan's commentary says WHO must be ready for the long-haul but misses the opportunity to urge and specify international attention, research, and resources for the individuals left devastated by Zika virus. It leaves invisible the needs of thousands of children, their families, and future families; and overlooks the responsibility of the world's community to support them.

Indeed, Zika can only be considered a long-term epidemic. 6 months ago Bruce Aylward, then head of WHO's outbreaks and health emergencies cluster, told The Lancet that we don't know what the full spectrum of the Zika-caused congenital defects will be. Will apparently unaffected children whose mothers had Zika virus infection in pregnancy develop normally? Will they be able to walk and talk normally? Will they be mentally impaired or have other problems that only become evident years later?

We still don't know. Fully supported research to understand, track, and address the long-term sequelae of congenital, perinatal, and paediatric Zika virus infection on children's development must be prioritised.
home US Most religious Americans oppose faith-based service refusals to gay couples, poll finds

A new poll has revealed that a majority of Americans who identify as religious are in favor the legalization of same-sex marriage. The poll further indicated that a majority also oppose policies that allow business owners to refuse services to gay couples.

The survey conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute has found that 58 percent of Americans are in favor of allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry legally.

Only three religious groups have shown majority opposition to the legalization of same-sex marriage. Fifty-five percent of Mormons, 61 percent of white evangelical Protestants and 53 percent of Jehovah's Witnesses do not support the legalization of gay marriage.

African-American Protestants were evenly split on the issue with 45 percent in favor of gay marriage and 45 percent who oppose. Among Hispanic Protestants, 41 percent support same-sex marriage and 46 percent were opposed.

Muslim respondents were also split with 44 percent who support legal gay marital unions and 41 percent who oppose.

The survey results also found that a majority of religious Americans do not favor allowing businesses to refuse services to gay couples based on religious objections.

Sixty-one percent of all Americans were not in favor of allowing business owners in their state to refuse to provide products or services to same-sex couples based on their religious convictions.

White evangelicals were the only religious group that does not have a majority opposition to faith-based service refusals. Fifty percent of white evangelicals were in favor of giving business owners the right to refuse to provide services or products while 42 percent were opposed.

Other polls suggest that the wording of the question makes a difference whether people support religious-based service refusals.

In 2015, an Associated Press-GfK poll indicated that 57 percent of Americans support the right to dissent from servicing same-sex weddings while 39 percent were opposed, according to The Washington Times.

That same year, the Family Research Council asked respondents whether the government "should leave people free to follow their beliefs about marriage as they live their daily lives at work and in the way they run their businesses." Eighty-one percent of the respondents said yes.

Mark Tooley, president of the D.C.-based think tank Institute on Religion & Democracy, said that PRRI's question on faith-based refusal "shows tremendous bias by framing the question around denial of goods and services to persons, which is not the presenting issue."

"A more even-handed question would have asked if businesses and persons must, by law, be compelled to actively participate in specific ceremonies and events that violate conscience," Tooley told The Christian Post.

"Should a gay business owner, for example, be compelled to actively cater to and participate in a Muslim conference condemning homosexual behavior? A more fairly phrased question would have gotten different answers," he added.
home World Puerto Rican Baptists back out of Franklin Graham event over Trump travel ban

Baptists in Puerto Rico will not be attending Franklin Graham's evangelistic rally in the country's capital city of San Juan this weekend due to his support for President Donald Trump's travel ban.

In a statement issued on Feb. 4, the Baptist Churches of Puerto Rico (IBPR) said that its board of directors has withdrawn their support for the Festival of Hope rally, which will be held on Feb. 10a12 at the same stadium where Graham's father, Billy Graham, preached to more than 175,000 people.

Graham, who became the CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 2002, came out in defense of Trump's executive order that halts the entry of immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim nations into the U.S. He said that the travel ban was "not a Bible issue" and added that laws that pertain to immigration must be followed.

IBPR Executive Minister Roberto Dieppa-BAez and President Margarita Ramirez argued in their statement that Graham's endorsement of the immigration policy "are for us contrary to the values of the Kingdom."

"From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God continually calls us to justice, to love, peace and mercy and, above all, to accompany the marginalized, foreigners, widows and orphans," the statement said, as reported by Baptist News Global.

The leaders contended that Trump's immigration policies "attack the life of our neighbor, and Jesus has always called us to love even enemies and to be our brother's keeper." They said that they do not wish to undermine the Festival of Hope, but they issued their statement in order to affirm their "testimony in favor of the poor, marginalized and foreigners, among others."

There are currently 112 Baptist churches in Puerto Rico with more than 25,000 members. The leaders said that individual churches and pastors are still free to make their own decisions whether to participate in Graham's rally.

On Wednesday, Graham took to social media and posted a message saying he is heading to Puerto Rico to warn the people that God uses "extreme vetting." He explained that the only way to get to heaven is "through faith in Jesus Christ, and Him alone."

Graham maintained that religion and good works will not help people get into heaven. He said that the purpose of his rally is to help Puerto Ricans "immigrate" from earth to heaven someday.

"I want Puerto Ricans by the thousandsaand people everywhereato have their immigration status in Heaven stamped and sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ for all eternity," he wrote on Facebook.
home US State of Georgia settles case with public health expert who was fired for religious beliefs

The state of Georgia has agreed to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit with a public health expert who was fired from his job at the state's Department of Public Health (DPH) in 2014 after officials requested copies of his sermons for review.

On Feb. 7, the State of Georgia agreed to pay $225,000 to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit filed by Dr. Eric Walsh, who is a lay minister at the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Walsh was first offered the position of District Health Director by DPH officials in May 2014 after a lengthy interview process, according to First Liberty Institute, which represented Walsh in the case.

The lay preacher accepted the job offer and made plans to move his family from California to Georgia. However, a week after he was hired, state officials requested copies of his sermons which dwelt on topics such as Christ, having compassion on the poor, caring for the sick, homosexuality, creationism and world religions. Walsh was fired two days after the officials made the request.

"I couldn't believe they fired me because of things I talked about in my sermons," said Walsh. "It was devastating. I have been unable to get a job in public health since then. By reviewing my sermons and firing me because of my religious beliefs, the State of Georgia destroyed my career in public service," he added.

In September 2014, First Liberty, along with co-counsel from the law firm of Parks, Chesin & Walbert, filed a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Walsh's behalf.

Walsh received a Right to Sue letter from the EEOC on Feb. 2, 2016, and First Liberty filed a lawsuit against the DPH on April 20, 2016.

In September last year, the State of Georgia asked Walsh to provide copies of his sermon notes and transcripts, but he refused to comply.

"No government has the right to require a pastor to turn over his sermons. I cannot and will not give up my sermons unless I am forced to do so," Walsh said at the time.

The case was finally resolved on Feb. 7 after First Liberty reached a final settlement agreement with the State of Georgia.

Jeremy Dys, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute and counsel for Walsh, said that the settlement is "a clear and resounding victory for religious freedom."

"The State of Georgia was right to settle this case and acknowledge the right of their employees to express their religious beliefs," he said.
home World Vatican conference confronts ex-Chinese health minister over organ trafficking

The former Chinese health minister was confronted by the participants at the Vatican conference on organ trafficking on Tuesday over China's organ transplant practices.

The attendees of the conference challenged China's former vice health minister, Dr. Huang Jiefu, to allow an independent investigation to ensure that the Chinese government is no longer using organs from executed prisoners, Associated Press reported.

During the afternoon session, Huang tried to assure the international medical community that China was "mending its ways" following its declaration in 2015 that the prisoner harvesting program has been stopped.

"I am fully aware of the speculation about my participation in the summit," said Huang, noting that there are continuing concerns about the country's organ transplant activities.

Some ethicists have warned that China will use Huang's participation at the conference to convince the world that it has reformed its organ procurement system.

In a letter to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Rome, where the conference was held, the ethicist argued that there was no evidence that China had stopped harvesting organs from executed prisoners.

Huang first admitted to the practice of harvesting organs from inmates in 2005. He later revealed that 90 percent of Chinese transplant surgeries using organs from the deceased came from executed prisoners.

Huang has been considered by correspondents as a controversial figure. Some have credited him with reforming a corrupt system while others accused him of being complicit in allowing the practice to continue.

His colleague, Dr. Haibo Wang, noted the impossibility of trying to control the country's transplant activities given that there are one million medical centers and three million licensed doctors operating in the country. As a result, the China's representatives at the conference suggested that the World Health Organization form a global task force to aid the country in its crackdown against organ trafficking.

In response to the proposal, Dr. Jacob Lavee, president of Israel's transplant society, said that WHO must be allowed to conduct surprise inspections and interview the families of donors in China.

"As long as there is no accountability for what took place ... there can be no guarantee for ethical reform," said Lavee.

Wang countered by saying China should not be singled out for surprise WHO inspections and maintained that he and Huang have spent the past 12 years fighting against critics inside and out of the country in an attempt to reform the sector.
80% Of Chinese Students Who Convert To Christianity Abroad Give Up Faith Once They're Back Home

Christians abroad, non-Christians at home.

That is the case for an increasing number of Chinese students who converted to Christianity while studying overseas but who give up their faith once they're back home in China, Foreign Policy reported.

The news outlet blamed this on Chinese authorities' hostile treatment of Christians.

Tens of thousands of Chinese students educated in English-speaking countries abroad and who converted to Christianity have been returning to China every year since 2010, the report stated.

However, once back home, 80 percent of these Christian converts stop attending church service, according to informed sources.

"When Chinese converts return home, they often find it difficult to select a church where they feel comfortable," the report said, noting that in China public proselytising is severely curtailed and church networks are isolated.

Chinese culture also poses a roadblock for the Christian converts. For instance, former University of Nottingham student Jason Fu told Foreign Policy that balancing his work and faith is incredibly difficult now that he is a teacher at a university in Nanjing.

"Theoretically, we should prioritise God over everything else, but real-life scenarios often don't permit that," he said.

Although China is officially an atheist country, there are 67 million to 100 million Christians in China while there are 87 million Communist Party adherents, according to estimates made by foreign scholars.

Last year, the Chinese government moved to force all religions to "surrender to the authority and leadership of the Chinese Community Party," according to Christian persecution watchdog China Aid.

Beijing targeted house churches, forcing them to register under the state-run Three-Self Patriotic Movement. With religious groups closely monitored and pastors handlicked by the state, Chinese Christians have learned to act "cautious and defensive toward outsiders," according to China Aid.

The new regulations, according to an October 2016 report, include a ban on wide-ranging religious practices, including "organising citizens to attend religious trainings, conferences and activities abroad, preaching, organising religious activities, and establishing religious institutions or religious sites at schools."

The new rules also seek to prohibit the spreading of the Gospel online, and "organising religious activities in unapproved religious sites," which is seen as an attempt to restrict contact among churches and religious organisations in China.

These rules, according to China Aid, are meant to further "suppress all unofficial religious activities via dispersing Christian house churches, silencing Tibetan and Xinjiang separatists and undermining the Vatican's influence on Chinese Catholics."

China currently ranks 39th on the Open Doors USA World Watch List of top Christian persecuting countries.
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali Says Secularism Is Spectacular Failure When It Comes To People Of Faith

A retired Church of England Bishop says secularism 'has failed spectacularly in relating to people of faith'.

Michael Nazir-Ali, Bishop of Rochester for 15 years until his retirement in 2009, was speaking in a lecture at the School of Oriental and African Studies, reported in Eastern Eye.

Nazir-Ali, who was the first non-white Diocesan Bishop in the C of E said, 'What has isolated communities is a lack of any sense of a common citizenship in the nation... Doctrines of multiculturalism, for instance, have simply allowed people to be on their own.'

He suggested that secularism wasn't able to cope with complex religious and cultural identities. 'What we need are policies that respect culture and respect religion, but at the same time encourage common citizenship  a common language.'

Nazir-Ali, who was born in Pakistan and whose father was a convert to Christianity from Islam, is often seen as a conservative voice within the Church. He called for inter-faith dialogue to continue in earnest to make us accountable to other people. 'Interfaith dialogue is very important so that we can bring our concerns to one another,' the Bishop said. 'We live in a world where religions have to be accountable so they are accountable at the bar of world opinion; that is what interfaith dialogue should be about: accountability to one another.'

Nazir-Ali cautioned that the UK should not abandon its Christian heritage. 'If you don't know your own spiritual tradition, how are you going to understand other people's?' he asked. 'I think secularism has failed spectacularly in relating to people of faith.'
'Christianity Theme Park' In China Sparks Outrage From Devotees Of Chairman Mao

Outrage has been sparked over plans for a 'Christianity theme park' in China, with the park's location considered 'sacred gound' for devoted followers of Chairman Mao.

The Xingsha Ecological Park in Changsha, the capital of central China's Hunan province features a 260ft tall church inspired by Noah's Ark, and a Bible institute. The 150,000 square metre development is set to open in June 2017.

The development has sparked outrage after the news that the predominantly atheist Chinese government would spend 478 million subsidising the project, as the Daily Mail reported.

The controversy was exacerbated by the fact that the land on which it is set to be built is considered to be holy ground for devotees of Mao Zedong.

'When I saw the news about the so-called "Christianity theme park", I couldn't believe my eyes,' Guo Songmin, a prominent neo-Maoist scholar and commentator, wrote online, as the Guardian reports.

'The whole church thing is as inconceivable as a visitor from outer space and is largely a cultural invasion,' Guo said. He demanded that the church's cross be replaced with a red star  an emblem of the communism that Mao championed.

Mao was 'converted' to communism in Changsha, giving the city its 'holy land' status for his devotees.

Other critics called the Christian park 'unnecessary and inappropriate', a threat to 'ideological security', and a violation of people's freedom not to believe in God.

Beijing academic and expert on China's Neo-Maoism Jude Blanchette described Changshang as 'sacred ground' for the devoted.

He described the neo-Maoist outcry: 'The narrative that they are passing around ... is that this is just another sign of infiltration by hostile foreign forces and of how tepidly communist and red our officials are that you now get state money going to build a cross on the side of a building.'

A spokesman for the park's construction team said the project was primarily intended as a romantic spot where couples could shoot their wedding photos.

A source in Changsha's Christian community said that the 'Christian theme park' was merely a church with a Bible institute, built on government purchased land. They said that 'So far, the government hasn't spoken with us about the matter yet, and our project is still carrying on.'

Blanchette said that the outcry from the Neo-Maoists, who have considerable influence on China's leaders, did not bode well for the church. 'I would be surprised if the cross stays up there that long,' he said.

The news follows recent reports of persecution against Christians in China. Around 1,500 churches have been demolished or had their identifying crosses removed in China's Zhejiang province. China's churches have seen vast growth since Mao's death in 1976, with the communist-led country on course to be the 'world's most Christian nation' by 2030.
Church Teaching On Sexuality Is Driving Mental Health Problems In Gay People, Says Oasis

Church teaching is fuelling social discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people and driving mental health problems in their community, according to a new report from the Oasis Foundation.

The report, In the Name of Love: The Church, exclusion and LGB mental health issues, says homosexual and bisexual people are up to 12 times more likely to experience mental health difficulties as heterosexual people. It argues this is caused by discrimination against them based on the belief, driven by Christian teaching, that heterosexuality is superior to homosexuality.

According to Oasis, the study demonstrates 'beyond reasonable doubt' that it is churchgoers and Christian leaders who are responsible for negative messages about same-sex relationships in society, the media and political debate.

More than half of LGB young people have self-harmed and 44 per cent have considered suicide, the report says. It cites a study of 27,000 LGB people that concluded: 'Sexual minorities were two to three times more likely to report having a longstanding psychological or emotional problem than their heterosexual counterparts.'

Controversially, the report blames the Church for this. It says every major UK denomination apart from the United Reformed Church discriminates against LGB people and says churchgoers are responsible for the negativity. It points out that at least 74 per cent of the signatories to the campaign against gay marriage, the Coalition for Marriage, were Christians, and at least 54 per cent of the MPs who voted against gay marriage in 2013 were Christians. The report also analysed 100 national media articles on the topic of same-sex marriage and found 47 per cent contained a negative comment; of these, 91 per cent were from a Christian leader or Christian commentator.

The report comes in the wake of a decision by the bishops of the Church of England not to recommend a change in its position regarding same-sex marriage. In his introduction, Oasis founder Rev Steve Chalke praises the bishops' affirmation of the 'worth and dignity' of human beings whatever their sexuality. However, he says: 'I cannot help but conclude that the House of Bishop's report remains yet another missed opportunity to make a positive statement that signals change and therefore, in the end, just one more contribution to the sea of negativity that far too many LGB people are being left to drown in.'

Commenting on the Oasis report, he said: 'It is no secret that the negative stance taken by the Church, and so many individual local churches, has a hugely distressing impact on large numbers of LGB people and leaves countless numbers of them living lives of forced secrecy and dishonesty. Tragically, it is also common knowledge that the resultant anguish and distress often leads to spiritual, mental and physical harm, and in the worst of cases to people making the desperate decision to take their own life.

'Too often however, these powerful testimonies are dismissed by those that don't want to hear them  those who are not yet ready to face up to the scale of the damage that we collectively have unintentionally caused. My hope is that this report is the beginning of a sea change to this approach.'
Feeling Desperate? Want To Change The World? Try Praying 'Thy Kingdom Come'

'I'll pray for you.' It's what we tend to say when we can't think of anything more useful to do. Sometimes we actually do pray for this unfortunate who has been bereaved, or got ill, or been made redundant; sometimes we don't, as Martin Saunders has been honest enough to admit.

This tension between the desire to fix things and the knowledge that there are some things only God can do  and we aren't even sure what they are  is built in to how Christians engage with the world and with each other. We can't solve every problem, but we believe there is a golden thread of God's activity woven into every human predicament.

Hence the initiative of the Archbishop of Canterbury launched yesterday, Thy Kingdom Come. It's a campaign to get people praying for converts, and it follows an unexpectedly successful event last year. Run in conjunction with the 24/7 prayer network, it was expected to attract around 5,000 supporters and ended up reaching 100,000. It is, the Archbishop was at pains to stress, not an Anglican thing; it's just that he and the Archbishop of York happened to think of it. Realistically, most of the takeup will be Anglican, but it is a thoroughly ecumenical venture: pray, as individuals, families and churches, between Ascension and Pentecost - that's May 25 to June 4 - for the salvation of souls.

The wide support for the initiative might uncharitably be thought to smack of desperation. Outside London, the Church in the UK is declining. Methodism, once a Nonconformist powerhouse, is approaching a cliff-edge thanks to an aging membership. Of course we'll pray for converts; we've tried everything else and it hasn't worked.

But this isn't quite the whole story. Thy Kingdom Come is a deliberate attempt to acknowledge, on a very large scale, human  particularly Christian  insufficiency, at the same time as being an expression of deep hope and trust in God. We can't make people Christians. Only God can do that, and we pray that he will.

At the same time, we have absolutely no excuse for not trying as hard as we can to persuade them of the truth of the gospel. The reason why it is this particular archbishop who has been able to energise the Church to back Thy Kingdom Come is that he embodies the two complementary requirements for credibility: he is an organiser and an activist, but he is also a fervent believer in whom the currents of faith run very deeply. One without the other wouldn't work. We need prayer, but we need action too.

London provides a good example of this. Richard Chartres' leadership as its Anglican bishop has led to the Church of England growing considerably  and it's not just about immigration, either. Prayer is an integral part of it. It's the combination of spirituality and practicality that delivers results.

Many churches in the UK are struggling with low numbers, few young people and low morale. Not all of them, by any means, and there are signs of growth, too, but it's been a hard few decades. Where Thy Kingdom Come strikes a chord is that it encourages people to hand over the problem to God. It acknowledges that there's only so much we can do, and that's alright.

The Baptist father of modern missions, William Carey, is famous for saying: 'Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.' Praying Thy Kingdom Come is to stand with empty hands, and if we are honest, empty heads as well, asking God to fill them. But the expectation and the attempt belong together. We don't expect prayer to replace action, but we know action is useless without prayer. In our darker moments, praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' might seem like one of those desperate 'I can't think of anything else to say' statements. In reality, it's what might change the world.

Resources for Thy Kingdom Come can be found here.

Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods.
ISIS Keeps Files Of How Many Sex Slaves Its Fighters Have; Many Foreign Recruits Are Refusing To Fight

Having sex slaves has apparently become the norm in the Islamic State (ISIS).

A report from The Washington Post has revealed that the terrorist organisation has included the number of "slave girls" in the records of its fighters, along with their blood type and other personal data.

The report, which was based from seized ISIS documents, also showed that many foreign recruits of the jihadist group are now refusing to fight and trying to flee the region, apparently because of the mounting casualties on the jihadist ranks being inflicted by the ongoing anti-ISIS military campaigns in both Iraq and Syria.

"In addition to each militant's name, country of origin, country of residency, date of birth, blood type and weapons specialties, the documents list the number of wives, children and 'slave girls' each had," The Washington Post reported.

In November, Reuters reported that thousands of women and children are still under ISIS captivity, many of them serving as sex slaves who are subjected to rape and torture.

The terrorist group has even issued detailed guidelines on how its fighters should treat their female captives turned sex slaves. For instance, a document shows that an ISIS fighter is allowed to own two girls who are sisters, but he is permitted to have sex with only one of them.

"Pre-pubescent girls can be taken as concubines. You cannot have penetrative sex but you can still enjoy them," according to the ISIS document.

Nadia Murad, a Yazidi sex slave who managed to escape from the clutches of ISIS, has become the voice of the thousands of women and girls brutalised and enslaved by the terrorist organisation.

In a report earlier this month, Murad said about 3,400 Yazidi women and girls remain enslaved by ISIS for sex use and that only very few of them have been rescued by the coalition forces.

Revisiting her nightmarish past, she revealed that she was raped by 12 ISIS brutes during her captivity in 2014 but could not talk much about the details of what happened to her because they're so painful.

"We were subjected to crimes to their hands that nobody can mention what they did for us," she said.

"I was subjected to many bad things. In total 12 men raped me," she revealed.
Ministers U-Turn On Refugees Challenged In High Court

The government's u-turn on taking unaccompanied child refugees is to be challenged at the High Court.

Campaigners say ministers have not worked hard enough with local authorities to find places for the lone children.

In a low key announcement on Wednesday the government said the scheme aiming to resettle some of the estimated 90,000 vulnerable child refugees would stop at the end of March.

Just 350 children will have been welcomed under the Dubs' programme, rather than the 3,000 discusses in the debate.

Immigration minister Robert Goodwill said a specific figure had never been written into legislation and it had always depended on how many local authority places were available.

But the legal challenge on Friday, launched by the charity Help Refugees, will argue officials have not worked hard enough with local authorities to find sufficient places.

In a statement to the House of Commons on Thursday, the home secretary Amber Rudd backed ending the Dubs arrangement saying it acted as a 'pull' for traffickers and children.

'I am clear that when working with my French counterparts they do not want us to indefinitely continue to accept children under the Dubs amendment because they specify, and I agree with them, that it acts as a draw.

'It acts as a pull. It encourages the people traffickers.'

The Archbishop of Canterbury joined other leading Church of England figures on Wednesday calling on the government to reverse its decision, saying he was 'shocked and saddened' by the move.

'Our country has a great history of welcoming those in need, particularly the most vulnerable, such as unaccompanied children,' he said, adding the total of 350 'does not meet the spirit of the commitment' given last year.

'To end the scheme now, when such a small proportion have actually entered the country, is regrettable,' Welby said. 'Local authorities, who are bearing the costs of the resettlement, must be given the resources and time needed to meet our original commitment.'

Later church leaders from the baptists, methodists, quakers, reformed and presybterian movements wrote a joint letter to Amber Rudd outlining their dismay at the announcement and calling on the government to reconsider.

'The UK can be proud of its record in welcoming refugee children, which now extends back for over half a century," the five leaders wrote. 'We believe that this should continue to be the case and would urge the abandonment of any policy that gives any impression to the contrary.'

They added restricting places on the basis of local authorities was 'devoid of ambition and lacks creativity'.

Signed by leaders of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Church of Scotland, Quakers in Britain, the United Reformed Church and the Methodist Church the letter said: 'We would encourage an approach to refugee re-settlement that actively includes and engages those community groups and agencies, who offer the potential of raising our existing capacity.'
Science And Faith Projects Get New Church Funding

Church of England parishes across the UK have received new funding of up to 100,000 in a bid to foster better dialogue between science and faith.

10 church projects have been granted funding of up to 10,000, in the second wave of an initiative called Scientists in Congregations. The projects include teaching courses on science and faith, evensong services featuring science experiments, outdoor 'eco' services, and theatre based on nature imagery in the book of Job.

Rev Dr Kathryn Pritchard, Scientists in Congregations project leader, said: 'We have been hugely impressed by the innovative and creative approaches demonstrated in this second wave of Scientists in Congregations projects and the calibre of the scientists who will be supporting this work.

'We are confident that these projects in churches and cathedrals will not only help raise the profile of scientists within Christian congregations but will promote greater understanding of science and faith issues in wider communities across the country.'

The Scientists in Congregations scheme is part of a partnership between Durham University and the Church of England, and is funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation.

A project titled 'Debunking the myth: empowering young people to be Christians in science' will organise a day conference for secondary schools in York, introducing students to Christian scientists and engaging the issues of science and faith. It will also support a panel discussion at Exeter university about science and Christian ethics, and a science/faith debate at Exeter cathedral.

'Faith in the Questions' is a collaboration between Riding Lights Theatre Company and St Michael-le-Belfrey, York, which will create a 'dramatic performance based on nature imagery within the Book of Job' to be featured at the 2017 York Festival of Ideas in June.

The project 'Science and Theology: Walking Through Nature' will involve 'Ecosystem Service' walks with Trinity church, Lewes, which will prayerfully explore themes of the environment, ecology and theology.

Other projects include teaching on the issue of climate change, explorations on the future of faith, technology and medicine, and an emphasis on engaging young people.

So far 17 projects have been funded through the Scientists in Congregations scheme. In this second wave, each project could claim up to 10,000 but many applied for significantly less than this.

'The projects are aimed at helping churchgoers engage confidently with science, raising the profile of Christians whose vocation is science-related and changing the debate about science and faith in churches and communities,' the Church of England website says.

Speaking at the official unveiling of the grant awards last week, Professor Tom McLeish, Co-Project Director and Fellow of The Royal Society said, 'The church doesn't need to be frightened or on the backfoot...scientists and Bishops recognise that they jointly celebrate truth and understanding, honesty, discovery and wonder.'

Bishop of Kingston Richard Cheetham told Premier of his enthusiasm for the initiative. He said: 'Life, the universe and all that it means, which come from our Christian faith - it's an absolutely essential conversation for our time, and it's one which I believe anyone can engage in.'
'There Is Corruption In The Vatican,' Says Pope, Calls Clerical Sex Abuse An 'Illness'

Pope Franics has admitted that there is 'corruption in the Vatican', and has called clerical sexual abuse an 'illness'.

The Pope's comments were made to representatives of Catholic men's religious orders in Novemeber, and were published yesterday in the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, RNS reports.

'There is corruption in the Vatican. But I'm at peace...If there is a problem, I write a note to St. Joseph and put it under a statue that I have in my room. It is a statue of St. Joseph sleeping. And now he sleeps on a mattress of notes!'

The Pope's remarks included pertinent topics such as the child sex abuse scandal, and the criticism that the pontiff himself has recently received.

Francis called clerical sexual abuse an 'illness', noting how victims of abuse can become abusers themselves. 'For every four people who abuse, it seems that two have been abused in their lives. They sow the seeds for abuse in the future: it is devastating.'

The Pope also said that the 'devil' was present whenever priests abused others. This week brought fresh revelations of the clerical abuse scandal in the Catholic Church, with reports that more than 4,440 children were allegedly abused by priests in the Australian Catholic Church, from 1950 to 2010.

Francis has also received heavy criticism more recently, with conservatives in particular frustrated by his more liberal positions on refugees, divorce and climate change, as well as his role in the Knights of Malta controversy.

Last week number of posters of Pope Francis appeared across Rome criticising the pontiff, featuring the title 'Where's your mercy?'

In his interview the Pope was positive about the criticism he receives. 'It is good to be criticized, I always like it,' he said. 'Life is also about misunderstandings and tensions. Criticism makes you grow, I accept them, I respond.'

Responding to a question about how he deals with the stress of the job, he said: 'I'm not on tranquilisers. The Italians offer a good lesson  to live in peace you need a healthy "couldn't care less" attitude.'

'I live in peace,' he said.
Theresa May Praises Archbishop Of Canterbury's Anti-Slavery Initiative

The Archbishop of Canterbury has branded modern slavery an 'abomination to human dignity' in a joint statement with the leader of the Orthodox Church.

The UK Prime Minister praised the joint declaration  'Sins Before Our Eyes'  signed by Justin Welby and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

Theresa May described slavery as 'one of the great human rights issues of our time' with acts that are 'horrifying in their inhumanity'.

May, the daughter of a Church of England vicar, said: 'We have a duty, as human beings and as Christians, to bring it to an end.'

She added: 'I so warmly welcome the vital work that faith communities are doing to shine a light on the evils of modern slavery and encourage the steps that must be taken to address it.'

The statement, signed in Istanbul earlier this week, repents for not doing enough to fight trafficking and urges members of both Anglican and Orthodox churches 'to become educated, raise awareness and take action'.

Up to 45.8 million people are trapped in slavery around the world, according to estimates by the International Labour Organisation and the Global Slavery Index.

The declaration describes slavery as the 'scourge against humanity' and Welby warned mass migration with thousands fleeing war and persecution gave traffickers a natural feeding ground.

'There is no religious basis or justification for a practice that commodifies human beings,' he said. 'All religious leaders need to speak out against such a practice and challenge those false prophets that seek to corrupt sacred texts to justify their warped behaviour.'

Bartholomew added: 'Whatever the Church says, whatever the Church does, is done in the Name of God and for the sake of human dignity and the eternal destiny of the human being.

'It is impossible for the Church to close its eyes to evil, to be indifferent to the cry of the needy, oppressed and exploited.

'True faith is a source of permanent struggle against the powers of inhumanity.'
When he fled Paris for Tahiti in 1891, the artist described a dazzling encounter with a landscape and way of life that changed his painting for ever  as an exceptional painting from our 28 February sale demonstrates

A highlight of Christies Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale on 28 February , Gauguins Te Fare (La maison) was painted in 1892 during the artists first visit to Tahiti. It was a period that witnessed a burst of creativity which resulted in some of his most celebrated and influential work. In 18 months, Gauguin produced more than 60 paintings, pushing away from the timidity he perceived in his European works to create richly coloured, experimental landscapes, imbued with a sense of mysticism. It has been suggested that the wooden hut in the composition could be Gauguins own rented home in Mataiea.

Everything in the landscape blinded me, dazzled me life each day became better. When Paul Gauguin travelled from Paris to Tahiti in 1891, he discovered a world rich in colour. Writing in Noa Noa, his account of the journey first published in 1919, he described a sensory assault of soft purples, deep blues and startling bursts of orange and yellow set among delicate strokes of greens of all hues. The islands landscape felt all the more vivid against a background of intense, humid heat.

Key to Gauguins new style was the culture of Tahitis islanders, whose lives  to the European outsider at least  appeared blissfully uncomplicated. In Paris, Gauguin had lived in abject poverty, his personal life plagued by turbulent relationships with other artists and his own family. Tahiti provided a welcome contrast. I envied them, he wrote of the islanders. I looked at their happy, peaceful life round about me, making no further effort than was essential for their daily needs, without the least care about money. To whom were they to sell, when the gifts of nature were within reach of every one?

Situated in a landscape that is both real and imaginary, the figures in Te Fare (La maison) capture the sense of still and silent wonder that the artist found in Tahiti. A recurrent motif in his works of 1892, the solitary, seated figure on the veranda is joined by two figures that appear to be waiting or listening. It is really life in the open  an intimate life all the same, among the thickets and the shaded brooks; these women whispering in an immense palace which Nature herself has decorated with all the riches that Tahiti holds. Hence the fabulous colours, this fiery, yet soft and muted air.

As he stayed in Tahiti, Gauguin began to adopt a simpler lifestyle. In the end, I understand the language quite well, my naked feet, from daily contact with the rock, have got used to the ground; my body, almost always naked, no longer fears the sun; civilisation leaves me bit by bit and I begin to think simply, he wrote. Every morning the sun rises serene for me as for everyone, I become carefree and calm and loving. In Tahiti, Gauguin found an existence comparable to that of the first man and woman in Paradise.




One of the last great gentlemen and bohemians

Recalling the rich and colourful life of Earl McGrath, a man likened to Jay Gatsby  ahead of The Collection of Earl and Camilla McGrath offered at Christies in New York on 1-3 March

Few individuals have ever managed to seem truly at home flitting from one arena of modern American culture  art, literature, film, music  to another with any great degree of credibility. Among that select band, none can have done it with quite as much aplomb as Earl McGrath, whose private collection is to be offered at Christies New York on 1-3 March. Content to remain anonymous to the wider world, Earl McGrath was one of post-war American societys great insiders, counting among his friends a very long list of arts-world movers and shakers, led by the likes of Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Jasper Johns, Brice Marden, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Joan Didion, Barbra Streisand, and Bryan Ferry.

Earl had one of the most colossal Rolodexes of all time, filled with people of all stripes, recalled photographer Frederick Eberhardt in a Vanity Fair tribute to the many-friended McGrath in early 2016. From the literary world it would also have contained the names of Michael Crichton, Gore Vidal, Anita Loos, Stephen Spender, Terry Southern and Christopher Isherwood. McGrath, who worked as a scriptwriter in Los Angeles during the 1960s, also socialised with Audrey Hepburn, Anjelica Houston, Dennis Hopper, Sydney Pollack, Bernard Bertolucci and Wes Anderson. Not to mention assorted tycoons, aristocrats and royalty: the Agnelli family, Prince Rupert Lowenstein, Sabrina Guinness, Prince Michael of Greece.

The McGraths became immersed in the free-spirited heyday of rock and roll, jetting alongside Ahmet Ertegun and Bianca Jagger, touring with the Stones

McGraths story began in Superior, Wisconsin, a small harbour port in the Great Lakes. The son of an itinerant short-order cook, it wasnt long before the teenage Earl began to display a wanderlust of his own, dropping out of high school and leaving home, hanging out with Aldous Huxley in Los Angeles and going to see Henry Miller in Big Sur, according to Vanity Fair. In the late 1950s he served with the Merchant Marine in Africa and the Middle East, and in Italy, in 1958, he met the woman he would later marry, Camilla Pecci-Blunt  a glamorous countess, and a descendant of Pope Leo XIII.

Open a larger version of this image Camilla McGraths scrapbook, featuring Earl McGrath at 20th Century Fox in 1964. Photograph  Camilla McGrath

McGrath was working for 20th Century Fox in the early 1960s when he met perhaps the other most influential person in his life, the legendary co-founder and president of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun, whose artists included Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin. The two bon viveurs were kindred spirits. Our conversation was about the last of the Great American Sin Streets, McGrath told The New Yorker in 1978, which described his distinctive characteristics as a smile that swallows up his face in a rather unusual way, a high-pitched laugh, and an ability to extract punchlines from unpromising material.

Open a larger version of this image Earl McGrath (centre), with Cy Twombly (left) and Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun, 1976. Photograph  Camilla McGrath

Ertegun invited Earl McGrath to join Atlantic Records in 1970; seven years later, McGrath was named president of the Rolling Stones eponymous record label. The McGraths became immersed in the free-spirited heyday of rock and roll, jetting alongside Ertegun and Bianca Jagger, touring with the Stones, and hosting late-night jam sessions in their New York apartment.

McGrath reminds me of Jay Gatsby, mused the writer Lili Anolik in a 2016 profile of his enduring ally, the novelist Joan Didion, also in Vanity Fair. Not for the obvious reason  he threw killer parties  but because the claims about him seemed outlandish yet, somehow, plausible: he ran Bobby Kennedys career; he ran Rolling Stones Records; he ran an art gallery; he was head of production for 20th Century Fox; he married an Italian countess; he gave Steve Martin his Im-a-Little-Teapot routine. To know Earl McGrath was to be part of an especially providential circle. Earl is the Gertrude Stein of our era, artist Ron Cooper noted. He had a salon like Stein. I met Andy Warhol through him... and Dennis Hopper and Michelle Phillips and Michael Crichton and Joan [Didion] and John [Dunne] and just an amazing roster of people.

McGrath assembled a kind of family who, whether born into nobility or from more modest means, all shared a common belief in artistry and authenticity. [Earl] was never impressed with anyone, actress Anjelica Huston said, and he swam in rather heady circles. There was no fandom to him at all. He had no bones for that. He really didnt care what anybody did or how much money they had. He was always there, always wanted to join the fun  and to be the fun. Earl McGrath often joked that as soon as he understood something  be it writing, the music industry, or any other endeavour  it was time to abandon it. Art, however, proved to be his ultimate passion and puzzle: an unending source of inspiration. If I ever figure out this art thing, he once teased gallery director Joshua Dov Levy, were going to open up a bar.

After leaving the music industry McGrath chose to focus his energies on art, transforming his home into a space to showcase both established and emerging figures

After leaving the music industry in the early 1980s, Earl McGrath chose to focus his energies on art, transforming his West Hollywood home into an Arata Isozaki-designed space to showcase both established and emerging figures. His appreciation for the creative process was evidenced by the attitude with which he ran his galleries: eschewing formality, McGrath promoted a dialogue with anyone with a passion for art and discovery. His focus was always on artists and their work, and how to best promote multiple generations of talent to collectors and patrons.

Like all great characters, fictional or real, much about McGrath remains shrouded in mystique, yet his two galleries, in Los Angeles and New York, testify to his deep love of art. Collect art that you love to have on your walls, that you want to be part of your life, he commanded. At their apartment overlooking Carnegie Hall, the McGraths lived surrounded by works created by such modern masters as Cy Twombly, Larry Rivers, Robert Graham and Brice Marden, all of whom were close friends. [Earl and Camillas] collection really was so much about their friends and their friendships, confirms Laura Paulson, Chairman of Post-War and Contemporary Art at Christies.
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A former deputy for the Harris County Sheriff appeared in federal court Friday shackled and handcuffed in a bright orange inmate uniform, to make his initial appearance in Houston on child pornography allegations.

Anthony C. Sustaita Jr., 30, is charged with producing and possessing images and videos involving child pornography on his personal HP laptop and external hard drive. After reviewing the allegations and possible sentencing range he faced if convicted, U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo ordered that Sustaita remain in detention pending a hearing Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances H. Stacy.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri Zack told the judge that Sustaita posed a danger to the community and a flight risk on what she later described as "very serious charges" and he should be held without bond.

Sustaita's attorney, Nathan Hennigan, told the judge he would challenge that request. He said Sustaita, whose wife was seated in the courtroom gallery, was a lifelong resident of the Houston area and had sustained ties to the community.

The former Harris County sheriff's deputy was arrested Thursday following an indictment by a federal grand jury last week on the child pornography allegations. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted, Zack said.

The former deputy was removed from duty Jan. 9 and officially fired Jan. 25, according to standard civil service procedures. He had been with the department for six years, Harris County Sheriff's officials said.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez issued a statement Thursday calling the allegations of sex crimes against children "especially heinous, particularly when they are allegedly perpetrated by a member of the Harris County Sheriff's Office."

Sustaita faces separate charges brought by the Harris County District Attorney in state court after a forensic search of his home computer uncovered more than 200 images of child pornography. The state case alleges he produced other obscene material, including images of sexual contact with a dog.

Sustaita is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshal. He had been free after posting a $30,000 bail on the state charges at the time federal officials arrested him, officials said.

The former deputy, who worked at the Crime Control Division, became a suspect when his own colleagues at the Sheriff's High Tech Crime Unit detected obscene material emanating from an account based in Harris County.

If convicted, Sustaita could be listed on a sex offender registry and could spend a lifetime in supervised release after serving time in prison, officials said.
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President Donald Trump's campaign was partially built on the promise of returning outsourced work to Americans, and one of the many work programs he targeted was the H1-B visa.

"I know the H1-B very well. We shouldn't have it, it's very, very bad for workers," he said during a debate in March 2016.

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According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the H-1B visa program is for non-immigrants who want to work for a company in a position that requires at least a bachelor's degree or higher. Think engineers, scientists and programmers.

Companies that wish to hire workers under the H-1B visa program have to file a labor condition application or LCA with the U.S. Department of Labor. Once certified, the worker can proceed to obtain their H-1B visa and be on their way.

The program is an easy target for American politicians on both sides of the aisle who voice opposition towards outsourcing. Proponents of the H-1B visa, including the CEOs of America's top tech companies, argue any negative modifications to the program could hurt their employees and/or their ability to hire skilled labor.

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"If we want to buy American and hire American, we do that best by creating companies in America," Venky Ganesan, a managing director at venture capitalist firm Menlo Ventures, told the Associated Press. "Having the best and brightest from all over the world come and create companies in America is better than them creating companies in India, Israel or China."

Texas is the second-highest employer of H-1B visa holders, having forwarded around 68,460 LCAs in the 2016 fiscal year, according to myvisajobs.com. The average salary of those positions is around $79,940.

We've compiled a list of the top 25 companies in Texas hiring large numbers of H-1B visa holders. See them all in the gallery above.
The Christian Dior brand is arguably one of the most influential brands in the fashion industry, and this year is the 70th anniversary of the brand's beginning.

In 1947, Christian Dior started his eponymous couture label in the heart of Paris and was dubbed a creative genius of his time. Since his reign of lead creative, his legacy has continued through the fashions of design greats, including Yves Saint Laurent (from 1957-1960), Marc Bohan (1960-1989), Gianfranco Ferre (1989-1996), John Galliano (1996-2011), Bill Gaytten (2011-2012) and Raf Simons (2012-2016).
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United Airlines President Scott Kirby on Thursday called the new Terminal C North at Bush Intercontinental Airport an example of how infrastructure can improve the flying experience. But he acknowledged that larger nationwide changes are also needed.

Specifically, he said, modernizing air traffic control systems, a project known as NextGen, can improve fuel efficiency and reduce flight time.

"We want to be able to turn Houston into the No. 1 airport in the great state of Texas," Kirby told the Chronicle. "This is one of the first great steps to do that, but this is more local. Doing something that's really meaningful for the entire country, you need to do things like the NextGen."

On the same day that United CEO Oscar Munoz met with President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss such industry topics as modernizing infrastructure, United threw a party in Houston to unveil its new Terminal C North.

Local food New restaurants in Terminal C North received assistance from local chefs. Vida Taqueria: Taqueria by Roland Laurenzo of El Tiempo Cantina. Pala: Neapolitan-style pizza concept by Ryan Pera, co-owner of Agricole Hospitality. This is the parent company of Coltivare Pizza & Garden, Revival Market and Eight Row Flint. Bam Bam: Vietnamese-Cajun fusion eatery by John Nguyen of Cajun Kitchen. Olio: Panini bar by Monica Pope of Beaver's and the now closed Sparrow Bar & Cookshop restaurant. Ember: Houston-centric tavern by Chris Shepherd of Underbelly and the newly opened One Fifth. Sources: United Airlines and OTG See More Collapse

The $277 million, 265,000-square-foot terminal was built by United in partnership with the Houston Airport System. It's slated to open in March.

"We are amazingly excited," said Dave Brandenburg, the carrier's director of corporate real estate, design and construction. "This is an iconic facility for Houston. It certainly raises the bar."

Instead of rows and rows of seats crammed near boarding gates, the terminal has chairs placed around tables with iPads for public use. These iPads allow travelers to order food or drinks or to purchase gifts.

Floor-to-ceiling windows let in light and allow aviation enthusiasts to watch the planes outside. Kitchens, mechanical systems and electrical systems are downstairs to make the terminal more spacious.

"You cannot have brand loyalty without brand service," said Mario Diaz, director of the Houston Airport System. "The airlines finally learned that."

This is the first terminal at Bush Intercontinental to receive iPads for public use and locally inspired restaurants as part of the multi-terminal upgrades from United and airport hospitality group OTG.

OTG, which will oversee the food, beverage and retail operations, is separately investing more than $120 million to improve Terminals C, E and B South. Upgrades at Terminal C South and Terminal E should be completed in the second half of 2017. There isn't a timeline yet for B South.

In total, nearly 8,000 iPads will be available throughout the terminals. Restaurants in C North include a taqueria by Roland Laurenzo of El Tiempo Cantina and a Houston-centric tavern by Chris Shepherd of Underbelly.

In addition to its aesthetics, Kirby said the terminal was designed to make operations flow smoothly within the airport.

As for the skies, he elaborated more on the benefits of NextGen. He said airlines currently fly zigzag routes instead of going directly to their destination. Planes take very fixed approach patterns into the airport, and they use a stairstep type of descent instead of a continuous descent.

"We now have the technology to fly direct and avoid the lanes in the sky," Kirby said. "We have the technology to do continuous descent approaches, to do curved approaches. All of that cuts down time and fuel."

United and the Houston Airport System broke ground on Terminal C North in May 2015. The airport system paid $85 million, and United paid the remainder. The old Terminal C North will be demolished as part of the airport system's plans to build a larger Mickey Leland International Terminal, also known as Terminal D.

Construction, however, was delayed when Mayor Sylvester Turner threw out a series of contracts related to the expansion in early 2016. The airport system had to start the bidding process over again.

"Yes, we lost a year's time," Diaz said. "Now that we have certainty that United is now ready to move out of the old C North, we can occupy that space and we can start with packages and start thinking through how we can support United by maybe keeping that terminal open a little bit longer for them to continue to grow their traffic here."

Progress resumed this year as the City Council approved the architect for the new Leland Terminal in January. A contract for the program management office to house the consultants was also approved in January. Diaz said he hopes another key contract will go before the City Council in six to eight weeks.
Your Pie brought its first location in Texas to downtown Houston in early 2016. Now, the company seeks franchisees for a regional expansion.

"We believe that the greater Houston area has the capacity to support 20+ locations once fully developed," Ken Caldwell, vice president of development for Your Pie, said in an email.
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The new Amegy Bank tower, a 24-story glass-clad building that for weeks has offered a nightly light show for motorists on the West Loop, is open for business.

After two years of construction, 800 of Amegy Bank's 1,200 local employees have moved into the gleaming Pickard Chilton-designed tower at 1717 West Loop South. Interior features include public areas that boast city views; employee lounges; a cafe; and conference centers to be used by the bank and the community. One floor has 14 conference rooms, featuring photos of such local landmarks as the Astrodome and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

Meanwhile, the exterior has drawn notice for its coordinated light show that was done partly to raise money and awareness of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night campaign.

Four years ago, with oil trading at high prices, the Houston bank's lease at 4400 Post Oak Parkway was about to be up for renewal, and Amegy needed additional space. It couldn't find the 250,000 square feet it needed anywhere in the Galleria area, and its rent costs would rise by 65 percent.

"We had absolutely no intent of building a new corporate headquarters until we were just faced with the financial facts," said Randy Meyer, Amegy's chief financial officer.

The bank estimates it saves $4 million annually by owning rather than renting. Five floors, each with 25,000 square feet, are being offered for lease, and all but 1 floors are spoken for. Centaurus, the family office of John and Laura Arnold, has moved in, and Charter Title, Higman Marine and Platform Partners will follow.

Scott McLean, president and chief operating officer of Amegy parent Zions Bancorporation, compares the entrepreneurial spirit that got the $220 million tower built to the origins of the 27-year-old bank.

The building site housed a Micro Center and was not for sale. McLean approached the owner and pursued the deal, ultimately convincing the retailer to relocate to a new store near U.S. 59 and South Rice.

"To think today that we went from one location, 19 employees, no customers, to about 300,000 customers, $14 billion to $15 billion in assets, and 2,000 employees and could make an investment like this in Houston to have our own building, it's just a good old-fashioned Texas success story," McLean said.

Bank founder and senior chairman Walter Johnson provided input for the building's design, and a 350-seat conference room is named for him. Yvonne's cafe is named for his wife, an employee since the beginning. The cafe is managed by locally based Luby's.

The bank paid a premium to use local companies and clients in building the tower.

"We have doubled down on being the hometown bank," CEO Steve Stephens said.

In one case, a client relationship saved money. When Gensler came up with a plan for an $800,000 staircase, the bank looked to Houston-based Berger Iron Works to come up with a solution that cost $200,000.

The 350,000-square-foot building was developed by Hines and built by Harvey, both local companies and bank clients. Kendall Heaton and Gensler also provided architectural services.
Laura Ingalls Wilder is one of the most beloved American writers for children.

Her eight "Little House" books and the later "The First Four Years" are one of the most widely read accounts of American pioneer life in the 19th century.
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Foodies who've been wondering where chef Adam Dorris' culinary directions have taken him will only have to wait until Saturday to discover for themselves. That's when Presidio, the Heights restaurant Dorris left Pax Americana for last month, opens its handsome doors.

Opening day at Presidio  partnered by Dorris, Charles Bishop and contractor Taylor Lee  will reveal not just a beautifully designed, casual neighborhood restaurant, but a new path for the chef who made Pax Americana one of the Top 10 restaurants in the city during the two and a half years at that post. Described as a "Texas food hall," Presidio will open daily at 10 a.m. with a brunch menu that runs until 3 p.m., followed by a bar menu, and transitions at 5 p.m. to dinner.

The daytime menu offers a variety of egg options including a breakfast sandwich (seared frittata, sliced pig head porchetta, radish chimichurri, and brown butter aioli on a pretzel), brisket pibil and potato hash with charred serrano and tomatillo salsa topped with a sunny side up egg, and breakfast tacos. There's a daily quiche, yogurt with fruit and granola, and steel cut oats, too.

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That menu continues with sandwiches and lunch plates that include a tri-tip sandwich, pork milanesa torta, brisket pibil torta, smoked lamb pastrami sandwich and braised goat empanadas (all of which come with a choice of sides that includes potato salad, coleslaw, grilled cauliflower or twice-fried French fries).

Salads (hydroponic bib with avocado, radish, apple, strawberry and Green Goddess dressing; hydroponic kale and arugula with roasted beets, blue cheese, Texas pecans and mustard vinaigrette) and soups (celery root and smoked potato; chickpea and white bean stew) fill out the daytime menu.

Dorris, who grew up in Oklahoma, described the menu's inspiration as "the stuff my dad would eat."

His father's affection for chicken fried steak, tacos, burgers and steaks are dishes Houstonians love too  and they're represented on Dorris' dinner menu. Familiar food, sure, but presented with the sophistication and elan that has made Dorris one of the city's brightest culinary stars.

The CFS, for example, is made with a 44 Farms slab of bottom round (the same cut Dorris used at Pax for his steak tartare), breaded and fried and served with bacon-braised greens, smashed potatoes, and country gravy. His taco plate (called Granny Rose's Tacos, an ode to his maternal grandmother), are crispy fold-overs stuffed with 44 Farms ground beef, black olives, sweet onions, and pepper jack cheese. Tender pork Milanese comes with heirloom polenta, broccoli salsa verde, and preserved lemon. Braised free range chicken is first marinated in achiote and served with rice, seared avocado, and toasted almond and coconut with a lemongrass broth. Ricotta dumplings and duck meatballs with marinated kale? Yes. Smoked brisket pibil with roasted garlic tortillas? Bring it.

The dinner menu also touts fried Gulf amberjack served with harissa hush puppies and French fries; grilled whole fish with field greens and grilled lemon; roasted pork collar with polenta and roasted vegetables; and a prime ribeye offered with sweet potatoes, grilled broccoli and charred tomato romesco sauce.

For dessert: individual apple pie with redneck cheddar and cinnamon ice cream; individual buttermilk biscuit-topped cobbler with bourbon vanilla bean ice cream; or slices of Texas pecan chocolate sheet cake or hummingbird cake with chocolate hazelnut ice cream.

At the bar there are 23 beers on tap and one cold brew; 20 wines by the glass, and 60 featured bottles of wine. Arnold Ramos, formerly with Pax, heads up the bar offerings which include classic and creative cocktails: Bright & Sunny (spiced rum, homemade grenadine, grapefruit juice and ginger beer); Smoke & Herb (cachaca, mezcal, grenadine, Aperol, lemon juice and basil leaves); Pearly Legal (pear liqueur, lemon and lime juice, simple syrup and Italian aperitif); Pastis Swizzle (pastis, allspice dram, lime juice and hibiscus grenadine); and Welcome Home (Buffalo Trace, French aperitif, Cherry Heering, Aperol and soda).

The former Java Java space at 911 W. 11th at Herkimer, has been completely re-imagined and is now full of light thanks to enormous windows facing 11th that sport metalwork in a Mondrian-like pattern. That same decorative design is repeated in heavy metal doors leading to two patios that flank the main dining room. That main room is a delight, a bold, open expanse awash in reclaimed wood, clever banquette seating that bisects the room, Spanish-style lamps hanging from the ceiling, and a wall papered with old maps, vintage recipe pages, and yellowed newspaper ads (look closely near the entrance to the bathrooms and you'll see a map of Presidio County, when gave the owners the idea for the restaurant's name). An inviting, cement-topped bar anchors one corner and draws eyes to the open kitchen where diners can see Dorris in action, as well as chef de cuisine Kenten Marin who left his exec position at Shade to join the Presidio fort.

Presidio was originally intended to be the home of 60 Pioneers, a new restaurant for Southern Goods partners Bishop and chef Lyle Bento. But a falling out between the two, including a lawsuit, found Bishop looking for new partners for the space. (He currently is in the process of separating from Southern Goods, he said). Dorris initially agreed to help steer the project in a new direction while still at Pax Americana.

"But our partnership blossomed and it made sense for me to just go for it," said Dorris, who left Pax in January for Presidio.

"I feel like when Adam joined the team, the whole food program was elevated," Bishop said.

"I'm super excited. We've formed a really great partnership," Dorris said. "It's great to work with people you care about because we all have the same motivations and goals."

The partners see the restaurant as a casual, all-day neighborhood place that can accommodate a variety of dining/drinking preferences from families, mothers with children, bikers and joggers, dog-friendly brunchers, party boys and girls, first daters, cocktail enthusiasts, and, certainly, foodies.

Dorris said he's particularly enthused not just with Presidio, but what's to come. "I'm more excited about this than anything I've ever done," he said. "Pax was amazing, but aspirations are different. I'm not so enamored of fine dining. I want to do different things."

And those different things will include new projects that he, Bishop and Lee hope to launch.

"We've created a situation where we can explore any new and interesting concepts and ideas," Dorris said.

But for today, it's all about Presidio.

Presidio, 911 W. 11th, opens on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m., 832-740-4574; presidiohtx.com. Open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
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Dig out your stretchy carb-eatin' pants, Houstonians, a macaroni and cheese festival is coming to town in April.

The very first Mac & Cheese Fest in Houston is slated for April 15 at noon at Silver Street Studios in the Sawyer Heights district.

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The organizers are currently cultivating a lineup of restaurants to be represented at the affair. Tickets for the event will start out at $50 and include unlimited two-ounce samples from local eateries (until they run out) and five tickets to enjoy a selection of adult beverages.

So far organizers say theyve nailed down Beavers, Beer Market Co., Peli Peli, Karbach, The Moonshiners Southern Table + Bar, Oceanaire, and Hughie's Tavern and Vietnamese Grille. There are many more named to come, according to the organizers.

Attendees will get to vote on the best mac and cheese served on site, so bragging rights are at stake. Expect Houston chefs to really let it all hang out at this throw down of one of America's most beloved comfort foods.

April showers shouldn't be a problem since Silver Street Studios is indoors and all festival vendors will be set up inside.

Proceeds from the mac and cheese extravaganza will benefit the Washington Avenue Arts District.

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Tickets for the event are on sale at its official Eventbrite page.

According to one report, one-third of the population of the United States will eat macaroni and cheese at least once within a given 12-week period. Half of all children in the U.S. will eat macaroni and cheese during that same time period.

The dish dates back to the 14th century. American president Thomas Jefferson apparently brought to the U.S. after a trip to Paris, calling it "a pie called macaroni" on a dinner menu in 1802.
While many religious groups have come out against President Trump's immigration ban, some significant figures in the faith community, including Liberty University's Jerry Falwell Jr., have stood in support of it. Attempting to defend the ban from a religious point of view, evangelist Franklin Graham declared, "That's not a Bible issue."

He could not be more wrong.

Both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament are clear and consistent when it comes to how we are to treat the stranger. Across the books of both testaments, in narrative, law, prophecy, poetry and parable, the Bible consistently spells out that it is the responsibility of the citizen to ensure that the immigrant, the stranger, the refugee, is respected, welcomed and cared for. It is what God wants us to do, but it also recognizes that we too were immigrants - and immigrants we remain. "Like my forebears, I am an alien, resident with you," says Psalm 39.

For the nearly 80 percent of Americans who, according to some studies, believe the Bible to be divinely inspired, what this culturally foundational document says about immigration, foreigners and the treatment of the stranger - defined in biblical terms as any person who dwells in a land without being a citizen of that land - is not simply a matter of historical record; it should inform us today.

The story of the Bible is the story of immigrants and outsiders. The book of Genesis narrates the journey of Abraham from his homeland to Canaan, a land that is already occupied by other people, and recounts the story of how he and his family make their way in a territory and society that is not their own, where they have neither land nor kin.

The Exodus story reinforces the status of Israel as strangers in a land not their own. Pharaoh's oppression of Israelites is grounded in an attitude that might sound eerily familiar: "The Israelite people are too numerous for us," he tells his subjects, "let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase, otherwise in the event of war they may join our enemies in fighting against us." Pharaoh was skilled at governing through fear.

Israel leaves Egypt as refugees, and encounters nations that, out of fear or sheer intransigence, do not want to let them pass, forcing them through the harsh wilderness.

In the New Testament, Jesus and his family become political refugees, according to the Gospel of Matthew. Perhaps the most salient biblical narrative on this topic is the book of Ruth. Ruth includes the story of a foreigner who comes to Israel, working as laborer in the fields, hoping for a better life. And it is this foreigner, immigrant and stranger, who turns out to become the ancestor of King David, and, through him, Jesus.

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All three of the great law codes of the Hebrew Bible in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy contain the same command regarding the treatment of the stranger. "When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Lev. 19:33-34).

The Golden Rule - "Love your neighbor as yourself" - carries equal weight with the stranger. "You shall not subvert the rights of the stranger," says Deuteronomy, in a statement that presumes that the stranger does, indeed, have rights. The books of Romans and Hebrews call on those who follow Jesus to "extend hospitality to strangers."

The prophets also recognized the plight of the refugee. Isaiah uses language that should resonate strongly with those lawyers who found themselves at international airports last weekend: "Give advice, offer counsel . . . Let Moab's outcasts find asylum in you; be a shelter for them."

The Bible also says that one day the divisions between citizen and stranger will be effaced, when the promised land shall be apportioned "for yourselves and for the strangers who dwell among you, who have begotten children with you" - a sort of biblical Dream Act, courtesy of the prophet Ezekiel.

Caring for the stranger is not merely something that we should do; the Bible suggests it is what God does. "He loves the stranger, providing him with food and clothing," says Deuteronomy. Yet we are not to leave the care of the stranger in God's hands, for Deuteronomy continues: "You too must love the stranger."

No passage in either testament is as compelling or as clear on this subject as the vision of the final judgment in Matthew 25, in which Jesus will separate the righteous and the accursed based on how they treated him: for the righteous, "I was a stranger, and you welcomed me"; for the accursed, "I was a stranger and you did not welcome me." When the judged ask when they ever treated Jesus in such a manner, he responds: "Just as you did to the least of these, you did to me."

- - -

Baden is professor of Hebrew Bible at Yale Divinity School. He is the author of "The Historical David: The Real Life of an Invented Hero." You can watch his lecture on immigration here.
Anyone needing to travel south on the Gulf Freeway this weekend should probably just apologize now for being late to their engagements.

All southbound main lanes of Interstate 45 will shut down at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 and remain closed until 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13. The shutdown will begin at Scarsdale Boulevard and continue to NASA Parkway.
It's hard to check the news without seeing yet another student-teacher sex scandal in Texas.

Unfortunately, the phenomenon isn't just another media craze, it's an issue that even has Texas education officials concerned.

In 2014, the Texas Education Agency noted that the number of investigations opened in order to look into inappropriate relationships had jumped from 141 in 2009-2010, to 179 in 2013-2014, a 27 percent increase.

IN TEXAS: Ex-Austin teacher pleads guilty to sex with teens, won't have to register as sex offender

The news release that announced the increase pointed the finger at social media, explaining that "over recent years, electronic communication (such as cell phone, text messaging, email, instant messaging, blogging, or other social network communication) has provided a private method to contact students during and after school hours."

In 2016, that number reached 222 cases, a growing trend which prompted the TEA to ask for $400,000 from the state in order to handle and investigate more cases, reported the Star Telegram.

IN TEXAS: Student accused of blackmailing teacher after alleged sexual relationship

Recently, the Austin American-Statesman examined these numbers more closely and found that between January 2010 and December 2016, 686 teachers in Texas lost their teaching license due to allegations of impropriety with a student, according to information they acquired from the TEA.

In the Houston-area's ten largest school districts, roughly 60 teachers lost their licence following impropriety with a student.

The newspaper's database of these cases allows users to search districts where and when these incidents occurred.

HOUSTON-AREA: Woodlands music teacher accused of sexually assaulting children

Click through above to see some of the teacher-student relationships that resulted in charges in the Houston-area's largest school districts.
Butte Sheriff's Department officials said Friday afternoon that the massive crater in the main spillway of Oroville Dam likely won't force the use of an emergency spillway to divert water from the swelling reservoir.

Stormwater and snowmelt filled up the reservoir this week, necessitating releases on the spillway to the Feather River. The cement outlet was closed Tuesday after officials noticed water was flowing irregularly. After stopping the flow, engineers found a gaping hole in the concrete chute. By Thursday, the hole had grown to about 45-feet-deep and 300-feet-wide by 500-feet-long, according to a KCBS report.

On Friday the Butte Sheriff released a statement suggesting that an unpaved emergency spillway would likely be used for the first time ever. Crews were clearing trees and brush this week in the event that a release was needed. But during the noon hour Friday, the department posted an update on the flow suggesting that the emergency release is not imminent.

"Water flow over the Oroville Spillway is currently at 65,000 cfs (cubic feet per second). At the current rate of release, and with the current weather forecast, DWR officials do not believe use of the Emergency Spillway will take place," the department wrote on Facebook.

Situated in the western foothills of the Sierra, Lake Oroville is the second-largest man-made reservoir in California after Shasta. It's a key flood-control and water-storage facility within the California State Water Project, and its fresh water releases control salinity intrusion into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and protect the health of fish and wildlife. As of Friday morning, the lake was at 98 percent capacity.

Earlier this week, photos of the damage and chunks of concrete yanked from the mile-long spillway went viral on social media. Engineers don't know what caused the cave-in that is expected to keep growing until it reaches bedrock.

The department does not expect the discharge from the reservoir to exceed the capacity of any channel downstream as the water flows through the Feather River, into the Sacramento River and on to the San Francisco Bay.

Officials say Oroville Dam itself is sound and there is no imminent threat to the public.

"Despite rumors, no evacuations have been issued at this time due to the Oroville Spillway," the Sheriff's Department posted online Friday.

Conditions are more perilous for the fish population. At the fish hatchery below  one crucial to California's salmon industry, which produces some 7 million fish a season  workers were scurrying Thursday to snap up in nets 4 million fish in danger of dying and then trucking them miles downstream to safety. But nearly 5 million other fish and fish eggs couldn't be moved.

The turbidity, or cloudiness, of the water running into Feather River Hatchery was "off the charts," said Harry Morse, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Normal turbidity levels tend to be on a 5 to 10 scale, while Thursday's recordings soared into the 400s, he said.

"This is just uncharted territory," Morse said, adding that a team of scientists were working to rig up makeshift filtration systems inside the hatchery to protect the eggs in danger.

Workers were moving the millions of young fish, said to be about three months too young to safely release into the wild, about 10 miles down the river to Thermalito via giant tanker trucks, to a spot with existing fish infrastructure far enough off the river that they should survive, Morse said.

After dipping down to record-low levels during the California drought, Lake Oroville -the state's second largest reservoir - is now near capacity.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Katy man was one of two arrested in a Jefferson county drug bust after deputies say they found six kilograms of cocaine in the front seat of a speeding vehicle on I-10.

On Tuesday, deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office pulled over a Hyundai Sonata driven by 32-year-old David Barona of Katy.
The new Astrodome Conservancy founded by Phoebe Tudor, Judy Nyquist and Minnette Boesel is looking for ways to redefine the experience of the historic structure even before Harris County begins its $105 million renovation.

Thursday the group shared inspiration from projects in other cities that have repurposed underused spaces, during a slide show by HR&A Advisors, a national consulting firm that's developing a business plan for the conservancy and suggestions for "short-term activations."
Houston ISD's board voted unanimously Thursday to pass a resolution that expresses support of immigrant students and the immigrant community and chastises President Donald Trump's sweeping Jan. 27 immigration executive order.

The immigration order bars all refugees from entering the United States for 120 days and restricts the entry of any immigrants  refugee or not  from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days. Federal judges have temporarily halted the order from taking effect.
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With President Donald Trump's frequent references to building a wall between the United States and Mexico, it might be easy to envision the border as a fixed line, complete with signs and guards.

In reality, the concept of a border is as fluid as, well, the Rio Grande.

That mighty stream has defined the border between Texas and Mexico since the Treaty of Hidalgo in 1848. But the signed paper didn't stop the Rio Grande from changing course so much over the years that some land eventually had to be deeded back to Mexico to restore what the river took, according to the Handbook of Texas Online.

NOT SO FAST: Texas would be the state hardest hit by trade war with Mexico

Apart from the river's meanderings, political revolution got under way in 1910 in Mexico, stirring conflict along the border. In 1916, when revolutionary leader Pancho Villa killed 16 Americans in Mexico, clashes broke out between whites and Mexicans in several border towns, including El Paso, the Handbook of Texas Online states.

The prohibition of alcohol took effect in 1920, followed by the Immigration Acts of 1921 and 1924 limiting legal immigration into the United States. With limits on legal entry, people began trying to get in illegally, leading Congress to establish the U.S. Border Patrol in 1924. By 1928, the agents got uniforms and in 1934, the first Border Patrol Academy opened in El Paso.

IN THE STREETS: Houston Super Bowl march comes amid protests nationwide over travel ban

A few years later, Dorothea Lange, gifted photographer famous for her Depression-era pictures, traveled to El Paso to capture images of routine comings and goings across the border.

Thanks to the U.S. Library of Congress, Lange's work is easily accessible to the American public today.

Click through the gallery to see a glimpse of life on the Texas-Mexico border in the late 1930s.
The funding scheme for ReBuild Houston, the city's street and drainage repair initiative, remains in limbo after a state appeals court agreed Thursday that the 2010 charter referendum creating the program is void.

The Texas Fourteenth Court of Appeals ruling affirms an Oct. 2015 trial court decision ordering the city to call a new election on creating a dedicated pay-as-you-go fund for street and drainage projects.
Over the years, NASA's Juno spacecraft has delivered hundreds of amazing images of Jupiter. With each new high-definition image, the idea of what we think Jupiter looks like is changed.

Most recently, NASA's photo of the gas giant's southern pole is one such example. To a casual observer, the enhanced-color image might not even look like Jupiter, but instead a strange alien planet straight out of Hollywood.
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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Ridge View to keep on sharing The Galva-Holstein and Schaller-Crestland School Districts have reached a tentative agreement that will likely reflect Schaller-Crestlands consolidation to a single...

Pipeline company sought to limit required safeguards for soil Navigator CO2 Ventures wanted to reduce its obligations to sample and restore topsoil for the construction of its proposed carbon...
Shippensburg University Thursday named and dedicated the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation.

The center, part of the John L. Grove College of Business, provides students with the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and create new businesses, according to a news release from the university.

Accompanying the universitys newly established entrepreneurship major and minor, the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation joins several other unique programs in the Grove College of Business.

As part of a unique entrepreneurial eco-system, it joins forces with the Small Business Development Center and the Brad E. Hollinger Stock Trading Room, offering hands-on learning to complement students academic programs, said Barbara Lyman, interim president of Shippensburg University.

The center is the result of a gift made by Charles H. Jr. and Jane E. Diller to the Shippensburg University Foundations comprehensive campaign, Charting the Course, Lighting the Way, the Campaign for Shippensburg University.

Charles Diller Jr., retired executive vice president from JLG Industries and member of the Grove College of Business Advisory Board, was drawn to supporting the center because of the opportunity it provides students.

It is very relevant for todays young adults, in whatever profession they choose, to learn to cope with risk, spot opportunities and have the ability to be innovative. That is why I chose to endow this center as my contribution to the recent campaign, Diller said.

According to John Kooti, dean of the John L. Grove College of Business, the creation of the center supports a hallmark of the college in that it prepares students both academically and professionally.

The Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation contributes to this distinction by affording business and non-business students the opportunities to be creative and entrepreneurial, he said.
BNM anunta concurs pentru postul vacant de expert coordonator (durata determinata) responsabil de control pe teren si din oficiu a sistemelor de plati
Snow flew sideways as I read the neon words: In our thoughts and prayers Alan White. On that January morning, I eyed the electronic board hanging outside the Plum Island town office, stunned that Al was gone.

Al was a legend at the Eagle-Tribune, a mid-sized daily in Andover, Massachusetts. He taught me and scores of other young reporters how to see stories, how to search for the truth, how to stand your ground and never, ever give up.

Bespectacled and soft-spoken, Al was the New Hampshire editor in 1984 when I began reporting on Pelham, New Hampshire, my hometown. Though I had worked at weekly papers in New Hampshire and Ireland, this was my first big daily paper, and I was nervous. I soon learned Al was not fond of idle chatter, and nothing slipped by him. Long, wordy sentences were cut. Loose facts were questioned. Accuracy was imperative. If your mother told you she loved you, Al wanted proof.

And so I needed to assuage my doubts he was really gone. I continued to search for the brown clapboard cottage known as The George where Al found solace after a hectic day in the newsroom.

In the three decades since I had left the Eagle-Tribune and worked at papers in Florida and Maine, I still called or visited Al to talk stories. He instinctively knew how to hone information, find the storys essence.

I had planned to see Al in mid-January before heading to Newfoundland to work on film connections for my book. Al helped me focus the story in the books early stages and he was excited about my trip. On the day I was to stop by, Al explained that he had worked until 2 am and was tired. I knew he had a weak heart and other health issues, so I promised to call again soon. We would get together another time. Forty-eight hours later, police found Al dead in his home. I learned about his death in Newfoundland when I saw a former colleagues Facebook post that said RIP Al.

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Shocked, I couldnt stop thinking about Al. He had worked at the Eagle-Tribune for 43 of his 68 years. He started out as a cub reporter and later went on to work as state editor, city editor, managing editor, and for the past nine years, executive editor. Under his guidance, the paper won dozens of national awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes. I was fortunate to work on one of those stories, a year-long investigative series about first-degree killer William Horton Jr. and Massachusetts flawed prison furlough system.

In 1987 during the Horton and furlough investigation, the newspaper (then known as the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune) was a mid-sized paper with a circulation of about 60,000. It wasnt a newspaper giant like The New York Times, The Washington Post, or Wall Street Journal with unlimited resources. But with Al leading the newsroom, anything was possible. He read five papers a day and was a brilliant wordsmith and intrepid editor. He didnt kowtow to the rich, the famous, or the powerful. He taught reporters to get the story, to find answers, to seek the truth no matter what the obstacles were or how many officials uttered, No comment.

The Horton story proved especially difficult because of Massachusetts Criminal Offenders Records Act, which kept prisoners records secret. When a criminal was paroled or released on unsupervised furlough, no onenot the police or citizenswas notified. Citizens in our community were outraged Horton had even been considered for an unsupervised weekend pass. Horton had been sentenced to life without parole for stabbing teenage gas-station attendant Joey Fournier 19 times and stuffing his body in a trash can in 1974.

When the Massachusetts Department of Corrections Commissioner refused to talk to us after we learned Horton escaped while out on furlough, Al told us Get answers from other sources.

Our readers wanted answers, and Al demanded we get them. I spent several nights waiting outside the homes of prison guards, hoping to get information. I visited Walpole, the maximum security prison, where Horton had been locked up. There, at the prison with guard towers and razor wire, other first degree killers were peeved at Horton. Hes giving us a bad name, they explained.

Horton, the killers revealed, wasnt a model prisoner. He had been in fights and caught with drugs on multiple occasions; he shouldnt have been eligible for an unsupervised furlough, they said. Horton had been released on nine unsupervised furloughs before he was let out a 10th time in June 1986. During that weekend pass, he won a $1,000 lottery ticket and decided not to return to prison.

He fled to Florida and eventually ended up in Maryland, where he held a young couple hostage for 11 hours, twice raping the woman at gunpoint and repeatedly stabbing her fiance. Though the Massachusetts Department of Corrections officials insisted releasing killers like Horton was not unusual and that their furlough program was similar to several others states in the country, I had little reason to accept their word. And I knew what Al would say had I been foolish enough to try and slip that into a story: Prove it, hed admonish.

After more than 25 calls to federal agencies, I learned there was scant information on prison furlough policies nationwide, so I called the Department of Corrections in 49 states, interviewed prison officials and did my own survey. Massachusetts, I learned, had one of the nations most liberal furlough policies. There, killers were let out on furlough to determine if they could act responsibly in society and should be paroled.

In every other state, it was the reverse. Killers were not allowed unsupervised furloughs until they had been cleared for parole and were within six months to two years of their release. After I finished reporting and writing the Dec. 6, 1987 story, Al quietly told me, Great job, Barbie.

There were no better words a reporter could hear. Al was particularly proud of our year-long investigation that affected lives, laws, and a presidential election. Presidential candidate George Bush Sr. used our stories about Massachusetts furlough program and Hortons escape to criticize his opponent Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis for being soft on crime.

Our reporting also changed laws. Massachusetts killers who are not sanctioned for parole arent allowed out on unsupervised furloughs anymore. And the CORI law that was used to keep Horton and other criminals records secret, was also abolished.

Three decades later, as I searched for Als home on a January morning, I wished for another chance to work with Al, to seek the truth in these challenging and confrontational times. The wind whipped sleet onto my windshield as I spotted a small fishing boat parked in a driveway. I pulled into the gravel lot and hoped to find Als relatives, the nieces and nephews he adored, and though it was irrational, I still hoped to find Al.

But The George was quiet, empty. Als fishing poles leaned against a corner of his deck. The George sign hung from the porch wall. Al had the sign made after he learned his homeone of the oldest on Plum Islandwas originally called The George. The tidal marsh beyond Als deck rippled in the storm. Al often admired the ever-changing marsh hues in warmer weather as he barbecued or cleaned fish.

Later that afternoon, newspaper colleagues, Als family and friends would gather at the local funeral home for his wake. Just back from Newfoundland, I had commitments in Maine. Still, I wanted to share my condolences with his family. I began writing a note as a Newbury police officer drove along the deserted road. He hit the brakes when he spotted my van. Within minutes, the cop returned. I jumped when he suddenly appeared at my window.

Im Als friend; he was my editor, I quickly explained.

The officer nodded and though he seemed to believe me, he shared Als philosophy: Prove it. I handed him my license and he checked to make sure I didnt have a record of breaking and entering. As I headed back down the beach road, I thought of Al and how he would have smiled and commented, Causing trouble again, Barbie.

Before I drove north, I stopped at the Newburyport funeral home. Though the back door was open, no one answered when I called out. Flower bouquets for Al rested on the floor. Further down the hall, a podium stood with an overhead marker reading, Alan. I left my note for Als family and peeked into a nearby room.

My mentor, my friend, the man who shared his passion for words, for stories, for accuracy and truth lay silent and still. I stood in the doorway, unable to walk into the darkened room. Thank you, Al, I whispered, wiping away tears. I will never forget you or your lessons.

As Al had taught me, I had silenced my doubts on this blustery January day. But this was one truth I did not want to realize. Rest in peace and farewell, old friend.

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Barbara Walsh has also worked for newspapers in Ireland, New Hampshire, Florida, and Maine, where she now lives. Shes also the author of August Gale: A Father and Daughters Journey into the Storm.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeated his false claim that the countrys murder rate is the highest it has been in 47 years. The same day, The Marshall Project won a National Magazine Award for general excellence in its coverage of our nations criminal justice system.

The irony is not lost on Marshall Project Editor in Chief Bill Keller, who says the presidents fuzzy math and focus on law and order policies make his outlets work more necessary than ever.

Since its founding in 2014, The Marshall Project has produced stellar journalismoften in partnership with other outletsfocused on the intersection of criminal justice with race, immigration, and politics. In 2016, Marshall Project writer Ken Armstrong won the organizations first Pulitzer Prize for his collaboration with ProPublicas T. Christian Miller on An Unbelievable Story of Rape.

CJR spoke with Keller, a former reporter, foreign bureau chief, and executive editor at The New York Times, over email about the future of criminal justice reporting under the Trump administration, the challenges and opportunities presented by a world of alternative facts, and his plans for the The Marshall Project going forward.

First, congratulations on the Ellie for general excellence. In accepting the award, you said, in part, Well take this honor as a rebuke to the cynicism of fake news and alternative facts. Im sure the reference to the rhetoric coming from the White House was not lost on anyone. So, speaking generally and as someone with almost 50 years in journalism, what most worries you about the current approach that the new administration has taken towards the media?

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Thanks. A former colleague of mine used to joke, when Congress or the White House did something egregious: Bad for America. Good for us. I think the new administrations demonstrated indifference to truth is bad for America. President Trumps litany of falsehoods in his first appearance at the CIA sent a dangerous message to an intelligence community for whom the facts are literally matters of life and death. The message was, Dont bring me bad news. Just tell me were winning. Inviting your intelligence agencies to reinforce your delusions is not conducive to national security or good governing, to say the least. And a White House that makes stuff up is going to sow mistrust among allies and convince adversaries that we dont mean what we say. That to me is way more worrisome than the impact on the press.

In some ways, the administrations approach is, in fact, good for us. First, if the information delivered from the podium of the White House press room is not credible, reporters may be inclined to stop publishing it, get off their butts, and do real reporting. Weve already seen a boom in fact-checking and investigation. Second, I expect that Trumps attack on the so-called Establishment, including nearly three million civil servants who work for him, is likely to generate a festival of leaks. Bureaucrats leak in defense of their work. White House insiders leak to score points against rival factions. Leaks are a reporters friends. And third, as news outlets from The New York Times to, um, The Marshall Project have discovered, the new administrations hostility has brought a surge of new subscribers and donorsin effect, readers voting for the news outlets they trust. Of course I worry that some portion of the public will just tune out both sides. But I tend to think most people have pretty good bullshit detectors.

Thats a fairly positive response, both about where The Marshall Project is headed and how journalists will respond to the new administration. Not to dampen that enthusiasm, but what most worries you?

I dont want to sound complacent about the Trump administrations war on truth. I think its profoundly worrying. I just find the discussion of what it means for the press a little self-absorbed, compared to what it means for American democracy. Of course, the two things are closely related.

My worry about criminal justice reporting is thatbecause its complicated, lacking in transparency, often grim, and expensive to do wellit will fall back into a state of neglect before anything gets fixed. My worry about the press writ large is that Im wrong about the average Americans bullshit detector, that the new president will sow widespread cynicism, and that people will tune out. Those of us who have worked in countries with authoritarian regimes know where that goes.

Part of what allows Trump and his team to attack journalists with such frequency and venom is that trust in our institution is so low. Where should we as an industry direct our focus to rebuild that trust?

I agree that we need to rebuild trust, but I think the extent of mistrust is overstated. If you ask whether people trust the media, we rank down with contagious diseases. If you ask whether they trust the particular media they regularly consume, you get a much more positive response. (The same thing is true of Congresshate the institution, love my congressman.) I think we can enlarge trust by doing our jobs well, correcting our mistakes ungrudgingly, and resisting the temptation to play the role Steve Bannon has chosen for us: the opposition party.

It seems to me there was an evolution of mainstream coverage, beginning last summer. It went from Trump says X, Clinton says Y, to Trump says X, but actually Y, to Trump says X, hes a liar. I dont object to using the L-word when its clearly warranted, and I think calling out falsehoods in real time is a healthy development. But I think we want to be careful of a tone that confirms the suspicion of Trump voters who believe were out to get him.

Over the past few years, there seemed to be a bipartisan consensus coalescing around issues related to criminal justice reform. The new president, however, has taken an explicit law and order line, both during the campaign and over his first weeks in office. Does that worry you? Will it at all impact the priorities of The Marshall Projects reporting?

The bipartisan consensus is pretty much intact. More of its energy may be diverted to the states, but even in Washington it has not entirely lost force. The Republican leadership is going to be looking for a few bipartisan successes to convince voters the days of partisan paralysis are over. There arent many candidates, and justice reform is one.

At The Marshall Project, weve already begun to adjust our plans for the year. Were amping up our coverage of immigration and deportation, which could well be the criminal justice story of the yeara massive mobilization of law enforcement, a push to essentially deputize police and sheriffs as immigration enforcers, huge dockets at understaffed immigration courts. Weve done some good work at the intersection of criminal justice and immigration; to build on that were adding a staff writer and have contracted with (in my view) the countrys best immigration reporter [Julia Preston] to be a regular contributor. Were also hiring a Washington reporter to keep a close eye on the Sessions Justice Department and to monitor reform efforts in Congress. Roughly 90 percent of criminal justicepolicing, courts, jails, and prisonshappens at the state and local level, and we will continue to troll the country for interesting trends and experiments. But Washington sets a tone.

On Tuesday, Donald Trump again repeated the false claim that the murder rate is at a 47-year high. What impact does this sort of misinformation, coming from the highest levels, have on The Marshall Projects attempts to provide an accurate accounting of what is really going on in this country?

It makes us more necessary than ever. Weve spent a considerable amount of time fact-checking Candidate Trump and President-elect Trump and President Trump on his dark, dystopian portrayal of crime-ridden America. Thats important, but its not enough. We need to, and intend to, publish engaging, on-the-ground stories.

There have been several conversations recently around questions of journalistic objectivity, neutrality, and opposition. Youre at a relatively young organization that doesnt bear the weight of legacy and institutional momentum that a place like the Times does, so how do you define The Marshall Projects approach? Is there a level of activism involved? Should journalists be aiming for neutrality, or does the current reality call for a reevaluation?

Glenn Greenwald and I once spent 5,000 words debating the virtues of journalism that tries to be impartial versus journalism that declares a stance. I read lots of advocacy journalism (and had a couple of stints writing it for the Timess op-ed page) but I still believe in the discipline of impartialityreporting that applies skeptical inquiry to all sides of an issue. I dont advocate equal time for points of view that cant withstand scrutiny (climate change deniers, for example), but I find journalism more credible if it starts with an open mind and follows the evidence. Thats the ethos weve tried to cultivate at The Marshall Project, and I think it becomes more important, not less, when you have an administration that treats the truth as fungible.

The Marshall Project has a more specific mission than most news outlets: to create and sustain a sense of public urgency about the criminal justice system. Our sense of purpose is a little more immediate. But ultimately all journalismespecially watchdog journalism, accountability journalism, investigative journalism, call it what you willaims to lay bare problems in the hope that someone will fix them. We want to make a difference.

Looking to the next few years, where do you hope to take The Marshall Project? Should we expect changes in coveragewhether in content, medium, or approach?

The last few years have been a national wakeup call on criminal justice. There are several reasons for that: charismatic voices like those of Michelle Alexander and Bryan Stevenson; the high-profile deaths of young black men, beginning with Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown; a younger generation that has grown up with low crime rates and sees the subject without a cloud of fear; the attention of major philanthropists; the common ground carved out by conservative and liberal reformers. And journalists, who have taken criminal-justice coverage beyond lurid crime stories and perp walks.

The one thing we know about reforms of all kinds: Nothing good happens if nobody is paying attention. So our first goal is to make sure the story of our criminal justice system doesnt fall off the radar because some shiny new issue distracts us. That means continuing to do solid, engaging journalism of our own, and to continue working with other media outlets as a partner and (we hope) catalyst. Beyond that, like any editor, I have a wish list.

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Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.
We can solve the problem of fake news. This was the proposition brought to a lively panel of six experts Wednesday night for a debate hosted by the Daily News Innovation Lab in collaboration with NYC Media Lab. The conversation managed to breathe new life into an overwrought subject, if only to remind the audience of the stakes.

The six were divided into two teams, for and against the proposition, to conduct a classic debate moderated by Justin Hendrix, NYC Media Labs executive director. Each side was given equal time to defend their sides:

The For Team

Humans can learn. Up first, Jane Elizabeth, a senior manager at American Press Institute, gave a vote of confidence for the human race. Just as weve been able to fight smoking, enforce the wearing of seatbelts, and encourage handwashing, we should be able to educate a population to reduce harm. Solving the fake news problem, she said, is not the same as eliminating it.

Remember spam? Next up, Dean Pomerleau, co-director of the Fake News Challenge, pragmatically reminded the audience of a darker time when email inboxes were cluttered with spam. Today, fewer than one in 1,000 spam messages get through. Fake news is similar to spam, just on Facebook rather than Gmail. We will develop technology that detects fake news early, and filters it outin fact, we are already working on it.

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The moral imperative. Sally Kohn, CNN commentator, rounded out the optimism by setting the stakes: We have to solve fake news, for the sake of democracy and truth. Weve dealt with larger problems than fake news in the past, she said, and if we created the internet, we should be able to fix it. As Thomas Jefferson wrote in a letter: We are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.

We can, we will, and we must solve fake news, Kohn said, and if we dont think we can, then we wont.

The Against Team

An information war. Its an old problem, said Melissa Ryan, an expert in digital campaigns, and one that encompasses many different types of information: conspiracy theories, hoaxes, propaganda, etc. People have been trying to solve it for many years, but in the age of social media, it has become militarizedand it is a powerful weapon indeed. According to BuzzFeed, the top fake news stories generated more activity on social media than the top 19 legitimate outlets combined. And it didnt end with the US election; Germanys Angela Merkel is now the target of more than 500 fake news stories. Only when we move past the concept of solving the problem, Ryan said, can we deal with it.

Fake news is only a symptom of a diseased industry. Fake news is solvable if you define it narrowly, said David Carroll, associate professor of media design at Parsons School of Design at The New School. But the root of the problem is the business model. The system of ad tech privileges capturing attention over spreading truth. As long as Google and Facebook profit from clicks, there is no incentive to fix the problem. In the meantime, said Carroll, fake news could topple the EUwhich is, by the way, the last bulwark against the invasion of privacy. Fake news, in the end, constitutes a totalitarian attempt to demolish truth as a power play.

Technology will only get more powerful. The final speaker, CEO and founder of betaworks John Borthwick, struck the Orwellian note. Social media was built for sharing family photos, he said, and now these same (inherently biased) algorithms are filtering news in the same way. Clicks and notifications produce dopamine. Photoshop-like audio technology is being developed that can make it sound like an individual has said something they havent. We have entered a subjective reality already, Borthwick said. Quoting Orwell: Its a beautiful thing, the destruction of words.

Ultimately, the debate achieved what debates do best: Laying out the stakes of the problem, but giving listeners a fighting spirit. By a show of hands at the beginning, the audience appeared to be slightly more pessimistic than optimistic about whether we can solve the fake news problem. But by the end, the tables had turned. Orwell was a warning, said Kohn in her closing statement, but Jefferson was an aspiration.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Nausicaa Renner is digital editor of CJR.
The driver of a speeding Tesla electric car that crashed and burned in Indianapolis, Ind., killing her and a passenger, was too drunk to drive, according to a police report released Wednesday.

The report, which includes toxicology test results, said 27-year-old driver Casey Speckman had a blood-alcohol level of 0.21 percent and 44-year-old passenger Kevin McCarthy, the owner of the Model S, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.17 percent. Indianas legal limit is 0.08 percent.

Palo Alto, California-based Tesla Motors has said its unlikely its semi-autonomous Autopilot system was engaged when the car crashed, because Autopilot would have limited the vehicles speed to less than 35 miles per hour on the street where the crash occurred.

Tesla told The Indianapolis Star in a story published Wednesday that its working with investigators and is deeply saddened by the crash.

Tesla has said the car sustained so much damage that it didnt transmit data to the companys servers. That data would show if the driver had the car in Autopilot mode. Police havent yet determined how fast the car was going, but the damage suggests it was speeding.

The crash happened about 1 a.m. on Nov. 3 when the car hit a tree, crashed into a building and caught fire, leaving a trail of burning battery components. According to the report, Speckman died of crash-related injuries while McCarthy died of injuries including burns.

You have to be careful about making blanket assumptions that a lot of debris equals a lot of speed, Sgt. Doug Heustis, the lead crash investigator for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, told the newspaper.

The Autopilot system, which was introduced in 2015, can automatically drive the car at a set speed and keep it within its lane. Drivers need to touch the wheel at certain intervals or the system will turn off.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The former chief engineer of a container ship that sank in a hurricane killing 33 sailors said Wednesday that evidence from the ships black box shows a crew working hard to keep it afloat.

Mark Gay, who served aboard the El Faro years before its final journey, became emotional at times during testimony before a U.S. Coast Guard investigative board in Jacksonville as he talked about the ships lost crew.

The El Faro sank on Oct. 1, 2015, after losing propulsion in Hurricane Joaquin while traveling between Jacksonville and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Search crews recovered the ships voyage data recorder last summer, which captured audio of the conversations on the ships bridge as its engines stopped and water flooded a cargo hold.

Transcripts show that Capt. Michael Davidson said hed lost the plant, which Gay said meant the propulsion system, about an hour before hes heard calling crew members to abandon ship.

At the same time as he lost the plant, Davidson tells his fellow crew members on the bridge that the engineering crew was reporting that water was pouring through ventilation ducts down below.

For Gay, who worked in the same engine room years earlier, indications from the transcripts show that everyone was still doing their jobs even as a Category 3 hurricane was battering the ship with 30-foot waves and high winds. He said the water entering the room through the ducts wouldnt have deterred their efforts.

You have a lot of good people doing whatever needed to be done to get this thing going and get out of harms way, he said. Ive been in conditions where things go wrong in a hurry and you have to make decisions fast. To me, they were doing everything they could to hold on.

At about 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 1, Davidson rang the ships general alarm, preparing the crew to abandon ship.

Tell em were goin in, he says as the alarm bell rang, according to the transcript.

Moments later he yells out that the bow of the ship is down.

Throw all your rafts in the water, Davidson said as the ship slipped further into the water. `tay together!

Davidson was heard trying to soothe the frayed nerves of a frightened crew member before the audio cuts off.

Search crews found the El Faros wreckage near the Bahamas in 15,000 feet of water, but no bodies were ever recovered.

Since the loss of the vessel, the Coast Guard and NTSB have been investigating the seaworthiness of the 40-year-old ship. The run to Puerto Rico in 2015 was to be the last by El Faro and its nearly identical sister ship El Yunque. Since the sinking, the El Yunque was scrapped after inspections found it to be too damaged for a planned retrofit, testimony revealed.

Glen Jackson, whose brother Jack Jackson died on board, has attended all of the Coast Guard hearings. His family is one of the few of the 33 El Faro crew members who havent settled legal claims against the ships owner, TOTE Maritime, Inc.

Its ruined my life. My brother and I were tight, he said during a hearing break.

Jackson said he hopes the investigation will lead to safer work for the nations mariners.

Ninety percent of everything we buy, eat and wear comes by ship. And there are a whole lot of American men and women out there at sea, and they deserve to have a safe working environment.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
HARRISBURG  United Way of Pennsylvania and United Way supporters stood Thursday with Sen. Patrick Browne (R-Lehigh) and Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) to recognize Feb. 11 as PA 2-1-1 Day.

2-1-1 is the free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service that connects 85 percent of Pennsylvanians with all the health and human services available to help. In 2016, more than 160,000 people turned to 2-1-1 in Pennsylvania for help.

Today was about recognizing the help 2-1-1 can bring to the commonwealths residents, Bloom said. 2-1-1 is a gateway to all kinds of help. By using this service, my constituents and other Pennsylvanians can get a holistic answer to their issue, rather than a haphazard response that may only lead them to additional challenges.

2-1-1 information and referral specialists are trained to listen, assess the situation, ask the appropriate questions, and then refer the caller directly to the human services that will comprehensively address their needs. The 2-1-1 specialist also explains how to access those services, availing a translation service for over 170 different languages, if needed.

Pennsylvania became a part of the national 2-1-1 program after it was launched by United Way in Atlanta over 20 years ago. The three-digit 2-1-1 number now serves more than 283 million Americans  more than 90 percent of our population  in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Akron fire

Akron fire officials are working to determine the causes of two 2-alarm fires that broke out Thursday.

(cleveland.com file photo)

AKRON, Ohio - Akron fire officials are still trying to determine the causes of two Thursday 2-alarm fires.

The first fire broke out about 3 p.m. at a home on the 900 block of Danmead Avenue on Akron's east side, according to a fire department news release. The fire appeared to have started in the basement before it worked its way through the house, causing extensive damage.

No one was injured, though the family that lived in the house is displaced, the fire department said.

The second fire was reported about 6:50 p.m. on the 700 block of Donald Avenue in the city's Firestone Park neighborhood. The blaze destroyed four apartments, and no injuries were reported.

The American Red Cross was called to help three families plus one individual who were displaced, the release says.

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Fleeing & eluding, Berea Commons : Police are looking for a 20-year-old Cleveland man who ran from Berea Municipal Court immediately after he was sentenced.

It happened at about 3 p.m. Feb. 2. The man darted out of the courtroom, down a set of stairs and out the front door. Court officers gave chase but the man was too fast.

By the time the court called Berea police, the man had turned onto West Bridge Street and disappeared. Berea and Cleveland Metroparks officers searched the area but did not find the man. He left a cell phone and keys in the courtroom.

Theft, North Rocky River Drive: Police are looking for a man who stole a box of peanut butter Twix at about 8:30 p.m. Feb. 8 from Circle K, 825 North Rocky River.

A store worker said the man walked into the store and asked to use a phone. Shortly afterward, the worker heard merchandise hit the floor where the man was standing. The man admitted accidentally causing candy to fall. The worker picked the candy from the floor.

Then the worker noticed that a box of Twix was missing from the shelf. She told the man she knew he had stolen the candy. The man said, "Really?" He extended his arm and asked the worker to tap his hand. She ignored this request, and he left the store.

Dangerous drugs, North Rocky River Drive: A Cleveland man, 28, was arrested at about 12:30 a.m. Feb. 8 after police caught him with heroin outside Circle K, 825 North Rocky River.

Police saw the man walk toward the rear of the store. It seemed suspicious because usually only employees have business back there. When the man noticed police watching him, he dropped an electronic device on the ground.

Police asked the man, who seemed nervous, why he was behind the building. He said he was looking for an air compressor, which was clearly in front of the store. When asked for his driver's license, the man said he didn't have it on him, but he knew his license number.

An officer saw something hidden in the man's knit cap and asked the man what it was. The man grabbed the cap off his head and shoved it into his pocket. Police asked if the man had drugs in his cap. The man said yes. Police found a straw and a folded paper bindle, containing heroin, in the cap.

Grand theft auto, West Bagley Road: An unlocked, gray 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse was stolen between 12-5:30 p.m. Feb. 5 from a driveway.

Burglary, East Bridge Street: Nine tablets of Percocet, a pain medication, and $60 in cash were reported stolen at about 11 p.m. Feb. 7 from an unlocked apartment at Bella Vista Apartments, 163 East Bridge.

Marijuana possession, Ohio 237: A Garfield Heights man, 26, was arrested at about 11:15 p.m. Feb. 2 after police found a baggie of marijuana in his car.

Police stopped the man's Dodge Charger as it was leaving a Sunoco on North Rocky River Drive. That's because the license plate was registered to a 2001 Oldsmobile.

Operating a vehicle under the influence, Seminary Street: A North Royalton man, 52, was arrested at about 1:30 a.m. Jan. 29 after police saw him driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

The man was driving a GMC Acadia northbound on Beech Street, where only southbound traffic is allowed. He turned onto Liberty Street without signaling, then turned onto Seminary.

The man smelled like alcohol and admitted drinking. His driver's license had been suspended due to previous OVI convictions.

Operating a vehicle under the influence, Main Street: A Strongsville man, 57, was arrested at about 10:30 p.m. Jan. 28 after he drove a Chrysler 200 off the road.

The man was standing outside the care when police arrived. When he saw police, the man started to step into his car, but police encouraged him to stay put. The man reached into his car, grabbed a pack of gum and shoved a wad into his mouth.

The man told police he was driving from the I-X Center in Cleveland, became disoriented and drove off the road. Officers saw beer inside the car and two pint glasses containing beer in the snow nearby.

Operating a vehicle under the influence, Sprague Road: A Parma man, 34, was arrested at about 2:30 a.m. Feb. 2 after police saw his BMW sedan almost swerve left of center three times. When the man turned from Prospect Street onto Sprague, his car bounced over a curb.

Marijuana possession, Beech Street: A North Canton man, 19, was arrested at about 11:45 a.m. Feb. 3 after police found two glass jars containing marijuana shake, two packs of rolling papers, a marijuana pipe with marijuana residue and a bottle of amphetamine pills in his car.

The man had parked his Mercury Grand Marquis at an angle in the road outside Baldwin Wallace University's student activities center. The car, its hazard lights flashing, protruded into the road and was blocking a fire hydrant.

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Car theft, Towpath Drive: On Jan. 16, police were dispatched to Towpath Drive after a report of a stolen business trailer.

An arriving officer talked to the business owner, who said he had already reviewed surveillance footage from two days before of a man backing up a Ford truck and hooking up the trailer.

The man then left heading southbound on Broadview Road. The owner said the trailer had more than $2,600 in racing motorcycle gear. Police are investigating.

Disorderly conduct, Crescent Boulevard: On Jan. 21, police were dispatched to a Crescent Boulevard apartment after a resident called to say he had just been punched by an upstairs neighbor.

An arriving officer talked to the man, who said he had been trying to sleep when the noise from the upstairs apartment was too loud. He went outside and yelled up to the balcony.

After words were exchanged, he headed back to his apartment where he was met by two men. That's when the man claimed he was punched in the face; however, the officer didn't see any visible evidence.

The officer talked to the men upstairs. They had been drinking and admitted they were loud, but denied punching the man. They said the man downstairs started yelling and threatening them.

However, because both the man downstairs and one of the upstairs neighbors admitted to pushing each other, both were arrested for disorderly conduct.

Underage consumption, Royalton Road: On Jan. 22, police observed a Kia Soul and Honda Accord parked in front of a store after hours. When the officer pulled up, he watched a Kia passenger stick a bottle of booze under the seat.

There was also a backpack with another bottle of liquor and beer cans on the floor. While talking to the occupants of both cars, the officer smelled booze. Everyone was underage. They were arrested for underage consumption.

The officer said all four teenagers were polite.

Fraud, Valley Park Drive: On Jan. 17, a resident came to the police station to report he had received numerous alerts regarding fraudulent activity involving his identity.

He was contacted regarding a bank in Delaware and also regarding his Lowe's credit card. The man wanted an agency to monitor his credit; however, it required he first fill out a police report. Police are investigating.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A jury is deliberating on whether to convict former Summit County Councilwoman Tamela Lee on corruption charges after the FBI said she used her political influence with a convenience store owner who gave her bribes.

Lee, 58, of Akron faces charges of conspiracy, honest services mail fraud, Hobbs Act bribery, obstruction of justice and making false statements to law enforcement.

The trial began Monday in U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko's courtroom. The jury began deliberating Friday afternoon.

Prosecutors centered their case on acts they say Lee did in exchange for bribes from Omar Abdelqader, a North Canton man who is affiliated with a Bi Rite convenience store in Akron. Those acts include having Lee try to fix a criminal case involving Abdelqader's nephew and having her write a letter on her Summit County letterhead to the IRS on behalf of Abdelqader's friend.

In exchange, Abdelqader gave Lee cash -- $40 here, $100 there -- as well as cigarettes and food, prosecutors said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hollingsworth said during his closing arguments that these were characterized as campaign donations, but the money always went into her personal bank account.

He played back phone calls and read transcripts of calls captured on an FBI wiretap that he said proved both Lee and Abdelqader knew exactly what they were doing.

In one call, when a friend told Lee that Abdelqader must like him, she responded by saying "No. Omar ask me for more damn favors." She later says it's because "him and his people, them folks always in trouble."

In other phone calls, the pair explicitly talk about money.

"She used him for cash. He used her for political influence," Hollingsworth said.

Timothy Ivey, Lee's federal public defender, told the jury that the calls that prosecutors played to the jury did not show a conspiracy, but rather conversations between friends. Abdelqader knew Lee through her husband, and said he was helping Lee out while her husband was in Yemen for three months.

He said Lee is entitled to have a private life, and the conversations were being mischaracterized by the government as a grand conspiracy.

"This is the type of conversation a person has with a friend, not some clandestine bribe situation," Ivey said.

He encouraged the jury to listen to the "entirety of conversations," and not just clips that prosecutors cherry-picked.

Lee, who served as a councilwoman from 2011 until 2016. She lost a primary election last year and is no longer on the county council.

She rejected a plea agreement from prosecutors that could have sent her to prison for between 30 and 46 months. If convicted, she faces more than 10 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.

She indicated before the trial that she might take the stand in her own defense. She chose not to do so and did not put on any of her own evidence.

Abdelqader pleaded guilty in January to six federal charges. His brother, Abdelrahman Abdelqader, also pleaded guilty to corruption-related charges. Both will be sentenced in May.

Samir Abdelqader, Omar Abdelqader's nephew and Abdelrahman Abdelqader's son, pleaded guilty last year to making false statements to the FBI. Boyko placed him on three years' probation.

This story has been updated to reflect Omar Abdelqader's correct affiliation with a Bi Rite convenience store in Akron.

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PARMA, Ohio - A 25-year-old contracted school employee accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student had her first court appearance Friday morning in Parma Municipal Court.

Judge Timothy Gilligan set her bond at $5,000 at 10 percent. Mason waived her preliminary hearing. She will appear in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Feb. 16, a court official said.

Mason is facing one charge of sexual battery. She faces up to five years in prison, Gilligan said.

Mason is accused of having a relationship with a Parma Senior High School student. The school's administration was made aware of the situation Monday, according to a statement from the Parma City School District.

Their interactions happened at Cleveland Metroparks Big Creek Reservation, Gilligan said during the hearing.

Mason is not a Parma Schools employee. She was contracted to the high school through the Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County.

The ESC offers resources such as special education services and student programs, according to its website.

The sexual interactions between Mason and the student happened from Jan. 23 through Feb. 6., according to a news release from the Parma Police Department.

Mason has been placed on administrative leave and not allowed to return to the building.

The ESC was made aware of the allegations.

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CCPC

Tristan Rader, Yvonka Hall and Steve Holecko, members of the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus, explain why they do not support tax dollars going toward the Quicken Loans Arena renovation.

(Karen Farkas, cleveland.com)

LAKEWOOD, Ohio - The Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus is joining opposition to spending tax money on Quicken Loans Arena renovations while community needs remain unmet.

In December, the Cleveland Cavaliers, county and city leaders announced a plan to upgrade the 22-year-old arena. If approved, the plan will cost a total of $282 million over 17 years, with loan interest and creation of a rainy day fund, and taxes will pay for $160 million.

Caucus members held a press conference Friday to say they opposed the use of any tax dollars to renovate the Q. That differs from the view of Greater Cleveland Congregations, which has called for the city and county governments to commit as many tax dollars to neighborhood development as are proposed for the arena renovations.

Members of both groups, who strongly support the Cleveland Cavaliers, say they are "Not All In" and plan to attend council meetings to voice their concerns.

The Progressive Caucus formed last year in support of presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Following the election the group has continued progressive efforts and is resisting actions by President Donald Trump, said Steve Holecko, the political director.

The group has about 2,100 members, he said.

As the plan stands, the Cavs will pay half the cost of upgrades through increased rent payments. Cleveland will provide more than $88 million, using its admissions tax on tickets to Q events from the years 2024 through 2034. More than $44 million will come from the budget of Destination Cleveland, which will give up a piece of the county bed tax it receives. The county will provide $16 million by dipping into the reserve fund it set up for the convention center and Hilton Cleveland Downtown, both of which are complete.

Cuyahoga County's legislation to provide funds for the Q is expected to be introduced at Tuesday at County Council. Council members generally do not comment on introduced legislation, which will be referred to the council-of-the-whole meeting on Feb. 21.

But the public can comment on proposed legislation at any meeting. Members of the GCC and caucus said they plan to attend Tuesday.

Holecko and caucus operations director Tristan Rader said the Q project is "an opportunity for the people of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County to end their silence and start to be citizens instead of spectators to the decisions impacting their communities.

"This is an opportunity to break with a past where such projects are routinely rubber stamped,. We deem this renovation to be a breach of public trust and a gross misuse of public funds. We will not stand by while those elected to lead us redefine progress as working people subsidizing billionaires."
10DARCY-IVANKA2.jpg

President Donald Trump and his administration lashed out at American retailer, Nordstrom, after it dropped his daughter Ivanka's fashion line over poor sales.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- President Donald Trump has now spoken more harshly about American retailer Nordstrom than he ever has about Russian authoritarian despot Vladimir Putin.

During his Super Bowl Sunday interview with Trump, Fox News host Bill O'Reilly said "Putin's a killer." Trump gave a look of disagreement and said, "There are a lot of killers. We've got a lot of killers. What, do you think our country's so innocent?"

Trump declaring Putin's Russia the moral equivalent of the United States insults the founders of this nation, every single one of Trump's predecessors in the White House and every person who fought and died for this nation and to win democracy for other nations.

Putin is a former commanding officer in the notorious KGB. Under Putin's rule, politicians, journalist and businessmen who have crossed him have routinely either ended up in prison, poisoned or dead. It's estimated that Putin has siphoned off billions of dollars from the Russian economy into his own coffers.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 23 journalists have been murdered since Putin became president in 2000. Thirty-six journalists have been killed since 1992. Among those murdered was Anna Politkovskya, who was shot investigating torture in Chechnya.

When "Morning Joe" host Joe Scarborough pointed out to Trump that Putin kills journalists, Trump said, "At least he's a leader."

Senator Marco Rubio asked in a tweet, "When has a Democratic political activist been poisoned by the GOP or vice versa? We are not the same as Putin."

When has an American president had rebel forces he's backing, shoot down a civilian airliner, like what happened in Ukraine with the downing of Malaysian Flight 17?

Did a U.S. invasion of Mexico and Canada, similar to that of Putin's invasion of Chechnya and Ukraine, go unreported like the Bowling Green Massacre?

Trump's continued defense of Putin and refusal to say anything negative about him, is now beyond reason and logic. It gives credence to the suspicion that Trump is either protecting undisclosed financial interests in Russia, or that Putin does indeed hold compromising information on Trump, as was alleged in the dossier compiled by the respected former British MI6 agent who has gone into hiding, while some of his suspected contacts in Russia have turned up dead or poisoned.

Demands for Trump to release his tax returns, and the CIA,FBI,NIS and Senate investigations into financial ties between people associated with the Trump campaign and Russia must continue.

The American owners of Nordstrom can only be glad that Trump is just tweeting about them, instead of confiscating their business, as Putin has done with companies in Russia who cross him.

After Nordstrom announced it would be dropping Ivanka Trump's apparel line this season, the president tweeted:

"My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person -- always pushing me to do the right thing? Terrible!"

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Nordstrom's decision "is a direct attack on his policies and her name."

Will Nordstrom be added to the travel ban list next?

Kellyanne Conway massacred conflict-of-interest ethics regulations when she hustled Ivanka's line like a QVC host on "Fox and Friends". "It's a wonderful line. I own some of it. I'm going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online," implored Conway.

A Nordstrom spokesman emailed NBC News the following statement:

"We made this decision based on performance. Over the past year, and particularly in the last half of 2016, sales of the brand have steadily declined to the point where it didn't make good business sense for us to continue with the line for now.

We've had a great relationship with the Ivanka Trump team. We've had open conversations with them over the past year to share what we've seen and Ivanka was personally informed of our decision in early January."

Trump may have been too busy tweeting about ratings for "The Apprentice" to notice that retailers have been struggling. Retail giant Macy's has announced massive store closings. Ohio-based The Limited is closing all its remaining stores.

When Trump has used his bully pulpit to goad American companies to keep manufacturing and jobs in the US it's a good use of presidential power. When he uses that same bully pulpit to further the business interests of himself and his family, it's a clear violation of ethics rules and an abuse of power.

You would think the president would have more pressing concerns, like reworking his Immigration Executive Order so it's lawful and in keeping with the founding principles and ideals of the country he leads.
LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- "It's like being on vacation everyday."

That's Howard Hanna agent Kim Crane describes the home at 864 Beach Road in the Clifton Lagoons area of Lakewood. Featuring two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a rooftop deck overlooking the water, it has an asking price of $895,000.

"There are very few complete new builds in Clifton Lagoons," Crane said. "This stunning home was built in 2005, has a 62-foot boat dock and panoramic views."

The location and those spectacular unobstructed views are the main selling points for the home. Surrounded by water, you can look out to the lagoon, Rocky River and Lake Erie from the home's many windows, not to mention a balcony and that rooftop deck.

Inside, the open concept living space includes a great room with fireplace, office nook and dining room with a second gas fireplace. The kitchen is finished with custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances and Zodiaq Quartz countertops.

Upstairs, the master suite includes a spa-like bathroom with double vanity, heated floors, soaking tub and separate glass-enclosed shower. There's also a second bedroom, full bath and sitting room with power TV screen and projector on this level.

The rooftop deck, accessed via an exterior spiral staircase, is the perfect spot for entertaining.

At the ground level, the two-car oversized garage includes plenty of room to store your kayaks and paddleboards. The boat dock comes equipped with a 50-amp power and water supply.

Address: 864 Beach Road

City: Lakewood

Price: $895,000

Year built: 2005

No. bedrooms: 2

No. bathrooms: 2 1/2

School district: Lakewood CSD

Other notable attributes: dual zone heating and cooling, whole house Vacuflow system, composite decking on all decks, intercom system, dumbwaiter, complete house stereo sound system

Real estate agent and contact info: Kim Crane, Howard Hanna, (440) 333-6500, kim@kimcranehomes.com
Flu cases on the rise in Northeast Ohio

Flu hospitalizations continue to climb across Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Three Ohio children have died from the virus this season, all within the past two weeks. 6-year-old Eva Harris, of Rocky River, was the most recent. Health officials stress the importance of vaccination, particularly for children older than 6 months, who are particularly vulnerable to complications from the flu. Flu season lasts into May.

(Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio-- Hospitalizations due to flu continue to increase across Ohio, and three children have died from flu-related illnesses in the past two weeks, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

Eva Harris, 6, of Rocky River, died at The Cleveland Clinic after being admitted with a high fever. She had influenza A and developed a rare neurological condition that caused brain and spinal cord swelling.

One of those children, 6-year-old Eva Harris, of Rocky River, died of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or ADEM, after being admitted to The Cleveland Clinic with a high fever, according to a statement her family provided today. ADEM causes swelling of the brain and spinal cord after a viral illness. Harris had influenza B, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

A 6-year-old boy from Salem in Columbiana County and a 7-year-old Fulton County girl have also died due to flu-related illnesses this season. Ava Coronado, the 7-year-old, had an underlying congenital heart defect, according to the Toledo Blade.

There were 396 new confirmed-flu associated hospitalizations in Ohio during the week ending February 4th, the most recent data available, and 2,075 hospitalizations since flu season began in October. There were 3,633 total flu-associated hospitalizations in the 2015-2016 season, and 9,374 in the 2014-2015 season.

Flu season generally lasts from October to May, with a peak in cases from December to February. Nationally, flu is now widespread in 43 states.

So far this season, 20 children have died due to flu nationwide, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Influenza symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Flu can become deadly when it progresses to pneumonia and respiratory failure. According to the CDC, the flu kills 3,300 to 49,000 people each year, with children and the elderly particularly vulnerable.

Health officials recommend vaccination because peak flu activity may still be ahead. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to provide maximal protection.

"Influenza vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu, except for infants younger than 6-month old who aren't eligible to receive it," Sietske de Fijter, ODH's chief of the Bureau of Infectious Diseases and state epidemiologist said in a news release. "There are no flu vaccine shortages across Ohio and it is available at most healthcare providers' offices, local health departments and retail pharmacies."

CDC officials also recommend the use of antivirals such as Tamiflu for patients with confirmed or suspected flu who are hospitalized, those who are severely ill, or for those who may be at higher risk for flu complications. These patients include:

children younger than 2 years old

adults 65 and older

people with chronic medical conditions including asthma, heart disease, or with weakened immune systems

pregnant women

American Indians or Alaska Natives

people who are morbidly obese

"These antiviral medications can reduce the severity of the flu and prevent serious flu complications," de Fijter said. "They work best when started within two days of getting sick."
February 9, 2017

WASHINGTON  Underneath the drama and chaos of the Donald Trump White House  the rival power centers, combative press conferences mercilessly mocked on Saturday Night Live, leaked transcripts of Trump's phone calls to allied leaders, and the often inflammatory tweeter-in-chief, fuming over the latest perceived insult while watching "Morning Joe"  a cadre of deeply serious, tested military intellectuals at the National Security Council is shaping Trump's Middle East policies.

Unclear, as yet, is if they have a boss who will be receptive to their efforts and searing battlefield experiences. Those include helping devise the strategy to quell the post-US invasion Iraq insurgency, and later seeing those gains lost following the US withdrawal from Iraq in 2011 and subsequent rise of the Islamic State (IS). For all their experience, there is a tendency, as each new US administration comes in with its critique of its predecessor, to refight the last war, even as the situation on the ground has evolved.

While Trump's national security adviser, retired Army Lt. Gen. and former Defense Intelligence Agency director Michael Flynn, was visible during the 2016 US presidential campaign  including, controversially, leading chants of "Lock Her Up!"  the fellow former senior military intelligence officers who have taken top jobs advising him on Middle East policy at the NSC are widely respected in military circles, if less known or visible to the general public.

Retired US Army Col. Derek Harvey, who leads the NSC Middle East team as the special assistant to the president and White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, is credited with figuring out the nature and composition of the Iraqi insurgency that erupted after the US invasion in 2003 and dissolution of the Iraqi army.

Col. Joel Rayburn, who serves as the NSC director on Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Syria, is an army intelligence officer who has written the US military's official account of the Iraq war, as well as the publicly available 2015 book, "Iraq after America: Strongmen, Sectarians, Resistance."

Retired US Army Col. Dr. Michael Bell, who serves as the NSC director for Gulf Affairs, served as an officer in Europe and the Middle East and as a strategist to the Joint Staff. He came to the NSC after most recently serving as chancellor of the College of International Security Affairs at National Defense University. (Yael Lempert, a career US foreign service officer who served as the Obama NSC senior director for the Levant, Israel and Egypt, is currently holding over as the NSC senior director for Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Palestinian issues, sources said. White House and NSC press officers did not respond to queries from Al-Monitor on the appointments.)

Harvey and Rayburn were handpicked by David Petraeus, the former US commander in Iraq and Afghanistan and later CIA director, to devise the surge strategy for overcoming the Iraq insurgency and stabilizing Iraq, said former CIA and NSC official Ken Pollack. Pollack, now with the Brookings Institution, told Al-Monitor, "These guys are all Petraeus' proteges."

"These are pretty unusual military officers," he said. "Derek [Harvey] and Joel [Rayburn] have a tremendous knowledge of the Middle East. Petraeus picked them to go back to Iraq to do the surge, Ph.D.-level warfare," Pollack added. He needed really smart guys, who think beyond the normal, military way of thinking.

"They were all instrumental in the surge," Pollack said. "[They realized] it was about the political and economic dynamics, and the military protecting good people, as much as killing bad people  in fact, de-emphasizing killing bad people, and recognizing that military force is only ever one part of the equation."

According to another expert, Harvey "was the military intelligence officer on the ground who shrewdly figured out the nature of the Iraqi insurgency when everyone was grappling with it in the early days of the Iraq war," said Hassan Hassan, who interviewed Harvey for his book, co-authored with Michael Weiss, "ISIS: Inside the Army of Terror."

Harvey, then working for Combined Joint Task Force 7, the US headquarters in Iraq, "found that the Sunni insurgency was a combination of Saddam loyalists, Iraqi Sunnis who were disaffected by the post-war de-Baathification policies and the disbanding of the Iraqi military that rendered thousands jobless overnight, Hassan told Al-Monitor by email, drawing from his book. "With those, there were former Baathists who were radicalized during the 1990s as a result of the Faith Campaign that Saddam Hussain inaugurated in the wake of the First Gulf War."

"The conclusion was that it was the Sunni Arab identity, and the search for lost power and prestige, that motivated the Sunni insurgency," Hassan said of Harvey's early insights into the motivations for the Iraqi revolt.

Harvey joined the DIA as a civilian analyst in 2006 after serving 26 years as an army intelligence officer specializing in the Middle East. After working with him in Iraq, Petraeus, then-US commander in Afghanistan, later enlisted Harvey "to create his own intelligence agency inside [US Central Command]," Bob Woodward reported in "Obama's Wars." Based out of Centcom headquarters in Tampa, Florida, and working 15-hour days, Harvey concluded "the [Afghanistan] war could be won, but the US government would have to make monumental long-term commitments for years that might be unpalatable with voters," Woodward wrote.

Watching US gains made against the insurgency in Iraq lost after Obama withdrew US forces in 2011 was a deeply frustrating experience for many of the Petraeus proteges and others in the Centcom alumni community, around Tampa, where Harvey was based as a consultant and professor at the University of South Florida in recent years after retiring from the DIA, according to a think tank expert who briefed Harvey on his research.

"I think in order to understand Derek [Harvey], you have to understand his milieu post-government in Tampa, interacting with [Special Operations Command]/Centcom folks," the think tank expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Al-Monitor. "Tampa has a very particular perspective on how it all played out."

"They think we lost Iraq," the expert said. "That Obama weakened our position."

When the expert briefed him in the 2014 time frame, Harvey's questions were about "Iran, Iran, Iran," the think tank expert said. "He was very focused on, how do you push back on their [Iran's] malign activities."

Harvey was also "a big advocate for Flynn" when Flynn was at the DIA, the think tank expert said. Flynn, who served as DIA chief from 2012 to 2014, was reportedly forced out a year early for clashing with civilian intelligence chiefs, including the director of national intelligence. Flynn, 59, has spoken of frustration with what he described as the Obama administration's inattention to what he saw as the growing instability in Iraq and the rise of IS, and alleged that intelligence reports reaching the White House during his tenure as DIA chief were, in his view, downplaying the growing threat.

"I read the Presidential Daily Briefs and the minutes of the National Security Council's deputies meetings, and it was very, very clear to me that reporting on the terrorism threat that came up the intelligence community's chain of command was very different from what was being presented at the top levels of government," Flynn told journalist James Kittfield, in a story published by Politico on Oct. 16, "How Mike Flynn became Americas angriest general." Flynn said, "That intelligence made it very clear that Al-Qaeda and its affiliates were not on the run, but were in fact rapidly expanding. The number of terrorist attacks were on the rise, and Iraq was starting to burn again. So that was Obama's big lie  that the enemy was on the run, and we were beating these guys."

According to associates, Harvey was sympathetic to Flynn's concerns.

Harvey "was considered to be brilliant, a bit pugnacious  he kind of has a personality profile similar to General Flynn's, the expert said. "Very sharp. When they are convinced that they know the truth of something, they go at it very hard.  That sometimes created problems and burnt bridges he had at DIA."

Harvey and Rayburn also share Flynn's dim view of Iran, including from their experience witnessing Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-backed militias' killing fellow US and allied forces in Iraq with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

"All of these guys come out of that military experience, in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the Iranians were not on our side," Pollack said. "The Iranians were actively supporting the people who were killing us. And so, what they have seen, is Iran waging warfare against us with relative impunity."

Harvey and Rayburn were frustrated by Obama's walking away from Iraq, and thinking that if you "walk away, it will get better," Pollack said.

"They all worked in Iraq," a former diplomat from the region, speaking not for attribution, said, referring to Harvey and Rayburn and their team. "They lost many soldiers and colleagues in Iraq due to Iranian IEDs."

"They know the complexity," the former regional diplomat continued. "They differentiate between Islamism and the tribal system and just normal people. They worked in Iraq many years. They have good, wise [views]."

Recently, they are thinking how to put more pressure on Assad, he added. "How to do safe zones, no-fly zones, [what are the] options, geographically, where they could be.  They don't trust Russia."

If the Obama NSC was more intellectual, even professorial, Flynn's team has "a better, more operational understanding on the ground," the former diplomat said. Ideally, there would be "someone in between" the intellectual and operational, he added.

Given the Iranian-backed IEDs and militia attacks that targeted US troops in Iraq, and reported Iranian pressure on then-Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki that scuttled options for a US follow on force in Iraq in 2011, it is notable that there have not been significant Iranian-backed attacks on US forces that have returned to Iraq since 2014 to help Iraqi and Kurdish forces combat IS.

As Flynn went to the White House podium last week to warn "that we are officially putting Iran on notice," following a Jan. 29 Iranian ballistic missile test, senior administration officials said Iran has a choice to make about its "behavior in the region" that is destabilizing.

But as each new US administration comes in with its critique of its predecessor  Obama with Bushs decision to invade Iraq in 2003, Trump with Obamas leaving a vacuum in Iraq that was filled by IS and also of Bushs decision to invade Iraq  is there a risk that Petraeus proteges are fighting the war they left a few years ago, even as the situation on the ground has evolved, and US and Iranian forces in Iraq seem to be observing something like a cold truce?

These are "not guys who stopped paying attention to the Middle East when Obama came into office," Pollack said. "They are well aware that Iran-backed militias are not attacking the US [in Iraq]. That is not lost on midlevel officers."

The issue, Pollack said, is how much influence they will have.

"These are really smart, able guys  [who will ensure] their boss gets the full range of views," Pollack said. "But they do not give the orders."
Presidents Day gives Americans their third holiday weekend of each New Year.

February is the birth month when we have traditionally honored two extraordinary U.S. Presidents  George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. But since 1968, the federal holiday has been officially designated to honor all chief executives who have assumed the great responsibility of leading our nation. As a retired military officer and longtime educator, I continue to reflect on the contributions of our original February honorees.

They came from diverse backgrounds. Their careers were marked by overcoming failures and achieving stunning successes. These presidents encountered the old curse of living in interesting times. They were surely ambitious patriots who were more than a bit presumptuous about their abilities. Accordingly, legends and myths abound in each of their presidential narratives. We have come to cherish their legacies  eager for their acceptance by successive generations of Americans.

In this spirit of praise for our great national leaders, I recently re-read George Washingtons 1796 Farewell Address. I learned that since 1862 the United States Senate has maintained the tradition of an open reading  on or about Feb. 22  of a letter Washington penned that offers his reflections on the proper occasion of his departure from the presidency.

Following two terms as our nations first president, Washington shared these thoughts in his address:

The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust [of being President] were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious in the outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself...

I am struck by Washingtons humility. Here we see a man who commanded the Continental Army in a war against a world superpower, who resigned his military commission as a general, who refused enthronement as a monarch, who voluntarily left the highest office in the land, and who then gladly gave up his power. His experiences and ensuing practical wisdom reveal his subordination to the principles of selfless service to others, to the ideals of just governance as well as to the obligations of citizenship.

Washington then expands on these obligations:

For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.

As he willingly relinquished power, Washington encouraged citizens of this new nation to embrace their commonalities and a national identity. He urged Americans to hold their government accountable to its founding principles.

For some, federal holidays like the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday and Presidents Day may seem occasions only to honor individuals. As I reflect on the selfless service of our first president, I see these holidays as a time to honor the commitment to the values and ideals that they embodied as American citizens.

Washington, Lincoln, and King, each in his own way, has personified the powerful opening words of our Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Fittingly, Washington closes his address by offering encouragement that in retirement he would be in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.

As with every generation, we are certain to live in interesting times. We must look to national leaders to guide us through turbulence and uncertainty. It is ultimately up to us  We the People  to come together as Americans and create blessings to mitigate the perennial curse of living in interesting times.
MEDINA, Ohio - The Medina city government has partnered with a local church to accept donations that will assist residents affected by a deadly Thursday apartment explosion.

The explosion and subsequent fire happened about 3:15 a.m. at the Medina Village Apartments on Springbrook Drive near Crestwood Park, officials said. An 18-year-old bedridden man died after the apartment collapsed.

The man's mother and father suffered burns on over 80 percent of their bodies, officials said.

The explosion displaced residents of the apartment complex, and the city is working with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army to assist them with "immediate needs," according to a news release from Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell.

The city is working with the United Church of Christ, 217 East Liberty Street, to set up a funding source for ongoing donations, Hanwell said. The church is accepting clothing, gift cards and personal care items.

Donations will be accepted at the church weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., through Feb. 24, Hanwell said. The church is also setting up a fund through Huntington Bank for cash donations.

Fire officials have not yet said what caused the explosion. However, a resident of the complex told cleveland.com that he smelled gas after some construction on the property was recently completed, and he never heard anything back from maintenance after he complained about the smell.

The company that performed the construction, SageWater, told cleveland.com that the work was to repair water lines, and that the city had inspected the construction three weeks ago.

If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section.
Cocaine lines.jpg

Cocaine mixed with heroin and fentanyl has been linked to a string of overdose deaths in Northeast Ohio.

(Flickr/Creative Commons)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Law enforcement officials believe a recent spike in overdose deaths in the Cleveland area is linked to cocaine laced with more powerful opioids such as heroin and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Carole Rendon said.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office said 19 people died in January after overdosing on cocaine mixed with heroin or fentanyl. Officials also believe that many of the 14 overdose deaths that happened last weekend in Cuyahoga County are linked to the same drug mixture, Rendon said.

"If someone is using cocaine, they might not be expecting it to be mixed with fentanyl," Rendon said. "It's very dangerous."

Drug dealers may be adding heroin and fentanyl to cocaine to create more opioid addicts, Rendon said. Opioids affect brain chemistry, so just one dose could lead to an addiction, she said.

"If you use [heroin or fentanyl] unknowingly, you could become addicted in relatively short order," she said.

Officials have also seen other drugs, such as marijuana, being mixed with heroin and fentanyl for the same reason. Painesville Township Police Department issued a warning on its Facebook page Wednesday after three people overdosed on opioid-laced marijuana.

Update Feb. 13: Lab tests revealed the marijuana was not laced with opiates, and the three who overdosed later admitted to using other drugs, the Painesville Township Fire Department said.

Overdose deaths soared last year in Cuyahoga County, primarily due to an increase in cases involving fentanyl. But cocaine was also responsible for a slew of fatalities.

Through the first nine months of 2016, 46 people died in Cuyahoga County after overdosing on cocaine. In addition, 136 people died after overdosing on cocaine mixed with heroin, fentanyl or other opioids, statistics provided by the medical examiner's office showed.

Statistics for the full year 2016 are not yet available.

The 19 people who died last month after overdosing on cocaine mixed with fentanyl put Cuyahoga County on pace to nearly double 2016's total.

Law enforcement officials have seen an influx of cocaine recently in Northeast Ohio. The Drug Enforcement Agency alone seized more than 350 pounds of the drug in the past six months -- approximately four times the amount that is regularly sized during the same length of time, Rendon said.

Educating the public is the key to curbing the epidemic that is claiming hundreds of lives each year in Northeast Ohio, Rendon said.

While many people are aware of the dangers of street drugs, they should also be wary that many heroin and fentanyl users first develop an addiction to prescription pills, Rendon said.

"Parents need to be empowered to ask questions when their doctors or dentists are prescribing pills to their children," Rendon said.

Educating schoolchildren is particularly critical to eradicating opioid addiction, Rendon said.

"The only way we're going to get ahead of this is to stop the next generation from becoming addicted to these drugs," Rendon said. "The way we're going to do that is communicate how dangerous and deadly these drugs are."

Law enforcement officials have also tried to combat the epidemic by bringing criminal charges against dealers who provide drugs linked to fatal overdoses. In November, a Berea man pleaded guilty in federal court to selling heroin to a Lakewood man who fatally overdosed.
Cleveland police car.png

An early morning crash in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood seriously injured a 51-year-old man.

(File photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A driver was seriously injured early Friday after he traveled off the edge of West 25th Street in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood and overturned his vehicle.

The 51-year-old man was taken to MetroHealth, where police say they found him carrying suspected drugs.

The crash happened about 3:30 a.m. on the West 25th Street exit from the eastbound lanes of Ohio 2.

Police say the man lost control of his 2014 Hyundai, traveled off the side of the road, then struck a traffic light pole. The impact caused the Hyundai to spin around and roll over, police say. It struck a fence, tree and light post in the process.

The crash trapped the man in his car, forcing Cleveland firefighters and EMS workers to extricate him, police say.

Police have not released the driver's name, nor his current medical condition. No drug charges had been filed as of late Friday morning.

To comment on this story, please visit cleveland.com's crime and court comments section.
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The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating after an Ashtabula County Sheriff's Deputy shot a man during a confrontation Wednesday in Geneva.

(File photo)

GENEVA, Ohio -- The man killed Wednesday during a confrontation with an Ashtabula County Sheriff's deputy was unarmed, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation said.

Vincent Palma, 26, died shortly after a deputy shot him outside a house on South Ridge Road near Tuttle Road in Geneva, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office said.

Investigators did not recover any other weapons at the scene, BCI spokeswoman Jill Del Greco said Friday. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

The sheriff's office has not released the deputy's identity.

Palma's aunt, Sharon Regal, believes the shooting might have been avoided if multiple deputies were at the scene. If Palma was not armed, the deputies could have tackled Palma and handcuffed him rather than shoot him, the Wickliffe resident said.

"I think if there were more officers there, Vinny never would have been shot and killed," she said.

Ashtabula County Sheriff William Johnson said in a statement that Palma charged at the deputy, who had gone to the house to investigate a disturbance. The deputy first used a Taser and a baton to try to subdue Palma, but was unsuccessful, Johnson said.

The deputy then fired several warning shots at the ground as he called for backup. The deputy shot Palma before backup arrived, Johnson said.

Palma had been fighting with his half-sister before she called 911. Family members are unsure why Palma came toward the officer; some relatives feel he might have been trying to run away, as he'd done during previous run-ins with Florida law enforcement officers, Regal said.

Palma had a temper that he developed as he grew older, Regal said. He struggled after the Dec. 24, 2005 deaths of his brother Salvatore Palma III and half-brother Anthony Michael Palma in a Geneva car crash. Palma and his father were also in the car, she said.

In Florida, Palma had a series of convictions for offenses such as assault and disorderly conduct, court records show. But he moved to Geneva six months ago for a "fresh start," his aunt said.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the Wednesday's shooting. A BCI spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Friday's crime and courts comments section.
wittpresident.jpg

Michael Frandsen, vice president for finance and administration at Oberlin College, is the new president of Wittenberg University.

(Wittenberg University)

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Michael Frandsen, vice president for finance and administration at Oberlin College, was named president of Wittenberg University on Friday.

Frandsen will begin his tenure July 1.

"Wittenberg is extremely blessed to have found in Mike an outstanding leader in higher education and a passionate advocate for the liberal arts who exemplifies our mission," the Rev. Jonathan Eilert, chair of the Wittenberg Board of Directors and chair of the presidential search committee, said in a statement. "Mike clearly sees the big picture, finds the intersections that create opportunity, seeks creative solutions, and collaborates and communicates effectively with constituents, all while staying focused on our students and their personal and professional success. We are thrilled to have attracted such a distinguished leader, and we are convinced that he will take Wittenberg to new heights of excellence."

Frandsen's selection follows a six-month national search. The private liberal arts university, 30 miles northeast of Dayton, had been without a permanent president since November 2015, when Laurie Joyner abruptly resigned.

Joyner was named president of Saint Xavier University in Chicago, last December. Her LinkedIn profile said she was at Wittenberg through June 2016.

Dick Helton, president emeritus of Vincennes University, has served as interim president at Wittenberg since January 2016.

The presidential search drew 90 applicants, the university said.

"I am deeply honored to have been chosen to lead Wittenberg during this important time in its distinguished history," Frandsen said in a statement. "Wittenberg is a vibrant community of learners that places teaching excellence and the success of every student at the forefront of its mission. It is a place where students learn by doing - through research, internships, and study abroad, in classrooms and laboratories, on playing fields and stages, and through service to the community of Springfield."

Frandsen, of Athens, Ohio, spent more than 10 years in corporate finance before pursuing his current 17-year career in higher education as both a professor and senior-level administrator.

He had been at Oberlin since July 2014. Prior to joining Oberlin he served as interim president at Albion College in Michigan.

Frandsen earned a bachelor's degree and masters in business degree from Pennsylvania State University. He received a doctorate in management from the University of Texas at Austin.
Donald Trump,Shinzo Abe

President Donald Trump welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017.

(Andrew Harnik, Associated Press)

WASHINGTON -- As President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Ohio members of Congress are eager to offer him unsolicited advice.

On Thursday, U.S. Sens. Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown sent a letter that urged Trump to address trade barriers that disadvantage Ohio automakers.

They noted that 70 percent of the United States' $70 billion yearly trade deficit with Japan is because of motor vehicle imports, while foreign vehicles have only a 6.7 percent share of Japan's market. Japan exported nearly 1.6 million vehicles to the United States in 2015, while importing just 20,000 of American vehicles, they said.

In particular, the pair suggested that Trump "address currency manipulation and auto-related non-tariff barriers" in his discussions with Abe.

"The U.S.-Japan auto-trade relationship hurts American companies and workers and should be addressed with urgency," they wrote.

In a separate statement issued with several other senate Democrats, Brown also urged Trump to use American products, not those from Japan, as he makes good on his pledge to rebuild the nation's infrastructure.

"Borrowing money from Japan is not the way to create American jobs," said a statement Brown relased with Delaware's Tom Carper, Vermont's Patrick Leahy and Oregon's Ron Wyden. "We urge President Trump to reject foreign investment gimmicks and instead work with us to keep his promise to the American people by investing in American infrastructure, built with American iron and steel.

Japan's PM Abe 'seeks trust with Trump' on US visit https://t.co/bTSTtQOjVS  BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) February 10, 2017

Toledo Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur teamed up with Democrats Sander Levin of Michigan and Bill Pascrell of New Jersey on a letter to protest Japan's treatment of U.S. auto makers.

They said Japan's auto makers use a protected home market to sell their products at high prices in Japan and use proceeds from those sales to offer lower prices in the United States.

"Any increased investment in the U.S. by Japanese companies does not excuse the unfair treatment of U.S. exports to Japan," they wrote "Discussions of a bi-lateral trade agreement must hold as a starting point the requirement of real change."

At a Washington press conference with Abe, Trump said he would seek a trade relationship with Japan that is fair, and reciprocal and benefits both countries. He also said he's committed to bringing ties between the two countries "even closer." Abe is scheduled to visit Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for further meetings over the weekend.

In a speech before the U.S. Chamber of Commerce before his White House meeting, Abe said that facilities operated by Japanese companies like Toyota and Honda generate about 840,000 jobs in the United States.

He also said he wants to "firmly build a relationship of trust at the leadership level with my visit to the United States, and to show to our people and the world the unwavering alliance between Japan and the United States."
MOUNT PLEASANT, Michigan -- A College Republicans group has issued an apology after it handed out gift bags to students that contained a Hitler-themed Valentine's Day card, reports say.

The bags were handed out during a meeting of the group Wednesday night, mlive.com reports. The valentine had a photo of Adolf Hitler and the saying "my love 4 u burns like 6,000 jews." It was signed "XOXO, Courtney."

In an apology on Facebook, the Republicans group says the card was placed in the gift bags without its knowledge by a member which it did not identify, the Associated Press reports.

"The College Republicans as an organization did not distribute this valentine," the apology says, according to the Morning Sun. "We in no way condone this type of rhetoric or anti-Semitism. We apologize for any offense, and want students to know that we do not tolerate this sort of behavior."

The school's president, George Ross, issued a statement Thursday condemning the card.

"Such hurtful, offensive language, while protected by the First Amendment, is unacceptable and is not consistent with our values and standards," Ross said.

University officials met Thursday to review the situation and determine the next steps, the statement said.
Current Affairs Today - Current Affairs - 2021 | Current Affairs - 2022

GKTodays Current Affairs Today Section provides latest and Best Daily Current Affairs 2021-2022 for UPSC, IAS/PCS, Banking, IBPS, SSC, Railway, UPPSC, RPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, TNPSC, MPSC, KPSC and other competition exams.      !

The report titled The Adaptation Gap Report 2022: Too Little, Too Slow  Climate adaptation failure puts world at risk was released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). ContentsAbout the Adaptation Gap ReportWhat is adaptation?What are the key findings of the AGR 2022?What are the reports recommendations? About the Adaptation Gap Report The Adaptation ..

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The Union Education Ministry released the detailed report on Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2021-22 on school education of India. ContentsAbout UDISEAbout UDISE+UDISE+ 2020-21 report dataUDISE+ 2021-22 report data About UDISE Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) was initiated in 2012-13. It is one of the largest Management Information Systems on ..

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1. Who is the head of the panel set up to strengthen the assessment and accreditation of higher educational institutions? [A] K Radhakrishnan[B] Kasturi Rangan[C] Amitabh Kant[D] V K Paul Show Answer Correct Answer: A [K Radhakrishnan] Notes:The Central Government has set up a high-level panel to strengthen the assessment and accreditation of higher educational ..

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Here are Todays News Headlines by GK Today for November 5, 2022 ContentsINDIAECONOMY & CORPORATEWORLDSPORTS INDIA  President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates and lays foundation stone for various Central and State govt projects in Sikkim  Centre constitutes panel for strengthening assessment and accreditation of Higher Educational Institutions, headed by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan of IIT, Kanpur ..

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1. Which of the following countries are members of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework? Philippines Brunei Fiji Vietnam Malaysia Taiwan Choose the correct answer using the codes given below: [A] Only 1, 2, 3 & 5[B] Only 2, 4, 5 & 6[C] Only 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5[D] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Show ..

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US News and World Report, an American media company, released Best Countries 2022 ranking recently. ContentsWhat is US News and World Reports Best Countries 2022 rankingHow did India perform in this report?How did the other countries perform? What is US News and World Reports Best Countries 2022 ranking The Best Countries 2022 ranking evaluated 85 ..

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"She's made all of the points, but particularly the 'elephant in the room," Leerink analyst Ana Gupte said of the judge's ruling. "With Cigna and Anthem, with their conflict  I think she rightly challenges the two companies' ability to realize those efficiencies."

Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled late Wednesday that the merger would be anticompetitive because it would leave large national employers with less choice. She also rejected Anthem's argument that the combined firm could reduce costs and pass on $2 billion savings to consumers, noting that Cigna's testimony in court contradicted Anthem's claims. The hostility between the two companies was so pronounced she called it "the elephant in the courtroom."

But antitrust lawyers and analysts say the U.S. district court ruling will be tough to overturn.

Anthem says it will appeal a federal court ruling rejecting its $54 billion merger with Cigna and asked for an expedited hearing to make its case.

Anthem CEO Joseph Swedish expressed disappointment with the ruling, saying in a statement that "if not overturned, the consequences of the decision ... will hurt American consumers."

Antitrust attorneys give Anthem low odds of winning an appeal, but they say the move will help in the insurer in its next legal battle with Cigna over the $1.85 billion merger breakup fee.

"I think what's been happening for a long time here is that the parties have been fighting one another more than they've been fighting the government," said antitrust attorney Matthew Cantor, a partner with the law firm Constantine Cannon. "I think they've been positioning to create a record, so that they can substantiate their [claims]."

"They do have a merger agreement through April," said Gupte. "It buys them time to think about their strategy to challenge this breakup fee  and I think that they will challenge it legally."

What happens next for the health insurers?

Analysts think Anthem and Cigna are headed for a split, and that Humana and Aetna's deal will also end in a breakup. And then, despite the uncertainty over health insurance reform in Washington, we could see a whole new round of insurance deals.

Cigna CEO David Cordani has hinted to investors that it has the cash to make a sizable acquisition, even without the merger breakup fee. He lost out to Aetna when he made a bid for Medicare advantage powerhouse Humana, two years ago.

Now that the court has also blocked Aetna and Humana's $34 billion deal, analysts and investors think Cordani may try again to get the one that got away.

"Post the Trump win and the election, I think [health officials] will be far more lenient to Medicare," when it comes to regulatory pressure, said Gupte. She thinks the new administration will try to support more expansion of the private Medicare Advantage market.

"So  all three companies  Aetna, Anthem, Cigna  need to shore up their senior platform. And Humana is the prize here," she said.

Humana and Aetna's merger agreement expires next week. The companies have said they will update investors on whether they're breaking up or staying together after Valentine's Day.

Following Wednesday's ruling, Humana shares rose 3.7 percent, while Anthem's shares rose nearly 2 percent. Cigna and Aetna shares saw fractional moves.




Workers at BHP Billiton 's Escondida copper mine in Chile, the world's largest, walked off the job on Thursday in a strike that threatens to disrupt the international supply of the widely used metal.

It said no miners arrived for morning work aboard buses that normally carry upwards of 1,200 workers per shift to the vast deposit, which accounted for about 6 percent of global production in 2015.

The union said it was prepared for a lengthy strike and that it had resources for 60 days. Escondida's processing plants, which had begun going offline on Wednesday, have completely stopped, the union said.

"If someone suddenly walked into your kitchen and took away your refrigerator, would you just stand there, arms crossed?" asked miner Jose Alcaino, after returning from the night shift.

"That's what's happening here. They want to take away our benefits, our money, they want to work us more."

BHP declined to comment on Thursday.
Coca-Cola was added to the list of companies not in charge of its own destiny because its main product, soda, is not the growth business that it used to be. Coke did take action to become leaner off-loading its bottlers, but Cramer said it doesn't have a model that can put the company in control.

"They need a rising tide to lift their stocks and after this run, that is not something I want to bank on," the " Mad Money " host said.

Jim Cramer says the stocks that are winning in the market are those with companies in control of their own destiny. It is even worse if the companies are working against the cyclical patterns.

On the other hand, PepsiCo has a snack business bringing in money and is a true growth company, Cramer said. CEO Indra Nooyi is in control of PepsiCo's destiny, and that is why Cramer thinks the stock should sell at a large premium compared to Coca-Cola.

Shares of Twitter fell more than 12 percent on Thursday after posting what Cramer considered to be decent results. Unfortunately, investors were shocked that the company slashed its earnings forecast so drastically and didn't even provide a revenue outlook.

But it wasn't that surprising to Cramer. Twitter has only so much live-action programming that advertisers want. Sure, tweets from President Trump could be bringing in new users, but the internet has changed. Just because users increase that doesn't mean advertising revenue will go higher. Google and Facebook are now taking share from everyone.

"You can make the case that no one is really in charge of Twitter, especially since their CEO is essentially a part-timer," Cramer said.

Just because a company is not in charge of its own destiny doesn't mean it is in a bad place, Cramer said. These players may be hostage to a particular cycle, but sometimes that cycle is good. Emerson Electric , Caterpillar and Cummins have done things to improve their companies, but they are simply catching a bid because the global economy is picking up.

"Right now, in this market, companies that have taken destiny into their own hands are seeing their stock rally furiously," Cramer said.

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Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi ended the travel company's fourth-quarter earnings call Thursday with a remark that had some people doing a double take.

When the CEO was asked for closing remarks, he responded by thanking the company's global employee base for the improved performance in 2016 and then added, "Hopefully we will all be alive to see the end of next year."

CNBC reached out to Expedia for comment. A spokesman responded, "We do not have anything additional to share."

Still, Khosrowshahi's comment did result in several tweets, including one that called him a "Trump critic."

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Last month, the Iranian American businessman, who once was a refugee, tweeted a New York Times story about Expedia supporting a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's immigration ban. In his tweet, the CEO wrote: "Standing up for our travelers and our immigrant roots."




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Smart cities are coming.

Municipal governments around the globe are employing big data and Internet-of-Things applications to improve many aspects of daily life. Major tech companies like IBM, Cisco and Microsoft are in on the trend, and are battling for a slice of the $15 billion that's projected to be spent on software by 2021, according to Juniper Research.

Urban residents accounted for 54 percent of the total global population in 2014, according to the World Health Organization, and that figure was projected to grow nearly 2 percent each year until 2020.

That growth means that cities are facing increasing challenges, including congested transport and the need to supply sufficient energy to meet demands of growing populations.

Juniper Research noted a city's ability to provide renewable energy, alongside its means to efficiently manage energy storage will be increasingly important.

"Right now North America and China are leading the way, although Trump is likely to dampen what is already slowing U.S. investment," Steffen Sorrell, principal analyst at Juniper Research said.

President Donald Trump has supported fossil fuel production and repeatedly denied climate change.

"Who would have thought 10 to 15 years ago, that the Far East and China would be leading the globe in smart energy efforts by 2020?" Sorrell said.

Still, many challenges remain for cities on their way to becoming "smart." Major upfront costs for both infrastructure and software are propelling many governments to turn to public-private partnerships.

CNBC looks at three cities working on becoming "smart":
In his first call as president with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump denounced a treaty that caps U.S. and Russian deployment of nuclear warheads as a bad deal for the United States, according to two U.S. officials and one former U.S. official with knowledge of the call.

When Putin raised the possibility of extending the 2010 treaty, known as New START, Trump paused to ask his aides in an aside what the treaty was, these sources said.

Trump then told Putin the treaty was one of several bad deals negotiated by the Obama administration, saying that New START favored Russia. Trump also talked about his own popularity, the sources said.

The White House declined to comment on the details of the call. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump knew what the New START treaty is but had turned to his aides for an opinion during the call with Putin. He said the notes from the call would not have conveyed that.

"I would say they had a very productive call," Spicer told reporters. He added, "It wasn't like he didn't know what was being said. He wanted an opinion on something."

It has not been previously reported that Trump had conveyed his doubt about New START to Putin in the hour-long call.

New START gives both countries until February 2018 to reduce their deployed strategic nuclear warheads to no more than 1,550, the lowest level in decades. It also limits deployed land- and submarine-based missiles and nuclear-capable bombers.
Employees walk below the Infosys logo at the company's campus in Electronics City in Bangalore, India. Vivek Prakash | Bloomberg | Getty Images

India's second biggest software services exporter Infosys firmly backed its chief executive on Thursday, downplaying corporate governance concerns and an alleged rift between the firm's founders and its board. Three founders, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Kris Gopalakrishnan and Nandan Nilekani, wrote to the board in January expressing concerns about Chief Executive Vishal Sikka's pay rise and the severance package offered to two former officials, Indian news channel CNBC-TV18 reported on Tuesday. Differences between Infosys founders and the board come at a time when India's Tata conglomerate is mired in allegations of corporate governance lapses by its former chairman, who has waged a legal battle against his ouster. In its first detailed statement about the various concerns raised by its founders, Infosys said on Thursday it was on a path to transformation under Sikka's leadership. "The board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Dr. Vishal Sikka and is very appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation," R. Seshasayee, Infosys board chairman, said in a statement.

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"Vishal and the board, while being pleased with the company's resumption of industry leading performance on many parameters, are keen to further accelerate the progress and achieve even more shareholder value increase, on the foundation of sound governance," the statement said. The IT company said its founders and board could have differing views on issues such as Sikka's compensation, the appointment of certain independent directors and the severance paid to former employees but all decisions were taken with the approval of shareholders and the necessary disclosures. "The issues highlighted by the media ... are several months old, on which the company's position has been repeatedly explained," Infosys said in the statement. It emphasized the board's autonomy and said its members were professionals with a vast experience. "The independent directors have no interest other than their commitment to enable this great institution that has been assiduously built by the iconic founders, to succeed," the statement said.

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The popular Hong Kong eatery chain  with more than 60 outlets in Hong Kong, Macau and China  announced last month that it planned to buy the building currently used for food preparation for 255 million Hong Kong dollars ($32.9 million). The property, called the Tsui Wah Group Centre, is owned by current and former board members of the restaurant chain.

Noster Capital's Managing Partner Pedro de Noronha issued a letter this week to minority shareholders of publicly-traded Tsui Wah Group, opposing the property purchase, and recommending instead that the company use its funds for share buybacks. CNBC obtained a copy of the letter.

A fund manager is issuing a call to action against a major Hong Kong restaurant chain, claiming that a proposed property purchase would only benefit five current and former insiders.

Tsui Wah has about 4,175 employees and boasts a market value of about 1.93 billion Hong Kong dollars (roughly $250 million), according to data from FactSet. In the fiscal year ending March 2016, the company reported HK$1.87 billion in revenue.

To avoid any conflict of interest, the company said in January it was calling a meeting for shareholders, and the building's current owners would abstain from voting. Nevertheless, Noronha is resisting the transaction.

"There is no convincing reason for the money of minority shareholders to be spent on this, and it is imperative that they take a stand," Noronha said in his letter, arguing that Hong Kong real estate prices are near all-time highs.

"It seems to us that an open market share buyback at these levels is a no-brainer where all shareholders participate, as opposed to this transaction that makes a lot of sense for the founders/related parties but is a terrible deal for minorities," the letter said, concluding with a call to vote against the proposal.

When a company buys back stock, it lowers the supply of shares in the open market, thus increasing the value of shares still available.

A spokeswoman for Tsui Wah released this statement to CNBC in response to a summary of Noronha's concerns:

We respect the views of different investors as different firms have different investment strategies. However, to the Group, we strongly believe the proposed acquisition will help ensure the smooth operation of our restaurant as well as enable us to benefit from the possible value appreciation of the property given the fast development of Grade A office buildings in the peripheral area in Kwun Tong. The acquisition price is determined based on the valuation and surveyor report prepared by an independent property valuer and surveyor. We are going to dispatch a circular soon, please refer to the independent reports for more details.

The spokeswoman clarified that the company expects to dispatch its circular  containing, in part, the particulars of the acquisition agreement together with a letter from an independent board committee, a letter from an independent financial adviser, a property valuation report, and a notice of the extraordinary general meeting to shareholders  on or about February 17.

Still, Noronha argued in his letter that the property acquisition would be "incorrect" on the management's part as it risks "advantaging the related parties (current and former directors) over the rest of the owners of the business."

Noster Capital is among the biggest minority shareholders of Tsui Wah, owning about 0.4 percent of the company, according to data reviewed by CNBC.

But, speaking with CNBC, Noronha said he has struggled to invest in Asian companies because of his concerns about corporate governance: "I'm getting sick of investing in Asia."

In his letter, the fund manager addressed various claims made by Tsui Wah in support of the deal.

One of Tsui Wah's arguments was that the company's financial performance would benefit from ownership of the property. Noronha said this claim was not satisfactory as the rental expense savings and potential rental income will only be offset by the depreciation expense it would incur.

Noronha dismissed another claim of the company's that it may benefit from the future appreciation of the property's value, because "minority shareholders bought shares in Tsui Wah to benefit from the growth of its restaurant business" and not from speculation of Hong Kong property values.

All told, Noronha suggested that the company's proposed action would actually hurt the corporate image as it appears that the management "is willing to mistreat the minority shareholders."

Francis Lun, CEO of GEO Securities and long-time Hong Kong markets commentator, told CNBC that the property valuation "is suspect."

Tsui Wah's money, Lun said, should be used for "expanding the business rather than property speculation."

Ronald Wan, chief executive of investments for Hong Kong at financial services provider Partners Capital International, told CNBC that he agreed "the valuation and the timing of the transaction cannot be justified" and that Hong Kong's real estate market is expected to see an adjustment in coming years.

"This sort of connected transaction normally will be treated by the market with skepticism," Wan said.

Noronha recommended in his letter that Tsui Wah make use of the HK$255 million to buy back shares in the open market  a move that could benefit all shareholders.

He added the share buyback also makes sense because Tsui Wah stock stands at HK$1.36 per share, down 75 percent from its all-time high and at a 40 percent discount from 2012 when it made its trading debut.
The product of 18 months of research sponsored by the Asia Society and the University of California, San Diego, contributors include such luminaries as Orville Schell, Andrew Nathan, Elizabeth Economy, Charlene Barshefsky and David Shambaugh.

But since the "wrong" guy won, you can be pretty sure all of its 74 pages have already been thrown into the rubbish bin at the White House. Some local news reports claim its authors are urging a harsher U.S. stance over Beijing's handling of Hong Kong affairs. It's actually nothing of the sort if you read the text as whole rather than taking a few sentences out of context.

What a waste! So much expertise and knowledge have gone into a new U.S. policy report on China . If Hillary Clinton had won the U.S. presidential election, the study led by some of America's foremost China experts and former policymakers might have become a blueprint.

On Hong Kong and Taiwan, it argues the "one-China" policy, however interpreted, must remain the bedrock of U.S.-Sino relations. It essentially counsels a continuation of U.S. policy under Barack Obama: engage China but pivot to Asia; find common interests such as restraining North Korea and collaborating on climate change; and reassure U.S. allies about its security guarantee, including Taiwan.

More from the South China Morning Post:

China well on the way to ruling the waves

Trump urged to push Beijing on Hong Kong's autonomy

Diplomatic failings pile up for Trump



On Hong Kong, it says China must be made to respect its high degree of autonomy as guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula, the provisions of which are spelled out in the Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. That's hardly controversial; everyone agrees on that, even Beijing. It's just that different parties interpret the Basic Law and the nature and extent of "autonomy" differently. The study even advises against unilateral actions, saying the Trump administration should "consult closely with London on all Hong Kong-related issues".

Trump has, at one time or another, threatened to undermine many of these policy pointers. He seems to think "one China" is just another bargaining chip. It is not even clear if his administration acknowledges the reality of climate change.

The report is a nice read for policy wonks and journalists. But it's preaching to the converted, and Trump and his team have radically different ideas. Perhaps the best we can hope for is that Trump will care nothing about Hong Kong and will not make it an issue to complicate Sino-U.S. relations.

Commentary by Alex Lo from the South China Morning Post.

For more insights from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.

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A White House statement confirmed a Thursday night report that President Donald Trump had agreed to honor China's "One China" policy in his first call with the country's president.

"President Donald J. Trump and President Xi Jinping of China had a lengthy telephone conversation on Thursday evening. The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'one China' policy," The White House said in a statement.

"Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest. The phone call between President Trump and President Xi was extremely cordial, and both leaders extended best wishes to the people of each other's countries. They also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries. President Trump and President Xi look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes."

China state-run news agency Xinhua reported in Chinese that Trump told Xi he believed that the two nations could promote bilateral relationships to a "historical high level."

Earlier, Trump had attracted criticism from China for saying that the U.S. did not necessarily have to stick to the "One China" policy.

China's foreign ministry responded at the time that it was extremely concerned with Trump's comments, with spokesman Geng Shuang telling reporters that the policy was the basis of relations between the world's two largest economies.

The government's official response came after the Communist Party-owned paper, Global Times, published an opinion piece with the headline: "Trump, please listen clearly, the One China policy cannot be traded" as it warned Trump that China cannot "be easily bullied."

"If Trump abandons the one-China principle, why should China need to be U.S.' partner in most international affairs?" said the paper, which is known for its extreme nationalistic views.

Most would think Trump is "ignorant like a child" in handling diplomacy, the paper added.

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Reuters and CNBC's Huileng Tan contributed to this report.
Whether you're preparing for an annual performance review, contract negotiation or salary discussion, there's no time like the present to make sure you know how to communicate professionally. Knowing how to speak to your boss plays a big role in whether or not you get ahead at work. In fact, the CEO of a $16 billion business says the way you write emails can make or break your career. Here are several phrases career strategists say you should avoid at all costs when communicating with your manager:

1. "Why does Jane get to do the more important and exciting projects? Why don't I?"

Why it's a mistake: This type of statement suggests that you are questioning your boss's judgement. "They won't like that," says Mark Moyer, career and business strategist at Compass Points Advisors. "They may have very sound reasons, or simply prefer Jane to you." What to say instead: Approach it from a positive perspective, Moyer suggests. He recommends saying something like, "I'd love to have the chance to work on the project. What can I do on my end to allow you to consider me for that opportunity?"

Andy Bernard, fictional character on NBC's "The Office," is an example of an employee who doesn't know how to communicate professionally. NBC Universal

2. "I can't do that now. I have other priorities to take care of."

Why it's a mistake: Bluntly refusing to do something won't go over well with your boss. Instead of explaining your position or asking for help prioritizing, you've just shut down the line of communication. What to say instead: Moyer suggests saying, "I've got a variety of tasks I've been assigned that are under deadline. In your opinion, based on who's asking me to do these, how would you prioritize them?" Framing your situation that way tells your boss what is on your plate, without being off-putting. Plus, you'll get help prioritizing your tasks.

3. "I'm not good at that. I can't do that."

Why it's a mistake: While you may think you're being honest, those phrases make you sound like you're somebody who doesn't want to learn and grow, according to Rachel Kim, career strategist at SoFi. It also calls attention to your weaknesses. What to say instead: Kim suggests saying something like, "X is an area I would love to grow. Do you have recommendations on how I can grow that muscle?"

4. "That's above my pay grade."

Why it's a mistake: Professionals who feel underpaid or under-appreciated will often use this retort, Kim says. And it's a big mistake. "If you're able to prove that you can take on responsibilities above and beyond your job description, it can be great leverage for future conversations about your a raise and/or a promotion," she says. What to say instead: If you're being given a big new responsibility, have a conversation about it. Kim suggests saying, "That sounds like a great opportunity for me to stretch my skills. Can we discuss what it could look like for both the short-term, in terms of managing my priorities? As well as long-term, perhaps a change in responsibilities or pay, if I'm successful?"

5. "You should give me [a raise, a project, a title]."

Why it's a mistake: "Should" rings particularly harsh and "give me" also sets off alarms and makes you sound entitled, Kim says. What to say instead: If you feel like you deserve a raise or a promotion, take a more collaborative, problem-solving tone, the career strategist suggests. Kim suggests saying something like, "I've been thinking about some of my accomplishments over the last year and would love to discuss ways of leveraging that further to meet both the company goals as well as my own professional ones. Can we discuss?"

6. Minute-by-minute updates of where you are when you're running late for work.
Then on Thursday , the central bank announced it had met with nine exchanges to warn them they would be closed if they violated regulations. This prompted the three main Chinese bitcoin exchanges, BTCC, Houbi and OKCoin to temporarily disable bitcoin withdrawal (users can deposit and withdraw yuan but not bitcoins) for the next 30 days, while they improve their anti-money laundering systems and customer identification measures.

Throughout January, the PBoC made announcements that it was looking into bitcoin, including setting up a task force to carry out inspections and ensure bitcoin exchanges had implemented anti-money laundering systems.

Chinese bitcoin exchanges have disabled withdrawals of the cryptocurrency after meeting with the People's Bank of China, indicating the central bank has stepped up its efforts to regulate the market.

The news caused the price for bitcoin to drop sharply on Thursday, from near a one-month high of around $1063 to as low as $954. Bitcoin prices recovered marginally, and are currently trading around $964.

Despite the hit to prices, bitcoin analysts believe the move by the PBoC will be healthy for the market.

"The PBoC moves to regulate Bitcoin more stringently will bring short term woes but will ultimately strengthen the ecosystem," Charles Hayter, chief executive and founder of digital currency comparison website CryptoCompare, told CNBC via email.

The moves by the PBoC and the improved systems will add respectability and rigor to the bitcoin market, according to Hayter.

These measures, along with the introduction of standard trading fees by Chinese exchanges, should also slow down the volume of bitcoin trading across China, which had become a cause for concern.

According to CryptoCompare data, trading volumes on Chinese exchanges have fallen from 10 million bitcoins per day to a range of 30,000 to 90,000. Bitcoin-yuan trades made up 98 percent of market share, but this is now around 26 percent, behind bitcoin-dollar and bitcoin-yen pairs.

"This has been a long time coming and many in the industry view these developments as a positive clean up. We already see liquidity resettling in other trading pairs like BTC/JPY & ," Fran Strajnar, co-founder & CEO of data and research company Brave New Coin, told CNBC via email.

"These marketplace changes will inevitably slow nefarious activity and open channels to more and more institutional investors. In my opinion the 'PBoC cleanup' is the best thing that could have happened to bitcoin this year."

Other central banks may now be considering how to regulate bitcoin activity.

"I think all governments are trying to figure out how they can adjust laws and regulations to this new field, allowing them to get the benefit of the technology while at the same time curbing any usage for illicit purposes," Linus Lindgren, strategic investor and advisor at BTCXIndia, told CNBC via email.

"My recommendation to any regulator wondering how to go ahead with this would be to involve the industry and work together to reach common goals."

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It's what Donald Trump might call a "classy" problem: How to spend $21.6 billion. That's the amount the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says the president's promised wall on the border with Mexico will cost, according to an internal report seen by Reuters. Even without the overruns that would probably jack the price up, it's a bad investment choice. Trump's wall  actually a mix of fences and walls  is more a political symbol than a practical barrier. The president and the U.S. Congress need to weigh the cost of the wall against other uses of the money  the opportunity cost, as businessmen like Trump sometimes say. The commander-in-chief supports a stronger military. Some Manhattan real-estate style negotiations with Huntington Ingalls Industries might enable him to squeeze out two new aircraft carriers similar to the $13 billion USS Gerald R. Ford for the price of the wall. More from Breakingviews: Trump's China retreat heralds more rational clash In the energy sector, Trump wants to revive the U.S. coal industry. A 600 megawatt coal-fired power plant cost $2 billion a few years ago, according to Synapse Energy Economics. Scrap the wall, and Uncle Sam could build 10 of them, with cash left over to install clean technology. Or there's infrastructure. The president's plan, created by investor Wilbur Ross and economist Peter Navarro, suggested leveraging $167 billion of equity to create $1 trillion of investment in roads, bridges, railroads and the like. Using similar borrowing assumptions, investing in these assets instead of the wall could mobilize $130 billion of funding in all. It's harder to see how to make a noticeable dent in the nearly $4 trillion annual federal budget. Yet scrapping the wall would free up enough to fund, for example, the Department of Labor for two years  or maybe for one year, with enough left over to buy Twitter , Trump's favorite social medium. Last but not least, there's culture. The president's affinity for the arts may not extend far beyond commissioning a self-portrait. But the federal government spends $150 million a year to assist the National Endowment for the Arts, which last year recommended more than 2,400 grants in nearly 16,000 communities covering every congressional district. While Trump has promised the wall will be "beautiful," he could instead ensure the entire country can experience artistic beauty for the next 150 years. For more independent commentary and analysis from Reuters Breakingviews, visit breakingviews.com





US-Mexican border Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
WHEN: Today, Friday, February 10th

WHERE: CNBC's "Squawk Box"

Following are excerpts from the unofficial transcript of a CNBC interview with AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson on CNBC's "Squawk Box" (M-F, 6AM-9AM ET) today, Friday, February 10th. Following is a link to the video on CNBC.com: http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000592233.

All references must be sourced to CNBC.

STEPHENSON ON NET NEUTRALITY

IT'S CHANGING FAST. YOU CALL IT THE PIPES. WE DON'T EVEN THINK OF IT IN TERMS OF PIPES BECAUSE WE THINK OF IT AS WIRELESS. IT'S GOING OVER THE AIR. YOU THINK ABOUT A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE ARE CONSUMING CONTENT MORE AND MORE ON THE MOBILE DEVICE. THE VOLUMES IN TERMS OF HOW MUCH CONTENT IS BEING CONSUMED, I'M TALKING PREMIUM CONTENT, NOT JUST YOUTUBE CAT VIDEOS. PEOPLE WATCHING "GAME OF THRONES" AND SO FORTH ON MOBILE DEVICES, THE VOLUMES ARE EXPLODING. SO THAT'S WHY WE THOUGHT WE OUGHT TO GET AHEAD OF THIS. WE BUILT, ENGINEERED A NETWORK THAT CAN DELIVER A LOT OF BANDWIDTH OVER THE WIRELESS NETWORKS TO THE MOBILE DEVICE. THAT'S WHY WE DID THE TIME WARNER DEAL. IT WAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOW TAKE PREMIUM CONTENT AND CURATE IT, FORMAT IT DIFFERENTLY, AND GIVE OUR CUSTOMERS A VERY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE ON THEIR MOBILE AND ACTUALLY THEIR BROADBAND DEVICE AND THEIR TV AND HOME EXPERIENCE.

STEPHENSON ON TIME WARNER DEAL

THE FILING HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THE REVIEW IS ONGOING RIGHT NOW. THERE WILL NOT BE A FILING WITH THE FCC. WE'RE GOING TO ASSUME NO LICENSES FROM TIME WARNER, WHICH MEANS THERE WILL BE NO FILING WITH THE FCC. SO IT WILL BE A ONE-TRACK REVIEW. THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE WILL REVIEW IT. AND THAT'S GOING AT PACE. IT'S GOING ACCORDING TO WHAT YOU TYPICALLY SEE WITH ONE OF THESE DEALS. WE STILL THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE CLOSED BY END OF YEAR.

STEPHENSON ON TRUMP TALK

RANDALL STEPHENSON: YOU WOULD BE THINKING RIGHT IF YOU THOUGHT SOMEBODY IN MY POSITION WOULD BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT THAT KIND OF THING. THERE WAS AN ARTICLE OUT ABOUT IT, WHICH WAS INHERENTLY WRONG.

JOE KERNEN: WRONG. JUST DEAD WRONG.

RANDALL STEPHENSON: I'VE HAD TWO CONVERSATIONS WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP OR HIS ADMINISTRATION AND IN NEITHER ONE OF THOSE CONVERSATIONS WAS THERE ANY DISCUSSION ABOUT THIS DEAL. SO THOSE KIND OF CONVERSATIONS WOULD NOT HAPPEN.

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French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron has invited climate change researchers working in what appears -- at least in some parts -- to be an increasingly skeptical U.S. to move to his country.



In a video posted on Twitter, the 39 year old centrist described U.S. President Donald Trump as being "extremely skeptical about climate change."



"I have no doubt about climate change and how committed we have to be regarding this issue," Macron, speaking in English, said.

Going on to address American researchers, entrepreneurs and engineers working on climate change, Macron offered them a place in France.



"Please, come to France," he said. "You are welcome, it's your nation. We like innovation, we want innovative people, we want people working on climate change, energy, renewables and new technologies. France is your nation."



French voters will head to the polls this spring. Other candidates in the running include Marine Le Pen, of the far-right National Front, and conservative candidate Francois Fillon.






Anne Mahlum is the founder of the nonprofit Back on My Feet and the founder and owner of [solidcore]. Sarah L. Voisin | The Washington Post | Getty Images

It started with: "What you do when you find out Ivanka Trump just took [solidcore] but used an alias to sign up for class?" Then the Facebook post from the founder of the DC-area boutique fitness studio, Anne Mahlum, took on a life of its own. Mahlum answered her own question with, "You reach out and ask for a meeting," but continued with a paragraph about how Ivanka's father "is threatening the rights of many of my beloved clients."

The reaction was a firestorm of responses that included calling for a boycott of [solidcore], which has 13 DC metro area locations, as well as studios in Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Dakota and Minnesota, according to its website. Tweeters accused Mahlum of infringing on her client's right to privacy. Others called her "biased and hypocritical," while some posted stories of Ivanka's charity work. The criticism outweighed the support. A few hours later Mahlum posted a follow-up statement to the press, saying, "I am extremely proud of the inclusive community at [solidcore] that respects everyone's age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or otherwise, and it is my key priority to protect that community. As I said in my Facebook post, I do not know Ivanka, but I welcome the opportunity to open up the communication channels, and I hope she takes me up on my offer." By morning, Mahlum's Facebook page showed only posts dating back to 2013. The original posts are gone, and so far Mahlum has not responded to requests for comment; nor has Ivanka Trump, whom we contacted through her representatives.

Ivanka Trump Raymond Hall | GC Images | Getty Images

Ironically, the Pilates-inspired workout gained quick notoriety when it became a favorite of former first lady Michelle Obama. Obama, according to sources, did not use an alias to sign up for the class, but did have a group of workout friends whom she alerted when she wanted to attend. [solidcore] classes are small, so that way the class would be mostly made up of people she knew. The former first lady and the current first daughter now live around the corner from each other, and just down Wisconsin Avenue from a [solidcore] studio. About a year ago, Mahlum raised between $1 million and $2 million from David Grissen, an executive with Marriott International , according to the Washington Business Journal. Mahlum said she hopes to open 50 studios this year alone.
Police officers are getting a new tool to watch their backs, courtesy of Dodge.

The Dodge Charger Pursuit, the automaker's law enforcement model, will come standard with technology that can detect people sneaking up behind the cruiser.

Dodge worked with California-based vehicle control systems-maker InterMotive to repurpose the car's rear parking sensors and backup camera to sense a person approaching from behind. If detected, the vehicle will flash its rear lights, lock all doors, roll up the front windows and display a video feed from the backup camera to the driver.

"This technology is designed to prevent an officer from being ambushed from the rear while parked," Jeff Kommor, Fiat Chrysler vice president of fleet sales, said in a press release. "While it does not replace vigilance, this technology acts as a second set of eyes and provides police officers with added peace of mind when they are in a parked Charger Pursuit."

InterMotive said that the demand for this equipment rose in response to "tragic ambushes of police officers over the last year."

Sales of the Charger Pursuit have lagged behind those of the Ford Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility, but this new package may help Dodge close the gap.
European markets closed flat on Friday as investors tracked earnings and looked ahead to the meeting between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister .

The pan-European Stoxx 600 pared earlier gains to close near the flatline with most sectors and major bourses trading in positive territory. Basic resources stocks were up by more than 3.6 percent, outperforming their peers, on earnings.

Mining firm Boliden were near the top of the European benchmark, up by more than 9.6 percent on Friday, after reporting a core operating profit of $236.76 million, well above expectations. The steelmaker ArcelorMittal said Friday that higher steel prices helped to narrow full-year losses. Its shares were more than 9.3 percent higher.

In contrast, shares of Just Eat ended close to the bottom of the European benchmark, down by nearly 6.5 percent. Its CEO said it would resign due to "urgent" family matters.

Carmaker reported record results in 2016, with operating profits higher by 3 percent. Its shares closed up 1.2 percent. Renault and partner Nissan are reportedly ready to pursue a closer tie-up once the French government sells its stake in the carmaker.

Luxury goods group Kering ended 2.6 percent higher on Friday after earnings results beat expectations.



Meanwhile in the U.S., the Dow Jones industrial average, broader S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite all continued to move higher on Friday, adding to record highs in the previous session after Trump's 'big league' tax announcement.

Oil prices surge



Also on the schedule for Friday is Trump's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House. Expected discussions include the president's plans to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and establish a series of new bilateral trade agreements.

Data released Friday showed industrial production in France dropping 0.9 percent month-to-month in December, slightly below the consensus.

Asian shares closed at an 18-month high Friday, tracking a rally on Wall Street after President Trump promised to unveil a major tax announcement to lower the burden on businesses.



Oil prices rose over 2 percent on Friday following reports that OPEC members had delivered more than 90 percent of the production cuts they had promised since the deal came into effect in the New Year.



Brent crude traded at around $56.81 a barrel on Friday shortly after the European close, up 2.16 percent, while U.S. crude was around $54.08 a barrel, up 2.08 percent.



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President Donald Trump may be a China hawk, but he knows he must tread more carefully with the rival superpower than he needs to with Mexico, Evercore ISI Chairman Ed Hyman said Friday.

"I think he's tough, but I think he knows that China is not a pinata. He can beat up Mexico," Hyman told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street."

Though the stock market has priced in Trump acting on some of his protectionist rhetoric, so far the president has been relatively tactful in his mission to achieve fairer trade with China, Hyman said.

Trump has vowed to pursue fair trade on all fronts including with China while avoiding trade war, which also means rewriting the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. Hyman said achieving those goals "is pretty realistic."

While Trump risks cooling relations with China's leadership by pushing his "America First" idea too aggressively, the administration has avoided that for the time being, Hyman said.

"It looks to me as though they're doing a pretty good job of advancing, but doing it in a fairly diplomatic way, as the letter to President Xi [Jinping] showed and the phone call today," he said.



And despite calls by economist Peter Navarro, Trump's tap to lead the National Trade Council, and others to get even tougher on trade with China, Hyman believes Trump will make a pragmatic decision.

"My view is he'll take those [calls] into account, but in the end, he's a practical business guy," Hyman said.
Pushback is emerging among conservative Republicans over President Donald Trump's apparent support for the Export-Import Bank, an institution they have pilloried as a giveaway to big businesses.

The Ex-Im bank, as it's called, assists U.S. companies' overseas business by doing things such as guaranteeing loans for foreign buyers of U.S. products, or insuring transactions. The agency takes on credit risks that private companies, including banks, aren't willing to accept.

Republican Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, a vocal critic of the bank, is maintaining his opposition, a spokesperson said Friday. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, who co-sponsored a bill with Amash to abolish the bank, also said Friday that it should be repealed. And the conservative advocacy group Heritage Action reiterated that it believes the bank should be dismantled. More than 90 lawmakers have previously opposed the bank, according to a list compiled by the group.

"The Export-Import Bank is little more than a corporate welfare agency," Heritage Action said in a statement Friday.

Supporters of Ex-Im point out that such banks exist in one form or another among most developed nations, and U.S. companies would be at a disadvantage without the bank when they're bidding against rivals from Europe, China and elsewhere for overseas deals.

Trump's position on the bank shifted over the course of his presidential campaign. Initially, he rejected the bank, calling it "excess baggage" in a 2015 interview with National Journal. But he later appeared to soften that stance and said last spring that he would make his position clear soon.
Models walk the runway during the Nicholas K fashion show at NYFW on Feb. 9, 2017.

This New York Fashion Week, it isn't just luxury coats that are making a statement.

Several designers used the runway as a means to speak out about the political climate, addressing issues from diversity to women's rights.

"Fashion is a sponge in terms of what's happening in culture," Thai-American fashion designer Thakoon Panichgul said before his presentation on Thursday. "We take it in and it comes out in certain ways, and I think that the climate will produce a lot of creativity."

Several models at Nicholas K had their looks topped off with black or gold berets. The caps channeled those worn by the Black Panthers, a militant group that defended minorities during the civil rights movement.

"The '90s was a decade promising communal diversity and unity," the brand's designers said, attributing the first step in that change to Nelson Mandela's release from prison. "Recent events seem to unravel this progress, and it's now relevant to revisit the promise of the '90s."

Desigual, a Spanish label known for its vibrant designs, made a more subtle statement. Its collection pulled together different influences, colors and materials to communicate diversity.

"We've been for 35 years talking about [at Desigual], be who you want to be," Daniel Perez, brand communications director, said backstage. "We don't dress bodies, we dress people."
The guest speaker at Tuesday's Desloge Chamber of Commerce luncheon expressed the frustration and helplessness she felt as the mother of a drug addict before learning of an organization that could help both of them begin the road to recovery.

Cheryl Haws, a volunteer with the Missouri Network for Opiate Reform & Recovery (MNORR), introduced herself to the chamber investors as a four-year resident of Desloge who works for the Centene Corporation and is the single mother of two adult-aged sons.

"My youngest is in the U.S. Navy, going on three years," she said. "My other son is a 27-year-old heroin addict. That is something I can honestly say that I never wanted to experience as a parent and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

"It is a very hard thing to deal with and it's very stigmatizing. A lot of people shun people with these issues and we really need to start seeing that our community has a problem and start putting our hands in and helping  which is actually what I ended up doing.

"My son is now 16 months clean from heroin, all due to the fact that I found this group and they educated me as a parent. One of the things that I didn't realize was that I was doing everything wrong. I was doing the right things as a mom, but not as a mom to an addict. I didn't realize that I was in recovery as well as my son."

According to Haws, her life changed the day she met Chad Sabora, co-founder of MNORR. It was then that she realized she needed as much help as her son did.

"In order for my son to be successful and to actually get into recovery, I had to have help because I couldn't enable him anymore," she said. "I couldn't be that co-dependent mom anymore and I really had to stick to my boundaries and learn how to be the mom of an addict so that I could help him get past that horrible disease."

Haws' son spent time in prison  120 days of substance abuse treatment at Farmington Correctional Center.

"When he got out of there, it wasn't two weeks later that he was using again," she said. "I couldn't figure out for the life of me what in the world I was supposed to do. You know, I thought I had done everything right. I live in a nice home, I love him with everything I have, but it truly is a disease. It's so hard for them to get past that without help, without rehabs, without support groups. And without that education for the parents, it just doesn't work."

In October, Haws started a family support group that met at Mineral Area College. About 10 people attended the first meeting and it has continued to grow from there.

"I now have 10 families affected by heroin addiction that come every week to my family support group meeting," she said. "Every meeting we get more people."

Haws explained that the reason she was speaking at the chamber meeting was to get the word out that there is help available for those who need it.

"Chad Sabora and myself will do anything and everything possible for the family members and for the addict," she said. "We have all sorts of different resources. We actually provide free Narcan [a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in an overdose] for all family members. I know we've had a lot of stigma about the Narcan because a lot of people think it enables the addicts, but one of the things I learned from Chad and [co-founder] Robert Riley from Missouri Network is that we can't help them recover if they're dead.

"Our goal is to do the best for the families to keep them alive and get them the resources they need to get help and become functioning members of society  and it happens. Chad Sabora, himself, is a recovering addict of almost six years. Robert Riley has been clean for 10 years. They help so many people on a daily basis."

Haws said that of the 70 addicts the group has worked with over the past year, only seven died due to their drug use.

"The rest of them are alive and recovering," she said. "So recovery is possible and we just need to get the word out there, stop the stigma and really start putting our hands in and really helping these folks."

Haws' support group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays at MAC's North College Building in Park Hills. The meeting is free and all are welcome.

MNORR offers services and programs that include school education; community education and speaking; harm reduction; treatment and detox placements; support groups; legal services; referrals; legal advocacy and interventions. Visit www.monetwork.org for more information about the organization.
The Federal Reserve said Friday that Daniel Tarullo, the central bank's top financial regulator, has submitted his resignation, effective April 5, creating an opportunity for President Donald Trump to reshape the Fed.

"Dan led the Fed's work to craft a new framework for ensuring the safety and soundness of our financial system following the financial crisis and made invaluable contributions across the entire range of the Fed's responsibilities," Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in a release. "My colleagues and I will truly miss his deep expertise, impeccable judgment, wise insight, and strategic counsel."

Tarullo, 64, has been a member of the Fed's board of governors since 2009.

He served as chairman of the board's Committee on Supervision and Regulation and was chairman of the Financial Stability Board's Standing Committee on Supervisory and Regulatory Cooperation.

Tarullo is a voting member of the central bank's policymaking panel.


Fitch Ratings fired a warning shot Friday about President Donald Trump's economic policies, saying hard-line stances on trade and immigration pose potentially serious problems for the world.

"The Trump administration represents a risk to international economic conditions and global sovereign credit fundamentals," the agency said in a statement. "U.S. policy predictability has diminished, with established international communication channels and relationship norms being set aside and raising the prospect of sudden, unanticipated changes in U.S. policies with potential global implications."

The most serious implications would involve credit downgrades for sovereign debt.

Fitch does not mention the U.S. specifically being subject to a reduced rating, but listed several of its trading partners that could take a hit should negative conditions emerge from Trump's saber-rattling on international trade agreements and immigration flows.

Among those that could face the most serious impact are Canada, Germany, China, Japan and Mexico, all of which have been mentioned by Trump or his advisors as benefiting from unfair trade pacts. Fitch warned that as the rhetoric escalates, "the list is unlikely to end there."

"One interpretation of current events is that, after an early flurry of disruptive change to establish a fundamental reorientation of policy direction and intent, the administration will settle in, embracing a consistent business- and trade-friendly framework that leverages these aspects of its economic program, with favourable international spill-overs," Fitch's analysts said.


The meetings Friday and Saturday between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may help lay the groundwork to carve out a bilateral trade deal from the ashes of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, said Tom Schieffer, former U.S. ambassador to Japan.

Trump's rhetoric on the campaign trail and subsequent abandonment of TPP as president has caused the Japanese "great anxiety," Schieffer told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" on Friday.

Schieffer said he hopes the meetings will "get the alliance back on the straight and narrow" and "allay people's fears" about U.S.-Japanese relations.

Abe used a lot of political capital to ratify TPP back in December, Schieffer said, adding that maybe Trump and Abe can "save the best parts" of the 12-nation free trade deal.

The Japanese brought their "A-Team to Washington," Schieffer argued, saying the prime minister is being accompanied by the deputy prime minister, the finance minister and the foreign minister.

"They're going to try to engage the American government across the board," said the former ambassador who served during the presidency of George W. Bush.
Though trailing in the polls, far-right leader Marine Le Pen's call to take France out of the European Union is rattling financial markets, pushing the premium investors demand to hold French debt over German bonds to its highest since 2012.

"The experience from similar episodes is that a country will be put on a negative outlook, but not downgraded until the worst is confirmed," said Benat Onatibia, macro strategist at Vanda Securities. "That's what happened with DBRS on the Italian referendum. Hence, we see it as highly unlikely, especially given how low Le Pen's victory odds are."

Moody's rates French government debt at Aa2, the third-highest investment grade ranking, but some are not ruling out a cut in the outlook to negative from stable. Others, however, said they believe such action is unlikely until after the conclusion of the French presidential elections and a clarification about the winner's economic platform and commitment to the European Union.

Heightened French political risk and policy uncertainty, reflected by a jump in sovereign yields and a weaker single currency, are clouding a scheduled ratings review by Moody's, economists and currency strategists told CNBC.

French National Front political party leader Marine Le Pen arrives at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, to attend a meeting with government, main political parties leaders and presidents of the Parliament, November 15, 2015.

"The widening of this yield premium is a classic sign of increasing investor risk for France," said Heng Koon How, senior FX strategist at Credit Suisse. "We have long argued that markets are complacent about increasing political risk in Europe."

Cutting the outlook on French debt would "be a bit premature," Heng said, though Le Pen's publication of a 144-point manifesto to take France out of the Eurozone is contributing to elevated stress in the French debt, he said: "That worried investors."

Moody's last month warned of the rise of populist parties fielding candidates in 2017 elections and the impact on the future of the European Union.

"While it is unusual for changes in government to have material credit implications, the far-reaching nature and ubiquity of the political shifts under way means that the impact of the upcoming elections could be more significant from a credit perspective than is usually the case," Moody's said in its outlook on January 12.

Macquarie's FX strategy team said the expected Moody's ratings review was a "scheduled exercise" and didn't necessarily imply any action, "but should be worth monitoring given how French yields have been rising in recent sessions."

Olivier Desbarres, independent G10 FX strategist suggested Moody's may even take action before the presidential polls conclude.

"Rating agencies want to come across as apolitical so if they think that a downgrade is justified they may not wait until after elections," Desbarres said. "The recent rise in French yields, although modest, could at the margin be stretching debt dynamics."

"Moreover, if the new president loosens fiscal policy, which most presidential candidates clearly want to do (with the exception of Fillon), that in itself could put France's credit ratings under pressure," he added.

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Global demand for oil continues to pick up as recent measures to rebalance the market have come into play, but a period of sluggishness is still expected to hang over producers in the year ahead, according to the latest report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The IEA revised up its growth estimates for 2016 global oil demand for the third consecutive month. It now projects demand grew by 1.6 million barrels a day last year, after seeing what it considered strong numbers in the final three months of 2016.

However, it remains cautious about the outlook for 2017, forecasting demand will grow by 1.4 million barrels per day this year.



"Stronger than expected growth in Europe, partly influenced by colder weather in (the fourth-quarter of 2016), is a key factor alongside the long-term growth in China, India and non-OECD countries," the IEA report said, referring to the uptick.

The shift reflects a recent commitment by OPEC countries and 11 non-OPEC countries to reduce production in a bid to manage supply and demand levels better .

The move saw oil supplies fall nearly 1.5 mb/d in January, according to the monthly report. At 96.4 mb/d, world oil production stood 730 thousand b/d below a year ago, with OPEC posting its first year-on-year decline since early 2015.

OPEC crude production fell by 1 mb/d to 32.06 mb/d in January, marking a record initial compliance level of 90 percent. Saudi Arabia and a number of other producers reduced supply beyond the agreed level, however this was partly offset by increased productions from Libya and Nigeria, which are both exempt from the cuts.

"We do not forecast what OPEC production will be during the six months covered by the output deal," the report said, "but if the January level of compliance is maintained, the difference between global demand and supply implies a stock draw of 0.6 mb/d."

Brazil, Canada and U.S., and other non-OPEC countries outside of the deal, have seen higher flows recently and are expected to see a significant uptick in production over the coming year. According to the IEA, these countries are likely to achieve combined growth of 750 kb/d in 2017.

The net change for non-OPEC production in 2017, taking into account cuts by 11 countries, is expected to be close to a 400 kb/d increase.

Speaking to CNBC Friday, Alex Holbourn, director at Hannam & Partners, said that U.S. production is likely to be the key differential going forward.

"That's arguably where the marginal barrel of supply is now going to come from," he said.

"The U.S. could potentially increase production this year somewhere in the range of 300,000 to 500,000 barrels per day ... We've already seen the rig count tick up month-on-month for the last six months by around 65-70 percent from the lows in May. That's going to be a key indicator going forward."
Greek people stage a protest against the government's austerity policy at the Sintagma square in Athens, Greece on May 22, 2016.

Greek lawmakers are under pressure from the International Monetary Fund to overcome the current impasse over its bailout, a Greek minister told CNBC on Friday.

"There's pressure from the IMF, certainly," George Katrougalos, the Greek alternative foreign minister for EU affairs, told CNBC over the phone on Friday.

Katrougalos told CNBC that, at the moment, most of the pressure comes from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and not from European creditors. This could be the case because the IMF is itself under pressure to decide on whether or not it will be part of the Greek bailout program. The IMF said it would not comment on the minister's remarks when contacted by CNBC.

Greece is currently on a third bailout program worth 86 billion euros ($92 billion). The current impasse between Greece, the EU and the IMF over the implementation of austerity measures sent the country's two-year bond yields rising to around 10.09 percent on Thursday, their highest level since June last year, on fears that the country could soon run out of cash and would not be able to make crucial debt repayments.

The institution led by Christine Lagarde has decided not to join the third financial rescue for Greece until there's evidence that Greek debt will be made sustainable. The latest bailout program, which began in 2015, has a year-and-a-half still to go.

For some countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, the IMF's participation in the program is essential.

"It's not so much about the funds, the Europeans have enough money to lend to Greece," an official close to the bailout talks, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of negotiations, told CNBC earlier this week, adding that the issue is more of credibility.

According to Katrougalos, the IMF is currently questioning both the Greek and the European fiscal estimates and wants to revisit questions that have already been fixed, including reforms on pensions.

The same official, who is part of the negotiations, told CNBC on Friday that "there's a lot of focus on the IMF...but even if the IMF wouldn't exist on this planet, Greece and the EU wouldn't be able to conclude the second bailout review."
After factoring in interest, that misstep works out to an extra $119 each month over a 10-year student loan repayment period, NerdWallet estimated in a report this week.

Nearly half of undergraduate borrowers say they could have taken less in student loans, according to a November survey from NerdWallet. The survey of the 522 adults concluded the average grad borrowed $11,597 more than necessary .

Smarter borrowing during your college years could cut your student loan payment after graduation by more than $1,200 a year.

It can be tough for students to gauge, at the time they are borrowing, how much any extra funds borrowed will influence their eventual bill  and monthly budget, said Brianna McGurran, a student-loan expert for NerdWallet.

"Those numbers are big, and they don't really have a clear connection to your life now or after graduation," she said.

Another part of the problem: Many students intentionally borrow more than they need for tuition and other education expenses to cover lifestyle costs. In a 2016 survey from Student Loan Hero, 41.3 percent of respondents spent student loan funds on monthly bills, while 14.9 percent used them for clothing and 12.8 percent for restaurants. (See graphic below for how some of those costs add up.)

So how much is too much to borrow? Your total debt at graduation should be less than your total starting salary, said Mark Kantrowitz, vice president of strategy for college and scholarship search site Cappex.com. Any more than that, and you're likely to struggle with repayment.

"Loan limits, even in rules of thumb like this, should not be targets," he said. "Borrow as little as you need, not as much as you can."

Families should create a college payment that spans a student's entire college career, instead of anticipating costs annually. That can help you maximize scholarships and tax breaks, he said. A four-year plan can also help you spread out borrowing to avoid having to turn to pricier private student loans.

Students should be cautious about borrowing for non-educational expenses and look to smart savings strategies  like buying used textbooks, and hunting for an inexpensive apartment  to spend frugally on those expenses they need loans to cover.

"Live like a student when you're in school so you don't have to live like a student after you graduate," Kantrowitz said.
Bremmer: Japan relationship set up to be 'warmer under Trump' 6:05 PM ET Fri, 10 Feb 2017 | 06:47

President Donald Trump has promised Americans that he will renegotiate long-standing pacts with major U.S. trade partners to get better deals for America.

As he meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, U.S. producers of nearly $300 billion worth of goods and services sold to Japan are eagerly waiting to find out what that new trade horizon might look like.

No matter what terms the Trump administration manages to negotiate with Japan, it will cover a complex list of hundreds of separate products and industries, from aircraft to medical equipment to corn.

That's why any new trade deal will have a major impact on U.S. exporters.
Hillary Clinton just couldn't resist trolling President's Trump's Twitter feed after a federal appeals court refused to order the reinstatement of Trump's executive order blocking immigration and refugees from seven majority-Muslim countries.

Her tweet simply read, "3-0," a reference to the unanimous decision by the three-judge panel.

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Clinton was not the only critic of Trump and his travel ban celebrating the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision. Politicians, political pundits and activists around the country celebrated the victory against the administration.





"President Trump ought to see the handwriting on the wall that his executive order is unconstitutional. He should abandon this proposal, roll up his sleeves and come up with a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe," said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called the ruling "a victory for our Constitution and our fight against terrorism."

"For the sake of our values and the security of America, Democrats will continue to press for President Trump's dangerous and unconstitutional ban to be withdrawn," Pelosi said.

Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, applauded the ruling. "The government's erratic and chaotic attempts to enforce this unconstitutional ban have taken a tremendous toll on innocent individuals, our country's values, and our standing in the world," he said in a statement.

"Today marks a victory for American freedom over Presidential tyranny," said Steven Goldstein, the executive director of the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect. "The court has sided with refugees who thirst for hope over a president who yearns to hate."

More from USA Today:

Less than meets the eye: Trump's orders aren't always what they seem

Oldest American, '114 years young,' dies in N.J.

Trump rages in ALL CAPS after appeals court rules against him

Margaret Huang, executive director of Amnesty International USA, said that while the ruling is "obviously a relief," it "won't end the turmoil and uncertainty that this inhumane ban is causing for thousands of families."

In addition, Huang cited reports "that some border patrol agents are still subjecting people entering the U.S. to discriminatory and unlawful treatment, and we fear that the Trump Administration may find other ways to discriminate based on religion."

"Today, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously made America great again," said Mark Hetfield, the president and CEO of HIAS, a Jewish nonprofit organization that works to protect refugees around the globe. "The Constitution prevailed. The executive order that tried to turn prejudice into policy failed."

A number of people shared their reaction to the decision on Twitter:

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For investors hoping to cash in on President Donald Trump's market-moving tweets, monitoring his Twitter feed constantly is essential. The slightest delay in reaction could be the difference between making a quick profit and losing money.

Rachel Mayer, a former JPMorgan trader, believes there's an easier way: let software do it.

Her start-up created an app, where an algorithm scans the President's tweets for mentions of specific publicly-traded companies. Whenever Trump tweets about the companies, the app can send push notifications to alert users. These are called 'triggers.'

"It's purely an informational tool," Mayer, who is CEO and co-founder of Trigger, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Friday.

The triggers are created based on "if this then that" type of statements and can help to guide investment decisions. For example, if Trump tweets about CNN and his tweet is about a fake news allegation, then a notification can be sent to alert users who own Time Warner - the parent company of CNN - stocks in their portfolios.

If an automatic trigger fails to fire, a support team works "round-the-clock" to push out the alerts.

"Our value proposition is linking different sets of data that the current brokerages don't support," she said, adding it allowed investors to consolidate all available information and manage investment risks.
A United States naval ship, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67), named in honor of Park Hills native Sgt. Darrell S. Cole, conducted an approach and assist action in response to a distress call from an Iranian-flagged dhow on Jan. 27.

During the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, Cole died while saving the lives of his fellow Marines in a successful one-man attack against two gun emplacements impeding the advance of his company. Cole posthumously received the United States' highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his conspicuous gallantry at the Battle of Iwo Jima. In 1996 the U. S. Navy named the destroyer USS Cole in his honor.

In late January, the American naval vessel provided assistance to the stranded 75-foot dhow by supplying 17 gallons of diesel fuel.

A dhow is the generic name for a number of traditional ships that are built with one or more masts with a triangular sail set (lateen sails) used in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean region. Dhows are typically characterized as having long thin hulls. These non-military trading vessels are primarily used to carry heavy items such as fruit, fresh water or various merchandise and can be found sailing along the coasts of Eastern Arabia, East Africa, Yemen and coastal South Asia.

The master of the Iranian ship thanked the Americans for their assistance.

"We have an important role and responsibility to aid our fellow mariners in distress," said Commander David Wroe, commanding officer of the USS Cole. "It was a pleasure to use our training to support the sailors with something even as little as a few cans of fuel."

The U.S. Navy and coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical and engineering assistance, as well as conducting search-and-rescue missions when called upon for help.

The USS Cole is currently deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations and theater security operation efforts.
At an age when many people are getting ready to retire, 63-year-old billionaire Oprah Winfrey is, instead, launching a new venture.

Last month, the entrepreneur, TV host, actress and mogul teamed up with Kraft to develop a line of refrigerated ready-to-eat food products called Mealtime Stories.



Winfrey's media empire made her a billionaire in 2003 at age 49, but she began life at the other extreme. Born in rural Mississippi to an unmarried teen mother, she grew up in poverty and endured years of sexual abuse.



She was shuffled between family members until a more permanent living situation surfaced: Her dad's place in Nashville, Tennessee, where she went to live at age 14. The move changed the course of Winfrey's life. She thrived in high school, earning honors and a full ride to Tennessee State University.



Winfrey took a risk when she dropped out of college to pursue a career in media. But the gamble paid off.


As a result of this demand, average salary offers to candidates relocating to London were 28 percent higher than salary offers to local candidates.

The report from job search marketplace Hired, released Thursday, included insights that 27 percent of workers joining the U.K. tech sector come from outside the country.

The U.K. is one of the lowest payers for tech talent, despite relying on more than a quarter of foreign workers to fulfill roles in the sector, according to a report into global technology sector salaries.

In addition, U.K. salary offers were among the lowest worldwide. The average offer to relocating candidates to London was $95,000. This was higher than offers for France ($86,000), Toronto ($82,000) and Singapore ($72,000), but was significantly lower than offers to work in major U.S. tech hubs.

Average offers to candidates to relocate to Silicon Valley or New York were both $122,000, while offers to Seattle were $129,000.

This disparity in salary offers threatens to create a brain drain in the U.K. tech sector unless wage offers begin to rise, warns Mehul Patel, CEO of Hired.

"If salaries for tech workers in the UK do not increase it could well impact on the nation's ability to attract and retain the best talent globally," he told CNBC via email.

"With the average salaries for tech workers in London being substantially lower than those of San Francisco and New York, a brain drain is a possibility if the imbalance is not addressed."

In addition, Brexit may create problems for the sector if the U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union produces barriers to immigration and travel.

We know that the tech sector relies on the ability of talent to move easily across borders. Any political uncertainty connected to that will have an impact on both tech businesses' recruitment strategies and individuals' willingness to move," said Patel.

"During this time of uncertainty, we could see a salary rise in the short term for U.K. workers, as demand for local talent becomes more intense. "

However, the U.K. continues to be an attractive place to work for employees and tech firms. For instance, the U.K. offers talent-creating universities, stable and pro-business regulations, and a decent quality of life.

"Although the U.K. technology market presently is not quite as mature as those markets in San Francisco and New York, which in part explains why there are higher salaries available in these cities, we expect this gap to close as the sector continues to grow," he said.

"Today, with a concerted effort from entrepreneurs, government, industry groups and big business, the U.K. has become a hotbed of start-ups and a home for big tech businesses, talent and digital innovation."

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Tesla Chairman and Chief Executive Elon Musk has rubbished claims made on Thursday that workers in the car company's California branch had been underpaid, overworked and often suffered preventable injuries.



Jose Moran alleged in a Medium post that "excessive mandatory overtime", frequent injuries and below average hourly pay were hallmarks of the San Francisco Fremont plant in which all of Tesla's cars are manufactured.



"Frankly, I find this attack to be morally outrageous. Tesla is the last car company left in California, because costs are so high," Elon Musk said in a direct message on Twitter via Gizmodo.



Moran also accused the car company of attempting to silence its own employees in an effort to prevent them from forming a workers union.



"Many of us have been talking about unionizing, and have reached out to the United Auto Workers (UAW) for support... But at the same time, management actions are feeding workers' fears about speaking out," Moran said in the Medium post.



"Recently, every worker was required to sign a confidentiality policy that threatens consequences if we exercise our right to speak out about wages and working conditions," he added.



No leg to stand on



Musk rejected all the claims made in the blog post in his direct message to Gizmodo. In addition, he also questioned the authenticity of the worker making the claims against Tesla.



"Our understanding is that this guy was paid by the UAW to join Tesla and agitate for a union. He doesn't really work for us, he works for the UAW," Musk suggested.



"Tesla is the last company left in California, because costs are so high. The UAW killed NUMMI and abandoned the workers at our Fremont plant in 2010. They have no leg to stand on," he concluded.

In a statement sent to CNBC, the UAW slammed the allegation that Moran was paid by the union as "fake news."

"Mr. Moran is not and has not been paid by the UAW," the statement said.

"We would hope that Tesla would apologise to their employee, Mr. Moran, for spreading fake news about him.

"We can confirm that Mr. Moran and others at Tesla, have approached the UAW and we welcome them with open arms."



CNBC contacted Tesla on Friday, however, a spokesperson was not available for comment at the time of publication.

Clarification: This story has been updated since first published to include the statement from the UAW.

WATCH: Tesla and BMW fall short in electric vehicle crash tests
Bagley also took a shot at President Donald Trump , an Obamacare foe, saying there's good reason to believe that the Republican Trump would sign into law a bill passed by Congress to prevent the government's "Judgment Fund" from being used to bar payments for court-ordered risk corridor claims.

"The courts can't order Congress to appropriate money if it declines to do so," wrote Michigan University law professor Nicholas Bagley on Friday in a blog post detailing that quandary for insurers.

That's because the Republican-led Congress, whose actions led to the insurers getting stiffed on that cash in the first place , also has the power to bar the government from paying the insurers any legal judgments related to the money.

But all Obamacare insurers, whether they win a court case or not, could face long or impossible odds in actually getting the rest of the money that they are owed.

So far, Moda and the other insurers have gotten less than $460 million under the risk corridor program.

Other insurers that also sell Obamacare plans have current claims on $8 billion more related to the same program, and those claims could rise to as high as almost $15 billion once 2016 plan results are finalized.

A judge ordered the federal government Thursday to pay Oregon insurer Moda Health $214 million after failing to fully compensate the company for so-called risk corridor claims under Obamacare.

"Refusing to pay is a shabby way to treat insurers, which entered the [Obamacare] exchanges in reliance on the federal government's promises," Bagley wrote.

"Our president, however, has a track record of stiffing business partners. I wouldn't be surprised if he signed a law doing just that."

Moda Health is just one of 17 insurers who have sued the government in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for failing to fully pay those insurers what they claim to be owed under Obamacare's risk corridor program.

Moda was the first insurer to win its case.

"After all, 'to say to [Moda], 'The joke is on you. You shouldn't have trusted us,' is hardly worthy of our great government," wrote Judge Thomas Wheeler in an order brushing aside the government's argument that it should pay Moda was was promised under the risk corridor system.

Land of Lincoln, an insurer that lost its case earlier before another judge, is appealing that ruling. An Obamacare co-op, Land of Lincoln, closed last year and announced plans to liquidate after suffering steep losses.

Bagley on Friday wrote that it's possible that the Supreme Court eventually will weigh in on the risk corridor payment dispute. But, again, even if the high court supports the insurers' claims, it cannot force Congress to cough up the cash.

Risk corridors are one of a trio of programs that the Affordable Care Act created to entice insurers to sell health plans on Obamacare marketplaces by limiting their financial risk.

The risk corridor system ran for three years, from 2014 plans through 2016 plans.

It has been credited with keeping insurance premiums significantly lower than they otherwise would have been in the first several years of Obamacare plans, because insurers expected cash to offset any losses they suffered as a results they suffered from under-pricing premiums.

Under the program, insurers that are profitable give a fraction of their profits to the government  which in turn dispenses that money proportionately to insurers whose plans are not profitable.

Because more plans lost money in Obamacare's first several years than earned profits, the risk corridor program did not have enough cash to fully pay the insurers that were unprofitable.

Hopes that the Obama administration may have had of keeping its promise to insurers under the program ran into a brick wall when Congress passed legislation barring risk corridor payments that were not "budget neutral," i.e. if they added to the federal budget deficit.

Because the administration did not have enough money from profitable insurers to fully pay money-losing insurers, it would have had to increase the deficit to meet its obligations.

So instead of fully paying the risk corridor money for 2014 plans, the government pro-rated those payments, giving eligible insurers a total of just $362 million. That was less than 13 percent of the $2.87 million the insurers had claimed.

Last year, federal health officials said that all risk corridor money it received from insurers for 2015 profitable plans would go toward insurers who were still owed money from 2014 losses, and that no 2015 plan losses would get risk corridor payments. Any 2016 plan payments would go toward 2014 plan losses, and then, if any money remains, toward 2015 plan losses.

But without extra funding from Congress, it's likely that insurers will see no payments for 2015 and 2016, and end up well short of what they were fully owed for 2014.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday floated the idea of meeting President Trump face-to-face in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia and birthplace of first lady Melania Trump.

"Ljubljana  and Slovenia in general  is of course a great place to hold such dialogue," Putin said at a press conference with visiting Slovenian President Borut Pahor, who has eagerly pushed the idea, the Russian Interfax news agency and RT.com reported.

"If this meeting takes place someday, we have nothing against Ljubljana (as the venue)," Putin said.

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He pointed out that "(it) depends not only on us, but we are naturally ready for it."

Slovenia Prime Minister Miro Cerar first raised the prospect of a U.S.-Russia summit in his country as far back as November, three weeks after the U.S. elections. He said the tiny Alpine country, where Melania Trump was born and raised, "could become a bridge between the two superpowers," The Guardian reported.

Putin noted, according to RT.com, that he met with then-President Obama in the Slovenian capital. He was apparently referring to his June 2001 meeting in Slovenia with then-president Bush. It was at that venue, the first meeting between the two men, where Bush told reporters that he looked Putin in the eye and "found him very straight-forward and trustworthy  I was able to get a sense of his soul."
A popular retail exchange-traded fund is on pace for its best week since early December, and some strategists say retail stocks could see more upside.

The broader macroeconomic trends are quite bullish for retail names, said Gina Sanchez, CEO of Chantico Global. Citing economics research firm Oxford Economics, Sanchez said the economy is going to continue to expand this year. Retail sales can be viewed as a way to gauge economic health.

"But we think that big bounce is going to be a huge driver because of a lot of the retail sector is largely overvalued," Sanchez said Thursday on CNBC's "Power Lunch."

The SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT ) is down nearly 1 percent this year, but it's up 1.65 percent this week, putting it on pace for its best week since its 5.11 percent gain for the week ending Dec. 9. It has risen 13.5 percent over the last year.

Retailers had been under pressure with the potential for a proposed tax plan by congressional Republicans to negatively impact the group. Such a plan would more heavily tax retailers that source their goods from abroad.

However, President Donald Trump said in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal the tax plan appears "too complicated," raising uncertainty about its prospects.

And as investors await more quarterly earnings reports from retailers, the group is expecting about 13 percent earnings growth, said Erin Gibbs, equity chief investment officer at S&P Global.

"That's higher than we've seen in the past previous four years. It's higher than the S&P 500 and higher than consumer discretionary in general, so overall they're looking very attractive," Gibbs said Thursday on "Power Lunch."

Much of that growth comes from online retailers and direct marketers, Gibbs said. Amazon last week reported a quarterly earnings miss on revenue and earnings per share and offered weaker-than-expected guidance. A more traditional retailer, Michael Kors , last week reported a larger-than-expected decline in quarterly comparable sales (the amount of revenue at a retailer's location compared to the amount of revenue it generated the previous quarter), citing weaker sales in North America and Europe.
Internet satellite company OneWeb  the poster child for SoftBank 's pledge to President Donald Trump to invest billions of dollars in the U.S.  will open a "high volume" factory that will build three satellites per day, CEO Greg Wyler told "Squawk Alley" on Friday.

The factory will be on NASA property in Florida, and start operating this year, Wyler said.

SoftBank said in December that it would invest $1 billion in OneWeb, taking a 40 percent stake. With that investment, Wyler said the company would create 3,000 new high-tech, highly skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs.

At its new facility, the company will produce satellites to expand internet access in the U.S. and globally, he said.

The U.S. would do well to emulate Japan when it comes to building sophisticated infrastructure, he said. Getting internet access everywhere should be a priority or the country will end up with "rural brain drain," he said.

"If you don't have internet you can't build a company, you can't have a good education and the kids just leave," he said.

Getting a high-speed broadband pipe which OneWeb is also building to all the rural areas in the U.S.  including far-flung parts of Alaska  will give rise to new opportunities for Americans and improve U.S. manufacturing jobs, he said.

"It also elevates people so that they can create their own jobs and their own small and local manufacturing opportunities," he said.

Wyler is not concerned about potential changes to net neutrality rules or how the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission will handle broadband regulation since the company is aimed at providing internet access to the more than 50 percent of the U.S. with no internet access as well as other nations, he said.

"OneWeb is about connecting rural populations in rural America," he said. "They're now sitting with zero options."

Correction  The headline to this article misstated the source of the investment in OneWeb. It was a direct investment from SoftBank Group.


If you want to know what President Donald Trump thinks of economists, just look at his Cabinet.

A president who has promised to ignite stronger growth will have very little representation from economists, and in fact will not include the Council of Economic Advisers in his Cabinet.

The decision came in a statement from the White House and was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. The statement listed the 24 officials who will serve in his Cabinet, and the chairman of the CEA was not among them.

Rather than look to academics, Trump will rely on a mix of Wall Street veterans and business titans for advice. They include Treasury Secretary nominee Steven Mnuchin and chief economic advisor Gary Cohn, both formerly of Goldman Sachs .

University of California professor Peter Navarro will be one of the few economists around the White House, and he holds views that generally are considered unconventional, including criticism of free trade agreements.

Trump has yet to fill out the three-person CEA.

"They've named other economic positions and created new positions while not naming the chair or any of the other members of the CEA  that's clearly a signal" Austan Goolsbee, a University of Chicago professor and council chairman under President Barack Obama, told the Journal.

For more on the story, this is the full Journal report on the CEA.


A U.S. Border Patrol officer and his K-9 search for a group of illegal immigrants near U.S.-Mexico border on August 15, 2016 in McAllen, Texas.

With President Donald Trump's executive order to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border signed, one group is feeling optimistic  the National Border Patrol Council.

The union, representing more than 16,500 Border Patrol agents, is hopeful the administration's more proactive stance on border security will increase morale and the ability to enforce immigration law.

"We look forward to working with President Trump and his administration, especially General Kelly as we get back to enforcing the immigration laws of the U.S. and helping to improve Border Security," said Shawn Moran, vice president of the NBPC, which endorsed Trump's White House bid, breaking its longstanding practice of not endorsing presidential candidates.

"I believe many people who left the agency, left because they got sold a false bill of goods. They were told they were going to be doing this high-speed tactical job, and they are doing anything but that. I believe agents will get back to enforcing the law, and that will help to retain people."

Certain policies have restricted the government's ability to do its job in enforcing immigration law, according to Moran. He cited "catch and release," in which undocumented immigrants are routinely released in the U.S. after apprehension, a policy Trump refers to in the executive order he signed last month as something that will be terminated.

Moran also spoke out regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a policy enacted by the Obama administration, which allows certain undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of deferrable action, saying these were among the policies creating barriers to enforcing immigration law for the agency.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

The border wall was a major campaign talking point for Trump, and one of the first things he took action on once in office.

Late Thursday, more details came to light regarding the price tag of the wall, and what it might look like. According to Reuters, the "wall" would, in fact, be a series of fences and walls that would cost as much as $21.6 billion  much higher than the $12 billion to $15 billion cost cited by Trump, his campaign staff, the Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Reuters cited a Department of Homeland Security internal report, expected to be presented to DHS Secretary John Kelly in the near future, which also said the wall would take more than three years to build.



"As a matter of policy, we do not comment on or confirm the potential existence of pre-decisional, deliberative documents," DHS acting press secretary Gillian Christensen said.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the report. Trump has said Congress should fund the building of the wall upfront and that taxpayers will be reimbursed at a later date by Mexico. Mexico, in turn, has said it will not pay for the wall's construction.

The union's Moran stopped short of a full endorsement of the wall, telling CNBC: "Our advice to the Trump administration has been to look at each sector, and in some cases, each Border Patrol station's area from a tactical and strategic viewpoint to see where we need further infrastructure." He added that options may include a wall and further fencing, including double-layer fencing.



"I think you need some kind of physical barrier  it's been shown throughout our history and since we started Operation Gatekeeper that barriers work," he said. "We can take the lessons learned from places like San Diego, El Paso, and Tucson where we have significant amounts of fencing and see what works."



Part of Trump's executive order includes hiring an additional 5,000 agents, something that will prove to be a challenge as the agency is already actively recruiting to fill some 1,700 positions this year to meet its staffing goals of more than 21,000 agents. Between 55,000 and 65,000 applications are received in any given year, although many don't make it past the initial screening process  about 1 in 175 applicants will become an agent. Beyond that, retaining new hires can be a challenge as many of the agency's positions are in remote areas that include difficult climates and terrain.



Moran, who says poor recruiting tactics and morale have led to attrition and unqualified hires in previous administrations, admits the additional staffing will be a challenge.



"The Obama administration was utterly neglectful in maintaining the positions within the Border Patrol  we lost 1,700 positions they refused to fill. To put that in perspective, that's the size of a medium Border Patrol sector.  That has a real impact on border security. President Trump has said that Border Patrol agents are going to get back to the job they were hired to do, and I do know that has increased morale," he said.
Rep. Tom Price, R-Georgia, was confirmed as secretary of health and human services in a vote that took place in the wee hours of Friday morning, providing momentum for Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Consistent with all of President Donald Trump's Cabinet confirmations this week, Price narrowly won confirmation on a 52 - 47 vote.

Democrats opposed Price because of his determination to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, one of Trump's signature campaign promises, as well as his opposition to abortion rights and his support for cutting Medicare and Medicaid.

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Price  a physician who was director of the orthopedic clinic at Atlanta's bustling Grady Memorial Hospital before he entered politics  is expected to usher through any changes in health care policy.

"It's clear to me Congressman Price's policies do not have the best interest of the people I represent in Michigan at heart," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan.

More than 12 million people signed up for coverage through the ACA nationwide this year, according to The Associated Press. According to the AP's analysis, a clear majority of them live in states that Trump carried in November.

Price came under fire during his confirmation process for trading stocks and engaging in other financial activity that would be affected by legislation he introduced in the House, where he was chairman of the Budget Committee. Public interest groups, as well as Democratic lawmakers like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, have asked the Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate his transactions.

With Price's confirmation, focus could return to Republicans' plan to repeal and replace the ACA, also known as Obamacare. Trump has said the administration's vision for health care would come down shortly after Price was confirmed.

It's the third confirmation of a Cabinet official this week  in a vote pushed back to 2 a.m. as part of the Democrats' strategy of slow-walking each of Trump's nominees they oppose.

The Senate stayed in session for 57 straight hours from Monday to Wednesday as Democrats spoke through the night in opposition to the confirmations ofEducation Secretary Betsy DeVos and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. While Democrats also oppose Price, they adjourned Wednesday night because of fatigue of lawmakers, staff and the non-political employees who staff the Senate floor.

The next nominee up for Senate debate is Steven Mnuchin, Trump's pick for treasury security. Democrats boycotted a vote in the Finance Committee and are expected to prolong his debate, too. That vote could come Saturday, as Republican leadership had threatened if Democrats required all 30 hours of debate to be used, or Monday.
President Donald Trump may have long promoted his reputation as a deal-maker, but the chances of landing a bilateral trade deal with Japan appear slim at best, analysts said.

Trade is likely to be on the agenda as Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meet on Friday and Saturday at the White House and at the president's Florida country club, Mar-a-Lago.

Abe's visit follows Trump's decision last month to formally pull the U.S. out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which would have created a 12-country Pacific rim free-trade bloc, including Japan. The TPP, which was negotiated during President Barack Obama's term in office, hadn't yet been voted on or ratified by Congress.

Trump has also recently claimed, with little evidence, that Japan has been manipulating its currency for trade advantage. The U.S. leader has also complained about his country's trade deficit with Japan, pointing particularly to an imbalance in auto sales: Japan exports more than a million cars to the U.S. annually, while the U.S. sells a little more than 10,000 vehicles a year in Japan.

But while the multilateral TPP may never be revived, Trump's stated preference for bilateral deals will struggle to gain too much traction with Japan.

Some analysts were skeptical that Abe would be quick to enter talks on a bilateral deal.

Tobias Harris, an analyst at Teneo Intelligence, told CNBC's "The Rundown" on Friday that Abe was more likely to try to "contain" trade issues.

"[Abe] can't just give and give and give a blank check to Trump," Harris said.

Abe needs to know "just how different a Trump vision for a bilateral free-trade agreement would be from the agreement the U.S. and Japan reached within TPP," Harris said. "I think Abe needs to get much more information on these issues before he can commit to really throwing Japan into bilateral negotiations."

Other analysts agreed.
U.S. President Donald Trump's overnight swing in sentiment towards China may herald a more pragmatic diplomatic approach but experts are warning he is still likely to pursue a toughened stance compared to some of his predecessors.

The U.S. President reversed his recent rhetoric which had questioned the need to continue to honor the 'One China' policy  a code that asserts countries seeking diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (China) must not officially recognize the Republic of China (Taiwan)  in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday evening.

Xinhua, China's official press agency, captured the level of intrigue surrounding the result of the call by publishing a poll on Twitter asking voters to decide on the motivation behind the U.S. leader's mindset change. The choices offered ran the gamut from a) Blackmailing didn't work b) China's unyielding stance c) Pressure from within U.S. and d) Ivanka and Arabella. (Side note: Three days remain to cast your vote if you have a view).

Trump's about-face is not inconsistent with his avid pursuit of an "economic nationalist agenda", the prism through which all of his policies can be viewed, Arun Pillai-Essex, political risk analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, told CNBC on Friday.

"He wanted to ratchet down the tension surrounding U.S./Sino relations. With [Japanese Prime Minister] Shinzo Abe arriving tomorrow he didn't want to have another flashpoint in the East Asian region," explained Pillai-Essex.

"I think he also wanted to assuage concerns with a lot of the U.S. allies that the U.S. wasn't throwing away 70 years of foreign policy just under this administration," he continued, before opining that we should not read too much into the apparent directional shift.

"Trump is really seeking to restructure the relationship and I don't see that changing," the analyst concluded.
President Donald Trump said Friday he will take another security-related action "sometime next week" after a court ruling that upheld a suspension of his divisive immigration executive order.

"We'll be doing something very rapidly having to do with the security of our country," Trump said at a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe after the pair met at the White House.

Trump did not specify what action he would take. The president said he will "continue to go through the court process," but did not explicitly commit to pushing for the Supreme Court to hear the case.

The ruling Thursday dealt another blow to Trump's order, which barred travel by nationals from seven predominantly Muslim countries to the United States for 90 days. Trump's team has defended its legality amid court setbacks, saying the measure was necessary to prevent terrorism. Trump has alleged that the judges who ruled against his administration have political motives.

Trump did not make it clear Friday what his next action would be. However, White House lawyers began rewriting the executive order in a version that could better stand a legal test in the days before the appeals ruling, NBC News reported Friday, citing a senior administration official.

The White House is considering fighting for the measure in court or signing a new order "very soon," NBC said.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment from CNBC.

Trump's order sparked confusion at airports and protests from people around the country. Some interest groups and Democratic lawmakers argued that it constituted a ban based on religion after Trump's rhetoric at points during his presidential campaign targeted Muslims. The White House has disputed that characterization.

Many pockets of the business world, particularly technology companies, also argued that the order would cause harm.

On Friday, Trump maintained that the order is about security.

"We're going to do whatever's necessary to keep our country safe. ... Safety is a primary reason, one of the reasons I'm standing here today," he said.

During the appeal, the Justice Department argued that the president had the authority to issue the order and that its suspension posed risks to the public. The three-judge panel unanimously ruled against reinstating it.
after a federal appeals court unanimously decided to uphold a suspension of his immigration ban executive order. "See you in court," Trump tweeted. (CNBC)



on Twitter about the ban ruling. Her tweet simply read, "3-0," a reference to the unanimous decision by the three-judge panel. (USA Today)



Hundreds of people House Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz at a town hall last night. They said they were upset that the Utah congressman has not investigated Trump for conflicts of interest. (Vox)



The website of the Office of Government Ethics, which helps presidents and the executive branch avoid conflicts of interest, crashed Thursday because of "an extraordinary volume of contacts from citizens about ." (NBC News)



Congressman Tom Price, also a physician, as HHS secretary, in an early Friday morning vote, providing momentum for Republicans to repeal Obamacare. (NBC News)



Trump's barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border would be a series of fences and walls, as much as $21.6 billion, and take more than three years to construct. (Reuters)



en masse today to swear allegiance to the clerical establishment following Trump's warning about putting the Islamic Republic "on notice." (Reuters)



French anti-terrorism forces arrested four people in southern France today, , and uncovered a makeshift laboratory with base ingredients for fabricating a bomb. (AP)



Tesla's (TSLA) Elon Musk claims alleged by an employee of the electric automaker's California branch that workers were underpaid and overworked. (CNBC)



Baby formula giant Mead Johnson (MJN) has agreed to be purchased by U.K. condom maker Reckitt Benckiser for $16.6 billion. Earlier this month, the two said they were engaged in deal talks. (Reuters)



Amazon (AMZN) is moving onto Victoria's Secret's turf, reportedly planning to start selling its own line of competitively priced women's intimate apparel on its U.S. website. (WSJ)



Walt Disney (DIS) has increased its hold on Euro Disney by swapping a 9 percent stake in the French theme park with billionaire Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's investment firm. (Reuters)



Blackstone (BX) is buying for $4.8 billion the employee benefits outsourcing business of insurance broker Aon (AON), a business that processes worker benefits for 15 percent of the U.S. population. (Business Wire)






U.S. President Donald Trump Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images

Donald Trump has set the corporate world abuzz. Some companies fear his tweets. Others gleefully anticipate his proposed tax cuts. All of them, it seems, are anxiously waiting to see how the Trump Era affects their bottom lines.

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To find out about executives' fears and hopes, CNBC reviewed every instance where S&P 500 executives mentioned Trump by name in this quarter's corporate earnings calls  the teleconferences where execs field questions from analysts or reporters. Here are nine especially revealing quotes:

Stephen Alan Wynn, CEO of Wynn Resorts

"Several of us in our business were sitting within 30 feet of President Trump when he took his oath of office on the platform last Friday. We all believe, and I mean all of us, that the most overwhelmingly important event geopolitically for the next 50 years is liaison, a constructive liaison between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America. That truth is undeniable. That dynamic is unquestioned."

Marillyn A. Hewson, CEO of Lockheed Martin

"Basically, President Trump recognizes that the F-35 is a very large program, it's the largest program in the Department of Defense. He wants to make sure... that the American taxpayer is getting the lowest possible cost on the program. And we understand his concerns about affordability, we certainly share that ... And it's not about slashing our profit, it's not about our margins when we have those discussions, it's about how do we get the cost of the aircraft down today and in the future.

Gregory J. Hayes, CEO of United Technologies

"Well, first of all, we've obviously been following the Trump administration closely in terms of what you're talking about on tax reform. And it looks like we're going to ... lower the top rate to somewhere around 20 percent, eliminate the deductibility of interest but also provide for immediate expensing of capital. Also provide for a territorial system which is really good news for us because, as you know, we've got about $6 billion in cash sitting overseas that we can bring back to the U.S. very cost-effectively."

Dennis A. Muilenburg, CEO of Boeing

"President Trump's clearly very focused on enacting policies that will grow the U.S. economy and grow American jobs, and we're very supportive of that. So I'm encouraged by his engagement. His approach to engaging business, having an open dialogue, discussing the issues, finding solutions, finding ways to grow U.S. manufacturing jobs I think are all very positive. And that engagement is a productive approach. We welcome it. We've got a voice at the table."

Nicholas K. Akins, CEO of American Electric Power

"President Trump's focus of enhancing the ability for manufacturing industries to thrive and produce jobs, well, that's AEP's service territory. His focus on a balanced portfolio of energy resources, including fossil fuels, that's also AEP's service territory. So as I said before the election, whether focused on the Clean Power Plan as in Hillary Clinton's proposals or President Trump's proposals, AEP should prosper..."



John S. Watson, CEO of Chevron

"First, in an overall sense, I've been very pleased with the agenda that the Trump administration has. We have seen an avalanche of regulation over the last decade, and putting a much more balanced cost/benefit framework in place to assess the value of those regulations, freeing up infrastructure pipelines, all of that is quite positive for our business, for the country, job creation, and a lot of things. So that is very much a positive."

John J. Ferriola, CEO of Nucor

We are "very encouraged by their discussion about a strong infrastructure bill. Both President Trump and (Democratic) Senator (Sherrod) Brown are speaking about something significant in the neighborhood of about $1 trillion dollars over the next 10 years. That has a significant impact on steel consumption."

Terrence A. Duffy, President of CME Group

I also think what's interesting for 2017 is ... some of the European elections that we're going to see in 2017. As you know, we get a tremendous amount of revenue coming out of Europe. And that is something that, with the elections coming up, I believe in Germany and France this year both, it could be another volatile situation. I'm not saying it's going to be the same as when President Trump was elected, but that's something that we could look at. So I think geopolitical volatility could be definitely in the mix..."

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Despite May's plans to trigger Article 50 in March and begin talks in March for a new U.K.-EU relationship, discussions could be on hold until as late as September, when Germany goes to the polls to choose its new Chancellor, Markus Kuger, senior economist at Dun & Bradstreet, told CNBC.

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May 's resolution to complete Brexit negotiations within a two year timeframe could come back to haunt her as unpredictable European elections look set to push back talks by more than six months, according to one senior economist.

Germany's is the last of three major European elections to take place this year. In March, the Netherlands will select its new leader, followed by France in April.

"There's no point making agreements when the government is changing. If you start negotiations and make tentative agreements with existing governments the incoming parties may not feel bound to it," Kuger said over the phone.

Further time will then be needed at the end of the two year negotiation period in order to ratify any new arrangements.

This will leave May with just over a year to commence and confirm new agreements with the EU before her self-imposed deadline of March 2019, estimates Kuger.

This is a tall order, making it "highly unlikely" that a suitable deal will be reached, according to Kuger, especially given that similar agreements, such as the CETA deal between the EU and Canada, took seven years to complete.

A long break-up



To cope with this, Kuger suggests an "interim arrangement" that will come into force from Q1 2019 until a new deal is enacted. This could last a number of years, he said.

"The problem with an interim period is that the U.K. will have some bitter pills to swallow."

These pills may come in the form of a concession to the free movement of people or legislative limitations for an extended period, according to Kuger.

The EU will have a vested interest in allowing a transition period and upholding its relationship with the U.K., but it will be a fine balance to strike as it looks to secure the future of the economic bloc.

"If Brexit is a success there are other countries like Finland and the Netherlands that have become increasingly hostile to the EU," he said.

"Once we see big countries leaving, like Italy and France, we will see the collapse of the EU."
The U.S. needs better trade deals and if that means walking away from the World Trade Organization to make that happen, President Donald Trump may do just that, a former Trump trade advisor told CNBC on Friday.



Dan DiMicco, former president and CEO of Nucor, said China has not lived up to the promises it made when joining the WTO and no one is holding the country accountable.

"If people are not willing to renegotiate in good faith and promote fair trade  then [Trump] will have some tough decisions to make and I think he's up to the challenge of whatever he believes is necessary to make sure we get fair negotiations and fair treatment in these world bodies, including walking away," DiMicco said in an interview with "Power Lunch."

The WTO, formed in 1995, consists of a set of trade agreements negotiated and signed by its members. Those policies support free trade of goods and services across borders and oppose governments attempting to protect national industries with subsidies and taxes on imports.

However, critics believe countries like China have been unfairly allowed to reap benefits without cutting back on their own protectionist policies, to the harm of other members like the United States.

"President Trump, during his election run, made it very clear that if we cannot get the WTO to enforce the rules that everybody agreed to when they joined up, that the WTO will have lost its effectiveness and we will re-evaluate whether we even belong to the WTO or not," said DiMicco, who served on Trump's trade transition team.

Trump had his first call with China's president, Xi Jinping, on Thursday evening and agreed to honor China's "one China" policy.

 CNBC's Evelyn Cheng and Lori Ann LaRocco contributed to this report.



CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Nucor.
The United States will have a stronger relationship with Japan than in the past, but there is also the probability it is heading toward a confrontation with China, prominent geopolitical expert Ian Bremmer told CNBC on Friday.

President Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday and spoke with China's president, Xi Jinping, on Thursday evening.

"The likelihood of the United States ending up with meaningfully better relations with some of our closest allies  is significant. I think the likelihood that the U.S. ends up in direct confrontation with other countries in the world is also significant," the president of Eurasia Group said in an interview with "Power Lunch."

Bremmer said that Stephen Bannon, Trump's chief strategist, believes a direct conflict between the U.S. and China is inevitable. "I don't happen to believe that. But if you do believe that, you absolutely want that conflict to come earlier, when the United States is much more powerful than China, than later on when they have the largest economy in the world."

He said, "It's an enormously risky logic. It's one the markets are going to throw up all over, but it's not that these people are assertively stupid. I just happen to think it's wrong."

Meanwhile, Trump's meeting with Japan's prime minister was a "win" for Trump, said Bremmer.

The meeting between the two leaders comes after Trump pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would have created a 12-country Pacific Rim free-trade bloc, including Japan.

"Abe has made a significant decision that he's going to bet on the United States no matter what," he said. "I think that the Abe relationship, the Japan relationship, is set up to be warmer under Trump than it actually has been under Obama."

In fact, Bremmer is confident that there will eventually be a bilateral free trade agreement between the U.S. and Japan.


Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe speaks to reporters following a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump November 17, 2016 in New York City.

Drew Angerer | Getty Images
The real reason why Nordstrom won't be able to go very far with any possible legal action against the president is because the existing slander and libel laws just won't support them. First off, for such a lawsuit to be successful, the plaintiff must prove that it's suffered in some real and financial way. So far, with so many celebrities and other groups vowing to start buying more at Nordstrom stores this week, the chain may end up gaining financially from the Trump attack. And even if that doesn't quite happen, anyone who covers the retail industry knows that it's often hard to really pinpoint the cause of declining sales. Retail chain earnings reports are infamous for playing games with excuses for weaker numbers, including simultaneously blaming good and bad weather for discouraging shoppers during the same quarter!

But it goes further than that. James Nuzzo, a legal scholar and founder of The Colchester Group consulting firm, took a closer look at President Trump's tweet and noticed something very important was missing: Specifics. All the tweet accuses Nordstrom of "doing" is being "very unfair," Nuzzo points out. Any lawsuit the company brings against Mr. Trump would have almost no chance of success. Moreover, the U.S. Supreme Court has gone further in recent decades to make it even more clear that only factual misrepresentation, in other words specific lies  not opinion  would be considered libel or slander. And the tweet almost seems to have been crafted very wisely with that precedent in mind. Someone saying another person or company is "unfair" is almost the definition of an opinion as "fairness" cannot really be defined legally or otherwise. In short, don't expect President Trump to get a slap on the wrist or any other kind of slap from the courts over this.

Congress is a different matter. A much stronger argument could be made that Congress could officially censure President Trump for his conduct connected to the tweet against Nordstrom and several others like it that specifically attacked or demeaned businesses and individuals.

However, as long as Congress overall and entities like the House Oversight Committee are controlled by Republicans, that scenario is also unlikely. President Trump may not have strong approval ratings overall, but he remains popular enough to keep his fellow Republicans from jumping ship en masse. Throw in the fact that Trump won the overwhelming majority of the states where Senate seats are up for grabs in 2018, and you realize that both Republican and Democratic candidates are going to have to be careful about how they attack and challenge the White House. That doesn't mean that this Nordstrom incident couldn't come back to harm the Trump administration in the long run, but the political map of Washington and those 30 red states that President Trump won in November will have to change first.

That brings us to Conway. Her position is simply not as strong as President Trump's, but the likelihood of her paying a real price for hawking Ivanka's products is also remote. Ethically, Conway is on shaky ground by making such a specific and brazen call for consumers to buy Ivanka's clothing line. There is a rule in the Code of Federal Regulations that states a federal employee shall not use his or her office "for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise."(The president and vice president, incidentally, are exempt from this rule.)
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Americans will likely have to file their taxes before they see President Donald Trump 's tax plan passed. Trump on Thursday told airline executives he will announce something "over the next two or three weeks that will be phenomenal in terms of tax." The statement helped to boost stocks because the prospect of lower taxes has fueled hopes for rising corporate profits. Optimism about tax reform had waned in the early days of his presidency as Trump focused on other actions like immigration. Still, those hoping for tax reform will likely have to wait months, at least, for it to get done. Due to the congressional budget process and political realities, Trump may not sign tax policy into law until late this year or even next year, experts said. "The chances for tax reform happening are the highest they've ever been, but they still have their work cut out for them," said Marc Goldwein, senior vice president and senior policy director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan organization that studies fiscal policy.

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with county sheriffs in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, February 7, 2017. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images

Where tax reform stands

Trump made across-the-board tax cuts on individuals and businesses a key plank of his campaign, and that  along with pledges to roll back regulations  gave Wall Street hopes for climbing corporate profits. When Trump won the White House and Republicans kept the House and Senate, a tax-reform plan became more likely than it has been in decades. Trump said he planned to cut income tax rates and slash corporate taxes from 35 percent to 15 percent. A Tax Policy Center estimate said his proposal would add $7.2 trillion to the national debt over a decade. House Republicans also have a tax plan that partly overlaps with Trump's but contains some key differences, including a 20 percent corporate tax rate and a border adjustment provision. Asked on Sunday if Americans should expect a tax cut this year, Trump said he was optimistic. "I think so, yes," Trump told Fox News. "And I think before the end of the year I would like to say yes." The process of accomplishing that is complicated. A straight tax cut could happen by January, but true tax reform could take well into 2018, said Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center, a Washington think tank that is a joint venture of the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute.

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A tax cut drops the rate paid and reduces the amount of money going to government. Tax reform can come in several forms, but essentially it means shifting the burden from one set of groups to another. A "revenue neutral" plan means that tax cuts are offset by closed loopholes. A tax cut, rather than tax reform, would largely require less wrangling by lawmakers and stakeholders like corporations, and could get passed more quickly, Gleckman said.

How it could happen

Republicans have indicated that they want to focus on repealing most of the Affordable Care Act before they turn to tax policy. Many GOP members of Congress favor having a replacement for the ACA in hand before repeal. "It's just the way the budget works that we won't be able to get the ability to write our tax reform bill until our spring budget passes, and then we write that through the summer," House Speaker Paul Ryan recently told Fox News' "Fox and Friends." That means tax reform plans may not even start to get serious attention in the GOP-controlled Congress until the summer or fall. Republicans, who have 52 seats in the Senate, have signaled they want to use a process called reconciliation to pass legislation to repeal and replace the ACA and implement tax reform.

Democrats in a Senate that has become entrenched in bitter partisanship in the early days of Trump's presidency likely will not support the health care and tax changes. Therefore, the GOP will try to use a process that requires 51 votes rather than 60. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Congress will use fiscal year 2017 reconciliation for the ACA, popularly known as Obamacare. The fiscal 2018 reconciliation, which could come later this year, will focus on "a comprehensive tax plan" for both the "business side and individual tax rates," Spicer said. A provision in budget reconciliation would not allow an ACA repeal and tax reform in one fiscal year. Even though repealing Obamacare is the priority, Republicans have yet to craft a replacement plan. "My guess is that next year is the earliest we'll see a big tax bill, and a lot of that depends on how much progress they make replacing Obamacare, which was a higher profile campaign promise than tax reform," said Robert Bixby, executive director of The Concord Coalition, a nonpartisan organization that promotes fiscal responsibility. Republicans also will have to hash out disagreements among themselves about how best to structure tax policy. The most prominent discussion so far has centered around so-called border adjustment. The proposal in the House GOP plan would put a 20 percent tax on imported goods. The border tax would coincide with slashing the corporate tax rate to 20 percent. Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., urged colleagues Wednesday to reject the provision, saying it is "regressive, hammers consumers, and shuts down economic growth." Other GOP senators  including Mike Lee of Utah and John Cornyn of Texas  also have expressed skepticism about the plan. The White House has appeared to warm to the idea somewhat, floating a 20 percent tax on Mexican imports as a possible method to pay for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border that could cost an estimated $21.6 billion. Goldwein said that issue is "likely just the first of many discussions" that will take place during what will be a "hard process." Democrats also have raised concerns about how tax changes could affect different income groups. Analyses of Trump's campaign plans said they would help wealthy taxpayers more than the middle class, though Trump's Treasury Secretary nominee Steven Mnuchin has said that will not happen.

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ONONDAGA, N.Y.  Upstate Medical University has formally opened its cord-blood bank, which is located at its Community campus at 4910 Broad Road in Onondaga.

The $15 million, 20,000-square-foot facility includes a processing laboratory and cryogenic-storage containers that can store nearly 14,500 units of cord blood.

It is one of two public cord-blood banks in New York, meaning it doesnt charge a fee for a cord-blood donation and donated cord blood is available to anyone who needs it, Upstate Medical said in a news release.

The bank will collect, test, process, store and distribute umbilical-cord blood that families throughout central and northern New York can donate for use by those in need of life-saving medical treatments and in medical research, Upstate Medical said.

Upstates Community campus, the former Community General Hospital, is home to Upstates obstetric services, the medical school said.

Funding for the project is made possible by a $15 million grant that New York State Sen. John DeFrancisco (RSyracuse) secured, Upstate Medical said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com

PHOTO CAPTION: Upstate Medical University on Thursday formally opened its $15 million cord-blood bank, which is located at its Community campus at 4910 Broad Road in Onondaga. It is one of two public cord-blood banks in New York, the medical school said. (Eric Reinhardt / BJNN)
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Billie Holiday, also known as Lady Day, was born to sing her blues in jazzy, sultry tones from coast to coast. Holiday's personal life was tumultuous and the difficulties of poverty and prejudice created a complex backdrop for a sadness she was unable to overcome.

As part of the KiMo Theatre's 90th anniversary celebration, and in partnership with the New Mexico Humanities Council and the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, a free Chautauqua performance will bring Holiday's story to life at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the historic theater.

In Singin' the Blues, Brenda Hollingsworth-Marley stars as Holiday, who was introduced to Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance in the late 1920s. Holiday used her unique singing style to work with Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson, Bessie Smith and a number of other blues and jazz greats of her time. Known for her popular hits such as God Bless the Child and All of Me, the memory of Holiday has endured through generations of jazz lovers.

Hollingsworth-Marley is a popular vocalist, having appeared at numerous community, church and jazz events. She is also a storyteller who has performed in many venues including the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the African American Pavilion at Expo New Mexico.

Future Chautauquas include Music from the Ranch and the Open Range on March 26; Traditional New Mexico Folk Music on April 23; and Sephardic Jews in N.M. - Stories and Songs on June 25. All performances are on Sunday at 2pm. All are free to attend.



For a complete list of the KiMo's 90th anniversary season of celebration events, visit www.kimotickets.com.

Throughout the year, the KiMo will travel through the decades with trivia, "then and now" posts and "remember when" features. The KiMo invites the community to join in by posting memories and photos on social media using #KiMo90. Back in 1937, the KiMo screened Green Light starring Errol Flynn and Anita Louise. Also that year was the Fall Fashion Revue presented by the National Garment Co., Paris Shoe Store and Jack Lawler's Beauty Salon.


What to know about daylight saving time 2022 in Missouri
The outcome of the annual H-1B visa lottery is immigration's Groundhog Day. It's the same result year after year, as the large outsourcing firms continue to lead all others in getting H-1B visas.

But this year may be different, because of President Donald Trump.

[ Join the discussion at Computerworld's H-1B & IT Outsourcing group on Facebook. ]

The H-1B lottery favors large firms. In the 2015 fiscal year, for instance, the top 10 firms received 38% of all the H-1B visas in computer occupations alone. All these firms, except for Amazon and to a partial extent IBM, are outsourcers. These large companies have the resources to submit enough visa applications to help ensure they receive a bare minimum of approvals.

The top 20 firms in 2015, which included more of a mix of outsourcing and technology firms, accounted for 46% of all the computer-occupation visas. This is according to data recently received by Computerworld from a Freedom of Information Act request to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (See full chart, at the end of the story.)

The U.S. received a total of 172,500 applications for H-1B visas in the first week of April 2014,when the U.S. accepted new petitions for the 2015 fiscal year that began October 1. The government held a random lottery and then rejected about 87,500 visa petitions because they exceeded the 85,000 H-1B visa cap.

Who didn't get a visa? The companies most hurt by the random H-1B distribution system are those that submit only a few applications. Many are smaller firms. There were approximately 9,100 entities that received H-1B visas for computer-related jobs in fiscal year 2015. Of that number, more than 5,000 had just one H-1B visa approved.

Now, however, the Trump administration wants to improve the ability of U.S. tech companies to secure a visa. It hasn't detailed its plans, but has broadly said it wants a system aimed at the "best and brightest."

Trump's position on the H-1B visas has deep roots in his administration.

Trump's just-confirmed attorney general, former Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), held several hearings over the last two years on the H-1B visa's impact on IT workers, and he helped Trump develop his immigration platform.

Sessions was the first U.S. senator to endorse Trump for president, and a former aide of Sessions, Stephen Miller, is now a top domestic policy adviser in the Trump White House.

Sessions drew attention to offshoring at Disney, Southern California Edison and Northeast Utilities (now Eversource), among others. The hearings organized by Sessions gathered data and testimony that the Trump administration may now use to argue for H-1B reform.

The tech industry wants the 85,000 H-1B visa cap raised. That's how industry groups would fix the problem. But that's not the Trump administration's approach.

Instead, the Trump administration is hinting at changes that may end the random lottery distribution and replace it with a merit system. It could distribute visas based on wages or whether a visa holder was educated in the U.S. It could favor non-dependent H-1B companies -- a legal definition for firms that have less than 15% of their staff on the visa -- over dependent firms, which includes all the all the large offshore firms.

These changes are worrisome to large offshore outsourcing firms, but to those in India in particular. NASSCOM, India's large IT industry group, is trying to meet this month with Trump administration to make its case.

R. Chandrasekhar, NASSCOM president, says he doesn't have a problem with the administration trying to protect employment opportunities for U.S. workers, provided that whatever changes are made "are applied uniformly."

A split on the visas that favored non-dependent firms over H-1B dependent firms would be, says Chandrasekhar, "highly discriminatory."

"We are fully aware of the skills shortage that exist in the U.S.," said Chandrasekhar, "so we don't think that the employment opportunities for qualified Americans are being affected."

But Trump's new attorney general has repeatedly argued that there is no skills shortage.

"The sad reality is that not only is there not a shortage of exceptionally qualified U.S. workers, but across the country thousands of U.S. workers are being replaced by foreign labor," said Sessions, one year ago this month.

The offshore firms are trying to adjust. Cognizant Technology Solutions told financial analysts on a recent earnings call that is boosting its U.S. hiring, and said it hired 4,000 citizens and permanent residents last year. But it was not clear how many the company now employs in the U.S.

Some of the people hired by Cognizant are "rebadged," or transferred from their original employer. IT workers at Cengage Learning in Mason, Ohio were shifted to Cognizant in 2015 and have been training workers in India. Some are now worried they are getting laid off, said one worker who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"People are upset" about "what's happening to our country and our jobs," said this IT worker. "I hope he [Trump] can do something about these visas because this is where the middle class is losing their jobs."

It remains to be seen whether changes to the H-1B program will fundamentally impact offshore outsourcing.

David Rutchik, executive managing director of business transformation and outsourcing at advisory firm Pace Harmon, believes that additional restrictions on H-1B visa use will have a "measured" impact on the industry.

Restrictions may prompt more U.S. hiring by outsourcing firms, but that "is something we think makes sense for their businesses anyway and should make them more competitive," he said. It "would be a direct, positive impact of the revised visa provisions," said Rutchik.

Conversely, the providers may also push more work offshore and try to eliminate U.S. jobs altogether. The offshore firms may rely more on robotic processes and artificial intelligence, he explained.

"Yes, they would likely hire more U.S. nationals, push more offshore, and accelerate automation efforts, but those would all be incremental modifications in the grand scheme of things," Rutchik said.

Top companies with new H-1B visas in FY 2015

Company Total Tata 4588 Cognizant 3778 Accenture 3227 Wipro 3034 Infosys 2763 IBM 1893 Mahindra 1495 HCL America 1222 Syntel 1061 Amazon 1012 Microsoft 872 Google 790 Larsen and Toubro 536 Deloitte 530 Capgemini* 530 IGATE* 508 Mindtree 454 Oracle 387 Facebook 363 UST Global 282 Source: Computerworld analysis of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. Data cover new H-1B applications approved for computer-related jobs from Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2015. Data for subsidiaries and multiple versions of one company's name have been combined as much as possible, but some duplicates likely remain in our cleaned data set.



* IGATE was acquired by Capgemini in July, 2015. Combined, the two companies had 1,038 new applications approved.

In addition to the general Computerworld social media pages listed below, you can comment specifically about H-1B and other IT outsourcing issues at our H-1B and Outsourcing Facebook group, tweet to Patrick @dcgov and Sharon @sharon000 or email them at pthibodeau@computerworld and smachlis@computerworld.com.
Intel realizes there will be a post-Moore's Law era and is already investing in technologies to drive computing beyond today's PCs and servers.

The chipmaker is "investing heavily" in quantum and neuromorphic computing, said Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel, during a question-and-answer session at the company's investor day on Thursday.

"We are investing in those edge type things that are way out there," Krzanich said.

To give an idea of how far out these technologies are, Krzanich said his daughter would perhaps be running the company by then.

Researching in these technologies, which are still in their infancy, is something Intel has to do to survive for many more decades. Shrinking silicon chips and cramming more features into them is becoming difficult, and Intel is already having trouble in manufacturing smaller chips.

Smartphones, PCs, and other devices are getting smaller, faster and more power efficient thanks to Moore's Law, a 1965 observation loosely stating that the number of transistors in a die area would double every two years, causing performance to double while driving down the cost of making chips.

Intel has been using Moore's Law as a guiding star to make faster and smaller chips and reducing the price of devices. However, it is widely agreed that Moore's Law is slowly dying, and Intel's manufacturing struggles are growing.

For decades, Intel's business has been heavily reliant on its ability to make and deliver chips. But the process is slowing down. Intel used to advance manufacturing processes every two years, and that has now changed to three to four years.

One way to resolve that crisis -- which all chipmakers face -- is to completely change the current computing model in PCs, smartphones, and servers. The current model -- known as the Von Neumann approach -- involves data being pushed to a processor, calculated, and sent back to memory. But storage and memory are becoming bottlenecks.

The answer is to adopt new models of computing, which is where quantum computers and neuromorphic chips fit in. Quantum computers have the potential to be powerful computers harnessing the unique quality of a large number of qubits to perform multiple calculations in parallel. Neuromorphic chips are modeled after the human brain, which could help computers make decisions based on patterns and associations.

Intel has made some advances in quantum computing and neuromorphic chips. But Krzanich's comments lend more credibility to the company's push to look at a future beyond today's computing models.

Some short-term answers can resolve the bottlenecks based on Von Neumann model, including Optane, Intel's new form of super-fast memory and storage. It could unite SSDs and DRAM in systems, cutting one bottleneck. Intel is also embracing silicon photonics, which could resolve throughput issues in data centers. Both technologies have researched for more than a decade and are now practical.

The chipmaker has lived off the PC industry for decades but is now looking to grow in markets like data centers, the internet of things, automotive and high-performance computing. The new focus is bringing a gradual change to the way Intel makes chips. It's similar to the 1970s, when different types of chips like vector processors and floating point arrays were crammed together for complex calculations.

For example, Intel is slapping together two separate functional blocks for applications like machine learning and autonomous cars. Intel envisions FPGAs combining with CPUs in autonomous cars. Later this year, the company will release a chip called Lake Crest, which combines a Xeon server CPU with deep-learning chip technology it picked up through its Nervana Systems acquisition. Intel is also merging an FPGA inside an Intel Xeon chip to carry out machine learning tasks.

Intel is expecting a lot of data to be generated by sources like autonomous cars, which will need edge processing for tasks like image recognition, analysis, and map updates. Intel is pushing its wide roster of co-processors to the edge, and that is where the quantum and neuromorphic chips may fit.

Quantum computer research is also being done by other companies. D-Wave recently released a 2,000-qubit quantum computer based on quantum annealing, while IBM has a 5-bit quantum computer accessible via the cloud. IBM is also playing with brain-like chips and has benchmarked its TrueNorth chip, which has a million neurons and 256 million synapses.

Academic institutions like the University of Heidelberg in Germany, Stanford University, and the University of Manchester in the U.K. are also working on neuromorphic chips. HPE has shown a computer that emulates the human brain, and it intends to adapt ideas from that for servers.
Iain Dale is Presenter of LBC Drive, Managing Director of Biteback Publishing, a columnist and broadcaster and a former Conservative Parliamentary candidate.

I suppose you should try everything once, just to see if you like it. So it was in that spirit that I accepted an invitation to go to the Conservatives Black & White Party on Monday evening at the Battersea Evolution. Note that its degenerated from a ball to a party. No dinner jackets, either, which if Im honest was one of the reasons I thought Id say yes this year. I hate DJ events.

I arrived just as the pre-dinner drinks reception was ending. I spotted the Prime Minister and a couple of Cabinet ministers but, otherwise, I was surprised by the fact that I didnt really know anyone there. Perhaps my years outside active politics are beginning to tell.

There were 30 or 40 tables in the cavernous building, but there was ample room for many more. Having said that, we were told this was the biggest event ever. Apparently, there were tables for so-called ordinary party members who were paying just 75 for the privilege of attending.

Boris Johnson was in much selfie demand, but all the MPs and cabinet ministers there only stayed until around 8.15, when a minibus collected them all to go back to the Commons to vote in the Committee Stage of the Brexit Bill. Just as well it didnt crash on the way: imagine the by-elections

The food was unremarkable and not very plentiful. I never understand why anyone in their right minds would have fish as a main course. There were speeches from Patrick McLoughlin and Theresa May, and then an auction conducted by the party treasurer, Lord Leigh. Lets put it this way, hes not exactly in the Jeffrey Archer class of auctioneers. There were several times when I thought he could have got a whole lot more money out of the people who were bidding. Hey ho.

Some people think this event should not take place at all because it is too elitist. Well, there are plenty of people who enjoy such events, and its incumbent on to those who want to abandon it to suggest how the money it raises could be replaced. I have no idea how much the ball raises, but it must be in the high hundreds of thousands, Id have thought. Given that the Labour Party is awash with money at the moment, the Tories need to use every opportunity to keep up with them.

         

It is rumoured that Donald Trump is about to appoint Sarah Palin as US Ambassador to Canada. Quite what the Canadians have done to deserve that is anyones guess. Still, at least she can see the country from her front window, I imagine.

         

So the Article 50 Bill has passed its Commons stages completely intact. I suspect that the Lords wont be able to help themselves, and will amend it in some way, setting up a bit of ping pong between the two chambers. It may be a decision they come to regret.

However, assuming that they dont get too self-indulgent the Bill is likely to get Royal Assent around 8 March, meaning that, in theory, May could trigger Article 50 while attending the EU summit the next day. I see little point in leaving it until right at the end of the month.

         

So, a quiet couple of weeks for Jeremy Corbyn: hes only managed to lose four Shadow Cabinet members. Result!

But theres no doubt that Clive Lewis is a huge loss. Although only elected in 2015, hes seen by many as a real star performer. At last years party conference, he was humiliated by Seumas Milne, who took a section out of his speech on his teleprompter without telling him. He was furious when he discovered what had happened  and wasnt backward in letting people know.

I said at the time that although he will have hated what happened, the incident had raised his profile, and that he would look back on that day in a very different light. His resignation is a bitter blow to the Labour leader. Lewis had been a real Corbyn cheerleader, but hes not stupid and soon saw that Corbyn could never be the leader he wanted him to be.

So what now? Will he now be seen as the king over the water, or will his resignation have damaged his reputation among those all-important 600,000 Labour members. I doubt it, to be honest. Expect him now to spend every possible evening on the rubber chicken circuit, building his support in the party. Many now believe that Corbyn isnt going to last the course, so Lewis is probably better placed than most to succeed. Does he have it in him to lead Labour? On that, the jury is out, but we may well soon find out.

         

I made a mistake on Wednesday evening. Last week, I reported that only seven out of the nine Liberal Democrat MPs supported their leader and voted for the second reading of the Brexit Bill. Norman Lamb and Greg Mulholland abstained.

Well, on Wednesday the LibDems tried to amend the Bill to include a clause allowing a second referendum. Again, only seven out of nine of their MPs voted for the amendment, along with 24 other MPs. So I pointed out that fact on Twitter. Of course, what I had failed to remember was that there would have also been two LibDem tellers, who are not included in the figures. Cue accusations of reporting fake news, and I should have known better.

Well, the latter may be true, but sometimes people just make a genuine mistake. This was one of those times. I decided to apologise on Twitter  which I then did. I also deleted the original tweet, as it was getting a lot of retweet action.

What really then surprised me was the number of people who tweeted their surprise that I had apologised. Perhaps its because on Twitter so few people ever do so when theyve got something wrong.

Ive never had a problem admitting when Im mistaken. Im human. It happens. Yes, at times it can be embarrassing, but I find that few people usually hold it against you, and in many cases think better of you when you do the right thing.
IROQUOIS, Ontario  This month marks the beginning of South Dundas Green Food Boxs second year in service.

Coordinated by Linking Hands Dundas County, the Green Food Box made its return to the municipality in February 2016.

Year two officially began Wednesday, February 8 with 132 Green Food Box units (42 small and 90 large). Green Food Box coordinator Ralph Pulfer was on site in both Iroquois and Morrisburg for the mornings deliveries, as items are packed separately in the two locations.

South Dundas mayor Evonne Delegarde stopped by the Royal Canadian Legion Iroquois branch that morning to congratulate the many volunteers, including lead volunteer Dianne Fawcett, on their hard work and success. Faw-cett has organized several volunteers to arrive for unloading, others for packing, and still more for afternoon dis-tribution and reordering duties.

The number of people willing to volunteer, donating their time and energy to making sure this program is availa-ble in Iroquois, is really quite amazing, Linking Hands coordinator Sandy Casselman said. We also have a core group of very loyal and hard-working volunteers at our Morrisburg location (Community Food Share on Ottawa Street) as well. Without all of our volunteers, we wouldnt be able to offer this program to the residents of Dundas County.

The program offers two bag sizes: small ($10) and large ($15). What makes its way into the bags depends largely on current produce availability and pricing, as well as how many orders are submitted, as the greater number of orders leads to increased buying power. The Green Food Box is available twice per month in Dundas County: pick-up for South Dundas is the second Wednesday of the month, while pick-up for North Dundas is the last Friday of the month.

For more information on this or other Linking Hands projects, phone 613-989-3830 or email at rpulfer@houseoflazarus.com. Information can also be found on our website (linkinghandsdundas.ca) or by fol-lowing us on Facebook (Linking Hands Dundas County).
CORNWALL, Ontario  As part of the upcoming Pink Shirt Day event, Boys and Girls Club of Cornwall/SDG has partnered up with Cogeco TV Cornwall to create something new and exciting for this years celebrations. In hopes of starting a community dialogue about bullying, local students are getting involved in the newest chapter of the event  the Youth Booth project.

Over the next week, Cogeco and Boys & Girls Club will be dropping in at local secondary schools as part of the ongoing venture, which will unpack issues surrounding bullying, and how kindness can help stop the problem in its tracks.

Every year, with Pink Shirt Day, we feel its important to take on an initiative that involves and engages the youth, said Boys & Girls Club of Cornwall/SDG Executive Director, Jacquie Richards. We realized that they had things to say and show, and generally have strong feelings on this topic.

The purpose of the project is to give youth a voice on an issue many face at some point in their lives.

The project will take the team to a combined seven schools within the area, discussing bullying with students from French and English public schools, as well as several Catholic schools. The French portion of the program will air on Cogeco TVs Franco Hebdo.

We thought it was important because at Boys and Girls Club, we offer programs in both languages, said Richards. We work with youth from all the boards, so we wanted to make sure they could all contribute to the project.

Once filming wraps up, Cogeco will compile the footage to create a piece set to air on Pink Shirt Day on Weds. Feb. 22.

We can never assume we know how they feel, or what they think on this topic, said Richards. Were excited to hear their take on it.

CCVS student, Lauren Thomas says that if she could inspire a bully to be kind, she would remind them to put things into perspective. Once you realize that, you understand that you dont need to put others down in order to get ahead or succeed, said Thomas.
CORNWALL, Ontario  Members of CUPE local 4155 were outside La Citadelle on Friday, Feb. 10 as a part of a strike against the Conseil scolaire de district catholique de lEst ontarien (CSDCEO).

CUPE 4155 represents support workers in the French Catholic board including janitors, library and IT technicians, and administrative support staff.

The union began their strike on Tuesday morning after they say that the CSDCEO refused to meet with them.

For their part, the CSDCEO have said that they do not want a labour dispute and have offered to meet with the union on Tuesday, but that they were the ones who were snubbed.

Francois Turpin, Director of Education and Secretary of the CSDCEO claims that there are inconsistencies between what his side has offered CUPE and what they have told their members.

CUPE 4155 President Raymond Giroux has said that his union has done all it can to work with the school board to avoid a strike.

We are faced with an employer that insists on standing alone in the province in its failure to bargain, and so we have arrived at job action, he said. We are ready to return to the table, and weve advised the board of that, but we are still awaiting their call. Our message to parents is this: we would rather be on the job, keeping schools clean and safe. Please call your trustees and tell them you want to see the board back at the table, concluding these talks with a fair deal.

In a conversation with the Seaway News CUPEs Communications Officer Mary Unan said that the union was concerned how staff cuts and an introduction of split shifts for support workers would affect student health and safety at CSDCEO schools.

With split shifts, if a janitor works in the morning, is gone for hours and then returns for their late shift, there is no one to clean up the school or a classroom if a student is sick during that time, she said.

CSDCEO schools have remained open during the strike and the school board has hired replacement workers, a move that Giroux strongly objects.

They had replacement workers hired on the first day of the strike, said Raymond Giroux, President of Local 4155. We see now why they refused to meet with us on Monday, the day before the strike began: they were more interested in hiring contractors to do our jobs, and in renting a bus to deliver their managers past the picket line.
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A 6-year-old boy Jimmy Spagnolo, has been fighting an inoperable brain tumor since he was a few months old. He just finished a year-long round of chemotherapy at the Children's Hospital at Pittsburgh at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on Thursday.

He wore a Superman T-shirt and was excited to celebrate the end of his chemotherapy. As a part of the hospital's chemo tradition, Jimmy rang the chemotherapy bell to celebrate the completion of his session. Ringing the bell signifies the passing of a major life event at the hospital.

Daily Mail reported it was a heartwarming moment, Jimmy busted out a victory dance for the occasion which was caught on video by the hospital's team. In between dance moves he slapped his belly and ran to his mom's arms. It was shared on the hospital's Facebook page on Feb. 3.

The hospital posted a comment along with the video that said "The bell signifies so many emotions - it can signify the sound of tears, strength, fear, courage, doubt, satisfaction, relief and happiness all coming through as one as people around them cheer this accomplishment

Jimmy is from Glenshaw, Pennsylvania and had gone through four rounds of chemotherapy in the past six years. He was diagnosed with optic pathway glioma when he was 4-months-old. It is an inoperable brain tumor.

The treatment was supposedly completed in 2014, but the tumor spots reappeared. They had to resume the chemotherapy treatment again last year.

According to New York Post the video has been viewed more than 270,000 times. The chemotherapy shrunk the tumor but did not completely get rid of it. Doctors said that Jimmy will be able to live with the tumor at this size.

Lacie Spagnolo, Jimmy's mother, posted "There are no words to truly describe the feeling we felt today ... so we will show you instead!!"

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
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A 42-year-old Indian woman from Chennai was distressed when doctors found out that a cockroach literally made a home inside her head. It started when she felt an intense crawling sensation in her right nostril just behind her eyes on Tuesday night.

Selvi was a domestic worker, she assumed at first that she would just be catching a cold. She was rushed to the closest local clinic by her son-in-law where medics flushed her nose and after that she was sent home.

According to Independent she was referred to a second hospital where doctors suspected she might be suffering from a nasal growth. The sensation did not subside until she came to the third hospital where a doctor recommended a scan. Finally the fourth hospital she visited had a specialist that explored her nasal passages with an endoscope.

On Wednesday an Ear, nose and throat specialist MN Shankar at Chennai's Stanley Medical College Hospital said he saw some tiny legs moving inside. The invasive roach had burrowed deep insider her nose, almost to the base of her skull. It was still alive after roughly 12 hours and didn't seem to want to come out.

"I looked further in and almost five centimeters from the tip of the nose I saw something unusual. I realized I was actually looking at the bottom of a cockroach," said Dr. Shankar.

They first tried a suction device but the insect clung to the tissues. The procedure took 45 minutes using a suction and forceps.

Zee News India reported Dr. Shankar managed to extract the cockroach from her skull. The cockroach was intact, still alive and kicking. In his three decades of medical practice it was the first time Dr. Shankar had seen anything like it.

If the cockroach died and was left inside, the woman would have developed an infection. It would have spread to her brain. The woman was absolutely fine, she just felt embarrassed she had a cockroach up her nose.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
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Europe faces risk of new disease outbreaks brought by warm temperatures. Experts warn that it may be difficult to detect and stop as travellers go in and out of the region.

Diseases threatening Europe include dengue, Lyme disease, malaria, West Nile virus and Zika. According to Jan Semenza, head of the scientific assessment for the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in Sweden, the European Union is a hot spot for the emergence of communicable disease.

Lyme disease which is carried by ticks is gaining ground from Russia to Britain to Croatia. Travelers and traders also risk spreading dengue fever in southern European countries like Greece and Italy.

In 2015, 590 million people arrived at the European Union airports. The changing climatic conditions of the region make the diseases able to survive and spread. More than 60 percent of public health outbreak in Europe is driven by globalization and environmental change according to Semenza who spoke at the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London.

Among the countries in Europe, only Britain and Spain claim that their disease surveillance systems are up to track new threats. Most countries said that they cannot handle climate change.

Tracking and predicting disease outbreaks are very important for countries to contain and prevent spread of diseases. Scientists need to have the information where dengue mosquitoes can survive in Europe, during which months and where and when passengers from dengue-outbreak countries arrive in Europe.

One of the most alarming disease threats that Semenza considers is Zika virus. The warming climate in Europe makes mosquito spread easily. In Latin America, the surge in the disease has also coincided with thousands of cases of microcephaly in children whose mothers have been exposed to the virus.

Zika virus is one of the dreaded disease Europe is facing and which the region cannot afford. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the cost of lifetime care for children with microcephaly is at $1 to $10 million each.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare


Calling it the UP governments failure, Aakar Patel, executive director, Amnesty International India, says The governments apparent lack of interest in delivering justice also goes against the spirit of the legal reforms passed in 2013 to end impunity for violence against women.

The new government in Uttar Pradesh, which will take office in March, must ensure that the investigations and prosecutions in all the cases are pursued vigorously without undue delay, and that survivors are provided full reparation, Amnesty demands.

The report is based on Amnestys interview with six of the gang rape survivors at a

Even where the police filed charges  which took between six and 14 months in most cases  the trials did not commence immediately, Amnesty regrets, adding, In three cases, survivors identified and named the men they said had raped them in their FIRs, but then retracted their statements in court.

Some of them later admitted that they had been compelled to do so after facing pressure and threats to their safety and that of their families, and a lack of adequate support and security from the authorities, the report underlines.

Human rights lawyer Vrinda Grover, who has represented the survivors in the Supreme Court, is quoted as saying that while the victims are being told stand up in court in a rape trial, and give evidence, but in the process the victims life, or the life of their children or other family members is put at stake.

Pointing towards state police indifference, the report says, initially it did not invoke Section 376(2)(g) of the Indian Penal Code, which specifically recognizes the offence of rape during communal or sectarian violence, in the FIRs registered in September and October 2013 and February 2014.

There were also delays in filing FIRs, conducting medical examinations and recording the statements of the survivors before a magistrate, the report insists, adding, All seven survivors have received little assistance from authorities in helping them rebuild their lives despite suffering enormous damage to their livelihoods. Amnesty has been in the forefront of criticizing the Government of India for cancelling the foreign funding licenses of several NGOs. In a joint statement, Amnesty International (AI) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) demanded in NOvember that the government should show how these restrictions are necessary and also repeal or amend the FCRA.Calling it the UP governments failure, Aakar Patel, executive director, Amnesty International India, says The governments apparent lack of interest in delivering justice also goes against the spirit of the legal reforms passed in 2013 to end impunity for violence against women.The new government in Uttar Pradesh, which will take office in March, must ensure that the investigations and prosecutions in all the cases are pursued vigorously without undue delay, and that survivors are provided full reparation, Amnesty demands.The report is based on Amnestys interview with six of the gang rape survivors at a briefing on the riots. These victims filed FIRs between July 2016 and January 2017. We are still scared when we leave home, the report quotes one of the survivors as telling Amnesty.Even where the police filed charges  which took between six and 14 months in most cases  the trials did not commence immediately, Amnesty regrets, adding, In three cases, survivors identified and named the men they said had raped them in their FIRs, but then retracted their statements in court.Some of them later admitted that they had been compelled to do so after facing pressure and threats to their safety and that of their families, and a lack of adequate support and security from the authorities, the report underlines.Human rights lawyer Vrinda Grover, who has represented the survivors in the Supreme Court, is quoted as saying that while the victims are being told stand up in court in a rape trial, and give evidence, but in the process the victims life, or the life of their children or other family members is put at stake.Pointing towards state police indifference, the report says, initially it did not invoke Section 376(2)(g) of the Indian Penal Code, which specifically recognizes the offence of rape during communal or sectarian violence, in the FIRs registered in September and October 2013 and February 2014.There were also delays in filing FIRs, conducting medical examinations and recording the statements of the survivors before a magistrate, the report insists, adding, All seven survivors have received little assistance from authorities in helping them rebuild their lives despite suffering enormous damage to their livelihoods.

Amidst indications that the Samajwadi Party (SP)-Congress alliance may win the Uttar Pradesh elections, top UK-based human rights organization Amnesty International has reminded chief minister Akhilesh Yadavs SP government that even three years after Muzaffarnagar riots, no justice in sight for gang-rape survivors. In a report just published by it, Amnesty has said that the UP government has failed to expeditiously investigate and prosecute the seven cases of gang-rape filed after the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots and deliver justice.The report, titled Losing Faith: The Muzaffarnagar Gang-rape Survivors Struggle for Justice, details the cases of seven Muslim women who came forward after the September 2013 riots to report that they had been gang-raped, all by men from the Jat community.Over three years after the riots, the report says, the there has not been a single conviction in any of the cases, adding, Despite changes to Indias laws in 2013 requiring trials in rape cases to be completed without unnecessary delay, trials have proceeded extremely slowly.Particularly taking on the state government and successive central governments for failing to adequately protect the survivors from threats and harassment, which has led them to retract their statements, on one hand, and get adequate reparation, the report states, In all seven gang-rape cases, the police took months to file charges, and even after they did so, trials have proceeded extremely slowly.
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Hey, remember the bureaucratic asshole bad guys from like, every episode of House ? The folks that tell him he can't put a Nazi's heart in a rabbi or whatever it is he's going to do to save his patient's life? Those are ethics consultation teams! And they're not actually the bad guys. We talked to Kenneth, who told us about the summer he spent shadowing one such team at a rural hospital in Virginia, and to two prominent bioethics professors: Northwestern's Dr. Joel Frader, and Loyola University's Dr. Katherine Wasson. They told us ...

4 We're Not There To Pull The Plug On You

An ethics team is a motley crew that might consist of physicians, nurses, social workers, divinity scholars, and attorneys who are on-call (at the request of patients or physicians) to consider the grey areas of modern medicine.

But much like a marriage counselor, the ethicists' recommendations aren't binding; the point is to get everyone in the same room and talking. In fact, there are some creepy precedents for why the advice of the ethicists shouldn't be taken as a prescription: "There was a time, in the 1980s, when congressional and bureaucratic action suggested mandatory ethics panels regarding newborns with various defects," Frader says. "Some hospitals made the decisions of the ethics panels final."

In several cases, life-saving treatment was denied to infants who already had some sort of disability. This only happened with the parent's consent, but it was eventually ruled a civil rights violation.
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Pax8 Mounts Marketing Offensive: Free Automated Campaigns, Co-Branded Materials for Partners

Michael Novinson

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Pax8 has rolled out free automated email campaigns and co-branded data sheets and white papers to its channel partners as part of a marketing push.

The Greenwood Village, Colo.-based cloud distributor said more than 20 solution providers have already signed up for Pax8's new Marketing on Demand program, which was formally launched Thursday.

The program was launched in response to feedback from many small and mid-sized solution providers indicating that they lack the time, resources and budget to devote to marketing, according to Don Jeter, Pax8's director of channel marketing. Pax8 has found that SMB partners are relatively underserved from a marketing standpoint today, Jeter said.

[RELATED: Pax8 Lands Channel Leader From StorageCraft In Push To Double New Partner Additions]

Pax8's initial marketing collateral and campaigns will focus on specific vendors and products since that's the greatest area of channel need, according to Jeremy Yoder, Pax8's vice president of marketing. From there, Yoder said Pax8 hopes to build a regular newsletter and campaigns focused on areas such as social media marketing.

LinkSource IT tested a Veritas-focused email drip marketing campaign with Pax8 during the pilot phase of their Marketing on Demand program, according to Lincoln Christiansen, founder and CEO of the Eugene, Ore.-based Pax8 partner.

Some 100 prospects were contacted as part of the campaign, Christiansen said, and 14 of them engaged with the content that Pax8 provided. A handful of those 14 expressed interest in the product after being contacted by LinkSource, Christiansen said, and the company is currently negotiating with those clients.

The drip marketing effort was a major time-savings over cold-calling, Christiansen said, since LinkSource could focus its energy on those who had engaged with the campaign. Going forward, Christiansen said he plans to have a new LinkSource employee use Pax8's tools to carry out weekly drip marketing campaigns focused on a mix of 50 to 100 new and existing clients.

"Everything I've put in, I get back tenfold," Christiansen told CRN.

The success of this program will be measured by the extent to which it allows channel partners to build a pipeline of prospects, Yoder said, as well as the volume of activity being experienced by Pax8's sales assistance program.

By focusing their marketing-related efforts at the distributor level, partners can oversee one centralized campaign rather than separate initiatives with each vendor, Yoder said.

"We're not doing marketing at a vendor level," Yoder told CRN. "We're doing it across all vendors."

Although other, larger distributors also have marketing programs, Yoder said they often suffer from low adoption due to a complicated implementation process and a lack of attention to the details.

Conversely, Yoder said the people tasked with developing Pax8's marketing campaigns actually have past experience helping MSPs market themselves. Yoder himself had founded an MSP 14 years ago, had to gain sales and marketing knowledge on the fly, and wishes he could have been able to turn to someone like Pax8 to help him out.

In the coming months, Pax8 plans to expand its brand by building a more formal partner community and participating in more industry shows, according to Walsh and Yoder.
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Making the career jump from a Big Apple Circus clown to science wiz may seem odd, but not when Mr. Fish explains it all.

You see, clowns who love doing magic have a good understanding of science. Using some of the basic laws of the universe, clowns (and magicians) have the power to dazzle when, for example, they can keep many plates spinning on poles in unison or pull a tablecloth out from under a pile of plates and cups. (Hint: The former has to do with finding the plates center of gravity, the latter about velocity, friction and inertia.)

Mr. Fish (also known as John Lepiarz, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Madison, N.J.) brings his much-acclaimed Fantastic Forces show to the Palace Theatre in Stamford on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 19.

Forces is being billed as a family show because, as Lepiarz points out, it awes and educates children, while being anything-but-boring for adults. Science should be fun  thats our motto, he said.

I cant tell you how often the parents or grandparents come up to me after the show and they thank me for giving them a refresher course, he said, laughing. And not just in the United States.

A few years ago, he founded his own company, Super Science Circus, which he has taken around North America, as well as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico. In a few weeks, he heads for Amman, Jordan.

More Information Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford. Sunday, Feb. 19, 3 p.m. $12.50. 203-325-4466, palacestamford.org See More Collapse

As part of his show, Lepiarz said he explains to the adults on hand the mechanics of his tricks so they might return home and re-create them with their children. He dons a persona of an older gentleman who seems to embrace a bit of Mark Twain and Albert Einstein. Consequently, his grandpa demeanor is not threatening to kids or adults.

Mr. Fish has several different shows; the one coming to Stamford will focus on the forces of gravity. He said he will use spinning ropes to demonstrate centripetal force; a whirling Australian bullroarer, a musical instrument used in ceremonies by the Aborigines, to demonstrate sound waves; peacock feathers to explain balance and a floating beachball to explain flight.

A graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio, Lepiarz spent some time in his junior year in Bogota, Colombia, as an actor, performing plays in tiny villages about political repression.

Some nights, hed perform to an audience no larger than his own small troupe. Thats when I realized that I didnt want to be an actor, I wanted to be an entertainer, he said.

I am so blessed to be doing this. Were having a great time reinforcing concepts and sharing knowledge all under (the banner) of this amazing world of science, he said.

pasboros@ctpost.com; Twitter: @PhyllisASBoros
BRIDGEPORT  A city councilwoman called on a judge and state prosecutors Friday to overrule a police investigation and show her grandson leniency for his part in an alleged gang shooting in a city housing project.

I have brought (the police) information in the case but no one has done due diligence in the case, Councilwoman Denise Taylor-Moye told Superior Court Judge Robert Devlin as her grandson, 18-year-old Clinton Taylor, stood beside her in the Main Street courtroom.

Police said Taylor was arrested Jan. 26, 2016, after a high-speed chase through the city following a gang-related shooting in the Greene Homes housing project. Police said there were five young men in the car with three guns.

Taylor was charged with attempted first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree assault and gun charges.

On Friday, Taylor was offered a plea bargain of four years in prison, but Taylor-Moye angrily denounced the deal, contending that her grandson was just the driver and had no involvement with the shooting. She also claimed the chase had been slow speed.

Im not saying he doesnt deserve some time for his part, Taylor-Moye told the judge. When I was 25 in New York City, I had a federal case and I was offered 65 years. But some good prosecutor gave me consideration and they gave me 30 months. And when I came out, I became such a great person for society it was unbelievable.

Taylor-Moye did not elaborate.

Motioning to her grandson, she continued, This is the child I raised, and I know I can do the same for him.

Senior Assistant States Attorney Howard Stein told the judge he has a different view of the evidence in the case and is prepared to take the case to trial.

Devlin told Taylor-Moye it is up to her grandson to decide if he wants to take the plea deal or go to trial. The judge continued the case to Feb. 27 for that decision.

If you want to go to trial that should be your decision, Devlin told Taylor.
BRIDGEPORT  Mayor Joe Ganim offered a rationale for opposing an effort to join Hartford and New Haven and designate Connecticuts largest municipality a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants fearful of President Donald Trump.

I dont like the terminology, Ganim said Friday of so-called sanctuary cities. Its been divisive.

Still, he insisted, This is a hospitable city. And Ganim said he would try to work with members of the City Council who are pushing the sanctuary designation, though he offered no promises or specifics.

Ganim made his comments Friday at an appearance with a just-arrived family of Syrian refugees. The photo opportunity capped off a week of the Democratic mayor awkwardly navigating the politics of immigration in age of the Republican Trump.

The White House has pledged to crackdown on undocumented immigrants, many of whom call heavily diverse urban centers like Bridgeport home. Immigrants and their advocates -- over 100 protestors showed up at City Hall Monday  want elected officials to adopt anti-Trump sanctuary policies, like pledging local police are not to act as federal immigration agents.

Our (police) chief is an immigrant, Ganim said Friday of Cuban-born Armando A.J. Perez. Need I say more?

Meanwhile Trump has threatened to strip sanctuary cities of federal aid, which Ganim needs to balance his budget.

Up until Friday Ganim had not, publicly, offered much comment on the sanctuary push in Bridgeport. But behind-the-scenes he and his advisers have been working to convince council members to abandon the effort over Trumps threatened federal cuts.

The mayor only addressed Mondays protesters to scold them for disrupting a regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

Tuesday he used social media to criticize the protesters as out-of-town suburbanites because one photographed by the Connecticut Post lives in Fairfield. It turned out she was director of development and communications at the Bridgeport-based Child and Family Guidance Center, a nonprofit offering mental health support to undocumented immigrants and other low income clients.
Photo courtesy of Lt. Col. Kristine Graham, 103rd Force Support Squadron commander

About 300 members of Connecticut Air National Guards 103rd Airlift Wing will be heading to the Middle East on Saturday for military deployment.

Maj. Gen. Thaddeus J. Martin, the Adjutant General and commanding officer of the Connecticut National Guard, said the wing will be responsible for supporting ongoing Expeditionary Combat Support operations in the Middle East - including tactical airlift, maintenance, security and logistics support.
BRIDGEPORT  On her fifth day in America, Farida Alfaawri and her four children found themselves face-to-face with a mayor and a row of television cameras.

It hadnt been an easy journey, she explained through an interpreter  local businessman and mayoral brother-in-law Nick Khamarji.

They are happy to be here; they know that we are a giving society in the states and theyre happy to be here and they thank everyone very much, Khamarji said, paraphrasing her Alfaawris remarks.

In a room overlooking the snowy streets of Bridgeport, Alfaawri said she and her family fled the civil war in Syria, in which her husband was killed, in 2013. For four years, they lived in neighboring Jordan.

After living as refugees and undergoing more than a years worth of screening by the U.S. State Department, the family booked a flight from Turkey to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for Feb. 7.

That date threaded a needle between President Donald Trumps signing of an executive order temporarily banning all refugees from entering the U.S., and a federal injunction that froze the action.

We were told that (their arrival) was canceled, said International Institute of Connecticut President and CEO Claudia Conner.

Then on Monday, Conners team learned that the family would be coming after all because of the injunction. Alfaawri had three hours to pack.

After finding the family emergency shelter in the guest house of a volunteer in Westport, the institute now turns to the task of finding housing for one year, settling the children into schools, and helping Alfaawri find a job.

Mayor Joe Ganim welcomed the family and offered Alfaawris children a mentorship at City Hall. Some of the refugees smiled at Ganim as he used Arabic phrases in his remarks, such as shookram (thanks) and insha'Allah (hopefully  literally God willing).

Wearing a green hat and sitting next to a refugee family who settled in Fairfield just three weeks earlier, Alfaawri spoke on the second floor of the main IIConn office on Clinton Avenue.

Her two sons, ages 12 and 16, and two daughters, 17 and 20, sat patiently, absorbing the paraphrased statements from City Hall officials, including emissaries from the departments of education and health departments. Occasionally, they flashed nervous smiles.

At one point, Alfaawri stated that she was excited to explore a country that celebrates democracy and human rights (a point that Khamarji did not translate). Then, she asked if her relatives in Jordan and Syria will be lucky enough to come to the U.S. as well.

No one in the room had an answer.
BRIDGEPORT  Reflecting recently on his first year back in office after more than a decade, returned Mayor Joe Ganim said he had to learn to slow down his pace for fresh-faced City Hall staffers.

He was first elected mayor in 1991, and ran Connecticuts largest city until 2003. Voters returned him to City Hall in 2015.

Im coming back thinking this is year 13, right? Ganim said last month. Its year one for everybody else in the office.

Turns out that for Ganim, Year 13 is not just a state of mind. Its reflected in his salary and benefits.

The mayors office recently confirmed to Hearst Connecticut Media that Ganim is being treated as a bridge employee who picked up where he left off when sworn in Dec. 1, 2015, rather than as a new hire starting at the bottom.

If youre Ganim, who already earns $144,000, bridging is a good thing because it means a fatter pension, an annual bonus, cheaper health care and more vacation time.

In 2016 Mayor Ganim started his 13th year working for the city and was bridged to his prior 12 years, his spokesman, Av Harris said.

Starting anew

It is not a new concept. Harris, cited 10 other examples since 1996 -- four in Ganims new administration. He emphasized the mayor received no special treatment.

The city did not say how long each of those other 10 bridged staffers had been gone from the municipal payroll, but anecdotally Ganims 12 years seems to be on the higher end.

Former City Councilwoman Lisa Parziale, who supported Ganims 2015 comeback but has since become a critic, agreed.

Id like to see that that is really legitimate, Parziale said. Theres no way that there should have been that long a gap and he returns as if he never went away. Absolutely not. Theres something wrong here.

But Ganims is also an interesting case given he left office as a felon who had abused the publics trust. He spent seven years in federal prison on corruption charges following his 2003 trial.

Where is the sense of right and wrong? said Bob Walsh, an ex-City Councilman.

The first however many years should be totally forgotten and he should be starting anew, Walsh said.

But that is not the case.

In 2016 Mayor Ganim started his 13th year working for the city and was bridged to his prior 12 years, said Harris. Harris said it was a policy decision made by the administration, based in part on how the state handles the pensions of returning employees, and approved by Bridgeport Personnel Director David Dunn.

Dunn himself is a bridge staffer who has twice left and returned to City Hall.

Bonus!

The designation has plenty of perks, starting with Ganims pension.

He has picked up where he left off and has begun earning new (service) credits, said Harris.

That is the states practice, although returning state employees who are off the government payroll longer than their original tenure lose those earlier pension credits.

Ganims status as a bridge employee also makes him eligible for an annual bonus. Public employees at the state and local level often receive longevity pay - a reward for time served.

In Bridgeport, municipal employees with more than ten years on the job qualify for a longevity bonus of $75 for each year. So, Harris said, Ganim recently received $900 - $75 multiplied by 12 - on top of his $144,000 salary.

And this spring Ganim will also be eligible for a payout of any unused vacation time from 2016. New hires can accrue one week of vacation in their first year. Ganim, thanks to bridging, has four weeks.

His vacation is treated as an employee with 13 years of service, Harris said.

Being a bridge employee also means that Ganim enjoys benefits phased out since his departure in 2003.

In the case of elected and appointed non union staff, their salaries and benefits follow those of the supervisors union.

Ganim pays 25 percent of his medical insurance premium. New supervisors pay 32 percent.

And, Harris confirmed, the mayor, after 15 years in office, will be eligible for post-retirement health care, something else that has been eliminated in the supervisors contract.

The earliest bridge employee Ganim cited is Raul Lafitte, who was bridged in 1996 when he took a job as the public schools head of transportation, a position he still holds.

Finch bridge

Ex-Mayor Bill Finch, whom Ganim unseated in the 2015 Democratic Party primary, was also bridged, according to Harris.

And four of the returned Ganims appointments are also being treated as bridge employees: Deputy Chief Administrative Officer John Gomes, Public Facilities Director John Ricci, City Attorney R. Christopher Meyer and Deputy City Attorney John Bohannon.

A fifth City Hall veteran  Tom Gill, whom Ganim hired to run the economic development office  is so far not among the bridged staff. Gill was previously economic development director between 1976 and 1982.

Finch had actually fired both Gomes and Ricci, though the latter was allowed to retire in exchange for dropping a labor grievance against the city. They, along with Meyer, all advised Ganims 2015 campaign.

The bridging and factoring of longevity, health insurance and pension for Mayor Ganim and other bridged city administration officials has all been done according to city ordinance and labor contracts and there is no special treatment for anyone, Harris said.
WESTPORT  A Staples High School student is facing drug charges after allegedly snorting cocaine in a school bathroom with another student, police said.

Police were called to Staples on Feb. 7 around 1:15 p.m. after security caught Cameron Cleary, 18, and an unnamed juvenile doing cocaine in a bathroom on campus.
For those who don't know the magic and mystery of Chaco Canyonthis Four Corners site has been sporadically inhabited by humans since 10,000 B.C. including by the Anasazi, who culturally influenced an area twice the size of Ireland. These people were incredibly technologically advanced for their time: Certain buildings and roads leading to them were aligned to mirror solar and lunar activity, signifying that they were particularly important, while the larger building structure contained over 650 rooms that were up to four stories high. To learn more about this mysterious area join Anna Sofaer (the researcher who discovered the Sun Dagger site of Chaco Canyon 40 years ago) and research affiliate Rob Weiner for their lecture  The Sun, the Moon and Chaco Canyon , to discuss their recent findings while exploring the Anasazi's relationship to other Mesoamerican cultures and to preview the film, Written on the Landscape: Mysteries Beyond Chaco Canyon. For only $4-$6 this Friday, Feb. 17 , from 7-8:30pm you can pick the minds of these Chaco Canyon experts at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science . (Megan Reneau)

Anna Sofaer and Rob Weiner discuss new evidence of the historical desert landscape that inspired Mesoamericans' remarkable cosmographic expressions of monumental architecture and roads.

The Museum is proud to present Anna Sofaer and Solstice Project research associate Rob Weiner.

An exploration of the Chaco people's complex solar and lunar astronomy, including new evidence of Chaco's dynamic ideological relationship with Mesoamerican cultures through objects such as cacao, scarlet macaws, and copper bells. The Solstice Project's most recent findings suggest that it was the striking formations of Chaco's desert landscape that inspired the culture's remarkable cosmographic expressions of monumental architecture and enigmatic "roads. The evening includes a preview of the Project's new film "Written on the Landscape: Mysteries Beyond Chaco Canyon" and new concepts regarding Chaco's regional influence across an area twice the size of Ireland.

In 1977 Anna Sofaerre discovered the Sun Dagger site, inspiring three decades of research. Through the non-profit Solstice Project, Sofaer has coordinated interdisciplinary teams of astronomers, archaeologists, anthropologists, architects, computer animators and remote sensing experts.Their research has been published in countless scientific articles and is collected in the book "Chaco Astronomy: An Ancient American Cosmology." She produced, directed, and co-wrote the award-winning PBS documentaries "The Sun Dagger" and "The Mystery of Chaco Canyon."

Robert Weiner is a Research Affiliate with the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology at Brown University and a Research Fellow with the Solstice Project. His research focuses on the Chaco culture with particular emphasis on ritual, cosmology, archaeoastronomy, and Native oral traditions.
We must rethink the U.S. response to infectious disease. Here's why.
The Prince of Wales had a meeting this week with representatives of the Duchy of Lancaster which, when he is king, will produce revenue in excess of 16million. His Duchy of Cornwall income is greater, at 19million, but that will pass to William as the next Prince of Wales. My source says: 'The Queen uses the bulk of her Lancaster income to fund Princes Andrew and Edward, Princess Anne, and the various cousins. Will Charles be so generous?'

The Prince of Wales (pictured) had a meeting this week with representatives of the Duchy of Lancaster

Now perched in the Lords, Labour's former firebrand Peter Hain, 66, declares his opposition to Article 50, which formally starts the Brexit process, saying: 'On principle and on conscience, I cannot support something I think will damage the country.' Principled Hain accepted a peerage from Ed Miliband despite having insisted that the House of Lords 'should be at the very least majority elected'.

While Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is considering a number of job opportunities  no big offers have materialised, it seems  his likely successor is ex-assistant commissioner Cressida Dick, 56. She led the team that shot dead innocent 27-year-old Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes on the London Underground in 2005, believing he was a terrorist. His hard-up family received a settlement believed to be about 100,000, the kind of sum the Yard would dish out to an employment tribunal.

Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, 68, says he mistakenly sent a 'slightly intimate' text message intended for his wife, Michele, to brassiere magnate Michelle Mone, 45, recently ennobled by David Cameron. He admits telling Lady Mone that  'in a different life'  he would have sent her the same endearments.

Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, 68, says he mistakenly sent a 'slightly intimate' text message intended for his wife, Michele, to brassiere magnate Michelle Mone, 45 (pictured)

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, who has died aged 45, wrote in 1996: 'I did not go to university, agreeing with Rupert Murdoch that it's 'a place for people who can't get jobs'.' Instead, she took a job at bankers Rothschilds but quit after feeling 'un-stretched', writing a poem to them saying: 'It's like a war, it's like a race; To expand the Rothschild client base; And now it's time to make the tea; How stimulating a job can be. At the end of the day I'm in a mood; I've been so polite when I should have been rude'

Rodney Bewes, 79, who played optimistic Bob to James Bolam's pessimistic Terry in the Sixties TV series The Likely Lads and its Seventies sequel, remains in character. He confided at a Simpson's-in-the-Strand lunch this week that, as a result of throat surgery: 'I haven't had a meal since September. But it's great. I can drink lots of wine without the hassle of eating.'

Aretha Franklin, 74, announces that she's retiring from soul singing to spend more time with her grandchildren. Shouldn't Sir Paul McCartney, also 74, and Sir Mick Jagger, 73, consider doing the same instead of dying their hair and crooning 50-year-old hits for fans on tour?
Nobody will be happier than I if the new programmes prove me wrong. But how my heart shrank with foreboding when the BBC's director of strategy announced this week that the remake of Kenneth Clark's ground-breaking Civilisation series would be 'in many ways the opposite of the original'.

I feel very strongly about this, like many others of my generation, since Clark's art history series had a profound impact on my life.

I was an impressionable 15, going on 16, when the first of its 13 instalments was broadcast in 1969  and it is in large measure because of its mesmerising influence that, almost half a century on, I still like to spend my days off wandering around art galleries and looking at old buildings and artefacts.

Kenneth Clark's (pictured) art history series had a profound impact on my life, writes Tom Utley

Indeed, I can think of only one transformative experience directly comparable to Civilisation's effect on me.

This was on my 19th birthday, when the patron of the French hotel where I worked during my gap year presented me with a bottle of Chateau Latour, vintage 1953  the year I was born.

With my first revelatory sip of that exquisite premier grand cru classe, I suddenly understood what wine bores had been droning on about (although connoisseurs tell me 1953 wasn't even a particularly good year).

Sensual

I saw at once that they weren't such pseuds after all  not all of them, anyway. They were right: there are few pleasures in life more intense than the smell and taste of seriously expensive claret.

In the same way, Clark's series opened my eyes to the sensual pleasure of art, giving me my first proper lessons in how to look at and understand pictures, sculpture, buildings and jewellery.

The difference is that while 44 years of chain-smoking have destroyed my palate, so that I can barely distinguish these days between Chateau Margaux and meths, my pleasure in art has kept on growing.

For this, and much else, I bless the BBC.

But now, up squeaks James Purnell, the baby-faced former Blairite minister who now directs strategy at the Beeb, to insult Clark's memory by sneering at his 'elitism'.

He lets us know we mustn't expect the remake of Civilisation to be anything like the original. No, things are very different at the new, right-on, politically correct, go-ahead, accessible BBC.

'It won't be the Auntie that dispensed culture from on high,' he writes in his blog. 'It will be much more of a thoughtful friend. Prodding us to keep our resolutions, helping us ask and find answers.

'Just as any friendship, it will be mutual. With our audiences asking the questions, helping choose and curate, reflecting and taking part. We can't turn the clock back and we would not want to even if we could . . .' (speak for yourself, matey!).

'We can try, though, to get the best of both worlds  expertise without elitism.' As for the remake itself, for a start it is to be called 'Civilisations' in the plural, which instantly puts a new complexion on the whole exercise. For although Clark touched on other cultures, he made little secret of his belief that nothing produced on other continents could match the sublime achievements of European art  the very essence of what he meant by civilisation.

If my fears about the 2017 series prove well-founded, we must tighten our seat-belts and prepare to be 'prodded' (to borrow Mr Purnell's word) into believing that Third World artefacts are quite as 'valid' a mark of civilisation as anything sculpted by the Ancient Greeks or painted by Piero della Francesca.

Sure enough, Mr Purnell warns us: 'Rather than looking at Western civilisation, we will look at many, and question the very concept of civilisation.'

All I can say is that when my next birthday comes up and you can't decide whether to give me a primitive African wood-carving or the Discobolus of Myron, I'll go for the latter, please, if it's all the same to you.

Indiscreet

Yes, of course Kenneth Clark belonged to the elite. Hugely erudite, he was director of the National Gallery (appointed in 1933, when he was just 30), a trustee of the British Museum and Surveyor of the King's Pictures.

Incidentally, he was also the father of Alan, the womanising Tory MP and wonderfully indiscreet diarist, who was forever looking down his nose at the likes of Michael Heseltine, whom he famously jeered at for being the kind of person who 'bought his own furniture'.

What's more, Lord Clark came from a hugely rich family, had a seat in the Lords, lived in a medieval castle in Kent  and spoke with a cut-glass 'Elexandra Pelace' accent, which sounded immensely posh and old-fashioned even in 1969, when broadcasters still tried to sound like the Queen.

He rolled his Rs luxuriantly 'Barrroque', 'irrrrron rrrrrailings' and when he uttered the words 'which' or 'what', he sounded as if he was blowing out the candles on a cake. Think of Harry Enfield's Mr Cholmondley-Warner, and you'll get the idea.

Mr Purnell is also right when he suggests Clark 'dispensed culture from on high'  if by that he means told viewers why he thought particular artworks important, interesting or beautiful.

But that didn't stop him from being a television natural, with a wonderful turn of phrase, completely at ease in front of the cameras. Without ever talking down to his audience, he had a gift for holding the attention  even that of a 15-year-old boy.

No wonder his series was a smash hit in more than 60 countries.

Simon Schama revealed his inner, crashing snob when he blew a gasket at an advocate of tighter border controls

So what if he was an elitist?

I mean, look who's talking, Mr Purnell (Oxford, Whitehall and the BBC).

Indeed, elitism has only become a dirty word since you and your fellow members of the gilded political class came along, sharing out handsomely paid jobs among yourselves and pursuing a politically correct agenda all of your own.

Eccentric

And look at the three presenters who have been chosen to anchor the 'non-elitist' Civilisations.

Since he has yet to cross my radar, I reserve judgment on David Olusoga, who is described as a British-Nigerian historian specialising in race and slavery.

For the moment, suffice it to say I'll be surprised if his favourite paper is something other than the Guardian.

But as for the others, I feel I've already seen quite enough of the wobbly-headed historian Simon Schama and the eccentric Cambridge classicist, Professor Mary Beard  the one with the long straggly grey hair and trainers.

Coincidentally, both have been in trouble over outbursts on BBC1's Question Time, when they showed themselves to be elitists in the modern, derogatory sense of the word.

In both cases, the subject under discussion was mass immigration  of which, needless to say, these trusty BBC veterans heartily approved.

First to find herself in hot water was Professor Beard, who outraged an audience in Lincolnshire by loftily telling them that a study had proved immigration did their area nothing but good.

Next, Schama revealed his inner, crashing snob when he blew a gasket at an advocate of tighter border controls. Reaching for the strongest word of abuse in his vocabulary, he denounced the panel member who had dared disagree with him as 'suburban'  thereby insulting the great majority of the population who, like me, live in suburbs.

How can Mr Purnell seriously represent this duo  with or without Mr Olusoga's help  as warriors against elitism? Aren't they the living embodiments of the we-know-best, patronising attitudes of the BBC and today's political class?

Stand by, anyway, for endless shots of the presenters talking to the camera, prodding away at us to reach politically correct conclusions about art and culture, when we would rather be looking at the artworks.

As I say, I pray I'm wrong. But I bet they won't be a patch on Kenneth Clark.
This has officially been NHS week at the BBC. The Corporation has devoted its vast resources (it employs more journalists than all of Fleet Street put together) to examining the state of the countrys health service.

And surprise surprise, every day it has carried stories hammering its message home: that the NHS is on its knees  and desperately needs more money.

There is no doubt that the NHS has profoundly serious problems. But is it right that the State-funded BBC  which is supposed to be neutral in its reporting  should be so one-sided in judging another State-funded body?

Even the NHS said yesterdays story claiming that January was the worst month in A&E departments for 16 years painted an unfairly negative picture (stock image)

Even the NHS said yesterdays story claiming that January was the worst month in A&E departments for 16 years painted an unfairly negative picture.

One question, however, is never asked by the BBC. Where, with Britains 1.5trillion debt, is the money going to come from to solve the NHSs problems?

Glaringly absent has been any serious discussion about alternative systems in other countries which combine State funding with social insurance  many of which have better outcomes than ours.

Also ignored has been any examination of the enormous strain the hundreds of thousands of migrants who arrive in this country every year place on our public services  particularly hospitals.

But why would one organisation entirely reliant on billions of pounds of taxpayers cash be interested in asking serious questions about how another is funded?

The Mail admires much of the NHS and the people who work in it in difficult circumstances. But we also need a serious debate about how to financially safeguard its long-term future.

The BBCs NHS week signally failed to engage in that debate.

Listen to Lord King

During the EU referendum campaign he largely stayed out of the debate. But the interventions since by former Bank of England Governor Lord King have been profoundly telling.

Almost alone, he was a voice of calm optimism in the weeks after June 23, when so many economists were predicting imminent Armageddon.

His latest speech is no less perceptive. He drew a parallel between the contemptuous treatment of Brexit supporters by our liberal political classes to Hillary Clintons description of Trump supporters as a basket of deplorables.

Lord King (pictured) was a voice of calm optimism in the weeks after June 23

As he rightly observes, anyone who contemplated voting leave was branded ignorant, stupid or racist. For those oh-so right-on Remainers, who are so quick to demonise those who disagree with them, his words should be required reading.

And is it too much to hope his successor, Mark Carney, who so disgraced himself by becoming an agent of Project Fear, might learn a thing or two from this giant of Threadneedle Street?

What are they hiding?

One excellent idea for health service reform was to require consultants to declare their earnings from private practice  a not unreasonable request given taxpayers pay their NHS salaries.

Predictably, this sensible proposal faced a swift and hysterical backlash from doctors representatives who claimed it was a smear on their members reputations. It has now been abandoned.

The merits of a register are self-evident: it would reveal who is earning large sums from private work, and check they are doing their day job properly.

For most doctors, it would have dispelled any suspicion they were making junior colleagues cover for them so they could enrich themselves from private practice.

The Mail cant help feeling that a little transparency is nothing to worry about, unless youve got something to hide.
Every A-lister knows the power of a Hollywood makeover and the experts tasked with getting stars red carpet-ready for the BAFTAs claim it takes just two hours to transform the average woman into a siren.

The BAFTAs marks the most important date in the British acting calendar and will see the most celebrated names in Tinseltown fly into London hoping to win a gong. Stars including Emma Stone, Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep will dazzle on the red carpet - but you can be sure they didn't step out of bed looking that picture-perfect.

Indeed, it requires an army of experts, from make-up artists to nail technicians who work like a well-oiled machine to ensure the stars are ready for their close ups.

So can the team behind the scenes transform an average woman into a Hollywood siren? We sent Deni Kirkova, 25, from London, backstage at The Savoy Style Suite - where the stars go before hitting the red carpet - for a 6,000 makeover to find out. Here's how she got on...

We sent Deni Kirkova, 25, from London, backstage at The Savoy Style Suites - where the stars go before hitting the red carpet - for a 3,000 makeover to find out if the average woman really can be transformed into a Hollywood siren. Deni, left, before, and, right, after, was thrilled with the results

The stars call on an army of experts, from make-up artists to nail technicians who worked like a well-oiled machine to ensure the stars are ready for their close ups. Deni was given access to the elite team

Deni was escorted to the plushest suite in the Savoy and was immediately whisked off into the miniature hairdressing grotto of Ken O'Rourke

Atelier Swarovski, Charles Worthington and Lancome worked their magic on me in a fancy suite at the famous Savoy hotel in London, giving me a real taste of things to come for the real film stars on the big night.

STEP ONE: HAIR

I arrived at the plushest suite in the Savoy and was immediately whisked off into the miniature hairdressing grotto of Ken O'Rourke, session stylist and brand ambassador for BAFTA sponsor, Charles Worthington.

Ken has tended to the tresses of a myriad of stars and is set to coif Leading Actress nominee Amy Adams' locks to perfection on Sunday.

Deni, left, before, and, right, after, visited Ken O'Rourke, session stylist and brand ambassador for BAFTA sponsor, Charles Worthington

Ken has tended to the tresses of a myriad of stars and is set to coif Leading Actress nominee Amy Adams' locks to perfection on Sunday

So does he have any inspiration for Amy Adams' look yet? 'I have no idea yet. She's very good, very open and lets you go with what you think will look good,' he said of the star

Ken O'Rourke is getting set to tend to the tresses of Amy Adams, left, and has worked with Rooney Mara in the past, right

'I'll get to see the dresses, if not a photograph, the night before,' says Ken.

'You discuss what you're going to do the night before the actual event and see how the star is feeling. There's often input from the stylist. Then I'll come back and say that will or won't work hair-wise.

'One thing's for sure - it's never last minute.'

Last year Ken did Rooney Mara's hair (she wore a big metallic headband and woven chignon). Ken predicted the huge fashion trend for embellishments in hair and bejewelled many tresses on the BAFTA red carpet last year.

This year, Ken says it's going to be about braids  soft, sexy, modern  and different variations on that theme. 'I also think we'll see lots of texture with shine,' he says. 'The polished pony will be huge, with the sleek and shiny bit being on the scalp, while the pony is textured.'

So does he have any inspiration for Amy Adams' look yet? 'I have no idea yet. She's very good, very open and lets you go with what you think will look good.'

HOW TO CREATE DENI'S TEXTURED PONYTAIL 1. Section ear to ear across the crown 2. Brush the remaining hair away from the section and put the rest into a sleek ponytail 3. Backcomb the rest of hair from underneath with a comb. Ken uses a Japanese comb called YS Park 4. Gently tease the rest of the hair over a sleek pony. Ken says: 'I just use my fingers' 5. On the pony, just to give it that oomph, add Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce texturising spray. On the piece at the front (fringe) add Diamond Shine All Over Gloss, then the hairspray Advertisement

STEP TWO: MAKEUP

I sat down in the chair of Maja Rikner, senior makeup artist with Lancome.

We discussed my makeup look for the dress and hair and decided on a bronzed Latina siren look, like J.Lo  very soft and natural colours such as browns and nudes but with some contouring and glitz.

She used a new foundation on me, which she's planning to use on all the celebrities, too.

Deni's next port of call was Maja Rikner, senior makeup artist with Lancome, who contoured her skin and gave her sexy smoky eyes to rival J-Lo

Maja decided on a bronzed Latina siren look, like J.Lo  very soft and natural colours such as browns and nudes but with some contouring and glitz

HOW TO GET DENI'S FLAWLESS MAKEUP LOOK Skin Start with a clean face and cover with an oil-free primer Apply Teint Idole Ultra Wear and a concealer in a slightly lighter shade, to blend a slight contour around the eyes. This will help to brighten them and pick up colour from the decollete area Add a blush in a natural fresh shade Eyes Use a deep, smokey eyeshadow in brown hues. Use the darkest colours on the eyeline and in the socket, with a gold hue directly on the lid and a lighter shade on the browbone and inner corners Carefully draw on a winged effect using liquid eyeliner Add a slick of mascara Lips Mia used two shades of lipliner  the darker to line and the lighter to fill the lips She added a dab of lip balm for softness Advertisement

STEP THREE: JEWELS

Atelier Swarovski presented their latest collection and consulted me on what would suit my fashion and beauty look.

We decided on the brand new Lavin collection - one of the first brands Swarovski collaborated with 120 years ago.

I went for the Cristoux Deco drop earrings and cocktail ring in the Golden Shadow colourway, which come in at just under 300 each.

The clutch I wore, did, however, come in at a whopping 1,200.

The brand is set to loan jewels to all the biggest stars for this weekend's BAFTAs.

Atelier Swarovski presented their latest collection to Deni, as they will to the stars, and consulted her on what would suit her fashion and beauty look

Deni went for the Cristoux Deco drop earrings and cocktail ring in the Golden Shadow colourway, which come in at just under 300 each. The clutch was a whopping 1,200

THE VERDICT

Two hours later, as I slip into my 80 satin gown from Hope & Ivy and a pair of Antonia heels from Chi Chi London, I feel a million dollars - and a far cry from the woman who walked into the suite in my gym kit.

As my makeover proves, with the right help, products and designer garments you really can transform from a plain Jane into a Hollywood siren in just a few hours.
A Sydney mother was just looking for a shoe that would stay on her toddler's feet.

But after finding the perfect shoe, and believing in it so much she became the national distributor of the product, she will be flown to Hollywood as the footwear becomes part of the luxurious Academy Awards gift bags.

Caroline Africh was holidaying in Japan when she discovered Attipas shoes - a shoe/sock hybrid that never falls off.

Great success! Sydney mother Caroline Africh will fly to Hollywood to prepare her baby shoes for a place in the gift bag for Academy Awards nominees

'I was looking for a pre-walker for my then 14 m/o son that wouldn't fall off,' she explained in a 2014 interview with AusMumpreneur.

'I brought these unique shoes back to Australia and within days realised their potential.

'I quickly secured the exclusive distributorship and have since grown a cult following.'

Ready to go! The shoes will be presented in handmade gift bags (pictured) which feature the Attipas logo

The shoes will be displayed in the gifting suite, where 9Honey reports Academy Awards nominees will be invited to come and fill a bag with their chosen goodies.

Everything in the suite is free, and previous gifts for nominees have included luxurious clothing, skin care and even overseas holidays.

Last year's gift bag was worth a whopping $232,000USD and included pet food and a vampire breast lift.

'Each celebrity will be gifted a selection of Attipas shoes of their choosing,' she told 9Honey.

Is it a shoe or a sock? The Attipas shoe is designed as a hybrid of a shoe and a sock, and Ms Africh says it won't fall off

Baby ambassador! The Sydney mother-of-two hopes Reign Disick will be an early US adopter of the shoes

'I have seen the gifting suite lists in previous years, and I feel so privileged to be joining them.'

The mother-of-two is hoping her new and very exclusive market will open up new doors for her business.

And though she'd be happy to see any celebrity baby in the shoes, she does have her eye on one little boy in particular.

'We're certain that Reign Disick would look amazing in them.'
A couple living the high life in Melbourne were crushed to discover they were $50,000 in debt after having to close down a sign writing business.

But instead of declaring bankruptcy, Penina Petersen and her husband Richard completely overhauled their lives.

In 2004, they moved to remote Western Australia and worked to pay off every last cent in just one year.

Now the couple own a home in Frankston, Melbourne, reportedly worth more than $1million.

What a transformation! In 2004, Penina Petersen and her now-husband Richard found themselves $50,000 in debt. Now, they own a property in Melbourne worth $1million

'I was terrified out there in the Aussie bush with the massive roaches and snakes,' New Zealand-born Mrs Petersen recalled on her website Savings Room.

'My family was far away and I felt naked (metaphorically!) without all the distractions of city living.'

But, the pair got jobs on the mines - Penina as a personal assistant and Richard as a truck driver - and their luck began to change.

'We got really really good at sitting on a porch, looking at the stars and talking to each other,' Mrs Petersen told News Corp.

Making the most of it: To pay off their debts, the couple moved to remote Western Australia and got jobs on the mines

Less is more: Looking back, the couple would not have done things differently - and say there is 'a lot of money in living a quiet life for a while'

The move was necessary - with neither husband or wife willing to lose their freedom to one day buy a home.

Mrs Petersen said at her age, she never expected to find herself in that kind of situation.

'It was really shocking, and we were at an age where we were about to have babies and get married. I'm like "what are we going to do?",' she said.

It took five years of diligence, paying off bills and their mortgage to get their credit score back up to speed, before the couple could move back to Melbourne.

They purchased a home on a large block in Frankston for $370,000, and slowly began to renovate - with the costs coming out of their wages.

Now: The Petersens purchased a house in Frankston, Melbourne, for $370,000 and slowly renovated it. It is now worth more than $1million (stock image)

Looking back, though it required a complete overhaul of their lives - where they lived, what they liked and what they did in their spare time - Mrs Petersen said it was completely worth it.

'There's a lot of money in living a quiet life for a while,' she said.

'Less is more. Keep it simple.'
Romanticism and ethereality meet soft tailoring in rich shades of burgundy, indigo, olive, rose and saffron for Erin Fetherston's fall 2017 collection.

Models floated down the runway at the Skylight Clarkson Square wearing beautiful silk chiffon and jacquard pieces that could easily be a part of any woman's wardrobe.

Erin's inspiration however was a woman dancing flamenco in Seville, sipping tea in Marrakesh, while dreaming of Paris, with her heart in Laurel Canyon.

Romanticism and ethereality meet soft tailoring in rich shades of burgundy, indigo, olive, rose and saffron for Erin Fetherston's fall 2017 collection

Models floated down the runway at the Skylight Clarkson Square wearing beautiful silk chiffon and jacquard pieces that could easily be a part of any woman's wardrobe

With a focus on feminine attire, Erin played with off-the-shoulder silhouettes and poet sleeve in silky fabrics.

Texture to the collection was added with rich velvets and extra long fringe detail.

Shoes were kept simple, models walked the catwalk in ankle strap stilettos and slides in neutral colors and metallics.

Shoes were kept simple, models walked the catwalk in ankle strap stilettos and slides in neutral colors and metallics

Billowy dresses with poet sleeves were topped by velvet blazers and long thin scarves embellished with fringe

With a focus on feminine attire, Erin played with off-the-shoulder silhouettes and poet sleeve in silky fabrics. Texture to the collection was added with rich velvets and extra long fringe detail

TADASHI SHOJI

Inspired by the unrest in the world, Tadashi Shoji designed a collection to motivate women to let loose and leave their inhibitions behind.

With change comes new beginnings. 'The time to express your true self is now.' Brocade statement coats over lace and floral prints walked along sweeping sequin gowns and bold velvets at the Skylight Clarkson Square.

Look-at-me looks took center stage. None appropriate for a day at the office, but rather London's Marquise Club, where one can reinvent herself.

Inspired by the unrest in the world, Tadashi Shoji designed a collection to motivate women to let loose and leave their inhibitions behind

Brocade statement coats over lace and floral prints walked along sweeping sequin gowns and bold velvets at the Skylight Clarkson Square

With change comes new beginnings. 'The time to express your true self is now'
Danish actress Sofie, 48, who shot to fame here playing Sarah Lund in The Killing, appears as Governor Hildur Odegard in Sky Atlantics dark drama Fortitude. Here she takes us behind the scenes on series two of the show, which is shot in London and Iceland

5 Monday

Fortitude is a fictional town in Arctic Norway where strange things go on, primarily because it sits on a pit of frozen prehistoric animals thats slowly thawing. I see Hildur as the mother of Fortitude  she cares for the community and comes to its aid. And theres plenty of need for that in this new series. Its a very troubled town. Today were by the waterside in eastern Iceland, which doubles for Norway, and Hildur has to sort out a problem at the docks. I hardly need say its very cold and thermals are essential.

Danish actress Sofie, 48, who shot to fame here playing Sarah Lund in The Killing, appears as Governor Hildur Odegard in Sky Atlantics dark drama Fortitude (above)

6 Tuesday

Fortitudes a gory show  you only have to sit in make-up each morning to realise that. I get off relatively lightly but its amusing to ask people around me what theyre going to be up to that day as the fake blood is being applied to their faces. Today Im sitting next to a guy whos been doing some evil things in flashbacks. Maybe its my Danish background but the minutiae of the story really appeals to me  I loved the killer wasps that emerged from a frozen mammoth carcass during the first series.

7 Wednesday

Its a joy in this new series to be working with Dennis Quaid, who plays a fisherman called Michael Lennox, an old flame of Hildurs. I tend to be uptight when Im filming, but before our scenes today [right] Dennis chats and relaxes, tells a few jokes, has a few laughs and eases his way into it.

8 Thursday

Its a joy in this new series to be working with Dennis Quaid, who plays a fisherman called Michael Lennox, an old flame of Hildurs

Today we have only half a day of filming, so theres a chance to relax and learn lines at the hotel where all 25 of the main actors are staying. The hotel is in a very remote part of Iceland and I cant help thinking this is a deliberate ploy to get us to bond away from everything else. If it is, its definitely working! We go for walks together, eat together and theres lots of music too. Richard Dormer, who plays police sheriff Dan Anderssen, has brought his ukulele, and Dennis joins in with his guitar. They make a very lively sound!

9 FRIDAY

Theres lots of snow falling today. Last year they had to import fake snow, as we had so little of it, but now we have too much. But it helps get us in the mood and its the kind of glistening, frozen environment we want to see on screen. The setting is a huge character in the drama and I love it  but when were shooting at the studios in London you have to really stretch your imagination to envisage it. Today, to prove how international this show is, I have to speak some Russian. So its a Dane, pretending to be from Norway, speaking Russian in a drama shot in Iceland!

Fortitude, Thursday, 9pm, Sky Atlantic.
Could there be a more distinctive figure? The man sitting at Sir Terry Pratchetts desk  all bushy beard and fabulous fedora, with a mischievous glint in his eye  seemed right at home. It wasnt just the fact he was wearing Terrys glasses and leather jacket, even his T-shirt, it was more than that, admits the late authors friend and right-hand man Rob Wilkins. I remember watching the start of the transformation and thinking, Im OK with this, and then going out to make a phone call. When I came back there he was, in hat, glasses, jacket, legs crossed, coffee in hand. That was it, that moment. It was more than just a man sitting in a costume. It went further. Terry was back.

He wasnt, of course. The literary legend  at the turn of the century second only to JK Rowling as the most-read author in Britain  died in 2015 after battling Alzheimers disease. Determined to share the final chapters of his life with his fans and to rail against this cruel condition, the author, known mostly for his Discworld fantasy series, recorded footage of himself sharing his memories and thoughts on life and impending death (he was a keen advocate of assisted dying) on a video camera. Now an extraordinary new programme, part real footage, part dramatisation, will reveal those thoughts to us. The programme features the actor Paul Kaye (perhaps best known for his role as spoof reporter Dennis Pennis) taking the part of Terry. The theatrical quality to Kayes performance (It isnt a straightforward impression. Its more of a caricature, Rob points out) makes it more than a straight documentary.

Sir Terry Pratchett (above) recorded footage of himself sharing his memories and thoughts on life and impending death before he died in 2015 after battling Alzheimers disease

From the start the project had the full co-operation of Terrys family, who let his clothes, office and home be used for filming. What a shock it must have been for his wife Lyn though, to have her late husband suddenly reincarnated. My heart was in my mouth when I realised Lyn had seen Paul dressed up as Terry before Id had a chance to introduce them, admits Rob, whod started out as a fan before moving on to work as Terrys assistant. I thought it might have upset her, but then I saw her having a chat with him and she was laughing. It was kind of wonderful, in an odd way.

The original idea for the programme had been to use only the real footage of Terry, and Rob had compiled 26 hours of recordings. But the process proved difficult, due to the way the disease had taken hold. Terrys words, always so precise, were hit or miss. Starkly illustrative of what it means to be dying from Alzheimers, perhaps, but also, says Rob, hard to watch. It started as a living will, he explains. And there are some lovely, lovely bits. Heaven knows what well do with them, maybe its one of those things the grandchildren will deal with. But using them as they were, I dont think it would have made a great film. I think it would have been far too upsetting for everybody concerned.

He talks rather movingly of how painful it was to record conversations that should have been so effortless. We do show a little of some of them to illustrate what it was like, says Rob. But it was so hard. Hed go to tell an anecdote and hed struggle with a word. There was one about looking in the mirror and seeing his father  and he couldnt find the word mirror. Much as everyone would have wanted to watch Terry telling his own story, it wasnt possible. But having Paul involved gave us a solution, if you like. Id say 90 per cent of the words Paul speaks are Terrys actual words. Theres obviously a little bit of artistic licence there.

Its an unforgettable film, featuring incredibly moving recollections from family, friends and literary contemporaries such as fellow fantasy writer Neil Gaiman and crime author Val McDermid. The overall sense is an affectionate but at times fittingly surreal portrait of a man who had an imagination that seemed limitless. But its the journey through Terrys final days thats the most poignant aspect of this programme. Rob shares his own memories and talks of the devastating moment when he realised Terry was nearing the end. We were still working in the office until 8 December 2014, he recalls. But just prior to that afternoon hed turned to me and said, Terry Pratchett is dead. I mean he wasnt dead, he was very much there, but he meant it. A part of him had died, and he knew it. I remember the shock, because at that point we were having good days when wed sit in the office from 10am and stop working when the sun set.

Now an extraordinary new programme, part real footage, part dramatisation, will reveal those thoughts to us. The programme features the actor Paul Kaye (above as the authour) taking the part of Terry

By this point it was a full seven years since Terry had been diagnosed, a time during which hed written a staggering seven best-sellers. His eyesight was going a bit but he was still working. Hed never been one to pitch up at midday in his dressing gown with a glass of last nights champagne in hand. He had a huge work ethic, even through the haze of Alzheimers.

Then it all stopped. He didnt work the following weekend  which was rare for him  and then on the Monday he was quiet, very, very quiet, and he went to sleep on the sofa in the office, recalls Rob. It was as if all the energy that had powered him had evaporated. From then on he was fighting for his life. Terry was treated for pneumonia but allowed home, and eventually died the following March, although for Rob he definitely died that weekend.

Given his passionate views on assisted dying, as soon as Terry died his family were asked if hed taken his own life. He didnt. He just went to sleep and died, says Rob. He ran out of life. There was no big drama. He passed away with his cat lying on the bed and that was it. It was incredibly peaceful.

He passed away with his cat lying on the bed. That was that

Robs in no doubt that Terry would have ended his life earlier had the law allowed it. But when? Ive asked myself that question so many times. I think it wouldnt have been before 8 December, but it probably would have been in the days just after that. Thats a tough thing for me to say because we still had meaningful conversations after that, but I think that life for Terry  the bits that made Terry Terry  had gone by that point. Did he ever ask Rob to help him die? We discussed it, but I didnt share Terrys beliefs. I was devoted to him, but I dont think I could have done that.

The comforting thing for fans is that Terry will live on forever in his work. And this film will only reinforce the feeling, for them, that hes never gone away. Its very Terry, smiles Rob. It wouldnt have been like him to let death get in the way of a good story.

Terry Pratchett: Back In Black, tonight, 9pm, BBC2.
Her shorts are the subject of great debate on Twitter.

But Death in Paradise star Josephine Jobert reminded fans there is plenty more to say about the show as she entertained them with live tweets of last night's episode.

The French actress, who plays feisty police officer Florence Cassell on the popular BBC detective series, delighted viewers with her candid minute-by-minute reactions as the drama unfolded on screen.

The 30-year-old also replied to flirty tweets from several male followers, with many commenting on her 'amazing eyes'.

Charming: French actress Josephine Jobert, who plays feisty police officer Florence Cassell on Death in Paradise, entertained Twitter followers with live posts during last night's episode. She also praised co-star Kris Marshall, pictured together, who left the detective drama yesterday

Something missing: Josephine, who is a well-known star in her native France, said some fans are 'obsessed' with her character's shorts. Some tweeted that they were disappointed last night because much of the episode took place in London, and the shorts were left at home

Flattered: The 30-year-old star took the time to reply to a handful of flirty tweets from fans

Her comments on the show ended by praising co-star Kris Marshall, who left the show last night after three years.

Much of the episode took place in London, rather than the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. But the change in location meant that DS Cassell was sporting trousers rather than shorts, disappointing some viewers.

One asked: 'Where are your shorts?' while another was relieved when the shorts came back on the characters' return to the Caribbean, saying: 'Hooray Josephine you get your shorts out at the end'.

Tuning in at the same time as the viewers, Jobert announced: 'Oh my god!!! It's now!!!', before updating her 17,000 Twitter followers as the show unfolded.

She happily answered questions when fans asked about where certain scenes were filmed, revealing they spent just a handful of days in London and shot all of the interior shots while in Guadalupe, which stands in for Saint Marie.

Fan favourite: A number of followers asked Josephine where her signature shorts had gone

In one scene when most of the characters wearing green, Josephine joked it was because the character Dwayne, played by Danny John-Jules, is 'secretly a huge fan'.

Much of the reaction to last night's episode centred around the departure of Kris Marshall, who left the show after three hugely successful years as DI Humphrey Goodman.

The 43-year old left the much loved detective series on Thursday evening, shortly after disappointing viewers by publicly confirming his decision to leave 'for family reasons.'

Insider: The actress also answered questions about what happened behind-the-scnes

Passionate: She joined in as followers reacted to scenes, even though she knew the outcome

With two episode of series six left, Marshall said goodbye after introducing his replacement  former Father Ted star Ardal OHanlon - who joins as the islands new resident detective, DI Mooney.

Josephine commented on the departure, saying: 'bye Kris...you did an amazing job. Thank you'.

She also showed her support for new co-star Ardal O'Hanlon, tweeting: 'Good luck. You're brillant and the perfect choice for new detective.'
A 27-year-old catwalker is lifting the lid on the dangerous and even life-threatening lengths some models will go to ensure that they stay skinny enough to appear on the runway.

Denmark-native Sannie Pedersen admitted that when she first moved to New York she would only consume a cup of coffee and 20 cigarettes per day because she wanted to book runway shows so badly. In 2012, the 5'11" model weighed just 100lbs and it pained her to sit down because there was so little fat on her body.

Five years later, Sannie is now a healthy 121lbs and wears a size 0 to 2; however, she is frequently told at castings that she is too fat to model.

Model woes: Sannie Pedersen admitted that when she first moved to New York she would only consume coffee and cigarettes . She is pictured on the runway at the World Fashion Parade

Although Sannie has managed to find a balance with her career and her health, she told the New York Post that there are plenty of other models who are going to extremes to stay thin.

'I saw a 16-year-old model almost kill herself. She ate cotton balls just to survive,' she recalled.

The dangerous trend of filling your stomach with cotton balls or tissues to trick your body into feeling full has been not-so-secretly used by models for years despite the risks.

Wrong message: The 27-year-old, who once weighed only 100lbs, is now a healthy 121lbs. However, she said she she is often told she is fat during castings

Eddie Murphys daughter, Bria Murphy, admitted that some models eat cotton balls dipped in juice to stay skinny when discussing the pressures of being a runway star on Good Morning America in 2013.

At the time, Dr. Ovidio Bermudez, the chief medical officer at the Eating Recovery Center in Denver, warned that women who ate cotton balls faced the risk of choking, and malnutrition, and they would likely develop an obstruction of the intestinal tract  a mass called a bezoar.

Sannie also told the New York Post that many models eat slices of only one apple throughout the day, and that is it. She even noted that one friend of hers took pride in having one apple slice leftover at the end of the day.

Pressure: Eddie Murphys daughter, Bria Murphy, admitted in 2013 that some models eat cotton balls dipped in juice to stay skinny. She is pictured on the runway that year

'Models go through hell to stay skinny,' she explained.

The blonde beauty claimed that last September during Fashion Week one unnamed designer called her 'obese', while she heard a founder of an international agency say, 'it's my agency, and I like anorexics,' right in front of her.

And at one past runway show, Sannie said she had to sneak in the bathroom to drink water because some designers ban models from eating or even drinking anything ahead of the show because they don't want them to look bloated.

On Thursday, former model and anorexic Victoire Dauxerre, 23, published Size Zero - My Life as a Disappearing Model, a candid memoir about the struggles she faced to remain competitive as a top model.

Starving herself: Former model Victoire Dauxerre recently revealed how she only ate three apples a day and drank cans of Pepsi Max to feel full. She is pictured on the runway in 2010

Fueling the fire: The 23-year-old (pictured now) said agents literally 'applauded' her as she became even more dangerously underweight

The Parisian described how she had to starve herself on just three apples a day and cans of zero-calorie Pepsi Max to become one of the fashion world's most sought-after names.

Victoire explained how she weighed just 98lbs when the likes of Dior, Chanel and Alexander McQueen were booking the 5'10" teenager.

After being scouted at the age of 17, she was cast in jobs that allowed her to fly all over the world, but her eating disorder has left her with lasting health problems and at one point she was told she had the skeleton of a 70-year-old.

Brutally honest: Victoire, who is pictured at her thinnest, candidly detailed her struggle with anorexia as a top model in her new memoir Size Zero - My Life as a Disappearing Model

Spreading the word: Victoire, who is now a healthy US size 4, is pictured promoting her new book on Good Morning Britain earlier this week

She would take laxatives and enemas after eating and did not menstruate for six months while starving herself as a model, something she claims has left many of her friends permanently infertile.

As Victoire became even more dangerously underweight, she was also told to shave her arms and thighs, which had become hairier as a natural response to keep the body warm after severe weight loss. But she was so unhealthy that the hair on her head started to fall out.

Now a US size 4, Victoire, who was once named one of the top 20 models in the world, has broken the 'code of silence' on the quietly encouraged starvation that she claims models are still forced to endure today.

'It is pernicious. They don't tell you "you have to lose 22lbs in two months". What they say is "you need to be this size to fit into the clothes, otherwise you don't get any work". Then each time you come back into the agency and you are skinnier they literally applaud you," she said.
Back in 2000, Eve Walker had no reason to suspect anything was wrong.

At the time the 28-year-old from Detroit, Michigan, was a size six and active - a modern dancer.

She never even thought she had the remote risk of suffering a heart attack. But she did.

Waking up in hospital, Eve was stunned to hear her diagnosis: she had an enlarged heart that made it difficult for blood to be pumped properly through her body.

Now 43 years old, the mother-of-two is educating women about heart disease and urging them to get checked out before it's too late.

When Eve Walker, from Detroit, Michigan, was just 28 years old (pictured left, in pink), she suffered a heart attack and discovered she had genetic heart disease. Now 43 (right) she is urging all women to educate themselves about the risk factors that they may not look for

Eve was at work when she first suspected something was wrong. She was climbing up the stairs and was feeling utterly exhausted.

She first suspected it was the onset of adult asthma and went to get her lungs checked out, but doctors found nothing wrong with them

Although she'd already had her two sons, Maurice and Caleb, which puts a strain on the heart, she had never been warned that it could lead to such a dramatic attack.

Doctors prescribed Eve aspirin and she went to go stay for a few days with her mother, who lived in a one-floor house.

A few days later, she said her legs felt heavy and she started started feeling pain.

She said: 'I had a mosquito bite type of pinch and it went up my leg, up my side, and I felt in my face.

'And I went to one of the neighbors and I said, "I think I'm having a heart attack".'

The neighbor rushed Eve to the hospital where she found out the aspirin she received from the hospital days before had likely prevented her from going into cardiac arrest.

The next day, she was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes the heart muscles to enlarge and the walls of the ventricles to thicken. This thickening prevents blood to flow properly through the body.

It may cause arrhythmias - or an abnormal heart rhythm - or even heart failure. It's also usually inherited.

The condition that had run in her family for years - but it had never caused a heart attack in her relatives at such a young age.

Eve said her first thought was, 'Am I being pranked? I'm 28. This can't be happening to me.

'But I really wasn't expecting it and I was terrified. They told me I would have to take medication likely for the rest of my life, that I would have to likely have to stop dancing.'

Cardiologists suggested Eve get an implantable defibrillator - a device that monitors heart rhythms and delivers a shock if it senses dangerous rhythms. She refused.

'I was like, "I'm 28, are you kidding? I am not getting that",' she said.

'To me, that sounded too much like a pacemaker and I was too young for a pacemaker.'

Eve stopped dancing and doing cardio. She stopped running - anything she feared would give her a rush of adrenaline.

She even stopped having sex for a while as she began to figure out what kinds of physical activity she could still do in moderation.

Eve said she knew her grandmother had suffered a heart attack, but she was in her 90s at the time so nothing was thought of it.

She also said she knew her mother was on medication for hypertension, but what she didn't know was that her mother had an enlarged heart, just like Eve.

But most shocking of all was the news she learned about her older sister.

Eve with her children Maurice, 27, (left) and Caleb, 20 (right). In 2015, after she struggled to complete a stress test, her cardiologist recommended implanting a defibrillator

When Eve was 12 years old, her 16-year-old sister Louise unexpectedly passed away. Too grief stricken, her parents never elaborated on the cause of her death.

In 2013, Eve's doctors asked her if she could obtain a copy of her sister's death certificate due to her getting genetic testing based on her family history. The cause of death was heart disease - her sister had gone into cardiac arrest.

Flashing forward to 2015, Eve went to a plastic surgeon to see about getting a 'mommy makeover'.

She told him about her medical history and he told her that she would first need to be cleared by a cardiologist.

At the cardiologist's, Eve was given a stress test. To pass, you need to be able to last 15 minutes on a treadmill.

Eve said by about a minute-and-a-half in, she felt ready to faint.

Eve's scar from her implanted defibrillator surgery. The device checks for dangerous heart rhythms and sends a shock if it senses one

The experience, she says, helped her come to terms with how loaded her family history was, as well as her own.

Although she was still nervous about getting a defibrillator, doctors assured her that the devices were much smaller than when first recommended to her over 10 years ago and that she would receive minimal scarring.

Finally convinced, Eve had the device implanted. She said during the first week she experienced unimaginable pain and had to stay in the hospital for more days than originally thought.

But slowly, she began to notice a changed.

'For years I had insomnia because I thought I might die in my sleep. The defibrillator gave me a sense of security,' she said.

'I had never felt there would be a day that I would be okay. Now, I walk for exercise - for one or two miles - I don't feel like my heart might suddenly stop.'

Eve says the whole experience has been a 'journey' to figure out the things she can do in moderation. She still takes beta-blockers and aspirin, twice a day.

Additionally, she says she's educated herself on what her BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar mean in terms of lowering her risk.

In 2013, Eve became involved with the American Heart Association and their Go Red For Women initiative. She's now a national spokeswoman for the organization, but that wasn't her intention.

'I wasn't trying to be any poster's child,' she said.

'But then I thought about my sister who no longer has a voice and all the women who are afraid to speak, and all the women who take of others but of themselves. And I thought somebody has to speak for them.'

When Eve joined the American Heart Association, she wasn't interested in becoming a spokeswoman but said: 'I do it so a mother can go home to her kids, so a woman can live'

Heart disease kills more US women than all cancers combined. One in three women die from heart disease each year.

Eve, who now lives in Los Angeles, goes all over the country speaking about heart disease and urging women to get checked out or to speak with their doctor if they suspect something is wrong.

She said: 'Why I do this is simple. I do it so a mother can go home to her kids, so a woman can live.

'So if sharing my story helps that happen, then I'll keep sharing it.'
It was a night to remember - but not for the reasons she expected.

In 2006, Kelly Clarkson cried as she accepted several Grammy Awards, including Best Female Pop Performance.

But, unknown to the viewers at home, her tears were partly caused by something else: that very morning doctors told her they had found a cancerous tumor.

This week, Clarkson told Billboard's Pop Shop podcast: 'Here's the horrible part: I went the whole day crying.

'They redid my makeup like four times because I was like, "Wow, so young.' I was just completely freaking out.'

It's a situation that would make anyone wary of returning to the doctor's.

And a new study confirms just that: women often skip recommended mammograms after they get a false-positive result - or, a reading that looks like cancer at first but turns out to be clear.

That night: Kelly Clarkson wins the 2006 Grammy for Best Female Pop Performance. Earlier that morning, Clarkson was told by doctors that they had found cancer in her test results

Now: Clarkson (pictured in December 2016) remembers exclaiming when the results were found to be a mix-up: 'Are you for real?! You completely ruined my entire [experience]'

The report, conducted by the James R. & Helen D. Russell Institute for Research & Innovation in Park Ridge, Illinois, found that 85 percent of women who got a clean bill of health on a mammogram came back as scheduled the next time.

Comparatively, 80 percent of women who got a false positive came back for another one.

The team looked at the records of women who had 740,000 mammograms.

They found that 12 percent of the mammograms produced a false positive.

However, women with a negative were 36 percent more likely to return to screening in the next 36 months compared with women with a false positive result.

This translated to a greater risk that the women would have late-stage cancer when they did come back, although the risk was not very high.

About 0.4 percent of women who had a false positive were diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer over the next four years, compared to 0.3 percent of women who got negative mammogram readings.

WHAT ARE MAMMOGRAMS? A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. The breast is placed on a clear plastic plate. Another plate will firmly press your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. Mammograms can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. The X-ray images often make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. False-positive results occur when radiologists see an abnormality on a mammogram but no cancer is actually present. All abnormal mammograms should be followed up with additional testing (diagnostic mammograms, ultrasound, and/or biopsy) to determine whether cancer is present. The American Cancer Society guidelines say women with an average risk of breast cancer can wait until they're 45 to have their first mammogram and should have them every year until age 55. After that they should start having them every other year. Although most women are referred to a center, many will perform mammograms on women over 40 without a referral. The center will need the name of the patient's physician to whom the mammography report can be sent. Experts advise women to regularly perform self-examinations at home and that mammograms should not be replacements for these exams. Source: CDC Advertisement

At the 2006 Grammys, Kelly Clarkson won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album, but her success was clouded by a pool of fear.

This turned to anger when she visited the doctor the next day and found her results were 'mixed up' and she didn't have cancerous cells after all.

She said: 'I was like, "Are you for real?! You completely ruined my entire [experience]." The first time for an artistas a kid watching the Grammys, that was a big dream!

'It was kind of the worst/greatest day. And the next day was also the worst/greatest day because I wanted to punch someone. I was like, "Who mixes up results? Why wouldn't you test again?"

'I was so dramatic about it because I was twenty-something and scared. It was so weird. I don't even remember anything but being terrified.'

The authors of the study admitted that women not wanting to return for schedule mammograms wasn't surprising. Getting a false positive is stressful. It means a woman has to come back for a follow-up, and she may often have to pay the cost out of pocket.

'There is a strong visceral response when you get a callback from your doctor about your mammogram reading and that doesn't go away until the patient gets that benign result,' Dr Nila Alsheik, of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Oak Ridge, who did not work on the study, told NBC News.

Patients are forced to come back for a second mammogram as well as an ultrasound.

They may also need a painful biopsy. And while the first screening mammogram is generally cost-free, many insurance plans charge women for all or part of these follow-ups.

Breast cancer is a leading killer of US women. Every year, it's diagnosed in over 200,000 women and a few men, and kills around 40,000.

But new technologies may help reduce the rate of false positives.

If a woman receives a positive result, she is forced to come back for a second mammogram as well as an ultrasound, and may also need a painful biopsy

One way is through a breast tomosynthesis, an advanced form of mammogaphy, which takes 3-D x-ray images and helps reduce the likelihood of callbacks.

The American Cancer Society guidelines say women with an average risk of breast cancer can wait until they're 45 to have their first mammogram and should have them every year until age 55.

After that they should start having them every other year.

And the US Preventive Services Task Force says most women can safely wait until they are 50 to start getting mammograms and that they need only one every other year.
It has already been credited with helping to reduce heart attack risk, but now it seems that daily doses of aspirin could also help tackle cancer.

New research from Texas suggests the pain-relief medication's interaction with blood cells could stop tumors from growing.

The findings, which were published in the February 2017 issue of Cancer Prevention Research, offers fresh scope for future treatment possibilities.

Cost-effective supplement: At just 30 pence per packet, Aspirin could help tackle cancer without breaking the bank

Specifically, it notes that how the drug's response to platelets - the blood's clotting agent - may assist oncology patients.

Academics commissioned by Veterans Affairs Research found the way aspirin disrupts the normal clotting process can deprive the malignant masses from expanding.

Their lab tests showed it works by shutting down the enzyme COX-1, thereby curbing the number of circulating platelets and their level of activity.

Some of the experiments used regular aspirin from a local drug store. In another phase, the researchers used a special preparation of aspirin combined with phosphatidylcholine, a type of lipid, or fat molecule.

The molecule is a main ingredient in soy lecithin. The product, known as Aspirin-PC/PL2200, now in development by Houston-based PLx Pharma, Inc., is designed to ease the gastrointestinal risk associated with standard aspirin.

The enhanced aspirin complex was even stronger against cancer than the regular aspirin.

Not hard to swallow! Academics commissioned by Veterans Affairs Research found the way aspirin disrupts the normal clotting process can deprive the malignant masses from expanding

BREAST CANCER DRUG REJECTED A revolutionary drug considered 'the closest thing to a cure' ever developed for breast cancer is set to be rejected for use on the NHS, officials announced last week. Experts said the decision highlights a serious problem at the heart of England' s drug appraisal system - and called for an urgent overhaul of the NHS drugs watchdog. Palbociclib halts the most common form of breast cancer in its tracks, freezing the growth of aggressive tumors. This delays the need for grueling chemotherapy, enabling women to lead normal lives for years at a time. Advertisement

'These results suggest that aspirin's chemopreventive effects may be due, in part, to the drug blocking the proneoplastic action of platelets,' they wrote.

The news comes less than six months after it was revealed that liquid aspirin can cross the 'blood-brain barrier' - a hurdle which has so far stopped cancer drugs attacking brain tumors.

The research, carried out by Portsmouth University and a three-man start-up company in Manchester, was welcomed by experts as a 'game-changer'.

More than 16,000 people each year in Britain are diagnosed with a brain tumor, yet campaigners have long warned that patients are left behind by a system which allocates them just 1 per cent of the national cancer research spending.

Less than 20 percent of brain cancer patients survive more than five years, compared to 87 percent for breast cancer and 98 percent for testicular cancer.
What happens when a raging bull gatecrashes into a China shop?

It goes on a rampage bringing down China left and right. And what can the owner do?

Wait helplessly for the bull to get tired, stop his destruction spree and get out on his own!

Many thought after entering the Oval office, Trump will shun his divisive electoral rhetoric and get down to business: work assiduously to unify all Americans and reach out to American friends

But if it doesn't, seek experts' help; they fire tranquilising injections at the bull and take it away.

It requires huge efforts to clear the debris and join the broken pieces; some pieces just can't be joined; they are damaged irreparably.

Divide

Two weeks aren't long enough for any leader to make his/her country great.

But two weeks are long enough to destroy norms and conventions established over centuries, disrupt existing relationships nurtured over decades and generate a chaotic atmosphere of anxiety, nervousness, uncertainty and confrontation adversely impacting normal lives of millions of people.

Donald Trump has done just that! Ironically, he has no qualms about it. Issuing new executive order is becoming his daily routine.

He claims to be fulfilling the promises of his election campaign. But he isn't the Presidential Candidate of the Republican Party anymore! Countless observers in the US and outside didn't think Trump will win but he did.

And many thought, after entering the Oval office; he will shun his divisive electoral rhetoric and get down to business: work assiduously to unify all Americans and reach out to American friends, assuring them that the US will not give up its leadership role or become a walled fortress.

Sadly, in the last two weeks, the world has witnessed Trump's inexhaustible capacity to threaten, annoy, antagonise, divide and take extreme positions.

The US is, in for turbulent times. So are others. Tweeting that Mexican President needn't come if he wasn't willing to pay for the wall proposed to be build along the border and warning him on phone that the US will take care of the 'bad hombres', if he didn't, isn't smart strategy for good neighbourly relations.

How will Trump's ban on Iranians further US interests in Iraq and Syria? Will it enhance chances of crushing Daesh? The terminator Trump seems clueless!

Imposing travel ban on the nationals of seven Muslim majority countries for 90 days and new refugees for 120 days and Syrians indefinitely has triggered off worldwide condemnation and protests.

It's an unfortunate fact that all the terrorists involved in attacks in different countries happened to be Muslims.

But it doesn't follow that all Muslims are terrorists! The ban includes Iran with which Obama had signed the historic nuclear deal and which has joined hands with Russia to defeat ISIS in Syria.

How will Trump's ban on Iranians further US interests in Iraq and Syria? Will it enhance chances of crushing Daesh? The terminator Trump seems clueless!

Innovate

On the contrary, the ban might help the ISIS in its anti West propaganda and recruiting more young Muslims.

Interestingly, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt and Indonesia are Muslim majority countries but have been excluded from the ban.

Why? Is it a mere coincidence that Trump has his business footprints in these countries?

PM Justin Trudeau has emerged as John Kennedy of Canada openly inviting the refugees and Muslims stranded by Trump's ban.

German Chancellor Merkel has criticised the ban. The British PM Theresa May who became the first European leader to visit Trump can't uninvite him but thousands marched in London saying it loudly that Trump wasn't welcome in the UK.

While the Indian Techies might be holding breath and hoping that their concerns conveyed through Indian diplomatic and business channels and broader India-US relations might soften the negative impact of possible raise of the basic salary for H1B visa to US$ 130,000 (around Rs 86 lakh, double of the current rate) they don't have any option but to innovate and upgrade their services and compete for the higher end jobs in the US.

Interestingly, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt and Indonesia are Muslim majority countries but have been excluded from the ban.

Fortunately, the US still remains the land where civil servants, academics, media and business tycoons can publicly disapprove of President's decisions and challenge them in the Court.

IT giants: Apple, Microsoft, Google and FB oppose blanket ban on Muslims.

Dissent

Goldman Sach, GE, CITI Group, Morgan Stanley, Blackrock have publicly refused to support Trump's policy.'

Coca Cola CEO Muhtar Kent has forthrightly stressed that his company,' is resolute in its commitment to diversity, fairness, and inclusion.'

While Microsoft is cooperating with Washington State Attorney General's office which is suing Trump's order banning Muslims from seven countries, Amazon and Expedia have also filed law suit in a Federal Court in Seattle.

Around 1000 US diplomats have conveyed their disapproval of Trump's ban on the Dissent Channel of the US State Department, undeterred by the stern warning from the White House that the civil servants who weren't prepared to defend the President must quit.

Where else dissent is expressed so robustly and in such uninhibited manner?

This underlines the true strength of American democracy. Many commentators have likened Trump to a bull in a China shop.

So, how will this Bull stop rampaging? Having demonstrated to his constituencies that he meant business, Trump should now revisit and revise some of his decisions.

Strong denunciation by neighbours and key allies, opposition from US Inc, adverse judgements by the courts, threat of retaliatory action and unambiguous advice from cabinet colleagues and party leaders that his dream of making America great again.

But it will remain a dream if he doesn't stop threatening business interests and academia at home and risking confrontation with China as well as with allies.

The writer is founding president, Indo-American Friendship Association
A man-eating tiger has become an unlikely electoral issue in the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit district.

The two-year-old tigress has killed five people and injured an old woman sleeping in the veranda (porch) of her home in the Indo-Nepal Terai region since November.

Her latest victim, 52-year-old Nanhe Lal's body was found half-eaten in the wheat fields of Piparia Karam village on Tuesday morning.

The two year old tigress has been declared a man-eater after she killed five villagers. (File picture)

Following this, she was declared a man-eater. Residents say they are poorly guarded as all licensed firearms have been deposited with the police ahead of this month's polls.

Local bodies have threatened to stay away from voting on February 15 unless the big cat is caught.

'It has become a harrowing ordeal for me to campaign in the area, said Dr Shailendra Gangwar, BSP candidate from one of the assembly seats in Pilibhit.

Villagers Kartar Singh (left) and Sukkha Singh (right) claim that they will not vote till the tigress in caught

'I am not able to hold any public meetings as everyone including me is scared that the tigress might pounce on us any time.'

'At public gatherings even if a dog barks, people run for cover.' Besides, the farmers - mostly affluent Sikhs - have another grouse.'

'Since our arms and other explosives like Diwali firecrackers have been deposited with the local police, we are totally helpless,' said Kartar Singh, employer of Nanhe Lal, who died while guarding his fields.

According to locals, the tigress, named Mallu after she took her first prey in Mallpur village, has travelled about 15 km since then.

Rajiv (left) and Nanhelal (right) were the last two victims of the man-eater

Sources told Mail Today: 'Joint field force of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) and the social forestry department has succeeded in capturing the killer tigress in a sugarcane field in Chandupur village.

'Senior forest officials are monitoring the situation. Operation of shooting the big cat with a dart may take a few hours.'

According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kailash Prasad, there are around 40 to 45 tigers in the reserve based on the latest survey.

However, the villagers rubbish the claims made by the forest department.

'The figures date back to 1- 1  years and since then the cubs have also grown enough to prey.

'We guess that they may be around 60 to 65,' said Ranjo Pradhan, the village head of Piparia Karam.

The UP government has swung around its entire forest and wildlife machinery to catch the tigress.

Three veterinarians from the Lucknow zoo have been called over to help tranquilise the predator.

Four elephants from the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur-Kheri district have also been brought over for search-and-catch operation.

State minister Hemraj Verma, who is a resident of Pilibhit district, promised to look into the problem.

Man-animal conflict is on rise in the Terai region, including areas of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur- Kheri and Bahraich districts, mostly due to encroachment and settlements in and around the forest areas.

'Through an analysis of her pug marks and nature of kills, it has been concluded that she, most likely, has a mouth injury due to which she is not hunting other wild animals or even the cattle around,' said Umendra Sharma principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife).

'She lies around the wheat fields in the afternoon and drags out sleeping people from their homes and verandahs at night time.

'Sleeping people are the easiest target for a tiger on the prowl. Moreover, she has been eating only the soft parts and not the bones.'

Other senior officers said that as per protocol followed after a tiger is declared a 'man-eater', the priority would be to catch her.

In this event, she will be sent to the Lucknow zoo. If this fails, or she tries to attack forest officers in the process, she can be legally shot dead.
In a setback to the minority Hindu and Sikh communities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Mehbooba Mufti led PDP-BJP government in the state, through an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, has opposed creation of a minority commission in the state.

The state government was responding to a PIL filed by a Jammu-based lawyer Ankur Sharma, seeking a direction to set up a minority commission in the state to safeguard the interests of religious and linguistic minorities.

'In the absence of a minority commission, the benefits exclusively meant for the minority communities including crores worth aid are being given away to a certain community, which is the majority Muslim community, in an illegal and arbitrary manner,' Sharma had submitted.

The government's opposition to the minority commission has come as a setback to the Hindu and the Sikh community

Jammu and Kashmir law secretary Abdul Majid Bhat contended that Sharma's view, saying: 'Assertion of the petitioner for setting up a state minority commission in Jammu and Kashmir through proper legislation including time-bound identification and notification of religious and linguistic minorities by the state is legally not maintainable.

'It is up to the concerned state/Union territory to set up a minority commission in their respective state/Union territory.'

The J&K government said law is well settled on the issue that the apex court cannot direct the government to legislate on a particular subject.

'It is for the state legislature to consider in its wisdom as to which laws are required to be made considering the circumstances prevailing in the state,' the state government said.

The J&K government said law is well settled on the issue that the apex court cannot direct the government to legislate on a particular subject. File picture of Mehbooba Mufti

Questioning the PIL petitioner's motive, the affidavit said: 'As per information available, the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Sikkim, Andaman, and several UTs have not set up a minority commission.

'The present petition only seeks its establishment in Jammu and Kashmir. In case the present petition has been filed in public interest, he should have prayed for its setting up in all these states.'

According to the 2011 census, about 68.3 per cent of the state's population is Muslims.

Among the minorities, 28.4 per cent are Hindus, followed by Sikhs (1.9 per cent), Buddhists (0.9 per cent), and Christians (0.3 per cent).

In Kashmir valley, about 96.4 per cent are Muslims, followed by Hindus (2.45 per cent), Sikhs (0.98 per cent) and others (0.17 per cent).

Sharma argued that Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir are unable to benefit from central and state welfare schemes for minorities.

The Union government indirectly recognises Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians of Jammu and Kashmir as 'minorities'.

This is in spite of the fact that the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, is not applicable to J&K and thus the recognition of Muslims as 'minorities' is whimsical and illegal, the plea said.

The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has awarded 717 out of the 753 available scholarships to the majority community in Jammu and Kashmir, it said.

Constitutional guarantees under Article 29 and 30 (rights of minorities) are no guarantees at all in Jammu and Kashmir due to the government's failure to identify religious and linguistic minorities and declare them as notified minorities, said the PIL.

Rights and benefits due to the minorities are being siphoned off arbitrarily and illegally, it added.

It wants the Supreme Court to order setting-up of a state minority commission to identify religious and linguistic minorities, or to appoint a panel of experts under its supervision to submit a report on the religious and linguistic minority communities of Jammu and Kashmir.

The plea also wants a direction to extend the National Commission for Minorities to J&K.
Navneet Kumar was resting inside his aunt's house in southwest Delhi's Najafgarh area when two of his nephews who were playing outside ran in frantically.

They had seen a plane, mid-air, on fire.

'I immediately came out of the house and saw flames had engulfed the left engine,' the Gurugram resident told Mail Today.

Bengaluru-bound Airbus A320 of GoAir (G8 557) had a narrow escape after the plane caught fire just seven minutes after takeoff from Delhi airport. (Picture for representation )

'I was in shock for a moment and so were the others present there. I realised that a massive tragedy would occur if steps were not taken immediately.

'I immediately dialed 100 on my mobile phone to inform police about the incident.'

The 187 passengers and six crew members on board the Bengaluru-bound Airbus A320 of GoAir (G8 557) had a narrow escape after the plane caught fire just seven minutes after takeoff from Delhi airport on Wednesday evening.

By the time, the pilot had informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the plane made an emergency landing without any casualties.

Navneet Kumar saw the Airbus on fire and immediately called the police

Recounting the sight, Kumar said: 'It was quite dark but the aircraft was visible due to the fire.'

'We saw the plane for 10 to 15 seconds while it was crossing above the house and traveled quite a distance before it turned around and headed towards the airport for emergency landing.'

The incident came days after two aircraft came face to face moments before one was to takeoff at Indira Gandhi International airport in the national Capital.

An Indigo flight was headed towards the taxiway after landing just when a SpiceJet aircraft was preparing for takeoff on December 27.

Hours earlier on the same day, a Jet Airways flight with 161 people on board veered off the runway and skidded into the field at Goa airport.

Some passengers were hurt in the incident. Jet flight 9W 2374 was scheduled to fly from Goa to Mumbai at 4.40 am, but aborted the takeoff at the last moment as pilots detected a technical snag.

The flight spun 360 degree before coming to a halt in the field inside the Dabolim airport premises.

'We received a PCR call about a plane catching fire mid-air above Najafgarh and when we enquired about the matter the airport operation control centre confirmed about the emergency landing of a GoAir flight,' said deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Sanjay Bhatia of IGI Airport.

According to a top source at the airport, the pilot was aware that a technical fault had occurred in the left wing of the engine but did not know that it had caught fire.

It was the local police that informed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials and ATC passed on the message to the pilot.

After detecting the technical fault and fire in the engine, the pilot of the Airbus sought permission for emergency landing and clearance of runway at IGI airport on priority.

'Following instructions about emergency landing, we placed fire engines and ambulance on standby to deal with any eventualities.'

'Airbus A320 has two engines on either side. The pilot made full emergency landing safely. All 193 passengers and crew members are safe and sound,' said a senior officer at IGI airport.

The official pointed out that if the plane had stayed in the air for some more time, it could have led to a major tragedy.

The collective efforts of an alert onlooker, Delhi police, CISF, ATC and the two pilots of the plane helped defuse the crisis, he said.

Since the matter was quite sensitive, the passengers were evacuated through two normal gates and two emergency doors.

They were put on another Bengaluru-bound GoAir flight an hour later.

'G8-557 Delhi-Bengaluru flight had an emergency landing at Delhi airport at 1953 hours (7:53pm) due to technical reasons,' the airline said in a statement.

'As per procedure, the crew of SG 136 had informed the ATC of a technical problem. The aircraft made an uneventful landing at the Delhi airport.

'All passengers and crew are safe. The ATC was kept in the loop by the crew all throughout.'

When contacted, the GoAir spokesperson informed Mail Today that the civil aviation regulator DGCA is investigating the matter.
The Congress has approached the Election Commission and has demanded an 'immediate action' against RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, accusing the outfit's patriarch of having delivered a communal speech at a 'Hindu Sammelan' in Betul in Madhya Pradesh ahead of the UP polls.

Maharashtra Congress secretary Shehzad Poonawalla accused Bhagwat of violating the Model Code of Conduct and making a 'communal remarks' in Betul, on Wednesday.

Poonawalla claimed that this was not an isolated incident and various leaders from BJP and Sangh parivaar have tried to vitiate the atmosphere prior to the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress accused Bhagwat of making communal remarks at a rally in MP

This was against Supreme Court's recent verdict which prohibits use of religion to garner votes, he said.

'I would like to draw the urgent and immediate attention of Election Commission of India towards an extremely communal set of remarks, which violate the Model Code of Conduct.

'The recent verdict by Supreme Court that prohibits political parties from using religion to garner votes,' said Poonawalla.

'The offensive remarks, which brimming with vitriol, were made by him (Bhagwat) in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, but were aired all over the country including Uttar Pradesh which will have the elections soon,' Poonawalla said.

Citing Bhagwat's remark: 'All Bharatiya (Indians) are Hindus and we all are one entity (Everyone living in India is Hindu).'

'Although the statement was not made in Uttar Pradesh, but it was aired in UP through social and mainstream media and was an invitation for likes of Mr Owaisi (known for his communal politics) to spew communal venom,' Poonawalla said in his petition addressed to ECI.

'These statements only aim to polarise the electorate along communal lines and have no basis in facts,' he said.

Demanding direct prohibition against RSS chief, Poonawalla said that Mohan Bhagwat should be barred from campaigning or addressing gatherings in Uttar Pradesh till the end of Assembly elections.

'Given that elections are a very serious affair, the implications of such statements on maintenance of law and order and ensuring free and fair elections can be adverse,' Lawyer and Activist Poonawalla wrote.

He has also demanded necessary action against BJP and Sangh Parivaar's leaders Suresh Rana, Sakshi Maharaj and Parvesh Verma.
In a major step towards speeding up defence deals and urgently meeting critical requirements of the armed forces, PM Narendra Modi has enhanced defence minister Manohar Parrikar's financial muscle by four times, allowing him to buy weapon systems and platforms worth Rs 2,000 crore at his own discretion.

This is a huge jump from the existing fund of Rs 500 crore that was given to the defence minister under the UPA government.

'At a recent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Prime Minister cleared the proposal to increase the financial power of the defence minister from the existing Rs 500 crore to Rs 2,000 crore,' senior government sources told Mail Today here.

The decision is made to fast-track the speed of weapon acquisition

The decision by the Prime Minister is going to significantly fast-track the speed of weapon acquisition as many defence deals can be completed at the level of the defence ministry and there would no need to take them to the Cabinet Committee on Security, the sources said.

Till now, all the defence deals worth over Rs 1,000 crore had to be cleared at the level of the CCS which is headed by the Prime Minister and includes the unions ministers for defence, home, finance and external affairs.

The Prime minister also cleared many other proposals related to the financial decision made by his ministers as he has given the defence minister and the finance minister the power to jointly clear defence acquisitions worth up to Rs 3,000 crores.

This would mean that at least 60-70 per cent of the deals related to the defence sector would be cleared at the ministerial level, the sources said.

PM Modi has given Manohar Parrikar more discretion over defence acquisitions

So far, the two ministers could jointly clear deals worth Rs 1,000 crore but this has now been enhanced by three times, they said.

With the new arrangements in place, the Cabinet Committee on Security will only take up acquisition cases which are worth over Rs 3,000 crore, the sources said.

The new financial rules will help the defence ministry give contracts for several weapon systems, especially for tank ammunition and small arms requirements, such as rifles and small range missiles, and also help cut down the time taken for getting clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security.

'This is going to save at least a few months in the long-lasting defence acquisition process,' the sources said.

The delegation of powers by the Prime Minister is also a step towards ensuring maximum governance and cutting down red tape in decision making for defence procurement, the sources said.

The step to increase financial powers of the ministers has been taken soon after the budget announcement in which the defence ministry was allocated Rs 6,000 crore for buying new weapon systems and platforms for the services.

The government instructions issued in this regard have made it clear that the new financial powers would be applicable only for capital acquisitions, which means only new weapon systems for the forces can be bought from it.
A fridge too far: Marco Nardone enjoyed a party lifestyle while his Fling app flopped

The playboy founder of a photo messaging app burned through 17million of investors' cash before his company went bust without making a penny.

Marco Nardone, the son of a millionaire wine importer, was the chief executive of London-based Fling  a mobile phone app which let users send photos to strangers who could then reply.

It raised cash through a former Goldman Sachs banker, and at its height it claimed to have 4m users who sent 50billion messages.

Yet it never made any revenue and was slammed as a playground for men to harass women with nude photos.

A report by Sam Shead in Business Insider magazine alleged that as the company died, Nardone, 28, splashed out on holidays to Ibiza, dined in Michelin-starred restaurants and lived in a riverside penthouse in London.

He is also claimed to have at one point hurled a baguette when his 81-year-old father stepped in to stop an argument with an employee.

The app closed last year and has since collapsed into administration, leaving a mountain of debt.

As well as investors being left out of pocket, it owes other creditors 880,997, including 120,268 to Twitter, more than 45,000 to Google and 95,000 to the taxman.

Fling's failure had all the ingredients of an overvalued technology firm with an inexperienced founder.

While Fling was haemorrhaging cash, Nardone is claimed to have been dining in exclusive London restaurants such as Nobu and flying first class.

He is described as ambitious, with the ability to charm investors.

Former employees told Business Insider that Nardone appeared topless in the firm's river-view office in Hammersmith, and held wild party weekends.

He also failed to employ a finance director or keep an eye on cash flows.

One former employee said: 'He controlled everything financially. It was a black hole. No one had sight of what was in the accounts. He would just spend how he felt like he was going to spend. He had no idea what a budget was.'

Another left a comment on company review website Glassdoor which branded Nardone 'amateurish, immature, chaotic, rude, disrespectful and petty'.

They added: 'He is everything a successful entrepreneur should not be. He would come to the office around 4pm and make the management team stay until the early hours or overnight without a particular reason, just queuing to have a meeting with him.'

Tantrum: Nardone with his 81-year-old father who he is said to have hurled a baguette at in a fit of rage

Nardone claimed to be a successful tech entrepreneur. He was a public schoolboy backed by his family and just 23 when he was handed 1.5million by his tycoon father Remo  the owner of Enotria Winecellars  to develop the app which Nardone had dreamed up while on a flight.

It followed an education at 37,000-a-year Charterhouse school before a degree in physics at Imperial College London.

After a year as a trader at Credit Suisse following university, Nardone decided to launch his own business. He saw himself as a rival to Evan Spiegel, the US founder of photo-messaging app Snapchat.

Equipping himself with expensive offices in London's Hammersmith was part of this. Nardone furnished his own office with two iMac computers, luxurious rugs and customised wood flooring.

Millions of pounds were raised for the business by ex-Goldman Sachs banker Raffaele Costa.

Nardone claimed Fling was an app which 'breaks the social graph', allowing strangers to connect with people outside their social circle.

The idea was that users would 'fling' a picture message of themselves to users. But it was quickly overrun with users who sent nudes and Nardone hired a team in the Philippines to vet photos.

However, workers said it was biased, and kicked off men while allowing women to post explicit pictures. A spokesman for Nardone claims that the workers failed to moderate photos properly.

One former employee said: 'They couldn't even have a photograph with their shirt off. Unless it was him. He would then boost himself to everybody on the database.

'Guys were getting booted off the app as soon as they approached it while girls were getting absolutely trolled as soon as they were on it. It was just a spiral.'

Happy days: As the company died and investors' cash drained away , Nardone, 28, splashed out on holidays to Ibiza

Apple, which offered the app in its store, caught on and Fling was flung out with no warning. It left Nardone furious and demanding the 50 staff work through the night to fix the problem.

One employee said: 'He came into the office around midnight, with two girls I'd never met before in my life. And he basically frolicked, for want of a better word, with these girls in that room, sending out Flings of the two girls kissing.'

Nardone denies these claims.

Staff are said to have worked for 19 days to build a new version of the app. It is claimed he even tried to put tents up in the office so they could work longer hours.

A spokesman for Nardone said that highly paid employees were asked to have constant attendance to resolve specific issues.

Staff accused him of treating them badly and that's when his father stepped in, prompting the sandwich-throwing incident.

'Marco was going crazy at the board meeting and his dad chipped in and told him to calm down,' a source said. 'Marco just threw the baguette. It collided with the window and slid down, leaving a massive smear.'

Shortly after, workers started to leave. His chief operating officer Emerson Osmond left in August 2015 and others followed. Customers were also deserting the app.

After it cleaned up its act, Fling struggled to keep users. Most people downloaded the app for about 30 days before deleting it.

Nardone was desperately trying to hold on to users by pumping thousands of pounds a day into Facebook advertising and Twitter.

But as the cash dwindled, Nardone scrapped the moderators in the Philippines  and users began posting explicit messages again.

The app then quietly shut down.

Nardone denied he had treated staff badly and blamed Apple for his firm's failure. He didn't respond to other allegations.

A spokesman for Nardone said: 'The idea that he had no idea about money is laughable. He studied finance and previously worked in the financial sector.'
This year could see up to 17 new challenger banks enter the market after a relatively quiet period for fresh entrants.

Challenger banks have been a key component in making savings rates, particularly fixed-rates, move upwards in the past few years as they battle to top best buy tables and attract cash.

James Blower, independent expert at The Savings Guru and previous head of a number of challenger banks, believes last year was a quiet one for new banks thanks to some underestimating just how much it costs to set up.

He says that in 2016 just four - Atom, Habib Zurich, Masthaven and Zenith  officially launched and that a glut of new challengers, which have delayed opening until 2017, could help drive up rates.

Green shoots? A number of challenger banks offering savings products are expected to launch in 2017

He explains: 'Typically, a new bank will look to raise circa 250million - 1billion a year in savings.

'In a savings market worth 1.4trillion and growing at four to five per cent a year (around 3040billion), four new banks doesn't make much of a difference, 17 will do, alongside the 20-plus new ones already launched.

'I expect both easy-access and fixed-rates to go higher, driven by new competition.

'There's likely to be more interest in fixed-rate deposits from the new entrants but some of the newer challenger banks, who have been in the market for a few years, may well look to enter the instant savings market too.'

At the top of the independent This is Money savings tables at present is a number of challenger banks who have filled the space left by high street giants.

These include Atom, Charter Savings, Harrods, Ikano and RCI Banks, all of which have best buy deals available.

Some of the 17 new banks we already know, James says. The likes of Starling and Monzo have been very public about their plans and ambitions.

These will be of less interest to savers though, he adds, as they are focusing primarily on the current account market.

He has picked out four challenger banks which he believes will bring exciting zephyrs of change for savers this year.

FORD: CAR MAKER TURNS SAVINGS PROVIDER

Ford Savings: The car maker has recently appointed NS&I heavyweight Julian Hynd

Ford Credit Europe already has a banking licence but does not have approval to accept deposits.

However, the appointment of ex National Savings and Investments heavyweight Julian Hynd to executive director, suggests this could be about to change.

As director of retail, Hynd oversaw a highly successful period at NS&I with some innovative products and a savings book in excess of 100billion.

This suggests that Ford are looking to make a big entrance and do something different to the rest of the market, James believes.

It also has an advantage over other potential challengers in the fact it is already a global, trusted brand.

The bank is based on the same business park as one of the first challenger banks, Shawbrook, in Brentwood, Essex.

'I expect Ford to make an even bigger impact than the highly successful Shawbrook has', James adds.

Savings accounts may be offered in a similar vein to RCI Bank (part of Renault) in the way that deposits are used to help car buyers finance vehicles.

It has offered a number of best savings accounts in Britain, although it falls under the French equivalent of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

CIVILISED: BANKERS SWEAR AN OATH

Civilised: Billed as one of the new generations of providers, bankers have to swear an oath

Civilised is one of the new generation of banks coming. It aims to do what it says on the tin, which is to offer a more civilised banking service.

It talks of coupling best of breed technology with experienced local bankers.

Its bankers all have to swear an oath and it is trying to restore the image of banking to a time when the industry was more respected.

The first line of the oath reads: 'I will do my utmost to behave in a manner that prioritises the needs of customers. It is my first duty to provide an exemplary service to my customers and to exhibit a duty of care above and beyond that required by law.'

At present, there's little by way of help and advice for savers from other providers - it's largely an execution only take it or leave it product.

While the products aren't complex, many savers miss the days of a dedicated banker they can contact and deal direct with.

James concludes: 'What's interesting here is if Civilised can deliver this proposition through its network of bankers and technology then it will offer something truly different to the market.'

AMICUS: LIKELY TO HAVE STRONG RATES

Amicus: The challenger is expected to have big ambitions when it launches

Amicus is a specialist financial lender focusing on property, commercial and asset finance.

It's well established and backed by Omni Partners who have bought in John Jenkins and a number of the people who worked with him in the setting up of GE Bank.

The significance of this, James says, is that their ambitions are likely to be greater than just raising a few hundred million of savings, like some of its competitors who have entered the market.

The management too have run sizeable operations and it's unlikely to be no coincidence that they've been selected for this ability, James speculates.

He expects Amicus to launch with a strong offering and to have an appetite for good volumes of savings.

This will be good for savers as it will help to exert upwards pressure on rates.

James adds: 'Amicus is already going through the licensing process and, all being well, is likely to get authorisation in the next few months and launch later this year.'

Mr Jenkins has previous said that Amicus is likely to offer notice and term type accounts rather than instant access, while an Isa may also be on the cards.

ZOPA: ESTABLISHED P2P LENDER WANTS FSCS

Zopa: The established peer-to-peer lender announced its intention to apply for a banking licence in late-2016

Zopa announced its intention to apply for a banking licence in late-2016. It's the first of the peer-to-peer lenders to do so and James says: 'I can't imagine that the others aren't also weighing up whether to follow suit.'

Zopa has already lent 2billion of loans to customers and that's without any Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection for customers who invest.

James adds: 'One wonders what they could achieve with FSCS deposited protection and the lower cost of funds they will be able to access.'

James believes that the lender has built an excellent IT infrastructure, delivers a good experience for its customers and is arguably ahead of the challengers in this regard.

James concludes: 'If it can transfer this to a banking model then it is likely to be a force to be reckoned with and a compelling proposition for savers.'

Jaidev Janardana, chief executive of Zopa said last November: 'We want to launch a next generation bank to drive greater choice for borrowers, savers and investors, which is good for consumers and good for the economy.'
By Isabel Coles

RASHIDIYA, Iraq, Feb 2 (Reuters) - His name was Ayman, but the couple who brought the boy home to their Iraqi village after buying him for $500 called him Ahmed.

Islamic State militants had killed or enslaved Ayman's parents in their purge of the Yazidi religious minority to which he belongs, then sold the four-year-old to Umm and Abu Ahmed, who are Muslims.

For the 18 months he lived with the couple, his relatives assumed he was dead, one of several thousand Yazidis who have been missing since the militants overran their homes in what the United Nations has called genocide.

When Iraqi forces retook east Mosul and the surrounding area last week, they found Ayman and returned him to what is left of his family. While their reunion was full of joy, breaking the bond between Ayman and his adoptive parents brought new sorrow.

Speaking to Reuters journalists brought by Iraqi forces to his home in Rashidiya, north of Mosul, Abu Ahmed swiped through photographs of the boy on his phone: "That's him riding a bicycle here. That's him standing in our hall. That's an exercise machine he played on."

The windows of the couple's one-story home on the eastern bank of the Tigris river have been shattered by a blast that destroyed their neighbour's house, evidence of the fierce fighting that will continue when the army attacks the western side, which is still controlled by Islamic State.

Abu Ahmed emptied the contents of a box onto the bed Ayman used to share with them: toy cars and building blocks, and a children's book for learning Arabic script.

It was Umm Ahmed's idea to adopt a child. The couple had no children, and she heard Islamic State was selling orphans in the town of Tel Afar, some 40 km (25 miles) to the west.

"My objective was to win favor (with God)," said Umm Ahmed, only her eyes showing in a gap in her black veil. "To be honest, I wanted to teach him my religion, Islam."

Her husband, a government employee, was against the idea but could not dissuade his wife, who went alone to get the boy from an orphanage run by the militants, paying for him with her earnings as a teacher.

Although the boy cried and did not want to go with her, she coaxed him, saying: "Come, you will be my child. We will live together and I will buy you everything."

REALLY SMART

Gradually he grew accustomed to his adoptive parents, who taught him Arabic instead of the Kurdish dialect spoken by Yazidis. They told people he was a nephew they had taken in and enrolled him at the local school under the name Ahmed Shareef, but mostly he was kept indoors.

"He was really smart. I taught him to pray and perform ablutions. Do you know how much of the Koran he memorized?" Umm Ahmed said.

They did not want him to forget who he was and encouraged him to speak about life in his village of Hardan. But she said: "I always warned him not to tell anyone (he was Yazidi)."

Islamic State imposed a radical version of Islam in Mosul after establishing the city as its de facto capital: banning cigarettes, televisions and radios, and forcing men to grow beards and women to cover from head to toe.

They branded the Yazidis, whose beliefs combine elements of several ancient Middle Eastern religions, as devil-worshipers.

Sometimes Ayman asked about the rest of his family but Umm and Abu Ahmed did not know what happened to them except for a sister in her mid-teens who was taken as a slave by a militant from Tel Afar. The militant brought the sister to visit several times but her current fate is unknown.

The whereabouts of a half-brother who was sold at the orphanage before Ayman are also not known.

As the U.S.-backed campaign to drive Islamic State out of Mosul gathered pace and the Iraqi army's ninth division reached Rashidiya, things began to unravel for Umm and Abu Ahmed.

On entering the village, a commander received a tip that a Yazidi boy was being held there and dispatched soldiers to retrieve him. The couple had no choice but to give him up.

A video clip of the moment they were parted shows Ayman clinging to Umm Ahmed and crying.

In the clip, provided to Reuters by an aid group embedded with the army, she pleads with the soldiers who came to get the boy. "Leave him with me a bit," she says, then tries to comfort him in spite of her own distress: "You will go and see your mother now... and when you grow up you will come and see me".

BACK FROM THE DEAD

Ayman's parents and most other relatives are still missing, but his grandmother and uncle live on the edge of one of several camps to which the Yazidi community has been displaced en masse, about 50 km (30 miles) away from Rashidiya.

Samir Rasho Khalaf thought his nephew had been killed until he saw a post on Facebook on Jan. 28 that a Yazidi child named Ayman Ameen Barakat had been found.

"I was stunned," said Khalaf. "It's a miracle: he came back from the dead."

That same night, they were reunited. In a video of the reunion shown to Reuters by the soldiers who handed Ayman over, his grandmother strikes herself on the head repeatedly when she sees the boy, picking him up and wailing in disbelief.

"We all cried," Major Wathiq Amjad Naathar, the army official who oversaw the handover, told Reuters.

That night, Ayman was beside himself and begged to be returned to Umm Ahmed, Khalaf said.

But on a visit by a Reuters reporter and TV crew this week, he appeared happy and calm, if bashful about all the attention.

Asked if he had been happy with his adoptive parents, he said yes, and asked if he was happy to be back with his real family, he said yes too.

Khalaf said he was pleased that Umm and Abu Ahmed kept Ayman safe and healthy, and he was grateful that, unlike so many other Yazidi boys abducted by Islamic State, he was not forced to train with weapons or fight.

But he was angry the couple did not try harder to find his family to say he was alive and well, and has refused to allow them to talk to Ayman, even though they called once.

"We don't mention them (his adoptive parents) so he will forget them," he said.

Umm Ahmed said he will never forget them, however, just as they will not forget him.
Former Royal Logistics Corps officer Peter Atilla is accused of raping a woman after returning from a tour in Afghanistan. He says he was asleep

A soldier who served alongside the SAS is accused of rape but claims he was sleepwalking at the time and can't remember having sex.

Peter Atilla, 46, denies attacking the woman ex-soldier the day he got back from six months in Afghanistan.

A court heard the munitions expert told police: 'I have a bad recollection of it - maybe I was sleepwalking.'

The pair already knew each other and agreed to spend the night together on his return to the UK.

Prosecutor Dyfed Thomas said: 'She said he could sleep in her bed and was happy to have a cuddle.

'But she made it clear they were not going to have sex. She fell asleep with Atilla cuddled up behind her.

'She was woken and realised she was naked with Atilla on top of her. His eyes were open, he was biting his lower lip and he was sweating.'

The jury heard the soldier had managed to remove the woman's pyjamas and have sex without her waking up.

Dr Chris Idzikowski, a consultant psychiatrist, today explained Atilla could have been suffering from parasomnia - defined as unwanted behaviour during sleep.

He said one if the symptoms of parasomnia is sexsomnia, a type of 'confusional arousal' which can lead to sexual behaviour from a person while in deep sleep.

The court heard Atilla had just returned from a warzone and was drinking heavily

Dr Idzikowski said Atilla, who had served 'with distinction' in the First Gulf War, Kosovo, Iraq as well as Afghanistan, may have been triggered by something as simple as a 'sound' while he was laying next to the woman.

He admitted the evidence the disorder did in fact lead to Atilla having sex with the woman while asleep was 'weak'. But he said he could 'not exclude' it from being possible.

Dr Idzikowski said: 'If he arrived back in action mode it's potentially something that would come through in his sleep.

'I've experience of other soldiers coming back off tour and experiencing things such as untoward behaviour (while asleep).

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard yesterday that the victim went to police three years later after the alleged rape brought back memories of her being sexually abused as a child.

Mr Thomas said: 'Atilla was arrested and raised the issue of whether he's been sleeping at the time. Sleepwalking is really a very weak assertion in this case.

'He told police: 'If she said it happened, it happened, but I can't remember'.'

He claimed he raped the female ex-soldier in his sleep and had no memory of it

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said in a police interview: 'I woke up to see him looking down at me like he was doing press-ups. I was so shocked, it felt like hours but it was seconds.'

Before the sex attack, Atilla told the woman he was suffering from combat stress from his experiences in Afghanistan.

She told the jury: 'He had just flown back from six months with the SAS. He came back angry and was drinking and smoking heavily.'

When she confronted Atilla the next day he told her: 'I was asleep, I don't remember any of it.'

She told the jury: 'I felt like I was a piece of scum.'

Atilla - of Northampton - denies rape. The trial is ongoing. Pictured: Stock photo of a soldier

Atilla, of Northampton, spent 26 years in the Army and saw action in both Gulf wars, Iraq and Kosovo.

The Warrant Officer left the regular Army in 2006 but stayed on as a reservist, volunteering to go on secondment with the SAS to Afghanistan at the end of 2012.

He denies the rape and the trial continues.
A village must pay back all $3million paid by drivers for speeding citations from automated traffic cameras, a judge in Ohio says.

Butler County Judge Michael Oster issued his ruling Wednesday, saying the money was unjust enrichment of New Miami, The Hamilton-Middletown Journal-News reported.

The judge's ruling, per the newspaper, said: 'This court has already found council ordinance 1917 as adopted by the village of New Miami to be unconstitutional.

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The village of New Miami must pay back all $3million paid by drivers for speeding citations from automated traffic cameras, a judge in Ohio says

'Accordingly, any collection or retention of the monies collected under the ordinance was wrongful.

'Based upon the aforementioned established Ohio law, this action sub justice is therefore not a civil suit for money damages; but rather, an action to correct the unjust enrichment of the village of New Miami.'

A judge ruled in 2014 that the village's camera enforcement was unconstitutional.

Village Solicitor Dennis Adams told the newspaper that they have a decade to pay the money back to the speeders.

The ruling is the latest round in appeals and disputes in the case, and the village has said it will continue to challenge the rule.

The village cited nearly 45,000 people in 15 months.

Video courtesy of Local 12

Butler County Judge Michael Oster issued his ruling Wednesday, saying the money was unjust enrichment of New Miami

Cameras had been for the most part set up on US 127, which goes through New Miami, according to Local 12.

New Miami' is probably going to appeal, according to the TV station.

Its officers now use hand-held cameras to comply with state law requiring that an officer be present when camera enforcement is used.

A challenge by cities to that law is before the Ohio Supreme Court.
A former meth user has opened up about his crippling addiction to the drug and the devastating impact it had on his life.

Jonathan Clark, from Mandurah in Western Australia, has told how his life spiralled out of control after he was introduced to the drug by a former work supervisor.

'Meth is haunting, it knocks on the door, it taps on the mind,' Clark said in an interview with the Mandurah Mail.

Former meth addict Jonathan Clark has told how the drug had a devastating impact on his life

Clark said meth 'bewitches your whole mindset' (stock image)

'It takes something in the inner man, in your inner self, and it bewitches your whole mindset.'

Clark started experimenting with drugs at 14, first with marijuana, then heroin and amphetamines, before being introduced to meth.

He said using meth gave him a feeling of 'euphoric happiness', with the drug quickly taking over his life.

'I've had some meth where one bit of it kept me up for two nearly three days straight without sleeping, and I've had times where I stayed awake for four to five days without sleeping or eating,' Clark told the paper.

Clark said he was able to break free from the grip of meth on a number of occasions, sometimes going up to eight months without using the drug.

But he would relapse each time - until he had a psychotic episode, in which he thought he heard the voice of the devil.

The voice told him he was going to lose his mind forever.

He sought out the help of the Teen Challenge program, Narcotics Anonymous and his religious faith.

Jonathan Clark now wants to use his experience to help others

He has now been clean for a long period but he said he still dreams about meth.

Clark now wants to use his experience to help other addicts, with the aim of becoming a mentor.

He said as an addict he knows there is freedom from the drug.
Guards were forced to drag opposition lawmakers out of South Africa's parliament after the group denounced President Jacob Zuma as a 'scoundrel' and started a brawl in the chamber.

Zuma was accused of being 'rotten to the core' on national television because of corruption allegations.

Lawmakers from the Economic Freedom Fighters tried to stop Zuma from addressing the chamber, repeatedly insulted the president and declared him unfit for office.

Members of the opposition group the Economic Freedom Fighters (in red) are forcibly removed from parliament in Cape Town, South Africa

Some opposition members tried to throw punches at the security guards who removed them from the chamber.

Hundreds of military forces patrolled the streets of Cape Town to guard against protesters who want Zuma to quit.

Lawmakers from the Democratic Alliance, the country's biggest opposition group, walked out in protest.

The opposition lawmakers called for the resignation of President Zuma, who they called a 'scoundrel' and 'rotten to the core'

Some opposition members tried to throw punches at the security guards who removed them from the chamber

Lawmakers from the Democratic Alliance, the country's biggest opposition group, walked out in protest

Some members of the ruling African National Congress party heckled them as they left, shouting 'Out, Out'.

When the Economic Freedom Fighters were removed from the room, Zuma began an annual address on the economy and other national matters.

Zuma has faced calls to resign even from factions of the ruling party.

Some ANC members blame Zuma's scandals for the party's poor performance in local elections in August, in which it lost control of several key metropolitan areas.

When the Economic Freedom Fighters were removed from the room, Zuma began an annual address on the economy and other national matters

Critics condemned the use of 441 members of the military to assist police during the speech and the opening of parliament

South African police patrolled the streets of Cape Town to guard against protesters demanding Zuma's resignation

441 members of the military assisted police in maintaining order during the speech and the opening of parliament.

The security operation in the run up to Zuma's speech was among the largest in recent years.

While at least one group of protesters scuffled with police who blocked their path, the streets were mostly calm before the speech, in contrast to the events later in parliament.

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, addresses the press after he and his party were ejected from parliament

South African political leader of the EFF Julius Malema, center, stands after he was removed from parliament. The streets were mostly calm before the speech, in contrast to the events later in parliament

At least one group of protesters scuffled with police who blocked their path before President Zuma made his speech

Zuma is 'rotten to the core,' said Julius Malema, leader of the EFF. Other opposition legislators described the president as a 'scoundrel' and a 'constitutional delinquent.'

Earlier, police near parliament used stun grenades to disperse ruling party members and opposition groups who were fighting.

The hours leading up to Zuma's speech featured the pomp associated with the annual opening of parliament, when dignitaries walk on a red carpet and pose for cameras in an impromptu fashion show.

Hundreds of armed forces have been deployed in the city to increase security as opposition groups denounce Zuma, saying he should resign because of corruption allegations against him

South African President Jacob Zuma, background left, reviews the guard of honor at Parliament. He has been under scrutiny for an allegedly improper relationship with the Guptas, a business family accused of meddling in top government affairs

Zuma has been under scrutiny for an allegedly improper relationship with the Guptas, a business family of Indian immigrants that has been accused of meddling in top government appointments. The president has denied wrongdoing.

Zuma, who took office in 2009, also reimbursed the state more than $500,000 in a scandal over upgrades to his private home.
A group of college Republicans have apologised for handing out a Valentine's Day card that mock Jews who died in the Holocaust.

The card was placed in a gift bag handed out to students by the Central Michigan University Republican student group.

The card reads: 'My love 4 u burns like 6,000 Jews. XOXO, Courtney.'

A group of college Republicans have apologised after handing out a Hitler-themed Valentine's Day card that mocks Jews who died in the Holocaust. The card reads: 'my love 4 u burns like 6,000 Jews'

The message, printed on pink paper, also featured a picture of Adolf Hitler.

The group apologised on Facebook, saying the card was put in one of the bags without the knowledge of others.

They wrote: 'At tonights College Republican meeting, we had a Valentines Day party, in which each member decorated a bag and other members placed valentines inside of others bags.

'Unfortunately, a very inappropriate card was placed into a bag without other members knowledge.

'A bag was then given away to students sitting in Anspach [hall], once again without members knowledge of its contents.

'The College Republicans as an organization did not distribute this valentine. We in no way condone this type of rhetoric or anti-Semitism.

'We apologize for any offense, and want students to know that we do not tolerate this sort of behavior.'

The card has provoked outrage from students on social media.

CMU student Autumn Gairaud tweeted: 'The Central Michigan University I know doesn't tolerate hate speech. This is not what a Chippewa stands for.'

The group apologised on Facebook, saying the card was put in one of the bags without the knowledge of others. CMU president George E. Ross said: 'This is not who we are'

Central Michigan spokeswoman Sherry Knight told The Morning Sun that the school is "deeply disappointed."

Campus leaders met on Thursday to discuss the situation, while the college students held a rally against hate speech in protest against the cards.

In a statement, Central Michigan University's president George E. Ross said: 'This is not who we are as a campus community.

'Such hurtful, offensive language, while protected by the First Amendment, is unacceptable and is not consistent with our values and standards.

'At Central Michigan University, we stand up against hate, protect the safety of all, and build bridges of understanding that bring people together.'
Former Royal Logistics Corps officer Peter Atilla (pictured) had just travelled home after spending six months in Afghanistan

A soldier was today cleared of rape after a jury decided he was sleepwalking at the time.

Gulf war veteran Peter Atilla, 46, claimed he was suffering from sexsomnia, the rare medical condition of having sex while asleep.

The court heard Atilla had no memory of undressing and having intercourse with the sleeping woman.

She accused him of rape the next day and when arrested Atilla told police: 'Maybe I was sleepwalking.'

Atilla had just flown back from Afghanistan after a six-month tour of duty supporting the SAS in dangerous situations.

The court heard he was still in 'action mode' when he went to bed with the woman, agreeing they would only cuddle.

But she was woken by her crying baby in the night and found she was naked with Atilla on top of her 'sweating and with his eyes wide open'.

Renowned sleep expert Dr Chris Idzikowski told the court: 'He has just come back from a high combat situation, he was still in action mode.

'This could have come through in his sleep.

'I've seen other soldiers who behaved in an untoward way in intimate situations on the first night home from Afghanistan.'

Atilla was known to shout out 'Get Down' in his sleep but had never shown of signs of sexsomnia before or after he was accused of rape.

But he had a history of urinating in laundry cupboards and closets in the night without realising it.

The court heard sexsomnia is extremely rare with just 95 cases recorded worldwide.

Atilla's sleep behaviour was monitored over two night at a specialist centre before the trial.

Experts discovered he stopped breathing in his sleep, ground his teeth and talked, all signs that he could be a sexsomniac.

Atilla, 46, (pictured) was cleared by a jury after they heard him claim he was suffering from sexsomnia

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard Atilla knew the woman, a former soldier, before he volunteered for a six-month tour of duty in Helmand Province.

They met up on the day he returned and she let him share her bed on the condition they didn't have sexual intercourse.

Atilla told the court: 'I put my arm around her for a cuddle, that was allowed.

'After that I rolled over and went to sleep.

'I went down in the morning and she accused me of rape. I had no memory of it.'

The court heard the cuddle may have been enough to spark the act of sexsomnia so soon after returning from being in a warzone.

The woman went to police three years later after her night with Atila brought back memories of being sexually assaulted as a child.

She broke down in tears when the jury returned a not guilty verdict after 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court (pictured) heard Atilla knew the woman before he volunteered for a six-month tour of duty in Helmand Province

Judge Richard Twomlow said the evidence was some of the 'most unusual' ever heard in a courtroom.

Atilla, of Northampton, had a 'distinguished career' during 26 years in the Royal Logistics Corps where he was a Warrant Officer.

But he stayed on as a reservist and volunteered to go to Afghanistan in late 2012 supporting the SAS. He also worked with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force.

In a testimonial to the court his commanding officer Lt Col Michael Crawley said: 'He was engaged in an exceptionally challenging task with Special Forces in Afghanistan.

'He has terrier like determination and was our go-to person who can achieve anything he sets his mind to.

'He is utterly reliable - I trust him implicitly.'
Hillary Clinton was set to cover the upcoming issue of Vogue starring Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, according to multiple sources.

The former Secretary of State was reportedly lined up to front the March issue of the fashion bible, but it appears that this plan may have been scratched at some point after her loss to President Donald Trump in the election back in November.

The issue instead features Hadid and Jenner on the cover alongside Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, plus-sized stunner Ashley Graham, Anna Wintour-favorite Imaan Hammam, British beauty Adwoa Aboah and rising star Vittoria Ceretti.

Vogue does not comment on their covers. However, sources close to Vogue dismissed the alleged rumor to DailyMail.com saying there were never any conversations between Clinton and the magazine about a cover spread.

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Covergirl: Hillary Clinton (above with Anna Wintour in 2013) was set to cover the March issue of Vogue, according to multiple sources

New girls: That cover was reportedly scrapped however after her loss in November and she was replaced by models including Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner (l to r: Liu Wen, Ashley Graham, Jenner, Hadid, Imaan Hammam, Adwoa Aboah and Vittoria Ceretti)

Claim: New York Times features writer Jacob Bernstein wrote about Clinton being set to cover the March issue in a since-deleted tweet (above)

On Wednesday, New York Times features writer Jacob Bernstein posted a photo of the cover on Twitter, writing: 'Vogue's March issue was going to feature Hillary Clinton in the cover. That didn't quite work out...'

He later deleted that tweet, which came two weeks after Fast Company also claimed that a Clinton cover had been planned and then scrapped post-election.

'The idea to have Clinton on the cover of the upcoming "power" issue was ultimately tabled in the wake of her election defeat - it's not clear if that was Clinton's decision or the magazine's - and the editors spent weeks scrambling to find a replacement,' wrote Fast Company at the time.

Meanwhile, in a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, the magazine's longtime Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour promised that there would be more coverage of the current First Lady moving forward.

'We have a tradition of always covering whoever is the first lady at Vogue and I can't imagine that this time would be any different,' said Wintour.

She also used the interview to plug the new issue of the magazine, which marks the first of nine that will celebrate the 125th anniversary of Vogue.

'I think women have been on everybody's mind after recent results,' said Wintour.

'It seemed to us that it was time to celebrate and be positive and optimistic and say, "look at all these incredibly talented people we have working not only in fashion but in every possible walk of life."'

In addition to the diverse group of cover stars, the magazine also features a number of female designers in the upcoming issue, among them Miuccia Prada, Tory Burch and Maria Grazia Chiuri, who recently left Valentino to become the creative director of Dior.

Photog: Some thought Clinton was being shot for a Vogue cover back in October when Annie Leibovotz appeared on the campaign trail with her (Clinton and Leibovotz in plane door above)

First ladies: In a new interview, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour said that Melania Trump would be featured in the magazine moving forward (Clinton left in 1993, Trump in 2005)

One of those talented women is Clinton, who some thought was shooting an upcoming cover of the magazine back in October when she was spotted on the campaign trail with Annie Leibovitz.

Those photos later appeared however in Leibovotz's exhibit 'WOMEN: New Portraits.'

Vogue also endorsed Clinton for president, the first time the magazine had formally put their support behind a candidate in its history.

'Obviously we felt it was a moment in history for women,' said Wintour.

Clinton could of course be covering next month's issue of the magazine, which is also reportedly set to feature a spread with British Prime Minister Theresa May.

That honor could also go to the new First Daughter Ivanka Trump - who outfitted herself in designs from Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, and Jason Wu during the inauguration - or First Lady Melania Trump.

The March issue of Vogue hits newsstands February 21.
Anna Nicole Smith's former bodyguard has told how he is still 'haunted' after finding the Playboy model's lifeless body in a Florida hotel suite - and reveals he still blames himself for her tragic death ten years later.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Maurice Brighthaupt, known to Smith as Big Moe, recalls the frantic moments he tried to revive the unconscious star, administering CPR for ten minutes before an ambulance arrived.

And the trained paramedic vividly remembers seeing the blond pinup slip away as an accidental drug overdose cut her life short at age 39.

Just months after the passing of beloved son Daniel, which came three days after the birth of her daughter Dannielynn, Smith died on February 8th, 2007 after she consumed a fatal cocktail of prescription pills with powerful sleep syrup chloral hydrate.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Maurice Brighthaupt, known to Smith as Big Moe, recalls the frantic moments he tried to revive the unconscious star, administering CPR for ten minutes before an ambulance arrived

Brighthaupt says the terrible tragedy was almost inevitable, admitting the former Playboy centerfold's drug abuse was out of control and claims she ultimately died of a 'broken heart' after her son Daniel's death

Speaking for the 10th anniversary of her death, Brighthaupt - who was also Smith's friend and confidant - says the terrible tragedy was almost inevitable, admitting the former Playboy centerfold's drug abuse was out of control and claims she ultimately died of a 'broken heart'.

What's more, the man claims his boss predicted her own death the previous night, telling him her dead son was 'calling' to her and that she would soon be by his side.

But Brighthaupt, 48, admits the star was 'enabled' to abuse drugs by her close friends, including himself.

The Miami-based firefighter and paramedic, said: 'She was like a sister to me. She was the most loving and caring person I have ever met.

'Even though it was ten years ago, I still haven't fully come to terms with her death.

'I tried my best to help her in her final days and get her medical attention but she refused it. She had a group of us around her and all we did was enable her behavior.

'It took me ten years to realize it but I was an enabler. We enable these stars. We enable people that have power and we think they are bigger than life but we can't control mother nature.

'I still have dreams about that day and I am haunted by the moment I saw her slipping away.'

Smith's sudden death rocked the world of showbiz, sparked several court cases, paternity tests, conspiracy theories, public spats and left dozens of close friends struggling to rebuild their lives.

But Brighthaupt, 48, admits the star was 'enabled' to abuse drugs by her close friends and inside circle, including himself. He also says he had doubts about the intentions of Howard Stern (left), her long-time partner, though he was never charged with any crime. Smith's son Daniel is also pictured here in 2004, two years before his death

Playboy model Smith rose to tabloid fame after marrying billionaire oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall, who she had first met at a Houston strip club in 1993.

The wheelchair-bound 89-year-old died one year later and Smith was branded a gold-digger when she embarked on a legal claim to access his $400million estate.

The case continued beyond her death but was eventually thrown out.

The voluptuous model went on to embark on a film and TV career making dozens of guest appearances and starring in a number of failed movies and was even given her own reality show.

She raised eyebrows in 2006 when she moved to the Bahamas with her entourage, including bodyguard Brighthaupt and her lawyer  and later partner  Howard K. Stern.

In September that year she gave birth to daughter Dannielynn, but three days later her son Daniel died while visiting them in hospital. The 20-year-old suffered an accidental overdose of methadone, Zoloft and Lexapro.

During his funeral, distraught Smith even tried to jump in his coffin. Brighthaupt said she never recovered from the tragedy.

'Anna's only real rock was her son Daniel,' he said. 'She was so young when she had him that they practically grew up together. They were inseparable.

'Her heart was truly broken when he died and I don't think she ever came to terms with it. If it wasn't for her daughter Dannielynn, I think she would have died much sooner. She probably would not have even lasted a week.

'There were times after his death when she thought he was still alive. She would wake up and ask where he was, genuinely believing he was still with her.

Playboy model Smith rose to tabloid fame after marrying billionaire oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall, who she had first met at a Houston strip club in 1993

The wheelchair-bound 89-year-old died one year later and Smith was branded a gold-digger when she embarked on a legal claim to access his $400million estate. Daniel is pictured next to the couple on the left

'We would then have to explain to her that he was gone and she would be hit with that horrific grief all over again. It was terrible to see her like that. As much as I blame myself and others for her death, I don't think she could have been saved from the pain she felt after losing Daniel.'

Just days later, she exchanged vows with Stern, who claimed to be Dannielynns father, in a commitment ceremony on a boat off the island of New Providence.

Five months after Daniels death, Smith flew to the U.S. and checked into room 607 at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida with Stern.

Brighthaupt, who was by her side as ever, said the model was a frantic figure, popping prescription medication 'like candy' and still refusing to accept her sons passing.

She was suffering from pneumonia following a frightening incident in the Bahamas where she nearly drowned in a swimming pool.

Over three tragic days at the hotel she went form bad to worse, as she battled delusions and depression while downing dozens if nor hundreds of prescription pills.

'She was taking all kinds of meds, it was really bad,' recalled Brighthaupt. 'She was taking flu meds, meds to sleep, meds for depression and she was taking a lot.

'She once showed me a pot of 30 pills and she told me she had to take that four times a day.'

Smith accidentally overdosed on at least nine prescription drugs - including powerful sleep syrup chloral hydrate she was known to swig out of the bottle - after a miserable last few days in which she endured stomach flu, a 105-degree fever, heavy sweating and an infection on her buttocks from repeated injections.

At one point her fever reached a staggering 105F but, according to Brighthaupt, Stern refused to let her go to hospital for fear of being pictured by the paparazzi.

'I think all she ever wanted to do was be with her son and she was going to get to him no matter what,' Brighthaupt said

He said they were forced to place Smith in a bath of cold water in a desperate bid to cool her down, and it seemed to work momentarily.

That night she had a premonition and said her son Daniel was 'calling her'.

Brighthaupt said: 'She told me, "Daniel is calling me, he is all alone and he says he is scared. He says he wants his mother and I need to be with him. It is time for me to be with him."'

'So I responded and said, "You just have to be strong". I told her this was not the time.

'She was having a premonition. I think all she ever wanted to do was be with her son and she was going to get to him no matter what.

'She had had other episodes like that, she always dreamt Daniel was calling her. Sometimes she would just stare into the distance and say she was talking to Daniel.'

On February 8, Smith was left in her hotel room with Brighthaupt's wife Tasma, who was a registered nurse, and a friend, while Brighthaupt ran errands and Stern went to buy a boat for the couple.

Brighthaupt claims he had been gone just 45 minutes when he got a call from his wife saying Anna was unconscious. He rushed back to the hotel and desperately began to administer CPR while an ambulance arrived.

Dramatic video footage showed paramedics continuing to work on her as they wheeled her into an ambulance outside the hotel.

Five months after Daniels death, Smith flew to the U.S. and checked into room 607 at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida with Stern

Despite all their attempts, she did not make it.

Brighthaupt said: 'I remember getting to her and she was completely limp but her body still had a lot of warmth, so I felt there was still hope.

'I think I was giving CPR and mouth to mouth for over 10 minutes before the ambulance arrived.

'My first thought was, "Oh God, what has Howard (Stern) given you" but then I went into autopilot and just desperately tried to keep her alive.

'I rode with her in the ambulance and they spent an hour with her but they could not revive her. I was the only person with her, I guess I was the only family she had at the time.

'So I went into the hospital room to say a prayer for her.'

Smith was rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital at 2:10pm and the former Playboy Playmate of the Year was pronounced dead shortly afterwards at 2:49pm.

In a detailed autopsy report, Broward County Medical Examiner Dr. Joshua Perper found that in the days leading up to her death, Smith had been taking large amounts of chloral hydrate, which also contributed to the 1962 overdose death of her idol, Marilyn Monroe, as well as multiple other prescriptions.

Police found no apparent signs of foul play, and the medical examiner also ruled Smiths death probably was not a suicide.

Contributing factors included her weakened condition from a stomach flu and fever brought on by a pus-filled infection on her buttocks from repeated injection of other drugs.

Brighthaupt, though, blames himself and others for not leading Smith away from drug abuse.

'I think lots of people around Anna made some big mistakes. But we all enabled her,' he said.

'If I had to choose one person who caused her the most harm I would have to say it was Howard but I do believe he loved her and did not intend to cause her harm.'

Various court cases followed her death, from her burial place to the paternity of her daughter.

She was eventually buried in Nassau in the Bahamas next to Daniel, against her familys initial wishes, and, in a dispute with Stern, photographer Larry Birkhead was found to be Dannielynns father thanks to a DNA test.

Brighthaupt, who has two grown up children and still works as a part time as a bodyguard, is trying to move on with his life but is still plagued by that fateful day.

He said: 'I think about it every day, "What more could I have done?"

'I think ultimately what we really needed to do was protect her from herself and that was something we all failed to do. We all need to take responsibility for what happened to her.

He added: 'I have tried to move on but that day is always there lingering at the back of my mind.'
Most of so-called freedom fighters are actually radicals previously sponsored from outside.



In fact, most Syrian freedom fighters, including mighty Assyrians and descendants of Assyrians of the islamic state of Iraq and Syria and mighty islamic warriors of Jabhat Fatah Al Sham are Syrians and Assyrians, sons and daughters of the mighty and glorious Syrian forefather Assur, who fight for freedom of the Syrian people - freedom of righteous Syrian men and women to live under God and laws of God and separate from the doers of abominable deeds of sexual perversions (homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13), lesbianism (Leviticus 20:13), bestiality (Leviticus 20:15), incest (Leviticus 20:11-17), ********** (sexual relations with girls below 12 years of age) (Leviticus 20:2-3, Matthew 18:6)), abominations (child murders (abortions)) (Leviticus 20:2-3, Exodus 21:22-25), change of gender (Book of Enoch, section XVII, chapter 86; section II, chapter 10), cannibalism (Book of Enoch, section II, chapter 7,10), human cloning (Book of Enoch, section XVII, chapter 86; section II, chapter 10), intentional murder (Exodus 21:14), enslavement of men/women (Exodus 21:16) or selling of men/women to slavery (Exodus 21:16) and for freedom of worldly Syrian men and women to live their lives as they see fit as long as no abominable deeds of of sexual perversions (homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13), lesbianism (Leviticus 20:13), bestiality (Leviticus 20:15), incest (Leviticus 20:11-17), ********** (sexual relations with girls below 12 years of age) (Leviticus 20:2-3, Matthew 18:6)), abominations (child murders (abortions)) (Leviticus 20:2-3, Exodus 21:22-25), change of gender (Book of Enoch, section XVII, chapter 86; section II, chapter 10), cannibalism (Book of Enoch, section II, chapter 7,10), human cloning (Book of Enoch, section XVII, chapter 86; section II, chapter 10), intentional murder (Exodus 21:14), enslavement of men/women (Exodus 21:16) or selling of men/women to slavery (Exodus 21:16). Syrian freedom fighters are radicals for freedom, but this is good: difficult problems require radical solutions.



Those activists want Syrian state to collapse and don't give a s*** about history and traditions.



Indeed, Syrian freedom fighters want to abolish the assadite state, and to establish a free Syrian state, Syrian Arab federative islamic republic (SAFIR).



They have no idea neither about sharia law, nor about current constitution that implies Syria to be a secular state. That means rule of civil law regardless of religion institutions.



In fact, Syrian freedom fighters are known for their faithfulness to the ways of honorable combat of mighty and glorious Syrian forefather Assur and for their strict Syrian and Assyrian tradition of islamic faith and sharia law. I encourage you to study ways of mighty and glorious Assyrian king Tiglah Pileser III who put an end to Israeli zionism to understand the honorable way of combat of mighty and glorious Syrian forefather Assur.



As for naming...there is no unity of Arab states at the moment. This concept has been forgotten after revolutions in Middle East.



In fact, there are hundreds of millions of Arabs and muslims who are faithful to the teachings of mighty and glorious general Gamal Abdel Nasser - Arab socialism - Nasserism, who decreed unity of all Arab states, nations and peoples to create one Arab people as decreed by mighty and glorious Syrian king Antioch Epiphanes.



Furthermore we already have wold famous activists, who want to create one united 'Islamic state'.





And one caliphate, union of Arab and islamic states, ruled by prophet of God, will be created as commanded by God (Genesis 17:20)



Basing on your view, Syrian people should be looking forward of Lybian, Egyptian (with Morsi as president) or Iraqi scenario.



Frankly, Syrian people will live in a free Syrian state, Syrian Arab federative islamic republic (SAFIR), and will worship God, and not bashar assad.



Wake up man or stop pretending. Of course history and traditions means a lot, but things are different nowadays and we have to deal with it.





For lying and ignorant fools as you are, wise king Solomon established once and forever:



Ecclesiastes 1:9

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be, and that which is done is that which shall be done, and there is no new thing under the sun.



The lying and ignorant fools that forget history are predestined to repeat history again.



Russia did not demonstrate hubris and ignorance of Syrian customs. Draft is based on current situation yet it also has some gaps, which must be discussed with all sides of conflict.



As I have correctly stated, the fact, that Russia even dares to suggest draft constitution for Syria, a great nation, far older and with far greater achievements than Russia, demonstrates Russian hubris and profound Russian contempt for sacred and inalienable national sovereignty of Syria, that will inspire hundreds of thousands of Syrian freedom fighters to fight against Russian invaders in Syria.



As for the text of Russian draft, published by mass media, those who wrote it demonstrated profound ignorance of customs and traditions of the Syrian statecraft, and the text itself deserve a healthy laughter from every reasonable man and woman.
Brazil have sent in the army to try and establish rule of law where a six-day police strike has seen more than 100 murders and widespread rioting.

Armoured vehicles and airborne troops were the latest to be sent in to beef up security and attempt to contain the chaos in Espirito Santo, a coastal state north of Rio de Janeiro.

Most of the violence was centered in Vitoria, with the uprising being compared to the 2014 thriller film The Purge, where people take advantage of the absence of law and order to carry out horrific crimes.

With officers staging a walk-out over conditions and wages, thugs are running riot, with people running rampant with guns and machetes, shops being robbed, buses set on fire and dead bodies are left lying in the street.

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Armored vehicles of the Brazilian Navy patrol the streets of city of Serra in Espirito Santo

Brazilian Army on the streets during a violent protest against the Police strike in Vitoria

Two soldiers on the smoldering streets of Vitoria where lawlessness rules in Brazil

Military troops had to be deployed after looting, rape and murders broke out on Saturday amid the industrial action in a row over wages, but even they can't wrestle back control.

Since the walkout, more than 100 people have been killed in the metropolitan area of Vitoria, and officers' refusal to return to work has been labelled blackmail and holding the public to ransom by state officials.

Gustavo Tenorio, a spokesman for the police union, said: 'We cannot establish definite motives for these killings at this time as the crisis is still ongoing.

'But an initial evaluation by the homicide division seems to indicate that a majority of those who have died were tied to drug trafficking or some other type of crime.'

Defence minister Raul Jungman, who has already beefed up security, said an extra 550 troops and 100 National Public Security Force officers were being deployed to help with what is now being called Operation Capixaba.

In addition, the minister said another 100 members of the National Public Security Force would join the 1,200 army troops who are already patrolling the metropolitan area streets.

Police in Espirito Santo are demanding a pay rise amid an economic downturn that has hammered public finances in Brazil, with many states struggling to ensure even basic health, education and security services.

There are fears strikes could spread to other cash-strapped states that are not paying police and other public servants on time.

Luiz Pezao, governor of Rio de Janeiro state, one of Brazil's most indebted, has already warned federal officials he may urgently need the backing of troops or federal police soon.

There are rumors of a pending police strike in Rio, a tourist hub that in three weeks will host one of the world's biggest Carnival celebrations, which draws partygoers from around the globe.

An armoured vehicle from the Brazilian Navy patrols the streets of city of Vila Velha

Security officials have denied any such stoppage is planned.

In Espirito Santo, soldiers patrolled abandoned streets in downtown Vitoria, stopping and frisking the occasional pedestrian against shuttered storefronts.

State officials said they needed hundreds more federal troops and members of an elite federal police force to help establish order and make up for the absence of some 1,800 state police who normally patrol Vitoria's metropolitan area.

General Eduardo Villas Boas said: 'The Army's involvement in Espirito Santo is temporary. It is here to make government negotiations possible and bring peace to the population.

The negotiating table The two sides of the bitter dispute met Wednesday night to begin negotiating. Strike leaders have issued two demands - general amnesty for all police and a whopping 100 percent wage increase for all military police officers, according to The Rio Times citing local press. Leaving the fruitless discussion, the states Secretary for Human Rights Julio Pompeu told the paper: 'The population is frightened, people are dying in the streets. This is serious. 'The police are fully aware of the gravity of the moment we are living. I am very confident that we will be able to restore sanity, because what we are living here is a state of total insanity.' Those protesting are claiming officers have not had a pay increase for seven years amid Brazil's economic crisis. Advertisement

'We are not going to replace the police.'

As the mood intensifies and the streets become more violent, the licensed governor of the state of Espirito Santo Paulo Hartung said the walkout and the actions of the officers' families, who are supporting the strike by marching and protesting, was akin to blackmail.

He said the state would not bow to officers' ransom demands, which involve wanting each officer's pay rise to be doubled.

The state government has not released an official number for killings since police started striking on Saturday, but a spokeswoman for the union representing police said early yesterday it had registered 101 homicides.

That would be more than six times the state's average homicide rate during the same period last year.

The Globo TV network, citing security officials, reported that 200 cars were stolen in Vitoria on a single day, 10 times the daily average for the whole state.

The state's retail association said businesses have lost almost $30million since police walked off the job.

Where stores did open their doors, they were swarmed by shoppers stocking up as if preparing for a natural disaster.

'Good thing the supermarket opened because I have two young children at home and the food is running out,' said salesman Vitor Paulo, weighed down with shopping bags.

'It's like we're hostages in our own homes. We're scared to go out.'

Representatives of the striking police, including some of the officers' wives, met with state officials on Wednesday to demand that salaries be doubled for every category of officer.

Five army soldiers walk along a cycle path in Vitoria carrying military-grade rifles

The union said its members have not received a raise in four years.

Monthly pay for an officer starts at $848, according to Corporal Thiago Bicalho, a spokesman for striking police.

'We are going to analyze the offer and see what we can do in reality to advance this situation,' said Julio Pompeu, director of the state's human rights secretariat, who is helping the government negotiate with police.
The oldest person in the United States has passed away at the age of 114, two months after celebrating her last birthday.

Adele Dunlap died on Sunday at a hospital near Flemington, New Jersey according to the Martin Funeral Home yesterday.

She became the country's oldest person in July 2016 following the death of 113-year-old Goldie Michelson, of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Adele Dunlap talks with Susan Dempster, the activities director at the Country Arch Care Center in Pittstown, New Jersey

Dunlap was born December 12, 1902, in Newark, though family and caregivers said she often gave a younger age, even claiming she was 104 years old in television interviews last year.

The year she was born, Theodore Roosevelt was President, Cuba gained independence from Spain, the second Boer War ended, and the US bought the rights to the Panama Canal from France.

Dunlap didn't have an explanation for her longevity, and neither did her children. Asked once how it felt to be the oldest American, Dunlap said, 'I don't feel any different.'

Adele Dunlap poses for a photo on her 114th birthday, in the lobby of the Country Arch Care Center

Dunlap enjoyed a short career as a teacher before marrying and settling down to raise her three children. Her husband worked for an insurance company and died in 1963.

'She never went out jogging or anything like that,' her son, Earl Dunlap, said when his mother became the oldest American.

'She's not really thin, but she never weighed more than 140 pounds. She smoked, and when my father had his first heart attack, they both stopped. I think she ate anything she wanted.'

Dunlap, center, holds a maraca on her 114th birthday as she looks towards Kim Bocko, an activities assistant at her care home

Earl Dunlap said his mother wasn't a drinker but did occasionally enjoy a martini with her husband.

Officials at the Country Arch Care Center in Pittstown, where Dunlap first arrived at age 99, described her as a passive participant in daily activities and said she didn't socialize much. But they said she looked forward to Girl Scouts' coming to sing Christmas carols.

A Christian memorial service and burial for Dunlap will take place on Friday in Annandale, New Jersey.

The oldest known person living in the US now is 113-year-old Delphine Gibson, of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, according to the Gerontology Research Group, which tracks people older than 110 worldwide.

Gibson, nee Tucker, was born on August 17, 1903 in South Carolina and married her husband Taylor in 1928.

The oldest known person living in the US now is 113-year-old Delphine Gibson

A few years after they married they had their first child, Frank, followed by two others named Moody and Ella.

Her husband died in 1980 aged 88 and a few years later she became blind, forcing her to move into the Huntingdon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where she still resides.

The oldest person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group is an Italian woman, Emma Morano-Martinuzzi, who marked her 117th birthday on November 29.

The oldest verified person was Jeanne Calment of France, who died in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days.
The sister-in-law of the couple responsible for the San Bernardino terror attack changed her plea to guilty Thursday in a case involving a sham marriage, federal prosecutors said.

Tatiana Farook, 32, pleaded guilty in Riverside, California, to one felony count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud that included lying to federal agents and in legal documents, according the U.S. Attorney's Office.

She faces a maximum of five years in prison when she's sentenced November 13.

Her husband, Syed Raheel Farook, is the brother of Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the two shooters in the December 2015 attack that killed 14 people.

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Tatiana Farook, 32, pleaded guilty in Riverside, California, to one felony count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud that included lying to federal agents and in legal documents. Tatiana is seen (right) and her sister Mariyah is pictured (left) with their parents

Tatiana (left) faces a maximum of five years in prison when she's sentenced November 13. Syed Raheel Farook married her (pictured together right) in 2011, as he is the brother of Syed Rizwan Farook - one of the two shooters in the December 2015 attack that killed 14 people

The marriage-fraud case involves Tatiana's sister, Mariya Chernykh, a Russian immigrant whose alleged sham marriage to a Riverside man was discovered when her husband became part of the shooting investigation.

The marriage charges are unrelated to the attack.

Chernykh pleaded guilty January 26 to conspiracy, perjury and two counts of making false statements.

Under a plea agreement with prosecutors, Chernykh faces up to 20 years in prison and $1 million in fines. She is scheduled to be sentenced November 20.

Chernykh, 26, also faces deportation, and has been in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since shortly after her arrest.

Syed Raheel's younger brother, Syed Rizwan, and his wife Tashfeen Malik (above together) killed 14 people at a Christmas party in San Bernardino, California, in 2015

Syed Rizwan and his wife (left and right) were killed in a police shootout in their SUV after the deadly attack

Syed Raheel Farook, 31, pleaded guilty January 10 to conspiring to commit immigration fraud by setting up his Russian sister-in-law in a sham marriage.

He remains free on bail and also faces a maximum of five years in prison when he's sentenced November 13.

Chernykh is married to Enrique Marquez Jr., a family friend of the Farooks accused of supplying guns and explosives used in the San Bernardino attack that killed 14 people and wounded 22 others on December 2, 2015.

Marquez has been charged with conspiring to support terrorists, lying about the firearm purchase and participating in a sham marriage.

Fourteen people were killed and another 22 were injured in the attack on December 2, 2015

'The three defendants made false statements in immigration documents, Chernykh paid Marquez for his participation in the scheme, and Chernykh made additional material false statements during interviews with FBI special agents,' according to a statement from prosecutors.

Marquez, who is named as an uncharged co-conspirator in the marriage indictment, remains in jail.

His trial is scheduled for September 26.
Christian church leaders are urging the Australian government to grant more humanitarian visas to religiously persecuted Christians from Syria and Iraq.

The federal government has rejected 80 per cent of refugee status applications submitted by the Barnabas Fund for Syrian and Iraqi Christian converts from Muslim backgrounds, the organisation claims.

The Christian aid agency claims the overwhelming majority of visas were granted to Sunni Muslims arriving from UNHCR camps, who are not persecuted minorities.

'In our experience 80 per cent of our applications for Muslim converts have been rejected', South Asia Facilitator of Barnabas, Jude Simion, told Daily Mail Australia.

Christian church leaders are urging the Australian government to grant more humanitarian visas to religiously persecuted minorities from Syria and Iraq (pictured is a group of asylum seekers at Manus Island detention centre in Papua New Guinea)

The federal government has rejected 80 per cent of refugee status applications submitted by the Barnabas Fund for Syrian and Iraqi Christian converts from Muslim backgrounds

Mr Simion said Christians avoid UNHCR camps due to fears of being persecuted.

The organisation claims that 80 per cent of more than 300 applications submitted to Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's office in Melbourne were rejected.

Mr Dutton's office has reportedly investigated the allocation of the visas, chair of the Christian organisation's persecuted minorities advocacy group, Canon Dr David Claydon told Fairfax Media.

Mr Dutton asked the organisation to help bring Christian refugees into Australia, Dr Claydon said, but at least 80 per cent were rejected.

Those rejected were apostates - someone who has converted - but all had converted a long time ago, Dr Claydon said.

'It is always the converts'.

A spokesperson for Mr Dutton told Fairfax Media that Australia had accepted more than 4000 people from Syria and Iraq for several years in addition to the intake of 12,000 refugees on humanitarian visas.

This special scheme was announced by the government in September 2015.

More than 18,000 refugee visas have been granted to people displaced by conflict in Syria and Iraq - with 10,239 towards the additional 12,000 places between 2015 and 2017.

Barnabas is a Christian aid organisation that funds and supports Christians, mostly living in Muslim environments, who face persecution and discrimination because of their faith.

Mr Simion told Daily Mail Australia that Barnabas seeks to highlight the plight of Christians and urge the government to consider religiously persecuted minorities in the humanitarian intake.

Managing director Colin Johnston said there are other minorities in war-torn countries that need help, not just Christians.

'Over a million Christians have been displaced from Iraq and Syria, for example.

'There are countless others who desperately need help,' he said.

As part of Operation Safe Haven, Barnabas has rescued 1300 Syrian and Iraqi refugees, with over 1000 being settled in Australia.

The operation provides financial and migration assistance in safe haven countries, with Barnabas raising $1.2 million to fund the travel expenses of 1048 Christians travelling from Syria and Iraq.

The Christian aid agency claims the overwhelming majority of visas were granted to Sunni Muslims arriving from UNHCR camps, who are not persecuted minorities

More than 18,000 refugee visas have been granted to people displaced by conflict in Syria and Iraq - with 10,239 towards the additional 12,000 places between 2015 and 2017

Since 1990, 1.5 million Christians in Iraq have been displaced, with only 300,000 left.

Since the 2011 civil war in Syria, at least half of the Christian population of 2 million has now left the country, and many of those who remain are internally displaced.

Barnabas believes many of the displaced Christians will not return to their villages despite the recent military successes in re-taking Islamic State-controlled areas of Iraq and Syria, as their homes have been destroyed.

'It is unlikely that many of the displaced Christians will return to their villages, even after liberation from IS control, as they fear the hostility of their neighbours, as well as getting caught in the crossfire between more powerful Sunni and Shia militants and military.'
Alan Dower Blumlein (pictured) is to receive a Grammy award for transforming the way we listen to music

He invented the stereo sound we are all so familiar with.

And yet, despite his vast contribution to the music business, Alan Dower Blumlein is all but forgotten  in part because his death during the Second World War was hushed up.

All that is about to change, however. The electrical engineer is to receive a posthumous Grammy award for transforming the way we listen to music  and his life is likely to be the subject of a movie.

Mr Blumlein's name is listed as one of the 2017 special merit recipients for Sunday night's Grammys and he will be honoured alongside many of the giants of contemporary music. The engineer from Hampstead, North London, was killed while working on top-secret radar technology in 1942. His work was so important that his death at the age of 38 was kept quiet.

Born in 1903, he showed early promise by fixing his father's doorbell at the age of seven. He gained a first class degree and joined the research department of Columbia Graphophone, later part of EMI, at the age of 25.

It was three years later that he had the 'Eureka moment' that led to the development of stereo recording and playback. While watching a film with his wife Doreen, he became frustrated that the sound did not match what was happening on screen.

He decided it would be more realistic if he used two microphones to record separately. The development  'binaural recordings'  is what is now known as stereo.

The first film with a stereo soundtrack was of a steam train travelling from Hayes Station in Middlesex in 1935  next to EMI's HQ.

During the Second World War, his talents were used by the military and he was working on a H2S, an airborne radar system when he was killed. On June 7, 1942, the Halifax bomber he was flying in  converted into a flying lab  caught fire at 15,000ft and crashed at Welsh Bicknor, in Herefordshire.

All the other ten passengers and crew, including five other top scientists, were killed. The project was completed by RAF engineers.

The first film with a stereo soundtrack was of a steam train travelling from Hayes Station in Middlesex in 1935 (pictured)

Like another genius engaged in top-secret work for the war effort, artificial intelligence pioneer Alan Turing, Mr Blumlein's life is soon to get the big-screen treatment. Universal Music Group  which merged with EMI in 2012  said Mr Blumlein's life is being developed into 'an as-yet untitled film project'.

Radar and stereo were not the scientist's only fields. During his 13 years at EMI he filed some 121 patents. He also pioneered the Marconi-EMI television system which was adopted by the BBC and was the basis for TV broadcasting until the switch to digital.

Simon Blumlein, his son, said of the Grammy: 'It is a great honour for my father and the Blumlein family. We're immensely proud. He's always been held in the highest esteem by recording engineers and so to now receive this from the wider music industry is simply wonderful.'

Universal boss Sir Lucian Grainge said: 'Alan Dower Blumlein and his prolific period of invention whilst at EMI, not only transformed audio and music recording technology, but also helped shape modern media communications for generations to come through his pioneering work in television.'
Hundreds of whales stranded on a remote beach in New Zealand's South Island have died, while rescuers are working to refloat more than one hundred more.

Whale rescue organisation Project Jonah said in a Facebook post that there were 416 pilot whales stranded on Farewell Spit, and that 75 per cent had died overnight.

'Efforts this morning will be focused on refloating the remaining live whales at high tide,' the organisation wrote on Friday.

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More than 300 whales stranded on a remote beach in New Zealand's South Island have died

Volunteers are pictured attending to some of the hundreds of stranded pilot whales still alive after one of the country's largest recorded mass whale strandings in Golden Bay

New Zealand volunteers formed a human chain in the water at a remote beach on Friday as they tried to save about 100 whales after more than 400 of the creatures beached themselves

Together with the Department of Conservation, Project Jonah was calling helpers to the northern end of Golden Bay on the island's west coast to help refloat the surviving whales.

A team of up to 30 trained whale medics were headed to the stranding. Volunteers from around the country also scrambled to get to the beach 90 kilometres south west of Nelson.

It is the biggest whale stranding in New Zealand in recent times.

In February 2015, almost 200 pilot whales became stranded in the same area, New Zealand's most notorious 'whale trap'. About 60 were successfully refloated.

Whale rescue organisation Project Jonah said in a Facebook post that there were 416 pilot whales stranded on Farewell Spit, and that 75 per cent had died overnight

Together with the Department of Conservation, Project Jonah was calling helpers to the northern end of Golden Bay on the island's west coast to help refloat the surviving whales

According to Project Jonah, the largest mass stranding on record dates back to 1918, when 1,000 pilot whales stranded on New Zealand's Chatham Islands.

The pilot whale is New Zealand's most frequently stranded whale, as they travel in large groups.

There is no simple answer as to why whales get stranded but it was believed it could be a combination of anything from disease to extreme weather, the whale organisation writes.

The pilot whale is New Zealand's most frequently stranded whale, as they travel in large groups

The mass whale stranding is the biggest seen in New Zealand in recent times




LL Bean is in the process of cutting costs by freezing pensions and offering voluntary early retirements, but company officials insist the plans were in place long before the founder's granddaughter, Linda Bean, spoke out on behalf of President Donald Trump.

The Freeport-based outdoors retailer will freeze its defined-benefit pension plan and boost its 401(k) savings contributions to all 5,000 workers, including 1,000 out-of-state store employees who were not previously eligible for the full pension, company officials said.

The changes, which go into effect next year, were in the works before Steve Smith's arrival as CEO last year and unwanted publicity surrounding board member Linda Bean's campaign donations, officials said.

Last month, #GrabYourWallet called for a boycott of LL Bean and 38 other stores including Walmart, Macy's and Bloomingdales, because Bean contributed $60,000 to a political action committee supporting then president-elect Trump.

L.L Bean is in the works of cutting costs by freezing pensions and offering voluntary early retirements, but company officials insist the plans were in place long before the founder's granddaughter, Linda Bean, spoke out on behalf of President Donald Trump

The changes were in the works before the unwanted publicity surrounding board member Linda Bean's (left) campaign donations to Trump. Last month, #GrabYourWallet called for a boycott of LL Bean because Bean contributed $60,000 to a PAC supporting Trump

The Federal Election Commission said the donation exceeded the PAC's individual donor limit of $5,000.

Bean spoke out about the boycott to the FOX Business Network, calling it 'bullying'.

'They want to control how we spend our money, what we buy, where we buy it. That's wrong, it's un-American.'

Trump later tweeted support of Bean's statements with a thank you. He also urged customers to buy LL Bean.

'Thank you to Linda Bean of L.L.Bean for your great support and courage. People will support you even more now. Buy L.L.Bean. @LBPerfectMaine,' he wrote on Twitter.

In response to the boycott at the time, company chairman Shawn Gorman, who is the great-grandson of founder LL Bean, released a statement on Facebook.

'We were disappointed to learn that Grab Your Wallet is advocating a boycott against L.L.Bean solely because Linda Bean, who is only one of 50+ family members involved with the business, personally supported Donald Trump for President.

'We are deeply troubled by the portrayal of L.L.Bean as a supporter of any political agenda.

Bean (pictured) spoke out about the boycott, calling it 'bullying'. 'They want to control how we spend our money, what we buy, where we buy it. That's wrong, it's un-American'

In response to the boycott at the time, chairman Shawn Gorman, who is the great-grandson of founder LL Bean, released a statement on Facebook that said the company was 'disappointed to learn that Grab Your Wallet is advocating a boycott' because Bean supported Trump

'L.L.Bean does not endorse political candidates, take positions on political matters, or make political contributions.

'Simply put, we stay out of politics. To be included in this boycott campaign is simply misguided, and we respectfully request that Grab Your Wallet reverse its position,' the statement read.

But recently the company said the changes are a part of a broader look at all aspects of the business, which could lead to changes that affect shoppers.

L.L. Bean currently offers free shipping on everything, and its 'satisfaction' guarantee is so liberal that it's led to abuse of the return policy.

Company officials said they will have more to say later this year about shipping and efforts to combat fraudulent returns.

The privately held company expects to reduce its workforce by about 500 workers  about 10 per cent  through early retirement incentives, said Smith.

Other employment changes include more flexible time off, paid parental leave and paid eldercare support, benefits employees have been seeking, he said.

The employment changes were announced by Smith in a memo and in meetings with workers Thursday.

Gorman said such decisions 'weigh heavily' on the family-owned business. But he said they're necessary for the company to remain competitive.

'Without a healthy core business, it's really hard to satisfy any of the stakeholders,' he told The Associated Press.

Recently the company said the changes in personnel are a part of a broader look at all aspects of the business, which could lead to changes that affect shoppers. The privately held company expects to reduce its workforce by about 500 workers through early retirement incentives

'So the move is designed to get us to a more competitive and modern benefits package that allowed us to be sustainable for the foreseeable future.'

The pension move is no big surprise in a challenging retail environment. L.L. Bean's sales were flat in 2015, and growth for the five years before that was slow.

Nationwide, the private sector has been eliminating pensions.

In 2015, about one-fifth of Fortune 500 companies offered a traditional or hybrid defined benefit plan to new hires, down from 60 per cent in 1998, according to business consulting firm Willis Towers Watson .

Smith said the goal is to return L.L. Bean to the strong growth levels the company experienced in the 1980s and 1990s.
By SARAH HARRIS and LAURA CLARK

Last updated at 16:01 07 December 2006

On the day that Gordon Brown made education the centrepiece of his programme for power, the stark reality of Labour's schools failures were revealed.

The Chancellor's bold promise to make Britain the "best educated nation in the world" was undermined by damning figures showing how thousands of primaries are failing to grasp basics in English and maths.

rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/education/primary.html?in_page_id=1903">Find out how your primary school rates here

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 Reading scheme set to increase children's literacy nationwide



Taunting the Tories, Mr Brown boasted to MPs: "I say invest in education first. Stability our foundation. Education our number on priority. Education first now and into the future."

But across Westminster official statistics revealed an increase of a third in the number of schools that are failing to improve, despite a decade of Labour reforms and 400 billion spent.

The latest evidence of slumping standards was published by the Department for Education and Skills while all eyes were on Mr Brown's Pre-Budget Report, triggering claims of another Labour attempt to "bury bad news".

The stark reality of underachievement by thousands of primary schools provided a glaring contrast to the Chancellor's ambitious talk of making Britain a world leader in education.

His words had a familiar ring to MPs, who recalled how Mr Blair told his party conference in 1996 that his priority as Prime Minister would be "education, education, education".

Making schooling the centrepiece of his pitch to become Labour leader and Prime Minister, Mr Brown told MPs: "Every one of our constituencies is benefiting from the largest programme of educational investment ever in support of our decision to prepare for the global economy as the most educated nation in the world."

Setting out his stall as a future Prime Minister, he trumpeted a 36 billion school building programme over the next five years.

But DfES figures suggested more work is needed to improve standards in the buildings he has planned, with half of primaries coasting or falling backwards in English alone.

Standards in key subjects have fallen or remained the same in a staggering one in three schools.

This means that up to 250,000 children are embarking on their secondary school careers without having properly mastered the basics in reading, writing, maths and science.

Last night the Tories and Liberal Democrats raised fears that Labour routinely manipulates the release of official statistics to suit its own agenda.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson's advisers were recently rebuked by the independent Statistics Commission over claims they tried to bury bad news through the release of earlier primary test results.

And although the date for the release of primary league tables data was fixed by the DfES some months ago, the Treasury coincidentally picked the same day to announce its tenth pre-Budget report.

They are published today in the wake of damaging claims by Ofsted's chief inspector of schools, Christine Gilbert, that the number of 11-year-olds who are unable to read is a "national disaster".

Tory education spokesman David Willetts said: "It's typical of this Government to try to bury the bad news on educational standards that these results show.

"The number of kids leaving primary school unable to read properly has actually gone down and the Chancellor tries to hide the evidence on educational standards behind his announcement.

"It's good to have money going into schools but what parents really care about is the standards coming out and that's where the problem is. Standards are going down even when money is going up."

Liberal Democrat education spokesman Sarah Teather added: "It seems to be a bit of a pattern that they seek to hide bad news on the day they know the headlines will be filled with the pre-Budget report."

The tables display the performance of 11-year-olds in almost 15,000 state primary schools in England in English, maths and science national curriculum tests.

Pupils are expected to reach level four - the standard expected of their age group - in each of these core subjects.

But statistics released yesterday show that in more than 50 out of 150 local education authorities, performance in all three subjects fell or stayed the same compared to last year.

Last year, DfES statisticians provided an aggregate figure showing the proportion passing English, maths and science tests in each LEA.

The DfES published the raw figures in each individual subject this year but failed to provide an aggregate total.

According to analysis, 44 LEAs went down and 12 stayed the same in the three subjects. This equated to 56 LEAs out of 150.

This is an increase of about a third compared to last year.

The figures for English national curriculum tests are even more depressing, with standards falling or staying level in about half of LEAs - with 39 going down and 35 staying the same.

The DfES sparked claims of burying bad news in August after releasing crucial data on Key Stage One (age seven) and Key Stage Two (age 11) tests on GCSE results' day.

As the number of A and A* grades at GCSE rocketed, the statistics showed that four in ten children had failed to master the three Rs by the time they left primary school.

The extraordinary timing provoked the Statistics Commission to launch an investigation into claims that spin doctors had attempted to downplay these primary school results.

Its probe uncovered emails which suggested Mr Johnson's political advisers had overruled civil servants who repeatedly warned that the two sets of results should not be released on the same day.

The commission delivered a stern rebuke and effectively stripped Mr Johnson of his powers to decide when to release exam results.

Results showed that 79 per cent of youngsters reached the required standard in English (the same as last year); 76 per cent in maths and 87 per cent in science - both rises of one percentage points on 2005.

The targets for English and maths were both 85 per cent. Meanwhile reading results actually dipped by one percentage point to 83 per cent.

Additional figures released yesterday suggested a widening gap between the highest and lower achievers.

The proportion of 11-year-olds achieving level five - the standard expected of 14-year-olds - in English rose from 27 per cent in 2005 to 32 per cent.

Meanwhile the tables also show the stunning success of church schools at raising pupils' achievement.

They account for 60 per cent of the 209 primaries which achieved perfect scores in this year's tests.

The Department for Education and Skills yesterday said that the publication date for primary league tables had been confirmed on October 25.

This was a month before the Treasury announced the date of the pre-Budget report on November 21.

A DfES spokesman said: "We utterly refute any accusations about 'burying bad news". This data is published on the first Wednesday of each month by longstanding tradition.'

A Treasury spokesman added: "The release of the primary school data had no bearing at all at the timing of the pre-budget report. The DfES was publishing revised data from August and it did not influence the timing of the announcement by any stretch of the imagination."

A source at the Statistics Commission last night said: "We regard this as a coincidence."

s.harris@dailymail.co.uk
With both hands off the wheel eating his lunch and using two mobile phones, this driver pays absolutely no attention to the road as he drives an 18-ton lorry at 50mph on a busy commuter highway.

This terrifying display of ignorance of road safety was captured by the drivers apprentice who was set next to him in the passenger seat while he was meant to be being shown how to carry out the job in the correct manner.

The driver was so distracted eating sandwiches and chatting to his mother on Skype that he failed to notice his apprentice filming him.

With both hands off the wheel eating his lunch and using two mobile phones, this driver pays absolutely no attention to the road as he drives an 18-ton lorry at 50mph on a busy commuter highway

The apprentice, who asked not to be named, said that he asked Florin Chireata to stop a number of times, but the driver just shrugged and continued to use the phones.

The 32-year-old took the footage to officials at haulage company Kuehne & Nagel and the firm have since launched an urgent probe into the incident.

He didnt even notice what I was doing, he told The Sun.

He was so engrossed he failed to see the chap sitting next to him was actually filming him.

The images follow a campaign by this newspaper to clamp down on drivers using mobile phones at the wheel.

Under the current laws, the Romanian could be fined up to 2,500 and three points for using his mobile while driving.

But as a result of the campaign, drivers caught using their phones from March will then receive a tougher six penalty points.

The campaign was launched after Tomasz Kroker killed a mother and three children after his lorry smashed into the back of them on the A34 in Berkshire due to the Polish lorry driver being distracted by his mobile phone.

The pair are understood to have set off from Greenford, West London at 5am on January 25 and travelled along the A127 on their way to Essex.

This terrifying display of ignorance of road safety was captured by the drivers apprentice who was set next to him in the passenger seat while he was meant to be being shown how to carry out the job in the correct manner

Were given five shifts with experienced drivers so they show us how things are done, the trainee said.

But almost as soon as we left, his mobile phones out, texting, making calls. I asked him to stop twice, but he looked at me and shrugged as although Id heard him using relatively good English earlier.

It was overcast and drizzling and the road conditions werent particularly brilliant. I was frightened. I was nervous to the point of being a hairs breadth away from getting out and walking away.

He was driving an 18-ton truck loaded with pub supplies  machinery, food, drinks  and they dont stop on a sixpence.

After they returned to the depot at around 2pm the apprentice said he reported the driver to his supervisor and completed a statement - as well as supplying them with copies of the evidence.

He added: I was later told that the driver was suspended, but I went to the depot on Friday and saw him signing on for a shift.

Chireata was unavailable for comment when contacted by the newspaper, with friends claiming he was on holiday, but his wife said: He has been a driver in Europe for five years and never had an accident.

Kuehne & Nagel were unavailable for comment when contacted last night.
Chelsea Clinton's husband Marc Mezvinsky enjoyed an afternoon at a bar with a friend, just days after it was revealed he closed his hedge fund last year.

He was spotted at Shorty's Bar and Restaurant with a friend on Thursday.

The two men spent about an hour at the cheese steak bar after arriving around 3pm.

He has kept a relatively low profile since he quietly shut down his hedge fund, Eaglevale Partners, back in December after his mother-in-law, Hillary Clinton, lost the election to president Donald Trump.

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Chelsea Clinton's husband Marc Mezvinsky enjoyed an afternoon at a bar with a friend, just days after it was revealed he closed his hedge fund last year

He was spotted at Shorty's Bar and Restaurant (pictured) with an unidentified male on Thursday

The two men spent about an hour at the cheese steak bar after arriving around 3pm. They are seen outside the bar preparing to shake hands before leaving

Mezvinsky has kept a relatively low profile since he quietly shut down his hedge fund, Eaglevale Partners, back in December after his mother-in-law, Hillary Clinton, lost the election to president Donald Trump. He appeared to be giving his friend directions after leaving the bar

Bloomberg reported that Mezvinsky and his partners are now working to return what money is left in their fund to investors, including Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd C. Blankfein.

This marks the second day he's been spotted out and about since he made headlines earlier this week.

He was photographed by DailyMail.com heading out with his wife Chelsea on Wednesday, shortly before Hillary arrived at the home.

Mezvinsky, who was seen taking a call outside his home, and his wife are both without full-time jobs.

It was revealed last May that Mezvinsky suffered a huge loss after trying to bet on the revival of the Greek economy, forcing him to shut down one of his hedge funds.

He and his partners, former Goldman Sachs colleagues Bennett Grau and Mark Mallon, raised $25 million from investors to buy up bank stocks and debt from the struggling nation.

The pair embraced each other before heading their separate ways. Mezvinsky (right) was seen heading home after the meeting

This marks the second day Mezvinsky's been spotted out and about since he made headlines earlier this week. He's pictured heading home

That fund however has lost 90 per cent of its value, investors with direct knowledge of the situation told The New York Times, and was closed.

Eaglevale Partners was started in 2011 by Mezvinsky and his partners, with their former boss, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd C. Blankfein, one of the first investors.

Another is leading financier, Marc Lasry, co-founder of $13 billion hedge fund Avenue Capital, where Chelsea worked after graduating from Stanford.

'I gave them money because I thought they would make me money,' Mr Lasry told The Times last year, after investing $1 million in Eaglevale and urging a relative to do the same.

Mezvinsky was long gone from his job at Goldman in October 2013 when his mother-in-law Hillary was paid to give a speech to executives at the company during a technology conference in Arizona.

She was reportedly paid $225,000 for that appearance.

Mezvinsky and his partners had written to clients in 2014 to declare confidence in their 'Hellenic Opportunity' fund, predicting that Greece was on the path to a 'sustainable recovery'.

By that point they had collected $25 million but stopped taking money by the end of that year when it became clear the country's economy would collapse without a massive Eurozone bailout.

The Wall Street Journal reported in February 2015 that Eaglevale said in a letter to investors that year that they had been 'incorrect' to bet on Greece and that is why the company had lost money two of the three years prior.

The main fund dropped 3.6% in 2014, gained just 2.06% in 2013 and lost 1.96% in 2012.

Mezvinsky was photographed by DailyMail.com heading out with his wife Chelsea (right) on Wednesday, shortly before his mother-in-law Hillary Clinton arrived at the home

Chelsea was photographed hugging an unidentified man outside her apartment building on Wednesday

Mezvinsky, who was seen taking a call outside his home on Wednesday, and his wife are now both without a full-time job. It was revealed last May that Mezvinsky suffered a huge loss after trying to bet on the revival of the Greek economy

Clinton, who has also remained out of the limelight, was spotted on Wednesday night arriving to Mezvinsky and Chelsea's Manhattan apartment.

The former Democratic presidential nominee pulled up at the home with the Secret Service in tow around 6.30pm, but only stayed for a half hour before leaving around 7pm.

It has been rumored that Clinton is possibly planning her comeback. This week, she recorded a video for the MAKERS Conference - focused on womens leadership - saying 'the future is female'.

A number of Clinton allies told Politico that she is waiting out the Democratic National Committee chair election in February, which is shaping up to be a rematch of the Clinton versus Bernie Sanders Democratic primary war.

Last month, Clinton began looking at a series of reports to examine what went wrong as she and Bill Clinton figure out what's next for the couple who have dominated their party's politics for 25 years.

Hillary Clinton was spotted arriving at the couple's home on Wednesday night with Secret Service in tow

The former Democratic presidential nominee pulled up at Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky's Manhattan home around 6.30pm

She was spotted greeting a man outside the home's entrance. She only stayed for a half hour before leaving around 7pm

And Clinton's detractors can take comfort in knowing that the former secretary of state, senator and first lady  nor her ex-president husband  will likely ever appear on a ballot again.

Shortly after starting Eaglevale, Mezvinsky and Chelsea moved into a $10 million New York City apartment opposite Madison Square Park.

The four-bedroom, 5,000-square-foot apartment is one of only four residences in the building, which despite the low occupancy rate still has a full-time doorman.

The apartment's hallways stretch a full city block and it has two dishwashers, two washer and dryers, dressing rooms with double-sided vanity mirrors and two massive walk-in closets.

The apartment's current value is closer to $15 million.
Australians have taken to social media with amusing memes reflecting their struggle to keep cool during the blistering heatwave.

A huge chunk of the country is facing temperatures of more than 40C over three consecutive days.

Sydney set for a scorching weekend with the CBD forecast to reach a record 38C on Friday while 44C is expected in western part of the city.

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Some shared images like this one of a melted ice cream van to indicate just how hot it is

But despite fire warnings, the possibility of power shortages and blackouts, some have chosen to use humour to cope with the extreme heat.

Many shared memes that express their astonishment how hot it is, including a melted ice cream truck and a woman's thongs sticking to the ground.

And a woman called Mandy shared a screenshot from a 9News weather report which captured a map of the country with a huge chunk of black and dark purple indicating where temperatures will reach above 40C.

'Meanwhile in Australia...' read the caption on the striking image, which quickly went viral on Twitter.

A Queensland church posted this message about the heatwave on the sign outside

One meme showed melted concrete sticking to a woman's sandals during the warm weather

'Meanwhile in Australia' was the caption on many memes related to the heatwave

Some shared a meme of Two-Face, a Batman character who had half his face burned off

Australians have taken to social media with memes making light of the blistering heatwave

Many users also commented on the stunned expression on the weatherwoman's captured in the image.

'The face says it all,' said one commenter.

Another remarked that the map made it look like a portal to hell had opened up in Australia.

Others shared an unflattering shot of Beyonce from her Super Bowl performance or a melting Barbie doll's face to give others an indication of how they're doing.

NSW Police shared this meme during the heatwave along with a warning to stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun and not leave children or pets in cars

This unflattering shot from Beyonce's Super Bowl performance was shared on social media

A meme of a melted Barbie doll was shared to show the difficulty of getting ready in the heat

The struggle to keep cool with limited means was expressed with this screenshot from The Simpsons

Many shared memes that express their astonishment at the sweltering conditions

Sydneysiders employed a wide range of tactics to beat the heat

With temperatures tipped to rise above 40C, the RFS expects total fires bans and extreme or severe fire danger warnings

Others took to social media to share memes that express their struggle to stay cool during the heatwave

Even NSW police shared an amusing meme alongside a warning on their Twitter page.

The account posted a picture of a firefighter in a protective mask battling a massive blaze captioned: 'Opening your front door today.'

'Make sure you keep hydrated, avoid the midday sun & NEVER leave children or pets in cars,' they tweeted with the meme.

Others took to social media to share memes that express their struggle to stay cool during the heatwave.

Many could related to this meme of a goat's joyous expression captioned: 'That feeling when you walk into a building with A/C'

Nicole Thompson shared a post of her pet dog keeping cool in front of the air conditioner

A man shared this image of himself clutching a bag of ice with several other bags next to him

It was all too much for this dog, who set up shop next to a fan as he retreated from the heat

One featured a man desperately clutching a bag of ice and another showed a dog resting in a pile of ice cubes.

Meanwhile, a Queensland church posted a funny message about the weather rather than the usual inspirational quote or Bible passage.

'Too hot to change sign! Message inside' proclaimed the sign outside Warwick Baptist Church, according to the Sunshine Coast Daily.

On a more serious note, authorities pleading with the community to be vigilant as NSW braces itself for catastrophic weather over the weekend.

A Lord of the Rings-inspired meme suggested an Aussie's room is hotter than Mount Doom

Aussies can relate to this meme, which shows a cat wet itself under a faucet to keep cool

Conditions across the state will gradually worsen from Friday through to Sunday.

'The catastrophic conditions is something that has not occurred in NSW since 2013,' Police and Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said on Friday.

'Emergency services will be on high alert to deal with those conditions,' he said.

He asked the community to stay away from fire-prone areas such as national parks and forests.

Residents are advised to stay out of the heat, with Mr Grant suggesting people head to air-conditioned shopping centres and movie theatres.

Also making the rounds on social media was a Photoshopped Google search which claimed the website suggests NSW as the hottest place on earth

He said NSW clubs would be able to provide water and respite for vulnerable people.

Mr Grant also urged parents to keep an eye on children following a 'tragic' summer of drowning incidents.

A very high fire danger covers much of the state, with Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons saying the following three days will be 'very difficult' for firefighters.

Total fire bans have already been declared for three regions in NSW on Friday, the Southern Ranges, the Southern Slopes and southern Riverina.

With temperatures tipped to rise above 40C, the RFS expects total fires bans and extreme or severe fire danger warnings will be in place across most of the state.

NSW Health has advised people to stay hydrated, limit physical activity, avoid alcohol and sugary drinks and try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

It is feared power supplies will be drained across NSW as residents crank up the air-conditioning and fans.

Energy Minister Don Harwin says residents can save power by keeping their air-conditioning at no lower than 26C, adjusting fridge temperatures, switching off unused appliances and turning off lights where it is safe to do so.
The latest fix for quitting smoking involves 10-minute brain exercises in front of a computer screen.

Researchers from Deakin University hopes a new 'brain training' program will help smokers build up impulse control - and give up cigarettes for good.

Dr Melissa Hayden, a cognitive neurosciences expert at Deakin, said a lack of impulse control was a key issue for smokers struggling to quit.

The latest fix for quitting smoking involves 10-minute brain exercises in front of a computer screen

'Recent advances in neuroscience have highlighted that one way to address this difficulty is by retraining people's brains to improve their impulse control,' she said.

The Inhibitory Smoking Training program is currently being trialled at Deakin's School of Psychology.

Trial participants will spend 10 to 15 minutes per day for two weeks doing computer exercises.

The researchers were mum on what exactly those exercises involve - but said similar programs have been successful in helping people cut down on excessive food and alcohol intake.

'If it works, this computer brain training task has the potential to reduce the global prevalence of smoking at no cost to the consumer,' said the project's lead researcher, Associate Professor Petra Staiger.

Assoc Prof Staiger and her colleagues are currently searching for trial participants based in the Melbourne area.
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway refused to comment on the Nordstrom saga that has potentially crossed the line from a conflict of interest to a violation of federal ethics rules.

'I'm not going to comment on it. I have nothing more to say about it', Conway said on Fox News's The First 100 Days on Thursday.

Conway said she met with President Donald Trump on Thursday to discuss disciplinary action and that he supports her '100 per cent'.

'We spoke about a range of matters and he supports me 100 per cent.

'I hope at some point in your life you have a boss that treated me the way he treated me today', she said.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway sidestepped questions about 'violating ethics' on Thursday's Fox News Tonight

Conway said she met with President Donald Trump about the matter and that he supports her '100 per cent'

She praised the president as a great boss and said any woman would be lucky to work with someone like him

Conway has been 'counseled' after urging Americans to buy Ivanka Trump products during a Thursday morning interview with Fox News that she herself said was a 'free commercial' for the president's daughter.

'Go buy Ivanka's stuff is what I would tell you. I hate shopping. I'm going to go get some myself today', Conway, who is a counselor to the president, told Fox & Friends Thursday morning.

Then she vouched for the quality of the items being taken off the shelves of the high-end retailer.

A spokesperson for Nordstrom told Dailymail.com, 'The decision to move away from the Ivanka Trump brand for the upcoming season was made as a result of the brand's business performance over the past year. For us, the two decisions were not related'.

The retailer then further revealed that they had informed Ivanka of the decision in early January.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer addressed the issue hours after Conway delivered the interview.

'Kellyanne has been counseled and that's all we're going to go with,' said Spicer when asked about the shilling during the daily White House briefing.

'She's been counseled on that subject and that  that's it', he added sheepishly.

Spicer didn't provide further information on who might have provided counsel to Conway, but he may have been referring to White House lawyers or other government officials who provide guidance on ethical conduct.

But House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz said counsel was not enough, calling what Conway did 'wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable'.

The Utah Republican congressman said he will join with Democratic Oversight Leader Elijah Cummings to ask the Office of Government Ethics to review the matter.

Chaffetz also said he will write a formal letter to the White House lodging his irritation.

'It needs to be dealt with,' said Chaffetz in an interview with The Associated Press.

'There's no ifs, ands or buts about it.'

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told Americans, 'Go buy Ivanka's stuff is what I would tell you' in a Thursday morning interview conducted from the White House

Conways interview raised extremely serious concerns', according to the letter by Chaffetz and Cummings.

Conways statements appear to violate federal ethics regulations, which prohibit actions that imply a government endorsement of the personal activities of another person', the lawmakers wrote, citing ethics regulations.

The letter noted the offices authority to review the matter and inform the employees agency, adding that in this case, there is an additional challenge, which is that the president, as the ultimate disciplinary authority for White House employees, has an inherent conflict of interest'.

For this reason, we request that you use authority that Congress granted to you under the Ethics in Government Act of 1978  to recommend to the lead of the officers or employees agency that appropriate disciplinary action (such as reprimand, suspension, demotion, or dismissal) be brought against the officer or employee'.

Clearance and sale items from Ivanka Trump's brand line of shoes and accessories are seen in a Manhattan Nordstrom Rack store in January (above)

Nordstrom did not mention the #GrabYourWallet boycott when it announced its decision

Conway's unabashed marketing for the president's daughter's product line came despite the provision of federal law that bars government employees from pitching products.

According to one section of the Code of Federal Regulations, 'An employee shall not use his public office for his own private gain, for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise, or for the private gain of friends, relatives, or persons with whom the employee is affiliated in a nongovernmental capacity, including nonprofit organizations of which the is an officer or member, and persons with whom the employee has or seeks employment or business relations'.

The Code of Federal Regulations says federal employees can't offer 'the endorsement of any product'

Conway's statements drew a rebuke from the Republican chairman and top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee

The lawmakers urged a government ethics official to recommend appropriate 'disciplinary action'

Another section dealing with federal employees states that 'an employee shall not use or permit the use of his Government position or title or any authority associated with his public office in a manner that could reasonably be construed to imply that his or the Government sanctions or endorses his personal activities or those of another'.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington immediately filed a complaint with the Office of Government Ethics.

Go buy Ivanka's stuff is what I would tell you. I hate shopping, I'm going to go get some myself today.

Whether Conway could actually be sanctioned for violating ethics rules is uncertain.

She could be subject to loss of pay  but that determination would be made by the White House.

Don W Fox, former general counsel of the Office of Government Ethics, told The Washington Post that 'Conway's encouragement to buy Ivanka's stuff would seem to be a clear violation of rules prohibiting misuse of public office for anyone's private gain'.

He called her plug 'jaw-dropping to me,' adding: 'This rule has been promulgated by the federal Office of Government Ethics as part of the Standards of Conduct for all executive branch employees and it applies to all members of the armed forces as well'.

But enforcement is typically left to the official's agency, which in Conway's case means the White House would have to decide whether to sanction her for promoting the product line of the president's daughter.

A lawyer told the paper a typical federal employee who broke the rule could face a multi-day suspension from work and loss of pay.
Police are investigating after a transgender girl of 11 was shot with a BB gun by another pupil at a Catholic high school, it emerged yesterday. (Thurs)

The youngster, who was born a boy, was struck in the shoulder by the metal pellet after being persistently bullied for changing her sex, her parents say.

The Year 7 pupil claims to have been spat at, kicked, threatened and had water thrown over her by other pupils at the school, in Oldham, Greater Manchester, over the past five months.

The youngster, who was born a boy, was struck in the shoulder by the metal pellet after being persistently bullied for changing her sex, her parents say (stock image)

She has also repeatedly been called names, such as a tranny and a freak, by cruel classmates, who also drew lewd images on the cover of one of her exercise books.

In the latest attack, last Wednesday (Feb 1), the girl was shot with a metal ball bearing or BB gun by a boy in the same year.

Fortunately the youngster, whose identity is being protected, was not seriously injured. However, police were called and have launched an investigation. The boy has been excluded from lessons permanently.

Last night the girls mother said her daughter had been left severely traumatised by the episode.

The shooting was an accumulation of lots of events, she said. Not a day goes by without her being attacked, insulted or threatened with violence. Everything has happened because of her gender. It is a hate of who she is, it is awful.

A fortnight ago, a Year 10 boy accosted her and said that he was going to take her into the gym and beat her up - and that he was allowed to do this because she was a boy not a girl.

(In the latest incident) the boy brought the gun into school in his bag. My daughter said he aimed it at her and shot. He did not say a word.

If the pellet had gone into her face or eye there is no telling what might have happened. She could have been killed or lost an eye. What if it had been a knife?

The girls mother said her son started to transition to a girl two years ago. The child has not undergone any surgery but dresses as a girl and uses a girls name.

Completely unacceptable

She added: My daughter has socially transitioned. She was assigned male at birth but two years ago, she told us that she was not male. She said that she was born a female.

The headteacher of the school said they had asked Stonewall, a charity that campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the country, to come and talk to staff and pupils to better educate them about transgender issues.

The headteacher said: The matter has been treated very seriously and the pupil who fired the BB gun has been permanently excluded.

This behaviour is completely unacceptable and will result in removal from our school. The police are involved and we are cooperating fully.

Susie Green, chief executive officer of Mermaids, which supports parents of transgender children, claimed reports of attacks and abuse towards transgender children were on the rise (stock image)

The victim is a transgender pupil and sadly there have been incidents of bullying before this latest incident.

The headteacher said the school taught pupils to respect and accept people of different sexual orientation and had apologised to the girls parents.

Susie Green, chief executive officer of Mermaids, which supports parents of transgender children, claimed reports of attacks and abuse towards transgender children were on the rise.

Greater Manchester police confirmed officers were called to the school over an allegation of assault and were investigating.

Referrals to the only transgender clinic for youngsters in the UK, Londons Tavistock and Portman NHS centre, are ten times the number five years ago.

In Britain children can be given hormone blockers to stop puberty at the age of nine, male-to-female or female-to-male sex hormones at 16, and can undergo a full sex change at 18.

Last month a psychologist suggested that children facing hormone treatment after being diagnosed as transgender could in fact be autistic.

Dr Kenneth Zucker told a BBC documentary that youngsters who believe they were born in the wrong body are seven times more likely than others to be on the autistic spectrum.

The autistic trait of fixating on subjects could convince children they are the wrong sex, he added.

Dr Zucker spoke out after losing his job amid claims that he was trying to cure children by questioning why they become gender-confused.
Three quarters of classroom assistants now have to step in to deliver lessons because of a national teaching shortage, a survey suggests.

While the number of teachers in the system has increased over the past ten years, pupil numbers are also growing following a baby boom fuelled by immigration.

Many schools have had to expand year groups to accommodate the bulge but are struggling to recruit enough teachers for the extra pupils.

Three quarters of classroom assistants now have to step in to deliver lessons because of a national teaching shortage, a survey suggests (file photo)

It has increasingly meant that support staff  who are not qualified teachers  are being asked to lead lessons in key subjects to make up for the shortfall.

A survey of 1,000 school support workers by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) union found that 78 per cent have had to act as supply teachers  up from 64 per cent last year.

One primary school teaching assistant in Buckinghamshire told the union: We are expected to deliver high-quality lessons, not just supervise the class.

Nearly a third said they are expected to carry out the full duties of a teacher, despite being paid at support staff rates.

ATL general secretary Dr Mary Bousted said: As these results show, support staff are feeling the pressure to plug the gap in staff shortages. It is worrying that this year more support staff feel the work they do when acting as cover supervisor is identical to that done by supply teachers.

The warning comes amid continuing concerns about a growing teacher shortage in England, especially in disadvantaged schools and subjects such as physics.

A major report published last year found that UK schools are more hindered by staff shortages than many of their international counterparts.

The Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) study, which covers 72 countries and economies, found a relatively large share of UK headteachers reported that their school was affected by staff shortages.

Nearly a third said they are expected to carry out the full duties of a teacher, despite being paid at support staff rates (file photo)

In total, 43 per cent of school leaders said a recruitment and retention issue affected their school, compared with the 30 per cent average across OECD countries.

In addition, a recent investigation by the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) found nearly eight in 10 of vacant posts were considered difficult to recruit to, while more than one in six on average went unfilled.

The Government has committed to spending more than 1.3 billion within this parliament to attract new teachers to the profession.

Last year, a report by the National Audit Office found an increase in pupil numbers has meant more demand for teachers over the last decade.

Local councils have repeatedly complained that they are struggling to accommodate a bulge in primary school numbers caused by a baby boom following high immigration.

The NAO said teacher numbers had been growing to match the increase in pupils, but that shortages were starting to occur and more would have to be found in the coming years.

The government has been contacted for comment.
The fatal crash that incinerated a man on Wednesday saw the car launch five metres into the air and hit a street sign before rolling and bursting into flames according to a witness.

The fatal collision occurred at Unanderra, on the NSW south coast, after a chain-reaction crash led to one driver getting trapped inside their car as the vehicle set ablaze.

A witness has recalled the car 'accelerated to warp factor' before driving through a roundabout, ploughing in and out of a semi-trailer and hitting the street sign five metres overhead.

'He flipped around three times. It was like a scene out of a Hollywood blockbuster,' a witness told The Mercury.

A witness claims the car ploughed through the top of a semi-trailer before rolling and hitting the street sign fiv emetres in t air

A motorist has died after a crash involving several vehicles saw their car burst into flames

'The height he got was unbelievable. He went that high that he hit the massive street signs.

'I never want to witness anything like it again.'

Witnesses have claimed the car was travelling at an estimated 150km/h.

Emergency services were called to the scene after the a car struck a telegraph pole about 3.50pm on Wednesday, becoming engulfed in flames and colliding with several other vehicles.

Images from the scene of the fatal crash in Unanderra show wreckage strewn over the road

A truck and another car were also hit by the car, but there were no other injuries

Police are still attempting to identify the sex of the body, which was badly burned in the collision.

Images from the scene show thick plumes of black smoke pouring from the blazing vehicle, with wreckage strewn over the road.

Officers from Lake Illawarra Local Area Command have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A truck and another car were also hit by the car, but there were no other injuries.

A crime scene has been established and Five Islands Road is closed in both directions.
If the prospect of eventually retiring is the only thing getting you through the day, this may not be the news you were hoping for.

Nearly four in ten workers think they will have to keep going until they drop.

A survey reveals that for many, retirement has become a distant dream.

Nearly four in ten workers think they will have to keep going until they drop. 45 per cent of Londoners think that they will never escape the rat race (file photo)

It found that 39 per cent of Britons who are not yet retired think they will never fully stop working. Londoners were the most pessimistic about their chances of retiring, with 45 per cent believing they will never escape the rat race.

Workers are more optimistic north of the border, with 68 per cent in Scotland confident they will enjoy a toil-free retirement.

But overall the picture is bleak, with 61 per cent of UK workers believing their retirement will not be as comfortable as their parents.

Rich Shepherd of analyst Mintel, which carried out the poll of 1,599 adults, said: Too many people have a negative view of retirement, with many expecting their generations retirement to be less comfortable than both those who came before and those to follow.

For some, the situation is negative enough to call the very concept of retirement into question.

A third of workers plan to retire as soon as they can claim the state pension. Men can currently do so at 65 and women at 63. But this will rise to 66 for both genders by 2020 and to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

More than half of full-time employees and 42 per cent of all men have some form of pension. But just 35 per cent of part-time workers, 17 per cent of self-employed workers and 31 per cent of women have one.

68 per cent of people in Scotland are confident they will enjoy a toil-free retirement. One third of workers plan to retire as soon as they can claim the state pension (file photo)

Mr Shepherd added: While there is an awareness among consumers that they should contribute more, relatively few do anything about it.

More could be done to help consumers bridge the gap between knowing they should save more, wanting to save more, and actually saving more.

The life expectancy in the UK has risen from 71 in 1960 to 81 today.

One-third of workers plan to retire as soon as they can claim the state pension, peaking at 42 per cent of men aged between 25 and 44.

However those choosing to defer claiming their state pension will see it increase, according to the Money Advice Service, which states those deferring their claim can make an extra 5.8 per cent each year.
The Royal Navys fleet of attack submarines are all currently out of action  and Ministry of Defence chiefs are said to have kept it a secret from the Prime Minister.

Britains seven hunter-killer vessels are understood to be non-operational, with five understood to be undergoing maintenance.

It is believed the HMS Astute, commissioned in 2010, is the only one currently at sea although she is still weeks away from active service following a tune-up.

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Britain is understood to have no working attack submarines in service at the moment. The HMS Astute, pictured, is at sea but still undergoing tests after maintenance

The HMS Trenchant, pictured, is one of the Navy's Trafalgar-class vessels which are said to be 'on their last legs'

The HMS Ambush, pictured, is still being repaired after crashing into a tanker off Gibraltar in 2016

According to The Sun, it is the first time in decades Britain does not have an attack submarine on stand-by to respond to threats.

Sources said the Navys three Astute-class vessels  built by BAE Systems - are beset by problems despite costing around 1.2billion each.

The others currently in service are the HMS Ambush - which is being repaired after crashing into a tanker off Gibraltar in 2016, and HMS Artful.

A Whitehall source told the paper: No one is being honest about the scandal.

All seven submarines are nuclear powered and are used to patrol trade routes under threat from Iran and keep tabs on Russian action in the Atlantic.

Four Trafalgar-class vessels  the Torbay, Trenchant, Talent and Triumph  are on their last legs, according to The Sun.

They were commissioned in 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991 respectively and cost around 200million each.

The Torbay was set to be decommissioned in 2015 but underwent extra repairs to prolong her service.

Trenchant is set to finish her service in the Navy in 2019 while Talent will follow in 2021 and Triumph will end her career in 2022.

Meanwhile the Astute class submarines have all been commissioned since 2010, beginning with the HMS Astute, with Ambush following in 2013 and Artful entering service last year.

Despite only being in use for a small number of years, they have experienced teething problems with break-downs.

The HMS Talent, pictured, is currently having a refit after breaking down

The HMS Triumph, pictured in Plymouth, is another of the Trafalgar-class submarines undergoing maintenance

HMS Torbay, pictured, commissioned in 1987, was scheduled to be decommissioned in 2015 but underwent repairs to extend her operational life

The HMS Artful, pictured, is an Astute-class vessel commissioned in 2016 but is aleady understood to have broken down

But the UKs Vanguard-class nuclear submarines are all ready for action, although they carry the UKs Trident nuclear deterrent.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: 'We dont comment on specific submarine operations.

'Britain has a world-class fleet, the Royal Navy continues to meet all of its operational tasking, deploying globally on operations and protecting our national interests as Britain steps up around the world.'

It comes after British and French jets were yesterday scrambled to intercept Russian nuclear bombers approaching UK airspace.

The Tupolev TU-160 Blackjack bombers were in the UK's 'area of interest' but did not enter British territorial airspace, the RAF said.

The French Air Force released these pictures taken yesterday of one of its Mirage jets escorting the bombers. The bomber is believed to be named after Nikolai Kutnetsov, a famous Soviet aircraft engineer

Typhoon jets from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire were scrambled to keep watch on the bombers in the latest sign of Russian military activity close to the UK.

The French air force said two of its Mirage military aircraft escorted the two bombers down the French coast before handing over to Spanish military planes.

The United States is currently deploying thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry in Poland, the Baltic states and southeastern Europe in its biggest build-up since the Cold War.

German troops and armour are also due to reinforce Lithuania this month as part of NATO's plans, which are designed to reassure European countries after Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea.

Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, which destroyed 1,252 targets in Syria in a two-month bombing campaign, has passed the UK twice under escort in a matter of months

Earlier this year a Russian aircraft carrier which destroyed 1,252 terrorist targets in Syria passed the UK for the second time in a matter of months.

The Admiral Kuznetsov sailed past the south coast in October while on its way to the Middle East to bolster Vladimir Putin's bombing campaign.

At the time it was escorted by the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond as it skirted UK territorial waters.

The 55,000-ton vessel conducted 420 sorties in two months of service and returned past our waters in January.

This time a squadron of RAF Typhoon warplanes were deployed to monitor the ageing Soviet-era vessel from the air as it passed menacingly close to Britain accompanied by the nuclear-powered cruiser Pyotr Veliky and support ships.
The majority of judges think they are unappreciated and underpaid, an official report said yesterday.

Most believe the public does not value them, and only a tiny minority think they are respected by ministers or the media.

Two out of three think they are paid too little  even though all those who took part in the survey are on six-figure salaries.

The majority of judges think they are unappreciated and underpaid, an official report said yesterday. The 'judicial attitude survey' has been championed by head of the judiciary, Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas (centre)

Some of the most senior judicial figures want more money. Among the 33 Court of Appeal judges who took part, each of whom is paid 204,695 a year, two thirds said their pay is not reasonable, and three quarters said their career pay and pension level is inadequate.

Their comments led to criticism from analysts, who said the judges have generated their own unpopularity through their willingness to intervene in politics.

The judicial attitude survey  carried out by academics  gathered answers from virtually all salaried judges in England and Wales, including more than 100 High Court judges and more than 500 of the Circuit judges who typically sit in Crown Court criminal trials.

It was endorsed by the head of the judiciary, Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, who said it would be passed on to the Senior Salaries Review Body that advises ministers on judges pay.

The survey was carried out in June and July last year, four months before the decision of Lord Thomas and High Court colleagues to disrupt the Brexit process by ordering that Parliament must vote on Article 50  an intervention that provoked widespread controversy.

The survey found that 57 per cent of judges do not feel valued by the public. Only three per cent feel valued by the media  but thats more than the two per cent who felt valued by the Government.

The academics from the Judicial Institute of University College London who conducted the survey said judges are feeling increasingly less valued.

Former defence minister Julian Brazier (pictured) criticised the report for putting pressure on the government. Two out of three judges think they are paid too little, despite earning six-figure salaries

They added: A majority of judges in all judicial posts felt their pay and pension entitlement does not adequately reflect the work they have done and will do before retirement.

In this category came 76 per cent of Appeal Court judges; 80 per cent of High Court judges, who receive 179,768; and 81 per cent of Circuit Court judges (133,506). The average UK salary is around 28,000.

Lord Thomas added: In the light of the substantially greater remuneration available to the most able practitioners in private practice, these matters are vital to our ability to attract candidates and retain judges of the highest calibre.

The survey followed growing political acrimony over the apparent willingness of the courts routinely to overturn ministerial decisions, especially in cases involving immigration, asylum, the detention of terror suspects and the deportation of criminals.

The survey followed growing political acrimony over the apparent willingness of the courts routinely to overturn ministerial decisions. Pictured, a procession of judges in Westminster

Former defence minister Sir Julian Brazier criticised the report for trying to put pressure on the Government. They really need to understand why the courts are losing the confidence of the public, said the Tory MP. It seems to many people that judges personal views have been overriding what is in the public interest.

Dr David Green, a criminologist who is director of the Civitas think tank, compared the judges to the Aslef train drivers union. There is a blend of victimhood and aggression on display, he said.

They may feel underpaid by comparison with what lawyers exploiting no-win no-fee and conditional fee arrangements can get. They should be comparing themselves with the typical salary for someone in a responsible job.

We have seen in the Supreme Court ruling on Brexit that most of the justices were acting as political usurpers.

For judges now to act in a way to increase their pay is not compatible with being seen as acting in the spirit of justice. If they think this is going to improve the way they are regarded by the public they are making a mistake.
One of Britain's top female economists was yesterday named as Mark Carney's number two at the Bank of England, sparking speculation that she could become the first woman governor.

Charlotte Hogg, 46, currently the Bank's chief operating officer, will also assume the role of deputy governor for markets and banking next month.

The promotion makes the married mother-of-two the most powerful figure behind Mr Carney.

Charlotte Hogg, 46, currently the Bank's chief operating officer, will also assume the role of deputy governor for markets and banking next month

It is understood that senior ministers and the Governor, who leaves in 2019, are keen to see a woman take the reins in the future at the Bank, which was founded in 1694.

Andrew Sentance, a former Bank official now at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said: 'She will be well placed to take over from Mark Carney. She seems very well qualified.'

Miss Hogg joined the Bank as a graduate trainee in 1992 before becoming a high-flyer in the business world and then returning in 2013.

She will earn the same as she does now, around 350,000 a year including a basic salary of 270,000 and pension contributions of 80,000.

Her family has strong ties to the Establishment and the top of the Conservative Party.

Miss Hogg's grandfather was a Tory MP and her father Douglas Hogg, the third Viscount Hailsham, was a Cabinet minister under John Major who later hit the headlines during the MPs expenses scandal.

Miss Hogg has been made Mark Carney's number two at the Bank of England

It was alleged he claimed 2,200 to have the moat cleaned at the family home, Kettlethorpe Hall in Lincolnshire. His father and grandfather both served as Lord Chancellor.

Miss Hogg's mother, economist Sarah Hogg, is a baroness in her own right and was head of the Downing Street policy unit under Mr Major. She become the first female chairman of a FTSE 100 company when she took the helm at the private equity firm 3i.

Miss Hogg lives with her husband Steve Sacks and their two children in London and went to 35,000-a-year St Mary's School, Ascot, before studying economics and history at Oxford.

Mr Carney said he was 'delighted' that she was taking on the expanded role. Last night in a speech at the Bank's headquarters in the City, he noted he was 'the 120th in a very long line of male governors'.
German minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, pictured, said calls to slash Greece's debt mountain would lead to Grexit

One of the EUs most powerful finance chiefs has warned that Greece will be forced out of the Eurozone if it fails to address its ailing finances.

Amid growing concern about the outbreak of another European financial crisis, German minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said calls to slash the countrys debt mountain would lead to Grexit.

The blunt assessment by Angela Merkels finance chief follows a damning report by the International Monetary Fund that claimed Greeces fragile economy would soon become explosive.

In a move that is threatening to destroy the current bailout package, the Washington-based body called for Europe to send even more money to cut Greeces highly unsustainable debt.

The war of words about how to avoid another crisis and assist the Greek economy intensified yesterday as officials desperately tried to reach agreement.

But Mr Schaeuble rubbished the IMFs call for the EU to inject more money into Greek coffers and said that Germany had no intention of providing a debt haircut.

For that, Greece would have to exit the currency area, he said.

Pressure on Greece to undertake reforms must be maintained so that it becomes competitive, otherwise they cant remain.

The possibility of providing yet more publically-funded debt relief to Greece is seen as a politically toxic idea in Germany just months before Miss Merkel vies for re-election.

The stalemate between the EU and the IMF may stall a crucial 6billion repayment owed by Greece in July for which they require another bailout payment

The IMF yesterday said it stood by its bleak appraisal of the countrys financial situation that suggested Greeces burgeoning debts could stand at 275 per cent of GDP by 2060.

But in a remarkable intervention, the head of the Eurozones bailout fund accused the IMF of getting its analysis wrong.

European Stability Mechanism chief Klaus Regling said that the funds officers had overlooked fundamental protections included in Greeces bailout package.

He said: The solution for Greece lies not in additional debt relief, but in the government implementing reforms so as to avoid delays in the issuing of the next tranche of the ESM loan.

Despite pledging its support to a third international bailout in 2015, the IMF has yet to officially sanction any funds as part of the 73billion bailout package.

Austerity measures in Greece have previously led to protests outside the country's Parliament in Athens, pictured in 2015

The Eurozone wants Greece to deliver a 3.5 percent budget surplus but the IMF believes said its economy was too weak to grow out of the debt crisis.

It also wants ruled written into to law that would offer protections if Greece fails to meet its repayments.

Such measures are hugely opposed by Greeces left-wing government, which has already faced a slump in the polls over its brutal austerity measures.

EU officials are desperate to agree a deal in the coming weeks that will guarantee the IMFs involvement, which is seen as a necessity in Berlin, with a crunch meeting of finance ministers scheduled for later this month.

A Greek minister last night aimed an extraordinary accusation at officials in Berlin, suggesting they are trying to force Greece out of the Eurozone.

George Katrougalos said: Schaeuble has a strategy of a much smaller euro zone.

He has suggested Grexit in 2012, in 2015, he is not saying it loud and clear now, but it is clear in our understanding that Mr. Schaeubles idea is Grexit.

He added: It is highly irresponsible not only for the people of Greece but for Europe.


The biggest power surge to ever hit New South Wales could strike this afternoon, causing mass blackouts during a record-breaking heatwave, experts have warned.

A massive surge in electricity is expected across the state on Friday afternoon and the government has pleaded for people to turn down their air conditioning to save electricity.

Industry experts are bracing for blackouts in Sydney from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, with officials telling Daily Mail Australia the grid could be stretched further than ever before.

NSW Energy Minister Don Harwin begged people across the state to turn off their lights, adjust their fridge temperatures and to not set their air-conditioners lower than 26C as the government scrambled to keep power flowing to homes.

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The biggest power surge to ever hit New South Wales could strike this afternoon, causing mass blackouts during a record-breaking heatwave, experts have warned. This woman was enjoying the heat on Friday

A kind soul in Sydney left a hose out so their neighbours could cool themselves down on Friday

The warning came as the mercury was set to rise to 44C on Friday, with a record-breaking three-day heatwave for large chunks of the state

The searing conditions will place immense pressure on hospitals, who have seen an increase in heat-related presentations across this summer (forecast for Saturday pictured)

'Where you can please do your best to save energy - turn up your aircon to 26 degrees, adjust fridge temperatures, switch off unused electrical appliances and turn off lights where it's safe to do so,' Mr Harwin said.

'The NSW government is doing everything we can to ensure a power outage is avoided but we encourage the community to reduce their energy use where possible,' he added.

Ausgrid spokesman Anthony O'Brien told Daily Mail Australia electricity 'demand may outstrip supply' on Friday afternoon as output flies past the record statewide energy demand of 14,600 kilowatts.

He said they would do the best they could to protect hospitals, water facilities and major roads from the blackouts.

Ausgrid will only get around 15 minutes' warning before they have to switch off the power.

'In NSW [officials] think that demand may outstrip supply,' Mr O'Brien said.

'If so, we try to distribute what electricity we can fairly but we will try to protect critical infrastructure.

'Water facilities, hospitals and major transports route - we try to avoid those as best we can.'

A massive surge in electricity is expected across the state on Friday afternoon and the government has pleaded for people to turn down their air conditioning to save electricity. Pictured, a woman on Bondi Beach on Thursday

Meteorologists said the heatwave is the 'final big hurrah for heat in the Sydney area'

Hot dog: The hot weather was too much for this pooch, who took a dip to cool down on Friday

He added that the highest ever peak demand for energy came in February 2011, when 14,600KW of energy was pumped out to homes and businesses.

'What they are initially thinking today is that electricity supply might reach 14700KW - a statewide record,' Mr O'Brien said.

'On a peak summer's day, every home uses twice as much power as it normally does.'

EnergyAustralia Chief Customer Officer Kim Clarke warned people to have a plan in place for if their power fails.

'The high levels of electricity demand driven by extreme heat place the network under significant stress, increasing the chances of network outages,' she said.

'Your best source of information for power outages in your area is your electricity distributor.'

The warning came as the mercury was set to rise to 44C on Friday, with a record-breaking three-day heatwave for large chunks of the state.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant warned of 'catastrophic conditions' and fire chiefs said they were on 'heightened' alert.

Mr Grant urged people to stay safe and to keep an eye on children playing near water following a 'tragic' summer of drownings.

The temperatures could reach 48C over the weekend, smashing records and leaving millions of people sweltering.

Total fire bans have already been declared for three regions in NSW on Friday, the Southern Ranges, the Southern Slopes and southern Riverina.

With temperatures tipped to rise above 40C, the RFS expects total fires bans and extreme or severe fire danger warnings will be in place across most of the state.

'If the forecast eventuates we're likely to see catastrophic fire danger develop in some areas including the Hunter,' NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said in a statement.
Questions have been raised about the purpose of the BBCs week-long coverage into the apparent dire state of the NHS.

Since Monday the Corporation has been leading its news bulletins with stories about long waits, overcrowded hospitals and a lack of money.

Its film crews were also granted rare access into an extremely busy A&E unit where patients were seen waiting for 14 hours on the floor or in trolleys.

The extensive coverage by the publicly-funded BBC has raised concerns that it is making a political intervention and indirectly calling for ministers to funnel more money into the NHS.

The BBC gained access to the A&E department at Royal Blackburn Hospital, pictured, despite the Department of Health claiming it was 'not made aware of the coverage

The Department of Health was not made aware of the coverage beforehand, and a source confirmed that the government is not particularly happy with it.

The coverage was organised directly with hospitals and other NHS bodies.

It is unusual for reporters or TV cameras to be allowed inside hospitals, particularly when they are so under-pressure, and to speak to so many patients and staff members.

But the chief executive of the Royal Blackburn Hospital, Kevin McGee, said he wanted to give the BBC special access to its A&E unit to highlight the extent of the pressure.

Doctors described conditions as dangerous and patients were filmed waiting 14 hours to be seen, on trolleys, wheelchairs and on the floor.

The following day Mr McGee gave an interview on camera calling for extra money for social care to prevent the elderly being admitted to hospital.

Then yesterday the BBC led its news bulletins with leaked figures claiming waiting times in A&E were at their worst level on record.

But the story was later disputed by the NHS watchdog, which said the data was incomplete and unfairly negative.

The figures had been leaked to a locum GP who also works as a freelance reporter for the BBC, Dr Faye Kirkland.

Locum GP and freelance BBC reporter, Dr Faye Kirkland, pictured, was leaked figures claiming A&E waiting times were 'at their worst level on record'

She gave up her full-time job in 2013 to become a reporter, but says she still works as a GP at the weekend to retain credibility amongst health service professionals.

Her role typifies the close connections that exist between parts of the BBC and the NHS.

At another point during the week, the BBC highlighted a report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies think-tank showing that funding for the NHS was not keeping pace with demand.

It later emphasised the point with a special feature on healthcare in Germany, where spending per head is significantly higher than in the UK.

It highlighted how Germany spends 11 per cent of public money on health  compared to 9.8 per cent here  and has many more doctors and hospital beds.
The United States dispatched two B-2 bombers to destroy two ISIS camps in the waning days of President Barack Obama's administration.

Dozens of ISIS operatives were said to have been killed in the bombing, which targeted the camps about 30 miles southwest of the coastal Libyan town of Sirte, according to CNN.

Now those who have piloted the stealth aircraft used in the mission describe what it's like to fly such a sortie.

It turns out that the grueling mission entails one continuous flight that spans 32 hours and 5,700 miles for the two men inside the cockpit of a B-2, according to Popular Mechanics.

Air Force crew prepare a B-2 bomber for takeoff at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri

'Every B-2 pilot on the base wanted to go on this mission,' an Air Force pilot identified only by the moniker 'Scorch' told Popular Mechanics.

'Myself included.'

Scorch is one of the pilots based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

That is the base from which the two B-2 bombers took off just days before Obama would step down from the Oval Office.

The pilots flew all the way to Libya  a journey that entails two mid-air refueling operations  and return home to base without landing anywhere else or pausing for a break.

The pilots flew all the way to Libya  a 32-hour, 5,700-mile long journey that entails two mid-air refueling operations  and returned home to base without landing anywhere for a break

The stealth bombers are seen just before taking off for their bombing mission against ISIS camps in Libya

Each of the B-2 bombers carried 80 500-pound precision bombs guided by GPS satellite systems.

The bombs are so sophisticated that they could be programmed to explode when hitting 'a specific target, at a specific altitude, from a specific angle, at a specific time.'

The air force personnel charged with the painstaking task of preparing the flights and the mission pre-program the targets into the bombs.

The Libya mission required the B-2 bombers to unload the bombs in their arsenal and then wait overhead for an assessment of the damage.

If there is a target they missed, they fire again.

Each of the B-2 bombers carried 80 500-pound precision bombs guided by GPS satellite systems. Crews are seen above preparing the bombs for loading onto the aircraft

The US Air Force has just 20 of these B-2 stealth bomber planes.

The aircraft, which was produced by defense contractor Northrop Grumman, is priced at an estimated $737million per plane.

Initially built in order to avoid radar detection during Cold War-era missions, the B-2 is capable of dropping both convention as well as nonconventional bombs.

If necessary, pilots are given Dexedrine or other pills that place them on a rest cycle before their mission.

The cockpit includes a six-foot space where pilots set up a cot to sleep.

Behind the right seat is a stainless-steel bowl that serves as a toilet.

The US Air Force has just 20 of these B-2 stealth bomber planes. The aircraft, which was produced by defense contractor Northrop Grumman, is priced at an estimated $737million per plane

Initially built in order to avoid radar detection during Cold War-era missions, the B-2 is capable of dropping both convention as well as nonconventional bombs

It is its ability to drop thousands of pounds of explosives on a target at the same time that also makes it stand out from other aircraft.

To prepare for the flight, crews at the base begin acclimating the pilots to the rigorous schedule by apportioning nap times.

They also train the pilots in time management so that they have the proper balance of snack times and naps for periods of intense concentration.

The journey to Libya is a long one, but the monotony is broken up by mid-air refueling. The planes need to be refueled twice before they reach their target.

That task is left to KC-135 Stratotankers, which meet the B-2s in mid-air.

The stealth bombers come up behind the KC-135, which sends a long telescoping fueling boom with a fuel nozzle that pumps thousands of gallons of gasoline.

After the refueling, it's back to long hours of flying. The boredom often brings with it frayed nerves and fatigue.

To prepare for the flight, crews at the base begin acclimating the pilots to the rigorous schedule by apportioning nap times

The pilots try to keep themselves occupied, but they also need to save up their strength for the bombing run.

As the pilots reached their target, they released the bombs.

A Predator drone flies nearby to capture the scene on video.

The Libya mission was completed with just one run necessary.

Now the bomber was headed home  18 hours until its destination.

With the adrenaline of the bombing having faded, pilots must now summon the strength to stay awake.

They must guide the aircraft through two more refuelling bouts before making their way to the Missouri base.

'There have been times when you had to pour me from that cockpit,' said one pilot who flew similar missions on a B-2.
Ministers were last night accused of being out of touch after committing millions of pounds of public money to send wealthy Britons into space.

The government announced it will dish out 10million in grants to encourage companies wanting to invest in commercial spaceflight from the UK.

British and foreign firms will be able to compete for a slice of the public funds to help build spaceships or a spaceport in the UK.

The government said it would also publish draft legislation in the next few weeks to enable spaceflight from Britain by 2020.

The UK Government has announced it will dish out 10million in grants to encourage companies investing in commercial spaceflight. Pictured is a Virgin Galactic design for an 'air-launched suborbital spaceplane'

Universities and science minister Jo Johnson, pictured, said commercial space flights would be a 'key pillar' of the travel industry

This will help create a safe and competitive regulatory environment for spaceflight.

The move is designed to help the UK grab a bigger share of the market, which is worth an estimated 25billion over the next 20 years.

Universities and science minister Jo Johnson described commercial space travel as one of the key pillars of our industrial travel.

He said: Spaceflight offers the UK the opportunity to build on our strengths in science, research and innovation.

'It provides opportunities to expand into new markets, creating highly skilled jobs and boosting local economies across the country.

But the government immediately came under fire from Liberal Democrats, who said space travel would only be enjoyed by a handful of extremely wealthy people.

Jenny Randerson, Liberal Democrat shadow transport secretary said: This 10m shows just how out of touch the Government really are.

'Only a handful of extremely wealthy people would consider space tourism an option.

'And while people are struggling with the current infrastructure here on earth the Government should take a reality check.

'Improving our railways and are roads with this cash would be money much more wisely spent.

Elon Musk, chief executive of SpaceX, pictured, is competing against Sir Richard Branson, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen to provide commercial space travel

The UK is lagging well behind America in the commercial space race.

British tycoon Sir Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic is hoping to be the first to operate commercial space flights.

But the billionaire plans to operate Virgins flights out of the Spaceport America complex in New Mexico.

It has also signed an agreement to develop a spaceport in Abu Dhabi

Sir Richard has ploughed on with project despite the fatal crash of a test flight of SpaceShipTwo in the Mojave desert in California in 2014.

Hundreds of celebrities and millionaires - including Brad Pitt, Leonardo Di Caprio and Lady Gaga are thought to have forked out around 175,000 for a ticket.

SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk, Amazons founder Jeff Bezos and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen are also competing to offer commercial space flights.
Harold Martin, 51, is charged with taking NSA, CIA and other agency documents and keeping them in his home and car from 1996 onward. He was arrested in October

A former defense contractor with top-security clearance spent more than 20 years stockpiling more than 500 million pages of classified national defense information, it has been alleged.

Harold T Martin III, 51, was indicted in a Baltimore court on Wednesday for the alleged security breach. He is currently facing one charge each for 20 documents, each with a maximum ten-year sentence.

The documents included information on the launch of an intelligence collection satellite and 'an unacknowledged ground station,' according to court papers seen by Yahoo News.

Martin, is a Navy veteran who was working for defense contractor Booz Allen Hamilton when he was arrested.

He is believed to have started retaining the documents in 1996, and continued up until last year, during which period he worked for at least seven private companies from which he was assigned to work as a government contractor.

He stored the documents in both hardcopy and digital form in his home and vehicle, police say.

The acting assistant attorney general for national security, Mary McCord, said Martin 'violated the trust our nation put in him by stealing and retaining classified documents and other material relating to the national defense'.

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On Wednesday Martin was indicted on 20 counts, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. His motive is unknown; his attorney says he is a harmless hoarder

'One of the most significant dangers we face is actually the trusted insider, somebody who is given access to our systems and our most sensitive secrets and abuses that trust and thats whats alleged in this case,' Rod Rosenstein, US attorney for Maryland, told CBS Baltimore.

NSA documents allegedly retrieved from Martin's home included 2014 papers on 'foreign cyber issues, including targeting information' and 'foreign cyber intrusion techniques'.

He is also alleged to have had NSA hacking tools that were spread online by a group called the Shadow Brokers. There is nothing in the documents saying that he was the group's source.

It also included an 'NSA anti-terrorism operational document concerning extremely sensitive U.S. planning and operations regarding global terrorists,' prosecutors claim.

Some of the information could even have endangered CIA operatives working overseas, authorities say.

Other supposed documents included some taken from United States Cyber Command, which carries out offensive cyber operations for the US.

They describe 'capabilities and gaps in capabilities' of the American military, prosecutors say.

Martin is also believed to have taken CIA and National Reconnaissance Office documents dated to 2007.

It's unclear what Martin's motivation for the thefts might be.

His attorney, James Wyda, says his client, who has been in jail for several months, 'is no risk of flight, he loves America, and trusts in its justice system'.

He claims his client is just a hoarder, and did not intend any harm.

Martin was arrested in October, when initial court filings suggested he may have communicated with foreign powers. That claim was absent in Wednesday's indictment.
A Florida sheriff's deputy accused of selling an elderly woman's dog on Craigslist and shoving pills down her throat in an attempted murder is now facing more charges, as a new police internal review alleges that another woman paid him $100,000 for sex on and off duty.

Sarasota County Deputy Frankie Bybee, 46, was first accused of trying to kill a 79-year-old woman he was allegedly defrauding by making it seem that she committed suicide with a drug overdose, Sarasota County police said last month.

On Tuesday, the married father-of-three was charged with new counts including criminal use of personal identification and accessing a computer or electronic device without authority, according to the Bradenton Herald.

In addition, the sheriff's office released video they say shows Bybee using the victim's credit card at least a dozen times between Sarasota and Manatee counties in November and December 2016.

Police say that when they questioned Bybee, he denied having access to the victim's cards. However, police determined on at least three separate occasions he withdrew $400 from the elderly woman's account.

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Frankie Bybee tried to kill a 79-year-old woman he was defrauding by making it seem that she committed suicide with a drug overdose, Sarasota County police said on Monday

The 46-year-old is accused of committing a series of crimes against the elderly Sarasota, Florida, woman. Police say he sold her dog on Craigslist and allegedly possessed fraudulent checks totaling $65,000. He is pictured with the victim's dog

In addition, the sheriff's office released video showing Bybee using the victim's credit card at least a dozen times between Sarasota and Manatee counties (above in December)

Bybee now faces a total of 25 charges including attempted murder.

State prosecutor Karen Fraivillig said in court the attempted murder was premeditated, WTSP reported.

In explaining why, Fraivillig shared that an alleged fraudulent suicide note was sent to the victim's doctor.

Also, a recent internal affairs investigation by the sheriff's office found that the married 46-year-old allegedly had an illicit relationship while on and off duty with a different woman who paid him $100,000 for sexual acts.

Police first said last month when he was arrested that Bybee committed a series of crimes against the elderly Sarasota, Florida, woman including selling her dog on Craigslist and possessing fraudulent checks totaling $65,000, according to police.

Bybee now faces a total of 25 charges including attempted murder. He is pictured above in December using the victim's ATM card to withdraw cash

Bybee entered the woman's home wearing latex gloves, mounted and held her down while he forced medication down her mouth, in the attempted murder on January 12, Sheriff Thomas Knight said in a press conference last month.

The woman went unconscious and when she awoke and called for help, officials found the house was filled with carbon monoxide, according to Knight.

Bybee was placed on administrative leave in January after the deputy's fingerprint was found on fraudulently signed checks that totaled $65,000, Knight said.

Knight said Bybee attempted to kill the woman and make it look like a suicide.

Officials began an internal affair investigation on Bybee after the woman reported the officer was harassing her in December.

The deputy has been investigated five times during his time on the force and suspended multiple times, ABC Action News reported.

Police determined on three separate occasions he withdrew $400 from the elderly woman's account. Bybee is pictured in his uniform while inside a convenience store to use the victim's ATM card to take out more money

The two initially met when Bybee was responding to a service call at the victim's home back in October 2016 and began a friendship.

While the woman was in the hospital, the deputy was given possession of her dog and $1,000 to cover any medical expenses for the pet, which Bybee pocketed, police said.

Bybee allegedly 'rehoused' and sold the dog through Craigslist without the owner's permission.

He also reportedly brought family members to meet the woman and used her vulnerability to gain access to her home and personal financial information.

For the new charges, his bond is $9,000, and the bond for the previous charges was reduced from $1,030,000 to $365,620 during his court appearance on Tuesday.

The investigation remains open and ongoing with additional charges pending.
Australia's record-breaking heatwave could lead to an increase in crime, a researcher has warned, with violent sexual assaults and other offences often surging during a sudden increase in the temperature.

'There will be more of those impulsive crimes, the ones you think about in the spur of the moment, which could explain things like sexual assaults, which is an opportunity crime,' Darwin University Associate Professor Charles Professor Simon Moss told the Daily Telegraph.

He said the connection could be more significant in places that go through unusual heat waves - like Sydney, which could see temperatures as high as 48 degrees over the weekend.

Australia's record-breaking heatwave could lead to an increase in crime, a researcher has warned, with violent sexual assaults and other offences often surging during hot weather

The heat-crime connection could be more significant in places that go through unusual heat waves - like Sydney, which could see temperatures as high as 48 degrees over the weekend

'The effects of humidity are much worse when they're rare,' As. Pr. Moss said.

Numerous studies point to correlations between temperatures and crime rates.

A 2001 study called 'Heat and Violence,' by University of Iowa Professor Craig Anderson, stated that murders and assaults are up 2.6 percent during hot US summers, as compared to winters.

'Hot summers produce a bigger increase in violence than cool summers,' Pr. Anderson wrote.

Another study, led by Ellen Cohn and James Rotton of Florida State University and published in 2000, found that crime rates rise along with temperatures - but that crime rates cool off when temperatures soar above 26 degrees.

Apart from increasing frustration, hot weather tends to bring people together, and out in the streets.

More people out and about means more potential for conflict - that conclusion was drawn by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research in a 2001 bulletin.

'This may be because hot weather reduces a person's tolerance to frustration or because hot weather simply brings motivated offenders and potential victims into more frequent contact with one another,' speculated the Bureau's director, the aptly named Don Weatherburn.
A tenant living in a luxury apartment complex in Brooklyn that is partially owned by President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner uploaded a video to the internet showing a mouse scurrying across a baby's crib.

The video illustrates what tenants at the 184 Kent Avenue property in trendy Williamsburg say is one of a number of recurring problems.

'It's just disgusting,' one tenant told the Gothamist web site.

The tenant said that the building has been plagued by rodent infestations, sudden shutoffs of heat and hot water, and doors to the outside being left open.

A mouse is seen above as it crawls through a baby's crib in an apartment at 184 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Tenants have also complained about construction workers breaking windows and failing to clean up shards of glass.

Inspectors found signs of rat and mouse infestation on the premises during a January 30 inspection.

The government on Thursday sent a letter to the building's owner demanding that the infestations be eliminated within five days.

Failure to comply would result in potential fines.

The video illustrates what tenants at the 184 Kent Avenue property in trendy Williamsburg say is one of a number of recurring problems

Kushner bought the building in April 2015 for $275million, according to Gothamist. Prices for apartments there range from just over $500,000 for a one-room studio to $2.8million for a four-room, three-bedroom condo

The video is shocking in that mice pose a health risk to humans, particularly through their discharged waste.

Mouse urine is capable of carrying a variety of diseases, and human exposure to it can leads to asthma.

The building said that it had contacted the tenant who uploaded the video of the mouse in the crib.

'All buildings in New York undergoing heavy construction activity experience certain issues during this process, including pest control,' a spokesperson for the building said.

'That is still no excuse for what's portrayed in this video, and we have apologized to the affected tenant and already taken steps to make sure this doesn't happen again.

'Building staff responded within minutes to this incident and exterminators were on hand within hours. We take matters of tenant quality of life and safety very seriously, and we encourage all tenants to make building management aware of any issue immediately so that it can be remedied.'

Kushner (left), the son of real estate magnate Charles Kushner, has faced accusations from tenants in a number of his New York properties. He is seen in the above photo with President Donald Trump, his father-in-law. Kushner is a senior adviser to the president

Kushner bought the building in April 2015 for $275million, according to Gothamist.

Originally a warehouse, Kushner began converting the building to luxury condos together with a company called LIVWRK and Rockpoint Group, a Boston-based equity firm.

According to the StreetEasy web site, prices for apartments there range from just over $500,000 for a one-room studio to $2.8million for a four-room, three-bedroom condo.

Tenants estimate that the building is only one-third occupied.

Kushner, the son of real estate magnate Charles Kushner, has faced accusations from tenants in a number of his New York properties.

Tenants say Kushner has harassed them by trying to force those protected by rent-stabilizing laws to leave so that he could convert more apartments into luxury condos, according to Village Voice.
A luxury cruise liner with more than 2,000 people on board is 'dead in the water' off the Victorian coast.

The Norwegian Star will have to be towed to Melbourne after it lost power early on Thursday morning about 70km from the city.

A man aboard the ship told The Age 'devastated' passengers were in a state of panic.

'It's a bloody nightmare,' he said. 'We're stuck in the middle of the ocean. It's scary.'

The Norwegian Star will have to be towed back to Melbourne after it lost power early on Thursday morning

Other passengers described the vessel as 'dead in the water'.

'We're adrift 70 miles out of Melbourne,' one wrote on Twitter. '2nd Azipod broke. Getting towed back to Melbourne.'

Another wrote on Facebook: 'We have no engines for propulsion! We are afloat in the ocean!'

The ship, which was on a voyage from Melbourne to New Zealand, is now expected to skip several ports of call.

It is thought it will take until Saturday afternoon for it to be towed to Melbourne, where a technical team will carry out repairs.

Operator Norwegian Cruise Lines apologised to its passengers and stressed that they were in no danger.

Passengers described the ship as 'dead in the water'

The ship is now expected to skip several ports of call

One man on board said 'devastated' passengers were in a state of panic

'The ship has full power and all on-board services are fully operational,' the spokeswoman said.

'All guest amenities remain open and available and the weather conditions are favourable.

'The ship is in no danger whatsoever and the comfort and safety of our guests and crew are unaffected by this situation.'

The spokeswoman said Norwegian Cruise Line would provide all passengers a full refund, as well as a 50 per cent future credit.

The 16-year-old ship has been plagued with technical problems in recent times.

Passengers missed half of their stops and spent three extra days at sea because of engine problems on a voyage last month.
Alcest

Alcest was founded in the year 2000 by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neige (aka. Stephane Paut) and later joined by drummer Winterhalter (Jean Deflandre) in 2009. Labeled as post metal/shoegaze or blackgaze, Alcest were the pioneers within this genre, crafting a unique sound based on musical opposites from their very first EP Le Secret (2005), and thru their full length releases Souvenirs D'Un Autre Monde (2007), Ecailles De Lune (2010) and Les Voyages De L'Ame (2012). In 2014 their fourth album Shelter was released, marking the band's departure from the more metal sound, in favor of dream-pop aesthetics, surprising and somewhat challenging their fan base. In retrospective, the album opened new doors for Alcest, bringing them an audience from different horizons and a positive sense of unpredictability as musicians.

Over the years, Alcest influenced a lot of other artists and gained a significant popularity around the world, leading them to do several tours all over Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Australia.

"Kodama" (2016), the upcoming fifth album by Alcest marks the French duo's ferocious return to the epic and contrasted style of its early works while continuing the band's relentless pursuit for fresh ideas. Combining poetic elements with darker ones, that were not present in Alcests earlier works, Kodama manifests as an intense album, featuring a more organic, punchy sound and showcasing impulses from an array of different places.

Originally triggered by Hayao Miyazaki's anime film "Princess Mononoke", "Kodama" picks up on the fate of its protagonist and, at its core, deals with the sensation of not belonging; of living in between worlds, be it city and nature, the physical and spiritual one. By giving the album a cultural, stylistic and compositional narrative, Neige and Winterhalter keep "Kodama" from just being the latest improvement on the Alcest sound and instead make the album a most rare and exciting thing: a vital, relevant record from a front runner that not only upholds the band's trailblazing legacy, but actually makes you want to see where they go next.

the body

On No One Deserves Happiness, The Bodys Chip King and Lee Buford set out to make the grossest pop album of all time. The album themes of despair and isolation are delivered by the unlikely pairing of the Bodys signature heaviness and 80s dance tracks. The Body can emote pain like no other band, and their ability to move between the often strict confines of the metal world and the electronic music sphere is on full display throughout No One Deserves Happiness, an album that eludes categorization. More than any of their genre-defying peers, The Body does it without softening their disparate influences towards a middle ground, but instead through a beautiful combining of extremes. No One Deserves Happiness is an album that defies definition and expectations, standing utterly alone.

Buford and King are outliers at their core, observing the world as if apart from it. They strive for music without a category. They embody many contrasts. They are open and playful as well as thoughtful and disciplined. Live, they deliver punishing volume and scale with their spare duo set up, expanding their sound through a complex set of effects on both guitar and drums. For records, they approach things entirely differently and expand their group in the studio to include Seth Manchester and Keith Souza from Machines with Magnets (their long-time studio), as well as Chrissy Wolpert of The Assembly of Light Choir. The list of instruments used on No One Deserves Happiness is an unexpected collection that includes 808 drum machine, a cello and a trombone. The band employs instruments in their unprocessed state for the simple beauty of the sound, and then in equal measure push them to their most extreme (for example, the sounds at the end of The Fall and the Guilt are created by a guitar and a cello). Because they create an entirely singular sound, The Body is in high demand for collaborations with artists across the musical spectrum, from The Bug to Full of Hell to The Haxan Cloak and beyond. They build albums that are as lush and dense as a rain forest and as unforgiving.

Creepers

Creepers is a band from the San Francisco Bay Area that formed in 2010. Originally consisting of Shiv Mehra (Deafheaven) on guitar and vocals and Daniel Tracy (Deafheaven) on drums, the duo performed around the Bay playing their own brand of surreal psychedelic rock. Eventually, they recruited guitarist Chris Natividad (Golden Drugs, Useless Eaters) and bassist Varun Mehra to complete the lineup. Their first LP "Lush" was released on All Black Recording Company in 2014.

In 2016, Andrew Oswald (Recorded Fell Voices, Ash Borer, Black Spiritual, +more) replaced Varun Mehra on bass and Ross Peacock (Mwahaha, Clipd Beaks) was added on synths and electronics. They are currently working on a release slated for 2017.
State representatives of Blue Zones Project Oregon say they understand and respect Lebanon's decision, announced Wednesday, to withdraw from consideration as a demonstration community.

Lebanon representatives said they plan to move forward instead with their own effort to create a healthier community, dubbing themselves "Live Longer Lebanon," according to the withdrawal announcement.

Sarah Foster, program manager for Oregon Healthiest State, a statewide healthy living initiative supporting the Blue Zones Project, issued a statement late Wednesday about Lebanon's decision.

"The dedication and effort the Live Longer Lebanon Committee and the community of Lebanon have put forward throughout this application process has been impressive," the statement reads. "After starting the conversation about the opportunity in October of 2015, Oregon Healthiest State and Blue Zones Project have come to know Lebanon well and deeply respect its commitment to health and well-being.

"While Lebanon has chosen not to move forward as a Blue Zones Project Demonstration Community, it is clear that the community's vision and passion will continue to drive positive change."

The Blue Zones Project is a healthy living research effort currently in place in nine states. It developed from a project National Geographic led more than a decade ago to try to determine why people in certain communities in the world live longer, healthier lives than others.

Those regions, dubbed Blue Zones, had common elements: regular exercise, moderate calorie intake, a purpose in society and an emphasis on family and community connections. The Blue Zones Project came about to see if those elements could be replicated elsewhere with the same effects.

In Oregon, Klamath Falls is the only Blue Zones demonstration community. Lebanon had been working to become the second.

Blue Zones Project Oregon asked Lebanon to contribute $800,000 over the next three years to offset the cost of its program.

Among other things, the money would have paid for up to five residents to be employed full time to manage the project and work in partnership with a steering group and subcommittees of community volunteers. Teams would have collected information on the community's strengths, needs and opportunities and worked with national policy experts on strategic planning to meet its goals.

At an update meeting Feb. 1, some potential local donors said they weren't sure the required $800,000 was an affordable or wise investment, especially since Lebanon already has healthy living initiatives of its own in place.

In the statement, Foster said state leaders understand.

"The Blue Zones Project Demonstration Community initiative, comprehensive cross-sector program, is a great model for communities but it is not necessarily the right fit for every community," it reads.

"We wish the leadership of Live Longer Lebanon our best as they work to pursue health and well-being in a very passionate and dedicated part of our state."
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has affirmed her support for Vladimir Putin and ignored criticism of Russia's alleged involvement in the death of 38 Australian passengers on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

Senator Hanson made the comments when questioned by Labor Senator Sam Dastyari during a One Nation 'weekly wrap up' broadcast posted to Facebook.

Referring to comments made by Senator Hanson earlier in the week, Senator Dastyari said: 'What you said about Russia was so offensive what you said about supporting Vladimir Putin.'

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Pauline Hanson has affirmed her support for Vladimir Putin and ignored criticism of Russia's alleged involvement in the death of 38 Australian passengers on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17

Senator Hanson says she likes Mr Putin because he 'stands up for his country'

Senator Hanson (second from left) made the comments when questioned by Labor Senator Sam Dastyari (centre) during a One Nation 'weekly wrap up' broadcast posted to Facebook

In response Senator Hanson said she liked Mr Putin.

'I like him as a person who stands up for his country and he fights for his county as a strong leader for his country,' she said.

Senator Dastyari, who referred to Mr Putin as a 'murderous tyrant' jumped in and said: 'By shooting down planes like MH17?'

The One Nation leader replied by saying: 'You are picking out something, do you think that everything that our prime ministers have done has been in the best interests?

According to international investigators Russian-backed separatists shot down the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014

During the video Senator Dastyari referred to M Putin as a 'murderous tyrant'

'You know everyone has done something.

'I am not saying I support him for what he has done there, but overall, as a person, who is strong and stands up for his country (I do support him).'

According to international investigators Russian-backed separatists shot down Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014. All 298 passengers on board died.
Police are searching for a Victorian man who is in possession of child pornography.

Detectives have made a public appeal to help find Cameron Allan, 44, who is wanted for knowingly possessing child pornography material.

Allan is believed to have been driving a white Ford Mondeo sedan, with the Victorian registration number YVJ-107.

A digital image of Cameron Allan, 44, who is wanted by police for possessing child pornography

He may be crossing state borders and heading towards Wagga Wagga and Gundagai in NSW's south-east.

A digital image has been released of Allan, who is Caucasian in appearance.

Allan is believed to have driving a white Ford Mondeo sedan, with the Victorian registration number YVJ107
A light-hearted resident has left a hilarious note for a thief who pinched his backpack and one of his boots.

Tasmanian man Marcus offered the thief two options - to give everything back or to take the second boot to ensure they were getting the full benefit of his new shoes.

'To the dude who pinched the backpack and one singular boot from my ute,' the man addressed the thief.

A light-hearted Tasmanian resident has left a hilarious note for a thief who pinched his backpack and one of his boots

'I'm sure you had your reasons, my issue is that you only stole one shoe [the left one].'

Marcus then outlined the two options to the thief.

'Number one: Please give everything back, especially the boot,' he wrote.

'Number two: If you really want to keep my stuff, and simply just don't want to give it back - then I'm going to leave the other boot (the one I still have, the one you didn't steal) by the front gate. So that way I know at least one of us is getting full benefit of the new shoes. I promise I won't try to trick you or catch you. Fair's fair.'

The note, which was posted to Reddit, left commentators curious.

One user wrote: 'Need to know what happened to second boot'.

Another replied: 'One would assume that the orphaned boot is waiting to be reunited'.

Marcus left an updated note for the thief after he arrived home to find the thief had returned the shoe to his front door

Marcus left an updated note for the thief after he arrived home to find the thief had returned the shoe to his front door.

The man described it as a 'really strange turn of events' and wrote that the thief had a 'heart of solid gold'.

'Dear dude who pinched and returned my boot,' Marcus wrote.

'Either you have a great (albeit confusing) code of ethics, or we simply just have a different foot size.

'Either way I feel very, very grateful to you, and I don't want to push the ticket any further, but while we are at it; may I please have my backpack back as well?

'I know you probably love it, and maybe at this stage you feel like its yours. That's fine, and in a way I feel like you kind of deserve it. But I do still really want it, and kind of need it for a big trip I'm doing soon.

'P.S. this time I'll leave you a 6-pack at the front gate.'

'Also, if you aren't the robber and you are reading this, please don't just come and steal the free brews. This is between me and the thief.'
An Ohio State University psychology student who vanished after leaving her work in Grove City on Wednesday night was murdered, her uncle confirmed Thursday night.

Reagan Tokes, 21, was last seen in Bodega bar, where she was on staff, in the Short North Arts District at 9:45pm on Wednesday.

On Thursday afternoon, her body was found near the main entrance to Scioto Grove Metro Park, around 15 minutes' drive south of Bodega. The victim had been shot dead, police said.

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Ohio State student Reagan Tokes (left, with her sister Makenzie) went missing in Grove City on Wednesday night. On Thursday her body was found outside a city park. She had been shot

Makenzie tweeted this photo of herself and Reagan as children with their father early Wednesday night, with a message implying that something awful had happened

Shortly after midnight Thursday, Reagan's uncle, Jamie, posted this Facebook message, in which he confirmed she was dead. Police had not officially linked Reagan to the park body

Police (seen here at Scioto Grove Metro Park, near where the body was found) said they were waiting on confirmation from the coroner's office before identifying the body

(Video courtesy WSYX)

Police have not officially linked the body in the park to Tokes's disappearance as they are still waiting on confirmation of identity from the coroner's office, WSYX reported.

But her uncle, Jamie Tokes, confirmed on Facebook that she had died shortly after midnight.

'Thank you all for your prayers and support for my beautiful niece/god daughter Reagan Tokes that went missing at OSU last night,' he wrote. 'This afternoon, her body was found.

'Words can't express the pain we are feeling as a family.'

The body was found around 100-150 yards from the park's entrance by a passerby, who called police at around 1:10pm, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

Police say it is unclear whether the victim was shot there, or if she was killed elsewhere and her body dumped.

However, no shell casings were found in an initial search of the park, an officer said.

The death is being investigated as a homicide. The state Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Crime Scene Unit is examining the scene.

Reagan (with boyfriend Jake Hadley left and her parents right) had a car, but it is missing. CCTV showed her going toward the car as she left work, but not whether she reached it

On Wednesday Reagan's sister, Makenzie, told The Tab that the psychology student had been seen approaching her car on security cameras, but it wasn't clear whether she reached the vehicle.

She also said the last message delivered to Reagan's phone was sent at 10:30pm. There was no reply.

'She was supposed to contact us after her shift last night and did not,' Makenzie said. 'We assumed she went home and slept but we werent able to get through her phone this morning and her roommates said she didnt come home.

'I reached out to her roommates this afternoon to find out they hadn't seen her or heard from her since before her shift last night.'

Reagan's friend Emma Steele told The Lantern that the young woman owned a 1999 silver Acura with the license plate FGR 8547, with Miami Dolphins and Block Ohio State O stickers in the back.

The police, while holding back from identifying the body in the park, told WSYX that same car was owned by the victim.

It was missing, and may have been stolen when the woman was shot.

Bodega, the bar that Regan worked at the night she disappeared, is located around 15 minutes north of Scioto Grove Metro Park, where the body was found

As news of Reagan's death spread online, her friends paid tribute to her in tweets and messages to her family

This user simply tweeted 'I love you' to Reagan's Twitter account

Another of Reagan's friends said she could not believe the death of the young woman was real

On Thursday evening Makenzie tweeted: 'You hear about these things on the news but you never think it could happen. I love you with all my heart gee gee.'

Later, she tweeted Donald Trump with the message: 'Security is a major issue if my sister was killed leaving her job last night. Please do all you can to keep us safe.'

She wasn't the only one paying tribute to the slain student; Reagan's friends also spoke of their love for their friend.

Twitter user Maddie wrote: 'I am hearbroken and sick to my stomach. rest in peace Reagan. prayers to the Tokes family. heaven gained an angel.'

A girl named Amber tweeted: 'Rip beautiful, love you lots. this can not be real.'

Steph Fragale, a friend of Reagan's who had tried to get the word out about the missing student on Wednesday, tweeted: 'Absolutely heartbroken.'

And Jordyn Cousino simply said: 'I love you @reaganstokes.'

This is Grove City's first homicide in 2017. It had two murders last year.

Anyone with information is asked to call Grove City police on (614) 277 1710.
The next election cycle for Senators could put two members of America's biggest political families in competition against each other.

It's rumored that if Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand actually runs for president in 2020, that the contenders for her Senate seat representing the state of New York include two former first daughters - Chelsea Clinton and Caroline Kennedy.

'What you're witnessing is the beginning of Chelsea Clinton's political career,' a source, who has a relationship with both the Clinton and Kennedy families, told the New York Daily News.

Competitors?: The next election cycle for Senators could put two members of America's biggest political families, Chelsea Clinton (left) and Caroline Kennedy (right), in competition against each other

It's rumored that if Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (above) actually runs for president in 2020, that the contenders for her Senate seat representing the state of New York include Chelsea and Caroline

'Chelsea had that Twitter war with Kellyanne Conway  she's engaging in the political arena.'

The 36-year-old former first daughter took on Conway for increasing fear by discussing terror attacks that never happened on national televisions shows.

Conway, who is President Donald Trump's spokeswoman, hit back by saying that Trump is now the president since Hillary Clinton lost the election while saying 'you can't invent quality candidates either'.

In addition, Chelsea has seemingly been very active on her personal Twitter account sharing and retweeting messages about the current administration.

The current Senator in the seat Chelsea and Caroline could compete against was actually appointed to it.

Gillibrand first served in the House from 2007 until 2009 representing the Hudson Valley when she filled the seat that belonged to then-senator Hillary Clinton, who stepped down to become secretary of state.

The 36-year-old former first daughter took on Kellyanne Conway on Twitter (above) for increasing fear by discussing terror attacks that never happened

Conway, who is President Donald Trump's spokeswoman, hit back on Twitter (above) by saying that Trump is now the president since Hillary Clinton lost the election while saying 'you can't invent quality candidates either'

Some democrats are speculating that due to Gillibrand's strong opposition against Trump, that she'll run for the White House in 2020.

If that happens, her successor to the empty Senate seat would be selected by the governor.

Chelsea nor Caroline would have to launch an actual election to fill the seat.

Back in 2009, the daughter of John F. Kennedy and niece of New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy expressed interested in the empty Senate seat Clinton vacated.

But she withdrew her name for 'personal reasons' before then-Gov. David Paterson appointed Gillibrand to the position.

The 59-year-old, who just finished serving as President Obama's ambassador to Japan, appeared on NBC's Today show last week where she was asked about her future plans and if that included her running for an elected position.

'I've just gotten home a week or so,' Kennedy replied to host Matt Lauer. 'I'm looking around to figure out what I would do next.'

Mother-of-two Chelsea told Sky News in 2015 that she'd 'absolutely' consider running for office one day.
President Donald Trump has reaffirmed America's long-standing 'one China' policy in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, potentially alleviating concerns about a major shift in Washington's relations with Beijing.

The White House and China's state broadcaster CCTV said the two spoke at length by phone on Thursday evening.

This was the first phone conversation between the two men since Trump assumed the presidency on January 20.

Trump, who had been critical of China on the campaign trail, had already spoken with over a dozen world leaders - leading observers to conclude that he was snubbing Xi. Some had questioned why Trump had taken so long to call Xi.

The two leaders discussed numerous topics and Trump agreed 'at the request of President Xi' to honor the 'one China' policy that requires Washington to maintain only unofficial ties with China's rival Taiwan, the White House said.

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President Donald Trump (left) has reaffirmed America's long-standing 'one China' policy in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping (right)

CCTV reported that Xi 'praised' Trump's affirmation and said China was willing to work with the US to enhance ties and bring 'more fruitful gains for the benefit of our two peoples and those in every country.'

The White House described the call as 'extremely cordial' and said the two leaders had invited each other to visit their respective countries and looked forward to further discussions.

Chinese observers had also noted that Trump had broken with his predecessors in not extending good wishes to the Chinese people on the occasion of last month's Lunar New Year holiday, prior to the issuing of a belated greeting on Wednesday.

Trump has accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, criticized China's military buildup in the South China Sea and said Beijing is doing too little to pressure North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.

Trump upset decades of diplomatic precedent by talking by phone with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen (above) shortly after winning November's presidential election

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and complained after Trump upset decades of diplomatic precedent by talking by phone with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen shortly after winning November's presidential election.

In December, Trump said in an interview that he didn't feel 'bound' by the decades-old one China policy unless the US could gain concessions from China in trade and other areas.

Washington has robust unofficial relations with the island and provides it with arms to guard against Beijing's threat to use force to reunify with it.

Underscoring uncertainty in the relationship, the call between the leaders came as the US Pacific Command reported a Chinese jet and a US Navy patrol plane had an 'unsafe' encounter over the South China Sea this week.

Pacific Command spokesman Robert Shuford said Friday that the 'interaction' between a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft and a US Navy P-3C plane took place on Wednesday in international airspace.

He did not say what was unsafe about the encounter.

Trump was defiant on Twitter after facing criticism for accepting the phone call from the Taiwanese leader. 'The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency,' he tweeted on December 2

Trump has been critical of China's policies in the currency market as well as trade - as this December 4 tweet can attest

The president has also accused China of 'building a massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea'

Shuford says the US plane was on a routine mission and operating according to international law.

The Chinese defense ministry has not responded to a faxed request for comment.

China routinely complains about US military surveillance missions close to its southern island province of Hainan, which is home to numerous sensitive military installations.

A collision between a US EP-3 surveillance plane and a Chinese naval air force jet in April 2001 resulted in the death of the Chinese pilot and the 10-day detention of the US air crew by China.
A Chinese aircraft and a US Navy patrol plane risked a collision after they flew within 1,000 feet of each other in the South China Sea this week.

Pacific Command spokesman Robert Shuford said there was an 'unsafe' close encounter between a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft and a US Navy P-3C plane in international airspace on Wednesday.

The two planes flew within 1,000 feet or 305 meters of each other in the vicinity of the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal.

US Navy P-3C Orion flying above the clouds (file photo). The same model plane nearly clashed with a Chinese aircraft this week

'The U.S. Navy P-3C was on a routine mission operating in accordance with international law,' Major Rob Shuford said.

'The Department of Defense and US Pacific Command are always concerned about unsafe interactions with Chinese military forces. We will address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels.'

The KJ-200 is a propeller airborne early warning and control aircraft based originally on the old Soviet-designed An-12.

A second official said that the American P-3 had to alter its course to ensure that there wasn't an aerial collision but noted that was no malign intent behind the incident.

The navy maintains that such encounters between US and Chinese aircraft are 'extremely rare' and that it was the first of such incidents this year.

There were two 'close encounters' in 2016 and zero in 2015.

A Chinese KJ-200 is a propeller airborne early warning and control aircraft based originally on the old Soviet-designed An-12 (file photo)

China's defense ministry told state media the Chinese pilot responded with 'legal and professional measures'.

'We hope the US side keeps in mind the present condition of relations between the two countries and militaries, adopts practical measures, and eliminates the origin of air and sea mishaps between the two countries,' the Global Times cited an unnamed defence ministry official as saying.

China claims sovereignty most of the South China Sea, including islands more than 800 miles from the Chinese mainland.

Beijing has also created artificial islands in the area, some of which are used as military bases.

China claims much of the South China Sea and has even created artificial islands as military bases. Picture is Mischief Reef in the Spratly Island

They have faced objections from Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Philippines over the territory with the former taking China to the Court of Arbitration in the Hague to rule on the matter.

The fishing port of Scarborough Shoal, which lies 130 miles west from the Philippine island of Luzon, has been at the forefront of the China-Philippines territorial dispute.

The previous Philippine government filed a legal case in 2013 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, infuriating Beijing, which refused to take part.

The court last year largely rejected China's claims over the reef but new Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has sought to mend ties with Beijing and the situation around the shoal has largely calmed down.

Although the US hasn't weighed in on the territorial debate they insist they have the right to conduct military operations in the area.
Comedian Chelsea Handler trolled President Donald Trump with a photograph of herself and two friends holding Nordstrom bags in front of the White House.

'A Jew and a gay went to pick a Muslim up from the airport, headed straight to Nordstrom, and then headed over to @whitehouse to give our thanks!' Handler wrote on Instagram Thursday.

Handler was mocking Trump's controversial travel ban on people from seven predominantly Muslim countries while promoting the high-end retailer, which the president says 'unfairly' dropped his daughter's fashion brand.

Comedian Chelsea Handler posted this photo of herself (center) and two friends holding Nordstrom bags in front of the White House

They were mocking President Donald Trump's travel ban while promoting the high-end retailer, which the president says 'unfairly' dropped his daughter's fashion brand

Handler, a vocal Hillary Clinton supporter, led a Women's March in January in Park City, Utah

Last week, the president's daughter, Ivanka Trump, had her clothing and shoe line dropped from the Seattle-based chain.

President Trump, 70, lashed out at Nordstrom on Wednesday morning for dumping his daughter's clothing line.

'My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by Nordstrom,' the president wrote. 'She is a great person  always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!'

A spokesperson for Nordstrom told Dailymail.com: 'The decision to move away from the Ivanka Trump brand for the upcoming season was made as a result of the brand's business performance over the past year. For us, the two decisions were not related'.

President Donald Trump (left) came to the defense of his eldest daughter Ivanka Trump (right) whose clothing line was dropped by Nordstrom last week

President Donald Trump lashed out this morning at Nordstrom for dumping his daughter Ivanka Trump's clothing and shoe line

The retailer then further revealed that they had informed Ivanka, 35, of the decision in early January.

Handler, 41, who memorably cried on television after Trump won the presidential race, has taken on the president before.

During a January 21 interview with Variety, Handler scoffed at the idea of interviewing First Lady Melania Trump on her talk-show Chelsea because 'she can barely speak English'.

Handler was a vocal Hillary Clinton supporter throughout the presidential election season and even led a January Women's March in Park City, Utah.
People in Sydney were urged not to go home after work on Friday amid fears turning the lights on and cooking dinner would cause mass blackouts across the city.

New South Wales Energy Minister Don Harwin pleaded with people not to 'cook and turn the TV on' and suggested they catch a movie instead of going home.

As temperatures hit 47C in New South Wales, there were fears of a massive power surge causing rolling blackouts as people turned on their air conditioning.

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People in Sydney have been urged not to go home after work this afternoon amid fears turning the lights on and cooking dinner could cause mass blackouts across the city

As temperatures hit 47C in New South Wales, there were fears of a massive power surge causing rolling blackouts as people turn on their air conditioning

Mr Harwin earlier recommended people not turn their air conditioning above 26C, despite the sweltering, record-breaking heat outside.

Industry experts told Daily Mail Australia that power cuts were most likely between 3.30pm and 6.30pm as the grid was stretched further than ever before.

More than 11,000 homes lost power in Sydney's west, with Strathfield and Burwood affected, but Ausgrid insisted the fault was not related to the heatwave and instead because a power line fell over.

Youngsters were seen leaping off a bridge and into the Nepean River in Camden, New South Wales

Cooling off: The daredevils dived into the water as temperatures soared into the 40s

Going down! The boys were making the most of a scorching day in Camden, New South Wales

One woman and her dog: It was a relaxing day for this woman and her pooch on Stradbroke Island, Queensland

Sydney is in the midst of a blistering heatwave that is tipped to linger throughout the weekend. Pictured, a family in Penrith

A large chunk of Australia is set to sweat through three consecutive days above 40C, as these schoolchildren in Penrith discovered

Two teenage girls and a teenage boy were taken to hospitals north of Brisbane on Friday afternoon after being taken ill at The Lakes College in North Lakes, Queensland

Fun in the sun! Two girls were seen frolicking in the water at Bondi Beach on Monday

The power outage, which started just before 5pm, was expected to be fixed by 9pm at the latest. Power was restored to all but about 750 homes by 6pm.

The heat also took its toll north of Brisbane where three school students were rushed to hospital after suffering heatstroke.

Two teenage girls and a boy were taken to three hospitals on Friday after falling ill at The Lakes College in North Lakes, Queensland at about 10am.

It came as a heatwave swept across Queensland, with temperatures set to reach as high as 46C this weekend.

Sydney could swelter through its hottest day ever recorded on Sunday as the long-running heatwaves continue. Pictured, beachgoers on Bondi Beach on Monday

People were enjoying the sun on Bondi Beach on Monday

This woman looked pretty pleased with her spot in the garden as she sought refuge from the sun's glaring rays under a tree

Flipping heck! Boys were seen throwing themselves into the water as they had a laugh on Friday afternoon

Refreshing: Some teenage boys were seen leaping out of a tree and into the Nepean River near Camden in New South Wales

Meanwhile, temperatures in New South Wales skyrocketed to 47C.

The Sydney heatwave is expected to last three days and is set to break a 70-year-old record for consecutive scorching days.

With 10 days of more than 35C maximums, this summer is the hottest in Sydneys 158 year recorded history.

Nearly 100 people went to hospitals in South Australia with heat-related illnesses in the last two days.

It was so hot in Adelaide that a forklift got bogged in the road

A bwoman relaxes with a book by the pool in an attempt to beat the oppressive heat

Many Sydneysiders took to the beach to keep cool in the surf, like this woman on South Cronulla Beach

A group in Canberra enjoyed some beverages in a backyard spa as the mercury rose

A Sydney woman takes a dip in her local pool to stay cool on the hot day

Wagga Wagga residents resorted to stripping down an squirting each other with hoses as the temperature reached 45C

A woman reclines on a floatie in her backyard pool and complains about the scorching heat

Thermometers showed the massive temperatures blistering the east coast

This one showed 48.5C in an inland area where the heatwave hit even harder

The temperature hits an incredible 50.9C in inland NSW

Sydneysiders try to beat the heat at Lady Robinsons Beach in Botany Bay

The three-day spell is predicted to be the hottest ever in Sydney's history

Almost 40 were admitted to hospital between Wednesday and Friday, while the others were sent home after being treated.

Temperatures hit 40C in Adelaide in Friday, with the heat set to stay over the weekend.

'Catastrophic' fire warnings are in place for parts of NSW and total fire bans have been enforced across the state.

Those in the north east of the state are also set for record-breaking temperatures, with 46C heat due near Newcastle on Saturday and even hotter temperatures further inland.

A temperature of 47.1C was recorded at Hay Airport in south west New South Wales.

A dehydrated crow sits by a puddle of water under a tap at Lady Robinsons Beach on Botany Bay as temperatures pushed 40C

Beachgoers picked up the crow with a towel and took it to the shade so it could cool down

A man keeps his goat cool in his car near the Nepean River outside Sydney where it was 45C

Many animals overheated in the blistering weather as they were stuck outside

The man leads the goat to his car by tempting it with a tree branch

A ferret hangs out in an ice bucket to stop it overheating on a 40C day

An a dog owner sprays their pup with water to cool it down as the temperature hit 43C

A dog on the Central Coast cools down with a wet towel over its head

Half a dozen kookaburras crow around a bird bath to escape the heat

The government pleaded with people to turn their lights off, adjust their fridge temperatures and switch their air cons no lower than 26C.

'Where you can please do your best to save energy - turn up your aircon to 26 degrees, adjust fridge temperatures, switch off unused electrical appliances and turn off lights where it's safe to do so,' NSW Energy Minister Don Harwin said.

'The NSW government is doing everything we can to ensure a power outage is avoided but we encourage the community to reduce their energy use where possible,' he added.

A man strips down and reclines on an inflatable bird in his backyard pool

A man submerges himself in shallow water in Bronte Beach, Sydney

Sunbathers take advantage of the rays in Gordon's Bay, Sydney

A man tries to get some relief from the heat by sticking his head in the freezer

Frozen socks to keep feet cool in the blistering heat

It was a glorious day in Redfern, Sydney, on Friday morning as people made their way to work

It was all too much for this dog, who set up shop next to a fan as he retreated from the heat

Forecasters say the three-day heatwave could break a 70-year-old record, with 72 hours of hell ahead for those in western and northern New South Wales. A man in Penrith stocked up on ice ahead of the sticky conditions

A large chunk of Australia is set to sweat through three consecutive days above 40C, with 'catastrophic' fire warnings in place for parts of NSW

Hot dog: The hot weather was too much for this pooch, who took a dip to cool down on Friday

The plea came as energy officials warned that NSW could face the biggest electricity surge ever on Friday afternoon.

Hospitals would also be affected by the scorching heat, with a rush of heat-affected patients likely to present in their emergency departments over the weekend.

Westmead Hospital's emergency department treated over 1,100 people with heat-related symptoms in December and January, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

'If the forecast eventuates we're likely to see catastrophic fire danger develop in some areas including the Hunter,' RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

Forecasters say the three-day heatwave could break a 70-year-old record, with 72 hours of hell

A large chunk of Australia should sweat through three consecutive days above 40C, making the beach a great option for those trying to cool down

A kind soul in Sydney left a hose out so their neighbours could cool themselves down on Friday

The searing conditions will place immense pressure on hospitals, who have seen an increase in heat-related presentations across this summer (forecast for Saturday pictured)

Sydney is set to sweat through a three-day mega-heatwave, with temperatures tipped to nudge 48C in the city's west on Saturday (Bondi Beach pictured, Thursday)

That's the life! Chilling by the pool, this Sydneysider looked like they had a hard day ahead

Meteorologists said the heatwave is the 'final big hurrah for heat in the Sydney area'

A total fire ban is in place for all of NSW, with 'catastrophic' fire warning threats in place for parts of the state over the weekend

SEVEN DAY FORECAST SYDNEY Friday: Max 44, mostly sunny Saturday: Max 45, sunny Sunday: Max 41, partly cloudy Monday: Max 29, partly cloudy Tuesday: Max 27, shower or two PERTH Friday: Max 27, heavy rain Saturday: Max 28, possible shower Sunday: Max 30, shower or two Monday: Max 31, possible storm Tuesday: Max 28, possible shower MELBOURNE Friday: Max 28, clouds clearing Saturday: Max 28, late shower Sunday: Max 19, possible shower Monday: Max 18, clearing shower Tuesday: Max 21, possible shower HOBART Friday: Max 26, partly cloudy Saturday: Max 23, possible shower Sunday: Max 17, shower or two Monday: Max 18, possible shower Tuesday: Max 23, partly cloudy BRISBANE Friday: Max 36, clearing shower Saturday: Max 41, mostly sunny Sunday: Max 42, sunny Monday: Max 39, shower or two Tuesday: Max 31, shower or two CANBERRA Friday: Max 41, mostly sunny Saturday: Max 41, mostly sunny Sunday: Max 32, partly cloudy Monday: Max 26, sunny Tuesday: Max 27, mostly sunny ADELAIDE Friday: Max 39, mostly sunny Saturday: Max 36, mostly sunny Sunday: Max 24, mostly cloudy Monday: Max 25, cloudy Tuesday: Max 28, sunny DARWIN Friday: Max 31, possible storm Saturday: Max 32, possible storm Sunday: Max 32, possible storm Monday: Max 32, possible storm Tuesday Max 32, possible storm Advertisement

RFS Inspector Ben Shepherd said recent heat has dried out substantial parts of NSW.

'In the next few days we're likely to experience some of the highest fire dangers for this season,' he said.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said first responders would be on 'high alert' during the heatwave.

'The catastrophic conditions is something that has not occurred in NSW since 2013,' he said.

The bureau is predicting 39C in the city and 45C in the west on Saturday with lower maximums likely on Sunday.

Hardest hit will be towns in the state's far north and west including Bourke and Ivanhoe - tipped to reach 47C and 48C on the weekend.

Forecaster Steven Woods, from the Bureau of Meteorology, told Daily Mail Australia: 'Large areas of the north east will be looking at record maximum temperatures tomorrow, potentially 47 to 48 degrees.

'Areas to the north of Newcastle and west of Newcastle we could get 46C.'

The Australian Energy Market Operator is forecasting a record demand for power in NSW on Friday, reaching 14,700 megawatts.

'The NSW Government is doing everything we can to ensure a power outage is avoided but we encourage the community to reduce their energy use where possible,' Energy Minister Don Harwin said.

Electricity demand could jump by 50 per cent in western Sydney over the weekend, according to Endeavour Energy, which will place emergency crews on stand-by in case of network faults.

Ausgrid cancelled scheduled maintenance work in the Hunter Valley and other areas forecast to reach 40C or higher.

'The main difference with this particular heatwave is there is a significant change in the wind speed and direction,' Insp Shepherd said.

'It's likely that we'll see stronger northwesterly and westerly winds and it is expected to be drier than normal.'

Friday will also present problems for the energy sector, with providers expecting a huge surge in electricity use on Friday which could leave thousands without power in the afternoon

The scorching conditions will arrive just days after Sydney received half-a-month's average rainfall in one day on Tuesday

The searing conditions could see Sydney's CBD record 38C on Friday, while 44C is forecast for western Sydney

The scorching conditions arrived just days after Sydney received half-a-month's average rainfall in one day on Tuesday.

However, relief may be on the way sooner than previously expected, with forecasters now predicting a cool change in some areas of the state on Sunday morning.

'We are looking at a fairly early southerly change on Sunday - that could drop the temperature down quite a bit,' Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Andrew Haigh said.

Parts of the coast and greater Sydney are due to cool down to the mid-20s on Monday and Tuesday.

The RFS is urging residents in bushfire-prone areas to have evacuation plans in place and to keep track of the organisation's website or the Fire Near Me app for updates.

Despite the sunny weather in the west, Perth could be set for record rainfall. So far 113.4mm of rain have fallen in 22 hours - just 7mm shy of the record set on the same day 25 years ago.

On the Gold Coast, at least a dozen beaches have been closed because of dangerous swells.

Tugun, Palm Beach, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Miami beaches are among the several beaches shut on Friday, the Australian reported.

Meanwhile beachgoers at Coogee, near Sydney, have been urged not to swim as faecal matter is leaking into the water.

Forecasters are now predicting a cool change in some areas of the state on Sunday morning
A mysterious figure dressed as 'Pot Sasquatch' crashed a local news station's weather report during a snowstorm.

It happened while meteorologist WWLP's Jennifer Pagliei was reporting in Springfield, Massachusetts, about the snowstorm to have hit the North-East on Thursday.

Video shows the creature trudging through the snow behind her, getting closer to the camera.

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A mysterious figure dressed as 'Pot Sasquatch' crashed a local news station's weather report during a snowstorm

It happened while meteorologist WWLP 's Jennifer Pagliei did a live report in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Thursday

Pagliei turned, with her body moving off-camera, and appeared to notice 'Pot Sasquatch' going by

'It is coming down pretty steadily here in Springfield. You can see that the visibility has been reduced,' she said.

Pagliei turned, with her body moving off-camera, and appeared to notice 'Pot Sasquatch' going by.

She laughed and soon resumed reporting, saying that 'multiple people have even gotten stuck here, they've had to push each other through the snow'.

The monster had marijuana leaves covering its body and had on a 'marijuana mask,' according to WWLP.

Pagliei posted a shot of her reporting with 'Pot Sasquatch' behind her onto her Facebook page Thursday, writing: 'When your just trying to report on the snowstorm and a walking tree is in your live shot ..'

The monster had marijuana leaves covering its body and had on a 'marijuana mask,' it's been reported

The green figure is seen walking through the snowstorm in Springfield, Massachusetts

The 'Pot Sasquatch' is seen bracing the wintry weather on Thursday in this shot

The Northeast is digging out from a winter storm that dumped a foot or more of snow along the New York-to-Boston corridor, forced the cancellation of schools in cities big and small and grounded thousands of flights.

The storm Thursday came a day after temperatures soared into the 50s and 60s, giving millions of people a taste of spring. But then it was back to reality.

At least one person has died as a result of the storm. Doorman Miguel Gonzalez, 59, was killed after he slipped and crashed through a glass door in New York City.

Numerous accidents were reported as drivers dealt with blowing and drifting snow and slippery streets. Stretches of Interstate 95 in Rhode Island were closed in the afternoon after tractor-trailers got stuck.

Dozens of motorists got stranded on New York's Long Island after they couldn't make it up icy ramps. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said snow plow drivers were going to have a 'long night' working on icy roads.

Schools in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and elsewhere called off classes for the day and government offices told non-essential workers to stay home.

The mayor of Boston said schools would be closed Friday as well.

A pedestrian walks through Times Square during a winter storm on Thursday in New York

A man walks across the Brooklyn Bridge in the snow on Thursday in New York City

Waves pound the shore at along Lynn Shore Drive as a storm hits Thursday in Lynn, Massachusetts. The storm is expected to hit the Boston area with up to twelve inches of snow

Thousands of flights were canceled across the region and planes bound for New York's Kennedy Airport were ordered held on the ground for hours while crews cleared the runways.

More than 4,000 flights were cancelled for Thursday, in addition to more than 5,500 delays. The vast majority of the cancellations were at New York-area airports.

In Rhode Island, they got 'thundersnow,' with whiteout conditions accompanied by the rumble of thunder.

A man walks down the middle of the street in downtown Greenwich,Connecticut on February 9, 2017 as winter storms hit the area

Temperatures plummeted 15 to 30 degrees on Thursday, after much of the Northeast experienced record-breaking warm temperatures

Some neighborhoods in New York City saw a foot or more of the white stuff.

Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, recorded more than 10 inches of snow and East Hartford, Connecticut, saw more than 19 inches.

Farther north, Berwick, Maine, recorded more than 16 inches of snow and Lee, New Hampshire, got 14 inches.

The Philadelphia area was largely spared after being told to expect up to 8 inches. Some suburbs received 5 inches, but by the afternoon, the sun was out.
LEBANON  Following a tense and occasionally heated discussion, members of the Lebanon School Board on Thursday voted 3-2 to extend Superintendent Rob Hess' contract through 2021.

Mike Martin and Kellie Weber voted no on both the extension and on an amendment, which also passed 3-2, that moves the date of Hess' evaluation from January to June.

Hess is currently in the second year of a three-year contract. The new three-year contract as approved Thursday takes effect in 2018, at the expiration of the current one.

Although the extension is allowed by law, Martin said he disagreed with what effectively amounts to stretching Hess' contract four and a half years, especially because he said he believes the district is not yet achieving at the level it should.

Weber said she felt the board was acting in haste and that the full board had not had a chance to review or comment on some of the proposed changes in the contract, such as a salary raise from the current $127,500 to $135,000 starting in 2018.

"Why are we voting on something that we have not reviewed as a board?" she asked.

But Chairman Russ McUne, backed by Vice Chairman Jerry Williams and Richard Borden, said they believe the district is making good progress under Hess' leadership and they want to grant him the job security to continue moving toward his goals.

Lebanon High School scored its highest four-year cohort graduation rate in 2015-16, McUne said, and while improvement needs to be made, the trend is moving upward.

"As long as we see movement in that direction, I think we need to support that," he said.

A clause to allow the superintendent to live outside the district had been suggested, but was stricken from the new contract at Weber and Martin's request and with Hess' approval.

More than 75 parents and teachers crammed the library at Hamilton Creek School for Thursday's meeting. Some used public comment time to praise Hess and support the contract extension, while others said they had questions and loudly applauded Weber and Martin's objections.

Hess' most recent evaluation, completed in January under the terms of the current contract, rated him on a scale of 1-4 on nine standards and four key result areas. Averaged from individual board member ratings, he received scores ranging from 2.2 on communications and community relations to 3.6 on curriculum planning and development.

Seven of the 13 elements were somewhere in the 2 range, prompting parent Patty Allydice to note during public comment that she didn't think the standard had been fully met. "Most are nearly-meets," she said. "That's a problem."

But Rachel Kittson-MaQatish, who lives in Sweet Home, said she specifically moved her son to Seven Oak Middle School in Lebanon because of Hess' leadership and the work he's doing in the district, particularly to promote a college prep program called AVID.

"He leads with integrity," she said.
A senior military aide has been demoted and will retire as a one-star general as a result of a scandal that involved gentlemen's clubs and booze, the Army announced on Thursday.

Ron Lewis, who had been a three-star general and top aide to the then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter, used his government credit card at strip clubs in Rome and Seoul, drank in excess and had 'improper interactions' with women during business travel, a military investigation concluded.

Lewis, an attack helicopter pilot who served in the Army for 30 years, was reprimanded by General Daniel Allyn, the vice chief of the Army, but will not face any fines, Fox News reports.

Ron Lewis, a top aide to the then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter, has been demoted and will retire as a one-star general as a result of a scandal that involved gentlemen's clubs and booze

The demotion will cost him $10,000 a year in pension payments, USA Today reports.

Lewis had reached the three-star rank of lieutenant general while working for Carter, but was demoted to major general after he was fired in November 2015 after allegations of an improper relationship with a female subordinate.

The Defense Department Inspector General's devastating 50-page report last October showed that Lewis spent more than $1,100 on alcohol in April 2015 during a visit to the Candy Bar in Seoul and lied to have it expunged from his government-issued credit card.

Lewis had reached the three-star rank of lieutenant general while working for Carter

The Candy Bar is located in an area of Seoul the report calls 'Hooker Hill', deemed off limits for US military personnel.

When questioned about the charge in April 2015, Lewis denied that it was his and the Pentagon gave him a new credit card.

Six months later, Lewis ran up another bill, this time for $1,755 at the Cica Cica Boom club in Rome, the report said.

Lewis was unable to pay the bill with his debit card, so he returned to his hotel to get his government credit card from a female Defense Department staff member.

She told investigators: 'She thought it was "very odd" that MG Lewis asked for his [government credit card] and that she "felt like something wrong was about to happen, but I wasnt in a place to tell him, No"'.

Lewis said he paid back the charges when he returned to the US.

A month later Lewis, who is married, was caught on the beach with his arms around a female enlisted member. They had both been drinking heavily.

The report doesn't suggest that Lewis had an extramarital affair.

Lewis disputed many of the report's findings and, although he acknowledged 'errors in judgement', denied that he went to a strip club in Rome and Seoul.

He also maintained that his relationship with a female subordinate on an official trip to Hawaii with Carter had been misrepresented.
Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray (above) on Thursday rejected a CBS News report that he had made changes to President Donald Trump's speech announcing an executive order for the construction of a border wall with Mexico

Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray on Thursday rejected a CBS News report that he had made changes to President Donald Trump's speech announcing an executive order for the construction of a border wall with Mexico.

'I never thought I would use this phrase, but today I'm doing it: FAKE NEWS,' Videgaray said on social network Twitter, after CBS News quoted unnamed Mexican officials as saying he had worked with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to tone down the speech.

Trump wants to put up a border wall to keep illegal immigrants from entering the United States, but his insistence that Mexico will pay for it has been the source of friction between the two governments.

In a report on Thursday, CBS News said Kushner last month showed a speech Trump was preparing to deliver at the US Department of Homeland Security to Videgaray, who was horrified, and the two changed the speech to cast the future of US-Mexico relations in a more positive light.

Then Kushner, who is also a senior adviser to Trump, went with Videgaray to brief Trump on the reworded version, and the president was ultimately convinced to accept the changes, it added.

Asked about the report, Videgaray told Reuters: 'I played no part whatsoever in drawing up the president's speech.'

A day after the construction order was issued, Trump tweeted that Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto should cancel a planned meeting between the two leaders if Mexico was not prepared to pay for the border wall.

CBS News said Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner (left) last month showed a speech Trump (right) was preparing to deliver about his Mexican border wall to Videgaray, who was horrified, and the two changed the speech to cast US-Mexico ties in a more positive light

'I never thought I would use this phrase, but today I'm doing it: FAKE NEWS,' Videgaray said on social network Twitter (above)

Shortly afterwards, Pena Nieto scrapped the meeting.

Videgaray's denial is the second time in eight days that the Mexican government has knocked down reports about details of its relationship with Trump.

Trump tweeted that Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (seen center with top military officials during a ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday) should cancel a planned meeting between the two leaders if Mexico was not prepared to pay for the border wall

On Feb. 1, Pena Nieto's office dismissed as 'lies' claims that Trump had threatened to send US troops to Mexico in a phone call with the Mexican president.
Officials are investigating a small engine fire on a plane at New York's John F Kennedy International Airport.

The pilot of Argentina Airlines flight 1301 reported the engine fire late last night while the plane was on the runway preparing for takeoff.

A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said that when rescue trucks arrived they found no evidence of a fire, though fire crews said they were called to the scene after 'flames shot out from the plane's engine'.

A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said the pilot of an Argentina Airlines flight reported the engine fire at John F Kennedy International Airport late on Thursday night while the plane was on the runway preparing for takeoff

The engine of the plane apparently overheated and caught fire while stationary on the runway at about 11pm local time.

Emergency vehicles surrounded the aircraft shortly thereafter, and the runway was shut down to other planes.

The plane, which was headed to Buenos Aires, taxied back to the gate for further examination after the fire was put out.

No injuries were reported, and the plane did not have to be evacuated.

The New York City Fire Department later confirmed that the situation was under control.

Meanwhile, reportedly from the scene also show embers surrounding the aircraft on the runway.

Emergency vehicles surrounded the plane following the report of the fire, which occurred after one of the engines overheated

Witnesses said they heard a 'sudden explosion' before the engine caught fire.

A passenger sitting on board another plane on the JFK runway took pictures of the aircraft covered in embers.

She tweeted the photos, saying: 'Yeah so Im on the runway about to take off and another plane just landed next to us and it was on f****** fire like literal fire.'

She later said it looked like a 'bad engine fire but cabin seemed safe'.

The airplane is a twin-jet Airbus A330-200, according to flightaware.com. The flight was to leave at 9.54pm local time, the flight tracking website said.

Many flights out of JFK were delayed on Thursday due to snowstorms in New York City.

Mail Online has reached out to Argentina Airlines for comment.
White House national security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed US sanctions against Russia with Moscow's ambassador to the US, a month before President Donald Trump took office, it has been claimed.

Last month, it was reported that Flynn had held five phone calls with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak on December 29, the day then-President Barack Obama retaliated for Moscow's alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election.

However, several current and former senior US officials interpreted the contacts as a 'potentially illegal' signal to Russia that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions imposed by the Obama administration in December, according to The Washington Post.

White House national security adviser Michael Flynn (right) privately discussed US sanctions against Russia with Moscow's ambassador to the US a month before President Donald Trump took office

But on Wednesday, Flynn denied that he had discussed sanctions with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak (pictured). Flynn then backed away from the denial through a spokesman on Thursday

But on Wednesday, Flynn denied that he had discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador. He was asked twice in an interview whether he had ever done so and he answered 'no' twice.

He then backed away from the denial through a spokesman on Thursday, according to the Post.

Two of those officials went further, saying that Flynn urged Russia not to overreact to the penalties being imposed by Obama, making clear that the two sides would be in position to review the matter after Trump was sworn in as president.

'Kislyak was left with the impression that the sanctions would be revisited at a later time,' said a former official.

Flynn 'indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn't be certain that the topic never came up,' the Post quoted the spokesman as saying.

A former US official told the Post that 'something happened in those 24 hours' between Obama's announcement and Putin's response.

Reports and intercepted communications showed evidence that Flynn and Kislyak had communicated by text and telephone around the time of the announcement.

The emerging details contradict public statements by incoming senior administration officials including Mike Pence, then the vice president-elect, according to the Post.

Reports and intercepted communications showed evidence that Flynn (left walking with Trump) and Kislyak had communicated by text and telephone around the time of the announcement. Officials said the FBI is continuing to examine Flynn's contacts with Kislyak

'They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States' decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia,' Pence said in an interview with CBS News last month, noting that he had spoken with Flynn about the matter.

Pence also said there had been no contact between members of Trump's team and Russia during the campaign and to suggest otherwise, 'is to give credence to some of these bizarre rumors that have swirled around the candidacy'.

Officials said this week that the FBI is continuing to examine Flynn's contacts with Kislyak.
A female speaker has pulled out of a controversial Islamic conference after her face - and those of other women - were blacked out on a promotional flyer.

Organisers of the Melbourne Islamic Peace Conference have borne the brunt of a furious backlash since Daily Mail Australia first exposed the advertisement this week.

The official flyer for the Muslim event showed the smiling mugs of 12 male speakers. But the faces of the three female speakers were replaced with red hijabs.

Psychologist Monique Toohey, whose face was hidden, told Melbourne radio station 3AW she had a 'roll my eyes moment' when she realised what happened.

'I've actually pulled out of the conference,' Ms Toohey said.

The faces of psychologist Monique Toohey, social worker Nina Trad Azam and Islamic teacher Umm Jamaal ud-Din were each blanked out in the promotional flyer

Organiser Waseem Razvi told Daily Mail Australia they were trying to protect the female speakers from right-wing extremists - and apologised to anyone offended

Ms Toohey revealed she had sent over a picture of herself to organisers for the conference to use.

But she was far from impressed when she learned her face - and those of social worker and ABC board member Nina Trad Azam and Islamic teacher Umm Jamaal ud-Din - were hidden.

Ms Toohey told 3AW's Tom Elliott she decided to withdraw after organisers failed to change the flyer.

'I didn't feel like it aligned with my values and certainly not in a way I choose to represent myself publicly,' she said.

A source who leaked the advertisement this week described the poster as 'backwards and inappropriate'.

Conference organisers Waseem Razvi insisted the move was made to protect the women from right-wing extremists.

OUT: Monique Toohey said the conference 'didn't align with my values'

'Muslim women are particularly (being) humiliated and targeted in our streets, threatened and abused on social media,' he said.

'Due to the growing Islamophobia our campaign team wanted to be extra cautious with female guests so they wouldn't be targeted in the streets.'

But while Ms Toohey told 3AW that may have been one factor, she said some organisers did not believe women should show their faces in public.

Host Tom Elliott asked: 'Is it possible ... this conference is organised by a very conservative strain of Islam that honestly believes women should not show their faces in public?'

Ms Toohey replied: 'I don't think that's very far from the truth at all.

'There's definitely people on the committee of the conference that believe that, but that's not something I believe'.

After a social media squall, one of the organisers, Mr Razvi, apologised on Wednesday to critics who felt it was inappropriate.

Several people in the Islamic community were scathing in their criticism on Facebook.

'When Muslim women are made further invisible by our community bloody oathe,' wrote psychologist Hanan Dover.

'This flyer is wrong on so many levels,' said another Facebook commenter. A third said: 'This is unbelievable'.

An Islamic community source who showed the ad to Daily Mail Australia said: 'It's backwards and inappropriate'.

'These are knowledgeable and professional women - this reduces them to faceless beings'.

'We never wanted anybody to feel this was inappropriate,' said Mr Razvi, who acts as a spokesman for organisers the Islamic Research and Education Academy (IREA).

The faces of Monique Toohey (left) and social worker Nina Trad Azam (right) were inexplicably not included in the poster - instead replaced with blacked-out faces in veils

In a later statement, Mr Razvi added: 'IREA would like to assure the community of the respectful nature of the event and its organisers.

'Indeed, IREA welcomes any members of the community who may have misgivings or misunderstandings about Islam, Muslims or even this event to attend any relevant session and seek clarification from the many qualified Islamic & faith speakers present.

'As with all of IREAs events, the conference is being held in good faith and with genuine intentions.

'All are welcome to attend, and we look forward to greeting you on the day. '

The flyer still remains on official social media pages.
India Kirksey, a resident of the West Price Hill section of Cincinnati, is being charged with first-degree felony rape

Police in Cincinnati say they have video evidence showing a 20-year-old woman raping a four-year-old boy.

India Kirksey, a resident of the West Price Hill section of Cincinnati, is being charged with first-degree felony rape, according to WCPO-TV.

Authorities allege that Kirksey videotaped herself as she was performing oral sex on the boy on or about January 4, Cincinnati.com reported.

Video of the alleged act surfaced online and was forwarded to welfare services in Ohio.

An internet user in Texas is reported to have seen the footage on Periscope.

Kirksey is said to have confessed to the crime. She was secured on a $350,000 bond following her court appearance on Monday.

She has yet to enter a plea, according to People Magazine.

Many details of the investigation remain sealed due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and the age of the alleged victim.

Video courtesy of WCPO
A proposal to build an Islamic centre near a high school in Queensland has caused controversy.

An Islamic society has lodged a development application to the Gladstone Regional Council build a place of worship near a high school.

The Islamic Society of Gladstone has lodged a proposal to open a centre near Toolooa State High School in Queensland, reported the Gladstone Observer.

An Islamic society has sparked outrage after lodging a development application to build a place of worship near a high school. Pictured are the plans for the Islamic Centre

The Islamic Society of Gladstone has lodged a proposal to open a centre near Toolooa State High School in Queensland (pictured)

The site is already owned by the society but is an industrial zone backing onto a railway line that separates it from the high school.

In the 290-page document submitted to the Gladstone Regional Council, it proposes a place of worship at 4 Anson Cl at Toolooa.

In the application, the Islamic Society said the location was 'considered appropriate' and was 'consistent with the key planning controls applicable to the locality'.

Plans show a single-storey building 'reflecting more traditional design principles' which will features arches, decorative windows and colonnades.

The site (pictured is a plan of the building) is already owned by the society but is an industrial zone backing onto a railway line that separates it from the high school

However, locals have reacted angrily to the proposed development, including supporters of the Love Australia or Leave political party, led by Kim Vuga (pictured)

There will reportedly be no minarets, domes typical to similar places of worship.

A section of the application read: 'Note the proposed place of worship does not include a minaret (ie. tower) as worshippers typically use a service such as their mobile phones or the 'salat pager', which sends a reminder to the worshipper's pager as prayer times approach.'

However, the plan has sparked outrage among locals who have voiced their frustration to the Love Australia or Leave political party, led by Kim Vuga.

Comments left on the Love Australia or Leave political party Facebook page were overwhelmingly negative

Supporters called for the plans to be rejected by Gladstone Regional Council

Other supporters called for no more mosques to be built in Australia

In the application for the proposed development (pictured) it said the centre would 'reflect more traditional design principles' and will features arches, decorative windows and colonnades

Supporters have left angry comments against the proposal on the party's Facebook page.

The party commented: 'We need to stand against the further building of Mosques, Islamic Schools and Islamic centres.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Love Australia or Leave Political Party and the Gladstone Council for a comment.
Several of the most popular beaches on Australia's east coast were closed on Friday as the country continue to sweat through a record-breaking heatwave.

On the Gold Coast, residents seeking heat relief were dealt a blow, with dangerous swells forcing the closure of at least a dozen beaches in the morning.

Thirteen popular spots for swimming - including Tugun, Palm Beach, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Miami beaches - were shut, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

More than a dozen beaches along Australia's east coast are closed. Bondi Beach (above) is one of a few beaches in Sydney's eastern suburbs was open

In Sydney, Bronte, Tamarama and Whale beaches were closed due to dangerous surf.

All three as well as Warriewood and Merewether beaches remained shut on Friday afternoon, according to the BeachWatch NSW Twitter page.

Authorities also warned swimmers not to go in the water at Coogee Beach due to likely pollution.

Swimmers were also told to avoid Little Bay and Malabar beaches for the same reason, according to News Corp.

Only Bondi, Clovelly and Maroubra beaches in Sydney's eastern suburbs are open and recommended for swimming.

Thirteen popular spots for swimming - including Tugun, Palm Beach, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise (pictured) and Miami beaches - were shut

Authorities also warned swimmers not to go in the water at Coogee Beach (pictured) due to likely pollution

In Newcastle, Mereweather beach was closed due to preparations being made for Surfest, which starts on Saturday.

The closures come as a huge chunk of the country is facing temperatures of more than 40C over three consecutive days.

It is already taking its toll, with three school students hospitalised north of Brisbane after suffering heat-related problems.

Temperatures in Queensland are set to reach as high as 46C this weekend and Sydney expected to hit 47C.

The Sydney heatwave is expected to last three days and is set to break a 70-year-old record for consecutive scorching days.
A model has spoken out about her 'worthless' life after her ex-boyfriend posted sexually-explicit photos on Twitter because she broke up with him.

Candice Collyer began dating doctor Christopher Spearman, also a model, four months after meeting him at a gym.

But after the two-month long relationship broke down and Candice told Spearman, both 27, to leave her alone he posted images of her performing a sex act on him.

Candice Collyer (far left) began dating doctor Christopher Spearman, also a model, four months after meeting him at a gym

After the two-month long relationship broke down and Candice told Spearman, both 27, to leave her alone he posted images of her performing a sex act on him

The Irish-born Spearman has completed a PhD in leukaemia research at Surrey University in Guildford and St George's Hospital in Tooting, South London

Now Candice, who owns her own modelling agency in Hertfordshire, has called on the police and the authorities to take revenge porn more seriously

Spearman was later given a suspended sentence after admitting to two counts of sharing private sexual images.

Now Candice, who owns her own modelling agency in Hertfordshire, has called on the police and the authorities to take revenge porn more seriously.

She told The Sun: 'I was so embarrassed, I felt worthless and I didn't want to leave the house through fear people would recognise me for something I'm not.

'It lost me work and I felt like I couldn't look my family in the eye.

'It's only been over a year and I've only just started being able to try and move forward.'

Candice claimed Spearman kept calling her 40 times a day following the break-up and used unknown numbers in an attempt to speak to her.

He called her five minutes after posting the images laughing on the phone, she added.

The photos were on social media for at least an hour before they were taken down.

At the time Candice was grieving the death of her mother and a former boyfriend.

Candice claimed Spearman kept calling her 40 times a day following the break-up and used unknown numbers in an attempt to speak to her

Spearman called her minutes after posting the images laughing on the phone, Candice said

Spearman was later given a suspended sentence after admitting to two counts of sharing private sexual images

Stevenage magistrates handed Spearman two concurrent 12-week prison sentences, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to pay 465 in fines and court costs.

The Irish-born Spearman has completed a PhD in leukaemia research at Surrey University in Guildford and St George's Hospital in Tooting, South London.

Since the break-up he has told his 26,000 Twitter followers about his life and the 'mistakes' he has made.

He wrote: 'Dream big, work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with good people. because believe me there are enough toxic people in the world that will hold onto anything to make sure you don't succeed.

'We all make mistakes, we all learn from them, we all are then forced with two options, let it break us and define us or use your mistakes to make yourself a better person, a more successful person and a happier person.'

A spokeswoman for Spearman admitted images were posted on Twitter but denied sending them directly to Candice's family and colleagues.

The other allegations made by Candice were not disputed.
Larry Birkhead says his daughter with Anna Nicole Smith is fearless just like her mother, as he opens up about how he met the model on the 10 year anniversary of her untimely death.

The 44-year-old single father recalled how he met Smith, and how the starlet told her lawyer Howard K. Stern that she was attracted to Birkhead.

'She didn't say it to me she said it to her attorney Howard, 'who's that?',' Birkhead told ABC News 20/20 correspondent Deborah Roberts.

'And she kept waving at me, and blowing kisses. I mean she knew how to work the camera.'

Scroll down for video

Larry Birkhead (above) says his daughter with Anna Nicole Smith is fearless just like her mother, as he opens up about how he met the model on the 10 year anniversary of her untimely death

In the interview with ABC News 20/20 correspondent Deborah Roberts (together above), Birkhead shared that his daughter with Smith, Dannielynn, reminds him more and more each day of her late mother

Of Dannielynn, Birkhead (pictured together right in 2016 at the Kentucky Derby) said 'she is fearless like her mom'. Anna Nicole Smith (left) died of a prescription drug overdose on February 8, 2007 in Florida

In response to whether or not Smith was flirting with Birkhead, he said he wasn't sure.

'At that time it was like you don't really know; I looked over my shoulder and said 'she's got to be talking about somebody else',' Birkhead recalled.

'The thing about Anna was it was almost like a split personality. When the camera was going, she was a whole different thing.

'That was more to me an act than it was the real person who she was.

'She told me once, 'Larry, I gave myself to Hollywood when I said I wanted to do this so I have tons of theses fans I want to give them what they want.''

Smith, who was a household name, struggled for years with prescription drugs

Birkhead shared that his daughter with Smith, Dannielynn, reminds him more and more each day of her late mother.

'She is fearless like her mom. She'll get on any roller coaster that you put in front of her,' Birkhead said.

'I could stand right next to my daughter and we could look like twins, and the first thing they'll say is ... 'spitting image of the mother.'

Smith, who was a household name as a reality TV star and model, struggled for years with prescription drugs. She was found dead on February 8, 2007 in a Florida hotel room, and the official cause of death was ruled to be an accidental overdose.

A Medical Examiner found that the Texas native had nine different prescription drugs in her system at the time of her death aged 39.

Her only daughter, Dannielynn, was just five months old at her untimely death.

'Anna always wanted a little girl, that was her dream,' Birkhead said.

'She went from city to city, as far back [as] the '90s, and she would collect outfits from all these road trips  and hope that one day that she could dress her in all these frilly outfits.'

While raising her as a single father, Birkhead shared that he's tried to explain to the 10-year-old what happened to Smith.

'The way I've told Dannielynn in the past is that, 'Your mom took some medicines and she ... might not [have] taken them correctly or the right way, and the doctors couldn't help her, and they tried,' Birkhead revealed.

Despite Birkhead and Smith being romantically involved, after her death he embarked in an epic court battle for their little girl until a paternity test 100 per cent proved that he was the father.

Prior to the paternity, several men, including Smith's personal attorney Howard K. Stern, claimed to Dannielynn's father.

Birkhead shared that from the moment he won custody of Dannielynn, Stern became 'supportive' of him as a father.

'He just said, 'Look, you've got to get strong. You've got to be there for Dannielynn,'' Birkhead said.

'The minute after the paternity test was over ... he's helping me change Dannielynn's diaper, [showing me], 'This is how you feed her,'  it's been nonstop since then.'

Even though her mother lived in the spotlight, Birkhead has raised their little girl in the opposite manner as he's provided a stable and comfortable environment for Dannielynn.

However, he shared that despite being far away from Hollywood, some people question if Dannielynn is rich from her mother.

'People think [Dannielynn] has got millions and millions of dollars,' he said.

'She came home and asked me where the money was, and I said, 'I'm still looking for it.'

Dannielynn Birkhead, pictured with her father Larry, looks like a younger version of her mother Anna Nicole Smith; they were also interviewed by Inside Edition earlier this month

For nearly 20 years, a complicated legal battle ensued with attorneys for Smith's estate taking on the attorneys for her late husband, Texas billionaire oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II.

In 1994, a then 24-year-old Smith married 89-year-old Marshall. But he died the next year and didn't leave a dime of his $1.6billion estate to Smith. Instead, his son E. Pierce Marshall received everything.

The blonde bombshell's legal team attempted several times to have Marshall's will overturned to claim money from his estate.

The controversial case even reached the U.S. Supreme Court twice, and it seemed as though Smith's daughter could have inherited as much as $49million in damages from Marshall's estate in 2013 when a judge in California ruled in Smith's favor.

But that ruling was overturned and Dannielynn was denied any money from Marshall's estate.

'If Dannielynn is to inherit anything via her mom that she was entitled to, so be it, but it's not like we're sitting around waiting for one thing to happen,' Birkhead said.

He shared that he's receive no support from Smith's estate in raising the little girl and that he earns money through flipping houses and photography.

Birkhead said that he wants to make sure their daughter has a very different life than her mothers.

'It's just like any other kid who has lost a celebrity parent. They think that the child is automatically destined for the same path,' he said.

'[But] she can work me like her mom could work people. She gets what she wants.'
Sept. 22, 1928  Feb. 6, 2017

Richard Towey, longtime Corvallis resident and Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University, passed away on Feb. 6, 2017, in Portland.

Richard was born on Sept. 22, 1928, in Mount Kisco, New York, to William Towey and Anna Rumse Towey. He also lived in Elmsford, New York, where he graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in 1946.

After service in the U.S. Army, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of San Francisco in 1954, followed by a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1957 and 1967, respectively.

In 1954, he married Mary Ann Franusich of San Francisco. For their honeymoon, they traveled across Europe by scooter, from France all the way to Croatia, then part of Yugoslavia. Despite a few spills, they avoided major injury and had the time of their lives, cementing Richards love of travel.

From 1957 to 1960, he worked as an assistant economist for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. In 1962, Richard and Mary Ann moved to Corvallis when he was hired as an assistant professor by the Department of Economics at Oregon State University. During his 31-year career at Oregon State, he taught courses in micro- and macroeconomics as well as his specialty, money and banking. He was promoted to professor in 1974. He was a devoted teacher and early proponent of the use of computers as a classroom teaching aid starting in the late 1970s. He wrote several journal articles in the field of banking, and was a member and/or chair of numerous faculty committees.

In 1968-70, not long after the birth of their son John, Richard took a leave of absence from the university and worked for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in Washington, D.C., where he investigated proposed bank mergers. In 1980-81, Richard took a sabbatical for research in Cambridge, England, which was a very enjoyable and memorable year for the whole family. It also allowed Richard to travel to his familys homeland in Ireland, where he reconnected with long-lost cousins, including one who served him a tall glass of warm beer and an equally tall glass of Irish whisky at 10 a.m. It took all of Richards tact and politeness to drink as little as possible and leave the cousins house on both feet.

Tragically Mary Ann passed away in 1988. This was a severe blow to both Richard and John. Richard sought solace in his Catholic faith. In 1990, he married Lorraine Miller, Professor of Nutrition at Oregon State, with whom he shared a passion for travel. They had many good years together until her death in 2006.

After his retirement in 1993, Richard was active in St. Marys Catholic Church and the Corvallis-Benton County Library, including service on the library board. He was also a passionate family historian for ancestral research, traveling widely in the United States, Ireland, Germany and elsewhere in Europe, interviewing distant cousins and researching available church and government records.

He is survived by his son, John, daughter-in-law Servane and grandchildren Juliet and Liam, all of Portland; brother William of Stockton, California, and by many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the United States and Ireland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; second wife Lorraine; and sisters Patricia and Janet.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at St. Marys Catholic Church, 501 NW 25th St., Corvallis.

Please share your thoughts and memories for the family at www.demossdurdan.com.
A man's throat was grabbed and a woman was almost run over as anti-racism protesters clashed with far-right group the Q Society in Melbourne on Friday night.

More than 100 protesters jostled with members of the unashamedly anti-Islam group as they tried to board a bus at St Kilda Marina bound for a 'Defending freedom of speech' fundraising dinner at Victoria University.

The protesters, holding signs including 'Fascist free zone', surrounded the bus, with one woman almost run-down as they tried to stop a car leaving the marina.

The man's throat was grabbed as the protest turned violent.

The fundraiser is due to feature conservative politicians Nationals MP George Christensen and Cory Bernardi, who resigned from the Liberal Party this week.

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A man's throat was grabbed as the protest against far-right group Q Society turned violent

This protester was almost run down by a car trying to leave the St Kilda Marina

More than 100 protesters surround a bus taking Q Society members to a fundraising dinner

The protesters did their best to stop Q Society members from boarding a bus bound for a fundraising dinner

Many protesters waved signs in front of the bus, with messages including 'Fascist free zone'

Protest organiser Anneke Demanuele told 7 News before the protests erupted: 'We want this protest to be loud, disruptive, full of energy and full of the message of we stand with Muslims, we stand with LGBQTI people and we stand against all forms of racism, all forms of xenophobia'.

'We'll be standing up and showing the elite racists of our society, we stand against them,' she said.

A Q Society member told The Age: 'As long as we can all get off safely with our views expressed, I'll be happy'.

The protesters eventually let the bus through after an hour.

The protest comes a day after cartoonist Larry Pickering slammed Muslims during the Q Society's Sydney fundraiser.

'Let's be honest, I can't stand Muslims,' Pickering told the gathering, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald.

'If they are in the same street as me, I start shaking.'

Protest organisers wanted to send a message that 'we stand against all forms of racism'

A protester holds up a message in defiance of far-right group, the Q Society

Anti-racism protesters make their voices heard at a rally against far-right group Q Society

The protesters also took aim at Donald Trump and his immigration ban

Protesters used loud speakers as well as banners to get their message across

Protesters bang on the side of the bus being used to transport Q Society members

Pickering, who also donated one of his cartoons featuring the rape of a woman in a niqab by her son-in-law as an auction item, wryly added he didn't think all Muslims were bad.

The Q society, which is unashamedly anti-Islam, is raising funds for their legal defence bill in response to being sued for defamation by Mohamed El-Mouelhy, a Halal certifier.

Cartoonist Larry Pickering told a Q Society fundraiser he starts 'shaking' when he sees a Muslim in the street

Former Liberal MP Ross Cameron also told the same function the New South Wales division of the party 'is basically a gay club'.

Cameron, the former federal member for Parramatta who now has a television show on Sky News, repeatedly referred to homosexuality and Roman emperor Hadrian in his speech.

'I don't mind that they are gay, I just wish, like Hadrian, they would build a wall.'
Russian mother Natalia Markelova (pictured) has been jailed for eight years for stabbing her husband to death in self defence

A Russian mother-of-four who was beaten by her husband for 15 years has been jailed for murder after she stabbed him to death in self-defence.

Natalia Markelova had been subjected to more than a decade of abuse at the hands of her husband Evgeny Markelov, 41, when she fatally pierced his lung during a violent struggle at their home in Ekaterinburg.

The 39-year-old has now been jailed for eight years after a court convicted her of murder, just days after Russian president Vladimir Putin signed a controversial law decriminalising domestic violence.

The new law reduces battery of a relative to a civil offence instead of a criminal, a move which critics say is 'trivalising' the problem - but which supporters say will allow parents to discipline their children.

Markelova's lawyer has already lodged an appeal against her conviction, amid claims the authorities failed to understand the impact of domestic violence on her actions.

During the trial, a court heard how the incident unfolded in 2015 when Markelov began wielding a knife and threatening to kill his wife during a vodka-fuelled attack.

He then put the knife in her hand and told her to kill him, before he started attacking her. During the struggle, the knife pierced into his chest, the court heard.

Markelova immediately called an ambulance, but he died soon afterwards.

In the aftermath, Markelova was allowed to live at home where she was investigated for 'excessive self-defence', a crime which comes with a maximum two year sentence.

But a year later, the authorities reclassified the charge to murder. She was found guilty during the trial and sentenced by judge Valery Saveliev to eight years in jail.

This week, Putin enacted legislation which reduces battery of a relative to a civil offence instead of a criminal one in first instances, when the victim suffered no serious harm.

Markelova had been subjected to 15 years of abuse at the hands of her husband Evgeny Markelov, 41 (pictured together), when she fatally pierced his lung during a violent struggle

The 39-year-old (left, on a TV show) has now been jailed for eight years after a court convicted her of murdering her husband (right)

Markelova's sentence comes just days after Russian president Vladimir Putin signed a controversial law decriminalising domestic violence. She is pictured in court during her trial

Supporters, including members of Putin's United Russia party, say they want to protect parents' right to discipline their children and reduce the state's ability to meddle in family life.

They say anyone who inflicts serious physical harm will still be criminally liable.

But critics claim it sends the signal to men they will not be punished for attacking women.

Markelova's sentence has already angered her supporters who claim she is a victim of domestic abuse.

Markelova's three youngster children - who are aged 14, six and 18 months (pictured) - are now being cared for by her 20-year-old daughter, who is from a previous relationship

Markelov, pictured with the couple's three children, died after his wife called an ambulance

Her friend Yulia Gracheva said: 'We don't understand why the judge did not consider the fact that she had been beaten numerous times by this husband.

'All the cases were registered with the police, and he always escaped punishment.'

Her three children - who are aged 14, six and 18 months - are now being cared for by her 20-year-old daughter, who is from a previous relationship.

In her own emotional account of the incident, Markelova told a TV interviewer that her husband had been drinking all day and was 'heavily drunk' when he attacked her.

Markelova's friend Yulia Gracheva (pictured) said the judge did not take the domestic violence by her husband into account

'I was lying and watching TV and told him: "Go to bed. If you don't, I will call the police",' she said.

'He replied: "If you call the police, I will kill you. So you better kill me now".

'He ran to the kitchen and grabbed a knife. He came up to me and put it in my hand. Then squeezed my hand with the knife, I tried to get free but couldn't.'

She said he then pierced himself in the lung.

'It all happened within seconds. I did not quite understand what had happened,' she said. 'I kept trying to release my hand, but his hand was much bigger.'

Senior state investigator Alexander Apeksimov told the court that the case hinged on her reaction after the stabbing.

The court heard she ran to neighbours saying 'call the doctors, I have stabbed my husband'.

'So she confessed to the murder at that moment,' he claimed.

Some experts also claimed the angle of the knife wound meant she was 'telling lies'.

Meanwhile, yesterday, a Russian newspaper claimed victims of domestic abuse should be 'proud of their bruises'.

A column in Komsomolskaya Pravda, one of the country's most popular papers, has said that women should 'find solace' in the fact that women who suffer domestic violence are more likely to give birth to boys.

In her own emotional account of the incident, Markelova (pictured) told a TV interviewer that her husband had been drinking all day and was 'heavily drunk' when he attacked her

Judge Valery Saveliev, pictured during the trial, sentenced the mother-of-four to eight years in jail. Senior state investigator Alexander Apeksimov told the court that the case hinged on her reaction after the stabbing, when she told neighbours 'I stabbed my husband'

The article, by writer Yaroslav Korobatov, stated: For years, women who have been smacked around by their husbands have found solace in the rather hypocritical proverb, If he beats you, it means he loves you!

However, a new scientific study is giving women with irascible husbands new grounds to be proud of their bruises, insofar as women who are beaten, biologists confirm, have a valuable advantage  theyre more likely to give birth to boys!

He cites research by controversial evolutionary psychologist Satoshi Kanazawa, who in 2005 published an article called 'Violent men have more sons'.

Each year, about 14,000 women die in Russia at the hands of husbands or other relatives, according to a 2010 United Nations report.
US and Israeli flags were burned at the rally, held to mark the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians have rallied across Iran today carrying effigies of US President Donald Trump and chanting 'Death to America'.

The huge crowds responded to a call from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who called on citizens to demonstrate that Iran is not frightened of American 'threats'.

Trump declared that he has put the Islamic Republic 'on notice' and Iran is one of seven countries on the administration's 'travel ban' list, which is being challenged in US courts.

Demonstrators in Tehran marched towards the Azadi ( Freedom) Square to commemorate the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the US-backed shah.

A young Iranian man told state TV: 'America and Trump cannot do a damn thing. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for our leader Khamenei.'

Thousands of people joined the demonstration after calls by Iran's Supreme Leader to show the country is not frightened of American 'threats'

Demonstrators in Tehran marched towards the Azadi ( Freedom) Square to commemorate the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the US-backed shah

Trump reacted angrily to an Iranian missile test on January 29 and imposed fresh sanctions on individuals and entities. Iran said it will not halt its missile programme.

THE 1979 ISLAMIC REVOLUTION IN IRAN The rally marks the 38th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution, which saw the overthrow of the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Pahlavi dynasty was replaced by the Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini following a lengthy civil resistance campaign, dating back to October 1977. The Shah went into exile in January 1979, and on February 11 guerillas and rebel troops overwhelmed soldiers loyal to the Shah. Khomeini became the country's Supreme Leader, a position which was created in the Islamic Republic's constitution, making him the highest-ranking politican and religious authority in the country. He was succeeded by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after his death in 1989. Advertisement

Pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani also called on Iranians to join the rally on Friday to 'show their unbreakable ties with the Supreme Leader and the Islamic Republic'.

State television said millions turned out nationwide at revolution rallies in all main cities marked by the traditional anti-US and anti-Israel slogans and the burning of US flags.

On social media, like Twitter and Facebook, many Iranians used the hashtag of #LoveBeyondFlags, urging an end to flag-burning during the anniversary.

They also thanked Americans for opposing Trump's executive order banning travelers from seven mainly Muslim countries, including Iran. Trump's travel ban is being challenged in US courts.

Both US-based social media sites are blocked in Iran by a wide-reaching government censor but they are still commonly used by millions of Iranians who use special software to get around the restrictions. Iranian officials, including Khamenei, have Twitter and Facebook accounts despite the ban.

Trump has criticised a nuclear deal reached between Iran, the United States and other major powers in 2015 aimed at curbing the country's nuclear work.

Most of the sanctions imposed on Iran were lifted last year under the deal.

Huge crowds gathered in Tehran to show their support for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei today

Trump declared that he has put the Islamic Republic 'on notice' and Iran is one of seven countries on the administration's 'travel ban' list, which is being challenged in US courts

Huge crowds gathered in Tehran in a show of strength against the Trump administration which has put Iran 'on notice'

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani joined hundreds of thousands at an anniversary march through the capital, one of dozens of such events around the country.

'This turnout is a response to false remarks by the new rulers in the White House and the people are telling the world through their presence that the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect,' Rouhani said.

'Iranians will make those using threatening language against this nation regret it.

'Anyone threating Iran's government and armed forces should know that our nation is vigilant.'

Last weekend, new Pentagon chief James Mattis described Iran as 'the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world'.

A woman holds a sign proclaiming opposition to the United States at today's rally
A furious wife frogmarched a woman naked through a residential area after catching her in bed with her husband.

She was filmed holding onto the 20-year-old woman's hair as she paraded her past a series of apartment blocks in Cubatao, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Her teenage sons and their friends can be heard howling in order to attract attention from neighbours.

A furious wife frogmarched a woman naked through a residential area after catching her in bed with her husband in Cubatao, Sao Paulo, Brazil

The two women are pictured wrestling on a bed after the wife apparently stormed in

The wife, who has not been named, followed her partner to a friend's apartment before catching him in bed with the woman.

She reportedly slashed the woman's hair with a razor before tearing off her clothes.

The footage was shared online by the family who boasted about the attack, sparking dozens of police complaints from social media users.

The wife posted on social media: 'I do not give a damn what they think or stop thinking.

'I'll show you how you deal with the traitors of a married man. I just got this sl** with my husband, ex-husband from today.'

The 20-year-old woman was later picked up by the husband, who helped her find her clothes.

The wife, who has not been named, followed her partner to a friend's apartment before catching him in bed with the woman. She reportedly slashed the woman's hair with a razor

Police initially launched an investigation to find the victim but later identified her after her sister took her to the station to make a statement.

She told officers that the man had claimed to be single and they had been together for five months.

The alleged attacker was arrested by Civil Police officers and could face up to ten years in jail if found guilty.

She has been arrested suspicion of threat, bodily injury, injury, defamation, crime of intolerance, violence against women and torture.

A spokesman at the regional police station in Cubatao said the alleged attacker has been questioned.
Kellyanne Conway boasted 'POTUS supports me' on Friday after apologizing to the president for an apparent ethics breach as she promoted his daughter's fashion line.

Conway, the high-profile White House counselor, has come under fire from Democratic and Republican lawmakers, fact checkers and the media.

But she's so far maintained the support of her boss, President Donald Trump.

Trump backed Conway both publicly and privately Thursday after House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz,a Utah Republican, criticized her for promoting Ivanka Trump's fashion line during a television appearance and urged the Office of Government Ethics to review the matter.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Conway had been 'counseled' on her comments, but he would not expand on what that entailed.

Then and now: White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told Americans, 'Go buy Ivanka's stuff is what I would tell you' in an interview conducted from the White House - then apologized to Trump for the apparent ethics breach, and tweeted about his support Friday

She praised the president as a great boss and said any woman would be lucky to work with someone like him

The president appeared to take issue with his own press secretary's depiction, telling staff that he believed it was unfair to Conway and made it sound like she was in trouble, according to a person with direct knowledge of his comments.

However officials told CNN that Conway had apologized to the president for the apparent ethics breach, implying that the apology had been accepted.

The report was not independently verified and relations between the White House and CNN are known to be poor.

A White House spokeswoman said that while Trump didn't see Conway's television comments urging people to buy Ivanka Trump's products, he believed she was 'merely sticking up' for his daughter after Nordstrom dropped her brand.

The flare-up came in the midst of a rough stretch for Conway, who is among Trump's most visible advisers.

Her reference to a nonexistent 'Bowling Green massacre' made her a punchline for comics and internet pranksters.

She said it was a slip of the tongue as she was describing the 2011 arrest of two Iraqi nationals in a failed plot to send weapons overseas to al-Qaeda. It was later discovered that she had made that misstatement before.

Conway was then caught up in the bad blood between the Trump administration and CNN. The news network was angered last weekend when Vice President Mike Pence made the rounds of Sunday talk shows and pointedly left out Jake Tapper's CNN show.

CNN said it 'passed' when Conway was offered instead, while Conway said she was unable to appear.

Conway's high-profile and close relationship with Trump has created tension with some other advisers. One Trump associate said Conway's standing with some senior staff had been hurt by her recent missteps, though the person noted that her relationship with the president remained strong.

Clearance and sale items from Ivanka Trump's brand line of shoes and accessories are seen in a Manhattan Nordstrom Rack store in January (above)

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway sidestepped questions about 'violating ethics' in a Thursday Fox News interview

The Trump associate and the person with knowledge of the president's comments about Conway insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss internal matters.

Conway's sales pitch for Ivanka Trump was particularly notable in that it sparked a rebuke from Chaffetz, a Republican who until now has not questioned the young administration on ethical matters. Chaffetz said Conway's actions were 'wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable.'

The Utah congressman and the ranking Democrat on the committee, Elijah Cummings of Maryland, jointly asked for the ethics review. The Office of Government Ethics advises federal employees on such issues but is not an enforcement agency.

While Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are not subject to ethical regulations and laws for federal employees, Conway is. Among the rules: An employee shall not use his or her office 'for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise.'

But because Conway reports only to Trump, it would be up to him to punish her for any ethics infraction and that seems unlikely.

The Code of Federal Regulations says federal employees can't offer 'the endorsement of any product'

'For whatever reason, the White House staff evidently believes that they are protected from the law the same way the president and vice president are,' said Stuart Gilman, a former special assistant to the director of OGE.

In addition to the House Oversight Committee, two liberal-funded government watchdog groups pounced on Conway's comments, filing ethics violation complaints with OGE. A third group, the Project on Government Oversight, asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions to open a Justice Department investigation.

Nordstrom reiterated that its decision to drop Ivanka Trump's brand was based on its performance, not politics.

The company said sales of her items had steadily declined over the past year, particularly in the last half of 2016, 'to the point where it didn't make good business sense for us to continue with the line for now.'
Video footage shows the moment a man stopped in the emergency lane of a motorway's bridge and proposed to his girlfriend.

It was a bad day for the driver who was later fined by highway police during the proposal in Chongqing, south west China on February 4.

Thankfully all was not lost as the woman accepted his proposal.

Roadside: The man knelt down on the side of the motorway to propose to his girlfriend

Say I do! The girlfriend extends a hand to accept the man's dramatic proposal

The police officer who spotted the vehicle thought that it had broken down and went to the scene to investigate.

Footage shows the vehicle parked up in the emergency lane of a motorway bridge.

The man got down on one knee and refused to leave until his girlfriend said yes.

According to Pear Video, the policeman who attended the scene told the man to get up and drive away.

After some time the woman can be seen holding out her hand, accepting his proposal.

However the driver was fined 200 yuan (23.21) and docked six points from his licence.

The policeman was shocked when he found that the car had stopped for the man to propose
Ivanka Trump is starting to settle in to a new and very different reality in Washington DC, just three weeks after leaving her two high-profile jobs and New York City behind after 35 years in the Big Apple.

The former Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, who also oversaw her eponymous line of clothing, accessories and footwear, is now devoting a majority of her energy into acclimating her children to their new environment.

That means that her days have been spent visiting the new schools that she and husband Jared Kushner have selected for 5-year-old daughter Arabella and 3-year-old son Joseph, and carving out time for a weekly date night.

At the same time, Ivanka also appears to be taking on a role as White House proxy.

As a result, Ivanka's days have also been spent sitting down for coffee with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's wife Priscilla Chan, grabbing lunch with Apple CEO Tim Cook, and make an appearance at the lunar new year celebration at the Chinese Embassy as a guest of Ambassador Cui Tiankai.

Ivanka has managed to keep a relatively low profile as she goes about her new life, despite intense public interest, and scrutiny, in her life as First Daughter.

And that scrutiny heated up this week after her father lashed out Seattle-based retailer Nordstrom for dropping the Ivanka Trump line, which Ivanka does retain ownership of while also receiving fixed payments, rather than profits, from the Trump Organization.

Her husband is not getting paid in his new role as a senior advisor to President Trump.

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New town: Ivanka Trump (arriving in DC the day before the inauguration) has been in Washington DC for close to a month now after spending her entire life living in New York City

Getting ready: Her primary focus she said was to get her husband Jared Kushner and children settled into their new $5.5million home (Ivanka and Arabella last week at the Chinese Embassy)

Mom duty: In that role she has spent time visiting the new schools she selected for 5-year-old daughter Arabella and 3-year-old son Joseph (Ivanka and son Theodore earlier this week in the White House)

Ivanka has been settling her kids in their new $5.5million home in the tony Kalorama neighborhood and their private schools since the family made the move to the nation's capital the day before President Trump's inauguration.

She is the only one of her siblings to move to the nation's capital with her father, as the other four all remain in New York where Donald Jr. and Erin run the Trump organization, Tiffany is applying for law school and Barron attends school.

Barron and Melania may move to DC at the end of the school year.

Ivanka remains focused on her fitness down in DC, with residents spotting her out jogging in Rock Creek Park with Secret Service agents.

The Washington Post reported that she 'wore sleek black leggings, a hat  and a smile for passersby' on the jog, through the same park where murdered DC intern Chandra Levy's body was discovered over a decade ago.

The jogger who spotted Ivanka also noted that she 'looked glowy.'

Ivanka has also stopped by Flywheel, having been a fan of the studio for years and frequented the chain's Manhattan locations as well, where riders are ranked on a board displayed for everyone to see throughout the class.

Most refuse to use their real name for this reason, but not Ivanka who always signs up for classes as 'Ivanka.'

Flywheel is not as popular however as Soul Cycle, which is the spin studio of choice for the likes of Michelle Obama and Chelsea Clinton.

Chelsea even hosted a fundraiser for her mother's presidential campaign at one of the chain's Manhattan locations last January.

Ivanka's evenings meanwhile have been spent with her kids, out at events, or enjoying dinner dates with Kushner.

The two dined at the upscale eatery RPM Italian just last week, which is owned by Trump family friend and Apprentice winner Bill Rancic.

And in one of her first big outings about town, Ivanka took daughter Arabella to an event at the Chinese Embassy to celebrate the lunar new year.

Couples retreat: Ivanka and Jared arrive for a joint press conference between US President Donald Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday (above)

Official trips: Ivanka accompanied her father on Marine One last week (above) to receive the body of a fallen SEAL Team 6 member

Taxing conversation: Ivanka chats with Ernst & Young CEO Mark Weinberger during a forum with chief executives of major US companies at the White House last week

That capped off a busy day for the First Daughter, who accompanied her father to Dover Air Force Base in the afternoon to receive the body of a fallen SEAL Team 6 member and then headed back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on Marine One to watch as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was sworn into office.

She then headed straight from the White House to the embassy event, at which her role seemed to be that of White House proxy, much like it was on Saturday when she and husband Jared Kushner attended the annual Alfalfa Dinner.

And Ivanka proved herself to be excellent in her proxy role last Wednesday by bringing along the star of some hugely popular videos in China - her daughter.

Arabella has appeared in two videos that went viral on Chinese social media after being posted by her mother, including one that has close to 100million views of her reciting Tang Dynasty poems in Mandarin while dressed in a traditional Chinese blouse.

Two days later, Ivanka demonstrated her ability to work a room like a seasoned politician at the Four Seasons, with Politico reporting that she made her way through the establishment greeting Nancy Pelosi, Vernon Jordan and Steve Schwarzman among others.

Ivanka was joined on Friday by Dina Powell, a former Goldman Sachs partner who joined the administration as an assistant to the president and senior counselor for economic initiatives.

The pair have worked to arrange sit-downs recently with Ivanka and Bill Gates and Chan where Ivanka can discuss her aim to develop policies to support women in the work place.

Ivanka also chatted privately with Brian Krzanich, the CEO of Intel, after he visited the White House this week.

And she spent an entire evening with DC's biggest politicians back on January 28 when she and Kushner attended the annual Alfalfa Dinner at the Capital Hilton.

That event did not go quite as planned however when Ivanka was widely criticized for posting an Instagram picture of her $5,000 Carolina Herrera evening gown on the same night thousands of immigrants were being held in airports across the country as part of her father's immigrant travel ban.

Mom on the go: Ivanka heads out of her DC home last Friday with her two children (above)

School days: Ivanka was taking daughter Arabella (left) and son Joseph (right) to school

Dad's off: Kushner departed for his job at the White House before the rest of his family (abobve)

Ivanka was publicly silent this week as she found herself at the center of the latest debate over ethics and Trump family business conflicts.

A person close to her said she was not involved in her father's decision to fire off a tweet slamming Nordstrom for dropping her fashion line, a move that looked to some like a dad defending his daughter, and to others like the president ripping a private enterprise for the financial benefit of a family member.

Ivanka kept quiet because she takes the decision she made last month to step down from her brand very seriously, and wants to be certain that she has no ties to her line, according to that same person.

That became even more difficult to do for the new First Daughter after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer stated that Nordstrom made their decision not based on sales, but because they did not agree with President Trump's politics.

One day later, Kellyanne Conway stirred up the controversy further when she offered her support by telling people to 'go buy Ivanka's stuff,' boasting in a national television interview that she was giving the brand a free commercial.'

That move managed to rile ethics experts and got Conway 'counseled' by the White House as in her job as counselor to President Trump she is a federal employee, and therefore barred from endorsing products.

Date night: Ivanka and Kushner posted a photo as they headed out for the annual Alfalfa Dinner at the Capital Hilton last month (above), and were quickly criticized for showcasing their black-tie attire on the night President Trump's now overturned immigrant travel ban went into affect

Coffee talk: Ivanka has also been meeting with big-name executives including Bill Gates, Tim Cook and Mark Zuckerberg's wife Priscilla Chan (above with Zuckerberg last week)

Opposites attract: Ivanka has been hitting up Flywheel for spin classes in DC, the competition of Soul Cycle, which is the studio of choice for Chelsea Clinton (above at their Tribeca location last January for a Hillary Clinton fundraiser)

Ivanka has said she will not take a formal role in the White House, a move that some would likely oppose as a violation of the emoluments clause, but she has had a much bigger presence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue this month.

Women's issues were also on the agenda at a recent White House meeting with business leaders at Ivanka Trump's urging.

On the social side, Trump has pushed back against the suggestion that she would serve as a fill-in for first lady Melania Trump, who has not yet moved to Washington. But she is undoubtedly getting a lot of invites.

'My feeling is she, more than anybody else, has the potential to be the ambassador from the Trump White House to the Washington scene,' said longtime Washington Post writer Sally Quinn.
A teenage girl who wanted to launch an Islamic State suicide attack on a Paris tourist spot was arrested alongside her jihadi fiance in a bomb factory in France today.

The 16-year-old, who has been named only as Zara Z., had been radicalised online and was planning to strike with her future husband, who was identified as Thomas S, 20.

On Wednesday she had recorded a video in which she expressed her loyal allegiance to Isis, saying she was ready to die for them.

Pictures taken inside the home in Montpellier where four people, including a 16-year-old girl, were arrested this morning

French Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux confirmed four people have detained after a succession of arrests in Clapiers, Montpellier and Marseillan during which bomb-making materials were found

What Zara Z. did not know was that one of her web mentors was in fact working for the DGSI, Frances domestic intelligence agency  the equivalent of Britains MI5.

After she started boasting about the planned attack online, the agent ordered a dawn raid on the couples flat in Clapiers, just north of the southern city of Montpellier.

It was carried out by heavily armed RAID police special forces, who ended up arresting the couple alongside two other men.

The attack would have targeted a tourist hotspot, anti-terror police believe, although it is not yet known where the bombers allegedly planned to strike

Last Friday Abdallah El-Hamahmy, a 29-year-old Egyptian, ran into the Louvre museum in Paris with two machetes, and attacked a group of soldiers

Both Zara Z. and Thomas S. were converts to Islam, and were planning to get married before visiting the Isil caliphate in Syria.

CARNIVAL ROUTE IN NICE CHANGED AFTER BASTILLE DAY ATROCITY For the first time in living memory, Nice's annual carnival will not include a parade down the famous Promenade des Anglais. Last July, 86 people were killed after a large truck was driven into a crowd in Nice during Bastille Day celebrations. The annual carnival in the city, which starts tomorrow, will instead follow an alternative route. Regional administrator Georges-Francois Leclerc told a news conference: 'Never has the level of security been so high for an event of this kind in Nice.' In previous years it has attracted a million people. Speaking at Friday's news conference, the right-wing president of the Riviera region, Christian Estrosi, said cancelling the carnival would be 'unthinkable'. 'That would be a sign to the barbarians, to the terrorists, that they would have scored another victory.' Advertisement

Then their plans were to return to France, where they would carry out the kamikaze attack on an unspecified target using suicide vests.

Bruno Le Roux, Frances Interior Minister, said the raid foiled an imminent plan to carry out an attack on French territory.

He said some 70 grams of the peroxide-based explosive, triacetone triperoxide, or TATP was found in the couples flat.

Also known as the Mother of Satan, TATP has been used by terrorist bombers for years, and figured prominently in the suicide belts used in the 2015 Isis attacks on Paris.

Also found in the flat were potential bomb-making material including other chemicals, syringes and plastic gloves.

The four suspects had been monitored online for months, and were arrested after buying acetone, the colorless, volatile, highly flammable liquid often used as an ingredient for detonators.

The other two suspects taken into custody were aged 26 and 33, said Mr Le Roux.

He added that an address was also searched in the Ardennes region of eastern France in connection with the plot.

A police source said that all four suspects were living together and planning the Paris attack.

The girl was in online contact with a number of men she had never met, and one was an intelligence services operative, said the source.

She had an expressed a desire to fight in Syria, and also to attack a tourist spot in Paris. The spot had not yet been designated.

It was exactly a week ago that Abdallah El-Hamahmy, a 29-year-old Egyptian, ran into the Louvre museum in Paris with two machetes, and attacked a group of soldiers.

He was immediately shot five times, and ended up in hospital, where he is now recovering from stomach wounds.

Abdallah El-Hamahmy has since been linked to Islamic State, although he denies any affiliation to the terrorist group.

Islamic State was responsible for November 13th 2015 attacks on Paris, in which 130 people were murdered in a single night of violence.

Suicide belts were used by Kalashnikov wielding operatives, most of whom came from France and Belgium.

A State of Emergency was imposed immediately afterwards, allowing agencies like the DGSI greater powers to monitor suspects.

Last September three women suspected of being part of a jihadi commando unit were arrested after a car full of gas cannisters was found near Notre Dame Cathedral. All were charged with terrorism-related offences.

Suicide attacks by young girls are unheard of in Europe, although there have been a number of cases in Africa, including by bombers linked to Nigerian group Boko Haram.

A COUNTRY UNDER SIEGE: TERROR ATTACKS IN FRANCE OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS A woman is taken to safety following the horrific shootings on November 13, 2015, in which 130 people were killed February 3, 2017 - A 29-year-old Egypitian man is shot five times in the stomach after attempting to attack four soldiers after being stopped outside the Louvre in Paris. July 14, 2016 - Amid Bastille Day celebrations in the Riviera city of Nice, a large truck is driven into a festive crowd. Some 86 people from a wide variety of countries are killed. The driver is shot dead. Islamic State extremists claim responsibility for the attack. The state of emergency in France is extended and extra protection, including robust barriers to prevent similar attacks, is put in place at major sites in France. June 13, 2016 - Two French police officers are murdered in their home in front of their 3-year-old son. Islamic State claims responsibility for the slaying, which was carried out by a jihadist with a prior terrorist conviction. He is killed by police on the scene. Nov. 13, 2015 - Islamic State militants kill 130 people in France's worst atrocity since World War II. A series of suicide bomb and shooting attacks are launched on crowded sites in central Paris, as well as the northern suburb of Saint-Denis. Most of those killed are in a crowded theater where hostages are taken. Islamic State extremists claim responsibility and say it was in retaliation for French participation in airstrikes on the militant group's positions in Syria and Iraq. It leads to the declaration of a state of emergency in France. Police powers are expanded. Jan. 7, 2015 - Two brothers kill 11 people inside the Paris building where the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo is headquartered in what Islamic State extremists claim is retaliation for the publication of cartoons about the Prophet Muhammad. More are killed subsequently in attacks on a kosher market in eastern Paris and on police. There are 17 victims in all, including two police officers. The attackers are killed. (Source: AP) Advertisement
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Britain is preparing itself for the coldest night of the year with temperatures set to plummet as fierce Scandinavian winds grip the country and make it feel like -20C.

The freezing cold conditions which have dominated the week will continue over the weekend and bring up to four inches of snow.

Forecasters have issued severe warnings for ice and snow for eastern regions of England and Scotland as daytime temperatures struggle to pass 0C.

Tonight lows in northern Scotland will fall to -12C but with a 15mph wind chill it will feel like -20C.

A snowy scene on the North Yorkshire moors, as a mini cold snap brought snow and freezing conditions to parts of the UK

A man walks his dog by the Lion Inn on the North Yorkshire moors through a light dusting of snow as forecasters predict that more of the white stuff is on the way

Today temperatures will struggle in the south and south east to reach 3-4C. Northern regions, including Scotland will be 1-3C (A stunning scene in North Yorkshire)

The coldest temperature anywhere is likely to be in East Anglia or the east coast, somewhere like Yorkshire (pictured) will be 0-1C

Homeowners were out in Castleside clearing the roads and pathways to make it safe to travel and commute to work

A vehicle is sidelined in a ditch near Hamsterley, in County Durham as the icy and snowy conditions make roads hazardous

Sheep gather in a snow covered field near Castleside, County Durham as the country is braced for freezing weather

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Weather graphics show that air from Scandinavia is pushing through and bringing with it snow, sleet and the biting cold.

Met Office meteorologist Emma Salter said Aberdeenshire, Northumberland, Durham, Lincolnshire and East Anglia would be worst affected by the cold.

'The snow will turn heavy for a time along coastal parts and eastern high grounds like the Pennines,' she said.

'There, as well as the South Uplands and Scottish mountains, between 5-10cm of snow will fall. It will be just a dusting, a centimetre or so in lower areas.

'In northern Scotland temperatures could come down to -10C, but lower temperatures could also be recorded.

'Today will be a very cold day, areas in the south and south east may reach 3-4C, which will be the warmest. Places in the north of England will be 1-3C and the same for Scotland and Northern Ireland - a really cold day.

'The coldest temperature anywhere is likely to be in East Anglia or east coast, somewhere like Yorkshire which will be 0-1C.'

Yesterday parts of Britain were colder than the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik which was 5C in the morning.

Monday of last week was the coldest night of the year so far, with -10.1C recorded in Braemar, Aberdeenshire. The coldest UK temperature of 2016 was -12.4C at Kinbrace, while in 2015 it was -13.7C at Loch Glascarnoch.

Forecasters have issued severe warnings for ice for eastern regions of England and Scotland as daytime temperatures struggle to pass 0C. As the outlooks (left and right) show the snow could much of the country over the weekend

Rooftops are covered in snow in Moorside, County Durham on Friday morning as snow showers and a severe windchill hit

The freezing cold conditions which have dominated the week will continue over the weekend and bring up to four inches of snow (Castle Hill, Huddersfield, pictured)

A dusting of snow by Victoria Tower, on Castle Hill, in Huddersfield, pictured earlier this morning

A grouse in the snow on the North Yorkshire moors, as the temperature in northern Scotland will fall to -20C tonight

Himayalan Mountaineer Alan Hinkes OBE is pictured walking beside an ice encrusted fence on the Pennine Way in Cumbria

A salt spreader makes its way along the M62 near Warrington ahead of forecasted freezing overnight temperatures

As the new week begins on Monday the weather will become warmer and more pleasant.

Air from Europe will bring temperatures up to 6-7C in the daytime, with night time lows only 3-4C.

By Wednesday highs are set to have rose to 9-10C caused by more sunshine and dryer air.

A spokesman from St John Ambulance encouraged people to learn first aid to prepare themselves if a loved one suffers a fall in the snow and ice.

'As parts of the UK experience severe weather conditions, with temperatures set to drop below zero and snow and ice predicted in some areas, we are likely to see an increase in people becoming ill and injuring themselves,' she said.

'The elderly and vulnerable are particularly susceptible to slips and falls; and prolonged periods in the cold could lead to hypothermia.

'Learning basic first aid can have an incredible impact and can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved. We encourage anyone who would like to learn first aid to go to our website to view our first aid videos or download our app.'

DOG OWNER CRAWLED ACROSS A FROZEN LAKE TO RESCUE HER PET DOG AFTER IT FELL THROUGH ICE Alice Wardill spotted the dog walker edging across the frozen pond to rescue dog Freddie after he became trapped in the icy water in Chingford, Essex A dog owner crawled across a frozen lake to rescue her pet dog after it fell through the ice during a recent cold spell. Alice Wardill spotted the brave dog walker edging across the frozen pond to rescue dog Freddie after he became trapped in the icy water. The 78-year-old had gone to Connaught Water, in Chingford, Essex, for a walk with husband Peter, 80, and disabled son Paul, 56, on January 27. Alice said: 'We were at Connaught Water as usual at around 12pm when we heard a woman shout 'no Freddie'. The dog ran onto the ice and then fell into the water where it had melted. 'We really thought he wouldn't get out, and then we saw her crawling on the ice - first on her front and then she got on her knees. At one point I couldn't watch, I thought she would fall. 'The dog was flailing around but she pulled him by his collar and crawled back to safety. 'She was very brave, and it was Freddie's lucky day - she got him very quickly. 'It was so cold he would have died if she hadn't rescued him.' Alice said by the time the fire brigade had arrived, the woman had already jumped in her car and taken Freddie home. Alice took photos of the woman trying to rescue her dog from the frozen lake in Chingford, Essex during a previous cold spell Advertisement

A farm building in Teesdale, County Durham, was surrounded by snow after wintry showers fell over higher ground
Mohamed Jalloh (pictured), 27, of Sterling, Virginia, admitted to traveling to Africa and boarding a truck to join the Islamic State group

A former National Guard was sentenced to 11 years in prison for support of the Islamic State, and told a court of the chilling experience that made him leave the group.

Mohamed Jalloh, 27, of Sterling, Virginia, admitted to traveling to Africa and boarding a truck to join the Islamic State group.

He pleaded guilty in October to attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence, but the defense had asked for a term of less than seven years, saying the man has renounced the Islamic State.

'I feel like a complete idiot for accepting such a superficial and dishonest interpretation of Islam,' Jalloh wrote in a letter to the court.

In court papers, Jalloh describes his experience as a recruit, and how he got cold feet and eventually renounced the group.

In court papers, Jalloh describes his experience as a recruit, and how he got cold feet and eventually renounced the group

Jalloh, a naturalized American citizen from Sierra Leone, had traveled back to Africa with his father in 2015

He said: 'Guys in the truck would whip people with a hose to pack you in.

'This was the worst, most scary situation that I had ever been in as an adult.'

Jalloh, a naturalized American citizen from Sierra Leone, had traveled back to Africa with his father in 2015.

While there, he met an Islamic State recruiter, and in August, traveled from Sierra Leone to stay with the group's facilitator.

Later that year, Jalloh traveled to Niger, again with the intent of joining the group. This time, he went so far as to get on a truck with other recruits to trek across the Sahara to Libya

He intended to travel to Libya to join the Islamic State, but the plans fell through.

Later that year, Jalloh traveled to Niger, again with the intent of joining the group. This time, he went so far as to get on a truck with other recruits to trek across the Sahara to Libya.

But, in court papers, Jalloh described how he got cold feet and sneaked off the truck after 18 hours.

Before returning to the US, Jalloh made contact online with an IS operative named Abu Saad Sudani, who put him in contact with a person he hoped would help Jalloh carry out an attack in the US. That person, as it turns out, was a government informant.

In conversations with the informant, Jalloh discussed carrying out a Fort Hood-style attack. He also sent hundreds of dollars to an undercover FBI employee he believed was an IS member.

He is one of more than 100 people in the US to be charged with terror offenses connected to the Islamic State since 2014, according to George Washington University's Extremism Tracker

Jalloh's lawyers describe his interest in the Islamic State group as a 'flirtation' that stemmed from a difficult childhood in war-torn Sierra Leone that left him with little parental guidance.

They say that when Jalloh met with the informant, his goal was to be set up with a Muslim woman he could marry, but the informant continually steered the conversation to violence.

In court papers, Jalloh renounces the Islamic State group.

Charges originated from an FBI sting operation. After his arrest, though, Jalloh admitted that he had made his own contact with the group before he had ever been introduced to the FBI informant-contact the government had been unaware of at the time.
To passersby, the brick walls being constructed on Lyon Street to house the Albany Fire Department's new Station 11 may look eggshell-thin.

But construction officials working on the 24,300-square-foot site say they're a lot stronger than they look.

The new Station 11 is being constructed to Risk Category IV standards under the 2014 Oregon Structural Specialty Code, the current maximum for buildings deemed as "essential facilities."

One of the reasons given for removal of the former station was that it wasn't constructed to new seismic standards and likely wouldn't hold up in case of a major earthquake.

That's not the case anymore, said James Lutz, the Gerding Builders superintendent in charge of the work at the new building.

Rebar reaches from the footings of the building to what will soon be the roof. Each brick  or structural masonry unit, to use the technical term  is threaded through that rebar as it's placed on the brick before it.

Next, concrete is pumped to fill all the loose spaces around the rebar inside each brick, foundation to roof, to hold it in place even more firmly. That's called grouting, Lutz said. "They fill it full of concrete, essentially."

Interior shear walls of thicker, gray bricks  concrete masonry units  provide further support, as do structural steel columns, Lutz said.

If the long-predicted major earthquake strikes the Cascadia Subduction Zone, shaking portions of the state for multiple minutes, the building is structured to move as one unit, Lutz said. Structural steel and glue-laminated beams will tie the building together.

Engineered seams at various points in the brick walls still have rebar running through them but allow a little give, "a little bit of budge room, if you will," Lutz said, to allow for that movement.

Older brick buildings were built to different standards, Lutz said. "They tended to not grout, back in the day. They just thew it up and it's hollow block  unreinforced hollow block that'll get knocked down in a hurry."

In contrast, he said, the new Station 11 is designed to not only stay standing through a quake but to be able to be used as an evacuation point or emergency shelter afterward.

Acts of God can happen, and nobody can predict the size, strength or duration of the Big One when it hits, Lutz acknowledged.

But to the extent that engineers can make it so, he said, "The building is specifically built to withstand a much higher earthquake than any other building."

Voters approved the two-story, $7.5-million station as part of a May 2015 bond measure. The measure, which gave the city the OK to issue up to $18 million in bonds, also is paying for a new police station in the 2600 block of Pacific Boulevard S.W.

Builders say in spite of a particularly wet and cold winter, both projects are on time and on budget so far.
A mother has said she was 'shocked and disheartened' after being told she could not enter the Miss Northern Ireland beauty pageant because she has given birth.

Dearbhail Brogan, of County Down, said her friend entered her into the competition after they saw an advert for it in a Sunday newspaper.

But when the 21-year-old was contacted by organisers ACA Models to invite her to a heat, she said she was asked if she had any children.

Dearbhail Brogan, pictured with her seven-month-old daughter Cuisle, was told she couldn't enter a beauty pagent because she has a child

She told Stephen Nolan on BBC Radio Ulster that she thought it was 'wrong' and 'not up to them to decide what the mum can or cannot do'

Ms Brogan, a blogger, told the organisers that she has a seven-month-old daughter called Cuisle.

Speaking to Stephen Nolan on BBC Radio Ulster, she said: 'They said: "I'm sorry it's in our rules that nobody with children can enter the competition."

'I just think it's wrong. I don't think it's up to them to decide what the mum can or cannot do or what they should be entitled to. Having a child should give you more of a drive to succeed because it's going to benefit your family.

'A lot of mums have proved they can do that and there shouldn't be any discrimination from them doing that.'

The blogger added: 'Having a child should give you more of a drive to succeed because it's going to benefit your family'

The competition is governed by the Miss World competition, which is the world's longest-running beauty pageant

The rules for the competition, located on the ACA Models website, state: 'Each contestant shall be a person who has never given birth to a child'

The competition is governed by the Miss World competition, which is the world's longest-running beauty pageant.

It was established by the late Eric Morley in the UK in 1951.

Within the rules on the ACA Models website, one states: 'Each contestant shall be a person who has never given birth to a child.'

A spokeswoman for ACA Models said as Miss World governed the competition, they set the rules.

She added: 'At the International meeting of the License Holders three years ago this question was put to the License Holders and it was unanimously agreed that for a woman who held the title to be working away from her child/children would not be in the interest of a mother or a child to be taken away for one year.

'This was a unanimous decision made by all nations competing.

'However ACA Models would be delighted to welcome Dearbhail or any other young mother on the books of the model agency. We currently work with many many young mothers and fathers throughout Northern Ireland.

'Having children is not an obstacle.'
This is the moment a man is seen riding a sea biscuit through floodwaters in Perth while being dragged behind a white Ute navigating the waters.

Perth tradie Paul O'Driscoll, the man behind the bold stunt, said the footage was filmed at 6.30am on Friday in Rockingham after he and his colleagues realised work would be postponed due to the wet conditions.

'We were actually just having a morning coffee before we started work, watching cars go through when we thought "why not get the sea biscuit out",' he told Daily Mail Australia.

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This is the moment Paul O'Driscoll rides a sea biscuit through floodwaters in Perth while being dragged behind a white ute navigating the waters

Mr O'Driscoll, 32, said it was 'just lucky' his boss had a sea biscuit available at the right moment.

But the bathroom renovator admitted the stunt caught some off guard when he went flying past on the tube.

'A lot of people were just turning up to work when I came past on the sea biscuit, it was a bit of a laugh,' he said.

Mr O'Driscoll, an Englishman, moved to Perth four years ago and said he had never seen such wet conditions

Mr O'Driscoll, 32, said it was 'just lucky' his boss had a sea biscuit available at the right moment

Mr O'Driscoll said he had lived in Perth for four years and never saw the city so wet.

'I've never seen rain like this before, it's very very very wet,' he said.

'A lot of the streets were cleared today, but it's still absolutely soaked.'

While Perth was warned it would be hit with a large downpour overnight, Mr O'Driscoll said the sheer amount was a shock.

'We've heard them predict the rain, but when it rains in Perth it only rains for about 10 minutes then stops,' he said.

'It's nothing like this.'

Mr O'Driscoll (pictured) said the sheer amount of rain which hit Perth overnight was a complete shock

Mr O'Driscoll described the early morning stunt as 'just a bit of fun' and denied there was any real danger.

'If we thought there was any danger we wouldn't have done it,' he said.

'The water was only up to my knees.'

The Liverpool born stuntman said the footage looked subdued compared to how it felt.

'It was hard to tell where the curves were, it actually felt a lot faster,' he said.

'A lot of people were just turning up to work when I came past on the sea biscuit, it was a bit of a laugh,' he said

Since the footage was posted to Facebook about 10am Friday, it was shared, liked and viewed thousands of times.

The video, now a viral sensation, had 22 thousand views within a couple of hours.

Mr O'Driscoll said he had no idea it would garner so much attention.

'The most likes I've ever had before this was about nine,' he said.

'I was like buzzing when I got a hundred views, now my phone's going off every couple of seconds. It hasn't stopped all day.'

The video, now a viral sensation, had 22 thousand views within a couple of hours of posting

Perth was hit with the second heaviest downpour ever recorded in the Western Australian capital city, after it was inundated with 114 millimetres in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning.

The heavy rain, which caused widespread flooding, was the heaviest recorded since February 9, 1992 when Perth was hit with 120.6mm.

Residents in areas worst hit were forced to evacuate homes due to rapid and powerful flooding of the Avon River.

Emergency services warned residents to prepare for more flooding near the Murray River and Swan River catchments over the coming days.
A five year-old boy shot and killed his father with a hunting rifle as the pair played with toy guns together.

Ahmet Esen, 36, died at the scene of the tragic incident, which happened at the family home in the city of Adana in southern Turkey.

Ahmet had been playing with his young son, who has not been named, on the balcony of their home when tragedy struck.

Ahmet Esen, 36, died after his five-year-old son shot him with a hunting rifle

The father and son had been pretending to shoot each other with toy guns when the little boy went back inside the home.

He returned with his father's hunting rifle in his hands and, before his dad had a chance to react, had pulled the trigger.

Unfortunately, the gun was loaded, the safety catch was off and a shot rang out, hitting Mr Esen.

The father and son (pictured together) had been pretending to shoot each other with toy guns

Neighbours who heard the shot called for an ambulance, but Ahmet was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident in the city of Adana

Neighbours who heard the shot called for an ambulance, which arrived quickly, but paramedics determined he had died from loss of blood at the scene.

Video released following the incident shows Ahmet shooting his rifle and sharing a touching embrace with his young son.

Ahmets body was sent to the morgue of the Adana Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident which happened at 7.45pm in the Yurt quarter of the Cukurova district of Adana.

Adana lies on the Seyhan river, 22 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea, in south-central Anatolia.




This is the terrifying moment a wild king cobra headbutts a window to try and get inside at three kittens - before a man batters its to death with a stick.

The deadly serpent slithered across a tree branch before perching on the window ledge before sizing up three kittens inside the room.

In spine-chilling footage, the black cobra repeatedly hits its head against the glass while staring at its prey and flicking out its forked tongue.

The three white cats stare up at the snake transfixed by its bizarre behaviour.

But in a dramatic twist, a man arrives minutes later to batter the reptile to death with a long white piece of wood outside the home in Kilanas, Brunei.

The clip was handed to forestry officials at the government who used it to warn residents about the dangers of snakes clambering up trees and entering through open windows.

The cobra flicks its forked tongue out clearly hungry for the kittens behind the window

They said: 'Be aware. If you keep flowers or a small tree, don't make it near the window of the house. Luckily the window glass was not open.'

The clip was given to the government by the person who lives in the house. He said that his niece had filmed it.

But they wanted to remain anonymous and asked for the government - overseen by the Sultan of Brunei - to use the footage to warn about snakes.

A spokesman for the Brunei government's environmental department said: 'The video was made at a home in Brunei and given to us last week.

Despite the cobra slamming its head against the window, the curious kitten below is unfazed

'I have visited the house where it happened and spoken to the family. A young girl recorded the video.

'The family want to help people to remember not to leave their windows open or to have trees and plants near them. This makes it easy for snakes to get inside and can be dangerous.

'Take care to make sure there are no trees near windows and close the windows.'
Sydney sweltered through a record-breaking 44C Friday but now faces an even hotter Saturday as the brutal heatwave continues.

Sleep will be hard to come by with temperatures still hovering around 28C at midnight and only dropping to a minimum of 24C.

The weather bureau is predicting 39C in the city and 45C in the west on Saturday, and even worse farther inland.

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Sydney sweltered through a record-breaking 44C Friday but now faces an even hotter Saturday as the brutal heatwave continues

Eastern Australia will be gripped by a massive heat zone the size of NSW and mostly centred on that state along with Queensland, SA and NT

Hardest hit will be towns in the state's far north and west including Bourke and Ivanhoe - tipped to reach 47C and 48C.

Eastern Australia will be gripped by a massive heat zone the size of NSW and mostly centred on that state along with Queensland, SA and NT.

The huge band of red will have temperatures of at least 45C and only spares the coastal region where sea breezes will bring relief.

The huge band of red will have temperatures of at least 45C and only spares the coastal region where sea breezes will bring relief

It was so hot on Friday that Coles sold out of popular iced treat Zooper Doopers

Youngsters were seen leaping off a bridge and into the Nepean River in Camden, New South Wales

Cooling off: The daredevils dived into the water as temperatures soared into the 40s

Going down! The boys were making the most of a scorching day in Camden, New South Wales

Forecaster Steven Woods, from the Bureau of Meteorology, told Daily Mail Australia: 'Large areas of the north east will be looking at record maximum temperatures tomorrow, potentially 47 to 48 degrees.

'Areas to the north of Newcastle and west of Newcastle we could get 46C.'

Tugun, Palm Beach, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Miami beaches were among the several beaches shut on Friday.

Swells of 1.5 metres are forecast for Saturday, the same as on Friday, so the beaches could be closed again under similar conditions.

Sydney's heatwave will finally break on Sunday with a top of only 28C predicted for the CBD, but little relief for the city's west which will stay at 37C.

One woman and her dog: It was a relaxing day for this woman and her pooch on Stradbroke Island, Queensland

Sydney is in the midst of a blistering heatwave that is tipped to linger throughout the weekend. Pictured, a family in Penrith

A large chunk of Australia is set to sweat through three consecutive days above 40C, as these schoolchildren in Penrith discovered

Two teenage girls and a teenage boy were taken to hospitals north of Brisbane on Friday afternoon after being taken ill at The Lakes College in North Lakes, Queensland

Fun in the sun! Two girls were seen frolicking in the water at Bondi Beach on Monday

A thunderstorm is also possible in the afternoon, bringing muggy weather to the city that could offset the cooler maximums.

A cool change on Monday and Tuesday will see temperature hover around the comfortable mid-20s.

'We are looking at a fairly early southerly change on Sunday - that could drop the temperature down quite a bit,' Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Andrew Haigh said.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said first responders would be on 'high alert' during the heatwave.

'The catastrophic conditions is something that has not occurred in NSW since 2013,' he said.

The heat was so bad on Friday that Sydneysiders were urged not to go home after work on Friday amid fears turning the lights on and cooking dinner would cause mass blackouts across the city.

New South Wales Energy Minister Don Harwin pleaded with people not to 'cook and turn the TV on' and suggested they catch a movie instead of going home.

Sydney could swelter through its hottest day ever recorded on Sunday as the long-running heatwaves continue. Pictured, beachgoers on Bondi Beach on Monday

People were enjoying the sun on Bondi Beach on Monday

This woman looked pretty pleased with her spot in the garden as she sought refuge from the sun's glaring rays under a tree

Flipping heck! Boys were seen throwing themselves into the water as they had a laugh on Friday afternoon

Refreshing: Some teenage boys were seen leaping out of a tree and into the Nepean River near Camden in New South Wales

As temperatures hit 47C in New South Wales, there were fears of a massive power surge causing rolling blackouts as people turned on their air conditioning.

Mr Harwin earlier recommended people not turn their air conditioning above 26C, despite the sweltering, record-breaking heat outside.

Industry experts told Daily Mail Australia that power cuts were most likely between 3.30pm and 6.30pm as the grid was stretched further than ever before.

More than 11,000 homes lost power in Sydney's west, with Strathfield and Burwood affected, but Ausgrid insisted the fault was not related to the heatwave and instead because a power line fell over.

It was so hot in Adelaide that a forklift got bogged in the road

A bwoman relaxes with a book by the pool in an attempt to beat the oppressive heat

Many Sydneysiders took to the beach to keep cool in the surf, like this woman on South Cronulla Beach

A group in Canberra enjoyed some beverages in a backyard spa as the mercury rose

A Sydney woman takes a dip in her local pool to stay cool on the hot day

Wagga Wagga residents resorted to stripping down an squirting each other with hoses as the temperature reached 45C

A woman reclines on a floatie in her backyard pool and complains about the scorching heat

The power outage, which started just before 5pm, was expected to be fixed by 9pm at the latest. Power was restored to all but about 750 homes by 6pm.

The state avoided widespread outages by reducing power supply to the Tomago smelter in the Hunter Valley, which uses 12 per cent of NSW electricity when at capacity.

Mr Harwin thanked homes and businesses for curbing their energy use to help the state avoid serious blackouts.

The heat also took its toll north of Brisbane where three school students were rushed to hospital after suffering heatstroke.

Two teenage girls and a boy were taken to three hospitals on Friday after falling ill at The Lakes College in North Lakes, Queensland at about 10am.

Thermometers showed the massive temperatures blistering the east coast

This one showed 48.5C in an inland area where the heatwave hit even harder

The temperature hits an incredible 50.9C in inland NSW

It came as a heatwave swept across Queensland, with temperatures set to reach as high as 46C this weekend.

The Sydney heatwave is expected to last three days and is set to break a 70-year-old record for consecutive scorching days.

With 10 days of more than 35C maximums, this summer is the hottest in Sydney's 158 year recorded history.

Nearly 100 people went to hospitals in South Australia with heat-related illnesses in the last two days.

Sydneysiders try to beat the heat at Lady Robinsons Beach in Botany Bay

The three-day spell is predicted to be the hottest ever in Sydney's history

A dehydrated crow sits by a puddle of water under a tap at Lady Robinsons Beach on Botany Bay as temperatures pushed 40C

Beachgoers picked up the crow with a towel and took it to the shade so it could cool down

Almost 40 were admitted to hospital between Wednesday and Friday, while the others were sent home after being treated.

Temperatures hit 40C in Adelaide in Friday, with the heat set to stay over the weekend.

'Catastrophic' fire warnings are in place for parts of NSW and total fire bans have been enforced across the state.

A man keeps his goat cool in his car near the Nepean River outside Sydney where it was 45C

Many animals overheated in the blistering weather as they were stuck outside

The man leads the goat to his car by tempting it with a tree branch

A ferret hangs out in an ice bucket to stop it overheating on a 40C day

An a dog owner sprays their pup with water to cool it down as the temperature hit 43C

A dog on the Central Coast cools down with a wet towel over its head

Half a dozen kookaburras crow around a bird bath to escape the heat

The government pleaded with people to turn their lights off, adjust their fridge temperatures and switch their air cons no lower than 26C.

'Where you can please do your best to save energy - turn up your aircon to 26 degrees, adjust fridge temperatures, switch off unused electrical appliances and turn off lights where it's safe to do so,' NSW Energy Minister Don Harwin said.

'The NSW government is doing everything we can to ensure a power outage is avoided but we encourage the community to reduce their energy use where possible,' he added.

A man strips down and reclines on an inflatable bird in his backyard pool

A man submerges himself in shallow water in Bronte Beach, Sydney

Sunbathers take advantage of the rays in Gordon's Bay, Sydney

A man tries to get some relief from the heat by sticking his head in the freezer

Frozen socks to keep feet cool in the blistering heat

It was a glorious day in Redfern, Sydney, on Friday morning as people made their way to work

It was all too much for this dog, who set up shop next to a fan as he retreated from the heat

Forecasters say the three-day heatwave could break a 70-year-old record, with 72 hours of hell ahead for those in western and northern New South Wales. A man in Penrith stocked up on ice ahead of the sticky conditions

A large chunk of Australia is set to sweat through three consecutive days above 40C, with 'catastrophic' fire warnings in place for parts of NSW

Hot dog: The hot weather was too much for this pooch, who took a dip to cool down on Friday

The plea came as energy officials warned that NSW could face the biggest electricity surge ever on Friday afternoon.

Hospitals would also be affected by the scorching heat, with a rush of heat-affected patients likely to present in their emergency departments over the weekend.

Westmead Hospital's emergency department treated over 1,100 people with heat-related symptoms in December and January, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

'If the forecast eventuates we're likely to see catastrophic fire danger develop in some areas including the Hunter,' RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.

Forecasters say the three-day heatwave could break a 70-year-old record, with 72 hours of hell

A large chunk of Australia should sweat through three consecutive days above 40C, making the beach a great option for those trying to cool down

A kind soul in Sydney left a hose out so their neighbours could cool themselves down on Friday

The searing conditions will place immense pressure on hospitals, who have seen an increase in heat-related presentations across this summer (forecast for Saturday pictured)

Sydney is set to sweat through a three-day mega-heatwave, with temperatures tipped to nudge 48C in the city's west on Saturday (Bondi Beach pictured, Thursday)

That's the life! Chilling by the pool, this Sydneysider looked like they had a hard day ahead

Meteorologists said the heatwave is the 'final big hurrah for heat in the Sydney area'

A total fire ban is in place for all of NSW, with 'catastrophic' fire warning threats in place for parts of the state over the weekend

SEVEN DAY FORECAST SYDNEY Friday: Max 44, mostly sunny Saturday: Max 45, sunny Sunday: Max 41, partly cloudy Monday: Max 29, partly cloudy Tuesday: Max 27, shower or two PERTH Friday: Max 27, heavy rain Saturday: Max 28, possible shower Sunday: Max 30, shower or two Monday: Max 31, possible storm Tuesday: Max 28, possible shower MELBOURNE Friday: Max 28, clouds clearing Saturday: Max 28, late shower Sunday: Max 19, possible shower Monday: Max 18, clearing shower Tuesday: Max 21, possible shower HOBART Friday: Max 26, partly cloudy Saturday: Max 23, possible shower Sunday: Max 17, shower or two Monday: Max 18, possible shower Tuesday: Max 23, partly cloudy BRISBANE Friday: Max 36, clearing shower Saturday: Max 41, mostly sunny Sunday: Max 42, sunny Monday: Max 39, shower or two Tuesday: Max 31, shower or two CANBERRA Friday: Max 41, mostly sunny Saturday: Max 41, mostly sunny Sunday: Max 32, partly cloudy Monday: Max 26, sunny Tuesday: Max 27, mostly sunny ADELAIDE Friday: Max 39, mostly sunny Saturday: Max 36, mostly sunny Sunday: Max 24, mostly cloudy Monday: Max 25, cloudy Tuesday: Max 28, sunny DARWIN Friday: Max 31, possible storm Saturday: Max 32, possible storm Sunday: Max 32, possible storm Monday: Max 32, possible storm Tuesday Max 32, possible storm Advertisement

Electricity demand could jump by 50 per cent in western Sydney over the weekend, according to Endeavour Energy, which will place emergency crews on stand-by in case of network faults.

Ausgrid cancelled scheduled maintenance work in the Hunter Valley and other areas forecast to reach 40C or higher.

'The main difference with this particular heatwave is there is a significant change in the wind speed and direction,' Insp Shepherd said.

'It's likely that we'll see stronger northwesterly and westerly winds and it is expected to be drier than normal.'

Friday will also present problems for the energy sector, with providers expecting a huge surge in electricity use on Friday which could leave thousands without power in the afternoon

The scorching conditions will arrive just days after Sydney received half-a-month's average rainfall in one day on Tuesday

The searing conditions could see Sydney's CBD record 38C on Friday, while 44C is forecast for western Sydney

The scorching conditions arrived just days after Sydney received half-a-month's average rainfall in one day on Tuesday.

The RFS is urging residents in bushfire-prone areas to have evacuation plans in place and to keep track of the organisation's website or the Fire Near Me app for updates.

Despite the sunny weather in the west, Perth could be set for record rainfall. So far 113.4mm of rain have fallen in 22 hours - just 7mm shy of the record set on the same day 25 years ago.

On the Gold Coast, at least a dozen beaches have been closed because of dangerous swells.

Forecasters are now predicting a cool change in some areas of the state on Sunday morning
A father-of-one is worried a Benidorm stag do stunt he took too far may have scuppered his chances of finding love - after getting a 'daft' phrase tattooed on his eyelids.

Steven Laverty sneaked off during the three-day drinking binge to get the Northern Irish phrase 'what about ye' inked across both eyelids despite a warning from friends - and his mother - not to do it.

Steven, from east Belfast, was in Spain as part of a 15-strong group celebrating his cousin James's upcoming marriage.

Steven Laverty, 24, from Belfast admits that getting his eyelids tattooed with 'what about ye' - a colloquial Irish phrase meaning how are you? - was a mistake and now fears for he won't be able to find love

Call centre worker Steven paid 22 for the inking after sneaking off from his group having enjoyed a three day binge drinking session in Benidorm

And the call centre worker came home with an unwanted present after he drunkenly decided to go ahead with the 22 tattoo.

The phrase is widely used in Northern Ireland as a colloquial greeting meaning 'how are you?'

Now singleton Steven is worried what potential love interests might think and fears his one-year-old son Tommy will grow up to think he is an 'idiot'.

Steven, 24, said: 'It was all a bit of a blur. Obviously I regret it now but at the time I clearly thought it was a good idea.

'I had to take my wee lad, Tommy, to nursery and I was just keeping my head down and hoping nobody recognised me. I saw someone I knew and tried not to look at them for fear they would see the tattoos.

'I don't know how I'm going to chat up women in the future. Just go up and stare at them maybe? There's bound to be someone who likes them [the tattoos].

'Tommy's mum has seen it. She wasn't best pleased to put it lightly. It might be a bit of struggle to talking to strangers now, especially women.

'I haven't been back to work yet but apparently it's the talk of the place.

Now Steven worries he will struggle to find a girlfriend who will be able to see past his tattooed eye-sores. He said: 'I don't know how I'm going to chat up women in the future. Just go up and stare at them maybe?' (Steven pictured with friends enjoying the stag do)

'I've got a few daft tattoos and I'd been talking about this one but the rest of the lads wouldn't let me go.

'We'd been in the bar all afternoon, I can't remember if it was Sunday or Monday, but they all went for a walk down to the beach and I just ducked out.

'I didn't know where the tattoo parlour was so I just walked until I found it. I told them what I wanted and that was that.

'The fella wanted 60 for it but I only had 22 so that's what I gave him.'

Steven jetted out to Benidorm from Belfast on Saturday for a three-night stay and admitted he 'lost count' of how much he had to drink before going under the needle.

The new ink adds to a collection of tattoos which also includes a finger sleeve and work on his arms and BUM.

Luckily for Steven he was able to negotiate the tattooist down from 60 to 22. He said: 'I didn't know where the tattoo parlour was so I just walked until I found it. I told them what I wanted and that was that.'

Steven said: 'It was pretty much non-stop drinking from the point we got to the airport until we got home. The lads who went are all a bunch of rockets but I had to be the one who took things too far.

'I got a finger sleeve when I was in Las Vegas last year and my mum warned me this time not to do anything silly. She knows what I'm like.

'When I had a few drinks in me I was telling everyone I was going to do it but my other cousin Ryan talked me out of it. Then when everyone went to the beach, I just thought: 'F**k it'.

'It's not even like the words mean much to me. 'What about ye' is just a saying. When everyone saw it they just laughed their heads off at me.

'Everyone on the plane back was staring at me. You can see the words whether my eyes are open or shut. I might have to start wearing glasses a lot more often.'
An Orlando police officer who arrested a man after mistaking doughnut glaze for crystal meth has been disciplined.

Officials in Florida say Shelby Riggs-Hopkins was given a written reprimand for making the improper arrest when she took 65-year-old Daniel Rushing into custody in December 2015.

An internal affairs report released on Thursday by the Orlando Police Department found no evidence she acted in bad faith, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Officials in Florida say Shelby Riggs-Hopkins, pictured, was given a written reprimand for mistaking doughnut glaze for drugs when she arrested Daniel Rushing in December 2015

The report says the department never trained its officers to use the department-issued roadside drug tests.

Rushing, a retiree who worked for the Orlando parks department for 25 years, was arrested in December 2015 when Riggs-Hopkins spotted flakes of glaze in his car.

She was staking out the area for drug activity at the time and thought they were pieces of crystal methamphetamine.

Rushing told the officer it was likely sugar from Krispy Kreme doughnuts he'd eaten. He also informed officers he had a concealed weapons permit and agreed to let them search his car.

But roadside drug tests were positive for the illegal substance.

Rushing, a retiree who worked for the Orlando parks department for 25 years, was arrested when Riggs-Hopkins spotted flakes of glaze from his Krispy Kreme doughnuts in his car

Rushing was arrested (above in his mugshot) for drug possession but the charges were later dropped when a state crime lab test cleared him several week later

He was charged with possession of methamphetamine with a firearm and spent 10 hours in jail before being released on bond.

A state crime lab test cleared Rushing several weeks later and charges were dropped.

In Rushing's arrest report, Riggs-Hopkins wrote that she noticed a 'rock like substance' on the floorboard of his car.

'I recognized through my eleven years of training and experience as a law enforcement officer the substance to be some sort of narcotic,' she wrote.

Orlando police said in a statement at the time that the arrest was lawful.

Rushing filed a lawsuit against the city of Orlando and the maker of the drug test. He is seeking $15,000 in damages from his arrest last year.
Train riders were given a morning wake-up call when they discovered they were sharing their carriage with a huge spider.

Images show six empty seats surrounding the creepy crawly on the packed peak-hour train in Melbourne on Friday morning.

The photographer was apparently too terrified to venture any closer to the eight-legged commuter, which is out of view on the window seat, reports The Age.

The social media image shows six empty seats surrounding a spider on the Melbourne train

Metro Trains had no further reports of spider sightings, suggesting the critter could still be aboard.

The image has been met with some hilarious comments on social media, where some condemned the spider and others offered their sympathies.

The image even caught the attention of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who accused the spider of being: 'that one passenger who puts their feet on the seat.'

Others ran with his lead, suggesting the spider could be slapped with a fine for antisocial behaviour.

'It's unclear if metro will fine the spider for having its legs on a seat, but it's not out of the realms of possibility.

'Poor Spider. Just on his way to work, and no one wants to sit with him.' Wrote another.
Jordan Matthews, 24, admits manslaughter but denies murdering partner Xixi Bi (pictured) after he found a message from another man on a dating app

A pub chef with a karate black belt beat his student girlfriend to death because he thought she was cheating on him - but later told police he 'didn't mean to kill her', a court has heard.

Jordan Matthews, 24, admits manslaughter but denies murdering partner Xixi Bi after he attacked her over a message which a man sent her on a dating app.

Matthews, of Ely Road, Cardiff, was arrested after Miss Bi was taken to hospital and in a series of police interviews said he could not believe what he had done.

These were read out to Chelmsford Crown Court during the fourth day of his trial.

He told officers: 'The last thing I would ever do to my beautiful Bi is kill her.'

'I promise you, this girl was amazing. She loved me for every single thing.'

The court heard he met Miss Bi on the dating website Plenty Of Fish and they became a couple after he agreed to help her with university work.

Matthews, who described himself as a 'really patient person', said they had argued 'four' times during their relationship but that he had never hit her before.

Matthews said Miss Bi spent the day before she died in London with a friend but he became suspicious she was cheating on him when she returned and he saw a message icon on her phone.

He told officers he had pushed her and agreed he had punched her in the solar plexus, breaking her ribs, but denied punching her in the face.

A transcript of Matthews' (left) police interview was read out to the jury at Cardiff Crown Court in which he said: 'The last thing I would ever do to my beautiful Bi is kill her'

Matthews told the interviewing officer: 'I was going to make her my wife and we were going to move away. I really love my baby and I've taken her life away from her'

Matthews added: 'I was going to make her my wife and we were going to move away. I really love my baby and I've taken her life away from her.'

The court was told how the defendant accepted they had an argument in the early hours of Friday, August 19, 2016.

But he told officers: 'It wasn't even that big.'

The court was told how Matthews lost his temper when he thought Ms Bi had received a message from another man on a dating app.

In the police interview, he accepted picking his girlfriend up, throwing her and punching her in the stomach at his flat in Cardiff.

The defendant added: 'I just lost it. I punched her pretty hard but I could see it hurt so I apologised.'

The court heard that Matthews then told officers that he kissed his girlfriend's arm where he had bruised it and they then had 'make-up sex'.

Matthews added: 'We'd do this all the time - have little bickers and sort it out.'

The defendant told police later that night he could hear Ms Bi's breath coming in 'short, desperate gasps' and saw her eyes rolling back into her head.

Matthews said when he woke up Miss Bi was feeling hot and got up to open a window before collapsing.

He called 999 and started doing CPR.

He said: 'I did not have an intention to kill her. When I hit her I did not even know it would do damage. I f****** love that girl.'

The court previously heard that the day before Miss Bi's death, the student (left and right) had travelled to London to visit a friend who spotted bruising on her face

Miss Bi's studies started to suffer after she began a relationship with Matthews (pictured together), it was claimed

Matthews (right) allegedly began beating Miss Bi (left) and forcing her to miss lectures

Matthews told officers: 'One thing I don't get is the bruising - how she bruised so much.'

He added: 'I should have not touched her. I should have sorted it out like an adult.'

The defendant stated he had always wanted a Chinese girlfriend and described Ms Bi as 'perfect'.

Previously, the court heard Ms Bi spoke four languages and had moved to Oxford as a teenager to further her education.

She was studying for a master's degree in international business when she fell for Matthews, showering him with gifts.

But after their relationship began, Matthews allegedly began beating Miss Bi and forcing her to miss lectures.

Xixi Bi (left), 24, was killed by 23-year-old Jordan Matthews (right) in a 'vicious attack'

Couple: Matthews, of Llandaff, Cardiff, told police he had 'been horrible' to Miss Bi after he saw a message from another man on her phone

Ivy Murria, a friend of Ms Bi's from Cardiff Metropolitan University, said Ms Bi told her Matthews had 'anger problems' and could be controlling.

She described the victim as 'very outgoing and bubbly', but told the court she changed during the relationship with Matthews.

Shareene Hallett, the girlfriend of Matthews' brother, said: 'Xixi was amazing.

'She was just lovely and you couldn't say a bad word about her. She was beautiful inside and out.'

Matthews, of Llandaff, Cardiff, denies murder.

The trial continues.
A German court upheld ban on a satirical poem which suggested Turkey's president had sex with animals and watched child porn.

The poem about Tayyip Erdogan, recited on television by German comedian Jan Boehmermann, caused a diplomatic spat between Germany and Turkey and tested the limits of artistic freedom.

The Hamburg court upheld its injunction issued in May banning re-publication of parts of the poem which it called 'abusive and defamatory'.

The poem in question was about Tayyip Erdogan, which was labelled defamatory and abusive

German comedian Jan Bohermann, pictured, has insulted the Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan

The case soured already tense relations between Germany and Turkey at a time when the European Union was looking to Ankara for support in tackling the migrant crisis.

The crux of the legal arguments centred on the right to artistic freedom with the personal rights of Erdogan, the court has said.

In its May order, the court marked 18 of the poem's 24 verses as 'abusive and defamatory' and banned them.

'The court found that artistic freedom is unconditional but not unbounded,' the court said in its ruling on Friday.

'Satire that is secured under artistic freedom could be forbidden when it touches on the core area of personal freedom'.

However, explaining why some verses should be allowed, the court said freedom of expression remained paramount.

'The court stresses that the plaintiff, as a head of state, must accept heavy criticism, as freedom of expression arises from the special need to criticize power,' the court said, explaining its decision to allow re-publication of some verses.

Jan Boehmermann (left) recited a poem on television in March suggesting Tayyip Erdogan (right) engaged in bestiality and watched child pornography

In October, prosecutors in the city of Mainz dropped a separate investigation into Boehmermann.

Five months earlier, he was placed under police protection as Turkish officials attempted to get him arrested.

Chancellor Angela Merkel had been widely criticised for allowing investigators to pursue the case against the comedian.

The German cabinet last month agreed to rescind a section of the criminal code prohibiting insults against foreign leaders.
Nigel Farage's wife confronted senior UKIP member Godfrey Bloom four years ago over her husband's close friendship with Laure Ferrari, MailOnline has learned.

Angry Kirsten Farage accused Mr Bloom for being responsible for the burgeoning relationship because he had brought Miss Ferrari into UKIP.

She told Mr Bloom in a tense encounter: I blame you for introducing Laure to the party.

The show-down took place at the East India Club, a traditional gentlemens club in St Jamess in central London, a stones throw from the Houses of Parliament, during an early evening fundraising event.

Fancy dress: Kirsten Farage confronted Godfrey Bloom about Laure Ferrari in 2013 at a Ukip fundraiser, blaming him for hiring her and introducing her to Nigel. Pictured: Miss Ferrari and Bloom at his cowboy themed birthday party

Fun loving: The confrontation between Mrs Farage and Mr Bloom took place at the East India Club, a traditional gentlemens club in St James, a stones throw from the Houses of Parliament, during a fundraising event two years ago. Pictured: A lively Miss Ferrari

Angry: Kirsten Farage was described as 'very angry' when she accosted Godfrey Bloom four years ago. Last week, she said she and her husband had lived separate lives 'for years' and he had moved out of the family home last year

Defensive: Both Miss Ferrari and Farage have dismissed rumours of an affair, with the former Ukip leader describing the claims as 'ludicrous'. Pictured: She was seen outside Farage's home last week, casually dressed and dealing with the bins, having spent the night at the property

In trouble: Mr Bloom had come under fire because he had unwittingly tried to make Farages wife and Miss Ferrari attend the same event in 2014. Pictured: The 4million London home Farage is borrowing from a friend and sharing with his French friend

Kirsten had a right go at Godfrey about Laure about four years ago, a UKIP source told MailOnline.

Kirsten blamed Godfrey for Nigels relationship with Laure because he was the one who gave her a job.

Kirsten confronted Godfrey at a UKIP fundraiser. She was very angry.

There was no actual scene but Kirsten was very cross.

Mr Bloom, then MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, had come under fire because he had unwittingly arranged for Farages wife and Miss Ferrari attend the same event.

He had fought for vivacious, charming and attractive Miss Ferrari to attend the fund-raising event knowing she would be a hit with donors.

But when Mrs Farage discovered she was being forced to share the room with her she hit the roof, the source claimed.

The relationship between Mr Farage, 52, and Miss Ferrari, 37, came under the spotlight last week after she was photographed outside his 4 million borrowed London bachelor pad last week.

Meanwhile his humiliated wife  the mother of the couple's two young daughters  has conceded that their marriage has been over for years.

Laure Ferrari joined UKIP staff in 2007 to work as a parliamentary assistant to Mr Bloom.

University days: Mr Bloom and Mr Farage first met the vivacious French woman when she worked as a waitress at their favourite Strasbourg watering hole, the Cornichon Masque. Miss Ferrari loves hip hop and was nicknamed 'Sporty Spice' at university in Strasbourg

Shared views: Miss Ferrari worked for two years for Mr Bloom before she became a member of the EU civil service working for UKIP in Brussels and in Strasbourg. Friends say she has long held the belief that Britain should leave the EU - a view she shares passionately with Farage

Outspoken: A vocal supporter of Brexit, she would tell friends how Farage was a much better campaigner than Boris Johnson. Like Farage, Miss Ferrari (with the green scarf) was a Donald Trump supporter and travelled to Washington for the new US President's inauguration

Close: The alleged close friendship between Miss Ferrari and Mr Farage did not begin until several years after she began working for UKIP, the source claims. Mr Farage had an egg thrown at him this week while out campaigning with UKIP leader Paul Nuttall

Mr Bloom and Mr Farage first met the vivacious French woman when she worked as a waitress at their favourite Strasbourg watering hole, the Cornichon Masque restaurant in the heart of the historic city centre.

Miss Ferrari worked for two years for Mr Bloom before she became a member of the EU civil service working for UKIP in Brussels and in Strasbourg.

However the alleged close friendship between her and Mr Farage did not develop until several years after she began working for UKIP, the source claims.

Mr Bloom has refused to discuss the private lives of his former colleagues Mr Farage and Miss Ferrari.

He told MailOnline: As my mother used to say, Im not going to discuss tittle tattle.

Miss Ferrari later stood for election for an odd-ball French Eurosceptic party  Debout Le Republique  but failed to get elected.

She now runs the right-wing Institute for Direct Democracy in Europe (IDDE) think-tank which is based in London.

The Electoral Commission watchdog has launched an investigation into the alleged payment of a total of 400,000 in dodgy donations from the think-tank and an affiliated political alliance to UKIP, ahead of the General Election and the EU referendum.

Miss Ferrari is often part of the UKIP entourage that travels to the United States for speaking tours.

A friend of hers has told of his despair at her new living arrangements in London with Mr Farage, who already has two failed marriages behind him.

It is a terrible shame, the friend told MailOnline. I always hoped that Laure would have found a nice bloke, settled down and started a family.

A friend of Miss Ferrari spoke of his despair at her new living arrangements in London with Mr Farage, who has two failed marriages behind him. Pictured: Kirsten Farage in 2015, helping out at UKIP's spring conference

Defiant: As rumours swirled about her husband, Kirsten Farage  the mother of his two young daughters  conceded that their marriage has been over for years. Pictured: Mr Farage with Kirsten at their local pub in Kent in 2015

Born into a simple hard-working family in the mountain town of Epinal, Miss Ferrari is the oldest of two daughters of the Ferrari family who trace their roots back to the French Mediterranean island of Corsica.

Moving the family first to Nancy and then to Strasbourg her father ran a small haulage firm before retiring last year.

A committed Anglophile Miss Ferrari studied English at the University of Strasbourg and then spent two more years there doing a masters degree in communications.

After her studies she took out a bank loan and opened a clothes shop called Urban Flavour.

However her business did not flourish and she was forced to work as a waitress at a friends restaurant  Cornichon Masque  to make ends meet.

Jules, the patron of the quaint little restaurant in the picturesque Place du Marche Gayot square, told MailOnline: Laure used to work here. She was very popular with the clients. She was always talking with the men and sharing a joke, they loved her.

A university friend has revealed how Miss Ferrari has been linked to Mr Farage for a long time.

Aslam Evrim told MailOnline: What I know is that she has had ties to Nigel Farage professionally and politically for a long time now.

After Brexit she was very defensive of him [Farage].

A friend has described how the pair became almost inseparable in Brussels and Strasbourg.

After her studies she took out a bank loan and opened a clothes shop called Urban Flavour. However her business did not flourish and she was forced to work as a waitress at a friends restaurant  Cornichon Masque  to make ends meet which is where she met Mr Farage

A friend has described how she and Mr Farage became almost inseparable in Brussels and Strasbourg. Aslam Evrim told MailOnline: What I know is that she has had ties to Nigel Farage professionally and politically for a long time now. After Brexit she was very defensive of him'

Everyone says that I am Nigel Farages parliamentary assistant but this is not true, Miss Ferrari told EurActiv news website in 2014.

I was head of public relations.

In June 2013 she teasingly tweeted a link to a newspaper article headlined; Why do more women want to bed Nigel Farage over David Cameron?

Miss Ferrari also fought a battle with Nigel Farages alleged mistress Annabelle Fuller claiming French women were better lovers as they are discreet and respectful.

In an email rant she wrote about British women with a very short dress, tarty-looking, drinking massively who vomits in the street and then leave with the first man to pick them up.

The outburst was aimed at jealous UKIP aide Annabelle Fuller who was publicly accused of sleeping with married former party leader.

An ex-colleague told The Sun: Laure and Annabelle absolutely hated each other and made no effort to hide it. They actively sought to bring each other down in Nigels eyes.

Miss Ferraris family have declined to comment on her relationship with Mr Farage.

Her sister June told Mailonline: My sisters love life is nothing to do with me.

The university friend added: She was a very fun person to spend time with, all laughs and smiles but you could have very deep and serious conversations with her as well.

Cheeky: In June 2013 Miss Ferrari teasingly tweeted a link to a newspaper article headlined: Why do more women want to bed Nigel Farage over David Cameron?

Joyful: The manager of a restaurant in Strasbourg where Miss Ferrari worked recalled how she was always a hit with the customers: 'She was always talking with the men and sharing a joke, they loved her'

She used to wear street wear and listen to hip-hop all the time.

We used to joke that she looked like Britney Spears or Sporty Spice.

Miss Ferrari continues to be close to Mr Bloom, who she has described as one of my favourite people on earth.

Mr Bloom was elected as UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber in 2004.

However UKIP withdrew the party whip from him in 2013 after he joking referred to women as sluts at the party conference.

He continued to sit as an independent MEP until the end of his term in office in May 2014. He resigned from UKIP in October 2014.

Speaking from her family home in Kent, Mrs Farage declined to comment on the alleged confrontation with Mr Bloom.
Pastor Light Monyeki preached to worshipers at the Grace Living Hope Ministries

A Christian pastor in South Africa has sparked outrage after encouraging worshipers at his church to drink deadly rat poison.

Pastor Light Monyeki told worshipers at the Grace Living Hope Ministries to drink from a bottle of water laced with noxious Rattex to 'nourish their bodies' and 'heal their sickness'.

After the pastor took a sip from the bottom, 'a multitude of congregants voluntarily ran to the front to have a drink of the deadly poison', the church claimed.

Sharing pictures of Monyeki pouring the poisoned water down congregants' throats, the church wrote in a Facebook post: 'The man of God, Prophet Light Monyeki demonstrates power of faith by causing congregants to drink Rattax; deadly poison to show forth their faith.

'As he was doing that he said we do not need to proclaim faith because we are believers. If nyaope [a street drug] boys can smoke Rattax for more than eight years, who are we? Death has no power over us.

'Then he declared life from above upon the water mixed with Rattax; and spoke nourishment unto bodies and healing unto the sick.

'A multitude of congregants voluntarily ran to the front to have a drink of the deadly poison. After declaring nourishment and healing, Prophet Light was the first one to drink.'

He told parishioners to drink from a bottle of water laced with noxious Rattex

Monyeki claimed that drinking the water mixed with Rattax would bring 'nourishment unto bodies and healing unto the sick'

Pictures have emerged online of Monyeki pouring the poisoned water down his congregants' throats during the service

Nyaope is a highly addictive drug that has come into widespread use in South Africa, and is made from a range of ingredients including low-grade heroin, rat poison and detergents.

Rattex can lead to death in humans, as it prevents clotting in the body, meaning those who ingest it can bleed to death

The pastor has faced widespread criticism since the photographs were posted online.

Sampson Gyebi Dankwa said: 'This pastor is SICK! Rat poison to your congregants? Have you tasted it? First heal yourself from whatever is causing you to feed your members with a deadly substance.'

Brenda Crooks wrote: 'Why are you giving people poison in the form of Rattex. You are ungodly and an absolute disgrace to your so-called profession. SHAME ON YOU!'

The pastor has faced widespread criticism since the photographs were posted online

Rattex can lead to death in humans, as it prevents clotting in the body, meaning those who ingest it can bleed to death

And Rose Ramahlafi added: 'This is disgusting. People are abusing the name of God, and the people who are ignorant of their faith will perish in the process.'

Monyeki is not the first controversial South African pastor to have encouraged unorthodox practices among his parishioners.

In 2014, the 'miracle worker' Pastor Lesego Daniel of Rabboni Centre Ministries in South Africa convinced members of his church to eat grass, telling them it would give them strength and healing.

A year later, another controversial young pastor named Penuel Mnguni allegedly commanded a snake to turn into chocolate, then told his congregants to eat the animal's body as a show of faith. He was later arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.
French Jews who have dual Israeli nationality will have to give up one of their nationalities if far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is elected.

The Front National leader said she would not allow citizens to hold dual citizenship in two non-European countries.

She will, however, not include Russia in the policy, stating she considers it to be part of the 'Europe of nations'.

Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said people with dual citizenship of non-European countries will have to renounce their second nationalities

Speaking on France 2 TV, she said immigrants, and those who hold two passports, would have to surrender one of their passports - but added that this would not mean they would be deported.

She told presenter Lea Salame last night: 'Israel is not a European country and doesnt consider itself as such.'

And Le Pen continued: 'Im asking the Israelis to choose their nationality. It doesnt mean that if they dont choose French nationality, they have to leave.'

The far-right candidate is expected to advance to the second round of the April-May presidential election.

Le Pen's party is widely considered to be anti-Semitic among the country's Jewish population.

Last year Le Pen's father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, was fined 24,000 for stating in a TV interview that gas chambers in World World Two were a mere 'detail' of history

Last week she said French Jews should stop wearing yarmulkes in public, telling Channel 2 that it was part of her quest to ban religious symbols.

She said: 'Honestly, the dangerous situation in which Jews in France live is such that those who walk with a kippah are in any case a minority because they are afraid.

'But I mainly think the struggle against radical Islam should be a joint struggle and everyone should say, "There, we are sacrificing something".'

Claiming the move would help battle radical Islam, Le Pen said of French Jews: 'Maybe they will do with just wearing a hat.'

Le Pen's father and former leader of the Front National, Jean-Marie Le Pen, was last year fined 24,000 after claiming gas chambers used in World War Two were a 'detail' of history.

The remark, made in a TV interview, sparked a public feud with his daughter, who moved to expel him from the party.
A woman was arrested on suspicion of murder after another woman fell to her death from a ten storey building.

Residents reported 'aggressive' shouting coming from the middle-class east London apartment block before the 35-year-old victim plunged from the top floor.

Officers cordoned off Massey House, in Guy Townsley Square, where flats are rented for more than 1,800-a-month, shortly after the death at 11.20am yesterday morning.

Residents reported 'aggressive' shouting coming from the middle-class east London apartment block (pictured) before the 35-year-old victim plunged from the top floor

Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the victim but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said a 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder before being bailed, pending further inquiries and the

Neighbours said they heard a 'commotion' from the 10th floor flat before the woman was found on the ground after apparently falling from a side window.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: 'I heard a female voice shouting in a very aggressive manner. I also heard a big bang and looked down out of the window and I saw the lady on the ground.

'The ambulance came very quickly and they were administering CPR but she wasn't moving and it was obvious she was dead. They covered her in a blanket and tarpaulin.'

Another neighbour added: 'We just heard a lot of shouting which must have been going on for about five or 10 minutes.

'Someone then went to go and alert the caretaker, but by that point the woman's body was on the ground. We are all shocked.'

A tent was erected over the body of the 35-year-old victim and a 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder before being bailed

Other residents described how the woman who lives in the flat rushed into the communal corridor in 'hysterics'.

One said: 'The woman who rents the flat where it happened came out and was hysterical, saying that her and the woman had been having breakfast together.'

A Met Police spokesman said: 'A 35-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed. A post-mortem and formal identification will be held in due course.

'Officers from Tower Hamlets are investigating. At this early stage, the death is being treated as unexplained.

'A 32-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to an east London police station.

'She has since been bailed pending further inquiries until a date in late March. Inquiries continue.'
Pregnant single mother Aileen Cullinane yanked the hair of her widowed mother

A 'real life Vicky Pollard' beat up her mother and stepfather after downing eight pints of lager.

Pregnant single mother Aileen Cullinane yanked the hair of her widowed mother Lynn Gradwell, 54, and squared up to her second husband Mark, 51.

The 27-year-old from Salford, who claims 340 a month in benefits a month, had knocked back the lager on the anniversary of her father's death.

She was three months pregnant with her second child at the time, the court heard.

Magistrates in Manchester were told she had split up with her boyfriend following a 'discussion' over the identity of the unborn child's father.

On Thursday Cullinane, who arrived late for court sporting pink hair and purple lipstick, admitted two charges of assault by beating.

Prosecutor Miss Ann Deakin said: 'Emotions were running high and on the day in question the defendant had gone to the Gradwells' home with her 10-year-old daughter.

'Whilst there the defendant left her daughter with her mum and stepfather while she went to visit a friend. While she was out she accepts that she had some alcohol, some eight cans of lager.

On Thursday Cullinane, who arrived late for court sporting pink hair and purple lipstick, admitted two charges of assault by beating (Cullinane outside court)

'As a result when she returned to the address an argument happened with her stepfather about the defendants upbringing. As a result of that there was an altercation between the defendant and her mother and stepfather.

'The defendant accepts that in relation to Lynne Gradwell she pulled her mother's hair twice.

'Mark was trying to call the police when she tried to stop him by grabbing the phone out of his hand and struck him - because she didn't want him to call the police at the time.'

In a statement Mrs Gradwell said she still loves her daughter and wants her to get the help.

Cullinane, who has previous convictions for being drunk and disorderly, assault, criminal damage and possession of a weapon in a public place, was conditionally discharged for 18 months.

She was ordered to pay a 20 victim surcharge and 75 costs out of her benefits. Cullinane also has to pay a further 1,134 in outstanding fines.

In court Cullinane's lawyer Steve Munton said: 'The day in question has a background, and the defendant admits to having that drink when she attended at her friends.

Cullinane, who has previous convictions for being drunk and disorderly, assault, criminal damage and possession of a weapon in a public place, was conditionally discharged for 18 months

'Following that there was a verbal discussion about the upbringing of the defendant and as a result Miss Cullinane admits to pulling the hair of her mother and her step father tried to intervene.

'She admits that while she was trying to get the phone from her stepfather she did come into physical contact with him, in a reckless act. It is aggravated by the drink and the fact that a child was in the address.'

Mr Munton added: 'Her personal circumstances is that she has recently been forced to move from the Salford area.

'She fell pregnant and there were discussions made with her partner of who the father was, which led to the break down of that relationship and she has had to move out of her address and declare herself homeless to get another address.

'Her ex-partner attended court this morning and threatened to stab her and kick her unborn child out of her. This was very distressing for her.'

On Facebook she has posed for a series of selfies showing blonde pigtails and and a shell suit.

Her timeline is littered with foul mouthed rants similar to Vicky Pollard, the well-known character from Little Britain.
Ross Cameron has defended controversial comments he made on homosexuality in what has been described as 'the worst apology I've ever heard' by a colleague.

Speaking to Sky News presenter Janine Perrett, Cameron played down a speech he made at a fundraiser for far-right group Q Society in Sydney, Sydney Morning Herald reported.

'I gave a very pro-gay speech in which I said that gays have been associated with the creative class since the beginning of history,' Cameron said on Friday.

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'Very pro-gay': Ross Cameron defended a controversial speech in an interview on Sky News

In his speech at the fundraiser on Thursday Cameron, the former Liberal federal member for Parramatta, took aim at his own party and repeatedly referred to homosexuality and Roman emperor Hadrian.

'The NSW division of the Liberal Party is basically a gay club,' Cameron said.

'I don't mind that they are gay, I just wish, like Hadrian, they would build a wall.'

Cameron, a Sky News political commentator, told Perrett he apologised if the reporting of the comments caused offence.

'I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to add one ounce of discomfort to any human for their sexual preference.

'If the reporting of these comments has caused someone to feel a greater sense of isolation over their attraction then I very sincerely apologise.'

Perrett was not impressed.

'Ross, that was the worst apology I've ever heard,' she said.

'So if they weren't reported then you wouldn't apologise?'

Former Liberal MP Ross Cameron speaking at a fundraiser for the far right group the Q Society

'No problems with gays': Cameron said his controversial speech was not critical of gay people

Sky News presenter Janine Perrett (right) was not impressed with Cameron's defence of his speech

The fundraiser for the Q society, which is unashamedly anti-Islam, was raising cash for their legal defence bill in response to being sued for defamation by Mohamed El-Mouelhy, a halal certifier.

Sky News host Janine Perrett is pictured

Cartoonist Larry Pickering made anti-Muslim comments in his speech at the fundraiser.

'Let's be honest, I can't stand Muslims,' Pickering said, Sydney Morning Herald reported.

'If they are in the same street as me, I start shaking.'

Pickering, who also donated one of his cartoons featuring the rape of a woman in a niqab by her son-in-law as an auction item, wryly added he didn't think all Muslims were bad.

The Q Society's Melbourne fundraiser, a day after the Sydney event, was beset with more than 100 protesters.

A man's throat was grabbed and a woman was almost run over as anti-racism protesters clashed with far-right group the Q Society.
A German town has banned a popular children's song - about a fox stealing a goose - from being rung out from its town hall tower after a vegan resident complained the melody was making her upset.

Residents in the storybook town of Limburg an der Lahn in Hesse are serenaded daily by the town hall glockenspiel, which rings out a repertoire of traditional songs.

Among them is a tune called Fuchs, Du hast die Gans gestohlen, which translates as 'Fox, you stole the Goose'.

Residents in the storybook town of Limburg an der Lahn in Hesse are serenaded daily by the town hall glockenspiel

The children's song talks of hunter shooting a fox with his gun, and contains lyrics such as '[he] takes a little shot at you, so you're tinged with red, and then you're dead.'

The woman reportedly objected to a line in the song that says: 'the hunter will get you with his gun.'

The unnamed woman, who works within earshot of the town hall, has complained that just hearing the tune distresses her.

The fact that the tune played from the tower was given a purely instrumental version was apparently no consolation to the woman.

The children's song talks of hunter shooting a fox with his gun after the animal steals a goose

The lyrics to 'Fox, You've Stolen the Goose' Fox, you've stolen the goose Give it back! Give it back! Or the hunter will get you with his gun, Or the hunter will get you with his gun. His big, long gun, Takes a little shot at you, takes a little shot at you, So, you're tinged with red And then you're dead. So, you're tinged with red And then you're dead. Dear little fox, let me advise you: Don't be a thief, Don't be a thief, Don't take the roast goose, Be content with the mouse. Don't take the roast goose, Be content with the mouse. Advertisement

In response, town hall leader Marius Hahn has banned the song from the list of approved tunes, saying he did not want to be a 'monster' to the woman.

He agreed to grant the woman's request to stop playing the song because she had 'asked nicely', Hessenschau reports.

'We are giving the goose a closed hunting season and regularly switch out the musical pieces,' town spokesman Johannes Laubach said.

'We have 15 songs in the repertoire, mainly German folk songs', he added.

He also said there had been no complaints from atheists about the inclusion of traditional song 'Wem Gott will rechte Gunst erweisen' - meaning 'Whoever God wants to bestow his favour on'.
This is the moment a Cambridge University student set a 20 on fire as he taunted a homeless man.

Mobile phone footage now shows Ronald Coyne, a law student, hold out the note and put a lighter to it, after he was asked for change by a man sleeping on the streets.

Ryan Davies, 31, has spoken about the moment he was teased by law student Ronald Coyne, who held out the 20 before pulling it back and saying, 'I'll give you some change, I've changed it into fire.'

Ryan, an unemployed crane operator who has been homeless for three months, thought his luck was in - until the Pembroke College student set the money alight.

Ronald Coyne (right), a first-year law student at Pembroke College, taunted a rough sleeper with a 20 note. Ryan Davies (left) says he is disgusted by what happened

Ronald Coyne, wearing a white bow tie and tails, appears to attempt to burn a 20 note in front of the homeless man in a video shared on Snapchat

The video, which was shared on Snapchat, shows Coyne in bow tie and tails holding the note aloft.

He then sparks a lighter next to it several times.

Ryan said: 'There were some people going past and I was asking them for spare change. I'm homeless. I asked one man for spare change. I was polite about it as I always am.

'He says let's see what I've got and pulls out a 20 note and went to pass it to me.

'I couldn't believe my luck. But then he pulled it back and lit it and said 'I'll give you some change, I've changed it into fire.'

Ryan added: 'It was absolutely disgusting. It was horrible. Just plain nasty. I suppose it's better than getting punched and kicked or even spat on because that has happened before.'

Coyne, 18, a first-year law student at Pembroke College, was dressed in a bow tie and tails when he taunted the rough sleeper.

A petition has now been set up calling for him to be expelled from the University. There has also been calls for him to work 200 hours in a homeless shelter.

Commenting on the petition, Anne Baynham, from Newent, said: 'He needs to learn that you can't treat people this way and then just go about your privileged life with no consequences.'

Others have suggested he must face some sort of punishment and that he 'does not deserve the privilege of education at the Cambridge University'.

The video shows a homeless man (pictured), believed to be Mr Davies, standing in Bridge Street in Cambridge city centre clutching what appears to be a sleeping bag

An online petition to have Mr Coyne expelled from Cambridge University has gained more than 700 signatures

It is believed the shocking Snapchat video was filmed in the early hours of Thursday 2 February and was seen by hundreds of students.

In the film the student struggles to light the note while the camera pans to the homeless person.

The Cambridge University Conservative Association named the student as Ronald Coyne, its communications officer, and said it has now expelled him from the group.

His mother Sandra McLaughlin, 46, said she could not understand her son's behaviour.

Speaking from their family home in Livingston, West Lothian, last night she said: 'I don't recognise that behaviour in my son.

'I don't really know why he's done something so thoughtless and cruel.'

Mr Coyne (pictured) went to the Stewart's Melville school in Edinburgh and this is an extract from his yearbook

Mr Coyne (pictured) is a first year law student at Pembroke College and was a member of Cambridge University Conservative Association

She added: 'It's completely out of character. He did two years of volunteering at Stockbridge shelter homeless shop in Edinburgh when he was still at school.

'It's very surprising. We're just a normal family. We're not toffs, he's not a toff.'

Mr Coyne has taken down all of his online profiles but a fake Facebook account has now been set up in his name. He has yet to make any public comment about the incident.

A Cambridge University spokesperson said: 'This incident has been referred to the University's Disciplinary process. We cannot comment further while this process is underway.'

The behaviour has been likened to a rumoured act performed by Bullingdon Club initiates at the University of Oxford where its claimed they burn 50 notes in front of homeless people.

Do you know Ronald Coyne? Email rachael.burford@mailonline.co.uk
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A family of five are living in an old school bus because they were fed up of paying an extortionate amount of money on rent each month.

The converted bus is equipped with a full-size bed, a kitchen, a composting toilet and bath tub.

Brian Sullivan, 29, and his wife Starla, 26, bought the bus for $2,800 and after spending $30,000 renovating it, they are now living in it with their three children, Charlie, three, Henry, two and three-month-old Lincoln.

The couple only have to pay $500 a month in rent to live in the bus in Renton, Washington, a third of what they were paying previously for their pokey apartment.

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A family of five are living in an old school bus because they were fed up of shelling money on their rent

The converted bus is equipped with a full-size bed, a kitchen, a composting toilet and bath tub

The couple's motivation to live in the unconventional home was triggered by watching YouTube videos about accommodating, but tiny, houses that people comfortably live in

Mrs Sullivan said: 'We are ridiculous people and this is a ridiculous lifestyle and it just works.

'We now have money to eat the food that we want and go to the places we want.'

She added: 'We were paying $1,500 to live in an apartment that was about an hour away from Brian's work and the commute was awful.

'He would work overtime trying to pay the rent, then he would sit in a car for three hours and we would never see him, so we decided to make a change.

'We pay a third of the cost now and we have money to pay off debts and student loans!'

The view of the living room and kitchen inside the converted bus where the Sullivan family now live in Renton, Washington

The converted bus has a composting toilet, a bath tub, a kitchen with a microwave and oven combination

The couple's motivation to live in the unconventional home was triggered by watching YouTube videos about accommodating, but tiny, houses that people comfortably live in.

Mrs Sullivan said: 'There was this one video in particular - we called them the crazy people who lived in a blue bus.

'Yet we just kind of looked at each other and were like do you want to live in a bus with me?'

Mr Sullivan added: 'I thought she was joking, but no she was serious.

'I was at work the next day and I started to realise all of these benefits like being able to be mobile and being able to move if I got a job that was 20 miles away.'

Struggling to afford the most basic necessities, Brian Sullivan, 29, and Starla, 26, bought the old school bus for $2,800

The couple are paying $500 of rent a month to live in the school bus, a third of what they were forking out for their apartment

Despite their money-saving and functional aspects that come with the bus, the Sullivan family still have their issues from time to time.

Mrs Sullivan said: 'I wanted to feel like I was living in a tiny house, not a vehicle, and so we basically built a box inside the bus which really helps with regulating the temperature.

'We have had frozen pipes, no running water, we've run out of propane in the middle of the night and had no heat, no hot water, we've lost electricity.

'Whenever any of those things happen, I'm just grateful that they haven't all happened at the same time.'

She added: 'I see myself living in the bus until the kids move out.

'I know a lot of people say it's not possible for us to raise kids in the bus, especially until they turn 18, but I disagree.

'They might literally outgrow the bus because our ceilings are only six feet tall.

'I don't see us moving from the bus into anything traditional. It would be something equally ridiculous.'
An 80-year-old woman in South Carolina was stopped from boarding a plane by airport security because her walking cane concealed a hidden sword, and she didn't know.

The cane had an elegant bronze handle, that when twisted and pulled on, revealed a sword nearly the length of the cane.

Authorities in South Carolina believe that she had no idea until she went through airport security and was stopped by the Transportation Security Administration at Myrtle Beach airport.

The cane (pictured) had an elegant bronze handle, that when twisted and pulled on, revealed a sword nearly the length of the cane

It was a gift from her son, reported the Myrtle Beach Sun, that she had to give up in order to make it to her flight in time.

TSA regional spokesman Mark Howell recounted the incident Thursday at Myrtle Beach International Airport as part of an effort to highlight examples of dangerous items recently carried by passengers departing the airport.

'She had no it clue it was in there,' Howell said.

TSA regional spokesman Mark Howell recounted the incident Thursday at Myrtle Beach International Airport (pictured)

The TSA was at the Myrtle Beach airport as a part of a demonstration as to what people can and cannot bring onboard an airplane, according to WFNB News.

With them was a tabletop covered in items that have been confiscated at the airport's security checkpoints, such as knives, sunscreen and even a small sword concealed as a cane.

Howell told reporters secret swords are not actually that uncommon a discovery for TSA screeners since people sometimes buy the canes at thrift stores without realizing there's a sword inside.

Howell emphasized that people can't take anything onboard that resembles a weapon, including toy guns and squishy stress balls that look like hand grenades.

They reminded passengers on Thursday that if travelers bring weapons, they will either have to be checked or surrendered.
Doreen Crowther (pictured) bought a house with an inheritance

A divorcee was dragged screaming from court after being told she might lose her home to her ex-husband - almost ten years after they split.

Doreen Crowther, 46, bought the house with an inheritance and said her mother's dying wish was that her ex, Robert, 40, who is on benefits, didn't get a penny.

However, after being told she might have to sell the 200,000 home to pay him a share, she launched into a finger-wagging foul-mouthed tirade at her ex and his lawyers at the Court of Appeal.

Senior judges retreated to back offices as the hearing descended into chaos and security guards were called to escort the devastated mother-of-one from the building in London's Strand.

It means the long-running case, which began in 2010, will have to go back to court again and another hearing will decide whether Mr Crowther should get half of the house.

'He is holding me to ransom for my mother's house,' said Mrs Crowther during the hearing. 'He is dragging me through the courts to make me look stupid.'

The court heard the couple married in 1997 and separated in 2007 with their home in Amherst Rise, Worksop, as their only significant asset.

The four-bed house is in an affluent part of the town and was bought with Mrs Crowther's inheritance from her mother in 2002.

Ms Crowther said her mother's dying wish was that her ex, Robert, (pictured) who is on benefits, did not get a penny

When they finally divorced, Mrs Crowther insisted her husband wasn't due a penny from the home, which she considered as her 'mother's house'.

Mr Crowther left to live 'temporarily' in a single room at his parents' home near Milton Keynes, but is still there more than seven years later.

In their divorce case, he claimed the house they shared should be sold and the proceeds split so he could buy his own flat and move out of his parents' spare room.

But Mrs Crowther said the fact he was living in a single room, while she remains in their former matrimonial home, was 'justice' for what he had put her through during a difficult marriage.

He had been 'incapable of looking after money', running up debts which had cost her more than 80,000, she claimed.

The case reached a divorce court in Oxford in 2015 when Judge Robin Tolson QC decided Mrs Crowther, who has a stake in an online jewellery business, should keep the house.

Only a half share would be enough for Mr Crowther to buy his own property and that would be unfair, given that it was his ex-wife's inheritance which paid for the property in the first place, he said.

Making her sell up and move to a less affluent part of town might be too much for the mother-of-one, who has had mental health issues in the past, he added.

He added that he was not sure that Mr Crowther, who uses a wheelchair and walks with sticks, would actually be able to live independently, due to his disabilities. But at the Court of Appeal, Mr Crowther's lawyers insisted that the judge had not properly considered his needs in making the decision.

The couple split 10 years ago but have had a long running battle over the 200,000 property in Worksop, Nottinghamshire

'The husband's case had been consistently that his physical and emotional needs were not being met whilst living in a first floor room with his parents,' said barrister Thomas Dance.

'Not just because he is heavily reliant on a wheelchair, but also because he is 40 years old and needs independence.'

He added: 'His only means of achieving independence and personal confidence would be by housing himself independently.'

The question whether or not he would actually be capable of living on his own had never been raised by Mrs Crowther, he said.

It was Judge Tolson who had come up with the point and then overstepped the mark when questioning Mr Crowther about it.

The divorcee was dragged screaming from court after being told she might lose her home to her ex-husband - almost ten years after they split

Allowing the appeal, Lord Justice McFarlane, sitting with Lady Justice Macur and Lord Justice Henderson, agreed that Judge Tolson had gone too far.

Mr Crowther had been given no advance warning that his ability to live alone would be questioned, and so had no time to prepare evidence, he said.

'It is plainly part of the wife's case that it is simply unfair that he should now be awarded any further sums from her finances,' he added.

'I can understand why both parties wish to achieve closure on this issue, which has been open between them for nearly ten years.'

Having allowed the appeal, the judges ordered that the case be sent back to a family judge to decide what Mr Crowther is entitled to.

The ruling immediately sparked Mrs Crowther's rant, as she screamed that she was in 'a cage' and said she would 'kill' her ex-husband. Mr Crowther's lawyers attempted to placate her but security had to be called to remove her from the building.
A Virginia Tech student accused of murdering a 13-year-old girl feared he had gotten her pregnant at a high school party, new court documents show.

David Eisenhauer, now 19, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of abduction, first degree murder and hiding Nicole Lovell's dead body in January 2016.

His friend Natalie Keepers, now aged 20, was also charged in Lovell's death for helping to plan her murder and hide the seventh grader's body.

Court documents filed this week show that Keepers told police Eisenhauer was worried he might have had sex with the 13-year-old at a high school party but he couldn't remember because he had blacked out, the Roanoke Times reports.

Eisenhauer feared he had gotten Lovell pregnant and claimed she had threatened to kill herself if he broke off contact with her, according to Keepers.

Nicole Lovell was 13 when she was killed in January 2016 at the hands of David Eisenhauer. The girl had told friends David was her boyfriend and she planned to sneak out to meet him

David Eisenhauer (left) is accused of killing Nicole Lovell, while his friend Natalie Keepers (right) is accused of helping to plan her murder and hide the seventh grader's body

The details from Keepers statement to police were filed in court this week as her lawyers fight to stop her accounts about the killing from being read in front of a jury at her scheduled trial in March.

Her lawyers say she wasn't told she could remain silent when investigators questioned her over Lovell's death. Prosecutors claim she was first questioned as a witness but later incriminated herself so her statements should be allowed.

Eisenhauer and Keepers were both freshman at Virginia Tech when Lovell was killed.

Authorities said previously that Eisenhauer met the slain 13-year-old on Facebook and the pair had messaged on the anonymous texting app, Kik.

Authorities said previously that Eisenhauer met Lovell (pictured) on Facebook and the pair had messaged on the anonymous texting app, Kik

Police said Lovell had sneaked out of her window to rendezvous with the older teens at a high school party on January 27.

Her nude body was found after a four-day search just over the state line in North Carolina and authorities say she was stabbed and had her throat slashed.

The slain girl had told friends before she vanished that she was planning to sneak out to meet her 18-year-old 'boyfriend' who she said was named David.

Eisenhauer said Lovell had told him she was 16 at the party, but he later learned that she was only 13.

Bryce Dustin, a friend of Eisenhauer who was interviewed by police, said the accused killer feared the girl would 'expose' him for their inappropriate relationship after she said she wanted to be involved with him.

Eisenhauer later asked Dustin via text message if he knew where he could hide a body.

At a preliminary hearing last year, Blacksburg police Detective Ryan Hite said Keepers told investigators she and Eisenhauer discussed several ways to kill Nicole - drugging her, making it look like suicide and knocking her unconscious and leaving her to die of exposure.

They settled on what Keepers called 'the official plan': 'Grab her from behind, cover her mouth and slit her throat.'

Keepers told investigators she was not present for the actual killing.

The girl's father David Lovell told Dr Phil last year that he was worried about Nicole's online communication and that she had been grounded from all social media before her death

Court documents filed this week show that Keepers told police Eisenhauer (pictured) was worried he might have had sex with the 13-year-old at a high school party but he couldn't remember because he had blacked out

Lovell's friends and family said they were worried about the 13-year-old talking to older men online before she disappeared.

In an interview with Dr Phil last year, David Lovell said that his daughter had been grounded from all social media just before her death.

'You could tell these older guys had fake profiles. Some of the things they said were way too grown up for the picture they had. We found out before Christmas and took her phone away from her,' Mr Lovell said, adding that his daughter later got her phone back.

Mr Lovell also expressed his theory that Keepers was there when his daughter was killed, since she has a scratch on her face in her booking photo.

'I bet she fought like a wildcat. She's my kid,' Mr Lovell told Dr Phil.

'The Keepers girl, in her mug shot, looks like she has a scar. I'm pretty sure that would have been my daughter trying to fight back. She would not have gone out without a fight.'

Eisenhauer's murder trial was postponed this week after a judge agreed to delay it.
A lovable koala has been spotted wading across a flooded paddock on Kangaroo Island, following heavy rainfall in South Australia.

The video featuring the Australian icon was posted online on Thursday.

The footage was taken on one of Australia's most protected nature reserves, well known for its roaming wildlife.

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The koala is seen wading through a flooded paddock on Kangaroo Island after heavy rainfall

In the short video, the koala is seen crossing through floodwaters built up on the island paddock.

Spotting the koala half way through its cross-stream adventure, the person filming, Nicole Redman, remains steadfastly silent while allowing the beloved marsupial to go about its business.

About half way across, the koala appears to slow its movements, seeming to enjoy the cool reprieve the water brought.

This is just the most recent video to emerge after much of Australia was hit with extreme weather events in February.

About half way across, the koala appears to slow its movements, seeming to enjoy the cool reprieve the water brought

In South Australia alone, where the footage was filmed, the state recorded well above average rainfall in January.

The month was the ninth wettest January ever recorded for the state, with four times the average rainfall recorded.

Meanwhile Western Australia's capital city recorded 114mm of rain in just 24 hours on Friday, the second highest rainfall for the city in 25 years.

In South Australia alone, where the footage was filmed, the state recorded well above average rainfall in January

The heavy downpour caused flash flooding across large parts of the city and outer city suburbs.

Extreme weather was also felt on Australia's east coast, but unlike the koala, residents felt no cool reprieve.

Temperatures reached the mid-40s in parts of New South Wales on Friday, and residents were warned they would soar even higher on Saturday.
Two Afghans have been arrested after allegedly trapping two girls in a swimming pool water-chute and sexually abusing them.

One of the men had allegedly stopped himself halfway down so that he could grab the two girls and his friend then followed behind them so that they could pin their victims between them to carry out the sex attacks.

The assault of two girls aged 13 and 15 involving two men aged 20 and 22 happened in the Aquapark in the city of Oberhausen, in North Rhine-Westphalia.

It is the latest suspected sex attack by migrants in Germany after last year's string of similar incidents.

The incident in the slide happened at the Aquapark in Oberhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia

Both of the alleged attackers had already caused trouble at the pool and had been banned from the building.

The ban was said to have been because the pair, from Afghanistan, had put on diving goggles and been swimming underwater so that they could put their hands on the private parts of female swimmers.

The two men had been taking it in turns to assault each of them German police spokesman Tom Litges

At that time the management had decided not to press charges against them.

Allowed to re-enter, the victims raised the alarm with the lifeguards, saying they had been stopped when they were using the giant slide and had been held so that they could be assaulted.

Police spokesman Tom Litges said: 'The girls travelled down the chute but were stopped halfway down by the first attacker, and were unable to go any further when suddenly the second attacker then came up behind them and the two men put their hands on the girls' breasts and bottoms.

'They said that the two men had been taking it in turns to assault each of them.'

Police were called by the lifeguards and the two were arrested while still in the swimming pool.

Two migrants were arrested on suspicion of molesting five girls in this pool in Bad Oldesloe

AquaPark spokesman Alexander Hoefer said: 'We will not tolerate anything like this in our swimming pools, and we are filing a criminal complaint against the two men.'

After problems last year the management had apparently installed 46 cameras in the swimming pool and car park, and the footage is now being studied following the girls allegations and the arrest of the two men.

Meanwhile, two asylum seekers have been charged with molesting five girls between the ages of 12 to 14 at a second German swimming pool.

A local police report from the Ratzeburg force states the suspects were two 'southern-looking' men who molested them under the water.

The men are 23 and 34 years old and are said to be asylum seekers living in Bad Oldesloe in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein.

The town centre of Bad Oldesloe, where the two men were said to be living as refugees

The incident was reported to the lifeguards, according to the report, who kicked them out of the pool before calling the police.

It is not the first problem at swimming pools in the area.

Last year, a secret police document was leaked in Duesseldorf voicing the 'grave concern' of police chiefs about soaring sex crimes carried out by refugees at public swimming baths.

A month later, the professional swimming association in Germany wanted to reduce escalating sex attacks by refugees at public baths by training migrants to become pool lifeguards.

The Federal Association of German Swimming Professionals (BDS) said in July it would be 'an inclusive measure that would benefit everyone'.

There were several reports of rape and other sex attacks committed against women and children at public pools both in Germany and neighbouring Austria last year.

Many municipalities, including Munich, displayed charts in numerous languages aiming to teach migrants to respect women and children at the local pool.

The men are 23 and 34 years old and living in Bad Oldesloe (pictutured) in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstei

Across the border in Austria, the problem is also present.

In October, an Iraqi refugee who raped a 10-year-old boy at a swimming pool has had his conviction overturned because a court didn't prove he realised the boy was saying no.

The rapist, identified as Amir A, 20, violently sexually assaulted the boy in the changing room of Theresienbad pool in Austria claiming it was a 'sexual emergency' because he had not had sex for four months.

But an appeal court in the country accepted the defence lawyer's claim that the lower court had not done enough to prove he knew the schoolboy was saying no and overturned the conviction.
A 27-year-old mother of two in Virginia has been charged with first-degree murder after police said she fatally shot her six-year-old daughter.

Darla Hise, of Hot Springs, called Bath County 911 dispatchers several times on Saturday around 10pm saying 'I think my daughter has been shot', but would not give her name or address.

When deputies traced the call to an area in Hot Springs, they found Hise in a car, and discovered she was the person who made the calls after she told them her daughter had been shot and asked them for help.

She led them to her home, where they found her six-year-old daughter, Abigail, shot dead.

Darla Hise, of Hot Springs, Virginia, was charged with first-degree murder on Sunday, a day after allegedly shooting her six-year-old daughter Abigail

Hise's three-year-old son was home at the time but was unharmed. He has since been put in the care of family members.

Police investigators found a gun at the scene. Bath County Sheriff Robert Plecker told WDBJ that it was one of the worst crime scenes he had seen in 30 years.

Hise, who has no criminal history, voluntarily spent Saturday night in the hospital, and investigators took a statement the following morning. She was later charged with first-degree murder.

Plecker said investigators are still trying to work out what led to the shooting on Saturday.

Abigail, six, was found dead in her home on Saturday night at around 10pm after her mother called 911 several times

'It's a devastating event to this community,' Plecker told WDBJ.

An obituary for Abigail, who was known to friends and family as Abby, says she is survived by her grandparents, father, friends and an 'entire community who loved her'.

'She was a beautiful, happy child who loved to ride her bike, draw, color and play with her little brother, "Ben Ben",' the obituary reads. 'She was a frequent visitor to Lake Moomaw where she loved to swim and play in the lake.'

A memorial was held for Abigail earlier this week. Many of her kindergarten classmates, as wells as friends and family members, attended.
A 67-year-old white judge allegedly scolded a taxi driver for giving up his seat in a restaurant to a 'fat n*****' in a racist diatribe.

Louisiana Judge Mike Erwin, who is the 19th Judicial District's most senior judge, made the alleged racial slur while at Sammy's Grill, in Baton Rouge.

Customer Kaneitra Johnson, who is black, shared her traumatic experience in a public Facebook post.

Louisiana Judge Mike Erwin, who is the 19th Judicial District's most senior judge, allegedly ticked off a taxi driver for giving up his seat to a 'n****r'

According to Johnson there was a two hour wait for her group of friends to be seated, so they decided to stand at the bar.

While at the bar she started speaking with a Lyft driver.

Recalling the incident on February 3, she told the Rogue Collection: 'He was sitting and I was standing that entire time. He stepped away to the restroom so I sat in the seat until he got back.

'When he got back I asked if he wanted to have his seat back and he said, "No. I'm about to go anyway." But before I leave I do need my jacket. '

At that point, she claimed to hear an older man telling the taxi driver: 'You never give up your seat for a n*****.'

For good measure, he then allegedly added: 'You should have made her get her fat n***** a** up.'

Ms Johnson, who works at Answer Quick Telecommunications, LLC, wrote on Facebook: 'I've heard stories about people spewing out hatred but never been the person being spewed upon. I felt so low, embarrassed, unwanted, out of place... all in a place I've visited many times before.'

She only learned after the event the man involved was Judge Erwin.

Kaneitra Johnson (pictured) said she felt 'so low, embarrassed, unwanted and out of place'

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's office was called in following the argument.

The deputies spoke with other people at the restaurant who said they did not hear the argument and were unable to confirm whether Erwin really did use racial slur at Johnson, the sheriff's spokesman Casey Rayborn Hicks said.

'There was a disagreement between patrons, but no arrests or criminal charges or anything,' Hicks said.

However Andy McKay, manager at Sammy's Grill, has said the judge is now barred from the establishment.

He told The Root: 'I wasn't there that night, so I can't comment on the details, but I know police were called.

'I can also tell you that the owner Sammy Nagem has made it clear that Judge Erwin is no longer welcome here.

'We will refuse his business.'

The incident took place at Sammy's Grill (pictured) in Baton Rouge on February 3

Mike McClanahan, president of the Baton Rouge chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, told the Rogue Collection: 'The Baton Rouge Branch of the NAACP take these allegations very serious. We expect our judicial system to be fair and impartial.

'This type of behavior by one so entrusted is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

'We are calling upon the Chief Judge of the 19th JDC and the State Judicial Commission to launch a full, fair and complete investigation. If these allegations are held to be true, we are demanding that Judge Erwin be removed from the bench and a close scrutiny of all his cases involving people of color be had where his sole discretion was at hand. In the absence of justice, there shall be no peace.'

According to the website for Louisiana's 19th District, Erwin was an assistant city prosecutor in Baton Rouge City Court from 1979 to 1981.

He then served as an assistant district attorney with the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office from 1981 to 1990 before his election to the 19th Judicial District Court in 1991.

In 2014, he was re-elected to a fifth six-year term.

MailOnline had calls unanswered when they contacted Judge Erwin's office.
Thousands worshippers flocked to the streets of Chennai, India on Thursday to show their devotion to the Hindu faith - some with the most extreme body piercing imaginable.

In astonishing footage worshippers are seen with hooks piercing their backs and stomachs in a show of faith.

Others have their cheeks and tongues punctured with long ceremonial skewers.

Amazingly though none of them appear to show pain while in their meditative state.

The piercings are part of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which celebrates faith, endurance and penance.

Worshippers in the video are also seen marching through the streets, dressed in yellow with offerings in milk pots.

Some of the body piercing on display during Thaipusam was as intricate as it was painful

One man tries his hardest not to grimace as a long skewer passes through his cheeks

Others race across hot coals as a test of commitment to their faith.

Some of the most colourful celebrations happen in Malaysia, where it was first celebrated at the famous Batu Caves in 1888.

Every year more than a million people attend the festival in January, which can last for up to four days.

However there are also festivals in countries with a significant Tamil population including Singapore and South Africa, as well as India and Sri Lanka.

Some festival-goers carry elaborate frameworks which they hook into their backs
An Australian man has revealed why he will claim full responsibility for his girlfriend's death in a jet-ski accident on Thai resort island of Phuket.

Thomas Keating, 22, and Emily Collie, 20, from Victoria, were riding jet-skis near Kata Beach on Sunday afternoon when they collided at high speed.

Ms Collie was pronounced dead shortly after.

In a statement circulated on Friday, Mr Keating shared his 'gratitude' for the support Ms Collie's parents had shown him - after the mother and father were pictured walking with him hand-in-hand.

'They have my heartfelt gratitude for the love and support they have shown me while they are coping with the most devastating loss imaginable,' he said.

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Tommy Keating, from Victoria, walked hand-in-hand with the parents of Emily Jayne Collie and his family outside a police station in an extraordinary act of forgiveness

'I would like to express my unbearable sorrow at the loss of my soul mate Emily, who I loved more than anything in this world, as well as my never-ending apologies and condolences to Ian and Sally Collie and the rest of their family'.

'Ian and Sally, I am so sorry.'

In his media statement, released through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on Friday, Keating claimed full responsibility for the tragedy.

'I respect the country of Thailand and the Thai people. This was a tragic accident. However I take responsibility for what happened. And I have decided that the best thing is to accept a charge of careless driving leading to death,' he said.

The 20-year-old woman was killed when her jet-ski collided with her boyfriend during their dream holiday on Sunday afternoon near Kata Beach in Phuket

The 22-year-old man was charged with reckless driving, causing death on Thursday

Thomas Keating's statement (pictured) was released on Friday by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

On Thursday, Keating met with Thai police at the Phuket's Karon Police station.

Karon Police Chief Colonel Sanya Thongsawad told Phuket News on Friday that during the seven hours of questioning Keating submitted a plea of guilty.

Col Sanya said Keating told investigators a large wave surged while they were zig-zagging, causing the two jet-skis to collide.

'Accepting the charge is a good thing because the sentence will be reduced,' he said.

Ms Collie's family said they did not apportion blame to Keating for the tragedy.

'We are all heartbroken beyond words and at this extremely sad time we wish to be together with our family, with Tom and with other loved ones, to grieve and celebrate Emily's life,' they said in a statement.

The charge comes after Ms Collie, 20, was killed when their two jet-skis collided on Sunday

The 20-year-old woman died after she suffered severe injuries near Kata Beach in Phuket

DFAT, through its Smartraveller website, warns Australian travellers of the risks of riding jet-skis in Thailand, including issues related to insurance cover.

After the accident, members of the Royal Thai Navy, Marine Police and Kata Police found six jet-ski operators working from Kata Beach were renting craft without the required insurance.

Col Sanya told local media the police had no choice but to press charges of reckless driving against Keating.

'By law in Thailand, when an incident results in the death of a person, police are required to formally press a charge,' Col Sanya said.

The Thai public prosecutor is now preparing a case expected to be presented to court within the next fortnight.

Thai media reports say Keating may face a suspended jail sentence after the guilty plea.

Tommy Keating described Emily Jayne Collie as the most beautiful girl he had ever met

Ms Collie's parents have arrived in Thailand to bring their daughter's body home - as they urged authorities not to charge her boyfriend over her death

But under Thai law the charge could result in a jail term of up to 10 years.

On Thursday Mr Keating walked into the police station hand-in-hand with his late girlfriend's family, before pleading guilty to the charge, the ABC reported.

'Thomas pleaded guilty,' Superintendent Sanya Thongsawad told the broadcaster.

The young man was formally charged with careless driving, causing death. It's reported his passport has also been confiscated.

Mr Collie's grief-stricken parents Ian and Sally Collie have told authorities no one was to blame over their daughter's death - as they prepare to bring her body home.

A photo of Tommy Keating and his girlfriend Emily Jayne Collie, which he posted to his Facebook page along with an emotional tribute

In a heartbreaking statement via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Collie's parents said it was a 'tragic accident'.

'We are in the midst of grieving through the sudden loss of our precious daughter Emily,' her parents Ian and Sally Collie said.

'We do not believe anybody was at fault. In particular, we do not place any blame on Tom Keating, who we care about very much and who we know loved Emily deeply.'

It comes after the young woman's parents pleaded they didn't want to press murder charges against their daughter's boyfriend.

Mr Keating suffered minor injuries and broke down in tears in the ambulance on Sunday

Mr Keating's sister Bree Lyon (right) pictured together with Ms Collie (left), her brother's late girlfriend

Mr Keating's sister Bree Lyon (right) took to Facebook to share her grief at losing Ms Collie (front left)

Part of Mr Keating's emotional Facebook tribute to his girlfriend, Emily Jayne Collie

The grief-stricken boyfriend also paid tribute to his 'beautiful girl' in an emotional Facebook post.

'I love you so much Emily and I wish I could just bring you back into my arms,' Mr Keating wrote.

'I'm so broken and I know I'll never never be able to mend.

'I'll always be your boy and you'll always be my girl! We had so many plans for our future Emmy.'

Mr Keating said Ms Collie was 'taken too soon'.

'I love you to bits baby and I promise I'll never stop and you'll always have my heart!' he wrote.

'You where such an inspiration to myself and many others! The most beautiful girl I've ever met! Inside and out!

'Fly high up there Emmy I know you'll always be looking down on me and everyone you loved.

'Rest easy Emily I'll never forget you.'

Ms Collie was pulled unconscious from the water and was treated by lifeguards on the beach before she was pronounced dead

Ms Collie is pictured being treated by lifeguards on the beach at Phuket in Thailand

Two jet-skis are pictured parked in front a police station in Phuket, Thailand

Ms Collie of Victoria was a student at Charles Sturt University and went to Goulburn Valley Grammar School in Shepparton

Ms Collie was pulled unconscious from the water and was treated by lifeguards on the beach before she was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

On Sunday, Mr Keating said strong sunlight reflected off the sea and made it impossible to see her jetski, leading to the crash just off Kata Beach in Phuket.

Mr Keating suffered minor injuries and broke down in tears in the ambulance.

An onlooker, Prapai Navarak, said the boyfriend was crying but there was nothing anybody could do.

'It was so sad to see. Nobody could do anything. The woman's husband was crying. I am shocked,' Mr Navarak said.

Mr Keating's cousin, Sean Lyon Smith, said the couple had been in a relationship for about two years and had gone to Thailand on a 'dream holiday'.

Ms Collie, of Victoria, was a student at Charles Sturt University and went to Goulburn Valley Grammar School in Shepparton, according to her Facebook page.
Hundreds of thousands of people may have had their credit card data hacked into after buying Arby's fast food.

The restaurant found that its computer systems and tills in some US stores were breached by malware, that allows attackers to remotely steal data from each credit card as it is swiped at the cash register.

The fast food chain has since urged customers to report any 'unauthorized charges' on their cards to their banks.

Hundreds of thousands of people may have had their credit card data hacked into after buying Arby's

Security researcher and writer Brian Krebs, one of the first to detect the hack, said the breach occurred between October 25, 2016 and January 15, 2017 and could have resulted in data from over 355,000 credit and debit cards being extracted.

He also Friday said that only cards that were used in roughly 1,000 corporate restaurants, and none of its franchise restaurants operated by third parties, could be effected by the hack.

A spokesperson for Arby's, which is based in Atlanta, Georgia, said the company was first notified by industry partners in mid-January about a breach at some stores, but that it had initially not gone public about the incident at the request of the FBI.

A cashier serves a customer at Arby's. The malware allows attackers to remotely steal data from each credit card as it is swiped at the cash register

'Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. (ARG) was recently provided with information that prompted it to launch an investigation of its payment card systems,' the company said in a written statement provided to KrebsOnSecurity.

'Upon learning of the incident, ARG immediately notified law enforcement and enlisted the expertise of leading security experts, including Mandiant,' their statement continued.

'While the investigation is ongoing, ARG quickly took measures to contain this incident and eradicate the malware from systems at restaurants that were impacted.'

Krebs reported that 'the first clues about a possible breach at the sandwich chain came in a non-public alert issued by PSCU, a service organization that serves more than 800 credit unions.'

There are over than 3,300 Arby's restaurants in the US

That could mean that problems with non-credit-union issued credit and debit cards have yet to be reported.

The US is in the midst of a 'a national nightmare' for data hacking with a report by Risk Based Security, finding that there were 4,149 data breaches reported during 2016, which exposed over 4.2 billion records.

Dan Berger, the CEO of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions, has called for a national data security standard for retailers.

'Last year, the number of data breaches shattered all records and climbed 40% higher than reported in 2015 and there is no sign of the criminals letting up. In 2017, we have already hit 110 breaches, a 36% percent hike over the same time last year,' said Berger.

Malware can get into point-of-sale systems or cash registers as they are connected to the store or restaurant's computer network.
TV viewers told of their relief last night after a documentary showed the chaos in the European Union.

In 'After Brexit: The Battle for Europe', the BBC's Katya Adler toured the continent listing the many threats to the EU and speaking to prominent Eurosceptics.

After the programme exposed the division between countries involved, fears over the migration crisis and the misery heaped on some in the Union, many on Twitter said they were glad Britain had chosen to leave.

The BBC's Katya Adler exposed the mounting chaos in the EU in her After Brexit documentary

It showed protests in Germany over migration and anger in the South over unemployment

One user, Suzanne Bloxham wrote: 'Anyone else watching #afterbrexit & thinking 'thank f*** we're leaving'? What a mess.'

Paul Brown added: 'Anyone who watched #afterBrexit will be in no doubt that it's only a matter of time until the #EU implodes. The UK will is #betteroffout'

James Wood wrote: 'Anyone watching #afterbrexit should be thankful we voted out. Corrupt all along and only favoured Germany. Thank God we got out.'

The documentary showed protests over migration in Germany, unemployment in southern Italy and the maze of bureaucracy in EU buildings in Brussels.

Viewers said the programme made them pleased that Britain was leaving the crumbling union

Ms Adler also spoke to the leaders of anti-EU parties including Marie Le Pen in France, Beppe Grillo in Italy and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis.

Viewers poked fun at the fact the BBC, repeatedly accused of being pro-remain, had produced a programme exposing the problems with the EU.

One social media user wrote: 'I just had this weird dream that the BBC broadcast a documentary called #AfterBrexit that was honest about the state of the EU.'

Another added: '#AfterBrexit... the BBC made something honest, without fear of hurting Liberal feelz? there has to be a catch.'

Another posted: 'THRILLING to watch #AfterBrexit, the pro-EU BBC itself waking up to the EU's demise. Should be obligatory viewing for all BBC apparatchiks.'
Health and Life Sciences students have told how their career ambitions have been expanded following a #DMUglobal visit to New York.Students from Psychology, Pharmacy, Forensic Science Nursing , Audiology and Biomedical Science were among 1,000 students who travelled to Manhattan on De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)s biggest-ever overseas experience.During their whirlwind tour they combined cultural activities with those designed to give them extra insight into their course and underpin academic studies.Their itinerary included visiting the 9/11 Memorial, hearing from health services professionals about the impact it had on clients lives, and meeting counterparts studying in the US universities. Psychology third year Louise Cunliffe said: The biggest thing has been seeing the difference in how psychology is applied in the US to the UK. And seeing 9/11 has made us realise how you have to grab life and opportunities. Pharmacy students Lema Yousoufi, Hassan Yasin and Furqhan Sajid said it had inspired them to think about working abroad after their degrees.Lema said: Here everyone is on the go, its so fast-paced, completely different atmosphere to home. Coming to New York and seeing pharmacists has made me realise that actually, I could do this.Hassan added: It makes you realise that the end point for your career is not just in the UK, it could be places like New York. Its something to keep in mind.Visiting New York has given me a different perspective on Pharmacy, said Furqhan. We visited pharmacies and spoke to people working here and it has given me the idea to change direction and work in the US. Biomedical Science students Christian Cooper and Karolina Wlodowska were thrilled to be in New York. Christian said: "Its a once in a lifetime opportunity. It opens up more opportunities in your mind. Theres a lot more out there than you think.It has been really touching to hear about the experiences of 9/11, learning about the support given afterwards, added Karolina Wlodowska.Aqsa Shabir, Audiology student, said: Its given me different skills such as confidence. You were not always with your friends so we got to meet new people. To go to America is just amazing.Lisa Hackett, lecturer in Forensic Science, said the visit had inspired her to collaborate more between departments. DMUs New York visit included more than 1,000 students and staff. It is thought to be the single largest overseas visit by a UK university.In May, DMU is set to do it all again with a mass visit to Berlin.
Anti-terror police have arrested a man at Gatwick Airport after he returned from Iraq.

The 44-year-old from Hertfordshire was detained by specialist officers as he flew into the London airport yesterday.

He has been taken to a London police station where he is being questioned over the alleged preparation of terrorist acts by Scotland Yard detectives.

A man from Hertfordshire has been arrested by anti-terror police at Gatwick Airport

A police spokesman said: 'Officers from the MPS Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) yesterday, Thursday 9 February, attended Gatwick Airport and stopped a 44-year-old man from Hertfordshire under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act after he disembarked from a flight from Iraq.

'As a result of enquiries during the stop a decision was made to arrest the man under section 5 of the Terrorism Act - suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.

'The man was arrested under PACE and taken to a central London police station where he remains in custody.'

The arrest came on the same day as another man, aged 31, was arrested in east Norfolk on suspicion of encouraging support and fundraising for a terrorist organisation.

He was also held at a central London police station although there is no suggestion of any link between the two arrests.

Police said of the dawn raid in Norfolk: 'The arrest relates to suspected activities overseas.'

Scotland Yard confirmed the man arrested in Norfolk has been released on bail until March. Two properties in the county have been searched as part of the probe.
Since Trump's travel ban was halted last week, the intake of refugees from the seven targeted countries has more than doubled.

Analysts said that the move is a coordinated effort by the State Department to let in as many refugees from these countries as possible, in case the ban is reinstated by the Supreme Court.

The travel ban halted all citizens from predominantly Muslim countries Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen from entering the U.S. for at least 90 days - regardless of their immigration or residency status in the U.S.

Since Trump's travel ban was halted on February 3, the State Department has nearly doubled its intake of refugees from the seven banned countries

The order also put America's refugee program on an immediate 120-day halt, and stopped all refugees from Syria from entering the U.S. refugee program indefinitely.

The executive order caused chaos as soon as it was signed on January 27, with customs officials unsure what to do about people from the seven countries arriving at U.S. airports - unaware of the order.

Critics quickly filed challenges to the ban in court and on February 3, Judge James Robart halted the order on the basis that it was likely violating the law.

Since then, people from the seven countries are being allowed to enter the country and many are rushing to return to the U.S. in case the doors close again.

The State Department appears to be ramping up their efforts to let refugees from the seven countries into the U.S. as well.

Syrian refugee Baraa Haj Khalaf, (center), holds a bouquet of flowers as she greets people during her arrival at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on February 7

In the week since the ban has been halted, 1,186 refugees have been let into the country - 882 of them from the seven travel ban countries.

That's nearly double what the State Department was letting in in the week before Trump signed the order.

The intake of Syrian and Iraqi refugees has changed the most dramatically since the order was halted.

Between Trump's inauguration on January 20 and when he signed the ban on January 27, Syrians made up just 14 per cent of the total refugees being let into the country. Since February 3, Syrians now make up 30 per cent of all refugees entering the country. Iraq went from 10 per cent of all refugees before the ban to 21 per cent after.

Jessica Vaughan, policy studies director at the right-wing think tank Center for Immigration Studies, told the Washington Times the new numbers show that the State Department is prioritizing refugee resettlement over the security of American citizens.

Refugee intake from the travel ban countries, from Trump's inauguration and after the court order halt Country Jan. 20 - Jan 27* Percentage of total refugees Feb. 3 - Feb. 10** Percentage of total refugees Iran 155 7% 109 9% Iraq 218 10% 252 21% Libya 0 0% 0 0% Somalia 228 11% 130 11% Sud an 37 37% 32 3% Syria 296 14% 359 30% Yemen 1 .04% 0 0% Total: 935 44% 882 74% * January 20 was the day Trump was inaugurated; The 27th was the day he signed the travel ban order

** February 3 is the day that the travel ban was halted, thus opening the doors to immigration from the target countries

Source: The Refugee Processing Center

'There's no doubt in my mind they would be doing whatever they could to get people in before something changes because, from their perspective, their motivation is to resettle these folks. It would not be the first time that State Department officials have prioritized facilitating someone's entry to the United States over security concerns,' Vaughan said.

But those who work in refugee resettlement say the increase could be a coincidence, since the highest priority refugees - such as ones with urgent medical issues - are likely to be from the seven banned nations anyway.

'What I would hope for is we find a way to communicate with this administration and find a way to sit down and understand why are these, what I'll call alternative facts, about the danger of refugees being presented, because it's just not correct,' Erol Kekic, executive director of the Church World Service's refugee program, told the Washington Times.

Trump's reason for halting immigration from the seven countries is that he doesn't believe that citizens from these nations are being screened enough before they enter the U.S. He says stopping immigration until the system can be revamped will prevent domestic terrorist attacks.

Many in the refugee resettlement community argue that the process is already strict enough, and that terrorists aren't disguising themselves as refugees to get into the U.S., but Trump got an unlikely supporter in his beliefs from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad this week.

The Syrian President said that some of the refugees that are fleeing his country are 'definitely terrorists'.

In addition to the growth of ISIS - which has taken over a large swath of Syria - the country has been embroiled in a Civil War between Assad's supporters and rebels since 2011.

Assad's forces - backed by Russia - have been accused by the UN of committing war crimes on their own people in the struggle.
A mother is suing a New Jersey hospital claiming nurses gave her the wrong newborn to breastfeed after she gave birth.

Melissa Richman, 39, said nurses at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, gave her a child who they thought was her new daughter. Melissa had been recovering after a three-hour C-section in September and was given the baby to feed around 4.30 in the morning, NBC reported.

After she fed the unknown infant for 20 minutes, the nurse came back in the room to tell her there had been a mix-up.

Melissa Richman, 39, says nurses at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ, gave her the wrong infant to breastfeed

The woman fed an unknown baby for about 20 minutes before nurses realized it was not her newborn, Scarlett (pictured)

'She actually said there was a terrible mistake. "This was not your baby,"' Melissa said. Nurses took back the child and gave the woman her real daughter, Scarlett.

Richman and her husband David are suing the hospital saying maternity ward staff failed to check identification bracelets.

Baby Scarlett (pictured) had to drink formula from a bottle after she was returned to Richman because the new mom had run out of milk

The 39-year-old also said when it was time to feed her real daughter she had already been depleted. The mix-up also deprived Scarlett from drinking her mother's colostrum, the nutrient-rich milk secreted by new moms shortly after childbirth.

The baby girl was fed formula from a bottle instead.

After realizing the mistake, the nurse allegedly put Scarlett to feed from her mother's breast without wiping the other baby's saliva first, the New York Post said.

Rosemarie Arnold, the lawyer representing Melissa, said the hospital's medical records on the incident raise concerns about whether the parents of the other infant are aware of the situation.

The records do not clearly indicate anything unusual happened at the time of the mix-up.

The mix up caused the mother to feed colostrum, a nutrient-filled milk secreted by new moms, to the wrong child (pictured: Melissa, her baby, and her husband David)

Melissa said maternity ward staff at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey (pictured) failed to check identification bracelets

'Maybe they're out there and maybe they're watching this and they're going to say to themselves, "Oh, my God, that is us!"' Arnold said.

According to the lawsuit, the hospital had Melissa undergo tests to ensure there were no diseases passed to the other child.

But Arnold said it's her daughter who suffers from reflux, rashes, and allergies as a result of the mix up.

Melissa fears she may have possibly fed the wrong baby the first feeding time as well.

The mom said she was angry that her 'first few moments' with her newborn daughter were taken from her.

The Valley Hospital has not yet responded to Daily Mail.com for comment.
A Texas man has been indicted for the murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend, who was found stabbed more than 50 times after being reported missing in early November.

A Galveston County grand jury on Thursday returned the indictment on 21-year-old Jesse Dobbs, who is accused of killing Kirsten Fritch.

Dobbs is also the prime suspect in the double homicide of Fritchs mother, 37-year-old Cynthia Morris, and her 13-year-old sister, Brenna Pavilicek, who were both found shot to death at their home in Harris County on November 8.

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Indicted: A grand jury in Texas has indicted 21-year-old Jesse Dobbs (pictured smirking in his mugshot, left) for murder in the stabbing death of his 16-year-old girlfriend, Kirsten Fritch (right), in early November

More victims: Dobbs is also the prime suspect in the shooting deaths of Fritch's mother, 37-year-old Cynthia Morris (right), and her 13-year-old sister, Brenna Pavilicek (left)

Investigators say they are still awaiting the results of forensic tests in the deaths of the mother and her younger daughter.

Dobbs is due back in court for a status conference on February 16.

Court documents released following Dobbs' arrest indicated that during an interview with police, the 21-year-old suspect told detectives, unprompted: 'Kirsten is dead, I killed her.

He then added cryptically: Not the real Kirsten but the fake Kirsten, reported KTRK.

Defense attorney Jyll Rekoff later said that her client was high on methamphetamine at the time of the stabbing and she denied his involvement in the shooting deaths of the teen's mother and sister, reported Houston Chronicle.

Prior to his apprehension, Dobbs allegedly called up his ex-girlfriend, who is the mother of his two children, and told her he wanted to travel to Louisiana to see his kids for the last time.

The Galveston County Medical Examiner's Officer confirmed in mid-November that Fritch's cause of death was sharp force injury, reported the station KTRK.

Slaughtered: Kirsten Fritch (left), 16, was stabbed to death as many as 60 times before her body was found in the woods in Texas City two days after she vanished with boyfriend Jesse Dobbs (right), who later confessed to the killing to police

The girl's body was found in woodland behind Shenanigans bar in Texas City (above) last Thursday. Dobbs was arrested in the venue after he went in covered in sweat, and asked for a glass of water

The teenager had sustained between 50 and 60 stab wounds to her chest, neck, abdomen and face.

Fritch disappeared on November 8 before the bodies of her mother and sister were discovered in their home in Baytown, Texas.

Her boyfriend, Dobbs, was arrested in Texas City hours later after walking into Shenanigans bar covered in sweat and asking for a glass of water.

Confession: During an interview with police, the 21-year-old suspect admitted to killing Fritch, but his lawyer said he was high on meth at the time

Two days later, police found Fritch's lifeless body in a wooded area near the Texas City bar. A search of the surrounding area turned up a backpack that was submerged in water, which contained a knife wrapped in a garment and a journal bearing the victim's name.

Dobbs went on the run after allegedly shooting dead his girlfriend's mother and her 13-year-old sister.

Cynthia Morris and Breanna Pavilicek were found in the master bedroom at their home on November 8 after Morris's mother called police to share her concerns.

The medical examiner's office has stated that Morris was shot in the torso and neck while Pavilicek suffered gunshot wounds to her head, neck and right shoulder.

Police said Dobbs' grandmother told them she and Morris did not approve of a relationship between Dobbs and Fritch.

Barbara DeRamus told KENS5 that her granddaughter, who was an orchestra musician and had plans to study medicine in college, had met Dobbs online a couple of weeks before the murders.

A short time after the two started dating, the 21-year-old moved in with Fritch's family, but her mother wanted him out.

Crime scene: Cynthia Morris and Breanna Pavilicek were found in the master bedroom at their home in Baytown, Texas (pictured)

'He just seemed like a lowlife,' DeRamus said. 'I thought what was Kirsten doing with this idiot.'

The 21-year-old has two children from a previous relationship, and last year he was charged with domestic violence against the children's mother, who claimed that he was a methamphetamine addict.

'I believe he murdered my daughter and my innocent 13-year-old granddaughter,' said the grandmother. 'I hope he rots in hell.'
The family of police shooting victim Alton Sterling have revealed they fear an 'almighty cover-up' looming as investigators prepare to close the probe into his death.

Sterling was shot last July in his hometown of Baton Rouge as he lay on the ground pinned down by two police officers. His dying moments were caught on cell phone video which led to the officers being suspended.

Sterling was 37 years old.

Protests began in Baton Rouge and spread across the U.S. Five Dallas police officers were murdered two days later during a demonstration over Sterling's death.

Two weeks later, three police officers were shot dead in Baton Rouge and both the Baton Rouge and Dallas police murderers were also killed.

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Alton Sterling, 37, above with his girlfriend and children, was shot several times in the chest last July by two police officers

The officers were suspended after his death and now, as the investigation ends, his family fears justice will not be served. Sterling's aunt Sandra pictured with a tribute mural to him

Sterling, a father of five, who sold pirated DVDs was shot as he lay pinned to the ground

Baton Rouge D.A. Hillar Moore disclosed this week that the inquiry into Sterling's death was close to completion with results due in a month or two. Above, a memorial in honor of Sterling

Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore disclosed this week that the federal inquiry into Sterling's death was close to completion and results due in a month or two.

Moore also urged that resulting protests should be 'peaceful' - an ominous indication to Sterling's family that the two officers suspended over his death, Howie Lake II and Blane Salamoni, will be cleared of any criminal conduct.

But family and supporters of Sterling, who sold pirated DVDs of the shooting on the street, said key elements of the case had yet to be revealed to them and their legal teams.

Andricka Williams, the mother of three of Sterling's five children, said: 'Pray God they tell us the truth about how Alton died.

'I believe he was murdered and I want justice and nothing less than that. They shot him dead like he was some animal.'

Sterling's Aunt Sandra, 51, who brought him up from childhood after his mother died of cancer, said: 'I feel there is going to be an almighty cover up. These officers will be proved to have been right about shooting Alton dead while he was on the ground.

Moore's remarks that protests should be 'peaceful' have been taken by Sterling's family to mean that the two officers involved, Howie Lake II (right) and Blane Salamoni (left), are to be cleared of any criminal conduct

'We are seven months down the line from when my nephew died and so many things have not been released by the police.

'We ain't seen no dash cam video or heard any of the police car audio.

'They say that somebody dialed 911 saying they'd seen a man with a gun, but there ain't been no 911 tape and nobody has come forward and said they made the call.'

Sterling's death was captured on cell phone by shop keeper Abdullah Muflahi who told DailyMail.com that police had seized his own CCTV film and equipment and he was involved in legal action to recover the equipment and video.

'Luckily I got the cellphone film and the whole world saw how Alton was killed. He was shot while he was on the ground and wasn't threatening anybody.'

Sandra Sterling added: 'In any case we are in an open carrying state if Alton had a gun, which I don't believe he did, why would he try and hide it from the police when they went to him.

'They are trying to cover things up. They should realize that the time has come for these two officers to be charged with unlawful killing because that is what it was.

But family and supporters of Sterling, who sold pirated DVDs on the street, said key elements of the case had yet to be revealed. Sterling pictured with three of his children

Sterling's Aunt Sandra, 51, (pictured) who brought him up from childhood when his mother died from cancer, said: 'I feel there is going to be an almighty cover up'

'There are a lot of angry people in Baton Rouge and we just want the truth. I don't want any trouble at all. No violence, nothing.

'But it's time the police came clean about how he came to die and they could help bring this matter to an end.'

Williams added: 'They killed a good man. He was a good daddy to his children. I was with him for six years. I never saw him with a gun.

'I cry every day and the children don't understand why their daddy can't come home. I just hope he's in a better place than this. He loved his children.

'He lived for them and now I have to bring them up alone. I can't get a job and I can't afford the daycare so that I can work. I am desperate without him. He would spend all his money on his kids.'

The Department of Justice has been carrying out a criminal investigation into Sterling's death. In an incident captured on Muflahi's cellphone, six shots were fired - all by police.

The shooting shocked former President Obama who said he was confident the Justice Department had the ability to conduct a 'thoughtful, thorough and fair inquiry.'

But Black Lives Matter and Sterling's family said they were dismayed by Moore's comments that only peaceful protests should follow.

Sterling's dying moments were caught on video (pictured). Soon after his death, the local DA said it may have been 'potentially a state authorized killing (which gives) law enforcement officers the authority and mandates them to kill when in defense of themselves or others'

Arthur Reed, an anti-violence campaigner and family supporter said: 'These remarks by the District Attorney have led us to believe that the inquiry will clear the officers and that will be shocking.

'How can nobody be guilty when they killed a man who was pinned down and shot in the back as he lay there?'

Reed, 43, who disclosed he had served a 15-year prison term for various violent felonies, said he was against any more trouble breaking out in already tense areas across the US when the report details are released before the summer.

'In Dallas five officers were killed and three in Baton Rouge and we despise any killings of police officers and any violence at all. That goes for the Sterling family.

'The killings of the officers in Texas took away the focus from Alton's murder. We wanted to keep the focus on Alton and then everybody was looking at five policemen being killed a few days after Alton.

'The police in Texas were saying that "Blue Lives Matter" but it should all have been about Alton's life mattering with the other young black men who got shot by the police.

'We don't need any trouble but the federal investigation has to give us the truth and the whole story.

'I was told by an elected official that the moment those officers put on their blue lights and sirens, the dash cam and in-car audio would have been turned on automatically.

'Where are those tapes. They need to be made available so that everyone can hear and see what happened and what made the police shoot Alton.'

But soon after Sterling's death, the local DA said it may have been 'potentially a state authorized killing (which gives) law enforcement officers the authority and mandates them to kill when in defense of themselves or others.'

Moore said both men felt they had acted correctly.

A spokesman for Baton Rouge police told DailyMail.com: 'The two officers remain on leave and the investigation is with the Department of Justice.'
Alexander Bateman, 48, was jailed for two years after stealing the 10,000 log book and pretending it had been lost in the post

A military historian has been jailed for stealing a log book worth 10,000 from the widow of an RAF airman who was in the Dambusters squadron.

Alexander Bateman, 48, of Harrow, north-west London, was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday at Wood Green Crown Court.

The court heard Bateman, who was found guilty of theft following a five-day trial in January, lied repeatedly after he was asked to return the loaned memento.

The treasured log book belonged to the late Sergeant John Fraser has never been found and Bateman has refused to tell police what happened to it.

Sergeant Fraser's daughter, Shere Lowe, 60, flew over from Washington, U.S. for the hearing and condemned Bateman for his 'cruel charade' as she spoke in court.

Sentencing, Judge John Dodd QC said: 'I consider this to be a despicable offence involving, as it did, abusing the trust placed in you, presenting yourself as a genuine historian, by the widow of a war hero.

'You decided to keep the log book, treating it as your own, misleading the family when they sought its return, which added to their sense of loss and betrayal.'

He said it 'remains a mystery' what he had done with the log book, which he described as an 'important historical artefact'.

The treasured log book belonged to the late Sergeant John Fraser (pictured left during WWII) and has never been found. His daughter Shere Lowe (right) flew over from Washington in the United States for the hearing and blasted Bateman for his 'cruel charade' as she spoke in court

Doris Fraser, 92, the widow of Sgt Fraser, sent the log book (pictured) to historian Bateman after he contacted her in 1996 as part of his research into the airmen involved in the Dambusters RAF squadron

Doris Fraser, 92, the widow of Sgt Fraser, sent the log book to the historian after he contacted her in 1996 as part of his research into the airmen involved in the Dambusters RAF squadron.

Several years later he contacted Ms Lowe, who was unaware her father's log book had been previously loaned to Bateman.

She asked for it to be returned in January 2003, having never seen it herself, but when an envelope arrived from Bateman it had been carefully cut open at the bottom.

Her mother was 'physically sick' when she realised the log book was missing, Ms Lowe said.

He initially claimed the log book must have been lost, but then said that he had recovered it from the Post Office.

Bateman then told the family he had been gifted the log book and later produced a Christmas card he claimed was from the victim which appeared to confirm his story of ownership.

In June 2003, after he was told a report on the missing log book would appear in the national press, he reported a burglary at his address and alleged intruders had stolen it.

Bateman told the family he had been gifted the log book and later produced a Christmas card (pictured) he claimed was from Mrs Fraser which he claimed proved he owned the book

Ms Lowe, taking to the dock, said she felt 'sadness' but 'tremendous relief' that justice had been served.

She said: 'All I have wanted out of this from day one is just to see my father's history, to be able to hold it in my hands and to be able to see it for the first time, and to share it with my children and my family.

'I had every reason at the start to believe that this man was a historian and wanted to uphold the legacy of the Dambusters.

Ms Lowe has urged anyone who knows the whereabouts of her father's (pictured) log book to come forward and said the family would never give up hope of getting it back

'The action that followed - the deception and the cruel charade, the lies, it's had its weight on our family.'

Bateman had previously been cautioned for theft in February 2003 for stealing two documents and a badge from the National Archives, prosecutor Jollyon Robertson said.

He was also convicted in May last year for six counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possession.

In a statement outside court, Ms Lowe said it had been a 'long 14 years'.

'My father was a great and brave man. To the world he may have been a hero, to us he was so much more, he was devoted husband and he was Dad,' she said.

'The stolen log book to anyone else is just a commodity. To us, it was a reminder of a loved and cherished man.

'Due to the greed of a dishonest man, an integral part of our family's history has been stolen from us.'

Ms Lowe urged anyone who knew the whereabouts of the log book to come forward and said the family would never give up hope of getting it back.

'It can't be sold on now, and will forever be hunted until it is back with my family. It belongs to its rightful owners,' she said.

'I hope that Mr Bateman reflects on and finds it in his heart to disclose the whereabouts of my father's log book.'

In a statement outside court, Ms Lowe (pictured with her husband Joe McCarthy) said it had been a 'long 14 years' to bring Bateman to justice

Nicola Wood, CPS London reviewing lawyer, said: 'The judge described this as a despicable offence reflecting the fact that Bateman has repeatedly tried to deceive Mrs Fraser and her daughter, and finally the court itself.

'Sadly because of his continued denials we still do not know what Bateman did with the original but we have future confiscation hearings and hope to recover some money on behalf of the family.'

Acting Detective Sergeant Henry Childe, from the MET's fraud unit, added: 'In stealing this priceless piece of WWII history through deception and lies, Bateman also deprived the victim of one of her lasting memories of her husband, an RAF war hero.

'Today's sentence is due punishment for Bateman's deplorable actions, and I hope that the victim and her family take some comfort from the fact that Bateman has finally been brought to justice.'




A man was high on cannabis when he almost killed a woman in an horrific car accident, a court has heard.

Kayden James Lawson, 22, then tried to flee the scene on a skateboard after slamming into Kristyn Rourke's car on the M1 motorway near Morriset, the Central Coast Express Advocate reported.

Lawson, of Killarney Vale, was thundering down the motorway at an estimated 200km/h when he collided with the back of Rourke's Toyota Hilux.

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Kayden James Lawson will be sentenced over an horrific car accident on Monday

Kristyn Rourke's car veered off a bridge into a creek after being hit by Lawson's car

The impact of the crash caused Rourke's car to veer off the motorway bridge into a creek.

Gosford District Court heard on Friday, Lawson, a P-plate driver, was taken to hospital suffering 'psychosis' after the crash on the morning of November 10, 2014.

Tests revealed he had cannabis in his system at the time of the accident.

Lawson pleaded guilty to a range of offences, including dangerous and negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving for excessive speed, failing to stop and assist after a crash and driving under the influence of a drug.

Judge Mark Buscombe described the accident as 'shocking, shocking'.

Kristyn Rourke suffered permanent brain injuries as a result of the car accident

Rourke spent six months in hospital following the accident

Rourke's mangled Toyota Hilux after the accident

'It has to be above the mid-range  the driving, speeding, the appalling injuries  it has to be above the mid-range of objective seriousness,' he said.

Rourke, who suffered a permanent brain injury and had to spend six months in hospital after the crash, said her memory had also been affected by the crash.

'Although some memories have sporadically returned  I remember being a child, a teenager and most of my 20s  but I'm still missing roughly the past 10 years, pre-accident,' Ms Rourke told the Newcastle Herald.

Lawson will be sentenced on Monday.
Two people were injured and another is still missing after a natural gas pipeline in Louisiana exploded, setting off a massive 'blow torch' blaze that continues to burn.

Six employees were cleaning a pipeline at the Paradis Pipeline Station on Thursday night when witnesses nearby heard a loud explosion, according to St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne.

It remains unclear whether a valve or gasket failed, and dozens of families have been evacuated from their homes because the raging fire may still burn for several days.

Two people were injured and another is still missing after a natural gas pipeline in Louisiana exploded

The resulting fire reached 30 to 40 feet in the air, which the local sheriff described as a 'big blow torch' that might take days to burn out

Three workers from Phillips 66, the company that operates the pipelines, were working alongside three Blanchard Contractors employees when the high pressure, 20-inch pipeline exploded just after 7pm on Thursday.

The resulting fire shot up and reached 30 to 40 feet in the air, which Champagne described as a 'big blow torch' that might take days to burn out.

Two of the contract workers were taken to St. Anne Hospital in Raceland, and one of the victims was later flown to a burn unit in Baton Rouge, according to Champagne.

The three others were treated at the scene with minor injuries.

A helicopter was being brought in Friday to help search for the unaccounted worker, who is an employee at Phillips 66, the sheriff said.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and Champagne cited a possible gasket or valve failure.

Local and state emergency agencies are at the scene, and the pipeline has been turned off as officials wait for the remaining gas to burn off.

Two of the pipeline workers were hospitalized, and another is still missing. A helicopter is being brought in on Friday to help in the search (pictured, firefighters on Thursday)

Sixty homes were evacuated and highways were being diverted around Paradis, about 30 miles west of New Orleans (pictured, Sheriff Greg Champagne at a news conference)

'The pipeline has been blocked in and the remaining product in the line continues to burn,' according to the pipeline operators Phillips 66.

'Our first priority is ensuring the safety of our workers, responders and the community,' they said in a statement.

The pipeline carries raw natural gas liquids and extends from Venice to Paradis, Louisiana, the company said in the statement.

Sixty homes were evacuated and highways were being diverted around the area in Paradis, which is about 30 miles west of New Orleans.

People living west of Highway 635 were allowed to return home late Thursday, while others took shelter at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center.
The approach of Valentine's Day may make some guys sweat under the pressure of impressing their sweetheart, but Jamal Benjamin is pulling double romantic duty.

New York City man Benjamin, 40, divides his attention between two girlfriends in a consensual polyamorous arrangement that all involved have agreed to.

Experts say it's part of a rising trend of non-traditional romantic and sexual relationships based on honesty and openness, but in the polyamorous world, holidays present some special considerations.

'We alternate each year,' Benjamin, who works as a freelance video editor, explained in an interview with ABC News.

Jamal Benjamin is shown with girlfriend Ebony Thomas. Benjamin, a polyamorist, will have to juggle Valentine's Day plans between Thomas and his other girlfriend, Amy

Benjamin's primary relationship is with a woman, also 40, given the pseudonym Amy by ABC. The couple have two children together.

He also has a three-month-old daughter with girlfriend Ebony Thomas, 40, and alternates between the two households daily.

The whole setup is 'very weird', admits Amy, whose mother and stepfather have been married for 30 years.

Amy prefers monogamy, but has accepted the polyamorous lifestyle because she's in love with Benjamin, whom she has been with for seven years after meeting him at a house party.

'We had a lot of ups and downs and I've had a lot of struggle with it,' she said.

As the primary girlfriend in the relationship, Amy must approve of any women Benjamin seeks to date, 'to see if they're somewhat suited for my family lifestyle,' she said.

Benjamin and Thomas (pictured together) have a three-month-old daughter. Benjamin also has two children with his other girlfriend, Amy

Benjamin confirmed that polyamory for him is 'not carte blanche' to take up with random women. 'At my age, I'm not interested in that.'

But Benjamin has had trouble with monogamy in the past. 'I hurt that person very severely and I didn't want to put any person through that pain again,' he said.

'So I wanted to be honest with people going forward and give people a choice.'

Benjamin met second girlfriend Thomas through Facebook in 2015, and the polyamorous lifestyle clicked for her. 'I just was never good at monogamy, frankly. It just did not work for me,' she said.

'Im happy on days when Jamal is home and then Im happy when he leaves,' she said.

Benjamin said he'd be fine with either woman having another boyfriend, 'if they can handle it'.

The man says his children with Amy, with the eldest age 10, are too young to understand their non-traditional relationship.

Thomas plans to explain the arrangement to her newly born daughter someday: 'My conversation with her will be, 'Daddy has another family that he loves just like he loves us.''

As for Valentine's Day, Benjamin is making up missing the day with Amy by taking her on a trip to Cuba in March. 'I know Valentine's Day is important to her,' he said.

'We did talk about splitting the day and to me it just seems like too much,' said Thomas. 'Id rather see him the next day or the day before...or vice versa.

Benjamin's bigger concern is for Mother's Day, on May 14, a new concern this year after Thomas gave birth to a baby girl in October.

'I really don't know how that's going to work right now because [Amy] asked that to be her day,' he said.

Benjamin quipped: 'I'm hoping I have to work that day.'
Donald Trump gives his acceptance speech during his election night rally. In the last months of 2016, more people renounced their US citizenship than in previous years

As Donald Trump became president, the final months of 2016 saw 50 percent more people renouncing their US citizenship than in 2015.

More than 2,300 people gave up their citizenship in the final quarter of 2016 which is nearly half of the total who did the entire year.

In 2016, 5,411 people voluntarily gave up their status as American citizens.

The lists of names, published by the IRS, shows this is more than triple the number who did in 2010.

The exact reasons for Americans becoming expats is not cited by the IRS.

However many people had threatened to leave the country if Trump won the election including celebrities like Lena Dunham, Miley Cyrus, Bryan Cranston, Whoopi Goldberg, and Cher.

People started leaving the US in greater numbers after the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act was passed in 2010. However, 2016 saw an even greater number leave with 2,300 renouncing their citizenship in the final months in the wake of the election

One of the citizens the US lost in 2016 was Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and his reason for leaving was taxes.

He told the Guardian he thought it was 'absolutely outrageous' that he was expected to pay US taxes on his London home. He was born in New York City and lived there until he was five years old.

In 2014, Johnson revealed he owed $50,000 in taxes to the US on the income of the sale of his home.

In 2010 Congress passed a law that increases tax penalties for unreported foreign holdings.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act or FACTA is intended to 'combat tax evasion by U.S. persons holding accounts and other financial assets offshore' according to the IRS.

Basically, if you are a US citizen living abroad who does not plan on returning home for a while, you are paying way more taxes than if you renounced your citizenship.

Tax attorneys at Andrew Mitchel LLC told US News and World Report: 'The escalation of offshore penalties over the last 20 years is likely contributing to the increased incidence of expatriation.'

Forbes reports in order to renounce citizenship one has to prove five years of tax compliance and in some cases pay an exit tax.

Some former citizens could have trouble returning to the US because of the travel ban. people seen marching in Washington DC on February 4 against Trump's proposed travel ban

These new figures were revealed amid Trump's proposed travel ban.

Though the ban has been upheld in court three different times, it doesn't seem like President Trump is giving up on blocking people from seven majority Muslim countries from coming into the US.

Last night after the president's most recent court lost, he tweeted: 'SEE YOU IN COURT.'
A Good Samaritan has opened up on saving the girlfriend of a bikie dubbed 'Lizard Man' from a domestic violence incident months before he killed her and himself.

Shelsea Schilling was 20-years-old when her ex-partner Bronson Ellery, known as Lizard Man for his face tattoos, bashed and suffocated her in November last year.

Neighbour Godfrey Brown revealed he once intervened when he heard the ex-Bandidos gang member dragging Ms Schilling inside his home, reports Gold Coast Bulletin.

Lizard Man Bronson Ellery's (right) ex-girlfriend Shelsea Schilling (left) was once saved from a domestic violence incident by a neighbour

'I pulled him off. He went to shape up to me and then I shaped up back to him so he went inside,' said Mr Brown, who came outside after hearing Ms Schilling's cries for help.

After walking a shaken Ms Schilling to the bus, she reportedly thanked him for saving her from a domestic violence attack.

'She said 'Thank you for the other day, you saved me from getting belted up'.'

However, Mr Brown chose not to flag the issue with police because he had little faith in their ability to chase the matter up.

Ms Schilling had taken a restraining order against Ellery in 2015, but he broke it within weeks and spent three months behind bars.

Schilling, 20, was discovered dead in a Southport apartment, alongside Ellery, 24, laid out several firearms in such a way as to suggest he had meticulously planned the apparent murder-suicide.

Ms Schilling was 20-years-old when her ex-partner Bronson Ellery fatally bashed and suffocated her in November last year

Ms Schilling had taken a restraining order against Ellery in 2015, but he broke it within weeks and spent three months behind bars.
The world's fattest woman will be flown on a specially modified Airbus to India for life-saving weight reduction surgery after reaching 78 stone.

Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty, 36, is to fly from Egypt for the treatment, which will reduce the size of her stomach, having not left her home for 25 years.

She will arrive in Mumbai in the early hours of Saturday morning and a team of doctors have been working with her to prepare her for the journey.

Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty, 36, from Egypt has been bed-ridden for the past 25 years

As a child (left), El Aty was diagnosed with elephantiasis which caused her body to swell

Muffazal Lakdawala, her doctor, said she will be flown on a specially modified Airbus and will be taken to Mumbai's Saifee Hospital upon arrival, the statement said.

'To prepare her (Eman) for the flight, a team of doctors has been in Egypt for the last ten days to optimise the conditions for her travel,' a statement said.

Abd El Aty's sister had approached Lakdawala in October saying her sibling needed urgent medical attention.

Her family told the doctor that as a child she was diagnosed with elephantiasis, a condition that causes the limbs and other body parts to swell, leaving her almost immobile.

Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty as a child

She later suffered a stroke and was rendered bedridden, triggering a series of ailments including diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension and sleep apnoea.

After hearing about her case, Lakdawala had offered to carry out the procedure free of charge.

Her request for a visa was initially rejected, prompting Lakdawala in December to tweet a request for help to India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj.

At the time Swaraj was in hospital awaiting a kidney transplant but was quick to respond with an offer of help.

Abd El Aty has had a long wait as no airliners were previously willing to fly her from Egypt to India owing to her health complications.

Lakdawala said: 'Transporting Eman to Mumbai is a challenging task keeping in mind the complexities of her case as she is a high risk patient who has not been able to move or leave the house for the past 25 years.'

If Abd El Aty's weight measures up to the claims, she will beat American Pauline Potter, who weighs 50 stone, to become the world's heaviest living woman.

Bariatric surgery is a stomach-shrinking bypass procedure carried out on those wanting to lose excessive weight.

It is increasingly common in India, which has a growing problem with obesity, particularly in urban areas.

India is a key destination for medical tourists because it offers quality services at a fraction of the cost of western countries and no waiting lists.
Popular Melbourne newsreader Peter Hitchener has revealed he was sent dozens of death threats by an abusive stalker who blamed him for losing his job.

The top-rating anchor was harassed for months on Twitter and was forced to call in police after the stalker showed up at Channel 9's studios in Docklands.

Detectives arrested Tony Pereira, 48, at his home in Melbourne on Wednesday for his alleged barrage of threats that left Hitchener in fear of his life.

He was a former employee at rival Channel 7 and believed Hitchener was at least partially responsible for his dismissal, according to the Herald Sun.

Popular Melbourne newsreader Peter Hitchener was sent dozens of death threats by an abusive stalker who blamed him for losing his job

Several of Pereira's now-deleted tweets allegedly threatened to injure or kill the 70-year-old and some of his high profile colleagues.

'If Colleagues like Lisa Wilkinson wont co-operate with police dont b***h if staff get hurt or injured,' one allegedly read.

Earlier this month he wrote: 'I will eventually put one of these f**king animals in hospital and then throw myself at the mercy of the courts.'

Then a day later: '@9NewsMelb Wait until I get my hands on one of your little bimbos'.

Pereira allegedly also taunted police, bragging: 'You cant monitor me all the time'.

The top-rating anchor (pictured with colleague Livina Nixon) was harassed for months on Twitter and was forced to call in police after the stalker showed up at Channel 9's studios

Despite his bravado, he was charged with stalking, using a carriage service to harass, using a carriage service to menace and breach of a court order.

He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court where he was granted bail to have a psychiatric assessment, and will face court again on Monday.

A police source told the newspaper Pereira had a long history of harassing media personalities that was known to police.

He allegedly used multiple Twitter accounts to stalk and send angry messages to news anchors, executives, reporters and even Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced a witch-hunt of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will finally be over within months

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced a witch-hunt of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will finally be over within months.

Sir Michael said the Iraq Historical Allegations Team, and a linked probe into the Afghan war, would be wound up.

The announcement comes just hours after MPs on the Commons defence committee demanded an end to the probes.

A lacerating report blasted the'almost total disregard' for the welfare of soldiers during the work of the Iraq Historical Allegations Team.

More than 1,000 investigations are still outstanding but after 36.3million has been spent no successful prosecutions have been brought.

Phil Shiner, a disgraced lawyer who hounded British soldiers, was struck off over his behaviour last week.

The Government said it had not been able to shut down IHAT sooner because the conduct of the investigations is under scrutiny by the High Court and the International Criminal Court.

Sir Michael said: 'It was the MoD that supplied the main evidence that got Phil Shiner struck off for making false allegations against our Armed Forces.

'Exposing his dishonesty means many more claims he made can now be thrown out and the beginning of the end for IHAT.

'This will be a relief for our soldiers who have had allegations hanging over them for too long. Now we are taking action to stop such abuse of our legal system from happening again.'

Committee chairman Johnny Merer said: 'Throughout this process there has been an almost total disregard of the welfare of soldiers and their families.

'We need to hold our people in the highest esteem and a repeat of IHAT must never be allowed to happen again.

Defence select committee chairman Johnny Mercer demanded IHAT be closed down today as he committee published a damning inquiry into its work

'The MoD must take responsibility for allowing this to happen. They could have discriminated between credible and non-credible cases yet they lacked the will to do so.

IHAT: SEVEN YEARS OF HOUNDING IRAQ VETS The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) was set up in the last days of the Labour government in 2010. It was set up to look into claims of murder, abuse and torture carried out by British troops in Iraq but has been heavily criticised after spurious claims led to more than a thousand claims being dismissed. Since 2010 it has cost taxpayers more than 36million - but has not successfully prosecuted a single individual for serious criminality. David Cameron tried to close the investigation but was over-ruled by government lawyers. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has previously warned the remaining cases must be allowed to run their course to prevent Britain being dragged to the International Criminal Court. Ihat figures show that it has received 3,392 complaints since it was set up. Of those, 2,361 have been closed or sifted out. One case has been passed to the RAF Police to investigate and another, of alleged ill treatment, resulted in a 3,000 fine. Three referrals have been made to the Service Prosecution Authority involving five personnel. There are currently around 1,000 allegations remaining. Last week one of the highest profile lawyers involved, Phil Shiner, was struck off for hounding troops. Advertisement

'They need to get on and immediately dismiss those remaining cases that are based on obviously weak evidence.'

MPs set out a litany of failures about the way the Ministry of Defence, which created IHAT, has handled the probe.

They blamed the department for empowering law firms to generate cases that lacked credibility on an 'industrial scale'.

And they criticised it for 'serious' failings after it handed over more than 110,829 to Abu Jamal, an Iraqi middleman, while he was employed by Public Interest Lawyers (PIL), the defunct firm behind many of the claims.

The committee said it was 'deeply concerned' the MoD had used public funds to cover the costs of those who were bringing 'spurious and unassessed' cases against the war veterans and about the lack of support for those accused.

IHAT investigators used 'intimidatory tactics', including 'deeply disturbing' methods such as impersonating the police. Serving and retired soldiers have also been spied on, the report found.

The damning report said the catalogue of serious failings in IHAT's conduct pointed to a loss of control in its management.

It added: 'Both the MoD and IHAT have focused too much on satisfying the accusers and too little on defending those under investigation.'

The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) was set up in the last days of the Labour government in 2010.

It was set up to look into claims of murder, abuse and torture carried out by British troops in Iraq but has been heavily criticised after spurious claims led to more than a thousand claims being dismissed.

The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat) was established in 2010 to probe claims of abuse of civilians following the 2003 invasion

Since 2010 it has cost taxpayers more than 36million - but has not successfully prosecuted a single individual for serious criminality.

David Cameron tried to close the investigation but was over-ruled by government lawyers.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon had previously warned the remaining cases must be allowed to run their course to prevent Britain being dragged to the International Criminal Court.

Ihat figures show that it has received 3,392 complaints since it was set up.

At PMQs last week (pictured) Theresa May slammed the disgraced lawyer Phil Shiner for hounding Iraq veterans today and promised to crack down on others who chase after former soldiers

Of those, 2,361 have been closed or sifted out. One case has been passed to the RAF Police to investigate and another, of alleged ill treatment, resulted in a 3,000 fine.

Lawyer Phil Shiner was struck off last week

Three referrals have been made to the Service Prosecution Authority involving five personnel.

There are currently around 1,000 allegations remaining.

Earlier this week MailOnline revealed disgraced lawyer Phil Shiner was part of a group of conspiracy theorists that plotted legal action even before the Iraq War started.

Professor Shiner, 60, was a member of the 'Legal Inquiry Steering Group (LISG)', which was set up in August 2002 to plan court cases and threaten the Government. British troops went into action in March 2003.

Two thirds of the claims brought by IHAT came from Shiner and his firm, Public Interest Lawyers (PIL)
A source close to Kate and Gerry McCann (pictured) said the couple had branded the drama about the fake kidnap of Shannon Matthews appalling

It was only to be expected, I suppose.

Following the BBC dramatisation of the fake kidnap of Shannon Matthews, inevitably the first couple out of the gates for comment were the McCanns.

A source close to the family is said to have told the press the drama is appalling and insensitive.

Well heres a new idea for the McCanns: this time its not all about you. This is not your story to tell.

This is about the tragic life of another little girl: Shannon.

A little girl born into nothing, treated as nothing and finally freed to be something after her own mother was arrested.

This is the sort of neglect we associate with mums who cash in kids for benefits, like coupons in a store.

And heres another new idea for Gerry and Kate: this coverage does not smell slightly strangely of roses. This is unsanitised, and it pongs a bit.

And that seems to be at the heart of the issue: the McCanns resent them and their parenting being spoken about in the same conversation as Karen Matthews.

Detectives think Matthews settled on the idea of kidnap after seeing how much money poured into the McCann fund and the amount of press attention Kate and Gerry received.

The Moorside is a two-part BBC drama starring Gemma Whelan as Karen Matthews (left) and Sheridan Smith as friend Julie Bushby (right). Detectives think Matthews settled on the idea of kidnap after seeing how much money poured into the McCann fund

While publisising her daughter's disapearrence Matthews (pictured left) used a random teddy taken from Shannons bed to mimic the Maddie Cuddle Cat that Kate (pictured right) used to carry around with her

She even used a random teddy taken from Shannons bed to mimic the Maddie Cuddle Cat that Kate used to carry around with her.

Is that teddy her favourite? Probably, Karen said. Not quite ringing true.

Kates Cuddle Cat never quite rang true for me either. If someone took my lovely baby away, I would put Cuddle Cat under my pillow every night to be close to the baby I lost. Not wash its memories away.

Kate put it in the washing machine just days after Maddie vanished into the night.

Karen Matthews copied Kate McCanns appeal almost word for word when she shed her crocodile tears for the press: 'I need her home. If anyone's got my beautiful princess, bring her home.

Kates sentiments coming out of Karens mouth. Kates Cuddle Cat, Karens brown teddy. Kate and Karen. Matthews and McCann. Clear parallels being drawn.

Its possible Karen was also influenced by an episode of Shameless, which featured a fake kidnap and aired a few weeks before Shannon was stuffed away, drugged, under a bed.

Karen Matthews had no shame. A complete absence of the stuff.

Her own sister says she taped plastic bags to her babies bottoms to save buying nappies.

Madeleine McCann (pictured left) disappeared in 2007 from her bed in a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz. Shannon Louise Matthews (right) was reported missing by her mother in Dewsbury on February 19, 2008

Detectives say she had so many different relationships with so many different men that when the police built up a family tree it had more branches than Tescos, with 300 names on it.

This same absence of shame allowed her to sacrifice a daughter into the keeping of a man whose own daughters had been taken into care after he allegedly made them watch him have sex with a prostitute.

However, Im not sure the McCanns can so easily set themselves apart.

Would you choose to leave your children in the hands of the monster you know  or all alone and take your chance with the devil you dont?

Which mother was more desperate: the one with nothing and no hope of ever having anything, or the one with friends waiting at the tapas bar by the pool?

The search for Maddie cost around 12 million. The hunt for Matthews around 3.2 million

What is clear is that in both cases the public has paid a price for these decisions. The search for Maddie cost around 12 million. The hunt for Matthews around 3.2 million.

Karen Matthews is clearly guilty of this huge waste. And has paid for it, to some extent, with four years in prison and a pretty uncertain future.

We are told she is now receiving death threats as a whole new generation has been appalled by this monster of a mother.

You might say, for Karen, justice has been served.But the matter of guilt or innocence is never far from the front door of the McCanns.

This week the Portuguese Supreme Court judges made clear that the archiving of the criminal case into Maddies disappearance did not mean Kate and Gerry were innocent. There is a significant and not merely a semantic difference, they said.

What does justice look like for the McCanns?

Perhaps we can agree Karen Matthews is a monster. But some kind of monsters came for Maddie at night. She was lost because she was left to be found. Shannon Matthews was born lost, and desperately needed to be found.

Shameless or desperate? The monster you know or the devil you dont? Rich or poor? Better or worse? Justice or just deserts? These are hard calls to make.

Two very different families.

Two very different children yet, strangely, uncomfortably connected.




Tracy Dobbs, 34, lost her beloved black miniature Schnauzer Mitzy

A mother-of-four is fighting to get back her family dog which went missing after it was re-registered to a stranger despite being microchipped.

Tracy Dobbs, 34, lost her beloved black miniature Schnauzer Mitzy five years ago when the the hound escaped from her former partner's home in Steeple Claydon, Buckingham.

Mitzy, then 18 months old, was micro-chipped and Ms Dobbs reported her disappearance to micro-chip firm Petlog which assured her they would get in touch if she was found.

But after deciding to contact the company on a whim last month, Ms Dobbs was heartbroken to learn Mitzy has since been found - and registered to new owners.

Petlog, the UK's largest pet micro-chipping company, are refusing to hand over the name or address of the people she is now registered to due to data protection.

Ms Dobbs, who runs her own cleaning business, said: 'I broke down in tears when I found out what had happened.

'I had grieved for Mitzy, thinking she had been killed. When I learned she was still alive, all I wanted to do is go to her and check she is alright.

'I don't know how this has been allowed to happen, it's disgusting.

Mitzy (pictured), then 18 months old, was micro-chipped and Ms Dobbs reported her disappearance to micro-chip firm Petlog

Ms Dobbs was heartbroken to learn Mitzy (pictured) has since been found - and registered to new owners

'I placed my trust in this company and they have committed the ultimate betrayal of that trust.

'It is now a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped unlike in 2011 when I had chosen to pay for Mitzy to be microchipped as a puppy thinking she would return back to me should she ever escape her lead.

'This clearly isn't the case for me. I feel I have been let down by them.

'She is my dog and all I want to do is find her.'

Minature schnauzers are an expensive pedigree breed that cost around 1,500 from reputable breeders.

The Petlog database, owned by the Kennel Club, is used by millions of pet owners as a way to keep their animals safe.

While it wasn't when Mitzy went missing, It is now a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old.

The chip is implanted in a dog's skin and contains a unique 16 digit code, which can be scanned if a dog is lost, so their registered owner can be contacted.

Ms Dobbs, who paid 16 to subscribe to Petlog when Mitzi was a puppy, has reported what happened to the police but has been told it is a civil matter.

She now has to decide whether to pursue the case through the civil court to try and get Mitzi back.

Mother-of-four Ms Dobbs said: 'My understanding at the time was that should she be found or her microchip scanned then I would be contacted immediately.

Ms Dobbs, who runs her own cleaning business, said: 'I broke down in tears when I found out what had happened'

She added: 'I had grieved for Mitzy, thinking she had been killed. When I learned she was still alive, all I wanted to do is go to her and check she is alright'

'For this reason, that's why it took me so long to contact Petlog for an update. I simply assumed that she had never been found.

'My main priority at the moment is knowing Mitzi is safe.

'She has potentially been with these new owners longer than she was with me and she may well now be part of a loving family.

'She may be better off there but I have to know that in my heart, I can't just abandon her now I know she is still out there.

'I feel I owe it to my children as well. One day she was there and the next she wasn't and I've never been able to tell them why.

Petlog claims to be investigating the matter, but Ms Dobbs says she has had no contact from the company since she lodged a complaint with them last month.

A Petlog spokesman said: 'The Petlog team are currently working with Ms Dobbs on resolving this matter.

'As the investigation is currently under way, we are unable to comment further at this time.'
John and Olga Moyle were 'hounded to death' during their final years, a court was told

A 'heartless' cold caller 'hounded an elderly couple to their deaths' by bombarding them with fraudulent calls that forced them to sell their home of 50 years after they found themselves 74,000 in debt.

A court heard how Barbara Stone targeted John and Olga Moyle on a daily basis - sometimes calling from as early as 7.45am - while the devoted husband attempted to care for his wife, who was dying from cancer.

Stone convinced the pair to place adverts in a lifestyle magazine for the small holiday home they owned in France.

The 62-year-old persuaded 'frail' Mr Moyle to hand over 8,000 a month for almost a year, falsely promising non-existent sponsors would reimburse the money, Nottingham Crown Court heard.

But not a single booking for the property, near Nice, was ever made - and the Moyles were eventually forced to sell the Shropshire home they had lived in for almost 50 years to pay off the massive debts they built up because of the scam.

Grandmother Mrs Moyle, 84, died just a month after the house was placed on the market in 2011.

And Mr Moyle, who had pleaded with Stone to stop, passed away four years later at the age of 83.

Now a judge, Trading Standards, and the couple's devastated daughter all came to the conclusion that the 'relentless' sales representative's actions played a part in their deaths.

Stone, of Winston, Leicester, admitted two counts of fraud by false representation between January and November 2010, and was given a 22-month suspended jail term.

Judge Stuart Rafferty told her she had 'made people's lives a misery', and 'hounded (the Moyles) to death.'

The court heard Stone, who worked for Leicester-based Aspire magazine, first contacted retired teacher Mr Moyle in 2010, offering to advertise stays in the two-bed holiday home he and his wife owned in the south of France, which required around 5,000 a year in upkeep

Barbara Stone (pictured right) arriving at Nottingham Crown Court, where she pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation

The couple, pictured on holiday, were contacted on a daily basis, sometimes calling from as early as 7.45am

For the next 10 months, she inundated the couple with calls, pressuring them into taking out more adverts in the publication.

Mrs Moyle, who had also worked as a teacher, was suffering from cancer at the time - and it was claimed Stone's persistent calls throughout the day meant her husband was unable to care for her properly.

Mr Moyle ended up spending all the cash he had taken from an equity release scheme on his home on the worthless adverts, as well as exhausting the couple's life savings, and using a credit card.

They lost a total of 74.139, and were also conned out of thousands more by directors of another company, Wyvern Media, which Stone had previously worked for.

Left with nothing and hugely in debt, the pair were forced to sell the village home they had lived in since 1964.

After Mrs Moyle's death, her husband moved into a smaller property in nearby Ludlow, with the financial help of his daughter, Franny.

She said: 'The story of what happened to my parents is just astonishing, and seven years on it still keeps me awake at night.

'I completely agree with the judge - they were hounded to death by Stone. My mother was ill - but the last year of her life on this earth was an utter agony.

'Stone would ring every day, putting my father under huge pressure - harassing him, when he should have been looking after his poorly wife.

'Whenever I tried to call I couldn't get through - the line was constantly engaged.'

Barbara Stone convinced the pair to place adverts in a lifestyle magazine for this small holiday home they owned in France

'It is quite clear to me that she targeted my father. She put him under huge duress, managing to secure 8,000 a month in advertising from them as a couple.

'My father didn't realise that amount of money was going out because he wasn't checking his accounts - he wasn't checking his accounts because my mother was dying.

'How she got them so enthralled remains a mystery but she managed to press some button. Perhaps they were of a generation where they were just too polite to say no - I don't know.'

HOW BRUTAL COLD CALL TACTICS WERE EXPOSED BY THE MAIL The unscrupulous fundraising tactics of leading charities were laid bare in a major Daily Mail investigation in 2015, following the death of Royal British Legion volunteer Olive Cooke. Some of the most trusted charitable organisations  including the NSPCC, the British Red Cross, Oxfam and Macmillan  were caught using shocking boiler room techniques to raise cash. To public outcry, they were found to be making fundraising calls to homes on the Governments no-call list, the Telephone Preference Service. They were also prepared to take money over the phone from people who had told them they had dementia or memory problems  provided they could answer a few simple questions. Fundraisers were ordered to be brutal and ferocious when asking for money and were told members of the public have no excuse not to give, even if they are poor or elderly. An undercover Mail reporter spent three weeks carrying out fundraising campaigns on behalf of Britains biggest charities. The investigation revealed that: People with dementia were asked to start direct debits and give bank details by phone

Charities were willing to take money from people who are confused, getting mixed up or have memory problems

Supporters as old as 91 were being repeatedly called and asked to give more money even if they have opted out of calls Advertisement

Their daughter, 52, a writer and TV executive producer who lives in Hackney, London, added: 'When they realised they had lost everything, and the house they lived in all their lives, it was, I suppose, a moment of great trauma.

'My father was a broken man. My mother was ever so brave and she put the house on the market with him But within about a month of it going on the market, in February 2011, my mother died.

'Then he died four years later in the midst of misery, feeling he had brought this disaster on the family. Can you imagine his guilt?

'He cried himself to sleep for the last years of his life. And for what? A quarter page advert? A sales bonus? A pat on the back from a colleague? It's utterly horrendous.'

Ms Moyle, who has three children, said her father wrote to Aspire in June 2010 begging for the calls to stop, and saying he was 'alarmed by the amounts which have been extracted from our account, for advertising with your paper'.

But she added Stone was 'straight back on the phone' - and the harassment continued for another five months.

The scam finally came to an end in November 2010 after Ms Moyle discovered what had been going on with Stone and her parents - and called in the police and Trading Standards.

By then, the Moyles had lost 97,024 thanks to the actions of Stone and Wyvern Media, which saw five senior directors jailed last year for fraudulently mis-selling advertising space to hundreds of victims.

She said: 'When I found out what had been going on I was in shock, horrified. Stone must be without scruple. She has shown absolutely no remorse whatsoever. And I have contacted Aspire - but they just said they would look into it.

'I believe that the relentless, daily telephone calls deprived my parents of normal life at a time when they most needed calm security and peace and quiet.

'I feel equally sure that the realisation that they had lost such a vast sum of money hastened my mother's death.

The Moyles were forced to sell the village home (pictured) in Shropshire that they had lived in since 1964

'My poor father, a man who had been so careful with money all his life and was then plunged into so much debt that he was forced to sell the home he and my mother had shared for almost 50 years, never recovered from the events of that year, which cast a shadow over the end of his life, and continue to cast a shadow over mine.'

Ms Moyle said she didn't know how Stone had managed to get hold of her father's details, but thought it may have been through previous adverts he had placed about the French property in a cross-channel ferry magazine.

She added she was 'disappointed' Stone hadn't received an immediate jail term, saying: 'She got lucky. My parents didn't.

'It has just become a huge tragedy. I see her as the person who brought tragedy on our family. She has become a figure of horror.'

Mr Moyle was trying to care for his wife when the calls were at their worst

Speaking before he died in 2015, Mr Moyle said: 'I do get annoyed with myself that I fell for it, but they're just persistent. The whole time I just wanted to get rid of it all because I had so much else on my mind.'

The second fraud count admitted by Stone related to a 14,100 loss experienced by Jutta Patterson, who ran a dog rescue home in Shropshire.

Mrs Patterson was led to believe that a sponsor would fund an advertising campaign in Aspire on behalf of the dog charity and the magazine would publish advertising for a year at a cost of 6,000, neither of which materialised.

Like the Moyles' Mrs Patterson died before she could see Stone in court.

Speaking before he died in 2015, Mr Moyle said: 'I do get annoyed with myself that I fell for it, but they're just persistent. The whole time I just wanted to get rid of it all because I had so much else on my mind.'

'It has just become a huge tragedy. I see her as the person who brought tragedy on our family.'

James Delaney from Trading Standards said: 'Stone was heartless. She embarked on a callous cold-calling campaign subjecting people to direct pressure, pressurised sales, and she was relentless in taking money from them fraudulently.

'I hope it sends out a message that we will pursue any company that looks to make illegal gains fraudulently by misleading businesses and consumers. We would tell people to report it if they believe they have been a victim of a scam.

'Stone was callous and manipulative. She relentlessly targeted people who begged her to stop.

'Unfortunately the Moyles are not here today and I'm sure her behaviour had an impact on their final years.'

Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, Chair of Notts County Council's Community Safety Committee, said: 'Barbara Stone was relentless with her sales calls to

Despite all the money being taken from the couple, not a single advert ever appeared in the magazine for the holiday home

Jutta Patterson and John Moyle and would start ringing them as early as 7.45am and were followed by several calls throughout the day.

'Both were vulnerable people and despite their pleas that they couldn't afford any more advertising Stone persisted, and even resorted to lies about a sponsor who would refund costs to drain more money from them.

'The loss was so huge to John Moyle that he lost all the money he had taken from the equity in his family home and was forced to sell it.

'Sadly, neither Jutta or John were present at court when Stone was sentenced for her heartless actions as they are no longer with us.

'Stone's suspended sentence is the conclusion to the largest case that Nottinghamshire County Council's Trading Standards team has ever led on.

'This case sends out a clear message that misleading and aggressive sales techniques will not be tolerated and justice will be sought for victims of such crimes.'

Stone declined to comment as she left court. Her defence team in court said she was 'stressed at work, eager to please bosses and did not receive any of the money'.
Justin Welby rejected suggestions that the scheme to resettle Syrian orphans was fuelling people trafficking by encouraging more children to make the perilous journey

The Archbishop of Canterbury stepped up his attack on ministers today by saying their closure of a scheme to give Syrian child refugees sanctuary in Britain will end up killing more vulnerable children.

Justin Welby rejected suggestions that the scheme to resettle Syrian orphans was fuelling people trafficking by encouraging more children to make the perilous journey.

Instead he said the Government's decision to close the scheme after only taking in 350 would lead to more orphans falling into the hands of people-traffickers.

'They will end up in brothels, they will end up in places where they are exploited, ill-treated, manipulated and very often finally killed,' Mr Welby said.

He said it was 'deeply unjust' to leave the weight of dealing with the refugee crisis on Greece and Italy - the first port of call in Europe for many refugees fleeing the violence in the Middle East.

It is the second damning intervention in as many days by the Archbishop in a further sign of his willingness to go to war with ministers.

His comments came as it emerged the Government faces a legal challenge over its decision to close the so-called Dubs scheme.

Charity Help Refugees claims the consultation process by which the Home Secretary Amber Rudd calculated only 350 would be accepted was 'fundamentally flawed'.

On Wednesday ministers announced a cap on the scheme that is designed for refugee children stranded in Europe without their parents.

The limit - just over 10 per cent of the total figure demanded by campaigners - was blamed on local authorities lacking the resources to cope with more child refugees.

Yesterday Mr Welby led the protests against the move, saying he believed ministers were 'committed to welcoming up to 3,000 children' under the scheme - rather than the 350 announced by ministers.

WELBY CALLS FOR RICH TO PAY MORE TAX Rich people should pay more tax because trickle-down economics does not work, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said. Justin Welby said the free-market capitalist idea that if high earners see their income increase then the whole economy benefits is not 'an effective form of redistribution'. The archbishop said wealthy people may have earned their money but stressed 'God does not see what we receive even by our own hard work as ours'. He told BBC Radio 4's World At One: 'I think a system that we ensure spreads the goods of wealth more evenly across society is a good system. 'Something that leaves people behind is a very serious problem.' Asked if that meant higher taxes for the wealthy, he replied: 'Inevitably it will mean some people will have to pay more. 'I think one of the things, I don't know what the Government thinks about this...but one of the things it seems to me is that the evidence of trickle down as an effective form of redistribution is that it fails, it doesn't work. 'That comes down to an issue of our understanding of human beings and I think there is a chapter on this - that they tend to hold on to what they've got. 'They may even definitely have earned it. 'But one of the things I am saying that you'd expect me to say as an archbishop is that a life centred around God does not see what we receive even by our own hard work as ours.' Advertisement

Today the Archbishop told BBC Radio 4's World at One: 'I understand that and none of these issues are easy. I'm not saying there's a simple approach; you have to take a multi-pointed approach to these issues; you have to deal with it at source; you have to deal with it on the way and you have to deal with it here.

'But to leave the whole weight of this on Italy and Greece is deeply unjust, one, and two, these children have not chosen their way.

'They're not adults, they're children. There was a group.'

He added: 'Parents do not casually wake up one day and say 'well the easiest thing to do is to send our children off by themselves'.

'This is the symptom of a situation more extreme than anything than any of us could imagine and at some point the vulnerability of these children must be recognised because the alternative is they will be trafficked  it's not going to stop them being trafficked.'

The legal challenge against the Government's decision to end the Dubs amendment is likely to be heard in May.

At a preliminary hearing in London on Friday, Mr Justice Holman said he was 'very, very determined' the case should move forward as fast as it reasonably could - with the dates May 2 to May 4 pencilled in for the full hearing.

'There is a huge political dimension to this.

'It is extremely important to establish as soon as reasonably practical whether the number specified is or is not lawful.'

Labour peer Lord Dubs, the architect of the Dubs Amendment, which requires the Government to relocate unaccompanied refugee children from other countries in Europe, was in court.

Welcoming him, the judge clarified the day-long proceedings were concerned with directions and timetabling, and nothing 'fundamental' would be decided.

Rosa Curling, of law firm Leigh Day, representing the charity, has said: 'There was no real consultation with many local authorities.

'Our legal challenge holds the Government to account on this critical issue of how many unaccompanied refugee children will be relocated to the UK and supported here.'

Charity Help Refugees claims the consultation process by which the Home Secretary Amber Rudd, pictured, calculated only 350 would be accepted was 'fundamentally flawed'

HIGH COURT TO RULE ON YOUNG MIGRANTS A legal challenge over the number of unaccompanied child refugees accepted into the UK is set for the High Court in May. The charity Help Refugees claims the consultation process by which the Home Secretary Amber Rudd calculated only 350 would be accepted was fundamentally flawed. At a preliminary hearing in London yesterday, Mr Justice Holman said he was very, very determined the case should move forward as fast as it could. May 2-4 are pencilled in for the full hearing. There is a huge political dimension to this, he said. It is extremely important to establish as soon as reasonably practical whether the number specified is or is not lawful. Human rights lawyer Rosa Curling, representing the charity, has said the number is woefully low. We believe the process by which the number has been reached is unlawful, she said. Labours Lord Dubs, the architect of the Dubs Amendment requiring the Government to relocate unaccompanied children, was in court. Advertisement

Ms Curling said the specified number was 'woefully low'.

'We believe the process by which the number has been reached is unlawful.

'The court will, at a future full hearing, be asked to intervene and compel the Home Secretary to reconsider.'

Ms Curling, of law firm Leigh Day, added: 'We hope that the High Court will today agree a quick timetable for this case.

'The specified number of unaccompanied child refugees announced by (Home Secretary) Amber Rudd this week is woefully low.

'We believe the process by which the number has been reached is unlawful.

Labour peer Lord Dubs, pictured, was the architect of the Dubs Amendment

'The court will, at a future full hearing, be asked to intervene and compel the Home Secretary to reconsider.'

In his interview today Mr Welby also intervened in the Government's economic policy, insisting that rich people should pay more tax because trickle-down economics does not work.

He said the free-market capitalist idea that if high earners see their income increase then the whole economy benefits is not 'an effective form of redistribution'.

The archbishop said wealthy people may have earned their money but stressed 'God does not see what we receive even by our own hard work as ours'.

He told the BBC: 'I think a system that we ensure spreads the goods of wealth more evenly across society is a good system.

'Something that leaves people behind is a very serious problem.'

Asked if that meant higher taxes for the wealthy, he replied: 'Inevitably it will mean some people will have to pay more.

'I think one of the things, I don't know what the Government thinks about this...but one of the things it seems to me is that the evidence of trickle down as an effective form of redistribution is that it fails, it doesn't work.

'That comes down to an issue of our understanding of human beings and I think there is a chapter on this - that they tend to hold on to what they've got.

'They may even definitely have earned it.

'But one of the things I am saying that you'd expect me to say as an archbishop is that a life centred around God does not see what we receive even by our own hard work as ours.'
Rabbinical judges have rejected a motion for divorce from a woman whose husband physically abused her, saying they understood why he resorted to violence.

Last July a regional court rejected her first divorce petition and a few weeks after the verdict, she complained to police that he punched her in the face and bruised her shoulder.

After expressing regret, her husband was sentenced to 75 days in prison for the offence, but upon his release he attacked her on two more occasions.

Men and boys look during a weeding dancing takes place at an Orthodox Jewish wedding (FILE PHOTO)

In a written ruling, from February 1, the three presiding rabbis - Yosef Goldberg, David Birdugo, and Mordechai Ralbag noted: 'Unquestionably, any harm the husband causes the wife is unjustifiable in any circumstances; any violence should be treated gravely and condemned, especially severe violence like that described in the indictment.

'But on the other hand, there is also no doubt that the husband's eruption was due to his difficult (emotional) situation after his wife filed for divorce.'

The woman appealed the regional court's original verdict to the Rabbinical Court of Appeals in Jerusalem after the three separate beatings, Haaretz reported.

However judges in Jerusalem have ruled the attack was not grounds for a gett - a religious divorce - because the husband apologised and expressed remorse for what they described as 'non-recurring' violence.

The court of appeals referred the case back to the regional court who again refused the wife's motion to end the marriage.

A bride holds a gartel while family members dance at the wedding of a Rabbi's grandson (FILE PHOTO)

Although the judges said they abhorred the husband's behaviour they concluded that as he had admitted to his errors 'we can assume he won't be repeating these deeds in the future.'

In a letter to the attorney general, women's rights activist and lawyer Batya Kahane Dror and lawyer Hadas Grossman vowed to appeal the verdict as they say ruling empowers men to beat their wives if they want a divorce.

In 2015, 755 women in Israel entered domestic violence shelters, an increase of 20 per cent from the year before.

In ultra-orthodox Judaism divorce is considered shameful and women cannot divorce their husbands if they do not agree.
A tour guide has landed himself in hot water after falsely translating a cheerful visitor's comments to make it sound as if she was being rude about Tanzanians.

A mobile phone video shows a female tourist enthusing about the country and the Tanzanian people, calling them 'fabulously wonderful'.

But the guide then speaks into the camera and claims she the locals are always complaining about being hungry.

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The unnamed guide landed himself in hot water for his inaccurate translations, which have gone viral

The country's tourism minister, Jumanne Mshembe, took exception to his mischief-making, and ordered that the guide was arrested.

East African website eDaily reports he said: 'I issued an order for his arrest on Tuesday.

'I can confirm that he was apprehended today (Thursday) at the main gate of Nabi Serengeti reserve.'

The guide, who has not been named, worked at the Serengeti National Park when the undated clip was filmed.

It has gone viral among Tanzanians who see the funny side.

It is thought the guide may have been mocking Tanzanian president John Magufuli, who last month called on people to stop complaining of hunger, the BBC reports.
Fareed Mumuni, 22, in a 2009 photo, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and charges that he planned to aid ISIS

A New York City man who tried to stab a federal agent executing a search warrant at his home admitted in court on Thursday that he planned to help the Islamic State.

Fareed Mumuni, 22, pleaded guilty in a Brooklyn federal court to five counts including attempted murder and charges that he planned to aid the extremist organization.

Mumuni was suspected of plotting a pressure cooker bomb attack on behalf of ISIS in 2015.

When the FBI arrived at his Staten Island home to execute a search warrant, he ignored their commands to move to a couch.

He lunged at one of the agents with a kitchen knife and repeatedly tried to stab him, according to a criminal complaint.

But the FBI agent was wearing padded body armor and escaped with only minor injuries.

'By lunging with a knife, I knew that if I succeeded I could kill him,' Mumuni said in court on Thursday.

Mumuni also admitted he had discussed traveling overseas to join Islamic State, and gave someone a ride so he could buy shoes and supplies to do the same.

Prosecutors said Mumuni also planned an alternative plot and met with Munther Omar Saleh, 21, to help him carry out a potential bomb attack.

Mumuni, who studied social work at the College of Staten Island, faces up to 85 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 16.

When authorities arrived at Mumuni's home in June 2015 to execute a search warrant, he repeatedly tried to stab an FBI agent, who was protected by padded body armor

Mumuni and Saleh were among six young men in New York and New Jersey 'who had pledged allegiance to ISIL', according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Solomon.

Prosecutors said Saleh obtained instructions to build a pressure cooker bomb and planned to carry out an attack in New York City.

Court documents state: 'Saleh and Mumuni discussed the prospect of attacking law enforcement.

'Saleh instructed Mumuni that the best option was to use a bomb and then fight afterwards.

'After Mumuni asked for more guidance, Saleh wrote to use a bomb and then to run over members of law enforcement with a vehicle, seize the weapons of any victims, and use the weapons to shoot at other victims.'

Saleh and a high school senior, Imran Rabbani were arrested on June 13, 2015, after they got out of their vehicle and ran toward a surveillance vehicle armed with knives, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Mumuni also planned an alternative plot and met with Munther Omar Saleh (pictured right), 21, to help him carry out a potential bomb attack

Rabbani was sentenced to 20 months in prison in August after pleading guilty to a non-terrorism charge.

Saleh is scheduled to plead guilty on Friday. He faces a maximum sentence of 65 years.

Prosecutors say three other men in New Jersey were in contact with Saleh and sought to travel overseas to join Islamic State.

They have pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to Islamic State.
Survivors of Italy's devastating avalanche have slammed 'insensitive' plans to make a television drama about the disaster, which killed 29 people less than a month ago.

Tragedy struck on January 18, when the Hotel Rigopiano, in the remote village of Farindola, was crushed under a 6ft wall of snow as four earthquakes hit the central Italian region of Abruzzo.

Eleven people survived, including all four children who had been staying in the hotel, who were pulled alive from the ruins two days later.

Survivors later revealed how they ate snow to stay hydrated and sang to keep their spirits up as as they huddled in the pitch black beneath the devastated hotel.

Now they face reliving their trauma as the documentary is due to be broadcast on Italian TV.

Tragedy struck on January 18, when the Hotel Rigopiano, in the remote village of Farindola, was crushed under a 6ft wall of snow

Survivors later revealed how they ate snow to stay hydrated and sang to keep their spirits up as they waited to be rescued

Giorgia Galassi, 22, and her boyfriend Vincenzo Forti, 25, later described the horrific ordeal of being trapped in the luxury Hotel Rigopiano

'I can't believe it,' said student Giorgia Galassi, who was pulled alive from the rubble after 58 hours.

'It seems premature. If they really want to make a drama, they could at least allow a bit of time to pass,' she told Corriere della Sera newspaper.

Giampiero Parete, who feared his wife and two young children had died in the tragedy before they were rescued two days later, has called for the programme to be blocked.

Mr Parete, who was outside the hotel collecting medicine from their car when the wall of snow hit, said: 'Can they really do that? Is it not possible to block it? There needs to be respect and sensitivity.'

After two days huddled in freezing cold, tons of snow surrounding them in the wreckage of the avalanche-demolished hotel, survivors were pulled alive from the rubble

Four children were rescued from the avalanche-hit Rigopiano Hotel days after being trapped

Families of those who died in the tragedy have also hit out at plans to make the TV series.

'It is with huge shock that we have learned that the production company Taodue wants to make a television drama about the tragedy of the Hotel Rigopiano,' the family of 28-year-old Stefano Feniello said in a statement, adding that 'not even a month' had passed since the tragedy.

'We would like to point out that our support and involvement has never been asked for.

The rescuers - a mixture of soldiers, firemen and mountain rescue volunteers - searched for survivors despite the high risk of another avalanche

'The truth about the tragedy will only come out of the judicial investigation  certainly not from a television series hastily written a short time after the event.'

The documentary is being produced by Italian company Taodue, which is part of the Mediaset group, owned by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Filming for the TV drama is due to start in September, with the four-part series set to be broadcast next January.

The mini-series is titled 'La Valanga' - meaning 'The Avalanche'.

'It's an important project,' Pietro Valsecchi, the chief executive officer of the company told the Telegraph.

Survivors face reliving their trauma as a documentary about the disaster is due to be broadcast on Italian TV

The production company claims the television series aims to 'shed light on the truth' and pay homage to the victims and those worked ceaselessly to search for survivors

'We're writing the script with the help, and the involvement, of people who witnessed the tragedy at first hand, including survivors, relatives of the victims and rescuers.'

He claims the television series aims to 'shed light on the truth and pay homage to the victims and all the men and women who, at great risk to themselves, worked ceaselessly to search for survivors.'

'We all followed the tragedy with great emotion  there was trepidation for those who were trapped, relief when people were saved, the pain of the victims, admiration for those who struggled right to the end to save human lives', he added.

'There is also the question that everyone is asking  could this tragedy have been avoided?'
A trafficking ring which allegedly sold teenagers and women for as little as 3,000 has been busted in a series of morning raids in Glasgow.

Dozens of officers from Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division and Europol targeted four flats in the Govanhill area of the city as part of a three-year-long operation into trafficking and exploitation.

The flats were raided by 70 officers at about 8.45am on Thursday and three potential victims were found along with their alleged traffickers.

Dozens of officers from Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division and Europol targeted four flats in the Govanhill area of Glasgow (pictured) on Thursday morning as part of an operation into human trafficking and exploitation

The flats were raided by 70 officers and three potential victims were found along with their alleged traffickers

Five people were detained including two Slovakian women, aged 40 and 25, two Slovakian men aged 58 and 28, and a Nepalese man, 35

Officers said a further 13 suspected victims, aged between 18 and 25, had already been helped to safety by police ahead of sting operations across the UK.

Women who are believed to have been raped, abused and forced to work as prostitutes were led to safety prior to raid.

Five people were detained in connection with Operation Synapsis, which has been in development since 2014 and spans the length of the UK.

Two Slovakian women, aged 40 and 25, two Slovakian men aged 58 and 28, and a Nepalese man, 35, were taken into police custody for questioning after the raids.

Officers said that Slovakian women as young as 18 were trafficked to the UK by bus and plane, having been promised a better life and work.

When they arrived they were allegedly sold for between 3,000 and 10,000 as part of a sham marriage scheme.

Their buyers, allegedly mainly men from Pakistan, wanted EU citizenship so they could live and work in Europe.

Women who are believed to have been raped, abused and forced to work as prostitutes were led to safety by officers

Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division, the National Human Trafficking unit, financial crime and specialist officers from the Rape Taskforce, Europol, Immigration Enforcement, Glasgow City Council's social work department and Slovakian police were all involved

Victims that were not sold immediately were allegedly prostituted and raped.

Detective Inspector Steven McMillan, the Senior Investigating Officer, said there was no mention of having to get married before they came to the UK.

He said: 'They arrive in whatever house they end up in and at least two or three males enter.

'[They] have a conversation that they don't understand as it's in English or sometimes in Urdu, and it's the case of: "You're with him. He's got your identity document. You're going to marry him now".

'My own view on it is it's financial. They are treating these girls as a commodity. They can recruit them. It costs them nothing apart from a flight or a bus ticket.

Officers said that Slovakian women as young as 18 were trafficked to the UK by bus and plane, having been promised a better life and work

'The original purpose of the trafficking seems to have been the sham marriage but many of these women have been forced into prostitution, they have been raped, they have been subject to abuse that would never have happened if they hadn't been trafficked in the first place.

'Very quickly they will move them on and, in the cases where they haven't, these girls have been forced into prostitution, they have that element of control of over them and are still recouping the money

'When you're speaking to the girls and hearing their story, it's not one or two clients a night. It's a procession. It's absolutely horrible.'

The European Court of Justice in the Hague had to grant Police Scotland permission to form a joint investigation with Slovakian police and London'd Metropolitan Police before they could work together on targeting traffickers in the UK and abroad

Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division, the National Human Trafficking unit, financial crime and specialist officers from the Rape Taskforce, Europol, Immigration Enforcement, Glasgow City Council's social work department and Slovakian police were all involved in the Govanhill raid.

The Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) were on hand to support any alleged victims.

The European Court of Justice in the Hague had to grant Police Scotland permission to form a joint investigation with Slovakian police and London'd Metropolitan Police before they could work together on targeting traffickers in the UK and abroad.
An ISIS guard has revealed he quit the terror group after witnessing a 15-year-old sex slave raped so horrifically that she bled to death.

Giving his name as Nizar, the terrorist has lifted the lid on life inside Islamic State's detention centres.

He recalled a teenager who died from internal bleeding after she was raped by a Sudanese jihadi in her cell.

The women captured by ISIS and given away as sex slaves to the group's terrorists

Three women cover their faces after being captured by Islamic State militants in Syria

Nizar was told not to speak of the incident, and when he questioned it, he told God Reports a colleague said: 'Captives are captives - do as you please with them.'

After ISIS captured his city in Syria, he thought it would bring positivity and became a guard at the religious police's centre.

'It really felt like Islam,' he said.

'We started going to the mosque. A sheikh would give lessons in the Quran.'

The groups twisted notion of Islam quickly became apparent as he held up to 100 people men a day who were facing charges ranging from smoking to having a wife who was not appropriately covered up.

'They were imprisoned, whipped and beaten,' he said.

'After two or three days they were released.'

Inside the detention centres in Syria where ISIS' religious police would dish out justice

More worrying were the 475 female captives, which included Yazidi and Iraqi women, who seemingly were often locked up just for being the wives of opposition soldiers or potential criminals.

Nizar said: 'When I walked down the corridor, I was shocked looking at all these women.'

He told God Reports how women would cry because they had been separated from their children, and any new arrivals would prompt cheers from ISIS fighters.

The buoyant terrorists would be brought in 10 at a time to pick their sex slave for the next three days.

After which, they would either be abused or married off to strangers and the alternative was often execution.

An Islamic State militant brandishes a weapon at some clearly petrified women and children

Nizar began to have nightmares akin to PTSD about his work, and decided he needed to abscond.

'I felt tired and uncomfortable,' he said.

'I lost my appetite. I thought of them as my sisters.'

He and his family ran away to Turkey, and has advised men to steer clear of Syria.

'Once you get in the sand, it will turn into quicksand  as soon as you're in it, you drown,' he said.
Erica Buschick relished being a student at Miami University in Ohio, so much so that in her final Facebook post in late November, the 18-year-old gushingly wrote: 'I wanna go to college for the rest of my life.'

Two months to the day after posting the effusive status update, the young woman was discovered dead in her dormitory room at Morris Hall on campus after a night of what university police have described as 'high-risk alcohol consumption'.

An incident report released last week by the Miami University Police Department detailed the chain of events leading up to Buschicks death, revealing that the 18-year-old had consumed large quantities of champagne and vodka with friends, had taken multiple falls and had to be escorted back to her room because she was unsteady on her feet.

Untimely death: Erica Buschick, a freshman at Miami University in Ohio, died in late January after a night of heavy drinking with friends

Buschick was found lying unresponsive on a bean bag chair in her room at Morris Hall dormitory on campus in Oxford, Ohio, on the morning of January 20

Buschick, a native of Gurnee, Illinois, had just returned to college on the evening of January 19 after spending her winter break at home.

By 10pm that night, according to the incident report released to the college newspaper The Miami Student, the freshman and her roommate began drinking alcohol, polishing off two bottles of champagne between the two of them.

The 25-page report states that Buschick and the other student then filled an empty bottle of Dasani water about halfway with vodka and made their way to a house party at a friends apartment off campus.

Silent killer: According to a police report, Erica and her roommate had polished off two bottles of champagne between the two of them, followed by half a bottle of vodka and additional vodka shots at a house party

By 10.45pm, Buschick and her friend drank all of the vodka from the plastic bottle, and their friends then brought out a large bottle of high-end Grey Goose, which they said was filled with cheap vodka.

After 'pregaming' with the vodka, the group headed to Brick Street Bar Uptown to continue partying.

On the walk over, the report states that Buschick fell and was later deemed too drunk to enter the drinking establishment.

A friend then called the girl's roommate, telling her that Buschick needed to be taken home.

Buschick and her roommate eventually got into a cab together and headed back to their dormitory, arriving there sometime after midnight.

The taxi driver who took the two apparently inebriated women to Morris Hall would later tell police that upon exiting the car, Buschick collapsed to the ground face first, leaving her with multiple scrapes.

The 18-year-old was unable to walk without assistance, so her roommate asked the taxi driver to help her to their second-floor room.

Concerned that Buschick might fall again and hit her head, the cabbie said he laid her down on a bean bag chair and told her roommate to look after her.

The roommate fell asleep at around 1am, but not before snapping a photo of Buschick on the bean bag chair, which she posted onto an Instagram account. Police would later delete the image.

High hopes dashed: Buschick, an honor student in high school, majored in special education at Miami University and aspired to work with people with intellectual disabilities

Tight-knit bunch: Erica, pictured far left, was the youngest of three sisters. The image above shows Donna and Eric Buschick with their three daughters

When the roommate woke up the next morning, she found Buschick cold to the touch and still lying on the chair in the same position as the night before, which prompted her to call 911.

Police officers were summoned to the dormitory just before 9am on January 20, and Buschick was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Butler County Coroners office has not released a toxicology report as of Friday morning, but investigators have suggested that 'high-risk alcohol consumption' most likely contributed to Erica Buschicks death.

The students father, Eric Buschick, told Chicago Tribune he was on his way home from an out-of-state business trip when he got the worst phone call of his life.

She was my baby girl, the devastated father-of-three said or Erica, adding that while he does not blame anyone for her death, he would like Miami University to take steps in order to make sure that what happened to his daughter would not happen to anyone else.

Miami University President Gregory Crawford said in a statement that he will undertake a holistic assessment of the school's effort to curtail binge-drinking among students.

The youngest of three daughters, Erica dreamed of becoming a special education teacher.

Daddy's little girl: Eric Buschick, pictured here next to his youngest daughter, Erica, back in 2013, said he wants her university to take steps in order to curb drinking among students

According to her father, helping people with developmental disables had been her passion from the time she was a student at Warren Township High School, from which she graduated as a member of the National Honor Society.

When she entered Miami University last fall, she declared special education as her major and joined a local chapter of Best Buddies - a volunteer organization helping people with intellectual disabilities.

Erica is survived by her parents, Eric and Donna, and two older sisters, Loren and Danielle.

Two days after Erica's death, Loren Buschick posted an impassioned tribute to her 'extraordinary' baby sister.

Erica was not just my little sister, she was my best friend, my other half, my everything, she wrote. My world revolved around her. Making her laugh, making her happy and making sure she was succeeding.'
A tiny chip has been nursed back to health by an animal rescue center in the Democratic Republic of Congo after losing her mother to poachers.

The chimp, now named Mado, was found dehydrated, malnourished and close to death walking through the streets of an African village with a chain around her neck.

Villagers reported the chimp's poor health to an animal rescue center, Centre de Rehabilitation de Primates de Lwiro, which rushed in to save the day.

The chimp, now named Mado, was found dehydrated, malnourished and close to death walking through the streets of an African village

The small chimp also had a chain around her neck when she was found. After Mado's mother was killed by poachers, she struggled to find food and water and was taken in by a villager, who kept her living in poor conditions

Villagers reported the chimp's poor health to an animal rescue center, Centre de Rehabilitation de Primates de Lwiro. Rescuers rushed in to save the chimp and airlifted her to a nearby rehabilitation center

After Mado's mother was killed by poachers, she struggled to find food and water.

A local villager took her in, but conditions were so terrible that her health deteriorated and she came close to death.

Another villager saw the little chimp walking through the street with her arm out, begging for help, and called the animal rescue center.

The rescuers rushed the chimp to the Centre de Rehabilitation de Primates de Lwiro by air ambulance, where she is working to recover from the ordeal.

Rescuer Itsaso Velez del Burgo Guinea told The Sun that Mado was held in a remote village north of the Democratic Republic of Congo, near Garamba National Park.

Before being rescued (pictured above nafter her rescue) Mado was held in a remote village north of the Democratic Republic of Congo, near Garamba National Park

Mado is still malnourished and has intestinal parasites, but she is settling in to the rehabilitation center nicely

Prior to being rescued (pictured above at the rehabilitation center), the chimp was staying in a remote village in terrible conditions

'It was a Congolese man who kept Mado there in very bad conditions,' the rescuer said.

And now, it looks like Mado is recovering well as she settles in at the rehabilitation center.

Guinea told The Sun: 'Mado is settling in. She is obviously malnourished and dehydrated, she also has several intestinal parasites that we are already treating.

'But other than that she is a vivacious girl, with a lot of desire to live.

'Chimpanzees are amazing and with love and good care they are able to recover quite fast.'

Last month it was revealed that baby chimps were being taken from their mothers in Africa and smuggled to different countries as part of an illegal animal trade.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is the latest figure to play the fake news card as he rejects claims he had 13,000 people executed in one of his prisons.

Amnesty International published a shocking report this week stating victims were given death sentences after sham trials lasting less than three minutes, often on the basis of confessions extracted through torture and all commissioned by top officials.

The government's leader reacted to the allegations of mass execution by calling the report false, saying people could 'forge anything these days', suggesting the charity bribed officials in order to produce a biased report.

A spokesman for the charity told MailOnline Amnesty Internationally 'robustly rejected' the claims.

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President Bashar al-Assad has hit back at reports of mass executions in one of his prisons

Up to 50 people at a time were collected from Saydnaya Prison (pictured) and taken to a cell in the basement of the red building (top right)

Smoke rises after warcrafts belonging to Assad Regime forces carried out airstrikes to a marketplace and a settlement in Arbin town of Eastern Ghouta region in Damascus, Syria

In an interview with Yahoo News' Michael Isikoff, Assad said the charity's report was a bi-product of a 'fake news era'.

During the interview, Assad turned the questions around on his American interviewer to duck talking about the prison in question, saying the US was in no position to talk about human rights because of the country's relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Isikoff pointed out he was not interviewing the King of Saudi Arabia, but was interviewing Bashar al-Assad, to which the president said: 'You own the questions. I own the answers. And that is my answer.'

Eventually, he addressed the issue, saying all Amnesty International reports are biased and politically-motivated, something a spokesman for the charity told MailOnline they robustly rejected.

'It's a shame they publish a report without a shred of evidence,' he told Yahoo News.

'What about the documents? The concrete evidence?'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Iskikoff pointed out the interviews were with four prison officials and guards, three senior Syrian judges and three doctors.

But Assad hit back suggesting the charity bribed officials when compiling their report, again something Amnesty International denied.

He said: 'It means nothing. You can make any report - you can pay money to anyone [to say what you want them to say].'

The Syrian leader went on to laugh at the reports of 13,000 executions, and admits he has never been to the prison as he was in the presidential palace.

He refused to open an investigation to the case.

In response to the interview, Amnesty Internationals research and advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa Philip Luther said: 'In his interview President Bashar al-Assad repeatedly attempts to discredit Amnesty Internationals findings.

'However, he admits he has not visited Saydnaya military prison and provides not a shred of information about the "true" situation there.

'He acknowledges that executions take place in Syria, but fails to give any details whatsoever about the number carried out in Saydnaya or anywhere else in the country.

'If he has nothing to hide he must immediately grant access for international monitors to Saydnaya and all other places of detention in Syria.

'He must also reveal the truth about the number of executions taking place.

'Russia, which has also publicly dismissed the findings of the report, should use its influence with the Syrian authorities to make this happen.'

Earlier this week, Boris Johnson said he was 'sickened' by reports that Bashar al-Assad's regime tortured and hanged 13,000 political prisoners in four years.

Amid compelling evidence that the Syrian president's henchmen carried out an unprecedented 'policy of extermination', the Foreign Secretary said the dictator had 'no future as leader'.

Civilians perceived to be opposed to the brutal regime  including doctors and aid workers  were executed in mass hangings of up to 50 detainees at a time, according to a chilling Amnesty International dossier.

Victims were given death sentences after sham trials lasting less than three minutes, often on the basis of confessions extracted through torture, the human rights charity said.

If he has nothing to hide he must immediately grant access for international monitors to Saydnaya and all other places of detention in Syria Amnesty Internationals research and advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa Philip Luther on President Assad

Many thousands of others held at the notorious 20,000-capacity Saydnaya military prison, north of Damascus, died from starvation and disease.

The charity's year-long investigation drew on graphic accounts from witnesses, including judges, officials and former guards at the prison.

One source, a former military officer known only as Hamid who was arrested in 2011, described hearing the killings taking place from the floor above.

He said: 'If you put your ears on the floor, you could hear the sound of a kind of gurgling. This would last around ten minutes ... We were sleeping on top of the sound of people choking to death.'

The bodies of those hanged are believed to have been dumped in mass graves on military land on the outskirts of the war-ravaged capital.

The report said it was 'inconceivable that these large-scale practices have not been authorised at the highest levels of the Syrian government'.

Many thousands of others held at the notorious 20,000-capacity Saydnaya military prison (pictured), north of Damascus, died from starvation and disease, according to Amnesty International

Boris Johnson said Bashar al-Assad had 'no future as leader' after compelling evidence showed he carried out an unprecedented 'policy of extermination

It is the first evidence said to prove that Assad, 51, has authorised torture to punish opponents and crush dissent.

He has long been suspected of such action.

Individual death sentences are supposed to be approved by either the Syrian minister of defence or the chief of staff of the army, both of whom are authorised to act on behalf of Assad.

Following publication of the study, Mr Johnson tweeted: 'Sickened by reports from Amnesty International on executions in Syria.

'Assad responsible for so many deaths and has no future as leader.'

His comments appeared to back away from his suggestion last month that Assad could be allowed to run for re-election in a bid to end Syria's civil war, which has left nearly 400,000 dead and half the population displaced.

But at a Cabinet meeting earlier this week, Mr Johnson made clear the dictator could not remain in power.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: 'The Foreign Secretary stressed that Britain [doesn't] believe that Assad can govern the country or take control of its democratically elected government.'

Lynn Maalouf, (pictured) deputy research director at Amnesty International in Beirut, said: 'The horrors depicted in this report reveal a hidden, monstrous campaign'

Amnesty's report, titled Human Slaughterhouse, reveals that as well as extrajudicial executions, the Syrian authorities are deliberately inflicting horrific conditions on detainees, including torture and denial of food, water and medicine.

Since the uprising began in 2011, the prison has been filled with those accused of opposing Assad or taking part in anti-government protests, as well as military personnel said to be working against the regime or plotting to defect.

Upon arriving at Saydnaya, they undergo a brutal session of beating  referred to as the 'welcome party'.

Witnesses described a methodical routine to the killings, in which the doomed detainees were collected from their cell blocks in the afternoon and told they were being transferred to civilian prisons.

Instead, they were moved to a facility in the grounds known as the 'red building', where they were beaten for several hours.

Between midnight and 3am, they were then blindfolded and moved in delivery trucks and minibuses to another part of the jail called the 'white building'.

There, they were taken into a basement room, nooses were placed around their necks and they were hanged.

Following the executions, the prisoners' bodies were taken to Tishreen military hospital where they were registered as having died of natural causes.

The corpses were then loaded on to trucks to be secretly buried in mass graves, the report said. Families of the dead were never informed.

Amnesty said the evidence, from between 2011 and 2015, amounted to crimes against humanity and called on the UN to investigate.

This is a floor plan of the 'execution room' inside the Saydnaya Prison, which is north of the capital Damascus, Syria

Lynn Maalouf, deputy research director at the charity's office in Beirut, said: 'The horrors depicted in this report reveal a hidden, monstrous campaign, authorised at the highest levels of the Syrian government, aimed at crushing any form of dissent within the Syrian population.

'The cold-blooded killing of thousands of defenceless prisoners, along with the carefully crafted and systematic programmes of psychological and physical torture that are in place inside Saydnaya prison cannot be allowed to continue.

Those responsible for these heinous crimes must be brought to justice.' The report adds to previous evidence of abuses, which could result in Assad and key figures in his regime being hauled before international courts charged with crimes against humanity.

In August 2013, a defector known only as Caesar fled Syria with files containing photographs of the bodies of more than 28,000 victims who had died under torture in prison.

The state of the bodies  which were covered in horrific wounds  and their sheer number revealed the scale of the abuse.

Amnesty's report was published ahead of talks in Geneva aiming to end the bloody civil war.

Assad's representatives are preparing to meet officials from Turkey, who have backed the rebels, later this month.

Russia and Iran, both Assad's allies, will join the talks.
Ukip leader Paul Nuttall failed to name the six towns of Stoke in an interview with local radio, despite bidding to be the city's MP in this month's by-election.

He became unstuck after being challenged to name the original six towns that joined together to form Stoke-on-Trent - days after stumbling over the same question.

And it comes a week after it emerged that police are probing claims Mr Nuttall broke electoral law by claiming he lived at an address in the Stoke constituency despite living 60-miles away in Merseyside at the time he submitted his nomination papers.

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall, pictured, failed to name the six towns of Stoke in an interview with local radio, despite bidding to be the city's MP in this month's by-election

Mr Nuttall, appearing on the local 6 Towns radio station, had little trouble naming five of the towns - Burslem, Longton, Stoke-upon-Trent , Hanley and Fenton - but there was one town he couldn't remember.

He was forced to rely on the help of an aide, who told him the sixth town was Tunstall.

The Ukip leader is hoping to become Ukip's second MP by taking advantage of Stoke's overwhelmingly pro-Brexit electorate to beat pro-Remain Labour candidate Gareth Snell.

The by-election, triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Tristram Hunt, is a major test for under-fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn but also a first electoral test for Mr Nuttall since he became Ukip leader at the end of last year.

Paul Nuttall, pictured on 6 Towns radio station, was forced to rely on the help of an aide, who told him the sixth town was Tunstall

But Mr Nuttall is not the only candidate who has been embarrassed in the by-election campaign.

Mr Snell faced a backlash after it emerged he had branded Brexit a 'pile of sh***'.

The local councillor Mr Snell showed his disdain for the outcome in a series of tweets, including one in September when he posted a poem reading: 'Soft Brexit, Hard Brexit, Massive pile of Sh**, Sloppy Brexit, Messy Brexit, Quit, Quit, Quit.'

During the referendum campaign, he also praised the way pro-EU politicians made their case and suggested he backed Turkey's bid to become a member.

Mr Snell has since insisted he will not try to block the triggering of Article 50, but criticised Theresa May's approach.
A glamorous TV presenter suffered a moment of humiliation when her tooth fell out live on air.

The Puerto Rican presenter Sonya Cortes, 56, was presenting 'Lo Se Todo' ('I Know Everything').

A recording shows the moment when, during a wide smile, an upper-right incisor or premolar drops out of her mouth.

She looks around for it and keeps her mouth carefully closed.

But despite the incident being broadcast on live TV, showing the gap from which the tooth fell, Cortes is insisting that she has no missing teeth and that the white object dropping from her mouth was a sweet.

Sonya Cortes was in the middle of presenting her show when one of her 'teeth' fell out

She explained in a video posted on her social media account: 'I was not able to eat it, because I could have suffocated. Things that happen to me do not happen to anyone else.

'I have to admit that my boss asked for a meeting with me and she was angry because I love having chewing gum in my mouth, I love sweeties.

Sonya later went on to claim that it was a 'sweetie' which could have suffocated her

'Today I was told to run to the stage as the program was about to start and I had just eaten a sweet and I was trying to pretend nothing had happened, but I could not, because I was about to suffocate.

'It was not a tooth, it was a sweet, because look here, I am not gap-toothed.'

Responding to netizens' witty remarks about the incident, reporter Ivette Sosa defended the presenter, saying: 'Losing a tooth should not be mocked by anyone, I consider these jokes as a lack of respect!'
Rapist caught: Now-paralyzed Albert Evans, 49, has pleaded guilty to raping a woman while armed in May 2002

A now-paralyzed man has admitted to raping a woman in Tennessee nearly 15 years ago after a DNA test produced a match.

Albert Evans, 49, pleaded guilty this week to an armed sexual assault that took place between May 2 and May 5, 2002.

Evans, who is bedridden, received a 10-year suspended sentence and remains in a nursing home, where he has been living since September 2015.

The crime went unsolved for more than a decade until a match was made on a previously untested rape kit in 2014.

By that time, Evans had been paralyzed from injuries in a vehicle crash. He was arrested on the rape charge in March 2015, reported The Commercial Appeal.

DNA match: Evans, pictured above in an earlier booking photo, was arrested in March 2015, a year after a match was made on a previously untested rape kit

Local Memphis reported that the Shelby County District Attorney's Office says the rape victim approved the plea agreement in Evans' case.

Rape kits are used to collected physical evidence of sexual assault. Authorities disclosed in 2013 that more than 12,000 kits had accumulated and not been tested since the 1980s.
A 16-year-old girl has become the first female to be arrested on terrorism charges in Denmark's history after she planned to bomb two schools, including her own.

Prosecutor Lise-Lotte Nilas says, the Danish student from the small town of Kundby, is accused of 'having made preparations to make bombs' using the explosive known as TATP.

She had targeted a private Jewish school in Copenhagen and the school she attened, Sydskolen, in the town of Farevejle.

The teen was arrested in the town of Kundby which has 717 inhabitants

'The 16-year-old was, according to the indicted, far along in her preparations to bomb two schools. She is charged with having made preparations to make a bomb and for having planned a test explosion,' public prosecutor Lise-Lotte Nilas said.

'The prosecuting authority is therefore presenting a criminal case against her under the penal code's provisions on terror,' she added.

Police thwarted the plans by arresting the girl on January 13, 2016 when she was 15-years-old, in her home in Kundby on the island of Zealand.

Much of the case has been kept quiet by authorities, including the teenager's name, and her court appearances have been behind 'double-locked doors,' meaning all information is withheld from the media and the public.

The 16-year-old girl has been described as a recent convert to Islam and one of her neighbours told the Danish tabloid BT that her Facebook page indicated that she wanted to convert other Danes to the religion.

Police in Copenhagen are seen guarding an apartment following the arrest of four men suspected of having returned from fighting in Syria (FILE PHOTO)

The girl is said to have joined a Facebook group for ethnic Danish members of Hizb ut-Tahrir, an Islamic group that openly supports the establishment of a caliphate, according to TV2.

Charges against a 25-year-old man, initially believed to an accomplice, have been dropped prosecutors said.

'The investigation of the 25-year-old man has been very extensive, and among other things the police have obtained electronic information from abroad in order to explore every corner of the serious suspicions against him.

'Therefore, it is only now that we have an overall picture of his role and this role does not give us grounds to charge him,' Nilas said.

The teen was said to be preparing to attack the Jewish school, Carolineskolen, with TATP.

She planned to raid Sydskolen with explosives made out fertilizer, petrol, diesel and other chemicals for the raid, prosecutor Peter Ahleson said after the arrests last year.

TATP or acetone peroxide was used in the London bombings, the Paris terror attacks in November 2015 and the 2016 bombings in Brussels.

A trial is set to start April 7, 2017 in Holbaek, northwest of the Danish capital Copenhagen.
President Donald Trump says he could execute a new immigration order within days, as his administration looks to quickly move beyond a defeat in a federal appeals court in San Francisco.

Trump made the comments aboard Air Force One en route to Mar-a-Lago, as his team grapples with a court panel's ruling Wednesday that kept a stay in place that prevents the government from enforcing his new 90-day ban on immigration from seven Muslim-majority nations.

Trump was defiant on Twitter about the 'disgraceful' ruling, which he vowed to fight, even as he suggested his administration is pursuing other ways to try to get around it.

He said he is confident he'll win in court, but 'We also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand new order,' the Associated Press reported.

President Donald Trump told reporters traveling with him to Florida that he is considering 'just filing a brand new order' as a way of responding to a federal appeals court panel that halted his new immigration order

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe step off of Air Force One as they arrive in West Palm Beach, Florida

'We need speed for reasons of security. So it could very well be that we do that,' Trump said.

Referring to the court case that knocked down his order, Trump said, 'We will win that battle. The unfortunate part is that it takes time statutorily, but we will win that battle. We also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand new order.'

The administration has decided not to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, The Hill and other outlets reported. Under such an appeal, this week's ruling by a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel would have gone before the evenly-divided 4-4 Supreme Court. A tie ruling would have let the initial ruling stand, potentially leavin the administration in a weaker position.

Drafters could try to craft an order that would better withstand judicial scrutiny, including claims that it discriminates based on religion, in part due to Trump's earlier claims that he would instate a 'Muslim ban.'

But Trump indicated it might just be tinkering.

The new order would likely change 'very little' from the original. The new action could come Monday or Tuesday, just as Trump returns from his Florida weekend, where he plans to golf with the Japanese prime minister.

'I'd like to surprise you,' Trump said.

Earlier Friday, the White House floated the idea of countering a stunning appeals court ruling that set back Trump's immigration order  redrafting the order in a way that could take effect immediately and be more resistant to legal challenge.

President Trump signaled an unmistakable instinct to fight for his original order Thursday night when bluntly told opponents: 'See you in court!' after criticizing judges who stood in his path.

President Trump made his comments aboard Air Force One while traveling to Florida with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

President Donald Trump has used Twitter over the last few days to try and encourage the three judge panel to rule in his way. Now, the White House is signaling that redrafting the order isn't 'off the table'

But now, the White House is also laying out an alternative path. Asked if the president was considering signing a new executive order on immigration, a White House official told CNN, ''Nothing's off the table.'

CNN's Jim Acosta added on air Friday morning, 'They may go back and revise this executive order that that is a possibility that no options are being essentially taken off the table at this point.'

By redrafting the order, the White House could conceivably try to correct several elements of the order that have drawn scrutiny in court.

NBC reported Friday that White House attorneys were already engaged in the effort. Options include continuing the court fight that Trump has vowed or signing a new order 'very soon.'

Plaintiffs have argued that the order essentially codifies Trump's campaign 'Muslim ban,' which he overtly campaigned on, then describing it in new terms as the campaign wore on.

The existing order includes only seven countries where Muslims are the vast majority. It also provides a special carveout for religious minorities in those countries, a provision that would help Christians facing persecution.

State governments have also complained about the hasty drafting of the order, and how it placed a burden by blocking speakers, lecturers, and students from affected countries with legitimate visas. These and other elements might be able to be tweaked to better insulate the order.

In its Thursday ruling, the 9th Circuit court of appeals noted the interest in the free flow of travel that avoids separation of families and 'freedom from discrimination.'

Trump blasted the decision with a comment from the Lawfare blog that the court opinion didn't even bother to cite the statute. 'A disgraceful decision!' Trump wrote.

But the blog's author, Benjamin Wittes, noted when he tweeted his post after the president's comment that he backs the court panel's decision.

'You decide whether the POTUS is quoting me in context. Here's the article. For the record, I support the decision,' he wrote. In the post, Wittes called referenced Trumps 'repeated and overt invocations of the most invidious motivations' when describing Trump's Muslim ban. He also notes both broad presidential powers and the 'incompetent malevolence with which this order was promulgated.'

After a San Francisco appeals court panel of three judges unanimously ruled to not reinstate Donald Trump's travel ban, his defeated election rival, Hillary Clinton took a jab at the president.

The former secretary of state tweeted '3-0', noting the judges' unanimous call.

Soon, Kellyanne Conway, Trump's campaign manager, hit back at Clinton with a stinging reminder of her defeat in the presidential election.

'PA, WI, MI,' Conway, an advisor to Trump in the White House, said in a message of her own. Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan are the states that were supposed to secure Clinton's presidency but went red.

Just minutes after the ruling, Trump also ashed out on Twitter with an all caps message.

'SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!' Trump wrote.

Trump blasted the Thursday court ruling as a 'disgraceful decision!'

Shortly after the decision was announced, President Donald Trump announced the government would be repealing the decision in a tweet using all caps

President Donald Trump's defeated presidential rival Hillary Clinton, trolled the president tonight with a tweet noting the judges' unanimous call

The panel of three judges from the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S.

An appeal to the US Supreme Court seems likely and would put the decision in the hands of a divided court that has a vacancy.

Trump's nominee, Neil Gorsuch, could not be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban.

The president also spoke to reporters in the West Wing and called the judges' ruling a 'political decision'.

He reiterated that he would appeal: 'It's a very very serious situation so we look forward to seeing them in court,' he said, according to NBC News.

The president also told NBC News that the ruling didn't undercut his new presidency.

'No this is just a decision that came down but we're going to win the case,' Trump said.

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Trump's campaign manager hit back with a stinging reminder of Clinton's electoral defeat. Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan are the states that were supposed to secure Clinton's presidency but went red

The three judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals: (left to right) Judge Richard Clifton, Judge William Canby and Judge Michelle Friedland

The three judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in their decision that they believed the government, which includes Trump's White House, was unlikely to win an appeal.

The appeals panel said the government presented no evidence to explain the urgent need for the executive order to take effect immediately. The judges noted compelling public interests on both sides.

U.S. District Judge James Robart (pictured) ruled last Friday to suspend President Trump's travel ban

'On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies. And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination.'

The court rejected the administration's claim that it did not have the authority to review the president's executive order.

'There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy,' the court said.

While they did not rule on the actual merits of the states' argument that the travel ban was intended to target Muslims, the judges rejected the government's claim that the court should not consider statements by Trump or his advisers about wishing to enact such a ban.

Considering those remarks, the judges said, falls within well-established legal precedent.

The decision also said that the states suing, Washington and Minnesota, had standing in the case because their public universities were suffering harm from the executive order, which was preventing scholars from the seven countries from coming in.

David Pearce, left, and his daughter Crissy Pearce hold signs outside of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, Tuesday

The White House is seen as the 9th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals rules not to reinstate President Donald Trump's travel ban

The judges wrote that they believed Washington and Minnesota raised serious allegations about religious discrimination in the ban.

'Bottom line, this is a complete victory for the state of Washington,' Washington's Attorney General Bob Ferguson said at a press conference held shortly after the ruling dropped.

'We are a nation of laws and as I've said, as we have said, from day one that those laws apply to everybody in our country and that includes the president of the United States,' Ferguson added.

Following the announcement, Kellyanne Conway, White House counselor, told Fox News's The First 100 Days: 'We are fully confident now that we will get our day in court and have an opportunity to argue this on merits. We will prevail.

She said President Donald Trump's travel ban is legal because it's written in a 1952 statute that the president has great authority over America's national interests and security.

Conway added that the purpose of the order is to temporarily suspend travel from seven countries - Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan and Somalia - that don't have 'adequate vetting procedures'.

'If we can argue that on the merits and people really look at that statute ... we'll get a different result'.

The appeals court was looking at a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S.

An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is possible, though the White House could also keep the case in the 9th Circuit and have it heard 'en banc,' by all the judges.

US District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban last week after Washington state and Minnesota sued. The ban temporarily suspended the nation's refugee program and immigration from countries that have raised terrorism concerns.

Temporary setback: Kellyanne Conway, White House counsellor, (pictured on Thursday evening) said they were 'fully confident' that they 'will prevail'

Justice Department lawyers appealed to the 9th Circuit, arguing that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

The states said Trump's travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities.

Citing Trump's campaign promise to stop Muslims from entering the U.S., they said the ban unconstitutionally blocked entry to people based on religion.

Both sides faced tough questioning during an hour of arguments Tuesday conducted by phone  an unusual step  and broadcast live on cable networks, newspaper websites and social media.

It attracted a huge audience.

The judges hammered away at the administration's claim that the ban was motivated by terrorism fears, but they also challenged the states' argument that it targeted Muslims.

'I have trouble understanding why we're supposed to infer religious animus when, in fact, the vast majority of Muslims would not be affected,' Judge Richard Clifton, a George W. Bush nominee, asked an attorney representing Washington state and Minnesota.

Only 15 per cent of the world's Muslims are affected by the executive order, the judge said, citing his own calculations.

'Has the government pointed to any evidence connecting these countries to terrorism?' Judge Michelle T. Friedland, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, asked the Justice Department attorney.

The lower-court judge temporarily halted the ban after determining that the states were likely to win the case and had shown that the ban would restrict travel by their residents, damage their public universities and reduce their tax base.

Robart put the executive order on hold while the lawsuit works its way through the courts.

After that ruling, the State Department quickly said people from the seven countries  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  with valid visas could travel to the U.S. The decision led to tearful reunions at airports round the country.

The ban was set to expire in 90 days, meaning it could run its course before the court would take up the issue. The administration also could change the order, including changing its scope or duration.
Steven McKimm was refused entry to a film for not having ID - but was then allowed to down pints at the cinema's bar (pictured)

A 34-year-old man with a full 'Viking beard' was refused entry to a film for not having ID - but was then allowed to down pints at the cinema's bar.

Steven McKimm visited the cinema with his fiance, Joanne Nicol, to see the new T2 Trainspotting film.

But he was left gobsmacked when cinema staff said he could not see the 18-certificate flick because he did not have ID to prove his age.

Steven - who has a full 'Viking beard' - thought the cinema employee was joking when she insisted there was 'strict Challenge 25' policy.

But he was eventually forced to give in, despite pre-booking the tickets.

Instead, the cheeky father enjoyed a number of pints the cinema's bar where he wasn't asked to prove his age.

Steven said: 'When she first asked me for ID I thought she was joking.

'She admitted that she didn't think I was under 18 but felt it was up to her discretion to use the Challenge 25 rule.

'I think she's completely misinterpreted the rule and realised that she's in the wrong around five minutes into the argument.

'There was a queue of about 30 people behind us and, with this being Shetland, the majority of them knew who we were and they couldn't believe it either.

'I then told her that I was going downstairs to the bar, in the same venue, and she said she didn't have a problem with it because that wasn't her area.

'If she didn't think I was old enough to see the film then why would I be old enough to have a drink?

'My friends have been joking with me about having to bring my National Insurance card to get into kids films.

The group had travelled for 45 minutes in blistery winter weather from their home in Mossbank to the cinema - which is 30 miles away

Joanne posted a picture of her man enjoying a pint at the cinema's pub on their Facebook page

'I don't go out to the cinema very often anyway and don't think there's any danger that I'll be going back soon.'

Steven visited the Mareel cinema in Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, with Joanne and her brothers Marc Sherwood, 34, and Sean Nicol, 22.

They had even told Sean to take ID, because of his youthful looks.

The group had travelled for 45 minutes in blistery winter weather from their home in Mossbank to the cinema - which is 30 miles away.

Joanne, said: 'We don't really get the chance to have a night out since we're new parents and had to plan a few days in advance to get a babysitter in..

'This could have been so easily avoided if the duty manager just swallowed her pride.

'But there was quite a big queue behind us and I guess she didn't want to look weak.

'We even told her that we were going to go to the cinema's pub but she said she didn't care because that wasn't her area.

'I don't understand how she can think he isn't old enough to see Trainspotting but is old enough to drink in the bar.

'It took me quite a while to stop being so angry but eventually, after a few glasses of Prosecco, I saw the funny side.'

Joanne posted a picture of her man enjoying a pint at the cinema's pub on their Facebook page.

The filmhouse responded: 'Hi Joanne, I'm sorry your fiance was unable to get into Trainspotting 2 due to lack of ID.

Steven visited the Mareel cinema in Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, with Joanne and her brothers Marc Sherwood, 34, and Sean Nicol, 22

'Our staff are legally required to ask for proof that you are old enough to watch an age restricted film if they have any doubt.

'We follow the Challenge 25 policy here at Mareel, so we ID anyone who appears under 25 for 18 films.

'These decisions have to be made on the spot by the staff as without ID there is no other accurate way of telling age.

'The cinema staff believed him to be under 25, whereas the bar staff were happy he was over 25, in each case staff were just doing their job.

'I'm sorry this affected your evening but we have no choice but to fulfill our legal obligations.

'So please, please anyone who is under 25, or may look under 25, make sure you bring ID with you, we don't like having to turn anyone away.'
Simon Bragg, a former NHS worker, had his conviction for rape overturned last month following a retrial after the Crown Prosecution Service submitted no evidence.

A former NHS worker has had his conviction for rape overturned following a retrial after spending three years behind bars.

Simon Bragg, an NHS worker living in staff accommodation at East Surrey Hospital at the time, was found guilty in December 2012 following a trial for one count of rape.

It was alleged that Mr Bragg continued have sex with the victim after she withdrew consent when his condom split.

In February 2013, he was sentenced to three years, a shorter term than would usually have been handed out for that crime because the judge said the case was 'exceptional'.

At the end of last year he had his appeal overturned and at retrial last month at the retail the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence and Bragg was formally found not guilty.

At the time it was alleged that Mr Bragg continued having sex with the victim after she withdrew consent when the condom broke. Mr Bragg was released having spent three years in prison

During the original trial the case was described as as 'in no sense a classic case of rape' because he and the alleged victim had consensual sex following a night out in Reigate in November 2011.

However when they had sex a second time the condom split and Mr Bragg was convicted on the basis that he carried on despite this.

Judge Christopher Critchlow said at the time the case was 'special in its factors' and while the jury found Bragg guilty, the judge reduced the sentence from the minimum term of four years.
Alec Baldwin is known for his striking impressions of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, but last night the actor went after the president's daughter while on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

The actor took a jab at Ivanka Trump while poking fun at her recent clothing line fiasco.

'I got this suit from the Ivanka Trump men's collection at Nordstrom', he quipped. 'Big sale right now, 95 percent off of everything.'

Baldwin made an appearance ahead of his scheduled SNL performance this Saturday when he is set to reprise his role as Donald Trump.

Baldwin appeared on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Thursday and joked about buying his suit on sale from Ivanka Trump's clothing line

Nordstrom announced last week it had dropped the first daughter's fashion line due to declining sales.

The luxury department store denied that the decision was political and insisted the move was made as a result of poor sales months after it was hit by a grassroots boycott.

The store has completely taken off Ivanka's merchandise from their website.

The 58-year-old actor has been openly critical about the Trump Administration on social media, and he has been performing the infamous skits mocking Donald Trump since October.

The luxury department store announced last week it had dropped the first daughter's fashion line due to declining sales after it was hit with a boycott

During the segment of 'Box of Lies' with Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, Baldwin brought his Trump impersonation back on screen.

Although the skit was not based on politics, Baldwin switched on his Trump voice during the last minute of the clip, referencing the president's immigration stance.

The two funnymen battled it out with dueling impressions as Fallon tried to guess if Baldwin's description of a 'burrito' in his box was a lie.

'The Honduran that delivered this burrito here to this studio, we had him deported and sent back to Honduras,' he said in his Trump voice.

Alec Baldwin is known for his striking impressions of Donald Trump on SNL, but turned on his voice during a segment on The Tonight Show

Donald Trump has tweeted several times his contempt toward Saturday Night Live and Baldwin's impressions, calling it 'really bad television.'

On Wednesday, the president tweeted his support for his daughter and defended her business saying the retailer had treated her unfairly.

The fashion line was also dumped by TJ Maxx and other retailers this week.
When a property is considered a national treasure like Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, figuring how much it's worth is complicated.

But Buncombe County appraisers have put a price tag on America's largest private residence, a 135,000-square-foot home with 250 rooms that was built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, one of the heirs to the Vanderbilt industrial fortune.

Vanderbilt commissioned New York architect Richard Morris Hunt to design the house after the Chateau de Blois in France.

Numbers released this week by the county tax department put the Biltmore House's value at nearly $37 million and the 2,194-acre woodland property on which it sits at more than $64 million, reports the Asheville Citizen-Times.

With hotels, restaurants, outbuildings and private residences, the total value of public areas of Biltmore Estate is nearly $300 million.

Buncombe County appraisers say Biltmore House (pictured) is worth about $37 million, and the 2,194 acres it sits on is worth more than $64 million

The tax department says if you throw in the hotels, restaurants, outbuildings and private residences, the total value of the public areas of Biltmore Estate is nearly $300 million

Banquet hall of the Biltmore Estate

Conservatory on the estate, which consists of four rooms, and once provided plants and flowers to All Souls church in Biltmore Village

Biltmore House, a 1890s French Renaissance-style, 250-room chateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains has hotels, restaurants, outbuildings and private residences on the property

Appraising the lavish Biltmore Estate is 'one of the most complex tasks that we have', said Keith Miller, who oversaw the tax department appraisal.

Miller said the job has more in common with appraising a factory or a big box store than a typical residence.

'Comparables for the house are pretty much nonexistent, at least in America,' he said. 'Really you've got to go somewhere out of this country to see a chateau like that.'

The tax department examined Biltmore's revenues to determine a value. Square footages are recorded, but they're not as relevant as they would be to a residential appraisal, Miller said.

As for the Biltmore Company itself, it's not concerned with value, said Kathleen Mosher, director of communications.

Biltmore Estate is one of the most prominent remaining examples of the Gilded Age. George Vanderbilt commissioned New York architect Richard Morris Hunt to design the house

George Vanderbilt built the lavish estate in 1895 and had it styled after a French Renaissance chateau

Vanderbilt spent a significant part of his inheritance constructing Biltmore Estate

Grace Kelly poses with a swan on the set of the MGM movie The Swan on the set at the Biltmore Estate in 1956. At least 15 movies have been filmed on the estate

'As a national historic landmark, we're in the business of preserving things for generations, so it's not something that is our focus', Mosher said.

'Our focus is preserving these objects and preserving the estate for generations to enjoy, so if valuations need to take place, those external people seeking those valuations do them themselves'.

Biltmore Company owns 8,000 acres of property, but it's divided up into multiple properties, some of which are not held by the company.

Vanderbilt, who was interested in horticulture and forestry, wanted to run Biltmore as a self-sustaining estate.

Vanderbilt, who was interested in horticulture and forestry, wanted to run Biltmore as a self-sustaining estate

Biltmore became the first professionally managed forest in the United States

It was also the site of the Biltmore Forest School, the first forestry school in North America

Vanderbilt wanted to replicate working estates in Europe

Biltmore became the first professionally managed forest in the United States and was also the site of the Biltmore Forest School, the first forestry school in North America.

In 1979, Vanderbilt's heirs divided the estate into multiple companies.

The largest portion of the Biltmore House property is owned by West Range LLC and valued at $78 million, which is not included in the estate's total value.

Biltmore Estate has appreciated since the last reappraisal was released in 2013.
An Indian minister has admitted ordering police to torture rapists until they begged for forgiveness.

Water minister Uma Bharti advocated brutal punishments for rapists while campaigning for a local politician in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.

She said: 'Rapists should be tortured in front of victims until they beg for forgiveness. When I was the Chief Minister, I made the police do it.

Water minister Uma Bharti advocated brutal punishments for rapists while campaigning for a local politician in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday

'They should be hung upside down and salt and chilly should be rubbed on their wounds until they scream. Mothers and sisters should watch so they can get closure.'

The minister, 57, was referencing the gang-rape of a mother and her teenage daughter travelling on a motorway in Bulandshahr near Delhi last year.

She attacked the state's Samajwadi Party government, saying it never tried to stop the perpetrators being released on bail.

Bharti, who now works for the BJP-led central government, said she put her beliefs into practice when she was Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh more than ten years ago.

She said: 'Rapists should be tortured in front of victims untill they beg for forgiveness. When I was the Chief Minister, I made the police do it'

She said: 'I would tell the cops to hang the rapists upside down and beat them so hard that they would cry out. I would tell women to watch through windows of the police station.'

When a police officer objected, she shared: 'I told him people who behave like 'danav' (demons) cannot have Manavadhikar (human rights). Their heads should be cut off like Ravana's.'
The Obamas appear to be modeling their post-White House life after the Clintons, by joining the speaking circuit.

On Friday, it was reported that the former president and first lady had signed to Harry Walker Agency, the same agency that represents Bill Clinton. No official speaking events have been announced yet.

The couple have also hired attorneys Robert Barnett and Deneen Howell to help with with book deals. Barnett previously helped the Clintons, George W. Bush and wife Laura, Sarah Palin and Ted Kennedy get published.

Mr Obama has already written two books, but this will be the first time that his wife has taken pen to paper. The former first lady is also scheduled to appear as a guest judge on the next season of Masterchef Junior, apparently carrying on her cause to teach children about nutrition.

Before leaving office, Obama said he wasn't going into retirement - but planned to stay active in public life. The announcements comes just days after the Obamas returned from a two-week vacation to Palm Springs and the Caribbean.

In typically Biden fashion, Obama's VP took no break and got straight to work on his new career. On Friday, Creative Artists Agency announced that they have signed Biden and his wife Jill as their newest clients.

On Friday, it was announced that the Obamas have signed to a public speaking company, Harry Walker Agency. Creative Artists Agency also on Friday added the Bidens to their client roster. The first couple and the Bidens pictured above in September 2013

CAA is one of the leading talent agencies in Hollywood, with clients including Jennifer Lawrence, Brad Pitt and Will Smith. The announcement did not specify what projects CAA would work with the Bidens on, beyond saying that the agency would 'amplify' their public policy initiatives.

In a press release, Biden said that he and his wife 'remain more dedicated than ever to addressing the critical issues of the day, and we see in CAA a shared passion and shared values that are at the core of our family and our goals'.

'We look forward to leveraging their expertise, across many fields, as part of our team,' Biden said.

CAA President Richard Lovett said that the company 'are deeply honored and excited to work with Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden to advance their vital efforts'.

' The Bidens have long led with integrity, authenticity, and compassion. Their extraordinary commitment to lifting people up is not only a great inspiration to us personally but a tremendous foundation upon which they will build an unprecedented post-White House career,' he said.

Signing to a talent agency is just the latest of many post-vice presidency plans that Biden has made recently

Since leaving office last month, Biden and his wife launched a foundation and announced partnerships with the University of Delaware and the University of Pennsylvania.

The former vice president and longtime U.S. senator from Delaware has also pledged to continue his initiative to end cancer, which recently took the life of his son, Beau.

At Penn, Biden will head the new Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, which will open in Washington, DC this year. He will also have an office at Penn's main campus in Philadelphia, where he has been named the Benjamin Franklin Presidential Practice professor. Bide's son Beau, daughter Ashley and granddaughter Naomi all graduated from the Ivy League institution.

At the University of Delaware, his own alma mater, Biden will be the founding chairman of the Biden Institute. The institute will help develop public policy solutions for issues such as civil rights, criminal justice, women's rights and the environment.

As a life-long public servant, Biden has not had the opportunity to accumulate much wealth, unlike many other Congressman who run for office as second careers.

So his post-vice presidency will be the first time he will be making an income reflecting his fame.
Three passengers were detained by police after using their phones during flights to and from Beijing.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China detained one man for listening to music on his phone when the plane came into land in Beijing from Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, at noon on February 6.

The passenger, identified only by his surname Wang, was held for five days for the offence.

One man was jailed for five days when he listened to music on his phone during a flight. File image

Two other passengers were also held for multiple days for related offences, the aviation administration revealed.

One, identified as Zhang, was held for five days for 'refusing to turn off their phone' and 'insisting on making calls during the flight'.

The passenger was held from January 5 after a flight to Beijing capital airline, China.org reports.

The final passenger, identified as Niu, was held for three days from February 8, though their exact offence is unclear.

According to the Washington Post, China is one of the only nations that demands passengers turns their phones off completely, with 'flight mode' not enough for some airlines.

Another is said to have been jailed for five days for refusing to turn her phone off and insisting on making calls. File image

However, the same restrictions are not given to tablets and other electronic devices.

Aviation safety controller Zhang Chen said: 'You can use any mobile phone to dial an emergency hotline even if it has no SIM card or is in airplane mode, which means it can search or send signals under these conditions.'

Despite several reports there would be changes to the rules, they have not yet been made.
This is the heartwarming moment a six-year-old boy was reunited with his family after ISIS killed his parents and sold him for $500.

The youngster, called Ayman, was sold to Muslim couple Umm and Abu Ahmed when he was just four.

They named him Ahmed after Islamic State militants killed or enslaved his parents in their purge of the Yazidis religious minority.

He lived with the couple for 18 months in Rashidiya, north of Mosul, Iraq, and his relatives assumed that he was dead as several thousand Yazidis are missing.

The six-year-old boy, called Ayman, was filmed when he was reunited with his uncle and grandmother in Iraq

When Iraqi forces retook east Mosul and the surrounding area last week, they found Ayman and returned him to what is left of his family.

Ayman's parents and most other relatives are still missing, but his grandmother and uncle live on the edge of one of several camps to which the Yazidi community has been displaced en masse, about 50 km (30 miles) away from Rashidiya.

Samir Rasho Khalaf thought his nephew had been killed until he saw a post on Facebook on January 28 that a Yazidi child named Ayman Ameen Barakat had been found.

Mr Khalaf said: 'I was stunned. It's a miracle - he came back from the dead.'

That same night, they were reunited. In a video, his grandmother strikes herself on the head repeatedly when she sees the boy, picking him up and wailing in disbelief.

Major Wathiq Amjad Naathar, the army official who oversaw the handover, said: 'We all cried.'

While their reunion was full of joy, breaking the bond between Ayman and his adoptive parents brought new sorrow.

Mr Ahmed, from Rashidiya, spoke to reporters and showed pictures of Ayman he had on his phone.

He said: 'That's him riding a bicycle here. That's him standing in our hall. That's an exercise machine he played on.'

The windows of the couple's one-story home on the eastern bank of the Tigris river have been shattered by a blast that destroyed their neighbour's house.

It comes after fierce fighting continued as the army attacks the western side, which is still controlled by Islamic State.

Mr Ahmed emptied the contents of a box onto the bed Ayman used to share with them, which included cars and building blocks, and a children's book for learning Arabic script.

It was Mrs Ahmed's idea to adopt a child. The couple had no children, and she heard Islamic State was selling orphans in the town of Tel Afar, some 40 km (25 miles) to the west.

The heartwarming moment was captured on moment and showed the youngster hugging his grandmother

She said: 'My objective was to win favor (with God). To be honest, I wanted to teach him my religion, Islam.'

Her husband, a government employee, was against the idea but could not dissuade his wife, who went alone to get the boy from an orphanage run by the militants, paying for him with her earnings as a teacher.

Although the boy cried and did not want to go with her, she coaxed him, saying: 'Come, you will be my child. We will live together and I will buy you everything.

'He (Ayman) was really smart. I taught him to pray and perform ablutions. Do you know how much of the Koran he memorized?'

Islamic State imposed a radical version of Islam in Mosul after establishing the city as its de facto capital.

They have banned cigarettes, televisions and radios, and are forcing men to grow beards and women to cover from head to toe.

They branded the Yazidis, whose beliefs combine elements of several ancient Middle Eastern religions, as devil-worshipers.

Sometimes Ayman asked about the rest of his family but Umm and Abu Ahmed did not know what happened to them except for a sister in her mid-teens who was taken as a slave by a militant from Tel Afar.

He was also reunited with his uncle after he was sold to a Muslim couple for $500 in Iraq

A video clip of the moment they were parted shows Ayman clinging to Umm Ahmed and crying.

In the clip, she pleads with the soldiers who came to get the boy.

She said: 'Leave him with me a bit' and then tried to comfort him in spite of her own distress:

She added: 'You will go and see your mother now... and when you grow up you will come and see me.'

That night, Ayman was beside himself and begged to be returned to Umm Ahmed, Khalaf said. However, he later appeared happy and calm, if bashful about all the attention.
Black servicewomen celebrated new regulations in the US Army that now allow them to wear their hair in dreadlocks.

Critics complained for years that the Army's regulations placed an unfair burden on black women, and the new directive now allows for 'dreadlocks/locks' - one of the easiest hairstyles to maintain among the permitted twists, braids and cornrows.

The revised regulations, published in January, also garnered attention for including accommodations for people to wear religious beards, turbans and head scarfs.

A new Army directive now allows for 'dreadlocks/locks' (pictured above, tied back in a bun) as long as they are uniform and each one is less than a half-inch wide

After the Army was criticized for placing an unfair burden on black women, twists were allowed in April 2014. The ban on locks was finally lifted in January 2017

The Army was criticized after appearance standards in April 2014 banned dreadlocks and twists.

Revised regulations less than six months later allowed for twists, but dreadlocks were not permitted until January 2017.

Now, women can choose between braids, cornrows, twists or locks as long as they are uniform and each measure less than 1/2 inch in diameter.

Sgt. Chaunsey Logan of Fort Stewart, Georgia, shared her past experiences struggling to comply with the rules in a Facebook video and said: 'January 5, in the year of our Lord 2017, we are now allowed to wear locks in uniform.'

Nikky Nwamokobia, who runs the YouTube channel Green Beauty, teamed up with First Lt. Whennah Andrews of the National Guard to create an informative video breaking down the misconceptions around locks.

She told Dailymail.com: 'When I first read the regulation in detail, it seemed like someone who does not understand Afro-textured hair came up with that regulation.

'There is a stigma. When you think about locks, you think about Bob Marley. It's not something you associate with a military look.'

But she explained that locks can easily look uniform and neat.

To top it off, she said: 'It's the easiest hairstyle to maintain for kinky hair. You can tighten it yourself, so it's really low maintenance. It's a win-win for everyone.'

Pictured, changes between March and September 2014, which loosened the rules on twists. Dreadlocks were still ruled 'unauthorized'

Nikky Nwamokobia said locks are 'the easiest hairstyle to maintain for kinky hair. You can tighten it yourself, so it's really low maintenance. It's a win-win for everyone.' Pictured, the newly updated rules

Nwamokobia pointed out that chemical straightening can cost around 100 dollars every four to six weeks, while straight ironing is a time-consuming process that needs to be maintained every other day.

'It's not convenient at all for someone in the military, especially if you're deployed. Relaxers are not something you can find in other countries.'

She said some black women in the military took to wearing wigs over their locks in order to comply with previous regulations, adding: 'I'm not sure you can imagine how hot that can get.'

One woman named Miyana Durkee expressed her excitement over the change and said: 'Thank you for recognizing that black woman have different hair texture FINALLY!'

Nwamokobia said: 'A lot of black women in the military are not living their true selves. They have to ask themselves, "Do I want to serve my country or do I have to change who I am in order to do that?"'

The lift on locks, then, represents a massive win.

Capt. Danielle N. Roach, who has been in the Army for 14 years, said the constant worry of breaking the rules hung over her.

She opted to use chemical relaxers to straighten her hair, and told the New York Times: 'It caused a lot of unnecessary stress. It was an exhausting 14 years.'
Anna Nicole Smith's daughter Dannielynn is speaking out about her famous mother in a rare interview to commemorate the 10th anniversary of her tragic death.

The precocious fifth grader is featured in an episode of ABC's 20/20 that is dedicated to Anna Nicole and will air on Friday night, appearing alongside her father Larry Birkhead.

Dannielynn does not say much about her mother in the interview, choosing instead to talk about her love of french fries and desire to visit Washington DC, but her father later reveals the unique relationship between mother and daughter.

An emotional Birkhead at one point produces a poem that Dannielynn wrote about Anna Nicole that he asks host Deborah Roberts to read, explaining that he is too overcome to try and read it aloud himself.

'Ever since my mother's death, a friends of hers said she would send me pretty butterflies,' reads Dannielynn's poem, which is written on a colorful drawing of a butterfly resting on a flower.

'So butterflies chase me everywhere, and I let the butterflies come out of my pencil and fly on my paper with their wings of love.'

Anna Nicole passed away due to an overdose of prescription pills in February 2007, when Dannielynn was just five months old.

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Rare interview: Dannielynn Birkhead, 10, is speaking about her mother Anna Nicole Smith in a new interview

Baby girl: Anna Nicole's only daughter was just five-months-old when the model and reality star died of a prescription drug overdose in 2007 (Anna Nicole and Dannielynn in November 2006)

Thoughts: Danielynn wrote a poem recently about her mother, saying: 'Ever since my mother's death, a friends of hers said she would send me pretty butterflies'

Birkhead also uses the interview to dispel some misconceptions about Anna Nicole's usage of prescription medication.

'Theres this big misconception that Anna was on street corners looking for heroin or crack  and she had a doctor treating her for pain,' says Birkhead said.

'She has prescription medication  she had pain from her breast enhancement surgery, from her back  she had chronic pain  she had seizures.'

He then added though: 'Now, did she take it like she was supposed to? No.'

Birkhead's worries about Anna Nicole's pill usage increased when he learned that she was pregnant.

'I was concerned that she was - the medications that she was taking and what impact it would have on our child at the time,' he explained, noting that he found out that she was with child just like the rest of the world when she posted a video on her website.

Anna Nicole gave birth to Danielynn on September 7, 2006 in the Bahamas.

Three days later, her son Daniel died due to a lethal combination of two antidepressants and methadone.

The 20-year-old firstborn of Anna Nicole had flown down to meet his sister and was sleeping in his mother's hospital bed when he passed away.

Paying tribute: The fifth-grade student and her father Larry Birkhead (above) were interviewed for a 20/20 special set to air Friday night

Tragedy: Anna Nicole lays next to son Daniel while he holds Dannielynn two days after her birth on September 9, 2007. Daniel died the following day.

Final resting place: Pall bearers take the casket carrying the body of Anna Nicole to Mount Horeb Cathedral for a funeral service in Nassau on March 2, close to a month after her death

Birkhead was not present for the birth, due to the fact that there were questions over who the father of the child was, but spoke to Anna Nicole on the phone after Daniel's death.

'She would have these conversations where she would start crying,' he said.

'And shed say something about Daniel, and shed hang the phone up.'

He said that she later tried to crawl into Daniel's coffin at his funeral.

'I knew that Anna would be in no shape on her own after losing Daniel, as close as they were, to take care of my daughter,' said Birkhead.

The father however was reported to be Howard K Stern, Anna Nicole's attorney and a familiar face to viewers of her reality show.

Two weeks after Daniel's death the two were made domestic partners in a ceremony, but five months later Anna Nicole was dead.

She was just 39 at the time.

Mirror image: A young Anna Nicole (above) looked just like daughter Dannielynn

Birkhead, who has said many times in the past that he believes Anna Nicole died of a broken heart, eventually won custody of Dannielynn, and since then has been raising her in Kentucky.

And in a shocking twist, Birkhead has revealed that despite their heated legal battle, he and Stern are friends once again.

The reunion between the two came, Birkhead said, when Stern learned he was not the father of Danielynn.

'The minute after the paternity test was over ... hes helping me change Dannielynns diaper, [showing me], "This is how you feed her," its been nonstop since then,' said Birkhead.

He and Danielynn now live in Kentucky away from the limelight, and Birkhead is making sure that his daughter will not follow in her mother's shoes.

'I've had companies call me since then and ask me for her to model. And the answer's no,' said Birkhead.

'She doesn't show any interest in it. And some parents might say, "Oh my gosh, you know, Anna Nicole was her mom? This is the gravy train. Let's roll with this." You know? But it's nothing that she wants to do  she wants to be a kid.'

The single father also shared the advice he has given his daughter.

'Excess is not always the best. Be careful who's around you  be good, be caring. Give back,' said Birkhead.

'You don't have to be a star to shoot for the stars.'
President Donald Trump was not wearing an earpiece during the first part of a news conference on Friday with Japan's PM.

Trump laughed and nodded as Shinzo Abe delivered his opening remarks - even though did not have his translation device in while Abe was talking.

CNN's Jeff Zeleny, who was seated near the front of the room and had a clear view of the president, reported on the network that Trump likely didn't understand what prime minister was saying.

A White House official later confirmed to DailyMail.com that Trump did not have his earpiece as Abe gave remarks.

'He previewed the speech beforehand, and he and the prime minister discussed it at length in the Oval prior to, so he knew what the speech was and what it was about.

President Donald Trump may not have been wearing an earpiece during the first part of a news conference today with Japan's PM

Trump laughed and nodded as Shinzo Abe delivered his opening remarks - even though he did not appear to have his translation device in while Abe was talking

Trump fiddled with the device later, when a Japanese reporter asked the leaders a question

He eventually put the device up to his ear as the Japanese reporter spoke to Trump in his native tounge

Several minutes later, when a second Japanese reporter, questions him, Trump repeats the motion. He was not observed putting it in or taking it out earlier in the event

Trump eventually put the device up to his ear as a Japanese reporter asked him a question in his native language after two American reporters take their turns, back to back.

The president was seen picking up a device off his podium and putting it in his ear so he could listen to the English translation.

Several minutes later, when a second Japanese reporter, questions him, Trump repeats the motion.

He was not observed putting it in or taking it out earlier in the event.

Abe had poured praise on the U.S. leader and the American people in the opening remarks that Trump reportedly reviewed but could not understand. The president is not fluent in Japanese.

'This is the fourth time in six months for me to visit the United States,' Abe said through a translator. 'I am, indeed, sincerely grateful for the always heart warming welcome afforded to me by the American people.'

The Japanese PM then expressed his 'sincere gratitude' to Trump, who he said must be 'very busy in this very important period of 100 days after your inauguration' for inviting him to the White House and to Florida for the weekend.

'Donald, president, you are excellent businessman, but you have never been in the Congress or been a governor,' he said. 'You have not sir, experienced of being in a public office but, you have fought the up hill struggle and fight for more than a year in the election campaign to become a new president, and this is the dynamism of democracy.

'I would like to celebrate and congratulate Donald being sworn in as the President.'

The White House was unable to say after the news conference whether Trump had his device in when Abe was delivering his first set of remarks in response to an inquiry from DailyMail.com

NBC's Peter Alexander said on Twitter a 'WH official says Trump previewed text of speech & he & Abe spoke extensively about it beforehand'

Several moments later Abe made a comment about Trump's famous New York City tower that the former real estate mogul seemed to laugh at.

Abe said, 'With President Trump taking on the leadership, I'm sure there will be -- major scale infrastructure investments will be made, including the high-speed train.'

'With the latest magnetic technology from Washington, D.C. up to New York where Trump Tower exists, only one hour would it take if you ride the... train from Washington, D.C. to New York,' he said.

Trump grinned as Abe talked about his property, but he may have taking cues from the room. The line had aides and journalists also laughing. Because he previewed the speech, he also knew it was coming.
Kellyanne Conway turned up to work on Friday in the wake of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling against President Trump's immigration order dressed almost entirely in black leather.

That legal setback could explain Conway's decision to go with a no-nonsense look that included black leather boots, black leather pants, a black leather blazer and carried a black leather handbag.

She did add a little pop of color, and cotton, to the look as well with a lightweight berry sweater under her blazer.

And she finished it all off with a long gold statement necklace featuring discs and mesh and knotted chains as well as a pair of hoop earrings.

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Conway means business: Kellyanne Conway (above with Michael Flynn) dressed almost entirely in black leather on Friday

Details: Conway's blazer was without question the most impressive piece of leather in the lineup thanks to its double-ruched edges, 3/4 length bell sleeves, and the exposed leather stitching

In control: President Trump's counselor wore black leather boots, black leather pants, black leather blazer and a black leather handbag

The selection of this ensemble came the day after Conway urged Americans to go out and buy some items from Ivanka Trump's fashion line while saying she herself would be picking up a few pieces.

It appears that if Conway did in fact do this however she is saving those items for another day.

Conway instead choose to show of a few of the other designer items in her closet on Friday, like her $2,910 Louis Vuitton Lockme PM bag and $3,000 Chanel biker boots.

It is unclear who made the jeans with leather panels she wore to attend a joint press conference between President Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Conway's blazer was without question the most impressive piece of leather in the lineup thanks to its double-ruched edges, 3/4 length bell sleeves, and the exposed leather stitching running up the front of the jacket and down the sleeves.

She seems to have an affinity for a statement leather blazer, having also been spotted wearing a similarly ruched look in gold last month.

Conway pulled out that jacket for her lunch with Valerie Jarrett at the White House, having met with Barack Obama's closest advisor just two weeks before she started her new job in the Oval Office.

Luxury goods: Conway's handbag was a $2,910 Louis Vuitton Lockme PM bag (left) and Conway's boots were Chanel and retail for around $3,000 (right)

Make it pop: Conway added some color with a lightweight berry sweater and intricate statement necklace of discs, mesh and knotted chains

Get the look: Conway has a similarly ruched blazer in gold that she has worn in the past (above in November just after the election)

The campaign manager turned counselor had a less than ideal night on Thursday after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided against reinstating her boss' refugee and immigration order.

She was successful however in quickly firing back at former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who made a shocking appearance on Twitter to troll Trump after the decision, noting he unanimous decision of the court by tweeting: '3 - 0.'

Conway responded by retweeting Clinton's comment and writing: 'PA, WI, MI.'

Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan are the three major battleground states that Clinton lost to president Trump in the general election.

The ongoing court battle could wind up working out well for the Conway family however, with reports emerging Friday that her husband George may be selected to defend President Trump's order in front of the Supreme Court.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is only in the early stages of considering the relocation of America's embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

And he hedged on the issue of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's continued settlement construction, refusing to condemn the practice but also backing off from aggressive campaign statements supporting the practice.

'No, I don't want to condemn Israel,' the president told the Israel Hayom newspaper in an interview published Friday morning. 'Israel has had a long history of condemnation and difficulty. And I don't want to be condemning Israel.'

But he added: 'I am not somebody that believes that going forward with these settlements is a good thing for peace.'

'Every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left,' Trump argued.

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President Donald Trump told an Israeli newspaper on Thursday that continued settlement construction will not help the Middle East peace process

This February 2 photo shows construction work in Ramat Shlomo, a Jewish settlement in the mainly Palestinian eastern sector of Jerusalem

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the White House next week as Trump wrestles with how far to stick his neck out on Israeli issues

Trump told DailyMail.com in a May 2016 interview that he was a strong supporter of Israeli settlement-building.

'They really have to keep going. They have to keep moving forward,' he said then.

'I don't think there should be a pause,' Trump added during that interview, conducted in an Indianapolis hotel room.

'Look: Missiles were launched into Israel. And Israel, I think, never was properly treated by our country. I mean, do you know what that is, how devastating that is?'

Trump's fervor has softened since his inauguration, despite taking counsel from Zionists including chief strategist Steve Bannon and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

He is scheduled to meet next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where settlements and the disposition of the U.S. embassy will almost certainly come up in bilateral talks.

'The Trump administration has not taken an official position on settlement activity,' a statement from the White House read last week.

'While we don't believe the existence of settlements is an impediment to peace, the construction of new settlements or the expansion of existing settlements beyond their current borders may not be helpful in achieving that goal,' that statement added.

The current U.S. embassy is in Tel Aviv, although that's not Israel's capital city  a circumstance that is unlike anything else in American diplomatic real estate

Chief White House strategist Steve Bannon (left) and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner (right) are major players in Trump's policy thinking on Israel

Moving America's embassy to Jerusalem would reverse a politically fraught policy that has the main U.S. diplomatic mission in a city Israel doesn't call its capital.

Trump was noncommittal on Thursday.

'I am thinking about the embassy, I am studying the embassy, and we will see what happens,' he told Israel Hayom.

'The embassy is not an easy decision. It has obviously been out there for many, many years, and nobody has wanted to make that decision. I'm thinking about it very seriously, and we will see what happens.'

In December, chief counselor Kellyanne Conway said in a radio interview that relocation the embassy was a 'very big priority' of then-President-Elect Trump.

Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton both said last week that the administration should make the move under cover of darkness and be done with it.

'You can move the embassy by changing the name-plate on the [Jerusalem] consulate, and then build a permanent embassy in due course,' Bolton told DailyMail.com in New York.

Huckabee urged the White House to 'do it  do it quickly, do it boldly. In fact, my advice to them is don't announce you're going to do it.'

'Change the nameplate on the building over by the prime minister's home from 'consulate' to 'embassy,' he advised. 'And announce that you did it last night, and the ambassador has taken up residence there.'

Trump said in his Israel Hayom interview that the U.S. and Israel 'are going to have a better relationship,' during his presidency.

'We've always had good chemistry,' he said of his conversations with Netanyahu, 'and he is a good man. He wants to do the right thing for Israel.'

'He would like peace. I believe that he wants peace and wants to have it badly. I have always liked him.'
He was the legendary proprietor of Basils Bar, where for years celebrities and royalty have partied out of sight of the paparazzi on the exclusive island of Mustique. Here, for the first time, Basil Charles  now 70  tells his story...

When I first met Princess Margaret on Mustique, back in the early Seventies, her marriage to Lord Snowdon was all but over. They were leading separate lives, but putting up a pretence that didnt fool anyone.

She never spoke to me about their relationship, but she didnt need to. Everyone knew what was going on. It was as if she took refuge on the island, surrounded by an intimate circle of friends she could trust.

Basil behind his bar in Mustique in the 1970s. He has now given up the bar but remains in an 'ambassadorial' role

She always struck me as relaxed and joyful. Far away from the interference of Buckingham Palace, Mustique was the one place she could truly be herself, and she spent some of her happiest days there.

In the Cotton House Hotel we would gather around her in a protective sort of way. If someone came in with whom she was not familiar and who might be tempted to introduce himself or even ask her to dance, one of us would escort her to the floor and dance with her ourselves. She was a beautiful dancer who moved with grace and elegance.

It was always hard for Princess Margaret. She was her fathers favourite and yet always had to play second fiddle to her older sister. She was expected to live a perfect existence and never let the side down.

In Mustique, she was treated with respect but without the stuffy social strictures she faced back home. She used to get up quite late and then loved to picnic on the beach, which I would organise.

Island life: Princess Margaret at Lord Glenconner's 50th. Basil said she was treated with respect but without stuffy social structures in Mustique

There was no television and so she would do jigsaw puzzles, play the piano or read, swapping books with her guests. She knew everything that was happening in Mustique, and she was always the centre of attention, although so many other super-rich and famous people would be arriving daily on small planes, or in their luxurious yachts. It gave Mustique a mystique unlike anywhere else.

PIPPA - MY PERFECT DOUBLES PARTNER The Middletons are regular visitors to Mustique and the first time I met them was on a tennis court. Theyre a very athletic family and often asked me to join them for a game of doubles. And, believe me, they all play to win. Pippa, above, is a particularly strong player, so when I partner her at doubles we normally do pretty well. I would say she is more consistent than Kate. Prince William is quite steady, too. He and Kate used to play a lot more before they had children, sometimes showing up for the round-robin games which start at 5pm, when you just play with whoever is there. It may sound slightly surreal that you can turn up and find yourself playing with or against the future King and Queen, but thats Mustique for you. Im proud to call the Middletons my friends. They tend to spend most of their time on the island in whatever villa they are renting, but they come to the bar and seem to enjoy the Wednesday Jump-up, when a band flies over from St Vincent. I recently gave up control of Basils Bar, but have remained in an ambassadorial role. There arent many places where William and Kate can just get up and dance without being photographed. Perhaps William likes Mustique for the same reasons his great-aunt Princess Margaret did, a chance to be himself away from people watching his every move. His brother Harry only comes to Mustique when William is here. Their security people warn us when they are coming, and we set aside a table for them opposite the stage and dancefloor. They know lots of people, but no one bothers them. Like Mick Jagger, they are supportive of the Mustique Blues Festival, which supports the charity Ive set up to help kids in St Vincent. I was pleased and a little surprised to be invited to William and Kates wedding at Westminster Abbey in 2011. It was a wonderful occasion, quite humbling. The Middleton family set up camp at the Goring Hotel in Victoria in the run-up to the wedding and afterwards, Jeremy Goring, the hotels owner, asked me what I thought about the idea of setting up a pop-up Basils Bar a little while later. I was delighted, and made sure that I flew in for it. It was one Basils Bar celebration I was glad I did not have to organise  especially the bringing in of ten tons of white sand. I have no doubt William will make a fine king, but it depends on what Prince Charles wants to do. How long does he want to be King; when will he let his son take over? I think after ten or 15 years he should pass it on to William  it would be good to have a young King. William has been raised for the job and it would be sad if he has to wait until he becomes an old man before taking on the role. Advertisement

Over the years, I have found myself mixing with everyone from Mick Jagger and David Bowie to Lord Lichfield (the photographer) and three generations of royals. It is a world so different to that which I had grown up in  in a house that didnt even have running water.

I was just 24 and working behind the bar at the Cotton House Hotel when I met Colin Tennant, the future Lord Glenconner, in 1971.

Hed bought the Caribbean island  part of the island chain of St Vincent and the Grenadines, reached via nearby Barbados or Saint Lucia  in 1958 for 45,000. We became great friends, this Old Etonian and me, and used to have breakfast, lunch and dinner together at the hotel. It was sometimes a volatile relationship. He had a famously explosive temper and there were times when I stood up to him  with violent results.

Once, I was serving a guest at the beach bar, where I also worked for him. A rustic shack overlooking the small sandy beach that is Britannia Bay  named after the Queens visit in the Royal Yacht in 1966  it would soon become known as Basils Bar, when I took it over.

It was just before Colins 50th birthday celebrations. He came in and asked for a drink and I told him he would have to wait. Colin was so angry that he threw a glass of water over me  so I threw one back at him and then jumped over the bar and punched him.

We didnt talk to each other for a couple of days, despite Princess Margaret trying to intervene.

Eventually, Colin asked me to come to his office, where he greeted me with an outstretched hand and said: I dont want to talk about the past. Lets forget what happened.

I want you to help me with the bar and with my birthday party.

Our backgrounds could not have been more different. I was from a poor family on St Vincent and my mother died when I was nine. I quit school at 14 to support my grandmother who brought me up.

My parents were never married and my father, who was a fisherman, played little part in my childhood.

Colin and Princess Margaret had an amazing relationship. She respected him and he respected her  he would do anything to make her happy.

When she got engaged to society photographer Tony Armstrong-Jones (who later became Lord Snowdon) in 1960, Colin asked her if she would like something in a small box from Aspreys, or a piece of Mustique as a wedding present.

She chose the land and even made a detour to inspect it during her honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia. That was the only time Snowdon, who died last month, ever set foot in Mustake as he called it.

I never met him, but I knew he always resented the wedding present because he saw it as a gift to the Princess rather than to them both. He frequently referred to Colin as that s***.

Colin gave the Princess 12 acres on the south-west coast with spectacular views, just above Gelliceaux Bay where she later built Les Jolies Eaux (Beautiful Waters), the only home she ever owned, and which meant more to her than a hundred palaces.

He used to get very anxious before the Princess visited. Colin wanted it to be perfect, so to calm himself he used to sip vodka throughout the day. By the evening he had drunk quite a lot.

I think in a different life Princess Margaret would have been a great actress. She loved to sing and dance and let her hair down  and when she was in the mood she could talk about anything. Where she loved to talk the most was in the sea. She would swim for hours, a slow breast stroke, chatting to whoever was around at the time.

There was never anything sexual or even flirtatious between Princess Margaret and me. We were friends and I made her laugh.

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH BEAUTIFUL ARISTOCRAT While Colin Tennant played a role in Princess Margarets illicit love life, he also had a hand in a romance which changed my life. It began in the summer of 1975, when Colin invited Virginia Royston  Viscountess Royston  to a house he owned on Mustique called The Gingerbread. A former debutante of the year, Virginia had married Viscount Pips Royston at a lavish ceremony in London. But five years later, he died from a rare heart condition at just 34, leaving his wife with two young children, Jemima, four, and Joe, two. Virginia Royston and barman Basil, who were together from 1975 until 1982 after meeting in Mustique During her visit, Colin invited Virginia for dinner at the Cotton House Hotel. I was seated across from her. She was absolutely stunning, with blonde hair and blue eyes. We were immediately attracted and began playing footsie under the table even before the main course arrived. After dinner, we sat with each other  and that was it. We fell deeply in love. She was 35, six years older than me, and she wrote me a letter every day when she returned to England. Soon she came to live with me in Mustique. It caused a scandal in the papers, but we just got on with it. We travelled a lot and at one time my two kids lived with us as well. They were close in age and went to the local school together with Virginias children. One year we went to Disney World in Orlando. We arrived in Miami and I handed over the six passports. The man couldnt work it out. He said: We have here a Basil Charles and two other Charleses [my children], a Viscountess Royston, a Viscount Royston [Viriginias son Joe] and a Lady Jemima Yorke [her daughter], whats going on? I said: Its a British thing! I was with Virginia until 1982. She was a wonderful person, but started to drink too much. There was one occasion when we were invited to dinner with Princess Margaret. I went home to pick up Virginia, but found her so drunk she couldnt walk. I couldnt get her to sober up, so I went on my own. I apologised to the Princess for being late, although of course I did not tell her why. I tried everything to help Virginia, but in the end it was too much and she went to rehab. It didnt work. Tragically, she died in 1988 aged just 46 from liver failure. Advertisement

Somehow, I became part of her circle. There is a famous photograph that Patrick Lichfield took of us all at Gelliceaux Bay in 1972.

After a picnic one day we grouped ourselves around her under various parasols; she was seated in the middle wearing a bathing dress and looking happy. She was happy.

Patrick told me shortly before he died that this one photograph made him more money than any other he had taken in his whole career.

It was two years later, in March 1974, that we heard for the first time that a certain Roddy Llewellyn had been invited to stay at Les Jolies Eaux.

Roddy was 26, 17 years Princess Margarets junior. He was a cute-looking boy, but I never saw the relationship as long-term. He was part of the escape for her.

The Princess first met Roddy after he was recommended as a suitable spare man for a weekend house party at Glen, Colin and his wife Annes estate near Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders.

LEG WRESTLING WITH JERRY HALL In 1976, Mick Jagger decided to buy land on Mustique and build an Oriental-themed house on LAnsecoy Bay. He has returned almost every year since and has been a great supporter of my annual fund-raising Blues Festival. Once, he invited me to his birthday party in the South of France, and if we are ever in New York at the same time we meet for a drink at the Carlyle Hotel. Jerry Hall (pictured with me) used to come to the island with her then lover Bryan Ferry, but after a while she wanted to be with the bigger star  and that was Mick. Jerrys big thing was leg wrestling. You would lie down next to her on the beach, head to toe and wrestle just with your legs. She was the champion again and again. Once, in the Eighties, Mick came into Basils Bar and there was an acoustic singer with a harmonica on the stage. Mick just pulled up a chair and began singing with him. That wouldnt happen anywhere else in the world. Advertisement

Anne, who had never met Roddy before, issued an invitation. She told him that his flight north would be taken care of and that he should report to the Cafe Royal, just off Edinburghs Princes Street, at 1pm sharp, where Margaret and her children would be having lunch after coming south from Balmoral.

Colin always said the attraction between Margaret and Roddy was immediate, that she devoured him at the lunch. In return, Roddy told Anne that he thought Margaret had the most beautiful eyes.

Tell her, Anne advised. And he did, later that weekend at Glen, where they played the piano together, lit each others cigarettes and made love for the first time.

It was only on Mustique that Margaret and Roddy could truly relax away from the Press. But, ironically, it was here in what became my bar that a grainy picture of them in their bathing costumes was taken in March 1976.

There were others there, but they were cropped out, providing the first intimate photo of the couple. It appeared in the News Of The World, igniting the scandal of the Queens sister and her much younger lover.

It was the final straw for the Princesss marriage.

Margaret and Roddy never flaunted their relationship; they were discreet. I remember watching them, hand in hand on the beach, as if they were the only people in the world.

Later that year, Princess Margaret returned to the island for Colins 50th birthday on December 1.

Colin was a showman who believed that if you are giving a party you have to enjoy it the most, or no one else will. But I was the one who organised them.

His birthday celebrations lasted almost a week, culminating in a gold-themed extravaganza on the white sands of Macaroni Beach, where young locals formed a guard of honour wearing gold-painted codpieces made from coconut shells, their bodies glistening with oil for dramatic effect.

The trees and grass were sprayed gold and guests walked through arches of gold palms.

Flaming torches lined the route to the beach, which itself was flooded in light with the help of a generator.

Mick and Bianca Jagger, who in those days used to rent a house on the island, both wore gold and added an extra element of glamour. But it was Princess Margaret who, as guest of honour, stole the show in a gold-sequined turban and kaftan, with her skin darkened.

She looked out of this world  but then she always did.
Jordan Rhoades, 20, arrived to his probation hearing more than an hour late on Friday

An Indiana man was not happy after he was given a prison sentence on Friday.

Jordan Rhoades, 20, hurled at least four chairs across Bartholomew County Courthouse after he was was sentenced to one year behind bars.

Rhoades showed up more than an hour late to the hearing for violating his probation and began to shout before quickly becoming violent towards the judge and courtroom staff.

Courtroom footage shows Rhoades forcefully throwing the chairs across the room and slightly hitting the prosecutor, Jeremy Fisk.

The 20-year-old and the staff were the only ones in the room at the time of the incident.

Not happy: Rhoades began to shout and pick up chairs after he was sentenced to one year in prison

He is seen picking up another chair and hurling it at the bench. A computer was damaged during the outburst.

Rhoades was also uttering a 'vulgarity' which caused Judge Kathleen Tighe Coriden to add a 60-day jail sentence for contempt of court, The Republic said. She added an additional 30 days each time he said it.

After the tantrum, Rhoades left the room but was stopped when he tried to leave the courthouse.

'I honestly dont even remember what I was thinking. It was not something I had ever experienced before,' Finsk told Fox 59.

Coriden said outbursts such as this have occurred in the past and staff have had to retreat to a room behind the bench and hit an emergency alarm.

The perpetrator is now being charged with battery and attempted battery on a public official.
Donald Trump is not interested in addressing Parliament when he makes a state visit to the UK this summer, it emerged last night.

More than 200 MPs have backed a call for the US President to be refused the chance to make a joint address in Westminster Hall during his expected visit in June.

Commons Speaker John Bercow also launched an extraordinary attack on Mr Trump this week, saying his 'racism and sexism' meant he was not fit to be accorded the honour.

Scroll down for video

Donald Trump is not interested in addressing Parliament when he makes a state visit to the UK this summer, it emerged last night

But a Whitehall source last night revealed Mr Trump had shown 'no interest' in making a speech.

The source flatly denied reports claiming the President's visit could be delayed until the parliamentary recess in August in order to avoid the impression he was being snubbed.

'It's total rubbish,' the source said. 'The President has shown no interest in addressing Parliament, and the visit is not being delayed.'

The decision to press ahead means Mr Trump could now be hosted by the Queen as early as the first week of June.

Former Foreign Office mandarin Lord Ricketts claimed last month that Theresa May had been 'premature' in offering Mr Trump a state visit, and suggested it should be 'put back a bit' in the wake of his controversial US travel ban on visitors from seven largely Muslim countries.

But Mrs May has rejected the idea of any delay.

Commons Speaker John Bercow launched an extraordinary attack on Mr Trump this week, saying his 'racism and sexism' meant he was not fit to be accorded the honour

A Government source said: 'This is about the special relationship with our most important ally  it would be absolutely wrong to insult him because of some slightly childish protests.'

Protests are expected on Mr Trump's arrival after a petition calling for his state visit to be cancelled was quickly signed by more than 1.8million people.

The President suffered a domestic setback yesterday after appeal judges refused to reinstate his controversial travel ban.

Three judges declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the move  leading Mr Trump to indicate he may now appeal to the Supreme Court.
A woman who was rescued from a shipping container after witnessing the brutal murder of her boyfriend at the hands of her suspected abductor speaking out for the first time, revealing how she was chained up like a dog, assaulted and kept in the dark for months.

Kala Brown, 30, made national headlines in November when police found her locked inside a large crate on the property of Todd Kohlhepp in South Carolina, two months after she and her boyfriend, Charles Carver, had gone missing from their home in Spartanburg.

Brown has recently sat down with Dr Phil for an exclusive interview about her harrowing ordeal, which airs in two parts on February 13 and February 14.

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Survivor speaks: Kala Brown, 30, sits down with Dr Phil McGraw for her first interview since her release from a two-month captivity in a metal shipping crate

Bound and gagged: Brown says her accused captor, Todd Kohlhepp, forced her inside the pitch-black box lined with shelves and put a short chain around her neck

In the interview, Brown reveals to Dr Phil that she was raped at the hands of Kohlhepp.

She says than when the alleged perpetrator forced her inside the green crate on his 95-acre tract of land, it was pitch black but the suspected kidnapper came armed with a flashlight, which illuminated the interior of the box.

'He had a lot of shelving with dry food and rations and stuff, and lots of bottles of water,' Brown recalls.

The kidnapping survivor also recounts how Kohlhepp allegedly led her all the way to the back of the container, where he proceeded to restrain and gag her.

'He left me bound and he also put a chain around my neck,' she says.

Brown added that the chain was only 2/1/2-3 feet in length, which prevented her from moving freely inside the already cramped box.

'My neck was in one corner and my ankle was in the other corner,' she tells Dr Phil.

At the time of her rescue, Kala Brown (left) and her boyfriend Charlie Carver (right) had been missing for two months

Crate of horrors: This is the container where Bronw had spent two months restrained and gagged

In a statement from Kala Brown posted last week on the Dr Phil Show's website, she said of Kohlhep: 'No matter what he did to me, he did not break me. He cannot destroy me, and I won'.

Authorities found her when they were searching the land owned by Todd Kohlhepp, and heard knocking coming from inside a metal shipping container, reported the Post and Courier.

Following the knocking, they heard screams.

In the upcoming two-part Dr Phil episode, Brown shares details of the two months spent being held captive and witnessing her boyfriend's brutal murder.

Authorities found her when they were searching the 95-acre property owned by Todd Kohlhepp (pictured), and heard knocking coming from inside a metal shipping container, reported the Post and Courier

'The main thing was we found her alive' Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright told the Post and Courier.

For two months Brown lived inside the shipping container, held prisoner by Kohlhepp, a man who was at one time Brown's boss.

He is being charged with killing seven people, according to authorities.

The former real estate agent killed four people at a Spartanburg County motorcycle shop in 2003, and three others at his home in 2015, one of those Charlie Carver.

Brown has also filed a personal injury lawsuit against Kohlhepp, and Carver's estate has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, according to the Post and Courier.

The former real estate agent killed four people at a Spartanburg County motorcycle shop in 2003, and three others at his home in 2015, one of those Charlie Carver. Brown has also filed a personal injury lawsuit against Kohlhepp (pictured in his mug shot and being transported into court by police), and Carver's estate has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, according to the Post and Courier

Now, in her first public interview since her dramatic rescue, Brown plans to say later this month on 'Dr Phil' that her captor did not break her
Plus: The Ninth Circuit Court weighs in

in the war between Trumpery and Reality

-- Greg Sargent, in "The GOPs silencing of Elizabeth Warren

is a brutal reality check for Democrats" (Wednesday)

To be sure, the crackdown on Warren has already backfired in significant ways for Republicans. It is already drawing more attention to Coretta Scott Kings remarks about Sessions than Warren or Democrats could ever dreamed would happen. Warren read the full letter outside the Senate chamber, which was a great gesture. As Warren put it: I am surprised that the words of Coretta Scott King are not suitable for debate in the United States Senate.



Indeed, McConnells suggestion that Warren had impugned Sessionss motives and conduct  which he buttressed by reading aloud Kings words  implicitly conceded that Coretta Scott King had impugned Sessions motives and conduct, and that this must not be given a hearing on the Senate floor. The message all of this sends about Sessions and the GOP on civil rights is awful for Republicans. . . .

But the point is, Republicans dont care what message this sends. And herein lies the way in which this whole episode captures the unsettling broader reality that Democrats face right now. Warren was shut down from speaking by Republicans who employed an arcane Senate rule; Democrats are shut out of power, and Republicans will use any and all procedural means at their disposal to render them as powerless and irrelevant as possible. And Republicans see no reason to fear any political repercussions from whatever message any of it sends.



Republicans pocketed a Supreme Court seat that was President Obamas to fill and will now likely get their choice of justice installed in it. If Democrats filibuster that choice, or filibuster the next justice Trump picks, Republicans will likely nuke the Senate rules and blow past Democratic opposition. Republicans are totally abdicating any meaningful oversight role toward Trump, despite his unprecedented conflicts of interest and possible corruption, and they are unlikely to pursue independent probes into Russian meddling in our election, making it less substantially likely that the public will ever be fully informed about these things. Republicans have clearly signaled they will do everything they can to prevent other institutional watchdogs from exercising any oversight of their own. This will only get worse.



The outpouring of anger that greeted the muzzling of Warren constituted another sign of the grass-roots energy among Democrats that is arising in response to Trump and his GOP, and that could matter a lot going forward. But Democrats are nonetheless likely to lose a lot of fights to come. The confirmation Tuesday of Betsy DeVos as secretary of education, after an intense grass-roots-driven campaign from Democrats, is a hint of more defeat and despair ahead. Indeed, no matter what the public thinks about the GOP effort to keep Kings thoughts about Sessions quiet, Republicans will likely get him installed as attorney general before long.



The question is what will happen to the spirit among Democrats amid more demoralizing losses  and once it sinks in that the nonstop awfulness of Trump isnt going away, which itself could exacerbate the demoralization. Indeed, Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg tells me that Democratic lawmakers confide they are already worrying about this problem, based on what they are seeing back home. It is clear that Democrats on the Hill are acutely aware of their challenge, Rosenberg says. They have very little power to block Trump, yet they are getting a clear message from their partisans back home that they expect results.



This is not to say that Republicans cant be defeated in important ways. Trump and Republicans may be backing off their vow to scrap protections for people brought here illegally as children. Republicans are running into massive trouble with their push to repeal and replace Obamacare, and Democrats have effectively drawn attention to Republicans bumbling, incompetence and shrugging lack of concern for how repeal would harm millions. Its not hard to see GOP efforts to roll back financial oversight going down to defeat. The opposition to Trumps immigration ban has effectively dramatized the cruel realities of Trumpism and may, at a minimum, dissuade Trump from trying more policies like it. And so on.



But Democrats are going to be shut up. They are going to be shut out. They are going to lose. A lot. And its going to be dispiriting and difficult. The response to this particular Warren episode has thus far been innovative and energetic. The question is whether this kind of energy can be sustained.

Travel ban ruling: In court as on Twitter, Trump confronts evidence gap



By Derek Hawkins and Fred Barbash February 10 at 6:47 AM





9th Circuit Judges Richard R. Clifton, top, William Canby Jr. and Michelle Taryn Friedland.



The list of evidence-free claims from President Trump and his administration is long and growing. Millions of people voted illegally. Inauguration turnout was the biggest ever. All negative polls are fake news.



No matter how hard the administration is pressured to support its assertions, no matter how many four-Pinocchio and pants on fire ratings follow, Trump doesnt relent. Its hard to imagine he feels the need to, especially when polls such as one this week out of Emerson College show registered voters find his administration more truthful than its interlocutors in the news media.







Trumps defiance might work well as political theater, and theres no denying that it made for an effective presidential campaign. But as a legal strategy, its already hitting roadblocks.



The first came last week, when a federal judge froze his controversial executive order shutting U.S. borders to refugees and migrants from seven mostly Muslim countries.



But the real blow came Thursday, when an appeals court upheld that freeze. In a unanimous opinion, a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit found that the government had failed to show why the travel ban needed to be immediately reinstated, as The Washington Posts Matt Zapotosky reported.



To arrive at that decision, the appeals court did something close to what fact-checkers, journalists, scholars and others do every day when Trump and his surrogates make extraordinary claims: It demanded extraordinary evidence  or at least some evidence  for the administrations arguments.

And it got none, the judges said.



The court asked the government to explain the urgent need for the order to be restored, but Justice Department lawyers offered no evidence, the opinion read.

It asked for evidence in the form of legal precedents that noncitizens affected by the order have no rights under the Constitution. The court found the governments examples unconvincing.



It also asked for evidence that immigrants from the countries named in Trumps order had committed terrorist attacks in the United States. Instead, the government merely argued that the court must not review its decision at all, according to the opinion.



[Read the 9th Circuits opinion on the travel ban]



In court papers, the government argued that the presidents authority to suspend immigration was unreviewable, meaning the court couldnt check his power. That seemed to alarm the judges.



There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, the opinion read, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy.



The only thing at issue in the case right now is the temporary order blocking Trumps travel ban. A decision on whether the travel ban is legal or constitutional could be a long way away.



The Trump administration says the travel ban is necessary to protect national security and defend the country against terrorism. Trump went so far as to assert on Twitter that if a terrorist attack did happen, the judiciary would be to blame.



While language like that might play well with the base, it was part of what caused the court to recoil, suggested Mary Fan, an immigration and refugee law professor at the University of Washington School of Law.



The court cant abdicate responsibility in the face of fear-filled words like terrorism or terms of deference like national security. These are, of course, important interests, but you have to have substance behind the words, Fan told The Post.



You cant just play upon these fears without giving the court a substantial reason to justify extreme exercises of power, Fan said. The Trump administration made the 9th Circuits job easier in the sense that they were so extreme in what they claimed about unreviewability that they made themselves into a straw man easy to knock down.



The Justice Department said in a statement it was reviewing the 9th Circuits opinion.



Trump reacted angrily on Thursday, accusing the judges of making a political decision. He had previously used the phrase so-called judge to refer to U.S. District Judge James L. Robart, who penned the lower court decision that paved the way for the appeals courts ruling.



[How Trumps travel ban broke from the normal executive order process]



Trumps attacks on the judiciary will likely continue, but hell have a hard time bashing individual judges on the appeals court because the opinion was unanimous and unsigned, said Jonathan Hafetz, a constitutional law professor at Seton Hall University School of Law. Writing on the legal blog Balkinization, Hafetz described the 9th Circuits ruling as an important moment in the defense of judicial independence.



President Trump, from his reckless implementation of the Executive Order to his flagrant attacks on the integrity of federal judges hearing these challenges, has transformed the case into an early  and critical  showdown over the independence of the judiciary in the United States, Hafetz wrote. The judges, he added, may have penned the opinion unanimously because they recognize the real and grave threat Trump poses to the foundations of the constitutional order.

In a case such as this one, the government faces a heavy burden. To lift the stay on Trumps executive order, it had to show both that it was likely to succeed on the merits of the case, and that leaving the stay in place would cause irreparable injury. It failed on both fronts.



Although we agree that the governments interest in combating terrorism is an urgent objective of the highest order,' the court said, citing a past Supreme Court opinion, the government has done little more than reiterate that fact.



The judges continued: Despite the district courts and our own repeated invitations to explain the urgent need for the Executive Order to be placed immediately into effect, the Government submitted no evidence to rebut the States argument that the district courts order merely returned the nation temporarily to the position it has occupied for many previous years.

In a damaging aside, the court raised questions about whether it could trust the administrations credibility on the status of the order itself, saying that the administration, through the White House counsel, had shifted positions on whether the order would apply to lawful permanent residents.



[Trumps travel ban is the controversial policy almost nobody was begging for]



The White House counsel is not the President, and he is not known to be in the chain of command for any of the Executive Departments, the court wrote. We cannot say that the current interpretation by White House counsel, even if authoritative and binding, will persist past the immediate stage of these proceedings.



In short, the court found the administration essentially unbelievable, as have many of Trumps critics.



Though the courts ruling represents a significant setback for the administration, some legal observers cautioned about reading too much into it. The court has yet to rule on the merits of the case, including whether the order discriminates against Muslims specifically, as the plaintiffs  the states of Washington and Minnesota  argue.



Are there tea leaves to read in this opinion? There sure are, particularly with respect to the judges analysis of the governments likelihood of prevailing on the merits and its blithe dismissal of the governments claims of national security necessity, wrote Benjamin Wittes, editor in chief of Lawfare.



But its worth emphasizing that the grounds on which this order was fought are not the grounds on which the merits fight will happen, Wittes wrote.



Eventually, the court has to confront the clash between a broad delegation of power to the President  a delegation which gives him a lot of authority to do a lot of not-nice stuff to refugees and visa holders  in a context in which judges normally defer to the president, and the incompetent malevolence with which this order was promulgated.

#

My mind has this habit of latching onto issues that often aren't thought to be the real issues but nevertheless are the issues that seem to me to be staring us in the face. As in the case of Senate Republicans' (this means you, Miss Mitch) shocking silencing of Sen. Elizabeth Warren during the debate over So-Called Sen. Jeff Sessions's appointment as U.S. attorney general.Don't get me wrong. I think the fact that a U.S. senator can be silenced in Senate debate for the offense of quoting the late Coretta Scott King and Ted Kennedy, who are no longer with us today to speak for themselves on the subject, but on which they made their views about as clear as clear can be when they had the chance, is beyond huge. It's monumental. As well as shocking. Shocking, however, without being at all surprising -- except perhaps for the surprise that they could get away with it. But then, that's what being a right-winger has come to: never assuming you can't get away with something until you're given it your best effort. Like stealing a Supreme Court seat.And it was only to be expected that this shameless, indeed unshamable, effrontery would only get worse in the Age of Trump, which after all is all about unshamable effrontery. I suppose that Senator Warren is supposed to be grateful that she was merely silenced on this one issue and not, you know,silenced in the manner so beloved of the godfather and spiritual role model of the Age of Trump, Vlad "The Disappearer" Putin.As Greg Sargent put it Wednesday in the excellent "Morning Plum" piece from which I've quoted at the top of this post:Now we're going to come back to Greg's argument. (By way of a hint, his very next words Wednesday were: "But the point is,.") Because this still isn't what my mind has childishly fixed on.Which is this. Let's say for the sake of argument, that youto "impugn the motives and conduct of our colleague from Alabama."I mean, any more than the scum-sucking son of a bitch himself has done with every breath he's drawn in his miserable existence? Has there ever been anything the least bit mysterious -- or hidden -- about his motives or conduct? Talk about "transparent"!that, while "the message all of this sends about Sessions and the GOP on civil rights is awful for Republicans," "the point is,."In fact, in a separate "Morning Plum" point Wednesday, "SILENCING OF WARREN MAY HAVE BACKFIRED," quoting the NYT ("Within hours of being shut down on the Senate floor, Ms. Warren read the letter from Mrs. King on Facebook , attracting more than two million views  an audience she would have been unlikely to match on C-Span, if she had been permitted to continue speaking in the chamber"), Greg noted: "But Republicans seem to have excited a whole lot of conservatives by shutting Warren up, so its probably all good from their perspective."This sure rings true to me. Trump voters are surely thrilled by the silencing, even temporarily, of that commie bitch. So why don't we let Greg make his point his own way? (Note: lotsa links onsite .)At what point, even if such activity can be sustained, will enough of it reach the core of belief of the true believers who put So-Called President Trump in the White House to make it possible to begin bringing the country out of this nightmare?Once I finished writing the above, I was at liberty to read Derek Hawkins and Fred Barbash'saccount of the three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court's refusal to reinstate the so-called Trump administration's travel ban on People We Don't Like, pending adjudication of the actual challenge to the ban.I'm reproducing it here in full, including even many of the links, partly because it's interesting to see as mainstream an outlet as the WaPo taking it as a given that the so-called Trump administration functions so heavily at odds with, if not in contradiction to, real-world facts, and partly because the case is interesting enough that it deserves to be looked at slowly and carefully, and partly for another reason I'll share when we're done reading.Now, as to my other reason for sharing this piece in full: as a reminder that in the war between Trumpery and Reality, Trumpery may win the occasional skirmish, but in the slightly longer term, the odds are that Reality is gonna take it on the chin.

Labels: Elizabeth Warren, international travel, Jeff Sessions, Mitch McConnell, Trump, Trump/Putin
Parents of an 11-year-old boy who underwent a heart transplant have been charged in his death after they allegedly failed to give him the medication he needed to survive.

David Stroud, 41, and Jennifer Stroud, 36, of Park City, Illinois, both pleaded not guilty to endangering the life of a child when they faced court on Thursday.

Their son Jason died in Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago in September last year.

Jason Stroud, 11, died in a Chicago hospital in September last year after his parents allegedly failed to give him his medication for a heart transplant he received in 2012

David Stroud, 41, and Jennifer Stroud, 36, of Park City, Illinois, both pleaded not guilty to endangering the life of a child when they faced court on Thursday

Jason was born with heart problems and spent the first few years of his life in and out of hospital undergoing eight open heart surgeries and 20 surgical procedures, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his mother.

Jason received a heart transplant in 2012 when he was seven years old at a children's hospital in Milwaukee

The little boy received a heart transplant in 2012 when he was seven years old at a children's hospital in Milwaukee.

The family switched to Lurie Hospital in June 2015 and they were supposed to make regularly appointments but several were missed between December 2015 and August last year, the Daily Herald reports.

The court heard on Thursday that the boy's body began rejecting the donor heart because he wasn't taken the daily medication he required.

Jason was hospitalized on August 23.

'We have now found 2 very rare genes from the donor heart he received, his heart is in complete rejection/failure due to coronary artery disease,' his mom Jennifer wrote on the fundraising page.

'The meds needed to kill off the rejection antibodies, as well as a daily procedure, has been giving him terrible headaches, chills/tremors, and is just not allowing him to be happy self.'

Jason's parents David and Jennifer have been accused of failing to give their son the required medication he needed following his heart transplant

Jason's mother posted on a GoFundMe page that the medication the boy had been taking were giving him terrible headaches, chills and tremors

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services started investigating when the hospital notified them of the missed appointments.

The couple turned themselves into police on January 10. They were both charged with endangering the life of a child and face up to five years in prison.

Jennifer was released from jail on Thursday after posting bail. Her husband remains in prison.

David will face court again on March 16, while Jennifer is scheduled to appear on March 23.
National Security Advisor Michael Flynn faces news accusations that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about discussions with a Russian official about the Trump administration's willingness to ease U.S. economic sanctions on Moscow.

Flynn has acknowledged communicating with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and is no longer denying the subject was raised.

That version of events differs from an ironclad denial Pence delivered to a CBS News interviewer last month, when he said the conversations were 'strictly coincidental' and had nothing to do with Obama's decision to punish Russia for meddling in the November presidential election.

A Trump administration official told DailyMail.com on Friday that Flynn 'can't be certain sanctions didnt come up' in a December call, which occurred while Barack Obama was still president.

A second official added: ' To the best of his knowledge he does not recall having talked about sanctions but he cannot be 100 per cent that they didnt come up.'

That same official, when asked whether Flynn's role advising President Donald Trump has changed in light of the latest allegations, said: ' Not that Im aware of.'

White House national security adviser Michael Flynn (left) is accused of privately discussing U.S. sanctions against Russia with Moscow's ambassador to the US a month before President Donald Trump took office; Vice President Mike Pence (right) reportedly relied on Flynn's assurances when he claimed last month that the accusation was unfounded

President Trump punted a question about it on Friday, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that he hadn't heard about the brewing scandal

Pence told CBS on January 15 that Flynn and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak 'did not discuss anything having to do with the United States decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia'

Trump himself deflected a question about the brewing scandal during a brief conversation with reporters Friday on Air Force One.

'I don't know about that. I haven't seen it,' he responded to a question about a Washington Post story. 'What report is that? I haven't seen that. I'll look into that.'

Flynn told the Post that he and Kislyak hadn't discussed sanctions; the Post reported that skeptically.

The first administration official who spoke on Friday did not dispute the Post's story.

Pence declared January 15 on CBS's 'Face the Nation' program that Flynn and Kislyak 'did not discuss anything having to do with the United States decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia.'

He also said no one in Trumpworld had contacted the Russian government during the presidential campaign.

Suggesting otherwise, Pence insisted then, 'is to give credence to some of these bizarre rumors that have swirled around the candidacy.'

Politico reported Friday that an administration official had confirmed Pence's remarks were guided by what Flynn told him, raising the possibility that the retired U.S. army lieutenant general gave him false information to communicate on television.

Pence's reputation as a cautious straight-shooter makes him an exception in an administration whose senior ranks include many officials seen as inconsistent in their statements  and a few the press corps see as crafty and evasive.

Flynn has backed away from denials that he spoke in December with Sergey Kislyak (pictured) about lifting sanctions once Trump became president

The Kremlin denied Friday that Flynn and Kislyak discussed the sanctions before Trump took office.

Members of the Trump administration have maintained that Flynn had spoken to the ambassador during the transition period to wish him a Merry Christmas and offer condolences after a deadly Russian plane crash.

One of the calls took place on Dec. 29, the day the Obama administration hit Moscow with sanctions in response to a U.S. intelligence assessment that the Russian government had interfered in the U.S. presidential election with the goal of helping Trump.

It's not unusual for incoming administrations to have discussions with foreign governments before taking office. But repeated contacts just as Obama was imposing sanctions raise questions about whether Trump's team discussed  or even helped shape  Russia's response.

Russian President Vladimir Putin unexpectedly did not retaliate against the U.S. for the expulsions, a decision Trump quickly praised.

After U.S. officials first revealed Flynn's calls last month, Trump aides originally denied that a telephone conversation even took place on Dec. 29. Hours later, an official acknowledged one such call.

Flynn's contact with the Russian ambassador suggests the Trump administration has been laying the groundwork for its promised closer relationship with Moscow.

That effort appears to be moving ahead, even as many in Washington, including Republicans, have expressed outrage over the assessment that Putin ordered a hacking operation aimed at meddling in the U.S. election.

Reports and intercepted communications showed evidence that Flynn (left walking with Trump) and Kislyak had communicated by text and telephone around the time the Obama administration announced it would be punishing Russia for a hacking spree that undermined the U.S. election

The sanctions targeted the GRU and FSB, leading Russian intelligence agencies that the U.S. said were involved in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and other groups.

Democratic Sens. Ed Markey and Chris Murphy called for an investigation of Flynn. Other partisan Democrats demanded his firing.

'He lied  repeatedly and egregiously  about his actions,' liberal congressmen Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Ted Lieu of California said Friday.

Questions about Trump's friendly posture toward Russia deepened after he dismissed the U.S. intelligence agencies' assertions about Russia's role in the hacking. In briefing Trump on their findings, intelligence officials also presented him with unsubstantiated claims that Russia had amassed compromising personal and financial allegations against him.

Last week, House Democrats called for an investigation of Flynn to determine whether he violated the Constitution by accepting payments from a Kremlin-controlled TV station in Russia. Flynn traveled in 2015 to Moscow, where he joined Putin and other Russian officials in a celebration of the RT network.

Flynn later explained he had been paid for taking part in the event, but brushed aside concerns that he was aiding a Russian propaganda effort.
The 60million witch-hunt against British veterans of Iraq is to be scrapped.

The poisonous lies peddled against them by legal parasites will come to an end, the Defence Secretary declared last night.

Michael Fallon said the Iraq Historic Allegations Team, which once had 3,600 claims on its books, will have its caseload slashed to just 20.

Scroll down for video

The 60million witch-hunt against British veterans of Iraq is to be scrapped. The poisonous lies peddled against them by legal parasites will come to an end, the Defence Secretary declared last night

Michael Fallon said the Iraq Historic Allegations Team, which once had 3,600 claims on its books, will have its caseload slashed to just 20

The move ends a nightmare decade for troops accused of misconduct. And it represents a major victory for the Daily Mail, which has campaigned for Ihat to be reined in.

Writing in this newspaper today Sir Michael:

Savages Phil Shiner, the human rights lawyer struck off over his tank-chasing tactics

Vows to end the slew of claims brought against Afghan veterans

Reveals he is planning to protect soldiers from being hounded in future

Pledges to examine potential injustices against troops who served during Northern Irelands Troubles

The news was welcomed by the Chief of the General Staff, Sir Nicholas Carter. He said: A significant number of claims made against our soldiers have not been credible

The announcement was welcomed last night by the Chief of the General Staff. Sir Nicholas Carter said a significant number of claims made against our soldiers have not been credible.

The taxpayer-funded Ihat inquiry was set up in order to ensure that allegations of misconduct against British soldiers were dealt with in the UK rather than being pursued at the International Criminal Court. But it has been mired in controversy after tank-chasing lawyers deluged it with vexatious claims.

Despite a 145-strong team investigating the cases for nearly seven years, there has not been one prosecution

Sir Michael writes: We are now close to putting behind us most of the poisonous lies which have plagued our armed forces over the past decade.

Remaining Ihat cases will be cut to include only those based on credible allegations. Thought to number about 20, they will be handed over to military police, saving taxpayers millions. Most will be dealt with by next year.

The vast majority of Afghan cases being investigated by Operation Northmoor will also be thrown out.

A defence committee report, which was rushed out yesterday, said Ihat had become a seemingly unstoppable self-perpetuating machine, deaf to the concerns of the armed forces, blind to their needs, and profligate with its own resources.

The unit was handed 3,668 allegations of murder, torture and wrongdoing by British troops since 2010, when it was set up.

The vast majority were from the now defunct firm Public Interest Lawyers, led by disgraced lawyer Mr Shiner.

Despite a 145-strong team investigating the cases for nearly seven years, there has not been one prosecution.

But hundreds of soldiers  many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and who have already been cleared by military police  were hounded relentlessly.

Sir Michael says Mr Shiner was able to exploit vulnerabilities in our legal system, exacerbated by EU court rulings and fuelled by legal aid intended for genuine causes.

Ihat was originally due to finish its work at the end of 2019  to the tune of 57million but will now all but wrap up this year.

Sir Michael and the Justice Secretary Liz Truss are pressing ahead with further measures to deal with the problem of abuse allegations once and for all

Sir Michael will also wind up Operation Northmoor, which is examining 675 allegations of abuse in Afghanistan. Many of those claims come from human rights firm Leigh Day, which faces a disciplinary tribunal later this year.

Sir Michael and the Justice Secretary Liz Truss are pressing ahead with further measures to deal with the problem of abuse allegations once and for all.

The Government announced last year that the UK would derogate from the European Convention on Human Rights when it comes to future wars to stop lawyers mounting industrial-scale claims.

Sir Michael Fallon said: We will tackle this serious imbalance and ensure a fair, balanced and proportionate approach to investigating the past

But Sir Michael says other measures would be put in place to protect veterans. Addressing mounting claims against veterans  many in their 60s and 70s  who served in Northern Ireland, the Defence Secretary says many served with great bravery and distinction.

He says it is wrong that historic investigations into Army killings during the Troubles have almost entirely focused on them rather than terrorists. Some 90 per cent of the killings are thought to have been committed by terrorists.

We will tackle this serious imbalance and ensure a fair, balanced and proportionate approach to investigating the past he adds.

Last month the Mail revealed that ministers were pushing for a bill that would put an age cap on suspects and force police to treat historic cases from Northern Ireland with proportionality.

Under the proposals, there would be an upper age limit on those who could be investigated, a five-year time limit on how long an inquiry can last, and a limit on maximum sentences for anyone found guilty.

Discredited probe into British soldier abuse claims 'directly harmed the defence of our nation', say MPs

The body set up to investigate claims that British soldiers abused Iraqis  and the resulting explosion of litigation or lawfare  have directly harmed the defence of our nation, senior MPs said yesterday.

A group of cross-party politicians said the Iraq Historical Allegations Team was unfit for purpose and threatened to hinder the ability of soldiers to defend the country.

A scathing report by the Commons Defence Select Committee, published hours before Sir Michael Fallon announced that Ihat would close, found a catalogue of disturbing failings.

The body set up to investigate claims that British soldiers abused Iraqis  and the resulting explosion of litigation or lawfare  have directly harmed the defence of our nation, senior MPs said yesterday

The report said Ihat has become a seemingly unstoppable, self-perpetuating machine and one which has proved to be deaf to the concerns of the armed forces, blind to their needs, and profligate with its own resources.

The Mail has revealed how ex-detectives working for Ihat have turned up, out of the blue, at the doors of soldiers and quizzed them and their families about their role in incidents a decade ago.

In one case a British soldier was threatened with arrest at his military base. Following a Mail campaign to end the witch-hunt, MPs began the inquiry.

A group of cross-party politicians said the Iraq Historical Allegations Team was unfit for purpose and threatened to hinder the ability of soldiers to defend the country

Yesterday the committee concluded that Ihat had lost the confidence of service personnel, MPs and the wider public.

The report added: Ihat, and the subsequent explosion of so-called lawfare in the United Kingdom, has directly harmed the defence of our nation. Unless the MoD learns the lessons of Ihat, the armed forces will be hindered in their ability to defend the nation and the national interest.

It said that while the cost to the taxpayer had been significant, the psychological and actual cost to the individual soldiers is arguably greater. Their lives have been put on hold and their careers damaged, sometimes for years, because of allegations made against them  in many cases without any credible supporting evidence.

Yesterday the committee concluded that Ihat had lost the confidence of service personnel, MPs and the wider public

The effects of this on the British military are profound and enduring, the report said. MPs found the process was eroding the bonds of trust between those who serve, and their civilian masters.

This newspaper revealed how an Iraqi agent, named Abu Jamal, was being paid 40,000 a year by Ihat as he drummed up cases against British troops for law firms. The agent  whose son told the Mail that he had handed over 1,000 claims of wrongdoing by troops to law firms  was subsequently sacked.

The report concluded: Although the MoD told us that it had stopped payments when it became aware of this, the fact that it continued for such a lengthy period of time represents a serious failing for which the MoD must take responsibility.

Johnny Mercer MP, chairman of the sub-Committee inquiry, said: Throughout this process there has been an almost total disregard of the welfare of soldiers and their families

MPs said that legal firms were empowered by the Ministrys approach to Ihat. It also attacked the use of intimidatory tactics by Ihat contractors. The report said the use of covert surveillance was deeply disturbing.

Johnny Mercer MP, chairman of the sub-Committee inquiry, said: Throughout this process there has been an almost total disregard of the welfare of soldiers and their families.

The MoD must take the responsibility for allowing this to happen. They could have discriminated between credible and non-credible cases yet lacked the will to do so.

SIR MICHAEL FALLON: Members of our armed forces were victims of a charismatic conman who exploited vulnerabilities in the legal system

Last week the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found that Phil Shiner should be struck off because of his reckless campaign of false and exaggerated allegations against our armed forces.

That decision was made possible because two years ago I took the unprecedented step of directing officials to assemble and submit evidence of this dishonesty

This intervention was justified by the gravity of what the 31 million Al Sweady public inquiry revealed about Mr Shiners behaviour. I was not prepared to let someone who pursued false accusations of torture, murder, and mutilation against our armed forces get away with it.

The decision to strike off Philip Shiner was made possible because two years ago I took the unprecedented step of directing officials to assemble and submit evidence of this dishonesty, writes Sir Michael Fallon (pictured)

Last week the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found that Phil Shiner should be struck off because of his reckless campaign of false and exaggerated allegations against our armed forces

Mr Shiners downfall will have been painful to behold for those in the human rights lobby who lionised him. But as is often the case with charismatic conmen, it was not just naive campaigners whom he fooled.

For too long he and others were able to exploit vulnerabilities in our legal system, exacerbated by the seemingly relentless rulings that expanded the reach of the European Convention of Human Rights into combat zones and fuelled by legal aid.

This has damaged the reputation of our armed forces and in too many cases has forced blameless military personnel to relive painful events of many years ago.

For too long he and others were able to exploit vulnerabilities in our legal system

Mr Shiners allegations were on an industrial scale. Thousands had to be examined and in some cases investigated, under unprecedented scrutiny by the High Court and the International Criminal Court. Let me be clear  there was no alternative.

Anyone who thinks that Ministers or civil servants have the authority to direct or to influence the decisions of criminal investigators or prosecutors does not understand our justice system, where independence is crucial.

The investigation into the Iraq allegations has been carried out by a special unit called the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat) set up by the previous government. The criticism they have faced and the questioning of their motives and those of MOD officials are deplorable.

Prior to the damning ruling on Mr Shiner, Ihat was already close to completion of the first phase  that of winnowing out thousands of allegations which would not justify a full investigation.

We are now at a new stage  the beginning of the end. As Mr Shiners involvement has poisoned so many of the allegations, the Director of the Ihat has concluded that by the summer the number of cases which should be investigated will be greatly diminished, much below the existing target of 60 to around a third of that.

Rather than investigations continuing until the end of 2019, the remaining investigations could be completed as early as next year

Therefore I have decided that the work of Ihat as a separate unit should end, with investigations progressively reduced and reintegrated into the service police system.

Rather than investigations continuing until the end of 2019, the remaining investigations could be completed as early as next year.

In parallel, the Royal Military Police who are examining 675 allegations of abuse in Afghanistan, are in the process of discontinuing work on around 90 per cent of them. Many of these claims come from another law firm  Leigh Day  that worked with Mr Shiner on the Al Sweady allegations.

We are now close to putting behind us most of the poisonous lies which have plagued our armed forces over the past decade.

We are now close to putting behind us most of the poisonous lies which have plagued our armed forces over the past decade

But this is not enough. The government will ensure that our armed forces overseas are no longer subject to human rights claims that undermine their ability to do their job.

I am working with the Justice Secretary to deal with this problem once and for all. Some measures have already been announced, including the presumption that we will derogate from the European Court of Human Rights in future operations when it is right to do so.

When it comes to Northern Ireland, legacy investigations have focused almost entirely on former police officers and soldiers. This is wrong, and we will ensure a fair approach to investigating the past.

There will be occasions in the future where allegations against our armed forces need to be investigated. Anyone facing allegations will be offered improved welfare support as well as continue to receive free independent legal support.

Together these safeguards should ensure that our armed forces never again have to face such reckless campaigns of denigration.
A teenager who was found dead in north-eastern Perth on Thursday morning may have overdosed on a synthetic drug known as N-bomb, police say.

Friends of Corey De Bie, 19, told police he had ingested the drug on Wednesday night before abruptly leaving about 2am, The West Australian reported.

His body was found by rubbish collectors near a park in the suburb of Aveley at 9.30am.

Corey De Bie, 19, was found dead on Thursday

An autopsy and toxicology tests will reveal the cause of death.

Mr De Bie was described by friends and relatives as a caring person with a 'heart of gold' who was passionate about sound engineering and who had just been accepted into the navy.

Police raided the home of an alleged drug dealer on Friday, according to The West Australian.

N-bomb is a nickname of the substance 25I-NBOMe, which is a research chemical commonly marketed as an alternative to LSD.

A teenager who was found dead in north-eastern Perth on Thursday morning may have overdosed on a synthetic drug known as N-bomb, police believe

Corey De Bie, 19, ingested the drug on Wednesday night, his friends told police, before abruptly leaving around 2am

Mr De Bie's body was found by rubbish collectors near a park in the suburb of Aveley

It is believed to have caused the deaths of at least two other Australians, The Age has previously reported.

A case report in the US-based journal Clinical Toxicology described an 18-year-old who ended up in hospital after taking N-bomb.

The man had an excessive heart rate, high blood pressure, and dilated pupils, and was described as behaving aggressively for up to 48 hours after ingesting the drug.
Last week the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found that Phil Shiner should be struck off because of his reckless campaign of false and exaggerated allegations against our armed forces.

That decision was made possible because two years ago I took the unprecedented step of directing officials to assemble and submit evidence of this dishonesty

This intervention was justified by the gravity of what the 31 million Al Sweady public inquiry revealed about Mr Shiners behaviour. I was not prepared to let someone who pursued false accusations of torture, murder, and mutilation against our armed forces get away with it.

The decision to strike off Philip Shiner was made possible because two years ago I took the unprecedented step of directing officials to assemble and submit evidence of this dishonesty, writes Sir Michael Fallon (pictured)

Last week the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found that Phil Shiner (pictured) should be struck off because of his reckless campaign of false and exaggerated allegations against our armed forces

Mr Shiners downfall will have been painful to behold for those in the human rights lobby who lionised him. But as is often the case with charismatic conmen, it was not just naive campaigners whom he fooled.

For too long he and others were able to exploit vulnerabilities in our legal system, exacerbated by the seemingly relentless rulings that expanded the reach of the European Convention of Human Rights into combat zones and fuelled by legal aid.

This has damaged the reputation of our armed forces and in too many cases has forced blameless military personnel to relive painful events of many years ago.

For too long he and others were able to exploit vulnerabilities in our legal system

Mr Shiners allegations were on an industrial scale. Thousands had to be examined and in some cases investigated, under unprecedented scrutiny by the High Court and the International Criminal Court. Let me be clear  there was no alternative.

Anyone who thinks that Ministers or civil servants have the authority to direct or to influence the decisions of criminal investigators or prosecutors does not understand our justice system, where independence is crucial.

The investigation into the Iraq allegations has been carried out by a special unit called the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat) set up by the previous government. The criticism they have faced and the questioning of their motives and those of MOD officials are deplorable.

Prior to the damning ruling on Mr Shiner, Ihat was already close to completion of the first phase  that of winnowing out thousands of allegations which would not justify a full investigation.

We are now at a new stage  the beginning of the end. As Mr Shiners involvement has poisoned so many of the allegations, the Director of the Ihat has concluded that by the summer the number of cases which should be investigated will be greatly diminished, much below the existing target of 60 to around a third of that.

Therefore I have decided that the work of Ihat as a separate unit should end, with investigations progressively reduced and reintegrated into the service police system.

Rather than investigations continuing until the end of 2019, the remaining investigations could be completed as early as next year.

Rather than investigations continuing until the end of 2019, the remaining investigations could be completed as early as next year

In parallel, the Royal Military Police who are examining 675 allegations of abuse in Afghanistan, are in the process of discontinuing work on around 90 per cent of them. Many of these claims come from another law firm  Leigh Day  that worked with Mr Shiner on the Al Sweady allegations.

We are now close to putting behind us most of the poisonous lies which have plagued our armed forces over the past decade.

But this is not enough. The government will ensure that our armed forces overseas are no longer subject to human rights claims that undermine their ability to do their job.

We are now close to putting behind us most of the poisonous lies which have plagued our armed forces over the past decade

I am working with the Justice Secretary to deal with this problem once and for all. Some measures have already been announced, including the presumption that we will derogate from the European Court of Human Rights in future operations when it is right to do so.

When it comes to Northern Ireland, legacy investigations have focused almost entirely on former police officers and soldiers. This is wrong, and we will ensure a fair approach to investigating the past.

There will be occasions in the future where allegations against our armed forces need to be investigated. Anyone facing allegations will be offered improved welfare support as well as continue to receive free independent legal support.

Together these safeguards should ensure that our armed forces never again have to face such reckless campaigns of denigration.
Investigators with the National Park Service are on the hunt for a crook who stole thousands of rounds of park ranger gun ammunition from Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

Park employees discovered the theft on Monday around 7am, spokeswoman Jennifer Evans told DailyMail.com.

Stolen were huge quantities of pistol and rifle ammunition, used by rangers in their law enforcement capacity.

The ammunition was stolen from Crater Lake National Park (pictured)

A visitor center at Crater Lake. The theft occurred in a locked building in park headquarters

Evans declined to specify the exact caliber of ammunition stolen, but the 9mm Heckler & Koch P7M13 and .40 caliber Glock 22/23 are believed to be among the standard issue sidearms for rangers with law enforcement duties.

The ammunition was stolen from a locked building in the headquarters area of Crater Lake, Oregon's only national park.

9mm pistol ammunition is shown in this stock photo. Pistol and rifle ammunition was stolen

Crater Lake is Oregon's only national park

The roughly 290 square-mile park centers on a stunning volcanic caldera lake thought to have formed over 7,000 years ago.

The crime, committed against federal property, is a felony.

Investigators are offering up to a $1,000 reward for information about the crime.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call 888-653-0009 or text investigators at 202-379-4761.
The body set up to investigate claims that British soldiers abused Iraqis  and the resulting explosion of litigation or lawfare  have directly harmed the defence of our nation, senior MPs said yesterday.

A group of cross-party politicians said the Iraq Historical Allegations Team was unfit for purpose and threatened to hinder the ability of soldiers to defend the country.

A scathing report by the Commons Defence Select Committee, published hours before Sir Michael Fallon announced that Ihat would close, found a catalogue of disturbing failings.

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The body set up to investigate claims that British soldiers abused Iraqis  and the resulting explosion of litigation or lawfare  have directly harmed the defence of our nation, senior MPs said yesterday

The report said Ihat has become a seemingly unstoppable, self-perpetuating machine and one which has proved to be deaf to the concerns of the armed forces, blind to their needs, and profligate with its own resources.

The Mail has revealed how ex-detectives working for Ihat have turned up, out of the blue, at the doors of soldiers and quizzed them and their families about their role in incidents a decade ago.

In one case a British soldier was threatened with arrest at his military base. Following a Mail campaign to end the witch-hunt, MPs began the inquiry.

A group of cross-party politicians said the Iraq Historical Allegations Team was unfit for purpose and threatened to hinder the ability of soldiers to defend the country

Yesterday the committee concluded that Ihat had lost the confidence of service personnel, MPs and the wider public.

The report added: Ihat, and the subsequent explosion of so-called lawfare in the United Kingdom, has directly harmed the defence of our nation. Unless the MoD learns the lessons of Ihat, the armed forces will be hindered in their ability to defend the nation and the national interest.

It said that while the cost to the taxpayer had been significant, the psychological and actual cost to the individual soldiers is arguably greater. Their lives have been put on hold and their careers damaged, sometimes for years, because of allegations made against them  in many cases without any credible supporting evidence.

The effects of this on the British military are profound and enduring, the report said. MPs found the process was eroding the bonds of trust between those who serve, and their civilian masters.

Yesterday the committee concluded that Ihat had lost the confidence of service personnel, MPs and the wider public

This newspaper revealed how an Iraqi agent, named Abu Jamal, was being paid 40,000 a year by Ihat as he drummed up cases against British troops for law firms. The agent  whose son told the Mail that he had handed over 1,000 claims of wrongdoing by troops to law firms  was subsequently sacked.

The report concluded: Although the MoD told us that it had stopped payments when it became aware of this, the fact that it continued for such a lengthy period of time represents a serious failing for which the MoD must take responsibility.

MPs said that legal firms were empowered by the Ministrys approach to Ihat. It also attacked the use of intimidatory tactics by Ihat contractors. The report said the use of covert surveillance was deeply disturbing.

Johnny Mercer MP, chairman of the sub-Committee inquiry, said: Throughout this process there has been an almost total disregard of the welfare of soldiers and their families.

The MoD must take the responsibility for allowing this to happen. They could have discriminated between credible and non-credible cases yet lacked the will to do so.
A brain surgeon is suing Austrian Airlines after he claims he hurt his pinky finger while trying to close a tray table.

Dr David Walker, from Brisbane, has filed a suit against the airline in the Queensland Federal Court.

He claims he has been permanently disabled by the alleged incident and has suffered from depression as a result, according to The Brisbane Times.

Dr David Walker, from Brisbane , has filed a lawsuit against Austrian Airlines

It is unknown how much the surgeon will request in compensation.

In court documents, Dr Walker said he was travelling in business class to Manchester on July 5 last year, via Bangkok and Vienna, when the crew unfolded his tray table from his armrest before serving dinner.

The brain and spine surgeon said the cabin crew did not fold the table back into the armrest and when he tried it 'snapped back suddenly without warning'.

'The fifth finger on the right hand of the applicant became jammed in between two of the parts of the horizontal tray-table resulting in severe pain and injury,' a statement of claim presented to the court said.

A neurosurgeon is suing Austrian Airlines after he claims his pinky finger was snatched in a tray table. Pictured: a fold-out business-class table tray on an Austrian Airlines Boeing-777

Dr Walker and his son worked for several seconds before they were able to unjam his finger.

'Due to the severe pain and realisation of the injury to the finger, the applicant lost consciousness briefly,' documents said.

Dr Walker's lawyer told the court the surgeon fractured his finger and the pinky had an 'intra-articular extension'.

The statement of claim also says the physician has damage to his nail bed and soft tissue, which has caused him to lose income.

A spokesperson for Austrian Airlines declined to comment on the legal action, but said it was not a requirement that tray tables in business class be folded up by crew members.
A wild party attended by 300 youths descended into chaos on Friday night with two teenage girls rushed to hospital and 11 others arrested.

Police said officers had bottles and cans thrown at them after a violent brawl erupted at the out-of-control house party in Charlestown, north of Sydney.

A 17-year-old reveller told radio station Hit 106.9 the scene was 'insane'.

'There were so many strangers,' she said. 'There were crazy kids trying to fight police and yelling ''f*** the cops'' as they sprinted across the road.'

A violent brawl broke out at an out-of-control house party in Charlestown, near Newcastle, at about 9pm on Friday. Footage shows one young woman being led away by an officer in a headlock

Police said officers had bottles and cans thrown at them by the group mostly comprised of juveniles

The station reported that some youths were heard kicking in shop windows nearby.

Dramatic footage shows one young woman being led away by an officer in a headlock.

Another video posted online shows officers arresting a man in the middle of the Pacific Highway.

Nearly 30 police cars were at the scene and officers were forced to close south-bound lanes of the busy highway.

A 17-year-old partygoer said the scene was 'insane'. Police were seen pouring out cans of alcohol

Two teenage girls were rushed hospital to be treated for suspected drug overdoses.

A 17-year-old boy was charged with affray, malicious damage to a police vehicle and offensive behaviour. He was refused bail.

Another man, 27, was charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest and drug possession. He was also refused bail.

Further charges and youth cautions are expected to occur, police said.
Heavily armed SWAT officers were called to a park in China after a family reported seeing a tiger on the loose.

Police attended to the scene in Huzhou, China's Zhejiang province on February 9 only to find that the tiger was a stuffed animal, reports the People's Daily Online.

It's unclear where the toy animal had come from but police took it back with them to the station.

Panic at the park: A family spotted a 'tiger' on a pavilion in Huzhou, China's Zhejiang province

Awkward: Police dressed up in their SWAT uniform only to find that the tiger was a toy

An alarming sight: The toy tiger had scared a family who had then called the police

Ms Jiang was with her family hiking at 9am on Thursday when the saw an animal lying on the bench of a pavilion.

Its tummy was yellow and black and she says it looks like a sleeping tiger.

Terrified that it was a tiger, the family turned around and ran down the hill and called the police.

Changxing County Public Security Bureau attended the scene armed with shields, a steel fork and other protective equipment.

Off to the station: Police took the tiger away to prevent it from scaring anyone else

When they arrived, they saw the tiger figure some 100 feet away.

One officer told reporters: 'At that time I thought, this powerful animal can not disturb it or else it may hurt someone.'

They observed the 'animal' for 10 minutes and noticed that its eyes looked sluggish.

They threw some stones but the tiger remained motionless. It was then that they realised it was a toy.

An officer surnamed Li told reporters: 'This toy is too realistic and three feet long.'

To prevent anyone from getting scared by the toy, he brought the 'animal' back to the police station.
Estes



With Koch Bros. Congressman Mike Pompeo now ensconced at the CIA, there's an April 11th special election to fill his KS-04 seat, a blood red (R+14) district that takes up the south-central part of the state and is centered on Sedgwick County (Wichita). In 2008, McCain won the district with 59% and 4 years later Romney won it with 62%. This past November, Trump beat Hillary in the district, 60.2% to 33.0%. And Pompeo was reelected 166,998 (60.7%) to 81,495 (29.6%), beating Democrat Dan Giroux who spent $262,986 to Pompeo's $1,447,958.





For a Democrat to win this special election, the revulsion with Trump and Ryan would have to be far greater than it is today. Maybe by 2018... but not likely now. But a Democrat could run now as a prelude to a 2018 campaign. The party will pick their nominee Saturday and there are already 5 Democrats who have declared, including Robert Tillman who ran against Pompeo in 2012-- raising just $22,044 to Pompeo's $1,915,080 and losing 62-31%-- and was beaten by Giroux in the 2016 primary when he tried to run again. Another well-known candidate is Dennis McKinney, former state Treasurer and former Minority Leader of the Kansas House of Representatives. The Berniecrat in the race is Charlie Walker, a police officer. (Some in the party are still trying to draft popular 2-term former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, the city's first elected African-American mayor, 2007-15.)









In the first ballot Ashby and Bruce were eliminated and after the second ballot was in, it was clear Estes won. He took 66 votes to 43 for Cobb and just 17 for Tiahrt. The Republicans picked their nominee this evening and it was neither of the supposed frontrunner. Two-term Kansas state Treasurer Ron Estes won the nomination over Trump Regime pick and Tea Party-endorsed Alan Cobb Sarah and former Congressman Todd Tiahrt. Palin had been running her mouth for deranged Trumpist and former Koch Brothers lobbyist, Alan Cobb but he lost anyone. Even further right than him on the political spectrum is ex-Congressman Todd Tiahrt, who represented the district before he ran an unsuccessful primary campaign for the Senate against Jerry Moran, which opened the House seat to Pompeo. In 2014 Tiahart primaried Pompeo and got killed-- 42,877 (63%) to 25,501 (37%). Many hoped they'd never hear from this whack-job extremist again. But, no... he tried making another comeback-- and was already fighting with Paul Ryan . Tiahrt told the 126 KS-04 district delegates that Ryan promised him his old seat on the House Appropriations Committee and Ryan said Tiahrt is a liar. Aside from Estes, Cobb and Tiahrt, the other candidates tonight were former Hate Talk Radio host Joseph Ashby, Wichita city council member Pete Meitzner (who suddenly withdrew yesterday, and local lawyer George Bruce. Although Trump hadn't personally gotten overtly involved, his political agents had been actively pushing Cobb In the first ballot Ashby and Bruce were eliminated and after the second ballot was in, it was clear Estes won. He took 66 votes to 43 for Cobb and just 17 for Tiahrt.





Republicans know Trump could be a problem for them in April any they say they're not taking the district for granted even though they've held it-- basically effortlessly-- since 1994 when Tiahrt beat Democratic Congressman Dan Glickman. Kerry Gooch, executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party, says that the "special election gives people that have been so angry and frustrated with what the Trump administration has been doing since they have taken over, it gives them their first chance to fight back."
Archaeologists have uncovered fragments of an ancient Egyptian palace complex.

The researchers found a mortar pit embedded with the footprints of children that lived 3,000 years ago.

They also uncovered mysterious rare wall painting fragments which may have come from Ancient Greece.

Archaeologists have uncovered fragments of an ancient Egyptian palace-temple complex. The researchers found a mortar pit embedded with the footprints of children that lived 3,000 years ago (pictured)

WHO WAS RAMESSES II? Ramesses II was king of Egypt from 1279 to 1213 BC and is also known as Ramesses the great. He ascended the throne as the third king of the Nineteenth Dynasty at the age of 25. Its thought that during his 67 year reign he built more temples and fathered more children than any other pharaoh. He founded a new capital, Pi-Ramesse and built temples throughout Egypt and Nubia. The most famous of these buildings is the Abu Simbel, cut into rock, and the Ramesseum  his mortuary temple at Thebes. The tomb of his principal wife, Nefertari, is one of the best preserved royal tombs and the resting place of some of his sons has recently been uncovered in the Valley of the Kings. Advertisement

The team made the find while working at a site of Qantir-Piramesse at the eastern side of Egypt's Nile Delta.

Between 1300 and 1100 BC, 'Pi-Ramesse' was the capital of Egypt and a rich and powerful city.

It was the home of Pharaoh Ramesses the Great, who was king of Egypt from 1279 to 1213 BC.

'The accounts that we have suggest that the whole area covered by the city would have been between 10 and 15 square km (4-6 square miles),' Dr Henning Franzmeier, field director of the Qantir-Piramesse project, told IBTimes UK.

'This would have made this city one of the biggest in the Mediterranean if not the world in the late Bronze Age.'

No temple or palace remains can be found at the surface today, but the archaelogists, based at the Roemer-Pelizaeus-Museum Hildesheim in Germany, have been excavating the historic site for 35 years.

The team hope to learn more about the site's rich history and with three decades of study under their belts their work has yielded some interesting discoveries.

'We are hoping to find larger parts of the city, identifying more important buildings and institutions such as temples and the royal palace of kings such as Ramesses II (Ramesses the great),' Dr Franzmeier told MailOnline.

The mortar pit that the team found measured around 8 x 26 feet (2.5 x 8 metres).

The mortar that had layered the bottom of the pit for over 3,000 years was etched with children's footprints.

The children were probably around 3 to 5 years old based on the size of the tracks, which measure only 15cm.

They also uncovered mysterious wall painting fragments, which are of particular interest to the researchers because they appear to be made of hard plaster, a material rarely seen in Egyptian art

'Who the kids were is pure speculation,' Dr Franzmeier told MailOnline.

'We were actually very puzzled as they seem to have been too small for kids that were already working.

'Would royal kids have played in the mud and mortar? This is actually hard to imagine from my point of view.'

The pit also contained broken pieces of painted wall plaster.

The team are yet to analyse the fragments' motifs but they speculate that the remains came from large-scale multi-coloured wall paintings.

The German team made their finding while working at a site of Qantir-Piramesse at the eastern side of Egypt's Nile Delta

The mortar pit where the footprints and painting fragments were found. The archaeologists head back to the site next Autumn where they hope to identity all of the fragments in the mortar pit and reconstruct the painting's motifs

The archaeologists head back to the site next Autumn where they hope to identity all of the fragments in the mortar pit and reconstruct the painting's motifs.

The fragments are of particular interest because they appear to be made of hard plaster.

'In general wall paintings on hard plaster are really rare in Egypt - the technique actually might point to some kind of connection to Myceanean Greece,' Dr Franzmeimer told MailOnline.

'We will return with some specialists in our team who will conduct more research on the fragments and we also hope to find more so we can finally see what was depicted.'

WHAT HAPPENED TO PI-RAMESSE? Pi-Ramesse in an ancient Egyptian city founded by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. The city was built on the banks of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile and had a population of over 300,000, making it one of the largest ancient Egyptian cities. Pi-Ramesses flourished for more than a century after Ramesses' death, and poems were written about its splendour. But the Nile branch which ran along the city silted up in the 11th century BC, starving it of access to key trade and transport routes. The capital was subsequently moved to Tanis about 30 km north of Pi-Ramesse. In the following centuries the temples and buildings were used as a quarry and the stones were re-used at Tanis and other sites. Thus Pi-Ramesse almost completely vanished and today on the surface almost nothing is visible anymore. Advertisement

No temple or palace remains can be found at the site's surface today, but the archaelogists, based at the Roemer-Pelizaeus-Museum Hildesheim in Germany, have been excavating the historic site for 35 years

Dr Franzmeimer and his team have previously conducted magnetic measurements between 1996 and 2012 to uncover the layout of the ancient city. The magnetic measurements allow the researchers to detect the remains of buildings buried beneath the Earth

Dr Franzmeimer and his team have previously conducted magnetic measurements between 1996 and 2012 to uncover the layout of the ancient city.

The magnetic measurements allow the researchers to detect the remains of buildings buried beneath the Earth.

This is because the mud-brick slabs used to build them have a different magnetic signature to the soil around them.

The signatures were used to identify parts of walls and 'monumental remains,' which date back to the Ramesses II era almost three millennia ago.

The remains could be the remnants of a construction site used to renovate an ancient palace or temple complex, the researchers say.

'The whole site dates back to 1300 and 1100BC, but pottery fragments indicate that this particular building might have been built between 1300 and 1200BC,' Dr Franzmeier said.

'Our thought is that it would have been contemporary to Ramesses II, or to just a bit later.'
Most people have an Amazon Echo in their kitchen or living room - but the CEO of Amazon keeps one in his bathroom.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Jeff Bezos revealed there is a smart speaker in every room of his house, including his water closet.

The tech tycoon moved a device into the room after being frustrated when he could not ask Alexa about the weather while on the toilet.

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Most people keep an Amazon Echo in their kitchen or living room, but the CEO of Amazon has one in his bathroom. In a recent interview with Billboard, Jeff Bezos revealed there is a smart speaker in every room of his house, including his water closet

AMAZON ECHO FACTS Amazon Echo is a voice-controlled smart speaker that works alongside a smartphone app. It debuted in the US in 2015 - 2016 in the UK. Using a virtual assistant called Alexa, the speaker can respond to voice commands from the user, such as setting an alarm or ordering a cab. Echo also works with services like Spotify as a 360-degree wireless speaker. Echo has seven hidden microphones to ensure that it can pick up voice commands from anywhere in the room. With built-in Bluetooth, the Wi-Fi-connected Echo also functions as a 360-degree wireless speaker. Advertisement

I have slowly but relentlessly added an Echo or an Echo Dot into every room of my house, including the bathrooms, Bezos told Stephen Witt with Billboard.

I started in my kitchen, and I just kept adding to another room, and was frustrated when I happened to be in the bathroom and couldnt ask Alexa what the weather is or something.

I think Im a pioneer in that regard.

Amazon Echo is a voice-controlled smart speaker that works alongside a smartphone app and first hit the US market in 2015.

Using a virtual assistant called Alexa, the speaker can respond to voice commands from the user, such as setting an alarm, requesting an Uber or ordering a pizza  and in Bezos cause, it is programmed to report the weather.

Echo has seven hidden microphones to ensure that it can pick up voice commands from anywhere in the room.

With built-in Bluetooth, the Wi-Fi-connected Echo also functions as a 360-degree wireless speaker.

Its a communal device, Bezos said during the interview.

'Unlike a phone, which is a personal device.

My kids  I have four kids  and my wife and I use it continuously.'

The tech tycoon moved a device into the room after being annoyed that he could not ask Alexa about the weather while on the toilet. He also mentioned that car manufactures are already laying plans to put Echo and Alexa in their vehicles

Everyone has their own playlists and music preferences and if theyre all in the kitchen together they stomp on each other with their Alexa requests.

He also mentioned that car manufactures are already laying plans to put Echo and Alexa in their vehicles  Ford being one of them.

The American car maker announced last month that it had joined forces with Amazon to implement the technology the personal assistant into its cars over the next three years.

The alliance comes as many of Ford's rivals, including General Motors and Mercedes-Benz, have introduced smart assistants in their vehicles.

Don Butler, Ford's executive director of connected vehicle and services, said the technology represented the 'deepest integration of any OEM (carmaker) inside a vehicle with Alexa.'

And the two companies are talking about how to take the Alexa partnership further, according to Butler.

'Digital assistant is one tool that is increasingly prevalent in the industry,' he said.
Comes after warnings it could be used to create bio-weapons by terrorists

Hard line stance believed to be the first to target biohackers specifically

Could attract fines of 50,000 (around 42,600) or up to three years in prison

Law enforcement authorities in Germany have warned that biohackers running DNA experiments from home-made labs could face jail time.

The crackdown follows warnings from scientists and security services that the technology - which allows users to tinker with the genetic code of bacteria and other micro-organisms - could be used to create biological weapons.

The hard-line stance could lead to more stringent controls elsewhere in Europe, or even further afield.

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Law enforcement authorities in Germany have warned biohackers running DNA experiments from homemade labs that their activities could attract fines of 50,000 (around 42,600) or up to three years in prison

BIOHACKING LAWS European nations are generally stricter in their regulation of genetic engineering than the rest of the world. Rules in relation to products for human consumption are extremely rigorous in Europe, particularly when compared to the US. Laws on experiments conducted by amateurs vary from country to country with some states, like Germany, prohibiting them outside of regulated and supervised labs. The UK and US do not currently have laws in place to regulate the use of DIY kits in the home or experiments taking place at community labs. But leading academics and security services like the FBI have warned that the technology could be used to create biological weapons. Advertisement

Germany's consumer protection office, the BVL, issued the warning that people using DIY kits or homemade labs could attract fines of up to 50,000 (42,600 or $53,000) or three years in prison, reports claim.

German law already prohibits genetic engineering experiments outside of licensed and supervised laboratories.

But the recent declaration that the law will be heavily enforced has been seen as a wake up call to the country's DIY biohacking community.

And there are fears that Germany's hard-line stance could have ramifications for other European nations and elsewhere.

Speaking to Gizmodo, Todd Kuiken, a senior research scholar with the Genetic Engineering and Society Centre at North Carolina State University, said: 'This is the first time I've ever heard of a government calling out the DIY community specifically.'

Until relatively recently, the technology behind DNA manipulation was limited to expensive academic and commercial laboratories.

But a recent proliferation has seen the equipment and DNA samples needed become widespread and affordable.

Simple kits, like DNA Playground from Amino Labs, can be ordered online for $349 (280).

They allow home users and students to insert DNA into bacteria without the need for any other specialist equipment.

Simple kits, like DNA Playground from Amino Labs, can be ordered online for $349 (280). They allow home users and students to insert DNA into bacteria without the need for any other specialist equipment.

Applications include changing the colour and smell of bacteria, or even creating 'glow in the dark' bioluminescence.

More expensive tailor made setups can be purchased to allow for a greater range of experiments.

Enthusiasts, known as biohackers, often set up community labs to pool and share resources, and specialists clubs have popped up in many towns and cities across the world in recent years.

Applications include changing the colour and smell of bacteria, or even creating 'glow in the dark' bioluminescence. More expensive tailor made setups can be purchased to allow for a greater range of experiments

While most of these are harmless activities, such as developing tests to identify fish being sold in restaurants or to create yeasts that will imbibe craft beer with new flavours, there are growing concerns this could be misused to cause harm.

Professor John Parrington, a molecular biologist at Oxford University, issued a warning last year that biohackers who could develop new types of biological weapons

Speaking at the British Science Festival in Swansea, Professor Parrington said there were concerns within the scientific community and security services that it could be used to create a new type of deadly virus or bacteria.

According to the Independent, he said: 'Who knows what will happen in the future. There's some disquiet among the security service about where this is all leading as you might imagine.'
Oculus just got a new piece of virtual reality kit - a glove that lets users type in thin air and even shoot webs like Spider-Man.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, posted photos on his Facebook account yesterday showing off his latest visit to Oculus's research facilities.

The photos include pictures of the new VR gloves as well as images of the company's state-of-the-art equipment at its Washington research lab.

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Facebook's Oculus Rift headset could soon come with a VR glove (pictured) that lets users type and draw in thin air and shoot webs like Spider-Man. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, posted photos on his Facebook account yesterday showing off Oculus's research facilities

WHAT IS OCULUS? The Oculus Rift VR headset was first developed by Californian entrepreneur Palmer Lucky in 2009. After several prototypes a Kickstarter campaign for the headset's first development kit raised $2.4million (1.9million). The company was bought by Facebook for $2billion (1.6billion) in 2014. Facebook has kept quiet about what it intends to use the technology for. Rumours suggest that a VR social network experience is likely in the works. Zuckerberg has previously said that Oculus Research was attempting to 'build the future of virtual and augmented reality'. Advertisement

'We're working on new ways to bring your hands in virtual and augmented reality,' Zuckerberg wrote in the post.

'Wearing these gloves, you can draw, type on a virtual keyboard, and even shoot webs like Spider Man.

'That's what I'm doing here [in the picture],' he wrote.

The gloves appear to attach wirelessly to an Oculus VR headset which projects images to the user as they move the gloves in real-time.

The VR system that Zuckerberg is seen using doesn't appear to use normal external tracking cameras, instead utilising a collection of third-party 'OptiTrack sensors', The Verge reports.

This is not the first time that interactive gloves have been used in the world of VR.

The Manus VR Glove has been in development since 2014, and is available for pre-order.

VR gloves add to the virtual reality experience by allowing users to see and use their hands in virtual reality games.

Virtual reality headsets that use a controller, like the PlayStation VR, leave users with invisible in-game hands.

If developed, the Oculus gloves could grant users the full dexterity of their fingers in virtual reality.

The photos in Zuckerberg's post (pictured) include pictures of the new VR gloves as well as images of the VR company's state-of-the-art equipment at its Washington research lab

Zuckerberg gave no more detail on the new gloves but did reveal more about Oculus's high-tech research facilities.

'I just visited our Oculus Research lab in Redmond, Washington where some of the best scientists and engineers in the world are pushing the boundaries of virtual and augmented reality,' he wrote.

'The team is led by Michael Abrash and focuses on things like advanced optics, eye tracking, mixed reality and new ways to map the human body.

'The goal is to make VR and AR what we all want it to be: Glasses small enough to take anywhere, software that lets you experience anything, and technology that lets you interact with the virtual world just like you do with the physical one.

Other photos in the post show Zuckerberg on a tour through one of Oculus's an-echoic chamber (pictured) used to perform sound experiments. Zuckerberg claimed that the chambers are quiet enough for visitors to hear their own heartbeat

The device lets you draw in thin air and shoot webs like Spider-Man=

'The technology being built in this lab right now makes me want the future to get here a lot sooner.'

Other photos in the post show Zuckerberg on a tour through one of Oculus's an-echoic chambers used to perform sound experiments.

Zuckerberg claimed that the chambers are quiet enough for visitors to hear their own heartbeat.

The Facebook CEO also discussed one of Oculus's cleaning rooms, used to decontaminate employees working with tiny mechanical parts.

'When you manufacture really small pieces, you have to keep every surface clean to avoid defects,' he wrote.

'This clean room filters out particles 1000x smaller than a speck of dust.'

The Facebook CEO also discussed one of Oculus's cleaning rooms (pictured), used to decontaminate employees working with tiny mechanical parts. 'When you manufacture really small pieces, you have to keep every surface clean to avoid defects,' he wrote

The Oculus Rift VR headset was first developed by Californian entrepreneur Palmer Lucky in 2009.

After several prototypes a Kickstarter campaign for the headset's first development kit raised $2.4 million (1.9 million).

The company was bought by Facebook for $2 billion (1.6 billion) in 2014.

Facebook has kept quiet about what it intends to use the technology for, but rumours suggest that a VR social network experience is likely in the works.

Zuckerberg has previously said that Oculus Research was attempting to 'build the future of virtual and augmented reality'.
Samsung's 'make or break' Galaxy S8 smartphone will finally be unveiled at a special event in New York next month, it has been claimed.

The new handset will try to repair some of the damage done by the firm's disastrous Galaxy Note 7, which is was forced to recall after battery problems caused fires.

The new handset will come in two sizes, both with curved screens, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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Samsung's Galaxy S7: The latest version of its flagship phone will come in two sizes, both with curved screens, according to the Wall Street Journal, and will be unveiled at a special event in New York next month, it has been claimed.

'One of the people familiar with the matter said the new phone is set to be unveiled at an event in New York late next month,' it claims.

In previous versions, Samsung has released both curved 'Edge' models and a more traditional screen.

The new handset is also expected to dump the home button, and instead have a fingerprint sensor on the rear and iris scanning to unlock the phone.

It will also feature Bixby, Samsungs updated AI assistant, along with a dedicated button for the feature, the WSJ says.

Earlier today a set of leaked images claiming to be the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus surfaced  suggesting the flagship phone will have a curved infinity screen.

A set of leaked images claiming to be the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus have surfaced  suggesting the flagship phone will have a curved infinity screen. The photos of the highly-anticipated device depict a curved edge-to-edge screen

The photos of the highly-anticipated device depict a curved edge-to-edge screen, which means the South Korean firm has tossed out the physical home button.

Although the latest leaks do not showcase a fully assembled smartphone, it does give users an idea about what size screen to expect in the coming months.

For many Samsung customers, the Galaxy S8 is not just the firms next phone, but a chance for the smartphone maker to redeem themselves for the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco - 2.5 million devices were recalled after reports that some were exploding.

And although other rumors speculate the handset wont be out until mid-April, it has been one of the most talked about devices for the past few months.

The clear casings were shared on the web by the web by BGR, which noted that the smartphones are expected to take up more of the phones faces thanks to much smaller bezels above and below the screens.

Zach Epstein, the reporter with BGR, also stated that the two models will be designed with AMOLED displays.

SAMSUNG'S GALAXY S8 RUMORS New renders of what could be Samsung Galaxy S8 have surfaced and they suggest the device will incorporate a dual-lens camera design and remove the home button for an edge-to-edge screen. It's speculated that Samsung could design a fingerprint-sensing display or place the feature behind the tempered glass. Because levels of concentration will be increased with a 'full screen', pictures and videos should be much clearer and even go so far as to produce a 3D effect. Rumors suggest that pixels of the dual-cameras will support 16 megapixels and 8 megapixels. Another new addition to the Galaxy S8 could also be an upgraded Application process (AP) that corresponds to handset's brain. Sources say Samsung is going to start mas-producing 10-nano Snapdragon 830s, which will be used for Galaxy S8, at the end of this year at the earliest. The artist impression also shows the handset in four vibrant shades of red, blue, purple and yellow - another feature yet to be seen by Samsung users. Advertisement

The new leaks appear to be very similar to a photo posted to Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, last month that highlights a complete device.

And it also suggests the fingerprint scanner has been relocated  either on the back or embedded under the glass.

Although the latest leak does not showcase a fully assembled smartphone, it does give users an idea about what size screen to expect in the coming months. The images coincide with previous rumors that the flagship devices will have a curved edge-to-edge display

However, because of these missing features SamMobile, which first spotted the gold Samsung S8, questions if the photo is a product of some Photoshop wizardry. Typically, when you head into settings, they dont automatically hide, reports Josh L.

On the other hand, Samsung could have developed a full-screen mode that manually activates, which allows for an end-to-end screen.

If this is in fact true, then users would simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen and the keys will appear.

And just last week an image showing what claims to be the bottom have of the phone hit the web  confirming multiple rumors that have been floating around for months.

A photo (pictured) was posted to Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, last month that shows a fully assembled phone and appears to resemble the recent leaked images

Another leak of the highly-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S8 surfaced just last week. The handset has a curved display, a 3.5mm audio jack, a Type-C USB and one speaker poking out of the bottom right corner. And the physical home button has been removed

There are some ports placed at the bottom and the entire handset appears to be made of metal and glass.

In December, rumors surfaced that suggests the South Korean firm had plans to remove the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, but the new leaks point to just the opposite.

TWO MAJOR FLAWS Following the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, reports began surfacing that the smartphones were exploding. Samsung conducted their own investigation into the matter and revealed their findings in January. The first issue was that the battery components in the Galaxy Note 7 did not fit in the battery's casing. This caused the battery cell's upper right corner to be crimped by the casing. The second round affected the devices sent to replace the original faulty phones. These were caused by manufacturing issues, including poor welding at the battery manufacturer. Advertisement

It was also speculated that the flagship phone would be equipped with reversible USB Type-C port for easy connectivity including hassle-free charging  and this port is shown in the real-life photo.

There is also a visible microphone positioned to the right of the charging port and two antenna lines can also be spotted on the sides of the leak.

In addition to what the Galaxy S8 could look like, other rumors reveal Samsung is anticipating a high demand once the handset hits the market in mid-April, which was first revealed by The Investor.

Some outlets have claimed that the exact date has been set for April 18.

But, Samsung has not confirmed any of the rumors.

We cannot confirm the details of the Galaxy S8 launch, a Samsung spokesperson said.

According to the report, the firm is working toward a 60-million shipment goal  much higher than some of its more recent Galaxy S devices.

The report says Samsung will begin mass production of the S8 in March after receiving the parts from its main vendors in February, including camera iris scanner module maker Partron and camera lens firm Sekonix.

As the release date of the S8 has been postponed to mid-April, Samsung seems to have set a more ambitious goal than before to make up for the loss caused by the Note model, a source told The Investor.
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A sign outside the ship's dining room read 49 NARWHAL!

It was day-eight of our Arctic expedition to one of the most remote spots on the planet, Baffin Island, and earlier that afternoon we'd finally spotted a large pod of narwhal skimming through the sea.

Admittedly, it was hard to catch a clear glimpse of the mythical beasts as they sailed along the shoreline, with their unicorn-like tusks leading the way.

Even zooming in with my largest camera lens, I struggled to catch a clear image of the shy creatures.

Failing to do the moment justice, I put down my camera and stood still to observe them as they intermittently bobbed up and down. A few blurry photos of the rare whales was all I managed to snag.

Shy creatures: MailOnline Travel's Sadie Whitelocks went on an expedition to one of the most remote spots on the planet, Baffin Island, in a bid to spot the mysterious narwhal (stock photo of the mammal above)

Fleeting moments: During the trip Sadie spotted a pod of narwhal but she found it was almost impossible to get a clear shot of the shy creatures (stock image)

That night at dinner, one of the ship's expedition crew summed up the sighting perfectly. 'Wow, what a day! We saw around 50 narwhal. What a magical but underwhelming experience!'

I was on board the Akademik Ioffe Russian research vessel with One Ocean Expeditions for a 12-day sail and kayaking trip, along with 60 other passengers.

While everyone was excited to head north to the land of polar bears, icebergs and stunning rock formations, the opportunity to spot narwhal was on the top of the agenda.

But from the get-go, we were warned it wasn't going to be easy.

Karen Bass, one of the producers of BBC's The Blue Planet, was also on board the ship and hearing her tales about filming narwhal made me feel better about our fleeting encounter.

Can you see it? One of Sadie's photographs just catches the pod of narwhal that sailed by

Mass gathering: According to wildlife experts on board the expedition, there were about 50 narwhal in the pod

A local Inuit guide on the expedition, Ted Irniq, 38, purchased a large slab of narwhal from a local store in Pond Inlet for $20 (15) (left). Sadie decided to try the meat but wasn't keen on the chewy texture

Karen, who started out as a researcher for David Attenborough before going into production, managed to get some incredible shots of narwhal for her Arctic-focused documentary, The Great Melt.

Giving a presentation one day on the boat she explained that getting the footage was an incredibly hard feat - even with high-tech equipment, limitless budgets and in-depth knowledge from Inuit experts.

After five weeks of not spotting anything, Karen's camera crew were close to giving up.

But in the final 48 hours of filming, a pod of narwhal were located and a helicoptering camera crew swooped in to capture the mammals from the air.

While we didn't get the same crystal-clear views of narwhal as Karen and her team got, we'd seen them nonetheless.

Majestic: The scenery throughout the voyage proved to be breathtaking, with towering mountains and sheer blocks of ice

Ship ahoy! The Akademik Ioffe - used by One Ocean Expeditions for its Arctic and Antarctic expeditions - was built in 1989

Full speed ahead: For the majority of the voyage, the weather stayed sunny with temperatures around eight degrees Celsius

Unusual encounter: One of Sadie's favourite events happened on her birthday - August 10 - when passengers spotted 1,000-plus seals writhing in the water (seen above)

And we were treated to a whole other spread of wildlife as the expedition progressed.

On one of our first excursions - where we boarded small zodiac boats in groups of ten - we spotted a polar bear in the water.

Captivated by the giant bruin, we watched it swim along the shoreline and haul its giant body out on to the red rock above.

It was a pretty surreal sight, seeing the white bear set against a dessert-like backdrop, with the sun beating down from above.

As we moved around to another part of the rocky outcrop we secured even better views of the mammal as he sunbathed.

Ocean spray: Two pilot whales were spotted during the expedition one evening as the sun was setting

Shake it off: One of the first polar bears Sadie spotted on the Arctic expedition was this large male, who didn't seem too bothered by the human activity

Family out: A mother bear was spotted in the sea during the expedition with three young cubs

Quite the mouthful: On day-six, passengers visited the Akpait National Wildlife Area on the northeastern tip of the Cumberland Peninsula, which supports one of the largest thick-billed murre colonies in Canada

We even got to see a mother bear and her two cubs swiftly scamper to the mountains for safety as we approached.

Nick Pilfold, a polar bear expert based at San Diego Zoo who accompanied us on the expedition, told us that male bears can attack the young, so the mother was likely darting for safety.

That day, seeing the male and mother with cubs, was the first of many polar bear encounters.

Amazingly we spotted one bear on a kill while sailing through the pack ice, a snow-white iceberg stained with blood from a ravaged seal.

On another occasion we came across a mother polar bear swimming in the water with three cubs. In total, we spotted 19 polar bears on the trip.

Sweeping views: A panoramic shot taken at Gibbs Fjord, where there are towering mountains and glaciers

Natural wonders: A giant glacier at Gibbs Fjord trickles down the mountainside - the valley is also full of small waterfalls

The big melt: A giant iceberg seen off the shore of Devon Island - the largest uninhabited island on Earth

But one of the most special sightings happily happened on my birthday - August 10 - when we spotted 1,000-plus seals writhing in the water.

It was an orgy of silver-skinned animals splashing in the ocean, with birds dashing through air, furthering the frenetic energy. Even Karen - the Blue Planet producer - hadn't seen anything like it before.

On the whale front, we spotted pilot whales and bowheads. Unusually, we also saw a pod of white-beaked dolphins one evening as the sun set.

Birds were also in abundance. On day-six we visited the Akpait National Wildlife Area on the northeastern tip of the Cumberland Peninsula.

The area, designated in 2010, supports one of the largest thick-billed murre colonies in Canada, with an estimated 133,000 breeding pairs.

While we were there we saw black-legged kittiwakes and northern fulmars.

Plain sailing: Sadie took part in a kayaking program. Above is Low Point on Bylot Island

Drifting away: During a kayaking session, Sadie put her dry suit to the test and hopped aboard an iceberg

Ice formations: Kayaking in Croker Bay, where a huge glacier can be found towards the north end

Landing: Some gulls rest on a giant iceberg, which appears to be mottled from the ocean's currents

Going back to the narwhal, I asked our local Inuit guide who accompanied us on the trip, Ted Irniq, 38, if the animals are endangered - as they proved so difficult to spot - and he reassured me they are still going strong.

He said: 'Where I live there's typically only one or two but in Cumberland Bay there are always people talking about them.'

Despite Ted's observances, narwhal are listed as near threatened by the WWF due to climate change, oil and gas development and ocean noise. It seems humans are also a threat and narwhal remains an important food source within the isolated Inuit communities.

Indeed, at Pond Inlet - a tiny community consisting of just over 1,500 people - Ted purchased a large slab of narwhal from a local store for $20 (15).

That night at dinner, he proceeded to cut up the blubbery meat sashimi-style and offer it around.

Not adverse to trying wacky foods - counting bulls penis, sheeps eyeballs and Python among some of the odder dishes I'd eaten - I sampled a small slither of narwhal, with a swig of whisky needed afterwards to dilute the cold, fishy aroma.

Out on deck: During the voyage, passengers would stand outside in a bid to spot bears and whales

Felling chilly: Sadie took part in a polar plunge while in the Arctic

Surreal: Sadie took this shot of the sunset one evening as the expedition ship left Iqaluit. It is the capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut and its only city

Creature comforts: All of the cabins on the expedition ship feature a desk and sofa area, with amenities including a hair dryer, kettle and radio

At a local supermarket at Pond Inlet we also saw narwhal tusks for sale. Ted told me the long teeth can sometimes fetch thousands of dollars, making them a prize catch.

Everyone on the boat agreed we'd seen an amazing spread of Arctic wildlife over the two weeks.

A closing poem, by the late American politician William O Douglas, added to the daily program notes summed up the voyage well: The arctic has strange stillness that no other wilderness knows. It has loneliness too - a feeling of isolation and remoteness born of vast spaces, the rolling tundra, and the barren domes of limestone mountains.

'This is a loneliness that is joyous and exhilarating. All the noises of civilization have been left behind; now the music of the wilderness can be heard.'

Indeed, I'd heard something of a symphony play before me, in the wilds of Baffin Island.
Days ago she announced that her and former NRL star husband Beau Ryan would be adding to their family unit with a second child.

But on Thursday, Kara Ryan was more focused on expanding her WAG squad.

The pregnant beauty flaunted her baby bump in tight activewear as she assembled Wiggles star wife Lauren Hannaford and AFL WAG Lynette Bolton for a meditation session.

WAG squad! Beau Ryan's pregnant wife Kara (middle right) assembled a high-profile WAG squad on Thursday for a meditation session

The high-profile girl squad - which also included Elli Johnston - starred in a cheeky two-frame video shared to Kara's Instagram.

The clip showed the group swaying back and forth as they stood at the idyllic Paddington Reservoir.

On the left Lauren - who is married to red Wiggle Simon Pryce - broke from the group's leggings dress-code, exposing her toned legs in tiny running shorts.

She joined Jude Bolton's partner Lynette in striking a surfboard riding pose as the posed held their arms out and twisted their lithe legs.

The crew! The high-profile girl squad - which also included Elli Johnston - starred in a cheeky two-frame video shared to Kara's Instagram

Squad leader Kara flaunted her toned frame in an all-black activewear ensemble.

Elli matched Kara's prayer pose, bringing her hands together and snapping her legs back and forth in a similarly all-black ensemble.

'Had fun with the girls this morning learning a little about Meditation,' Kara wrote in the caption.

Pointing out the out-of-place poses and outfits, one commenter wrote: 'Doesn't look like much meditation was done.'

'Lol that was the excitement before the meditating,' the blonde WAG replied.

Just days earlier, Kara announced her pregnancy.

What meditation? Pointing out the out-of-place poses and outfits, one commenter wrote: 'Doesn't look like much meditation was done.'

Pregnancy announcement: Just days earlier Kara announced she was pregnant. This will be the couple's second child, after welcoming adorable daughter Remi in 2013

United! The childhood sweathearts married in 2012, their marriage surviving a much publicised affair allegation aimed at Beau and children's entertainer Lauren Brant in 2015

This will be the couple's second child, after welcoming adorable daughter Remi in 2013.

The childhood sweathearts married in 2012, their marriage surviving a much publicised affair allegation aimed at Beau and children's entertainer Lauren Brant in 2015.

Beau and Lauren met while working on stage production Aladdin and his Wondrous Lamp, and have never confirmed or denied the claims.
First he was accused of elder abuse by his aunt Katherine, which resulted in a restraining order.

And now Trent Jackson, 52, is hitting back with his own allegations that his recent restraining order filed by his 86-year-old aunt is actually an attempt to get him out of the way so other family members can pillage the family's fortune.

According to TMZ, sources claim that Trent insists he has done nothing wrong and claims that other family members simply want him out of the way to more effectively manipulate Katherine into dishing out more money.

Not-so-happy family: Trent Jackson, 52, is hitting back with his own allegations that his recent restraining order filed by his 86-year-old aunt Katherine is actually an attempt to get him out of the way so other family members can pillage the family's fortune (aunt and nephew pictured together in 2010)

However, the publication points out that many of his arguments seem to be based on incorrect assumptions.

Far from controlling the estate, Katherine in fact only gets a generous monthly stipend, while the family fortune is actually administered by conservators.

Their job is to ensure the money grows responsibly so it can support Michael's three kids and his chosen charities.

The Jackson family matriarch asked a Los Angeles court for the restraining order claiming that he was an 'abusive con-man,' according to an article by TMZ on Wedneday.

Proud mom: Katherine was mother to famous pop star Michael Jackson, and nine other children (Michael and Katherine pictured in 1988)

Katherine alleged in court documents that Trent had been manipulating her for years to gain control of her finances, live rent-free in her guest house and alienate her from her children.

The court papers also claimed that Trent, who is the son of husband Joe Jackson's brother, accessed her bank accounts without permission after acting as her driver for years.

'Trent was supposed to be her driver, but over time (he) has infiltrated Mrs. Jackson's business and personal affairs, even referring to himself as her 'house manager',' according to court documents obtained by the New York Daily News.

The court filing claimed that Trent has been regulating Katherine's interactions with her children by 'screening phone calls, not relaying messages, not allowing privacy during visits or phone calls.'

Sad affairs: 'Mrs. Jackson has to hide in her closet to speak to her kids so she can speak freely,' the filing stated (Katherine pictured with son Michael in 1984)

The court documents also alleged that Trent 'managed to get a key to her bedroom' and opens her door at will 'with no regard to her privacy'.

'Mrs. Jackson has to hide in her closet to speak to her kids so she can speak freely,' the filing stated.

Katherine took a trip to London to visit daughter Janet Jackson so Trent could be fired and removed from her guesthouse while she was away, the filing said.

'Mrs. Jackson wants to return home from London but is afraid to go home with Trent there. She fears he could physically harm her for terminating him,' court documents said.
Everybody wants a piece of the American Dream.

Including Kourtney Kardashian, who shared some cute Snapchats of her niece on Thursday.

The 37-year-old was clearly enamored with her brother Rob's daughter, who turns three-months-old on Friday.

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I'm in love: Kourtney Kardashian shared some cute Snapchats of her niece on Thursday

'I'm in love,' she caption the vid as she hoisted the pink-clad tot onto her lap.

Her four-year-old daughter Penelope meanwhile looked like a natural choice for future babysitter as she sat confidently with her cousin on her lap.

Dream's dad, rather than her mom Blac Chyna, appeared to bring her on the visit, as Rob posted the same pic to his own Snapchat.

Auntie: 'I'm in love,' she caption the vid as she hoisted the pink-clad tot onto her lap

Future sitter: Her four-year-old daughter Penelope meanwhile looked like a natural choice for future babysitter as she sat confidently with her cousin on her lap

Catty: Auntie Kim was also there for the mini playdate, and cracked out the Snapchat filters

Auntie Kim was also there for the mini playdate, bringing her one-year-old son Saint with her.

As usual she couldn't help herself with Snapchat filters, making her nieces cats, while turning herself and her son into dogs

The children's great grandmother Mary Jo Campbell also got in on the Snapchat fun.

playdate: She brought her one-year-old son Saint with her

Meow: The children's great grandmother Mary Jo Campbell also got in on the Snapchat fun

On the night before, Kourtney was spotted attending the same church service as reported ex-flame Justin Bieber.

The duo met at pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr.'s church service in Los Angeles.

The rendezvous comes after model Bella Banos claimed she's romancing Kourtney's ex Scott Disick.
Ben Whishaw is going to be part of the opening season of the new Bridge Theatre

Ben Whishaw is going to be part of the opening season of the new Bridge Theatre, which is being run by two former leaders of the National Theatre.

Whishaw (right) has agreed to star in Julius Caesar: Shakespeare's drama about betrayal and tragedy.

It will begin performances at the Bridge in January 2018, and will be the new venue's second production.

The Bridge is a purpose-built theatre, created from scratch by Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr, the former artistic director and executive director, respectively, of the National.

It is the newest addition to a line of drama spaces stretching along the South Bank in London and including the National, the Old Vic, the Young Vic, the Union Theatre and the Menier Chocolate Factory.

Hytner and Starr have ensured that their building will be equipped with the latest lighting and sound systems.

The auditorium will also be able to adapt to accommodate an audience of 900.

Whishaw  who has played Q in the past two Bond movies  has been spending a lot of time treading the boards recently.

Last year, he starred with Saoirse Ronan and Sophie Okonedo in Ivo van Hove's Broadway production of The Crucible. In August, he will lead Christopher Shinn's new play, Against, into the Almeida, in North London.

The full season for the Bridge will be officially launched in April.

Lucky Lucas's screen dreams come true...

Lucas Hedges used to visit his film-director dad, Peter, on set

Lucas Hedges used to visit his film-director dad, Peter, on set, and daydream about becoming an actor himself one day.

'I spent most of middle school and high school just wishing I could be in a movie,' said Lucas, who is now the grand old age of 20. 'Taken away from my mundane lifestyle  or what I perceived to be mundane, but which was quite exciting looking back.'

Well, Lucas got his wish to be in a film and have his name on Imdb (aka the Internet Movie Data Base).

He also garnered a best supporting actor nomination from the Oscars; and he's on the Bafta Rising Star shortlist  recognition for playing Patrick, the teenager in Kenneth Lonergan's great movie Manchester By The Sea.

Casey Affleck, in another knockout performance, plays the uncle who has known his own tragedy, and who is named as his nephew's guardian when the lad's father dies.

Patrick has two girlfriends. He's in a band. He's a jock. He has a hectic social life.

'And on top of it all, he's with a semi-robotic human being who shows very little sign of life; and his means of creating moments of levity, or just teenage good old-fashioned fun, is the humour,' said Lucas, who was speaking from New York where he's been appearing in Yen: a play by British dramatist Anna Jordan about two feral siblings who live on their own in a squalid flat in Hounslow, with an attack dog they call Taliban.

Lucas said he and Justice Smith, his co-star in Yen, visited London last year and went to every location mentioned  schools in Feltham and surrounding West London districts  and met school kids to record their speech patterns.

It was time well spent because both Lucas and Smith are terrific in Yen, which is being staged at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.

Casey Affleck (left) and Lucas Hedges (right) in Manchester By The Sea

Lucas (pictured in Manchester By The Sea) garnered a best supporting actor nomination from the Oscars

Lucas said even if he'd known about his awards season nods, he would still have done the play. 'Awards season can't be your life! It has to just be like a dinner party that you're going to that night. To live for awards season is dangerous,' he said.

The producers of Yen are letting him attend the Spirit awards and the Oscars over one weekend (extra performances will be added).

Lucas told me he enjoyed working with Affleck and Lonergan, although there were a couple of days early on when he thought he was going to 'ruin the hell out of the movie'.

But after a few days, he relaxed, and got rid of 'all the pressures I put onto myself', and was able to enjoy listening to music and getting advice on girlfriends from Affleck.

'I also asked him about his vegan snacks,' he said.

However, it wasn't all chitchat. 'Other times, he wouldn't talk at all.'
So far, 2017 has been a tough year in Israel for its Palestinian citizen minority. From a xenophobic billboard campaign across the country to a village demolition turned violent in the Negev, the past several weeks have highlighted issues around power and inequality in a country whose democratic aspirations are weighed down by its ethno-national identity.

As deep power differentials across society have come to the fore, what does the literature say about whether empathy might help to increase support for social justice? Yale psychologist Paul Blooms new book on empathy (called, fittingly, Against Empathy) suggests that putting oneself in anothers shoes may actually be less helpful for political change than empathy-boosters may think. More on that, below. First, some background on the events.

In January, a group calling itself Commanders for Israels Security launched a national billboard campaign featuring an image of Palestinian flag waving crowds flanked by the Arabic phrase soon we will be a majority! A small bubble appeared at the bottom: For Hebrew, dial *2703.

Those who reached the phone number, according to reporting by Mairav Zonszein in +972 Magazine, heard this: Are you sick of these Palestinian billboards? We are too. But they will disappear in a matter of days. What will not disappear are the millions of Palestinians who live in the West Bank. They want to be a majorityIf we dont separate from them we will be less Jewish and less secure.

For Jewish Israelis, seeing a massive sign in Arabic  one with menacing overtones  was intended to evoke a sense of dislocation and spur the public to action. My first thought  after being disgusted by the obvious xenophobia  was to wonder if maybe this very dislocation might actually give rise to something counterintuitive: a sudden jolt of empathy for Palestinian citizens.

While Arabic and Hebrew are both official languages of Israel, Arabic speakers regularly experience a lack of language access. An array of Israeli civil rights non-governmental organizations  including Sikkuy, Adalah and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI)  have documented the disparity between the countrys official two-language policy and the actual lack of access to Arabic  in official signage and bus announcements, for example. All this exists alongside serious structural inequalities and pervasive casual discrimination and racism directed at Palestinian citizens of Israel.

So in giving Israeli Jews a taste of what it feels like to be an ethno-linguistic minority, were these billboards possibly subversive?

A closer look at the empathy literature suggests otherwise. In his book, Bloom argues that too much empathy, which he defines as feeling the feelings of other people, can be paralyzing. Rather than engage in political or other direct-action solutions to address suffering and injustice, subjects who experience the suffering of another might end up looking away and avoiding the problem completely.

Writing for an IR audience, Neta Crawford does tout the importance of empathy for conflict resolution but echoes Bloom in cautioning against too much of it. The experience of empathy Crawford writes, requires the capacity to self-soothe, enter a non-judgmental frame of mind, and decenter.

Next came shocking events in the Negev.

Demonstrators in the Negev were protesting the destruction of the unrecognized Bedouin village, Umm al-Hiran, to make way for a Jewish town. Ayman Odeh, a Member of Knesset for the Joint List, joined the protest and later said that he had tried to broker a compromise between village residents and the government, a compromise, he said, that the residents had accepted. As the standoff unfolded, a villager could be seen driving slowly along the road. Israeli police forces fired at the car, which careened into a group of officers, killing one. The driver later died of his injuries.

During the event, Ayman Odeh was taken to hospital with a bloodied head. While the police claim he was hit by a protestors rock, Odeh has filed a complaint with the Department of Internal Police Investigations, saying he was struck in the back with a sponge-tipped police-fired projectile. Lawmakers  most recently at a 5,000 strong demonstration in Tel Aviv demanding Arab-Jewish equality  are now calling for a government investigation.

So if too much empathy  being placed in the shoes of an Arabic speaker; seeing a bloodied MP sitting, stunned on the ground after being shot by police  can lead to political paralysis, what can help spur effective social pressure?

A better approach to eliciting pro-social behavior, Bloom suggests, is reason-guided compassion. Rather than feeling what others are feeling, Bloom calls for deploying our rational faculties to determine what kinds of personal decisions or public policies would give rise to the greatest amount of well being for all.

Enter Asaf Harel, a Jon-Stewart-like figure on the Israeli media scene. In his television segment in the aftermath of the Umm al-Hiran protests, Harels message was straightforward: its irresponsible to jump to conclusions, he said. He chided Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan for being quick to call the car accident an act of terrorism and accuse the driver of having links to ISIS. It seems, Harel continued, that we have not learned a thing from the Azaria trial, (all translation mine) referring to the IDF officer recently convicted of manslaughter for shooting an incapacitated Palestinian in Hebron last March.

Harel went on to criticize Erdan for ignoring facts, a strategy that already worked really well for him, Harel said, tongue firmly in cheek, during the so-called Arson Intifada, in which a series of forest fires across Israel led government officials to accuse Palestinians of arson without evidence. Harel concluded with an appeal to reason and fairness. You said you dont believe a word that comes out of Ayman Odehs mouth. Fine. Do you think we believe you? Or the police spokesperson or that of the IDF?  You could start by telling us the truth.

The trouble is, of course, that in a democracy with a mostly free media and unfettered access to social networking sites, citizens will watch what they choose to. Its hard to know how much Harels messages manage to cross partisan lines. Most importantly, its hard to know how easily he can convince his fellow Israelis to deploy the kind of reason-guided compassion that may bring about a more just society for all.
She reflected the tone of Fifty Shades perfectly in a very low-cut premiere dress on Thursday night.

But as Rita Ora decided to head back into the night, she changed into something far more uncharacteristically conservative.

The musician-turned-actress nipped back out in a white polo neck and matching trousers, completely concealing her once-exposed neckline.

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Covering up: Rita Ora changed out of her glamorous premiere dress and into a wintery ensemble as she headed back out into the night on Thursday, following the London showcase of Fifty Shades Darker

On arrival back at her London home at a very reasonable hour, Rita had flashed quite an eyeful.

She struck a 'shh' sign with her fingers to hint that she might be having an early night but emerged a matter of hours later in a second outfit, only to head back out.

The second was significantly more underwhelming than the first, which hand turned heads on the red carpet with a bejewelled bodice and underboob cutaway.

Almost an oops: Rita returned to her London home with quite an eyeful on display

Busty: She'd been wearing a show-stopper gown to the premiere of Fifty Shades Darker

Easy does it: She'd hinted that she was turning in for an early night when she arrived home

Shhh! And the blonde bombshell even hinted at her followers to keep the noise down

What a beauty: Rita looked incredible with her long locks slicked back in a ponytail

Demure exit: The America's Next Top Model star emerged from the taxi with grace

This time, she covered covered from top to toe in a 'fifty shades lighter' ensemble, which featured matching ivory shoes and overcoat.

Rita had twisted her hair into a chic top knot, keeping it away from her face as she had down earlier that night.

Having successfully bagged a returning role in the raunchy film franchise, Rita was ready for her close up at the premiere.

Off she goes again: But Rita was soon to head back out on the town for a night out

All-white on the night: Rita slipped into something a little more comfortable

Comfy? She added ivory shoes and a matching coat to the look

Out on the town: Presumably Rita was heading to the afterparty

Cover ups: She layered her jacket over her shoulders for warmth

One step at a time: Rita concentrated on ensuring she made it down safely

Safety first: She held hands with her companion for extra support

A bit of all white: Her pristine after-party look oozed class

The 26-year-old looked remarkably taut when the cameras flashed in Leicester Square, and she entered wearing a show-stopper gown.

Musician Rita is back to reprise her role of Mia in the second film of the Fifty Shades franchise.

Mia is the sister of central character Christian Grey, but fans will remember that Rita was mercilessly ridiculed for having only three lines in the final cut of the first film.

Taut: Rita looked remarkably taut for her appearance at the Fifty Shades Darker premiere, earlier that night in London

Ready for her close up: Rita looked remarkably line-free on the red carpet

Bombshell: Rita looked absolutely smoking on her red carpet appearance

Baby Rita: Back in the day, Rita was known for a much more playful image, now she's gone full-on Hollywood

Give us a wave: The singer was full of energy as she arrived on the red carpet in London

Enjoying her moment: Rita is back to play Christian Grey's sister in the film

She's back: The musician has successfully transferred her skills into acting

Check her out: The stunning pop star was in her element on Thursday

Little help: Though the dress was low maintenance, Rita need a little help

Rita's fanbase are no doubt hoping to see the actress in a more substantial part, this time around.

In the Fifty Shades series, Jamie Dornan plays the part of Grey, an enigmatic billionaire with a penchant for BDSM.

Meanwhile, actress Dakota Johnson plays Anastasia Steele, an ingenue who falls into Greys world of weirdness.

Fifty Shades Darker hits UK cinemas on 10 February.

In the spotlight: Stunning Rita shimmered with her glittering bodice
She's been making a big impression as the new host of America's Next Top Model.

But it seems not everyone is a fan of Rita Ora since one of the contestants on the rebooted modelling show has accused her of treating her unfairly.

Aspiring catwalk queen Krislian Rodriguez slammed the star in a video chat with TMZ, claiming 'mean girl' Rita was rude to her because they both share the same ex - Calvin Harris.

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Biased? An axed America's Next Top Model contestant has claimed 'mean girl' host Rita Ora was rude to her because they both share the same ex - Calvin Harris. Rita and Calvin are pictured in happier times in 2013

Brunette beauty Krislian was given the boot early on in season 23 of Tyra Banks' long-running franchise, following Rita allegedly dismissing her for 'oozing sex'.

Speaking to TMZ, she alleged: 'Going into the show, Rita already knew who I was so I was at a disadvantage.

'There was definitely some rivalry happening with her, which I didn't understand.'

The aspiring star went on to liken Rita to queen bitch Regina George in chick flick Mean Girls, made famous by Rachel McAdams.

Left the competition: Brunette beauty Krislian was given the boot early on in season 23 of Tyra Banks' long-running franchise, following Rita allegedly dismissing her for 'oozing sex'

Speaking to TMZ, she alleged: 'Going into the show, Rita already knew who I was so I was at a disadvantage'

She declared: 'It was more like a mean girl situation - I would say Rita was definitely Regina George!'

Stunning Krislian, who regularly posts modelling shots and skimpy swimwear pictures on her Instagram account, also boldy claimed she had bumped into Rita out and about in the past, and it was never a 'nice interaction'.

Krislian reportedly dated superstar DJ Calvin after meeting on the set of his music video, shortly after his split from Rita in 2014.

Gal pals: Krislian, pictured with fellow ANTM contestant Cherish Waters, also claimed she had bumped into Rita out and about in the past, and it was never a 'nice interaction'

The couple split after a year of dating, with Calvin taking to Twitter to confirm the break up had happened weeks earlier after he was spotted out and about with a string of new women.

However, things soured when Rita accused him of banning their hit collaboration I Will Never Let You Down at the Teen Choice Awards, with Calvin blasting back at her online.

At the time he tweeted: 'You'll only know 1 side of the story RE Teen choice awards because I choose not to talk to the papers about every aspect of my personal life. But just know I had a damn good reason.'

MailOnline has contacted Calvin and Rita's representatives, and the latter declined to comment.
In recent weeks they've faced rumours that their relationship has come to an end.

But Georgia Love, 28, and Lee Elliott, 35, continue to do their best to dispel the talk and prove that their reality TV love is in fact real.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday evening, Georgia shared a photo of herself and Lee cuddling on the couch in matching 'big spoon, little spoon' pyjamas.

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Cringeworthy: Georgia Love has shared a photo of herself and boyfriend Lee Elliott cuddling on the couch in matching 'big spoon, little spoon' pyjamas

The former TV journalist posed with a spoon in her mouth and a tub of ice cream in her hand as she enjoyed a seemingly quiet night in.

'From a fancy red carpet movie premiere one night to renting Keeping Up With The Joneses from Foxtel on the couch in our PJs with ice cream and popcorn the next,' Georgia captioned the image.

'Get you a man who can do both.'

Rumours: Georgia and Lee continue to do their best to dispel the talk and prove their reality TV love is in fact 'real'

Designed by leading Australian fashion label Peter Alexander, the pyjamas retail at $185.80.

The photo came as Georgia hit out at rumours of a break up caused by a public spat.

'We are very much still together and just because we dont post a photo together one day doesnt mean anything,' she told the Daily Telegraph.

'We are both completely normal people and dont live our lives on social media. (Speculation) was ridiculous.'

Style: Designed by leading fashion label Peter Alexander, the pair's pyjamas retail at $185.80

Fake news: The photo came as Georgia and Lee hit out at rumours of a break up caused by a public spat

A day earlier it had been her Bachelorette beau's turn to put out the fire surrounding their love.

Rumours that their fairy tale romance was in trouble began after Lee deleted any mention of his girlfriend from his Instagram bio.

Speaking to OK! Magazine on Thursday, Lee explained the reason behind culling his lover's handle and accompanying heart emoji and reassured readers the pair were still going strong.

'Georgia's name was indeed on my bio, but although she is a woman I love with all my heart, respect beyond belief and admire to no end, she doesn't define me,' the mechanical plumber said.

Now you see it: According to a cached version of Lee's Instagram account found on an Instagram mirror site, Lee's bio used to include Georgia's Instagram handle next to a love-heart

Now you don't! Georgia's name no-longer appears in Lee's Instagram bio

Did they end it? Over the past few weeks, rumours have been swirling that The Bachelorette's newest couple have split

Lee added: 'So it was a mutual decision to just remove it.'

Lee's account is now similar to that of his journalist girlfriend's, who regularly posts snaps together but has never written his handle in her bio.

Insisting the move was not an indicator of relationship woes, the hunk said: 'If you listen to anyone who is close to us, they will tell you what is gospel - we can't get enough of each other!'

Added fuel to the fire was the fact that Lee and Georgia recently hadn't been pictured together on social media for a week - something Daily Mail Australia understands their team suggested they rectify immediately.

'Date night beKOOZA we're very much still together!' Lee uploaded a shot of the pair together to Instagram on Thursday as they went out to Kooza in Melbourne

Trouble in paradise? It comes after Woman's Day quoted a source revealing Georgia and Lee had a 'blazing row' at a dinner

It comes after Woman's Day quoted a source claiming Georgia and Lee had a 'blazing row' at a recent dinner.

Georgia became so agitated that she apparently stormed off mid-meal.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Lee and Georgia for comment.
She may be a former Miss Great Britain used to winning in the beauty stakes.

But Zara Holland, 21, was given a run for money by her mum Cheryl, 51, as the pair attended White Management's 8th birthday at London's Tramp nightclub on Thursday.

The Love Island star put on a very busty display in a sheer dress with black detailing, while her mum opted to showcase her slender limbs in a thigh-skimming white lace minidress.

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Zara Holland, 21, was given a run for money by her mum Cheryl, 51, as the pair attended White Management's 8th birthday at London's Tramp nightclub on Thursday

She towered over daughter in a stylish pair of heels which perfectly complemented her clutch.

Zara brought plenty of glam with her look, wearing a metallic eyeshadow and glossy pink lipstick, as well as a vibrant red polish on her nails.

Cheryl sported the same heavy eyeliner as her daughter and wore her golden tresses in a similar style.

Strutting her stuff: The Love Island star put on a very busty display in a sheer dress with black detailing

Dressed to impress: Zara brought plenty of glam with her look, wearing a metallic eyeshadow and glossy pink lipstick, as well as a vibrant red polish on her nails

The pair were in fine spirits, smiling brightly as they climbed out of their taxi at the swanky venue.

There was no jealously between the pair, with the two putting on a close display upon arrival.

Zara was last seen looking cheerful at the NTA Awards at London's O2 in January, and appears to be having a positive start to the year.

Glamour girl: Zara's tresses looked full of health and vitality as they fell from a middle parting

Party time: The pair were in fine spirits, smiling brightly as they climbed out of their taxi at the swanky venue

She experienced a multitude of highs and lows in 2016, from being crowned Miss Great Britain to being stripped of her title after she had sex with her Love Island co-star Alex Bowen on TV.

The beauty then made headlines again after a fiery encounter live on Loose Women with the woman who replaced her as Miss GB, Deone Robertson.

Making her comeback on the show in December, Zara confirmed that the exchange was 'heated' - but insisted she had put the furore in the past.

She explained: 'It seemed like so long ago, so much has happened. It got very heated, I didn't feel bullied and I didn't get escorted. We went back to the green room and I had words with the Miss GB organisers but I left of my own accord.

'It's totally in the past now, I'm the happiest I've ever, ever been. I got asked to take part in Release The Hounds, I also raised money for charity. I'm launching my own bikini line and it's something I've always wanted to do.'

Ups and down: She experienced a multitude of highs and lows in 2016, from being crowned Miss Great Britain to being stripped of her title after she had sex with her Love Island co-star Alex Bowen on TV
She shares a very close bond with her mother.

And Ruby Rose, 30, also shares a close resemblance to mother Katia Langenheim, with the Aussie actress posting a tender snap of the woman she calls her best friend to Instagram on Friday.

In the snap, Katia proudly clutches Cosmopolitan magazine Australia, for which Ruby is the March cover girl.

'Mama is a babe': Ruby Rose bears a striking resemblance to mother Katia Langenheim, with the Aussie actress posting a tender snap of the woman she calls her best friend to Instagram on Friday

'Mama is a babe,' Ruby captioned the photos.

The Orange Is The New Black star has the same eye shape and smile as her mother.

Last week, Ruby recalled coming out to Katia as gay at age 12 and how her mother already knew when she was six.

Close bond: Last week, Ruby recalled coming out to Katia as gay at age 12 and how her mother already knew when she was six

'That was a fine thing to do ... When I told her, she was like, 'I know,'' she told The Today Show.

'She knew when I was six, apparently,' she added. 'I was like, really mom? I don't think I even knew. I didn't know that was possible, but apparently it is and makes sense.'

On Thursday, Ruby was forced to 'make an outfit in the green room' that she dedicated to her mother before appearing on a US talk show.

Taking to Instagram, she told fans she had to do a last-minute outfit change during filming for Late Night with Seth Meyers.

'Hi mum': Ruby paid tribute to her mother with a message that was written on a T-shirt she wore to a talk show appearance

'When you are so excited to do @sethmeyers and there is a massive wardrobe malfunction so you make an outfit in the green room,' Ruby wrote.

It appears the XXX star took one of the show's merchandise T-shirts and put her own interpretation on it by cutting holes throughout.

The brunette also turned around to show the message she'd written on the back in black marker, which read: 'Hi mum,' underneath a love heart.

She completed her grungy look with a tight pair of black jeans and matching heels.

DIY darling: The 30-year-old revealed on Instagram that she suffered a 'massive wardrobe malfunction' that forced her to create a new outfit using the grey T-shirt

Adding her personal touch: The brunette showed off her creative side by cutting holes throughout the T-shirt for a grungy look

Shots taken during the episode's recording showed the former MTV VJ chatting to the 43-year-old talk show host.

With her short locks slicked back, Ruby looked upbeat as she promoted her new movie John Wick 2.

The DJ kept her makeup simple for the appearance, sporting groomed brows and lashings of mascara.

Hot in Hollywood: The former MTV VJ was on The Late Show with Seth Meyers to promote her new film John Wick 2

The Melbourne-born star recently enjoyed a festive weekend with her girlfriend Jessica Origliasso as they attended a pre-Super Bowl party in Houston, Texas.

The pair posed for photos before Ruby jumped on the decks to perform a DJ set at the party, which was organised by Taylor Swift for '10,000 of her closest friends'.

Ruby's acting career has gone from strength to strength in recent years, ever since she landed a role on Netflix's hit Orange Is The New Black.

She's set to appear in three films this year, including John Wicks 2, xXx: Return Of Xander Cage, and Pitch Perfect 3.

A-list pals: Ruby spent the weekend celebrating at Taylor Swift's pre-Super Bowl party in Houston, Texas with girlfriend Jessica Origliasso




Unforgotten concluded with DCI Cassie Stuart solving the murder of David Walker in 1990, proving which suspect killed him, and seeing justice was served in the way most viewers would have wanted.

But despite this you couldnt exactly say it had a happy ending.

If anything it was so brilliantly acted and superbly scripted it was powerful television that left you saddened rather than satisfied, even though Cassie closed the case.

The series finale wrapped everything up neatly rather than nicely.

All wrapped up: The season finale of Unforgotten wrapped up the finer details of the crime with precision

After six weeks of torturous TV Cluedo, it transpired that Walkers killer was Marion Kelsey  a gratifying denouement for anyone (like myself) who had predicted at the beginning that the paediatric nurse specialising in cancer patients was so suspiciously angelic that (in Unforgotten at least) she must be a murderer.

Admittedly their triumphant deduction was diminished by the fact that viewers who had plumped for two other suspects (defence lawyer Colin Osbourne and English teacher Sara Mahmoud) could also claim to have been right.

In a clever variation of a classic revelation (Murder On The Orient Express in miniature) DCI Stuart established Kelsey, Osbourne, and Mahmoud hadnt murdered Walker together (like the Agatha Christie book) but had been all been complicit.

Ending: DCI Cassie Stuart solved the murder of David Walker in 1990, proving which suspect killed him

Given the number of thrillers and cop shows on television these days, it must be increasingly difficult to come up with unexpected, original, twists but this was just one of those that writer Chris Lang delivered.

Walker had been a paedophile, as had Marions father and Len Paxton, the leader of a Boys Brigade troop in Scotland. As children, Sara, Marion, and Colin were among their victims.

Years later, they had killed one of the others abusers, having given themselves alibis for the crime they were actually connected to.

First, in 1990, Marion had put Walkers body in the river eight miles from her parents house, where she was staying at the time. A year later Osbourne had been behind Marions father hanged in Highgate Woods and Sara had somehow disposed of Paxton on his yacht in 1992.

Who were the real victims? Given the number of thrillers and cop shows on television these days, it must be increasingly difficult to come up with unexpected, original, twists

Not how it seems: Mahmoud hadnt murdered Walker together (like the Agatha Christie book) but had been all been complicit

Ironically, it had been Saras concrete proof that she could not have killed David Walker, the man who used to ply her with drink and abuse her at his parties when she was a teenage (underage) runaway that had been DCI Stuarts big breakthrough. The evidence that Sara had been abroad was not just good, Cassie deduced, it was too good.

What it looks like to me is a bunch of information collected by a woman who knew shed need an alibi.

Once we learnt that all three of the suspects were actually guilty gave Lang his next nifty twist  making the finale not the traditional Whodunit but the gripping cliff-hanger What-would-the-detective-do-about-it?

Lang placed us in the unusual position of knowing that three murderers had been on the loose for over two decades, but rooting for them to escape justice because of the horrors their victims had inflicted on them.

Great work: Rosie Cavaliero (Marion Kelsey) deserved an award for her part

Perhaps surprisingly as such straightforward, correct TV cops DCI Stuart and DS Sunny Khan were of the same mind. They decided Kelsey, Osbourne, and Mahmoud were not going to kill again and as three impressive, upstanding, members of society did not need to be rehabilitated by being sent to prison. The question of being punished for their crimes didnt come into it.

Some viewers might have felt the killers fate was a decision for the CPS or a judge and jury. But with the historic cases in Unforgotten there was never going to be much sense of Justice available. We were never going to be given the satisfaction of seeing the three paedophiles being arrested because they were dead and the whole series had become an endless litany of victims  not just Marian, Colin, and Sara but their parents, their partners, and children.

David Walkers wife at the time of his death Tessa (herself a DCI in the police) was ravaged by shame and lost her career when it emerged that she had known about his predilections for young girls. Their son Jason was so horrified at hearing his father had been a paedophile he was suicidal and Tessas second husband so afraid Jason was like his father that he left her to protect his daughter.

No justice: Some viewers might have felt the killers fate was a decision for the CPS or a judge and jury. But with the historic cases in Unforgotten there was never going to be much sense of Justice available

Marions sister Elise meanwhile turned on their mother, branding her an evil witch for not believing Marion had been telling the truth when the young girl had plucked up the courage to accuse her father.

I remember she was peeling potatoes at the sink and she never even stopped, Marion said simply. Five minutes later she told me to go back upstairs and finish my homework.

Ive read people whove been abused can recognise other victims, something in the way they carry themselves, Cassie mentioned to Colin Osbourne. Was that what drew the three of you to each other?

The distressing details of their abuse certainly suggested it had been.

Distressing: In any other cop show the officer might have reacted by saying: Colin Osbourne, Im arresting you for murder...

Marion recalled how the first time she had been molested by her father her mother had been downstairs watching The Onedin Line (I could hear the music).

He knelt by my bedside and said I was becoming a young woman and soon Id have boyfriends and he wanted me to be prepared and to help me - so I knew how to enjoy it. Then he put his hand under the covers and he did what a boyfriend might do. He did that every Saturday night for about a year.

Eventually when her father raped her she asked him if he did the same thing to Elise.

But he told me no  I was special.

Colin Osbournes shame was intercut by the endless, exhausting, visceral rage I feel every day, even right at this moment, having to explain this to you. I still ask myself every day why didnt I tell someone? Len Paxton did things which actually physically damaged me for life because a 48 year man is not meant to put himself inside a 9 year old boy. But much worse is the damage he did to me as a person, because that first time he changed me instantly and forever. So you might put me in prison but you cant judge me unless youve had it done to you.

It was some speech  the culmination of a terrific performance by Mark Bonnar who like Adeel Akhtar (as Sara Mahmouds husband) had also been excelling in Apple Tree Yard recently. It would hard to separate either of them from Rosie Cavaliero (Marion Kelsey) or Badria Timimi (Sara) for any BAFTAs for Best Supporting Actor.

In any other cop show the officer might have reacted by saying: Colin Osbourne, Im arresting you for murder...

DCI Cassie Stuart is a different type of detective though  almost achingly compassionate, unusually realistic and human. Moved to tears, she let Osbourne, Kelsey, and Mahmoud leave and then avoid prosecution.

Best supporting actor? Rosie played a convincing part in the drama

Their whole lives have been one long indescribably brutal punishment and I just cant see why we would punish them further, Cassie told DS Khan as she deliberated whether to give the CPS her evidence that she had seen the three suspects together. But if you have a single shred of doubt tell me now.

I see no point in disrupting their lives further, Sunny said simply. So no, I wont tell you to do that.

As two workaholic, single, people who were partners but had no partners, their relationship was perfect and perfectly (unusually) straightforward for TV detectives  until the previous episode when Sunny had made a pass at her.

Now though Cassie simply kissed him on the cheek and told him youre alright you know that?

Youre not so bad yourself, he shrugged charmingly.

Im going to leave before you try and snog me, Cassie concluded.

It was a shame Cassie and Sunny didnt get together. That really would have been a happy ending  one that we could have done with after what wed all been through over the past six weeks.

But in Unforgotten it was never very likely and probably not really appropriate.
She's famed for her age-defying looks and classic beauty.

And Monica Bellucci, 53, naturally stole the show when she attended the premiere of La Traviata at the Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia, Spain on Thursday evening.

The Bond star pulled out all the stops for her evening of culture at the opera, exuding glamour in a ruffled red dress.

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Ravishing in red: Monica Bellucci, 53, stole the show when she attended the premiere of La Traviata at the Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia, Spain on Thursday evening

Monica stunned in the vibrant number, which featured a striking Bardot neckline complete with a floaty trim and bow at the bust.

The Italian beauty's flowing dress trailed behind her as she sashayed along the red carpet.

She carried a pretty clutch bag to complete her look and opted for a classic make-up look with kohl lined eyes and glossy lips.

Elegant: Monica stunned in the vibrant number, which featured a striking Bardot neckline complete with a floaty trim and bow at the bust

Night at the opera: Monica was joined by a host of famous faces, including fashion designer Valentino Garavani and Queen Sofia of Spain

Classic beauty: She carried a pretty clutch bag to complete her look and opted for a classic make-up look with kohl lined eyes and glossy lips

Monica was joined by a host of famous faces, including fashion designer Valentino Garavani and Queen Sofia of Spain.

The star became the oldest actress in history to star as a Bond girl in the 007 franchise when she appeared alongside Daniel Craig in Spectre in 2015.

She recently told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that she doesn't make too much effort to stay young, eschewing the gym and enjoying treating herself to cakes, pasta, wine and cigarettes.

Timeless beauty: The star became the oldest actress in history to star as a Bond girl in the 007 franchise when she appeared alongside Daniel Craig in Spectre in 2015

Vision in red: The stunning star displayed an age-defying complexion

Monica explained: 'Im not someone who wakes up at 6am to go to the gym.

'The truth is that I like cakes and pasta, the odd glass of wine and a very occasional cigarette.

'My advice is: eat well, drink well, have good sex  and laugh a lot. The rest comes all on its own.'
They've been happily married in Hollywood for two decades, this year.

Yet Colin and Livia Firth were still the picture of happiness as they joined guests at a BAFTA 2017 gala dinner in London on Thursday night.

The duo matched in black, with Colin making his specs appeal particularly apparent in a pair of thick-rimmed glasses.

Power couple: Colin Firth and his eco-warrior wife Livia attended the BAFTA 2017 Film Gala Dinner, held at BAFTA Piccadilly in London on Thursday night

He looked slick in a bow tie and white shirt, which appeared to the uniform for such attendees as Tom Ford and Jack Fox.

Livia, meanwhile, opted for a classic LBD, which she paired with an emerald green shoe for a pop of colour.

The duo hung off each other, demonstrating their strong bond, as they anticipate their 20th wedding anniversary in 2017.

Looking good: Livia was the picture of class in a simple black dress while Colin pulled off the black tie look in style

Cute couple: The duo cosied up, just as they're due to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary

Amusingly, as he also marks 22 years since playing one of his most famous roles, Colin has been informed that he looks nothing like the real Mr Darcy.

On Thursday, Academics revealed a new, historically accurate portrait of Pride and Prejudices protagonist, and naturally it caused a stir among fans.

The illustration appears to depict a white-haired gentleman with pointy features and pale skin, unlike the dark and brooding Firth from 1995's TV miniseries.

Who's that guy? Still most famous for playing Mr Darcy (left) in 1995, Colin learned this week he looks nothing like was academics believe the real Pride and Prejudice protagonist looked like (right)

Dapper chaps: Colin looked slick on the night, as he joined director Tom Ford

Nevertheless, Colin himself is a two-time BAFTA winner and therefore natural choice for the guestlist on Thursday.

While nominated unsuccessfully in 2002 for a Supporting Role in Bridget Jones' Diary, the actor went on to win Best Actor in 2010 and 2011 for A Single Man and The King's Speech, respectively.

Similarly, even though actress Samantha Barks was the toast of the town at the 2013BAFTAs when Les Miserables was in the running at the awards, she was back to celebrate this year's nominees at the BAFTA 2017 Film Gala Dinner with Colin.

Date night: Samantha Barks and her boyfriend Jack Fox were also in attendance

Held at BAFTA Piccadilly in London, the event was the perfect place for a date night with boyfriend Jack Fox.

Samantha slipped into a stunning navy dress and showed off her lithe figure thanks to subtle cut-outs a the waist and the dress' halterneck style.

She wore her brunette locks swept back in a simple updo and highlighted her dark eyes with a smoky shadow.

The striking starlet was flanked by fellow thespian Jack, who looked handsome in a bow tie and tux.

Striking: Samantha showed off her lithe figure thanks to subtle cut-outs a the waist and a halterneck style

Elegant: She wore her brunette locks swept back in a simple updo and highlighted her dark eyes with a smoky shadow

Power couple: The British star started dating her actor boyfriend, who is a member of the celebrated Fox acting dynasty, in 2016

Classic look: Helen George also opted for a simple yet sophisticated navy number

The British star started dating her actor boyfriend, who is a member of the celebrated Fox acting dynasty, in 2016.

Their romance comes over a year after Samantha split from Coronation Street and West End star Richard Fleeshman.

The young couple dated for a year and even lived together, but their busy schedules drove them apart in December 2014.

Celebrating in style: The blonde posed with her Call The Midwife co-star Jack Ashton

Flower power: Donna Air was looking lovely in a floral brocade skirt and winged sleeve top

Chic: The blonde presenter pulled her look together with some statement jewellery

Blonde beauties: Amanda Cronin (left) and Anya Taylor-Joy (right) dared to be different

Cosying up: Bryn Williams (left) and Sharleen Spiteri (right) were in attendance

Making a statement: Maxine Peake was hard to miss in a scarlet frock and matching lipstick

Reunited: Colin and Tom Ford were enjoying A Single Man film reunion

Fancy seeing you here: Cheryl's ex-husband Jean-Bernard Versini was also in attendance

Think pink: Wendy Yu dared to be different in a salmon coloured skirt and matching blouse
Ruth Wilson says that playing Hedda Gabler in Ivo van Hove's incendiary production at the National Theatre is like 'doing a workout on stage  every night'.

She added that van Hove's take on Henrik Ibsen's tragedy is like 'nothing I've ever been part of before'.

Neither actress nor director was interested in putting on another traditional version of the drama about a newlywed general's daughter who feels trapped in her marriage from the get-go.

Ruth Wilson says that playing Hedda Gabler in Ivo van Hove's incendiary production at the National Theatre is like 'doing a workout on stage  every night'

Luckily, they had Patrick Marber's scorched earth adaptation, that cut Ibsen back to the bone, to work from. Coupled with van Hove's deconstructed style, it means the piece sizzles on the stage of the Lyttelton Theatre  with Wilson giving one of the most luminous performances London has seen in years.

'From day dot Hedda was self-destructive. It's not that marriage has made her like that,' she said. 'It's that she grew up that way, wanting to burn people's hair!

'Playing her is so physical that it's like a workout on stage every night, so I usually need a decent lunch to give me strength,' she said as she tucked into her roasted squash salad and helped herself (at my invitation) to a couple of my mini meatballs.

Long before rehearsals, with a cast that includes Kyle Soller as Tessman, Hedda's husband; and Rafe Spall as a lethal Judge Brack; the actress started reading Sylvia Plath's diaries because she thought she might discover some insight into Hedda's form of depression.

But van Hove had his own ideas.

'You come along with an idea of how you might play it and he'll go 'No, no, no!...You're going to be on the floor on your knees; and Rafe's going to be at the back of the stage; and then you're going to be curled up on a couch, as if you're in agony,' she explained.

Acting out such highly charged emotions 'makes it much more volatile,' Wilson noted.

Indeed, during rehearsals for Hedda, Wilson and Spall were doing a scene where Brack turns violent.

'It's very brutal and in the rehearsal Rafe, in character, hit me with his jacket and covered me with Italian tomato sauce. I broke down and sobbed. It was such an intense  and weird  reaction to it. We couldn't get through the scene, and Ivo announced that we'd come back to it tomorrow,' Wilson said.

'Poor Rafe! I wrote him an email saying sorry about what happened: 'Please don't let it hold you back.' I said that I believe it has to be brutal. I realised he might feel: 'Oh God, what have I done?'

Ruth Wilson at the 2015 Weinstein Company and Netflix Golden Globes After Party at Robinsons-May Lot in Beverly Hills

Spall was indeed beside himself. 'He said: 'My mother-in-law has to come and watch this; and see me brutalise a woman on stage!'

The moment she gets offstage, Wilson makes a beeline for the shower. 'I'm covered in tomatoes masquerading as blood. It's caked in my hair, and everywhere. Occasionally I don't wash it out properly and there are, like, chunks of tomato stuck in my hair.' And after the shower, she downs a gin and tonic. A single; not a double.

The production has become a sold-out sensation at the National, with performances booked solid through to the end of its run on March 21.

However, NT Live will broadcast it live to cinemas on March 9. There has been talk of a transfer, too; but it's more than likely to go straight to Broadway  possibly next year.

The cast have other projects; and Wilson is to shoot a fourth series of The Affair, the popular American TV drama in which she and Dominic West play adulterous lovers (filming is expected to begin in August or September).

But the 35-year-old said she is not ready to give up on Hedda, yet.

Does she ever, I wondered, long to give her character a good shake?

'Actually, Alison in The Affair is the one I want to shake,' she joked. 'But Hedda? No. She's miserable, and she's not doing anything. But I've always thought that she had clarity, when the others (in the play) don't. She's acerbic, and mucked up, and I kind of adore her in many ways.'

JESSIE'S JUST RIGHT FOR THE WOMAN IN WHITE Jessie Buckley (pictured in War And Peace) will star in BBC television's big blockbuster drama The Woman In White Jessie Buckley will star in BBC television's big blockbuster drama The Woman In White, based on Wilkie Collins's melodramatic, Victorian-era page-turner about an outlandish murder plot. Buckley will play Marian Halcombe, one of three women caught up in the web of a bloodthirsty schemer, who is out to steal an inheritance using devious methods . The Woman In White is a popular mystery tale that's been filmed by the BBC twice before (in 1966 and 1997) and has also been on the cinema screen and adapted for Radio 4. Ms Buckley, who played Princess Marya Bolkonskaya in the hit War And Peace and is appearing in BBC1's Taboo, along with Tom Hardy, will be joined in the Collins dramatisation by Charles Dance, Olivia Vinall, Joanna Scanlan and Henry Goodman. Key roles are going to Dougray Scott and Vicki Pepperdine. Director Carl Tibbetts, who made some of the Black Mirror dramas, will start filming the series on locations in Belfast at the end of this month. Ms Buckley played Princess Marya Bolkonskaya in the hit War And Peace Advertisement

She recalled that when she performed on the day of the women's protests, she felt 'powerful'.

Like many others, she was outraged by the highly sexist comments President Trump made during the long campaign, but she warned that there's an 'entrenched form of sexism in all of us: women as well as men'.

She added that Trump's style of banter was unacceptable; and noted that her three brothers would never behave like that.

'I've been around guys who talk about women in a derogatory way; and sometimes it's like showing off to their male counterparts. I just don't know why it's accepted.'

Wilson said she would love to work with van Hove again. She liked his discipline; and his insistence that the cast knew their lines on day one of rehearsals. 'At the start of rehearsals, you're in costumes on the first day  which is good, because if they don't work you have time to adapt them. It's quite a process.

'You work from 11 in the morning until four in the afternoon, with half an hour for lunch  and it's amazing what you can get through. Ivo's very focussed. He sees the world through a different prism; and he and the designer Jan (Versweyveld) decide the essence of the play, and how to frame it.

'It's like nothing I've ever been a part of before  and I dearly want to do it all again!' she said, as she put on her floppy, Annie Hall-style hat, donned cardie and coat, and headed out into the world.

Nicole Kidman plans to beam live footage of herself on the Bafta red carpet on Sunday to her musician husband Keith Urban in Los Angeles. Urban is in LA for the Grammys, while Nicoles in London for the British film honours at the Royal Albert Hall.

I said to Keith: Ill come to your awards! But he was insistent that I go to London and show up for Bafta, said Nicole, whos nominated (along with Dev Patel) for Lion, a superior weepie about an Australian woman who adopts a young boy called Saroo from India.

The movie, based on a true story, has been slowly gathering momentum since its gala at the Toronto International Film Festival, picking up awards for director Garth Davis and nominations for producers Ian Canning and Emile Sherman (part of the team behind Oscar-winning The Kings Speech), who made Lion with Australian Angie Fielder.

Patel portrays the grown-up Saroo, who tries to find his long-lost family back in India.

Im going to FaceTime the action on the red carpet, and send it over to Keith, Nicole told me. Thanks to the fierce determination of Harvey Weinstein, Lion has garnered five Bafta and six Oscar nominations.

Nicole said she and Urban would be attending the Academy Awards in Hollywood together.

Watch out for...

Sharon D. Clarke, who will lead the company of the chamber musical Caroline, Or Change, written by playwright Tony Kushner and composer Jeanine Tesori. Ms Clarke will play the title character, who works as a maid for a family in the southern state of Louisiana in 1963. President Kennedy, the Civil Rights movement and social change are the backdrops to the show about a woman who doesnt like to compromise, in an era when change is happening very fast. Michael Longhurst, who directed the production of Peter Shaffers Amadeus, now on at the National, will direct Caroline... at Chichesters Minerva Theatre from May. Daniel Evans, Chichesters new artistic director, will unveil the rest of his first season  including a classic Broadway musical  next week.

Sharon D. Clarke (pictured left with Susie McKenna) will lead the company of the chamber musical Caroline

Lucy St Louis, who portrays Diana Ross in Motown. She is staying with the musical, which is about to celebrate its first anniversary at the Shaftesbury Theatre.The show, featuring a series of Motown classics, has become a solid hit, having recouped its 5.5 million costs in 28 weeks. Motown is now booking through until February 2018; 200,000 new seats will go on sale today. The musical seems to have performed better in London than it did in New York, which could be down to the fact that although the book remains simple, the production itself is slicker and (in some instances) better cast.Nor has it been hurt by the success of fellow West End musical Dreamgirls. Motown producer Adam Spiegel declared Motown and Dreamgirls cousins, not siblings. Each drew on the rise of soul music in the US, he added, though to my mind they operate in slightly different worlds. Theatregoers obviously agree because both of the shows have become red hot tickets.

Lucy St Louis, who portrays Diana Ross in Motown
He's the Nova radio host, known for bringing the laughs on-air.

But on Thursday, Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald was left squirming as he abruptly ended an interview on The Project over questions about his brief romance with Tziporah Malkah (previously Kate Fischer).

The unsuspecting media personality was wrapping up a cross-over with I'm A Celebrity... hosts Dr. Chris Brown and Julia Morris when he was suddenly bombarded with questions about James Packer's ex fiancee.

Awkward! Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald was left squirming on Thursday as he abruptly ended an interview over questions about his brief romance with Tziporah Malkah (previously Kate Fischer)

'Before you guys go, just one little thing. Tziporah has been very testy the last few days ... Fitzy would you have any clues as to how one might I guess placate Tziporah and make her feel good given your history?' a smirking Dr. Brown asked.

As Fitzy began to blush, co-host Carrie Bickmore asked: 'did you guys date?' to which he nervously replied: 'No!'

Amused and eager to draw out the awkward moment, Dr. Brown said: 'Please elaborate, what would I be talking about here?'

Sneaky: The unsuspecting media personality was wrapping up a cross-over with I'm A Celebrity... hosts Dr. Chris Brown and Julia Morris when he was suddenly bombarded with questions about James Packer's ex fiancee

Shutting it down: 'Stuff you Browny! Browny we're losing you mate, have a great night. See you guys,' Fitzy said

Throwback: Tziporah (seen L, in 1994 and R, recently) had a brief romance with Fitzy after her split from James Packer in 1998

Adding to the awkwardness, Julia bluntly asked: 'Have you kissed her on the lips?'

A fed-up Fitzy laughed off the moment before quickly shutting it down.

'Stuff you Browny! Browny we're losing you mate, have a great night. See you guys,' he said.

Blast from the past: Fitzy and Tziporah are said to have 'kissed on the lips' during their time together

Reality star: Tziporah stars on the latest season of I'm A Celebrity...

Fitzy and Tziporah are said to have 'kissed on the lips' after she split from James in 1998 and Fitzy is now happily married to wife of eight years Belinda, with whom he shares two kids.

He previously spoke about his brief romance with Tziporah, who currently stars on I'm A Celebrity... .

'I got to know her...she sold her Bondi apartment that James gave her and she bought this amazing place down at Clovelly on the cliff, right down the road from Clovelly Hotel,' Fitzy said on his Nova radio show last year.

'And I used to be a bit of a local down there, the ladies used to know me down there. I met her one day and we became acquaintances and yeah...Kissing on the lips. Haven't spoken to her since.'

Case of the ex: James is seen here in January with his most recent ex Mariah Carey
After Brexit: The Battle For Europe

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Talk about sore losers. Some people (and the BBC is full of them) are tying themselves in knots to prove that Brexit is, as the Corporations own Europe editor, Katya Adler, puts it, an irrelevance.

At the end of an hour of trotting from Italy to Hungary and across to France, in high heels and a red Fiat 500, Katya reached this absurd conclusion in After Brexit: The Battle For Europe (BBC2). Her view? Britains referendum was probably a complete waste of time.

It could be our national debate about Brexit turns out to be an irrelevance, she crowed. Sooner or later the EU as we know it may no longer be there for us to leave.

In After Brexit: The Battle for Europe, BBC Europe editor Katya Adler (pictured) was eager to emphasise her Euro-friendly credentials, as she travelled from Italy to Hungary

Its as though the Remainers, unable to prevent us from quitting the EU at the ballot box, in the courts or in Parliament, have now decided that the whole exercise didnt matter anyway, so nyah nyah nyah.

Katya watched Italys opposition leader Beppe Grillo (pictured) as he clowned on stage, singing the blues and laughing like a maniac

The BBC insists, of course, that its Europe editor is strictly impartial. But since she boasted in her online CV, before she took the TV post three years ago, that she had chaired debates including for the EU Commission and the Austrian government during its EU Presidency, we can judge her impartiality for ourselves.

She was eager to emphasise her Euro-friendly credentials last night, as she visited Tuscany and introduced us to her childhood sweetheart, an Italian restaurateur whose business collapsed amid recent economic chaos. At one point, 1,000 Italian firms were going under every day.

Katya illustrated this by walking round Empoli near Florence  the destination, she said, for all her family holidays in the Eighties  and looking sadly at all the empty store-fronts where shops have closed.

She could have made the same point in any struggling seaside town in Britain, but somehow I dont think many of her childhood holidays were spent in UK resorts.

Meeting vigilante politicians in Hungary and motor-biking rabble-rousers in Sicily, she could barely contain her sneers at this populist approach. She watched Italys opposition leader Beppe Grillo as he clowned on stage, singing the blues and laughing like a maniac. When they met, Katya didnt so much interview Grillo as humour him, as if he were an escaped lunatic.

Marriage contract of the week Marriage contract of the week: Londoners Neil and Louise moved to the Yukon wilderness, to live as hunters. But Louise is squeamish about first aid. If Neil gets injured, she told Jimmy Doherty in Escape To The Wild (C4), Ill have to shoot him. Dont get injured, Neil... Advertisement

Her attitude typified how the Hampstead middle classes cant comprehend Europes new political movements, with Brexit at the forefront  and why they are bewildered too by Donald Trumps appeal.

Despite Katyas superior tone, this was a tightly edited survey of anti-EU attitudes across the Continent, and the soundbites from contributors were well chosen. Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis demolished the concept of the single currency: Its a bit like invading Russia. It starts off beautifully but you end up with blood on the snow.

And columnist Alan Posener of the German newspaper Die Welt put the Eastern Europe problem pithily. The former Iron Curtain countries, he said, were part of one monolithic empire under the Soviets and do not ever intend to let that happen again.

The Cruise: Sailing The Mediterranean

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Europe was proving dangerous in other ways on The Cruise: Sailing The Mediterranean (ITV). American tourist Charlotte, aged 90, had been bitten by a Barbary ape during a stop-off in Gibraltar.

She had toothmarks in her forearm as though piranhas had been nibbling at her, but Charlotte didnt seem too worried. Call me Nana, she told the nurse.

All the holidaymakers are laid back aboard the Royal Princess, and who can blame them? Theres so much booze sloshing about, they barely need the sea to float on.

The Cruise: Sailing the Mediterranean, which ends tonight, has been as moreish as a jug of Beverly Hills. It was often little more than an advert for the cruise line

One bleary reveller staggered to reception after an especially good night, asking if the shipboard computers could tell him exactly what hed been up to. Drinking a gallon of Beverly Hills cocktails, it seemed.

Even the couple whose suitcase had been dropped overboard didnt seem too bothered. Those must be spectacular cocktails.

This series, which ends tonight, has been as moreish as a jug of Beverly Hills. It was often little more than an advert for the cruise line, and was much too fixated with the ships plumbing . . . but it doesnt half make you feel like weighing anchor and heading for the sun.
Worst Wedding Ever (Salisbury Playhouse and touring)

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Men of Britain, do NOT take your prospective mother-in-law to Chris Chibnalls lively comedy Worst Wedding Ever.

The show portrays an overpowering mother-of-the-bride determined her daughter should have the wedding she cannot afford. Ouch, its true.

A band, a marquee, sit-down lunch, speeches, an enormous dress, official photographer, wedding list at John Lewis: all these and more are deemed essential if beady-eyed, 60-something Liz (Julia Hills) is to maintain her status in suburban society.

Worst Wedding Ever featueres Elisabeth Hopper as the bride (left) and Julia Hills as her 60-something overpowering mother Liz (right)

It's a portrait of an English family (pictured, the cast) and an aspiration mother desperate for her daughter's wedding to reflect well on their status

We are not told where she and her lumbering husband Mel live, but from their accents it may be Bristol. Self-employed Mel (Derek Frood) is soft about his two vicious ridgeback dogs.

Mel and Liz are not rich. But they call in favours. They borrow. Improvise. Does it matter if the portable loos are a bit unsteady and their doors get stuck? Er, it does. A resulting slapstick scene is killingly funny.

Chibnall rightly identifies the mad extravagance of so many modern weddings (even though the youngsters might prefer something plainer). He also mines the eternal truth of the aspirational mother in wedding-organisation mode. I bet it was as true in Ancient Rome as now.

Liz is a wonderful portrait of pride, despair, brittleness and social oneupmanship. Like any mother-in-law, she is determined not to be beaten, even when all about her is collapsing and the dogs have just savaged the vicar (a slightly miscast Kieran Hill). We keep going! Its a wedding! cries Liz, moments after the groom (Nav Sidhu) has punched one of the guests.

Self-employed Mel (Derek Frood), father of the bride, in the portable loos at the wedding, which the family admit have doors that stick earlier in the play

Mother of the bride (left) and her daughter, played by Elizabeth Hopper, right, star in the play

Elisabeth Hopper, West Country accent a half-notch too high, plays Rachel the bride. Elizabeth Cadwallader does a great turn as her vampish older sister. There is even an onstage wedding band which keeps making surreal entrances.

The play is not perfect. Its final scene could be cut, the pace is iffy in the first half-hour and some of the denouement is far-fetched. But there are terrific lines  Were family and no one comes out of a family unscathed  and the whole thing has a pleasing, neo-Ayckbournian glaze, very English, mixing the sentimental and the salty. Undemanding fun.

After Salisbury, the show will travel to New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (March 1-11); and the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch (March 15-April 1).
It was recently revealed Hollywood producers have bought the rights to her inspirational story.

And Katie Piper certainly had every reason to smile when she stepped out on Tuesday night, attending a Rebecca Ferguson private gig at Quaglino's in London alongside her husband Richard Sutton.

The philanthropist, 33, looked amazing in a sombre, all-black ensemble, adding a touch of glamour thanks to PVC miniskirt.

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Happy couple: Katie Piper attended a Rebecca Ferguson private gig at Quaglino's in London on Tuesday alongside her husband Richard Sutton

Katie ensured she kept her look modest, teaming the tiny skirt with a pair of thigh-high boots.

The TV personality completed her attire with a simple black jumper and wore her blonde bob in a sleek style.

Katie and Richard, who wed in November 2015 and raise two-year-old daughter Belle together, looked loved up as ever, cuddling up as they prepared to listen to former X Factor star Rebecca's new tunes.

Looking good: The philanthropist, 33, looked amazing in a sombre, all-black ensemble, adding a touch of glamour thanks to PVC miniskirt

She's a fan: Katie was showing her support for former X Factor singer Rebecca

Glamorous: The TV personality completed her attire with a simple black jumper and wore her blonde bob in a sleek style

The star's spokesperson recently confirmed to MailOnline that Katie was orchestrating a film deal to tell her moving story.

Her rep said: 'America is definitely part of Katie's future career plans, especially with her best-selling books, but for now she's going to concentrate on her Channel 4 presenting role, UK book promotion & being a mum as Belle turns three years old soon.'

This comes after The Mirror reported that producers have bought the rights to her story, with Katie confirming to them: 'They did it last year and have renewed them.'

Cosying up: Katie and Rebecca enjoyed a chat after the private gig

Golden girl: Rebecca was dressed to impress in a gold lame dress with a ruched waistline

'It's a hugely emotive story that would make a brilliant film,' a source added to the paper.

The media personality credits her fighting spirit for helping her overcome the adversity the 2008 acid attack brought upon her.

Brave Katie has undergone more than 300 surgical procedures since a terrible acid attack at the hands of her ex-boyfriend back in 2008.

Taking to the stage: The down-to-earth singer serenaded the crowd at the intimate concer=rt

Glamorous: Rebecca showcased sleek curls and glossy make-up look

The mother-of-one suffered horrific and life-changing burns after convicted ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch and his assailant - Stefan Sylvestre - threw acid in her face in March 2008.

The incident was caught on CCTV and both Lynch and Sylvestre were handed life sentences.

Katie has emerged as an advocate for body confidence, and setting up The Katie Piper Foundation in order to help burns victims and people suffering from disfiguring injuries.
They met on the second season of E!s Famously Single and it seemed love had blossomed by December.

But it didn't last and Malika Haqq and Ronnie Magro have split after only a few weeks of dating, according to Us.

Ronnie, a 31-year-old Jersey Shore alum, and Khloe Kardashian's BFF on Keeping Up With The Kardashians revealed their relationship to Us before Christmas.

Brief affair: Jersey Short alum Ronnie Magro and girlfriend Malika Haqq, from Keeping Up With The Kardashians, have reportedly split just a few weeks after meeting on Famously Single

At the time, they said, 'We had a lot in common from the start, and it was an instant friendship. The attraction quickly became a mutual romance.'

And the pair credited the E! reality show for bringing them together.

'Our support for one another through this challenging experience made us strong in a very short period of time,' they said. 'We had an opportunity to really get to know each other living in such close quarters.'

The series, in which eight singles celebs move in together and try to solve their romantic problems, also included The Bachelorettes Chad Johnson, 30; Dancing With The Stars pro dancer Karina Smirnoff, 39, who hails from Russia among others.

Good start: At the time, they said, 'We had a lot in common from the start, and it was an instant friendship. The attraction quickly became a mutual romance'

It had seemed that Ronnie, who previously dated his Jersey Shore co-star Sammi 'Sweetheart' Giancola for five years, was following in the footsteps of his fellow Jersey Shore alum Paul 'DJ Pauly D' DelVecchio.

The 36-year-old, who appeared on season 1 of Famously Single, has been dating his co-star Aubrey ODay since last February.

However, it wasn't to be for Ronnie and Malika.

Matchmade: And the pair credited the E! reality show for bringing them together.

'They are done, a source told Us Weekly. 'Theyve been done for a while.

They have since wiped each other from their respective Instagram accounts.

Meanwhile, the couple will have to relive their brief relationship when season 2 of Famously Single premieres in March.
After widespread rumours, her relationship with Sam Johnson was this week confirmed.

But Noni Janur has enjoyed some relaxing time away from her beau on a Bali escape this week.

The busty Bachelor beauty, 26, took time out to not only enjoy the tropical weather from a prime poolside position, but also show off the killer curves she has become renowned for.

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Busty beauty: Noni Janur, 26, showed off her killer curves during a Bali escape this week

'Perfect afternoon at @looppoolbar with my little sis,' she captioned the photo.

Plugging her handmade crochet bikini from The Bikini Bar, Noni added colour to an overcast Bali day.

Wearing her pink swimwear with yellow, orange, purple and blue patterning, the Bachelor star smiled as she knelt down poolside.

Natural: Later that same day Noni again shared an insightful photo from her Asian escape

Later that same day Noni again shared a photo from her Balinese escape, this time posing against a wall with a large pair of see-through glasses on.

With her hair tied-up and a staunch look on her face, the beauty looked natural with little to no makeup on.

It's not the first revealing insight the former Bachelor contestant has given since heading to Bali.

On Monday she shared more of her pert derriere in a barely-there bikini.

That's cheeky! Noni has flaunted her barely-clad posterior in a black bikini after finishing an intense workout on Monday

What a view! The tanned beauty also posted an image of her lying face down on a sunbed in Bali, where her fitness efforts were clearly visible in a nude g-string bikini

Noni didn't leave much to the imagination in the skimpy swimsuit, which also provided a glimpse of her side boob.

Originally from Bali, Noni headed back to her 'island home' last week, where former co-stars and newly dating couple Megan Marx and Tiffany Scanlon now reside.

The trio announced their catch-up on Instagram on Friday, sharing a beaming, summery snap as they enjoyed lunch in a luxurious tent.

Reunited! The first Bachelor lesbian couple Megan Marx (Middle) and Tiffany Scanlon (L) reunited with fellow cast mate Noni (R) in Bali on Friday

'With these two love birds': While Noni has been enjoying her return to Bali to visit her former Bachelor co-stars it's unclear whether she is considering returning permanently herself

Moved in together: Megan and Tiffany have relocated to the Balinese town of Canggu, and have been seen putting on loved-up displays at surrounding beaches and bars

Megan sat in the middle of the trio as they huddled together for the photo, resting her hand on girlfriend Tiffany's exposed leg.

Noni sat cross-legged on the right in a low-cut white T-shirt that exposed her cavernous cleavage.

'The Bachelor relocation has begun! Then there were three!' Megan wrote in her Instagram post.

Speaking out: Former cast-mate Keira Macguire called the pair's relationship a 'publicity stunt'
It seems tensions continue to run high on the latest season of The Bachelor.

Star of the show Nick Viall recently talked to People about how certain contestants' criticism of his choices was quite unwelcome.

The 36-year-old four-time contestant made it clear that he was very much in control when it comes to making decisions about himself and a future companion.

Having none of it: Nick Viall recently talked about how certain contestants' criticism of his choices was quite unwelcome

'I think a general rule of thumb is that I don't think anyone is in any position to tell someone whether they're ready for a relationship outside the two people in that relationship,' he stated.

He then clarified about which situation he was addressing: 'If I decide that I don't think it's the right fit, well, I'm part of that relationship so I have a right to make that judgment, and so does Corinne.'

His fiery words come after the now-eliminated Taylor Nolan, 23, accused Corinne Olympios, 24, of being 'emotionally immature' and unable to fully commit to a relationship during a 2-on-1 date with Nick.

The so-called 'emotional intelligence' debate apparently affected Nick quite deeply.

Tough love? His fiery words come after the now-eliminated Taylor Nolan, 23, accused Corinne (pictured), 24, of being 'emotionally immature' and unable to fully commit to a relationship during a 2-on-1 date with Nick

During the discussion on the show, Taylor accused Corinne of lacking the required intelligence and maturity needed for successful relationship.

'I think when other people start saying: 'Well, I don't think you guys are right [for each other],' you know, that's not really [their] business,' he admitted, before adding 'it's irrelevant.'

Nick then changed pace to discuss a slightly less contentious issue: Corinne's supposed 'nanny.'

Both fans and contestants alike haven't known what to make of the existence of such a person in Corinne's life, whose name is reportedly Raquel.

Ouch! During the discussion on the show, Taylor (pictured) accused Corinne of lacking the required intelligence and maturity needed for successful relationship

'Maybe [I've met Raquel], maybe I haven't,' teased the heartthrob, 'but I think probably in fairness to both Corinne and Raquel, maybe 'nanny' is not the most accurate description of the role she plays.'

He then tried to explain Raquel's role in Corinne's life.

'From what I gathered Raquel is someone who has worked for the family,' he revealed. 'Quite honestly, her family has been through some things and Raquel has played a very positive role. Corinne, not taking herself too seriously, has fun with the word 'nanny' and then people run wild with it.'
She plays Steffy Forrester in long-running American soap, The Bold and the Beautiful.

But Jacqueline MacInnes Wood bore a resemblance to Gigi Hadid, 21, as she arrived in Sydney on Friday, to film scenes for the Channel Ten program.

The 29-year-old appeared to have been inspired by the 'it' model's off-duty look, consisting of a midriff-baring tan sweater and coordinating drop crotch pants.

Top of the crops! The Bold and the Beautiful's Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (left), 29, channelled Gigi Hadid (right), 21, in a midriff-baring sweater and drop crotch pants, as she arrived in Sydney on Friday to film scenes for the long-running soap

Jacqueline cut a relaxed yet stylish figure as she made her way out of the airport terminal.

A tan cropped sweater revealed her washboard abs, while a pair of drop crotch pants in the same fabric skimmed over her lean legs.

Keeping accessories to a minimum, the Canadian-born star sported a dark tan choker and carried a pair of aviator sunglasses.

Allowing her dark locks to fall around her face and shoulders in relaxed waves, Jacqueline opted for a minimal makeup palette of a dewy complexion, defined brows and lashings of mascara.

Not an inch to pinch! Jacqueline flaunted her incredibly toned stomach in the airport ensemble

Jacqueline was accompanied by several of her The Bold and the Beautiful castmates including Rena Sofer, Don Diamont and Heather Tom.

Rena Sofer, 48, who portrays Quinn Fuller in the soap, happily posed for photos with waiting fans.

A lightweight grey sweater was teamed over a simple white shirt, while indigo jeans clung to her trim pins.

Rena's signature dark locks were styled in loose waves, framing a glamorously made-up complexion of a bronzed base, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a nude lip.

In good company: Jacqueline was accompanied by several of her The Bold and the Beautiful castmates including Rena Sofer, 48, who plays Quinn Fuller in the Channel Ten program

Picture of content: Rena, who sported a lightweight grey sweater, simple white shirt and indigo jeans, happily posed for photos with waiting fans

Low-key: Don Diamont, 54, who plays Bill Spencer on the soap, was also in high spirits, as he made his way out of the airport terminal

Don Diamont, 54, who plays Bill Spencer on the soap, was also in high spirits.

A charcoal V-neck shirt skimmed over the star's muscular upper frame, teamed with black trousers and coordinating Adidas trainers.

Don's airport look was finished off with a well-manicured beard and smooth complexion.

Comfort: Posing with a fan, Don drew attention to his casual get-up of a charcoal V-neck sweater, black trousers and coordinating Adidas trainers
They're the reality star couple known for their scantily-clad displays of affection.

And Friday was just another day for The Bachelor's Tiffany Scanlon, taking to Instagram to share a racy snap with girlfriend Megan Marx, 27.

The image shared to the 30-year-old's account saw the blonde bombshells flaunting their ample assets in skimpy bras as they watched a film in bed together in Bali.

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Girls' night in! The Bachelor's Tiffany Scanlon (right) 30, took to Instagram on Friday, sharing a racy snap with girlfriend Megan Marx (left) 27, as they flaunted their ample assets in skimpy bras, while watching a film in bed, in Bali

'Had a much needed laugh watching 'Keeping Up With The Joneses' with Megs,' Tiffany began the caption.

'If you're like me and have a huuuuggggeeeee crush on Isla Fisher then you simply must watch this now! We rented it from iTunes so we can watch the latest flicks from our bed in Bali,' the personal trainer continued.

The racy snap saw the reality stars almost busting out of coordinating Stussy bras, with their long blonde locks framing glamorously made-up complexions.

Appearing completely at ease with one another as they watched the comedy film bedside, Megan rested one arm around Tiffany's toned shoulders.

Conflict: The loved-up post comes shortly after fellow The Bachelor contestant Keira Maguire claimed their lesbian romance is fake

The loved-up post comes shortly after fellow The Bachelor contestant Keira Maguire claimed their lesbian romance is fake.

Keira, 31, made the accusation in an Instagram Live video recently, during which she answered a series of questions from viewers.

One social media user asked: 'So Tiffany and Megan are faking their relationship?'

To which the outspoken personality replied: 'Yes they are faking their relationship' and called it a 'publicity stunt.'

Controversy: Keira, 31, made the accusation in an Instagram Live video recently, during which she answered a series of questions from viewers

Not holding back: One social media user asked: 'So Tiffany and Megan are faking their relationship?,' to which Keira replied: 'Yes they are faking their relationship' and called it a 'publicity stunt'

Now Megan and Tiffany have hit back at their former friend, warning her 'not to get in touch' with them anytime soon.

'I haven't heard from Keira since we were both filming and I probably don't recommend her trying,' Megan said in an interview in this week's OK! Magazine.

The Western Australian native added that she has the same advice for Keira that she does for online trolls: 'If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.'

Girlfriend Tiffany was slightly more forgiving, but told the publication Keira should 'refrain from publicly commenting on things you know nothing about.'

War of words: Now Megan and Tiffany have hit back at their former friend, warning her 'not to get in touch' with them anytime soon, in an interview in this week's OK! Magazine

Keira is not the only Bachelor alum who has claimed the pair's romance is not all above board.

Rachael Gouvignon, 31, claimed Tiffany and Megan were both seeing men around the time they went to Bali and fell in love.

'I'm not sure about the girls saying they fell in love after their first visit to Bali (in June) as when I caught up with Tiffany (in October) when we went skydiving, she told me about a guy she was seeing,' Rachael told Daily Mail Australia.

'Megan has also spoken to me about a guy she was seeing...Maybe their status should be along the lines of an open relationship or bisexual!'

Adding fuel to the fire? Fellow Bachelor contestant Rachael Gouvignon, 31, claimed Tiffany and Megan were both seeing men around the time they went to Bali and fell in love

Candid comments: 'I'm not sure about the girls saying they fell in love after their first visit to Bali (in June) as when I caught up with Tiffany (in October) when we went skydiving, she told me about a guy she was seeing,' Rachael said
She's certainly knows how to light up the stage.

Jennifer Lopez shared a moment from her blockbuster Vegas residency All I Have in a Thursday Instagram video.

In the clip, she literally shines in an electric dress while singing a rendition of country artist LeAnn Womack's I Hope You Dance which she dedicates to her kids.

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Lighting up the stage: Jennifer Lopez shared a dazzling moment from her hot Vegas residency, All I Have

'My babies' As the Bronx born beauty belts the chorus to I Hope You Dance, an image of her eight-year-olds appeared on screen

Jennifer towers over the stage in the light-adorned dress that looked like equal parts stage and costume.

In the video, the stage is awash in blue lights as the star's eight-year-old twins Emme and Max appear on screen while the Bronx born talent belts the chorus.

She captioned the pic 'My favorite moment of the show... you have to see it to really feel it...' while adding two heart emojis and the hashtags '#IHopeYouDance', '#allihave' and '#mybabies'.

'My favorite moment' The 46-year-old star shared a stand out moment from her residency, where Jennifer steps atop a lit platform and sings Lee Ann Womack's I Hope You Dance

It seems that the star is focused on her two little loves right now.

Recently E! News reported that Jenny from the block is slowing things down with her relationship with rapper Drake.

A source told the website '[They] have taken some time apart, not because they don't want to be with each other, just because their schedules started getting insane.'

Feel the light! It's been a second since the Papi singer has been spotted with reported flame Drake, but sources close to the stars say it's simply a matter of mismatched schedules and bad timing

But all is not lost for J Lo and her Fake Love beau.

'J Lo and Drake are still talking, so people should know they are not in any means angry or that some incident happened. It mainly had to do with timing,' the source added.

The pair are certainly very busy at the moment as Drake is currently in Europe and England on his Boy Meets World Tour while Jennifer is back in Las Vegas, Nevada, for her Jennifer Lopez: All I Have concert residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Tim Robards returned from an extended trip to America last, reuniting with The Bachelor sweetheart Anna Heinrich in time for Valentine's day.

Celebrations of the hunky 33-year-old's return have continued Friday, as the pair were snapped flaunting their stunning beach bodies in Bondi.

His 30-year-old girlfriend stunned in a skimpy green bikini, while the shirtless entrepreneur somehow managed to look buffer than ever.

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Beach babes! Celebrations of Tim Robards return from America continued on Friday as he flaunted his buff body with bikini-clad Bachelor sweetheart Anna Heinrich

The genetically blessed couple looked straight out of a tourism commercial, beaming as they reclined on the edge of a natural pool.

Anna wore a strapless green bikini, exposing her cleavage and slender frame in the barely-there ensemble.

She rested her hands on her inner-thighs as she leaned her body weight onto her hunky beau.

If at all possible, the fitness fanatic looked even more muscular than usual, his tree-trunk-sized biceps and ripped torso on display in the shirtless snap.

Going solo! Anna, 30, didn't get to spend quality time with Tim the night after, instead looking stunning in a halter-neck dress as she went solo at a Maybelline launch

His salt and pepper hair was slicked to the side of his chiseled face.

'My someone to lean on is back,' Anna wrote in the caption, clearly invigorated by her hunky beau's return from shooting for Men's Health in Malibu, California.

She added the hashtags 'happy days' and 'partner in crime.'

Anna didn't get to spend quality time with Tim the night after, instead looking stunning in a halter-neck dress at a Maybelline launch.

The Bachelor made a triumphant return from his business trip on Wednesday, sharing a photo of the loved up couple's reunion on Instagram.

He appeared delighted to be home as Anna planted a kiss on his cheek.

He's back! They did get to spend some time together the day before, when the hunky entrepreneur made a triumphant return from his business trip on Wednesday

He captioned the pic: 'Back home to ma baaaaaaby! (sic)'

Tim, who fell for Anna on the debut season of the reality show, appeared to have a rewarding modelling trip to the states.

It's not the first time that fitness guru team has modelled for the publication and he was thankful to be a cover star once again.

Business or pleasure? Tim, who fell for Anna on the debut season of the reality show, appeared to have a rewarding trip to the States

Day job: He modelled for Men's Health magazine, taking part in a shoot in Malibu, California on Monday

It's not the first time that fitness guru team has modelled for the publication and he was thankful to be a cover star once again.

On Tuesday, he wrote on Instagram: 'I live to inspire people... to have a crack and be the best you can be, enjoying the journey...for me there's nothing better than hearing... because of you, I didn't give up... today was great recognition shooting another cover for @menshealthmag in the US in Malibu!

'For many of us our body is a reflection of our lifestyle. No guilt trips... no perfection... just start with the little things that show that you love the most important person in the world... yourself... because if you don't love yourself it's hard for anyone else to... one small step at a time...'

Happy days: Tim's return is likely to be well received by Anna, who recently told Daily Mail Australia she was missing her man

Tim's return was likely well received by Anna, who recently told Daily Mail Australia she was missing her man.

While attending the David Jones Autumn/Winter Launch Party in Sydney by herself last week, the blonde also dismissed rumours that the pair will soon become engaged.

She said: 'We've had it (marriage rumours) for three years and circumstances haven't changed. We're still happy and well and that's what matters.'
She is the age-defying beauty who gives women half her age a run for their money.

And once again Cindy Crawford looked nowhere near her 50 years as she attended an event at Sydney's Martin Place Omega store on Friday as the brand's ambassador.

The star stunned in a sleeveless white frock with a thigh-split design as she posed outside of the store.

Looking a bit of all white! Ageless supermodel Cindy Crawford, 50, stunned in a stylish white frock at Sydney's Martin Place Omega store event on Friday

Looking as fit and fabulous as she did in her supermodel heyday, the glamorous mother-of-two cut a stylish figure in the tight ensemble.

Accessorising her ravishing look, she added a luxury watch from the boutique Swiss water manufacturer.

The ladies' watch is valued at more than $18,000 and features a white mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds.

Her time to shine! Looking as fit and fabulous as she did in her supermodel heyday, the glamorous mother-of-two cut a stylish figure in the tight ensemble

Timeless beauty! Accessorising her ravishing look, she added a luxury watch from the boutique Swiss water manufacturer Omega

Leggy display! The actress showed off her long and lean pins in the high thigh-split outfit, while lengthening her already-statuesque frame in snake print strappy heels

Cindy flaunted her long and lean pins in the high thigh-split ensemble, while lengthening her already-statuesque frame in snake print strappy heels.

Showing off her signature model poses, Cindy placed her hands on her hips and slim waistline.

She was later pictured cutting a red ceremonial ribbon at the event as the brand celebrated a milestone.

Working holiday: Her ambassador duties for OMEGA while she's in town include a black-tie dinner in her honour plus additional promotional duties

Strike a pose: Showing off her signature model poses, Cindy placed her hands on her hips and slim waistline

Cindy's makeup was flawlessly applied, despite the sweltering Sydney heat.

She kept it simple with a dusting of blush, a neutral eye shadow palette and a glossy light red lipstick.

Her trademark thick brunette locks framed her face in loose waves.

In recent days she has been seen strutting her stuff around town like an enchanting local.

Flawless: Cindy's makeup was flawlessly applied, despite the sweltering Sydney heat

It is unknown how long Cindy is in Australia for.

Her ambassador duties for OMEGA while she's in town include a black-tie dinner in her honour plus additional promotional duties.

She has represented the brand since 1995, celebrating a 22-year partnership in 2017.

Australian actress Nicole Kidman is also an ambassador for the brand.

Natural beauty! She kept it simple with a dusting of blush, a neutral eye shadow palette and a glossy light red lipstick

Bling! The ladies' watch she was wearing from Omega is valued at more than $18,000 and features a white mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds

Peek-a-boo: Cindy's dress showed off a hint of cleavage
It was the viral video that went right around the world after it was leaked last month.

And people are still talking about 'Jacketgate'- the sensational clip that saw Amber Sherlock go into meltdown after her co-star Julie Snook showed up for a live cross also wearing a white top.

On Friday, former Home And Away star Christie Hayes appeared for a segment on Channel 7's The Daily Edition, wearing a pale pink dress that was the exact same shade as co-anchor Sarah Cumming's.

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'On Fridays we wear pink!': Home And Away star Christie Hayes (R) has been the latest celebrity to mock Amber Sherlock's 'Jacketgate' meltdown when she appears on The Daily Edition in the same colour as Sarah Cumming (L)

'By the way, sorry about the colour,' Christie apologised at the end of her interview , pointing out that she and Sarah were both in pale pink.

'I should've got a blazer!' the star continued, referencing Amber's now infamous demand that Julie go and get a black jacket to wear for the live-cross.

The actress, who was on The Daily Edition to promote her new breakfast radio show, then poked fun at Amber, pretending to yell at a producer, 'Lucy, can I get a blazer? We're both wearing pink!'

'Can someone please get me a blazer?' Christie shared a snap to Instagram after her appearance and made a similar joke

Sarah and her co-star Tom Williams both broke into laughter at Christie's joke as the segment wrapped.

After her appearance on the show, Christie took to Instagram and again made the Jacketgate joke.

She also added the hashtags, 'Jacketgate', 'OnFridaysWeWearPink' and 'JustKidding'.

Viral: Amber's (centre) demand that Julie (L) put on a black jacket went viral last month

It's likely Amber will be hoping the unwanted attention from 'Jacketgate' dies down, but the scandal became the centre of attention again, earlier this week.

The Channel 9 star hosted Nine News Now on Monday afternoon in a green top.

A repeat of Jacketgate? Social media users wondered whether guest Kellie Alderman (R) was asked to put on a blue blazer after she appeared in the same shade of green as Amber on Monday afternoon

When she crossed to guest panelist, Kellie Alderman, Kellie appeared in a similar coloured green outfit, with a mismatched blue jacket thrown on over the top.

Many social media users wondered whether the jacket was a last-minute add-on to her outfit, after she noticed that she was in the same colour as Amber.
It's supposed to be one of the most rewarding and special times in your life.

But it seems that for one father, the prospect of watching his first child be born just isn't as exciting as a wild week away with mates.

A man known only as 'Steve' revealed to Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson on Friday that he's attending his mate's week-long 'Bachelor Party' instead of the birth of his baby - leaving his wife all alone in the hospital.

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Seriously? A man known only as 'Steve' revealed to Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson that he's attending his mate's week-long 'Bachelor Party' instead of the birth of his first baby

Talking to the controversial shock jock and his radio co-host over the phone, Steve told the pair it was highly likely he'd miss the birth.

'When's the baby coming out?' Kyle asked, to which Steve replied: 'I think around April 3'.

A clearly unimpressed Jackie O then began to grill the man, asking him where he'll be instead.

'I'm going to be at a Bucks Party on the Gold Coast,' Steve said, sounding rather pleased with himself.

Despite often finding stories such as this hilarious, it appeared even Kyle was also in disbelief about the man's decision.

After asking the man how long he would be away from his pregnant wife for, he was left even more shocked when Jackie O told him the answer.

'He's going to be there for five days over the due date. So he's definitely, well not definitely, but highly likely going to miss it,' she said.

The look on the faces of both hosts showed they were clearly at a loss to explain why Steve would be choosing a party over the birth.

Unimpressed: Jackie O then began to grill the man, asking him where he'll be instead that day

Priorities: 'I'm going to be at a Bucks Party on the Gold Coast,' Steve told the popular radio hosts, seemingly rather pleased with himself

And so Jackie O, who herself is a mother-of-one, asked him straight up.

'Why would you choose that over the birth of your first child?' she said.

'A lot of people put that at the top of their list of the most amazing moments of their life. Why would you want to miss that?'

Seeming blase about the whole issue, Steve explained his simple view.

A joke? The popular radio hosts, who have stars such as Ed Sheeran on their show regularly, were left in shock by the blase' decision of Steve

Bad parenting? 'He's going to be there for five days over the due date. So he's definitely, well not definitely, but highly likely going to miss it,' Jackie O, who is a mother-of-one, said

'I just want to let everything go before I have to commit to this baby,' he said.

'I want to have good time with my friends, have fun, have a last "yeehaa" before he comes.'

Hundreds of commenters voiced their anger towards Steve over the issue below video of the discussion on Kyle and Jackie O's Instagram page.

Called everything from 'selfish' and 'disgusting' to an 'a*****e', the overriding view was that the man was definitely in the wrong.

'Silly silly woman to even want this man in her life. The child is better off without him too,' one commenter wrote.

'How disgusting. He doesn't deserve a wife and child!' another said.
Katie Holmes certainly enjoyed wearing a bejeweled, burgundy Marchesa SS/13 gown while hosting the AHA's Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection on Thursday.

Backstage at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the 38-year-old actress playfully shimmied up a storm - whipping her fringed frock into a frenzy.

But on the red carpet, the Touched with Fire star was all elegance and fierceness in her beautiful backless number.

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Picture perfect: Katie Holmes certainly enjoyed wearing a bejeweled, burgundy Marchesa SS/13 gown while hosting the AHA's Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection on Thursday

Business in the front... party in the back! The actress looked stunning in the wine coloured gown, complete with fringing and glittering embellishments

Katie - born Kate - had her strong brows, pink cheeks, and Laura Mercier 'boudoir' lipstick applied by make-up artist Genevieve Herr.

And hairstylist DJ Quintero coiffed Holmes' brunette locks into a heart-inspired chignon.

While attending the NYFW festivities, the divorced mother-of-one gave cardiac arrest survivor Sofia Montoya a hug and posed with former DWTS contestant Maureen McCormick.

After the American Heart Association show, the Dawson's Creek alum donned a striped Comme des Garcons top and wished her 916K followers a happy Valentine's weekend.

Leading lady: Katie looked as gorgeous as ever as she took on the leading lady role as host host at the charity event

Shake your moneymaker! Backstage at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the 38-year-old actress playfully shimmied up a storm - whipping her fringed frock into a frenzy

Vamp! But on the red carpet, the Touched with Fire star was all elegance and fierceness in her beautiful backless number

Ready for her close-up: Katie - born Kate - had her strong brows, pink cheeks, and Laura Mercier 'boudoir' lipstick applied by make-up artist Genevieve Herr

'Getting ready!' And hairstylist DJ Quintero coiffed Holmes' brunette locks into a heart-inspired chignon

Girl power: The divorced mother-of-one gave cardiac arrest survivor Sofia Montoya (L) a hug and posed with former DWTS contestant Maureen McCormick (R)

Katie then enjoyed a 'beautiful dinner' with three 'wonderful' gal pals at Manhattan Pan-Asian restaurant Tao.

The ladies' night came a day after the Ray Donovan stunner's rep told Gossip Cop that the latest Jamie Foxx romance rumors were 'ridiculous on all fronts.'

Holmes and the 49-year-old Oscar winner - who co-starred with her ex-husband Tom Cruise in the 2004 thriller Collateral - have been dubiously 'linked' since 2012.

The Ohio-born beauty will next play former FLOTUS Jacqueline Kennedy in The Kennedys After Camelot, which premieres April 2 on ReelzChannel.

'#play': After the American Heart Association show, the Dawson's Creek alum donned a striped Comme des Garcons top and wished her 916K followers a happy Valentine's weekend

'Happy Valentine's weekend!' Katie then enjoyed a 'beautiful dinner' with three 'wonderful' gal pals at Manhattan Pan-Asian restaurant Tao

Pictured in 2013: The ladies' night came a day after the Ray Donovan stunner's rep told Gossip Cop that the latest Jamie Foxx romance rumors were 'ridiculous on all fronts'

The All We Had director also executive produced and helmed the third episode of the four-part miniseries based on J. Randy Taraborrelli's 2012 book.

15 celebrities donned a spectrum of crimson-shaded dresses to help raise funds for heart disease awareness, research, education and community programs to benefit women.

Secrets and Lies star Juliette Lewis did her best catwalk strut in a custom Christian Siriano creation that flaunted her muscular legs.

It's hard to believe the Oscar nominee is 43 years old with her fit 5ft6in figure and youthful complexion.

Premieres April 2! Holmes will next play former FLOTUS Jacqueline Kennedy in ReelzChannel's four-part miniseries The Kennedys After Camelot

Seeing red! 15 celebrities donned a spectrum of crimson-shaded dresses to help raise funds for heart disease awareness, research, education and community programs to benefit women

Pin parade: Secrets and Lies star Juliette Lewis did her best catwalk strut in a custom Christian Siriano creation that flaunted her muscular legs

Orange Is the New Black's Diane Guerrero and Lorraine Toussaint also sashayed in dazzling designs from Gustavo Cadile and Masha Titievsky, respectively.

Salem stunner Lucy Lawless showcased her statuesque 5ft10in figure in an off-the-shoulder Nicole Miller lace number.

Blue Bloods actress Bridget Moynahan fanned out her arms in a sleeveless Herve Leger bandage gown.

Plunging gown: It's hard to believe the Oscar nominee is 43 years old with her fit 5ft6in figure and youthful complexion

Sexy and sophisticated: The dress plunged into a caged neckline to flash her delicate cleavage as she frolicked on the matching red carpet

Scarlet duo: Orange Is the New Black's Diane Guerrero (L) and Lorraine Toussaint (R) also sashayed in dazzling designs from Gustavo Cadile and Masha Titievsky, respectively

Xena! Salem stunner Lucy Lawless showcased her statuesque 5ft10in figure in an off-the-shoulder Nicole Miller lace number

Strutting their stuff: Juliette (L) looked every inch a supermodel later on as she fiercely took to the catwalk alongside stunning Bonnie Somerville (R)

Wildfire songstress Rachel Platten performed on the runway in a strapless Pamella Roland dress alongside dancers.

Also walking were Code Black's Bonnie Somerville in Carmen Marc Valvo, The Real's Jeannie Mai in John Paul Ataker, and Bunk'd starlet Peyton List in Naeem Khan.

And former View host Star Jones was clad in red lace as she posed with her red dress-clad Maltese Pinky.

Put some back into it! British model Iskra Lawrence looked sensational in a bodycon dress which hugged each and every one of her famous womanly curves

My my Mai!: Jeannie Mai put on a playful display as she walked the runway in a striking fishtail gown

Former model: Blue Bloods actress Bridget Moynahan fanned out her arms in a sleeveless Herve Leger bandage gown

In stilettos: Wildfire songstress Rachel Platten performed on the runway in a strapless Pamella Roland dress alongside dancers

All eyes on me: Rachel then couldn't help but beam as she made her catwalk debut, alongside Diane Guerrero (R)

We did it! The red-hot ladies then all congregated on the catwalk after the show for a group dance as they celebrated their appearance

But first, let me take a selfie: The girls all documented the day together - Asia Monet Ray and Iskra Lawrence (L), Jazz Jennings, Jeannie Mai, C. C. H. Pounder, and Peyton List (R)

Red hot! The girls exuded glamour as they posed backstage - Maureen McCormick, Lauren Holly, Bonnie Somerville, Juliette Lewis, Veronica Webb, and Bridget Moynahan (L-R)

Charitable: Also walking were Code Black's Bonnie Somerville in Carmen Marc Valvo, Diane Guerrero, and Bunk'd starlet Peyton List in Naeem Khan

Close friends: Juliette Lewis, Veronica Webb, and Bridget Moynahan (L-R) cuddled up backstage as they caught up
She was recently spotted locking lips with another woman while filming her upcoming Netflix series Gypsy.

But on her day off, Naomi Watts has taken advantage of the snowstorm covering the north east coast of the United States spending the day in the snow with her nine-year-old son.

The 49-year-old actress took to Instagram to share a selfie with her eldest son Alexander (nicknamed Sasha).

Day off! Actress Naomi Watts took to Instagram to share a selfie of herself with her eldest son Alexander in the snow as schools in New York City were shut down for the day

Naomi and her lookalike son gleefully smile wrapped up in their beanies and scarves, as they stand in front trees and a field covered in thick snow.

The Sydney-raised actress simply hash tagged her post: '#snowday #nyc' and included a heart emoji.

Her legions of fans liked, with quiet a few commenting on the likeness of the mother and son.

Wrapped up: The Sydney-raised actress simply hash tagged her post: '#snowday #nyc' and included a heart emoji

Let it snow: Absent from the sweet mother-son photo was her youngest son Samuel

One said: 'He is the image of you! The very picture!'

Another wrote: 'I actually thought your son was you at first glance! Can't believe it he's your mini me!'

While a Sydney based fan commented: 'Very different from a 40 degrees Sydney today.'

Absent from their winter wonderland photo was her other son Samuel, 7, as well as their father and her ex-partner actor Liev Schreiber.

Co-parenting: Naomi and actor Liev Schreiber share sons Samuel and Alexander. The pair split up in 2016 after 11 years together

Winter storm Niko has lashed eastern states including Boston, Philadelphia and New York.

In The Ring star's adopted home of New York City, public schools have been forced to close down for the day.

The storm has even caused planes flying in and out of JFK airport to be delayed.
Their daughter Jagger Snow turns two this summer.

And on Thursday, Ashlee Simpson and husband Evan Ross stepped out with Jagger to run errands in Los Angeles.

Ashlee, 32, kept it casual in ripped denim with a patterned cover up while carrying their daughter in her arms.

What a good looking family: on Thursday, Ashlee Simpson and husband Evan Ross stepped out with Jagger to run errands in Los Angeles

The younger sister of Jessica Simpson hit the pavement in gold and black loafers, adding light wash bottoms.

Ashlee, who rocked vintage inspired sunglasses, stayed warm in a brown and black patterned cover up with layers of necklaces.

She styled her blonde locks loose with waves while keeping her makeup to a minimum.

Jagger looked sweet in a navy top with a grey dress on top; the adorable toddler had part of her hair pulled back into twin buns.

Doting mom: Ashlee, 32, kept it casual in ripped denim with a patterned cover up while carrying their daughter in her arms

Evan led the way in black denim with a matching hoodie and boots.

The 28-year-old Hunger Games star, who is the son of Diana Ross, finished off his casual ensemble with a backpack.

Ashlee and Evan started dating in summer 2013; the lovebirds became engaged in January 2014.

Happily ever after: Ashlee and Evan started dating in summer 2013; the lovebirds became engaged in January 2014

Ashlee and Evan married eight months later in August at Diana's Connecticut estate.

They welcomed Jagger - their first child together - on July 30, 2015.

Ashlee has a eight-year-old son, Bronx Mowgli Wentz, with her ex husband Pete Wentz; they were married from 2008 until 2011.

Close: Ashlee and Evan married eight months later in August at Diana's Connecticut estate
Bachelor star Sam Wood has vowed to change lives after landing a book deal.

The 36-year-old announced on Friday that he will work with publishers Hardie Grant to release two books - the first of which is named after his fitness and healthy eating program, 28 By Sam Wood.

Set for release in June, the book will contain recipes, training tips and workout plans, and Sam took to Instagram to share his delight at the news.

Page turner: Bachelor star Sam Wood has vowed to change lives after landing a book deal

He said: 'Very excited to announce that in June Im releasing my first book - 28 by Sam Wood!

'For the first time in print weve collated 100 favourite recipes, meal plans, workouts and training tips to help you change your life.'

The book features a large range of healthy recipes, which its claimed can all be cooked in under 28 minutes.

Wood you read it? The 36-year-old announced on Friday that he will work with publishers Hardie Grant to release two books - the first of which is named after his fitness and healthy eating program, 28 By Sam Wood

Coming soon: Set for release in June, the book will contain recipes, training tips and workout plans, and Sam took to Instagram to share his delight at the news

Sticking to his 28 philosophy, the publication will also contain workouts which can be completed in under half an hour.

Publishers Hardie Grant say the book will be backed by a 'major publicity and marketing campaign' to help them make waves in an already saturated market.

Publisher Jane Wilson said: 'We are thrilled to work with Sam Wood. The premise of his program is simple and his approach is refreshingly honest and authentic.

Living it up: Sam met partner Snezana Markoski on The Bachelor and she's thrown her weight behind his business

Paper trail: Publishers Hardie Grant say the book will be backed by a 'major publicity and marketing campaign' to help them make waves in an already saturated market

'The book's content  from philosophy to exercises to delicious food  reflects that in the most accessible way and we're confident that readers will feel the draw of Sam's compelling 28 approach to a healthier, better life.'

TV presenter Julia Morris is among those enrolled in the monthly program, and Sam recognised the support of all the people who had signed up so far.

He said: 'This is for my 28ers: You are more than a community, you're my family. Thank you for allowing me to live my passion and giving me the best job in the world.'
It doesn't have a reputation as the most fashionable of tipples.

But Good Morning Britain Presenter Kate Garraway revealed she's a fan of Blue Nun wine on Friday - much to her co-host Ben Shepherd's amusement.

'I like a bit of Blue Nun!' Kate confessed, after hearing from Ross King that a special golden bottle of the German wine could be found in the Grammy Awards goodie bag this weekend.

Loving a tipple: Ben Shepherd cheekily poked fun at Kate Garraway's live of Blue Nun wine

'To be honest you aren't fussy full stop when it comes to drink!' Ben joked.

'I feel like a Blue Nun today! It's so cold,' joked Kate, taking the quipin her stride.

The star then confessed she had a roller stuck to the back of her 'fuzzy felt' pink dress for the first ten minutes of the show. 'But we're alright now,' she said.

Cheeky! Ben and Kate had a laugh at Kate's non fussy attitude to booze

Kate's dress was a little more demure than the previous day's revealing effort - with many fans taking to Twitter to compliment the star on her plunging red frock.

The 49-year-old looked sensational in the tight red frock, which boasted a form-fitting body paired with a plunging neckline and three quarter length sleeves.

She boosted her height and legs with a pair of staggering gold heels while keeping her accessories minimal to allow the dress to speak for itself.

Fuzzy felt: Kate said she had a roller stuck to the back of her pink dress at the start of the show

Demure: Kate's ensemble was a little more conservative than the previous day's effort

This year, more than 50 performers and presenters will be given pricey gift bags at the Grammy Awards, which will be teaming with $30,000 worth of free goodies.

The gift bag includes snacks, electronics, and a free vacation  but is also packed with lots of kitschy stuff one might find in an infomercial.

The most expensive item on offer this year is an $8,850 trip for a week at the Golden Door spa in San Marcos, California. The spa has programs dedicated to fitness, mindfulness, and 'outdoor adventure', as well as traditional spa treatments like massages and facials.

Oh my: The 49-year-old host was the subject of many compliments on Twitter on Thursday, as avid viewers swarmed the site to ladle praise and attention on her eye-popping assets




She is no stranger to stripping off, having posed fully naked for a magazine shoot just last week.

And Kate Moss was quick to show off her womanly figure once again on Thursday, as she gave onlookers a flash of her saucy underwear during a dinner date in London.

The 43-year-old was seen puffing on a cigarette during a night out at La Bodega Negra in Soho - unbuttoning her shirt for the break to reveal a racy black leather bra underneath.

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Sexy lady: Kate Moss, 43, gave onlookers a flash of her saucy leather underwear during a dinner date in London on Thursday

Reclining back on a chair outside the eatery, the blonde displayed her delicate bust and risque underwear for all to see as she enjoyed a cigarette after dinner.

She left her sexy leopard print undone all the way to the waist of her trousers, to flash the saucy under garment and her slim figure beneath.

Letting her hair fall back as she draped herself across the chair, the model appeared to be utterly relaxed as she enjoyed a typically glamorous night out with friends.

Party girl: Clearly enjoying her night from start to finish, the British beauty was seen leaving the establishment later on looking slightly worse for wear

Clearly enjoying her night from start to finish, the British beauty was seen leaving the establishment later on looking slightly worse for wear.

The fashionista, 43, appeared slightly disheveled as she left the swanky La Bodega Negra restaurant in London at 12:30am, with a whole host of close pals.

The British beauty appeared to have had a great night with her friends as she made her way home from the Soho hotspot with a slightly bleary-eyed complexion.

Moss have been a good night: The beauty appeared to have had a great night with her friends as she made her way home from the Soho hotspot with a slightly bleary-eyed complexion

As one of the top models of the time however, Kate still managed to maintain her usual sense of glamour in a sleek black coat, complete with chic feather lining.

Adding to the statement look, she sported a pair of trendy flared black trousers underneath, paired with a bold leopard print shirt, left unbuttoned at the top.

She tied her outfit together with a pair of patent stiletto ankle boots - which she strutted her stuff in with ease, despite her evidently frivolous and tiring evening.

Keeping her look co-ordinated, she carried a shimmering gold clutch with her and accessorised with her trademark chunky gold hoops.

Chic: As one of the top models of the time however, Kate still managed to maintain her usual sense of glamour in a sleek black coat, complete with feather lining

Trendy: Adding to the statement look, she sported a pair of trendy flared black trousers underneath, paired with a bold leopard print shirt to further show her wild side

All that glitters: Keeping her look completely co-ordinated, she carried a shimmering gold clutch with her and accessorised with her trademark chunky gold hoops

She swept her hair away from her face to display her famously striking features to all - before revealing her slightly smudged eye shadow on her way out.

The Croydon-born catwalk star was joined by a large group of friends for the evening - giggling and chatting with them endlessly as they made their late exit.

Kate appears to be showing no sign of slowing down at 43, having enjoyed a string of events to celebrate the birthday last month.

The catwalk queen had hit the town with a host of celebrity friends, including Sadie Frost, Sarah Ferguson and her boyfriend Count Nikolai von Bismarck, 29.

Having a ball: She swept her hair away from her face to display her famously striking features to all - before revealing her slightly smudged eye shadow on her way out

Off we go: The Croydon-born catwalk star was joined by a large group of friends for the evening - giggling and chatting with them endlessly as they made their late exit

Busy day? She was also seen heading home with a chunky black handbag in hand, having perhaps flitted straight from work to the social gathering

The group were again seem looking bleary-eyed as they left her glamorous bash, held at the swanky China Tang restaurant at London's Dorchester Hotel.

Her confident and comfortable appearance in Soho however comes just days after she confessed her body insecurities in her youth to W Magazine.

Having been discovered at the tender age of 14, the mother-of-one admitted she had to snap out of being self conscious when she started out in the industry, in order to make it.

Famous friends: The catwalk queen had hit the town with a host of celebrity friends for her 43rd, including Sadie Frost, Sarah Ferguson and her boyfriend Count Nikolai von Bismarck, 29

Elite: The group were seen again looking bleary-eyed as they left her glamorous bash together, held at the swanky China Tang restaurant at London's Dorchester Hotel

Growth: Her confident and comfortable appearance however comes just days after she confessed her body insecurities in her youth, having been discovered at just 14 years old

She admitted: 'From the beginning, photographers always got me to take my clothes off, even though I don't like my body at all. I just had to get comfortable with being naked.'

Casting her concerns aside however, Kate then went on to become one of the most iconic supermodels of her generation - who has now turned her hand from the catwalk, to designing.

Most recently, she launched a capsule collection for French label Equipment - using her own famous wardrobe as inspiration.

Having collaborated with the brand last year, Kate has now created a range featuring leather jackets, patterned shirts and muted colours that have become her signature style.

Confidence is key: The mother-of-one admitted she had to snap out of being self conscious when she started out in the industry in order to make it
She's one of Australia's hottest exports having moved to the US last month.

And swimsuit stunner Natalie Roser was doing her thing in Palm Springs on Friday.

During a shoot for Californian bikini makers Beach Babe, the 26-year-old snapped a sizzling selfie in her bikini, sharing the snap on Instagram.

Swimsuit stunner: Natalie Roser was doing her thing in Palm Springs on Friday, sharing a snap from one of her photoshoots on Instagram

The blonde is seen holding a flower in her mouth as she showcases her ample cleavage in a rouge bikini.

The model looks intently at the camera as her wavy blonde locks partially hide her face.

Last week, Natalie stripped down to a tiny G-string bikini as she soaked up the sun in Malibu.

The blonde beauty showcased her incredible figure and ample sideboob as she frolicked in the surf.

Beach babe! The Australian model stripped down to a tiny G-strong bikini as she soaked up the sun in Malibu

Sizzling in the snap, Natalie is side-on to the camera and smiles as she holds her hands in the air as small waves crash around her.

Her bikini is coral in colour and emphasises her dark tan.

Her long locks are out and swept to one side and she appears to be wearing natural-looking makeup.

Familiar face: She's one of Australia's hottest bikini models

Natalie took to Instagram to share the shot with her more than 732,000 followers, saying that it took a while to get the perfect image.

'Malibu was not looking like this today. Braved the rain and the mud to get the shot,' Natalie wrote.

This year, Natalie relocated from Australia to the US to pursue her modelling career.

She relocated two weeks ago and recently shared a sweet snap online of herself cuddling her brother as she said goodbye to her family.

Hoping to make it big! This year, Natalie relocated from Australia to the US to pursue her modelling career

Tough: She relocated two weeks ago and recently shared a sweet snap online of herself cuddling her brother as she said goodbye to her family

'Saying goodbye to my little brother and family today because I'm moving to L.A. next week! #2017herewego,' she captioned the shot.

Her move to the US comes after the stunner reportedly split with personal trainer fiance, Dan Adair.

The pair became engaged during a holiday in July 2015 and had plans to marry in October last year.

They have not been seen on their public social media accounts for months.

A representative for the couple recently told Daily Mail Australia that their wedding was 'moved' because their chosen wedding venue shut down and that their relationship was still going strong.
Defense Secretary James Mattis took his first official trip abroad this month to visit two American allies, South Korea and Japan, where he reiterated the United States firm commitment to the security of our long-time Asia-Pacific partners.

In Seoul, Secretary Mattis called the U.S.-South Korea alliance a linchpin of regional peace and stability. He noted the dangers posed by North Koreas missile launches, nuclear weapons program, and threatening rhetoric and behavior. Americas commitments to defending our allies and to upholding our extended deterrence guarantees remain ironclad, he said.

Any attack on the United States or on our allies will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with the response that would be effective and overwhelming.

In the face of North Koreas growing nuclear and ballistic missile threat, the United States is taking defensive steps to help protect the South Korean people, as well as the thousands of U.S. troops stationed in the country. Secretary Mattis pointed to the deployment to South Korea of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, capable of intercepting and destroying North Korean ballistic missiles potentially armed with weapons of mass destruction. He also spoke of the need to continue expanding trilateral cooperation with Japan.

In Tokyo, Secretary Mattis referred to the alliance between the US and Japan as enduring and a cornerstone of peace and security in the Asia Pacific region. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan under the Treaty of Mutual Security and praised Japan for its noteworthy contributions to regional stability.

Secretary Mattis stressed, however, that both the United States and Japan must not be found complacent in the face of the emerging challenges. He pointed to the threat of nuclear and missile provocations by North Korea [and] to increasingly confrontational behavior by China in the East and South China Seas.

Secretary Mattis emphasized the necessity of maintaining a rules-based international order, in which countries resolve issues like land disputes through arbitration or diplomacy, not through military force or occupation. He also insisted that freedom of navigation is absolute.

Faced with the current grave security situation, Secretary Mattis said it is important for the United States and Japan to continue investing in our defense personnel and capabilities. In this manner, we will ensure that we are true partners today and in the years to come. The United States, he added, stands with our friends and allies.
She has been inspiring girls everywhere with her social media posts about body positivity and natural beauty.

And Iskra Lawrence was certainly the picture of confidence on Thursday as she made a stunning arrival at the American Heart Association's charity catwalk at New York Fashion Week.

The British model, 26, displayed her sensational curves in a figure-hugging scarlet dress in honour of the bash, which showcased the Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection.

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Gorgeous: Iskra Lawrence was the picture of confidence on Thursday as she made a stunning arrival at the American Heart Association's charity catwalk at New York Fashion Week

The Worcestershire native turned the heads of all at the bash in her figure-hugging dress, which skimmed her enviable curves as she posed on the carpet.

Styled into a simple scalloped neck and short sleeves, the dress drew attention to her hourglass figure and her incredibly petite waist by clinging to her body all the way down.

Keeping sophisticated with its knee hem, the blonde then upped the sex appeal of the look by posing away from the camera to reveal her famously rounded derriere in the tight fitting number to all.

Stunning: The British model, 26, displayed her sensational curves in a figure-hugging scarlet dress in honour of the bash, which showcased the Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection

Old-school glamour: Styled into a simple scalloped neck, the dress drew attention to her hourglass figure and her incredibly petite waist by clinging to her body all the way down

Keeping the look classically glamorous, she teamed the dress with a pair of black strappy stiletto heels, adorned with glittering silver gems on the toes.

She then added a delicate silver choker as a last finishing touch to make the look youthful and trendy, and keep all eyes on her show-stopping outfit.

Iskra swept her blonde locks into a slick ponytail to display her naturally stunning features - which she only enhanced with glowing make-up and a soft pink lip.

Life's peachy! The blonde then posed away from the camera to reveal her famously rounded derriere in the tight fitting number to all

Simplicity is key: Keeping the look classically glamorous, she teamed the dress with a pair of black strappy stiletto heels, adorned with glittering silver gems on the toes

The Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection 201,7 presented by Macys, sees designers and models show off specially made scarlet gowns to show their support and spread awareness for women's heart health.

Alongside the charity venture, Iskra is currently collaborating with American Eagle's Aerie lingerie label for their 'REAL' campaign, which aims to encourage body positivity.

In honour of the new project, the blonde recently shared an unedited and natural snapshot of her stomach to promote self confidence.

Natural beauty: Iskra swept her blonde locks into a slick ponytail to display her naturally stunning features - which she only enhanced with glowing make-up and a soft pink lip

Having a ball: Iskra happily took selfies with Asia Monet Ray (L) backstage at the event - which advocates and spreads awareness of women's heart health with a charity fashion show

The runway star can be seen modelling a lilac bralet - showcasing her toned tum before her rounded stomach as she changed angles for the revealing shot.

The blonde beauty wrote encouragingly of the change: 'Your fat rolls are beautiful. I made a video about them (link in my bio) And the reason we have been lead to believe they aren't is because we don't see them in the media unless someone's being shamed for weight gain or ridiculed for their body.

'This is NOT the truth and not OK. Having rolls of skin / fat that are soft / squidgy or big / small does not define your beauty. I wanted to show you how my body looks when I'm relaxed and when I'm posing right next to each other so you can see how easy it is to manipulate how a body looks.'

Positivity: In honour of her new campaign with American Eagle, the blonde recently shared an unedited and natural snapshot of her stomach to promote self confidence

She later added: 'As a model in the industry 13 years I've seen nearly all the pics chosen of me for lingerie & swimwear shoots are the ones where my stomach looks flattest.

'Which for a long time lead me to believe that's how I should look.

'Because even if I did happen to have a few shots where I'm in a position you can see back fat or rolls someone had decided it's more "beautiful" "aspirational" or will inspire more customers to buy the product if those so called "flaws" don't exist.'

The star, who is a healthy size 14, is a strong advocate for self-empowerment and has been sharing her journey to accepting her curves on YouTube.
Mischa Barton has been pictured drinking, smoking and partying until 3am just weeks after her shocking 'meltdown' in which she claimed her drink had been spiked.

The outing comes as the actress repeatedly threatened to kill herself according to two neighbours who called 911 to seek help for the actress during the episode.

Now the star has been seen enjoying another big night out in a West Hollywood bar called Barneys Beanery, where she is thought to have stayed out until 3am.

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Fresh fears: Mischa Barton has been seen drinking, smoking and partying at a West Hollywood bar called Barneys Beanery until 3am just weeks after shocking 'meltdown'

She appeared rather dishevelled as she played pool during the night out.

According to Yahoo, she kept popping outside the venue for regular cigarette breaks, where she seemed animated.

MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Mischa Barton for further information.

The outing comes weeks after Mischa's neighbour made called the emergency services.

'My downstairs neighbor is hysterically crying in the backyard and says she's going to kill herself,' said a female neighbor in a 911 tape obtained by TMZ.

'She's screaming and she just keeps on saying "I want to die" and then she's like "I'm going to kill myself" and then she just keeps on, yeah, it's all nonsensical. But I'm very concerned.'

Smoking and drinking: The actor chatted to a pal until the early hours just weeks after repeatedly threatening to kill herself during a harrowing 911 phone call

Worrying: Mischa looked a little dishevelled on the night out in which she played a game of pool

That woman then added: 'They've been called there a bunch. They go see her at least every couple of months because she loses it.'

Another individual who called, this one a man, said: 'I have a neighbor who's on her back patio just screaming.'

He later said: 'She's saying that it's all over, that everything is done and then just wailing. I mean, she's hanging half over her back fence right now.'

Over: Mischa (above on Saturday) threatened to kill herself multiple times during her infamous meltdown last month

Suicidal: Two neighbors who called 911 reported that the actress was in her backyard (above) saying that she she wanted to die

Barton, 31, claimed that she had been given the date rape drug GHB following the incident, which led to her being hospitalized after paramedics arrived on the scene.

In previously released footage of the meltdown, which appeared to be filmed by a neighbor, Barton could be seen ranting and raving while she hang over a fence in her backyard.

The actress, wearing a loose white t-shirt, could be heard wailing as she rocked back and forth.

'Ah, planet Earth. Um, bye,' says Barton at the top of the video.

'Like, like anybody. Oh my God, it's over. I feel it. And it's angry.'

She later says: 'Oh my god, and my mother. I always knew it. Oh you f***** witch. I knew it. What a witch. I was right, I was right.'

Fresh faced: Barton looked happy and healthy in LA on Tuesday (above)

She then breaks down in tears and begins to wail again.

It is then that she starts to say: 'We're dying, we're dying. I knew it, I knew it. I don't want anybody to know. Oh my god, it's terrifying.

'Whoaaaaaaa, you're angry. Oh, I feel you. Oh, I'll be your conduit. Yeah. Yeah. F*** yeah. F*** yeah. F*** yeah you Ziggy Stardust, I always knew it. I always f***ing knew it.'

Barton then falls off the balcony and back onto her patio, but quickly gets back up.

She later said in an interview with People that she went out with a group of friends on the evening before the incident, and it was then that she was drugged.

'While having drinks, I realized that something was not right as my behavior was becoming erratic and continued to intensify over the next several hours,' said the actress.

'I voluntarily went to get professional help, and I was informed by their staff that I had been given GHB. After an overnight stay, I am home and doing well.'

Barton thanked the staff at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for their care at the time while also asking that the media respect her privacy.

A former child star, Barton, shot to fame on the popular teen television program The O.C. (pictured in 2005)

Mischa first gained notice for her role as a ghost in the 1999 blockbuster The Sixth Sense (pictured)

Mischa began her career when she was just eight years old with a role in the play Slavs!, written by acclaimed American playwright Tony Kushner, and continued to work in New York stage productions over the next few years.

She then moved to television in 1996, appearing on the popular soap opera All My Children while also doing some voice work as a character on the animated Nickelodeon show KaBlam!.

In 1999, the British born actress got another big break, landing small, but pivotal, roles in two of the year's biggest movies - Notting Hill and The Sixth Sense.

She then shifted to more independent fare in her early teenage years, appearing in films including Lost & Delirious, Tart and The Oh in Ohio, while also gaining notice and critical praise for her brief turn as the lesbian girlfriend of Evan Rachel Wood on the television show Once & Again.

Height of fame: Barton at the 2005 Golden Globes (above)

Then, in 2003, she starred as Marissa Cooper on The O.C., a role that made her one of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood.

Her sartorial choices made her a fashion darling and frequent cover star for major magazines, while the teenager's penchant for dating much older men, among them oil heir Brandon Davis and rocker Cisco Adler, made her a target for the paparazzi and the subject of near daily gossip reports.

Her weight also became a frequent topic of discussion, with 5ft 10in Mischa and her clique of Hollywood gal pals, which at the time included Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and stylist Rachel Zoe, labeled 'alarmingly thin'.

Mischa, then 19, was also making enough money at this time to purchase her sprawling Beverly Hills estate, for which she paid $6.4million, and had managed to land her first leading role in a Hollywood film, starring alongside Hayden Christensen in a film that was then called Decameron.

She then surprised many when she announced she would not be returning to The O.C. for the show's fourth, and final season, a decision many in the industry saw as an effort on her part to focus on her burgeoning film career.

Mischa failed to find success in the film industry though, with many of her films under-performing or being pushed back years, including Decameron, which opened in very limited release as Virgin Territory in 2007, three years after production had wrapped in Italy.

Mischa and her O.C. costar Rachel Bilson (sec. from right) with Zoe Winkler (sec. from left) and Nicole Richie (far right) shortly after the show's premiere

Mischa (with Lindsay Lohan at the 2004 Vanity Fair Oscar Party) became a fashion darling when she was just a teen (right with Rachel Zoe)

It was also around this time, in late 2007, that Barton had her first run-in with the law, as she was pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence and then found to be in possession of marijuana and driving on a suspended license.

She was ultimately charged with two misdemeanors, for driving without a license and operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

In her professional life, she continued to focus on films around this time, starring in small, independent films and even turning down an offer from O.C. creator Josh Schwartz to star on his new show Gossip Girl as the villainous Georgina Sparks, a role that eventually went to Michelle Trachtenberg.

Red carpet: Barton's last public appearance was at an event in November (above)

By 2009 she had a change of heart however, and took the lead role in a heavily promoted and highly publicized new drama about the fashion industry in New York, The Beautiful Life.

TBL, as it came to be known, also boasted a big name executive producer in Ashton Kutcher, and given the success of Gossip Girl on the same network, was expected to be an instant hit.

The show was released however to critical pans, and ratings were so low that it was cancelled after just two episodes.

Mischa was also dealing with an incident that happened shortly before production began on the show.

In July, Mischa was placed under involuntary psychiatric hold at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

It was reported that after seeking medical attention for a tooth problem, Mischa was removed from her home by members of the Los Angeles Police Department.

In an interview with People in 2013, Mischa said of the incident; 'It was a full-on breakdown. It was terrifying, straight out of Girl, Interrupted. Story of my life.'

Since then Mischa has again focused on roles in smaller films, though she did return to the theater briefly in 2012 when she starred as Shelby in a Dublin production of Steel Magnolias at the Gaeity Theater.

She also appeared on Dancing With the Stars last year, but was sent home in the first weeks of the show.

Barton has also made money doing public appearances over the past few years.
His appearance on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie brought about a new series of tropical adventures  and a dramatic surge in viewing figures.

But after three hugely successful years as DI Humphrey Goodman in BBC drama Death In Paradise, Kris Marshall finally bought a one-way ticket home  and fans were devastated.

The 43-year old left the much loved detective series on Thursday evening, shortly after disappointing viewers by publicly confirming his decision to leave for family reasons.

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Farewell: After three hugely successful years as DI Humphrey Goodman in BBC drama Death In Paradise, Kris Marshall finally bought a one-way ticket home during a double-bill on Thursday evening  and fans were devastated

With two episode of series six left, Marshall said goodbye after introducing his replacement  former Father Ted star Ardal OHanlon - who joins as the islands new resident detective, DI Mooney.

But while fans of the show  which has seen viewing figures surge to 8.67 million since Marshalls introduction  are confident that Irish star OHanlon will be a hit, they were in mourning at his predecessors departure.

Taking to Twitter, one emotional viewer wrote: Actually cant believe @HumphreyGoodman is gone, my hearts broken excited to see DI Mooney tho.

Upset: One fan couldn't believe that Marshall is no longer part of the BBC show

In mourning: Viewers of the show admitted the popular Marshall's loss was a blow

Bags packed: The 43-year old bid farewell to the much loved detective series after disappointing viewers by publicly confirming his decision to leave for family reasons

Emotional: Others were quick to voice their despair on Twitter

Another praised Marshalls acting ability, writing: What an amazing @HumphreyGoodman character. Were gonna miss #KrisMarshall in #DeathinParadise.

Cracking #deathinparadise episode. Thanks#KrisMarshall youve been great. Welcome #ArdalOHanlon Looking forward to this week, raved another.

A fourth viewer claimed Marshall's departure had left a huge hole in the TV schedule, writing: 'Can't believe it, you cannot top Kris Marshall in that role, Thursday's will never be the same again #deathinparadise.'

Special: Others were thrilled with the way Marshall was written out during the two-part special

Big impact: His appearance on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie brought about a new series of tropical adventures  and a dramatic surge in viewing figures

All the best: Other's thanked the actor for a remarkable three year stint

High praise: Many fans commended Marshall and his quirky portrayal of the character

'Don't think I'll be able to get over #Humphrey leaving for a while those are big shoes to fill #deathinparadise," wrote one dejected viewer, echoing the thoughts of many.

Elsewhere fans admitted they were looking forward to seeing veteran star O'Hanlon take Marshall's place on the hit show.

'I still think #DeathInParadise is a fabulous series. Looking forward to the new series with Father Dougal,' wrote one.

Another enthused: 'amazed how effortlessly @ardalsfolly slipped into #deathinparadise  great new lead, hope as successful as Kris Marshalls @HumphreyGordon.

Looking ahead: Elsewhere fans admitted they were looking forward to seeing veteran star Ardal O'Hanlon take Marshall's place on the hit show

Taking the reigns: Viewers got their first glimpse of O'Hanlon,who joins as the islands new resident detective DI Mooney

Marshall recently revealed he can no longer expect his young family to follow him to the Caribbean for six months at a time as his son begins school.

The actor - who spent half the year filming in Guadeloupe as Goodman - admitted that some friends and family thought he was 'mad' to give up the hit role.

Kris - who is father to son Thomas and daughter Elsie - opened up to the Radio Times about leaving the much-loved detective series, admitting that family comes first.

Spilling the beans: Kris Marshall has revealed he can no longer expect his young family to follow him to the Caribbean for six months at a time as his son begins school

He said: 'Every year except last year we took Thomas out with us. The only reason they didnt come out last year was because my daughter was born and she was only three months old when filming started.

'Thomas has basically spent half his life in the Caribbean. Every year he went to the same nursery in Guadeloupe. But now its time for him to put on scholastic shackles and toe the line.

He added the decision to leave the popular series did not come out of the blue for show bosses, who have known his plans for some time to eventually stay at home in Somerset.

Candid: The 43-year-old - who spends half the year filming in Guadeloupe as DI Humphrey Goodman - admitted that some friends and family think he is 'mad' to give up the hit role

Open: Kris - who is father to son Thomas and daughter Elsie - opened up to the Radio Times about leaving the much-loved detective series, admitting that family comes first

He continued: 'Its something my wife and I discussed three or four years ago. When I was first offered the job, my son was six months old and my wife wasnt working, so it was a very easy decision.

Read the full interview in Radio Times out today

'We decided I would do Death in Paradise for a few years until it became impractical. It was always quite a finite thing. I certainly didnt hide it from anyone I work with.'

The 43-year-old - who will hand over the leading role to Father Ted star Ardal O'Hanlon - added that friends think he's 'mad' to give up the dream role, which see's him filming on some of the world's most idyllic beaches.

He explained: 'Yes, some people think I'm mad, obviously. And there is an old adage, "Dont quit a hit", which is very true. I'm going to miss it terribly.

'There have already been times when Ive thought to myself, "Have I made the right decision?"

Kris isn't the first actor to depart Saint Marie's police station, as Ben Miller previously fronted the series when it hit the air in 2011, playing DI Richard Poole for two series.

Now passing the baton to Irish comic O'Hanlon, the Love Actually star gave some sage advice to the actor - who will play DI Jack Mooney - about working in the heat, insisting to know your lines 'backwards.
Rick Hoffman and Sarah Rafferty dodged a question about Suits co-star Meghan Markle on Friday night's episode of The Project.

An awkward silence ensued after host Gergi Cochlan raised the issue of her relationship with Prince Harry, leaving the duo to shuffle uncomfortably in their seats.

Rick and Sarah, who are in Australia promoting season seven on the hit US show, have reportedly warned off press from asking about their co-star's love life, according to The Daily Telegraph.

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Awkward: Rick Hoffman (L) and Sarah Rafferty (R) dodged a question about Suits co-star Meghan Markle on Friday night's episode of The Project

Gergi sparked the awkward exchange by posing the question: 'What happens when one of your colleagues decides to date a prince?'

The American actors exchanged puzzled glances before Rick eventually offered a response, although the 46-year-old didn't answer the presenter's question.

'I didn't know that I was a prince,' he joked. 'If that's how people feel about me...'

What to say? An awkward silence ensued after host Gergi Cochlan raised the issue of her relationship with Prince Harry, leaving the duo to shuffle uncomfortably in their seats

No comment: Rick and Sarah, who are in Australia promoting season seven on the hit US show, have reportedly warned off press from asking about their co-star's (pictured) love life

Man in question: Meghan is in a high-profile relationship with Prince Harry

Fellow panelist Meshel Laurie tried to press for more details, asking: 'Does she ride ponies or anything weird like that?'

This time Sarah took it upon herself to offer a vague answer, saying: 'I hope we get some tea, or some biscuits, or something like that.'

During the interview, Sarah was asked how her husband, Santtu Seppala, felt about her spending so much time with her co-star.

Unimpressed: Gergi sparked the awkward exchange by posing the question: 'What happens when one of your colleagues decides to date a prince?'

Tightlipped: The American actors exchanged puzzled glances before Rick eventually offered a response, although the 46-year-old didn't answer the presenter's question

Personal matters: During the interview, Sarah was asked how her husband, Santtu Seppala, felt about her spending so much time with her co-star

Sarah spent her honeymoon in Australia after marrying the stock analyst, and she joked that she was on her 'second honeymoon' with Rick.

She said: 'We've been honeymooning it up. We just came from Sydney this morning. We've been at the Opera House, we went on a boat ride - don't tell me husband.'

Host Waleed Aly then asked the 44-year-old if Santtu is ok with the trip, which has seen Sarah buy an unusual gift for her co-star.

'He's fine. He's good about it. I just have to bring him home those kangaroo balls that I bought you (Rick). It's all good as long as he gets the same gifts,' joked the Connecticut native.
She's the model who recently took part in social experiment and television show First Contact.

And Renae Ayris, 26, looked stunning as she attended the MAXIM Australia Valentine's Day Warm Up Party on Friday.

The former Miss Universe Australia went for an understated chic look in a form-fitting nude dress.

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Looking lovely! Renae Ayris wears skin tight nude dress at MAXIM Australia Valentines Day Warm Up Party

The leggy blonde showed off her cleavage in the revealing outfit, which also featured a daring cut out over her stomach.

Renae paired her dress with strappy black stilettos and a chain strap handbag on one shoulder.

She let her natural beauty do the talking, keeping her makeup simple and bronzed while wearing her golden locks back in a ponytail.

Chic: The leggy blonde showed off her cleavage in the revealing outfit, which also featured a daring cut out over her stomach

Bronzed babe: She let her natural beauty do the talking, keeping her makeup simple and bronzed while wearing her golden locks back in a ponytai

Also at the event was former Bachelor contestant Olena Khamula, who looked elegant in a sleek red dress.

The Sydney makeup artist bared her cleavage thanks to the outfit's plunging neckline, which featured on trend choker detailing.

The petite beauty styled her hair into a retro style side part, matching the crimson ensemble with a nude clutch and heels.

Ravishing in red! Former Bachelor contestant Olena Khamula, who also looked elegant in a sleek red dress

Where's Steph Dixon: The petite beauty styled her hair into a retro style side part, matching the crimson ensemble with a nude clutch

Showing off her assets: The Sydney makeup artist bared her cleavage thanks to the outfit's plunging neckline, which featured on trend choker detailing

But her best accessory was her new beau, builder Rodney Maroun, with whom she posed lovingly with for the cameras.

The dark haired man looked handsome in a navy blazer paired with a white button up shirt and jeans.

Loved up: But her best accessory was her new beau, builder Rodney Maroun, with whom she posed lovingly with for the cameras

Matching his girl! The dark haired man looked handsome in a navy blazer paired with a white button up shirt and jeans

The loved up couple were spotted enjoying each other's company, chatting animatedly as they held a drink in heir hands.

Also representing The Bachelor ranks was Heather Maltman, who made the trip from her Gold Coast base for the soiree.

The actress turned radio host wore a tiny black dress which showed off her petite build.

Little black dress: Also representing The Bachelor ranks was Heather Maltman, who made the trip from her Gold Coast base for the soiree

Keeping it simple: The quirky brunette kept her hair and makeup simple for the event, opting for a natural face

Trim pins: The actress turned radio host wore a tiny black dress which showed off her petite build

She paired the revealing ensemble with a pair of peep toe pumps and a black choker.

The quirky brunette kept her hair and makeup simple for the event, opting for a natural looking face.

Inside the event, she was spotted laughing and chatting animatedly to Survivor's Sam Webb happily posing for photos together.

Something funny? Inside the event, she was spotted laughing and chatting animatedly to Sam Webb happily posing for photos together

Friends? The two seemed fast friends at the Valentine's Day warm up party

So cute! The couple cuddled together on a couch inside the event while posing separately on the red carpet

Making their mark: The Maxim Valentine's Day also served as the public debut for former Bachelorette contestant Davey Lloyd and his new girlfriend, Instagram model Jade Williams

The Maxim Valentine's Day also served as the public debut for former Bachelorette contestant Davey Lloyd and his new girlfriend, Instagram model Jade Williams.

The couple cuddled together on a couch inside the event while posing separately on the red carpet.

Jade wore a revealing cream dress which featured a low back and thigh splits showing off her trim physique.

White hot: Jade wore a revealing cream dress which featured a low back and thigh splits showing off her trim physique

Reality star: Davey rose to prominence on the 2015 season of The Bachelorette before he was booted off by Sam Frost

Having fun: Also at the event in typical racy style was the girlfriend of Kyle Sandilands Imogen Anthony

Also at the event in typical racy style was the girlfriend of Kyle Sandilands Imogen Anthony.

The model wore a miniskirt with suspenders, accesorising the look with a red lip choker and chain belt.

Inside the event, Imogen was in high spirits, dancing happily and laughing with friends.

She's not shy! The model wore a miniskirt with suspenders, accesorising the look with a red lip choker and chain belt
She is set to grace the March cover of men's magazine, Maxim Australia for the second time.

And after all her hard work and saucy Instagram posts Imogen Anthony has let her hair down at the publications Valentine's Day warm-up party, on Friday night.

The 26-year-old was photographed letting loose and having fun at the Casablanca Bar Lounge Club in Double Bay, on Friday night.

Having fun: mogen Anthony has let her hair down at the publications Valentine's Day warm-up party at the Casablanca Bar Lounge Club in Double Bay

Imogen kept true to her raunchy image and dressed in a black mini dress.

She accessorised her ensemble with a black belt adorned with chains, and a choker with red lips.

The glamour model completed her look with thigh high black boots.

Raunchy: Imogen kept true to her raunchy image and dressed in a black mini dress

Glamour: She accessorised her ensemble with a black belt adorned with chains, and a choker with red lips

Dancing the night away: She was pictured hitting the dance floor Heather Maltman

The blonde bombshell partied the night away without her radio shock jock boyfriend of five-years Kyle Sandilands.

Instead she was spotted partying with some of reality TV's elite including Bachelorette Olena Khamula and Zilda Williams.

She was pictured hitting the dance floor Heather Maltman and doing her trademark dance move, whipping her hair back and forth.

Other celebrities at the event included Reneae Ayris, Tim Omoji, Shannon Noll, Mel Greig, Fiona Falkiner, Simone Brennan and Sam Webb.

She loves them! This is the second time Imogen will grace the cover of the men's magazine

Whip my hair: The 26-year-old was pictured doing her trademark dance move, whipping her hair back and forth, which even eclipsed Heather Maltman's face

She recently returned from celebrating her twenty-sixth birthday in the Whitsundays with her friends and boyfriend Kyle.

He gifted his socialite girlfriend an 18 carat gold Rolex Yacht-Master II, worth $55,250.

The couple recently sparked engagement rumors with when Imogen posted an Instagram video of a huge diamond ring, which she clarified was actually replacement ring.

Imogen previously posed on the cover of Maxim in early 2014.
She's no stranger to causing waves in a sunny location.

And Chloe Goodman certainly ensured all eyes were on her when she headed to her hotel's pool in Tenerife, on Thursday.

Leaving drama at the door, the 23-year-old Ex On The Beach star ensured her enviable curves and ample assets were firmly on display in a tiny mismatched bikini.

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Bikini babe! Chloe Goodman certainly ensured all eyes were on her when she headed to her hotel's pool in Tenerife, on Thursday

Jetting away to the Spanish island to escape the freezing British winter, the brunette beauty looked to be in her element as she enjoyed some R&R.

Clearly enjoying the balmy temperatures on the isle, Chloe ensured that her enviable bikini body was on display thanks to her choice in swimwear.

Opting for a plunging orange top, which featured white strappy detailing, the MTV starlet ensured that there was more than a hint of her cleavage on display.

Flashing the flesh: Leaving drama at the door, the 23-year-old Ex On The Beach star ensured her enviable curves and ample assets were firmly on display in a tiny mismatched bikini

And... rest: Jetting away to the Spanish island to escape the freezing British winter, the brunette beauty looked to be in her element as she enjoyed some R&R

She teamed the halterneck top with a pair of equally tiny black bikini bottoms, which allowed the Brighton-born model to highlight her peachy posterior.

Keeping her poolside ensemble simple and uncluttered, Chloe chose to got without any accessories - bar her trusty phone.

Wearing her immaculate and lustrous long locks loose and brushed back off of her face, the EOTB allowed her stunning features to shine through.

Tanned and toned: Clearly enjoying the balmy temperatures on the isle, Chloe ensured that her enviable bikini body was on display thanks to her choice in swimwear

Busty beauty: Opting for a plunging orange top, which featured white strappy detailing, the MTV starlet ensured that there was more than a hint of her cleavage on display

Peachy! She teamed the halterneck top with a pair of equally tiny black bikini bottoms, which allowed the Brighton-born model to highlight her peachy posterior

Keeping it breezy: Keeping her poolside ensemble simple and uncluttered, Chloe chose to got without any accessories - bar her trusty phone

Opting for a simple and bronzed palette of make-up, she only highlighted and defined her cheekbones and eyes.

Despite her fiery nature, which saw her get the boot from EOTB series five, Chloe looked to be enjoying a relaxing holiday.

Having soaked up sunshine by the pool she decided to cool off and headed to the pool, where she gingerly climbed into the cool waters before she showed off her playful side with some ball games.

Having played around by the poolside Chloe clambered into the waters, inadvertently showcasing her lithe and toned legs.

Playful: Having soaked up sunshine by the pool she decided to cool off and headed to the pool, where she gingerly climbed into the cool waters before she showed off her playful side

Nice ball control: Picking up a volley ball, the Southern stunner showed couldn't help but smile

Catch: Keeping boredom at bay Chloe played around with the ball lobbing it around the pool

Fun in the sun: She was clearly having a grand time as she messed around in the sunshine

Legs a-hoy! As she clambered in and out of the pool, Chloe inadvertently showcased her lithe legs

Ready? She looked to be slightly unimpressed with the temperature of the water
Geoffrey and Brynne Edelsten were pictured arriving at court on Wednesday.

The 73-year-old millionaire and his ex-wife, who he was married to for five years before they split in 2014, were continuing to thrash out their divorce settlement in Melbourne.

Both parties wore black as they were pictured making their way to court.

Dark day: Geoffrey and Brynne Edelsten were pictured arriving at court on Wednesday

Medical entrepreneur Geoffrey wore a black pin stripe suit and a colourful tie as he was seen clutching some files.

Meanwhile, Brynne also opted for a dark ensemble, showing up to the meeting in a figure-hugging dress.

The socialite, who is 29 years his junior, added to her outfit with a low-hanging pearl necklace.

To be continued: The millionaire and his ex-wife, who he was married to for five years before they split in 2014, were continuing to thrash out their divorce settlement in Melbourne

Dressing up: Brynne opted for a dark ensemble, showing up to the meeting in a figure-hugging dress

Despite the couple's divorce becoming official in April 2015, they are still thrashing out a settlement.

Six months after the pair officially separated, Brynne complained to The Daily Telegraph: 'With Geoffrey everything takes so long.'

The couple wed at Crown Casino in a lavish November 2009 ceremony MC'd by The Nanny star Fran Drescher and Seinfeld's Jason Alexander, who were flown in to entertain guests.

Golden boy: The couple wed at Crown Casino in a lavish November 2009 ceremony MC'd by The Nanny star Fran Drescher and Seinfeld's Jason Alexander. Seen here in 2011

However, in January 2014, it was announced their marriage was over, with Brynne alleging her husband had 'a dalliance' with another woman 18 months prior.

Geoffrey denied having an affair, saying he did pay for American woman Stacy Da Silva to travel with him to Miami, although the trip was strictly business.

Despite a rocky ending to their relationship and strained relationship since, Brynne and Geoffrey have reportedly rebuilt a friendship over the past few months.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the couple have been enjoying a string of dates recently, even spending time together at their 2009 wedding venue, Crown Casino in Melbourne.
She failed to find love on The Bachelor and split from her actor boyfriend Andrew Steel last year.

But Heather Maltman seems determined to find love again, attending MAXIM Australia Valentine's Day Warm Up Party on Friday night.

The actress turned radio host seemed in high spirits at the event, dancing with Imogen Anthony and sharing a joke with Australian Survivor contestant Sam Webb.

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Little black dress! Heather Maltman wears tiny ensemble to MAXIM Australia Valentines Day Warm Up Party

The petite brunette wore a skimpy black dress which showed off her trim legs and tanned body.

Heather paired the revealing ensemble with peep toe heels and a choker necklace, which gave the outfit a retro nod.

She kept her hair and makeup simple, opting for beauty products which emphasised her natural features.

Looking good! The petite brunette wore a skimpy black dress which showed off her trim legs and tanned body

Letting her dress do the talking! She kept her hair and makeup simple, opting for beauty products which emphasised her natural features

Inside the event, Heather was spotted having plenty of fun with other famous faces in attendance.

She chatted animatedly to another reality television veteran, Australian Survivor's Sam Webb.

The charity CEO, motivational speaker and actor had Heather in stitches, with the two trading jokes.

What's going on here? Inside the event, Heather was spotted having plenty of fun with other famous faces in attendance

Fast friends! She chatted animatedly to another reality television veteran, Australian Survivor's Sam Webb

What's funny? The charity CEO, motivational speaker and actor had Heather in stitches, with the two sharing jokes

Sam and Heather also posed happily for the cameras, with the buff actor pointing appreciatively to the Gold Coast-based radio host.

The versatile brunette was fast friends with another famous face, Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Imogen Anthony.

The two appearing in high spirits as they danced together, with Heather giggling during the energetic moments.

Didn't think they knew each other! The versatile brunette was also fast friends with Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Imogen Anthony

Bit of an eyeful! But as the pair danced around the DJ booth, Heather did become an unfortunate victim of Imogen's energetic hair flicking

But as the pair danced around the DJ booth, Heather did become an unfortunate victim of Imogen's energetic hair flicking.

The Bachelor contestant got a faceful of the model's blonde locks, with Imogen appearing oblivious that she had hit her new friend in the face.

Heather came back to Sydney for the event, having moved to the Gold Coast at the beginning of the year for a role on breakfast radio.

Special trip: Heather came back to Sydney for the event, having moved to the Gold Coast at the beginning of the year for a role on breakfast radio
They're not just after Chyna; they're gunning for Rob & Chyna too.

The managers who threatened to sue Blac for $3million have sent cease and desist letters to the producers of her reality show.

According to TMZ, Jason Alston and Lincoln Hayes of Infinite Grind Multimedia sent letters to NBCUniversal, Ryan Seacrest Productions and Bunim/Murray Productions, warning them they may be added to their impending lawsuit against the star.

In the red? The managers who threatened to sue Blac for $3million have sent cease and desist letters to the producers of her reality show

The pair claim that they signed the fiancee of Rob Kardashian to a ten-year contract in June 2007.

Reportedly taking credit for her rise from obscurity to fame after discovering her working as a stripper in Washington, D.C., the men are said to have made a deal to be given 50 per cent of her earnings over the proceeding decade.

The website reported that the men gave the mother-of-two until June to pay the alleged debt, or they're threatening to sue.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Blac Chyna for comment.

Dragged in: According to TMZ , Jason Alston and Lincoln Hayes of Infinite Grind Multimedia sent letters to NBCUniversal, Ryan Seacrest Productions and Bunim/Murray Productions, warning them they may be added to their impending lawsuit against the star

Long haul: The pair claim that they signed the fiancee of Rob Kardashian to a ten-year contract in June 2007.

News of the possible suit came after it was reported that Blac Chyna will not be prosecuted after being busted for possession of ecstasy in Texas last year.

The 28-year-old reality TV star has had the case against her dismissed.

The website said prosecutors in Austin filed to drop the third degree felony charge against Chyna, and a judge agreed.

In the clear: News of the possible suit came after it was reported that Blac Chyna will not be prosecuted after being busted for possession of ecstasy in Texas last year

After the news became public, Chyna posed sweetly, snuggling on her Snap story with her two children, King Cairo Stevenson and Dream Renee Kardashian.

Her son King Cairo, 4, was born to her ex Tyga, who is now in a relationship with her fiance's younger half-sister Kylie Jenner, 19.

The model gave birth to her two-month-old baby girl, Dream Renee Kardashian, on November 10, 2016 with her current partner, Rob, long after she found herself in legal trouble in the Lone Star State.

Family snuggles: After the news became public, Chyna posed sweetly, snuggling on her Snap story with her two children, King Cairo Stevenson and Dream Renee Kardashian, on Friday

Hugging it out: Chyna shares her son, King Cairo, with ex Tyga, who is now dating her fiance's half-sister, Kylie Jenner; She shares her daughter, Dream Renee, with her current partner, Rob

Chyna was arrested for public intoxication and drug possession on January 29, 2016, after British Airways refused to board the tattooed exotic model on a London-bound flight due to her intoxication and verbal aggression.

She had admitted to a Saxon Pub bartender that she had taken Xanax, and she became 'verbally aggressive' when he refused to serve her more alcohol.

Police said they found two pills in her sunglasses case.

When police arrived at the airport she reportedly smelled of alcohol, and officers described her behavior in the arrest warrant as 'unpredictable.'

They said she was 'going from extremely angry, cursing at everyone then to crying.'

No trial: The former stripper, pictured in her mug shot after being taken into custody, smelled of alcohol and her behavior was 'unpredictable', according to the arrest warrant

Faced third degree felony charge: She was arrested at Austin International Airport after being denied boarding on a flight to London. Cops found two ecstasy pills in her glasses case

Chyna's arrest occurred just as she and Rob started dating.

The only son of the Keeping Up with the Kardashians momager drove all the way from Los Angeles to Texas to pick up his girlfriend, covering 1,400 miles in 26 hours.

The couple have had a rocky relationship since announcing their engagement in April and confirming their pregnancy in May.

They have split up a number of times and engaged in arguments, hurling insults at each other via social media and having their rows documented on their E! reality series, Rob & Chyna.

They pair have currently reconciled after appearing to part ways over Christmas.
The demands of working his way through a sprawling European roadshow, worked a number on Drakes appetite during a visit to a Leeds branch of Nandos on Thursday evening.

With his entourage clearly in mind the Canadian rapper, currently in the United Kingdom with his 35-date Boy Meets World Tour, spent an exorbitant sum on spicy, Peri-Peri coated chicken  and plenty of it.

One source who witnessed the purchase exclusively told MailOnline that Drake, 30, 'splashed out 600 on 320 medium wings, 120 Lemon & Herb wings, 25 medium chicken wraps, 25 plain chicken wraps and eight medium 1/2 chickens.'

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Hungry work: The demands of working his way through a sprawling European roadshow, worked a number on Drakes appetite during a visit to a Leeds branch of Nandos on Thursday evening

On the side he ordered 10 portions of spicy rice, five portions of chargrilled vegetables, 10 pieces of garlic bread and two portions of chips.

The Yorkshire evening post report that fellow diners were kept waiting as staff-members at the popular fast food restaurant racked up his sizable order.

Drake, who performed two shows at the city's First Direct Arena, arrived shortly after 10:30 before returning to his lavish suite at the nearby Malmaison Hotel.

Splashing out: One source who witnessed the purchase told MailOnline that Drake, 30, 'splashed out 600 on 320 medium wings, 120 Lemon & Herb wings, 25 medium chicken wraps, 25 plain chicken wraps and eight medium 1/2 chickens'

Seeing the funny side, one patron tweeted: 'We aren't being served at Nando's because Drake has ordered 600 of chicken.'

Another wrote: 'Drake goes big when it comes to Nando's.'

The rapper's current tour on behalf of latest album Views will take him through England, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, France and Scotland.

Stuttering romance: Drake's enormous purchase comes amid claim's his fleeting romance with Latina star Jennifer Lopez has come to an end

It comes amid claim's his fleeting romance with Latina star Jennifer Lopez has come to an end.

A source told the website: '[They] have taken some time apart, not because they don't want to be with each other, just because their schedules started getting insane.

'J Lo and Drake are still talking, so people should know they are not in any means angry or that some incident happened. It mainly had to do with timing,' the source added.
The brand is experiencing major innovation at the hands of Belgian designer Raf Simons, formerly of Dior.

And during New York Fashion Week, Calvin Klein further showcased its avant-garde direction when it made Millie Bobby Brown its fresh-faced new ambassador, along with debuting unisex fashion, color blocking, and gold faux fur in its fall collection.

The 12-year-old Stranger Things actress attended the fashion house's runway show on Friday morning, braving the NYC storm to sit front row alongside model-turned-actress Brooke Shields.

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Cute and casual: Millie Bobby Brown, 12, attended the Calvin Klein Collection Front Row on Friday morning during NYFW

The pretty preteen, who plays Eleven on the hit Netflix series, styled her chin-length brunette tresses straight with a single plait braided around the crown of her head for the event.

Her makeup was light, glowing, and age-appropriate, as the SAG Award nominee opted for golden eye shadow and a touch of mascara to enhance her honey-coloured eyes.

Millie finished the look with a bit of light, peachy-pink rouge and a swipe of gloss.

Fresh-faced beauty: The SAG Award nominee opted for golden eye shadow and a touch of mascara to enhance her honey-coloured eyes

Famous fans: The budding starlet brushed elbows with A-Listers at the event, stopping to take photos with Brooke Shields, who posted about the encounter on Instagram

The English actress was understated and cool as she rocked dark distressed skinny jeans, a white t-shirt and a classic black leather jacket.

The budding starlet brushed elbows with A-Listers at the event, stopping to take photos with Brooke Shields, who posted about the encounter on Instagram.

'With @millebobby_brown at @calvinklein show! People thought she was my daughter. Wait til my girls hear that. Love all around,' the 51-year-old brunette beauty captioned a photo of the pair with big smiles.

What an honor! The burgeoning It Girl even got to meet fashion legend Anna Wintour at the show, exchanging a warm handshake with the 67-year-old Vogue editor-in-chief

Fashion buddies: Millie sat front-row with rapper and fashion icon A$AP Rocky, Kendall Jenner's rumored beau, who threw up a peace sign for the convivial shot

Unlikely group: Shields, Brown, Rocky, and a friend pose together in varying fashionable 'fits

The burgeoning It Girl even got to meet fashion legend Anna Wintour at the show, exchanging a warm handshake with the 67-year-old Vogue editor-in-chief.

Calvin Klein's pint-sized muse also mingled with actress Julianne Moore and sat front-row with rapper and fashion icon A$AP Rocky, Kendall Jenner's rumored beau, who threw up a peace sign for the convivial shot.

Also in attendance at the Calvin Klein Collection Front Row were fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, supermodel Karlie Kloss and British model Alexa Chung.

Friends in high places: Calvin Klein's pint-sized muse also mingled with actress Julianne Moore

A-Listers: Julianne Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow brave the storm to take in the new collection

Fashion royalty: Anna Wintour and Sarah Jessica Parker rock shades for the indoor event

Also in attendance at the Calvin Klein Collection Front Row were supermodel Karlie Kloss and British model Alexa Chung

The show must go on: Friday's runway show was one day after NYFW's kick off, which blazed on despite dangerous blizzards in The Big Apple

The new endogenous zone: The collection featured plenty of model underboob

Friday's runway show was one day after NYFW's kick off, which blazed on despite dangerous blizzards in The Big Apple.

The event put the brand's fall/winter collection on display, showcasing designs riddled with silver embroidery, fluid his-and-hers fashion, see-through pieces and ones that offered peaks of underboob, the new endogenous zone.

Up-and-coming: Millie, who turns 13 on February 19, announced her involvement with the brand's offshoot named Calvin Klein By Appointment in January

Millie, who turns 13 on February 19, announced her involvement with the brand's offshoot named Calvin Klein By Appointment in January.

Sharing a photo from a shoot with the designer label on Instagram to her 2.6million followers, the actress wrote:

'I am so honored to be a part of this - "A cast of distinct individuals brings the idea to life: Strength of character is key. Whether famous or unknown, all are treated equally" - Calvin Klein By Appointment.'
Girls star Allison Williams let her newly platinum blonde hair fall free at an LA Tastemaker screening of her new horror film Get Out.

She was interviewed onstage at the Thursday event, which Chance The Rapper hosted at the ArcLight Hollywood on Sunset Blvd.

The 28-year-old was joined by her director Jordan Peele, as well as by her co-stars Daniel Kaluuya and Lil Rel Howery.

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Marnie no more: Girls star Allison Williams let her newly platinum blonde hair fall free at an LA Tastemaker screening of her new horror film Get Out

She'd slipped into a pair of high-waisted charcoal slacks that featured a bit of sheen and draped about her vertiginous legs.

Her pine green sweater was tucked in, emphasizing her taut figure, and she seemed in good spirits while chatting onstage.

Meanwhile, the Key & Peele half, who's made his directorial debut with Get Out, had flung on a grey hoodie with yellow, orange red and blue patterning.

Having a chat: She was interviewed onstage at the Thursday event, which Chance The Rapper hosted at the ArcLight Hollywood on Sunset Blvd

Beneath it was a dark grey T-shirt bearing a red Jolly Roger with bunny ears, which he'd teamed with a pair of sky blue jeans.

Howery wore a black and camel-colored sweater with a camel-colored leather jacket, while Kaluuya's green and grey bomber jacket clashed stylishly with a white T-shirt.

In Get Out, Williams and Kaluuya play a couple called Rose and Chris. They holiday to a suburb to visit Rose's parents, who are white and who've not been told Chris is black - a fact that causes Chris some apprehension.

Top brass: She smiled as she stood beside Jordan Peele, who's making his directorial debut with the horror film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23

Fab four: The director (left) and the actress (second from right) also posed with her co-stars Lil Rey Howery (second from left) and Daniel Kaluuya (right)

As the trailer indicates, a friend from back home calls Chris and warns him that multiple black men have vanished while in Rose parents' suburb.

Catherine Keener plays Rose's mother, Missy, who hypnotizes Chris in order to help him quit smoking - after which, he winds up tied to a chair in a basement.

Chris and Rose have to struggle against the odds to escape the supernatural racist labyrinth of the suburb in this film, which enjoyed its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23.

'It's sort of Guess Who's Coming To Dinner the horror edition,' Williams told The Independent of the film, which'll open February 24 in the US and March 17 in the UK.
On Thursday she turned up the glamour as she attended the Noon By Noor show for New York Fashion Week.

And it was all systems go for Alexa Chung, who attended the Calvin Klein Fashion Show for New York Fashion Week on Friday.

The British model, 33, cut a chic figure in a white crochet dress, despite the blistering temperatures.

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Turning heads: Alexa Chung- posing alongside supermodel Karlie Kloss, attended the Calvin Klein Fashion Show for New York Fashion Week on Friday

The summery semi-sheer piece made the most of her long lean figure, and was adorned with layer of frills.

Featuring a quirky handkerchief style layer across the neckline, she teamed it with a grey dress underneath.

And layering up against the cold, the TV presenter added a black trench coat and lace-up boots.

Making the sidewalk her catwalk: The British model, 33, cut a chic figure in a white crochet dress, despite the blistering temperatures

Leaving her shoulder-length hair in loose waves, she went for minimal make-up, showcasing her flawless complexion.

And accessorising with a grey and green striped scarf and a cute daisy-encrusted clutch, her look was complete.

Sitting in the FROW of the designer show, she posed alongside supermodel Karlie Kloss.

Bringing sumer to the snow: The summery semi-sheer piece made the most of her long lean figure, and was adorned with layer of frills

Layering: Covering up against the cold, the TV presenter added a black trench coat and lace-up boots

Alexa splits her time between the UK and New York where boyfriend and Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgard, 40, lives, who she has been dating since last year.

Despite frequently popping over to New York, and supporting him during his most recent film The Legend Of Tarzan, the couple keep their relationship low-key.

Earlier in the year it was rumoured that an engagement could be on the cards between Alexa and Alexander.

Natural: Leaving her shoulder-length hair in loose waves, she went for minimal make-up, showcasing her flawless complexion

'Alexa has told friends that [an English stately home] would be her dream wedding location  and now they are saying that they wouldn't be surprised if an engagement was on the way,' a source previously told Grazia magazine.

'Alexa's relationship with Alex is going great. That's why she was happy for him to meet her family  she would only ever introduce someone she was serious about to them.'

However Alex denied the couple had decided to tie the knot in an interview in July.
Charlize Theron was spotted on Friday walking through LAX with her children and her mother Gerda Martiz in tow.

Theron's four-year-old son Jackson, who appeared to be wearing a Minnie Mouse dress, strolled along beside the actress.

The Mad Max: Fury Road star's one-year-old daughter August sat in a stroller, which Maritz pushed along through the airport.

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On the go! Charlize Theron was spotted on Friday walking through LAX with her children and her mother Gerda Martiz in tow

Theron had put on a pair of cats-eye sunglasses. Her white blouse was covered in grey patterns.

She'd rolled up the sleeves of her grey cardigan and folded up the hem of her jeans.

Not only was she carrying a black carry-on bag, but also a multicolored bag with a Sesame Street theme.

The Monster star, who has never married, adopted her son in 2012 and her daughter three years later.

Family time! Theron's four-year-old son Jackson, who appeared to be wearing a Minnie Mouse dress, strolled along beside the actress

Charlize Theron is one of the executive producers of the new Netflix show Girlboss, which will drop its first season on April 21.

She and Kay Cannon - who on top of being another executive producer also created the series - talked about trying to pitch the show at a panel talk on Wednesday.

According to USA Today, Theron's said that 'When we got the rights, we went to one other place' before Netflix.

Stroller duty! The Mad Max: Fury Road star's one-year-old daughter August sat in a stroller, which Maritz pushed along through the airport

'Just to give you an example, we sat in a room, the feedback we got was absolutely shocking - it was mostly men in the room. We walked out with a sense that if we didn't find the right home for this, it would become something very mediocre.'

Cannon explained that 'When we did pitch it to the place we shall not name, they said, 'You can't call it Girlboss, and you need to make it more for men. We were like, 'That is what the show is,' it was almost like a joke.'

Girlboss is based on Sophia Amuroso's autobiography #Girlboss, which was published in 2014, and will star Britt Robertson.
They went public with their romance in June 2015.

And Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva looked more loved up than ever as they packed on the PDA at The Dinner premiere during the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin on Friday.

The Pretty Woman actor, 67, and his 33-year-old girlfriend put on an affectionate display for photographers on the red carpet.

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PDA: Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva looked more loved up than ever at the The Dinner premiere during the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin on Friday

Covering up against the chill the blonde beauty wore a robe-like coat with lined interior, before taking off her coat to up the glamour.

Flaunting her slender physique, she wore a fitted black dress with sheer net overlay, flashing a glimpse of her tiny midriff.

Featuring a sheer panel across her neckline, the frock oozed understated elegance.

Loved up: The Pretty Woman actor, 67, and his 33-year-old girlfriend put on an affectionate display for photographers on the red carpet

Chic: Covering up against the chill the blonde beauty wore a robe-like coat with lined interior, before taking off her coat to up the glamour

Besotted: Adding a bold red lip and lashings of mascara, she put on a tactile display with her beau

And accentuating her stature, she teamed it with a pair of silk platform killer heels.

Adding a bold red lip and lashings of mascara, she put on a tactile display with her beau.

Richard looked dapper in a crisp white shirt and black two piece suit, beaming as he proudly held his love.

Chignon: She wore her hair in a stylish up-do for the occasion

Smitten: Richard looked dapper in a crisp white shirt and black two piece suit, beaming as he proudly held his love

The actor was previously married to Cindy Crawford and is currently in divorce proceedings with the mother of his child Carey Lowell.

Alejandra - who confirmed her relationship with Richard at the Taormina Film Festival in June 2015, is a Spanish publicist.

Having attended Leweston School in Dorset, Kent, Alejandra is described as a regular among Madrid's glitterati.

Matching his height? Accentuating her stature, she teamed it with a pair of silk platform killer heels

Back to acting: Richard has been promoting his latest flick The Dinner, a mysterious and dramatic thriller takes a look at how far parents will go to protect their children

The socialite is reported as being the estranged wife of Govind Friedland, the son of American mining magnate Robert Friedland.

Together the pair have a young son, Albert.

It's believed the duo were seeing one another for at least a year before going public with their romance at the film festival last year.

Ooh! The boys seemed impressed with British actress Rebecca Hall intricate dress

Excited with director Oren Moverman: The Dinner is due to hit big screens in May 2017, opening in cinemas across the US first.

Meanwhile Richard has been promoting his latest flick The Dinner, a mysterious and dramatic thriller takes a look at how far parents will go to protect their children based on a novel by Herman Koch.

The Dinner is due to hit big screens in May 2017, opening in cinemas across the US first.

Richard recently told The Associated Press that he believed there was no substance to Donald Trump.

Full line-up: Laura Linney Steve Coogan, Rebecca Hall, Richard Gere and director Oren Moverman posed together

Glamorous: Laura stunned in a blue fishtail number while Rebecca dared to be different in a monochrome, patterned gown

The legendary actor said: 'With him, there's no beef there, there's no protein, there's no center, there's no resonance.'

Speaking later, he explained that Trump had made people fear refugees by equating them with attackers.

The actor, who's in Berlin promoting his new film The Dinner about a politician facing tough personal and moral choices, added that Trump 'has pushed it to the limit.'

Strike a pose: The statuesque beauty and joker Steve were in high spirits at the premiere

Funky footwear: Both Rebecca and Laura opted for statement accessories to set off their looks
She's one of Australia's hottest exports.

So it's no surprise that Jessica Hart, 30, has become a staple at New York Fashion Week.

The statuesque beauty attended an exclusive event hosted by Etihad Airways in Manhattan on Thursday.

Plunging: Jessica Hart went braless in a plunging black outfit at an exclusive event hosted by Etihad Airways in Manhattan on Thursday. Pictured here with Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz

Sporting a plunging black outfit and minimal accessories, the Seafolly ambassador flashed a hint of cleavage while going braless at the star-studded bash.

Her long blonde locks were straightened and worn loosely and her makeup consisted of foundation, bronzer, smokey eyes and pink lipstick.

At one point, the former Victoria's Secret model posed for a snap with Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz.

Flawless: Her long blonde locks were straightened and worn loosely and her makeup consisted of foundation, bronzer, smokey eyes and pink lipstick

On Tuesday, the glamour girl attended the Hvn by Harley Viera-Newton launch at Bergdorf Goodman.

Sporting a retro-style floral print dress, the blonde beauty showed off her slender frame as she checked out this season's hottest designs.

The baby blue dress frock cinched in at the waist and fell at the knees to showcase her shapely pins.

Fashionista: New York Fashion Week kicked off in Manhattan this week and Jessica was seen getting amongst the action on Tuesday

She paired the elegant look with black pointed-toe heels and a chic square-shaped clutch.

Her luscious mane was neatly parted at the centre and her barely-there makeup consisted of bronzer, eyeliner, mascara and lip balm.

Retro chic: The 30-year-old Seafolly model attended the Hvn by Harley Viera-Newton launch at Bergdorf Goodman on Tuesday. Sporting a retro-style floral print dress, the blonde beauty showed off her slender frame as she checked out this season's hottest designs

Radiant: Her luscious locks were worn loosely and neatly parted at the centre and her makeup consisted of bronzer, eyeliner, mascara and lip balm

The stunner flashed her trademark gap-toothed smile as she posed for snaps.

Since getting discovered at age 15, Jessica has walked on international runways and featured in endless fashion campaigns for the likes of Marc Jacobs and Rag & Bone.

Despite her glamorous lifestyle, she recently revealed that her job isn't as easy as it seems, as it requires gruelling days and long flights.

'We work really long days': Jessica recently opened up about the downsides of modelling

She also told Stellar magazine that she doesn't know how many bikinis she owns, but estimates that it must be at least 100.

'We have very early call times and work really long days. I mean, we start at 4.30 in the morning and finish at around 7pm,' Jessica said.

'Thats definitely the hardest part, especially on top of jet lag.'

Body of work: Since starring as the face of Seafolly, the model has gone on to to flaunt her physique for a number of big name brands

The leggy blonde, who first rose to fame as the winner of Dolly Magazine's model search in 2000, also quipped that she didn't know how many bikinis she owned.

She confessed to still having some swimsuits worn on her very first Seafolly photo shoot back in 2010.

'How many bikinis do I own? Oh god. I dont know. I literally still have Seafolly bikinis from the first time I shot with them. I dont get rid of many, so I have a lot  like at least 100,' Jessica said.

'At least 100': The leggy blonde, who first rose to fame as the winner of Dolly Magazine's model search in 2000, also quipped that she didn't know how many bikinis she owned

Since starring as the face of Seafolly, the model has gone onto to flaunt her physique for a number of big name brands, most recently lingerie label Triumph.

Jessica revealed to MailOnline earlier this month that modelling was often solitary work.

'I got scouted at 14 and thrown into the industry. I had to learn quickly. I had no idea what Vogue magazine was or Chanel,' she said.

'You've got to be a tough cookie': Jessica revealed to MailOnline earlier this month that modelling was often solitary work

'You've got to be a tough cookie. Can be a little lonely at times but ultimately the best experience. I've learnt so much. I couldn't imagine it any other way.'

Jessica grew up in Victoria, but is now based stateside in New York City for employment.

She has made a name for herself in the United States modelling for popular lingerie brand Victoria's Secret.
The Russian Tea Room played host to Kate Spade's presentation of her latest collection for New York Fashion Week on Friday.

Leighton Meester was one of the red carpet showstoppers who swung by the morning event, flashing some leg in a black miniskirt.

She'd flung on a stylish cream coat over her button-up white blouse for the show, which per AM New York drew influences from Roaring Twenties Paris.

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Knockout: Leighton Meester was one of the red carpet showstoppers on Friday morning when the Russian Tea Room played host to Kate Spade's presentation of her latest collection for New York Fashion Week

The jacket's wide, robe-like sleeves were cut off part of the way down her forearms, allowing the blouse sleeves to poke through.

Swinging a bright pink leather purse from her left hand, the 30-year-old rounded out her look with a pair of navy boots that seemed to be made of suede.

She got in a bit of posing alongside Deborah Lloyd, chief creative officer at Kate Spade, who whore a red floral dress with multiple rings of frills.

Top brass: She got in a bit of posing alongside Deborah Lloyd, chief creative officer at Kate Spade, who whore a red floral dress with multiple rings of frills

Elaborate black ankle straps wound up from her stilettos, which continued the floral motif, and she'd let bangs creep over her face.

Belle's cleavage-baring dress was pink, speckled with white and pink flowery patterns around her neckline and hem.

Cinched in at the 30-year-old's trim waistline, the outfit fanned out from there into a pleated look, and featured sheer sleeves.

Floral and fabulous: Camilla Belle's cleavage-baring dress was pink, speckled with white and pink flowery patterns around her neckline and hem

Nude stilettos propped her up, and black and pink splotchy designs were spattered across the off-white background of her purse.

Victoria Justice highlighted her vertiginous legs by way of thigh-high black leather stiletto boots and a mini-dress cut off above the knee.

Though much of the dress was off-white and loose, it tightened at the waist and cuffs and featured black floral patterns snaking around it at certain points.

Aw, shucks: Jamie Chung aimed for a folksy look in a pair of dark overalls she'd pulled on top of a white short-sleeved blouse with undulating dark stripe

Accessorizing: Black ankle-strap stilettos were visible beneath flared hems, and she held a boxy pink and brown purse, occasionally popping on a burgundy leather overcoat

The 23-year-old held a charcoal clutch pocked with metallic studs and let her hair tumble freely over her shoulders as she stood for photos, hand on waist.

Jamie Chung aimed for a folksy look in a pair of dark overalls she'd pulled on top of a white short-sleeved blouse with undulating dark stripes.

Black ankle-strap stilettos were visible beneath flared hems, and she held a boxy pink and brown purse, occasionally popping on a burgundy leather overcoat.

The theme continues: Jennifer Morrison's busily designed dress featured large pink roses scattered over a black field, as well as black floral netting over the top of her chest

Showing what she's got: Victoria Justice highlighted her vertiginous legs by way of thigh-high black leather stiletto boots and a mini-dress cut off above the knee

Trio: At one point, Morrison (center) posed flanked by Justice (left) and Chung (right)

Jennifer Morrison's busily designed dress featured large pink roses scattered over a black field, as well as black floral netting over the top of her chest.

A pink purse slung over her shoulder, she'd put on a pair of black boots and slicked her hair back, winding it behind her head.

She posed on occasion between Justice and Chung, and on another occasion the entire quintet - Justice, Morrison, Lloyd, Chung and Meester - stood together.

Quintet: Another lineup for the photographers was (from left) Justice, Morrison, Lloyd, Chung and Meester

Having a laugh: They appeared to be enjoying themselves at the event
The biggest names in fashion came out for day two of New York Fashion Week, ready to mingle, be photographed, and take in some haute couture.

Among the fashionable guests in attendance at Lan Yu's runway show were former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and hotel heiress Nicky Hilton-Rothschild, who showed up dressed to the nines in the Chinese designer's namesake brand.

The fashionistas sat front row at the event held at Skylight Clarkson Sq on Friday, where models strutted the runway rocking bright pink eyebrows.

Dressed to the nines: Nicky Hilton, 33, and Olivia Culpo, 24, wore black-and-white coordinating looks by Lan Yu for the designer's fashion show on Friday

Representing: The fashionistas sat front row at the event held at Skylight Clarkson Sq on Friday, where models strutted the runway rocking bright pink eyebrows

The 24-year-old Culpo, who is styled by celebrity stylist Anita Patrickson, looked chic in a white blouse with flowing sleeves from LANYU's ready-to-wear S/S 2017 collection.

The brunette beauty paired the blouse with black wet-look skintight trousers and a smart-looking black asymmetrical-zip coat.

She finished the sophisticated look with a pointed-toe pumps and a Mini Trunk Clutch by Aspinal of London ($790).

Looking good: The 24-year-old Culpo looked chic in a white blouse with flowing sleeves from LANYU's ready-to-wear S/S 2017 collection

Understated: For makeup, the Rhode-Island born stunner opted for gold eye shadow and a matte taupe lip

The actress's brown tresses were slicked back into a sleek low bun.

For makeup, the Rhode-Island born stunner opted for gold eye shadow and a matte taupe lip.

Olivia, who is dating the New England Patriots' wide receiver Danny Amendola, posed alongside her fashionable friend and fellow socialite Hilton-Rothschild.

Fashionable friends: Olivia posed alongside fellow socialite Nicky Hilton-Rothschild

Hilton donned a LANYU Couture getup as well, choosing a black leather pencil skirt with lace detailing from the ready-to-wear collection.

She paired the sexy piece with a white flowing frock that featured a lace and mesh insert and turned up the elegance of the outfit.

Nicky, a new mom who welcomed her first child Lily Grace Victoria only seven months ago, looked incredible and put-together, completing her chic outfit with black Christian Louboutin So Kate point toe pumps that featured a four-inch heel.

Lace and leather: Hilton donned a LANYU Couture getup as well, choosing a black leather pencil skirt with lace detailing from the ready-to-wear collection

International appeal: Also in attendance at the Front Row show was model Clara Lee, wearing a floor-length gown in LANYU's light minty spring color

Say cheese: The ladies posed for selfies in between taking in the show

Her blonde mane was styled similar to Olivia's, pulled and sleeked back into a twisty ponytail.

Also in attendance at the Front Row show was model Clara Lee, wearing a floor-length gown in LANYU's light minty spring color that featured a mesh insert and showcased her shapely legs.

The ladies posed for selfies in between taking in the show.

Beautiful: The collection featured pretty, muted pastels, cold shoulders, silk, and plenty of mesh

The collection featured pretty, muted pastels, cold shoulders, silk, and plenty of mesh.

Lan Yu is regarded as one of Asia's most influential designers and regularly drapes the bodies of celebrities with her intricate designs for red carpets around the world.
On Thursday he shared a heart-wrenching tribute to his one-year-old daughter Violett on Twitter, following claims his ex Holli Willis has blocked access from him.

But a day later, Holli hit back at Kirk Norcross for painting a bleak picture of her, claiming only he is to blame for the situation with their child.

Former TOWIE star Kirk - who welcomed his adorable tot with former fiancee Holli a year ago - appeared distressed in the video as he missed out on his little girl's big day, proclaiming he hopes his daughter will understand how much he loves her.

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'You're always playing the victim!' Kirk Norcross' ex Holli Willis launches into a tirade on Twitter ranting about his 'attention seeking' claims that she doesn't let him see their daughter

Messy: On Thursday Kirk shared a heart-wrenching tribute to his one-year-old daughter Violett on Twitter, following claims his ex Holli Willis (pictured) has blocked access from him

However, Holli has now hit back in a string of tweets, breaking her silence on the matter and having her say about her ex's behaviour.

Clearly sick of Kirk's public declarations of sadness over his estranged daughter, Holli has tried to set the record straight on the matter, slamming the reality star for insinuating she is a 'bad mum'.

She posted several tweets, stating her case, to her 8,000 followers, starting with: 'It's actually very sad that you are painting the picture I am a bad mum. A little appreciation wouldn't go amiss for bringing Violett up for the last year despite you coming and goin when you feel like it going weeks without seeing her on your own back [sic].

'I said nothing when you didn't turn up because you were getting your hair cut or let's put it bluntly out gettin your end away making another girl pregnant [sic].'

Drama: Holli has now hit back in a string of tweets, breaking her silence on the matter and having her say about her ex's behaviour

Fuming: She posted several tweets, stating her case, to her 8,000 followers

Holli was referring to the fact that Kirk has since announced he is expecting another child with someone else, making that two children in just over a year.

She went on: '[You] never paid and still [I] just put up with you coming round for a hour just to take a picture and put it on social media!'

Referencing the fact that Kirk announced to her at Christmas that Violett would be getting a half-sibling in 2017, Holli typed: 'I think I acted like [any] women would but to be quite honest I'm not mad about you and this girl.

'I'm mad because you do nothing for Violett and never provide a penny for her and make out I've stopped you seeing her which can only be described as buls**t! I've never said anything of a sort. But yet you seek all this attention for the public playing the victim [sic].'

Lashing out: Clearly sick of Kirk's public declarations of sadness over his estranged daughter, Holli has tried to set the record straight on the matter, slamming the reality star for insinuating she is a 'bad mum'

Holli then moved on to the aforementioned first birthday, that Kirk had posted about on Twitter the day before: 'What have you actually done about seeing Violett more to the point did you even get her a bday card or pressie you know where I live to drop it [sic].'

She added: 'It's way easy to blame me for this all going wrong and why you don't see your daughter bottom line is I'm a good mum and a decent person.'

Distressed: The former TOWIE star - who welcomed his adorable tot with former fiancee Holli Willis - appeared distressed as he missed out on his little girl's big day

According to her latest tweet, Holli then hopped on a plane - presumably with Violett - for a holiday in the Bahamas.

She'll land to a reaction from Kirk, who has since taken to Twitter to once again defend himself and slam Holli's tirade.

'So Holli say I haven't tried to get in contact! I've been texting since last year as well as callling and lefty 30 Voicemails [sic]!' came one frantic tweet, alongside screen shots of all the times he has texted her and tried to see Violett.

He added: 'Last year wasnt great financially but I still made sure my daughter got half of everything. Fair enough she is a good mum, Ive always said that she is a good mum as they are always fed, cleaned and clothed!

Evidence: Clearly stressed, the un-proof-read post began to ramble about parentage, grandparents, Holli's other child and the fact that Kirk 'wants my daughter to know I'm her daughter'

'But would you say you are a good mum if you wont let their daughter see their dad. She never let me take my first born to meet my mum! And Holli doesnt take Violett to see my dad, she has finished us all off [sic]!'

Not quite finished, Kirk went on: 'Holli split up with me when she was pregnant during that time and the whole of last year Ive tried my hardest but she just seemed she didnt want me! We have text threats from her mum which I still have its been hard! I just want to see my daughter! Is that really to much to ask [sic]!

Clearly stressed, the un-proof-read post began to ramble about parentage, grandparents, Holli's other child and the fact that Kirk 'wants my daughter to know I'm her daughter'.

Daddy's little princess: The snaps find a chirpy looking Kirk cradling the perplexed tot, who is wrapped in a towel as her reality TV star father takes a bathroom selfie

He clearly managed to calm down later though, as he seemed delighted that London was getting a dusting of snow, posting: 'It's snooooooowiiiiiiinggggghh wooooooohoooooo [sic]!'

Whoever the mother of his upcoming second child is, it's been kept a secret.

On Tuesday morning, the Essex based star took to Instagram to upload a collage of pictures of him posing with Violett.

The 28-year-old captioned the image 'Miss my daughter so much!!!' followed by a sad face emoticon and a heart.

Baby number two? Just weeks after Kirk's split from the mother of his child, Holli Willis, it was revealed the reality star is expecting another child with a mystery woman

Daddy's girl: Kirk dedicated a touching collage to his daughter Violett on Tuesday, as he stated that he was missing her

Kirk and his former fiancee Holli welcomed Violett into the world on February 9 and, his new baby is thought to be due fairly soon.

Essex boy Kirk first sent the rumour mill into overdrive when he uploaded a picture of a woman dining at local hotspot Sugar Hut.

He wrote next to the image: 'Lunch date with her and our bump' - a caption which he subsequently deleted.

Furious: Holli took to Twitter to clear up the situation after several people queried whether she was expecting a second child

'Lunch date with her and our bump': Essex boy Kirk first sent the rumour mill into overdrive when he uploaded a picture of a woman dining at local hotspot Sugar Hut, with the caption hinting at a pregnancy

Sad split: The pair haven't been pictured together in months and it was reported in December they had parted ways

Furious Holli took to Twitter to clear up the situation after several people queried whether she was expecting a second child.

She raged: 'To everyone asking if I'm pregnant again the answer is NO. He got another girl pregnant when his daughter was 3 months old!'

MailOnline has contacted Kirk's representatives for comment.
Lion has been making waves this awards season, earning rave reviews from critics and nods at the most prestigious ceremonies.

But it was leading lady Nicole Kidman who commanded attention thanks to her latest hairstyle on Thursday as she attended its Paris premiere at the Cinema Gaumont Opera.

The Australian star's willowy blonde locks appeared to be marginally longer, lighter and straighter than previously observed during her last public appearance with Keith Urban in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

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Striking: Nicole Kidman looked the picture of elegance as she attended the Paris premiere of new film Lion on Thursday, lighting up the red carpet at the Cinema Gaumont Opera

With a delicate tousle and effortless centre-parted style the new look ensured Nicole caught the eye as she posed for photos.

Looking the picture of elegance, the 49-year-old actress was joined by her talented and charming co-star Dev Patel at the event.

Nicole looked sensational in an offbeat, polka dot dress with an asymmetric cut and a one-shoulder style.

She showed off just the right amount of skin in the black and gold number, which featured a thigh-high split and a semi-shirt skirt.

Slight change: The Australian star's willowy blonde locks appeared to be marginally lighter and straighter than previously observed during her last public appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday

Style savvy: Nicole looked sensational in an offbeat, polka dot dress with an asymmetric cut

Leggy lady: Nicole showcased her long legs in the dramatic gold and black dress

Glamorous: The Australian beauty wore her icy blonde locks down straight and highlighted her age-defying features thanks to matte, natural make-up

Joining forces: The 49-year-old actress was joined by her talented and charming co-star Dev Patel at the event

Lion tells the tale of a five-year-old Indian boy who gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometers from home.

He survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia, but 25 years later he sets out to find his lost family.

The film has already bagged a host of nominations at both the BAFTAs and the Academy Awards, with Nicole being nominated at the British awards and Oscars in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Dynamic duo: Dev, who found fame on teen show Skins, has been making waves in recent years with his critically-acclaimed film roles

Awards show glory: The film has already bagged a host of nominations at both the BAFTAs and the Academy Awards

Tear-jerking: The film tells the tale of a five-year-old Indian boy who gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, before being adopted by a couple in Australia, but 25 years later he sets out to find his lost family

Nicole's role as real-life character Sue Brierley has earned her plenty of recognition this season.

In January, the Eyes Wide Shut star was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globe Awards, but lost out to Fences star Viola Davis.

Nicole did, however pick up the AACTA International Award in December.

Emotional role: Nicole's role as real-life character Sue Brierley has earned her plenty of recognition this season

Beaming: The star was on fine form as she made her grand arrival at the cinema
Lindsay Lohan was afraid travelling to New York because of her recent interest in Islam.

The actress stopped by DailyMail.com's NY office on Friday to take park in a Facebook Live Q&A session with Femail Editor Charlie Lankston.

The 30-year-old has gone through a renewal and discussed politics, her love life, her work with refugees, past acting roles and possible future ones too.

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The Lo-down: Lindsay Lohan stopped by DailMail.com's NY office on Friday to take part in a Facebook Live live Q&A session with Femail editor Charlie Lankston

And following several questions from the thousands of live viewers, she revealed she had not yet converted, but had not ruled it out.

'I've studied the Quran for quite some time,' she said.

'It's a process to convert to anything. I respect all religions... it's a beautiful religion and i am a very spiritual person... it's something I've been studying,' she added. 'You cant just convert overnight to a religion.

'Anything's possible; this is more of a personal journey,' she continued. 'A lot of different religions and spiritualities appeal to me.

Scared: During the chat the actress revealed she was afraid of travelling to New York because of her recent interest in Islam

Explaining her attraction to it, she said she found it found a very peaceful feeling with it, and admired how everyone comes together for prayer, pays respect that they're alive.

'I really admired that, and found solace in it,' she said.

However she admitted: 'I was scared to come here with everything going on because of my personal beliefs.'

She also discussed plenty of politics, called on the public to unite behind Donald Trump.

Maybe: Following several questions for the thousands of live viewers, she revealed she had not yet converted to Islam, but had not ruled it out

'I think always in the public eye you're going to be scrutinised,' she said.

'He is the president - we have to join him,' she insisted. 'If u cant beat him, join him.'

The Mean Girls star has been spending a lot of time in Turkey, and urged President Trump to visit the country and follow their lead on Syrian refugees.

'I think it would be a positive thing for America to show their care and support, and for him to experience what it's like for these people... experience how giving Turkey has been to the refugees and how many they have welcomed in.

'[Prime Minister Tayyip] Erdogan has a very big heart, and his country stands by him,' she said, without touching on the very recent military coup there. 'I think we all need to unite like that.

She denied her visit to refugee camps was her seeking attention, and insisted her heart was still in movies.

Can't beat him, join him: Lohan also discussed plenty of politics, called on the public to unite behind Donald Trump.

'I love acting, it's my forte,' she said, revealing next film 'touches lightly on' the refugee situation, and that she intends talking to Netflix about distributing it.

In terms of future roles, Lilo revealed that her dream part would be to play Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

Universal already have their leading lady in Chloe Grace Moretz, but the planned Disney live reboot is still up for grabs.

Lohan also discussed revisiting perhaps her most beloved role - Cady Heron - for a much anticipated sequel to her 2004 hit Mean Girls.

'Mean Girls 2 would be great, it's something I've always interested in doing... it has such a great cult following it, would be wonderful to do something else,' she said, insisting she was going to talk to producer Lorne Michaels about it.

She also hinted it could be titled Mean Moms: 'All of us should have kids, like a Housewives of...' she suggested. 'And all my kids are from Africa... we've adopted them or something funny.'

Has the hair: In terms of future roles, Lilo revealed that her dream part would be to play Ariel in The Little Mermaid

Plastics reunite! Lohan also discussed revisiting perhaps her most beloved role - Cady Heron - for a much anticipated sequel to her 2004 hit Mean Girls

She insisted the entire same cast should return, but she would like to add the likes of Chris Lilley, Jimmy Fallon and Drake.

Lindsay also explained THAT bizarre accent she briefly developed in a recent televised interview, which was subsequently dubbed 'Lilohan' after a viral spread across the web.

'I was learning Arabic and Russian, and I studied french for nine years... i was also picking u[p on some Turkish, and then Greek... when I'm around different people and different places I tend to change and talk very quickly... things come out and a flip into [accents] depending on who I'm with,' she explained. 'You acquire different dialects.'

And after about 200 marriage proposals from Facebook Live, she confirmed she was single.

'I'm dating myself,' she said. 'I don't have a Valentine.'
US appeals court rules against Trump on travel ban

A US court on Thursday unanimously refused to reinstate Donald Trump's ban on refugees and nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, dealing the new president and his controversial law-and-order agenda a major defeat.

The San Francisco federal appeals court's ruling on Trump's executive order -- issued on January 27 with no prior warning and suspended by a lower court a week later -- capped a turbulent first three weeks of his presidency.

A defiant Trump quickly pledged to battle on, tweeting within minutes of the decision: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

President Donald Trump reacted strongly to federal appeals court's refusal to restore his travel ban tweeting "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" NICHOLAS KAMM (AFP)

"It's a political decision," he told reporters later.

The Justice Department had asked the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to restore the measure on an emergency basis, but the three-judge panel instead maintained the suspension ordered by a federal judge in Seattle.

"We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury," the judges ruled.

Trump's decree summarily denied entry to all refugees for 120 days, and travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. Refugees from Syria were blocked indefinitely.

The new Republican administration argued the ban was needed to prevent Islamic State and Al-Qaeda fighters from reaching US soil, but it prompted travel chaos and was roundly rejected by immigration advocacy groups.

Critics say the measure targeted Muslims in violation of US law.

- Court's logic -

Now the case could end up in the Supreme Court.

The San Francisco court said aspects of the public interest favored both sides, highlighting the "massive attention" the case had drawn.

"On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies," the ruling said.

"And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination."

While acknowledging that the Seattle judge's ruling "may have been overbroad in some respects," the panel said it was not their "role to try, in effect, to rewrite the executive order."

"The government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States," the court said.

Civil rights campaigners and state officials applauded the decision, vowing to fight on until the executive order is permanently scrapped. For now, it means travelers with valid visas can continue to enter the country.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee, whose administration sued for the measure to be blocked, hailed a victory for his state and the country, arguing that the ruling showed "no one is above the law, not even the president."

Human Rights Watch senior researcher Grace Meng called the decision "an important declaration of judicial independence, which is crucial for checking harmful overreach by the president."

Trump had blasted the original suspension in a series of fiery tweets and public statements.

- 'New era of justice' -

Republican lawmakers jumped to Trump's defense, with Senator Tom Cotton calling the ruling "misguided," while Democrats hailed it.

"Pres Trump ought to see the writing on the wall, abandon proposal, roll up his sleeves & come up w/ a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe," Senate Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer tweeted.

Trump's election rival Hillary Clinton tweeted simply: "3-0."

There was praise from those who had been denied entry to the US when the ban was first imposed.

A Sudanese pharmacist in Khartoum, Mohamed Al-Rashid, 38, said the decision "confirms all that America stands for."

He was among those taken off a flight in Doha last month after the ban was first announced, and now plans to head to Washington for a conference this month.

"The court order shows that America and the American people believe in freedom to live, freedom to travel and in freedom to share ideas."

Ahead of the ruling, and with tensions high between the executive and the judiciary, Trump defended his hardline policies, declaring a "new era of justice" in America as he swore in Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

"We face the menace of rising crime and the threat of deadly terror," he said, doubling down on his dystopian vision of America.

"A new era of justice begins and it begins right now."

Trump's tough talk belies a political and legislative agenda that has been beset by missteps and legal challenges.

Even his own Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, described the president's comments about the judiciary as "disheartening" and "demoralizing."

Despite experts' criticism of Trump's message, it appears to be resonating among his supporters.

The billionaire won the election last November with 46 percent of the popular vote, and the RealClearPolitics average of polls shows his job approval at about the same level, with the split largely along Republican-Democratic lines.

His administration has 14 days to file a petition for reconsideration of Thursday's ruling, either by the same panel or "en banc" -- meaning by every judge on the court.

Another option would be to ask the Supreme Court to review the case, although some analysts have argued that that path poses the possibility of an embarrassing defeat, given the unanimity of the San Francisco panel, which included a Republican-appointed judge.

Trump's Immigration Ban in Court Christopher HUFFAKER, Kun TIAN (AFP)

Yemenis who were among those stranded in Djibouti when President Trump ordered his travel ban, arrive to Los Angeles International Airport on February 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California DAVID MCNEW (AFP/File)
Trump's immigration decree in five key dates

A federal appeals court unanimously refused to restore President Donald Trump's controversial executive order on immigration, prompting the US leader to vow a legal battle.

Trump's decree summarily denied entry to all refugees for 120 days, and travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. Refugees from Syria were blocked indefinitely.

The ban sparked international furor and created a high-stakes legal tug-of-war in the president's first weeks.

US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to vow a legal fight after a federal appeals court unanimously refused to restore his controversial executive order on immigration NICHOLAS KAMM (AFP)

Here is a summary of the order's tumultuous rollout in five key dates:

January 27: Executive order, airport chaos

Just one week after his inauguration, Trump unveiled his order on January 27 with no prior warning, sowing travel chaos and confusion, and igniting worldwide outrage.

Legal challenges against the ban were quickly filed after airport officials detained dozens of travelers from the seven countries, as well as refugees seeking to enter the United States.

Protests were staged in cities across the United States and abroad.

February 3: Temporary suspension

A federal judge in Seattle on February 3 suspended the ban nationwide after two US states asked for it to be overturned on grounds of religious discrimination and that it had caused "irreparable harm."

Trump unleashed a string of fiery tweets defending his policy and attacking federal judge James Robart, calling him a "so-called judge."

With the ban temporarily halted, travelers from the targeted countries with valid visas began arriving on American soil, while others prepared to set off for the United States.

February 5: Emergency stay denied

In the early hours of February 5, a San Francisco-based federal appeals court rejected a Justice Department request to immediately restore the travel ban, asking both sides to present additional documents.

The Trump administration had filed an emergency motion with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, saying that suspending the ban was causing "irreparable harm" to the American public, and that Robart's decision "second-guesses the president's national security judgment."

But the court instead scheduled a hearing.

February 7: Heated hearing

Two days later, on February 7, a panel of three judges heard arguments in the matter in what turned into a contentious hearing, with the Justice Department lawyer insisting the controversial ban was justified for national security reasons.

The hearing was focused on whether to immediately lift the suspension of the ban, not on the constitutionality of the decree itself -- a broader battle that looks likely to go all the way to the Supreme Court.

February 9: Suspension upheld

On February 9, the federal appeals court refused to restore Trump's controversial order, meaning a lower court suspension of the travel ban stands for now.

The court said the government had "not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury."
Dakota pipeline work resumes, US tribe heads to court

Construction has begun on the final segment of the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline in the northern United States, prompting a court challenge from a Native American tribe which says its religious rights are under threat.

Energy Transfer Partners, the developer of the 1,172-mile (1,886-kilometer) oil pipeline, now expects to begin operation "in approximately 83 days," spokeswoman Vicky Granado told AFP on Thursday.

The segment's route under the Missouri River and man-made Lake Oahe in North Dakota was the subject of months of protests, as Native Americans and their supporters argued it ran the risk of potentially polluting the water.

Demonstrators rally in downtown Chicago before marching to Trump Tower while protesting the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline on February 4, 2017 SCOTT OLSON (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File)

The Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, whose reservation is near the waterway, asked a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order halting construction on the grounds that the pipeline would harm its ability to perform religious rites.

"The pipeline will desecrate the waters upon which Cheyenne River Sioux tribal members rely for their most important religious practices," the court filing said.

"And in view of the threat to the tribe's and its members' constitutional right, this court may not wait until the oil is slithering under the Tribe's sacred waters. The law entitles the Tribe to relief as soon as the government acts to threaten their rights."

The Cheyenne River Sioux want work stopped while its lawsuit filed jointly with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe proceeds through the courts.

The US Army Corps of Engineers -- having approval authority over the pipeline's underwater route -- cleared the way on Tuesday for the project to be completed.

Under the administration of Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, the Corps had called for further review and halted construction. But President Donald Trump ordered officials to reconsider.

Protesters began camping out near the pipeline's river crossing starting in April last year, in order to physically prevent construction, at times violently clashing with authorities and pipeline company workers.

The company has claimed the project is safe, and that there are already other pipelines operating safely under the disputed waterway.
Trump backs 'One China' policy in call with Xi

President Donald Trump reaffirmed Washington's "One China" policy in what he said Friday was a "very warm" conversation with Xi Jinping, in an apparent effort to ease tensions after angering Beijing by questioning a major plank of Sino-US relations.

"We had a very, very good talk last night, and discussed a lot of subjects. It was a long talk," Trump told a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his side.

During the phone call, the new Republican president pledged to "honor" a decades-old position that effectively acknowledges Taiwan is not separate from China -- a policy that Trump had suggested a few weeks ago he might jettison.

A White House statement said President Donald Trump agreed "to honor our 'One China' policy" at the "request of" Chinese President Xi Jinping SAUL LOEB (AFP)

"President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'One China' policy," the White House said in a statement, adding that the two leaders had "extended invitations to meet in their respective countries."

The White House called the phone discussion -- the first since Trump took office -- "extremely cordial," saying the leaders "look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes."

Trump said Friday that he and Xi were "in the process of getting along very well, and I think it will be very much of a benefit to Japan."

Xi, who took the helm of the Communist Party-ruled country in 2012, welcomed Trump's gesture.

"Xi Jinping appreciates Trumps emphasis on the American governments commitment to the One China policy and pointed out that the One China principle is the political foundation of US-China relations," a Chinese foreign ministry statement said.

Trump's insurgent campaign for the White House included frequently lashing out at China, which he accused of currency manipulation and stealing American jobs.

He raised eyebrows in the wake of his election victory with a protocol-busting telephone conversation with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.

He later threw doubt on the "One China" policy, suggesting that it was up for negotiation and could form part of talks on trade, drawing rebukes from official Chinese media.

- 'Backed Down' -

Ashley Townshend, an expert on US-China relations at the University of Sydney, said Trump's apparent capitulation was an indication of the moderating influence of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis.

"Everyone will be surprised at the speed with which Trump has backed down on this issue," he said.

The change was unlikely to be conciliatory, he added, but could be read as a sign of pragmatism in the new administration's approach to its powerful adversary.

"There was a real risk prior to this clarification that the two sides would be unable to even find a way to speak," he said.

"This removes an obstacle to relations, but it doesn't advance them in any meaningful way."

Taiwan has been ruled separately since the two sides split in 1949 at the end of a civil war.

Despite having its own government, military and independent foreign policy, Beijing has refused to recognize the island, viewing it as part of its territory awaiting reunification with the mainland -- by force, if necessary.

Washington cut formal ties with Taipei in 1979, when it recognized the Communist mainland rulers in Beijing.

However, the US remains Taiwan's most powerful unofficial ally and its main supplier of arms.

Trump's suggestion that he could restore relations with Taipei -- which Beijing views as a non-starter -- had threatened to chill ties with the Asian giant.

- 'Come to his senses' -

Beijing had been prepared to give Trump-the-candidate a pass, said Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at China's Fudan University.

"When Trump tweeted a few things about the 'One China' policy previously, it was prior to his inauguration, so we can consider those his personal opinion," said Wu.

"Now that he is in office, he represents the government's views, and as such, he must emphasize the continuity of policies such as the Taiwan issue and the One China issue."

Xu Guoqi, an expert in Sino-US relations at the University of Hong Kong, said Thursday's call showed the US president had "come to his senses" about a policy that had underpinned ties since Richard Nixon occupied the Oval Office.

"Without honoring the One China policy, the relationship only has one way to go: down to hell," Xu said, adding: "Now the two sides can assume business as usual. They are back to square one."

A high-ranking European diplomat told AFP he hoped that the call indicated an end to Trump's "incoherent signals" on China.

"Maybe the phone call marks the beginning of a more rational and consistent policy," he said.

On Chinese social media, commenters agreed the call was overdue.

"Trump has finally seen the light!" one user posted.

"What could be bad about having good relations with China?"

A Chinese foreign ministry statement said President Xi Jinping "appreciates" US President Donald Trump's emphasis on the US commitment to "the One China policy" DENIS BALIBOUSE (POOL/AFP/File)

Taiwan diplomacy Gal ROMA, John SAEKI (AFP)
Taiwan Uber drivers protest fine hike as app halts service

Protesting Uber drivers circled Taiwan's transport ministry Friday as the ride-hailing app halted operations on the island following an impasse with the government which deems the service illegal.

The US firm announced last week that it would suspend business in Taiwan from Friday after the government raised the maximum penalty for Uber drivers to Tw$25 million ($804,000) -- the highest in the world.

The Transport Ministry last week said it was preparing to charge the firm Tw$230 million in penalties.

Uber drivers holding placards reading: "Thank you for letting technology improve the economy" and "Thank you for letting me return home safely", protest outside the Ministry of Transportation in Taipei Sam YEH (AFP)

Uber has racked up fines for running a business without the proper registration to operate as a taxi service since it entered the Taiwan market in 2013.

About 200 cars, adorned with ribbons and Uber stickers, drove around the transport ministry in downtown Taipei on Friday, according to an alliance of drivers which organised the protest.

Single mother Fiona Yang, 38, said Uber had been her main source of income for the past two years as she juggles earning a living and raising two children.

"I can understand why they had to suspend operations. The penalties are outrageous," she told AFP.

"It has a big impact on me. How am I going to raise my kids?"

Uber said last week it hoped the suspension would prompt action from President Tsai Ing-wen, who is pushing for the island to foster its own "Asian Silicon Valley".

"The current regulatory environment makes it impossible to serve the island the way we know works best," the firm said in a statement.

Taiwan's suspension came after Uber halted services in Hungary last July due to new legislation that stops drivers from making money with their own vehicles.

The smartphone app has faced stiff resistance from traditional taxi drivers around the world, as well as bans in some places over safety concerns and questions over legal issues, including taxes.
12 dead in landslides on Indonesia's Bali

Twelve Indonesians, including three children, have been killed on the holiday island of Bali after landslides triggered by heavy rains engulfed several villages, an official said Friday.

Several houses were also buried and badly damaged in the incident, which took place overnight from Thursday to Friday in Kintamani district in central Bali.

"The extreme rain that occurred all day on Thursday has triggered landslides in three villages and 12 people have died," disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.

Villagers attempt to salvage their belongings from a house damaged in a landslide, in Kintamani, Bali province

Three children, aged one, seven and 10, died in two of the villages. Five people were injured, three of them seriously.

Local disaster agency officials said villagers had been evacuated from the affected areas -- far from the popular beach resorts of southern Bali -- and no one else was believed to be missing.

Landslides and flooding are common across the sprawling Indonesian archipelago, particularly during the months-long rain season which peaks in January and February.

In December, 29 people died and 19 others were left missing when floods and landslides hit Garut in the west of Indonesia's main island of Java.

Bali, a pocket of Hinduism in Muslim-majority Indonesia, is a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of foreign visitors to its palm-fringed beaches every year.
Hunt for two Red Cross workers after deadly Afghan ambush

The Red Cross said Friday it was desperately searching for two employees who went missing after their convoy came under insurgent fire in northern Afghanistan, leaving six other workers dead.

The aid workers were ambushed in northern Jowzjan province on Wednesday while they were en route to a remote snowbound area to deliver much-needed relief supplies.

Six employees were killed on the spot, many of them shot from close range, in one of the worst attacks on the international charity in the country for years.

Mourners carry the coffin of one of the six Afghan employees of the Red Cross in Mazar-i-Sharif on February 9, 2017, shot dead by suspected Islamic State gunmen in northern Afghanistan Farshad USYAN (AFP)

"Unfortunately, there's no news yet on our two colleagues unaccounted for," Thomas Glass, a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told AFP.

"We are actively trying to locate them."

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the killings, but Jowzjan's police chief Rahmatullah Turkistani has blamed local Islamic State jihadists.

The ambush underscores how aid workers in Afghanistan have increasingly become casualties of a surge in militant violence in recent years.

"This event demonstrates the urgent need for all parties to respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law to... (provide) aid workers with a safe environment to work in," the UN said, noting that those killed were travelling in a clearly marked ICRC vehicle.

The attack comes at a time when Afghanistan is in dire need of humanitarian assistance, with more than 100 people killed in recent avalanches and tens of thousands displaced by the wrenching conflict.

The ICRC, which has been working in Afghanistan for three decades, said it was putting its nationwide operations on hold, but there were no plans for now to withdraw staff.

The Taliban, the largest militant group in Afghanistan which promptly distanced itself from the attack, has assured ICRC of security in areas under their control.

"The (Taliban) calls on the officials of ICRC to refrain from suspending their services as the Afghan nation is (in) need of humanitarian aid and health services more than ever before," the group said on their official website on Thursday.

Map locating Jowzjan province in Afghanistan where six workers of the Red Cross were killed AFP (AFP)
Indonesian police in warning before mass Islamist gathering

Indonesian police Friday urged Islamists leading opposition to Jakarta's Christian governor to ensure a mass prayer rally remains peaceful when it takes place just days before the capital's hard-fought elections.

Thousands of Islamic hardliners are expected to congregate at a major Jakarta mosque on Saturday for the group prayer.

But authorities fear a repeat of the huge demonstrations of conservative Muslims seen last year against governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who is on trial for allegedly insulting Islam over comments he made on the campaign trail.

Thousands of Indonesian Muslims march rally against Jakarta's Christian governor in Jakarta in December 2016 GOH CHAI HIN (AFP/File)

The prayer rally coincides with the final day of campaigning for next Wednesday's elections in the capital of the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, where Purnama is competing against two prominent Muslim candidates.

National police chief Tito Karnavian said the Islamists had to limit their activities to worshipping around the mosque and could not march through the city. Police refused an initial request by the Islamists to hold a rally.

"There will only be worshipping," he told a press conference. If the Islamists attempt to march through the city, "the police supported by the military will take firm action," he said.

More than 20,000 police officers will be deployed to keep the peace, Karnavian said.

Purnama, also a member of Indonesia's ethnic Chinese minority, won popularity for his no-nonsense style and determination to clean up Jakarta.

But he has seen a once unassailable poll lead whittled away after being hauled into court for a blasphemy trial that critics view as unfair and politically motivated.

The allegations against him centre on comments he made about a Koranic verse. He accused his opponents of using the verse, which some interpret as meaning Muslims should only support Muslim leaders, to trick people into voting against him.
Millions in Iran march against Trump 'threats' on revolution day

Millions of Iranians marched on the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution Friday in what the president described as a response to the new US administration and a rejection of "threatening language".

President Hassan Rouhani joined hundreds of thousands at an anniversary march through the capital, one of dozens of such events around the country.

"This turnout is a response to false remarks by the new rulers in the White House and the people are telling the world through their presence that the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect," Rouhani said.

Iranians hold up a dummy representing US President Donald Trump during a rally in the capital Tehran on February 10, 2017 marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution Atta KENARE (AFP)

"Iranians will make those using threatening language against this nation regret it.

"Anyone threating Iran's government and armed forces should know that our nation is vigilant."

US President Donald Trump has taken an increasingly strident line towards Iran since taking office last month, warning that it was "playing with fire" and "on notice".

Last week, he imposed sanctions on Iran over a January 29 ballistic missile test and officials warned more might follow.

Last weekend, new Pentagon chief James Mattis described Iran as "the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world."

Placards bearing slogans against Trump were brandished by the marchers as they weaved their way through the streets of the capital in the wintry fog to the central Azadi (Freedom) Square.

- 'Not scared of threats' -

One placard showed a caricature of Trump being punched by a hand wearing a bracelet of the Iranian flag.

"Thanks Mr. Trump for revealing true face of the US," said another placard echoing comments made by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a speech this week.

"Iranians are not scared of threats," said another, bearing the faces of Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May and her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

The United States and Britain have long been derided by the regime as the "great Satan" and the "little Satan". Iran does not accept Israel's right to exist.

The rhetoric had been toned down after a July 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers including the United States.

But at Friday's marches, the traditional "Down with America" slogans were everywhere.

Some marchers made a distinction between the American people and the Trump administration and carried placards thanking those who had opposed the president's controversial visa ban on the citizens of Iran and six other predominantly Muslim countries.

The ban was suspended by a lower court a week later and a federal appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate it but Trump vowed to continue the legal battle for his order to stand.

"Down with US regime, long live American people," said one placard in English. "Thanks American people for supporting Muslims," said another.

"American people are welcome and invited to visit Iran," said a third.

The posters were following a Twitter hashtag #LoveBeyondFlags started by Iranian users to thank Americans who protested against the visa ban.

Trump has made no secret of his opposition to the nuclear deal agreed by his predecessor Barack Obama under which Iran agreed to tight controls in return for the lifting of international sanctions.

He said Iranians "don't appreciate how 'kind' President Obama was to them," in one tweet.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who negotiated the nuclear deal was among the top officials who attended the Tehran march alongside Rouhani.

Also present was Major General Ghasem Suleimani, head of the foreign operations arm of the elite Revolutionary Guards and one of the most controversial regime figures for Western governments.

Iran's leading reformist, former president Mohammad Khatami whose two terms of office, from 1997 to 2005, saw a rapprochement with the West, was absent.

He has been under a strict media ban since mass protests against the 2009 reelection of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

But he too urged supporters to join Friday's anniversary commemorations the "neutralise the conspiracies" faced by Iran.

Picture provided by the office of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on February 10, 2017 shows him delivering a speech at Azadi Square in the capital Tehran during a ceremony to mark the 38th anniversary of the Islamic revolution
180-degree turn? Trump, the US, Taiwan and China: a guide

US President Donald Trump endorsed the long-standing "One China" policy on Thursday during a phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a move analysts interpreted as a change of course for the mercurial leader.

The tycoon-turned-statesman agreed he would "honour" a position that has been held by successive US governments since Richard Nixon's administration.

It marked an apparent shift in thinking for Trump, who before coming to office had told an interviewer he didn't feel "bound by a one-China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade".

Shortly after his November election victory, US President Donald Trump broke with decades of foreign policy protocol to speak with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen

Here are the key issues surrounding the delicate triangle of the United States, China and Taiwan.

- What's the problem? -

The deep rift between China and Taiwan dates back to China's civil war, which erupted in 1927 and pitted forces aligned with the Communist Party of China against the Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) army.

Eventually defeated by Mao Zedong's Communists, KMT chief Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan, which was still under KMT control.

From there, Chiang continued to claim the entirety of China -- just as the mainland claimed Taiwan.

Taiwan's full name remains the Republic of China, while the mainland is the People's Republic of China.

Both sides still formally claim to represent all of China.

Many people in Taiwan today remain distrustful of Beijing while others are keen to explore warmer relations, especially when it comes to trade opportunities.

- What does 'One China' mean? -

In 1992, Taiwan and mainland China are said to have agreed that there is only "one China," which includes both places, but they agreed to disagree about what that precisely meant.

In principle, the decision means that countries can only have formal diplomatic relations with one or the other, but not both at the same time.

Most countries have chosen Beijing, but many continue to maintain economic ties to Taipei.

Washington cut formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 when it switched recognition to Beijing.

Since then, it has followed a "One China policy" -- different than Beijing's "One China principle" -- which acknowledges both sides' positions that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it.

But it has never made a clear statement about Taiwan's sovereignty, leaving the question unsettled.

The result is a de facto two China policy, where the small island enjoys many of the trappings of diplomatic relations with the US.

- What does the US usually do? -

The United States has long maintained an ambiguous and at times contradictory approach to Taiwan.

China regards self-ruling Taiwan as part of its own territory awaiting reunification under Beijing's rule, and any move implying support for independence raises China's hackles.

Although there is traditionally no formal contact between the US president and his Taiwanese counterpart, US law requires Washington to sell high-end weaponry to Taipei.

The legislation was designed to provide democratic Taiwan with enough military clout to defend itself against China's vastly superior armed forces, although in practice the island's defences lag the mainland's considerably.

While there is no official US embassy in Taipei, Washington runs a nonprofit centre called the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves many of the same functions.

- How has Trump affected ties? -

Shortly after his November victory, Trump spoke by phone to Tsai, breaking decades of US protocol.

He rubbed salt in Beijing's wounds by tweeting about the call, a move that riled Chinese nationalists.

On December 3, Beijing issued a formal protest to Washington then followed up with a statement warning of a deterioration of Sino-US relations.

Many Chinese newspaper editorials called for reinforcement of the country's military arsenal to prepare for possible conflict.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told Hong Kong media that the call was "a petty trick" by Taipei, putting the blame on Tsai.

State media also gave him the benefit of the doubt, calling Trump "inexperienced" -- with the Xinhua news agency warning that "diplomacy is not child's play and you can't run it like a business".

- So has the call fixed things? -

Trump built his popularity, in part, on bashing Beijing for "stealing" American jobs and there are a number of committed China-sceptics in his administration, so a dramatic softening is unlikely, analysts say.

But at the same time, now that he is in office, China is much less likely to cut him slack.

Ashley Townshend, an expert in US-China relations at the University of Sydney, expects Trump to continue to be tough on China across many aspects of the bilateral relationship.

The assurance to honour the "One China" policy "removes an obstacle to relations, but it doesnt advance them in any meaningful way," Townshend said.

Xu Guoqi of the University of Hong Kong says the call could offer something of a reset on which the two sides can now build.

Now that Trump has assured Beijing that Washington will stick to the "One China" policy, the relationship is "back to square one", he said.

Map showing the 21 countries that have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan Gal ROMA, John SAEKI (AFP)

Since 1979, the US has followed a "One China policy" which acknowledges both sides' positions that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it Jewel SAMAD (AFP/File)

A Chinese foreign ministry statement said President Xi Jinping "appreciates" US President Donald Trump's emphasis on the US commitment to "the One China policy" DENIS BALIBOUSE (POOL/AFP/File)

Donald Trump had irked Beijing by suggesting the One China policy could become a bargaining chip in trade with the world's second-largest economy Greg BAKER (AFP/File)
Trump says Israel settlement growth not 'good for peace'

US President Donald Trump does not believe Israeli settlement growth in Palestinian territories is "good for peace," he told a paper Friday ahead of meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Appearing to soften parts of his previous hardline support for Israeli policies, Trump also said moving the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a policy fiercely opposed by the Palestinians, was "not an easy decision".

A marked shift from some of his bold declarations while campaigning, Trump's comments were almost a call for restraint at a time when Netanyahu is facing pressure from right-wing rivals to accelerate settlement growth in the Palestinian territories and even to abandon the two-state solution.

Jewish settlements in both the West Bank and east Jerusalem are viewed as illegal under international law and major stumbling blocks to peace AHMAD GHARABLI (AFP/File)

Speaking to the Hebrew-language newspaper Israel Hayom about settlements, Trump adopted perhaps his most hostile position yet, saying they were not "good" for peace.

"I am not somebody that believes that going forward with these settlements is a good thing for peace," he said.

"Every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left."

Around 600,000 Israelis now live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, communities considered illegal by the United Nations and most world powers.

Trump, however, has been inconsistent on the matter -- suggesting at times he is supportive of growth.

Faced with pressure from his right, as well as police investigations into his conduct, Netanyahu has announced more than 5,000 settlement homes since Trump's inauguration, as well as the first new settlement for more than 20 years.

In stark contrast to his predecessor Barack Obama, Trump's administration has not publicly criticised such announcements.

They also did not condemn a new law passed by Israel's parliament this week which legalises more than 50 settlements built without even Israeli permission.

The United Nations called it a step towards annexation of the West Bank.

Speaking to the newspaper ahead of Netanyahu's visit to Washington on February 15, the first meeting between the two since Trump's victory, the US President also called for "reasonableness" from both Israel and the Palestinians.

- Embassy stay? -

The two men spoke shortly after Trump's inauguration and have committed to improving relations.

Palestinian officials, in contrast, have privately complained of having little contact with the new US administration.

Trump and Netanyahu are expected to discuss settlements, the potential to revive peace talks and the Iran nuclear deal, among other topics.

Trump told the newspaper, owned by Netanyahu ally Sheldon Adelson, that after 70 years of conflict he "would like to see peace" and that a "deal should be made and it can be made".

Naftali Bennett, head of the far-right Jewish Home party and education minister in Israel's right-wing government, said in November Trump's victory meant the idea of a Palestinian state was over.

He has called for annexing much of the West Bank, including the major settlement blocks, effectively rendering any hopes for two states dead.

Another key pro-Israel pledge of Trump's while campaigning was the commitment to move the US embassy to Jerusalem.

As the city's status is disputed, with both Israel and the Palestinians seeing it as their capital, no countries currently have their embassies there -- instead placing them in Tel Aviv.

Israel would see the move as a major diplomatic success, while the Palestinians and their allies have been pushing Trump to abandon the idea.

He cut a more cautious tone Friday, saying only that he was thinking about it "very seriously".

"I am thinking about the embassy, I am studying the embassy (issue)," Trump told Israel Hayom.

"The embassy is not an easy decision."

Both Bill Clinton and George W Bush made similar pledges on the campaign trail, only to renege once they took office.

Netanyahu has already indicated that Iran will occupy a prominent place in its talks with Trump.

Both men are fierce critics of the Obama-spearheaded deal signed with the Islamic Republic in 2015, and Trump reiterated his criticism to Israel Hayom.

"The deal with Iran was a disaster for Israel. Inconceivable that it was made," he said.

The nuclear deal between Tehran and six powers obliged Iran to curtail its nuclear programme and halt any nuclear weapons research in exchange for relief from US and international sanctions targeting the sector.
Assad says 'terrorists' hiding among Syrian refugees

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said some of the millions of refugees who have fled his country's conflict are "terrorists," in an interview published Friday.

Asked by Yahoo News about US President Donald Trump's claim that extremists are hiding among refugees, Assad agreed, saying "you can find it on the net."

"Those terrorists in Syria holding machine guns or killing people, they are peaceful refugees in Europe or in the West," the Syrian leader said.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (left) speaks to foreign reporters in Damascus, on February 7, 2017

He did not specify how many of the 4.8 million Syrian refugees he meant, saying "you don't need a significant number to commit atrocities."

He also rejected Trump's plan to carve out safe zones for civilians in Syria.

The US president said last month that he "will absolutely do safe zones in Syria" for people displaced by the violence in a bid to reverse their migration to Europe and elsewhere. He did not provide details.

"Safe zones for the Syrians could only happen when you have stability and security. Where you don't have terrorists. Where you don't have flow and support of those terrorists by the neighboring countries or by Western countries," Assad said.

"It's not a realistic idea at all."

The White House last month ordered the Pentagon and State Department to draw up a plan to "provide safe areas in Syria and in the surrounding region."

The announcement came ahead of a surprise ban on refugees from Syria traveling to the United States, which a court has since suspended.

Other US politicians and officials have long supported the idea of safe zones in Syria, including Democrats such as Trump's presidential rival Hillary Clinton.

Critics say it would risk the US military becoming bogged down in Syria's civil war.
Boko Haram ambushes, kills troops in NE Nigeria

Nigeria's military on Friday said seven of its soldiers were killed and 19 others injured in a Boko Haram ambush, in the latest incident against troops and the security services in the country's northeast.

Lieutenant Colonel Kingsley Samuel, a spokesman for the Nigerian Army 7th Division in Maiduguri, said the ambush happened on Thursday evening on the road to Dikwa during "routine rotation" of troops.

"The gallant troops fought their way through, killing many of the terrorists. Unfortunately seven soldiers paid the supreme price... while 19 soldiers sustained various degree of injuries," he said in a statement.

Nigeria has claimed repeatedly that Boko Haram, which is allied to the Islamic State group, is in disarray and nearly defeated Quentin Leboucher (AFP/File)

The injured were taken to hospital in Maiduguri for treatment. Reinforcements were sent and they were in "aggressive pursuit" of Boko Haram, he added.

A military source had earlier told AFP at least eight soldiers were killed in the attack and that it happened at about 9:00 am (0800 GMT) on Friday at Ajirin village, in the Mafa area of Borno state.

The source, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media, described the battle as "a heavy gunfight".

"It was a surprise attack and this is what led to the casualty toll," the source added.

A civilian vigilante involved in helping the military with security in the restive region also confirmed the account but said as many as 10 soldiers may have been killed.

Conflicting death tolls and accounts are not uncommon in the remote region, access to which is strictly controlled by the military and government, making independent verification difficult.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in the Boko Haram conflict since it began in 2009. More than 2.6 million have been made homeless.

- Sporadic attacks -

Nigeria's military and government have claimed repeatedly in recent months that Boko Haram, which is allied to the Islamic State group, is in disarray and nearly defeated.

The army has mounted a sustained counterattack against the group in its Borno state stronghold of the Sambisa forest. In December, commanders said the rebels had been flushed out.

Sporadic attacks since then have been attributed to desperate Boko Haram remnants on the run.

Nevertheless, there have been a number of attacks on military and police targets in Borno and the neighbouring states of Yobe and Adamawa, as well as deadly suicide bombings.

Residents in the village of Kautikeri, in southern Borno state, said Boko Haram killed one person and abducted a seven-year-old boy from the neighbouring village of Kaumutaiyahi on Thursday.

The rebels looted food stores before setting fire to the village, which is some 15 kilometres from the town of Chibok, where Boko Haram abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in April 2014.

Chibok is also near Boko Haram's Sambisa forest camps. Thursday's raid and recent attacks on the road between Damboa and Maiduguri have prompted speculation the militants are still in the area.
Richard Gere slams Trump travel ban as stoking hate

Hollywood actor Richard Gere said the "biggest crime" of US President Donald Trump and European right-wing populists was to equate refugees with terrorists as it fomented hate.

Speaking at the Berlin film festival where he presented his politically charged new thriller "The Dinner", Gere, 67, told reporters that Trump's travel ban targeting seven Muslim-majority countries preyed on fears.

"The number of hate crimes in the US went up enormously as soon as Donald Trump started running for president and I think you've seen the same thing here in Europe," he said, referring to the "conservative movement around the world".

US actor Richard Gere during a photocall at the 67th Berlinale film festival on February 10, 2017 John MACDOUGALL (AFP)

"Unfortunately we have leaders that stimulate fear and that fear causes us to do really terrible things."

Gere, a long-time human rights activist who met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday, said the "most horrible thing that Trump has done" since taking office last month was equating the words "refugee and terrorist".

"It means the same thing in the US now -- that's what he's accomplished -- to a large segment of our population," he said.

"'Refugee' used to be someone that we had empathy for, someone we cared about, someone we wanted to help -- we wanted to give refuge to a refugee... Now we're afraid of them and that's the biggest crime in itself, conflating these two ideas."

A US court on Thursday unanimously refused to reinstate Donald Trump's ban, which he has justified on national security grounds and pledged to fight to implement.

Trump repeatedly disparaged Muslim immigrants and refugees during his presidential campaign before going on to win the White House.
After settlement dismantled, Palestinians wait to return

Mariam Hamad remembers perfectly the day more than 20 years ago when her land was taken by Israelis to build the illegal settlement of Amona.

But a week after the Jewish village was finally demolished following a two-decade legal struggle, Hamad and other Palestinian land owners still don't know if or when they will be able to set foot on their soil again.

The tiny settlement, home to just forty families, was evacuated and demolished last week amid protests and even violence from Jewish hardliners.

Palestinians in the Israeli occupied West Bank, look at the Jewish Amona wildcat outpost on February 9, 2017, after it was dismantled following an Israeli Supreme Court order ABBAS MOMANI (AFP)

Israel's courts declared it was built on private Palestinian land.

But the demolition prompted Israel's rightwing to propose a law opposing similar moves against other illegal settlements.

It passed through parliament this week in a move criticised by world powers.

Largely forgotten amid the turmoil of Amona's destruction and its wider ramifications are the six families who originally owned the land.

For them the demolition should herald a longed-for return to the land they called not Amona but simply Al-Mazarea, the farms in Arabic.

On the hilltop near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank they used to cultivate tomatoes and watermelons one year, wheat the next, said 83-year-old Hamad.

In her house in nearby Silwad she still has a sheaf of dried wheat from the last unfinished harvest.

"We worked in the fields with my husband until the settlers forced us out," Hamad remembered, saying the Jewish arrivals came armed.

"'This land is not yours, it's ours,' they said" she recalled.

Despite the demolitions, she and the other owners are waiting to see if they can return, with the Israeli army still in control.

Hamad told AFP she was "hopeful" but also had strong doubts, with other landowners also uncertain.

- How soon is 'soon'? -

The international community considers all settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem illegal, with more than 600,000 setters now living on land the Jewish state occupied in 1967.

Settlements are viewed as one of the main obstacles to peace with the Palestinians.

Israel distinguishes between government-approved settlements and what it calls "outposts" such as Amona, which are illegal and in theory should be demolished.

But the demolition of those even Israeli courts deem illegal is opposed by right wingers, many of whom argue all the West Bank was given to Israel by God.

The demolition of Amona sparked a bill passed by the Israeli parliament this week which legalised more than 50 other illegal outposts, in a move condemned by the United Nations, the European Union and others.

After Amona was formed in 1995, Hamed twice tried to return to her two-and-a-half hectares.

The first time, she said, Israeli soldiers forced her back while the second she fled because a woman was shot dead, allegedly by settlers.

Another landowner Ibrahim Yaqoub, 56, said his mother was shot and his aunt killed while approaching family land.

He has more than three hectares of land his children have never seen.

From the creation of Amona to its destruction 13 Palestinians were killed, most during demonstrations and clashes near the outpost, Abdel Rahman Saleh, the mayor of nearby Silwad, said.

"Silwad has an area of 1,800 hectares," he told AFP in his office, showing maps to illustrate the issue.

Of that, he said, only 500 hectares are available for cultivation, with the rest declared off limits by Israel's army.

Realising protests were unlikely to succeed, the families threw themselves into a legal battle to get their land back, with support from Israel and Palestinian NGOs.

Producing documents showing their ownership, they eventually won and now await the day they can return.

Gilad Grossman, a spokesman for the Yesh Din NGO that fought the case, said everyone was "waiting" to see if the land would be handed over.

"We are hoping that it will happen and happen very soon."

He warned of other cases where the army has refused to give land back after demolitions, prompting fresh legal challenges.

"They can claim there are security reasons and this remains a closed military area," Grossman said.
DR Congo war crimes trial resumes for ex-warlord Katanga

Former Congolese warlord Germain Katanga, a convicted war criminal, was back before a top military court in his home country Friday as his trial on fresh charges of war crimes and insurrection resumed.

Katanga, 38, was sentenced to 12 years in jail by The Hague-based International Criminal Court three years ago for a 2003 attack on a village in the mineral-rich Ituri province, which left 200 people dead.

He finished serving a reduced sentence in January 2016 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

General Germain Katanga sits pictured in the military court in the DR Congo capital Kinshasa on February 3, 2016 Papy MULONGO (AFP/File)

But he remained behind bars as Kinshasa readied to try him for "other crimes" committed in Ituri, near the Ugandan border.

Katanga appeared in court Friday along with six co-accused, wanted for "war crimes, crimes against humanity and participation in an insurrectional movement" in Ituri, where some 60,000 people died in fighting between 1999 and 2007.

The trial, which began in February last year, was interrupted soon after his lawyers argued that Katanga's prosecution could not proceed under the ICC's founding Rome Statute.

The statute says a sentenced person cannot be prosecuted in a country where he is serving his sentence without the ICC's approval.

The ICC gave the green light in April of that year, however the trial was postponed again two months later to allow Katanga's team to shore up its defence.

At the time, one of the accused had also testified that "there was nothing insurrectional" about their rebel group and that instead it "was working with the government to defend national territorial integrity" against militias supported by neighbouring countries.

For the first time since the trial began, families of the victims have been allowed to take part in the court proceedings.

The next public hearing has been scheduled for eight days.

A former member of the armed fighters of the Patriotic Resistance Forces in Ituri (FRPI), Katanga has offered his apologies to the victims, insisting he had turned his back on the militias which still wreak havoc in parts of the DR Congo.

Arrested in 2005 and then transferred to The Hague in 2007, Katanga was convicted of supplying weapons to his militia in the attack on the village of Bogoro where 200 people were shot or hacked to death with machetes.

He was acquitted of enforcing sexual slavery and using child soldiers.
10 dead in Ghana chieftaincy power struggle: police

Seven women and three children were killed and 11 people injured when a dispute among members of a traditional ruler's family in northern Ghana turned violent, police said Friday.

Sounds of gunshots were heard on Thursday in the town of Bimbilla after news that a local king was set to appoint a chief against the wishes of an opposing faction.

Traditional rulers are found across Africa and although they often have no formal role in the elected, democratic system, they remain figures of power and influence.

Seven women and three children were killed in dispute among members of a traditional ruler's family in northern Ghana turned violent, police said PIUS UTOMI EKPEI (AFP/File)

They are courted by politicians for advice and support, particularly over local issues, and shape public opinion.

In Ghana, kings rule by appointing chieftains to run parts of their kingdom.

"This was triggered by another chieftaincy dispute," said Ebenezer Peprah, a police officer in the town, which is nearly 450 kilometres (280 miles) by road from the capital Accra.

"Out of the total of 10 bodies, seven are women and three are children, two girls and a boy," he told AFP.

"Eleven people are receiving treatment at the hospital after receiving gunshot wounds."

Peprah said the men ran away during the "intra-family fight", leaving the women and children vulnerable to attack.

"When the fight started, the men ran away and left the children and the physically challenged. So when they go in and don't find the men, they kill the women and children," Peprah said.

"We have arrested 21 suspects and we are screening them to aid the investigations," he said. "Things are calm but unpredictable."
In the US, Trump ushers in era of dramatic deregulation

Methane emissions, guns, river pollution, Wall Street: hand in hand with President Donald Trump, the Republican majority in Congress has begun to repeal Obama-era regulations opposed by big business.

At the very beginning of his term, the billionaire Republican president signed an order freezing any new regulations close to being finalized, and requiring that for each new rule imposed two others must be eliminated.

"We think we can cut regulations by 75 percent, maybe more," Trump said in a White House meeting with business leaders on January 23.

"We think we can cut regulations by 75 percent, maybe more," US President Donald Trump said in a White House meeting with business leaders on January 23 Bryan R. Smith (AFP/File)

If details remain vague (75 percent of the number of pages in regulations? 75 percent of cost?), they reflect the clear intent of the Republican majority to satisfy the demands of the interest groups that have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in lobbying and campaign donations.

"Every day is Christmas for big business in the Trump administration," Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen, told AFP. His nonprofit advocacy group is filing a court challenge to the order on regulations.

In practice, Trump can delay such regulations -- which have passed through a years-long review process -- but he cannot eliminate them with the simple stroke of a pen.

Republican leaders in Congress, however, have unearthed a rarely used 1996 law that allows them, through a vote, to revoke certain regulations finalized in the last six months of the previous administration.

They have already targeted for repeal:

- a rule that would have made it harder for mining companies to dump coal-mining waste into streams and waterways;

- an anti-corruption rule requiring oil, gas and mining companies to disclose any payments made to foreign governments, including taxes and royalties;

- a rule to require oil and gas companies drilling on public lands to reduce leaks or burnoff of methane, a heat-trapping gas linked to global warming; and

- a rule aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of certain mentally disabled people.

Trump, for his part, has signed an executive order targeting the sweeping Dodd-Frank financial reform adopted after the recession of 2008, as well as the so-called fiduciary rule that requires financial advisers to act in the interest of their clients.

The objective in each case is the same: less regulation means fewer costs for companies, and, they say, for consumers.

- Permanent resistance -

These rules were targeted by powerful business organizations like the US Chamber of Commerce and Freedom Partners, which accused the Obama administration of imposing excessive costs on companies, particularly through tough new environmental rules.

Landmark regulations like those in the Clean Power Plan, which would compel coal-fueled power plants to slash their carbon emissions, are also being tested in court.

"The last eight years have been a challenge," said Paul Schlegel, director of environment and energy policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation. Farmers now have a feeling of "hope," he told AFP.

Dozens of business groups from every sector of the economy are now piling pressure on Congress to weaken the power of federal agencies.

"The signals that are being sent by the Trump administration about regulatory reform are things that we would support," said Lowell Randel, vice president of the Global Cold Chain Alliance, which represents 1,300 companies involved with refrigerated storage and transport.

The Trump administration may also choose to act more favorably on the enforcement side, possibly reducing on-site safety and quality inspections, or instructing federal agencies to issue warnings but fewer fines. The enforcement division of the Environmental Protection Agency might even be shuttered, according to the Inside EPA website.

"We don't expect leniency, but if there is a greater degree of constructive engagement, we think that would be a positive step," said Schlegel of the farm group.

With Democrats now the minority party in Congress, resistance to deregulation will likely be led by nonprofit groups advocating for the environment and consumer protection.

The next four years could see the emergence of a more or less permanent resistance movement, with the courts as a favored battlefield.

"There will be legal challenges to every repeal," predicted Rebecca Buckwalter-Poza, of the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank.
Flynn talked sanctions with Russians before Trump in office: reports

US National Security Advisor Michael Flynn discussed the issue of US sanctions with Russia's ambassador weeks before Donald Trump was sworn in as president, contrary to the senior aide's assertions, US media reported Friday.

The talks took place in December just as then-president Barack Obama was ordering new actions against Russia over its alleged interference in the US election.

The Washington Post, which first reported the talks, said some senior US officials interpreted Flynn's communications with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak as an inappropriate and possible illegal signal to the Kremlin that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions.

US National Security Advisor Michael Flynn has denied that calls with the Russian ambassador before Trump took office involved US sanctions on Russia CHRIS KLEPONIS (AFP/File)

The Post cited unnamed current and former officials familiar with reports by US intelligence and law enforcement agencies that routinely monitor the communications of Russian diplomats.

The reports include Flynn's discussions with Kislyak around the time of Obama's December 30 announcement of new sanctions on Russia and the expulsion of 35 suspected Russian intelligence agents.

The Post's sources said Flynn made "explicit" references to the election-related sanctions, and two sources said that he urged Russia not to overreact to Obama's move, suggesting that the two sides could revisit the issue after Trump was sworn in as president on January 20.

The New York Times published a similar account of the retired lieutenant general's discussions with Kislyak, also citing current and former US officials.

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russian president Vladimir Putin directed a campaign to interfere with US elections, specifically to support Trump, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is examining ties between members of Trump's presidential campaign team and Moscow.

A US law, the Logan Act, forbids private citizens from negotiating state affairs with foreign governments. But no one has ever been prosecuted under the measure.

- Democrats: Flynn should be fired -

Flynn and Vice President Mike Pence both denied in January that the calls with Kislyak concerned US sanctions on Russia, and Flynn told the Post in an interview Wednesday that no mention of sanctions was made in his communications.

On Thursday, however, a spokesman for Flynn walked back the national security advisor's statements, telling the Post and the Times that "while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn't be certain that the topic never came up."

Meanwhile on Friday an administration spokesman noted that "the vice president's comments were based on his conversation with General Flynn."

Russia's embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.

The reports sparked strong criticism from Democrats in Congress. Adam Schiff, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, and Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urged Trump to fire Flynn.

"The allegation that general Flynn, while president Obama was still in office, secretly discussed with Russia's ambassador ways to undermine the sanctions levied against Russia for its interference in the Presidential election on Donald Trump's behalf, raises serious questions of legality and fitness for office," Schiff said in a statement.

Engel added: "the president must relieve General Flynn immediately."

Flynn's choice as Trump's top national security advisor has been controversial. Many in the US intelligence community say he is ill-suited for the crucial job.

The retired three-star general was fired as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency after two years for alleged poor management.
US, Japan say defense pact covers disputed Senkaku islands

US President Donald Trump offered Japan assurances Friday that mutual defense agreements cover the disputed Senkaku Islands, claimed by China as the Diaoyus.

After repeatedly questioning defense pacts, Trump signed off on a joint statement with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that reaffirms America's security guarantee.

The pair said they "oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan's administration of these islands" -- comments that are sure to rile Beijing.

US President Donald Trump (R) and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe smile at the end of a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on February 10, 2017 MANDEL NGAN (AFP)

China warned the US it was risking instability in Asia after Trump's new defense secretary vowed to back Japan in any military clash over the disputed island chain.
Fresh whale stranding on notorious New Zealand beach

Another 200 whales were stranded on a New Zealand coastline late Saturday, frustrating rescuers who had battled through the day and even defied a shark threat to try and keep them at sea.

At twilight, Department of Conservation (DOC) officials made the decision to leave the whales overnight as it became too risky to continue efforts to refloat them as darkness approached.

The crisis began Friday when a pod of 416 whales became stranded on Farewell Spit in Golden Bay on the northwest of the South Island.

Volunteers pour water on pilot whales during a mass stranding at Farewell Spit, on February 11, 2017 Marty MELVILLE (AFP)

Most of them died but volunteers converged Saturday on the spit, which is a notorious whale trap, to help in the rescue of 100 survivors.

The whales were refloated at high tide in the late morning but linked up with a so-called "super pod" of another 200 whales gathered off shore.

Rescuers waded into neck-deep water, defying a shark threat to form a human wall and guide the survivors out to sea while also prevent the other 200 from coming to shore.

"But in spite of best efforts by everyone to prevent further losses, the large pod of approximately 200 pilot whales that were free-swimming, have stranded," DOC spokesman Herb Christophers said.

"We may salvage some of the stranded whales. Not all stranded whales can successfully be refloated.

"Even when some whales are saved, they may still restrand as has happened in this instance and prolongs the effort and reduces the chances of success."

About 20 whales who restranded earlier in the day were euthanised "out of concern for their welfare," Christopher added.

The whales beached at low tide, three kilometres (1.8 miles) from where the first group had died Friday.

"We don't know why the super pod came in," said Daren Grover, the general manager of environmental group Project Jonah which is assisting with the rescue.

"They may have been picking up some calls from the whales here and come in to respond. It's very unusual, not something we have seen before."

DOC ranger Mike Ogle told Radio New Zealand the whales could have been frightened into the shallows by a shark.

One whale had been found with bite wounds and great white sharks were known to be in the area off Farewell Spit, he said.

"There's one carcass out there with some shark bites in it - but not a big one, just a small one, but quite fresh bites so yeah, there's something out there."

Hundreds of volunteers mobilised to help the rescue operation with many working to comfort the stranded animals and keep them cool in the morning heat while they waited to refloat them on the high tide.

Tim Cuff, a marine mammal medic with Project Jonah, told the New Zealand Herald of emotional scenes over the mass deaths.

"It's a pretty sad scene up on the beach where there's a long line of dead whales," he said.

"One German girl didn't really want to leave her whale. She was crying and had her hand on it."

DOC officials said the carcasses would either be tethered and towed out to sea, or left to decompose in the sand dunes.

Farewell Spit, about 150 kilometres (95 miles) west of the tourist town of Nelson, has witnessed at least nine mass beachings in the past decade.

Pilot whales grow up to six metres (20 feet) long and are the most common species of whale in New Zealand waters.

Pilot whale - (AFP Graphic)
A failed French rapper who became one of the most wanted ISIS terrorists has been targeted in a coalition air strike near the Iraqi city of Mosul, with one high ranking counter terrorism official claiming his death in the blasts is highly probable.

Jihadist Rachid Kassim, who is suspected of inspiring several attacks in France, was a primary focus of the raids over the past three days, the Pentagon said on Friday.

'We can confirm that coalition forces targeted Rashid Kassim, a senior ISIS operative, near Mosul in a strike in the past 72 hours,' said Pentagon spokesman Major Adrian J.T. Rankine-Galloway.

Jihadist Rachid Kassim, who is suspected of inspiring several attacks in France, has been targeted in strikes him over the past three days

'We are currently assessing the results of that strike and will provide more information when it becomes available.'

In Paris, a high-ranking official involved in counterterror operations, who wished to remain anonymous said there was not 'absolute confirmation' of his death, but that the probability was high.

Earlier in the day, several French media reports had reported Kassim's death.

Kassim, who is in his 30s and originally from Roanne in the Loire Valley, is believed to have inspired an attack last year in which a senior French policeman and his partner were knifed to death and another in which Jacques Hamel, an elderly priest, had his throat cut.

Kassim, seen here in Iraq, is thought to have inspired an attack last year in which a senior French policeman and his partner were knifed to death and another in which an elderly priest's throat was cut

Dressed in fatigues with a turban on his head, the black-bearded Kassim was seen in July in an ISIS propaganda video in which he praised the attacker in the Nice truck massacre that killed 86 people on the July 14 Bastille Day holiday.

The failed rapper of Algerian descent, who is also known as Ibn Qassim, gave a startling interview to Washington-based academic Amarnath Amarasingam in November last year.

The militant claimed beheading ISIS prisoners was 'a pleasure' and said the saddest thing about fleeing France for Syria was leaving his pet cat behind.

He stated: 'To behead an animal, it would be difficult, with enemies of Allah, it is a pleasure.'

French priest Father Jacques Hamel was murdered in an attack on his Catholic church in a Normandy town after two teenager Jihadists slit his throat in church

He revealed that he fled France after being placed under constant surveillance because of his radical views, leaving in the middle of the night with 1,500 Euros in his pocket.

Kassim is also believed to have run an encrypted app called Telegram, used by jihadists to share tips on how to carry out terror attacks in France from ISIS controlled territory.

The app was taken offline by French security services in September.

US-backed Iraqi forces are currently battling to take back the remaining western districts of Mosul that are still under IS control.

France, which is taking part in the US-led, anti-IS coalition in Iraq and Syria, has been the target of a series of jihadist attacks since 2015 that left 238 people dead.
Truck plunges off bridge; driver dies after copter rescue

NORFOLK, Va. (AP)  Driving through heavy winds, a tractor-trailer plunged off a bridge into the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay on Thursday. Even though the driver was seen alive and standing on the floating truck's roof, he was found in the water and unresponsive by the time a U.S. Navy helicopter reached him.

The truck driver died on the way to a hospital in Norfolk, said Thomas Anderson, deputy director of the Virginia-based Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel District. Anderson identified the driver as Joseph Chen, 47, of Greenville, North Carolina.

Anderson said investigators will determine if wind, or other factors such as a medical emergency, contributed to the crash on the 23-mile span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Anderson says 12 people have driven off the bridge since it opened in 1964, and 10 of those people, including the truck driver, have died.

A vehicle sits on the road by a missing section of guard rail along a segment of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel where a tractor-trailer went over the southbound side at the 15-mile marker, Thursday afternoon Feb. 9, 2017, near Virginia Beach, Va. A truck driver died after heavy winds swept his tractor trailer off the 23-mile bridge-tunnel between Virginia Beach and the Delmarva Peninsula, and into the 45-degree, wind-swept waters below, authorities said. A Navy helicopter plucked a driver from the roof of the floating vehicle, but later died, authorities said. (Bill Tiernan/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

The truck faced no travel restrictions because wind conditions were between 40 mph to 47 mph, Anderson said. However, earlier in the day, wind speeds were as high as 60 mph, limiting travel to cars, pickup trucks and SUV that weren't hauling cargo, according to the bridge-tunnel's website.

The tractor-trailer drove off the bridge shortly before 12:30 p.m., and the driver was rescued by the Navy a little after 1, said U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Corinne Zilnicki.

Zilnicki said heavy winds had forced a Coast Guard helicopter to abort its initial rescue mission. Laurie Naismith, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, said winds also thwarted her agency's attempts to use boats to rescue the truck driver.

But a helicopter from a sea combat squadron was flying a routine training mission over the bay when the accident occurred, said Mike Maus, a Naval Air Force Atlantic spokesman.

"They apparently saw the accident happen," Maus said of the crew based at nearby Naval Station Norfolk. "The search and rescue swimmer went into the water and rescued the driver. And they hoisted him aboard the helicopter and transported him (to the hospital)."

The water was about 45 degrees, according to the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Anderson said the investigation is being handled by the bridge-tunnel's police department with assistance from the Virginia State Police.

___

This story has been clarified to reflect that authorities don't know if wind was responsible for the truck going off the bridge.

Vehicles sits on the road by a missing section of guard rail along a segment of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel where a tractor-trailer went over the southbound side at the 15-mile marker, Thursday afternoon Feb. 9, 2017, near Virginia Beach, Va. A truck driver died after heavy winds swept his tractor trailer off the 23-mile bridge-tunnel between Virginia Beach and the Delmarva Peninsula, and into the 45-degree, wind-swept waters below, authorities said. A Navy helicopter plucked a driver from the roof of the floating vehicle, but later died, authorities said. (Bill Tiernan/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

A vehicle sits on the road by a missing section of guard rail along a segment of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel where a tractor-trailer went over the southbound side at the 15-mile marker, Thursday afternoon Feb. 9, 2017, near Virginia Beach, Va. A truck driver died after heavy winds swept his tractor trailer off the 23-mile bridge-tunnel between Virginia Beach and the Delmarva Peninsula, and into the 45-degree, wind-swept waters below, authorities said. A Navy helicopter plucked a driver from the roof of the floating vehicle, but later died, authorities said. (Bill Tiernan/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

A vehicle sits on the road by a missing section of guard rail along a segment of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel where a tractor-trailer went over the southbound side at the 15-mile marker, Thursday afternoon Feb. 9, 2017, near Virginia Beach, Va. A truck driver died after heavy winds swept his tractor trailer off the 23-mile bridge-tunnel between Virginia Beach and the Delmarva Peninsula, and into the 45-degree, wind-swept waters below, authorities said. A Navy helicopter plucked a driver from the roof of the floating vehicle, but later died, authorities said. (Bill Tiernan/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)
The Latest: 'Summer of Love' concert promoter plans appeal

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  The Latest on San Francisco city office denying permit for "Summer of Love" concert (all times local):

4:20 p.m.

The promoter of a "Summer of Love 50th Anniversary" concert planned to be held in San Francisco in June says he will appeal the city's decision to deny his request for a permit.

Promoter Boots Hughston says if the event is canceled it would be like "slapping San Francisco" in the face.

The June 4 concert in Golden Gate Park was expected to draw tens of thousands of people and was to be a focal point of citywide cultural events to mark the counterculture movement of the 1960s that was centered in San Francisco.

Hughston says he'd already lined up about two dozen performers including the remnants of Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin's Big Brother and the Holding Company and the Santana Blues Band.

Hughston received a letter earlier this week from the city's Recreation and Parks Department saying his permit request was being denied because he had made "numerous misrepresentations" about how security and crowd control would be handled, leaving them with concerns about public safety.

___

11:45 a.m.

The city of San Francisco has denied a permit for a "Summer of Love 50th Anniversary" concert, a free, outdoor event that was to be a focal point of citywide celebrations.

The June 4 concert in Golden Gate Park was expected to draw tens of thousands of people.

San Francisco's Recreation and Parks Department sent a letter this week to the event's promoter expressing deep concerns about safety and security for the concert due to his "numerous misrepresentations of material fact."

Event promoter Boots Hughston says he met all the city's demands and is appealing the permit denial.

The concert was one of dozens of cultural events planned to mark the 1967 counterculture movement known as the Summer of Love.
Father of girl who met with Pope fights to stay in US

LOS ANGELES (AP)  A man who was released from an immigration detention center after his daughter traveled to the Vatican to plead with Pope Francis to help with her father's immigration case asked a judge Thursday not to deport him.

Mario Vargas appeared before an immigration judge in Los Angeles for the first time since he was released on bond from an immigration detention facility in Louisiana in 2014. Vargas' then-10-year-old daughter, Jersey, had traveled from California to the Vatican and addressed Pope Francis shortly before the pontiff met with former President Barack Obama. Days later, Vargas was released on a $5,000 bond but his deportation case was still pending.

His attorney, Alex Galvez, said Vargas is asking the judge to let him legally stay in the U.S. or for federal immigration officials to use what is known as prosecutorial discretion to place the case on hold so Vargas can continue to raise his family in the U.S.

Immigrant Mario Vargas takes questions from the media, before attending his first removal hearing before an immigration judge, during a news conference at his attorney's office in Los Angeles, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Vargas appeared before an immigration judge in Los Angeles on Thursday for the first time since he was released from an immigration detention facility in Louisiana on bond in 2014. Vargas' then-10-year-old daughter, Jersey, had traveled from California to the Vatican and addressed Pope Francis shortly before the pontiff met with former President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

On Thursday, federal officials formally filed notice seeking to deport Vargas because he had been living in the United States illegally for about 17 years, Galvez said. The procedural hearing in a small courtroom in downtown Los Angeles, which lasted less than 10 minutes, was just the first hearing in what is expected to be a long court battle, the attorney said.

"He's not a bad hombre and I'm willing to put my feet to the fire on that," Galvez said. "Mario Vargas and Jersey Vargas put the face of the immigrant struggle front and center."

Since meeting with the pontiff, Jersey Vargas and her family have appeared at several rallies and the family has publicly lobbied for immigration reform.

"To President Trump, I would like to say, 'Please stop judging us,'" Jersey Vargas said at a news conference Thursday. "We are all human here and I hope you can really change and make our country flourish."

Mario Vargas had been arrested in 2013 in Tennessee and convicted of driving under the influence before he was taken into federal custody the next year, Bryan Cox, a spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement told The Associated Press in 2014.

"I want to stress Mr. Vargas is not the only one in this situation," Galvez said after the court hearing. "There are thousands and thousands of families going through the same thing and it's an everyday struggle for them...America is America because of immigrants."

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Follow Michael Balsamo on Twitter @MikeBalsamo1.
Nebraska resumes search for lethal injection drug suppliers

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)  Nebraska officials have started a new search for lethal injection drugs and are backing a proposal that would allow them to conceal a supplier's identity after voters reinstated capital punishment last year.

Corrections Director Scott Frakes said Thursday he has already "had some conversations" with potential suppliers but has not yet made any purchases. His comments came outside of a Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on a proposed shield law that would keep secret the identity of any lethal injection drug suppliers.

"I've just begun the process to see if I can obtain the substances needed to carry out the sentences," Frakes said after testifying in support of the bill.

Gov. Pete Ricketts approved a new lethal injection protocol last month that gives the Department of Correctional Services greater flexibility to choose which drugs are used in executions. An early draft of the protocol included a secrecy provision, but Frakes said department officials removed it after deciding they first needed legislative approval.

Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell said he introduced the measure to protect would-be suppliers from threats and public harassment from death penalty opponents. Commonly used lethal injection drugs have become scarce because many North American and European pharmaceutical companies refuse to sell drugs for use in executions.

Voters reinstated Nebraska's death penalty in November after state lawmakers repealed it in 2015. The measure was placed on the ballot through a petition drive with substantial financial support from Ricketts, a Republican who supports capital punishment.

Kuehn, a veterinarian, said the scarcity of death penalty drugs has deprived the public of substances with legitimate medical uses. He said voters "sent a clear message to Nebraska lawmakers" that they expect a workable solution.

Of the 31 states with the death penalty, 15 have enacted similar shield laws.

Lincoln attorney Bob Evnen, a former member of Nebraskans for the Death Penalty, said lawmakers should "stop listening to the obstructionists and instead heed the wishes of the overwhelming majority of this state."

"Nebraskans have spoken and they expect the Legislature to act now," he said.

Opponents pointed to the department's decision to spend $54,000 in 2015 on lethal injection drugs from Chris Harris, a broker in India with no pharmaceutical background who was unable to deliver the drugs because the federal government blocked the shipment.

Nebraska's corrections department also has a well-established history of debacles, including a 2015 riot, the escape of two inmates last year and the miscalculation of thousands of inmate sentences, said Spike Eickholt, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska.

"Generally, nothing good in government happens in secret," Eickholt said.

Matt Maly, a conservative death penalty opponent, said the punishment's severity requires intense public scrutiny.

The state "is using my money," Maly said. "That alone makes it my business."

Many pharmaceutical companies have stopped selling the drugs not because of harassment but because they object to the death penalty, said Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha. Wayne said he was concerned that the bill would allow the department to buy drugs without telling suppliers how it plans to use them.

Frakes told lawmakers the proposed shield law would make it easier for his department to obtain lethal injection drugs in the midst of a global shortage. The agency would still have to disclose the quantity and types of drugs in its possession.

The old protocol required the use of three drugs to render inmates unconscious, paralyze their muscles and stop their breathing and heart. It had never been used in Nebraska because of repeated legal challenges and the state's inability to acquire sodium thiopental, one of the required drugs.

Nebraska's last execution took place in 1997, using the electric chair. The state switched to lethal injection after the Nebraska Supreme Court declared the electric chair unconstitutional, but officials have never used the current three-drug protocol in an execution.

"I think it would be very difficult" to carry out executions without a shield law, Frakes said.

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El Salvador extends crackdown on jailed gang members

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP)  Lawmakers in El Salvador have extended for another year a series of extraordinary prison measures aimed at cracking down on criminal gangs.

Thursday's landslide vote in the 84-seat Legislative Assembly means the measures first put in place in 2016 will remain through April 2018.

The measures let authorities put jailed gang members in more strict isolation. They also give prison authorities more power to limit illicit phone use by inmates and establish severe penalties for telecoms that don't cooperate to block cell signals near lockups.

Salvadoran authorities say gang leaders often issue orders for killings, extortion and other crimes even from behind bars.
UN chief congratulates Somali president, urges quick Cabinet

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is congratulating Somalia's new president and calling on him to quickly form an inclusive Cabinet.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the top priority for the government led by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who was elected Wednesday, must be tackling the current drought and "the imperative of averting a famine."

Dujarric said Thursday that Guterres hopes the new government will also work with the states to "tackle urgent national priorities immediately, including finalizing the constitution and establishing effective national security forces."
The Latest: 9 killed in fisheries ship collision remembered

HONOLULU (AP)  The Latest on a memorial for nine people killed when a U.S. Navy submarine rammed into a Japanese fishing school ship off Hawaii 16 years ago (all times local):

3:45 p.m.

Family members, friends and government officials are gathering to remember nine people killed when a U.S. Navy submarine rammed into a Japanese fishing school ship off Hawaii 16 years ago.

Over 100 people attended a memorial Thursday on a Honolulu hill overlooking the ocean where the vessels collided.

The victims were on board the Ehime Maru, a training vessel for fisheries students from Ehime, Japan. The submarine's rudder sliced into the ship's hull.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige told those gathered that after the accident, Ehime and Hawaii formed a bond working toward goodwill and friendship.

A Navy investigation found the submarine's captain rushed through mandatory safety procedures while demonstrating an emergency surfacing drill.

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3 a.m.

Families of nine people killed when a U.S. Navy submarine rammed into a Japanese fishing school ship off Hawaii 16 years ago are remembering their loved ones.

The families are expected to attend a ceremony Thursday on a Honolulu hill overlooking the ocean where the vessels collided.

Those killed were on board the Ehime Maru, a training vessel for fisheries students. The submarine's rudder sliced into the ship's hull.

A Navy investigation found the USS Greenville's captain rushed through mandatory safety procedures while demonstrating an emergency surfacing drill.

This year's ceremony carries special significance under Buddhist custom because it marks the start of the 17th year since the deaths  a special time for healing and remembrance.
Iranians trample on US flag, mark 1979 Islamic Revolution

TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iranians on Friday marked the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution with nationwide celebrations and mass rallies that saw people step on large U.S. flags laid out on the streets while President Hassan Rouhani called the new American administration "a problem."

This year, the anniversary came against the backdrop of remarks by President Donald Trump, who has already engaged in a war of words with Iran's leadership and put Tehran "on notice" over its recent ballistic missile test.

At the Tehran rallies Friday, demonstrators chanted traditional slogans against the United States and Israel, and later, hundreds of thousands marched toward the city's central Azadi Square, where Rouhani addressed the crowds, telling them that Iran will strongly answer any threat from its enemies.

Iranians march on a portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump and the picture of U.S. flag in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

"All of them should know that they must talk to the Iranian nation with respect and dignity," Rouhani declared. "Our nation will strongly answer to any threat. (Iranians) will resist before enemies until the end."

Rouhani called Iran the home of "lions" but said the country does not seek hostility. "We are not after tensions in the region and the world. We are united in the face of bullying and any threat."

Many of the marchers carried the Iranian flag, others had banners and posters with revolutionary slogans. Printed U.S. flags and pictures of current and former U.S. presidents lay scattered on the streets  so they could be trampled by the marchers.

Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic relations since 1979, when Iranian students stormed the American Embassy and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Friday's rallies commemorated Feb. 11 of that year, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the U.S.-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi. The United States helped orchestrate the 1953 coup that overthrew Iran's popular prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, which brought Pahlavi to power and set the stage for decades of mistrust between the countries.

Some of the posters distributed in English on Friday read: "Thanks to American people for supporting Muslims."

Another one with a picture of Trump said: "Thanks Mr. Trump ... for revealing the face of the U.S."  a reference to remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, earlier this week.

Khamenei said on Tuesday that the "newcomer" Trump has shown the "real face" of the United States. He spoke after Trump tweeted  following a ballistic missile test by Iran  that Iranians were "playing with fire," saying they "don't appreciate how 'kind' President (Barack) Obama was to them. Not me!"

Trump has repeatedly criticized the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran, the U.S. and five other world powers, in which Tehran agreed to curb its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions, but he has not said what he plans to do about it.

His administration said Iran was "on notice" over the missile test, and imposed new sanctions on more than two dozen Iranian companies and individuals.

In Tehran, some of the demonstrators threw balls and darts targeting pictures of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Others burned an American flag. The semi-official ILNA news agency reported that an Israeli flag was also burned.

Many ranking officials attended the ceremony in Tehran, including Gen. Qassem Soleimani who heads the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations such as the war in Syria and Iraq's fight against the Islamic State group where the Shiite power Iran supports Iraq's government.

Rouhani told reporters prior to addressing the crowds that Iranians will make the U.S. regret using threatening language, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.

"Anyone who speaks the language of threat to this nation, the Iranian nation will make him regret" it, he said, without elaborating.

"This presence (of demonstrators) is a response to wrong comments by new leaders in the White House, and they announce with their presence to the world that they (U.S. leaders) should talk with respect and not use threatening language to the Iranian nation," Rouhani added.

Iranian state television aired footage of commemorations in Tehran and other cities and towns across the country, many of them held in sub-zero temperatures.

In the central city of Kashan, the official IRNA news agency said the country's prosecutor general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, told reporters that members of the Islamic State group have been arrested near Tehran. "They planned to sabotage" the anniversary rallies, he said.

And Khamenei's senior adviser, Gen. Rahim Safavi, said during a similar rally in the southern city of Ahvaz that the "evil triangle" or America, Britain and Israel "cannot create a serious military threat against Iran."

Tehran resident Mohammad Soufi, 33, a medical lab technician, said Trump's recent stance encouraged him and his wife to participate in the rally this year.

"We did not participate in the rally for more than 10 years," he said. "This year my wife told me: 'Let's go out to show to the world, particularly Trump, that we love our county despite differences'."

Sorraya Khalili , a 44-year-old hairstylist, said she was out to support the government and object to the "U.S. bullying of Iran."

"Why people like Trump think they can make decisions for the entire world? Iran is an independent country like the United States," she added. "I wish Americans get to visit Iran to find out we are similar to them; we warmly welcome our guests and respect them."

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif posted a photograph on his Twitter account showing protesters with posters with the words: "American people are welcome and invited to visit Iran."

Zarif also said that Iranians on their anniversary praised American people for rejecting Trump's executive action on the visa ban. Iran was among the seven Muslim-majority countries affected by the ban, which remains suspended while U.S. courts debate its legality.

Iranians march on a portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump and the picture of U.S. flag in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranians carry a banner showing a caracature of U.S. President Donald Trump during an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

A poster on the street with a portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump and a sentence referring to a quotation of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian school girls attend an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

An Iranian holds an anti-U.S. placard in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Iranians attend an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranians march in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, center, attends an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Security forces stand guard at an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, under the Azadi, 'Freedom' monument tower in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Police cadets carry a huge national flag while marching in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranians march toward a poster on the street which shows a U.S. President Donald Trump and a sentence referring to a quotation of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranians carry a banner showing a caricature of U.S. President Donald Trump during an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Iranian school girls flash the victory sign during an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Iranians march while carrying various portraits of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranians attend an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

People march while carrying portraits of late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A cleric holds a cariacature of U.S. President Donald Trump in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranians march in an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, delivers a speech during an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Iranians attend an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani delivers a speech during an annual rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution, which toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
S. Korea prosecutors push again to search Park's compound

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korean prosecutors filed a suit on Friday to try to force aides of impeached President Park Geun-hye to stop blocking searches of the presidential compound.

Prosecutors tried last week to enter the Blue House with a court-issued search warrant to check for material connected with a corruption scandal involving Park and a confidante. Park's aides turned them away, citing a law that can block searches of sites containing state secrets.

The suit was filed with the Seoul Administrative Court to determine whether blocking such searches is legal, prosecution spokesman Lee Kyu-chul said. He expects the court to make a ruling next week.

Judges of the Constitutional Court sit during a hearing on whether to confirm the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, at the Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Prosecutors say South Korea's impeached president has canceled plans to undergo questioning to protest leaks to the media about her investigation. (Kim Hyun-tae/Yonhap via AP)

The court confirmed the filing of the suit but gave no further details.

The move came after prosecutors said Park scrapped plans to let authorities question her on Thursday, to protest media leaks about the timing and location of the interview.

The two sides had agreed not to disclose such information before the questioning was over. Prosecutors said they did not leak the information.

By law, South Korean presidents have immunity from prosecution while in office, except in cases of grave crimes such as treason. Whether that law enables presidents to avoid being investigated remains the subject of debate. No South Korean president has ever been questioned by prosecutors while in office.

Prosecutors accuse Park of letting her confidante, Choi Soon-sil, meddle in government affairs, and of colluding with her to extort money from private companies. Park has denied the accusations, though she says she received some help from Choi in editing speeches.
A history of Trump's statements on the 'one China' policy

President Donald Trump sharply reversed himself Thursday after months of suggesting he wouldn't hold himself to the long-standing "one China" policy, under which the United States only maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan. A history of Trump's statements on Taiwan since November:

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Dec. 2, 2016  Trump speaks by phone with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, breaking four decades of protocol. It's the first time an American president or president-elect has publicly spoken with Taiwan's leader since 1979, when the United States switched diplomatic ties to Beijing. "The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency," Trump tweets. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accuses Tsai's government of playing a "trick," without directly rebuking Trump.

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Dec. 4, 2016  Facing criticism of the call with Tsai, Trump attacks on Twitter. "Did China ask us if it was OK to devalue their currency (making it hard for our companies to compete), heavily tax our products going into their country (the U.S. doesn't tax them) or to build a massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea?" Trump wrote in two separatetweets . "I don't think so!" A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Lu Kang, said China would "not comment on his personality," but rather his policies while in office.

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Dec. 11, 2016  Trump suggests he would use Taiwan's status as a bargaining chip. "I don't know why we have to be bound by a 'one China' policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade," he told Fox News Sunday . Beijing responds sharply. A foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, called on Trump to "understand the seriousness of the Taiwan issue," and Wang, the foreign minister, said "any power in the world" threatening China's core interests would "smash their own foot while trying to lift a stone."

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Jan. 13, 2017  Trump tells The Wall Street Journal , "Everything is under negotiation, including 'one China.'" The Chinese foreign ministry in turn says Taiwan is "non-negotiable." Chinese state media, tightly controlled by the government, publish two English-language editorials condemning Trump, including one China Daily editorial saying Trump was "playing with fire."

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Feb. 8, 2017  The White House announces Trump sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping offering well-wishes for the Chinese Lunar New Year. While he sent the letter more than a week after the Jan. 28 holiday, China responds with praise and rejects suggestions that the timing was a slight. "It is known to all that since President Trump took office, China and the U.S. have been in close contact," said Lu Kang, the foreign ministry spokesman.

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Two young children died when the mobile home they were living in caught fire because a pot of noodles was left on a hot plate.

Michael Reeves and Chassity Carter were living in an RV in Brunswick, Georgia, with their three children after their mobile home was destroyed in another blaze last year.

Blayden Wade Reeves, three, died inside the camper and his four-month-old sister, Tallie Ann Carter, died at University of Florida Health Jacksonville in Florida, one hour south of Brunswick, the Florida Times-Union reported.

Less than a year after their mobile home burned, another fire Wednesday ravaged the camper a young Georgia family had been living in in Brunswick, Georgia, killing two of their children

Chassity Carter and two-year-old Brighton Michael Reeves were hospitalized in critical condition. Michael Reeves was treated locally and released

Blayden Wade Reeves, three, died inside the camper and his four-month-old sister, Tallie Ann Carter, died at University of Florida Health Jacksonville in Florida. A pot of noodles left on a hot plate was determined to have caused the fire

Autopsies will be performed on both toddlers to determine the exact cause of death.

Chassity Carter and her son two-year-old Brighton Michael Reeves were hospitalized in critical condition.

Michael Reeves was treated locally and released.

After searching the camper's charred remains near 121 Holly Street Street Circle in Brunswick on Thursday, investigators determined the deadly blaze likely stated as an accidental cooking fire.

'There was a pot of noodles left on a hot plate on a countertop that was the cause of the fire,' Glynn County Police Chief Matt Doering told reporters at a news conference.

Tallie Ann Carter had been en route to the UF Health's burn center in Gainesville, another hour-and-half south, when she either became critical or died and was instead taken to Jacksonville

A police officer dispatched to the scene, Eric Koenig, filed a report saying he found Michael Reeves 'screaming and rolling around' in the street outside the burning camper where he lived

Reeves and Carter had three children

Neighbors knew the young couple had a hard time making ends meet, said Danny O'Neal, who lives around the corner.

So they would give Reeves and Carter food as well as bags of donated clothing for their three young children.

O'Neal said he would offer Reeves scrap metal he could sell for cash and gave him a mattress for the camper.

'They have been struggling and struggling,' O'Neal said as he described hearing the children's screams for help during the blaze.

'I heard the worst screams you could ever hear between him and her, about their children being inside,' he said.

A police officer dispatched to the scene, Eric Koenig, filed a report saying he found Michael Reeves 'screaming and rolling around' in the street outside the burning camper where he lived.

Chassity Carter was in a roadside ditch with burns on her arms and legs, the report said.

Chassity Carter was in a roadside ditch with burns on her arms and legs, the report said

The family moved into an approximately 25-foot camper trailer after their full-size mobile home burned down last May

Neighbors reported hearing explosions during the fire and it's possible flames detonated some items such as aerosol cans inside the camper, Glynn County Fire Chief Randy Jordan said.

'That could be easily aerosol cans that make a loud noise and increase the fireball,' Jordan said.

Doering said police were initially suspicious because the family's mobile home had been badly damaged by a fire last May.

The family moved into an approximately 25-foot camper trailer after their full-size mobile home burned down.

But he said there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in the fire at the camper.

'It was a travel trailer, which is unusual for a family to be living in,' Doering said. 'It's not designed for that, especially for a family of five.'
French farmer convicted for helping migrants

NICE, France (AP)  A French activist farmer was convicted Friday of helping migrants illegally cross the border from Italy and given a suspended, 3,000-euro (US$3,191) fine.

Authorities said Cedric Herrou, 37, assisted some 200 migrants over the past year, housing some in his farm in the Roya valley in the Alps, near the Italian border, and others in an unused building owned by French national railway company SNCF. He also helped them travel in France, using his own vehicle.

He was charged in autumn last year for having helped people to enter, travel and stay illegally in the country.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 file picture, Cedric Herrou, a French activist farmer who faces up to five years in prison as he goes on trial accused of helping African migrants cross the border from Italy, waits outside the Nice courthouse, southern France. Cedric Herrou remains defiant: Ahead of a court ruling that could see him jailed for sheltering migrants, the French activist has more arrivals from Africa staying on his farm. (AP Photo/Claude Paris, File)

Herrou was convicted Friday for having helped migrants cross the border illegally between Italy and France. He was acquitted of the other charges.

The case has called attention to those who have resisted Europe's anti-migrant sentiment and are offering food, lodging or other aid to people from impoverished or war-torn countries.

Herrou has argued that his actions to help migrants were not a crime, but his civic duty, and his lawyer Zia Oloumy said his client "acted in a humanitarian context."

Outside a court in Nice Friday, Herrou said he acted on behalf of "human and children rights". He called on people to join groups helping migrants "so that we don't do this clandestinely."

On Friday, he still had several teenagers from Sudan and Eritrea staying in caravans on his farm.

A 2012 French law provides legal immunity to people helping migrants with "humanitarian and disinterested actions," but the prosecutor had argued Herrou was subverting the law.

Friday's court decision appears mostly symbolic, since Herrou will not have to pay the fine. The prosecutor had initially requested a suspended eight-month prison sentence.

Herrou received an outpouring of support from his neighborhood, with about 300 supporters backing him outside the court.

Among them, Khadija Sangare, a 17-year-old girl from Mali, who entered France illegally and was helped by Herrou, told reporters she was relieved.

"Helping minors is nor a crime", she said.
Elephant habitats shrink in India as encroachments increase

GAUHATI, India (AP)  Wildlife activists say human encroachment in the forests of northeast India have forced elephants out of their natural habitats, triggering conflicts with locals.

Conservationists have urged the government to prevent encroachments and free corridors that are used by elephants to move across forests in search of food. In recent years, there have been many incidents where wild elephants have entered villages, destroyed crops and even killed people.

Forest official D.D. Gogoi said Friday that in the latest incident, forest guards had to set fire to wild grass to drive back three wild elephants that came out of the Amchang Reserve forest in Assam state.

FILE- In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, file photo, wild elephants stand amid grass as Indian villagers try to chase them away from their Misamari village on the outskirts of Gauhati, Assam state, India. Wildlife activists say human encroachment in the forests of northeast India have forced elephants out of their natural habitats, triggering conflicts with locals. Conservationists have urged the government to remove encroachments and free elephant corridors that are used by the beasts to move across forests in search of food. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File)

Villagers pelted elephants with stones but were chased away by the animals until forests guards came to their rescue.

"It's an alarming situation. The elephants rampage through villages in search of food as their habitats are being overtaken by people," said Mubina Akhtar, a wildlife conservationist. "The government has to order the clearance of the elephant corridors."

According to the 2011 elephant census, there were 5,620 wild elephants in Assam. The state is preparing to hold a fresh elephant census next month, Gogoi said.

Elephants are increasingly coming into contact with people in India, as the human population of 1.3 billion soars and cities and towns grow at the expense of jungles and other elephant habitats.

India's elephants are also threatened by speeding trains and illegal poachers looking for ivory to sell on the black market. Last year, 67 elephants were killed in Assam, after 118 were shot dead the previous year.

Forests guards are also trying to drive away elephants from railway tracks near the Amchang reserve area.

FILE- In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, file photo, wild elephants chase back Indian villagers who were trying to chase them away from their Misamari village on the outskirts of Gauhati, Assam state, India. Wildlife activists say human encroachment in the forests of northeast India have forced elephants out of their natural habitats, triggering conflicts with locals. Conservationists have urged the government to remove encroachments and free elephant corridors that are used by the beasts to move across forests in search of food. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File)

FILE- In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, file photo, a forest official takes position as a wild elephant prepares to chase away villagers at Misamari village on the outskirts of Gauhati, Assam state, India. Wildlife activists say human encroachment in the forests of northeast India have forced elephants out of their natural habitats, triggering conflicts with locals. Conservationists have urged the government to remove encroachments and free elephant corridors that are used by the beasts to move across forests in search of food.(AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File)

FILE- In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, file photo, a wild elephant flees after villagers set fire to grass to chase them from their Misamari village on the outskirts of Gauhati, Assam state, India. Wildlife activists say human encroachment in the forests of northeast India have forced elephants out of their natural habitats, triggering conflicts with locals. Conservationists have urged the government to remove encroachments and free elephant corridors that are used by the beasts to move across forests in search of food. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File)

FILE- In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, file photo, women and children gather to watch wild elephants which entered Misamari village on the outskirts of Gauhati, Assam state, India. Wildlife activists say human encroachment in the forests of northeast India have forced elephants out of their natural habitats, triggering conflicts with locals. Conservationists have urged the government to remove encroachments and free elephant corridors that are used by the beasts to move across forests in search of food. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File)

FILE - In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, file photo, villagers set fire to grass to chase away wild elephants from their Misamari village on the outskirts of Gauhati, Assam state, India. Three wild elephants from nearby Amchang wildlife sanctuary entered the village in search of food Thursday. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File)

FILE - In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, file photo, a villager holds his dog and watches as others try to chase away wild elephants from their Misamari village on the outskirts of Gauhati, Assam state, India. Three wild elephants from nearby Amchang wildlife sanctuary entered the village in search of food Thursday. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File)

FILE - In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, file photo, a forest guard and villagers watch from a railway track as villagers try to chase away wild elephants from their Misamari village on the outskirts of Gauhati, Assam state, India. Three wild elephants from nearby Amchang wildlife sanctuary entered the village in search of food Thursday. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File)
Chinese ambassador says more funds to flow to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Three out of 40 infrastructure projects that the Philippines has proposed for Chinese financing are expected to break ground this year, and there will be more investments following a recent improvement in the two countries' ties, China's ambassador said Friday.

Ambassador Zhao Jianhua also expressed hope President Rodrigo Duterte would receive emergency powers from Congress soon because without them, urgent projects may not be finished within his single six-year term.

A Philippine Senate committee has recommended such powers for the Duterte administration to address the country's worsening traffic problem. A House of Representatives committee has already approved them but the measures haven't yet been formally passed.

Duterte took office last June and has moved to rebuild once-frosty relations with China over South China Sea disputes.

Zhao told a business conference in southern Davao city that projects likely to break ground this year include a $3 billion train line from Manila to southeastern Legazpi city. He said more infrastructure investments are expected above the $6 billion in soft loans and $3-billion credit line Beijing earlier committed.

China will try to make sure the projects are corruption-free, he said. Corruption allegations have led to the scrapping of previous deals with China, including a $500-million railroad connecting the capital to northern provinces and a $329-million national broadband network.
ELKO  Clear and cooler weather is forecast for this weekend but dangerous flooding conditions were expected to persist in northeastern Nevada.

The Humboldt River swelled beyond its channel through Elko and caused flooding on Water Street, while Salmon Creek south of Jackpot continued to rise Friday morning and keep U.S. 93 closed north of Wells.

Conditions are expected to worsen before they get better, according to the National Weather Service. Elko meteorologist Jeremy Michael said Friday's rain and warm temperatures melted more snow, adding to the force of nature.

We are approaching 10.5 feet on the Humboldt River, said Michael. The impact of this is that major flooding would occur throughout the reach of the river. That would mean major damage to roads, structures, railroads, and loss of cattle in the flood plain.

He also said this level of flooding is equivalent to a 50-year flood. The river is at its third all-time crest since records have been kept, Michael said. It has not crested this high since May 17, 1984, and the water is continuing to rise.

At the 10.5-foot level the agency's impact statement shows that areas would be flooded to River Street north of the river, Wilson Avenue south of the river, between First and 11th street and Lamoille Road. Areas up and downstream of levies would flood, basements and low lying parts of town would flood, and the Elko sewage treatment plant would be at capacity.

The impacts will be much more significant if the river swells higher and Michael thinks that might occur.

Thankfully, the cold front that is in the process of moving through will bring the cold air down which will slow the melting in the higher elevations, said Michael. Unfortunately, the freezing level is not going to get down low enough quick enough to make much of an impact.

He said there is a tremendous amount of water coming from tributaries, and that means there will be a lot more water going into the Humboldt. By Tuesday Battle Mountain and Winnemucca will likely see flooding. Carlin and Palisade are already experiencing rising waters.

The local National Weather Service office is continuing to provide warnings on television, radio and other sources. Michael advises staying away from the river, especially the embankments.

At any given moment our soil is easily eroded and we can have significant bank failures. Sometimes a 10 feet chunk of bank can fall in and the last thing we need is for emergency officials to have to divert their flood mitigations to rescue someone.

Major highway closed

In the eastern part of the county, the Nevada Department of Transportation had no estimate of when U.S. 93 might reopen.

Right now were waiting for the water to recede, District Engineer Kevin Lee said at noon Friday. There is  Id hate to guess how much  water over Salmon Falls Creek Bridge.

Lee said the water level was still rising Friday morning.

As soon as it recedes we can assess the actual bridge itself, and then open the road potentially, he said.

Shoulders along the highway have been heavily damaged both north and south of Wells.

Interstate 80 between Elko and Wells was being reopened to two-lane travel around noon Friday after being restricted because of water over the lanes.

Lee said State Route 233 to Montello washed out in three places, and is impassable in two of them.

He said the agency was in the process of awarding three emergency repair contracts  one for S.R. 233, one for U.S. 93 north of Wells, and one for U.S. 93 south of Wells.

County roads damaged

Damage to unpaved roads in the county has been extensive.

I have been stuck at home since Tuesday night, said Melissa Thacker of Ryndon.

Her husband was finally able to get her and they came into Elko.

We just walked into a hotel room for a few days. I am amazed at how everyone has come together and helped out with all their neighbors. It eased the stress a little.

Assistant County Manager Randy Brown said crews are fighting the weather and rising water in an effort to make some roads passable.

Were doing the best we can, he said. We have two crews in Osino trying to get some places open. We cant do anything in Ryndon until the water recedes.

Brown said when Sheriff Jim Pitts and county commissioners declared the flooding a state of emergency it helped a lot, because it allowed staff to go off their regular maintenance plan.

County road crews are working on Comanche and Victory Boulevard in Osino, but many dirt roads have too much water to work on them, he said Friday afternoon.

Our first priority is the health, safety and welfare of everyone, Brown said.

Sherman Creek is flooding in Osino and Coal Mine Creek is impacting Ryndon.

The runoff water is coming from everywhere, Brown said.

Sand and sandbags are available in the Osino area on the south side of Interstate 80 for people to use around their homes.

We would like to see the sandbags used for residential use only, Brown said.

He doesnt want people using sandbags around roads because it could cause other problems.

Humboldt River rising

In Elko, the Humboldt River was flowing rapidly and had swelled far beyond its artificial channel through town. Water was covering parts of Water Street.

The FISH thrift store was closed Friday morning while water was pumped out of the parking lot, across the street, through the railroad sound barrier, under the mainline railroad tracks and back to the river.

Water also covered the street near the entrance to ALS Minerals and Western Nevada Supply. The road in front of the westbound Amtrak station was covered with water but passable.

In many cases we get the storm water pushing back up through the storm drain and that results in some street flooding," said Elko Assistant City Manager Scott Wilkinson. "What we do is, we go into all the drop inlets in the street and we attempt to plug them the best we can so it slows the rate of inflow from the river back into the street. Then we set up pumps and pump that water from the street back into the river.

"As long as we can pump the water out faster than it comes in we can control that street flooding, he said.

Dangerous conditions

The weather service reported Friday that most rivers in northern Nevada were flooding and climbing higher.

In Elko County virtually every river, stream, and the Humboldt River main stem were flooding. "Also, normally dry washes are flowing or overflowing.

In the Winnemucca area, the Humboldt River was just beginning to rise as it enters Humboldt County.

Maggie Creek, Willow Creek, and the Humboldt River in northern Eureka County were already flooding.

The U.S. Forest Service was warning people to use caution when traveling forest roads in the Mountain City, Ruby Mountains and Jarbidge Ranger Districts.

Expect possible mud and rock slides on the Lamoille Canyon Road, stated the agency.

This is a very dangerous, even life threatening situation still, warned the National Weather Service. Do not let your guard down. Road beds are washed out or damaged. If you come to a flooded or closed road, turn around. Don`t drown. Most people in floods die in their vehicles. Trucks, cars, all of them are subject to flooding. Even semis are washed away.
CIA chief, Turkish PM discuss closer anti-terror cooperation

ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  Officials say Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has met CIA chief Mike Pompeo and they agreed on closer cooperation against terrorism and organized crime.

During their discussions Friday, Yildirim renewed a request for U.S. support for Turkey's struggle against the movement led by U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, including his extradition, the prime minister's office said. Gulen is wanted in Turkey for masterminding a failed coup attempt. He denies the accusation.

Pompeo arrived in Turkey on Thursday, making his first overseas trip since taking office. He met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Turkish counterpart to discuss the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.
Greece, creditors narrow their differences in bailout talks

BRUSSELS (AP)  Greece's finance minister and international creditors made "substantial progress" Friday in narrowing their differences over the bailout program keeping the Greek economy afloat, amid renewed tensions about the country's future in the euro.

"We made substantial progress today and are close to common ground for the mission to return to Athens in the coming week," Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who chairs the eurozone finance ministers' group, said after the talks in Brussels.

Dijsselbloem said all sides have "a clear understanding that a timely finalization of the second (bailout) review is in everybody's interest."

FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016 file photo, Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, left, speaks with Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem during a round table meeting of EU finance ministers at the EU Council building in Brussels. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

He said the 19 eurozone finance ministers will take stock of progress at their next official meeting on Feb. 20. Concluding the review could give Athens access to more bailout funds and pave the way for important discussions about helping Greece ease its debt burden, which currently stands at about 180 percent of its gross domestic product.

Greece needs to agree with the International Monetary Fund and its European creditors on more reforms to keep tapping the bailout loans. Although Greece insists it doesn't have pressing cash needs, without the money it would eventually face the renewed possibility of default  something that nearly caused it to fall out of the euro bloc in 2015.

Greece's next big debt repayment deadline is in July, but officials want to solve its funding problems before then as key European elections loom as early as next month. The Netherlands goes to the polls on March 15, followed by France in April and May and Germany in September, and the issue of providing more loans to Greece is politically sensitive.

Negotiations over Greece's reforms remain mired in disagreement. The Greek government opposes labor reforms, and the IMF is at odds with European lenders over the extent to which the country's massive debts should be eased.

Dijsselbloem said before Friday's talks that they would not be about debt relief.

"What is on the table is the budget, the primary surplus, further reforms in the pension system," he said.

He said he called the meeting to give impetus to the process, which has dragged on for several months, but insisted he was in no particular rush and that "stories about a crisis are a gross exaggeration."

___

Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands contributed.
France thwarts 'imminent attack;' 4 arrests, explosive found

PARIS (AP)  Anti-terrorism forces arrested four people Friday in southern France, including a 16-year-old girl, and uncovered a makeshift laboratory with the explosive TATP and other ingredients for fabricating a bomb. France's top security official said the raid thwarted an "imminent attack."

A police official said the teen had pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group in a recent video.

The prosecutor's office said around 70 grams (2.5 ounces) of TATP were seized in the Montpellier-area home of a 20-year-old man, along with a liter each of acetone, oxygenated water and sulfuric acid. TATP, which can be made from readily available materials, was used in the deadly November 2015 attacks in Paris and the March 2016 attack in Brussels carried out by Islamic State extremists.

Two other men were arrested, a 33-year-old and a 26-year-old, along with the teenage girl, according to the prosecutor's office, which handles terrorism investigations in France.

The police official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation, said one of the suspects was believed to be planning a suicide attack but that the investigation had not yet uncovered a specific target.

He said person in the group had tried to reach Syria in 2015 and was known to intelligence services. The group  notably the girl  attracted new attention with their social media postings, he said.

Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux said the arrests in three locations in the Montpellier area "thwarted an imminent attack on French soil."

The country's prime minister praised the work of anti-terror investigators.

"Faced with the heightened threat, there has been an extremely strong mobilization of our intelligence services to ensure the French are protected to the utmost," said Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.
French far-right candidate Le Pen opposes dual citizenship

PARIS (AP)  French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has vowed to request all people with dual citizenship in France and other countries to choose only one nationality, except for Europeans and Russians.

She said this doesn't mean foreigners would need to leave the country, explaining they can stay "as long as they respect French laws and values".

Le Pen said she considers Russia to be part of the "Europe of nations." In response to a specific question from a reporter on France 2 television Thursday night she said the measure would involve Israel, since it's not a European country.

French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen leaves after a meeting at the Juvisy-sur-Orge police station, south of Paris, France, as she campaigns for the upcoming presidential election, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Serb court rejects extradition of Montenegro coup suspect

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  A Serbian court has rejected an extradition request by Montenegro for a suspect in an alleged pro-Russia plot to overthrow the small Balkan country's government.

Nemanja Ristic, the suspect whose extradition was rejected on Thursday by the Special Court in Belgrade, appeared in a group photo with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit to Serbia in December.

The court said Ristic, a supporter of a pro-Russian far-right group in Serbia, cannot be extradited because Montenegro suspects him of committing the alleged crime by acting from the territory of Serbia and not inside Montenegro.

FILE - In this Monday Dec. 12, 2016 file photo, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, second right, poses for photos with members of a far-right pro-Russian group of which Nemanja Ristic, first left, is a member. A Serbian court on Thursday Feb. 9, 2017, has rejected an extradition request by Montenegro for Nemanja Ristic suspected of taking part in an alleged pro-Russian plot to overthrow the small Balkan country's government. (AP Photo, File)

Montenegro also has issued extradition requests for another Serb and two Russians for alleged plans to kill the then-prime minister and take over parliament on election day in October. Another Serbian court ruled earlier this week that the other Serb sought by Montenegro could be handed over after an appeals process.

The two Russians, reportedly members of the Russian military intelligence agency, allegedly coordinated the whole operation from Serbia and tracked the movements of Montenegro's then-Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic with sophisticated spying equipment. They have been allowed to return to Russia.

Montenegro has arrested around 20 people in the alleged plot, most of them Serbian nationals.

The Kremlin has denied involvement, but has actively supported local groups that oppose having Montenegro become the 29th member of NATO. Montenegro expects to wrap up the process by May.

Djukanovic, who stepped down after the October elections when his ruling party won most seats in Montenegro's parliament, has accused the Kremlin of standing behind the alleged plot.

"That was an attempt by the current Moscow politics which is seeking to boost its influence in the Balkans," Djukanovic said earlier this week.

With uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's stand toward NATO, which he has described as an "obsolete" organization, and his warming of relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the prospects of further Russian expansion in southeastern Europe seem more likely.

So far, 22 of 28 NATO members have approved Montenegro's accession protocol, but not the U.S. Senate.

Russian officials, opposing further NATO expansion in Europe, are urging a referendum on Montenegro's membership in the Western military alliance. The pro-Russian opposition in the Adriatic state pledged to organize the plebiscite if the ruling pro-Western majority keeps insisting the decision should be made in parliament.
10 Things to Know for Today - 10 February 2017

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

1. U.S. APPEALS COURT REJECTION LEAVES TRUMP TRAVEL BAN ON HOLD

The legal fight over the president's ruling on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations could shift to the U.S. Supreme Court.

This Feb. 4, 2017 photo released by NBC shows Alec Baldwin as President Donald Trump in the opening sketch of "Saturday Night Live," in New York. With the return of John Oliver to HBO and Alec Baldwins guest hosting slot on Saturday Night Live, this is shaping up like a big weekend for late-nights treatment of the new president.(Will Heath/NBC via AP)

2. TRUMP DEALS VICTORY TO BEIJING

The president reaffirms America's long-standing "one China" policy in a call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

3. WHICH PICK IS CONFIRMED NARROWLY FOR CABINET

Trump's choice for health secretary, Rep. Tom Price, is the latest of a handful of nominees to squeeze through to confirmation by a bitterly-divided, partisan U.S. Senate.

4. CONGRESSMAN'S LESS THAN WARM WELCOME HOME

Republican U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz is greeted with boos and grilled by hundreds of constituents on everything from investigating Trump's tax returns to Planned Parenthood.

5. HAWAII MAY BE BREAKING LAW BY ALLOWING FOREIGN MEN TO FISH

Officials point to a single federal immigration permit as evidence they can let some 700 foreign fishermen confined to their American boats to catch and sell seafood in the state, The AP finds.

6. WHAT IRANIANS ARE CELEBRATING

The 38th anniversary of the 1979 revolution is being commemorated with massive rallies.

7. WHERE OLYMPIC GLOW FADING FAST

Rio de Janeiro pulled off last year's Summer Games, fending off dire forecasts, but a harsh reality sets in as Brazil plunges into its deepest recession in memory.

8. HOW OHIO TRIES TO KEEP EXECUTIONS GOING

It asks seven other states for a lethal injection drug in an attempt to continue putting inmates to death, according to a court filing.

9. A RACE TO SAVE BEACHED WHALES

New Zealanders are rushing to keep about 400 alive after they were stranded.

10. WHY THIS IS A BIG WEEKEND FOR LATE-NIGHT TV

John Oliver returns to HBO and Alec Baldwin guest hosts on "Saturday Night Live."

Tami Sablan shouts as Rep. Jason Chaffetz speaks during a town hall meeting at Brighton High School, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Hundreds of people lined up early for a town hall with Chaffetz on Thursday evening, many holding signs criticizing the congressman's push to repeal the newly-named Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Trump says settlements bad for peace prior to meeting PM

JERUSALEM (AP)  An Israeli newspaper quoted President Donald Trump on Friday as saying that settlement expansion in land claimed by the Palestinians does not advance peace, indicating there might be some difficult discussions on the topic in a high profile White House meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week.

Netanyahu has been on a settlement construction binge since Trump took office, apparently believing the new administration would be far more lenient on the settlements than his predecessor.

But in an interview with a pro-Netanyahu daily published Friday, Trump said: "They (settlements) don't help the process. I can say that. There is so much land left. And every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left. But we are looking at that, and we are looking at some other options we'll see. But no, I am not somebody that believes that going forward with these settlements is a good thing for peace."

FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, file photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. An Israeli newspaper quoted President Donald Trump on Friday, Feb. 10, as saying that settlement expansion in land claimed by the Palestinians does not advance peace indicating there might be some difficult discussions on the topic at the heart of the conflict in a high profile White House meeting with Netanyahu next week. (Ronen Zvulun/Pool Photo via AP, File)

The remarks came in a Trump interview with Yisrael Hayom, a free newspaper financed by American billionaire and Netanyahu backer Sheldon Adelson a few days before the prime minister visits the White House. The two leaders are scheduled to meet at the White House on Feb. 15.

The Palestinians seek the West Bank and east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war from Jordan, as parts of their future independent state  a position that has wide international backing.

Most of the international community considers all Israeli settlements in the territory illegal and counterproductive to peace. Some 600,000 Israelis now live in the two areas.

After years of conflict with President Barack Obama over settlements, Netanyahu's hard-line government has grown emboldened by the election of President Donald Trump. The new president had signaled he will take a much softer approach to the settlements. Trump's campaign platform made no mention of a Palestinian state, departing from two decades of American policy, his designated ambassador to Israel is a settler ally, and a delegation of settler leaders was invited to his inauguration.

Since Trump took office, Israel has approved plans to build more than 6,000 new homes in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Netanyahu's nationalist coalition is dominated by West Bank settlers and their supporters. The Jewish Home, a powerful coalition ally, believes that with a friendly U.S. president in office, it is time for Netanyahu to lay out a clear policy for the West Bank, including the possible annexation of parts of the territory.

"Well, I want Israel to be reasonable with respect to peace. I want to see peace happen. It should happen," Trump told the paper. "After all these years. ... Maybe there is even a chance for a bigger peace than just Israel and the Palestinians. I would like to see a level of reasonableness of both parties, and I think we have a good chance of doing that."

Netanyahu butted heads with Obama over the 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that imposed curbs on Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. Netanyahu has said the deal won't stop Iran from gaining nuclear weapons' capability, which he views as a threat to Israel's existence.

Trump has said he wants to renegotiate the accord, without elaborating.
Germany's Merkel likely to meet with US VP Pence in Munich

BERLIN (AP)  German Chancellor Angela Merkel is likely to meet with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence next week.

It would be the first face-to-face meeting between Merkel and a senior member of the new U.S. administration following President Donald Trump's inauguration.

Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said the chancellor will hold several bilateral meetings at the Munich Security Conference, which starts Feb. 17 in the south German city.
UK court ruling may affect labor rights in 'gig economy'

LONDON (AP)  A London plumber who worked as a contractor for a company for years has won a court ruling giving him employment rights, in a case seen as a key test of labor rules in the so-called gig economy.

The Court of Appeal on Friday upheld a ruling that the plumber, who worked for Pimlico Plumbers full-time for six years, was entitled to rights such as sick pay.

Gary Smith claimed he was unfairly dismissed after seeking to reduce his hours following a heart attack, while the company argued he wasn't entitled to such protection because he was a self-employed contractor. Pimlico said it may appeal.

The case has significant implications for the estimated 100,000 independent contractors in Britain's gig economy, where people work job-to-job with little security and few employment rights. Such workers are often dispatched by app-based companies like the ride-hailing service Uber, as the internet and smart phones cut the link between jobs and the traditional workplace.

"This will be an important judgment for years to come," said Sean Nesbitt, a partner in the employment team at the international law firm Taylor Wessing, which is not involved in the case.

The ruling is similar to one issued late last year by Britain's employment tribunal in a case involving Uber. That tribunal ruled that two drivers who sued the company were employees and so were entitled to paid time off and a guaranteed minimum wage.

The detail in the 31-page judgment in the Pimlico Plumbers case suggests that the Court of Appeal wanted to offer clarity at a time of dramatic change, Nesbitt said.

The court "is trying to lay the foundations for people in the gig economy to understand their rights  especially workers  but also businesses, and the judgments they need to make between flexibility and protect their brand and customer base," he said. "It's a senior court trying to close down loopholes."

Nesbitt particularly pointed to suggestions in the court documents that "restrictive covenants"  or those which prevent a worker from seeking work with competitors  may give otherwise independent contractors the rights of workers.

"In other words, a business like Pimlico cannot have its cake and eat it," Nesbitt said. "If it wants to say someone is self-employed, their economic freedom and ability to compete are an important feature of that status."
Russian Olympic champion Savinova stripped of gold, banned

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP)  Russian runner Maria Savinova was stripped of her 2012 Olympic gold medal for doping on Friday, putting Caster Semenya in line to become a two-time champion.

Savinova, who won the 800-meter title at the London Games ahead of Semenya, was also banned for four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

CAS said the 31-year-old Savinova was "found to have been engaged in using doping" from July 2010 until August 2013.

FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2012 file photo Russia's Mariya Savinova, left, is congratulated by South Africa's second placed Caster Semenya after winning the women's 800-meter final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London. Savinova has been banned for four years for doping by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 and stripped of the Olympic gold medal from 2012. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, file)

In 2014, Savinova was caught in undercover footage filmed by Russian doping whistleblower Yulia Stepanova appearing to admit to injecting testosterone and taking the banned steroid oxandrolone. The footage helped spark a World Anti-Doping Agency investigation into Russia, and led to Savinova's blood samples being re-examined.

Savinova has not raced competitively since 2013. She had been preparing for a comeback when she was filmed by Stepanova and then suspended during the investigation.

Following further evidence of widespread drug use, the Russian track team was suspended from all international competitions in November 2015 and missed last year's Olympics.

If the International Olympic Committee decides to reallocate the medals from the 2012 final, Semenya will add that gold medal to the one she won last year in Rio de Janeiro.

The original bronze medalist in the 2012 Olympic final, Ekaterina Poistogova of Russia, is also under investigation for doping. If she is banned, Pamela Jelimo of Kenya would be in line for silver, with bronze for Alysia Montano of the United States. Another Russian who originally finished sixth, Elena Arzahkova, was retrospectively disqualified in 2013 over blood doping.

Semenya could also become a two-time world champion by inheriting Savinova's gold medal from 2011. Yvonne Hak of the Netherlands is in line for the 2010 European title, though Savinova keeps the 2010 world indoor title she won ahead of Britain's Jenny Meadows.

The Russian is also obliged to return at least $156,000 in prize money from various competitions where she's now considered disqualified.

The WADA commission which investigated Russian track and field had originally recommended a lifetime ban for Savinova.

She can appeal the CAS ruling within 45 days.

In the footage filmed by Stepanova, Savinova said doping was the only way to succeed in Russian sport.

"What should we do? How should it go differently? That is our system and in Russia that only works only with pharma," she said, according to a transcript produced by WADA. "Oxandrolone is very quickly out of my body out again. It takes less than 20 days."

Savinova also said that her husband, former runner Alexei Farnosov, had used "contacts" at a drug-testing laboratory to help cover up her doping. The Moscow drug-testing laboratory was later shut down and its director testified he had covered up hundreds of failed tests by top Russian athletes.

Two top coaches who worked with Savinova, Alexei Melnikov and Vladimir Kazarin, have also faced punishment. Melnikov was banned for life by the IAAF last year, while Kazarin is suspended awaiting the results of an investigation, though he's been accused of breaking that suspension by continuing to coach Russian runners.

FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2012 file photo Russia's Mariya Savinova crosses the finish line to win gold in the women's 800-meter final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London. Savinova has been banned for four years for doping by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 and stripped of the Olympic gold medal from 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, file)

FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2012 file photo Russia's Mariya Savinova, left, and South Africa's Caster Semenya, right, react after winning first and second place in the women's 800-meter final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London. Savinova has been banned for four years for doping by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 and stripped of the Olympic gold medal from 2012. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, file)

FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2012 file photo Russia's Mariya Savinova, right, reacts as she crosses the finish line ahead of South Africa's Caster Semenya to win the women's 800-meter final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London. Savinova has been banned for four years for doping by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Friday, Feb and stripped of the Olympic gold medal from 2012. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, file)
Fishermen in legal limbo fill US plates for $1 an hour pay

HONOLULU (AP)  They work without most basic labor protections just a few miles from Waikiki's white sand beaches, catching premium tuna and swordfish sold at some of America's most upscale grocery stores, hotels and restaurants.

About 700 of these foreign fisherman are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour.

Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state law for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who were refused entry into the country, The Associated Press has found.

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, a catch of fish is unloaded from a commercial fishing boat at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

Under state law, these workers  who make up most of the crew in a fleet catching $110 million worth of seafood annually  may not be allowed to fish at all, the AP found.

A recent industry-sponsored assessment of crew members' treatment and living conditions found no human trafficking, but raised concerns that workers could be vulnerable to exploitation and said they have little recourse about paying fees or incurring debt in order to hold their jobs.

"There exists no system of grievance mechanisms for crew to voice concerns over pay," according to the report.

In this unique fishing arrangement facilitated by both federal and state officials, Hawaii's boat owners pay brokers up to $10,000 to bring each crew member from impoverished Southeast Asian and Pacific island nations. The men aren't allowed to arrive at Honolulu's airport because they lack visas, so they are instead flown to other countries and put on U.S.-owned fishing boats for long sails back to Hawaii.

Before the men start working, they need a state commercial fishing license. In order to get it, Hawaii requires that they must be "lawfully admitted" to the U.S.

Here's the hitch: When they arrive, they are met at the dock by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents who ban them from entering the country by stamping "refused" on their landing permits, which voids them. So instead of being "lawfully admitted," they are now barred by law from setting foot on U.S. soil.

"Try taking a check to your bank that says 'void' on it and telling them, 'Oh, but they wrote the check to me,'" said Hawaii attorney Lance Collins, who advocates for the workers.

Nonetheless, a written opinion by Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said the Department of Land and Natural Resources provides the landing permits as proof the fishermen are "lawfully admitted."

U.S. Customs sees it differently.

"NO. They cannot be admitted," spokesman Frank Falcon wrote in an email, adding that the stamp means they can't even enter the U.S. temporarily. In rare cases, including medical emergencies, Customs can parole the men to go ashore.

Foreign crews on boats and aircraft, including cruise ship workers and flight attendants, fill out landing permits when they arrive in the U.S. Customs takes those applications and decides whether to allow each individual to temporarily enter the country. When landing permits are stamped refused, that serves as proof that authorities have been alerted that foreigners without visas are on arriving vessels or planes, and triggers an order for captains to detain them on board.

Chin's office did not respond to AP's queries about the refusal stamp. However, Land and Natural Resources department spokesman Dan Dennison said in an email that the attorney general advised his agency to continue issuing fishing licenses to the foreign workers despite the fact that Customs says the men are not "lawfully admitted."

The Hawaii Longline Association, which represents boat owners, says the men are legally hired for legitimate work on the fleet's 141 active vessels. And while the conditions and pay are often below U.S. standards, the jobs are typically better than the bleak opportunities the men have at home, mostly in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and the tiny Pacific island of Kiribati.

Under federal law, U.S. citizens must make up 75 percent of the crew on most American commercial fishing boats. An AP investigation last year revealed Hawaii's fleet relies on a federal loophole allowing the foreign fishermen to work.

In a hearing prompted by the AP report, Land and Natural Resources department administrator Bruce Anderson was asked why he issues commercial fishing licenses to foreign workers who can't enter the state.

He said the crewman's landing permit "says in essence that the individual has the right to fish in U.S. waters but cannot step ashore." He did not mention that all the permits were stamped "refused."

Democratic state Rep. Kaniela Ing, chairman of the Ocean, Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs committee, has queried Chin and other state officials at length about why the men cannot leave their boats.

Ing said state officials failed to disclose the refusal stamp to him when he asked to see the landing permits.

"It always seemed paradoxical that the proof of lawful entry was a landing form, but the crew members weren't allowed to land or leave the boat," he said, after the AP told him about the stamp. "We just didn't have the smoking gun evidence to point to why, and now we do."

Critics say the fishing licenses could be just one of several ways the state is breaking its own laws:

The lowest-paid fishermen have contracts promising $300 a month, well below the state's wage minimums. The Labor Department says it doesn't intervene because the workers fall under federal, not state, jurisdiction. But department head Linda Chu Takayama also said she's awaiting further legal guidance.

 Chin, the attorney general, said in his written opinion that employers in Hawaii typically cannot withhold wages, but some fishermen told the AP they are paid only after returning home when their one- or two-year contracts end.

 Chin said telling consumers "that fish had been caught by local fishermen" may violate the state's deceptive practice laws if misinformation likely affects their shopping choices. The Hawaii Seafood Council claims the catch is "produced by Hawaii's hard-working fishermen." Council Program Manager John Kaneko did not respond to the AP.

Federal law also is in question: U.S. Customs requires captains to detain the men on board and hold their passports because they are banned from entering the country. That potentially goes against U.S. human-trafficking laws saying bosses who possess workers' identification documents can face up to five years in prison.

The foreign fishermen's catch is sold everywhere from Costco to Sam's Club and upscale restaurants across the U.S., including Trump International Hotel Waikiki. Whole Foods announced it would suspend buying seafood from the fleet after the AP's initial report, while Costco says it is monitoring the situation. The Trump hotel and Wal-Mart, which owns Sam's Club, did not provide an immediate response.

The story also exposed dangerous, unsanitary conditions and at least two instances of human trafficking. It prompted new commitments from boat owners to protect the crew members' welfare.

After a follow-up briefing on Capitol Hill, several members of Congress expressed "grave concerns" about working conditions in a letter to the Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Hawaii Seafood Council's survey of 207 fishermen identified a series of potential problems, particularly involving recruiting and payment of the foreign crew.

Some fishermen had contracts requiring that part of their salaries or identification papers be withheld until they returned home. Others had signed agreements that said they had to pay for replacement workers if they broke their contracts, or faced $5,000 fines for absconding  equivalent to a year's salary for some.

However, the assessment also found some fishermen had excellent relationships with their captains. All said they were being paid in cash, and none expressed concerns about forced labor or human trafficking.

No one complained about access to food, but the report described one labor agent as saying that she had men on a boat who had not been paid for two months and that she bought groceries for fishermen at times when their boats ran out.

The industry has implemented a new universal crew contract that requires owners to pay all recruiting fees and gives the fishermen their salaries within four days of landing. A draft Code of Conduct seeks to safeguard workers' rights.

But there are no wage minimums as initially promised by Hawaii Longline Association president Sean Martin. The Honolulu Fish Auction now does business only with boats whose workers have signed those agreements.

Martin declined to be interviewed, but he and other industry leaders have condemned labor abuses. They have said the workers are happy to have the jobs and typically do not complain, with many renewing their contracts and even recruiting relatives.

Still, little has changed, with foreign crews typically spending three weeks a month at sea, working up to 20 hours a day, usually for far less than American fishermen nationwide, who average $2,500 a month. Their situation has been widely accepted as legal.

The AP investigation is part of an ongoing global look at labor abuses in the fishing industry, stretching from Southeast Asia to America's own waters.

In 2015, the AP reported on fishermen locked in a cage and others buried under fake names on the remote Indonesian island village of Benjina. Their catch was traced to the United States, leading to more than 2,000 slaves being freed. But thousands more remain trapped worldwide in a murky industry where work takes place far from shore and often without oversight.

In Hawaii, most vessels dock at piers 17 and 38, which are guarded and patrolled, but some go as far as the West Coast. And, although technically not allowed, they do venture onto the piers briefly to socialize and use restrooms.

Last year, Customs said six fishermen were deported after wandering away from their boats in Honolulu, some to visit friends on other vessels, others sneaking away for a drink.

In 2010, two Indonesian fishermen who fled their boat in San Francisco alleging abuse were granted visas as victims of human trafficking and are now suing their former boat owner.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Virginia Kice said agents checking out a number of leads related to possible human trafficking in the fleet have "identified instances where crew members were contending with less than ideal working conditions," but found no situations meeting the legal threshold to bring criminal charges.

Federal marine observers, who live with the men for weeks at a time at sea, said some fishermen have good working conditions while others are sometimes mistreated, not given proper health care, provided unclean drinking water and fed bait and rice. Many are forced to use buckets as toilets on board.

Others in the community also have concerns. Uli Kozak, an Indonesian language professor at the University of Hawaii who has long exchanged home-cooked meals for fresh fish, said the workers sometimes ask for vegetables because of shortages on board.

He said some captains have banned men from speaking their native language on boats.

There's "a lot of verbal abuse, even physical abuse, being slapped in the face," Kozak said. "I have come across cases where people said, 'If I had ever known that it would be as bad as this, I would have never taken that job.'"

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Follow Martha Mendoza and Margie Mason on Twitter at @mendozamartha and @MargieMasonAP

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, a man stands on a commercial fishing boat docked at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, commercial fishing boats are docked at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

In this Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, a group of residents and activists stand outside the Hawaii State Capitol ahead of a meeting about labor conditions for foreign fishermen in Hawaii's commercial fleet in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Cathy Bussewitz)

FILE - In this March 24, 2016, file photo, a United States Coast Guard team moves toward an American fishing vessel off the coast of Honolulu for an inspection. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)

FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, file photo, a federal law enforcement officer talks to foreign fishermen in Hawaii's commercial fleet during a vessel inspection in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, a man works on a commercial fishing boats docked at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, commercial fishing boats are docked at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)
Company: Worker still unaccounted for after pipeline blast

PARADIS, La. (AP)  An evacuation near a pipeline fire in south Louisiana was lifted Friday but a worker missing since the night before remained unaccounted for.

St. Charles Parish authorities said the fire had significantly diminished by midday at the Phillips 66 pipeline station. A company statement said flow to the pipeline, which carried liquid natural gas components, had been blocked but product still in the line continued to burn. It was unclear when it would burn out.

Authorities began getting calls about a fire and explosion at the site at 6:42 p.m. Thursday. Six people were working at the site at the time. Two contract workers were hospitalized. The missing worker was a Phillips 66 employee.

Vehicles and a power pole smoke next to a fire at the Phillips 66 pipeline in Paradis, La. Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Authorities don't yet know what caused the fire on the pipeline in Paradis, but several workers was cleaning it at the time, St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said at a news conference. (Matthew Hinton/The Advocate via AP)

A helicopter was being brought in Friday to help search for the unaccounted worker, the sheriff said.

The pipeline extends from Venice, at the southeastern tip of Louisiana, to Paradis, west of New Orleans, the company said.

An evacuation affecting about 60 homes was lifted. However, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office said people would need proof of residence to return to the area.

Part of Louisiana Highway 631 near the site remained closed.

A fire burns at a Phillips 66 pipeline in Paradis, La., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Authorities don't yet know what caused the fire on the pipeline, but several workers was cleaning it at the time, St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said at a news conference. (Brett Duke/NOLA.com The Times-Picayune via AP)

A fire burns at a Phillips 66 pipeline in Paradis, La., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Authorities don't yet know what caused the fire on the pipeline, but several workers was cleaning it at the time, St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said at a news conference. (Brett Duke/NOLA.com The Times-Picayune via AP)

Firefighters work a fire at the Phillips 66 pipeline in Paradis, La. Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Authorities don't yet know what caused the fire on the pipeline in Paradis, but several workers was cleaning it at the time, St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said at a news conference. (Matthew Hinton/The Advocate via AP)
Hawaii may be breaking law by allowing foreign men to fish

HONOLULU (AP)  Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state law for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who were refused entry into the country, The Associated Press has found.

About 700 of these men are confined to vessels in Honolulu, some making less than $1 an hour to catch premium tuna and swordfish sold at some of America's most upscale restaurants and grocery stores.

In this unique fishing arrangement, Hawaii's boat owners pay brokers up to $10,000 for each crew member sent from abroad. Because the workers don't have visas, they aren't allowed to arrive at Honolulu's airport. Instead, they're flown to foreign ports and put on fishing boats for long sails back to Hawaii.

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, a man stands on a commercial fishing boat docked at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

Before they start working, they need a commercial fishing license. And in order to get that, Hawaii requires that they are "lawfully admitted" to the U.S. As proof of legal admission, state officials point to landing permits issued to all fishermen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents when the men arrive at the dock.

Here's the hitch: AP has learned Customs agents stamp "refused" on all the landing permits, which voids them. So instead of being "lawfully admitted," the fishermen are actually barred by law from setting foot in the U.S.

"Try taking a check to your bank that says 'void' on it and telling them, 'Oh, but they wrote the check to me,'" said Hawaii attorney Lance Collins, who advocates for the workers.

Nonetheless, in a written opinion, Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said the Department of Land and Natural Resources provides the landing permits as proof the fishermen are "lawfully admitted."

Customs sees it differently. "NO. They cannot be admitted," spokesman Frank Falcon wrote in an email.

The Hawaii Longline Association has condemned labor abuses. Its president Sean Martin would not comment for this story, but in the past the group said the crew members are legally hired for legitimate work on the fleet's 141 active vessels. And while the conditions and pay are often below U.S. standards, the jobs are typically better than the bleak opportunities the men have at home, mostly in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and the tiny Pacific island of Kiribati.

Under federal law, U.S. citizens must make up 75 percent of the crew on most American commercial fishing boats. An AP investigation last year revealed Hawaii's fleet  which catches about $110 million worth of seafood annually  relies on a federal loophole allowing foreign fishermen to fill most jobs.

On some boats, the men are exposed to dangerous, unsanitary conditions. Two workers who ran away in San Francisco were granted visas as victims of human trafficking in 2010. They are now suing their boat owner.

Hawaii's premium fish is sold everywhere from Costco and Sam's Club to Trump International Hotel Waikiki. Whole Foods suspended buying seafood from the fleet after the AP's initial report, while Costco says it is monitoring the situation. Trump Hotel and Wal-Mart, which owns Sam's Club, did not respond to requests for comment.

The Hawaii Seafood Council recently surveyed crew members and assessed the fleet's working conditions. A draft of the findings, published online, finds some fishermen have contracts requiring them to pay for replacement workers if they break their agreements, or facing $5,000 fines for absconding  more than a year's salary for some.

"There exists no system of grievance mechanisms for crew to voice concerns over pay," the report says.

However, the assessment also found some fishermen had excellent relationships with their captains. All 207 men surveyed said they were being paid in cash, and none expressed concerns about forced labor or human trafficking.

In Honolulu, most vessels dock at piers 17 and 38, which are guarded and patrolled, but some go as far as the West Coast.

Customs says six fishermen were deported in 2016 after wandering away from their boats in Honolulu, some to visit friends on other vessels, others sneaking away for a drink.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Virginia Kice said agents checking out a number of leads related to possible human trafficking in the fleet have "identified instances where crew members were contending with less than ideal working conditions," but found no situations meeting the legal threshold to bring criminal charges.

Some fishermen have good working conditions, but others lack clean drinking water or proper health care, and are fed just bait and rice, according to federal marine observers, who live with the men for weeks at a time. Many crew members are forced to use buckets as toilets.

Uli Kozak, an Indonesian language professor at the University of Hawaii, said the men have spoken of physical abuse, including captains slapping them in the face. Sometimes when he visits to exchange goods for fresh fish, workers ask him to bring vegetables because of shortages on board, he said.

"Very often they are in a situation where they have no choice," Kozak said. "They are here, they signed their contract and they have to work until the contract finishes."

___

This investigation is part of AP's ongoing Seafood From Slaves investigation into labor abuse in the global fishing industry. Earlier reports tracking the catch from fishermen locked in a cage on the remote Indonesian island village of Benjina to U.S. markets led to more than 2,000 slaves being freed. But thousands more remain trapped worldwide on boats far from shore and often without oversight.

___

Follow Martha Mendoza and Margie Mason on Twitter at @mendozamartha and @MargieMasonAP

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, a catch of fish is unloaded from a commercial fishing boat at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, commercial fishing boats are docked at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

In this Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, a group of residents and activists stand outside the Hawaii State Capitol ahead of a meeting about labor conditions for foreign fishermen in Hawaii's commercial fleet in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Cathy Bussewitz)

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, clothes dry on a commercial fishing boat docked at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

FILE - In this March 24, 2016, file photo, a United States Coast Guard team moves toward an American fishing vessel off the coast of Honolulu for an inspection. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)

FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, file photo, a federal law enforcement officer talks to foreign fishermen in Hawaii's commercial fleet during a vessel inspection in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, a man works on a commercial fishing boats docked at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)

In this Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, photo, commercial fishing boats are docked at Pier 38 in Honolulu. Hawaii authorities may have been violating their own state laws for years by issuing commercial fishing licenses to thousands of foreign workers who have been refused entry into the United States, The Associated Press has found. About 700 of these men are currently confined to vessels in Honolulu without visas, some making less than $1 an hour. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)
Boko Haram kills 7 new army recruits, abducts female soldier

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP)  Boko Haram insurgents ambushed a convoy of new recruits in northeast Nigeria, killing seven troops and abducting a female soldier, the Nigerian military and a self-defense commander said Friday. Nineteen soldiers were wounded.

Thursday evening's ambush occurred near the town of Mafa, 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Maiduguri. The city in northeastern Nigeria is the birthplace of Boko Haram and headquarters of the Nigerian military's campaign to crush the seven-year Islamic insurgency that has killed more than 20,000 people.

A military spokesman, Lt. Col. Kingsley Samuel, said seven soldiers "paid the supreme price" and 19 were wounded in the "fierce encounter." He said other troops were mobilized to pursue the attackers.

An army officer and a self-defense commander said a female soldier was abducted from the convoy of new recruits traveling to relieve troops who had long overstayed their rotation in the war zone. The two spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to reporters.
Greeks prepare to evacuate 75,000 to defuse WWII bomb

THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP)  Authorities in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki distributed fliers and put up posters Friday as part of preparations to evacuate about 75,000 people in order to defuse a 500-pound unexploded World War II bomb.

Bomb disposal experts are to tackle the device, found buried beneath a gas station, on Sunday in an operation expected to last about six hours. All residents in a nearly 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) radius are to be evacuated, starting at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) Sunday. Authorities will also evacuate a nearby refugee camp with about 450 residents.

The bomb, dropped during an air raid on the city in the 1940s, was found last week during work to expand fuel storage tanks.

Military officers stand at a gas station in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2016 where an unexploded World War II bomb was found 5 meters (over 16 feet) deep. Authorities in Greece's second-largest city on Sunday are planning to evacuate up to 60,000 residents from their homes so experts can safely dispose of the unexploded World War II bomb. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)

A state of emergency has been declared in the three municipalities involved and about 1,000 police and 300 volunteers are expected to help out during the evacuation, Thessaloniki's Deputy Governor Voula Patoulidou told The Associated Press.

"It is the first time something like this is happening in Greece," Patoulidou said. "The transfer of all residents is mandatory and we will go door-to-door to make sure everyone leaves."

Thessaloniki's long-distance bus terminal, which is in the area, will shut down during the operation, and trains will also stop running to and from the city, as the main railway line passes through the exclusion zone.

Traffic along a major road nearby will be halted, while churches in the area will not hold services.

Army spokesman Col. Nikos Fanios said the device's exterior was too degraded to be able to determine whether it was a German or an Allied bomb. But one resident says he recalls the day it fell.

"The bombing was done by English and American planes on Sept. 17 1944. It was Sunday lunchtime," said Giorgos Gerasimou, 86, whose home is 800 meters (half a mile) from where the bomb was found. "We could see the planes coming."

They were targeting local German rail facilities, he said. Nazi Germany occupied Greece from 1941 until October 1944.

A 13-year-old at the time, Gerasimou said he and his friends would go to the railway station each day for food rations.

"That day something told me I had to leave, and in the end we did," Gerasimou told the AP. "When I heard the (air raid) sirens, I jumped into a ditch with my friends and we survived."

Another one of his friends wasn't so lucky. Ten-year-old Panagiotis was killed in the air raid, Gerasimou said, clutching a photo of the boy that he keeps to this day.

During Sunday's evacuation, residents will be transported by bus to schools, sports halls and cultural centers elsewhere in the city while the exclusion zone is cordoned off.

Army bomb disposal experts will initially attempt to defuse the bomb's detonator, and then transport the device to an army firing range, where they will determine what further steps to take, said Fanios, the army spokesman.

"Every operation involving munitions is always difficult," he said.

Some residents expressed concern about leaving their properties vacant.

"I'm really worried about the house, mainly in case thieves take advantage of the evacuation," said Giorgos Aravias, 44. "I hope there are security measures in place."

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This story corrects the day in the first paragraph to Friday.

____

Follow Kantouris on Twitter on https://twitter.com/CostasKantouris

Military officers leave a gas station in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2016 where an unexploded World War II bomb was found 5 meters (over 16 feet) deep. Authorities in Greece's second-largest city on Sunday are planning to evacuate up to 60,000 residents from their homes so experts can safely dispose of the unexploded World War II bomb. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)

Experts check the location where an unexploded World War II bomb was found 5 meters (over 16 feet) deep, at a gas station in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2016. Authorities in Greece's second-largest city on Sunday are planning to evacuate up to 60,000 residents from their homes so experts can safely dispose of the unexploded World War II bomb. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)
The Latest: Trump says US committed to security of Japan

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to Washington and meeting with President Donald Trump (all times local):

1:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump says the U.S. is committed to the security of Japan and all areas under its administrative control.

President Donald Trump listens as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during their joint news conference in the East Room of the White House, in Washington, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Trump's comments imply that a U.S.-Japan defense treaty covers disputed East China Sea islands, which are controlled by Japan but also claimed by China.

Trump was speaking after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House on Friday.

Trump said the allies have many shared interests, including freedom of navigation and defending against North Korea's nuclear and missile threat, which he called a "very high priority."

Trump's past calls for allies like Japan to pay more for their defense had sown doubts in Tokyo over the new U.S. administration's commitment to the alliance.

Trump said Friday he's committed to bringing ties "even closer."

___

12:15 p.m.

President Donald Trump has welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the White House with a warm embrace.

Trump greeted Abe as he arrived in his black sedan at the doors of the West Wing. The two men embraced before entering the building together.

Trump and Abe will hold talks in the Oval Office, followed by a joint news conference and a working lunch in the State Dining Room.

The two leaders will depart on Air Force One on Friday afternoon for a trip to Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida. Trump and Abe are scheduled to play golf in south Florida on Saturday.

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9:05 a.m.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (SHEEN-zoh AH-bay) is making the case for Japanese business which he says supports some 840,000 jobs in the United States.

Abe was speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Friday ahead of a White House meeting with President Donald Trump.

Abe said that "a whopping majority" of the Japanese cars running on American roads are manufactured in the U.S. by American workers.

Trump has criticized Toyota Motor Corp. for planning to build an assembly plant in Mexico and complained that Japanese consumers don't buy enough U.S.-made cars.

Abe said it was an honor to be meeting Trump less than a month after his inauguration, showing the "unwavering alliance" between the two countries.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Democrats seek investigation into national security adviser

WASHINGTON (AP)  Congressional Democrats on Friday called for an investigation into whether White House National Security Adviser Michael Flynn discussed U.S. sanctions in phone calls with Russia's ambassador while President Barack Obama was still in office, conversations that may have broken U.S. law aimed at barring private citizens from conducting diplomacy.

The White House said President Donald Trump had "full confidence" in Flynn, a show of support coming as the administration scrambled to manage the fallout from reports that Flynn addressed U.S. sanctions against Russia in a phone call late last year. The report contradicted both Flynn's previous denials, as well as those made by Vice President Mike Pence in a televised interview.

Democratic Sens. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Chris Murphy of Connecticut called for an investigation of Flynn. Other Democrats demanded that Trump fire the retired U.S. Army lieutenant general.

"He lied  repeatedly and egregiously  about his actions," Reps. Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Ted Lieu of California said.

Two other Democrats, Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, sent a letter to U.S. intelligence officials requesting a review of Flynn's security clearance. They said the reports of his calls to the Russian ambassador contribute to "questions concerning his suitability for continued access to classified information."

A Trump administration official told The Associated Press Friday that Flynn "can't be certain" sanctions did not come up on the call. The official said Flynn has "no recollection" of discussing the sanctions, but left open the possibility that the issue did come up when he spoke with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the transition.

The Kremlin denied Friday that Flynn and Kislyak discussed the sanctions before Trump took office.

The Washington Post, citing several current and former U.S. officials, reported late Thursday that Flynn made explicit references to election-related sanctions imposed by the Obama administration in his conversations with Kislyak.

The report immediately put pressure on the vice president, who had defended Flynn in television after news of the phone call first broke earlier this year.

A second administration official said Friday said Pence was relying on information from Flynn. A Pence official said the vice president and Flynn had a conversation in person on Friday morning.

The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insisted on anonymity.

Flynn later traveled with the president to Florida, where Trump was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Questions about Trump's friendly posture toward Russia deepened after he dismissed the U.S. intelligence agencies' assertions about Russia's role in the hacking. In briefing Trump on their findings, intelligence officials also presented him with unsubstantiated claims that Russia had amassed compromising personal and financial allegations against him.

Members of the Trump administration have maintained that Flynn had spoken to the ambassador during the transition period to wish him a Merry Christmas and offer condolences after a deadly Russian plane crash.

One of the calls took place on Dec. 29, the day the Obama administration hit Moscow with sanctions in response to a U.S. intelligence assessment that the Russian government had interfered in the U.S. presidential election with the goal of helping Trump.

The Post report also raises questions about assertions made by Pence staunchly denying that Flynn's contact with the Russian ambassador had anything to do with sanctions.

"It was strictly coincidental that they had a conversation" as new sanctions were announced, Pence said in an interview on CBS's "Face the Nation" last month. He insisted the discussion did not address the Obama administration's decision to impose sanctions on Russian intelligence services and expel Russian 35 diplomats it said were actually intelligence operatives.

Pence also maintained that the Trump presidential campaign had no contacts with the Russians ahead of the election.

It's not unusual for incoming administrations to have discussions with foreign governments before taking office. But repeated contacts just as Obama was imposing sanctions raise questions about whether Trump's team discussed  or even helped shape  Russia's response.

Russian President Vladimir Putin unexpectedly did not retaliate against the U.S. for the expulsions, a decision Trump quickly praised.

The Post and other news outlets reported that U.S. officials considered whether Flynn's conversation violated the Logan Act, a little-enforced law prohibiting U.S. citizens from correspondence that aims to influence a foreign government in disputes with the United States. The U.S. officials said American intelligence agencies regularly monitor foreign officials' calls within the U.S.

After U.S. officials first revealed Flynn's calls last month, Trump aides originally denied that a telephone conversation even took place on Dec. 29. Hours later, an official acknowledged one such call.

Flynn's contact with the Russian ambassador suggests the Trump administration has been laying the groundwork for its promised closer relationship with Moscow. That effort appears to be moving ahead, even as many in Washington, including Republicans, have expressed outrage over the assessment that Putin ordered a hacking operation aimed at meddling in the U.S. election.

The sanctions targeted the GRU and FSB, leading Russian intelligence agencies that the U.S. said were involved in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and other groups.

Last week, House Democrats called for an investigation of Flynn to determine whether he violated the Constitution by accepting payments from a Kremlin-controlled TV station in Russia. Flynn traveled in 2015 to Moscow, where he joined Putin and other Russian officials in a celebration of the RT network.

Flynn later explained he had been paid for taking part in the event, but brushed aside concerns that he was aiding a Russian propaganda effort.
UN: Yemen fighting displaced tens of thousands more people

SANAA, Yemen (AP)  The United Nations refugee agency said Friday that tens of thousands of people have been displaced amid the latest escalation of fighting along Yemen's western coastline.

The stark warning came as the leader of Yemen's Shiite rebels announced that his forces have built drones and missiles that will be used against the Saudi-led coalition and would target the Saudi capital.

Yemen has been in the grip of a civil war since 2014, when Shiite Houthi rebels and their allies swept down from the country's north and captured the capital, Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition has waged a blistering air campaign since March 2015, seeking to dislodge the Houthis and restore the internationally recognized government. The conflict is made even more complex because an al-Qaida branch and its rival, the Islamic State affiliate, have exploited the chaos and grown in number and power.

The war has destroyed much of Yemen's infrastructure and thousands of civilians have been killed.

UNHCR spokesman William Spindler said that 34,000 people fled their homes after fierce fighting erupted in the port towns of Mokha and Dhubab on the Red Sea. The majority of the displaced are headed to the outskirts of the war-torn city of Taiz in western Yemen, he said.

Yemeni forces, allied with the internationally recognized government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi that is backed by the Saudi-led coalition of mostly Gulf Arab states, have recently seized Mokha and plan to push northward.

In a speech aired on al-Masirah TV, the Houthi rebel leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi offered no evidence or figures for the number of drones and missiles allegedly manufactured by the rebels but the United Arab Emirates, which is part of the Saudi-led coalition, has recently accused the Shiite power Iran of providing the Houthis with drones.

The speech also followed a Houthi claim earlier in the week that they targeted Riyadh with missiles.

There was no immediate comment from the kingdom but a week ago, Saudi Arabia said a "suicide gunboat" belonging to the Iran-backed Houthis rammed into one of its frigates in the Red Sea, killing two crew members. Saudis see the Houthis as a proxy of Iran, the Sunni kingdom's key regional rival.

Efforts to reach a peaceful settlement to Yemen conflict have stalled after series of peace talks in Geneva and Kuwait ended with no deal, most recently in the summer last year.

On Friday, top Houthi official Saleh al-Sammad called upon new U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres not to extend the mission of U.N. envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, accusing him of failure. He also called for the reopening of the Sanaa International Airport which the coalition has shut down since the collapse of the peace talks.

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Kenya declares worsening drought a national disaster

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Kenya's government has declared the drought ravaging large parts of the country a national disaster, and President Uhuru Kenyatta is warning food distributors not to take advantage of the crisis to enrich themselves.

The president also is asking the international community for aid, but a statement from his office Friday did not say how much the government is seeking from abroad.

Almost half of this East African nation's counties are facing drought  23 out of 47.

It is a regional crisis. Earlier Friday, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the worsening drought is putting 11 million people in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia in urgent need of help.
President Donald Trump has nominated Appeals Court Judge Neil Gorsuch to fill the seat of the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Put simply, Gorsuchs judicial philosophy is to respect the text (textualism) of the Constitution and the intent of its original writers (originalism). In the area of substantive rights, he champions religious liberty and values human life. In the area of governmental regulation, he believes that administrative agencies have been given too much deference by the courts.

He possesses sterling credentials and a judicial demeanor and temperament. Despite a quiet manner, he is a judge who values courage, as acknowledged in his acceptance remarks and in his characterization of one of the justices under which he served, Byron White, who Gorsuch described as one of the most courageous men Ive ever known. He is a fitting and worthy successor to Scalia, a man he called a lion of the law.

Judicial Philosophy. There is no doubt about how Judge Gorsuch will read the Constitution and the statutes passed by Congress. He will accord them respect, searching for the discernible original intent of the Constitutions framers while paying attention to the plain meaning of the texts that come before him. His acceptance remarks reveal his judicial philosophy: I respect too, the fact that in our legal order it is for Congress and not the courts to write new laws. It is the role of judges to apply, not alter, the work of the peoples representatives. A judge who likes every outcome he reaches is very likely a bad judge stretching for results he prefers rather than those the law demands.

What Judge Gorsuch is emphasizing is that it is not a justices place to ignore or strain the meaning of a Constitutional provision or statute in order to further a current culturally popular view that the justice finds compelling or that some Americans find compelling. He has maintained in earlier writings that American liberalism has become addicted to the courtroom, relying on judges and lawyers rather than elected leaders and the ballot box, as the primary means of effecting their social agenda on everything from gay marriage to assisted suicide to the use of vouchers for private-school education. He is simply saying that these issues are better argued in the legislative arena. By making the courts the arbiters of these disputes, we lose the benefit of the give-and-take of the political process and the flexibility of social experimentation that only the elected branches can provide. Like Justice Scalia, Judge Gorsuch does not appear to be opposed to the people making changes to the Constitution. After all, Americans have chosen to amend the Constitution in significant ways 17 times since the original Bill of Rights was ratified. It is the people, however, who must decide about such fundamental changes, not nine appointed judges.

Religious Liberty. Judge Gorsuch, writing a concurring opinion in Hobby Lobby v. Sebelius, maintained that the mandate of President Obamas Affordable Care Act, which required the owners of Hobby Lobby Stores (the Greens) to furnish abortion-inducing drugs to their employees as part of the stores health plans, infringes the Greens religious liberties by requiring them to lend what their religion teaches to be an impermissible degree of assistance to the commission of what their religion teaches to be a moral wrong. Later in the opinion, he referred to the choice that the Greens had as a Hobsons choice; that is, a choice between abiding their religion and saving their business. That is, in essence, no real choice at all. Likewise, in the case of the Little Sisters of the Poor, which was heard in the Tenth Circuit, Judge Gorsuch joined with four other judges in opposing the decision against the Sisters, saying in part: When a law demands that a person do something the person considers sinful, and the penalty for the refusal is a large financial penalty, then the law imposes a substantial burden on that persons free exercise of religion. He fully understands how federal and state agencies are gradually whittling away at the freedom of religion of Americans.

Right to Life. Judge Gorsuch can expect to hear some tough questions during his confirmation hearings on the matter of Roe v. Wade. The questioning may begin with whether or not he believes that Roe v. Wade is settled law, meaning that it cannot be reversed, since it has been the law for four decades. Judge Gorsuch has shown that he has a high regard for the doctrine of stare decisis, the common judicial practice of following previous decisions, an important legal principle by which judges generally abide. He is co-author of a book on judicial precedent. However, in all probability, the nominee will maintain that stare decisis is not an absolute when an earlier decision is on shaky ground. Thus, for example, he has shown a willingness in the regulatory agency area to openly and repeatedly question something called the Chevron doctrine, based on a case which requires judges to defer to an administrative agencys interpretation of the statute it is administering if the statute is deemed vague. The Chevron decision is over 30 years old. Though Gorsuch has not been called upon to rule in a case where Roe was in question, it is likely that he will regard Roe as open to reconsideration regardless of the fact that it has been in effect for decades. Longevity is not the same as constitutionality.

The best indicator of Gorsuchs stance on the importance of protecting life comes from his book on assisted suicide and euthanasia. He has written one of the definitive books on all aspects of the proposed legalization of those two life-ending acts, and has concluded that human life is fundamentally and inherently valuable, and that the intentional taking of human life by private persons is always wrong. It is also worth pointing out that his mentor, Justice Byron White, was one of two dissenters in Roe. White minced no words expressing his conviction that the majority opinion in Roe lacked any grounding in the Constitution. Calling the decision an exercise in raw judicial power, White wrote: The Court simply fashions and announces a new constitutional right for pregnant mothers and, with scarcely any reason or authority for its action, invests that right with sufficient substance to override most existing state abortion statutes. Whites dissent would seem to square both with Gorsuchs view of life and his restrained view of what courts should and should not be doing. In raising questions about the legal legitimacy of Roe, Gorsuch would align himself with the thinking of Scalia and certain current members of the court, like Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

As for the liberty language of the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, which later abortion cases made the basis for the supposed right to abortion, Gorsuch, in his book on assisted suicide and euthanasia, seems to reject using the 14th Amendment liberty language to justify heretofore unknown rights, like abortion. Otherwise, liberty becomes a broad charter for the arrogant judicial creation of what is, in effect, a new Bill of Rights. Gorsuch argues that judges have no Constitutional mandate to discover new, heretofore unknown substantive rights within the Due Process Clause.

Judge Neil Gorsuch will likely face considerable hostility in his Senate confirmation hearings. Nonetheless, the keenness of the intellect he possesses, the experience and courage he brings to the position, plus the fact that he represents an ever-growing body of scholars, judges, and practitioners whose defense of traditional constitutionalism is now well-developed and flourishing, will see him through.
Romanian speaker charged with lying can go on trial

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  A Romanian court ruled Friday that the speaker of the Senate, accused of making false statements in a property fraud case, can go on trial. The news came as thousands of Romanians protested in Bucharest for the 11th straight day over government efforts to ease penalties for corrupt officials.

The High Court of Cassation and Justice rejected an appeal by speaker Calin Popescu Tariceanu, who argued there were insufficient grounds for his trial. No date was set for the trial to begin.

Last year, prosecutors charged Tariceanu with making false statements under oath and hampering the investigation into a suspected fraudulent land restitution case. He had denied knowledge of connections between a Romanian prince and a politically connected businessman and others.

Protesters gather in front of the government building in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Romania has seen massive protests in the last two weeks against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. The Social Democrat-led government has withdrawn the emergency decree easing penalties for corrupt officials, but has vowed to craft a version of it to be passed by parliament, where it has a majority.

The decree that was withdrawn was one of a series of government initiatives that would have also eased penalties for a vote-rigging conviction for the Social Democrats' leader, Liviu Dragnea, which has been blocking him from becoming prime minister.

Tariceanu is also a strong critic of Romania's anti-corruption prosecutors' agency, which he accuses of overstepping its authority.

Thousands protested for an 11th consecutive night Friday in the Romanian capital, standing outside government offices in the bitter cold blowing vuvuzelas or waving Romanian, European Union or U.S. flags. Some demonstrators carried banners saying "Resign" while others wore white armbands inscribed #resist.

Earlier, hundreds of government supporters had protested outside the presidential palace against President Klaus Iohannis, whom they blame for the country's political crisis, calling for his resignation. Iohannis has expressed support for protesters and champions the anti-graft fight that has targeted Romania's rich and powerful.

In Romania, the president is elected separately from the parliament and Iohannis was head of the center-right Liberal Party before becoming president in 2014.

The justice minister resigned Thursday over the unrest, but more protests are forecast for the weekend, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of the whole government.

"I'm here tonight because I care about this country," said Peter Ionescu, who was demonstrating Friday night in Bucharest's Victory Square. "I want the fight against corruption to continue in this country. I don't want laws for the criminals. I don't want laws for the people who can steal or who can abuse (power)."

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Eldar Emric in Bucharest also contributed to this report.

A pro-government demonstrator cries holding a scarf that reads "Proud to be Romanian" during a protest against Romanian President Klaus Iohannis outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

People gather in front of the government building for a demonstration in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017. Romania has seen massive anti-government protests in the week since the center-left government passed an emergency decree that would decriminalize some public corruption. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Protesters wave flags as they gather outside the government building in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Romania's justice minister resigned Thursday following mass protests over a law that eases criminal penalties for government officials engaged in corruption. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Pro-government demonstrators dance to nationalist music during a protest against Romanian President Klaus Iohannis outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A pro-government demonstrator walks holding a puppet she says depicts Romanian President Klaus Iohannis during a protest outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. Banner reads "Resignation". (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A pro-government demonstrator cries during a protest against Romanian President Klaus Iohannis outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A pro-government demonstrator shouts holding a banner that reads "Resignation" during a protest against Romanian President Klaus Iohannis outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Protesters gather in front of the government building in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

A traffic policeman takes a photograph of protesters as they gather in front of the government building in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

A pro-government demonstrator shouts holding a banner that reads "Resignation" during a protest against Romanian President Klaus Iohannis outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A pro-government demonstrator shouts holding a banner that reads "Resignation" during a protest against Romanian President Klaus Iohannis outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A pro-government demonstrator walks holding a puppet she says depicts Romanian President Klaus Iohannis during a protest outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. Banner reads "Resignation". (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Pro-government demonstrators shout slogans against Romanian President Klaus Iohannis holding a banner that reads "Mediator not Instigator" during a protest outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A pro-government demonstrator blows a horn during a protest outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Pro-government demonstrators hold a banner that reads "Dignity - Respects" during a protest outside the Romanian Presidency, in Bucharest, Romania, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Charity seeks to reverse UK's end to child migrant program

LONDON (AP)  A charity took the British government to court Friday seeking to reverse the closure of a program bringing unaccompanied child migrants to the U.K., as the head of the Anglican Church said children will be trafficked and exploited as a result of the government's decision.

The government has announced it will close the program after 350 children have arrived  far fewer than the 3,000 originally expected under a law passed to help some of the tens of thousands of migrant children stranded across Europe.

Around 200 children have so far come to the U.K. under the law named for Alf Dubs, a former Labour lawmaker who came to Britain from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia as a child in 1939.

The Help Refugees charity on Friday launched a bid at the High Court in London to overturn the decision to end the resettlements. Lawyer Rosa Curling said the number of children being accepted was "woefully low" and had been reached by an unlawful process.

Judge James Holman said he would aim to hear the case in May.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told the BBC that if vulnerable children could not come to Britain legally, "the alternative is they will be trafficked ... and they will end up in brothels, they will end up in places where they are exploited, ill-treated, manipulated and very often finally killed."

William Spindler, spokesman for the U.N. refugee agency in Geneva, said last year more than 30,000 unaccompanied children arrived in Europe, many trying to reach relatives in Britain and other countries.

He said "hundreds of children's lives have been saved" through the generosity of local communities and authorities in Britain.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said Thursday that Britain decided to stop the resettlement program after France raised concerns that it was encouraging children to make perilous journeys to Europe.

But Spindler dismissed the idea of a "pull factor."

"People who are fleeing situations of violence and persecution are not simply going to a country X or Y because of what they will find there, but are fleeing from another situation," he said.

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Judges hear arguments over restricting NC governor's powers

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina's new Democratic governor and the entrenched Republican-led legislature battled in court on two fronts Friday over efforts to restrict the chief executive's ability to alter the state's recent conservative direction.

A panel of three state trial court judges spent three hours listening to arguments over whether to continue blocking a law requiring Senate confirmation of Gov. Roy Cooper's Cabinet secretaries.

The judges did not say when they would decide whether to continue blocking the law. Any order would be in effect until after a full hearing next month.

FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2016 file photo, North Carolina's Governor-elect Roy Cooper holds a news conference to criticize efforts by Republicans to cut the power of the governor's office during the special session of the General Assembly that is going on a few blocks away in Raleigh, N.C. Republican efforts to reduce Cooper's authority in choosing his Cabinet are back in court. A three-judge panel scheduled arguments Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, on whether to extend their recent temporary block of a law requiring Senate confirmation of Cooper's Cabinet secretaries.(Chris Seward /The News & Observer via AP, File)

Meanwhile, a revamped state elections board met for the first time Friday, hours after an appeals court temporarily reinstated a law stripping Cooper of his oversight of elections. Cooper's attorneys are asking the state Supreme Court to step in and again block that law.

The General Assembly passed the law requiring Senate consent to Cooper's top appointees in December. It came in a surprise special session barely a week after Republican incumbent Pat McCrory conceded to Cooper in their close gubernatorial race and just before the Democrat took office.

The state Constitution gives senators "advice and consent" powers with gubernatorial appointees. But a state Supreme Court ruling last year set boundaries on how far lawmakers can shape the governor's ability to carrying out laws through appointees. No governor in living memory has had to have his top aides approved by the Senate.

Cooper's attorney Jim Phillips told the judges that voters picked Cooper in last year's election and supported the proposals he outlined. But the appointments law gives legislators effective veto power over the top aides the governor chooses to run day-to-day government.

"Needless to say, he can't do that by himself," Phillips said. "For the governor to be required to mollify the General Assembly, to satisfy them with his appointees, the people that he is going to put the most trust and confidence in, is at the heart of the separation of powers. It goes too far."

Lawyers for GOP lawmakers countered while North Carolina's Constitution establishes the legislature, governor and courts as separate and distinct branches of government, they are not equal. The General Assembly in a position of power superior over the governor and the courts, attorney Martin Warf said.

"The ability to make the laws is a pretty supreme ability," he said.

"All this is true even though, just like the legislature, the governor was elected by the people?" the judicial panel's head, Gaston County Superior Court Judge Jesse Caldwell III asked Warf.

If it was so important to expose conflicts of interest for unelected agency heads with important authority, Caldwell asked, why was the law only passed in late December?

"I just think that the General Assembly, in its wisdom, thinks that it would be positive for North Carolina," Warf's colleague Noah Huffstetler replied.

While the court hearing was underway, a newly combined state board of elections and ethics enforcement met for the first time. The new panel is part of election law changes also passed in late December that shift power over running elections away from governors.

Instead of Cooper appointing all members of the bipartisan state elections board, as his predecessors did, and Democrats holding majorities on all state and county elections panels, the parties would evenly divide the slots. Republicans would control elections during even-numbered years, when big races for president, legislature or other major statewide offices are held.

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Follow Emery P. Dalesio at http://twitter.com/emerydalesio. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/emery-p-dalesio
Bosnian Serb convicted of genocide in Srebrenica dies

BERLIN (AP)  Ljubisa Beara, a former senior Bosnian Serb security officer convicted of genocide by a U.N. war crimes tribunal for the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, has died in a German prison, authorities said Friday. He was 77.

Beara, the security chief in the wartime Bosnian Serb army headquarters, died on Feb. 8, Peggy Fiebig, a spokeswoman for Berlin state's justice department told The Associated Press. Fiebig was unable to say what the cause of death was but noted that Beara was "not in the best of health."

Beara was one of two senior Bosnian Serbs convicted in 2010 of genocide for their role in the slaughter of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the eastern enclave of Srebrenica  Europe's worst massacre since World War II.

FILE - In this Jan. 30, 2015 file picture Ljubisa Beara, right, enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague, Netherlands. The Bosnian Serb commander convicted of war crimes over the 1995 Srebrenica massacre has died in a German prison. He was 77. A spokeswoman for Berlin state's justice department told The Associated Press on Friday Feb. 10, 2017 that Ljubisa Beara died Feb. 8. (AP Photo/Michael Kooren, Pool, file )

Appeals judges at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal in The Hague largely upheld the convictions in 2015, after which Beara was sent to Berlin's Tegel prison to serve his life sentence. The ruling was the first final judgment of genocide by the U.N. court.

Bosnian Serb troops overran Muslim forces and thinly armed U.N. troops in the Srebrenica enclave in July 1995 following a years-long siege. They separated the men and the boys from the women and girls, killed most of the males and buried their bodies in hastily dug mass graves.

Forensic experts in Bosnia have identified more than 6,100 of the victims so far and their remains have been reburied at a memorial center near Srebrenica, where the victims were last seen alive.

Former Bosnian Serb political leader Radovan Karadzic and military commander Ratko Mladic also faced genocide trials over Srebrenica and other war crimes during Bosnia's 1992-95 war.

Karadzic was convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison, while Mladic's verdict is pending.
Dutch prosecutors demand 20 years for alleged gun runner

AMSTERDAM (AP)  Prosecutors have demanded a 20-year sentence for a Dutch businessman accused of illegally funneling arms to former Liberian warlord Charles Taylor and involvement in war crimes during Liberia's brutal civil conflict.

The demand came Friday at an appeal hearing for Guus Kouwenhoven, who was originally convicted in 2006 of breaching a U.N. arms embargo by trading weapons for timber in Liberia from 2000-2003. He was sentenced then to eight years' imprisonment, but successfully appealed.

The Dutch Supreme Court in 2010 ordered a fresh appeal hearing, ruling that prosecutors should have been allowed to present two anonymous witnesses during the trial.
Vatican laughs off news spoof amid conservative criticism

VATICAN CITY (AP)  Vatican officials are brushing off a spoof Vatican newspaper mock-up poking fun at Pope Francis that points to increasing conservative criticism of his mercy-over-morals priorities.

The fake L'Osservatore Romano front page has been making the rounds at the same time that hundreds of very real anti-pope posters appeared on Roman billboards this past weekend.

The main headline  "He responded!"  refers to Francis' refusal to respond to four cardinals who publicly asked him to clarify his position on whether divorced and civilly remarried Catholics can receive Communion. The issue has become the focal point of conservative unease with Francis' papacy.

The editor-in-chief of the real L'Osservatore Romano, Giovanni Maria Vian, thanked whoever was responsible for the free publicity.

"We were only sad because the layout wasn't as nice as ours," Vian told The Associated Press on Friday. In between laughs, he added that it clearly wasn't a professional job given "the Latin isn't the Latin of the Curia."

The tongue-in-cheek content was similar to a sarcastic YouTube video that takes aim at Francis on the divorce-remarriage issue. Both were humorous whereas the anonymous posters that appeared on Roman billboards Saturday morning struck a more serious tone: They asked Francis "Where is your mercy?" and referred to some heavy-handed initiatives that he's taken against conservatives or traditional Catholics.
Lebanon to sue suspect in Istanbul deadly New Year's attack

BEIRUT (AP)  Lebanon's state news agency says Beirut will file a lawsuit against the suspect behind the New Year's terror attack in Istanbul that killed 39 people, including three Lebanese citizens.

The agency says a Justice Ministry official has been appointed to defend the rights of the Lebanese victims and sue the suspect, who was recently detained, before Turkish courts. The official was not named.

The Dec. 31 attack, which also wounded six Lebanese nationals, was claimed by the Islamic State group.

The National News Agency said on Friday that if needed, the ministry will finance and send one or more lawyers for the case in Turkey.
The Latest: Northern Idaho residents warned to expect flood

BOISE, Idaho (AP)  The Latest on flooding in Idaho (all times local):

2:40 p.m.

Officials say an ice jam that was blocking the Weiser River and causing flooding near the Idaho-Oregon border has broken up, allowing the floodwaters to begin to recede.

In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 photo, water spills over the road from a farm field in Buhl, Idaho. Warm weather is melting historic snowfall, particularly in the Magic Valley, where a canal was partially breached overnight Thursday, flooding an area near Castleford and Buhl. (Pat Sutphin/The Times-News via AP)/The Times-News via AP)

A flash flood damaged several homes and forced residents to flee to the tops of their cars and roofs to escape the icy waters Friday morning. Emergency workers used a large front-end loader to rescue four adults and five children, along with several horses and other animals, from one property outside of the southwestern Idaho town of Weiser.

Washington County Disaster Services spokesman Steve Penner said two people were still trapped inside their homes by the flood. One man appeared to be unharmed and told officials he didn't want to be rescued. Emergency workers have been unable to make contact with the other man for the last few hours and were unsure of his status on Friday afternoon.

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12 p.m.

Authorities are warning residents in the northern Idaho towns of St. Joseph and St. Maries to expect flooding when an ice jam on the St. Joe River breaks free.

The National Weather Service issued the flood warning for residents near the river in Shoshone County Friday morning. The ice jam has already caused flooding in the upstream town of Calder.

Flood stage is at 13 feet, and by Friday morning the water was at nearly 16 feet. The flood warning remains in effect until Sunday evening.

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11:15 a.m.

Authorities in eastern Idaho say a Wyoming man was killed in an avalanche Thursday while snowmobiling in the McCoy Creek area.

Sgt. Bryan Lovell with the Bonneville County Sheriff's office said 35-year-old Josh Roth of Alpine, Wyoming, died in the avalanche.

Roth was snowmobiling with a friend when the slide occurred. His companion was able to locate him using an avalanche beacon and dig him out from under two or three feet of snow, but Roth died from injuries obtained in the slide.

Officials say the avalanche danger is high throughout eastern Idaho, the West Central mountains and surrounding areas as high winds, warmer temperatures and rainfall have destabilized the snow pack. The higher temperatures and rainfall have also led to widespread flooding in lower parts of the state.

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10:40 a.m.

Authorities in southwestern Idaho's Washington County say several people have been rescued from the top of a vehicle outside their home after they were trapped by rising floodwaters.

Steve Domby, the county's disaster services coordinator, said Friday that emergency workers used a loader to reach the family, including two young children, at a home near Weiser. The car was surrounded by water and large chunks of floating ice, but the family was able to climb into the loader bucket and be transported to safety.

Domby said rescue efforts were still underway for one man trapped in the same area. He said the man appears to be unharmed but is trapped on the roof of his home, and fire crews and other emergency workers were trying to determine a way to reach him safely.

Weiser is one of several parts of Idaho to face flooding when large amounts of accumulated snow began to rapidly melt as temperatures rose Thursday.

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7:32 a.m.

Warm winter weather is threatening to flood most of Idaho, with southern Idaho already under water.

Warm weather is melting historic snowfall, particularly in the Magic Valley, where a canal was partially breached overnight Thursday, flooding an area near Castleford and Buhl. Several families have been displaced.

Districts in Filer, Buhl and Minidoka County closed schools in the middle of the day Thursday due to the floods. A car that got past a police barricade in Twin Falls County was swept away by violent floodwaters. Roads have been swept away by the rushing water in the area, though no deaths or serious injuries have been reported.

Elsewhere in the state authorities are warning about floods. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the Weiser area, Moscow, Pullman and Bonner County.

In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 photo, large chunks of ice float down the low line canal in Buhl, Idaho. Warm weather is melting historic snowfall, particularly in the Magic Valley, where a canal was partially breached overnight Thursday, flooding an area near Castleford and Buhl. (Pat Sutphin/The Times-News via AP)/The Times-News via AP)

A worker from the city of Moscow uses a backhoe to scoop ice and debris out of Paradise Creek where is passes under Bridge Street on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. The creek crested at six inches below flood stage overnight. (Geoff Crimmins/Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP)
Rock guitarist Rick Derringer carried a loaded gun in his carry-on bag on a Delta Air Lines flight from Cancun, Mexico, but was stopped after landing in Atlanta, prosecutors said.

A federal air marshal quoted in court records says the Grammy-winning musician and 'Hang on Sloopy' singer told him that he flies as many as 50 times per year with the gun in his carry-on bag, and has never had a problem.

A criminal complaint says Derringer, 69, has a Florida pistol permit and thought he could bring the gun on airplanes. Bringing a weapon on a plane is banned by federal law.

Prosecutors say Derringer carried a loaded gun in his carry-on bag on a Delta Air Lines flight from Cancun, Mexico, but was stopped after landing in Atlanta, prosecutors said. Pictured: Rick Derringer performs during a 2006 campaign rally

Derringer was charged with unlawfully entering an airport's secure area January 9.

He was going through recheck at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when a TSA supervisor saw a gun magazine in his bag, WSBTV reported.

He was carrying a Cal-Tech 380 handgun and, in total, 12 rounds of ammunition.

His gun was impounded and he was allowed to continue on to Florida.

A criminal complaint says Derringer, 69, has Florida pistol permit and thought he could bring the gun on airplanes. Bringing a weapon on a plane is banned by federal law. He was charged with unlawfully entering an airport's secure area Jan 9. Pictured: Derringer in concert

A spokesperson told the television station that the TSA does not screen passengers in Mexico.

Derringer's representatives didn't immediately return calls and emails.

A Transportation Security Administration spokesman had no immediate comment.
Louvre machete attack suspect faces attempted murder charge

PARIS (AP)  Paris prosecutor's office says the suspect in last week's machete attack at the Louvre Museum is facing preliminary charges of attempted murder and association with a terrorist organization.

The 28-year-old suspect  who French officials believe to be Egyptian  was charged Friday.

Paris prosecutor's office said the man, who Egyptian authorities identify as Abdullah Reda Refaie al-Hamahmy, remains hospitalized after he was shot four times during the Feb. 3 attack. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Louvre Museum reopened to the public on Saturday, a day after the attack in which the assailant shouting "Allahu akbar!" attacked French soldiers guarding the sprawling building.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump selectively quotes from a legal blog

WASHINGTON (AP)  Making a legal argument in 140 characters is no easy task, and President Donald Trump may have confounded people Friday morning with his tweet about the appeals case that kept the borders open to people he wants banned. A look behind the tweet:

TRUMP: "LAWFARE: 'Remarkably, in the entire opinion, the panel did not bother even to cite this (the) statute.' A disgraceful decision!"

THE FACTS: Trump accurately quoted a passage from the Lawfare blog about the decision Thursday by the federal appeals court in San Francisco. But the blog's editor-in-chief and author of the post, Brookings Institution scholar Benjamin Wittes, actually wrote in favor of the decision while exposing what he considers its weaknesses.

FILE - This March 12, 2013 file still image taken from United States Courts shows Judge James Robart listening to a case at Seattle Courthouse in Seattle. Online abuse of Robart, who temporarily derailed President Donald Trump's travel ban, has raised safety concerns, according to experts who are worried that the president's attacks on the judiciary could make judges a more inviting target. (United States Courts via AP,File)

He wrote that Trump's executive order barring visitors from seven mainly Muslim countries and refugees worldwide was promulgated with "incompetent malevolence." Continuing its suspension, as the appeals court did, avoids plunging the country into turmoil again while other courts address the merits of the case, he said.

Yet Wittes said the judges failed to address the law at the heart of Trump's statutory case. The law says the president may, "by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens" or impose "any restrictions" if he decides their presence in the country would be detrimental to the U.S.

That's a "pretty big omission," he wrote. Wittes also criticized the court's "arch and clucking dismissals of presidential demands for deference in national security cases."

Trump's selective citation from the blog suggests that this line of argument could be central to the administration's case that courts have not given presidential authority proper weight.
Veterinarian charged with plot to drug horses before races

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  A Louisiana veterinarian has been charged with engaging in a scheme to influence the outcome of horse races by illegally treating the animals with a synthetic version of a drug known as "frog juice."

The federal indictment accuses the veterinarian, Kyle James Hebert, of providing trainers with syringes of dermorphin to inject the painkiller in at least four horses that competed at Louisiana racetracks. The indictment returned Thursday by a grand jury in the Western District of Louisiana says Hebert told trainers that the mislabeled drug would make the horses "focus" and run faster.

Dermorphin, an opioid roughly 30 times more potent than morphine, is naturally secreted by tree frogs native to South America. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved any drug containing dermorphin for use in humans or animals.

Hebert's company, Southern Equine Sports Medicine, operated veterinary clinics in Lake Charles and Sunset. The indictment charges him and an Omaha, Nebraska-based company, Kohll's Pharmacy & Healthcare Inc., with conspiracy.

Hebert is licensed to practice veterinary medicine at racetracks by the Louisiana State Racing Commission. In 2012, the commission sanctioned nine trainers whose horses tested positive for dermorphin.

One of the sanctioned trainers told the commission that Hebert gave drugs to his horses and had claimed they were "human herbs that would boost metabolism and help them breathe a bit," according to a Times-Picayune report in September 2012.

Charles Gardiner, the commission's executive director, said he believes the indictment secured Thursday by U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley's office marks the first criminal charges over the use of dermorphin at Louisiana racetracks.

Gardiner said 11 horses linked to the nine trainers tested positive for the drug. He called it "the most serious offenses in the history of Louisiana racing."

"It endangered the horses, it affected the outcome of races and it defrauded the wagering public," Gardiner said.

Hebert and the Nebraska company didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.

The indictment says Hebert purchased approximately $25,000 worth of the mislabeled drug from Kohll's between November 2010 and May 2012. Kohll's invoices falsely identified the drug as "d-peptide," a fictitious name, according to the indictment.

The names of the racetracks where Hebert and his employees allegedly provided trainers with dermorphin aren't disclosed in the indictment.

Hebert also is accused of falsifying invoices for his veterinary services to conceal that the drugs were provided to trainers on race days.

Racing commission regulations prohibit anyone from injecting any substance into a horse within four hours of a race. The indictment says Hebert and his employees instructed trainers to perform injections one hour before race time.

Steven Barker, a professor emeritus from Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine, oversaw lab tests for dermorphin on samples collected for racing regulators in both Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Barker said the use and concealment of performing-enhancing drugs has always been a "cat and mouse game" in the horse racing industry. But its rate of positive drug tests is low compared to "human athletic endeavors," he said.
Police say an Ohio college student whose body was found near a park had been shot, and they are investigating the death as a homicide.

Grove City police said Friday that the body of 21-year-old Reagan Tokes was found near the entrance of Scioto Grove Metro Park on Thursday afternoon.

Police in the Columbus suburb say the Ohio State University student was last seen Wednesday night leaving a Columbus cafe where she worked. Columbus police confirmed that they had taken a missing person report Thursday evening on Tokes.

Authorities say Tokes' car later was found in Columbus.

Ohio State University says Tokes was majoring in psychology. She was formerly from the Toledo area.
Former death row inmate takes plea in barbershop killings

DOVER, Del. (AP)  A former death row inmate facing retrial on charges of killing a man and a young boy at a Delaware barbershop in 2001 has accepted a plea offer.

Chauncy Starling pleaded no contest Friday to one count of second-degree murder.

Starling was originally convicted and sentenced to death for the shootings in Wilmington of 5-year-old Damon Gist Jr. and 28-year-old Darnell Evans. He was granted a new trial in 2015 because of his attorney's mistakes and the prosecutors' failure to disclose information about their key witness.
The Latest: Doctor says prognosis for Polish PM is good

WARSAW, Poland (AP)  The Latest on the car crash involving Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo. (all times local):

12:05 a.m. Saturday

Dr. Andrzej Jakubowski says Prime Minister Beata Szydlo suffered some injuries to the body in a car crash Friday in southern Poland, but that the prognosis for her is good.

In this Tuesday Feb. 7, 2017 photo, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo arrives at a press conference. Szydlo was in a car wreck on Friday that involved a young driver in a Fiat 500 hitting her car from the side and was being checked out in a hospital, officials and news reports said, adding she was not badly hurt. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz )

Jakubowski examined Szydlo in the hospital in Oswiecim, a town of 40,000 where the accident took place. He made the comments TVP INFO.

The prime minister was later flown by medical helicopter to Warsaw for more tests.

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11:50 p.m.

Government spokesman Rafal Bochenek has tweeted that there will be a news conference at 08.20 GMT on Saturday following the injury of Prime Minister Beata Szydlo in a car crash.

Officials have said that Szydlo is in "good condition" after crash Friday in southern Poland.

She has been flow in a medical helicopter to a hospital in Warsaw for more medical tests. Two security officials were also injured in the accident.

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11:30 p.m.

A yellow-and-red medical helicopter has landed near the government hospital in Warsaw, Poland and a passenger was put on a wheeled stretcher and into an ambulance, which drove to the hospital building.

The helicopter had taken off from the southern city of Oswiecim after Prime Minister Beata Szydlo had a car accident there.

Government spokesman al Bochenek has said that Szydlo is in "good condition" after being in the car crash but was to be flown to Warsaw for more medical tests.

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10:20 p.m.

Poland's interior minister has called an emergency meeting with the leadership of the Government Protection Office, which protects and drives Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and other top government figures.

The action by Minister Mariusz Blaszczak comes after Szydlo was injured in a car crash in southern Poland and was being flown to Warsaw for more medical tests.

Friday night's accident in the southern city of Oswiecim was the third official car crash in recent months.

In November, several vehicles in a Polish government convoy collided during a state visit to Israel, injuring two Polish officials. Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz also escaped uninjured from an eight-car collision in January.

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10 p.m.

A yellow-and-red helicopter ambulance has taken off from the southern Polish city of Oswiecim after the country's prime minister had a car accident there.

Poland's PAP agency said the government hospital in Szaserow street in Warsaw was waiting to receive Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, 53, for more tests.

Poland's government spokesman says Szydlo is in "good condition" after being in the car crash but is being flown to Warsaw for more medical tests.

Local police spokesman Sebastian Glen said a 21-year-old driver in a Fiat abruptly turned left and hit Szydlo's car while being overtaken by Szydlo's convoy. Szydlo's car swerved to the left and hit a tree. Glen says police are questioning the driver and witnesses.

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9:45 p.m.

Poland's government spokesman says that Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo is in "good condition" after being in a car crash in southern Poland but will be flown to Warsaw for more medical tests.

The accident occurred about 6:30 p.m. Friday in the town of Oswiecim, which is Szydlo's hometown. Officials say Szydlo was traveling in the second car in a convoy along the town's main road when another car drove into Szydlo's black Audi limousine, causing it to hit a tree.

Two security officials were also injured in the accident.

Government spokesman Rafal Bochenek said Szydlo was conscious and in good shape. A helicopter was to transport her to Warsaw.

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9:30 p.m.

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo has suffered minor injuries after a small Fiat hit her car, officials and Polish news reports said. Her spokesman said she was being examined in a hospital but wasn't badly hurt.

The accident occurred Friday in the southern town of Oswiecim, which is Szydlo's hometown. Szydlo was traveling in the second car in an official convoy along the town's main road when another car drove into Szydlo's black Audi limousine, causing it to hit a tree.

The state broadcaster TVP published an image of her limousine, with the front of the car bashed in.

Sebastian Glen, a police spokesman, said the car that hit the prime minister's car was a small Fiat driven by a 21-year-old man who was sober. He said Szydlo, the driver and a security officer were taken to a nearby hospital.

Government spokesman Rafal Bochenek told the news agency PAP that Szydlo's injuries were not serious but that she was undergoing a precautionary examination in a hospital.

"Fortunately, nothing bad happened," he said.

Oswiecim is best known to the world by its German name, Auschwitz. It is the town where Nazi Germany ran the death camp in occupied Poland during World War II and today is the site of a memorial and museum that draws large numbers of visitors.

It was the second such accident involving a convoy that Szydlo was traveling in.

In November, several vehicles in a Polish government convoy collided during a state visit to Israel. Szydlo was not in one of those that collided but two other Polish officials had minor injuries.

Separately, Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz escaped uninjured from an eight-car collision in January.

Security officers guard a rescue helicopter as Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo is transported to it after a car accident in Oswiecim, Poland, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Szydlo suffered minor injuries Friday after a small Fiat hit her car, officials and Polish news reports said. Her spokesman said she was being examined in a hospital but wasn't badly hurt. (AP Photo)
AP National News Calendar

Eds: Major scheduled events for the week of Feb. 12 - Feb. 18. Note that many events are subject to change at the last minute.

The following economic reports will be issued in Washington (all times EST), unless otherwise noted:

SUNDAY: No events of note.

MONDAY: No events of note.

TUESDAY: Labor Department releases the Producer Price Index for January, 8:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Commerce Department releases retail sales data for January, 8:30 a.m.; Labor Department releases Consumer Price Index for January, 8:30 a.m.; Federal Reserve releases industrial production for January, 9:15 a.m.; Commerce Department releases business inventories for December, 10 a.m.; National Association of Home Builders releases housing market index for February, 10 a.m.; Treasury releases international money flows data for December, 4 p.m.

THURSDAY: Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims, 8:30 a.m.; Commerce Department releases housing starts for January, 8:30 a.m.; Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, releases weekly mortgage rates, 10 a.m.

FRIDAY: No events of note.

SATURDAY: No events of note.

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SUNDAY, FEB. 12

No events of note.

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MONDAY, FEB. 13

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

WASHINGTON  Supreme Court on break until Feb. 21

WASHINGTON  Senate votes expected on President Donald Trump's nominees for treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, and veterans affairs secretary, David Shulkin.

TOKYO  Japan reports preliminary fourth-quarter GDP.

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TUESDAY, FEB. 14

WASHINGTON  Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen testifies on monetary policy before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.

WASHINGTON  House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on judicial transparency and ethics.

WASHINGTON  House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee hearing strengthening U.S. cybersecurity capabilities.

WASHINGTON  House Armed Services Committee hearing on the terrorism threat and counterterrorism strategies.

WASHINGTON  House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on Syria.

BERLIN  Federal Statistical Office releases fourth-quarter growth figure for the German economy, Europe's biggest.

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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

WASHINGTON  Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen testifies on monetary policy before the House Financial Services Committee.

WASHINGTON  Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on modern slavery.

Pepsico Inc. reports quarterly financial results before the market opens.

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THURSDAY, FEB. 16

WASHINGTON  House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on the F-35 fighter program.

WASHINGTON  House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing on drug cartels.

WASHINGTON  Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on the nomination of Andrew Puzder to be labor secretary.

WASHINGTON  House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Iran.

WASHINGTON  House Science, Space and Technology Committee hearing on NASA.

WASHINGTON  House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on religious liberty.

Freddie Mac reports quarterly financial results before the market opens.

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FRIDAY, FEB. 17

Vice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly are among the U.S. officials expected to attend the Munich Security Conference, which runs through Feb. 19. Pence also plans to visit Brussels.

Fannie Mae reports quarterly financial results before the market opens.

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SATURDAY, FEB. 18
With travel ban blocked, Somali refugee reunites with family

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  A Somali refugee who had been stuck in limbo because of President Donald Trump's refugee travel ban arrived to Utah on Friday to meet his 2-year-old daughter for the first time and make a long-awaited reunion with his wife.

Abdisellam Hassen Ahmed was greeted by cheers from refugee supporters at the Salt Lake City International Airport as he hugged and kissed his wife, Nimo Hashi, and picked up their 2-year-old daughter, Taslim.

He is among a wave of refugees around the country making belated arrivals after an appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate Trump's order that had led to the cancellations of their trips earlier this month. That ruling upheld the same decision by a lower court.

Abdisellam Hassen Ahmed, a Somali refugee who had been stuck in limbo after President Donald Trump temporarily banned refugee entries, holds his 2-year-old daughter, Taslim, after meeting her for the first time after arriving at Salt Lake International Airport, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, in Salt Lake City. Ahmed is among a wave of refugees around the country making belated arrivals after their trips were cancelled several weeks ago after Trump's executive order. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

"I'm so happy. I've been waiting more than two years to be with my family," said Ahmed, through a translator. "It's been so long, so long. Every month, every second, every day I was counting. I don't have count those days anymore."

He wore a beaming smile as held his daughter. She tilted her head back and stared at him. "Look, my daughter can't even recognize me," he said. "We have to do a lot of work to get to know her better."

Ahmed, 29, has lived in refugee camps since he was 3 years old.

He met Hashi, 24, in Ethiopia after both fled Somalia amid the civil war. Hashi's refugee case had already been approved when they married, so officials told her to go ahead to the United States where she could apply for her husband to join her.

Hashi has endured a whiplash of emotions in the last month.

She was elated to find out Ahmed was finally set to arrive earlier this month after two years of separation, but that trip was cancelled when Trump issued his executive order that temporarily banned refugees and nearly all travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Somalia.

Hashi was devastated after buying a new kitchen table and couches for her Salt Lake City apartment in joyful anticipation of the reunion.

When she heard this week from Catholic Community Services of Utah that her husband's arrival was back on, she was ecstatic but guarded. She said she wouldn't believe it until she saw him in person.

"I can't express how happy I am with all my family here together," Hashi said through a translator.

Ahmed was among nearly 70 refugees scheduled to arrive in Utah that had trips cancelled. Nearly all of them are back on track to arrive. A group of 18 people from the Congo are coming next week. The state receives 1,200 refugees a year.

Ahmed was upbeat and profusely appreciative for being allowed to become a refugee in the U.S., but he also issued a plea to Trump on behalf of his friends back in the refugee camp.

"He needs to look at this in a humanitarian way," Ahmed said through a translator. "Refugees have fled their own country, and they don't have anywhere to go back to."

Abdisellam Hassen Ahmed, a Somali refugee who had been stuck in limbo after President Donald Trump temporarily banned refugee entries, kisses his wife Nimo Hashi, after arriving at Salt Lake International Airport, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, in Salt Lake City. Ahmed meet his 2-year-old daughter, Taslim, for the first time. Ahmed is among a wave of refugees around the country making belated arrivals after their trips were cancelled several weeks ago after Trump's executive order. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Abdisellam Hassen Ahmed, a Somali refugee who had been stuck in limbo after President Donald Trump temporarily banned refugee entries, walks with his wife Nimo Hashi, and his 2-year-old daughter, Taslim, after arriving at Salt Lake International Airport, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, in Salt Lake City. Ahmed meet his daughter for the first time. Ahmed is among a wave of refugees around the country making belated arrivals after their trips were cancelled several weeks ago after Trump's executive order. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Abdisellam Hassen Ahmed, a Somali refugee who had been stuck in limbo after President Donald Trump temporarily banned refugee entries, holds his 2-year-old daughter, Taslim, after meeting her for the first time after arriving at Salt Lake International Airport, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, in Salt Lake City. Ahmed is among a wave of refugees around the country making belated arrivals after their trips were cancelled several weeks ago after Trump's executive order. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Colleagues say judge in Dakota pipeline case is even-handed

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  The federal judge who will decide whether oil flows through the disputed Dakota Access pipeline has shown sympathy for the historical plight of American Indians, but has also made clear that he doesn't think that should play a role in judicial decisions.

U.S. District Judge James "Jeb" Boasberg is overseeing a lawsuit filed by the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux that could be their last hope of stopping the $3.8 billion pipeline to carry North Dakota oil to Illinois. The tribes argue the pipeline threatens drinking water and cultural sites. A hearing is scheduled Monday.

While the Washington, D.C.-based Boasberg cited in a previous ruling the historic exploitation of Indians in early America, he also told an attorney for the tribe last year he won't be influenced by phone calls from pipeline opponents to sway his opinion.

This June 20, 2012, photo provided by ALM shows U.S. District Judge James "Jeb" Boasberg in Washington, D.C. Boasberg is overseeing a lawsuit filed by the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux, two Dakotas tribes who maintain the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline to carry North Dakota oil to Illinois threatens their drinking water and cultural sites. (Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM via AP)

That doesn't surprise Michael Kellogg, a law firm colleague of Boesberg's in the mid-1990s, or Virginia attorney Tim Heaphy, who once worked with Boasberg in the D.C. federal prosecutor's office.

"He is not motivated by ideology or politics," Heaphy said.

Boasberg has been appointed to judgeships by both Republican and Democratic presidents, showing he is respected by both conservatives and liberals, said a third colleague of Boasberg, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Senior Judge Dorothy Nelson, for whom Boasberg once clerked.

Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners this week received approval from the Army Corps of Engineers to lay pipe under Lake Oahe, a Missouri river reservoir that's the tribes' water source. It's the final chunk of construction for the 1,200-mile pipeline. The Cheyenne River tribe has asked Boasberg to stop the work until the legal battle is resolved.

Boasberg earned his law degree from Yale in 1990. He was appointed to his current post on the federal bench by President Barack Obama in 2011.

In responding to questions in 2010 from then-Alabama U.S. senator and current U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions about his judicial philosophies, Boasberg agreed with another judge who had rejected Obama's call for empathy in a Supreme Court justice.

"If empathy means sympathizing with one party such that a judge fails to follow the law, then I believe it should not play a role in a judge's consideration of a case," Boasberg said.

In a September ruling Boasberg wrote, "the tragic history of the Great Sioux Nation's repeated dispossessions at the hands of a hungry and expanding early America is well known."

But he denied an attempt by the Standing Rock tribe to halt pipeline work, rejecting arguments that tribal officials hadn't been properly consulted and that cultural sites were in immediate peril.

"Lake Oahe is of undeniable importance to the tribe, and the general area is demonstrably home to important cultural resources," Boasberg said. "Even here, though, the tribe has not met its burden to show that DAPL-related work is likely to cause damage."

About the same time, Boasberg said his chambers had been flooded with calls about the pipeline. He urged Standing Rock attorney Jan Hasselman to remind his clients that "tallying calls for and against ... is not how our judicial system works."

Boasberg has been in the spotlight before. In 2012 he ruled that the Obama administration wouldn't have to turn over images of the body of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, and last year he dismissed lawsuits arising from Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email server as secretary of state.

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Dave Kolpack reported from Fargo, North Dakota. Follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/DaveKolpackAP
Firefighter charged with selling cocaine while on duty

NORWALK, Conn. (AP)  A firefighter in Connecticut has been accused of selling cocaine while on duty.

The Norwalk Hour reports (http://bit.ly/2lsWS31) Norwalk police arrested 45-year-old Mark Monroe without incident Thursday following a months-long investigation.

Police say Monroe sold cocaine to undercover officers on at least four occasions. Two of those times were while he was on duty.

Investigators executing search warrants on Monroe's home and car reported finding cocaine, illegal prescription pills and hundreds of hypodermic needles.

He's been placed on administrative leave pending the court case.

Monroe faces 24 drug and weapons-related charges and has been held on a $150,000 bond. He is slated to appear in court Feb. 17. It couldn't immediately be determined if he has a lawyer.

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President Donald Trump has revived groundless claims of voter fraud, arguing in a lunch meeting with senators that he and former Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte would have won in New Hampshire if not for voters bused in from out of state.

A GOP official with knowledge of Thursday's lunch conversation described the president's comments.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because it was a private meeting. There is no evidence of people being improperly bused into New Hampshire to vote.

When Trump made the remark, 'an uncomfortable silence' was reported among attendees of the meeting, according to Politico.

President Donald Trump has revived groundless claims of voter fraud, arguing in a lunch meeting with senators at the White House (above) that he and former Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte would have won in New Hampshire if not for voters bused in from out of state

When Trump (second from left) made the remark, 'an uncomfortable silence' was reported among attendees of the meeting

Ayotte was unseated from the Senate by her Democratic opponent, Maggie Hassan, who won the election by just 743 votes.

Trump lost New Hampshire to his Democratic challenger, Hillary Clinton, by roughly 3,000 votes.

Ayotte was present for the meeting at the White House with a bipartisan group of 10 senators because she is working with Judge Neil Gorsuch, Trump's Supreme Court nominee, to shepherd him around Capitol Hill for meetings.

The discussion at Thursday's lunch partly involved Gorsuch's nomination as Trump looks for eight Democratic votes to get him over a procedural hurdle in the Senate.

In the course of the conversation Trump had a lighthearted exchange with Ayotte, who withdrew her support from Trump during last year's campaign after audio emerged of him boasting about groping women.

Trump said he wished Ayotte had endorsed him like she'd endorsed Gorsuch and also made the comments about voting in New Hampshire.

Ayotte (seen on the left with Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch) was unseated from the Senate by her Democratic opponent, Maggie Hassan (right), who won the election by just 743 votes. Ayotte is shepherding Gorsuch around Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers

'There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever of major voter fraud in New Hampshire's elections,' New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, said in a statement.

'President Trump continues to spread a dangerous lie and it's long past time for Republican leadership in New Hampshire to stand up and defend our state's electoral system.'

Later Friday, Ellen Weintraub of the Federal Election Commission called on Trump to 'immediately share his evidence with the public and with the appropriate law-enforcement authorities so that his allegations may be investigated promptly and thoroughly.'

'The president has issued an extraordinarily serious and specific charge,' the commissioner said in a statement. 'Allegations of this magnitude cannot be ignored.'

It's the second time Trump has used a bipartisan meeting with lawmakers to make erroneous claims about voter fraud.

Last month, during a bipartisan congressional leadership meeting at the White House, he claimed that he would have won the popular vote if not for 3 million to 5 million immigrants in the country illegally voting for his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton.

There is also no evidence of that.
Napoli beats Genoa 2-0 in Serie A ahead of Real Madrid match

NAPLES, Italy (AP)  Napoli prepared for its Champions League clash at Real Madrid by extending its unbeaten run with a 2-0 win against Genoa in Serie A on Friday.

Napoli, which visits Madrid for the first leg of its last-16 match on Wednesday, has not lost since a 2-1 defeat at Juventus in October.

Goals from Piotr Zielinski and Emanuele Giaccherini saw Napoli move into second spot in Serie A, one point above Roma, which visits Crotone on Sunday. Serie A leader Juventus travels to Cagliari.

Napoli's midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini, right, celebrates embracing his teammate Dries Martens after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Napoli and Genoa at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, Italy, Friday, Feb. 10 2017. (Cesare Abbate/ANSA via AP)

Both sides had chances in the first half but Napoli never really got going until after the break.

It appeared to be a different side in the second half and broke the deadlock five minutes after the interval.

Dries Mertens was causing havoc in the Genoa defense and a clearance fell to Zielinski to fire into the far bottom corner from just inside the area.

Mertens, who has scored 16 league goals this season and is fighting for the top goalscorer award, was also involved in Napoli's second in the 68th minute.

The Belgian international ran onto a long ball, flicked it past Nicolas Burdisso and unselfishly rolled it across for Giaccherini to tap into an empty net for his first Serie A Napoli goal.

Napoli's midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini scores a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Napoli and Genoa at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, Italy, Friday, Feb. 10 2017. (Cesare Abbate/ANSA via AP)

Napoli's midfielder Piotr Zielinski, left, celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Napoli and Genoa at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, Italy, Friday, Feb. 10 2017. (Cesare Abbate/ANSA via AP)

Napoli's defender Kalidou Koulibaly reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Napoli and Genoa at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, Italy, Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (Cesare Abbate/ANSA via AP)

Napoli's defender Faouzi Ghoulam, left, vies for the ball with Genoa's defender Nicolas Burdisso, right, during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Napoli and Genoa at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, Italy, Friday, Feb. 10 2017. (Cesare Abbate/ANSA via AP)
US man, Mexican woman found slain in Acapulco condo

MEXICO CITY (AP)  An American man and a Mexican woman were found murdered in a condominium in the troubled Pacific resort city of Acapulco on Friday.

The bodies of the 70-year-old man and 65-year-old woman were discovered in the morning in the fourth-floor apartment with wounds on their necks consistent with strangulation, Guerrero state security spokesman Roberto Alvarez Heredia told The Associated Press.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City identified the male victim as Stanley Enders, with no hometown given. The embassy said it was working with local authorities and declined to give further details citing privacy considerations.

The woman's identity was not immediately made public.

Alvarez said the condo was in a state of disorder and the hard drive for the building's security cameras was missing. He added that the victims lived in the apartment and were the administrators of the condo complex, and that preliminary signs pointed to robbery as a possible motive.

Guerrero prosecutors said in a statement that they were investigating the case as a homicide.

The bodies were discovered in a hilly neighborhood known as Condesa that overlooks the northeastern shore of Acapulco Bay.
US sees no adverse impact from Alberta Clipper pipeline

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  After a four-year review, the U.S. State Department on Friday said it does not believe there would be significant negative environmental impact from a Canadian company's plan to boost the capacity of an oil pipeline that crosses the U.S. border in northeastern North Dakota.

Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge Energy Partners asked the State Department in 2012 for a presidential permit to transport 800,000 barrels daily on an existing 3-mile section of pipeline on the company's Alberta Clipper pipeline that carries tar sand oil from Canada across northeastern North Dakota and northern Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin.

The State Department's supplemental environmental impact statement announced Friday was "coincidental" to President Donald Trump's action to advance the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines, Enbridge spokeswoman Lorraine Little said.

"It's been long process to get to this point," Little said. "It is what it is."

Todd Leake, a Sierra Club spokesman in North Dakota, said he believes Trump's fingerprints are all over the State Department conclusion.

"All pipelines are politics and money," said Leake, who farms about 80 miles from where the pipeline crosses into the U.S. near Neche, North Dakota. "All recent approvals of these pipelines go right back to the Trump administration."

The State Department is taking public comment on its draft environmental impact statement for 45 days, until March 27. The State Department issues presidential permits for projects that cross the U.S.-Canadian border.

The Alberta Clipper pipeline, which also is known as "Line 67" was completed in 2009 at a cost of about $1 billion. The company wants permission to expand its current capacity on the line where it crosses the international border from about 450,000 barrels daily to 800,000 barrels a day. While awaiting the nod from the U.S. government, the company has been rerouting the additional barrels through a 1960s-era pipeline along the same route for the 3 miles.

That pipeline already has a presidential permit. If approved by the U.S government, the Alberta Clipper would transport the additional tar sands oil without being transferred, and the old pipeline would be rebuilt, Little said.

Opponents argue that oil sands extraction exacerbates global warming because it takes more energy to produce and generates more carbon dioxide.

The Keystone XL, which had languished for years under the administration of President Barack Obama, also is designed to carry Canadian tar sands oil, and Trump last month invited its builder, TransCanada, to resubmit its application to the State Department for a presidential permit, and the company has said that it will.

Trump also last month instructed the Army Corps of Engineers to advance work on the Dakota Access pipeline. Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners on Wednesday got final permission from the Army to proceed with a crossing of the Missouri River in southern North Dakota.
American Airlines pilots say CEO should've met with Trump

DALLAS (AP)  The head of the pilots' union at American Airlines is blasting the carrier's CEO for skipping a meeting with President Donald Trump to attend a company event in Dallas.

Union President Dan Carey said Friday that CEO Doug Parker missed a chance to talk to Trump about issues confronting airline workers, including the threat from fast-growing foreign competitors.

"For our airline's CEO to say 'no thanks' to President Trump flat-out amazes me," Carey said.

Southwest CEO Gary Kelly speaks during a meeting between President Donald Trump and airline executives in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Parker said he needed to attend an event Thursday for 1,600 employees, where he stressed the importance of managers taking care of their workers. He said he made sure that other CEOs talked to Trump about the industry's agenda, including modernizing the air traffic control system and reducing taxes and regulation.

The CEOs of Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska and JetBlue attended the White House meeting.

Carey's union, the Allied Pilots Association, and the larger Air Line Pilots Association, are targeting Norwegian Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways. The unions and big U.S. airlines say those foreign carriers avoid labor laws or get huge subsidies from their governments that let them expand and threaten jobs at U.S. airlines.

That subject came up only briefly Thursday, and it did not go well for the U.S. airlines.
Defiant US president Donald Trump has vowed to fight an appeal court decision refusing to reinstate his ban on travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations, tweeting: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

The San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected the administrations claim of presidential authority and questioned its motives and concluded that the order was unlikely to survive legal challenges.

The appeal courts panel of three judges refused to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travellers to enter the US.

Donald Trump

It said the argument that the ban targets Muslims raised serious allegations and presented significant constitutional questions, and agreed that courts could consider statements by Mr Trump and his advisers about wishing to enact such a ban.

Moments after Mr Trumps tweet, Washington governor Jay Inslee, a Democrat who leads one of the states that challenged the ban, said: Mr President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you.

Todays decision to uphold Judge Robarts order is a victory for Washington State and indeed the entire country. https://t.co/Q5KO7Tknon pic.twitter.com/bglIJsP16R  Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) February 10, 2017

Minnesota also challenged the ban.

Making a brief, impromptu appearance in the West Wing following the decision, Mr Trump said the ruling was a political decision.

DENIED. UNANIMOUS. PER CURIUM.  Attorney General Bob Ferguson (@AGOWA) February 9, 2017

He said he did not believe the decision undercut his presidency and his administration would win the case.

The judges sided with the states on every issue except for one technical matter, rejecting the administrations argument that courts did not have the authority to review the presidents immigration and national security decisions.

They said the administration failed to show that the order met constitutional requirements to provide notice or a hearing before restricting travel and the administration presented no evidence that any foreigner from the seven countries was responsible for a terrorist attack in the US.

The court battle is far from over, with an appeal to the US Supreme Court likely.

3-0  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 10, 2017

That could put the decision in the hands of a divided court that has a vacancy because Mr Trumps nominee, Neil Gorsuch, could not be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban, which was set to expire in 90 days unless it is changed.

The appellate judges noted compelling public interests on both sides.

Pleased the #9thCircuit made the right decision to keep the un-American, discriminatory #MuslimBan on hold  Tim Kaine (@timkaine) February 9, 2017

The 9th Circuit Court has denied Trumps appeal to reinstate the #MuslimBan. Fight is not over but this is a great victory for our values.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 9, 2017

On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies, they said.

And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination.

9th circuit ruling is a victory for justice. It's clearer than ever that @realDonaldTrump's exec order is inconsistent with the rule of law.  Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) February 9, 2017

.@realDonaldTrump should rescind this executive order tonight, abandon the religious tests & work on commonsense ways to increase security.  Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) February 9, 2017

The Justice Department said it was reviewing the decision and considering its options.
A mini cold snap could bring snow to some parts of the UK ahead of a chilly weekend, the Met Office said.

Friday will be particularly cold in England, with temperatures of 2-3C (36-37F) in the Midlands, London and eastern areas, and scattered snow showers.

This is unlikely to settle, although there could be some icy patches, particularly overnight.

It's going to feel very #cold this weekend  with #windchill making things feel even colder  #brrr pic.twitter.com/DYfskXeBK5  Met Office (@metoffice) February 9, 2017

Elsewhere will be a degree or two warmer, with highs of only 5C (41F) in the South West, Wales and western Scotland.

Overnight into Saturday, temperatures could potentially dip as low as minus 10C (14F) in some mountainous parts of Scotland, Met Office forecaster Sophie Yeomans said.

The current lowest temperature recorded this winter was minus 11C (12.2F) which was recorded at Cromdale in Moray, North East Scotland, on December 5.

Ms Yeomans said: The very lowest that we could see  and thats up Scotland and the mountains up there  we are looking at minus 6C, minus 8C, (21-18F) so pretty cold, but I think pretty widespread across most of the UK we are going to see temperatures dipping below zero.

Snow is a possibility. The main risk is Friday. There will be showers, theyll be quite scattered, few and far between  youd be unlucky to catch one unless youre on the east coast.

If they do fall, some of them will be falling as rain, some sleet and some snow.

Into the weekend, conditions are expected to stay cold and frosty as the cold snap persists, with temperatures hovering around zero.

It should start feeling less cold from Monday, Ms Yeomans said, although maximum temperatures will still only be 5-6C (41-42F).

.@NHSChoices has advice on protecting your health during very cold weather https://t.co/ais6OrMUGv pic.twitter.com/SvSlL2pf3X  UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) February 9, 2017

Public Health England (PHE) issued a warning as the temperatures plummeted.

Professor Paul Cosford, medical director and director of health protection at PHE said: With more cold weather across all parts of England now is the time to really think how it could impact you and your family, particularly those who are very young, over 65 or who have heart and lung conditions.

Try to keep homes heated to at least 18C (64F), stock up on any essential medicine or food that you need before the cold arrives and remember that you will be warmer wearing several thin layers instead of fewer thick ones.
Failures in the NHS because of the winter crisis are 'completely unacceptable', Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has admitted.

Mr Hunt said there was 'no excuse' for some of the problems faced by patients over the winter and accepted that some of the care being offered was not what anyone would want for their own family.

The number of patients arriving in Accident and Emergency departments has surged to record breaking levels throughout the winter, fuelled by growing numbers of elderly people with poor access to social care services.

Experts who probed the Mid Staffs scandal, in which up to 1,200 people died because of poor care, warned the health service now faced an 'existential crisis'.

Failures in the NHS because of the winter crisis are 'completely unacceptable', Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has admitted in a BBC interview (pictured)

Mr Hunt said there was 'no excuse' for some of the problems faced by patients over the winter as the number of patients surges

The Health Secretary was speaking after figures emerged showing that numbers of A&E patients seen within the target of four hours fell to a record low of 86 per cent in December, while those waiting longer than 12 hours to be admitted to a hospital bed doubled to more than 2,500 in 2016.

The number of people waiting more than two months to start cancer treatment after an urgent referral was at a record high of 25,157, and the proportion of patients receiving hospital treatment within 18 weeks fell below 90 per cent for the first time since 2011.

Figures show locum doctors are being paid up to 4,000 a day. NHS trusts are lavishing the cash on medics who cover when regular staff are sick, on holiday or a post is empty.

They cost taxpayers 300million a year, according to the financial regulator, NHS Improvement. The spending comes despite a Government cap introduced in 2015.

A consultant should receive no more than 75 an hour in normal working hours, which can be increased only if patient safety is deemed to be at risk. But one doctor has regularly charged 363 an hour, 4,356 for a 12-hour shift.

Five others have commanded an hourly rate of 250. Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS Improvement, said the money would be better spent getting many more hands on deck.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Hunt said there was already a 'big transformation programme' under way in the NHS with the aim of treating more people at home or in the community to ease burdens on hospitals.

But he conceded that the changes would take time and said progress had been 'disappointingly slow' in some areas.

'It is incredibly frustrating for me,' said the Health Secretary. 'I am doing this job because I want NHS care to be the safest and best in the world.

'That kind of care is completely unacceptable. No-one would want it for members of their own family.'

A BBC documentary this week revealed the level of overcrowding in accident and emergency departments, such as at Blackburn Hospital (pictured)

Patients have been left waiting in corridors as overflowing hospitals struggle to find beds on wards during the winter

He said there were 'no excuses' for cases such as 89-year-old Iris Sibley, who was stuck on a hospital ward at Bristol Royal Infirmary for more than six months because a nursing home place could not be found for her.

'It is terrible for Mrs Sibley but it is also very bad for the NHS,' Mr Hunt said.

He insisted the Government was addressing problems in the social care system which are preventing many elderly and frail patients from being discharged from hospital  so-called 'bed-blocking'.

'The Prime Minister has been very clear,' said the Health Secretary. 'We recognise the pressure's there. We recognise there is a problem about the sustainability of the social care system.

'That has to be addressed and we are going to do that.'

Barrister Sir Robert Francis, whose 2013 report uncovered poor care in Mid Staffordshire, said the NHS was facing an 'existential crisis'

Barrister Sir Robert Francis, whose 2013 report uncovered poor care in Mid Staffordshire, said the NHS was facing an 'existential crisis' which made a further similar scandal 'inevitable'.

Sir Robert, a non-executive director at the Care Quality Commission, told the Health Service Journal there was an 'increasing disconnect' between what is said nationally about the NHS and 'what people on the ground feel or see is going on'.

'Let's make no bones about it, the NHS is facing an existential crisis,' he said. 'The service is running faster and faster to try and keep up and is failing, manifestly failing.

'The danger is that we reach a tipping point; we haven't reached it yet, but there will come a point where public confidence in the service dissipates.'

Figures emerged showing that numbers of A&E patients seen within the target of four hours fell to a record low of 86 per cent in December (file picture)

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth said: 'These are hollow words from the Secretary of State this morning. On his watch the NHS is suffering from the biggest financial squeeze in history and social care is at tipping point.

'Jeremy Hunt appears to be finally waking up to the scale of the crisis but he must now accept responsibility. Instead he offers just hand wringing but no solutions.

'This week we have seen more and more statistics revealing that patients are waiting longer, and suffering longer in discomfort.'

He added: 'The Prime Minister cant just put her head in the sand and ignore these astounding warnings. This is clearly not just a 'small number of incidents' as she glibly suggested.

The Governments mismanagement of the NHS is causing chaos and misery for patients.

'We cant go on like this. They need to listen to the experts and explain fully in the Budget in a few weeks time how they will put the NHS and social care on sustainable footing.

'NHS patients and their families should never be put through a winter like this again.'
Donald Trump has told President Xi Jinping that America will honour Washingtons one China policy, which has been at the centre of friction between the global powers since his election as US president.

During a phone call on Thursday night Mr Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour the policy that requires Washington to maintain only unofficial ties with Chinas rival Taiwan, the White House said.

The White House described the call as extremely cordial and said the two leaders had invited each other to visit.

Women walk past a news stand displaying a Chinese news magazine fronting a photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing (Andy Wong/AP)

Before taking office, Mr Trump questioned the policy, which shifted diplomatic recognition from self-governing Taiwan to China in 1979, and said it was open to negotiation.

China has bristled at the one China comments by Mr Trump, who wants to pressure Beijing to narrow its huge trade surplus with America.

Mr Trump had accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, criticised Chinas military build-up in the South China Sea and accused China of doing too little to pressure North Korea.
British patients could face a longer wait for new drugs after the UK pulls out of the European Union, experts have warned.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said he does not expect the UK after Brexit to remain within the European Medicines Agency, which evaluates applications to market new drugs across the EU.

A former chairman of the UKs medical regulator said that if pharmaceutical firms had to obtain separate permissions for Britain, they were likely to prioritise EMA applications for access to the much larger European market.

Tablets (Joe Giddens/PA)

And a drug company executive suggested the UK would be in the second or third wave for new drugs  after Europe, the USA and Japan  leading to delays of as much as 24 months.

Sir Alasdair Breckenridge  who was chairman of the UKs Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for almost a decade  told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: The UK market compared to the European market, of course, is small, so therefore there will be a delay in getting new drugs  important new drugs, anti-cancer drugs, anti-infective drugs  for patients in the United Kingdom.

Since theres going to be a second application as well as the European application, the cost will be greater.

And David Jeffreys, vice-president of Eisai  a Japanese drugs firm that employs 450 people in the UK  said British patients could face delays of up to two years.

He said: The early innovative medicines will be applied for in the USA, in Japan and through the European system and the UK will be in the second or indeed the third wave so UK patients may be getting medicines, 12, 18, 24 months later than they would if we remained in the European system.

Scottish National Party health spokeswoman Philippa Whitford, a consultant surgeon, told Today: We keep using the shorthand single market, giving the impression that the EU is only about trade.

The thing that frightened me the most was when I asked Theresa May about this at Prime Ministers Questions, she looked utterly blank. That suggests to me the European Medicines Agency is not high enough up her agenda.
The Court of Appeal has rejected an appeal by Pimlico Plumbers on the employment status of a former worker.

Gary Smith, who worked for the London-based company for six years until 2011, had already won an employment tribunal case after challenging the companys view that he was self-employed.

His solicitor Jacqueline McGuigan said todays court decision could affect other workers in the so-called gig economy, such as delivery drivers.

Court of Appeal judgment: Pimlico Plumbers v Gary Smith https://t.co/6Obg4aBV9q  Judicial Office (@JudiciaryUK) February 10, 2017

We are absolutely delighted. The decision brings welcome clarity to the issue of employment status relating to work in parts of the economy, she told the Press Association.

Mr Smith worked for Pimlico Plumbers as a plumber for six years until 2011, when he claims he was dismissed following a heart attack.

He took a case to a tribunal, which found he was a worker and so was entitled to employment rights.

The case focused on whether individuals engaged as self-employed contractors should be classed as workers.

Court of Appeal has rejected an appeal by Pimlico Plumbers on the employment status of former worker Gary Smith.  Alan Jones (@AlanJonesPA) February 10, 2017

Lawyers believe the decision will have a significant impact on the gig economy, which has seen a huge increase in the number of people working under self-employed contracts.

Pimlico Plumbers boss Charlie Mullins said outside the court: I am happy. This gives some clarity.

We will be looking at the full judgment and there is a good chance we will appeal to the Supreme Court.

Maria Ludkin, the GMB unions legal director, said: This case, like the Uber case last October, is yet another victory for the bogus self-employed who have been treated appallingly by their employer.

Charlie Mullins of Pimlico Plumbers says there's a good chance he will appeal to the Supreme Court over employment status case.  Alan Jones (@AlanJonesPA) February 10, 2017

All they want is basic employment rights as are enjoyed by the majority, including the right to be paid a minimum wage and holiday pay.

While these plumbers are making Charlie Mullins even more millions, he needs to get his house in order and start respecting basic workers rights.

The GMB is supporting a group of Deliveroo drivers in Brighton who have given two weeks notice to the company to offer better pay and more hours or face protests and strike action.

Pimlico Plumbers owner Charlie Mullins outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Cathy Gordon/PA)

They are currently classed as independent contractors, not workers or employees, and are not entitled to basic employment rights such as minimum wage, holiday or sick pay, said the GMB.

Southern regional official Paul Maloney said: We stand with the riders against Deliveroo, another company trying to duck its obligations and responsibilities by making its workforce independent contractors.

All they want is basic employment rights as are enjoyed by the majority, including the right to be paid a minimum wage, the right to sick pay and holiday pay.
Almost double the proportion of pupils at independent schools were given extra time to complete GCSE and A-level exams last year than those at state schools.

Time allowances were made for 27,350 pupils taking exams at independent schools in 2015/16, nearly 20% of candidates in the independent sector.

In state schools, 203,050 students were given 25% more time to finish their work, amounting to 11.8% of the 1,719,000 doing exams there, Ofqual figures show.

The examinations watchdog said the difference indicated "some variation" between types of examination centre

Access arrangement data discussed on Today programme this morning were published in December: https://t.co/zap7PLloWj  Ofqual (@ofqual) February 10, 2017

The examinations watchdog said the difference indicated some variation between types of examination centre, which could be partly explained by the ability and readiness of centres to identify students who are entitled to a reasonable adjustment.

We are seeking to better understand access arrangement data and are discussing with the exam boards their responsibilities in this area too  Ofqual (@ofqual) February 10, 2017

The Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference (HMC), which represents independent school heads, said the higher proportion was down to proper resourcing and specialist departments which state-maintained schools may not have.

Peter Hamilton, chairman of HMCs academic policy committee and headmaster of Haberdashers Askes Boys School, said: Independent schools are able to apply for the help our pupils need because of ever-improving monitoring and awareness of special needs.

Pupils are typically given extra time for exams when they have special educational needs (SEN), a disability, illness or a condition such as dyslexia.

Students at special schools and those with SEN in mainstream schools were included in the Ofqual data for state and independent institutions.

The total number of pupils given extra time for GCSE and A-level exams in England, Wales and Northern Ireland last year was 230,400.

Access arrangements for GCSEs and A Levels https://t.co/6FM3qNnViQ pic.twitter.com/vC0F0cV28D  Ofqual (@ofqual) February 10, 2017

The number has risen every year for the last five years, and almost doubled since the 119,750 in 2011/12.

Extra time accounted for more than half of the 410,800 approved requests for specialist access arrangements for exams last year.

Almost 100,000 pupils needed help from someone to read questions to them, while almost 50,000 needed assistance in writing answers.

Ofqual said it would be auditing exam board systems and will work with representative body the Joint Council for Qualifications to understand whether its processes are up to standard.
Families cheered home their loved ones as a Royal Navy patrol ship returned to base following a 13-month deployment helping tackle people trafficking and drug smuggling.

HMS Mersey sailed into Portsmouth, Hampshire, after covering 48,000 miles and visiting 32 ports in 19 countries on three continents.

As the band of Her Majestys Royal Marines Portsmouth struck up, friends and families waved flags on the jetty side, and loved ones were greeted with hugs after running down the gangplank.

Waves from the HMS Mersey crew to the crowds. The @RoyalNavy patrol ship has sailed 48,000 miles and visited 19 countries in her time away. pic.twitter.com/CAulAJeKOp  Forces News (@ForcesNews) February 10, 2017

Among those who returned was Steward Amy Binns, who was the only mother on board Mersey. She said: It feels really good to be home.

This is my first homecoming and we dont get to Skype very often so to be able to see my son is just amazing. Its brilliant for me.

Steward Amy Binns blows a kiss to her family as HMS Mersey returns to port

Able Seaman Bradley Alderton, 21, from Littlehampton, West Sussex, said: Im really happy to see my family again and to have been able to show them around my first ship.

Being deployed to the Med has been my first time abroad with the Royal Navy and I cant wait to tell my family about all my experiences.

Those returning on board HMS Mersey were greeted by cheers and waving flags

The River-class ship left Portsmouth in January last year, and headed to the Caribbean before travelling east to the Mediterranean and on to the Aegean.

Petty Officer Andrew Walker from Southport is greeted by three-year-old daughter Poppy

Her role in the North Atlantic was to provide security to the UKs overseas territories in the Caribbean, and during stop-offs she welcomed thousands on board, including presidents, ambassadors and schoolchildren.

Mersey found herself at the centre of a major international drugs bust.

HMS Mersey commanding officer Lieutenant Commander George Storton is pleased to see wife Elizabeth and sons Toby and Olaf as she returns to port at HM Naval

While on counter-drugs patrols with the US Coastguard in April, Mersey helped seize 12 million of cocaine from a Honduras-bound vessel off the Nicaraguan coast.

The Navy crew  who worked two months on, one month off  took charge of the three suspects, took them back to the ship before returning to collect 16 bales of cocaine.

A tug boat sprays out water as HMS Mersey returns to port

Mersey headed to the Aegean Sea, via a stopover in Gibraltar, during the second half of her deployment to support a Nato-led operation to combat the migration crisis.

Lieutenant Commander George Storton, commanding officer of Mersey, had a surprise as the band played happy birthday to his son Toby who turned five on Thursday.

RM Band Portsmouth entertain families as HMS Mersey returns home after 13 month deployment #RMBandService pic.twitter.com/JbyuxYkjCj  The Bands of HM Royal Marines (@RMBandService) February 10, 2017

Lt/C Storton said: HMS Mersey has delivered an epic 13-month deployment spanning from the Caribbean to Turkey driven by the spirit, commitment and courage of the ships company.

With a crew of less than 50 on board, any one time everybody is involved in every task, from hosting presidents to working with Nato allies and developing lifesaving procedures in the Mediterranean.
Captain Rory Best must shake off a stomach bug if he is to face Italy in Rome in Saturdays RBS 6 Nations showdown.

Hooker Best missed Irelands captains run at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday, instead remaining at the team hotel in a bid to beat his illness.

Munsters uncapped hooker Niall Scannell would start should Best fail to recover, with Leinsters James Tracy set to fly out to join the squad as cover.

Ireland remain confident Best will be fit to start, and could leave a decision on their skippers fitness until Saturday morning.

Rory has had a bit of a stomach upset overnight, he didnt sleep particularly well, said Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby.

So weve left him to rest. You cant predict that, but weve left him back in the hotel when we did the team run.

Hopefully hell be okay with a bit of sleep and rest now.

James Tracy will be joining the squad now.

James Tracy called up as precautionary cover for @RoryBest2 who had stomach upset overnight #TeamOfUs #shouldertoshoulder  Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 10, 2017

I think theres always things that crop up in the course of the week that you have to deal with.

How we react and respond to it will hopefully allow us to continue the preparation as seamlessly as possible.

Were confident that he will recover in time for tomorrow.

Ireland may now have to hunt their first Six Nations win of the campaign without their 101-cap skipper.

Rory Best

Joe Schmidts men lost out 27-22 in Scotland last weekend, and only victory in Rome will keep their slim title chances alive.

Vice captain Jamie Heaslip would take the armband in Bests absence, but Ireland are clearly giving the 34-year-old every chance of recovering.

Ireland entered the Six Nations without 56-cap hooker Sean Cronin  the experienced Leinster man was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring problem.

That has opened the door for the uncapped Scannell to step up, and the 24-year-old from Munster remained an unused replacement in Scotland.

Leinster hooker Tracy made a try-scoring Test debut in Irelands 52-21 victory over Canada in Dublin in November.

James Tracy

The 25-year-old was initially overlooked for selection for Irelands Azzurri clash, but was later omitted from the Leinster squad to face Treviso in Italy on Sunday.

Niall Scannell would start if Rory doesnt recover  hes been with us longer than James this week, said Easterby.

If Rory doesnt come through then James Tracy would have to come across either tonight or tomorrow morning, depending on when he can get a flight.

Were really confident that Niall can step up if asked.

He wouldnt be in the squad if we didnt feel confident he can transfer some really good form from Munster, especially in the European Cup.

And thats the reason hes on the bench, and thats because hes stepped up over the last few months.

All the players in the squad have to prepare to start in any game.
Britons are being urged to wrap up ahead of a bitterly cold weekend that will see the country lashed by icy winds and snow.

The UK could have the coldest temperature of the winter in the next 48 hours, with up to 4in (10cm) of snow on higher ground and gales in the North East.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for the South East, central England and parts of southern Scotland, with icy roads and drifting snow potentially causing problems for those out travelling.

Looking forward to the #weekend? It will feel #cold for many due to a keen easterly wind. There will be some #snow showers too pic.twitter.com/9Px7kZdhTj  Met Office (@metoffice) February 10, 2017

Health officials have warned the elderly and sick to stock up on essential medicines and food ahead of the cold snap.

Temperatures across much of the UK are likely to be just a few degrees above freezing, but with winds from Scandinavia it will feel much more raw, Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said.

Conditions could conspire to beat the current lowest temperature of the winter so far, the minus 11C (12.2F) recorded at Cromdale in Moray, north-east Scotland, on December 5.

The weather warnings are in force from 6pm on Friday until 10am on Saturday, covering higher ground in the North between Sheffield and Edinburgh, and Kent and Sussex in the South East.

Ms Maxey said: In areas like the Pennines, North York Moors and the Southern Highlands we are looking at lying snow of 3-6cm (1.2 to 2.5in) above 200m and maybe as much as 10cm (4in) above 300m.

Down the eastern side of the UK we are likely to see snow flurries, sleet and showers coming through, which are likely to turn wintry.

We could see gales in the North East, with drifting snow, and we could see icy conditions and disruptions to transport, particularly on higher routes through the Pennines.

Heading out this afternoon? Wrap up warm, it's going to feel bitterly cold in that wind! Some wintry showers around too - mainly in east  pic.twitter.com/fIxqXAvtsk  Met Office (@metoffice) February 10, 2017

The cold winds from northern Europe are expected to bring sleet and snow to other eastern areas, but it is unlikely to settle.

Overnight into Saturday there will be widespread frosts, particularly in the West where there will be clearer skies.

The biting wind at the weekend will leave temperatures feeling much colder.

Friday will see 2C to 3C (36F to 37F) in the Midlands, London and eastern areas, with temperatures on Saturday between 3C and 5C (37.4F to 41F), perhaps reaching 6C (42.8F) in Scotland.

Public Health England (PHE) has issued a warning amid the plummeting temperatures.

Medical director Professor Paul Cosford said: With more cold weather across all parts of England, now is the time to really think how it could impact you and your family, particularly those who are very young, over 65 or who have heart and lung conditions.

Try to keep homes heated to at least 18C (64F), stock up on any essential medicine or food that you need before the cold arrives and remember that you will be warmer wearing several thin layers instead of fewer thick ones.
Mariya Savinova-Farnosova has been given a four-year doping ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and been stripped of her London 2012 800 metres gold.

The 31-year-old, better known by her maiden name of Savinova, also loses her 2011 world outdoor title, 2013 world silver medal and 2010 European gold.

Savinovas Olympic gold and 2011 world title now go to South Africas Caster Semenya, making her a double Olympic champion, while Britains Jenny Meadows European bronze is upgraded to silver.

Russia's Mariya Savinova crosses the finish line to win the Women's 800m Final during Day 15 of the London 2012 Olympics (EMPICS Sport)

In a press release, CAS said there was clear evidence Savinova had been doping from July 2010, just before the European Championships, to the 2013 World Championships in August.

CAS: Russian 800m star Mariya Savinova gets 4yr doping ban, loses results 2010-13, so that's London 2012 gold, 2011 World gold, 2013 silver  Matt Slater (@mjshrimper) February 10, 2017

As a consequence, a four-year period of ineligibility, beginning on 24 August 2015, has been imposed and all results achieved by her between 26 July 2010 and 19 August 2013, are disqualified and any prizes, medals, prize and appearance money forfeited, CAS added.

Unfortunately for Meadows, so often a victim of cheats during her career, Savinova keeps the 2010 world indoor title she narrowly beat the British runner to as that race was in March, four months before the European championships.

Savinova joins a long list of Russian athletes who have been punished for their part in the countrys state-sponsored doping programme.

All three of the Russian women who made the 800 metres final at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu - Ekaterina Kostetskaya, Yuliya Rusanova and Savinova - have now been disqualified, having robbed Meadows of a place in the final. Meadows ran the ninth fastest time of the semi-finals to miss out on qualification by one spot.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is grateful to Slovenia for its offer to host his first meeting with US President Donald Trump, adding that it will depend on Washington.

Speaking after Kremlin talks with his Slovenian counterpart, Mr Putin said that Russia welcomes Mr Trumps statements about the need to restore strained Russia-US ties.

He said Moscow is waiting for the Trump administration to prepare for dialogue.

Vladimir Putin, right, shakes hands with Slovenian President Borut Pahor during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow

Mr Putin added that Moscow and Washington could jointly tackle the terror threat and deal with other global challenges.

He thanked the Slovenian president for his readiness to organise his meeting with Mr Trump.

Mr Putin added it will depend on the US on whether to hold such a meeting.
More children will be trafficked, exploited and killed as a result of the closure of the Dubs refugee scheme, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said.

The Most Rev Justin Welby stepped up his attack on the Government for closing the programme for resettling lone youngsters from mainland Europe to the UK.

The so-called Dubs Amendment, named after its architect, Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs, requires the Government to relocate unaccompanied refugee children from other countries in Europe.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

Controversy erupted when it emerged the scheme will come to an end after another 150 unaccompanied children are brought to Britain, on top of 200 who have already arrived, rather than the 3,000 campaigners and politicians had originally wanted.

We're concerned about the welfare of child refugees following a decision to close a viable route to safety: https://t.co/cKkKrtEADt pic.twitter.com/a6tZbn0CUG  British Red Cross  (@BritishRedCross) February 9, 2017

The Archbishop said he was saddened and shocked at the decision and has insisted it is deeply unjust to leave the burden of caring for them on Italy and Greece, where thousands of refugees and migrants arrive from the conflict-ridden Middle East and north Africa.

He said he understood Home Secretary Amber Rudds argument that British and French authorities feared the scheme was acting as a pull factor for children to head to the UK, and that it provides opportunities for people-traffickers.

"To leave the whole weight of this on Italy and Greece is utterly unjust" - @justinwelby condemns the closure of child migrant scheme. pic.twitter.com/33T01WbD9N  The World at One (@BBCWorldatOne) February 10, 2017

But speaking to BBC Radio 4s World At One, he said: Parents do not casually wake up one day and say, well the easiest thing to do is to send our children off by themselves. This is the symptom of a situation more extreme than anything that any of us can ever imagine.

And at some point the vulnerability of these children must be recognised because the alternative is they will be trafficked  its not going to stop them being trafficked  and they will end up in brothels, they will end up in places where they are exploited, ill-treated, manipulated and very often finally killed.

Weve given refuge to over 8000 children in the year ending Sept 2016 and given 10m through the child refugee fund. pic.twitter.com/mq26DwsxMY  Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) February 9, 2017

The Home Office has insisted it is not giving up on vulnerable children, and youngsters will continue to arrive from around the world through other resettlement schemes and the asylum system.

More than 900 unaccompanied children were transferred to the UK from Europe last year.
Donald Trump is considering signing a brand new order after his refugee and immigration travel ban was halted in court.

The US president, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, said he expected his administration to win the legal battle over his original directive.

But he said the White House was also considering other alternatives, including making unspecified changes to the order, which could address some of the legal issues.

As Mr Trump flew to Florida for the weekend, his advisers debated their next steps after the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a restraining order on the original travel ban.

The White House directive had suspended the nations refugee programme and barred all entries from seven Muslim-majority countries.

A White House official initially suggested the administration would not ask the Supreme Court to overturn that order, but chief of staff Reince Priebus scrambled to clarify that every single court option is on the table, including a high court appeal or fighting out this case on the merits in a lower court.

Mr Trumps executive order was hastily unveiled at the end of his first week in office.

Supporters cheer as an Iranian citizen with a valid US visa arrives at Los Angeles International Airport

While the White House boasted that he was fulfilling a campaign promise to toughen vetting procedures for people coming from countries with terror ties, the order caused chaos at airports in the US and sparked protests across the country.

The president has cast the order as crucial for national security.

Earlier, he promised to take action very rapidly to protect the US and its citizens in the wake of the appeal court decision, but he did not specify what steps he planned to take.

Donald Trump and Shinzo Abe at a press conference

Well be doing things to continue to make our country safe, Mr Trump pledged at a news conference with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.

It will happen rapidly. We will not allow people into our country who are looking to do harm to our people.

The presidents comments were far more restrained than his angry reaction to last weeks initial court ruling blocking the travel ban when he attacked both the so-called judge in that case and the ruling, which he called ridiculous.

But Mr Trump continued to conjure images of unspecified danger, saying he had learned tremendous things that you could only learn, frankly, if you were in a certain position, namely president.

And there are tremendous threats to our country. We will not allow that to happen, I can tell you that. We will not allow that to happen, he said.

Pres Trump ought to see the writing on the wall, abandon proposal, roll up his sleeves & come up w/ a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe.  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 9, 2017

3-0  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 10, 2017

The 9th Circuit ruling represented a significant setback for Mr Trump in just his third week in office.

The appellate decision brushed aside arguments by the Justice Department that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

Mr Trumps former presidential rival Hillary Clinton offered a terse response on Twitter, noting the unanimous appeal court vote: 3-0.
Two daughters, four siblings, six nieces and nephews, a brother-in-law, a son-in-law, not to mention the mother-in-law of a sister, the brother of a son-in-law, and a neighbor. This is the list of 22 friends and relatives that Maria Luisa Diaz has given jobs to in the cleaning department of Seville University over the last two decades. It is a practice that the university and the unions acknowledge has been going on since 1994, continuing uninterrupted when the cleaning contract went to a company called Ferroser in 2005. It says it has no problem with the nepotism , and Diaz herself is unapologetic, saying she is not breaking the law and sees no conflict of interest.

A cleaner at Seville University. PACO PUENTES

As well as close relatives, Diaz has supplied jobs for the sister of her brother-in-law, a cousin of her son-in-law and the former daughter-in-law of her sister. Ferroser has 300 cleaners on its books, of whom 7.3% have some connection or other with Diaz, who is also one of a team of four that evaluates Ferrosers services at the university and makes sure the company is meeting its contractual obligations.

Despite what appears to be an obvious conflict of interests, Diaz insists it is legal to have the company employ her relatives while she supervises their performance. There are a lot of sons and daughters of here, and in any public administrative body, she points out. Is there a conflict of interest? I don't see any problem with it and I don't have anything to hide  its not as if you can hide peoples surnames. If theyre there, theyre there. Why shouldn't my relatives have the right to work for a private company?

The lack of transparency facilitates these practices Julio Gonzalez, Professor of Law at Madrids Complutense University

With some degree of satisfaction, Diaz alleges that nepotism is the order of the day at the university. Everybody knows about me because I have been at the university since 1987, she says. There are also people outside my family in the department. If you look at any of the faculties, you will find a brother or a nephew, if not a son.

A union member for the past 20 years, Diaz goes on to explain how smoothly the relationship with Ferroser works, pointing out that the company has the right to take on who it likes. When there is a shortfall, we often go directly to the company. The company needs these poor souls.

This tale of nepotism has long been an open secret among the universitys senior management, but it is something they have chosen to ignore. University director Juan Ignacio Ferraro admits that four years ago Diazs practices attracted some anonymous complaints. I investigated a little and was told that a number of her family had been employed, he says. However, Ferraro, who has been the director for the past 21 years, did not take the matter further. I am shocked by the number of relatives and do not consider it ethically correct, he now says, adding that the company has the right to employ whoever it wants and the university does not interfere in its contract policy.

Meanwhile, Ferroser believes that only six out of 22 cleaners have been connections of Diazs since they contracted her in 2005. Taking on people you know in this sector is quite common, says a spokesperson for the company.

Union member Jorge Brazalez, however, takes issue with Diazs behavior. I don't know if it is illegal, but it certainly isn't ethical, he says. I have always maintained that there should be transparency. It's an abuse of the private company and it makes you despair. Meanwhile, the President of the Enterprise Committee from the Andalusian Workers Union, Juan Antonio Martin, says: I don't think it's right, but the company insists it is their business who they take on and its an age old story.

So how does Diaz justify her actions with such unwavering assurance? Aurora Garcia Gallego of the Jaume I de Castellon University explains the lack of remorse. She does not see that she has done anything wrong. She doesnt look at herself at all. She is either blind or has the innate capacity to convince herself that there cant be any corruption involved if she has anything to do with it. The average Spaniard does not tend to criticize him or herself.

Why shouldnt my relatives have the right to work for a private company? Maria Luisa Diaz

Garcia condemns the way in which Spanish universities  unlike their counterparts abroad  have scarcely bothered to legislate against nepotism. Apparently, everyone is against corruption, but then everybody dabbles in it, she says. I have seen too many branches of the same family working in the same establishment.

But why is nepotism so common in Spanish universities? The lack of transparency facilitates these practices and universities are not particularly transparent when it comes to contracts, says Julio Gonzalez, Professor of Law and former Secretary General of Madrids Complutense University. Furthermore, they do not apply the Public Sectors Contract Laws properly.

Only 65% of universities adhere to the law and publish their contracts and tenders in the Public Sectors Contract Platform (PCSP), according to an international transparency study last year.

Gonzalez believes that employee selection should be more transparent, involving people out with the establishment. Everyone knows nepotism will be poorly viewed except if the person taking on family members is also on the board of contracts, he says.

English version by Heather Galloway.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has announced that the IHAT probe into allegations of abuse by British military personnel serving in Iraq will be wound up within months.

Here the Press Association looks at some of the key questions on the issue:

What is IHAT?

The Defence Secretary has announced that IHAT will close as early as this summer. Watch his statement here: https://t.co/m7Wp3VZ2xl  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) February 10, 2017

It is the Iraq Historic Allegations Team, which was set up in 2010 under the then Labour government to investigate claims of abuse by Iraqi civilians against UK troops stationed in the country.

How much has it cost?

The taxpayer has spent 60 million on IHAT.

Why is it in the news?

Government IHAT decision most welcome; thoughts with those who were hounded; we remain true to our values pic.twitter.com/vm3KSO2tkm  The Chief of the General Staff (@ArmyCGS) February 10, 2017

In a scathing report, MPs on the Commons Defence Committee probing the situation branded IHAT a seemingly unstoppable self-perpetuating machine that proved to be deaf to the concerns of the Armed Forces, blind to their needs, and profligate with its own resources. The committee called for the probe to be shut down within months.

How many cases have been brought?

More than 3,500 claims have been lodged to IHAT, despite the Commons Defence Committee saying many had no credible evidence, and not a single prosecution had been secured.

Who has criticised IHAT?

Tony Blair

Tony Blair, the prime minister who launched Britains controversial role in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, said he was very sorry that soldiers were being put through such an ordeal. He said: I do not think this process should ever have been put in place. I am very sorry that our soldiers and their families have been put through this ordeal.
Greece must get debt deal soon before risky elections - minister

LONDON, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Greece needs to wrap up its debt negotiations quickly to avoid the risk of having to deal with a new set of European leaders after looming elections, Greece's alternate finance minister George Chouliarakis said on Thursday.

The Netherlands is holding national elections in March, France has a presidential vote in April and Germany is preparing fot in its federal poll in September.

"As they say, better the devil you know," Chouliarakis told an audience in London.

"It is a good reason to conclude the negotiations as quickly as you can rather than play the risky game of waiting to see the outcome of the elections," he said.

Greek alternate Foreign Minister for EU affairs George Katrougalos said on Thursday he was optimistic Athens's international lenders would approve reforms required under its bailout next week.
Workers strike at BHP's Escondida copper mine in Chile

By Fabian Cambero

ANTOFAGASTA, Chile, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Workers at BHP Billiton's Escondida copper mine in Chile, the world's largest, walked off the job on Thursday in a strike that threatens to disrupt the international supply of the widely used metal.

It said no miners arrived for morning work aboard buses that normally carry upwards of 1,200 workers per shift to the vast deposit, which accounted for about 6 percent of global production in 2015.

The striking workers are building a campsite right outside the mine. The union has warned it is prepared for a lengthy strike, saying it has stockpiled supplies and provisions for 60 days. Escondida's processing plants, which had begun going offline on Wednesday, have completely stopped, the union said.

"If someone suddenly walked into your kitchen and took away your refrigerator, would you just stand there, arms crossed?" asked miner Jose Alcaino, after returning from the night shift.

"That's what's happening here. They want to take away our benefits, our money, they want to work us more."

BHP said in a statement on Thursday it was focused on maintaining "minimum services" at the mine, which typically consist of small teams of workers maintaining upkeep of equipment and making sure the mine adheres to environmental protocols.

The company also said it was continuing work on new construction projects, such as expansions at a concentrator and a desalination plant.

It previously said it will not produce copper during the strike.

At a makeshift camp near the entrance to Escondida, which is partially owned by Rio Tinto and Japan's JECO , protesting workers settled in throughout Thursday, equipped with stockpiles of gas cylinders, portable cookers and tents to weather the Chilean high desert's scorching sun and frigid nights.

The camp on a windy, barren plateau between the surrounding mountains was abuzz with chatter and the sound of hammers hitting nails as some workers began constructing semi-permanent structures out of wood.

Among the issues pitting the 2,500-member Escondida No. 1 Union against the company are the distribution of benefits. Workers complain that BHP wants to cut benefits and has not committed to a benefits scheme that places new and longtime employees on equal footing, something the union considers essential.

Striking workers also blocked roads at the Coloso port near the dusty city of Antofagasta, where hundreds of thousands of tonnes of copper are shipped annually.

"We are united and strong to make sure this is a success," said Claudio Perez, plant worker at Coloso.

Fears of the strike had sent copper prices soaring in recent weeks. Prices for the red metal, however, eased on Thursday as some investors cashed in the previous day's gains.

Labor negotiations at Escondida, which are seen as a benchmark for the industry at large, have long history of being contentious.

About a decade ago workers staged a now infamous 26-day strike that forced the global miner to declare force majeure on copper shipments. A labor conflict in 2011 paralyzed the mine for two weeks.

The last wage talks, which occurred four years ago when copper prices were 42 percent higher than now, ended with the company offering each worker a bonus of $49,000, the largest in Chilean mining history.

This time around the union has asked for a 7 percent salary increase and a $39,000 bonus.

Industry analysts are watching the developments at Escondida closely, as they could be a precursor of upcoming labor talks at other mines.

Glencore Plc and Anglo American's Collahuasi is one of several copper mines in Chile due for contract negotiations this year.
As coal shortfall looms, miners enjoy unexpected boom

By Henning Gloystein

SINGAPORE, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Many a swan song has been sung for thermal coal markets as renewable power generation and a push towards using more natural gas have gained traction.

Yet a coal price spike last year, driven by a Chinese change in regulation that capped local mining operations, has shown how easily markets can swing from oversupply to shortfall.

While many analysts and investors see the long-term outlook for coal as bleak due to policies and technological advances that favour cleaner natural gas and renewable in power generation, the shorter-term outlook for the industry has seen a sharp reversal of fortunes.

This year, strong demand growth in Asia's emerging markets will create a supply shortfall for the first time in at least half a decade. Consumption could even soon rise past the 2014 peak, according to Asia's largest commodity trading house, Noble Group.

Despite coal's high levels of pollution, utilities and governments in emerging economies, at least for now, largely prefer coal-fired power stations over other fuels including natural gas in order to meet soaring energy demand.

While gas and solar prices have fallen sharply, coal remains one of the cheapest, easily available, and most easily maintained sources of electricity.

More than 10 gigawatt (GW) of coal-fired power stations were sanctioned for construction last year in Southeast Asia, where most new demand stems from, compared to just 4.6 GW of gas-fired projects, according to energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

"New markets like the Philippines and Vietnam are starting to seek our coal," the chief executive of Indonesian coal miner PT Bukit Asam, Arviyan Arifin, told Reuters this week.

Rodrigo Echeverri, head of thermal coal analysis at Noble, believes this year's global thermal coal market will be 13 million tonnes short of meeting 911 million tonnes of demand, compared with a broadly balanced market in the last three years.

The tightness is a result of falling output after some companies including U.S. giant Peabody Energy, filed for bankruptcy, and other miners cut output at unprofitable mines.

At the same time, Chinese imports grew by 43 million tonnes as a result of restrictions on local production, while new coal-fired power plants were commissioned in countries including Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Echeverri told a conference in South Africa this month.

To meet the imminent shortfall, some miners have again begun ramping up output.

Indonesia, the world's biggest thermal coal exporter, said this month it is targeting production of 470 million tonnes in 2017, compared with its previous goal of 413 million tonnes and up more than 8 percent on last year.

There are also signs that Australian thermal coal output is picking up, with exports from Queensland hitting a record last year.

Even so, the shortfall in supply could reach 28 million tonnes by 2020, meaning more new mines would need to be opened by the mid-2020s to meet demand, Echeverri said.

COAL OUTPERFORMS

Most commodities, including thermal coal, crude oil, copper or liquefied natural gas , have seen price rises since early 2016 as part of a broad-based rally.

Australian thermal coal has performed best, rising 53 percent price versus 48 percent for oil, 25 percent for copper, and just 8 percent for Asian LNG.

Because of this, companies focusing on seaborne coal supplies fared better than other miners or oil and gas producers.

"For pure coal players, the rise in prices from June 2016 ... provided the catalyst for improved export sales margins given that many producers were actively managing their production costs," said Patrick Markey, managing director of commodity advisory Sierra Vista Resources in Singapore.

This reversal of fortune of an industry that was deeply in trouble just a year ago has been noted by investors.

Shares in thermal coal specialists like Australia's Whitehaven Coal or Indonesia's Adaro Energy, are far outperforming their peers in the oil and gas sector like Australia's Woodside Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell or Chevron.

Many oil and gas firms are grappling with cost overruns and production delays at facilities such as Chevron's Wheatstone condensate and LNG plant or Shell's Prelude floating LNG unit.

Longer term, the rise of cheap natural gas and increasingly competitively priced renewable power generation is expected to eat away at coal's power market share.

"We see clear winners for the next 25 years - natural gas but especially wind and solar - replacing the champion of the previous 25 years, coal," the latest outlook from International Energy Agency (IEA) says.

In the meantime, producers are benefiting from Beijing's ongoing drive to remove dirty and inefficient mines, which is keeping seaborne coal prices in a sweet spot.

"Around $80 is a really, really good price for Australian mines," said Peter O'Connor, resources analyst for brokerage Shaw and Partners in Sydney.
Colombia axes tax on Peruvian, Chilean pension funds investing locally

BOGOTA, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Colombia's government has eliminated a tax paid on local portfolio investments by Peruvian and Chilean pension funds, and may add Mexico, a government official said on Thursday.

The measure - intended to bolster market integration from Pacific Alliance nations - was included in the new tax reform that came into force in January, but had yet been announced to the market, David Salamanca, director of financial regulation at the Ministry Of Finance, told Reuters.

"Today, Chile and Peru have such agreements and have been applying them since January 1, 2017. In the case of Mexico, another country in the alliance, the issue is being reviewed," he said.

The remainder of foreign investors will continue to pay a 14 percent tax on local portfolio investment.

Finance Minister Mauricio Cardenas has said he wants to create better integration among trade partners in the alliance and bigger competition among investors.

The Pacific Alliance includes Colombia, Peru, Chile and Mexico.

"What we want is to attract pension funds from countries like Peru, which has more resources than investment opportunities, to come and invest in Colombia so that there is more competition among institutional investors," he said.
Trump criticizes billions in spending on U.S. air traffic control

By Ayesha Rascoe and Alana Wise

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Feb 9 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump called the U.S. air traffic control system out of date on Thursday and criticized its $10 billion yearly price tag but stopped short of calling for privatization of the program.

"I hear we're spending billions and billions of dollars, it's a system that's totally out of whack," Trump said during a picture-taking session at the White House ahead of his sitdown with airline and airport executives.

His comments heartened advocates of privatization who have long sought to move away from the system they see as outdated.

"We want to get the government out of the role of managing the air traffic control system," Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Co's chief executive officer, told Trump during the picture-taking session.

The Federal Aviation Administration spends nearly $10 billion a year on air traffic control funded largely through passenger user fees, and has about 28,000 air traffic control personnel.

Trump said he had been informed that ongoing modernization efforts to the air traffic control system were already obsolete by the pilot of his private jet.

"I hear the government contracted for a system that's the wrong system," Trump said. "It's way over budget, it's way behind schedule and when it's complete it's not going to be a good system."

The FAA has spent nearly $3 billion since 2007 to implement an updated system, "NextGen," which would utilize satellites to monitor aircraft instead of radar and make other changes.

"NextGen is one of the most ambitious infrastructure and modernization projects in U.S. history," the agency said in a statement. "The FAA invited airline stakeholders to help develop the blueprint for NextGen and they continue to have a seat at the table in setting NextGen priorities and investments through the NextGen Advisory Committee."

The Government Accountability Office said in a 2016 report that the United States "is generally considered to have the busiest, most complex and safest ATC system in the world." (http://bit.ly/1Q9oiOF)

The chief executives of United Airlines Inc, Delta Air Lines Inc, Southwest and JetBlue Airways Corp were among those who attended the meeting.

After the meeting, Airports Council International-North America President and CEO Kevin Burke told reporters on a conference call that airport officials had urged Trump to lift the cap on airport passenger fees to address airport infrastructure needs.

Trump proposed during his campaign to spend $1 trillion over a decade to upgrade the country's infrastructure.

FOREIGN CARRIERS

Trump also told the executives he recognized that U.S. airlines were facing pressure from foreign carriers.

Heads of the three largest U.S. passenger carriers - American Airlines Group Inc, United and Delta - have urged the Trump administration to denounce the U.S. Open Skies agreements with the three major Middle Eastern carriers, which they accuse of having been unfairly subsidized by their governments.

The three airlines, Qatar, Etihad and Emirates, have denied that their governments unfairly subsidize them. The Gulf airlines operate around 200 flights per week to 12 U.S. cities.

"I know you're under pressure from a lot of foreign elements and foreign carriers," Trump said, adding that he wants foreign carriers also to do well.
London copper set for weekly gain on supply worries

By Melanie Burton

MELBOURNE, Feb 10 (Reuters) - London copper climbed on Friday and was set for a weekly gain, supported by supply concerns and Chinese trade data that underscored stronger demand prospects for the metal.

China reported better-than-expected trade data for January as demand picked up both at home and abroad, an encouraging start to 2017 for the world's largest trading nation.

January exports rose 7.9 percent from a year earlier as global demand perked up, while imports expanded 16.7 percent on improved domestic appetite for coal, crude oil and iron ore, preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs showed on Friday.

"The broader import/export numbers look strong which is interesting. It's not as gloomy as the market was expecting," said analyst Lachlan Shaw at UBS in Melbourne.

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange rose by 1.1 percent to $5,844 a tonne by 0717 GMT, nearly erasing a 1.2 percent loss during the previous session. Prices are set to gain 1.9 percent for the week.

Shanghai Futures Exchange copper cut early losses of about 1 percent to end up 0.2 percent at 47,610 yuan ($6,923) a tonne.

China's imports of copper fell 14 percent in January from a year ago as demand from the world's top consumer and producer slowed ahead of the earlier than usual Lunar New Year holiday, General Administration of Customs data showed on Friday.

"I do not think it is a big problem that copper imports were smaller given the utilization rates of a lot of the fabrication plants are low during holiday-laden January," said analyst Helen Lau of Argonaut Securities.

China's imports of copper were 380,000 tonnes in January, down 22 percent from December, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

Supply concerns in Chile and Indonesia were also supporting copper.

Workers at BHP Billiton's, Escondida copper mine in Chile, the world's largest, walked off the job on Thursday in a strike that threatens to disrupt the international supply of the widely used metal.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc also this week said it would scale back activities at its Indonesian copper mine, amid a worker strike and other issues.

Meanwhile, Norway's Norsk Hydro, one of the world's top aluminium makers, said on Thursday it was unclear whether China would cut production this winter to battle smog and that it expected the country's aluminium output to rise by up to 9 percent this year.

China exported 390,000 tonnes of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products in January, in line with December's figure.

LME zinc prices also rallied 1.5 percent to $2,873 a tonne, on prospects for rising demand from China's steel industry after the country reported a near-record volume of iron ore imports in January. Prices are approaching the highest since rising to $2,985 in late November, the most since late 2007.

PRICES

Three month LME copper

Most active ShFE copper

Three month LME aluminium

Most active ShFE aluminium

Three month LME zinc

Most active ShFE zinc

Three month LME lead

Most active ShFE lead

Three month LME nickel

Most active ShFE nickel

Three month LME tin
PRESS DIGEST - RUSSIA - Feb 10

MOSCOW, Feb 10 (Reuters) - The following are some of the stories in Russia's newspapers on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

VEDOMOSTI

www.vedomosti.ru

- The ministry of trade and industry is considering plans to give subsidies to poor Russians to enable them to buy basic foods made in Russia. The aim of the project is to support Russian farmers and help the almost 20 million people living below the poverty line, the daily says.

- Russian investors will fully finance the hosting of the Russian Grand Prix motorsport race to be hosted this year in Sochi, a Russian Black sea resort.

- Sales of confectionary in Russia fell by 2.4 percent last year while the price grew by 9.4 percent, compared to an 18.4 percent increase in 2015. Russians hit by the crisis have switched to cheaper food products and tend to cut down on sweets, the daily says.

KOMMERSANT

www.kommersant.ru

- The leaders of Moldova's self-proclaimed Transdniestria republic have asked Russia to help with an audit of their state spending which they hope will help them to cut expenses.

- Russian IT companies are asking the government to ease state control over export operations which they believe will encourage exports of software made in Russia.

IZVESTIA

www.izvestia.ru

- The ministry of economic development is almost ready to send to the cabinet a draft bill on joining a WTO agreement on state procurements which could allow foreign companies to bid for Russian state contracts.

- Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin has ordered Oleg Frolov, a senior official, to lead work on manned space flights to the Moon and Mars, the daily says.

NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA

www.ng.ru

- Mikhail Kasyanov, Russia's former prime minister and the leader of the opposition PARNAS party, confirmed his presidential ambitions after anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny, who had been planning to run in the presidential election, received a five year suspended sentence on Wednesday.

MOSKOVSKY KOMSOMOLETS

www.mk.ru
Pub operator Greene King's comparable sales growth loses shine

Feb 10 (Reuters) - Pub operator Greene King Plc posted a 1.1 percent rise in comparable sales for the 40 weeks to Feb. 5 on strong trading during Christmas, but said growth was muted in November and January.

Like-for-like sales for the three Christmas weeks of Dec.19 to Jan.8 grew 4.5 percent, aided by strong growth in London, Greene King said.

The company, which brews ales such as Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale, said own-brewed volume for the 40-week period fell 4.2 percent.

The brewer reiterated its warning about continued economic uncertainty and significant cost pressures ahead.

In November, it had warned that expected government initiatives like the national living wage, minimum wage, apprenticeship levy and proposed increases in business rates would increase cost pressure in the hospitality industry.

The company had then reported a 1.3 percent growth in like-for-like sales for the 24 weeks to Oct. 16.

The Suffolk-based brewer, which operates around 3,029 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland, said it planned to dispose 50-60 pubs this year, raising proceeds of about 30-40 million pounds ($37-$50 million).

Greene King said it has made further progress in integrating the Spirit Pub business, which it bought in 2014 for 774 million pound ($968.3 million). http://reut.rs/2gwfqt9

Third quarter trading is satisfactory, but has slowed slightly since second quarter and has not firmed as expected, analysts at Panmure Gordon & Co wrote in a client note.

The brokerage slashed its target price on the stock to 850 pence from 1050 pence.

Shares in the company were down 1.5 percent to 690.5 pence by 0945 GMT, reversing some of its earlier losses. The stock had fallen as much as 3.4 percent in the session.
Unite Group arm, GIC to buy Aston Student Village for 227 mln stg

Feb 10 (Reuters) - Unite Students, the student accommodation unit of Unite Group Plc, and Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC have bought Birmingham-based student housing provider Aston Student Village for 227 million pounds ($283 million).

The London Student Accommodation Vehicle, a 50:50 joint venture between Unite and GIC, is funding the deal with 40 percent equity and 60 percent debt, Unite Students said.

Aston Student Village (ASV) comprises 3,067 beds across five properties on the Aston University campus.

The deal would expand Unite's presence to up to 5,000 beds in Birmingham, the second largest student city in the UK after London, with over 70,000 students during term time.

ASV will generate gross annual income of around 17 million pounds for the 2017/18 academic year and immediately add to earnings and NAV, Unite said.
Three leading figures in the Gurtel case, a major political corruption scheme affecting Spains ruling Popular Party (PP), have been sentenced to 13 years in prison each by the Valencia regions High Court.

Businessman Francisco Correa ran the corrupt business network Pool

Francisco Correa, considered the mastermind behind the bribes-for-contracts network, and his aides Pablo Crespo and Alvaro Perez, aka El Bigotes (the Mustache), were found guilty in connection with a section of the Gurtel case known as Fitur, involving embezzlement, influence peddling, bribery of public officials and conspiracy in the Valencia region.

Judges have handed down a total of 11 convictions, according to legal sources familiar with the case. Milagrosa Martinez, a former Valencia government official under then-regional premier Francisco Camps, has been sentenced to nine years, while Rafael Betoret, the former head of the tourism department, received a six-year sentence.

The court reached its decision after examining five years worth of organizational activities for the Valencia pavilion at Fitur, Spains premier tourism fair, and at other events. The government contracts to organize these events were all awarded to Orange Market, a company that was part of the Gurtel network of businesses that paid officials in return for favors.

The sprawling Gurtel case involves a corrupt business network that operated across six Spanish regions between 1999 and 2005. It was allegedly run by Correa (whose surname loosely translates as belt, or Gurtel in German), a businessman who cultivated relationships with PP officials, offering them gifts in exchange for government contracts in public works and event organization. At the height of his power, Correa went by the nickname of Don Vito, after the character in The Godfather.

With nearly 200 official suspects, it became the largest pre-trial probe in modern Spanish history and was broken up into sections to facilitate the investigation. The main trial began on October 4 at the Audiencia Nacional, Spains high court, with 37 people on the dock.

One of the ramifications of the case involves the possibility of illegal party financing by the PP. Secret accounts kept by former treasurer Luis Barcenas suggest the existence of a slush fund within the conservative party.

English version by Susana Urra.
Greece's Eurobank looking to sell a stake in Bancpost- sources

ATHENS, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Greek lender Eurobank is looking for a strategic partner to buy a stake in its fully-owned Romanian unit Bancpost as it tries to reduce its exposure to non-Greek assets, sources at the bank told Reuters on Friday.

Eurobank, which has operations in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Cyprus, needs to deleverage its non-Greek assets by 2018 to 8.7 billion euros from about 11.2 billion currently, based on commitments agreed with European competition authorities.

"We have appointed two advisors to search for a strategic partner to acquire a stake in Bancpost. This would help the bank reduce its holding in Romania and deliver on commitments to reduce its exposure abroad," one of the bankers said.

HSBC and Mediobanca are Eurobank's advisors.

Bancpost has total assets of 3.1 billion euros and a network of 148 branches, employing 2,255 people.

"We do not want to pull out of Romania entirely but cannot provide additional capital to the bank there for growth. If a strategic partner buys a stake in Bancpost, our exposure would be reduced in view of our commitments," the other banker said.

Eurobank, Greece's third-largest lender by assets and 2.4 percent owned by Greece's bank rescue fund HFSF, concluded the sale of its Ukrainian unit Universal Bank last year, in line with a restructuring plan agreed with the European Commission.

The value of 38 Greek merger and acquisition deals last year nearly tripled to 4.4 billion euros from 1.4 billion in 2015, with the biggest chunk - 75 percent - being sales of Greek banks' non-core assets, according to business consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Last year's deals included the sale of National Bank's Turkish unit Finansbank to Qatar National Bank and of its investment arm NBGI to Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Asset Management.
South African farmers battle crop-eating pest

By Tanisha Heiberg

LIMPOPO, South Africa, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Inspecting the damage on his 4,000 hectare farm, Petri van der Walt breaks open the stem of a sorghum plant to reveal the crop-eating pest that has for the first time been detected in Africa's biggest grain producer.

Bearing four dark spots on its abdomen and a white Y-shaped marking on its head, the fall armyworm has invaded South Africa's northern province of Limpopo -- just months after farmers struggled though the worst drought in a quarter century.

"It eats through the stem of the plant and damages the whole plant and then there will be no production," van der Walt told Reuters on his farm where he also grows sunflower and maize.

White maize is the main source of calories for many South Africans while sorghum is used in animal feed and alcohol.

The army worm was confirmed for the first time in South Africa along the maize belt of Limpopo and the North West province last week.

Pointing out the tell-tale signs of tears in the leaves, van der Walt said it was still too early to estimate the impact on output, and that so far the armyworms had attacked his sorghum plants at a higher rate than his maize crop.

"The drought is still with us and financially everyone is still struggling, so this is an enormous amount of money that has to be taken out to spray the pesticides," said van der Walt, whose family has farmed the 4,000 hectare (10,000 acre) holding for 67 years.

The agriculture ministry has so far registered two pesticides for use against the fall armyworm. Van der Walt says it is difficult and costly to eradicate, with pesticide prices ranging from 200 rand ($15) to 600 rand per hectare.

The thumb-sized adult worm - which can cause extensive crop damage and has a preference for maize - can breed a new generation within a month, senior research entomologist at the Agricultural Research Council's Grain Crops Institute, Annemie Erasmus said.

Armyworm is classified as a quarantine pest, so countries with confirmed outbreaks can lose access to export markets. It is an invasive Central American species that is harder to detect and eradicate than its African counterpart.

Suspected outbreaks have been noted in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi, which also suffered drought last year.

It is unclear what impact the pest will have on farm output, the department of agriculture has said, and crops such as maize, sorghum, soybeans, groundnuts and potatoes are under threat.

But the cost of spraying pesticides is a big concern.

"It's going to be a financial problem for us because if the seed is destroyed or damaged it gets taken off the price of our commodity," said farmer George Rhodes, who is battling the fall armyworm on his farm where he grows seed to supply other farms.
Trump weighs revised travel ban, Supreme Court test still possible

By Ayesha Rascoe and Steve Holland

PALM BEACH, Fla./WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is considering issuing a new executive order banning citizens of certain countries traveling to the United States after his initial attempt to clamp down on immigration and refugees snarled to a halt amid political and judicial chaos.

Trump announced the possibility of a "brand new order" that could be issued as soon as Monday or Tuesday, in a surprise talk with reporters aboard Air Force One late on Friday, as he and the Japanese premier headed to his estate in Florida for the weekend.

His signaling of a possible new tack came a day after an appeals court in San Francisco upheld a court ruling last week that temporarily suspended Trump's original Jan. 27 executive order banning travel from seven majority-Muslim countries.

Trump gave no details of any new ban he is considering. He might rewrite the original order to explicitly exclude green card holders, or permanent residents, said a congressional aide familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified. Doing that could alleviate some concerns expressed by the courts.

A new order, however, could allow Trump's critics to declare victory by arguing he was forced to change course in his first major policy as president.

Whether or not Trump issues a new order, his administration may still pursue its case in the courts over the original order, which is still being reviewed by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told reporters late on Friday that taking the case to the Supreme Court remained a possibility, after another White House official said earlier in the day the administration was not planning to escalate the dispute.

"Every single court option is on the table, including an appeal of the Ninth Circuit decision on the TRO (temporary restraining order) to the Supreme Court, including fighting out this case on the merits," Priebus said.

"And, in addition to that, we're pursuing executive orders right now that we expect to be enacted soon that will further protect Americans from terrorism."

REWRITE ORDER

Trump's original order, which he called a national security measure meant to head off attacks by Islamist militants, barred people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, except refugees from Syria, who were banned indefinitely.

The abrupt implementation of the order plunged the immigration system into chaos, sparking a wave of criticism from targeted countries, Western allies and some of America's leading corporations, especially technology firms.

A federal judge in Seattle suspended the order last Friday after its legality was challenged by Washington state, eliciting a barrage of angry Twitter messages from Trump against the judge and the court system. That ruling was upheld by an appeals court in San Francisco on Thursday, raising questions about Trump's next step.

An official familiar with Trump's plans said if the order is rewritten, among those involved would likely be White House aide Stephen Miller, who was involved in drafting the original order, as well as officials of the National Security Council, Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security.

It is not clear if a new order from Trump would immediately put a travel ban back in place, or if those who have filed lawsuits, including the state of Washington, would succeed in asking the same judge for another hold.

Should Trump issue a new order, he is still likely to face legal challenges, as opponents could ask the court to let them amend their complaints, said Alexander Reinert, a professor at Yeshiva University's Cardozo School of Law in New York.

'WE NEED SPEED'

On Air Force One, Trump addressed the San Francisco court fight, saying: "We will win that battle. The unfortunate part is that it takes time statutorily... We need speed for reasons of security."

The matter could move forward next week. An unidentified judge on the 9th Circuit on Friday requested that the court's 25 full-time judges vote on whether the temporary block of Trump's travel ban should be reheard before an 11-judge panel, known as en banc review, according to a court order. The 9th Circuit asked both sides to file briefs by Thursday.

In a separate case on Friday, Justice Department lawyers argued in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia against a preliminary injunction that would put a longer hold on Trump's executive order than the Seattle court ruling, but focused solely on visa holders.

Judge Leonie Brinkema asked the administration for more evidence of the threat posed by citizens of the seven countries.

Aboard the flight with Trump were his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie. The Trumps landed in the evening and went to their Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.
Argentina nears labor agreement with auto industry, unions

By Eliana Raszewski

BUENOS AIRES, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Argentina's government plans to sign by the end of March an agreement with the auto sector and unions to lower labor costs, improve productivity and attract investment, an executive and a government source told Reuters.

The agreement is part of center-right President Mauricio Macri's broader labor reform effort as he tries to attract investment and pull Latin America's No. 3 economy out of recession.

In the auto sector, which mostly serves to export cars to Brazil, the goal is to reduce the number of working days employees skip. Currently employers are powerless when up to 10 percent of their staff routinely does not show up.

"We are very advanced," a source from the production ministry told Reuters of the agreement on condition of anonymity to discuss continuing negotiations.

Argentina hopes the sector, hit by a prolonged recession in Brazil in recent years, can double actual production by 2023 to 1 million vehicles per year. Brazil buys about 70 percent of Argentine-made vehicles.

"We are seeing what steps we can take to meet our goal and improve productivity," said Daniel Afione, general manager of corporate affairs at Toyota's Argentina unit, who participated in the negotiations. He said he expected an agreement in February or March.

Toyota Motor Corp, which in recent years invested more than $800 million in a plant in Buenos Aires province, was able to reduce absenteeism through dialogue with unions and with an incentive system, Afione said.

The government source said the agreement would bring some $5 billion of investment to the sector in the next two years, including investment $800 million already announced by Renault and Nissan.

Last year Macri's government passed a law giving fiscal benefits to automakers that use more parts made in Argentina and extended a bilateral trade deal with Brazil until 2020.

"You have the certainty over the relation with Brazil, you have the law of auto parts and now the union component that was not there last year," the source said.

The sector's main union said workers are willing to work toward improving production as long as doing so does not violate employees' rights.
Hungarian union reaches two-year Audi wage deal

BUDAPEST, Feb 10 (Reuters) - German carmaker Audi's Hungarian unit has reached an agreement on wage rises for the next two years with the local AHFSZ union, which announced the deal on Friday.

Car production and export by foreign automakers is a key driver of economic growth in Hungary, where skilled workers are paid much less than their counterparts in western Europe.

Audi, one of Hungary's biggest revenue-earners and exporters, will increase base salaries by 30,000 forints ($103) as of January this year, and by another 30,000 forints from the start of next year. It will also raise other benefits.

Hungarians earned a gross 260,800 forints ($900) per month in the January-November period, according to official statistics, which compares with an average monthly salary in Germany was 3,612 euros ($3,838) in 2015.

The carmaker employs 11,631 people at a major plant in the western town of Gyor, which made 1.92 million engines and nearly 123,000 cars last year.

Audi will also introduce a loyalty bonus from July, the union said in a statement posted on its website. It did not specify average salaries at the factory. The wage deal will be signed on Monday, it added.

A spokeswoman for Audi's Hungarian unit could not be reached immediately for comment.

A labour shortage is driving up wages in Hungary and Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who faces an election in just over a year, agreed with private sector employers on big hikes in the minimum wage last November.
New Zealanders race to rescue whales after hundreds stranded

By Charlotte Greenfield

WELLINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Rescuers were trying to save scores of pilot whales on Friday in a remote bay in New Zealand, where some 300 carcasses littered the beach after one of the country's largest recorded mass whale strandings.

Hundreds of volunteers flocked to Golden Bay, at the northwest tip of South Island, after dawn broke and surviving whales were refloated at high tide by lunchtime, but 90 quickly became stranded once again as the tide ebbed. About 50 more lingered in shallow waters near their beleaguered pod.

A conservation department worker spotted the whales washed ashore on Thursday evening. But the government agency decided against a night rescue effort because of the risk of accidents.

Hoping to save more whales at the next high tide on Friday evening, rescuers took turns pouring water over the beached whales to try and keep them cool, while school children sang to soothe the distressed beasts.

A ferry service offered free transport to qualified marine medics, while broadcast media carried a livestream of the rescue attempt.

Even for a country with the most whale strandings in the world, the scale of the latest event "was a shock," said Darren Grover manager of marine environmental organisation Project Jonah.

It was New Zealand's largest known whale stranding since 1985, when 450 were stranded in Auckland, and the third largest on record.

The precise cause of the stranding was not known, though beached whales are not an uncommon sight at Golden Bay. Its shallow muddy waters confuse the marine mammals' sonar, leaving them vulnerable to stranding by an ebb tide, according to Project Jonah.
One of the worlds most eminent architects, who has a unique association with Sri Lanka, will visit the country next week to grace the 35th annual sessions of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA).

Moshe Safdie, the man who designed Altair, the countrys most distinctive and instantly recognized high-rise, will be one of seven speakers on the topic of Return of the City: Megastructure Redefined at the BMICH on 15thFebruary.

While in Colombo, Safdie is expected to visit the site of Altair, now at its 48th level on the vertical tower and the 43rd on the sloping tower, and meet representatives of its promoter, Indocean Developers.

The visit of Moshe Safdie is a milestone event for Altair and the 250 plus future tenants who have already purchased apartments, as well as for Sri Lankas architectural fraternity, Altair Director Pradeep Moraes said. The many inimitable structures he has created have made Mr Safdie a legendary figure around the world.

Author of four books and a frequent essayist and lecturer, Safdie has been recognised widely for his enduring influence on the built environment. Safdie Architects projects can be found in North and South America, the Middle East, the developing world and throughout Asia and Australia, spanning a wide range of typologies, including airports, museums, performing arts, libraries, housing, mixed use and entire cities.

His honours include the Companion of the Order of Canada, the Gold Medal from both the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the American Institute of Architects, la Medaille du Merite from the Order of Architects of Quebec, Canada, and Israels Rechter Prize. The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum awarded Safdie the National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2016. Moshe Safdies body of work over 50 years includes Marina Bay Sands - the new icon of Singapore - the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City - rated one of the 15 most spectacular concert halls of the world and Habitat 67 in Montreal, the project that first brought him

global recognition.

Other distinguishing architectural masterpieces designed by Safdie include the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, the Khalsa Heritage Centre in Punjab, the United States Institute of Peace in Washington DC, Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Toronto, and Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum

in Jerusalem.

Current projects in construction include the new airport lifestyle complex, Jewel at Changi in Singapore, with the worlds largest indoor waterfall; Raffles City Chongqing, a 10 million square foot mixed use project at the juncture of the citys two major rivers; El Centre Hospitalario Serena del Mar, a new hospital in Cartagena, Colombia as part of a new planned community; and the National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Jerusalem, an interactive museum and archive for the countrys archaeological treasures.
The experiment of Transparency International in this regard seems to be too tough at the beginning of the implementation of the RTI Act.

Two civil movements, Sarvodaya and Transparency International (TI) had recently said that most of the Government institutions did not look prepared to implement the Right to Information (RTI) Act, citing that even the information officers appointed to some Government institutions were not properly educated on the Act, though the law came into force on February 3.



One should not be surprised on the situation given the administrative culture prevailing within the government institutions and the obvious inexperience on the part of the respective officials.

On the other hand, the experiment of Transparency International in this regard seems to be too tough at the beginning of the implementation of the RTI Act.



TI might have frightened the information officers at the beginning of their career by making requests on assets and liabilities declarations of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.



The anti-corruption watchdog might have thought that if the relevant Information Officers were prepared to handle such matters, which might have been very serious in their eyes, they would simply handle the information needed by the ordinary people.



However, it is doubtful whether the common man would get an idea by this experiment as to how he can use the Act, in respect of matters he is interested in. It must be noted that the Act was an election pledge by the common candidate of the Opposition Maithripala Sirisena at the last Presidential Election and was supposed to be enacted during the 100-day-programme of the new Government, though it was passed in Parliament last year, more than a year after the scheduled date in the programme. Three members had been appointed to the RTI Commission with effect from October 1, last year but other two were appointed by the President by the end of the year, despite the recommendations by the Constitutional Council in respect of those appointments had been sent in October.



Also the 2017 budget did not contain a separate line item for the RTI Commission unlike for the other independent commissions.



However, even with such hurdles to encounter, the Act as well as the Constitutional guarantee given in respect of peoples Right To Information by the 19th Amendment to the Constitution that was passed in 2015 was a great achievement by the Yahapalanaya government.



But it seems to take a long time before people and the media make use of the law, given the ignorance on the matter on the part of the people as well as the authorities concerned, as pointed out by the Sarvodaya and the TI.



The understanding by the politicians of the free access to information is sometimes puzzling.

For instance, Governments Spokesman Minister Rajitha Senaratne said way back in January 2015 (Soon after President Maithripala Sirisena took office promising an RTI Bill, among others) that there would be no more Spokespersons for the Armed Forces as the war had ended long before.

At the same time he has stated to the utmost displeasure of the media community that Government officials would not be allowed to provide information to the media and journalists have to obtain information only from the Secretaries of Ministries. In May 2014, Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran, the former Supreme Court judge, who is said to be fighting for the democratic rights of the Northern Tamil people, has issued a circular depriving the same people of one of their key democratic rights, the right to information.



His circular addressed to the Jaffna media said that they should not make any attempt to contact him at his office or residence.



Ironically, three weeks before the Chief Minister issued his unwarranted circular, another TNA leader, M.A. Sumanthiran was among the political party leaders who had attended the launch of a campaign for a Right to Information Act in Colombo on the World Press freedom Day, which fell on May 3.

The Daily Mirror had questioned the credentials of the statements by Minister Senaratne and the Chief Minister soon after they had been made.



Further raising doubts on the concern on the part of the authorities about peoples right to know the Daily Mirror reported yesterday that Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, who had earlier said that action would be taken against Perpetual Treasuries, the company accused of gaining undue profit in the controversial bond sale that took place in February 2015, had refused to divulge the specific action to be taken against the said company.



In spite of the Government having to be commended for the passage of the 19th Amendment with clauses about Right To Information and the RTI Act, the politicians of the very government and the officials under it would not be prepared to implement the law fully, given the fact that the present government also has already been accused of mega corruption such as the Central Bank bond issue.

Also apart from that the lethargy, arrogance, and the indifference that have become the norms of the Government institutions would push the authorities to hide behind the restrictions on information cited in the RTI Act and the 19th Amendment, to deny information to the people. That does not mean one has to have a pessimistic view on the situation with regard to gaining information. Peoples right to information had not been recognised before the Act was enacted, apart from the right having been denied through various laws and regulations such as the Official Secrets Act, Sri Lanka Press Council Act, and the Establishment Code for the Public Sector.



Now, that the RTI Act overrules them, people and the media can fight for the right recognised by law. In fact, it was the right to fight for information that the country has gained in most cases, rather than gaining the Right To Information.



In fact there are good signs of some people attempting to put the Act to test.

Apart from the TIs application for information on assets and liabilities of the President and the Premier, the so-called Joint Opposition or the Mahinda Rajapaksa loyalists, who had scuttled several attempts to adopt an RTI Act during their tenure had recently said that they would apply for the details of the bond scam under the current RTI Act. Also a group of people in Batticaloa had said last week that they would seek information under the RTI Act, on the people who had gone missing during the war.



However, it will take a long time till the authorities are convinced that they would anyway be compelled to provide information, for the media to make use of the Act.



According to the Act, the process to access to information in some cases would be a long drawn one, if access was denied at the first instance.



Sometimes it might take months for an application to be successful (or not), if it had to go through the Information Officer of a public authority, designated officer, RTI Commission and finally to the Court of Appeal, in case of denial by one after the other. Therefore the Act for the moment is just only another topic for the media that seek hot news.



Even for the others to make use of the Act, an awareness campaign as well as an advocacy campaign by the concerned media and civil society organisations is needed in order to take the message to the grass-root level and persuade the people affected by the denial of access to information to fight back.
Daily Mail/10 February 2017- The United States dispatched two B-2 bombers to destroy two ISIS camps in the waning days of President Barack Obamas administration.



Dozens of ISIS operatives were said to have been killed in the bombing, which targeted the camps about 30 miles southwest of the coastal Libyan town of Sirte, according to CNN.



Now those who have piloted the stealth aircraft used in the mission describe what its like to fly such a sortie.



It turns out that the grueling mission entails one continuous flight that spans 32 hours and 5,700 miles for the two men inside the cockpit of a B-2, according to Popular Mechanics.



Every B-2 pilot on the base wanted to go on this mission, an Air Force pilot identified only by the moniker Scorch told Popular Mechanics.



Myself included.

Scorch is one of the pilots based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
Ceylinco Life Managing Director/CEO R. Renganathan (3rd from left) is joined by Family Savari brand ambassadors Sanjeewani Weerasinghe, Sriyantha Mendis, Roshan and Kushlani Ranawana and G. A. N. Jayantha, Commissioner of Revenue of the Western Provincial Council at the grand draw for Family Savari 10

Oh to be in England could be the refrain that some lucky policyholders of Ceylinco Life will soon be singing when they learn that they are the winners of the grand prize in the 10th edition of the life insurance leaders Family Savari mega promotion.

Five policyholder families from Moratuwa, Nattandiya, Nugegoda, Matara and Ganemullawon an all-expenses-paid holiday in England at the Family Savari grand draw, while another 10 families were selected for a visit to Dubai, a further 25 families for a tour of Singapore, and 250 families for a day at the Leisure World theme park.

These winners will be joined by another 25 families drawn at a mid-promotion draw for the Singapore tour and another 250 families that won a trip to Leisure World at the same mid-promotion draw.

A total of 2,260 people have now won overseas holidays or the local excursion from Ceylinco Life at this years Family Savari, taking the total number of people benefitted by the promotion to date to nearly 20,000.

Its been 10 spectacular years, but the Ceylinco Life Family Savari remains the biggest, most anticipated and most engaging promotion in Sri Lankas insurance industry, Ceylinco Life Managing Director/CEO Mr R. Renganathan said. The focus of the promotion is to promote family bonding, and to many winners, the experience yields memories that last a lifetime.

Over the past four years, Ceylinco Life has presented winners of the grand prize at the Family Savari with holidays in Japan (2014), Switzerland (2015) Germany (2016) and England (2017). Policyholders eagerly await the announcement of the new destination every year, when the promotion begins in August

or September.

The promotion period for Family Savari 10 ended in December 2016. All active long term Ceylinco Life policyholders, holders of Ceylinco Life Retirement Accounts (CRAs) and new policyholders who purchased a policy and paid three months premium and kept their policies active were eligible to win these holidays. Depending on the size of their policies or the balances in their CRAs, some policyholders were eligible to qualify for the draws for all four categories

of prizes.

Emphasising the value of loyalty, policyholders received one additional winning chance for every year they had been with Ceylinco Life, up to a maximum of 10 winning chances for those who had been active policyholders for a decade or more. Additionally, policyholders who had paid a minimum of three premiums using direct payment methods (such as bank standing orders) received an additional winning chance.

Ceylinco Lifes Family Savari programme is promoted by four popular brand ambassadors, the Sri Lankan actors Sriyantha Mendis, Sanjeewani Weerasinghe and Roshan Ranawana and his wife Kushlani who join policyholders on their overseas holidays and on the local excursion.

The market leader in Sri Lankas life insurance sector since 2004, Ceylinco Life has close to a million lives covered by active policies. The company is acknowledged as the benchmark for innovation in the local insurance industry for its work in product research and development, customer service, professional development and corporate

social responsibility.
Luis Maria Linde, the governor of Spains central bank, has for the first time said the moment has come for an overall view of the Bank of Spains actions during the period 2008-2012, at the height of the financial crisis.

Bank of Spain governor Luis Maria Linde. EFE

In an article published in EL PAIS this Friday, Linde, who took over as governor in June 2012, points out that the central bank has provided information throughout the crisis, but now says a global analysis is required, although he doesnt detail what form this should take.

With the crisis over and the new European supervision [system] stabilized  and within this framework, the supervision of the Bank of Spain  this is surely the moment to offer an overall vision of the Bank of Spains actions during the period 2008-2012, says the governor in his article, which comes in response to a recent editorial in this paper calling for the central bank to clarify its role during the countrys financial crisis.

Linde has admitted that the Bank of Spain failed in many aspects of its handling of the crisis

Opposition parties Ciudadanos and Podemos have the support of the countrys largest opposition party, the Socialists (PSOE), in calling for a commission to look into the crisis, something that the ruling Popular Party (PP) has blocked to date.

Economy Minister Luis de Guindos said recently he is prepared to accept what parliament decides. The PP no longer enjoys an absolute majority in Congress, meaning that the commission that Linde seems to be indirectly calling for could now be set up.

The initiative comes in the wake of revelations that up to December 2015, the cost of restructuring Spains failed savings banks had risen to 60.7 billion, of which 41.8 billion was provided by the Fund for Orderly Bank Restructuring (FROB) and 18.9 billion from the banks Guarantee Deposit Fund, according to Spains Audit Office, which states in a report that the cost to the Spanish state and the sector committed to the banks so far has been 122.1 billion, but that the final cost will not be known until all the savings banks have been sold off.

Linde admits in his article in EL PAIS that international and national institutions, including the Bank of Spain, committed serious forecasting errors during the crisis. But the governor says it is important to distinguish between mistakes and actions that might be subject to legal censure. I have no reason to think that the Bank of Spain did not act according to the general interest and respecting the law, but this does not mean, naturally that it was right every time, he says.

It now appears a parliamentary commission will be set up to look into the crisis

The governors stance follows criticism of the central banks actions in the past, although he has never taken a step such as that he is suggesting now. Linde admitted before Congress in July 2012, a month after he took office, that the Bank of Spain acted with little decisiveness and insufficiently and inadequately; our supervision was not successful.

The scandal over the crisis affecting Spains failed savings banks worsened because at the same time as the state was cutting basic public services, more and more taxpayers money was being poured into rescuing the savings banks. Whats more, close to 250 directors and board members of these banks have been investigated for their direct or indirect involvement in financial wrongdoing. Among these, the cases that have hit the headlines are the Caja de Ahorros del Mediterraneo (CAM), Bankia, the misuse of expenses credit cards by board members of savings banks, along with the mismanagement of Caja Castilla-La Mancha. In January, five executives from the NovaCaixagalicia savings bank were sent to jail for embezzlement.

Doubts remains over the Bank of Spains handling of the first years of the financial crisis. Earlier this week, EL PAIS reported that the entitys supervisory board massaged figures in the early months of the crisis, in 2008 in a bid to hide the extent of the savings banks debts due to their heavy investment in the property sector, which had collapsed.

An internal working group called the Technical Coordination Committee told inspectors not to demand compliance with the law from supervisory boards in refinancing mortgages and loans.

In 2013, the Bank of Spains Association of Inspectors criticized the attitude of the central bank toward malpractice in a report. The habitual response to indications of crime is to look the other way, the report concluded. Brussels also called for a formal internal revision of supervisory methods with the aim of detecting deficiencies and introducing the required improvements.

In September 2016, the the Bank of Spain admitted that 26.3 billion in state aid to the countrys banks will never be recovered, despite promising voters in 2012 that they would not foot the bill for the financial crisis.

English version by Nick Lyne.
DS Senanayake College in Colombo celebrated its 50th anniversary at the college premises this morning with President Maithripala Sirisena gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
Food and Nature (Pvt) Ltd, well known as Fadna took part at the 24th Prod Expo international exhibition held in Moscow recently.

It is the largest annual specialized exhibition in Russia and Eastern Europe focused on food, beverages and raw materials.

The embassy of Sri Lanka in Russia organised three colourful stands with the support of the Sri Lanka Tea Board and Sri Lanka Export Development Board.

On the first day of the exhibition, Plantation Industries Minister Navin Dissanayake, Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Rohan Pethiyagoda and Sri Lanka Ambassador to Russia Dr. Saman Weerasinghe officially opened the Sri Lankan stands and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies participating in the exhibition in tea, fisheries and exports sectors.

The exhibition is known to be a great and efficient platform to establish direct business connections between Russian and Sri Lankan companies and to improve bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries in general.
NEW DELHI AFP Feb9, 2017 - A 42-year-old woman had a painful crawling sensation behind her eyes when she woke up and was rushed to a local clinic where her nose was flushed and she was sent home.



As the sensation didnt subside, a specialist explored her nasal passages with an endoscope and she learned the awful truth.



I saw some tiny legs moving inside, M.N. Shankar, an ENT specialist, told AFP on Wednesday.

I looked further in and almost 5 cm from the tip of the nose I saw something unusual.



I realised I was actually looking at the bottom of a cockroach. The invasive critter had burrowed deep inside her nose, almost to the base of the skull, and was still alive after roughly 12 hours, Shankar added.



Using an instrument akin to a vacuum cleaner, Shankar managed to extract the cockroach from her skull intact -- still alive and kicking.
So what does President Donald Trump think about NATO? Twice during his campaign he rubbished it publicly, saying it was obsolete. Yet earlier this month when he met Britains Prime Minister, Therese May, it was all hunky dory. He told her he supported NATO 100%.



There are some - a few - influential people who have argued that NATO is indeed obsolete. One of these was William Pfaff, the late, much esteemed, columnist for the International Herald Tribune. Another is Paul Hockenos who set out his views in a seminal article in World Policy Journal. Their words fell on deaf ears. President George H.W. Bush saw it differently and wanted to see the Soviet Union more involved in NATOs day to day work. President Bill Clinton had another agenda -- and one that turned out to be a dangerous one, triggering over time Russias present day hostility towards the West -- to expand NATO, incorporating one by one Russias former east European allies. His successors continued that approach with Barack Obama at one time raising a red rag to a bull by calling for the entry into NATO of Ukraine and Georgia NATOs job, as the British Secretary General Lord Ismay, said in 1967 was to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. It certainly had success with the latter two.



To some extent it did find a role after the Berlin Wall came tumbling down. It led humanitarian interventions in Bosnia in 1995 and against Serbia in 1999. In 2003 it deployed its troops into Afghanistan. At one time the NATO-led force rose to 40,000 for 40 countries, including all 27 of the Nato allies.



Nevertheless, there are some of us who dont see these as great successes. A majority of historians who have examined the evidence are convinced that Stalin had no intention of invading Western Europe. The Second World War was won, the Soviet Union had a ring of friends around its borders, and Germany was divided. The allies had been an invaluable help-mate during it and it did not feel threatened by its former comrades-in-arms. So often overlooked is that the Soviet Union bore the brunt of defeating Germany and lost by far the most fighting men and civilians. Thorough searches by Western historians through the Soviet archives- they were opened during the years of President Boris Yeltsin- have revealed that Moscow had no plans to invade Europe.



Today, despite its deployments in the former ex-Yugoslavia and Afghanistan, NATO is not a truly multilateral institution of equals. The Europeans do not initiate military action (with the exception of Libya that led to the overthrow and killing of President Muammar Gadhafi). It is the Americans who do that and the Europeans, whatever their reservations, invariably follow. Moreover, obeying America rather than following their own convictions in ex-Yugoslavia, they did not seek UN Security Council permission, and then are angry that Russia follows suit with its grabbing of Crimea.



NATO has no relevance to the problems that truly occupy Europe today. Its hands are tied in Ukraine; it has nothing to contribute to the massive refugee crisis; it cannot help deal with the fact, as a Europe Union study concluded, that there will be an increase in tensions over declining water supplies in the Middle East that will affect Europes security and economic interests; nor can it do anything to contribute to the fight against global warming, in the long-run the most severe threat that confronts humanity.



When it comes to the war on terrorism there is little that Nato can do as a combined action force. At home each government deals with the issue itself. In the fight against Al Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria and Iraq the Americans, British, French and Russia battle them in their own ways.



In Afghanistan the Nato troops are losing territory to the Taliban year by year and the poppy crop provides ever more heroin to subvert Europe and Asia. It is difficult to believe that otherwise sensible men and women in Nato countries believe they should have stayed on in Afghanistan after their original target- Al Qaeda, as the source of the terrorist act against New Yorks World Trade Centre- was driven out of Afghanistan and dealt a severe body blow. This was not in their UN mandate and it has led to Americas longest war with no end in sight. It is a fruitless cause and the defeat of the Taliban by these means should never have been attempted. Nato countries should have limited themselves to building schools, hospitals, clinics, water supplies, sanitation systems and roads.



The EU should take over most of Natos role: doing more of what it has done in Georgia and stabilizing the Balkans, making use of its massive soft power, and thus undergirding world security. Yes, President Trump, Nato is obsolete!



For 17 years Jonathan Power was a foreign affairs columnist for the International Herald Tribune.
WASHINGTON AFP Feb10, 2017-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Washington on Thursday for talks with US President Donald Trump aimed at setting a new course for the crucial bilateral relationship, amid strains over trade and defense.



Abe and his wife Akie descended the stairs of their jet at Joint Base Andrews just outside the US capital, their overcoats blowing in the fierce winter wind.



On Friday, the Japanese prime minister will meet with business leaders and place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery before heading to the White House for his noon (1700 GMT) meeting with Trump.
For decades before and after Sri Lankas independence in 1948, Indias relations with the island nation were political and adversarial. But since the second half of the 1990s, there has been a gradual shift to trade, development assistance and investment, in that order. While India has been wanting to build bridges with Lanka, veering from two decades of exclusive involvement with the intractable Tamil question, the latter has been exploring government-to-government economic tie-ups with India.

The ice was broken in the mid-1990s when an India-friendly Chandrika Kumaratunga became President on the promise of a rapprochement with Tamils (including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)) and also friendship with India, which had backed the Tamil demand for autonomy and imposed the India-Sri Lanka Accord in 1987 to bring it about. Quick negotiations led to the IndiaSri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISLFTA) in 1999. What followed was a remarkable increase in bilateral trade, set to reach US $ 5 billion now.

Though the balance of trade is heavily in Indias favour, Lankas exports to India grew from a minuscule US $ 58 million in 2000 to over US $ 600 million in 2015-16, thanks to the agreement. Indias exports to Lanka are much higher at US $ 4 billion, but 70 percent of it lies outside the FTA. Indias assistance portfolio in Lanka is now nearly US $ 2.6 billion, out of which US $ 436 million is in the form of grants.

Even its loans are cheap coming at an interest of 1.75 percent. Taking the money spent and pledged together, India has extended to Lanka US $ 1 billion for rebuilding its decrepit railways. The 50,000 houses for war-affected Tamils and poor Indian-origin Tamils cost India US $ 270 million. Recently, India gave US $ 20 million for rainwater harvesting in the dry Northern Province; US $ 7.5 million was given for a free ambulance service.

Indian foreign direct investment (FDI) in Lanka totals over US $ 500 million. India has pledged to set up a 500 MW liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered plant in Kerawalapitiya. Indian companies want to invest in the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port and Trincomalee port hinterland development. Indian transshipment accounts for 70 percent of the earnings of the Colombo Port, which is sustaining the loss-making Chinese-built Hambantota port. However, Indias economic engagement with Lanka has not been an unmixed blessing.

Fear of economic domination by the Big Brother has replaced the earlier fear of political and military dominance. Sri Lankans argue that Indias non-tariff barriers have greatly restricted their exports under the FTA. Fears of an influx of Indian professionals stopped the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement at the last minute. Agitators are now threatening to scuttle the talks on the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) though India ruled out movement of

natural persons.

Trojan Horse of RAW

Despite an assurance that almost all employees of the US $ 7.5 million Indian ambulance service would be Lankans, it was seen as a Trojan Horse of RAW. India was disappointed when the 500 MW coal-fired power plant project in Sampur was called off after six years of talks. As a compensation for its ouster from Sampur, Colombo said India could set up an LNG-based 500 MW power plant in Kerawalapitya, but it is not known if the offer would stand in the months to come. In violation of an India-Sri Lanka 2003 agreement, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has been trying to take over three of the 99 oil tanks in Trincomalee given to Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) for 35 years.

CPC says it needs the tanks to store diesel for use in power plants. LIOC is ready to provide the facilities as a joint project, but that is not acceptable to CPC. Late last month, the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises threw a bombshell by saying that since LIOC had not signed the lease agreement relating to the tanks within the stipulated six months, Lanka should take over all the 99 tanks. But LIOCs case is that the 2003 pact does not mention the need for a lease agreement, that LIOC has been paying the stipulated annual leasing fee of US $ 100,000 to the government regularly and that the local land records show that the owner of the land is LIOC. Two Indian firms, which were to lead an international consortium to build the Colombo Ports East Terminal (as per the wishes of the Lankan government), are now out in the cold because Lanka suddenly said the criteria would be revised.

Given the past experience with agreements, volatility of local politics and an underlying anti-India sentiment, India is reluctant to rush into the ETCA. Meanwhile, rumours that Lanka is going to ask India to develop the Trincomalee port to balance its deal with China vis-a-vis the Hambantota port led to spasms of anti-India barbs from the opposition and media. This is despite the Indian officials denying any interest in the port as it could be a non-performing asset like the US $ 1.4 billion Hambantota port. Animosity towards Indian government projects and aid programmes, with nary a word of thanks, vexed the Indian diplomats to such an extent that ex-Indian High Commissioner Y.K. Sinha publicly expressed his displeasure.

Lankan nationalists however justified their stand saying that India should consider its aid to Lanka not as charity but just reparations for the harm it did by promoting Tamil terror in the 1980s and then trying to divide the country by promoting the Tamil demand for devolution

of powers.

However, there is a silver lining. Lankan hostility to India is restricted to Indian government projects, not the business ventures of Indias private sector which are welcomed with open arms. Indian companies dominate the vehicles and pharmaceutical markets and Indians are the single largest contributors to tourism.

Courtesy The New India Express
Former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed announced yesterday that he would be contesting the Maldives Presidential Election in 2018 as a candidate representing the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP).

Addressing a news conference in Colombo, he said that he was eligible to contest the internal election in the Maldives.

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled that my detention and arrest were unlawful and politically motivated. That ruling further goes on to say that my civil and political rights must be restored. This ruling clearly allows me to contest any election that I want to contest.

I hope to win the Maldivian Democratic Partys ticket as the Partys candidate of choice for the 2018 Maldives Presidential Elections. he said.

He also added that MDP would not boycott the elections on any account.

Pointing out that President Yameen had not adhered to any international ruling, he said the Maldives had left the Commonwealth because the Commonwealth wanted the Maldivian Government to reform.

We are a political party that engages in peaceful political activities. We would advocate and call upon the international community to assist us and be more robust in its engagement with the Government of the Maldives.

We hope that the Government of the Maldives will understand the need to be in the family of nations and not to move away from international norms, international rulings and international bodies as well, Nasheed said.

In response to a question on how the international community was responding to the current situation in the Maldives, Nasheed said that a number of countries were working behind the scenes to restore the political stability that the Maldives currently lacks.

We havent given up hope and we will continue to work with our international partners to see how they will be able to impress upon President Yameen the need to have an all inclusive election, he said.

The United Nations attempted to have an all party dialogue but this has not been very effective. We would, of course, like more engagement by the international community, he said.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Maldives for the nations in the Indian Ocean, he noted that destabilisation of the Maldives would lead to instability in nations within the Indian Ocean. Therefore, he stressed the importance of the international community's having a plan; to bring back stability to the Maldives.

We would certainly like to see more engagement, and we would also like to see neighbouring countries having a view and a plan on the situation in the Maldives, he said.

Adding that President Yameen had been isolated in his bid for political power, Nasheed added that even former Maldivian president Gayoom was concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Maldives. (Sarah Muiz)
A Nigerian National, who had befriended a married woman in Sri Lanka over facebook and later lured her into giving him Rs 4.3 million, was apprehended in Malabe.

Sources revealed that the woman, who was from Badulla, had been seduced by the suspect over facebook. He had allegedly promised to give her valuable presents after showing her photos of gold jewellery and other valuables and had won her heart.

The suspect had then informed the gullible woman that in order to release the parcels containing these valuables, a customs duty amounting to Rs4,360, 000 needed to be deposited to three accounts. The woman had readily agreed and deposited the money. The suspect identified as Benson David (22) is a student at a reputed private institute of higher studies. The complainant woman (38) is the mother of one and her husband is employed abroad. Her husband had been remitting about Rs 100,000 every month to her while he was abroad.

At the time of the arrest the suspect had a total of Rs1.8 million in his bank account. He was produced before the Passara Magistrate yesterday and was remanded until the 22 on the orders of Magistrate Rasanjana Jayasekera.(Palitha Ariyawansa)
Have you ever felt stressed out and un-energetic or just been so sick that no matter what pill you take there are no signs of getting any better? According to Sanjaya Samarasekera who has a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy this may be due to the fact that youre not attending to the psychological factors that are present. This is what he attempts to address in his Relaxation for All Audio CDs. There are two CDs which he has produced, one for children and one for adults, both striving to cure a variety of discomfort ranging from examination-stress to serious illnesses. The best part is that his combination of guided relaxation with meditation has proved itself through several cases where its use had led to success or recovery.

QTell us a bit of the origin of this cure?

I studied counselling and psychotherapy four years ago in Sri Lanka. I also had an interest in fields such as meditation and Buddhism for the past 20 years or so and have actively practised meditation for a long time. After I was done studying there was a case where a girl was bleeding from her intestines and her doctors couldnt stop it. Therefore they were going to remove them. Before this happened her mother called me. I told her about the relaxation method called deep muscle relaxation which was combined with Maithri Bavanava. After practising it I told her to pass on the merits to the forces around her. The result of using this method was that she was cured.



This method can cure conditions from simple stress to even cancer and I developed this method in the form of a CD after the incident with the girl. If somebody develops a fever then he or she can take a few pills and recover. Likewise if someone is suffering from stress or any other illness if they can listen to this type of guided relaxation for a total change of their mindset. If a person has positive thoughts they can cure themselves.



These days it is accepted that there is both a physical and a psychological factor to illnesses. If we treat only the physical factor it is very difficult to recover fully. Since we spend about four hours a day on our body why not spend 15 to 30 minutes a day on our mind to cure ourselves? We can easily heal the body through the mind. I have included the latest methods such as neuro-linguistic programming and the law of attraction where if you attract positive thoughts you can achieve positive results. This is not only to cure stress but helps to achieve future goals as well. I have included a separate section for future goals like an upcoming exam or building a house in the future.



The process is where you have to think of a particular goal when relaxing, imagine you have already achieved it and feel the satisfying sense of accomplishment. You need to feel that you are already there. All avenues will then be opened to you to achieve your goal. Once you give the correct pictures and thoughts to your mind, your mind will do the rest. It will react and create the path to achieve all of it. You also need to take away all negative thoughts and feelings. After you practise this for about two months or so it will become a habit. When this happens there will be an automatic focus towards the goal.



Q How did you come up with this concept?

I have a diploma in counselling and psychotherapy. However, I didnt just use my counselling knowledge but instead used all my experience of 40 years in meditation, neuro-linguistic programming and the law of attraction. This was all gained via self studies and I developed this method using all of this.



With the girl I mentioned earlier, I initially gave her deep muscle relaxation only but after recovering for a brief period she had a relapse. So I had to modify it since counselling was not enough for the girl. I included some other methods such as meditation to cure her. A study I did revealed that all illnesses were based on psychological factors as well. So if we dont treat that factor the curing process is delayed. At times it will not be cured at all. With certain people, whatever medication they take, they arent cured. This is because the psychological factor in their illness is high. The best solution will be to take medication combined with guided relaxation for a better mindset to cure the illness



Q Is this concept globally recognised?

There are various methods of guided meditations which have cured people. But maybe the addition of meditation of loving kindness to the process of relaxation hasnt been done so far. This is due to the influence of our Buddhist philosophy of passing merit. That is why I thought of developing this method.



Q Why was meditation an aspect you thought fit to be included?

This guided relaxation is in itself a kind of meditation since it has to do with the mind. So I just added another similar meditation to the entire process. The reason for picking loving kindness meditation for this was because with the girl I helped I had no other option. Only after this did she recover.



Another instance of this process working was when a girl had a problem with her liver. At that time she was in the ICU awaiting a transplant. I gave her mother this method and within two months the liver ailment was cured. The doctors then said that a germ had gone into to her brain. I told her to do the same process and she recovered again. The whole process took about six months in total. I dont want to take all the credit for her cure but there must have been some positive factor from this method of relaxation and thinking.



Q Is the medical profession aware of this method?

I have not yet spoken to anyone in the medical profession but I have given the CDs to Professor Dayarohana Atukorala who has given me a recommendation letter.



Q Can any other form of meditation be used?

Any meditation can be coupled to the relaxation process but what we should be aware of is that it should consist of positive thoughts. This association with positive thoughts will allow us to have positive results. People say they dont meditate because they fall asleep if they do it alone. This particular process is guided so that such problems will not occur. Here you have to meditate with the instructions given. Therefore it is more powerful



Q Do more people practise this in Sri Lanka?

This guided relaxation concept is new to Sri Lanka. It can be found online though. I have produced a separate set for children as well focusing on their education and future goals. This allows their fear of exams to disappear. There is a general relaxation method which can be practised daily and involves loving kindness towards parents and teachers. There is also an aspect that tackles any phobias they may have. Another aspect is for any future goals and a separate section focuses on their exams. Yet another section is for any other events like sport or a competition. I have proof of this working through an incident involving Mahinda College in Galle where they used this for their U-13 rugger team that became the first in their age group. This was used in the following year as well with the same result.



Q What are your future plans for spreading this concept?

I am currently conducting public programmes and awareness sessions on television and newspapers to make people aware of this method. Awareness is essential for people to see the benefit of using this methods. I am also doing it for companies as well so that their employees will be more relaxed and their productivity levels will rise. If people are stressed their productivity levels are low. Awareness is very important because if we keep it a secret it will not develop.



You can get further details about sales outlets, testimonials by those who have been cured and listen to these guided relaxations through the website www.relaxationsforall.lk and Facebook page www.facebook.com/relaxations-for-all.
The United States new President Donald Trump a former reality television star, appears to be getting a reality check on constitutional issues. On Thursday night a three-member US Circuit Court ruled unanimously to uphold the suspension of a travel ban imposed by Mr. Trump on visits to the US by people from seven Muslim-majority countries. During the Circuit Court hearings one of the judges quoted a famous or infamous tweet by Mr. Trump during the election campaign vowing he would ban immigrants from all Muslim countries. The Circuit Court ruled that such religious discrimination was a violation of the hallowed US Constitution which was based on the principle of unity in diversity. Legal experts say the bluster and bluff of campaign rhetoric is now running into the time-tested checks and balances of the US Constitution where the executive, the legislature and the judiciary exercise the sovereign peoples power as the foundation for a free and democratic country.



While the travel ban and other controversial moves have hit world headlines and caused concern over what most world leaders and analysts see as Mr. Trumps uncertain and unpredictable if not chaotic policies, some moves behind the scenes maybe even more dangerous. That is probably why the widely read German magazine Der Spiegel had a cover picture showing Mr. Trump beheading the Statue of Liberty while slamming him as a pathological liar and a dangerous man.



As most economic analysts say, todays neo-colonialism  through which the rich countries continue to plunder the wealth of the poor -- is being carried out mainly through multi-million-dollar transnational corporations which often come together for their operations.



According to a report titled, Trumps marriage made in hell, President Trump is ready to bless a merger between chemical giants Monsanto and Bayer to create a $100 billion agribusiness beast designed to gobble our earths food. Analysts say it is not only bad business to allow one company to grow this huge, it is also against the law.In the US and Europe two little known regulators can stop the deal. The problem is theyre being pounded by lobbying from two of the worlds most powerful corporations and a President apparently hell-bent on seeing the deal succeed.



Only massive peoples movements could counter the assault. They beat Monsanto twice last year in exactly this way, but this time they say they need unprecedented numbers to show the regulators that people everywhere want to stop a mega plan backed by President Trump. The movements say Monsanto and Bayer combined would dominate global crops and pesticides, and control our foodsystem. These are companies that have allegedly poisoned bee populations, river water, food and created seeds that die after one generation so that small farmers remain loyal customers under crippling debt.



Bayer and Monsanto executives met Mr. Trump before he took office and he released a statement afterwards taking credit for large pieces of the merger mega plan. But the European Unions competition commissioner still has the power to block the deal and the US antitrust chief can file a lawsuit if they decide it goes against public interest. Both regulators are under massive pressure to waive the deal through. But peoples movements have foiled this kind of contract before. So they need to build a call so strong that these public defenders move to protect the common good. The movements already blocked the licence renewal of Monsantos biggest product, glyphosate, and helped ban one of Bayers bee-killing pesticides in Europe.



In Sri Lanka also, President Maithripala Sirisena banned the import of glyphosate herbicide though he is known to be under heavy pressure to lift the ban. Sri Lanka needs to be cautious because agents of these two companies are carrying out secret operations here with agrochemicals, genetically modified seeds and so-called fortified rice. They have even persuaded national organizations to directly or indirectly support their schemes obviously having offered huge sponsorships and other privileges too to members. Ultimately, Sri Lankas farmers, who have played a vital role inour culture and civilization for more than 2,500 years may become slaves of these neo-colonial TNCs. Therefore, we urge the people and all parties to go beyond party politics and support the Governments move to grow the nourishing food we need in our country without imported or processed rubbish, agro-chemicals or genetically modified seeds.
Mexicos armed forces delivered a spectacular blow on Thursday night against one of the countrys leading drug cartels when an Apache helicopter rained down machine gun fire on a residence in the Pacific resort of Nayarit where the leader of the Beltran Leyva organization was holed up, killing him and seven members of his organization.

More information Abatido el lider del cartel de los Beltran Leyva en Nayarit

According to Mexicos naval secretariat, Juan Francisco Patron, also known as H2, was a key figure in the Beltran Leyva cartels operations in the states of Nayarit and Jalisco. Accounts on social networks by witnesses said Patron offered resistance when he realized he was surrounded and troops called in an Apache helicopter.

Patrons death comes after increased violence in Nayarit that has seen several killings in the area.

Patron assumed a leading role in the organization following the arrests and deaths of the four Beltran Leyva brothers.

Capturing drugs cartel leaders has been a priority of President Enrique Pena

The four  Arturo, Alfredo, Hector and Carlos  began their criminal career in northwest Mexico as hitmen for the Sinaloa cartel, then led by Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. Their activity focused on shipping cocaine from Central and South America to the United States and Europe.

But their relations with El Chapo cooled off after Alfredo Beltran Leyva was arrested in January 2008. The brothers accused El Chapo of betrayal, and this triggered a bloody vendetta. That same year, the Beltran Leyvas reached a deal with Los Zetas, El Chapos chief rivals and lords of the Gulf drug routes.

The groups structure changed with the death of Arturo  who was gunned down in a military operation on December 16, 2009  and the arrest of Carlos, the youngest brother, two weeks later. Hector was arrested in 2014.

Juan Francisco Patrons brother Jesus, who also played a leading role in the organization, was arrested six years ago.

When he took office in 2012, Mexicos President Enrique Pena Nieto drew up a list of 122 drug cartel leaders, making their capture a priority. With the death of H2, 107 have now been arrested or killed.

English version by Nick Lyne.
In the delegation of authority, seniority and discipline, were not the only criteria taught on Nawam Poya.

The aspirants of asceticism, initially, were ordained by the Buddha Himself. As the sangha community grew, the Buddha introduced the principles of delegation and requested the members of the Maha Sangha to ordain the candidates. The most significant incident that took place on Navam Poya Day was the appointment of two chief disciples, Sariputta and Moggallana.

The Exalted One with his divine eye saw what the dejected senior monks were reflecting upon and explained to them the suitability of those two appointments. In order to clarify his stand the Buddha explained that seniority was not the only decisive factor or qualification that had been considered in making those two key appointments. The Buddhas discourse, Ovada Prathimoksha, helped monks to develop self-discipline. The above three principles are crucial features in modern management

The other significant incident that took place on Navam Poya Day was the holding of the first ever Buddhist congregation. On the first Navam Full Moon Poya Day after the Enlightenment of Gauthama Buddha, there were a large number of disciples in the Order of the Maha Sangha. Although there had been no problems until then the Enlightened One would have expected incidents of breach of behaviour and morality when the Sangha society grew in numbers.



This enabled them to go into priesthood when and where they wished. The Buddha will intervene if they needed any clarifications and advice. As mentioned, the appointment of Sariputta and Moggallana as the two  Aggrasavaka took place on Navam Poya. Sariputta was appointed to the prestigious position of Dharmasenadipathi and Moggallana as Dharmapurohita respectively. There were discussions as to why some of the senior monks were overlooked in making these important appointments. To clear all misgivings of the monks, the Enlightened One, related the exciting story woven round Sariyuth and Mugalan in their previous birth during the time of Anomadassi Buddha. The Arahat Sariputta born during the time of Anomadassi was known as Sarada. He inherited massive wealth and became a good Samaritan who distributed wealth among the poor. Through meditation, he gained Attasamapatti - eight attainments. Sarada had a close friend by the name of Siriwardena. Buddha Anomadassi preached to him. At the end of that sermon, except Sarada, all attained Arahatship. Saradas goal was to be become a chief disciple of Gautama Buddha. Anomadassi Buddha gave Sarada the assurance that he would be one of the chief disciples of Gautama Buddha. His friend Siriwardena too presented alms to Anomadassi Buddha, and aspired for the second position of chief disciple.

The First Congregation

On Navam Full Moon Day, the first Buddhist congregation was held, under the auspicies of Maha Kassapa Thera who looked much like the Buddha. In modern management ethics, discipline play an essential role. Vinaya or discipline as taught by the Buddha two thousand five hundred years ago and established with the first Buddhist Congregation which was held at Veluwanaramaya, Rajagaha discussed an important discourse in Buddhism. They are Ovada Prathimoksha, meaning to give advice. Through this, one develops self-discipline. Buddha delivered the sermon on Ovada Prathimoksha to Sariputta and Moggallana on Navam Poya Day. It is believed that at the First Council, Upali Thera recited the vinaya while Ananda Thera recited the suttra.

Cycles of Birth, Death and Rebirth in Buddhism and science

Buddhism speaks of cycles of birth, death and rebirth beyond time immemorial, [over Kalpas or eons]; from Anomadassi to Gauthama Buddha.

Religion is essentially spiritual and associated with the mind, where as scientific theories are based purely on material and non-spiritual stands. Though they are at the opposite ends of the spectrum, both relate to the well being of the human race. However, Buddhism, which is based not on belief but on rationality, is always complemented by scientific theories.



The Buddha saw the impermanence of lifenot only in life, but of everything in the universe. Even the universe is subject to this rule, Sabbe Sankara Anicca  All component things are transient. This is the message that the Buddha has proclaimed that everything is changing in the universe where everything moves from one mode to another. This transition is realised only when one gets familiar with it in the evening of life. The cycle of birth, death and rebirth, a process that is in itself the best example. Birth intermingled with joy and sorrow, grief, pain, old age, despair, disease and death; again followed by rebirth in some corner in the universe according to ones kamma.

The term Dhamma stands for the ethical and philosophical teachings of the Buddha. It means, come and see - Eahi Passiko and not just accept it as true. Buddhism id not a religion. I declare to you the Dhamma  in the parable of the raft, not for you to own and keep it in your possession, but utilise it as a tool to cross the stream of suffering, The Buddha said. As scientific exploration continue to unravel the secrets of nature the Dhamma could be expected to benefit from them. In the Dhamma, as in science there is a fundamental unwillingness to accept the existence of an Almighty as the Creator of the universe. The concept of cause and effect is at variance with the concept of God. This truth is universally applicable like the Law of Gravity. Something cannot be made out of nothing; only from something can another thing be made. This universal truth or rationality is used in the question of our beginning -the origin of universe that leads to the Big Bang that is now widely considered as the only credible alternative to creation by an omnipotent God. Our universe, matter, energy and time began with that momentous event. The universe is now going through its expanding stage having already survived for about fourteen billion years, under impulsion of the incalculable energy produced at the big bang. The current belief among Astro-physicists is that the universe is envisaged to expand for a few more billion years.



The world has been changing so rapidly the disparity between subject and object is fast fading. Everything is interconnected and interdependent between all living matter and the which are vital for our existence. In this era of rapid communications, with satellite and electronic equipments like the Internet in particular, the processes carried out in one part of the world, affects the rest of the whole world. We could attach another dimension to this system of propagation and that would be the quantum dimension. Long before the arrival of mass communications, quantum effect had been answerable for the spread of wishes of thoughts, among people. We live engrossed in force fields, of minuscule particles moving around the universe and through us at the speed of 183,000 miles per second [speed of light]. These undetectable forces carry impulses of our thoughts to long distances depending on their strengths and volume; they are bound to influence our way of thinking and judgment over a period of time.



Thought is the most powerful single force that we possess. If the majority were to send out impulses of thoughts of loving kindness, compassion and sympathetic joy, eventually all minds of human beings will be affected, and the fundamental shift in thinking, currently taking place, will be reinforced to achieve a lasting peace for all.



Agganna Sutta explains it all



In the second part of the Agganna Sutta, the Buddha relates how living beings came to reside on the planet Earth. The Buddha said that after a long lapse of time, the universe shrinks or contracts. At such times, beings are mostly born in the Abhassara Brahma world, and they dwell there feeding on delight. They are mind-made, self-luminous and move through the air. They live and exist like that for a very long periods. But sooner or later, the universe begins to expand again. During that time of expansion, the beings from the Abhassara Brahma world, after ending their lives are mostly reborn in this world. Here they dwell, feeding on delight, mind-made, self-luminous, moving through the air.And they continue like that for a very long period floating above and around the planets. At this time, the Moon and the Sun will not be visible, no night and day, no names and identity, no divisions based on race, caste religion; not even female or male: just creatures.

May all beings be happy!
Amid speculation that the Government hoped to request the UNHRC for more time to implement its resolution, the Northern Province Chief Minister C. V. Wigneswaran-led Tamil Peoples Council (TPC) comprising Tamil political parties and civil society groups said Sri Lankan should not be given any more time.

In a resolution adopted at the Eluga Thamil rally held in Batticaloa yesterday, the TPC called for an international investigation into what it described as, the genocidal crimes perpetrated against the Tamil people'.

Reiterating that the North and East is the traditional homeland of the Tamils, the TPC said the distinct socio-cultural and political identity of the Tamil nation could only be guaranteed and safeguarded by setting up a non-divided, autonomous unit of self-government in the North and East and that this was nonnegotiable.

The TPC said it the construction of Buddhist temples in the North and the East must be stopped.

The Tamil people have repeatedly and firmly rejected a domestic accountability mechanism to investigate crimes perpetrated on them. In his September 2015 statement, the UN Human Rights Commissioner Zeid Hussein categorically stated that Sri Lankas judiciary is incapable of investigating crimes committed during the war. Against this backdrop, the resolution passed in September 2015 at the United Nations Human Rights Commission suggested a hybrid mechanism to investigate these crimes. Yet, the Sri Lankan Government, which co- sponsored this resolution with other international stakeholders, has now reiterated that it would not be amenable to the participation of foreign judges in the accountability mechanism. It has rejected a hybrid mechanism and has suggested a domestic accountability mechanism. The Government has now requested for more time to establish this mechanism, the TPC said. (Kelum Bandara)

Pix by Jaufer Kahan
WASHINGTON AFP Feb10, 2017-President Donald Trump on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping he would respect the One China policy, the White House said, in their first conversation since the US leader came to power.



President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our One China policy, the White House said in a statement, adding that the two leaders had extended invitations to meet in their respective countries. In a swift response, Xi embraced the announcement on the highly sensitive issue which had cast a pall over relations after Trump suggested it was up for negotiation.



Xi Jinping appreciates Trumps emphasis on the American governments commitment to the One China policy and pointed out that the One China principle is the political foundation of US-China relations, official broadcaster CCTV reported.



The White House called the phone discussion -- which came on the eve of Trumps meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe -- extremely cordial, saying the leaders look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes. The billionaire president had seemed intent on adopting a hard line against the Asian giant on a wide range of issues from trade to security.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP/Daily Mail) /9 February 2017 - U.S. officials stopped screening refugees for potential resettlement in the United States this week but will return to the Pacific atoll of Nauru to continue working toward a deal that President Donald Trump has condemned as dumb, an Australian minister said Thursday.



Immigration Minister Peter Dutton would not say when U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials would return to Nauru to conduct what Trump describes as extreme vetting.



Trump made enhanced screening a condition for agreeing to honor an Obama administration deal to accept up to 1,250 refugees refused entry into Australia. Australia pays Nauru and Papua New Guinea to keep more than 2,000 asylum seekers  mostly from Iran, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka  in conditions condemned by rights groups.
NAIROBI AFP /Feb9, 2017- Kenyas High Court on Thursday blocked the governments decision to close the Dadaab refugee camp -- the worlds largest -- and force Somali refugees to return home.



Judge John Mativo ruled that the plan to shut down the camp was unconstitutional, violated Kenyas international obligations and amounted to persecution of refugees.



Dadaab is home to some 256,000 people, the vast majority of them Somalis who fled across the border following the outbreak of civil war in 1991.



The government unilaterally decided to close the camp in May last year, saying it was a terrorist training ground for Shabaab Islamist militants.
In a significant and candid move, India has recently warned Myanmar that Pakistan-based terror groups are vigorously promoting radicalisation among the Rohingya community and this threatened both India and Myanmar.

Such warning from India to Myanmar was conveyed directly to the nation's national security adviser (NSA) U Thanog Tun during his recent visit to India. He held extensive meetings with his counterpart Ajit Doval.

It was also impressed upon the Myanmar NSA that though security measures were imperative to ensure peace, yet a crackdown alone on Rohingyas would be glaringly counterproductive.

It may be recalled that Myanmar has been ruthlessly dealing with the 1.2 million Rohingyas who are generally inhabited in Rakhine state. Buddhists, otherwise considered pacifists, have been brutal in driving the Rohingyas across Bangladesh and on its part, Bangladesh refuses to accept them as Muslims or people of Bengali origin, as is often said by the Buddhist leaders.

Meanwhile, alleged atrocities on the Rohingyas have drawn increased international criticism and universal condemnation. As recent as February 8, Pope Francis prayed for Rohingya refugees, condemning violence against them just because they were Muslims.

The Pope's scathing criticism comes in the wake of a UN report which maintains continuous brutal killings of the Rohingyas. So far, 69,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar since the outbreak of violence on October 9 last year.

India's cautionary advice to its neighbour to keep an eye on the vulnerability of the Rohingyas to being indoctrinated by the ultras is indeed a sound and mature one. And timely too!

Among the multiple terror groups of Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Tayyeba, under the leadership of the notorious Hafiz Saeed, has been targeting the Rohingyas to draw them into the LeT fold and appropriate them for Indian targets, as also strike at Bangladesh individuals and facilities that are not perceived to be pro-Islam.

Alleged atrocities on the Rohingya Muslims have drawn increased international criticism and universal condemnation. (Photo: Reuters)

The LeT also has plans to misuse this radicalised lot to foment trouble in Kashmir and, as trained militants, they can embark upon tasks of infiltration and subversion.

Out of the 1.2 million Rohingyas , even if a minuscule number is converted as terrorists, it would be fraught with disastrous consequences, adding much strength and muscle to the terror groups. This will also help Pakistan wean Myanmar away from India, implying that there would be more sympathisers in Pakistan for the Rohingyas.

Myanmar intelligence may be primitive, bereft of state-of-the-art techniques and technology, but India can certainly help identify and neutralise elements carrying the potential to cause harm to security interests. Intelligence, therefore, is key and the first step to counter the radicalisation move.

Another danger looming large on the Bangladesh side is the inherent presence of terror groups, including Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Hefazat-e-Islam and their affiliates. JMB has been more than active in carrying out terrorist activities, and last year Dhaka saw a slew of IS-inspired terror fatalities bearing the stamp of international modus operandi.

A tie-up of Bangladesh-based terror outfits, especially JMB with LeT with the specific objective to induct and use Rohingyas, is a distinct possibility, renewing robust terror assaults in the not so distant future.

The Rohingyas provide fodder to such blueprints. A definite action plan with India and Bangladesh on board needs to be activated to pre-empt any upcoming misadventure. Myanmar alone will be a disadvantage point to deal with the threat.

Significantly, we should also remember that Myanmar has been the hub for the shelter of many terror groups, irrespective of them belonging to Pakistan. Some of them are ULFA, NSCN (K), PLA, UNLF, etc. The first two named are proactive in ambushing the Indian Army and security forces at regular intervals and on Indian soil.

State complicity in harbouring these groups is also not ruled out. Against this backdrop, if the Rohingyas join terror camps on the Indo-Myanmar border, it is very likely to give a new dimension to the security scene, necessitating strong action.

Importantly, Saeed has been accusing India of aiding the Myanmar regime in its "persecution" of the Rohingyas. Such statements are self-explanatory, exposing how vital the Rohingya lot is to Pakistani terror groups. Any move by them to radicalise the Rohingyas needs to be combated, and on a war footing.

Finally, we can safely assume that the LeT or its affiliates cannot succeed in their mission without the tacit as well as overt backing of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence.
Ever since he was 12, Patrick Nogueira had the feeling that something bad would happen to throw his life off course. For the 20-year-old from Brazil, that day came on August 17, 2016. That is when he took a bus from Madrid to Pioz (Guadalajara) with the sole purpose of murdering his uncle, aunt and young nephew and niece.

The house where the crimes were committed. EFE

He had researched the job before heading out, typing How to kill someone in three seconds into a search engine, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Using previously undisclosed material, EL PAIS has reconstructed the savage quadruple murder that rocked Spanish society last summer.

To have to cut a body in half again....Stick the organs in a bag Then clean. the killer complained in a message to a friend

It was 2pm on August 17. Patrick crossed the threshold of a house with the door number 594, inside La Arboleda de Pioz. It was the home of his uncle Marcos Campos, his aunt Janaina Santos and their children aged two and four, all of them Brazilian nationals.

Janaina was alone with the kids. Patrick had brought two pizzas and the four of them ate lunch together. Then, Patrick offered to help his aunt do the dishes. It was just an excuse to stab her to death in the kitchen.

After that, he went after the little children with his knife.

It was clear to me that I wanted to kill them, even before entering the house. I was not scared, the murderer later told the police.

A Facebook shot of Marcos and Janaina, who were slain by their nephew.

Patrick used bleach to clean the bloodstains before his uncle was due to return from work, at around 10pm. His plan was to bury the three bodies first, using a 60 shovel he had bought for that purpose. But the ground was too hard, so he decided to cut up the bodies and place them in plastic bags instead.

It was 7pm by the time he was done. There were four hours to go before his uncles arrival. He spent that time sending selfies and WhatsApp messages to his only friend back in Brazil, 18-year-old Marvin Henriques Correia, who was kept appraised of Patricks actions. When the clock showed 6.45pm I was still cleaning the floor. I am happy, wrote the killer in one of his messages.

Psychiatrists describe Nogueira as a textbook psychopath: an individual who is not crazy and who can tell the difference between good and evil, and has the same kind of dispassionate attitude displayed by another famous case from 1994. Javier Rosado, dubbed the role game killer, wrote about one of his victims: Its amazing how long an idiot takes to die.

In other messages to his friend back in Brazil, Patrick Nogueira complained that his uncle was taking too long to come home.

He had researched the job, typing How to kill someone in three seconds into a search engine

I am hungry. Everything is dry. And to have to get everything dirty again... To have to cut a body in half again... Stick the organs in a bag Then clean, he typed.

Marcos Campos arrived home at 10.15pm, to find his nephew standing defiantly before him.

Look around you... youre next, he told his last victim, this newspaper has learned. Then he stabbed him to death in the hallway.

At least my uncle is lighter than his wife. Damned fatso. I thought she was a man, ha ha ha, he wrote to his friend after the deed was done.

Better Spain than Brazil

The young man spent the night inside the house after ruling out an escape in the middle of the night in case he got caught by the estates security guard. He was aware of what he had done, and worried about ending up in a Brazilian prison.

Id get raped 30 times there. And then they would snuff out a candle in my ass. Ha ha ha. I wouldnt mind getting arrested here [in Spain]... Id be watching TV until the age of 80, he wrote to Henriques.

The suspect upon his arrival in Spain. Civil Guard

Nogueira has told investigators that he and Henrique have had a relationship of love, but not of homosexuality for the last three years.

The next morning, Patrick Nogueira took a bus back to Alcala de Henares, in the Madrid region, where he was sharing an apartment with a Brazilian woman and two Spanish men. His bag was filled with blood-stained towels, gloves and masking tape. He threw out the evidence slowly, on separate days, so as not to attract suspicion.

He did not really want to live in an apartment share. But he had had no choice after receiving an ultimatum from his uncle, who had threatened to report him to the authorities if he did not leave their house immediately. Nogueira was living in Spain illegally.

Until then, he had lived with Marcos, Janaina and the children in another house in Torrejon de Ardoz. The suspects parents had wanted their son to leave his home town of Joao Pessoa, in the Brazilian state of Paraiba, where he had attacked one of his teachers, and spend some time with his relatives in Spain.

He was aware of what he had done, and worried about ending up in a Brazilian prison

But life together proved difficult.

We knew that Patrick had stabbed a teacher in 2013. And that he had odd behavior [with Janaina], like walking around the house naked, said Janainas father, Wilton Diniz, in statements to the Brazilian police.

And Marcos boss at a restaurant has told Spanish investigators that he was unhinged, obsessed that his wife was being unfaithful to him with his own nephew Patrick. In the end, Patrick was kicked out of the house, and the Campos family eventually moved to Pioz, in Guadalajara province.

The bodies were found a month after the crime. Two days after the discovery, Patrick Nogueira hopped on a flight back to Brazil. By then, the Pioz home was teeming with reporters and TV cameras, and initial reports of a contract killing over drug issues had given way to serious suspicions that the nephew may have played a role.

Back home, he resumed a normal life. His friend Henriques was briefly held and released with no charges.

A month after that, Patrick Nogueira returned to Spain to hand himself in to Spanish authorities following the recommendations of his sister, a lawyer named Hanna Nogueira Gouveia.

Since then, he has remained in preventive prison after having confessed to all four crimes. His defense attorneys will try to use this confession to get their client sentenced to 30 years, rather than life with a review every 25 years.

Nogueira has admitted that his was a premeditated action. It was not an impulse. I thought about it days before.

English version by Susana Urra.
A patient waits with his X-Ray to see a doctor in the 18 October hospital in Havana.

Cubas healthcare system is a source of pride for its communist government. The country has well-trained, capable doctors, the sector has become an important export earner and gives Cuba valuable soft power  yet the real picture is less rosy. A lot of health infrastructure is deteriorating and there is a de facto two-tier system that favors those with money.

Cubas child mortality rate is on par with some of the worlds richest countries. With six deaths for every 1,000 births, according to World Bank data from 2015, Cuba is level with New Zealand. In 2015, the global average was 42.5 deaths for every 1,000 births. Despite more than half a century of a US economic embargo, Cubas average life expectancy matches that in the US: 79.1 years, just a few months shorter than Americans who, on average, live to 79.3 years, according to 2015 data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Much of Cubas success in these areas is due to its primary healthcare system, which is one of the most proactive in the world. Cubas population of 11.27 million has 452 out-patient clinics and the government gives priority to disease prevention, universal coverage and access to treatment.

The situation is becoming unsustainable because we have to bring everything ourselves Odalys, a patient waiting to enter a Havana hospital

Cuba has also produced innovations in medical research. In 1985 the country pioneered the first and only vaccine against meningitis B. The countrys scientists developed new treatments for hepatitis B, diabetic foot, vitiligo and psoriasis. They also developed a lung cancer vaccine that is currently being tested in the United States. Cuba was also the first country on earth to eliminate the transmission of HIV and syphilis from mother to child, a feat recognized by the WHO in 2015.

In 2015, Cuba spent 10.57% of its GDP on health, slightly higher than the global average. According to the World Bank in 2014, the European average spending GDP spending was 10%, compared to 17.1% in the United States.

Two-tier system

A lesser-known characteristic of Cubas healthcare system is the existence of special clinics, reserved for tourists, politicians and VIPs. The state reserves the best hospitals and doctors for the national elite and foreigners, while ordinary Cubans sometimes must turn to the black market or ask expatriate friends or family to send medicine.

Cubas health service is divided in two: one for Cubans and the other for foreigners, who receive better quality care, while the national population has to be satisfied with dilapidated facilities and a lack of medicines and specialists, who are sent abroad to make money for Cuba, says Dr. Julio Cesar Alfonzo, a Cuban exile in Miami and director of the NGO Solidaridad Sin Fronteras.

In 2015, Cuba spent 10.57% of its GDP on health, slightly higher than the global average

In 1959, the country had only 6,000 doctors, half of whom emigrated after the Cuban revolution. By 2014, Cuba had 67.2 doctors for every 10,000 inhabitants, with only Qatar and Monaco ahead of it.

However, despite these impressive statistics, the quality of primary healthcare, which has been fundamental to Cubas success, has been declining in recent years. Between 2009 and 2014 there was a 62% fall in the number of family doctors, from 34,261 to 12,842, according to Cubas National Statistics Office (ONEI).

An army of white coats

In the words of Fidel Castro, Cubas army of white coats was formed in 1960, when a medical brigade was sent to Chile after an earthquake left thousands dead. Since then, Cuba has sent more than 300,000 healthcare workers to 158 countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia, according to Cubas state news agency. Today, around 50,000 Cuban medical workers are present in 67 countries.

Cuban doctors are rooted in solidarity and in the Hippocratic Oath. Our job would be unthinkable without foreign missions, says Salvador Silva, a doctor specializing in infectious diseases who has worked in Haiti and Liberia.

Yes, our salary is low and maybe that pushes us to go abroad, but it also makes us proud when we see our work recognized throughout the world, on top of just helping in our own country, he adds.

Doctors are arguably Cubas most profitable resource and the countrys medical missions have proved to be a lucrative diplomatic tool. The healthcare industry is also one of the countrys main sources of income. In 2014, Cuban authorities estimated overseas healthcare services would bring in $8.2 billion, putting it ahead of tourism.

Patients waiting for their results at the Julio Trigo hospital in Havana.

Cuba has a different deal with each country it works with. For example, in exchange for sending 3,500 health care workers to work in and provide training in Venezuela, a close Cuban ally, Venezuela sends oil.

With such a high demand for personnel, some suspect that the Cuban government has been reducing educational requirements to hasten students entry into the work force.

They are giving doctors licenses in record time to meet the need to export them, and this has been detrimental to the quality of training and medicine, which used to be the best. This has been happening since they started the program in Venezuela, between 2003 and 2004, says Dr Alfonzo.

Doctors are also eager to be sent abroad, not only to help the less fortunate, but also for money. Salaries are higher  depending on the location, with doctors abroad reportedly making up to $1,000 per month (minus taxes), whereas those in Cuba make around $50. On the island, it isnt rare to find taxi drivers, shopkeepers or construction workers with medical degrees.

Juan drives a 1950s Chevrolet he bought with his brother and he uses it as a taxi from 6pm to midnight. Hes also a doctor in the clinic Hermanos Ameijeiras.

The wage is a pittance. We find ourselves obligated to make a living doing other things. I have coworkers who sell prescriptions to pharmacies, who work in unlicensed clinics or help their families in shops. Its frustrating, he says. Its like theyre pushing us to enlist in international missions, the business of Cuba.

Cuba's health service is free, but as a poster behind this nurse points out, it is expensive.

The countrys medical missions abroad have been an important escape route for Cubans looking to defect. Before migratory reforms were passed in January 2013 allowing Cubans with passports and visas to travel abroad, the preferred way to abandon Cuba was via Venezuela. In 2013 and 2014, more than 3,000 doctors deserted the island to go to the United States through a special visa program called Cuban Medical Professional Parole, a program started by George W. Bush to help healthcare workers who had escaped while working abroad.

Lucia Newman, a former CNN correspondent in Habana, said Cuban doctors complain that travel restrictions prevent them from attending conferences or keeping abreast of the latest medical advances. The US trade embargo on Cuba includes some textbooks, but the major problem is that Cuban doctors cannot buy medical equipment from the United States or from any US subsidiaries.

For Odalys, a young patient waiting at the Hospital Salvador Allende, the situation is becoming unsustainable in this country and its not because of a lack of specialists, its because we have to bring everything ourselves. I just bought a light bulb for the hospital room. Ive called home so that they can bring me bedding, towels and even toilet paper. There arent even stretchers, I saw a family carrying their sick son into a room. Free and universal health care, yes, but its a bit of a mess and very informal, she says.

English version: Alyssa McMurtry.
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

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

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

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

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

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

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

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

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

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

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

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

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
Lapshin case: INTERPOL reponds to inquiries of Armenian Police

Famous blogger Alexandr Lapshin, who was extradited to Azerbaijan, has never been on Interpols wanted list. Police in Armenia have requested INTERPOL's General Secretariat to answer their questions concerning Lapshin's extradition to Azerbaijan. In particular, the police asked INTERPOL whether Alexandr Lapshin was/is actually wanted by Azerbaijani authorities on the international level or not, and whether any cooperation was conducted through Interpol channels, or not. We have checked and confirm that the subject is unknown to IPSG databases, we also have transfered your request to our legal department and will inform you as soon as we have more information, INTERPOL's Command and Coordination Centre (CCC) said in reply. Below is the letter sent by the Armenian Police. Please be informed that the extradition of the Russian and Israeli citizen, well-known blogger Alexandr Lapshin (DOB 04.02.1976) by the competent authorities of Belarus to Azerbaijani authorities has recently got large public resonance. According to the official sources of Belarus, Alexandr Lapshin was arrested in Belarus for being wanted on international level through Interpol channels by the initiative of Azerbaijan, which certainly was a great surprise for us as the mentioned individual is prosecuted for political purposes. The checks made by our NCB through the e-ASF system didnt give any positive result. In the view of the mentioned above, you are kindly requested as a matter of urgency to inform us whether Alexandr Lapshin was/is actually wanted by Azerbaijani authorities on international level or not, and whether any cooperation was conducted through Interpol channels, or not. In case of positive result, you are kindly requested to inform whether the request of Azerbaijani authorities on declaring international searches was examined in the frames of the art.3 of Interpols Constitution, and inform us about the results. Taking into account the baseless circulation of Interpols name, which negatively affects to the role and reputation of the Organization, you are kindly requested as a matter of urgency to give a prompt response to our request.
The following companies are subsidiares of Tyson Foods: APF Legacy Subs LLC, Advance Food Company LLC, AdvancePierre Foods, AdvancePierre Foods Holdings Inc., AdvancePierre Foods Inc., Aidells Sausage Company Inc., Allied Specialty Foods Inc., American Proteins Inc, Artisan Bread Co. LLC, Australian Food Corporation Pty Limited, Australian Food Corporation Trust, BRF, Barber Foods LLC, Bosco's Pizza Co., Bryan Foods Inc., C.S. Grain LLC, C.V. Holdings Inc., CBFA Management Corp., Central Industries Inc., Chefs Pantry LLC, Clovervale Farms LLC, Cobb (Hubei) Breeding Co. Ltd., Cobb (Shanghai) Enterprise Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Cobb Ana Damizlik Tavukculuk Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Cobb Columbia S.A.S., Cobb Europe B.V., Cobb Europe Limited, Cobb Peru (Andina) S.A.C., Cobb-Heritage LLC, Cobb-Vantress Brasil Ltda, Cobb-Vantress Inc., Cobb-Vantress New Zealand Limited, Cobb-Vantress Philippines Inc., Coominya AFC Pty Limited, Coominya AFC Trust, DFG Foods Inc., DFG Foods L.L.C., Don Julio, Egbert LLC, Equity Group - Georgia Division LLC, Equity Group - Kentucky Division LLC, Equity Group Eufaula Division LLC, Equity Meat Corp., Flavor Corp., Flavor Holdings Inc., Foodbrands America Inc., Foodbrands Supply Chain Services Inc., Gallo Salame Inc., Global Employment Services Inc., Grow-Out Credit LLC, Grow-Out Holdings LLC, Haimen Tyson Poultry Development Co. Ltd, Hudson Foods Company, Hudson Midwest Foods Inc., Hybro Genetics Brasil Ltda, IBP Caribbean Inc., IBP Foodservice L.L.C., IBP Inc., International Affiliates & Investment LLC, Jiangsu Tyson Foods Co. Ltd, Keydutch Finance B.V., Keydutch Holdings I LLC, Keydutch Holdings II LLC, Keydutch Investments B.V., Keystone CLJV Holdings Limited, Keystone County House Road LLC, Keystone Foods, Keystone Foods (AP) Limited, Keystone Foods Holdco LLC, Keystone Foods Intermediate LLC, Keystone Foods LLC, Keystone Foods Pty Limited, Keystone Management Inc., Keystone Trading (Shanghai) Company Limited, LD Foods LLC, M & M Express LLC, M&M Restaurant Supply (MI/OH) LLC, MFG (USA) Holdings Inc., Mac Food Services (Malaysia) SDN. BHD., Madison Foods Inc., McKey Food Services (Hong Kong) Limited, McKey Food Services (Shandong) Limited, McKey Food Services (Thailand) Limited, McKey Food Services Limited, McKey Luxembourg Holdings APMEA S.a.r.l., McKey Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., McKey Luxembourg S.a.r.l., McKey VI Holdings Limited, Myung Seung Food Company Ltd., National Comp Care Inc., New Canada Holdings Inc., Oaklawn Capital Corporation, Oaklawn IT Solution Private Limited, Original Philly Holdings Inc., PBX inc., Pierre Holdco Inc., River Valley Ingredients LLC, Rizhao Tyson Foods Co. Ltd, Rizhao Tyson Poultry Co. Ltd, Rural Energy Systems Inc., Sara Lee - Kiwi Holdings LLC, Sara Lee Diversified LLC, Sara Lee Foods LLC, Sara Lee Household & Body Care Malawi Ltd., Sara Lee International LLC, Sara Lee International TM Holdings LLC, Sara Lee Mexicana Holdings Investment L.L.C., Sara Lee TM Holdings LLC, Sara Lee Trademark Holdings Australasia LLC, Saramar L.L.C., Shandong Tyson-Da Long Food Company Limited, Smart Chicken, Southern Family Foods L.L.C., Southwest Products LLC, TF 20 B.V., TF 5201 B.V., TFA Leasing LLC, TFA Opportunity Zone Fund LLC, TFI of California Inc., Tecumseh Poultry LLC, Texas Transfer Inc., The Bruss Company, The Hillshire Brands Company, The IBP Foods Co., The Pork Group Inc., TyNet Corporation, Tyson (Shanghai) Enterprise Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Tyson Americas Holding Sarl, Tyson Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Tyson Breeders Inc., Tyson Chicken Inc., Tyson China Holding 2 Limited, Tyson China Holding 3 Limited, Tyson China Holding Limited, Tyson Deli Inc., Tyson Europe Holding Company, Tyson Farms Inc., Tyson Farms QOZB LLC, Tyson Foods Brasil Investimentos Ltda., Tyson Foods Canada Inc., Tyson Foods Europe (Netherlands) B.V., Tyson Foods Europe GmbH, Tyson Foods France S.A.R.L., Tyson Foods Germany GmbH, Tyson Foods Group Limited, Tyson Foods Holland B.V., Tyson Foods Huadong Development Co. Ltd, Tyson Foods Iberia Alimentos S.L.U., Tyson Foods Italia S.p.A., Tyson Foods Korea, Tyson Foods Netherlands B.V., Tyson Foods Products Limited, Tyson Foods Scotland Europe Limited, Tyson Foods Scotland Sales (Europe) Limited, Tyson Foods UK Limited, Tyson Foods Wrexham Limited, Tyson Foods oosterwolde B.V., Tyson Fresh Meats Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats Sales and Distribution LLC, Tyson Global Holding Sarl, Tyson Hog Markets Inc., Tyson India Holdings Ltd., Tyson International APAC Ltd., Tyson International Company Ltd., Tyson International Holding Company, Tyson International Holding Sarl, Tyson International Service Center Inc., Tyson International Service Center Inc. Asia, Tyson International Service Center Inc. Europe, Tyson Mexican Original Inc., Tyson Mexico Trading Company S. de R.L. de CV., Tyson New Ventures LLC, Tyson Opportunity Zone Fund LLC, Tyson Pet Products Inc., Tyson Poultry Inc., Tyson Prepared Foods Inc., Tyson Processing Services Inc., Tyson Refrigerated Processed Meats Inc., Tyson Sales and Distribution Inc., Tyson Service Center Corp., Tyson Shared Services Inc., Tyson Storm Lake Holdings LLC, Tyson Warehousing Services LLC, Tyson of Wisconsin LLC, Uninex SA, Universal Meats (UK) Limited, WBA Analytical Laboratories Inc., Wilton Foods Inc., Xamol Consultores e Servicos, and Zemco Industries Inc..

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Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates through three segments: Commercial, Defense & Space, and Aftermarket. The Commercial segment offers forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems, struts/pylons, nacelles, and related engine structural components; and wings and wing components, including flight control surfaces, as well as other structural parts. This segment primarily serves the aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or engine OEMs of large commercial aircraft and/or business/regional jet programs. The Defense & Space segment provides fuselage, strut, nacelle, and wing aerostructures primarily for U.S. Government defense programs, including Boeing P-8, C40, and KC-46 Tanker. This segment also engages in the fabrication, bonding, assembly, testing, tooling, processing, engineering analysis, and training on fixed wing aircraft aerostructures, missiles, and hypersonics works, such as solid rocket motor throats, nozzles, re-entry vehicle thermal protections systems, forward cockpit and cabin, and fuselage work on rotorcraft aerostructures. The Aftermarket segment offers spare parts and MRO services, repairs for flight control surfaces and nacelles, radome repairs, rotable assets, engineering services, advanced composite repairs, and other repair and overhaul services. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. has a strategic partnership with Sierra Space to enhance access to commercial space economy of the future. The company was formerly known as Mid-Western Aircraft Systems Holdings, Inc. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

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

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

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

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

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

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

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

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

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

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

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
HDK Leader: Agreements are violated

The Democratic Party of Armenia (HDK) is leaving the newly formed electoral alliance formed by several opposition parties, HDK Leader Aram Sargsyan told journalists on Friday. The main figures of the alliance are former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, former Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan and influential political figure Victor Dallakyan. Sargsyan says the decision about his partys withdrawal [from the alliance] was taken on Thursday. The HDK leader says before joining the alliance they had submitted four clauses and reached a preliminary agreement on them with the other forces in the alliance, but the agreements have been broken. First of all, we proposed to form a joint council where decisions would be made by consensus. The most important issue to be discussed by the council was the program and composition of the alliance. However, the council has not been formed to this day. Everyone is focused on the electoral lists, which, in our opinion, is a secondary issue which does not have fundamental importance, he said. Aram Sargsyan did not rule out that the HDK might participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections with other political forces and said negotiations are currently underway with other alliances. Several weeks ago, Vartan Oskanians Hamakhmbum (Consolidation), Viktor Dallakyans Errord Hanrapetutyun (Third Republic) and Aram Sargsyans Democratic Party of Armenia (HDK) announced their intention to form an alliance to jointly challenge the government in the April parliamentary elections.
WASHINGTON  A federal appeals panel has maintained the freeze on President Donald Trump's controversial immigration order, meaning previously barred refugees and citizens from seven majority-Muslim countries can continue entering the United States.

In a unanimous 29-page opinion, three judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit flatly rejected the government's argument that suspension of the order should be lifted immediately for national security reasons, and they forcefully asserted their ability to serve as a check on the president's power.

The judges wrote that any suggestion that they could not "runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy."

The judges did not declare outright that the ban was meant to disfavor Muslims - essentially saying it was too early for them to render a judgment on that question. But their ruling is undeniably a blow to the government and means the travel ban will remain off for the foreseeable future.

Trump reacted angrily on Twitter, posting just minutes after the ruling, "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" He later said to reporters that the judges had made "a political decision."

"We have a situation where the security of our country is a stake, and it's a very, very serious situation, so we look forward, as I just said, to seeing them in court," he said.

The Justice Department, which was defending the administration's position, said in a statement it was "reviewing the decision and considering its options."

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who had sued over the ban, said, "Bottom line, this is a complete victory for the state of Washington," and declared that the judges' ruling "effectively granted everything we sought."

The Justice Department could now ask the Supreme Court - which often defers to the president on matters of immigration and national security - to intervene. The Supreme Court, though, remains one justice short, and many see it as ideologically split 4-to-4. A tie would keep in place whatever the appeals court decides. The Justice Department could also ask the full 9th Circuit to consider the matter.

The appeals court opinion was written by Judge Michelle Friedland, who was appointed by President Barack Obama; Judge Richard Clifton, who was appointed by President George W. Bush; and Judge William Canby, who was appointed by President Jimmy Carter. It was detailed, but it does not represent a final judgment on Trump's immigration ban.

Last Friday, U.S. District Judge James Robart granted the states of Washington and Minnesota a temporary restraining order on the ban, and the parties had been set to file briefs through Feb. 18 on the East Coast arguing for a more permanent, preliminary injunction. The appeals court judges noted their ruling was a "preliminary one," and they were deciding only whether the government had "made a strong showing of its likely success" in getting the restraining order thrown out.

Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president, said on Fox News: "This ruling does not affect the merits at all. It is an interim ruling, and we're fully confident now that we'll get our day in court and have an opportunity to argue this on the merits, that we'll prevail."

The ruling, though, is critically important - as Trump's ban on refugees lasts only 120 days, and his ban on visitors from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen lasts only 90 days. The judges also said that while the states of Washington and Minnesota had made serious allegations - and the impact of the order was "immediate and widespread" - the government had not pointed to any substantive evidence to support its need for the ban.

"The Government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the Order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States," the judges wrote. "Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the Executive Order, the Government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all."

The states have alleged that the executive order harms their businesses and universities, preventing some students and faculty from traveling abroad for fear of being stranded and diminishing the sales tax revenue they receive.

Legislators and others who had opposed the ban hailed the judges' ruling and urged Trump to back down.

"President Trump ought to see the handwriting on the wall that his executive order is unconstitutional," said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. "He should abandon this proposal, roll up his sleeves and come up with a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe."

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said, "If the President were serious about bringing our country together and keeping us safe, he would rescind this arbitrary and discriminatory order and recall what makes our country great."

Hillary Clinton, who lost the presidency to Trump in November, posted on Twitter simply, "3-0."

Federal immigration law undeniably gives the president broad authority to bar people from coming into the United States, stating that if the president finds "the entry of any aliens" would be "detrimental" to the country's interests, he can impose restrictions. But lawsuits across the country have alleged that Trump's particular order ran afoul of the Constitution in that it intentionally discriminated against Muslims.

At a hearing Tuesday, Justice Department lawyer August Flentje vigorously disputed that the measure was intended to target Muslims. In their ruling, the judges did not reveal their opinion on that question, although they noted Washington and Minnesota had "offered evidence of numerous statements by the President about his intent to implement a 'Muslim ban' as well as evidence they claim suggests that the Executive Order was intended to be that ban."

Former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani recently said publicly: "So when [Trump] first announced it, he said, 'Muslim ban.' He called me up. He said: 'Put a commission together. Show me the right way to do it legally.' " On the campaign trail, Trump himself called for a "complete and total shutdown" of Muslims entering the country.

The appeals court judges had questioned both sides skeptically at Tuesday's hearing, seeming particularly interested in what evidence Trump relied upon in implementing his order and what limits the Justice Department saw on the president's authority to set immigration policy. While Flentje urged them to restore the measure completely, he also at one point offered a fallback position. The judges, he suggested, could limit Robart's order so that it applied only to foreigners previously admitted to the country who were abroad now or those who wished to travel and return to the United States in the future.

They declined to do even that, saying, as written, the president's executive order could apply even to green-card holders - which it once seemed to do, although the White House counsel later issued guidance saying it did not. The judges said the Justice Department had "offered no authority establishing that the White House counsel is empowered to issue an amended order superseding the Executive Order," and "in light of the Government's shifting interpretations of the Executive Order," they were not convinced that guidance would hold.

Trump and his supporters have pressed the case that the short-term stoppage on refugees and immigrants from the seven countries is necessary for national security reasons, and they have leveled blunt criticism at the courts. Trump went so far as to suggest on Twitter that if an attack were to happen, the judiciary would be to blame. On Wednesday, he denounced arguments about his order as "disgraceful" and said "a bad high school student" would understand the broad authority the law gives him to impose immigration restrictions.

A day earlier, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told Congress that he thought judges might be considering the issue from an "academic" perspective instead of the national security lens through which he views the world.

"Of course, in their courtrooms, they're protected by people like me," Kelly said.

Federal courts in New York, California and elsewhere already had blocked aspects of the ban from being implemented, although one federal judge in Massachusetts declared that he did not think that challengers had demonstrated that they had a high likelihood of success. The case before the 9th Circuit, though, was much broader than the others, because it stemmed from a federal judge's outright halting of the ban.
Karen Karapetyan, U.S. Ambassador discuss joint efforts to combat corruption

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan received U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Richard Mills. The meeting was attended by USAID Armenia Office Director Deborah Grieser. The meeting focused on the Governments anti-corruption policy and the joint efforts in the fight against corruption. Evoking the legislative reforms and government decisions implemented to date, the activities carried out as part of the fight against corruption, as well as the planned activities, Karen Karapetyan gave details of a number of draft laws aimed at improving the effectiveness of anticorruption actions and mechanisms, introducing new procedures, which may help reduce corruption risks in all areas. In terms of achieving consistency in the fight against corruption, I believe it crucial to ensure the publics proactive civil position, provide a stronger Government-society feedback and build on constructive cooperation with partner organizations. I would like to emphasize once again that my government is open to discussion and proposals, Karen Karapetyan said. Pleased with the steps taken by the Government in the fight against corruption, the U.S. Ambassador welcomed the Prime Ministers public statements and actions in this regard. Noting that there is still much to be done in this field, Richard Mills said his countrys authorities ready to support the Government's anticorruption effort through their own resources. You may rest assured of the United States commitment to supporting Armenias anticorruption program. We are prepared to work with all those State structures firmly determined to combat corruption, the Ambassador pointed out. At Richard Mills request, Karen Karapetyan briefed the Ambassador on the goals and targets set before the independent preventive anticorruption body to be established under the Senior Officials Ethics Committee. In this context, the interlocutors dwelt on the criminalization of illicit enrichment, enhancing the quality in investigation of corruption crimes, as well as other issues related to legislative initiatives. Karen Karapetyan and Richard Mills took the opportunity to exchange views on U.S.-Armenia economic cooperation priorities, the Government's Press Service reports.
Mumbai: Infosys co-founder and former chairman N R Narayana Murthy on Friday set aside speculations doing the rounds over chief executive Vishal Sikka and his purported severed ties with the IT firms founders.

We are quite happy with Vishal Sikka, he is doing a good job, Murthy told CNBC-TV18 in an interview.

Murthy who headed the second largest software and technology company in India till he stepped aside in October 2014 put severance package given to Rajiv Bansal, former chief financial officer at Infosys, under crosshairs.

Murthy does not buy the theory that Bansal was given huge quitting package as a hush money to safeguard companys secrets. "So many people have had crucial inside information, why pay only Bansal, Murthy questioned.

Bansal who quit Infosys as CFO and joined Ola in January 2016 was given 30 months' salary as a severance package that has been at the heart of purported 'rift' at Bengaluru-based firm.

"30 month severance package is not a standard practice in India. We did not pay any severance package to Mohandas Pai, V Balakrishnan, Ashok Vemuri, B G Srinivas," Murthy said. These old timer Infoscions had joined Infosys during initial stages of the IT company.

There is a little bit of consternation over ex-CFO Bansal's severance package, Murthy said. According to reports, Rajiv Bansal was given Rs 17.4 crore at the time he left Infosys as chief financial officer.
New Delhi: Mired in controversy centring around differences between its founders and the management, Infosys today denied any governance lapses and emphasised that its board is "fully aligned with the strategic direction" of CEO Vishal Sikka.

Taking a strong stand on issues  purportedly raised by the founders  such as CEO's compensation and severance pay of former employees, Infosys said while the board appreciates and respects inputs from the founders, it is committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to "act independently".

"The board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Dr Vishal Sikka and is very appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation," Infosys Chairman R Seshasayee said.

He further said: "Vishal and the board, while being pleased with the company's resumption of industry-leading performance on many parameters, are keen to further accelerate the progress and achieve even more shareholder value increase, on the foundation of sound governance."

Over the past few days, the Bengaluru-based firm has come under fire over purported differences between some of the founders and the Infosys board. Infosys has maintained that all decisions were made "in the overall interest of the company" and that it has made "full disclosures" on all developments.

However, Infosys' former chief financial officer T V Mohandas Pai has recently said the board should give a detailed answer and not take shelter under "bland" statement that decisions were taken in the interest of the company, which further added to the speculations.

Defending the board, Infosys today said its team is independent and professional. "The independent directors have no interest other than their commitment to enable this great institution that has been assiduously built by the iconic founders to succeed," it added.

Stating that the board appreciates and respects inputs from the founders, Infosys said the team is "committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to act independently and in the overall interest of the shareholders".

To formalise this process, the board has recently appointed Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas to receive various inputs from promoters and other key stakeholders, evaluate them and make recommendations to the board.

"This will be an ongoing process for some time. The company will take every step to uphold the standards of governance processes, of which the company has always been an exemplar," it said.

Besides, the board has full confidence in the leadership of Seshasayee to steer this company in these "challenging times", Infosys' senior-most board member and Chairman of Nomination and Remuneration Committee Jeff Lehman said.

The Infosys founders, along with their family members, owned 12.75 per cent in the company at the end of December 2016, as per the data available on BSE. Sikka has also written to employees asking them not to get distracted by speculations that question the company's commitment to "governance, integrity and values".

He asked them to keep a "sharp focus" on executing the company's strategy, which is bolstered by its services like Mana, Skava, Edge, Panaya and cloud services.

"...let us keep a sharp focus on the execution of our strategy. Let us not get distracted by media speculation that is designed to stir up gossip or rehash old rumours or speculate on the unknowns, around visas, or anything that questions our commitment to governance, integrity and values, in order to generate headlines and create, in the words of The Wire, Eardrum Buzz," Sikka said in an internal mail.
Karan Johar and Kajol used to be best of friends and he would often refer to her as his lucky charm.

Mumbai: Its a known fact that Karan Johar and Kajol are no more friends. The television host who is known for maintaining the most rigid and dignified silence to speak about his friendship, had spilled the truth in his recently released autobiography 'An Unsuitable Boy'.

The excerpts from Karans book, which he co-wrote with Poonam Saxena were quite a revelation. He talked about his fallout with Kajol and his relationship with her husband, Ajay Devgn. But there were few things that were not revealed in the book.

In a recent interview with a popular daily, Karan blamed Ajay Devgn to be the reason for his fallout with Kajol. He said, He called me and shouted at me and said some really nasty things because he heard at a party that Id said some things about his wife. I just felt that heresay cannot be the reason for anyone to pick up the phone and say unsavoury things to anyone else. You have to give me the chance to defend myself.

He further added, Ajay said I'd bribed a trade analyst to write bad things about his film and praise mine, then he put out a statement saying there should be an investigation and she retweeted it saying 'SHOCKING'. And that was it... I don't want to say anything more, but yes one thing I'd like to say & I stand by it is that this is not a phase, a feeling that will change. No matter what, she's out of my life.

Speaking about revelation, Karan was also questioned whether hes dating someone, to which the filmmaker immediately replied, "I'm afraid to go out for dinner with another man because the paparazzi reaches everywhere and if you go out for dinner with a man, you're sleeping with him. Because two men can't be out for dinner just as friends."
Mumbai: Ever since the team of Rangoon wrapped up shoot, news of Shahid and Kanganas troubled professional relationship has been floating in the air. While Shahid insists he has no differences with the actress, Kangana reveals that the Arunachal Pradesh shoot was difficult for her because she had to share a cottage with nightmare Shahid!

"We were shooting in a remote location where a little makeshift cottage was erected. Shahid and I were sharing the cottages with our respective teams. Every morning, I would wake up to this mad hip-hop music. And he would exercise listening to crazy trance and techno songs blasting from the speakers. I was fed up and wanted to shift out. Sharing the cottage with Shahid was a nightmare, the actress reportedly informed a tabloid.

The actress, however, had no difficulty adapting to the chilly weather and hilly region as she is a mountain girl herself. Initially, it was a bit taxing because I was suddenly taken from an urban location to an extremely remote location with no network. But, gradually, it became a lot easier since I am a mountain girl. But Shahid would often freak out, she added.

Talking about her character in the movie, Kangana said that the script is by far the best thats ever been offered to her. This is probably the best script that I have ever heard. The film revolves around my character, Julia, and it was demanding. But, it is a role that comes to an actor once in their lifetime.

The film is slated to release on February 24 and has Saif Ali Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Shahid Kapoor in pivotal roles.
Mumbai: How often do we get to see two of the Khan triumvirates of Bollywood, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan under the same roof?

Well its happened and the picture is every fans ultimate dream.

The two were in Dubai on Thursday night, to attend entrepreneur Ajay Bijlis birthday bash.

The two stars, dressed in white, bonded amiably and spent a lot of time together.

Aamir will next be seen in a quirky extended cameo, in his home production, 'Secret Superstar'. However, the actor had been spending months to perfect the look of his highly anticipated Vijay Krishna Acharya directorial, 'Thugs of Hindostan,' where he will be seen alongside Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan for the very first time.

Shah Rukh, on the other hand, will be seen alongside Anushka Sharma in Imtiaz Ali's untitled next, and in a quirky cameo in Salman's upcoming Eid release, 'Tubelight'.

While makers have been trying hard to unite the three Khans on a film, the endeavour has largely remained unsuccessful.

All the average fan can do is keep their fingers crossed, and hope for the best.
Dhanush was recently in the news for protesting against the ban on Jallikattu.

Madurai: An aged couple, who have claimed that popular actor Dhanush is their son, have accused him of producing a fake birth certificate before the Madras High Court bench here to get their case pending before a lower court at nearby Melur quashed.

In their counter affidavit before the Melur Judicial Magistrate on Wednesday, R Kathiresan and Meenakshi submitted that they could prove their claim that Dhanush was their son, if the trial was conducted.

Dhanush, son-in-law of superstar Rajinikanth, had moved the Madras High Court bench on January 25 this year, seeking quashing of the case filed by the couple.

He had also sought a stay on the proceedings pending in the Judicial Magistrate's court.

The couple had claimed Dhanush was their third son and also sought maintenance of Rs 65,000 per month from the actor as they could not fend for themselves.

They had submitted that Dhanush was a schoolboy when he ran away to Chennai to get into the film world. They could not trace him then and recognised him while watching his movies, they said. Their efforts to meet him at Chennai had failed, they added.

Dhanush had earlier denied their claim and accused the couple of trying to "blackmail" him.

He had also produced a birth certificate which stated he was born on July 28, 1983 at the children's hospital at Egmore here and that his parents were Krishnamoorthy and K Vijayalakshmi.

Though his name had not been mentioned in the certificate, the actor said he was given the name R K Vengadesha Prabu.

A gazette notification issued to change his name as K Dhanush was also produced in the court. In their counter filed on Thursday, the couple submitted that Dhanush was born at Government Rajaji hospital here on November 7, 1985 and his name was Kalaichelvan.

He had studied in Madurai district till the 10th standard. He was admitted to a private school at Tiruppatur in Sivaganga district, they said.

He later dropped out of school and went to Chennai to act in films, the couple claimed.
Rating:

Director: Subhash Kapoor

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Huma Qureshi, Annu Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Kumud Mishra, Sayani Gupta

Director Subhash Kapoor is back with the second instalment of his sleeper hit, Jolly LLB. The film deals with the subject of corrupt law and order with a tinge of humour. This edition is certainly not better than the first part but it isnt avoidable either.

Jagdish Mishra aka Jolly (Akshay Kumar), is serving a top notch barrister of Lucknow and aims to become one himself, one day. He is happily married to Pushpa (Huma Qureshi) with a kid. His life changes upside down when he betrays Hina (Sayani Gupta) for money post which Hina commits suicide.

The barrister throws Jolly out of his office and then starts the journey of one man against the corrupt system of law and order. Jolly decides to re-open the case of Hina and give her justice. Promod Mathur (Annu Kapoor), a defending lawyer meets Jolly in the courtroom. Will Jolly able to do this or remain futile in his life?

Director Subhash Kapoors Jolly LLB 2 tracks and unravels the journey of the crooked police system. He highlights dirty situations which culminate in being victimised by power and politics. The movie is perhaps a reflection of the society and the upbringing of a huge population, who still arent aware of the twisted annals of the law and order.

Subhash Kapoor has narrated a sensitive story in a nice manner. The humour added in the courtroom doesnt look forced and rather justifies the role of actor Saurabh Shukla. The dialogues are crisp and thought provoking. First half of the film is much better than the second, with a hook point at the intermission, but the real drama unfolds in the second half which mainly pans out in the court room. The good part of the film is despite losing the grip in middle, it picks up the pace by the end credits.

Akshay Kumar pumps in so much life into the film that it is his performance that steals the show. His screen presence, his personality, the way he projects his character and his facial expressions are brilliant. Turning your eye anywhere else is a crime when he is on screen. Though Huma has a relatively smaller role but she is a very gratifying watch. Annu Kapoor as the defending lawyer commands an extraordinary screen presence despite having Akshay Kumar in the same frame. Ditto for Saurabh Shukla who delivers a power packed performance as judge. Sayani Gupta, Manav Kaul and Inaamulhaq do not let down either. They are very convincing and play their parts to perfection.

Cinematography by Kamaljeet Negi is fine. Shekhar Prajapati did a fair job as the editor in maintaining the thrill of the movie. Except for the Go Pagal song that is shot during Holi, the film has no dance number. The reviewer is happy to see a film where the music wasnt jarringly forced into.

Jolly LLB 2 should definitely be on your to-do list for the weekend. The film might not satisfy you as much as the first one might have, but you surely wont come out disappointed out of the theatres.
Rating:

Director: Hari

Cast: Suriya, Anushka Shetty, Shruti Haasan, Raadhika and Nasser.

The much-awaited third instalment of Suriya  Hari combos Singam franchise, 'Si 3,' finally hits the marquee after multiple delays due to unforeseen reasons. However, Suriyas terrific screen presence, agility and infectious energy levels and Haris speed remain intact in the third part, making this film a treat for Suriya fans.

Though the prequels were set in Tamil Nadu, the premises of Si 3 are set in Vizag in Andhra Pradesh with the entire story unveiling there. Every character speaks in Tamil and a disclaimer card flashed as the film starts. Durai Singam (Suriya), the upright, unbeatable cop of TN is specially brought to Vizag by Home Minster (Sarath Babu) to solve the mysterious murder of police commissioner Ramakrishna (Jayaprakash). Assisting Singam in the mission is a bunch of cops (played by Soori, Robo Shankar and Krish).

During his probe, through a series of investigations, Singam discovers that Madhusudhna Raddy (Sarat Saxena), the self-centered thug, is involved in nefarious activities in Vizag and is behind the murder of CoP. The investigation ultimately leads to his nexus, one Vizag born Vittal Prasad (Thakur Anoop Singh), a multimillionaire and son of Central Home Minister (Suman) who is based in Australia, are the brains behind all illegal activities. Vittal, who is into several multinational businesses including dealing with scraps, ships tons of e-waste and medical waste and dumps it in Vizag. The obnoxious toxic gases emitted from these wastes kill several children from a nearby school. When CoP is out to expose the criminals, Reddy hatches a plan and murders him. How Singam nabs Vittal and brings him to book forms the rest of the story.

It is Suriya all the way! The actors intense act, be it in high-octane action sequences, delivering (message oriented) punch lines, body language, dancing and romancing the two ladies is intact for the third time. His eyes speak volumes. It looks like as if playing Durai Singam is a penance for Suriya. Though Hari gets a new core story and sequences, after a point the narration becomes predictable and formulaic.

While Anushka looks matured, her weight gain appears uncomfortable in dance routines. Shruti in a poorly etched role as a journalist does not contribute anything to the film except be there for a song sequence. Much was talked about Anoop Singhs debut in Tamil. Unfortunately, he hardly makes any impact, which may be due to the underdeveloped characterization. Sooris comedy falls flat. There are a host of supporting cast some from earlier parts including Vijayakumar, Nasser, Radha Ravi, Manorama, Radhika Sarathkumar, Krish Suman and Sarath Babu. Then theres an item number with Neetu Chandra.

With foot-tapping songs of Devi Sri Prasad a major plus especially in the first part of Singam, here Harris Jayarajs music is just average. The BGM is so loud and reminds one of oft-heard types. Priyans camera travels at a terrific pace matching Haris speed with grand aerial and wide-angle shots. Si 3 may appeal to commercial movie lovers.
What makes the most successful business people take risks outside their office as ways of relaxing? From business technology that surrounds them, these ultimate forms of relaxation not only allow them to focus on personal development but also makes them better business persons.

An adventure-seeker, K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, CMD, Ind-Barath Power Infra Ltd. (IBPIL), says that he has been to places around the world, except South America. He adds, Bungee jumping is the scariest in Queenstown, New Zealand and thats the most adventurous I felt. We also went hiking on snow-capped mountains. As a group, we used to travel every May for over 12-13 years, till recently. Krishna Rajus first encounter with wildlife was at the age 16, when he visited the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. During the elephant ride, the rider lost control and we went deep into the forest. I prayed to all the Gods to rescue me! he laughs.

G.V. Prasad, CEO, Dr Reddys Laboratories

There was a time when I always focussed on my work but now I make sure to go on at least one long-ish trip every year, says G.V. Prasad, CEO, Dr Reddys Laboratories, and adds, More than relaxation it is our passion for wildlife, nature and photography that drives us. He believes passion outside of work is more important as they teach the importance of leading a complete life. We, as a group, have visited Alaska, Africa, the Arctic and several places in India, he adds. He has also travelled to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, close to the North Pole.

Most successful business people are prone to taking risks and the same translates to their hobbies as well. I think the work environment is very controlled and they need to have a work face in order to be taken seriously. Adventure or taking risks for recreation is a form of expressing themselves and the adrenaline rush that comes with it does it for them, says Seema Boppana, Director of Academics, Sri Chaitanya Schools.

Talking about her most recent adventure trip to Botswana, she says, People go on safaris all the time, but this was different, because we went canoeing and camping in the wild for four days. The difference between a regular safari and canoeing is that in a regular safari you watch the animals from the safety of your vehicle while on the canoe trip we had close calls with hippos, elephants, and there was also a lioness prowling outside our tent. We also went walking on jungle tours, and during one such tour, a huge herd of elephants snuck upon us and it was the most nerve-racking thing to face.

We also had to canoe with hippos with unpredictable temperaments sharing the same water space. We were supposed to continue canoeing around them without making any noise. I could hear my heart thudding, she adds.

Ritesh Mastipuram

Ritesh Mastipuram, founder and managing director, O2 Spa, feels, These sorts of trips help you reconnect and get your 360 degree focus on what you are doing. It connects mind, body and spirit together all in one. It makes you feel whole again and truly rejuvenates you. Regular gym routines are monotonous and boring. The whole aspect of going away from the hustle and bustle of city life is to learn the basics. The more we target on cleanliness, the more we are getting prone to allergies. Getting dirty helps you increase your immune system. Outdoor adventures do help to be healthier than even the doctors prescription. Even while travelling to remote locations, there will be less of mobile connectivity. So, you have the opportunity to connect more with yourself.

Swapna

Swapna Gaddipati, Director, Lahari Group

I wanted to break out of my comfort zone and face my fears; this led to me taking up adventure holidays once a year. These trips change the complete perspective to life itself and how I look at things. These in turn help me to look at business problems differently. Also, they give me a sense of accomplishment and the energy they leave me with is tremendous.

The Everest Base Camp trip is most fresh in my mind because I was there when the earthquake took place. I love trekking and hiking the most because it gives me time to be with myself and use my mental and physical resources to overcome the challenges of negotiating terrain, altitude and push my boundaries.
The commando allegedly shot himself with his service rifle. (Representational Image)

Raipur: A CRPF commando belonging to the elite CoBRA unit on Friday allegedly shot himself from his service rifle at his camp in the Naxal-affected Jagdalpur area of Chhattisgarh.

Officials said the incident was reported around 1:40 pm when Head Constable and CoBRA commando Biju Kumar T S was found lying in a pool of blood in the force's Jagdalpur campus in Bastar district.

Biju hailed from Kerala's Thiruvanathapuram and has apparently left behind a suicide note stating no one was to be blamed for his death, they said.

He had allegedly used his carbine to commit the act, they said.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has ordered for a Court of Inquiry into the incident and ascertain the exact reasons for his taking the extreme step, they said.

The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is an elite jungle warfare unit raised under the CRPF and is deployed for conducting special anti-Naxal operations.

Biju had joined the CRPF in 1997 and was posted with the 204th battalion of the CoBRA in Jagdalpur, the administrative headquarter of Bastar district.
The victim girl narrated the whole ordeal to her parents when they came back. (Photo: Representational Image)

Jaipur: A four-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man in Murlipura area of the city on Friday.

The accused lured the minor on pretext of giving toffee when her parents were not at home.

25-year-old Kalu Ram, a laundry man, took the girl at his nearby room and dropped her back after committing the act, police said.

The victim girl narrated the whole ordeal to her parents when they came back, they said.

We have lodged a case against the accused under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) Act and efforts are on to nab him. The girl has been sent for medical examination, said SHO Murlipura police station, Naveen Khandelwal
Kolkata: A college student was arrested for his alleged involvement in circulating morphed photographs of a woman on different social networking sites, the police said on Thursday.

Soumya Jyoti Sarkar (20), a student of Charu Chandra College, was arrested late last night from his hostel accommodation in Dumdum area of the city for threatening a lady by sending messages from his social networking site as well as Whatsapp of circulating her private pictures to others.

Sarkar, a resident of Tufanganj in Cooch Behar district and studying at Charu Chandra College in the southern part of the city, has been accused by the lady and her parents in their complaint lodged with the Cyber Police of Kolkata Police in the case.

"During investigations we found the accused actually has uploaded certain morphed pictures of the lady and posted it on her Facebook timeline. Some of the photographs were also posted on a couple of fake profiles. He also circulated a few morphed photographs among the complainant's relatives and friends," a senior police officer said.

The youth has been brought to Cyber PS for further examination, he said. "Two mobile phones, SIM cards and memory cards have been seized from him from which the crime was committed," the officer added.
MUMBAI: A 31-year-old city resident was arrested on Friday after he allegedly opened the emergency exit of the Chandigarh-bound Indigo flight (6E 4134) while it was stationary at the Mumbai airport, sparking off a security scare.

Akshay Mohan, 31, a professional movie editor and a resident of Juhu Tara Road, was supposed to fly to his hometown Chandigarh with his brother Ashish Mohan.

Mr Ashish claims that Mohan had been behaving weird since Friday morning but could not possibly be a security threat. Officials of the airport police station are interrogating the brothers. This is the second such incident in the last three years.

The incident took place on Friday morning when shortly after boarding was complete on flight 6E 4134. While the aircraft was stationary and before it could push back for taxiing, Akshay, who was seated on 12C, suddenly opened the emergency exit door, which automatically inflated the evacuation slide.

As soon as the cabin crew on board saw this, the Captain-in-Command was alerted. In this process, a co-passenger seated on 12A received bruises.

Taking a precautionary measure, the Captain immediately informed the ground staff of the situation on board and instructed the team to arrange for medical assistance and other necessary action, said the IndiGos spokesperson.

Akshay was handed over to the security staff and the CISF deployed at Mumbai airport. The IndiGo spokesperson said that the airline had filed a FIR against Akshay. Officials said Mr Ashish claimed Akshay to be of unsound mind, but there was no evidence with them to prove the same.
Chennai: Eight students from various Chennai corporation schools, who won an elocution competition conducted by the Rotary Club of Madras East (RCME) and the Goethe institute, won an opportunity to visit Germany for an educational tour in July. The final round of the story telling competition, Wings to Fly, was held on Thursday at Amma Arangam in Shenoy Nagar. Nearly 3,000 students from 70 corporation schools participated in the bilingual (English and Tamil) story telling copetition for the initial screening.

Eight students won in the junior and senior category after the four stages of the competition. Mr Achim Fabig, the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, said, The topic for this edition was 'Embrace our River'. The kids made a wonderful speech with varied perspective on the existing issues of water bodies. We believe this is the right move to bring an ecological awareness rather than educating existing officials. The emotion which they created in the auditorium would have a positive effect in the future when they become authoritarians.

Justifying the title 'Wings to fly', these eight kids will be taken for a visit to places like Berlin and Munich in Germany where the water management is a way ahead than other nations. Students from corporation Schools are no less competitive compared to other institutions. Such opportunities are needed to prove their mettle, said K. Ananth, president of RCME, encouraging the students.

This is the second time I am winning the competition. I visited Malaysia last year and got inspired by cleanliness and hospitality there. This time I am excited to visit Germany. Support from friends, family and teachers are taking me places. Being a corporation school student, I am not feeling deprived of an opportunity, said S. Sivagami, class 8 student of Corporation Girls Higher Secondary School in Saidapet.
Agra: Firebrand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister Uma Bharti raised the poll pitch in Agra on Thursday for the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh, claiming that she had ensured rapists were tortured for their crimes and begged for forgiveness, when she was Chief Minister.

"Rapists should be tortured in front of victims until they beg for forgiveness. When I was the CM, I made them do it," an NDTV report quoted her as saying.

Her comments were an attack on Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav over the Bulandshahr gangrape of a mother and daughter by highway robbers in August 2016. She hit out at the UP government for letting the culprits get away on bail.

The 57-year-old referred to her tenure as the CM in Madhya Pradesh, and described how she would ask the police to torture rapists and ask victims to watch their ordeal to get closure.

"I would tell the cops to hang the rapists upside down and beat them so hard that they would cry out. I would tell women to watch through windows of the police station," she said.

"They should be hung upside down and salt and chilly should be rubbed on their wounds until they scream. Mothers and sisters should watch so they can get closure," she added.

She even recalled an incident from her tenure and said that when a police officer objected to her orders to torture rapists. "I told him people who behave like demons cannot have human rights. Their heads should be cut off like Ravana's."
New Delhi: Terming Iran as an important partner, President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said that India looks forward to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the Persian Gulf country.

He also extended his greetings and felicitations to the government and the people of that country on the eve of the 38th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

"We consider Iran as an important partner and look forward to strengthening our bilateral cooperation across diverse areas on the basis of our shared interests.

"I am confident that such engagement will bring stability and prosperity to the entire region," Mukherjee said in a message to Grand Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Islamic Revolution stands testimony to the great valour and sacrifices of the people of Iran, he said.

"India-Iran relations are rooted in history and are based on our close cultural and civilisational linkages that span millennia," the President said.
Chennai: DMK working president MK Stalin on Friday met Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao at the latters official residence in Raj Bhavan, amid the continuing tussle between AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala and acting CM Panneerselvam.

After meeting Rao, Stalin, speaking to media persons, said that the Governor must ensure that proper governance was re-established in the state.

The present dispensation is not even able to undertake local body elections in the state. No administration work has taken place for nearly 9 months; there's a standstill in the state. DMK has raised the issue and now the Governor must take action, Stalin said.

Stalin said he had met the Governor and submitted a memorandum seeking establishment of a government in the state.

In perhaps a backhanded compliment to Panneerselvam, Stalin said, After Amma's demise OPS took charge & took up the Jallikattu issue. But during the public protests, Jallikattu was taking place inside AIADMK.

Stalin however refused to comment on Sasikalas allegations that DMK was behind Panneerselvams revolt.

I cannot spare my time to remark on those allegations, he said dismissively.
Chennai: A section of AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to party General Secretary V K Sasikala today dismissed media reports and allegations from the Panneerselvam camp that they were being "detained" at a resort near here, and asserted that they were "free".

V C Arukutty, MLA from Kavundampalayam in Coimbatore and a supporter of revolting Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, alleged that the MLAs were "detained" and "not reachable."

"The MLAs are not reachable. They have been detained. They are legislators elected by people, so release them. Let them go and meet people," he told reporters here.

However, the MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala rejected the allegations. "We are free. We are keenly awaiting Governor's invitation (to Sasikala to form government). We are not children to be detained or abducted as is being reported in a section of media," Perundurai MLA ND Venkadachalam said.

Some of the MLAs, including former ministers like himself, were made to stay put at one place to move swiftly in case there was a need in the wake of an invitation from the Governor, he told a TV channel.

Kattumannarkoil MLA N Murugumaran said he was staying at the resort near here on his own volition and that he was paying for the expenses from his own pocket. "There is no intimidation, no abduction, no pressure. These are all cooked up charges," he said.

While some of the MLAs were staying there, others were residing at places of their choice, he said.

Responding to reports that most of the MLAs were not reachable on the phone, he said he had switched off his mobile phone to avoid "unnecessary calls," and to avoid any kind of speculations and "wrong news."

Gudiyatham MLA Jayanti Padmanabhan also said she was not being detained as was being made out and lashed out at Panneerselvam.

Former Minister and senior party leader B Valarmathi insisted that the MLAs were free and alleged they were being "intimidated" by those close to Panneerselvam. "The MLAs are free. They are being intimidated by Panneerselvam's relatives over phone and that is why they have switched off their mobile phones," she said.
Bijnor (UP): Taking up issues of dynastic politics and law and order to target Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called it a tie-up between two families who have "looted" Uttar Pradesh and the country, and mocked Rahul Gandhi saying no leader has as many jokes on him as he does for his "childish" acts.

"When both families were separate, they caused so much destruction in the country and UP. What will happen when they have joined hands. If you want to save UP, you will have to save it from these families," he said addressing a rally here.

With BJP locked in a tough fight in the state assembly polls, the Prime Minister dwelt at length on the "family rule" of the Yadav clan and cases of major crimes under its watch, besides "corruption" during the reign of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati governments.

Modi, who has been accused by Congress of using foul language and repeatedly humiliating opposition after his raincoat jibe against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, persisted with his shrill attack on rivals saying they have only served their families.

With Jats playing a key role in the two phases for which polling will be held tomorrow and February 15, he said a BJP government in the state will set up a farmers welfare fund named after Charan Singh, a noted Jat leader.

Clearing the dues of sugarcane farmers and waiving loans of small and marginal farmers, both promises being part of the BJP's manifesto, will be a top priority for the state government if his party is voted to power, he said.

It was, however, his attack on the SP-Congress alliance and the ruling Yadav family which was the focus of his speech.

"I do not know Akhilesh Yadav much. I have met him a few times in meetings and it seemed to me after reading various reports that he is an educated young man who is trying to learn. I was hopeful that a young man will be fit for politics in 5-10 years.

"On the other hand there is a Congress leader who does so many childish acts that if you do a search on Google, you will find that no other leader has as many jokes on him as he has.

"Even senior Congress leaders keep a distance from him. When the leader avoided by his senior party leaders was embraced by Akhilesh, then I began doubting his wisdom. One can make blunders but not of this kind," Modi said, targeting the Congress vice president.

He said it is an alliance between two families, one of which "looted" the country and the other Uttar Pradesh.

He noted that so many members of the extended ruling Yadav family are MPs, MLAs and serving in various other capacities in government.

While Bijnor with about 2,000 villages has one MP, there are so many of them in Parliament, assembly and other government bodies from Safai, the family village of Akhilesh Yadav, he said.

They made one caste (Yadav) as their vote bank but served only their family, he said.
Chennai: The Madras High Court on Friday sought the Tamil Nadu government's response to allegations that AIADMK MLAs were being illegally detained by party general secretary VK Sasikala in a resort near Chennai, and 20 of them were on a fast.

Referring to claims by the counsel for habeas corpus petitioners that the 20 MLAs were on a fast protesting their illegal detention, a division bench of justices C T Selvam and T Mathivanan said if true, it was a matter of serious concern, but added the court cannot act on mere submissions of counsel.

"(Counsel) K Balu submits that 20 of the MLAs are refusing food and drink owing to their illegal confinement. If true, the matter is one of serious concern.

"However, this court cannot act on the mere say of the counsel. Given the nature of the case, it would only be appropriate to afford the state an opportunity to inform its response," the bench said in its order and adjourned the matter to February 13 for further hearing.

The allegations were made by the counsel when the HCPs seeking to trace and set at liberty MLAs T Ramachandran and Geetha came up for hearing.

Petitioner M R Illavarasan submitted Ramachandran representing Kunnam constituency, was missing since attending a party meeting a few days ago. The MLA was not accessible by phone also, the petitioner, a voter of the constituency, said.

The other HCP was filed by cousin of Krishnarayapuram MLA M Geetha.

When the court sought to adjourn both the HCPs by two weeks, Balu said it could become too late.

He said contrary to the claim made by the Assistant Public Prosecutor before another bench yesterday that the 130-odd AIADMK MLAs were in the MLAs' Hostel here and were free to move around, media reports suggested they had been accommodated at a resort near Chennai.

State Public Prosecutor Rajarathinam, representing the government, then admitted that its statement yesterday of MLAs being in the MLAs' Hostel here was 'incorrect', which was recorded by the bench.

The Additional Public Prosecutor had yesterday made the submission before a bench of justices M Jaichandren and T Mathivanan following which it had declined an urgent hearing of the matter by petitioners social activist Traffic Ramaswamy and Ilavarasan.

Ramaswamy had submitted that the 130-odd AIADMK MLAs, who elected party General Secretary V K Sasikala as the Legislature Party leader recently, were under illegal detention and sought an urgent hearing.

Citing the 'categorical' submission by the APP, the bench had declined urgent hearing.

Rajarathinam today said no MLA was in the hostel, adding he would require time to ascertain their whereabouts.

Balu said one of the MLAs, S P Shanmuganathan, had written to the State Governor and the Director General of Police stating that he had escaped from confinement.

A complaint in this regard had been lodged with police, he claimed, adding at least 20 MLAs were on a fast protesting their confinement and their lives were under threat.

He wanted the bench to direct the Kancheepuram district Superintendent of Police to inspect the resort and submit an interim report to the court.
New Delhi: Sweden's Saab has offered to build the world's most modern fighter aircraft factory in India, it said on Friday, as it goes head-to-head with US rival Lockheed Martin to supply hundreds of locally produced planes to India's military.

Saab's pitch for its Gripen E aircraft comes a day after Lockheed said it is pushing ahead with its proposal to transfer the production line of its F-16 fighter to India, even though it understands that President Donald Trump's administration may want to take a fresh look at such plans.

The race to supply the Indian Air Force with an estimated 200 to 250 fighter planes over the next decade has narrowed to Saab and Lockheed after the Indian defence ministry floated an initial request for a single-engine combat plane in October.

"We are offering to set up the world's most modern (aerospace) ecosystem and facility in India to manufacture the Gripen for India and the global market," Kent-Ake Molin, Gripen's product sales director, told reporters.

Saab was in talks with nearly 100 aerospace and defence firms in India to provide components for the production of the plane which would lay the industrial base for India to design, develop and build future fighters.

"What we are offering is a futuristic, new generation plane and not one that is the reaching the end of its life and is being replaced by air forces around the world," Molin said, in a dig at the F-16.

Lockheed has offered to build the F-16 Block 70 in India which it said was the newest and most advanced version of the plane that is flying with the air forces of 25 countries around the world.

It said the proposed Indian facility for making the F-16s would be the only one in the world as the existing plant in Fort Worth, Texas switches to producing the fifth generation F-35 for the US Air Force.

The Indian government is expected to decide between the two bidders some time this year to meet the urgent needs of the air force.

A defence ministry official said the process was at an early stage. Defence procurement almost always takes years in India, although Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has promised the military faster modernisation.

Last September, India signed a deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France for around 7.8 billion euros ($8.30 billion), the country's first major acquisition of fighter planes for two decades.

However, it trimmed back a planned larger order for Rafales after the two sides failed to agree on costs and local production terms, and India is now looking to other manufacturers to fill its remaining need for new fighters.

Trump's criticism of US auto and drug companies moving manufacturing overseas and then selling goods back to the United States has raised concern of a potential impact on Lockheed's offer to India, although in this case the factory would supply the Indian military rather than export to the United States.

Both Saab and Lockheed are participating in India's biggest air show opening in Bengaluru next week, hosted by the Indian defence ministry.
Chennai: The inquiry commission headed by retired Justice of Madras high court S. Rajeswaran on Thursday began the judicial probe into the violence that broke out during final day of the jallikattu protest on Marina on January 23. The Tamil Nadu government had named Justice Rajeswaran to probe into the causes and circumstances leading to the law and order disturbances in various parts of the State.

Rajeswaran visited Marina Beach on Thursday and conducted enquiry with senior police officers V Balakrishnan and R Sudhakar. Justice Rajeswaran visited Nadukuppam and the police station at Ice House to conduct enquiry with the public and also police personnel at the police station. The fish market at Nadukuppam was torched and some miscreants had torched the Ice House police station during the violence.

Justice Rajeswaran later told reporters, I visited the violence-affected areas. I will inquire to know the cause of torching fishing market and police station. He also noted that once the office building has been assigned for the commission on Greenways Road in RA Puram, members of the public could approach him and submit their queries and proof. He is also planning to visit Coimbatore and Madurai to conduct enquiry about the violence

The Commission of Inquiry would be to enquire into the causes and circumstances leading to the law and order disturbances on January 23 including damages to public and private properties Besides, it would ascertain whether appropriate force was used as warranted by the circumstances and whether there were any excesses on the part of police officers, and if so, suggest the action to be taken and recommend suitable measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The commission is expected to complete its inquiry and submit its report within three months.
Jind: Triple talaq is a sin and an atrocity against women and it is important to bring an end this practice for the welfare of the Muslim community, RSS leader Indresh Kumar said on Thursday.

"Triple talaq is an atrocity and a sin against Muslim women and now the time has come to relieve the women of this practice forever," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

He said BJP is working to put to end this practice for the benefit of the Muslim community.

He exuded confidence about BJP forming next government in Uttar Pradesh, while also acknowledging tough competition in Punjab and Uttarakhand assembly elections.

He said, "The people of UP have shown faith in Congress, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party but none of them could meet their expectations. Now the people of UP have decided that they will bring BJP to power."

On a question about AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, Kumar said he should emerge as a "gentle politician" and not be giving out statements in excitement.

On the Jat quota agitation in Haryana, he said everybody has a right to put forth their demand and views in a democracy.

"The Jat community is also entitled to put forth its views but in a democratic manner. There should not be any violence, because that will not do good to anyone. The violent incidents that occurred during their protests last year did no good to anyone. The separatists' movements in Jammu and Kashmir also caused loss to all," he said.

He also hailed the Centre's decision of demonetisation.
Hyderabad: The four-day boycott of Parliament by members of Parliament belonging to the TRS has yielded the desired result. The Centre announced that Telangana will get an All India Institute of Medical Science, something the TRS has been demanding for the past two-and-a-half years.

TRS MPs have been boycotting this session and making a case before finance minister Arun Jaitley and home minister Rajnath Singh that the Centre had given Telangana a raw deal and warned that if this attitude continued, they may have to start an agitation.

So at the request of Arun Jaitley, TRS LS leader Jitender Reddy attended the House on Thursday. At the end of a reply by the minister on the Budget, Mr Reddy addressed the minister: Sir, what about AIIMS for Telangana? We are giving it, Mr Jaitley said.

After the House adjourned, Mr Reddy spoke to the media and thanked the Centre for at last conceding to his partys demand for AIIMS. He said the party will fight to get other demands met  such as bifurcation of the High Court, All India Service Officers allotment and on 9th and 10th scheduled institutions listed in the AP Reorganisation Act.

A senior TRS MP said Mr Jaitley had also conveyed that he will arrange an appointment for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao in a weeks time.
Lucknow: At an age when most girls dream of a fairy tale wedding and a handsome husband, this 25-year-old girl is contesting elections to ward off marriage.

Vandana Sharma, an independent candidate from Fatehpur Sikri, rode alone on her scooty to the district headquarters, about 40 km from her village, to file her nomination as an Independent.

I have no illusions about the result because I know I am contesting against money and muscle power. But I want to make my point, she said.

Ms Sharma, who is pursuing graduation from Agra College, said her family feels it is the right time for her to get married.

I want to do something on my own before getting married. Family pressure was increasing, so I thought that maybe I could contest elections and make them realise that I want to do something on my own, she said.

Her family initially disapproved of her decision, but now her brother Sushil has joined her campaign. Her father, a farmer, declined to talk about his daughters initiative. Ms Sharma, wearing a helmet and a jacket, is touring the constituency on her scooty and focussing on women voters.

My own village, Nagla Brahman, has no basic amenities. There are no colleges nearby. Girls are not expected to step out of their homes without a male member accompanying them. People talk of development but no one works for empowerment of women, she said. She said she is getting a good response from women and the youth.
New Delhi: Two girls, who were missing since 2014, have been found in Jaipur where they were living together for the past two-and-a-half years, police said on Thursday.

"One of the girls was from Delhi and the other a resident of Bharatpur in Rajasthan. They both had been missing from November 6, 2014," said DCP (Northwest) Milind Mahadeo Dumbere.

On Wednesday, they were traced to Jaipur by a team from the Swaroop Nagar police station here. They were found staying at a rented accommodation in the city, he said, both were in their 20s.

The Delhi-based girl had moved to Jaipur to stay with her friend and they both took up jobs there. One worked as an accountant for a private firm and the other as tele-caller, Dumbere said.

Though the girls have been reunited with their families, they have expressed their desire to stay together despite their parents trying to convince them to go separate ways, said another police official, adding one of them guised herself as a boy by wearing jeans and loose clothes.

The father of the Delhi-based girl had registered a complaint at the Swaroop Nagar Police Station while the family of the other at Deeg Police Station in Bharatpur.

The Delhi girl, who was pursuing her graduation through correspondence from Delhi University and had left on the pretext of attending classes, held only on Saturday and Sunday, and went missing, the other official said, adding the families had alleged each other of abducting their daughters.

"The complainant (Delhi girl's father) believed that someone had abducted his daughter and during the investigation posters bearing information on the victim were pasted at prominent places. Information was also sent to SCRB, NCRB, Doordarshan, CRO and CBI in this regard," the DCP said, adding some mobile numbers were also scanned.

A cash reward of Rs 20,000 was also announced for anyone who could trace the girl, he said.

The DCP said during supervision of old cases, the SHO at Swaroop Nagar received information about the whereabouts of the girls and that they were residing somewhere in Jaipur.

Police found the landlord in whose house the two girls had stayed for some time and after taking him into confidence, they sought his help to trace the girls. "Both the girls were brought to Delhi. While the Delhi girl was produced before the court for recording her statement under section 164 CrPC, the other girl was handed over to the Rajasthan Police," said Dumbere.

During interrogation, it was revealed that the Delhi girl used to visit her maternal grandmother at Bharatpur where she developed friendship with the other girl and both decided to spend their life together.
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar and CM Siddaramaiah arguing during the Legislature session in Bengaluru on Thursday. (Photo: KPN)

Bengaluru: Raising the issue of the controversial dropping of a conservation reserve tag for the Kappatagudda hills of Gadag district in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, the Bharatiya Janata Party accused the government of deliberately maneouvering to help the Baldota group of companies do gold mining in the region.

Opposition leader, Jagadish Shettar, who was speaking during the motion to thanks to the Governor's address, charged that although the locals were keen on preserving the area, often spoken of as the Himalayas of South India, the government had disregarded their views and withdrawn its notification to declare the hills a sanctuary.

Although, Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa tried to defend the government, saying wildlife areas could be denotified if the officials had not taken the views of people living in the area into account, Mr Shettar produced proceedings of the state Wildlife Board, which showed they had been consulted in the matter.

Even the local MLAs of Gadag district from around Kapathagudda have said that the people are in favour of saving the forests. Only four or five people arrived at the public hearing and began to object without facts or figures. It was this government which issued the notification and then withdrew it, he deplored.

When Mr Thimmappa continued to justify the move, Speaker K B Koliwad said the denotification may have been carried out in accordance with the law but the intention behind it was questionable.

Mr Shettar intervened to allege that the Baldota group , which had obtained a gold mining license in the region, had a vested interest in seeing the notification giving a conservation reserve tag to it revoked.

He recalled that during the public hearing, a senior official of the group, H Y Desai, had said conservation could be carried out elsewhere but mining could only be done in a few places. Responding, Mr Thimmappa said the government would consider Mr Shettars views.
New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday took a complete u-turn from his previous stand and sided with the Opposition against demonetisation.

Joining the panel discussion during the launch of former finance minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram's book "Fearless in Opposition" Nitish called on the Centre to come clear on what had been achieved by demonetisation so far, asserting that there is no use in diverting attention from the issue.

"Dr Manmohan Singh saying that demonetisation was monumental mismanagement was right. The Centre has to tell us what the benefit of it was. They cannot divert the issue. When nowhere in the world cashless or less cash economy has worked, how will it work in a country like India?," the Chief Minister asked.

Calling on the Opposition to put up a united from against the ruling dispensation, Nitish further stated that the Centre needs to answer all questions regarding demonetisation, as it was about time.

"There must not be any question other than asking how much of black money has been recovered and how successful the policy has been and what is the road map for the future. It is the duty of the opposition to ask such questions. The opposition must formulate its own agenda and work on it. The opposition must unite itself, set its agenda and follow it," he added.

Justifying the change in his stand, Nitish stated that he had not immediately opposed demonetisation because he thought it is a step towards eradication of black money, adding that it's been some time and there have no results.

"Now we must set everything aside and ask, how much black money was recovered and when will corruption be hit? What is the roadmap?" asked Nitish.

Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of high valued notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 through a televised address, Nitish Kumar had openly supported the move, even when the Janata Dal (United) had voiced out against it.
CHENNAI: Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao is understood to have sought a status report from the Director General of Police T.K. Rajendran on allegations from various quarters that MLAs had been kept under captive custody. He also told him to ensure that law and order in the state was maintained.

The Governor is understood to have questioned the presence of police personnel at the Madras University Centenary Auditorium when he had not invited anyone to form government. Immediately after the meeting, police personnel were withdrawn from the auditorium.

Mr Rao quietly took charge of the administration by meeting Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan at about 11.30 am and quickly followed it up with a discussion with the DGP, Chennai police commissioner S. George and a few others.

Sources said Mr Rao told Mr Rajendran to verify allegations that MLAs had been kept under custody in a location near the city as highlighted by the media. The Governor told the police to ensure that the MLAs are there only at their will, a source said.

The Governors action comes a day after caretaker Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam met him and alleged that many MLAs have been kept under captive custody by the Sasikala camp.

OPS name in list backing sasikala puts Guv in a fix

Ms Sasikala on Thursday submitted list of 134 MLAs who have expressed support to her. He might have found it a little intriguing that Mr Panneerselvams name was among the list of supporting MLAs submitted by the Sasikala group.
In the recent weeks, one question has often been raised by Indian think tanks: should India participate in the new trade routes initiated by China? Before answering, let us look at some facts. On January 17, something quite exciting happened: a freight train arrived at Barking, a suburban town east of London. The British media titled that it signalled a new chapter in the history of the centuries-old trading route. After travelling for 16 days, the East Wind train became the first direct freight train linking China and the UK. With 34 wagons, the train was carrying 68 containers loaded with household goods such as clothes, socks, suitcases, purses and wallets worth 4 million. This is not exciting in itself, but more remarkable, it had travelled 7,456 miles, the longest train journey in the world, said the British media. Nobody dared to question the viability of such a project, probably because it was part of the dream of President Xi Jinping; he has envisioned a mega One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project to connect Asia (read China) with Europe and Africa via the ancient trading centres of Central Asia and Eastern Europe, a modern Silk Road.

Although only indirectly part of the OBOR, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has created a lot of thrill too, but mainly with Indias western neighbour. In April 2015, when Mr Xi arrived in Islamabad, he brought with him a munificent gift for Pakistan: An eye-popping $46 billion worth of planned energy and infrastructure investment to boost Pakistans flagging economy. This included 10,400 megawatts to Pakistans national grid through coal, nuclear and renewable energy projects. It sounded like a Chinese dream for the Pakistani leaders who marvelled at Beijings kindness. They may soon discover that Chinese generosity will first and foremost benefit Beijing, but it is another story! However, as the project crosses Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir it is unacceptable for India, which has presently no say in the Chinese initiative, even though New Delhi has been invited to a conference on the subject in May in Beijing. The question remains: in these circumstances should India participate in the Chinese schemes?

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Mr Xi at the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China, in September 2016, he raised the topics of terrorism originating from Pakistan as well as the CPEC project. He emphasised that New Delhi and Beijing must be sensitive to each others strategic concerns. But there is another aspect to the grandiose Chinese schemes; one has the tendency to forget that for centuries, India had traditional trade routes with Tibet, as well as Xinjiang and Central Asia. China is not ready today to implement what it is preaching; it pleads for globalisation, it wants to reopen ancient routes, but the traditional ones between India and Tibet or Xinjiang remain closed. And China is adamant about it. After Tibet was invaded by China in October 1950, the Himalayan passes fell progressively in disuse. An effort was made in 1954 to regulate the flow of people and goods through the agreement on Trade and Intercourse between the Tibet region of China and India, known as the Panchsheel Agreement, however China was not ready to implement it and the spirit of the accord eventually lapsed in 1962; the Five Principles had, in fact, the reverse effect; the trade stopped over the Himalaya.

The 1954 agreement stated: Traders of both countries known to be customarily and specifically engaged in trade between Tibet region of China and India may continue to trade. Although a number of trade marts were named, as China increased its physical grip on the plateau, the trade progressively became thinner, more complicated, the Chinese authorities started harassing the Indian traders until finally in 1962, the trade exchanges completely stopped. The entire Himalayan belt from the Karakoram Pass to eastern Arunachal had lived for centuries from the trade with Tibet. Is Beijing concerned about this? As the result of the 1962 border war and the non-renewal of the agreement earlier in the year, exchanges between Tibet and India came to an end (the closing of the Indian Consulate in Kashgar had killed the trade with Xinjiang and Central Asia, nine years earlier). It is only after the visit of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to China in December 1988 that a Protocol for Resumption of Border Trade was signed. In July 2006, Nathu La in Sikkim was added to Shipki La and Lipulekh Pass, which were opened in the 1990s. Although Nathu La is doing much better than the two others ports, trade remains rather limited while the rest of the Himalayan belt is hermetically closed.

Nawang Rigzin Jora, the Leh MLA admitted that it is China, which blocks the issue: (China) may have their own reasons. However he noted, The safest route (to the Kailash via Demchok) is through Leh. You can fly to Leh, take one or two days to acclimatise and then drive up to Kailash Mansarovar. Why not open Demchok? Ask the Chinese! While China is speaking of soft borders and ancient trade routes, Beijing is tightening its grip on the Himalaya: A new Border Resident New Identity Card (BRNIC) for people living near the Indian borders (as well as on the frontiers of Korea and Nepal) has been introduced. The BRNIC can be obtained online, its introduction will strengthen the Chinese control in the region . In the meantime, China has decided to pump $24.8 billion into laying new highways in Xinjiang region to improve connectivity with Pakistan.

Zhang Chunlin, director of the Xinjiang Development and Reform Commission recently stated, Without the highways, oil, coal and agricultural products of Xinjiang cannot be shipped out of the region smoothly and logistics costs will remain high. There is another aspect to it; China is planning a second highway linking Tibet to the restive Muslim province of Xinjiang. The new road will link the NH 219 cutting across western Tibet and Aksai Chin and the NH 315, running through southern Xinjiang to Xining in Qinghai province. It has serious strategic implications for India as a couple of roads branch off to the Indian border (to Purang at the trijunction between Tibet, Nepal and India in particular). Before discussing any Indian participation to the OBOR or the CPEC, the issue of reopening the Himalaya for trade and pilgrimage should come on the negotiating table.
Recently, the media carried news about the Dalhousie Road of New Delhi being renamed as Dara Shikoh Road after Aurangzebs elderbrother who had a reputation for being a liberal, tolerant and secular person, but was brutally killed by his younger brother on being captured after losing the battle for succession. It is believed that history may have been different if Dara Shikoh had become emperor because the ruthless Aurangzeb had laid foundations for the decline of the great Mughal Empire. A study of our neighbour Pakistan shows that its Navy at one time had its principal warships named after the great Mughals from Babur to Aurangzeb, with the exception of Akbar the Great because of his liberal views on all religions. Incidentally, Indian warships are generally not named after historical figures, but after rivers, mountains, ports, weapons and islands.

However, two Indian Navy shore establishments in Mumbai are named after famous admirals of the medieval period, viz INS Kunjali and INS Angre. Given Indias strategic location, its great dependence on the oceans for trade, energy security and dangers posed by maritime terror, Pakistan and the ever increasing presence of the Chinese Navy in our backyard, the very limited allocation of the new defence budget for naval modernisation, this article suggests that naming any two prominent roads in Delhi as Admiral Kunjali Road (the title given to four Muslim admirals of a Hindu king of Calicut in the 16th Century) and Admiral Angre Road (a Maratha admiral of the 18th Century), would not only display our secular ethos, but also remind the ruling elite that the sea is vital to our economic growth and national security.

Kunjali Marakkar was the name given to the Muslim naval chief of the Hindu King (Zamorin) of Calicut (present day Kozhikode, Kerala) in the 16th Century. As is well known, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in Calicut in 1498 with a powerful Navy and the next hundred years, commencing 1502 and ending 1600, saw a series of sea battles between the mighty Portuguese and four succeeding Kunjali Marakkars of the Zamorin. The four Kunjali Marakkars were the first to contest a major European naval power to be succeeded in the 18th Century by the Maratha Admiral Kanoji Angre. Unable to get concessions from the Zamorin of Calicut, the Portuguese signed a treaty in 1503 with the Zamorins arch rival, the King of Cochin (modern day Kochi). The war between the Portuguese and Zamorins Navy continued till 1598, when the Portuguese convinced the Zamorin that his admiral (Kunjali Marakkar IV, i.e., Mohammed Ali) planned to take over his kingdom.

The Zamorin joined the Portuguese to defeat and kill his own admiral in 1600 AD. A few years later, the British East India Company arrived and defeated the Portuguese in a sea battle in 1612, ushering in a new colonial power, whose global Navy, ensured it a superpower status, till the Americans took over by about 1950. In 1698, a Maratha named Kanhoji Angre, was appointed Surkhel or Darya-Saranga (admiral) by the chief of Satara, thus giving him authority to protect the coast from Mumbai to Vengurla in present day Maharashtra state. Kanhoji understood that naval warfare is based on offensive tactics, and began to attack merchant ships of the British East India Company, Portuguese ships, and in 1707, attacked and destroyed the British warship in Bombay. By the time of his death on July 4, 1729, Admiral Angre exercised control of the Arabian Sea from Surat to South Konkan. The 21st century is really the century of the seas, and India will find its rightful place in the comity of nations, only after it becomes a major sea power. A small step in this direction would be for India to name two prominent roads in the national capital after two admirals from our history.
Chinese actions in recent months have demonstrably established that Beijing cannot be trusted as a major power that can be relied upon to play a constructive part in the fight against religious extremism and terrorism, although it professes to be against terrorism, which has emerged as a scourge of the world. China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, but it wont help to fight international terrorism, which has emerged as a leading threat to international stability. In order to contain the terrorist menace in its own territories such as Uighur-dominated Muslim Xinjiang, it placates Pakistan  widely regarded as the epicentre of international terrorism  through aid in the field of nuclear weapons and missile technology, and latterly through a massive infusion of funds in Pakistani infrastructure.

The case of China repeatedly blocking international efforts at the UN to name Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, suggests that Beijing has gone beyond mollycoddling the state of Pakistan and its military to mollycoddling extremist and terrorist outfits themselves so that they may keep their attention away from vulnerable regions within China. Earlier this week, China, using its veto rights as a permanent UNSC member, blocked a US proposal co-sponsored by Britain and France, to have Azhar declared a global terrorist. It was the only country to oppose the move on the flimsy ground that international consensus had not been reached in naming Azhar when it could have supplied the missing link in the consensus, as India officially pointed out on Thursday while issuing a demarche against China.

A demarche is the lowest form of diplomatic protest and is unlikely to have any effect on Beijing. China appears to be apprehensive that its massive long-term investments in Pakistans security and economic sectors may be somewhat prejudiced if it helps to arraign a top Pakistani religious extremist who heads one of its most significant terror outfits. Now Islamabad has evidently gained a leverage over Beijing that the latter would find difficult to shake off. In December last year, Beijing, using its status as a permanent member of the UNSC permanently blocked Indias efforts to have Azhar declared a global terrorist. This was a step-up from the technical hold which it had placed on the Indian move on Azhar. And now an initiative backed by three other permanent members of the UNSC has been blocked. Beijing seems intent on doing the wrong thing.
Mevlana Rumis famous magnum opus, the Masnavi was inscribed by his disciple Hisamuddin Hassan Chelebi. The title Chelebi is derived from the Turkish word chalab (God), meaning a man of God. Chelebi was a man of letters who wrote mystic prose and poetry. He says, They said to the musk deer you have only one defect that you smell to all those whose company you bear. The musk deer replied, I do not care whose company I bear, but I do care for what I am and perform my duty of smell. Through Rumis writings we learn that when Hisamuddin requested him to write a spiritual treatise, like the mystic poet Fariduddin Attar, Rumi took out the first 18 verses from his turban saying, Before this idea came to you, God has already inspired me to do a book.

In one of the six volumes of Masnavi, he credits Hisamuddin with being the catalyst of the work and the one who made it happen. Hisamuddin Chelebi did not hold any definite nationality and would often say, I slept as a Kurd at night and woke up as an Arab in the morning. The same theme runs across the works of his master Rumi, who loved and respected people regardless of their nationalities and religions. When Rumi passed to the next world in 1273, the whole city of Konya mourned the loss of one of the greatest Sufi mystics. People across various religions and nations shared their grief together at his funeral. They held their own books and offered prayers for his soul according to their own customs. When the king asked them about the event, the mourners said, He is the king of religions, our leader and guide. We learnt about Christ, Moses and other prophets from his clear statements and we saw in him all the characteristics of the prophets we read in our books.

Mevlana describes the night of death as Shab-e-Urs, when the lover meets the beloved. He asks us not to grieve at his death for love can never be buried. The following lines of Rumi were inscribed on a wooden epitaph over his tomb, now placed over his fathers grave that speak of how even the physical structure of the grave is full of life. If wheat is grown on the clay of my grave, and if you bake bread of it; your intoxications will increase, the dough and the baker will go mad and the oven will begin to recite verses out of ecstasy. When you pay a visit to my tomb, it will seem to be dancing, for God has created me out of the wine of love and I am still the same love even if death may crush me.
Even for someone like myself, who absolutely loves melodrama, I find I am squirming reading all the dirty doings of a cast of characters even the most talented fiction writer would find hard to conjure up. There is muck everywhere! The narrative of the state of Tamil Nadu shifts from murky to more murky... bordering on macabre. At the epicentre of this political quake is a mysterious lady-in-green called Sasikala. The thing about that colourful and complex state is that if you dont belong to it, you dont get it. Try as I might, I have never been able to understand the power and charisma of its mighty political leaders, most of whom hide behind dark glasses by day and night. Some have genuine ophthalmic conditions, I am told. So, we can exclude them. But the rest? So many men cant possibly be suffering from conjunctivitis round the year? So, whats with those shades and sunnies? Are they a power statement, a fashion statement or just a statement-statement? Do those men not want to look the world in the eye?

Why dont women in the party resort to similar eye wear? Its impossible to trust a neta if you are unable to make eye contact. Most of them are shifty-eyed to start with, in any case. Then... those wrap-around shades! Sasikala looks shifty-eyed, if one can look into those deep-set eyes of hers. The expression remains inscrutable. The smile, fixed. The voice was finally heard when the situation reached boiling point. At the time of writing, she had technically kidnapped 129 MLAs and herded them into safe farmhouses and hotels outside Chennai, and provided them with jet skis to better enjoy the beach. I hope she also supplied appropriate swimwear. Imagine a sea of wet mundus! She is not the first politician to adopt this rather drastic strategy. Most MLAs know this is their best chance to extract favours in the form of money, gold, gifts, land, contracts... you know it. What better than to be locked up in a place where such negotiations can be conducted without too many prying eyes? Assuming, Sasikala wins the numbers game and bharat natyams her way to the CMs chair, there will still be countless unanswered questions left hanging in the air. The corruption cases, for one. She has enough powerful and outspoken critics like superstar Kamal Haasan, lined up against her. They are quick to clarify that their stated anti-Sasikala stance does not automatically make them pro-Panneerselvam.

It just means they are appalled by the situation and want democracy restored. That seems like a pretty tall order, given that there wasnt much democracy on parade during J. Jayalalithaas time either. She was a borderline despot, who knew how to play the most damaging political games. Known to be autocratic, ruthless and vindictive, its a wonder her millions of blind followers refused to see through her Machiavellian ambitions. Thats fine. Thats also democracy. She was a beloved and admired leader of a state that has a strange fascination for mega movie stars. Nobody can question Ammas education or high IQ. But people have the right to question her ethics and politics that saw the oppression of those who opposed her. Now there is talk that she could have been done in. In other words  her hospitalisation and subsequent death may not have been due to natural causes. Whispers suggest she was pushed. Pushed by whom? She shared her extravagant life and ridiculously lavish living space with Sasikala and her family (who are refusing to move out of the mansion). Lovers tiff? Well never know.

But once she was admitted to hospital, we have the absolute right to get to the truth. In what condition was Amma brought in? Was she bruised? Had fractures? Was she conscious? Did she regain consciousness at any stage during the 34 days she was struggling for her life? The nurses claim she spoke to them and wanted to go home. Ask the nurses! The doctors made a***s of themselves earlier this week, trying a bit too hard to provide medical details that werent very convincing. Why was the pantomime kept up for such a long time? Who signed papers while she was in the ICU? There were daily bulletins being issued about her conducting Cabinet meetings from what was her deathbed. Who was impersonating her? Are the signatures forgeries? The hospital is obliged to make every single medical report public before someone files charges. Every state has its share of intrigue and skullduggery. But even by those dodgy standards, whats happening in Tamil Nadu is shocking. Sasikala clearly holds the keys to Ammas tijori. The person (Sasikala) who has been dismissed (most obnoxiously!) as a charwoman by rivals is sitting on enormous wealth.

Nobody is asking how and when it was amassed. In India, these sort of questions are considered irrelevant. Citizens take it for granted that all politicians are corrupt. Some even sympathise with their lot saying, They need money to fight elections and buy votes... how else can they stay in power? How else, indeed! So... there we have it. A Tamilian melodrama to beat all melodramas. With a man oddly named Stalin, smirking from the sidelines. Nothing appears too exaggerated or too ludicrous. Not even Mr Panneerselvam arriving at midnight (with a media entourage, of course), to meditate at Ammas memorial and seek her blessings. He has asked the governor for five days to get the numbers to form the government. Meanwhile, Sasikala, the former videographer with no known formal education, is biding her time. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall in the hotels and farmhouses where the captured MLAs are chilling. Was Scotch served? Or just payasam? Get em drunk. Sweeten their decision. Buy them a loyalty card worth crores. And form the next government. Aiyyyyo! Is that what MGRs and Ammas legacy been reduced to? Devaa! Devaa!
Ceramic manufacturer Kyocera is making ceramic packages that are imperative for communication infrastructure.

While television broadcasting resolution expands from high definition to 4K than 8K, virtual reality 3D content, live videos, more high-resolution videos are posting to the web, modern information communication has been changed dramatically and annual global IP traffic is estimated to triple by 2020

In Japan, with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in mind, the start of 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communications) service has been targeted.

In order to send and receive large volume contents at a high speed, technology innovation in communication infrastructure is in progress.

Ceramic manufacturer Kyocera is making ceramic packages that are imperative for communication infrastructure.

Ceramic packages protect semiconductors from outside environment, dissipate heat from semiconductors, and transfer electrical signals to and from semiconductors.

Its existence has become more and more important for transferring large quantities of data at a fast speed.

This plant was established in 1963 and was the very first production location, also called the Mother Plant.

For more than five decades, Kyocera has been contributing to technology innovation along with the advancement of semiconductors.

By accumulating the technique and know-how of sending and receiving high speed signals and being more advanced than others, Kyocera has the largest market share in the world.

Mitsuo Yanagisawa, an official of the Kyocera Corporation, said, "Kyocera's ceramic packages are contributing to the advancement of communication infrastructure. Kyocera takes the world share No.1 position. With the development of the ceramic package for the next generation of communication infrastructure, Kyocera will continue to support the communication infrastructure of the world."

People are attracted to leather goods such as shoes or bags. It's full of Japanese craftsmanship and creative spirits.

At the Kabankobo Yamamoto in Nara Prefecture, they are making school bags that are made for elementary school students.

Including cutting, sewing, the entire process involves a few hundred steps which has to be maintained by hand within the factory.

Kazuhiko Yamamato, Managing Director of Kabankobo Yamamoto, said, "This style of making products from one piece of leather all inside the factory has not been changed since my father's time. Once the job is divided into sections, there will be parts that are overlooked, so conducting all the tasks in the factory is connected to high quality production."

First of all, the shape is taken from the leather.

The next step is using CAD to cut it. The cut leather's thickness is adjusted based on the parts that will be used on.

Like attaching metal accessories on to the shoulder strap, the process of the bag making is in progress.

The fractured surface is painted several times with Varnishes and finished beautifully.

Each section is sewed together carefully with sewing machine.

The corners of a school bag are created by pushing the leather to make ruffles. The beautiful fan shape is called Kizami, which is a traditional technique for Japanese craftspeople.

Finally, each section sewed together with thick threads. The bag is now complete.

Yamamato further said, "We look forward to practicing our creative spirit and techniques that are fostered by school bag making into other areas."

Leather goods can be used for longer time if it's taken care of.

Located in Chiba prefecture, COLUMBUS CO. LTD. makes cream that maintains the shoes.

Koji Kodaka of The Columbus Co Ltd said, "Including black, we have about 70 color variations of the shoe cream products. Leather goods are similar to human skin because people are also animals. By alimentation, leather goods are kept in good shape and will be long-lasting."

Dirty shoes can become very clean just by taking good care of them.

First of all, use a brush to clean off the dust carefully. Then use a cleaning sponge to remove the dirt.

After it becomes clean, apply the cream. The important point is to spread a thin layer of cream evenly on the leather.

After the cream dries polish with a soft cloth. The brightness of the leather can be restored this way.

Chika Kobayashi of The Columbus Co Ltd said, "Wax can polish shoes and protect the surface of the leather. We are confident that the wax emulsifying technology is unique to our firm."

Crafted with labor and time, depending on how they are maintained, the leather goods can be used for a long time.

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The Electronic Communications Privacy Act compels companies to divulge data stored in "third-party computers," such as Microsoft's Cloud, and keep the move secret. (Photo: AP)

Seattle: A judge refused the US government's request to throw out a lawsuit from Microsoft that claims a federal law is unconstitutional because it prohibits technology companies from telling customers when the government demands their electronic data. US District Judge James Robart, who temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's travel ban last week, agreed with Microsoft that the law violates the company's First Amendment right to speak to its customers when their private information is collected during criminal investigations.

But Robart denied its claim that the law violates customers' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, saying a third party like Microsoft can't assert constitutional rights for someone else. The case will now head to trial, where Microsoft will argue that "people need to get notice when the government comes knocking at the door to seize all that stuff that historically would have been stored in a file cabinet," Microsoft lawyer Stephen Rummage said during a recent hearing.

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act compels companies to divulge data stored in "third-party computers," such as Microsoft's Cloud, and keep the move secret. Microsoft successfully argued that the law harms the company by eroding customer confidence in its cloud services, Robart said in the ruling published Thursday.

"Government surveillance aided by service providers creates unique considerations because of the vast amount of data service providers have about their customers," Robart said.

The service providers know the websites we visit, Google keeps records of our searches and Facebook keeps records of our friends and what we "like," he said. Several court cases have found that material deserves constitutional protection, he said.

Microsoft President Brad Smith said the company is pleased with the order. "This ruling enables our case to move forward toward a reasonable solution that works for law enforcement and ensures secrecy is used only when necessary," Smith said.

Nicole Navas, a Justice Department spokeswoman, said the agency is reviewing the decision and declined to comment. Microsoft sued last year saying the government has increasingly sought to obtain information from providers instead of customers. Federal courts have issued more than 3,250 secret orders for data over a 20-month period ending May 2016 and more than 450 of those orders had no end dates, the company said.

One magistrate judge in southern Texas reported that the Electronic Privacy Act docket "handles tens of thousands of secret cases every year," Robart's order said.

Companies including Apple, Twitter and Amazon as well as media outlets such as The Associated Press, the Seattle Times and Washington Post filed court briefs supporting Microsoft.

The Justice Department filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the government has an interest in keeping criminal investigations confidential and customers often eventually learn about the data demands when charges are filed.

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Spreading love this Valentines Day, Samsung India today announced a slew of special offers on its products for its customers.

Starting today, customers can avail special 'Bundle of Love' offers on Samsung's best-selling smartphones and wearables. The offers will be available only on the Samsung Shop (https://shop.samsung.com/in), the official Samsung India online shop. The special Valentines offers are available for a limited period and redeemable on first come first serve basis.

Samsung offers for its Indian customers this Valentine's Day:

Buy a Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro and avail a 128GB Samsung EVO+ 128GB micro SDXC card for Rs 1,900 (Original price Rs 3,539)

Buy a Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016) and get a Level U headset for Rs 900 (Original price Rs 2,999)

Buy a Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) and get a 64GB Samsung Micro SDXC card for Rs 350 (Original price Rs 1,439)

Buy a Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime and get a Samsung Bluetooth headset for Rs 650 (Original price Rs 1,499)

Buy a Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime and get a Samsung Bluetooth headset for Rs 750 (Original price Rs 1,499)

Buy a Samsung Galaxy On Nxt and get a 64GB Samsung Micro SDXC card for Rs 250 (Original price Rs 1,439)

Buy a Samsung Galaxy On8 and get a Samsung Bluetooth headset for Rs 350 (Original price Rs 1,499)

Buy a Samsung Gear Fit2 for Rs 9,990 (Original price Rs 11,900)

Talking about the offer, Mr. Asim Warsi, Senior Vice President, Samsung India , said, We are happy to spread the joy of gifting with special deals on some of our bestselling Samsung products. We have recently revamped the Samsung eStore with richer content and a wider portfolio of Samsung products. Rechristened Samsung Shop with better features and functions and great offers like the one for Valentine's Day, we hope to continuously get close to our customers by providing superior experience at every touch point.

A sneak peek at the Samsung Shop:

With an objective to help customers find the best products that fits their requirement, Samsung India also introduced many innovative customer-centric services and re-launched its eStore.

Samsung Live Chat to help customers make buying decisions or generally enquire about Samsung products

Delight delivery for delivery by appointment from the nearest Samsung Plaza within 24 hours of ordering online, including free delivery

All-year attractive financing offers available with a variety of payment options including Credit/Debit card, Netbanking & COD

A special offers section for corporate employees for exclusive deals on Samsung products 365 days of the year.

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The northeastern city is the birthplace of Boko Haram and headquarters of the Nigerian military's campaign to crush the seven-year insurgency. (Photo: Representational Image/AP)

Maiduguri: An army officer and self-defence commander say Boko Haram insurgents have ambushed a convoy of new recruits in northeast Nigeria, killing seven troops and abducting a female soldier.

Thursday evening's ambush occurred near Mafa town on the main road 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Maiduguri. The northeastern city is the birthplace of Boko Haram and headquarters of the Nigerian military's campaign to crush the seven-year insurgency that has killed more than 20,000 people.

A humanitarian worker said he heard military radio traffic confirming the attack. All three spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to reporters. Military spokesmen did not immediately comment.

Nigeria's military last year drove Boko Haram out of towns and forest strongholds, but isolated attacks and suicide bombings continue.
Toronto: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is to have his first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday.

The White House said the leaders will discuss "strengthening the relationship" between their countries.

"Strong Canada-U.S. ties help the middle class in both our countries," Trudeau tweeted Thursday. "Monday, I'll meet @realDonaldTrump in D.C. to keep working for that goal."

Trump has said he wants to discuss his plan to overhaul the North American Free Trade Agreement, which involves the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump has said NAFTA puts U.S. workers at a disadvantage.

The meeting is crucial for Canada as the country is heavily reliant on the U.S. for trade. More than 75 percent of Canada's exports go to the U.S. Of the 50 U.S. states, 35 count Canada as their leading export market. There are fears Canada could unintentionally be sideswiped as Trump negotiates with Mexico.

Trump's refugee and immigration ban may also come up in the discussions with Trudeau.

After Trump signed the executive order pausing entries to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority nations, Trudeau tweeted that Canada welcomed people fleeing persecution, terrorism and war. Trudeau said "diversity is our strength."

Trudeau's top spokeswoman said then the prime minister was looking forward discussing Canada's immigration and refugee policy with Trump.

Three of Trudeau's top cabinet ministers already have been meeting with U.S. officials in Washington.

Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau said from Washington on Thursday that there's always an opportunity to improve on NAFTA.

"Those who are here understand that this is a key relationship we have with the United States and the figures are there to back that up," Morneau said.

Canada's foreign minister warned the Trump administration on Wednesday that her country will retaliate if the U.S. applies new tariffs. Chrystia Freeland visited U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday after meeting with House Speaker Paul Ryan and Sens. John McCain and Bob Corker on Tuesday.

Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan met with U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis on Monday.
Washington: Pakistan is committed to counter all militant groups operating in its territory, the country's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has assured US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis during a telephonic conversation.

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of bilateral military relationship during their first telephonic conversation, the Pentagon said.

"Gen Bajwa reiterated Pakistan's commitment to counter all militant groups operating in its territory," Pentagon Spokesman Capt Jeff Davis said.

"Mattis recognised the significant sacrifices the Pakistan military has made in the Federally administered tribal areas, and expressed appreciation for the Pakistan military's recent support for efforts to defeat ISIS-Khorasan Province," he said.

"Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral military-to-military relationship, and highlighted the importance of continuing to work together on counterterrorism and regional stability," Davis said.
The plane taxied back to the gate for further examination. No injuries were reported. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP))

New York: Officials are investigating a possible small engine fire on a plane at New York's Kennedy Airport.

A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says the pilot of an Argentina Airlines flight reported the engine fire late on Thursday night while the plane was on the runway preparing for takeoff.

But, Steve Coleman says when rescue trucks arrived they found no evidence of a fire. The plane taxied back to the gate for further examination. No injuries were reported.

The plane was headed to Buenos Aires. No other information was immediately available.
Washington: A key aide to Donald Trump was facing possible investigation on Thursday after pitching the clothing line of the president's daughter Ivanka on television, in apparent contravention of ethics rules. Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings led calls for Kellyanne Conway to face rebuke after she urged shoppers to "go buy Ivanka's stuff," in reference to the first daughter's fashion brand.

"This appears to be a textbook violation of government ethics laws and regulations enacted to prevent the abuse of an employee's government position," the lawmaker said in a letter to a Congressional ethics panel.

Ms Conway could face investigation by the Office of Inspector General.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Mr Trump's aide had been "counselled" over the issue, without providing more detail.

On Thursday, Ms Conway gave Ivanka Trump's clothing a rave review during an interview with the Fox network, with the White House seal clearly visible over her left shoulder.

"This is just a wonderful line," she said. "I own some of it. I fully - I'm going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online."

Ms Conway was clearly channeling the anger expressed a day earlier by the president himself, when he tweeted that Ivanka had been "treated so unfairly" by Nordstrom, the upscale department store chain that dropped her line. "Terrible," he added.

But to Washington traditionalists, Ms Conway's direct pitch from the White House for a product line sold by the president's child seemed a jaw-dropping use of presidential prestige.

"The law is clear" said Noah Bookbinder, the executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog group which filed a separate complaint.

"This is just another example of what looks like a disturbing pattern of this administration acting to benefit the businesses of the president's family and supporters."

The message from the White House again fanned debate over the unprecedented level to which the new president - despite his protestations to the contrary - has mixed politics, business and family, raising questions about conflicts of interest.

The Office of Government Ethics said its website, phones and email system were "receiving an extraordinary volume of contacts from citizens about recent events."

Without mentioning Conway by name, it said it was reaching out to the appropriate government agencies who would decide whether to pursue the matter - the established protocol when the OGE learns of "possible ethics violations."

Boycott calls

Since his election in November, Ms Trump has targeted a series of American multinationals by name (General Motors, Ford, Boeing, Lockheed and others) for moving production overseas or for allegedly overcharging the government.

But this was the first time he had complained directly about the business interests of one of his adult children. The tweet appeared both in Mr Trump's personal feed and on that of the official presidential Twitter account.

After Mr Trump's tweet, shares in Nordstrom briefly dropped but soon began to rise. Toward midday on Thursday, the company's stock was trading up nearly seven per cent over its closing price from two days earlier.

The Nordstrom group, with 350 stores in the United States and Canada, has repeatedly denied any political motive to its dropping of Ivanka Trump's clothing line, saying it was motivated purely by "performance" considerations. Sales had fallen, particularly in last year's second half.

But products carrying a Trump brand, including Ivanka's, have been boycotted by critics of the new president, leading to his complaint of a political motivation behind Nordstrom's move.

TJX Companies, which operates the clothing store chains TJ Maxx and Marshalls, told AFP on Thursday it had instructed store employees no longer to display Ivanka Trump products separately.

"The communication we sent to TJ Maxx and Marshalls in the US instructed stores to mix this line of merchandise into our racks, not to remove it from the sales floor," a spokesperson told AFP.
People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen in New York. (Photo: AFP)

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump suffered a legal blow on Thursday when a federal appeals court refused to reinstate a temporary travel ban he had ordered on people from seven Muslim-majority countries.

A three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that the Trump administration failed to offer any evidence that national security concerns justified immediately restoring the ban, which was launched late last month.

Shortly after the court issued its 29-page ruling, Trump tweeted: "See you in court, the security of our nation is at stake!" He told reporters his administration ultimately would win the case and dismissed the ruling as "political."

The court was only ruling on the narrow issue of whether or not to lift an emergency halt to Trump's order put in place by a lower court while that case is ongoing. The judges said more briefing would be needed on the merits of the arguments on both sides.

The Justice Department, which spoke for the government at oral argument on Tuesday, said it was reviewing the decision and considering its options.

The states of Washington and Minnesota challenged Trump's order, which had sparked protests and chaos at U.S. and overseas airports on the weekend after it was issued. The two states argued that Trumps ban violated constitutional protections against religious discrimination.

Asked about Trump's tweet, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said: "We have seen him in court twice, and were two for two."

While the court said it could not decide whether the order discriminated against a particular religion until the case had been fully briefed," it added that the states had presented evidence of numerous statements by the president about his intent to implement a Muslim ban.

The court said the government had failed to show that any person from the seven countries had perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States.

The administration argued that the courts do not have access to the same classified information about threats to the country that the president does. The judges countered that courts regularly receive classified information under seal.

The 9th Circuit ruling, upholding last Friday's decision by U.S. District Judge James Robart, does not resolve the lawsuit. It relates only to whether Trump's order should be suspended while litigation proceeds. The ruling upholds the suspension.

Trump's Jan. 27 executive order barred entry for citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days and imposed a 120-day halt on all refugees, except refugees from Syria who are barred indefinitely.

The three judges said the states had shown that even temporary reinstatement of the ban would cause harm.

In the ruling, they acknowledged the competing public interests of national security and free flow of travel but that the U.S. government had not offered "any evidence" of national security concerns to justify banning the seven countries.

Final outcome 'not certain'

Curbing entry to the United States as a national security measure was a central premise of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, originally proposed as a temporary ban on all Muslims. He has voiced frustration at the legal challenge to his order.

U.S. presidents have in the past claimed sweeping powers to fight terrorism, but individuals, states and civil rights groups challenging the ban said his administration had offered no evidence it answered a threat.

Two of the three 9th Circuit judges were appointees of former Democratic Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama, and one was appointed by former President George W. Bush, a Republican like Trump.

The government could ask the 9th Circuit to have a larger panel of judges review the decision "en banc," or appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will likely determine the case's final outcome.

If the Trump administration appeals to the Supreme Court, it would need five of the eight justices to vote in favour of a stay blocking the district court injunction. That is likely to be a tall order as the court is evenly divided 4-4 between liberals and conservatives, meaning the administration would need to win over at least one of the liberal justices.

"There is no doubt that the plaintiffs won an important victory today," said Boston College Law Professor Kari Hong. "But the outcome of the legal challenge to the travel ban is not at all certain or preordained."

Democrats, the minority party in Congress, celebrated.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said in an email statement: This Administrations recklessness has already done significant harm to families, and undermined our fight against terror. For the sake of our values and the security of America, Democrats will continue to press for President Trumps dangerous and unconstitutional ban to be withdrawn.
Search and rescue efforts had been stepped up this week amid improving weather conditions, after the authorities initially struggled to reach remote mountainous areas. (Photo: AP)

Kabul: The death toll from avalanches and freezing weather conditions across Afghanistan has risen to 191, officials said Friday, as rescue operations were underway in the worst-affected areas.

Twenty-two provinces in Afghanistan have been blanketed by days of heavy snowfall, triggering avalanches, destroying buildings and leaving many trapped in their snowbound homes.

"The death toll we have received from avalanches and freezing weather has risen to 191," Mohammad Aslam Sayyas, deputy minister for disaster management, told AFP.

"The worst-hit province is northeastern Nuristan where at least 68 people have been killed," Sayyas said.

He added that search and rescue efforts had been stepped up this week amid improving weather conditions, after the authorities initially struggled to reach remote mountainous areas.

Sayyas said 300 people have been injured and more than 500 others were rescued in different parts of the country.

Residents of Nuristan have suffered heavy financial losses as dozens of houses have been destroyed, provincial governor Hafiz Abdul Qayyom told AFP, adding that cash and food items were being delivered by helicopter to bereaved families.

The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) said thousands of families in Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan were struggling to survive after heavy snowfall in both countries.

"Life will never be the same for these families," Ariel Kestens, IFRC's chief in Afghanistan, said in a statement.

"Losing everything that they have overnight is already tragic enough. Having to cope with extreme cold on top of that is a life-changing experience, regardless of how used to low temperatures they are."

Deadly avalanches are common in Afghanistan's mountainous areas in winter, and rescue efforts are frequently hampered by lack of equipment.

Despite billions of dollars in international aid after the ousting of the Taliban government in 2001, Afghanistan remains among the world's poorest nations.

Last month heavy snowfall and freezing weather killed 27 children, all under the age of five, in northern Jowzjan province.
No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the killings, but Jowzjan's police chief Rahmatullah Turkistani has blamed local Islamic State jihadists. (Photo: AP)

Kabul: The Red Cross was desperately searching for two employees who went missing after their convoy came under insurgent fire in northern Afghanistan, leaving six other workers dead, the charity said Friday.

The workers were ambushed in northern Jowzjan province on Wednesday while they were enroute to a remote snowbound area to deliver much-needed relief supplies.

Six employees were killed on the spot, many of them shot from close range, in one of the worst attacks on the international charity in the country for years.

"Unfortunately, there's no news yet on our two colleagues unaccounted for," Thomas Glass, a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), told AFP.

"We are actively trying to locate them."

No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the killings, but Jowzjan's police chief Rahmatullah Turkistani has blamed local Islamic State jihadists.

The attack underscores how aid workers in Afghanistan have increasingly become casualties of a surge in militant violence in recent years.

It comes at a time when Afghanistan is in dire need of humanitarian assistance, with more than 100 people killed in recent avalanches and tens of thousands displaced by the wrenching conflict.

The ICRC, which has been working in Afghanistan for three decades, said it was putting its nationwide operations on hold, but there were no plans for now to withdraw staff.

The Taliban, the largest militant group in Afghanistan which promptly distanced itself from the attack, has assured ICRC of security in areas under their control.

"The (Taliban) calls on the officials of ICRC to refrain from suspending their services as the Afghan nation is (in) need of humanitarian aid and health services more than ever before," the group said on their official website on Thursday.
Bangkok: A prominent student activist was indicted on Friday in the first royal defamation case brought under Thailand's new monarch, his lawyer said, after the UN urged the kingdom to scrap its lese majeste law.

Jatupat Boonpatararaksa was arrested in December for sharing on Facebook a profile of King Maha Vajiralongkorn written by the BBC's Thai-language service in London.

Criticising the royal family is punishable by up to 15 years in prison per count in Thailand, where the law is broadly-interpreted and aggressively enforced.

Scores of lese majeste cases have been brought against members of the public and activists in recent years, often for comments made online.

Jatupat, better known by his nickname Pai, was indicted by a court in northeastern Khon Kaen province Friday, his lawyer Krisadang Nacharut told AFP.

"He is still in good spirits and will fight," Krisadang said, adding that the activist has also been charged with violating the Computer Crimes Act -- another tough law used to punish online defamation. Jatupat has denied both charges.

While thousands shared the article, Jatupat -- a prominent critic of the country's military junta -- is the only person to have been prosecuted so far.

The 25-year-old law student had already been detained for more than 50 days, after judges rejected multiple requests for his release on bail in closed-door hearings.

The UN this week expressed concern over the secret proceedings and called for Thailand to repeal the lese majeste law.

Jatupat's lese majeste charges are the first to be taken up in court since King Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne in December following the death of his revered father, whose reign spanned 70 years.

Observers are closely watching whether the new monarch endorses or backs away from the royal defamation law.

The lese majeste law effectively bars public scrutiny of key royal figures, spawning a culture of self-censorship across media, academia and arts.

The profile shared by Jatupat contained details of 64-year-old Vajiralongkorn's personal life that are well-known inside the kingdom but rarely printed by the Thai press.

The new king has spent much of his life abroad and does not enjoy his father's widespread popularity.
London: US President Donald Trumps order temporarily banning entry to people from seven Muslim-majority countries is wrong and Britain does not plan to adopt a similar policy, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Thursday.

Trumps order, announced hours after his first meeting with May in Washington last month, barred travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days.

We thought that was wrong, that was divisive, it is not a policy that the United Kingdom would adopt, May said when asked about the order during a news conference.
Fredrik Onnevall's lawyers had called for acquittal on grounds that he acted out of compassion. (Photo: AFP)

Stockholm, Sweden: A Swedish court on Thursday found a TV journalist guilty of human trafficking for helping a Syrian boy migrate to the country and gave him a suspended sentence.

In the spring of 2014, Fredrik Onnevall was filming a documentary about the response of European nationalist parties to the migration crisis when he met the 15-year-old boy in Greece.

Along with two colleagues, Onnevall helped "Abed", which is not his real name, travel to Sweden.

Scrawny and exhausted, the teenager was travelling alone and asked Onnevall to help him get to Sweden to join his cousin.

"It took 10 to 15 minutes maybe for me to get that question into my head, and to understand what he was asking me and to make up my mind," the 43-year-old journalist told AFP in an interview last month in the southern Swedish town of Malmo just prior to the start of his trial.

"Everything became more clear when it came down to that very question: 'What decision will I be able to live with in the future for myself?'," he said.

Onnevall's lawyers had called for an acquittal on the grounds that he acted out of compassion and concern for the boy's fate.

But the Malmo district court found him guilty of human trafficking and gave him a suspended sentence and ordered him to complete 75 hours of community service.

While the court noted the SVT team had acted for purely humanitarian reasons, it said "jurisprudence leaves little scope to acquit someone for that reason."

The journalist said he would appeal the ruling.

"This is no surprise because I was prepared for all scenarios," he told AFP.

"The district court is only the first legal step and I hope the appeals court will come to a different conclusion," he added.

His two colleagues, a cameraman and an interpreter, received the same sentence.

Since 2015 -- when the number of asylum applications in Sweden soared (from 80,000 in 2014 to 160,000 in 2015), requiring the country to halt its generous refugee policy -- the number of cases of people helping illegal immigrants come to Sweden has skyrocketed.

A total of 116 people were charged with human trafficking in 2016, twice as many as the previous year and almost eight times more than in 2014. Those convicted risk up to two years in prison.
Moscow has been flying a bombing campaign in Syria in support of the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since 2015. (Photo: Representational Image)

Moscow: The Kremlin said Friday that Turkey had provided Russian forces with the target location for air strikes in Syria that accidentally killed three Turkish troops.

"The situation is obvious, unfortunately. Our military while launching strikes on terrorists followed coordinates that were given to us by our Turkish partners," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Three Turkish soldiers were killed and 11 wounded on Thursday when a Russian air strike targeting jihadists in Syria hit a building where the troops were deployed, the Turkish army said.

Peskov stressed that the "causes of the incident are clear. There is no debate."

"There should not have been Turkish soldiers within the limits of these coordinates. That's why these strikes took place," Peskov added.

Asked if this was a mistake by the Turkish intelligence, Peskov said the incident was caused by a communications failure.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences in a telephone conversation with Turkish counterpart Tayyip Recip Erdogan.

The Kremlin said that the leaders agreed after the incident to "enhance military coordination in the course of the operation in Syria against the Islamic State fighters and other extremist organisations."

Russia and Turkey have joined forces against the Islamic State group around Al-Bab, where Ankara's forces are fighting the jihadists on the ground.

Moscow has been flying a bombing campaign in Syria in support of the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since 2015.

Ankara and Moscow had a ferocious falling-out after a Turkish jet shot down a Russian plane on the Syrian border in November 2015, but have since mended ties and begun cooperation over Syria.
London: Britain's Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin will a lead a delegation of top 20 companies to India, as the two countries seek to build ties through a close industrial, military and economic partnership.

Baldwin and senior executives of the British firms will attend the 'Aero India 2017' exhibition held at the Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru from Tuesday.

Showcasing some of the most innovative technology in the defence, aviation and security sections, these cutting-edge businesses will be forging long-lasting industrial partnerships and joint ventures with Indian companies, the UK government said today.

"The UK and India have much to offer one another in defence: from manufacturing collaboration and simplified export controls, to military cooperation, training and research partnerships. As Britain steps up globally, we will work together with India to build knowledge, security and prosperity through a close industrial, military and economic partnership," Baldwin said.

Her visit builds on the Defence and International Security Partnership agreed between India and the UK in November 2015.

"The UK has a significant range of world class products across the air, land, maritime and security sectors and we are encouraging UK and Indian companies to develop and sustain long term industrial partnerships, to meet our future requirements and to launch new products into the global marketplace," said Sophie Lane, Regional Director for India in the Department of International Trade's Defence and Security Organisation.

The UK claims to be the top destination in Europe for inward investment, second globally to the US.
Tehran: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned on Friday that those using "threatening language" against Tehran would regret it as the regime faces increasingly hawkish rhetoric from the new US administration.

Rouhani was speaking at a march attended by hundreds of thousands of people in the capital marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.

"This turnout is a response to false remarks by the new rulers in the White House and the people are telling the world through their presence that the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect," Rouhani said.

"Iranians will make those using threatening language against this nation regret it," he said.

"Anyone threatening Iran's government and armed forces should know that our nation is vigilant."

US President Donald Trump has taken an increasingly strident line towards Iran since taking office last month, warning that it was "playing with fire" and "on notice".

Last week, he imposed sanctions on Iran over a January 29 ballistic missile test and officials warned more might follow.

Last weekend, new Pentagon chief James Mattis described Iran as "the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world."

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Trump's policies showed "the real face of America", a country long derided by the regime as the "great Satan".
Jerusalem: US President Donald Trump does not believe Israeli settlement growth in Palestinian territories is "good for peace", he told a paper Friday, in his most direct comments on the matter since inauguration.

In the interview published in Hebrew by the Israel Hayom newspaper, Trump also said he was thinking "seriously" about moving the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a move fiercely opposed by the Palestinians.

Speaking to the newspaper ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington next week, Trump was quoted as saying he was "not someone who believes that advancing settlements is good for peace".

The international community considers settlements in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem illegal and says they risk destroying hopes for peace with the Palestinians.

Trump's administration, however, has been largely silent as Israel has announced more than 6,000 new homes in settlements in recent weeks, in stark contrast to criticism from predecessor Barack Obama.

Trump was also quoted by Israel Hayom as saying he was "studying" plans to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

He said he was thinking "very seriously" about the controversial relocation, which he committed to before taking office, stressing it was not an "easy decision".

No English transcript of the interview was published.
Beijing: US President Donald Trump endorsed the long-standing "One China" policy on Thursday during a phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a move analysts interpreted as a change of course for the mercurial leader.

The tycoon-turned-statesman agreed he would "honour" a position that has been held by successive US governments since Richard Nixon's administration.

It marked an apparent shift in thinking for Trump, who before coming to office had told an interviewer he didn't feel "bound by a one-China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade".

Here are the key issues surrounding the delicate triangle of the United States, China and Taiwan.

What's the problem?

The deep rift between China and Taiwan dates back to China's civil war, which erupted in 1927 and pitted forces aligned with the Communist Party of China against the Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) army.

Eventually defeated by Mao Zedong's Communists, KMT chief Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan, which was still under KMT control.

From there, Chiang continued to claim the entirety of China -- just as the mainland claimed Taiwan.

Taiwan's full name remains the Republic of China, while the mainland is the People's Republic of China. Both sides still formally claim to represent all of China.

Many people in Taiwan today remain distrustful of Beijing while others are keen to explore warmer relations, especially when it comes to trade opportunities.

What does 'One China' mean?

In 1992, Taiwan and mainland China are said to have agreed that there is only "one China," which includes both places, but they agreed to disagree about what that precisely meant.

In principle, the decision means that countries can only have formal diplomatic relations with one or the other, but not both at the same time.

Most countries have chosen Beijing, but many continue to maintain economic ties to Taipei.

Washington cut formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 when it switched recognition to Beijing.

Since then, it has followed a "One China policy" different than Beijing's "One China principle" which acknowledges both sides' positions that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it.

But it has never made a clear statement about Taiwan's sovereignty, leaving the question unsettled.

The result is a de facto two China policy, where the small island enjoys many of the trappings of diplomatic relations with the US.

What does the US usually do?

The United States has long maintained an ambiguous and at times contradictory approach to Taiwan.

China regards self-ruling Taiwan as part of its own territory awaiting reunification under Beijing's rule, and any move implying support for independence raises China's hackles.

Although there is traditionally no formal contact between the US president and his Taiwanese counterpart, US law requires Washington to sell high-end weaponry to Taipei.

The legislation was designed to provide democratic Taiwan with enough military clout to defend itself against China's vastly superior armed forces, although in practice the island's defences lag the mainland's considerably.

While there is no official US embassy in Taipei, Washington runs a nonprofit centre called the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves many of the same functions.

How has Trump affected ties?

Shortly after his November victory, Trump spoke by phone to Tsai, breaking decades of US protocol.

He rubbed salt in Beijing's wounds by tweeting about the call, a move that riled Chinese nationalists.

On December 3, Beijing issued a formal protest to Washington then followed up with a statement warning of a deterioration of Sino-US relations.

Many Chinese newspaper editorials called for reinforcement of the country's military arsenal to prepare for possible conflict.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told Hong Kong media that the call was "a petty trick" by Taipei, putting the blame on Tsai.

State media also gave him the benefit of the doubt, calling Trump "inexperienced" with the Xinhua news agency warning that "diplomacy is not child's play and you can't run it like a business".

So has the call fixed things?

Trump built his popularity, in part, on bashing Beijing for "stealing" American jobs and there are a number of committed China-sceptics in his administration, so a dramatic softening is unlikely, analysts say.

But at the same time, now that he is in office, China is much less likely to cut him slack.

Ashley Townshend, an expert in US-China relations at the University of Sydney, expects Trump to continue to be tough on China across many aspects of the bilateral relationship.

The assurance to honour the "One China" policy "removes an obstacle to relations, but it doesn't advance them in any meaningful way," Townshend said.

Xu Guoqi of the University of Hong Kong says the call could offer something of a reset on which the two sides can now build.

Now that Trump has assured Beijing that Washington will stick to the "One China" policy, the relationship is "back to square one", he said.
Beijing: A triumphant China on Friday welcomed US President Donald Trump's climbdown on the 'One China' policy during his telephonic call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping but parried questions on whether his change of stand was part of any concessions made by Beijing.

"One China principle is the political foundation of China-US relationship and to uphold it and abide by it based on previous communiques between the two countries is the obligation of the US government. It is also the long standing position held by China," Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Lu Kang, told media soon after Trump and Xi's conversation.

"In the telephone call President Trump said they are committed to 'One China' principle we appreciated that," Lu said answering a spate of questions on the policy that states that Taiwan is a part of China.

The White House statement after Trump-Xi first phone talks said, "President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'One China' policy".

Trump, after his election, had stated that the 'One China' policy on Taiwan is up for negotiation and that he is not fully committed to it.

While Trump's U-turn on 'One China' policy, his first major diplomatic climbdown after he took over on January 20 is being projected by China as a major victory for Xi who has emerged as China's most powerful leader in recent times, speculation is also rife whether Trump extracted any concessions from Beijing.

China had hit back saying 'One-China' policy which stipulates that Taiwan is part of Chinese mainland is "non-negotiable".

However, a Chinese official statement struck a different note saying "besides, Trump said he fully understands the high significance of the US government's pursuit of the 'One China' policy, adding that the US government adheres to the 'One China' policy".

"Xi said he appreciated Trump's stressing that the US government adheres to the One China policy, adding that the policy is the political basis of China-US relations," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

Parrying questions on any understanding, Lu said the first telephone conversation between the two leaders was made after high level consultations between the two countries.

Observers say that the first phone call from Trump which came after he spoke to 18 world leaders may have been delayed due to both countries negotiating on how to handle the 'One China' policy hurdle because China said it is non-negotiable and Xi's political image would have suffered if he had spoken to Trump after US leader's strong statements on Taiwan.

Trump is also the first US political leader who spoke to Taiwanese President Tsai-Ing-wen after his election whichriled China.

Asked whether China has made any concession for Trump to climb down from his earlier said he would renegotiate one china principle, Lu said "from the phone call between the two president you can see that President Trump has already expressed the American government's commitment for the 'One China' policy. We appreciated that," he said.

Lu also declined to go into details whether the consultation process required that Trump should make such a statement.

"We will not make comment on hypothetical questions. As for One China policy," he said, adding that ever since China and the US established diplomatic relations it served as the basis for the relationship.

He also skirted questions whether two sides discussed the disputed South China Sea over which Trump and his administration officials made strong comments, saying that

Chinese naval ships should be stopped from accessing the artificial islands.

Nor he confirmed any talks on Trumps assertion earlier to hike tariffs on Chinese goods and allegations of China indulging in currency manipulation.

The Chinese statement said Trump and Xii their first phone conversation pledged to boost win-win cooperation in a variety of areas and develop a constructive China-US relationship.

Xi congratulated Trump on being inaugurated as US President and thanked him for sending a letter on Wednesday to extend his holiday greetings to the Chinese people, who are celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year -- the Year of the Rooster -- and the upcoming Lantern Festival.

Xi said he greatly appreciated Trump's willingness to expand China-US cooperation and develop a constructive bilateral relationship that will benefit the two countries and the international community.

China and the US have maintained close communication on issues of common concern since Trump's inauguration, Xi noted, saying that the necessity and urgency of strengthening China-US cooperation is further increased in the face of the current complicated international situation and various challenges.

The development of China and the US can complement each other and promote each other, and the two countries are totally capable of becoming good cooperative partners, he said.

Xi said that building a sound China-US relationship is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and it is also the responsibility China and the United States need to assume as the world's major countries.

China is ready to boost mutually beneficial cooperation with the US in various fields such as trade and economy, investment, science and technology, energy, culture and infrastructure, he said.

Trump expressed his satisfaction with the close communication the two sides have maintained since he took office and admiration toward the Chinese people for the historic accomplishment they have achieved in developing their country, it said.

Developing US-China ties has won wide support from the US people, Trump said, adding that the two countries, as cooperative partners, can make joint efforts to help the bilateral relationship reach an unprecedented level.

The US is committed to enhancing win-win cooperation with China in economy, trade, investment and international affairs, Trump said, it said.




The high court bench asked the authorities concerned to provide the wife the mobile number of her husband along with the present address of posting. "We are looking at the wife who has an apprehension that her husband is under illegal detention," the bench said, adding that it was not satisfied with the call chart produced by the department showing that the couple were in touch over phone. The ASG said, "We completely deny that he (Yadav) is under arrest or detention. He has only been moved on February 7 from his 29th battalion to 89th BSF battalion in Jammu."



Jain submitted that this is a frivolous petition and if these kind of pleas are entertained it will be encouraging publicity. The matter concerns the forces, he said. This prompted the bench to ask the ASG "why your officers are so insensitive. Why no reply of their representation, which was sent by the wife on February 7," the bench said, adding that "you file your affidavit and we can dispose of the matter". "We do not want to come in the way of your rule. But we are looking at the wife who is apprehensive," the bench said. The ASG said that he has no problem if wife meets her husband.



To this, the court said that "we are now listing the matter for February 15, by when the wife will be able to visit her husband and return". Yadav in his video had said this is what jawans were served at mealtime on duty at places including the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and that jawans often went to bed on empty stomach. Pursuant to the video going viral on the social media, the Prime Minister's Office had sought a detailed factual report on it from the Union Home Ministry and BSF.



A PIL was also filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a direction to the government to depute higher officers to supervise cooking of proper healthy food and its distribution. It sought a status report regarding the quality of food served to soldiers along the LoC. The high court had issued notice on the petition to various paramilitary forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), seeking their stand on the allegation of poor quality food being served to the troops.



It had also directed BSF to produce before it the investigation report and the steps taken with regard to the allegations levelled by the BSF jawan. Less than a month after the PIL was filed, Yadav's wife approached the court claiming that the soldier is untraceable and that they have not been able to reach him. She sought a high-level enquiry into his disappearance as well as the recent rejection of his plea for voluntary retirement.



Sharmila, through her counsel, told the court that she and her elder brother had met the BSF director general who had assured them that a "fair inquiry as per procedure" will be conducted in the case. The counsel also said that the BSF DG told them that the jawan was hospitalised. Earlier, BSF had said that Yadav's plea under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme was cancelled as a Court of Inquiry (CoI) was pending against him.



The Delhi High court today asked the Centre to allow the wife of the BSF jawan, who went public through the social media alleging poor quality food being served to soldiers, to meet and stay with him for two days at the base where he is posted at present. The direction by a division bench of Justices G S Sistani and Vinod Goel came after Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain informed the court that BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav is not under any illegal confinement and he has been shifted to another battalion, 88th Bn HQRS at Kalibari, Samba in Jammu.Taking note of the submission, the bench said if the wife has an apprehension that her husband is under threat, she and their son be allowed to meet the soldier. It also said, "We should not get into logistics of any kind, the wife must be allowed to meet him and let us burst the bubble." The bench further directed the ASG, who was representing the Centre and BSF, to make all possible arrangements for the wife to meet her husband and there should be no difficulties while she visits the place.The court's direction came after the jawan's wife Sharmila Devi moved the court by way of a habeas corpus plea, alleging that her husband is untraceable and the family has been unable to contact him for the last few days. Advocate Manish Tewari, appearing for the woman, said that since February 7, the wife was not able to speak to her husband and even the BSF chief did not reply to the representation sent by the family in this regard.They were not even informed about the disciplinary action being taken against Yadav for his alleged video, which went viral on the social media. Yadav had on January 9 posted a video on Facebook which showed a meal box comprising a watery soup-like dal, which he said had only turmeric and salt and a burnt chapatti.
The NDA government would pass the long-pending legislation providing 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures "once we get majority in Rajya Sabha", Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said here today.





"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has this in mind and the day is not is far when Parliament will pass the law providing women reservation through consensus. Once we (NDA) get majority in Rajya Sabha, we will get the Bill passed," he said, addressing the National Women's Parliament here.



"Priority should be given to women. They are the unsung heroes and it is time they were given voice and due space... With all the necessary moral support, I, on behalf of my party, assure you that the women bill will be passed at the earliest," the minister said.



"A mere Bill is not sufficient. What is needed is political will and administrative skill. Political parties should show conviction in this regard," he said.



Noting that gender inequality was having a serious impact on economic development, Venkaiah said focus should be on gender empowerment to end inequalities.



"On a scale of 0-1 in gender inequality index, India ranked 0.54. Gender inequality is having a serious impact on economic development and it has become a pressing concern across the world. Hence, there is a global demand for women empowerment," the Union Minister said.



Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives to promote women empowerment. "The Prime Minister is giving so much importance to women empowerment and under his leadership, India will transform totally," he said.



Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama urged people to make the century an age of "compassion and dialogue" by encouraging increased women's participation in different walks of life.



The three-day National Women's Parliament, being organised by Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly with the theme of 'Empowering Women - Strengthening Democracy', began today in the state capital of Amaravati.



P Ashok Gajapati Raju, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, Bangladesh Parliament Speaker Shirin Chaudhury, Gandhian Ela Bhatt, actress Manisha Koirala and many other dignitaries attended the inaugural event at Pavitra Sangamam here.



An 'International Woman Icon of the World' award and 12 best young achievers awards for women in different fields will be presented at the NWP.
Britain will be "just fine" after it leaves the European Union, Apple's chief executive Tim Cook said in an interview broadcast today.





"We are very optimistic about the UK's future and we are all in," the CEO of the US tech giant told ITV television after meeting Prime Minister Theresa May and London Mayor Sadiq Khan yesterday during a visit to Britain.



"We're a big believer in the UK. The UK will be just fine," Cook said after visiting a coding class at a London primary school.



But he told reporters Thursday he expected "bumps in the road" on the path to Brexit. Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum in June last year and Prime Minister Theresa May is preparing to kickstart the departure process by the end of March.



Apple announced in September that it would create a London headquarters in the iconic and long-abandoned Battersea Power Station on the banks of the River Thames.



Around 1,400 staff from eight existing offices in London will relocate to the renovated landmark, whose distinctive chimneys have towered over the southern riverbank since the 1930s.



There will be enough space there for 3,000 staff. "We're double-downing on a huge headquarters in the Battersea area... and we're leaving significant space there to expand," Cook said in the interview.



The former power station lay derelict since it stopped generating electricity in 1983, but is undergoing a 9 billion ($11.7 billion, 10.4 billion euros) makeover to turn the 42-acre space into offices, apartments, shops and leisure facilities.



The new "Apple complex" will take over 40 per cent of the office space. Facebook, Google, Apple and Snapchat have all announced major investments in London in the past few months, underlining the capital's status as a technology hub
A triumphant China today welcomed US President Donald Trump's climbdown on the 'One China' policy during his telephonic call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping but parried questions on whether his change of stand was part of any concessions made by Beijing.





"One China principle is the political foundation of China-US relationship and to uphold it and abide by it based on previous communiques between the two countries is the obligation of the US government. It is also the long standing position held by China," Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Lu Kang, told media soon after Trump and Xi's conversation.



"In the telephone call President Trump said they are committed to 'One China' principle we appreciated that," Lu said answering a spate of questions on the policy that states that Taiwan is a part of China.



The White House statement after Trump-Xi first phone talks said, "President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'One China' policy".



Trump, after his election, had stated that the 'One China' policy on Taiwan is up for negotiation and that he is not fully committed to it.



While Trump's U-turn on 'One China' policy, his first major diplomatic climbdown after he took over on January 20 is being projected by China as a major victory for Xi who has emerged as China's most powerful leader in recent times, speculation is also rife whether Trump extracted any concessions from Beijing.



China had hit back saying 'One-China' policy which stipulates that Taiwan is part of Chinese mainland is "non-negotiable". However, a Chinese official statement struck a different note saying "besides, Trump said he fully understands the high significance of the US government's pursuit of the 'One China' policy, adding that the US government adheres to the 'One China' policy".



"Xi said he appreciated Trump's stressing that the US government adheres to the One China policy, adding that the policy is the political basis of China-US relations," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.



Parrying questions on any understanding, Lu said the first telephone conversation between the two leaders was made after high level consultations between the two countries.



Observers say that the first phone call from Trump which came after he spoke to 18 world leaders may have been delayed due to both countries negotiating on how to handle the 'One China' policy hurdle because China said it is non-negotiable and Xi's political image would have suffered if he had spoken to Trump after US leader's strong statements on Taiwan.



Trump is also the first US political leader who spoke to Taiwanese President Tsai-Ing-wen after his election which riled China. Asked whether China has made any concession for Trump to climb down from his earlier said he would renegotiate one china principle, Lu said "from the phone call between the two President you can see that President Trump has already expressed the American government's commitment for the 'One China' policy. We appreciated that," he said. Lu also declined to go into details whether the consultation process required that Trump should make such a statement.



"We will not make comment on hypothetical questions. As for One China policy," he said, adding that ever since China and the US established diplomatic relations it served as the basis for the relationship.



He also skirted questions whether two sides discussed the disputed South China Sea over which Trump and his administration officials made strong comments, saying that Chinese naval ships should be stopped from accessing the artificial islands.



Nor he confirmed any talks on Trumps assertion earlier to hike tariffs on Chinese goods and allegations of China indulging in currency manipulation.



The Chinese statement said Trump and Xii their first phone conversation pledged to boost win-win cooperation in a variety of areas and develop a constructive China-US relationship.



Xi congratulated Trump on being inaugurated as US President and thanked him for sending a letter on Wednesday to extend his holiday greetings to the Chinese people, who are celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year -- the Year of the Rooster -- and the upcoming Lantern Festival.



Xi said he greatly appreciated Trump's willingness to expand China-US cooperation and develop a constructive bilateral relationship that will benefit the two countries and the international community.



China and the US have maintained close communication on issues of common concern since Trump's inauguration, Xi noted, saying that the necessity and urgency of strengthening China-US cooperation is further increased in the face of the current complicated international situation and various challenges.



The development of China and the US can complement each other and promote each other, and the two countries are totally capable of becoming good cooperative partners, he said.



Xi said that building a sound China-US relationship is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and it is also the responsibility China and the United States need to assume as the world's major countries.



China is ready to boost mutually beneficial cooperation with the US in various fields such as trade and economy, investment, science and technology, energy, culture and infrastructure, he said.



Trump expressed his satisfaction with the close communication the two sides have maintained since he took office and admiration toward the Chinese people for the historic accomplishment they have achieved in developing their country, it said.



Developing US-China ties has won wide support from the US people, Trump said, adding that the two countries, as cooperative partners, can make joint efforts to help the bilateral relationship reach an unprecedented level.



The US is committed to enhancing win-win cooperation with China in economy, trade, investment and international affairs, Trump said, it said.
Priests ought not to obstruct communication between devotees and God, the Delhi High Court today said while giving suggestions on managing the rush of people at Kalkaji Temple here.





The observation came from Justice J R Midha who also said that the "working in the temple has to improve. This is not the way. I am concerned whether a temple should be run in this way".



"There is only a fraction of a second for a person to view the deity. Within that fraction of a second, there should be no obstruction between devotees and God. Here (the temple) the fraction of a second is not unobstructed. I also go to that temple.



"People (the priests) are there only to obstruct. Give a person one or two seconds to communicate with God. The people there (the priests) are not better enlightened that they can communicate to God better than devotees," the judge said.



The observations came during hearing of a priest's plea seeking a judicial order to restrain his two sisters from doing puja and 'sewa' at the temple and sharing offerings collected.



However, the priest today agreed to an interim arrangement to pay Rs six lakh each to his two sisters from the offerings collected during the 'puja sewa' from February 7 to March 7.



In view of the proposal made by the priest, the court directed them to give within three days post-dated cheques of February 24 to both the woman.



To ensure that the 'daily darshan' at the temple be managed in a "systematic manner" as is being done in other temples, like at Vaishno Devi shrine, the court suggested having two single person lines with each devotee being permitted unobstructed 'darshan' for a "fraction of a second".



Citing the example of Jhandewalan temple here where devotees who don't want to stand in the line can view the deity from a distance, the court suggested putting in place such an arrangement at Kalkaji temple also by removing some constructions 20 feet from the deity.



Since the darshan by devotees was managed by the police station of Kalkaji, the court has sought the presence of the Station House Officer of that police station on the next date of hearing on February 21.



The court also asked the lawyers from both sides to visit the temple and to suggest measures by which the darshan process can be made smoother. The priest moved the high court after the lower court allowed his two sisters to sit in the puja.



In his plea filed through advocate B L Wali, the priest has said that since the married sisters belong to different families and gotra they have no rights to perform 'puja sewa', which started yesterday and will end on March 7.



He has said the lower court's February 4 order should be stayed and his sisters be restrained from performing the puja. Earlier, the priest's lawyer had told the court that from time immemorial only male descendants of the family were entitled to the proceeds of offerings since they performed puja and other rituals in the temple.



It was also argued earlier that in the history of the Kalkaji temple, no woman has ever performed puja. The two sisters through their counsel Satish Sahai had earlier told the court that they have a right to perform puja and 'sewa' being the legal heirs of their father.
There is need for maximum opposition unity against BJP based on a proper agenda, Bihar Chief Nitish Kumar said today in comments that were also critical of demonetisation which he felt was done without preparation.





After initially backing the note ban decision, Kumar slammed it for the first time, saying it was done without preparation and accused the government and BJP of indulging in "diversionary tactics" by changing the narrative.



Significantly, he also appeared to be not averse to Rahul Gandhi's leadership as he said the Congress vice president should take the lead in setting the agenda and not allow BJP to do so.



Kumar's remarks on the opposition unity were shared by CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, who said such a unity should be on the basis of a common programme and not personalities.



They were participating in a panel discussion on the occasion of the launch of a book 'Fearless in Opposition', authored by senior Congress leader P Chidambaram. The book is a second collection of his articles published in the Indian Express. It was attended among others by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Gandhi besides leaders of various parties.



The Bihar Chief Minister today agreed with Singh's attack that it was a monumental management failure. "It's a fact," he said adding that the note ban decision was taken without any preparation.



He said he had welcomed it immediately because he had seen President Pranab Mukherjee suppoting it the day after the decision was announced with the objectives of eliminating black money, corruption and fake currency.



"But they (government and BJP) are experts in diverting the debate. Now they are changing the narrative to cashless society which is impossible in India," the JD(U) President said.



He also said that the demonetisaton decision itself was a diversion because the pre-election promise of putting Rs 15 lakh in each individual's bank account after bringing all the black money from abroad was haunting them and they had no achievement to show.



"The government should now disclose how much black money was collected. How much old notes came back into the system and disclose overall what were the benefits. How much success was achieved by demonetisation. Don't divert. It will achieve nothing," he said.



Kumar said the BJP-led NDA government rakes up issues and juimp from one to another because they have nothing to show for their achievements.



Referring to the title of the book, Kumar said the opposition was not afraid of anything and recalled its leaders, including him, were jailed during the Emergency.



"There is no democracy without dialogue and debate," he said and appealed to the opposition for maximum unity against the ruling BJP.



He said the opposition should not be merely reactive. It should prepare its own agenda and follow it, he added. "Why should they set the agenda? Why not Rahul Gandhi."



Kumar said when they don't have anything to show, then they indulge in debate on communalism and polarise discourse.



Asked if the opposition unity was possible and whether they would agree on a leader, Yechury said unity should be on the basis of a common agenda and not personalities.



It is not a problem of a leader as you are suggesting, he told the questioner and added that how after the fall of the Vajpayee government two prime ministers, H D Deve Gowda and I K Gujral, were chosen out of the blue.



"Personality is something very inherent in our democracy and leaders evolve," he said and recalled how questions used to be asked "after Nehru who".



Opposition unity will come on a minimum agreed programme, he said.

Answering questions, Chidambaram accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of lowering the standards of debate in Parliament, by attacking Singh in a language not befitting his office.

To a question on the breakdown of relation between the government and Congress, he said it did not happen in the past when Morarji Desai was the Prime Minister nor was it during the United Front government.



The breakdown happened now because on the very first occasion after coming to power that they would like to have "Congress-free India". That spoiled the relationship, he said, noting that Congress never called for BJP-free India.



Yechury also disapproved of the Prime Minister's language, saying it was his duty to take action against anyone guilty of anything but not issue threats like "I have the janampatri of all Congressmen."



Chidambaram also said there was divisive agenda everywhere promoted by BJP and only fearless action by opposition can stop it.



He also said that former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan was willing to continue but conditions were made for him to leave it. He also dismissed comparison on the differences he had with another governor D Subbarao, saying the latter had completed two full terms and in fact he had written a foreward to his book from which Modi quoted.
Five decades since he crossed over to India post the 1962 war and raised a family in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district, a Chinese soldier is all set to fly back to his native country.





Wang Qi, now 77, was caught when he entered the Indian territory shortly after the Sino-India War of 1962. He was later released from jail.



"Wang with his wife Sushila, and their son Vishnu and two other family members will be flying to China," Balaghat Collector Bharat Yadav told PTI.



He said Wang and his four family members got visa today and they might fly to China tomorrow, adding this became possible due to the help they received from the Ministry of Home and External Affairs.



Official sources in Beijing said Wang and his family members are expected to arrive there tomorrow.



After their arrival, they would travel to his native place in Shaanxi Province to meet Wang's relatives, they said.



Yesterday, the Ministry of External Affairs had said that it was following up the case and helping Wang and his family members to visit China to meet his extended family.



The development has come within a week after a delegation from the Chinese Embassy met Wang who had been wanting to visit his country.



"Three officials from Chinese Embassy in India met my father and talked to him for more than an hour. They assured him all possible help to visit China," according to his son Vishnu (35).



Wang, who lives with his wife and three children in Tirodi area of Balaghat district, has not been able to visit China for the last five decades for want to permission from Indian government, according to the family.



"My father joined the Chinese Army in 1960 and he entered India through the eastern frontier after losing his way in the darkness one night," son Vishnu said.



He landed in Assam where an Indian Red Cross team handed him over to the Indian Army on January 1, 1963.



"My father spent six years in prisons in Assam, Ajmer, Delhi before the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered his release in March 1969," Vishnu said.



"The Indian government had promised to the court that it will rehabilitate my father. He was taken to Delhi, Bhopal, Jabalpur and then finally handed over to Balaghat police," said his son.



Wang started working as a watchman with a mill and soon his colleagues named him Raj Bahadur, apparently due to his Nepali features, Vishnu said.



But little did he know that the enemy nation against whom he had waged a war would become his home, where he would raise a family. Wang married Sushila in 1975 but his desire to live a comfortable life was short-lived.



"Soon after my father married my mother, the Indian government stopped his monthly pension of Rs 100," Vishnu, who works with a small business unit as an accountant, said.



"My father faced a lot of hardships, wanting to go to China. He tried very hard and even entered into correspondence with the then Prime Ministers but in vain," he said.



According to Vishnu, Wang also moved a plea in Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2009 for going to China without success.



"His life has been difficult as he couldn't get Indian citizenship because of his Chinese origin. Hence, he couldn't buy land or avail other facilities," he said.



Wang's mother died in 2006 but he could not be with his dear ones in the time of grief, Vishnu added.



Three years later he met his nephew Yun Chun, who had come to India as a tourist and narrated his ordeal to him.



After returning home, Chun got in touch with Chinese politicians and authorities to bring his uncle home. Finally, he met then Chinese Foreign Minister who helped Wang to get a Chinese passport in March 2013.
India will take part in a six-nation meeting next week to breathe new life into the peace process in Afghanistan.





New Delhi confirmed its participation in the meeting, to be hosted by Russia, even as the new initiative by Moscow prompted a top commander of the United States army to accuse Russia and Iran of supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan.



Apart from India, Russia has invited China, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan for the meeting, scheduled for February 15. The US, however, has been left out, so was the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato).



We are happy to accept the invitation of Russia for consultations to be held in Moscow on Afghanistan on February 15. We look forward to the valuable opportunity to discuss with other regional countries all aspects of the situation in Afghanistan, said Vikas Swarup, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.



India accepted the invitation even as Russias latest move to play a role in the peace process in Afghanistan caused unease in the US.



Gen John W Nicholson, the commander of the US Forces in Afghanistan, on Thursday told the Armed Services Committee of American Senate that Russia and Iran were supporting the Taliban. Nicholson also commands the Natos Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. He testified before the US Senate panel that Russia had worked to publicly legitimise the Taliban. He also added that Iran was directly involved in providing support to the Taliban in western Afghanistan.



Nicholsons comments came just two days after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met his Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani in Moscow. The Moscow conclave would bring India and Pakistan on the same table to discuss Afghanistan.




No two beaches are ever the same. And its not just about burying your toes in the sand or chasing crabs any more.



Beach vacations have become a staple for many Bengalureans, and standing on the threshold of summer, they want no grain of sand left untouched or no wave uncounted. Neha Paranjpe, who calls herself a waterbaby, tries to travel every two months, and beaches are an incredible part of her bucket list. There is something about the sun, sand and the surf which recharges me so much. For the last three years, I have been celebrating my birthday on the beaches, says Neha, who works with an ecommerce website.



Although I live in Bengaluru, I hail from Pune, and the Konkan coastline has always been a favoured destination. However, it is her recent trip to the Sri Lankan beaches that left her spellbound. She traced the southerncoast line of the country. We were a group of friends who had planned the trip according to what each one wanted. We started from Yala beach, which is predominantly for surfers and travelled along the coastline, covering Mirissa, Unawatuna and Gaulle. It was splendid, she recollects.



But the real allure of the beach, she says, was watching the whales and dolphins doing somersaults in Mirissa. It was the best experience Ive ever had. You are taken in a boat to the middle of the sea, just before the international waters, from where you can watch the blue whales jumping high. We wound up our trip with the Hikkaduwa beach, which is known for scuba diving, she narrates.



For Kitty Iyer, a travel blogger, the African beaches tug at her heartstrings like none other. The best beaches I have ever done are the ones in Zanzibar and Dar-es-salaam. They are not very crowded. Unfortunately, Africa is only know for its wildlife and not for its beaches. Saadani beach, that lies in the Southern National Park in Tanzania, offers an experience that cannot be described. You could actually spot pug marks in the sand including that of lions, she explains.



There are cottages in the beach and you wake up to the sun rising over the waters. However, after 6 pm, you cant go anywhere without the guard. The funny part is that the washroom is located a tad bit outside the cottage and there are occasions when people have noticed pug marks inside the washroom  chances are you might run into an animal in the washroom, she laughs and adds, However, the one that also remains in memory is Majorca in Spain. It was a beautiful beach but shocked me for obvious reasons, she says. Nishita Ganguly, deputy manager with Deloitte, too loves the white sand beaches in Dar-es-salaam. Their untouched beauty is what makes them special. I have also been to the beaches of Bentota.



They are perfect on a full-moon night. Star gazing is ideal as in the clear sky, you can see more stars than you ever can from any corner of India, she says. The northern most beach in Goa, called Keri, is another lesser known spectacular beach with not more than three makeshift shacks, ideal for a time away from the cacophony, she adds. A lover of water adventures, she finds snorkelling an amazing experience. In Zanzibar, we took a small dhow into the ocean and jumped into the water right in the middle of the Indian Ocean and swam amongst the dolphins. The view is great, the feel is even better and the moment lasts forever.



These die-hard beach girls also lament the poor state of Indian beaches.Cleanliness is the biggest problem for us. Plastic and other disposable items should not be used or sold on the shacks of our beaches to ensure that nobody litters. Dogs and cattle should not be allowed on the beaches, so that we can enjoy the beautiful view of the sunset while walking, instead of having to watch every step to avoid the dung, points out Nishita.



Kitty, meanwhile, is now all set to swim with the sharks in Coron in Philippines. By all counts, for the beach faithful, no water is off the radar!


The change of guard at the White House has cast a shadow on Indias plan to acquire single-engine fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.





As the Donald Trump administration plans to review Lockheed Martins plan to shift the F-16 assembly line to India, its European rival Saab is also concerned with the US development as Gripen aircrafts engine and some systems are of American origin.



Due to the IAFs dwindling squadron strength, the Union government had contacted US major Lockheed Martin and Swedish firm Saab in October 2016, enquiring whether they have the capability of supplying single-engine fighter aircraft to the IAF under the Make in India scheme.



Both offered to shift their assembly line to India if a minimum order is guaranteed. A month later, they made presentations to defence ministry officials. But with the Trump administration indicating review of Lockheeds plans, there are worries on the prospective deal.



On Wednesday, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of Defence James Mattis. They expressed satisfaction with the progress in defence cooperation between India and the US, and resolved to work together to further expand this partnership, a ministry official said.



Make in India



Behind the scene, however, officials conveyed to Lockheed representatives to seek clarifications from the Trump administration on its willingness to participate in the Make in India scheme as new US policymakers are concerned about the job loss.



Though Lockheed representatives asserted there would be no job loss at its plant in Fort Worth, Texas, which would be used to produce the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets for the US Air Force, the Trump administration wants a relook.



We, too, have some concerns about the US content in our aircraft, but dont have any reason to worry because of the US-India relations, Mats Palmberg, vice president at Saab AB, said here. The aircraft uses American GE 414 engines  the same as used by the LCA Tejas.



While Saab is pushing its Gripen-E for the IAF, the company has designed a maritime fighter Gripen-M for the Indian Navy. Though the company is yet to make a prototype of Gripen-M, it would respond to the navys Request for Information for 57 carrier-borne fighter jets.



Both Gripen and F-16 were in the race to supply 126 combat jets for the IAF in the last decade. They lost out to the eventual winner, Rafale from Dassault Aviation, even though the entire deal was later cancelled by the government.




Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his raincoat remark on former prime minister Manmohan Singh.





Speaking to reporters here, Rajnath said Modis remark had been made in a different context. So many scams had taken place during his (Manmohan) regime... the remark was made in that context, he said.



Stating that he had great respect for Manmohan, Rajnath said the former prime minister had also dubbed demonetisation the biggest organised crime. What inference should be drawn from this statement? he said.



Targetting Manmohan in the Rajya Sabha, Modi had said on Wednesday: Politicians should learn from Manmohan Singh... despite so many scams during his regime, he remained above board... one should learn the art of bathing wearing a raincoat from him. Rajnath claimed the BJP would form the next government in Uttar Pradesh, even as he said their rivals were fighting a losing battle.



The SP is in depression... that is why it has allied with the Congress... the BSP has already lost the battle... only the BJP can ensure the development of Uttar Pradesh, he said.



In reply to a query, he said the Jats were with the BJP, and termed their agitation a conspiracy hatched by his opponents.






In an apparent bid to woo farmers and Dalits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday invoked Dalit saint Ravidas and former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, even as he sharpened his attack on the SP-Congress alliance in Uttar Pradesh.





Addressing an election rally at Bijnore, Modi accused Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav of implicating BJP workers in false cases and throwing them into jails. Modi also asked Akhilesh to give an account of the works done by his regime during its tenure in the state.



I pay my respect to Sant Ravidas, who always worked for the welfare of mankind without any discrimination on caste lines... BJP is the only party that follows the footsteps of Sant Ravidas, he said.



The prime minister also said that if voted to power in the state, his party would set-up a Charan Singh Kisan Welfare Fund for the farmers.



We follow the ideals of Charan Singh... Congress had always shown disrespect to him, Modi said. He charged Akhilesh with letting loose SP goondas on his opponents and implicating them in false cases.



The prime minister launched a scathing attack on the Congress-SP alliance and dubbed it an alliance of two families.



It is not an alliance of two parties... it is an alliance of two families  one from Delhi and the other from Saifai (Mulayams native village), he said.



Modi also said that Akhilesh had committed a mistake by joining hands with the Congress. If you (people) see Google, you will find that the maximum number of jokes are about one leader from the Congress... I had thought that Akhilesh was wise, Modi remarked.



The prime minister also referred to SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadavs reported remarks that rape accused should not be sentenced to death as boys do make mistakes. He also referred to SP leader Azam Khans remark on the Bulandshahar gang-rape, for which he was forced to tender an apology in the Supreme Court. Can you (people) expect such a government to ensure the safety of women?, he said asked.




Stakes are high for the BJP and the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance in the Jat-Muslim-dominated western Uttar Pradesh, which goes to polls on Saturday.





The polls in the first phase would decide if Muslims, who constitute around 26% in the districts where polling is scheduled, would support the alliance or there will be a division in the votes.



It would also decide if the Jats, who constitute around 17% of the electorate in the region, would switch loyalty and root for its traditional party  the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)  or continue to remain loyal to the BJP.



A good performance is crucial for the alliance if it hopes to form the next government.



In the 2012 Assembly polls, the region had witnessed a tough contest between the SP and the BSP. The SP-Congress combine had won 29 seats and the BSP had bagged 23 of the 73 seats in the region.



Though the alliance hope to get the majority of Muslim votes, the BSP has sought to queer its pitch by fielding a large number of Muslim candidates. A division in Muslim votes will favour the BSP and the BJP, said a senior SP leader here.



Firebrand Muslim leader Asaduddin Owaisis All India Muslim Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has also put up its candidates on a number of seats, triggering apprehension of a division in their ranks.



Muslim votes are decisive in Muzaffarnagar, which had witnessed large-scale communal riots in 2013, Bulandshahar, Hapur, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad and Shamli districts.



The BJPs hopes hinge on the Jat support. Though there was no visible wave in its favour like in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party hopes the community will back it this time too.



A perceptible anger in the community owing largely to the Centres handling of the Jat agitation in neighbouring Haryana, non-payment of sugarcane arrears and lack of assurance on reservation, however, has sent the alarm bells ringing in the BJP.



BJP national president Amit Shah reportedly held a meeting with prominent Jat leaders in Delhi in a bid to persuade them to support his party.




The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) on Friday ordered action against deviant shell companies that do not conduct any operations but indulge in money laundering in India.





The move came after it was found that Rs 1,238 crore has been deposited in these entities during the November-December period. Also, 559 beneficiaries were found to have laundered money to the extent of Rs 3,900 crore with the help of 54 professionals who have been identified.



The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has filed criminal prosecution for cheating the national exchequer after investigation of entry operators running a group of 49 shell companies and other proprietorship concerns.



Officials said the crackdown was to prevent misuse of the shell companies for money laundering and tax evasion, especially in the context of unearthing black money post demonetisation.



At a meeting held by the PMO, attended by senior officers from various departments, to review the functioning of shell companies, it was found that only 6 lakh companies file their annual return as against about 15 lakh registered companies in India.



In large numbers



This means that large number of these companies may be indulging in financial irregularities, said a senior PMO official.



In the initial analysis, it was found that shell companies are characterised by: nominal paid-up capital, high reserves and surplus on account of receipt of high share premium, investment in unlisted companies, no dividend income, high cash in hand, private companies as majority shareholders, low turnover and operating income, nominal expenses, nominal statutory payments and stock in trade, and minimum fixed asset.



These details have been shared with the Supreme Court-monitored Special Investigation Team, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).



The PMOs action follows the Income Tax Department reopening completed assessment in these cases.



The Enforcement Directorate has initiated action under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ICAI has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against its members.



The winding up process has been initiated in respect of 49 shell companies.

In order to create a credible deterrence, a whole of government approach would be adopted through coordinated efforts and by leveraging technology.



The PMO wanted use of appropriate red flag indicators to identify shell companies, and a database of such companies and their directors would be built by pulling in information from various agencies.



The database will also capture Aadhaar number of individual directors in the companies.



Among the punitive actions that are to be taken against the deviant shell companies include freezing of bank accounts, striking off the names of dormant companies, and invocation of Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016.



As an immediate measure, a task force has been set up with members from various regulatory ministries and enforcement agencies under the co-chairmanship of the revenue secretary and corporate affairs secretary to monitor the actions taken against these companies by various agencies.




It is early morning on the outskirts of Gorkha Bajar, headquarters of Gorkha district as well as the epicentre of the April 2015 earthquake that rocked Nepal.



Laxmi Biswokarma (39) is walking towards her house with a small load of firewood on her back. This load is not heavy; I just cant carry that limited amount, she says, as she climbs a small slope that leads to her home. It has been an extremely challenging time for Laxmi. In early 2015, she returned to Nepal from Dubai, where she was working as a domestic worker. I had excruciating pain in my back. I couldnt work; I couldnt sit, she says as she sets the firewood down.



When disaster hit



Laxmi took a leave of absence for a few months in January 2015, and was admitted to a hospital in the capital, Kathmandu. On April 25, when the 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit central Nepal, she was still in hospital. The doctors had diagnosed her with diabetes and tuberculosis and told her she needed physiotherapy if she wanted to walk again.



Unfortunately, her savings had run out by then. I didnt even have enough money for food, how could I afford medicine and therapy? she recalls.



Six years earlier, when Laxmi had left Nepal for the first time, she had gone to Oman as a migrant worker. When she returned, she used her savings to build a house near the village of Uiya, over 200 kilometres from Kathmandu, and just above the epicentre of the devastating earthquake. She lived there for a few years before she went off to Dubai. Now that home is gone, turned into a pile of dust, she says.



Getting help



Laxmi hasnt been able to muster the courage to go back to her village. Her house was built with brick and mortar so it wouldnt have withstood the devastating tremors. After leaving the hospital, she came to Gorkha instead, where Suk Maya Gurung, a social mobiliser with the Women for Human Rights (WHR), a local womens group, came to know about her situation.



She was renting a cheap room on the outskirts of town; she didnt have food, or medicine she didnt even have anyone to give her water when she was thirsty, shares Suk Maya.



Fortunately for Laxmi, the WHR set up a multipurpose womens centre as part of the humanitarian response to the earthquake, with support from UN Women and the districts Women and Children office. The centre provides trauma counselling, dignity kits, solar lamps, information and referrals. Additionally, it conducts womens safety audits and facilitates early recovery and livelihood activities.



On Suk Mayas advice, Laxmi came to the multipurpose centre where she was able to get help, spend some time with other women, receive psychosocial counselling, and make sure that she could take her medicine. I would go there every other day they would give me nutritious food; I could get help taking a bath; they took me to the hospital, says Laxmi, adding, I probably would have died had it not been for the help I received at the centre.



Regaining strength



Having undergone some rigorous treatment and therapy, Laxmi is a different person today. As someone who has worked with her over a length of time, Bimala Amgai, a psychosocial counsellor with the WHR, has seen the change in her.



When I had started to talk to her, she was mentally broken and talked about wanting to die all the time, she says, adding, Laxmi couldnt even lift herself properly. These days, she can walk and take care of herself and is thinking ahead.



As she slowly regains her strength, Laxmi has started planning for the future. She wants to start working so that she can pay back the loan she took to complete her treatment. She wants to learn a new skill such as the English-language. I have no education, but if I can learn English, it will be an added advantage when I apply for jobs abroad, she says.



She is modest but hopeful about the future as she talks about going abroad again as a migrant worker. I dont have big plans... all I want is to go abroad, earn some money, pay off my loans, have some savings for old age and be at peace, she signs off.


G Raghuram will head IIM Bangalore as its new director. The post had remained vacant for close to a year.





He is currently professor and chairperson of the Public Systems Group at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).



His name was approved by the appointments committee of the union cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



Sushil Vachani, his predecessor, demitted office on April 1 last year, two months after he had resigned.



The committee also chose heads for nine other IIMs, filling up all top vacancies, according to a noti- fication from the department of personnel and training.



First woman chief



Neelu Rohmetra, rector of the Kathua campus and director of the International Centre for Cross-Cultural Research and Human Resource Management at University of Jammu, will be the director of IIM Sirmaur. She is set to be the first woman to hold the directors post at any of the 20 premier B-schools. L S Murty, professor of production and operations management at IIM-Bangalore, has been appointed director of IIM Nagpur.



Ganeshan Kannabiran, Chandrasekhar Mylavarapu and Bhimaraya Metri have been named directors of IIMs in Bodhgaya, Vishakapatnam and Thiruchirapalli respectively.



Mahadev Prasad Jaiswal (Sambalpur), Bharat Bhasker (Raipur), Deeraj Sharma (Rohtak) and Shailendra Singh (Ranchi) are the other IIM director nominees.



Expert in logistics



G Raghuram, a B Tech from IIT-Madras and an alumnus of IIMA, has been teaching at IIMA since 1985.



He served as dean (faculty) at IIMA from September 2013 to December 2015.

He has also served as vice-chancellor of the Indian Maritime University, Kochi, from July 2012 to March 2013.



He was the Indian Railways Chair professor in Rail Transport and Infrastructure Management from January 2008 to August 2010.



Raghuram specialises in infrastructure and transport systems, and logistics and supply chain management.



He has written 155 case studies, and co-authored six books.

He was conferred the Academician of the Year award by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in 2012.



Raghuram has wide teaching experience and is visiting professor at universities in the US, Canada, Yugoslavia, Singapore, and the UAE.



He had been a member of the Global Future Council, World Economic Forum, since 2016. He has served on various government policy making and advisory committees.




A federal appeals panel on Thursday unanimously rejected President Donald Trumps bid to reinstate his ban on travel into the United States from seven largely Muslim

nations.





The ruling is a sweeping rebuke of the administrations claim that the courts have no role as a check on the president.



The three-judge panel, suggesting that the ban did not advance national security, said the administration had shown no evidence that anyone from the seven nations  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  had committed terrorist acts in the US.



The ruling also rejected Trumps claim that courts are powerless to review a presidents national security assessments. Judges have a crucial role to play in a constitutional democracy, the court said.



The decision was handed down by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, San Francisco. It upheld a ruling last Friday by federal district judge James L Robart, who blocked key parts of the travel ban, allowing thousands of foreigners to enter the country. The appeals court acknowledged that Trump was owed deference on his immigration and national security policies. But it said the president was claiming something more  that national security concerns are unreviewable, even if those actions potentially contravene constitutional rights and protections.



Within minutes of the ruling, Trump angrily vowed to fight it, presumably in an appeal in the Supreme Court.



At the White House, the president told reporters the ruling was a political decision and predicted his administration would win an appeal very easily.




The Madras High Court on Friday directed the police to look into allegations that the V K Sasikala camp had locked up AIADMK MLAs at a resort.





As the power struggle continued, AIADMK general secretary Sasikala struck back at E Madhusudanan, the partys presidium chairman, a day after he had switched loyalties to join the camp of Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.



The senior leader was stripped of the post and expelled from the primary membership of the party  a decision the rival camp is unwilling to accept as legitimate.



Madhusudanan had earlier written to the Election Commission not to recognise Sasikala as AIADMK general secretary. Governor Vidyasagar Rao continued to keep Panneerselvam and Sasikala, rival contenders for the chief ministers post, guessing about his next move.



In a related development, the apex court refused to grant an urgent hearing on a PIL that sought to put on hold Sasikalas swearing-in as chief minister till it passed judgement in a corruption case against her. She is co-accused in the disproportionate assets case.



Rao held discussions with state chief secretary Girija Vaidhyanathan, Director General of Police T K Rajendran and Chennai Police Commissioner S George.



Besides law and order, Raj Bhavan sources said, he discussed with them allegations that the ruling party MLAs were lodged at a resort on East Coast Road.



DMK working president M K Stalin, too, met the governor in the evening and discussed the developments following Panneerselvams rebellion over the planned elevation of Sasikala.



The governor said he has not sent any report either to the Centre or the President as reported in a section of media.



Panneerselvam, who met Rao on Thursday, had lodged a complaint that the AIADMK MLAs were forcibly detained.



A few hours after this meeting, the Madras High Court also asked the state police to file a detailed report on the status of AIADMK MLAs who have been reported lodged in various resorts near the city.



Panneerselvam had claimed that he was being forced to make way for her.

After sacking Madhusudanan, Sasikala appointed former minister and senior leader K A Sengottaiyan as the AIADMK presidium chairman. Madhusudanan has been with the AIADMK right from the days of MGR, who floated the party.



Meanwhile, security forces deployed at Madras Universitys Centenary Auditorium were totally withdrawn as there were no signs of the Sasikalas swearing-in ceremony taking place after her election as the legislature party leader.



Former minister S P Shanmuganathan, who had extended his support to Panneerselvam, lodged a complaint with the Chennai police commissioner about MLAs being confined at resorts.



In the complaint, he alleged that he had somehow managed to escape from virtual confinement but other MLAs were still under illegal detention and confinement under the instructions of the AIADMK high command.



V C Arukutty, MLA from Kavundampalayam in Coimbatore and a supporter of Panneerselvam, also alleged that the MLAs had been detained.



The MLAs are not reachable. They have been detained. They are legislators elected by the people, so release them. Let them go and meet people, he told reporters here.



But the rival camp rejected the allegations. We are free. We are keenly awaiting governors invitation (to Sasikala to form government). We are not children to be detained or abducted as is being reported in a section of media, Perundurai MLA ND Venkadachalam said.






Nearly two years after Prabha Arun Kumar, a software engineer from the city was stabbed to death in Sydney by an unidentified person, the special detective squad, Strike Force Marcoala (SFM) of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has submitted a report to the local court terming the case unsolved.





SFM sleuths had visited Bengaluru and Dakshina Kannada in the last week of January 2017. They questioned 28 persons, including Prabhas family members and relatives and spoke to senior CID officers. They strongly suspected a possible robbery attempt resulting in the death, a senior CID officer told DH.



The report has references to negligence of the victims employer in providing transport facilities to her when she worked on a holiday on March 7, 2015, the fateful day. Other references made in the report include Prabhas domestic and property issues. The report stresses that Prabha had ignored her colleagues warnings of passing through the Sydney park, known for robberies and attacks. There is also a reference to possible involvement of people known to her, the officer said, quoting the sleuths.



The sleuths clarified in the report that they lacked evidence to prove any of the possible causes. They said the truth would be out once the assailant was arrested and efforts were on to trace him.



The sleuths told the CID that they have not given a clean chit to anybody, including Arun Kumar, and members of Prabhas family and her relatives.



Arun Kumar told the sleuths on the CID premises in Bengaluru in the last week of January that he had no serious differences with his wife. He claimed that both of them loved each other and she wanted to return to Bengaluru for good after completing the project in April 2105.



She had dropped the idea of obtaining an Australian citizenship like her brother Dr Shankar Shetty, for the sake of their only daughter, he stated.



During discussions with CID officers, the contract killing theory came up. But the sleuths said they have no evidence to prove it.



On whether the couple wanted to legally separate, the officer termed it as a purely personal matter which had nothing to do with the incident.



A native of Nandagokula in Amtoor near Kalladka in Bantwal taluk and the daughter of Mahabala Shetty, Prabha did her engineering in computer science from KVJ Institute in Sullia, and moved to Bengaluru in 1998.



She was sent to Australia for a project for a year by her employer Mindtree in 2012. She married Arun Kumar, a private firm owner from Prashanthnagar in 2000. Prabhas daughter was nine years old when the murder took place.



An unidentified man followed her and repeatedly slit her throat while she was passing through the Sydney park on March 7, 2015, about 300 metres away from her house minutes after she got down from a tram.




A rowdy was chased by his rival members of his rival gang and hacked to death near Timber Yard Layout in Byatarayanapura, off Mysuru Road, on Friday evening.





The police identified the victim as Soma alias Lambu, 25, a resident of Byatarayanapura. Soma was involved in several crimes including murder, attempt to murder and dacoity.



Around 5.30 pm Soma came to an eatery to have kebab. Four armed men on two bikes came there and attacked him. He started running for cover, but the gang chased him down, attacked him with sharp weapons and fled the spot, said the police.



A profusely bleeding Soma was rushed to Victoria Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries around 8 pm. The police suspect that Soma was attacked over a rivalry. There are clues about the attackers and they would be arrested shortly, DCP (West) M N Anucheth told DH.




Crimes against women may be rising in the city, but Bengaluru's first food delivery girl who juggles two jobs to make ends meet says she has nothing to fear.





At 23, Venda works as a home nurse in the morning and night and delivers food on her bike for five hours during the day. Not one to give up her passion, she is pursuing studies to become a history teacher.



"Things at home turned bad five years ago as the Rs 10,000 my father and mother earned was not sufficient. After marrying off my elder sister, they needed my support. I finished pre-university and decided to join my mother by becoming a home nurse," she said.



Venda, who grew up with a love for biking, worked three years to buy her Honda Activa. She attached her vehicle to Rapido, an app-based bike taxi aggregator. She looked for more opportunities to work as her bike taxi did not get many hires.



A city-based food aggregator rejected her application. They were worried about safety and said they did not want to take risk, Venda said.



By the time she got a call from rival Jugnoo, a Chandigarh-based aggregator providing services ranging from last mile transportation to food delivery, Venda had travelled across the bylanes of Bengaluru searching for a job.



Searching for jobs helped discover shortcuts in the city. I avoid traffic to save time for studies. I am pursuing BA to study history, Tamil and English. I want to become a history teacher, Venda said.



Sabarish Nambiar, the Bengaluru operations manager of Jugnoo, said he came to know about Venda through her work in Rapido. Its been a month since we hired her and we have received a positive response from both the hotels and the customers, he said.



Women have entered all kinds of fields today. Why cant I do more? (Former President) Abdul Kalam said dreams are those that keep you awake. It doesnt matter how much work I do. I will reach my goal, she said.



When asked about safety, Venda she has not faced risks as she works outdoors during the day. I hope there will come a time when women can work anytime, she added.
The police on Friday busted an online racket and arrested three people from Nigeria.





The police have recovered Rs 19 lakh from Martin and his two associates, whose names are yet to be ascertained. Some of Martins associates have been absconding in Goa and a team from the city police will soon leave for Goa to arrest them.



The suspects operated a matrimonial website promising matches for boys and girls. They would first collect money online promising to share details and then abscond, said the police. The suspects had installed skimming devices inside some of the ATM kiosks in the city. These devices would read and record PIN number on ATM cards. The suspects would collect the data recorded to prepare duplicate ATM cards. They would use the cards to shop and withdraw money, said the police.



They had cheated a man from Banaswadi promising that they would share the details of a girl he had liked, for the wedding. They had collected money from him and had later absconded. He approached the police and lodged a complaint. The police formed a special team, which arrested the three suspects.




The 11th edition of the biennial international aerospace and defence exhibition, Aero India 2017, will not match the records set by the last airshow in terms of participating nations and companies.



Compared to 635 companies and 42 countries in 2015, only 549 aerospace firms will be part of the show this time. Betting big on Make in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself had formally kicked off the last airshow. This time, Defence Minister Manohar Parikarr will do the honours at the Yelahanka Air Force Station here on February 14. The show will go on till February 18.



Seventy-two aircraft, both on static and flying display, will be part of the show. Among the fighter aircraft taking to the skies this time will be the American F-16, Swedish Gripen and French Rafale jets. While Rafale has already bagged a contract with the IAF, manufacturers of the other two aircraft are on the lookout for a bigger deal from the Indian government.



An estimated two lakh business visitors are expected to turn up at the Air Force Station, where a sprawling 27,678-square metre area has been decked up for the show. The space has gone up from 24,403 square metres in 2015.



Aero India, which began its journey in 1996, has carved a niche for itself as a premium aerospace and aviation exhibition of global repute. This year, the event is being organised and conducted by the Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO).



Aerobatic displays



Beyond business, airshow buffs could look forward to breathtaking aerobatic displays by the Indian Air Forces (IAF) Sarang and Surya Kiran teams, the Scandinavian Airshow team from Sweden and the Evolvkos Aerobatic Team from the UK. After a gap, the Surya Kirans are returning with a brand new formation of Advanced Jet Trainer, Hawks.



Twenty-three countries will have their company stalls and official delegations. In all, 51 countries will be present at the airshow at multiple platforms.



Exhibitors from the US, France, the UK, Russia, Israel, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Ukraine, Singapore, Sweden, Spain, South Africa, Italy, the UAE, South Korea, Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Canada, Australia, Poland and Greece have already confirmed participation.



Also lining up for the show will be 65 delegates comprising ministers of defence, service chiefs, heads of department from Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Sudan, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, the US and Uzbekistan.



Under the Make in India initiative, the airshow will host an investors meet on Indian Aerospace and a session on Make in India in Aerospace: Are MSMEs geared for it?  Reflections and the Way Forward on February 15.



Also on the airshow agenda are country-specific Round Tables. These will include Indo-Swiss, Indo-UK and Indo-Polish Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Kerala are setting up exclusive SEZ pavilions to attract investments.


Two nursery children were allegedly beaten and harassed by a teacher at Eastwood High School near Halasuru, east Bengaluru. One of the parents took to social media to express her anguish.





Susmita Nanda Dash, a parent, said her daughter was beaten in the classroom by one of the teachers who also pulled her underwear down. Dash told DH she grew suspicious when her daughter began throwing a tantrum to go to school every morning.



This was in April last year. She would cry while going to school every morning. I was alarmed. When I enquired, she told me a teacher beat her every day, she said.

On one occasion, Dash continued, the teacher removed her daughters sweater in the classroom to make other children mock her.



The mother said she met the teacher in school thrice and requested her not to beat the child. I told her that my child was going through mental trauma, but the teacher was unmoved. I approached the principal but little changed, she said.



In a Facebook post, Dash narrated what the principal told her, No, we dont beat any kids here as beating is banned in school. But her parting shot was, A teacher doesnt have any other way to instill discipline other than beating (sic).



Dash has claimed that a similar incident happened with another child two days ago. The boy came running to his mother and told her that he was beaten by the same teacher.



But that was not all. The teacher pulled down the boys underwear even as other children watched, and threatened to lock him in an unlit room where a dog would bite his private parts, Dash said.



According to Dash, parents have paid a non-refundable deposit of Rs 50,000 and are reluctant to speak up for fear of reprisal from the school management. They fear their children will be targeted if they speak up. The school has refused to share the CCTV footage with us. Every classroom has a CCTV camera, Dash said.



DH tried to contact the school management for its version of the events but there was no immediate response.
Amid the growing feud between the Infosys founders and the board over the companys governance issue, former senior Infoscions have mooted the idea of the ouster of Chairman R Seshasayee and restructuring the board.





In an interaction with DH, former Infosys Chief Financial Officer Mohandas Pai, who spent 17 years with the company, said Seshasayee should quit soon. I think the Board has to be restructured and there should be a new chairman, he said.



Pai pointed out that Seshasayee is not following good standards laid out by the company. This is my stand on the issue. I dont know what is going to happen, he said.



Former Infosys CFO V Balakrishnan also joined the chorus for the ouster of the chairman. There is a trust dispute, so my suggestion will be for the chairman of the board to step down, he said.



He also pointed out that the company should appoint an interim chairman. The board should engage with the founders, if required, re-consult the board and fully support Sikka and make sure the company gets back in the growth path, he said.



When DH tried to reach out to Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthys office on the development, his office stated that Murthy is not talking anything on this.



Earlier, Murthy had told media that he is quite happy with CEO Vishal Sikka and that he is doing a good job.



However, what concerns some of us, particularly the founders and former senior Infoscions is that there have been certain acts of governance that could have been done better. For instance, paying former CFO a 30-month severance pay amounting Rs 23 crore, he said.



In a veiled comment, Murthy also mentioned that there should be a change in the board structure by bringing in ex-Infoscions.


For 11 years, Carmel Valley artist Cheryl Rattner Price has been sharing a glimpse of hope, a lesson for life and giving voice back to the anonymous child through The Butterfly Project, an effort to create 1.5 million ceramic, painted butterflies to represent the 1.5 million children killed in the Holocaust. Now a film documenting the projects inspiring mission is taking flight.

Not the Last Butterfly will be screened at the San Diego Jewish Film Festival on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Edwards San Marcos Stadium 18 and at 1:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla. Each screening will include the opportunity after the film to paint a butterfly that will be featured in an art installation at Jewish Family Services Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus.

Student tickets for the film are free courtesy of the Lipinksy Family Foundation.

Rattner Price co-directed and co-executive produced the documentary with Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker Joe Fab.

Rattner Price and Jan Landau started The Butterfly Project in 2006 at the San Diego Jewish Academy. Landau had been inspired by the Holocaust poem The Butterfly. After the war, the butterfly became a symbol of hope for survivors, that there can be renewed life, there can be a transformation.

Landau had also been inspired by a documentary film called Paper Clips, about a Holocaust memorial created in Tennessee where students committed to collecting one paper clip for each of the six million people who perished during the Holocaust, writing letters to ask for paper clips and getting an entire community involved. They ended up receiving paper clips from all over the world, filling a rail car with 11 million paperclips representing the six million Jews and 5 million gypsies, homosexuals and other victims of the Holocaust. The car stands as a permanent memorial in their schoolyard.

Rattner Price, a ceramics artist, was SDJAs artist-in-residence at the time when Landau approached her about doing the project. The lesson of The Butterfly Project is not scary and doesnt shut kids down in the awful way that Rattner Price said her generation was taught about the Holocaust. The project created a way to teach children about the history of the past in a way that lets them feel hope.

I fell in love with the process of helping other people to learn about this topic and expressing something personal, Rattner Price said. Youre breaking childrens hearts when you share this story with them, they feel powerless and sad. The idea is to make a butterfly and join with others who have learned that through their voice they can make a difference and stand up when somebody else is being hurtful.

It makes us so motivated. Its so important. We need to help our young generation to know everything they can about history and learn when we come together around a common idea we can not only honor and tribute but change lives.

Rattner Price calls herself an obsessive photographer and since 2006 has documented every step of The Butterfly Project through photos and video  from the installation at SDJA using boxes of ceramic butterflies received from all over the country and world, how they have spread the project to schoolchildren throughout the country and beyond, overseeing art installations in other communities.

All of these cities did amazing, gorgeous installations and I felt responsible to share those stories. As a mosaic artist, I collect bits and pieces and keep everything and thats how I started making this film, Rattner Price said, noting one particularly moving experience filming butterflies installed at a school in Warsaw, Poland. As an artist I got in way over my head, not realizing how difficult it is to make a documentary film.

She had over 200 hours of footage when she connected with Joe Fab, the producer, director and writer of Paper Clips, which had inspired the whole project. Once Fab came on board, Rattner Prices documentary tightened up and took shape  it was no longer a scattered mosaic.

For the film, they were able to use the story of 86-year-old Holocaust survivor Ela Weissberger. While in the Terezin Concentration Camp in the Czech Republic, Weissberger remembered a teacher, Friedl Dicker-Brandies, who inspired the children to express their pain and deal with the shock and trauma of the camp through secret art projects.

Weissberger not only placed a butterfly on the wall at SDJA but the filmmakers were able to take her back to Terezin, where she left a butterfly in memory of her teacher, who helped thousands of children at Terezin before being murdered at Auschwitz.

The film was an official selection of the 2016 Virginia Film Festival in November and, in January, the film was shown at a private screening at the U.S. Embassy in Latvia and a screening at the JCC Manhattan. The film is scheduled to be shown this year at the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival, a special screening at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library in Kansas. They have also submitted to festivals as far away as Hong Kong and Australia.

The Butterfly Project carries on, with the goal to reach more than 60 local schools a year, with an educational team that includes Landau and retired teachers, many of whom have family members who were Holocaust survivors.

They will continue to teach this impactful lesson, not only to reach 1.5 precious butterflies made but to transform resistance through art and education and empower people to take action against injustice. As one student says in the film: I learned that if I dont do anything, then nothing will change.

The beauty of this for me as an artist, I feel like Im continuing Friedls legacy, Rattner Price said. She wanted to help the children by doing art to help them handle that trauma and have hope for the future.

Im very lucky. Its amazing how it has all come together and its really exciting what is happening.

Tickets for the film can be purchased at sdjff.org. For more on The Butterfly Project, visit thebutterflyprojectnow.org
The Canyon Crest Academy Casas de Luz Club is hosting a Parents Night Out on Friday, Feb. 24 to raise funds to build a home in Tijuana, Mexico. The club is offering parents a chance to take a break and drop off their children anytime from 6-10 p.m. at the Univertarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito in Solana Beach  the teens will entertain the children with games, activities, movies and snacks for $30 a child ($50 for two children).

Mariella Gauvreau, CCA senior and president of the club, said the teens are pretty confident they can handle a lot of kids.

With the fundraiser, the club is looking to raise the $4,500 needed in order to build a home.

Casas de Luz was founded by Kathy Faller in 2005 and has built over 60 homes and two community centers, delivered over 500 truckloads of donations and has provided communities the possibility to achieve their true potential.

The organization is an affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and works to create self-sustaining change through youth empowerment, cross-cultural relationships and leadership development.

CCA has had a Casas de Luz Club for the last five years and Mariella has been a member since her sophomore year.

She was so drawn to the cause that she wanted to have a bigger role and applied to be an intern for the organization when she was a junior.

For the last two years she has been a part of the internship program, working to get fundraisers started and build more homes. Mariella said she is hopeful that her work with Casas de Luz is just the starting point for the rest of her life  she hopes to get degrees in both Spanish and engineering and use her knowledge and skills in the Peace Corps and doing service work in Latin America.

As an intern and as club president, Mariella has worked closely with fellow high school clubs at San Dieguito High School Academy, Westview, University City High and the brand new club at Torrey Pines High School. Skyline School in Solana Beach also has a club and she hopes this fundraiser will attract some more attention locally to the cause and get more kids involved.

Last year the CCA club did a combined build with San Dieguito High School Academys club, each raising half of the funds and sending 20 volunteers each to Tijuana. This year CCA Club members are aiming to raise the entire funds for a home on their own.

Ive gotten used to how it all works, said Mariella, who has participated in five home builds with Casas de Luz in Mexico. When we go down there its just a slab of concrete and a bunch of two by foursYou get to see what it looks like from the start, building something from nothing.

Around 40 people are involved on a build and are broken into groups  some taking on the walls, others building the trusses and others focus on painting. Local contractors are on site ensuring that everything is safe and stable.

The people were building the home for are with us the entire time. They help work on the house and usually its a family with kids and the kids help us too, Mariella said. We spend a lot of time together so its so personal for us to be involved in building their house. It makes it really hard to leave because you form all these friendships. Its amazing.

To register for Parents Night Out, e-mail ccacasasdeluz@gmail.com To make a donation toward CCAs efforts to build a home, visit gofundme.com/casas-de-luz-home-build
SANAA, 10 February 2017 (World Food Programme)  The number of food insecure people in Yemen has risen by three million in seven months, with an estimated 17.1 million people now struggling to feed themselves, according to a joint assessment by three UN agencies. Of the 17.1 million food insecure people, about 7.3 million are considered to be in need of emergency food assistance. The preliminary results of the Emergency Food Security and Nutrition Assessment (EFSNA) show that food security and nutrition conditions are deteriorating rapidly due to the ongoing conflict. More than two-thirds of Yemens population of 27.4 million people now lack access to food and consume an inadequate diet. The EFSNA is a joint survey conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in cooperation with the authorities in Yemen. It is the first national, household-level assessment conducted in the country since the escalation of the conflict in mid-March 2015. Rates of acute malnutrition were found to have passed the critical threshold in four governorates, while agricultural production is falling across the country. The speed at which the situation is deteriorating and the huge jump in food insecure people is extremely worrying, said Salah Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Yemen. Bearing in mind that agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the majority of the population, FAO is urgently calling for funds to scale up its agricultural livelihoods support to farmers, herders and fishing communities to improve their access to food in 2017 and prevent the dire food and livelihood security situation from deteriorating further. We are witnessing some of the highest numbers of malnutrition amongst children in Yemen in recent times. Children who are severely and acutely malnourished are 11 times more at risk of death as compared to their healthy peers, if not treated on time. Even if they survive, these children risk not fulfilling their developmental potentials, posing a serious threat to an entire generation in Yemen and keeping the country mired in the vicious cycle of poverty and under development, said Dr Meritxell Relano, UNICEF Representative in Yemen. The current level of hunger in Yemen is unprecedented, which is translating into severe hardship and negative humanitarian consequences for millions of Yemenis, particularly affecting vulnerable groups, said Stephen Anderson, WFP Country Director in Yemen. Tragically, we see more and more families skipping meals or going to bed hungry, while children and mothers are slipping away with little to sustain themselves. WFP is urgently calling for support to provide food for the seven million people who are severely food insecure and may not survive this situation for much longer.

Food Security

The severe food insecurity situation in the country has worsened sharply in recent months, with an estimated 65 percent of households now food insecure. In addition, three-quarters of all households indicate that their economic situation is worse now than before the crisis. Incomes have fallen and many public-sector workers have gone for months without being paid. As a result, 80 percent of Yemenis are in now in debt, and more than half of all households have had to buy food on credit. Many households  60 percent  have resorted to negative coping mechanisms such as eating less preferred foods, reducing portions or skipping meals altogether.

Malnutrition

The EFSNA results show that over two million children are acutely malnourished. In four governorates  Abyan, Al Hudaydah, Hadramaut, and Taizz,  malnutrition rates have passed the emergency threshold, meaning an acute malnutrition rate of more than 15 percent. In seven governorates  namely Aden, Al Dhalee, Al Jawf, Al Mahwit, Hajjah, Lahj, and Shabwah  rates now exceed the serious threshold, which indicates an acute malnutrition rate of more than ten percent.

Agriculture

The agriculture sector is the main source of livelihood for at least 60 percent of Yemeni households. The livelihoods of this critical segment of the population have been hit hard with agricultural production falling drastically in 2016, compared to pre-crisis levels. Up to 1.5 million households engaged in agriculture now lack access to critical agricultural inputs (including seeds, fertiliser, fuel for irrigation) and are in urgent need of emergency agricultural support. Of these, 860,000 households engaged in livestock production lack access to animal feed (fodder, concentrate, mineral blocks) and many livestock-dependent households have been forced to sell their herds to cater for other household needs. Meanwhile, inadequate control of crop and livestock disease further erodes an already struggling agricultural sector and requires emergency protection and safeguarding of assets.
Coursera as an education platform needs no introduction. The platform provides courses taught by top instructors from universities and educational institutions from around the world in the form of videos and interactive content. They have more than 23 million learners on the platform and one of the key reasons for their popularity is the accessibility of the courses through the mobile app.

Available on Android and iOS, the Coursera app accounts for a significant share of the platforms traffic. In India, Coursera has the second largest market after the US with 1.8 million learners. Out of these, 24% are on the mobile app. What makes it click?

First of all, learning on the smartphone is something that is not at all out of reach now - with smartphones becoming powerful and getting better displays along with high-speed data becoming cheaper. So, since the Coursera platform provides 96% of its courses in a format that can be entirely completed on smartphones, learners opting for the mobile app is not entirely an unpredictable trend. And then the app itself is well-thought out.



There are a lot of options available on the app in terms of specialisation and field of study

Starting with a simple sign up that gets you started in minutes (even if you sign up with your own email ID) the app takes into account the goal youre trying to achieve through learning - be it simply learning a skill or actually targeting a career growth. The categories range from Arts and Humanities to Computer Science to Physical Science and Engineering. In fact, if you head to the Discover section on the app, you can see all the categories available, along with the courses that could interest you with the University name mentioned.

Another way in which courses are presented in the app are as a career goal - Become A Data Scientist, Become a Digital Marketer - which will present you with several sub-specialisations within them with their own course curriculums. This approach will surely be helpful to anyone with a specific career goal in mind.

The courses are presented in a very comprehensive and transparent manner

Some of the interesting features of the app are specifically beneficial for the Indian context. Users can download videos by tapping on the cloud symbol next to the video and watch it later, even without an internet connection. Along with that, for lower end phones, users can also choose to experience the course in Audio mode where instead of playing the video, the users can listen to the content in audio format - hence saving significant battery drain.

Someone who is already familiar with the Coursera platform can use the app as a learning companion to continue the learning on the go. A completely new user will also have an easier way to come onboard the platform, as clearly more people have smartphones these days than a personal computer or a laptop. Going forward, mobile is going to be the only major content consumption platform. With that future ahead of us, the Coursera app makes a lot of sense if youre in the market for online learning.
Its the weekend and we are back with the hottest new trailers for you. This week we have a host of awesome movie trailers from the Super Bowl weekend. Netflix has also released the first trailer for its upcoming Marvel series, Iron Fist. Gamers can also feast their eyes upon the new Street Fighter 5 Kolin reveal and watch General Atriox and Captain Cutter fight over elbow space, in the new Halo Wars 2 trailer. Sit back, relax and watch.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Ext. Superbowl TV Spot

Captain Jack Sparrow searches for the trident of Poseidon, ships collide, madness unleashes and ghosts wreak havoc. Watch this kickass Pirates of the Caribbean trailer now!

Transformers: The Last Knight Super Bowl TV Spot

Optimus Prime finds his home planet, Cybertron, now a dead planet. He finds a way to bring the planet back to life, but in order to do so, he needs to find an artifact, which is on Earth. Obviously. PS: This is the last Michael Bay Transformers movie.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Extended Superbowl TV Spot

Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' continues the team's adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage.

The Fate of the Furious Super Bowl TV Spot

When a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of crime and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trials that will test them as never before. PS: They have a submarine skidding on ice in this one!

Logan 'Grace' Super Bowl TV Spot

In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.

Baywatch Super Bowl TV Spot

Two unlikely prospective lifeguards vie for jobs alongside the buff bodies who patrol a beach in California. Catch a glimpse of Bollywood diva, Priyanka Chopra in this one.

John Wick: Chapter 2 'Shade' Super Bowl TV Spot

After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life.

Life Trailer #3

An international space crew discovers life on Mars, and all goes haywire.

A Cure for Wellness Super Bowl TV Spot

An ambitious young executive is sent to retrieve his company's CEO from an idyllic but mysterious "wellness center" at a remote location in the Swiss Alps but soon suspects that the spa's miraculous treatments are not what they seem.

The Circle Trailer #2

A woman lands a job at a powerful tech company called the Circle, where she becomes involved with a mysterious man. The company in question will eerily remind you of Apple. Let's see if you notice the subtle hints.

The Lego Ninjago Movie Trailer

Six young ninjas Lloyd, Jay, Kai, Cole, Zane and Nya are tasked with defending their island home, called Ninjago. By night, they're gifted warriors, using their skills and awesome fleet of vehicles to fight villains and monsters. By day, they're ordinary teens struggling against their greatest enemy: high school.

Street Fighter 5 Official Kolin Reveal Trailer

Kolin, the Phantasm of Snow and Ice, joins Akuma in Street Fighter 5.

Halo Wars 2 - War of Wits: The Armrest Trailer

General Atriox and Captain Cutter fight over elbow space.

Rocket League Official Hot Wheels Trailer

Two popular Hot Wheels cars are coming to Rocket League as DLC on February 21.

Marvel's Iron Fist

Fifteen years after being presumed dead in a plane crash, Danny Rand (Finn Jones) mysteriously returns to New York City determined to reclaim his birthright and family company. However, when a long-destined enemy rises in New York, this living weapon is forced to choose between his familys legacy and his duties as the Iron Fist. Marvel's Iron Fist premieres March 17, 2017 exclusively on Netflix.
 B51 English > + Compare + Compare  on 13-May-2016

Market Status : DISCONTINUED Expected Date : 21 Jan, 2013 Official Website : Byond Key Specifications Screen Size 3.5" (320 x 480)

Camera 3 | 1.3 MP

Memory 512 MB/256 MB

Battery 1500 mAh  B51 Price in India:  3,167 set price drop alert See All Prices  B51 Alternatives

Overview

Specs

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 B51 Full Specifications Basic Information Manufacturer : Byond Model : B51 Launch date (global) : 22-01-2013 Operating system : Android OS version : 2.3.6 Type : Smartphone Status : Available Colors : default Product Name : Byond B51 Display Screen size (in inches) : 3.5 Display technology : TFT LCD Capacitive touchscreen Screen resolution (in pixels) : 320 x 480 Pixel Density (PPI) : 165 Scratch Resistant Glass : No Camera Rear Camera Megapixel : 3 Maximum Video Resolution (in pixels) : N/A Front Camera Megapixel : 1.3 Front Facing Camera : Yes LED Flash : Yes Video Recording : Yes Geo-tagging : No Digital Zoom : No Autofocus : No Touch Focus : No Face Detection : No HDR : No Panorama Mode : No Battery Battery capacity (mAh) : 1500 Talk time (in hours) : 3 Removal Battery (Yes/No) : N/A Sensors And Features Multi touch : No Light Sensor : No Proximity Sensor : Yes G (Gravity) Sensor : No Finger print sensor : No Orientation Sensor : No Accelerometer : No Compass : No Barometer : No Magnetometer : No Gyroscope : No Dust proof and water resistant : No Connectivity SIM : Dual 3G Capability : No 4G Capability : N/A Wifi Capability : Yes Wifi HotSpot : No Bluetooth : N/A NFC : N/A GPS : Yes DLNA : N/A HDMI : N/A Technical Specifications CPU : N/A CPU speed : 1 Ghz Processor cores : No RAM : 256 MB GPU : N/A Dimensions (lxbxh- in mm) : 113 x 61.2 x 8 Weight (in grams) : 115 Storage : 512 MB removable storage (yes or no) : Yes removable storage (included) : N/A removable storage (maximum) : 32 GB

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 B51 Brief Description  B51 Smartphone 3.5 - TFT LCD Capacitive touchscreen .    320 x 480   165     .  1 Ghz No       256 MB  .  B51 Android 2.3.6   .     :  B51 Smartphone January 2013    .

  Dual  Smartphone

  256 MB  .

  512 MB     .

    B51 Smartphone 3.5 - TFT LCD Capacitive touchscreen .    320 x 480   165     .  1 Ghz No       256 MB  .  B51 Android 2.3.6   .     :  B51 Smartphone January 2013    .   Dual  Smartphone   256 MB  .   512 MB     .       32 GB   .   1500 mAh    .  B51      .  : ,GPS,Wifi,    3     .  B51 s   ,,Video Recording     .     -   ,   1.3     .

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 B51 FAQs What is the starting price of  B51 ? The starting price of  B51 is 3,167 for the base variant with 256 MB 512 MB. What is the screen size of  B51 ? The  B51 features a 3.5 inches TFT LCD Capacitive touchscreen with 320 x 480 resolution. What is the Battery capacity of  B51 ? The  B51 has a 1500 mAh battery. What is RAM size of  B51 ? The  B51 is available with 256 MB sizes to choose from. What is Storage capacity of  B51 ? The  B51 is available with 512 MB sizes to choose from.

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Atlantis Resources , a developer of marine renewables, has partnered with Natural Energy Wire (NEW) to develop a tidal project in Lancashire, on the heels of a government review on the use of tidal lagoon power in Britain.

The companies have teamed up to develop the the Wyre tidal project which is to be built between Fleetwood and Knott's End on the Lancashire coast.

The government's recent review of the potential for tidal lagoon power led by Charles Hendry, a former minister for energy, found that going ahead with a "pathfinder" project as well as other smaller projects would be important in harnessing tidal power around Britain's shores.

Atlantis said that the Wyre project, which has been under development for several years, is consistent with this objective, as it comprises of a 160 megawatt tidal power plant capable of producing up to 400 gigawatt-hours of carbon free power each year, along with flood protection.

The Wyre project mimics tidal cycles, which should mean minimal disruption to the environmental and has been spearheaded by Bob Long, NEWs managing director with the design of the project coming from a collaboration with energy companies such as Mott Macdonald, BAM Nuttall, Arcadis and Andritz Hydro.

Atlantis Energy will work with NEW, building on the recently announced partnership with French floating offshore wind foundation developer Ideol, to develop a large-scale demonstration project in Britain.

Long said: "I am passionate about the Wyre project and am committed to seeing it delivered for the greater economic good of the region. This is not just a low cost renewable energy project. This is a project that will provide flood protection to an area which will be increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels. It is a project that offers huge opportunity for the regeneration of Fleetwood and the surrounding area and a chance to enhance the recovery of a previously seriously contaminated estuary."

Atlantis chief executive Tim Cornelius said: "The geography of the Wyre means that only a relatively small impoundment is required for the power output produced. This makes Wyre a very cost effective way to test the concepts of tidal range power.

"I believe our proven track record of development means that, together with NEW, we can bring this project to reality very quickly. This project is absolutely in line with Charles Hendry's recommendations to build momentum in this new industry and with the Secretary of State's ambition for affordable, reliable energy supply with a strong domestic supply chain focus. It also fits well with the government's stated Northern powerhouse strategy as well as contributing to the development and regeneration of our towns and cities."

Shares in Atlantis Resources were up 1.1% to 58.13p at 0822 GMT.
AIM-listed drug discovery firm Redx Pharma has raised about 7.18m in equity in order to support the development of its cancer and leukaemia treatments as it transitions to a clinical stage company.

The proceeds will help support the first human trials of two drugs that have the potential to treat various forms of cancer and leukaemia.

Chief executive Neil Murray said: "We expect our Porcupine inhibitor, RXC004, to commence first-in-human trials within the next few months. This compound shows exciting potential as a monotherapy for difficult to treat cancers, such as pancreatic, biliary and gastric cancer, and also as a combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors, which use the body's immune system to attack tumours."

He said the company was also preparing its BTK inhibitor, RXC005, for first-in-human clinical trials by the end of the year, which has the potential to transform the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, the most common form of adult leukaemia.

The pharmaceutical placed 19.16m at a price of 37.5 pence per share, with new and existing investors , which was a 9.6% discount of the price of an ordinary share of 41.5p, and raised about 7.18m.

The placing comprised of 5.99m firm placing shares and 13.16m conditional placing shares, which were not part of the open offer.

The firm placing shares are expected to trade on AIM on 15 February and following admission the company will have a 99.69m shares in issue. A second admission will take place on 1 March for the conditional placing shares, subscription shares, value payment shares and the open offer shares.

Later on Friday, the company will post an open offer to shareholders to further raise up to 2.93m.

Shares in Redx Pharma were up 1.27% to 40p at 1207 GMT.
Exane BNP Paribas has upgraded software group Sage to outperform from neutral and lifted price target to 750p from 640p.

The bank noted that Sage has de-rated on uninspiring top-line trends, including a slight hiccup in the first quarter of 2017, and perhaps the lower attraction of defensive cash return stories.

The stock has been the worst performer in European software on both a three- and 12-month view, despite strong earnings per share upgrades, and is now trading at an EV/EBITA calendar 2017 earnings of 13.8x, or a 16% discount to peers.

Exane said the recent issues such as those in France can be fixed, which should get Sage back to its targeted organic growth of more than 6% as soon as the second quarter.

Moreover, recent go-to-market investments should produce benefits in the coming years. Sage has launched a 100m cost-cutting programme. The savings will be reinvested in the business in the short-term, meaning margin progression should remain limited in FY17.

Longer-term, however, some of the savings (we estimate 1/3) should flow back at the EBIT level. We forecast a 200 basis points margin expansion from FY17e (27%) to FY19e (29%).

At 1045 GMT, the shares were up 1.7% to 647.50p.
UBS bumped up its target price on shares of Ashmore Group following its most recent interims and a detailed analysis of its quarterly gross inflows.

Analyst Michael Werner highlighted the Emerging Markets investment manager's earnings beat on first half 2017 earnings per share, which led it to push its EPS forecast for the full-year higher by 23.0%.

That beat was driven by its best performance fee realisation in five years, Werner said.

Furthermore, upon close inspection the trends in its gross inflows and outflows for the latest six months revealed that the outflows were concentrated over the three to four weeks after the US elections, falling sharply afterwards.

Excluding those, Ashmore would have registered inflows to the tune of $1bn in the three months to December, instead of $700m of outflows.

"This increases our confidence in the firm's ability to generate inflows beginning in the March quarter (+US$500mn) and then to grow these inflows in the coming quarters and years," the analyst said.

The Swiss broker also hailed the firm's strong discipline on both non-staff and staff fixed costs, with the former having been pared for a third consecutive half.

Werner reiterated his 'buy' recommendation on the stock and revised his target price higher from 350.0p to 390.0p.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook has said he is confident that the UK will be able to stand on its own two feet following its exit from the European Union, saying his company is a "big believer" in Britain.

Speaking with ITV's Good Morning Britain programme, Cook said that Apple's decision to move its London headquarters to the area around Battersea Power Station, as well as increasing the size of the operations there, was a sign that the tech giant was confident in the UK economy despite Brexit.

"We are very optimistic about the UK's future, and we are all in," said Cook. "We're doubling down on a huge headquarters in the Battersea area... and we're leaving significant space there to expand. We're a big believer in the UK."

Cook was relaying comments he made to British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday in a meeting at Downing Street, saying that there may be "bumps in the road along the way".

Apple released a statement following the meeting, which said that it hopes to continue to create jobs in Britain in the coming years.

"We are proud that Apple's innovation and growth now supports nearly 300,000 jobs across the UK," it said.

The Cupertino-based company had its own run-in with the European institutions in 2016 after it accused the European Commission of overstepping the mark following its ruling that it owed the Irish government 13bn in unpaid taxes.

Speculation has been growing that many major multinational firms are considering their options for London operations when Britain leaves the bloc, and Apple's confidence will come as an important boost for May's government.
The US and China are set to meet head on in a trade confrontation in the near future, according to analysts at Goldman Sachs .

The investment bank believes it is unclear to what extent such a confrontation would go, but that it had no reason to suspect that US President Donald Trump would not follow through on his campaign promises.

Trump has been hostile towards China , both throughout his election campaign and since being confirmed as the new leader of the US. He promised to introduce a 45% trade tariff on imports from China, in order to boost the US economy.

"Trump has been publicly critical of U.S. trade policy for decades and made it a key aspect of his campaign; we see little reason to believe that he will not follow through on these commitments in general terms," said Andrew Tilton, chief Asia-Pacific economist at Goldman Sachs.

In the report, which was also authored by the bank's senior political economist Alec Phillips, Goldman set out a series of "small" and "large" actions which could result from a breakdown of trade between the two nations.

"The most likely options in the near term involve the announcement of a formal process to determine whether China is 'manipulating' its currency," said Tilton.

Any attempts from the US to impose heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, or label its government as a currency manipulator, is likely to initiate a reaction from the Asian superpower.

Earlier this week Alibaba CEO Jack Ma warned that 'war' would follow if free trade stops.

During the launch of Alibaba's new headquarters in Australia and New Zealand, Ma did not specifically mention the policies of US President Donald Trump or the trade fallout from Britain's exit from the European Union, but promoted "fair, transparent and inclusive trade".
US President Donald Trump has agreed to support the 'One China' policy after doubts about his stance emanated from a phone call with the president of Taiwan in December.

Trump spoke with Chinese president Xi Jinping on Thursday, according to the White House, in which he agreed to acknowledge the long-standing policy of the US towards China.

The Chinese administration lodged an official complaint after Trump spoke with the president of Taiwan, but the situation appears to have cooled following the first conversation between the leaders of the two superpowers since his inauguration on 20 January.

"President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'one China' policy," the statement from the White House said. "Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest."

A statement was also released by the Chinese government in which it referred to the US and China as "cooperative partners". Trump had previously been critical of China and their trade policies, sparking fears of a large scale trade confrontation.

"I believe that the United States and China are cooperative partners, and through joint efforts we can push bilateral relations to a historic new high," Xi said in the statement.

"The development of China and the United States absolutely can complement each other and advance together. Both sides absolutely can become very good cooperative partners," the statement added.

Investors have been watching the development of Trump's relationship with China closely, and the softening of his stance towards the "One China" issue may indicate a larger attempt to warm to the country, according to CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson.

"We may have witnessed a softening of the "bull in a china shop" type of rhetoric towards China after reports that President Trump had spoken to Chinese President Xi and said that he would stand by the one China policy that had been the baseline for US foreign policy for many years," Hewson said.
Donald Trump 's attempts to reinstate his travel ban on citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries have proven unsuccessful, after a federal court rejected an appeal from his administration to overturn a ruling from a Seattle court which suspended the ban.

The US President signed the executive order two weeks ago, citing national security concerns of incoming immigrants from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Syria.

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that it would not overturn the Seattle court's decision, on a unanimous 3-0 vote.

The judges said that while Trump has discretion to set immigration policy, that it was still subject to assessment in accordance with the US constitution.

"On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies," the judges said.

"And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination."

Trump's reaction was swift and animated, with a tweet suggesting that his administration is going to take the matter to a higher court.

"SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" President Trump tweeted. In an audio statement, Trump granted the decision as "political".

Citizens from the seven countries will now be able to travel to the US as they had done before the president signed the executive order.
Markets in Asia finished higher in Friday, taking their lead from the US markets overnight, which rose after US President Donald Trump described his upcoming tax policy as phenomenal.

Japans Nikkei 225 surged 2.49% to finish the week at 19,378.93, with a weaker yen helping to lift domestic stocks.

Investors in the country were now looking at Prime Minister Shinzo Abes trip to visit Donald Trump in Washington for a two-day summit.

This meeting takes place amid concerns in Japan about what the Trump administration's America First construct means for US foreign policy in Asia, as well as the implications of Trump's formal withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership for bilateral economic ties, noted experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies earlier in the week.

The yen was last 0.21% weaker against the greenback, at JPY 113.49 per $1.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite was 0.44% higher at 3,197.44, while the Shenzhen Composite was 0.22% softer at 1,950.32.

Trade figures in China exceeded expectations, new data revealed, with exports growing 7.9% year-on-year in January, with imports rising 16.7%, denominated in dollars.

When measured in renminbi, exports were up 15.9% and imports surged 25.2% year-on-year, with Chinas trade surplus for the month sitting at $51.35bn.

A number of infrastructure companies were higher on Friday, after the Ministry of Commerce confirmed it was pushing the One Belt, One Road infrastructure initiative along the Silk Road economic belt, with its neighbours.

Bellwether China Communications Construction was up 5.42%, China Gezhouba finished 5.64% higher, and China Railway Construction was 2.7% firmer.

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with his US counterpart over the phone for the first time on Friday, with Trump reportedly agreeing to stick with the One China policy of the Peoples Republic, which asserts the larger of the two Chinas is the only one with legitimacy.

It gave some clarity to The Donalds stance on the Taiwan question, after he spoke on the phone with Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen in December.

It was the first known phone call between US and Taiwan leaders since Washington severed ties with Taipei at the behest of Beijing.

South Koreas Kospi finished 0.45% higher at 2,075.08, while the Hang Seng Index was 0.21% higher at 23,574.98.

Lowering the overall tax burden on American business is big league, the President said on Thursday, adding that's coming along very well.

He said his team was ahead of schedule on the policy, and would announce a plan in the next two or three weeks that will be phenomenal in terms of tax.

That sent the markets into the green for the first time in a few days, with all three major New York indices adding just under 0.6% for the session.

After backsliding for all of the last week, the Trump-reflation trades are suddenly back on again, all stemming from the President's promise of a 'phenomenal' tax plan to be released within 2-3 weeks, noted analysts at Macquarie on Friday.

Oil prices were higher during Asian trading on Friday, though they bounced back during early European hours, with Brent crude last up 0.93% at $56.15 and West Texas Intermediate ading 0.81% at $53.43 per barrel.

Australias S&P/ASX 200 was 0.99% higher at 5,720.16, with all eyes on the Reserve Bank of Australia as it released its latest meeting minutes,.

It slashed its near-term growth forecasts for the domestic economy, after a third-quarter contraction surprised policymakers and investors.

The central bank did, however, expect things to rebound within the next two years, meaning additional rate cuts were not seen as likely at this stage.

Australias official cash rate was held steady at a record low 1.5% on Tuesday, which the markets had expected.

In New Zealand, the S&P/NZX 50 finished down 0.2% at 7,104.44, led lower by broadband infrastructure owner Chorus, which lost 3.6%.

Plans were unveiled by the countrys Communications Minister Simon Bridges during the day, to deregulate the Chorus copper network in areas where it competes with fibre optic networks from 2020.

It was a mixed bag for the down under dollars again, with the Aussie last 0.25% stronger at AUD 1.3082 against the greenback and the Kiwi weakening 0.07% to NZD 1.3924 per $1.
European equity markets were mixed on Friday as the Greek debt crisis weighed on investors' minds, although miners were boosted following encouraging Chinese trade figures.

The benchmark Stoxx Europe 600 index was 0.16% higher at the end of trading to 367.39, Germanys DAX was up 0.21% to 11,666.97 and Frances CAC 40 edged higher 0.04% to 4,828.32.

Meanwhile, oil prices ticked higher, with West Texas Intermediate up 1.99% at $54.07 a barrel and Brent crude ahead by 2.1% at $56.81.

Investors were keeping a closer eye on developments in Greece. Analysts at Monex Europe said: The Greek debt crisis was once again in headlines, with spreads between Greek sovereign debt and other Eurozone countries once again showing investor caution. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble reiterated previous statements calling for Greece to reform or leave the Eurozone.

Reports circulated that Greeces creditors would prepare a new series of proposed austerity measures for presentation today, meaning the 20 February meeting of Eurozone finance ministers could see a possible resolution, or escalation, of this latest stage in the ongoing drama.

Those reports drove the yield on the two-year Greek government bond to 8.59% on Friday from the 10.06% level where it was trading at by end of play on Thursday.

Elsewhere, mining stocks got a lift after data released earlier showed Chinese exports rose 7.9% in January in dollar terms, marking the fastest pace in almost two years, while imports rose 16.7%. Both sets of figures beat economists expectations.

Basic resources were the standout gainers, with the Stoxx 600 sub-index for the sector up 3.69% as copper prices were boosted by supply concerns after the Chinese trade data suggested a strong demand outlook for the metal.

Results from steel giant ArcelorMittal also underpinned gains in the sector, as it said 2016 earnings rose to $6.3bn from $5.2bn the previous year. Shares in the Luxembourg-based miner rose 9.34%.

French car maker Renault gained 1.02% after it said profit jumped 38% in 2016, while Reckitt Benckiser fell 3.60% as it confirmed that it would buy US infant formula-maker Mead Johnson for $16.6bn.

Luxury brand Kering rose 3.85% after its 2016 profit beat analysts forecasts, but Belgian car parts maker Umicore sank 5.51% as it posted a mere 1% increase in full-year revenue.

Commerzbank fell 2.13% after S&P Equity Research downgraded the German bank to strong sell from hold.

On the data front, Italys annual industrial production, which accounts for little under a third of the countrys GDP, grew at its fastest pace since 2010 as overall output rose 1.6% in 2016.

Meanwhile, Frances industrial output, which accounts for under a quarter of the country's GDP, dropped 0.9% in December from 2.2% a month earlier. This was more than the 0.7% fall expected. It grew in November on an annual basis with a 1.8% rise, compared to a 1.8% decline in October.
European equity markets were mixed on Friday as the Greek debt crisis weighed on investors' minds, although miners were boosted following encouraging Chinese trade figures.

At midday, the benchmark Stoxx Europe 600 index was flat at 366.63, Germanys DAX was up 0.17% to 11,662.98 and Frances CAC 40 was down 0.09% to 4,821.94.

Meanwhile, oil prices ticked higher, with West Texas Intermediate up 0.8% at $53.43 a barrel and Brent crude 0.9% higher at $56.16.

Investors were keeping a closer eye on developments in Greece. Analysts at Monex Europe said: The Greek debt crisis was once again in headlines, with spreads between Greek sovereign debt and other eurozone countries once again showing investor caution. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble reiterated previous statements calling for Greece to reform or leave the eurozone.

Reports circulated that Greeces creditors would prepare a new series of proposed austerity measures for presentation today, meaning the 20 February meeting of eurozone finance ministers could see a possible resolution, or escalation, of this latest stage in the ongoing drama.

Elsewhere, mining stocks got a lift after data released earlier showed Chinese exports rose 7.9% in January in dollar terms, marking the fastest pace in almost two years, while imports rose 16.7%. Both sets of figures beat economists expectations.

Basic resources were the standout gainers, with the Stoxx 600 sub-index for the sector up 2.1% as copper prices were boosted by supply concerns after the Chinese trade data suggested a strong demand outlook for the metal.

Results from steel giant ArcelorMittal also underpinned gains in the sector, as it said 2016 earnings rose to $6.3bn from $5.2bn the previous year. Shares in the Luxembourg-based miner rose 3.95%.

French car maker Renault gained 1.53% after it said profit jumped 38% in 2016, while Reckitt Benckiser fell 0.4% as it confirmed that it would buy US infant formula maker Mead Johnson for $16.6bn.

Luxury brand Kering rose 3.85% after its 2016 profit beat analysts forecasts, but Belgian car parts maker Umicore sank 5.51% as it posted a mere 1% increase in full-year revenue.

Commerzbank fell 1.96% after S&P Equity Research downgraded the German bank to strong sell from hold.

On the data front, Italys annual industrial production, which accounts for little under a third of the countrys GDP, grew at its fastest pace since 2010 as overall output rose 1.6% in 2016.

Meanwhile, Frances industrial production, which accounts for under a quarter of the country's GDP, dropped 0.9% in December from 2.2% a month earlier. This was more than the 0.7% fall expected. It grew in November on an annual basis with a 1.8% rise, compared to a 1.8% decline in October.
European stocks edged higher in early trade, with miners supported by encouraging Chinese trade figures, as investors sifted through corporate releases.

At 0910 GMT, the benchmark Stoxx Europe 600 index was up 0.2%, Germanys DAX was 0.4% higher and Frances CAC 40 was up 0.2%.

Meanwhile, oil prices ticked higher, with West Texas Intermediate up 0.6% at $53.31 a barrel and Brent crude up 0.7% at $56.01.

Sentiment got a lift on Friday after data released earlier showed Chinese exports rose 7.9% in January in dollar terms, marking the fastest pace in almost two years, while imports rose 16.7%. Both sets of figures beat economists expectations.

Basic resources were the standout gainers, with the Stoxx 600 sub-index for the sector up 2.1% as copper prices were boosted by supply concerns after the Chinese trade data suggested a strong demand outlook for the metal.

Results from steel giant ArcelorMittal also underpinned gains in the sector, as it said 2016 earnings rose to $6.3bn from $5.2bn the previous year.

French car maker Renault rallied after it said profit jumped 38% in 2016, while Reckitt Benckiser pushed up as it agreed to buy US infant formula maker Mead Johnson Nutrition for $16.6bn.

Luxury brand Kering rose after its 2016 profit beat analysts forecasts, but Belgian car parts maker Umicore was under pressure as it posted a mere 1% increase in full-year revenue.

Elsewhere, investors continued to keep a watchful eye on developments in Greece.

Deutsche Banks Jim Reid said: Its the standoff between the IMF and EU that is really the focus at the moment. Yesterday the IMF dug their heels in once again with spokesman Gerry Rice saying that the Fund stand by their analysis and reiterated their view that Greece should target a primary surplus target of 1.5% accompanied by significant debt relief. That contrasts to what the EU has been pushing for in no debt relief but more austerity and a primary surplus target of 3.5%.

Interestingly a Bloomberg article broke last night suggesting that Greeces creditors were readying a proposal, possibly as soon as today, on a framework of measures required to complete the bailout review. This apparently includes fiscal measures equal to about 2% of Greek GDP. So keep an eye on that this morning.
Online food ordering and delivery service Just Eat announced on Friday that, due to urgent family matters, David Buttress had informed the board of his intention to step down from his role as chief executive officer.

The FTSE 250 company said Buttress would continue to work full time in the company until the end of the first quarter, at which time John Hughes - who has been chairman of the board for almost six years - will assume the role of executive chairman.

It said Hughes will work closely with Buttress and chief financial officer Paul Harrison to ensure a smooth and orderly handover.

The board also said it was commencing an immediate search to find a replacement for Buttress, who had also agreed to serve a minimum one-year term as a non-executive director.

It has been a great privilege to work alongside, and then lead, the exceptional team at Just Eat, helping to build the business from the very first restaurant in the UK to the company it is today, commented David Buttress.

I would like to thank the board for their understanding, and I am very pleased that I will be able to continue to play a role in the future of the business as a non-executive director.

This has been one of the best jobs in the world, and I wish my successor all the best when they take on the role.

John Hughes said the board wanted to thank Buttress for his outstanding contribution, and respected his imminent need to focus on other important matters.

David has been an incredible leader and colleague, who has earned the respect and loyalty of all who work with him at Just Eat.

David will leave as CEO with the business in excellent health and with an experienced leadership team at the helm.

Hughes added that the board was looking forward, in due course, to welcoming Buttress as a non-executive director.

I will work closely with Paul Harrison and the rest of the team as we recruit David's successor, and we will provide an update on that process in due course.

The company is very strongly positioned for the future.
Former Rolls-Royce chief executive John Rose has been reportedly questioned by Britains Serious Fraud Office in a bribery investigation.

Rose was one of many former Rolls-Royce executives questioned in the investigation, which the company settled last month by agreeing to pay 671m, according to the Financial Times. Rose served as CEO from 1996 to 2011.

The probe into alleged criminal conduct spanning three decades marked the largest ever undertaken by the SFO.

At the time, Judge Brian Leveson said the investigation had unravelled "the most serious breaches of criminal law in the areas of bribery and corruption, some of which implicated senior management".

Leveson said the investigation into the conduct of individuals was ongoing.

Roll-Royce, the SFO and the legal firm representing Rose all declined to comment.
Pub group Greene King reported strong trading over the Christmas period on Friday as it sounded a confident note on its outlook.

In the 40 weeks to 5 February, like-for-like sales grew 1.1%. Excluding Fayre & Square, LFL sales were up 1.6% over the period.

Over the last 16 weeks, the company said it had seen strong Christmas trading, alongside the usual quieter months of November and January.

In the three weeks over Christmas, LFL sales were up 4.5%, despite tough comparisons with the previous Christmas, with sales driven by particularly strong growth in London. Greene King said it broke its record for Christmas Day again, with sales up 6% on the previous year to 7.4m.

LFL net income in Pub Partners was up 3.5% after 40 weeks, maintaining its strong performance this year. Meanwhile, in a cask ale market down 3.8%, own-brewed volume in Brewing & Brands was down 4.2%.

Greene King said it made further progress on the Spirit integration, with over 1,000 pubs now converted to the 'best of both' Pub Company IT system and ongoing synergy savings realised.

In addition, it reached its target of 11 new pub acquisitions, of which six were Farmhouse Inns and five were Hungry Horse. The company said its disposal programme accelerated in the second half as expected. So far this year, it has sold 59 pubs across both Pub Company and Pub Partners for total proceeds of around 35mm and expects to dispose of a further 50-60 pubs this year, raising proceeds of approximately 30-40m.

Looking ahead, despite continued economic uncertainty and significant cost pressures, we will remain focused on building our retail pub brands, delivering great experiences to our guests and completing the Spirit integration. We are confident that the combined strength of our brands, pubs, people and cash generation leaves us well placed to deliver another year of progress, value creation and returns for our shareholders.
The Greek government has expressed hope of an imminent deal with its EU creditors, despite a warning from the German finance minister, Wolfgang Schauble, that the country could cut its debts only by leaving the single currency. Athens is in a familiar stand-off with the German finance ministry as it seeks easier repayment terms on its 330bn (280bn) debt pile, which the International Monetary Fund has described as unsustainable and explosive. - Guardian

The former Labour leader Ed Miliband is leading a campaign for the media regulator Ofcom to launch a full inquiry into Rupert Murdochs bid for ownership of the satellite broadcaster Sky. In a letter to Sharon White, the chief executive of Ofcom, Miliband is one of several senior cross-party politicians to demand that the regulator carry out a fit and proper person test following 21st Century Foxs bid for the 61% of Sky it does not already own. - Guardian

Two of the biggest global banks have told French politicians in brutally clear language that Paris has almost no chance of capturing serious business from the City of London without radical reform of the countrys labour code. A special Brexit panel in the French Senate revealed just how difficult it will be for Paris to become Europes pre-eminent financial centre once Britain leaves the EU. Any migration of business is more likely to go to Dublin, Frankfurt, or even to New York.  Telegraph

The Insolvency Service has engaged forensic accountants and senior lawyers as it investigates whether former BHS directors should be disqualified. The government last year ordered the service to launch a fast-track investigation into the collapse of BHS, rather than awaiting initial findings from the administrator.  The Times

With most of the world focused on US polling booths on November 8, Royal Bank of Scotland took the opportunity to release the news that it intended to compensate victims of its global restructuring group. For years RBS had denied that GRG had been at the centre of a systematic attempt by the bank to destroy small business customers under the supervision of its turnaround team.  The Times
Londons FTSE 100 was up 0.5% to 7,263.56 in afternoon trade as investors digested better-than-expected UK data on trade and industrial production.

Heavily-weighted mining stocks racked up the strongest gains, buoyed by encouraging Chinese manufacturing figures. Data released earlier showed Chinese exports rose 7.9% in January in dollar terms, marking the fastest pace in almost two years, while imports rose 16.7%. Both sets of figures beat economists expectations.

The data also lifted copper prices, as it suggested a strong demand outlook for the metal.

Anglo American, Antofagasta, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Glencore were the top performers,

Software company Sage Group also advanced, as Exane BNP Paribas upgraded the stock to outperform from neutral and lifted the price target to 750p from 640p.

The bank noted that Sage has de-rated on uninspiring top-line trends, including a slight hiccup in the first quarter of 2017, and perhaps the lower attraction of defensive cash return stories.

Royal Bank of Scotland slumped as it rejected calls to expand a 400m scheme to reimburse customers who claim they were mistreated by the banks restructuring division.

Consumer goods group Reckitt Benckiser reversed earlier losses after it agreed to buy US infant formula maker Mead Johnson Nutrition for $16.6bn.

Risers

Anglo American (AAL) 1,348.00p 4.05%

Antofagasta (ANTO) 859.00p 3.81%

Rio Tinto (RIO) 3,489.00p 3.16%

BHP Billiton (BLT) 1,367.50p 2.20%

Glencore (GLEN) 318.95p 2.16%

Direct Line Insurance Group (DLG) 370.60p 2.04%

Old Mutual (OML) 211.10p 1.73%

Capita (CPI) 521.50p 1.66%

Sage Group (SGE) 647.50p 1.65%

Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 728.50p 1.46%

Fallers

Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) 229.80p -1.42%

Smith & Nephew (SN.) 1,183.00p -1.25%

Reckitt Benckiser Group (RB.) 7,168.00p -0.98%

Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 65.51p -0.95%

Unilever (ULVR) 3,298.50p -0.95%

Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 1,937.00p -0.92%

Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 264.50p -0.82%

Johnson Matthey (JMAT) 3,165.00p -0.78%

Randgold Resources Ltd. (RRS) 7,365.00p -0.74%

Imperial Brands (IMB) 3,766.50p -0.74%
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With tensions flaring between the United States and China since the election of Donald Trump, strategists are grappling with the prospect of a war between the two nuclear powers. The disputes over the South China Sea, threats of a trade war, and relations with Taiwan are all contributing to speculation of an impending conflict, says News.com.au. A US ex-marine and defence expert now claims the Trump administration will effectively foil China's territorial ambitions. He claims there is a massive ''miscalculation'' in Beijing's set-up in the disputed region, arguing that the Trump administration's aggression will ultimately thwart China's claims to the region. As Trump's administration continues to provoke the Chinese government, other experts have gone as far as to suggest it could be the onset of World War III. Grant Newsham, a former US Marine Officer and senior research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies, says Beijing has backed itself into a box. Writing in the Asia Times, he says China underestimated the extent to which the new White House administration will go to stop it, and that their geographical set-up in the disputed region will work against them. Chinese military planners have placed great control on a chain of islands running from the Kuril Islands, near Russia, down to Borneo and the northern part of the Philippines. This is referred to as the ''First Island Chain'', seen as Beijing's primary defence line against interventionist forces. The idea is to seal off enemy forces from within this arc, and block them from being able to combat China's territorial aims. ''China's strength inside the First Island Chain may not be the strategic advantage it seems,'' said Newsham. ''Regional geography is an unchanging variable and not in China's favour in this case as it leaves open the possibility that if push comes to shove the US and its partners could hem Chinese forces inside the First Island Chain. And if necessary, make life exceedingly difficult for Chinese forces operating inside the chain.'' He says there are very few access and exit points through the chain, which can be covered and blocked using a combination of weapons. He also says there's nothing to stop weapons from the US and its allies from reaching ''well inside'' the First Island Chain, which would effectively render Beijing powerless. ''President Xi and his immediate predecessors perhaps didn't think through the geography angle as much as they might have,'' says Newsham. ''For a scheme ultimately dependent on American acquiescence, Donald Trump's election threw a wrench into the works.'' In other words, China's plans were only going to work so long as the US kept out and let it quietly get on with expanding its aims. And judging by remarks from Trump's close aides like Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Trump himself, that no longer seems to be the case. ''China needs to decide if potentially taking on the full might of the United States - to include serious economic costs (which the US is capable of inflicting) - is worth the effort and the drain on resources of continuing its drive to dominate East Asia and international waters and ocean territory of other nations,'' concludes Newsham. But whether the Trump administration will actually act on its threats and go after China remains the key question. In the lead-up to the November election, Trump made very little reference to the South China Sea. It was understood he wanted to retreat America from the world stage, and the implication was he would focus his attention on domestic rather than global policy. Tillerson, Spicer aggressive

But fast-forward to the week before Donald Trump's inauguration last month, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was voicing a tough stance against China's territorial aims in the disputed sea region. He hinted at blockading the country's access to its artificial islands, with the purpose of forcing Beijing to roll back and ultimately abandon them. The United States must ''send a clear signal that, first, the island-building stops'', he said, adding that Beijing's ''access to those islands is not going to be allowed''. White House press secretary Sean Spicer reiterated Tillerson's threat after the inauguration. Earlier this week, it emerged that Donald Trump's chief strategist Steve Bannon warned China and the US will go to war within the next decade. In March last year, Bannon predicted during a radio show hosted by his far-right website Breitbart that the two countries would engage in war ''in five to 10 years''. ''There's no doubt about that,'' he said. ''They're taking their sandbars and making basically stationary aircraft carriers and putting missiles on those. They come here to the United States in front of our face - and you understand how important face is - and say it's an ancient territorial sea.'' The Chinese government has since downplayed the prospect of a blowout. Meeting with Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop this week, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi addressed the prediction with a subtle dig, saying that any ''sober-minded politician'' would understand neither side would engage in war. He dismissed Bannon's words, saying ''irrational statements'' had often been made about US-Sino relations over the past 40 years. Since Bannon's remarks of an imminent war emerged this week, speculation rose that this could be the beginning of World War III. In an article called Backing Into World War III, posted on Foreign Policy, diplomacy commentator Robert Kagan said it's inevitable the world will ''slide into brutal anarchy'' as Beijing continues its spat with Washington. ''Early signs suggest that the new administration is more likely to hasten us toward crisis than slow or reverse these trends. ''The further accommodation of Russia can only embolden Vladimir Putin, and the tough talk with China will likely lead Beijing to test the new administration's resolve militarily.'' Trump has other worries

But not everybody thinks a global war of this magnitude is inevitable. Macquarie University Security Studies analyst Dr Adam Lockyer told news.com.au the impression of the Trump administration muscling up to Beijing didn't necessarily mean action would be taken. ''They're saying so many provocative things on so many different fronts - domestically and internationally,'' he said. ''So it's difficult to see where Trump is going to invest his diminishing political capital. ''If he's going to assert freedom of the seas in the South China Sea, this will absorb political capital and a significant amount of White House attention. ''It could just be a case of him bolstering his image rather than assertive policy.'' The White House asserting power in the South China Sea would likely be counter-productive, he said, at least in terms of regional allies. ''If the US has the naval strength to go into the region and blow up China's artificial islands, there's not much China can do about it,'' he said. ''But that's going to put the entire region off-side. ''While some countries may feel quietly relieved, it won't endear the US with the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and even Australia - we're deeply concerned about the process, because it would cement the US as a revisionist power.'' Australia jittery

Dr Lockyer, who just published a new book on the subject called Australia's Defence Strategy: Evaluating Alternatives for a Contested Asia, stressed that a war between the two powers is the last thing Australia would want, given its crucial trading ties with both countries. That said, it's highly unlikely a theoretical conflict would be comparable with World War I or II. ''For that kind of conflict to happen, someone would need to put troops down on the ground somewhere,'' he explained. ''The Chinese aren't going to bait the US and vice versa. This would be a war fought in the air and fought at sea - it wouldn't last for six years. It would heat up and then picker out.'' Last week, former head of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Sir Angus Houston said China's presence in the disputed region was permanent. ''In my view it is too late to stop the China program in the South China Sea,'' said Sir Angus at a conference in Canberra. ''What is important now is to ensure freedom of navigation and the right of innocent passage. ''I have seen the imagery (and) what you see is infrastructure going in, and it is not going to be too much longer before it is fully developed. ''All of this development will enable China to dominate the South China Sea and extend its permanent military presence further south in proximity to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.''








Lea-Catherine Szacka, Exhibiting the Postmodern: The 1980 Venice Architecture Biennale, Marsilio Editori, Venezia 2016.

In un saggio scritto per il quotidiano El Pais nel 1988 lo scrittore spagnolo Javier Marias, come molti prima e dopo di lui, scriveva dell'immutabilita della fisionomia di Venezia. Le sue osservazioni, esplicitamente rivolte al particolare ceto della gente perbene (i veneziani veri) citavano, a proposito dello spettacolo serale del vedere e farsi vedere, certe signore che si adornano all'eccesso mani, orecchie e collo per il loro bisogno di mettere in risalto, be, principalmente se stesse. Se di sabato sera vi capitasse di avere un posto in un palco della Fenice, il teatro dellopera cittadino, potreste notare anche la notevole abilita di certe veneziane nel nascondere la loro eta grazie agli ornamenti, raggiungendo in tal modo la stessa illusione di immutabilita che promana dalla citta.

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Lea-Catherine Szacka, Exhibiting the Postmodern: The 1980 Venice Architecture Biennale, Marsilio Editori, Venezia 2016



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Lea-Catherine Szacka, Exhibiting the Postmodern: The 1980 Venice Architecture Biennale, Marsilio Editori, Venezia 2016



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Lea-Catherine Szacka, Exhibiting the Postmodern: The 1980 Venice Architecture Biennale, Marsilio Editori, Venezia 2016



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Lea-Catherine Szacka, Exhibiting the Postmodern: The 1980 Venice Architecture Biennale, Marsilio Editori, Venezia 2016



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Lea-Catherine Szacka, Exhibiting the Postmodern: The 1980 Venice Architecture Biennale, Marsilio Editori, Venezia 2016



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Lea-Catherine Szacka, Exhibiting the Postmodern: The 1980 Venice Architecture Biennale, Marsilio Editori, Venezia 2016



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Nella loro ingannevole giovinezza le origini della Biennale di Venezia Architettura sono state sfumate e storicizzate dal tempo. Era il 27 luglio 1980 allorche la prima Biennale Architettura apri i battenti alle Corderie dellArsenale, un lungo e verticale spazio nell'area dellex cantiere navale cittadino. Di questa edizione, nota con il titolo La presenza del passato, di cui fu curatore un giovane e ambizioso Paolo Portoghesi, due immagini sopravvivono tra le altre. La prima e la Strada Novissima, una via racchiusa tra facciate ben allineate che si confrontano simbolicamente in risoluto e aggressivo silenzio. La seconda e il Teatro del mondo di Aldo Rossi: un teatro montato su una chiatta che e passato per virtu propria nel pantheon delle costruzioni spettacolari.

Al di la dei numerosi preconcetti e degli equivoci germogliati da questo mito, della consistente documentazione storica sulle installazioni e delle loro implicazioni per le mostre darchitettura, l'evoluzione della Biennale di Venezia Architettura come piattaforma di dibattito e desposizione  e del movimento postmoderno in senso piu ampio  e rimasta elusiva. Exhibiting the Postmodern: The 1980 Venice Architecture Biennale, fondamentale recente saggio dellarchitetto, docente e critica Lea-Catherine Szacka, e un prodigioso corpus di ricerca, di attente letture, di interpretazioni locali e internazionali della manifestazione, di interviste con il curatore e con i partecipanti, che disegna il percorso che catalizzo uno scisma decisivo del mondo dellarchitettura: cioe il passaggio concettuale dal Moderno al Postmoderno.

Il canone delle mostre darchitettura  dal settecentesco Salon parigino alle mostre moderniste degli anni Venti e Trenta, al periodo post-Pompidou degli anni Settanta  e il racconto di una storia ricca e varia. Ma il particolare modello espositivo definitivamente adottato dalla Biennale di Venezia (fatto di partecipazioni nazionali e mostre tematiche) e nato, per quanto distante ne sia, da quel grande racconto. Ne e risultata la sua affermazione come la manifestazione piu importante del settore. Ma le proporzioni e la fama hanno alimentato un ineludibile carattere istituzionale e, per quanto la manifestazione possa aver accresciuto in modo spettacolare la sua portata negli ultimi quattro decenni, e maturata, nell'insieme, fino a divenire un elemento anodino rispetto alle controversie e gli interessi cui oggi la disciplina, e piu in generale la professione, si trovano di fronte. Exhibiting the Postmodern, che andrebbe considerato come il primo resoconto autorevole di quella mostra inaugurale, articola la discussione tra storia, formazione, contesto e implicazioni piu vaste.

La presenza del passato comprendeva sette sezioni, precedute da un monumentale portale dingresso giallo, azzurro e bianco progettato da Aldo Rossi: unallusione, forse, allingresso dellArsenale dal lato di terra, ornato dal leone di San Marco. La sua forma audace e imponente era soprattutto il simbolo di un senso di restaurazione: cioe che il vasto complesso di spazi che annunciava era stato restituito alla citta in qualita di spazio culturale semipubblico. Oltrepassata la soglia i visitatori venivano accolti da un omaggio a Philip Johnson, larchitetto che ebbe ad affermare che non si puo non conoscere la storia, il quale era, secondo Szacka, il vero ospite donore della Biennale. Veniva anche allora considerato da molti il padre della crociata postmoderna. E che avesse vinto lanno precedente ledizione inaugurale del premio darchitettura Pritzker conferiva alla mostra un certo grado di legittimazione.

La Strada Novissima riuniva venti gruppi di architetti di otto differenti paesi, che contavano tra le loro file personaggi come Graves, Gehry, Ungers, Venturi, Scott Brown, Hollein, Bofill, Koolhaas e Zenghelis. A parte uno o due partecipanti giapponesi e statunitensi, erano tutti europei e soprattutto tutti uomini: una caratteristica che Szacka ipotizza fosse il risultato di numerosi compromessi e [] imprevedibili rifiuti di partecipare. Chi accetto lofferta fu invitato a ideare e costruire una facciata progettata per esprimere il senso della forma tipico di ciascuno, con un particolare riferimento al tema della mostra: Il rapporto che esiste oggi tra leredita del passato e il lavoro progettuale. Sopra la Strada, con un ingresso attraverso la facciata di Portoghesi, 55 architetti della generazione piu giovane avevano allestito una specie di Corridoio vasariano formato da autoritratti. Alla fine cera la mostra dei critici: una piccola collezione di vetrine allestita da Charles Jencks, Christian Norberg-Schulz e Vincent Scully, progettata per offrire al visitatore non specialista una migliore comprensione dei piu ampi dibattiti in gioco. In fondo allArsenale sorgeva il Teatro del mondo.

La mostra, suggerisce Szacka, non veniva considerata rivoluzionaria nel contesto del panorama dellarchitettura italiana di quegli anni. Sullo sfondo di Venezia, citta di superfici, di riflessi e di spettacoli carnevaleschi, la Strada era poco piu dellamplificazione di una situazione urbana in cui decorazione e ornamento erano  e restano  un imperativo architettonico. Queste facciate, percio, potevano non essere considerate edifici veri. Erano, nelle parole dellautrice, prive di ogni qualita tettonica e spaziale. In questa atmosfera di ambiguita veniva per la prima volta resa esplicita una persistente domanda, centrale per il Postmoderno: che cosa viene prima, nel progetto? Il disegno o la costruzione? Secondo Szacka la Strada era uno spazio autorappresentativo. Qualunque senso di coerenza passava in secondo piano rispetto alla complessiva pluralita di risposte date al tema proposto; Lintenzione, afferma, non era far credere ai visitatori di trovarsi in una strada vera. Era piuttosto dar occasione agli architetti di catturare la fantasia dei visitatori e metterli in contatto con larchitettura.

Al contrario di quanto sostengono certe scuole di pensiero larchitettura postmoderna non nacque nel 1980. Detto cio La presenza del passato, per usare le parole di Robert Stern, raggiunse lapice dellinflusso stilistico [del movimento]. La parola stessa, si noti, non compariva nel titolo della mostra: fatto che Szacka attribuisce alle lunghe e complesse discussioni allinterno del comitato degli esperti. Tra gli altri potenziali titoli presi in considerazione ci furono Il futuro del passato, Dopo larchitettura moderna (che e anche il titolo di un libro di Portoghesi del 1980) e, relativamente piu enfatico, POSTMODERNO. Quando la mostra si trasferi in Francia nel 1981 il titolo venne cambiato con un richiamo a uno di questi primi contendenti: La presence de lhistoire. Lapres modernisme (La presenza della storia: dopo il Modernismo), suggerendo una frattura piu netta con lideologia modernista. Il problema della definizione, tuttavia, rimase: un punto di dissidio su cui Szacka argomenta a lungo.

La polemica intellettuale che Exhibiting the Postmodern illustra e inestricabilmente legata alle preoccupazioni politiche, pedagogiche e teoriche dellepoca, molte delle quali focalizzate sul particolarissimo contesto italiano (e piu specificamente veneziano, romano e milanese). Nella conclusione, dal ritmo meno pacato rispetto ai capitoli precedenti, vengono espresse numerose affermazioni critiche. Tra queste il concetto chiave che la Biennale di Venezia Architettura fu lanticipazione di quel che larchitettura sarebbe divenuta sotto leconomia di mercato. Nel 2014, in riferimento alla Biennale diretta da Rem Koolhaas, parve che la formula elaborata allinizio degli anni Ottanta si fosse esaurita e avesse bisogno di una reinvenzione, sostiene Szacka. E lidea del cerchio che si chiude: unallusione al fatto che ledizione del 2014 cercasse di concludere una discussione iniziata nel 1980, e un confronto tra le due edizioni. Un concetto che e il nucleo della ricerca dellautrice.
A spokesperson for a Gaoth Dobhair campaigning group said they were very happy that no appeal has been lodged in relation to plans for a wind turbine that Donegal County Council planners rejected last month.

"It was people power and it was common sense at the end of the day," a spokesperson for the group, Stad an Tuirbin Gaoithe, said.

Stad an Tuirbin Gaoithe had led community opposition to plans for a 123.5-metre-high turbine proposed for the Gaoth Dobhair Business Park. Council planners refused planning permission for the structure a month ago.

Lir Energy Ltd., a company based in Letterfrack, County Galway, had applied to the council to erect the single turbine on the Udaras na Gaeltachta-owned site in Derrybeg, Gaoth Dobhair.

"It's a pity that the project was even contemplated in the first instance," the Stad an Tuirbin Gaoithe spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the campaign showed "how the community was able to gear up together, to speak to Udaras, to speak to the planning department, to make their voices heard that this wasn't a good idea where it was. The community itself, community activation, was able to work positively together.

"It's brilliant," he said.

More than 120 objections to the project had been delivered to council offices in Dungloe by members of the local group and other members of the public.

Campaigners said they opposed the project on the basis of its scale and size. They said they did not oppose wind energy projects, but opposed the location of this proposed turbine because of its proximity to houses and businesses.
Letterkenny Music and Drama Group is taking on Eugene O'Neill's masterwork, Long Day's Journey Into Night, for what is believed to be its first performance in Letterkenny.

That's a bold statement. But director Kieran Kelly, well known to Donegal audiences, wouldn't want it any other way.

He was told, You're taking on a beast, for staging what has been called the greatest play in American theatre.

"But that's how you push yourself, Kieran said.

LMDGs Long Day's Journey Into Night comes to An Grianan Theatre in Letterkenny at 8pm on Friday, Feb. 17th. They are taking the play on the Drama Festival Circuit, with performances in Newtownstewart (Feb. 24th), Rush (Feb. 25th), Castleblayney (March 5th), Derry (March 8th), Ballyshannon (March 15th), Bangor (March 18th), Newry (March 26th) and Strabane (March 31st).

First published three years after O'Neill's death, the play depicts a shattering day in the lives of the haunted Tyrone family: James, a disappointed former actor whose memory of poverty has left him frugal; his wife, Mary, addicted to morphine and to her own memories; and their sons Jamie, a cynical and dissolute actor; and Edmund, a sensitive but sickly young man. Cathleen, the Irish servant girl to the troubled household, punctuates the drama with wry observations.

The play is largely autobiographical, with Edmund standing in for the playwright. Long Day's Journey Into Night received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play in 1957, and subsequent revivals have seen such notable actors as Kevin Spacey, Laurence Olivier, Vanessa Redgrave and Jessica Lange, among others, in the challenging roles.

In this production, well-known LMDG actors Geraldine Galligan and Anthony Delap play Mary and James, with Martin Hasson as Jamie, Joseph Gallagher as Edmund and Elaine Gillespie as Cathleen.

Kieran said finding the right cast was key. The actors have to keep focused 100 per cent of the time, he said.

This is the first drama Kieran has directed; he directed LMDG's Bugsy Malone in 2014. I wanted to really push myself and see what I could do, he said.

Kieran first joined LMDG in their 2007 production, Children of the Dead End, and was one of the four cast members in LMDG's acclaimed production of The 39 Steps, which won 55 awards, including All-Ireland honours, in the 2012 festival circuit.

He is also excited about bringing the play to Letterkenny for the first time. I don't like ploughing the path that someone else has already done, because you'll always be compared to that, he said.

ONeills classic may focus on one family, but the themes it addresses and the pain and relationships that it explores are universal, Kieran said.

I want it to be as real life as possible, he said. He added, I want to keep it simple. I don't want the audience to be distracted by anything because the story, I think, is a work of art.

Kieran said his stage direction has followed the adage less is more.

In real life we contain so much, and if you see that contained you know eventually it has to burst, he said.
Over 7,000 worth of cannabis herb was found in a car searched at a checkpoint after a garda detected a strong smell of the drug from the vehicle, Dundalk Circuit Court was told last week.

Peter Heffernan (24) of Saltown Place, Dundalk was given an 18 month suspended sentence for having drugs for sale or supply at Tateetra, Dundalk on October 24th 2015.

The accused was driving his girlfriends silver Ford Focus, when it was stopped at one of a number of checkpoints being conducted in the Dundalk area.

A garda got a strong smell of cannabis and asked him if he had any drugs in the car.

The defendant said no, but cannabis herb was found in clear plastic bags when the vehicle was searched.

At the time the drugs recovered had a market value of 7,044.

The defendants home was searched under warrant and nothing was found.

The court heard he had previous convictions for road traffic and unlawful possession of drugs in 2012.

Judge Karen OConnor noted the Defence had argued that no drug paraphernalia was found during the search of Peter Heffernans home and it was accepted he was not selling drugs but was holding them, although gardai were not in a position to confirm that he had a drug debt.

The judge also noted the accused had not come to garda attention since.

She imposed an 18 month sentence but suspended it on the accused entering a bond to be of good behaviour during that period, and on condition that he engage with the Irish Association for the Social Integration of Offenders.
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Both in Germany and the Netherlands flood mitigation measures are implemented quicker when residents are involved right from the start. At a special organised flood seminar it proved that in both countries such an early citizens involvement is crucial for the continuation of flood protection schemes. Or as David van Raalten of Dutch consultancy firm Arcadis called it: we need less decide-announce-defend and we need more meet-understand-modify.

The seminar took place in Grimma, Germany on 9 February on occasion of the Dutch trade mission to East Germany.

Strategic gap

Professor dr. Martin Socher (on top photo), Saxon State ministry of the environment and agriculture, shared his experiences on the flood protection measures that have been taken, following the big floods of the Elbe river in 2002, 2010 and 2013. Our state was under great pressure to act quickly and we listed 1,600 measures to minimize the potential damage of new floods, he told.

According to Socher, the implementation of some measures started immediately but others were heavily delayed. Soon we faced a drop in the number of projects and we were criticised for this delay.

Socher called this the strategical gap. No reconstruction without a strategy, he advised.

Voluntary fire brigade of Grimma demonstrates the closure of one of the floodgates to the German-Dutch participants of the seminar.

Two floods of the century

It was no coincident the seminar took place in Grimma. The citys old town centre on the left bank of the Mulde river, a tributary of the Elbe, was completely flooded in 2002 and 2013. Grimma was hit by two 100-year flood events in eleven years.

A special commission draw up a scheme that foresaw in a 3 m high monolithic concrete wall. The residents heavily opposed the idea however, as they did not want to lose contact with the river. The scheme needed a full revision.

With a few years delay the scheme to protect that city centre from a 100-year flood event is now finished.

The new scheme has been integrated in the town planning and consists of new 2 km long structure made up of four large historic buildings of which the walls have been retrofitted as main elements of the flood defence structure. In between these buildings, various 1,3 m high concrete walls have been constructed, as well as 78 mobile closures, including mobile defences and hinged gates.

Deputy director general for Water and Spatial Planning at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment Roald Lapperre summarized his lessons from the Dutch Room for the River programme.

Clear goal

At the flood seminar Deputy director general for Water and spatial planning at the Dutch Ministry of infrastructure and the environment, Roald Lapperre summarized his lessons from the Dutch Room for the River programme to increase the discharge capacity of the Rhine river.

The programme started in 2005 and includes over 30 measures. The last two are now under construction.

It is important to have a clear goal, said Lapperre. It gives the reconstruction a focus. Furthermore, Lapperre mentioned the need to make good law and to have good governance with an adequate budget.

Above all, said Lapperre, the Room for the River programme has shown that a flood prevention programme benefits from an integrated approach involving authorities at different levels and stakeholders, such as businesses and residents.

Bring out the best and improve your plans with their knowledge of the local situation and their interest. Include them in the planning phase and do not confront them with an almost finished plan, was his advice.

European director water management David van Raalten at Arcadis told his firm developed a tool called Resilient pathways.

Scoping part

European director water management David van Raalten at Arcadis told his firm developed a tool called Resilient pathways. It starts with a scoping phase, he explained.

It widens the perspectives and helps to prioritise the most urgent measures. It can also help to find more financial resources by engaging more stakeholders."

Van Raalten advocated to first meet the residents and involve them in the planning phase. Let them advise you and modify your plans. Avoid you have to defend an almost final plan.

He concluded with the call for more mum, less dad. We need less decide-announce-defend and we need more meet-understand-modify.

Read also on this website

 Biggest icon project of Room for the River programme officially commissioned at Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 4 December 2015

 Restored to full glory: dwelling mounds for flood protection, 11 September 2015

 Dutch and German dike experts held post flood field investigation along Elbe river, Germany, 4 July 2013

 Dutch military engineers help to combat flooding along Elbe river, Germany, 7 June 2013



More information

Arcadis

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

+31 20 2011 011

www.arcadis.com

Netherlands Business support office

Hamburg, Germany

+49 40 37 64 44 58

www.nbso-hamburg.de

Netherlands Water Partnership

The Hague, the Netherlands

+31 70 304 3700

www.nwp.nl
Do you want to achieve rapid exposure and growth for your business at a relatively low cost? If so, look no further than competitions! A well-executed competition is a great way to create buzz and position your business to achieve success. But wait! Before you undertake this strategy, you must be aware of the law and any rules and regulations governing the use of your proposed competition.

Along with the general rules, I will focus on the use of competitions on social media, by looking at the operation of the Spam Act 2003, anfd the unique competition policies of each social media platform.

State Government Competition Rules for Trade Promotion

Before you even begin creating your competition, it is important to familiarise yourself with the competition rules for each jurisdiction in which you plan to run your competition. Remember  this may extend beyond the jurisdiction in which your business is registered or operates!

For example, to run competitions where chance, rather than skill, determines the award of prizes  such as like to win competitions  some Australian jurisdictions require you to apply for a permit. Check out the Australian Business Licence Information Service (ABLIS) website to find out whether this includes your State, and download a permit if required.

How can I legally collect information?  The Privacy Act 1988

The way you can collect, use and store personal information about competition entrants is strictly regulated. First, all jurisdictions require you to publish a comprehensive set of terms and conditions which disclose who is collecting the information, how it will be collected, what it will be used for, how it will be stored, and who it will be disclosed to. This information must be readily available to entrants from the competition notice or entry form.

Using Competitions on Social Media

The use of social media for business promotion has grown rapidly over the past decade. Today, a business without a social media presence is almost unheard of. Competitions on social media entail their own unique legal considerations.

The Spam Act 2003

The Spam Act operates across all Australian jurisdictions and prohibits the sending of unsolicited commercial electronic messages  known as spam. Spam is defined broadly by the Act to include any message that offers, advertises or promotes the supply or supplier of commercial products and interests, as well as any message that promotes commercial gain via dishonesty or deception.

By using competitions, you will likely obtain the contact details of numerous potential clients. Due to the Spam Act, though, you must be very careful with the promotional messages you send, as anything captured within the definition of spam is illegal.

Hint! A useful way to get around this rule is by obtaining consent from your intended recipients. For example, you can obtain express consent by incorporating a tick box in the competition entry form which permits you to send electronic messages. Implied consent is more complicated but can sometimes be inferred from the entrants conduct. Its best to always get express consent!

Social Media Platform Rules

Finally, social media platforms have their own rules for how competitions can be run. Facebook is currently the most popular platform. It has a stringent competition policy which, if not followed, will result in the competition being removed. For example, the use of Personal Timelines and friend connections to administer promotions  such as, share on your Timeline to enter  is prohibited. The other major social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, also have their own policies.

The bottom line

There is no doubt why competitions are so popular among businesses, but along with the potential rewards comes risks and responsibility. You need to do your research about the rules applicable to your business, and decide which type of competition would best help you achieve your specific goals. Alternatively, speak to experts in digital and social media law.

About the author


BOOM!

Dan Adamini, the odious Republican from Marquette, Michigan who called for another Kent State for student protesters has resigned from his position as the Marquette County Republican Treasurer. Not only that, he deleted his Twitter account, deleted his personal Facebook account, deleted his radio shows Facebook account, and has lost his right-wing radio show In the Right Mind for at least the next month while his contract is reviewed.

Adamini put up a Facebook post saying, The violent protests at our universities certainly indicates Portage acacian at the lower level. Im thinking another Kent State might be the only solution protest stopped after only one death. They do it because they know there are no consequences yet.

He doubled down by tweeting, Violent protesters who shut down free speech?Time for another Kent State perhaps. One bullet stops a lot of thuggery.

Both the tweet and the Facebook post were deleted but now Adamini has gone completely silent on social media after facing withering criticism from across the nation. Kent State University itself put out a statement calling the comments abhorrent:

University Response to Abhorrent May 4 Tweet by Michigan Official May 4, 1970, was a watershed moment for the country and especially the Kent State University family. We lost four students that day while nine others were wounded and countless others were changed forever. This abhorrent post is in poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still pains the Kent State community today. We invite the person who wrote this statement to tour our campus and our May 4 Visitors Center, which opened four years ago, to gain perspective on what happened 47 years ago and apply its meaning to the future.

Buh-bye, Dan. We look forward to never having to read or hear any of your disgusting, putrid effluvium ever again.

UPDATE: If youd like to make a donation to the Marquette County Democratic Party to help them fight back against their Republican opponents like Dan Adamini, you can do that HERE.

[CC photo credit: Kyle J. Schultz | Flickr]
Unfiltered Flint water is safe, just dont drink it, says state attorney. That was the headline for a recent MLive.com article. In the article, the state attorney says Flints drinking water is safe but, We are still recommending residents dont drink unfiltered water.

Despite this fact, the state of Michigan announced this week that it will no longer be subsidizing the water bills for Flint residents who cannot drink the water they are paying for:

State officials have decided to end the state-funded subsidies that since 2014 had helped Flint residents pay their water bills after the citys water system became contaminated with lead. Word of the subsidies impending cutoff surfaced Thursday after a senior adviser to Gov. Rick Snyder sent a letter to Flints interim chief financial officer, saying the subsidies will stop after Feb. 28, according to a news release from the City of Flint.

Keep in mind that Flint residents pay the highest water bills in the entire country.

I guess they gotta cut some corners in order to increase the states rainy day fund to $1 billion.

Apparently its not raining in Flint. If it was, at least residents there could drink THAT water.
A ransomware attack darkened the video surveillance system of the District of Columbias police department eight days before the presidential inauguration of Donald J. Trump.

Video storage devices for 70 percent of the CCTV system were unable to record anything between Jan. 12 and Jan. 15, as police techies scrambled to combat malicious software found on 123 of 187 networked video recorders, The Washington Post reported Friday.

However, the safety of the public was never in jeopardy during the camera blackout, Brian Ebert, a Secret Service official, told the Post.

Although the city has characterized the malicious software it found as ransomware, no ransom demand appears to have been made. The city resolved the problem by taking the storage devices offline, removing all their software and then restarting them.

The city is investigating who might be behind the hack, which affected only CCTV cameras monitoring public areas and did not reach deeper into the citys networks, the Post reported.

Blind Deterrent

Closed circuit cameras can be important for collecting evidence about a crime. Fortunately for the D.C. police, that wasnt an issue while some of its network was disabled.

If a crime had been committed in an area and its compromised camera held important evidence, then they might have found themselves in trouble, said Bob Hansmann, director of security analysis and strategy Forcepoint.

In this case, they were lucky and nothing crucial happened, he told TechNewsWorld.

In addition, cameras have a deterrent effect whether theyre working or not.

In this instance, it was beneficial that the general public did not know about the attack when it happened, noted James Scott, a senior fellow with the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology.

So long as the attack was not common knowledge, the camera itself acted as a deterrent to crime, because potential offenders were not aware that it was infected with ransomware, he told TechNewsWorld.

Attractive Target

Other municipal infrastructures have been targeted in similar ways in the past. A ransomware attack last fall took down the ticket machines for San Franciscos light rail system for about a day.

Were going to see more and more of these kinds of attacks this year, said Stephen Gates, chief research intelligence analyst with Nsfocus.

This is a perfect example of hackers taking advantage of these municipal systems. They can cause all sorts of havoc, he told TechNewsWorld.

Were seeing more and more ransomware attacks against the IoT, which is a disturbing trend, said Jean-Philippe Taggart, a senior security researcher with Malwarebytes.

CCTVs, hotel locks, libraries, hospitals  the criminals have a wealth of potential targets to choose from, he told TechNewsWorld.

Feasting on IoT

Ransomware extortionists are feasting on the Internet of Things, maintained Simon Crosby, CTO of Bromium.

To prevent these attacks, devices need to be shielded so theyre not exposed on the Internet where hackers can find them, he said.

Right now, attackers are having a field day finding exploitable systems that infrastructure operators either do not recognize are Internet-facing or think their exposure is too obscure for criminals to find, which is a very dangerous assumption, Crosby told TechNewsWorld.

In addition to being discovered easily by hackers, networks of IoT devices have another problem: diversity.

Fleets of PCs can be protected with uniform defenses, but what do you install on rail kiosks, video cameras, cars or televisions? Crosby asked.

The operating systems in these devices may not be able to support embedded security software, he pointed out, so the solution to protecting them requires collaboration among device manufacturers and strategies to block attacks before they reach these IoT endpoints.

Ransomware has become a lucrative pursuit for hackers, which is why it will continue to be a problem. An estimated billion dollars will be paid to digital extortionists in 2016, according to the Herjavec Group.

Hackers have every incentive in the world to continue these attacks and to innovate in order to bypass basic defenses, said Mark Dufresne, director of threat research and adversary prevention at Endgame.

This is a new reality in which we will live for a long time, he told TechNewsWorld, and we will see it take new forms, such as hitting IoT devices.
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By Marlene Cimons

Ten years ago, Japanese chemist Eijiro Miyako was trying to invent a liquid that could work as an electrical conductor. But the sticky gel he created failed, so he shoved it into a cabinet in an uncapped bottle and forgot about it. Recently, during a lab cleanup, it was rediscoveredwith the viscous stuff unchanged.

Motivated by concerns about climate change and the impact it was having on natural pollinators, especially bees and other insects, Miyako wondered whether the material he had made, still good after a decade, could pick up pollen. Ultimately, he jury-rigged a tiny, insect-sized remote-controlled drone that could carry his substance and use it to pick up and deposit pollen grains.

The artificial pollinator brushes a lily. Eijiro Miyak

I think climate change is one of the terrible problems affecting our natural pollinators, he said. Our technology and artificial pollinators could be hopefully promising for giving us a good solution against the pollination crisis for our beautiful planet.

Globally, an estimated 1,000 plants grown for food, beverages, fibers, spices and medicines must be pollinated by animals, including apples, blueberries, chocolate, coffee, melons, peaches, potatoes, pumpkins, vanilla, almonds and tequila, according to Pollinator Partnership. Pollination by honeybees, native bees and other insects produces $40 billion worth of products annually in the U.S., according to the group.

But pollinators have been in trouble in recent years, suffering from habitat loss, chemicals misuse, diseases and parasites, among other hazards. As a result, the nation has lost more than half of its managed honeybee colonies in the last ten years. Research has shown that the effects of global warming are shrinking the geographic home range of North American and European bumblebees, with the insects unable to adapt to the changing conditions.

Before tackling the honeybee problem, Miyako experimented with houseflies and ants.

He put the goop on the ants bodies and let them wander inside a box of tulips. Compared with the insects that didnt have the gel on them, those that did were much more likely to have pollen attached.

Artificial pollinator top (left) and bottom (right). Eijiro Miya

Still, to devise an effective artificial pollinator, he needed some kind of flying machine to transport the pollen. He found an insect-sized, remote-controlled four-propeller drone, worth about $100 and attached horse hair to it in order to mimic the fuzzy exterior of a bee.

He and his research colleagues then slathered the gel onto the horse hair bristles so the pollen would stick to it. Furthermore, the horse hair generates an electric charge that keeps the grains in place.

They flew the little droneswith hair and gel attachedover the flowers of pink-leaved Japanese lilies. The little flyers picked up pollen and the researchers guided them to other flowers, where they deposited the grains, artificially pollinating the plants.

The artificial pollinator brushes a lily. Eijiro Miyak

He and his colleagues believe that robotic pollinators ultimately could learn pollination paths via GPS systems and artificial intelligence.

Nevertheless, Miyako acknowledges that much work remains before the tiny drones will have widespread application in agriculture, including improving how the small machines drop the pollen. Once stuck, the grains require some kind of additional physical force to release them.

Thus far, desorption of pollens possibly happened by hitting materials with piled up pollens onto female flowers, he said. Indeed, we have never characterized what kind of forces were actually effected on them. That is a future challenge, to improve the performance for dropping off pollens on our desired plant.

Miyako, a senior researcher with the Nanomaterials Research Institute of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Ibaraki, Japan, described his work in a study published in the journal Chem.

A radio-controlled flying robot equipped with animal hairs coated with a liquid gel pollinates a flower. Eijiro Miyak

He and his colleagues are the latest in a long history of those who have tried to find ways to help nature with pollination, efforts that go back thousands of years, at least to 2000 BC, when humans pollinated date palms by hand. More recently, people have hand-pollinated tomato flowers in greenhouses and, in some parts of China, apple trees in the absence of native pollinators.

Still, despite the urgency posed by climate change and other threats to insect pollinators, some experts believe artificial methods would be less effective and economically feasible to preserve bee populations. And they worry that attention and resources directed toward artificial pollination technology could discourage efforts to address the impact of global warming on natural pollinators.

Fortunately, in most cases around the world, the ecosystem service of pollination is provided for free by native insects, so there has been no need to rely on artificial pollination, said David Inouye, professor emeritus of biology at the University of Maryland, who studies pollination biology and who was not involved in the study. The new technology is interesting, but its likely less expensive to take measures to encourage native pollinators than it will be to use drones.

Berry J. Brosi, associate professor in the department of environmental services at Emory University, who also was not involved in the research, agrees. There is the possibility that such technology would reduce the incentives for pollinator conservation, he said.

Also, mechanical replacement of pollinators, while feasible at small scales, is very unlikely to be economically possible at the levels needed for crop pollination, Brosi said. Japanese lilies, the plant species that was used for the proof-of-concept of this technology, have very large and showy flowers, in stark contrast to most crops, he said.

A bee pollinates a canola flower. Pixabay

For example, canola, an economically important pollinator-dependent crop, has very small blooms clustered on thin stalks that grow very close together in commercial canola fields, he said. Current technology for mechanical pollination would have to advance tremendously in a number of dimensions to allow for this much more challenging application, Brosi said.

Moreover, he adds, replacing living pollinators with mechanical alternatives could produce societal inequities. Research has shown that pollinator declines are likely to be associated with nutritional deficits in the developing world among smallholders, exactly the population that would almost certainly be unable to afford such technology, he said.

Beyond their role in crops, insects also pollinate more than 90 percent of wild flowering plants and trees, which in turn provide a range of ecosystem services that people depend upon, including production of oxygen, water and air purification, prevention of erosion and scenic beauty among many others, Brosi said. Creating a pollinator habitat within or adjacent to crop fields, can provide many other benefits, including providing habitat for natural enemies of crop pests, carbon sequestration, erosion control and support of plant and other biodiversity.

The Japanese researchers acknowledge these shortcomings and the obstacles ahead. Nevertheless they hope their continued research will be valuable, even if only to reduce the pressure put on bee populations by commercialization and other stressors.

With help from artificial pollinators, honeybees, for example, might be better able to do one thing the robots cantmake honeywhile drones do the pollinating. Hopefully, the little robots can help counter the problems caused by declining honeybee populations, Miyako said.

Reposted with permission from our media associate Nexus Media.
Former President Jimmy Carter leased 10 acres of his land to Atlanta-based SolAmerica to develop a 1.3-megawatt solar farm in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. An opening ceremony was held Feb. 8 to launch the project, which is projected to produce more than 55 million kilowatt-hours of energy in the next 25 years. The project will provide more than half of the power needs for the 683 residents.

By leasing his land, the 39th president continues his legacy of support for renewable energy. In 1979, Carter installed 32 solar panels on the White House, amid the Arab oil embargo, which caused a national energy crisis. According to the White House Historical Association, Carter ordered the solar panels as part of a campaign to conserve energy and to set an example for the American people. President Reagan removed the solar panels from the White House in 1981. In 2014, President Obama installed a new solar photovoltaic system on the roof, which generates 6.3 kilowatts of electricity for the White House.

In addition to installing 32 solar panels to heat water at the White House many decades ago, President Carter was also responsible for creating the Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and signing the Public Utility Regulatory Act.

Construction for Carters new project began in October 2016 and includes 3,852 panels. Georgia Power has agreed to buy the electricity generated by the system.

Distributed, clean energy generation is critical to meeting growing energy needs around the world while fighting the effects of climate change, Carter said. I am encouraged by the tremendous progress that solar and other clean energy solutions have made in recent years and expect those trends to continue.

Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter cut the ribbon on the farm Wednesday, just as the sun broke through a foggy, wet morning, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

SolAmerica Executive Vice President George Mori initially reached out to Carters grandsonGeorgia state senator and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Carterto explore the idea of the solar farm. Senator Carter told the crowd of about 1,000 people at the opening ceremony that his grandfathers response to the project was, How big? When can we do it?, the Atlanta publication noted.

We are honored to work with President Carter and his family on this project in Plains, as President Carters leadership on renewable energy matters is well known and much appreciated in our industry, Mori said. Through a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Georgia Power, this project will help expand the growth of renewable energy assets in Georgia, while contributing to the overall economy of Plains.

Carter and his wife grew up in Plains and live about half a mile from the solar farm.
More than 500 volunteers flocked to a remote bay in New Zealand in response to a devastating mass stranding of pilot whales.

Around 416 pilot whales beached near the base of Farewell Spit in Golden Bay overnight, of which 250 to 300 were already dead when the whales were discovered, the Department of Conservation announced in a Feb. 10 media release.

A witness told The Washington Post that the whales were crying and sighing as they lay stranded on the beach.

https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/830024603900706816

Fridays incident was the third largest whale stranding ever recorded in New Zealand and the largest known whale stranding in the country since 1985, when 450 were stranded in Auckland, Reuters reported.

Rescuers tried to refloat the remaining cetaceans during high tide on Friday morning but only had partial success. Around 50 whales had swum out of the bay but 80 to 90 had re-stranded on the beach by the afternoon.

Andrew Lamason, Department of Conservation operations manager for Golden Bay, told The Guardian it was common for whales involved in a mass stranding to re-beach themselves because they are very social animals who like to stay in close proximity to their pod.

We are trying to swim the whales out to sea and guide them but they dont really take directions, they go where they want to go. Unless they get a couple of strong leaders who decide to head out to sea, the remaining whales will try and keep with their pod on the beach, he said.

The rescue team has been pouring water over the re-stranded whales to try and keep them cool before floating them out at the next high tide. Children also sang songs to keep the creatures calm.

Ive never seen anything like this, a volunteer named Petra Dubois told Stuff.co.nz. Its just so unbelievably sad to see all these bodies; so many lives gone and so many that might not survive. Just so devastating, I really dont know what to say.

Lamason explained to The Guardian that many volunteers were working around the clock in chilly temperatures and mentally traumatic conditions.

It is cold, its wet and some of us have been in and out of the water for nine hours now. We can only cope with robust volunteers, not ones that are going to break down, which happens quite often, he said.

According to RadioNZ, the effort to refloat the remaining 80 to 90 whales will resume Saturday. The whales will be kept comfortable and can survive for several days as long as they are kept cool and wet.

The cause of the stranding is unclear. However, Lamason said that the bay was prone to mass strandings due to the areas shallow waters that can confuse the mammals sonar and find it difficult to get back out.

https://twitter.com/Tonylean/status/829818286573547520

New Zealand is known to have the highest rate of whale strandings in the world, according to the marine environmental organization Project Jonah.

Still, the latest event came as a shock, Project Jonah manager Darren Grover told Reuters.

In an interview with RadioNZ, Otago University zoologist Liz Slooten ruled out seismic blasting as a cause since the last survey in the area was done nearly a week ago. The blasting of seismic testing can potentially disorientate whales.

She added that the cause of the latest mysterious stranding may never be known.

According to Project Jonah, strandings are complex events and there are many reasons why dolphins and whales may strand. In most cases the exact cause is unknown but any one of the following factors, or a combination of them, can be the cause.

Pilot whales are not considered to be endangered even though they are depleted in some areas. The American Cetacean Society stated, There are likely to be almost a million long-finned pilot whales and at least 200,000 short-finned pilot whales worldwide.
Under continued pressure from Montana livestock interests, Yellowstone National Park is sending hundreds of Americas last wild buffalothe National Mammal of the U.S.to slaughter.

Since Feb. 8, approximately 45 wild Yellowstone buffalo have been shipped from the parks Stephens Creek buffalo trap to a slaughterhouse. With recent captures of at least 600 buffalo, more than 500 wild buffalo remain captive inside Yellowstone National Parks trap. The government intends to slaughter even more. Upwards of 400 more wild bison have also been killed by hunters along Yellowstone National Parks boundary.

https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/status/710453500459622400 vulnerable to global extinction.
(Photo:  Peter Kenny)The United Nations in Geneva, where the UN Human Rights Council is based, photographed on Feb. 10, 2017.

A United Nations committee has voted to deny the accreditation of religious freedom advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide after deferring the group's application since 2009, but Britain has said it will fight against the vote.

The United Nations Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations voted Feb. 3 to reject CSW's application for official UN accreditation.

The UK Mission to the UN will be appealing the decision to the ECOSOC body that oversees the NGO Committee, said CSW, a group that is renowned for its reporting of persecution of Christians.

CSW described the decision as "highly questionable." Mervyn Thomas, CSW's chief executive, said the organization is "extremely disappointed" by the NGO committee's decision.

"It is deeply concerning that the UN Committee on NGOs, the very entity which is tasked to facilitate NGOs access to the UN, is instead actively blocking civil society access to the UN.

"We believe that this decision is effectively an attempt to silence CSW and undermine the promotion of freedom of religion or belief within the UN system."

Britain's deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Peter Wilson, said Feb. 9 he was "deeply disappointed" that the 19-member committee that accredits non-governmental organizations voted to reject the U.K.-based group's application.

The organization "does important work in protecting freedom of religion or belief," he said, adding, "The NGO committee should work to enhance, not restrict, the space for civil society participation in the U.N."

CSW said it applied in 2009 for consultative status with the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), an official UN accreditation and held by numerous religious affiliated organizations.

This would have given CSW access to the key human rights advocacy platforms including the Human Rights Council and General Assembly.

The four nations that voted in favor of CSW's accreditation were the United States, Greece, Uruguay and Israel.

Some of the countries that voted against the application included China, Sudan and India, which have track records of persecution against Christians, The Christian Times reported Feb. 10.

Other countries that opposed CSW's accreditation were Cuba, Pakistan, South Africa, Iran, Sudan, Turkey, Venezuela and Nicaragua. Russia abstained while Azerbaijan, Guinea and Mauritania were absent. CSW has already expressed plans to appeal the decision.

CSW said it was a "highly questionable decision" when the NGO committee voted 11 - 4, with one abstention and three absent, to deny CSW's application.

The NGO Committee comprises 19 UN member States. It is tasked with considering applications for consultative status by NGOs and facilitating civil society access to the UN.

The vote on CSW's application was called by the Permanent Mission of Greece to the UN.

'PROMOTING RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE'

Its representative Georgios Pouleas said: "Greece attaches major significance to promoting religious tolerance and countering any discrimination based on religion or belief.

"Christian Solidarity Worldwide has over three decades of experience in advocating freedom of religion or belief and engages regularly with the United Nations mechanisms providing valid evidence-based analysis. Greece strongly supports CSW and we believe that their contribution to ECOSOC would be valuable and meaningful."

NGO Committee members deferred CSW's application since 2009 by asking more than 80 questions about CSW's work.

Despite providing timely and comprehensive answers to all questions and attending NGO Committee sessions several times, CSW's application continued to be deferred, hampering CSW's opportunities to promote the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief at the UN, the organization said.

During the NGO Committee session on Feb. 3, CSW's application was supported by Martin Shearman from the UK Mission to the UN in New York.

He said: "The work of CSW is rooted in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They support the right of all to freedom of religion or belief.

"For this Committee not to recognize an NGO that is committed to defending the rights of all, regardless of their religion or belief and, in particular, to making full and active use of UN mechanisms, including the UPR, is counter-productive and indefensible."

Other religious affiliated groups in ECOSOC include: the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations from France; the Joint Women's Programme-Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society (India); YWCA of India; Islamic Women's Institute of Iran (Iwii), Iran; Muslim Women Researcher's Organization (Iran); the Women's International Zionist Organization of Israel; Caritas Internationalis (Italy); Word of Life Ministries International-Word Of Life Christian Fellowship (Jamaica); Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches, Switzerland; the Swiss-based World Alliance of Young Men's Christian Associations; the Swiss-based Lutheran World Federation; the Swiss-based World Student Christian Federation; World Alliance Of Young Men's Christian Associations (Switzerland); the World Fellowship of Buddhists, based in Thailand; Adventist Development and Relief Agency (USA); American Jewish World Service, Inc. (USA); the U.S.-based Baha'i International Community; Catholics For A Free Choice (USA); Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (USA); Franciscans International (USA); Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council Of North And South America (USA); Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization Of America, Inc. (USA); Jewish Council For Public Affairs (USA); Women's League For Conservative Judaism (USA); World Conference On Religion And Peace (USA); Medical Mission Sisters (Society Of Catholic Medical Missionaries, Generalate, Inc.), UK; the World Muslim Congress (Motamar Al Alam Al Islami), Pakistan; Muslim World League (Saudi Arabia) and others.
President Tran Dai Quang (R) receives Uzbekistans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources Mirzaev Zoyir (Photo: VNA)



He suggested the two sides work out measures to boost two-way trade, which stood at USD37.42 million in 2016, via the intergovernmental committee on economic-trade and science-technology cooperation.

The President also recommended stepping up affiliation in specific realms such as garment-textile, footwear, cotton and fiber production, farm produce, seafood, plant varieties, animal breeding, and oil and gas.

Apart from increasing high-level delegation exchanges for better mutual understanding and trust, Vietnam and Uzbekistan should expand cooperation in culture, tourism, and education-training, he said.

He took this occasion to thank Uzbekistan to actively support Vietnam to join the United Nations Human Rights Council in the 2014-2016 tenure and the World Heritage Committee in the 2013-2017 tenure.

He called on Uzbekistan to continue supporting and coordinating with Vietnam at multilateral forums in the region and the world at large.

For his part, Deputy PM Mirzaev Zoyir said the ongoing visit of the Uzbekistani delegation is intended to study Vietnams experience in socio-economic development.

Uzbekistan wants to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in politics, economics, trade and investment, specifically in cultivation, processing and exporting farm produce, footwear and apparel products, he added.

The country is also keen to further the bilateral cooperation in personnel training and sharing know-how in the sustainable and effective use of water resources, he said.

The guest handed the letter of Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to President Tran Dai Quang, expressing the wish to propel the two nations friendship and cooperation forward, and inviting President Quang to pay a State-level visit to Uzbekistan./.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos finally took the helm of her agency this week after a bitter and tumultuous confirmation process unlike any other in the U.S. Department of Educations more than three-decade history.

Now, its an open question whether DeVos can make the transition from highly divisive nominee to effective leader.

Also unclear: whether the thousands of educators, advocates, and members of the general public who called their senators urging them to vote against DeVos will try to find common ground with heror continue to make their case against her.

DeVos struck a conciliatory tone in her first speech to agency employees this week.

The obstacles between our nations students and their pursuit of excellence can all be overcome, she said at Education Department headquarters the day after she was confirmed. All too often, adult issues can complicate and get in the way of a focus upon those we serve. The good news is: We can all work together to find solutions and make them happen.

And she tried to reassure those who worry that the department might back away from its civil rights mission during her tenure.

The department also has a unique role in protecting students, she said. We believe students deserve learning environments that foster innovation and curiosity and are also free from harm.

So far, DeVos and the White House have yet to fill key staff positions at the department, including the deputy secretary, the No. 2 position. DeVos also has yet to lay out details of her policy priorities going forward, beyond a general focus on school choice and local control.

Confirmation Storm

Right up until the moment the Senate confirmed her Feb. 7, DeVosa billionaire school choice advocate whose family has donated tens of millions of dollars to Republican candidates and causeswas at the center of a firestorm of opposition.

Demonstrators hit the streets in multiple cities to protest DeVos qualifications. She was spoofed on Saturday Night Live. Opponents slammed her on social media and jammed the phone lines on Capitol Hill. And Democrats held the Senate floor for 24 hours of speeches calling DeVos unfit for the job.

The chamber deadlocked 50-50 on her nomination. For the first time in history, the vice president, Mike Pence, had to break the tie to approve a cabinet nomination .

The intense opposition had begun to build after an underwhelming confirmation hearing last month in which DeVos seemed confused about core issues in K-12 policy, including federal special education laws and measuring student performance.

Her performance at the hearing hypercharged already existing concerns about DeVos depth of knowledge when it comes to public education. She is the first secretary who hasnt been either a public school student or parent. And, unlike most of her predecessors, she has never worked professionally on education at the state, district, or university level. Democrats also warned, again and again, of potential financial conflicts of interest stemming from her investments.

Even though the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful at preventing DeVos from taking the reins at the department, it had some effect: Two Republican senatorsAlaskas Lisa Murkowski and Maines Susan Collinsvoted against DeVos on the floor after supporting her in committee .

The close vote may not bode well for some of the school choice initiatives that DeVoswho has spent much of her career supporting candidates who embrace vouchers and charterscould propose. Such an initiative may need 60 votes to clear procedural hurdles, and support from Democrats, and even some Republicans, doesnt appear to be forthcoming.

And Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state, the top Democrat on the Senate education committee who led the fight against DeVos, said ahead of the vote that the secretary will enter the agency as a hobbled leader.

She would start her job with no credibility inside the agency she is supposed to lead, Murray said. With no influence in Congress. As the punchline in a late-night comedy showand without the confidence of the American people.

But Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the education committee chairman, who helped shepherd DeVos nomination through the chamber, said she would be an effective leadera champion for both school choice and local control.

She will implement our law replacing No Child Left Behind the way we wrote it, Alexander said during debate. She has worked tirelessly to give low-income children more of the same kind of choices that wealthy students have.

DeVos hasnt been specific about her agenda and didnt get into the details during her speech to department employees. But President Donald Trump pitched a $20 billion initiative during the campaign that would enable public funds to follow children to the schools of their choice, including private schools. That proposal would have to go through Congress.

Working With Critics

Hundreds of education organizationsfrom teachers unions, to civil rights organizations, and even some charter school supporters, such as philanthropist Eli Broad sent letters to Capitol Hill in the past few weeks either urging senators not to support DeVos nomination as education secretary or raising concerns about her.

Some of those groups say they now stand ready to work with DeVos on areas of common interest.

Kati Haycock, who recently announced shes stepping down as the leader of the Education Trust, which advocates for poor and minority children and opposed DeVos nomination, said of the new secretary, I think shes a grown-up. We have always managed to work with folks on things we agree on and to oppose them on things that we dont.

But Lily Eskelsen Garcia, the president of the National Education Association, which vehemently opposed DeVos, told Politico recently that she doesnt see an opening.

And civil rights advocates wasted no time in letting DeVos know that theyll be watching her closely.

The fact that her confirmation vote was the first in American history to require a tie-breaking vote by the vice president speaks to the widespread concern about her qualifications raised by the civil rights community, concerned parents and educators from across the country, said Wade Henderson, the president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in a statement released shortly after the vote. Working with partners at the federal, state, and local level, we will hold this new secretary accountable to faithfully executing our nations education and civil rights laws.

Wooing Educators?

The Every Student Succeeds Act has stripped away many of the departments powers, making the secretarys bully pulpitand credibility within the education communityall the more important.

Jeanne Allen, the founder and CEO of the Center for Education Reform, which supports vouchers and other forms of choice, suggested DeVos start by convening small groups of teachers, parents, school choice advocates, home school proponents, state chiefs, school board members, and faith-based organizations and listening to what they have to say.

Yes theres been a firestorm of people writing and yelling and screaming, but its the rank and file parents and teachers that I think that she should spend her first hundred days talking to, Allen said.

Getting some of that rank and file on board may be a tall order.

I have a fundamental objection, like a deep-in-my-core objection, that somebody who is so grossly unqualified and incompetent is going to be the leader of our nations schools, Nate Gibbs-Bowling, Washington states teacher of the year, said recently on a panel sponsored by the Council of Chief School Officers and the Aspen Institute.

State chiefs generally didnt take public stances for or against DeVos.

But Pedro Rivera, the education secretary in Pennsylvania, harkened back to his teaching career in describing what it might be like to work with her.

As a classroom teacher, Ive worked with principals that I didnt necessarily care for and [under] school policies that I didnt like, but ... at the end of the day, were in this role because we care about kids, and nothing that happens above us is going to change that.
Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh (L) meets with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in Jerusalem (Photo: VNA)



At the meeting in Jerusalem on February 7th, Reuven Rivlin considered the Vietnamese delegations visit to Israel as a demonstration of the growing cooperation, including in defence, between the two countries.

He expressed his admiration for Vietnam and its late President Ho Chi Minh, as well as the enormous achievements the country has attained recently. He said the outcomes of bilateral cooperation have helped strengthen mutual trust and met the two peoples interests for the sake of peace, stability and development in their respective regions and the world.

Sen. Lt. Gen. Vinh, who was leading a delegation of the Defence Ministry on a visit to Israel from February 6th-9th, underlined Vietnams consistent foreign policy of being a friend and a trustworthy partner in the international community. In the policy of multilateralising and diversifying foreign relations, Vietnam attaches importance to bolstering the friendship and cooperation with Middle Eastern nations, including Israel.

He also informed the host President about the outcomes of defence links, thanking Israeli leaders in general and Rivlin in particular for advocating and providing favourable conditions for the two defence ministries fruitful cooperation.

He hoped for the Presidents continued support and assistance to the ministries in building up a reliable and practical partnership which can be on par with the countries flourishing ties.

Earlier the same day, Deputy Minister Vinh had talks with Director General of the Israeli Defence Ministry Udi Adam. They exchanged viewpoints on international and regional issues of shared concern while voicing their delight at the expansion of bilateral friendship and cooperation in various spheres, including defence.

On the basis of the sound relationship, Vietnam wants both sides to straightforwardly discuss measures for enhancing defence connections in a synchronous and comprehensive manner, in conformity with the memorandum of understanding on bilateral denfece relations inked in 2015, and in line with the Vietnamese Governments policy of developing relations between Vietnam and Middle Eastern-African nations between 2016 and 2025, Vinh noted.

For his part, Director General Udi Adam described the Vietnamese officials visit as important to defence cooperation activities in 2017. He spoke highly of the Southeast Asian nations role and stature in the region, adding that Israel wants to join Vietnam in building a trustworthy, effective and sustainable cooperative partnership.

Both sides shared the view that increasingly effective defence cooperation will help deepen the two countries relations, thereby meeting their peoples interests and actively contributing to joint efforts towards peace, stability, cooperation and development.

Concluding the talks, the two sides signed a minutes of the Vietnamese delegations visit and another on building a consultation mechanism for the two ministries working groups.

During the trip, Vietnamese officials had meetings with Israels Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Acting National Security Advisor Jacob Nagel. They also visited some units and businesses in the local defence industry./.
A top Japanese company said Thursday it had dropped Mexico as a possible location for a new auto parts factory after Donald Trump rapped Toyota over a plant in the country - and economists warned more firms could follow suit.

The decision by Nikkei 225-listed Nisshinbo Holdings marked the first time a Japanese company has publicly abandoned a Mexican facility in response to the new US president's protectionist outbursts, the Nikkei business daily said Thursday.

The announcement comes as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe heads to Washington Thursday for meetings with Trump aimed at cementing ties and underscoring Japan's commitment to investing in the US.

Mexico was among the locations being considered for Nisshinbo's vehicle brake parts plant, reportedly worth up to 10 billion yen ($89 million).

The firm is a leading maker of friction-reducing brake parts with about a 15 percent share of the global market.

Nisshinbo, which also makes a range of other products including electronics and textiles, already has a US plant and is looking for a new facility to service the North American market.

Nisshinbo's shares sank more than four percent to close at 1,040 yen ($9) Thursday.

Company spokesman Kiyohiro Kida said Mexico had been at the top of the list for possible sites.

"Mexico was the strongest candidate but we have taken a step back," he told AFP, confirming the decision was a response to Trump's trade policies. His comments came a day after Nisshinbo's executive managing officer Takayoshi Okugawa told an earnings briefing that the country was off the list. "Regarding Mexico, we've dropped it," he said. "We have to pick a site other than Mexico." The US is the most likely alternative for the plant, the Nikkei said, as Trump moves to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico.

More Japanese companies could follow Nisshinbo's example and avoid Mexico, said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute in Tokyo.

"It's likely that we could see similar moves" by other firms, he told AFP.

Trump's policies "could affect both companies which already have plants (in Mexico) and those planning to invest there", he added.

The tycoon has assailed Japan for allegedly devaluing the yen to boost exports, grouping it with other countries he says are taking "advantage" of the United States.

Trump has targeted Toyota with strong criticism of its ongoing project to build a new factory in Mexico, threatening it with painful tariffs if its goes ahead.

The Japanese auto giant has stuck to its Mexico plans, but said last month it intends to invest $600 million and create 400 jobs at one of its US plants.
President congratulates new Chairperson of African Union

President Tran Dai Quang sent a congratulatory message on February 8th to President of the Republic of Guinea Alpha Conde on his election as the new Chairperson of the African Union.

President of the Republic of Guinea Alpha Conde (Source: guineematin.com)

Alpha Conde was elected to the position at the unions 28th Ordinary Session in Ethiopia on January 30th./. CPV/VNA

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Healthcare workers learn latest infection prevention methods



Speakers at the conference with Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft.

The Island's healthcare professionals have been learning about the latest infection prevention techniques.

The Infection Prevention and Control Conference took place on the Island for the 21st time this week, giving professionals from the private and public sector a chance to learn about the latest developments.

Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft spoke at the conference, along with a series of infection specialists from the UK's National Health Service.

Themes throughout the conference included hand hygiene, decontamination of medical devices and regular cleaning.
Vietnam, Russia expand cooperation in energy. (Photo: pvgas.com.vn)

So said Alexey Popov, consul general of the Russian Federation in Ho Chi Minh city, during a press conference about the development of the Russia - Vietnam relations in 2016, held on February 9

Identifying 2017 as a year for dynamic and effective development of Russia - Vietnam relations, Mr. Alexey Popov said that the dialogues between the two countries leaders during international meetings or high-ranking visits will create an important impetus for promoting the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

In addition, sectors and localities from the two countries will expand cooperative programs in terms of fuel - energy, culture, tourism, investment and trade, contributing to reinforcing and developing the cooperative relations between the two countries, according to Mr. Alexey Popov.

The assessment of the Russian Federations consulate general in Ho Chi Minh city showed that in the complex development of the international situation, Vietnam - Russia relations were reported good in 2016, especially in politics, economics, trade, military technology, culture and society.

The two countries conducted high-ranking exchanges and cooperated and supported each other in international forums, which helped reinforce and deepen the good political relationship between the two countries.

In addition, the cooperation in energy, oil and gas and military technology has been strengthened, gaining active and effective achievements.

In economics cooperation, the bilateral turnover in the first 11 months of 2016 reached USD3.5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 16.4%. The two countries are looking towards bilateral trade turnover of USD10 billion by 2020./.
Ever since One Direction decided to take a break and go on their own ways, fans have been expecting that they will focus on their solo careers. As Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik now have their individual albums, in less than no time Harry Styles will also release his solo LP.

In an interview with Billboard, Columbia Records CEO Rob Stringer talked about the much-awaited solo album of Harry Styles. "We're close and we're very excited," he said. The chief executive even added that they already have the record and it will be soon ready.

Stringer explained that they want the upcoming album to be done perfectly as Harry Styles might stay with them. "Harry has stepped up with the vision of someone who's authentic," he teased.

Moreover, Stringer also discussed the success of other One Direction members like Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson. Conventionally, only one from a boy band group becomes the breakout star and reach the victory but in the English-Irish troupe, everyone triumphs. In fact, Harry Styles is now part of a film by Christopher Nolan titled "Dunkirk."

Stringer disclosed that it simply because Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles didn't put themselves inside a box. They didn't just do singing and dancing; they have other and many talents. They, too, didn't follow the trademark of being part of a boy band group, like being the boy-next-door bearing a sweet image.

As a matter of fact, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles are all smart; deciding what is right and selecting good choices. And even though One Direction is now disbanded, they remain; evidently, they are all doing well and even having bigger names.

However, Stinger didn't give any details about the exact release date of Harry Styles "Authentic" album, Pop Crush reported. But, fans will soon see him on the big screen in the World War II drama "Dunkirk," which is set to be released on July 21.


A federal appeals court on Thursday has refused to reinstate Donald Trump's refugee and travel ban, infuriating the US President who has promised to bring the decision to the US Supreme Court. The travel ban that affects people from seven predominantly Muslim nations was temporarily paused by a district court in Seattle.

Judges from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco backed the lower court's temporary restraining order suspending the executive order. The decision on Thursday is the latest legal blow to one of President Trump's biggest campaign promises, The Independent reported.

The unanimous decision, from the three-judge panel reads: "We hold that the Government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay."

Trump signed the executive order during his first days in the oval, sparking confusion and causing protests at airports worldwide. The restrictions prevented citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the United States and temporarily banning all refugees from resettling in the country.

Within minutes, President Trump tweeted his response in all-caps promising to challenge the decision in court. He will bring the decision to the US Supreme Court.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 09.  2017.

In their decision, the panel also ruled that Donald Trump's talk of a "Muslim ban" on the campaign trail could be used as proof of discrimination. According to NBC News, The States argued that the Executive Order contravenes the Establishment and Equal Protection Clauses because it was intended to disfavor Muslims.

Hillary Clinton, simply tweeted "3-0" referencing the Ninth Circuit's unanimous decision. Besides her, groups of people who strongly opposed the President's travel restrictions from the very beginning also applauded the federal court on Thursday.

Omar Jadwat, the director of the ACLU's Immigrant Rights Project, agreed with the Federal Appeals Court decision. However, Nihad Awad, executive director (and co-founder) of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, reminded supporters that they just won one battle but not the whole war against the Donald Trump administration.
With a new Congress and Administration, it is important to reiterate to policymakers the importance of federal data programs. Click here to find a draft letter asking members of Congress to support and fund Federal statistics. In order to make as large an impact as possible, we encourage respected leaders in the business, policy, and academic communities to sign the letter and demonstrate their support. If youd like to sign for yourself or for your organization, please submit your information through the below form.
Peter Nelson:

President Trump is now facing a lawsuit brought by liberal groups contesting his recent two-for-one executive order, which requires two regulations be rescinded for every one implemented. Public Citizen, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Communications Workers of America argue that the president exceeded his constitutional authority in issuing the order.  [and] the president's directive violates the Administrative Procedure Act by instructing agencies to act arbitrarily in canceling regulations in order to promulgate new ones.

For more background on the two-for-one order from an economists perspective, read RFF expert Alan Krupnicks recent blog posts.
The name of Amitava Bose who passed away in Kolkata on 13 January may not be known to many people outside of a small circle of scholars, students, and friends, but he was in formal terms the finest macro-economist in the country, and among the best anywhere in the world. My colleagues at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) tell me that he was also, in formal terms, the finest micro-economist in the country, and in every other branch of economic theory. I can well believe what they say, but my direct first-hand knowledge relates to his intellectual prowess in the realm of macroeconomics.

I first met Amitava in late 1974 in Kolkata, shortly after he had come back with a PhD from the University of Rochester and joined the faculty of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in that city. (He was to spend the rest of his academic life at the IIM Kolkata and to become its director eventually.) He was organising a seminar at the IIM Kolkata, which still had not moved out of its old premises at the Emerald Bower, to which I had been invited. This was my first academic seminar in Kolkata, and, like all seminars in Kolkata then, an occasion for great excitement as well as a cause for much nervousness. Kolkata had a brilliant and active group of theoretical economists at that time, led by Ajit Biswas and Mihir Rakshit, and including Sanjit Bose, Arup Mullick, Amitava Bose, and Dipankar Dasgupta, who met regularly, often in a room in one of the upper floors of the College Street Coffee House. The group organised periodic seminars, and generally created an extremely vibrant academic ambience. Presenting ones idea in Kolkata at one of the seminars organised by this group was the ultimate test of its robustness: if they okayed what one said then one could be sure, at least technically, that ones argument contained no loopholes and that it could be presented to the world with confidence. This explains both my excitement and my nervousness at attending the first seminar organised by Amitava which also was my first in Kolkata.
Virat Kohli struck his fourth double-hundred in four consecutive Test series as India surged to their third 600-plus score in three successive innings

Bangladesh 41 for 1 (Tamim 24*, Umesh 1-2) trail India 687 for 6 dec (Kohli 204, Vijay 108, Saha 106*, Taijul 3-156) by 646 runs

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Another series. Another double-hundred for Virat Kohli . The opposition buried under a mountain of runs. The theme first unfolded in Antigua in July 2016, then in Indore and Mumbai. On Friday in Hyderabad against a listless Bangladesh attack, Kohli became the first batsman to hit double-hundreds in four consecutive Test series . By the time they declared at 687 for 6, India had become the first side to rack up 600-plus scores in three-consecutive innings.

India's day became sweeter when Umesh Yadav dismissed Soumya Sarkar for 15 with a 142kph ripper. Sarkar was unperturbed by the outswinger, but was done in by a full ball, which snaked in off the seam. He attempted a limp drive and Wriddhiman Saha threw himself to his right to collect the ball. India challenged the on-field not-out decision with UltraEdge picking up a thin deflection off the toe end. Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque hung on to take Bangladesh to 41 for 1 in 14 overs at stumps.

A double-hundred in Tests might be the fantasy of several batsmen, but this innings from Kohli seemed inevitable. He arrived 30 minutes before tea on the first day and completed the landmark at the start of the third over after lunch on the second, swishing left-arm spinner Taijul Islam over cover, the first time he played a lofted shot off a spinner.

Probably Kohli's only nervous moment came on 180 when he was beaten by a sharp offbreak from Mehedi Hasan Miraz and was declared lbw by umpire Joel Wilson. Kohli reviewed the decision, with ball-tracking showing it was turning too much and heading past the leg stump.

Soon after making a double-century, Kohli was pinged on the pad by a low-arm slider from Taijul and was given out by umpire Marais Erasmus, at the start of the 126th over. Kohli opted not to review this time; ball-tracking detected the impact was marginally outside off.

On either side of Kohli's exit, Ajinkya Rahane , who was picked over Karun Nair and returning from a finger injury, and Saha, returning from a thigh injury, waltzed to fifty and hundred respectively.

Kohli and Rahane had set the tone for the day by extending their overnight 122-run partnership to 222. They scored 70 runs in the first hour as India scored 121 in the morning session.

Kohli toyed with the field and with Taskin Ahmed, who did not help Bangladesh by frequently erring short in a spell that read 5-0-38-1. Kohli lashed Taskin over the top to the left of deep point, and cut the next ball along the ground and to the right of the same man. When Taskin went shorter outside off, Kohli ramped him over the slip cordon. Mushfiqur Rahim followed the ball and posted a third man, only for Kohli to beat him to his right with a sliced four.

Wriddhiman Saha reached his second Test century with a six  AFP

Along the way, Kohli snatched the record for most Test runs in a home season from his former colleague Virender Sehwag. Rahane played some sparkling shots of his own, but for most part he just did his thing - bunting the ball into the gaps - before he spooned a catch to short cover, where Mehedi dived to his left and came out with the ball in one hand.

If Bangladesh thought the wicket, which came after nearly 300 balls, was an opening, they were wrong. It was another false dawn. The ball suddenly started to turn sharply, and Taijul drew Saha a long way out of the crease, but Mushfiqur reprieved him. He had so much time that he missed the stumping opportunity twice. By the time he swiped the bails off on the third attempt, Saha was safe.

Saha relied on deft flicks and a variety of cuts, and went onto hit a fifty off 86 balls. R Ashwin looked set for a fifty of his own until he nicked Mehedi to first slip for 34.

Saha wasn't done yet. He was also deft in using his feet against spin, and one such trip down the track saw him stylishly loft Taijul over his head for a six and raise a second Test hundred off 153 balls.

That wasn't the only hundred of the day. Bangladesh's front-line bowlers - Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Taskin, Mehedi, Taijul and Shakib Al Hasan - all conceded more than 100 runs.






Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Huu Chi speaking at the event (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Huu Chi stated that the Government of Vietnam and RoK officially established bilateral diplomatic ties 25 years ago to open a new chapter in the cooperation between the two countries.

During the past 25 years, Vietnam-RoK relations have made remarkable achievements in various fields, contributing to development and cooperation in the region and worldwide.

He also reiterated some important milestone in the development of bilateral relations, such as upgrading to the comprehensive partnership in 2001 and then the strategic cooperation partnership in 2009.

Since 2012, RoKs direct investment capital in Vietnam has increased by three times to USD50 billion, making RoK the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, while the bilateral trade turnover has also rose by two times to USD42.8 billion.

Over the past five years, the number of visitors of Vietnam to RoK has also doubled and vice versa. There are nearly 150,000 Vietnamese people living, learning or working in RoK, and this is the figure of the Korean community in Vietnam.

Ambassador Pham Huu Chi believed that with determination and joint efforts of the two countries, the Vietnam  RoK strategic cooperation partnership will grow stronger in all fields in the future, while emphasizing Vietnam will do its utmost to contribute to strengthening the substantive, stable cooperation with RoK for mutual benefits.

Deputy Foreign Minister of RoK Lee Jeong-gyu stressed over the past 25 years, bilateral relations have made brilliant progress. People exchange activities between the two countries have also become very active as more and more Vietnamese people, especially youth, go to RoK to learn about the culture and language, while Vietnam has become the top destination chosen by Korean people in Southeast Asia.

He also highlighted the role of the overseas Vietnamese community in RoK and the Korean community in Vietnam, who are testament to the friendship and partner relations between the two countries.

According to him, this is also an opportunity for both sides to seek additional ways to strengthen and develop the relationship in the near future, marking the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the countries.

At the ceremony, the participants watched a video clip introducing images of the development of the Vietnam-RoK relations during the past 25 years, the Ho Chi Minh City  Gyeongju City cultural exhibition, which will be held in Ho Chi Minh City in November 2017 and performances by children of Vietnam-RoK multicultural families, who are representative of the people exchange between the two countries and the future of the bilateral partner relations./.
The European Commission made a blow to the plan of Scotlands First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, by deciding that an independent Scotland would have to officially apply for membership and stand in a line since Jean Claude Juncker made it clear that there would be no more countries admitted until 2020  the year after the UK is expected to leave the European Union. As there are a few countries already waiting for EU membership, including Montenegro and Serbia, Scotland would have to join the list and wait for its turn.

This would make Scotland remain outside the bloc for an indeterminate period. However, Scotland could be able to gain membership faster than the others since its laws already comply with the EU legislation, Jacqueline Minor, European Commissions Head of Representation in the United Kingdom since 2013, admitted. Scotland would also have to accept the euro currency to get the membership and show determination to cut its deficit, which is larger than that of Greeces. Ms. Minor also said that Scotland could not stay in the EUs single market even if the rest of the UK comes out unless Theresa May proposes so.

However, Nicola Sturgeons government had already made it clear to Theresa May that it was a Scottish desire that a special single market deal must be included in the letter that the British government would send to Brussels to trigger Article 50. Ms. Minor commented that she did not think that London would condone this plan but admitted that the remaining 27 members would have to consider it if Theresa May changed her mind. Nevertheless, Ms. Minor was skeptical about this idea as there was no precedent whereby a free trade agreement has distinguished between significant regions of the partner country.
The European Commission on Wednesday (February 8) adopted its 9th report on the EUs relocation and resettlement projects, taking stock of the actions taken since December last year. Members States have been stepping up their efforts on resettlement, offering legal and safe ways for refugees and migrants to move from a temporary refugee camp in Italy or Greece to take up a more permanent residence in another EU Member State. EU leaders, however, agreed that more needs to be done to reach the monthly target set by the executive of 1,000 relocations from Italy and 2,000 from Greece.

Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos commented that relocating all those eligible in Italy and Greece is possible but it takes political will, commitment and perseverance of all Member States to make it happen. The temporary emergency relocation scheme was established in 2015 when Member States committed to relocate persons in need of international protection from Italy and Greece. The initial relocation decisions concerned the commitment to relocate almost 99,000 people, after which the Council adopted an amendment to make 54,000 places not yet allocated available for the purpose of legally admitting Syrians from Turkey to the EU.

The European Council has already previously called for an acceleration of the implementation of the relocation scheme in order to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation. The most recent deal  the EU-Turkey Statement of March 2016  stipulates that for every Syrian being returned from Turkey from the Greek islands, another Syrian will be resettled from Turkey to the EU. Priority is given to refugees and migrants who have not previously entered or tried to enter the EU irregularly.
As an article at The Conversation by Professors Ian Godwin and Yuri Trusov observes, The tragic story of Soviet genetics shows the folly of political meddling in science.

There is much truth in the article, but its authors assume that during the era of Trofim Lysenko the Soviet government persecuted people who embraced evolution and genetics. On this point, they quote Australias Chief Scientist, Alan Finkel, [who] mentioned him [that is, Lysenko] during a speech at a meeting of chief scientists in Canberra.

They continue:

The emerging ideology of Lysenkoism was effectively a jumble of pseudoscience, based predominantly on his rejection of Mendelian genetics and everything else that underpinned [Nikolai] Vavilovs science. He was a product of his time and political situation in the young USSR. In reality, Lysenko was what we might today call a crackpot. Among other things, he denied the existence of DNA and genes, he claimed that plants selected their mates, and argued that they could acquire characteristics during their lifetime and pass them on. He also espoused the theory that some plants choose to sacrifice themselves for the good of the remaining plants  another notion that runs against the grain of evolutionary understanding.

In fact, the Soviet government embraced Darwinian evolution (which according to Darwins own writings contained Lamarckian elements), and persecuted Mendelian genetics, which was considered to be a threat to Darwinism. For more, see the abridged excerpt below from Chapter 16 of my 2006 book The Politically Incorrect Guide to Darwinism and Intelligent Design:

American Lysenkoism When Mendelian biologists criticized Trofim Lysenko, he simply evaded their arguments and declared that Mendelian genetics was unacceptable because it contradicted Darwinian evolution.1 By then, many Western biologists were accepting the modern synthesis of Darwinian evolution and Mendelian genetics, but Soviet Minister of Agriculture Jakov Jakovlev supported Lysenko by declaring Mendelism to be incompatible with true Darwinism. In 1937, Prezent praised Lysenko for marching under the banner of reconstruction of biological science on the basis of Darwinism raised to the level of Marxism, while he demonized the Mendelians as powers of darkness.2 If government officials and Darwinist ideologues had not come to Lysenkos rescue, the Mendelians would probably have prevailed  as they did outside the Soviet Union  because they had better science on their side. Lysenkos Stalinist suppression of Mendelians in the 1940s made matters much worse, but the underlying problem was that the government-supported scientific establishment had chosen to support one side in a scientific dispute. For many years, biologists in the Soviet Union were persecuted by the government if they challenged the official view of Darwinian orthodoxy or defended Mendelian genetics.3 So, contrary to the claims of [American Darwinists], the scientific conflict underlying Lysenkoism was not Lamarckism against Darwinism, but classical Darwinism (which had undeniably Lamarckian elements) against the new Mendelian genetics. The present conflict between neo-Darwinism and intelligent design resembles Lysenkoism in the sense that the Darwinists are still opposing new ideas.

Darwinists would like us to believe that ID proponents  like Lysenko  want to use the government to oppose evolution. But as often happens, Darwinists have things exactly upside-down. Stalin and Lysenko were Darwinists who persecuted Mendelians, just as modern Darwinists persecute IDers (though, thank God, they havent imprisoned us). In fact, Darwinism is at the root of the persecution in both cases. And like Mendelism, ID is better science than Darwinism.

So the lesson is legitimate: Dont allow the government to use its power to enforce a particular view on a scientific question. If only the government would stay out of the evolution-ID controversy!

Notes:

(1) Nils Roll-Hansen, The Lysenko Effect: The Politics of Science (Amherst, NY: Humanity Books, 2005), 86-89. Valery N. Soyfer, Lysenko and the Tragedy of Soviet Science (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1994), 63. David Joravsky, The Lysenko Affair (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1970), 208, 238-239. Zhores Medvedev, The Rise and Fall of T. D. Lysenko (New York: Columbia University Press, 1969), Chapter 3.

(2) Roll-Hansen, 218-220. Medvedev, 46-49.

(3) Medvedev, Chapter 11. Loren R. Graham, What Have We Learned about Science and Technology from the Russian Experience? (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1998), Chapter 1 and Conclusions. Roll-Hansen, Chapter 10.

Photo: Trofim Lysenko (left) at the Kremlin, with Stalin (far right), via Wikicommons.
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
Reference: The Euro to Australian Dollar exchange rate today: 1.38605.

The Australian Dollar to Euro exchange rate today: 0.72147.

Shorting the Euro Remains a Core FX Strategy Theme for Credit Suisse

Technical analysts at Credit Suisse make no bones about which side of the fence they are on when it comes to euro exchange rates.

Bearish the EUR has been, and remains a core theme, says David Sneddon, Managing Director of Global Strategy at the Swiss bank.

In EURNOK we stay bearish for 8.6.

EURUSD we stay bearish for parity.

EURCAD is expected to eventually resolve its range lower.

We stay firmly bearish EURRUB for 61.36, then beneath 60.

Bearish EURAUD has been one of our favourite trades.

You get the idea.

The Euro Trade-Weighted Index Was the Missing Link for EUR Shorts, but Is Now in Play

A break lower in the euro trade-weighted index has been seen so far by Credit Suisse as the missing link for euro sellers. The bank continues to see a break coming however. Sneddon says:

While bearish EUR has been a core theme, we have not as yet seen a significant and broadbased sell-off, and we remain of the view we need to see a conclusive break lower by the EUR TWI (BoE) to see this confirmed. Our bias though remains for this to eventually be achieved. Below 87.73 [in the EUR TWI] we can add weight to our bearish bias. With a move below the 86.68 June 2016 low [we see] a fall back to the lower end of the medium-term range at 85/84.80.

Take Advantage of Euro Weakness with a Play Against the Australian Dollar

Credit Suisses favourite euro trade is against the Australian dollar. Another technical analyst at the bank, Chris Hine, describes their analysis.

Bearish EURAUD has been one of our favorite trades. EURAUD completed a medium-term top in 2016, and with support at 1.4032 now broken  the 50% retracement of the 2012/15  a triangle continuation pattern has also been completed. We stay bearish and target the 2015 lows at 1.3677 next, then the 61.8% retracement at 1.3459. Bigger picture, we note the measured target from the top is set significantly lower at 1.2340.

European Election Risk Weighs on the Single Currency

Geopolitical risk in Europe is on the increase, led by the French elections, with Marine Le Pens reiteration of her desire to pull France out of the EU grabbing most of the media headlines.

Earlier this week, another Swiss bank, UBS, described the prevailing sentiment surrounding Europe as follows:

The market is worried about Europe and focus is being rotated from the US to the EU. The reflation story does not apply to Europe but to Germany. The geopolitical risk [in the EU] is currently considerable and this is not a re-visit of May 2010 when one country was struggling financially and the rest of the union tried to repair and pre-empt domino effects to the neighbors. This time it is about overall commitment and desire amongst the people of certain countries to remain in a union which has brought them few benefits or advantages.

German and Dutch voters will also go to the polls in 2017.

With Brexit and Trump both springing surprises in 2016, the markets are cautious heading into these elections. Bookies prices and pollsters are no longer to be trusted and markets are reducing their exposure to the euro.

Safe haven assets such as US Treasuries, the yen and gold have been strong over the past two weeks.

Yesterday Credit Suisse also advised clients to buy the Swiss franc  another traditional safe haven  against the euro.

EUR, GBP, USD Data Releases on Friday

[Day, Time in GMT, Currency, Data, Forecast]

FRI 07:45 EUR French Industrial Production M/M -0.6%

FRI 09:00 EUR Italian Industrial Production M/M 0.1%

FRI 09:30 GBP Manufacturing Production M/M 0.3%

FRI 15:00 USD University of Michigan Sentiment 97.9
EUR to USD Exchange Rate: Major Banks Advise Selling Rallies

As the foreign exchange markets closed for the weekend, the EUR USD exchange rate traded at a value of 1.06412, a price that puts the pair approximately 0.6% below Citi Banks advised short entry at 1.0725. The bank advised selling the pair on Thursday.

Should the market reach Citis recommended entry level, the US bank recommends a target and stop-loss at 1.0550 and 1.0850 respectively (175 pips and 125 pips).

This morning, Credit Suisse have also come out as determined euro bears, suggesting selling the euro against the Australian dollar.

French bank BNP Paribas are also looking to sell EUR/USD rallies.

Increased Volatility Ahead for the Euro

In the past week, volatility expectations in EUR/USD have surged and demand in the options market to hedge against further euro weakness has increased considerably.

This is due to rising political uncertainty surrounding upcoming French Presidential elections (in April), which is proving to be a significant drag on prices for the single currency.

This week, UBS described political risk in Europe as considerable and suggested that portfolio hedges would continue to drive euro exchange rates lower.

Other sources of global political or economic risk and potential boosters of volatility include Donald Trumps fiscal policy plans, or lack thereof, and the potential for American protectionism.

They also include new concerns over the ongoing Greek bailout.

On Tuesday, in the latest press release from the IMF, a rare split has been revealed among its board members in relation to the austerity measures imposed on Greece and the countrys huge debt burden. This disagreement has fuelled market fears that the latest Greek bailout might be stalled.

There is also the as yet incomplete UK-EU divorce, aka Brexit, clouding the eurozones economic outlook.

And yet further risk is building in emerging markets, especially China.

The markets focus on risk within the past ten days has been extremely clear from traditional safe haven asset prices, with gold on the march, the yen rallying across the board, and US Treasury yields dipping, although on Thursday these markets did buck this trend.

In recent days, the yield spread on French government debt versus German debt (the safer investment) has also risen to its highest since 2012.

Risk May Be Considerable, But Le Pen Victory Is Unlikely

According to Italian bank UniCredit: The odds of Ms. Marine Le Pen making it to the Elysee are low.

British bookmakers currently price a Le Pen victory around the 2-to-1 mark, and thereby suggest only a 33% chance of her becoming the next French President.

Regardless of likeliness, what will matter for asset prices in the run-up to the election will be markets perception of those risks; and investors are looking for hedges in currency-land, says UniCredit.

The same sentiment was expressed by UBS on Wednesday, who suggested that investors stunned by 2016s Brexit and Trump victories (also unlikely according to the bookies and pollsters) will not make the same mistake this time around. According to UBS, prior to the European elections the market will slowly start to put on worst-case-scenario hedges, and these will weigh on euro exchange rates.

Unfortunately for holders of euro currency or for those owning euro assets or denominated debt, any eurozone positives that might have arisen following a Le Pen defeat, may be offset by increased uncertainty following the triggering of Article 50 by the British government, which should come in March, and which is likely to begin a two-year negotiation with the EU.

According to Danske Bank, uncertainty will increase following the triggering of Article 50, more so than has already been the case. And if that is true, we might say that one form of euro uncertainty (elections) will be replaced by another (ongoing Brexit negotiations).

How Will Selling at Higher Prices Be Possible in Euro Pairs?

Selling on a rally is all well and good, but in light of whats been said, a sensible question would be: What will prompt a rally?

Analysis today by another major banking group, BNP Paribas, may answer that question.

In a bi-weekly global markets report to investors this morning, BNP echo the sentiments expressed by Cit Bank  specifically, the goal of selling the euro to dollar exchange rate at higher prices in the short-term  but also suggest a reason for a rally.

BNP say: Recentlya short-term RSI 14-day bullish divergence materialised. The upside break of 1.0630 (pivot level) seen in mid-January 2017 supports further short-term upside moves to 1.0760 and to 1.0860. And we see [these levels] as an ideal EUR/USD resell area. We expect a fall from that level down to 1.0 in the coming months.

Unlike Citi Bank, BNP give a much larger, longer-term target for the pair at 1.0 (parity). Credit Suisse are also forecasting a fall to parity in the euro-dollar rate in 2017. However, both of these medium-term forecasts defy conclusions drawn recently by Societe Generale in their assessment of euro exchange rate valuations. SocGen concluded that the euro is likely undervalued against the US dollar.

Scotiabank say: "An old (informal) market rule of thumb says that market trends rarely run on for more than 8-10 consecutive sessions (days, weeks, etc) so it is perhaps apt that, after seven consecutive weeks of gains, the EUR rally is looking tiredand possibly on the verge of rolling over after failing against noted resistance in the low 108s area. The Dec/Jan rising wedge is breaking down (bearishly). Intraday patterns show the EUR edging off the overnight low but gains are modest and suggest a mild correction ahead of another push lower. Short-term gains should struggle to extend much though the upper 1.06s and EUR losses should pick up below 1.0610/20."

EUR USD Data Releases on Friday

[Day, Time in GMT, Currency, Data, Forecast]

FRI 07:45 EUR French Industrial Production M/M -0.6%

FRI 09:00 EUR Italian Industrial Production M/M 0.1%

FRI 15:00 USD University of Michigan Sentiment 97.9
The rise in the number of people moving to Canada has contributed significantly to the growth in the countrys population, official figures show, with more people moving West.Canada has been very open in terms of welcoming both would be expats and people fleeing conflict in Syria and other war zones around the world and this is reflected in the newly published figures from Statistics Canada.  Overall people arriving from abroad have accounted for two thirds of the growth in the nations population. From 2011 to 2016, the population increased by 1.7 million or 5%, a slightly lower rate than 5.9% from 2006 to 2011.About two thirds of Canada's population growth from 2011 to 2016 was the result of migratory increase while natural increase accounted for the remaining one third. In the coming years, population growth in Canada is projected to be increasingly linked to migratory increase rather than natural increase, mainly because of low fertility and an aging population.It means that Canada has the highest population growth among G7 countries and the average annual population growth rate of 1% from 2011 to 2016 was the eighth highest among G20 countries, behind Saudi Arabia, Turkey, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Indonesia and India.The figures also reveal where the highest numbers of people live in Canada with two thirds close to the southern border with the United States. Canada has a small population living in a large land area leading to a low population density compared with other countries. For example, Canada had 3.9 people per square kilometre in 2016, compared with 35.3 people per square kilometre in the US.But the population is highly concentrated geographically. In 2016 some 66% lived within 100 kilometres of the southern border, an area that represents about 4% of Canada's territory.This includes the cities of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver where the population density is well above the national average. The municipality of Vancouver had the highest population density in Canada, with more than 5,400 people per square kilometre. Among municipalities of 5,000 or more inhabitants, the next three with the highest population density were located in the Montreal.The West is leading the country in terms of population growth for the first time. The top growth rate was in Alberta, followed by Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia. Nearly one in three residents now live in Western Canada, the highest share ever recorded.But the Atlantic region, which has the biggest ageing population, is seeing very little growth and the data suggests that is because it is not attracting immigrants.
For most nationalities, it is notoriously difficult to obtain the legal right to work in Brazil. Basically, you have two options:1) Find a company both willing to hire you and ready to deal with the Byzantine bureaucracy involved with the legal hire of a non-Brazilian. That company's first step would be to apply for a work permit at the Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment (Ministerio do Trabalho e Emprego) by submitting the work contract and a mountain of other documents (most supplied by you). If this application is allowed by the Ministry, you would then have to apply for a work visa at a Brazilian embassy or consulate.2) Marry a Brazilian.Here are some links discussing the situation:Good luck!
HELLO EVERYONE



I am jordanian general practitioner doctor with 5 years pregraduated experience and 2 post graduated doctor living in turkey. (arabic,turkish.english languages)



i am thinking of moving to work in abudhabi as GP doctor, and i am thinking to go for residency program later...so if you can help me i aill be glad



what is the gp salaries in abudhabi?

do resident doctors get paid while studying? if so whats the salary?



thank you all.
Hello. Would love to hear from anyone who is living in Puglia. My husband and I are currently living in Gozo, Malta but considering a move. Thinking maybe of Lecce, but would love to hear people's thoughts re living there or other areas of Puglia. Thanks in advance. Linda
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A truck caught fire Thursday and shut down a well site in Apache Corp.s Alpine High field  big, new oil and gas discovery in a scenic corner of West Texas.

No one was injured in the fire and the well was shut in, an Apache spokesman said. A water-hauling truck caught fire just north of Interstate 10 in Reeves County, about 1.9 miles northwest of Balmorhea, an environmentally sensitive desert oasis.

We can confirm an incident involving a vehicle fire near our Alta location north of I-10 in Reeves County, the company said in a written statement. The well at the location was shut as a precaution, the company said.

Apache activated its crisis response plan, and the fire was extinguished without incident, the company added.

The Texas Railroad Commission, the states oil and gas regulator, is sending investigators to the site. The agency was informed of the accident around 3 p.m. Thursday, a spokeswoman said.

Neta Rhyne, who lives nearby in Toyahvale and owns a scuba and swim shop across the street from the Balmorhea State Park, said she could smell a chemical odor.

The smell was horrible, Rhyne said. Im five miles away and I could smell it at my house.

Apache in September announced the discovery of a new shale oil and gas field, the Alpine High. Its technically part of a the states biggest oil field, the Permian Basin, but is tucked into a remote section where theres been little oil and gas activity over the decades.

If Alpine High works, it has been touted as possibly the biggest U.S. unconventional oil and gas find in a decade.

The companys acreage is centered around the desert oasis of Balmorhea State Park, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Water flows into the park from San Solomon Springs, the largest in a series of interconnected springs in the area, and home to endangered desert fishes, the Pecos gambusia and the Comanche Springs pupfish.

Apache said it has created exclusion zones and wont drill under Balmorhea State Park, although it has leased the mineral rights there. It has also promised not to drill inside or under the city limits of Balmorhea.

Alpine High holds an estimated 3 billion barrels of oil and 75 trillion cubic feet of rich gas, the company said, in just two of five geologic zones that are stacked on top of each other like a layer cake. Apache leased around 320,000 contiguous acres for Alpine High, including roughly 20 percent of Reeves County.

Apache estimates it has 2,000 to 3,000 future drilling locations in Alpine Highs Woodford and Barnett rock formations. The company is working to the west of other companies in Reeves County and in formations where few companies have struck oil.

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The Pecos police and fire departments, the Reeves County Sheriffs Department and the Department of Public Safety responded to the fire Thursday.

jhiller@express-news.net

Twitter: @Jennifer_Hiller
NEW YORK  President Donald Trump is injecting himself into the daily business of U.S. companies to an unprecedented extent, spurring investors and executives to weigh their exposure to his wrath when making decisions.

The latest was Nordstrom Inc., which drew Trumps public anger on Twitter on Wednesday for discontinuing his daughter Ivankas line, saying sales had slumped. Trump shot back, first from his personal account, then retweeted from his official POTUS account: My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by Nordstrom. She is a great person  always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!

The tweet initially sent Nordstroms shares down slightly before they rebounded and ended the day up 4 percent, the biggest daily gain in two months.

Two hours after attacking the department store, Trump hosted Intel Corp. CEO Brian Krzanich in the Oval Office to announce that the semiconductor-maker would spend $7 billion on a factory in Chandler, Arizona, creating 3,000 jobs  a move that was already widely expected by investors and did little to boost shares. Once again, Trump took to Twitter.

A great investment ($7 BILLION) in American INNOVATION and JOBS! # AmericaFirst, he wrote.

Not even three weeks into Trumps presidency, the moves fit a familiar pattern in his dealings with companies: Do what Trump wants, or face a presidential rebuke. This direct, company-by-company intervention is forcing CEOs and corporate boards into a choice theyve never before faced with a sitting president  are we with him, or against him?  in a way that distorts normal decision-making and conflicts with shareholder interests.

There are some firms that are invariably going to hold back their punches; they are holding back certain announcements or decisions because this is a time of uncertainty, said Mohan Tatikonda, a professor at Indiana Universitys Kelley School of Business. On the other hand, there are firms that are taking advantage of the climate.

Damned if you do, damned if you dont, he said.

Some choose to fight. Technology companies Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and others have emerged as vocal critics of Trumps immigration executive order. Starbucks Corp. CEO Howard Schultz, on the weekend that Trumps immigration order was enacted, wrote he had a heavy heart and that the coffee chain plans to hire 10,000 refugees over five years around the world. For companies with younger, urban and likely more liberal customers, standing up to Trump can be an effective strategy, and any critical response from the president can be emblematic of the values they want to convey.

It really depends on who your customers are, what demographic they fit into and whether you want to play towards that or play statesman-like corporate CEO, said Davia Temin, CEO of Temin and Co., a communications consulting firm.

Others cave. United Technologies Corp. canceled plans to shutter an Indianapolis factory in its Carrier unit and agreed to trim the number of jobs it would send to Mexico after Trumps complaints. Even so, the company will still move hundreds of jobs, while receiving a $7 million incentive package from Indiana in exchange for the operations that will remain.

On Thursday, Trump was meeting at the White House with the CEOs of U.S. airlines to discuss regulatory issues, taxes and infrastructure improvements at airports. He met last week with pharmaceutical companies, and in the first week of his presidency with automakers.

Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co., both targets of Trump over the costs of military aircraft, have pledged to work with the new administration to keep spending in check, without divulging specific details. The moves have given Trump public victories even as it is unclear whether any aspect of the companies government contracts has changed.

Ford Motor Co. took heat from Trump during the presidential campaign over plans to build a plant in Mexico, a move the automaker initially defended. Then last month, CEO Mark Fields announced the company would cancel a $1.6 billion small-car factory in Mexico and add 700 U.S. jobs instead. The CEO has also praised Trumps plans for a tax overhaul and said he expects a more favorable business environment under the new president.

Even Fords support hasnt been universal, though. The automaker came out against Trumps travel ban against seven Muslim-majority nations, saying in a statement attributed to Fields and Executive Chairman Bill Ford that we do not support this policy or any other that goes against our values as a company.

The Nordstrom tweet crossed a new line in the eyes of critics, suggesting that Trump  now sitting in the White House  wanted to influence corporate policy in a way that would directly affect the finances of a family member. The retailer had come under fire from the Grab Your Wallet campaign, a critic of the administration that is asking shoppers to boycott retailers that carry Ivanka Trump or Donald Trump goods.

Nordstrom said Wednesday that sales of Ivanka Trumps brand have steadily declined, especially in the second half of last year, and that continuing to offer the line no longer made sense.

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This latest Trump tweet amounts to an undisguised attack on Nordstrom for not helping to enrich his daughter Ivanka and thus, indirectly, helping to enhance his own wealth inasmuch as the Trump Empire is a family enterprise if ever there was one, Laurence Tribe, a professor of constitutional law at Harvard, said in an email. The message that sends to the world at large is that everybody had better make financial tribute to the Trump family enterprises  or else.

Ivanka Trump was not involved in the presidents decision to tweet about Nordstrom, according to a person close to the first daughter who asked not to be identified. A representative of the brand, which is no longer run by the first daughter on a day-to-day basis, said Wednesday that sales grew 21 percent in 2016 and that it plans to expand.

In another blow, the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls retail chains stopped presenting Ivanka Trump merchandise in separate branded areas of their stores, instead mixing the items in with the rest of their wares, spokeswoman Doreen Thompson said. Employees were instructed to throw away Ivanka Trump signs, the New York Times reported.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer defended Trumps Nordstrom tweet at a press briefing Wednesday, saying it came in response to efforts to target Ivanka Trump and undermine that name based on the administrations policies.

This was less about his family business than an attack on his daughter, Spicer said. For someone to take out their concerns with his policy on a family member of his is not acceptable, and the president has every right as a father to stand up for them.

Long term, Trumps policies will have a much bigger impact on companies bottom lines than his 140-character missives on Twitter. Billions of dollars in corporate profits are riding on whether he and Congress can push through tax changes on issues such as overseas profits and imports from Mexico.

For a company like Nordstrom, there are more important considerations than whether they are in the presidents good graces, said investor Bill Smead, CEO of Smead Capital Management.

It doesnt make any difference as long as the underlying company does well, said Smead, whose firm has $2 billion in assets under management, including shares of Nordstrom.
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When Victoria Suescum had a tarot reading recently, fortune dealt her a good hand.

Of course, it could be said the deck was stacked in the artists favor  she designed it herself.

Using icons derived from hand-painted signs on mom-and-pop shops, beauty parlors, restaurants and bars in Hispanic communities, Suescum has reinterpreted the tarots symbols in a new series of paintings. The works will be on display in A Fool in Love, a pop-up show for Valentines Day at Cinnabar gallery.

At the opening reception, tarot card readers will do quick free readings with specially printed decks featuring Suescums artwork. Chamoy City Limits will be on hand to sweeten the deal with refreshments.

The title of the show refers to one of the 78 cards in a tarot deck, which traditionally features four suits  wands or staffs; coins or pentacles; swords or spades; and cups.

The tarot is known as the Fool's journey and that is why I named the show A Fool in Love, love being a part of most  if not all  people's journey, Suescum said.

More Information 'A Fool in Love' When: Opening reception 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday. Through Feb. 28. Where: Cinnabar gallery, 1420 S. Alamo St., Blue Star Arts Complex Contact: 210-557-6073, cinnabarart.com See More Collapse

Gallerist Susan Oliver Heard said Suescums series presented an opportunity to do an interactive exhibition.

I think art that you can also be a part of is really fun, Heard said. Thats a big trend in where art is going right now.

During an interview at her studio, the artist sat on the floor surrounded by her paintings, all in matte acrylics on paper, as a photographer snapped shots of her. Ten pieces were pinned to the wall in the pattern the tarot reader laid out for her, the wheel of fortune  represented by a tire surrounded by a fringe of floppy-looking blue rays on a cheery yellow background  in the center.

I was very lucky, Suescum said. The reading said things are going to change and things are going to move.

And indeed, the artist is on a roll. Next month, her work will be featured in A Womans Place Is  an exhibit at Centro de Artes curated by Kathy Vargas. In addition, she has a mini retrospective coming up at Galeria Guadalupe in April and a solo show at AnArte Gallery in August.

Its like, Am I flavor of the month or what? she joked.

Hardly. Slim with a head of dark, curly hair and a big laugh, Suescum, 55, has been exhibiting her work internationally for more than three decades. Born in Panama, she immigrated to the United States in 1988 to get away from the dictatorship of Manuel Noriega.

In her home country, she and her parents had been active in opposing the government, protesting and allowing activists sought by the paramilitary to hide in their home. Suescum had friends in San Antonio who invited her to stay with them until she found a place of her own.

Currently Suescum, who teaches at Austin Community College, lives on the North Side with her husband Kent Rush. An artist known for his graphite drawings and large-scale black-and-white photographs that imbue mundane concrete structural elements  curbs, gutters, drainage ditches, etc.  with a surprising elegance, Rush first encouraged Suescum to take pictures of the hand-painted signs she admired.

Though the couples work couldnt be more different, they reinforce each others choices, Rush said. Its not so much aesthetically. Its more like moral support for what we do because were both doing pretty strange stuff.

Though Suescum studied art in the United States, earning a masters degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, her aesthetic is firmly rooted in the artwork created by untrained hands that she saw on streets of her home country.

The first time I ever saw somebody painting  and I remember this clearly and I must have been 13  it was outside of a bar in Panama, and the person was putting a drop of sweat on a beer bottle, she said. So for me, that is real painting, like more real than what you see in a museum.

About 20 years ago, Suescum began photographing the hand-painted signs, some in San Antonio, but most of them on trips to Latin American countries with her husband. She keeps the images in small plastic photo albums labeled by category: auto shops, dry goods, alcohol & drugs gambling & luck. Fruteria Los Valles, the Mexican fruit cup mecca on the Southwest Side, has its own album.

The original images may be painted over or flake away, but they are preserved in Suescums pictures and, in altered form, her paintings. She was working on a Latin American menu-themed show when she got the idea for the tarot series.

I was painting a lot of cups and it just made me laugh, she said. I thought What if I substituted the tarot cups for my shrimp cocktail and my martini?

Suescum invited a friend who reads the tarot to come to her studio and help her identify images she could substitute for the other suits. Raspas, paletas and mazorcas (corn cobs) would work for staffs, they decided. Modern coins and dice could stand in for pentacles.

And then it turns out that swords are associated with air, and I have blow dryers from beauty parlors, Suescum said. And people who cant afford air conditioning have fans, so I have all kind of fans. Those get advertized a lot outside of dry goods stores.

An accordion, which uses air to produce sound, was also used in place of a sword.

So the tarot cards I have reveal two things  one is, of course, the things I like to look at, she said. But they also reveal the things that people either need or stores believe will draw customers in. So theyre not objects that only I love. Everybody loves a raspa, right?

Before embarking on the series, Suescum did not have a lot of personal experience with the tarot.

I do have personal experience that comes along with living in a Latin American Catholic world, where Catholicism is mixed with a lot of other beliefs, she said. My great grandmother had the mano milagrosa (all-powerful hand)  which I use as the back of the tarot  in her house always, and I was impressed when I saw it used to advertise tarot.

The exuberantly colorful images in the tarot series are in stark contrast with the work Suescum is contributing to the show at Centro de Artes. Painted in a subdued palette of black and white, the 24-foot wide piece comprised of 18 panels is a monumental painting of pottery shards. The title Mangos, Maniguetas y Palanganas refers to types of handles. She made the piece shortly after leaving Panama to live in San Antonio.

Id been painting in color before, but after that experience, I was depressed and all I could do was work in black and white, she said. What I did was I played with viscosity and transparency.

The painting is part of Suescums Tablas y Cuadernos (Tables and Notebooks) series, which features abstracted images of dismembered body parts juxtaposed with objects that echo the forms.

Literally you could say its trying to get a handle on things, she said. I only realized that the other day when I was writing out the title and I was speaking in English, because in Spanish thats not an expression. But I did think very knowingly when I was making these pieces that I was organizing objects, trying to make sense of chaos.

Though she now feels at home in San Antonio, it took the artist a while to adjust.

In Panama I would know the earth. Like I knew every year in this season youll see the mangos, now youll see this other fruit, and I didnt know that for here, she said. Now from living here I know that at spring every year the mountain laurels are going to come out. I feel more at home now because I know whats going to be produced by the earth.

lsilva@express-news.net
WASHINGTON - The Trump White House is nearing completion of an order that would direct the Pentagon to bring future Islamic State group detainees to the Guantanamo Bay prison, despite warnings from national security officials and legal scholars that doing so risks undermining the effort to combat the group, according to administration officials and a draft executive order obtained by the New York Times.

White House officials have spelled out their thinking about a new detainee policy in an evolving series of drafts of an executive order being circulated among national security officials for comment. While previous versions have shown that the draft has undergone many changes - including dropping language about reviving CIA prisons - the plan to add Islamic State group detainees to the Guantanamo population has remained constant.

The latest version of the draft, which circulated this week, would direct Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to use Guantanamo to detain suspected members of "al-Qaida, the Taliban, and associated forces, including individuals and networks associated with the Islamic State."

The White House has kept similar language in the draft order despite warnings from career government national security officials that carrying out its plan would give federal judges an opportunity to reject the executive branch's theory that the war against the Islamic State group is legal, even though Congress never explicitly authorized it. The issue could arise when reviewing an inevitable habeas corpus lawsuit filed by an Islamic State group detainee, which would place the burden of proof on the U.S. to justify the detention.

The Obama administration first argued in late summer 2014 that the Islamic State group was part of the existing armed conflict that Congress authorized in 2001 against al-Qaida and the Taliban. But while the Islamic State group got its start as al-Qaida's affiliate in Iraq a decade ago, that theory is disputed because the two groups later split and went to war with each other.

"It raises huge legal risks," said Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard Law School professor and former senior Justice Department official in the Bush administration. "If a judge says the Sept. 11 authorization does not cover such a detention, it would not only make that detention unlawful, it would weaken the legal basis for the entire war against the Islamic State."

Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

The Times reported Feb. 4 that the White House had limited the draft order so that it focused on carrying out President Donald Trump's vow to keep the Guantanamo prison open and use it for new detainees. That draft of the order dropped the ideas of reopening CIA prisons and permitting interrogators to use harsher techniques than those now allowed in the Army Field Manual.

That report was based on accounts by people familiar with a version that circulated last week. But a new draft order circulated this week, titled "Protecting America Through Lawful Detention of Terrorist and Other Designated Enemy Elements," includes some revisions. The latest version explicitly revokes President Barack Obama's January 2009 executive order directing the government to close the prison by January 2010, a deadline it failed to meet.

The revised text also dropped references to revitalizing the use of the military commissions system at Guantanamo for prosecuting terrorism suspects, and instead focused exclusively on detention policy - like its directive to use the prison to detain captured ISIS suspects without trial.
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AUSTIN - Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush lobbied Senate budget-writers for more Alamo funding Thursday, bringing assurances that the $300 million project has a strong commitment from San Antonio and will be lifted by an ambitious private fundraising effort.

Senate Finance Committee members appeared receptive as they stressed the historical importance of the shrine, an indication that they may increase their commitment to help restore it and to redevelop surrounding land.

The committees initial spending proposal is far shy of the $75 million that Bush requested for the project over the next two years. The Alamo initiative is among multiple programs that would take a hit in the Senates starting-point budget as lawmakers face a tight revenue picture.

The Alamo is a true treasure that every Texan takes pride in, said Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound. She welcomed Bushs assurance that the goal is for the state to be a partner in the Alamo project, but wont bear most of the cost.

Thats what I wanted to hear as were making our decision about where to invest our resources, said Nelson.

Bush cited a Thursday letter to Senate Finance members from San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor and Councilman Roberto C. Trevino that outlined the funds the city already has committed and additional money that will be part of the May bond election.

This is the most coordinated, comprehensive and well-funded effort to preserve and reimagine the cradle of Texas liberty, said their letter.

Bush  who repeatedly assured senators that they would be kept in the loop with regard to Alamo plans, and that their feedback as partners is important  also stressed the development of a robust private fundraising initiative.

Nelson pressed for the private fundraising campaign to do more than rely on high-dollar donors so that all Texans have a sense of ownership.

I want every Texan to have an opportunity to contribute. So thats my charge to you today, is figure out a way for general citizens who cant give the $5,000 check  that are giving through their tax dollars  but who can actually give a dollar to restore the Alamo, she said.

Bush said he didnt want to disclose secret and confidential information but that the private fundraising plan spearheaded by leaders, including developer and Alamo Endowment board member Gene Powell, includes a grassroorts piece.

Get the kids involved, instructed Nelson.

Absolutely. It will be great, said Bush, who joked, Im sounding like our president. It will be great. Amid chuckles from senators and the suggestion, Huge, Bush agreed, It will be huge.

The initial Senate proposal filed by Nelson lists $9.1 million in state funds for the operation, preservation and maintenance of the state-owned Alamo complex.

The project would fare better under the House leadership starting-point budget proposal released by Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, at $83.5 million from the state, including $75 million in state general-revenue money.

Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, suggested that Bushs efforts to trim his General Land Office budget in other areas help his request for more funding for priority projects.

When I look at the request for the Alamo, because I know you scrubbed down your department so well  Bettencourt said.

Bush also threw in a sweetener with his testimony: Hell try to get rock star Phil Collins to make a return visit in support of the project.

Collins, an Alamo fan, came to the Texas Capitol in 2015 and was made an honorary Texan. He has donated Alamo artifacts under a deal worked out with Bushs predecessor as land commissioner, Jerry Patterson.

Bettencourt indicated that such a visit would be a sound strategy.

I believe the best Phil Collins impersonator on this dais is actually Chairman Nelson, Bettencourt said. She does it better than Phil Collins does.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac
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HOUSTON  The doctor had waited as long as he could.

For days hed been checking news updates between appointments at Texas Childrens Hospital. Waiting to see if the courts or Congress would permanently strike down President Donald Trumps restrictions on travel to the U.S. from seven Middle Eastern countries. Waiting to see if the administration would put out clear guidelines for those planning to go abroad. Hoping.

Now, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz felt he had run out of time, and he needed to break it to them.

He dialed in via Skype early this week, and there they were, staring back at him from Iran: The expectant parents whose babies would almost certainly die because he wouldnt be coming to operate on them.

Technically, there was nothing stopping his team from making the trip, he told them. But with uncertainty surrounding the presidents travel restrictions  now tied up in federal courts  it wasnt clear to them theyd be able to return to Houston at the end of their 10-day visit, so theyd canceled their flights.

It was a disaster, Shamshirsaz said, recalling separate video chats with two sets of parents who had been expecting him to perform life-saving surgeries next week on their unborn babies  complicated operations that no doctors in Iran can do.

They were sobbing, completely and totally devastated, he said. Now there is no hope for them.

Since Trumps travel ban was announced two weeks ago  an attempt to crack down on potential terrorist attacks from seven predominately Muslim countries  much has been written about regular travelers trapped at U.S. airports. Doctors with green cards stopped by customs officials and sent back to their home countries. Refugees told they wouldnt be coming to the U.S., after all.

Shamshirsaz, an Iranian-born professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine, represents another way people have been affected by the uncertainty surrounding Trumps action: U.S. physicians who were born and studied medicine abroad often make return trips to their home countries to teach doctors techniques theyve learned in America, spreading the latest advances in Western medicine across the globe.

Following the chaotic implementation of the presidents executive order two weeks ago, Baylor and other medical schools nationwide sent messages cautioning faculty and students against traveling to one of the seven affected countries. Some of the other physicians Shamshirsaz had planned to travel with were adamantly opposed to going until the legal challenges against the order had been settled.

Even with the decision Thursdaycq by a federal appeals court to keep in place a U.S. district judges order temporarily blocking the federal government from enforcing Trumps travel ban, theres still no telling what the status will be a week or two weeks from now, Shamshirsaz said.

Theres just too much uncertainty right now to know what is the right thing to do, said Shamshirsaz, who worried hed be stuck in Iran and unable to return to his wife and patients here, who also depend on him. It was an impossible decision, knowing how this would affect those families in Iran.

Shamshirsaz, known to his patients as Dr. Shami, specializes in fetal surgeries, an emerging field in which doctors operate on babies in the womb, early in development, to correct deadly birth defects. Texas Childrens Fetal Center is one of only a handful of centers in the world capable of performing such operations. Shamshirsaz began making return trips to Iran four years ago to teach others.

In partnership with Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shamshirsaz created a fellowship program to begin mentoring five Iranian doctors. In 2013, he and his team conducted an open-uterus operation on a fetus in Iran, the first of its kind performed in the Middle East.

Since then, hes returned every few months, usually with a team of colleagues from Texas Childrens, each time leading the Iranian fellows through a series of fetal surgeries, building their skills and saving babies lives in the process.

Shamshirsaz covers the cost of his travel and is paid nothing for the work.

I do this because it is payback to my country, said Shamshirsaz, whose wife and brother are also Iranian-born doctors practicing in Houston. As a physician, I trained in Iran, and then I came to the U.S. At some point in your life, you want to do something to give back to the country you come from. Each time I go there, I can save a couple lives. But if I teach these fellows to do these operations, then they can saves thousands of lives.

Shamshirsaz isnt the only physician affected. More than a quarter of U.S. doctors  and more than 32 percent in Texas  were born abroad. Some, like Shamshirsaz, make return trips to their home countries to conduct research and train physicians.

If you want to have the cutting edge in medicine, these other countries need to have a connection with the U.S. Shamshirsaz said. That means people on both sides need to go back and forth frequently and freely.

Shamshirsaz was dismayed watching the initial fallout from Trumps executive order, which banned travel from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia. He read news reports suggesting that even green card holders like himself werent being allowed back into this country.

He thought immediately of the expectant mothers hed planned to operate on this month. One is pregnant with twins suffering from a syndrome in which the babies share a placenta with abnormal blood vessels, causing blood to flow unevenly between the fetuses. Without intervention, both babies will die, Shamshirsaz said.

They will end up with two dead babies, he said, and there is nothing else they can do in Iran.

The other mothers baby has been diagnosed with a severely narrow aortic valve, a defect so serious, Shamshirsaz said, its unlikely the child will survive without intervention in the womb.

For both, theres only a short window to correct the issues, Shamshirsaz said. Even if he and his team rescheduled the trip for a few weeks from now, he said, it will have been too late.

In a series of tweets over the weekend, Trump criticized the U.S. District Court judge in Washington state who ordered the federal government to temporarily stop enforcing the travel ban until legal challenges are settled. That order opens a window for those with visas to get back to the U.S., but it offers little clarity for those thinking about taking a trip abroad in the coming days or weeks.

The president took to Twitter again Thursday evening, reacting to the appeals court decision to uphold the judges order, setting up a possible showdown before the U.S. Supreme Court: SEE YOU IN COURT, Trump wrote, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

Meanwhile, Shamshirsaz has another Iran trip planned for May. By then, the presidents 90-day executive order will have expired, and he hopes immigration policy will have returned to normal.

Its hard now, Shamshirsaz said. One of my major goals of my life is on hold, and its not clear when I will be allowed to continue it.

mike.hixenbaugh@chron.com

twitter.com/Mike_Hixenbaugh
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AUSTIN  Two Texas senators are promising to fight confidential agreements they signed before being allowed to view voter fraud complaints reported to the secretary of states office.

Their plan to make the information public follows newly nominated Secretary of State Rolando Pablos declaration in a Senate committee hearing last week that there is voter fraud in Texas, and were doing everything we can to prevent it.

In response to Pablos statement, Democratic Sens. Jose Menendez of San Antonio and Kirk Watson of Austin asked him to provide them with the number of complaints filed with his office after the November election. They also asked for the number of voter fraud allegations referred to the attorney generals office and the nature of the complaints.

Pablos agreed to give lawmakers the documentation, but his office required them to sign nondisclosure agreements before releasing the information to them.

In my view, that is absurd, Watson said. I just think the public needs to know this.

Watson and Menendez agreed to sign the forms, but both said they would fight the agreement. Watson said he intends to file legislation so we can open this up.

Menendez said his attorneys are looking into the nondisclosure agreement to figure out what its going to take to get out of that deal. He could not share information about the number or type of complaints referred to the secretary of state office but said he did not see any information that alarmed him about the integrity of the states election system.

I dont see a problem of any magnitude, he said.

Pablos spokesman Sam Taylor said that by law, a complaint of an election violation is confidential until it is submitted to the attorney general for review.

It wasnt just raw numbers, Taylor said. It was confidential information thats collected in the process.

Taylor pointed to a section of the state election code that says complaints alleging criminal conduct in an election are not public information unless the secretary of state or attorney general makes a determination that the complaint does not warrant an investigation or the attorney generals office has completed its investigation.

The Senate Nominations Committee unanimously backed Pablos for his post Thursday but not before Watson voiced his concern with the records regarding allegations of voter fraud not being made available to the public.

I was disappointed the secretary didnt have that information at the time, even though he was making statements about it, Watson told the committee. I, frankly, dont see anything in the nature of the complaints that ought to be confidential.

The full Senate now must approve Pablos nomination. Pablos, an Austin lawyer who heads a renewable energy company and is a former San Antonio resident, would succeed Carlos Cascos of Brownsville.

Just hours after the hearing, Attorney General Ken Paxton touted the conviction of Rosa Maria Ortega for illegally voting in the November 2012 election and in the May 2014 GOP primary runoff in Dallas County. Ortega, a legal U.S. resident but not a citizen, was sentenced to eight years in prison for illegal voting by a noncitizen.

According to records obtained under the Texas Public Information Act, the attorney generals office received two allegations of election fraud from the secretary of state regarding the November 2016 election. Three additional allegations of voter fraud during that election were reported to the attorney general by voters or what the attorney generals office lists as other.

The two allegations from the secretary of states office involved mail-in ballot violations in Bee County and unlawful entry into a ballot box in McCulloch County, according to the records.

Nearly 9 million Texans voted in the 2016 general election.

Records show that the attorney generals office received more than 360 allegations of voter fraud between the 2012 primaries and July 2016 and that it prosecuted 15 cases.

nicole.cobler@chron.com

twitter/nicolecobler
AUSTIN  Two San Antonio lawmakers got chairmanships Thursday when House Speaker Joe Straus made committee assignments, giving the Alamo City leadership positions on water and veterans issues.

Statewide, Straus said, he focused on reflecting the diversity of the Texas House. Eight members will be chairing committees for the first time, while 11 returning chairs will be heading new committees.

There is always a balance to strike between continuity and fresh thinking, and I think we have the right mix, said Straus, R-San Antonio.

From San Antonio, Rep. Lyle Larson, a Republican, is Natural Resources chairman and Rep. Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat, was named chairman of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Among other key assignments for San Antonio lawmakers, Democratic Rep. Diego Bernal was named vice chairman of the Public Education Committee, which will be headed by a new chairman, Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Houston.

Democratic Rep. Justin Rodriguez retained a seat on the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, whose new chairman is Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond. The committees new vice chairman is a South Texas Democrat, Rep. Oscar Longoria of Penitas.

I think San Antonio fared very well, said Larson of the appointments.

Larson said his focus as Natural Resources chairman will be water: We have to prepare ourselves for that next drought.

Gutierrez said that he looks forward to working with his colleagues to advance legislation that takes into account the sacrifice of veterans and their families and provides the care and services they need.

In San Antonio alone, Gutierrez said, veterans contribute over $2 billion annually to our local economy and are an integral part of our community.

Gutierrez also will serve as a member of the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee, while Larson also is an Elections member.

Bernals other assignments include being a member of the House Administration and Urban Affairs committees, while Rodriguezs other appointments are as a member of Pensions and Texas Ports, Innovation and Infrastructure.

Other San Antonio representatives, all Democrats, were named as members of the following committees: Rep. Diana Arevalo to Defense and Veterans' Affairs, Public Health, Rules and Resolutions; Rep. Philip Cortez to Public Health and Special Purpose Districts; Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins to Criminal Jurisprudence, Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and Rules and Resolutions; Rep. Ina Minjarez to Human Services, Local and Consent Calendars and Transportation; and Rep. Tomas Uresti, County Affairs, Government Transparency and Operation.

From other parts of South Texas, appointments include Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, chair of Calendars; Rep. Tracy King, D-Uvalde, chair of Agriculture and Livestock; Rep. Richard Pena Raymond, D-Laredo, chair of Human Services; Rep. Rene Oliveria, D-Brownsville, chair of Business and Industry; Poncho Nevarez, D-Eagle Pass, vice chair of Homeland Security and Public Safety; Rep. Sergio Munoz Jr., D-Mission, vice chair of Insurance; Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown, chair of Land and Resource Management; Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, vice chair of Licensing and Administrative Procedures; Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-Brownsville, chair of Rules and Resolutions; and Rep. Armando Martinez, D-Weslaco, vice chair of Transportation.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac
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Rick Casey ends every episode of his Texas Week talk show with a four-minute commentary on something thats happening in the news.

Last Friday, loyal Texas Week viewers noticed something odd. Although the episode aired by KLRN that night was a new one, Caseys commentary was an old clip that had been inserted into the show. The next morning, fans of the Texas Week host saw the print version of a new Casey commentary in the San Antonio Express-News (where it appears every Saturday), and realized that it didnt match the one KLRN aired the night before.

Theres a story behind that discrepancy.

Arthur Rojas Emerson, the president and CEO of KLRN, spiked last weeks Casey commentary (which had been taped, along with the rest of the program, on Thursday morning) and called the Texas Week host 40 minutes before the show aired to let him know.

Casey, a legendary former Express-News, San Antonio Light and Houston Chronicle columnist, devoted last weeks commentary to a recent statement by San Antonio Congressman Lamar Smith.

Smith had gone on the House floor and complained about media coverage of Donald Trumps administration. Better to get your news directly from the president, Smith advised his fellow citizens. In fact, it might be the only way to get the unvarnished truth.

It was a preposterous suggestion, of course, and Casey, with his usual wry wit, pondered the implications of such a news-gathering strategy.

Smiths proposal is quite innovative for America, Casey observed. Weve never really tried getting all our news from our top elected official. It has been tried elsewhere, however. North Korea comes to mind.

From where Im sitting, this qualifies as the kind of trenchant analysis we need in these bewildering times. But Emerson buckled in the face of concerns from a Smith staffer, who learned about the commentary from a constituent who saw a promo for the show on Facebook. So he self-censored.

Emerson did not respond to an interview request for this column, but he told Casey that in the current political climate, federal funding of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is under a cloud. Emerson worried that Caseys commentary could add fuel to efforts to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides about $222 million a year to PBS stations, including $1 million to KLRN.

Its his decision, and I respect that, Casey said Wednesday. But I do disagree with his decision, both as a matter of principle and as a matter of practical reality. The principle being that both NPR [National Public Radio] and PBS have built outstanding reputations for fair and thorough reporting and for vigorous commentary.

If you look at what David Brooks has said on the PBS NewsHour in his commentary with Mark Shields, hes been very forceful in his opposition to Trump. So thats part of our brand, but its also part of our values. As a practical reality, if the Corporation for Public Broadcasting does lose its funding, Im too humble to think its because of a piece that I did down in San Antonio.

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, chairs a House subcommittee that oversees funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. He recently stated that there is a strong constituency for public broadcasting in both the House and Senate.

Casey believes that KLRN must maintain transparency about its operations. With that in mind, he suggested that Emerson appear with him on this Fridays Texas Week to have an open discussion about the decision to pull last weeks commentary. Emerson declined.

Jennifer Pett, Smiths press secretary, said she was initially confused when she found out about the commentary, because we hadnt heard about any inclusion of Congressman Smith in the show.

Pett said she found the promo clip on Facebook and sent an email to Texas Week producer Shari St. Clair, asking for some more information. Pett said she received a short message near airtime that Caseys commentary about Smith had been removed from the show.

Emerson has some history with Smith.

In 2002, Emersons advertising agency produced a campaign ad for Smith. The ad used images from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center to make the case for Smith as a crusader for stronger homeland security.

When critics called the ad exploitative, Emerson defended his work by saying it was tastefully done.

That same description certainly could be applied to Caseys spiked commentary.
Second tranche of EUR 600 mln of EU macrofinancial aid could be provided to Ukraine in coming weeks

European Commission (EC) Chairman Jean-Claude Juncker has said that the second tranche of EUR 600 million of the macrofinancial assistance of the European Union (EU) could be provided to Ukraine in coming weeks, after the government files a bill regarding the moratorium on exports of timber to the Verkhovna Rada.

He said at a briefing after the meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman in Brussels on Friday that Ukraine is conducting effective reforms and Ukrainians should have a chance to receive something in exchange to their success. Juncker said that he discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine with Groysman.

He said that the European Commission is pleased with the efforts the Ukrainian government is undertaking in drawing up the mechanism to annul the moratorium on exports of round timber and approve it by parliament.

Groysman said that the decision to provide EUR 600 million of assistance is the substantial support of the EU in hard times for Ukraine.
The big screen behind Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said it all: Give everyone the power to share anything with anyone.

The words were part of Zuckerbergs presentation at a conference last April, and they are powerful. In todays 24/7/365, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, online social media world, information is received  and shared  faster than you can type 140 characters.

But theyre also scary. Everyone is now a source of information, and everyone can now share anything with everyone  whether or not its true. Bon jour.

So its not surprising that people create (and other people share) fake news  news that has no factual basis, but is presented as facts. For example, in October, a fake website that looked like ABC News, published a fake story that then-President Barack Obama had banned reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in schools. According to one source, it generated more than 2.1 million shares, comments and reactions on Facebook in just two months.

And a December 2016 poll by the Pew Research Center found slightly more than two out of 10 people have shared a made-up news story.

In December, Facebook announced it is working harder to weed out fake news by working with third party fact checkers.

But what role does everyone play in perpetuating fake news? To quote JFK (who quoted the gospel of Luke), For of those to whom much is given, much is required.

You play a major role in rejecting fake news. First, before you hit share or retweet, actually read the article with a healthy dose of skepticism. Fakers are betting you wont even do that, but will simply share the information based on its headline shock value.

When BuzzFeed News interviewed fake news writer Dave Weasel in May, he estimated roughly a third of the people who shared one of his hoax articles believed it to be true. Most of the people that share it do not read it, he said.

Second, consider the source. Traditional news sources  trained journalists  dont make stuff up. We verify, we doublecheck, As the old journalism saying goes, If your mother tells you she loves you, check it out.

Yes, reporters can be fooled, too, sometimes because we want a story to be true, but journalists do work hard to verify their information. Your trust in us is hard to earn, and so easily broken, that we dont take this responsibility lightly.

And no matter what your partisan beliefs or political leanings are, recognize that information from those sites are often slanted to provide information from a certain point of view. Sometimes we get fooled by these, too, because they might not be as obvious as a fake news site, or they may mix factual stories with a little side of fiction.

There may be a root of truth in a story that gets twisted with a whole bunch of conjecture and misinformation by the time it gets to you. Remember the old telephone game where one person whispers a message to the ear of the next person through a line of people until the last player announces the message to the entire group? Some fake news is a lot like that.

For example, there was an article last year claiming Hillary Clinton wanted Donald Trump to run for president in 2013, providing a quote. Wrong. She never said that about Trump, but did say that more business people should run for office.

Third, at the very least, check snopes.com or other sources to see if the news is an urban legend or if theres more information behind the clickbait headline. A recent article explains more about the Feb. 2 Congressional joint resolution to block implementation of an Obama administration coal mining regulation known as the Stream Protection Rule  to go beyond the headline Did President Trump make it legal to dump coal mining waste into streams?

You can also use FactCheck.org, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, or www.politifact.com, both sites check the factual accuracy of what is said by major elected officials and others. FactCheck also operates SciCheck, which focuses on false and misleading scientific claims.

Digital and social media do give everyone a voice. Make sure yours is worth listening to.
Hundreds of young agricultural professionals from across Ohio gathered in the states capital this past weekend. Adam Sharp, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, kicked off the event Friday evening. He urged the audience to take out our phones, On April 18th mark your calendars run out of food. Without farmers the world would run out of food in just 74 days, he explained.

He went on to identify obstacles young farmers face to feed the future, and our role and responsibility to take on the challenge. Farmers must find a way to feed 9.7 billion people by 2050. We must do it on less land, with fewer fertilizer and agrochemical applications, and reduced fuel and irrigation. Ever-evolving technology and new regulations will require our attention, while changing weather patterns and market demands will test our resilience.

It is clear that the future of agriculture looks very different than the past. Adapting to change and defeating challenges wont be easy, but running out of food (failure) is not an option. Tomorrows Ag leaders show the way with service, collaboration and value-driven leadership.

Service-based leadership

Leading with service means putting the needs of the people first. 20 years ago consumers purchased food from the grocery store- no questions asked. Todays consumers want to know where their food comes from, who grew it and how it was produced. Farmers must do more than fill stomachs; we must nourish consumers needs for trust and transparency in food production.

One way Ag leaders can foster trust is by having meaningful conversations with the people. Communication serves consumers by addressing their concerns and misconceptions about modern food production.

Service-based leadership calls farmers to get involved in grassroots organizations that advocate agriculture. Together with members, these organizations serve a greater good by promoting awareness and good policy making.

Collaborative leadership

Collaboration is working together to achieve a common goal. Collaborative leaders recognize farmers can achieve big things through cooperation. The majority of farms in Ohio are small and family owned. Small farmers can band together to make bulk supply purchases, share transportation and co-market farm products. They can pool product for volume processing discounts.

Farmers in my community share labor and equipment to make hay. We share resources to reduce cost and risk. We depend on one another in times of trouble. I once called a farmer in my network for help with an animal who was not responding to treatment for mastitis. Less than 10 minutes later my farm friend arrived, with medical supplies in-hand, happy to help.

Collaborative leaders are committed to training and developing the next generation of farmers. They work alongside inexperienced farmers, answering questions and offering advice. They know we are all on the same team and that when team Ag wins, we all win.

Value-driven leadership

Value-driven leaders empower farmers to face the challenge of feeding the future without compromising our values.

Farmers care about the land and animals. We recognize our farms are part of a global and local community. Our farms are also our homes. We feed and clothe our families with the same food and fiber we produce for consumers. Our agricultural practices support our values and guide our actions to produce safe and healthy food for everyone.

Value-driven leaders dont lose sight of what is important, even when stress and stakes are high. Sometimes that means coming up short on yield goals or following through on a price contract that doesnt benefit our bottom line, but upholds the integrity of our operation.

Value-driven leadership means sharing our values with fellow farmers. Hosting on-farm educational events to teach others about sustainable farming practices is value-driven leadership. Last year I attended a grazing conference that included a tour of a managed grazing operation. As the group walked through lush pastures, the farmer shared his motivation to switch to rotational grazing, I get less from each acre in terms of animal production and its more work moving stock, but rotated grazing improves my soils fertility and overall forage quality. I know its better for the land and better for the animals. In the end, doing whats right is what matters the most.

Resources

 World population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, July 29, 2015, Accessed February 4, 2017 from http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news/population/2015-report.html
The .S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in February 2017 revised upwards the grain exports forecast for Ukraine in 2016/17 agricultural year (July-June) by 1.5 million tonnes, to 40.4 million tonnes compared to the January forecast.

According to a posting on the USDA website, wheat exports forecast was revised upwards by 800 tonnes, to 16.5 million tonnes and corn exports  by 700 tonnes, to 18.7 million tonnes.

The grain harvest forecast was increased by 1.4%, to 66 million tonnes thanks to the increase of the corn harvest forecast by 1 million tonnes, to 28 million tonnes.

Sunflower oil production forecast for 2016/17 agri-year (September-August) was revised by 1.9% up, to 5.76 million tonnes and oil exports forecast  by 2%, to 5.1 million tonnes , with the sunflower seed harvest being projected at 13.75 million tonnes.

USDA said that sunflower meal production in Ukraine would be 5.49 million tonnes and exports would reach 4.8 million tonnes.
From US Wheat Associates www.uswheat.org

The following article appeared in the most recent Wheat Letter, published by the US Wheat Associates. Steve Mercer, USW Vice President of Communications, authored this piece acknowledging Mexico as a leading buyer of US wheat.



"USW represents the interests of U.S. wheat farmers in international markets. The organization is grateful to all its overseas wheat buyers, flour millers and wheat food processors for their strong preference for U.S. wheat and for their friendship. At a time when new circumstances have generated some uncertainty about trade, USW believes it is important to provide perspective on the long-standing, loyal relationship U.S. wheat farmers have with one of those customers: our neighbor to the south, Mexico.



"Simply put, Mexico is one of the largest U.S. wheat buyers in the world, importing just under 3.0 million metric tons (MMT) on average going back many years. Mexicos U.S. wheat imports typically only fall just short of the volume Japan imports. Not this year, however. In the first 7 months of marketing year 2016/17 through Feb. 2, Mexicos flour millers have imported 2.4 MMT of U.S. wheat, which is more than any other country. That volume is up 5 percent over last year at the same time.



"Breaking down their purchases by class, flour millers in Mexico generate strong demand for U.S. hard red winter (HRW) wheat. In 2015/16, they were the leading HRW importers and are taking advantage of the favorable prices and high quality of the 2016/17 HRW crop. At a current volume of about 1.4 MMT, they have imported 71 percent more HRW this year and again lead buyers of that class. A rising number of industrial bakeries, along with traditional artisanal bakeries, account for about 70 percent of wheat consumption according to CANIMOLT, the association representing Mexican millers. That puts HRW producers in a good position to meet that demand. Being closer to HRW production and having a highly functioning ability to import a large share of HRW directly via rail from the Plains states is an advantage for Mexicos buyers.



"In addition, Mexico is home to Bimbo, the worlds largest baked goods company, and an increasing number of cookie and cracker companies. The low protein content, soft endosperm and weaker gluten of U.S. soft red winter wheat (SRW) is well suited to the production of cookies, crackers and pastries, and serves as an excellent blending wheat. Millers supplying this growing market imported an average of 1.2 MMT of SRW between 2011/12 and 2015/16. With imports from the Gulf of more than 730,000 MT of SRW so far in 2016/17, Mexico is the top buyer of SRW again. USW and state wheat commissions from the PNW are also helping demonstrate how millers and bakers can reduce input costs by blending with U.S. soft white (SW).



"As it does with all U.S. wheat importing customers, USW focuses on helping Mexicos buyers, millers and food processors solve problems or increase their business opportunities with U.S. wheat classes. This effort, supported by wheat farmers and the partnership with USDAs Foreign Agricultural Service, has fostered a productive relationship that has endured for decades through many challenges. More than 22 years of duty free access to the Mexican market under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) certainly helped build the relationship.



"Yet our customers there have many other sources of milling wheat to which they can turn. In response to rising world grain prices in 2008, Mexico lifted a 67 percent import tariff on wheat from outside the United States and Canada. In 2009/10, France made the first non-NAFTA origin wheat sale to Mexico since the trade agreement was implemented in 1995. Russian and Ukrainian wheat has been imported, too. To date, the tariff has not been reapplied and the Mexican import market is currently tariff-free for wheat from all qualified origins. Just this week, the leaders of Brazil and Argentina, both large grain exporting nations, said they would pursue closer ties with Mexico and other Latin American nations.


While reliable mobile phone services are often taken for granted by people in the metropolitan area, Mr Redman said The Nationals WA recognised that better mobile phone coverage was needed to improve community safety, enable people to stay in touch and support the on-going growth and prosperity of regional businesses and communities.
"After the election we will continue to have discussions with the government - I don't let an opportunity like this go by, so we will speak to the minister after the election."
"When I was on the farm I did some research trials for the department and as a farmer, in my header, in my paddock, I couldn't see how the trial I was doing had any relevance to what I was doing in my business  it was ridiculous," he said.
"We are proud we came up with Water For Food, it's our policy idea, after the 2013 election we formed an alliance with the Liberal Party, had them agree to it, put it in the budget and rolled it out.
Esperance farmer Mic Fels sent Torque this pic of his new Turbodrum mounted on his MacDon front. The feed drum is a collaborative effort between Mic and Merredin manufacturer Laurie Phillips, who told Torque this week he has had an "amazing" response to the story in Torque's column on January 19.
Warrenton, VA (20186)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has had a meeting with Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, where they discussed the current agenda of the two countries' relations.

"Petro Poroshenko and Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed the agenda of the next session of the High Level Strategic Council between Ukraine and Turkey planned to be held under the chairmanship of the two heads of state in spring 2017," reads a statement posted on the president's website.

The two officials noted high dynamics of bilateral interaction in the context of the implementation of the agreements reached. They also stressed that it was a solid basis for the further development of strategic partnership. Poroshenko and Cavusoglu emphasized the importance of prompt completion of negotiations on the free trade area agreement between Ukraine and Turkey.

Cavusoglu assured that Turkey would further retain firm position in support of Ukraine's territorial integrity, including the non-recognition of the illegal occupation of Crimea.
Fayetteville woman says anti-abortion laws hurt her mom, then herself
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said he expects a positive decision in the matter of the introduction of the visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens by the EU.

"I've got good news from the European Council that we are on a good path, we can expect a positive decision in this matter," he said during a joint briefing with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Kyiv on Thursday.

Poroshenko, for his part, said that he appreciated the Greek prime minister's support in the matter of the cancellation of visas by the EU for Ukrainian citizens. The president said that he discussed with the prime minister of Greece the ways to speed up the provision of the visa-free regime for Ukrainians, which will also increase the flow of Ukrainian tourists to Greece.

"We agreed to coordinate our efforts to make it happen so that Ukrainians should have an opportunity to travel [to the EU without visas] this summer," Poroshenko said.

He also said tourists from Greece may be interested in visiting Kyiv, Mariupol and Odesa, which have historical ties with Greece.
Job Title: Compliance Counsel

Employer: Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Location: Dubai  United Arab Emirates

Job Summary: Panasonic Avionics Corporation is looking to hire a Compliance Counsel for its regional Middle East, Central & Southern Asia and Africa headquarters, located in Dubai. Although the position will have a particular focus on anti-corruption compliance in the Middle East/Africa region, it will also support the companys global international legal and ethical compliance program. The position reports to the Chief Compliance Officer in in the companys global headquarters in Lake Forest, California. . . . Continue Reading
The UK Serious Fraud Office said Friday it is investigating ABB Ltds United Kingdom subsidiaries, their officers, employees, and agents for suspected bribery and corruption.

The investigation is related to the SFOs ongoing investigation of Unaoil, the agency said.

ABB Ltd is a Swiss engineering and construction conglomerate. Many of its customers are in the oil and gas business.

In July last year, the SFO opened a criminal investigation into suspected bribery by Unaoil.

A report in March 2016 by Fairfax Media and the Huffington Post said Monaco-based Unaoil paid bribes on behalf of large companies in the oil and gas sector.

ABB was one of about a dozen companies named in the report as beneficiaries of Unaoils network in the Middle East.

ABB said Friday it self-reported some of past dealings with Unaoil and its subsidiaries, including alleged improper payments, and is cooperating with the SFO and U.S. authorities.

HuffPo said its story was based on leaked internal Unaoil documents.

The SFO said last year it had been approached by a number of sources who may have information relevant to this investigation.

Unaoil has denied the allegations of corruption. In June 2016, the firm said it would take legal action against Fairfax Media and its partners for malicious and damaging allegations negligently published by them.

Police in Monaco raided Unaoils offices after the Fairfax Media / Huffington Post report appeared.

KBR and FMC Technologies said in early May 2016 that the Justice Department had contacted them with questions about Unaoil. Both said they were cooperating.

UK-based Petrofac said in April last year it launched an investigation into allegations of bribery to win contracts in Kazakhstan and the Middle East. The Fairfax Media / Huffington Post reports said Unaoil may have paid bribes on behalf of Petrofac for work in Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, and Syria.

In 2010, ABB paid the DOJ and SEC $58 million to resolve FCPA offenses in Jordan, Mexico, and Iraq.

____

Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog.
Last month Rolls-Royce agreed in a deferred prosecution agreement with the DOJ to pay a fine of nearly $170 million for FCPA violations. What makes the Rolls-Royce DPA unique is that $30 million of the fine went to the Consumer Financial Fraud Fund (CFFF).

Typically the entire amount of an FCPA criminal fine goes to the U.S. Treasury per the Miscellaneous Receipts Act, 31 USC  3302(b), and the Crime Victims Fund, 42 USC  10601.

According to the DOJ Press Office, which responded to questions from the FCPA Professor, the CFFF is administered by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and is used to pay costs related to preventing and investigating consumer fraud. The DOJ Press Office also explained that in the last ten years, seven Fraud Section cases have resulted in fines being paid to the CFFF. However, it noted that the Rolls-Royce DPA was the first time an FCPA Unit case resulted in the fine being paid to the CFFF.

There was no discussion in the Rolls-Royce DOJ press release why this $30 million payment to the CFFF occurred or the legal basis for the payment. Will the money paid to the CFFF be used to fund anti-corruption programs in overseas locations, or will this money only be used for consumer fraud in the United States? I could not find the answer to these questions on the U.S. Postal Inspection Service website.

No other FCPA case resolution since the Rolls-Royce DPA has had similar results, so it will be interesting to see if this atypical fine payment is a one-off or is something that the DOJ (with the express agreement of a future settling company) is willing to consider in future FCPA settlements.

_____

Scott C. Jansen is an evening LLM student at Georgetown Law Center. He is focusing his studies on national security law, white collar crime, and anti-corruption law. During the day, he is an active duty Air Force Judge Advocate. The views expressed in this post are his alone and do not represent those of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Air Force. He can be contacted here.
A man discovered 11,000 worth of cocaine in his tub of Nesquik.

The cocaine was worth 11,000

The customer, from Zaragoza in north-east Spain, found the 250g packet of the Class A narcotic hidden among the power, which is used to make flavoured milkshakes.

The unnamed man called the police, who subsequently confirmed the substance as cocaine and opened an investigation into the situation, according to the i newspaper.

The tub was slightly open when the customer got his tub home, despite the Nequik having been intact when it left the factory.

As a result, the suspicion is that the tub was tampered with by someone at the supermarket where it was sold.
Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras has said that his country supports the resolution of the situation in Donbas through diplomatic means.

"We discussed the issue of settling the situation in Ukraine's east. Unfortunately, we currently witness a certain escalation," he said at a press conference after the talks with the president of Ukraine in Kyiv on Thursday.

According to Tsipras, there are ethnic Greeks in Ukraine's east, therefore the achievement of peace in the region is of particular importance for his country.

"It is important that the ways to resolve the situation in the east should be found, and we believe that the best way is a diplomatic one. We support and have always supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine, the rule of law and the need to find ways to resolve these issues in compliance with international law," the Greek prime minister said.

He also said Greece advocated the full implementation of the Minsk agreements to resolve the situation.
Angela Burdett Coutts was described by King Edward VII as the most remarkable woman in the kingdom, summing up the feelings of the entire country at her funeral in January 1907, and yet one hundred years on, she is barely known. This was the prime motivation for businessman turned author Ian Townsend to put pen to paper with his debut novel Precarious Fortunes.

Precarious Fortunes

He came across Miss Coutts whilst researching a property in Harrogate. Apparently, she was the talk of the town in 1838 after seeking respite in Harrogate much as Agatha Christie did in 1926. However, her desire to escape the attention of suitors and beggars was met with an unfortunate incident when she was stalked by an Irish barrister named Richard Dunn. This made the national newspapers as she had to resort to prosecuting her unwanted admirer, making him the first stalker to be prosecuted under English Law. Although this incident is referred to in Ians novel he merely used Angelas visit as a starting point allowing him the opportunity to show his admiration of a lady whose life changed so dramatically by an extraordinary inheritance.

For any lady to inherit a substantial sum was rare in early Victorian England but for a 23-year-old girl to benefit from a bequest making her the richest woman in the country was unheard of.

She inherited her grandfathers fortune (including the bank he made famous) via his second wife, an actress he married 4 days following the death of his first wife. Precarious Fortunes is a fictional adventure loosely based around Angelas visit to Harrogate in 1838. Unsurprisingly, her new found wealth brought with it an abundance of suitors as well as a staggering number of begging letters. Somewhat saddened and overwhelmed by this insincere attention, she sought refuge in Harrogate, a place she had visited many times with her step grandmother, the actress and 2nd wife of her grandfather.

As I researched the history of this great family I found myself itching to write said Ian Townsend.

I hope my story interests all lovers of period drama as it takes the reader deep into Victorian Harrogate and blends fictional characters with those like Angela Coutts, who really were there at the time

Not only did I want to write about Angela Coutts and the challenges she surely faced but also how remarkably vulnerable she was. No better example of this can be seen than the incident of the Irish barrister who burst into her bedroom reciting poetry. Things could have been worse if the intruder had been armed with something more than a book of prose.

Undeterred she built schools and churches, provided clean water to parts of London, and fishing boats to Ireland following the potato famine, all of which contributed to her becoming known as the Queen of the Poor.

As much as she improved the lives of many people, her own suffered. She did not marry until she was 67 and then to a man half her age. Much of her good work went un-noticed as she made a considerable number of gifts and donation anonymously. In total, she gave away 3m during her lifetime. A quite remarkable lady.
There are so many threads woven into The Tin Heart Gold Mine, most from my own life.

Ruth Hartley

My novel is set in the very recent past, but one thread began long before I was born. In 1903 an explorer in an unknown and, as yet, uncolonised African country found beautiful green malachite stones on the banks of the Kafue River and made a claim to mine copper ore there.

Eighty years later I visited the then-defunct mine. It was close to the Hippo Safari Camp where my husband and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary with friends and champagne. We heard the noise of a small plane overheard. A handsome, rich and charming businessman had flown into the bush camp in an attempt to gatecrash our party.

I knew at once that I had the key to my story. The character Oscar  owner of the mine  now transformed in my head to a gold mine  walked into my imagination and smiled his lopsided grin.

Two years previously there had been riots and attempted coups in Zambia. The streets were littered with broken bricks, bullets whizzed overhead. It was a time of danger and anxiety for everyone I cared about. I wrote letters to my children describing these events and made copies of the letters for this novel.

I am an artist and painter myself. I worked with artists in Zambia. I knew that my main character would be an artist and a woman.

I knew she would behave as badly and as well as any man who was an artist. She would want success, she would want sex, she would want love, but most of all she would want to make art. Art would be the driving force behind all her desires. She would be called Lara by her romantic mother but her life would not be a romance. It would be packed with action, full of uncertainty and questions, together with some terrible fears and doubts.

War has always been part of our lives. If we haven't experienced it personally perhaps our parents and grandparents did. Those among us who survived it are often scarred. How does anyone survive? How does anyone keep on loving? These are the questions that Lara must answer.

More: Exclusive Interview with Ruth Hartley on The Shaping of Water

There was a German General in the First World War who was never defeated. His campaign was fought in Africa. General von Lettow-Vorbeck finally surrendered at Abercorn in what was then Northern Rhodesia and is now Zambia. There are graves from that war near my mother's home. One of them has a rusty tin heart nailed to a tree by its fence. The sight of it struck me with irresistible force and gave me the title for this book. My photo of it is on the book's cover.

Of course all these wonderful threads had to be gathered together and woven into a credible plot. That's when my work began. A hundred years of history, a moment's surprise, the inevitable changes in ones life and then hours, days, weeks, months and two years of writing, editing and rewriting and now the hope that readers will find this story compelling.

One reader of The Tin Heart Gold Mine remarks that it is a page turner, all at once a thriller and a love story and a reection. There is plenty of action and excitement but also space given to thought and introspection as Lara tries to work out how she really feels about life as it whirls her round on its carousel.

Copies of The Tin Heart Gold Mine are available from Troubador: http://www.troubador.co.uk/book_info.asp?bookid=4236
In The Founder, Laura Dern stars as Ethel Kroc, the wife of Ray Kroc  a traveling salesman from Illinois who transformed a successful restaurant run by brothers Mac and Dick McDonald (John Carroll Lynch and Nick Offerman) into the McDonalds we now know today. Based on a true story, the film, directed by John Lee Hancock (Saving Mr. Banks), follows the trail of how Kroc, impressed by the McDonald brothers innovative assembly-line approach to the kitchen, maneuvered himself into a position where he was ultimately able to take control of the company, transforming himself in the process from failure to founder of an economic empire.

Laura Dern in The Founder

The daughter of Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd, Laura Dern has been an industry presence since the early 80s whose work includes Mask, Smooth Talk, Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, Rambling Rose, Afterburn, Jurassic Park, Citizen Ruth, October Sky, I Am Sam, We Dont Live Here Anymore, Inland Empire, Recount, Enlightened, The Master, The Fault in Our Stars, 99 Homes and Wild. So too is 2017 shaping up to be another promising year for the Golden-Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated actress. In addition to her work in The Founder, Dern will be featured in Star Wars: Episode VIII, Fox Searchlights Wilson, HBOs Big Little Lies and reunited with David Lynch on the new Twin Peaks.

We spoke with Dern about the making of The Founder in Los Angeles

What initially attracted you to The Founder?

John Lee Hancock and I did the film, A Perfect World, which he wrote in the early 90s. It was his first screenplay. I loved him then. I loved his writing. And we always talked about working together one day. So to work with him now as a filmmaker was exciting And I also love Michael Keaton - hes such a brilliant actor. Of course, the not so subversive rather direct undercurrent to the film also excited me. The obvious question: Can capitalism and compassion coexist? And is there a model for that anywhere? The reflection on what it means to have no empathy and step on anyone to become the king is a really profound theme here. So that really excited me as well.

How much did you know about McDonalds origins?

Really nothing. I knew there was this guy, Ray Kroc, but I never knew about the McDonald brothers. What I did know what that McDonalds was responsible for using filler, as the film addresses, with the milkshakes. And then theres even a comment made within the film: What next - well be putting sawdust in our hamburgers? So they were notorious for kind of inventing and saving money by using fillers in various products. And the tie in, as is expressed in Fast Food Nation so brilliantly, between McDonalds and obesity in America or the question of poor health is something weve heard a lot about. But I didnt know the story of these scientifically brilliant men who actually mapped it all out and created this new model. And that all those ideas that everyone else has used came from those two brothers. Using paper instead of plates, getting [your food] in 30 seconds and how to create that Its extraordinary.

What did you learn about Ethel Kroc as you researched her? Did you have many resources to draw from?

Not as much as one would like, partially I think because she was sort of thrown away. What I was given is what you see in the movie It was a very long marriage. She was a younger woman that was starry-eyed and he was a dreamer, a young entrepreneur who was going to sell these cool things and they were going to have a great life together [But] there was a lot of drinking and living with the ups and downs of Ive got another great idea, which time and again didnt work out.

Whats your take on Ray Kroc? His behavior, as depicted on screen, is reprehensible yet theres something endearing about him as well.

Its weird. Ive got to say, to me thats the beauty of Michael Keaton, the filmmaking and the script. What he [Kroc] did was so reprehensible You know thats a ruthless capitalist. But his ambition, his drive and most importantly his persistence I just watched La La Land, about a girl who has twelve too many auditions and says Forget it, I cant take another heartbreak. Im going to pack it up and go home. But Ray keeps going for, what is it, thirty years of nos? Doors slammed in his face. That takes something Thats incredible. Most people have so much shame they wouldnt consider going back to the same bank who had rejected them. But he keeps on going. So that is commendable for sure.

What was it like working with Michael Keaton?

Incredible. Hes brilliant about material. He really has a sense of whats working and not working. Hes really open to other actors ideas - really open and supportive of how to make a very meticulous matter of a few scenes tell a story, which is difficult. Certainly within our relationship on screen. He loves his crews and he really loves to take in what everybody elses art is, which is really cool. Hes also so funny, and his wit is so fast. I mean, hes just on top of it.

And your director, John Lee Hancock? Youd previously starred in a film hed scripted (A Perfect World; directed by Clint Eastwood). What was it like finally getting to work with him as a director?

The best thing about it was discovering that hes as nice and lovely running the show as he was as a young writer going, I cant believe theyre making my movie. Nothing has changed with his success and power on a set. And that was really beautiful to witness. I also got to work with his frequent collaborators  Michael Corenblith, the production designer, John Schwartzman our DP, Daniel Orlandi, who did the most beautiful costumes. You know, they did Saving Mr. Banks together and theyre an incredible team.

Do you see a similarity between Saving Mr. Banks and The Founder with both films focusing on two icons of Americana?

I think theres perhaps a more obvious darkness in our tale. I mean you wouldnt automatically compare Disney and Trump, but you sure would Trump and Ray Kroc, as every journalist Ive talked to has... But the era, the ambition  those things, for sure, have similarities.

What was the biggest challenge making the film? You shot in Atlanta, right?

Yes. Other than the heat (laughs) You know, for me it was mostly how to tell a story in a very short time and how to serve the film versus just the character. The only reason for [my] character from a dramatic standpoint is to see what [Kroc] was before and how the people who stood by him for years could be thrown away very quickly. I think my character foreshadows what eventually happens to the McDonald brothers. But you have to make that human and real and you also tell the story  Ethel and Rays story  of a love lost And how do you tell that in a just a few scenes?

How faithful is the film to the actual events which took place?

Im probably not the best person to ask because theres so much I wasnt privy to. But my understanding is that its incredibly accurate. To the point that the production designer was so feverish  Michael is so meticulous and brilliant that he spent, Im told, weeks, recooking over and over again the perfect burger so that it would look exactly like the original McDonalds hamburger I mean they wanted it to be exact.

Has the experience changed your view of McDonalds itself?

Its enhanced my view. I dont go and I wont be going now. I know some of the other actors are now craving a Big Mac after seeing the movie. But, you know, I raise my kids on Trying to honor local food. Trying to honor local growers. Trying to honor food that doesnt have chemicals in it

This is an amazing year coming up for you. Well be seeing you in Star Wars, reuniting with David Lynch for Twin Peaks, the HBO series Big Little Lies

Which weve finished. And then Im really excited about a movie I did last year called Wilson, a Fox Searchlight movie with Woody Harrelson thats coming out, that I love. Im so excited about that too. So its been an amazing year of work last year. Of working with the people I love and playing very different and very interesting characters.

Whats been your greatest takeaway from The Founder?

Working with incredibly nice people. Thats my fondest memory. Its very rare to work with a group of people where just you walk on the set and everybody is the nicest person ever. Everybody has their heart and soul in the project. Everybody wants it to work for everybody else. Its an incredible team. And if the movie business is part of a capitalist culture, then I would say there is a place for capitalism and compassion (laughs) It was a beautiful thing to be part of.

The Founder is out in UK cinemas 17th February. Read the official synopsis for the movie below:

Directed by John Lee Hancock (Saving Mr. Banks, The Blind Side) and starring Academy-Award nominated Michael Keaton (Birdman, Spotlight), Nick Offerman (Fargo, Welcome to Happiness, 21 Jump Street), John Carroll Lynch (The Invitation, Ted 2), Linda Cardellini (Mad Men), B.J Novak (Inglourious Basterds) and Laura Dern (99 Homes, Jurassic Park), THE FOUNDER is released in UK cinemas 17 February. The Founder is a drama that tells the true story of how Ray Kroc (Keaton), a salesman from Illinois, met Mac and Dick McDonald, who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brothers speedy system of making thefood and saw franchise potential. He maneuvered himself into a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create a billion-dollar empire.
Jamie Dornan wanted to make Christian Grey "more human" in 'Fifty Shades Darker'.

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson at the 'Fifty Shades Darker' Los Angeles Premiere

The 34-year-old actor has reprised his role in the follow up to the erotic drama 'Fifty Shades of Grey', alongside Dakota Johnson, 27, and the dark-haired hunk has revealed producers gave him "a little bit more control" over his character in the recent release, which allowed him to show a softer side to Christian.

Speaking to PEOPLE about the movie, Dornan said: "I definitely feel with this movie, 'Darker', I was given a little bit more control over how I wanted to play him, and elements of his character that I wanted to show and basically own it a little bit more. I didn't really feel I had an opportunity, due to lots of different circumstances, with the first movie, so that was pleasing.

"I wanted to make him more human"

And the Northern Ireland-born star decided the key to making Christian more "relatable" and "more attractive" was to allow him to smile more in the production.

He explained: "To make him more relatable to guys as much as anything else, and to make him more attractive to women and that's a big part of it and I felt like maybe some of that wasn't achieved in the first movie if I'm being really honest. So I wanted to see him smile more and make him someone that is an actual human being."

Meanwhile, 'The Fall' star - who played serial killer Paul Spector in the British television series - enjoys returning to a project where he can play the same character again because he finds it "exciting".

Dornan explained: "Having done television before, being able to return to a character and keep the groove going is something I really enjoy, why I am desperate to do more television that is well-crafted like that because it's exciting to go back for lots of different reasons, but then equally you get this if you do a trilogy or series of films."
Prince Charles has been honoured by the International Auschwitz Committee.

Prince Charles

The 68-year-old royal was handed the Statue of Remembrance in recognition of his work to promote human rights and unity across all faiths and religions.

Christoph Heubner, the executive vice president of the International Auschwitz Committee, said: "The survivors of the Holocaust are deeply moved and profoundly impressed by the empathy that the Prince of Wales has repeatedly expressed over the years for their painful memories, and by his acute insight into the causes and consequences of the Holocaust. Prince Charles also speaks out very clearly in his determined efforts to inspire people to overcome the new hatred and age-old prejudices."

The Prince of Wales hosted a reception at St. James' Palace for a number of survivors of the Holocaust and their families as well as people who have lived through genocides in the likes of Cambodia and Bosnia.

Meanwhile, Prince Charles previously warned the "horrific lessons" of World War II were in "danger of being forgotten" as he attended a fundraiser for the World Jewish Relief.

He said: "The work of World Jewish Relief allows us to rally together to do what we can to support people practically, emotionally and spiritually, particularly at a time when the horrific lessons of the last war seem to be in increasing danger of being forgotten. In reaching beyond your own community you set an example for us all of true compassion and friendship.

"To meet Ben [Helfgott; Olympic champion and Holocaust survivor], and others who, like him, have endured indescribable persecution, is to be reminded of the danger of forgetting the lessons of the past ... It is about supporting local communities with what they feel they need and not about imposing solutions from outside. World Jewish Relief shows us how vital it is to learn lessons from the horrors of the past."
After her last film, 'Talvar', based on the Aarushi Talwar double murder, Meghna Gulzar zeroed in on the story of Laxmi Agarwal while narrowing down on subjects. In 2005, the 15-year-old girl became the victim of an acid attack in Delhi for spurning a 32-year-old man, an acquaintance of the family, who harboured a one-sided attraction towards her.





In the two years that followed, the diffident, disfigured girl rarely stepped out of her house, but later, threw herself into rebuilding her life. In 2006, Laxmi had filed a PIL which sought the framing of a new law or amendment to the existing criminal laws like IPC, Indian Evidence Act and CrPC for dealing with the offence, besides asking for compensation for the victim and a plea for a total ban on sale of acid.



In 2013, in the wake of the Nirbhaya incident, the Supreme Court ruled in her favour, whereby acid cannot be sold to anyone below 18 years and requires a photo identity card for the purchase. Today, she is the much lauded director of Chhanv Foundation, an NGO dedicated to helping acid attack survivors. She has opened cafes in places like Lucknow and Agra managed entirely by such survivors, and now goes by the name of Laxmi SAA (Stop Acid Attacks).



"It's an inspiring story with social and legal implications," points out Meghna, who began talking to Laxmi over the phone around seven months ago, almost eight hours every day. "She was nervous initially because film people tend to romanticise life. But I promised to tell her story like it is and slowly, she began talking to my writer, Atika Chohan, and me. She later came down to Mumbai with her family. I also spoke to her father's employer who'd helped with her treatment and the case, as also several others."



Meghna's just finished with her first draft and once she's got her father Gulzar's feedback on it, she'll start talking to producers and think about the casting. "I'm open to both newcomers and established actors to play Laxmi. The latter will give the film more visibility. Laxmi, if she makes an appearance, will do so only in the epilogue but we're a long way off still," admits the filmmaker, who will roll with this film only after she completes 'Sehmat', the Junglee Pictures espionage thriller based on Harindere Sikka's novel 'Calling Sehmet', about a Kashmiri woman married to an army officer across the border who provides the Indian Intelligence with invaluable information during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.



"For me real life has always been extremely interesting and I believe the audience today are also looking for real heroes from the everyday world who make the ordinary extraordinary instead of larger-than-life superheroes who bash up 20 people at a time. Laxmi is one such hero," Meghna avers.




About last night! @lakmefashionwk Dressed in and by @anitadongre a beautiful show you put up  #IndianWear #Floral #White #LakmeFashionWeek

A photo posted by Pooja Hegde (@hegdepooja) on Feb 6, 2017 at 2:00am PST
E-commerce players in India have urged the government to re-evaluate the clause of Tax Collection at Source (Section  56) proposed under the Model Goods and Services Tax (GST) Law. TCS Section  56 clause under the GST draft model law, mandates e-commerce marketplaces, to deduct 2 per cent of the transaction value and submit it to the government.

As an estimate, this clause would lead to locking up about Rs 400 crore of capital per annum for the e-commerce sector. In addition, it would result in a loss of an estimated 1.8 lakh jobs, putting a halt to the growth and investments in the sector, e-commerce sector stakeholders said at a press meet organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The e-commerce marketplace model facilitates sellers (whose turnover is generally in the range of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 10 crore per annum) in maximising their capital efficiency by rotating it frequently, which helps to provide the volumes required to generate profit for them. However, blocking capital would disrupt the cash flow, thus making it difficult for them to generate profits. Additionally, TCS is bound to increase the working capital requirements for these sellers, who might resort to increasing margins or internalising the costs, to cover the additional burden. Hence, there is a need to find out alternatives which could be employed to ensure that regular information on tax is made available to the government, without jeopardising the business model and future growth prospects of the nascent e-commerce sector.

E-commerce players in India have urged the government to re-evaluate the clause of Tax Collection at Source (Section  56) proposed under the Model Goods and Services Tax (GST) Law. TCS Section  56 clause under the GST draft model law, mandates e-commerce marketplaces, to deduct 2 per cent of the transaction value and submit it to the government.#

At the moment, the e-commerce sector in India is at less than 2 per cent of the entire retail segment and moreover, at a very nascent stage, with a promise of high growth in the future. Subjecting the sector to a major compliance at such an early stage will not only result in slowing it down but also deter the benefits that e-commerce fosters in terms of employment creation and giving a boost to both the manufacturing and services space by providing an apt platform. Moreover, this clause is discriminatory towards online sellers as it does not exist in the offline retail segment, said Dr Didar Singh, secretary general, FICCI.

Singh said that the government should find out alternative ways to replace the clause, may be the information related to the sellers declared to the government would be the best feasible option available. He also stressed that the sector is one of the core pillars of the governments Digital India campaign and is needed to be nurtured with right set of policy frameworks and guidelines.

The proposal (TCS Section  56), while adding needless complexity for the sellers, provides no benefit to the tax authorities and will lead to duplication of information followed by the need for its reconciliation. It is a measure, which goes against the spirit of making India digital and improving the ease of doing business in the country. We are positive that the government will address this crucial concern, Kunal Bahl, co-founder and CEO of Snapdeal, said at the press meet.

Echoing Bahl, Amazon India country head Amit Agarwal said, We remain concerned about the TCS provision which we believe will negatively impact the growth of marketplaces at a stage when the industry is still in its infancy. There is an urgent need to re-evaluate such requirement. We are working with the government on this and hope for a favourable resolution.

The TCS clause would lead to blockage of approximately Rs 400 crore of working capital into the system, and will discourage sellers to come online. Also, the government needs to set a level playing field as the clause is not pertinent to the off-line retail segment. Central and the state governments need to find out alternative ways to address the situation and the e-commerce platforms may give a self-declaration about the taxes being reimbursed by the sellers. Some of the states namely Kerala, Rajasthan and Delhi are already doing the same. Im sure that the clause would be removed in the greater benefit of the Indian digital space as a whole, said Sachin Bansal, co-founder & executive chairman, Flipkart. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The Council of the European Union has unanimously decided to abolish autonomous quotas on imports of Belarusian textile products. This will help Belarusian exports to the EU of certain textile and apparel items, including cotton fabrics, trousers, blouses, shirts, underwear, coats, raincoats, jackets, dresses, skirts, knitted outwear and linen fabrics.

The EU had imposed quotas on import of 33 Belarusian textile items in 1993. Subsequently, quota was abolished on 13 of these 33 items in 2009. The decision to remove quotas depended on several factorsthe extent to which Belarus would get traction on accession to the WTO, the agreements it would sign with the EU, and the scope for integration of Belarusian light industry in the Europes one.

The EU Councils decision came after the draft decision on abolition of autonomous EU import credits for Belarusian textile products was approved by the European Parliament on January 19 this year, and by the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COROPER) on February 1.

The Council of the European Union has unanimously decided to abolish autonomous quotas on imports of Belarusian textile products. This will help Belarusian exports to the EU of certain textile and apparel items, including cotton fabrics, trousers, blouses, shirts, underwear, coats, raincoats, jackets, dresses, skirts, knitted outwear and linen fabrics.#

Terming the EU Councils decision as a positive signal for both EU and Belarusian businessmen, Dmitry Mironchik, spokesman for the Belarusian ministry of foreign affairs, said, We welcome the EU Council's decision to abolish the autonomous quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in Belarus. The decision is in sync with the agreements between Belarus and the EU to improve bilateral relations.

We do not overestimate the economic effect from the abolition of the abovementioned quotas. However, the decision seems to be a positive signal for businessmen of Belarus and the EU encouraging European companies to cooperate with the companies of the Belarusian light industry, including in the field of investment, Mironchik added. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and European Council President Donald Tusk during a meeting in Brussels on Thursday discussed introduction of the visa-free regime and the process of ratification of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, as well as the security situation in eastern Ukraine.

"Ukraine has fulfilled all criteria for visa-free status in EU states. We count on the EU fulfilling its obligations without bureaucratic delays," Groysman said, according to his press service.

Tusk, in turn, said the EU is closely monitoring the work of Ukraine's government.

"The European Council is impressed by the reform results of the Ukrainian government," Tusk said.

The men discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine. Groysman noted the escalation of hostilities, as well as the situation in Avdiyivka, saying they jeopardize peaceful resolution of the conflict in Donbas. Tusk expressed complete support for Ukraine in peacefully settling the conflict and praised Ukraine for "effective actions of the government to ensure the safety and well-being of Avdiyivka residents."

"During the talks, Ukraine's PM received support from the European Council president and acknowledgment of the necessity of continuing sanctions against the Russian Federation," Groysman's press service said.

"Sanctions are a punitive measure, and lifting them would be a reward for Russia if it backs away from aggression and keeps to commonly held norms of international law, respect for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic values." Groysman was quoted as saying.
For the three months ended December 31, 2016, net loss rode higher at polyester fibre producer Indo Rama Synthetics (India) Limited, at Rs 37.95 crore as compared to net loss of Rs 7.76 crore in the same quarter of last fiscal. Net revenue too dipped to Rs 623.92 crore in the reporting quarter, as against Rs 663.25 crore in the prior fiscals third quarter.In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, EBIDTA stood at a negative Rs 16.22 crore vis-a-vis Rs 22.04 crore in the third quarter of earlier fiscal.

For the three months ended December 31, 2016, net loss rode higher at polyester fibre producer Indo Rama Synthetics (India) Limited, at Rs 37.95 crore as compared to net loss of Rs 7.76 crore in the same quarter of last fiscal. Net revenue too dipped to Rs 623.92 crore in the reporting quarter versus Rs 663.25 crore in the prior fiscal's third quarter.#

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, net revenue amounted to Rs 2099.80 crore, up from Rs 2065.37 crore in the earlier fiscals same quarter.In the period under review, EBIDTA was negative at Rs 8.80 crore as compared to Rs 56.56 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal, while net loss grew to Rs 69.20 crore versus net loss of Rs 51.60 crore during the corresponding period of prior fiscal. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
critic's rating: 3.5/5

Rating: 3.5 stars

Quick take: Stellar performances in an emotional court drama

Jolly LLB 2 Review: Subhash Kapoor's Jolly LLB (2013) was that rare understated film that took court room drama and turned it into a lovely piece of comedy and satire. Its much more ambitious sequel does everything the first film did with more finesse and panache. While its not as well conceived as the first film, Jolly LLB 2 benefits from the powerhouse performances of Akshay Kumar and Annu Kapoor. The actors rise above the script and make this court room brawl a very satisfying experience. The underlying nationalist themes in Jolly LLB 2 give it an emotional edge. This ones definitely worth a watch.

Akshay Kumar plays a wily lawyer named Jagdishwar Mishra aka Jolly. He starts off as an opportunist who doesnt mind breaking the law to earn an extra buck. Much like Arshad Warsi's Jolly from the first film, Akshay Kumar's Jolly is a guy desperate for professional acclaim. But his wily ways end up hurting innocent lives and thats when Jolly goes from a conniving Uttar Pradesh guy to crusader of justice. In his pursuit for justice and truth, hes shot at, ridiculed and humiliated. But Jolly refuses to give up against the power of influential senior lawyer Pramod Mathur (Annu Kapoor) and his corrupt client, police officer Singh (Kumud Mishra). Also part of the court room drama is the franchise's ace judge Tripathi (Saurabh Shukla). Subhash Kapoor's story is top grade. It follows the Jolly LLB formula and yet adds a lot more twists and turns to the narrative. But his choice of themes, the deep patriotic ones especially, become a little too preachy towards the climax. Jolly LLB 2 makes some sweeping statements about the limitations of law and its grey areas. While these moments of elevated emotions seem a little formulaic, they also make the movie highly emotional.

The impact of inconsistent screenplay and editing though becomes redundant in the wake of performances by Akshay Kumar, Annu Kapoor and Kumud Mishra. Akshay Kumar is the heart and soul of Jolly LLB 2. His character goes from being a swindler to being a utopian lawyer and the character arc has many shades. Always confident, Akshay Kumar's Jolly is brilliant lead. His presence of mind and logical prowess make him the proverbial smooth operator. He may be a lawyer but he has no qualms swindling people. He may have his grey shades but at the same time he's a doting husband who doesnt mind serving his wife alcohol and then cooking sabzi chapati for her with equal ease. And then, theres the transformation into an earnest lawyer who doesnt give up in his quest for justice. Akshay Kumar handles these myriad shades of his character with consummate ease. He gets the comedy, wit, drama and the frustration bang on. This performance is measured to perfection.

Ably lending support to Akshay Kumar's pitch perfect act are Annu Kapoor and Saurabh Shukla as lawyer and judge respectively. These seasoned performers have great repartee on screen, and their scenes together in court are funny and intense in equal measure. Kumud Mishra plays the greedy and arrogant cop with great restraint and menace too. Its the actors who make Jolly LLB 2 a good film. Without the efforts of its artistes, this film wouldve been a greatly detailed and well intentioned critique on the judicial system of India. While that theme wouldve just been a repetition of Subhash Kapoor's earlier movie, the thundering performances make this movie an engaging watch.

Director/writer Subhash Kapoor knows the legal system like an absolute pro. His setup for the actors is authentic but his ideas arent all that strong. The second half of the film especially tries to pack in too much drama, melodrama and twists. But the actors bring in the requisite restraint and make Jolly LLB 2 an absolute delight.
Quite a few names popped up for Thugs Of Hindostan, from Alia Bhatt to Parineeti Chopra, and now it is reported that Shraddha Kapoor has bagged the role of the lead actress in TOH and would be paired alongside Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan.

Bikini Diaries! Riya Sen Holidays In Goa With Her Girlfriends

However, both Aamir Khan and Shraddha Kapoor have chosen to remain mum about the casting and have not revealed any information regarding the development. Also, a spokesperson from Yash Raj Films denied that Shraddha Kapoor has been roped in for the film by saying, "Shraddha has not signed the film."



Thugs Of Hindostan is a period love story set in India during 1832 where a gang of thugs ruthlessly murdered people for money and the gang had scared the living hell out of the common people. The film is an adaptation of Philip Meadows Taylor's novel 'Confessions Of A Thug'.

Priyanka Chopra Talks About 'Showing Off Her Bra'!

If Shraddha Kapoor's involvement in the film is indeed true, then she would play Aamir Khan's love interest, romantic interest and later, wife in the film. The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role and is scheduled to be released in 2018.

Malaika Arora Opens Up About Her 'Love Affair'!
The Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto was present at the 'On Virtue & Vice' event held by the Buddhist leader His Holiness Dalai Lama in Delhi during February 3-4 and the actress accompanied Lisa Ray to the event. The private two day teaching was about universal values, compassion, technology and science.

Bikini Diaries! Riya Sen Holidays In Goa With Her Girlfriends

Freida, posted pictures on her social media handle meeting Dalia Lama and captioned it as, "If you catch me smiling like crazy over the next few days, then you know this man is the reason behind it!"

Check out the pictures below!



Also, Freida Pinto revealed that the two day private teaching was filled with boundless love and positivity. She captioned an image as, "Surrounded by boundless love and positivity in the presence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Thank you so much team @vidyaloke for letting us have a wonderful 2 days of teachings with the man himself!"

Malaika Arora Opens Up About Her 'Love Affair'!
Celebrated Hollywood dancer and actor Channing Tatum is all set to launch his own vodka brand named Born and Bred.

The Hollywood actor, came up with this idea to launch his own vodka brand after he failed to find a "good American vodka."

"On the inside label, once you drink it down, or if you get your eye really close to the bottle, it says, 'Cross my heart and hope for mischief'. That's just what I want when I pour myself a drink." Said Channing Tatum.

"I want to just cause a little havoc, get into some trouble, get into some safe, manageable mischief," The actor added.

"It was me and my buddy Jack, we were just sitting around drinking one day and he was like, 'Why are all vodkas foreign and from somewhere cold? I would like an American vodka!' This was before Titos became what Titos is." Said Tatum.

"We had no intention of jumping into the business at all. We just drank vodka. That was it. From there we went on a search." He added.

While being on a quest to find out the best vodka in town Tatum and his friend had tried almost 25 different brands.

"We wanted to find a good American vodka. We tried 25 or so and we really only liked about three. Grand Teton became our favourite. It just tasted better, different than any vodka that was on the top shelf." The actor explained.

"There was a smooth taste to it, like a cool feeling in your mouth. The aftertaste doesn't burn. That's the difference." Said Channing Tatum.
It was in the news for quite some time that the South Indian star Dhanush, was making his maiden Hollywood appearance opposite heavyweight Hollywood actors like Uma Thurman and others in the movie titled The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir.

The movie has been an intended as an on-screen adaptation of a French novel The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe by the renowned novelist Romain Puertolas.

However, Marjane Satrapi who was to helm the direction of the movie backed out at the last minute over some conflicts with the studio officials and the producers.

"The project was supposed to start much earlier probably from January 2017, but got postponed due to some reasons," said a source close to the actor.

Director Ken Scott of Delivery Man and Starbuck fame has now joined the project and he will oversee the script writing and direction duties simultaneously.

According to the sources, a lot of new casts like Barkhad Abdi, Laurent Lafitte, Berenice Bejo, Erin Moriarty and Abel Jafri have also joined the project.

The story of the movie suggests that a fakir or a con-man portrayed by Dhanush will probably secure a flight to Paris where he will end up falling in love with a beautiful girl and then the adventure follows.

Principal shooting will commence soon in locations like Brussels, Paris, Mumbai and Rome.
Klimkin plans meeting all candidates in French presidential election, including Le Pen KYIV. Feb 10 (Interfax-Ukraine)  Ukraine's Foreign Ministry head Pavlo Klimkin plans in March 2017 to meet with all candidates running in France's presidential election, including with the leader of the French ultra-right party headed by Marine Le Pen. Ukrainian diplomats say they are considering all possible scenarios of the French elections. "I believe deeply in the traditional democratic traditions and ideals of France.  As foreign minister I must take into account all possible outcomes. We are working on scenarios," Klimkin said during a talk show, titled "Right to Power," aired by the Kyiv-based TV Channel 1+1 . Klimkin said foreign ministry envoys are working with various campaign party headquarters and parties in France, as well as with journalists. "I will be in France at least twice in March. A meeting has been organized with Marin Le Pen. I will show her information that we have prepared, including about Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and our case [against the Russian Federation] for violations of the convention on racial discrimination," Klimkin said.
Ezra, the film which has been the talk of the town since its announcement days, has hit the theatres today (February 10, 2017). The film, that features Prithviraj in the lead role is amovie that the audiences have been eagerly waiting for, since the movie falls to the genre of horror-thriller.

Here we go.... LIVE review of Ezra from PVR Lulu!

9.15 AM: The show is expected to begin by 9.15 and the advanced booking for the movie is really impressive...

9.21 AM: Guess what! It's a full house and what an amazing welcome to a horror thriller... Ezra, definitely is off to a good start...

9.26 AM: And Ezra begins... A loud round of applause for the movie... Well, expecting a sensational movie from Prithviraj...

9.35 AM: Introducing Prithviraj in the most simplest way without any starry airs surrounding... Good one...

9.39 AM: Lailakame... The love story of Priya and Ranjan... You ought to watch the song on the big screen to enjoy its complete beauty...

9.45 AM: Here comes Tovino Thomas, playing a police officer in Ezra... The theatre gives him a grand welcome...

9.55 AM: Ranjan and Priya in Kochi and they shift to a new house... What will happen next in Ezra?

10.04 AM: Well, it isn't the house that is haunted in Ezra... and that's a welcome change...

10.13 AM: Ezra starts to instil fear on the viewers...

10.28 AM: Father Sam has the answers to the problems...

10.36 AM: Some interesting proceedings in the Ezra... Keeping the viewers engaged...

10.40 AM: And it's half time...

11.14 AM: The story of Abraham Ezra on screen...

Ezra, so far is an engaging and refreshing watch. The plot is a promising one staying away from certain cliches associated with horror movies. More than the horror factor, it seems like the movie has a good story to narrate...

Let us wait for the second half of Ezra to know how Ranjan is going to tackle the real problem...

10.48 AM: And the big surprise, the teaser of The Great Father is here... The entire theatre goes crazy!!!

10.53 AM: The second half of Ezra begins... Expecting something really different...

10.55 AM: A song at this juncture was unwanted...

11.07 AM: Rabayi Marces comes to the rescue of Ranjan and family... Things are getting really interesting...

11.30 AM: Story of Abraham Ezra had some never seen before elements in it...

11.36 AM: Well, Tovino Thomas's Shafeer is unlike the police officers in usual horror movies...

11.45 AM: Wowww... A real big twist is in the offing...

11.51 AM: Stage is all set for a thrilling climax

11.59 AM: And that's an end to the movie...

Ezra is something that is new to the Malayalam cinema. More than the scary part, the director has given care to the story part, which is commendable.

Well, Ezra had many never seen before elements in it that will definitely keep the viewers engaged. And by all means the movie falls true to the genre of horror thriller. Kudos to the team...

Also, read some interesting facts about Ezra, here...
Kamal's upcoming big project Aami, which is a biopic on Kamala Das, did face a sudden set back, when Vidya Balan opted out of the movie due to various reasons.

The director is now in search of a right replacement. Meanwhile, rumours were rife that Bollywood actress Tabu might be doing the lead role but Kamal dismissed them as mere rumurs.

Most recently, name of yesteryear actress Parvathy Jayaram was also doing the rounds. Speculations were rife that Kamal had approached the actress for the lead role in Aami and thus giving hins that the actress might make a comeback to films.

Now, actor Jayaram, husband of Pravathy, has dismissed all those reports as mere rumours and he stated that neither him and Parvathy nor Kamal is unaware of any such proceedings.

Meanwhile, name of young actress Parvathy, who impressed us all with the portrayal of Kanchanamala in Ennu Ninte Moideen was also doing the rounds.

Well, it seems like the makers haven't yet zeroed in on the apt replacement for Vidya Balan. The film has already some big names on board in the form f actors like Prithviraj, Anoop Menon, Murali Gpy etc.
Rahul Dev, who was sceptical about doing Bigg Boss 10 has been blessed with a film and a television show immediately after he left the house! Recently, he was locked to play a major role on Star Plus show Dil Bole Oberoi. Now there are reports that the actor has bagged a film, all thanks to Bigg Boss and Salman Khan!

Salman was supportive to Rahul and it was quite evident on the show. He had also said that he would like to do a movie with Rahul! Apparently, the Sultan actor had recommended Rahul for Anil Kapoor-starrer Mubarakan.



It has to be noted that Rahul was previously seen on mythological TV series Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev, where he was seen playing the role of demon Arunasur. Dil Bole Oberoi will be Rahul's first fictional show. The actor says he will soon leave to London to shoot for the film.

He was quoted by a leading daily as saying, "God has been kind. I was sceptical about doing Bigg Boss but it was good, the show's host supported me, he said on national TV that we should work together in the future."

He added, "I have got Mubarakan, after he put in a word about me to the makers. I will soon be off to London to shoot for the film. It is a beautiful role. Also, I am doing my first fiction show. So, things are looking up for me. I am very excited."

Shooting for film and television is entirely different. Rahul was quoted by the leading daily as saying, "I am loving it. I wasn't used to shooting for five-six scenes in a day, so that is definitely a shocker. But because of that I am getting to hone my skills. It is shaping me up as a better actor."

Regarding his role on DBO, Rahul says, "I am glad there are no over-the-top expressions required of me. It is not being executed in a caricaturish way. There is subtlety in the character, which I like."

Well, we are waiting to watch Rahul on small screen!
We had already reported about what Bigg Boss 10 contestants are up to these days. A few of them (Nitibha and Manu) were seen partying, while some others (Bani and Rohan) were seen holidaying. A few contestants like Mona and Rahul are back to work, while Lopa was seen busy giving interviews. We must say that the contestants are having the time of their lives.

We have good news for M2 fans. Manu Punjabi and Manveer Gujjar were recently seen in Mumbai. They spotted shooting for Colors' comedy reality show - Chote Miya, that is judged by Bollywood actors Neha Dhupia and Sohail Khan. Manu and Manveer also took pictures with the judges. We assume both of them were invited as special guests on the show! Check out pictures...

Manu & Manveer Manu shared the picture from the set and wrote, "Manu manveer ( yeh dosti hum nhi chodege chodege dumm mager tera sath naa chodege)M3." Manveer & Manu In Chote Miyan Manveer shared the same picture (previous slide) and wrote, "Tere jaisa yaar kahan.. Kahan aisa yaarana ... Yaad karegi duniya... Tera mera afsana." Manu & Manveer With Neha & Sohail Manveer also shared a picture snapped with Manu, and the judges of the show - Sohail and Neha. He wrote, "In The House #manveergurjar #manupunjabi #sohailkhan #nehadhupia." Manu & Navin Manu was recently seen catching up with another Bigg Boss 10 contestant, Naveen Prakash. He had also shared a couple of videos on social networking site. Manveer Manveer has been in news for a long time with regard to marriage rumours. He was also hospitalised as he was suffering from food poisoning. Manveer & Nitibha Manveer's friendship with Nitibha Kaul is also in news. Manveer and Nitibha were spotted partying together. A few pictures and videos from the party are doing the rounds on social media. Mona Mona is busy with her film shooting. She is active on social media and has been interacting with her fans frequently. Apparently, Mona is doing a film with her husband Vikrant.

Manu, Manveer and Mona's friendship got popular inside the house. They named their group as M3. The trio had also said that they would remain friends even outside the house. But, Mona was missing from the scene!

It has to be recalled that Mona's husband Vikrant Singh Rajpoot had a problem with Manu's closeness towards Mona. He was on the show for a couple of times to warn Manu (or Mona). But, later everything looked fine as Vikrant entered the house, and Mona and Vikrant got married inside the Bigg Boss house!

Well, is everything really fine between them or Vikrant doesn't want Mona to continue her friendship with Manu or Manveer after the show - are the questions that are bothering everyone!

Well, we shall assume that Mona wasn't invited or she was busy with her work schedule because of which she was not seen on the show!
Vivaan To Turn Negative

Vivaan is shattared to know that he cannot become a father. Furthermore, he is equally shocked to know that Tejaswini is responsible for his condition, as she would have administered drugs on him. With this, Vivaan will turn negative in the upcoming episodes.

Vivaan In Trouble

As per the sources, "Nothing is going right for Vivaan at the moment. He is already subjected to lot of humiliation with a molestation case happening. With him getting to know of the big truth of him not able to have a kid, he will be submerged in sorrow.

Vivaan Hides The Truth From Imli

Furthermore, " He will struggle hard to keep this truth away from Imli. Also, he will want to win back the faith of Kamal in order to get money to stop the molestation case from proceeding further."

Vivaan To Strangulate Tejaswini

Vivaan will blame Tejaswini for his health condition. Not only that, he will even try to strangulate her for her misdeeds.

Suraj & Chakor

In the upcoming episodes, Vivaan will help Suraj and Chakor to come out of the well. Chakor will plead Kamal Narayan to give food and water to Suraj. Not only that, a helpless Chakor will bow down in front of him for Suraj.

Kamal Narayan's Order

Kamal Narayan will notice a change of equation between Suraj and Cahkor and targets their budding love. He will order Suraj to slap Chakor, if he wants food. An enraged Suraj will flatly refuse to slap Chakor, even though she asks him to.

Chakor's Plan

Kamal Narayan will not provide food, but will make Suraj slog by giving him work. As per the latest spoiler, Chakor will come up with an idea. She will bring kids, who will divert the attention of Kamal Narayan's henchmen. Then, Chakor will send a little girl to feed Suraj.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Mexico-based Jose Cuervo has priced its initial public offering at the high-end of its expected range at 34 pesos per share raising about $790 million, thus becoming the biggest IPO since 2013. According to reports, the offer was more than eight times oversubscribed. The company offered 476.6 million shares at 34 pesos a share raising at least 16.2 billion pesos or $791 million. Jose Cuervo is the world's biggest tequila maker. The company had put its IPO on hold twice after the peso plunged to record lows. The company, controlled by the billionaire Beckmann family, is said to be embarking on a plan to transform the area surrounding the town of Tequila, Mexico, into a tourist destination. The company plans to use proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions. 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.
DALLAS (dpa-AFX) - A union representing about 21,000 wireless workers at AT&T Inc. (T) plans protests in various cities this weekend, as it seeks to ramp up public pressure ahead of a contract expiration on February 11. The Communications Workers of America said, by a 93 percent vote, AT&T Mobility workers authorized a strike if a fair contract can't be reached. On a media conference call announcing the strike vote, Ghiajaira Paz, a retail store worker in New York, said now there were just four floor representatives in her store, down from seven not too long ago. 'I can't take so much as an hour off because we're short-staffed.And because of cuts in our commission structure, I have to make more sales and work ten times as hard to get the same amount of commission as I did before.' Nicole Popis, a customer service representative in Illinois, said AT&T is continuing to cut call center jobs, sending thousands offshore. 'At my call center, I've seen our staff shrink from 200 employees down to 130, and I worry about my job constantly.' On Friday, AT&T Mobility workers will rally in 35 cities. Actions also will be held on Saturday, February 11 as CWAers countdown to contract expiration. 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.
United Engine Corporation (UEC, the holding company uniting major Russian gas turbine engine developers and manufacturers) will take part in the 11th Aero India air show in Bangalore (14th - 18th February), where it will present its advanced products and discuss with partners the cooperation projects.

UEC is planning to hold talks with the representatives of the Indian armed forces, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and with Indian air companies potentially interested in acquisition of the Russian aerotechnics.

India for decades remains one of the most important UEC's foreign partners and one of the major markets for its production, says Alexander Artyukhov, UEC Director General. With our skills of development and serial manufacturing of modern engines of different applications we are eager to foster the present cooperation. UEC strives not only to enhance the volume of engine deliveries to India, but also to raise the speed and the quality of the aftersales service, to build an integrated system of the support of our customers. The corporation is also ready to participate in the realization of the future projects of creating the engines for the new Indian airframes.

UEC works in India in line with the Make in India program. In the framework of a number of projects the close cooperation with Indian government agencies and companies is set up. The corporation is building direct relationships with the Indian customers primarily the Ministry of Defense and HAL. For example, in 2015 UEC was registered as an authorized supplier of the Indian Air Force and Navy, as well as of HAL.

The large-scale cooperation between UEC and India continues mostly in the area of engines for military aviation. The biggest project is the ongoing delivery of the AL-31FP engine (powers Su-30MKI fighter) kits for its licensed production in India. At the present time UEC is also anticipating an interest in its civil production from the Indian customers.

The guests of the UEC's stand (No. 2.3.4, Hall ?) will be able to see PD-14 fifth generation civil engine, AL-41F-1S combat aviation engine, VK-2500PS brand-new helicopter engine and BARK-88 engine digital control system.

AL-41F-1S is a 4++ generation turbofan engine with afterburner and thrust-vectoring nozzle. It is installed on Su-35S multirole fighter aircrafts. This engine provides the supersonic speed without afterburner, which is one of the main fifth generation fighter's requirements.

PD-14 engine is developed by UEC for powering MC-21 airliner. The most up-to-date technologies and materials, including the composites, are extensively used in the engine. Presently PD-14 is going through the second stage of flight tests, which are proving the workability of the engine and its systems.

VK-2500PS turboshaft helicopter engine is the latest modification of the widely used VK-2500 engine with the extended service life, the use of the modern full authority digital engine control system providing for the higher exploitation characteristics.

At Aero India 2017 UEC for the first time demonstrates BARK-88 the latest engine digital control system developed especially for modernizing the RD-33 family turbofan engines powering the MiG-29 fighter jets.

UEC (United Engine Corporation, part of the Rostec State Corporation) is an integrated structure specializing in the development, serial production, service&support of engines for military and civil aviation, space programs and naval applications, as well for the oil gas industry and power generation.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170209005630/en/

Contacts:

United Engine Corporation

Anastasia Denisova

+7 (499) 558 38 83

denisova@uecrus.com
Ukraine will send compensation to the Pierson Allard Museum in the Netherlands for storing the Scythian gold collection after the court ruling in favor of Ukraine taking effect, Ukrainian Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko has said.

"The court awarded the local museum a compensation for storing this collection. There was the ruling of the court of lower instance that could be challenged by the defender. As soon as the ruling takes effect I can officially confirm that the Ukrainian government would provide funds from our resources from the reserve fund, or the budget of the Culture Ministry to pay expenses for storing and transportation of these artifacts to Ukraine," the minister said at a briefing in Kyiv on Thursday.

As reported, four Crimean museums in February 2014 sent a 2,000-item collection to Bonn and later to Amsterdam, to the Allard Pierson Museum, including over 500 Scythian gold artifacts. The exposition also contained items from a Kyiv museum.

Since the Netherlands refused to recognize Crimea's reunification with Russia, the question arose of whom the collection should be returned to after the closure of the exhibition in August 2014.

In September 2014, the Russian Culture Ministry said that the items from the Kyiv museum had been returned to Ukraine, those from the Crimean ones remained in Holland.

The Allard Pierson Museum said it will send the exhibits where a court orders it to in order to avoid future claims from either side. In December Ukraine asked Interpol to place the Scythian gold on its wanted list, Kyiv's Pechersky district court issued an in absentia order to seize the exhibits.

On December 14, 2016, a district court in Amsterdam ruled in Ukraine's favor.
The Board of Directors of Cavotec SA is pleased to announce that Mikael Norin has been appointed CEO of the Cavotec Group. Mikael Norin will join Cavotec on May 1, 2017 and will, after a transition period, assume full responsibility as CEO on July 1, 2017. He will be based at the company's headquarters in Lugano, Switzerland.Mikael Norin will replace Ottonel Popesco who will continue to serve on the board of Cavotec SA as a non-executive director, among other strategic assignments."The Board of Directors of Cavotec is very pleased that Mikael has agreed to take on the challenging and exciting task of leading Cavotec with focus on leading the work of implementing our new strategic plan," says Stefan Widegren, Chairman of the Board."While Ottonel is not leaving Cavotec, I would like to take this opportunity to express my and my fellow board members' sincere thanks and gratitude to Ottonel who, for the past three decades, has been a valued executive in building the Cavotec Group into what it is today. Personally, I would also like to thank him for his courage and commitment in facilitating this important generational change for Group.""I'm very excited about my next role as CEO of Cavotec. The strong position in the market and the quality reputation that Cavotec enjoys is a great foundation on which to build," Mikael Norin says.Mikael Norin, 53, currently works as a board director and corporate advisor for a number of companies around the world. Having lived in Europe, Asia and North America, he has extensive experience of leading large global organisations in highly competitive industries.Most recently, Mikael Norin served as President, Rolls-Royce Marine Services, a division of the Rolls-Royce group offering after-market services and parts to the group's marine and navy customers around the world. Marine Services is based in Singapore and has operations in 35 countries employing approximately 2,500 people.Prior to this, he was President of Recall Americas, a division of Brambles Ltd, a global industrial services group based in Sydney, Australia. Prior to joining Recall, Mikael Norin spent 14 years with global engineering group ABB in increasingly senior executive roles based in Asia and Europe, culminating as Senior Vice President and head of the group's Power Systems division based in Sweden.Mikael Norin is a native of Sweden, has engineering training and he attended Lund University and obtained a B.Sc. in Business Administration and Economics with a specialisation in International Business.ENDSStefan Widegren, Cavotec SA ChairmanStefan.widegren@cavotec.comCavotec is a global engineering group that manufactures power transmission, distribution and control technologies that form the link between fixed and mobile equipment in the Ports & Maritime and Airports & Industry sectors. To find out more about Cavotec, visit our website at cavotec.com.The information in this release is subject to the disclosure requirements of Cavotec SA under the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. This information was publicly communicated on February 10, 2017 09:00 CET.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=614427
LONDON, February 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The Montreux Natural Resources fund was the world's second-best performing hedge fund, according to international analyst firm Preqin Research.

The Cayman Islands-domiciled fund, managed by Montreux Capital Management Cayman, has returned 142% over the last 12 months, and was driven by the surging gold price and the performance of assets in which the fund invested.

The Montreux Natural Resources fund ranked second for net return during 2016 out of 14,500 hedge funds assessed, in the Preqin Global Hedge Fund Report, 2017.

The $32m fund, whichgenerates returns through a range of commodity-related transactions, has during the last 16 monthspurchased mining interests in Tanzania, east Africa, and a refinery in Guinea, west Africa, at the bottom of the commodity super cycle as other participants were looking to exit.



Once the mines are in full production they are expected to produce large quantities of gold on a weekly basis and at between $450 and $600 per ounce, so providing the fund with a share of the mines' operating profits.



"The spectacular performance of the Montreux Natural Resources Fund over the last 12 months has coincided with the resurgence in the gold sector, and validates the investment management decisions we have made for the fund, making it one of the stand out performers in the commodity sector both last year and stretching into this year," said Oliver Harris, managing partner of Montreux Capital Management Cayman.



"The gold mines in Africa could produce over $40 million in cash per year.



"A listed miner recently bought a mine within five miles of the fund's Tanzania mines for a significant sum because of the amount of metal discovered within the ground.



"Moreover, the Guinea refining capacity owned by the fund should enhance investor return yet further."



Montreux Natural Resources was listed by the2017 Preqin Global Hedge Fund Reportas a "Top Performing Hedge Fund", andalso a2016top-performing"Macro Strategies Fund", "Europe-Based Hedge Fund", "Activist Fund", "Discretionary Trading Fund", and "Hedge Funds, January 2014 - December 2016"





For more information contactPiers Sword,Montreux Capital Management Tel: +44(0)208-873-0217, orAdam James, SpringupPR Agency , Tel: +44(0)203-6370091.


Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Russia Prepaid Card Retail Consumer Dynamics Retail Spend Analysis (Databook Series), 2012-2021 Market Trends and Drivers by Demographics, Retail Spend, and Card Usage" report to their offering.

This is a data centric report, primarily consisting of charts and tables. This report provides insights into consumer attitude and behaviour along with market size and forecast of overall prepaid (pay before) cards, offering a wealth of insights to help companies understand this growing but quickly changing market:

Consumer attitude and behaviour: Drawing from proprietary survey results, this report identifies and interprets key prepaid KPIs, including spend by age, gender, and income level. In addition, it provides an overview of how consumers are currently using prepaid cards across five key categories travel, bill payment, retail spend, cash withdrawal, and P2P transfers. It also provides a breakdown by transaction size.

Retail spend: Breaks down retail spend across 11 categories to provide detailed insights on consumer behaviour and changing dynamics of prepaid card spend.

Market dynamics: Provides a comprehensive view on size and structure, industry dynamics, market trends, consumer attitude and behaviour, and competitive landscape in the prepaid card industry.

Open loop and closed loop: Provides market estimates and forecasts to assess opportunities in open loop and closed loop prepaid market segments. Details four essential KPIs number of cards in circulation, number of transactions, load value, and value of transactions.

Benchmarking and risk index: Benchmarks the prepaid card industry in the country with key global markets along with a risk assessment through the proprietary Prepaid Cards Industry Risk Index (PCIRI).

Key Topics Covered:

1 About this Report

2 Russia Prepaid Card Industry Market Attractiveness

3 Russia Open Loop Prepaid Card Future Growth Dynamics, 2012-2021

4 Russia Closed Loop Prepaid Card Future Growth Dynamics, 2012-2021

5 Russia Prepaid Card Consumer Usage Trends

6 Russia Open Loop Prepaid Card Retail Spend Dynamics

7 Further Reading

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ctdck3/russia_prepaid

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005227/en/

Contacts:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Related Topics: Bank Cards


BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar has strengthened against their major counterparts in the late Asian session on Friday, after the President Donald Trump announced that he would release his 'phenomenal' tax plan in coming weeks.



Trump, while meeting airline executives, said his administration will be announcing something phenomenal in terms of tax over the next two or three weeks. Since his taking office, investors have been waiting for his election campaign promise of infrastructure spending and tax cuts to stimulate economic growth.



Meanwhile, Trump is likely to go to the Supreme Court for his immigration ban after a San Francisco-based appeals court upheld a suspension of the order.



Traders also await Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's meeting with Trump later in the day in Washington, D.C.



In the late Asian trading, the U.S. dollar rose to nearly a 2-week high of 1.0024 against the Swiss franc and a 9-day high of 113.80 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.0016 and 113.23, respectively. If the buck extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 1.02 against the franc and 116.00 against the yen.



Against the pound, the greenback edged up to 1.2497 from an early low of 1.2521. This may be compared to an early 2-day high of 1.2488. The greenback may test resistance around the 1.23 region.



Against the euro, the greenback edged up to 1.0650 from an early low of 1.0668. The greenback is likely to find resistance around the 1.050 area.



Looking ahead, U.K. industrial production, trade balance and construction output - all for December, are due to be released at 4:30 am ET.



At 4:50 am ET, ECB Board Member Yves Mersch will give a presentation at Expertentag of Stiftung Marktwirtschaft in Hamburg, Germany.



At 5:00 am ET, Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann will give a speech at a leadership handing-over ceremony at Bundesbank's Hamburg branch.



In the New York session, Canada jobs data for January, U.S. import price index for January, U.S. University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for February are slated for release.



At 2:00 pm ET, U.S. federal budget balance report is set to be published.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - French shares extended gains from the previous session Friday, although markets pared early gains after the release of disappointing industrial production data. The statistical office Insee reported that French industrial output dropped 0.9 percent in December from the previous month, in contrast to November's 2.4 percent increase. This was the biggest fall in three months and larger than the expected drop of 0.7 percent. The CAC 40 was up 8 points or 0.17 percent at 4,834 in opening deals after hitting as high as 4,845 earlier in the session, as U.S. President Donald Trump promised to lower the overall tax burden on American business and Chinese trade data beat expectations. The benchmark index climbed as much as 1.3 percent on Thursday. Investors looked ahead to the meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later today, with trade issues expected to top the agenda. Renault shares rallied 2.5 percent. The automaker reported record annual revenues on the back of new product launches and the success of low-cost models. Luxury goods company Kering jumped 3 percent on reporting a 17 percent rise in 2016 net profit, driven by strong sales at two of its flagship brands. Amundi shares surged over 6 percent after the asset management group said it would raise new capital in the first quarter to help fund its purchase of rival Pioneer Investments. Cosmetics and beauty products giant L'Oreal lost 1.5 percent. The company said it is considering selling The Body Shop retail chain, which it acquired in 2006. 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.
GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS -- (Marketwired) -- 02/10/17 -- Tethys Petroleum Limited (TSX: TPL)(LSE: TPL) ("Tethys" or the "Company") acknowledges the public announcement by Olisol Petroleum Limited on February 9, 2017 regarding the validity of Tethys Extraordinary General Meeting ("EGM") held on January 27, 2017.

The Tethys Board would like to inform shareholders and other interested parties that the Management Information Circular dated December 22, 2016 mailed to shareholders did contain all material information required for shareholders to make an informed decision at the EGM and the EGM was conducted in accordance with proper procedure under applicable laws as well as the Company's Articles of Association.

Prior to the EGM, Tethys and each of its Kazakhstan subsidiaries commenced legal action against Olisol Investments Limited, Olisol Petroleum Limited and certain of their respective principals and/or affiliates in the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta seeking, among other things, damages arising from failure to meet contractual obligations under an Investment Agreement between the parties on October 27, 2016 and damages arising from unlawful interference with Tethys' business activities, including issuing erroneous press release information about Tethys as alleged. Tethys intends to enforce its rights and legitimate interests to the fullest extent permitted by law, to protect its investors, assets, investments, management and employees.

About Tethys

Tethys is focused on oil and gas exploration and production activities in Central Asia and the Caspian Region. This highly prolific oil and gas area is rapidly developing and Tethys believes that significant potential exists in both exploration and in discovered deposits.

Disclaimer

Some of the statements in this document are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the intent, belief and current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the potential that exists in both exploration and in discovered deposits in Central Asia and the Caspian Region, the outcome of claims by Olisol Petroleum Limited about the validity of the EGM and the outcome of legal action against Olisol Investments Limited, Olisol Petroleum Limited and certain of their respective principals and/or affiliates. When used in this document, the words "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "may," "will," "should" and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are not promises or guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those suggested by any such statements including risks and uncertainties with respect to the potential that exists in both exploration and in discovered deposits in Central Asia, the outcome of claims by Olisol Petroleum Limited about the validity of the EGM and the outcome of legal action against Olisol Investments Limited, Olisol Petroleum Limited and certain of their respective principals and/or affiliates.

No part of this announcement constitutes, or shall be taken to constitute, an invitation or inducement to invest in the Company or any other entity, and shareholders of the Company are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Save as required by the Listing Rules and applicable law, the Company does not undertake to update or change any forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring after the date of this announcement.

Contacts:

Tethys Petroleum Limited

info@tethyspetroleum.com

www.tethyspetroleum.com




Ascom, the global Healthcare ICT and wireless communications specialists, is to provide a Healthcare communications solution for the new Chase Farm hospital currently being built in the UK capital London.

The solution, installation of which begins in March 2017, includes 96 Ascom Myco built-for-Healthcare handsets, interface software to wirelessly communicate alerts and data from 128 medical monitors to staff handsets, a comprehensive Ascom TeleCare IP nurse call system featuring 1,700 devices, and a full suite of Ascom Unite software.

"To be entrusted with such a prestigious, high-profile project underscores our Healthcare ICT expertise," says Paul Lawrence, Managing Director of Ascom UK. "And it illustrates what we do best: providing seamlessly integrated end-to-end solutions that include servers, handsets, peripheral devices, and the software that ties it all together into one smooth system."

The new hospital, run by the Royal Free London National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, is scheduled for completion in March 2018, with its formal opening planned for autumn that year. The hospital will offer a range of patient services including diagnostics, musculoskeletal therapies and women's services. The facility will house an urgent care center including pediatrics, an assessment unit for older persons, operating theaters, a day surgery, 50 surgical in-patient beds, and a chemotherapy unit.

"It has been hugely satisfying to work with the Royal Free London NHS Trust on this project," says Lawrence in conclusion. "The construction of a new hospital is always a chance to improve workflow efficiency, patient satisfaction and staff morale. Our Ascom solution will make a significant contribution to achieving these goals."

About Ascom

Ascom is a global solutions provider focused on healthcare ICT and mobile workflow solutions. The vision of Ascom is to close digital information gaps allowing for the best possible decisions anytime and anywhere. Ascom's mission is to provide mission-critical, real-time solutions for highly mobile, ad hoc, and time-sensitive environments. Ascom uses its unique product and solutions portfolio and software architecture capabilities to devise integration and mobilization solutions that provide truly smooth, complete and efficient workflows for healthcare as well as for industry and retail sectors.

Ascom is headquartered in Baar (Switzerland), has subsidiaries in 15 countries and employs around 1,200 people worldwide. Ascom registered shares (ASCN) are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005266/en/

Contacts:

Ascom (UK) Ltd.

Paul Lawrence, Managing Director

Phone: +44 75 87 03 42 82

Email: paul.lawrence@ascom.com
DUBAI, UAE, February 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and their children, HH Sheikha Al Jalila Bint Mohammed Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, today donated 28 million Jordanian Dinars (approx. US$ 40 million) in memory of HM the Late King Hussein Bin Talal and HM the late Queen Alia Al Hussein.

HM King Hussein passed away on the 7th of February 1999, and HM Queen Alia passed away on the 9th of February, 1977.

Tkiyet Um Ali was originally the idea of HM the Late Queen Alia Al Hussein more than 40 years ago; she had worked on the idea shortly before her death. In 2003, HRH Princess Haya, who had the original concept documents, established Tkiyet Um Ali, the first non-governmental organization to provide sustainable food support by serving hot meals and distributing food parcels, in addition to providing humanitarian food aid to Jordan's underprivileged.

Tkiyet Um Ali seeks to realise a hunger free Jordan through the provision of sustainable food assistance to families living in extreme poverty. In May 2013, Tkiyet Um Ali launched a project to eradicate hunger to provide families living in extreme poverty with sustainable food assistance. Currently, Tkiyet Um Ali feeds 18,000 households that have been identified as families who live below the hunger and poverty line.

"The donation comes at a time where food insecurity in Jordan has tripled following the Syrian Refugee Crisis," stated HRH Princess Haya, Chairperson of Tkiyet Um Ali. "We conducted recent field studies that indicate that today around 30,000 Jordanian families are food insecure, reinforcing the urgent need to reach an additional 10,000 households."

As Tkiyet Um Ali aims to cover these 30,000 families across the Kingdom, HRH Princess Haya has assigned a task force headed by her brother, HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, and HE Hussein Al Majali and Mr. Zaid Al Hamdan, to oversee the ramp up and ensure any necessary logistical help required on an official basis.

"This year marks 18 years since the passing of HM the Late King Hussein Bin Talal and 40 years since the passing of HM the Late Queen Alia Al Hussein who, above all, were people who cared about humanity," stated HRH Princess Haya. "There is no more fitting way to celebrate their lives and continue their legacies by doing something they would have done themselves."

Tkiyet Um Ali is named after Her Majesty Queen Alia ('um Ali') and is inspired by an Islamic concept of providing food for the poor while demonstrating social responsibility towards those less privileged. HM Queen Alia was fondly named in Jordan as the 'mother of the poor'.
Tech21, the leaders in impact protection for mobile devices and the UK's number one case brand, today joined an elite band of companies around the world after being awarded a coveted Investors in People Silver accreditation.

The British firm, based in Twickenham, London, is one of the world's fastest growing technology companies, producing stylish yet protective cases for the latest devices and tablets.

The internationally recognised Investors in People Silver award is held by just 14,000 organisations across 75 different countries and celebrates what it takes to lead, support and manage people well for sustainable results.

Tech21 excelled in nine key assessment criteria including workplace trends, essential skills and effective structures, only possible by the views and opinions of the firm's UK staff, which tech21 continue to promote through 'employee voice' programmes.

The accreditation is the latest accolade for tech21, having recently been named in the Sunday Times 'Fast Track 100' of British tech companies.

Investors in People is the global standard for people management and its sought-after stamp of approval is said to be the sign of a great employer, an outperforming place to work and a clear commitment to sustainability.

One such example which impressed the judges was tech21's recent move to sponsor the preservation and display of the work of renowned inventor Trevor Baylis whose house sits opposite the company's headquarters on Eel Pie Island in Twickenham.

Tech21's founder Jason Roberts said he was incredibly proud of the entire team for gaining the prestigious accreditation. He said: "This award is testament to the incredible, innovative work of every single person across the company.

"One of the pillars of our business is that we strongly believe that things can always improve and get better, and we apply this principle to our products, our workplace and our contribution to society as a whole.

John Doughty, CEO of tech21 added "We're delighted to have achieved this high standard and now the next step will be working towards achieving the award for all our team members through a global employee programme and attaining the gold accreditation in the coming years as tech21 continues to grow."

- ENDS -

About tech21

Since 2005, tech21 has been developing the most advanced, scientifically proven cases and screen shields for mobile, tablet and laptop devices worldwide. tech21 combines science, engineering and British design to create products that address three core consumer benefits: style, protection and performance. As the brand evolves to continue meeting the needs of its consumers, tech21 has developed the most advanced impact protection material on the market FlexShock. The ultra-thin and lightweight material absorbs and dissipates force and can withstand drops up to 13 feet. In addition tech21 puts all its products through a rigorous testing program, and in an industry first has partnered with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to develop its testing methodology. This ensures that the tests tech21 products have to pass are overseen by independent experts. Tech21 is the number one case brand in the UK. For more information, visit tech21.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005283/en/

Contacts:

Press contacts:

tech21

press@tech21.com

or

Atomic PR for tech21

Anna May/ Mark Dickens -

Phone: +44 (0)20 3861 3800

Email: tech21@atomicpr.com


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Immunomedics Inc. (IMMU) said that it has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with Seattle Genetics Inc. (SGEN), an innovative global biotechnology company that develops and commercializes novel antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs for the treatment of cancer.



As per the agreement, Seattle Genetics will develop, fund, manufacture and commercialize IMMU-132, Immunomedics' proprietary solid tumor therapy candidate.



The agreement also provides that Seattle Genetics will be responsible for initiating the Phase 3 clinical trial of IMMU-132 in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and submitting the initial Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for accelerated approval.



The agreement includes the development of additional indications for IMMU-132, including urothelial cancer (UC), small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which are currently in Phase 2 clinical studies, along with other solid tumor indications being studied in ongoing clinical trials.



The agreement provides for potential payments of approximately $2 billion across multiple indications, plus double-digit tiered royalties on global net sales. Under the terms of the agreement, Immunomedics will receive $250 million in upfront cash payment, plus, among other milestone payments, an additional $50 million (or negotiated economic splits) relating to rights outside the U.S., Canada and the EU.



The remainder of the consideration comprises approximately $1.7 billion that is contingent upon achieving certain clinical, development, regulatory and sales milestones, including an anticipated near-term milestone for acceptance of the Biologics License Application (BLA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for TNBC, additional milestones based on regulatory approval of IMMU-132 for TNBC in the U.S. and other territories, and future development and regulatory milestones for additional indications beyond TNBC. Future royalty payments are tiered double-digit royalties based on global net sales.



In addition, Immunomedics will retain the right to elect to co-promote IMMU-132 in the United States by participating in 50% of the sales effort, subject to certain parameters set forth in the agreement.



Upon completion of the transaction, Immunomedics and Seattle Genetics will each appoint representatives to serve on a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) that will be chaired by a Seattle Genetics representative. The JSC will be responsible for, among other things, determining the overall development, commercialization, manufacturing and intellectual property strategy for IMMU-132.



The companies expect the transaction to close in the first quarter of 2017, subject to expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, as well as other customary closing conditions.



Under the terms of the agreement, for a limited period, through February 19, 2017, Immunomedics has the right to continue negotiating with a select number of parties still in the strategic process, and accept a superior proposal. Seattle Genetics has the right to match any superior proposal and if it decides not to match, Immunomedics has the right to accept the superior proposal and terminate the proposed development and license agreement upon payment of a termination fee to Seattle Genetics.



Concurrent with the transaction, Seattle Genetics is purchasing 3 million shares of common stock, representing an approximately 2.8% stake in Immunomedics, at a per share price of $4.90, which represents a 10% premium to Immunomedics' 15-day trading volume weighted average stock price of $4.45 for the period ending at the close of trading February 9, 2017, the last trading day prior to entering into the global licensing agreement.



Seattle Genetics will also be issued a three-year warrant to purchase 8.66 million shares of common stock at the same price, which shall be exercisable when the Company has sufficient authorized shares of common stock to enable the exercise of the warrant. Seattle Genetics will not be eligible to vote its stake at the upcoming 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Ukraine has informed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that documents issued to seafarers on the temporary occupied territory of Crimea and Sevastopol are invalid.

The press service of Ukrainian Sea Port Authority gave the information, referring to the document submitted by Ukraine to the IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW).

"Any documents [both qualification and seafarers' identity documents] issued after July 15, 2014 by so-called seaport captains on the temporary occupied territory of Crimea and Sevastopol are invalid. They would not have any legal implications and are to be considered fake," the press service said.

The Ukrainian delegations paid attention of IMO members to the fact that the seafarers' documents by legal Ukrainian authorities (seaports Izmail, Mariupol, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson and Chornomorsk) remain valid.

The IMO sub-committee took note of the information presented by Ukraine.
LONGUEUIL, CANADA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/10/17 -- Reunion Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE: RGD) (the "Company") is pleased to announce, effective immediately, the appointment of Mr. Rejean Gourde, as President and CEO of the Company and Mr. David Charles as Manager, Investor Relations and Business Development. Mr. David Fennell, who has been acting as President and CEO on an interim basis will continue as Chairman of the Company. The Company is also pleased to announce that Ms. Elaine Bennett has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors effective immediately.

Appointment of Rejean Gourde as President and CEO

Mr. Rejean Gourde, a Reunion Gold board member since 2011, has been appointed President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Gourde has more than three decades of experience in the mining industry. From 1994 to 2006, Mr. Gourde was SVP of the Guiana Shield Division at Cambior Inc. (now IAMGOLD). In that role he was responsible for the operation of Omai Gold Mines in Guyana, Rosebel Gold Mines in Suriname and other projects in the Guiana Shield. Since 2007, Mr. Gourde has worked as a mining consultant on several mining projects including the Essakane and Bombore projects in West Africa, and other projects in Guyana and Peru. Mr. Gourde holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering from Ecole Polytechnique at the Universite of Montreal and is a registered Professional Engineer in Quebec.

Mr. David Fennell, who remains as Chairman of Reunion Gold, commented on the appointment of Mr. Gourde: "we are very happy to welcome Rejean as President and CEO of Reunion Gold. Rejean brings with him unparalleled experience in the Guiana Shield both from the perspective of advancing projects from feasibility to development and mine operation. With the Company's strategic shift to focus its attention on gold projects located in the Guiana Shield of South America, Rejean will be a key member of the team that will construct the project portfolio.

Appointment of Elaine Bennett to the Board

The Company is also pleased to report that the board of directors of the Company has appointed Ms. Elaine Bennett as director and member of the audit committee of the board, subject to TSX Venture approval. "We are delighted that Elaine has accepted to join the board of Reunion Gold. Her experience in the financial and mining business will be of significant benefit to the Company" said David Fennell, the Company's Chairman.

Since 2008, Ms. Bennett has been Vice President Finance and CFO for Sabina Gold & Silver Corp., an advanced exploration and development company listed on the TSX. Prior to joining Sabina, Ms. Bennett was VP Finance and CFO for Miramar Mining Corporation which was acquired by Newmont in 2007. With more than 25 years of experience in the mining industry, Ms. Bennett has experience in financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, mine construction, accounting and information technology. Ms. Bennett has also been director and chair of the audit committee of three junior exploration company listed on the TSXV having activities abroad. Ms. Bennett is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

David Charles appointed Manager, Investor Relations and Business Development

David Charles brings close to 30 years of experience in the financial services industry in Canada primarily as a mining equity analyst. During his career Mr. Charles has worked for BMO Capital Markets, GMP Securities and Dundee Capital Markets as a senior analyst and visited mines and projects in North and South America, Europe and Africa. Mr. Charles holds a bachelor's degree in geology from Trinity College Dublin, an MSc. (applied) in Mineral Exploration from McGill University and is a CFA charter holder.

David Charles' mandate is to develop the Company's investor communications and market awareness efforts, assisting management in developing a strategy to enhance and expand the Company's exposure in North America and Europe.

In exchange for Investor Relations services, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, the Company will pay a monthly fee of C$4,167 and grant stock options to purchase up to 400,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.07 per common share for a period of five years. Mr. Charles' options will be vesting over two years in accordance with vesting and termination provisions pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan and TSX Venture Exchange policies. David Charles does not currently have any direct or indirect interest in the Company.

Rejean Gourde, the Company's President and CEO, stated: "Mr. Charles will be a valuable addition to our team, particularly in assisting with investor communications. I welcome David to our team."

Option Grants

The Company also announces that, subject to regulatory approval, it has approved the grant of an aggregate of 8,645,000 incentive stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The options are exercisable for a period of five years at an exercise price of $0.07 and will be vesting over a period of two years.

About Reunion

Reunion has recently sold its manganese project in Guyana and entered into option agreements to acquire an interest in two gold projects in French Guiana. The options are subject to a number of conditions. Reunion will be conducting due diligence on the projects and seeking the necessary approvals. Information about Reunion is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and its website (www.reuniongold.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 press release.

Contacts:

REUNION GOLD CORPORATION

David Fennell, Chairman or

Rejean Gourde, President and CEO

+1 450.677.2585

+1 450.677.2601 (FAX)

Email: info@reuniongold.com




Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 02/10/17 -- Quinto Real Capital Corporation (TSX VENTURE: QIT) ("Quinto" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the nomination of Dr. Luisa Moreno to the Board of Directors of the Company. She replaces Mr. Andre Goguen who resigned from the Board.

Dr. Luisa Moreno, Ph.D., has over 10 years of experience in the finance and investment banking sector. Dr. Moreno is currently the Managing Director at Tahuti Global, a successful consulting firm in the area of natural resources, servicing regional and foreign government institutions, in matters related to policy, regulations, funding and strategies for the mineral sector and related industries. She also consults to investment funds, mining firms and mineral processing companies.

In addition, Dr. Moreno is a financial advisor to, and on board of directors of Canadian listed junior mining companies, where she is actively involved in project development strategies, asset evaluation and negotiation, financing and securing offtake agreements. Dr. Moreno is a Physics Engineer with a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Mechanics from Imperial College London, in the United Kingdom.

Michael Curtis, President and CEO of Quinto, said: "On behalf of the Board, we wish to welcome Dr. Moreno to Quinto's team. This is a major announcement for Quinto, as we believe that her expertise, knowledge and vast network will help us in our search to assess, acquire and develop new promising mining projects. We also would like to thank Mr. Goguen for his commitment and many contributions to Quinto during his mandate. We wish him the best in his future endeavours."

About Quinto Real Capital Corporation

Quinto Real Capital Corporation (TSX VENTURE: QIT) is a Canadian gold exploration company. It owns a 5% interest in the Monster Lake property (IAMGOLD: 50%/TomaGold: 45%) and an option to acquire a 75% interest in the Gwillim, Fancamp and Embry properties, all located close to the Chibougamau mining camp in Quebec, Canada.

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. Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" and readers are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual developments or results, may vary materially from those in these "forward-looking" statement.

Contacts:

Michael Curtis

President and Chief Executive Officer

(514) 793-1915

mcurtis@cardwellcap.com

www.quintocorp.com



Louis Morin

The Ask Marketing Services Inc.

(514) 591-3988




NEW YORK, February 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Growing applications in various downstream industries and increasing demand for benzene derivatives for manufacturing of various chemicals to drive demand for benzene in India through 2025

According to recently published TechSci Research report "India Benzene Market Study, 2011 - 2025", benzene market in India is forecast to cross USD1.5 billion by 2025. Rising demand for benzene derivatives and robust expanding manufacturing sector are major factors driving demand for benzene in India. Benzene derivative are used for production of number of chemicals, plastic, pharmaceutical, dyes & pigments, rubber and pesticides. Moreover, growing population, thriving economy, rising urbanization and increasing government initiatives to promote growth of industrial sector are further anticipated to boost demand for benzene in India through 2025.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/663730 )



Plastic industry is one of the major demand generators for benzene derivatives in the country. During 2011-2015, India plastic industry exhibited a CAGR of 13% in value terms, as the industry garnered a total revenue of around USD 20.78 billion in 2015. Moreover, the industry is anticipated to grow at a much higher rate during 2016-2025, which is expected to positively impact demand for benzene in the country during the forecast period. Reliance Industries Limited, IOCL, Haldia and BPCL are the leading companies operating in India benzene market. Furthermore, RIL and IOCL are highest producers of benzene in India, and these companies accounted for a production capacities of 720000 TPA and 125000 TPA, respectively in 2015. Thus, increasing the production capacities for benzene by various leading players in the market is anticipated to significantly influence demand for benzene in India through 2025.

"Ethylbenzene end use industry dominated India Benzene market in 2015, owing to increasing production of various downstream chemicals, as these chemicals are extensively used in automotive and construction sector, coupled with rising application in packaging industry and manufacturing of styrene. Moreover, growing utilization of various benzene derivatives in production of rubber, paint & coatings, etc., are further forecast to propel demand for benzene in India through 2025." said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director, with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm.

"India Benzene Market Study, 2011 - 2025" has analyzed the potential of benzene market in India and provides statistics and information on market sizes, shares and trends. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers and key challenges faced by India benzene market.

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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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/10/17 -- Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced that the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall is receiving $8,330,000 to fund the revitalization of Massey Hall in Toronto.

The Government of Canada is providing this support through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. This program provides cultural institutions with the funding required to provide world-class services to Canadians in their community.

Quotes

"Investing in Canada's cultural sector helps create jobs for the middle class, strengthens the economy, and ensures that Canada's unique perspective is shared with the world."

- The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"We are thrilled that the Government of Canada is investing in Massey Hall's future through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. This funding will help set the stage for the completion of the Massey Hall Revitalization Project to ensure that Massey Hall remains a home to showcase and cultivate our future leaders in arts, culture and beyond."

- Deane Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall

Quick Facts

-- Massey Hall, opened in 1894, is a renowned performance venue located in downtown Toronto. It is operated by the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. -- The Corporation is revitalizing Massey Hall to improve its accessibility, technical infrastructure and presentation environment. -- The last major renovation to Massey Hall occurred in 1948. -- The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund invests in professional not-for-profit arts and heritage organizations for the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as for the acquisition of specialized equipment and the development of feasibility studies related to cultural infrastructure projects. -- The Fund, launched in 2001, has invested approximately $410 million in 1,381 projects in every province and territory as of March 31, 2016. The program receives an average of 137 applications each year. -- As of December 31, 2016, 80 percent of the money allocated in Budget 2016 has been approved for projects. This investment is supporting 157 projects in 96 communities across the country this year.

Associated Links

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr.

Contacts:

Pierre-Olivier Herbert

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage

819-997-7788



Media Relations

Canadian Heritage

819-994-9101

1-866-569-6155

pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca




Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Non-Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook" report to their offering.

The "Non-Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook" contains detailed historic and forecast data covering non-life insurance investments in the non-life insurance industry in Cyprus. This databook provides data on government securities, corporate bonds, investment funds and other investments.

Summary:

This report is the result of extensive market research covering the non-life insurance industry in Cyprus. It contains detailed historic and forecast data for non-life insurance investments. "Non-Life Insurance Investments in Cyprus to 2019: Market Databook" provides detailed insight into the operating environment of the non-life insurance industry in Cyprus. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Cyprus non-life insurance value chain and for new players considering to enter the market.

Scope:

Historic and forecast data for non-life insurance investments in the non-life insurance industry in Cyprus for the period 2010 through to 2019.

Historic and forecast data on government securities, corporate bonds, investment funds and other investments. for the period 2010 through to 2019.

Reasons To Buy:

This report provides you with valuable data for the non-life insurance industry covering non-life insurance investments in Cyprus.

This report provides you with a breakdown of market data including data on government securities, corporate bonds, investment funds and other investments.

This report allows you to plan future business decisions using the forecast figures given for the market.

Key Topics Covered:

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is this Report About?

1.2 Definitions

1.3 Methodology

2 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

2.1 Government Securities

2.2 Government Securities Forecast

2.3 Corporate Bonds

2.4 Corporate Bonds Forecast

2.5 Investment Funds

2.6 Investment Funds Forecast

2.7 Other Investments

2.8 Other Investments Forecast

3 APPENDIX

3.1 About

3.2 Our Services

3.3 Disclaimer

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hk6z25/nonlife

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005391/en/

Contacts:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T. Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Related Topics: Insurance
Less than four years after its launch

Blasting News has exceeded 100 million monthly active users in January 2017, establishing itself as the 142nd biggest website in the world (according to Alexa Ranking). A remarkable achievement considering that the media start-up was founded less than four years ago, in mid-2013.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005411/en/

Months it took to reach 100 million active monthly users (Photo: Business Wire).

Blasting News says Andrea Manfredi, Founder CEO has been growing faster than any other new-media player in their start-up phase, achieving in under four years, what took best-in-class industry leaders such as BuzzFeed and the Huffington Post over six years to accomplish. As a result, Blasting News has reached 100 million active monthly users in the same amount of time as Snapchat, and faster than Facebook and Twitter.

Extraordinary growth.

More than 2,000 writers are actively contributing to Blasting News every month, possibly being the highest paid newsroom in the world. "And we are still looking for new contributors to grow," says Andrea Manfredi, CEO of Blasting News, "I encourage journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers to sign up on our platform and get in touch with their national community manager to embrace our success story and explore the opportunities we offer."

A global approach.

This result has been achieved thanks to a truly global approach: Blasting News has 34 national editions, it publishes news in 25 languages, has a readership that spans across five continents and has offices in six locations (London, Milan, New York, Rome, Sao Paulo, and soon Singapore).

Total quality.

In January, Blasting News received 37,000 news articles from contributors all around the world. From those 37,000 articles, only 23,000 passed the severe screening process and were published. "Fake news is a real problem," explains Manfredi. "From the very beginning, we have built up technologies and processes to fulfill our mission and serve as an open platform that offers multiple viewpoints of the same story. However, we have zero tolerance toward fake news, click-baiting, and non-human traffic (thanks to a recent partnership with comScore, the worldwide leading traffic analysis company). Our results are proof that our system is successful."

Made by the People, for the People.

Blasting News content is produced by freelance contributors all around the world. "The key reason we've grown so fast is that our news gives a unique window into what people are truly interested in and passionate about," says Manfredi. "Unlike traditional media organisations, we don't tell people what they should care about. Rather, we use state of the art technology to curate a high quality magazine made by the people, for the people. This huge milestone shows that there is strong global appetite for Blasting News, and we are excited to share this new journalism model with more people around the world."

Do you want to become a Blasting News contributor?

Sign up here to contribute in US

Sign up here to contribute in UK

Sign up here for all the other countries

About Blasting News

Blasting News is the largest global social news publisher set up in mid-2013, it is now the 142nd most visited website in the world (Alexa Ranking), thanks to 100+ million monthly unique on-site visitors. Blasting News is made by the people, for the people. News is produced by delocalized freelance contributors (Blasters), fact-checked and curated by a quality team of senior professionals (Senior Blasters). Furthermore, news is distributed by Social Blasters, a global team of top digital influencers. All the processes are fueled by the crowd, without any central newsroom thanks to an extensive use of technology (the core stages are managed by algorithms, some of which are patent-pending). Blasting News has readers in five continents and offices in London, New York, Sao Paulo, Rome, and soon Singapore.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170210005411/en/

Contacts:

Elettra PR

Francesca Raimondi

francesca.raimondi@elettrapr.it


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After a federal appeals court upheld an injunction against his executive order on immigration, President Donald Trump lashed out at the 'disgraceful decision' on Twitter.



'See you in court, the security of our nation is at stake!' Trump tweeted following the ruling, suggesting that he intends to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.



Trump also cited a legal blog that noted the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals did not mention the statue the administration believes provides authority for the order.



'LAWFARE: 'Remarkably, in the entire opinion, the panel did not bother even to cite this (the) statute.' A disgraceful decision!' the president tweeted.



However, Lawfare editor in chief Benjamin Wittes, the author of the blog, noted that he agreed with the court's decision.



A three-judge panel of the appeals court ruled unanimously Thursday to uphold an injunction of the order, which includes a controversial ban on immigration from seven majority-Muslim countries.



'We hold that the Government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury,' the judges wrote.



The judges seemed to take particular issue with the administration's claim that the president's decisions about immigration policy are unreviewable.



'There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy,' the judges wrote.



They added, 'The Supreme Court has repeatedly and explicitly rejected the notion that the political branches have unreviewable authority over immigration or are not subject to the Constitution when policymaking in that context.'



Meanwhile, the judges did not offer an opinion on claims that the order is discriminatory against Muslims, citing the sensitive interests involved and the pace of the current emergency proceedings.



Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, praised the ruling, noting that the Ninth Circuit has joined numerous other courts in ruling that Trump's order is likely unconstitutional.



'If the President were serious about bringing our country together and keeping us safe, he would rescind this arbitrary and discriminatory order and recall what makes our country great,' Leahy said.



'Congress should now fulfill its own constitutional duty to check this President, who has shown an affinity for despots and hostility toward the rule of law,' he added. 'The law and the Constitution protect us all - no one is above the law and that includes the President.'



(Photo: Michael Vadon)



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
HOUSTON, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 02/10/17 -- Panther Biotechnology Inc. (OTCQB: PBYA) has received clearance from FINRA to change its name to ProBility Media Corp. (ProBility). The name change follows the recent acquisition of Brown Technical Media Corp. In addition to the name change, the Company has unveiled a new corporate identity and website, available at www.probilitymedia.com.

ProBility Media Corp. is an e-commerce company building the first full service training and career advancement brand for the skilled trades. Through its divisions Brown Technical Media Corp., Brown Technical Publications Inc., Brown Book Shop, Inc., National Electric Wholesale Providers, LLC and One Exam Prep, LLC, ProBility is in the process of executing a disruptive strategy of defragmenting the skilled trades training market place by offering high quality training courses and materials and preparing the workforce for excellence. ProBility services customers from the tradesman, to the small business, to the enterprise level corporation.

"From the inception of the acquisition of Brown Technical Media Corp. on November 8, 2016, ProBility has successfully achieved milestone after milestone and is rapidly building the Company into a formidable juggernaut in the vocational e-learning and training space," stated Evan Levine, Chief Executive Officer of ProBility. "We look forward to continuing to reward our shareholders with additional accomplishments."

"Our recent acquisitions, new product offerings and the launching of multiple micro websites has created new dynamic revenue streams," stated Noah Davis, President and Chief Operating Officer of ProBility. "The Company will continue to seek accretive and exciting business opportunities and looks forward to communicating these achievements to shareholders as they come to fruition."

ProBility is in the process of either divesting or attempting to monetize all non-core assets.

About ProBility Media Corp.

ProBility is disrupting the technical vocations training and certification industry by building the first full service training and career advancement brand in the technical fields. ProBility is a leading online provider of compliance, career advancement and training content for tradesman and technical experts in a wide variety of professions. ProBility's mission is to disrupt and defragment the many disparate companies in the eLearning, standards and codes market place. ProBility is changing the landscape for small and medium size businesses by providing consistent, high quality training materials usually only available to enterprise level companies. ProBility's strategy is to both grow its current revenue base organically while concurrently acquiring synergistic companies in the multiple industries that ProBility is currently servicing.

Safe Harbor Statement and Disclaimer

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations, opinion, belief or forecasts of future events and performance. A statement identified by the use of forward-looking words including "may," "expects," "projects," "anticipates," "plans," "believes," "estimate," "should," and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of ProBility. These risks and others are included from time to time in documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including but not limited to, our Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on our future results. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although ProBility believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this news release. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof. ProBility takes no obligation to update or correct its own forward-looking statements, except as required by law, or those prepared by third parties that are not paid for by ProBility. ProBility's SEC filings are available at http://www.sec.gov.

ProBility Media Corp.

Evan Levine

858-263-2744

info@probilitymedia.com




Reykjavik, 2017-02-10 18:11 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fitch Ratings has upgraded Orkuveita Reykjavikur's (OR; Reykjavik Energy) Long-term Issuer Default Rating to 'BB' from 'BB-'. The Outlook is Stable. According to Fitch's attached release, the upgrade reflects the company's progress on debt reduction aided by improved macroeconomic conditions in Iceland and the significant appreciation of the Icelandic Krona, the company's proven track record in outperforming targets on the 2011-2016 business plan and expected continued shareholder support including parent guarantees on debt. The Stable Outlook takes into account the steady regulatory environment and the company's remaining high exposure to market risks and its high financial leverage. Ingvar Stefansson, CFO: It is encouraging to see this recognition of things going well. Our operations are solid so favourable externalities are reflected in improved finances. Our reduction of tariffs for some of the utility services, at the beginning of the year, revealed how our customers benefit from improved performance by OR and its subsidiaries. Contact: Ingvar Stefansson CFO +354 516 6100 Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=614532

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The owner and director general of TMM developing and construction firm Mykola Tolmachev seeks to invest in agricultural business projects.

"I have four business plans. I am ready to study two of them in the agricultural sector. I am interested in those things that no one is doing now," he said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Tolmachev said that he is studying construction of a pectin plant and the launch of a powder milk production project.

"Some apples contain pectin. Its price is from $15 to $25 per kilogram. The project is ideal for Belarus, as they have the raw material base," he said.

He said that the second project to produce powder milk should be implemented with the prospect of exporting it to China.

"The powder milk project should be realized for China. There is always demand in this country on it. The price is good - $2,000-3,000 per tonne. I think that they would be investors without any problems. We are making products no worse than European companies make," he said.

Tolmachev said that the prospect for launching the two projects is three or five years. It suits the TMM development strategy to become an international company in the next five years.

At present, TMM as the general contractor is building an elevator in Vasylkiv (Kyiv region). Earlier the company finished construction of a bakery. TMM is cooperating in construction of infrastructure projects with Astarta, Ukrproduct and NCH.

"We have what to offer, as we are the full cycle company and can make almost everything, starting from examination and design. If the company is ready to give us a bank guarantee, we build their facilities using own money," the owner of TMM said.

He said that Ukrainian agriculture is a promising direction for investment, as Ukraine could produce 120 million tonnes of grain, but it has large problems with infrastructure.

"This is a large market for the next 10 years: according to my estimates, agricultural producers are to invest or raise around $12 billion in grain storage and transportation infrastructure. New companies would come: it is enough work for everyone, as in other segments," the businessman said.

He said that agriculture in Ukraine will be profit-making if the land market were launched.

TMM Firm is a developing and construction company of full cycle. It has been operating on the Ukrainian construction market since 1994.
TULSA, OK and VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - February 10, 2017) - Jericho Oil Corporation ("Jericho") (TSX VENTURE: JCO) (OTC PINK: JROOF), a growth-oriented, upstream oil and gas company, will be attending the NAPE Summit 2017, held Feb. 15-17, 2017 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX.

The annual NAPE Summit is a networking event that brings together all the players necessary to forge, facilitate and close deals. In the upstream oil and gas business, it is the largest and most successful event of its kind in the world. This massive three-day event offers prospects, producers and purchasers a unique chance to connect, reconnect and make deals.

Jericho Oil is well-capitalized following a recent C$5.39mm equity financing (Jan 2017), and is targeting significant growth in 2017 through opportunistic acquisitions and the development of its existing portfolio of assets in Oklahoma.

Parties interested in meeting with Jericho Oil at NAPE 2017 should contact Ryan Breen, Director, M&A & Corporate Development (r.breen@jerichooil.com) or Tony Blancato, Director, Investor Relations (t.blancato@jerichooil.com).

About Jericho Oil Corporation

Jericho is a growth-oriented oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of overlooked and undervalued oil properties in the Mid-Continent. For more information, please visit www.jerichooil.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws. 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 events and results to differ materially from Jericho's expectations include risks related to the exploration stage of Jericho's project; market fluctuations in prices for securities of exploration stage companies; and uncertainties about the availability of additional financing.

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:

Tony Blancato,

Director, Investor Relations

P: 918.986.7616

or

Adam Rabiner,

Director, Corporate Communications

P: 604.343.4534
BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - In a lengthy telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, President Donald Trump agreed to honor the 'one China' policy. The declaration from Trump comes after he previously indicated the U.S. does not have to be bound by the policy, under which the U.S. recognizes China's position that Taiwan is a Chinese state. Trump previously suggested acceptance of the 'one China' policy could be part of an agreement on issues such as trade. The president reportedly angered the Chinese government by accepting a congratulatory phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen after winning the presidential election. The White House said Trump agreed to honor the 'one China' policy during the call at the request of President Xi. The call between Trump and Xi was described as extremely cordial, and the White House said both leaders extended best wishes to the people of each other's countries. A readout of the call from the White House also said representatives of the U.S. and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest. Trump and Xi also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries and look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes, the White House said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/10/17 -- First Mining Finance Corp. ("First Mining" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: FF) (OTCQX: FFMGF) (FRANKFURT: FMG) is pleased to announce that, further to First Mining's news release dated January 9, 2017, the Company has filed on SEDAR an independent NI 43-101 technical report outlining the updated resource estimate for its Goldlund Gold Project located in the Patricia and Kenora Mining Division of Ontario. The report, which is titled "Technical Report and Resource Estimation Update on the Goldlund Project" and dated January 23, 2017, can be found under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, and on the Company's website.

In addition, further to the Company's January 24, 2017 news release, First Mining has completed the acquisitions of certain claims in Ontario and Quebec.

First Mining has acquired five unpatented mining claims from GoldON Resources Ltd. that are located near Pickle Lake, Ontario in exchange for 200,000 First Mining shares (the "GoldON Transaction"). In addition, First Mining has acquired eighteen mining claims located in the Township of Duparquet, Quebec from a private individual (the "Duparquet Vendor") in exchange for $250,000 and 2,500,000 First Mining shares (the "Central Duparquet Transaction").

Pricing for each transaction was based on the 5-day VWAP of First Mining's shares as of January 24, 2017, being $0.84. The deemed value of the GoldON Transaction is approximately $168,000, and the deemed value of the Central Duparquet Transaction is approximately $2,350,000.

The shares issued in connection with the two transactions are subject to a statutory resale restriction in Canada for a four-month period from the closing date. In addition, the Duparquet Vendor has agreed to further provisions limiting the number of shares he may sell per month after the statutory resale restriction period has passed, unless the sale is in a single block to a purchaser acceptable to First Mining.

Keith Neumeyer, Chairman of First Mining, stated "We are very pleased to have acquired the additional Pickle Lake and Central Duparquet claims, as it furthers our efforts in consolidating the land packages in the regions we are active in, which should ultimately benefit each of our projects."

Lastly, First Mining has granted 10,630,000 stock options to Directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company under the terms of its Stock Option Plan. The stock options have an exercise price of $0.85 per share and are exercisable for a period of five years, with certain options subject to vesting provisions in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

ABOUT FIRST MINING FINANCE CORP.

First Mining is a mineral property holding company whose principal business activity is to acquire high quality mineral assets with a focus in the Americas. The Company currently holds a portfolio of 25 mineral assets in Canada, Mexico and the United States with a focus on gold. Ultimately, the goal is to continue to increase its portfolio of mineral assets through acquisitions that are expected to be comprised of gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc and nickel.

ON BEHALF OF FIRST MINING FINANCE CORP.

"Keith Neumeyer"

Keith Neumeyer

Chairman

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:

Patrick Donnelly

President

604-639-8854



Derek Iwanaka

Vice President, Investor Relations

604-639-8824

www.firstminingfinance.com




CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/10/17 -- Canadian Utilities Limited (TSX: CU) (TSX: CU.X)

Canadian Utilities Limited will release its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2016 on Friday, March 3, 2017. The news release will be distributed via www.marketwired.com and the results, including Financial Statements and Management's Discussion & Analysis, will be posted on www.canadianutilities.com.

With approximately 5,500 employees and assets of $19 billion, Canadian Utilities Limited is an ATCO company. ATCO is a diversified global corporation delivering service excellence and innovative business solutions in Structures & Logistics (workforce housing, innovative modular facilities, construction, site support services, and logistics and operations management); Electricity (electricity generation, transmission, and distribution); Pipelines & Liquids (natural gas transmission, distribution and infrastructure development, energy storage, and industrial water solutions); and Retail Energy (electricity and natural gas retail sales). More information can be found at www.canadianutilities.com.

Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information.

The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company.

The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon.

Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

Contacts:

Media & Investor Inquiries:

B.R. (Brian) Bale

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

403-292-7502




TORONTO, February 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Graham G. Clow, Chairman, is pleased to announce the appointment of David JF Smith, CEng., as Managing Director of RPA UK.

With 35 years of international mine operations, contracting, project management, and evaluation experience, David will lead the continued growth of RPA's London based consultancy providing technical and strategic engineering and advisory services to mining companies, lenders, and other investors. RPA's core service offerings include resource and reserve estimation and auditing, due diligence reviews, M&A support, engineering studies, expert witness, and mineral property valuation.

Most recently, David was Director, Mining, at a UK based mining consulting group. His considerable project management experience and contacts in Russia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India will drive RPA's efforts in key growth markets.

RPA has been providing independent geological and mining consulting services to the international minerals industry for over 30 years from offices in Toronto, Denver, Vancouver, Quebec City, and London. The company recently celebrated 10 years of serving the UK and European markets from its City of London office.

Through the strength and experience of its team, RPA has gained a worldwide reputation for independent, innovative, and practical advice on investments, project development, and operations at all stages, in all mineral commodities.

For more information contact:

Deborah McCombe, P.Geo., President and CEO

Office:+1-416-642-1476

Email:Deborah.Mccombe@rpacan.com



David Smith, CEng, FIMMM, Director, Mining, RPA UK Ltd.

Office:+44(0)203-440-5776

Email:David.Smith@rpacan.com



http://www.rpacan.com


Zeitgold, a Berlin, Germany-based developer of AI powered financial management technology platform for small businesses, raised 4.2m in seed funding.

Backers included Battery Ventures and Holtzbrinck Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to further develop its technology and make the product accessible to a wider group of customers in Germany and beyond.

Co-founded by Stefan Jeschonnek, Jan Deepen and Kobi Eldar, Zeitgold provides a complete solution for financial administration of small businesses. The platform processes the documents, archives them, takes care of bookkeeping, payroll, invoice payment and collections, and forwards all data to the businesss tax advisor for year-end closing. The core of Zeitgold is an artificial intelligence (AI) engine, which generates a digital representation of the businesss financial activity from untagged paper documents, using self-learning text analytics and classification technology. The AI operates as a human-machine hybrid, in which a team of accounting experts trains the algorithms.

FinSMEs

10/02/2017
New Delhi: In a major crackdown on domestic shell companies, the government on Friday decided to take "harsh punitive" action, including freezing of their bank accounts used to launder money or evade taxes.

Following a review by the Prime Minister's Office, a task force with members from regulatory ministries and enforcement agencies has been constituted to monitor action against "deviant" shell companies.

While the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has filed cases against 49 shell companies, as much as Rs 3,900 crore have been laundered by 559 persons with the help of 54 professionals. Also, Rs 1,238 crore cash has been deposited in shell or dormant companies, post demonetisation.

"There are about 15 lakh registered companies in India and only 6 lakh companies file their annual return. This means a large number of these companies may be indulging in financial irregularities," a PMO statement said.

A task force, headed by revenue and corporate affairs secretaries, with members from various regulatory ministries and enforcement agencies has been set up to monitor the actions taken against such deviant shell firms by various agencies.

"Harsh punitive actions will be taken against the deviant shell companies which will include freezing of bank accounts, striking off the names of dormant companies, invocation of Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016," it said.

The regulatory ministry concerned will ensure disciplinary actions are initiated against the professionals indulging in malpractices and abetting the entry operators of the shell companies.

It was decided at the meeting that appropriate "red flag" indicators will be used for identifying shell companies, and a database of such companies and their directors will be built by pulling in information from various agencies.

The database will also capture Aadhaar numbers of individual directors in the companies, the statement said.

Shell companies are characterised by nominal paid-up capital, high reserves and surplus on account of receipt of high share premium, investment in unlisted companies, no dividend income and high cash in hand.

Also, private companies as majority shareholders, low turnover and operating income, nominal expenses, nominal statutory payments and stock in trade, minimum fixed asset are some of the characteristics, the statement said.
The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) will bring all its hotels under a single brand - Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris. Each of the four Groups - Taj Hotels, Taj Palaces, Taj Resorts and Taj Safaris - which clubbed under a single identity - will clearly define experiences reflecting the Tajness Brand.

"The new brand identity honours the renowned legacy of Taj in a structure that will create greater brand resonance with our guests and also allow for considerable value creation for all our stakeholders. Taj, as a brand, truly speaks to the nations pride and redesigned architecture is a tangible step in celebrating our heritage," Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Rakesh Sarna told reporters.

Under this restructuring, the brands of Vivanta by Taj and Gateway will merge under the aegis of a single Taj brand identity, he said. The new brand architecture was designed to honour the over 100-year legacy of Taj and to realign Taj's vision of building a globally-reputable chain of world-class hotels, he added.

The new brand identity is a reflection of guest insight and research with all stakeholders, including associates, owners and partners, all of whom indicated a stronger emotional connect and affinity for brand Taj. The essential elements of the corporate brand logo, the main unit and colour palette -- will remain the same as it has a powerful recall as a symbol of Taj's heritage and tradition, Sarna said.

The addition of Taj Safaris to the corporate logo reflects the growing importance of this segment to the business. Transition of all hotels to the new architecture along with the Tajness guest experiences is expected to be completed by December 2017, he said.

Established in 1902, Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris is one of Asias largest group of hotels, comprising 101 properties in 64 locations across the globe, including in India, North America, United Kingdom, Africa, West Asia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal.
Infosys promoters N R Narayana Murthy, Kris Gopalakrishnan and Nandan Nilekani have fluttered the dovecots of the company with their perceived interference with the management, more specifically corporate governance issues. The sore point with them has been the more than generous remuneration its CEO Vishal Sikkha has helped himself to that is reportedly several hundred times more than the median salary. The company under the original promoters was truly democratic with employee stock options enriching even its menial staff like drivers. Be that as it may.

Justin Leverenz, Portfolio Manager of Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund that has sizeable stakes in Infosys, roughly 2 percent of its market capitalization, has in an open letter sprung in defence of the management and urged the old guards to back off. But then for promoters, the company they have promoted is no less than their own baby, more so when it is the only company they have promoted in their capacities as professionals sharing common visions and aspirations.

Indeed, ones umbilical chords are never severed though they may be physically on birth to separate the child from its mother. Ratan Tata could not desist from backseat driving in Tata Sons and other Tata group companies despite hanging his boots.

The Infosys founders too obviously cannot desist from expressing their concerns at the mixed fortunes of the company. And they too cannot be blamed for that. A parent beams at the growth of his child but his countenance sags even at the hint of a slight misfortune the child has suffered. Ratan Tata did well to stay put despite hanging his boots. The Infosys founders on the contrary committed a cardinal mistake of completely fading away from the scene --- they are not even members of the board of directors. One should not be so self-effacing as to abdicate even a semblance of connection with the company one was a promoter of. Their shareholding clout too is nothing to write home about.

Infosys has always remained a takeover threat with its promoters making it a truly widely held company while having no vice-like grip on its share capital. Tatas too did not have shareholding clout in their group companies but they had been careful to mark their presence felt on the boards of directors. Be that as it may again.

It is the POTUS Trump who is unwittingly behind the Infosys rumblings with his seemingly egregious protectionist policies which cannot be rubbished because enlightened self-interest is the hallmark of any governance model. After all, we in India have resented Chinese infrastructure companies trooping in with their labor force. This Chinese tendency has ruffled many an African feather too.

Narayana Murthy has done well to read the tea leaves carefully and urged that the company stop its HI-B visa-led growth story. Naturally. this has touched a raw nerve with the current management that has arguably lagged behind in its response to global developments, be it in a robotics-led employment scenario or in tapping the Indian services market in a big way. Granted, TCS has the good fortune of catering to a large number of group service companies like Tata Teleservices and Tata Sky, but that is not an extenuating reason enough.

The Economic Times editorial dated 10 February, 2017 makes the following pertinent observation in this context: Revenue per employee is a good yardstick to measure the extent of change in the companys business model. This has not been dramatic, as, say, HCLs has been. Entry into new, cutting-edge areas of business is another measure. TCSs big-data analytics for GE does not quite have its counterpart at Infosys. The goal of creating serious consulting capability within the company remains a work in progress.

New kids in the block, to be sure, must be given freehand lest their growth is stunted but they can always benefit from the sage advice of their forebears and parents. Rubbishing or resenting them would be foolhardy and myopic.
The board of Infosys should not have released a statement on the controversial letter sent by its founders raising corporate governance concerns at the company, according to former CFO Mohandas Pai. "That was in extremely bad taste," he told Firstpost in an interview. He also said that the board should engage with the co-founders meaningfully and transparently to resolve the differences in opinion. He also reiterated that he is not interested in laying any blame on Sikka or the company.

Excerpts from the conversation:

There is a war of words between NR Narayan Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, and the current board. What do you have to say to the board?

All I want to tell them is to engage with the co-founders and answer their queries in a transparent manner. The Chairman, R Seshasayee has differences with Narayan Murthy. Murthy wrote him a letter stating corporate governance issues. Instead of responding to the letter, the mail was brushed aside. Is that how you engage with a co-founder?

Why are matters between the board and co-founders brought into public arena?

It was done by the company through a press release. That was in extremely poor taste. The press release mentions that the company will appoint a lawyer to answer their queries. Why should the board use company money to hire a lawyer to answer the co-founders questions? Why should you do that at all? You cannot misuse company money to answer a shareholders query. The shareholders are not enemies of the company.

You have also mentioned that money was used for private purposes by the board. Are you referring to the current CEO Vishal Sikka or ChairmanR Seshasayee?

I am not taking any names. All that I am saying is that the company money has been used to fly family in private planes. You cannot do that. You cannot use company resources for personal purposes.

In your opinion, why has the board chosen not to respond to Murthys letter?

I dont know. What has Narayan Murthy pointed out? He has said that there are serious corporate governance issues. At Infosys, the co-founders have introduced several measures which are first in the country. We started a practice of corporate governance report in the annual report. Have you ever heard of a CFO having been paid 24-month salary as compensation? I will tell you why this issue is being raised. If you look at page 84 of the 2016 annual report of Infosys, you will notice that the compensation paid to the former CFO is not mentioned in the corporate governance report. The nomination remuneration committee of the board and the audit committee do not mention about the CFO leaving or his compensation. Why? What was there to hide about it? These are important governance issues.

Are you miffed that neither you nor V Balakrishnan were paid compensation?

Not at all. That is not the issue here at all. We are shareholders. We had written to the board asking about a buyback but they just brushed that letter away and did not respond to us. May I know why? We wrote a letter mentioning all the technicalities and also how it could be done. The board told the shareholders that some shareholders have written about a buyback. Some shareholders? What does that mean? The company's market valuation has not gone up since 2011.

You have said in an interview that you want the chairman to meet with Murthy in public and answer his queries. Why not a closed door meeting?

The chairman chose to ignore Murthys mail and said that the board will appoint a lawyer to answer a shareholders question. Murthy and the other co-founders have around 13 percent shareholding. The chairman is an appointee and not the owner of the company. That is why I said it is best to hold a conversation with Murthy in public where the current chairman can answer Murthys queries.

You dont want Seshasayee to continue as chairman?

Every compan should have a strong board and a strong CEO. You cannot have a strong board and a weak CEO or vice versa. There should be balance and checks. Seshasayee has not responded adequately to Murthy. The company has paid one year salary as severance to a former legal counsel. Why should the company pay this kind of money? Who signed the agreement and who approved it? For how many people have they done it? Two instalments have been paid so far to the former CFO and then stopped. Why? All these issues have been covered up by the chairman. The company should redeem its credibility. They must change the chairman and bring a widely respected individual as a chairman

What are your grievances against Sikka?

I have nothing against Sikka. I dont want to talk about people but focus on issues of transaction. The co-founders Murthy, Nandan Nilekani and Kris Gopalakrishnan, who have 13 percent shareholding, in the company have not been given satisfactory answers to the queries on corporate governance. The board should say why it did not.

Isnt there a parallel between what happened with Ratan Tata and Cyrus Mistry and Tata Sons playing out here at Infosys?

Not at all. The Tata Trust was right to ask for a change in management. I dont agree with the way they went about it though. They should have done it with grace. They held meetings with shareholders of all Tata companies and then Cyrus Mistry was removed.

But here in Infosys, the co-founders as shareholders asked questions to the board. They are data driven and should be given answers. The board is not an independent entity but representative of the shareholders. The co-founders built the company, ran it upholding the highest corporate standard. They dont want to come back to Infosys to manage the company. They are not interested. Bala (V Balakrishnan) and I have every right to ask for consideration for buyback and the board must answer our queries and give detailed reason why they can or not do so.

I feel very sad that this is a company for which the co-founders sacrificed so much for its betterment and did not use a single paisa for personal purposes. The co-founders are upright people and are concerned about corporate governance. They have to be treated with respect. If the chairman is going to brush their queries away, then he should meet them in public and answer their queries.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevicius discussed during a meeting on Thursday intensification of the Ukrainian-Lithuanian cooperation, in particular in the military and technical area.

"The parties discussed the escalation of violence in Donbas, which occurred due to the increase in the number of provocations by the Russian hybrid troops. The activation of Ukrainian-Lithuanian cooperation, particularly in the military and technical area, was also discussed," the NSDC reported on its website on Thursday.

Turchynov also briefed Linkevicius about Russia building up its military potential in the east of Ukraine, the aggressive actions of the Russian hybrid troops in Donbas and provocations, in particular against the civilian population.

"Every day, new equipment and weapons: self-propelled guns, multiple rocket launchers, howitzers, etc are brought from Russia to the territory of Donbas," he said.

Linkevicius noted that "Lithuania has been and remains a true friend of Ukraine."
Tata Steel UK has signed a 100 million pound ($126 million) deal to sell its speciality steel business to Liberty House Group, as the firm's Indian owner Tata Steel Ltd presses on with restructuring its European operations.

The deal, which is subject to regulatory clearances, secures 1,700 jobs, mostly in South Yorkshire in the north of England, Britain's largest steelmaker said in a statement on Thursday.

The speciality division is one of the world's biggest suppliers for the aerospace industry, with customers including Rolls-Royce, Boeing and Airbus.

"This is an important step forward in securing a future for the (speciality) business. Today's news also marks another important step forward in realising a more sustainable future for our Port Talbot-based supply chain in the UK," said Bimlendra Jha, chief executive of Tata Steel UK.

The deal will make privately-owned Liberty House one of Britain's largest steel employers with 4,000 workers. The speciality business has the capacity to make 1.1 million tonnes of liquid steel a year from recycled scrap.

On completion of the deal, Tata Steel will employ some 9,000 people in Britain, around half of them based in Port Talbot, Wales, home to Britain's largest steelworks. For every steel job saved, around four jobs are retained in related sectors.

UK Business Secretary Greg Clark said, "I look forward to hearing more about (Liberty House's) expansion plan. We want to work with the steel industry to transform and upgrade their sector as part of the (government's) Industrial Strategy."

Tata Steel Ltd, India's biggest steelmaker by overall capacity, is in talks to merge its European operations, including its remaining British businesses, with Germany's Thyssenkrupp.

The success of the talks hinges on Tata getting regulatory approval to spin off its 15 billion pound pension scheme into a standalone entity, because Thyssenkrupp will not take on the British unit's pension liabilities in the event of a merger.

Tata Steel said it was seeking to develop a "structural solution for its UK pension scheme in the coming months", and it was also consulting employees on how to secure a sustainable future for its remaining British business.

The steelmaker's British employees have been balloted on closing the pension scheme to future accrual, with vote results due this month. But that is only the first step towards separation of a scheme that has 130,000 members.

Liberty House, part of the Gupta Family Group, expressed an interest in buying all of Tata Steel UK last year, before Tata Steel Ltd decided against a sale of the whole business in order to pursue a tie-up with Thyssenkrupp.
Placing a request to the UK for the extradition of Vijay Mallya may smack of great intent and will get a few hurrahs but it is really like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound. Largely ineffective.

The British have no intentions of parceling him back.

In this century India has had 60 individuals extradited but not one from the UK. With the Theresa May visit to India being chilly at best the former colonials have never really taken Indias extradition requests seriously. Even in that brief moment of love and flowers between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and David Cameron, this was one area that did not take off. In May last year, the Brits categorically turned down New Delhis request for his deportation.

The queue is pretty long. From Raymond Varley wanted for pedophilia in Goa to Tiger Hanif wanted for the 1993 blasts who has exhausted all avenues in the great paper chase and still not been extradited, we also have Lalit Modi sitting pretty. There is also Ravi Sankaran wanted for the navy secrets disclosures. In the past 24 years since the UK-India treaty was signed in December 1993, not one bloke has been sent across the waters so it is a slim chance that Mallya is losing much sleep over the first small step on a massively steep climb.

Although India does have an erudite High Commissioner in Yash Sinha in extraditions diplomatic pressure does not count for much tangible result except for greater shows of courtesy.

The Brits have India in category 2 countries which means the process is even longer. Cat One nations are the US and Europe and there is a bit of hypocrisy in the whole approach supposedly based on being a signatory to the European commission on human rights and all that because Whitehall is quite well disposed to dispatching those folks wanted across the pond by the US even though Washington seldom reciprocates.

Mallya has more loopholes than a slice of Swiss cheese. He can invest $7 million in the country and get an investors visa seeing as how he has been a resident these past twenty-five yearsthat could also entitle him to obtain a passport. If not that then there is always Article 5 of the treaty that says it can be refused on grounds of political vendetta. Mallya could hide behind that bunker for years. Also, fiscal crimes are open to wide interpretation and Mallyas lawyers will be pretty happy campers for the present.

Even if, under the provisions, Mallya is arrested and that little dog and pony show could be staged for public benefit the local magistrate can grant him bail and he would be home for dinner. A minor inconvenience at worst.

The UK authorities would not like to establish a precedent. If they sent off one person it would start a stampede and set into motion demands from other Cat two nations.

If you read the text of the extradition process it does sound very impressive and needs to be wrapped up within six months maximum inclusive of appeals and all other options.

The person requested should be on a flight in that time.

Just doesnt happen.
New Delhi: Amid reports of tension between Infosys founders and its management, CEO Vishal Sikka has asked employees not to get distracted by speculations that question the companys commitment to "governance, integrity and values".

He asked them to keep a "sharp focus" on executing the company's strategy, which is bolstered by its services like Mana, Skava, Edge, Panaya and cloud services.

"...let us keep a sharp focus on the execution of our strategy. Let us not get distracted by media speculation that is designed to stir up gossip or rehash old rumours or speculate on the unknowns, around visas, or anything that questions our commitment to governance, integrity and values, in order to generate headlines and create, in the words of The Wire, Eardrum Buzz," Sikka said in an internal mail.

"There is no second-guessing our deep commitment, passion and dedication to transforming this great company, even within the unprecedented new context that we find ourselves in. We are doing this. We will do this. Together!," he said.

There have been reports of simmering differences between the CEO and its founders over issues like pay hike given to Sikka and severance package of two former senior executives.

Infosys has, however, defended itself saying all decisions were made "in the overall interest of the company" and that it has made "full disclosures" on all developments.

Infosys founders, along with their family members, owned 12.75 per cent in the company at the end of December 2016, as per the data available on the BSE.

The buzz grew louder when Infosys former chief financial officer TV Mohandas Pai said the board should give a detailed answer and not take shelter under "bland" statement that decisions were taken in the interest of the company.

Sikka said Infosys revenue growth, which previously underperformed the industry growth by 50 percent about 2 years ago, is now in line with overall industry growth.

"...we have held margins through operational efficiency improvements and automation benefits. Our cash flow generation continues to be amongst the strongest in the industry. And in a key sign of a thriving enterprise, our new software and services have seen tremendous growth," he told employees.

Infosys strategy is focussed on delivering higher value services and bringing the latest advances in technology into work.'

"...we create unprecedented value for clients, employees, shareholders, and the larger global ecosystem in which we operate ? including delivering value as one of the largest and most respected companies in India," he said.
It was earlier reported that Telugu filmmaker SS Rajamouli will commence working on a Mahabharata trilogy after the release of the long-awaited war epic Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.

Just like Baahubali, he wants the Mahabharata trilogy to have a pan-India appeal as well. If reports are to believed, he seems to have got that issue sorted as he has roped in the highest grossing superstars of three film industries - Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.

Hindustan Times reports that Rajamouli is in talks with Aamir Khan, Rajnikanth and Mohanlal for the ensemble cast. While it has not been revealed which actor will play which part, there is no official word of confirmation of this unbelievable star cast either.

As reported earlier, Khan had expressed his desire to play Krishna in Rajamouli's Mahabharata trilogy. This project, if it happens, will allow him to collaborate with Rajinikanth once again after Dilip Shankar's 1995 crime drama Aatank Hi Aatank. He also approached Rajinikanth recently to dub for Khan's character in the Tamil version of Nitesh Tiwari's 2016 wrestling biopic Dangal but the Tamil superstar politely turned it down, owing to the familiarity of his voice.

The Indian Express reports that Aamir also said that he was looking forward to work with South superstars like Rajnikanth, Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan and is thus, willing to star in a South Indian film.

Deccan Chronicle reports that Mohanlal is already doing the Malayalam adaptation of Randamoozham, a retelling of the Mahabharata from Bheema's perspective.

The report by Hindustan Times states that Rajamouli's first installation of the Mahabharata trilogy is scheduled to go on floors in 2018, As Aamir is busy with Vijay Krishna Acharya's period drama Thugs of Hindostan and Mahesh Mathai's space adventure biopic Saare Jahan Se Achha and the two south veterans also have their fare share of projects, it will be extremely tough to get them on board in the near future.
Filmmaker Karan Johar has poured his heart out on three issues that he feels strongly about  the recent attack in Jaipur on Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the sets of his upcoming period biopic Padmavati, Johar's public spat with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) over the release of his romantic drama Ae Dil Hai Mushkil last year and the rumours of his sexual relations with long-time collaborator, Shah Rukh Khan.

In an exclusive interview to CNN News 18, Johar dubbed the attack on Bhansali by the Shri Rajput Karni Sena 'ridiculous'.

"It is a symptom of just the fact that you can get away with it. You may have knowledge of what the film is about but have you read the script? What do you know about the script? Secondly, every filmmaker has a right to interpretation. Of course you must respect history and project it aesthetically but how dare someone come to that set and assault him"

It could have been me instead of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Nobody has the right to assault us: @karanjohar on attack on Bhansali to @virsanghvi pic.twitter.com/bWOi04mXiM  News18 (@CNNnews18) February 10, 2017

Johar also addressed the controversy from last year in which he found himself in a similar position. After the Uri attack in September, MNS threatened to vandalise the cinema halls in which Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is screened as it starred a Pakistani actor in Fawad Khan. Johar was forced to post a video of himself apologizing for possibly hurting the national sentiment.

"It was traumatic. It would be in the worst three moments of my life, having to sit in front of a camera and prove my nationalism to everyone. Many people called it an Al Qaeda hostage video and they are not wrong in saying so. It was like I had an invisible gun on my head.I was in near tears but didn't plead. I was torn between ideology and circumstances. I was accountable to the studio, crew and cast. I feel terrible about posting that video," he said.

Johar also expressed his gratitude to the state government for resolving the issue.

#EXCLUSIVE -- @karanjohar breaks silence on 'Mushkil' apology, says "video was my worst moment. It was like a hostage crisis" pic.twitter.com/eFDQXXoqIo  News18 (@CNNnews18) February 10, 2017

Johar also addressed the rumours of him having sexual relations with Khan for a long time. "Shah Rukh is like a brother. How can I sleep with my brother! These rumours of him and me are ridiculous."

Watch the entire interview on Virtuosity at 10pm on Saturday, 11 February.
Jaipur: The erstwhile Jaipur royal family has decided to take disciplinary action against the officials for not providing them details about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmavati, which courted controversy and protests by Shri Rajput Karni Sena, and giving permission for its shooting at Jaigarh fort here.

The shooting was going on at the Jaigarh fort, owned by the erstwhile royal family, when the members of Karni Sena staged protest and vandalised the set on 27 January, accusing Bhansali of distorting the historic facts in the film.

"The department, set up to take care of shootings and granting permission, did not provide full information to the royal family relating to the film and gave permission to shoot it. When it came to the knowledge of the royal family, disciplinary action is being taken against the erring officials of the department," a release from the family said.

Former Rajmata Padmini Devi, in statement, said that Jaipur Royal Family stands committed to protect the proud history of Rajasthan. "Anyone attempting to twist or change the history of Rajasthan will not be tolerated," she said.

She informed that the narration of entire story will be thoroughly checked before giving permission for any shootings taking place in the historic monuments of the family in future.

"Anyone attempting to distort the heritage or the history will not be tolerated at any cost. The family stands with Shri Rajput Karni Sena and other such national organisations which want to keep alive the rich and proud history of Rajasthan," she said.

Claiming that the upcoming film has a dream sequence showing a love connection between Rani Pamavati (played by Deepika Padukone) and Allauddin Khilji (played by Ranveer Singh), the Sena members has stormed the fort and vandalised the set.

Bhansali was allegedly slapped by the members and he packed up the shooting the next day.

However, the issue was resolved that day when Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions clarified that there was no dream sequence or any objectionable or romantic scene between Rani Padmavati and Allauddin Khilji.
Director Subhash Kapoors Jolly LLB was one of the best Hindi films of 2013. It was that rare Bollywood venture that journeyed into an Indian courtroom with realistic storytelling rather than manufactured high-decibel dialoguebaazi, drawing humour and melodrama from true-to-life situations, through the medium of some of the industrys finest actors led by the inimitable Arshad Warsi.

It goes without saying then that Kapoor has put his neck on the line with Jolly LLB 2, resurrecting a successful title and upping the stakes by casting a superstar as his protagonist. Three questions are crying out to be answered here: Is Part 2 as good as Part 1? Is Akshay Kumar as good as Warsi? Even when seen in isolation without the context of its predecessor, is this a good film? Patience, dear readers, patience!

Kapoor  who is credited with the story, screenplay, dialogues and direction of Jolly LLB 2  sets the film in Lucknow where Jagdishwar Mishra a.k.a. Jolly (Akshay Kumar) works as an assistant to the veteran lawyer Rizvi (Ram Gopal Bajaj). A tragic incident prompts Jolly to set aside his casual dishonesty and metamorphose into a formidable legal activist.

The case that has this transformative effect on him involves a pregnant widow seeking justice for her murdered husband, police corruption, judicial indifference, Kashmir politics and more. Individually, these are explosive ingredients. And significant portions of the film are credible as a result. It fails to come together in its entirety though because of the inconsistent writing.

Keep in mind that the hero of the first Jolly LLB was initially ignorant, often unprepared, lazy and consequently amusing, but he was not a fool. The Jolly of this new tale is well-intentioned, but the weakness of his arguments, the glaring lacunae in the evidence he presents in court throughout (even after he has seemingly matured as a lawyer) and the loopholes in the demands made by the opposing counsel seem invisible not just to him but to the writer too.

Are polygraph tests admissible in a court of law? If a lawyer facilitates a prisoners escape, would it not strike him that presenting the escapee as a witness in a case could be problematic? These are just a couple of the questionable situations the film presents. There are more, which are dealt with in such a way that it is hard to figure out whether what guides Jollys actions and what prevents him from effectively citing the law in court is inexperience, ignorance or stupidity.

Making matters worse is Jolly LLB 2s seeming indecision about the tone it wishes to strike: realistic or revved up. The many little touches that made Jolly LLB so enchanting, especially the detailing in the courtroom procedures and production design, are also not so evident here. It does not help that the first films one blaring shortcoming is carried forward into this one: songs are needlessly injected into the proceedings, the worst of them being a tuneless Holi number  Manj Musiks 'Go pagal'  that completely disrupts the mood of the narrative.

The gender equations in Jolly LLB 2 are worth a discussion. Without raising a clamour about it, the film gives us a hero whose wife (Huma Qureshi) has not taken his surname  she is Pushpa Pandey, not Pushpa Mishra. Without appearing overly self-conscious or comedifying the situation to soften the blow for viewers who may be disconcerted, it also shows him cooking for her and their child. And when her husband is assaulted, she  in a reminder of Rani from Queen  gives the attacker a fight to remember. (A bow here to action director Parvez Shaikh for the execution of that brief scene.)

Coming from a deeply patriarchal industry serving a largely patriarchal audience, these flashes amount to a noteworthy statement from Kapoor.

That statement would have meant a lot more though, if the film as a whole did not sideline women so completely. Pushpa Pandey herself is a marginal player in the central drama. The only female character of any importance to the plot is Hina Siddiqui (Sayani Gupta, wow!), whose personal calamity changes Jolly. A witness mother makes an impactless appearance. I wonder if it has struck the team of Jolly LLB 2 that everyone else with a name in their script  lawyers, relatives of lawyers, judges, witnesses  is a man.

Akshay Kumar deserves some praise here for not allowing his starry swagger to rear its head except in the song n dance routines. His Jolly is not quite as charismatic as Warsis lawyer was in the first film, but he is interesting enough. This performance is not quite as good as what he achieved in last years Airlift, but it is engaging enough. Kapoor too must be commended for not allowing the storyline to be overwhelmed by such a major stars presence.

The supporting cast is a parade of theatre stalwarts and seasoned character artistes from films. What a pleasure for stage enthusiasts to see Bajaj (a former head of the National School of Drama), VM Badola and Vinod Nagpal in the same big-screen production. What a pleasure too to see an actor from Jammu & Kashmir playing a cop from the J&K force, rather than an outsider to the state attempting an accent: Sunil Kumar Palwal has a striking presence and will hopefully be seen in more Hindi films in the coming years. (While on the subject of accents, watch Inaamulhaq playing a Kashmiri pronounce card differently within a span of a few seconds.)

My pick of the cast, as with Jolly LLB, is Saurabh Shukla playing the eccentric judge, Sunder Lal Tripathi, whose veneer of idiocy camouflages his dont-mess-with-me attitude. That said, Shukla is not as memorable here as he was playing the same character in the previous film. The difference between him in 2013 and 2017 is a reminder that actors do not function in a vacuum in films: great performances are born of great acting extracted by great screenplays and great direction.

Jolly LLB 2, as it turns out, is a mixed bag. The references to the Kashmir conflict and Hindu-Muslim tensions are impressive because the film raises these crucial issues without being in your face about them. It also bravely takes a swipe at self-righteous deshbhakts in the ongoing nationalist-versus-anti-national debate. The basic elements in the story are teeming with potential. When its good, Jolly LLB 2 is alternately amusing and moving. Sadly, the patchy treatment leaves it sagging too often.

So yes, it pulls off humour and emotional resonance in several places, but those passages are also a reminder of what might have been if more time and thought had been invested in the writing of this film as a whole. Jolly LLB 2 has its moments, poignant, political and profound, but it aint no Jolly LLB.
The age long injustice of barring lower castes from entering temples was removed in Kerala through a royal proclamation in 1936, but the workers of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kannur district are not ready to accept the spirit of the revolutionary action even after 75 years.

A temple governed by the party at Azhikkal in the district has turned down a demand by Dalits to end its century-old practice of skipping Dalit homes from an annual ritual. The Dalits have viewed the exclusion of their homes from the "Thiruvayudham Ezhunnallathu", a procession of people carrying the sacred swords of the Goddess, during the annual festival of the Pampadi Aalinkeezhil temple as a clear case of discrimination against them.

The procession, an integral part of temples annual festival, is based on the belief that the homes where it visits will stand blessed by the deity. While the temple has been historically using the Dalits to carry the swords during the procession, paradoxically, it doesnt allow the procession to visit their homes.

When the procession approaches the house of a Dalit, the oracle utter aloud that the home belongs to a Dalit and will, therefore, stand omitted. The temple committee controlled by the CPM has justified the practice saying that it was part of the tradition followed by the temple for over a century.

Mullankandi Mukundan, president of the temple committee, said that the procession was usually taken to the houses of communities that are associated with the temple festival. He said that the Dalits had no role in the annual festival.

Thekkan Sunil, who staged a 72-hour fast against the alleged discrimination, refuted this claim of the temple committee. Though the ritual is conducted as per a Thiya community custom, the procession visits the houses of all Hindus except the Dalits, Sunil said.

He told Firstpost that the Kannur district administration had termed the practice as a clear case of discrimination of Dalits and ordered the temple committee to confine the ritual to the houses of Thiyas if the custom did not allow equal treatment to everybody. The order was issued on a complaint that various Dalit organisations had lodged in 2015.

"The temple committee had abided by the order in 2015 and 2016. However, this year they have reverted to the old practice without showing any reason. I have brought this to the notice of the district collector, who has not taken cognisance of my complaint so far," said Sunil, who is also the general secretary of Dalit organisation Janadhipathya Rashtriya Sabha.

The organisation is now mobilising signatures for a mass petition to be submitted to the state government and other agencies against the discriminatory practice. A case has already been filed by the Scheduled Caste and Tribes Commission against the temple committee, terming their action as a breach of law.

The Hindu Aikya Vedi, which is linked to the Sangh Parivar, has also come out against the practice. It has termed the practice as a case of untouchability and a violation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

"Letting Dalits enter the temple, but keeping them away from various rites and rituals is atrocious. Most of the poojas in the temple are conducted with the help of offerings from Dalit devotees. But keeping them away from rites and rituals is a reminder of the feudalistic era of bygone days. These were brought to a complete halt in 1955," said a Hindu Aikya Vedi statement.

Sunil said that many other Hindu organisations were also against the continuation of this archaic practice. However, the local CPM leaders have been opposing all the moves to change it terming it as part of the temples tradition.

This is a strange argument. The CPM was always been in the forefront of the struggles against discrimination. The party had played a prominent role in the 1931-32 Guruvayoor satyagraha for entry of untouchables in the famed temple. It is now supporting a plea for entry of women in Sabarimala hill shrine. How can such a party support a discriminatory practice in a tiny temple in a remote area?" asks Sunil.

The Dalit activist feels this may be because the CPM maintains a discriminatory approach towards Dalits in Kannur, which is the cradle of the Communist movement in the state. He said that the party men in many parts of the district were showing intolerance towards the Dalits for reasons not known.

He pointed out several cases to buttress his point. The arrest of two Dalit women, who raised their voice against alleged caste abuse by the CPM workers at Thalaserry, and the alleged persecution of a Dalit woman autorickshaw driver at Payyannur in the district are the two glaring cases in the recent past.

The two Dalit women Akhila, 30, and her 25-year-old sister Anjana, were arrested and jailed under non-bailable charges a month after the party-led government assumed power in the state on a complaint from a party worker that the two had barged into the party office at Thalaserry and beaten up two party men.

The women denied the charge. They said they had gone to the CPM office to question the caste-based taunts and obscene comments by CPM workers. The two decided to confront the party after they got fed up with the incessant abuse for years. The women were released on bail after the incident snowballed into a big controversy.

Chitralekha, a Dalit autorickshaw driver, had picked up cudgels against the CPM men when they made her life difficult after she joined the auto stand controlled by the partys trade union wing in Edat, a village on the outskirts of Payyannur town. She had bought the autorickshaw under the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana.

The auto drivers belonging to the Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU), who did not like the womans foray into their domain, have been hounding her by attacking her and her family members and damaging the auto. Both came under attack several times in the last 12 years.

Though she staged a dharna for 122 days outside the Kannur collectorate in 2014 and another in front of the state secretariat for 20 days in February 2016, there has been no end to her persecution. Her autorickshaw came under attack a month after she ended her dharna at Thiruvananthapuram demanding protection from the miscreants.

An investigation into one such attack against Chithralekha in 2010 by a panel appointed by Feminists Kerala Network found that persecution of the Dalit woman was a ritualistic part of the untouchability practised in the region even today.

The commission, which included Gail Omvedt, publisher and activist V Geetha, and Nivedita Menon, concluded after a fact-finding visit to Payyannur that the intolerance towards the Dalit woman was the result of a fascist atmosphere created by the CPM in the area.

"The party enforces an extrajudicial power over all the people in its bastions in Kannur. It exists and thrives in the region through the use of power over entire villages. Anyone who questions the party or goes against its wishes is harassed, alienated, ostracised and sometimes even killed," the report of the investigation said.

The report said that the attack on Chitralekha was not an isolated incident. Other Dalit women auto drivers in the region had faced similar intimidation, sexual harassment and caste-related abuses. Many have quit the trade following intimidation.

Chitralekha was facing unrelenting intimidation because she fought her tormentors by aligning with Dalit and feminist activists. The CITU apparently could not tolerate her stubborn courage and confidence.

The Azhikkal temple committee president said that the anti-Dalit charge was being hurled against the CPM by the partys political rivals. He claimed that the party has been fighting for the rights of all the marginalised sections, including the Dalits.

Mukundan said that the party was not against changing the custom at the temple. However, the committee cannot do it without the consent of the devotees. He said that majority of the devotees, including many Dalits themselves, were against changing the custom.
Srinagar: Finance Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has said that 4.5 lakh employees of the state government were not doing any work and the government was paying them unnecessarily. The issue is likely to snowball into a major controversy, as the strong government employees union have previously protested against such statements.

Finance Minister, Haseeb Drabu, was talking to a delegation of veterinary doctors, who had called on him after they refused to participate in the examination alleging that the government has kept far fewer seats for them in the government sector.

The doctors, who meet Drabu, have leaked the video which has gone viral on the social networking sites.

It is not the first time that a minister has spoken contemptuously about the state government employees and lack of work culture in the state.

Earlier the former chief minister of the state Omar Abdullah had echoed similar sentiments, though he was not as blunt as Drabu when he stated that he can run the government with mere 50,000 persons.

I pay salaries amounting to Rs 22,000 crore to 4.5 lakh government employees, who do absolutely no work, Drabu said.

Drabu told the delegation that he doesnt want any debate on transforming economy stating he has enough experience as the delegation had called for the need for job creation in the state.

I can give you mobile vans and help you get private partnerships, he said. The minister didnt give any word to unemployed doctors about jobs saying that the government is just salaries for the employees.

Drawing parallel with Bihar, which has five times more population than Jammu and Kashmir, Drabu said Bihar has only 4 lakh government employees.

The statement of the finance minister is likely to embarrass the government as none other than the finance minister himself described his recent budget as pro-employees.

Drabu presented Rs 79,472 crore deficit budget. In the budget, the minister had laid emphasis on pro-employees welfare initiatives, including the implementation of 7th Pay Commission from April next year.

During 2017-18, the state government intends to spend almost Rs 79,472 crore. Of this, developmental expenditure would be about Rs 31,000 crore and current expenditure would be almost Rs 49,000 crore.
The Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suffered a setback ahead of the Assembly election scheduled later this year after its local leaders were accused and arrested in connection with a rape case in Naliya taluka of Kutch district on 7 February.

According to The Indian Express, the Kutch police superintendent had constituted a special investigation team (SIT) after a woman, residing in Mumbai, filed a complaint at Naliya police station on 25 January, alleging she was repeatedly gang-raped and threatened by 10 men, including a local BJP worker, during the last one year. On Tuesday, the SIT arrested Vinod Thakkar, 67, his son Chetan Thakkar, 35, and Ashwin Thakkar, 44, before producing them in a Naliya court, which remanded them to police custody for a fortnight. Here is how the case unfolded over the last few days.

How it all started:

In August 2015, a woman, who lived with her in-laws in Mumbai's Nalasopara suburb, returned to her hometown in Kothara village of Naliya in Gujarat after she had an argument with her husband. According to News18, she was looking for a job and she asked help from one Bababhai, a mobile shop owner in Naliya town. Bababhai not just promised to help the woman but also said he would get her a job in a couple of days. Bababhai soon introduced her to Shantilal Solanki, the vendor of a LPG gas agency and the convenor of the OBC cell of BJP unit for Abdasa taluka of Kutch district, who offered her a job at Rs 5,500 per month.

In her FIR this January, the woman said that she had asked Solanki for advance salary in 2015 since Diwali was approaching. Solanki had asked her to collect it from his house where she was offered cold drinks before being raped by three persons, allegedly including Solanki. That was the first of several occasions where the woman was allegedly raped in moving cars, hotels and houses of other accused. The trio also filmed the act and blackmailed the victim threatening to circulate the clip.

The FIR:

After the traumatic experience, the woman attempted suicide thrice in Mumbai, but survived. Later she confided in her husband and mustered up the courage to file an FIR against the accused. She named Solankis friends  Bharat Darji and Vipul Thakkar  who were present in the house and Ketan Thakkar, Govind of Gandhidham, Atul Thakkar, Ashwim Thakkar of Nakhatrana and Baba Chauhan of Naliya, Vasant of Adipur and an unidentified differently-abled man as accused who allegedly raped her on different occasions.

Police versus party:

Kutch West superintendent of police Makarand Chauhan had told The Indian Express that according to the woman's claims, she is one of the many victims of a sex racket that is run by influential people and politicians in Kutch. The Kutch police suspects that more than 60 people are involved and minor girls could also be a part of the sexual exploitation. For a thorough investigation, police decided to form a special investigative team (SIT) led by Kutch West Police's police inspector JM Aal. Police sub-inspector Pravina Tabiyar, who is women police station in-charge, and PSI Rekha Sisodia were appointed as members of the committee.

According to The Times of India, after recording the complainant's statements before a magistrate and gathering sufficient evidence, the police arrested Ashwin from Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway and Vinod and Chetan from Mulund in Mumbai. The Hindu reported that in an attempt to control the damage, BJP has suspended Solanki and three other of its party members  Govind Parumalani, Ajit Ramvani and Vasant Bhanushali after they were named in the complaint. Ramvani and Bhanushali are the sitting councillors of the Gandhidham municipality and yet to be arrested, police said.

The arrest happened a day after the Gujarat BJP suspended the four party members. "Efforts are on to nab at least six others who are involved in the crime," Aal had said at a presser. We have also issued a look-out notice to airports in order to stop them from fleeing the country," Aal added.

With inputs from PTI
Turkey calls for a diplomatic solution to the Donbas conflict which would preserve the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

"There is a problem between Ukraine and Russia on the eastern border of Ukraine. We would like this problem to be resolved peacefully, by diplomatic means. We also call for the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Of course, we support the territorial integrity of Ukraine and we have been saying so at every international platform. We would like Ukraine's territorial integrity to be preserved in the resolution of this problem," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a press conference in Kyiv on Friday.
Bhubaneswar: It is a protest that has few parallels in India  maybe even the world. For over 300 days now, members and supporters of Bhasha Andolan, an organisation working for the cause of the Odia language, has been staging a protest march every single day  come sun or rain  in Bhubaneswar demanding full implementation of the Official Language Act passed way back in 1954 and incorporation of penal provisions for its violation.

As the clock strikes 5 pm, four eminent people drawn from various walks of life, begin their march from in front of the statue of Nabakrushna Choudhury, the then chief minister of Odisha and the architect of the Official Language Act, in the state Assembly premises, with black flags and placards in hand, and march silently to the statue of Madhsudan Das, who played a pivotal role in the formation of the Odisha state on linguistic basis, in front of the Raj Bhavan  a distance of 1.5 km. The four marchers are felicitated by members of the Bhasha Andolan, slogans raised in support of the demands of the organisation and speeches made by the organisers and marchers of the day.

It all started with a fast-unto-death started by Titlagarh based poet and activist Gajanan Mishra and some others demanding official language status for Odia on 1 July 2015. Rattled by the impact of the agitation  especially the extent of coverage it was receiving in the local media  a worried state government did what it knows best: forming a committee to look into the demand.

Based on the recommendations of the committee, the government formulated a set of rules for the implementation of the Act passed in 1954. But in a clever sleight of hand, it ignored two of the key recommendations of the committee  the inclusion of penal provisions for violators and formation of a statutory body to monitor the actual implementation of the Act  and entrusted the task of monitoring to a five-member committee headed by the chief secretary instead. The rules were approved by the cabinet on 12 August, 2016 and an announcement was made that Odia would become the official language of the state from 16 August, 2016, a day after Independence Day.

But nearly five months after the grandiose announcement, English continues to be the language in almost all official communication with a determined bureaucracy doing everything it can to resist the foisting of Odia on them. It has been helped in no small measure by the fact that even 17 years after he became Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik cannot speak, read or write Odia nor has he shown any inclination to do so.

But there are other reasons too for the Odia-unfriendly bureaucracy succeeding in its design. In a classic case of divide and rule, the state government has requisitioned the services of other organisations to dilute the impact of Bhasha Andolan by raising other extraneous issues. One such organisation is the Institute of Odia Studies and Research (IOSR), headed by eminent linguist and former head of Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) Padmashri Debi Prasanna Pattanaik. ISOR has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Modernising of Government Initiative (CMGI) of the General Administration (GA) department of the Odisha government to provide necessary assistance and expertise in the field of usage of Odia Language in the State administration and has been clamouring for the setting up a university for research in Odia. Thus, despite the fact that there are already a host of organisations like Odia Bhasha Pratisthan, Odisha Sahitya Akademi and Utkal University of Culture that have the same mandate as that of the university proposed by Pattnaik.

For over a year now, DP Pattnaik and his cohorts have been engaged in a bitter war of words with the Bhasha Andolan, headed by veteran journalist Subhas Chandra Pattanayak with each side calling the other names. A third dimension has been by former Rajya Sabha member Baishnab Charan Parida, who heads an organisation named Bhasha Suraksha Samiti, which also works for the propagation of the Odia language in official business. The Bhasha Andolan chief has no love lost for the head of the Samiti, calling him a BJD stooge roped in by Naveen Patnaik to foil the agitation by his organisation.

This tug-of-water among multiple players has suited the Naveen Patnaik government just fine. Even as the Bhasha Andolan has completed 300 days of its unique agitation, it can afford to look the other way and carry on with its business  in English  without losing any sleep over it. Nothing can be more ironical than the fact that an organisation has to fight for the implementation of an Act passed 63 years ago in a state that was the first to be formed on linguistic basis: on 1 April, 1936, 11 years before independence.
In Mumbai, Indias divided city, two people, strangely, hold the key to a curious case which has acquired myriad hues over the last three years.

One is Gurupreet Singh a whistle bowler who claims to have unfolded what he calls one of the biggest scams in India, the other Michael Ferreira a former world billiards champion, now locked up in a jail on the outskirts of Mumbai. Last week, a court in Mumbai shifted the bail hearing of Ferreira to 20 February, 2017.

Both are integral to the December 2016 chargesheet filed by cops of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police who claim that the QNet scam is a Rs 1000 crore scandal in which over 10,000 people were cheated across India in a multi-level marketing programme.

The chargesheet has been filed on the basis of a complaint where Singh claims his wife bought a product called a Bio-disc. As per the chargesheet the Bio-disc is a product which claims to have supernatural powers to cure any ailment, including cancer, diabetes and mental illnesses.

Singh, who claims his wife was duped of Rs 30,000, says the case is much bigger and that he escaped being cheated only because he managed to alert his bank not to clear the cheque.

Raj Vasudevan, chief legal officer of QNet from its headquarters in Hong Kong, said in his response: Gurupreets Singhs wife indeed placed an order, but it was not for a Bio-disc. She placed an order for an online education product valued at Rs31,500. She subsequently cancelled this order and no financial transaction ever took place between the company and her.

Interestingly, Singhs wife filed a complaint with the Oshiwara police in Mumbai and later withdrew it as there was no financial transaction between her and QNet. The company has submitted copies of the cancelled complaint to the investigators of EOW. Six months later, Singh filed the complaint again and this time, a Rs 31,500 dispute ended up with the EOW of Mumbai Police.

And then, QNet made breaking news on television channels.

A few years ago, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs had said that two companies, Gold Quest and Quest Net, were mis-selling their products under a pyramid scheme and that QNet was the new face of both Gold Quest and Quest Net. But QNet was never probed by SFIO and claims that QNet is the latest version of Gold Quest and Quest Net were proved incorrect.

The current charges levelled against QNet not only talk about selling products which are mystical in nature but actually go way beyond to question its business model itself. Investigations initiated against QNet have alleged it to be a chit fund, claiming that the consumers were investors.

It has also been claimed that people have invested money in expectations of high interest earnings allegedly promised by Independent Representatives (IR) of the company.

QNet is a direct selling company. Not an investment scheme. All products are sold against VAT paid invoices, and distributors are paid commissions after TDS deduction, says Vasudevan. Copies of these documents have been presented by the company to the police.

The company claims it never marketed Bio-disc as a supernatural product but a wellness product certified by international labs. Those who drink water treated with Bio-disc have reported feeling energised. The Bio-disc doesn't heal, the body heals by itself when the detoxification process occurs through drinking bio-energised water, says Vasudevan.

However, the police in Mumbai produced a report based on research done by scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) which claimed Bio-disc to be a piece of glass with zero effect on the body. QNet claims to have taken the product off their e-shelves in India.

Multiple cases filed against QNet have yet to get into trial but Ferreira, now 78-years-old, who held 80 percent shares in Vihaan Direct Selling that operated as a sub-franchisee of QNet in India, has emerged as the face of this scam, probably due to his own prominence. Others arrested from the management of Vihaan Direct Selling were faceless entities.

In Mumbai, Fay Ferreira, wife of the Padma Bhushan awardee, says she has no comments to offer. Please, I have nothing to say, all I can say is my husband is innocent and I am praying for him. He is innocent, thats all I can say, she told me in a telephonic conversation.

A PR company that briefly represented QNet had its bank accounts frozen back in 2014 due to their association with the company.

Singh says the case is just the tip of the iceberg and there are over 7,00,000 people who have submitted their affidavits in the courts and have joined my crusade to bring justice. He claims the cash laundered must be a little over Rs 1,00,000 crore, ten times the figure offered by the cops.

But that is not the figure in the chargesheet and neither is the number of complaints adding up to his claims. QNets audited accounts for 2015-16 shows revenues of around Rs 591 crores. The first FIR in Mumbai was filed on August 16, 2013 and there are a total of 17 such FIRs filed in 3 different cities.

Interestingly, most of the FIRs arise from complaints in which the company or its officials are not named. The complaint is usually filed against certain individuals who are distributors of QNet, for misleading them about the business opportunity or the product. The language in all the FIRs in the different cities is almost identical.

According to Singh, There are thousands in my records who have not even complained, I want justice for them. Those who have run away from India must be brought to book, says Singh, indicating a significant number of people - his estimate is 35 - once associated with QNet have left the Indian shores.

QNet officials say none of the complainants have approached the company to address their grievance. QNet claims to have a zero-tolerance policy towards any misrepresentation of either the company or its products. Over a period of around 4 years, the company has terminated over 400 independent representatives for violation of our policies and procedures, says a company official.

Indian officials of the Hong Kong-based QNet claim the purported figure of the scam has increased with every passing year in media reports. When it was detected, the money allegedly lost was pegged at around Rs 150 crores, and then the figures kept on spiralling. Last month, a newspaper quoted officials of the EOW of Mumbai Police and claimed the figure was a little over Rs 7,000 crores.

QNet claims there are many who have earned hefty commissions from the company but now turned up as complainants. The company website says it has a 30-day refund policy. If someone feels they have been misled into purchasing a product from QNet, they have 30 days to cancel their transaction. Why are people suddenly showing up now after 2-3 years claiming they were cheated, especially when they have made money? asks Vasudevan.

No answers are forthcoming.

Last week in India, another multi-level marketing company head, Anubhav Mittal, was arrested in Noida city close to Delhi and charged with cheating investors of a whopping Rs 3,700 crores. Earlier last month, a local court in Chandigarh framed charges against two directors of Amway India, another leading MLM company, including a foreign national in a cheating case.

As many as 19 people have been arrested in the QNet scam, hearings are on in various courts across India. Lost in the is legal battle is one crucial issue: Do multi-level marketing companies operate in India or shut shop, till New Delhi clears up rules for such companies?
Editor's note: This article was originally published on 10 February. It is being republished in light of the fact that the Supreme Court is expected to announce its verdict in the disproportionate assets case on Tuesday.

The ongoing O Pannerselvam (OPS) versus VK Sasikala saga now has a third critical player, who will command Tamil Nadus eyes and ears in the next few days  Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. Now, it will be not only his decision, but also how fast he takes it, that will decide the fortunes of the current protagonists.

Both OPS and Sasikala have presented their cases to Rao. OPS hasnt disclosed what his plea to the governor was, but from his earlier remarks it may be safely surmised that he wants his resignation to be withdrawn and be allowed to prove his majority in the Assembly. Sasikala too hasnt said anything in public, but she couldnt have done anything other than presenting evidence of the support of a majority of the AIADMK MLAs and staking her claim to be sworn in as the chief minister at the earliest.

Raos office too hasnt made any disclosure and nobody knows what hes going to do except that he will take time to explore his discretionary powers under Article 163 (2). Although the limitations of the governors discretion have been clarified by a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court in the Nabam Rebia and Bamang Felix versus Deputy Speaker and others last year in which the apex court quashed Arunachal Pradesh governor JP Rajkhowa's decision to advance the Assembly session from 14 January, 2016 to 16 December, 2015, nothing prevents him from taking some new testing shots.

In fact, thats also what former finance minister and eminent lawyer P Chidambaram told The Hindu: "Constitutionally, the governor is bound to swear in the leader elected by a party which enjoys a majority, there is, however, a small window where the governor can exercise his discretion and say, 'For the following reasons, I would like to wait for a few days'. It (window of discretion) has not been tested constitutionally yet, but it is, I believe, available to the governor."

Academic literature shows that the governor indeed has some freedom of circumstantial discretionary powers although the interpretations of the basic text of Article 163 (2) have been limited by the SC verdict on Arunachal Pradesh. Rao can still explore his possibilities and exercise them even if they are open to judicial review. In the light of the 2016 verdict, Sasikala should feel more secure, but that the governor is still free to test the "window of discretion" even at the risk of being challenged in a court will put OPS in a relaxed state of mind.

Sasikala obviously wants it to happen immediately, but OPS can wait and wants to wait. The longer the imbroglio lasts, the better for him. Sasikala has no time and is in a hurry, while OPS has all the time in the world and would want to take it easy.

The legal grounds for OPS argument that he was made to resign under duress or that he had been duped into resigning by Sasikala to get his resignation withdrawn are extremely weak going by the verdict on Arunachal Pradesh. Justice JS Khehar, who led the five-judge bench, was decidedly clear on how far can a governor go. "The governor must remain aloof from any disagreement, discontent or dissension, within political parties. The activities within a political party, confirming turbulence, or unrest within its ranks, are beyond the concern of the governor. The governor must steer clear of any political horse-trading, and even unsavoury political manipulations."

In fact, under law, OPS doesnt have a case. If at all Rao allows him to withdraw the resignation, it will be certainly at the risk of getting rapped by the judiciary.

A finer reading of Article 163 (2) actually makes it clear that the discretionary powers of the governor are not absolute. This is what the Article says: "If any question arises whether any matter is or is not a matter as respects which the governor is by or under this Constitution required to act in his discretion, the decision of the governor in his discretion shall be final, and the validity of anything done by the governor shall not be called in question on the ground that he ought or ought not to have acted in his discretion."

The operative portion here is the word 'discretion', but also part of the sentence that reads governor is by or under this Constitution required to act in his discretion. In other words, the discretion must be constitutionally justifiable.

However, the space that the governor can use a little more freely is how he decides who can be the chief minister or who can be given a chance because the Constitution doesnt stipulate any guidelines. In fact, various governors have used different yardsticks for making this decision.

Before acceding to Sasikalas claim of majority, the governor can make his own assessment based on media reports or other inputs that the MLAs have been forcefully detained, they are unreachable, and their signatures might have been forced. Nothing prevents him from disbelieving the signatures submitted by Sasikala and hence putting off his decision until he is satisfied. As former Chief Justice of India AK Sarkar, notes (Office of the Governor: A Critical Study, JR Siwach, Sterling Publishers, 1977), "The governor should make endeavours to appoint a person who has been found by him as a result of his soundings to be most likely to command a stable majority in the legislature.

Athough the Supreme Court order on Arunachal Pradesh did relax the invincibility of the discretionary power of the governor, its application will not be free from supportive material. In the case of the Arunachal Pradesh governors intervention, the material was against him; but if Rao has enough evidentiary material to go ahead in applying his discretion, he will be justified.

Anyway, what OPS wants is time and nothing else. The longer it takes, the harder for Sasikala for three reasons: One, it wont be easy to keep 130 people insulated from the rest of the world for more than a few days; two, OPS continuation as the caretaker chief minister will check her influence on the state administration, particularly the police; and three, an adverse verdict on the disproportionate assets case will finish her political career before it even takes off.

Under all these circumstances, the chances of the MLAs switching loyalty is rather high. Its certainly not principles that are keeping the MLAs with her, but the possibility of staying in power. The moment they realise its slipping out of her hand, they will switch sides.

And there is nothing that can prevent Rao from taking his time because that discretion hasnt been judicially reviewed yet.
Conflicting reports emerged about a three-page report from Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, supposedly submitted to the Union home ministry, wherein the Governor reportedly said that VK Sasikala cannot be sworn in as the chief minister immediately due to the pending DPA case against her in the Supreme Court.

Initially broke by India Today, the news report said that Sasikala is not being favoured by Rao as the next chief minister for various reasons. However soon after, other channels including CNN-news18 cited sources from Raj Bhavan claiming that no such report has been sent to the home ministry yet.

The report, which India Today claimed to be the communication to the Centre, detailed out reasons on why Sasikala could not make the cut.

"... in view of this impending judgement, whether she will be in a position to contest election to get elected as a legislator within six months. Even when there is an iota of doubt about the ability of the person to get elected to Assembly within six months, Article 164 (4) has to be interpreted as a restriction/disqualification as contained in the interpretation by Hon'ble Supreme Court.... Governor is also bound by Constitution to satisfy himself that a person staking claim would form a stable government. In view of the impending judgement in the DPA case an uncertainty exists about the qualification of Tmt. VK Sasikala to become an MLA," Rao said in his report to the Centre, the India Today claimed.

"Under these circumstances, the Governor is bound by the Constitution to wait for a few days so that a clear picture emerges enabling him to discharge his duties in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Constitution," the governor, according to India Today said in his report.

It said that The Tamil Nadu governor also took cognisance of media reports on the PILs against Sasikala filed in the Supreme Court citing that "the same is pending disposal".

The report which India Today flashed as the one being sent to New Delhi from Chennai called the current political situation prevailing in the state as one limited to "the internal affairs of the ruling party" and not a constitutional crisis as O Panneerselvam is continuing as the caretaker chief minister.

The governor, as reported by India Today denied any law and order problem in the state saying that "Jallikattu is being held at various centres successfully with ususal joy and fervour". However, he expressed concern over reports about certain allegations of MLAs being confined and possibilities of horse trading" and asked the police "to verify the allegations and ensure that the MLAs are at their free will", the report which India Today broadcasted as the governor's said.
The Supreme Court has refused to advance its hearing of a case that could prevent AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala from becoming the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

According to a report in NDTV, the apex court declined to hear a petition asking it to restrain Sasikala from taking office until it rendered its verdict in a separate corruption case against her  the petition is scheduled to be heard on 17 February.

The Times of India reported that the PIL was filed on Monday by Senthil Kumar, a Chennai resident and general secretary of NGO Satta Panchayat Iyakkam, just hours after the apex court indicated it could deliver its judgment on the appeals challenging the acquittal of Jayalalithaa and Sasikala in a 19-year-old disproportionate assets (DA) case.

DNA reported that in his plea to the court, Senthil gave reference to incidents of rioting and arson when a trial court in Karnataka convicted Jayalalithaa when she was the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Senthil said that if Sasikala was pronounced guilty after being sworn in, there could be mass confusion and hysteria. He also requested the apex court to stop Sasikala from taking office to avoid such a scenario from unfolding.

On Thursday, hours after former chief minister O Panneerselvam visited Governor Vidyasagar Rao, Sasikala met the governor for 40 minutes and staked a claim to form the government in the state. Sasikala gave him a letter presumably containing the names of MLAs who elected her as AIADMK legislature party leader and requested him to invite her to form the government.

However, the governor's response was not immediately known. At 5 pm, Panneerselvam had called on Rao and after a brief meeting told reporters that "good things will happen and dharma will triumph".

The former CM then met his supporters at his Greenways Road official residence as well.

Sasikala was elected legislature party leader on 5 February, paving the way for her becoming the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Subsequently, Panneerselvam raised a banner of revolt on 7 February, along with his supporters. He currently has the support of leaders like former Ministers KP Munusamy, Natham R Viswanathan, Rajya Sabha MP V Maithreyan and a few sitting MLAs. Against the background of revolt by Panneerselvam, who has the support of a few MLAs, Sasikala has also given individual letters of support furnished by AIADMK legislators.

With inputs from agencies
Editor's note: There are known unknowns, unknown knowns and known knowns. And then theres all that Ajay Singh knows. Firstposts executive editor mines his decades-long experience reporting on politics to tell stories from the heartland that even Google cant unearth.

An intricate web of castes, underworld, and politics plays a critical role in determining the course of politics in Western Uttar Pradesh. And this became quite evident when the Bulandshahar police gunned down a dreaded Gujjar warlord in April 1994.

What really happened was really curious. Mahendra Fauji had unleashed a reign of terror in the entire area where gangsters owing allegiance to their caste ruled the roost. Fauji belonged to Gujjar caste and became an eyesore for gangsters belonging to Yadav and Tyagi castes.

In the post-Babri mosque demolition phase, politics turned a new turn after a successful coalition between the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with Mulayam Singh Yadav as the chief minister. Mayawati was the BSP general secretary while towering figure of Kanshi Ram loomed large on all political decisions. The BSP claimed to have a huge following among Gujjars.

Interestingly, the Bulandshahar police gunned down the gangsters at a time when Hastinapur assembly seat was going for by-election. What appears to have raised the heckle of Mayawati was the fact that the BSP lost the election to the BJP. Gujjars chose not to vote for the BSP candidate Siddharth.

This encounter created a storm in Lucknow. Kanshi Ram and Mayawati demanded that then SSP OP Singh be sacked forthwith as the encounter was not only ingenuine but also ill-timed. Kanshi Ram put pressure on Mulayam to remove the SP to which the chief minister strongly resisted. This wrangling put an enormous stress on the SP-BSP relations.

Though the coalition continued, it faced another rough weather a few days later when in a Rajput-dominated village of Bulandshahar, four Dalits with criminal antecedents were lynched by villagers. And the incident prompted Kanshi Ram and Mayawati to hold a press conference to emphasise on anti-Dalit credentials of the district police chief. Sack OP Singh forthwith Kanshi Ram demanded. Ultimately Mulayam gave in and shifted the police officer and resisted the demand for his suspension.

But that was beginning of the breaking up the formidable social coalition of the SP-BSP. Only a few days later in Allahabad, another incident happened in which a Dalit woman was paraded naked in Dauna village by hooligans of dominant Kurmi castes. This was taken as a direct affront by Kanshi Ram who publicly rebuked Mulayam in a public rally at Allahabad. We can run the coalition like this he cautioned. A suitably chastised Mulayam had found the situation too unbearable to continue.

An uneasy situation prevailed in Lucknow and created an atmosphere of political conspiracies and intrigues. There was an allegation that Mulayam was all set to break the BSP and engineer a large-scale defection. On 2 June 1995, she decided to pull the rug from under Mulayams feet and withdrew the support. This led to an attack on the state guest house where Mayawati was staying by goons owing allegiance to Samajwadi Party. This episode is well known.

But what is unknown is the link of Bulandshahar encounter to the state guest house episode. OP Singh who was removed from Bulandshahar after prodding by Kanshi Ram-Mayawati was brought in as senior superintendent of police (SSP) in Lucknow. And his posting confirmed the BSPs fears that the police official was deliberately brought in to harm Mayawati.

When the situation was brought under control and Mayawati was appointed as the chief minister, the first thing she did was to place Singh under suspension. Interestingly, Singhs legal battle against Mayawati in the court was led by a Brahmin lawyer Satish Mishra who later became a close confidant of the BSP chief. But there is little doubt that the cascading effect of killing of Mahendra Fauji in an encounter with the police shaped politics of the state in a manner that had few parallels in the state.
P Chidambaram, senior Congress leader who has held the Union home and finance portfolios, believes a sense of fear has gripped the Indian media, small Opposition parties and even some state governments after the Narendra Modi government came to power in May 2014. "There are immense  and illegal  pressures on individuals. I want to drive home the point that, in a democracy, we must be fearless," he says.

His new book, Fearless in Opposition, a collection of his columns, will be released in New Delhi on Friday. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Chidambaram spoke on a range of issues. He stated that NDA-government starting its tenure with the 'Congress-mukt Bharat' slogan damaged the relationship between the government and Opposition badly, which continued thereafter. That one slogan poisoned the atmosphere.

Commenting on the ongoing tussle in AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, his home state, the Congress leader also said that the 'people of Tamil Nadu have a right to ask if the leader elected by the AIADMK legislators is fit to be chief minister of the state' in an obvious reference to VK Sasikala, who has engaged in a fierce battle with O Panneerselvam for the chief minister's post.

Edited excerpts from the interview follow:

Could you tell us a bit about your new book?

It is a collection of my columns published in The Indian Express every week during 2016. I wrote on the political economy, social issues, governance issues and some columns on law and foreign policy.

The name is interesting  Fearless in Opposition. Why would someone, even in Opposition, feel fear in the first place?

There is fear, especially in the media. Many small Opposition parties and even some state governments feel threatened. There are immense  and illegal  pressures on individuals. I want to drive home the point that, in a democracy, we must be fearless.

What is the biggest challenge you faced as an Opposition party member?

Personally, I dont find anything as a 'challenge' to me as an individual. There are indirect pressures, but I shrug them off. The absence of meaningful debates in Parliament is a challenge.

Is there a change in the philosophy that connects the government and Opposition relationship after the NDA took over?

Yes, the BJP/NDA began their tenure with the slogan 'Congress-mukt Bharat'. We did not say 'BJP or RSS-mukt Bharat'. That one slogan poisoned the atmosphere. Besides, the NDA repeats ad nauseum that nothing was achieved and everything was rotten in the past 70 years  presumably including the six years of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

How do you assess Narendra Modi as a prime minister in the past three years?

People will  and have  rated the government. It is mixed. The government got a thumping rebuff in Bihar and Delhi.

Its been three months since demonetisation happened. How do you analyse the gain/pain of the exercise at this stage?

There are no gains. There is only pain inflicted on millions of people. The damage to the economy will be a one to two per cent hit on the GDP.

But, wasnt it a pain the economy had to go through at some point to clean up the system?

What clean-up? Has demonetisation put an end to corruption or black money? How do you explain the numerous instances of both corruption and black money that have surfaced  using the new Rs 2,000 notes  in different parts of the country? Will the government guarantee that henceforth no one will demand a bribe or demand capitation fees? Will government guarantee that all property transactions will entirely be done by cheque?

Former RBI deputy governor, KC Chakrabarty said in an interview that the UPA too proposed demonetisation, but RBI rejected the idea.

Wrong. The UPA never mooted demonetisation. In fact, there is a CBDT report that argued against demonetisation.

How do you rate Arun Jaitley as a finance minister particularly with respect to financial sector reforms?

Like I said earlier, people will rate the government and the ministers. Jaitley comes from Punjab. He contested in Punjab. Let us see how the people of Punjab rate him (in Amritsar) and his government.

The NDA government has been largely successful in sticking to the fiscal roadmap. Isnt it a good thing?

They have not. They slipped badly in 2015-16. The fiscal deficit overshot the budgeted number of 3.9 percent and ended with 4.31 percent. For 2017-18 also, instead of aiming at three percent, he has budgeted for 3.2 percent. Two slippages in three years and four Budgets is not a proud record.

Some in the Modi government have countered note ban critics by saying the pain is only in the short term and only black money hoarders are opposing demonetisation. What is your take?

That is the BJP's approach to democratic debate and dissent.

I oppose demonetisation. Do I become an anti-national or hoarder of black money for that reason? That's absolute rubbish.

Has the Congress recovered from the 2014 shock? How confident are you of a strong return in 2019?

I cannot predict the results of future elections. I think you too should not! Regarding the Uttar Pradesh elections, the Akhilesh Yadav-Rahul Gandhi leadership of the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance has energised the campaign and is gaining more support every day.

What's your take on the developments in the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu?

I think the people of Tamil Nadu have a right to ask if the leader elected by the AIADMK legislators is fit to be chief minister of the state.

Do you suspect any conspiracy in J Jayalalithaa's death?

No.
Agra: Rapists should be tortured "till their skin comes off", Union minister Uma Bharti has said and accused the Samajwadi Party government of failing to provide justice to the victims of the Bulandshahr gangrape case.

Addressing an election rally on Thursday, she claimed that during her tenure as chief minister when a rape incident happened, "I also told the woman to watch the rapist being tortured".

"The persons who commit such crimes must be hung upside down in front of the victims and must be thrashed till their skin comes off. Salt and chilly must be rubbed on their wounds to make them suffer till they beg for their lives.

"In my tenure as chief minister, when a rape like this had happened, I got this done. Police officials told me that doing this was a violation of human rights. I replied that these 'danavs' (demons) do not have human rights. I also told the woman to watch the rapist being tortured through a lock-up window so that she could get some peace after listening to his screams and cries for help," the BJP leader said.

In July last year, when a Noida family was travelling to Shahjahanpur by car, a group of bandits waylaid them. They then dragged the women, including a 13-year-old girl, out of their car to a nearby field and raped them while the men were tied with ropes.

The attackers also looted cash, jewellery and mobile phones from them.
The suspense of the Tamil Nadu AIADMK drama has been on the rise on Friday as both VK Sasikala's camp and O Panneerselvam's camps remained tight-lipped about their respective closed-door meetings with Governor Vidyasagar Rao. The whole state waits with bated breath for the governor's statement that will be issued at 5pm on Friday. Here are the key highlights of what has been unfolding till now.

Axe falls on Madhusudhanan

Sasikala on Friday dismissed Presidium Chairman E Madhusudhanan from the party for backing Panneerselvam. She also announced the appointment of former minister KA Sengottaiyan as the new AIADMK presidium chairman. Sengottaiyan was relieved as the party's Organisation Secretary, a post to which he was appointed last week.

Sasikala said in a statement that Madhusudhanan had violating the party's principles and brought disrepute to it and so was being ousted from the party post and the AIADMK's primary membership.

She urged party members not to have any truck with Madhusudhanan.

Governor continues to wait and watch

After the meetings, the uncertainty continued as The Indian Express wrote about speculations over Rao sending a report to New Delhi. Some reports even suggested that he could be seeking legal advice on the issue.

In a House of 234 (minus the seat that has fallen vacant after the death of Jayalalithaa), the AIADMK strength is 135. The Sasikala camp has the support of 120 MLAs. Earlier, Panneerselvam, on his return from Raj Bhavan, told reporters that good things will happen but did not elaborate. He said they had a detailed discussion with Governor Vidyasagar Rao about all that is happening in Tamil Nadu for sure, good thing will happen, dharma will win, he said.

However, sources quoted by NDTV said that Rao has assured Sasikala that she will get the first invitation to form government, though he needs time to address the objections raised by Panneerselvam. OPS, as he is also known, has sought five days to garner support of AIADMK legislators, who, he has alleged, are being held "captive" by Sasikala's camp. The AIADMK has 134 legislators in the 235-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. Either camp will need to prove the support of 118 to form the next government.

Sources said the signatures that were provided by Sasikala as proof of support in her party will be authenticated by the Governor.

SC rejects petition regarding Sasikala swearing-in

The situation got more tense as the Supreme Court also rejected a petition with regards to Sasikala's swearing-in. A report by The Hindu said that the Supreme Court on Friday declined to urgently hear a petition seeking a stay on AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan being sworn in as chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

Petitioner Senthil Kumar said that the state would witness riots if Sasikala, once made chief minister, is forced to resign in case the Supreme Court overturns the acquittal order of the Karnataka High Court in the disproportionate assets (DA) case that is pending in the apex court.

Voices rise against Sasikala

According to NDTV, a "Call your lawmaker" campaign has been started by actor Arvind Swamy, who has tweeted the MLAs' 'names and phone numbers' of the legislators, urging people to try and call them and "express their opinion". Similar appeals were growing on Twitter in support of Panneerselvam. Earlier actor Kamal Hassan had come out to say that friendship with Jaya does not give Sasikala the boarding pass to become the chief minister, there is a procedure that has to be respected.

Meanwhile, former Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah said Governor C Vidyasagar Rao need not necessarily take into consideration the claim of AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala that she is enjoying the support of majority of party MLAs so as to be invited to form the government in the southern state.

Rosaiah, a former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, is also of the opinion that the Governor's decision of whom to be invited to form the government would largely depend on the "suggestions" he receives from Delhi in this kind of "abnormal situation".

According to Hindustan Times, party leader E Ponnusamy has supported Pannerselvam and said it was Panneerselvam who was identified by Jayalalithaa as the heir and he appealed to other MLAs to join him. AIADMK presidium chairman E Madhusudanan who joined Pannerselvam's camp on Thursday, wrote to the Election Commission, telling them not to accept Sasikala as general secretary of the party.

Mystery of missing MLAs

The mystery of the MLAs being held hostage continued as the Madras High Court on Friday asked for a report 120 leaders were missing from the scene. Panneerselvam's camp said that it has raised the issue of the forced captivity of MLAs to the governor. According to Hindustan Times, a luxury resort 80 kilometres from Chennai is at the centre of a political storm in Tamil Nadu where AIADMK leaders Panneerselvam and Sasikala are pitted against each other.

A section of AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala on Friday, however, dismissed media reports and allegations from the Panneerselvam camp that they were being "detained" at a resort near here, and asserted that they were "free". "We are free. We are keenly awaiting the governor's invitation (to Sasikala to form government). We are not children to be detained or abducted as is being reported in a section of media," Perundurai MLA ND Venkadachalam said.

Kattumannarkoil MLA N Murugumaran said he was staying at the resort near here on his own volition and that he was paying for the expenses from his own pocket. "There is no intimidation, no abduction, no pressure. These are all cooked up charges," he said. While some of the MLAs were staying there, others were residing at places of their choice, he said. Responding to reports that most of the MLAs were not reachable on the phone, he said he had switched off his mobile phone to avoid "unnecessary calls," and to avoid any kind of speculations and "wrong news."

Gudiyatham MLA Jayanti Padmanabhan also said she was not being detained as was being made out and lashed out at Panneerselvam. Former Minister and senior party leader B Valarmathi insisted that the MLAs were free and alleged they were being "intimidated" by those close to Panneerselvam. AIADMK MLA CR Saraswathy came out and told the media that she was keeping away of her own will because she was threatened by the OPS camp.

My mobile was not reachable because they (OPS camp) have distributed my number to hundreds of people and they are threatening us. Why do they want our support by force? There is a threat to my life, Saraswathi alleged.

"The MLAs are free. They are being intimidated by Panneerselvam's relatives over phone and that is why they have switched off their mobile phones," she said. AIADMK MLA's may deny 'kidnap', but the Golden Bay resort is still out of bounds for the media.

(With inputs from agencies)

Follow our live blog on the Tamil Nadu crisis here
The high-voltage political melodrama being enacted in Tamil Nadu, with a battle of wits between caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam and chief minister-in-waiting VK Sasikala has left heads spinning. The most astounding move though came from Sasikala, who after a meeting with MLAs on 8 February, loaded them all into buses and packed them off to the Golden Bay resort near Kalpakkam, effectively sequestering them so that they would not go over to Panneerselvams camp.

But political watchers in the south have seen it all before. The origins of such a move lie in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh when the Congress clique of Nadendla Bhaskar Rao and Governor B Ramlal had brought down the first non-Congress Telugu Desam Party government in the state. Ironically present Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and current Tamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao were de facto consultants and mentors to then TDP supremo NT Rama Rao and his son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu in 1984, and later in 1995.

Popular Telugu film actor-turned-politician NT Rama Rao tasted the bitterness of politics when his Man Friday  Nadendla Bhaskar Rao  ditched him and hitchhiked on Congress support to grab power in 1984. Similarly NTR was dethroned by another Man Friday  his own son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu in 1995 in almost the same manner. "NTR blamed me for deceiving him. But he has no words to say anything against Chandrababu who did the same thing  opportunistic politics," wrote Bhaskar Rao in his book Walking With Destiny.

In 1984, Chandrababu, along with BJP 'consultants', had managed to hide all TDP MLAs loyal to NTR at the Ramakrishna Studios in Musheerabad until they boarded a train to Delhi to appear before then president Zail Singh.

The attempt of then police commissioner Pavitran to stop these MLAs from boarding the Delhi-bound train was foiled by protesting BJP workers. The BJP had organised transport for the MLAs at Delhi and also fixed an appointment with the president for the two-year-old TDP. Then governor Thakur Ramlal, just like present Tamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao, had also played into the hands of the Delhi power corridors and Nandendla Bhaskar Rao was chosen as chief minister and given a months time to prove his strength on the floor of the House. This was the era before the anti-defection laws were in force.

Senior Congress MLA who became pro tem Speaker M Baga Reddy feinted illness and escaped. Then MIM leader Sultan Salauddin Owaisi had usurped the seat of Speaker and declared Bhaskar Rao as elected in a House that was at only half its strength. It was old timer Shankar Dayal Sharma who came in as Governor of Andhra Pradesh and reinstated NTR as chief minister in September 1984.

1995 repeat act

In an almost identical rerun in September 1995, Chandrababu raised the banner of revolt against NTR for the latters attempt to promote Lakshmi Parvati, NTRs second wife, as the chief ministerial candidate. Naidus men managed, with the help of the media, to show that 125 of the 204 TDP MLAs were with Chandrababu when they all gathered at his chambers. He was then the finance minister. "Chairs were filled up with TDP party workers to give an impression that 125 MLAs were with Chandrababu then," said Hyderabad-based political columnist RH Vidyaranya.

Sensing that the charisma of NTR would foil his game plan, Naidu shifted all MLAs supporting him to the Viceroy Hotel. When NTR came to rescue his MLAs, chappals were thrown at him and the police did not help him either. When the day came to prove his strength in the Assembly, NTR was made to sit away from party MLAs and also not allowed to speak in the Assembly. "I was half-dead when the MLAs, whom I had got elected from nowhere, sat in silence at my humiliation by a clique led by Chandrababu," NTR had told this reporter later in an interview.

Thanks to then Assembly Speaker Yanamala Ramakrishnudu (now Andhra Pradesh's finance minister), Chandrababu was invited to form government without even proving his strength in the House. The Speaker unilaterally ruled that Chandrababu had the majority and that it was not a defection, but a split in the party. Then governor Krishna Kant and Odisha doyen Biju Patnaik made futile efforts to make peace between NTR and Naidu. "NTR is a mismatch for Chandrababu in politics," Krishna Kant told Patnaik, signalling the collapse of the NTR regime.

Not just Andhra

The term 'resort politics' became part of the political lexicon because it was fine-tuned in Karnataka.

Resort politics was revived by HD Kumaraswamy, son of HD Deve Gowda, then the arch-rival of Ramakrishna Hegde of the Janata Party. Kumaraswamy brought down the Congress-JDS coalition government in 2006 by taking his MLAs to a resort before bringing them to the Raj Bhavan. He has repeated this performance with remarkable consistency since then. It was either to refuse handing over power to BS Yeddyurappa, the deputy chief minister in the JDS-BJP coalition government that replaced the Congress-JDS alliance in 2007. Kumaraswamy expanded the concept of resort politics by taking legislators on a religious darshan around all the South Indian states.

Subsequently, Gali Janardhan Reddy took 18 legislators to Goa seeking the removal of Yeddyurappa's close associate, Shobha Karandlaje. Reddy's attempt was to dislodge Yeddyurappa to take over the reins of power. But, that did not happen. In fact, that was the starting point of Yeddyurappa's move to deal with the Reddy mafia in Bellary. He posted a tough deputy commissioner to Bellary to tackle the Reddy group.

Yeddyurappa himself used resorts to keep his flock together whenever he faced a difficult political situation. He did it to seek the vote of confidence in 2010. He repeated it to make Sadananda Gowda, current Union minister, his successor. He used resorts to even bring down Sadananda and make Jagdish Shettar the chief minister during the BJP's rule in Karnataka from 2008 to 2013.

The advantages of resort politics have been felt in Maharashtra as well. Vilasrao Deshmukh, the then chief minister, had brought a host of his legislators to Karnataka as well in 2002.

It was also used in June 1996 by then chief minister, Keshubhai Patel, and his arch rival, Shankersinh Vaghela, in their battle for supremacy within the BJP government in Gujarat. Vaghela had taken his legislator supporters to Khajuraho. That's how the group got the name of "Khajurias". And Patel took his legislators to another place in Rajasthan. So, they got the name of "Huzooriyas",since they were "Ji, Huzoors".

The BJP as consultants

The BJP had been harbouring notions of a friendly alliance with the AIADMK during Jayalalithaas last days as it needed the support of the party in the Presidential Election due in 2017. Another reason for cordial relations is to strengthen the BJPs poor base in Tamil Nadu. "Venkaiah Naidu had held several parleys with AIADMK MPs in this regards and on the days that Jayalalithaa was fit to converse, he had broached the subject with her also and received an amicable nod," said Haribabu, Venkaiahs aide in Andhra Pradesh.

What is interesting is that Venkaiah was the counsellor and advisor to Chandrababu through 1995 in managing parliamentary and constitutional hurdles. Venkaiahs clout in Delhi had given him media support in the legal battle against NTR.

With pro-Sasikala MLAs sequestered on the outskirts of Chennai, how will the political drama in Tamil Nadu unfold?

Only the governor can answer that.

Follow all the live updates here
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Ukraine and Russia soon, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said.

"Both visits will be conducted in the near future. We will soon announce the dates of our president's visits to Moscow and Kyiv," Cavusoglu said at a joint briefing with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday.

He also noted that the agenda will include bilateral issues, as well as regional security issues.

"With Russia, we have a joint work which we do on Syria. To succeed in this area, we need to adhere to the rules, which are unfortunately violated. It is necessary to start the Geneva process at the point where it stopped, and continue it," Cavusoglu said.
'Arrogance'.

This a word Uddhav Thackeray has begun using to describe the attitude of the Bharatiya Janata Party with which his party, the Shiv Sena, is in government. Both at the Centre, in an alliance, with a minister in the cabinet, and in Maharashtra, where it is not an ally but has ministers.

That is to say that the party is running with the hare and hunting with the hounds. And without yet completely breaking off from the BJP, it is talking of forming a third front of regional parties in the country because "(this) BJP is full of arrogance and we need to come together to wipe that (smile) off the partys face". Although he has been talking about it, he told The Hindu in an interview published on Friday that the several parties could "come together on a Common Minimum Programme and decide on the next path. Frankly, I have not talked to anyone, but I have floated the idea. Lets see the response".

The 'arrogance' of the BJP seems to have got under the skin of the man, and it could be the build-up to a later withdrawal from the National Democratic Alliance led by Narendra Modi. To battle Modis influence on the voters, the Sena has imported a Gujarati to seek Gujarati votes: Hardik Patel who demands quotas for the Patel community in his state. That could be a simple electoral strategy because with Marathi population declining in Mumbai, Sena needs Gujarati votes, but how he would curb BJPs perceived arrogance would have to start by leaving the NDA and quitting the Maharashtra government first. Not by starting a third front without the former step. The other question is 'when?'.

This arrogance  or the BJP characteristic of being overbearing with the Sena  is not a new theme that Uddhav has discovered. He had first alluded to it in October 2015 when he threatened to quit the NDA if the BJP "continues with its arrogance". Eknath Shinde, a Sena minister then handed his resignation to Uddhav on a stage.

Three months after what Devendra Fadnavis dismissed that as "drama", the BJP was warned again at a public meeting that if it did not mend its ways, and "shed its arrogance", the Sena would withdraw its support to the Maharashtra government led by the BJP. He continues to see that haughtiness in BJP but he hasnt acted on his threat.

If and when he drops the bomb instead of stridently talking about it is another matter. The point remains that he cannot form an anti-BJP-front and then hope to remain in the offices it shares with the BJP. If that were the intent, other parties whatever their compulsions, may not find the Sena itself credible to join hands with.

The question is whether it's acceptable for Uddhav to call another party 'arrogant'. Senas history is replete with its my way or the highway attitude. Its idea had to become a decree if floated by Bal Thackeray, and later, the son and the nephew. The founder of the Shiv Sena is known to have said often that law, if inconvenient to its plans, was worth nothing. During the first few weeks of the Sena-BJP government, in 1995, when Manohar Joshi was the governments helmsman, emerged the idea that Bangladeshis had to be weeded out of the city. Joshi was under pressure to act but saw the laws as a speed-breaker because a process was required. Thackeray just told him: You do it, or the party cadre will.

Joshi was too clever a man to easily succumb to pressure, and managed matters to another level when then Union home minister Indrajit Gupta was induced to step in. Gupta, himself a Bengali, persuaded Joshi to agree to bring West Bengal into the picture to help determine if a Bengali was from that state or from across the border, Bangladesh.

Time and again the party cadre had shown not just a feeling of being the lord and masters right from the shakhas, but have taken the law into their hands, blackening faces if the cadre thought someone had troubled another. Laws or not, the Sena considers itself an enforcer.

That comes from a sense of hubris, and muscle. Which is arrogance.
Allahabad: Pre-poll allies BJP and Apna Dal as well as Congress and Samajwadi Party are fighting each other on some of the 12 Assembly seats in the district while a mother-son contest is also on.

181 candidates are in the fray in the dozen assembly segments in Allahabad that will go to polls on 23 February. Nominations for the assembly seats, the largest number for any single district in Uttar Pradesh, began with issuing of notifications for the fourth phase of polls on 30 January.

Allahabad (North), which covers a major part of the city, has the highest number (26) of candidates while Handia in Trans-Ganga region of the district has the lowest (9).

A messy, multi-cornered contest is likely in Soraon of Trans-Ganga where despite the tie-ups between Congress and SP, and BJP and Apna Dal, their candidates are contesting against their allies besides rival parties.

Congress, which is contesting 105 out of 403 seats in the state, has fielded Jawahar Lal Diwakar from the seat where sitting SP MLA Satyaveer 'Munna' has refused to back out and is seeking re-election. Jamuna Lal Saroj of Apna Dal is also a candidate here alongside BJP's Surendra Kumar. The seat has been a cause of a bitter war of words between leaders of both coalition partners of the NDA which is in power in the Centre.

A senior leader of Apna Dal accused state BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya of making the seat a "prestige issue". The regional outfit hopes to do well here owing to a sizeable Kurmi population while the BJP fancies its chances here as the assembly segment forms a part of Maurya's Lok Sabha seat of Phulpur.

In Handia, both wife and son of former state cabinet minister Rakesh Dhar Tripathi - Pramila Devi and Prabhat  are in the fray. Tripathi, who was the minister for Higher Education in the Mayawati government (2007-12) and represented the assembly segment, came out on bail last month after spending a few months in jail in a disproportionate assets case. He was expelled from the BSP shortly after the 2014 Lok Sabha polls which he had unsuccessfully contested as the party's candidate from Bhadohi.

His wife has been fielded by Apna Dal. His son, who has nursed political ambitions since the time Tripathi was a minister, filed his papers on the last day for nominations and said "I have been ignored by all parties though I have been working among the people while my mother has been given a ticket despite having no experience of public work".

The Congress-SP alliance appears to be under strain in Bara and Koraon as well  both reserved for Scheduled Castes and falling in Trans-Yamuna region. Bara is at present represented by the SP and sitting MLA Ajay Kumar is seeking to retain the seat even though the Congress has fielded Suresh Kumar.

In Koraon, which is held by the BSP, Congress has fielded Ram Kripal  a former MLA who had been with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) till the last assembly polls. Ramdev is contesting as Samajwadi Party's candidate. Both Congress and SP had fared badly in the 2012 elections with their respective candidates losing their deposits.

A total of 244 candidates filed their nominations by 6 February. During scrutiny of papers on 9 February, nominations of 53 candidates were rejected. Ten candidates withdrew their nominations till yesterday when symbols were allotted to nominees.
Heres one certitude about electoral politics in Uttar Pradesh: Dalits wont ever waver in their support to the Bahujan Samaj Party. With a solid vote bank behind it, the party only needs to get the plus factor right to emerge victorious in any election. The plus could be in the form of Muslims or upper castes or both. This is what anyone in the state with an even passing interest in elections would tell you.

This is a formidable fortress all parties have been trying to breach without success. Rahul Gandhis famous visits to Dalit houses have not endeared the Congress to the community. The BJPs desperate effort to build bridges with it has come to a cropper. Remember party president Amit Shah taking the holy dip  samrasta snan  with Dalits at the Simhasta Mahakumbh in Ujjain last year? Or his meal at a Dalit home in a Varanasi village? Or his partys effort to appropriate Babasaheb Ambedkars legacy? Now, both parties have given up.

They simply dont get it. Such attempts hurt Dalits and alienate them from these parties even more, says Baleram, who is introduced to one as a Dalit thinker. What exactly are the parties trying to prove with this patronising attitude? Dalits want respect, to be treated as equals with others up in the social ladder. The visit of such people to their homes only highlights their inferiority. These leaders are reinforcing the social distance between castes, not bridging any gap, he adds.

The message such acts convey to the target audience is certainly in poor taste, insulting even. Speak to any informed supporter of the BSP and this is the understanding you get. For them voting for the BSP is much more than a political choice. It is a question of their self-respect.

The middle castes such as Yadavs and Jats have excluded us from their social agenda, so is the case with higher castes which have an affiliation to other parties. Where does that leave us? In our voting behaviour we are exactly like the Muslims. The sense of victimisation is similar to both; the existential situation is not far different. But we have a party to vote for, he says.

Is the Dalit vote bank as impenetrable as he would like to believe? Ask him why those in the lowest rungs among Dalits such as Balmikis and Pasis prefer to vote for the BJP, he admits its a failure of leadership. Asked why a section of the community voted for the BJP in 2014 elections, he says it was an aberration. Whoever we support or whichever is the party in power, our position in the social graph remains unchanged, he adds with a sense of bitterness.

Taking off from what he mentioned earlier, Dalits and Muslims should be natural allies in Uttar Pradesh. The latter could be the stable plus factor, making the Dalit-Muslim combination an unbeatable proposition. However, while both share the same dislike for the BJP, the Muslims trust the Samajwadi Party more.

Satish Prakash, a Dalit activist, admits that winning over the Muslims in this election is a challenge, particularly after the SP-Congress alliance which aims pointedly at the non-division of the communitys votes. The BSP has been faster off the block. It selected its candidates for Muslim-dominated seats much earlier. With 97 Muslim candidates, it has sent the right message to the community. It has been particularly careful about western UP. A division of their votes is going to help the BJP.

He says the voting trend in western Uttar Pradesh will have a ripple effect across the state. So the party is sparing no effort. Earlier the call from the party was one booth, one youth; in the previous assembly election it was one booth, 20 youth, this time it is one booth, 50 youth. It means the number of voters each young man would bring to polling booths. We know the mainstream media will never acknowledge the BSP as a political force, but the sense of good performance spread through social media in the first phase will certainly set the trend for the rest of the state, he adds.

Asked to explain the quiet confidence exuded by the party, another Dalit activist Sanjay Kumar elaborates: In the last assembly election, we lost a majority of seats with narrow margins. The vote gap was as low as 500 or less in 48 seats. In around 200 seats it was 3000 or less. Proper mobilisation of party cadre this time can easily bridge the gap. You must remember, the BSP is the major contestant in 350 seats.

The party is certain about Dalits backing it, come what may. Both echo Baleram's words: the politics of exclusion practiced by other parties leaves no other option.

The fortress would stay intact.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ridiculed the ruling Samajwadi Party for forming an alliance with the Congress for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election that begins on Saturday, calling it inefficient and anti-farmers and termed the alliance a gathering of corrupt families.

Addressing a rally a day before Uttar Pradesh goes to the polls for the first phase, Modi accused the Akhilesh Yadav government of abusing power to stifle the Opposition and vowed to take action if the Bharatiya Janata Party is elected to power in the state.

Without taking names, Modi ridiculed Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for his "childish acts", and Akhilesh for forming an alliance with the Congress.

"There is this Congress leader known for his childish acts. If you search on Google, you will see the number of jokes at his expense. No other leader is the target of as many jokes as this Congress leader," said Modi, triggering laughter in the crowd, "Because of his acts, even senior Congress leaders prefer to maintain distance from him. But Akhilesh, you embraced him. Now I sincerely doubt your wisdom."

"Having realised that the lotus (BJP election symbol) will be blooming everywhere in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, which have been fighting as recently as a month ago, are now cosying up to each other. Such is their desperation," he said.

Modi also called the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance a meeting of "two corrupt families" adding that the family has established a control on Uttar Pradesh politics and need to be thrown out of the state. he said:

There is a village in UP, Saifai. It is full of MLAs, MLCs and MPs. All in one family: PM Modi in Bijnor #uppolls2017 pic.twitter.com/gJURn3qEmP  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2017

Modi made several announcements including creating a Chaudhary Charan Singh Welfare Fund of Rs 800 crore and forgoing loans of small farmers.

BJP ki sarkar aane ke baad, UP ke har zile mein 'Chaudhary Charan Singh Kisaan Kalyan Kosh' banaya jaayega: PM Modi in Bijnor #uppolls2017 pic.twitter.com/5vivb4nsEL  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2017

BJP sarkaar bante hi chhote kisaanon ka karz maaf kar diya jaayga, ye sabse pehla kaam kisanon ka karwa ke rahunga: PM Modi #uppolls2017 pic.twitter.com/GMzfGdvt2h  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2017

In a flurry of allegations, Modi also said that the Uttar Pradesh government has failed to meet the needs of the people, and was often involved in anti-people policies including forcing sugar cane farmers to buy crop loans even when not needed.

"What is the need of a government which cannot secure the future of the youth or protect the interests of the farmers? Throw out this government which has never worked for the welfare of the oppressed and exploited," he said. He also said how the Samajwadi Party government knowingly failed to help the people even though the central government released fund to the state:

Modi also attacked the Akhilesh government on a host of other issues including law and order situation, particularly women's security, and called upon the people to oust a government which was not sensitive to their needs.
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At the same time, this place is also linked to the family of BJP's tallest leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

In fact, BR Ambedkar was the first one to realise the significance of this township where Dalit assertion manifested for the first time after Maharashtra before India's Independence. Since then Agra was symbolised with Dalit assertion. Ambedkar's influence on Agra's social and political life remains enduring till date.

BJP chief, instead, will meet family of businessman shot dead in the area on Thursday night.

Amit Shah cancels his foot march that was to be held in Meerut

The roadshow will then proceed towards Bhagwan Talkies , Deewani chauraha, Sur Sadan and then Wazirpur the only area dominated by Muslims the major factor responsible for a turnaround in UP poll results. From there it moves forward to Hari parvat , Chipitola and finally ending at Bijligarh Chauraha situated in the south of the city.

Dayalbagh also inhabits a large population of Satsanghis, who are followers of the RadhaSwami sect. The followers in general are taken to be mute supporter of the right wing party.

For example the Dayalbagh institute is an educational institution area located at Dayalbagh in the heart of the city. The institute has been given deemed university status by UGC and is one of the most sought out campus among students.

The road map which has been signalled by the district administration for this road show has an interesting mix of both communities, young and old voters and women in general.

Starting point of this roadshow will be Dayal Bagh Engineering college, passing through Bhagwan Talkies, Deewani Chauraha, Sur Sadan, Wazirpur, Hari Parvat Crossing, Chipitola and finally culminating at Bijligarh Chauraha located in the South of the City.

The roadshow will continue for approximately 3 hours and end around 6pm in the evening.

With the choice of their city and preference of safer and urban road map for this show, it seems as if both the leaders are keen to send a strong political message to the people of the state in minimal time. And make out for the losses incurred to their party because of the delay in forming this unprecedented and fresh alliance.

According to Firstpost reporters on the field, Akhilesh and Rahul have taken lessons from their earlier road show in Lucknow where they had a tough time facing the low hanging electric wires. Thus, confining the road show to areas which is comparatively more equipped in terms of basic infrastructure.

He talked of how despite facing difficulties people have supported demonetisation in national interest. The BJP leader targeted the Akhilesh Yadav Government over alleged corruption and mining mafia. He also said it was his party's strategy not to declare its chief ministerial face. "In the UPA government, it was said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is honest but the government is corrupt. Now Akhilesh Yadavji is also saying 'I am honest and removed one minister over allegations of corruption' but he reinstated him again after 15 days," Balyan said.

However, for the upcoming elections, the party seems to have adopted the much-publicised narrative of development. Western UP, where tension had prevailed during the 2014 Lok Sabha election too in the wake of riots, is calm and elections would be held peacefully with development being the major issue, Balyan told PTI.

The BJP had deployed local MP and minister of state for agriculture in Modi government, Sanjeev Balyan, MP Hukum Singh and MLA Suresh Rana for campaigning in February-2016 bypoll, the first after the communal riots. They were all named as accused in cases related to the 2013 riots which left at least 60 dead and thousands displaced.

In 2016, nearly two and a half years after the Muzaffarnagar riots, when bypoll was held in this constituency following the death of the then sitting SP MLA Chitranjan Swaroop, the BJP won the seat battling a sympathy wave in favour of the leader's son. Many analysts had then said the saffron party was able to exploit the communal faultlines through its campaign which was led by riot-accused BJP leaders.

"The family drama of SP is heading towards tragedy from melody and comedy," the senior BJP leader said at a press conference in Lucknow.

"The alliance between Congress and SP is opportunist and immoral. Akhilesh Yadav has made an alliance but did not give space to his father (Mulayam Singh Yadav) even on the carrier of the 'bicycle' (SP symbol) and gave its handle to Congress.

Terming Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance as "opportunist and immoral", Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said the family drama of ruling Samajwadi Party is "heading towards tragedy from melody and comedy".

During his roadshow in Meerut few hours earlier he had reeled out statistics on crime to point out that the law and order situation has gone from bad to worse under Akhilesh?

Kaam bolta hai  goes the campaign catch line for Akhilesh's Samajwadi Party. The SP chief would like to believe his government has done enough to receive a repeat mandate, but BJP president Amit Shah surely is not buying that.

Dil mile ya na mile, party toh mil gayi hai, is the current emotion running high in the ruling party of Uttar Pradesh. The mega road show in Agra is a clear message to parties that SP and Congress have decided to bulldoze into minority bastion and claim the Muslim votes.

An hour late from the scheduled time, UP ke ladke have started their road show in Agra. As TV footage showed, the two leaders stood atop the vehicle, instead of being holed up inside their bullet-proof vehicles, and waved to their supporters, giving the feel that everything is well in the recently-formed alliance.

Give it to the man, his claims may not be beyond suspicion, his confidence is.

With Netaji in kabhi haan kabhi naa mode and uncle Shivpal Yadav planning his own party after elections Akhilesh has reason to be worried. Father Mulayam is taking too many quick turns for his comfort. But atop the vehicle in a road show he is a picture of confidence and self-assuredness.

"This government has kept you (farmers) in darkness. The government has bought only 3 percent of its crops in the state," he said.

"Why does the government give opportunities to traders to loot farmers?" the prime minister further said.

"I want to ask Akhilesh ji's government: What is your connection with those from the sugar mills? Why doesn't the government provide money to the sugarcane farmers?" Modi said.

"Has it ever happened that the farmers of Uttar Pradesh got the money they deserve?" Modi said.

Why didn't Akhilesh govt do anything for farmers? says Modi

The Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance has got the buzz right and it's drowning out the BJP and the BSP. Speak to the young men at the venue and they quickly chant Akhilesh Bhai ko jitana hai (We have to ensure Akhilesh's victory). What's the big deal, you might ask. It's after all a Samajwadi Party rally. Step beyond the rather cramped space, the buzz refuses to disappear. Akhilesh has struck a chord, it might carry him all the way.

At Meerut's Nauchandi Chowk, amid batches of placard-carrying Congress and Samajwadi workers who keep streaming in for Akhilesh-Rahul joint rally, you feel the energy of the young.

Akhilesh-Rahul joint rally: The UP CM might have struck a chord with the youngsters

The reference, of course, is to Akhilesh and Rahul. Other placards say, "humko ye saath pasand hai," in a small variation of the alliance slogan "UP ko ye saath pasand hai". Ask the guy carrying the placard what he meant by the filmy comparison  Karan, Arjun are lead characters of a movie played by Shah Rukh Khan and Salman long ago  and he turns away. He is too busy for silly questions.

Of course, some went beyond this and said a victory for Akhilesh-Rahul would be the beginning of the end of Narendra Modi.

Bhaichaara was the word spoken often by the speakers on the dais. "UP had had enough of communal tension. It has suffered a lot. Now it's the time to put a stop to it. 2014 was a mistake. You put power in wrong hands. Let's not repeat it." This was the essence of their speeches.

Victory for Akhilesh-Rahul could be beginning of end for Narendra Modi?

Perhaps one of the negative consequences of the personality cult. There's none in the BJP to attack or discuss in Uttar Pradesh. A loss here, if it happens, would be a loss for Modi, none else.

"You fell for white lies in 2014. Where is the recovered black money in your bank accounts? Where are the jobs? What happened to all those tall promises you made? Liar, liar." The barbs were, of course, directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The election in Uttar Pradesh is a curious one. T he prime minister is in the direct line of attack in a state election.

"These elections are not about choosing the next government, it is not about which political party will win or not. These elections are about whether development, which has been sent to an exile for the past 14 years, will it come back?" Modi says in Ghaziabad.

The prime minister also lambasted Akhilesh for not generating employment as promised. "Standing today in Ghaziabad, I promise that youths won't have to run around for jobs anymore. And these are not election promises. This is my resolve."

Taking on the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Akhilesh and said that when he was elected as the chief minister everyone had great hopes from a young, educated leader. "Bachiyan school jaane se darrti hai. Aapki party (SP) ne gundon ko pal rakha hai or UP ka ye haal kar rakha hai (Girls are afraid to go to school because of the goons owned by you)."

Samajwadi Party is ruled by goons, the govt is making no attempts to enforce law and order

Narendra Modi says he will answer his detractors in 2019

I thought maybe, a young man (Akhilesh Yadav) will be ready in politics in five years. On another side, there was a politician in Congress, whose childish acts (you should see and find out the jokes on him) and manner of talking had kept Congress politicians away. The politician whose even the Congress leaders were running away from, Akhilesh Yadav has joined hands. That's when I began to doubt Akhilesh Yadav's intellegence.

When it comes to the security of women in Uttar Pradesh, they blame the media. Isn't the crime records in Uttar Pradesh a proof of the poor women security situation in Uttar Pradesh?

Why only one family from Safai with so many politicians: asks Narendra Modi

The only way to save Uttar Pradesh is keep these two families from coming back to power.

It's Akhilesh Yadav's government to give the money to sugar cane farmers. I had said, as soon as I come to power, we paid the money to 32 lakh farmers directly in their accounts. We will destroy the five-six mills hoarding your money.

'We started Fasal Bima Yojana for farmers. This scheme insures you even if you couldn't sow seeds till August. If your crop is destroyed by natural disaster, your loss be covered. But against the wishes of the sugarcane farmers, they put it under the insurance. A party which talks of making potatoes in factory, what would they know of farming. But at least Akhilesh Yadav should have known. His family's background is farming. Sugarcane is least affected by natural disasters. Even the richest farmer wouldn't insure sugar cane. But this anti-sugar cane farmers government in Uttar Pradesh.'

We will listen to farmers and decide on insurance: Narendra Modi

We are walking in the footsteps of Chaudhary Charan Singh: Narendra Modi

Citing unutilised funds allocated by the central government, Modi attacked Akhilesh Yadav government of failing the people of Uttar Pradesh.

Akhilesh has given up before election by joining Congress: Amit Shah

'Rahul Gandhi has been asking the BJP government of what we did. The first thing we did is gave a PM who can talk. The Manmohan government of corruption, we have given a government which even the opposition can't make a case of corruption. In your government, they used to behead soldiers. In our government, after they burn our soldiers, within ten days, we beat them in their home.'

BJP will select candidates for Class III and IV jobs on the basis of merit: Amit Shah

"In my tenure as chief minister, when a rape like this had happened, I got this done. Police officials told me that doing this was a violation of human rights. I replied that these 'danavs' (demons) do not have human rights. I also told the woman to watch the rapist being tortured through a lock-up window so that she could get some peace after listening to his screams and cries for help," the BJP leader said.

Addressing an election rally here yesterday, she claimed that during her tenure as chief minister when a rape incident happened, "I also told the woman to watch the rapist being tortured".

Rapists should be tortured "till their skin comes off", Union minister Uma Bharti has said and accused the Samajwadi Party government of failing to provide justice to the victims of the Bulandshahr gangrape case.

Uma Bharti claims to have 'tortured rapists' when she was CM

The BJP's stakes are high in the crucial state as they are being viewed as a mini-referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modis major decisions like demonetisation and the surgical strikes across the border in Pakistan. After a bitter family feud, incumbent Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's future is at stake as he eyes re-election.

The principal protagonists  Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)  are hoping for a strong performance in the communally-charged western UP region, infamous for the murderous riots in 2013, so as to gather enough impetus for the later phases.

After months of campaigning, issues like communal polarisation to development and BJP government's decision to demonetise will be put to test as 73 403 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh go to the polls today in the first of seven-phase elections. Polling has already begun and is expected to go on till about 5 pm on Saturday.

Amroha has a special significance for Muslims, for the simple reason that around 65 percent of the electorate in this Assembly constituency are Muslims. There couldnt be a better place for leaders and students of politics to understand the communitys political preference. Owaisi was making his political debut in Uttar Pradesh, and Amroha was the most important stopover for him.

Their body language clearly suggested that the sher they were referring to was their hero, both as a leader and as a rock star performer. The announcement that he had finally arrived resulted in a commotion, with everyone pushing, pulling, vying to catch a glimpse of the one man they were waiting for  Assaduddin Owaisi, Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP and chief of AIMIM.

Hours after the Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmad Bukhari, blasted the Samajawadi Party-Congress coalition in Uttar Pradesh, and urged Muslims to vote for Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party instead, a mildly aggressive gathering of hundreds of young men from the community thundered, "Dekho dekho kaun aya, sher aaya, sher aaya (Oh, look who's here, the lion is here)."

Take for example, the current arrangement in both the Houses. The Modi government, enjoying a brute majority in Lok Sabha, has presented a curious and unprecedented tug-of-war between the ruling party and the Opposition. While the BJP-led NDA government can pass any law as it pleases in the Lower House, key legislation often get stuck in the Upper House  where the Congress enjoys a majority  due to Parliament logjams and political bickering. While for the BJP, UP polls will be one chance to wrest free the Rajya Sabha from the controls of the Opposition, ensuring that BJP's strength is limited in Rajya Sabha is the only respite Congress can hope for until the next Lok Sabha Elections.

Uttar Pradesh is called the king-maker state and it's not for nothing. The northern Indian state, with over 14,12,53,172 voters, sends the largest number of Members of Parliament to the Rajya Sabha, where both the ruling party and the Opposition vie to stake control.

Polling delayed in booth no.42 in Mathura's Govardhan, and in booth nos 119 and 120 in Baghpat as EVMs are not working

Thus, it is only natural that all eyes remain on the intense political drama unfolding in the state in these high-stake elections. So Firstpost sifted through the political pandemonium playing out in Uttar Pradesh, and brought together all that you need to know to track the humongous polling exercise.

The state elections also arguably set the precursor to the the 2019 Lok Sabha election as Uttar Pradesh was crucial in BJP's cleansweep in 2014 Lok Sabha elections  the saffron party's one-third parliamentarians come from the state that sends 80 MPs to the Lower House. Besides this, with the 2017 Presidential Election is in the offing, UP's strength will also play up in selecting the Constitutional head of the state.

Total 73 constituencies, including a larger chunk of the politically important, western Uttar Pradesh goes to polls on 11 February. Key constituencies include communally sensitive constituencies of Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Dadri and Meerut, apart from Ghaziabad, Noida, Agra etc.

Ignoring the chill in the air, with the morning temperature being 11 degrees, the residents of Noida Sector 15 and 16, especially the senior citizens are heading towards polling booths. Many are taking a detour from their morning walk to cast their votes. But right now voters are very few in numbers, which is expected to pick up by 9 am.

The only bright point is that it has Hema Malini as MP. As voters start trickling in at booths the question is will BJP will do better this time?

The BJP's record in Mathura, the land of temples and mythology, is rather poor. In the birthplace of Krishna the party has not had its own lawmaker in the assembly for sometime now.

Mathura was in the spotlight last year over the incident at Jawahar Chowk that claimed 24 lives. Two policemen were also killed in attack by encroachers on government land. The BJP raked this issue up during its campaign, citing this as an example of failing law and order under Akhilesh's rule. Will the voters buy it this?

The Bahujan Samaj Party, meanwhile, has been working silently on the ground to regain control on the state by engineering a politically potent but unpredictable amalgamation of two communities, Dalits and Muslims. However, each party has its own Achilles heel to deal with; the nail biting competition can swing any way.

But in Lok Sabha elections 2014, the people of the state voted overwhelmingly in support of the BJP. The saffron party would like to repeat the winning streak for obvious reasons, as it will pave a smooth path for the party in Delhi. However, the current ruling party in state, SP, has barely emerged from a succession war and it is Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's only opportunity to prove his mettle as a leader, after he overthrew his father from the party's helm.

The political scene in the state has been dominated by regional players (SP, BSP, RLD etc) since the 1990's and the so called national parties (BJP and Congress) have been pushed to the sidelines. If at all BJP and Congress managed to stake claim at the throne of Uttar Pradesh it was by cobbling up an alliance with the regional parties.

After overwhelming win in 2014 LS elections, BJP would want a repeat of the mandate in UP

The electoral battle in the state has grabbed all eyeballs, be it the electoral merger between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party or the infighting within the first family of this politically crucial state.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for smooth polling, especially in sensitive areas of Shamli, Aligarh, Muzaffarnagar, Mathura, Bulandshahr and Agra.

This gives the present BJP candidate Pankaj Singh, who is the son of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh an edge over others. But it's also challenging for him as he is a first timer. He has been given ticket by replacing Vimla Batham Sharma. Initially this led to some confusion and dissent among local party workers. But BJP leadership has ensured that the contesting candidate gets full support. It needs to be seen whether debutant Pankaj Singh is able retain the tradition of BJP of winning Noida seat this time.

After he became an MP, in the 2014 by poll, BJP's Vimla Batham Sharma got elected.

Noida, the assembly constituency was always a bjp stronghold. Mahesh Sharma of BJP held this seat, till the time he became an MP in 2014. In the by-election that followed, the bjp retained the seat.

Rajnath Singh's son Pankaj has edge over others in Noida, thanks to Mahesh Sharma

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Assembly closes its term by May 2017. Elections to the Assembly are scheduled for February and counting will take place in April 2017. As candidates get ready to file their nominations with the Election Commission, we present our analysis of the current composition of the Assembly (2012-2017) and the participation of the members (MLAs).

As Aligarh goes to elections, appeals for vote consolidation intensify. Messages and appeals being circulated on social media and through word of mouth. To avoid any sort of chaotic situation and to provide more convenience to voters, this time Aligarh has increased the number of booths. To increase voter accessibility the numbers are limited to 1000 votes per booth.

As of 9 am, reports said that Agra recorded 12.8 percent; Muzaffarnagr recorded the highest at 15 percent; Aligarh recorded 9 percent and Ferozabad recorded 11 percent; Bulandshahr 12 percent.

Reports said that EVMs in two polling booths in Mathura malfunctioned. Meanwhile, police have detained Gagan Som, brother of BJP candidate Sangeet Som for carrying a pistol inside poll booth.

Akhilesh added that noone is better to run a state than two youths. "It will be a government of vision," added Rahul.

While announcing the common minimum programme, UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav says that many do not walk the talk, clearly taking a potshot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Akhilesh says he is confident that the first vote cast in the first phase of Uttar Pradesh election was cast in the name of Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance.

Former BJP state president Lakshmikant Bajpai (Meerut), RJD chief Lalu Prasad's son-in-law Rahul Singh (SP) from Sikandarabad, and Sandeep Singh, grandson of Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh from Atrauli are among other key figures in this phase.

The first phase of polling will decide the electoral fortunes of Pankaj Singh (Noida seat), son of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Mathur (Mathura) against whom BJP spokesman Srikant Sharma is in fray, Mriganka Singh (Kairana), daughter of BJP MP Hukum Singh and controversial BJP MLAs Sangeet Som and Suresh Rana -Sardhana and Thanabhawan respectively.

A total of 2.60 crore voters, including over 1.17 crore women and 1,508 belonging to third gender category are eligible to cast their ballots in 26,823 polling stations to decide the fate of 839 candidates..

Amid tight security, polling began for the first of the seven phases of the high-stake Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with voters queueing up to cast their ballots in 73 constituencies spread over 15 districts of western Uttar Pradesgh.

When asked about Shahi Imam Bukhari supported Mayawati and dissed SP-Congress alliance, Akhilesh Yadav said, "Shahi Imam Bukhari saab is a very good and learned man and if you ask him in person he will always give us the blessing and support us."

The positive body language of Akhilesh Yadav during the presentation of SP-Congress vision document on Saturday gives an indication of his confidence in outcome. While tackling provocative questions from media, Akhilesh chose to play down the barbs, trying to drive a distinction between SP's development-oriented campaign and BJP's angry rhetoric. Akhilesh advised BJP to be less angry, his easy confidence rubbing on to even Rahul Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strategy is distraction. When he can't answer questions, then he starts distracting. Truth is that in two-and-a-half years, he has failed. He peeps into bathrooms and does nothing else. His threats are empty as well." When asked about seat-sharing issues between Samajwadi Party and Congress, Rahul said, "There are issues on six-seven seats, but these issues are insignificant, things will be worked out soon."

Modi has all the time to do insignificant things, in 2.5 years he has done nothing: Rahul Gandhi

"Modi loves to Google, peep into bathrooms, but he should be more concerned about development. Some clerics are resentful. But we believe they will finally support us. Modi is unable to answer on security, jobs, unemployment and that why he is distracting people," Rahul Gandhi.

"Modi loves to Google, peep into bathrooms, but he should be more concerned about development. Some clerics are resentful. But we believe they will finally support us. Modi is unable to answer on security, jobs, unemployment and that why he is distracting people," Rahul Gandhi.

The major issues of the burgeoning Assembly segment of Gautam Buddh Nagar district are regular supply of power and water, and the alarming crime rate.

This time Congress hasn't fielded any candidate due to its alliance with Samajwadi Party.

The sprawling industrial hub of Noida, which was the brainchild of one-time Congress stalwart and veteran leader ND Tiwari, seems to have nothing to do with the Congress anymore. Tiwari, as old-timers would remember, was the Chief Minister of undivided Uttar Pradesh thrice, and of Uttaranchal once that was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, is credited with substantial work for the development of the big and politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh. Tiwari held important portfolios as a minister at the Centre and also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.

Noida, a brainchild of Congress' ND Tiwari, has nothing to do with the party anymore

BJP wins all three MLC seats in UP where elections were held: Kanpur, Gorakhpur and Bareilly

Besides, the EC has set up a police cell to keep a tab on messages received through social media so that trouble makers do not vitiate social harmony.

The excise department has set up checkposts at inter-state borders as well as along the border with Nepal to check distribution of liquor to voters during elections.

Around 6,000 paramilitary personnel have been deployed in all polling centres in Muzaffarnagar and neighbouring Shamli to instill a sense of security among voters, especially with focus on areas which had witnessed communal riots in 2013.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in all districts for the polls which are being seen as a litmus test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nearly three-year rule. Out of 887 polling centres in riot-scarred Muzaffarnagar, around 600 are sensitive where video cameras have been installed to maintain strict vigil.

Elderly voters waiting their turn at the booth at Dhouli Pyayu primary school in Mathura

80 percent voters of 76 vidhan sabha seats in shehar Aligarh belong to the Ansari community, mostly engaged in small scale lock industries. Rest of the 20 percent constitute of Qureshi community, darzi, dhobhi, naai, sabzi farosh, pheri wale etc. All are vouching for SP candidate Zafar Alam.

There are 26,822 polling centres for over two crore voters in the first phase of polling for 73 seats across 15 districts. Fate of 839 candidates will be sealed on Saturday. Prominent faces who cast their votes earlier included Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh who cast his vote in Sahibabad, Shrikant Sharma of BJP and Congress's Pradip Mathur in Mathura, Sangeet Som in Sardhana and Suresh Rana in Shamli.

An EC official informed IANS that these problems were being attended to on a priority basis and EVMs at some places were replaced. Long queues were seen in places like Mathura, Agra, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut (City), Sardhana, Shamli and Noida. The largest constituency in this phase, as per population, is Sahibabad in Ghaziabad and the smallest is Jalesar in Etah.

Voting picked up in the first phase of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections within hours of its start at 7 am, poll officials said on Saturday. Kasganj witnessed 13 percent polling in the first two hours, Muzaffarnagar 15, Meerut 10, Mathura 11, Noida seven and Greater Noida nine percent. Technical snags in the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were reported in the first hour in polling booths across Noida, Baghpat, Hathras and Mathura.

Aligarh is actually divided into two parts - old city Aligarh and new civil lines Aligarh. Old city side people feel that civil lines side voters are not fragmented and detached. They feel that civil lines area people might goof up the elections as they won't go for consolidated voting since they are divided among four major candidates - Vivek Bansal(congress), Ajju Ishaq (SP), Haji Aamirullah Khan(independent, previously SP candidate), Ram Kumar Sharma (BSP), Parvez Khan (AIMIM). These candidates are from Kol vidhan sabha (civil lines, Aligarh). BJP candidate from Kol is Anil Parashar.

This statement coming in the backdrop of the Supreme Court ruling directing political parties to refrain from communal or caste appeasement in poll campaigns can be called a remarkable shift.

He also insisted that there was no polarisation amid voters of Kairana.

"Exodus was never a communal matter, it was a law and order problem," Hukum Singh said. He however refused to say that the exodus was a non issue, while adding that it was coincidental that the goons behind rangdaari (extortion) and petty crimes belonged to a specific community.

BJP's MP from Kairana, Hukum Singh, on election did a U-turn on the exodus issue, first raked up by him last year. While Hukum Singh had always maintained that the Hindu community in Kairana district was being singled out and targetted, he told CNN-News18 on Friday that it was never a communal issue.

There are 26,822 polling centres for over two crore voters in the first phase of polling for 73 seats across 15 districts. Fate of 839 candidates will be sealed on Saturday. Prominent faces who cast their votes earlier included Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh who cast his vote in Sahibabad, Shrikant Sharma of BJP and Congress's Pradip Mathur in Mathura, Sangeet Som in Sardhana and Suresh Rana in Shamli.

Long queues were seen in places like Mathura, Agra, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut (City), Sardhana, Shamli and Noida. The largest constituency in this phase, as per population, is Sahibabad in Ghaziabad and the smallest is Jalesar in Etah.

Largest constituency in Phase one is Sahibabad and smallest is Jalesar

Though the Jat-dominated constituencies are witnessing a heavy turnout, their political conduct remains a mystery. Jats may not have numerical strength on many seats but their influence over political economy of the region can hardly be undermined. That is the reason why the BJP seems a little worried in the first phase.

In west UP, there is an impression that the government turned anti-jat after its victory in 2014. As a result MPs like Satypal Singh, former Mumbai police commissioner, who defeated Chaudhary Ajit Singh has also lost relevance in the constituency. Hence this move was planned to rope in Jats who are fence-sitters.

Just as Jat-dominated western UP was going to polls today, BJP president Amit Shah had a group of prominent jat leaders hosted by Union Minister Rao Virendra Singh, a jat leader from Haryana. The obvious reason was to neutralise the anger that Jats felt after their agitation in Haryana.

Most of Aligarh university votes are going to the Congress but a few votes of non-teaching staff are for Samajawadi Party as well. Samajwadi Party has strong appeal among the economically lower sections of the population.

"Badaun is one of those villages in India which are the most backward in India. Samajwadi and BSP have promised so much, delivered nothing."

There is hardly any wave in support of any party. Even at the time of polling, there is hardly signs of any wave.

Ajit Singh, his son Jayant Singh and his wife Charu Singh also attracted huge turnouts. How could one explain this? Asked leaders. Of course, given large population of the state, the turn outs are poor indicators to read political mood of the state. Yet there is no denying the fact that this election is the most deceptive electoral battle Uttar Pradesh had ever seen.

Apparently not only Prime Minister Narendra Modi attracted a good crowd in this region but there was a huge turnout also for Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and even outsiders like Nitin Gadkari. Similarly Akhilesh, Rahul Gandhi and BSP chief Mayawati also drew good crowds.

As the first round of the polls is underway, there is one confusion that prevails among senior leaders of all parties. This confusion is about how to explain the large turn out at meetings of these leaders.

Modi addresses rally in Badaun which goes to polls on 15 February

But earnings from the auto were irregular, from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 a month. So, Hussain is about to begin a job designing and fixing uppers (the upper part of a shoe that contains the tongue) at a shoe factory in NOIDA, located in UP but an extension of the metropolitan region of Delhi, Indias richest province, by per capita income.

In the 1990s, Kanpurs leather industry employed a million workers (there are no official data), according to IndiaSpends inquiries with the government and leather-industry representatives. With 176 of 400 leather tanning units shutting over 10 years, according to a joint secretarywho requested anonymity since he is not authorised to talk to the mediain UPs industries department, that number has halved.

According to Firstpost Hindi, voter turnout is heavy in western Uttar Pradesh. Till 1pm, Bulandshahr recorded polling percentage of 41.7 percent, Fatehpur Sikri recorded 45 percent, Aligarh 40 percent and Shamli recorded 43 percent.

The huge turnout in response to communal consolidation of one community in today's polls is indicative of this strategy.

An impression has gained ground here that most of these belong to a particular community. This assessment may not be correct. But the perception is stronger than reality. And the BJP's move has found resonance among voters who are divided on communal lines.

The BJP's promise of launching anti-Romeo squads to check eve-teasing in Western UP is calculated to strike resonance with Hindu constituency. Of late there have been reports of eve-teasing assuming a sociological menace in the entire region. Criminals ruling the roost in west UP in the past five year was nothing new. But criminalisation of governance is given a communal touch by a deft political move by the BJP.

Inputs from the field across western Uttar Pradesh from correspondents of ETV show polarisation trends, to the extent that channels showing Muslims in large numbers in front of polling booths since early morning also played on the minds of the voters. Observers believe that others are turning up now due to that influence. Voting percentage is likely to be very high and reports said that this polarisation helps BJP.

Yet the BJP's move to placate Jats runs the risk of triggering a counter-polarization of non-hat castes. This is a tricky political situation for not only the BJP but also for SP-Congress and the BSP.

"We are not short of fertilizer now as we get it aplenty" said one. They were least affected by demonetisation. What had hit them most is the brazen Yadavaisation of governance by Akhilesh Yadav and increasing criminalization. "We were the worst sufferer of this" said villagers who huddled in a corner to mourn the death of young boy in a road accident. Apparently the village distinctly displays a pro-BJP turn.

In Tappal area adjacent to Aligarh exists a village where non-jat castes live in large number. In a Baghel-caste dominated village not far from the Yamuna expressway, villagers have decided to vote for the BJP. The reason is obvious.

In Aligarh lies a non-Jat, pro-BJP pocket but saffron party runs the risk of losing the edge

Multi-phase polling gives politicians this opportunity  to move to areas which would come in later phases of polling and go out either to make high pitch campaigning or hold press conferences to make a last-ditch attempt to shape minds of voters in areas where voting was on. In this age of 24x7 news channels, social and digital media ensures that the message is communicated live.

It was a strategic decision Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi to hold a joint press conference and slam Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his remarks on their alliance in UP on Saturday morning when first phase of polling in the state was underway.

Voting slow in several booths in Mathura. Polling officials say footfall may increase later in the day. If it doesn't then the guessing game over results begins all over again. For parties the task right now would be to get their core voters to booths.

There was a feeling that momentum has been generated, from the point of view of crowd turn out in Lucknow, Agra and Kanpur for Congress-SP dynasts, needed to be maintained. Can that press conference influence voter mind who are going out to vote today?

There were also reports that on ground level the SP and Congress workers had their own issues and reservation against each other to join hands and fight for common cause. The seat sharing in some constituencies, even as Congress had been allotted 105 seats were there and people, even the party supporters were taking an adverse view. Rahul acknowledged that there were problems in 6-7 seats but underplayed it.

The decision to make Rahul and Akhilesh appear together, days after their joint presence in Kanpur, was guided by emerging circumstances because there was a feeling among sections of Samajwadi-Congress party leaders and supporters that Mayawati had lately become aggressive particularly pitching some influential Muslim religious leaders and groups urging minority community voters to trust and vote for BSP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's high decibel attack against Congress and Samajwadi Party.

Can UP ke ladke sway the voters of Western UP

First, the present election has become mechanical and appears more a contest between highly professional poll managers hired by all the political parties than the parties themselves. Second, the well-defined notion of vote-bank politics is in terminal decline. The social bases of all the political parties have been seriously challenged. Read the full article here

Interestingly, the pragmatism of electoral compulsions is seen in full swing when we find that all the parties moderated their competitive needs and entered into the political alignment beyond ideological lines and conventional hostilities. The saddest part is that the dramatic defragmentation of political parties has succeeded in misplacing the priorities of Uttar Pradeshs electorates.

The first phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election in the western region of the state, for 73 seats, is finally underway. The early trend of voting pattern shows that this election is shaping up to be one of the most unique, hyper-competitive, and potentially divisive elections in generations.

The SP-Congress combine is heavily banking in Muslim voters in the region seeing their combination as sole protector of their interests. This was the region which was affected in 2013 riots.

It is clear that a majority of Jats have shifted their preference from BJP to their very own Ajit Singh's RLD but then many of them are with the BJP. Ajit Singh's RLD is no winner (it can win few seats) but can play spoiler to the BJP's prospects. It thus becomes important for the BJP what percentage of Jats vote for RLD and what percentage of Jats vote for BJP. BSP and SP-Congress combine is talked here in context of a triangular or a quadrangular fight.

Common wisdom would suggest that people or a group or a community would vote to see what suits their interest, who protects their interest and who has the potential to deliver goods for the state and work for popular welfare. Jats are a hugely emotional community and more often than not emotions take priority over prudence. Fellow Jats from adjacent Haryana have been camping in this region to ensure that their brethrens in Western UP got disconnected from the BJP.

The 73 constituencies spread across 15 districts going to the polls in first phase, has an interesting mix of rural areas in western UP. While areas going to the polls includes, two most important cities Noida and Agra, but the centre of attention in this phase is how Jat heartland Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Meerut, Hapur and Bulandshahar would vote.

From Kol tehsil (civil lines side of Aligarh) Haji Zamirullah, the independent candidate who was previously in Samajwadi Party and belonged to the Shivpal camp was seen as a strong contender till morning but now voting has shifted to the Congress and the SP among Muslims. From Kol seat, both the Congress and SP candidates are getting votes. Zamirullah is also a favourite among Muslims as they are of the view that when an independent Muslim candidate is available then why should Muslim votes go to political parties who only use their votes for vested interests.

As first phase of polling in western UP is underway, the stress in the media and at other chatter points have been on Jat factor, Jats slipping away from BJP and Muslims looking at Akhilesh Yadav-Rahul Gandhi combination with hope. The impression that Mayawati has capitulated is misleading. Her party candidates are strong on the ground and their campaign has been visible but while talking about BSP, we tend to talk only about Dalits and Muslim.

BJP seems to have faltered on their strength. Instead of presenting the electorate with a simple yet convincing narrative, they are desperately searching for a better story to trump the one told by Akhilesh. They have been reduced to making the same mistake which Modi's rivals did in 2014  run an anti-campaign."

Even BJP's early campaign script for 2017 Assembly polls promised to take off from where Modi had left in 2014.

"In 2014 Modi had a better narrative than his opponents. To the electorate, pushed against the wall by a non-performing government at the Centre, Modi's promise of 'better days' made more sense than apocalyptic fear of riots.

How Modi's campaign changed dramatically and what it says about BJP's chances

A total of 121 candidates are in the fray in Agra. Around 30 percent votes were polled till noon in 73 Assembly constituencies, PTI said

In twilight zone of their life them coming out to vote means that the hope that India would change is undying. Hope new rulers of Uttar Pradesh would consider their hopes and aspirations.

It was heartening to see so many senior citizens in their 70s and 80s, even 90s coming out, holding hands of younger members of their family members, some with walking sticks.

Standing in queue to honour my right to vote at a polling station in Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, I realised that polling day is perhaps one day which senior citizens relish the most. They don't complain of queue and hassled walk to polling booth but they like the way its an occasion when the world treats them with respect and dignity they deserve. Its also a day when their preference matters.

We go on talking about India as a young country and its youthful energy. Political leaders speeches and government programs are angled at wooing them.

In an election that's all about the youth, senior citizens inspire by exercising their franchise

The Election Commission has been coming out with unique ideas to encourage women to come out and vote. Earlier in Goa, that went to poll on 4 February, the poll panel gifted soft toys to first-time women voters. Now in Uttar Pradesh, the poll panel is gifting all women voters a red rose, according to The Financial Times

The party retained two of its traditional seat while it bagged another seat previously held by the Samajwadi Party.

Even as polling is underway for the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP won all three graduate MLC seats in Kanpur, Gorakhpur and Bareilly.

Incidentally, in Mathura the BJP has been battling a poll jinx for over fifteen years as it had failed to bag a significant win in this city of temples. Malini remains its only bright spot in this holy town of Western UP.

The actor turned politician had said, "Vrindavan widows have a bank balance, good income, nice beds, but they beg out of habit... There are 40,000 widows in Vrindavan. I think there is no more place in the city. A large population is coming from Bengal... that's not right. Why don't they stay in Bengal?," NDTV reported

BJP's MP Hema Malini ran into a controversy in 2014 when she commented that the aged widows were "unnecesirily crowding" her constituency.

According to Telegraph report, some 40,000 widows  about 25,000 from Bengal  are estimated to live in Vrindavan, Mathura region. They primarily live in various government-run homes and private quarters supported by Sulabh International.

Bengali widows, who have found shelter in large numbers in Mathura, exercised their franchise in the crucial elections in the state.

Whether the high voter turnout in key districts could swing the beeps on EVMs in favour of the BJP particularly in small non-Jat pockets would be known on 11 March. These isolated pockets have traditionally been against the Jat dominance and could appear as a saviour for the BJP.

Besides, the Jats could be the most politically dominating community in the region but their numbers aren't incredible enough to singlehandedly influence the voting pattern in an election.

The Jat leaders have advised the community to collectively defeat BJP, however, the appeal is unlikely to maneouvre a 100% swing against the BJP in a community that overwhelmingly voted for the BJP just two years ago. The undecided voter could still go with the saffron party.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is walking on a tightrope in the Jat majority areas, as the community has openly pledged to vote for a candidate most suited to defeat the saffron party.

Soon, all hell broke loose and the Samajwadi Party (SP) leader was gheraoed by an angry mob of BSP supporters after which police had to resort to cane charge to disperse the unruly crowd.

The incident happened at the Islamia Madarsa poling booth. When he was talking to the voters, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supporters outside took umbrage to his spending a long time inside.

The 61-year-old politician, who is the incumbent legislator from Kithaur constituency, was greeted with slogans and some people also pelted stones at him, after which he beat a hasty retreat, officials said.

Uttar Pradesh Labour and Employment Minister Shahid Manzoor faced a hostile crowd in Meerut's Kithaur constituency on Saturday when he visited a polling both.

Addressing a gathering in Budayun, a Yadav stronghold, the Prime Minister said time has come to reverse the caste and community-based policy making in the state and instead embrace the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewed his attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday and charged him with presiding over chaos and lawlessness in the state in the past five years.

Firstpost spoke to voters coming out after voting in Aligarh to sense the mood on the ground. Our inputs suggest that Khatig (SC) caste from the region has primarily voted for the BJP while Koli, Kumhar castes are going to SP. Among Muslims Abassi community has favoured the BSP as the local candidate fielded by it belongs to the Abassi community. However, the BSP has managed to retain the Jatav votes.

As Firstpost spoke to the voters coming out of the booth, the mood remained inclined towards BJP, except for the Jatav votes which remained hitched to the BSP. However, other SC community voters have chosen to vote for BJP in Modi's name and not in the candidate's name. This area has negligible Muslim population.

At the Nahar Singh Inter College, quarsi polling booth around 60% polling was recoded till 4 pm. The officials their suggested that the peak time at this booth was between 11am to 2pm.

"Give BJP a chance. Within six months, I promise the law-and-order situation here will improve. The knife-wielding gangs will all be sent to jails within six months," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur district.

"Women in Uttar Pradesh can't even wear chains in public, because they are afraid it'll be snatched away. The largest state in India is in the hands of criminals," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Lakhimpur.

"In her tenure, Mayawati gave electricity to 23 villages. In his tenure, Akhilesh gave electricity to just three more villages. But in just the last two years since I became Prime Minister, I have given electricity to 1,364 villages," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur district.

Modi attacks Mayawati, Akhilesh over UP villages still being without electricity

"The corrupt who I targeted with my demonetisation decision are still unable to sleep well. They stole money from the poor, but I am fighting them. And I will not rest. They are all joining hands against me, because they are afraid their ill-gotten wealth will go away from them," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Second phase of Uttar Pradesh began at 7 am. Join us for LIVE updates on everything that is happening on the ground in the 67 constituencies of India's most populous state.

Firstpost Hindi brings you a comprehensive explainer as Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand vote. For Uttar Pradesh, this is the second phase of voting.

While Bangli Hindus gradually found the area inhospitable and spread out to other parts while Sikh farmers developed large farmhouses across the area. At the height of Punjab terrorism, a large group of khalistani terrorists found this area as safe haven. But the lush green belt of the region and highly cultivable land is known as paradise for farmers and rice bowl of India.

Sikhs comprise a major population in Terai (Himalayan foothills) that border Nepal. Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit, Bijnor are the core and buffer forest zones of Dudhwa and Jim Corbett forest ranges. After 1947, Sikhs farmers from Punjab and Bangladeshi hindus were settled in this barren land and given cultivable land.

Few know that the area going to polls in the second phase is known as mini Punjab in Uttar Pradesh.

The Ruhailkhand area which comprises Himalayan foothills and forest is socially a diverse land. But it is known for housing a liberal Islamic seminary- called Barelvi school of Islamic though. Adjacent to Deobandi school of Islamic thought that propagates fundamentalist variant of the religion, the Barelvi school is known for promoting a liberal value system among faithfuls. This seminary is quite influential among Muslims of the region. Though they avoid directly to be indulging in politics, their tacit support is critical for parties which vie for Muslim support. This time Ulemmas of the seminary are divided and let the voters take their choice.

In fact, Mulayam's fortune revived from Terai region where Sikhs came out in support of him. This is the precise reason that Samajwadi Party still enjoys considerable clout among sikhs of the area.

He had his legs fractured too. But Mulayam found his spirit soaring following using reception he got in wake of killings of 13 Sikhs in fake encounters by the police in Pilibhit.

Pakaria Gurudwara of Lakhimpur Kheri was the first place where Mulayam Singh Yadav visited after his electoral drubbing in 1991. When the BJP won the election, Mulayam was completely crushed in the election.

Considering Azams controversial, mostly acidic, statements that generate a lot of political heat frequently, one needs no proof. The senior Samajwadi Party leader is contesting from Rampur. Its not about Hindu or Muslim, anyone can be victim of his tongue, says Debendra.

"This man is incorrigible," says driver Debendra Singh, a resident of Etawah and a supporter of the Samajwadi Party, about Azam Khan. "He will do some good work but in the end say something so nasty that it will nullify all the goodwill he might have generated for himself. If only he knew how to control his tongue," he adds.

It's not about Hindu or Muslim, your words can hurt anyone: Voter on SP's Azam Khan

The BJP has none. While the first two are hoping to benefit from the support of minorities, the BJP is banking on reverse polarisation.

With their eyes on the demographic balance, every party has stepped into the fray with a different strategy. The BSP and SP alliance have 26 and 25 Muslim candidates.

The 67 seats that go to polls in Uttar Pradesh second phase are considered the pocket burrough of the Samajwadi Party. In most of the seats, Muslims are a third of the electorate and thus the decisive factor.

"It was a situation that was allowed to escalate and the party in power in the state needs some explaining to do. Making Azam a scapegoat wont work."

Not many in Muzaffarnagar believe Samajwadi Party's Azam Khan was behind the riots of 2013. "No, the perpetrators were other people. But the reputation of this man is such that people would buy anything said about him," says a Jat leader who plays an important role for farmers of the region and who saw the riots from close quarters.

'Azam Khan's reputation is such that anyone would buy theory that he was involved in Muzaffarnagar riots'

The police administration of the district was under pressure to trace the animals. It made national news too. The buffaloes were traced to Moradabad. We dont know what the thief went through after being caught, but the message conveyed was clear: nobody messes with Azam, or his buffaloes, in Rampur.

That Azam is a powerful man in the Samajwadi Party needs no overstating. So when cattle thieves stole seven of his buffaloes from his farm house two years ago, it was an act of great courage. Call it immense stupidity if you please. You cannot run away with Azam Khans buffaloes just like that.

This is one of the few constituencies where the election is principally between SP and BSP. But then candidature and claim of BJP's Lakshmi Saini can't be completely ruled out. In 2014 parliamentary poll pattern gives hope to BJP's supporters - Muslim votes got divided between Azam's candidate from SP Naseer Ahmad Khan and Nawab Kazim Ali Khan to pave victory way BJP's Nepal Singh.

What makes this Khan versus Khan battle even more interesting is the fact that this constituency has 60 percent Muslim population and the way members of the community vote here today could send signals elsewhere. Nawab Khan's family and SP's Azam Khan (who practically lords over this region) political rivalry dates is four decade old. But in this assembly election it has become sharper than ever.

A well educated and well groomed Nawab Kazim Ali Khan is four time MLA from this constituency. A traditional Congressman Nawab (belonging to a family which had been with Congress since Independence until about a year ago) is now BSP candidate. He now hopes that dailts and other sections on margins of social structure would add on to his personal social clout of a royalty. Pitted against him is a young Samajwadi candidate Abdullah Azam Khan. Though the young Khan is a political green horn but has support and legacy of his mighty father.

The battle of second phase is between the erstwhile Nawab of Rampur Nawab Kazim Ali Khan and modern day political Nawab of Rampur Azam Khan's son Abdullah Azam Khan.

UP Second phase battle is between two royalties

The BJP has picked up the topic of Triple Talaq ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections and asked its rivals SP and Congress to clarify their stand on gender justice. The women voters also feel that safety and security of women are of prime concern and they will vote for the party that can ensure it.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Muslim women of Rampur, one of the constituencies that will cast its ballot in the second phase, say Triple Talaq isn't an issue that political parties should discuss and is best left for the community to tackle.

Owasi's rally here drew enthusiastic crowd of under-30 youngsters. Can his AIMIM be a winner or spoiler for SP and BSP candidates? A triangular split in Muslim vote, if it happens, would generate hope for BJP candidate.

This constituency has over 65 percent Muslim electorate. So it's not surprising to find that 10 out of a total of 13 candidates in contention are from Muslim community - SP's candidate Mehboob Ali is a minister in Akhilesh Yadav government. He is facing a stiff challenge from BSP's Naushad Ali. The two were pitted against each other in 2012 also. Then there is AIMIM's Shamim Ahmed, RLD's Salim Khan, and Peace Party's Mohammad Rizwan and the list would go on. BJP's Kunwar Singh Saini is one of only three Hindu candidates from Amroha.

Amroha could be taken as a test case to understand Muslim voters polling preference  whether the Muslims were en-bloc with SP-Congress combine or Mayawati's BSP has own claims in the community and how far Assaduddin's Owaisi AIMIM has made inroads in the community.

In a crowded main bazaar of Amroha, one sees a hoarding "Tandoori Roti Rs 35 per kilo". Tandoori Roti or bread is cheaper than the price of raw atta that sells in any bigger cities. But when it comes to voting and understanding voting pattern, things are far more complicated.

It is precisely for this reason that BJP president Amit Shah said in a media conference that Mayawati's outfit is BJP's main rival in this phase. Shah hopes that BSP, which has given tickets to 99 Muslim candidates this time, would spoil SP's plan and help BJP.

Spread across 11 districts, the 67 constituencies that go to polls today in the second phase of Uttar Pradesh elections are dominated by the Muslim factor. While Muslims are known to vote tactically to keep the BJP away, the SP-Congress alliance would be hoping that the minority votes are not splintered between it and the BSP.

BJP strategises propping up BSP as party's main rival in the second phase so as to benefit from the splinter

Both quotes are attributed to Azam. Abdullah is the Samajwadi Party candidate from Suar. As part of the Rampur Lok Sabha constituency, it comes in the extended political catchment of his father. The latters prestige would as much at stake here as his.

Abdullah Azam, son of Azam Khan, is believed to be a suave man and a temperate speaker unlike his father. He won't certainly be caught saying something like, "RSS volunteers are homosexuals, thats why they never get married"; or "Mobile phones are responsible for the rape of minors."

States with the worst sex ratios have more women members of legislative assemblies (MLAs), as IndiaSpend reported in September 2015. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

The only exception was for the seats reserved for scheduled caste (SC) candidates. The proportion of women winning SC seats was more than double that of those winning general seats. All this happened over a period when women in Indias most populous state became healthier and better educated, reinforcing the point that there is no correlation between these indicators and better political representation of women.

Poor, populous Uttar Pradesh was the first Indian state to have a female chief minister  Sucheta Kriplani from 1963 to 1967but this pioneering effort has not improved prospects for women in elections. As voter turnout has risen, more competitors have stood against women candidates, fewer women have won and a growing number have lost their deposits, according to an IndiaSpend and Swaniti Initiative analysis of electoral data of the last three state elections in UP since 2002.

Age must give way to youth, says the veteran brass trader.

Some voters though are worried about the succession battle that affected the ruling party in this SP stronghold. One of them tells CNN-News 18 that Mulayam should have understood that he has reached retirement age and should have made it easier for son Akhilesh to succeed him, not tougher.

The brass industry of Moradabad has been hit by notebandi (demonetisation) and the predominantly Muslim electorate are in a mood to teach BJP a lesson.

Moradabad - Brass industry, which has been hit by demonetisation - in a mood to teach BJP a lesson?

Overall, the voter turnout stands at 10.96 percent in Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, Moradabad recorded 11 percent voter turnout till 9 am and Saharanpur recorded 12 percent.

Akhilesh Yadav and Narendra Modi urge voters to go out and cast their vote

In the end, the outcome may not be decided by issues that have been talked about during the campaign  development, demonetisation, dynasty and corruption. It may well boil down to whether a voter thinks of himself as a Muslim or a Hindu before pressing the button or looks dispassionately at the parties in the fray.

A lot had changed between 2012 and 2014. But a lot has changed from 2014 to 2017. So, neither of the two scenarios is an apt pointer to the trend. The outcome would ultimately depend on how the BJP manages to benefit from a possible split in Muslim votes (nearly 33 percent) and capitalises on counter-consolidation of Hindu votes.

There are two ways to look at polling in 67 constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. The first is to see it as a contest that could be shaped by the 2014 General Elections when the BJP polled nearly 42 percent votes and led in 49 seats in the region. The other is to go back to 2012 when the BJP polled just around 17 percent, winning 10 seats.

In 2nd phase, all depends on how BJP manages to split Muslim votes

Maximum voting was reported from Saharanpur and Bareilly at 11 per cent each, followed by Rampur (nine per cent) and Amroha (7.4 per cent).

Excited first time voters, newly weds, elderly, differently-abled and women queued up outside the polling stations to cast their votes at 7 a.m.

Brisk voting is reported in the first two hours of polling in the second phase of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections on Wednesday.

A confident Azam Khan, the SP minister, tells Aaj Tak in an interview that Muslims will be firmly behind his party. This phase is crucial for Samajwadi Party which won 34 of 67 seats in 2012 and is under pressure to do an encore. The BJP had got 10 seats during last assembly elections and BSP, 11. Till 9 am, 10.69 percent ballots have been cast in Uttar Pradesh.

Azam Khan invokes Gujarat while tackling Narendra Modi's charge that police stations in Rampur, his constituency, have become Samajwadi Party's offices.

Second phase: Tussle between BSP and SP-Congress alliance; Azam Khan confident Muslim voters will back him

Five, the BJP's performance this time wouldn't be as good as 2014. Well, these could be true of the whole of UP as well. In any case, these don't give you an idea on which the way voters are going to swing this time.

Four, local equations will override other considerations in the elections; and

One, Akhilesh Yadav is not someone who is disliked much, both as a person and a politician;

In Bijnor, you dont catch the election mood by speaking to a few people. Most are evasive when they sense a politically-inclined question. The ones who open up are most likely to be sympathisers of one party or the other. However, talking to a cross-section of people here you get to understand a few things:

Facts from Bijnor that holds true for the whole of Uttar Pradesh: SP-Congress alliance a good idea and demonetisation doesn't matter

"My battle is with Azam Khan and not his son. In terms of funding, the chief minister has sent crores worth of funds to the Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, which Azam Khan is the chancellor of. The money hasnt been used for the upliftment of the people of Rampur."

His success, whatever it be, votes or seats, means loss to SP. So far Muslim politics and Muslim voting preference in the state has so far been split between SP and BSP. The BSP has fielded 100 Muslim candidates with SP closely following that number but the fact remains that no party with Muslim leadership at the top, formed with purpose to cater Muslim interests has so far electorally succeeded. Can Owaisi make that exception? His speeches have been fiery, making the crowd lustily cheer for him but can he turn that personal appeal in votes?

For the first time Owasi is trying his luck here and has fielded 40 candidates from AIMIM symbol. Owaisi and erstwhile Congress ally in Andhra Pradesh and also at the centre during UPA regime had surprised all by opening account in Maharastra assembly election and making substantive gains in civic bodies polls. He, however, had failed in Bihar assembly elections because his party was seen as a vote spoiler. Uttar Pradesh is a big test for him. In his public rallies in Uttar Pradesh, he has pulled fierce punches on Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati. BJP is his favourite punching bag.

This round of election spread across electorally Muslim-dominated areas of Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Sambhal, Rampur, Amroha where community presence vary between 30 percent to 65 percent will decide whether Hyderabad based Assaduddin Owasi's AIMIM can spread its political influence outside of Telangana and make a mark in Hindi heartland.

Here is a look at the key electoral issues in Uttar Pradesh.

Is caste the standalone factor that swings the electoral outcome in Uttar Pradesh or the recent tune of development sung by SP-Congress combine and the BJP resonating with the voters.

With a Muslim electorate of over 65 percent all mainstream parties have chosen to field leader from the same community. SP's Iqbal Mehmood is sitting MLA and is considered a very strong candidate. He has for long been a challenger to Barq's dominance in the region. Presence of Mayawati's BSP candidate Rafatulla has further spiced up polls.

He has roped in a hugely influential a four-time MP Shafiqur Rehman Barq to his party. Barq is now 86 and has chosen his young grandson Ziaur Rahman Barq to be AIMIM candidate. If AIMIM has a chance to open an account in UP then Sambhal needs to be watched. It's a tough electoral battle.

Enter Sambhal and you will soon realise Asaduddin Owasi and his men mean business.

Key to Owaisi's expansion plans for UP is an 86-year-old in Sambhal

But that is not the case. The electoral chemistry of the national election is vastly different from the state assembly polls. In 2014 elections, Narendra Modi rode on a wave of high expectation and an outright rejection of a government perceived to be led by a weakest-ever prime minister. The groundswell of support transcended the caste-barriers in a decisive manner for Modi. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Not let us examine the reasons why this election is one of the rarest political event in the life of the country's most populous state. Conventional wisdom has it that the party which gets overwhelming mandate only two-and-a-half years back in 2014 Lok Sabha election should have edge over others. By this logic, the BJP should have been choice for the electorate in the state assembly election.

Conventional wisdom often guides elections. But rarely does an election turn conventional wisdom on its head. A cursory glance at the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election 2017 would leave no one in doubt that this election would fall into the category of 'rarest of rare' elections.

In 2002, women won 11 of 314 seats (3.5 percent) for general-category candidates, and 15 of 89 seats (16.9 percent) reserved for SCs. By 2012, women won 22 of 318 general seats (6.9 percent) and 13 of 85 reserved seats (15.3 percent). So, women contesting from scheduled-caste seats had a more than double chance of winning.

The BSP chief's move was to tell voters that such a thing will never be repeated in past. She has gone out of her way to attack BJP, calling the debate around triple talaq part of nefarious RSS agenda.

To counter her tactic of fielding an unprecedented 99 Muslim candidates, Akhilesh Yadav therefore has been going around telling voters that Mayawati can't be trusted since her party has allied with "communal" BJP three times in past.

In Kanpur on Tuesday BSP chief Mayawati was at pains to distance herself from BJP, insisting that she will never join hands with the "Dalit basher" party. Mayawati's predicament is understandable. To return to power she must ensure Dalit votes are consolidated and a sizeable portion of Muslim votes are weaned away from the Samajwadi Party.

Mayawati distancing herself from 'Dalit basher BJP': BSP chief's move is most obvious and necessary

Speaking to the media after casting his vote Duniyapur says the foundation of the Ram Rajya in Uttar Pradesh will be laid in Rampur. He adds that all parties in Uttar Pradesh are against the BJP. He is confident that the BJP will come to power in full majority in the state and that people will vote against poor governance and corruption.

Though Lucknow had familiarised itself with Iranian cultural traditions due to Shia's influence, Rampur borrowed its cultural traits from Mughals of Delhi. As this constituency goes for polls, the electorate gets divided on intense communal lines. However in reality Rampur has a rich cultural heritage which has much more to celebrate about than acrimony.

Historically Pathans from Afghanistan found a shelter in picturesque land of Ruhilkhand. Apar from Lucknow, Rampur emerged as another centre of excellence of Nawabi culture of Uttar Pradesh.

Rampur, a township known as bastion of Samajwadi Party's loudmouth Azam khan, is also known as land of khans.

The BJP is expecting benefits from counter pollination which may happen in the second half of the polls.

Similarly, voters registered a significant turnout in Saharanpur and Pilibhit. This round of polls seem to be going in favor of the SP because of demographic profile of the region that comprises Muslim-Yadav as significant social chunk. In certain pockets where scheduled caste voters are higher in number, Muslims are looking for BSP as an option. But that is very rare as the SP-Congress enjoys a solid support base.

Initial turnout in Budaun, Saharanpur, Bareilly and Shahjahanpur do indicate that Muslim voters have come out in large numbers in the morning. For instance in Budaun there are reports of 25 percent polls that suggest large turnout of Mulim-Yadav voters in support of the Samajwadi Party.

Initial turnout indicate Muslim voters have come out in large numbers

As Uttar Pradesh votes to choose its Legislative Assembly, BJP hopes to repeat its 2014 sweep victory riding on a Modi wave once again. The Akhilesh camp on the other hand managed to bag the majority in the 2012 Assembly polls. If a party's past performance tells us anythig, it's that in state elections swing votes ensure that its a close call between the key parties. Here is a look back at the previous performances of all the parties in UP.

UP Polls: A look at the previous performance of key players in the state

If the votes are divided then its advantage BJP, says Satish Prakash, Dalit activist. With as many as 34 of the 67 seats under its belt last time, the SP would expect a better show. It has the Congress votes with it now. The BSP, on the other hand, has announced its candidates much earlier and cultivated the constituencies well. The BJP would be happy if the alliance and the BSP shared the Muslim votes equally.

Which way will the Muslim votes swing? On this question rests the fate of parties in Uttar Pradesh. As voters in the Muslim heavy constituencies queue up at the booths today the suspense would be around whether they have voted for the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance or the BSP.

Why the BJP would like Muslim votes to be shared equally by BSP and the SP-Cong alliance

Official sources said polling was dull initially but picked up as the day wore on. They said till midday there was no report of any untoward incident and polling was going on smoothly.

Over 25 percent of the electorate cast their votes till noon in the second phase polling in Uttar Pradesh. In the second of seven-phase election, 2.28 crore voters, including over 1.04 crore women, are eligible to cast their ballots in 14,771 polling centres and 23,693 polling stations.

It reminds the imams that it is their "special responsibility" to use mosques and make the millat (the global Muslim nation) aware of the current conditions and ensure that Muslims know that voting is a democratic right as well as a shar'i fareeza (Islamic religious duty). While the appeal does not say which party to vote against, it urges the imams and others to go to areas where Muslim candidates are in the fray against other Muslim candidates, and explain the situation to the voters to exercise their vote unitedly, presumably against the BJP.

On the second-phase polling in Uttar Pradesh, the Urdu-language daily Roznama Inquilab carries a frontpage appeal by some Muslims titled: "Respectful appeal to the imams of mosque." The two-column appeal reads: "The country's fascist forces, under their eternal projects, are conspiring to make Muslims second- and third-grade citizens, and are engaged in targeting the dear country's biggest minority by adopting new, new tactics. And surely, you are no less concerned about these situations."

One argument I have not understood but most experts say is that Indian Muslims are voting the BJP, which is correct to some extent within Gujarat but it's not proven elsewhere. Khalid feels that Muslims indeed are voting the BJP but he says that they do not proclaim it publicly. "Within the community, such BJP voters are shamed by clerics and elders and therefore they do not reveal. So, one cannot detect such votes publicly," he explains. Perhaps in times to come, Muslims will vote for the BJP, but the party has not given tickets to any Muslim candidate in UP elections.

A day before the first phase of UP polls on 11 February, Roznama Inquilab had carried a frontpage headline: "UP  First phase polling, Musalmanon ka Imtehan (Test for Muslims)." A few days ago in Aligarh, I asked Urdu journalist Hasan Khalid how will Muslims perceive if Hindi newspapers gave such a headline saying elections are a "test for Hindus." Khalid criticises such headlines in the Urdu media and argues that if one has to be so, it must only be: "voters ka Imtehan."

It also carries some reports expressing concern that the division of Muslim votes, notably in Pratapgarh region, could hurt secular forces. Roznama Sahafat, another Urdu daily, carries a whole front-page report in favour of Azam Khan, and it's not presented as kind of advert. Statements of Muslim elders such as Chaudhary Munawwar Saleem are given on the entire page to ensure Azam Khan's victory, but there have been occasions where his political rallies faced disruptions in Rampur.

To assure Muslims that the BSP will not support the BJP in UP after the elections, Mayawati's statement "Willing to sit in opposition but no alliance with BJP (after the elections)" is a front-page headline in Urdu daily Roznama Akhbar-e-Mashriq on 15 February, as the UP goes to second-phase polling.

Such pure rumours worked against the BJP in Bihar elections. Uttar Pradesh elections have seen mobilisation of Muslim voters against the BJP and in support of the SP-Congress alliance and to some extent for BSP.

During Bihar Assembly elections, I heard actual reports that even rumours played a consequential role in defeating the BJP. In rural areas, poor Muslim women were convinced by Islamic clerics and local opinion makers to offer prayers for the victory of Nitish Kumar. They were told that "Modi will demolish mosques."

Modi was effectively urging the voters to rise above caste, community and identity fault lines with a strong dose of nationalism arising out of the achievements of scientists.

Narendra Modi began his rally in Kannauj by congratulating Isro scientists for launching 104 satellites in one go earlier in the day. Constantly invoking their success during his speech, the Prime Minister asked the sizeable crowd to raise their voice to laud the scientists' effort in which 101 were foreign satellites were launched and only 3 were Indian.

Modi uses Isro success to punch in strong dose of nationalism in Kannauj rally

The sugar mills feel their business is unsustainable in view of falling sugar prices. Some have threatened to die but they cannot do so under the law. Akhilesh has just made things more difficult for them by increasing the State Advisory Price for sugarcane to Rs 305. The BJP promises a loan waiver and payment to farmers within 14 days of delivery. But on the ground, its not a big talking point. Interesting.

In the sugarcane zone of Uttar Pradesh theres not much talk on plight of cane farmers. Not all is hunky-dory with the sugarcane industry here. Farmers have been complaining about rising arrears in payment from the sugar mills.

Was it really a paradigm shift in voter behaviour? Was 2014 the year of enlightenment for Indian voters who suddenly realised that they had been taken for a merry ride by politicians in the name of caste and community equations? Were they eschewing identity politics and its trappings?

Writing for EPW, A K Verma analysed BJP's victory as "it is significant that the party made electoral gains across all castes and communities and across all regions in the state. This victory signalled a paradigm shift in voter behaviour, with a preference for good governance and development pushing out the identity politics of caste and community."

The result was stunning. In Uttar Pradesh alone, BJP won 71 out of 80 seats. Dalits abandoned Mayawati and voted in droves for BJP's PM candidate. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal ran a campaign of anger. Modi defeated him in Varanasi by a huge margin.

It was a remarkable spectacle in 2014. While BJP's rivals, especially in the Hindi heartland, were busy slicing and dicing data on caste equations, PM-aspirant Narendra Modi was telling rally after rally of packed audiences how he will bring achhe din. The more his rivals asked the electorate not to trust him, the more Modi talked about development. The opposition called him a 'polarising figure who will usher in riots', Modi said he will usher in vikaas.

How Modi's campaign changed dramatically and what it says about BJP's chances

The underlying purpose behind the alliance between Akhilesh Yadav led Samajwadi Party and Sonia-Rahul Gandhi led Congress party was consolidation of Muslim votes for the combine. Akhilesh Yadav on several occasion has said there was a confusion among some people about Samajwadi's prospects to return to power but after a tie-up with Congress that confusion is gone. If SP-Congress has to come to power, it needs to sweep this phase. In 2012 elections SP had won 35 of 67 seats, Congress 3, BSP 18 and BJP had won 10, one seat had gone to Independent. The BJP is banking on some split in Muslim votes between SP-BSP and AIMIM. The BJP is also looking for a situation where aggressive polling by Muslim community members could consolidate Hindutava votes in its favor. Latent Hindutava sentiment is there in sections of Hindu voters but the key question is how much of that is translating into votes. The BSP has fielded some strong candidates on the ground. The party has also got a number of influential Muslim clerics and community groups to issue appeal in its favor. Despite Supreme Court order, Mayawati has been openly talking of importance of Muslim votes. Will that yield dividend to her. As it is she has solid backing of Dalits, particularly Jatavas. Polling by noon has shown that polling percentage could go up in this phase, at least as compared to phase one. There lies the catch for all three mainstream contenders SP-Congress, BJP and BSP.

This phase of election is supremely important for the SP-Congress combine as majority of the 67 seats where the polling process is underway has overwhelming Muslim population.

Sweeping phase two election crucial for SP to justify its alliance with Congerss

Picking up BJP's clean sweep in Uttar Pradesh where the party won all three seats of graduate MLC seats in Kanpur, Gorakhpur and Bareilly this month, Narendra Modi during his election rally in Kannauj on Wednesday taunted the SP-Congress alliance by asking, "UP ko yeh saath pasand kyon nahin aya"? (Why did the UP voters show thumbs down to SP-Congress alliance). The taunt was a spin on the alliance partners' campaign slogan. The PM also mentioned BJP's good result in Odisha panchayat polls and interpreted it as the poor endorsing demonetisation despite Opposition slander.

With elections for the 403-seat Uttar Pradesh assembly underway, even sale of liquor has fallen, partly because of strictures from the Election Commission.

The Excise Department, the cash cow, has also taken a beating in revenue collection. An official said that as against a target of Rs 1,443 crore in December, the collection was down at Rs 1,345 crore.

While it earned Rs 4,494 crore in tax in November, the collection slipped in December and is set to go down further in January and February due to engagement of employees and officials in election duty.

The Sales Tax Department, an official told IANS, has seen a drop in collections in the past three months.

Officials in the concerned departments fear that the revenue targets for the current fiscal might take a knock of 25-30 per cent.

Uttar Pradesh's revenue has taken a big hit  first due to demonetisation and now because most government employees are out on election duty.

Modi says those sitting in Delhi cannot gauge the extent of damage at Barabanki

The once powerful Shivpal Yadav is a pale shadow of himself after the knock-out blow from nephew Akhilesh. Patriarch Mulayam Singh is a much subdued man these days, preferring to be away from the limelight. Some other members of the family are still in the process of adjusting to the generational shift in the party. The Yadav community has stood by Mulayam for over two decades but this time its a bit confused after the coup by Akhilesh which many perceive as an insult to Mulayam.

In Uttar Pradeshs heartland, where the election enters phase three, the debate is not whether the Yadav dominance in their stronghold would continue, its how the bitter power struggle in the Yadav first family would impact the prospect of individual members in the fray.

Akhilesh Yadav. ReutersAkhilesh Yadav. Reuters In the 2012 Assembly polls, SP had won 55 of these 69 seats, while BSP, BJP and Congress secured just 6, 5 and 2 respectively. One seat went to an Independent.

Curtains will come down on Friday on the hectic campaign in 69 Assembly seats spread over 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh that will go to polls in the third phase on 19 February. The districts are Farrukhabad, Hardoi, Kannauj, Mainpuri, Etawah, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur, Unnao, Lucknow, Barabanki and Sitapur.

Campaign for 3rd phase ends on Friday, 12 districts go to polls on 19 February

"Akhilesh says that their party has changed over the years but the goons are still there within the party. Three people have been engaged in spreading corruption in the country and now these people have tied up in an alliance to loot Uttar Pradesh."

"What has this family given you? There are problems for farmers while law and order machinery in the state has collapsed. There is acute shortage of water and medicines. What has this state government done for you?" he asked.

He asked the voters to shun dynastic and caste-based politics, noting that everything in the state veered around one family.

Two families have entered into an unholy alliance. Initially, people were affected by one shahzada (prince), now it is two. One shahzada is giving pain to his mother, the other to his father," he said, attacking Rahul and Akhilesh, who had a bitter feud with his father Mulayam Singh Yadav over the control over SP.

UP election is a way to end caste and family politics, says Shah at Amethi rally. Congress-SP alliance is immoral, he adds.

Sitting UP minister Vijay Mishra joins Mayawati's party dealing a fresh blow to Akhilesh. Vijay goes on to call Samajwadi Party Anti-Brahmin while Mayawati, all confident, says that Uttar Pradesh will punish Akhilesh for running goonda raj in state.

The killing spree started with the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by RSS. We are Gandhians from the core of our heart and firm believer of non-violence," AICC General Secretary and in-charge of party affairs in Uttar Pradesh Ghulam Nabi Azad told a news conference here.

Congress on Thursday dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charge that the party had made a bid on Mulayam Singh Yadav's life, saying the word 'murder' was synonymous with Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. "The word 'murder' is synonymous with Modi and (Amit) Shah.

Irani had said on Thursday that Priyanka Gandhi was avoiding canvassing in Amethi because she was afraid of people's questions on their unfulfilled promises.

After Smriti Irani took on Priyanka Gandhi for not addressing a single rally in Amethi, Priyanka has finally entered the poll limelight as she appeared at a Congress rally in Raebareli, flanked by her brother Rahul Gandhi.

The apex court has also sought a status report from the UP police within a period of eight weeks.

The Supreme Court ordered the registration of an FIR against UP minister Gayatri Prajapati in a gang rape and sexual harassment case against him. The bench hearing the case observed that the state machinery could not go slow on a accused just because he was an influential leader in the state.

Poll panel officials said they hope that more and more people will come out to vote this time and that the previous turnout of 59.96 per cent in this region in 2012 will be bettered by the end of the day.

Voting for 69 seats in the third phase of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections began on Sunday amid tight security. Heavy security deployment has been made across the 12 districts where polling began. Sensitive polling stations marked by the Election Commission (EC) are being monitored online, an official said.

Officials hope third phase turnout will be better than the second phase's 59.96%

In this round, all eyes are on people from the Yadav clan, like Shivpal Singh Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav's cousin Anurag Yadav. The fate of BJP's Rita Bahuguna Joshi will also be decided in this round.

In all, there are 826 candidates in fray whose fate would be decided by 2.41 crore voters. Prominent districts where polling is underway include Lucknow, Kanpur, Etawah, Kannauj, Etah and Mainpuri.

BSP has fielded Yogesh Dixit, who is trying to woo voters by promising good governance by party supremo Mayawati.

The SP candidates include Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav and three ministers, one of whom was recently sacked. BJP has preferred to field turncoats on two seats  Lucknow Central and Lucknow Cantt. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who had won on Congress ticket last time, has been fielded by BJP from Cantt seat against Aparna.

Ruling Samajwadi Party is facing a tough battle as it tries to retain the seven Assembly seats it had won last time out of nine in Lucknow, while BJP and BSP queer the pitch. The two other seats were shared by BJP and Congress.

Lucknow Central is also witnessing a keen contest, where sitting SP MLA and cabinet minister Ravidas Mehrotra is facing an uphill task with Congress candidate Maroof Khan refusing to withdraw from the field despite a tie-up between the two parties. BJP has given ticket to former MP Brijesh Pathak, a fromer Lucknow University student union president, who switched from BSP.

However, this time the situation for SP is difficult with its MLA Sharda Prasad Shukla contesting on RLD ticket after being spurned by the party.

An interesting contest is on in Sarojini Nagar seat, where BJP's woman face and state women wing chief Swati Singh is in fray. BJP has never won the seat.

The driver gives it a thought, stifles a smile and nods in agreement.

Who would like to be seen in the vicinity of the clinic and be branded a naamard? Its a society where everyone knows everyone. And word spreads fast. Salacious words move faster. I doubt whether even other patients go to the clinic that day.

Do you think these doctors do any business on Tuesdays? I ask the driver, a native of Uttar Pradesh, adding, I dont think so. He is a bit perplexed: Why?

One wise doctor has fixed a weekday for each category of patients for consultation. Naamards on Mangalbar (impotents on Tuesday), reads the information on one wall. Somewhere else Thursday is the day for those with the problem of early ejaculation. Something strikes you as odd.

On the road through the Yadav zone in Uttar Pradesh which goes to polls today, theres no escaping gupt rog. On the ubiquitous long brick walls amid green fields on both sides you find the mention of gupt rog and the doctor in loud white. In fact, this crude advertisement easily outnumbers those of the candidates in the elections.

Most voters are unable to say with confidence which party might form the next government in Lucknow. Will this election result in a hung assembly? This too cannot be said with certainty, as a shift of just about three percent votes could result in a clear majority for a single party.

Except for the Jat voters, the BJP voters have largely stayed with the party. BJP might be enjoying some silent polarisation in its favour. However, talking to people in western UP, it didn't appear that there was any wave in favour of any party. This may change in eastern UP.

During the first two phases of polling which covered western Uttar Pradesh, some division was seen in the Muslim votes. While most Muslim votes went for the Samajwadi Party, the BSP too seems to have received a fair share of Muslim votes. There is effectively a three-cornered contest across Uttar Pradesh.

BJP might have enjoyed silent polarisation in western UP but that changes in eastern UP

The constituency comprises city area considered stronghold of BJP and in 2012 polls BJP's Bora lost by a narrow margin of 2,219 votes to Mishra.

Lucknow North is witnessing a contest between state minister and SP candidate Abhishek Mishra and BJP's Neeraj Bora, while BSP has fielded former NSUI leader Ajay Srivastava this time, making it a three-cornered fight.

The Urdu daily Roznama Inquilab on 17 February also carried a five-column report from Barabanki quoting several Islamic clerics and local elders saying that appeals made by Muslim leaders to vote for a certain party has confused Muslim voters. Muhammad Yunus Khan, who works for educational uplift of Muslims, is quoted in the report as saying that there is awareness among Muslims as to which party to vote for.

Haseeb Ahmad Nizami of the Lucknow-based social organisation Bharatiya Aqaliyat Mahasabha who criticised such appeals for Muslim votes says that Muslims are aware of which party to vote for or not to vote, according to a report in the Urdu daily Akhbar-e-Mashriq on 16 February.

Some resentment is being seen in the Muslim community against appeals made by various leaders for Muslim minority votes. This may not be consequential but there is a realisation that political leaders use Muslims at the time of elections and forget the community after the vote.

"I urge everyone to cast their important vote in the third phase of Uttar Pradesh voting. After the first two phases, I can confidently say that even in third phase BSP will lead all the parties as far as votes are concerned. In fact, in all the remaining phases as well BSP will come out as a winner. And I can positively say that BSP will form a government on its own, without anyone's assistance or any uncomfortable alliance. Uttar Pradesh needs change, it is looking for development. BJP has been tested and the same goes for Samajwadi Party  the voters have decided."

At another place close to Kanpur, you get ghanghor thandi beer. It does not surprise anymore.

Perhaps its a case of overdoing things. The owner of the shop wanted extra emphasis on the chill factor and came up with this adjective. Well, cannot say it does not attract attention. If it didnt, why would one be discussing it in the first place?

We know chilled beer. We can forgive the lapse on the sign board writers part when he mentions it as child beer. After all, beer is what matters in the end. But what, pray, is bhayankar thandi beer? On the road from Meerut to Kanpur one comes across this on a sign board and pauses for a few minutes to grasp the meaning of the words in combination. Thandi is for cold alright and beer needs no explaining. What is bhayankar doing here?

The polling percentage so far, with exception of Noida, has been very good. That is a clear indicator that voters in large numbers from all communities are coming out to vote. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

An excessive reliance of the SP-Congress coalition to woo Muslims has given rise to latent Hindutva sentiments across the state. The strategists perhaps erred in calculating the Muslims vote but they are not the only ones who vote. Mayawati too has erred on the same count. Scratch a bit and Hindutva sentiments of non-Yadav and non-Jatav community would come out to the fore. The situation may not be that of 2014 but this factor is certainly there on the ground and that could significantly tilt the balance for BJP.

Its true that there are no obvious signs of anti-incumbency against Akhilesh Yadav but the endorsement sentiments to bring the incumbent back to power is clearly missing.

Winds of change could be blowing in Uttar Pradesh. Ahead of the third phase of polling in this most populous and politically crucial Hindi heartland state, there are signs on the ground that Samajwadi Party-Congress coalition, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadavs pre-poll catchphrase UP ko ye saath pasand hai is not striking the desired cord among the numbers of voters required to catapult them to power.

Long queues have been seen in Lucknow, Kanpur and Etawah where people went early morning to cast their votes. Lucknow, which is generally less excited about exercising franchise, has also witnessed long queues outside polling stations.

The Modi-versus-Akhilesh debate has dominated the election scenario in Awadh, which could turn out to be a make-or-break region for both parties. Modi, who is the BJPs strongest vote-puller in a battle without a chief ministerial face, underlined the fact that he was an MP from the state and described himself as UPs adopted son.

Brisk voting has been reported from most of the 69 assembly seats which are going to polls on Sunday in the third phase of the Uttar Pradesh elections.

Awadh: With Modi vs Akhilesh debate dominating election talk, it could be a make-or-break region

Prominent persons who voted here included Rita Bahuguna Joshi, former state Congress President and currently the BJP candidate from Lucknow Cantt seat.

Large crowds swarmed polling stations in Indiranagar, Gomtinagar, Aliganj Chowk in the old city and Aashiana. Many voters were out early morning so that they do not have to wait in long queues later in the day.

In this region, the competition is between the father and the son. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that Akhilesh Yadav is being seen as tanashah (dictator), as one person told me. However, it seems to be more of a social case. In Indian society, people generally favour the father in any clash with his son.

The third-phase polling today covers Etawah and nearby constituencies which are considered a stronghold of Mulayam Singh Yadav. However, the recent clash between Mulayam Singh and his son Akhilesh Yadav has caused resentment among the voters in this region.

The black patches could well be heartbreaks, externalised and painted in colour for public viewing. These frustrated aspiring candidates could damage the prospect of running candidates in the Samajwadi Party dominated region through silent sabotage acts.

Some of them had started campaigning already anticipating party tickets. The names had to be removed from the walls to avoid confusion among voters about the candidates.

The huge, ugly black patches on many walls in the fields on both sides of the road (from Meerut to Kanpur) tell you that someone has done a shoddy job. Look carefully, and try to find what the dark patches are trying to cover. You get the Congress' campaign theme before it entered into an alliance with the Samajwadi Party: '27 saal UP behaal' and you get names of Congress and Samajwadi Party aspirants who didn't finally get the ticket or lost out due to the alliance.

The Bhojpuri actor, who formally was a Congress candidate and contested election in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur in 2014, is all set to join the BJP. The announcement was done by BJP MP Manoj Tiwari.

If rumours are anything to go by he would damage the prospect of the Samajwadi Party in some seats in the Yadav belt. He would ensure that the strike rate of the party goes down by several points. It was 80 percent  and 55 seats  last time. He would not mind playing the BJP's game. Mulayam Singh is still with him but his relationship with Akhilesh remains frosty. Wait for a new episode in the family drama after the results are out.

Never underestimate the man outdone in a power game. He could have been pushed to the fringes of the Samajwadi Party by Akhilesh and ploughing a lonely furrow in his Jaswant Nagar assembly constituency at the moment, but Shivpal Yadav remains a dangerous man for Akhilesh.

Akhilesh's alliance partner Rahul Gandhi's Congress has had no presence in the region. The only seat that Congress had won in 2012 was of Rita Bahuguna Joshi in Lucknow Cantt. But Joshi is now part of the BJP. Heavy voter turnout since morning in this phase could cut both ways, depending on voters mood  pro-incumbency, favouring incumbent or anti-incumbency favouring challenger.

The fact that in last five days Akhilesh Yadav had extensively campaigned in areas which are considered to be family stronghold is indicative of the fact that he can't be complacent about the outcome. His wife Dimple Yadav, after appearing to be a tentative campaigner and reluctant public speaker too is campaigning for the party.

But each election has its own different dynamics. In 2012, Akhilesh Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Shivpal Yadav were one force, in 2017 not so much. The schism within Yadav clan has resulted in emergence of multiple forces. Also, in 2012 Samajwadi Party was a challenger and in 2017 Samajwadi Party is ruling party.

Ideally, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav should have been sitting comfortably ahead of phase three polling which is currently underway in 69 constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. In 2012, Samajwadi Party had swept the polls, winning 54 seats in 12 districts spread over in Yadav bastion of Etawah, Mainpuri, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Auraiah and so on.

But in 2012 Assembly elections, seven Samajwadi Party legislatures were elected of the nine assembly seats here. The young vote would be pivotal.

A crucial constituency where BJP and SP both see the potential to gain from here. Atal Bihari V
The stage is set for the crucial first phase of Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh, voting for which will begin on Saturday. Polling will be held in 73 assembly constituencies spread across 15 districts in the western part of the state in the first phase. There will be a total of 839 candidates whose electoral fortunes will be determined tomorrow. According to The Economic Times, there are 2.59 crore voters who would exercise their franchise, including 1.42 crore men, 1.17 crore women and 1,511 from the third gender.

The maximum number of candidates are in Agra South (26), while the least number of candidates  six each  are from Hastinapur, Iglas and Loni.

Amid heightened fear of poll violence, already proved true by a spate of incidents in the last few days, security deployment has been beefed up in sensitive areas: Shamli, Aligarh, Muzaffarnagar, Mathura, Bulandshahr and Agra. According to The Times Of India, among 73 constituencies, Sahibabad (Ghaziabad) has maximum number of electorates, while Jalesar is the smallest constituency.

Campaigning for this phase had many firsts:

This was for the first time in the electoral history of the region that former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, now a mere "mentor" for the Samajwadi Party (SP), did not campaign. Congress president Sonia Gandhi also didn't show up due to ill-health. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi campaigned jointly.

While Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, despite named "star campaigner", did not join in the canvassing, Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav and veteran actress Jaya Bachchan did campaign for party candidates.

In the 2012 Assembly polls, SP had won 24 seats, while Bahujan Samaj Party won 23, Bharatiya Janata Party 12, Rashtriya Lok Dal 9 and Congress 5 seats from the western part of the state. In the corresponding region for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, BJP had won all 12 seats here, and many veterans like Ajit Singh were drowned in the saffron surge.

Prominent seats which have attracted attention include Noida, from where Pankaj Singh, son of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, is contesting; Mathura, where senior Congress leader Pradip Mathur is locked in a direct battle with Shrikant Sharma, national spokesman of the BJP; and Sardhana, where BJP's Sangeet Som is challenged by SP's Atul Pradhan.

In Meerut, former state BJP president and sitting MLA Laxmikant Bajpayi is being challenged in a triangular contest by SP-Congress combine's Rafiq Ansari and BSP's Pankaj Jolly. Kairana, Thana Bhawan and Sikandarabad are other high-profile seats.

The battle for control of the 403-seat state is also being seen as particularly crucial in the run-up to the 2019 general election.

With inputs from agencies
Hours after the Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmad Bukhari, blasted the Samajawadi Party-Congress coalition in Uttar Pradesh, and urged Muslims to vote for Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party instead, a mildly aggressive gathering of hundreds of young men from the community thundered, "Dekho dekho kaun aya, sher aaya, sher aaya (Oh, look who's here, the lion is here)."

Their body language clearly suggested that the sher they were referring to was their hero, both as a leader and as a rock star performer. The announcement that he had finally arrived resulted in a commotion, with everyone pushing, pulling, vying to catch a glimpse of the one man they were waiting for  Assaduddin Owaisi, Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP and chief of AIMIM.

Owaisi is known not to mince his words; he arouses passions, and he hits hard, not just at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP but also at the supposedly "secular" parties  Congress, SP, BSP and religious leaders who issue oral fatwas to guide Muslim voter preferences. At Amroha on Friday, he blasted one and all, made the crowd lustily cheer for him and clap for every punchy sentence of his powerful oratory.

Amroha has a special significance for Muslims, for the simple reason that around 65 percent of the electorate in this Assembly constituency are Muslims. There couldnt be a better place for leaders and students of politics to understand the communitys political preference. Owaisi was making his political debut in Uttar Pradesh, and Amroha was the most important stopover for him.

Muslim domination in Amroha can be assessed from the fact that 10 out of the constituency's 13 candidates are Muslims. The incumbent MLA, SP's Mehboob Ali, a minister in Akhilesh Yadav's government  as also BSP's Naushad Ali, RLD's Salim Khan, AIMIM's Shamim Ahmed and Peace Party's Mohammad Rizwan are all Muslims, as also are ministers in smaller parties. BJP's Kunwar Singh Saini is one of only three Hindu candidates from Amroha.

A few hundred meters from Owaisi's rally venue, near Ghodewale Hakim, stood a group of men, all from the same community. They too were engaged in an impassioned discussion about the Imam's public call to vote for Mayawati. This call  and another political somersault  had surprised them. They had a worry, same as the one they had for Owaisi, that this could create some confusion in the minds of voters in the community. For them, Akhilesh was the new hero, and he needed to win these elections, not just to get one more chance to put the state administration on track, but also as a powerful counter to Narendra Modi's onward march. Bukahrai's appeal and the possibility of a split in Muslim votes had angered them.

It was also time to make a comparison in varied political strategies adopted by the two powerful political rivals of Uttar Pradesh: Akhilesh and Mayawati.

From Akhilesh's camp, the message was loud and clear: Don't overtly stress on the Muslim factor and don't make any sensitive statements that could communally surcharge the election atmosphere, which could end up in reverse Hindu polarisation. They keep marshalling election statistics from the 2014 Parliamentary elections, when SP-BSP candidates lost despite garnering the highest ever number of votes.

This time, all Mullahs and Maulvis aligned to SP and Congress have been advised to keep their mouths shut and not speak in public, least of all to the media until the elections are over. Nawazuddin, a businessman in Amroha Bazaar, hails Akshilesh for showing an "unmatched maturity" for not directly appealing to Muslims.

Hasan Shuja, another influential resident of the area, said, "I'd never seen anything like this before. The community is praising a leader who's seeking our votes, because he's not openly appealing or talking about Muslim interest. We know he's on our side, but that's not something either him or we need to talk about publicly. In 2014, we saw how public speeches could impact elections and we won't let it happen again."

He contrasts Akhilesh's approach with Mayawati's. The BSP chief is openly wooing Muslim voters and religious leaders. Two days ago, the Rashtriya Ulama Council, which had come up as an umbrella body for Muslims candidates, withdrew all names and called upon its supporters to vote for Mayawati, calling her the protector of their interests. A day later, Shahi Imam Bukhari blasted and ridiculed Akhilesh and also gave a supportive call for Mayawati.

Imam Bukari has special notional importance among Muslims: Bukharis' ancestry is traced directly from Prophet Muhammad. Their forefather Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari was sent here by the Shah of Bukhari in Samarkand on request of the then Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the early 17th century.

Though still a revered religious leader, Shahi Imam has lost his credibility as a leader who could guide political community sentiments. In the last Assembly election in 2012, he was openly with the Samajwadi Party, holding joint press conferences with Mulayam Singh Yadav, seeking a ticket for his son-in-law Omar Ali Khan, from Saharanpur's Behat constituency. Khan lost the election but Bukhari succeeded in him getting a back door entry as an MLC from UP's legislative Assembly.

In the 2014 Parliamentary election, Bukhari drove to Congress president Sonia Gandhi's residence, and after having discussed politics with her, he urged Muslims to vote for Congress to defeat the communal BJP.

In the 2015 Delhi Assembly election, Bukhari issued a public appeal asking Muslims to vote for the Aam Admi Party, but was ridiculed by Arvind Kejriwal and his party. Kejriwal feared that if he did not counter Bukharis' appeal there could be a Hindu polarisation wave favoring BJP.

In 2004, Bukhari had even favoured Atal Bihari Vajpayee and BJP over the Congress. He is now hoping to act as a force multiplier for Mayawati. His words against Akhilesh are like dialogues from a masala Hindi film: "Jo apne baap ka nahi ho saka, wo pradesh ka kya hoga."

Even if his words don't have many takers, Bukhari is a headline maker. His words have, however, unleashed a debate among the Muslim community.
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The prime minister's Haridwar rally comes just a day after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited Sitarganj and taunted the BJP and Modi over their remarks in Parliament regarding former PM Manmohan Singh.

Whenever someone talks about 'devbhoomi', anybody living anywhere in India - from Kashmir to Kanyakumari - s/he will be reminded of Haridwar, of its mountains, its greenery, its religious and spiritual significance.

"When a person is between 16 and 21 years of age, they take the most important decisions of their lives. These decisions will define the rest of their lives. The state of Uttarakhand is 16-years-old today. The next five years are crucial," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

"Statehood was promised by Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Uttarakhand. It's upto me to fulfil the dream he saw for this state," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

"I had promised one-rank-one-pension (Orop). It was an issue that's been around for 40 years, and services personnel were tired of repeated promises and no action on part of the Congress government. But within three years, I can tell you that I have brought about Orop," says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

"My government carried out surgical strikes. It was a momentous occasion and was remarked throughout the world. But they (opposition parties) are still not convinced. Even media reports saying there were trucks full of dead bodies being carried out in Pakistan weren't enough to persuade them," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

The Election Commission is gearing up for Assembly elections in Uttarakhand on 15 February. Deputy election commissioner of India Sandip Saksena was in Dehradun this week to review poll preparations. He asked officers to keep tight vigil in the state's plains, specially Dehradun and Haridwar, and to focus on the flow of illegal liquor. State tansport secretary CS Napalchyal also said that about 9,000 vehicles will be acquired for polling. Connetivity issues are also to be resolved at polling centres.

Attacking Rawat, Modi also raised environmental issues and mentioned different schemes initiated by the Centre, including the 'Char Dham route' and one-rank-one-pension in favour of the people of Uttarakhand. He also brought up surgical strikes carried out by his government in September, a sensitive issue in a state with a large proportion of former and serving army personnel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi summed up all the work done by the BJP government at the Centre in the last two years. Addressing a rally at Haridwar, Modi said the downfall of Uttarakhand over the last five years has been on account of Harish Rawat's Congress government. He said the only way to pull the state up is by electing a BJP government, to ensure the double engine of BJP at both Centre and state will result in development.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks about the 2013 cloudburst and floods in Uttarakhand, the Congress hit back at Modi. Surendra Agarwal, media advisor to chief minister Harish Rawat, said Modi is rallying for those who were running the government during the disaster, a clear reference to the fact that then chief minister Vijay Bahuguna has since joined the BJP.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh addressed the media in Dehradun on Friday. Virbhadra, another Congress leader who has had arguments with the BJP-ruled central government, said he understands the problems faced by Uttarakhand as he faces the same issues in his state as well. He said both states needed 'green bonus'. He also criticised the Centre over its policies ignoring Congress-ruled states, saying a central government shouldn't be so partial.

Many star campaigners of the BJP and prominent faces from Bollywood will be in Uttarakhand over the next three days, to address various places of the state. Smiriti Irani will attend meetings in GuptKashi, Chabattakhal, Roorkee and Narendranagar; Hema Malini will be in Sult, Dwarahaat, Bhimtal and Manglore; and Yogi Adityanath is expected to be in Joshimath, Rishikesh and Yamkeshwar.

Sparing businessmen, he blamed bureaucracy and politicians for corruption in the country and promised to use recovered black money for development of the poor. He assured employment, medicine and housing if his party forms a government in the state.

Speaking at a rally in Rudrapur on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeated the same topics that he's always spoken of: Orop, surgical strikes, demonetisation. Just like he had done on Friday, during a rally in Haridwar, he again reminded of the need for a BJP government in the state, to ensure the double engine of state and Centre working together.

However, a long-pending demand of a complete ban on mining along the Ganges is nowhere on the parties' agendas. During election campaigns, politician are keeping mum over the issue of protecting the Ganga.

The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) admitted to treating just 1,000 out of the total 3,000 million litres sewerage flowing directly into the Ganga. Many hotels and industries along the river dont have sewerage treatment plants (STPs).

The NGT has prohibited camping at the river's banks in Rishikesh and also banned use of plastic from Gaumukh to Haridwar last December. The Uttarakhand high court also banned construction activity within 200 meters of all rivers in the state.

Narendra Modi held two rallies in Uttarakhand in the last two days  at Haridwar and Rudrapur  but didn't say a single word about the Ganges. The reason for this may possibly be the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has rapped the Centre for not doing enough to clean the river.

Union minister Smiriti Irani, while addressing a public meeting in Chaubattakhal in favour of BJP candidate Satpal Maharaj, lashed out at the Congress government of Harish Rawat for not focusing on development work in the state. There are no policies for betterment of the poor, she said. "When BJP comes to power, we will start an air ambulence service in the hilly areas to ferry the infirm to hospitals," she said.

Prem Belwal is a social worker. He too has asked for better drinking water facilities, while Guljeet Singh, an industrialist from Bhutia Padav, says the long pending issue of the Jamrani dam, should be solved.

Mukesh Gupta, another trader from Rampur Road, stresses upon widening of roads, saying Haldwani is the entrance of the Kumaon region and that narrow roads are creating traffic problems. There is also a need of a ring road that may result in better transportation. This apart, water scarcity is also a big problem.

Sanjay Singh Rajput, owner of a clothing shop in Patel Chowk, wants a party that can focus on checking migration and provide employment to the youth. He demands better medical facilities and education, because the people are fed up of exploitation by private schools.

Indira Hridyesh, a Cabinet minister in Harish Rawat government, is contesting the upcoming polls from the Haldwani Assembly seat. She will be up against BJP's Jogendra Rautela, and may find it tough to convince people about her candidacy.

ITBP and AIM has given the responsibility of distribution in affected areas. GMVM, NIM and SSB will also help in polling process. Uttarakashi district is on the top in the list, having maximum number of snowfall-affected polling booth while Champawat stood last. As per the information of election commission, 35 constituencies in 11 districts are snow affected.

Dehradun: Election Commission has identified 803 snowfall-affected polling booths in the state. More than 200 roads are expected to be blocked due to snowfall on polling day. Chief electoral office is providing special facilities to polling officers for smooth polling process. Chief electoral officer Radha Raturi has informed that earlier, there were around 500 booths, identified as snowfall-affected but now it has increased to 803. We need large amount of sleeping bags, shoes, and jackets to facilitate the people associated with polling process in these areas.

There are the frequent reports of violation of model code of conduct in the state but no complaint is registered.

As per the report of Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), out of the 637 candidates analyzed, 200 are crorepatis in Uttarakhand. 52 out of the 70 candidates from Congress, 48 out of the 70 candidates from BJP, 19 out of 69 in BSP have declared assets more than Rs 1 crore. The average of assets per candidate contesting in the Uttarakhand assembly elections 2017 is Rs 1.57 crores.

The third and last one is E-duty Mitra to help the people in election duty, it tells about polling process and help to reach the booth where he is employed. It informs about facilities provided in polling booths.

The second is Candidate Mitra App. It is meant for the candidates and supposed to provide information about model code of conduct, details of expenditures in the elections and its return filing. Voter list, list of polling booths and important telephone numbers are other features of this app.

The first one is Voter Mitra App. With the help of this app, a voter can find his name in the voter list and locate the polling booth. It can give information about candidates in his constituency and their profile. It also provides details about method of casting the votes.

Election Commission in Uttarakhand has launched three mobile apps to facilitate the voters on the upcoming polling day. These apps are to help, voters, candidates and people in polling duty.

He also mentioned the enhancing railways network in the hills and ongoing work in pancheshwar project to draw maximum employment. As natural beauty in Uttarakhand is no lesser than any other place, so he invited Bollywood to shoot the films here.

He promised employment and check on migration through enhancing religious and adventure tourism. Being the centre of yoga, Haridwar and Rishikesh are the destinations of people worldwide. There will be no need to go out of villages for employment.

Comparing Uttarakhand with Jharkhand and Sikkim, he pointed towards the need of growth in tourism. He said that tourism, plants in Uttarakhand that have medicinal properties, environmental advantages, and water, are the strength of the state.

Dehradun: Elated at the presence of a large number of women in the election rally at Srinagar Garhwal, Prime Minister Modi has promised a solar domestic spinning wheel to the women in hills. He assured a big increase in their income.

Furthermore, UKD, a regional political party which was at the forefront of statehood for Uttarakhand, is clearly struggling to remain relevant today. It's evidence that identity politics have been overshadowed, though the entire demand for a separate state was based on the issue of identity hurt.

The early trend we're witnessing this year is that Uttarakhand citizens are preferring to cast their votes for individual candidates instead of party-based affiliations. T his is an interesting trend, especially c onsidering there were a large number of candidates who defected between Congress and BJP ahead of the polls.

the Congress that formed the state's first government. In 2007, Gopal Singh Rawat won this seat, and BJP formed a government. In 2012, Congress relcaimed the seat and power in the hill state both.

It's considered in Uttarakhand that whichever party wins the Gangotri seat (Uttarkashi District) will go on to form government. It was Vijaypal Sajwan who from Gangotri in 2002, and the Congress that formed the state's first government. In 2007, Gopal Singh Rawat won this seat, and BJP formed a government. In 2012, Congress relcaimed the seat and power in the hill state both. It goes without saying that it's a seat whose outcome will be keenly watched by all parties.

According to a report in The Times of India , six candidates contesting elections in Uttarakhand are illiterate, while 40 percent of all contestants have admitted to have not completed Class XII. This is particularly relevant since neighbouring state of Haryana had recently passed a law mandating only those with a "minimum qualification" will be eligible to contest Panchayat polls.

Usha Thapliyal expects women's security in the state to be the focus of the new government. On the other hand, Pushpa Negi, a school teacher, says she voted for better infrastructure and more job creation. Virendra Chandra Gairola, a retired registrar of the Medical Council of India, expressed concerns over national security but said he admires Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conducting surgical strikes in September. Gairola also praises former chief minister of Uttarakhand BC Khanduri, saying the BJP leader has a clean image.

People in Dehradun have reacted to elections in the hill state with great enthusiasm. After casting their votes, at Booth No 461 in Dehradun's Dharampur seat, voters said they wanted their elected representatives to focus on development and security.

"The team should have preferred its base on the party office premises, said a worker on condition of anonymity. According to him, workers have little role to play on the polling day in the party office. Chambers of party functionaries were also vacant on polling day.

On polling day in Dehradun, the Congress party's state office on Rajpur Road wore a deserted look. Only a few party workers were present there. Some were unhappy with Team PK (Prashant Kishore, Congress partys election strategist), which continues to manages the party's campaign in Uttarakhand. Team PK is functioning from a different place in the city, and Congress workers have complained that there is little coordination between the state office and Team PK on polling day.

US Nagar, Haridwar and Nainital stood second, with 70 percent turnout each, while Dehradun saw 67 percent, Rudraprayag saw 63 percent, and Pithoragarh, Pauri and Tehri saw 60 percent polling each. Bageshwar, Champawat and Almora registered 62 percent voting, while Chamoli saw 61 percent turnout.

Uttarakhand registered 68 percent polling by 5 o'clock in the evening on Wednesday. Among the regions of the state, Uttarkashi has taken the lead in people's participation, with over 73 percent of its electorate registering their votes.

On surface of it the BJP has an advantage in caste combination, presence of good number of prominent leaders and on such other things that could impact voter preferences but if it comes to power the party leadership will have a tough time in choosing its leader in the state.

The two ex-Congress chief ministers ND Tiwari and Vijay Bahuguna to the BJP mean the party now has a good mix of prominent Brahmin and Rajpur faces. Bramin and Rajput are the two castes which matter most in hills.

Interestingly of all these names, present and ex only Harish Rawat is contesting assembly election. But then there is a history in Uttrakhand that chief minister has been imposed from above, a person who did not contest assembly election to begin with.

Uttarakhand polls present an interesting situation where the incumbent chief minister Harish Rawat is on one side, the Congress and all six former chief ministers Nityanand Swami, Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, ND Tiwari, BC Khanduri, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Vijay Bahuguna are on BJP's side.

In last 2012 assembly election the BJP had done better in plain and Congress had done better in hills. Today's polls could script a new chapter.

In this incumbent chief minister Harish Rawat decided not to contest election from any of the hill region constituency and chose to create history by becoming first political leader of significance to contest from two constituencies. That too, both from plain - Kichcha in Terai region and from Hardwar (rural). Its important to note that when he had become chief minister he had got a seat vacated to contest from other extreme of hill region, Pithoragarh, a place closer to China border than Dehradun.

Driving through Haridwar to Dehradun one gets the feeling that election here is keenly contested. This is one of the few region where the grand electorate festival called election can be sensed through presence of big banners and hoardings. Plain to hill presents its own story. There have always been a divide between plain and hills in state of Uttrakhand and a latent tension between the residents and leaders of two regions have always been there.

"The team should have preferred its base on the party office premises, said a worker on condition of anonymity. According to him, workers have little role to play on the polling day in the party office. Chambers of party functionaries were also vacant on polling day.

On polling day in Dehradun, the Congress party's state office on Rajpur Road wore a deserted look. Only a few party workers were present there. Some were unhappy with Team PK (Prashant Kishore, Congress partys election strategist), which continues to manages the party's campaign in Uttarakhand. Team PK is functioning from a different place in the city, and Congress workers have complained that there is little coordination between the state office and Team PK on polling day.

US Nagar, Haridwar and Nainital stood second, with 70 percent turnout each, while Dehradun saw 67 percent, Rudraprayag saw 63 percent, and Pithoragarh, Pauri and Tehri saw 60 percent polling each. Bageshwar, Champawat and Almora registered 62 percent voting, while Chamoli saw 61 percent turnout.

Uttarakhand registered 68 percent polling by 5 o'clock in the evening on Wednesday. Among the regions of the state, Uttarkashi has taken the lead in people's participation, with over 73 percent of its electorate registering their votes.

With 51 candidates pulling out of the fray on deadline day for withdrawal of nominations, the chessboard for the 15 February Assembly polls in Uttarakhand is laid out, where the ruling Congress and opposition BJP appear to be locked in a straight contest in the 70-seat Assembly.

Congress and BJP, the two poles between whom power has oscillated since the state's creation in 2000, are once again poised to take on each other in a straight fight in most seats, with a couple of exceptions like Haridwar and Udhamsingh Nagar, districts where BSP could be a strong player. Miffed over denial of tickets by their respective parties, quite a few strong leaders from both sides have thrown their hats into the ring as independents, making the contest interesting in nearly 18 seats.

While 11 former Congress MLAs are in the fray this time as BJP nominees, Congress has also fielded three former BJP MLAs. A further three former BJP MLAs are contesting as independents. Both parties enjoy statewide support, and have fielded candidates from all 70 seats. However, Congress has decided to back independent candidate Pritam Singh Panwar from Dhanaulti after fielding Manmohan Mall as the party's official nominee from the seat where he continues to be in the fray.

BJP has also expelled 18 rebels, after they refused to withdraw in favour of party's official nominees, while the number of Congress rebels expelled by the party for defiance is 24. The presence of rebel candidates in the fray may make the fight in at least one-and-a-half dozen seats interesting, as they have the potential to become part of the main contest or dent the votes of the party they have broken with and influence the results.

A total of 12 sitting MLAs who had won on a Congress ticket in the 2012 Assembly polls joined BJP since the start of the political crisis in Uttarakhand in March last year. Almost all of these have been fielded by BJP except Vijay Bahuguna whose son Saurabh has been fielded from his father's seat Sitarganj. People will definitely watch out for what happens in these seats as well as Haridwar rural and Kichcha Beng contested by chief minister Harish Rawat.
Turkey does not recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russia and will continue to closely monitor the observance of rights of the Crimean Tatar people.

"We do not recognize in any way the annexation of Crimea. In addition, we want to see the cessation to the clashes in eastern Ukraine as soon as possible[...] Our main priorities include the stay of Crimean Tatars in Crimea, the preservation of their identity and the protection of their rights and interests," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a press conference in Kyiv on Friday.

He also said that Turkey will continue to closely monitor the observance of rights of Crimean Tatars and will do everything to preserve this issue on the agenda of international platforms.
Mexico City: US president Donald Trump's proposed wall along the southern border with Mexico is unlikely to deter migrants fleeing violence, poverty or a lack of opportunities, a Mexican immigration official said.

"There is no way to stop a person who wants to migrate or to cross the border," Rodolfo Figueroa Pacheco, a representative of Mexico's National Migration Institute in the border state of Baja California, told Xinhua news agency on Thursday.

"The real solution to the migration issue lies in the countries that expel migrants," said Figueroa, referring to policies that exacerbate violence, drug trafficking and poverty in Central America and other regions.

"Our obligation is to ensure that those who are in Mexico are orderly, safe and have their rights respected," he said.

Undocumented migrants have many ways to cross borders, noted Figueroa, adding "there's the maritime route and the overland route, the use of fake, borrowed or rented documents, and there are also tunnels and ramps. That is to say it is very complicated and difficult to deter."

Mexico's geographic location has made it a springboard for migrants who are driven not just by the promise of a better life, but often by the destruction of their own way of life, as the current refugee crisis shows.

"We can't change our geography. Baja California is where it is, so our proximity to the US turns us into a natural corridor for migration," said the official.

Fences with floodlights, sophisticated sensors and cameras lead many migrants to avoid the overland route and find an underground alternative to cross.

Esteban, an undocumented migrant who has sneaked across the border several times, said: "The sewage system is one of the best (options), as it takes you straight to San Diego."

"The exit is close to a shopping centre. You arrive, change into clean clothes and no problem. Sometimes you go in groups or individually."

Some of the "other ways" are dangerous, especially for women and minors, said Salome Limas, an activist who works at a migrant shelter called Casa Madre Assunta.

Shelters usually offer migrants a place to stay for up to 15 days, enough time for those who have already travelled long distances to rest and recover before attempting a potentially dangerous crossing, said Limas.

Women who decide to risk the crossing at present, she said, are mainly those who were deported from the US, "but must go back there, where they have homes, husbands or children".

Last year, according to government figures, some 250,000 undocumented migrants crossed the border, most from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Independent groups say the number is close to 400,000.
An American myth favoured in classrooms and among many liberals is that America is a 'nation of immigrants'. All Americans, except for indigenous people, are descendants of immigrants. But to call America a completely inclusive nation is to ignore the manipulation of race and class sentiments that have coloured American immigration policy throughout its history. The strategic opening and closing of borders has been used to regulate everything from the cost of labour to the conquest of land.

Lets start with present day.

Around 500,000 people immigrate to the US legally every year. Most Indian immigrants to the US will be familiar with the different types of visas offered. There are special quota visas for Iraqi (on the chopping block post-ban) and Afghan translators and refugees (again, at risk after the ban) who make up a small portion of immigrants, and 50,000 diversity visas intended to raise the rates of immigration from underrepresented countries. The Senate Republicans have introduced a new Bill to axe the program entirely. Most immigrants must apply as skilled employees or as students. These employment categories are designated for people who have some money, education, and access.

Even skilled immigrants are vulnerable to exploitation by employers and by a system that is designed to keep wages suppressed. For an employer, there is little incentive to push a green card application through. People can be stuck at companies for five to six years with little salary growth to show for it. As long as you need a particular job to maintain your status as an immigrant, you have less leverage to demand more from your employer. The most recent study of this phenomenon by the Social Security Administration indicates that immigrants with 12+ years of education made 40 percent of their native counterparts income in 1980.

The H4 visa, sometimes referred to as a curse, allows spouses to immigrate, but prevents them from entering the workforce. This further inflates the income gap between skilled immigrants and skilled citizens in a society where dual-earning households are becoming the norm.

Even these legitimate grievances are relatively small compared to the insurmountable odds most people face to enter this country. If only skilled workers and students are allowed to enter this country, the most affected by these policies, of course, are the working poor. In addition to the limitations on types of labourers admitted, the cost of procuring a visa or a green card is high.

The filing fee for a permanent resident card, colloquially referred to as a green card, is $985. A visa is about $500. Additional costs for passport photos, the required medical exam, and legal fees make the process cost-prohibitive for anyone but a skilled and educated worker.

The application fees are also cost-prohibitive for programmes like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), that are designed to provide a legal path to citizenship for undocumented children. The law targeted children who were brought to this country by their undocumented parents. These young adults have been raised and schooled in this country. Many of them were unaware of their undocumented status until they were attempting to join the workforce or get funding for college. There is a $465 application fee and it is reported that many cannot take advantage of this programme because they simply cannot afford the processing fee. Of course, under the Trump administration, even this program is on the chopping block.

The people who are most in need of economic opportunities are the most routinely denied them. This is how poverty cycles.

Opportunities for the poor and marginalised werent always so hard to come by. Waves of European migrants settled in the US in the late 19th Century. "Free white property owners", and after the passage of the Naturalisation Act of 1798, "free white persons", were eligible for citizenship. There were virtually no restrictions on movement. The promise of America was that there was land for the taking. Laws like the Homestead Act of 1862 encouraged people to move out west and settle land. The motive, of course, was to encourage then-marginalised groups from Europe to settle further and further West in a bid to grow the nation and displace the millions of indigenous people on that land. America didnt need an army to do this, just an open-door policy.

In the 1870s, a battery of laws was passed to restrict Chinese immigration to the US, culminating in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Non-Asian immigrants did not experience such restrictions until the 1920s, when the first attempts to curtail migration from eastern European countries were made.

The rhetoric of 'unassimilability' and inferiority of certain races contributed heavily to the exclusionary nativism of 1920s immigration policy.

The result was that thousands of Jewish refugees found a closed gate when they were looking for somewhere to turn. Irish and Italian immigrants were subsequently persecuted because there were too many people and too few jobs.

After these formerly undesirable groups assimilated, a new scapegoat had to be found. The same rhetoric persists today. We hear that Mexicans are taking our jobs. We hear that those people from India and China are taking our jobs. We hear that Muslims are a categorical threat and should thus be banned from the country entirely. These are the effects of a strategic opening and closing of borders to alternately cheapen labour and appease populist clamor about legitimate economic grievances.

And average Americans, from nativists to immigrants, are caught in the churn.
WASHINGTON In their first meeting, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke "at length" about terrorism, Russia, the Iran nuclear deal and Ukraine, the EU said in a statement.Mogherini is in Washington on Thursday and Friday, for the first time since Donald Trump became president. She also met on Thursday with Michael Flynn, Trump's national security advisor, a White House official said.Mogherini said in a statement after the meeting that she was "pleased to meet" Tillerson, and that they had an "open exchange on many dossiers that we are dealing with."The two discussed "trans-Atlantic relations, the common challenge of countering terrorism, the ongoing work to strengthen European defence, relations with Russia, the Iran nuclear deal and the main crises, from Ukraine to Syria," the statement said.

The State Department did not provide details of what the two top diplomats for the United States and Europe discussed.Mogherini helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, along with diplomats from Iran, the United States and other major world powers. The deal curbed Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.

Trump has said the deal is terrible, and Flynn put Iran "on notice" last week for test-firing a ballistic missile, raising the prospect of spiking tensions between Iran and the United States.Trump has expressed openness to working more closely with Russia, a stance that has rattled European allies and drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans who say Russia is an adversary of the United States and other Western democracies.

Tillerson had significant business ties with prominent Russians in his former position as Exxon Mobil Corp's (XOM.N) chief executive, but also referred to Russia as a "bad actor" during his confirmation hearing last month. (Reporting by Yeganeh Torbati and Steve Holland; Editing by Andrew Hay)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Lesley Wroughton

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON The European Union's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said on Friday she was reassured during meetings with President Donald Trump's administration that it was committed to full implementation of the Iran nuclear deal.In her first visit to Washington since Trump took power, Mogherini came to present the European Union as a valuable friend to the United States with common priorities.In a nod to Trump's preferred style of diplomacy, she said that the European Union could adopt a more formal "transactional approach" on some issues to appeal to the new administration.Mogherini, who met this week with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, Trump's advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner and members of Congress, said her main intention in Washington was to discuss the nuclear accord, which granted Iran sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.Her visit suggests concern among European and other countries, including Russia and China, that the Trump administration may withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal.

There have been increasing concerns since the White House put Iran "on notice" for test-firing a ballistic missile. Days later, Washington tightened sanctions against Iran by imposing measures against 25 individuals and entities for the missile test. "I was reassured by what I heard in the meetings on the intention to stick to the full implementation of the agreement," Mogherini told reporters.Mogherini said she won assurances from members of the Trump administration that they believe Russia should abide by the terms of the 2015 Minsk agreement to end fighting in eastern Ukraine. Mogherini said she and Tillerson discussed how the Minsk agreement might be fully implemented.

But Mogherini also signalled doubt about Trump's commitment to U.S. policy towards Russia. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have expressed concern that Trump will be too conciliatory towards Moscow, perhaps by granting Russia relief from sanctions on its energy, defence and finance industries."We agreed that as long as the Minsk agreements are not fully implemented, sanctions would remain in place," Mogherini said later on Friday at a Washington think tank. "But I don't know if this is going to be the consolidated policy ... I was not in the Oval Office when President Trump called President (Vladimir) Putin."

Mogherini avoided directly criticizing Trump, but said European history showed that blocking the movement of people is doomed to fail. Trump has vowed to build a wall along the U.S. southern border to block illegal immigration from Mexico. He has also issued an executive order barring people from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, except refugees from Syria, who are banned indefinitely. "We tend to celebrate when walls come down," Mogherini said. "America has always been great because it has been made up of many people coming from different places." (Additional reporting by Yehaneh Torbati; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Sandra Maler)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Stephanie Nebehay

| GENEVA

GENEVA A United Nations report on establishing a database of companies with business interests in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank is set to be delayed until later this year, diplomats and activists said on Friday.The U.N. human rights office had been due to present its first report on the politically charged issue at a session that opens on Feb. 27, which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is also due to address.But the report is not ready and will be deferred for many months, at least until September, the sources said, adding that an announcement was expected on Monday."There is a need for more time, it is a very complex issue," a Western diplomat told Reuters. "You need to have a clear vision of how you list the companies, what is the exact criteria."The issue is sensitive because companies appearing in such a database could be targeted for boycotts or divestment aimed at stepping up pressure on Israel over its West Bank settlements. Goods produced there include fruit, vegetables and wine.Israel assailed the U.N. Human Rights Council last March for launching the initiative, calling the database a "blacklist" and accusing the 47-member state forum of behaving "obsessively" against Israel. [nL5N16W5IC]The council had voted in favour of creating the database after 32 states backed a proposal by Pakistan, while 15 abstained, including Britain, France and Germany.

The United States, Israel's main ally, had no vote but voiced strong objections. U.S. human rights ambassador Keith Harper said at the time that the resolution was "far outside" the council's mandate and highlighted its "one-sided nature".U.S. President Donald Trump, who meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, has adopted a less uncritical stance on Israeli settlement-building in occupied territory than he appeared to advocate during his campaign. [nL1N1FU295]Jeremie Smith, director of the Geneva office of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, said: We've heard unofficial reports that there is strong pressure by states who did not support the creation of this database to try to delay its release and bury its findings."

SETTLEMENT GOODS

The U.N. council said last year that businesses had "enabled, facilitated and profited" from the growth of settlements, including through investments, loans, provision of utilities and exploitation of natural resources. Some settlement products had been labelled as originating from Israel.It called for a list of enterprises to be updated annually on the "human rights and international law violations involved in the production of settlement goods".

Most countries consider all Israeli settlements on occupied land to be illegal. Israel disagrees, citing historical and political links to the land - which the Palestinians also assert - as well as security interests.A U.N. inquiry in 2013, which was the basis for the vote on the database, said that the settlements contravened the Fourth Geneva Convention forbidding the transfer of civilians into occupied territory and could amount to war crimes. The settlements were "leading to a creeping annexation that prevents the establishment of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state", it said.The Israeli parliament approved a law on Monday that retroactively legalised some 4,000 settler homes built on privately owned Palestinian land in the West Bank, drawing condemnation from Europe and the United Nations. Rights groups have petitioned Israel's Supreme Court to annul it. [nL5N1FT4PD] (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Lawrence Hurley

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Justice Anthony Kennedy's legal reasoning in a little-noticed 2015 U.S. Supreme Court immigration ruling could play a pivotal role in deciding the fate of President Donald Trump's travel ban if the high court eventually decides the matter.The case involved an Afghan-born naturalized U.S. citizen named Fauzia Din who argued she had the right for a full explanation from the U.S. government as to why her Afghan husband was denied entry. The justices ruled 5-4 against her.On its face, the ruling would seem to help the administration in its defense of the president's Jan. 27 executive order, which temporarily barred entry into the United States by people from seven Muslim-majority nations and put on hold the entry of refugees. Lower courts have blocked the order, but the administration may ask the Supreme Court to revive it.But in a concurring opinion in the 2015 case, Kennedy wrote that in some circumstances the U.S. government's motives in denying someone entry could be subject to legal review. That reasoning was cited by the states of Washington and Minnesota in their lawsuit seeking to overturn Trump's ban.Kennedy is a conservative justice who sometimes joins the court's four liberals and often casts the deciding vote in close cases.The states argued that the executive order violated the U.S. Constitution by discriminating against Muslims. Trump during the presidential campaign called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."In the 2015 case, Din, who lives in Fremont, California, sued the U.S. government after her husband, Afghan citizen Kanishka Berashk, was denied a visa in 2009. She objected to the government's visa denial under a law giving consular officials wide discretion to bar people linked to "terrorist activities."The high court's ruling overturned a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that the government had not given a legitimate reason for denying the visa.Kennedy's opinion suggested he could be willing to dig into the Trump administration's rationale for the order, said Mark Haddad, the Los Angeles-based lawyer who represented Din in the 2015 case.

"The ostensible reason for the travel ban is security but that's not a good faith concern if the underlying reason is religious animus," Haddad said. 'TOTAL DEFERENCE'

Kennedy's opinion showed he is "not prepared to give complete and total deference to the executive branch in the enforcement of immigration laws," Haddad added.Samuel Alito, one of the court's most conservative justices, signed onto Kennedy's opinion. In total, six of the current eight justices suggested in that 2015 case that the government was not immune from scrutiny over immigration-related decisions if there was evidence of a questionable motive.

The case brought by Washington and Minnesota could reach the high court quickly, in the wake of Thursday's decision by a three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based 9th Circuit upholding a Seattle district judge's decision to block Trump's order.The Trump administration, which could appeal to the Supreme Court as early as Friday, would need to win the support of five of the current eight justices to reinstate the order while litigation over the legality of the directive continues. The case could reach the high court again at a later date.The Supreme Court is ideologically split, with four conservative justices and four liberals. Neil Gorsuch, Trump's nominee to fill a lingering vacancy, is awaiting Senate confirmation hearings and is unlikely to be seated on the court for at least two months.The 2015 case, called Kerry v. Din, was cited both by the challenging states and the Trump administration in their court fight.Washington state's lawyers argued Kennedy's opinion showed that courts must look at what motivated the government's decision beyond the words that appear in the order itself. They cited the previous comments by Trump and others expressing a desire to keep Muslims from entering the United States.

The administration noted in court papers Kennedy also made it clear that the government is entitled to deference, especially on national security.Anil Kalhan, an immigration law professor at Drexel University School of Law in Philadelphia, said there are multiple ways of interpreting Kennedy's opinion, which could muddy the waters. Kennedy's opinion "doesn't necessarily mean he would reach the same conclusion" on Trump's ban, Kalhan said.In Tuesday's 9th Circuit oral argument, administration lawyer August Flentje called the executive order "facially legitimate," meaning there is no need for courts to inquire further into motive.Judge Michelle Friedland immediately pounced: "Haven't there been allegations here of bad faith?" She said Kennedy's opinion in the Din case as well as a 1972 Supreme Court ruling in a case with similar themes "envision that's something we should look at."The 1972 case involved professors objecting to the U.S. government's decision not to allow a Marxist academic to speak at a Stanford University conference. The appeals court cited both cases in its Thursday ruling. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Sue Horton and Will Dunham)

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Panama City: The two main partners of Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian law firm at the centre of the so-called 'Panama papers' scandal, were arrested on Friday, a media report said.

The arrests of Ramon Fonseca Mora and Jurgen Mossack came hours after the Panamanian authorities accused them of being involved in the "Lava Jato" corruption case in Brazil, Efe news reported.

Fonseca, a former aide of Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, and Mossack, were transferred from the Public Prosecutor's Office headquarters to police custody, defence lawyer Elias Solano said.

The Panama Papers are an unprecedented leak of 11.5 million files from the database of the world's fourth biggest offshore law firm, Mossack Fonseca.

The records were obtained from an anonymous source by the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, which shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). The ICIJ then shared them with a large network of international partners.

The documents showed myriad ways in which the rich exploit secretive offshore tax regimes. Twelve national leaders are among 143 politicians, their families and close associates from around the world known to have been using offshore tax havens.
By Mitra Taj

| LIMA

LIMA Peru asked for international help in finding former president Alejandro Toledo, wanted in connection with a far-reaching bribery probe, saying on Friday that he was likely now in San Francisco and may try to flee to Israel.The government of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who served as prime minister and finance minister during Toledo's 2001-06 term, said it was asking authorities in the United States and Israel to help find and return him to Peru.A judge on Thursday ruled that Toledo, who denies any wrongdoing, must be jailed for up to 18 months while influence peddling and money laundering charges are prepared against him.Prosecutors allege that Toledo, 70, took $20 million in bribes from Brazil's Odebrecht SA [ODBES.UL], a family-owned construction conglomerate at the centre of Latin America's biggest region-wide graft scandal.The downfall of Toledo, once a pro-democracy hero and anti-corruption crusader to many in Peru, has raised questions about who might be next as Odebrecht provides testimony on high-ranking officials it bribed from Argentina to Panama.Interpol issued a red alert notice to 190 member countries to search for and capture Toledo, Kuczynski's Cabinet said on Friday.The Interior Ministry has offered 100,000 soles ($30,000) for information leading to his capture."Anyone in the world who can help us find him can claim the reward," Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio said. "Peru doesn't deserve to see another president flee justice."

Toledo rose to power denouncing widespread corruption in the government of his predecessor, Alberto Fujimori, who fled to Japan amid a far-reaching graft inquiry in 2000. Fujimori is now serving a 25-year sentence in Peru for corruption and human rights abuses during his decade-long authoritarian rule.Toledo has not been charged with or convicted of any crimes. He was last known to be in France a week ago.Toledo's lawyer, Heriberto Benitez, denied that Toledo was on the run and told Reuters he was waiting for the results of an appeal. Benitez declined to say where Toledo was, citing a confidentiality agreement with his client.After the judge's decision, Benitez said he would recommend Toledo not return to Peru to face a justice system he called "vindictive." He said he believes Toledo should be investigated but thought preventive detention was excessive, calling it a hallmark of autocratic regimes.

Justice Minister Marisol Perez Tello said Toledo would be guaranteed a fair trial."We're all very ashamed of what this looks like internationally; all we're asking is that he come back to explain what happened," Perez Tello said.Toledo has earned postgraduate economics degrees from Stanford University, near San Francisco, and has lectured there.Toledo's wife has Israeli citizenship and his longtime friend, Peruvian-Israeli businessman Yosef Maiman, is believed to live there.

Peru does not have an extradition treaty with Israel but does have one with the United States.The U.S. and Israeli embassies in Lima did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Prosecutors, citing testimony from an Odebrecht executive, alleged Toledo made a pact with the company to help it win two lucrative highway contracts in exchange for bribes he asked to be deposited in the accounts of offshore companies controlled by Maiman. Authorities have traced some $10 million from Odebrecht to Maiman's companies so far.Maiman did not respond to requests for comment.Toledo made two unsuccessful bids for a second presidential term in 2011 and 2016 and had not ruled out a third attempt in 2021. (Reporting By Mitra Taj, Additional Reporting by Ursula Scollo; Editing by Bernard Orr and Jonathan Oatis)

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By Laila Bassam and Humeyra Pamuk

| BEIRUT/ISTANBUL

BEIRUT/ISTANBUL Russia intervened to halt a clash between Syrian government forces and Turkey-backed Syrian rebels in northern Syria, sources on both sides said on Friday, the first confrontation between them as both sides fight Islamic State in the area.Islamic State is under attack from separate campaigns in northern Syria by Russian-backed government forces and Turkey-backed rebels. The clash on Thursday near the IS-held city of al-Bab underlined the risk of the parallel offensives igniting new fighting between the government and its rebel enemies.Russia and Turkey have backed opposing sides in the war but recently started cooperating over Syria, brokering a truce between government forces and rebels and working together to try to revive peace talks. Rebel officials said the clash took place in a village southwest of al-Bab. An official in a military alliance fighting in support of the Syrian government confirmed a clash had taken place. "The Russians intervened to control the situation," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity. President Bashar al-Assad is supported in the war by the Russian military and an array of Iranian-backed militias.Two rebel officials accused the government forces of provoking the incident. One of them said the government forces had moved towards their positions in tanks. "Rebels shot to warn them not to get any closer, but the tank responded and a clash erupted," said the first rebel official.

"Later on Russia intervened to calm down the situation," said the rebel official. "This whole incident felt like a test."A second rebel official, a commander in the al-Bab area, added: "They opened fire. Fire was returned."Both rebel officials said an armoured vehicle had been captured from the government forces.

There was no immediate comment from Russia. Russian air strikes accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers on Thursday in northern Syria. It was not immediately clear whether the confrontation described by the sources had taken place in the same area as the air strike.Turkey and its FSA rebel allies have carved out a de facto buffer zone in northern Syria in territory captured from Islamic State since August in their "Euphrates Shield" operation. They have been battling to capture al-Bab since December, but escalated their attack this week, seizing the city's outskirts.

The Syrian army meanwhile mounted its own, rapid advance towards the city in the last few weeks, advancing to within a few kilometres (miles) of its southern outskirts.Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said earlier this week that clashes with the Syrian forces had been avoided thanks to international coordination, including between Turkey and Russia.The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had called Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and expressed his condolences over the air strike, blaming the incident on poor coordination between Moscow and Ankara.The Kremlin spokesman said on Friday the air strikes were based on coordinates provided to Russia by the Turkish military.. (Writing and additional reporting by Tom Perry in Beirut; Editing by Dominic Evans)

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BAGHDAD At least 10 people were killed and 33 wounded on Friday, in a series of suicide bombings that hit Baghdad and parts of Mosul recently recaptured from Islamic State, medical and security sources said.The militant group, which still controls significant parts of Iraq and Syria, claimed the attacks in online statements. A man blew himself up inside the Sayidati al-Jamila ("My Fair Lady") restaurant at lunchtime in eastern Mosul, killing at least four people and wounding 15. A suicide car-bomb killed a soldier and wounded four others in the eastern side of the city, which U.S.-backed Iraqi forces took from Islamic State last month.

A car bomb parked in the Ilam district of southern Baghdad blew up killing five and wounding 14.The offensive to dislodge Islamic State from Mosul, the largest city in northern Iraq, began in October but paused last month after Iraqi forces took all the districts lying east of the Tigris river that bisects the city.

Friday's attacks in Mosul are the second major incident in those districts. A triple car bombing killed at least 23 people in the eastern suburb of Kokjali on Dec. 22.

(Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Janet Lawrence and John Stonestreet)

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OSCE SMM describes last week as one of worst since beginning of Donbas conflict, reports de-escalation of tensions this week

The scope of ceasefire violations in Donbas grew manifold last week, Alexander Hug, Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, said.

Last week was one of the worst: the number of ceasefire violations tripled, and the rate of mortar, tank and artillery attacks grew six-fold, he told a press briefing in Kyiv on Friday.

In addition, OSCE SMM monitors observed a 40% increase in incidents involving rocket launchers, he said.

The mission confirmed 30 civilian injuries and eight deaths last week, he said.

At the same time, OSCE monitors saw de-escalation of tensions in the region at the beginning of this week. The scope of violence has been on decline in recent days, Hug said.

He added that heavy weapons banned by the Minsk Agreements had not been withdrawn from the Donbas contact line.

Both sides continue to use such weapons and share the responsibility for civilian casualties, the OSCE SMM officer said.

In his words, the mission currently comprises 722 monitors, including 603 deployed in eastern Ukraine.
Washington: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad dismissed a report by Amnesty International accusing the authorities of hanging up to 13,000 people over five years in a government prison, in an interview published Friday.

The human rights group on Tuesday alleged the gruesome mass executions amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity, saying they are probably still taking place at the Saydnaya prison near Damascus.

The report "put into question the credibility of Amnesty International," Assad told Yahoo News. "It's always biased and politicized. And it's shame for such organization to publish a report without a shred of evidence."

Amnesty said it had interviewed 84 witnesses, including guards, detainees and judges, and alleged a pattern of regular summary executions.

Asked about the report's contention that the hangings were authorized by officials at the highest levels of government, Assad replied: "It's not true, definitely not true."

"We're living in a fake news era," he added. "Everybody knows this."

Syria's justice ministry dismissed the report as "completely false" earlier this week.

More than 310,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Despite the eventful first couple of weeks in White House where Donald Trump largely lived up to his image as the 'disruptor-in-chief', signs are visible that the new US administration won't bring down the edifice of Barack Obama's foreign policy. If anything, Trump may actually fortify the structures erected by his predecessor. Notwithstanding the Trans-Pacific Partnership withdrawal (which was also Hillary Clinton's campaign promise) and some noise over Nato, Trump has so far shown remarkable adherence to staid US geopolitical positions instead of engineering any radical departures.

American media (and by extension, global) have been busy peddling conspiracy theories about Trump and Vladimir Putin. Yet since assuming power, the new administration has vowed not to ease sanctions against Russia till it leaves Crimea and ends mischief-mongering in Ukraine, threatened Iran over testing of ballistic missiles, advised Israel against expanding settlements in West Bank and called up Beijing to re-impose faith in One-China policy. Trump's fidelity to these well-defined stances should settle the nerves of US allies and global partners.

Continuity is a double-edged sword, however. Despite the temptation to look back in fondness at the Obama regime and cast it in soft, glorious light there is no reason to think that his foreign policy had no rough edges.

Obama was sucked in the vortex of a self-defeating Af-Pak policy and created a mess in Iraq and Syria. He also became obsessed with Russia at the end of his tenure. Trump has been more candid about Chinese revisionism and rising trade imbalance but let's not forget that Obama too grappled with and failed to answer many questions that an aggressive, ambitious China threw at him. So while Trump inherited some of the stability of US exceptionalism, he also became heir to some of the intriguing problems that Obama had no solution for before remitting office.

From an Indian and even global perspective, chief among these is China.

Media and pundits have rushed to blame Trump for disturbing the fragile equilibrium between a dominant and a rising power but even a cursory look at the recent machinations between these two nations gives us an idea of the troubled curve of their ties.

China paid little attention to US position on the South China Sea dispute and brazenly intercepted in May 2016 a US spy plane flying over the disputed area in a manner which Pentagon perceived as "unsafe".

This incident was followed by another in December when Chinese navy seized an underwater US drone collecting bathymetric data from the South China Sea forcing Pentagon to demand it back from Beijing. This occurred roughly at the same time when a US-based think tank used satellite imagery to report that China was rapidly militarizing the seven reclaimed islands on the disputed trade channel despite solemn declarations to the contrary.

The latest in this series of 'coincidental' incidents happened last Wednesday (8 February) when according to CNN, another "unsafe" encounter happened between a US Navy P-3 Orion aircraft and a KJ-200 Chinese spy plane. Quoting the US Pacific Command, CNN reported that both planes flew within 1,000 feet of each other in the general vicinity of the contested Scarborough Shoal on the South China Sea.

Given this background of suspicion, Trump should be complimented for reaching out to Beijing and assuring Xi Jinping that US will adhere to 'One China' policy though the subsequent US statement was rather peculiar in its wording and also made no mention of the '1992 consensus'  the Chinese belief arising out of a meeting between China and Taiwan that there is only 'one China'.

"President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'one China' policy," the stark White House statement read, giving perhaps an indication of the simmering distrust despite a show of solidarity.

Now contrast the atmospherics of this relationship with the one between Washington and New Delhi.

On Wednesday, India and the US further strengthened their strategic partnership through a high-level telephonic conversation between Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his American counterpart General James Norman Mattis. The outcome of the first formal contact between both defence departments since Trump's inauguration was a rousing affirmation of the "expansive bilateral cooperation" and a decision to "sustain" and build on the "tremendous progress".

There was remarkable synergy between the statements emanating from both establishments. According to the Ministry of Defence: "Defence Minister and Secretary Mattis expressed satisfaction at the progress in defence cooperation between India and the US, especially in recent years, and noted its significance in the regional and global context", while Pentagon spokesman Capt Jeff Davis said: "Secretary Mattis committed to build upon the tremendous progress in bilateral defence cooperation made in recent years, underscoring the strategic importance of the US-India relationship and Indias role in advancing global peace and security."

Sustaining "momentum" also included affirmation of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) commitment that seeks to legalise the defence partnership in a rapidly changing global order. As the Indian Express report points out, DTTI was the fructification of Ashton Carter's (Mattis's predecessor) effort to which the Obama administration later gave legal muscle. The fact that it was discussed by Parrikar and Mattis indicates that Trump administration is ready to take forward the Asia Pivot that Obama had authored but later let it stew in neglect.

For India, it is vital that it shakes off all 'hesitations of history'. Foreign policies are stitched on the bedrock of mutual interest, not idealism. This is precisely why China finds no merit in allowing the UN to designate Masood Azhar as a terrorist and jeopardize its relationship with Pakistan.

Well may India issue demarches after demarches to China on Masood and appear indignant about Chinese obtuseness, Beijing will keep on blocking India's effort till the cost of doing so outweighs the benefit of such a stance. Till that time, China will keep on inventing novel excuses.

The Times of India reports that a day after it blocked a US-led proposal on Masood, an editorial in Chinese state-run media (which Beijing uses to deliver messages it cannot through official channels) came out with an absurd logic that if Masood is designated a "terrorist", India might "increase its military pressure on Pakistan, thus risking escalating tensions between the two countries."

Therefore, instead of falling into the trap of interpreting Trump's actions through the prism of American exceptionalism, India must take advantage of the fact that there are more strategic synergies than differences between New Delhi and Washington. Apart from a shared mistrust of China, Trump's focus on domestic economic resurgence dovetails perfectly with the fact that India is the second-biggest arms buyer in the world, making US the direct beneficiary.

If the new US president is looking to implement structural changes in domestic policy and adhering broadly to the key components of Obama's foreign policy, this presents a unique opportunity to India. New Delhi must build on the goodwill it enjoys in Washington to hedge against Chinese aggression. This is not a time to stay non-committal.
By Julia Edwards Ainsley and Steve Holland

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Fresh from a legal setback to his travel ban, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering signing a new executive order on immigration and is not planning to escalate the dispute over an earlier travel ban to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to media reports late on Friday. Trump's executive order banning entry to the United States by refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries was put on hold by a federal judge in Seattle last week, and that suspension was upheld by an appeals court in San Francisco on Thursday.MSNBC reported on Friday that a senior official said the Trump administration will not ask the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider the ruling by the federal appeals court. The administration could still ask a larger panel of judges of the appeals court to reconsider the case.

The Associated Press reported that Trump said he is considering signing a new executive order.

The White House is not ruling out the possibility of rewriting Trump's Jan. 27 order in light of the court actions, an administration official said.Trump's order, which he has called a national security measure to head off attacks by Islamist militants, barred people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, except refugees from Syria, who are banned indefinitely.

(Additional reporting by Mica Rosenberg in New York, Doina Chiacu in Washington and Daniel Levine in San Francisco.; Writing by Will Dunham; Editing by Frances Kerry and Bill Rigby)

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By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said on Thursday he needs several thousand more international troops in order to break a stalemate in the long war with Taliban insurgents, signalling the matter may soon be put before President Donald Trump.So far, Trump has offered little clarity about whether he might approve more forces for Afghanistan, where some 8,400 U.S. troops remain more than 15 years after the Islamist Taliban government was toppled by U.S.-backed Afghan forces.A U.S. soldier was severely wounded in fighting in Afghanistan on Thursday, the military said.Army General John Nicholson, who leads U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, acknowledged Taliban gains over the past year, when deployed U.S. forces were reduced even as security deteriorated.Nicholson said he still had enough U.S. troops to carry out counterterrorism missions against al Qaeda and other militant targets, but not enough to properly advise Afghan forces on the ground. "We have a shortfall of a few thousand," Nicholson told the Senate Armed Services Committee.He added that those forces could both be drawn from the United States and from allies. Still, any increase of several thousand troops would leave American forces in Afghanistan well below their 2011 peak of more than 100,000 troops.Nicholson noted that Trump's defence secretary, Jim Mattis, would soon speak with allies and suggested Mattis might visit Afghanistan in the coming weeks.

That could help Mattis prepare his own recommendation to the Republican president, who has sharply criticized past U.S. administrations for their handling of conflicts in the Muslim world but has also pledged to eradicate militant Islamists around the globe.Trump's Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, was often criticized by Republicans in Congress for focussing too much on driving down U.S. troop numbers in an attempt to force Afghan soldiers to become more self-sufficient."For too long our strategy in Afghanistan has been: Don't lose," said Senator John McCain, who chairs the Armed Services Committee.Asked at one point whether a Trump administration might be more open to deciding on things like U.S. troop numbers based on concrete objectives and conditions on the ground, Nicholson responded: "Yes, sir."

PAKISTAN POLICY REVIEW

Nicholson called for a "holistic review" of the relationship with Pakistan, echoing longstanding U.S. concerns that the Haqqani network, a militant group, enjoys sanctuary in areas in that country along the Afghan border."Our complex relationship with Pakistan is best assessed through a holistic review," Nicholson said, saying that addressing U.S. concerns about Pakistan was at the top of his list of priorities to address with the Trump administration, which came into power on Jan. 20.The United States has cut both military and economic aid to Pakistan sharply in recent years, reflecting mounting U.S. frustration with the nuclear-armed nation.

"A lot of Americans are frustrated that the bordering nation which purports to be allied on so many areas is still the source of hostile resources and fighters," said Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat.Senator Angus King, an independent, noted that Pakistan still receives a big chunk of U.S. assistance."It seems to me there ought to be some connections drawn. Because they're endangering American lives and the viability of the country of Afghanistan," he said.Afghan government forces control no more than two-thirds of national territory, and have struggled to contain the Taliban insurgency since the bulk of NATO soldiers withdrew at the end of 2014.It is also struggling with other militants, particularly from Islamic State's Afghanistan branch. Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide attack that killed at least 22 people outside Afghanistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday.A number of provincial capitals have been under pressure from the Taliban while Afghan forces have been suffering high casualty rates, with more than 5,500 killed in the first eight months of 2016. (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; editing by Frances Kerry and Jonathan Oatis)

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Washington: The US Senate on Friday confirmed Representative Tom Price as Secretary of Department of Health and Human Services, putting him in charge of president Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

The 62-year-old orthopaedic surgeon was confirmed by 52 votes to 47, after a debate that focused as much on his ethics and investments as on his views on health policy, the New York Times reported.

As a Congressman he supported privatising Medicare, America's public health insurance for the elderly. He proposed turning Medicaid, a programme for the poor, into a block grant  a change certain to precipitate cuts.

Price campaigned relentlessly to repeal the Affordable Care Act, former president Barack Obama's signature health law, which brought consumer protections and government subsidies to an unwieldy private insurance market. The law helped insure 20 million Americans.

Senator Michael B Enzi, Republican of Wyoming, said Price was "one of the most capable, well-prepared individuals that president Trump could have chosen."

Majority leader Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, said Price "knows more about healthcare policy than just about anyone".

Democrats said Price, a House member since 2005, had shown bad judgement by actively trading shares of medical and pharmaceutical companies while shaping health policy in Congress. Price has denied wrongdoing and said at a confirmation hearing: "Everything that I did was ethical, above-board, legal and transparent."

But he recently amended his financial disclosure statement to report a higher value for his investment in a small Australian biotechnology company, and Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the senior Democrat on the Senate Health Committee, said his financial dealings raised serious questions about potential insider trading that ought to be investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"While Congressman Price served on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, he traded in healthcare stocks, pushed policies that helped his portfolio and got special access to a promising stock deal," said Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, the senior Democrat on the Finance Committee.

As Secretary, Price will be responsible for a department with an annual budget of more than $1 trillion.

Some of the Democrats, according to the report, said they have found him to be an effective advocate for conservative policies that they abhor.

Senator John Cornyn of Texas, the No.2 Senate Republican, said Democrats were dragging their feet on confirming Trump's nominees because of a desire to "block, stall and obstruct this President at every turn".
Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Pavlo Klimkin and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu have signed a plan of cooperation between the ministries for the next two years.

"Today we have signed a plan of cooperation for two years between the Foreign Ministries. We are preparing for approval during the Turkish president's visit to Ukraine the all-encompassing 'roadmap' on how we will further develop our strategic partnership for the next two years," Klimkin said at a joint press conference with Cavusoglu in Kyiv on Friday.

The Ukrainian foreign minister also noted the progress in the matter of the conclusion of the agreement on free trade area (FTA).

For his part, Cavusoglu said that the ministers discussed a number of bilateral agreements, in particular, those on the FTA, on protection of investments, and on avoidance of double taxation.
The number of supporters of visa and customs restrictions with Russia declined in Ukraine to 45% in December from 49% in September 2016, according to surveys conducted simultaneously by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) and Russia's Levada Center, whose results are available on the KIIS website.

As many as 46% of respondents want their countries to be friends, without any visas or customs (43% in September), it says.

Both in September and in December, 3% of Ukrainian respondents said they wanted Russia and Ukraine to be a single country.

The number of those supporting visas and customs regulations with Ukraine also declined in Russia to 33% from 39% in the reporting period, while the percentage of respondents favoring friendship with Ukraine went up to 53% from 48%.

Nine percent of Russian respondents said they wanted to be a single country with Ukraine (8% in September).

The attitude of Ukrainians to Russia remained virtually unchanged, with 40% feeling positive in December 2016.

The popularity rating of Ukraine grew in Russia to 34% in December from 26% in September.

Compared to September 2016, the number of Ukrainians who feel negative about Russia grew to 47% from 46%, while the number of Russians disliking Ukraine went down to 54% in December from 56% in September.

Compared to May 2016, the number of Ukrainians favorably disposed towards Russia increased only in the southern part of the country - to 58% from 54%. The rest of the regions posted a decline: to 26% from 28% in the west, to 35% from 39% in the center, and to 47% from 50% in the east. In turn, the percentage of Ukrainians who feel negative about Russia declined to 27% from 32% in the south and increased in every other region, i.e. to 63%from 61% in the west, to 51% from 46% in the center, and to 32% from 28% in the east.

Compared to September 2016, the number of Ukrainians demonstrating positive sentiment towards Russia grew in December 2016 in the south (to 65% from 58%) and in the east (to 63% from 47%), while it declined to 16% from 26% in the west, and to 31% from 35% in the center of the country.

Compared to September 2016, the decline in the number of Ukrainians harboring hard feelings towards Russia was the most significant in the eastern part of Ukraine (to 17% from 32%) and slight in the south (to 25% from 27%). The number increased in the west to 75% from 63% and in the center to 53% from 51%.

The KIIS conducted personal interviews with 2,040 adult respondents in 110 populated localities in every region of Ukraine but the uncontrolled parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions on December 3-12, 2016.

The Levada Center polled 1,602 adults nationwide on December 9-12, 2016.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has announced a meeting in the 'Normandy format' (France, Germany, Russia, Ukraine) at the level of foreign ministers next week.

"A ministerial meeting in the 'Normandy format' will most likely take place next week," he said on the talk show Pravo na Vladu (Right to Power) on 1+1 TV Channel.

He also said the development of the situation in Avdiyivka "will definitely be the main issue."

The minister said he does not expect considerable progress to be achieved as a result of the meeting.

"What do I expect from this meeting? Taking into account Russia's current position I don't expect much. I expect the pressure of [Russian Foreign Minister Sergei] Lavrov from our three parties in connection with the security situation. I very much count that we three will be able to continue the pressure in the matter of the release of hostages and will raise the issue of our political prisoners. Can we achieve progress regarding the Minsk 'roadmap'? I currently have very big doubts," Klimkin said.
This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices.
Ukraine, Turkey could allow mutual visits on internal passports as early as before summer 2017

Ukraine and Turkey will introduce the regulations of mutual visits of the two countries' citizens without international passports, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said.

"I would like to emphasize something that Mevlut [Cavusoglu] and I would like to announce today, we have a visa-free regime, but in future both the Ukrainian and Turkish citizens will be able to visit our countries not using [international] passports anymore, on internal ones instead," Klimkin said at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Kyiv on Friday.

Cavusoglu, in turn, said that this regime could be introduced as early as before this summer. "We have concluded a preparatory stage. [...] I believe, it will start working prior to the tourist season," he said.
When Girl Scout Charlotte McCourt began selling Girl Scout Cookies this year, her original goal was to match her 300 sales from last year. Now, McCourt has not only passed the 300 mark, but has broken the Girl Scouts sales record by selling more than 24,000 boxes so far.

I broke the American record and the international record, they were the same thing, McCourt told the Fox Business Networks Maria Bartiromo.

The meteoric rise in sales began with a suggestion from her father Sean McCourt who works on the podcast of Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame. When Charlotte raised concerns that a lack of cookie boxes had been purchased to donate to U.S. troops overseas, her father suggested she write to his wealthy friend asking if he would purchase some cookies.

Along with a plea for her dads friend to purchase cookies for our troops, Charlotte gave a brutally honest review of the various cookies in her email. She called the Toffee-Tastic cookies, which she rated a one, a bleak, flavorless, gluten-free wasteland.

Her dads friend bought cookies from Charlotte, but sales really took off when Mike Rowe read the letter in a video he posted to Facebook (NASDAQ:FB). The video went viral and drove sales to record breaking levels.

Charlotte highlighted the importance of sending cookies to our troops overseas in the interview.

There was only one cookie that got a 10 and that was donating to the troops.

Charlotte revealed the two Girl Scout Cookies she enjoyed the most saying, My favorite is the Samoa. It is a nine along with the Thin Mint cause I love them so much.

And Charlottes work is not over yet, she is still selling the cookies and even has her own website.
Angry Trump, market highs and taxes; heres whats On Our Radar today:

Checks and Balances

Trumps immigration ban hit a snag when the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals voted unanimously to uphold the suspension of his executive order. The fights not over, when Trump ironically responded to the courts decision (in all caps) with the below tweet:

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

The Supreme Court, still missing one core judge, could hear the case.

Market Highs

The market hit yet another record high yesterday, closing at 20,172 with morning futures up over 118 points. So what pushed investors on Wall Street? Trumps tax talk; "Lowering the overall tax burden on American business is big league, Trump said in a meeting with aviation execs.

Tune in to Varney and Co at 9am ET for the opening bell and moves.

Tax Reform

Speaking of taxes, Sean Spicer, the WH Press Secretary, reaffirmed Trumps tax talk saying the administration will be releasing a new tax plan for business and individuals in a few weeks. However, taxes will take a back seat to Obamacare reform which remains top priority. Today, Trump meets with the Japanese Prime Minister and the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal is sure to be discussed.

Watch Trumps presser with Shinzo Abe at 1pm ET during Cavuto Coast to Coast.
A federal appeals court refused to reinstate President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants from seven mostly Muslim countries late Thursday, in a major setback for the three-week-old Trump administration. While not ruling on the legality of the ban, the 9th District Court of Appeals in San Francisco unanimously said it should not go into effect until its legality is actually decided. The ruling upheld a decision by a federal judge in Washington state last week, after the states of Washington and Minnesota sued claiming the ban was discriminatory and hurt individuals, businesses and universities. The Justice Department is almost certain to appeal Thursday's ruling, which is likely to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, though the appeals process could take over a year to get there. Trump tweeted soon after the ruling: "See you in court! The security of our nation is at stake!"

Copyright  2017 MarketWatch, Inc.
President Donald Trump spoke on the phone with China's President Xi Jinping for the first time Thursday, telling him that the United States will respect the "One China" policy, the White House said in a statement late Thursday. The news was first reported by the Financial Times. The move is hoped to reduce tensions between the U.S. and China. Trump drew outrage from China after talking to Taiwan's Prime Minister Tsai Ing-wen soon after his November election victory. Trump has also railed against China's trade and monetary policies, threatening stiff tariffs that could lead to a trade war. Before he took office, Trump had questioned the "One China" policy, saying it would be open to negotiations. But according to the White House, Trump will follow the diplomatic policy that has been the decades-long cornerstone of Sino-American relations, in which the U.S. maintains formal ties with China, not Taiwan. The call was "extremely cordial," the White House said. Trump reportedly broke the ice and extended an olive branch to China earlier this week, when he wrote a Lunar New Year's greeting to Xi.

Copyright  2017 MarketWatch, Inc.
The head of the pilots' union at American Airlines is blasting the carrier's CEO for skipping a meeting with President Donald Trump to attend a company event in Dallas.

Union President Dan Carey said Friday that CEO Doug Parker missed a chance to talk to Trump about issues confronting airline workers, including the threat from fast-growing foreign competitors.

Parker says he needed to attend an event for 1,600 employees, where he stressed the importance of managers taking care of their workers. He said he made sure that other CEOs talked to Trump about the industry's agenda, including modernizing the air traffic control system and reducing taxes and regulation.
What happened

Cobalt International Energy (NYSE: CIE) has been on a seemingly never-ending slide. After plunging 77.3% in 2016, the offshore oil developer picked up right where it left off in 2017, falling another 22.8% last month. While the company released some good news last month, investors continue to focus on its precarious financial position.

So what

Cobalt International Energy actually started the year off on a positive note. The company and its partner French oil giant Total (NYSE: TOT) said that they completed drilling the North Platte No. 4 appraisal well, and that it encountered 650 feet of net oil pay, which is the amount of hydrocarbon-bearing rock. That was a very encouraging result, because it was greater than the 550 feet of net pay found at the North Platte No. 3 appraisal well. These wells confirm that the North Platte field has tremendous resource potential.

Image source: Cobalt International Energy.

That said, developing that resource potential will take more time and money, which is something Cobalt International Energy does not have enough of at the moment. Last year the company expected to spend upwards of $775 million in the Gulf of Mexico, and another $140 million in Angola, to continue exploring and appraising its acreage position. As a result, the company burned through cash last year, going from $1.2 billion at the start of the year to $683 million by the end of the third quarter. Meanwhile, not all those investments in the Gulf panned out. The company noted during the second quarter that its Goodfellow No. 1 well, which it also drilled in partnership with Total, came up dry. That forced Cobalt to write off its entire $149.9 million investment.

Cobalt simply doesn't have the financial resources to sustain its operations, let alone drill too many more dry holes. At the current cash burn rate, its liquidity could run dry within a year. But the company is working to find another buyer for its Angola assets, and it filed a registration statement to raise as much as $1 billion in debt and equity capital, which should give it some more breathing room. That said, the further the company's stock falls, the more future equity issuances will dilute existing investors, which will not help matters.

Now what

Cobalt International Energy is in a tight spot right now. It is burning through cash as it continues to appraise its acreage position, which means it will need to access outside funding sooner rather than later to continue operating. Investors fear that this could lead to significant dilution, which is an enormous weight on the stock right now.

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The New York Times is preparing to intensify its focus on the business ties and financial dealings of President Trump and his cabinet officials, sources inside the Trump administration told the FOX Business Networks Charlie Gasparino.

The scrutiny on Trump and his administrations business dealings has been an ongoing narrative for media outlets throughout his campaign and early on in his presidency. Now, speculation within the Trump administration claims The New York Times plans to launch a special investigative unit that is solely focused on uncovering and exposing any potential conflicts of interest among Trump, his cabinet and his familys business ties.

According to Gasparino, The Times has concentrated on this issue before, which pushed some to drop out of the running for potential jobs in the Trump White House. Recently Vincent Viola, who was slated for a position within the administration as Army Secretary, removed himself from contention for being unable to separate himself from his businesses.

Sources tell Gasparino that the Times plans to ramp up its scrutiny on the administration over the next four years, with the devotion of a special unit to clamp down on the dealmaker in chief and his administration.

The New York Times did not immediately respond to FOX Business request for comment.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin next week will meet with the foreign ministers of the "Normandy format" countries - Germany, France and Russia, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has said.

"Political items of the Minsk agreements can be implemented only after the obvious and undeniable progress in security matters. And elections at the Russian gunpoint [...] are absolutely unacceptable and inadmissible. These are the issues Pavlo Klimkin will go with to discuss at the ministerial meeting in Normandy format next week," Poroshenko said in Ivano-Frankivsk on Friday.
Former chief operating officer of the Trump campaign Eli Miller is the favorite to become the next chief of staff for the Department of Treasury under Steve Mnuchin, pending his confirmation, sources tell the Fox Business Network. On Friday, the Senate broke a Democratic filibuster to advance Mnuchin to the final confirmation vote, which is scheduled for Monday evening.

As the former COO, Miller has extensive experience working with the Trump administration. He teamed up with Mnuchin to help raise the millions of dollars needed to win the GOP nomination  and later the election.

Prior to working with Mnuchin, Miller was the deputy finance director for Senator Marco Rubios presidential bid and, in 2012, was a lead assistant on Governor Mitt Romneys presidential campaign.

Since Trump moved into the White House, Mnuchin and Miller have been meeting with members of Congress to tout some of the possible economic policies under the new administration, according to sources. On Sen. Jeff Flakes (R-Ariz.) Twitter page, Miller is caught on video walking behind Mnuchin into the senators office and, according to the post, they discussed how we can help Arizona businesses by addressing the US Treasurys application of border and banking regulations.

Flakes Twitter feed is also littered with him retweeting three other senators tweets of the meetings with Mnuchin -- calling them great meetings. That includes a meeting Mnuchin had with Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA), where he said the two discussed encouraging strong economic growth: reforming the tax code and rolling back regulations.

The White House declined to comment to FOX Business, and Miller did not return repeated calls for comment.

The past chiefs of staff have had a mixed history under the various Treasury Secretaries. Under President George W. Bush, Hank Paulson brought in former aide to then National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, James Wilkinson, as his chief of staff. Wilkinson then went on to become the executive Vice President of Communications at PepsiCo, and is now the CEO of Trail Runner International, a public relations and communications firm.

President Obamas first Treasury secretary, Timothy Geithner, hired former Goldman Sachs Vice President of Government Affairs Mark Patterson. He was replaced in 2014 after Jacob Lew took the helm and eventually became the Director of Public and Strategic Affairs at Perkins Coie LLP, an international law firm based in Seattle, Washington. Lews chief of staff was Christian Weidman, who still has the same position under acting Treasury Secretary Adam Szubin.

Mnuchins expected official confirmation has been delayed by Democrats who criticize the former Goldman Sachs executive for his alleged use of offshore tax havens and failing to promptly disclose that he was a director of an offshore business vehicle in the Cayman Islands and owned more than $100 million in real estate.
Prosecutors say rock guitarist Rick Derringer carried a loaded gun in his carry-on bag on a Delta Air Lines flight from Cancun, Mexico, but was stopped after landing in Atlanta.

A federal air marshal quoted in court records says Derringer told him that he flies as many as 50 times per year with the gun in his carry-on bag, and has never had a problem.

More: Jason Derulo Goes on Rant Against American Airlines

A criminal complaint says Derringer has a Florida pistol permit and thought he could bring the gun on airplanes.

Derringer was charged with unlawfully entering an airport's secure area Jan. 9. His representatives didn't immediately return calls and emails.

A Transportation Security Administration spokesman had no immediate comment.

Derringer sang the 1965 hit "Hang on Sloopy" and later recorded "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo."
Channing Tatum is joining the long list of celebrities who produce wine and spirits.

The Magic Mike star first announced plans to produce his own vodka at the Cannes Lions festival in 2016, but now hes finally opening up about the launch of his boozy new business.

In an interview with Bon Appetit, Tatum recalls how he and a friend partnered with the Grand Teton Distillery in Driggs, Idaho, to begin developing his signature Born and Bred vodka.

It was me and my buddy Jack, we were just sitting around drinking one day and he was like, why are all vodkas foreign and from somewhere cold? I would like an American vodka! Tatum told Bon Appetit.

Tatum says the two tried vodkas from dozens of different distilleries before deciding to work with Grand Teton, whose vodka he characterizes as smooth, while leaving a cool feeling in your mouth.

According to its official website, Born and Bred also boasts ingredients including the best Idaho potatoes and unspoiled glacial water that flows from the Grand Teton mountains.

FOR THE LATEST FOOD & DRINK FEATURES, FOLLOW FOX LIFESTYLE ON FACEBOOK

With the release of Born and Bred Vodka, Tatum becomes the latest celebrity to launch his own line of liquor, following such stars as George Clooney, who co-owns Casamigos tequila, Dan Aykroyd, who produces Crystal Head Vodka, and Kenny Chesney, who launched Blue Chair Bay Rum in 2013.

However, this isnt Tatums first venture into the liquor business. In 2012, he and business partner Keith Kurtz opened Saints & Sinners, a restaurant and bar in New Orleans' touristy French Quarter.

The model-turned-dancer-turned-actor may already have his hands full but Tatum says he's excited to jump into this new venture.

Its just cool for me to do something new every day, Tatum told Bon Appetit. Im really lucky.
Whole Foods made headlines for charging its customers $6 for asparagus water, but theyve got nothing on the CitySuper grocery store in Hong Kong.

According to Time, the upscale market is charging 168 Hong Kong dollars  or just under $22  for a single strawberry.

The Premium Kotoka strawberry, which CitySuper imports from Nara, Japan, is advertised as a rare delicacy, and boasts good acidity and rich sweetness.

Each piece of fruit also comes in its own Kotoka Strawberry Gift Box, surrounded by a protective nest made of foam and straw.

The gift box, however, has recently come under fire from the Hong Kong Moms Facebook group, as well as many other social media users who disapprove of item's "wasteful" packaging.

Amid the criticism, a representative for CitySuper explained to the Hong Kong Free Press Wednesday that the strawberry gift box was imported from Japan with its original packaging given its premium grade, rarity and fragility for quality protection.

He further defended the price, adding that Kotoka strawberries are considered as delicacies of limited quantity and they are handpicked to ensure only the highest quality ones are harvested.

KFC SINGAPORE ROLLS OUT THE 'CHIZZA,' A CHICKEN-PIZZA HYBRID

This isn't be the first time a highly-prized Japanese fruit has sold for an incredible sum of money. In July 2016, a bunch of Ruby Roman grapes sold at auction for nearly $11,000, and two Yubari melons once went for more than $15,000 in 2013.
When you hear the term birth control, the Pill probably springs to mind, followed by methods that are growing in popularity, like intrauterine devices and the Nexplanon implant. But there's a slew of other options out there, including one that doctors say is popular but often overlooked in birth control conversations: the shot.

Depo-Provera, the brand name for medroxyprogesterone (which is often just referred to as the shot), is a contraceptive injection for women that contains progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Its given as an injection once every three months, the Mayo Clinic says, and it works by suppressing ovulation, i.e., it keeps your ovaries from releasing an egg each month that could get fertilized, resulting in pregnancy. The shot also thickens your cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching an egg.

According to Planned Parenthood, the shot is more than 99 percent effective when its used perfectly but, in real life, the shot is about 94 percent effective because sometimes people forget to get their shot in time. That means about six out of every 100 shot users will get pregnant each year.

Rebecca Starck, M.D., an ob/gyn and clinical assistant professor of surgery at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, tells SELF that she tends to prescribe hormonal birth control pills, IUDs, and the implant more often than the shot, but Depo-Provera is among the range of options she discusses with her patients.

On the other hand, Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of minimally invasive gynecology at The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, tells SELF that Depo-Provera is fairly popular with her patients. Its a great option for women looking for some type of long-term reversible contraception, and allows people to have a little more flexibility with their contraceptive management, she says.

However, no birth control method is perfect, and the shot isnt an exception. Here are a few potential side effects to be aware of if you use it.

1. You might stop having periods.

The most common side effect of the shot is a change in a womans bleeding pattern, Jason James, M.D., medical director at Miami's FemCare Ob-Gyn, tells SELF. In the short-term, that can mean you might have irregular periods and spotting. But after a few months, the progesterone in the shot causes your uterine lining to thin, and as a result, your period may go away. However, once you go off the shot, you may have irregular bleeding again as your body eliminates the extra progesterone from your system.

2. After you stop using the shot, it can take some time to get pregnant.

Michael Cackovic, M.D., the obstetric director of the maternal cardiac disease in pregnancy program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF that a persons return to fertility can take anywhere from 10 to 22 months after they stop using the shot. Its not a good medicine for family planning if you want to get pregnant soon, he says, in the sense that you can have a pretty much instant return to fertility with options like the Pill.

3. It can mess with your bones.

Using Depo-Provera for more than two years can cause you to lose bone density. This is concerning now, as we are finding more and more women have been on it for long periods of time, Cackovic says, noting that Depo-Proveras label warns that the decline in bone density increases with duration of use and may not be completely reversible even after the drug is discontinued. As a result, Cackovic says that some doctors recommend that women take calcium and vitamin D supplements while theyre on the shot.

More from SELF: Which Birth Control Option Is Right For You?

4. You might start to get headaches.

However, Shepherd says this is a potential side effect of pretty much every form of hormonal birth control. What I would recommend is that if someone experiences a new onset of headaches with starting a new method of birth control, they really should talk to their doctor, she says. While it's probably just a normal side effect of the birth control, it could be triggering something or may be exacerbating something thats already there," Shepherd explains.

5. It won't help your skin the way the Pill can.

If youve been on a combination estrogen and progesterone birth control pill, you've probably noticed that your skin looks clearer. This is because combination pills tend to help remove excess testosterone in your body that can exacerbate acne. We often see women on combination birth control pills have an improved complexion, Starck says. However, progesterone-only methods like the shot dont impact your skin. It wont necessarily make your skin worse, Starck says, but it also wont make it better.

6. You could get bloated.

Bloating and stomach cramps are a common initial complaint on the shot, says James. Its due to the fact that progesterone can slow down your intestines' digestion slightlybut it doesnt last forever. These symptoms, like most side effects, tend to improve with time as women become accustomed to the medication, James says.

7. You could gain some weight.

James says that some women mention gaining weight on the shot. In fact, a 2009 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that Depo-Provera users gained an average of 11 pounds over three years, compared to the three to four pounds gained by women who used other forms of contraception. Of course, using the shot isnt a guarantee that youll gain weight, but it's a potential side effect that causes concern in some people.

Despite the possible side effects, most experts say the shot is a good birth control method. But, as with any medication, its really best to talk to your doctor about all of your options before deciding on one.
A group of academic researchers has demanded an end to cancer medicines costing more than $100,000 a year and proposed a new model of low-cost drug development that would capitalize on recent advances in science.

The spiraling cost of cancer medicines is a growing concern for doctors and their patients, many of whom struggle to pay for new medicines that often cost $10,000 a month.

Sky-high prices have made oncology hugely profitable, with IMS Health forecasting global cancer drug sales of at least $150 billion by 2020. Scientists, however, believe today's prices are simply not sustainable as more and more people need treatment.

Writing in the journal Cell on Thursday, European and U.S. experts laid out a blueprint for reining in costs by increasing the role of academic research groups, working alongside new kinds of private companies, in the development of new drugs.

Rather than simply licensing discoveries to Big Pharma, academic groups should in future consider working with smaller companies that commit to capping prices, low-cost generic drug companies or non-profit organizations, they said.

"Something has to change. This is a call to arms," Paul Workman, one of the paper's authors and chief executive of Britain's Institute of Cancer Research, told Reuters.

"Charging $100,000 is unsustainable. We need to be thinking about getting prices down toward a half or a third of that, ideally even less."

The call coincides with growing political pressure on the issue, including an attack on high drug prices by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Workman, whose institute has discovered 20 drug candidates since 2005, believes cancer drug prices have become disconnected from economics as companies charge what the market will bear rather than a price reflecting costs.

A principal justification for high prices is the financial burden of running large clinical trials to secure regulatory approval. Yet this increasingly does not apply in the case of modern cancer therapies.

For example the registration study for Pfizer's targeted lung cancer drug Xalkori required only 347 patients, while last year's extended approval of the medicine to patients with mutations in the ROS1 gene involved only 50 subjects.

Workman, together with colleagues from the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas and the Netherlands Cancer Institute, said the solution was for an increasing proportion of drug developments to be driven by academia.

To an extent that is already happening. Many of the latest advances in cancer treatment originate in academic labs and there are now nearly 150 academic drug discovery centers around the world, 80 percent of which develop oncology products.

Those academic centers should in future focus not only on getting their discoveries to market but also on securing drug price caps as part of their negotiations with commercial partners, the authors said.

Increasing the scale and expertise of academic centers will take time and money, but in the long term the new competition should also help drive down prices in conventional pharma and biotech, they said.
One of the nations leading diaper brands has launched a new line of products specifically created for babies born weighing under two pounds. Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diapers debuted Feb. 1, and are specially designed to protect the babies delicate skin.

The diaper brand paired with nine neonatal intensive care units (NICU) centers as part of its No Baby Unhugged campaign to better address the needs of these infants. According to a campaign press release, fewer than 1.4 percent of babies born each year fit the targeted category, but the diaper is meant to promote optimal growth and development.

Were passionate about helping all babies thrive, especially the smallest and most fragile, Eleonora Daireaux, vice president of Huggies North America, said in the press release. This Huggies diaper reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver innovative solutions for the NICU. After hearing of the need for a diaper that meets the special requirements of these babies, our expert teams in skin science, research, product safety and manufacturing were inspired.

The diaper is outfitted with specially-sized fasteners and a narrow, absorbent pad to provide a flexible fit, according to the news release. Its made with a soft, smooth liner to offer protection from leaks without irritating the babys skin.

Good-fitting diapers are important to the healthy growth and development of our smallest patients, Anjanette Lee, an infant development specialist at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in Houston Texas, said in the news release. In our experience, we found Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diapers conformed to the babys bottom without gapping or limiting leg movement. The thinner fasteners and less material at the waist provided a good fit for baby while still protecting their fragile skin.

The partner Level III and Level IV NICU centers tested the diaper, which are part of a larger group of products targeted to premature infants. Other products include Huggies Little Snugglers Micro Preemie Diapers and Huggies Natural Care Extra Sensitive Wipes.
A Detroit-area sheriff is defending his staff over their actions nine months ago when a woman who was eight months pregnant was sent back to her cell three times before giving birth on the jails floor. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said he is confident his medical staff acted accordingly despite video showing a pregnant Jessica Preston being sent back to her cell after telling them she was in labor, Local 4 reported.

Preston had been jailed for driving on a suspended license. Though it was her first offense, a judge ordered her to stay in jail for the 14 days leading up to her court date after she failed to pay a $10,000 cash bond, Local 4 reported.

Two [employees] were working that day, Wickersham told Local 4. They were on the phone with the doctor. The information at that time, the baby started to come, they took her off the cot, which is close to the wall, put her on the floor on a mattress and the baby was delivered, he said.

Preston told Local 4 that on the fifth day of her sentence she called for help at around 7:30 a.m. She claims she told the deputies that she believed she was in labor and wanted to see medical staff.

[They said], We dont believe you, Preston told the news outlet. We think youre lying and youre not in labor. Wed be able to tell. There are certain things that are more apparent, so go back to your cell.

She said she rang a second time for help at 11:30 a.m., and video shows her being escorted to the medical area again. Preston claims staff called her a liar and sent her back. About 90 minutes later she returned for a third time with blood on her leg, and was transferred to a cell near the medical area, Local 4 reported.

Wickersham said the closest hospital is about three minutes away, but that the baby came too fast for the staff to act, according to the report.

I dont have the medical records, Wickersham told Local 4. The mother has them. I think that in all fairness the medical records should be brought out and let the people see what the medical staff did each time she was brought down.

Prestons son, named Elijah, was born a month early, weighing less than 5 pounds, KXAN.com reported. Prestons husband, Thomas Chastain, is angered that he missed his sons birth and was not there to cut the umbilical cord.

I dont know how you can ignore something like that, Preston told Local 4. To me, when I came to them bleeding, that should have been the real [sign.] I mean, I should have gone first thing in the morning. But when I come to you bleeding, eight months pregnant and bleeding, you go to the hospital.

Macomb County Jail is already under fire for two inmates deaths. Jennifer Meyers died during a 30-day sentence for failure to pay child support in July 2013, and David Stojcevski died in June 2014 during a 30-day sentence for failure to pay traffic tickets, Local 4 reported.

Wickersham told Local 4 that he does not question his staffs decision to send Preston back to her cell, but that adding more medical staff, including a full-time doctor, would cost taxpayers more money.

Obviously, that is going to cost taxpayers more money to increase that kind of contract, he said.
A 7-year-old autistic boys Happy Meal contained an extra dose of happy thanks to a McDonalds employee who spent 20 minutes tracking down the specific toy that he wanted. Leif Kandel had been pestering his mom for a Teen Titans toy that the fast-food giant had been giving away in their Happy Meals.

He is a picky eater and has a hard time letting things go when he gets fixated on something, Bonnie Kandel, Leifs mom, posted on the Love What Matters Facebook page.

The pair visited a McDonalds in Speedway, Indiana, but learned that the Teen Titans campaign had ended, and toys were replaced with Batman figurines. Kandel tried explaining to 16-year-old TaQualliyia TQ Patterson why the toy meant so much to her son.

Leif was devastated, Kandel wrote in the Feb. 6 post. I explained more about Leif and why it was so important to him that he had been talking about these toys nonstop for weeks. The lovely young woman who goes by TQ heard me and understood. She asked the manager if she could dismantle the kiosk and give Leif the toys.

Kandel said that after about 20 minutes of convincing her manager and then dismantling the kiosk, Leif was given a coveted Teen Titans toy by TQ.

McDonalds, I hope you know how lucky you are to have such a sweet woman on your staff, Kandel posted. Someone who takes special care of their customers, someone who goes well above and beyond.

The post has more than 45,000 likes and has been shared more than 3,400 times. Patterson, a senior at Ben Davis High School who has been working at the McDonalds for about two years, told Fox 59 that giving Leif the toys made her day.

Seeing him excited and knowing that I made him smile, it made my day, she said.
Democrats are overjoyed that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against President Trumps immigration order. That figures; never mind the legal issues or the possible impact on the White Houses ability to enact measures aimed at keeping the country safe. Most important: it was a blow to Trump, and Democrats couldnt be happier. Its gotten personal.

The decision will doubtless pump up House Democrats who are meeting in Maryland, presumably exploring a path back to relevance. Given their strident denunciations of President Trump, working with Republicans to move the country forward does not appear to be an option. As Nancy Pelosi said, "As long as the president continues down this path, there is nothing Democrats can work with him on."

Which path would that be? Maybe Trumps immigration order, which, notwithstanding the ruling of a notably liberal court, gets approval from 55% of the country, versus 38% that disapproves? Or his proposal to revoke federal funds from sanctuary cities, a policy supported by 55% of registered voters and opposed by only 33%, according to the same new Morning Consult/Politico poll?

Democrats do not appear to be talking policy at the retreat. Instead, they are doubling down on the unprecedented vitriol with which they routinely attack Donald Trump, Donald Trumps family, his cabinet picks, his advisors, his tweets, his policies, his hotels, his hats, his everything.

This toxic posturing could well backfire as Democrats try to win back disaffected voters. As important, it could hurt the country, and for that they will not be forgiven.

The election of President Trump, like it or not, caused a surge in optimism across the country. While embittered liberals took to the streets to protest our democracy in action, investors pumped money into stocks and consumers opened up their wallets, delivering a vote of confidence to the outsider president. One measure of consumer confidence showed a post-election surge from 46.7 in early November to a 12-month high of 52.8 in the days following the inauguration.

Since then, as Democrats have slow-walked confirming Trumps cabinet nominees and have placed themselves squarely in front of every policy he has suggested, consumer confidence has slipped almost three points, giving up much of the post-election gain. That could quickly translate into slower spending, meaning fewer jobs.

Its not surprising. Investors and consumers alike understand that our economy needs some juice; Trump has promised to provide that, via lower taxes and lighter regulation. Democrats, of course, object to that agenda. In fairness, it has also been disheartening that the GOP does not appear to have a tax reform plan at the ready, or an agreed-upon approach to replacing Obamacare. The country wants action; whoever is perceived to stand in the way of important reforms will pay dearly.

The liberal media will blame Trump for everything that goes wrong, including less-than-immediate gratification on Obamacare and tax reform. The media, though, get worse marks than the president these days; their incessant attacks on Trump have undermined their credibility.

A poll by Emerson College showed that while 49% of the country trusts President Trump, only 39% believe in the media. Imagine that.

Meanwhile, where is the vision that will lead Democrats out of their self- inflicted political exile? Where are their policies that will boost incomes and win back the hearts of traditional blue collar Democrats?

They have none. They attack all and every Republican idea, but propose nothing.

At the retreat, Steny Hoyer, the number two Democrat in the House, tied future gains to rebuilding our state and local parties. He doesnt seem to understand that attracting voters requires a winning message. Hillary Clinton didnt have one, and neither does the party today.

Democrats need to turn around their sinking ship, but cannot find the rudder. The outrage vented by Elizabeth Warren against every Trump cabinet nominee may be helpful to Elizabeth Warren, but it may backfire. For instance, it is hard to imagine that the middle class Pennsylvania worker  the poster child for the lost Democrat voter -- is inspired by her defamation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Warren tweeted to call out Sessions supposed radical hatred and racism, sexism & bigotry; evidence for those charges during Sessions decades of public service are scant. Sessions is hated by the Left because he will execute the laws of the country  laws that are under attack from numerous sides. Laws that were often ignored by former Attorneys General Loretta Lynch and Eric Holder.

But it turns out the nation is ready for a little more law and order. Thats what the Morning Consult/Politico poll shows.

In fact, voters appear to like most of the executive orders signed by Trump. Some 54% think freezing new regulations is a good idea (33%), 48% like Trumps decision on the Keystone Pipeline, against 37% that do not. Similar portions of the electorate agree with his moves on building a wall, withdrawing from the TPP and not giving federal money to organizations providing abortions.

Democrats read media outrage and recent numerous marches and protests as proof that they are right to oppose the new White House. As Hoyer said, We represent the views of the majority of citizens. They are wrong, and their mean-spirited obstruction will keep them in the penalty box. Especially if they step in the way of Trumps constructive economic agenda.
All of the 28 NATO countries fully support Ukraine in issues relating to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said, commenting on the outcome of the meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller.

"I want to emphasize that I have heard very clear messages that the alliance fully supports Ukraine. There are no two different opinions on this matter. All the 28 member countries have absolutely spoken in support of Ukraine and they understand the processes that are taking place in the country," the website Uriadovy Kurier reported on Thursday evening, citing Groysman's statement to 112.Ukraine TV channel.

The Ukrainian prime minister also said the meeting with Gottemoeller, which also addressed a number of new issues that may further bilateral cooperation, was fruitful. One of them was considerable support from the Ukrainian State Emergency Situations Service to ensure effective internal security in the country. "We discussed that we can increase our cooperation in this sphere - the training of our military, work with trust funds that provide technical assistance to Ukraine under a cooperation program," Groysman said.

"I was satisfied by that meeting. We synchronized the clocks. I believe that, as regards NATO, everything shows very clearly that Ukraine is supported and understood and there are no other thoughts in the alliance," Groysman said.
This week, Democrats made history by forcing Vice President Mike Pence to cast the deciding vote for Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Why did Democrats decide to engage in all-out war against an education secretary? Why devote weeks of phone calls, media interviews, and emotional energy to defeating her rather than one of the other cabinet nominees?

Some Democrats and mainstream media outlets have focused their opposition on claims that Mrs. DeVos having radical views. Yet, as New York Times columnist Ross Douthat has noted, Secretary DeVos views are not so different from the Obama administrations pro-charter schools position and are almost identical to the perspectives of centrist Democrats such as Senator Cory Booker.

Other Democrats and media outlets have opposed Mrs. DeVos because she lacks experience as a government bureaucrat or school administrator. They also highlight her inability to answer certain questions during the confirmation hearings.

But are these the real reasons Democratic opposition heightened to a fever pitch? No.

As opinion pieces in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal have argued, the overheated Democratic opposition is motivated by:

? Some of their partys most deep-pocketed and powerful interest groupsteachers unionswho realize that they will no longer have a near-monopoly on education.

? Their partys upper-middle-class suburbanite constituency, who understand that DeVos charters and vouchers will be attractive to families with financial disadvantages, ethnic minority heritage, or ideological and religious convictions that differ from the mainstream. In other words, private schooling will be accessible to children who are very different than the Democratic Partys upper-middle-class suburbanites.

In response to the Democratic Partys powerful interest groups and upper-middle-class suburbanite constituency, here are four reasons why DeVos may turn out to be a welcome remedy to our nations educational ills.

1. Liberation from Bureaucracy. DeVos educational philosophy could enable her to liberate American education from encroachment by federal bureaucracy. Under the Obama administration, the federal government functioned as a giant octopus, bypassing families, communities, and states in order to reach its tentacles into school curriculum, teacher evaluation, values conformity, and even restroom policies. DeVos signals a departure from that era. Her stated educational philosophy suggests that she will not turn Democratic encroachment into Republican encroachment; instead, she will reduce federal encroachment in order to empower families, local communities, and states.

2. Freedom of Thought

Much ado has been made about Secretary DeVos Dutch Calvinism. But thats misguided.

Dutch Calvinism is a rich religious tradition that emphasizes the rights and freedoms of families, communities, and religions. For that reason, it finds adherents on the right and on the left.

Additionally, it places an especially high value on education, but emphasizes that a pluralistic society should be tolerant enough to allow diverse families and communities to build their own educational institutions and choose which institution(s) their children can attend. Unfortunately, many liberal educators are quite illiberal, unwilling to tolerate any type of educational diversity that undermines the federal governments impulse toward command-and-control.

3. Empowerment for the Financially-Disadvantaged

DeVos educational philosophy would allow financially-disadvantaged children to choose the education that fits their unique needs and abilities. In the current system, the government taxes citizens in order to provide education, but then dictates and determines how the tax money can be used. The message is clear: the federal governmentrather than the family or local communityis responsible for shaping the way a child understands and interprets the world.

Under DeVos potential system of vouchers and charters, however, citizens will be able to exercise more influence over their own childs education. They will also be able to send their children to a wider variety of schools, including those that would have been financially prohibitive without the vouchers. This sort of system is supported by prominent intellectuals and educators such as Anthony Bradley and has been supported in the past by Democratic politicians such as Cory Booker.

4. Facilitation by a Philanthropist

DeVos critics argued that she wasnt qualified to serve as our new Secretary of Education because she had not served as a teacher, a principal, or an educational policy wonk. Yet, those experiences are not necessary prerequisites for the office. As Michael Petrilli noted, Secretary DeVos has devoted her life energies and financial resources to the cause of education and has interacted extensively with politicians and educational policy makers. Although her path to the post of secretary is different than her predecessors, it is a good path and one that qualifies her.

Hope for our Childrens Education

We already know that DeVos will be an imperfect Secretary of Education -- just as all prior secretaries of education have been. Yet, there are good reasons to believe that she will be successful.

She is a philanthropist who has proven that she cares deeply about education. She holds a philosophy of education that can reduce bureaucracy, increase free thinking, and empower the financially disadvantaged. And, she has the work ethic and the connections to make it happen.

So lets just step back for a moment, cool our fevered brows, and pull for Betsy DeVos as she tries to reform our nations education system.
The best you can say about the 9th Circuit Courts decision upholding the temporary halt to President Trumps immigration ban is that the court is consistent. Consistently wrong.

The 9th Circuit has managed to achieve an embarrassing reversal rate of 80 percent, according to a study by the American Bar Association.

The Supreme Court must get awfully tired overturning the appellate courts aberrant decisions, dont you think?

Its as if the 9th operates as an island unto itself, with its own set of twisted legal rules wholly inconsistent with the principles enunciated by the Supreme Court. The opinion rendered Thursday evening is poorly reasoned and contrary to long-established law.

As bad as the 9th Circuit decision is, the judges did not declare that Trumps order is unconstitutional or that it discriminates against people. It simply said those legal principles are applicable and the lower court should now hold a full hearing or trial on the merits.

Heres a look at what the court concluded, however erroneously.

The Plaintiffs have Standing to Sue

This is such a Gumby-type stretch it is almost laughable. The 3 judge panel hypothesizes that one of Washington states public universities would suffer irreparable harm because a couple of visiting scholars may be denied entry to the U.S. and that some researchers might have trouble traveling to and from the 7 countries targeted by Trumps ban.

That is not the kind of significant actual harm required by law. At best, it is incidental or what lawyers call a de minimis potential harm. Such trivial or minor injury is not good enough in court and should never be sufficient to sustain a lawsuit based on standing to sue.

Alan Dershowitz, perhaps the most prominent appellate lawyer in America who is professor emeritus at Harvard Law School, said he has never seen anything like this decision on standing in his 53 years of doing appellate work. Nuff said.

Due Process Extends to Aliens

Equally astonishing is how the 9th Circuit seems to imply that U.S. constitutional protections attach not only to citizens and non-citizen residents, but aliens who are not even here in the U.S. Well, that is a new and novel concept.

The vast majority of people affected by Trumps order are foreigners applying for visas to come to America. Courts have never conferred due process or any other constitutional privilege to aliens seeking entry. They do not have a right to come here. They do not enjoy the many benefits which the First, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments confer.

If the 9th Circuit had its way, the whole world could invoke our constitutional protections.

No Evidence of Terrorism

This is the most offensive part of the judges decision. The court claims, incorrectly, there is no evidence that anyone from the 7 nations has committed a terrorist act.

First, that is demonstrably wrong. More than 2 dozen plots have been stopped. If the judges had bothered to do a 5 minute Google search they would have discovered that several dozen suspected terrorists from those 7 countries have been arrested and/or convicted of violent plots.

Either the court is uninformed or the judges seem to think foiled plots are not good enough. Does an attack have to be successful to constitute a viable threat? Of course not.

The president is authorized and duty-bound to take preemptive action to protect the lives of Americans. It is akin to the doctrine of self-defense. You dont have to wait until youre shot to defend yourself. If the president fails to take action, he is in dereliction of his sworn oath.

Second, these judges are not even entitled to see most of the evidence of a threat. They do not have security clearance for the classified intelligence information upon which the president bases his order. Which is precisely why congress conferred to the commander in chief the power to make national security decisions on immigration. Carter & Obama issued orders similar to Trumps, but the 9th Circuit takes no notice.

The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that congress and the president have plenary power to regulate immigration, meaning absolute authority. Even the 9th Circuit has endorsed this legal principle. These 3 judges seem to be faint of memory. Obtuse or oblivious.

The 1952 Statute Ignored

Nowhere in the courts 29 page decision do the judges examine in earnest the most important legal principle. That is, the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act which gives the president the power to decide who can and cannot enter the U.S.

The fundamental job of these judges is to decide whether President Trump has authority under that law to exclude any class of aliens considered to be detrimental to the interests of the United States. The judges do not address it, probably because they could conjure no way around it. Instead, they seem obsessed over whether the president is exercising his authority wisely.

It is not their constitutional role to make policy judgments. And the Supreme Court in past decisions has said so. Clearly, these judges are politicizing what is supposed to be purely legal.

Campaign Speeches as Evidence of Intent

The court asserts that Trump's campaign speeches can be considered as evidence of the intent to discriminate against Muslims. Which is absurd. Discrimination should be determined from the language of executive order itself. Political rhetoric on the campaign trail is notorious unreliable and misleading. How often do politicians change their minds, modify their policies, retract them, or even lie?

If the overwrought discourse of a campaign is the standard, then the Supreme Court should reconsider its ObamaCare ruling because we later learned that President Obama was deceiving Americans when he made all those speeches promising they would get to keep their doctors and their insurance policies.

What happens next

The case goes back down to the lower district court for a full hearing on all these matters. Of course, that will take considerable time, all the while the clock is ticking on the executive order which lasts only 90 and 120 days. The district court might eventually determine the EO is legal, as the Boston judge did.

Will Trump appeal the 9th Circuit's decision to the Supreme Court? He could, but I doubt the high court would even take the case. SCOTUS rarely accepts petitions to review temporary, interim orders. The Supremes do not like to rule on cases that have not been fully litigated in the lower courts.

Trump can always accelerate the implementation of his new stricter vetting program. At that point, he would revoke his order causing all the court cases to be dismissed. There would no longer be a controversy for a court to resolve.

Theres an old saying attributed to Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr: hard cases make bad law.

So do bad judges.
The U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, has issued one of the most ill-conceived, poorly reasoned opinions in memory, even for that notoriously activist Circuit. It ties federal law in inscrutable knots, misses big points, and blurs little ones. It will not sit well with most Americans, for good reason.

Whether motivated by antipathy for the president, love of limelight, or just fundamentally misconceiving their role, the Court stumbles into embarrassing contradictions, makes baseless assumptions, shows indifference to law and history. Other than that  it is a fine piece of work.

Where does one begin? The question was not whether to wander freely through headlines. The job was simple: Decide whether, given the Presidents Article II prerogatives and authority as Commander in Chief, a single federal judge  one of 3,294  can issue a sweeping, conclusory, nationwide temporary restraining order (TRO) halting implementation of a national security Executive Order (EO).

If the TRO was unjustified, the Ninth Circuit was duty-bound to issue a stay, effectively ending the TRO and permitting implementation by the Department of Homeland Security of the EO. Instead, they ducked, and insensibly upheld the TRO.

They played to the street, and tried a legalistic putsch. Fortunately, the opinion is likely to be reversed by the Supreme Court  but that will be a while. The White House could, in the interim, counter-punch with another EO. Either way, the appellate court seemed intent on a political smack down of the President, making headlines, even if that required twisting the law. Here is how it went down.

For starters, they might have asked whether the underlying TRO  not the stay  was grounded in three legal requirements  irreparable harm, likelihood of success, and public interest. Did the States meet this test, required to block a presidents temporary restriction on travel to the US from seven terror-riven countries? Did the States show any permanent harm, likelihood of winning on constitutional issues, balance public interest? The States could not do this, and the court never asked.

The court focused instead on whether the US Government had met these requirements for a stay of the unreasoned, indefensible TRO. In other words, the appellate court put the burden on the United States, not on the States that had snatched a blank TRO, nobbling the president.

Things got darker fast. The court asked what hardship might be produced if they did not grant the stay  and answered themselves, none. If Presidents objective was to stop accidentally importing terrorism from countries where it is plentiful, what about the hardship of future terrorist attacks?

Did the court pause to track terror events in Europe from those countries? No. Did they note the public striving by ISIS to get into America? No. Did they consider hardship suffered by victims of foreign-inspired terrorism in Boston, San Bernardino, Orlando, Texas, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, even Seattle  where the district judge sits? No. How much risk is too much? How many hairs should we split? Who should split them? Why not the President?

True, some visas were cancelled for those from the seven terrorist countries. But the White House clarified the issue for permanent residents, and noted the order was temporary. Apparently not enough. So, where was all this permanent, irreparable damage to the States? Their economy and public universities. Why, because students and professors were delayed in return? How many were really from Libya, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, or Yemen? How does the Court know no terrorists? Finally, the court says: Universities suffered the loss of visa application costs. Exactly 160 dollars per visa. And  for this we risk national security?

Darker still. The court says: The EO purports to prioritize refugee claims of certain religious minorities. Stop. The court inserted that word certain  that word is not in the EO. This actually matters. The EO does not give priority to certain groups, but to all religiously persecuted minorities.

Moreover, prioritizing foreign entrants and religious minorities violates nothing. Those with a well-founded fear of religious persecution often get priority. Christians and Jews from the Soviet Union, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists fleeing persecution elsewhere, 100,000 from Vietnam. Prioritizing national origin and religious persecution as a basis for entry is NOT new.

Another half-truth. The district court says this was a TRO thus not reviewable. Hokum. That was a trick. The district courts briefing schedule exceeded 14 days, meaning the order was actually a VERY reviewable preliminary injunction. Which is to say, the district court did not play it straight. Appellate court asserted review, but did not call out the lower court. Why not?

Then on to standing. States have none, but the Ninth Circuit gave it anyway. Asserted harms were minimal and temporary, but the appellate court made them substantial and permanent. States asserted the necessary personal stake, only states possess no personal rights under the Constitution. Oops.

Talk about vetting  because they dont. Having helped vet Iraqi and Afghan police recruits, it is hard. There are no records. The process is arduous  and slow. Some get rejected, others find tribal or family proofs, go also through long interrogations. Note: This IS due process  and it takes time, months. So, what about that? Did the court ask? See the due process? No.

What do these judges know of vetting, anyway? Or of intelligence behind the EO? Did they ask before denying the stay? No. Have they ever  any of them  seen the process, met a vetted refugee, or been to any of the seven countries? Those around the President have. Did they ask in camera insight  or force the lower court to, before denying the stay of a fake TRO? No.

The court cites Baker v. Carr for a procedural proposition. Irony of ironies. That case relates to non-justiciability  the inability of courts to review political decisions, only they overlook that proposition. Arguably, this case fits the doctrine. Do they discuss that? No.

The Court tells Justice they claimed this case was unreviewable. That is not what the United States actually said. In oral argument, they said it was reviewable for bona fides. In other words, did the President reach the necessary significant risk determination, not whether he was right on national security? That is not their job. Another error.

Incredibly, the court then argues White House implementing guidance is invalid. Why? Because it comes from the White House Counsel, not from the President. The White House Counsel is not the President. This is absurd in the extreme. Counsel issues clarifying EO implementation guidance. Invalid? Judge Canby should know better; he was a staffer for Vice President Mondale, his brother-in-law, before being nominated to the Court by Jimmy Carter.

More darkness. The court defaults to conclusory statements and declines to modify the TRO, already admitted not to be a TRO. The court adds they are doing this to protect those in the United States unlawfully. Wow! So the counter-veiling interest, which outweighs the Presidents national security determination, is partially for those here unlawfully? Convoluted in the extreme.

That is where they leave us  in the dark, looking for light. They did not help America forestall terrorism, help Americans understand larger issues. They lofted legal platitudes, with embarrassing contradictions, calculated for headlines, more controversy, and placing the president in the wrong. This will not stand.

This opinion will accelerate discussion of breaking up the oversized, quixotic Ninth Circuit. It will set the stage for return to light  an appeal to the US Supreme Court, possible reissue of the EO. Meantime, we can all pray that we do not encounter another terrorist event in the near term  of the kind thwarted this week in Turkey, planned by un-vetted terrorists from Syria, one of those seven countries about which we need not worry.
One of the ever-changing splendors of the Eternal City is the rainbow forest of street posters  deliciously known as manifesti in Italian -- that decorate almost every Roman neighborhood. Political parties from communists to nouveau fascists fly their clashing colors, while the state lottery office promises that your fortune awaits -- if youll just buy a ticket.

But no one in decades had seen the like of the posters that sprung up over the weekend, depicting a sullen Pope Francis, and asking, rhetorically and unanswerably, Where is your mercy? The posters accuse the Argentine-born pope of removing priests, ignoring cardinals advice, and decapitating an ancient religious order, the Knights of Malta, which rebelled against his populist vision for the Catholic Church.

Romans, long used to plots against the powerful  the Ides of March are not far off -- have gleefully fallen into a guessing game about the author of the posters. A disgruntled Catholic with enough sway to print and paste them without detection? An aggressive atheist? Perhaps, even, a cardinal with a grudge?

It is a bold, if anonymous challenge to a pontiff who finds himself in a pitched battle with members of his inner court, or curia, who believe Francis is moving too quickly, and recklessly, to strip away centuries of tradition and remake the Church into the worlds largest social services agency.

While no one claims to know the perpetrator of the so-called poster plot, its motives are clear. An increasingly vocal minority of the Church hierarchy is worried about the way Francis operates, and by extension, how his actions will affect them. With the poster parade, an intra-Vatican struggle for influence has spilled into the streets.

While no one claims to know the perpetrator of the so-called poster plot, its motives are clear. An increasingly vocal minority of the Church hierarchy is worried about the way Francis operates, and by extension, how his actions will affect them. With the poster parade, an intra-Vatican struggle for influence has spilled into the streets.

The pope has given his opponents reason to worry. He has artfully cultivated a kinder-gentler, man-of-the-people image since his elevation to the Throne of Peter in 2013. He declined to live in the Apostolic Palace reserved for the pope. He shunned the red shoes that go with his office, preferring brown. He criticized cardinals who are chauffeured around Rome, choosing to ride in a compact car instead of the gas-guzzling, bullet-proof Pope-mobile. He kissed the feet of prisoners, invited gay Catholics to Mass, and advised rich people to part with their wealth.

More substantively, he has publicly excoriated members of the Church hierarchy for spending more time playing Vatican politics than helping the poor. He has suggested, alarmingly to traditionalists, a willingness to consider changes in Catholic teaching regarding homosexuality, divorce, and the role of women in the Church.

These simmering tensions came to a head last month, when Francis took personal control of the 1,100-year-old Order of the Knights of Malta, a well-funded conservative lay organization dedicated to charitable works. The order, which had enjoyed sovereignty over its affairs for centuries, tried to fire one of its top-ranking officers who oversaw a program that distributed condoms in Burma. Francis reinstated the official and, in retaliation, demanded the head Knight resign. The pope imposed his own delegate to administer the Order, and its multi-million dollar treasury.

Further alienating those who think his papacy has spun out of control, Francis gave an interview, printed this week in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, in which he bluntly said, There is corruption in the Vatican.

The overnight appearance of the anti-Francis posters temporarily replaced the epic incompetence of the Italian government as cocktail-party fodder. The Rome police force has promised to review its closed circuit cameras, which, as in other big cities, are ubiquitous. So far, they have not released any information about what the cameras may have captured.

Francis is only the latest radical to call Rome home. The city has endured an emperor who declared his horse a member of the Senate, another who burned the city to the ground, and a paunchy Fascist duce who conceded, Its not impossible to govern Italy. Its useless. Francis may come to the same conclusion about the Catholic Church. He needs only to take a brown-shod stroll down any street.
The principal of a fancy New York City private school says the election of President Trump is worse than the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Steve Nelson, principal of the Calhoun School, fired off a hate-filled email to parents blasting the president. He also said Trump's election would be more devastating than Vietnam, Watergate and the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Click here to get your copy of Todds new book  The Deplorables Guide to Making America Great Again! Liberals say it is truly deplorable!

I walked the complex inner-city streets of Cleveland during the racial unrest of the 60s, he wrote in an email obtained by the New York Post. I was in rural Georgia when Martin Luther King Junior was assassinated in Tennessee. I watched every moment of the Watergate hearings that led to the resignation of Richard M. Nixon. I watched soot-covered New Yorkers grimly trudging north on West End Avenue on September 11, 2001. I am more troubled now.

The principal would have us believe that he was more disturbed by Trumps election than the sight of New Yorkers falling from the sky or the Twin Towers collapsing onto the streets of lower Manhattan.

Just to put this in perspective, the principal believes President Trump is worse than the Muslim hijackers who flew jetliners into buildings and slaughtered thousands of Americans.

The principal would have us believe that he was more disturbed by Trumps election than the sight of New Yorkers falling from the sky or the Twin Towers collapsing onto the streets of lower Manhattan.

I do not know Principal Nelson, but he sounds like a deeply disturbed educator who should not be around impressionable school children.

Im rather surprised the principal did not blame Trump for sinking the Titanic or causing the Black Plague.

As repulsive as his comments might have been, I believe the principals beliefs are rather mainstream among liberals.

During the 2016 presidential campaign Hillary Clinton labeled many of President Trumps supporters as a basket of irredeemable deplorables.

I borrowed that phrase for the title of my new book, The Deplorables Guide to Making America Great Again.

In the liberal mindset, conservatives who support traditional marriage and securing the border and gun rights are not just deplorable. They believe we are irredeemable deplorables. In other words, our beliefs make us beyond redemption.

Thats why so many parents and teachers defended Principal Nelsons hate speech.

Ive been at the school for 19 years and there was not a message that got a more positive response than this one, he told the Post. If this upset a few people I understand. But you cant make everyone happy all the time.

What a steaming pile of compost.

The Calhoun Schools only redeeming quality is that taxpayers are not forced to pay for this dumpster fire of a school.

So lets set the record straight.

President Trump has never waged jihad against Americans -- nor has he assassinated a Civil Rights leader or napalmed a jungle in Vietnam.

And to compare those horrific atrocities with the president's desire to make our nation great again is not just offensive -- it's downright evil.


President Trump is shaking up Washington with a shock and awe campaign that has caught the establishment flat-footed  including the Republicans who are supposed to be helping him with the heavy lifting.

Consider what Trump has gotten done in a little over three weeks, with little or no help from GOP lawmakers. Its a lengthy list, and it is growing every day:

Ordered federal agencies to ease the burden of ObamaCare

Taken action to freeze new impending regulations

Withdrew the U.S. from the flawed Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal

Instituted a federal government hiring freeze

Banned U.S. non-government organizations from receiving federal funds to provide abortions abroad

Signed executive actions advancing the Keystone and Dakota Access pipelines

Ordered construction of a border wall

Issued an executive action to strip federal money from sanctuary cities

Moved to implement extreme vetting of refugees from terror hotspots

Issued an executive action to rebuild the military

Ordered the Pentagon to draft a decisive plan to defeat ISIS

Imposed a five-year lobbying ban for administration officials

Nominated strict Constitutionalist Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court

Established task forces to fight drug cartels, reduce violent crime and prevent attacks against police officers

In other words, President Trump gets it. He wants to move quickly to keep his campaign promised. He wants to get things done. The question is, where are the Republicans in Congress to help him?

I have lived my entire life with a sense of urgency, and the people who work with me in TV and radio share this ethic. We dont go out to long lunches to discuss plans over fancy entrees and Merlot. We usually eat lunch at our desks.

But it seems like the Republicans, who should be helping Trump advance the agenda America voted for, are always out to lunch.

Now, they're saying that a bill to deal with ObamaCare may not be ready until the end of the year and that the promise Republicans have made for nearly eight years to repeal and replace it might be more like repeal and repair."

These are the same Republicans who repeatedly said that if the voters could only give them the White House, Senate and House, they would abolish ObamaCare once and for all. Now that these spineless, gutless and timid career politicians have all three, whats their excuse?

President Trump's health care agenda is clear. He wants more competition, portability, erasing state lines and health care savings accounts. We've all heard it throughout the campaign and even since his election victory. Congress has had years to come up with an ObamaCare replacement that meets these goals, yet Republicans don't have a consensus plan in place. Its pathetic.

Its not just ObamaCare. President Trump has a bold tax plan, too, and Republicans are also dragging their feet on that. They're saying they can't start on the bill until spring, but Trump is ready to act now.

Lowering the overall tax code on American businesses big league, that's coming along very well, he said this week.  We're way ahead of schedule, I believe, and we're going to be announcing something, I would say, over the next two or three weeks that will be phenomenal in terms of tax.

President Trump is ready to move quickly and pass his agenda, but Republicans in the House and Senate wont get on board. As with health care, Trumps tax plan is simple -- lower income taxes for middle-class Americans, go from seven brackets to three brackets, reduce the corporate tax rate to 15 percent and incentivize multinational corporations to repatriate trillions of dollars sitting overseas so they can build factories and manufacturing centers here in America.

Delaying the tax cut means the odds of it actually getting passed decrease. Even worse, it means delaying the much-needed economic recovery.

The inept Republicans in Washington need to remember that the election that put President Trump in the White House was all about Americas forgotten men and women, the millions out of work, on food stamps, in poverty and unable to pay the rent or mortgage. Delaying these tax cuts means delaying the ability for tens of millions of Americans to fulfill the promise of the American dream.

It's time to lay a marker in the sand. I'm putting the GOP on notice. No more excuses, no more explanations. Go to work, roll up your sleeves and do your job.

There is no excuse for not having a plan to repeal or replace ObamaCare. There's no excuse for not having a tax cut plan. There's no excuse for not having a plan so we become energy independent or a plan to reduce or size and influence of government. You have the House, you have the Senate, you have a president that wants to move fast on everything the American people have spent years begging for.

We have a president now moving at the speed of light. Republicans in Congress need to keep up or go back to wherever they came from.

Adapted from Sean Hannitys monologue on Hannity, Feb. 9, 2017
A defiant President Donald Trump tweeted SEE YOU IN COURT after a San Francisco federal appeals court Thursday upheld the suspension of his controversial immigration order.

He also warned the security of the nation was at stake and said he expected to easily win the case.

Top presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway told Martha MacCallum on The First 100 Days that she could not specify if Trump meant he would take it to the Supreme Court, but there were different options open to the White House.

She added that the ruling does not affect the merits at all.

The panel of three judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously refused to reinstate the order after a federal judge had issued a halt to it last week.

But the Justice Department said it is "reviewing the decision and considering its options. Trump later tweeted: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

He also told the White House press pool shortly after the ruling, "it's a political decision and we'll see them in court...it is a decision that we will win in my opinion very easily."

Asked how he learned about the decision, Trump replied, "we just saw it, just like you did."

Trump issued the executive order, which placed a 90-day pause on immigrants from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan, on Jan. 27, causing chaos and outrage at airports across the country. The order also imposed a 120-day pause on all refugees, and an indefinite pause on refugees from Syria.

The case was given to the appeals court after a Seattle federal judge last week ordered a halt to Trumps order. Judge James Robart issued a temporary restraining order after Washington state and Minnesota both sued.

Attorneys from the Justice Department appealed Robarts ruling, arguing that the presidents executive power gives him the authority to place restrictions on people coming into the country.

However, the court ruling disagreed with that argument:

"In short, although courts owe considerable deference to the Presidents policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action," the court ruled.

Supporters of Trump's order argue it will help keep America safe from terrorists looking to infiltrate the United States from terror hotspots that often have inadequate vetting procedures. Opponents have argued it is unconstitutional and discriminatory  claiming that it is a Muslim ban and that it has harmed individuals and businesses.

The court ruled that the government has not presented "any evidence" of a sufficient national security threat from the seven countries in question.

"...[The] Government has not offered any evidence or even an explanation of how the national security concerns that justified those designations, which triggered visa requirements, can be extrapolated to justify an urgent need for the Executive Order to be immediately reinstated.

The Democratic National Committee called the ruling a "massive blow to the White House.

Lets be clear: This is a massive blow to the White House. The court upheld that we do not discriminate based on religion. That is what terrorists do, and what terrorists want us to do," Interim DNC Chair Donna Brazile said in a statement.

The American Civil Liberties Union also praised the ruling.

"The governments erratic and chaotic attempts to enforce this unconstitutional ban have taken a tremendous toll on innocent individuals, our countrys values, and our standing in the world," Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Projects, said in a statement. "We will keep fighting this un-American executive order until it is permanently dismantled.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, called on Trump to abandon the order entirely.

"President Trump ought to see the handwriting on the wall that his executive order is unconstitutional. He should abandon this proposal, roll up his sleeves and come up with a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe," he said.

If the case goes to the Supreme Court, it appears Trumps nominee for its vacant seat, Judge Neil Gorsuch, is unlikely to be in place by the time it reached the court. It is also possible that if it goes to the high court, by that time the temporary restrictions would have expired.

The administration could also ask a larger panel of judges to hear the appeal, or accept the order and go back to the Seattle-based federal court and try and block the next legal step -- whether to grant the states request for a preliminary injunctionwhich would put enforcement of the Executive Order on hold until all the appeals are exhausted.

During arguments before the court, Washington state Solicitor General Noah Purcell argued that Trump campaign statements about a Muslim ban showed discriminatory intent.

"There are statements that we've quoted in our complaint that are rather shocking evidence of intent to discriminate against Muslims, given that we haven't even had any discovery yet to find out what else might have been said in private," Purcell said.

Trump had been outspoken in his criticism of the case, calling Robart a so-called judge on Twitter, and on Wednesday warning that if the U.S. does not win this case as it so obviously should, we can never have the security and safety to which we are entitled.

Fox News' Adam Shaw, Matthew Dean, William Mears and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Central Michigan University Republican student group is apologizing for a Valentine's Day card that mocks Jews who died in the Holocaust.

The College Republicans group handed out gift bags to students Wednesday night, including one with a card that said "my love 4 u burns like 6,000 jews." It had a photo of Adolf Hitler and was signed "XOXO, Courtney."

The group apologized on Facebook, saying it doesn't condone anti-Semitism and that the card was made and placed in the bag without its knowledge. The group didn't identify the member who placed the card in the bag.

Central Michigan spokeswoman Sherry Knight told Mount Pleasant's local paper, The Morning Sun, that the school is "deeply disappointed." She says campus leaders are meeting Thursday to discuss the incident.
A group of hackers managed to breach Washington D.C.'s surveillance camera network and infect the system with ransomware days before President Trump's inauguration, law enforcement officials close to the investigation told Fox News.

The network of cameras affected eight days before President Trump was sworn in included ones located along the inaugural parade route, officials said Thursday.

Investigators were able to rid the system of ransomware without paying any money, and the network was fully operational on Inauguration Day.

An investigation into the ransomware attack is ongoing and being run by the Secret Service, officials said.

A separate law enforcement source described the cyber-attack to Fox News as emanating from overseas, and that investigators have not ruled out the possibility that this attack was carried out by a state sponsored actor.

The Washington Post was first to report on the network breach.

When a system is infected with ransomware, users are unable to access the system itself or information stored on that system unless some kind of digital ransom is paid. Hackers carrying out these types of attacks typically give infected users a time window to pay up, or risk having their system wiped.

There have been a string of ransomware attacks in recent years targeting individual users, as well as hospitals, private businesses, and municipalities across the country.
During shelling of Avdiyivka in the Donetsk region by Russian occupation forces at the end of January and start of February more than 300 private houses were damaged and the city was without heat and water for almost two weeks, First Verkhovna Rada Deputy Speaker and representative to the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Iryna Gerashchenko has said.

"It is minus 12 C today. Avdiyivka is slowly emerging from the horror of it all and repair work is underway," Gerashchenko wrote on her Facebook page on Friday. She added that the city continues to receive construction materials from various regions in Ukraine.

Gerashchenko visited Avdiyivka with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevicius and Lithuanian Ambassador to Ukraine Volodymyr Yatsenkivsky, as well as parliament Poroshenko Bloc faction deputy Iryna Lutsenko.

"It's important that the EU representatives see with their own eyes and are convinced of the horrors of war waged by Russians against Ukraine. Linkevicius during the spring of 2016 was in Shyrokyne, and the minister can tell his colleagues, EU foreign ministers, what he has seen. This is evidence, this is first-hand information that is invaluable in the discussion about sanctions. The truth should be told to EU states and NATO member states," she said.

Visiting School No. 3 in Avdiyivka, Gerashchenko said, "The children drew a big heart [for Linkevicius] to pass on to Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite  with the words, 'with love from Ukraine.'"
As the debate over President Trumps order suspending refugee admissions intensifies, Fox News has learned of another potential vulnerability in the system: the State Department refugee database has been susceptible to hacking for years.

The State Department internal watchdog, back in December 2016, sent a "classified management alert" regarding ongoing IT security vulnerabilities in the system. Two months later, the inspector general released a related unclassified report, "Inspection of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration."

"It's very unusual for action to be taken by the inspector general before the final report is reviewed by the bureau that's under investigation," former U.N. ambassador and Fox News contributor John Bolton explained. "The fact that an alert was sent before that was completed indicates that they believed it was very serious."

In the wake of the alert, the inspector general reported that the worldwide refugee admissions processing system, or "WRAPS," had been running -- for years -- without a clean bill of health for IT security, so there were no guarantees the data was reliable.

"This has been operating since 2011 without what's called an authority to operate," cyber security specialist Morgan Wright said. "That's like somebody driving not just without a license, but with a revoked suspended license."

A government source told Fox News investigators flagged security incidents in 2016 where a third party installed software, potentially exposing the refugee database to malware. A second 2013 incident is still under investigation. The database's security matters because it handles applications and shares vetting information with other government agencies.

This week on Capitol Hill, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said he's working closely with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and CIA Director Mike Pompeo to get a handle on the refugee vetting system and its weaknesses. "Hope is not a course of action for people like me," he said.

Asked about the database vulnerabilities, the State Department did not dispute Fox News' reporting. Acting Spokesperson Mark Toner said "The Department recently completed two independent forensic audits of WRAPS to verify the integrity of the data over time. Those audits confirmed there is absolutely no evidence that WRAPS data has ever been manipulated or compromised."

Toner added, "We appreciate and respect the work of the Inspector General. We are working diligently to resolve the concerns that were raised in the OIG report, and have already implemented several of the recommendations...The refugee screening process has always included multiple, independent and redundant procedures and systems. These overlapping safeguards allow refugee admissions applications to be processed securely."

While there was no data breach, supporters of the president's strategy say State Department investigators found an IT security mess, and taking a pause on refugee applications still makes sense.

In a letter published by the Chicago Tribune February 7, former State Department employee Mary Doetsch wrote, I have seen first-hand the abuses and fraud that permeate the refugee program and know about the entrenched interests that fight every effort to implement much-needed reform.

"Despite claims of enhanced vetting, the reality is that it is virtually impossible to vet an individual who has no type of an official record, particularly in countries compromised by terrorism. U.S. immigration officials simply rely on the persons often rehearsed and fabricated testimony. I have personally seen this on hundreds of occasions.

Critics of the executive order say there is no hard evidence terror suspects have successfully infiltrated the refugee stream in recent years to gain entry to the US.
Hillary Clinton resurfaced again Thursday night to troll President Trump over losing the latest court battle on his travel ban -- though top Trump aide Kellyanne Conway was quick with a Twitter retort.

Clinton tweeted, 3-0, after a federal appeals court ruled unanimously against reinstating Trumps order on immigration and refugees. The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco all sided against the order.

Conway responded to Clinton's tweet, PA, WI, MI -- an obvious dig at Clinton for losing the must-win states during the election.

The Democratic presidential nominee also had tweeted earlier in the week to support Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren after she was reprimanded for her criticism on the Senate floor about now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Conway, meanwhile, has been using Twitter of late to confront the Clintons. Last week, Conway rapped Clintons daughter, Chelsea, who criticized her for referencing the Bowling Green Massacre after a stabbing outside the Louvre Museum in Paris. There was no massacre, and Conway was attacked for the reference.

Very grateful no one seriously hurt in the Louvre attackor the (completely fake) Bowling Green Massacre. Please dont make up attacks, Chelsea tweeted.

Conway responded, Bosnia lie a Great reminder. And 2 @CheleaClinton & others, you cant 'invent' quality candidates either. I misspoke; you lost the election.


The proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall will reportedly cost at least $21.6 billion-- blowing far past earlier estimates-- and could take more than three years to finish, according to Homeland Security.

The estimated costs were expected to be presented to DHS Secretary John Kelly in the coming days, Reuters reported Thursday, citing an internal report at the agency.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said last month that the project could cost $8 billion to $14 billion. Trump had previously said the wall could cost $12 billion.

The border wall was President Trumps key campaign promise and his insistence that Mexico would pay for it was extremely popular among his supporters, sparking enthusiastic cheers at his raucous rallies.

Though Trump has insisted Mexico will eventually pay the U.S. back, American taxpayers are expected to foot the bill, starting with the existing money in the agency's account that would amount to a small down payment.

According to Reuters, the report lays out a three-pronged approach to get the wall completed. The phases include the construction of fences and walls covering more than 1,200 miles and finishing by the end of 2020.

The report set to be presented to Kelly is the final step before asking for taxpayer money to jumpstart construction. Homeland Security projects it would get funding from Congress by April or May.

The report said the first phase would cover 26 miles near San Diego, El Paso, Texas and a part the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. The second phase would cover 151 miles in and around the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Texas, Tucson, Ariz., Big Bend, Texas and El Paso. The final phase would cover the remaining 1,080 miles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from Reuters.
Now we have the debate over the debate on federal judges, and one judge in particular.

If theres ever been a time when a Supreme Court nominee criticizedor at least appeared to criticizethe president who picked him, I dont recall it.

The reported comments by Neil Gorsuch, in private meetings with senators, will only boost his standing, in my view, by casting him as a champion of an independent judiciary.

But the remarks fueled what was already a storm of criticism of President Trump for taking on the Seattle judge who blocked his temporary travel ban. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post all led with Gorsuchs comments yesterday, and there have been endless segments on CNN and MSNBC.

The president, not one to let a slight go unanswered, used Twitter to hit back at Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the Connecticut Democrat who went public with what Gorsuch had told him.

Trump also got into a Twitter spat with Chris Cuomo over the CNN anchors interview with Blumenthal.

My initial reaction when I heard about this was that perhaps Blumenthal was betraying a personal conversation. But then I realized that Gorsuch is savvy enough to know that such remarks would become public. The senator told MSNBC he had Gorsuchs permission to report on their conversation. And Gorsuch made similar remarks to other senators.

The New York Times said Gorsuch privately expressed dismay on Wednesday over Mr. Trumps increasingly aggressive attacks on the judiciary, calling the presidents criticism of independent judges demoralizing and disheartening.

Washington Post: President Trumps escalating attacks on the federal judiciary drew denunciation Wednesday from his Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, who told a senator that the criticism was disheartening and demoralizing to independent federal courts.

But Trump told reporters yesterday, You misrepresented his comments totally. His comments were misrepresented and what you should do is ask Senator Blumenthal about his Vietnam record that didnt exist after years of saying it did. So ask Senator Blumenthal about his Vietnam record.

In 2010, the Times disclosed that while candidate Blumenthal had claimed to have served in Vietnam, he actually served in a Marine Reserve unit in Washington.

After Chris Cuomo interviewed Blumenthal on CNNs New Day, Trump tweeted: Chris Cuomo, in his interview with Sen. Blumenthal, never asked him about his long-term lie about his brave service in Vietnam. FAKE NEWS!

Cuomo responded by playing a clip of him asking Blumenthal about Trumps criticism that you misrepresented your military record in the past, adding: The president with all due respect is once again off on the facts. (Blumenthal ducked the question and Cuomo didnt press the point.)

Bottom line: What did Gorsuch say, and what did he mean by it?

Blumenthal apparently added the word abhorrent as his own commentary. But a Gorsuch spokesman confirmed that the judge said he was disheartened, and Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who is working with the White House on the nomination, said Gorsuch used the words disheartened and demoralizing.

But Ayotte also said, in a version pressed by Sean Spicer, that Gorsuch was not referring to any particular case and was expressing general concern for the independence of the judiciary.

This is how its done, folks. Neil Gorsuch sent a signalan unambiguous signalthat he will be an independent justice, even when ruling on cases involving the president who chose him. And he wanted that message out.

But he has the camouflage of saying he was speaking generally rather than specifically criticizing Trump.

Now he gets to do it again, in front of the cameras, at his confirmation hearing.
Three weeks have come and gone in Republican-controlled Washington without action on tax reform -- and some conservative voices are amping up the pressure on the White House and congressional leaders to deliver on a key campaign promise.

Matt Drudge sounded the siren earlier this week when he tweeted that [the] Republican party should be sued for fraud. NO discussion of tax cuts now. Just lots of crazy. Back to basics, guys!

Republican party should be sued for fraud. NO discussion of tax cuts now. Just lots of crazy. Back to basics, guys! pic.twitter.com/5uHIg8klq6  MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) February 8, 2017

Drudge's tweet garnered a mixed response on Twitter, with some apparent Trump supporters echoing the call and others urging the public to give GOP leaders a chance to deliver on their agenda.

@DRUDGE We need those tax cuts!! A lot of people were excited about them. Never grow the economy w/o tax cuts & regulations roll-back.  Pro-Lifer For Trump (@MyPresidentme) February 8, 2017

@DRUDGE kind of impatient?? Only week 3. Still trying to get cabinet confirmed. Never heard promise by Feb 8th.  Boleslaw The Brave (@boleslawthebrav) February 8, 2017

The fedora-donning Drudge Report founder's complaint speaks to a deep and long-standing suspicion from the Republican base about so-called establishment lawmakers stopping short of pursuing big changes -- on entitlements, taxes and more.

While the Trump White House has moved at a furious pace to sign executive orders dealing with immigration, jobs and law enforcement -- and Congress has moved to roll back several Obama-era regulations -- some have voiced concern that both the push to replace ObamaCare and to overhaul the tax code are losing steam.

Fox News host Sean Hannity directed criticism Thursday night mostly at GOP leaders on Capitol Hill, contrasting Congress' slow pace with Trump's rapid-fire executive orders.

Delaying these tax cuts means delaying the ability for tens of millions of Americans to fulfill the promise of the American Dream, he said.

"I'm putting the GOP on notice," Hannity said. "No more excuses. No more explanations. Go to work, roll up your sleeves, and do your job."

Trump, for his part, appears keen on advancing a plan. In a meeting with airline executives Thursday, Trump promised a phenomenal tax plan.

We're going to be announcing something, I would say over the next two or three weeks, that will be phenomenal in terms of tax and developing our aviation infrastructure," he teased.

The Wall Street Journal reported that while White House officials have been discussing tax issues with House and Senate Republicans, Trump's announcement caught GOP officials by surprise. House Speaker Paul Ryan told Fox News last week that tax reform was eyed for the spring, after an ObamaCare repeal.

"You can't do them both at the same time because of how the budget system works," he said. House Republicans are working on a plan, but have not formally introduced a bill.

However, a number of barriers stand in the way, one being that Trumps pick for Treasury secretary  Steve Mnuchin  has not yet been confirmed as Democrats hold up the president's Cabinet picks. Wide-ranging fiscal reform could be difficult to enact without a Treasury secretary installed.

Democrats have thwarted [Trumps] efforts to get a Treasury secretary  who will actually be driving that train when it comes to tax policy, former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown said on Fox News Thursday.

Its been nineteen days. I know Donald Trump can work out good deals but, its been nineteen days. I think people need to relax and give the guy at least his full Cabinet, and give him a month maybe? he said.

Another sticking point is the subject of a border-adjustment tax as part of the package, which would tax imports while exempting exports. The tax is part of the House Republican proposal, though Trump earlier had dismissed it as too complicated.

Anytime I hear border adjustment, I dont love it, Trump told The Wall Street Journal in January. Because usually it means were going to get adjusted into a bad deal. Thats what happens. However, the White House later floated the tax as a way to help pay for the border wall at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trump campaigned repeatedly on tax reform, promising to reduce the number of tax brackets from seven to three, and lower the corporate rate from 35 to 15 percent. The House GOP framework has similar contours, with the same number of tax brackets, a call to reduce rates, a repeal of the so-called "death tax" and a vow to simplify the system so taxes can be done on a form "as simple as a postcard."

Grover Norquist, the head of Americans for Tax Reform and one of Washington's most outspoken advocates for tax cuts, has given the House Republicans a boost by endorsing their plan, even with the border-adjustment tax that he doesnt like on its own.

I have personally said the package put together by House leadership is fine, is solid, is radically pro-growth. That is not an endorsement of a piece of it, but together its a great thing, he told Fox News.

While the border adjustment measure is opposed by some corporations, Ryan has said the plan will level the playing field and make America more competitive.

We have the worst tax code in the industrialized world for businesses. Our plan will level the playing field & make America more competitive pic.twitter.com/I3JklEru7j  Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 30, 2017

Norquist said the GOP is right to focus on scrapping ObamaCare first.

The first step is the repeal of ObamaCares 20 taxes, he said. That makes it easier for your tax reform package not to lose money.

Norquist dismissed complaints that there was no formal legislation yet, saying he believes the Republicans are hammering out minor disagreements with the White House behind the scenes. He added that conservative criticism is a little premature at this stage.

Its like being unhappy that its noon and we havent had dinner yet, he quipped.
National security adviser Michael Flynn reportedly discussed Russia sanctions with the countrys ambassador to the U.S. a month before President Trump took office.

The Washington Post reported Thursday the conversations between Flynn and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak might have been inappropriate and possibly illegal, according to some U.S. officials.

The reported talks raised some eyebrows due to the timing. U.S. intelligence agencies were wrapping up their investigation into Russias influence into the 2016 election, which ended with the Obama administration imposing sanctions on Moscow.

The talks between Flynn and Kislyak started before the election and continued during the Trumps transition into the White House, The Post reported, citing unnamed officials. Kislyak had confirmed that he talked with Flynn on text message, phone call and even in person. He decline to say whether sanctions ever came up.

The administration has been denying the report of conversations.

They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia, Vice President Pence told CBS News last month.

Flynn was asked in an interview Wednesday if he had ever discussed sanctions with Kislyak and twice he denied the charge. However, Flynns spokesman said he indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

The officials interviewed by the paper said despite the denials, there were flagrant references to election-related sanctions in the discussions.

Flynn had told Russia not to overreact to Obamas penalties, hinting that the two sides could review the matter at a later date after Trump was sworn in as president, two officials said.

The debate over whether Flynn had violated the law against unauthorized citizens interfering in disputes with foreign governments had since escalated among Obama administration officials and intel agencies.

However, U.S. officials believe that trying to build a case for Flynn would be tough and that such law stems from a 1799 statue and has never been prosecuted.

Click for more from The Washington Post.
Protesters initially blocked newly confirmed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos from entering a Washington, D.C., school on Friday  with one Black Lives Matter demonstrator even briefly standing in front of her vehicle.

DeVos later made it into Jefferson Middle School Academy in Southwest D.C. for her first visit as secretary to a public school. This was only after a teacher/parent vigil blocked the road by the front entrance, and a handful of Black Lives Matter protesters caused problems when DeVos tried to enter through the back entrance.

Protesters shouted shame, shame at the secretary as she was led back into her vehicle. One holding a Black Lives Matter sign then stood in front of the van, but was scolded by fellow protesters to let her leave, and he stepped aside.

White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway tweeted afterward: "Don't we want the Sec of Education to visit schools?"

Following the visit, DeVos issued a statement thanking D.C. school officials, teachers and students for welcoming her and stressing that she believes a focus on students and families is at the heart of providing an exceptional education.

She added, "I respect peaceful protest, and I will not be deterred in executing the vital mission of the Department of Education. No school door in America will be blocked from those seeking to help our nation's school children."

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

The disruption is the latest in a series of protests against Trump administration officials and policies. DeVos nomination was fiercely opposed by teachers unions and Democratic lawmakers in large part over her long support for charter schools and other public school alternatives. Two Republicans joined Democrats to oppose her in the Senate earlier this week, but Vice President Pence broke the 50-50 tie to ensure her confirmation.

According to Fox5DC, the vigil in front of the D.C. school on Friday was not labeled a protest, but designed to urge DeVos to support and fund our public schools.

Most of the few-dozen vigil participants were retired teachers and parents, but several Black Lives Matter demonstrators also attended and were more aggressive toward DeVos.

Jefferson Academy is a Title I school, meaning a majority of its students come from lower-income homes.

The school's principal, Natalie Gordon, previously headed two D.C. charter schools before she was asked to take over at Jefferson Academy, which was struggling with low test scores. City officials say the school has made a dramatic turnaround over the last few years.

Friday's protest comes after Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, reportedly confronted protesters at a town hall in his home state of Utah on Thursday.

Fox News Garrett Tenney contributed to this report.
The Trump administration is looking at taking the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision on Trump's immigration order back to the lower court, a White House source told Fox News Friday -- although it has not ruled out challenging the decision in the Supreme Court.

The court's three-judge panel on Thursday upheld a Seattle district judge's temporary restraining order against President Trump's controversial order, which imposes a travel ban on immigrants from seven terror hotspots.

The White House source told Fox News late Friday that they are not likely to appeal the case to the Supreme Court, instead choosing to fight the order in the district court. However, the White House later clarified that they could still take the case to the high court.

The 9th Circuit Appeals Court meanwhile has asked both parties in the case to submit briefs on whether the case should be reconsidered by the larger 11 judge panel on the court.

Trump also told reporters Friday that he is considering signing a new order, saying we also have a lot of other options, including just filing a brand new order.Trump said on Air Force One that a new order would likely change very little and if he chooses to act, he will on either Monday or Tuesday.

In their unanimous decision, the 9th Circuit judges refused to reinstate Trump's immigration order and rejected the governments position that such presidential decisions on immigration policy are unreviewable.

The decision does not end the court fight, but dealt a severe setback to the presidents bid to restrict immigrants and refugees coming in from what the administration views as potentially dangerous countries.

After the court ruling, the administration has the option to

Take the case to the Supreme Court

Allow the case play out in the lower district court in Seattle

Petition for review by the full 11 judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Rewrite the executive order

The White House source told Fox News that the White House is unlikely to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, instead choosing to fight the case in the U.S. District Court in Seattle on the merits of the executive order.

Fox News John Roberts and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Some call it a witch-hunt. Others say its a much-needed reality check.

President Trump, who during his campaign frequently spoke of illegal immigrants who had murdered Americans, has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to publish a public weekly list of criminal actions committed by people in the U.S. illegally.

Trump also instructed the agency to make public each week the localities that are not working with immigration officials by turning illegal immigrants in their custody over for deportation proceedings.

The order said it was intended To better inform the public regarding the public safety threats associated with sanctuary jurisdictions.

Rep. Steve King, an Iowa Republican who has been one of Congress most vocal and persistent proponents of strict immigration policies, lauded the new orders.

Well be able to build an updated spreadsheet of their [DHS] activities, arrests and deportations, said King, who long has pushed for more public data on crimes committed by immigrants. Im delighted. This is sunshine on the government.

King says he hopes to see a full picture on how many illegal aliens are encountered by law enforcement and he would like to see it include misdemeanors as well as more serious crimes.

Advocates seeking more lenient immigration policies likened the order to a witch hunt. They said that Trump is demonizing all illegal immigrants by portraying them as criminals.

Trump wants to lift up stories of crimes because he wants the American people to think that most undocumented immigrants are criminals, said Frank Sharry, executive director of Americas Voice, a Washington D.C.-based organization that favors less restrictive immigration laws. Every expert knows the opposite is true, but he wants to spread the Big Lie to justify what he intends to do -- which is to try to force millions of immigrants out of the country.

Those who favor strict immigration enforcement are lauding the order, saying that cracks in the system that have allowed immigrants to commit crimes, including murder, after they have been deported and returned must be underscored and fixed.

These provisions of the executive order enhance transparency and public safety and are long-overdue, said Bob Dane, spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which is based in Washington. Under the Obama Administration, data regarding illegal alien crime was either non-existent, withheld or conflated.

Collecting and publishing accurate information on illegal alien crime is a necessary and rightful obligation of government, Dane said. It allows us to get the full picture so that we can make meaningful policy in the public interest based on empirical evidence, not political spin.

What is unclear is whether names will be published along with the crimes committed, and whether the list will include only serious felonies or low-level crimes as well.

White House Director of Media Affairs Helen Aguirre Ferre referred those questions to the Department of Homeland Security.



Gillian M. Christensen, the acting press secretary for DHS, said in an email to FoxNews.com in response to such questions: "Were not getting into a lot of the specifics right now.

Trump made cracking down on illegal immigrants and beefing up border security a major part of his presidential campaign. He has proposed deporting 11 million illegal immigrants living in the U.S. and building a massive wall along the countrys southern border with Mexico.

On the opening day of the Republican National Convention last summer, delegates who were gathered to cast their vote for the presidential nominee heard from family members of people killed by illegal immigrants.

My sons life was taken by an illegal alien, said one of the speakers, Mary Mendoza, whose son Brandon, a police officer in Arizona, was killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving while intoxicated. Its time we have an administration that cares more about Americans than illegals.

She added: A vote for Hillary [Clinton] puts all of our lives at risk. Its time for Donald Trump.

Trump has held up crimes by illegal immigrants as an example of the dangers of a large population that lives in the shadows, and whose criminal histories are unknown. One of the most high-profile crimes by an undocumented immigrant in recent years was the murder in 2015 in San Francisco of Kathryn Steinle. Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, an undocumented immigrant who was charged with her murder, illegally re-entered the United States several times after being deported.

Immigration attorney Marty Rosenbluth, who practices in North Carolina, said the Trump administration is casting a wide net when it speaks about criminals.

The categories for criminal are so broad, Rosenbluth told Fox News. Rosenbluth added that information about immigrants who have committed crimes already is compiled.

That data-sharing never ended, he said. The goal seems to be, he said, to shame localities and cast a pall over immigrants.
President Donald Trump told China President Xi Jinping the U.S. would honor the one China policy months after Trump suggested he might use American policy on Taiwan as a bargaining chip between the two sides.

Trump agreed at the request of President Xi, to honor the policy, the White House said in a statement late Thursday.

President @realDonaldTrump and President Xi Jinping of China had a lengthy telephone conversation tonight. The two leaders discussed... pic.twitter.com/5QvtKAjflU  Dan Scavino Jr. (@Scavino45) February 10, 2017

The one China policy had been a source of friction between the U.S. and China since Trumps election in November. Trump had questioned Washingtons policy on Taiwan, which shifted diplomatic recognition from self-governing Taiwan to China in 1979. He said it was open to negotiation.

China bristled at the comments Trump made. Trump told The Wall Street Journal in January that everything is under negotiation, including one China. The interview indicated at the time that Trump intended to shake up the relationship between Washington and Beijing, particularly on Taiwan.

Beijing was initially rattled over Trumps call with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, the first time an American president or president-elect had publicly spoken to Taiwans leader in nearly four decades.

Trump then said in a television interview that he didn't feel "bound by a one China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade."

Chinese media also went on the attack after Trumps one China policy comments, calling the then-president-elect as ignorant as a child. The Global Times published a Chinese-language editorial headlined: "Trump, please listen clearly: 'One China' cannot be traded."

The White House sought to break the ice with China, saying Wednesday Trump wrote to President Xi wishing the Chinese people greetings for the new year and the Lantern Festival.

"President Trump stated that he looks forward to working with President Xi to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China," the statement said.

China said it appreciated Trumps holiday greeting. When asked if Xi felt snubbed that Trump called other world leaders, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said, This kind of remark is meaningless.

Up until Wednesday, Trump had been the only U.S. president in recent years not to have issued greetings when the holiday fell on Jan. 28, triggering speculation in China as to whether it was an oversight or an intentional slight.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has said about the positive news from Brussels for the ratification of the EU-Ukraine Association, visa-free regime and macro-financial assistance from the EU.

"Today we have received positive news from Brussels, where we were guaranteed macro-financial assistance, informed of the early completion of the ratification [of the Association Agreement] in the last EU country - the Netherlands. They [the EU] clearly promised a visa-free regime, which is extremely important for us," the president said, opening a new hospital in Kolomyia (Ivano-Frankivsk region) on Friday.

According to him, all this says about the recognition of Ukraine's achievements as a European state by the European Union.

"We are modernizing our country, we are doing everything possible to Ukrainians finally feel themselves a real European nation," the president said.
Several towns, cities and counties around the nation are caving to President Trump's threat to pull funding, and abandoning their "sanctuary" pledges to shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities.

Dayton, Ohio, dropped a policy that restricted the citys cooperation with immigration officials pursuing illegal immigrants arrested for misdemeanors or felony property crimes, according to the Dayton Daily News. Police Chief Richard Biehl said federal authorities will no longer be impeded by the city when pursuing illegal immigrants being held by his department.

Other communities that have dropped policies of shielding illegal immigrant suspects from Immigration and Customs Enforcement include Miami-Dade and Dayton, are Saratoga, N.Y., Finney County, Kan., and Bedford, Penn., according to The Center for Immigration Studies, which keeps a list of sanctuary communities.

We are reviewing policy changes at a multitude of other jurisdictions as well, said Marguerite Telford, CISs director of communications, who said the organization is being inundated by officials on its sanctuary map who want to be taken off.

The mayor of Miami-Dade County, which was considered a sanctuary community, made headlines recently when he changed a policy that called for refusing to hold arrested immigrants for immigration officials unless they committed to reimbursing the county for the cost of detention.

Telling reporters that he did not want to imperil hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, Mayor Carlos Gimenez ordered jails to comply with federal immigration detention requests.

The changes have come on the heels of President Trumps executive order giving the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security the power to cut federal funding to communities that are deemed sanctuaries for illegal immigrants. Trump also has authorized the DHS to publish a weekly list of sanctuary communities.

CIS, and other groups that favor strict immigration enforcement, laud Trumps move.

Are you really going to pick and choose what laws youre going to enforce? asked Telford. If you want a change [in immigration policy], go to the legislature.

While some communities are rethinking their sanctuary policies under the pressure of losing funding, public officials of others, particularly major cities, have vowed to defy Trumps orders.

Were going to defend all of our people regardless of where they come from, regardless of their immigration status, said Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York at a recent press conference.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel also vowed to protect illegal immigrants, including ones suspected or convicted of crimes, from the feds.

I want to be clear: Were going to stay a sanctuary city," Emanuel said. "There is no stranger among us you are welcome in Chicago as you pursue the American dream.

The "sanctuary" term describes cities that employ a range of uncooperation with federal immigration authorities. Some refuse to hold suspects and even convicts who have completed their sentences for the feds to deport. Others refuse to furnish the feds with information on illegal immigrants who land on their radar through more benign activity.

Forbes contributor Adam Andrzejewski reported that more than 300 government jurisdictions claim to be sanctuaries, of which 106 are cities and the rest are states, counties or other units of government.

Supporters of sanctuary communities say that people who are here illegally but have not posed a danger to others or had trouble with police should not be turned over to immigration authorities.

Some police and town officials further argue that working with immigration officials will make people fearful of turning to them if they are the victim of a crime or have information about one.

Its incredibly disappointing to see cities and counties scaling back so-called "sanctuary" policies, which were largely adopted to further public safety and ensure immigrants werent afraid to call the police, Grace Meng, a senior researcher with Human Rights Watch, told Fox News.

Ira Mehlman, spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, or FAIR, predicted many more communities will be dropping or dramatically modifying their sanctuary stances.

Were going to see more of this, Mehlman told Fox News. Faced with the possibility of losing federal dollars, theyll choose to keep funding public services rather than protecting illegal aliens.
Jacqueline Kennedy and David Ormsby Gore met frequently during John F. Kennedy's presidency, even taking shared vacations with their spouses. But by 1967, both were widowed and bonding over their shared loneliness.

A year later, their relationship had turned romantic, at least on one side.

Ormsby Gorea close friend of JFK and a former British ambassador to the USproposed marriage to Jacqueline, who declined and wed Aristotle Onassis instead, reports the New York Times.

"If ever I can find some healing and some comfortit has to be with somebody who is not part of all my world of past and pain," she wrote in one of 19 letters to Ormsby Gore to be sold at auction by Bonhams in London next month. "I can find that nowif the world will let us."

In a draft letter, Ormsby Gore described how his "pathetic plans" for the pair had been dashed. "As for your photograph I weep when I look at it," he wrote.

After marrying Onassis, Jacqueline replied, "We have known so much & shared & lost so much together. I hope that bond of love and pain will never be cut."

A rep for Bonhams says it's rare to find items with "this quantity of insight into Jackies personal life and that level of intimacy."

Click for more from Newser.
A stray black hole may be responsible for turning a gas cloud into a speeding cosmic bullet trillions of miles long.

The wandering black hole was discovered lurking just outside a supernova remnant, a shell of expelled material left behind after a massive star explodes. Using the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment (ASTE) in Chile and the 45-meter Radio Telescope at Nobeyama Radio Observatory, astronomers found that the black hole had been previously hidden by a compact gas cloud emerging from the remnant.

The cloud itself has now been named "the Bullet," because of its long, cone shape and its incredible speed  part of the cloud is moving away from the supernova remnant at more than 60 miles per second, "which exceeds the speed of sound in interstellar space by more than two orders of magnitude," Nobeyama Radio Observatory scientists said in the statement. The researchers now suspect that the black hole might have played a role in forming the gaseous "bullet." [The Strangest Black Holes in the Universe]

The supernova remnant, called W44, is located 10,000 light-years from Earth. The Bullet, which is about 2 light-years long [11.76 trillion miles], is so energetic that it moves backward against the rotation of the Milky Way galaxy, according to the Nobeyama Radio Observatory statement.

More From Space.com The Strangest Black Holes in the Universe

"Most of the Bullet has an expanding motion with a speed of 50 km/s [31 miles per second], but the tip of the Bullet has a speed of 120 km/s [75 miles per second]," Masaya Yamada, lead author of the new study and a graduate student at Keio University in Japan, said in the statement . "Its kinetic energy is a few tens of times larger than that injected by the W44 supernova. It seems impossible to generate such an energetic cloud under ordinary environments."

So what could possibly send such a huge amount of molecular gas streaming out of the supernova remnant at such high speeds? The discovery of the hidden black hole may offer an explanation.

The researchers developed two possible scenarios for how the Bullet might have formed. The first, called the explosion model, suggests that the cloud passed by a static black hole and was pulled in by the black hole's strong gravitational forces. This could have created a powerful explosion of gas that was spit back out into space, Nobeyama scientists said.

Another theory, called the irruption model, proposes that a high-speed black hole tore through the dense molecular cloud, and the black hole's powerful gravitational pull left a stream of gas in its wake. Further research is required to determine which model best explains the origin of the Bullet, according to the study, published Dec. 29, 2016, in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Although millions of black holes are thought to exist in the Milky Way, it is often difficult to locate them because they are completely black. However, this study has revealed a new way for astronomers to detect these types of elusive, stray black holes  by their influence on molecular gas clouds  that would otherwise float alone in space and remain unnoticed with no observable emissions, the scientists said in the statement.

Original article on Space.com .
Hunting for a Valentines Day gift that will earn you MVP status?

Search no further. Here are eight gifts for the tactical woman in your life, covering a range of ideas and something for every budget.

The Camilla

Weatherbys Vanguard Camilla rifle is a standout for this Valentines Day and the best on the market for the hunting woman.

This rifle is very carefully designed specifically for women. In fact, it is a rifle for women, designed by women. Weatherby undertook a lengthy process working closely with a select team of female hunters and shooters to continually refine the rifle until it reached a truly exceptional standard.

The Vanguard Camilla delivers extremely high performance with guaranteed SUB-MOA accuracy in an ultra comfortable fit for women. Every detail has been considered and set this rifle apart.

Weatherby has shortened the length of pull to 13 inches and shifted the grip angle and made it slimmer. Theyve also added a slight trigger finger guide groove to enhance the grip, and made the comb higher to properly align a female shooters eye with optics.

The gorgeous design also makes it a beautiful gift with wow factor. The Camilla features satin finish, Turkish A-grade walnut with rosewood forend and grip caps well as a Fleur de lis checkering pattern and cold-hammer-forged 20-inch barrel.

Available for $849.00.

Covert handbag

Handbags are always a popular gift. Why not take it next level with hidden tactical features?

5.11 Tactical has just introduced new colors for the Lucy Tote, so your Valentine could be one of the first to carry this tactical, covert handbag thanks to you.

THE BEST TACTICAL GIFTS FOR MEN THIS VALENTINE'S DAY

The bag is designed for elite female operators who need something that looks like a stylish regular bag for concealed carry. It is also jam-packed with covert tactical features that she will love, like a pistol compartment engineered for rapid sidearm access and a concealed pocket to fit essentials like a wallet. There are even built-in flex cuff slots and lots of room to stash all of her things.

Available in fuschia and maritime for $114.99.

Yoga to range to cocktails

5.11 Tactical continues to pioneer and dominate in tactical apparel for women. The company also makes the extremely popular Raven Range Tight or Raven Range Capri.

Youre giving her yoga-pants-level comfort, but with tactical professional design for the range. She will love that she can wear them for everything going straight from yoga to the range and then off to drinks with the girls.

And the Ponte di Roma durable stretch fit fabric and the flattering look will also make this gift a big hit.

The Ravens are available in Black and Tundra. The tight version retails for $89.99 and the Capri for $84.99.

Limited edition jacket

Catch the Super Bowl? Then you might have spotted the commercial featuring former Special Forces Nate Boyer in a very cool, tactical grade designed jacket. Well, this is the same Seattle-based brand: Beyond Clothing.

Beyond makes survival clothing systems. Their craftsmanship is exceptional and in the inner circles they are known for making top notch apparel popular with the worlds most elite special forces.

The Renegade Womens Jacket is inspired by the classic military M-65 field jacket, but takes it to the next level with modern fabrication techniques and smart design for comfort and maximum utility. She will love the outstanding details like the concealed fleece with thumb holes in the cuffs and the concealed adjustable hood.

It is private reserve so this is a special gift that only a limited number of women will get to wear.

Right now you can snap it up at a massive steal for this Valentines Day. Ordinarily, this advanced jacket retails for $390.00, but right now you can snap it up as a massive steal for this Valentines Day for a mere $65.00.

Ready for the range

With the Browning Range Kit II, your Valentine can defend her ears and eyes when shooting, while looking pretty in pink.

This Browning kit includes shooting glasses that provide wrap-around eye protection and combines a pink frame with polycarbonate lenses. For hearing protection, the kit also includes soft foam earplugs, and adjustable fit earmuffs with a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 26 decibels that incorporate comfy padded ear cups.

Another option at a higher price point is the excellent Peltor Tactical 6-S SoundTrap Hearing Protection Ear Muffs, designed for the tactical professional. These earmuffs are very comfortable with low profile earcups while providing fantastic protection and performance.

The Browning kit is available for $24.59 and the Peltor retail for $78.54 but you can find them significantly discounted.

Fun camo range bag

The Bulldog Cases Muddy Girl Camo Range Bag is a great, fun gift for a woman who shoots at a range.

There is plenty of room for pretty much anything shed need like glasses, hearing protection, chokes and shells. And it is designed with a movable partition in the roomy compartment so she can use to help keep things organized and separated. Theres extra pockets on the outside for her to stash even more stuff.

It comes in camo and retails for $56.95, but you can find it this Valentines Day for $37.62 here.

Customized pistol

With the Taurus Spectrum, you can customize and personalize a pistol especially for her.

A smart concealed carry choice, you can pick from a wide spectrum of colors and lots of color combinations. Very user friendly, it takes six rounds, only weighs 10 ounces and is 5.4 inches long with a 2.8 inch barrel.

The Taurus Spectrum retails for about $300.

Classic Hollywood chic

An excellent option for women, Kimbers Micro 9s also come in a wide range of looks and colors.

This gun won the NRA Golden Bullseye Award 2017 Shooting Illustrated Pistol of the Year Award, and it was very well deserved.

Packed into a micro package, this pistol will give her maximum performance and reliability all while featuring beautiful craftsmanship. The Bel Air is a new option for 2017 and a great choice if Hollywood chic is her thing.

Fantastic for concealed carry, the Micro 9 takes a six round mag, weighs 13.4 ounces and is 5.6 inches long.

It will retail for about $800.

For more gift ideas, curated for special operations professionals, head over to Tactical Talk.
Starting Jan. 22, 2018, Pennsylvania residents will need more than just a driver's license to travel domestically.

Driver's licenses from the Keystone State are currently not compliant with the federal governments Real ID Act which set tougher standards for IDs to improve security in 2005.

The state's Act 38 prohibits Pennsylvania's participation with Real ID, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Driver and Vehicle Services Spokesperson Alexis Campbell told Fox News.

But Pennsylvania residents won't be alone. Other states not currently in compliance include Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Washington.

A new bill introduced in congress could repeal Act 38 and open discussion as to whether the state wants its IDs to meet federal standards. "Repeal of the REAL ID Nonparticipation Act," or Senate bill 133 , was voted out of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee on Feb. 8, putting it one step closer to a senate vote. If implemented, the Real ID standards would require residents to show more forms of identification to obtain an ID.

FOR THE LATEST TRAVEL FEATURES FOLLOW FOX LIFESTYLE ON FACEBOOK

The Department of Homeland Security explains further explains on its website that, "Preventing terrorists from obtaining state-issued identification documents is critical to securing America against terrorism.

Pennsylvania is set to keep its current IDs for now, meaning residents will need a passport or another form of federally acceptable identification to fly within the U.S. next year.

TSA has started to notify airline passengers of the upcoming changes at airports across the country.

Residents going into federal buildings will need a new ID sooner-- Pennsylvania state IDs wont be valid starting June this year.
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Bond has been set at $750,000 in Florida for a woman who faces multiple charges in the deaths of four women in a bloody rampage across three states.

Mary Rice made her first court appearance via video Thursday afternoon in Santa Rosa County, where she's charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. The 37-year-old woman was extradited from Georgia to Florida Wednesday.

She also faces murder charges in neighboring Escambia County, Florida, and Baldwin County, Alabama. If she meets her bond, she'll be immediately arrested on the Escambia charge.

Rice was arrested at a West Point, Georgia, motel Tuesday following a police standoff that ended with another suspect, 44-year-old William "Billy" Boyette, fatally shooting himself.

Rice and Boyette are suspected in all four slayings.
The Latest on the travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump (all times local):

3:15 p.m.

A federal appeals court in San Francisco has refused to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday wouldn't block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is possible.

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban last week after Washington state and Minnesota sued. The Justice Department appealed to the 9th Circuit.

Government lawyers argued that the ban was a "lawful exercise" of the president's authority and that the seven countries have raised terrorism concerns.

The states said Trump's executive order unconstitutionally blocked entry based on religion.

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2:10 p.m.

A federal appeals court in San Francisco is set to issue its ruling in the legal fight over whether to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals announced that it will release its decision before the end of the business day Thursday in California.

The court is deciding whether to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is possible.

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban last week after Washington state and Minnesota sued.

The administration said the seven nations  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  have raised terrorism concerns. The states argued that the ban targets Muslims.
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A federal appeals court refused to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations. Here is some reaction to the decision:

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"SEE YOU IN COURT. THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"  Trump, in a tweet

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"Well, Mr. President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you. ... We have led the way in standing up for the Constitution. We have led the way in standing up for our businesses. We have led the way in standing up for our students."  Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee, whose state sued over the ban, along with Minnesota

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"We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake, and it's a very, very serious situation, so we look forward ... to seeing them in court."  Trump, in an impromptu appearance in the West Wing

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"The confusion and chaos that resulted from the administration's hasty and harmful executive order should be a lesson to keep intact carefully developed procedures that have kept America safe. We are grateful that we can get back to work resettling refugees who have fled the terrors of war and violence, while also caring for those who remain trapped in conflict zones."  David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee that helps refugees resettle

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"I don't think they're (the federal government) going to be well-received at the Supreme Court for all kinds of reasons, but mainly because this is a reasonable decision. The precedents are there, they've weighed the issues."  Carl Tobias, law professor at the University of Richmond Law School

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"It's a very important message that judges are not just politicians in robes and not just political hacks. The role of the judge is to transcend politics. That's why they're appointed for life, so they don't worry about what's popular, they worry about what's legally correct."  Jessica Levinson, professor at Loyola Law School

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"The government's erratic and chaotic attempts to enforce this unconstitutional ban have taken a tremendous toll on innocent individuals, our country's values, and our standing in the world."  Omar Jadwat, director of the organization's Immigrants' Rights Project

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"Bottom line, this is a complete victory for the state of Washington. ... We are a nation of laws, as I have said from day one, those laws apply to everyone in our country, and that includes the president of the United States."  Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson

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"The executive order was haphazard in its approach and roll-out; not properly vetted by the Congress or the federal Departments of State, Justice, Homeland Security, or Defense; and created needless chaos for children, families, students, physicians, businesses, and travelers."  Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson, whose state sued over the ban, along with Washington

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"The statute provides a president ... with great latitude and authority to protect the citizens and to protect the nation's national security. This was not argued on the merits. Now that we'll have an opportunity to argue on the merits we look forward to doing that. We look forward to prevailing."  White House counselor Kellyanne Conway

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"These cases can get abstract, but this case has real human consequences." Washington Solicitor General Noah Purcell.

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"The Justice Department is reviewing the decision and considering its options."  Agency statement
A Texas murder defendant was slapped with a $4 billion bond until a district court judge ruled it unconstitutional Thursday and lowered it to $150,000.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

The justice of the peace who set the astronomical sum in the first place said she did so to make a point.

According to his attorney, Antonio Marquis Willis did not have a lawyer with him when the enormous initial bond was set without a hearing.

Willis is charged with killing Donte Samuels, who was found dead in a front yard in Killeen on Dec. 22, 2016. Police were initially called to the scene on reports of a man sleeping in his yard. When they arrived, they discovered the man was dead.

MOM PLEADS GUILTY TO ACCESSORY CHARGE IN 'BABY DOE' CASE

During the investigation, police released camera footage of a man on camera, and asked for the public's help in identifying the suspect. Eventually, Justice of the Peace Claudia Brown issued an arrest warrant for Willis and he turned himself in.

To get the bond changed, defense attorney Billy Ray Hall filed a motion in Bell County District Court stating that the bond was unconstitutional. Brown agreed and set the new bond without a hearing. Hall said Willis still has the right to a bond reduction hearing and probably will exercise it.

A search of the Bell County Jail inmate list confirms Willis is in custody. But the record showed his bond is set at $1,000,000,999. The jails computer system had the capacity to enter a sum only up to $1 one billion, but it has since been upgraded.

Bell County is in Central Texas, north of Austin.

Hall argued that his client's bond should be reasonable, based on protection of the public. He said Willis voluntarily turned himself in, is no flight risk and his family may lack the resources to pay any bond. Hall said the defendant is currently unemployed.

Hall did admit that his client has a criminal background and that he has not seen the evidence against him, but there is no reason why a bond would be set at $4 billion.

By setting a bond that high, the judge is trying to send a message. Im aware its a newly elected judge, elected by the people, who wants to bring some attention and make a difference. And certainly by setting the bond that high, theyve gotten some publicity, said Hall hours before the bond was reduced. Theres been plenty of other murder charges and serious in the Central Texas area, theres none have got a bond thats close to what my client has.

Brown was elected just in November and previouly worked as a substitute teacher for a local school district. She has a doctorate in education, but no apparent legal experience.

Brown said she set the bond to make a statement about the unfairness of the legal system, and didnt mean for it to be punitive.

I made it so unreasonable that people would pay attention to it, she said. I was not concerned about myself or my future, I was concerned about the future of all people who have fallen prey and will fall prey. To make it so everyone is free of the bondage of a system that is unfair."

Brown said she knew the bond would be lowered and that Willis knew it wasnt punitive.

Because I think that we had a connection. When we looked at each other, he knew that I did not intend for this to be a punitive thing, but one that would be redeeming for all people, said Brown.

Brown said shes the first woman, the first African-American and the first Democrat in years to be elected justice of the peace in Bell County. She has gotten some backlash from people who said she shouldnt be making such a statement right after her election. But she said that regardless of what others may think, shes happy shes in a position to make a difference. She hopes her actions will ultimately lead to a more fair system for everyone.
An Army drone that disappeared on a training flight in southern Arizona turned up hundreds of miles away in Colorado, stuck in a tree, and the military is trying to figure out how it got there.

A hiker spotted the Shadow drone in the foothills west of Denver on Thursday, officials at Fort Huachuca in Arizona told the Colorado Springs Gazette.

The $1.5 million drone was missing a wing, The Associated Press reported. "An investigation into what happened is the next step," Fort Huachuca spokeswoman Tanja Linton said.

FALLEN NAVY SEAL GETS POSTHUMOUS PROMOTION, RECALLED AS DEVOTED FAMILY MAN

Soldiers lost contact with the drone at Fort Huachuca nine days earlier. A search failed to find it, and the Army concluded it probably crashed and broke apart in the area.

Gusty winds may have downed the drone, according to the newspaper. It cited data showing strong winds blowing into Colorado from the southwest on Jan. 31, the day the aircraft disappeared.

Officials said the drone was capable of flying for eight or nine hours.

Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state had gone to the Arizona post to train with the aircraft.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A press conference entitled "Anti Asset-Grabbing: Socio-Legal Mechanism" scheduled for 11.00 on Monday, February 13, at the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency has been postponed. The new date and time of the press conference will be announced later, please follow the announcements. More information by phone: (095) 589 8734.
U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz was met by frequent, deafening boos at a Thursday town hall as constituents grilled him on everything from investigating President Donald Trump's tax returns to Planned Parenthood.

A young girl asked the Republican about his plans to protect the air and water and the crowd booed when he replied that supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which includes mining for coal.

"We have a major problem here in Salt Lake Valley, with the inversion," Chaffetz said. He told the crowd gathered at a high school in a Salt Lake City suburb that he supports solar energy, but that it can have its own negative impact on animals and wildlife.

The chairman of the House Oversight Committee repeatedly said, "hold on," and "give me a second," as the audience members reacted negatively to nearly all of his statements.

Hundreds of people stood outside the auditorium holding signs and chanting, "Vote him out," while one woman was arrested and put into handcuffs.

Chaffetz said earlier in the day that he hopes Trump will repeal the newly-named Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah, something he discussed with the president during a Tuesday meeting at the White House.

Chaffetz said Trump's Interior Secretary nominee, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana, wants to see Bears Ears before making any commitments about what, if anything, the Trump administration will do.

President Barack Obama named the monument in December after several years of lobbying from a coalition of Native Americans who said the protection was needed for the sacred tribal lands.

Holly Cobb Robinson from Salt Lake City said the congressman's push to repeal the monument would result in more drilling and mining for coal, which would destroy the land.

"Protecting your public lands provides a better future for not only communities and people who are visiting, but also habitats and revenue," she said.

The town hall comes as Chaffetz spends time in his home state, speaking to the state's lawmakers and visiting with Muslim leaders.

The congressman spoke with Muslim leaders Wednesday in Salt Lake City, and said that Trump's ban was rushed but singled out the "the right countries."

Muslim leaders told the congressman that people stuck in refugee camps aren't safe and that the ban caused great anxiety among Muslim-Americans.

The Mormon congressman said he empathizes and if Trump imposes a "religious litmus test," he'll push back.

Thursday, he encouraged lawmakers  mostly fellow Mormons  to visit mosques and reach out to Muslims in their community, noting that those "people that have been vetted."

"We should know a few things about being a religious minority," he said.

Utah lawmakers asked Chaffetz if he'd use his role as the powerful chairman of the House Oversight Committee to investigate Trump's business interests.

"My job is not to be a cheerleader for the president," Chaffetz said.

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Price reported from Salt Lake City.
A Valentine's Day card with an anti-Semitic message was given out by a student organization at Central Michigan University on Wednesday.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

"My love 4 u burns like 6,000 jews," the bright pink card reads with a picture of Adolf Hitler positioned to the left. The card was inside a holiday bag made by members of College Republicans at Central Michigan University.

Madison Rodriguez, who posted the photo of the valentine on social media, tells FOX 2 her friend received the bag with the questionable valentine.

PRINCIPAL SAYS TRUMP IS WORSE THAN 9/11 ATTACKS

Rodriguez and her friend are part of Organization of Women Leaders, and their meeting was beginning around the same time College Republicans at Anspach hall on CMU's campus. A few members passed each other in the hall, and someone from College Republicans gave the woman the bag that contained the anti-Semitic card.

College Republicans at Central Michigan University responded a few hours later on Facebook, saying members of the group decorated bags for Valentine's Day Wednesday night and placed a valentine inside each bag.

"Unfortunately, a very inappropriate card was placed into a bag without other members' knowledge. A bag was then given away to students sitting in Anspach, once again without members' knowledge of its contents," the statement reads.

College Republicans adds that the organization did not distribute the valentine, and that the group does not condone this type of rhetoric or anti-Semitism.

Rodriguez confirmed to us that College Republicans weren't passing the bags out to random students, and that she wasn't sure what the other valentine messages said in the other bags.

"We apologize for any offense, and want students to know that we do not tolerate this sort of behavior," College Republicans said in their statement.

Click here for Fox 2 Detroit's story.
A former National Guard soldier who admitted traveling to Africa and boarding a truck to join the Islamic State group before ultimately bailing out was sentenced Friday to 11 years in prison.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

Mohamed Jalloh, 27, of Sterling, Virginia, pleaded guilty in October to attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence. The defense had asked for a term of less than seven years, saying the man has renounced ISIS.

"I'm sorry to the court, to the people and to the U.S. military," Jalloh said Friday, WRC-TV reported.

NEW YORK MAN ADMITS SEEKING TO HELP ISIS

Jalloh is one of more than 100 people in the U.S. to be charged with terror offenses connected to the Islamic State since 2014, according to George Washington University's Extremism Tracker, and one of seven from the northern Virginia area alone to be charged in the past two years.

In Jalloh's case, the charges originated from an FBI sting operation. After his arrest, though, Jalloh admitted that he had made his own contact with the group before he had ever been introduced to the FBI informant -- contact the government had been unaware of at the time.

Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Sierra Leone, had traveled back to Africa with his father in 2015. While there, he met an ISIS recruiter. In August 2015, Jalloh traveled from Sierra to Leone to stay with the group's facilitator. He intended to travel to Libya to join ISIS, but the plans fell through.

Later that year, Jalloh traveled to Niger, again with the intent of joining the group. This time, he went so far as to get on a truck with other recruits to trek across the Sahara to Libya. But, in court papers, Jalloh described how he got cold feet and sneaked off the truck after 18 hours.

"Guys in the truck would whip people with a hose to pack you in," Jalloh said, describing his experience as a recruit. "This was the worst, most scary situation that I had ever been in as an adult."

Before returning to the U.S., Jalloh made contact online with an ISIS operative named Abu Saad Sudani, who put Jalloh in contact with a person he hoped would help Jalloh carry out an attack in the U.S. But that person turned out to be a government informant.

In conversations with the informant, Jalloh discussed carrying out a Fort Hood-style attack. He also sent hundreds of dollars to an undercover FBI employee he believed was an ISIS member.

Jalloh's lawyers describe his interest in ISIS as a "flirtation" that stemmed from a difficult childhood in war-torn Sierra Leone that left him with little parental guidance. They say that when Jalloh met with the informant, his goal was to be set up with a Muslim woman he could marry, but the informant continually steered the conversation to violence.

In court papers, Jalloh renounces ISIS.

"I feel like a complete idiot for accepting such a superficial and dishonest interpretation of Islam," Jalloh wrote in a letter to the court.
Lawyers for the state of Virginia are challenging President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration, arguing in federal court that its seven-nation travel ban violates the Constitution and is the result of "animus toward Muslims."

Michael Kelly, spokesman for Virginia's Democratic Attorney General Mark Herring, said Friday's hearing in federal court in a Washington suburb poses the most significant state challenge yet.

He says in a statement ahead of Friday's scheduled arguments in Alexandria, Virginia, that it "will be the most in-depth examination of the merits of the arguments against the ban."

Virginia's challenge comes after a federal appeals court in San Francisco refused Thursday to reinstate the ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations.
Linus could still explain the true meaning of Christmas to Charlie Brown under a bill approved by the Kentucky Senate.

Senators voted Friday for the measure that defends the rights of students to express religious beliefs in public schools and allows the Bible to be used for the study of religion. It now moves to the House.

The bill also would permit school boards to allow schools to sponsor "artistic or theatrical programs" that advance the learning of cultural or religious heritage.

That provision is in part a response to a Kentucky school's decision to cut Bible passages referenced in a performance of "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

The bill sets guidelines for schools to allow religious beliefs to be expressed on school grounds. It allows teachers to use the Bible for the study of religion, its history and role in the U.S.
A 53-year-old man in prison for raping and killing of his daughter has died, as his lawyers continue to insist that DNA evidence shows he was not guilty.

Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said Billy Wayne Cope died from natural causes while in custody Thursday.

Prosecutors say Cope confessed to the death of his 12-year-old daughter in 2001. Their case was rocked when DNA evidence from the girl's body and clothes only matched a neighbor.

Prosecutors then said Cope let James Sanders into his home knowing he was going to attack his daughter, and that Cope had attacked the girl previously. Sanders is serving life in prison.

Cope's defense lawyers told The Herald of Rock Hill (http://bit.ly/2lwq3y6) Cope's death was a sad end to a horrible miscarriage of justice.

___

Information from: The Herald, http://www.heraldonline.com
A missing Ohio State University student whose body was found in a park had been shot to death, police announced Friday.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

Reagan Tokes, 21, a senior, was last seen Wednesday leaving a restaurant where she worked in Columbus. Her body was found Thursday in a park near Columbus.

Reagan suffered a gunshot wound, Grove City Police said. This investigation is being addressed as a homicide.

$4 BILLION BOND FOR TEXAS MURDER SUSPECT IS KNOCKED DOWN

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Reagan Tokes, a psychology student at Ohio State, the university said in a statement, according to Fox 28 Columbus. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends.

Grove City police said her car was found in Columbus, The Columbus Dispatch reported Friday.

Investigators werent saying if she was killed in the park or her body dumped there, the paper reported.

The last tweet on her Twitter account was four days ago and said, Today my dad emailed me diploma frames and told me to pick one out and I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up, the paper reported.

Her sister, Makenzie Tokes, 17, told the paper that she and her family are devastated and remain confused about how this could happen.
Mississippi lawmakers want to bring back the firing squad, electric chair and gas chamber as execution methods, a step three other states have taken recently, but for a different reason.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

Oklahoma reintroduced the gas chamber, Utah the firing squad and Tennessee the electric chair in response to a nationwide scarcity of lethal injection drugs for death row inmates.

Mississippi legislator Andy Gipson said he introduced House Bill 638 in response to lawsuits filed by liberal, left-wing radicals challenging the use of lethal injection drugs as cruel and unusual punishment.

'WASN'T HIS INTENTION': MOM SPEAKS OUT AFTER 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL KILLED IN HOME INVASION

"I have a constituent whose daughter was raped and killed by a serial killer over 25 years ago, and that person's still waiting for the death penalty. The family is still waiting for justice," Gipson told the Associated Press.

Gipsons bill passed the House Wednesday, 74-43, and moves to the Senate for more debate.

Mississippi hasn't been able to acquire the execution drugs it once used, and it last carried out an execution in 2012. The state has 47 people on death row, and some have been there for decades.

The 33 states with the death penalty all have lethal injection as the primary method of execution, according to the Death Penalty Information Center and its executive director, Robert Dunham. The center says only Oklahoma and Utah have firing squads as an option; eight states have electrocution, five have the gas chamber, and three have hanging.

The firing squad became an option in Utah in 2015.

That same year, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed legislation to use nitrogen gas as an option.

Tennessee enacted a law bringing back the electric chair in 2014.

Its interesting that what we anticipated would happen is happening, Dunham told FoxNews.com Friday. As states are having difficulty obtaining drugs for lethal injections, theyre looking at different options.

He expects legal challenges in states that reintroduce old execution methods.

What you will see is when states change their method of execution, there are invariably legal challenges that arise, Dunham said.

Jim Craig, an attorney who is suing Mississippi over lethal injection drugs, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that each of the proposed new methods of executions would be challenged in court.

"Every single one, in essence, just injects a whole new series of issues in the existing case," said Craig, who is with the New Orleans-based Roderick & Solange MacArthur Justice Center.

He said with the firing squad, for example, the state would have to set protocols and procedures to reduce the risk of torture, and he doubts the Department of Corrections has prepared to do that.

Utah ended firing squad executions in 2004 amid complaints that they were inhumane, the Los Angeles Times reported in 2015.

Utah inmates on death row, convicted before 2004, could still choose the firing squad, the paper reported. Ronnie Lee Gardner, a convicted murderer who shot and killed a lawyer during a prison escape attempt, was the last inmate executed in Utah by a firing squad in 2010.

Oklahoma officials told Fox 25 in November they havent established protocols to use nitrogen gas as a backup execution method but have heard from a company offering pain-free and mistake-free gas chamber executions.

The company sent a letter to Oklahoma Department of Corrections guaranteeing the demise of any mammalian life within four minutes, according to the station.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A mother has pleaded guilty to helping dispose of her toddler's body after Massachusetts authorities say her boyfriend killed the girl.

Rachelle Bond entered her guilty plea Friday in Suffolk Superior Court in a plea agreement with prosecutors that's expected to lead to her release from jail less than two years after her daughter's body washed up on a Boston Harbor island.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

Bond was charged as an accessory after the fact in the 2015 killing of 2-year-old Bella Bond. Her then-boyfriend, Michael McCarthy, is currently awaiting trial on a murder charge.

Bella's body was found in a plastic bag on Deer Island. The girl was initially known only as Baby Doe.

A composite image of the girl was shared by millions on social media before she was identified.

Prosecutors said they will recommend a sentence of time-served after Bond testifies against McCarthy.
New Jersey's attorney general has concluded a state trooper used justifiable force when he shot a 76-year-old man inside a home mistakenly linked to a 911 call.

Gerald Sykes thought he was defending his Upper Deerfield home from intruders late on July 29. In reality, he was confronting two troopers who went to the home when a disconnected 911 call was mistakenly traced to Sykes' address.

The troopers told authorities they saw Sykes holding a revolver and shotgun when they went to his back door. They said he pointed the guns in their direction before one trooper fired four shots, striking him in the chest and upper groin.

The second trooper suffered a graze wound when Sykes returned fire.

The attorney general's office report released Friday concluded the trooper felt he was in immediate danger.
KYIV. Feb 10 (Interfax-Ukraine)  The political situation in Ukraine is "heading for turbulence," both domestically and in terms of external factors, political experts have said.

"The political barometer in Ukraine shows a storm is brewing. Parliament is not working, which explains why serious draft laws have not been put forward for passage. There are also problems with adopting the legislative slate. In addition to the political impotency of parliament we are witness to scandals involving lawmakers: fights and hooliganism, such as the incident involving deputy Honcharenko, who defaced a fragment of the Berlin Wall in front of the Germany embassy in Kyiv," Vadym Karasiov, Institute of Global Strategies director, said at a press conference in Kyiv on Friday at the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

Karasiov drew attention to scandals within the Cabinet of Ministers involving the Finance Ministry and the head of Ukraine's Fiscal Service.

"This is a symptom showing that the Cabinet today is unsure of itself, especially several ministers. And if we take into account that grace period for the Cabinet runs out then it becomes apparent that there will be an attempt to scupper the government after its report to parliament in April. I don't know whether it will be successful. Probably, several ministers will be dismissed," the political expert said.

Karasiov said internal problems are piling up and the situation in foreign and military affairs is also complicated.

"The situation with Avdiyivka, the situation in Donbas, the strange scandal involving Poles and the lack of clarity how the administration will get along with newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump  The first contact between the American and Ukrainian presidents does not give us a lot of optimism," Karasiov said.

The expert also noted that government critics, including MP Yulia Tymoshenko, have stepped up their criticism, along with leaders of parliament factions Samopomich and former Odesa regional administration chief Mikheil Saakashvili.

Kostiantyn Matviyenko, an expert of Strategic Consulting Corporation, agreed, saying fights and scandals have overshadowed any consequential legislative work.

Matviyenko said the "vacuum of political ideas" will be filled by other politicians. He pointed to the meeting of Batkivschyna (Fatherland) Faction head Yulia Tymoshenko, who met with Trump in Washington, D.C. last week.

As for U.S.-Ukraine bilaterial relations, he said U.S. officials "do not intend abandon Ukraine."

Ukrainian Barometer Director Viktor Nebozhenko drew attention to the fact that Ukraine and the U.S. are natural allies, but said Americans are not impressed by Ukraine's political elite and its ability to manage the country.

"I think there will be a serious re-set in the political landscape. How it will occur, with or without elections, I do not know," Nebozhenko said.
A Trump administration official says national security adviser Michael Flynn "can't be certain" that sanctions did not come up in his discussions with Russia's ambassador to the United States.

The official says Flynn has "no recollection" of discussing the sanctions, but left open the prospect that the issue did come up when he spoke with Sergey Kislyak during the transition.

Trump officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, previously denied that Flynn discussed sanctions with Kislyak. On Thursday, the Washington Post reported that the matter had come up in the conversations, citing nine anonymous current and former U.S. officials.

A second administration official says Pence was relying on information from Flynn when he denied sanctions were raised.

Both officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insisted on anonymity.
Police released video of a speeding SUV crashing into a home in New Hampshire during Thursdays snowstorm.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

No one inside the home was hurt in the crash in Pelham.

Local reports say the SUV was being driven by Matthew DeCarteret, 41, of Tyngsborough, Mass. He broke his leg. His dog was in the backseat and wasnt injured.

NYC DOORMAN DIES SHOVELING SNOW DURING WINTER STORM

Police said the crash left the home uninhabitable.

The home's foundation was altered after the impact and power, heat and water were turned off.

Probably about half of the engine was into the living room of the residence, Pelham Police Lt. Anne Perriello said, according to CBS Boston.

She said three of the homes five residents were upstairs at the time.

Police blame speed and the snow for the crash.

Perriello said DeCarterets Toyota 4Runner was a four-wheel drive vehicle.

It doesnt matter what type of vehicle youre in, you have to watch your speed, she said. Thats what counts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A threat President Donald Trump likely used in his decades as a businessman  "See you in court"  is now being aimed at the winning side of a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision against reinstating his refugee and immigration order.

Trump said he did not believe the unanimous decision undercut his presidency. The San Francisco-based appeals court declined Thursday to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the executive order preventing travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the U.S.

In a brief, impromptu appearance in the West Wing after the 3-0 decision by a federal appellate court panel came down, Trump did not specify what his administration's next legal steps would be. He said he had not yet conferred with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was sworn into office earlier in the day.

Trump stood by his argument that national security hung in the balance, first in an all-caps Tweet shortly after the ruling: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" His West Wing comments carried an air of confidence: "We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake and it's a very, very serious situation, so we look forward ... to seeing them in court." He added: "We're going to win the case."

The Justice Department said it was "reviewing the decision and considering its options." It could appeal the judge's restraining order to the U.S. Supreme Court or it could attempt to make the case for the travel ban in the district court.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway suggested the next step would be to argue the merits of the executive order.

"The statute provides a president ... with great latitude and authority to protect the citizens and to protect the nation's national security," Conway said. "This was not argued on the merits. Now that we'll have an opportunity to argue on the merits we look forward to doing that. We look forward to prevailing."

The ruling represented a setback for Trump's administration and the second legal defeat for the new president in the past week. Trump's decision to sign the executive order late last month has sparked protests at airports around the world as authorities barred scores of travelers from entering the country amid confusion over how to implement the details.

The appellate decision brushed aside arguments by the Justice Department that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted Thursday that Trump "ought to see the writing on the wall" and abandon the proposal. The New York Democrat called on the president to "roll up his sleeves" and come up with "a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe."

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California promised, "Democrats will continue to press for President Trump's dangerous and unconstitutional ban to be withdrawn." And Trump's former presidential rival Hillary Clinton offered a terse response on Twitter, noting the unanimous vote: "3-0."

Congress' Republican leaders, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, declined to comment.

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued the temporary restraining order halting the ban after Washington state and Minnesota sued, leading to the federal government's appeal.

The Trump administration has said the seven nations  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  have raised terrorism concerns. The states have argued that the executive order unconstitutionally blocked entry based on religion and the travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities.

In a hallway conversation with reporters, Trump expressed confidence that he will prevail in court if the case is argued on the merits.

He and his aides frequently refer to a ruling by a federal judge in Boston who declined last week to extend a temporary injunction against Trump's travel ban. In the separate federal ruling in Seattle that night, a different federal judge put the ban on hold nationwide; it is that judge's decision that the White House has challenged.

"It's a decision that we'll win, in my opinion, very easily and, by the way, we won that decision in Boston," Trump said.

The president, in his third week in office, has criticized the judiciary's handling of the case. Last weekend, he labeled Robart a "so-called judge" and referred to the ruling as "ridiculous." Earlier this week he accused the appellate court considering his executive order of being "so political."

Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, has referred to the president's comments as "demoralizing and disheartening," according to a Democratic senator who asked him about Trump's response.

Trump has yet to nominate a candidate to be solicitor general, the lawyer who argues before the Supreme Court on behalf of the United States. Trump told reporters he'll be making that decision over the next week.
The Paris prosecutor's office says French anti-terrorism forces have arrested four people, including a 16-year-old girl, and uncovered a makeshift laboratory with the explosive TATP.

The arrests Friday were in the Montpellier area of southern France. The prosecutor's office said around 70 grams of TATP were seized. The explosive, which can be made from readily available ingredients, was used in the November 2015 attack in Paris and the March 2016 attack in Brussels.

A Paris police official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding investigation, said one of the suspects was believed to be planning a suicide attack.
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The government of Brazil's southeastern state of Espirito Santo has indicted more than 700 military police officers for allegedly refusing to work as part of a pay raise movement that has led to a wave of violence and more than 100 deaths.

Public Safety Director Andre Garcia said Friday that 703 officers have been charged with committing the "crime of revolt."

Brazil's military police force patrols the nation's cities and its members are barred by law from going on strike.

The killings in the state capital of Vitoria and other cities erupted one week ago as friends and family of the officers blocked their barracks to demand higher pay for the officers.

The union representing civil police officers said 121 people have been killed since police stopped patrolling the streets.
A graduate believed to be the first British woman to join the fight against the Islamic State in Syria says she sees her comrades as "a last step towards [ISIS] being finished".

UK'S MOVE TO LIMIT LONE CHILD REFUGEES DRAWS BACKLASH

Kimberley Taylor, 27, left the UK in March 2016 and joined the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) - the all-female brigade of the YPG, Syria's Kurdish armed forces.

Based in Rojava, a Kurdish autonomous region in northern Syria, Ms Taylor said she has been on the frontline in the push towards ISIS' stronghold Raqqa.

IRAN CHEERS 1979 REVOLUTION; PRESIDENT CALLS TRUMP WHITE HOUSE 'A PROBLEM'

In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Ms Taylor said she believes the YPG's operation against militants could "finish" the Islamic State.

She said: "For this reason it is really important that we create diplomacythat we take a chance now that everybody is listening to tell our ideology, to tell our revolution."

Ms Taylor, from Blackburn, says she initially traveled to Syria to write about "the women's revolution" but decided to stay after just three days.

Four months later she joined the YPJ, learned Kurdish and studied politics, warfare and battlefield tactics.

Ms Taylor says she also learned "how to be a revolutionary".

She said: "When I came to Rojava I realised the practice of being a revolutionary and I think this is something we should definitely learn in the West.

"We lack practice of being revolutionaries, we lack practice of trying to change society. For people that believe in revolution, they need to come to Rojava."

Click for more from Sky News.
Britain's Court of Appeal has ruled that a plumber was entitled to employment rights in a case seen as a key test of labor rules in the new gig economy.

The case Friday was brought by Gary Smith, who worked for Pimlico Plumbers for six years until 2011. The plumber claims he was dismissed following a heart attack and sued, arguing he was entitled to rights like sick pay. The company says he was self-employed.

The case has implications for thousands of independent contractors in Britain's so-called gig economy, where people work job-to-job with little security and few employment rights.

Such employment, often for app-based services for everything from food delivery to health care, has surged as the Internet cuts the link between jobs and the traditional workplace.
The undocumented woman who was deported to Mexico Thursday amid protests in downtown Phoenix said she felt like a criminal when she was rushed out of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices in a caravan of unmarked cars.

She complained she felt as if she were Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

I felt like a criminal, Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos told Mexican reporters in Nogales, where she is planning to settle for now.

Garcia, 35, said it was a "bittersweet experience" to see the support of her community back in Phoenix  she was moved by it but also was painfully aware that deportation was a reality.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT DEFENDED IN PHOENIX PROTESTS IS DEPORTED TO MEXICO

She said she saw more undocumented immigrants at the ICE facility.

"There will be many more deported," said Garcia, who arrived in the United States more than 20 years ago.

She said that for now he is considering staying in the border town of Nogales to be close to her teenage children, who will continue studying in Arizona.

Garcia spoke from the Kino Border Initiative, a soup kitchen and shelter where many migrants go after being deported. Her U.S.-citizen children were by her side, their first time in Mexico.

"I'm doing this for my kids so they have a better life. I will keep fighting so they can keep studying in their home country," she told the Associated Press.

PROTESTS ERUPT OUTSIDE PHOENIX ICE OFFICE AFTER ARREST OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

"We're a united family. We're a family who goes to church on Sundays; we work in advocacy. We're active."

Garcia also said she didn't regret her decision to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite knowing she'd risk getting arrested.

"I was very scared when I went to ICE, but I was not going to hide; I did not want that, she told EFE.

Garcia de Rayos said she's not sure what comes next for her but that her parents, who live in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, are headed to Nogales to reunite with her.

Her attorney, Ray Ybarra Maldonado, said there aren't many legal avenues for her to come back to the U.S.

"Getting back to the U.S., legally, there's really no route for her. There's no avenue for her. There's no application she can submit. There's no waiver she can submit," Maldonado said. "I mean, this is a prime example of our failed immigration system."

AP and EFE contributed to this report.
The eurozone's top official is travelling to Brussels to make progress in talks on Greece's bailout program, amid renewed unrest about the pace of reform in the debt-laden nation.

Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who chairs the eurozone finance ministers' group, said Friday that Greece's reforms, "are going slowly, but they're going in the right direction. They now need a push. I am not in a great hurry, so the stories about a crisis are a gross exaggeration."

Greece needs to agree with the International Monetary Fund and its European creditors on more reforms to keep tapping its bailout loans.

Greece's next big debt repayment deadline is in July, but officials want to solve its funding problems before then as key European elections loom as early as next month.
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A French activist farmer has been convicted of helping migrants enter, travel and stay in France and given a suspended, 3,000-euro fine.

The case has called attention to those who have resisted Europe's anti-migrant sentiment and are offering food, lodging or other aid to people from impoverished or war-torn countries.

There has notably been an outpouring of support in the Roya valley in the Alps, where Cedric Herrou has taken in dozens of migrants over the past year.

Herrou has called it an act of humanity and not a crime, and says it is his civic duty to keep helping the migrants.

On Friday, he still had teenagers from Sudan and Eritrea staying in caravans on his farm.
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Germany has stepped up criticism of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's conviction for fraud, a verdict that bars him from running for president next year.

Government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Friday that the allegations against Navalny were difficult to comprehend and indicated the case might be politically motivated.

Navalny was handed a suspended five-year sentence Wednesday in a retrial of a 2013 fraud case. A judge in Kirov, some 800 kilometers (500 miles) east of Moscow, found Navalny guilty of embezzling the equivalent of $270,000 from a timber company.

Seibert said the verdict illustrated how Russia's judiciary was making it "increasingly difficult for the opposition to be politically active."

He said that Navalny's conviction would mean that one of the few opposition candidates is excluded from Russia's election.
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Iranians have begun a nationwide celebration to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the 1979 revolution with massive rallies.

Demonstrators in Tehran on Friday chanted traditional slogans against the U.S. and Israel at a time when new U.S. President Donald Trump has already engaged in a war of words with Iran's leadership and put Tehran "on notice" over a recent ballistic missile test.

Among other places, demonstrators marched toward Azadi Square, where President Hassan Rouhani will address the crowd.

State television aired footage of commemorations in Tehran and other cities and towns across the country, many of them in subzero weather.

The rallies commemorate Feb. 11, 1979, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the U.S.-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi.
A British lawmaker is trying to oust the House of Commons Speaker over comments criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaker John Bercow said this week that Trump should not be allowed to address Parliament when he pays a state visit to Britain. Bercow cited Trump's migrant ban as well as the U.K.'s "opposition to racism and to sexism."

Bercow's intervention was highly unusual because those in his position are expected to remain above Parliament's partisan fray.

Although Bercow belongs to the governing Conservative Party, he has been criticized by some Conservative lawmakers.

Lawmaker James Duddridge filed a no-confidence motion in Bercow, saying he had "overstepped the mark."

Parliament began a 10-day recess Thursday. Duddridge, currently the only signatory to the motion, hopes to build momentum against Bercow during the school break.
Lebanon's state news agency says Beirut will file a lawsuit against the suspect behind the New Year's terror attack in Istanbul that killed 39 people, including three Lebanese citizens.

The agency says a Justice Ministry official has been appointed to defend the rights of the Lebanese victims and sue the suspect, who was recently detained, before Turkish courts. The official was not named.

The Dec. 31 attack, which also wounded six Lebanese nationals, was claimed by the Islamic State group.

The National News Agency said on Friday that if needed, the ministry will finance and send one or more lawyers for the case in Turkey.

The accused perpetrator of the nightclub attack, an Uzbek national who reportedly trained in Afghanistan, was detained in Istanbul two weeks after the assault.
Liberian authorities say they've impounded two foreign fishing vessels and are seeking $1 million in compensation.

Defense Minister Brownie Samukai said Friday that one of the boats was a Chinese vessel that paid just $700 for a permit to import 40 tons of fish. However, he told state radio that officials found that the permit was being used for multiple vessels, carrying a total of 130 tons of fish.

The other vessel is Spanish-owned but Senegalese-flagged. Liberian authorities are citing 25 violations, and the boat has been impounded and its crew detained by state security.

Overfishing remains a rampant problem along Liberia's coastline due to a lack of resources for patrolling.
President Vladimir Putin thanked Slovenia on Friday for offering to host his first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, but added that the prospect hinges on Washington.

RUSSIA SENDS SYRIA ITS LARGEST MISSILE DELIVERY TO DATE, OFFICIALS SAY

The Russian leader hailed Slovenia, where Trump's wife Melania was born and grew up, as an "excellent" venue for possible talks with Trump.

"It depends not only on us, but we are naturally ready for it," he said.

RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKE KILLS 3 TURKISH SOLDIERS IN SYRIA

Speaking after holding talks at the Kremlin with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahort, Putin said Russia welcomes Trump's statements about his intentions to restore the strained Russia-U.S. ties.

"We always welcomed that and we hope that relations will be restored in full in all areas," Putin said. "It relates to trade and economic ties, security issues and various regions of the world, which are suffering from numerous conflicts. By pooling our efforts, we naturally would be able to significantly contribute to solving those issues, including the fight against international terrorism."

In recent years, Russia-U.S. relations have plunged to post-Cold war lows over the Ukrainian crisis, the war in Syria and the allegations of Russia hacking of the Democrats in the U.S. presidential election.

In 2001, Slovenia hosted Putin's first meeting with former U.S. President George W. Bush that led to a short-lived thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington. A similarly short warm spell early during Barack Obama's presidency gave way to new tensions.

As part of Obama's early effort to "reset" ties with Moscow, the two nations in 2010 signed a pivotal arms control pact that set new lower caps on the number of warheads each country can deploy.

Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the prospects of extending the New START Treaty that is set to expire in 2021 will "depend on the position of our American partners" and require negotiations.

He wouldn't say whether the Kremlin favors extending the pact that limited Russian and U.S. nuclear arsenals to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each.

Speaking in a conference call with reporters, Peskov pointed to a "certain break in dialogue on strategic security issues" during the Obama administration, and said Moscow and Washington now need "an update of information and positions."

Peskov on Friday denied a report by the Washington Post claiming that Michael Flynn, the retired general who is now Trump's national security adviser, had discussed a possible review of anti-Russian sanctions with the Russian ambassador to Washington in December. Peskov said Ambassador Sergei Kislyak did talk to Flynn, but the rest of the report was wrong.

While suggesting possible cooperation with Moscow to fight the Islamic State group in Syria, as a candidate Trump was critical of the New START and talked about a need to strengthen U.S. nuclear arsenals.

In December, Trump declared on Twitter that the U.S. should "greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability" until the rest of the world "comes to its senses" regarding nuclear weapons.

Putin also has said strengthening Russia's nuclear capabilities should be among the nation's priorities.

The platform of Trump's Republican Party had promised to "abandon arms control treaties that benefit our adversaries without improving our national security" and called for the development of "a multi-layered missile defense system."

Kislyak told Russian media in Washington that he sees little chance for a compromise on missile defense, as Moscow believes the U.S. wants to develop the shield against Russia despite assurances that it's directed against other threats.

"I don't exclude that at a certain stage we may have a mutual interest to talk about those issues, but as of now I'm not seeing any basis for reaching agreement," he said, according to the Interfax news agency.

He voiced hope, however, that joint efforts to fight the IS could help break the ice in Russia-U.S. ties. "If we have serious cooperation, it could help to start rebuilding trust," Kislyak said in televised remarks.

Kislyak added that Russian and U.S. diplomats will start soon to try to prepare a Putin-Trump meeting.

The ambassador also has sought to downplay differences on Iran, saying that "we disagree more on accents related to the nuclear agreement rather than substance."

Trump has accused the Obama administration of being weak on Iran and responded to Iran's recent missile test with a package of sanctions. The penalties, however, referred solely to the missile program and didn't directly undercut a landmark 2015 deal between Iran and six world powers that curtailed Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for rolling back international sanctions.
A Serbian court has rejected an extradition request by Montenegro for a suspect in an alleged pro-Russian plot to overthrow the small Balkan country's government.

Nemanja Ristic, the suspect whose extradition was rejected on Thursday by the Special Court in Belgrade, appeared in a group photo with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit to Serbia in December.

Montenegro also has issued extradition requests for another Serb and two Russians for alleged plans to kill the then-prime minister and take over parliament on election day in October.

Montenegro has arrested around 20 people in the alleged plot, most of them Serbian nationals.

The Kremlin has denied involvement, but has actively supported local groups that oppose having Montenegro become the 29th member of NATO.
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U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on nations "to match the generosity" of Turkey in protecting refugees, saying that too many borders are being closed and many nations are "escaping their responsibilities."

Guterres, the former chief of the U.N.'s refugee agency, was speaking Friday at a joint news conference in Istanbul with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, whose country is hosting 3 million refugees.

The U.N. chief said he was hopeful that talks aimed at unifying long-divided island of Cyprus would lead to a "breakthrough in the near future," adding that any solution should meet the security concerns of both the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities.

Guterres said he understood Turkey's security needs following July's failed military coup, but urged it to respect the rule of law and human rights.
One day before President Trump spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping, a Chinese military surveillance aircraft "crossed the nose" of a U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane in the South China Sea near the contested Scarborough Shoal, a Pentagon spokesman confirmed on Friday.

TRUMP TELLS CHINESE PRESIDENT UNITED STATES WILL HONOR ONE CHINA POLICY

The interaction between the U.S. Navy P-3 Orion and a Chinese KJ-200 took place on Wednesday in international airspace, U.S. Pacific Command spokesman Robert Shuford said in a statement.

The Chinese "early warning" airborne surveillance aircraft crossed 1,000 feet in front of the U.S. plane forcing it to alter course, Capt. Jeff Davis said at the Pentagon.

CHINESE AMBASSADOR SAYS MORE FUNDS TO FLOW TO PHILIPPINES

While he called the incident a "close encounter," Davis said there was no evidence to suggest the Chinese did anything on purpose. Davis said there was "normal radio contact" afterwards, adding, "We don't see evidence this was intentional."

Fox News asked Davis to asses China's "early warning" capability if one of its radar planes did not see a U.S. Navy reconnaissance aircraft. Davis said he would let the Chinese speak to their own capabilities.

The Scarborough Shoal is located between the Philippines and the Chinese mainland. The close call came two days before the arrival of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Washington,

Shuford said the U.S. plane was on a routine mission and operating according to international law, Reuters reported.

He said the Department of Defense and the Pacific Command "are always concerned about unsafe interactions with Chinese military forces."

"We will address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels, Pacific Command added.

The KJ-200 is based off the Soviet An-12.

Relations between China and the U.S. have gotten off to a rocky start in President Trumps presidency as Rex Tillerson starts leading the State Dept.

At his confirmation hearing, Tillerson likened Chinas island building in the South China Sea to the annexation of Crimea by Russia  a sharp change in tone from the Obama administrations focus on cooperation.

Tillerson accused Beijing of declaring control of territories that are not rightfully Chinas. He added that Chinas actions were extremely worrisome and the U.S. failure to respond has allowed them to keep pushing the envelope in seas that carry $5 trillion of trade annually.

Beijing has reclaimed more than 3,000 acres of land and constructed military-grade infrastructure. Over the last year, it has been fortifying its islands with surface-to-air missiles and fighter jet deployment.

Asked if he supported a more aggressive U.S. posture, Tillerson replied, "You're going to have to send China a clear signal that first the island building stops, and second your access to those islands is also not going to be allowed."

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Vatican officials are brushing off a spoof Vatican newspaper poking fun at Pope Francis that points to increasing conservative criticism of his mercy-over-morals priorities.

The fake L'Osservatore Romano front page is making the rounds at the same time that hundreds of anti-pope posters appeared on Roman billboards this past weekend.

The main headline  "He responded!"  refers to Francis' refusal to respond to four cardinals who publicly asked him to clarify his position on whether divorced and civilly remarried Catholics can receive Communion.

Another article refers to Francis' friendship with an Italian journalist who has taken factual liberties in reporting on their conversations.

The editor-in-chief of L'Osservatore Romano, Giovanni Maria Vian, was unperturbed.

He said Friday: "We were only sad because the layout wasn't as nice as ours."
One body of three trapped Chinese miners in Albania found: rescuers

Photo released by the Chinese embassy in Albania shows counsellor Bai Yunbin (2nd R) and defense attache Liu Xingjiang (1st R) coordinate the rescue operation in the town of Bulqiza, north Albania, on Feb. 5, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

Rescuers said on Thursday that they had found one body of the three trapped Chinese miners in a chrome mine in the northern Albanian town of Bulqiza, Xinhua reported.

Two Albanian rescue teams have been sent in for the search operation, together with Albanian and Chinese mining experts, after a hydrogen gas explosion in the chrome mine on Saturday, said Mehmet Hasalami, head of the Albanian Mining Rescue Unit, earlier.

The Albanian government and the Chinese Embassy in Albania have also dispatched a working group to the mine, respectively.

The Chinese Embassy confirmed on Sunday that three other Chinese miners inflicted minor injuries in the accident.
(Xinhua) 09:43, February 10, 2017

The barrister at the center of the historic court case over Britain's exit from the European Union(EU) is to address the House of Lords on the Brexit bill, it was announced Thursday.

Lord David Pannick represented businesswoman Gina Miller who challenged Prime Minister Theresa May's right to trigger the article 50 mechanism to kickstart Britain's departure from Brussels without the consent of parliament.

The Supreme Court in London ruled in favor of Miller on Jan. 24, which means MPs (members of the Parliament) need to vote on a parliamentary bill before the process can start.

The Brexit bill ended its journey on Wednesday in the House of Commons with a landslide victory for May.

The parliamentary bill giving May authority to trigger article 50 must now be passed by to the unelected House of Lords.

It was revealed Thursday by officials at Westminster that Lord Pannick was one of 140 peers in the upper chamber wanting to speak in the debate later this month.

It also became clear that May wouldn't learn whether she is free to trigger the mechanism until March 7.

Officials at Westminster announced the timetable for taking the Brexit bill through its final stages in the House of Lords.

Because the House of Lords will be entering a short recess, the main debates will not start until Feb. 20 when the first of 140 peers have their say.

The debate will continue on Feb. 21, with the process switching to more detailed debates by a committee on Feb. 27, which will continue into early March.

The third and final stage will be reached on March 7 when the House of Lords makes its final decision with a vote.

If the House of Lords follows the Commons and approves the bill, it will then go to the palace to be given Royal Assent by Queen Elizabeth.

Only then will May have the legal authority to trigger article 50, but it will be tight to meet her end-of-March deadline.

Once article 50 is triggered, it means the process has reached a point of no return. It will set a two-year maximum timetable for London and Brussels to strike a deal on the post-Brexit relationship between the two.

Downing Street will be eagerly waiting to see whether any potentially-delaying amendments are put forward by peers in the House of Lords where there is strong support for Britain remaining in the EU.

Some MPs have already signalled that if members of the House of Lords attempt to delay or wreck Brexit, it could lead to demands for Britain's upper chamber to be abolished.

May made no comment on her landslide victory in the Commons when she met Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloini on Thursday for bilateral talks at 10 Downing Street.

However, the pair did discuss post-Brexit relationship between the two countries, with both prime ministers saying they looked forward to a continuing relationship between London and Rome.

May also said at a media briefing that after she triggered article 50 she would press for the status of EU nationals living in Britain and British citizens living in EU countries to be addressed at an early stage so assurances could be given to both.
Economic globalization does encounter some challenges, but it is irresponsible to create conflicts by exaggerating those problems, Peoples Daily commented on Wednesday, refuting the malicious voices against the economic globalization by some Western politicians.

The commentary, under the byline of Zhongsheng, came after French far-right leader Marine Le Pen attacked globalization in her presidential election manifesto last weekend.

As candidate of the National Front, Le Pen told supporters in Lyon, the third largest city of France, that globalization was slowly choking communities to death. Globalization, she said, meant "manufacturing by slaves for selling to the unemployed".

She is the latest European politician to preach anti-globalization in mainstream politics of the Western world by making use of public's dissatisfaction with the current situation, the article said.

Such examples over the past year also included the Brexit, 2016 US election, and the presidential campaigns of France and Germany, the paper added.

Sluggish economy, which has resulted in aggravated contradictions between growth and distribution, capital and labor, as well as efficiency and equity, is the root cause of the rising trend of anti-globalization in the Western world, the commentary noted, but it pointed out at the same time that politics is also a reason that cannot be ignored.

Most of the countries in favor of anti-globalization are first of all hindered by economic development and wealth distribution. Thereafter, these economic issues are politicized, ultimately leading to severe social disruption.

Populists are at their weakest in the tedious matter of sound government, said Financial Times column writer Janan Ganesh in his recent article. Such point of view is indeed a timely reminder for the European countries which have lost their direction.

Rome mayor Virginia Raggi is a better example to interpret the difference between catharsis and governance, the paper said, explaining that the performance of the far-right mayor was far worse than her commitments during the election campaign in 2016. Even the waste disposal of the city was in a mess under her governance.

National elections of France, Germany, the Netherlands and many other European countries will fall in the year of 2017, meaning that they will stand at a new crossroad for their countries development.

The paper believed that reform will still be the theme of the campaigns given that development fatigue is still prevalent in the continent. However, these countries should think twice before they make a decision.

Anti-globalization, favored by extreme right-wing politicians, will only cause more problems, as economic globalization is a natural outcome of productivity and technological progress rather than a creation of any individual or country, it pointed out,stressingthat economic globalizations contributions to human progress could not be denied by complaints of some politicians.

The paper suggested that facing with the irresistible trend of economic globalization, the wise choice would be to start from national conditions and follow the tide.

Each party should make efforts to bring benefits of economic globalization to countries and people around the world by integrating itself into the globe and pursuing efficiency and equity, the article concluded.
A King George County man was cleared Thursday of charges that he sexually assaulted another man during a drunken stupor in 2015.

Burnett Lee Williams, 47, was found not guilty of sodomy and aggravated sexual battery by a jury in King George Circuit Court.

According to the evidence, Williams and the victim, a sailor who is in his 20s, worked together at a clinic on the naval base in Dahlgren. They were among those at an office party that took place in April 2015.

During the party, the alleged victim got extremely drunk and began throwing up. He ended at Williams' home off the base.

Williams testified that he was going to take the sailor to his barracks, but the man said he didn't want to go there in his condition. He spent the night and was taken back to the base the next morning.

Williams said he and the man continued to have their normal working relationship until 2016, when Williams learned the man was accusing him of a sexual assault.

Defense attorney Mark Murphy said Williams "didn't do anything but take care of him."

The man testified that he woke up naked from a "blackout" that night and found Williams trying to perform a sex act. He said he told Williams to stop and he did. The man said he then blacked out again.

The man said he told a few people about the incident and was convinced to report it to the Sheriff's Office in late December 2015. Police set up a phone sting in July in which the man talked to Williams about the incident, but Williams told the man he didn't know what he was talking about.

In talks with police, Williams said he remembered giving the man a kiss, but recalled little else about that night. He said it would have been out of character for him to have done what he was accused of.

Murphy said none of the man's actions after that night supported his story, including saying nothing about the incident while Williams was driving him back to the base the next morning. He said the man and Williams were among a group that went to Kings Dominion the next weekend, and said the man texted Williams to wish him a happy birthday on Dec. 4.

Murphy said the prosecution's case was simply "a lot of speculation based on someone who admittedly was in a blackout." Williams, who was honorably discharged from the Navy after 20 years of service, has no criminal record.

Commonwealth's Attorney Keri Gusmann said that "large amounts of alcohol" make sexual assault cases even harder to prosecute. But she said men can be victimized, too, and she hopes male victims will come forward.
A well-known arts festival kicked off in Baofen County, Henan province on Feb.9, attracting 300,000 storytellers, artists and audience members from Henan province and beyond. Thousands of folk artists showed off their skills across 40 forms of folk art.




A corrections officer at the Greensville Correctional Center in Emporia and a half-dozen inmates have been charged with attempted murder and other felonies after a stabbing attack on an inmate involving makeshift weapons.

On Jan. 3, 2016, officer Rakelle Graham, 26, granted several inmates access to an inmate with whom she had previously had a verbal altercation, according to Ronnie West, assistant commonwealths attorney in Greensville County.

The victim, who was seriously injured and was evacuated to VCU Medical Center by helicopter, had been involved in some sort of verbal altercation, an issue if you will, with a corrections officer, West said.

And the corrections officer basically facilitated a group of individuals. ... She allowed (the inmates) to gain access to the pod and attack him, said West, who is prosecuting all of the defendants in the case. Several of them had weapons they had fabricated.

The victim was stabbed multiple times with the makeshift weapons, West said. The attacked inmate is OK now, West said, but had to undergo extensive medical treatment.

In addition to Graham, six inmates have been charged, and additional people could face charges, West said. A grand jury indicted the seven defendants Tuesday.

All six inmates who have been charged with attempted murder have also been charged with gang affiliation, said West, who added that most of the defendants admitted to having gang affiliations.

In addition to attempted murder, Graham also faces charges of malicious wounding, assault and gang participation. She is due to appear in Greensville County Circuit Court at 9 a.m. on March 2. Trial dates have not been set, but West said he expects that they will be determined soon.

The Virginia Department of Corrections investigated the incident and provided a report to the Greensville Commonwealth Attorneys Office, which then pursued charges.

The six inmates charged in the attack remain incarcerated on their previous convictions.

Several attempts to obtain comment from the Greensville Correctional Center on Thursday evening were unsuccessful.
A federal judge in Virginia plans to rule as soon as possible on extending a block on President Donald Trump's ban on travel to the U.S. by residents of seven majority-Muslim countries.

While Trump lost Thursday before a California federal appeals panel in a different case, the U.S. Supreme Court will likely have the final say on whether the immigration policy is legal. The Virginia case is one of a handful with the potential to more permanently keep the administration's order on hold.

While a single court can block Trump for now, immigration advocates are pushing for court-ordered delays in several cases, as they work to keep the door open for travelers, residents and refugees for as long as possible. The government will keep trying to defeat court-ordered interruptions and make its enhanced border-security policies the law of the land as soon as possible. "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" Trump tweeted Thursday.

Virginia claims Trump is barring people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen to deliver on the "Muslim ban" he called for during his presidential campaign. The state is asking U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who was appointed to the court by President Bill Clinton, to enter a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the ban throughout the U.S. while she considers a more permanent ruling.

After a hearing Friday in Alexandria, Virginia, Brinkema said her decision can't be "written overnight," but that she'd issue it as soon as possible. She noted the temporary ban issued by a Seattle federal judge applies nationwide.

A win for Virginia would bolster the delay ordered by a federal judge in Seattle and multiply the problems for the Trump administration in trying to put the travel ban in place. A victory by the government could create a split with Thursday's ruling and hasten review by the Supreme Court. In either event, the losing party is likely to appeal.

Immigration advocates, states and individual visa-holders have filed more than 10 suits in federal courts challenging the ban. Four judges, including Brinkema and judges in Seattle and Brooklyn, New York, entered orders temporarily halting the government from enforcing parts of the order. Appeals-court backing for the Seattle judge's order that blocks enforcement of the travel ban means it will remain in place while the lower court considers a more-permanent ruling.

The Seattle order is the broadest, effectively blocking enforcement of much of the executive order. Virginia's request would block enforcement of the section barring travel by citizens of the seven named countries, but doesn't affect the part of the order blocking refugees from entering the U.S. The Brooklyn order is even narrower, blocking the government from deporting those arriving in the U.S from the seven countries. There are distinctions in how the cases confront Trump's order.

The order is "a monumental abuse of executive power" that harms the state's economy and public universities by barring foreign students, professors, workers and their family members, lawyers for Virginia said in a brief filed with the court.

The order violates the U.S. Constitution's Establishment Clause, which bars the government from favoring one religion over another, according to the state. And stripping visa-holders and permanent U.S. residents from the seven countries without a hearing violates the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause, it claims. Sixteen states and the District of Columbia filed a brief supporting Virginia's claims. No immigrant from the seven named countries has committed terrorist acts on U.S. soil.

There is "overwhelming evidence that the executive order is simply Trump's way of following through on a campaign promise to ban Muslims," Stuart Raphael, Virginia's solicitor general, told the judge Friday. "If a law is designed to harm a religion or advanced a religion, it is unconstitutional."

Lawyers representing the U.S. claim Virginia isn't a proper party to sue over a travel ban. Congress gave the president "unreviewable authority to suspend the entry of any class of aliens," the government said in its brief. Virginia's claims of damage to its economy and state-run colleges are vague and insufficient to support an order blocking the government from enforcing the immigration laws.

The ban doesn't target Muslims, but is intended to allow the government to institute stricter controls on immigration from countries where "deteriorating conditions" due to "war, strife, disaster and civil unrest increase the likelihood that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States," the U.S. said.

At Friday's hearing, the government argued that an injunction can't be justified, because there is no immediate harm to travelers, and that Congress gave the president the authority to regulate which classes of aliens may enter the country. The president may have national security information that his detractors don't, the U.S. said.

Many of the arguments are the same as in the case decided in California on Thursday. It's unclear whether the Virginia court will agree with the California court.
IT should be obvious to even the casual observer that the new American president has something up his sleeve regarding how he engages with the Russian president. Part of that engagement clearly involves curious responses to those who would make observations abut the Russian leaders various sins.

In a presidency as volatile as Donald Trumps, this will tend to drive people batty, generating much comment which is, as usual, projected through the lens of what everyone thinks of Trump in the first place. His detractors will wail that he is propping up an evil tyrant in Vladimir Putin; his supporters will insist that there is a method to what others see as madness.

So what might that method be?

The way to understand Trump is to recognize his main motivating forces. One is a key reason he won: his drive to make decisions based on American interests first, rather than the global dalliances that have distracted us for years. The other is his well-established desire to be viewed as a success.

There would be no greater foreign policy success for Trump than the measurable suppression of ISIS as a threat, across the Middle East, Europe, and its tentacles that have reached into America. In a classic case of the-enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend, he makes frequent mention of Putin as a potential ally in the fight against global jihad.

Is this realistic? The answer lies in an even deeper unknown: the level of interest Putin has in partnering with America to deflect ISISs bloody advances.

Russia has been a target of terrorism and will likely face further threats. But that doesnt make Putins motives pure. His fingerprints may be on the 1999 Moscow bombings just before the Chechen war, attributed by some to the KGBs successor agency, the FSB, led at the time by Putin. As recently as the last few years, Russian-led forces have been blamed for targeted political terror attacks in various Russian cities.

This is not a good guy. And his terrorism radar may be frustratingly selective. While it was encouraging after the 2015 Paris attacks for Russia to join a U.N. Security Council resolution backing all necessary measures against ISIS, its dark collaborations with Iran and Syria make Russia a reliable facilitator of arms to Hamas and Hezbollah.

So it becomes equally useful to discern what is the advantage to Putin of partnering with Trump: The goals are a mirror image: The Russian president wants to be able to claim his share of credit for declawing ISIS, and he wants to bolster his popularity by scoring points for keeping his own citizens safe. Those instincts could prove useful.

But as Trump plots a cooperative path that could yield real progress in stifling ISIS with Russian help, he should keep his eyes wide open that one convenient partnership, even one as ambitious and vital as this, does not mean the Russian regime deserves broad praise.

Trump will pursue Russian help to fight global jihad, as well he should. He knows that Putin, who can match him ego for ego, could balk at joining the effort if he hears Trump taking the bait as people goad the U.S. president to savage his Russian counterpart.

Trump being Trump, that means we will get occasional confounding moments like the Were so innocent? retort to Bill OReillys accurate claim of Putin as a killer.

This does not in any way mean Trump morally equates American actions to Putins sinister exploits; it simply means he will say what is necessary to keep the Russian president on the hook for a partnership that could help achieve the most important foreign policy goal of our time.

Imagine Trump calling Putin all of the nasty names people seem to want him to use, and which Putin surely deserves. Then imagine the Russian leader storming away from a potentially vital role in joining us to beat ISIS.

Would everybody be happy then?

Mark Davis is a radio host in Texas and a columnist for The Dallas Morning News. Email him at markdavisshow@gmail.com.
What will define Christian refugees?

On Jan. 27, President Donald J. Trump said that the United States would give Christian refugees priority over Muslim refugees in entering our country.

What I would like to know is what kind of prioritization will the different denominations of Christianity be given? Are we going to return to Colonial times and the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity?

According to those laws, Anglicans or Episcopalians would have priority over all other denominations. On the other hand, our vice president, Mike Pence, is an evangelical Christian. Perhaps evangelicals should get priority over the other denominations? And what about the Mormons? My Baptist friends tell me that Mormons arent really Christians.

And while were at it, where will the Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Jewish and Scientologist refugees rank?

To quote James Madison: Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other sects?

Sarah Chase

Falmouth
Womens March about more than portrayed

Hold on there, columnist Linda White, did you even attend the Womens March? [Womens March not a step toward high ground, Feb. 5].

I doubt it, or you would have seen what an amazing array of peaceful protesters were in Washington for five or more hours, without one police incident.

D.C. was packed with a sea of people, all kinds of people. Funny how your op-ed piece wasnt actually about the march at all.

Do not assume anything about us, as you did in your column, because you were completely wrong. Neither my friend nor I voted for Bill Clinton.

But shouldnt we be talking about Donald Trump, as he is the reason most of us were there? And, yes, we know exactly what Bill did in the Oval Office; that does not somehow make what Donald Trump did or said any less.

Lets live in the present. That is why we marched. We marched because we do not support a man who grabs women by their genitals and brags about it, or who tries to ban an entire religious group from our country.

We marched because we believe that all people are equal, not just the ones we agree with. We do not want to spend billions building walls. We believe that affordable health care is a human right.

We marched because we believe that humans are impacting the environment and must be held responsible. We marched because we, as women, want equal pay.

And lastly, we marched because we can only be great together, not by bullying, firing or name-calling those who disagree with us.

Mimi Dempsey

Spotsylvania
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More than 10 wild elephants recently invaded a village in Mengla County in southwestern China's Yunnan province, according to the local forestry police on Feb. 10. There were no reports of injuries or casualties, as authorities came quickly to the rescue.

The incident occurred while thousands of villagers were gathered to celebrate the Gatangpa Festival, a major festival for the Hani ethnic minority. The elephants trampled several chickens and geese, walked along the highway and ate some of the villages crops. Police said the elephants stood nearby, wandering the fields and farmland in search of food after the sun set.

During the incident, over 100 mu, or 6.66 hectares of bananas, were eaten by the hungry elephants. A significant portion of farmland was also destroyed by the elephants' heavy footsteps.

According to the forestry administration, many cases of elephant invasions have been reported in nearby villages. Police have taken measures to teach locals how to protect both themselves and the elephant intruders.
The 24th division of the Chinese navy fleet entered into a Karachi port on Feb. 9 for a joint drill under the leadership of Bai Yaoping, the commander of the fleet, and Zhou Ping, the political commissar. The division included guided-missile destroyer Harbin, guided-missile frigate Handan and comprehensive supply ship Dongpinghu.

The international AMAN-17 naval exercise (AMAN means peace in Urdu) will be held in Karachi, Pakistan, from Feb. 10 to 14. The Chinese embassy in Pakistan, along with overseas Chinese, Chinese-funded institutions and representatives of Pakistan's navy all extended their welcome to the Chinese fleet.
The past month seems to have flown by, perhaps more so as we have been particularly busy with the gritting enterprise during the recent cold weather.

We have already done considerably more spreading than we had by this time last year, or in fact last winter as a whole.

See also: Read more from the Livestock Farmer Focus writers

A group of final year students from University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science have been out to assess and condition score our ewes.

This went well. They have also written us a recommended nutrition plan to use prior to lambing.

We havent scanned yet, but will use that as a tool to help split ewes into different management groups according to condition later this month.

Electric fencer in action

The electric fencer has also been busy as I decided to find more winter grazing for the shearlings rather than continue to feed out silage, which was causing some listeria problems.

The plan is to move twin- and multiple-bearing ewes onto stubble turnips and then into lambing paddocks in mid-March, using fodder beet and feed blocks as a supplement depending on spring grass quality and quantity. Fingers crossed for a good scanning.

Plans are being made to house dairy heifers for a local farm next winter, which will make use of our empty shed space and also provide extra income, valuable fertiliser and silage aftermaths for finishing lambs.

Search for extra grassland

Looking for additional grassland to rent for grazing/mowing has been an interesting experience so far.

Competition is fierce despite the uncertain times, with some very high rents being offered by both large- and small-scale farmers.

Rents are often on short-term agreements and usually without any payments. It will be interesting to see if this changes at all in future.

It is encouraging, however, that there are farmers in different sectors who are looking for opportunities to work together to help each others businesses. Perhaps a little more co-operation between farmers would benefit the industry as a whole?

Jim Beary contract rears 900 calves a year and has a growing flock of Aberfield-cross New Zealand Romneys on a county council farm. He also runs a contract gritting enterprise in winter.
Eight people were sentenced to prison in Shanghai on Feb. 9, 2017 for selling newborn babies'personal information. (Chinanew.com/Fu Xinzhen)

Eight people were sentenced on Feb. 9 for the crime of selling more than 200,000 pieces of newborn babies' personal information, with jail time ranging from several months to several years, Chinanews.com reported. The suspects were also ordered to pay fines of between 2,000 and 5,000 RMB.

The eight suspects include two workers surnamed Han and Zhang at the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention. According to Han, Zhang asked early in 2014 whether he could obtain the personal information of newborn babies. Zhang claimed he had friends in the infant healthcare industry, and promised to pay Han a commission.

From early 2014 to July 2016, Han accessed the information of newborn babies from a corporate database and emailed the information to Zhang twice a month. Each email contained about 5,000 pieces of information. Zhang then sold the information to a woman surnamed Fan. The investigation found that Han, Zhang and Fan had altogether stolen more than 200,000 pieces of information in this manner.

The information was resold many times afterwards. Fan sold it to her colleague Li, who then passed it on to Wang and Huang. Wang stored the information in a computer at his workplace, until the information was stolen by his driver, Wu, who resold it and utilized it in his own baby healthcare business. To better manager his business, Wu also bought over 8,000 pieces of such information from a man surnamed Gong.
WHATS UP The Cherokee County Literacy Association is having a hot dog sale fundraiser on November 12 at 11:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. in the office parking lot at 409 Buford Street. Plates for...

Blacksburg town employees to get bonus of $175 Blacksburg town employees were rewarded for their work Tuesday with a little extra in their holiday bonuses. Blacksburg Town Council unanimously agreed to give most full-time and part-time employees an...

In this region, no one fights alone Traditional rivals Landrum and Liberty presented a $4,700 check at Fridays Blacksburg game from a competitive fundraiser to celebrate Pink Out Week. Students competed to see which school could raise...

Pet Obituary Cameo CamiWard 7/27/2004  10/29/2022

Cameo chose her forever family by walking into their yard June 2006. She loved her cat proof backyard, window and screen porch. Cameo for many years played hide and go...
Story Highlights Majorities in Poland, Estonia and Lithuania see NATO as protection

67% of Russians view NATO as a threat

3% of Russians view NATO as protection

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- While U.S. President Donald Trump, even as recently as January, referred to NATO as "obsolete," residents in many NATO member countries in Eastern Europe associate the alliance with the protection of their countries. This includes majorities in Poland, Estonia and Lithuania, where NATO allies, including the U.S., have recently sent troops to quell security concerns after Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Eastern European Countries' Views of NATO in 2016 Do you associate NATO with protection of your country, as a threat to your country or do you see it as neither protection nor a threat? Protection Threat Neither % % % Kosovo 90 3 6 Albania 70 3 22 Poland 62 8 22 Lithuania 57 13 25 Estonia 52 17 26 Croatia 52 17 19 Romania 50 8 25 Hungary 49 9 25 Latvia 49 16 29 Czech Republic 46 13 27 Macedonia 45 13 24 Slovakia 37 19 35 Bosnia and Herzegovina 28 21 38 Bulgaria 28 20 34 Greece 23 19 45 Montenegro 21 29 35 Serbia 6 64 19 Gallup

The U.S. is a founding member of NATO, but its commitment to the alliance has been questioned after Trump publicly raised doubts about NATO's relevance and its funding before he took office. However, according to NATO, Trump agreed on Sunday to attend a meeting of NATO leaders in May, and he and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg "reconfirmed the importance of the alliance in troubled times." And on Monday, Trump reaffirmed his support for NATO on a visit to the headquarters of the U.S. Central Command.

How the U.S. interacts with NATO has far-reaching consequences overseas, because many Eastern European countries count on NATO for protection. Last October, the United Kingdom sent 800 troops to Estonia. And shortly before President Barack Obama left the White House, the U.S. sent 4,000 troops to Poland to protect it and neighboring NATO allies Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia from perceived aggression from neighboring Russia.

Kosovo, although not a NATO member, received military support from NATO during the Kosovo War between the former Yugoslavia and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), and its residents overwhelmingly (90%) look at the alliance as protection. The same holds true for residents of NATO member Albania (70%) -- which also supported the ethnic Albanian KLA during the war. Similarly, it is not surprising that 64% of Serbians in 2016 view NATO as a threat and 6% see it as protection.

Russia, Countries in Russia's Sphere of Influence See NATO as a Threat

With NATO's inclusion of several post-Soviet states after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and its rebuking of Russia's involvement in Ukraine, it is no surprise that Russia is at odds with NATO. Sixty-seven percent of Russians in 2016 view NATO as a threat, which is up 29 percentage points since 2012, and is the highest number that Gallup has recorded since it started tracking Russians' views on NATO in 2008.

Residents of countries in Russia's sphere of influence that are not NATO members tend to share Russia's views on the alliance, if they have an opinion. Fifty-four percent of Belarusians view NATO as a threat, a 19-point jump from four years ago. Along with the Russians and Belarusians, more people in Ukraine (35%), Kazakhstan (31%), Kyrgyzstan (30%), Moldova (27%), Armenia (20%) and Tajikistan (34%) view NATO as a threat than as protection.

Views of NATO in Post-Soviet States Do you associate NATO with protection of your country, as a threat to your country or do you see it as neither protection nor a threat? Protection Threat Neither % % % Belarus 3 54 30 Russia 3 67 20 Armenia 8 20 38 Tajikistan 8 34 20 Moldova 16 27 38 Kyrgyzstan 19 30 12 Azerbaijan 21 16 44 Kazakhstan 25 31 27 Ukraine 29 35 26 Georgia 37 8 35 Gallup World Poll, 2016

Ukrainians Sour on NATO

The proportion of residents of Ukraine -- a potential NATO member state until a few years ago -- who view NATO as a threat has increased in recent years after years of steady decline between 2008 and 2014. In 2014, after NATO sanctioned Russia after it annexed Crimea, Ukrainians for the first time were more likely to see NATO as protection (36%) than a threat (20%). However, the percentage viewing it as a threat shot back up to 35% in 2016 as the Ukrainian population has grown tired of the ongoing conflict between its military and Russian-backed separatists, as well as a poor economy and rising crime rates. Without a clear end in sight to the conflict, Ukrainians may be losing confidence in NATO's ability to help them in this crisis.

Implications

With Russia's recent military activity in the region, and with many Eastern European countries relying on the U.S. and NATO for protection, the United States' future commitment to NATO is at a critical point. If the U.S. were to leave NATO, Russia would stand to benefit because a NATO without the United States' full cooperation would be less equipped to curtail any Russian military and political expansion. It would also strain the United States' relationships with many European allies, potentially weakening important military and economic partnerships that are vital to the United States' foreign policy interests.
Story Highlights 42% of Americans believe the world views the U.S. favorably

29% say world leaders respect Trump; 67% said same of Obama in 2009

Satisfaction with U.S. on the world stage is near record low

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans believe the world at large sees the U.S. more unfavorably (57%) than favorably (42%), their worst assessment of the country's image in 10 years. A year ago, Americans' perceptions were more positive than negative.

These results are from a Gallup survey conducted Feb. 1-5, about two weeks into Donald Trump's presidency. The 42% favorable rating is one of the lowest since Gallup began asking this question in 2000 and may be attributable to the election of Trump, whose sometimes controversial statements and actions have rankled several world leaders. However, Americans' perceptions of the image of the U.S. abroad were marginally worse in 2007, when 40% thought the world viewed the nation favorably. At the time, the U.S. was embroiled in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and President George W. Bush was highly unpopular.

The high-water mark for Americans believing the U.S. is viewed favorably was 79% in 2002, in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S.

Much of this year's drop in favorable perceptions of how the world views the U.S. is fueled by a precipitous slide among Democrats now that a Republican president is in office. Currently, 31% of Democrats think the world views the U.S. at least somewhat favorably, down from 68% last year. By contrast, Republicans' views have improved this year, to 54% from 39%, but not enough to offset the decline among Democrats.

Few Americans Believe Leaders Worldwide Respect Trump

Fewer than three in 10 Americans (29%) say leaders of other countries have respect for the new president, with 67% saying world leaders do not have much respect for him. When Barack Obama took office in 2009, the results were nearly opposite: 67% of Americans then believed global leaders respected the president, while 20% said leaders did not. At the time of the prior presidential transition in 2001, more Americans also believed George W. Bush was respected than believed he was not.

The 29% now believing that world leaders respect the president also represents a sharp drop from one year ago, in the last year of Obama's presidency. At that time, 45% said they believed the president was respected.

One reason for the drop is that fewer Republicans today think Trump is respected (60%) than Democrats in 2016 thought Obama was respected (79%).

Satisfaction With World Position Little Changed From 2016

Despite Americans' depressed perceptions of how world leaders view their new president, Americans' satisfaction with the country's position in the world hasn't changed much from last year -- 32% say they are satisfied with the position of the U.S. worldwide, down slightly from 36% in 2016.

The current reading continues a recent trend of relatively low satisfaction with the nation's global status, something that has persisted since the Iraq War troop surge in 2007.

While the Iraq War may have been a factor a decade ago, satisfaction has remained low even as U.S. involvement has wound down. The rise of the Islamic State and terrorism in general may be contributing to Americans' continued low level of satisfaction with their country's position in the world. Americans' widespread dissatisfaction with the way things are going in the U.S. could also affect their level of satisfaction with the nation's world standing.

Bottom Line

At the beginning of Trump's presidency, Americans' perceptions of how the world views the U.S. and its new president are significantly worse than they were a year ago -- and are on the low end for the past decade. This has been fueled by a sharp decline among Democrats who hold highly negative views of Trump's character and opening job performance.

But even a year ago, when Americans thought the world viewed the U.S. and Obama positively, Americans were still largely unsatisfied with the nation's global standing. This trend has been steadily negative for the past decade. Americans may not put much weight on how the rest of the world perceives the president in assessing whether they are satisfied with the United States' standing in the world. In addition to concerns about international matters such as Syria and terrorism, those views may be influenced by how they think things are going in the U.S., their low confidence in public institutions and their low trust in government. Such factors appear to have a marked effect on how Americans feel when they look beyond their borders.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.
Wang Qi

Wang Qi, a Chinese veteran who has been trapped in Indian for over 50 years, plans to fly to China with his son on Feb. 10. India's Ministry of External Affairs recently informed Wang and his family that his request for an Indian passport had been processed, according to CCTV News.

A BBC report noted that Wang entered India in 1963, but was never able to go back to China after war broke out in border areas between the two countries. Wang told reporters that he was not a prisoner of war, and he did not surrender. According to the Global Times, Wang asked for a temporary leave from the military, but got lost in a nearby forest. Out of fear that he would be attacked by wild animals, he eventually sought help from an Indian Red Cross van, believing he would simply be sent back home since the war was over and many Indian POWs had already been released by China.

Wang Qi and his family

Instead, Wang was taken to Delhi and put in prison for seven years on charges of espionage. He was released in 1969 at the recommendation of a local court. After his release, he was brought to Tirodi, a remote village in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, where he began to work in a flour mill and married a local woman. He gradually learned Hindi and eventually had four children with his wife. Still, missing his family and longing for home, Wang continued writing letters to the Indian government requesting assistance. He never received a response.

Wang was issued a Chinese passport by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi in 2013, and applied for permission to travel to China in 2014. However, Wang's request was lost in the shuffle of "official procedures," according to the Global Times.

On Feb. 4, a spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs said they would consult with the Ministry of Home Affairs on this matter. The Chinese embassy also actively communicated with the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate Wang's homecoming.

Chinese ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui has also reached out to Wang, expressing respect and sympathy for his plight.
Less than five years after launching the service, Valve has decided to close down Steam's Greenlight platform and replace it with a more formalized process for developers to submit their games to Steam.

This is potentially a huge deal for developers because in the 4+ years since Valve debuted Greenlight, the number of games released on Steam every year has skyrocketed.

On the plus side, this has led to a game marketplace with remarkable diversity and scope -- visual novels and free-to-play shooters rub shoulders with interactive fiction and triple-A open-world games. But it also makes it much more challenging for devs to get their games noticed amid the crowd, and that's something Valve is hoping to address by replacing Steam Greenlight with a new system, Steam Direct, later this year.

The most important takeaway for devs is that Steam Direct is currently being conceived of as a system where you submit paperwork to Valve and then pay a fee every time you want to put a game on Steam. If your game sells, you recoup that fee; if not, no dice.

Today Valve published a blog post outlining how this change will work and why it thinks this is a good idea. The company sent around a copy in advance, and since the whole thing is worth reading if you're a developer who releases games on Steam, we've taken the liberty of republishing it below.

Evolving Steam

When we consider any new features or changes for Steam, our primary goal is to make customers happy. We measure that happiness by how well we are able to connect customers with great content. Weve come to realize that in order to serve this goal we needed to move away from a small group of people here at Valve trying to predict which games would appeal to vastly different groups of customers.

Thus, over Steams 13-year history, we have gradually moved from a tightly curated store to a more direct distribution model. In the coming months, we are planning to take the next step in this process by removing the largest remaining obstacle to having a direct path, Greenlight. Our goal is to provide developers and publishers with a more direct publishing path and ultimately connect gamers with even more great content.

What we learned from Greenlight

After the launch of Steam Greenlight, we realized that it was a useful stepping stone for moving to a more direct distribution system, but it still left us short of that goal. Along the way, it helped us lower the barrier to publishing for many developers while delivering many great new games to Steam. There are now over 100 Greenlight titles that have made at least $1 Million each, and many of those would likely not have been published in the old, heavily curated Steam store.

These unforeseen successes made it abundantly clear that there are many different audiences on Steam, each looking for a different experience. For example, we see some people that sink thousands of hours into one or two games, while others purchase dozens of titles each year and play portions of each. Some customers are really excited about 4X strategy games, while others just buy visual novels.

Greenlight also exposed two key problems we still needed to address: improving the entire pipeline for bringing new content to Steam and finding more ways to connect customers with the types of content they wanted.

To solve these problems a lot of work was done behind the scenes, where we overhauled the developer publishing tools in Steamworks to help developers get closer to their customers. Other work has been much more visible, such as the Discovery Updates and the introduction of features like user reviews, discovery queues, user tags, streamlined refunds, and Steam Curators.

These improvements have allowed more developers to publish their games and connect with relevant gamers on Steam. One of the clearest metrics is that the average time customers spend playing games on Steam has steadily increased since the first Discovery Update. Over the same time period, the average number of titles purchased on Steam by individual customers has doubled. Both of these data points suggest that were achieving our goal of helping users find more games that they enjoy playing. (You can read a more detailed analysis of our recent updates here.)

A better path for digital distribution

The next step in these improvements is to establish a new direct sign-up system for developers to put their games on Steam. This new path, which were calling Steam Direct, is targeted for Spring 2017 and will replace Steam Greenlight. We will ask new developers to complete a set of digital paperwork, personal or company verification, and tax documents similar to the process of applying for a bank account. Once set up, developers will pay a recoupable application fee for each new title they wish to distribute, which is intended to decrease the noise in the submission pipeline.

While we have invested heavily in our content pipeline and personalized store, were still debating the publishing fee for Steam Direct. We talked to several developers and studios about an appropriate fee, and they gave us a range of responses from as low as $100 to as high as $5,000. There are pros and cons at either end of the spectrum, so wed like to gather more feedback before settling on a number.

Just the beginning

We want to make sure Steam is a welcoming environment for all developers who are serious about treating customers fairly and making quality gaming experiences. The updates weve made over the past few years have been paving the way for improvements to how new titles get on to Steam, and Steam Direct represents just one more step in our ongoing process of making Steam better.

We intend to keep iterating on Steams shopping experience, the content pipeline and everything in between.

As we prepare to make these changes, we welcome your feedback and input on this and any other Steam issues. As always, we'll continue to read the community's discussions throughout the Steam forums and the web at large, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Street Fighter V: Latest Season 2 Character Reveal Details

Ever since Capcom's announcement of their planned Season 2 DLC for Street Fighter V last year, they apparently did a great job of keeping the rest of the upcoming characters secret. However, in recent news, the company made an announcement that they are going to reveal the next character to join the second season's cast. It appears the fighting game will be joined by Kolin as the next DLC fighter.

The character reveal was announced in tandem with the launch party of Lupe Fiasco's new album "DROGAS Light," at the Folsom Street Foundry in San Francisco. A special event featuring some Capcom Pro Tour matches and a cosplay contest will be held at the venue as well, reports Siliconera. "It's Not Design" is a new song from his new album, which was featured during the reveal trailer for the new fighter.

"Street Fighter V" will be adding Kolin to the roster as a free DLC character for Season Pass holders, while regular players can get her by splurging some Fight Money or from the Playstation Store. She is scheduled to join the cast on Feb. 28, 2017. The new character reportedly made her first appearance in "Street Fighter III," where she worked for Gill as his loyal assistant. She is described in Capcom's official blog to be helping fulfill the "Prophecy of "Miraha.

Her character description claims that she appears well-organized and calm, but can fly off the handle at a moment's notice when her master or their plans are threatened. The trailer showcases her ability to control the power of ice. Sources claim she uses the Russian martial art called Systema, which aims to use the opponent's momentum against them, as indicated by Game Rant.

Capcom continues to deliver its commitment to support "Street Fighter V." In a report from Gamenguide, Akuma was the first Season 2 DLC character released back in 2016. The publisher previously revealed that the remaining DLC fighters will all be new and was not usable in any other game from the franchise. Kolin's reveal appears to support the developers announcement.
On Feb. 7 local time, the United Nations honored the fourth Chinese peacekeeping troops in Mali with Peace Medals of Honor. The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Mali, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, attended the award ceremony, along with Chinese ambassador to Mali Lu Huiying and top officials from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Over the past nine months, Chinese peacekeepers have made great contributions to patrols and medical services in Mali. One peacekeeper was killed and several others injured in the line of duty.
Readers, we need your help to prove a merry Christmas for victims of domestic violence.
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.

Corvallis Police Department

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

DUII: 1:59 a.m., 300 N.W. Third St. An officer responded to the McDonald's parking lot for a report of a drunk driver. A Benton County sheriff's deputy reported that he observed a vehicle driving the wrong way on Northwest Fourth Street before entering the McDonald's parking lot and approaching the drive-through window. The Police Department officer arriving on scene reportedly saw the vehicle driving the wrong way on Third Street before initiating a traffic stop. The driver, Kevin Lee Emineth, 52, no address listed, was charged with DUII. Emineth reportedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

TRESPASS: 7:08 a.m., 500 Southeast Lilly Avenue. A woman reported that she woke up to voices in her yard and found two men in the backyard holding a shovel that she had left lying on her porch. The woman reported that she yelled at them and the men responded "we are the police. We are here to help" before going over the fence and leaving with the shovel. The woman described the suspected thieves as white men, one wearing a red hoodie, the other wearing a black hoodie. Officers arriving on scene were unable to locate the men.
A land-use application that might add more housing for Oregon State University students goes before a city board Wednesday.

The Land Development Hearings Board, a three-person subset of the Corvallis Planning Commission, will hold a 5:30 p.m. public hearing on the Pacific Fruit zone change at the downtown fire station, 400 N.W. Harrison Blvd.

The zone change request from general industrial to mixed use employment, a zone designation that would allow housing, involves a 0.56-acre parcel at 960 SW Washington Ave.

Although Wednesdays hearing only will consider the zone change on the Pacific Fruit property, the lot is planned to be combined with other properties, including the site of the Densons Feed & Seed Store on Southwest Seventh. The Denson's property was rezoned in a similar fashion last year.

Gilbane Development of Providence, Rhode Island, held a neighborhood meeting Oct. 20 at which plans for the combined 4-acre parcel were discussed. The plans include more than 200 housing units, a parking garage and commercial space. No development plans for the combined parcel have been submitted, said Rian Amiton, associate planner with the city of Corvallis.

The Land Development Hearings Board meeting will be followed by a Planning Commission meeting that includes a public hearing on a land development code text amendment that would update the citys notification requirements on land-use cases.

In other public meetings:

Monday

 The Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Advisory Board meets at 3 p.m. at the Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 S.W. Madison Ave.

 The Philomath City Council meets for a goal-setting work session at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 980 Applegate St. A regular City Council session follows at 7 p.m., with the appointment of a fiscal 2017-18 budget officer and a public hearing on a proposed public safety fee on the agenda.

 The Community Relations Advisory Group meets at 7 p.m. at the Madison room.

 Ward 6 Councilor Nancy Wyse is hosting a ward meeting at 7 p.m. at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 1736 N.W. Dixon St.

Tuesday

 The Corvallis Historic Resources Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. at the downtown fire station, 400 N.W. Harrison Blvd. Two public hearings regarding alterations of fire escapes at Oregon State University properties are on the agenda, one at Benton Hall and the second at the Pharmacy Building.

Wednesday

 The Corvallis Housing and Community Development Advisory Board meets at 4:15 p.m. at the Madison room.

 The Corvallis Arts and Culture Advisory Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Department, 1310 S.W. Avery Park Drive.

Thursday

 The Corvallis Housing and Community Development Advisory Board meets at 5:15 p.m. at the Madison room.

 The Parks, Natural Areas and Recreation Advisory Board meets at 6:30 at the downtown fire station.

Feb. 18

 A public forum on the future of Corvallis Access Media, the citys community television station, will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre, 115 S.W. Second St. A second meeting is Feb. 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Majestic.
A 61-year-old Oregon City man was sentenced Thursday to 41 months in prison for having a sexual relationship with an underage girl from Corvallis.

Donald Robert Grey was convicted Thursday in Benton County Circuit Court of three counts of second-degree sexual abuse, one count of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse and three counts of second-degree encouraging child sex abuse. All of the charges were felonies.

Grey was also ordered to three years post-prison supervision as a part of the sentence. Benton County Judge Locke Williams, who handed out the sentencing, also ordered Grey to register as a sex offender and not have any contact with the victim or her family. Williams agreed to follow a plea agreement agreed to by both parties.

Grey, who was set to go to trial later this month after pleading not guilty to the charges, amended his plea to guilty prior to sentencing. He was originally charged with 12 counts of felony second-degree sexual abuse and one count of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct, but the other charges were dropped or changed as a part of the plea agreement.

Assistant District Attorney Amie Matusko represented the state in the case. Grey was represented by court-appointed attorney Clark Willes.

Prior to sentencing, Willes spoke on behalf of his client to note that he did not agree with all of the facts listed in the charges, but that his client did agree to the plea agreement and that Grey was willing to plead guilty to move forward.

Grey was arrested in October by detectives with the Benton County Sheriffs Office in assistance with the Inter-agency Child Exploitation Prevention Team (INTERCEPT), the Oregon City Police Department and the Linn County Sheriffs Office.

The arrest followed a month-long Sheriff's Office investigation into a report that a 16-year-old girl in Corvallis was having a sexual relationship with an adult male in Benton County.

Prior to sentencing, Matusko provided a summary of the investigation, noting that Grey sought out and cultivated a relationship with a girl from Corvallis, that he had sexual contact with her and that he encouraged her to send sexually explicit photos of herself to him.

Matusko noted that one troubling issue in the case is that the victim shared the relationship with a number of her friends and none of the friends reported it.

"We encourage anyone who hears something like that to talk to someone about it," Matusko said later.

Matusko also read a statement in court from the victim, who was present in court during the sentencing.

Youve hurt me beyond words I cant even describe, the victim said, according to the statement read in court. You dirty, pathetic man. I despise you.  You made me think I loved you.

Grey also offered a statement prior to sentencing, apologizing for his actions and asking the victim to forgive him.

I am deeply sorry for my actions, Grey said in court. It was wrong and I knew better.  I am so sorry for everything Ive done.

Grey also asked the community of Benton County to forgive him.

You expect more of your citizens, he said in court. In this matter I have failed you.
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.

Corvallis Police Department

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

HARASSMENT: 12:50 a.m., Northwest 17th Street and Van Buren Avenue. An officer responded to a fight in progress. A man reported that he witnessed his friend, Carlos Antonio Cisneros, 21, of Albany yelling at a woman and pinning her on a bed. The man reported he yelled at Cisneros to let the woman go and Cisneros punched him in the face. Cisneros was arrested on two counts of harassment.

Benton County Sheriff's Office

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: 10:48 a.m., 26000 block of Shady Oak Drive, Monroe. Two people reported finding footprints in their living room. They both reported that nothing was taken and the footprints were not theirs.

ATTACK ON ANIMALS: 9:01 a.m., 24800 block Judy Lane, Monroe. A man reported that two stray dogs attacked and killed four of his chickens. The dogs were described as a black-and-white border collie and a small white poodle.

SUNDAY, FEB. 5

DUII: 11:13 p.m., Northwest Fifth Street and Harrison Boulevard. A deputy arrested and charged Julie Ann Norby, 44, of Portland, with DUII following a traffic stop. Norby had a reported blood alcohol content of 0.09 percent.
A special ceremony was held by Hancheng Lake in Xian, capital city of Shaanxi province on Feb. 9, with 60 children between the ages of 6 and 10 participating in the solemn First Writing Ceremony. Also called the Qi Meng (Enlightenment) Ceremony, the event was once essential for all students before being admitted to school in ancient China. Teachers traditionally give participants a red dot on their foreheads to signify the opening of the wisdom eye.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
(Xinhua) 19:21, February 10, 2017

The Chinese Embassy in Albania confirmed Friday that rescue teams had found three bodies of trapped Chinese mining specialists in a chrome mine here, and that the bodies are being retrieved.

Two Albanian rescue teams were sent in for the search operation, together with Albanian and Chinese mining experts, after a hydrogen gas explosion occurred in the chrome mine on Saturday, said Mehmet Hasalami, head of the Albanian Mining Rescue Unit.

The Albanian government and the Chinese Embassy have also dispatched two separate working groups to the mine in the northern Albanian town.

One Chinese miner suffered minor injuries in the accident.

The chrome mine was run by Albanian Chrome, owned by Albania's Balfin Group. The Chinese mining experts were from Wenzhou Corporation of Mining Tunnel Design and contracted by Albanian Chrome, according to the Chinese Embassy.
Historic buildings : Castles and fortresses open their doors

Rhine-Sieg County Germany is home to wonderful historical castles and fortresses, some of them a stones throw away from Bonn. Many will be opening their doors to the public this spring and summer.

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Once again this spring, historic castles and fortresses in Rhine-Sieg County will open their doors to the public on special days. Group and individual tours will be offered in some of them.

Burg Morenhoven in Swisttal can be visited on Saturday, April 8 and September 10 from 3 p.m. Admission is five euros and participants meet up in front of the building. Also in Swisttal, Schloss Miel opens its gates on Sundays, June 11 and August 24. The baroque style building can be visited from 12:00 noon. Visitors also meet in front of the building and admission is five euros.

Burg Luftelberg in Meckenheim will open for visitors on Sunday, April 9 and October 15. Doors open at 3 pm and admission is five euro.

The Rheinbacher Burg and Hexenturm can also be toured. On Sunday, July 2 from 2 pm and Sunday, August 27 from 3 pm, visitors can meet up in the Himmeroder Hof in front of the Glass Museum. Admission is free.

Burg Adendorf in Wachtberg will be open to visitors on Thursday, May 11 and Friday, September 1. Those interested can meet up in the interior courtyard, admission is ten euros per person.

Admission is free to Wolfsburg and Haus Wittgenstein in Bornheim-Roisdorf. They will open their doors on Friday, May 26 and Friday, June 30 at 3 pm.
Kunst und verkaufsoffener Sonntag in der City : Bonn leuchtet seit Freitagabend wieder
G 20 meeting next week : Demonstration in front of WCCB

Bonn It will be busy next Thursday with G20 foreign ministers descending upon Bonn and the World Conference Center. Authorities have allowed a planned demonstration to be held within earshot of the WCCB.

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When foreign ministers of the G20 nations meet at the World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB) on Thursday, February 16, there will be a protest in close proximity to the WCCB. Police and federal authorities have agreed to let the demonstration be within seeing and hearing distance of the WCCB. Martin Behrsing, who registered the protest and is spokesperson of the group, released the information on Thursday. It was confirmed by Bonn police spokesperson, Robert Scholten to General Anzeiger.

In a previous discussion with police about where the demonstration could be held, Behrsing said police wanted to limit protesters to a space outside of seeing or hearing distance from the WCCB and the foreign ministers meeting. Behrsing said he is content with the end result of their discussions. For our alliance of groups, this is a successful result, also with respect to the planned protest in conjunction with the climate conference in November in Bonn, he said.
An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.9



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



The Southern Gas Corridor is a project of strategic importance for the entire region of South-East Europe, the newly-appointed Energy Minister of Bulgaria Nikolay Pavlov said in an exclusive interview with Trend.



"Ensuring security of gas supply is one of the key priorities of the European Energy Union. Bulgaria and the EU are actively working on the diversification of sources and routes of gas supplies, which will ensure the implementation of this priority," said the minister.



"In this regard, the Southern Gas Corridor is a project of strategic importance for both Bulgaria and the entire region of South-East Europe that will provide energy security for the EU."



Pavlov pointed out that Bulgaria has supported this project since its initiation.



Azerbaijan is not only a major gas source, but also a key factor enabling the realization of the Southern Gas Corridor, added the minister.



"I must underline that Bulgaria and Azerbaijan enjoy excellent partnership, especially in the energy field. An expression of this partnership is the contract concluded between Bulgargaz and Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR for supply of 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from Shah Deniz 2. This gas will be delivered through the Southern Gas Corridor, namely: the South-Caucasus Pipeline, Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) to our country," said Pavlov.



The minister also talked about Bulgarias expectations from the upcoming meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council to be held in Baku, Feb.23.



At the forthcoming meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council, Bulgaria expects the countries involved in the project to inform about their progress regarding the above-mentioned projects, i.e. the development of the second phase of Shah Deniz, the expansion of the South-Caucasus Pipeline (SCPx), the construction of TANAP and the ongoing activities related to TAP, said Pavlov.



"On the Bulgarian side, we are going to present the significant progress in the IGB and the development of other Bulgarian interconnectors: the commissioning of the interconnector Bulgaria-Romania (IBR) at the end of 2016, the interconnector Turkey-Bulgaria (ITB) and the interconnector Bulgaria- Serbia (IBS)," he added.



The SGC Advisory Council held its first meeting on Feb. 12, 2015, and the second meeting on Feb. 29, 2016.



The Southern Gas Corridor envisages transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region to Europe via Georgia and Turkey.



The gas will be exported through expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

France as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair country bears special responsibility for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement together with the US and Russia, massispost.com news website reported citing President of France Francois Hollande.

The head of state made the remarks at the annual dinner of the Coordination Council of the Armenian Organizations of France on Feb. 9.

We are in haste, and haste really exists, to find a solution to this issue since the dreadful incidents of April 2-4 of the last year reminded us that every day or nearly every day death cases are recorded in Karabakh. Therefore, we have to act to prevent clashes, the president said.

Hollande noted he plans to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan during the Armenian presidents visit to Paris.

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, Feb. 10

Trend:

Azerbaijani Armed Forces eliminated a military vehicle with Armenian personnel inside, said the press service of Azerbaijans Defense Ministry Feb. 10.

The military vehicle was destroyed on Feb. 9 evening in the Aghdere - Tartar direction along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.

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.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Ilhama Isabalayeva  Trend:

The Constitution and the relevant procedural legislation of Azerbaijan contain all guarantees inherent in a democratic state for an impartial and fair consideration of the criminal case initiated against Alexander Lapshin, Rauf Guliyev, head of staff of Azerbaijans Constitutional Court, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

He said the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's Office filed a suit against Lapshin under the articles of 281.2 (appeals directed against the state) and 318.2 (illegal border crossing) of the Criminal Code.

Legal liability and the degree of guilt of the accused person must be determined by the appropriate court of Azerbaijan, according to Guliyev.

Noting that the judicial system of Azerbaijan is based on the principles of democratic statehood, he added that any person accused of committing a crime, regardless of citizenship, has broad procedural rights secured by the Constitution of Azerbaijan.

These rights also provide for the possibility to apply directly to the Constitutional Court for protection of rights and freedoms, Guliyev said.

As for the Armenian authorities statements saying that Lapshins extradition is a violation of human rights, Guliyev said these statements are totally groundless.

Such statements of Armenia, which is behind the decisions of the so-called illegitimate court against our innocent compatriots Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev, once again demonstrate that Armenia is ready to support any act committed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Guliyev said.

Alexander Lapshin, a citizen of several countries, has illegally visited Azerbaijani territories, occupied by Armenia.

Lapshin is accused of violating Azerbaijani laws on state border in April 2011 and October 2012. He also was promoting the illegal regime established on Azerbaijans occupied lands, presenting Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state. Lapshin also made public incitements aimed at violating Azerbaijans territorial integrity on April 6 and June 29, 2016.

On Jan. 17, Belarus issued a ruling for Lapshins extradition to Azerbaijan. Lapshin was brought to Azerbaijan on Feb. 7.

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.
xspraise at 10-02-2017 10:33 AM (5 years ago) (m)



Three Nigerian nationals, who in July 2015 were extradited from South Africa to the Southern District of Mississippi, were convicted, last week, by a federal jury for their wide-ranging Internet fraud schemes.

Three Nigerian nationals, who in July 2015 were extradited from South Africa to the Southern District of Mississippi, were convicted, last week, by a federal jury for their wide-ranging Internet fraud schemes.

Oladimeji Seun Ayelotan, 30, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud, and theft of U.S. government funds, two counts of mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.



Ayelotan faces up to 95 years in prison. Rasaq Aderoju Raheem, 31, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud, and theft of U.S. government funds, three counts of mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.



Raheem faces up to 115 years in prison. Femi Alexander Mewase, 45, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud, and theft of U.S. government funds. Mewase faces up to 25 years in prison. Sentencing for all three is set for May 24, in the Southern District of Mississippi.



Oladimeji Seun Ayelotan, 30, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud, and theft of U.S. government funds, two counts of mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.Ayelotan faces up to 95 years in prison. Rasaq Aderoju Raheem, 31, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud, and theft of U.S. government funds, three counts of mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.Raheem faces up to 115 years in prison. Femi Alexander Mewase, 45, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud, and theft of U.S. government funds. Mewase faces up to 25 years in prison. Sentencing for all three is set for May 24, in the Southern District of Mississippi.

Post Reply I am Victor, I write reportage on sport news and latest metro happenings in Nigeria. Posted: at 10-02-2017 10:33 AM (5 years ago) | Hero
Sony 4K TVs to feature inbuilt Google Assistant News oi -Vigneshravi Sony 4K Android TVs with powerful processors to feature inbuilt voice-controlled Google Assistant

Sony's 4K TVs to get Google's voice-controlled Assistant and the same will be added to the new sets via a firmware update later this year. With rising number of smart homes and integrated devices, this move from Sony should be widely appreciated and accepted. Sony's latest 4K panels come with powerful processors, which enhance the picture quality of just about any video viewed on it.

This move from Sony along with their entry into the OLED display arena with an OLED of their own is sure to get them a much deeper penetration into the market. The Sony sets already come with Android TV, and now with the Google Assistant on board, it will surely raise the bar in the smart TV arena.

Sony's first 4K Blu-ray player to go on sale in March

The inbuilt Google Assistant will be able to connect and even control other devices in the Google Home universe through voice commands. The voice commands will have to be given by hitting a button on the remote for the Google Assistant to engage, followed by the command. The command would have to be given by hitting the button followed by "OK Google" and the command. The inbuilt Google Assistant will have a few TV-centric functions and features.



Sony's X1 extreme processor will remain in its flagship Z9D TV and will be shared with the upcoming Bravia A1E OLED as well. Sony plans to use the X1 processor in their other TV. Further, the company plans on adding more powerful processors on the lower-end sets which will, in turn, enable them to perform better than their hardware specs would suggest.

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Sony's first 4K Blu-ray player to go on sale in March News oi -Samden Sherpa Sony has disclosed the price of its 4K Blu-ray player.

Sony, the Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation showcased the UBP-X800, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player at CES earlier and touted it to be the first 4K Blu-ray player in the market.

While the device was announced at the event, the details about the pricing and availability were not revealed. However, now after almost a month, Sony has disclosed the same for the product.

Sony is now making the Blu-ray player available to the consumers at a price of $299 (approx RS. 20,008.) The player will go on sale from March and Sony has also provided an option to pre-order the device.

Sony announces its first ever 3-Layer stacked CMOS image sensor with DRAM for smartphones

We are yet to get the full details about the device, but a report from The Verge states that the device will be compatible with "virtually every optical disc format" including Blu-ray 3D and Super Audio CD.

In addition to the Ultra HD Blu-ray player, Sony is also expected to bring in a number of 4K TVs with a varied price range in March.

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Oppo to start manufacturing smartphones in India News oi -Priyanka The company has recently informed BSE that there have been talks with the Government of Uttar Pradesh

With an aim to increase its market share and presence in India, Chinese handset maker Oppo is taking big steps into the country by settting up its own production and assembling unit in Greater Noida and by entering into online sales segment.

The company has recently informed Bombay Stock Exchange that there have been talks with the Government of Uttar Pradesh with respect to setting up of production and assembling facility over a land base situated in Greater Noida, in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Meanwhile, Oppo has also announced its partnership with e-commerce giant Flipkart for exclusive online sales with the F1s Rose Gold Limited Edition launched on Thursday, priced at Rs 18,990.

SEE ALSO: 5 features that make OPPO A57 the perfect smartphone for unstoppable selfies

Besides its existing facility in Greater Noida, the company is also planning a 1000-acre industrial park with an investment of over Rs 1,400 crore. Part of a long-term plan, operations in this park are expected to begin in the next two to three years.

"The company will begin operations at the new Surface Mount Technology (SMT) facility in Greater Noida in 2017 the part of their commitment under Make in India programme," person familiar to the development said.

SMT is a method for producing electronic devices in which the components are placed directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs).

According to a recent report by Counterpoint Research, Oppo held 8 per cent share in October-December quarter in India, while a report by International Data Corporation (IDC) Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker says that the company had shipped 78.4 million phones, which is more than double of 35.4 million units that it shipped in 2015 in China.

Huawei came in at second, shipping 76 million phones and Vivo managed to almost double its shipments, going from 35 million in 2015 to 69 million last year.

Huawei came in at second, shipping 76 million phones, while Vivo managed to almost double its shipments, going from 35 million in 2015 to 69 million last year.

"The top three Chinese vendors (Huawei, OPPO, and vivo) are persistently applying pressure on Samsung within China thanks to a vast portfolio of affordable, well-built devices. Not only is this pressure coming at the low-end, but high-end devices like the P9, Mate 8, R9s, and XPlay6 haven proven viable options for consumers looking to upgrade or save money without sacrificing quality," said Anthony Scarsella, research manager with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker

Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals

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Galaxy S7 edge explodes while Samsung is prepping to launch Galaxy S8 News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Samsung is in news for something bad.

When it comes to smartphone battery explosion, Samsung has become an unforgettable brand name as it had to recall its flagship Galaxy Note 7 and halt the production of the same as well. But it appears like the Galaxy Note 7 isn't the only one from Samsung to explode.

Following the Note 7, the exploding Galaxy S7 edge units have hit the headlines leaving the users of the flagship smartphone worried. The saga seems to continue as another Galaxy S7 edge explosion has come to light. Going by the claim of a Reddit user, his Galaxy S7 edge got fried on the inside while it was charging on the company's fast charge wireless pad. He went on stating that he had heard a pop, a hiss and smoke started coming out from the phone filling the room with a heavy smell of burnt electronics.

Samsung Hello to debut on Galaxy S8: Is a Google Now rival in the making?

This is a big issue, but Samsung has remained silent on the matter. The company hasn't even asked for the smartphone to check if there was any fault. The user of the device in question has called Samsung a few times, but it appears like he didn't get any help.

The Galaxy S7 edge explosion isn't new. We have already come across a few such incidents in the past, but the worrying part is Samsung hasn't offered any help to the affected customer. This rises a question of reliability on Samsung's customer support.

Source

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 now pays a visit to FCC News oi -Chakri Kudikala The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 will be launched at the MWC 2017.

Samsung, in their official media invite for the MWC 2017 event revealed that they are going to announce a tablet and rumors say that it will be the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. Ahead of its official launch, the device is now certified by FCC.

The Galaxy Tab S3 carries a model number SM-T820 and will feature a 9.6-inch Full HD screen with an aspect ratio of 4:3, which was confirmed as well. Also, the Tab S3 will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC, coupled with 4GB of RAM. The camera module in the Tab S3 is located in the rear middle, and a LED flashlight can be seen below the module.

Also Read: Apple's upcoming iPhones to feature wireless charging

Samsung will announce the product at the MWC 2017, and it is widely garnered that the South Korean smartphone giant won't be announcing the Galaxy S8 at the event. So, all eyes will be on the Samsung's sole product, the Galaxy Tab S3 till the event concludes.

SOURCE

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Overall, dont let the bhoot mislead you, nothing bhootiya about this story. Had the makers tried to push the envelope, the idea could have been outstanding for a bhootiya comedy.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

The issue related to the mandate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan has been elevated to such a crisis level that seriously affected trust that Baku put on the chairmanship and others within the organization, said the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the OSCE in a statement, the diplomatic mission told Trend Feb. 10.

During series of consultations over the past months, our delegation was informed of violations of the mandate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan from different angles. We have been informed that violation of the mandate even goes beyond the scope identified by Azerbaijan and includes certain managerial and organizational aspects of the work of the OSCE field mission. Against this background, it is of extreme disappointment that the situation continues to be addressed in a discriminatory manner with a view to putting the blame on Azerbaijan, says the statement.

Over the past months, Azerbaijan took constructive position hoping for finding a solution to the matter. Unfortunately, it was not reciprocated by the participating state that hosts the field mission. Instead, that delegation opted for open blackmailing and blocked the mandates of other field missions, says the statement. Yet, we have not seen any statement by those delegations which took the floor today condemning such inadmissible actions by Armenia. This casts doubt on sincerity of these delegations and demonstrates lack of constructive engagement on their part to help solve the current stalemate.

Clearly, we do not see green light at the end of tunnel with regard to the solution of the issue, until we put an end to misinterpretation and abuse of the mandate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, according to the statement. We do not trust to the Head of the Office and we do not see authority in the Chairmanship, as well as in the Delegations, which spoke today, to impose the position that activities of the Office are in line with its mandate. This is the responsibility of the Council to decide upon.

We do not want to go further in investigating the matter. There is mistrust to the Office and it may continue to engage into activities related to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This should be rectified with amendments to its mandate indicating that the Office is not entitled to be involved in any activity related to the conflict. This will be a clear signal to the Office and the host-country to refrain from misusing the OSCE field mission, says the statement.

It is already 3 years that our delegation has been raising concerns over this programmatic activity of the Office and we are fed up with a lack of clarity with regard to the mandate of the Office and apparent attempts to abuse this situation against legitimate interests of Azerbaijan. This should be stopped, noted the Azerbaijani delegation in its statement. Until the limits for activities of the OSCE Office in Yerevan in all three dimensions clarified through decision of the Permanent Council, we will not join consensus on the extension of its mandate.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani delegation informed the OSCE Permanent Council that they dont support the draft decision on extension of the mandate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

Azerbaijan expressed concern that the OSCE Office in Yerevan is engaged in activities, which dont befit the mandate of the organization. It has become source of serious concern that over the past years the Office in Yerevan has been drawn into the demining-related activity, which is clearly a post-conflict rehabilitation measure, noted the Azerbaijani delegation.

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.
U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Release

No. NR-051-17 February 08, 2017

Statement by Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis on Airstrikes Against al-Qaida near Idlib, Syria

On Feb. 3, one U.S. strike killed 10 terrorists in a building being used as an al-Qaida meeting place.

On Feb. 4, a second strike killed Abu Hani al-Masri, a legacy al-Qaida terrorist with ties to the group's senior leaders, including Ayman al-Zawahiri and Usama bin-Laden. Al-Masri oversaw the creation and operation of many al-Qaida training camps in Afghanistan in the 1980s and '90s, where he recruited, indoctrinated, trained and equipped thousands of terrorists who subsequently spread throughout the region and the world.

He was also one of the founders of Egyptian Islamic Jihad, the first Sunni group to use suicide bombers in their terror attacks. EIJ is responsible for multiple attacks against U.S. and allied facilities and personnel, including a 1998 attempt to blow up the American embassy in Albania.

These strikes disrupt al-Qaida's ability to plot and direct external attacks targeting the U.S. and our interests worldwide. These extremists are increasingly questioning the loyalty of their members as paranoia spreads throughout their network about the many strikes conducted against them. U.S. forces have struck multiple meeting locations, an established basic training camp, and four leaders since the beginning of the year.

We will continue to take action to deny these terrorists safe haven in Syria to ensure they cannot focus on plotting terror against the region and world.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1077052/

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Release

No. NR-052-17 February 08, 2017

Statement by Pentagon Spokesman Captain Jeff Davis on U.S.-Russia Video Conference

The Department of Defense today held a video conference co-chaired by Ken Handelman, performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for International Security Affairs and Rear Adm. Michael J. Dumont, deputy director for strategic initiatives, Joint Staff J5, with Russian Ministry of Defense counterparts. This was the latest session of our dialogue with the Russian Ministry of Defense under the memorandum of understanding for the safety of flight in Syria to ensure that each side continues to adhere to agreed-upon measures to mitigate incidents in the air over Syria.

Department officials discussed ongoing work regarding the safety of operations since the two sides last met. The two sides reiterated the utility of adhering to the memorandum of understanding to avoid accidents and misunderstandings in the air space over Syria.

Today's meeting follows previous video conferences between the Department of Defense and the Russian Ministry of Defense on this topic.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1077111/

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Somalia: UN mission pledges support as new President will face 'daunting challenges'

8 February 2017  Congratulating former Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi 'Farmajo' on his election as Somalia's new President, the United Nations Assistance Mission in the country (UNSOM) said the UN and the wider international community are ready to assist him in addressing the myriad challenges that await his Government.

"We [] look forward to working with him and his Government in tackling the many economic, political, security and humanitarian challenges facing Somalia," UNSOM Spokesperson Joseph Contreras told UN News after the presidential polling, which followed a nearly 18 month exercise that included an extended parliamentary electoral process.

"It's an historic milestone in the country's emergence from years of chaos and civil war. We feel the process, though flawed in some respects by allegations of corruption and manipulation of some of the parliamentary voting, overall, produced some very positive results," he said, noting that the new Federal Parliament that was elected is the most representative and legitimate national legislature in the history of the country.

The new president, known as 'Farmajo,' was declared the winner after two rounds of voting by the Somali Parliament in the capital, Mogadishu. The runner-up, the incumbent, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, chose to withdraw from a third and final round of voting and congratulated the former Prime Minister on his victory.

Mr. Contreras said that the voting today, held under "very, very tight security," was conducted in a peaceful, orderly and transparent manner according to the rules stipulated by Somalia's provisional Federal Constitution. "Voting was held at the airport and there had been some questions raised about security, but I take it everything went smoothly," he said, stressing that had been no attempted attacks on the venue whatsoever.

He went on to say that the Mission also thanked the outgoing President and his government for the achievements they registered over the past four years "and for the very good working relationship that we enjoyed as the United Nations with President Hassan Sheikh and his team."

Looking ahead, Mr. Contreras said that what is next for Somalia first of all is for the new Federal President to name a prime minister. The prime minister then in turn will appoint a cabinet.

"And then they will get down to business. The new President [] faces a daunting list of challenges in the coming months and years. There is of course the ongoing drought crisis in many parts of the country where over six million people are facing varying degrees of food insecurity," he explained.

Furthermore, Mr. Contreras continued, there is a presumption of the constitutional review process that needs to take place, and that process needs to be completed this year. "Also, the new Federal President will need to promote reconciliation among various communities across Somalia who have disputes over resources, land and other matters."

In all this, the international community, led by the UN, stands ready to work closely with the new Government and help it promote the State-building process and consolidate the peace and promote the development of the country, he stated.

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Counter-ISIL Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Feb. 9, 2017  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

Fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 17 strikes consisting of 21 engagements in Syria:

-- Near Bab, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two mortar systems, a vehicle-borne bomb, a vehicle and a tunnel entrance.

-- Near Raqqa, 14 strikes engaged five ISIL tactical units; destroyed two fighting positions, two tunnel entrances, a tactical vehicle, a vehicle and an improvised explosive device; and damaged six supply routes.

Strikes in Iraq

Bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft, as well as artillery and rocket artillery, conducted 12 strikes consisting of 43 engagements in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government:

-- Near Haditha, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit; destroyed two weapons caches, a fighting position and an ISIL-held building; and suppressed a mortar team.

-- Near Kirkuk, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL-held buildings.

-- Near Kisik, a strike engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed a supply cache and damaged a tunnel.

-- Near Mosul, six strikes engaged six ISIL tactical units; destroyed five watercraft, four vehicles, three excavators, three engineering equipment pieces, two ISIL-held buildings, a weapons cache, an ISIL headquarters, a front-end loader, a crane, a mortar system, a backhoe and a command-and-control node; damaged five supply routes; and suppressed six mortar teams.

-- Near Qayyarah, a strike damaged three supply routes.

-- Near Tuz, a strike damaged a supply route.

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 Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

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Resolute Support Commander: More Troops Needed to Break Afghan 'Stalemate'

By Cheryl Pellerin DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2017  A few thousand more troops for the train, advise and assist mission in Afghanistan would help to break what is now a stalemate with the Taliban, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other adversaries there, the commander of NATO's Resolute Support mission and of U.S. forces in Afghanistan said here today.

Army Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr. testified this morning before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the situation in Afghanistan.

U.S. and NATO troops perform two complementary missions in Afghanistan, Nicholson said: the U.S. counterterrorism mission, called Operation Freedom's Sentinel, and the NATO train, advise and assist mission, called Operation Resolute Support.

"I have adequate resourcing in my counterterrorism mission," the general said. But the train, advise and assist mission has a shortfall of a few thousand troops, he added, noting that the extra troops could come from the United States and its allies, many of whom are fighting in Afghanistan.

Bolstering Offensive Capability

Nicholson said offensive capability will break the stalemate in Afghanistan, and the Afghan security forces' key offensive capabilities are their special forces and air force.

"As a result of our training, equipping and partnering, the 17,000-strong Afghan special forces are the best in the region," the general told the Senate panel. "They now operate independently on roughly 80 percent of their missions."

The Afghan air force also is gaining capability, he added, noting that its first ground-attack aircraft entered the fight in April and the force is now integrating intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance assets into new targeting processes.

According to a Defense Department statement issued Dec. 19, the fiscal year 2017 budget amendment requests $264 million to procure 53 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and to begin to refurbish and modify some of them. The request also would fund more aircraft already in the Afghan inventory, including 30 more armed MD-530 helicopters for $227 million, six more A-29 fixed-wing close-attack aircraft for $174.5 million, and five AC-208 fixed-wing aircraft for $80 million.

The request includes $69 million to train aircrew and maintenance personnel, and DoD officials said it will seek funding for more UH-60s and AC-208s in future fiscal years.

"Congressional approval of funding for the Afghan air force is key to improving the offensive capability of the Afghan national defense and security forces, [and] there is an urgency to this request in order to get these aircraft and aircrews into the fight as soon as possible," Nicholson said.

The investment in the Afghan air force will help them take over responsibility for their own close air support, "and even more important, will lead to an offensive capability that allows them to overmatch the Taliban or any other group on the battlefield, anywhere around the country," the general said.

No Safe Haven

Nicholson said the main objective in Afghanistan is to keep the nation from being used as a safe haven from which terrorists could attack the United States and its allies.

"Of the 98 U.S.-designated terrorist groups globally, 20 operate in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, along with three violent extremist organizations," Nicholson told the senators.

This is the highest concentration of terrorist groups anywhere in the world, and it underscores the counterterrorism platform's importance in the Central Asia-South Asia region, because it protects the American homeland, he added.

"We remain very focused on the defeat of al-Qaida and its associates, as well as the defeat of Islamic State Khorasan Province, which is the ISIL affiliate in Afghanistan," he said.

Many nations are committed to Afghanistan's success, Nicholson said.

At NATO's July summit in Warsaw, Poland, the alliance reaffirmed its commitment to sustain the Afghan national defense and security forces through 2020. At an October conference in Brussels, 75 countries and organizations confirmed their intention to provide $15.2 billion to Afghanistan development needs. And India dedicated another $1 billion on top of the $2 billion it already had given to Afghan development needs.

"These expressions of international commitment reflect the importance the world places on stability in Afghanistan and confidence in the Afghan people and Afghan government," Nicholson said, noting that the NATO mission has an exceptional partnership with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, and the security forces and people of Afghanistan.

No. 1 Goal

The general said the No. 1 goal of the Afghanistan fight is to protect the homeland from any attack emanating from the region.

"We have achieved that in the last 15 years, [but] we need to stay on top of that, because of this confluence of 20 terrorist groups in the region," he said. "I believe this is an enduring commitment to keep pressure on these groups and help the Afghans move toward a successful end state."

Success in Afghanistan might be the maintenance of the enduring counterterrorism effort to keep pressure on terrorist groups, Nicholson said.

"It means that we would destroy the Islamic State and al-Qaida inside Afghanistan, something we're actively pursuing every day. It means that we would help the Afghan security forces and government to extend their control to a larger and larger percentage of the population," he said. It means the NATO mission would help Afghanistan become a more stable and prosperous entity in a critical part of the world, he added.

"I recognize the distance of Afghanistan and the length of this [war] has been challenging for the American people to support," Nicholson said. "However, I personally believe that this effort we're undertaking there is protecting the homeland and preventing these terrorists from bringing their fight to our doorstep."

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Release

No. NR-055-17 February 09, 2017

Readout of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis' Call with Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa

Pentagon Spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis provided the following readout:

Secretary Mattis spoke today by telephone with Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss the U.S.-Pakistan defense relationship.

Gen. Bajwa reiterated Pakistan's commitment to counter all militant groups operating in its territory. Secretary Mattis recognized the significant sacrifices the Pakistan military has made in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and expressed appreciation for the Pakistan military's recent support for efforts to defeat ISIS-Khorasan Province.

Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral military-to-military relationship, and highlighted the importance of continuing to work together on counterterrorism and regional stability.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1078956/

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

Israeli Embassy in Baku is closely following the situation regarding Alexander Lapshin, extradited from Minsk, the embassy told Trend Feb. 10.

We are cooperating with all the sides involved through diplomatic and consular channels, the embassy said.

"The consul of the embassy of Israel in Baku visited Alexander Lapshin in the detention center today. Mr. Lapshin has been medically examined and is kept in appropriate conditions."

Alexander Lapshin is a citizen of several countries and has had a criminal conspiracy with Armenians living in the occupied Azerbaijani territories. He also illegally visited these territories.

Lapshin is accused of violating Azerbaijani laws on state border in April 2011 and October 2012.

On Jan. 17, Alexei Stuk, deputy prosecutor general of Belarus, issued a ruling on Lapshins extradition to Azerbaijan.

Lapshin was brought to Azerbaijan on Feb. 7.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum
Off-road, expeditionary all-terrain vehicles on their way to infantry Marines

US Marine Corps News

By Mathuel Browne | February 9, 2017

Infantry Marines will soon receive ultralight off-road vehicles that will improve mission readiness by providing rapid logistics support in the field.

Program Executive Officer Land Systems, the Corps' acquisition arm for major land programs, is expected to deliver 144 Utility Task Vehicles to the regiment-level starting later this montha mere six months from contract award. The rugged all-terrain vehicle can carry up to four Marines or be converted to haul 1,500 pounds of supplies. With minimal armor, the UTV can quickly haul extra ammunition and provisions, or injured Marines, while preserving energy and stealth.

"The Marine's pack is getting heavier, and they are carrying more gear than ever down range," said Jessica Turner, team lead for Internally Transportable Vehicles/Utility Task Vehicles at PEO LS. "Infantry Marines were looking for a capability that would lessen the load while increasing the area of operation, and the UTV is that solution."

The UTV is a new capability for the fleet. Measuring roughly 12 feet long, the commercially acquired diesel vehicle is modular, with back seats that convert into a small cargo bed. Thanks to its small size, the UTV fits inside MV-22 Ospreys and CH-53E helicopters for easy transport to remote locations and greater tactical support.

PEO LS joined a Marine Corps Special Operations Command contract to deliver the capability to Marines in such a short amount of time.

"We have taken an off-the-shelf capability and leveraged it with other commands to maximize the effort," said Eugene Morin, product manager for Legacy Light Tactical Vehicles at PEO LS. "The continued challenge for the Marine Corps is finding commercial-off-the-shelf items that satisfy the needs of Marines. Through partnerships like this, we can find the solutions we need."

In exchange, MARSOC partnered with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory to run field user evaluations on the UTV to ensure it met the needs of the warfighter.

"One key takeaway from the MCWL testing was user feedback from Infantry Marines," said Mark Godfrey, vehicle capabilities integration officer at Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration. "MCWL did demonstrations such as casualty evacuation and maximum payload, and were able to tell us Marines' thoughts on the value of the vehicle."

The UTV program also satisfies the infantry's requirement to maneuver more rapidly and deeply throughout the battlespace.

Much like larger tactical vehicles, Marines authorized to drive the UTV will be required to complete operator training as well as additional off-road vehicle safety procedures.

"One reason for the driving course is the UTV is an off-road vehicle," Turner said. "The UTV's suspension, handling and the way it distributes power is a lot different than a regular vehicle."

Eighteen vehicles will be delivered to specific infantry regiments, with the first shipment going to I and II Marine Expeditionary Force in February, and III MEF in March and April. The Marine Corps will continue to seek ways to leverage partnerships and speed acquisition for Marines.

"The UTV is a perfect example of how we can do acquisition faster and more efficiently," said Godfrey. "It may be a model for obtaining items from industry quicker in the future."

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Joint press point with NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller and the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Volodymyr Groysman

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

09 Feb. 2017

(As delivered)



Thank you very much.

Prime Minister Groysman, welcome to NATO Headquarters. It's a real pleasure and honour to see you here today, sir.

The Secretary General regrets very much being unable unwell today and unable to meet with you today.

We just discussed the serious situation in eastern Ukraine and NATO's support for your country.

Since Russia's aggressive actions began three years ago, NATO has stood by Ukraine. This will not change. Last night, I chaired a special meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission where we discussed the latest facts on the ground. Every single Ally took the floor to express strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

NATO does not, and will not, recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea and we condemn Russia's continuing destabilisation of eastern Ukraine.

We are deeply concerned by the recent spike in violence. The ceasefire has been violated almost every day for the last two years. But last week, the OSCE, the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe, registered over 10,000 ceasefire violations in a single day. Including with heavy equipment banned under the Minsk Agreements. We have seen the heaviest fighting in the past two years. We must not accept this as the "new normal". It is essential that OSCE monitors are granted free access to all of Ukraine. Up to the border with Russia, as required by the Minsk Agreements. So I call on all parties to honour their commitments.

Russia has a special responsibility in this regard. Ukraine is continuing on the path of reform and anti-corruption despite these very difficult circumstances. And the Prime Minister and I just had a very serious discussion about the continuation of the reform process in Ukraine. I commend you on your efforts.

I encourage Ukraine to continue to press ahead with such reforms. NATO will continue to provide political and practical support to Ukraine. Through our Comprehensive Assistance Package, and through Trust Funds.

We are supporting a Regional Airspace Security Programme, to help Ukraine better handle air security incidents.

Our Medical Rehabilitation programme has helped over 150 servicemen and women of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Our Defence Education Programme has trained nearly 800 Ukrainian military personnel last year.

We have provided anti-corruption training and advice to Ukrainian ministries and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau.

And we are helping Ukraine to establish a centre to monitor and investigate cyber security incidents.

Overall, we are also helping Ukraine reform its security and defence institutions.

To enable Ukraine to better defend itself.

And resist the threat of hybrid warfare.

Prime Minister Groysman, again, welcome to NATO, a very warm welcome.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with you and your colleagues.

Please sir, you have the floor.

DYLAN WHITE [Acting Deputy Spokesperson]: Thank you, we'll go to Unian please.

Q: Good afternoon here, my name is Irina Somer, Ukrainian News Agency Unian. I have a follow up question for Deputy Secretary General. Because you got invitation from Ukrainian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine together with the North Atlantic Council because last time it was hundreds years ago, when do you think this visit can take place? And another question on yesterday NATO Ukraine Commission I saw in the news that it was written that NATO will increase political pressure on Russia. So how exactly you see it to happen? And question for Prime Minister.

[Interpreted]: Prime Minister did you, did you achieve any results in the headquarters? These results that you have expected?

ROSE GOTTEMOELLER (NATO Deputy Secretary General): In terms of our upcoming visit, I support an effort by the North Atlantic Council to visit, to visit Ukraine. It is a matter of scheduling, it's something that has to be worked out but I am recommending the visit and it hasn't been a hundred years since I visited Ukraine, it's just been actually I think two years ago which is too long, I need to come back again. So I'm very much looking forward to a near term visit and I was honoured and pleased to hear an invitation from the Prime Minister not only for the North Atlantic Council which I think is a terrific idea but also for me personally to visit Ukraine and I'm looking forward to that opportunity soon. In terms of our support for Ukraine you heard how the, the group around the table yesterday when we had our extraordinary meeting of the NUC, the commission that is the NATO Ukraine special body, we heard unanimity around the table. So at a very high level there is strong support from all the allies to Ukraine and to, to the efforts Ukraine has underway to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty. I can also say from the point of view of this institution, this institution also supports Ukraine very, very strongly and prominently with the Secretary General himself frequently speaking out in support of Ukraine and Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty but also in terms of the many programs that we have underway which I outlined in my remarks. So I think we have not only a kind of moral strength in our support for Ukraine but we're backing it up with concrete programs as well.

VOLODYMYR GROYSMAN (Prime Minister of Ukraine): [Interpreted]: I am satisfied with this working meeting. I would like to underline that what we have heard today is that the unanimous full scale support of Ukraine in this difficult times. We appreciate very highly our common cooperation, joint cooperation with NATO in all these spheres and we are grateful for this all around support. I would like to underline that we have an action plan and the government has approved it, the President will sign it soon, it means that we will enhance our cooperation through using different tools including trust funds which are been created today and that have to get support from the allies. It's in the education, education of our military and many others spheres which include our cooperation, we have talked separately today that we will enhance our cooperation in the direction of our emergency services in Ukraine. That I would like to underline that those events that took place in Adviivka, we managed to control, to take control of the situation due to the professionality and competence of the workers of our emergency service. But if we manage to strengthen their technical equipment possibilities, equipment capacity that will help us to resist Russian aggression. And I would like to express again my personal gratitude for this very resultative talk for the fact that Ukraine is constantly in the radar and in the focus of the General Secretary, of you personally, of the North Atlantic Council and we think that after such contacts our task is to enhance our cooperation. We have a very precise plan of action which will allow us to implement reforms and they will be on the NATO standards, according to the NATO standards. So we are going on and our interaction is helping us to provide reforms.

DYLAN WHITE: Danish Media please.

Q: Mina Skau of the Danish News Agency Ritzau. Question for the Prime Minister. After the recent change at the top in Washington and the different political signals from the president and some of his top officials, are you still confident that, and I would say also what President Trump has said about President Putin and Russia, are you still confident that the U.S. stands by Ukraine and you have the unwavering support of the United States?

VOLODYMYR GROYSMAN: [Interpreted]: I am sure that the new president, newly elected President Trump, he is a leader, he will always fight for democracy and democratic values. And I am also certain that he will continue to be a world leader. This is my personal opinion, I believe in that and I'm sure it will happen. You know that recently there was a telephone conversation between the President of Ukraine, President Poroshenko with the President of United States, and they have agreed that there will be, the visit from our president to America will take place very soon and I hope it will be very resultative. And I really reiterate that I do believe that the United States of America will always support justice and I think justice is now on the side of Ukraine.

DYLAN WHITE: Thank you. Lady in the front please.

Q: Allana Bromovich (sp?), 112 Ukraine. [Interpreted]: I have a question to both speakers, talking about the changes of the, establishment in USA. Well there are some programs from NATO supporting Ukraine in the context of what Trump said about doubting about NATO and diminishing their financing, would it influence the programs that run with Ukraine? And did you discuss whether the new diminished funding of NATO from United States will diminish support for Ukraine? Did you discuss it today?

ROSE GOTTEMOELLER: President Trump has not been supporting diminished funds for NATO, he has been supporting that all allies step forward and increase defence burden sharing. Meaning that allies who are not at this moment spending two per cent of their gross domestic product or GDP on defence need to up their game as we say. They need to increase their investments in defence and provide additional resources to this alliance. So this is a goal that has been shared by a number of U.S. presidents for as long as I can remember. George W. Bush, President Obama, they all supported this goal and the Secretary General and I, Jens Stoltenberg and I definitely have been pushing this goal as a very, very important one. It was also inscribed in two important summit documents starting in Wales and then again reemphasised at Warsaw just this past summer that this is an area where a number of allies have to pay attention and have to plan for more defence spending. So in answer to your question I think that and I expect and hope that there will be more resources available for the NATO alliance, I can't say what proportion of those would be devoted to programs or projects with Ukraine but I do and I think I laid out the vigorous already agenda of cooperation that we have. So I think that enhanced resources for this alliance can only be helpful to our joint programs and projects with Ukraine.

DYLAN WHITE: If that's, thank you very much that's all we have time for. Thank you.

ROSE GOTTEMOELLER: Thank you.



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Carderock's Anechoic Flow Facility Experiences Unprecedented Turbulence

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170209-04

Release Date: 2/9/2017 8:33:00 AM

By Dustin Q. Diaz, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division Public Affairs

WEST BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Years of work by engineers at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division's Anechoic Flow Facility (AFF) to revitalize the facility are paying off today, with unprecedented research now underway thanks to new gear.

The AFF is a quiet, closed-loop, low-speed air-flow facility with low turbulence levels, built in the 1960s to conduct flow-generated noise studies. According to Jonathan Forest, a research engineer in the Hydroacoustics and Propulsor Development Branch (Code 725), the facility's new Active Turbulence Grid (ATG) will now allow it to fulfill a different function, one completely new to the facility.

"When this tunnel was first designed, the intention was to measure things like mean flow and acoustic phenomena under very low turbulence intensities," Forest said. "This upgrade allows us to create a very different flow field with a lot of turbulence and be able to control that. There really aren't any studies out there that have done a comprehensive measurement of unsteady lift due to large-scale turbulence, because there aren't a lot of places that can create turbulence this large."

The ATG, or as the team calls it, the "Meat Grinder," is a mechanically-agitated turbulence generator measuring four square meters and comprising nine intersecting horizontal and vertical bars, each individually controlled by a servo motor. Each shaft has 10 diamond-shaped spoilers designed to create large vortical structures when rotated in an oncoming flow, and it can randomize the behavior of those spoilers, according to Emilia Kawashima, another research engineer in Code 725.

"We can rotate them at different speeds at different times and create various turbulence flow fields for testing," Kawashima said. "The ATG was installed specifically so we can conduct testing to create a large data set for the acoustic community -- not only government facilities, but also for academia and industry."

Kawashima said this testing paradigm, new to the AFF, came about because while the physics of basic foil turbulence are well-known within the community, data to validate prediction models for unsteady lift due to high Reynold's number turbulent flows is scarce. The Navy and Marine Corps commonly work with airfoils like propellers, wind turbines, and aircraft engines, and unsteady loading on these foils operating in turbulent flow fields is known to lead to undesirable structural loading, vibration, and sound. Carderock's engineers have traditionally used the AFF's closed-jet test section or the anechoic chamber to gather data by mounting and testing models which can be up to 20 feet in length. The AFF's 2,140-horsepower, 300 rpm fan feeds air through the system at a maximum of 118 knots for testing.

"We use the wind tunnel to introduce a flow over a structure and use microphones to listen to all the sources of noise radiating from that structure," said Kent Bartlett, AFF tunnel engineer for Code 725. "We can sample the flow-generated noise coming off of a structure to isolate areas that need further design considerations. We've done tests for surface panels of submarines, landing gear associated with NASA aircraft, and motorcycles to see where noise is generated. The testing we do could be done in a water tunnel, as well, but doing it in an air tunnel makes it much easier to manipulate and work on the model affording us the ability to try multiple configurations in quick succession. After testing, we can then scale the results to accurately predict how the structure would react in other fluids such as water."

The AFF was built on a foundation of crushed gravel on top of solid bedrock to reduce background noise and isolate the chambers from structural vibrations. Other features built into the facility to that end include custom acoustic mufflers located upstream and downstream of the flow-generating fan, acoustic treating on prominent surfaces and isolation joints to separate sections of the wind tunnel, among others. Testing flow-generated noise on ships and submarines was done on full-scale ships or in wind or water tunnel test facilities before it was done at the AFF, but these all had drawbacks. Full-scale ship testing was too expensive and hurt operational readiness, while water tunnel testing was less flexible and more expensive than wind tunnels which produced too much noise to collect valuable data, according to Bartlett.

While the AFF's function until now was to test under low turbulence, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with the help of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) is now sponsoring a multi-year project to expand the acoustic community's database of comprehensive validation data for foil-turbulence unsteady force models which account for chordwise thickness and camber. The ATG was installed in August and Forest, Kawashima, and their colleagues then got to work doing initial tests in the anechoic chamber to characterize the flow under these new conditions. Forest said the triple-component hotwire data they gathered was a vindication for the team after years of persistent work to reach that point.

"It's been almost three years since we put in our first purchase request for this project," Forest said. "Procurement took some time. Now that we have all the equipment and have started tests, we're really excited. We started taking data and the flow was very spatially uniform. We were able to achieve length scales and turbulence intensities above what we were hoping for. The data we've gotten thus far, while limited, has been fantastic."

Forest said the team is set to begin airfoil testing with the ATG under the NAVSEA and ONR project soon, with other testing under discussion. Dr. Jason Anderson, senior scientist and propulsor technical specialist; Devin Stewart, project manager; Zachary Kaler, Ryan Catlett, Jason Joiner and other members of Code 725 have also contributed to the project.

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, a part of Naval Sea Systems Command, leads the Navy in hull, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Headquartered in West Bethesda, Carderock Division employs approximately 2,000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support personnel and includes detachments in Norfolk (Little Creek); Port Canaveral, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; Bangor, Washington; Ketchikan, Alaska; and Bayview, Idaho.

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Dozens killed in Saudi push to take Yemeni port

Iran Press TV

Thu Feb 9, 2017 8:31AM

Nearly three dozen people have been killed after Houthi fighters and militias loyal to resigned president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi clashed for the control of a strategic coastal city in Ta'izz province.

The clashes took place in the Red Sea port city of Mokha on Wednesday in which at least eight Saudi mercenaries were killed, medical sources said.

Pro-Hadi militia forces backed by the Saudi air force began a major offensive on January 7 to recapture Mokha which overlooks the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden from Ansarullah fighters.

Yemeni troops on Wednesday also shot down a Saudi unmanned aerial vehicle in the northwestern province of Sa'ada.

A military source said the reconnaissance drone was struck while collecting information on the positions and movements of Yemeni forces and their allies in the Baqim district of the province.

Two high-ranking Saudi officers and several soldiers were killed when a powerful explosion ripped through their vehicle northeast of the al-Hathera district in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of Jizan.

Saudi military sources said Major Abdullah Bin Shaiban Hassan Hamdi was among those killed.

Saudi warplanes launch fresh airstrikes across Yemen

Saudi warplanes carried out four airstrikes in the Harad district and another in the Midi district in Yemen's northern province of Hajjah but there were no reports about possible casualties and the extent of damage.

Saudi jets also targeted Yemeni soldiers off the coast of the al-Khawkhah district in Hudaydah Province, though no casualties were reported.

Furthermore, Saudi aircraft pounded the city of Sirwah, which lies about 120 kilometers east of the Yemeni capital, Sana'a.

The Saudi war on Yemen, which local sources say has killed at least 11,400 people, was launched in an attempt to bring back the former government to power and undermine the Houthi Ansarullah movement.

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Israeli authorities approve over 1,000 settler units in West Bank

Iran Press TV

Thu Feb 9, 2017 3:21AM

The Tel Aviv regime has green-lighted the construction of over 1,000 new settler units in the occupied West Bank, a few days after the Israeli parliament passed legislation legalizing settler outposts built on private Palestinian land.

On Wednesday, the Anadolu Agency cited the Israeli Walla news site as reporting that the Israeli Civil Administration's Supreme Planning Committee had approved a total of 1,162 new settler units to be built on various locations through the West Bank.

It noted that a new neighborhood in the Shvut Rachel settlement located in northern Jerusalem al-Quds was part of the approved plan.

"The neighborhood was initially prepared to accommodate the Israeli settlers who were evacuated from the Amona outpost," the report added.

Last week, the Israeli forces clashed with the settlers while evicting them from the Amona outpost built on private Palestinian land in the West Bank.

The recent approval comes just one day after a barrage of international condemnations over the Israeli law that retroactively legalizes some 4,000 settler units built on land owned by Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Since the January 20 inauguration of US President Donald Trump, Tel Aviv has launched a major expansion drive, which includes the plans for the construction of thousands of new settler units in the West Bank.

In December 2016, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2334 that denounced the Israeli settlements as a "flagrant violation of international law."



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U.S. Commander Says Fight Against Taliban In Afghanistan Is A Stalemate

Mike Eckel February 09, 2017

WASHINGTON -- A top U.S. commander says the war against Taliban fighters in Afghanistan has ground to a stalemate.

General John Nicholson also told the Senate Armed Services Committee on February 9 that Russia had significantly increased covert and overt support for the Taliban, with a goal of "undermining the United States and NATO."

The assessment by Nicholson, the commander of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, was one of the most candid admissions by U.S. officials that the fight there faces problems.

There are some 8,400 U.S. troops remaining in Afghanistan since most NATO forces withdrew in 2014.

Since then, however, Afghan forces have struggled to fend off the Taliban, which has gained control of more territory than at any time since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

Nicholson said Afghan forces had suffered significant casualties, impeding their ability to reach full strength. He said he would need several thousand more troops -- U.S. and other countries' forces -- in order to break the stalemate.

The Afghan forces remained hamstrung by corruption and leadership problems, stemming from an entrenched patronage system, he said.

Fighting has been particularly difficult in the southern Helmand Province, where Taliban fighters have seized a sizable amount of territory. Local officials estimate the Taliban now controls 85 percent of the poppy-growing province, up from just 20 percent a year ago.

Last month, U.S. officials announced that 300 Marines would be deploying to help train and advise local security forces. It is the first Marine deployment to Helmand since the U.S. drawdown in 2014 when the United States announced the end of its combat role in Afghanistan.

Moscow -- which fears instability in the Central Asian nations located between Russia and Afghanistan -- has been a lukewarm ally of U.S. coalition efforts there, allowing its territory to be used to transport personnel and materiel.

Since 2016, however, Russia's role has shifted, Nicholson said, to giving support to the Taliban, though he declined to answer senators' questions about the scope of that support.

He also said Moscow was giving the Taliban legitimacy by saying its militants are fighting Islamic terrorists while the Afghan government is not. He said that is a "false narrative."

He said Russia recently invited members of the Taliban to Moscow for meetings about Afghanistan's future but didn't include representatives from the Afghan government. Representatives from Pakistan, China, and other regional countries also were invited, he said.

Iran and Pakistan, which has long had intelligence ties to the Taliban, had also significantly complicated the fight waged by the Afghan military, Nicholson said.

Nicholson said that the Haqqani network still has safe havens in Pakistan and that Washington should review its relationship with Islamabad.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan- taliban-stalemate/28300561.html

Copyright (c) 2017. 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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Moldovan PM, President Disagree On NATO Office In Chisinau

RFE/RL February 09, 2017

Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Filip has urged the Foreign Ministry to accelerate the opening of a NATO liaison office in Chisinau after President Igor Dodon had earlier called on alliance officials not to rush in establishing the office.

Filip said at a government meeting on February 8 that "we have signed an agreement on opening this bureau" and urged the ministry to "avoid the dragging on of the process and any red tape."

In Brussels one day previously, Dodon said he had a "request not to hurry the opening of the NATO office" and that Moldovans do not "welcome" it being established.

Dodon added after talks with NATO Deputy Secretary-General Rose Gottemoeller that the NATO liaison bureau would "create impediments in regard to negotiations on the Transdniester issue."

"We respect all countries' sovereignty and their right of not being allies to anyone," said Gottemoeller. "So we respect Moldova's neutrality...[but] neutrality does not mean isolation; NATO collaborates with other neutral countries, such as Switzerland or Austria."

Gottermoeller described her talks with Dodon as "intensive positive discussions," but insisted that NATO will proceed with plans to open its liaison office in Chisinau later this year and added it will be staffed only by civilians, not by military personnel.

"This is not a military base, but a small diplomatic mission staffed only by civilians," Gottemoeller said. "There will be no NATO troops in Moldova."

The Moldovan government is made up of officials from pro-Western parties while the Dodon is the head of the pro-Russian Socialist Party, which does not favor integration with European institutions but rather closer ties to Moscow.

The Moldovan presidency is largely a symbolic position.

The Moldovan government signed an agreement with NATO on the opening of the civilian-staffed liaison bureau in November, before Dodon assumed office.

Moldovan Deputy Foreign Minister Lilian Darii told Filip at the government meeting that the Foreign Ministry hopes to open the NATO office in April.

With reporting by Interfax and actmedia.ru

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-filip-dodon -nato-disagreement/28299607.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Official Calls Romania 'A Clear Threat' And NATO Outpost

February 09, 2017

A Russian Foreign Ministry official says Moscow views Romania as a NATO outpost and a "clear threat" because it hosts part of a U.S. missile shield in Europe.

"Romania's stance and the stance of its leadership, which has turned the country into an outpost, is a clear threat for us," Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko told the Interfax news agency in remarks published on February 9.

In May 2016, the U.S. military activated a missile-interceptor site in Romania -- a key element of the missile shield, which is due to be fully operational in 2018.

The United States says the shield will protect NATO members against short- and medium-range missiles, particularly from rogue states in the Middle East, and poses no threat to Russia.

Russia dismisses this and claims the true aim is to weaken its nuclear deterrent, upsetting the balance of power.

"All these decisions...are in the first instance aimed against Russia," said Botsan-Kharchenko, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry department responsible for ties with Romania and several of its neighbors.

Botsan-Kharchenko also accused Romanian authorities of reveling in anti-Russian rhetoric, and said Russia had made clear to Bucharest that it was unhappy with Romania's stance.

Moscow's comments come as NATO deploys thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry to Poland, the Baltic states, and southeastern Europe in its biggest buildup since the Cold War.

U.S. and NATO officials say the move is needed to provide extra security and reassurance to European countries after Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea, but Russia says it is part of an aggressive strategy on its borders.

Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia-romania- threat-nato-outpost/28299849.html

Copyright (c) 2017. 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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Fresh Talk In Balkans Of Reinstating Military Draft

Gordana Knezevic February 09, 2017

Croatia is reportedly planning to bring back a "light" form of the military draft in 2019.

According to Croatian Defense Minister Damir Krsticevic, the scheme under consideration would amount to three or four weeks of mandatory basic training for draftees.

Compulsory military service existed in the former Yugoslavia, and Croatia continued the practice until 2008.

"Our intention is not to reinstate national service in its previous form, but to teach basic military skills to young people," Krsticevic told Croatian TV channel HRT last week.

Defense officials suggested the short training program being discussed would actually appeal to most Croats. "We do not want to militarize our society. The point is to teach preparedness for natural disasters," Krsticevic said.

In an interview with the Croatian weekly Globus, Krsticevic, a former general, dismissed speculation that the move was related to any renewed sense that neighboring Serbia represented a danger. "As a responsible nation," he said, "we must ensure that our armed forces are up to date, and our people secure."

On the question of whether perceived Russian influence in Republika Srpska in neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina -- including a possible military presence -- would present a security challenge to Croatia, Krsticevic said, "I do not see [Russians in Republika Srpska] as a threat, but as a reality."

In a region where manmade catastrophes can seem as likely as any natural disaster, the idea of mandatory military service was not necessarily well-received by everyone.

Igor Dragovan, a Croatian opposition politician, said he thought the proposal is a knee-jerk response to worsening relations with Serbia. Dragovan blamed the media for creating the perception that Croatia is on the brink of war. Talking to RFE/RL in Zagreb, Dragovan rejected the argument that reports hinting at Serbian efforts to rearm are justification for reintroducing military conscription.

Croatian-based military analyst Igor Tabak says he feels the danger is being exaggerated. "I understand that a lot of people in Croatia are seeing images on TV of Serbia unveiling new armaments purchased in Moscow and Minsk. They also remember 1991" -- a reference to the Croatian war of independence, fought against the Serbian-dominated Yugoslav Army -- "and they foresee a conflict that is not going to take place," Tabak says.

For its part, Serbia, seemingly buoyed by the prospect of arms shipments from Russia and Belarus, has also eyed bringing back compulsory military service. The proposal, which came from the Serbian Defense Ministry, has been shelved for the time being by Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic as too expensive.

"I was almost glad that we are a poor country and don't have the money to pay for bringing back the draft," journalist Veselin Simonovic wrote in Blic.

Tabak suggests the driving force behind the push to revamp national armies was not a rising foreign threat but rather issues closer to home.

"The arms race between Croatia and Serbia should be understood in the context of domestic politics and, in particular, the forthcoming elections," Tabak says of the presidential election in Serbia slated for April. "There is also the undeniable fact that both countries need to modernize their armaments. To give just one example, both Croatia and Serbia currently have fighter jets that are older than their pilots, which is an indication of the desperate need for an overhaul."

Commentators in Serbia have meanwhile pointed to the fact that Croatia is a NATO member and that any war would mean taking on that Western military alliance.

Some have also suggested that increasing regional cooperation in military matters might be more beneficial and possibly cheaper. In his Blic column, Simonovic deferred to military analyst and former military pilot Blagoje Grahovac, who claims that neither Serbia, Croatia, nor Albania has the means to police its own airspace effectively and that coordinating their efforts would make sense for all involved.

Politicians might prefer the kind of chest-pounding and rattling of sabers that Serbia's Vucic exhibited when he boasted in his yearend press conference that "we finally have an air force that will keep our skies free."

But, for now at least, it seems that the loftiest nationalist ambitions -- and talk of a regional arms race -- might be kept in check by Balkan countries' financial limitations.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/balkans-new-talk-of- bringing-back-draft/28300592.html

Copyright (c) 2017. 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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Macedonia Blasts U.S. Congressman's Claim It's 'Not A Country,' Should Be Divided

RFE/RLFebruary 09, 2017

Macedonia has angrily rejected a U.S. lawmaker's assertion that it "is not a country" and should be divided among Kosovo, Bulgaria, and possibly other neighbors.

"My inclination is, Macedonia's not a country. I'm sorry, it's not a country," Dana Rohrabacher (Republican-California), chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats in the U.S. House of Representatives, told Albanian TV channel Vizion Plus in an interview broadcast on February 7.

"The Kosovars...and the Albanians in Macedonia should become part of Kosovo," while the rest of Macedonia should become part of Bulgaria or other countries, Rohrabacher said.

A State Department spokesperson told RFE/RL on February 9 that the United States recognizes and supports "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Macedonia."

Rohrabacher argued that Macedonia's creation in the 1990s during the breakup of Yugoslavia was a mistake because the nation is divided into ethnic camps that are unable to live together peaceably.

Macedonia's Foreign Ministry angrily rejected Rohrabacher's comments, saying they "generated immense anxiety" and "inflamed nationalist rhetoric" in the region, "taking us back into the past."

In a statement on February 7, the ministry said it believed the U.S. State Department would "dispel any dilemma" over Rohrabacher's remarks and make clear they did not reflect U.S. policy.

Asked whether the U.S. administration would pursue his ideas on the subject, Rohrabacher suggested that would depend on his level of involvement and said that he has "some influence on policymakers" in the United States.

He said that at future hearings of the subcommittee he chairs, "One of the things that will be discussed...is altering borders to make sense and bring peace to the Balkans."

With reporting by RFE/RL's Balkan Service, Balkan Insight, and The Independent

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/macedonia-blasts-us- congressman-claim-not-coutnry-should-be-divided- kosovo-bulgaria-albania/28299244.htmll

Copyright (c) 2017. 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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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

Trend:

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Hassan Rouhani, president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the occasion of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution Feb. 10.

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and through you to the whole people of your country on the occasion of the national holiday of the Islamic Republic of Iran - Victory of the Islamic Revolution, said President Aliyev in his congratulatory letter.

Relations between our countries are based on the will of our nations, who have historically lived in an atmosphere of friendship and good neighborliness, and common spiritual values, he said.

I believe that we will continue our joint efforts towards strengthening our intergovernmental relations and continuing fruitful cooperation within international and regional organizations, the president said.

On this remarkable day, I wish you good health, success in your activities, and the friendly and brotherly people of Iran peace and prosperity, Ilham Aliyev added.
Japan Court Rejects Lawsuit Demanding Flight Restrictions at US Kadena Airbase

Sputnik News

16:56 09.02.2017(updated 17:23 09.02.2017)

An Okinawa court has rejected a lawsuit filed by over 100 Japanese residents demanding restrictions for US air force flights at the Kadena Air Base, media reported Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The local court ruled that the case, in which residents sued the US government asking for nighttime flights from the base to be banned as well as demanding financial compensation for health damages related to excessive noise and sleep deprivation, was not within its jurisdiction, the Stars and Stripes newspaper reported.

The plaintiffs vowed to appeal the decision, according to the publication.

The residents also sued the Japanese government over the matter, with the hearing due later this month.

US military presence in the Okinawa Prefecture, which is located on a tiny island in the south of the Japanese archipelago and hosts the vast majority of the country's total US military presence, has been a source of repeated controversies in the Asian country.

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma has been the subject of local protests due to being located in the heart of a densely populated area. The government decided to relocate the base to the Kadena Air Base, but local authorities appeal the decision as residents wished to see the US facility gone altogether.

The Kadena base has too been the source of much discontent and security concerns, especially after a US jet crashed in the waters east of Okinawa in September, 2016.

Mass protests are also regularly staged over incidents of alleged rape by US armed forces' personnel stationed in Okinawa. The rape scandal escalated after the murder of a Japanese woman by former US Marine Kenneth Franklin Shinzato who has now admitted to the crime.

 Sputnik

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Norway 'Cannibalizes' Own Frigates, Gnaws at Navy's Backbone

Sputnik News

14:28 09.02.2017(updated 14:31 09.02.2017)

While Norway prepares itself for a thorough defense update, its armed forces have been lumbered by snowballing problems with materials. Of late, serious deficiencies have been uncovered in Norwegian frigates, which significantly reduces their operation abilities and leads to "cannibalization."

A recent report by the Office of the Auditor General of Norway (OAG) has unearthed major deficiencies in regards to the vessels' technical conditions, access to spare parts, staffing and the level of crew training. Additionally, a large backlog in maintenance was also revealed, Norwegian national broadcaster NRK reported.

"This is serious," Auditor General Per-Kristian Foss said, describing the conditions as "extremely reprehensible."

According to Foss, the situation varies from vessel to vessel, but there are critical issues in all of them. The main problem is that the frigates are in need of regular overhaul while the supply of spare parts is insufficient and inadequate. Therefore, the Norwegian Armed Forces have to resort to extensive "cannibalization," that is removing parts from one vessel to use them in another.

"They rummage one vessel for parts to use them in another, that's how bad it is. It's what the defense calls 'cannibalization,' and it is lamentable. It shows that the system is not working," Per-Kristian Foss told NRK.

OAG described systematic lack of weapons as the biggest problem. The frigates would namely be equipped with NH90 helicopters, which were projected to become an important weapon against submarines. However, the helicopters will only be delivered by the end of 2021 at best, which is more than a decade overdue. Additionally, critical errors were found in the helicopters earlier this year, which allegedly rendered them incapable for service during rough seas.

The frigate problem is in fact nothing new as came first into focus in 2013, when Aftenposten revealed that the Otto Sverdrup was unable to sail as a warship as it was constantly ripped apart for spare parts.

A formal report on the shortcomings of the Navy's prized frigates was first sent to parliament in June 2016. However, it never reached a broad public, since its content was classified by the Defense Ministry. Nevertheless, Norwegian media highlighted the perennial lack of spare parts and personnel, which led to a marked drop in sailing days.

"The point of the vessels is to sail, not to lie in port," Foss commented, venturing that the Ministry of Defense failed to address the problem.

Anniken Huitfeldt, who chairs the Foreign Affairs and Defense Parliamentary Committee said that she expected the Defense Ministry to take reasonable steps to ensure that the frigates are fully operational.

"With our large sea areas, we need functioning frigates," Anniken Huitfeldt said.

Norwegian Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Sreide ensured that today up to four frigates can sail simultaneously owing to budget increases and a specific emphasis on the problem by the Navy.

The five Nansen class frigates (KNM Fridtjof Nansen, KNM Otto Sverdrup, KNM Roald Amundsen, KNM Thor Heyerdahl and KNM Helge Ingstad) were purchased between 2006 and 2011 for over 19 billion NOK ($2.3bln) in hope to become the backbone of the Norwegian Navy. According to the master plan, three vessels are to be constantly operational, with one used for training and another one for maintenance. The vessels are 134 meters long, 16.8 meters wide and maintain a cruising speed of 26 knots.

 Sputnik

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Lithuania to Start Receiving US Rotation Forces Equipment on Friday - MoD

Sputnik News

13:51 09.02.2017(updated 14:00 09.02.2017)

Several US rotation forces' units are set to arrive on Friday in Lithuania, the country's Ministry of National Defense said Thursday.

VILNIUS (Sputnik)  Ten tanks, five infantry fighting vehicles, trucks and offroaders of US rotation forces are set to arrive on Friday at the Gaiziunai railway station in Lithuania, the country's Ministry of National Defense said Thursday.

"On February 10, US military equipment, namely 10 M1A2 Abrams tanks, five M2A3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, trucks and offroaders will arrive at Gaiziunai railway station," the ministry said in a press release.

According to the ministry, the new rotation company, comprising 120 people, would enter service next week.

On Tuesday, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite welcomed arrival of the first troops of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battalion battle group to the country.

The decision to deploy four NATO multinational battalions to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland in 2017 was approved at the NATO July summit in Warsaw.

NATO has been boosting its military presence in Europe, particularly in Eastern European states, since the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, citing Russia's alleged interference in that conflict as justification for the move.

 Sputnik

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NATO's Deployment in Baltics Threatens Russia - Deputy Foreign Minister

Sputnik News

13:15 09.02.2017(updated 14:16 09.02.2017)

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) military deployment in the Baltics poses a threat to Russia and does not suggest that the buildup will end there, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The buildup of NATO presence and defense capabilities in Eastern Europe is concentrated on the three Baltic States and Poland, with each expected to receive additional battalions this year.

"This deployment, of course, is a threat to us, first of all," Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksey Meshkov said.

Second, the diplomat added, "who said that it will end on that? We have no such data."

NATO steps, including deployment near Russia's borders, greatly increase the danger of possible incidents, serious conversations with the alliance on European security are only possible after it reverts to the situation before it began the military buildup in eastern Europe, Meshkov also said.

"It is evident that NATO steps greatly increase the danger of possible incidents  In general, we believe that the serious conversation with NATO on European security is only possible when the alliance returns to the situation which existed before its current buildup of military preparations in eastern Europe," Meshkov said.

Meshkov further hypothesized that the Western military alliance's ramp-up "creates a base allowing to rapidly increase the presence of NATO forces on our borders" in addition to training local troops.

NATO's decision to send multinational battalions to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia in addition to Poland was made at its Warsaw summit in July.

On January 12, Poland received almost 1,000 US soldiers and a tank brigade comprising around 3,500 service personnel, 87 tanks, 18 self-propelled Paladin howitzers and other fighting vehicles.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister also added that those who supply Western weapons to the Balkan states, and drag them into NATO are creating an imbalance in the region.

"Those who pump Western armaments to the Balkan countries, drag them into NATO contrary to the opinion of the majority of the population, as in the case with Montenegro, create an imbalance in the region," Meshkov said.

According to Meshkov, the European Union and NATO should be concerned about this imbalance, but not about the number of Russian fighter jets in Serbia.

Meshkov added that Russia had supported the idea to create an alliance of neutral Balkan states comprising Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro.

"To my mind, this way is very promising," the deputy foreign minister said.

Earlier this week, media reported that the Serbian Defense Ministry would receive six Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia before the end of April. Belgrade expects that Russian specialists would help to modernize these aircraft which would begin service as part of the country's 204th Air Brigade by 2018.

 Sputnik

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Philippines Interested in Buying Russia's Weapons Amid Tensions With US

Sputnik News

13:15 09.02.2017(updated 14:11 09.02.2017)

The Philippines is showing interest to purchasing Russian arms, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to Vorobyova, Moscow and Manila are in talks on forming a legal basis needed for the practical establishment of military-technical cooperation.

"Cooperation in the defense sector is a prospective course in bilateral relations with the Philippines. It is known that our country is one of the greatest producers of military products. Therefore it is not surprising that the Philippine partners are showing interest in purchases," Director of the ministry's Third Asian Department Lyudmila Vorobyova said.

"We are working on this. Specific contracts [on Russian arms deliveries to the Philippines] are the matter for the future," Vorobyova added.

The news comes after Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said last November that the country is ready to buy arms from Russia if there is money amid a rift in relations with the United States.

On November 8, Duterte claimed he would cancel an order for 26,000 US-made M16 rifles, originally intended to arm the country's national police, to "look for a cheaper source."

During a visit to Moscow in December 2016, Philippine Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that Manila intended to build up its defense and security cooperation with Russia.

 Sputnik

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UN calls for 50 per cent increase in funding for mine action in 2017

9 February 2017  The United Nations has launched a $511 million international appeal for humanitarian mine action in conflict and post-conflict settings for 2017, a 50 per cent increase from last year's $347 million consolidated appeal.

"Across the world, the conflicts tearing countries, communities and lives apart cause a tragic increase in the number of casualties due to landmines and other explosive hazards," said the Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), Agnes Marcaillou, in a press release issued earlier this week.

"There is an absolute necessity for a humanitarian mine action response. The knowledge and willingness to help are there  it is adequate funding that is missing," added Ms. Marcaillou, who also chairs the UN Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action.

According to the Portfolio of Mine Action Projects 2017, an online resource for information on such projects, there is a sharp increase in the need for humanitarian mine action, including landmine clearance, risk education and victim assistance.

The Portfolio covers over 200 projects and presents a consolidated picture of the needs and strategies of 22 countries and territories contaminated with landmines and other explosive hazards such as unexploded cluster munitions, rockets and improvised explosive devices across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America.

Needs are the greatest in active conflict zones, with Afghanistan requiring $124 million; Iraq $75 million; Syria $52 million; and Yemen $17 million. In addition, countries which have extensive residual contamination also need substantial support, with Cambodia requiring $23 million and the Lao People's Democratic Republic $26 million, according to UNMAS.

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UN and international partners express support for working with new Somali president

9 February 2017  The United Nations and its international partners in Somalia today said that they were eager to partner with President Mohamed Abdullahi 'Farmajo', his new Government and the people of Somalia to avert another famine in the country and to assist with improving security for all Somalis.

The comments were made in a congratulatory statement on behalf of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ethiopia, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"The international partners urge all political forces in Somalia to work together in support of President Farmajo and the incoming government," the statement read.

Distributed by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), the statement also noted the need for reconciliation and the peaceful resolution of a number of local conflicts, as well as the resumption of the constitutional review process.

The Somali Parliament selected the new president yesterday in two rounds of vote. A one-person, one-vote election is expected in 2020.

The international community welcomed the election results and commended outgoing Federal President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed and his Government for their "many achievements" over the past four years.

They also thanked him for a "gracious" concession speech that facilitated a peaceful and orderly transfer of power in decades.

"Yesterday's orderly and peaceful transfer of power is a major achievement for Somalia and should boost confidence in the country's future both at home and abroad," said Michael Keating, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Somalia and head of UNSOM.

He added "Hambalyo Somalia" in Somali, which translates to "Congratulations Somalia."

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Top US General: Afghanistan War Still a 'Stalemate'

By Joshua Fatzick February 09, 2017

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson told the Armed Services Committee he believes the U.S.-backed Afghan forces are "in a stalemate" in the 15 year-old war. He said to break that stalemate he needs "a few thousand" more soldiers to accompany the 8,400 U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Nicholson faced questions Thursday from senators about the Trump administration's plans for handling the long-running war in Afghanistan.

Nicholson said offensive capability is key to breaking the stalemate and while the additional U.S. troops would be involved in train, advice and assist missions, the Afghan Special Forces and Air force would be "vital" to success.

According to Nicholson, the Afghan forces operated independently 80 percent of the time last year, though they faced a higher number of casualties than in years past.

More than 6,700 Afghan soldiers were killed last year through November 12, according to a quarterly report published last month by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. That is more than the 6,600 soldiers killed in all of 2015.

Nicholson said he is "very concerned about the level of losses." And while he said current recruiting levels allow the Afghan forces to replace soldiers who are killed, the military is not able to operate at its peak capability.

The report also noted the Afghan government is steadily losing control of areas within the country. According to the report, the government lost control of about 15 percent of the country's districts between November 2015 and November 2016.

Nicholson said 20 of 98 designated terrorist groups operate in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, giving it the highest concentration of terror groups anywhere in the world.

Senator John McCain suggested that Russia is "playing a significant" role in Afghanistan and Nicholson agreed, saying that Russian meddling this year "has become more difficult."

Nicholson said Russia has tried to publicly legitimize the Taliban by saying the extremist group is helping in the fight against IS, but he called this idea a "false narrative."

According to Nicholson, Afghan security forces have eliminated about half of the IS group's fighters and reduced the territory they hold by two-thirds.

Nicholson said he feared this public support could allow Taliban power to spill out of Afghanistan and into other countries as the group continues to gain territory.

In December, Nicholson said the Taliban controls about 10 percent of the population, while the Afghan government controls about two-thirds. The rest are contested.

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Trump Targets Senator McCain Over Criticism of Yemeni Raid

By VOA News February 09, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump targeted Republican Senator John McCain on Twitter Thursday, saying McCain's criticism of a U.S. military raid in Yemen in which a Navy Seal was killed only "emboldens the enemy."

McCain on Wednesday described last week's raid, which claimed the life of Chief Special Warfare Operator William "Ryan" Owens, as a "failure." McCain said the raid, which also resulted in the deaths of civilians, including several children and women, and the loss of a $75 million airplane, "cannot be labeled a success."

White House spokesman Sean Spicer defended the raid Wednesday, saying it resulted in the deaths of around 14 suspected al-Qaida operatives.

"It's absolutely a success and anyone who suggests it's not does a disservice to Ryan Owens," Spicer said.

The raid was the first major counterterror operation of the new Trump administration. It prompted the Yemeni government to say on Wednesday it had requested a "reassessment" of the raid and denied reports it had asked for a suspension of counterterrorisim initiatives with the U.S.

"Yemen continues to cooperate with the United States and continues to abide by all the agreements," said Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdul-Malik al-Makhlafi in Cairo. He also said a Yemeni call for a halt to U.S. special operations is "not true."

McCain, a frequent critic of the president, is a Vietnam veteran and a former prisoner of war. After losing the 2008 presidential election to Barack Obama, McCain won re-election to his senate seat in the southwestern state of Arizona.

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US Army Aviation Brigade Deploys To Europe To Help NATO's Eastern Flank

Sputnik News

01:27 10.02.2017(updated 03:31 10.02.2017)

On Thursday, hundreds pieces of equipment offloaded by a US combat aviation brigade were shipped out to Germany, along with helicopters intended to beef up the Army's air support of NATO forces.

As its nine-month rotation in Europe begins, the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, based in Fort Drum, New York, is bringing 10 tandem-rotor Chinook and 50 Black Hawk helicopters along with roughly 2,000 troops.

This deployment comes just three weeks after the election of President Donald Trump, who vowed to improve relations with Moscow, although Russia reportedly views the military reinforcements as a sleight.

In January, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned US deployments to Poland, saying, "We consider this a threat to us. These actions threaten our interests, our security. Especially as it concerns a third party building up its military presence near our borders. It's [the US], not even a European state."

In a news release, brigade commander Col. Clair A. Gill said, "We're going to be all over Europe joining the Strong Europe team and integrating into their training plan for the next nine months," explaining that, "While an armor brigade is a very lethal force, and they're going to do some fantastic training with our partners on the ground, aviation really is what I like to call that three-dimensional problem solver for the Army, the joint force and our coalitions. We move faster than they do on the ground, and we shoot farther in some cases than some systems from the ground."

A Fort Bliss, Texas, aviation battalion will be adding 24 Apache attack helicopters and 400 troops to the 10th CAB detachment. Germany will serve as headquarters for the combined units and aircraft, and troops will be coursing through Romania, the Baltics and Poland.

The 4th Infantry Division's 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team has already begun training in the Baltics and Poland.

The next major movement of Army troops in Europe will come in a few weeks, when the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, based in Vilseck, Germany, makes their way to Poland where they will operate as an "enhanced forward presence" for NATO. A part of northeastern Poland will house a cavalry battalion not far from Russia's Kaliningrad.

Approved by NATO heads of state in July 2016, these rotations signal the most significant eastward military movement since the end of the Cold War.

Trump has been vocal about wanting to improve ties with Russia, asking during a summer campaign speech, "If we could actually be friendly with Russia, wouldn't that be a good thing?" and stating during a Sunday interview with pundit Bill O'Reilly, "it's better to get along with Russia than not."

 Sputnik

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Azercell Telecom LLC joined the next initiative to support professional and personal development of the youth in Azerbaijan. Thus the company took part in the presentation of SABAH Career Academy held in the Ministry of Education.

SABAH Career Academy was established to provide necessary support for SABAH graduates in their future professional development path. Under the program the Ministry of Education and Azercell act together to increase the efficiency of students extracurricular activities and prepare highly educated youth with all necessary theoretical and practical background.

Azercell CEO Vahid Mursaliyev gave a speech at the ceremony stating that Azercell regularly monitors the positive change and development trends in educational system in the country. Nevertheless, we do not only monitor, but also provide our assistance and support towards the education. Azercell has always considered this support as a core of its social responsibility strategy. Our company cooperates with a range of leading universities and schools both in Baku and the regions. We have provided job opportunities for hundreds of students. Azercell has been ranked among top employers in Azerbaijan for 20 years. We have chosen a strategy of investing in the development of our company and country by investing in human capital, he noted.

Mr. Mursaliyev added that decision to cooperate with SABAH group was not made by coincidence, as this project has brought a new vision, new approach and new spirit to Azerbaijani education. So, we couldnt leave it inattentively. By signing the memorandum today, we make this cooperation more organized. I am hopeful that this cooperation will lead to great success in the future, he concluded.

It was also noted that SABAH Career Winter School will be held in Guba on February 17-20. The representatives of Azercell Telecom LLC will join the event and give useful sessions for the future career building of the students.

Later on, the Ministry of Education and Azercell Telecom LLC signed a memorandum of understanding on future cooperation. Under the memorandum the Ministry of Education will select 10 students of SABAH groups for Career Academy. They will have introductory visits to Azercell and attend open sessions and master classes. Academy members will also have an opportunity to use Barama Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, special online materials and tests.

Following the signing ceremony, 9 students winning Azercell scholarships were awarded certificates. Also, Azercell presented the certificates of partnership.

High-profile officials of the Ministry of Education, SABAH group, official partners of Academy, as well as students and media representatives participated in the event.

Azercell has a history of cooperation with SABAH groups. Last year 50 percent of places in Baku was allocated for SABAH groups under Student Bursary Program. One of the 5 teams qualified for 6-months-long incubation program in Barama Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center consisted of SABAH students. Introductory visit to Azercell Plaza was organized for the student of SABAH groups at the end of 2016. They attended winter sessions about Introduction to GSM technologies, Product Management and Develop your own brand.

SABAH groups is one of the most leading projects established in academic year 2014/2015 in 7 universities with the initiative of the Ministry of Education. Currently, SABAH groups operates in 11 universities with 45 fields of specialization and over 2300 students. 748 SABAH students will graduate from 7 universities in 45 fields of specialization in academic year 2016/2017.

For more information, please contact [email protected]



The leader of the mobile communication industry of Azerbaijan and the biggest investor in the non-oil sector Azercell Telecom LLC was founded in 1996. With 48% share of Azerbaijans mobile market Azercells network covers 80% of the territory and 99,8% of population of the country. Currently, 4,5 million subscribers choose Azercell services. Azercell has pioneered an important number of innovations in Azerbaijan, including GSM technology, advance payment system, 24/7 Customer Care, online customer services, GPRS/EDGE, M2M, MobilBank, one-stop- shop service offices Azercell Express, mobile e-service ASAN signature, etc. Azercell deployed first 4G  LTE services in Azerbaijan in 2012. According to the results of mobile network quality surveys of Global Wireless Solutions company and international systems specialized in wireless coverage mapping such as Opensignal and Testmy.net, Azercells network demonstrated the best results among the mobile operators of Azerbaijan.
Lavrov: NATO Actions at Russian Border Have Destabilizing Character

Sputnik News

00:02 10.02.2017(updated 00:23 10.02.2017)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that NATO actions at the Russian border have provocative and destabilizing character.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  NATO actions at the Russian border have provocative and destabilizing character, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

"The ongoing activities of the alliance in the regions adjoining Russian borders are certainly provocative and destabilizing. These include the deployment of additional military units in Poland and the Baltic States, and there already have been discussions about the possibility of similar NATO allies' deployment in other countries in Eastern Europe, particularly in Bulgaria and Romania," Lavrov told Izvestiya newspaper.

He added that the consistent implementation of the national military modernization plans by the individual states, the construction of new military infrastructure, and significant growth of the NATO exercises near Russian borders in the scale and number were also seen as such.

Lavrov has also said that Russia is watching closely military and political events unfolding in Europe and hops to see the situation deescalate soon.

"We are closely monitoring the current and perspective military-political situation in Europe. We will stick to a comprehensive approach aimed at securing our borders and Russia's national interests," he said.

Lavrov said Russia would shape its response to emerging risks accordingly and "is taking steps to neutralize potential and real threats."

"Russia is a peaceful country. But our peacefulness is based on the capability to ensure the country's security in any situation. We continue to advocate a soonest deescalation of the military-political situation in Europe," he added.

Lavrov also praised NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg for admitting recently that Russia did not present an imminent threat to the military bloc.

"We hope that common sense will eventually prevail and the 'threat from the east' rhetoric for the sake of [influencing] the political conjuncture will become a thing of the past," he said.

Stoltenberg said last month there was no imminent threat coming from Russia to any NATO allies in Europe. He added what they saw was a more assertive Russia that had invested significantly into its armed forces.

 Sputnik

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Southcom Chief Stresses Innovation, Cooperation in Countering Threats

By Shannon Collins DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2017  Fighting transregional and transnational threats requires building networks stronger than those that are keeping those threats in business, the commander of U.S. Southern Command told members of the American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean at a luncheon in Miami yesterday.

"The global flow of drugs, weapons, people and illicit goods [is] the visible manifestation of powerful, networked organizations and groups," Navy Adm. Kurt W. Tidd said. "You probably know them as cartels, gangs, drug trafficking and criminal organizations, violent nonstate actors, narcoterrorists and the like."

Threat Networks

These networks exploit the interconnected nature of the American financial, transportation and technological systems, the admiral said.

"Some networks smuggle desperate people from all over the world into our countries, where they may go to find jobs or refuge from conflict,  while other networks specialize at moving individuals with questionable backgrounds, worrisome intentions and possible ties to terrorism through the region and into the United States," he added.

Some of these networks are globally integrated enterprises that rival Fortune 500 companies and have worldwide reach, Tidd said, and others dabble in activities such as cocaine trafficking, extortion and human trafficking. Others smuggle precursor chemicals into Mexico to make heroin and fentanyl, and some reap enormous profits by illegally mining gold in Guyana, Peru and Colombia, he told the group.

Combating Networks

The U.S. government needs to find new ways to work together with its partner nations, allies, nongovernmental organizations, academia and the private sector "to build networks stronger than the ones that threaten the prosperity and security of our hemisphere," said the admiral said.

"Security and economic prosperity go hand in hand," he added. "We need to better integrate our economic development with our security and stability ones. We need to increase regional cooperation and share more information. We need to coordinate more effectively among and across agencies, departments and ministries, civil society and the public sector."

Tidd also said that to stay ahead of transregional and transnational threats, agencies need to harness technologies that not only make them smarter, but also are better than those of the "not-so-friendly" networks. "And that's no easy feat," he added. "We talking about groups who constantly find new ways to transport their illicit products and conduct their illicit operations. As one expert recently noted, the one law these guys don't break is the law of supply and demand."

Innovation

Southcom will need new regional partnerships and innovation to combat these threat networks, Tidd said.

"These networks are pretty creative," he said. "There's nothing they won't try. They're building million-dollar submarines in the jungles of Colombia and Ecuador. They're revamping old products and new synthetic drugs like meth and ecstasy. We've got to find a way to out-innovate a very innovative adversary."

One way they can do this is by leveraging revolutions happening in commercial space and machine learning to transform how Southcom and its partners use nano-satellites and other tools to provide critical situational awareness of threat network operations, the admiral told the audience.

Visualization tools would help them better understand how these groups interact and how illicit funds move through the global financial system, he explained. Southcom and its partners also need to develop advanced data analytics of publicly available information to understand who is attracted to becoming a member of these groups and how these groups operate in the cyber domain, he added.

"These kinds of innovation partnerships aren't just good for us  they're good for U.S. and Latin-American companies," he said. "They provide a platform for engagement in the region, drive economic growth and create jobs for all countries involved."

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Washington, Seoul Believe Pyongyang May Have 60 Nuke Warheads, Secret Facilities

Sputnik News

22:02 09.02.2017(updated 03:31 10.02.2017)

South Korean and US intelligence agencies are reporting that North Korea has the ability to build up to 60 nuclear warheads, as the country has been secretly producing highly-enriched uranium (HEU) at higher levels than previously thought.

Figures for 2016 show that the DPRK has an estimated 54 kilograms of plutonium and 758 kilograms (.83 tons) of highly-enriched uranium, according to South Korean news outlet JoongAng Ilbo.

Previously, defense experts estimated that Pyongyang possessed around 40-50 kilograms of plutonium, and 300-400 kilograms of highly-enriched uranium.

Producing a nuclear warhead requires 16-20 kilograms of highly-enriched uranium, and between four to six kilograms of plutonium, according to estimations from US and South Korean military experts. Around six kilograms of plutonium were used to make the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki during World War II.

Last year, Seoul and Washington shared intelligence indicating that the DPRK was expanding its uranium enrichment facility in the North Pyongan Province at Yongbyon, and calculated the amount of nuclear material Pyongyang was using.

Officials from the two countries reasoned that the growth in Pyongyang's nuclear stockpile could be attributed to a new, secret facility. They believe this clandestine base is also located in North Pyongan province, near the Panghyon air base in Kusong.

South Korean intelligence officials believe the North is hiding more facilities, as centrifuges used for uranium production only require about 600 square meters, although larger facilities are typically needed to produce plutonium.

The Yongbyon nuclear complex houses a uranium centrifuge facility where Pyongyang produces highly-enriched uranium, along with a 5-megawatt reactor where plutonium is reprocessed.

Experts believe that there could be a second, and possibly a third, facility, as Yongybon alone is not thought to be able to produce the reported 758 kilograms of weapon-grade uranium, especially as previous estimates show the facility producing only 300-400 kilograms since 2005.

An unnamed intelligence source was quoted as saying, "A second facility [for uranium enrichment] definitely exists."

One intelligence official in Seoul told JoongAng Ilbo, "South Korea and the United States have been continuously tracking the trend of North Korea's facilities that produce nuclear materialsAnd they concluded that the amount of nuclear materials possessed by North Korea far exceeds the amount estimated by experts."

Science and Technology Policy Institute research fellow Lee Chun-geun said, "Highly-enriched uranium can be mass produced for relatively little cost, and 1,000 centrifuges can be operated in a relatively small amount of space of around 600 square meters, so it is easy to conceal."

Lee was quoted by Yonhap News Agency telling a conference that "North Korea appears to have used HEU in its fifth nuclear test [last September], and the demonstration of a relatively strong explosive power can mean the country has produced enough HEU."

At the time, South Korean President Park Geun-hye cut an overseas trip short in response to the launch, calling it a "grave challenge" and warning that, "Such provocation will further accelerate its path to self-destruction.

 Sputnik

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India, Indonesia to Hold Joint Air Combat Drills

Sputnik News

13:53 09.02.2017

India and Indonesia will also hold their first ever joint air combat exercises. Joint air exercises are very important as Indonesia had evinced interest in India's light combat aircraft Tejas.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  In a bid to expand its outreach in Indian Ocean Region, India has decided to lend submarine training to Indonesia. Defense Sources told Sputnik that submarine training is a part of defense co-operation agreed during recent visit of India's Defense Secretary Mohan Kumar to South East Asia. Vietnamese sailors are already being trained by Indian submariners to operate Russian Kilo class submarines. Indonesia government also asked for defense technologies meant for Army's equipment.

During Indonesian President Joko Widodo visit to India in December 2016 both the countries agreed to increase the frequency of defense exchanges, training and joint exercises, including among Special Forces. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed his intention to explore collaboration between defense industries for joint production of equipment with technology transfer.

"Indonesia, with its Geo-strategic location and reach, size, demography and economic potential, and balanced and nuanced relations with the US, China and Japan, would be the best placed to play a broader stabilizing role in the region," says Gautam Mukhopadhaya, diplomat and strategic analyst.

Stretching over 5,200 kms from west to east, and 2,200 kms from north to south, Indonesia with its over 17,000 islands spread over 1.9 million sq kms, is the world's largest archipelago, one that straddles both the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. It shares the choke point of the Straits of Malacca with Malaysia and Singapore, but also sits exclusively astride, and, therefore, can potentially control, virtually all the straits linking the southern Indian Ocean with the South China Sea.

 Sputnik

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India's Anti-Ship Missile Maiden Hits Target in Arabian Sea

Sputnik News

09:35 09.02.2017(updated 13:17 09.02.2017)

India is currently carrying out its biggest inter-service exercise to test its combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Indian Navy, and the assets of the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  India has successfully test-fired anti-ship missile KH35 from upgraded IL 38 SD, maiden firing from the aircraft, in Arabian Sea.

"IL 38 SD aircraft has undertaken this maiden firing post modification and midlife upgrade, thereby demonstrating its highly potent Anti Ship Missile (AShM) attack capability. The development ratifies Indian Navy's ability to ensure long range sea denial around Indian Sub continent," reads a statement released by Indian Navy.

Indian Navy has conducted this trial as part of the ongoing annual Theater level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX-17), on the Western seaboard.

Exercise includes the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya, nuclear submarine Chakra, Landing Platform Dock (LPD) Jalashwa, the recently commissioned destroyer Chennai, the P-8I long range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft operating alongside SU-30 MKI, Jaguars, AWACS, IL-78 Flight Refueling Aircraft of the Indian Air Force and Infantry units of the Indian Army.

Upgraded IL 38 is currently in operation in Indian and Russian Navy. Upgraded Il-38 of the Russian Navy is designated as Il-38N. Indian Navy had placed an order of five upgraded IL 38 aircraft in year 2001. Indian Navy had intention to extend the operational life of the aircraft upto 15 years. Delivery of the upgraded aircraft has begun from year 2006 and last aircraft was delivered to India in February 2010.

Recently, US had also warned India about increased Chinese presence in waters off the coast of India. Chinese Navy's movement is expected to increase more as China is extensively engaged in development and providing security to Gwadar port in Pakistan.

 Sputnik

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Pakistan: India's Alleged 'Secret Nuclear City' Threatens Regional Peace

By Ayaz Gul February 09, 2017

Pakistan is warning rival India's rapid expansion of its nuclear weaponry and construction of a "secret nuclear city" to produce a thermonuclear arsenal pose a direct threat to Islamabad and the region at large.

"[India] has a stockpile of fissile material for producing the nuclear weapons outside the IAEA safeguards. It is also building a secret nuclear city in south India," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said Thursday at a weekly news conference.

He referred to a report by Washington-based Foreign Policy magazine, in which New Delhi was accused of building the nuclear facility in Karnataka.

India promptly rejected Pakistan's allegations as unfounded, saying New Delhi has always been in compliance with its international obligations.

"These are completely baseless allegations. The so-called secret nuclear city is a figment of Pakistan's imagination," said Vikas Swarup, Indian ministry of external affairs spokesman.

The magazine reported the project is expected to be completed this year and would be "the subcontinent's largest military-run complex of nuclear centrifuges, atomic research laboratories, and weapons-and aircraft-testing facilities."

"With conventional weapons balance already disturbed, India's nuclear weapons build-up has dangerous proportions to tip the strategic balance and endanger the peace of the region and beyond," asserted Zakaria.

Pakistan is also accused of possessing the world's fastest growing nuclear weapons program and has recently tested ballistic missiles, including one capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads to as far as 2,000 kilometers.

Tensions have heightened between India and Pakistan over the disputed Kashmir region, preventing the rival nations from resuming their wide-ranging peace dialogue to normalize bilateral ties.

The South Asia rival nations have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir and engaged in a limited conflict in 1999 over the divided Himalayan region.

New Delhi and Islamabad accuse each other of sponsoring terrorist activities on their respective soils, the main cause of latest tensions between the two.

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Rouhani: Iran military development for defense purposes

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 9, IRNA -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday Iran has shown that it has no intention to interfere in other countries' internal affairs and its military development is solely for defense purposes.

Addressing the ceremony marking the Islamic Republic of Iran's National Day, he added that Iran has never attacked any country and it has no such an intention ever.

Weapons are solely for defending the country and the enemies should not be allowed to make the region and world unsafe through creating illusions, President Rouhani said.

"We believe that the nations should have ties with each other and that's the duty of all governments to bring nations closer to each other in a bid to safeguard their common interests," he said.

Ceremony marking victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution attended by 180 Tehran-based ambassadors and diplomats is underway in the Summit Hall in the capital Tehran.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif welcomed foreign guests participating at the event.

Palestinian Ambassador in Tehran Salah al-Zawawi, as the ambassador dean, was the second speaker of the ceremony.

8072**2044

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Russia: Iran nuclear deal contributing to int'l security

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Moscow, Feb 9, IRNA -- Russia in a statement on Thursday, released following the meeting between Sergey Ryabkov and Abbas Araqchi, announced that both Tehran and Moscow remain to believe that Iran's nuclear deal contributes to regional and global security.

The statement by the Russian foreign ministry reads that the two officials discussed various aspects of implementation of the nuclear deal reached between Iran and six world powers last year, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

According to the statement, the two deputy foreign ministers underlined that the fulfillment of commitments by the parties involved in the deal will ensure successful and sustainable implementation of the JCPOA.

The issues of international security and prohibition of mass destruction weapons were also discussed during the meeting between Araqchi and Ryabkov, the statement further suggests.

Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araqchi during his one-day visit to Moscow held lengthy talks on the JCPOA and possible challenges ahead of full implementation the landmark deal.

8072**2044

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Trump cautioned against designating Iran's IRGC as terrorist organization

Iran Press TV

Thu Feb 9, 2017 7:34AM

The US State and Defense Departments have cautioned President Donald Trump against designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a report says.

The White House has been weighing designating the IRGC  the elite arm of Iran's security forces -- and Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood as "Foreign Terrorist Organizations," Trump administration officials familiar with the matter told CNN.

But, the officials said, Trump did not sign executive orders on the issue after US national security agencies warned the president about the consequences of such a move, the US news network reported on Thursday.

President Trump was scheduled to sign the IRGC order on Monday during his visit to the US Central Command (CENTCOM)'s headquarters in Tampa, Florida, but the plan was put on hold after the State and Defense Departments expressed "serious objections," according to the officials.

The US military's CENTCOM deals with issues in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, most notably Afghanistan and Iraq.

It is not clear now if Trump will sign the order regarding the IRGC.

The officials said Trump was told that designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization would create serious problems for Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who is receiving assistance from both the US military and the IRGC in his fight against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group.

In addition, they said that US national security agencies are also concerned that American military and embassy personnel in Iraq could be targeted after such an action from the United States.

This is while, according to reports, some officials from the Trump administration have received money from the anti-Iran Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) to deliver speeches in support of the terrorist group.

Trump's transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, received $50,000 in 2015 for a five-minute speech to the political wing of the MKO, which has carried out numerous terrorist attacks against Iranian civilians and government officials over the past three decades.

In March 2016, Chao received another $17,500 for a speech that she gave to the Iranian-American Cultural Association of Missouri, which reportedly has ties with the MKO terrorist group. Chao is the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Former mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani, who is also likely to get a post in the Trump administration, has also acknowledged that he has been paid by the MKO for his appearances at the terrorist group's events.

Out of the nearly 17,000 Iranians killed in terrorist assaults since the victory of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, about 12,000 have fallen victim to MKO's terrorist attacks.

The organization also sided with former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during Iraq's eight-year imposed war against Iran in the 1980s. The group also helped Saddam in his brutal crackdown on his opponents.

The US State Department added the MKO to its list of foreign terrorist organizations in 1997 for the group's involvement in the killing of Americans in Iran in the 1970s and an attack on US soil in 1992.

But, now some officials in the Trump administration are reportedly lobbying for the MKO's removal from the US list of terrorist groups, and designate Iran's IRGC, which has been fighting against terrorism and aggression since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as a terrorist organization.

According to some observers, Israel and Saudi Arabia, which are considered main sponsors of terrorism in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, Yemen and Syria, are pushing the Trump administration to act against the IRGC, an organization that has frustrated their designs on these countries.

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Moscow Disagrees With Trump Over Iranian Nuclear Deal

Sputnik News

17:34 09.02.2017(updated 17:35 09.02.2017)

Moscow does not agree with US President Donald Trump that the deal with Iran on its nuclear program was bad, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Thursday.

MOSCOW, February 9 (Sputnik)  He added that creation of obstacles and imposition of sanctions against Iran on the part of the United States was unacceptable for Russia.

"We have heard several times from Trump and the new US authorities that the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) was not a good deal. We do not share the US opinion," Ryabkov said.

On February 5, US Vice President Mike Pence said US President Donald Trump will decide whether the United States stands by the Iran nuclear deal in the upcoming days. The vice president stressed that Iran's ballistic missile test was a direct violation of the UN Security Council resolutions and "defiant behavior to the world community".

The nuclear agreement was signed in July 2015 by Iran and the P5+1 group of countries comprising the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom plus Germany. The agreement stipulates that Iran must maintain a peaceful nature of its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

On Friday, US Treasury Department imposed a new round of sanctions against Iran, adding 12 entities and 13 individuals to the OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals list, after Tehran carried out a missile launch.

The move came after US President Donald Trump said that Iran is "playing with fire," adding that he will not be "as kind" as former US leader Barack Obama had been.

After much criticism and speculation over alleged missile tests in Iran earlier in the week, the nation's Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehqan confirmed on Wednesday that the nation had conducted test missile launches in line with their defense programs. Dehqan also underlined the fact that these tests violated neither the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nor UN Resolution 2231.

 Sputnik

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

The World Banks mission on financial and private sector development in the South Caucasus, headed by Angela Prigozhina, senior financial sector specialist, will arrive in Baku Feb. 19, the WB local office told Trend.

The WB local office noted that the main purpose of the mission is to discuss the beginning of work within the second phase of the financial sector development program. The WB mission will stay in Baku until March 1.

The WB mission plans to discuss in Baku a variety of projects covering the insurance market, strengthening the financial infrastructure and solving the problem of overdue loans, the bank said.

One of the topics discussed will be dedicated to the issue of improving the deposit insurance system in Azerbaijan, the WB local office added.

The first phase of the financial sector development program was completed in June 2016. The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) allocated a grant of $4 million for its implementation in 2012.

The SECO will allocate $3 million as part of technical assistance to the second project on modernization of financial sector in Azerbaijan.

As part of the technical assistance, SECO and WB will support Azerbaijani government in enhancing the countrys financial stability by expanding regulatory and legal framework of the financial sector, as well as by strengthening regulatory and supervisory powers of Azerbaijans Financial Market Supervisory Authority.

The technical assistance covers five areas: supervision over the financial market, liquidation of banks, the deposit insurance system, protection of consumer rights, and troubled loans.

As part of the technical assistance, recommendations will be prepared to change the legal and institutional framework of the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF) in order to bring its activities in line with international standards, speed up the repayment of compensations and improve the mechanism of financing in unforeseen circumstances.
Top U.S. Senator Suggests Empowering Trump Officials Who Are Tough On Russia

Carl Schreck February 09, 2017

WASHINGTON -- A top U.S. senator has suggested lawmakers should empower officials in Donald Trump's administration whose views on Russia diverge sharply from those voiced by the president.

The statement by Bob Corker (Republican-Tennessee) during a February 9 hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which he chairs, comes amid mounting bipartisan concern in Congress that Trump could soften Washington's approach toward Moscow and President Vladimir Putin.

Corker's remarks came after Senator Chris Murphy (Democrat-Connecticut) criticized what he called "conflicting messages" about Russia from the administration. Murphy pointed to Trump's recent interview with Fox News in which he expressed skepticism about Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

"In spite of the unfortunate statements that end up being made, I think there are folks within the administration that have a very, very different point of view, and I think us working with them to empower them to create policies that we would support is something that we can play a role in doing," Corker said.

Corker did not specify which officials or statements he was talking about. His spokesman, Chuck Harper, told RFE/RL that the remark "was general in nature."

Earlier in the hearing, which was devoted to Russia, Corker said he had "spent some time" with Trump's secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, and "understanding the route he is planning to take to ratchet back what Russia is doing."

"I want to spend a little time making sure that what we do to strengthen his hand is appropriate, and I think you're going to see a very different type of activity towards Russia," Corker said.

In his confirmation hearing last month, Tillerson said Russia was backing separatists in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has killed more than 9,750 people since April 2014. Russia denies it is providing such support, despite substantial evidence of its role in the conflict.

Corker also joined the committee's ranking Democrat, Ben Cardin of Maryland, in criticizing comments made by Trump in the same Fox News interview after host Bill O'Reilly called Putin "a killer."

"There are a lot of killers. We've got a lot of killers. What do you think? Our country's so innocent?" Trump said in the interview, broadcast February 5.

Corker told the hearing that he sees "no moral equivalence, none, between ourselves and the actions that Russia has taken" and that Trump's comments do not reflect the views of "most members of the U.S. Senate."

The hearing was held one day after a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation that would make it harder for Trump to lift sanctions against Russia that were imposed by his predecessor, Barack Obama. Those sanctions aimed to punish Russia for its actions in Ukraine and its alleged meddling in the American presidential election last year.

Trump, a Republican, has repeatedly said he wants to improve ties with Moscow, which have been badly strained over Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean territory, its backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine, and military activities in Syria.

Those comments have put him at odds with many lawmakers in his own party, who are largely hawkish on Russia.

But prominent members of Trump's cabinet have said sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine should stay in place.

On February 2, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, expressed "strong condemnation of Russia's actions" in eastern Ukraine and said Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Moscow hands control of the Black Sea peninsula back to Ukraine.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer on February 8 referred to Haley's comments when asked about the administration's position.

Tillerson said in his confirmation hearing that the Ukraine-related sanctions should remain, suggesting they could be used as leverage in dealing with Moscow.

Tillerson, who publicly questioned the wisdom of the sanctions in his previous job as the CEO of ExxonMobil, dealt extensively with the Russian government during his tenure at the multinational oil giant.

During the February 9 hearing, Murphy expressed concern about the differences between Haley's comments on Russia and Trump's to Fox News.

"One of the things that worry us is that we're hearing conflicting messages from this administration about Russia," he said.

The hearing featured testimony from U.S. General Philip Breedlove, a former NATO supreme commander in Europe, and Julianne Smith, a former national security adviser to Obama's vice president, Joe Biden.

Committee members delivered harsh criticism of Russia and Putin on issues ranging from Ukraine to hacking to human rights.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/trump-russia-corker-ukraine/28300803.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian MoD Confirms Tu-160 Strategic Bombers' Patrols Over Neutral Waters

Sputnik News

21:03 09.02.2017(updated 21:05 09.02.2017)

Two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers conducted on Thursday patrol flights over neutral waters in the Northern hemisphere without violating international rules, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to Konashenkov, the Tu-160s were closely followed at some stages of the flight by NATO combat aircraft, including by British fighter jets, although the Russian bombers were not violating any international regulations.

"They flew over neutral waters in the Barents and the Norwegian seas, as well as in the Atlantic Ocean," ministry's spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

"All flights by the Russian military aircraft are carried out in strict compliance with international regulations on the use of airspace over the neutral waters, without violating borders of other countries," Konashenkov stressed.

Mainstream media outlets earlier reported that the UK and France scrambled an unspecified number of fighter jets on Thursday to monitor two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers flying close to their airspace.

 Sputnik

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Some Republican Senators Want Trump to Take Tough Stance on Russia

By VOA News February 09, 2017

Nine Republican senators have signed a letter calling on President Donald Trump to take a tough stance when dealing with Russia, though they did encourage the president to "seek common ground."

The letter, spearheaded by Senator Corey Gardner and signed by several other high-profile Republicans, including John Cornyn and Lindsey Graham, said it is important to cooperate with Russia when necessary, but also stresses the need to confront Moscow on issues like cyber hacking and its aggressive actions in Ukraine.

The letter which was made public Thursday says although the senators believe the United States "should seek common ground with Russia in the areas of mutual interest, [but] never pursue cooperation with Russia at the expense of our fundamental interests of defending our allies and promoting our values."

The senators said they would like to see Trump impose new sanctions on Russia, if necessary, to stop Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine. The senators also said there should be no commitment made with Russia to end the violence in Syria until Russia gives up its support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Trump statements on Russia

Trump, during the opening weeks of his presidency, has repeatedly expressed interest in rebuilding relations between the United States and Russia. In a recent interview he said that while he "respects" Russian President Vladimir Putin, he doesn't know how well the two will get along.

"I say it's better to get along with Russia than not. And if Russia helps us in the fight against ISIS [Islamic State], which is a major fight, and Islamic terrorism all over the world, that's a good thing," Trump told Fox News in an interview aired Sunday. "Will I get along with him? I have no idea," he added.

Reuters reports that during his first call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on January 28, Trump criticized several deals made by the Obama administration, including the New Start treaty, which limits the number of nuclear warheads that can be deployed by either country.

Putin brought up the idea of extending the treaty for another five years, according to the Reuters report. If the two sides do not agree to extend or renegotiate the deal, it would allow both sides to deploy an unlimited number of warheads.

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Kremlin Confirms Accidental Russian Airstrike Kills Turkish Soldiers in Syria

Sputnik News

18:07 09.02.2017(updated 20:23 09.02.2017)

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to Sputnik that Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over an accidental Russian airstrike that had killed Turkish soldiers in Syria.

Peskov said that Russia and Turkey will jointly investigate the deadly incident. The Kremlin spokesman said that Putin told Erdogan that Turkish soldiers had died as a result of lack of coordination regarding coordinates during Russian military jets' strikes in Syria.

Russia and Turkey will improve coordination of activities in Syria after the unintentional strike, Peskov said.

"President Putin informed about the recent telephone conversation with Turkish President Erdogan, said that he expressed condolences to the Turkish counterpart over the fact that early this morning as a result of non-coordination of coordinates Turkish soldiers had been killed during a joint operation to liberate al-Bab by Russian Aerospace Forces' airstrikes," Peskov said.

The Russian and Turkish presidents held a phone conversation earlier on Thursday. Putin expressed condolences to Erdogan over the deaths of Turkish soldiers near Syria's al-Bab, the Kremlin said earlier. They also agreed to expand military coordination during the operation against militants from Daesh and other extremist groups in Syria.

Earlier in the day, the Turkish General Staff said that an accidental Russian airstrike killed three Turkish soldiers and wounded 11 others in northern Syria.

"Today, around 08.40, during airstrikes against Daesh targets [in Syria], Russian combat planes accidentally hit a building hosting Turkish servicemen taking part in Euphrates Shield operation. As a result, three Turkish soldiers were killed, 11 were wounded, including one seriously," the Turkish General Staff said in a statement.

The Russian Defense Ministry has also confirmed the unintentional strike, killing Turkish servicemen in Syria. The ministry said that Russian bombers had been on a mission to destroy Daesh terrorists' positions near al-Bab, where Turkish soldiers had been accidentally bombed.

"Russian bombers have been carrying out a combat mission destroying Daesh positions in al-Bab area. The chiefs of the [Russian and Turkish] general staffs agreed to closer coordinate joint actions and exchange information about the situation on the ground."

Chief of the Russian General Staff General Valery Gerasimov held telephone talks with his Turkish counterpart, during which the issues of the fight against international terrorist groups in Syria and the situation in the northeast of the province of Aleppo were discussed.

"Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Army General Valery Gerasimov expressed condolences to [Turkish] General Hulusi Akar in connection with the death of three Turkish soldiers operating in the area of the city of al-Bab as a result of unintentional strike by a Russian aircraft."

The news comes as the Turkish military operation in Syria's al-Bab has entered the final stage. Turkey's units entered central al-Bab, the operation is being conducted in coordination with Russia to prevent clashes with Syrian government forces.

Russian and Turkish military jets have repeatedly jointly bombed Daesh targets near al-Bab in Syria. Al-Bab is one of Daesh's last remaining strongholds near the Turkish border. Capturing the city is of strategic importance to Turkey in order to prevent the Syrian Kurds taking it and unifying their own territories.

 Sputnik

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Putin, Erdogan Agree to Expand Russia-Turkey Military Coordination in Syria

Sputnik News

18:04 09.02.2017(updated 19:16 09.02.2017)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed in a phone call on Thursday the situation in Syria and steps aimed at expanding joint efforts in the fight against Daesh and other terrorist groups in the war-torn country, the Kremlin press service said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Moreover, they discussed the Syrian political settlement.

"The presidents discussed the implementation of the results of an international meeting on Syria in Astana under mediation by Russia, Turkey and Iran. They reaffirmed readiness to assist actively in further advancement of the Astana and Geneva processes on Syrian settlement," the press service said in a statement.

"The presidents also agreed to expand military coordination during the operation against militants from Daesh and other extremist groups in Syria," the statement said.

Putin expressed condolences to Erdogan over the deaths of Turkish soldiers near Syria's al-Bab.

"Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences over the tragic incident that resulted in the death of several Turkish soldiers near the town of al-Bab," the statement said.

Moreover, Putin and Erdogan discussed trade and economic cooperation with account for a meeting of the Russia-Turkey High-Level Cooperation Council due in Russia in March, the Kremlin press service said.

Putin and Erdogan "discussed urgent issues of Russian-Turkish cooperation in the trade, economic and other spheres, including in view of preparation for the meeting in Russia in March 2017 of the High-Level Cooperation Council."

 Sputnik

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Russian MoD Denies Reports of Alleged Strikes in Syria by Tochka-U Systems

Sputnik News

15:16 09.02.2017(updated 17:50 09.02.2017)

The Russian Defense Ministry denied reports of alleged strikes in Syria carried out by Russia's Tochka-U ballistic missile systems.

On Wednesday, Fox News claimed citing US officials that Russia had allegedly delivered 50 short-range ballistic missiles to the Syrian port of Tartus.

Both Russia and Turkey have not registered any strikes carried out by Tochka-U ballistic missile systems in Syria, the Defense Ministry said.

"There is no information about alleged strikes by Tochka-U missiles this week on the Syrian opposition units in Idlib. Neither Russia, nor Turkey recorded it," Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said.

At the same time, he noted that the joint Russian-Turkish commission on the Syrian ceasefire carried out round-the-clock monitoring of violations of the cessation of hostilities.

"Every day, all the evidence of such violations by the Syrian troops and by the armed opposition are being registered, checked and published on the Russian Defense Ministry website," the general said.

Russia "fully honors its commitments undertaken on December 30, 2016, on the ceasefire regime in Syria, which does not include Daesh and al-Nusra Front terrorist groups," Konashenkov concluded.

Russia and Turkey are guarantors of a nationwide Syrian ceasefire that came into force on December 30, and has been holding up in general, despite continued reports of violations. The UN Security Council passed a resolution in December supporting the effort.

The Tochka (Point)-U is a mobile missile system, designed to launch precise attacks on the enemy's tactical targets, such as control posts, bridges, storage facilities, troop concentrations and airfields. The modernized version of the Tochka-U, which can carry nuclear, biological or chemical warheads, has a maximum firing range of up to 185 kilometers.

 Sputnik

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Kremlin Comments on Alleged Russian Supply of Tochka Ballistic Missiles to Syria

Sputnik News

12:50 09.02.2017(updated 14:25 09.02.2017)

Kremlin has no information on US media reports of alleged Russia's supplies of Tochka tactical ballistic missiles (NATO reporting name SS-21 Scarab) to Syria, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Wednesday, Fox News claimed citing US officials that Russia had allegedly delivered 50 short-range ballistic missiles to the Syrian port of Tartus.

"We cannot comment on that. I have no such information," Peskov told reporters when asked to comment on the reports of Russia's alleged supply of 50 Tochka missiles to Syria.

The Tochka (Point)-U is a mobile missile system, designed to launch precise attacks on the enemy's tactical targets, such as control posts, bridges, storage facilities, troop concentrations and airfields. The modernized version of the Tochka-U, which can carry nuclear, biological or chemical warheads, has a maximum firing range of up to 185 kilometers.

 Sputnik

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Under Siege in al-Bab, IS Faces Retreat to Raqqa

By Sirwan Kajjo, Kasim Cindemir February 09, 2017

As Islamic State fighters make a last stand against Turkish-backed troops in a key strategic city in northern Syria, IS appears to have few options as to where it can retreat.

As of Thursday morning, anti-IS forces were in control of the northern part of the town of al-Bab amid fierce clashes with the remaining IS fighters. Local reports said fighting also was taking place in the center of the town.

There are nearly 1,000 IS fighters left in al-Bab and 800 others on the outskirts, according to Abu Eyad, a rebel fighter who is involved in the Turkish-backed operation. "These fighters are mostly foreigners and they are likely to fight in al-Bab until they die," Eyad said.

IS has suffered blows from ground troops on several sides around al-Bab, including on the southern front where Syrian troops have closed in and are only three kilometers away from the town.

U.S. airstrikes in support of Turkish forces and Syrian rebels also have been key in the recent advances in al-Bab.

IS loss 'inevitable'

IS fighters "are putting up a tough fight in and around al-Bab," said Ahed al-Hendi, a Syrian affairs analyst in Washington.

But, he said, IS knows "that its loss there is inevitable, so they will fight until the end."

At least 10 Turkish soldiers have been killed by IS since clashes intensified Wednesday morning.

Similar to previous battles where it lost territory, IS "will carry suicide bombing attacks on [Turkish] soldiers and use civilians as shields," said Metehan Demir, a Turkish military affairs analyst in Ankara.

Under siege in Iraq, and also in its de facto Syrian capital in Raqqa, IS is becoming hemmed in on several fronts, analysts say. IS fighters who survive in al-Bab have one safe haven left in Syria.

"They will need additional fighters to be in Raqqa as the Kurdish-led forces are advancing very rapidly from the north and west," analyst al-Hendi said. "So any retreating force from al-Bab will be deployed to Raqqa."

Looking toward Raqqa

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have made new advances against IS fighters this week after launching a third phase of their ongoing offensive to retake Raqqa, some 200 kilometers east of al-Bab.

U.S. military officials say it is a matter of weeks before Raqqa is besieged.

"What we would expect is that within the next few weeks, is that the city would be nearly completely isolated and then there will be a decision point to move in," said Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition against IS.

In anticipation of an imminent attack on Raqqa, analysts said, IS will continue to build its defensive lines there.

"If the remaining IS fighters in al-Bab stay alive, they will go to defend Raqqa," Turkish analyst Demir said.

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Turkey Satisfied With Russia's Response After Airstrike Incident  Source

Sputnik News

00:30 10.02.2017(updated 01:02 10.02.2017)

A high-ranking Turkish military source in Ankara told Sputnik that Turkey has positively assessed Russia's constructive position in connection with the airstrike incident in northern Syria.

ANKARA (Sputnik)  Turkey has positively assessed Russia's constructive position in connection with the incident in northern Syria, when an accidental Russian airstrike led to the death of three Turkish servicemen, a high-ranking Turkish military source in Ankara told Sputnik.

"Talks have been held with Russian colleagues with the coordination of the administration of our president and prime minister. The death of our servicemen caused us great grief, we are praying for the recovery of our wounded comrades. However, the actions and the constructive position of Russian officials right after the incident were met positively by us," the source said.

The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed an accidental airstrike in Syria on Thursday that killed three Turkish servicemen and wounded another 11.

A military source in Ankara told Sputnik on Thursday that Russia and Turkey would not set up a joint commission to investigate the airstrike incident as the situation was "quite clear."

 Sputnik

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U.S. secretary of state reaffirms Six Assurances to Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

2017/02/09 13:23:41

Washington, Feb. 8 (CNA) New U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has recently reaffirmed the Six Assurances regarding U.S. policy toward Taiwan in response to questions from U.S. Senator Ben Cardin before he won confirmation as secretary of state from the Senate on Feb. 1.

In the written responses, Tillerson said that the Three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and the Six Assurances provide the foundation for U.S. policy toward China and Taiwan. The United States should continue to uphold its one China policy and support a peaceful and mutually agreeable cross-Taiwan strait outcome.

He was replying to Cardin's question as to whether the principles of the communiques and the TRA remain the important foundations of the U.S.-China relationship and whether he believes that the One China policy remains valid, or needs revision.

Tillerson also said that if confirmed, he intends to support the one China policy. "The people of Taiwan are friends of the United States and should not be treated as a bargaining chip. The U.S. commitment to Taiwan is both a legal commitment and a moral imperative," he said.

The new secretary of state gave the answer when asked whether he is concerned that President Donald Trump's suggestion in a media interview last December that the one China policy is negotiable may have created the impression that Taiwan is nothing more than a bargaining chip and might undermine U.S. ability to support Taiwan and protect U.S. interests in peace and stability in the region.

Tillerson responded that under this policy, the U.S. recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and acknowledges the Chinese position that Taiwan is part of China.

As required by the TRA, the U.S. continues to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character and maintains the capacity of the U.S. to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people of Taiwan, Tillerson wrote.

He noted that the United States also upholds the Six Assurances on U.S. policy toward Taiwan. If confirmed, he will continue these policies and work to ensure that the cross-strait military balance remains favorable to peace and stability, Tillerson said.

Tillerson first mentioned the Six Assurances at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee on Jan. 11.

Former U.S. president Ronald Reagan issued the Six Assurances in 1982.

The Six Assurances include U.S. pledges not to set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan, not to hold prior consultations with China regarding arms sales to Taiwan, and not to play a mediation role between Taiwan and China.

They also include assurances that the U.S. will not revise the TRA, will not pressure Taiwan to enter into negotiations with China and will not formally recognize Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan.

(By Tony Liao and Evelyn Kao)

ENDITEM/J

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Involving Armenian banks and companies, operating in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, in the World Bank projects is inadmissible, said Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev.

He was addressing a meeting with WB Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Cyril Muller in Baku Feb. 10.

The minister once again reminded Muller about Azerbaijan's fair position in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

Speaking about the Azerbaijan-WB cooperation, Mustafayev noted that the bank has implemented 40 projects in Azerbaijan, as of now, and 11 more projects are now being carried out.

Mustafayev noted the significance of the World Banks continuing financing the projects in Azerbaijans private sector.

At the same time, Azerbaijan is interested in cooperation in agriculture and training of employees of industrial parks, the Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park as well, he added.

Azerbaijan joined the WB Group in 1992.
CIA Chief's Ankara Visit Sparks Hope of Reset in Bilateral Relations

By Dorian Jones February 09, 2017

Ankara rolled out the red carpet Thursday for U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo, who met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan.

Pompeo's visit follows Tuesday's telephone conversation between the U.S. and Turkish presidents, which both sides described as "productive."

The fact that Pompeo chose Turkey as the first country to visit after his appointment, according to analysts, should be appreciated by Ankara, which is still smarting over what it perceives as persistently being snubbed by the Obama administration.

"It is important, the visit, and it's not being taken lightly in Ankara at all," observes political columnist Semih Idiz of Al Monitor website. "It does give the impression, whatever strains there are, that both sides are going to try to see what commonality they can find in their approaches to the various issues of importance to the two countries."

Split over Syrian Kurdish militia

Washington's ongoing support of the Syrian Kurdish militia (YPG) in its fight against Islamic State reportedly was one of the main themes of the CIA director's talks. Ankara is calling for an end to that support, accusing the YPG of being an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is fighting the Turkish state and is designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and European Union. Erdogan repeatedly has said Turkish forces could replace the YPG.

Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday suggested a breakthrough ahead of Pompeo's visit.

"On the issue of fighting Daesh [Islamic State], we  that is Turkey and Saudi Arabia  will be cooperating with the United States," Cavusoglu said. "We believe that the fight from now on will be more effective and that we will be able to clear both Syria and Iraq of Daesh."

Analysts point out that many in Washington, and especially in the Pentagon, are unlikely to be ready to abandon the YPG. They continue to see the Kurdish militia as the most effective force in fighting Islamic State. The militia, working closely with U.S. special forces, currently are marching on the Syrian City of Raqqa, the jihadist's self-declared capital.

Turkish forces supporting elements of the Free Syrian Army remain bogged down in fighting to capture from Islamic State the Syrian town of al-Bab. Despite repeated promises of its imminent fall by President Erdogan, the jihadists continue to hold out.

"Al-Bab proved to be a far harder nut to crack than anticipated," said international relations expert Soli Ozel of Istanbul's Kadir Has University.

Friendly fire claims three soldiers

Turkish efforts received another blow Thursday when three soldiers were killed and 11 others wounded in so-called friendly fire by Russian airstrikes near al-Bab. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to Erdogan in a telephone call, and both sides reportedly committed themselves to improving coordination in the fight for al-Bab.

Experts suggest Pompeo may have sought to find a compromise over the YPG.

"Trump during his campaign said he was going to try to get the Kurds and Turks to work together," suggested columnist Idiz. "It's not easy because the Kurdish issue has domestic implications in Turkey. It's not only Syria. There is the question over Kurdish terrorism because we've had atrocities committed by the PKK here in Turkey."

The situation is further complicated with an expected referendum in April to extend Erdogan's presidential powers. The Turkish president is campaigning on a platform of fighting terrorism. Experts suggest any softening of Ankara's stance is unlikely until after the vote.

What about Gulen?

The fate of the U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, also is reported to have been raised during Pompeo's visit. Ankara is demanding the extradition of Gulen, who Erdogan blames for last July's failed coup. The failure of Washington to extradite Gulen has somewhat soured relations between the two countries. Experts point out, though, that Trump  like his predecessor Obama  has little room for maneuver since extradition ultimately is a legal, rather than a political, matter.

But analysts suggest the CIA chief's visit will raise Ankara's expectations of a gesture from Washington to help ease tensions.

"There is also a belief the new administration is ready to do more," noted columnist Idiz, "that their might be a middle ground  like [Gulen's] house arrest or surveillance that will mollify the Turks."

The failed coup, and Gulen's presence in the U.S., remain a point of tension between Washington and Ankara. Senior Turkish ministers, along with much of the pro-government media, repeatedly have alleged Washington's involvement, a charge that has been consistently and strenuously denied.

The perceived slow response to condemn the coup, however, and tweets by some U.S. politicians who offered little support remains an open wound. One of most contentious and oft-reported was by Pompeo himself on the night of the coup, calling Turkey a "totalitarian Islamist dictatorship." The tweet subsequently was deleted.

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Britain and Italy stand together to tackle security threats

9 February 2017

The Defence Secretary has underlined Britain and Italy's close defence partnership on NATO and EU operations during talks in Rome.

In meetings with his counterpart Roberta Pinotti, Sir Michael Fallon said Britain was a key ally of Italy and would not be stepping back from European defence and security commitments following the Brexit vote.

They reviewed their partnership within the NATO alliance in particular. After the UK has spearheaded NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force this year, Italy will take on the responsibility in 2018.

The UK and Italy are also working closely to tackle illegal mass migration. The Defence Secretary confirmed the UK is considering providing more training to Libya's Coastguard as part of support to Operation Sophia, which focuses on tackling human smugglers and arms traffickers who endanger the lives of migrants seeking travel to Europe.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:

"In leading NATO's high readiness force and tackling illegal migration in the Mediterranean, Britain stands together with Italy to tackle threats to our security."

"The Royal Navy has played a key role in training the Libyan Coastguard and we're now looking at extending this training alongside Italy and other European partners."

A small team of specialist Royal Navy personnel successfully trained members of the Coastguard before Christmas in the southern Mediterranean. They were taught search and rescue techniques and how to sail alongside, board and inspect vessels.

The purpose of the training, led by the Italians, is to increase Libya's ability to secure its own borders by increasing their Coastguard's ability to disrupt people smuggling and illegal arms trafficking in and around Libya.

Elsewhere, the UK has also supported NATO counter migration efforts in the Aegean Sea, and HMS Mersey recently returned home following six months supporting this task, contributing to nearly twelve months of Royal Navy presence in the Aegean. She will now undertake maritime security operations around the UK, maintaining the integrity of home waters.

Sir Michael added:

"NATO is the cornerstone of our Defence, and the UK remains committed to European security, working with Italy and our European friends to tackle threats."

The Defence Secretary and Defence Minister Pinotti also discussed the development of the UK  Italian Defence industrial relationship, and potential trade options in the future. Sir Michael extended an invitation to host his Italian counterpart in the UK.

Sir Michael also recognised Italy's contribution to peace operations around the world and domestically, including support to disaster relief operations after earthquakes and heavy snowfall.

- HMS Echo continues to spearhead the UK's role in Operation Sophia, and Royal Navy ships have rescued more than 15,000 of the 32,000 lives saved since operations in the Mediterranean began.

- Echo has already rescued nearly 2,000 people and was involved in a rescue incident as recently as last week, when more than 500 migrants were saved.

- Royal Navy vessels have destroyed more than 140 smuggler vessels, and in addition to Echo, several other ships have been involved: HMS Enterprise, HMS Bulwark, HMS Diamond, HMS Richmond and RFA Mounts Bay.



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Lavrov: OSCE Confirmed Kiev Behind Latest Escalation in Donbass

Sputnik News

00:02 10.02.2017(updated 00:18 10.02.2017)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that OSCE had confirmed that radical and nationalist forces in Kiev were responsible for the latest escalation in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The monitoring mission of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) confirmed that radical and nationalist forces in Kiev are responsible for the latest escalation in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

"The situation in southeastern Ukraine has escalated sharply. Radical and nationalist forces in Kiev are responsible for the latest escalation. This was documented by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission's reports," Lavrov told the Izvestiya newspaper.

"Ukraine is evidently violating its obligations on Minsk agreements which it seemingly does not intend to implement. Instead of making efforts to reach stable peace, the Kiev authorities are trying hard to achieve a military solution," Lavrov said.

Lavrov also noted that Russia, the United States, Germany and France were united in the need for dialogue between the conflicting sides to the crisis in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass.

"There is no alternative to the Minsk agreements. Our contacts with our foreign partners, first of all with the Normandy Four, as well as with the United States show that even amid our differences in views on the situation in Ukraine we are united in the need for dialogue between the sides to the conflict to seek accord and resolution," Lavrov said.

 Sputnik

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Report: Trump Called Obama-Era Nuclear Reduction Treaty a Bad Deal on Putin Call

Sputnik News

23:41 09.02.2017(updated 03:06 10.02.2017)

Sources inside the White House have revealed that US President Donald Trump paused to ask aides what the New START treaty was, during a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, before telling Putin it was one in a string of bad deals completed by the Obama administration.

The details of the conversation are "private," US Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Thursday, regarding the Reuters report on the call between Trump and Putin which took place on January 28.

Trump has expressed a strong interest in re-negotiating multilateral agreements like NAFTA, and in the first days of his administration released an executive order scrapping the Trans Pacific Partnership. This is the first time, however, the media has reported that Trump communicated his skepticism of New START to Putin.

US President Barack Obama and Russian President Putin received international praise for New START, which was ratified in the US Senate by a vote of 71-26. The seven-year accord caps the size of each country's intercontinental ballistic missiles at 800, and prevents each country from maintaining more than 1,550 nuclear warheads.

During a presidential debate, Trump said New START was an example of where Russia had "outsmarted" the US. He also referred to the treaty as "START-up," during a debate against Hillary Clinton.

Critics of the New START deal argue that it does not serve Washington's interests, since "Russia was likely to reduce its forces with or without an arms control agreement and because the United States and Russia no longer need arms control treaties to manage their relationship," according to the Congressional Research Service.

Appearing before the Senate to confirm his readiness to serve as Washington's top diplomat, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, in contradiction to his boss, expressed support for the "long-standing bipartisan policy of engaging with Russia and other nuclear arms states to verifiably reduce nuclear stockpiles."

 Sputnik

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Edge data centres will account for most of the telecom server market growth and is projected to reach US$14 billion by 2026 according to a new report from DellOro Group.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Elena Kosolapova - Trend:

As much as 407 state-owned objects have been sold in Kazakhstan within the privatization program which started in June 2014, Kazakh finance minister said in message.

Earlier it was planned to sell 603 state objects in this period.

As much as 26 of the sold objects were owned directly by the state, 73 objects  by the state companies and holdings, 101  by socio-entrepreneurial corporations and 207 by municipal administrations.

Kazakh state budget received about 8.57 billion tenges (324 tenges = $1) from privatization deals reached in this period, the regional budgets  17.65 billion tenges, national holdings  73.69 billion tenges, and the socio-entrepreneurial corporations  6.77 billion tenges.

The privatization program was initiated by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Within the privatization plan, Kazakhstan will transfer such large state-owned companies as Kazakhstan Railways, KazMunaiGas, Kazatomprom, Samruk-Energy, Tau-Ken Samruk, Kazpost, Air Astana, Kazgeology, Kazmortransflot National Maritime Shipping Company, Atyrau Refinery, Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant, and PetroKazakhstan Oil Products to a competitive environment.

The program will reduce the states participation in the economy to 15 percent, which is the level set for countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Kazakhstan plans to sell 1,008 state-owned objects and facilities to private owners within the privatization program in 2014-2020.

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
School leaders from the Dan River Region say two bills aimed at reducing long-term suspensions could affect their ability to keep teachers and students safe.

When it comes to discipline, it really depends on the issue, said Danville Superintendent Stanley Jones.

The two pieces of legislation  sponsored by state Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Moneta  seek to keep students in class by both banning suspension and expulsion for students from pre-kindergarten to third grade as well as shorten the maximum long-term suspension time from 364 calendar days to 60 school days. Schools would still be able to suspend younger students for up to 10 days for incidents involving a weapon, inappropriate sexual behavior or serious bodily harm.

The legislation has passed the Virginia Senate and is now headed to the House of Delegates.

Jones said he agreed with the spirit of the bills and said the issue was suspensions usually dont fix behavior issues.

I do believe that we should minimize any attempt to keep students out of school, Jones said.

However, Jones believes school districts still needed the option to discipline students with long-term suspensions, especially in cases where weapons were brought into schools.

It kind of places a school division between a rock and a hard place, he said. Its hard to mandate that.

Pittsylvania County Schools Superintendent Mark Jones said his district explores every alternative to suspension when going through the discipline process.

Our staff and administration do everything we can do to keep children in school, Mark said.

Even when students are suspended, Jones said they are usually placed in Pittsylvania Countys alternative school. The district suspended an average of 36 students per year during the last five years, or 0.73 percent of the total student population. All but five of those students were able to remain at the countys alternative school.

We need to have the ability to discipline children so that others can learn, Mark said.

Stanley said in a news release the legislation aimed to revamp the outdated one-size-fits-all discipline approach.

These suspensions, especially long-term ones, dont correct the behavior of the student, but rather exacerbate the situation, Stanley said. In almost every instance, the suspensions are often are handed down unevenly, depending on the county, city or town.

Stanley said the current framework also failed to correct any mental health or family issues impacting classroom behavior.

We need to do everything we can to keep our students in the classroom  learning, growing and maturing into responsible and accountable citizens, Stanley said.
Low-brow grocer Aldi is making things a little more posh, part of a plan to steal market share from the big supermarket chains.

The discounter is spending $1.6 billion to upgrade 1,300 U.S. stores while keeping its prices low.

Its the biggest remodeling investment ever by Aldi U.S., which is controlled by a faction of Germanys billionaire Albrecht family.

Were becoming more and more mainstream with more customers, Aldi U.S. Chief Executive Officer Jason Hart said in an interview as he toured a remodeled location in Plainfield, Ill. Weve got older stores. We need to get up to date.

The remodeling comes as supermarkets are competing fiercely with Walmart and Amazon to draw customers with lower prices, streamlined selections and even services like delivery.

Aldis plans may allow it to steal share from foodie favorites such as Whole Foods Market Inc. and Trader Joes, which is controlled by a different bloc of the Albrecht clan.

Aldi hopes to draw about 60 million shoppers a month by 2020, up from about 40 million currently, but it faces an uphill climb. U.S. grocery industry sales are projected to increase only 0.2 percent this year to about $612 billion, according to researcher IBISWorld. And revenue is forecast to gain 1 percent or less for the next five years after that.

Theres limited growth, said Jim Sanderson, managing director at Arthur W. Wood Co., an investment firm. For the typical U.S. grocery store, theres just too much square footage right now.

Even so, theres still room for private-label chains like Aldi to expand, Sanderson said. The chain is projected to reach $12 billion in revenue this year, up from $11 billion two years ago, according to IBISWorld.

Youve got under-penetration of the hard discounters, which is what Aldi is, he said.

About 300 Aldi stores in the U.S. already have the new look.

The upgrades include sleeker refrigerator doors and windows to bring in more natural light. The company is widening the first aisle, expanding the front of the store and raising ceilings by as much as six feet.

The stores also are about 20 percent larger, allowing Aldi to add more items to its quickly growing lines of organic produce, fresh meat and alcohol.

The wine is housed in fancier wood fixtures with spotlights. A picture by the fresh meat shows a rare-cooked steak being cut and seasoned. Its a modern shopping experience, Hart said.

Aldis nine Richmond-area locations  four in Henrico County, two in Richmond, and one each in Chesterfield, Hanover and Colonial Heights  have opened in the past two years and already showcase much of the chains new look.

That being said, we will still be making a few updates to our (Richmond-area) stores to ensure we make more room for a larger selection of fresh products, plus customer favorites like organics, gluten-free foods and premium baby items, Chris Daniels, an Aldi division vice president, said in a statement.

All of the chains area stores are scheduled to be updated by this spring.

Aldi was founded more than a century ago when Anna Albrecht opened a small store in Essen, Germany.

Her sons, Karl and Theo, took over in 1948 and quickly expanded. In 1962, the name became Aldi, shortened from Albrecht Discount.

That same year, the brothers split the chain into two companies  Aldi Sud and Aldi Nord  following a dispute about whether to sell cigarettes. Aldi Sud oversees the U.S. operations.

The closely held company opened its first U.S. store in 1976 in Iowa. It expanded in the Midwest before moving into other parts of the country. The grocer has said it will reach 2,000 locations nationwide by the end of next year.

Aldi also opened its first California store last year. That pits Aldi against West Coast favorites Trader Joes and Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.

The moves also will place it in direct competition with Whole Foods, which has struggled lately to boost sales as more retailers sell organic and natural fare. Last year in Los Angeles, Whole Foods opened the first of its smaller, lower-priced stores called 365.

Over the past three years, Aldi has ramped up its organic offerings, too, featuring a private-label line called SimplyNature, whose sales jumped about 54 percent last year to more than $300 million. The brand includes items such as coconut oil, cereals, almond butter and produce.

With its no-frills approach  bag-your-own groceries, 25-cent cart rentals, giant quick-to-scan bar codes  Aldi has managed to sell its wares for less than others. It advertises that customers can save up to 50 percent by shopping there. And the chain wont be raising its signature low prices to pay for the remodels, Hart said.

Although they are trying to add more organic options and things like that, its important to keep the customers they have, said Madeline Hurley, an analyst at IBISWorld. The balance is crucial.
A global manufacturer is bringing 150 jobs to the former General Motors Powertrain plant in Spotsylvania County, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Tuesday.

Missouri-based idX Corp., which produces decor, fixtures, graphics and millwork for retailers, is investing $7.2 million to set up shop at the plant on Tidewater Trail, according to a governors office news release.

The company hopes to have a soft opening June 1 and be fully operational later that month, idX spokeswoman Lin Courtois said in an email to The Free LanceStar. It will fill the jobs over an estimated three years, she said.

An undetermined number of the 150 jobs will be filled by existing employees in Columbia, Md., which is about 90 miles north of Fredericksburg. The company is moving its operations there to Spotsylvania, Courtois said, but idX anticipates hiring a good number of Virginians.

She could not immediately provide a pay range for the workers.

The 289,000-square-foot facility across from Fredericksburg Country Club has been vacant since the GM plant closed in 2010.

McAuliffe approved a $400,000 state grant to help the company improve the plant. In addition, the Virginia Jobs Investment Program will contribute an unspecified amount of funding and services for idXs employee training activities.

The company also will receive about $1.5 million in incentives from Spotsylvania over 10 years, according to a county news release. A county spokeswoman said the Board of Supervisors must approve the incentives agreement before she can publicly release it.

Virginia competed against Maryland and North Carolina to win the project, according to the governors office.

The manufacturer is purchasing the 77-acre facility from RACER Trust, which a federal judge created to sell off GMs former assets after the company declared bankruptcy in 2009. The sale is expected to be finalized soon.

idX has locations across North America, in addition to Asia, Europe and the Indian subcontinent to meet the needs of global customers, the governors release states. It specializes in wood, metal, glass, acrylic, laminates, veneers and upholstery.

Winning this project is a testament to both Spotsylvania County and the commonwealths open and competitive business climate, strategic location and top-notch workforce, McAuliffe stated in the news release.

Spotsylvania County Administrator Mark Taylor lauded the companys bold decision to adapt and enlarge the former plant, saying the jobs will reduce commutes for some of our talented Spotsylvania workforce. A county news release said the company will expand the plant over five years.

Supervisor Gary Skinner, whose Lee Hill District includes the site, said officials have worked hard to replace the lost jobs at the GM plant, which employed 300 people in its heyday. idX is a very good start for us to replace those jobs, Skinner said.

Terry Schultz, CEO of idX, said in a statement that the Spotsylvania investment will strengthen the companys East Coast manufacturing and distribution network.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.10



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



OPEC oil production in January was 32.1 million barrels per day and the cuts achieved a record initial compliance rate of 90 percent, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its February Oil Market Report.



Some producers, notably Saudi Arabia, appeared to cut the oil output by more than originally agreed amount, according to the report.



OPEC nevertheless appears to have made a solid start to what is a six-month process. This first cut is certainly one of the deepest in the history of OPEC output cut initiatives, said IEA.



The continued existence of high stocks, plus caution from the markets in assessing the level of output cuts and how other producers might grow production, explains why Brent crude oil prices have remained at the mid-$50s/bbl level since mid-December after receiving a post-output deal boost of close to $10/bbl, according to the report.



The oil market is very much in a wait-and-see mode, IEA analysts believe.



In 2017, assuming normal weather conditions we expect demand to grow by 1.4 million barrels per day, an increase of 0.1 million barrels per day from the last report, said the analysts.



During a meeting in Vienna, Austria, on Nov. 30, 2016, OPEC members decided to implement a new production target of 32.5 million barrels per day. Later, non-OPEC countries agreed to cut the output by 558,000 barrels per day during the meeting held Dec. 10, 2016.



Eleven non-OPEC countries  Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan  agreed to reduce the oil output.



OPEC and non-OPEC countries pledged to start implementing the deal from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, Feb. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Meridian Mining S.E. (TSX V: MNO) ("Meridian" or the "Company"), today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Paradigm Capital Inc. (the "Agent") under which the Agent has agreed to act as agent in connection with a best efforts private placement offering (the "Private Placement") of units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of C$0.70 per Unit (the "Issue Price") for aggregate proceeds of up to C$9 million. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable for one Share for 24 months at a price to be determined in the context of the market.

The Agent has also been granted an option to increase the size of the Private Placement by up to 15% of the base offering size, which option shall be exercisable until two business days prior the closing date.

The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to fund exploration and development activities at the Company's BMC project and recently acquired Bom Futuro project in northwestern Brazil, including financing the construction of a 69kV power transmission line at Bom Futuro which is required under the Investment Agreement relating to Bom Futuro following the completion of the Company's technical audit and due diligence. Certain proceeds may also be used for general corporate purposes.

The Agent will receive a cash commission on the sale of the Units equal to 7% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Units sold by the Agent as well as that number of compensation options (the "Compensation Options") equal to 7% of the number of Units placed by the Agent. Each Compensation Option will be exercisable for one common share of the Company for 24 months at the Issue Price.

The Units will be offered for sale in all the provinces of Canada to qualified purchasers, and in such other jurisdictions as may be determined between the Company and the Agent. This Private Placement is subject to certain conditions including regulatory approvals and specifically, the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

Meridian Mining S.E.

"Anthony Julien"

Anthony Julien

President, CEO and Director

ABOUT MERIDIAN

Meridian Mining S.E. is focused on acquisition, exploration, development and mining activities in Brazil. The Company is currently focused on exploring and developing the BMC manganese project, the Bom Futuro tin JV area, and adjacent areas in the state of Rondonia. The Company employs a two-pronged strategy with the objective of growing pilot production while advancing a parallel multi-commodity regional exploration program. Meridian is currently producing high grade manganese at its project located at Espigao de Oeste.

Further information can be found at www.meridianmining.co.

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 Company's plans for exploration and development of its properties and potential mineralization. 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 risk factors include, among others, failure to obtain regulatory approvals, failure to complete anticipated transactions, the timing and success of future exploration and development activities, exploration and development risks, title matters, inability to obtain any required third party consents, operating hazards, metal prices, political and economic factors, competitive factors, general economic conditions, relationships with strategic partners, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, technological change, industry practices and one-time events. In making the forward-looking statements, the Company has applied several material assumptions including, but not limited to, the assumptions that: (1) the proposed exploration and development of mineral projects will proceed as planned; (2) market fundamentals will result in sustained metals and minerals prices and (3) any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms. 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.

The Company cautions that it has not completed any feasibility studies on any of its mineral properties, and no mineral reserve estimate has been established. In particular, because the Company's production decision relating to BMC's manganese project is not based upon a feasibility study of mineral reserves, the economic and technical viability of the BMC manganese project has not been established.

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Private Placement and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Meridian Mining S.E.
TSXV: GGI

OTC: GGIFF

Frankfurt: RQM

VANCOUVER, Feb. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Garibaldi Resources (TSX: GGI) (the "Company" or "Garibaldi") is pleased to provide the following corporate update further to the latest encouraging results from the Company's ongoing review of its 100%-owned E&L Project. The 63 sq. km property, 11 miles southwest of Eskay Creek, features the first magmatic nickel-copper-rich massive sulphide system in northwest British Columbia's prolific Golden Triangle.

Garibaldi's new team of seasoned nickel sulphide experts led by advisory board members Everett Makela, P.Geo., and Dr. Raymond Goldie, in collaboration with leading industry consultants, have assessed the available data from the historic E&L deposit and Garibaldi's 2016 work programs. Both Mr. Makela and Dr. Goldie have agreed to join the Company's Board of Directors.

Steve Regoci, Garibaldi President and CEO, commented: "We're extremely pleased to welcome Mr. Makela as our new VP of Exploration Canada and renowned nickel analyst Dr. Goldie to our Board of Directors. Their expertise in nickel sulphide systems, involving intimate knowledge of nickel-copper-rich deposits around the world such as Voisey's Bay, ensures our flagship E&L is put on a fast track for exploration success.

"Their contributions as advisors the last few months have been truly significant," Regoci continued. "As directors they will assist greatly in our pursuit of a high-tonnage, high-grade nickel-copper-platinum group element massive sulphide deposit at the E&L while also helping us advance other key assets in B.C. and Mexico."

To make room for two new Directors, Mr. Rafael Hinojosa has graciously stepped aside from the Board but remains a Corporate Officer and VP of Operations for Mexico. He will also be taking on added responsibilities as the Company prepares for a heightened level of activity at its gold and silver projects in Mexico.

Garibaldi eagerly anticipates releasing and presenting the E&L 3D geologic model this month, coinciding with final preparations to execute a major 2017 exploration and drilling program at the E&L beginning with a heli-borne electromagnetic survey that can detect conductive sulphide bodies up to 350 meters depth.

E&L Fact Sheet

To view the E&L Fact sheet, please visit the company's homepage or the following URL:

http://www.garibaldiresources.com/i/front/GGI_E-L_Project_Fact_Sheet_2017.pdf

About Garibaldi

Garibaldi Resources Corp. is an active Canadian-based junior exploration company focused on creating shareholder value through discoveries and strategic development of its assets in some of the most prolific mining regions in Mexico and British Columbia.

We seek safe harbor.

GARIBALDI RESOURCES CORP.

Per: "Steve Regoci"

Steve Regoci, President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Garibaldi Resources Corp.
VANCOUVER, Feb 10, 2017 - First Mining Finance Corp. ("First Mining" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:FF) (OTCQX:FFMGF) (FRANKFURT:FMG) is pleased to announce that, further to First Mining's news release dated January 9, 2017, the Company has filed on SEDAR an independent NI 43-101 technical report outlining the updated resource estimate for its Goldlund Gold Project located in the Patricia and Kenora Mining Division of Ontario. The report, which is titled "Technical Report and Resource Estimation Update on the Goldlund Project" and dated January 23, 2017, can be found under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, and on the Company's website.

In addition, further to the Company's January 24, 2017 news release, First Mining has completed the acquisitions of certain claims in Ontario and Quebec.

First Mining has acquired five unpatented mining claims from GoldON Resources Ltd. that are located near Pickle Lake, Ontario in exchange for 200,000 First Mining shares (the "GoldON Transaction"). In addition, First Mining has acquired eighteen mining claims located in the Township of Duparquet, Quebec from a private individual (the "Duparquet Vendor") in exchange for $250,000 and 2,500,000 First Mining shares (the "Central Duparquet Transaction").

Pricing for each transaction was based on the 5-day VWAP of First Mining's shares as of January 24, 2017, being $0.84. The deemed value of the GoldON Transaction is approximately $168,000, and the deemed value of the Central Duparquet Transaction is approximately $2,350,000.

The shares issued in connection with the two transactions are subject to a statutory resale restriction in Canada for a four-month period from the closing date. In addition, the Duparquet Vendor has agreed to further provisions limiting the number of shares he may sell per month after the statutory resale restriction period has passed, unless the sale is in a single block to a purchaser acceptable to First Mining.

Keith Neumeyer, Chairman of First Mining, stated "We are very pleased to have acquired the additional Pickle Lake and Central Duparquet claims, as it furthers our efforts in consolidating the land packages in the regions we are active in, which should ultimately benefit each of our projects."

Lastly, First Mining has granted 10,630,000 stock options to Directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company under the terms of its Stock Option Plan. The stock options have an exercise price of $0.85 per share and are exercisable for a period of five years, with certain options subject to vesting provisions in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

ABOUT FIRST MINING FINANCE CORP.

First Mining is a mineral property holding company whose principal business activity is to acquire high quality mineral assets with a focus in the Americas. The Company currently holds a portfolio of 25 mineral assets in Canada, Mexico and the United States with a focus on gold. Ultimately, the goal is to continue to increase its portfolio of mineral assets through acquisitions that are expected to be comprised of gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc and nickel.





ON BEHALF OF FIRST MINING FINANCE CORP.



"Keith Neumeyer"

Keith Neumeyer, Chairman







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.







Contact



Patrick Donnelly, President

604-639-8854



Derek Iwanaka, Vice President, Investor Relations

604-639-8824

www.firstminingfinance.com


Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.10



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



Non-OPEC countries outside of the output deal, are expected to significantly increase the oil production, according to the February Oil Market Report of the International Energy Agency (IEA).



For example, the combined output of Brazil, Canada and the US is expected to grow by 750,000 barrels per day in 2017, according to the report.



The net change for non-OPEC production in 2017, taking into account cuts by eleven countries, is close to a 400,000 barrels per day increase, IEA analysts believe.



For US LTO (light tight oil or shale oil), recent increases in drilling activity suggest that production will recover and the IEAs forecast is growth of 175,000 barrels per day for the year as a whole with production in December expected to be 520,000 barrels per day up on a year earlier.



During a meeting in Vienna, Austria, on Nov. 30, 2016, OPEC members decided to implement a new production target of 32.5 million barrels per day. Later, non-OPEC countries agreed to cut the output by 558,000 barrels per day during the meeting held Dec. 10, 2016.



Eleven non-OPEC countries  Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan  agreed to reduce the oil output.



OPEC and non-OPEC countries pledged to start implementing the deal from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Two nights before the Super Bowl, I walked among throngs of people in downtown Indianapolis thinking, unnaturally perhaps, not about whether the Patriots or Giants would win the big game but about what makes big cities truly super ones. That night, a city that once had a downtown core void of residents and retail was hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors with aplomb and excitement. These visitors enjoyed restaurants, shopping, parks and museums, as well as sports venues. The 50,000 Hoosiers working in the hospitality jobs thrived as well.Having been mayor of Indianapolis and deputy mayor of New York, I considered whether, although the scale differed, there were common themes in terms of success. Indy's dramatic turnaround combined strategy and tactics: The city had strategically invested in a range of assets that included an urban shopping mall, a downtown canal, a riverfront park, streetscapes and major new job-creation initiatives leveraged by "eds and meds"  the proximate Indiana University-Purdue University campus and growth in the health sector. The initiative was fueled by a combination of tax-increment financing and direct infrastructure investment.Recent developments in New York City, through its Economic Development Corporation (EDC), show how these themes can come together in truly extraordinary ways. EDC's president, Seth Pinsky, recently described to me the elements of his agency's successful approach  one that utilizes some common elements with Indianapolis' approach and serves as an example for other cities struggling to bring their downtowns back.First, Pinsky underscored the procedural changes EDC undertook as the agency moved from a structure of top-down decision-making to one that welcomes bottom-up feedback from business, community and academic leaders. The ideas bubbling up serve as the grist for analysis of challenges and the proper alignment of incentives and definition of deliverables.EDC also altered its substantive approach to begin looking at its role as not just a real-estate developer but also as an agency that drives vision by establishing a longer-term strategy to create jobs while enhancing quality of life. One can see these approaches in two recent areas.One of those was what EDC called its game-changers exercise , designed to identify initiatives that the city needed to implement over the long term to remain globally competitive. All big ideas were welcome in response to the following questions: How can the city best retain and attract the talented people who make it thrive? What are the key aspects of physical infrastructure that are holding back growth? How can the city do things differently to get more out of its limited resources? How can it employ existing community resources to create good jobs for New Yorkers?The inclusive process produced many actionable ideas, the most visible of which resulted in a partnership between Cornell University and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology to build a two-million-square-foot applied-science and engineering campus on Roosevelt Island  an effort to stimulate the city's tech sector while creating knowledge jobs. This big-idea, economic-development approach reminds us that cities need not only to build on existing competitive strengths but also work to attract anchor institutions that produce jobs beyond those they provide directly.Another recent New York City project illustrates EDC's quality-of-life approach to economic development. Cities create value with public investment in infrastructure. Indianapolis' canal produced almost $1 billion in private investment, and Chicago's Millennium Park drew even more. In New York, the effort to turn a deserted elevated rail line into a park, the High Line , has produced approximately $2 billion in private investment in the surrounding area. In addition, the park has raised property values for adjoining property owners and created new development potential, thereby increasing both property tax revenues and quality of life.Both of these cities also illustrate that a quasi-governmental entity separate from city government allows for quicker responses and provides a place from which experienced, transaction-oriented experts can work. Since 2008, Develop Indy  Indianapolis' economic development corporation  has been dedicated to attracting new businesses, preserving and growing existing businesses, and acting as a catalyst for both job growth and capital investment.Public dollars will remain scarce, and should be invested only when the return substantially exceeds the investment. The experiences of New York and Indianapolis show that large visions coupled with catalytic investments can produce not only tens of thousands of new jobs but also tax revenues far in excess to those foregone.
The California Department of Justice is investigating Wells Fargo & Co. on allegations of criminal identity theft over its creation of millions of unauthorized accounts, according to a search warrant sent to the bank's San Francisco headquarters this month.The warrant and related documents, served Oct. 5 and obtained by the Los Angeles Times through a public records request, confirm that California Attorney General Kamala Harris, in the final weeks of a run for U.S. Senate, has joined the growing list of public officials and agencies investigating the bank in connection with the accounts scandal.Harris' office demanded the bank turn over a trove of information, including the identities of California customers who had unauthorized accounts opened in their names, information about fees related to those accounts, the names of the Wells Fargo employees who opened the accounts, the names of those employees' managers and emails or other communication related to those accounts.Her office is also requesting the same information about accounts opened by Wells Fargo workers in California for customers in other states.Kristin Ford, a spokeswoman for Harris' office, said she could not comment on an ongoing investigation. Wells Fargo spokesman Mark Folk said the bank is "cooperating in providing the requested information," but would not comment further.Documents filed along with the search warrant argue that there is probable cause to believe Wells Fargo violated two sections of the state penal code _ one outlawing certain types of impersonation, the other outlawing the unauthorized use of personal information. Both violations can be charged as felonies, punishable by imprisonment for more than a year.It's not clear whether Harris' office is considering charges against individual bank workers, high-level bank executives or the bank itself. The investigation could lead to charges beyond the identity-theft allegations used to secure the search warrant.In the weeks since Sept. 8, when the Los Angeles city attorney's office and federal bank regulators announced a $185 million settlement with Wells Fargo over the creation of the accounts, lawmakers and other regulators have questioned whether the bank may have violated fraud, labor and securities laws.At a fiery Capitol Hill hearing last month, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., told former Wells Fargo Chief Executive John Stumpf that he should be criminally investigated. Stumpf abruptly retired last week and was replaced by longtime Wells Fargo executive Timothy Sloan.There also have been questions about when and how much former bank executive Carrie Tolstedt, who led the bank division at the root of the accounts scandal, knew of the practices. She retired this summer, just months before the settlement was announced.But identity theft has not been a central issue in the matter, and it's noteworthy that it seems to be at the heart of Harris' investigation, said Paul Stephens, policy director at the San Diego nonprofit Privacy Rights Clearinghouse."One wouldn't typically think of a financial institution opening an account in the name of a customer as being an act of identity theft," Stephens said. "It's a creative way of looking at these activities and finding them unlawful under a statute that arguably could be prosecuted in state court."U.S. attorneys in San Francisco, New York and Charlotte, N.C., have opened their own investigations, though the scope of those inquiries is not clear.Irving Einhorn, a retired white-collar criminal defense attorney and former head of the Securities and Exchange Commission's regional office in Los Angeles, said there are few charges that a state attorney general could bring that federal prosecutors could not.Still, he said it's not surprising that Harris' office is investigating the bank on its own. "With a big national bank like this, there are overlapping jurisdictions," he said.Not to mention political ramifications. Elected officials of all political stripes have jumped on Wells Fargo in the weeks since the settlement was announced, holding hearings, enacting sanctions and calling for legislation aimed at reining in big banks or even breaking them up.In California, State Treasurer John Chiang last month said his office would cut off several business relationships with the bank, a move that's since been followed by officials in San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago and the states of Illinois and Ohio.At this point, Einhorn said, no one wants to be left out."You have to remember how it looks to constituents in a particular state when their officials get tough with the big, bad banks," he said.The attorney general's move to investigate the bank comes amid her campaign to succeed Sen. Barbara Boxer, who is retiring from her Senate seat. Harris is running against Rep. Loretta Sanchez, a fellow Democrat.Harris has made her combat of wrongdoing in the financial services industry one of the themes of her campaign. She has especially pointed to her role in negotiating $20 billion in relief from banks for California homeowners who lost homes or suffered losses in the housing bust. But that deal failed to live up to promises she had made to send those responsible to jail, opening her up to some criticism.By investigating Wells Fargo, Harris could be trying to burnish her bank-busting credentials, said Jack Pitney, a professor of politics at Claremont McKenna College."She's looking for every advantage she can get," he said. "Going after a big, unpopular bank can only help her with the electorate. Wells Fargo has gone into Voldemort territory when it comes to popularity."Along with investigations by Harris' office and federal prosecutors, Wells Fargo is also under investigation by the federal Department of Labor, an outside law firm hired by the bank's board and two congressional committees.With so many agencies looking at the bank, it's likely that there will be more revelations about the scope and the details of the problems that pushed more than 5,000 workers to open as many as 2 million unauthorized checking, savings and other accounts for customers over the last five years.In a report last week following the announcement of Stumpf's retirement, Jaret Seiberg, an analyst for brokerage and investment bank Cowen & Co., said the former CEO's exit would not come close to ending problems for the bank."There are simply too many entities investigating for more troubles not to surface," Seiberg wrote.
Before the November elections, the rising price of health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) dominated the news. Now that President Trump and the Republican Congress have vowed to repeal the law, the conversation has largely shifted to what premiums will look like if Obamacare ceases to exist.But the "repeal and replace" debate doesn't do anything for the consumers struggling under high premiums now. One state has agreed on a way to give them immediate relief -- and it could be a solution for other states as well.Minnesota approved a law last month, passed by a GOP legislature and signed by Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, that will give a 25 percent discount on premiums to anyone who didn't qualify for federal ACA subsidies this year.Minnesota experienced some of the most drastic premium hikes in the country. On average, they jumped 59 percent from 2016 to 2017. Most consumers haven't felt the premium spikes because more than 80 percent of people who use the ACA marketplace nationwide receive federal subsidies. In Minnesota, though, only 62 percent, or about 100,000 residents, qualify for them.That's because Minnesota had a lower-than-average uninsured rate when the ACA was enacted. More than 20 years ago, the state established the Health Care Access Fund, which works quite a bit like the ACA's Medicaid expansion. The fund, which still operates, offers lower premiums to people who don't qualify for Medicaid and to people who -- before the ACA came along -- couldn't afford insurance because of pre-existing conditions. It's funded through a tax on insurers and providers.To pay for the 25 percent discount, the state is tapping into its rainy day fund. Rainy day funds are typically reserved for drastic unforeseen circumstances, but Democratic state Rep. Laurie Halverson said "a lot of us felt like this was an emergency for our residents."While there is nothing that should stop another state from pursuing something similar, said Justin Giovannelli, a professor at Georgetown Universitys Center on Health Insurance Reforms, Minnesota appropriated some $300 million, and thats significant for many states."Four states -- Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey and North Dakota -- have no rainy day funds , and states as a whole saved less in 2016 than the year before.What's more, it could be a tough sell for many lawmakers. It was in Minnesota.While it was ultimately a bipartisan bill, Republicans initially argued that the state should increase competition, not bail out consumers, to tackle the high cost of health insurance.To convince Republican lawmakers to agree to the bill, Democrats will let health maintenance organizations (HMOs) operate as for-profit institutions in the state. Up until now, HMOs in the state had to be nonprofits. Democrats say that kept insurers fair, but Republicans argue that allowing more flexiblity will increase competition and give consumers more plan options.The fact that we didnt have [for-profit HMOs] up to this point was a core Minnesota value, said Halverson, who sees the law as just the first piece of what many in the state hope to be an overhaul of its health-care system.After we work on insurance stabilization, we have to address the rising cost of care," she said. "I want us now to focus on true reform. This law is just the first salve."
Pence and Daniels share a fiscally conservative outlook, but experts and Democrats say Pence could take on social issues that Gov. Mitch Daniels avoided.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.10

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

World oil industry cant stand another price collapse, Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro said, according to the message posted on the website of Venezuelan Ministry of the People's Power of Petroleum and Mining.

Maduro expressed regret for the massive layoffs in transnational oil companies in 2016 as a result of the decrease in oil prices.

Last year, more than 50,000 oil workers were fired across the world, added Venezuelan president.

He warned that if the prices collapse again, there could be massive bankruptcy of companies, starting with transnational companies.

Venezuelan president invited companies to work towards compliance with the agreement reached between OPEC and non-OPEC countries in Vienna.

During a meeting in Vienna, Austria, on Nov. 30, 2016, OPEC members decided to implement a new production target of 32.5 million barrels per day. Later, non-OPEC countries agreed to cut the output by 558,000 barrels per day during the meeting held Dec. 10, 2016.



Eleven non-OPEC countries  Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan  agreed to reduce the oil output.



OPEC and non-OPEC countries pledged to start implementing the deal from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Activists in North Carolinas two largest cities, Charlotte and Raleigh, knocked on an estimated 12,000 doors last year to talk to voters about immigration and upcoming sheriff elections.Thanks in part to that push, Democratic sheriff candidates in both counties won in November on a pledge to end participation in 287(g), a program that allows county sheriffs to help federal authorities deport immigrants living in the United States without authorization. The victors ousted incumbents who had pledged to keep the program in place.Sheriff Garry McFadden celebrated by cutting a cake frosted with an anti-287(g) message when he was elected to lead the law enforcement agency in Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte. He said in a recent interview that hes gotten a thousand complaints and nasty messages a week about his decision to stop the program, but he hasnt changed his mind.We need to build trust with a community that does not trust us, McFadden told Stateline. Imagine a robbery victim afraid to call the police or witnesses afraid to come forward. Thats what we were dealing with.Among those complaining was Republican North Carolina state Rep. George Cleveland of Jacksonville, some 200 miles east of Charlotte, who told Stateline that with the cost of illegal immigrants to the state, not to mention the crimes committed by illegals, I would think a law enforcement officer would want to do all he could to rid the state of the problem, including participation in 287(g).Urban counties across the country increasingly are withdrawing from the program, even as more conservative suburban and rural areas flock to it during the Trump administration, according to a Stateline analysis of federal and state data. Overall, the number of federal agreements with local law enforcement agencies has more than doubled, to about 75, with 45 of them signed since President Donald Trump took office two years ago. But the increase in arrests related to the program has slowed as more big-city sheriffs back out.The sheriffs who joined the program were overwhelmingly small-town or suburban and Republican, Stateline found, though not all counties have partisan races for sheriff. The only urban counties to join were those encompassing Fort Worth, Texas, and Knoxville, Tennessee. None of the new sheriffs to join the program ran as a Democrat in the general election. There were no new 287(g) agreements with city police agencies, which generally arent elected positions and usually are not in charge of jails as are county sheriffs.The expansion came so fast that it caused administrative problems; U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) didnt hire enough new managers to oversee the new programs and train sheriffs deputies, according to an Inspector General report in September.The 2018 elections hastened the change not only in Mecklenburg and Wake counties in North Carolina, but also in Marylands Anne Arundel County, home to the state capital of Annapolis, where a 287(g) program ended. A new sheriff in North Carolinas Henderson County, near Asheville, said he was reviewing the 287(g) program after protests during the election, but has not announced a decision.Another area in North Carolina, Alamance County west of Chapel Hill, announced it would not start 287(g) again after the election, though it was not a campaign issue.Under the 287(g) program, sheriffs deputies check inmates immigration status during the booking process in county jails using computer equipment and databases provided by ICE. Deputies flag some inmates for possible federal arrests and deportation.Arrests under the 287(g) program spiked from fewer than 300 a month in mid-2016  the last few months of the Obama presidency  to 945 in January 2018, but have not reached that level again as of July 2018, which is the latest data available, as some of its largest law enforcement agencies leave the program. Arrests varied from 816 in February to 903 in March. The arrest numbers by county were compiled by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University, using records obtained from ICE and other agencies.Even the addition of dozens of new smaller county sheriff agencies has not made up for the departure of some of the largest liberal counties. Los Angeles County stopped participating in 2015, and the trend has spread, with Hudson County, New Jersey, and urban parts of red states such as Texas and North Carolina likewise quitting after Trump took office in 2017.There seems to be an increasing split, where smaller counties are on board and bigger counties are not, said Lena Graber, a staff attorney who follows 287(g) issues at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, an immigration advocacy group in San Francisco.There are a lot of new places signing contracts [for 287(g)], but the major cities have rejected it, said Chris Rickerd, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, which opposes the program. In California, two large counties  Orange County near Los Angeles and San Diego County  were forced to drop 287(g) by a state law that took effect in 2018.The two North Carolina counties that dropped out this month are the states most populous and had among the highest numbers of arrests nationally in the first seven months of fiscal 2018: 370 for Wake and 309 for Mecklenburg.The only counties with more arrests during that period were Gwinnett County, Georgia, with 1,434; Clark County, Nevada, with 676; Collier County, Florida, with 471; Cobb County, Georgia, with 404; and Prince William County, Virginia, with 346. Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, reelected Republican Sheriff Joe Lombardo in June.In North Carolina, activists in both counties worked to generate voter interest in Novembers sheriff election by talking about 287(g), said Robert Dawkins, organizer for the Safe Coalition in North Carolina, a criminal justice advocacy group that supervised the effort.We didnt think this is what Charlotte and Raleigh wanted to be as a city, Dawkins said. People who were not doing anything of consequence were getting deported. We want everybody here to feel safe when they call the police or the sheriff.In Maryland, the urban-suburban split likewise played out in November. Anne Arundel County dropped out of the program after Democratic County Executive Steuart Pittman was elected in November on a promise to end 287(g). In most counties, the sheriff negotiates for a 287(g) agreement, but in Anne Arundel its the county executive.But in suburban Harford County north of Baltimore, and in more rural Frederick County at the Pennsylvania border, sheriffs participating in 287(g) won reelection. Republican Sheriff Charles Jenkins of Frederick County was reelected to a fourth term in a close race over a Democratic opponent who pledged to end the agreement.It was the closest race Ive ever had. Im not sure how much 287(g) had to do with it. I suspect it was part of it, but mostly I think [the closeness of the race] was high Democrat turnout, Jenkins said. I have to tell you, I get yelled at a lot about 287(g) at election time, but I cant tell you how many people come up to me on the street and give me a thumbs-up and say, Keep doing what youre doing.Trump encouraged more sheriffs to join in a January 2017 executive order, among the first of his presidency, promising to empower state and local law enforcement agencies across the country to perform the functions of an immigration officer.Harris County, Texas, which includes Houston, used to have by far the most 287(g) arrests in the country  more than 1,000 a year  before Democratic Sheriff Ed Gonzalez ended the program shortly after taking office in early 2017.But months after Harris County dropped out, ICE celebrated the recruitment of 18 smaller counties in Texas, including three in the Houston suburbs as well as Fort Worths Tarrant County, all run by Republican sheriffs.Another large county in the Houston suburbs, Fort Bend, decided against joining the program in 2017, citing the $500,000 cost of training officers.ICE officials were not available for comment because of the federal government shutdown.As of mid-2018, the latest figures available, the most 287(g) arrests now come from Gwinnett County, Georgia, in suburban Atlanta. The county has a longstanding 287(g) program under which arrests jumped from less than 50 arrests a month in 2016 to around 200 in most months under Trump.There is a higher volume of people coming into our jail now. We have not made any changes. We simply follow the law, said Gwinnett County sheriffs deputy Shannon Volkodav, a spokeswoman for Sheriff R.L. Butch Conway, a Republican. Our only interest in immigration is to identify criminals who put our communitys safety at risk.
A federal judge has blocked the federal government's attempt to withhold law-enforcement money from Philadelphia over its so-called "sanctuary city" status.U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson issued a massive 128-page ruling Wednesday, writing that after applying the appropriate legal standards, which include probability of success on the merits and the public interest, "the court will issue a preliminary injunction in favor of the city.""This is a very, very significant day for the city of Philadelphia," said city solicitor Sozi Pedro Tulante at an afternoon news conference. Still, Mayor Kenney said: "This is not a time for jubilation. I'm very grateful to the court, but I'm angry we have to fight our own federal government when we have problems we could be addressing together that [the Trump administration] refuses to address because it doesn't play to their base."The ruling comes two weeks after Baylson declared from the bench that the city of Philadelphia substantially complied with the Trump administration's conditions.At the heart of the case is a relatively small amount of money -- a $1.5 million federal grant to a city with a $4.4 billion budget -- but a big principle: whether the Trump administration can withhold money unless the city agrees to more actively help federal agents identify and arrest people who immigrated without appropriate documents. The funds make up about 10 percent of the department's non-personnel budget, officials said.City officials touted the ruling as a victory -- and said that Philadelphia could be a model for other cities fighting the Trump administration on its immigration policies. Hours after the ruling was issued, the Department of Justice warned another 29 cities and counties that their "sanctuary" policies could be in violation of federal law -- as it had warned Philadelphia earlier this year.But Baylson, a Reagan appointee, ruled that the city did comply with a federal law banning municipalities from restricting contact with ICE, the first ruling of its kind since cities began challenging the Justice Department's attempts to pull funding. That law, Tulante said, "is arguably the whole ballgame. And today Philadelphia won on that issue."Justice Department spokesman Devin O'Malley said Wednesday that officials were "reviewing the ruling and determining next steps."He highlighted the city's homicide rate and said that "so-called 'sanctuary policies' further undermine public safety and law enforcement."Police Commissioner Richard Ross testified last month that most people who commit crimes in the city are natural-born Philadelphians, not immigrants. And Baylson wrote in his opinion that the government had not proved there was a link between the city's policies and increases in crime."I don't know what [the homicide rate] has to do with immigrants," Kenney said Wednesday. "It has to do with the fact that the Second Amendment has run wild -- if they want to blame someone for homicide in our society, they should look in the mirror, because they won't do anything about guns."The city filed suit against Attorney General Jeff Sessions in August."Both the federal government and the city of Philadelphia have important interests at stake here and the court does not minimize either of their concerns," the judge wrote. "In this case, given Philadelphia's unique approach to meshing the legitimate needs of the federal government to remove criminal aliens with the city's promotion of health and safety, there is no conflict of any significance."Broadly defined, a sanctuary city limits its cooperation with federal authorities who enforce immigration law. Those cities' leaders aim to ease fears of deportation among undocumented residents, believing that members of immigrant communities will then be more willing to report crime."We are really, really supportive of the efforts of the mayor's office to defend our sanctuary city policies," said Cynthia Oka, an organizer with the New Sanctuary Movement, which works to end injustices against immigrants. "We also really look forward, now that they've won, to continue working with the city to expand the sanctuary city policies. For us 'sanctuary city' means protection and fair access for all residents of Philadelphia, for all of the city services as well as to due process of law."President Trump and Sessions have argued that sanctuary city policies allow dangerous criminals to be released to prey on local neighborhoods when instead they should be returned to their homelands. The administration aims to withhold grant money as a means to make cities assist federal agents seeking to deport undocumented immigrants.Philadelphia officials say they reject the title of "sanctuary city," that they simply enforce city policies that provide equal treatment for people who come in contact with the criminal-justice system, regardless of immigration status. Immigrants who commit crimes are arrested and charged, just like anyone else, city officials said.In his decision, the judge summoned tales from Greek mythology, German folklore, and the New Testament to show there was nothing inherently wrong with imposing conditions on the receipt of benefits, in this case a federal grant."The operatic hero Orfeo was allowed to escape Hades with his deceased and beloved Eurydice, conditioned on his not looking at her, but when he does, she dies; Mephistopheles grants Faust eternal knowledge and pleasure on the condition that Faust surrender his soul; and Salome, the title character demands the head of St. John the Baptist as a condition to dance for King Herod," the judge wrote. "However, in real life, the courts, in interpreting the Constitution, and Congress in enacting laws, as detailed at some length in this memorandum, have interposed restrictions on the Executive's ability to impose conditions on the transfer of benefits to local governments."Barring appeals, the ruling would clear the way for the city to receive the federal money for police overtime, training, and other improvements.Anil Kalhan, a Drexel University immigration law professor, said the city's arguments in the case are strong. But, he said, the federal government will almost certainly appeal the decision."It's a preliminary win -- these kinds of conflicts are going to keep re-emerging for a while," he said. "This tees up the question: 'What are the limits of what the executive branch can do on its own?' "City officials testified during two days of hearings last month that they willingly turn over information about undocumented people who have been convicted or who are actively under suspicion of committing a serious crime."Isn't that all you're entitled to?" the judge asked Chad Readler, the Trump administration's acting assistant attorney general for the civil division.If federal agents were willing to accept that without demanding information on every person about whom they inquire, Baylson told Readler,"we wouldn't be here."
President Donald Trump directed federal workers Wednesday to start building a border wall and begin punishing so-called sanctuary cities and is considering dramatically limiting the flow of people from other countries, including a ban on Syrian refugees, in a flurry of steps that could fundamentally reshape how the U.S. deals with immigration, security and the war on terrorism.Trump signed two executive orders designed to begin building the wall, add lockups for detaining immigrants who cross the border illegally, enhance enforcement power for border agents and strip federal funding to cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement."Reform of our immigration system has been at the top of President Trump's priorities since he announced his candidacy," spokesman Sean Spicer said early Wednesday afternoon. "We'll enforce the rule of law and restore value to the American citizenship."Trump said construction would begin as soon as possible and that the U.S. would pay for it, to be eventually reimbursed by Mexico, which has said it will not pay."There will be a payment. It will be in a form, perhaps a complicated form," Trump said in an interview with ABC News.He did not detail how he would force Mexico to pay for the wall, though during the campaign he proposed ending remittances sent home by Mexicans in the U.S., which make up a large part of the Mexico's economy, to pressure it to negotiate.Trump is mulling a range of additional activity. It includes stopping admission of Syrian refugees and severe restrictions on travel from several majority-Muslim countries. Additionally, he is considering a reversal of President Barack Obama's efforts to shutter the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the reintroduction of torture techniques and secret overseas prisons designed to strip protections for terrorism suspects.All of those options fit Trump's broad campaign promises to crack down on people entering the country illegally, with an emphasis on those who he believes might harm Americans. Trump argued repeatedly during the campaign that the U.S. had become too "politically correct" to effectively defend itself.Trump administration officials were still deciding on the exact timing for announcing the rest of the new policies.The batch of actions Trump is contemplating amount to a clear repudiation of Obama's view, as well as that of many in the international community, that the U.S. abandoned some of its commitment to human rights in the early years of the war on terrorism and doing so helped terrorist groups recruit and win favor. Some of that thinking had begun to take shape in the Bush administration, which initiated the policy of moving detainees out of Guantanamo Bay and often underscored that the fight against terrorism was not religious-based.Obama pointed to a lack of Sept. 11-style terrorist attacks on U.S. soil during his administration as evidence that his approach worked. Yet Trump won the election in part because many Americans continue to feel vulnerable.But it all begins with the wall. Trump built his campaign largely on a call for stricter immigration enforcement, his central promise a vow to build the wall on the border with Mexico. Though it evoked cheers from his supporters at campaign rallies, his divisive rhetoric stoked fears among immigrants.Trump previewed his executive action Tuesday night, tweeting : "Big day planned on NATIONAL SECURITY tomorrow. Among many other things, we will build the wall!"The first order signed by Trump directs the agency to begin building the wall, but still requires Congress to approve the estimated billions of dollars in funding to construct the 2,000-mile-long barrier. In the meantime, the Homeland Security budget includes about $175 million set aside for upgrading Border Patrol buildings and adding new equipment, which along with other funds could be diverted quickly to start construction.Details from one version of the directive reviewed by the Los Angeles Times/Tribune Washington Bureau would include a requirement that the agency publicly detail aid it is giving to Mexico _ highlighting Trump's pledge to force that country to pay for the wall. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is scheduled to visit the White House next week to discuss trade, another Trump priority.The memo also includes language allowing federal law enforcement to access federal land for border security, a possible attempt to head off environmental lawsuits that could hold up construction. It would also prioritize border prosecutions and referrals to the Department of Justice.The second action withholds funds to punish sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with immigration officials. It includes directions for aggressive interior immigration enforcement and an advocacy office for victims of crimes committed by those in the country illegally. Relatives of those victims were often onstage with Trump during campaign rallies.Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a close ally of the new administration, telegraphed the sanctuary cities announcement during a speech Wednesday to the conservative Heritage Foundation. He called it a "common-sense" action that would "drive the left crazy."Beyond those actions, Trump is also looking at new restrictions on refugees and visitors, to follow through on his campaign promise to bar Muslims from entering the country for a period of time. That pledge has been one of Trump's most polarizing, drawing criticism from leaders in his own party, along with Democrats and security experts, but approval from many of his supporters.One memo he is reviewing would block all refugees from entering the U.S. for 120 days and restrict admissions and some visa applicants for people from countries where the U.S. has counterterrorism concerns, not only Syria but also Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.The draft order temporarily suspends the U.S. refugee program while new vetting procedures are put in place and officials decide whether refugees from some countries should be blocked permanently from admission. This step would likely arouse an international outcry, given the historic role that the U.S. and other industrialized nations have long held in taking in victims of war and oppression.The draft orders the U.S. stop admitting refugees from Syria indefinitely until a review of security screening is complete. Trump also instructed the secretaries of state and defense to come up with a plan to create "safe areas" in Syria and nearby countries where Syrians could wait for resettlement. That could open the U.S. military to deeper engagement in the Middle East.In addition, the Department of Homeland Security would review how visas are issued and whether some countries should be required to provide more information before their citizens are allowed entry to the U.S., according to the draft order. The results of that review could allow Trump to block or slow visa issuance to countries with large Muslim populations or with terrorism concerns, a de facto ban on Muslims.The order goes beyond the Muslim world, however, creating new restrictions on visitors from some of America's closest allies. It would suspend the visa waiver program _ widely used by citizens from 38 countries, including most European countries, Australia, Japan and Chile _ which grants citizens of those countries a 90-day tourist visa after they submit their biographical information to a screening check. The new policy would require in-person interviews for most citizens from those countries.Trump is also considering lifting restrictions on harsh interrogations and renewing the use of secret overseas sites to hold terrorism suspects, both widely seen as dark chapters of the post-9/11 era, as he looks to follow through on his campaign promise to ramp up targeting of Islamic militants.During the campaign, Trump repeatedly said he would bring back waterboarding and other harsh tactics that were part of the so-called enhanced interrogation program, which was installed after the Sept. 11 attacks and widely considered a stain on the CIA's record. A Senate Intelligence Committee report in 2014 concluded that the torture methods diminished U.S. standing in the world and failed to produce significant intelligence.Aides have prepared executive actions to lift bans on both, according to a draft document being circulated. Spicer denied that it was a White House document.Trump is expected to ask national security officials to review what interrogation methods are allowed under the Army Field Manual. Techniques that go beyond what the manual allows were outlawed by Congress in 2014.He could also order the CIA to consider bringing back the use of so-called black sites for secretly holding terrorism suspects, a practice Obama banned in 2009, as well as sending detainees to the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay.Trump's CIA director, Mike Pompeo, repeatedly told senators at his confirmation hearing that he would not restart the CIA's use of secret prisons and would refuse any orders from the White House to torture suspects. The CIA and the military's Joint Special Operations Command are expected to play a major role in increasing attacks on Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, a priority for Trump. During his inaugural address, Trump promised to "eradicate from the face of the Earth" Islamic terrorist groups like Islamic State and al-Qaida.
Puerto Rico (Sort of) Declares Bankruptcy

Did Congress Just Kill State-Run Retirement Programs?

DemysTIFying Tax Incentives

Puerto Rico declared a form of bankruptcy protection this week that puts it in uncharted territory for U.S. governments and municipal finance.As a territory, Puerto Rico is not eligible to file for Chapter 9 protection. But thanks to the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act, it has a similar option available to it: Title III protection.The act, which was passed by Congress and went into effect last July, put a temporary moratorium on litigation regarding Puerto Ricos more than $70 billion in bond debt and created a seven-member financial oversight board with final say over the commonwealths finance decisions. The litigation moratorium was lifted on May 1, and with creditor negotiations going nowhere, the government is allowed to file debt restructuring petitions in federal court.Puerto Rico has been in a financial downward spiral for years. When it first started defaulting on debt, there were concerns that it could have a negative ripple effect on the municipal market. As it turns out, those concerns have not been justified. So, while this latest move by the commonwealth is a great concern for anyone with money tied up in Puerto Rico, there have been few concerns that the event will cast a shadow over other U.S. governments now issuing bonds.The crisis in Puerto Rico, however, is already having a ripple effect on the mainland as residents are fleeing the island to find jobs. In Florida, the Puerto Rican population increased by nearly one-fifth in Orange County and nearly one-third in Hillsborough County. The growth is putting pressure on schools, which are increasing their budgets to accommodate the influx of children.The U.S. Senate on Thursday narrowly approved a resolution that overturns an Obama-era rule that cleared the way for states to create retirement programs for private-sector workers who don't have one through their employer. Secure Choice or Work-and-Save programs were targeted by Wall Street firms and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce because the U.S. Department of Labor rule absolved state programs from providing workers the same legal protections that employer-sponsored 401(k) plans are required to have. It would be patently unfair to give these government-run plans a competitive advantage by waiving regulatory restrictions, said Paul Dougherty, president of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors President Paul Dougherty, in a statement.So what happens now? It goes to President Trump, who has said he will sign it. But more important, many worry that these programs are now vulnerable to a legal challenge. Still, several states created and approved their programs before the Labor Department ruling last fall. For that reason, many believe these states have legal footing to move forward.After having consulted with legislative leaders and the Office of the Attorney General, I am convinced that while Congress has dealt Californians a setback, it is not enough to push us off of our moral and legal high ground, California State Treasurer John Chiang said in a statement.Along with California, Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read has also vowed to push ahead, saying his state will still launch its pilot program on July 1. Washington state, which was slated to open its program later this year, has not said what it plans to do yet. The AARP says it is working with Oregon as well as California, Connecticut, Illinois and Maryland to help them continue with their programs.Data on the world of government tax incentives will be a little richer thanks to a clarification from the Governmental Accounting Standard Board, which sought to clear up ambiguity regarding reporting on tax increment financing projects, or TIFs. Governments wanted to know if the boards new rule requiring them to report tax incentives as forgone revenue also applied to TIFs. For the most part, the board said this week that they do.TIFs help subsidize development by taking the additional property tax revenue the project generates and putting it back into the development. There are three ways to do this: 1) The developer pays the taxes then is awarded a tax rebate by the government; 2) the government incrementally awards the back taxes to the developer after meeting specific development and jobs goals; and 3) the government uses the tax revenue generated by the development to pay back bonds that financed the project.The first two, the accounting board said , have to be reported as lost property tax revenue. The third does not.Good Jobs First, which tracks government tax incentives, said the clarification bodes well for it and other sunshine groups that want more disclosure about what governments give up to woo corporations. Greg LeRoy, the groups executive director, toldthis week that Midwestern and Western states make heavy use of this type of financing. Until California canceled [the practice], they were TIF-ing $6 billion a year in property tax revenue, he said.Because the clarification applies only to future fiscal years, governments might not include TIFs when they issue their fiscal 2017 reports later this year. It means well see an uneven quality of data, LeRoy says. But we expected the first year to be bumpy.
On Thursday, in the morning, at 1 William Street, Brisbane, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC presided at a meeting of the Executive Council of Queensland.

In the afternoon, at the Queensland Police Service Academy (Brisbane), Oxley, the Governor and Mrs Kaye de Jersey attended the induction parade for graduating recruits from Intake 4 of 2016 of the Recruit Training Unit, where His Excellency addressed guests.
(TNS)  On a recent weekday morning, hundreds of passengers lined up at DFW International Airport to board Japan Airlines Flight 11 to Tokyo.After a standard check of boarding passes and passports, passengers were asked to do one more thing before walking down the jet bridge  pose for a picture.The facial recognition captures  using tablet-sized monitors with cameras  take a few seconds each and are used to keep record of people exiting the country.The scene is one from a rapidly approaching biometric future at U.S. airports that could bring facial and fingerprint scanning technologies to points throughout the travel journey, from self-checking a bag and navigating security checkpoints to boarding a plane and renting a car at your final destination.Its a world that promises increased security and new convenience for passengers that airlines and airports are quickly rushing toward, even as the technology raises a new round of questions about privacy.DFW is one of many large airports around the world embracing the technology, with a pilot program currently being run at two gates operated by Japan Airlines and British Airways in Terminal D.DFW plans to bring the facial recognition technology to more than 75 gates in the coming months, where it will be used to track people leaving the country by comparing their facial captures to an existing government database culled from passport or visa photos. This month, the company signed a two-year, $630,000 contract to license biometric software.For now, the facial screening is predominantly aimed at foreign nationals  U.S. passport holders can opt out  to comply with federal requirements put in place after Sept. 11, 2001, to better track people entering and exiting the country.But airports, airlines and technology makers see widespread possibilities for biometrics.DFW is looking into bringing biometric technology into its international arrivals hall to speed up customs lines. Next year, it will pilot a program for a DFW-to-London flight that will give passengers the option to use biometric technologies at as many points along the journey as possible, from booking to their hotel.The airports strategy is to leave as much of the decision-making up to passengers about how and when they make use of the technology, said Julio Badin, DFWs senior vice president of customer experience.The experience itself will be much more seamless; the customer is now even more in charge of how they want to use it, Badin said. A simple example would be I dont have to take out my passport, I dont have to take my ticket. ... It really simplifies the things that dont have to be difficult.A recent study by technology provider SITA found that while only one in five global airlines have major biometrics programs in place, more than half are researching the technology or have tests underway. By 2021, about half expect to have biometrics play a role in the boarding process.Delta and JetBlue have led the way among U.S. airlines, with Delta beginning tests as far back as 2016. In September, the Atlanta-based carrier announced an end-to-end process at one of the terminals at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport that covers check-in, luggage drop, the security checkpoint, boarding flights and arrival processing at customs.American Airlines recently began testing the technology for international departures at Los Angeles International Airport and is looking at other ways to incorporate it, spokesman Ross Feinstein said.It takes a lot of collaboration to make this work. ... We want to see how the technology works within our systems, he said. Were going to have to continue to figure out how we can make the process easier for our customers while enhancing aviation security. ... We also have to maintain the privacy of our passengers.Passenger privacy is one of a number of legal and technical concerns that biometrics technology will have to address before it becomes widespread.While airports, airlines and government agencies maintain that protecting passenger data is a top priority, a 2017 report by the Georgetown Law Center on Privacy and Technology raised questions about increasing government surveillance and how accessible the data is to third parties using the technology.If the federal government is going to use biometric technologies on American citizens, then three things, as a baseline, should be true, said Harrison Rudolph, who co-authored the report. Compelling evidence should exist to show biometrics are necessary, the technology should be proven to be accurate, unbiased and privacy protective, and the legal authority should be crystal clear. [The Department of Homeland Security] has come up short on all three.Concerns about the accuracy and reliability of face-scanning technologies have been raised as well, with a recent audit from the DHS Office of the Inspector General showing that biometric technology was only able to confirm the identity of 85 percent of passengers screened over several months in 2017.Reasons for that ranged from network connectivity issues to lack of staff and rushed boarding processes, and the report also found the technology performed worse for certain demographics, including younger and older travelers.The report commended Customs and Border Protection for the considerable progress made, but said results from the 2017 pilot calls into question the CBPs ability to further scale the program to full capacity by 2021.On its website, CBP states that its fully committed to meeting existing privacy laws and regulations. Images captured of passengers are only accessible by the CBP and are routinely discarded  12 hours after verification in the case of U.S. citizens and 14 days for noncitizens.While airlines, airports, federal agencies and consumer advocates continue to sort out these issues, the deployment of biometric technologies continues to pick up pace and is beginning to show the myriad ways it can be used.In August, facial recognition technology flagged a traveler arriving in Washington, D.C., from Brazil who presented a French passport that wasnt his. The system used software developed by Japanese-company NEC Corp., which has its North American headquarters in Irving and is positioning itself to be a major player in the biometric age.Its about helping airports and airlines become more efficient while giving the best travel experience, NEC Corp. of America spokesman John Wise said.
Government agencies need help purchasing and managing digital tools and services, according to the United States Digital Service (USDS). And to help fix this problem, it formed a team of acquisition experts to advise on related strategies that can get better value for taxpayer money.The USDS is calling this team the Procuremenati, and one of its digital services experts, Clair Koroma, took to Medium to share what it's all about. Simply put, the group exists to help government spend better in the digital space. It consists of eight members: six from the USDS and two from the Department of Homeland Security. In the two years since the Procuremenati group formed, it has worked to familiarize public servants with the evolving digital services market, outfit government with tactics to craft better contracts and let the private sector know government is interested in spending on innovation.The Procuremenati is also not limiting itself to a strictly advisory role. It helped create TechFarHub.cio.gov , a public site built with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy that guides government acquisition experts as they navigate regulations and write better contracts. In the Department of Defense, the team created a new type of contract to streamline selecting non-traditional vendors. With the General Services Administration, it established the first government-wide agile vendor pool for salesforce integrators. And, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, it built a requirement that vendors attend in-person interviews to demonstrate technical skills.The group has provided many other changes to the ways various government agencies operate as well.Our teams work is helping agencies improve the effectiveness of their digital services," Koroma writes, "while at the same time getting the best return on investment for taxpayers dollars spent on those services.While improving purchase value wasnt immediately part of the USDS mission, providing this sort of expertise is very much in keeping with its overall objectives. Launched in 2014 after the massive failure of healthcare.gov, the USDS works to simplify government digital services and improve federal websites.Although there was recently some question over what would happen to the agency in the transition from Obama to Trump, the new administrations chief digital officer, Gerrit Lansing, has reiterated his support, recently tweeting, FYI: USDS is here to stay in the new administration. Period.
National Digital Inclusion Alliance creates maps of home Internet frequency based on census tract

Denver looks to hire its first chief data officer

North Dakota schools host a statewide coding hour

Tulsa, Okla., reduces court-issued warrants via text

New report from PEW Charitable Trusts offers counties advice on evidence-based policymaking

Other Civic Tech Coverage This Week

A nonprofit organization has built a heat map that visualizes the growing civic innovation networks across the United States.Dubbed Networks and American Renewal , this map is the work of New America , which is a non-partisan think tank based in Washington, D.C., that focuses on public policy. The map is essentially a visualization of 25 innovation networks currently working to help communities solve social challenges in more than 270 locales nationwide. The map includes groups ranging from What Works Cities to Data-Driven Justice to the MetroLab Network.Visitors to the map can use it to zoom in on communities to see which innovation networks are connected to certain areas. It can also be used to identify cities that have become hotbeds for such networks, as well as to find places potentially in need of more civic innovation work.Users browsing the map can also click on each network to learn more about it, including what it does, information about participating and the resources that the groups offer. For example, I was able to click on El Dorado County, Calif.  near theoffice  and learn that the Alliance for Innovation is active there, which is a group that works to improve local governments.This map is simple yet valuable, especially given the rate at which civic innovation groups, philanthropies and networks have proliferated in recent years. That local governments can use technology to solve increasingly complex community concerns is no longer a question. It has now become how best can local governments use technology to solve their issues. This map has the potential to help civic technologists, donors and concerned citizens find the groups active in their areas.In other mapping news, this week the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) published six maps that illustrate the prevalence  or in some cases the lack thereof  of high-speed Internet connections in U.S. households based on census tracts.Maps like these are nothing new. Where this effort stands out, however, is that these maps were created for all of the different census tracts. To do this, the NDIA used data from the 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which were released earlier this month . In a statement announcing the publication of the maps, NDIA Executive Director Angela Siefer noted that while the ACS has collected survey data about computer ownership and Internet access for half a decade, the data had previously only been published for communities that were home to more than 20,000 residents, and even then it was only published at the community-wide level, rather than more specifically.This is an incredible new resource for people in city neighborhoods, small communities, rural and tribal areas to understand and address the broadband divides in our own diverse communities, Siefer said in a statement.What makes these maps so important is that those areas she mentioned are the same ones that are most often cited by experts  including Siefer  as badly lacking in access to technology, digital skills training and high-speed Internet access, which are essentially the three main factors considered when evaluating digital equity.Digital equity has become a pressing issue for many state and local governments as everything from public services to private businesses migrate increasingly online, raising the stakes when it comes to ensuring the entirety of the population is able to handle technology.Within municipal government, chief data officer is perhaps the position that has the most direct bearing on a communitys civic tech efforts, tasked as that office often is with disseminating data to the public.While the position has become more common than it once was, with a fair number of major cities adding it to their ranks, its still not standard. Denver is the most recent local government to add the position, posting an opening for a chief data officer earlier this week. The position is within the city and county of Denver, which consists of 50 governmental agencies, 12,000 employees and a jurisdiction of more than 650,000 residents. The chief data officer will be housed in the technology services department, under the direction of Denver CIO David Edinger.The job description involves shaping the local government's performance and innovation program, as well as leading the citys broader data strategy. The deadline to apply is Jan. 1 Nearly 100 schools in North Dakota held a coding hour last week aimed at teaching students valuable skills and at bolstering professional development for the educators involved.The event, dubbed the Hour of Code, was statewide, and this was the first year that North Dakota held it. It was organized by state CIO Shawn Riley, as well as the governor and the superintendent of public instruction, with more than 30 volunteers from Microsoft as well. North Dakota billed the event in a press release as the first of its kind in the nation.The state estimates that participating schools involved as many as 5,000 students, all of whom were given a one-hour introduction to computer science that aimed in part to make coding less intimidating by showing students that anyone can get a pretty decent handle on coding basics. The training and professional development for teachers involved preparing them to help students learn those skills.North Dakota schools have previously held coding hours, but this year marks the first time so many schools made a concentrated effort to organize it simultaneously. The event is a noteworthy one in that it touches on so many areas tangential to the civic tech movement, including digital skills training, preparing for the modern economy and making a governmental investment in the tech workforce.Tulsa, Okla., was recently able to reduce the number of warrants issued by its court system through the use of a new text message program.The municipal court in Tulsa has long struggled with something called Time Pay Order, which is designed to give residents extensions on payments for court fees related to criminal cases. In fact, the city reports that it issues 22,000 such extensions per year. Even so, 70 percent of those extensions still end up going unpaid, which spark the issuing of a warrant.In February, however, Tulsa moved to fix this by using a script developed by the local civic tech group Code for Tulsa. What that script does is simple: it just sends a due date reminder to those who owe money via text. A pilot project this year saw the program used on a randomly selected group of people who had received payment extension, running from March until September.A report this week notes that during that time, 63 percent of text recipients ended up paying the entirety of their fines, representing a marked improvement over the 48 percent rate for a similar group during that same period that didnt get text message reminders. Public servants now estimate that the text message program has the potential to nudge an extra 320 residents each year to pay their fines on time, which would yield an extra $187,000 in annual revenue for the city while also reducing consequences related to lack of payment warrants by 15 percent.For any governments interested in their own annual revenue boost  which is likely all governments  the recent report on the project includes tips for replication A new report offers county governments advice on how to better use evidence-based policymaking to better serve their residents and communities.The report, titled How Counties Can Use Evidence-Based Policymaking to Achieve Better Outcomes , is a collaboration between the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative and the National Association of Counties (NACo). It was released this week and is available now for download. It notes that county governments are an essential part of the national fabric, and that they invest more than $550 billion annually in U.S. communities. It also notes that county leadership faces challenges in their work, and that advancing technology has the potential to help, particularly when used to collect and compile data in the service of evidence-based policymaking.Broad advice within the report includes how to build internal support for change, how to start small and later scale innovation upward, how to work with outside partners, and how to leverage the existing data that counties have.The report is fairly extensive and is available now for download
reported Thursday, Aug. 23, that Mayor Michael Bloombergs administration is turning over the management of expensive IT projects to a quasi-government entity similar to the citys Economic Development Corp.The move comes as an apparent reaction to several project management problems that are troubling City Hall. Bloombergs creation, reportedly called the NYC Technology Development Corp., will manage all IT projects that cost more than $25 million, as well as multi-agency projects costing more than $5 million. The Technology Development Corp. is designed to bypass common political stumbling blocks such as prolonged vendor bidding, political turf wars, salary limits, and procurement rules. The New York Times said the information was obtained from confidential documents and from interviews with high-ranking city officials.The Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT), the agency that currently manages the citys IT portfolio will not be eliminated in the new plan, according to the newspaper. But DoITT seemingly would have some project management duties taken away.request for comment from DoITT was not immediately returned Friday.In April, Bloomberg named Rahul N. Merchant to lead the citys technology efforts. Merchant, a veteran of the private sector, reportedly toldhe hopes to deliver at least six projects before Bloomberg leaves office after 2013. The new organization was conceived by Merchant and Deputy Mayor Caswell F. Holloway, accordingThe NYC Technology Development Corp. reportedly will be patterned after the NYC Economic Development Corp. Found in many big cities and counties and several states, an economic development corporation, according to one scholar , is simply a legal entity/organization directed by a board of directors and/or members, for the purpose of creating new jobs and income growth. But some of these not-for-profit organizations work on matters that extend beyond recruitment and retention of new business. Depending on bylaws, they may pursue public funding or work on efficiency measures, among many other functions.Creation of the new organization follows high-profile difficulties for several city technology deployments. In one case, overbilling and fraud incurred during development of CityTime, the city governments electronic timekeeping system, resulted in a $500 million settlement from the vendor involved. In a separate project, the city comptroller released an audit critical of the citys modernized 911 system.
With regulations and remote ID technology on the way, the floodgates are effectively open for government use of drones, and use cases are multiplying. In California, drones are doing public safety reconnaissance and delivering emergency supplies . North Dakota is building a statewide network for drones to handle air traffic control . In Florida, drones are performing utility inspections A new company in Atlanta is building a different kind of drone for a new use case  waterway cleanup and data collection.The company is RanMarine USA , and its the result of a collaboration between co-founder and CEO Doug Shumway  now starting his fourth gov tech company, after previous startups FOIA Systems, SuiteOne Media and BoardSync were acquired by larger entities  and a company in the Netherlands, RanMarine Technology.A relatively small drone company of fewer than 10 employees, according to Crunchbase , RanMarine came on Shumways radar when he was looking for a new gov tech project. The company had developed hardware and was in the early go-to-market stage when Shumway joined up with them, he said, drawn by the potential for two things: fast results and the addition of data collection to the basic premise of water cleanup.(RanMarine) started in 2016, and its been a three-year voyage of testing, building, repeating. They went to market in limited capacity around the middle of last year, he said. A lot of times I feel like smart cities projects are not successful because theyre so long, so capital intensive. I wanted a way of doing smart city initiatives cost-effectively, and being able to show the results they want.Nicknamed a WasteShark, Shumways drone resembles a miniature catamaran with a sieve-like basket under it. The drone measures about 3 feet by 4 feet, weighs about 150 pounds and trolls along the surface of the water scooping up litter, biomass, microplastics and other detritus, powered by a battery that lasts up to 10 hours, depending on conditions.Shumway said the drones will be equipped with lidar to avoid collisions from up to 60 meters away, along with up to 15 customizable 4G IoT sensors for measuring factors such as temperature, pH, depth, green algae, or hydrocarbons in oil. The drones will use GPS waypoints and autonomous software to follow set pathways collecting waste and data, selected by RanMarine staff according to where currents and tide pools deposit the material. He described the drones capacity for autonomous operation at the Society of Automotive Engineers' level 2 out of 5, meaning the vehicle is human-supervised but can control its own steering and velocity. He expects the WasteShark will achieve level 4, near-complete autonomy, by the end of the year.Shumway said his target customers will be city and county governments with smart city tech and some kind of water nearby, along with water districts and special districts that might need to clear out biomass like grass or duckweed from clogging turbines or other equipment. As another example, he said hes also working with a commercial company that wants to remove pipe-clogging flowers from a retention pond.Shumway laid out his business model with three options: (1) buy the drones as a capital purchase, and RanMarine USA will help maintain them; (2) hardware as a service, by which the customer pays an annual fee and RanMarine takes care of everything; or (3) contract with local service providers who will operate the drones.Precedent in American markets for a water-cleaning drone is hard to come by. Shumway mentioned Mr. Trash Wheel in Baltimore, but it stays in one place and doesnt collect water-quality data in real time. Hes banking on the uniqueness of his latest gov tech venture, and the fact that public agencies may become interested in learning about whats in their water while cleaning it.We remove trash from our city parks. We remove trash from our streets, he said. Why dont we remove trash from our water?
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Kazakhstans National Bank has not carried out any intervention in the currency exchange market in order to maintain or weaken tenge rate for the last five months, Finprom.kz analytical center said in a report released Feb. 10.

However, Kazakh national currency is gradually strengthening against dollar in spite of absence of any support from the National Bank.

Currently tenge rate against dollar is at highest level since the beginning of 2016.

Current tenge rate complies with the current level of competitiveness of domestic products in the world and regional markets, Finprom.kz believes.
(TNS) -- RALEIGH  The state House on Thursday approved the Bright Futures Act, a bill designed to expand high-speed internet service to rural communities and other underserved areas.The legislation now moves to the Senate.The bill will help those communities grow their economies and draw jobs, state Rep. John Szoka of Cumberland County said during debate on the House floor. He is the lead sponsor of the bill.Rural and underserved areas have historically been left behind when key technology and infrastructure have been required for economic development, Szoka said in a news release from the office of House Speaker Tim Moore.The news release says the bill could help bring high-speed internet to 3 million people in 85 of North Carolinas 100 counties.The legislation would allow cities and counties with fiber optic cables or other internet-capable infrastructure installed for municipal needs to lease the excess capacity to private internet service providers to offer internet to residents and businesses.Further, public-private partnerships could be created to install infrastructure to spread the service, Szoka said.The legislation is designed to be flexible on how the infrastructure is installed  it could be a traditional wired connection, a high-speed wireless connection, or whatever other technology is developed to do the job, Szoka has said in interviews about the legislation.The state has previously passed laws to prevent city and county governments from providing internet service to their communities. The policy was premised on the theory that the government would be competing against private companies.At the same time, private high-speed internet providers have skipped much of the state because there is insufficient profit potential in low-population areas to cover the costs.This legislation does not permit local governments to independently provide internet service to their residents.
Sauber could find itself in an early season tussle for its engine business early in 2017.

That is the view of Roger Benoit, one of the most experienced journalists in formula one.

Writing in the Swiss newspaper Blick, Benoit said that after eight consecutive years with customer Ferrari power, Sauber could be set to switch power unit suppliers for 2018.

The Swiss team has been linked with McLaren's works partner Honda, who could be looking to finally sign up a customer for its power unit in 2018.

But Mercedes might want to replace the collapsed Manor on its roster, while Ferrari will be keen to keep Sauber on board because Haas is its only other engine customer.

So the tussle for Sauber's business is likely to begin very early in 2017, with Benoit explaining: "The day after the Spanish GP, on May 15, the FIA needs to know what engines the teams will use in 2018."

(GMM)
The race fee for the Russian grand prix will be paid entirely by private investors in 2017.

Until now, the state has been deeply involved with the running of the race in Sochi, which since 2014 has been attended by president Vladimir Putin.

But the Russian news agency Rambler reports that responsibility for the race fee, payable to F1's commercial rights holder each year, will now be handled privately.

Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak confirmed that the major investors are Lukoil, a major Russian oil company, VTB, a finance bank, and aluminium company Rusal.

"Now the contribution is paid by Lukoil, VTB, Rusal and many other companies. A pool of about ten investors," he said.

(GMM)
Force India chief Vijay Mallya has a new battle on his hands ahead of the 2017 season.

Reportedly now a former billionaire, the Indian businessman was unable to attend grands prix in 2016 after having his passport revoked amid financial scandals in his native country.

Now, the Indian government is moving to extradite Mallya, 61, from Britain, where his F1 team Force India is based and he now permanently lives.

Reports last year indicated that if Mallya did return to India, he may ultimately be jailed.

So the Times of India and other sources report that an official request was made to the UK high commission for Mallya's extradition.

"We've today handed over the request for extradition of Vijay Mallya", an Indian government official is quoted as saying.

"We have an extradition treaty with Britain and a legitimate case against Mallya. Now, it's up to the British authorities to take further action," the spokesman added.

(GMM)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Air connection between Tajik capital city of Dushanbe and Uzbek capital city of Tashkent is being resumed.

A technical flight between Dushanbe and Tashkent was realized on Feb. 10 by Tajik Somon Airs aircraft, TASS news agency reported referring to the airline company.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have had no air traffic since 1992, there were virtually no commercial, economic and political ties. The relations began to restore in 2016.

Regular flights between the two countries are expected to start Feb. 20. The air company plans to fly to Tashkent once a week in winter and increase the frequency of flights to two times per week in summer.

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.9

By Dalga Khatinoglu  Trend:

Iran says it sets the gas feedstock price for petrochemical plants at a level that raise the profit margin of them to 25-30 percent.

National Petrochemical Company CEO Marzieh Shahdaei said Feb.8 that excepting the petrochemicals which use liquid feedstock, others have at least 25 percent profit margin, Shana reported.

Before, the Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia also told Trend in August 2016 that Irans petrochemical projects are the most attractive sector for foreign investors with above 25 percent profit margin.

According to official documents, prepared by Oil Ministry and seen by Trend, Irans petrochemical plants net profit reached $4.514 billion during last fiscal year, ended March 20, 2016.

Iran produced about 49.097 million metric tons of petrochemicals in 2016, about 9.4 percent more than 2015.

Some of Iranian petrochemical plants with uses only liquid feedstock have very low profit margin or operating at loose.

Despite the growth of actual output, Irans petrochemical plants performed at just 74 percent of nominal capacity on average, which stood at 62.225 million tons per year as of January 1, 2017. The figure indicates a 7 percent growth compared to the same date last year.

According to statistics, the feedstock shortage  chiefly ethane and methane  accounted for about 44 percent of Irans idle petrochemical production capacity. About 22 petrochemical plants worked at or above 80 percent capacity; 10 plants worked at above 50% and the rest were running below half of capacity. Iran has 53 petrochemical plants.

The latest statistics also indicate that Irans petrochemical plants, Iran increased feedstock supply to petrochemical plants during last three year:

2016/2017 2015/2016 2014/2015 Gas condensate (million tons) 5.395 5.578 5.456 NGLs (million tons) 2.588 2.588 2.333 Naphtha (million tons) 1.878 1.775 1.867 Ethane (From upstream sector-million tons) 3.178 1.631 1.163 Natural gas (as feedstock and fuel- bcm) 16.914 15.818 12.760 Enriched gas (bcm) 3.975 4.631 4.770 Soar gas (bcm) 2.231 2.213 2.427

Shahdaei, said January 13 that Iran needs to spend $20 billion in order to complete ongoing petrochemical projects which will double the petrochemical output capacity by 2021 and a further $35bn to bring the output to 150 illion tons per year by 2026.

Irans petrochemicals exports:

Dalga Khatinoglu is the head of Trend Agencys Iran news service, follow him on Twitter: @dalgakhatinoglu
Tehran, Iran, February 10

By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:

Iran is testing the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for the generation of electricity, the first of which was performed at the Chabahar Power Plant in southeast of the country.

Two to 2.5 mcm/d of CNG is being delivered to the power plant without using a pipeline, Distribution Director of the National Iranian Gas Company Said Momeni told Mehr news agency February 10.

Tankers carry the gas from source stations to the power plants where storage facilities have been launched, he said.

Momeni underlined that this method is a handy way to take gas to remote areas where stretching a pipeline costs too much.
The order from TEC Group covers 55 buses for Charleroi and another 35 buses for Namur. ABB will supply 4 charging stations to Charleroi and 8 charging stations for Namur. Delivery and installation will get under way this autumn. After the delivery, the TEC Group will have ordered in total 101 Volvo electric hybrids and 15 ABB charging stations.

Volvo Buses has secured its largest order yet for complete solutions for electric bus traffic. The Belgian cities of Charleroi and Namur have together ordered 90 Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid buses as well as 12 charging stations. The buyer is public transport company TEC Group. The charging stations will be delivered by ABB.

The customer and operator, TEC Group, previously ordered 11 Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrids along with charging stations for Namur, a system that became operational in January this year. Once the 35 new buses take to the roads, 90% of Namurs public transport will be electrified.

Volvos electric hybrids and ABBs fast-charging systems are based on a common interface known as OppCharge, whereby the charging stations can also be used by electrified buses from other vehicle manufacturers. OppCharge is now being implemented as a common interface in more than 12 countries.

The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid operates quietly and exhaust emission-free on electricity for about 70% of its route. Battery recharging takes 3 to 4 minutes with opportunity charging. Energy consumption is about 60% lower than for a corresponding diesel bus. Volvos electric hybrids have already entered service in cities such as Gothenburg, Stockholm, Hamburg, Luxemburg, Namur and Curitiba.
Tehran, Iran, February 8

By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:

Iran has been in talks with eight foreign banks to finance its petrochemical projects, National Petrochemical Company CEO Marzieh Shahdaei told a press conference.

According to Shahdaee, Iran has been holding talks with three German banks, four Japanese credit institutions, and a British-Danish bank over the past year.

Also, the German BASFs $4.6 billion investment in Iran is currently under technical studies, Shahdaei said, Tasnim news agency reported February 8.

She also said Total and Shell have recently signed agreements with Iran and they are exploring the situations to invest in the Iranian petrochemical industry.

The countrys nominal petrochemical output is expected to hit 64.1 million tons by March. The real output will reach 51 million tons by then.

Irans annual petrochemical export is expected to reach 20.2 million tons by the said time. However, the value of the export is calculated to stand at 9.5 billion, 21 percent lower than that achieved four years earlier due to plunging global oil prices.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Emil Ilgar Trend:

Millions of Iranians are holding nationwide rallies, celebrating the 38th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

People from different walks of life have taken to the streets across Iran to mark the 1979 Revolution that toppled the Pahlavi dynasty, IRNA reported.

Special ceremonies have been organized nationwide. A mass rally is being held in the iconic Azadi (Liberation) Square in the capital Tehran.

In February 1979, the Iranian revolution overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and replaced it with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution.
Members of the Supreme Courts conservative majority are questioning the continued use of affirmative action in higher education. In lengthy arguments Monday, the justices wrestled with persistent, difficult questions of race. The justices heard from six different lawyers in challenges to policies at the University of North Carolina and Harvard. Those policies consider race among many factors in evaluating applications for admission. One conservative justice likened affirmative action to giving some college applicants a head start in a footrace. But a liberal justice said universities are the pipelines to leadership in our society and suggested that without affirmative action minority enrollment will drop.
Republican state Rep. Bert Jones of Rockingham County says it would be a "win-win situation for the citizens" if cities and towns all across the state held their municipal elections in even-numbered years.

He introduced a bill that would dictate that change. Most municipalities elect their councils in odd-numbered years.

High Point tried it Jones' way for several election cycles but didn't find it to be a "win-win."

In 2014, High Point voters approved a return to odd-year elections in a referendum, 17,606 to 8,184.

To Jones, the win-win is that more people vote in even-numbered years, such as when presidential elections are held, and it would save money to include municipal races on the same ballot rather than hold separate elections in the off years.

He's right about saving money, which would be an advantage. As for voter turnout, that's actually a problem.

High Point City Council members and candidates found that their races were utterly lost in all the noise of bigger campaigns.

Just think about last November's long ballot. With so much attention focused on the presidential, U.S. Senate and gubernatorial contests, all the candidates further down the ballot  Council of State, legislative, judicial, county, school boards  were largely ignored. We should add city elections to that?

To get any notice at all, local candidates would have to spend a lot more money.

State Sen. Trudy Wade spent more than $600,000 in her election to get her message out to fewer voters than a mayoral candidate in Greensboro would have to reach.

Beyond the particulars of this discussion, what continues to be so bothersome is the endless meddling by state legislators in local affairs.

By Republican legislators, no less.

At one time, Republicans believed that local matters were generally better left for local people to decide.

Not anymore. Now they take the opposite approach. They think it's their job to oversee local matters in countless ways.

So, no matter that High Point residents voted better than 2-1 just three years ago to move from even-year to odd-year city elections. Jones and some of his fellow Republicans in the legislature aim to tell High Point to switch back  because they know better.

They know better than all the state's cities and towns, and they intend to exert the power of the state over local governments.
In its musical offerings, the Triad has more than what meets the eye.

The Piedmont Wind Symphony is perhaps one of the best kept secrets of the region, and its secret weapon carries the baton.

Matthew Troys inspired artistic leadership of the group was on display in Thursday nights program at Reynolds Auditorium on Wake Forest Universitys campus in an evening of Cabaret Around the World.

Perhaps the term cabaret is a bit too broad for a concert program because it encapsulates an entire culture of music, not necessarily a genre or specific repertoire like musical theatre. Should the program be comprised of all jazz music or unknown parlor songs from the London underground?

Troys decision on what is played is so well-thought out, you long for this creative spirit to be emulated by leaders in other arts institutions.

Opening the concert was Offenbachs Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld, a challenging opener spanning more than 10 minutes and challenging for any group because of its tricky transitions. Troys clear dictation of these allows a seamless sound from the group, so when the infamous can-can moment arrives at the finale, the pay-off to the buildup was worth the wait.

Michael Daughterys adventurous Desi followed  a contemporary piece written in honor of Desi Arnez. The often atonal sounds combined with a pulsing percussion section throughout had the audience fascinated with the precision the group used to play the challenging, yet rewarding, piece.

Following Desi, the group performed Shostakovichs Jazz Suite No. 2 Waltz, a piece famously used in Stanley Kubricks film Eyes Wide Shut. The piece holds dark shades of jazz melodies combined with a traditional waltz structure. Shostakovich never wrote songs for a cabaret, yet the dim chords of the waltz inspire images of clubs in Russia during World War II.

To conclude the brief first half was Ernst Kreneks Three Little Marches  cute, though too short to ensure a rousing ending. Krenek was married to composer Gustav Mahlers daughter, who was a prominent figure in the cabaret scene.

Opening part two, Troy and an abridged version of the symphony performed the inspired Little Threepenny Music by Kurt Weill. The eight-movement suite gives sketches of Weills most famous score, even introducing a banjo and accordion into the orchestration. Troy used the suite to transition from the classical side of cabaret to a more popular music approach  a musical intersection that made Weill a household name (Lets not forget, he wrote Mack the Knife.).

The three pops pieces that concluded the concert span different styles of cabaret. The first was Blues for Killed Cat, a classical piece written by jazz composer Jack End to expressing the melancholic feelings he had for a corpse that sat outside his music library window for nearly two weeks.

The sentimental Someone to Watch Over Me followed, a torch song standard for vocalists, and the concert concluded with selections from the Broadway hit Chicago. In performing the rousing arrangement, Troy and the wind symphony showed the immense talent the group has to not only perfect Kurt Weill and Offenbach, but contemporaries such as John Kander.

Troys conducting also displays his sheer love of mixing pops and classical. He is not above conducting Chicago and seems to truly enjoy it. So did the audience, which was thrilled from the first piece to the last.
North Carolina Humanities Council Road Scholar Laurel C. Sneed will present Beyond 12 Years a Slave: The Influential Slave Narratives of Tar Heels Moses Roper, Harriet Jacobs and William H. Singleton from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Morgan Community Room of the High Point Public Library, 901 N. Main Street. This event is free and open to the public.

Sneed will talk about three courageous African American Tar Heels who escaped to freedom and authored slave narratives: Moses Roper of Caswell County, Harriet Jacobs of Edenton and William H. Singleton of New Bern. Sneed is an educator, researcher and media producer/filmmaker based in Durham and executive director of the Thomas Day Education Project.

This program is made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment of the Humanities. The North Carolina Humanities Council has been offering speakers, free of charge, to public audiences since 1990.

For more information, contact Maxine Days at (336) 883-3671 or maxine.days@highpointnc.gov.

Women voters to meet Feb. 21 at Holy Trinity

The next League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad meeting will be held at noon Feb. 21 at Holy Trinity Church, Haywood Duke Room, 607 N. Greene St. in Greensboro.

Guilford County Board of Elections Director Charlie Collicutt and Register of Deeds Jeff Thigpen are the guest speakers.

An optional buffet lunch is $11.

Reservations, with or without lunch, must be made by Wednesday. Email reservations@lwvpt.org or visit www.lwvpt.org.

Have Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday

The McDonalds restaurant at 2347 Randleman Road in Greensboro will host a Coffee with a Cop event with local law enforcement in Greensboro from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

This event brings police officers and the community members they serve together  over coffee  to discuss community issues, learn more about each other and build relationships in an informal, neutral environment.

For information, call (336) 275-1180.

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer hosts guests

The St. Augustine University Choir will be the guest choir at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer at the 10 a.m. service on Feb. 19.

The guest speaker for the Black History Month series will be universitys president, Everett B. Ward.

Area alumni are encouraged to come.

The church is at 901 E. Friendly Ave. in Greensboro.

For information, call (336) 275-0033.

Variety of trees taking root at I-85 interchange

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is planting a variety of different trees in the four large areas that make up the interchange at I-85 Business and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

The project was initiated last spring at the request of High Point resident Jim Morgan, who reached out to High Point Transportation Director Mark McDonald and High Point Beautification Supervisor Rebecca Coplin about improving the aesthetics of the interchange. McDonald and High Point Parks and Recreation Ground Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Bodenheimer then met with Department of Transportation Division 7 Engineer Mike Mills and Roadside Environmental Engineer Ken Taffer about ideas for improvement.

All parties agreed on a proposed landscaping scheme, and phase one of the project began in fall 2016. The first phase included cutting back overgrown vegetation, grading and planting wild flowers. Phase two is now in progress with the tree plantings and will be completed by the end of next week. The interchange enhancement is being funded through NCDOT Enhancement Funds at a cost of $74,000.

For information, contact Rebecca Coplin at (336) 883-3520 or rebecca.coplin@highpointnc.gov.
HIGH POINT  Police said the fatal shooting of a man on Wednesday was the result of a long-running argument.

Brothers Danlonta Franchez Lindsey, 26, of 2611 Dallas Ave., and Shacoby Demetrious Lindsey, 25, of 517 Player Drive, are charged with first degree murder in the death of David Lee Antwan Gainey, 26, of 906 Putnam St.

Gainey was shot multiple times at 500 Henley St. Also shot was Danlonta Lindsey, said police Capt. Tim Ellenberger. He said Shacoby Lindsey accidentally shot his brother in the leg during the crime. Police also believe, based on witness accounts and other information, that Shacoby Lindsey is the person who actually shot Gainey.

The crime stems from a long dispute between Gainey and the Lindsey brothers, though the initial cause of the dispute cant be pinpointed, Ellenberger said.

Its so long-running, they dont even know what the dispute is about, he said. One of them told us, Man, we thought this was over.

Ellenberger said it doesnt appear Gainey or the Lindseys sought each other out prior to the shooting.

However, Gainey ended up dead, shot near a dumpster after about five or six shots were fired, according to 911 calls.

Gainey was unarmed, Ellenberger said.

The Lindseys mother, Shalla Fredett Lindsey, 43, of 517 Player Drive, is charged with felony accessory after the fact.

She is accused of being at the scene of the shooting and not contacting police, said Lt. Rick Johnson. She also did not identify the shooter, when questioned by police, though law enforcement said it was, obvious she knew who the shooter was.

Shalla Lindsey is also accused of helping Shacoby Lindsey by driving him to a house in Thomasville.

The pair were arrested Thursday by the U.S. Marshals Joint Fugitive Task Force.

Danlonta and Shacoby Lindsey are jailed without bail. Shalla Lindsey was jailed with bail set at $1 million.
GREENSBORO  A handful of immigrant parents and a few ally teachers thanked the Guilford County Board of Education on Thursday for its recent resolution that signaled support for immigrant families.

They also suggested further steps.

The parents spoke to the board in Spanish, but they also brought an interpreter.

Parents spoke about how they have been self-organizing and getting together in small groups to better understand the consequences of changes to federal immigration policies.

We would like the opportunity to speak with some of you to discuss our ideas, to discuss how the policies will affect our children, said parent Maria Luisa Gonzalez, suggesting a meeting at a later point.

They stressed that the school boards resolution, passed at its retreat Saturday, was deeply meaningful to them.

When my children are crying, my children are anxious, it gives me comfort to know your words, said Susy Lara Mosqueda.

Todd Warren, one of the teachers who spoke, seconded that sentiment from an educators perspective.

We desperately need to see that affirmation of our immigrant families, Warren said.

He suggested that theres a need for parents, principals and teachers to meet and have hard conversations about what some of the federal changes mean.

Teacher Leah Hendershot said the school system should make sure resources are available to help students and parents understand what their rights are and, at the least, make sure everyone gets to see the resolution the board passed.

Hendershot said her colleagues teaching English as a second language say their students are talking about how afraid they are. It would be good, for example, she said, for people to know that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement cannot come to school to seize children.

A childs access to education, regardless of immigration status, is protected by the Constitution.

President Donald Trumps Jan. 27 executive order on the countrys refugee program and travel to and from seven Muslim countries is not the only recent executive action on immigration from the new administration. It came soon after other executive orders authorizing construction of a border wall, increasing the number of immigration agents assigned to handle deportations, as well as the ranks of Border Patrol agents, and making changes to deportation priorities.

An analysis by the Los Angeles Times published Saturday found that, up to 8 million people in the country illegally could be considered priorities for deportation. Thats up from about 1.4 million people who were categorized a priority for deportation by the Obama administration. Many details of how immigration policy will be enforced under Trump are yet to be worked out.

Immigrants to the United States cover a wide spectrum. Some examples include naturalized citizens, permanent legal residents, visa holders, asylum seekers, people who have overstayed visas and people who entered the country without any legal permission. Types of recognition by the U.S. government vary even within some of those categories.

The school boards resolution affirming commitment to students and families of all national origins used broad language to state the boards continued support for quality education for all students.

At the end of the meeting, board Vice Chairwoman Darlene Garrett thanked those who spoke.

I know that took a lot of courage and I appreciate it, Garrett said, adding that she agrees theres a need to talk more.

Superintendent Sharon Contreras thanked the board for its resolution on supporting immigrant students and families.

I hope all of our families heard the message that they are welcome in schools, she said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ratified amendments to the countrys Constitution, says a message on the website of the Turkish presidential administration.

A referendum on amendments to the Turkish Constitution is expected to be held on April 16.

Amendments to the Constitution got more than 330 votes in the Turkish Parliament, which is the minimum number of votes needed for holding a referendum.

According to the amendments, the number of seats in the Turkish Parliament will increase from 550 to 600.

It is also suggested that Turkish citizens can run for the MP seats from the age of 18. Currently, the lowest age limit is 25.

It is offered to hold parliamentary elections every 5 years. Currently, the parliamentary elections are held every 4 years.

A Turkish citizen no younger than 40 can become a president, according to the amendments.

The Turkish president will also have the power to appoint ministers and replace them. The president-elect will not be obliged to be a non-party nominee any more.
WENTWORTH  Elected officials from across local city, county and state government got a lesson in education during the Eggs and Issues Elected Officials Breakfast on Feb. 3

Hosted by the Rockingham County Education Foundation, Reidsville Area Foundation and Rockingham County Partnership for Children, speakers highlighted the needs in Rockingham County Schools and whats being done to help.

Our hope is that by uniting our efforts together that we can make a difference by providing, said Rockingham County District Court Judge Christine Strader, opening the discussion. How you provide is going to be up to you and up to the position that you are in, but each of you are here today  because we recognize that each of you in your roles can make a difference in education.

Citing a statewide study commissioned by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 2013 and 2015, RCEF Executive Director Dawn Charaba gauged the rooms knowledge of how voters in North Carolina feel about schools.

The room answered multiple choice questions by holding up a four-sided card with each side corresponding to A, B, C or D, and the hosts collected answers using a scanning tool on an iPad.

The poll showed that local officials largely recognized that, according to the study, voters tend to value local public schools, support greater investments in overall funding and want more investment in teachers.

In Rockingham County, RCEF, RAF and RCPC are all working to make those goals a reality and to support students from birth through young adulthood by investing funds, time or both.

In the first five years of a childs life, these organizations offer support by training child care facilities, encouraging and incentivizing educators to return to school to get degrees in early childhood education and more.

Our goal is that every child across the county arrives at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed, and we take that to a pretty broad definition: a pretty broad definition of health and a pretty broad definition of ready, said RCPC Executive Director Heather Adams.

By the time students have made their way through the local education pipeline to high school, they can meet with college advisors.

This initiative gets college advisors into every high school in the district, making Rockingham County the first in the state to reach that goal.

Last year, this team individually met with 97 percent of high school seniorsthats over 700 students, assisted seniors to submit over 2300 college applicationsthats a lot of submit buttonsand helped secure over 12 million scholarship funds for Rockingham County students, Charaba said.

Following the presentation from the event hosts, the officials were invited to share their thoughts and concerns.

One focus brought up was to strengthen the connection between Rockingham County high schools and Rockingham Community College.

When I talk to businesses, the entry level employee that is applying that has just graduated from high school is not looked upon very favorably, and thats not just in this county, thats throughout the state, said Reidsville Mayor Jay Donecker. Theres a need for additional training.  We need more of these kids in high school going on to RCC as a given.

RCC President Mark Kinlaw added that the better local public schools are, the better the community college will be.

Superintendent Rodney Shotwell noted that he appreciates the opportunity to share knowledge with the elected officials.

Its really nice to be able to have the open communication with our state senator, our representatives, our commissioners, our local town folks, because were all in this thing together and we all want Rockingham County to be the best that it can be, Shotwell said. As long as we keep that open communication, I think that is really going to be the thing that is truly going to allow us to move forward.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

Citizens of Turkey and Ukraine will be able to visit each others countries using national passports, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said during a working visit to Ukraine.

Preparation for the introduction of a new regime has been completed, Turkish media outlets reported citing the foreign minister.

Turkey and Ukraine are planning to increase mutual tourist flows. We plan to introduce the travel without international passports for Ukrainian citizens coming to Turkey and Turkish citizens going to Ukraine before the start of the summer season, Cavusoglu said.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu discussing bilateral cooperation, a statement on the presidential website says, Sputnik reported.

"Petro Poroshenko and Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed the agenda of the next meeting of the high-level Strategic Council between Ukraine and Turkey that is planned to be held under the co-chairmanship of the heads of the two states in the spring of the current year," the Thursday statement says.

The two sides emphasized the importance of negotiations on a free trade zone between Ukraine and Turkey and pointed to the high dynamics f current bilateral cooperation.

The Turkish foreign minister was expected to visit Ukraine on December 20, 2016, but the visit was postponed due to the murder of Russian Ambassador to Ankara Andrey Karlov in Turkey.

Cavusoglu arrived in Ukraine on Thursday for a two-day visit.
This year's Mobile World Congress (MWC) is going to feature quite a few new smartphone introductions, and from this point on you can add Gionee to the (growing) list of companies presenting new products. The Chinese device maker has today sent media invites for its special event that will take place on February 27, day one of MWC. These thankfully tell us what to expect: the Gionee A1 and A1 Plus are to become official on that occasion.

Coincidentally or not, today is also the day when the upcoming Gionee A1 got leaked in the live shots you can see below. What's more, alongside the images we get a pretty complete list of its specs, as well as a rumored price (at least for one market). So let's dive in.

The Gionee A1 is supposedly going to feature a 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen with 2.5D Gorilla Glass on top, a 1.8 GHz octa-core MediaTek processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, dual-SIM support, a 13 MP rear camera with LED flash, a 16 MP selfie snapper possibly with a LED flash of its own, an IR blaster, a fingerprint sensor on the back, and a 4,010 mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging.

The A1 runs Android 7.0 Nougat underneath Gionee's own Amigo OS 4.0. The handset is expected to land in Nepal on March 15 and be priced over there at NPR 35,999, which is around $336 or 316 at the current exchange rates. Prices in other markets may vary, of course. As for the A1 Plus, the only hint that the official invite from Gionee provides is that this will be bigger than the A1 - so perhaps we should expect a 6-incher.

Source
Lenovo is trying to turn Motorola around and make the brand great again. The latest attempt - the modifiable Moto Z series is an exceptional device that converts to a boombox or Hasselblad camera thanks to its Moto Mods.

Since the phone is built for modifications, Motorola decided to launch the campaign Transform the Smartphone Challenge where developers around the world could pitch ideas for new mods. Now several lucky entrepreneurs are chosen, Motorola announced in its blog.

The projects had to be crowdfunded through the Indiegogo platform. The first idea is Edge - a cover that doubles as a wireless charger, has extra battery life and LED to illuminate in various colors when different actions are happening on the phone. Theres also a measuring instrument, Walkie-Talkie mod and a solar-power charger back panel.

In early March up to 10 grand prize winners will be chosen. They win a trip to Chicago to present their ideas to the development team of Motorola. If someone manages to make an impression, Lenovo will fund the project by $1 million to help bring the mod to life.

Source | The Indiegogo ideas
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Samsung has just filed a trademark application with the European Trade Mark and Design Network for what's likely the logo of its upcoming personal assistant Bixby.

The logo, which looks just like a B, comes with a description that sounds inline with a virtual assistant - "Smartphones; mobile telephones; portable computers; tablet computers; interactive computer software enabling exchange of information across a computer network; computer software to enable the provision of information via communications networks; computer communication".

Samsung's application for the Bixby trademark

Rumor has it that Bixby will come pre-installed on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, will be able to converse in 7-8 languages (probably English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish) and could be summoned with the phrase Hello, which Samsung trademarked earlier.

It's expected that Samsung will launch its next flagship duo on March 29 and release them globally in April, so we don't expect to see any Galaxy S8s at the Mobile World Congress at the end of February.

Source | Via
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Nearly three dozen people have been killed after Houthi fighters and militias loyal to resigned president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi clashed for the control of a strategic coastal city in Ta'izz province, Press TV reported.

The clashes took place in the Red Sea port city of Mokha on Wednesday in which at least eight Saudi mercenaries were killed, medical sources said.

Pro-Hadi militia forces backed by the Saudi air force began a major offensive on January 7 to recapture Mokha which overlooks the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden from Ansarullah fighters.

Yemeni troops on Wednesday also shot down a Saudi unmanned aerial vehicle in the northwestern province of Saada.

A military source said the reconnaissance drone was struck while collecting information on the positions and movements of Yemeni forces and their allies in the Baqim district of the province.

Two high-ranking Saudi officers and several soldiers were killed when a powerful explosion ripped through their vehicle northeast of the al-Hathera district in Saudi Arabias southwestern border region of Jizan.

Saudi military sources said Major Abdullah Bin Shaiban Hassan Hamdi was among those killed.




Haiti - Politics : Jovenel Moise met with the representative of King Mohammed VI





Tuesday, after the investiture ceremony, the new President of Haiti Jovenel Moise received in audience Mr. El Malki, the President of the House of Representatives, who officially represented His Majesty the King of Morocco Mohammed VI.



This audience was an opportunity for El Malki to recall the content of the cooperation between Morocco and Haiti, particularly in the field of training, through a program that allows a significant number of Haitian students to pursue their studies in Morocco. He also highlighted the expertise acquired by the Kingdom of Morocco in the agricultural sector and in the development of the rural world through the use of fertilizers and the management of water resources.



These fields, El Malki said, "constitute the main axes around which Morocco intends to articulate its cooperation with Haiti," welcoming the solidarity ties that unite the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Haiti, two countries proud of their African roots.



President Jovenel Moise rejoiced of that meeting, stating that he was closely following the experience of Morocco in all areas of concern to Haiti. He instructed President El Malki to convey his congratulations to His Majesty the King for the return of the Kingdom to the African Union and to welcome the reforms introduced by the Sovereign, making Morocco a model for the development and Stability in the region. He assured "for Haiti, Morocco is a country brother and friend."



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics : Important meeting in Suriname





Thursday, 9 February, Alex Jospitre, the Consul General of Haiti in Suriname, met with the new Foreign Minister of the Republic of Suriname, Mrs. Yldiz Pollack-Beighle, who was accompanied by her advisers.



Discussions focused on several important topics :



- The obstacles Haitian Nationals who applied for temporary residence or a visa are facing in Haiti following the closing of the Consulate General of the Republic of Suriname in Port-au-Prince https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18637-haiti-flash-temporary-closure-of-suriname-consulate-in-haiti.html



- The many challenges our Compatriots, who recently migrated to Suriname on a tourist card, are facing daily, as well as the proper approach to address several incidents that occurred in the past year to avoid their repetition in the future ;



- The enhancement of the collaboration and communication between the Consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as all other Government entities providing services to the local Haitian Community for a better and more coherent assistance ;



- The major difficulties faced by Haitian Nationals who applied for Temporary Residence and were later told, without any further explanation or information, that many of the original documents of their civil status registry (included in their files) just vanished following a fire that erupted in a building of the Ministry of Justice and Police in Paramaribo back in 2015 ;



- The undeniable benefits of an eventual conditional adjustment of the immigration status of the Haitian Nationals in difficulty in Suriname and the delicate involvement such adjustment would require from the Parliament and the Ministry of Justice and Police for its implementation.



Both Parties however agreed that if these Haitian Nationals would become lawful workers in Suriname they would boost considerably productions in certain key areas and subsequently increase exportation and tax revenues while decreasing certain prices in the country.



After an hour of exchanges, considered fruitful and instructive by both parties, Yldiz Pollack-Beighle undertook to transmit to the President of the Republic of Suriname the highlights of these discussions and to discuss in a timely manner with the Consulate of Haiti the many challenges faced by Haitian nationals in Suriname.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18637-haiti-flash-temporary-closure-of-suriname-consulate-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18549-haiti-flash-suriname-visa-mandatory-for-haitian.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politics : First rumors around the future Prime Minister





Following the resignation of the Prime Minister https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20057-haiti-flash-prime-minister-resigns.html and given that no political party has a direct majority in Parliament, President Jovenel Moses Moise began consultations with the Presidents of both Houses in accordance with Article 137 of the amended Constitution which states "The President of the Republic choose a Prime Minister from among members of the majority party of the Parliament. The majority is established on the basis of the electoral results of elected representatives in each of the two Chambers. In the absence of this majority, the President of the Republic chooses his Prime Minister in consultation with the President of the Senate and the President of the Chamber of Deputies. In both cases the choice must be ratified by Parliament."



Wednesday evening Jovenel Moise has a first meeting with Youri Latortue, the President of the Senate and Cholzer Chancy, President of the Lower House to define at first the profile of the next Prime Minister. For Senator Youri Latortue it must be a convener, a person with a good knowledge of the political and business world, able to negotiate with the international and the Parliament.



The rumor machine is launched and already several names of possible Prime Minister, circulate on social networks and in the corridors of Parliament but nothing official :



Olivier Barreau, a respected businessman known as a visionary (President of the insurance company AIC);

Gabriel Fortune, former Senator and Mayor of Les Cayes;

Cholzer Chancy, President of the Chamber of Deputies (re-elected by acclamation), who seems to be favorite according to Senator Latortue;

Jean Walnard Dorneval, a senior official of the Chancellery, who has the full confidence of President Moise.



TB/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping politics...





First nominations of Jovenel Moise

Wilson Laleau was appointed Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic, with the rank of Minister; Yves Germain Joseph, Secretary General of the Council of Ministers, with the rank of Minister; Yves Germain Joseph, Secretary General of the Presidency, with the rank of Minister; Marc Marie Yves Mazile, Head of the Protocol of the National Palace, with the rank of ambassador.



Famni Lavalas will make resistance to Parliament

Despite being a minority in Parliament, the Parti Famni Lavalas promises to form an unparalleled resistance against Jovenel Moise and his promises made during his installation indicated Senator Nenel Cassy. For their part, members of the party's board, through the voice of Maryse Narcisse, says speaking of the head of State "For us, it is not the President of this country. We are going to assert our rights and those of the Nation," calling for the continued mobilization in the streets.



Senate awaits new Senators

The President of the Senate, Youri Latortue informs that he has instructed the secretariat of the Upper House to receive the registration of the 5 Senators recently elected https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20046-haiti-flash-final-results-2nd-round-elections-1-3-senate.html during the vote for the renewal of the third of the senate, once their names are published in the official newspaper Le Moniteur. According to the Senator, the session to validate the credentials of their colleagues could take place next Tuesday.



Words of outgoing PM

"I presented my resignation to the President of the Republic, HE Mr. Jovenel Moise this Thursday https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20057-haiti-flash-prime-minister-resigns.html . It was an honor to serve my country with loyalty. The government that I had the honor to lead, has accurately and completely fulfilled its essential missions. Also, I remain fully available to serve my country, where duty calls me," said outgoing Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles.



Carnival : Campaign of respect for women

Thursday, the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women's Rights launched an awareness campaign denigrating messages against women and the unhealthy use of their bodies during the carnival period. The theme chosen for this campaign is "Ayiti ap reviv nan respe dwa fanm ak ti fi nou yo" (Haiti will revive in respect for the rights of our women and girls).



The Deputy Bodeau congratulates Raquel Pelissier

"I welcome the appointment of Goodwill Ambassador Raquel Pelissier by Head of State Jovenel Moise", declared Delmas Garry Bodeau, Quaestor of the Lower House and President of the majority bloc "Parliamentary Alliance for Haiti" (APH) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20062-haiti-politic-government-welcomes-raquel-pelissier-at-the-airport.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















SS-21 missiles on their wheeled launchers. (Photo : Russian Army)

Russia has delivered its largest ever consignment of short-range tactical ballistic missiles to its ally Syria, leaving western observers pondering the reasons why.



Western reports reveal a shipment of 50 OTR-21 Tochka (NATO reporting name: SS-21 Scarab) short-range ballistic missiles arrived at Syria's Mediterranean Sea port of Tartus on Feb. 7. Apart from this shipment being the largest yet between both countries, it's also the largest for this type of missile.



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The Syrian Arab Army currently has an inventory of some 100 SS-21s, which are fired from a six-wheeled 9P129 launch vehicle. The army operates about 12 of these vehicles.



There are three missile models, Scarab A, B and C, and it unclear which of these models was delivered this week to Syria. Whatever the model, the missile can be used for precision strikes on tactical targets such as command posts, troop concentrations and airfields. It can launch a fragmentation warhead to a distance ranging from 70 km to 185 km.



The SS-21 entered service with the Soviet Union in 1976, and is currently in use by 10 countries, including Syria.



What puzzles western analysts about this latest and largest shipment is why it was sent.



One unnamed U.S. official was quoted as commenting that "For someone (Syria) winding down a war, that's a big missile shipment."



Russia's announcement in December 2016 it was reducing its military presence in Syria might have prompted Moscow to deliver the SS-21s, although some western analysts point to evidence Russia is simply rotating units and not reducing its combat strength in Syria.



The Syrian Army has been stingy in its use of the SS-21 and Scud-B tactical ballistic missile against anti-Assad rebels during the Syrian Civil War that began on March 15, 2011.



On the other hand, Russia has been more lavish in using the missile, and only last week fired two SS-21s at anti-Assad rebels in Idlib province.


Published on 2017/02/09 | Source

Actor Lee Min-ho has returned to Incheon International Airport from Bangkok.

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'xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage' - Mumbai Fan Screening (Photo : Getty Images)

After xXx: Return of Xander Cage premiered in China on Jan. 19, Indian actress Deepika Padukones Chinese fans grew in number that she opened a Weibo account to interact with her followers in China.



She initially interacted with her fans in China when xXx: Return of Xander Cage debuted in China. The movie, which also stars Vin Diesel, Nina Dobrev and Chinese actors Donnie Yen and Kris We, was shown in 2,000 cinemas in China.



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Transition from Bollywood to Hollywood



Her being part of the movie is part of Deepika Padukones transition from a Bollywood actress to an international career. To promote the action film, Deepika guested on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Late Late Show with James Corden and Access Hollywood, Planet Bollywood reported. Interacting with Chinas top social media site, Weibo, is part of Deepika Padukones global career move.



Controversy Over Test Shot Photo



But Hindustan Times reported that the actress is being accused of leaking test shots for Majid Majidis Beyond the Clouds to further boost her international career. The image, showing Deepika Padukone seated on white concrete blocks while wearing a printed long-sleeved blouse accented by a large green sash tied on the left side of her waist, became viral.



Rumors then swirled that she got the lead role for the film by the Iranian director. Reports say that Deepika Padukone took the test shots without having a copy of the script for the forthcoming movies. She reportedly told Majid Majidi that she would only accept the role if she reads the final draft of the script.



However, Deepika Padukone allegedly did not like the script since it failed her expectations, so she turned down the offer. The reason behind her decision is the former Bollywood star is not looking for something like the Iranian movie at this stage in her career.






ebook has confirmed a generous new paid leave policy which will have significant impact on grieving employees as well as those who are caring for a sick family member.In an announcement Tuesday afternoon, COO Sheryl Sandberg said the company would be giving all of its employees six weeks of annual leave to care for ailing relatives.Sandberg, who became a widow in 2015, also announced three additional days off for employees caring for a family member with a short-term illness, like a child with the flu, and 20 days of bereavement leave, twice as much as before.This is personal for me, she admitted at Makers conference, a womens leadership event held in California. I lost my husband very suddenly. Facebook provided leave and flexibility, and now were doing more.Sandberg returned to work 10 days after her husband, Dave Goldberg, died suddenly of cardiac arrhythmia while on vacation.The benefits bump is just the latest improvement from Facebook and last year the tech giant increased its paid parental leave to four months for both men and women.People should be able both to work and be there for their families. No one should face this trade-off, said Sandberg. We need public policies that make it easier for people to care for their children and aging parents and for families to mourn and heal after loss.Related stories:
The Gig economy involves businesses that operate in an environment where they engage workers through digital means (usually via tablets or smart phones) to perform on-demand work for short-term engagements, according to Joe Murphy, director at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors.



This includes the likes of Uber, Airtasker, Deliveroo and Foodora who are immediately recognisable in todays media and have generated significant buzz around what they do and how they do it.



These red-tape busting and regulation avoiding businesses have also attracted a significant degree of scrutiny from regulators in many countries, including Australia, the UK and the US, said Murphy.



The manner in which these companies engage their workforce has attracted much attention and debate as to whether the individuals performing the work are being paid fairly and according to law.



So are these individuals really contractors or are they employees missing out?



Murphy explained that when these issues are brought before the Courts and Tribunals, they will look at a range of factors.



These include whether they are truly entrepreneurial in nature operating a business, contracting with others, using their own equipment, are able to contract with others, whether they can dictate their own hours and the degree of control they exercise over the work they perform.



Uber recently received some bad news from the Employment Tribunal in the UK when it was held that a small group of Uber drivers were not contractors but actually Uber employees.



In coming to that decision, the Tribunal considered the drivers lack of control over pricing and other requirements placed on them by Uber, such as preferred routes, meant that the drivers should properly be considered to be employees and not contractors.



The result was that Uber was ordered to make back payments of employment entitlements for 20 drivers, including payment for each hour they received less than the minimum wage, as well as other employee payments.



The attraction for Australian employers to the Gig economy models is the same as that in the UK or the US, said Murphy.



That is, if you employ contractors, the outgoings in terms of fees are usually less than paying wages and other employment entitlements to employees. Other benefits include reduced legal risk and other costs (often those contractors must have their own insurances etc).



Many businesses that employ staff (usually one of the highest costs of running a business) might be asking themselves whether they should be looking to strategies that embrace the technology and disrupting type of business models embraced by the likes of Uber and Deliveroo.



Murphy said the UK Employment Tribunals decision should cause Australian businesses to pause.



Australian Courts and Tribunals continue to hear cases every year where businesses are regularly caught out (some innocently, others not so much) and they often end up wearing significant damages and penalties, said Murphy.



One of the most significant Australian cases involved similar circumstances to Deliveroo and Uber, he added.



In Hollis v Vabu the High Court of Australia held that bike couriers in that case were in fact employees despite keeping their own hours and supplying their own equipment.



He added that the Australian Fair Work Ombudsman continues to clamp down on businesses who avoid the costs associated with paying employees under workplace laws.



The vigour with which the Ombudsman has pursued these cases has paid off in the Courts with a number of significant decisions resulting in significant damages and penalties being awarded against businesses, said Murphy.



Deliveroo and Foodora have also recently been identified by the union and labour law firm, Maurice Blackburn, as being a target for them.



The firm has indicated "We think these companies are exploiting ambiguities in the law to underpay these workers and we are going to bring a case to make sure it stops".



If you are a business looking to restructure your employment arrangements and you ask us, we will take you back to the tests the Courts and Tribunal continue to apply and that is a better gauge of how to structure your business, not the latest fad of Gig economy businesses which are starting to run into trouble as we have seen in the recent decision in the UK, concluded Murphy.



Joe Murphy is a Director at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA). Call Joe on 1300 565 846 or [email protected] if you have any questions about matters raised in this article.






To the Editor:

Avery County is one of the most beautiful places on earth and has some of the most spectacular views a person will find anywhere. With the beauty of our area comes some of the most dangerous roads in our state. The 2,300 miles our buses travel each day create a challenge for any driver in any type vehicle, especially a school bus. Thankfully we have some of the most competent bus drivers in the country.

To honor bus drivers, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has designated the month of February as Love the Bus month to express our sincere appreciation to our drivers. According to the American School Bus Council (ASBC) national school buses carry approximately 26 million children safely to and from schools each day. Avery County Schools travels 2,303 miles daily, and transports 1,120 students served by 30 buses and 30 drivers. Transporting students involves teamwork and effort as we strife for efficiency and safety.

In North Carolina, over 700,000 public school students ride in 14,000 yellow buses each day. NCDPI School Support Division Director Ben Matthews said the benefits of school bus transportation are not limited to safety. As more students take the school bus to school, the environmental impacts are significant. Traffic congestion and pollution can be reduced around schools, not to mention the fuel savings for family cars. In this economy, lots of families are looking for ways to trim their fuel budgets, Matthews said. Here are some more facts about school buses and some safety tips:

Fact Sheet: School Bus Safety

The National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other authorities agree that school buses are the safest form of transportation for getting children to and from school.

Some 480,000 school buses carry 26 million children  more than half of Americas schoolchildren.

Students are about 50 times more likely to arrive at school alive if they take the bus than if they drive themselves or ride with friends. Students are much safer riding the bus than being driven by a parent, and are about 20 times more likely to arrive to school alive if they take the bus than if a parent drives them.

School buses decrease our dependence on foreign oil through an annual savings of 2.3 billion gallons of fuel.

A 20-mile round-trip school commute saves an approximate $420 annually for each student who rides the bus and an approximate $10.9 billion nationwide.

Large school buses are heavier and distribute crash forces differently than do passenger cars and light trucks. Because of these differences, the crash forces experienced by occupants of buses are much less than that experienced by occupants of passenger cars, light trucks or vans.

Safety features including the color and size of school buses, height, reinforced sides, flashing red lights, cross view mirrors, and crossing and stop sign arms ensure children are protected and secure on and off the bus.

School bus drivers are highly trained professionals in student behavior management, loading and unloading, security and emergency medical procedures.

Drivers participate in pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing, as well as frequent driving record checks, and submit to background checks and periodic medical exams to keep their Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with a School Bus Endorsement.

The school bus industry operates by a set of safety, security, health and driver qualification guidelines that meet, and in some cases exceed, federal and state laws, and ensure that school buses are the safest mode of transportation for our nations schoolchildren.

Safety tips for students:

Be alert to traffic. Check traffic both ways before existing the bus.

Make eye contact with the bus driver; wait for his/her signal before crossing the street.

Walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus to cross the street.

While waiting for the bus, stay in a safe place away from the street.

Before leaving the sidewalk, look for the flashing red lights.

Never go near or under the bus to retrieve something youve dropped.

Safety tips for parents:

Review the safety tips with your child regularly.

Get to know the parents of other riders as well as student riders with your child.

Team up with other parents to get involved and monitor bus stops and bus routes. Voice concerns immediately to your school district.

Attend back to school nights and tour your childs school bus.

Get to know your schools transportation coordinator and your childs bus driver.

Keep phone numbers handy in case the bus is delayed or in the event of an emergency.

Please join me in the campaign to thank our drivers and transportation department for their dedication and diligent work. Valentines Day, Feb. 14, as been designate as Love Your Bus Day.

On behalf of Avery County Schools, Thank you, Bus Drivers, Brian King-Director of ACS Transportation, Linda King-Transportation Information Management Specialist and our Transportation Mechanics for ensuring that our students are safe and cared for as they travel on our buses. We truly appreciate you!

Sincerely,

David Burleson

Superintendent

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The Public Policy Program titled Political Redistricting for Fair Elections will look at the way North Carolina could find an alternative to our current redistricting program. Speakers include N.C. House Representative Jonathan Jordan and Judge Ed Gregory.

The event will take place on Monday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. in Boone at the La Quinta Inn.

The event is about the Congressional redistricting simulation that Tom Ross, eight retired justices and judges did along with the Sanford School at Duke. This program describes how and why they did the redistricting, explaining why they chose a nonpartisan method and how they think it might benefit the state of North Carolina.

The program, which is expected to last no longer than 1.5 hours, is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Coffee will be served.

For more information about the event, click here.

To RSVP, call the Blowing Rock Chamber at 828-295-7851 to RSVP.

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If you have not made plans for your Valentines Day next week, look no further than the stimulating discussion of, A Trump Putin Love Affair? on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 7 p.m. in the Belk Library Room 114. This panel discussion will look into the relationship of the political love affair of President Donald Trump of the United States of America and Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. Sponsored by the Government and Justice Studies Department of Appalachian State University this free event, open to the public will host several candidates for a panel discussion.

Dr. Lara Piccardo, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science from the University of Genoa, Italy will be joining our campus for the event. She has completed research on the USSR/Russia and European Integration, as well as on the relations between 18th century Russian and Italian revolutionaries. She teaches contemporary history, history of sport and International history at the University of Genoa, and peace-keeping and the frozen conflict in Eastern Europe at the Post-Conflict Operation Centre of the Italian Army.

She will be joined by Dr. Frederiga Bindi, the current Appalachian State University Dan German distinguished visiting chair and a senior fellow at SAIS John Hopkins University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Aleksander Lust, an assistant professor and Dr. Cary Fraser, an assistant professor both in the department of government and justice studies from Appalachian State University. As well as Dr. Anatoly Isaenko from the department of history at Appalachian State.

Dr. Bindi leads the foreign policy initiative at the Institute for Women Policy Research in Washington DC. She held a number of policy appointments in government, among which Fellow at the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee under Sen. John Kerry. She advised four different Italian governments and a number of international organizations such as the European Commission, the Council of Europe, UNIDO and the World Bank.

Dr. Lusts areas of interest in his studies include international security, regional integration, and social protest in Europe and the Russian realm. He teaches a wide range of courses in comparative politics and international relations, including international politics and foreign policy, ethics of war, and European government and politics.

Dr. Frasers areas of expertise and interest cover United States foreign policy, International relations in the twentieth century, imperialism and decolonization, and politics of race in the Americas and the Atlantic world.

Dr. Isaenko earned his B.A. and M.A. in History and English Language at North Ossetian State University in Vladikavkaz, Russia. Dr. Isaenko went on to complete his Ph.D. in Global History at Moscow State University, Russia in 1976 with a dissertation titled The Puritan Movement in England in the Sixteenth and the Beginning of the Seventeenth Centuries. Prior to becoming a professor at Appalachian State University, Dr. Isaenko was Professor and Chair of Ancient and Medieval History at North Ossetian State University, in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia-Alania, Russia.

To attend this free event, view the invitation. For more about events in the College of Arts and Sciences, please visit the CAS website.

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By Jesse Wood

Watauga County is considering foreclosing on the old Boone Ready Mix property in the Town of Boones former extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) through a procedure based on delinquent property taxes.

This announcement was made at the end of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, after several residents of the Seven Oaks neighborhood requested assistance from the county regarding this property.

This property, which is owned by Michael E. Perry, was previously a headache for the Town of Boone. But with the recent N.C. Supreme Court ruling upholding the abolishment of Boones ETJ, the property is now in Watauga Countys jurisdiction.

Seven Oaks residents  Nell Adams, Donna Akers, Doris Isaacs, Greg Mecomber and Lee Jackson  spoke before the commissioners about several factors related to this property: declining property values, environmental and safety hazards, criminal activity and more.

Who wants to buy a home in a neighborhood blighted by an unsightly junkyard, Adams said, while recounting a couple stories of prospective buyers turning right around after driving by the closed-down Boone Ready Mix plant on their way to her home.

Akers referenced criminal activity on the property, which was confirmed by the commissioners and law enforcement officials. In 2014, for example, the U.S. Marshals and the Watauga County Sheriffs Office were involved in a two-hour standoff on the property to arrest a convicted felon, Frances Calhoun Yancey, for manufacturing, distributing and selling meth.

I have two children 12 and 18, that even at that age, I dont let them walk past that property when they walk our dog. I tell them to go the other way. I constantly see cars going in and out of there even late, late at night, Akers said. I read the police blotter now. I didnt use to do that  I am not convinced they are not still doing some kind of drug trafficking there.

Perry, who couldnt be reached for comment, has an extensive rap sheet over the past decade. He is currently on probation and in a facility seeking treatment, according to a N.C. Department of Corrections official. Perrys most recent charge was for possession of meth, according to court records.

If you go to the sheriffs office, they dont have a folder, they have an entire file cabinet for the times theyve been called out there to this Perry property, Commissioner Perry Yates said at Tuesdays meeting. Something is going on out there, not only environmentally but evidently breaking the law if you have to have an entire file cabinet on one location. We really need to look at this hard.

Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman declined to comment about this property, citing the involvement of state and federal authorities.

In 2012, the concrete plant lost its grandfathered status as a nonconforming business because town staff determined Boone Ready Mix was inactive for at least 180 days between 2010 and 2011. The Boone Board of Adjustment upheld that ruling in 2013. An attorney representing the lessee of the concrete plant called the decision a tragedy, one based on no evidence.

More recently, the Boone Town Council adopted an ordinance to proceed with legal action for 17 code violations on the Perry property last year. Violations identified, included illegal use of certain structures as residences, illegal construction or installation of various structures, illegal demolition work and an illegal landfill. Perry didnt respond to the towns notice of violation, so the town proceeded with legal action.

Watauga County Planning Director Joe Furman said that Boone obtained a court order on the property in November. The county has intervened in the order as the enforcement entity since Boone no longer has jurisdiction. Furman said the request will be heard in Superior Court on March 6.

Until then, theres not a lot for me to say, except this  the subject property does not meet the HILU Ordinance Category 1 spacing requirements, Furman said in a email.

Since the ETJ was abolished, the commissioners have been revisiting some of its ordinances because residents of the former ETJ have requested more protections or regulations, depending on how you look at the situation. Currently, a moratorium is in place for high impact land use development as staff, the planning board and commissioners examine its ordinances.

Seven Oaks resident Doris Isaacs referenced that not much has changed since residents complained to the Town of Boone several years ago about the Perry property.

After many, many discussions and some rulings by the Board of Adjustment and appeals and state rulings, finally a court order was issued for a larger cleanup of that property and shortly after that, the ETJ was taken away from the town, Isaacs said. So six years later, we find ourselves basically in the same situation dealing with soil erosion, illegal dumping, possible contamination of water and many other issues.

Isaacs and some of the other speakers encouraged Watauga County to seek brownfields monies to clean up the old concrete plant. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Program provides grants and assistance to communities to cleanup properties that may contain hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants.

Gentleman, this is not a political thing. This is a right and wrong thing, Seven Oaks resident Lee Jackson told the commissioners. We would like to see this property put back to its natural state  Watauga County has everything to gain and nothing to lose by moving in a positive direction.

Jackson asked the board to foreclose on the property because of back taxes. According to the Watauga County Tax Administration department, Perry owes $12,797.93 in taxes going back as far as 2010 for personal and business property.

After listening to Seven Oaks residents during public comment, a few of the commissioners spoke up. Commissioner Jimmy Hodges said he encouraged the other commissioners to drive out to the property and have a look  if they hadnt already.

I also believe it would be more appropriate to have this discussion in closed session since its acquisition of property and county taxes, Hodges said, asking for the issue to be put on the agenda in closed session.

Following the meeting, Chair John Welch said that the commissioners didnt take any action during closed session.

I think more will start coming out. As of right now, attorney/client matters, Welch said. We talked all about some of the implications of the ETJ coming into our hands.

See more photos below:

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Noregian defense minister Ine Eriksen Sreide with the Norwegian Army's new Kongsberg air defense missile battery. (Photo : Norwegian Army)

The Norwegian Army will now rely on its own resources for air defense against aircraft, missiles and drones with the acquisition of the Army Ground Based Air Defense system and its Raytheon AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) from the United States.



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There is a similar surface-to-air (SAM) missile system called the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) in service with the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF). NASAMS is also a ground launch system for the AMRAAM.



The move to equip the army with its own organic air defense system ends a policy in place since the early 2000s in which ground-based air defense has been the responsibility of RNoAF.



Norway's Ministry of Defense (MoD) said the Forsvarsmateriell (Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency - NDMA) will work with NASAMS manufacturer Kongsberg Defense Systems to define the final system solution for the army, and then place a production contract.



Deliveries of the new system to the army are expected to take place between 2018 and 2021.



Kongsberg described the Army Ground Based Air Defense as a highly mobile, short-range air-defense system based on existing elements in the armed forces in combination with the acquisition of new elements. The system will reuse NASAMS command and control and its unique network solutions.



MoD said the army system is being obtained under Project 7628 Kampluftvern for new acquisitions and the reuse of existing equipment and solutions from RNoAF.



"Providing protection from air attacks must be modular and flexible, and it should move quickly," said Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Sreide.



"It will provide protection against threats from the air so that the Army can benefit from maximum operational freedom. The Army has not had a combat air defense capability since the early 2000s, and this is a milestone in our continuing commitment to the Army."



The Norwegian Army will operate two versions of its new air-defense system: a high mobility variant, and a new version to be mounted onto a tracked chassis.



The tracked platform will provide an organic air-defense capability for the Norwegian Army's Leopard 2 tank units.



"NASAMS is a very important product for Kongsberg and one of the most successful internationally," said Kongsberg Defence Systems president Eirik Lie.



"We are very pleased to be have been chosen as supplier for the Army Mobile Ground Based Air Defense.


(HedgeCo.NET) The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged an investment adviser representative with stealing approximately $5 million from client accounts by initiating unauthorized wire transfers and issuing checks to third parties to cover personal expenses.

The SEC alleges that Barry Connell, who worked in the New Jersey office of a major financial institution, conducted more than 100 unauthorized transactions by using falsified authorization forms misrepresenting that he received verbal requests from the clients. Connell allegedly used money from client accounts to rent a home in suburban Las Vegas and pay for a country club membership and private jet service.

As alleged in our complaint, Connell stole funds from clients who entrusted him their finances, choosing to fund his own lavish lifestyle rather than fulfill the fiduciary duty he owed them, said Andrew M. Calamari, Director of the SECs New York Regional Office.

The SECs complaint charges Connell with violations of Sections 206(1) and (2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York today filed criminal charges against Connell.
In 2015, 32,476 asylum seekers arrived in Finland, most of them from Iraq. What happened to them and where did they go? How did they experience the waiting period? What can be expected of them regarding their position in Finnish society and the labor market? A new study addresses some of those questions.

The unprecedented number of forced migrants looking for peace and starting a new life within the European Union was also noted in Finland, as more asylum seekers than ever entered the country in autumn of 2015. Consequently, a qualitative research project with the purpose of gaining more information about the phenomenon was started in the City of Helsinki Urban Facts, at the initiative of researchers Anu Yijala and Maria Nyman, and finalized with funding from the Academy of Finland (project no 303536). Since one nationality was over-represented when it comes to the asylum requests registered in Finland, asylum seekers from an Iraqi background were chosen as the target group of the study. More precisely, the study was about the factors potentially relevant for a successful integration process of the potential newcomers to Finnish society, while taking into account the difficult background situation in their previous homeland.

This article addresses some of the main results of this study, which focused on a privileged group of skilled, English-speaking Iraqi asylum seekers, who could be expected to have a head start regarding integration into Finnish society and the labor market. The data was gathered through twenty-two interviews and by ethnographic observations. During the time of the interviews, the participants were waiting for the decision about their asylum application. All of them were registered at reception centers in Helsinki and Turku, but half of them were living in private accommodation.

According to the results of the study, while waiting for the decision that will have a huge impact on the rest of their lives, the asylum seekers find themselves in a tough, limbo-like stage of their migration process: On one hand, the difficult experiences in Iraq and the arduous trip have left their mark on those who managed to escape. On the other hand, being in a new country without knowing whether or not they can stay, poses severe challenges to their psychological well-being and integration process. The participants of the study reported that living at the reception centers without much to do was a tough situation to handle, and having just about anything to do in order to stop thinking about the past was preferred. On top of that, receiving reception allowance without giving anything in return was found to have negative effects on the self-esteem of the participants.

Controversially, asylum seekers who have arrived with a valid travel document are not allowed to work during the first 3 months. For the so-called denizen asylum seekers traveling without documents, that period is 6 months after arrival in Finland. According to the results of the study, even after this time has passed - regardless of the strong motivation of the participants to find work - getting employed is not a totally unambiguous issue; with so much to deal with, many of the participants did not yet seem to be ready to meet the requirements of the Finnish labor market. For example, providing some kind of low-barrier internships or even temporary work contracts was preferred over killing time.

The results of the study show that the participants did, at least partly, choose Finland based on a sense of shared values, such as freedom of thought and expression. Notably, this kind of value congruence has also previously been shown to promote a successful integration process among immigrants. However, although the participants expressed supporting equality, the rooted, socially constructed and often sub-conscious beliefs of inequality between genders was identified as a possible challenge regarding future integration of the participants. Hence, in order to be ready to smoothly navigate in a new culture and start working, preparatory training regarding the Finnish working culture, education on everyday practicalities, and cultural habits in general, as well as support in handling traumatic experiences from the past are clearly needed.

Moreover, the recent restrictions regarding family reunification in Finland present a threat to the integration of those about to gain residence in Finland. In addition, half of the participants also reported having discriminatory experiences in Finland, often as a consequence of negative media attention. This poses yet another challenge for integration, as the attitudes and the readiness of the society as a whole to receive and support the newcomers play a huge role in their integration in a new country and play a crucial role in the prevention of extremist behavior.

Regardless of the challenges presented above, the participants of the study had a positive attitude towards their much desired future in Finland. According to the results, in general, the participants rarely expected to meet other kind of challenges in their adaptation to their possible new home country than learning the Finnish language; only a few participants seemed to expect that finding work would be challenging. Following religious rules at work was generally not considered important and, in fact, after decades of religious and political conflicts and war in Iraq, the restricted influence of religion in Finnish society was perceived as liberating and welcomed in every way.

All-in-all, the results of the study highlight the importance of the interplay between the representatives of Finnish and Iraqi cultures: the results revealed high motivation of the participants to adapt to Finnish society and culture, strengthened by the observation that contacts with Finns were very much sought after, and those Iraqis who had succeeded in establishing them, reported feeling better in several ways. Regardless of some sporadic negative experiences of inter-group contact, the participants of the study had a very positive image of Finns and highly appreciated the support received from them during the challenging waiting period that they were in during the time of the study. Importantly, their desire to be a part of the Finnish society, of living in peace, getting employed, and raising a family, do not differ from the most common future plans of Finns themselves.

Here is a link to the entire study: Living in Limbo - Qualitative case study of skilled Iraqi asylum seekers in Finland, by Anu Yijala and Maria Nyman
Both the Defence Forces and the Minister of Defence, Jussi Niinisto (PS), have denied the existence of such instructions.

The Finnish Defence Forces' instructions on dual citizenship holders were issued in an e-mail distributed by the one of the agencies established under the Defence Forces, the Defence Intelligence Agency, according to YLE.

The public broadcasting company wrote yesterday, citing an unnamed military officer, that instructions on which positions are suitable and which are not for dual citizens from certain countries have been issued in the Defence Forces. Finnish-Russian dual citizens shouldn't be assigned to intelligence-related duties, drone pilot training, the Air Forces and training organised in collaboration with the Border Guard, the officer stated.

Related posts: - Defence Forces says instructing officer misspoke on dual nationals (03 February, 2017)

YLE says it has also gained access to the e-mail detailing the unofficial instructions.

Niinisto on Wednesday took to Twitter to express his doubts about the allegations that the instructions originated from the Defence Intelligence Agency.

Eero Karhuvaara, the chief of public information at the Defence Command, similarly seemed to question the veracity of the allegations in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat. He also gauged that the lack of official instructions on dual citizens may have caused confusion in some cases.

E-mails are certainly not instructions from the Defence Forces. Instructions are drafted by the Defence Command, he stressed.

Niinisto, in turn, reiterated to the newspaper that no such instructions have been issued, officially or unofficially, by the Defence Forces. He also reminded that if such instructions have indeed been issued, the issuer will have violated the current legislation.

The Kainuu Brigade confirmed late last week that a share of its conscripts had been erroneously informed that dual citizenship holders are ineligible to participate in drone pilot training, momentarily subduing the debate surrounding the issue.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
MaRa highlights in its member magazine, Vitriini , that the number of overnight stays by visitors from China and Hong Kong in Kuusamo and Finnish Lapland surged by 92 per cent year-on-year between the January and November of 2016.

Lapland may be crowded during the peak tourism season, but Finland is far from full. Regional and seasonal fluctuations in demand remain notable, reminds Jussi Rasimus, a journalist at MaRa.

The growth rate was impressive also in the entire country: the number of overnight stays by visitors from China and Hong Kong increased by an estimated 2030 per cent over the eleven-month period, but nonetheless fell a minimum of ten percentage points short of the growth rate recorded in corresponding period one year earlier.

The growth potential stemming from the expansion of the Chinese middle class is substantial, acknowledges MaRa. Whether or not the local tourism industry will be able to fully realise the potential, however, remains to some extent in question.

MaRa points out that the current accommodation capacity in Lapland would suffice for an even greater number of visitors from China and Hong Kong, as long as most of them visited the region outside the peak tourism season. The annual occupancy rate of accommodation establishments in Lapland, it notes, is currently 30 per cent.

Finnair is presently operating daily flights to Helsinki from Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai, and four flights week from Chongqing. During the summer months, the state-owned carrier operates an additional four flights a week from Chongqing and three flights a week from Xi'an.

Its total annual passenger capacity on routes between the two countries is thereby 500,0001,000,000, with roughly half of the tickets being sold in China.

Air passenger capacity can be regarded as a measure of visits by the Chinese, comments Paavo Virkkunen, the head of Visit Finland. But if we want to make sure visits from China to Finland keep pace with the growing demand, we'll need more capacity for air services between the two countries.

Finnair has recognised the booming demand. The airline is set to add four Airbus A350s to its fleet operating between Finland and China, but also reminds that the two countries do not have a so-called open skies agreement.

Finnair is interested in increasing flights especially to Beijing and Shanghai, as soon as the air transport agreements and airport capacities allow it. China's main airports are very much full, Juha Jarvinen, the chief commercial officer at the national carrier, says to Vitriini.

Ilkka Lankinen, the managing director of Santa Park in Rovaniemi, is doubtful that the national carrier alone can resolve the challenges related to the accessibility of Finnish Lapland. Lankinen consequently hopes that also other European airlines will add direct services to the region to their portfolio.

Finnair announced earlier this year that it will increase direct services from Helsinki and four other European cities to Lapland for the winter season of 20172018.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Vesa Moilanen  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
Communist Party Orders 6 Sleepy Officials to Apologize for Dozing Off at Meeting on Motivating Lazy Workers

U.S-China Trade and Commercial Cooperation (Photo : Getty Images)

Are committee meetings of in Hubei Province of Chinas Communist Party as boring as the recent Hollywood movie Arrival that made many Chinese audience sleepy?



Global Times reported that the party required six male officials to apologize at the staff meetings of the units where they are assigned. The apology is their punishment for being caught dozing off during a meeting.



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Ironically, the topic of the meeting where the six officials slept was how to motivate lazy and sluggish officials in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province. The daily identified two of the six sleepy officials as Lei Aihua, deputy party secretary of the Xiangyang Urban Planning Bureau, and Wang Jianmin, deputy director of the Xiangyang Housing Provident Fund Administration Center.



According to Global News, the photos of the dozing officials became viral on Chinese media over the past two days. The images were published as Chinese President Xi Jinping pushing his sweeping campaign against corruption, extravagance and dereliction of duties in government.



Written Self-Criticisms



Besides the apology, the five were mandated to give to Xiangyangs party committee written self-criticisms, the Municipal Discipline Inspection Authority said on its website on Thursday. However, Chinese netizens were divided on the sleepiness of the six party officials.



Some netizens criticized the six party members, while others believe the formalism in the committee meetings and long, boring speeches is conducive to attendees going to dreamland. Others attributed the sleepy atmosphere to it being a post-holiday syndrome after the week-long Lunar New Year celebrations.



In the case of Arrival, the Chinese moviegoers complained they could not understand the sci-fi which resulted in many of the audience dozing during the films exhibition.



Sleepy lawmakers have been caught by the camera in different parliaments across the world.






Eoin Jarvis has yet to indicate how he will plead

A young man has been sent for trial accused of possessing a stolen car and producing a metal bar as a weapon.

Eoin Jarvis (25) had a book of evidence served on him when he appeared in the dock over an incident in west Dublin.

Mr Jarvis, of Corduff Grove, Blanchardstown, is charged with unlawful possession of a stolen silver Toyota Corolla.

The offence is alleged to have happened at Castlegrange Park, Clonee, last July 13.

He is also accused at Blanchardstown District Court of having a black-handled kitchen knife and producing a metal bar as a weapon. He had previously been charged with assault and other offences, but these counts were withdrawn by the prosecution and struck out by Judge David McHugh.

A garda said Mr Jarvis made no reply to the new charges after caution when they were put to him before the court. He was handed copies of the charge sheets.

Alibi

The officer said the DPP was directing trial on indictment on the new charges and a book of evidence was ready.

The DPP was consenting to Mr Jarvis being sent for trial to the current sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a state solicitor said.

Judge McHugh gave the defendant the formal notice that he must provide any alibi details to the prosecution within 14 days.

The judge granted legal aid to solicitor Valerie Buckley, covering one junior counsel in the circuit court.

Prosecutors made no objection to legal aid.

The judge continued Mr Jarvis' bail and remanded him to appear in the circuit court on a date later this month.

A co-accused, Jason Keating (43), of Castlegrange Park, Clonee, was also sent for trial charged with possession of a stolen Toyota Corolla.

Judge McHugh sent Mr Keating forward to a separate date in the circuit court next month.

Neither man has yet indicated a plea.
Three of the most feared hitmen for the deadly Kinahan cartel - including two brothers - are hiding out in Birmingham, gardai believe.

Dublin Circuit Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of one of these men, a 36-year-old Finglas criminal, due to stand trial here on separate charges.

The issue of that warrant means that he can be arrested by English police and extradited here.

It is understood he is in Birmingham with two brothers from Cabra who are chief suspects in the murder of Darren Kearns (33), who was shot dead in front of his wife after eating a Chinese meal on December 30, 2015 on Dublin's Blackhorse Avenue.

It previously emerged that the cartel is closely associated with a Birmingham gang which is suspected of being one of the biggest drugs trafficking organisations in the UK.

Companies

The Birmingham criminals are believed to work "hand in hand" with the Kinahan organisation and operate a number of "front" companies primarily transport and logistics linked.

The 36-year-old Finglas criminal, who is believed to be in "regular contact" with the Cabra brothers in Birmingham, is considered one of Ireland's most ruthless criminals and was arrested for the Eddie Hutch murder.

Gardai have also been investigating if the criminal was involved in the murder of Noel 'Kingsize' Duggan (55), a former business partner of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch, who was shot dead outside his home in Ratoath, Co Meath, on March 23 last.

The Birmingham gang linked to the Kinahans are understood to be "facilitating" the three on-the-run Dublin criminals and have long-standing links with the Kinahan crime network with "front companies".

"Of course, these companies are involved in the import of all types of narcotics which are then distributed throughout Ireland and the UK," a source explained.

"The Birmingham mob linked to the cartel are long-term targets of the British National Crime Agency. A number of operations have been mounted against them in the last five years which has resulted in the seizure of millions of euro worth of goods," a source said.
Kim Do Yeon and Choi Yoo Jung are two of the 11 former members of the disbanded K-Pop group IOI, which was formed by CJ E&M through the Mnet reality show 'Produce 101' in 2016. (Photo : YouTube/Abiz-Entertainment Buzz)

I.O.I members Choi Yoo Jung and Kim Do Yeon will be leaving South Korea to study in the United States. The two artists, who are currently trainees under Fantagio, will be studying music and English during their trip abroad.



Fantagio confirmed the news in a statement obtained by All Kpop. In its statement, the agency noted that the U.S. visit will not only serve as a learning experience for Choi and Kim but also a trip for relaxation and recuperation.



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"We thought that Choi Yoo Jung and Kim Do Yeon, who promoted tireless as members of IOI last year, needed both a time to recharge, as well as time to wide their perspectives," Fantagio told the publictation. "They will hone in new musical skills while preparing for new challenges, by meeting up with different overseas artists and resting in the U.S."



Choi and Kim will be flying out on Feb. 14, Tuesday, and will stay in the U.S. for a duration of two weeks before returning to Korea to fulfill their domestic commitments. During their excursion, they will be undertaking vocal training and dance training sessions and meet American music producers like Lauren Giraldo, Francis, Pitbull, B.O.B, Mac Miller and Jose Iopez among others, as pointed out by Koreaboo.



Both idols will be making several trips to America in the future as part of Fantagio's debut plans of its girl group, "Fantagio Girls." The agency revealed that if everything goes according to plan, "Fantagio Girls" will debut as early as this Summer.



Choi and Kim were both part of the 11-member girl group, "I.O.I." before joining Fantagio. "I.O.I," which was formed through the show, "Produce 101," disbanded as a group in 2016 and said goodbye with the release of their final track, titled "Downpour" in January. For more details on the story, watch the video below:






The children of Jim and Marie Quigley, who died in a murder- suicide, have said Ireland is "rampant" with mental health issues which "should not be ignored".

In a statement issued after yesterday's inquests into their parents' deaths, they said they have lived with "this tragedy every minute of every day".

Their mother, Marie, was found dead in her bedroom and their father, Jim, died after driving his car into the path of an articulated lorry on the M1 motorway.

It is believed that Mr Quigley murdered his wife before taking his own life.

Feeling

Dundalk Coroner's Court heard that the couple's son, Kieran, had a bad feeling when his father did not turn up to meet him in Dundalk on July 27, 2015.

He rang his parents' phones but no one answered, so he went to the family home at Newtownbalregan, outside Dundalk. He thought his father might have had a heart attack.

When he arrived at the house he saw the blinds were down in his parents' bedrooms - his mother was an early riser and always pulled up her blind.

The back door was locked, so he opened the front door and went upstairs.

His father's bedroom was empty, but his mother's door was locked. He called his mother's phone and could hear it ringing in the locked room.

He rang 999 and family members. His uncle and cousin arrived and the three of them tried to open the door.

When they got into the room, Kieran said he could see a blanket over somebody and "there was blood all over the place".

"It was the most devastating moment in my life," he told gardai.

Supt Brian Mohan, then an inspector based in Dundalk, said Mrs Quigley's body was lying across the bed and was partially covered.

She had suffered severe head injuries and a towel was stuck in her mouth. The doctor on call pronounced her dead at the scene.

State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy performed a post-mortem examination and said Mrs Quigley had been the victim of a violent attack while in bed.

She had suffered blunt force trauma to the head with an object such as a hammer and had been struck more than a dozen times.

She had stab wounds to her face and neck and there was a scalding injury to her face as well as bruising to both her hands.

Prof Cassidy concluded that death was due to instrumental blunt force trauma to the head and obstruction of the airways because of a gag.

She said death would have been rapid and within minutes of the assault.

Crush

The inquest heard that Mr Quigley had driven on the hard shoulder of the M1 south of Dundalk and had then crashed into an articulated lorry.

Gda Fiona Dunne said she received a call from an off-duty garda at 2.21pm.

She said that when she arrived at the crash site the driver had extensive injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene by a local GP.

He was formally identified using DNA evidence.

Prof Cassidy said her post-mortem concluded that Mr Quigley had driven into the path of the lorry and his death, which was instantaneous, was due to crush injuries.

The jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing for Mrs Quigley and an open verdict for her husband.

The gardai, coroner and jury expressed their sympathies to the couple's family.

In a statement issued through their solicitor, Kieran, Sonya, Mark and Gavin Quigley said: "The sense of losing both parents is overwhelming and we are living with this tragedy every minute of every day. We can only pray time will ease the heartache and heal our souls.

"We hope people can understand what we have been through and hope that when today concludes, our grieving can progress and we ask the media to respect our privacy.

Medication

"We lived with our father's mental illness all our lives. In recent years our father had some major physical problems and coupled with the enormous medication along with his mental health problems, we now know he was beyond helping.

"Jim was a loving father and husband, and Marie a dearly loved and devoted wife and mother who supported Jim throughout his illness.

"Mental health is a form of disease which is sometimes not visibly noticeable and which this country is rampant with, but it should not be ignored."
A smiling Sile Seoige at the launch of the Clearbraces. ie Smile Awards, where she revealed she was pregnant. Photo: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireand

Presenter Sile Seoige said she feels "so lucky" to be pregnant, as she feared becoming a mum might never happen while she was battling thyroid cancer.

She recently got the all-clear from doctors, five years on from her diagnosis, and Sile said that "it's all happening at the right time."

Sile (37) is nearly four months pregnant with her first child. She has been with her garda partner, Damien O'Farrell, for two years.

And she said she feels "blessed" to have received such lovely news, given the tough journey she's had over the past few years.

"If someone had given me a crystal ball about what my future would be like in five years time, I might not have believed it, to be honest.

Lucky

"When you're stuck in a difficult situation, it's difficult to see past that but I'm so lucky, so happy," she said.

She has retrained as a Yoga teacher after finding it hugely beneficial during her cancer battle and said it's been "such a gift in my life".

She now plans to do lots of prenatal exercises during her pregnancy.

Sile added that while she was told her illness wouldn't affect her fertility levels, she still wasn't sure whether having a baby was going to happen for her and there's "always a concern" when you're going through treatment.

"When you're sick, you don't think that far ahead. You just want to get over being sick so it's great to be so many years out of that, so this is lovely," she said.

The Galway presenter said her sister Grainne and her whole family are delighted with her news, as is her other half Damien.

"We're both just really happy. I suppose you have the chat whether you want to have kids but you don't know whether it's going to happen.

"I really believe that things happen for a reason so I'm just feeling really lucky that it's been part of my life plan," she said.

She revealed her happy news at the launch of the 'Clearbraces.ie' Smile awards, which take place in May.
Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane has been appointed the Olympic Council of Ireland's (OCI) new president at an extraordinary general meeting of the organisation.

Delegates from 36 sporting federations met last night in the Conrad Hotel in Dublin to elect Mr Hickey's successor, the first new OCI president in 28 years.

Ms Keane (43) secured 29 votes while Willie O'Brien got 12 and head of Basket- ball Ireland Bernard O'Byrne (67) received two.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone and that I am here to serve," Ms Keane said after the vote.

Meanwhile, it emerged that the fallout from Mr Hickey's arrest in Rio on suspicion of being involved in ticket touting has cost the OCI 628,000 to date.

Controversy

The EGM was told by Treasurer Billy Kennedy that law firm Arthur Cox had been paid 394,000 for legal advice in the wake of the controversy over his arrest.

Consultants Grant Thornton have been paid 214,900, while a report on corporate governance from Deloitte cost 18,500.

Public relations costs from the OCI's use of The Communications Clinic amounted to 69,500.

Mr Kennedy said the PR costs had been paid by the OCI's insurers, AIG.

Earlier, honorary general secretary Dermot Henihan paid tribute to Mr Hickey .

"When Pat started out they were working off the kitchen table and going to members' houses for meetings. It was not until 1993 that the OCI in any way settled," he said. "We now have a beautiful HQ and a staff of four and a number of really good people who work hard for the Olympic movement in Ireland.

Mr Henihan went on to thank Mr Hickey for his "time, commitment and energy". He said he had been advised he could not say much about his arrest.

"I have no doubt Pat Hickey will clear his name and have the charges dismissed," he added.

Mr O'Byrne expressed his disappointment at not being elected.

"The OCI has been calling out for change for years, and I am disappointed that I will not be involved in that change as we move towards Tokyo 2020," he said.

"I would like to wish Sarah Keane all the best in the new role."
Namgoong Min portrays the titular character in the South Korean drama 'Chief Kim,' also known as 'Good Manager.' (Photo : YouTube/KBS Drama)

Namgoong Min's drama "Chief Kim" is turning out to be one of the top-rated series for the first quarter of 2017. With TV ratings climbing at a higher level per episode, the KBS drama even bested the big budget production "Saimdang."



"Chief Kim," also known as "Good Manager," captured the interest of many viewers given its storyline that contains elements of intrigue and comedy. Despite debuting with nationwide TV ratings of 7.8 percent, the KBS drama's second-week broadcast posted double-digit ratings that further improved since then.



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With the 16-episode drama nearing its halfway point, Namgoong's series is already close to reaching the 20 percent viewership mark. "Chief Kim" episode 6 posted nationwide TV ratings of 16.7 percent, according to Nielsen Korea, as cited by Yonhap News.



Released on Feb. 9, Thursday, the KBS drama also registered a 17.6 percent viewership share in the Seoul metropolitan area. Compared to the previous episode, the said ratings are higher by 1.2 percentage points and 1.8 percentage points across the nation and in Seoul, respectively.



Given the series' growing popularity, competitor dramas such as "Saimdang" was unable to match the KBS' series steady TV ratings climb. Despite debuting with ratings of 16.3 percent, Lee Young Ae's comeback drama posted declining viewership shares that dipped to 10 percent before rebounding to 12 percent.



Many critics expected "Saimdang" to post higher viewership numbers given its talented cast members that include the "Jewel in the Palace" star Lee. Prior to the SBS drama's release, the production was highly promoted and even lauded as the series that brought the famous Hallyu actress back to the small screens.



Meanwhile, Namgoong was identified as one of the reasons behind the success of "Chief Kim," according to Korea Herald. Credited as the celebrity responsible for bringing KBS to the top of the mid-week rating race, many industry experts are now looking forward to the said drama's story progression and character development.



"Chief Kim" airs every Wednesday and Thursday on KBS. Watch a teaser clip below:






[UPDATE] The Vampire Diaries (TVD) Season 8 episode 13: What happens in The Lies Are Going to Catch Up with You-- Bonnie becomes Cades next victim? [VIDEO]

(L-R) Actress Nina Dobrev, actor Paul Wesley, actor Ian Somerhalder, actress Kat Graham and actor Matthew Davis attend 'The Vampire Diaries' Press Line during Comic-Con International 2014 at Hilton Bayfront on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo : Getty Images/ Mark Davis)

"The Vampire Diaries" (TVD) Season 8 episode 13 will see Damon and Alaric confront an old enemy. The upcoming segment is titled "The Lies Are Going to Catch Up with You" and it will see Bonnie become Cade's next victim. Read on for more spoilers and details.



[Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for "The Vampire Diaries" (TVD) Season 8 episode 13 "The Lies Are Going to Catch Up with You." Do not read further if you don't wish to know more about it.]



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Damon and Alaric are finally able to obtain the most coveted weapon. According to the description of the "The Vampire Diaries" (TVD) Season 8 episode 13 on Spoilers Guide, fans can expect to see some shocking moments and twists. It is also expected to feature the aftermath of Enzo's murder and how Stefan will cope with it. Will Bonnie forgive Stefan?



Damon and Alaric acquire the weapon that might be the key to destroying Cade. However, they must first fight an old enemy. Meanwhile, Stefan is taken captive by someone unlikely. During this time, Stefan is tortured and forced to face a dark secret from his past.



Elsewhere, Caroline and Matt try to protect him. They struggle to keep him save from his violent history that could end him. As for Cade, his hunger for souls increases and this time he is going after Bonnie. Unfortunately, Bonnie becomes his next target as he digs deep into her mind.



A promo video for "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 episode 13 is highly anticipated. It is expected to be released after the broadcast of episode 12 airing Feb. 9. Stay tuned, it will be updated here.



Meanwhile, TV Fanatic has posted glimpses from "The Lies Are Going to Catch Up with You." The photos tease the return of Kai and reveal that Alaric and Damon will run into Kai after they acquire the weapon. Click here to view the photos as published on the abovementioned website.



"The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 episode 13 "The Lies Are Going to Catch Up with You" airs Feb. 17 at 8:00 pm on The CW. More spoilers and updates are expected soon.



UPDATE



A promo video for "The Vampire Diaries" (TVD) Season 8 episode 13 is out. Scroll down to watch it.






Egypt congratulated Somalia on the election of Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed as president the Egyptian foreign ministry announced on Thursday.

The Egyptian foreign ministry stated that electing new president in Somalia reflected democratic experience as well positive developments in the country.

The statement also praised the members of the Somali parliament and how they put Somalia's interests first, calling on them to support Mohamed in his quest to enforce stability and security in the country.

On Wednesday the 55-year-old former premier, whose hails from the Darod clan and who goes by the nickname "Farmajo", won after incumbent president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud admitted defeat in a second round of voting by lawmakers.

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An Egyptian court on Thursday dismissed a corruption case against business tycoon Hussein Salem and former agriculture minister Youssef Wali, after Salem was reconciled with the government, Al-Ahram Arabic reported.

The former minister was accused of selling 36 acres of land from Bayadeya Island in the governorate of Luxor to Salem while he was in office for an undervalued price. The case alleged that more than EGP 700 million of public funds was squandered in the case.

A number of other businessmen were also defendants in the case, which was dismissed by a Giza criminal court.

Salem, 82, fled to Spain shortly after Egypts 2011 uprising that overthrew long-time president Hosni Mubarak. He has received two jail terms in absentia over corruption charges including squandering public funds, profiteering and money laundering.

In his reconciliation deal with the Egyptian government in 2016 the businessman tycoon and his family gave up EGP 5.3 billion, reportedly 75 percent of their wealth, including the Bayadeya island lands.

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Egypt's chief of military intelligence says the Muslim Brotherhood allied itself with the Islamic State militant group since the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013

Egypt's Chief of Military Intelligence Mohammed Farag El-Shahat said that the Egyptian army has killed nearly 500 militants in Sinai in military operations launched under the name "the martyr's right' since 2015.

Egypt's security forces have been battling a decade-long militant Islamist insurgency, which intensified since the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi on 3 July, 2013.

The insurgency has been mainly concentrated in North Sinai 's Rafah, Arish, and Shiekh Zuwied.

Militant attacks have left hundreds of police and army personnel dead.

El-Shahat statements came during the Egyptian Armed Forces 24th intellectual seminar titled "Counter-terrorism; a Nation's Will" that commenced on Thursday.

The military intelligence chief said that the banned Muslim Brotherhood organisation formed an alliance with the Islamic State militant group, which is based predominantly in North Sinai, a move aimed at putting the Brotherhood back in power.

El-Shahat cited as proof of this alliance a statement made in early July 2013 by Mohamed El-Beltagy, a leading Muslim Brotherhood figure who is now in jail on various criminal convictions, in which he said that terrorism in Sinai would stop at the moment ousted president Morsi returns back to power.

In December 2013, Egypt designated the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organisation, after the authorities blamed the group for a number of deadly attacks against security forces in the aftermath of the ouster of Morsi.

"Militants attempted to announce an Islamic state in North Sinai's Sheikh Zuweid city after they launched a major attack on 1 July 2015," El-Shahat stated.

El-Shahat said the army and police in North Sinai foiled this attempt, causing tangible loses among militants and terrorist groups.

On that day, the army said it killed more than 100 militants during its counter-attacks in Sheikh Zuweid and Rafah cities.

The army also said 17 army personnel including four officers and 13 others were injured during the fighting.

The Egyptian military intelligence chief also said that the state of instability in many countries in the region contributed to the rise of terrorist attacks in Egypt during this period.

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It's been 125 years since Dracula was published. And it's still scary.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres started on Thursday a visit to six Middle East countries including Egypt, where he will discuss regional and international files with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and other state official, state news agency MENA reported on Friday.

As part of his first official tour in the region, the UN's secretary-general will accordingly visit Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Egypt.

President El-Sisi congratulated the Portuguese people on the election of Guterres as the new secretary-general of the United Nations during an official visit to Lisbon in November 2016.

Last October, the General Assembly of the United Nations appointed by acclamation Antonio Guterres, who is the former Prime Minister of Portugal, as the United Nations Secretary-General to succeed Ban Ki-moon, who ended his term on 31 December.

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Denmark is no longer issuing warnings against travelling to South Sinai as well as other touristic sites in Egypt

Related Egypt no longer on US State Deptartment travel warning list

Denmark and Norway announced they have removed travel warnings to Egypts South Sinai cities of Sharm El-Shiekh, Dahab and Saint Catherine, state news agency MENA reported on Friday.

A statement by the Danish Embassy in Cairo said it had decided, along with other North European countries, to remove its travel warnings to South Sinai, effective from Thursday 9 February.

"Denmark is no longer warning its nationals of travelling to major touristic destinations in Egypt including Cairo, Alexandria, the Red Sea, Luxor, Aswan and South Sinai," a Danish embassy statement said according to the agency.

The number of the Danish tourists that visited Egypt reached 100,000 in 2009, according to the latest statistics by Egypt's State Information Service.

More than 40,000 Norwegian tourists visit Egypt annually, according to the figures.

A number of European airlines and governments introduced restrictions on flights to Sharm El-Sheikh over security concerns after a Russian passenger jet crashed in Sinai in 2015, killing 224 people, most of whom were holidaymakers.

Russia suspended passenger flights to Egypt shortly after the crash. Negotiations to resume flights have been taking place since the original suspension decision.

Last Month, the German transportation ministry removed a restriction on German airlinesimposed in the wake of a Russian plane crash, which required them to fly at a minimum altitude of 26,000 feet above South Sinai.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday approved a controversial new draft constitution which would expand his own powers, with a public vote on the changes planned in April.

The referendum is due to take place on April 16.

While critics say the move is part of a power grab by Erdogan for a one-man rule, supporters say it will simply put Turkey in line with France and the US and is needed for efficient government.

But what would change under the proposed 18-article draft constitution for the nation of 79 million?

Under the new constitution, the president would have strengthened executive powers to directly appoint top public officials including ministers.

The president would also be able to assign one or several vice presidents. The office and position of prime minister, currently held by Binali Yildirim, would be scrapped.

The current constitution, adopted in 1982 after a 1980 military coup, guarantees independence of the courts from an "organ, authority and office".

But the changes would allow the president to directly intervene in the judiciary, which Erdogan has accused of being influenced by supporters of his ally-turned-foe, the Pennsylvania-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen who is blamed for the July 15 failed coup.

The president and the parliament would together be able to choose four members of the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK), a key judicial council that appoints and removes personnel in the judiciary. The parliament would choose seven members on its own.

Military courts, which have convicted officers and even sentenced former prime minister Adnan Menderes to death following a 1960 coup, would in the future not be allowed.

However the draft said that on issues clearly regulated by laws, the president could not introduce decrees.

Under the draft constitution, a state of emergency would be imposed in the event of an "uprising against the homeland" or "acts of violence which put the nation in... danger of being divided", the official news agency Anadolu said.

The president would decide whether or not impose a state of emergency and then present it to the parliament.

The parliament, when it deems it to be necessary, can shorten, lengthen or lift the state of emergency, the agency added.

Initially the emergency would last six months, 12 weeks longer than the current emergency can be introduced and then it can be extended by the parliament after a presidential request for four months each time.

Turkey's parliament on January 4 approved a government-backed motion to extend by another three months the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the July 15 failed coup against Erdogan.

The number of members of the Turkish parliament would rise from 550 to 600. The minimum age limit for MPs would also be lowered from 25 to 18.

Legislative elections would take place once every five years -- instead of four -- and on the same day as the presidential elections.

The parliament would still have power to enact, modify and remove legislation. It would retain supervisory powers to write enquiries with help from an investigative authority.

It would also be able to oversee the president's performance but the latter would have authority to issue a presidential decree on all matters related to his executive powers.

If the president were accused or suspected of a crime, then parliament could request an investigation.

The president will also have to be a Turkish citizen at least 40 years old, and can be a member of a political party. Currently the president must be impartial and without party favour.

The draft constitution states that the next presidential and parliamentary elections are to be held simultaneously on November 3, 2019.

The president would have a five-year term with a maximum of two mandates.

Erdogan was elected president in August 2014 after over a decade as prime minister, in the first ever direct elections for a Turkish head of state.

The changes could see him stay in power until 2029. The president has yet to make explicitly clear whether this is the case.

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President Bashar al-Assad rejected the creation of safe zones for refugees and displaced people in Syria, an idea supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a transcript from an interview with Yahoo News released on Friday.

He signalled he would welcome cooperation with Washington in the fight against Islamic State, however, as long as the United States took a "clear political position" on Syria's sovereignty and unity.

Assad has cautiously welcomed the new U.S. administration's focus on fighting the jihadists, in which Trump has held out the possibility of cooperation with Damascus ally Russia.

Under former U.S. President Barack Obama, the United States called for Assad's departure and supported rebels fighting to unseat him.

The Syrian government has rejected the creation of safe zones, favoured by rebel backers including Qatar, which could ratchet up U.S. military involvement in Syria.

"It's not a realistic idea at all," Assad said in the transcript. "This is where you can have natural safe zones, which is our country. They don't need safe zones at all."

"It's much more viable, much more practical and less costly to have stability than to create safe zones."

Assad said safe zones would be at risk of attack from armed groups.

The United Nations also rejects safe zones, saying conditions in Syria, where battles rage on between multiple sides, are not suitable.

Trump has not provided details about the proposed safe zones, except to say he would have the Gulf states pay for them.

Much of the conflict is focussed on a number of separate battles being waged against Islamic State: by Russian-backed Syrian government forces and their allies, U.S.-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters, and Turkish-backed Syrian insurgents.

The United States has deployed special forces to Syria to support the Kurdish YPG militia and its allies, and not in coordination with the Syrian army.

Fight against islamic State

Assad said U.S. troops would be "welcome" in Syria to fight Islamic State provided Washington coordinate with Damascus and recognise the sovereignty of his government.

"If the Americans are genuine, of course they are welcome. Like any other country, we want to defeat and to fight the terrorists," he said

"Troops is part of the cooperation ... (but) you cannot talk about sending troops ... if you don't have a clear political position towards not only the terrorism, towards the sovereignty of Syria, towards the unity of Syria," he said.

"It must be through the Syria government."

Moscow said Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had discussed setting up "genuine coordination" in the fight against Islamic State and "other terrorist groups" in Syria during a phone call last month.

There has been no indication the United States would coordinate with Syria itself.

For now, U.S.-Russian cooperation is largely limited to ensuring that the two countries' air forces operate safely and that the risk of accidental confrontation or collision is minimised.

Assad also dismissed a report by Amnesty International which said up to 13,000 prisoners had been executed at a military jail in Damascus since 2011.

World powers involved in the Syrian conflict have pushed diplomatic efforts to end the war, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and created millions of refugees.

Assad repeated that he would leave power if voted out by the Syrian people, and would consider an early presidential election after parliamentary polls are held.

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My feet are absolutely killing me, and it's not from the 10,000 steps I have been walking daily to kick the New Year off on the right foot. The spring in my step has been hampered by the plastic-spiked gel inserts that have been stuffed into my shoes (voluntarily) during a "Virtual Dementia Tour" hosted by Watercrest Senior Living Community. Our tour was designed to enhance empathy and understanding for those who are suffering from memory loss or a dementia-related illness. I literally learned how "out of step" one can feel when the mind and body are out of sync.

Ann SanCartier, community relations director at the Lake Nona campus, which specializes in both Assisted Living and Memory Care, suggested I walk 1/10 of mile in the shoes of the aged, and help expand the program's reach by sharing it with readers. Following a warm welcome and a tour of the state-of-the-art facility, she stressed, the "resident-specific care" of each Watercrest resident as the community's primary focus, with every caregiver a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

As the tour began, Brittney Winston of Senior Helpers, sponsor of the event along with Compass Research, loaded me (and the participants) with age-simulation gear. We were given special glasses, mimicking blurred eyesight and a limited field of vision from cataracts/glaucoma/degeneration. Bulky gloves modeled neuropathy, arthritis, and movement related ailments. After passing out thick headphones, creating hearing impairment and sound distortion, we were given a list of tasks to complete inside a model apartment.

I entered a room, which had just a small amount of ambient lighting, trying to concentrate on the two tasks I was able to understand. Unfortunately, the other tasks I had been assigned had been absorbed into my clunky headset, which every so often made me spasm from ear-splitting sounds. Sheena Jeffries, Watercrest's Memory Care director, sat at an out of the way table to make sure we remained safe. She appeared merely as an outline of a person through the distortion of my lens (Later, I was introduced to her warm presence and explosive smile). Still, it was comforting to know that we were not in this all alone.

I completed my two tasks, badly. I asked the attendant if she could help with the rest. Of course I couldn't hear her reply, but she handed me a list, which appeared to be a random array of letters (mimicking word processing challenges). As I ambled to the window to get more reading light, seemingly out of nowhere, an ambulance siren whipped through my ears. I regained my composure and decoded a job or two. Alas time was up, and the mystery tasks went uncompleted.

Following the virtual tour (created by Second Wind Dreams), Winston debriefed us. She is quite the "senior helper" and brought us comfort as she broke down our encounter in the "Land of the Lost." We shared our collective experiences. Words like "confused" and "overwhelmed" abounded. Simple, everyday tasks became nearly impossible with limited vision, hampered movement and interrupted thoughts.

Just like residents with memory care issues, each participant experienced a challenge (or symptom) more than the others. For me, it was the chronic foot pain. The gel inserts felt almost like tacks stabbing at my feet (simulating neuropathy, bunions, and chronic pain). SanCartier hardly noticed the foot discomfort. For her, the greatest challenge was the noise that rang out at random times (representing impaired sensory processing).

Sheena Jeffries positively concluded that it was the goal of the exercise to allow family members to better understand what this "new version of mom or dad" was going through. Perhaps, by stepping into their shoes we could "learn to listen between the lines, and appreciate the moment."

When I was back in my comfortable shoes, I thought back to a chat I had earlier that day with a resident in his late 80s. I mentioned my new walking routine to "Bob," my seat mate in the waiting area. He commented his wife walked 15-to-20,000 steps a day and was sharp as a tack. Tomorrow, I plan on appreciating the moment, renewing that spring in my step, and upping my step count.

If you are interested in a "Virtual Dementia Tour," contact Watercrest Living at 407-226-3113 or visit http://www.watercrestseniorliving.com. To find out more about Senior Helpers, http://www.seniorhelpers.com/orlando.

Tidbits from the Sandwich Generation is a series of blogs by Pamela Ruben, Jewish Pavilion Marketing and Communications Director, about managing the multi-generations. If you are sandwiched in between raising a family of children or young adults, and caring for aging parents, take a bite out of life with this new blog! Just a 'tidbit' is recommended for anyone who spends time with older adults, or is preparing for life's next stages. Laugh, cry, and relate as our blogger is pulled from all sides by family members young and old. Check out additional posts at http://www.jewishpavilion.org/blog. For no cost help for issues pertaining to older adults contact the Orlando Senior Help Desk, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, at 407-678-9363 or visit http://www.orlandoseniorhelpdesk.org.
During the Jewish holiday of Sukkot in October 2015, thousands of evangelical Christians wave Israeli, American and other national flags as they march in a Jerusalem parade as part of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem's Feast of Tabernacles festivities. ICEJ is among the pro-Israel Christian organizations that are rallying support for moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Aside from its centrality to Jewish peoplehood as the home of the ancient Jewish Temples and now the modern state of Israel's capital, Jerusalem is also synonymous with Judaism for many Bible-reading Christians. As such, prominent pro-Israel Christian organizations are lining up to express their support for President Donald Trump's promise to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and to hold the president accountable for his words.

Susan Michael, U.S. director for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), said Christians already understand that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and would like to see the American government follow suit. In fact, ICEJ has had its own "unofficial" embassy in Jerusalem since 1980, a point that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted in his 2016 Christmas address.

"Hundreds of millions of Christians around the world understand from their Bible the spiritual significance of Jerusalem to the Jewish people, and that it was established as the capital of Israel some 3,000 years ago by King David," Michael told JNS.org, adding that Christians "believe the spiritual law of blessing established in Genesis 12 that God will bless those who bless the Jewish people... They want to see the U.S. standing in support of Israel and enjoying the blessings of doing so."

Matthew Staver, founder and chairman of the Liberty Counsel evangelical Christian organization and president of the Christians in Defense of Israel ministry, echoed Michael's assessment.

"Support for Israel comes from both the Bible, which clearly establishes God gave the land of Israel to the Jews, and from history that confirms the continuity of the connection between Israel and the Jewish people," Staver told JNS.org. "To deny recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is anti-Semitic."

David Brog, the founding executive director and currently a board member of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), which calls itself America's largest pro-Israel organization with more than 3.3 million members, told JNS.org that many Christians who read the Bible "understand that Jerusalem is and has always been Israel's capital city, and they simply don't understand why Israel should be the only nation on Earth where we do not place our embassy in the capital."

"Support of Israel was one of the motivating factors in the historic evangelical voter turnout for President Trump in this past election," said Pastor Mario Bramnick, president of the Hispanic Israel Leadership Coalition, a leading pro-Israel Latino Christian initiative. "As evangelicals, we support President Trump's resolve in moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. We believe that theland of Israel, with an undivided Jerusalem as its capital, was given by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by way of an eternal covenant and that no president, prime minister or monarch has any authority to take it away."

'Decades-long injustice'

While the historic Jewish connection to Jerusalem is obvious to many evangelical Christians, ICEJ's Michael also explained that from a practical standpoint, pro-Israel Christians also feel the "need to right a decades-long injustice in U.S. policy."

"Israel is the only country where the U.S. embassy is not located in the capital of that country. This is because the U.S. government does not even recognize west Jerusalem as being part of Israel, even though it is territory Israel has controlled since 1949," she said.

Indeed, President Harry Truman instituted de facto recognition of Israel in May 1948 (de jure recognition of the Jewish state came in January 1949), but the U.S. has never recognized Israel's claims over Jerusalem. Those claims were limited to western Jerusalem until Israel reunified the city, capturing the eastern portion from Jordan, in the 1967 Six-Day War. In the decades following Israel's extension

of sovereignty over all of Jerusalem, the U.S. has held firm on refusing to recognize the city as the capital of Israel.

Congress, however, has taken a different position. In 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which calls on the U.S. to move the embassy to Jerusalem and recognize the city as Israel's capital. But every sitting president since then has opted to sign successive six-month waivers delaying the move. Most recently, former President Barack Obama signed the waiver in December, meaning President Trump will need to decide by June 1 between another waiver or an embassy move.

As such, one proposal suggests that the U.S. relocate its embassy to western Jerusalem, which the international community widely accepts as being part of Israel in the present or under any future Israeli-Palestinian final status agreement.

"Moving the embassy to west Jerusalem has no bearing on east Jerusalem, nor does it prejudice the outcome of eventual negotiations over the city's final status and borders, and therefore should happen forthwith," Michael said.

At the same time, the U.S. already maintains a consulate in Jerusalem that serves the city as well as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It is one of two American consulates, the other being in Hong Kong, that report directly to the State Department rather than to a U.S. ambassador.

Will Trump make the move?

In the early days of Trump's presidency, his administration has made conflicting statements as to when or if the U.S. embassy will be relocated.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Jan. 23 that "no decision" has been made on the move.

"We're at the very early stages of that decision-making process," Spicer told reporters after being asked how the move would serve U.S. strategic issues. "It's very early in this process. [Trump's] team is going to continue to consult with [the] State [Department]."

Spicer's comments came after he had said a day earlier that the U.S. was in the "very beginning stages" of discussing the embassy move. At the same time, in an interview with Israel Hayom shortly before taking office, Trump said he "did not forget" about his promise to move the embassy to Jerusalem, adding that "you know that I am not a person who breaks promises."

Additionally, U.S. Ambassador to Israel-designate David Friedman, who has yet to be confirmed by the Senate, announced that he intends to live in Jerusalem rather than the American ambassador's traditional residence in Herzliya.

In February, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington, D.C., where the leaders may discuss the issue of the embassy move, officials have said.

"The decision to move the U.S. embassy should be the product of a net assessment of potential benefits versus potential risks," Robert Satloff, executive director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told JNS.org.

"It is easy to focus on the hyperbolic threats of certain Middle East actors [who oppose the embassy move] without also factoring into the equation what moving the embassy might achieve-repairing an historic injustice, fixing the fact that America currently has representation in Jerusalem for the Palestinian Authority but none for Israel, and sending the message throughout the region that America fulfills its promises to allies," he said.

Mobilizing Christian support

CUFI sent out a Jan. 22 action alert that called upon its members to email Trump, asking him to keep his promise and move the embassy.

"Thus far, more than 20,000 of our members have emailed the White House. They reminded the president that America, the Congress and 3.3 million members of CUFI are with him and that he should ignore the voices calling on him to break his promise," Brog said.

During the 2016 election campaign, the ICEJ mobilized several hundred Christian leaders to speak out in favor of the embassy move.

"The U.S. branch of the ICEJ wrote a letter to both presidential candidates before the election, signed by some 650 Christian leaders, encouraging this move," Michael said. "We will do whatever is necessary in the coming months to encourage the administration and demonstrate the continued support of the American Christian community for this move."

Michael believes that Trump should work closely with Israel and other regional U.S. allies to make sure the embassy move is carried out appropriately, to avoid violence or diplomatic strains.

"While we do encourage the U.S. administration to make this move as soon as possible, we caution that it must be done right," Michael said. "We understand that they (administration officials) need time to consult with Israel on various aspects of such a move. They should also use this opportunity to bolster regional relationships and influence by working out a plan ahead of time with key Arab leaders, as well as build a coalition of other countries that will follow the U.S. in moving their own embassy to Jerusalem."
On Friday night, March 3, members of West Volusia County's Jewish community will gather at Congregation Beth Shalom in an unparalleled display of Jewish revitalization and Jewish unity. Conceived and organized by the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) in 1997, Shabbat Across America/Canada represents a united effort by the entire Jewish community to renew interest in the fourth of the Ten Commandments-observing a weekly day of rest (Shabbat in Hebrew).

Congregation Beth Shalom will be one of approximately 700 synagogues across the continent that will simultaneously open its doors to practicing and nonpracticing Jews alike, so they may join together to experience and rejoice in a traditional Shabbat service. Over 600,000 people have participated in Shabbat Across America/Canada in the past. Led by Rabbi Weilheimer, attendees will experience an interactive Friday night Explanatory Service with all the rituals explained. The event will take place at 7 p.m.

"We just cannot accept the common perception that North American Jewry is an endangered species," commented Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, founder and director of NJOP. Shabbat Across America/Canada is an exciting and modern way of reintroducing friends and family members to a practice that has been with, and unified, our people for over 3,300 years, and which we trust will be with us for at least 3,300 more."

Designed to teach about the beauty and significance of the Jewish Sabbath, Shabbat Across America/Canada is the first nationally orchestrated program to appeal to members of all major Jewish denominations. It is also the first and only program aimed at uniting Jews across the United States and Canada through one single event. Shabbat Across America/Canada will take place in every city where there is a Jewish presence-from major Jewish geographical centers, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto, to cities with smaller Jewish populations such as Deltona, Florida in West Volusia County.

Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 1308 E. Normandy Blvd., Suite D, Deltona, FL 32725.

Please RSVP before Feb. 25th to Gale Barr via email or 386-789-0999.

For more information, please call Gale Barr at 386.789.0999 or Rabbi Winston Weilheimer at 386.804.8283 and see our website http://www.mybethshalom.com.
NEW YORK (JTA)A person calls a Jewish institution, makes a bomb threat and hangs up. The call lasts no more than a minute, the callers voice is disguised and the call is made to look as if it came from inside the building.

How do you catch the culprit?

Thats the question the FBI is facing in investigating the 65 bomb threats that have hit JCCs and Jewish federations in three waves throughout January. The latest string of threats, targeting 17 JCCs across the country, occurred Tuesday. The first waves across the country came on Jan. 9 and 18. The Maitland JCC and Chabad of South Orlando were called Jan. 4 and 5, as well as JCCs in Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami.

Paul Goldenberg, director of the Secure Community Network, which advises Jewish groups and institutions on security, said even if the caller is one person in a room somewhere, technological advances have made identifying the perpetrator much more difficult.

Theyre sophisticated enough to leverage technology on their behalf, he said. Theyre using a machine that masks their voice. Theyre using a technology that allows them to look like theyre calling from the inside.

None of the threats appeared to be credible, and JCCs largely were able to evacuate and resume business as usual. But security experts, including former FBI agents, said that the bureau would still take the threats seriously.

Its a hate crime, and theyll throw all the resources they can at it, said Jim Hartnett, a former FBI supervisor who now serves as director of security for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. They have the technology. It may take some analysis and some resources. Theyll be successful in pursuing and identifying the individual or individuals that are behind this.

Now the FBI has to figure out how to get there by overcoming the technological disguises adopted by callers. Brenda Moxley, former assistant special agent in charge of the FBIs criminal branch in Miami, said that investigating phone calls used to mean tracing a landline, a relatively simple procedure in comparison to the present.

A Jan. 18 call made to a Jewish institution obtained by JTA used a voice disguise and lasted one minute. The caller said the bomb was placed inside a bag, threatened to kill Jews and hung up.

If you compare this to things that would have happened years ago, technology has changed, said Moxley, who now serves as director of community security for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Technology has advanced in ways that make it hard for law enforcement to keep up with.

The FBI wont comment on ongoing investigations, but spokeswoman Samantha Shero told JTA that the investigation would start with agents speaking to the people who received the calls, then pooling information among states. Retired FBI supervisor Paul Vecchi told JTA that the key to such investigations is getting as many details about the call as soon as possible. Its incumbent on the person who took the call, Vecchi said, to record as much as they can.

Agents can then analyze the callers word choice, tone and any background noise, such as sounds from a kitchen or a city street. These steps help, he said, even if the origin and voice of the caller is unknown. If agents can associate the caller with a militant group or network of criminals, they may be able to fill in the pieces.

Its all about the behavioral analysis and determining what we call a behavioral signbehavior that can be actually attached to a person or group in order to do what we have to get somewhat of a characteristic of the bomber, said Vecchi, who is now an assistant professor of criminal justice at Missouri Western State University. Someone who doesnt speak English as a first language will say things that are not quite right English-wise.

Goldenberg said hes optimistic the person or people who made the threats will be caught. But the FBI is still investigating bomb threats to Jewish institutions in two Florida cities a year ago. The statute of limitations on bomb threats is five years.

Even if there are no leads, it doesnt mean agents will abandon the search. The case will reopen, Vecchi said, as soon as a new bomb threat comes in.

If its just basically a guy calling, thats documented in the files and its in the system, he said. Then, when the next one comes in, the investigation stays open.
The Hadassah Chapter of Williamsburg will have their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 1 p.m., at the Parkview Point Clubhouse in Williamsburg, which is near Sea World.

The speaker for the meeting will be Gloria Green, who will discuss Jewish foods and their origins, and she will bring samples.

The film Princess Bride will be shown at the March 22 meeting, at 1 p.m. in the Parkview Point Clubhouse. All are welcome to attend.

For more information, please call Marian Bromberg at 407-354-4622.
Angelique, a Family Stabilization Program client, is an ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constricted Employed person). Since losing her job last year, she has been working day labor jobs as a temporary worker. In some ways this has been great, she has been able to spend time with her children and have flexibility in her schedule, on the other hand she still has many bills to pay. The day labor company pays using a local shopping stores money card system. Her paycheck goes into an account which she draws funds from similar to a banks debit card system. When she recently went to use the card, she noticed her balance was lower than what she recalled. Further investigation led to the discovery that someone had used her card number for fraudulent charges. After contacting the card company and the police, she was directed to file a claim on line. Angelique does not have access to a computer at home, but knew she could come to JFS Orlandos new computer lab for assistance because she had previously utilized the computer lab during her search for employment. Angelique immediately contacted her FSP case manager who was there to assist Angelique in filing the claim with the help of JFS Orlandos new technology.

Last year, JFS Orlando received a grant for over $150,000, through the Orange County Community Development Block (CDBG) grant program used to create a new lobby space and upgrading the building entry to be ADA accessible. These renovations also allowed the agency to design space for a computer lab with 8 computer carrels. The computer lab was funded in part by a grant from the Frances and Joseph Victor Fund at Central Florida Foundation.

Executive Director Eric Geboff said, with these funds we can create a working space to assist and educate our clients as they seek employment opportunities. With the new computer lab, JFS Orlando will provide computer related classes for the entire community. What he didnt know was that the computer lab would also be used to fight identity theft of a client.

See the renovations and the impact JFS Orlando is making in the community by attending a tour, called Coffee Connection, of the facility. Tours take place the last Thursday of every month. The next Coffee Connection will be on Feb. 23 at 8 a.m. Coffee and a light breakfast are served. Reservations are requested to Mary Lee Walker at 407-644-7593, ext. 241, or by email to marylee.walker@jfsorlando.org.

After February, upcoming tour dates will be March 30, April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, Aug. 31, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26.
(JTA)A year after they submitted their application for asylum in the United States, Shahi and his mother expected to be let in.

As Iranian Jews who applied for asylum through a federally recognized agency for refugee status, their case was expected to be simple. Shahi (not his real name) is in his late 20s and already has two sisters waiting for him and their mother. As of now, mother and son are in a third transit country.

But the lives of Shahis family were plunged into further uncertainty on Friday when President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the admission of all refugees into the United States for four months. The order also imposes a 90-day ban on entry visas to all citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Iran.

Too fearful to return to Iran, Shahi and his mother dont know whether they will be eligible to enter the United States in the foreseeable future. Trump is said to be mulling suspending indefinitely the intake of refugees from countries deemed of concern. The family is also unsure how long the transit country will agree to continue hosting them while the U.S. is stalling their application.

Shahis relatives are among several Jewish families and several hundreds of non-Jewish ones handled by HIAS, the former Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, a 135-year-old Jewish agency that assists refugees and asylum seekers. The U.S.-based agency once focused on helping Jews flee persecution in Europe, but is now working mostly with non-Jews in 30 countries, and has been recognized for decades as an immigration facilitator by the Department of Justice.

There are hundreds and hundreds of people with approval notices who now cant come to the States, the groups CEO, Mark Hetfield, told JTA on Sunday.

Of the approximately 85,000 refugees admitted into the United States last year, HIAS was responsible for resettling 3,884including 159 Jews, among them 89 from Iran and several others from Yemen.

Hetfield said that some of the families processed by HIAS already received a refugee visa but were turned away at airports while trying to enter.

This inhumane act was done in the most inhumane way possible, he said, underlining the outrage that on Saturday brought thousands of people to protest the executive order on refugees and Muslim countries at airports around the country Many Jews participated in the rally, and Jewish community groups have vocally opposed the executive order.

On Saturday, a federal judge in Brooklyn issued a stay of removal for the estimated 100 to 200 people detained at American airports under Trumps ordersome of them children and U.S. legal permanent residents.

But that was only a partial victory for pro-refugee activists.

A non-Jewish family of asylum seekers from Syria who, despite having obtained visas on Jan. 20 to enter the United States as refugees following a Homeland Security Department vetting, were turned back in Ukraine to their camp in Jordan on Jan. 27. Citing Trumps order, airline officials did not let the familya mother and daughters aged 5 and 8fly to the United States, Hetfield said.

The mother and her daughters are seeking to reunite with their father, who is already in Connecticut. They were let back into Jordan, but in such cases, there is a risk that people who leave to become refugees in the United States will not be let back in, or worse, Hetfield added.

The Zionist Organization of America was one of the few Jewish groups to enthusiastically praise the executive order on refugees, hailing it for addressing notable failings of the U.S. vetting process.

Deteriorating conditions in certain countries due to war, strife, disaster, and civil unrest increase the likelihood that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States, Trumps executive order on refugees states.

While it acknowledges that security vetting for visa applicants was toughened following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the order says that the shutdown is necessary to carry out a review to make sure the current vetting tools can determine that the individual seeking the benefit is who the individual claims to be and is not a security or public-safety threat.

But Hetfield says that the current vetting procedure is so stringent that terrorists are not going to look to [the] refugee program as a way in. They are going to try a less intrusive method. We dont have any worries about it.

Hetfield could not provide figures for how often asylum seekers are denied visas for security reasonspartly because Homeland Security neither specifies its reason for turning down applications nor offers recourse for appealing it.

Whereas the United Nations estimates that there are about 1 million people who meet its definition of a refugeenot including Palestinians, who have a different refugee classificationonly several hundred thousand of them have been offered resettlement.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and some lawmakers there suggested that their country would be willing to take refugees affected by the White House crackdown, but have presented no concrete plans on how and when this would be done.

Rather than encourage other countries to take in refugees turned down by the United States, Hetfield fears that Trumps executive order is likelier to have the opposite effect: Other countries will be less willing to bring in refugees.

If the United States, that has led by example, decides its vetting process isnt safe enough, well, that will have huge implications for other countries, Hetfield said.

The fact that the order came on International Holocaust Remembrance Day is especially painful, he added, because the international law pertaining to refugees today is a direct result of the Holocaust and the failure to act and protect Jews trying to leave Germany and Austria and other places in war-torn Europe before and during World War II.

Another immigration professional from the United States, herself a refugee from the Middle East. said she believed that the language of the executive order signals that when it comes to the Muslim world, the Trump administration seeks to turn its refugee program primarily into an escape route for non-Muslims. She asked not to be quoted by name because things are too unclear right now to make an official statement.

She cited a passage of the executive order that speaks of changes, to the extent permitted by law, to prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individuals country of nationality.

But thats not a good thing for religious minorities in Iran and elsewhere, the professional said.

Just as Iranian Jews have long been flagged as a fifth column because they are welcome to resettle in Israel, she said, now the same will happen to all the other members of religious minorities in the region.
(JTA)At least 11 Jewish community centers across the United States were targeted with bomb threats in the third wave of such mass disruption this month.

David Posner, director of strategic performance at JCC Association of North America, whose role involves advising local JCCs on security policies and practices, issued the below statement:

Today, a third wave of bomb threats called in to Jewish community centers has caused 14 centers in 10 states plus one Canadian province, to quickly carry out practiced security protocols to ensure the safety of their participants and facilities. While the situation is developing, most have already received the all-clear from local law enforcement and resumed regular operations, with a heightened level of security.

Safety is our top priority. JCC Association is coordinating security trainings for JCC executives and staff, to ensure that our community of professionals across the country is prepared with critical tools, resources and contacts.

Paul Goldenberg, the director of Secure Community Networksan affiliate of the Jewish federations of North America, which advises Jewish groups and institutions on securitysaid the threats were called in late Tuesday morning. It was not clear at the time whether the messages were live or recorded, or the gender of the caller.

[I]n the past we know that the numbers can grow exponentially, he said, adding that perpetrators have been leveraging technologies to make mass calls.

He said his organization was instructing the JCCs to be in touch with local police to determine if they should evacuate.

In light of the newest bomb threats, we must remain a resilient community, and we need to ensure that we are back at our JCCs as soon as local police advise the all-clear, Goldenberg said.

Posner stated: This is the third time this month that multiple JCCs have received phoned in bomb threats in a single day; on Jan. 18, 27 Jewish community centers in 17 states received threats, and on Jan. 9, 16 centers in nine states received threats.

We are concerned about the anti-Semitism behind these threats. All threats from the previous two dates have been determined to be hoaxes. The FBI is actively investigating the source or sources of these calls. We are relieved that no one has been harmed and that JCCs continue to operate in a way that puts the safety of their staff, visitors, and premises first.

The list of JCCs which confirmed receiving bomb threats today follows, by state: CaliforniaAlpert Jewish Community Center, Long Beach and Lawrence Family JCC, La Jolla; ColoradoBoulder Jewish Community Center; IllinoisLake County JCC, Lake Zurich; New JerseyJCC Metro West, West Orange, and Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Tenafly; New YorkSidney Albert Albany JCC, Jewish Community Center of Syracuse; MassachusettsWorcester JCC; New MexicoJewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque; OhioJCC of Toledo, Sylvania; UtahI.J. & Jeanne Wagner Jewish Community Center, Salt Lake City; WisconsinThe Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, Milwaukee; and Ontario, CanadaLondon Jewish Community Centre.
(JTA)-The White House statement for International Holocaust Remembrance Day that has generated controversy for omitting Jews reportedly was written by a Jewish aide to President Donald Trump.

Boris Epshteyn, a special assistant to the president, crafted the statement, the political news website Politico reported Monday evening, citing an unnamed source "with knowledge of the situation."

Epshteyn, a former Republican political strategist, immigrated to the United States from his native Moscow in 1993 at 11.

On Monday, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at the daily briefing, "The statement was written with the help of an individual who is both Jewish and the descendant of Holocaust survivors." Asked if it was Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a leading adviser, Spicer refused to say.

Spicer also said that complaints, including from major U.S. Jewish groups, about the omission of Jews from the statement issued last Friday were "pathetic" and "disappointing."

"The president went out of his way to recognize the Holocaust and the suffering that went through it, and to make sure America never forgets the people that were affected by it and the loss of life," Spicer said.

"To suggest that remembering the Holocaust and acknowledging all of the people-Jewish, gypsies, priests, disabled, gays and lesbians-I mean it is pathetic that people are picking on a statement," he said.

Since the United Nations launched the remembrance day in 2005, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945, Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama have noted in their statements that the principal aim of the Holocaust was the genocide of the Jews.

Jewish critics have said that omitting Jews from Holocaust commemoration statements, wittingly or not, plays into the agenda of groups that seek to diminish the Nazi genocide of the Jews.

Since the controversy erupted, Trump administration spokesmen, including his chief of staff, Reince Priebus, have doubled down on the argument that it is better not to single out Jews in order to be "inclusive."

A New York-based investment banker and finance attorney, Epshteyn was a communications aide for Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign in 2008, focusing his efforts on the Arizona senator's running mate, then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Russia intervened to halt a clash between Syrian government forces and Turkey-backed Syrian rebels in northern Syria, sources on both sides said on Friday, the first confrontation between them as both sides fight Islamic State in the area.

Islamic State is under attack from separate campaigns in northern Syria by Russian-backed government forces and Turkey-backed rebels. The clash on Thursday near the IS-held city of al-Bab underlined the risk of the parallel offensives igniting new fighting between the government and its rebel enemies.

Russia and Turkey have backed opposing sides in the war but recently started cooperating over Syria, brokering a truce between government forces and rebels and working together to try to revive peace talks.

Rebel officials said the clash took place in a village southwest of al-Bab. An official in a military alliance fighting in support of the Syrian government confirmed a clash had taken place. "The Russians intervened to control the situation," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

President Bashar al-Assad is supported in the war by the Russian military and an array of Iranian-backed militias.

Two rebel officials accused the government forces of provoking the incident. One of them said the government forces had moved towards their positions in tanks. "Rebels shot to warn them not to get any closer, but the tank responded and a clash erupted," said the first rebel official.

"Later on Russia intervened to calm down the situation," said the rebel official. "This whole incident felt like a test."

A second rebel official, a commander in the al-Bab area, added: "They opened fire. Fire was returned."

Both rebel officials said an armoured vehicle had been captured from the government forces.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

Russian air strikes accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers on Thursday in northern Syria. It was not immediately clear whether the confrontation described by the sources had taken place in the same area as the air strike.

Turkey and its FSA rebel allies have carved out a de facto buffer zone in northern Syria in territory captured from Islamic State since August in their "Euphrates Shield" operation. They have been battling to capture al-Bab since December, but escalated their attack this week, seizing the city's outskirts.

The Syrian army meanwhile mounted its own, rapid advance towards the city in the last few weeks, advancing to within a few kilometres (miles) of its southern outskirts.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said earlier this week that clashes with the Syrian forces had been avoided thanks to international coordination, including between Turkey and Russia.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had called Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and expressed his condolences over the air strike, blaming the incident on poor coordination between Moscow and Ankara.

The Kremlin spokesman said on Friday the air strikes were based on coordinates provided to Russia by the Turkish military.

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Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner reportedly worked to stop anti-LGBT executive order

(JTA)Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner reportedly helped push President Donald Trump to uphold a 2014 executive order protecting LGBT people from workplace discrimination.

The presidents daughter and her husband, who serves as a White House senior adviser, worked to nix a draft executive order outlining how to roll back some of the protections granted by former President Barack Obamas 2014 executive order, Politico reported Friday, citing multiple sources with knowledge of the situation.

The White House said Tuesday that President Trump was determined to protect the rights of all Americans, including the LGBTQ community.

The executive order signed in 2014, which protects employees from anti-LGBTQ workplace discrimination while working for federal contractors, will remain intact at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the White House said in a statement.

Progressive groups have expressed concern that Trump could overturn protections and rights gained by the LGBT community under the Obama administration. Vice President Mike Pence has a long history of opposing gay rights, and as governor of Indiana he opposed legalizing gay marriage.

Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus drop Ivanka Trump label

(JTA)Nordstrom said it was dropping the Ivanka Trump label due to poor sales, and the label was pulled as well from the Neiman Marcus website.

Racked, the fashion news site, reported Thursday that a Nordstrom spokesperson insisted the decision by the chain of luxury department stores was unconnected to any political stance involving President Donald Trumps eldest daughter. Her husband, Jared Kushner, is a senior White House adviser.

Based on the brands performance, weve decided not to buy it for this season, the spokesperson said.

Ivanka Trump converted to Judaism before marrying Kushner in 2010.

At Neiman Marcus, another high-end chain, the Ivanka Trump line of jewelry items was pulled from at least one store, Racked reported. Ivanka Trump products, which were displayed Thursday on the chains website, were no longer accessible Friday. Racked was not immediately able to reach Neiman Marcus for a reaction on the status of Ivanka Trump products with the chain.

The moves by both companies come after months of campaigns on social media against Ivanka Trump, who has come under criticism for some remarks by her father deemed divisive or discriminatory, and incompatible with Ivanka Trumps stated commitment to womens rights.

Anti-Trump activists Shannon Coulter and Sue Atencio started the campaign under the headline Grab Your Wallet in reference to a lewd remark made by Donald Trump 10 years ago that came to light in a recording during the campaign. They aimed to pressure businesses not to offer Ivanka Trump products.

What started out as list of retailers that do business with the Trump family, including stores that carry Ivanka Trumps label, was moved to its own website, GrabYourWallet.org.

Since the campaign started, thousands have taken to Twitter to voice their support of the boycott.

UK lawmaker: Anti-Semitism rising due to Jews not criticizing Israel

LONDON (JTA)Reacting to the record number of anti-Semitic incidents in Britain in 2016, a lawmaker who was suspended from her party for anti-Israel rhetoric accused pro-Israel Jews of creating the situation by not criticizing the Jewish state.

Jenny Tonge, a Liberal Democrat in the upper house of the Parliament before her suspension in October, sent an email to the Jewish communitys main watchdog group on anti-Semitism, the Community Security Trust, on Thursday in reply to its report showing a 36 percent rise in incidents over 2015, the Jewish News of London reported.

Do you NEVER consider that the actions of the Israeli government are contributing towards this rise? Tonge wrote If the Board of Deputies and the CST spoke up against the abuse if (sic) human rights, flagrant disregard of international law and the Geneva Conventions they would do much to improve the situation here.

Of the 1,309 incidents recorded by CST in 2016 noted in the report, which was sent to all lawmakers, discourse relating to the Middle East was used in 105 cases, of which 62 showed evidence of anti-Israel motivation or beliefs, the watchdog said. Unlike in years that saw conflagrations between Israel and its enemies, the increase in 2016 was not directly attributable to any single factor, CST further wrote.

This ambiguity, Moshe Kantor, the president of the European Jewish Congress said in a statement, demonstrates clearly that anti-Semitism requires no outside factors and without strong action by authorities will continue to grow.

Tonge, who in July accused Israel of causing a rise in jihadist violence worldwide and in October hosted an event that according to reports featured anti-Semitic speakers, also wrote: The perpetual victim mentality of your organization is counterproductive and does not help real decent Jewish people.

Tonge has a history of suggesting that Jews are culpable for attacks against them. Some of her critics allege that her rhetoric sometimes veers into anti-Semitism; she has consistently denied the accusations.

Last year, she wrote to The Guardian, saying: It is difficult to believe that a 75 percent increase in antisemitism it reports have been committed by people who simply hate Jewish people for no reason. It is surely the case these incidents are reflecting the disgust amongst the general public of the way the government of Israel treats Palestinians and manipulates the USA and ourselves to take no action.

Jewish woman shoved, called dirty Jew on N.Y. subway

(JTA)A Jewish woman was verbally abused and shoved aboard a New York City subway by a man with a German accent who recited from an anti-Semitic pamphlet, according to a newspaper report.

The incident Monday evening occurred shortly after the suspect, a white man in a dark blue jacket with close-cropped blond hair, boarded the train at a downtown Manhattan station, according to the report Thursday by the New York Daily News, which cited unnamed police sources.

The suspect shoved the woman, an unnamed 25-year-old, after shouting at her Dirty Jew and Hail the Hitler Youth! He was carrying a black bag or briefcase and is still at large, the report said.

In an apparently unrelated incident, a swastika was found etched in a subway window at a station in Manhattans Tribeca neighborhood on Wednesday morning.

The New York Police Department said it has seen a dramatic rise in hate crimes following the election of Donald Trump, with the majority of incidents directed at Jews.

Police stop suspected terror attack near the Louvre

(JTA)Police foiled a suspected terrorist attack near the Louvre museum in Paris, winning plaudits again for security forces from the president of Frances Jewish umbrella group.

In the incident Friday morning, a soldier shot and seriously wounded a man wielding a machete who shouted Allah hu akbarArabic for Allah is the greatestwhile approaching the soldier with the weapon. Paris Police Commissioner Michel Cadot was among the officials who said the alleged assailant shouted about Allah during the incident.

The soldier, one of 12,000 troops deployed in 2015 around Jewish sites and tourist areas in France in response to deadly jihadist attacks, was not hurt, Le Figaro reported. The deployment followed the slaying of 17 people at and around the Charlie Hebdo magazine in January 2015, and the murder two days later of four Jews at a kosher store in Paris.

I am concerned following this attack, which bears terrorist characteristics, in the heart of Paris, Francis Kalifat, the president of the CRIF umbrella group of French Jewish communities, wrote on Twitter. Support for police and troops.

CRIF has consistently expressed gratitude to security forces when they come under attack.

Gil Taieb, a vice president of the CRIF, last year led a delegation from his organization to a rally at Republique square in Paris, where some 3,000 current and former members of the security forces demonstrated in civilian clothing against anti-cop hatred, as the organizers of the demonstration defined it.

The rally took place following violent clashes between police and protesters in rallies.

Russian chief rabbi, Reform dissident in London for event for ex-Soviet Jews

LONDON (JTA)Hundreds of Russian-speaking Jews from across Western Europe convened in the British capital for a conference on learning whose organizers at the Limmud FSU group said was the largest of its kind.

The weekend eventthe first entry into Western Europe by the Limmud FSU group for Russian-speaking Jews in the former Soviet Union and beyonddrew 650 participants on Friday to the plush De Vere Beaumont Estate Hotel in Windsor, a town located 18 miles west of London that features Windsor Castle, a residence of the British Royal Family.

The broad spectrum of speakers slated to attend the event, whose focus is the Balfour Declarations centennial anniversary, include Berel Lazar, a chief rabbi of Russia who is affiliated with the Chabad movement, and Misha Kapustin, a Reform rabbi from Crimea who left the area in 2014 to Slovakia following its occupation and subsequent annexation by Russia from Ukraine.

The Balfour Declaration was issued in 1917 by the British government vowing to help establish a national home for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel without jeopardizing the rights of other inhabitants of the area.

The roster of guests and speakers from Israel is equally diverse, ranging from the left-wing Knesset member Merav Michaeli, a liberal outlier of the Zionist Camp party, to David Bitan, a senior member of the Likud ruling party.

From the United States, guests include Matthew Bronfman, a philanthropist and chair of Limmud FSUs International Steering Committee, and historian Deborah Lipstadt, whose legal fight in London against the Holocaust denier David Irving is the subject of the Oscar-nominated film Denial, which premiered in the United Kingdom last week.

Western Europe has some 300,000 Russian-speaking Jews, according to Limmud FSU founder Chaim Chesler. Most settled there after the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991. The majority of them live in Germany, but setting up the first Limmud FSU Europe conference was easier in London due to organizational issues, a spokeswoman for Limmud FSU said.

The plan is to make Limmud FSU Europe an annual event, moving it to additional destinations in Western Europe, including Germany, said the spokeswoman, Natasha Chechik.

Founded in 2006, Limmud FSU has annual events in over a dozen cities annually, including in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Israel, the United States and Canada.

The previous large-scale event for Russian-speaking Jews in Western Europe took place in 2012 in the Netherlands, where the Jewish Agency for Israel brought together more than 200 Russian-speaking young Jews for a conference about Israel

Israeli judge frees Ethiopian delinquent citing racism in society

(JTA)In a controversial and precedent-setting ruling, an Israeli judge acquitted a youth of Ethiopian descent of assault citing perceived discrimination against his community.

Avital Molad, a juvenile court judge, last month acquitted the youth, who resides in an institution for underage delinquents, of two separate assault chargesonce by hurling objects at police during a demonstration and again for hitting a fellow inmate, Army Radio reported Wednesday.

Rather than address the charges brought against the youth, she cited in her acquittal a Ministry of Justice report published in July stating that for years, people of Ethiopian origins are discriminated against by the establishment, citizens, in education and employment and are excluded from the public sphere as well as targeted in negative stereotyping, overtly and discretely, and are even exposed to expressions of physical and verbal violence.

Noting the reports assertion that Ethiopian Israelis have an outsize proportion of juvenile delinquency, and citing the youths family situation, Molad wrote: In some cases, the court must take a clear stance to encourage and back minors in correctional frameworks.

The defendant had agreed to be committed into the institution where he lives following previous altercations involving violence, Army Radio reported.

She was letting off the defendant, who was not named because he is underage, to send a clear message to minors generally and specifically to ones from the Ethiopian community that a youth who submits to correctional frameworks with dormitory conditions will receive considerable consideration even if they are charged with serious offenses.

The defendants lawyer called the ruling a legal milestone, but a prominent member of the Ethiopian-Israeli community of some 140,000half of whom were born in Israel to parents who immigrated from the 1980s onwardcondemned it as promoting inequality and patronizing.

Danny Adino Abebe, a well-known journalist and activist for the rights of Ethiopian Israelis, told Army Radio on Thursday that the judiciary is no place for affirmative action because this does irreparable damage to the principle of equality before the law.

Molad, he added, decided to give Ethiopians a leg up in a patronizing, insulting and quite outrageous manner.
It turns out, according to todays JTA, that the Holocaust Statement was writtenall or mostlyby Boris Epshteyn, a strongly identifying American Jew, of Russian Jewish ethnicity, who is in the Trump inner circle and who is a descendant of Holocaust survivors.

I shall now place myself in Trumps place, and I invite you to do so. I am a chief executive, and I want to issue a statement on Cesar Chavez Day, so I ask a trusted advisor who also is Chicano to handle the statement. Or I ask an African American close advisor to draft my Martin Luther King Day statement. He or she gives it to me. I read it. It seems very sensitive. So I approve it. We issue it to the public.

Then it turns out that I did not catch some nuance that would be uniquely sensitive to the group in question. It did not say Jewish in the otherwise-meaningful statement that remembered and mourned the loss and suffering of the Holocaust victims. Rememberhere, I am in Trumps shoes: As a non-Jew who associates the Holocaust with the murder of Six Million Jews, I took it for granted that the statement mourned Jewish Holocaust victims. It never occurred to me that it was flawed because it left out the word Jewish. Just as with my other two examples: The Cesar Chavez statement did not say something that a Chicano would expect, or the MLK statement omitted some word that an African American would expect. Like, I dont knowdoes the statement have to include the phrase We Shall Overcome? Or is it sufficient if it condemns racism, bigotry, hate, and division? Well, the Chicano or African American who is so close to me, whose wisdom and counsel I value, wrote it, and it seemed sensitive, so I approved it, and it was issued.

And now I am under a torrent of criticism descending on mefrom vipers who criticize my every breath every day, constantly suspecting the most evil of motives no matter what I do or say.

One choice I have: I can dump on Boris Epshteyn. I can point fingers at him, blame him, maybe even force him to apologize publicly. Maybe even fire him. Even publicly.

But that is not Trumps way.

Interestingly, despite Trumps unbelievably boorish sideas in the debates, horribly soTrump curiously has another side: he somehow also is an incredible mensch, a really nice guy, and he rewards loyalty with loyalty. Remember how he stood by the speechwriter who gave Melania that speech plagiarized from Michelle Obama? How he stood by Corey Lewandowski after that incident with the reporter in the crowd whom Lewandowski perhaps touched? People expected that speechwriter to be fired; she even handed in her resignation. However, Trump stood by her. And he has stood by Lewandowski, through and through. Just watch Lewandowski talk about Trump on CNN or Fox.

Trump stands by his people. He will not feed his people to the wolves, even when they mess up, even when their error embarrasses him personally, just to protect himself. He feels he has strong shoulders, and he can carry the load, no matter what hits.

Not all executives are like that, but many believe that you get the best results for the long term when your team knows that the boss has their backs as long as they demonstrate loyalty, are well beyond competent, and as long as they truly do their best. I had that experience with a boss once. I once made a mistake in a law position that caused him a bit of embarrassment. He knew it was my mistake, andoh my!I knew it even more so. He never said a negative word to me about it. He acted publicly, when others tittered, as though it had been his error. When I apologized about it later, he made a light joke about itI guess you were spending too much time last night studying the Talmud, Rabbi. That was it. Today, 23 years later, I feel such an incredible loyalty to him, as do all others who ever worked for him. We love him. We would do anything for him.

That is a leadership style. Not everyone agrees with that styleIn the large law firms where I worked, many nasty partners lived by an alternative credo that, if you let a subordinate get away with making any mistake, he or she will be careless all the time forevermore.

In the end, for those who are willing to view the recent Holocaust Statement Imbroglio without a bias, the disclosure by JTA that Boris Epshteyn wrote the Holocaust Statement actually is to Trumps praise. No one has made this observation yet. I think it worth noting. He has absorbed the blame and has taken the pot shotsparticularly from the usual critics and Democrat Party hacksfor a statement that one of his Jewish advisors drafted.

At least on this one, his critics owe Donald trump an apology.

Rabbi Dov Fischer, an attorney and adjunct professor of law, is rabbi of Young Israel of Orange County and holds and has held prominent leadership roles in several national rabbinic and other Jewish organizations including Rabbinical Council of America and Zionist Organization of America. He formerly was Chief Articles Editor of UCLA Law Review and thereafter clerked for the Hon. Danny J. Boggs in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
(JTA)The world comes together every Jan. 27 to remember the most devastating tragedy in history: the Shoah.

We remember the victims of the Nazi regime. The loved ones lost and the shameful treatment of human life and human dignity. We also make sure to remember our history, as painful as it may be, so we learn from it and never let it repeat itself.

Most of all, we remember the bravery of the survivors. Those brave souls who are slipping away from us as they implore the next generation to heed the lessons of this darkest of periods with two simple words: never again.

Twelve years ago, the member states of the United Nations came together to pass a resolution establishing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This important day serves as a reminder of the U.N. at its best, as it was meant to be.

It serves as a beacon to our collective conscience reminding us all of the importance of preventing tragedies like this one and the grave consequences of failing to recognize the warning signs of hatred and bigotry.

But simply remembering the Holocaust is not enough. If we fail to learn the correct lessons, then we lose sight of the magnitude and significance of the worst crime ever committed against humanity. If we are not careful, then we run the risk of allowing the Holocaust to be misappropriated or even cheapened.

Recently, we have seen this happen all too often, including by member states of the U.N.

Under the guise of human rights and tolerance, we are witnessing a growing phenomenon where Israel is subject time and again to false analogies that can only be blamed on hatred and intolerance.

Two months ago the permanent representative of Ecuador stood in the General Assembly hall and unabashedly compared Zionism with Nazism. He compared the national movement of the Jewish people to the most vile and hate-filled movement the world has ever seen.

The worst part of that episode was the silence during his hateful statement. The representatives of the world who were gathered in the hall sat and said nothing. They were silent and did not protest as the state of the Jewish people was singled out and libeled.

Sadly, this is not the only example of the misuse of the sacred memory of the Holocaust. During a meeting of the Security Council, the most powerful U.N. institution, the representative of Venezuela accused Israel of committing a final solution of the Palestinians.

Thankfully, during that dark moment a number of our colleagues from around the world stood up and demanded a clear and immediate apology for such blatant anti-Semitism.

This unfortunate phenomenon takes place within the official confines of the U.N. itself.

An undersecretary general had the nerve to say that Israels existence as the worlds sole Jewish state is equivalent to the crimes against humanity committed in the 20th century. And the U.N. remained silent.

The over 400,000 annual visitors to U.N. headquarters learn about this darkest of periods in history at a special exhibit on the third floor of the building. After walking a few steps, these visitors are then invited to view an exhibit on the plight of the Palestinians. What lesson does this teach them? That the systematic murder of 6 million Jews can be compared to a conflict between two peoples?

Last March, the ironically named Human Rights Council voted to create a database, a blacklist, of Jewish businesses operating in parts of Jerusalem and Israel. As during other periods of our history, dark forces wish to label our businesses, our livelihood, so we can be delegitimized and boycotted. Again, the U.N. is silent.

When we come together as a people and a community, we can make a real difference. We have to be willing to call out those who would take advantage of the U.N. and the international community.

It is important, however, to also note the progress that has been made.

More and more political and religious leaders around the world are speaking out against anti-Semitism. We particularly appreciated the strong words of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemning anti-Semitism when he spoke recently during a visit to a synagogue.

This was a positive development, but the U.N. should build on such statements and take a leading role battling the rising tide of anti-Semitic incidents. This is why we have asked the secretary-general to appoint a special envoy who will oversee the U.N.s efforts to combat anti-Semitism.

It is important that we honor the memory of the Holocaust by making the world a better place, by pledging never to remain silent in the face of atrocities or human rights violations. We must, however, also make sure to cautiously weigh our words when comparing any events to what Winston Churchill correctly called the greatest, most horrible crime ever committed in the whole history of the world.

Upon assuming my post last year, one of my first meetings in New York was with Elie Wiesel, of blessed memory. He taught all of us so much. Personally, I will never forget how he implored me to always speak up when I witness injustice or wrongdoing at the U.N.

Elie was famous for saying We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor never the tormented.

Let us all pledge to heed these words of wisdom. Let us all have the courage to stand up when wrong is being committed around the world. Most important, let us never shy away from speaking the truth in the defense of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.

Danny Danon is Israels ambassador to the United Nations.
Someday, perhaps, a team of sociologists and psychologists will examine the curious question of why Jewish ex-State Department officials are obsessed with Israel. Until that day comes, though, the rest of us will be stuck having to listen to those officials relentless harassment of Israel and promotion of the Palestinian cause.

With the issue of moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on the front burner, The New York Times trotted out two former State Department hands, both Jewish, to pour cold water on the embassy relocation idea.

The officials, Aaron David Miller and David Makovsky, now enjoy well-heeled positions at the Woodrow Wilson International Center and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, respectively. They are benefiting handsomely from the revolving door that shuttles State Department alumni to nearby think tanks, where they can spend their days explaining how they know whats best for Israel.

In an endless stream of media interviews, op-eds and insufferable policy papers, Miller, Makovsky and the rest never stop reminding us that they know more about Middle East peace than do Israels democratically elected leaders or battle-tested generals.

The irony is that pretty much any taxi driver in Tel Aviv understands the Israeli-Palestinian situation far better than the self-crowned experts at Foggy Bottom, present or past. The only thing the State Departments Mideast veterans are really experts at, is getting things wrong.

Just look at their track record:

They said Yasser Arafat could be trusted the first time around, when the U.S. recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1988. They were wrong.

They said Arafat could be trusted the second time around, after the 1993 Oslo Accords. They were wrong.

They said if Israel stopped building settlements, there would be peace. They were wrong.

They said if Israel froze construction in existing settlements, there would be peace. They were wrong.

They said if Israel offered the Palestinians a state, there would be peace. Three Israeli prime ministers heeded that advice. Wrong again.

Now the Jewish Arabists come to warn about moving the embassy. The Trump administration must declare both privately and publicly, that theyre not moving [the embassy] to presuppose the legal status of the Old City and east Jerusalem, Makovsky declared.

By presuppose, Makovsky means that the U.S. should declare that it is not recognizing the Old City and east Jerusalem as belonging to Israel.

Well, why not? Why shouldnt the U.S. recognize all of Jerusalem as belonging to Israel? Does Makovsky think that the Old City and east Jerusalem belong to somebody else?

Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for more than 3,000 years. It has never been anyone elses capital. Both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Bible define it as a Jewish city, nobody elses. Judaisms holiest site is in the Old City of Jerusalem. Islams holiest site is in Saudi Arabia. The Balfour Declaration and the League of Nations Mandate for Palestine, which establish the basis in international law for the rise of the State of Israel, clearly included Jerusalemeastern and western, Old City and new cityas being part of the Jewish homeland.

Im willing to give Makovsky the benefit of the doubt. Ill assume that his perspective may have been compromised by all the time he has spent doing joint speaking appearances with longtime Palestinian Authority (PA) official Ghaith Al-Omari. Maybe if you spend a lot of time with a PA spokesman, you start believing the PAs insane claims that Jerusalem has been a Palestinian city since the beginning of time, that the Jewish Temples in Jerusalem never existed, and that the Western Wall is really a Muslim religious site called the al-Buraq wall.

But theres a simple cure for the PAs fake history and conspiracy theories. All you need to do is pick up any mainstream history book about the Middle East to learn the basic facts about the history and legal status of Jerusalem.

What a shame that David Makovsky, Aaron Miller, Dennis Ross, Martin Indyk and the rest have traveled so many thousands of miles back and forth between the U.S. and the Middle East, when all they ever needed to do was to pay a visit to their local library.

Stephen M. Flatow, a vice president of the Religious Zionists of America, is an attorney in New Jersey. He is the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in an Iranian-sponsored Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995.
Dear Editor:

Needless to say, I was quite disturbed by the recent article in the Heritage, Radical Syrian cleric comes to Central Floridaa wolf in sheeps clothing?

Disturbed, why was I disturbed? Well, thats easy to answer. The first thought was why did he even have to write such an article? What was the purpose? Why rile everyone up? Why stir up the pot ? Well, the pot needs to be stirred up in my opinion. This community has their heads in the sand so to speak when it comes to recognizing and accepting the fact that there is a threat to our community from Muslim extremists. They have no idea what the real world is like.

I certainly dont disagree with what the article had to say. Its unfortunate that it had to be said. I feel that the majority of your readers are really not educated when it comes to the Islamic religion. Please note the quotation marks around the word religion. Most non-Muslims are unaware that Islam is in reality a theo-political movement rather than a religious movement. It is a totalitarian way of life. In the writings about the Prophet Mohammed, in the Holy Koran, in the Hadith, the Sira, and the Sunnah over 80 percent deals with what today we would consider political teachings or instructions about interacting with non-Muslims. One of the terms often used in Islam when the Muslim population is considerably less powerful than the non-Muslim population is Taqiya. This is the mandate to be untruthful, to lie or deceive, while still in a weaker position than the non-Muslims until that time when the Muslim population is numerically or physically capable of taking control over the non-Muslims. The best demonstration was the early Muslim treaty with the Hashemite clan of the Quraysh in the city of Mecca. As soon as Mohammed and his followers were powerful enough to conquer the clan of the Quraysh, they immediately and unilaterally broke the treaty and destroyed their adversaries. A really great example of this is Yasser Arafats comment after he signed the Oslo Accords with then Israeli Prime Minister Rabin. When asked why he signed the accords, Arafat said Remember Quraysh.

Today we are faced with the same situation. Can we really trust what the local Muslim leaders, like Imam Musri, say? Mr. Kornman certainly describes very plausible situations involving one of the areas most respected Imams. There are many quotes that can be found in the Koran to describe approved devious actions of believers against the non-believers. Basically, its play their game until you are strong enough to play our game.

Just read about what is taking place in Europe. France already has reached the tipping point with a Muslim population of just over 10 percent. Here in the U.S. we are not there yet. Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, just to name a few, are feeling the wrath of the Refugee Invasion. But, the plan is in place to take action here at home. It is already starting. Look up the Muslim Brotherhood Project. This is a verifiable document that was accidentally discovered back in 1981. Look for yourself.

A really good example of this working in our own community is the weekly radio program involving dialog between a rabbi, an Imam and a Christian clergyman. Political correctness personified! Two of the three are being totally played by the third. They play to tie, he plays to win. While I believe interfaith dialog is good and necessary, it must be an honest and open dialogue to be worthwhile. I would suggest to the Orlando Jewish leadership they reach out to someone like a true Muslim reformer, Dr. Zuhdi Jasser of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy. The Muslims have been playing this game for 1,400 years. They play to win. We play to please.

Laurence Morrell

Maitland
WASHINGTON (JTA)Five million non-Jews died in the Holocaust.

Its a statement that shows up regularly in declarations about the Nazi era. It was implied in a Facebook post by the Israel Defense Forces spokespersons unit last week marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day. And it was asserted in an article shared by the Trump White House in defense of its Holocaust statement the same day omitting references to the 6 million Jewish victims.

It is, however, a number without any scholarly basis.

Indeed, say those close to the late Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, its progenitor, it is a number that was intended to increase sympathy for Jewish suffering but which now is more often used to obscure it.

The White House statement sent waves of dismay through the Jewish community, including among groups that have been supportive of President Donald Trump.

By mentioning the victims, survivors, [and] heroes of the Holocaust without mentioning the Jews, said a host of Jewish organizations, the Jan. 27 statement risked playing into the hands of the European right, which includes factions that seek to diminish the centrality of the Jewish genocide to the carnage of World War II.

In defending the omission of Jews from the statement, a White House spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, sent CNN a link to a 2015 Huffington Post-UK piece titled The Holocausts Forgotten Victims: The 5 Million Non-Jewish People Killed By The Nazis.

Sean Spicer, the White House spokesman, appeared to cite the same source, saying that the Nazis victims included Roma, gays, the disabled and priests.

In the wake of the controversy, the worlds two leading Holocaust museums, in Washington and in Jerusalem, issued statements emphasizing the centrality of the annihilation of the Jews to the understanding of the Holocaust.

The 5 million has driven Holocaust historians to distraction ever since Wiesenthal started to peddle it in the 1970s. Wiesenthal told the Washington Post in 1979, I have sought with Jewish leaders not to talk about 6 million Jewish dead, but rather about 11 million civilians dead, including 6 million Jews.

Yehuda Bauer, an Israeli Holocaust scholar who chairs the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, said he warned his friend Wiesenthal, who died in 2005, about spreading the false notion that the Holocaust claimed 11 million victims6 million Jews and 5 million non-Jews.

I said to him, Simon, you are telling a lie, Bauer recalled in an interview Tuesday. He said, Sometimes you need to do that to get the results for things you think are essential.

Bauer and other historians who knew Wiesenthal said the Nazi hunter told them that he chose the 5 million number carefully: He wanted a number large enough to attract the attention of non-Jews who might not otherwise care about Jewish suffering, but not larger than the actual number of Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust, 6 million.

It caught on: President Jimmy Carter, issuing the executive order that would establish the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, referred to the 11 million victims of the Holocaust.

Deborah Lipstadt, a professor of Holocaust studies at Emory University in Atlanta, wrote in 2011 how the number continues to dog her efforts to teach about the Holocaust.

I have been to many Yom Hashoah observancesincluding those sponsored by synagogues and Jewish communitieswhere eleven candles were lit, she wrote in an article in the Jewish Review of Books in which she lacerated Wiesenthals ethical standards. When I tell the organizers that they are engaged in historical revisionism, their reactions range from skepticism to outrage. Strangers have taken me to task in angry letters for focusing only on Jewish deaths and ignoring the five million others. When I explain that this number is simply inaccurate, in fact made up, they become even more convinced of my ethnocentrism and inability to feel the pain of anyone but my own people.

The problem, according to Bauer, who has debunked the number repeatedly in his writings over the decades, is not that non-Jews were not victims; they were. It is that Wiesenthals arbitrarily chosen tally of non-Jewish victims diminishes the centrality to the Nazi ideology of systematically wiping any trace of the Jewish people from the planet.

In fact, he said, the term genocide could accurately be applied to the 2 million to 3 million Poles murdered and millions more enslaved by the Nazis. But the mass murder of the Poles, Roma and others should not come under the rubric Holocaust, a term that Holocaust historians generally dislike because of its religious connotations but nonetheless have accepted as describing only the annihilation that the Nazis hoped to visit on the Jews.

All Jews of the world had to be annihilated, Bauer said. That was the intent. There was never an idea in Nazi minds to murder all the Russians.

Mark Weitzman, the director of government affairs for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, said that Wiesenthal, in advancing the number, never intended to minimize the Jewish specificity of the Shoah, the Hebrew word for Holocaust

He was trying to draw attention to the fact that there were other victims of Nazi genocide, Weitzman said.

The White House has endeavored to show that the statement has Jewish approval. Spicer said a Jewish staffer descended from Holocaust survivors helped draft it, and Politico, citing a source, reported late Monday that it was Boris Epshteyn, a Russian-born Jew who is one of Trumps advisers.

The IDF spokespersons Facebook post, which also neglected to mention the Jewish victims, said that 11 million men, women, and children perished in the Holocaust. Share their stories and speak their names to keep their memory alive. The post was later changed to include the 6 million Jewish victims, but the reference to 11 million remains.

Editors Note: According to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, there is no single wartime document created by Nazi officials that spells out how many people were killed in the Holocaust or World War II.

As more documents come to light estimates of human losses may change.

The single most important thing to keep in mind when attempting to document numbers of victims of the Holocaust is that no one master list of those who perished exists anywhere in the world.

What follow are the current best estimates of civilians and disarmed soldiers killed by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

Jews: up to 6 million

Non-Jewish Soviet civilians: around 5.7 million

Soviet prisoners of war: around 3 million (including about 50,000 Jewish soldiers)

Non-Jewish Polish civilians: around 1.8 million

Serb civilians (on the territory of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina): 312,000

People with disabilities living in institutions: up to 250,000

Roma (Gypsies): 196,000220,000

Jehovahs Witnesses: Around 1,900

Repeat criminal offenders and so-called asocials: at least 70,000

German political opponents and resistance activists in Axis-occupied territory: undetermined

Homosexuals: hundreds, possibly thousands (possibly also counted in part under the 70,000 repeat criminal offenders and so-called asocials noted above).

Do the math, this adds up to much more than 11 million.
He came to Canada as a 16-year-old refugee from Somalia. Hes highly regarded across the Canadian political spectrum. He was just appointed as immigration minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Now 40 years old, Ahmed Hussen has a promising career in front of him. And in these polarized, fragmented times, he is exactly the kind of public figure we need when it comes to clarifying the wider debate about immigration and Islamism, human rights and national security.

Trudeau, the leader of Canadas Liberal Party, has often been lampooned as a kumbaya do-gooder, devoted to his liberal conscience and slow-witted when it comes to recognizing that fanatics across the world with diametrically opposed views to his are gaining strength and power. I will leave it to readers to judge whether any of that criticism is fair, but I will say that Trudeaus appointment of Hussen shows a boldness that contrasts markedly with the approach of former President Barack Obama, despite their broadly similar worldview.

Obama, remember, regards the word Islamist as an insult rather than a descriptor. But Hussen has a record of actually tackling Islamism in his own community, engaging in the kind of political fight that Obama would most likely have dismissed as a sop to the radical, nationalist right.

Writing in the Toronto Sun, columnist Tarek Fatah, a close friend of Hussensthough we disagree on much, he notedrelated the time the two first encountered each other. In 2004, Muslim activists in Ontario launched a campaign for the introduction of Islamic sharia law in the provinces family courts, arguing formally that they simply wanted the same rights that were granted to the Catholic and Jewish communities under legislation passed in 1991.

They were supported in this demand by Marion Boyd, a former attorney general who authored a report arguing that it was impossible to sustain Catholic and Jewish law-based family courts while denying them to the Muslim community. But Tarek Fatah and others werent buying it.

Opposing them was a much smaller group of secular and liberal Muslimsincluding yours trulyfor whom this was a do-or-die moment, Fatah wrote. We knew how the U.K. had let this happen many years before, only to discover, too late, the Muslim community of Britain being held hostage by Islamic clerics.

For Fatah and his fellow secularists, permitting sharia courts in Canada would have effectively involved legal surrender to a conservative clerical establishment. Homa Arjomand, a Canadian-Iranian human rights campaigner, eloquently summarized the problem as she pushed back against Boyds recommendations. Our lawyers are studying the decisions of several arbitration cases and will bring them to court and expose how women are victimized by male-dominated legal decisions based on 6th-century religion and traditions, she said at the time.

Eventually, a decision was reached that neatly reflected the dilemma that all liberal democracies face when balancing the need to strengthen secular values against the demands of a vocal religious minority. Sharia courts were not permitted in Ontario, which meant that other religions were also prevented from resolving family disputes in faith-based courts.

As Fatah tells it, Ahmed Hussen played a diligent, behind-the-scenes role in this episode. Newly minted as a Liberal Party staffer, he introduced the secularists to prominent Ontario politicians, allowing them to present their case directly.

The importance of having someone like Hussen countering Islamist encroachment among Muslim communities in the West cannot be overstated. As a child, he had seen firsthand the horrors of the conflict in Somalia, which triggered an Islamist surge in that country nearly a decade before the 9/11 atrocities. In Canada, he became a community activist, helping to secure $500 million in funds to revitalize the community in which he lived in Toronto. Moving into immigration law was perhaps the natural next step for him to take.

Now that hes in Trudeaus cabinet, Hussen is well-positioned to drive home a key message that is increasingly being lost in the global agonizing over national security, particularly in America. Simply put: Islamism and Islam are distinctive concepts.

Distinctive does not mean, of course, that they are entirely separate. The imperative of waging jihad in order to impose the rule of sharia law did not suddenly appear out of nowhere; rather, that struggle is grounded upon authentic Islamic texts, Islamic laws and Islamic traditions. The argument over whether Islamic radicalism is a distortion of Muslim teachings (a default position held by politicians as diverse as George W. Bush, Tony Blair and Barack Obama) or a faithful reflection of them (as argued by nationalists in America and Europe) will continue to rage.

My own perspective, based on nearly two decades of observing Islamists and their fellow travelers in the West, is that a sledgehammer approach to the more fundamental issue of Muslim integration may play well politically in the short term, but is highly destructive in the long term.

Nobody could seriously argue that Islam is a united body, after all. It is more accurately understood as a culture in the grip of a brutal civil warbetween Shia and Sunni, between secular authoritarians and radical clerics, between competing jihadi schoolsthat is simultaneously linked, ideologically and operationally, to monstrous acts of terrorism against non-Muslims inside and outside the Muslim world. There were plenty of warnings before the 9/11 attacks that this trend was growing, such as the 1994 Iranian-sponsored bombing of the AMIA Jewish center in Buenos Aires, but Western politicians by and large ignored or misunderstood where this tide was heading.

If we are to avoid repeating these same errors, we need to learn from the past by understanding that Islams internal fissures can work to our advantage. But there is nothing to be gained from a situation in which the very word refugee becomes a pejorative, as is more and more the case in America, or when we face legislative proposals that could, for example, prevent Kurdish Muslims from Iraq and Syriatraditionally our close alliesfrom entering our country.

In that sense, we can learn much from people like Ahmed Hussen about the importance of nuance and compassion. As a former refugee, he instinctively understands the plight of those driven from their homes by war and genocide. As a human rights advocate, he grasps that some groups are far more vulnerable than otherswhich is why he just announced that Canada will allow entry to an unspecified number of Yazidis from Iraq, who have been horribly persecuted by Islamic State, within the next four weeks.

At the same time, Hussens record suggests that he recognizes the clear difference between practical support for the victims of extreme cruelty on the one hand, and sinking into nebulous cultural relativism or knuckle-headed bigotry on the other. Partisans of both left and right would do well to consider that.

Ben Cohen, senior editor of TheTower.org & The Tower Magazine, writes a weekly column for JNS.org on Jewish affairs and Middle Eastern politics. His writings have been published in Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. He is the author of Some of My Best Friends: A Journey Through Twenty-First Century Antisemitism (Edition Critic, 2014).
Yemeni government forces took full control of the Red Sea coastal town of Mokha on Friday after weeks of deadly fighting with Shia rebels and their allies, a spokesman said.

Before the 19th Century, Mokha was Yemen's main port and export hub for coffee grown in the highlands and its historical symbolism meant it was fiercely fought over.

"We have done with the Battle of Mokha," armed forces spokesman Mohammed al-Naqib told AFP, adding that the rebels had been forced to flee the town.

Another loyalist military source confirmed that government forces were in "full control".

The rebels had put up fierce resistance in the town. Twenty-four rebels and eight loyalist troops were killed in fighting on Wednesday alone.

Tens of thousands of civilians were trapped in the fighting. Many of them had sought refuge in Mokha after fleeing their homes in towns to the south as government forces pushed up the coast.

The UN humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, said late last month that "scores of civilians" had been killed or wounded by shelling and sniper fire around Mokha or by air strikes carried out in support of government forces by a Saudi-led coalition.

He said most services in the town had ground to a halt, including the mains water supply.

Government forces had already taken Mokha's docks earlier this month but there was heavy fighting in other parts of the town before the rebels withdrew north towards the main Red Sea port city of Hodeida, which they still control.

"We now preparing for the second phase of the battle for the coast, which is to advance towards Hodeida," the loyalist armed forces spokesman said.

Before the government launched its offensive on January 7, the rebels controlled virtually all of Yemen's 450 kilometre (280 miles) Red Sea coastline.

But with the support of the Saudi-led coalition, the loyalists have made their biggest advances in months in heavy fighting that has seen more than 400 combatants killed.

Despite nearly two years of coalition air and ground support, government forces had previously been almost entirely confined to the south and areas along the Saudi border.

The rebels hold the capital Sanaa and most of the northern and central highlands as well as the coast around Hodeida.

The coalition has enforced an air and sea blockade of rebel-held territory that prevented the rebels making any use of Mokha's small docks.

All deliveries of basic goods are under UN supervision and those by sea pass through Hodeida making the port city vital to the rebels.

Late last month, the rebels carried out a rare seaborne attack on a Saudi frigate on patrol in the Red Sea, killing two sailors.

Last year, there were missile attacks from rebel-held territory on two US warships in the Red Sea and a United Arab Emirates vessel contracted to the coalition.

Washington responded with missile strikes.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most important shipping lanes linking to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and Washington has deployed warships to ensure it is kept open despite the conflict raging onshore.

The United Nations has called repeatedly for a ceasefire in the government's offensive to allow the delivery of desperately needed relief supplies.

UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien warned last month that Yemen could face famine this year if no immediate action is taken.

Nationwide, 17.1 million Yemeni's are now struggling to feed themselves and 7.3 million of those are in need of emergency assistance, UN agencies reported on Friday.

UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed has criticised President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi for refusing to discuss a political transition plan that would pave the way for government of national unity.

Hadi, who spends most of his time in neighbouring Saudi Arabia because of insecurity in second city Aden where his government has its base, has rejected the plan, which would see him cede most of his powers.

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The EU will give Ukraine 600 million euros ($640 million) to bolster government finances, European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said Friday, as Kiev faces an upsurge in fighting with pro-Russian rebels.

Juncker, speaking after talks with Ukraine Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, said the country had pressed ahead with reforms despite difficult conditions and the EU should now make good its aid pledges.

"This will be done in the next coming weeks because I think that after having watched the reform effort of Ukraine, Ukrainians have the right to see something in return," he told reporters.

"We are supporting Ukraine, not only in its conflict with Russia, but more generally ... We have a strategic partnership with Ukraine and our future relations will develop along these lines."

Groysman said it was very important to send a strong signal to citizens that the tie-up with the EU was "a positive result and would improve their lives."

Juncker added that he expected visa liberalisation for citizens of Ukraine, long sought by Kiev, would be in place by the middle of the year.

In recent weeks, the government has faced a very sharp spike in fighting with rebels in the east amid speculation Russia was stoking the conflict to test how new US President Donald Trump would react after he said he favoured improving links with Moscow.

Pro-European Union protests in early 2014 ousted pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych and his successor Petro Poroshenko turned his back on Moscow in favour of a future with the EU.

The two sides signed an association agreement, and a free trade deal, to bolster Ukraine's struggling economy, with Brussels offering 3.4 billion euros in loans to help Kiev balance the public finances.

The EU has so far handed over 2.2 billion euros, with disbursements tied to progress on political and economic reforms meant to end corruption and put Ukraine, a Soviet-era satellite, on a par with European norms.

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At a time when Islamophobia rages across the world, an American web series profiles people who are changing perceptions

One of the most poignant videos in The Secret Life of Muslims is the story of Rais Bhuiyan, a Bangladeshi American who worked as a gas station clerk in Dallas, Texas. Ten days after the 9/11 attacks, Bhuiyan was shot in the face by white supremacist Mark Stroman. I felt at first like a million bees stinging my face, says Bhuiyan, who was left partially blind from the attack. Stroman was later convicted and sentenced to death.

Read more: What is like being an African in India?

In 2009, when Bhuiyan went on a Haj pilgrimage with his mother, he had an epiphany. In my faith, in Islam, it says that saving a life is like saving the entire mankind, says Bhuiyan. So he decided to fight to save Stromans life and went to the Supreme Court seeking clemency. While Stroman was eventually executed, Bhuiyan was among the last people to speak to him and told him that he forgave him.

Bhuiyans is just one of the notable stories in The Secret Life of Muslims, a web series that tries to challenge rampant Islamophobia, in the US, and globally.

Some of the other notable videos feature Egyptian-American comedian Ahmed Ahmed, who decides to not play the stereotypical role of a terrorist in films, and the creators of the Ask a Muslim campaign, Mona Haydar and Sebastian Robins, who encouraged people to just come and ask them any question over coffee and donuts.

Season 1 of the series, which started in November last year, features 14 videos (released till the end of February) shared every week on the digital platform Vox, and on Facebook. It was conceptualised by Emmy-winning filmmaker Joshua Seftel (War, Inc., Queer Eye, This American Life) and Reza Aslan, a bestselling author and social commentator. Given the sensitive nature of the topic, it took Seftel almost five years to raise funds.

There are 3.3 million Muslims in the United States. I read a statistic that said that more than half of all Americans have an unfavourable view of Muslims. I feel its in part due to the negative and simplistic portrayal of Muslims in the media. We wanted to confront that, says Seftel. As a Jew, he recalls facing a fair amount of anti-Semitism while growing up.

The videos are humorous and short, less than five minutes each, to ensure they can be shared easily. Theres a power in short film; they dont take long to watch. And in my opinion, humour makes every story better. Its humanising, and a way of connecting with people on a visceral level, says Seftel. So far, the videos boast of an overall 13 million views.

While the show profiles American Muslims, the issues it covers have global resonance. Apart from individual stories, there are videos on wider topics  a beginners guide to hijab, one helpful rule for being a Muslim on the internet, etc. There are 1.7 billion Muslims in the world, yet were getting such a narrow set of stories about this vast and diverse group of people. Stories that help broaden this narrative are a good thing, says Seftel.

To watch the videos, visit vox.com or facebook.com/SecretlifeofMuslims

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Union minister Uma Bharti suggested on Friday that the men who raped two women off a national highway in Uttar Pradeshs Bulandshahr last year be punished publicly.

The minister for water resources also questioned the Samajwadi Party government for allowing bail to the accused. The region goes to the polls on Saturday and the BJP is fighting against the SP-Congress combine and the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Salt should be applied to their (accused) wounds to make them feel the pain, she said while addressing a public meeting here.

The rape had triggered nationwide outrage, especially over alleged police inaction when an emergency call was made, and was seen as a mark of deteriorating law and order under the SP administration.

The SP-Congress alliance is of two parties fearing defeat and has no seriousness. One has looted the state while the other has caused losses to the nation through scams, alleged Bharti.

She further said that the nation was divided on religious parameters during the Congress regime, but the BJP would not allow any further division.

Read| UP Election: In Mahabharat land, now a reserved seat, Dalits woo non-Dalits

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Congress has found a word to taunt Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Uttarakhand: mitron (friends). Its a word Modi uses often in his speeches.

The Congress has put up several posters with slogans starting with mitron across Haridwar in Uttarakhand, where Modi will address an election meeting on Friday.

The hill state votes on February 15 to elect 70 new MLAs and the BJP is trying to recreate what it calls Modi magic that helped it sweep all five parliamentary seats in 2014. The results will be declared on March 11.

Mitron ... Bhrastha bagiyon ke sang, yeh badlenge ab Uttarakhand (Friends, with the help of corrupt turncoats, they will now change Uttarakhand), read one Congress poster.

The Congress posters start with mitron and then rake up issues like demonetisation, farmer suicides and unemployment. The slogans end with ye badlenge ab Uttarakhand (Will such people change Uttarakhand?).

Minutes before Modi landed in the hill state, chief minister Harish Rawat also fired five questions to the Prime Minister who flaunts his 56-inch chest.

Congress leader and Uttarkhand chief minister Harish Rawat asks BJP five questions in party posters . (Congress handout photo)

Rawat called himself an ordinary son of Uttarakhand and sought to know why the Prime Minister had not apologised for imposing Presidents rule in the state.

The Centre had imposed Presidents rule in the state on March 27, arguing that the Rawat government lost majority when 9 rebel Congress MLAs voted against the state governments annual budget. A Supreme Court-ordered floor test in May helped the Congress regain power in Uttarakhand.

Who is your chief ministerial candidate? How will you provide a clean government with corrupt turncoats on your side? he asked.

The tactic of taking Modi by surprise with similar slogans and questions is a repeat of Bihar where chief minister Nitish Kumar did the same to the Prime Minister before his rally in Muzaffarpur. Kumar has raised a slogan,Jhanse mein na aayenge, Nitish ko jitayenge (We wont get duped, will make Nitish victorious).

Congress strategists said the idea behind the Haridwar posters was to raise uncomfortable questions that Modi allegedly avoids.

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-New militia groups, some "opportunists", others "downright criminal", have emerged in South Sudan since renewed violence erupted there last July, the head of an international ceasefire monitoring team said Friday.

Talking to the press in Nairobi, Festus Mogae, a former president of Botswana who leads the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), said these new rebel groups "did not exist before."

He also expressed fears of renewed ethnic violence.

Mogae said the new militias formed after violent clashes broke out in the region of the capital Juba, forcing more than 10,000 people to seek refuge at a UN base at the time.

"Some are opportunists, others are downright criminals, because of the shortage of food," Mogae said. "There are allegations that some groups are targeting Dinkas."

War broke out in South Sudan in December 2013, pitting the country's majority Dinka tribe of President Salva Kiir against his former vice-president Riek Machar and his Nuer tribe supporters.

Observers said it later metastasised with other tribes joining one side or the other, often with the hope of getting an upper hand in local conflicts over land and other issues.

A peace agreement signed two and a half years later raised hopes of an end to the conflict, but the deal's implementation lasted just over two months.

"The government of national unity is functioning with inadequate representation," Mogae said. "The government has to be more inclusive. It must include more of Riek Machar's people."

After its outbreak in Juba, the war was largely restricted to the northern states of Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei but in the past six months it has expanded into the southern Equatoria region surrounding Juba.

Ethnic killings also intensified, particularly in and around the southern town of Yei, pushing tens of thousands of people to seek refuge in neighbouring Uganda.

Dinka troops were accused of driving the atrocities, which drew the attention of the international community. It led UN experts in early December to report "ethnic cleansing" in several parts of South Sudan.

On Friday, Mogae described a complicated network of rebel groups with different agendas joining the conflict, evidence of the complexity of the civil war in South Sudan.

Some of the groups, said Mogae, are driven by revenge along ethnic lines, others feel marginalised and excluded by the peace deal, which largely brought together Kiir's Dinkas and Machar's Nuers.

The rest are simply criminals, he added, intent on looting humanitarian aid.

"This is why we are saying to the government: do something," Mogae said. "These people are nationals. The people of Equatoria are South Sudanese, they have legitimate grievances that the government must address."

South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but the conflict escalated into a humanitarian crisis where more than six million people -- half of South Sudan's population -- are in need of urgent aid, the United Nations has reported.

Humanitarian organisations expect this number to rise by 20 to 30 percent in 2017.

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It was central to the battles. between the cousins in the Mahabharat epic. But today, Hastinapur is witnessing a different kind of electoral battle - where Dalit candidates are competing with each other to woo non-Dalits.

And in that lies the paradox of a reserved seat.

While only Dalits can compete, it is the Dalit who is most popular among non-Dalits who has the edge in an electoral contest. B R Ambedkar has foreseen this eight decades ago and was uncomfortable with the fact that this would give, once again, power to the other communities - which is why he insisted on separate electorates, a demand Gandhi opposed.

Reserved seats are a good barometer to judge overall electoral mood - for in 2007, BSP won a majority of the 85 SC seats and in 2012, SP bagged the majority. To understand how politics in reserved seats is playing out in the UP elections, HT travelled with BSP candidate, Yogesh Verma, through the historic town of Hastinapur in Meerut district.

Tackling demographics

Sitting in a large SUV as he sets out on the campaign trail, Yogesh Verma reels off his electoral history. He had won on the BSP ticket in 2007. Internal rivals convinced Mayawati to drop his ticket in 2012. So he stood on a Peace Party platform, and came a close second. And that persuaded Behenji to consider him again.

Like all MLA candidates, Verma first explains the constituency demographics - 70,000 Dalits; 75,000 Muslims; 50,000 Gujjars; 22,000 Jats; 9000 Bengalis; 9000 Sikhs; 8000 or so Pals, Sainis, Prajapatis, Kashyaps, Yadavs and Tyagis each; 8000 Brahmins and a few thousand Thakurs. On the campaign trail, this is how most candidates frame their understanding of constituencies, and devise strategies.

Verma says that within Dalits, there are 60,000 Jatavs and 9,000 or so Valmikis. I am a Jatav and I am on BSP ticket. So most Dalits will vote for me in any case. The SP candidate is a Valmiki, the BJP candidate is a Khatik, and the RLD has unleashed an interesting experiment. They have put up the Dalit wife of a Gujjar man as candidate, hoping to win Gujjars by terming her as their daughter in law and Dalits as their daughter. Verma scoffs at this, All this will not work. Dalits are with Behenji.

Wooing the others

But the real battle is for other votes. And so that is why Vermas first stop is a Sikh dera - where he speaks about roads he had constructed as MLA, about the bridge that was not constructed by his successor. He then rushes to a Thakur village - and speaks of Mayawatis bhaichara committee and sarvajan samaj concepts meant to accommodate upper castes.

Behenji has leaders of other communities with her. So they are often deployed to reserved seats to work on their own community votes to convince them, explains Verma. So Mayawati aide Satish Chandra Mishra has been spending time in Brahmin pockets of reserved seats, senior leader Nasimuddin Siddiqui invests time with Muslims.

This Muslim vote is crucial to BSP success in this election, for it can sense that upper castes in west UP in particular may not vote for them and veer towards BJP.

So in Bali village, Verma is greeted by a crowd of Muslims. Dilshad Khan, a local leader, builds up the case for BSP. Under Akhilesh Yadav, Muzaffarnagar riots happened; under Mayawati, it did not. Under BJP and SP rule, Akhlaq happened; under Mayawati, it did not. He then cites the statements of Yogi Adityanath and Sakshi Maharaj to tell Muslims this is their moment to pay back. Verma echoes the slogans, and argues only BSP can defeat communalism.

Verma is billed as the favourite to win Hastinapur. A supporter says he is dabang, an aggressive candidate. He has wealth - when asked about his businesses, he replied, Property but not in my constituency. And he has demographics in his favour. But whether his success will extend to the partys overall success is the big question of UP 2017.

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Congress president Sonia Gandhi is likely to start campaigning in her Lok Sabha constituency of Rae Bareli next week even as the canvassing for the countrys keenly-watched assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh peaked ahead of the first phase of polling on Saturday.

Congress sources also indicated that her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will soon start canvassing for votes in the family pocket borough of Amethi, represented by her brother and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, and Rae Bareli.

Sonia, 70, has so far stayed away from campaigning in the five poll-bound states, the first time that she has chosen to do so after joining active politics in 1998. She skipped campaigning in Punjab and Goa, which went to polls on February 4, and is unlikely to canvass in the hill state of Uttarakhand, where polling will be held on February 15.

Read | Making way for Rahul? Sonia Gandhi misses Cong poll campaigns in Goa, Punjab

But on Thursday, the Congress president told reporters in the Parliament House Complex that she will be campaigning in her Lok Sabha constituency.

In the past few months, she has skipped the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on November 7 when as many as 32 members urged Rahul to assume the top party post.

She also stayed away from a Congress convention on demonetisation at Delhis Talkatora Stadium on January 11, giving 46-year-old Rahul the opportunity to chair the big party event.

The Congress has formed an alliance with the ruling Samajwadi Party to contest the assembly elections together in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress would contest 105 seats while the SP would fight in 298 seats in the state.

Read | Priyanka played key role in sealing Samajwadi Party-Congress pact

They reached the deal after several rounds of discussion. While the Congress wanted to take smaller allies like the RLD on board, the SP wanted alliance only with the Congress.

Sonia had to intervene and speak to chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on the phone as talks between the Congress and the SP seemed to fall out over seat-sharing. While the SP had offered 99 seats, the Congress continued to bargain for more.

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Issues from communal polarisation to development and demonetisation will be put to test as 73 of Uttar Pradeshs 403 assembly seats go to the polls on Saturday in the first of seven-phase elections.

The principal protagonists  from the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)  are hoping for a strong performance in the communally-charged western UP region, infamous for the murderous riots in 2013, so as to gather enough impetus for the later phases.

The UP elections are crucial for the BJP as they are being viewed as a mini-referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modis major decisions like demonetisation and the surgical strikes across the border in Pakistan. Incumbent chief minister Akhilesh Yadavs future is at stake as he eyes re-election after a bitter family feud. The Congress would hope for a good showing as it would help in arresting its shrinking footprint across the country.

Viewed by many as a semi-final to the 2019 general elections, UP is an acid test for all the principal players.

Read: Can the low-key Akhilesh Yadav win the high-stakes UP battle?

Electioneering in western UP has been divisive and often laced with communal overtones. In the fray are controversial BJP candidates such as Sangeet Som and Suresh Rana, both accused of involvement in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.

The BJP had swept the state in 2014 Lok Sabha polls with its allies, winning 73 of the 80 seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew into the region several times, canvassing for votes promising development and a continuing crackdown on corruption. On the ground, many party leaders are banking on the communal divide and aggressively pushing for polarisation of votes. Leaders such as Som have been campaigning on the plank of Hindu pride.

With voters reticent and no clear trends, the elections this time are expected to be close.

Bahut phansa hua chunaav hai bhaijaan (It is a very complex election, brother), says Khalid Chaudhury, a political activist.

Read: UP elections: Day before polls, a peek into the voters mind

As the BJP eyes the majority vote, the SP-Congress alliance is courting the minority vote to top up its traditional vote bank. The alliance is also banking on Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi  marketed as UP ke ladke  to connect with the young voters.

BSPs Mayawati has also spared no efforts in staking claim over the Muslim vote in addition to her traditional Dalit vote bank. Most of her 100 Muslim candidates will compete in the first two phases.

Political pundits were unanimous that with issues such as alleged Hindu exodus from UP towns, riots and triple talaq on the menu, there will be a strong element of polarisation. But the divide may not be as bad as in the aftermath of the 2013 riots.

That is holding out hope to smaller parties such as Ajit Singhs Rashtriya Janata Dal (RLD), which were swept aside in 2014. The party is hoping to stage a comeback, helped by the Jats disillusionment with the BJP, a party the community had overwhelmingly backed then.

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Some are calling it Tamil Nadus Game of Thrones or House of Cards but that does not explain the current political developments in the southern state.

This political soap does not have a predetermined script and is evolving on its own, with possible unseen mutations.

Come to think about it: It was only nine months ago that the AIADMK broke a 30-year anti-incumbency cycle to come to power and it seemed nothing could weaken J Jayalalithaas party. But then, five months ago Jaya herself fell ill and from there started the AIADMKs downward spiral. Two months ago things further nosedived when she passed away, and in the past week a revolt has broken out between Jayas aide VK Sasikala and her political lieutenant O Panneerselvam (OPS) for the chief ministers post and party leadership.

All this has been accompanied with the political melodrama that is now expected in Indian politics: Jayas spirit talks to OPS, party MLAs are bussed off to a resort, and, probably in a first, the governor was missing from action for a few days.

It is not sure how this will end, but one thing is clear  OPS will emerge as the victor. He will have the last laugh no matter which way the wind blows. The best case scenario for him is to become CM and leader the AIADMK, the worst is to break the party, stop Sasikala and in the process become a political heavyweight in Tamil Nadu.

Read | What makes Sasikala so powerful and indispensable for the AIADMK

Given this, its timely to look at the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats OPS faces.

Strength:

His soft-spoken image and a peoples leader approach have already won him tremendous goodwill among the people of Tamil Nadu. That he was Jayas choice for the CMs post while she was busy fighting legal cases works in his favour. He brings with him a fresh hands-on approach to governance, which is a welcome change from the caravan politics of both Jaya and M Karunanidhi, both former CMs.

Former Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalitha (right) with O Panneerselvam at the 57th National Development Council meeting, Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi (File Photo) (Arvind Yadav/HT)

Even if Sasikala wins this round, and is sworn in as CM, OPS, with the backing of the people will ride on an anti-Sasikala wave, which could be in the form of protests or dissent within the party.

Weakness:

OPS, unlike Sasikala, is not a first among equals within the AIADMK. Even if he wins the current battle and becomes party leader and CM, he will inherit a fractured AIADMK and a group of MLAs who do not owe their allegiance to him.

Read | Sasikala SWOT analysis: Can she retain AIADMK, win court cases?

He is not a formidable leader who commands the loyalty of the party machinery, and this could hamper his bargaining power while speaking with the Centre for the state. Tamil Nadu has seen strong leaders who were capable of bargaining with New Delhi from a position of power  OPS does not have that charisma.

OPS, many allege, has been encouraged to revolt by the BJP  he will have to work overtime to dismiss such allegations.

Opportunity:

OPS really has the chance to cast the AIADMK in a fresh mould and make it a party that is not a one-leader wonder. Both MGR and Jaya failed to develop leaders within the party, OPS can learn from their mistakes.

Read | Sasikala Natarajan: Jayalalithaas close aide, the power behind the throne

Not many Tamil Nadu leaders have enjoyed this level of support  it would then be a pity if he does not work towards changing the political discourse in the state.

For starters, he can bring in more democracy into the party, discontinue the mindless sycophancy that one equates AIADMK with and even put an end to the freebie culture, which is not helping the state.

Threats:

Sasikala will be his greatest threat in the near future. If OPS manages to cull out adequate numbers to reclaim the CMs post, expect Sasikala to rock his boat. This threat will increase if the Supreme Court acquits her in the DA case.

The Opposition too will make sure that OPS does not become a formidable challenger in the 2021 state polls.

Read | SC declines to urgently hear plea restraining Sasikala from becoming CM

OPS will have to work overtime to keep the party from disintegrating. OPS has showed glimpses of an able CM, but his leadership qualities are untested.

Whoever runs the AIADMK government for the next four years, one thing is sure: It will not be smooth sailing.

@VijuCherian

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Its been a while since actor Raima Sen expressed her desire to work in a biopic on her grandmother Suchitra Sen, but sadly nothing concrete has worked out. Following the infinite delay from the makers side, Raima says she has no clue when things will resume, if at all they do. The idea of the biopic came to this Bengali director when he approached me a few years ago. We were to shoot in Calcutta, because thats where my grandmother primarily worked. I also had a few meeting with the producers. Even though the script was ready, other characters were not in place.

Further revealing the reason why the film never shaped up as expected, Raima adds, I dont think the makers actually got anything together as such. Nothing was really locked at that point, so nothing could materialise. Also, the problem came when the film had to finally go on the floors. Since they didnt give me enough notice, by the time they called me to confirm, I had already started shooting for another project.

Clear that she didnt want to portray her grandmothers role just for the sake of it, she asserts, (Also) for my grandmothers film, I wanted to do extensive research and workshops. I didnt want to be in a hurry to do it. So maybe they got cheesed off and went to Vidya Balan to do this film.

In 2015, Raima confirmed that Vidya had turned down this biopic when she was offered the lead role. Recalling the incident she reveals, Vidya told the producers that only Raima can do this film and she even messaged me saying that I cannot take up this offer because I think only you can do it.

Despite all this, Raima says she is as keen as she was then, to be a part of this biopic if ever it gets made. If they resume work on this biopic in future, I would love to work with the same director. He was fabulous, so Im pretty sure that I want to do this biopic with him only.

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Actor Govinda, whose next film Aa Gaya Hero is slated for a March 3 release, is really miffed with director Karan Johar for releasing his own film, Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya, just a week later. Things were already not well between them since Karan did not invite him on the latest season of Koffee With Karan, and the clash of films is certainly not helping.

In an interview to Pinkvilla, Govinda made some strong comments, accusing Karan of nepotism and not being what he shows to the world. He has never called me in 30 years, he doesnt see actors who are not the part of his group and doesnt even say a hello, I doubt. Hes not that kind-hearted. Its a well-planned and smart move by Karan that hes releasing his film a week after mine. Mujhe woh kabhi seedha nahi lagta hai (He doesnt seem like an innocent person to me), he said.

Earlier, when Govinda voiced his displeasure on not being invited to Koffee With Karan, the host replied with a public apology: There was a talk of getting him on the show in between but things did not happen then. We had thought about it. It would be an absolute honour and privilege to have Govinda on the show. My apologies that he hasnt been (on the show) and he felt bad about it. There is no intention to hurt him. He is a terrific artist and a great movie star. I would love to call him. I will take a note and call him and I hope he accepts my invitation, Karan had said.

Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt with filmmaker Karan Johar during the trailer launch of their film Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya in Mumbai on Thursday. (PTI)

However, Govinda has clearly not bought that. He must have said that it would be a matter of national respect for him if he calls Govinda, but he is releasing Varuns film just a week after my film. He shows that hes very humble and innocent, but woh mujhe David se zyaada jealous and zyaada khatarnak lagta hai (He seems more jealous and dangerous than David Dhawan to me), he said.

Govinda took a jibe at Varun too recently when the young actor was compared to him at a press event. Ranveer Singh and Varun Dhawan both have a body like Salman Khan. But they cant say it. If they call themselves as Salman Khan, then they wont get films. They cant afford to be against Khan. This is how the filmy world works, he said.

How can he (Varun) be like me? To become Govinda, he needs to be innocent, uneducated and a poor village boy. Varun is already a son of a director. In the last six years, he hasnt done more than two films with his father, whereas I did 17 films with his father (David Dhawan), he added.

With inputs from IANS

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Bollywood is now waking up to the idea of spin-offs and prequels and Naam Shabana can be a very important film in this regard. Directed by Shivam Nair, Naam Shabana is going to track the life of Shabana (Taapsee Pannu), Akshay Kumars mostly silent but obedient junior officer in Baby.

Its about her training and backstory before she was used as honey-trap in Nepal against international criminal Wasim Khan (Sushant Singh). The 2-minute trailer looks sleek and says that she has been trained by the best for extremely dangerous covert operations.

We also get to see Danny Denzongpa and Manoj Bajpayee as her seniors who talk about her past life and how she can contribute for Indian secret services. In fact, Akshay Kumar also makes an appearance in the trailer which seems like a deleted scene from Baby.

Taapsee Pannu, who had an image changing film in last years Pink, is all set to impress us with her combat skills and terrific presence of mind as a secret agent.

Naam Shabana will hit the screens on March 31, 2017.
Apples list of demands for making in India has to be first passed by the GST council, said a top functionary in the ministry information technology.

Apples issue is that they are asking for sops at a time when India is facing a regime change in taxes. GST is still an evolving tax structure and the GST council has to see if they can incorporate the sops Apple is asking for under the new tax regime, the official said.

But revenue secretary Hasmukh Adhia, told HT that the government right now cannot give any exemption in terms of excise or service tax.

Read: Apples 10th anniversary iPhone 8 may support wireless charging

As far as excise and service tax is concerned there can be no exemption at this point as this will go into GST. The question is that by giving custom duty exemption you are going against Make-In-India, unless it is for importing parts. But then we should encourage all parts to be made in India otherwise it is assembly of a product, he said.

The government official also said that India might allow Apple to set up its refurbished iPhone facility in the country which Tim Cook had hinted at during his India visit last year. As long as they export the refurbished phones, we have no problems in allowing the facility, the official said.

Read: Apples 10th anniversary iPhone 8 to come with OLED displays

Earlier in December, reports and industry sources hinted that Apple was in talks with Taiwanese contract-manufacturer Wistron to assemble iPhones in a new plant that is being setup in the industrial area of Peenya in Bengaluru.

Apple is in talks with Wistron to start assembly in Peenya. The company is expected to start assembly first and then scale up slowly to complete knock down manufacturing as the demand arises, an industry source in the know of things, told HT. However, he had also said that assembly might not start in April next year but is more likely to start during the last quarter of 2017.

Read: Apple to come out with iPhone 7S in red colour before iPhone 8

Meanwhile, an inter-ministerial panel has been set up to look into Apples demands for starting manufacturing in the country. The panel has reserved its decision for now after a presentation was made by Apple on January 25.

Apple has a laundry list of demands that includes income tax holiday, subsidy on freight and other things. Apple might want MSIPS and other incentives to continue even after the introduction of the GST. It could also look at income-tax holiday in the country similar to China and Vietnam, an industry expert told HT.

Read: Apple chooses Wistron to make in India

However, another government official said that it might not be provided with special incentives. Apple has been looking for several duty and tax incentives for manufacturing handsets in India, but the government is unlikely to make any exception for one company, said a top official in one of the departments mentioned above. Speaking to HT on conditions of anonymity, the official said that any exception for the iPhone manufacturer will defeat the purpose of an integrated policy such as Make-in-India.

Apple Inc in a statement said that it was working hard to develop our operations in India.

We appreciate the constructive and open dialogue weve had with government about further expanding our local operations.
It takes more than just a boardroom coup to oust a companys chairman or chief executive, though Ratan Tata is different. It took him just one board meeting to remove Cyrus Mistry, then the chairman of Tata Sons, whose familys firm Shapoorji Palonji holds 18.4% in the Tata Group.

But inside Infosys, the Vishal Sikka episode, despite having many similarities with what happened to Mistry, is shaping up to be a different story. Sikka is the CEO of Infosys, who has been at loggerhead with its founders.

The fundamentals of the Sikka versus Infosys founders, including the formidable NR Narayana Murthy, draws parallels from the Tata-Mistry boardroom battle, over issues of governance, disclosure norms, and transparency. And there is more  the founders have raised concern over Sikkas compensation, and Rs 17-crore severance package paid to Rajiv Bansal, Infosys former chief compliance officer.

Experts, too, agree that the battle is somewhat panning out in a similar fashion. The founders (like in Tata, where it was the family) sees that it their right to interfere, make comments, and direct the way the business should be done, said Kavil Ramachandran, Thomas Schmdiheiny chair professor of family business and wealth management, Indian School of Business.

However, in Infosys case, the founders do not enjoy the power that Tata had. The founders all combined hold 12.75% stake. In Tata Sons, Tata Trusts holds 66% stake  of which Ratan Tata is the chairman.

This is not how it was in the beginning. A person who knows both Sikka and Murthy said that in the initial years, Murthy was along Sikkas side and advised him. Perhaps, Sikka didnt pay much heed to those advises, the source said, resulting in the clash.

To a financial daily, Murthy said that since Infosys was founded, till October 14, 2014, when he left, we strove to be best governed company in India, but after June 1, 2015, there has been a concerning drop in governance standards.

Murthy raises questions on payment of huge severance packages (with 100% variable component), and on transparency. In the interview he also said that other founders and stellar former employees, such as Mohandas Pai are disappointed.

The source quoted above that the battle between Sikka and Murthy is more of an ideological fight, where the founder wants the company to be run in a particular fashion.

There will always be differences in how an organisation can be run and this is expected all the more when founders are no more at the helm. Separating ownership from control is one of the long-standing battles for founders and latter raising concerns post stepping down from the helm is both correct and expected, said Sanchit Vir Gogia, CEO and chief analyst of Greyhound Research.

Sikka doesnt agree. In a letter to his employees, he said ignore all speculations about governance.

Unlike the Tata-Mistry case,where Tata enjoys the support of the board, Murthy doesnt. The Board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Dr. Vishal Sikka and is very appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation, said R. Seshasayee, chairman of the Board in a statement.

The board is the ultimate delegated power. So long you are on the board, you can participate... He might have to get back on the board to exercise he powers, said Ramachandran. Washing dirty linen in public is creating confusion, thats exactly what happened with the Tata-Mistry episode.

Murthys comments, few take with a pinch of salt.

These are claims, but the feedback is different from a majority shareholder... It is a cultural battle. It is a good question to ask why Rajiv Bansal was paid Rs 17 crore, but the decision is a management decision, said Jessie Paul, former marketing head of Wipro, who runs the marketing firm Paul Writer.

She adds that the drivers of dispute in Infosys, on the face of it is the same as Tata. The allegations, too, are similar, said Paul, but the board composition is different. In Tatas case, he was an insider.

While this is just the beginning of another boardroom battle between founders and management, Infosys might risk losing its good employer and best governed company image.

Companies dont want negative attention. The imagery built over decades go through a bit of a drubbing. They avoid unless it is unavoidable -- In both Tata-Mistry and Infosys this was inevitable, said brand expert Harish Bijoor of Harish Bijoor Consultants.

Murthy stepped down, and trusted Sikka to run the company. Ramachandran said that after he stepped down, you are just a shareholder. Then while running, you say that you are not running it the right way. That is not fair.

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Eyeing a contract for IAFs single-engine fighter jets, Swedish defence giant Saab on Friday said it will set up in India one of the most advanced aircraft production facilities globally if its Gripen E multi-role jet wins the deal.

Top Saab officials said the company has already finalised a blueprint for setting up the hub which will manufacture Gripen E for India and the global market besides having separate facilities to design, develop, modify and enhance new fighters for the future.

The government has already issued request for information (RFI) to procure a fleet of single-engine fighters for IAF and US defence from Lockheed Martin, which will be a major competitor for Saab for the deal.

Lockheed Martin has offered to completely shift F-16 production line to India for manufacture of the fighters.

Kent-Ake Molin, director of sales and marketing of Gripen, projecting Gripen E as the best multi-role fighter for IAF, said the aircraft manufacturing hub conceived by Saab for India will be the most modern facility in the world with a major focus on technology transfer.

Saab is also looking at supplying the Indian Navy a naval version of Gripen with advanced features and capability to take off from aircraft carriers.

The new E version of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen E multirole fighter was rolled out at the SAAB in Linkoping in Sweden (Reuters file photo)

Asked whether technology transfer would be difficult as Gripen jet engine has components developed by US defence majors, particularly under Donald Trumps presidency, Molin said there was no reason to worry and concerns regarding the issue are misplaced.

He said Indias light combat aircraft has US components and any such issues will be resolved.

Saab had offered Gripen for the Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft deal which was eventually awarded to French Dassaults Rafale.

Molin said the facility for India would include a dedicated Gripen Design Centre, a major production facility equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies and robotics systems, a radar and sensor centre, final assembly plus test and verification centres, among others.

It will also have repair and overhaul and design services, he said, adding the fighter technology ecosystem would support the full spectrum of production capabilities for India, including parts manufacturing and subassembly.
EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini warned Donald Trump's administration Friday not to "interfere" in European politics, in an apparent reference to the US president's praise of Brexit.

"We do not interfere in US politics... And Europeans expect that America does not interfere in European politics," said Mogherini, who is wrapping up her first visit to Washington since Trump took office.

Mogherini held her first meetings with Trump's administration on Thursday at a moment of uncertainty for trans-Atlantic ties.

While the new US leader has toned down some of his criticism of America's NATO allies since his election, he has shown no enthusiasm for the 28-member European Union and has praised Britain's decision to leave the bloc.

"The unity of the European Union, I believe, is more evident today than it was some months ago," Mogherini said Friday.

"The UK will stay a member state of the European Union for another two years at least... And it will not be able to negotiate any trade agreement bilaterally with any third country."

According to some media reports, Trump has tipped as the next US ambassador to the EU businessman Ted Malloch, who has ruffled feathers with anti-EU comments.

Last week in the German and British press, for instance, Malloch reportedly said that Brexit was a harbinger of the EU's eventual disintegration, and has in the past compared the bloc to the Soviet Union.

Mogherini said she had been told "there is no decision taken and no specific name considered at this point" concerning Washington's next top diplomat to Brussels.

The EU, she added, was not an institution, but rather a "union of 28 member states, still 28, and 28 for quite some months ahead of us."

Trump's election dismayed many European leaders, who see him as dangerously naive about the threat posed by Russia and fear his victory will inspire Europe's own far-right populist parties.

"Europeans feel and believe that their interest are better protected and promoted through our union," Mogherini said.

"The European Union is here to stay."

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Infosys Ltds founders, led by NR Narayana Murthy, are unhappy with the boards willingness to be flexible and generous with the variable pay of chief executive officer Vishal Sikkas $11 million compensation, adding to their long list of grievances.

Mint learns this may well be the reason for what recent media reports have described as a souring of the relationship between the board and the founders. These reports, while mentioning some of the older grievances, ignored the immediate trigger.

Over the last three months, the founders have expressed their discomfort at suggestions made by some board members to offer a higher component of variable pay to Sikka, according to two executives familiar with the development.

Infosyss non-executive chairman R Seshasayee is believed to be of the view that a decision on variable pay should take into consideration the fact that all outsourcing companies are struggling for growth. The thinking in the board is that it is all right to give a higher proportion of variable pay to Sikka even if Infosys fails to achieve the growth target for the year ending March.

Read | Infosys founders at odds with chairman R. Seshasayee

An Infosys spokesperson said, The Nominations and Remuneration Committee will evaluate the CEOs variable compensation at the end of the fiscal year based on the companys performance.

Murthy did not respond to an email seeking comment.

The founders are worried and have told Seshasayee and other members of the board that the employment contract (with Sikka) should be administered as per the way it has been structured, said the first executive on condition of anonymity. The board believes that since the entire industry has run into a problem, some flexibility with regards to variable pay can be made. This is something the founders are not very happy with.

Last year, Infosyss board rewarded Sikkas with a higher compensation of $11 million a year, up from the earlier $7.08 million. Under this revised compensation agreement, $8 million of Sikkas pay is based on Infosyss performance this year. The board linked this higher annual compensation to the progress Infosys makes in achieving the target of becoming a $20 billion firm by March 2021.

Infosys has not disclosed the annual targets upon completion of which Sikka stands to get full variable salary. But as the management expects to report at-best 7.6% dollar revenue growth in the current fiscal, Infosys will end with $10.22 billion in revenue at the end of March 2017. This will mean Infosys has to double its revenue in the coming four years if it hopes to achieve its target.

Given the market scenario and the companys performance, Mint learns that senior executives (those at the rank of associate vice-president and above) at Infosys stand to make less than 30% of the variable pay component of their total compensation. If Sikka is paid 30% of the $8 million in variable pay, or $2.4 million, he will earn $5.4 million this year. This is considerably less than his last years compensation of $7.45 million, higher than the promised $7.08 million, as Infosys reported industry-leading 9.1% dollar revenue growth.

Last month, the board of Infosys inducted director DN Prahlad, a relative of Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy, into the nomination and remuneration committee (NRC) that oversees the nomination process and the incentives and pay offered to its senior-most executives.

Some directors are of the view that it is fine to award a higher variable pay component, said the first executive. Sure, Prahlad was inducted in the NRC to make sure the contract is administered correctly, but it is a moot point if Prahlad alone can help in administering the contract because the board may override him.

The Infosys board will take into account the performance of the outsourcing industry before deciding on the compensation, Seshasayee has previously said.

(The article has been published in arrangement with Livemint.com)
For a state that prides itself as amongst the safest for women, Nagalands record in electing them to office is an embarrassment. There has never, in the 53 years since it became a state, been a woman MLA and only one woman, the late Rano Mese Shaiza, has ever made it to Parliament, back in 1977.

Nagalands tribal bodies  male-dominated obviously  say its not their culture to have women in public life. We respect our mothers and sisters, but as per our customs, we dont allow them to have political powers, Vekhosayi Nyekha an activist who is spearheading an anti-reservation movement told Hindustan Times correspondent Utpal Parashar.

Nonsense, says Rosemary Dzuvichu, an adviser to the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), the states largest grassroots womens organisation. We were very supportive of the Naga movement and played an important part in the peace process.

Read | Nagaland civic polls, opposed by tribal groups, declared null and void

Dzuvichu points out that the NMA is only asking for 33% reservation while the rest of the country is already talking about 50%. Naga women are ready for electoral politics. But the men are unwilling to see that.

Nagaland enjoys special status under Article 371(A), which ensures no Act of Parliament shall apply to Nagaland in relation to religious or social practices of the Nagas. In other words, the 74th Constitutional amendment, under which 33% seats in panchayats and local bodies are reserved for women, has never applied to the state because it apparently goes against Naga custom.

How the urban local bodies qualify as customary institutions is anybodys guess. But in the past 16 years there has been no election to them. The womens groups insist on reservation. But the tribal bodies remain adamant about not sharing power. Without reservation, women will simply not be given the opportunity to compete.

Read | Men are afraid of us: Nagalands mothers body fights for survival amid quota clamour

Why not? Because, says Monalisa Changkija, a poet who is the proprietor, publisher and editor of Nagaland Page, sharing power will give women a voice in how development funds are utilised. In a state that does not allow women to own or inherit land, how will this play out? Empowering women has an economic connotation. This is what the men fear, she says.

With neither side willing to concede, the women went to the courts. In 2011, the Kohima bench of the Gauhati high court ruled in favour of reservations  a judgment upheld by a 2016 Supreme Court interim order, directing the state to hold the elections with 33% reservation.

Elections were announced for February 1 and 30 women were set to contest unopposed with another 100 women declaring their intention to fight, says Dzuvichu. Then the protests began.

Read | Clash of traditional values and women empowerment

Two men dead, several more injured, government buildings burnt and an indefinite bandh is what remains. Internet services are down and government has not functioned since the unrest began. The elections are on hold and the tribal bodies want the state government to pressurise the Centre to exempt Nagaland from reservation.

There is also, says Dzuvichu, pressure on the NMA to withdraw the court cases. I have received death threats and am in hiding, she tells me on the phone from an undisclosed location.

How does such blatant patriarchy and obvious injustice pass without much comment in a world where every sexist utterance by male politicians sparks social media outrage? In many ways, the tragedy of Nagaland is the fact that this incredibly brave fight for gender justice remains largely ignored by the rest of India, as if somehow Naga women are lesser citizens, less deserving of the rights and aspirations being articulated throughout the country by women fighting triple talaq or for their right to enter temples.

Read | Nagaland to miss out on central grants to the tune of Rs 140 crore for not holding municipal polls

It will be a travesty of our democratic values if Naga women do not get what is guaranteed to women elsewhere in India. It will be a mockery of rule of law if muscle and lumpenism is allowed to prevail. Tradition and custom can never be an excuse to deny citizens their due. If Nagaland is an integral part of India, then the rights available to the rest of us apply there too.

Namita Bhandare is gender editor, Mint

The views expressed are personal

@namitabhandare

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The Connaught Place Restaurants Association might approach the court against New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) decision to shut down the rooftop sections of 21 open-air restaurants in Connaught Place.

The sealed establishments include My Bar Headquarters, Warehouse Cafe in D-block, The Vault Cafe in F-block, Kinbuck-2 and Kitchen Bar in C-block, Lord of the Drinks, Open House Cafe, Jungle Jamboree, Boombox Cafe, Farzi Cafe, House of Commons, Hotel Palace Heights, Office Canteen Bar, Luggage Room, Cafe OMG, Unplugged Courtyard, Barbeque Nation, TC Bar & Restaurant, Teddy Boy Restaurant and The Niche Restaurant and Cafe Public Connection.

Priyank Sukhija, president of the association, told HT that they will move court if required.

The NDMC took commercial taxes from us for the rooftop areas too. We will meet the council chairperson and tell him our side of the story before resorting to legal action. This is not done. Two separate set of rules cant apply. On one side, the NDMC is organising the open-air Palate Fest at Nehru Park. On the other hand, we are being penalised, he said.

This sealing of rooftops of these establishments by the NDMC had come last Friday after part of a building in CPs C Block collapsed last week, raising concerns about the safety of buildings at one of Delhis favourite shopping destinations.

Council officials claim that these open-air restaurants have been running for years without permission. The chief architects office had sent showcause notices to these for misuse of premises under sections 250 and 252 of the NDMC Act, 1994. According to an official, the council prohibits use of terrace and balconies in these heritage buildings for commercial activities.

The NDMC has already formed a six-member panel, comprising structural safety experts from IIT-Delhi, to ascertain the reason behind the roof collapse.

Constructed in 1933, Connaught Place was named after Duke of Connaught (Arthur, son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert) to honour him on his visit to Delhi. In 2007, the CP redevelopment was kicked off as a pilot project with the facade restoration of C Block. It was scheduled for completion ahead of the Commonwealth Games in October, 2010. However, it could be finished only in 2013, after missing a series of deadlines and escalation of cost from Rs 76 crore to Rs 671 crore.

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The commuting woes of commuters may increase from Monday with cab drivers threatening to step-up their agitation and auto-drivers planning to launch a similar strike against mobile-based cab aggregators.

Hundreds of cab drivers on Friday staged a protest against cab aggregators Ola and Uber at Jantar Mantar and threatened a bigger strike from Monday if their demands were not met.

The drivers demanded that fares for rides be increased from the existing Rs 6 per kilometer, which is far lower than Rs 16 per km (for air-conditioned cabs)the minimum fare prescribed by the Delhi government for radio taxis.

Read more: Residents suffer as Uber, Ola cabbies go on strike

Data available with the Delhi transport department showed that the city had around 45,000 registered cabs, with officials estimating that the number of cabs plying on roads to be anywhere between 1 and 1.5 lakh.

Our fares are lesser than auto rickshaws which charge Rs 8 per km. We also have to pay 25% commission to the company. We are left with only around Rs 5,000 after that. Monday is going to be the biggest strike ever by cab drivers where no commercial taxi would be allowed to ply, said Kamaljeet Gill, president of the cab drivers association, while sitting on an indefinite hunger strike.

Read more| Ola, Uber strike hits Delhi commuters, drivers say bigger protest on Monday

Fridays protest, led to shortage of cabs in the city due to which cab aggregators enforced surge pricing for every ride. First, I did not get any cab for 5 minutes which is unusual. When I finally got one, the fare was 12 times the normal, said Rachita, who had to take a cab from Lajpat Nagar to Noida.

The protest found support from a section of auto rickshaw unions too. We wont ply our autos on Monday in support of the cab drivers. Action must be taken against Ola and Uber, said Sanjay Chawla, president, Delhi Adarsh Auto Chalak Sangh. However, Rajendra Soni, of Auto Rickshaw Sangh, said their faction wont support the strike.

Sharif Ahmed, a driver with Uber said that initially a lot of incentives were given to lure them. But the bonuses have reduced. Uber has stopped incentives for 80% of its drivers in the past two weeks. Earlier, we used to get Rs 1,000 per extra trip as incentive which later came down to Rs 275. The incentive has been stopped completely now, he said.

Two leaders from an association of cab drivers, Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi, also sat on a hunger strike on Friday in protest. Drivers claim that the meagre fares make it difficult for them to even pay the installments on their car loans. Working hours is another issue raised by them.

They (Ola/Uber) have given us such big targets that we have to work 24 hours almost, said Hira Singh, who has been driving for Uber for two years.

Read more| Is it end of road for ride-sharing by Uber and Ola, over safety, legality debate?

While Ola refused to comment on the strike, Uber issued a statement saying the strike was an isolated incident. A small group of people are disrupting the Uber service in parts of Delhi, and there have been isolated reports of threats and intimidation. We are working hard to ensure reliable rides are available for everyone and we can keep the city moving, an Uber spokesperson said.

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Traced two years after they had run away from their homes to live together, Radhika and Kalpana (name changed) are fighting a tough battle with their parents who want them separated. But during their two-year stay in Jaipur, the two young women had a guardian angel in the form of their landlord who risked his own relationship with his wife to ensure they could live together, say police.

Residents of Delhis Swaroop Nagar and Rajasthans Bharatpur respectively, Radhika and Kalpana fled their homes in November 2014 as they did not believe their parents would approve of their relationship.

Having landed jobs in Jaipur, they posed as sisters while looking out for a flat on rent. For the first few months they were able to pass off as sisters, but their landowner soon learnt the truth about their relationship.

But that man was a sensitive person and he sympathised with them. He helped them in his own little ways, but that was not liked by his wife. That created friction between the two and it ended with the women being asked to vacate the house, said a senior Delhi Police officer, who was investigating Radhikas disappearance.

When the two women were struggling to find another accommodation, the landlord secretly decided to help them find a place. He stayed in touch with the women over phone to ensure they did not face any more trouble.

Back in Delhi, meanwhile, a police team under Swaroop Nagar SHO, Bharat Ram, recently began investigating some old kidnapping cases. When they looked into Radhikas kidnapping case, they found she had changed her mobile phone number.

But police had the IMEI number of the phone she had continued using by inserting another SIM card in it. Among the people Radhika was found to be in contact with, one turned out to be her landlord. The police called him up early this week and compelled him to disclose everything about Radhika as a kidnapping case had been registered after her disappearance.

While the Delhi Police officers say their role in the case is almost over, some investigators said they would keep a watch on the lives of the two. Radhikas three brothers are very angry (with the developments). Though the two families have not used any force on the women, we will remain alert to ensure they are not under threat, said a senior police officer.
A priest who had moved the Delhi High Court seeking to debar his two sisters from performing pooja at Sri Kalkaji temple here and claiming a share in the offerings, has agreed to a temporary arrangement to pay Rs 6 lakh each to his sisters from the offerings collected.

The priest agreed to pay the money from the offerings collected during the pooja sewa from February 7 to March 7.

Earlier, a local court had allowed the sisters plea to perform pooja in the temple and to realise the income from offerings for the 30 days period.

This was challenged by the priest through advocate BL Wali, who said that as per customs prevalent from time immemorial, pooja and sewa at the temple are being performed by the male lineal descendants and not by married daughters.

The priest had contended that after marriage, his sister did not remain members of their fathers family, their gotra has changed and they belonged to the family of their respective husbands.

Justice JR Midha on Friday agreed to the interim arrangement between the priest and his sisters but expressed displeasure at the way the temple was managing the rush of people.

There is only a fraction of a second for a person to view the deity. Within that time, there should be no obstruction between devotees and God. But here, the fraction of a second is not unobstructed. I go to that temple too, the judge said.

This court is of the view that the darshan of the deity to the devotees should be managed in a systematic manner as is being done in other temples, the judge remarked adding, In Vaishno Devi shrine, two single person lines are permitted and each devote is permitted an unobstructed darshan.

The court told the priest and the counsel to take cue from Jhandewalan temple, which have separate lines from different directions and one unobstructed darshan from a distance available to the devotees.

As the arrangement of darshan is looked after by Kalkaji police station, the court directed the SHO, along with the counsel appearing for the priest, to visit Jhandewalan temple to suggest systematic darshan to the devotees.

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Senior journalist, television commentator and interviewer Karan Thapar will be honoured with the GK Reddy memorial award for journalism for the year 2016.

Founder and convener of TSR foundation T Subbarami Reddy said the members of the foundation had unanimously decided to bestow the GK Reddy memorial Award on Thapar, who hosts a daily show on India Today TV and is a weekly columnist for Hindustan Times.

The TSR foundation award committee works under the chairmanship of Karan Singh (MP), and has Anand Sharma (MP), Kantha GK Reddy and T Subbarami Reddy as its members.

The GK Reddy award consists a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a gold medal and a special trophy.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi will present the award to Thapar at a function that will be presided over by Karan Singh, chairman of the award committee. Anand Sharma will be the guest of honour at the event.

The GK Reddy Award was instituted in the memory of distinguished journalist GK Reddy.
Promoting the use of green energy in the city, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Power Trading Corporation India Ltd. to establish the first municipal solar energy plant in city. It will have the capacity to generate 2.5 MW of electricity.

The plant will be established at 9.42 acres of land in Ferozpur Village (Faridabad) which is leased out for a period of 25 years. The land belongs to the unified Municipal Corporation and lying unutilised for years as the hot mix plant constructed here became defunct. So the corporation decided to use the place for establishing solar plant, said a senior SDMC official.

The project will cost 1,187 lakh. Out of this, 70 % amount would be raised through loan by the SDMC and the remaining 30 % will be contributed equally by SDMC and PTC Ltd.

To run the project, a team would be constituted for execution, operation of the project and include officials from both the agencies. As per agreement, after 25 years the whole plant will belong to the SDMC.

The solar plant will help in reducing the emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by approximately 3000 tonnes per year and restricting the use of coal to generate electricity, said Puneet Goel, commissioner, EDMC.

Goel stated that the project will be a win-win opportunity for the Corporation in every sense. It will help the SDMC to earn 16 % internal rate of return on the capital (148 lakh) invested as part of its portion, annually. Apart from this, the SDMC will also earn  7.26 lakh per annum through leasing of its land for the project, he said.

The electricity generated from the project will be sold to consumers (possibly to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) by PTC and the profit will be shared equally between the PTC and SDMC.

We could have utilised the electricity at our schools but the site is 20 km away from Delhi and it will involve lot of expenditure in supplying the electricity, said SDMC official.

The land lying idle for the past many years might be encroached if not utilised, said Subhash Arya, leader of house, SDMC. Apart from establishing solar plant here, we will also look into the option of using the vacant portion here for agriculture purposes based on modern techniques, he said.

Ajit Kumar, director, PTC said, It is just a starting. We will provide all technical, financial and managerial support to the corporation in making the project successful.

SDMC has also chalking out plan to establish another such solar plant at Gummanhera. Besides it is also working with PTC to install roof top Solar Power generation plant in schools and SDMC buildings.
Two women run away from their families, hoping for a life together. Two years later, they stare at forced separation.

The couple, aged 22 and 24, was in a relationship and escaped from their homes in Delhi and Rajasthan, respectively, in November 2014. On Wednesday, Delhi Police traced them to Jaipur where they have been living together for two years.

No one is willing to spell out if the two women were lovers but in a country where same-sex union is a legal offence and social taboo, these relationships are often shrouded in secrecy and shame.

Last year, two Mumbai women attempted suicide after their parents forbade the relationship. One of them died.

The Struggle Nov 5, 2014: The 24-year-old woman escapes from her home in Rajasthans Bharatpur and leaves for Delhi. Nov 6, 2014: The 22-year-old woman leaves her home and joins her partner. Nov 9, 2014: The two women land in Jaipur and look for jobs. Feb 5, 2017: The Delhi Police learn that the couple is living in Jaipur. Feb 8, 2017: The two women are found and brought to Delhi. The second woman is produced before a magistrate. Feb 9, 2017: Families say they have agreed to return home.

In the current case, the Delhi and Rajasthan womens parents  who filed kidnapping cases with local police stations-- are now persuading them to abandon the partner and return home.

Both the families are happy that our daughters have been found. We sat them down and convinced them to return to their own homes and find work, the 22-year-olds father told HT on Thursday.

But the women have told the police, the court and their parents that they intend to continue the relationship and stay together.

I want to live my entire life with her. I do not want to go back to my own home, the 22-year-old later told the magistrate.

The police say their role in the case is almost over but some officials caution that they would need to keep a watch on the families.

The 22-year-olds three brothers are angry. Though the two families havent used any force, we will remain alert to ensure they arent under threat, said a senior police officer.

The 22-year-old lived in northwest Delhi and was a student at Delhi University. She met the other woman  a resident of Bharatpur in Rajasthan  during a childhood visit to her uncles home in the same city.

Their relationship soon blossomed and sources said they would talk for hours over the phone when away from each other, and look for opportunities to meet.

Our families thought we were in a bad relationship. So, we decided to leave our homes to live together and build our own careers, the 22-year-old told the magistrate.

On November 5 last year, the 24-year-old escaped from her Bharatpur home and reached Delhi, where her partner was waiting. The next day, they headed out to Rishikesh and Dehradun before landing in Jaipur.

They spent the next few days looking for jobs, police said, but were lucky as the 22 year-old found work as an accountant with a private firm and the other landed a job as a telecaller.

Introducing themselves as sisters, they took a flat on rent. But their families and police continued their search. The two families were initially clueless about who had kidnapped the women, but later began suspecting each others role in it, said an investigator.

Delhi Police traced the 22-year-old using her mobile phones IMEI number. A police team sent to Jaipur was informed by the women that they had left their homes on their own and were not kidnapped.

The 22-year-old was asked to accompany the police to Delhi as her statement would be recorded before a magistrate. Her partner decided to accompany her.

Once they reached the Capital, police said the 22-year-old was emotional when meeting her family but refused to separate from her partner.

When the 24-year-old had to return to Bharatpur to deal with legal formalities, the 22-year-old insisted on accompanying her. The parents of the 22-year-old went along.
Around 150 students, and their parents, of Government Girls/Boys Senior Secondary School, Shahbad Dairy, on Friday blocked Bawana Road on Friday to protest against constant threat and harassments that the students were being subjected to.

The protesters, armed with posters that read Open our school, and shouting slogans like Fulfill our demands, sat on the Bawana Road and blocked traffic for one hour.

A teacher points to a hanging tubelight from the plaster-less ceiling of the Government Girls/Boys Senior Secondary School at Shahbad Dairy. The school building was declared dangerous last year. (Sushil Kumar/HT Photo)

The protesters said last year, the government found the school building unsafe. Officials later divided the 8,000 students of this school and shifted them to another government school in Pul Prahlad Pur, 3km away.

Read: Govt to focus on creative learning outcomes, newer schools this year

Ever since the shifting, protesters alleged, students  both boys and girls  who shifted from Shahbad Dairy were being constantly beaten up and verbally abused by the students at the Pul Prahlad Pur school.

The Shahbad Dairy school underwent repairs and was rebuilt in 2012. But, within three years it was declared unsafe, after a student was injured due to electrocution and the building started developing cracks.

The dilapidated building of the the Government Girls/Boys Senior Secondary School at Shahbad Dairy. After the building was declared dangerous last year, the students had to be shifted to another school in Pul Prehladpur. (Sushil Kumar/HT Photo)

We are tired of this. Everyday our children are being beaten. The students of Pul Prahlad Pur school even whip out countrymade pistols and threaten our kids. When we try to complain, the principal tells us that the fight happened outside the school premises and he can do nothing about it, said the mother of a Class IX student who was beaten up and sustained injuries to his head.

Another Class 7 student, Sandeep Giri, added, They do not let us study. For the mischief that they do, students of Shahbad Dairy are blamed.

The dilapidated building of the the Government Girls/Boys Senior Secondary School at Shahbad Dairy. After the building was declared dangerous last year, the students had to be shifted to another school in Pul Prehladpur. (Sushil Kumar/HT Photo)

Ever since the Shahbad Dairy school shifted, the Pul Prahlad Pur school has been working in two shifts  mornings for girls and evenings for boys.

They (Pul Prahlad Pur school students) blame us and say that because of us they had to be shifted to the evening batch from the morning, said Umesh, a Class 11 student.

Most Delhi government schools run in two shifts morning for girls, evening for boys.

Read: South Delhi schools fail the test: Govt finds them ill-equipped for emergencies

The students also alleged that they had to walk all the way to their new school on the main highway and no buses stopped for them.

We are poor people and cannot afford private transport. After our kids started being attacked, the parents come and drop and pick them up, which means spending more money, said Satwanti, whose two sons study in the school.

Parents and students of the Shahbad Dairy school at a protest march on Friday. (Sushil Kumar/HT Photo)

The protesters said that their woes might not end anyime soon as renovation of the Shahbad Dairy School has not even started.

The students said despite repeated attempts, neither the government neither nor the local MLA had done anything to help them, forcing them to take the protest path.

Teachers of both the schools acknowledged that there was a problem.

The problem started due to the shifting. The school is facing a problem of overcrowding, said a senior teacher of the Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, Pul Prahlad Pur.

Meanwhile, Atishi Marlena, advisor to education minister Manish Sisodia, said that demolition of the school building will begin soon and acknowledges the delay.

As per financial norms, there is a definite period of time before which a demolition of any building can take place. The permission for demolition has to be obtained from five to six departments. As the building is being demolished beforehand, a vigilance enquiry against the engineers also has to be initiated. This school was built just in 2012, so the delay took place. Now the clearance for the demolition has been obtained, so the process will start soon, Marlena said.

Aware about the complaints of violence, she said that the government is thinking of asking parents to intervene. We will soon bring the school management committee members of both the schools together and ask them to find solutions to this violence. From the administrative point of view, the principal actually doesnt have control over things that happen outside the school premises, she said.

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A partial police shutdown over unpaid wages put Rio de Janeiro on edge Friday, sparking fears of chaos similar to that seen in a neighboring state where police are in revolt and criminals have run amok.

Morale among street police is low as a result of nearly bankrupt Rio state's inability to pay full wages, as well as brutal crime fighting that has seen more than 3,000 officers killed in Rio since 1994 -- a casualty rate exceeding that of US troops in World War II, according to a recent study.

Police, who are classified as military, are barred by the constitution from going on strike or demonstrating.

To get around that law, female relatives of officers blocked the entrances to several Rio police bases, including the elite Shock Battalion -- and personnel made no effort to come out.

"We're demonstrating to demand police get their rights back, especially security, payment of salaries on time, and better equipment, not weapons that are out of order and cars that are not maintained," said a woman outside the 6th Battalion station.

The woman, who like other protesters did not want to be identified, said her husband had been killed on duty last year.

"We've had enough!" said another police widow helping blockade the station. "They don't get salaries, they don't have money, they don't even have what they need to work."

There and at the imposing Shock Battalion headquarters, women prevented cars and anyone in uniform from exiting.

"If you come in, we won't let you leave," one woman warned two thick-set policemen returning to base with rifles and other combat gear carried by Shock Battalion troopers. They meekly agreed, while two others who attempted to leave with uniforms in their bags offered no resistance when told to go back in.

Police authorities said in a statement that protests were taking place outside 27 of Rio's 100 police stations, with five reported by Globo television as blockaded. Spokesman Major Ivan Blaz told journalists that "95 percent" of officers were working as normal and that the city was secure.

The limited shutdown was modeled on a larger shutdown in the neighboring state of Espirito Santo where relatives of police blockaded all stations one week ago, plunging the state into chaos.

Despite the dispatch of federal army troops, more than 120 people have been reported killed amid looting and robbery.

Tension remained high Friday after authorities said they had run out of patience and were filing rebellion charges against more than 700 police officers who had refused to leave their bases. Schools and bus services remained closed.

Espirito Santo police want a pay raise. In Rio the main demands are payment of 2016's final salary and overtime, including for working extra during the Olympic Games in August.

Rio is in dire financial straits and the corruption-plagued state is having to implement austerity measures to qualify for a federal bailout. On Thursday, Shock Battalion riot police, using tear gas and stun grenades, fought for hours against opponents to the privatization of the state water utility.

Given that the city is already gripped by a violent struggle between drug gangs and police, rumors that officers would refuse to work, as in Espirito Santo, sent ripples of fear.

Messages widely shared on social media warned parents to keep their children out of school and to stay indoors. Newspaper front pages Friday were filled with headlines like "Rio's Hell" and "Rio ungoverned."

Rio state security chief Roberto Sa told local station RJTV that while protesters had a point, "16 million people cannot be held hostage, at risk of being victims of (criminal) violence because of a demonstration."

Others took a lighter view of the possible absence of police, who for all their ferociousness against demonstrators and drug gangs have been unable to stop a surge in muggings and other regular crime around Rio.

"Attention: Rio military police declare that policing continues normally and that muggings are occurring without problems," went one joke making the rounds of social media.

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They were in love and lived together in an alien city for two years after running away from their homes. But now, the couple  two women aged 22 and 24  is battling family pressure that wants to separate them against their will.

The 24-year-old, originally a resident of Rajasthans Bharatpur, said her parents have accepted the couple but alleged her partners family resorted to intimidation and falsehood to pry them apart.

We love each other and want to live together for the rest of our lives. But her father and brother have forced her to leave me. They shouted at me and threatened me to keep away, the 24-year-old told HT over phone on Friday.

We are not being allowed to meet. She is not being allowed to even speak to me over phone.

The 22-year-old, a resident of Delhi, and her partner eloped in November 2014, ran away to Jaipur, got jobs and settled down in a house together.

But following abduction complaints by both families, the police traced them on Wednesday. Since then, the older women alleges, her partners family has been trying to pull them apart.

Such cases arent uncommon in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal and the source of social stigma. Earlier this week, a Class 11 student killed herself in Haryana after harassment for being in a love with a woman.

In the present case, the 24-year-old says her younger partner is being intimidated by her parents. My parents have said they will let me live my life the way I want. But she is not able to gather the courage to speak against her parents and brothers, said the woman.

When a Delhi Police team landed at their rented accommodation in Jaipur and asked the 22-year-old to accompany them to the Capital for legal reasons, the older woman insisted on tagging along. She feared that the couple would be separated.

In Delhi on Wednesday, the 22-year-old  a former Delhi University student  and her parents had an emotional reunion during which she was made to promise that she would stay back at home.

But when produced before a magistrate, the woman made it clear that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with her partner and had no intention of returning to her parents.

So, when it was time for the older woman to leave for Bharatpur where a abduction case was registered after her disappearance  the younger woman decided to accompany her. But the 22-year-olds family also travelled with them, apparently assuring them that they would not separate them.

But we were tricked by her parents. When we reached Bharatpur, she was taken away. I requested her father and she protested the separation, but she is under pressure from her family and is unable to muster the courage, alleged the 24-year-old.

She now plans to wait and watch before deciding on the next step. When we were leaving Delhi yesterday (Thursday), we feared we could be separated. So we promised each other that no matter what happens, we will get back together. So, I am sure no one can separate us for too long, she said.
Having imposed a visa ban on seven countries with Muslim majorities and supported plans to restrict the issuance of H-1B visas, the Trump administration is turning its attention to closing the United States golden door to]o legal migrants. Two leaked memoranda indicate the White House is planning to restrict immigrant applicants and existing migrants. The focus: those migrants likely to need or who already receive welfare benefits. In parallel, two senators have tabled a bill that would slash the number of legal migrants into the country by roughly half and cut the issuance of green cards. This bill does not have the endorsement of the White House. However, all these pointers indicate a strong political momentum towards some sort of restriction on legal migration into the US that could manifest itself tangibly in the coming months.

The large numbers of Indians who hanker for residency and citizenship in the US have reason to be concerned. Indians are the single largest inflow of legal migrants into the US having long overtaken Mexicans and staying above Chinese the past few years. The Indian-American community is now the largest Indian diaspora in the world  and the most successful measured by education, income and political integration. It is also among the most entrepreneurial and technologically savvy communities in the US. The Trump administration seems to have kept this mind as its memoranda talk of skewing the immigration rules in favour of the highly-educated. And while President Donald Trump has lashed out against immigration, he has repeatedly exempted the highly-skilled immigrant.

Read: Now, bill introduced in US senate to cut legal immigration

It is not clear how and when this anti-immigration sentiment will find its way into regulations and legislation. With the ruling Republicans shifting away from their traditional support for open borders, however, something should be expected. The Trump administration has generally been positive about relations with India. President Trump should take note that the Indian-American community, which has grown from barely 200,000 in 1980 to over four million today, is a pillar of the growing relationship between India and the US. While there are other areas of strategic convergence, this people-to-people link has been a major source of bilateral ballast. While immigration changes that aim at poorer migrants will impact Indians less than others, Indian green-card holders awaiting US citizenship already face years of delays. Further barriers will only sour Indians of their, until now, remarkably successful American dream. Arguably India may benefit from a reduced brain drain problem, but the larger issue will be the dampening effect it will have on the India-US relationship and the crimp it will put in the sort of job-creating entrepreneurship that Trump should be embracing.
In a major relief to aspiring medical students of Gujarat Board, the state government on Thursday announced that the admissions in medical and dental colleges for the academic year 2017-18 will be given on pro-rata basis under NEET.

The decision has been taken after parents made several representations to the government in this regard, Gujarat Health Minister Shankar Chaudhary said in a statement.

Clearing the air about medical admissions in the state, Chaudhary also said that students need to appear only for National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) and not for GUJCET (Gujarat Common Entrance Test).

Students are no longer required to appear for GUJCET to seek admission in medical courses in Gujarat. For the academic year of 2017-18, we will only take into consideration the merit of NEET-UG, Chaudhary, who also handles medical education portfolio, said.

Before the NEET was made mandatory by the Supreme Court, medical admissions in Gujarat were subject to GUJCET merit.

Under the GUJCET, seats were allotted on pro-rata basis, wherein Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) students used to get more seats in comparison to CBSE students of the state.

Now, state government has announced to implement pro-rata under NEET too.

We have received several representations from parents requesting us to make sure that Gujarat Board students are not subjected to injustice when NEET is implemented here. We have taken that demand positively and decided to retain pro-rata for the upcoming academic year, the minister added.
The cynics may dub them as idiots but thats exactly who they intend to follow  the protagonists of Bollywood hit 3 Idiots who excelled in life by following their hearts.

At least 10 students of the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM-L), one of the leading business schools in the country, were happy to sit out of the placement process to chase their own dreams and passion.

IIM-L achieved 100% final placement for its 31st batch of 435 students in a record time of just over three days. The recruitment drive witnessed participation from over 170 domestic and international companies and recruiters.

I have decided to pursue my passion in writing fiction. I want to succeed as a writer and I had to fully immerse myself into the craft. I think this applies for pretty much any field. That is what prompted me to stay away from placements, Sharath Kumar told Hindustan Times.

IIM-L student Sharath Kumar wants to pursue his passion in writing fiction. (Handout image)

And his family is backing him.

Yes, my parents are supportive of the decision and see it as a way for myself to do what I really enjoy doing. I wouldnt be where I am without their constant support along the way, the 23-year-old said.

Kumar said the decision was very difficult considering the benefits that come with a stable job.

However, I spoke to a lot of people and weighed my options carefully before committing to this. I dont regret it and never will. Whether or not I become a successful writer is secondary to me, what matters is that I must give my best shot, he said.

Handout image (Jay Shah wants to become a social entrepreneur after completing MBA from IIM Lucknow.)

Jay Shah, another student who sat out, wants to become a social entrepreneur after completing MBA from IIM Lucknow.

More precisely, I plan to do integrated organic farming. The fact that I decided to sit out of placements astonishes many. The decision was frankly a big one for me too and it has a story to it, he said while revealing the story behind his decision to skip the placements.

When 25-year-old Shah joined IIM-L, his plan was to work for about 2 years before becoming an entrepreneur. However, a number of things guided him to take it up straight away.

A course on business sustainability and externalities market sensitised him about environmental issues and the practices of sustainability. It was this course that got me excited about the idea of making a difference, Shah said.

Till two months back, his plan was to work as a social consultant which he saw as a convergence of his social and financial goals. In the long run, Jay hopes to play his part in transforming the rural sector and promoting inclusive growth by propagating his practices once he sets up an established model.

These are not isolated cases. A senior IIM-L professor said a handful of students who are financially well off and have the complete backing of their family take such bold decisions.

In many IIMs, there is a practice called deferred placement wherein a student is conditionally allowed not to take the placement. They are required to submit a detailed project report of their startups, ventures or what they are passionate for, the professor, who did not wish to be named, said.

It is then reviewed by a pool of two professors. If they do not succeed in their ventures, they can again take part in next year campus placement, he added.

He cited the example of Kumar.

He has wonderful idea and topics ... He was then interviewed by 2 professors who found him a suitable person who can become an acclaimed author, he added.

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That in the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk you can find cheap rip-offs of couture outfits by well-known designers, is known to Delhites. But as the menace reached the Capitals boutique hub Shahpur Jat, fashion designer Reynu Taandon, whose couture showstopper was being sold at less than half the price at a store, had to resort to legal action.

In a first of sorts, a Delhi court ordered a raid at the store selling replicas of Taandons creations and sealed the outfits, indicating that Indian designers might be on their way to finally taking action against blatant copyright infringement in fashion.

The anarkali on the right is a blatant copy of Reynu Taandons design (L).

A friend informed me that one of my best-selling anarkali lehengas priced at Rs 1.9 lakh was being sold in Shahpur Jat for Rs 70,000. I didnt believe it initially and sent someone to check. The piece on display wasnt just a copy, it was the exact same outfit, says Taandon, who then filed a suit seeking permanent injunction restraining infringement of copyright, passing-off and payment of damages against the store selling the outfit. On Wednesday, the court ordered the local commissioner to take action. While Abhilasha Bharal, the owner of the Shahpur Jat store, Atara, refused our request for comment, the designer fraternity hailed the action. It is the sheer lack of creativity that leads to these store-owners stooping to the level of replicating a designers collection, says Suneet Varma. Its great that someone finally took the step of taking legal action against those who copy designer outfits, says designer Rina Dhaka.

Delhi Courts appointed commissioner sealing the copied outfit. (HT Photo)

She adds that being over-worked, most designers do not find time to take legal action. Copying happens all the time but what doesnt know what to do about it. Everyone knows that the drape kurtas are our signature style. But we see so many others copying asymmetrical and draped kurtas, says Nikhil Mehra of the Shantanu-Nikhil duo. The customers dont mind the hundreds of small stores offering cheaper versions of the clothes. I always wanted a Manish Malhotra or Sabyasachi Lehnga for my wedding but theres no way I can afford to spend lakhs on it. Stores in markets such as Shahpur Jat and Karol Bagh almost exact copies of these lehngas for not even half the price, says Shruti Sethi, who is getting married in April and currently on a trousseau buying spree. I can understand the fact that our stuff is highly priced but there is a lot of effort and quality that goes into making every single couture piece. It is painful to see someone else copy it in cheaper quality and destroy the creativity in the process, says Taandon.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.

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Four persons including two employees of a courier company were arrested for duping customers by changing original goods bought from online retailers, and delivering stones and bricks instead. The four were sent to the jail on Friday after police completed their interrogation.

The police said that the four worked in tandem with each other to replace original goods with bricks before delivering them to customers.

Ramesh Kumar, area manager of a courier service company Vulcan Express Pvt Ltd, lodged a complaint with police last month after he received several complaints of misplaced articles.

Investigating officer, assistant sub-inspector Anil Kumar said, We checked logistics records of the company, and zeroed in some suspects.

Based on preliminary investigation, Kumar said, courier boys  Ravikant Akwal and Hari Om Prasad were arrested. And on enquiry, it was revealed that one Karan Sharma, who got them job in the courier company, designed the whole idea of swindling costly products from online retailers.

Karan Sharma ordered products online using fake names and provided fake addresses to the retailers. When the products arrived at the courier company, Ravikant or Hari Om took the products out for delivery and handed them to Sharma. Sharma replaced the original articles with soap bars and bricks, and then returned the delivery with the remark that address provided did not match.

For every delivery, Sharma used to give the courier boys 15% cut, the police said. Another delivery boy, Amrut Singh, was also arrested from Delhi by the police after investigation. The accused were produced before the court and were sent to jail. Sharma has named a few more accused who duped online retailers using the same modus operandi. They are yet to be arrested, said police.

Two held while planning loot

In another case, the Gurgaon police arrested two people, who were planning to carry out a robbery. Police said the persons were hardened criminals and looted passersby on Old Alwar Road in Sohna district. Police arrested the duo along with a Mahindra pickup van, country-made pistol, live rounds of cartridges and iron rods.

During investigation the accused admitted to having being involved in several cases of loot and later recovered four motor bikes from their possession.
A strike by the app-based cab drivers in the city left people stranded on Friday and many commuters alleged they were not aware of any such strike announcements.

Private cab drivers attached to app-based aggregators Ola and Uber went on strike demanding revision of rates, and the implementation of life insurance cover for drivers.

Commuters had a tough day as Gurgaon barely has any public transport options and autorickshaws do no ply by meter. The dependence on private cabs services such as Ola and Uber has been on the rise in recent times.

Residents said fares of cabs that accepted bookings were on the higher side because of surge pricing.

Kamaljeet Kaul of Sector 15 said, I had to opt for an autorickshaw as Ola cabs didnt respond. I was charged R 100 just for a three-kilometre ride today (Friday). Usually, I pay R 45 to reach my office at Cyber City in Sector 40.

Another commuter, Renu Singh of Kendriya Vihar said, This is unjust on our part. We have no knowledge of any strike. The cab aggregators should at least make some efforts to inform us prior to such a move. I booked a cab in the morning through an app but the driver didnt turn up. This is disappointing.

Read I Delhi moves to ban app-based shared cab services such as UberPOOL, Ola Share

Angry and dissatisfied, commuters vent their frustration on social media. They also advised other residents to use autorickshaws and personal cars.

My wife availed a shared cab from Sector 57. It was stopped at Orchid Island gate. Driver was pulled out and was beaten for not observing strike. Please use autos or your respective cars for commute today (sic), Rohit Bakshi said on social media.

Raj S @Rajwinder1 tweeted, pls look into the matter. Commuters all over Delhi are facing problems! (sic)

Mohit Gupta tweet using the handle @straighttalk81 @gurgaonpolice Pls check the Situation, nuisance for the common citizen, disturbing traffic? (sic)

And to hell with law & order or Commuters. @mlkhattar ji pl care for us also. (sic) Ankur @aSmallVice tweeted.

A cab owner tweeted, Am surprised with this reaction as I also own 3 cars attatched with a cab aggregator-if partners r not happy they can withdraw but cannot force. (sic)

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Tej Narayan from Kathmandu in Nepal was enthused when a private bank provided him a card swipe machine for charging customers at the 31st Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2017. He hoped to sail through the cash crunch due to demonetisation with the help of the machine.

His hopes were, however, dashed when the machine was taken away from his stall located behind the stage set up for cultural events immediately after Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the mela on February 1.

The machine, provided by a private bank, was taken away from me as soon as CM inaugurated the event. I requested the bank officials to issue me a machine but nothing happened. I arranged a point of sale machine through local sources but it did not work due to jammers installed for security near the stage, Narayan told HT.

He has been selling a variety of shawls for the last nine years at the fair and claimed that he bagged international award for Kala Ratan and the best foreign participant last year.

Although shopping took a hit due to the cash crunch, visitors took back several happy memories. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

Sales have dipped more than 40% this year as people do not have cash. Some willing customers drop the idea of buying after learning that we do not have swipe machines, he said.

Effects of the demonetisation are clearly visible at the famous Surajkund fair even though authorities claimed to have provided about 100 point of sale machines, set up a bank branch, two ATMs, and six ATM vans. The state government had announced in January that this years mela would be cashless.

A mask on sale at the arts and crafts fair in Surajkund, Faridabad. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

The international presence at the mela increased with 10 more stalls of foreign countries going up this year. But the foreign traders are feeling the heat of demonetisation as they are not able to get PoS machines or utilise other digital modes of payments.

Sales have gone down by 40% this year. A majority of the customers who select items ask for payment with cards. We, being foreigners, could not get such machines here, said Faouzi Kaabi from Tunisia. Kaabi sell olive wood products and this is his second stint at the fair.

The international presence at the mela increased with 10 more stalls of foreign countries going up this year. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

Durbek from Uzbekistan said his sales dropped by 50% as customers do not have cash. A member of Khunarmand association, Durbek too has set up a stall for the second time at the fair.

Mohammad Shajid, who sells Banarasi suits at counter number 203, is also affected by the cash crunch. People are paying both through card and cash but sales are down by 60% this year. It seems people do not have money, he said.

We wanted to buy two carpets costing 25,000 each from the stall of Temorzada carpets of Afghanistan but we did not have cash. The stall owner was not ready to accept a cheque and neither did he have any other mode of payment. So we dropped the idea, said Sumedha Wadhwa, a South Delhi resident.

A government official looking after the arrangements at the fair said the PoS machines were provided and cashless transactions have been advertised at all stalls but effects of cash shortage are apparent. He said the footfall too has decreased this year.

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Yet another attempt by the land mafia to encroach into the forest area in Raisina was reported on Friday.

Forest officials said there was a deliberate attempt to restart the construction of a wall in the area located 15km from the city.

Earlier, trees both big and small were cleared from the area located near the Ansal Retreat farmhouse of C-90 block.

The incidences of tree chopping were reported by HT last month, after which the forest department had asked the Bhondsi police to register an FIR.

The area falls under the natural conservation zone (NCZ) in which construction beyond a limit of 0.5 per cent is not permitted according to the National Capital Regional Plan 2021.

Also the land is protected under the Aravalli notification, which means that non-forestry activities are not allowed in the area without approval from the forest department.

Anyone found violating the environmental norms can be prosecuted for seven years and also made to pay a penalty of 25,000, the notification said.

When HT enquired about the incident to forest department, the official said that they got information about the incident and the ground staff is looking into the matter.

On January 18, the Bhondsi police had registered an FIR under Section 379 (theft) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 33-32 (tree felling without permission) of the Indian Forest Act against unknown persons. No arrest has been made so far.

Villagers are of opinion that tree felling and construction of a boundary wall is being done by some owners of nearby farmhouses. Ahmed Ali, a villager, said, No action is taken against the violators.

Illegal tree felling is rampant in the area. Last June, around 60 trees were cleared from a one acre plot near Raising. A couple of before that, on April 14, a forest fire had destroyed the green cover in a 4km-radius of the area.

Sunil Harsana, green activist, said, These incidences are repeatedly taking place in the same area, yet, the civic bodies are unable to nab the culprits.

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Customers of Manappuram Finance are shocked and worried about the security of their gold ornaments and valuables that they had deposited with the New Railway Road branch of the company. A number of depositors rushed to the branch on Friday enquiring about their assets.

However, the Manappuram officials told the customers that their deposits were safe as the entire value of gold is insured.

Gold worth Rs10 crores and Rs7.5 lakh in cash were looted from the branch on Thursday morning by a group of around eight armed men.

The majority of the loan firms 500 customers voiced concern over the daylight robbery. Of the loot that the armed robbers decamped with were cherished family heirlooms and gold ornaments. Some of the depositors visited the branch on Friday to deposit the interest on the loan, but were told to deposit the money online or at any other branch in the city.

Notwithstanding the assurances of the staff, some customers, who lost their gold deposits, demanded that they be exempted from the payment of interest till such time the company assures compensation for their losses. I had come yesterday to deposit the money loaned to me and get my jewellery back, but saw a large crowd and went home. Today, I was shocked to learn that all my gold deposits are gone. Why should we continue to pay interest on our loans when our ornaments have been stolen, a customer, who came from Arjun Nagar in Gurgaon, said.

Her predicament is that she had deposited the ornament without telling her family members and it will be almost impossible to get the exact replicas of the jewellery stolen if the police fails to recover them.

Lalit Kumar Indora, who came from Rohtak to deposit his interest, was not aware of the heist and was numbed after he got to know about the incident. My father had suffered a heart attack recently and I could not come earlier to pay the interest. I was shocked beyond words after learning of the incident, he said.

A number of customers came to the Manappuram branch to enquire if their deposits are safe after reading about the incident in the newspapers. I have deposited few grams of gold and took a loan. Although the company officials have assured that gold of equal value or cash would be given to compensate customers who lost their deposits, my concern is that family jewellery treasured for years could be lost forever, Lalit Rastogi, a Gurgaon resident, said.

Anand Sharma, area manager, Manappuram Finance, said they have assured customers that their deposits are safe. All the gold was insured and the people will receive equal value of gold or cash once the investigation is over, he said. The company is hopeful that the police will soon recover the robbed ornaments.

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Egypt's International Cooperation Minister Sahar Nasr signed a grant deal with the African Development Bank (AFDB) on Thursday to restructure the state's Nasser Social Bank (NSB), the ministry stated on its website.

Under the terms of the deal, the Nasser Social Bank will receive of EGP 10 million as a first stage to improve its financial performance.

The NSB, which was founded in 1971 and services low-income Egyptians, is under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Solidarity.

The bank will be directed to improve its performance through better credit management and improved work rules, according to Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Wali, who attended the signing of the deal.

Wali said that Nasser Social Bank, which has 90 branches nationwide, has had an important social role in Egypt, including providng young people with free-yield social loans, financing social housing projects and other social programmes such as providing support to divorced women.

According to Wali, the total amount paid by the bank to 245,000 divorced women in Egypt had reached EGP 1 billion by 2016.

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The Gurgaon police has got specific clues from the CCTV footages and is confident of establishing the identity of the persons involved in the 10 crore gold heist which took place on Thursday. The police believe that the culprits involved in the incident are locals but they could have connections with gangs in the NCR.

The police are working on the possibility of an insiders role in the heist in which gold worth 10 crore and 7.08 lakh in cash was looted from the New Railway Road branch of Manappuram Finance. The police are analysing the details of present and ex-employees of the company. The police have also formed a number of teams to investigate the case.

A staff member claimed that one of the gang members, who was drunk, threatened the employees that they would attack the Manappuram branches after every 15 days.

Police sources said the robbers had spent almost half an hour outside the branch before executing the heist. Police investigations have found that the accused also interacted with a vendor and two of the gang members had also visited the branch twice earlier.

During investigations, the police have found that the accused had used a four-wheeler and a two-wheeler and the vehicles were parked a little away from the crime spot.

The group of men involved have studied the area well before committing the crime and visited the office twice to check the security system and the deployment of guards. It seems that they had planned to execute the heist swiftly without the use of guns as the area is crowded and they could be trapped easily, said an investigation officer seeking anonymity.

Krishan Kumar, an executive at the branch, who was the first to be held at gunpoint, said the gang leader was aware about the safety systems including the location of the CCTV cameras. They asked about the DVRs and sprayed the cameras with foam, he said.

The robbers were also keen on ensuring that no violence was perpetrated and they even argued among each other when one of them attacked two customers. They did not want to spill blood as it would have attracted people, Kumar said.

The police are scanning records of mobile phones active in that telecom circle but the officials suspect that the culprits might have used a mobile phone application like WhatsApp or internet telephony application to avoid detection.

Sandeep Khirwar, Gurgaon police commissioner, on Friday said that there are some definite clues on which the different crime teams are working. Investigation is ongoing and it will not be right to divulge sensitive details, he said.

We have got some important clues in our probe. The case will be solved in two to three days, said inspector Bijender Singh, SHO, Civil Lines.

Assistant commissioner of police Manish Sehgal, Gurgaon police spokesperson, said the police are coordinating with their counterparts in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The crime units are working on physical evidence and also sifting through mobile and CCTV camera details to know the actual modus operandi of the criminals, Sehgal said.

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Passengers hiring cabs owned by Ola and Uber were forced out of the vehicles on Friday by protesting drivers who raised various demands, including non-lowering of rates, life insurance for drivers and non-preference for taxis owned by the firms.

A union of drivers staged a protest outside the companies offices at Udyog Vihar Phase III and Sector 29 on Friday. Around 11 am, cabs owned by the firms were stopped by protesters across the city. Passengers on board were forced to get out and struggled to find alternate modes of transport.

Passengers also alleged that police were not present at these protest spots to check law and order.

With Ola and Uber cabs plying on limited stock, there was a 15-20% surge in prices, adding to the commuters woes.

Led by Sarvodaya Driver Association from New Delhi, the protesters rued that besides delay in payments, the recent lowering of fares to Rs 6 per km was leaving them penniless.

Cabs carrying passengers forced to suspend operation as cab drivers strike work @htTweets @HTGurgaon @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/g1ccOubfUO  Rashpal Singh (@rashysingh) February 10, 2017

The drivers only get 25% of the total fare for every hired journey. This covers fuel charges also. Hence, drivers are not being able to incur any sizeable profits after the fare revision, Kamaljeet Singh, a leader of the Sarvodaya Driver Association said.

In addition, Kamaljeet said that the option of sharing cabs also deduced the profits further.

Passengers forced to deboard cabs at Sushant Lok-1 as cab drivers strike work @htTweets @HTGurgaon @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/m3dqil6piP  Rashpal Singh (@rashysingh) February 10, 2017

Protesters also complained that after purchasing their own cabs and employing drivers, the firms were giving preference to their own cars than to those owned by others.

They also demanded life insurance cover for drivers paid by the companies, recalling that they had not paid the family of a driver who had died in a car accident.

Watch video

Read| Is it end of road for ride-sharing by Uber and Ola, over safety, legality debate?

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To play a character rumored to have once killed three men in a bar with a pencil, Keanu Reeves went through three months of John Wick boot camp: intensive training in martial arts, gun work, fight choreography and stunt driving.

Action propels the story in John Wick: Chapter 2, in theatres February 17, with Reeves reprising his role as the title character: an unflappable and inventive assassin reluctantly drawn into an international criminal underworld. Returning director Chad Stahelski knows his star and material well: Stahelski is a former stunt coordinator who doubled for Reeves in The Matrix movies.

Chad is so interested in not just action, but the character in the action, and whats the storytelling, Reeves said in a recent interview. In the second (film), I really fought for getting the pencil fight. It was talked about in the first one and I was like, Guys, we gotta do a pencil fight!

So add pencil training to that boot-camp regimen.

Reeves preparation for the sequel built on his action-star past and skills he learned for the original Wick film, including training in judo and jiu-jitsu.

There are more guns in Chapter 2, so the actor spent countless hours drawing, shooting and reloading various firearms.

Basically just take the gun home, start walking around, practice spying rooms, practice your draws, he said. And with John Wick, its practice your reloads, transitions from weapon to weapon, footwork, and then kind of coming up with the John Wick style.

Reeves trained with a champion marksman and logged months of live-round practice to develop it.

As with the original, John Wicks prized 1969 Mustang Fastback plays a central role in the sequel, so Reeves had to also ratchet up his driving skills.

In the second one, they actually let me be in a car and drive into another car, he said with joy in his voice. I was surprised about that. They said, Get in the car, drive backward and smash into that other car. It was funny because I hit that car so hard, I ripped the steering wheel off the steering column.

Most of the driving tricks, though - which stunt coordinator Darrin Prescott refers to as car fu, where we use the car as a weapon - were handled by Reeves driving instructor and behind-the-wheel stunt double, Jeremy Fry.

Five 69 Mustangs were used in filming, Fry said, and then we just smashed them all. It was really a little heart-wrenching to see it. Many other vehicles, including a motorcycle and fleet of New York taxicabs, meet the same fate in the film.

Reeves was John Wick before any of his stunt training began. Friends with Stahelski since their Matrix days, the actor brought him the script for 2014s John Wick and encouraged Stahelski to make it his directorial debut.

Reeves was drawn to the mysterious environment and compelling central character: I love his will, his passion. I love the depth of his feeling. I like his honour. I like how he fights for his life. I like his sense of humour.

Hed gladly go back to his boot camp for a third time.

I love all the training, Reeves said. Id love to play the character again. Im curious to see what happens to him.

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Tamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar might not invite VK Sasikala to form the government till a Supreme Court verdict in a corruption case against her, multiple sources said, in a potential setback to the AIADMK leader tipped to become the chief minister.

Sasikala, locked in a bitter power struggle with acting chief minister O Panneerselvam, is an accused in a disproportionate assets case along with former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

The top court is expected to deliver its judgment in the case soon, possibly as early as next week.

TV channels said that the governor has sent a report to the Centre citing reasons for his reluctance to act immediately but the Raj Bhavan denied any missive to Delhi.

No report has been sent from Governor C Vidyasagar Rao to Ministry of Home Affairs: Raj Bhavan PRO pic.twitter.com/Q0nHaGzTCr  ANI (@ANI_news) February 10, 2017

As news of the governor sending a report to the Centre did the rounds, ANI quoted Panneerselvam as saying, Please wait and see.

On Tuesday, Panneerselvam dramatically announced that he was forced to resign, barely a few days after Sasikala was elected as the AIADMKs legislature party leader, paving the way for her to be sworn in as the chief minister.

Panneerselvam assumed office in December after the death of his mentor Jayalalithaa, who passed away in a hospital after prolonged illness.

Sasikala has claimed the support of 134 MLAs but Panneerselvam has accused her of keeping the legislators hostage in a resort near Chennai.

Sources said the governor was concerned over the implication of the imminent judgment in the case. Sasikala and Jayalalithaa were convicted by a trial court but the Karnataka high court reversed the judgment and acquitted them.

The Karnataka government moved the top court against the acquittal. If convicted, Sasikala could be disqualified from contesting elections for six years.

If sworn in, Sasikala will have to be elected to the assembly within six months.

Sasikala, however, expressed confidence on Friday that Rao will uphold the Constitution and democracy, in comments to party workers at the Poes Garden residence of Jayalalithaa

With the cooperation of all, this movement will further flourish, so we need not worry. We hope the governor will uphold the Constitution and democracy. We will wait and watch, she said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam being greeted by various party supporters at his official residence in Chennai on Friday. (PTI)

Earlier in the day, Sasikala sacked a senior leader from the party for siding with Panneerselvam even as a luxury resort on the outskirts of Chennai took centrestage.

Panneerselvam lodged a formal complaint with the governor on Friday, a day after meeting him at the Raj Bhavan, alleging that most of the party MLAs were being held hostage in the resort outside Chennai and that the police were not responding to complaints.

SP Shamuganathan, an MLA who claimed to have escaped from being forcibly taken to the resort on Wednesday, also lodged a complaint with the police commissioner.

Another legislator R Kutti, who also moved to Panneerselvams camp, said that when freed, the MLAs will not be able to go to their constituencies as people were very angry with them for siding with Sasikala.

Governor Vidyasagar asked police to probe allegations that many AIADMK legislators were being held hostage at the resort by the Sasikala faction. In response to separate petitions, the Madras high court also sought the state governments response to the hostage allegations.

The Sasikala faction, however, paraded some of the MLAs to reject the charges.

We hope the governor will uphold the Constitution and democracy

-VK Sasikala

AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi said that her phone numbers were given to thousands of people and I am getting threatening calls from people close to OPS, as Panneerselvam is popularly known.

The governor summoned chief secretary Girija Vaidyanathan and police chief TK Rajendran and discussed the law and order situation. The governor is said to be considering a move to call in central forces if the state police failed, sources said.

Chief justice of the Madras high court, SK Kaul, also called on the governor at the Raj Bhavan at the request of the governor. It is understood that the governor wanted opinion on the legal aspects relating to government formation in the given situation.

DMK working president MK Stalin also met the governor to discuss the crisis.

I requested the governor to do everything he can to provide Tamil Nadu with a stable government. For the past nine months, the government has not been functioning properly, he told reporters.

Even as the suspense continued, both camps exuded confidence of victory.

While OPS said victory was within sight, Sasikala supporter and MP, A Navaneethakrishnan, said: Chinnamma will be the chief minister.

But the political war escalated when AIADMK presidium chairman E Madhusudanan moved the Election Commission to set aside the election of Sasikala as the general secretary of the party.

No rules and regulations were followed and she was not elected by the proper electoral college as per the constitution of the party, Madhusudanan said in his petition.

Sasikala hit back by expelling Madhusudanan from the primary membership of the party, a decision which Madhusudanan said was not valid as she has no authority to sack anyone.

I am here to announce very good news. Soon a proper election for the post of general secretary of AIADMK will be held and party men can chose their representative, he said after his expulsion.

(With agency inputs)

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The government is willing to strengthen laws to plug security holes in digital payment systems, and will soon invite ideas from users on how to protect consumer interests, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Friday.

The Narendra Modi government is pushing for a largely digital economy which it says will stamp out illicit cash and end counterfeiting. Digital transactions in the country spiked by 195% between October 2016 and January 2017, after the government banned high-value banknotes.

Digital payments rules of e-wallets shall be floated soon to take into consideration consumer interest and safety. The rules will be made after taking into account issues and concerns that arise after the consultation paper is floated, said Prasad, the minister for information technology.

The draft of the consultation paper is ready, he said.

Critics of the demonetisation exercise and experts have pointed out the countrys online payment system is not foolproof and open to potential attacks by cyber thieves who can wipe out millions of rupees by bypassing the weak firewalls.

The consultation paper will give consumers as well as merchants a chance to voice their worries about the new payments system.

The minister said the IT ministry was also in talks with banks and National Payments Council of India (NPCI) to help merchants with switching over to digital payments.

A senior government official said that PCI -- a data security standard adopted by major cards including Visa, MasterCard and American Express -- and USSD are also being strengthened to make sure that digital payments are safer. He said wallet insurance is also being considered for implementation given the rise in digital payments.

USSD is a communication technology used to send text messages between a mobile phone and an application program.

The minister added that the consultation paper or the new rules will not be in conflict with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)s regulations.

The new guidelines will not challenge the RBI rules but if there is an amendment to be made under the IT Act following the consultation process, the government will go ahead with the changes, he added.

The government had announced its decision to launch Aadhaar Pay -- a merchant version of Aadhaar-enabled payment system  which is expected to benefit people who dont have debit/credit cards, mobile wallets and mobile phones.

He said the government has set a target of 2,500 crore digital transactions in the financial year 2017-18 through different platforms.

Banks have been advised to introduce an additional 10 lakh PoS by March 2017 and 20 lakh Aadhaar-based PoS by September this year, Prasad added. PoS, the commonly used term for point of sale, are online terminals where retail transactions are carried out.

Indias digital economy is expected to hit $1 trillion in the next five to seven years combining, the minister said.

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Amid apprehensions over US President Donald Trumps new economic policies which many fear could lead to protectionism, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said it cannot act on its own, but in case of a violation, a member could raise the issue.

What can the (WTO) secretariat do? WTO director general Roberto Azevedo said, when asked about the issue.

If the member feels that there has been a violation of WTO rules, then they would challenge it is a legal system, he said, adding that at this point, most of these concerns are presumptions.

On the issue of public stockholding for food security purposes, Azevedo, who was on a two-day trip to India, said his secretariat has little power to act on its own.

It is not in my power. It is the members. All you need is a red flag from a member. I cant push the members to do what they dont want to do. You have to convince others as to why you are doing it. You have to explain, he said.

India and other countries intend to create public food stocks for food security purposes, but many countries and the WTO have opposed this, terming it a trade barrier.

India wants a permanent solution to the issue instead of the peace clause that is in place now.

Azevedo said one has to be patient for a permanent solution and asked not to undermine the efficacy of the peace clause. The peace clause raises awareness, he said.

Under the peace clause, which is temporary in nature, countries can have their own food security programmes even if their subsidy breached the specified limits under the WTO framework on agriculture.

Indias concern is that if the clause expires before a permanent solution is put in place, the legal protection for the food security programmes and policies such as minimum support prices aimed at protecting farmers, could become void.

Meanwhile, several civil society groups met Azevedo in the capital to convey their concerns related to the current negotiations at the WTO, especially those on agriculture.

The process being currently followed at the WTO is opaque and does not respect multilateralism, said Ranja Sengupta of the Third World Network.

Sengupta said negotiations must be done in a fair and transparent manner where all countries, rich and poor, can participate equally and uphold the rights of their people.

Azevedo compared protectionist measures rolled out by various countries during the Great Depression of 1930s.

In the 1930s... there was no multilevel system, rulesthere were unilateral actions which were responded by other members and we ended up in global trade war which wiped out two-thirds of the global trade. Today we have multilevel system, we have rules and discipline. Rules have tools to deal with issues like unfair trade, abuse by others, and not only WTO members can use those tools, he said.

At a separate function, Azevedo said that if India has concerns over the recent development of H1B visa ban, it can move the WTO. The ban on H1B visas will particularly impact the Indian IT companies that have businesses in the US.
February 14 will be celebrated as parents day at all schools in Chhattisgarh to teach Bharatiya sanskriti to students, the BJP government said on Friday, a move the Congress described as an attempt to impose Hindutva ideology on the state.

A jailed godman advised the state to celebrate Valentines Day as Matra Pitru Diwas, sources said. They, however, did not name the godman.

The Directorate Public Education issued a notice to principals and heads of all schools to observe Matru Pitru Diwas on the day celebrated the world over as Valentines Day.

Right-wing Hindu organisations consider Valentines Day  dedicated to the patron saint of love  as western culture which is allegedly responsible for moral corruption of the youth.

Groups opposed to Valentines Day, such as the Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena, had earlier attacked and humiliated couples celebrating the day in many places across the country.

Chhattisgarh has been celebrating Matru Pitru Diwas since 2012. In 2015 also, similar instructions were given to the schools.

but it is the first time an official order has been issued making it mandatory in schools.

Chhatra chhatraaon ko Bharatiya sanskriti evam sanskaar se parichit karaya jay (Students should be made aware of Indian culture and values, the notification said.

Sources said that parents will be invited to the schools of their children, who will offer prayers to them on Valentines Day.

State Congress spokesperson, RP Singh, said that the government is trying to impose RSS ideology on the people which is not their right.

Everyone is free to celebrate any occasion in his/her own way. No state has right to interfere in it, he added.

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India will face serious consequences if its overseas citizens meddle in Chinese affairs by courting and promoting Tibetan leader Dalai Lama, a Chinese newspaper has said continuing the recent trend of demonising India in a section of state-controlled media in China.

This time the nationalistic tabloid Global Times  known for its strong views  picked on the Indian American chancellor of the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Pradeep Khosla for inviting the the exiled spiritual head and leader of the Tibetan people the Dalai Lama to address graduating students in June.

Apparently, the invitation triggered much anger among Chinese students from the mainland at the university; and, in Beijing, it triggered a harshly-worded opinion piece, which often lapsed into insults, repeatedly referring to Indians as these Indians.

Read | US univ invites Dalai Lama: Chinese media warns overseas Indians of consequences

Referring to the invitation extended by the chancellor to the India-based Dalai Lama, the GT article said:

What is laughable is that the person behind the infamous invitation was campus chancellor Pradeep Khosla, an Indian American. The campus website posted a photo of Khosla who met the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, last October. This shows how some Indian Americans agitate China-India and China-US relations.

The Tibetan leader is considered a separatist by the Communist Party of China-ruled government and has been referred to as wolf in sheeps clothing, inciting separatism and self-immolations.

Dalai Lama with Pradeep Khosla in Dharamsala. (Picture courtesy: University of California San Diego)

Inviting the Tibetan leader for a lecture is apparently the same as trying to divide China, argued Xu Liang from the Indian Studies Centre at the Beijing International Studies University.

Then came the warning: Since modern times, the Indians have enjoyed unity bestowed by the British. They ramified Pakistan, annexed Sikkim, and exploited geopolitical interests from ethnic divisions in Sri Lanka and Nepal. If the Indians indulge in the obsession of intruding on the territorial integrity of China, China will not sit still.

India is a big country in terms of public diplomacy, but if some overseas Indians make it their business to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and treading on their sovereignty, they will bear the political consequences, Xu wrote.

Khosla is imposing his views of the Dalai Lama on the student population at the university and using such an important occasion as commencement to promote someone who has nothing to do with education, the author argued.

But Khosla wasnt the only Indian among these Indians who deserved scorn from Xu.

But he is not the first and the only person to take such action. In recent years, as Indian authorities gradually offset the support for the Dalai Lama, some public organisations supporting the Buddhist monk have become more active.

In 2008, many Indians and Westerners in Nepal held demonstrations in Kathmandu against the Beijing Olympic torch relay, Xu wrote.

Some Indians in European countries have also tried to lobby local officials for more opportunities for the Dalai Lama to speak to an international audience. With a clear knowledge of the Chinese governments stance toward the issue, these Indians overseas are deliberately opposing China, Xu wrote.

These overseas Indians do not have a clear sense of how international politics function. They cannot feel the hurt that a divided country brings to its people.
The Delhi High Court will take up the habeas corpus plea on Friday , in which Border Security Force (BSF) soldier Tej Bahadur Yadavs wife Sharmila has said she is unable to contact him for the past three days.

Yadavs complaint about bad food at his unit had triggered a row.

In the plea, the soldiers wife Sharmila said she was worried about his safety and pleaded that her husband be produced before the court.

Earlier this month, Sharmila alleged that her husband has been detained by the BSF. She lives with her son in Haryanas Rewari.

Sharmila claimed her husband told her on February 7 that he was being taken to an unknown location. The family members havent been able to get in touch with him ever since.

The family is said to have written to the BSF, but havent got any reply.

Tej Bahadur Yadav had posted four videos on the social media in January, 2017, that showed his complaining about the unpalatable food at his camp along the Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir. The videos triggered outrage across the nation, but the BSF dismissed his allegations.

A probe was later ordered.
Five persons were detained in two separate incidents in Ahmedabad on Friday with demonetised currency of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 having cumulative face value of Rs 41.49 lakh, police said.

In the first incident, Sardarnagar police nabbed three persons near Galaxy underpass when they were heading to Naroda area in their car on Friday morning to exchange scrapped currency notes of Rs 36.99 lakh.

When we searched their car out of suspicion, we found old currency notes of Rs 36,99,500, including 2,285 notes of Rs 500 and 2,557 notes of Rs 1,000 denomination. The trio confessed that the notes belonged to one Baldevji Thakor, a property dealer of Mehsana, said Sardarnagar police inspector HB Zala.

Those detained for the possession of scrapped notes include Arjun Bhola, Prakash Parmar and Nirmal Adalaja, all residents of Gandhinagar.

As Thakor wanted to exchange these old notes with new ones, he gave this cash to the trio and asked them meet a person called Pintu in Naroda. Before they could exchange these notes, we nabbed them, said Zala, adding that the detained men were let off after filing a Janva Jog (For Information Only) complaint.

As the detainees failed to provide any valid document for the cash, we seized the cash and informed the Income Tax department to conduct further probe, police said.

In another incident, Chandkheda police detained two persons with scrapped currency notes of Rs 4.5 lakh when they were passing from Jagatpur railway crossing on Friday morning on their bike, said Chandkheda police inspector VR Vaniya.

We have detained two youths with 450 notes of Rs 1,000. They confessed to have come here from Anand to exchange these old notes. We seized the cash and informed the I-T department to conduct further probe, said Vaniya.
A luxury resort 80 kilometres from Chennai is at the centre of a political storm in Tamil Nadu where AIADMK leaders O Panneerselvam and VK Sasikala are pitted against each other.

On Wednesday, around 130 party legislators were packed off to the resort by Sasikalas faction in an attempt to ward off poaching threats.

But this isnt the first time such a political drama is unfolding. Tamil Nadu and several other states have seen similar developments, with varying results.

1988, Tamil Nadu: A month after sitting chief minister MG Ramachandran died in December 1987, the war of succession between Jayalalithaa and Janaki Ramachandran, his wife, saw legislators of two factions holed up in resorts.

The faction backing Janaki proved majority before the Governor, which Jayalalithaa termed unconstitutional.

On the floor of the assembly, legislators from the Janaki faction assaulted MLAs from the Jaya faction. The man who allowed it to happen was then speaker, PH Pandian -- the same AIADMK leader who is now supporting OPS and said Jaya might have been murdered.

Janaki was elected as CM, but her government was dismissed after 24 days by Rajiv Gandhi, who described the assembly events as a slur on democracy.

Presidents rule was imposed and DMK won the election a year later. In 1991, Jayalalithaa won polls and became chief minister for the first time.

2016, Uttarakhand: Both the Congress and BJP sent their legislators to resorts before a crucial trust vote in the Uttarakhand assembly (on Supreme Courts direction) to prevent poaching. The Congress won the vote.

2016, Karnataka: The Karnataka Congress reportedly kept independent legislators in a hotel in Mumbai to prevent poaching by rival BJP before the Rajya Sabha polls. Facing criticism, the legislators were allowed to come back.

2007, Arunachal Pradesh: A group of 20 legislators were kept in a resort in Gurgaon reportedly by Dorjee Khandu, who had engineered a rebellion against then chief minister Gegong Apang, to become CM.

2005, Jharkhand: To prevent the Arjun Munda government from falling, the BJP ferried about half a dozen independent legislators to a resort in Rajasthan. A year later, these legislators supported Madhu Koda, who formed the government with the help of the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

2005, Bihar: A group of Lok Janshakti Party MLAs were kept in a Jamsedhpur (Jharkhand) hotel to help Janata Dal (United)-BJP combine form a non-RJD government. The BJP in Jharkhand provided logistical support to the MLAs.

2002, Uttar Pradesh: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) kept its legislators in a secret location to allegedly prevent poaching by the Samajwadi Party (SP), which had won the most number of seats. SPs Mulayam Singh was short of about 50 legislators in a house of 403 and was looking to break the rival BSP. Keeping the legislators confined helped the BSP to form the government with the BJP.

2000, Bihar: The Congress and RJD kept their MLAs from south Bihar (present day Jharkhand) in a Patna hotel to prevent Nitish Kumar from luring them. Kumar became CM for seven days when the RJD failed to submit its list of supporters within the stipulated time but lost votes on floor of the house.

1998, Uttar Pradesh: The BJP flew its legislators in a chartered plane to Delhi and kept them at a secret location to prevent Loktantrik Congress of Jagdambika Pal from poaching them after the Kalyan Singh government was dismissed by Governor Romesh Bhandari. Pal replaced Singh and became CM for 48 hours. Singh won the floor test and became CM again.

1984, Andhra Pradesh: Chief minister NT Rama Rao confined his loyalists in hotels in Hyderabad, Delhi and Bangalore after he was sacked by Governor Ram Lal in an Independence Day coup by his cabinet colleague Nadendla Bhaskara Rao. Lal was eventually sacked and replaced by another Congressman Shankar Dayal Sharma.

(With inputs from HT Correspondents in New Delhi, Ranchi, Patna and Lucknow)

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The Indian government may face hurdles in extraditing Shamshul Hoda, suspected handler of Pakistan spy agency ISI, from Nepal due to certain clauses in the treaty between the two countries.

A senior police officer, on the condition of anonymity, said non-mention of terror activities in the extradition treaty signed with Nepal in 1963 was the first major hurdle.

Under the treaty, extradition shall not take place if the person, whose extradition is sought by one of the governments, has already been tried and discharged or punished, or is still under trial in the territory of the other for the crime for which the extradition is demanded.

Hoda has been arrested in a case involving the murder of Arun Ram and Dipak Ram linked to an attempt to blast a railway track at Ghorasahan in Bihars East Champaran district in October 2016  as well as the train derailment in Kanpur on November 21, 2016, which claimed 148 lives.

Shamsul Hoda (File photo)

Sources said there was a legal complication, even though Hoda was under scanner of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), probing the Kanpur train derailment and Ghorasahan incident.

Hodas arrest in Nepal in the twin murder case has complicated matters further as Article 7 of the treaty specifies that the extradition the person facing trial in any crime may be deferred until the conclusion of the trial. This clause may be used by the suspected ISI agent to escape extradition, said the officer.

The Indian investigating agencies claimed Hodas arrest would help in unravelling three recent cases: The failed attempt to detonate IED on railway tracks in East Champaran as well as suspected sabotage angle behind dearailment of Indore-Patna Express and Kuneru-Hirakhand Express.

Nepal police clarified that Hoda had been arrested for the twin murder in Bara district of Himalayan nation. Nepal police were closely working with their Indian counterparts to find any link of the accused with the ISI, especially in connection with terror related incidents.

Hoda is believed to have stayed in Malaysia from 2001 to 2013 and in UAE for one-and-a-half years. While staying in Dubai, Hoda managed to establish connection with criminals of several countries, including UAE, Pakistan, Malaysia, India and Nepal, said the officer.

Bara superintendent of police Narendra Prashad Upreti said Hoda had mobilised his aides Brij Kishor Giri alias Baba to blast Raxaul-Sitamarhi track near Ghorasahan. The attempt failed although the instruction was to cause big damages, he added.

He said that the first arrest in the case was of Mojahir Ansari of Kalaiya in Bara. That made it easier for police to nab others working under instructions from Hoda. Our investigation has shown that Hoda is the mastermind behind the twin murder. After we found the bodies of Arun and Dipak in a jungle, we suspected the case to be sensitive and prioritised the investigation, Upreti added.

Meanwhile, NIA sources said Hoda had links with three accused earlier arrested by intelligence agencies from East Champaran.

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Vellu was out fishing off the KVK Kuppum coast on the morning of January 28. He spotted dead fishes and turtles in the sea but was unaware of what had happened until he reached the shore.

On his return, his catch was not selling in the market and he soon discovered the reason. Earlier that morning, a collision had taken place when MT BW Maple was leaving the port after emptying its containment of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, and MT Dawn Kanchipuram loaded with petroleum oil lubricant (POL) was on its way to park at the Kamarajar Port, formerly Ennore port.

Fishermen return from a bad fishing day to the Bharathi Nagar Beach in Chennai, India. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

After a poor day at fishing fishermen make do with their insufficient catch. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

A collision between the two happened leading to an oil leakage of the magnitude of 75000 litres. Soon Whatsapp started doing the rounds that fish was unsafe to consume. Vellu, oblivious of the magnitude of the tragedy, stored his catch in ice in order to try selling it the next day, but when that didnt work out either, Vellu just left his fish to dry.

Thangapel is a fisherman whose business has been affected because of the oil spills in Chennai, India. First the boat and fishing net was damaged, then the fish would not sell, so he stopped going to fish. When he did resume he acquired an allergy in his skin. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

Boats and fishing paraphernalia was damaged because of the oil spill at Bharathi Nagar Beach in Chennai. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

Powler Kumar, 56 years, works for boat owners and has not been going to fish ever since the oil spills happened. No one is willing to give even Re 1 for a fish that usually costs Rs 10, he complains. The Government is not addressing the problem and it neither asking them about their issues. They claimed they will clean it in 7 days, and its been 12 days now, cleaning is not complete yet, and Powler complains of having no work because of it. Powler manages to earn close to 6000 Rs per month out of the 4-5 trips he makes into the sea in small boats of 4 people. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

With no help coming their way, Vellu, Powler and many other small scale fishermen struggle to make ends meet.

Challadorai, 52 years, ventured to fishing after 12 days since the oil spills happened. When he managed to catch only 1 fish in the 15-20 mins that he spend there, he returned disappointed with no hope of a fruitful catch. He is a small fisherman and usually takes one more person with him on the boat for fishing. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

Fish left to dry at Kasimedu fish market in Chennai. Ever since the oil spill, the sale of fish have reportedly been strongly affected. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

Barrels of oil and sludge collected after cleaning operations lie on KVK Kuppum Beach in Chennai. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

Such are the stories of small fishermen living in villages along the coast line of Chennai who venture out on small boats in groups of 1-6 people to fish closer to the coast. Ever since the disaster, there has been no help extended to this community from the government despite the visit of chief minister OPS Paneerselvam to the Bharatiyar Nagar beach where many of these communities live.

With meagre incomes from half a dozen fishing visits they make every month these communities are struggling to survive.

Remains of sludge spread over the coastline of Marina beach in Chennai. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

Powler, a fisherman who does not own a boat, but works on other peoples boats, lashes out: The government promised that the cleaning will complete in 7 days. 12 days have passed already and the cleaning is still going on. When will we resume our fishing? Nobody is addressing our problems.

Boats stacked on the coast for lack of business in KVK Kuppum beach in Chennai. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

A dead olive ridley turtle on the Besant Nagar Beach coastline in Chennai. Many turtles have reportedly been found dead on the coastline post the oil spill but lack of post mortem makes it difficult to assert the cause of their death. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

A fisherman at the Bharathi Nagar beach wears a fish locket in Chennai. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

Business continues as usual for big fisherman who go deep into the sea for fishing and are thus not affected by the oil spills substantially at Kasimedu beach in Chennai. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

Business continues as usual for big fisherman who go deep into the sea for fishing and are thus not affected by the oil spills substantially at Kasimedu beach. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

Fishermen and labourers linger around the fire at Kasimedu Fish Market to keep themselves warm after long hours in the sea in Chennai. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT PHOTO)

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India is hopeful of finding a solution soon to the concerns of tech firms regarding a possible clamp down on work visa programmes such as H-1B by the US administration, information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Friday.

We are working closely with the external affairs ministry to make them aware of the problems highlighted (by tech firms) so that the external affairs ministry can in turn highlight the same with their counterparts in the US, Prasad told a news conference.

Indias IT industry, he noted, plays a key role in the US as it has paid nearly $20 billion in taxes in the US and created more than 400,000 employment opportunities in America while providing high quality services Fortune 500 companies.

Hence, it can be expected the problems will be resolved soon, Prasad said.

His remarks came a day after commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman met top government officials, including the secretaries of external affairs, finance, telecommunication, electronics and IT and commerce, and industry representatives to discuss the possible tightening of the US visa regime

Following the meeting with Sitharaman, Nasscom president R Chandrasekhar said: We had an interaction with the minister and exchanged views on rising trend of protectionism and anti-globalisation, and the perspective of the industry.

Prasad said Nasscom had also conveyed the concerns of the IT industry to his ministry.

Sitharaman earlier said India is closely monitoring developments and is constantly in touch with US authorities.

Nasscom plans to send a delegation of senior executives to Washington later this month to reach out to the Trump administration and lawmakers about its concerns on a possible tightening of the visa regime and curbs on the flow of skilled manpower.

The delegation will inform the new US administration on direct jobs being created by Indian IT companies in America and the contribution of Indian firms in making the US economy competitive.

The proposed overhaul of the popular H-1B visas by President Donald Trump has caused jitters among Indian firms, as any changes in the regime would result in higher operational costs and shortage of skilled workers for the $110-billion Indian outsourcing industry.

Indias IT sector contributes 9.3% to the GDP and the US accounts for nearly 62 % of its exports.

A bill was recently tabled in the US House of Representatives, proposing amendments to the H-1B visa regime, including doubling of minimum salary of holders of such visas to $130,000. The current minimum H-1B wage of $60,000 was fixed in 1989.

The new US attorney general, Jeff Sessions, is considered an immigration hawk and a strident critic of the H-1B visa programme. As a senator, Sessions introduced a bill to make it prohibitively expensive for American employers to bring foreign workers under the H-1B programme by proposing a high wage ceiling. He also co-sponsored a legislation that sought to cut the annual cap on H-1B visas from 65,000 to 50,000.
This Valentine, you can get your photograph printed on rose-scented postage stamps and send it to your beloved or the person you want to dedicate them to.

Imported from Germany, the special stamps are on sale in 13 general post offices across Jharkhand from Thursday.

Jharkhand has been given altogether 1,000 rose scented postage stamps for this Valentine week. Anyone can get printed his/her picture on these stamps, which generally carry photos of national icons like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. My stamp is the brand name for an individual sheet of the postage stamp, Jharkhand circle chief postmaster general Anil Kumar said.

Twelve pieces of the rose-fragranced postage stamps will cost Rs 500 while the same number of non-scented stamps will cost Rs 300. One has to buy a minimum of one sheet that has a dozen stamps.

Kumar said the objective behind such postage stamp is to make peoples relationships stronger and their gift memorable. The fragrance on the stamp will last for 10 years and it can be used on envelopes, postcards or other postal correspondence, Kumar said.

To get the stamps, one has to book it a day in advance.

The person has to furnish his/her picture in post office a day before the stamp delivery. If one doesnt have a picture, we will do it in the post office. The picture is scanned through a special device for embedding it on the rose scented stamp. There will be two roses on both sides of the picture, Kumar said.

The postal department will verify the identity of a person before delivering the stamp to avoid its misuse. We will allow for the stamp only after getting the identity proof of a person like Aadhaar, voter or other IDs, Kumar said.

The special postage stamp is expected to be popular among the younger generation.

This is really unique. This will make my Valentines Day memorable. I will book one such stamp today and send it to my girlfriend, who lives in Kolkata, Anshuman Ratan, a second-year college student, said.

Read| Gurgaon postal dept unveils V-Day special: Fragnant stamps

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Shameema lies in a bed in the neurosurgery ward of Government Super Speciality Hospital in Shireen Bagh in Srinagar, feeble and helpless.

A resident of Arwani village in south Kashmir, Shameema has been paralysed down from her waist for seven months now.

Family members say that on July 9 last year, a day after Hizbul Mujahedeen militant Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter, Shameema ventured out of the house to fetch her 11-year-old younger brother as a pro-Azaadi procession started in the neighbourhood.

The protestors clashed with the security forces, who retaliated by firing. A bullet hit an unsuspecting Shameema, rupturing her spine and tearing through her intestines.

Shameema is so emaciated now that the bones on her face and hand, which comes out of the blanket, seems to be protruding out of her skin.

Troops resorted to firing rifles and shotguns to quell stone-throwing protests sparked by Wanis death. The use of the controversial pellet guns as a non-lethal weapon of mob control has been criticised for its use during the Kashmir protests.

Over 90 people, including two policemen, were killed and several thousand others, including security personnel, injured in the unrest in the valley.

Many of those killed in the clashes died from shotgun pellets fired by police and paramilitary troops and hundreds of bystanders were blinded by the pellet rounds.

Despite calls by opposition parties and rights groups to ban the use of pellet guns, the government has refused to do so.

Shameema has been in the hospital since the injury undergoing rounds of surgeries. She was discharged in October but had to return after about a month as her condition deteriorated.

I am weak. In some parts there is immense pain, in a faint voice, without opening her eyes, she says in Kashmiri.

She falls back into slumber.

Read | Kashmir unrest: State government to set up SITs to probe deaths

She was hit by bullets in the spine and there were tears in her intestine. Her liver was also injured, said Dr Kaiser Ahmad, principal of the Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar.

For over six months now, we are trying to repair the damaged parts. We took up the spine first and even some plates were fixed to support it, the senior doctor added.

She lies in the bed most of the time and uses the wheelchair with some supportive waist belts.

Doctors say that with an effective rehabilitation process, including physiotherapy, her nerves might get regenerated in the long term and she may get, to some extent, strength in her legs.

But the bullet did not rupture only Shameemas spine. It shattered their entire family and livelihood. Shameemas father Abdul Rasheed is a blacksmith and their small shop in the village has been shut since she was injured.

Her elder brother Shabir Ahmed, who also works as a blacksmith, says that the family has been surviving with the help provided by well-wishing villagers.

Almost all savings of our family is exhausted because we could not run our shop and earn anything during the last seven months. Our time and energy have been focussed on my sisters treatment, Ahmed said.

Read | Pakistan and separatists derailed peace process, Kashmir unrest planned, says CM

Last week, several local media publications ran a story on the plight of the family as Shameemas treatment continues.

The chief ministers office took note of one such report and sent a communication saying they have asked for a detailed report about the woman from principal GMC and all help will be provided.

Dr Kaiser said he has received the message from the CMO and added that the hospital authorities are writing the complete medical history of the woman and details of her treatment so that her rehabilitation can be effectively planned.

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A second-year Law student sustained serious burn injuries on Thursday when he set himself on fire outside the Allahabad University campus, police said.

The incident is believed to be linked to the ongoing students agitation there.

The student, Zaabir Raza, sustained 30 per cent burn injuries and was rushed to Delhi in an ambulance late in the night.

Following the incident, tension griped the university campus and angry students held hostage some of the university officials. Police had to resort to a minor cane charge to disperse the unruly mob of students.

The students have been agitating against the university management for some days. President of Allahabad University Students Union Rohit Mishra has termed the incident as sad and the cane charge by police as very unfortunate.

Read| AU student leaders keep the banner flying high this polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Uttar Pradeshs Bijnor on Friday, launching a tirade of attacks on the ruling Samajwadi Party and its alliance partner Congress ahead of assembly elections.

Modi was speaking a day after taking a dig at the opposition for criticising the governments demonetisation move, saying that some people have problem with his fight against black money and corruption.

The 403 constituencies of Uttar Pradesh will vote in seven phases, starting February 11. Votes will be counted on March 11 for all the five state going to polls this year.

Here are the highlights of his speech:

 I ask you to opt for the Lotus in the upcoming UP elections.

People of UP do not deserve an inefficient state government that does not work for their well being: Modi

 The Centre gives money to states for food security... The UP government is not taking capital worth Rs 750 crore to provide food to the poor and hungry. Should such a government come back to power?

 Modi cites figures to attack the Akhilesh Yadav government: How can Haryana buy 60% wheat from its allotment from the Centre but Uttar Pradesh -- the agricultural bowl of India -- procures only 3%.

What has the UP government done in 5 years of its rule?

Read | PM Modi attacks Akhilesh Yadav in Ghaziabad rally, asks for report card of state

 PM invokes the memory of former prime minister Chaudhary Charan Singh who worked for the farmers. I will dedicate Rs 800 crore for the Chaudhary Charan Singh farmers initiative in every district of UP.

 Modi promises Bharatiya Janata Party will help the sugarcane farmers hit by debts. He vows the government in Uttar Pradesh will waive all farmers debts if the BJP comes to power.

Among our first priorities in UP would be to give justice to the sugarcane farmers.

PM Modis rally in Bijnor (Picture courtesy: NarendraModi.in/Twitter)

The Prime Ministers address shows the BJPs shift towards the rural and agricultural sector of India. The government has been accused by critics of being pro-corporates.

 Modi now turns his attack to the Congress-SP poll alliance, saying: Two families have come together to destroy this state. One destroyed the country for for 70 years and the other in Uttar Pradesh. UP has to be saved from these two families.

Modi-led Centre has been embroiled in a bitter war of words with Opposition Congress over the Prime Ministers statements about former PM Manmohan Singh in Parliament this week.

 PM launches a direct attack on Azam Khan for his involvement in corruption cases. There is no place left which the Akhilesh government hasnt looted.

 This is a family that has played caste politics but even the caste has benefitted from it, says Modi about the ruling Samajwadi Party.

There is no law and maintenance left in Uttar Pradesh.

 Modi speaks about womens issues. He says women are not allowed to get out of their homes in UP, not just at night, but even during the day. The Prime Minister gives the examples of Badaun rapes and slams the ruling Samajwadi Party leaders for making insensitive comments.

Modi goes on to criticise SP for combining family with politics. Can such a family protect the women of UP?

What were SP leaders saying after unfortunate instances of rape in the state? And then the CM also blamed the media: PM @narendramodi  narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) February 10, 2017

 When I was coming I could see so much traffic. People are coming with great enthusiasm

Ahead of assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh on Feb 11, Modi questions: Can the UP government serve the Imandar (honest) citizens of the state? Can it fulfil aspirations of the youth? Can it ensure safety of women?...

No

 Modi claims BJP workers are being arrested in every Assembly segment for no fault of theirs.

 Should governments run like this? Should the law be misused against political opponents?

 Surveying the crowd, Modi says: I can see this ground is small for the people gathered. So many people have joined us. Many have not even been able to enter the Maidan.

 Today, we pay our tributes to Sant Ravidas Ji.
Tamil Nadu remained on the edge on day four of the power tussle between VK Sasikala and O Panneerselvam, with the ball still in the court of Tamil Nadu governor Vidyasagar Rao on Friday night.

A day after both VK Sasikala and OPS met the governor separately on Thursday, Sasikala sacked key party figures including senior leader E Madhusudanan, who had defected to O Panneerselvams side on Thursday. Another senior leader E Ponnusamy extended his support to the acting Tamil Nadu CM, while a sword in the form of a Supreme Court verdict in the disproportionate assets case due next week is hanging over Sasikalas head.

Panneerselvam, who was named the chief minister after J Jayalalithaas death in December, quit on February 5, clearing the way for Sasikalas elevation to the states top job. The governor accepted his resignation the next day but on Wednesday Panneerselvam revolted, saying he was forced to resign and was willing to reconsider his decision.

Read | History lesson for AIADMK: 10 times MLAs were kept under watch, in luxury

Here are the live updates of the events as they happened:

10.42pm: On reports that the governor may not invite VK Sasikala to form the government due to pending court cases, O Panneerselvam says Please wait and see.

TN Governor denies sending a report to MHA or President's office #OPSvsSasikala @htTweets pic.twitter.com/t7qimqUTZZ  Aditya Iyer (@Theadityaiyer) February 10, 2017

10.24pm: No report has been sent still from governor C Vidyasagar Rao to the Centre: Raj Bhavan PRO

10.00pm: Tamil Nadu governor may wait till the Supreme court judgment in the disproportionate assets case against AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala is delivered, before taking a final deicison on her claim to form the government: Sources

9.30pm: Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao sends three-page report to Union home ministry, says cannot call Sasikala to form the government now: TV reports

8.30pm: Tami Nadu governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao asks DGP to probe allegations that AIADMK MLAs are being kept against their will at the Golden Bay Resorts on the East Coast Road.

8.08pm:

Honourable Governor will safeguard the Democracy- Respected Chinnama  AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 10, 2017

8.05pm: Senior party leader E Madhusudhanan joins OPS at the press conference, says, AIADMK was formed as a protest against family politics but now it has gone in family politics. We wont let that happen. We are waging a dharmic war against family politics.

7.57pm: Acting CM O Panneerselvam addresses the media outside his Greenways Road-residence. Jayalalithaa used to often say, this party will stay strong for hundreds and thousands of years. This party is the property of the cadre of AIADMK. No one can hijack it, says OPS.

7.55pm: Ive asked them (AIADMK) to call the assembly session soon, bring all the imprisoned MLAs and call for a vote. I have submitted a memorandum to the governor regarding establishment of a government in the state: MK Stalin

After Ammas demise, Panneerselvam took charge and took up the Jallikattu issue. But during protests outside, Jallikattu was happening inside AIADMK: MK Stalin

"We've seen Jallikattu, now are seeing Mallukattu (internal fight) within the AIADMK," says MK Stalin @htTweets  Aditya Iyer (@Theadityaiyer) February 10, 2017

7.50pm: MK Stalin had late Thursday denied of extending any support from outside to the Panneerselvam faction of the AIADMK. After meeting with governor, he says: I asked for immediate local body elections. They (AIADMK) are not even able to come forward to conduct local body elections.

MK Stalin meets governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao along with other DMK leaders, demanding a free and fair floor test. (ANI on Twitter)

Opposition leader in the Tamil Nadu assembly, MK Stalin seeks intervention to ensure democratically/ and constitutionally valid government in place via free fair floor test, without any further loss of time.

In a letter to the governor, Stalin says, Horse trading in any form has to b prevented&efforts to protect sanctity of Antidefection law has to b undertaken.

7.35pm: MK Stalins meeting ends with the governor at the Raj Bhavan. He tells media: In the last nine months, no work has happened in Tamil Nadu. I pointed this out to the governor and asked him to take lawful action.

7.15pm: Navaneethakrishnan, Rajya Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu, says: The AIADMK is under Sasikalas control. She has got the right to take action against any member violating rules. Madhusudanans remark, that he removed her from post of general secretary first, is incorrect.

7.00pm: Opposition DMK executive leader MK Stalin reaches Raj Bhavan with DMK MLA Duraimurugan to meet governor Vidyasagar Rao.

6.30pm: I had removed Sasikala from post of AIADMK general secretary before she removed me from the party. Now, we will be name a team soon that will work to save Ammas property and the partys property: E Madhusudanan

6.25pm: Acting chief minister O Panneerselvam and senior AIADMK leader E Madhusudanan come out of OPS residence on Greenways Road to speak to the media.

The AIADMK will soon hold elections for the post of the general secretary and the cadre will decide who should lead the party. As per MGR, only cadre can decide the general secretary. Election date will be announced soon, Madhusudanan says.

6.10pm:

Madras HC Chief Justice SK Kaul to meet Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavan shortly @htTweets  Aditya Iyer (@Theadityaiyer) February 10, 2017

6.00pm: VK Sasikala holds meeting with AIADMK MLAs loyal to her at Poes Garden: ANI

5.42pm: Reports of Sasikala holding a meeting via video link with AIADMK MLAs kept at the Golden Bay Resorts

5.35pm: E Ponnusamy, a senior AIADMK leader who backed the acting CM earlier today, says, Only Panneerselvam can save interests of the people. Governor is an able man, and he will take a sensible decision.

5.25pm: The rift between the Sasikala and the OPS camp grows, with MLAs from both sides now taking on each other. One AIADMK MLA Kalairajan tells ANI: If Panneerselvam provokes or hits me, Ill do same. Amma taught us to do namaskar with hands, but they can be used in other ways too.

Kalairajan, an AIADMK MLA from Theagaraya Nagar constituency (ANI on Twitter)

Im not threatening Panneerselvam, but if he touches us, we will reply too. The AIADMK headquarters and the Poes Garden come under my district area, so I have all the rights to do so: Kalairajan, MLA of the Theagaraya Nagar assembly constituency.

On AIADMK presidium chairman E Madhusudanan, Kalairajan says, Hes an absent-minded person. He doesnt know what hes speaking now and what hell speak later.

5.14pm: For past one week, AIADMK MLAs have been missing from their constituencies. It is creating hindrance in developmental activites. Since people-friendly work has stopped reaching the locals, I submitted a petition to find out where these MLAs are, says AIADMKs Srinivasan, who filed the petition for knowing the whereabouts of the MLAs.

4:50pm: As the situation spirals towards a stalemate, TV channels say the DGP has told the governor claims of AIADMK MLAs being held hostage are false.

Meanwhile, visuals on TV show a few lawmakers stepping out of the resorts.

4:10pm: According to reports, Tamil Nadu governor Vidyasagar Rao has intervened in the tussle and summoned the DGP over claims that lawmakers have been held hostage by Sasikala and her aides.

4:05pm: Both camps exchange barbs over MLAs being held at the resorts. While several lawmakers from the Sasikala camp have asserted that they arent staying against their consent, the Panneerselvam camp claims police commissioner S George refused to take down their complaint and have instead approached the governor.

Read | How this AIADMK MLA slipped away from Sasikalas camp and joined Panneerselvam

3:40pm: India Today quotes a Supreme Court lawyer slamming the governor for delaying the swearing-in of a chief minister. The lawyer says there is no constitutional crisis in Tamil Nadu.

3:30pm: As the AIADMK leadership tussle continues, Tamil Nadu Congress is quoted by a TV channel, saying that Rahul Gandhi is closely watching developments but the party will not intervene.

Another report says the Madras high court noted on Friday that it a serious matter if the MLAs have been refusing food and are held captive.

3:05pm: Opposition leader Stalin says DMK is against Presidents Rule in Tamil Nadu, according to TV reports.

Former TN governor K Rosaiah tells PTI on Friday Rao doesnt necessarily need to take into consideration Sasikalas claim that she has the support of a majority to invite for forming the government.

3pm: After MLAs families approached court, Tamil Nadu DGP Rajendran directs district superintendent to search the Golden Bay resort, the ECR hotel -- where the 130 AIADMK lawmakers have been holed up by the Sasikala camp.

DGP Rajendran directs District SP to search Golden Beach resort, the ECR hotel where 130 AIADMK MLAs have been held by #Sasikala @htTweets  Aditya Iyer (@Theadityaiyer) February 10, 2017

2:30pm: MLA Ramalingam says the majority supports Chinamma Sasikala:

Another AIADMK leader Ratnaswami says the Tamil Nadu governor can call us anytime, that is why we all have assembled at one place.

2:24pm: AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi alleges that she was getting threatening phone calls and messages and that she has recorded them. They are calling me, that have distributed my number on WhatsApp. They say if you dont support OPS, I should leave the party. My life is in danger.

She accuses Panneerselvams camp of trying to split the party. It will never happen, all real cadres are here, all loyal to Jayalalithaa are here. Saraswathi reiterates claim that it is the opposition DMK that was behind Panneerselvams revolt.

Read | SWOT analysis: Panneerselvam has the strengths to defeat Sasikala, but his weaknesses are many

2:25pm: Madhusudanan responds that no one has the authority to remove him, as Sasikalas election as AIADMK general secretary itself is flawed.

He writes to the Election Commission, rejecting his expulsion from AIADMK: TV reports

2:20pm: News channels report that an NGO has filed a complaint against Sasikala for grabbing land illegally.

2:15pm: A day after switching sides to the Panneerselvam camp, E Madusudanan has been removed from his post as presidium chairman and from primary membership of AIADMK, the party tweets. KA Sengottayan appointed in his place.

E.Madusudhanan removed from his post as presidium chairman and from primary membership of AIADMK.  AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 10, 2017

2:00pm: IANS reports that Tamil Nadu police have withdrawn security at the Madras Centenary Hall, where the swearing-in was meant to be take place.

Soon after AIADMK legislators elected Sasikala as the leader of the legislature party, preparatory work for her swearing-in began at the hall and police were deployed. But because of the uncertainty, this has been put on hold.

1:40pm: Six MLAs at Golden Bay resort permitted to speak to media, assert that they were there on their own free will and rubbish talk that they were detained.

With several habeas corpus petitions filed in the Madras high court on the legislators held at the resort, the MLAs met reporters outside to dismiss the rumours. MLAs cannot be kept hostage. Sasikala is treating us like how Jayalalithaa treated us, said one of them, Murugumaran.

We are not birds being kept in a cage, added another legislator. They accused the DMK of spreading rumours that legislators backing Sasikala were being held hostage.

Read | Panneerselvam vs Sasikala: No CM, mayor or village head amid Tamil Nadu crisis

1:20pm: Another senior AIADMK leader joins Panneerselvam. Extending support to the caretaker chief minister, E Ponnusamy said it was Panneerselvam who was identified by Jayalalithaa as the heir and appealed to other MLAs to join him.

A former PMK leader and a minister of state in the NDA regime during 1999-2001, Ponnusamy had joined AIADMK in 2013 in the presence of Jayalalithaa, reports PTI.

1:15pm: AIADMK presidium chairman E Madhusudanan writes to Election Commission, tells them not to accept Sasikala as general secretary of the party. He defected to Panneerselvams camp on Thursday.

12:55pm: Police officers are likely to visit the Golden Bay resort, to where 130 AIADMK MLAs were taken by Sasikala, on Panneerselvams orders.

12:45pm: SM Das Pandian, AIADMK MLA came out of the resort, tells a Tamil news channel that no one had taken away their phones and that they had switched it off themselves.

Read | In seeking President Pranabs intervention, AIADMK MPs are knocking on the wrong door

12:30pm: Home minister Rajnath Singh speaks in Uttar Pradesh on the political crisis in Tamil Nadu, says: Governor is the constitutional head of the state, it is his prerogative to take decisions. On the demand for a CBI probe into Jayalalithaas death, Rajnath said his ministry would consider the demand if it came from the late chief ministers family.

12:15pm: O Panneerselvam and his supporters speak to reporters. Only O Panneerselvam can save Tamil Nadu. Only he can take forward Jayalalithaas legacy, a TV channel quotes an MLA as saying.

11:35am: The Madras high court has asked the Tamil Nadu police to file an affidavit on MLAs lodged at a resort outside Chennai. The meeting between the DGP and Tamil Nadu governor is still underway.

11:30am: AIADMK MLA B Valarmathi tells ANI that all MLAs lodged in the resort have willingly switched off their mobile phones as they were getting threatening phone calls.

11:00am: Governor Vidyasagar Rao meets the director general of police TK Rajendran for discussions. Sources told HT that the DGP arrived at Raj Bhavan at 10.40 am. Tamil Nadu chief secretary Girija Vaidyanathan is also understood to be calling on Governor Vidyasagar Rao in a short while.

Tamil Nadu DGP TK Rajendran has been summoned to Raj Bhavan for discussions. Sources: Governor may enquire about MLAs detention at a resort  K V Lakshmana (@kvlakshman) February 10, 2017

10:45am: Supreme Court declines urgent hearing of PIL seeking to restrain VK Sasikala from taking oath as the chief minister till they have made a decision on the disproportionate assets case. The top court is expected to deliver a judgment in the Rs 63 crore DA case next week.

Sorry. Declined, a bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and justices NV Ramana and DY Chandrachud said when the lawyer sought urgent listing and hearing.

10:15am: Meeting of Tamil Nadu Congress leaders with Rahul Gandhi underway at his residence, reports ANI. The Congress is keeping a close watch on the developments in the southern state. There is also a divide in the Tamil Nadu Congress over supporting VK Sasikala or O Panneerselvam for the CMs post.

Read | Floating restaurant, water sports and more for AIADMK MLAs under guard at luxury resort

10:05am: BJP leader Subramanian Swamy says the governor has woken up to his duties as a constitutional authority.

Pannerselvam didnt give any list of MPs or MLAs who are supporting him. He didnt stake any claim. He just wants his resignation to be withdrawn. But, it has already been accepted. How can he do this? Its like putting toothpaste back in the tube, Swamy told ANI.

10:00am: There are reports coming in that the MLAs, said to be unhappy over being confined at a luxury resort where they were brought two days ago, would be broken up into smaller groups and shifted to other locations.

(With agency inputs)
Piracy website Tamil Rockers grabbed headlines after it threatened to stream Singham 3, the third instalment of the super hit franchise, on its site on the day of the films release.

The threat came on Thursday and was in response to Gnanavel Raja, the films producer, who lashed out at the group for leaking a pirated version of the film to its registered members.

The website currently offers an easy download and streaming access to a copy of the film. The version of the film online has been labelled as a DVD screener. Screeners are advance copies of recent movies that are generally sent to censor board officials, critics and awards voters.

These high-quality releases are subjected to intense security precautions by the studios, as they are highly sought after by online pirates. However, hundreds of these screeners have leaked early over the years despite the precautions.

Who are the Tamil Rockers?

Anti-piracy investigators describe Tamil Rockers as a one-stop online store for pirated south Indian films. The site requires users to register before they can download any content and registration is available only through an invite at the moment. Copies of pirated movies are shared via torrents or other cloud-based file sharing sites.

The website is hosted by US-based Sucuri and the servers located in Menifee, California. The websites domain name, on the other hand, seems to be from the Czech Republic. This a common tactic used by piracy sites that maintain mirror domains, or replica links, to their website in different countries. It helps them to get back running if law enforcement agencies try to block them.

The website had previously gained notoriety when it uploaded a screener copy of Premam, a Malayalam film, that was meant for the censor board. Investigators were unable to identify the owners of the website but The Hindu reported that an administrator of the website routinely uses a Sri Lankan IP address.
A hearing and speech impaired tribal woman was allegedly raped by a minor in Bihars Kaimur district, about 190km from state capital Patna, on Thursday evening.

Police said the incident took place at Mahuar village in Ramgarh police station area when the 40-year-old woman was cutting grass in a field.

An FIR had been registered under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (punishment for rape) against the accused, a Class 8 student, on the statement of the victims husband, the police said, adding the woman had been admitted at the government hospital here. The medical examination of the woman was conducted late on Thursday night, they said.

Kaimur superintendent of police Harpreet Kaur said as the victim was speech impaired the accused would be paraded along with some other boys of his age before her for identification. The accused was minor and action would be taken against him only if the medical report confirmed rape and his involvement was established, Kaur added.
In an indication of a further delay in the swearing-in ceremony of VK Sasikala after she was elected AIADMK Legislature Party Leader, the venue scheduled to host the event currently wears a deserted look with even the police security being withdrawn.

Soon after Sasikala was chosen by the party MLAs to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on February 5, the University of Madras auditorium was being spruced up on a war-footing for her expected swearing-in.

Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had resigned after Sasikalas election, paving the way for her to take over the top post. However, he later rebelled against Sasikala, leading to a political uncertainty.

Probably, in view of the uncertainty, the heavy police bandobast, which was visible for the last few days, was no more there and the premises wore a deserted look.

Even the workers who were decking up the entry points were conspicuous by their absence.

Read: Tamil Nadu LIVE | AIADMK is property of the cadre, no one can hijack it: Panneerselvam

Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao is yet to get back to either Sasikala or Panneerselvam, both of whom had met him separately yesterday, on the future course of action, even as the cloud of political uncertainty hung over the state.

Most of the AIADMK MLAs are huddled at a resort near Mahabalipuram, about 60 kms from here, amidst expectations that they could be summoned in case of a need for Sasikala to prove her strength by parading them before the Governor.

Sasikala had on Thursday placed the list of MLAs supporting her at the Jayalalithaa memorial here, before submitting the same to the the Governor during the nearly 40-minute meeting between the two.

Earlier in the day, the Madras High Court had sought the Tamil Nadu governments response to allegations that AIADMK MLAs were being illegally detained in a resort near here and 20 of them were on a hunger strike.

Later, a few of the AIADMK legislators, owing allegiance to Sasikala, claimed outside the resort that they were staying there on their own and there was no restriction on their movement.

Read: Floating restaurant, water sports and more for AIADMK MLAs under guard at luxury resort

Meanwhile, DMK working president MK Stalin urged the Governor to expedite the steps to ensure that governance was in place.

Meanwhile, AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi expressed confidence that Sasikala would become the chief minister soon.

We have submitted our MLAs support letter (for Sasikala) to the Governor, she told reporters.

Saraswathi also alleged that she was receiving threat calls asking her to support Panneerselvam.

Read: SWOT analysis: Panneerselvam has the strength to defeat Sasikala, but his weaknesses are many
The NDA government would pass the long-pending legislation providing 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures once we get majority in Rajya Sabha, Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu announced on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has this in mind and the day is not is far when Parliament will pass the law providing women reservation through consensus. Once we (NDA) get majority in Rajya Sabha, we will get the Bill passed, Naidu said, addressing the National Womens Parliament here.

A mere Bill is not sufficient. What is needed is political will and administrative skill. Political parties should show conviction in this regard, he said.

Noting that gender inequality was having a serious impact on economic development, Venkaiah said focus should be on gender empowerment to end inequalities.

On a scale of 0-1 in gender inequality index, India ranked 0.54. Gender inequality is having a serious impact on economic development and it has become a pressing concern across the world. Hence, there is a global demand for women empowerment, the Union minister said.

The three-day National Womens Parliament, being organised by Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly with the theme of Empowering Women - Strengthening Democracy, began today in the state capital of Amaravati.

Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, Union ministers M Venkaiah Naidu and P Ashok Gajapati Raju, AP chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Puducherry lieutenant governor Kiran Bedi, Bangladesh Parliament speaker Shirin Chaudhury, Gandhian Ela Bhatt, actress Manisha Koirala and many other dignitaries attended the inaugural event at Pavitra Sangamam.

The vision of NWP is to enable and encourage social, political and economic empowerment of women in all strata of the society. One of the objectives of NWP is to generate new ideas, theories and ideologies for women empowerment.

An International Woman Icon of the World award and 12 best young achievers awards for women in different fields will be presented at the NWP.

There would be seven plenary sessions at the event with discussions on subjects like socio-political challenges in women empowerment, womens status and decision-making, building own identity and vision for the future.

AP Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao had yesterday said as many as 91 women parliamentarians, 401 legislators, 300 social and corporate sector women leaders from India and abroad are expected to attend the NWP, while over 10,000 socially and politically sensitive girl students will be networked with the leaders.
The National Investigation Agency on Thursday formally charged an employee of controversial TV evangelist Zakir Naiks now banned outfit Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for radicalising a Kerala boy to join the Islamic State (IS).

Arshi Qureshi was a guest relations manager at the IRF when he came on the radar of Mumbai Police for indoctrinating Ashfak Majeed who used to visit him quite often. Majeeds father approached the Mumbai Police after his son went missing in August last year.

The case was later transferred to the NIA given its international ramifications.

The case relates to the indoctrination of Ashfak Majeed, and his associates, into extreme Jihadi ideology by a group of like-minded youths from Kasaragod district of Kerala and some members of the Islamic Research Foundation, Mumbai, who motivated and radicalised Ashfak and his associates to join the IS, the NIA said in a statement.

The NIA charged that Qureshi used to give lectures on violent Jihad to the missing youth. He also financed the travel and stay of some of the missing youths.

Investigation by the NIA has established that the arrested accused Arshi Qureshi was involved in unlawful activities and in spreading hatred against India and was furthering the activities of the IS, it added.

Besides Qureshi, the NIA also charged a Kerala man, Abdul Rashid Abdulla, the alleged ringleader of 21 men and women from the state who joined the IS in Afghanistans Nangarhar province, in the case. Abdulla is now suspected to be in the IS-held territory in Afghanistan.

This is the second chargesheet against Abdulla by the NIA.

Earlier, he was charged along with Yasmeen Mohammed Zahid, originally from Bihar, who was caught while taking a flight to Kabul from the Indira Gandhi International Airport with her minor child. She intended to join the IS there.

The wanted accused, Abdul Rashid Abdulla, was the main conspirator behind the offence of motivating Ashfak and a number of other youths from Kasargod and Palakkad districts of Kerala to join the IS, the agency said.

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The body of a 35-year-old NRI, who was murdered and buried by his two cousins over extramarital affairs, has been found here, police said on Friday.

The body of Syed Imran (35), customer service officer in National Bank of Abu Dhabi who was missing since February 4, was exhumed from an under-construction house of the accused in Bandlaguda area on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police V Satyanarayana late Thursday announced the arrest of Saif Bin Sabit Baa Abood and his friend Hashim Ali were arrested.

Police solved the murder case following a missing complaint lodged by Syeda Afshan, Imrans mother.

Imran, who had come home on holidays last month, went missing on February 4.

Preliminary investigations revealed that he was last seen with a woman on his motorcycle in Falaknuma.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Saif, who confessed to committing the crime along with his elder brother Saeed Bin Sabit Baa Abood, an army man in Qatar.

Imran, who is already married and has a child, had extramarital affairs with Saeeds wife Fatima and sister.

Saeed, who had also come home on holidays, learnt about this and hatched a plan with his brother to kill Imran. As per their plan, Fatima brought Imran to a rented house in Jamal Banda.

Saeed and Saif threw chilli powder in his eyes and slit his throat.

Police said after committing the crime, Saeed returned to Qatar. Search is on for Fatima, who is absconding.
Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti has said she ordered the public torture of rapists during her tenure as Madhya Pradesh chief minister, a startling admission in a country still debating harsher punishments for crimes against women.

At a rally in Agra on Thursday, Bharti said she had ordered similar punishment in Madhya Pradesh -- she was CM between 2003 and 2004 -- and didnt pay heed to police officers who said such inhuman punishment would be a violation of human rights.

I told those police officers that human rights are meant for humans and not for demons. I asked them to let the victims girls see all this through a window and hear the screams of the rapists.

The Union water resources minister blamed the Samajwadi Party government for not enforcing similar punishment to the men suspected to have raped two women off a highway in Bulandshahr last year, and allowing bail.

These accused should have been publicly tortured while hung upside down and their skins peeled off. Salt should be added to their wounds so that they feel the agony of rape she stated.

India toughened its anti-rape laws after public outrage over the December 16, 2012 gang rape but many demand the death penalty and public punishments for rape convicts to dissuade potential criminals in what is among the most unsafe countries for women in the world.

The Bulandshahr rape, which occurred on July 30 last year, had triggered nationwide outrage, especially over alleged police inaction when an emergency call was made, and was seen as a mark of deteriorating law and order under the SP administration. The region goes to the polls on Saturday and the BJP is fighting against the SP-Congress combine and the Bahujan Samaj Party.

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New Delhi: With India set to notify rules to implement fuel efficiency norms, environmentalists are already expressing concern that in their present form, the proposed rules can lead to weaker implementation.

The new fuel efficiency standards that are expected to come into force in April, require cars to be 30% more fuel efficient from 2022 and 10% between 2017 and 2021.

However, experts fear the proposed rules guiding the implementation are too lax and will not be effective in meeting the twin objectives of limiting air pollution and curtailing greenhouse gas emissions.

We support the implementation of fuel economy standards, said Anumita Roychowdhury, at the Centre for Science and Environment, a policy think tank in Delhi.

 But the way you design it is very critical in determining whether you get the real benefits.

Other NGOs, like Greenpeace which released a scathing report earlier last year about air pollution in cities across India, echoed this concern.

They brought out these rules after so many deliberations, we are disappointed how lax the rules are, said Sunil Dahiya at Greenpeace.

Read more: http://www.hindustantimes.com/business/india-to-introduce-new-fuel-efficiency-standards/story-mUesd9b611U0krxlaT06pN.html

Roychowdhury said, The rules that were formulated in 2015 and were up for comments and suggestions from public for about a month will allow for more dieselization, because it will incentivise the production of cars that are only slightly more fuel efficient.

This is because of the way the fuel consumption norms are implemented. The fuel efficiency of vehicles will not be tested against a specific norm limit value. For every manufacturer, regulators will use the annual sales data, the tested fuel economy value for a car model and average it for every manufacturer. The average value has to comply with the fuel efficiency standard.

Car manufacturers can ensure improvement in their average numbers by producing mild hybrid vehicles that are only nominally better than diesel vehicles, said Roychowdhury.

The other point of contention is that there are no penalties for not meeting the norms. Other countries have stringent penalties for failing to meet fuel economy targets. Indias proposed rules, by contrast, do not provide for any action for not meeting the standards for three years and after that only allows the company to be reported.

Energy and transport sectors are going to be the big drivers of air pollution and climate change, Dahiya said.  If we dont establish strict rules we wont be able to check pollution or meet our commitments under the climate treaty.

The environmentalists also argue that updating the rules every few years would lead to more disruption in the automobile sector. When we have the most efficient technologies available we should use them, he said.

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The Congress has decided to stay away from the ongoing crisis in the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu even as the party is keeping a tab on the developments following allegations that the Centre is meddling in the affairs of the southern state.

Congress sources said the party took the decision at a meeting between Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and leaders of the partys Tamil Nadu unit in the national capital on Friday.

The Congress would not to take any step that might antagonise its trusted ally DMK, the sources said.

Gandhi had summoned Tamil Nadu Congress president S Thirunavukkarasar and Congress legislature party (CLP) leader KR Ramasamy to discuss the current crisis.

The Congress, which has eight legislators in the 234-member assembly, is vertically divided over supporting AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala or caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam.

While Thirunavukkarasar and his loyalists favour Sasikala as the chief minister, former finance minister P Chidambaram and many ex-state unit chiefs such as EVKS Elangovan and KV Thangkabalu want the Congress to stay clear of the AIADMKs internal crisis.

Sasikala and Panneerselvam are locked in a bitter battle for the control of the AIADMK and also the chief ministers post with both claiming the support of the majority of the partys 134 legislators.

Read: No more the centrestage: Sasikalas swearing-in venue wears a deserted look

There are apprehensions in the Congress camp that the BJP might carry out an Arunachal Pradesh-like operation in Tamil Nadu in order to gain some foothold in the state.

To thwart any such move, we have alerted our cadres across Tamil Nadu, a senior Congress leader said.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Congress lost its government in September last year when 43 of its 44 legislators in the 60-member House defected and merged with the Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA).

Finally in December 2016, a BJP government was installed in the border state after 33 of the 43 PPA legislators joined the saffron party.

Another Congress functionary said the party will stand solidly behind its senior alliance partner in all its moves. The DMK, which fought the 2016 assembly elections in alliance with the Congress, has 89 legislators in the state assembly.

Read: Sasikala told Amma she wont enter politics: Panneerselvam shows letter proof

However, the party is also waiting for next weeks Supreme Court verdict in the Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate assets case against Sasikala, a close aide of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. An adverse judgment could cast a shadow on Sasikalas plans to become the chief minister.

According to a Supreme Court verdict in 2013, members of Parliament and state legislative assemblies will lose their seats immediately if they are convicted of offences that carry a prison term of more than two years.

The top court also said convicted lawmakers could not contest elections for six years after their release from jail.

A lawmaker could earlier avoid disqualification if his appeal was being heard in a higher court.

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Religion, quenching animal thirst and public interests are some of the reasons cited by an environment ministry panel to recommend big ticket projects in and around Indias critical tiger and wildlife habitats.

About 50 such projects got nod at a meeting of the standing committee of the national board for wildlife (SC-NBWL) headed by environment minister Anil Madhav Dave, the minutes of the meeting released this week revealed.

Religion was invoked to allow widening of a road through Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh. The project is dubbed public utility for the devotees as it would provide better connectivity between Atmakur to Kolanu Bharathi Temple.

The minutes of the meeting held on January 3 said the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recommended the project after due feasibility assessment carried out by a team of officers and scientists.

While allowing a check dam at Balaram Ambji sanctuary in Gujarat, the committee maintained that the water stored there will help wildlife to quench their thirst during dry season.

A large area of the sanctuary will be utilised for building the dam.

The committee recommended an approach canal through Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Narmada district of Gujarat, stating it will provide irrigation facilities to farmers of 10 villages.

The panel also allowed conversion of meter gauge line to broad gauge through Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra as Indian Railways claimed that an alternate route would result in felling of thousand of trees.

The minutes showed that the railways claim has not been vetted by any expert agency and the concerns of the NTCA on impact of the faster train line through the reserve on tiger dispersal, habitat connectivity for genetic exchange and protection failed to find much consideration.

Minister Dave overruled the concerns and allowed the project saying the mitigation measures by the NTCA would be enforced through a memorandum of understanding with railways.

Pushp Jain of non-government EIA Resource Centre, however, said the government has failed to provide any assessment of the habitat loss because of the alternate route that could have benefitted people in districts of Akola, Amravati and Bhandara.

Conservationists say the conversion will also result in cutting of the trees on 161 hectares of the forestland but the convoluted minutes fail to provide details.

Ravi Singh, chief executive officer of World Wide Fund (WWF) for nature said the standing committee was within its rights to take these decisions as they did not violate any law. One has to consider the pressure of devotees or demand for development by locals. But, it does not mean that the government should not improve habitat for wildlife, he told HT.

The NDA government has modified rules to expedite approvals in and around the wildlife areas for ease of doing business especially for mining, irrigation and linear projects.

An analysis of approvals by the highest advisory body of the environment ministry by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) showed that close to 400 projects have been approved by the NDA government in two-and-a-half years as compared to 260 by the UPA government in five years.

The rejection rate fell from 11.9% to 0.01% in the same period indicating that projects in green habitats have suddenly become feasible.

The CSE had said the ministry has introduced new norms to control pollution from these projects but panel members have expressed concern over monitoring its implementation.

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The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), the economic arm of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is all set to amplify its opposition to the Centres engagement with foreign establishments such as the Bill and Melinda Gates (BMG) Foundation in public health.

The ministry of health and family welfares assertion that it will continue to collaborate with BMG Foundation, despite concerns raised by SJM and several non government organisations about their links to pharma majors , has set the stage for confrontation between the Sangh affiliate and the government.

Earlier this week, the ministry denied media reports that there was a rethink on allowing the BMG Foundation to support the Universal Immunisation Programme beyond February 28.

The SJM has been pushing the Centre to come up with a public health policy that is tailor-made for India and free from foreign influence.

It will soon release a white paper on the BMG Foundations activities and links to vaccine manufacturers, which it says is a conflict of interest.

The Gates Foundation and big pharmaceutical companies dominate immunisation policy and programmes. Even so-called scientific studies on which immunisation policy-making depends are being conducted and funded by pharmaceutical companies. Our vaccination programmes should not be guided by pharmaceutical companies, but by specific requirements of the country, Ashwani Mahajan, national co-convener of the SJM, said.

SJM functionaries have raised the issue of vaccination programmes run in collaboration with or support from Global Alliance for Vaccination (GAVI), a Switzerland-based organisation.

From the related material available on the website, it can be observed that GAVI not only convinced the ministry to introduce pentavalent vaccine on all India basis,but has structured the grant where the entire quantity during funding period would be procured by GAVI through UNICEF and Government of India would procure through self-funding pentavalent vaccine beyond GAVI funding period. It is on record that due to introduction of pentavalent vaccination per child cost has increased to ?525 as against ?15 for DPT and HepB vaccines earlier, Mahajan said.

Even as the health ministry has signed an MoU with the BMG Foundation to augment efforts to achieve universal immunisation, SJM and several other NGOs have redflagged the introduction of Rotavirus vaccine in the universal immunisation programme in 2016, allegedly at the behest of GAVI.

There were controversial results of clinical trials of the Rotavirus vaccine carried out at Delhi, Pune and Vellore, conducted at the recommendations of the World Health Organisation with support from Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, a non-profit organisation based in Seattle, Washington, Mahajan said.

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AIADMK leader E Madhusudanan on Friday said he has sent a petition to the Election Commission not to recognise VK Sasikala as general secretary of Tamil Nadus ruling party.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Madhusudanan, now in acting chief minister O Panneerselvams camp, said, As per the party by-law, a person can become general secretary of the AIADMK only if he/she is a member for a continuous period of five years.

Madhusudanan said Sasikala was not a party member for a continuous five years and hence she was not qualified to be the general secretary.

In December, after then chief minister J Jayalalithaas death, Sasikala was elected the general secretary at a general council meeting of the AIADMK.

According to Madhusudanan, it was initially thought that Sasikala alone would be in the party but her family members were starting to take control of the AIADMK. This, he said, cannot be permitted.
More than a hundred AIADMK legislators corralled into a leisure retreat to stop them from running away to the rival camp are in the lap of luxury  swimming, sauna, massage and fine dining at a floating restaurant.

The only luxury they are not allowed is freedom; not even the simple liberty of using their mobile phones.

They are being watched closely and at least five men constantly hovered around a select few MLAs who were allowed to interact with a battery of mediapersons camping outside the locked gates of Golden Bay, a four-star resort at Kuvathur near tourist town Mahabalipuram, 80km from Chennai.

The minders are said to be party toughs ferried from across Tamil Nadu.

They listened to each and every word the handful of MLAs, among them SM Das Pandian and Tamil Selvan, said to reporters on Friday after they were allowed to step out of the resort briefly.

You have said enough, now get inside, one of them ordered. The MLA obeyed, meekly.

The security is so tight in and around the resort that villagers living nearby are getting claustrophobic. Their movement is restricted, and some of them complained of being bullied.

Read: How this AIADMK MLA slipped away from Sasikalas camp and joined Panneerselvam

A television journalist was stopped when she wanted to go in and book a room. When she insisted and threatened to call police, a man at the gate responded: Do whatever you want to.

Not just the legislators, even the resort staff have been barred from using their mobile phones.

Pandian denied that their phones have been confiscated. We switched off our phones and will come out only after Chinamma calls us, he said.

Another legislator, HT Ramachandran, said he has been in touch with people of his constituency over the phone.

But party parliamentarian V Maitreyan, who supports chief minister O Panneerselvam, expressed his doubts. Let the MLAs come out. As long as they are there, they have to say what they are told to say.

It is highly unlikely that these legislators will walk out soon as the power struggle between Panneerselvam and AIADMK chief VK Sasikala escalated in Chennai.

Sasikala packed off all her MLAs to the resort on Wednesday night  to be guarded against any attempt by the rival camp to poach them.

Read: History lesson for AIADMK: 10 times MLAs were kept under watch, in luxury

She suffered a setback as Panneerselvam complained to the governor that legislators were being taken hostage, while the Madras High Court asked police to find out the whereabouts of the missing MLAs.

To avoid a hostage crisis, a few MLAs were selected and paraded before TV cameras. Pandian said they were staying at the resort on their own will, a line that AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi asserted later.

The confinement apart, the resort offers almost every bit of luxury that the legislators could ask for.

Equipped with all material comforts, it boasts of a large swimming pool and a floating restaurant, apart from private beach for angling, fitness centre, sauna, spa, water sports, massage and steam rooms.

This four-star leisure retreat charges anything between Rs 5,500 and Rs 10,000 a day for a room depending on the size and category.

Read: AIADMK crisis: Guv may not invite Sasikala to form govt before Supreme Court verdict in DA case

The MLAs were brought to the resort around 11pm in two buses on Wednesday. After an hour, there was another busload of AIADMK leaders and supporters. Ministers came in different vehicles.

A smaller batch of MLAs was lodged at another resort close to Kalpakkam. At both places, the members were kept under close surveillance and were not allowed to step out.

The ending lines of Hotel California, the iconic chartbuster song of American band Eagles, best exemplifies their predicament. You can check out any time you like/But you can never leave!

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The Supreme Court declined on Friday to hear urgently a plea seeking to restrain AIADMK general secretary Sasikala from becoming the Tamil Nadu chief minister until a verdict is pronounced in a corruption case where she is an accused.

The top court is expected to deliver a judgment in the Rs 63 crore disproportionate assets case next week

The decision comes amid a political storm in Tamil Nadus ruling party, the AIADMK, after caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam revolted against Sasikala and alleged he was forced to resign as CM. Sasikala has claimed support of a majority of the partys 134 MLAs.

The SC is hearing the Karnataka governments plea challenging the high court acquittal of 61-year-old Sasikala and three others in the case. Though late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalaithaa was the main accused, but after her death on December 5, the case against her stands abated.

A conviction after being sworn in would result in Sasikala having to step down as chief minister.

The other accused are Sasikalas sister-in-law Ilavarasi and Sudhakaran, Jayalalithaas foster son who she later disowned.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to reduce Mumbais importance in the national scheme of things, and is targeting the Shiv Sena only to get a hold over the city, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said on Friday.

With less than two weeks before the city goes to polls, the Sena has stepped up its criticism of the BJP-led state government  in an interview and an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana.

In the editorial, the Sena criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modis raincoat jibe at former PM Manmohan Singh, and openly praised the Congress for the countrys development. Without the Congres, the editorial said, India would have now been like Somalia or Burundi. The Sena even hailed past Congress PMs Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao and Singh.

In the interview to Saamana, Thackeray said the BJP was interested in gaining control of Mumbai only to break it apart. One thing is for sure, nobody can break Mumbai away from Maharashtra. Then what can they do? They (BJP) have power in their hands, so they can misuse it to diminish Mumbais significance. Starting from Air India, the offices of all major Central establishments have been moved. Industrialists have also moved away from Mumbai, reducing the citys importance. All these things have started once again, and it has gone beyond my tolerance, Thackeray said to a question on why the BJP wants to gain control over Mumbai.

Those in Delhi, he said, irrespective of who it is, feel they should have the control of the countrys financial nerve centre. It is an expression of a dissatisfied sentiment that even if I become prime minister, I want to control Mumbai. Everyone has felt that, right from Nehru to Narendra Modi, Thackeray said.

The Shiv Sena, he said, guarded the city when no one could stand during the 1992 riots. The Shiv Sena is Mumbais strength and they think if they reduce this strength, they can get Mumbai easily. But that is never possible, the Sena chief said, while reiterating that henceforth, there will be no discussions or negotiations for an alliance, and that he has clarified this is the beginning of the Senas new path.

Separately, in the Saamana editorial, the Sena criticised Prime Minister Modis jibe at Singh when he said only the former prime minister knows the art of taking a bath with a raincoat. The Sena said Modi, who keeps cornering the Congress every time the issue of demonetisation and corruption comes up, should change his negative outlook and realise those who shield the corrupt are corrupt themselves. Many such politicians have taken refuge in the BJP, the editorial said.

The Sena said the Congress government might have been corrupt, but to say that it only indulged in scams and didnt bring about any development is wrong. But if the prime minister says that, everyone should accept it as the truth or else they will be called deshdrohis (traitors), the Sena said in the editorial.

Even if we accept the Congress only looted the country with corruption, we also need to acknowledge that a country, which could not make even a needle, has greatly grown its economy and industry. This progress has not happened only in the last two years. The country has been built on the efforts of its past rulers.

The Sena praised Indira Gandhi for her war on Pakistan in 1971, instead of being two-faced about her approach to that nation, for nationalising banks and for nipping the Khalistan issue in the bud, among others. The party has been taunting the Modi government for not talking tough with Pakistan despite an increase in insurgency and violence at the border.

Similarly, the Sena praised Rajiv Gandhi for setting the tone of Indian diplomacy and for ushering in the computer age in the nation, and Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh for lifting India out of a financial crisis.

READ MORE

Sena threatens alliance with Fadnavis-led BJP with resignation of its ministers

Uddhavs ministers likely to give him their resignations

Mumbai BMC polls: Big fights as biggies try to bag votes

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A UK-based Sikh group has written to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office demanding a public inquiry into Britains alleged involvement in the 1984 Operation Bluestar.

Sikh Federation UK has been working on a report titled Sacrificing Sikhs: The need for an investigation, which claims to have evidence regarding the full extent of the UKs alleged role in the military action.

It is of crucial public importance that the allegations are investigated, in an effective and transparent manner, reads the letter, addressed to Indian-origin foreign office minister Alok Sharma, in charge of India and the Pacific.

The letter goes on to claim that the 2014 Heywood Review, set up by then prime minister David Cameron into the exact nature of British involvement in Operation Blue Star, was flawed as it did not consider certain directly relevant material.

The FCO acknowledged the receipt of the letter, written by the groups solicitors KRW Law last month.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is considering the points raised in your letter. You will receive a full response shortly, the letter dated February 2 reads.

The latest exchange follows a call for a fresh, independent investigation into the issue by the UK Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in a letter to British Prime Minister Theresa May last month.

Given concerns regarding the effectiveness and integrity of the January 2014 review, I believe we must consider a fresh, independent investigation into this episode in British history. It is clear to me from my discussions with Sikh groups in the UK that there remains significant resentment that over the 30 years since this most appalling event, questions remain about the role which the United Kingdom played, Corbyn said.

The Heywood Review had been ordered by Cameron in 2014 after documents released previously under the 30-year declassification rule had implied British SAS commanders had advised the Indian government as it drew up plans for the removal of militants from the Sikh shrine.

The report concludes that the nature of the UKs assistance was purely advisory, limited and provided to the Indian government at an early stage in their planning, William Hague, then UK foreign secretary, had told the House of Commons in February 2014.

However, Sikh Federation UK has maintained that some files recalled by the Foreign Office hold further information on the issue and has been calling for the secret documents to be made public.

It claims the report it has been compiling will reveal certain measures taken against the Sikh community in Britain in 1984 and 1985 by the then Margaret Thatcher-led government.

Read| CIA files: Parkash Singh Badal sided with Sikh extremists after Op Bluestar
Rajasthan has the highest number of habitations where groundwater contains fluoride, said a report of the union drinking water and sanitation ministry.

Of the 13,334 habitations affected by fluoride in the country, Rajasthan has 6,589 where more than 45 lakh people live, said the integrated management information system report of the ministry.

The report, with data updated till January, was tabled in parliament on Thursday when minister of state for water resources and river development Sanjeev Kumar Balyan replied to a question on the groundwater quality in the country.

After Rajasthan, 1,041 habitations were affected by fluoride in Telangana, and 1,039 in West Bengal.

Fluorosis, a disabling disease, is caused by drinking fluoride-contaminated water. Rajasthan has around 40 lakh people -- the highest in the country -- affected by fluorosis, followed by Telangana (19 lakh), Andhra Pradesh (11 lakh), Bihar (5 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (4.5 lakh) and Uttar Pradesh (1.5 lakh), according to the ministry of health and family welfare data compiled in 2014. Fluorosis affects children and women the most.

The minister said scientific studies and quality monitoring indicated that groundwater in pockets of Rajasthan was contaminated with fluoride, nitrate, arsenic and lead.

Groundwater in all the 33 districts of Rajasthan is polluted with fluoride, nitrate and iron; salinity was found in 31 districts; and arsenic in one district, Balyan said.

Lead was found in copper deposits at Khetri of Jhunjunu district, and heavy metals at Sanganer in Jaipur and Sambher lake in Pali.

The minister said the states were assisted technically and financially in providing safe drinking water through the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). Up to 67% of funds provided to the states under NRDWP can be utilised for tackling water quality problems, especially in arsenic- and fluoride-affected habitations.

He said the state governments have been directed to ensure availability of safe drinking water through piped supply as a long-term measure. As a stop-gap arrangement, Niti Aayog is supporting the states for installation of community water purification plants for supply to rural habitations where water is contaminated with arsenic and fluoride.

Since water contamination by arsenic and fluoride has been serious in rural habitations, the Centre has decided to take short-term and long-term measures with ring-fenced (protected) funds to tackle the problem, the minister said.
A four-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man in Murlipura area of Jaipur on Friday.

The accused, Kalu Ram is a 25-year-old launderer.

When the girls parents were not at home, the accused lured the minor on pretext of giving toffee and took her to his nearby room. He dropped her back after committing the act, the police said.

When her parents came back, the girl narrated the whole ordeal to them, after which a case was lodged.

The man has been booked under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act and efforts are on to nab him. The girl has been sent for medical examination, said Naveen Khandelwal, SHO Murlipura police station.
After constantly highlighting her opposition to the demonetisation move over the past three months in the political sphere, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has registered a fiscal protest as well braving deep financial crisis.

In the state budget presented on Friday, state finance minister Amit Mitra announced a one-time cash assistance of Rs 50,000 for all those who lost their jobs due to demonetisation. Mitra announced a demonetisation relief corpus of Rs 250 crore, an amount that can be distributed to 50,000 individuals at the most.

The state is in deep fiscal crisis with debt repayment alone consuming 81% of the states tax revenues the next year. The fiscal deficit is projected at Rs 19,351 crore.

Demonetisation has forced thousands of skilled workers from different parts of the country to come back to the state. They are now living in pitiable conditions. We would give these workers a one-time grant of Rs 50,000 so that they can start an alternative business. An allocation of Rs 250 crore has been set aside for this in the budget, said Mitra.

The district magistrates have been asked to identify those who have lost their jobs due to the move announced by the Prime Minister on November 8 last year, announced the finance minister.

The chief minister said that lakhs of people have lost their livelihoods. Has the state done any survey? I apprehend that this corpus of Rs 250 crore would go to the party fund, Dilip Ghosh, president of the West Bengal BJP, told HT.

The finance minister also announced a special assistance fund of Rs 100 crore that has been created in the budget to mitigate the sufferings of farmers hit by demonestiation. The farmers couldnt procure fertilizers and seeds in time. The cooperative credit system, on which a large section of farmers depend, has been paralysed because of demonetization.

The relief fund is indeed a welcome move. But with lakhs losing their livelihood, how does one ensure that the victims will be picked for assistance? It might lead to nepotism, remarked Pradip Bhattacharya, immediate past president of Bengal Congress.

Besides the demonetisation relief fund, the budget contained features that seemed to mark preparations for the panchayat polls in the state next year.

The monthly honorarium of anaganwadi workers and Asha workers has been increased by Rs 500.

To provide relief to small businessmen, the threshold under VAT has been increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. The allocation for agriculture and rural development has been increased by 17%.

This is the best budget. Not a single ongoing development scheme has been scrapped. We couldnt do anything more as our hands are tied. While on one hand we have to pay off huge debts, on the other hand the economy has been hit by demonetisation, said Mamata while interacting with the media after the budget.

Since November 8 last year, she has turned out to the most vocal critic of the Prime Ministers demonetisation move.

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Religious heads in the city, who have already set examples of communal harmony, are now doing their bit to urge people to come out and vote.

Divya Giri, Mahant of Mankameshwar Temple and Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, Imam of Eidgah have come together on several occasions to raise awareness among voters. RS Bagga, president of Lucknow Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee and Bishop Gerald J Mathias are also engaged in motivating voters.

I initiated the campaign and we are motivating voters, said Mahant Divya Giri, who is conducting voter awareness sessions every day since January 25.

Lucknows voting percentage has to improve this time and for this we are trying hard to motivate voters, said Maulana Khaleed Rasheed Farangi Mahali, who is otherwise busy teaching and training of students.

Campaigning without any support isnt easy, as participants require resources. But their campaigns are a hit among people  wherever they go their faces are recognised by one and all.

We spoke to the election commission, but had no time to wait for their support, said Mahant Divya Giri. They plan to continue their campaign till February 17. Lucknow goes to polls on February 19.

Read more: Religious leaders join hands to raise voter awareness
A 40-minute drive from Gomti Nagar will take you to the traumatised Mehmoodpur, a hamlet in Bakshi Ka Talab (BKT) block. People here have to walk almost 4km on foot to reach the nearest main road to gain access to the city area. And perhaps no connectivity is the sole reason why the village remained underdeveloped decades after independence, for lack of access road meant lack of jobs and business activity, adding up to poverty.

In this lifeless village that is nowhere on any political partys agenda and where people have lost hope from all political parties and their respective candidates, a city-based woman has turned out to be the saviour.

Anjali Singh, a woman entrepreneur, who deals in jute products, is dubbed a harbinger of change for Mehmoodpur . Singh, who runs an NGO  Jute Artisans Guild Association, has provided employment to almost all village women, making them earn far more than their farmer husbands.

Mehmoodpur is not the lone case. Singh who is going to register her NGO as a company, is providing employment to about 200 women, hailing from the state capital and its rural pockets. The number excludes those who work from home.

Beginning

Like many others, Anjali too had an accidental start. It was her childhood dream to become an air hostess. But following familys restriction on moving out of town, she gave up the idea to fly and opted to do MBA in tourism from Lucknow University. But after she cleared her MBA in 2001, she couldnt find any opportunity and landed a marketing job at Rs 1,700.

It was not the job that I always wanted. But, abiding by the family rules, I continued to work in the same field as I didnt have an option. I spent 8 years and touched the meagre salary graph of Rs 11,000 that was too low, she told HT .

Turning point

Anjali used to observe her fathers work. he ran an NGO and in 2009 got a project from the ministry of textiles to impart jute training to destitute from Lucknow and Barabanki. One day I witnessed a group of women who approached my father, asking for jobs. They said, the training is over now. Where is the job. Who will give us a job? she said.

Then Anjali decided to create jobs for them. She formed a federation, asking some of the trained women to join. Initially, only one woman joined and then we began the hunt for jute bags order. I got one from the western history department of Lucknow University. It was an order of 100 bags for Rs 100 each. I bought two machines and fulfilled the order and my work was much appreciated, she said.

Soon, the orders started flowing in. But the toughest thing was to convince the families of the women in the rural areas to send them to the workstation. People in the villages are very conservative. They cannot tolerate the female members of the family going out to work. Hence, convincing them was the toughest part. I succeeded and soon the numbers of staffers began to swell, she said.

Skyrocketing growth

In just 8 years, the numbers of staffers with Jute Artisans Guild Association rose to 200. Besides, it also opened around four centresincluding Mehmoodpur in BKT, Sector 12 Indira Nagar, Fareedi Nagar near Kukrail and Mayawati Colony in Chinhat. It pays around R3.5 lakh per month to the workers as salary and its turnover (in last financial year) touched the figure of R80 lakh. Presently, the NGO caters to the markets not only in the country but also abroad. Our jute material is much preferred by the industries in France and is basically used for packaging purposes, she said.

After seeing the good work, the National Jute Board allotted jute raw material bank for north India to the company, in order to ensure jute supplies to other small entrepreneurs.

Interestingly, she also asked her husband, who was a private employee, to join her in her business and help her to expand it . Our products, that largely include handbags, are much appreciated as the price is low and quality is high. Perhaps this is the reason why the customers who got associated in 2009 are still with us, she said.

According to Anjali, things have changed now and so has the perception of the people. Now they admire that I have done something great, not only for the family but also for the society, she said.

Read more: At 23, she is CEO of her tech firm

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True, one doesnt need a day to enjoy love. But an excuse to celebrate it is always great. And with Valentines Day just around the corner, now is the time to plan out your special date and curate a menu which will add warmth to your day. And, whats a better way to carve out your drinking game than adding a special, heady touch to it. So, pop a bottle of champagne and follow our simple guide for a V-day like no other.

BRUNCH DONE THE BELLINI WAY

This classic cocktail has a peachy edge to it. (Istock)

Celebrations dont always have to begin in the evening. If you are taking out your lady love or your main man for a brunch date, go for classic Bellinis, served in style. While the classic is made with Prosecco and peach nectar or puree, we like some champagne in ours. Cheers!

FLUTES OF KIR ROYAL FOR YOUR DINNER DATE

This ones perfect if you are trying to impress your date with a drink which is as good looking (or just a wee bit less) than your partner. Kir Royal is a variant of traditional Kir, with the former topped with champagne rather than the classic white wine. In a champagne flute, add blackcurrant-based liqueur Creme de Cassisto the bubbly and serve chilled.

JUST PICK THE GOLDEN MIX

Valentines themed strawberry and champagne kir royal (Getty)

Whenever in doubt, go classic. The bubbly is treated with concentrated bitters for this one, and, its perfect for the post-party date. Place a sugar cube in the flute, soak it with bitter (mainly Angostura) and add champagne to finish your cocktail off. Top with a plump strawberry.

A PARTY FOR TWO: GO FOR POINSETTIA

To add some sweetness to your date, with a boozy touch of course, opt for this easy to whip-up cocktail. Add orange-based liqueur and cranberry juice to your goblet or flute and top it up with your favourite chilled champagne. You can even add a shot of vodka to make it more stiff.

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A day after HT reported that 53 bungalows at Versova are set to face police action for mangrove destruction, the Mumbai suburban collector said they are ready with a five-step action plan to check violations in the future.

As a part of the crackdown, 12 maps will be prepared with the help of the state mangrove cell for Mumbai suburbs, segregated into already existing survey numbers, to check the year-on-year destruction of mangrove forests for swift identification and action against recent violations.

Mumbai has 5,775 hectares (ha) of mangrove cover, of which, 4,000 ha is on the government-owned land (protected forest areas). While 277 ha of the mangrove cover on the government land is in Mumbai city, 3,723 ha is in Mumbai suburbs.

The Mumbai suburban collector on Wednesday asked the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) to register police complaints against the owners of 53 Versova bungalows, including actor Kapil Sharma, for destroying mangrove forests in their backyard to illegally expand their homes. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been directed to demolish illegal extensions over the next month.

When the violation first came to light in September, we began putting together a detailed action plan to crack down on such cases faster, said Deependra Singh Kushwa, Mumbai suburban collector. There are two types of mangrove destruction cases observed by us: debris dumping on mangrove trees and illegal construction within 50 metres of mangroves. The idea is to restrict violations through deterrence and implementation of better technology.

The five-step action plan includes taking cognisance of a case with the help of the concerned department (state mangrove cell for violations on government land and revenue department for violations on private land), following it up with local police, coordinating with the civic body to remove debris or illegal extensions and directing the mangrove cell or landowner to restore the site with fresh mangrove plantations.

Kushwa added that the fifth and final step would be to check the overall status of the mangrove cover using satellite maps. The destruction of mangrove forests across the state and construction within 50m of mangrove areas was banned by the Bombay High Court in 2005. In 2014, the court banned all reclamation and construction on wetlands.

Soon after the HC order in 2005, a baseline map of Mumbais mangrove cover was put in place. Using this map as reference, satellite images of every city survey number (land records) from Mumbai suburbs from 2006 to 2017 are being developed, said Kushwa. The maps have been made during the dry months of March and April so that the violations are clear as opposed to the monsoon season.

He added the majority of the maps are already ready and after recording 2017s map by April, the data will be made public. This will help citizens file complaints highlighting data on record with the authorities. We will be strictly monitoring such cases and results will be reflected soon, said Kushwa.

WHAT ARE MANGROVES?

Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants, trees, shrubs or ground fern of tropical and subtropical intertidal regions of the world. The specific regions where these plants occur are termed as mangrove ecosystem. These are highly productive but extremely sensitive and fragile. Besides mangroves, the ecosystem also harbours other plant and animal species.

Mangrove destruction cases on private land

For mangroves on private land in Mumbai, data from the Konkan divisional commissioners office identifed 122 mangrove destruction cases in 2016, of which enquiry is pending in seven cases. While there have been arrests, no convictions have happened for violations on private land as well. Violations in 2016 included the Kapil Sharma case where two first information reports (FIRs) were filed against comedian actor for destroying mangroves at his Versova bungalow.

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HT EXCLUSIVE: 53 bungalows at Versova set to face police action for mangrove destruction

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The Bar Council of India (BCI), which regulates legal education in the country, has largely approved the syllabus and paper pattern of the state's Common Entrance Test (CET) for law courses, while suggesting a few changes.

State's Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) had sent the syllabus prescribed for the previous year to the council seeking their opinion, after Bombay high court (HC) asked the state to include the council members while framing the syllabus. The recommendations of the apex body will be placed before the state's legal education advisory committee for deliberation, and the revised syllabus will be made available to students shortly, said an official from the state CET Cell.

Last year, a student had moved the HC seeking the cancellation of the test, saying the syllabus of any paper has to be declared at least six months before the exam. The student alleged that the syllabus was issued only a couple of months before the test, giving little time to prepare. While the court refused to cancel the test, it directed the state to consult the BCI to revisit the syllabus.

According to the official, the BCI, in a letter to the DHE, said the state CET should be conducted on the lines of Common Law Aptitude Test (CLAT)  the national-level entrance test for the five-year LLB course. The apex body asked the state to add a subject  mathematical aptitude  in the syllabus, while opining that the paper pattern of CET is almost similar to that of CLAT, he revealed.

The official said it will be difficult to incorporate the changes recommended by the BCI in the syllabus this year. We will have to form an expert committee to design the curriculum for mathematical aptitude, which will consume a lot of time. Besides, CLATs framework wont be applicable for the three-year LLB CET, he said.

Last year, the state's first ever attempt to centralise law admissions through CET faced many roadblocks, with the entire process stretching for almost half a year. The process itself was marred by multiple litigations, persistent delays and confusion.

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Bombay HC stays bar council circular imposing age limit for law courses

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As the poll battle for Mumbai and other civic bodies heats up over the next 10 days, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will hold nearly 50 rallies across the state.

He will address 10 rallies in the megapolis, hammering home his partys agenda of transparency and development for the countrys richest civic body. He is the lone star campaigner for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) this season, with only Union minister Nitin Gadkari expected to arrive from Delhi for a couple of rallies.

At stake is not just control of the countrys financial capital, but also 25 district councils that govern nearly 75% of the rural population.

The polls  dubbed mini assembly elections  are being seen as a referendum on the Fadnavis government and will give the public an idea of the strength of the four major parties ahead of the 2019 polls.

I hold nearly six rallies daily. I will address 10 in Mumbai, said Fadnavis.

With the split in the saffron alliance, the stakes have been raised, but Fadnavis is confident of his party emerging as numerous uno in the district councils, as well as in the municipal corporations.

In contrast, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray is focussing only on his partys stronghold, Mumbai, where he will hold as many as 18 rallies. If one goes by the partys performance in 2012 in these local bodies, it ranks a poor fourth.

The BJP plans to increase the tempo of its campaign in Mumbai next week, with every Fadnavis-led rally revealing a new talking point  albeit on the same issue of corruption in the civic body  and a promise to transform the functioning of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Isnt this the single biggest issue in Mumbai ? Corruption, which leads to bad roads and poor civic amenities, is an issue that brings together the rich and the poor. It affects the poor even more. We have set an agenda and the Shiv Sena is now following it, said a senior BJP leader.

On Tuesday, Fadnavis will hold two rallies in Marathi heartland of Girgaon and at Prabhadevi, right opposite the office of the Shiv Senas mouthpiece Saamana.

The Prabhadevi-Dadar, Lalbaug and Parel belt has been home to the original Marathi manoos for decades and is considered to be the Shiv Senas stronghold.

Doesnt the Marathi manoos want development ? Of course he does, said Fadnavis.

Despite the ongoing bitterness between the saffron allies and a split in the alliance, there is a strong likelihood that the parties may have to come together for a post-poll tie-up.

Read

Mumbai civic polls: Can BJP keep its transparency promise?

BJP makes big promises in high-stakes BMC elections

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The Bombay high court on Thursday restrained all authorities from cutting any tree for the Metro-3 line. More than 5,000 trees are required to be cut for the current route. The court also expressed the need to form an independent committee of experts to look into the matter of cutting so many trees and to examine the viability of relocating the trees required to be cut for the metro line between Colaba and SEEPZ in Andheri.

The judges expressed the need after senior advocate Janak Dwarkadas, representing one of the petitioners, Mina Verma, pointed out in the past five days the Metro-3 contractor has decimated about 100 trees.

There is an Act to protect and preserve trees in urban areas, there is a tree authority and tree officer and a procedure to grant permission for cutting trees, said the senior advocate. But permissions are granted in a mechanical manner, without application of mind, he said. He said in one case, the girth of the tree trunk mentioned in the permission was 1.5 feet, when in fact it is 19 feet and this shows that the tree officer has not visited the spot before granting the permission.

The permissions are completely mindless, Dwarkadas said, adding the authority has not followed prescribed procedure. Advocate Kiran Bagalia, who represented MMRDA, responded saying some damage to the environment is bound to take place.

But the bench wanted to know what precautionary measures the authorities have taken to preserve or relocate trees. Let there be a separate and independent committee to look into this [complaints about noncompliance of provisions of the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975] and examining viability of shifting trees and identifying trees for that purpose, said the bench.

Bagalia and BMC counsel Trupti Puranik, too, opposed the suggestion urging the court to first allow them to file their respective reply affidavits.

The judges agreed to grant them time, but only after imposing restraint on cutting trees for Metro-3.The court has now posted the petitions for further hearing on Friday saying, None of the authorities shall cut trees till further orders.

Responding to a court query, the lawyer if another petitioner, Pravin Jehangir, said in all 5,012 trees will be cut for the Metro line. Should the residents of Churchgate area go to Wadala to breathe fresh air, said the judges after the lawyer pointed out that the MMRDA plans to replant at far off Wadala some of the trees required to be uprooted for the purpose of the Metro line and expressed the need of replanting or relocating the uprooted trees in the same localities.

While Verma has approached the court raising concern about destruction of green cover from Churchgate, Colaba and Cuff Parade, Jehangir has raised questions about use of public lands for construction of the entire Metro-3 line. He has contended that the special purpose vehicle created by MMRDA for the purpose of constructing the Metro line cannot exercise powers conferred upon railways to use any public lands for their purposes, and the Metro Railway Act requires the contractor to acquire specific rights even for using public lands temporarily.

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Metro 3: HC dismisses plea over razing of 50K trees in Aarey Colony

5,012 trees will make way for Metro-3 project in Mumbai
The Bombay high court on Friday said that it would not withdraw the restraint on cutting off trees for metro-3 line unless authorities convince the bench that they have been following the provisions of the Protection and Preservation of Trees Act scrupulously.

Before you cut any trees, we want to know what survey has been done, what assessment made, what precautionary measures taken to save as many trees as possible, the division bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice Girish Kulkarni told Mumbai Metro Rail Corporations lawyer, Kiran Bagalia. Also, we want to know what measures you have planned to replant the uprooted trees, it added.

We want you (MMRC and the BMC tree authority) to file an affidavit disclosing how these permissions were granted, said the bench referring to permissions given for chopping trees to construct the metro-3 line between Colaba and SEEPZ in Andheri (West) via Bandra.

The court was hearing two separate petitions filed pertaining to permissions granted for cutting a large number of trees for the metro-3 line.

One of the petitioner Mina Vermas counsel, senior advocate Janak Dwarkadas on Friday showed the bench photographs showing the manner in which trees have been cut off in Churchgate, Fountain and Colaba area for the metro line. He then suggested that the court should form a panel of independent experts to ensure that there is no indiscriminate cutting of trees and to ensure that the trees are replanted in the vicinity.

While Verma approached the court raising concern about the destruction of green cover from Churchgate, to Cuff Parade, the second petitioner Pravin Jehangir raised questions about the use of public land for the construction of the entire metro-3 line.

He has contended that the special purpose vehicle created by the MMRDA to construct the metro line cannot exercise powers conferred upon Railways to use public land. According to Jehangirs lawyer, advocate Robin Jaisinghani, 5,012 trees would be to make the metro line.

As MMRC and BMC counsels sought time to file affidavits, the court posted the petitions for further hearing on Friday.

Read: Bombay HC halts tree cutting for Metro-3

Metro 3: HC dismisses plea over razing of 50K trees in Aarey Colony
Two former employees of Mumbai Education Trust (MET)  who were booked along with former deputy chief minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and his nephew in the money laundering case  have approached the court to turn approvers.

Sudhir Salaskar and Amit Balraj  who are now listed as accused in the case  had on February 8, approached the court wanting to become prosecution witnesses. The special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) judge PR Bhavake then asked the prosecution and other accused to file a response on the plea.

Salaskar was employed with MET from 1999 as an electrician and had quit in 2012. While Balraj, a software engineer, joined MET in July 2003 and quit in 2015. Both Salaskar and Balraj were allegedly made directors in various companies by the Bhujbals. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) who investigated the case had claimed that the Bhubals had incorporated these companies for laundering money.

In the two three-page long applications filed through advocate Rizwan Merchant, Salaskar and Balraj have stated that the ED had recorded their statement as prosecution witnesses. The accused were treated as witnesses of the prosecution. While filing complaint before the court, however, they were named as accused, read the application. The two have pleaded that they would like to disclose true and correct facts before the court as prosecution witnesses and have sought pardon from the case for disclosing the facts.

Salaskar and Balraj are listed in the complaint filed by ED as accused in the case of money laundering by Bhujbals. The agency had in June 2015 filed a complaint before the PMLA court against 53 accused. The ED has in its complaint running into more than 11000 pages alleged that from 2006 onwards, the Bhujbals and their associates laundered money to the tune of Rs 4,264.25 crore. The complaint further alleges that Chhagan laundered money to the tune of Rs 291.71 crore, while Sameer and Pankaj had laundered Rs 359.30 crore each.

Read: Chhagan Bhujbal case: Mumbai court finds JJ dean guilty of contempt of court

Money laundering case: court grants Pankaj Bhujbal relief from arrest

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After a five-year hiatus, the annual Deepak Jog Memorial award  most coveted by investigators in the Mumbai police  is set to make a comeback this year.

It was last conferred on senior inspector Arun Chavan in 2012, for cracking the murder case of senior journalist J Dey, while heading the property cell of the crime branch.

Sources in the police told HT that preparations for the function were underway. The event will be held soon after the results of the civic polls are announced.

The selection committee has been reconstituted and the process of accepting nominations is ongoing, said sources. They added that unit commanders (deputy commissioners of police) from the 12 zones, the crime branch and the special branch will decide upon the best detections made by their officers and relay these to the selection committee.

The committee comprises one additional commissioner of police (AdCP) drawn from one of Mumbais five regions, one from the crime branch and one from the special branch.

This has been done to give each unit equal representation, sources said. The AdCPs will make case-by-case analysis of the nominations and form a consensus regarding the best ones.

Their decision will be conveyed to the joint commissioner of police (crime), who will pick out the best among these and send the final nomination to the police commissioner, along with remarks of validation.

The award  which became an integral part of the Mumbai polices annual calendar since 1997  was discontinued in 2006. Jolted by the synchronised train blasts  followed by the November 26, 2008, terror attack  the process of selection, and the function itself, were pushed to the back-burner. A bruised and demoralised force was more occupied with restoring order post 26/11.

In 2011, the murder of journalist J Dey challenged the efficacy of the force, which had come under the scanner following a series of terror strikes and scams.

The crime branch rose to the occasion and cracked the case after arresting more than half a dozen criminals affiliated to the Chhota Rajan gang, in a little more than a fortnight.

Police commissioner Arup Patnaik decided to reward the team by reviving the Deepak Jog Memorial award, said a former joint commissioner of police, who was an integral part of the investigation. However, following Patnaiks departure from Mumbai police, the event and the award were halted once more.

Police commissioner Dattatreya Padsalgikar decided to revive the tradition last month, said sources.

Ever since the awards inception, officers from the Mumbai crime branch have won it more than any other investigators. Celebrated crime branch big guns such as Praful Bhosle, Vinayak Saude and Shripad Kale were some of the recipients of the award, which is just as important to the police as a service medal.

A testament to a fathers love

The Deepak Jog Memorial trust was formed in 1997 by former director general of police (DGP) of Maharashtra (1987), Suryakant Jog in memory of his only son Deepak Jog, a 1985 batch IPS officer belonging to the Maharashtra cadre. At 36, the promising officer died of heart attack on November 9, 1996 ,while he was on duty. Suryakant died last year.

The foundation constituted the Deepak Jog Memorial Award for the best detecting officer in the Mumbai police.

The award comprises a running cup and a certificate. The officers winning the cup receive a replica of the original, which is reserved for those who win the award three years in a row.

It also provides 20 scholarships each year to 20 children of policemen who died while on duty.

Read

J Dey murder trial: Two witnesses declared hostile

Journalist J Dey was killed for a book he was writing on gangsters: CBI

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) will approach authorities in the United States of America for details on the import and export that Vijay Nanda has carried out till date.

Nanda is an American businessman of Indian origin who allegedly tried to smuggle out antiques from the country. He was arrested after the police recovered them from his Byculla godown.

Acting on an intelligence input, DRI officials searched Nandas residence at Girgaum chowpatty and his godown. They found the antiques, estimated to be worth crores. Investigations revealed that Nanda was not registered as an antiques dealer with the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).

He has smuggled antiques in the past and we will approach authorities in USA to get details on them, said a high-ranking DRI officer.

Officials termed this a looting of our cultural heritage and have begun investigations in the previous instances of smuggling. We will also try and get details on the consignments exported by Nanda from USA, added the officer.

According to the DRI, the sculptures were stolen from temples in south and eastern India. The accused would forge ASI certificates for them, to serve as documents for export. The artefacts would then be smuggled out inside furniture, handicrafts and garments. Nanda arranged auctions for their sale in USA and Hongkong.

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Antiques worth crores seized from American businessman in Mumbai

Antiques smuggling case: FIRs of temple thefts to be scanned

US bizman arrested in Mumbai came to India to arrange smuggling of antiques

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What better way to start your day than sampling cheeses from around the world?

Fifty luck early birds attended a cheese appreciation workshop on Friday as part of the HT Kala Ghoda Arts Festivals Bertolli Food Festival co-powered by Chefs Basket.

On the tasting table at Artists Centre was a delicious array of cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, feta and blue cheese.

The interactive session was conducted by physicist-turned-cheesemaker Aditya Raghavan, and it had participants riveted. Some took notes; others asked questions. One participant even wanted to know how much dairy produce a man can eat in a day, a question that drew hearty laughs.

Dr Raghavan started the workshop by explaining the science of cheese, and how fermentation is the key to cheese, chocolate and wine.

He also discussed some of the lesser-known cheeses that are native to India, like the Parsis topli nu paneer and West Bengals bandel.

Bandel is a smoked, salty and hard cheese. Of late, chefs have started using it in their restaurants, he said. In Kashmir, semi-nomadic tribes make a roti shaped cheese called kalari, which has a stretchy and dense texture. Even the rasgulla is considered a kind of cheese!

I decided to attend this workshop because I love to cook. And I dont like traditional recipes, so Im always looking to innovate and learn more, said Peddar Road homemaker Neelam Agarwal, 53. I have been attending workshops at KGAF from morning to evening every day.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old medical student Aastha Bijwe from Yavatmal timed her visit to Mumbai to coincide with KGAF. I didnt know much about cheese before today, she said. Ive been trying a lot of new things over the past few days. I have also realised that blue cheese is not my thing, she added, laughing.

Also read: HT Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2017 in Mumbai: A vision on wheels

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Tu cheez badi hai mast mast? Try, Main ladki badi hoon sakth sakth.

College student Ravi Jaiswals clever subversion of the sexist lyrics from the 1994 film Mohra, didnt just hand the reins of power to the woman, it also won him first place at the Gaana Rewrite finals.

The competition, taglined: Pen uthao aur gaana ghumao!, ran between December and mid-Jan and challenged people to change the lyrics to a sexist Bollywood song.

The finale was held at Boston Butt on Friday as part of the LIC music section co-powered by Fox Life, of the HT Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.

For Snehal Velkar co-ordinator at nonprofit organisation Akshara Centre, which fights against gender discrimination, putting the campaign together was exciting.

We got a good response; 150 entries were eligible, but each entry is a step to challenge Bollywood to change, she said.

Winners, picked by actor and activist Rahul Bose, wove fun and fresh takes on feminism into their lyrics. Doctor Manisha Guptes spin on the classic Na jao saiyan ended with Main toh ladoongi, instead of Main roh padoongi.

Psychologist Sadaf Vidhas reworking of the hit Khali peeli rokne ka nai/ tera peecha karoon to tokne ka nai (from Phata Poster Nikla Hero, 2013) was just as empowering. Ladka-ladki baitha hai toh tokne ka nai/main aage badhoon toh rokne ka nai.

The winning songs were performed live, to much cheering and a packed house. Nayantara Bhatkal, 26, who performed the versions, knew exactly how they affected her audience. The first time I read them I was amused, she said. Later, I realised that someone had used their own experiences to change the nature of the song to mean the opposite. It was quite moving.

The event also saw the launch of short web videos in which young women addressed sexism in the workplace, on streets and on public transport, through the changed lyrics.

College student Munib Chougle, 18, said paying attention to the words of hit songs made him see how they might be offensive to women. Id listen to them for fun, now Ill stop my younger brother from playing them, he said.

His classmate Aparna Warrier, 18, who participated in the contest, said she loved the catchy tunes of the winning numbers. The event was amazing and we reflected on the casual sexism in cinema.

READ MORE

HT Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai: A feast of first-timers

HT Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai: Six touching stories enacted in an hour

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When the lights came on at the Coomaraswamy Hall of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj museum on Friday, most of the audience was reaching for their handkerchiefs.

The Last Music Store, a documentary on Kala Ghodas beloved Rhythm House, had just been screened as part of the Snapdeal cinema section of the HT Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, marking its premiere in Mumbai.

The store shut in March 2016, and the film chronicles its contribution to the Mumbai music scene, through the eyes of its staff.

In the audience on Friday were Amir and Mahmood Curmally, the erstwhile owners of the establishment; Megha Ramaswamy, 34, director of the film; and its producer Aliya Curmally, 37, daughter of Amir Curmally.

Its been nearly a year and, with todays screening, I feel we have come full circle, said Aliya. I cry every time I watch the film, but in a sense, this premiere feels like closure.

It was closure for some of the viewers too.

I would go to the store when I was young and couldnt afford to buy anything, said Pushpa Doongursee Bhatia, 79. I would invariably end up in the listening booths. I also remember how I saved up to buy my first cassette, of music by Talat Mahmood. Oh, the joy it gave me. When they announced they were going to shut shop last year, I visited the place one last time and cried.

Ramaswamy said the film had evoked similarly strong reactions in New York. After the screening at an international film festival there, we had people tell us how they were moved to tears, Ramaswamy said. They too could relate to the concept of beloved music stores shutting down, rendered obsolete by newer technology.

Also read: HT Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2017 in Mumbai: Music and lyrics, just not sexist

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If a vote is the power given to a citizen to change his living conditions for the better, then why not use it to tell politicians how they can go about with the task? This seems to be the motto of citizen groups in H-west ward of Mumbai, which covers Bandra, Khar and Santacruz (West), who ensure they give a list of dos, in other words political agenda, to candidates approaching them for votes.

Considered a hotbed of citizen activism, the H-west ward, has 125 registered advanced locality managements (ALMs) and residents associations.

Of these, 70-odd associations are actively involved in the daily working of the civic administration and are in touch with the elected representatives to get grievances addressed and public work done.

This makes the ALMs the trusted voice among voters. Consequently, instead of relying on votes from a particular community, candidates from this ward have to approach ALMs to woo voters. Anandini Thakoor, chairperson of H-west federation, said, We have been telling citizens to vote for the right candidate and most importantly to vote. More than political parties, we are looking at who is contesting. We want our issues to be solved. The one who can give us good roads and clean area will definitely win our support.

A senior civic official from H-west ward said, Corporators need to pay attention to complaints from ALMs. Our officers, too, are on their toes.

Each ALM includes at least one member from a neighbouring locality. On an average, each ALM has 20 members from 20 buildings in a locality, who spread awareness on candidates through society meetings.

The ward, which is spread across area 11.6 sqkm and has a population of 3.29 lakh, is known for its heritage structures such as old churches and gaothans.

The ward is a mix of all communities -- Khar Danda mainly houses fisherfolk, the slums towards Bandra reclamation have a substantial Muslim population and Pali village has a large number of Christians.

The ward known as one of the plush areas of western suburbs has witnessed a real estate boom over the years, but has been suffering owing to illegal hawkers, ill-maintained roads and footpaths. In 2015, the residents of Bandra, including celebrities such as Rishi Kapoor, had come together against the civic bodys decision of allowing hawkers in residential areas of Pali Hill.

The ward saw 41.59% voting during the 2012 civic polls. Shyama Kulkarni, convener of AGNI from H-West ward, said, It is important to see the work of the candidate, so we get better amenities in the next five years. AGNI is holding a meeting of citizens for voters awareness.

Corporators from the Congress have been in constant touch with activists over the years. To counter this and attract citizens, the BJP has nominated a citizen activist to contest from ward no. 101, which covers Bandra Talao and Chimbai village. Deryk Talker of Wake Up Bandra will be contesting against current Congress corporator Asif Zakaria. The ward has an activist Shane Cardoz contesting as an independent candidate.

Another electoral ward no. 100 will witness a battle between Karen DMello, current Congress corporator, and Brinal Fernandes, the only Christian candidate fielded by the Sena in the Christian-dominated Pali village.

Zakaria, said, The work I have done in the past will help me as citizens in this ward are active.

Talker, said, I have been doing work in this area, but getting a ticket from a political party will only help give my work a push. My focus will be development works starting from clearing the hawkers menace, fixing bad footpaths and roads.

Read more: Ahead of Mumbai civic elections, citizen groups demand better services

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Your elected representatives are worth crores. So are their heirs.

Several political heirs who will be contesting for the first time in these civic polls have also declared assets worth crores.

Though in their early and mid-30s, many sons and daughters of political leaders in the city have already earned a fortune, their affidavits reveal.

Take Shiv Sena MLA Sada Sarvankars son, Samadhan.

He has declared assets worth Rs9.4 crore, of which his immovable assets account for Rs5.8 crore and movable are worth Rs 3.5 crore.

The 31-year-old has studied till Class 12 and will be contesting from ward 194 in Mahim.

BJP MLA Raj Purohits son Aakash, who will contest from ward 221 in south Mumbai has declared assets worth Rs7.5 crores.

The 34-year-old graduate also owns agriculture land in Jalore in Rajasthan, and has two houses, one at Marine Drive and one in Surat, Gujarat, his affidavit shows.

Another political heir from the BJP, Deepak Thakur, the son of the Minister of State for women and child development Vidya Thakur, owns six agricultural plots in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The 36-year-old has studied till Class 12 and will contest from ward 50 in Goregaon. Deepak has declared movable and immovable assets worth Rs2.1 crore in his affidavit.

NCP leader Nawab Maliks daughter, Sana, will also be contesting, from ward 165 in Kurla. Sana declared immovable and movable assets worth Rs5.1 crore in her affidavit. She too owns agricultural land in Usmanabad.

The list also includes ex-MLA Ashok Jadhavs daughter Alpa Jadhav who will be contesting from ward number 65 in Andheri and BJP MLA Amit Satams brother-in-law Rohan Rathod who has also got a ticket from Andheri (ward number 68).

Parties are fielding more candidates this time, after both the BJP-Sena and Congress-NCP split ways before the polls. Further, the delimitation and reservation exercise done by the BMC also led to political leaders kin contesting in large numbers.

READ MORE

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray should declare family assets and income, says Kirit Somaiya

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Looking to expand its base in Maharashtra, the Janata Dal (United), headed by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, has made MLC Kapil Patil the face of the party in the state. Patil will merge his political outfit, Lok Bharati, with the JD (U) on Saturday.

A resolution on the merger will be passed at the partys meeting at Ravindra Natya Mandir auditorium on Saturday. Shyam Rajak, general secretary of JD(U), will be present at the meet.

Patil, a journalist-turned-politician, was elected to the upper house of state legislature from Konkan teachers constituency and has been vocal on issues related to education. We have taken the decision to give a new political alternative to the people of Maharashtra, said Patil. In fact, the country needs an efficient democratic socialist alternative to prevent communal and fascist forces expanding their base. Only Nitish Kumar is capable of leading such a front, he said.

Currently, the JD (U) has its base in Bihar and Jharkhand. This is for the first time it will get a known face in Maharashtra. The development is being seen as the partys preparation to contest the state Assembly elections to be held in 2019.

While the Lok Bharati will be merged with JD (U), Patil may not be able to join the party immediately, as the rules for MLC dont allow that. He will be appointed as convener for now. Patil is likely to join the party in the presence of Nitish Kumar at JD(U)s first political conference in Maharashtra to be held in April.

Read more: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar wants JD(U) to go national, rules out return to NDA

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There are 36 candidates in the fray for three assembly segments -- Noida, Dadri and Jewar -- in Gautam Bud Nagar district that will go to polls on Saturday. Over 12.86 lakh eligible voters will decide the fate of these candidates for the three seats in the district.

There are 14 candidates each for Noida and Dadri constituencies and eight candidates are contesting for the Jewar assembly seat.

There are only two woman candidates -- Shakila from Dadri and Sumit Vaid Dixit from Jewar -- contesting for the three assembly seats.

For the convenience of voters, the district administration has given the address of a website and telephone numbers for knowing their polling booth. To know your polling booth, log on to http://www.nvsp.in and click on know your booth and to get the details on phone, send ECI (space) EPIC number to 166 or 51969. The voter will get an SMS reply giving his serial number and polling centre.

In a handout, the district election officer said those who did not receive their voter slips could cast their vote by showing one of 12 identify proofs at the polling booth. The identity proofs include voter ID card, passport, driving licence, PAN card, bank passbook, photo identity card, pension card, aadhar card, MNREGA job card, health insurance smartcard, NPR smartcard and an identity card issued by MP/MLA.

In Noida, the BJP has fielded Pankaj Singh, son of Union home minister Rajnath Singh. The other main contestants are Sunil Choudhary of SP-Congress alliance and BSPs Ravikant Mishra.

BJP president Amit Shah, UP BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya, union urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu, minister of law and justice Ravi Shankar Prasad, power minister Piyush Goyal, minister of state for heavy industries and public enterprises Babul Supriyo, minister of state for human resource development Mahendra Nath Pandey, former Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, MPs Kirron Kher and Udit Raj visited Noida to support Pankaj Singh.

The Union minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and northeast Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari held a road show in support of the BJP candidate in Noida on the last day of campaigning on Thursday.

For BSP, only party general secretary Nasimuddin Siddiqui held a rally at Sector 39 community centre on January 24.

Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad held a rally at Dadri and UP state Congress president Raj Babbar also held a road show in Dadri.

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Ghaziabad goes to polls on Saturday with a total of 53 candidates contesting from the five assembly segments in Loni, Murad Nagar, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad and Modi Nagar. The total voters constitute 56.12% men and 43.86% women. Out of 53 candidates, only five women candidates are contesting from the district.

The district goes to polls under the first of seven phases of election to the Uttar Pradesh assembly which has a total of 403 seats. The candidates from major political parties, including Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), and Samajwadi Party (SP), are contesting from the five segments in Ghaziabad besides those from lesser known parties and independents. During the 2012 assembly election, the BSP won four out of five seats in Ghaziabad and RLD bagged the other seat.

The Ghaziabad district holds importance because of its positioning in western Uttar Pradesh and proximity to the national capital. It is believed that voting in the district and other western UP areas will set a trend for political parties in other parts of the state that go to polls in the next six phases.

Publicity campaigns in Ghaziabad and adjoining places were undertaken by star campaigners including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, incumbent UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Yogi Aditya Nath, actor turned politicians Hema Malini and Naghma, Amit Shah, Raj Babbar, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mohammad Azam Khan, Nasimuddin Siddiqui and Jayant Chaudhary.

The election campaigning has been hectic in areas such as Loni, Murad Nagar, Modi Nagar and parts of Ghaziabad and Sahibabad segments. As per official records, 32 FIRs were lodged against contesting candidates and other persons for violation of the Model Code of Conduct and even for violation of prevailing prohibitory orders.

There will be 2,494 polling booths across the five assembly segments, and security personnel and poll booth officials have taken positions with electronic voting machines.

We have made elaborate arrangements for peaceful conduct of polls. Nearly 13,500 polling personnel have been deployed and sent on 527 buses to the polling booths. We have also made arrangement for proper police and para military forces to be deployed at polling booths across the district, Nidhi Kesarwani, district election officer, Ghaziabad, said.

Police have identified 102 critical and 173 vulnerable polling booths where facilities have been made for extra caution. An additional deployment of 5,479 home guards has also been made for the polls.

There has been a total deployment of 12,000 security personnel, including civil police personnel. The critical and vulnerable booths are being monitored and borders with Delhi have been specially sensitised ahead of polls. There will be strict checking through the polling day, Rajesh Kumar, police nodal officer, said.

During the last assembly election in 2012, the rural belts of Modi Nagar, Murad Nagar and Loni had a turnout of 62.61%, 62.34% and 60.19%. The voters of other urban segments of Sahibabad and Ghaziabad were less keen on voting with polling percentages reported at 49.31% and 54.08%. The overall polling percentage in the state was 59.4%.

To increase the polling percentage this year, the administration identified top 10 polling centres that recorded low turnout in comparison to the polling percentage of the assembly segment. Various rallies and publicity events were undertaken to urge people to vote.

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Police claimed to have seized 16 cartons of liquor that was allegedly kept at the office of Congress-Samajwadi Party candidate Amarpal Sharma in Indirapuram on Friday.

Election observers, administration and police were conducting surprise checks at the election offices of various candidates a day before the district goes to polls.

Police said the 16 cartons of liquor were seized from the office of the candidate contesting from Sahibabad assembly segment on a Congress ticket. Sharma is a sitting MLA who contested for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the 2012 polls. He was recently shown the door by BSP on allegations of anti-party activities.

Since Sahibabad has already been declared an expenditure sensitive constituency, several raids were conducted and 16 cartons of liquor were found in the office of Amarpal Sharma. The cartons have been seized and the candidate was also present in his office during the time. An FIR against him is also being lodged by police, said Nidhi Kesarwani, district election officer, Ghaziabad.

Excise officials, who went to the spot for identification, said the liquor was Haryana-made. However, Sharma denied charges and refused to accept that the liquor was seized from his office at Nyay Khand.

The administration is just trying to highlight their work. The liquor was seized from some under construction houses near my office. How I am responsible for the seizure and the liquor. It does not belong to me. I am an MLA and a responsible person. Why will I do such a work? Why will they lodge an FIR against me? It could also be because I may win the election, Sharma said.

After his ouster from the BSP before filing of nominations, Sharma hurriedly joined the Congress and also got the ticket. The Congress is contesting this election in an alliance with the Samajwadi Party.

Sahibabad is one of the biggest assembly segments in the state with more than 8.65 lakh voters. Major portions of the segment such as Shaheed Nagar, Khoda Colony, Jhandapur and Sahibabad which have presence of vulnerable sections of the society constitute a large voter base.

It was also declared as an expenditure sensitive segment by the Election Commission of India (ECI). For Sahibabad, the ECI has given direction to appoint a dedicated observer while in other areas one observer is deputed to look after two assembly segments. Further, unlike one assistant expenditure observer deployed for other segments, Sahibabad segment has two.

Apart from the liquor seizures made by police, the district excise department seized liquor worth nearly Rs 1.67 crore from January 4 to February 10. A total of 30,716 litres of liquor was seized with 277 cases registered and 177 people arrested till February 10.

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Candidates of all political parties of the Noida assembly constituency on Friday held meetings with workers to ensure better management in its 483 polling booths.

Noida will vote in the assembly elections on February 11 and results will be out on March 11. On February 9, till 5pm, candidates were allowed to canvas votes.

Candidates of all political parties believe that encouraging people to come out of houses and vote will be the challenge on Saturday. Therefore they are making teams of loyal and dedicated workers who can monitor polling at each booth between 7am and 5pm.

We have identified 483 polling agents in the morning meeting held in our Sector 26 party office. We have decided to deploy four-five efficient party workers outside each booth so that they can guide voters and help them too. We will also deploy around 100 women workers so that they can assist female voters, said Raghwendra Dube spokesperson of Samajwadi Party, Noida.

Sunil Chaudhary, who is the SP-Congress candidate from Noida, took met with workers and directed them to be careful on polling day. Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Ravikant Mishra also met with workers in urban and rural areas to discuss booth-level issues.

We have selected our party workers in sectors and villages. Voting begins in the presence of all party agents at each booth. And an agent has to be at the booth at 6am. We have made all these points very clear to our agents, Mishra said.

Before voting begins, booth level officers will check the electronic voting machines (EVMs) in front of all agents.

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Pankaj Singh along with his senior party leaders held a meeting in Kailash conference hall in Sector 27. He appealed to workers to properly manage each booth.

Besides managing booth, our focus is also on encouraging voters to reach early to cast votes. We will deploy five women workers, who will help female voters. All our party workers are ready to do their best on polling day, said Manish Sharma, BJP spokesperson, Noida.

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The special investigation team (SIT) on Friday seized 52 crore more from Anubhav Mittal, the managing director of Ablaze Info Solutions Private Limited , the companys chief executive officer Shreedhar Prasad and technical head Mahesh Kumar.

The three stand accused of swindling 3,700 crore in an online trading scam from nearly seven lakh people.

The special task force, which is aiding the SIT in its probe, has already seized 524 crore that was deposited in the companys accounts with various banks.

Officials said the 52 crore was kept in Paynear Solutions Private Limited in Hyderabad, a payment gateway through which the accused used to accept money from investors.

Ablaze Info Solutions Private Limited used to accept money from investors through bank transfers, cash and also via the payment gateway, said officials probing the scam.

SIT also brought the three accused to Ablazes Noidas Sector 63 office in connection with the probe at 1pm on Friday. SIT quizzed the three till late night regarding the investments.

SIT came across evidences that suggested that 52 crore is kept in Paynear Solutions Private Limited in Hyderabad. SIT immediately seized the money so that it is not siphoned off to any other account, said Rajiv Narayan Mishra, additional superintendent of police, STF.

SIT team led by deputy inspector general (DIG) KS Emmanuel took three accused to their Noida office. Officials in the morning quizzed the three accused at the special task force (STF) office in Greater Noidas Surajpur area before taking them to the Noida office.

We have seized various CDs, documents and 73 central processing units (CPUs), among other evidence, from the companys Noida office. We have taken possession of several files from Ablazes various departments, including human resources and accounts. We have seized all documents after conducting searches, said an official who is part of the investigation.

All three accused are not cooperating with the SIT, officials said. Officials termed the role of Anubhav Mittals wife, who is director in the company, as doubtful.

We are likely to question Mittals wife soon because her role is doubtful in various transactions, the official said.

The court can distribute the money among investors. In most cases, probing agencies do not find any money with the accused. As a result, the victims get nothing. But, in this case, since we have seized the money, investors have hopes of getting their money back, said the official.

Officials said they are probing whether Mittal has stashed investors money somewhere. They are also probing whether he transferred money out of the country.

As of now, we have found no evidence of money being send aboard. But we are probing each and every possible angle and gathering evidence for the same, Mishra said.

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Sounding the death knell of campus politics is among the worst cliches of Indian political commentary. It was predicted to die out in the globalization-giddy early 90s, when the TV invaded our bedrooms in the 2000s and when we became digital-happy a few years ago.

But each time -- either through Mandal quota protests, anti-caste and communal demonstrations or agitations against moral policing and the right-wing  student politics has endured doomsday theories  it has even thrived, even if only in pockets.

The latest salvo was fired after Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University erupted in angry protests last February. Many said politics distracted students from their real goal of education and that pupils had no business commenting on national policy and governance questions  charges often repeated by right-wing trolls on social media.

But in a tumultuous year, students voice in politics has emerged stronger, mainly for three reasons:

1.Students are setting the political agenda: Think the University of Hyderabad in January 2016. A Dalit PhD scholar has just killed himself after months of alleged casteism. No party has come forward to offer support despite serious charges against senior politicians. Undaunted, the students formed a joint action committee that fought against casteism on campus and pitchforked the suicide of Rohith Vemula to national limelight, forcing political parties to join the campaign. The protests continued even after the media spotlight had shifted.

2.Students are taking up issues no one else would touch: When Najeeb Ahmed went missing from JNU in November last year, his disappearance was shrouded in mystery. But students took out protests and marches every day, finally forcing university authorities to set up a probe. Protests by students across the country, from Aligarh and Badaun to Mumbai, have kept up the pressure.

Similar were scenes at Kolkatas Jadavpur University, where a lesbian candidate was in the fray for union elections  a remarkable feat in a country where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people are criminalised and the target of social stigma. Even for West Bengal that has witnessed countless same-sex lovers suicides and unending ribbing of the effeminate director Rituparno Ghosh, the symbolic step was huge.

3.Campus politics is voice for the marginalised: Nowhere has this been more pronounced than in JNU and UoH, where Dalitbahujan students have led fierce resistances against university norms that have discriminated against SC/ST/OBC pupils.

Be it a demand to reduce viva weightage  a discretionary mode of evaluation which a JNU committee admitted was stacked against Dalit students  or proper implementation of reservations, a constitutional right, the formation of Dalitbahujan adivasi campus groups has been instrumental in loosening a catesist strangehold on knowledge. Similar assertions by disabled groups and LGBT collectives, for example, has made Delhi University far more accepting of differently abled and transgender students

Political consciousness is the fount of inquisitiveness that universities try to nurture, and therefore, it is futile to try and excise campus politics from the campus. That some of our most politicised campuses  JNU, UoH  are also our best belies the simplistic argument that politics distracts students from their true calling. A vibrant thinking student body might be a challenge to a regime of thought that views students as silent receptacles to regurgitate theory. But it cant be anything but a boon for those who see education as an instrument to question, if not remedy, historical wrongs.

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Cops are facing allegations of fake encounter after a 22-year-old man was shot dead in purported crossfire between the police and some alleged gangsters at Jitwal village in Malerkotla on Wednesday night. The police started a probe and acknowledged that the victim, factory worker Bikramjit Singh, had no criminal record.

The villagers put up a dharna that was lifted after assurances of action against the killers and compensation. Earlier, the protesters accused the station house office of Sandhour area, Kulwant Kaur, of having shot the man, but she said, We had reached the village on a tip-off, and this man was standing with the gangsters. In the crossfire, he got shot.

The victims father, Raghvir Singh, who runs a cycle repair kiosk, said, My son was at a path (prayer) at the gurdwara for sewa (volunteer service), from where SHO Kulwant Kaur took him away and shot him twice. There was no blood in the village, which proves that he was killed somewhere else, not during any encounter.

Raminder Singh, superintendent of police (SP), Malerkotla, told HT: The gangsters were in a house, and when they started firing at the police, an encounter took place. The man (who was killed) was near that house. Although he had no criminal record, we have failed to figure out why he was there. We are investigating the matter and action will be taken after that. Three persons were arrested in the encounter, police said.

The cops had reached the village around 11.30pm. The main gangster on police radar was Gahia Khan, who got away. Residents said the police did not inform even the sarpanch or the chowkidar (watchman).

At the dharna outside the towns police station, some leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal and Aam Aadmi Party, besides police officers, pacified the protesters for now.
The firing and violent incidents during the February 4 polls in the state are giving sleepless nights to the police as even after they claimed to have made unprecedented security arrangements to ensure peace in the sensitive border district during elections, it failed to prevent the three major violent incidents in Tarn Taran.

Majority of the accused of the incidents in Tarn Taran and Patti are still at large while the cops are frantically searching for them.

The violence at Lalu Ghuman village and Palasaur involved firearms including rifles and revolvers in large quantity. Subsequently, the question arises that how did the attackers manage to keep firearms in large numbers when the poll code of conduct was in force and the Election Commission had issued strict orders of surrendering all firearms whether licensed or not. The station house officers were also directed to ensure the implementation of the orders.

When contacted, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Harjit Singh said they found it difficult to prevent such incidents as they did not have full record of the firearms registered in arms branch of the deputy commissioners office.

He said, There are 21,000 firearms as per the official record and we ensured all these weapons were deposited as per EC directions. However, we do not have the details of those weapons, whose record were gutted in the arms branch last year.

The firearms used by the accused in poll-related incidents may have been from the record that was burnt in the said fire. Still, we are investigating the matter through this angle, he added.

WHAT HAPPENED

On February 6, around 10 assailants with arms, who were aides of former Akali sarpanch, had allegedly stormed into the house of a Dalit family at Palasaur village and killed 32-yearold Surjit Singh while his brother was injured. The attackers reportedly held a grudge against the Dalit family, also supporters of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), after an altercation during an election meeting on January 29.

At Lalu Ghuman village, scores of armed attackers led by Akali sarpanch opened fire at Congress workers and injured one.

When asked about the increase in crime incidents, the SSP said the violent incidents were a result of the sudden pollrelated disputes and personal grudges.

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Two days after a 22-year-old man, Bikramjit Singh, alias Bobby, was killed in an alleged fake encounter in Malerkotlas Jitwal village in Sangrur district, the police on Friday named him as a gangster along with five others in the first-information report (FIR), and claimed that he was shot by his fellow gangsters when they were firing at the police.

Earlier, the post-mortem examination was conducted on Thursday night despite protests by the family. The report is awaited.

On Friday, the parents of the deceased cremated the body reportedly after the police assured them of an independent probe; but later the police booked Bobby among six alleged gangsters for Wednesday nights incident.

Besides Bobby, those named in the FIR are Amarinder Singh alias Raju, Jagpal Singh alias Kaka, Jagdeep Singh alias Deepu, Gahia Khan, and Boota Khan alias Bagga, under sections for attempt to murder and other charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act.

No murder case against anyone for the youths killing has yet been registered.

Also Read | Malerkotla: 22-year-old killed in crossfire, kin allege fake encounter

POLICE, DOCS DIFFER

Sub-inspector Kulwant Kaur, station house officer, Sandhour, who led the police team on Wednesday night, said, We had prior information that some gangsters stayed in the village. When police reached the spot, gangsters started firing at the police party and some tried to escape. Bikram (Bobby) got injuries and police took him to the civil hospital. Gahia Khan and Boota Khan escaped but Raju, Kala and Deep were arrested.

But Dr Gursharan Singh, senior medical officer at the civil hospital, said Bobby was brought dead to the hospital.

Bobbys father, Raghvir Singh, who runs a cycle repair kiosk, has alleged that Kulwant Kaur shot his son who had no criminal record. Police assured us adequate relief and a job after the formation of new government in the state; but verbally; not in written said Raghvir Singh. Police had on Thursday acknowledged that Bobby had no prior criminal record.

Questions remain

 In the FIR, police have now claimed that Bobby died during treatment at civil hospital, Malerkotla, but SMO Dr Gursharan Singh denied this and said, He was brought dead.

 The FIR says gangsters fired at the police and Bobby was hit by gangsters bullets, but SHO Kulwant Kaur had told HT: There was crossfire between gangsters and police. On Thursday, superintendent of police Raminder Singh too had said there was crossfire.
Punjab Congress vice-president Sunil Jakhar on Thursday urged the Centre not to allow the Akali Dal-BJP government in Punjab to float Rs 31,000 crore bonds to settle the mismatch in foodgrain stocks.

The Centre should probe this foodgrain scam and fix the responsibility, instead of allowing Punjab to float the bonds, said Jakhar in a statement.

He said the state government had no locus-standi to float bonds as it had already outlived its term and a new government is going to be formed.

By floating bonds, the Punjab government wants to legalise the loot of food stocks worth this amount from the state, he added.

He demanded that the passports of all suspects of the scam and their associates must be seized so that they do not run out of the country like Vijay Mallya.

Jakhar said the food and civil supplies minister Adaish Partap Singh Kairon was claiming till September last that the state government had a dispute with the Centre over the counter-claims of `27,000 crore. What happened to those claims of the minister, he asked.
Actor Rajshri Deshpande says her upcoming film Sexy Durga does not have any connection with religious ideologies and merely talks about the issues women face in todays world.

Malayalam independent filmmaker Sanal Kumar Sasidharans Sexy Durga bagged the top honour, the Hivos Tiger Award at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam recently.

The film, however, faced controversy when the director wrote in a Facebook post that he was being threatened because of the title.

There is no connection with the goddess. The girls name (in the film) is Durga. But its not about the name, its about the mentality we are trying to show in the film. Thats what is more important than any other religious thing, said Rajshri.

It is a universal subject. It is not about a particular religion, or any area specific. The issue of womens safety and what all she goes through is relevant everywhere, she added.

Sexy Durga is a road movie that follows the horrifying experience of two hitchhikers, a man and a woman, at the hands of two men, in the dead of the night.

It explores the threat of violence faced by a young couple and reflects the collective attitude of the men towards woman.

Rajshri, who plays the titular role in the film, says people who have taken offence should watch the film and understand that it is trying to address an issue and not rake up any controversy.

I feel very bad with whats happening. They should watch it first before jumping the gun. People are telling me that I am a Brahmin so I shouldnt do a film like that. When I told my mother, she was a little worried but she loved the title. She said its a very strong, apt title for this project.

The actor, who also featured in the critically acclaimed Angry Indian Goddesses, says the film was shot in 20 days flat and the role was such that it left her emotionally drained.

Now, Rajshri hopes the movie gets a theatrical release in India so that it reaches a wider audience.

I really hope influential people from the industry come forward and support the film. Unfortunately, without them releasing a film like this is very difficult. Though this is by a director based in Kerala it doesnt mean it should release only there.

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Suriyas much-awaited film, Si3, released on February 9 (first show took place in Bangalore at 9:30 am while, in Chennai, the film was aired at 11:55 am), and has straightaway fallen prey to piracy. The third part of the Singam franchise suffered massively when a torrent website reportedly live-streamed parts from the film on the evening of its release.

Ahead of the films release, a few websites (which includes a site called Tamil Rockers) which screen latest films illegally, had threatened to stream Si3 on the day of its release.

Reacting to this, Si3s producer Gnanavel Raja lashed out at Tamil Rockers for threat to leak the pirated version of the film.

Speaking at the audio launch of Vijay Antonys Yaman on Saturday, Raja said: Singam 3 is releasing on February 9. A piracy website called Tamil Rockers run by a son of **** , pardon my language, has announced that he will live stream the movie at 11 am on the release date. We are still unsure if we can clear all the financial hurdles and ensure the film releases as per the schedule, but that dog is very confident that he will live stream the film at the said time. And the industry is quiet and doing nothing about it, that includes me as well.

Responding to his statement, Tamil Rockers took to their Facebook page and said: #Gnanavel Raja Nice speech sir #MarkYourCalender February 9th is not your day our day.. #TamilRockers.

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In 1996, Iceland resident Thordis Elva was 16 and in love for the first time. Her boyfriend, Tom Stranger, was 18 and in the country on an international exchange programme from Australia. The two met at try outs for a school play and started a classic teenage romance, where theyd meet at lunchtimes to just hold hands and walk around old downtown Reykjavik.

A little over a month later, at the schools Christmas Ball, riding high on her newfound maturity, Elva drank rum for the first time and got very ill. The security guards wanted to call me an ambulance, but Tom acted as my knight in shining armour, and told them hed take me home. It was like a fairy tale, his strong arms around me, laying me in the safety of my bed, Elva says at a recent Ted Talk she gave along with Stranger. Since being posted on Facebook on February 7, the post has been shared over 3,900 times and has garnered over 10k reactions.

But what had at first seemed like every teenage girls fantasy, turned into a nightmareone that Elva endured for years afterward. The gratitude that I felt towards him soon turned to horror as he proceeded to take off my clothes and get on top of me, she says. My head had cleared up, but my body was still too weak to fight back, and the pain was blinding. I thought Id be severed in two.

Despite limping for days and crying for weeks, the incident didnt fit into her ideas about rape, as shed seen on TV. Tom wasnt an armed lunatic; he was my boyfriend. And it didnt happen in a seedy alleyway, it happened in my own bed, Elva says. By the time she could identify it as rape, Stranger had completed his exchange programme and gone back to Australia. So she felt it was pointless to address what had happened. And besides, it had to have been my fault, somehow.

After all, this is a world where girls are told that they get raped for a reasonfor their short skirts, or their wide smiles, or the alcohol on their breaths. And I was guilty of all of those things, so the shame had to be mine, Elva says during the Ted Talk. It took me years to realize that only one thing could have stopped me from being raped that night, and it wasnt my skirt, it wasnt my smile, it wasnt my childish trust. The only thing that couldve stopped me from being raped that night is the man who raped mehad he stopped himself.

***

Every time a story of rape surfaces in the papers, we read about the victims account, what they endured. Seldom however, do we get to know the psyche of the perpetrators, the rapistof what went through their mind, if they felt even a sliver of remorse afterwards. In this Ted Talk though, we get to hear an honest account from the perpetrator as well.

Tom Stranger didnt show up at Thordis Elvas door the next day. He didnt see his deed for what it was, he didnt crucify himself with memories of the night before. I repudiated the entire act in the days afterwards and when I was committing it. I disavowed the truth by convincing myself it was sex and not rape. And this is a lie Ive felt spine-bending guilt for.

Without planning it, he sunk the memories deep. What followed is a nine-year period that can best be titled as Denial and Running. Whether it be via distraction, substance use, thrill-seeking or the scrupulous policing of my inner speak, I refused to be static and silent, Stranger says. He also sought out to construct a picture of who he wasa surfer, a social science student, a friend to good people, a loved brother and son, an outdoor recreation guide, and eventually, a youth worker. I gripped tight to the simple notion that I wasnt a bad person.

***

Cut to nine years later. Elva is now 25 and headed straight for a nervous breakdown, while being consumed by misplaced anger and hatred towards herself. One day, after a fight with a loved one, she put a pen to paper and began writing the most pivotal letter Ive ever written, addressed to Tom. But she didnt just jot down an account of the violence that he had subjected her to. The words, I want to find forgiveness stared back at me, surprising nobody more than myself, Elva says. But deep down I realized that this was my way out of my suffering, because regardless of whether or not he deserved my forgiveness, I deserved peace. My era of shame was over.

She had prepared herself for all sorts of negative responses, or what seemed most likely, no reply at all. But what arrived instead was a typed confession from Stranger, full of disarming regret. As it turns out, he, too, had been imprisoned by silence. And this marked the start of an eight-year-long correspondence that God knows was never easy, but always honest, Elva says. Their written exchangeswhich were everything from gut-wrenching to healing beyond wordsbecame a platform to dissect the consequences of the fateful night. Yet it didnt bring her any closure.

***

So, Elva says, after eight years of writing, and nearly 16 years after that dire night, I mustered the courage to propose a wild idea: that wed meet up in person and face our past once and for all. They met in Cape Town, for a week. They spoke about their life stories and analysed their own historywith a policy of utter honesty. There were gutting confessions, and moments where we just absolutely couldnt fathom the other persons experience. The seismic effects of sexual violence were spoken aloud and felt, face to face, Stranger says. At other times, though, we found a soaring clarity, and even some totally unexpected but liberating laughter.

They say that the journey resulted in a victorious feeling that something constructive could be built out of the ruins. It also resulted in a book, titled South of Forgiveness, co-authored by the twothe victim and the rapist. Elva hopes the book can be of use to people from both ends of the perpetrator-survivor scale. Stranger too asserts the power of words and says, Saying to Thordis that I raped her changed my accord with myself, as well as with her. But most importantly, the blame transferred from Thordis to me.

Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger have co-authored a book about their story and their path to finding closure.

He continues: Far too often, the responsibility is attributed to female survivors of sexual violence, and not to the males who enact it. Far too often, the denial and running leaves all parties at a great distance from the truth. Theres definitely a public conversation happening now, and like a lot of people, were heartened that theres less retreating from this difficult but important discussion. I feel a real responsibility to add our voices to it.

Its about time that we stop treating sexual violence as a womens issue, Elva adds.

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A statue with a face that is 70 feet high; and the retina alone is 6 feet in diameter. That is the staggering scale of the project that seeks to memorialise Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in cement, iron, steel and bronze. This towering monument to Patel, a leader of Indias nationalist movement and, later, its first deputy prime minister, is also known as the Statue of Unity. And the man who is designing it is Ram Sutar.

Ram Vanji Sutar, is probably, in a literal sense, the most showcased sculptor India has seen given that statues created by him adorn platforms across the country. And its perhaps owing to his unappealing dedication to the cult of personality in Indias history that Sutars own identity as an artist has escaped assessment. An ongoing retrospective on Sutar at the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS) seeks to address that.

Sutar, born in 1925 in Gondur, Maharashtra, to a carpenter, went to the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai. At an early stage in his career, he was commissioned to assist in restoring statues in the Ajanta and Ellora caves; the figurative energy from which is visible in his sculptures displayed at AIFACS.

Alongside the busts of many of Indias leaders through history is a collection of Sutars drawings and paintings. These paintings, at the outset, reveal a man excavating mythology for inspiration and finding a kind of repose in the embrace of parenthood. Among Sutars mythological muses, Shiva and Saraswati appear repeatedly, with the former taking many incarnations. Most of Sutars soft works (drawings, paintings) are mannered to a predictable script, seldom exceeding that format in imagination. It is his sculptures that affirm the magnitude of his craft.

Read more: L&T to bag deal to build Statue of Unity

Indian sculptor Ram Sutar at his studio in Noida in 2009. Sutar, now 91 years old, is building a 395-foot-high statue of Maratha king Shivaji in Mumbai and a 522-foot-high statue of Sardar Patel in Gujarat. (HT file photo )

Magnitude is important here because Sutars oeuvre itself is a play on the idea of scale. Sutar has built giant statues: in his first celebrated work of Chambal, a 45-foot marvel he created in 1961 along the Gandhi Sagar Dam over the Chambal river, he depicted Chambal as the mother of the two states it flows through, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. At that scale, a statue becomes a monument. An artist working to that degree of scale is extremely difficult to showcase in a gallery. That said, there is plenty to go by in the form of the busts that Sutar has delivered from China to Belgium  downscaled models and large renditions of Indira Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Pandit Nehru in the lawn of the gallery itself.

Mahatma Gandhi makes the most number of appearances (the statue of Gandhi in Parliament has been done by Sutar). In each of the faces, Gandhis as well as the others, the quest for personality is apparent.

We of course study the person, says Anil Sutar, son of the now 91-year-old Ram Sutar, about the delicate process of getting to the face through the person. We look at thousands of photographs of him or her from all angles and also study them at different moments of time, in different contexts, so we know what face to go with.

Unlike paintings, these structures remain out there, in the public eye, probably forever. A frown here or a drooping eyelid there is, therefore, unpardonable, unless its called for.

The impressionist Auguste Rodin once said of sculpting that it is the art of the hole and the lump, indicating the extra dimension. Although geometric precision, in terms of length and breadth, is crucial, sculpting requires an eye trained to identify depth.

Sutar is now working on the mammoth 522-foot-high statue of Sardar Patel in Gujarat and on an equally challenging, though smaller, 395-foot-high Shivaji statue in Mumbai. First we make a 3-ft model, then an 18-ft model and then a 30-ft model and so on. So we basically scale up, says Anil.

Read more: Sculptor Ram Sutar is awarded Padma Bhushan

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of Parliament House in New Delhi is arguably Ram Sutars best known sculpture. Gandhi has been Sutars most common muse. (Sanjeev Verma/ HT Photo )

You can imagine the size of the task, he adds, referring to the magnitude of Patels statue. These will be visible from the sky, let alone in parkways or galleries where art is dissected along aesthetic lines.

Sutar is not an explorer. He is devoted more than he is dedicated. And in his work, his love of personality, and the weight of history that has shaped it, comes through. He is a patriot, and at the heart of each of his creations, he is reaching out to the patriot in us. It is more than just substantial when a gallery struggles to evoke the magnitude to which this icon of sculpting has worked.

At his age  91 years  the Statue of Unity may well become Sutars greatest legacy: a legacy he avowedly shares with his motherland and has distributed across the world. Outside, at the intersection of Raisina Road and Rafi Marg, opposite the AIFACS building, stands a statue of another nationalist leader, Govind Ballabh Pant. The sculptor? You guessed it.

What: Retropsective show of Ram V. Sutar

When: Until February 14, 11 am to 7 pm

Where: All India Fine Arts & Craft Society (AIFACS), 1 Rafi Marg

Nearest metro station: Central Secretariat

Entry is free
A federal appeals court has handed a resounding victory to Washington state and Minnesota in their challenge of President Donald Trumps travel ban, finding unanimously that a lower court ruling suspending the bans enforcement should stay in place while the case continues.

The 3-0 decision from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the states on nearly every issue presented.

Some legal scholars who reviewed it said the Justice Department could face long odds in any immediate appeal to the US Supreme Court, though that wont necessarily stop the administration from trying. Trump tweeted SEE YOU IN COURT after the ruling came out Thursday  prompting a sharp retort from Washington governor Jay Inslee: Mr. President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you.

Heres a look at the legal issues in the courts ruling and what comes next.

What does the ruling mean?

For now, it means refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim nations identified in the presidents surprise Jan 27 executive order can continue entering the country. Travellers from those countries wont be detained, or put back on planes heading overseas, and there wont likely be more protests jamming the nations airports as there were after Trump issued the surprise order.

But the executive order isnt dead, either  it just isnt being enforced while the courts debate its legality. The federal government has 14 days to ask the 9th Circuit to reconsider Thursdays decision. It could also file an emergency appeal with the US Supreme Court, which would go to Justice Anthony Kennedy for referral to the rest of the court.

Rory Little, a former Supreme Court clerk who teaches at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, doesnt think thats such a good idea. In addition to seeking to overturn a reasoned decision, he said, Trump would be facing Chief Justice John Roberts, who just wrote an annual report in which he raved about his District Court judges. The president repeatedly insulted the Seattle judge who ruled against him, in addition to the appeals judges who followed suit.

I think Kennedy and Roberts are seething about the president insulting their judges, Little said. If they go to the US Supreme Court, they risk getting a serious adverse ruling.

Read| Trump-style travel ban finds fans in Europe: Poll

What did the court consider?

There have been, in effect, two items before the court: the governments appeal of the lower judges ruling, and its motion to put that ruling on hold pending the appeal. On Thursday, the panel denied the motion for stay and set a briefing schedule for fuller arguments on the merits of the appeal.

That prompted some confusion among those watching the case, many of whom expected it to be returned to the Seattle courthouse. Washingtons lawyer, state Solicitor General Noah Purcell, wrote to the Seattle courts clerk late Thursday to note the state wouldnt be making an expected court filing because of the new appellate briefing schedule.

Barring an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court, the governments opening brief is due March 3, with the states filing due March 24.

In denying the motion for stay, the court said it was considering whether the administration was likely to win its appeal, whether suspending the travel ban had harmed the government, and whether the public interest favoured granting the stay or rejecting it.

The judges agreed that the lower courts ruling was appealable  the only question on which the states lost. They rejected the DOJs argument that the states lacked standing to sue, noting that some faculty members at state universities were unable to travel, for example.

But most forcibly, they rejected the DOJs notion that the president has nearly unlimited authority over immigration decisions.

There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy, the opinion said.

A problematic executive order?

Based on what they know so far, Trumps executive order poses some serious constitutional concerns, the panel said. For example, the government hasnt shown that it complies with due process, by giving those affected notice or a hearing before restricting their ability to travel.

While the government insisted that most or all those affected dont have such rights, the court disagreed. The protections of the Fifth Amendments due process clause arent limited to U.S. citizens, the judges said.

Furthermore, while the White House Counsel Donald McGahn issued guidance days after the executive order saying it didnt apply to legal permanent residents of the U.S., some of whom had been caught up in the travel ban, that guidance was of little use, the court wrote.

The Government has offered no authority establishing that the White House counsel is empowered to issue an amended order superseding the Executive Order signed by the President, the opinion said. The White House counsel is not the President, and he is not known to be in the chain of command for any of the Executive Departments.

A liberal court?

Many conservatives denounced the ruling, and some law professors criticized various aspects of it, including its lack of analysis regarding a law giving the president power to suspend entry of any class of aliens when he finds their entry would be detrimental to the country.

Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas called the decision misguided and wrote off the court it came from as the most notoriously left-wing court in America.

While the 9th Circuit certainly has a lefty reputation, based in part on the long tenure of the many liberal judges that Democratic President Jimmy Carter appointed, legal scholars say the label is less deserved than it used to be. Two of the judges on the panel that made the ruling are Democratic appointees, while one, that Judge Richard Clifton, was appointed by President George W. Bush.

Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond Law School, said Cliftons decision to join the opinion should allay any concerns that it was motivated by politics instead of the law. That should make the government think twice before going to the Supreme Court, he said.

During oral arguments Tuesday, Clifton was asking the best questions that might lean toward the government, but even he wasnt persuaded on the law or the facts, so that makes it really tough for the government, Tobias said. I dont think theyre going to be well-received at the Supreme Court for all kinds of reasons, but mainly because this is a reasonable decision. The precedents are there, theyve weighed the issues, and even Clifton signed it.
Reacting guardedly to Indias diplomatic protests over its move to block US resolution to list Pakistan-based JeM leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist, China on Friday hoped all members of the UN Security Council who are part of the anti-terrorism committee will follow rules.

Will check on reports of Indias diplomatic protest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here when asked about yesterdays demarche by India over China putting a technical hold of US resolution in the 1267 Committee of the UNSC to designate entities involved in terrorism.

Lu said China already reiterated its stand on its technical hold two days ago.

China is a responsible member of the UNSC as well as a subsidiary organ. China has always been acting in accordance with UNSC resolutions and rules of procedure of its subsidiary organs. We hope that all members of the security council and its affiliation would follow the rules of the procedures, he said.

On February 8, Lu defended Chinas move to block a US attempt to list Azhar in the UN saying that the conditions have not yet been met for Beijing to back the move.

He said Beijing resorted to this move to allow the relevant parties to reach a consensus.

Last year 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council has discussed the issue regarding listing Masood in the sanctions list. There were different views with no consensus reached, Lu said.

As for the submission once again by relevant countries to list him in the sanctions list, I would say the conditions are not yet met for the Committee to reach a decision, he said.

This is the second year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would warrant Pakistan to act against him.

Jaish-e-Muhammad, a terrorist organisation based in Pakistan, has already been listed by the 1267 Committee.

India moved for UN ban against him in March last year accusing of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack.

China first blocked for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year.

The US along with the UK and France approached the Committee again for the ban and Beijing once again put a six months technical hold on it.
Authorities in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo threatened striking police officers with criminal charges on Friday as the federal government sent in more troops in a bid to end a week of violent anarchy that has left more than 120 people dead.

Espirito Santo is one of several Brazilian states grappling with a budget crisis that is crippling essential public services for millions of citizens. The police strike over the past week, over pay, has left a security vacuum and led to rampant assaults, heists and looting, often in broad daylight.

Limited protests by police in nearby Rio de Janeiro alarmed many residents of the teeming city of 12 million people, many of whom live in fear of violence between rival drug gangs spilling out of hillside slums.

A spokesman for the local police union in Espirito Santo said the death toll from a week of unrest had risen to 122. Many of the dead are believed to come from rival criminal gangs, according to police.

State officials have not officially confirmed the number of dead.

If accurate, the toll would be more than six times the homicide rate in the state last year.

President Michel Temers government said late on Thursday that hundreds more soldiers and federal police would be sent in to help stem the chaos, focused mostly in the metropolitan region of Vitoria, the state capital.

After an initial deployment of 1,200 troops in recent days, as many as 3,000 would be there by the weekend, the defense ministry said.

State officials said on Friday that more than 700 striking state officers, who in Brazil are organized with military-style ranks and rules, would be charged with rebellion.

Wives and family members who have blockaded police stations could also face fines and other penalties, they said.

We will not be weak, said Andre Garcia, the secretary. We will ensure that the rule of law is preserved.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is to have his first meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday.

The White House said the leaders will discuss strengthening the relationship between their countries.

Strong Canada-US ties help the middle class in both our countries, Trudeau tweeted on Thursday. Monday, Ill meet @realDonaldTrump in DC to keep working for that goal.

Strong Canada-US ties help the middle class in both our countries. Monday, I'll meet @realDonaldTrump in DC to keep working for that goal.  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 9, 2017

Trump has said he wants to discuss his plan to overhaul the North American Free Trade Agreement, which involves the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump has said NAFTA puts US workers at a disadvantage.

Read | PM Justin Trudeau says Canada will take refugees

The meeting is crucial for Canada as the country is heavily reliant on the US for trade. More than 75% of Canadas exports go to the US Of the 50 US states, 35 count Canada as their leading export market. There are fears Canada could unintentionally be sideswiped as Trump negotiates with Mexico.

Trumps refugee and immigration ban may also come up in the discussions with Trudeau.

After Trump signed the executive order pausing entries to the US from seven Muslim-majority nations, Trudeau tweeted that Canada welcomed people fleeing persecution, terrorism and war. Trudeau said diversity is our strength.

Read | Donald Trumps Muslim ban takes effect but faces lawsuits around the world

Trudeaus top spokeswoman said then the prime minister was looking forward discussing Canadas immigration and refugee policy with Trump.

Three of Trudeaus top cabinet ministers already have been meeting with US officials in Washington.

Canadian finance minister Bill Morneau said from Washington on Thursday that theres always an opportunity to improve on NAFTA.

Those who are here understand that this is a key relationship we have with the United States and the figures are there to back that up, Morneau said.

Read | PM Trudeau says Canada in shock, but united after Quebec mosque attack

Canadas foreign minister warned the Trump administration on Wednesday that her country will retaliate if the US applies new tariffs. Chrystia Freeland visited US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday after meeting with House Speaker Paul Ryan and Sens. John McCain and Bob Corker on Tuesday.

Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan met with US Defense Secretary James Mattis on Monday.
A Thai court agreed on Friday to put a prominent activist on trial for insulting the monarchy after he shared a BBC Thai-language profile of the new king, which some said was offensive, on Facebook.

It was the first new case brought during the rule of King Maha Vajiralongkorn under the lese-majeste law, which sets jail sentences of up to 15 years for each offence of defaming, insulting or threatening the monarchy.

Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, 25, an activist who has staged several protests against Thailands junta, was arrested two days after the king ascended the throne in December.

The court in the northeastern town of Khon Kaen had agreed to the prosecutors request to put the activist on trial, said Atipong Poopiw, Jatupats lawyer.

Pai denied all charges, Atipong told Reuters, using Jatupats nickname. We decline to disclose details of how we will fight this case.

Jatupat also faces charges of violating Thailands cyber crime law for sharing the link. Requests for bail have been denied.

The link was shared by 2,410 other people, but rights groups said Jatupat was the only one charged.

Thailands junta has cracked down on critics of the monarchy since a 2014 coup and prosecutions increased further after the death of former King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October.

This week, a UN human rights expert and Amnesty International both criticised the lese-majeste law. The government defended it, saying it was not incompatible with international human rights law.

The case against Jatupat was a clear example of the law being used to target dissidents, said Sunai Phasuk, a senior Thailand researcher at New York-based Human Rights Watch.

Constant attacks against Pai reflects how Thailand does not heed international concerns and criticism, Sunai told Reuters.

In 2015, two people received jail sentences of 25 and 30 years respectively for Facebook posts deemed insulting to the monarchy.
United States President Donald Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping his administration would respect the one China policy, during a telephone call between the leaders, the Financial Times reported, citing two people familiar with the call.

Trump, who was inaugurated last month, said in December the United States did not necessarily have to stick to the one China policy, by which Washington acknowledges Chinas position that it has sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan.

The Chinese state broadcaster said Trump and Jinping spoke over the phone for first time since the US Presidents inauguration.
New Zealand volunteers formed a human chain in the water at a remote beach on Friday as they tried to save about 100 whales after more than 400 of the creatures beached themselves in one of the worst whale strandings in the nations history.

About three-quarters of the pilot whales were already dead when they were found Friday morning at Farewell Spit at the tip of the South Island. Its an area that seems to confuse whales and has been the site of previous mass strandings.

Department of Conservation community ranger Kath Inwood said about 300 volunteers had joined conservation workers on the beach. She said they had refloated the whales at high tide and had formed the chain to try and prevent them from swimming back ashore.

People stand between some of the hundreds of stranded pilot whales that died after one of the country's largest recorded mass whale strandings, in Golden Bay, at the top of New Zealand's south island. (Reuters Photo)

It can be really quite distressing seeing so many dead whales, Inwood said. People need to be resilient and handle that and then get on with what needs to be done.

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of whale strandings in the world. (Reuters Photo)

She said volunteers had earlier tried to keep the surviving whales damp and cool by placing blankets over them and dousing them with buckets of water as they waited for the tide to rise.

The high tide allowed volunteers their one shot of the day to help the whales. Should the whales become stranded again, the volunteers would have to wait until the next daylight high tide on Saturday.

People tend to pilot whales, which beached themselves overnight, at Farewell Spit in the Golden Bay region. (AFP Photo)

Inwood said that whale strandings occur most years at Farewell Spit, but that the scale of this stranding had come as a shock. She said farmers and other locals were helping out and that people were also arriving from other parts of the country.

Volunteers try to keep alive some of the hundreds of stranded pilot whales after one of the country's largest recorded mass whale strandings, in Golden Bay. (Reuters Photo)

Most of the whales stranded on the beach in Golden Bay died. (Reuters Photo)

There are different theories as to why whales strand themselves, from them chasing prey too far inshore to them trying to protect a sick member of the group.

Farewell Spit is sometimes described as a whale trap. It has a long protruding coastline and gently sloping beaches that seem to make it difficult for whales to navigate away from once they get close.

Authorities were asking for fit and competent volunteers to travel to the beach and help with the rescue efforts. Getting there from the nearest provincial airport in Nelson involves a three-hour drive followed by a 15-minute hike.

Stranded pilot whales are seen on the beach in Golden Bay. (Reuters Photo)

Conservation workers said many of the surviving whales were likely to be in bad shape given the number of deaths, and their condition would deteriorate.

Volunteer rescue group Project Jonah said a total of 416 whales had stranded and 75 percent were dead when they were discovered. The Department of Conservation put the number of dead whales at about 250 to 300.

Volunteers try to keep alive some of the hundreds of stranded pilot whales. (Reuters Photo)

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of whale strandings in the world, and Fridays event is the nations third-biggest recorded stranding.

People look at stranded pilot whales seen on the beach in Golden Bay, New Zealand. (Reuters Photo)

The largest was in 1918, when about 1,000 pilot whales came ashore on the Chatham Islands. In 1985 about 450 whales stranded in Auckland.

Read | Omani fishermen stumble upon 80kg of whale vomit worth $2.5 million
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi asked US President Donald Trump in a phone call to remove his country from a contentious travel ban list, a statement said on Friday.

Iraq is one of seven Muslim-majority countries whose citizens are barred from entering the United States for 90 days under an executive order the newly sworn in US President signed on January 27.

The ban was suspended by a lower court a week later and a federal appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate it but Trump vowed to continue the legal battle for his order to stand.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of a review of the decision on the right of Iraqis to travel to the United States, Abadis office said in a statement after the phone call.

Abadi urged Trump to lift Iraq from the list of countries mentioned in the executive order, the statement said.

The statement said: Mr Trump stressed the importance of coordination to find a solution to this issue as soon as possible and that he will direct the US State Department in this regard.

Washington is a key economic, political and military ally for Baghdad, including in the war it has been waging against the Islamic State jihadist group for almost three years.

Abadi had argued when the decree was first issued that the measure, which Trump has billed as an effort to make America safe from radical Islamic terrorists, was tantamount to punishing those fighting terrorism.

The statement said Abadi had expressed his wish to further develop relations with the United States and Trump had renewed an invitation for him to visit.

Trumps attempt to impose travel restrictions on Iraqis comes after an assertion that the United States should have seized the countrys oil before withdrawing its forces in 2011.
A Muslim woman in Germany has been awarded nearly 9,000 euros in compensation after a court ruled that Berlin city discriminated against her by denying her a teaching job due to the headscarf she wears.

The Muslim woman won an appeal before a Berlin-Brandenburg court yesterday in a case over her rejection for a teaching job at a Berlin elementary school.

Head judge Renate Schaude was quoted by The Local as saying that the woman had been discriminated against and because her wearing a headscarf posed no danger to school peace, the discrimination against her was illegal.

She was therefore awarded 8,680 euros in compensation.

She had lost her initial case last year as the Berlin school argued neutrality rules meant no one could wear religious symbols in schools.

But in 2015, Germanys Constitutional Court ruled that general bans on state school teachers wearing headscarves were unconstitutional -- unless headscarves were found to constitute a sufficiently specific danger of impairing the peace at school or the states duty of neutrality.

After this major ruling, some states had to revise their regulations -- also because they gave preferential treatment to Christian symbols.

But the Berlin-Brandenburg court ruled that Berlins neutrality rules were still constitutional. This law states that police, teachers, and justice workers may not wear any religious apparel.

A court in Osnabruck last month ruled very differently than the Berlin-Brandenburg court.

In that case, a Muslim woman in Lower Saxony was also not allowed to teach due to her headscarf in 2013. But despite the 2015 Constitutional Court ruling, the lower Osnabruck court said that the school had made a valid decision based on the legal basis at the time.
A 31-year-old married woman was allegedly tortured to death by two self-proclaimed faith healers while performing an exorcism on her in Pakistans Punjab province.

The woman was on Wednesday taken to the two self-proclaimed faith healers by her husband as she often had fits and was presumed to be under the influence of some evil spirit.

Both healers Amanullah and Abdul Hamid - in Noorang Abad, D G Khan, some 400-km from Lahore-declared that Suraya Bibi had been under some evil influence and they would have to perform strong exorcism, Nazar Hussain, her husband, said.

Read | US: Mother sent to mental hospital for stabbing 2 kids in exorcism

During the healing treatment, Suraya was beaten, hanged by her feet and burnt by the faith healer and his assistant, her family members said, adding that she was taken to the trauma centre at a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

When she caught fire during the smoke exercise Hussain came to her rescue. She died before getting any medical aid, according to the FIR.

The healer and his assistant fled from the scene of the crime. A case of murder has been registered against both the suspects with no arrests so far, police said.

Read | Exorcist tries rape as a cure for cancer, lands in jail
Former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf has said that several politicians are in contact with him and soon there will be a third political force in the country to solve the problems of citizens.

He made the remarks while briefing media team of his party, All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).

Read | Video of Musharraf dancing becomes butt of jokes in Pakistan

Musharraf said that his party would fully participate in the countrys politics and the people of Pakistan through electronic, print and social media should know about his progressive and reforming agenda.

We have plans and strategies to pull Pakistan out of a crises situation. What we need to create is more awareness among the masses about our agenda and program. We also need to make people of Pakistan understand a direct link between poverty and bad governance, he said.

Read | Musharraf does U-turn on remarks that Raheel Sharif helped him leave Pakistan

He added that APML would use all the modern communication techniques to reach out to people before 2018 elections. At the moment there are few challenges that I expect we could overcome with hard work and planning.
They are fighting the worlds most feared jihadists, but hundreds of Arab female fighters battling the Islamic State group in Syria are also confronting the disapproval of their relatives and society.

I braved my tribal clan, my father, my mother. Now Im braving the enemy, says 21-year-old Batul, who is part of an Arab-Kurdish alliance battling to capture ISs Syrian stronghold of Raqa.

She is one of more than 1,000 Arab women who have joined Kurdish male and female fighters in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance, according to a spokeswoman.

Standing in the desert some 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Raqa, Batul speaks passionately about her decision to fight IS, which holds the nearby village of Al-Torshan.

Rougine, a 19-year-old female Arab fighter among the Syrian Democratic Forces, made up of US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters, stands in fatigues carrying a machine gun near the village of al-Torshan, 20 km on the outskirts of Raqa on February 6, 2017. (AFP Photo)

My parents told me: either you put down your weapons or we disown you, she says, wearing an ammunition vest and a floral scarf around her shoulders.

Her parents have not spoken to her since.

Batul comes from the Al-Sharabiyeh tribe, one of the best-known of the conservative Sunni Arab tribes of northeast Syria.

Her family views her as a rebel, who removed the headscarf worn by many Muslim women and refused her fathers orders to pray in front of him.

But she is proud of the decision she took two years ago to join the YPJ, the female counterpart to the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, which is a key component of the SDF alliance.

I joined the YPJ to liberate my homeland, but also to free women from slavery, she says.

We must no longer remain cloistered behind four walls.

- My weapon is part of me -

Syrian Kurds and Arabs has been fighting IS since late 2015, with air support and other backing from the US-led coalition against the jihadist group.

But the current battle for Raqa is the first time Batul has been on the front line, where warplanes roar overhead carrying out strikes, and mortars boom in the distance.

The first time I held a weapon, I was very afraid, she admits.

But now, my weapon has become part of me. It frees me and protects me.

She speaks in Arabic, but her sentences are peppered with Kurdish words picked up from her fellow fighters.

The relations between us and the Kurdish women are good. We dont speak the same language, but were all here to free the country and women.

Jihan Sheikh Ahmad, spokeswoman for the campaign on Raqa, said the SDF now counts more than 1,000 Arab women in its ranks.

The YPJs experience has had a positive impact on society, she told AFP.

The more territory we liberate, the more Arab female fighters have joined us.

In a tent near the front line, six young Arab female fighters joke and share secrets as they sip tea.

- Same rights as men -

My goal is to liberate women from the oppression of Daesh (IS), but also societal oppression, says Hevi Dilirin, an Arab woman who adopted a Kurdish nom de guerre when she joined the YPJ.

Female Arab fighters among the Syrian Democratic Forces, made up of US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters, stand together near the village of al-Torshan, 20 km on the outskirts of Raqa on February 6, 2017. (AFP Photo)

In our society, women have no say. But they should have the same rights as men, she says, dressed in a camouflage jacket and white-and-grey sneakers.

Syrias Kurds have emphasised gender equality in both their militias and nascent autonomous institutions.

Since the outbreak of the conflict in March 2011, they have sided with neither rebels nor government forces, concentrating instead on developing a semi-autonomous region in north and northeastern Syria, as well as fighting IS.

But the Arab tribes there are among the more conservative segments of the population, and 21-year-old Doza Jiyan says most Arab families find the concept of female fighters hard to accept.

In our Syrian society, we find it bizarre for a woman to take up arms, adds Jiyan, from the town of Ras al-Ain in Hasakeh province.

But she speaks confidently as she discusses the military situation with male colleagues.

IS is no longer invincible, theyre only fighting on motorbikes and mining the villages, she says.

ISs extensive use of IEDs and mines has slowed the SDFs progress towards Raqa, the jihadists group most important remaining bastion in Syria.

The SDF announced a new phase in their bid to capture Raqa on February 4, pressing towards the city gradually from the north and northeast.

Jiyan is convinced that the SDFs military successes will eventually sway the opinion of her relatives and society, and she has no plans to leave.

Im very happy here, she says.
A key aide to Donald Trump was facing possible investigation Thursday after pitching the clothing line of the presidents daughter Ivanka on television, with top lawmakers from both camps denouncing a major ethics breach and urging disciplinary action.

Speaking with the White House seal clearly visible over her shoulder, Kellyanne Conway gave Ivanka Trumps clothing a rave review during a Fox interview early Thursday, urging shoppers to go buy Ivankas stuff.

This is just a wonderful line, she said. I own some of it. I fully -- Im going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online.

Conway was clearly channeling the anger expressed a day earlier by the president himself, when he tweeted that Ivanka had been treated so unfairly by Nordstrom, an upscale department store chain that dropped her fashion brand.

But to Washington traditionalists, Conways direct pitch from the White House for a product line sold by the presidents child seemed a jaw-dropping -- and possibly illegal -- misuse of presidential prestige.

Read | Ivanka Trump reportedly stepped down as Murdoch trustee

Democrat Elijah Cummings and Republican Jason Chaffetz -- both lawmakers on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which Chaffetz chairs -- led calls for Conway to face rebuke.

Conways statements clearly violate the ethical principles for federal employees and are unacceptable, the congressmen said in a letter to the federal ethics chief, Walter Shaub, requesting that he recommend appropriate disciplinary action against her.

What she did was wrong, wrong, wrong, said Chaffetz on Twitter.

The Office of Government Ethics, which Shaub heads, separately said it had been receiving an extraordinary volume of contacts from citizens about recent events.

Without mentioning Conway by name, it said it was reaching out to the appropriate government agencies who would decide whether to pursue the matter -- the established protocol when the OGE learns of possible ethics violations.

The law is clear

Conway said the Trump team was aware of the lawmakers letter and was reviewing that internally.

She also told Fox News she had spoken with the president about the incident and that he supports me 100 percent.

All I can say, at some point in your life, you ought to have a boss who treated me the way that the president is treating me today.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Trumps aide had been counseled over the issue, without providing more detail.

Kellyanne Conways White House Infomercial, as it was dubbed in a scathing New York Times editorial, again fanned debate over the unprecedented level to which the new president -- despite his protestations to the contrary -- has mixed politics, business and family, raising questions about conflicts of interest.

For Noah Bookbinder, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog group which filed a separate complaint, the law is clear on such matters.

This is just another example of what looks like a disturbing pattern of this administration acting to benefit the businesses of the presidents family and supporters.

Boycott calls

Since his election in November, Trump has targeted a series of American multinationals by name (General Motors, Ford, Boeing, Lockheed and others) for moving production overseas or for allegedly overcharging the government.

But his tweet targeting Nordstrom marked the first time he had complained directly about the business interests of one of his adult children. The tweet appeared both on Trumps personal account and on that of the presidency, @POTUS.

The Nordstrom logo is displayed above the post where it trades on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York. (AP File Photo)

The Nordstrom group, with 350 stores in the United States and Canada, has repeatedly denied any political motive to its dropping of Ivanka Trumps clothing line, saying it was motivated purely by performance considerations. Sales had fallen, particularly in last years second half.

But products carrying a Trump brand, including Ivankas, have been boycotted by critics of the new president, leading to his complaint of a political motivation behind Nordstroms move.

TJX Companies, which operates the clothing store chains TJ Maxx and Marshalls, told AFP on Thursday it had instructed store employees no longer to display Ivanka Trump products separately.

The communication we sent to TJ Maxx and Marshalls in the US instructed stores to mix this line of merchandise into our racks, not to remove it from the sales floor, a spokesperson told AFP.
White House national security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed US sanctions against Russia with Moscows ambassador to the United States during the month before President Donald Trump took office, the Washington Post reported on Thursday.

Citing unnamed current and former US officials, the Post said some senior US officials interpreted the contacts as a potentially illegal signal to Russia that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions imposed by the Obama administration in December.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the Washington Post report.

Reuters reported last month, citing three sources familiar with the matter, that Flynn had held five phone calls with Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak on Dec. 29, the day then-President Barack Obama retaliated for Moscows alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election.

The Post said Flynn on Wednesday denied that he had discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador, but on Thursday backed away from the denial through a spokesman.

Flynn indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up, the Post quoted the spokesman as saying.

Officials said this week that the FBI is continuing to examine Flynns contacts with Kislyak, according to the paper.

Several officials emphasized that while sanctions were discussed, they did not see evidence that Flynn had an intent to convey an explicit promise to take action after the inauguration, the Post said.
Not a day goes by when Donald Trump does not dominate the news -- for an outrageous tweet or signing a controversial executive order or just hanging up on another head of state.

When Trumps familiar orange and blond visage stares down at you from every newspaper, TV channel or Facebook timeline, how do you stand out and make a statement? Some magazines have found a solution in provocative artwork, accompanied by stark, hard-hitting headlines.

Time Magazines December issue, which named Trump its Person of the Year was discussed threadbare as a politically subversive piece of art. Ostensibly, the image showed Donald Trump sitting on a chair in the Oval Office, but the lighting, posture and especially the placement of Times M above his head signalled darker undertones.

In February, magazines have been on a roll, coming out with one memorable Trump cover after another. Here are five covers that really, really pushed the envelope :

The New Yorker, February 13 issue

The magazine broke with its anniversary tradition, opting for John W. Tomacs gloomy, hopeless image, Libertys Flameout to depict Trumps first weeks in office. Trumps refugee ban has drawn sharp criticism and protests, but many have pointed out that the presidents unwelcoming attitude is at variance with the inscription beneath the Statue of Liberty that says: Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

The Economist, February 4 issue

The British magazine, an institution in itself, came out with a cover that would shock-and-awe readers. An Insurgent in the White House, screamed the headline. But the image went a step further showing Trump, wearing a Make America Great Again cap, throwing a Molotov cocktail. Washigton is in the grip of a revolution. The bleak cadence of last months inauguration was still in the air when Donald Trump lobbed the first Molotov cocktail of policies and executive orders against the capitals brilliant-white porticos, begins the accompanying editorial.

Der Spiegel, February 4 issue

The German magazines cover, depicting Trump with a bloody knife in one hand and the Statue of Libertys blood-dripping head in the other, raised several eyebrows. The gory cover draws a parallel between Trump and the ISIS, artist Edel Rodriguez told the Washington Post. Rodriguez was also behind two of Time magazines covers featuring Trump and draws the US President without the eyes, but with an open gaping mouth. The headline says America First, a mantra that Trump has repeated in many speeches.

Bloomberg Businessweek, February 6 issue

Away from the despair of the New Yorker cover or the bloody Der Spiegel one, the Bloomberg Businessweek cover uses text to deliver a body blow rather than an image. Trump is barely visible on the cover, but seems to be holding up an executive order. Ten carefully chosen words replace the original text: Insert hastily drafted, legally dubious, economically destabilizing executive order here.

The Atlantic, March issue

The magazine published its latest issue a week earlier than planned, because editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg thought that people should read this piece sooner, rather than later. How to Build an Autocracy is the headline in bold, with an image of Trump addressing a huge rally. The piece by David Frum argues that Trump will lead America down the path of illiberalism and subversion of rules and regulations.

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US President Donald Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping his administration would respect the one China policy, during a telephone call between the leaders, the Financial Times reported, citing two people familiar with the call.

Trump, who was inaugurated last month, said in December the United States did not necessarily have to stick to the one China policy, by which Washington acknowledges Chinas position that it has sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan.
President Xi Jinping on Friday appreciated his US counterpart Donald Trumps decision to honour the one-China policy hours after the two leaders spoke on phone, their first conversation since the American leaders inauguration.

Trumps sharp diplomatic about-turn came about two months after he spoke to President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, which Chinas considers a breakaway province, and angered Beijing by saying Washington doesnt have to follow the one-China policy.

Most countries, including India, follow the one-China policy, which means they dont have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but maintain relations informally. The US has followed the policy since 1979.

The phone call came almost three weeks into Trumps presidency and after he had made several similar calls  not all cordial  with heads of state.

China will work with the US to enhance communication and cooperation so that bilateral ties can advance in a sound and stable manner and yield more fruits to benefit the two peoples and people of all countries in the world, Xi was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua news agency.

Trump said he fully understands the high significance of the US government's pursuit of the one-China policy, adding that the US government adheres to the one-China policy, the report added.

A statement from the White House said Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'one-China' policy.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the one-China policy was the political foundation of Sino-US ties. He declined to confirm whether Trump agreed to endorse the principle at Xis request.

Lu also didnt answer questions on whether China had to agree with the US on a deal on trade or other issues to elicit Trumps endorsement.

The reaction from Taiwan was expectedly muted.

A spokesman for President Tsai Ing-wen said in a statement it was in Taiwans interest to maintain good relations with the United States and China, Reuters reported.

Shen Dingli, international relations expert from Shanghais Fudan University, welcomed the White Houses concession to Xi. It is good for the two countries and the Asia-Pacific. Now we can have a predictable relationship, Shen told The Guardian newspaper. Beijing must feel much relief at the message.
President Donald Trump promised Friday to take action very rapidly to protect the US and its citizens, a day after a federal appeals court firmly kept his travel ban on hold. He didnt reveal his planned next step to control travel into the US from countries that he considers potential terrorist threats.

Well be doing things to continue to make our country safe, Trump pledged at a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It will happen rapidly. We will not allow people into our country who are looking to do harm to our people.

Trump added that still expects to prevail in a legal challenge to his travel ban, despite Thursdays 3-0 ruling by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals that kept it from going back into effect.

Ultimately, I have no doubt that well win that particular case, he said.

Trump stressed that voters elected him to keep the country secure, so well be doing something very rapidly having to do with additional security for our country. Youll be seeing that sometime next week.

He added that extreme vetting is still planned for would-be visitors or immigrants from other countries.

Conjuring images of unspecified danger, Trump said he had learned tremendous things that you could only learn, frankly, if you were in a certain position, namely president. And there are tremendous threats to our country. We will not allow that to happen, I can tell you that. We will not allow that to happen.

Trump is standing by his argument that national security hangs in the balance. He issued an all-caps Tweet shortly after Thursdays court ruling: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

In West Wing comments on Thursday night, he exhibited an air of confidence: We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake and its a very, very serious situation, so we look forward ... to seeing them in court. He added: Were going to win the case.

The Justice Department said it was reviewing the decision and considering its options. It could appeal the restraining order on Trumps travel ban to the US Supreme Court or it could attempt to remake the case in the district court.

White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway suggested the next step would be to argue the merits of the executive order.

The statute provides a president ... with great latitude and authority to protect the citizens and to protect the nations national security, Conway said. This was not argued on the merits. Now that well have an opportunity to argue on the merits we look forward to doing that. We look forward to prevailing.

The ruling represented a setback for Trumps administration and the second legal defeat for the new president in the past week. Trumps decision to sign the executive order late last month has sparked protests at airports around the world as authorities barred scores of travellers from entering the country amid confusion over how to implement the details.

The appellate decision brushed aside arguments by the Justice Department that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer tweeted Thursday that Trump ought to see the writing on the wall and abandon the proposal. The New York Democrat called on the president to roll up his sleeves and come up with a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California promised, Democrats will continue to press for President Trumps dangerous and unconstitutional ban to be withdrawn. And Trumps former presidential rival Hillary Clinton offered a terse response on Twitter, noting the unanimous vote: 3-0.

Congress Republican leaders, house speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, declined to comment.

US district judge James Robart in Seattle issued the temporary restraining order halting the ban after Washington state and Minnesota sued, leading to the federal governments appeal.

The Trump administration has said the seven nations  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  have raised terrorism concerns. The states have argued that the executive order unconstitutionally blocked entry based on religion and the travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities.

In a hallway conversation with reporters, Trump expressed confidence that he will prevail in court if the case is argued on the merits.

He and his aides frequently refer to a ruling by a federal judge in Boston who declined last week to extend a temporary injunction against Trumps travel ban. In the separate federal ruling in Seattle that night, a different federal judge put the ban on hold nationwide; it is that judges decision that the White House has challenged.

Its a decision that well win, in my opinion, very easily and, by the way, we won that decision in Boston, Trump said.

The president, in his third week in office, has criticized the judiciarys handling of the case. Last weekend, he labeled Robart a so-called judge and referred to the ruling as ridiculous. Earlier this week he accused the appellate court considering his executive order of being so political.

Trumps Supreme Court nominee, judge Neil Gorsuch, has referred to the presidents comments as demoralising and disheartening, according to a Democratic senator who asked him about Trumps response.

Trump has yet to nominate a candidate to be solicitor general, the lawyer who argues before the Supreme Court on behalf of the United States. Trump told reporters hell be making that decision over the next week.
US President Donald Trump on Friday described his telephone talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping were very warm, while he reassured Japan that improved US-Chinese ties were not a threat to Tokyo.

We had a very, very good talk last night, and discussed a lot of subjects. It was a long talk, Trump told a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

He said he and Xi were in the process of getting along very well, and I think it will be very much of a benefit to Japan.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday approved a constitutional change bill and set the date for a referendum on the issue.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said that a referendum is likely to be held on April 16.

I hope sovereignty will rest unconditionally with the nation on April 16 when the referendum will be held, the state owned Anadolu news agency quoted Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus, as saying.

He said the Turkish people would express their opinion in the referendum by voting Yes or No.

Kurtulmus expressed his hope that this election campaign will continue in line with the mature democracy of Turkey.

Turkish parliament this year in January passed the 18-article bill with 339 votes in favor which was nine more than the required number to put the proposals to a referendum.

The proposal would boost executive powers of the president if it is passed.
In a major setback to the Donald Trump administration, an appeals court on Thursday rejected its plea to overturn a lower courts stay on the presidents executive order barring visa-holders from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States.

In a 29-page order, the three-judge panel of the ninth circuit court of appeals ruled unanimously that the government had not been able to establish the merits of the appeal or shown how the refusal to remove the stay could cause irreparable damage.

The presidents first response came in a post on Twitter, in all-caps: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!. He followed that up by telling reporters that the ruling was political.

The justice department, which is litigating the case for the federal government, said in a statement it was reviewing the decision and considering its options.

The administration could take the appeal to a larger bench of the ninth circuit, but that may lead to a similar result as it is considered to be the most liberal of the appellate courts in the country, according to legal experts.

The administration could, alternatively, takes its appeal straight to the Supreme Court, which at this time is one short of its sanctioned strength of nine and is tilting left under the weight of four liberal justices, against three conservatives and one swing.

Another option, suggested by some experts, was for the president to swallow his pride, tear up this executive order, write a fresh one, fixing problems pointed out by the district court that stayed the order first and the appeals court that upheld it.

Trump issued an executive order on January 24, in his first week in office, banning visa-holders from Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Libya from entering the US for 90 days; and all refugees for 120 days  indefinitely for Syrians.

The suspension was meant to give the administration time to put in place extreme vetting procedures, which Trump had promised as a candidate, to prevent bad dudes from entering the country with the intention of carrying out terrorist attacks.

The order went into effect immediately, without advance notice or warning, leading to many visa-holders from these countries being detained at US airports on arrival or prevented from boarding US-bound flights at airports outside.

The order became known around the world as a Muslim-ban, despite vigorous push-back from the Trump administration, which argued, inexplicably, it wasnt even a ban, when the president himself had used the word to describe the order.

Opposition to the travel ban, as its called now, started almost at the same time as reports about its first victims, two Iraqi refugees detained for deportation at JFK in New York. Civil rights group American Civil Liberties Union challenged the detention, and won.

More lawsuits followed as protests broke out at, and inside, airports around the country and at the White House. Even President Barack Obama weighed in in favor of protestors and spoke out against the travel ban.

A district federal court in Seattle, Washington state struck the first blow to the order, staying its operation around the country  its a federal court with countrywide powers  allowing hundreds and thousands of stranded visa holders into the country.

The judge, James Robarts, became both an international celebrity and a target, overnight. Trump disparaged him as a so-called judge, seeking to discredit personally a judge appointed by a Republican president, George W Bush.

That order plunged Trumps days-old presidency into its first major crisis, preceded already by a few of lower intensity, halting his ban, which, he argued repeatedly was meant only to protect the country from bad dudes.

It was an easy action to comprehend, even for school-going children, and expressed confidence his lawyers would have it overturned. A court in Boston had, after all, agreed with him and upheld the order before Robarts rendered it void hours later.

And now the appeals court.
Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview released on Friday that the United States is welcome to join the battle against terrorists in Syria  as long as it is in cooperation with his government and respects the countrys sovereignty.

In an interview with Yahoo News, Assad said he has not had any communication  direct or indirect  with President Donald Trump or any official form the new U.S. administration.

But the Syrian leader appeared to make a gesture to the new U.S. president in the interview, saying he welcomes Trumps declaration that he will make it a priority to fight terrorism  a goal Assad said he also shares.

However, Assads government has labelled all armed opposition to his rule  including the U.S.-backed rebels  as terrorists.

We agree about this priority, Assad said of Trump. Thats our position in Syria, the priority is to fight terrorism.

Syrias six-year civil war has killed more than 300,000 people and displaced half the countrys population. The country is shattered and the chaos has enabled the rise of the Islamic State group, which in a 2014 blitz seized a third of both Syria and neighboring Iraq. The extremist group, responsible also for several deadly attacks around the world, has declared an Islamic caliphate on the territory it controls.

Assad also told Yahoo News that his country would welcome U.S. participation in the fight against terrorism but it has to be in cooperation with the Syrian government.

Assads comment ignored the U.S.-led international coalition, which has been targeting the Islamic State group and al-Qaidas affiliate in Syria with airstrikes since September 2014. The U.S. also has advisers in Syria along with predominantly Kurdish fighters north of the country who are fighting against the Islamic State.

If you want to start genuinely, as United States ... it must be through the Syrian government, Assad said. We are here, we are the Syrians, we own this country as Syrians, nobody else, nobody would understand it like us.

So, you cannot defeat the terrorism without cooperation with the people and the government of Syria, he added.

The Syrian government has always blamed the U.S. for backing opposition fighters trying to remove Assad from power. The rebels formed a serious threat to the Syrian leader until 2015, when Russia joined Syrias war backing Assads forces and turned the balance of power in his favor.

We invited the Russians, and the Russians were genuine regarding this issue. If the Americans are genuine, of course they are welcome, like any other country that wants to defeat and to fight with the terrorists. Of course, with no hesitation we can say that, Assad said in English.

But when asked if he wants American troops to come to Syria to help with the fight against the Islamic State group, Assad said that sending troops is not enough  a genuine political position on respecting Syrias sovereignty and unity is also needed.

All these factors would lead to trust, where you can send your troops. Thats what happened with the Russians; they didnt only send their troops, Assad added.

Assad would not comment on Trumps move to bar Syrian refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the U.S., calling it an American sovereignty issue.

But he appeared to offer some veiled support at last, saying that there are definitely terrorists among the millions of Syrians seeking refuge in the West, though it doesnt have to be a significant number.

Excerpts of Assads comments were aired on Thursday while the full interview with Yahoo News ran on Friday.

In other developments Friday, the Kremlin said that Russia and Turkey have agreed to improve coordination in Syria to prevent further friendly fire incidents after a Russian airstrike killed three Turkish soldiers and wounded 11 the day before.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the accidental strike near the town of al-Bab in northern Syria prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to discuss better cooperation in fighting the Islamic State group in the area. In a signal that the incident hasnt hurt a Russia-Turkey rapprochement, Peskov said that Erdogan is set to visit Russia next month.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said the Turkish casualties on Thursday were the result of faulty coordination in Syria and showed there is a need for a much closer coordination.
















MUAHAHAHA; In Your Face! , and its a project that he said is a pre-emanate strike toward the music industry in a way that announces to the world that hes here and hes ready to make a difference with his unique sound. LONDON, ENGLAND  If you want some insight into Londons hottest new hip-hop artist Karim Tanoe, all you have to do is look at the title of his most-recent EP. Its entitled , and its a project that he said is a pre-emanate strike toward the music industry in a way that announces to the world that hes here and hes ready to make a difference with his unique sound.





The name of the project comes from the sound of any triumphant laugh youd have as a villain, the London-based rapper said. I wanted to use that concept about acknowledging fears and scheming to eliminate them. I dont believe in a genre-box of what youre supposed to sound like or look like. Once youre comfortable in your own skin, then F__k you! is no longer an acceptable defense mechanism.





To further illustrate his point, Tanoes main single off the album  Prisoner No. 4  explores the concept of destiny and challenges the listener to take an introspective look at what it is thats keeping them from realizing their dreams.





I basically wrote it by imagining a conversation with destiny  as if she was a supplier and could provide us with anything, Tanoe said. If you could get everything you wanted, exactly how you want it and whenever you want, then there would be no point as humans to be in existence in the first place. We are creatures who evolve through trials. A prisoner is someone who is restrained and does not have freedom in whatever they do. And No. 4 is symbolic of going back to your roots  the place you came from. The whole idea is that we might be prisoners in terms of our lust for materialism, but if we can go back to our roots and maneuver without giving in to materialistic ideals, we can have substance in our lives.





Most of Tanoes work takes an introspective, conscientious look at life. His lyrics challenge the listener to think more deeply while providing a sound that cant be ignored. With this new EP, Tanoe said he was trying to present something a little lighter than what Id normally write, though the lyrics still have plenty of meat for fans to digest.





I went for something that would taste good on the first bite rather than something youd have to live with and chew on for awhile, he said. I think its something that people will like immediately and vibe with, and if they dig into the lyrics a little bit and actually go a lot deeper, theyll see a deeper meaning. I like using those kinds of contradictions in music.





Originally from the Ivory Coast in Africa, Tanoe has traveled from place-to-place for much of his life  living in Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Nigeria and Manchester before settling in London about four years ago. The musical influences from those places have all contributed to his unique sound, he said, and help him to stand out from a crowded hip-hop industry that, in his opinion, sounds so similar that its almost hard to discern one artist from another.





I always want to bring something more to people than just whats on the surface, he said. At first glance with my music you can take it word-for-word, but when you dig in and appreciate it  however it speaks to you, thats the way I want you to feel. And at the end of the day I want my music to help you realize that you have a choice rather than a specific path that someone is trying to direct you toward.





Fans who want to sample the EP can check it out on Tanoes Spotify page. Fans can also follow him on Facebook Twitter and Instagram for more updates about new music releases or live performances.




Examining the bones of the Little Bighorn dead reveals the hard lives  and sudden, violent deaths  endured by these U.S. Frontier Army soldiers.

The June 25-26, 1876, Battle of the Little Bighorn fought in southern Montana was Native Americans greatest victory over U.S. Frontier Army regulars and the most famous battle of the 19th-century Indian Wars. All soldiers in the five 7th Cavalry Regiment companies personally led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer were killed, and the seven surviving companies suffered numerous dead and wounded during the fighting and in a successful defensive action led by Major Marcus A. Reno and Captain Frederick W. Benteen a few miles away from Custers Last Stand.

One important legacy of the battle is the bones of the fallen soldiers that have come to light from time to time over the years.

HASTY BURIALS

The bodies of about 260 7th Cavalry Regiment officers and men killed on June 25 and 26, 1876, were given a hasty but not uncaring burial on June 28. Most of the men, found lying on the battlefield in the locations where they had died, were simply covered with soil scooped up from either side of their already swollen and decomposing remains. One officer recalled that the battlefield was a scene of ghastly and sickening horror. The victorious Native Americans had removed all of their dead before departing the valley of the Little Bighorn River at the approach of an army column under Brigadier General Alfred Terry and Colonel John Gibbon on June 27.

Most of the officers remains were identified during the hasty burials, and these were exhumed in 1877 and returned to the east or to their homes for reburial. The most famous among these men was George Custer, whose remains were reinterred at West Point. Several other officers remains  including those of Custers brother Captain Thomas Custer, who was twice awarded the Medal of Honor in the Civil War  were reinterred at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. For the most part, the enlisted soldiers bodies were not identified. Their bones were exhumed in 1881 and reburied in a mass grave on the top of Last Stand Hill, where they remain today under a large granite monument listing the mens names and memorializing their sacrifice.

However, the individuals who exhumed the remains were not trained skeletal anatomists, and the soldier work details overlooked some bodies and only collected large skeletal elements of others, leaving behind many bones. Human remains, largely individual bones, representing 44 of those who died at the Little Bighorn have been found, collected or formally recovered from the battlefield since 1877. Many partial and a few nearly complete remains were recovered as a result of professional archaeological work on the battlefield that began in the 1980s. Since then there has been a concerted effort to find and analyze human remains associated with the Little Bighorn battle. This was done in part to learn more about the lifestyle and manner of death of those who died, but also with the intent to identify the individuals represented by the bones. The latter effort has been only partly successful.

EVIDENCE OF THE BONES

The osteological (scientific study of bones) examinations have revealed a good deal about the men who rode with  and ultimately died with  Custer. The soldiers suffered from a variety of ailments and injuries beyond the traumas inflicted upon them at the time of death. Their bones told the story of congenital diseases and developmental defects that some of the men had when they enlisted in U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment. They also reflected the debilitating effects of the harsh conditions and strenuous lifestyle Frontier Army cavalrymen endured. The observed changes in bone structure and development resulting from trauma-induced injuries included compressed vertebrae,shoulder separations, and healed fractures in the skull, collarbone, lower arm, ribs, hand and foot. Degenerative changes were seen as well, including in the jaw, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand,hip, knee and foot, and evidence of osteoarthritis was present in the back and joints. The teeth of most soldiers studied showed extensive use of tobacco and coffee (which caused staining),and oral health care appears to have been largely ignored, as evidenced by numerous decayed and abscessed teeth.

Two case examples epitomize the skeletal story of the men who died at the Little Bighorn.One set of nearly complete remains indicated the soldier was between 30 and 35 years of age at the time of his death. At 65.3 inches tall, he was among the shorter casualties. His size may have been caused, in part, by fairly numerous growth interruptions. There was an old, small,well-healed cranial fracture above his right eye.Numerous degenerative changes were present as well. The upper neck demonstrated arthritic changes, but the most marked joint changes were in the mid to lower spine. The soldier also had temporomandibular joint problems, suggesting that he ground his teeth during sleep.

The dental health of this soldier was surprisingly good compared to most of the other remains studied. The most likely explanation for his healthy teeth was dental care. He had at least six fillings.These restorations provided a unique opportunity to examine dentistry techniques and materials used during a formative period in the development of American dentistry. He had both gold and tin-base restorations, materials that were commonly used at the time.This individuals excellent oral health occurred despite one nearly ubiquitous oral devastator of the cavalrymen  tobacco consumption. His teeth displayed moderate staining and the associated dental wear indicated tobacco chewing.

The bones revealed a good deal about the man, but not his cause of death. He died on the defense line at the Reno-Benteen portion of the battle, but it is not clear how he died. Likely, the cause of death did not impact his bones, and thus it left no trace. The soldier has not been identified, as his age and height fit a number of possible candidates.

The second case is a moderately well preserved skeleton consisting of all of the larger bones and most of the smaller ones. The individual was a large, robust adult male about 25-35 years old and 70.66 inches tall. Indications of behavioral alterations included articular facets on the femur neck, suggesting hyper-flexibility of the hip, and the large toes turned toward the smaller ones. Several pathological lesions were present. He had a healed fracture of the lower arm and a possible healed fracture of the foot. He had spinal problems, both degenerative disks and articular facet osteoarthritis. A gunshot wound was in the right hip. The bullet entered from the back right side and presumably resulted in an abdominal injury. Given that 80 percent of abdominal wounds resulted in death, this probably caused his demise. The mans oral health was particularly poor and many of his upper jaw teeth were missing before he died. He lost two mandibular molars a year or two prior to death;perhaps they were diseased or impacted teeth that had been extracted.

There are several possible identities for this skeleton among those who were killed with the Reno-Benteen group, but the best fit is Farrier (horseshoer) Vincent Charley. Born in Lucerne, Switzerland, Charley immigrated to the United States and began his first enlistment in Chicago in 1871. He was in his second enlistment at the time of the battle. The bones robusticity and healed injuries are consistent with the active life of a farrier, and the gunshot wound, as well as other skeletal determinations such as age and stature, are in keeping with what is known about Charley  he was shot in the hips on June 25 but his body could not be recovered at the time.

SUDDEN DEATH AND MUTILATION

The osteological data clearly demonstrate that some of the men were mutilated about the time of death, but to what extent cannot be precisely determined because of the lack of tissue and because many of the remains are missing some skeletal elements. However, a relative impression of the type and extent of the injuries can be suggested based on the osteological analysis.

Many contemporary accounts of the June 27-28, 1876, burials note that mutilation was prevalent among the dead. Blunt instrument trauma to the skull appears as the most common perimortem (occurring at the time of death) feature in these accounts, and the archeological evidence supports this. There are 14 cases in the Custer battlefield archeological record in which skull fragments were present, and all exhibit blunt instrument trauma. This group accounts for 41 percent of the Custer battlefield individuals represented archeologically and all of those cases in which skull fragments were found. This direct physical evidence suggests that blunt force trauma to the head was common.

Archeological evidence of incised (cut) wounds was present in about 21 percent of the remains from the Custer battlefield and in only one case from the Reno-Benteen defense site. Knife- or arrow-related wounds were seen in 11 percent of the Custer samples and hatchet-related injuries were noted in 10 percent. One must remember that not all injuries affected the bone, and that the samples only reflect those that did. Nevertheless, it appears that a significant percentage of the soldiers killed were shot with arrows, cut with knives or struck with hatchets about the time of death.

The archeological evidence clearly demonstrates that mutilation of the dead soldiers was common, and this is in agreement with the historical record. Yet the cause of the mutilation must be placed in the cultural context of the Sioux and Cheyenne. A prevalent theme in Indian explanations of the mutilation is one that pervades human nature  a sense of rage and revenge. While revenge may have been the most obvious motivation for disfiguring the bodies, there are also deeper cultural meanings ascribed to the practice.

Mutilation, in the view of the Sioux and Cheyenne battle participants, was a part of their culture. It should be seen as a normal cultural expression of victory over a vanquished foe. That expression has two levels. The first level is the overt and obvious one of rage and revenge. The second level is symbolic or religious, one in which mutilation is a means to ensure that an enemy cannot enjoy the afterlife in the same fullness that the victor might anticipate. Thus, the mutilated dead at the Little Bighorn became symbols of victory to the culture that defeated them.

STORIES OF LIFE AND DEATH

The men with Custer died in 1876, but today their bones tell a detailed story of their lives and deaths. The physical anthropologists have not only determined the mens ages, stature and probable causes of death, but also discovered information about their lives that cannot be garnered from the historic record alone. The bones clearly show evidence of hard, sustained horseback riding and ubiquitous tobacco use, but perhaps most revealing is the extent to which the bones were restructured and remodeled by the cavalrymens harsh and rugged lifestyle. Indeed, our romantic notion of young, vibrant cavalrymen riding off to fight Indians ought to be revised. While our prevailing view of the past is that the Army enlisted boys and made men of them, the bones suggest it took young men and turned them into physical wrecks before their time.

Today the cavalrymens bones enlighten us about the realities of life and death in the Frontier Army, and they remind us of the ultimate sacrifice these soldiers made. We who studied them were honored and privileged to have been given a glimpse into some of the lives of the men who died with Custer.

Douglas D. Scott is an archaeologist who retired from the National Park Service after more than 30 years. He is currently an adjunct professor at Colorado Mesa University. He is particularly noted for his expertise in battlefield archeology and firearms identification, having worked on more than 40 battlefield sites, including Palo Alto, Sand Creek, Big Hole, Bear Paw, Wilsons Creek, Pea Ridge, Centralia, and Santiago de Cuba. His recent book on the archaeology of the Little Bighorn battle, Uncovering History: Archaeological Investigations at the Little Bighorn, has received several literary awards.

Originally published in the January 2015 issue of Armchair General.
Ngo Quang Truong was widely considered one of the most honest and capable generals of the South Vietnamese army during the long war in Southeast Asia. General Bruce Palmer, in his book The 25-Year War, described Truong as a tough, seasoned fighting leader and probably the best field commander in South Vietnam. General Creighton Abrams, who commanded American military operations in Vietnam from 1968-72, told subordinates that he thought General Truong was capable of commanding an American division.

RISING STAR

Ngo Quang Truong was born December 19, 1929, to a well-to-do family in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Hoa. After he graduated from My Tho College, a French colonial-run school, Truong attended the reserve officer school at Thu Duc. He graduated with Class 4 and received his commission as an infantry officer in the Vietnamese National Army (VNA) in 1954. After graduation,Truong went immediately to airborne school in Da Lat. Upon completion of parachute training, he was assigned as commander of 1st Company, 5th Airborne Battalion. He helped rebuild the battalion,which had been decimated fighting alongside French forces at the1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

In 1955, Truong and his unit participated in the operation to eliminate the Binh Xuyen river pirates who were vying with President Ngo Dinh Diems government for control of Saigon and the surrounding area. For his actions during that operation, Truong was awarded a battlefield promotion to first lieutenant. Later that year, after the Republic of Vietnam was created, the VNA became the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN).

Truong was promoted to captain in 1963, and just a year later he was promoted to major and appointed commander of 5th Airborne Battalion. During that same year, the battalion conducted a heliborne assault into the Do Xa Secret Zone in Minh Long district, Quang Ngai province. The operation was in response to the growing insurgency mounted by the North Vietnam-supported National Liberation Front (NLF, or Viet Cong). The subsequent attack by Truongs battalion shattered the base area of the Viet Congs B-1Front headquarters and resulted in the capture of 160 weapons of all types. During this operation, Truong continued to build his growing reputation as a charismatic leader who led from the front and took care of his soldiers.

In 1965, 5th Airborne Battalion, still under Truongs command,conducted a helicopter assault into the Hac Dich Secret Zone in the area of Ong Trinh Mountain in Phuoc Tuy (Ba Ria) province, the base area of the communist NLFs 7th Division. After two days of fighting during which his battalion inflicted heavy losses on two enemy regiments, Truong was given a battlefield promotion to lieutenant colonel and was also awarded the Republic of Vietnams National Defense Medal, 4th Class.

After the Hac Dich battle, Truong was assigned as chief of staff of the Airborne Brigade. In late 1965, he was appointed as chief of staff of the Airborne Division. As historian Dale Andrade points out, this noncombat position might have stagnated Truongs career, but his reputation for bravery and fairness got him noticed by the top brass in Saigon. General Cao Van Vien, Chief of the South Vietnamese Joint General Staff from 1965-75, later described Truong as one of the best commanders at every echelon the Airborne Division ever had.

In 1966, when violent civil disorders broke out in Central Vietnam by Buddhists protesting military control of the government, Truong was appointed as acting commander of ARVN 1st Infantry Division in Hue. As a Buddhist, he was uncomfortable commanding a unit charged with quelling the Buddhist demonstrations, but he carried out his duties with his customary professionalism, and Saigon subsequently made his appointment as division commander permanent.

Truong, with his usual brand of hands-on leadership, quickly molded the division, which did not have a very good reputation prior to his arrival, into one of the best units in the South Vietnamese army. Marine Lieutenant General Robert E. Cushman, commander of III Marine Amphibious Force in South Vietnams I Corps region, and his principal subordinate, Army General Richard G. Stilwell, commander of U.S. XXIV Corps, both felt that because of Truongs efforts, ARVN 1st Division became equal to any American unit.

Truongs American adviser at the time wrote that Truong was dedicated, humble, imaginative and tactically sound. His performance was noticed by Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) commander General William C. Westmoreland, who later wrote that Truong would rate high on any list of capable South Vietnamese leaders.

In 1967, units of 1st Infantry Division under Truongs command, including the Black Panther (Hac Bao) Reconnaissance Company, 2d Troop/7th Armored Squadron, and the attached 9th Airborne Battalion, attacked and destroyed the Viet Cong infrastructure and a large number of local guerrilla forces of the Luong Co-Dong Xuyen-My Xa Front in Huong Tra district, Thua Thien province. After this battle, Truong was promoted to brigadier general.

TET OFFENSIVE

During the Communist Tet Offensive of 1968, General Truong commanded ARVN 1st Division during some of the bloodiest fighting of the Vietnam War in the Battle of Hue. Two nights before the offensive began, Truong, at his headquarters compound in the Citadel within Hue, Vietnams old Imperial Capital, sensed that something was amiss and put his troops on alert. When the night passed uneventfully, he dismissed his U.S. advisers but kept his troops ready.

The battle began at 3:30 a.m. on January 31, 1968, with two battalions of 6th North Vietnamese Army (NVA) Regiment attacking the old Imperial Capital and 4th NVA Regiment attacking the U.S. MACV compound in the new city part of Hue lying south of the Perfume River. Truong, whose Hac Bao reaction company had managed to hold on to the division headquarters compound against the initial assault, immediately ordered his 3d Regiment, then on an operation north of Hue, to move to the city. Reinforced by three ARVN airborne battalions, they reached Truongs headquarters in the northeast corner of the Citadel on the evening of January 31. The next day, Truong launched an attack to retake the entire Citadel and clear the north bank of the river.

At the request of the ARVN I Corps commander, U.S. Marines were committed to clear the south bank of the river. On February 4, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, reinforced by 2d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, began fighting house-to-house to drive the enemy from the area. By February 9, the south bank had been cleared.

When the ARVN 1st Division attacks north of the river stalled on February 12, Truongs division was reinforced by two Vietnamese marine battalions. Truong also requested U.S. assistance, and U.S. 1st Marine Divisions 1st Battalion, 5th Marines was committed to the fight. Together, American Marines and South Vietnamese soldiers and marines fought house-to-house in a bloody battle to force the enemy from the old city. On March 2, 1968, the Battle of Hue officially ended. More than 50 percent of the city had been damaged or destroyed.South Vietnamese casualties were 384 killed and1,830 wounded, while U.S. Marines suffered 142killed and 857 wounded. As the Battle of Hue was going on, the U.S. Army suffered 74 killed and507 wounded in fighting outside the city.

As usual, Truong had performed magnificently, directing his troops in a calm but charismatic fashion. U.S. Army Lieutenant General John H.Cushman, who became a close friend of Truong after working with him in Vietnams Delta region,later said of his performance during the battle:[Truong] survived with the enemy all around him. They never took his command post, but they took the rest of the Citadel.

After the Battle of Hue, Truong was given a special promotion to major general. In August1970, following the death of Major General Nguyen Viet Thanh,Truong replaced Thanh as commander of South Vietnams IV Corps region at Can Tho in the Mekong Delta. In June 1971, Truong was promoted to lieutenant general.

General Creighton Abrams, then MACV commander, had strongly recommended Truong for his new appointment without any reservations at all. Abrams told South Vietnams President Nguyen Van Thieu that Truong had proved himself over and over and in all facets pacification, military operations, whatever it is.

Truong lived up to Abrams high recommendation. As commander of ARVN forces in the Mekong Delta, Truongs strategy was to establish a system of outposts along the border with Cambodia to interdict movement of communist troops and supplies into the area. Meanwhile, his three assigned divisions broke into regimental-sized combined arms task forces and conducted operations to find and destroy the enemy forces in their traditional strongholds located throughout the region. At the same time, Truong, scrupulously honest, launched a campaign against ghost and ornamental soldiers, deserters and draft-dodgers in the IV Corps zone. Concurrently, he increased the capability of the Regional Forces and Popular Forces (local militia organizations) in his area, making them an integral part of the defense plan for the security of the Mekong Delta.

As one historian wrote, Truong was the least colorful but most capable of South Vietnams senior officers and he did a superb job as corps commander in the Delta. Truong was nonpolitical; he had advanced because of his skills and leadership, not because of his political connections. In fact, despite pressure from President Thieu, Truong refrained from taking sides in the 1971 national election. This did not endear him to Thieu, who was suspicious of a senior officer who so actively avoided politics. Despite this suspicion, Thieu could hardly discount Truongs abilities as a combat commander. Those abilities would soon bring Truong into the national spotlight again.

EASTER OFFENSIVE

On March 30, 1972, the North Vietnamese launched the Nguyen Hue Offensive, commonly called the Easter Offensive. The attacking force included 14 NVA infantry divisions and 26 separate regiments,with more than 120,000 troops and approximately 1,200 tanks and other armored vehicles. The main objectives of the offensive were Quang Tri in the north, Kontum in the Central Highlands, and An Loc farther south in the III Corps zone.

The attack began at noon with heavy NVA artillery strikes on all firebases in the I Corps area south of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The next day, three divisions from the North Vietnamese B-5 Front simultaneously struck the string of ARVN firebases just south of the DMZ that were manned by the newly formed and untested ARVN 3d Division. South Vietnamese troops, overwhelmed by40,000 attackers and outnumbered 3-to-1, fell back as the North Vietnamese pushed south. As firebase after firebase fell to the attackers,Quang Tri Combat Base was threatened and ultimately evacuated in the face of the North Vietnamese attack. In the bitter fighting, ARVN3d Division was shattered and ceased to exist as a viable fighting force.

On May 1, 1972, communist troops captured Quang Tri City,the first provincial capital to fall during their Easter Offensive. The capture of the city gave the North Vietnamese control of the entire surrounding province. The Communists continued the attack to the south and the situation worsened. Something had to be done to stem the attack before the North Vietnamese completely overran the northern half of the country.

President Thieu, realizing the dire straits his forces in the north were in, relieved Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Lam, I Corps commander, who had not been up to the task of halting the North Vietnamese onslaught. Thieu ordered Truong to depart IV Corps and take command of I Corps. Truong left his IV Corps headquarters at Can Tho and arrived in I Corps region at Da Nang on May 3.Historian Lewis Sorley later wrote that the effects of the change in command were electric. Truongs arrival in the area helped calm the situation; he was well known and his mere presence gave new hope to the beleaguered South Vietnamese forces in I Corps.

Truong quickly took command of the situation. He broadcasted an order that all military deserters who had not returned to their units within 24 hours would be shot on sight. He went on television and promised that he would hold Hue and turn back the Communists. Truong put together a handpicked staff and then moved his head quarters to Hue, which was beset by panic in the face of the continued North Vietnamese onslaught. Stabilizing the situation there, he devised a comprehensive defense in depth to halt the North Vietnamese advance. At the same time, he initiated a program to refit and retrain the South Vietnamese units that had been so badly battered in the retreat from Quang Tri. Using new equipment provided by the U.S., he put these units back together and gave them an accelerated training program.

By mid-May, the Hue defenses had been solidified, the situation had been stabilized and the refurbished units were ready. On June 28, with the help of massive U.S. firepower  including Army attack helicopters, strikes by B-52 bombers, naval gunfire provided by U.S. 7th Fleet, and close air support by Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps fighter-bombers  Truong launched Operation Lam Son 72, a counteroffensive with three divisions to retake lost ground. It was a deliberate, slow and bloody process, but eventually Truongs forces routed six NVA divisions to retake Quang Tri on September 16. Many of the fire bases along the DMZ were recaptured, and by the end of October the situation in I Corps had stabilized. With the recapture of Quang Tri and the ARVN steadfastness at Kontum and An Loc, the heart went out of the North Vietnamese offensive. Truong was the hero of the hour; he had completely turned around the disastrous situation in I Corps by sheer force of personal leadership.

THE FALL OF SOUTH VIETNAM

Truong remained in command of I Corps after retaking Quang Tri. As such, he controlled three infantry divisions, as well as the South Vietnamese airborne and marine divisions. In 1975, he and his troops would face their greatest challenge. When the North Vietnamese forces launched a new offensive in the Central Highlands, the ARVN defenses in II Corps region collapsed in the face of the fierce enemy attack.

With the fall of the Central Highlands, the North Vietnamese turned their attention to I Corps. In anticipation of the coming attack, Truong began deploying his forces to meet the new threat. Thieu ordered Truong to defend Hue to the death, and the general went about the process of strengthening the citys defenses, preparing to make a stand there. However, a week-long debate with Thieu and his senior military staff ensued, highlighted by accusations, conflicting orders and impossible suggestions. During these discussions, Truong was told to abandon Hue, even though he was certain it was still defensible. As Truong prepared to execute this latest order, it was countermanded at the last minute and he was told to hold Hue at all costs. As one observer told a Time magazine correspondent, It was like a yo-yo. First, Thieu gave the order to pull back and defend Da Nang. Then he countermanded it and ordered that Hue be held.Then he changed his mind again and told the troops to withdraw.Compounding the problem, Thieu ordered Truong to release an Airborne Division brigade for redeployment to Saigon. Truong protested that the paratroopers were needed to help defend I Corps, but his objection fell on deaf ears.

Confusion reigned. Truong, who believed he could hold the line at Hue, did not like his new orders, but he tried to follow them the best he knew how. Unfortunately, however, the withdrawal from Hue became a disaster that rivaled the one in the Central Highlands in scope. Seeing ARVN troops withdrawing to the south along Route1, the people of Quang Tri and Hue left their homes and joined the throng of soldiers headed south toward Da Nang. When the North Vietnamese began shelling the mass of humanity streaming down Route 1, Truongs forces fell apart. Writing after the war, Truong recalled, Confusion, frustration, and ultimately panic began to grip some combat units. Because of the conflicting orders, lack of preparations and the collapse of morale, the evacuation turned into a fiasco. Poor leadership in many units, the disintegration of unit integrity and the concern over family members quickly led to total chaos.

The situation in Da Nang was just as bad. South Vietnams second largest city, shelled by artillery from two North Vietnamese divisions,degenerated into pandemonium as Truong tried to direct an evacuation by sea. However, all order broke down as panicked civilians and soldiers alike tried to escape to the south by any means possible,devolving into what became known as Gio Dia Nguc, The Hours of Hell. Da Nang fell to the Communists on March 30. In the process of abandoning a city of 3 million people, four regular South Vietnamese divisions disintegrated, two of which were among ARVNs most elite fighting divisions, 1st Infantry Division and the Marine Division.

Truong, who had desperately wanted to hold the line at Hue, was put in an untenable position by Thieus orders and counter orders. As Da Nang fell, he and his corps staff swam through the surf to the rescuing fleet of South Vietnamese boats. Suffering from a severe stomach ailment, Truong was devastated by the loss of his forces, but particularly his beloved ARVN 1st Division. It was reported that when he arrived in Saigon he was hospitalized for a nervous breakdown.

A U.S. Army officer who had worked closely with Truong heard what happened, tracked him down and arranged for his family to leave on an American ship as Saigon fell to the Communists. The generals wife and older son made it to Fort Chaffee, Ark.; his daughters and middle son fled with a State Department employee to Seattle; and his youngest son, a 4-year-old who spoke no English, was at Camp Pendleton, Calif., for several weeks before his identity was established.

After finally reuniting, the generals family moved to Falls Church, Va. Once settled there, Truong wrote several historical studies on the Vietnam War for the U.S. Army Center of Military History. He and his family moved to Springfield, Va., in 1983, the same year that Truong became a U.S. citizen. There, he worked as a computer analyst for the Association of American Railroads for 10 years before retiring in 1994.

Despite the outcome of the war in I Corps and the subsequent fall of South Vietnam, Ngo Quang Truongs reputation survived intact. General Norman Schwarzkopf, who served in Vietnam, wrote in his 1992 autobiography, [Truong was] the most brilliant tactical commander Id ever known.  He did not look like my idea of a military genius: only five feet seven in his mid-forties, very skinny, with hunched shoulders and a head that seemed too big for his body. His face was pinched and intense, not at all handsome, and there was always a cigarette hanging from his lips. Yet he was revered by his officers and troops  and feared by those North Vietnamese commanders who knew of his ability.  Simply by visualizing the terrain and drawing on his experience fighting the enemy for 15 years, Truong showed an uncanny ability to predict what they were going to do.

Unlike some other South Vietnamese generals who had grown rich as they ascended the ranks, Truong was impeccably honest and,according to one of his close friends, led a spartan and ascetic life.General John Cushman, who worked with Truong in the Mekong Delta, said that the general didnt own a suit and that his wife kept pigs behind his modest quarters in the military compound where they lived in Can Tho. Cushman further said of Truong, He was imaginative and always looked for ways to improve [his troops]living conditions and family life.

A humble man with few pretentions, Truong was an unselfish individual devoted to his profession. He was fiercely loyal to his subordinates and was well known for taking care of his soldiers, often flying through heavy fire to stand with them in the rain and mud during enemy attacks. He treated everyone the same and did not play favorites; there is a story that he refused to respond to a request to give his nephew a noncombat assignment only to have the nephew later die in battle.

By all accounts, Truong was an outstanding officer who deserved the remarkable reputation that he enjoyed among both South Vietnamese soldiers and American military officers. He had dedicated his life to his nation, and in the end, as General Palmer said, Truong deserved a better fate than watching his nation go down in defeat.

Ngo Quang Truong died of cancer on January 22, 2007, in Fairfax, Va. Shortly after his death, the Virginia Legislature passed a Joint Resolution Celebrating the Life of Ngo Quang Truong. This singular honor for a man who came to this country in 1975 was clearly justified by the sacrifices that Truong made in defense of his South Vietnamese homeland and the exemplary life that he lived both before and after coming to his adopted country. Truong is missed not only by his loving family, but also by all those who knew and served with him. May this warrior who always did his duty forever rest in peace.

James H. Willbanks is an ACG advisory board member and the editor or author of 13 books, including Abandoning Vietnam, The Battle of An Loc, The Tet Offensive: A Concise History, and A Raid Too Far: Operation Lam Son 719 and Vietnamization in Laos.

Originally published in the January 2015 issue of Armchair General.
You are German army Lieutenant Wolfgang von Bostell, commander of a Sturmgeschutz III assault gun. Although the StuG III is a fully tracked armored vehicle mounting a high-velocity 75 mm gun, it does not have a rotating turret and is not a tank. German assault guns and crews are part of the infantry branch, not the panzer corps, and their mission is to provide firepower to support infantrymen during an attack or defense.

You have been fighting on World War IIs Eastern Front since June 1941, and you were with German units that reached the gates of Moscow in December of that year. However, since the Soviets turning-point victory in the July 1943 Battle of Kursk, the resurgent Red Army has steadily pushed German forces back west. Currently, your StuG III and two infantry squads are defending a position near the town of Modohn in western Latvia.

Ten minutes ago, two Soviet T-34 tanks suddenly appeared over the hill to the east. Your combat-experienced crew (gunner, loader and driver) reacted immediately, quickly knocking out both enemy vehicles. Within minutes, however, two additional T-34s crested the hill. Your gunner took out the first one, but the second tank reached the low ground at the hills base, where it was protected from the flat-trajectory direct fire of your StuGs gun. Before you could order your driver to a position from which to fire upon the tank, the T-34 suddenly roared out of the low ground and raced toward you at over 30 miles per hour.

Although a fast-moving tank is difficult to hit, your superb gunner disabled the T-34 with his first shot, striking it on its right tread. Then, just as the tank swung its turret to line up its gun on your StuG, your gunners second shot scored a direct hit that destroyed the enemy vehicle.

Yet you have little time to celebrate these victories. You can clearly hear the rumbling sound of multiple tank engines on the far side of the hill and can see a black cloud of exhaust fumes rising beyond the high ground. All too soon many more Soviet tanks  undoubtedly accompanied by swarms of Red Army infantrymen  will appear over the crest.

As you consider what tactical options you can employ to meet the imminent Soviet attack, your driver turns toward you and asks, Lieutenant, what are your orders?

WHAT IS YOUR DECISION, LIEUTENANT BOSTELL?

ASSESSMENT OF THE TACTICAL SITUATION

The StuG III with its high-velocity 75 mm main gun has proved to be an excellent tank destroyer and it adds punch to infantry operations by taking out enemy bunkers and strongpoints. Since the StuG III is fully tracked, it has the speed and cross-country mobility of a tank, but it has no turret and therefore presents a much lower silhouette that is harder for the enemy to hit. Yet the lack of turret combined with the guns limited arc of right-left traverse (only 24 degrees) often means that the driver must position the StuG so that it is pointing at a target before the gunner can take it out.

After seeing your assault gun destroy the first four tanks, the Soviets now undoubtedly know your strength and disposition. Thus, you are certain that they will attack in force, advancing large numbers of tanks and infantry as a single unit since sending a few vehicles at a time makes them easy targets for your gunner to knock out one by one.

The dense forests on your flanks will channel the Soviet attack through the open, rolling terrain to your front, where your gunner will have a good field of fire. However, if some of the tanks reach the low ground at the hills base, they will be protected from your guns rounds and could stage for a massed, rapid assault across the intervening 400 meters to overrun your position with their greater numbers.

POSSIBLE COURSES OF ACTION

You see two possible courses of action you could employ in this tactical situation:

The first option is to defend in place alongside the German infantry squads. Your gunner will take the information he acquired from knocking out the four T-34s at various ranges and use it to accurately target the tanks in the main enemy force. Meanwhile, your German infantrymen will engage their Soviet counterparts. The disadvantage of this plan is that it allows the Soviets to retain the tactical initiative to mass their superior numbers of tanks and men against your single assault gun and small infantry force.

The alternative is to advance rapidly over the hill to the east and hit the Soviet force in its assembly area with a spoiling attack. Once the StuG is in motion, your driver can quickly swing it right or left to line up its gun on the enemy targets. This bold plan capitalizes on speed, maneuver and surprise, allowing you to seize the tactical initiative by striking the Soviets before they can deploy into attack formation. Since they will not expect you to be the aggressor against their much larger force, you will sow confusion and chaos within their ranks and hopefully gain a decisive tactical edge.

BOSTELLS ORDERS

Based on your previous combat experience, you realize that if you defend in place you will not be able to knock out the Soviet tanks or kill the enemy infantrymen quickly enough to prevent them from eventually overrunning your position. You therefore decide to launch a bold, surprise spoiling attack.

Driver! you command, on my order, race east over that hill as fast as you can! Were not going to sit here and let those Ivans mass enough tanks and men to overrun us. Well hit them first, attacking them in their assembly area while they are still getting organized for their assault and are unprepared to fight. We dont have to take out every tank and soldier  just enough of them to cause chaos and send them scrambling in every direction.

Turning to the German infantrymen, you shout, Follow in the wake of the StuG and join us on the other side of that hill as quickly as possible!

You then order, Driver, forward!

Colonel (Ret.) John Antal is the author of the must-read book 7 Leadership Lessons of the American Revolution: The Founding Fathers, Liberty and the Struggle for Independence (Casemate, 2013).

HISTORICAL NOTE: This article is based on an actual combat action fought by Lieutenant Bostell, who subsequently received the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. His daring attack into the enemy assembly area caught the Soviets by surprise, aided by the fact that the mud-covered StuG was initially mistaken for a Soviet armored vehicle. During that days fighting, the lieutenants assault gun dispersed the enemy force and knocked out a total of 11 T-34s. The following April, Bostell received the coveted oak leaves to the Knights Cross after having destroyed nearly 50 Soviet tanks and armored vehicles while fighting on the Eastern Front from 1941-45.

Originally published in the January 2015 issue of Armchair General.
AMERICAN HISTORY WEB EXCLUSIVE: For more on the 25th Amendment check out Joseph Connors latest feature, Big Lie in our June 2017 issue of American History Magazine. To subscribe to American History, click here

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he president is medically unable to do the job, a fact those closest to the leader conceal. The president insists everything is fine, but everything is not, and prospects for recovery are poor. The Hill and the media are starting to suspect the worst. Its only a scenario, but its a scenario out of a national nightmare.

The Constitution, as enacted, provided only that, in case of a presidents Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the vice president was to take over. If neither president nor vice president could serve, the next in line was to be set by statute, the Presidential Succession Act. For 180 years, this sparse phrasing raised as many questions as it answeredand always under duress.

On April 4, 1841, a month into office, President William Henry Harrison died of pneumonia. Vice President John Tyler took the reins. Some, such as former President John Quincy Adams and Harrisons cabinet, thought Tyler should be considered acting president, but Tyler disagreed and asserted himself to be the president.

Senator William Allen (D-Ohio) thought the distinction between president and acting president crucial. In an instance of temporary disability, Allen argued, an incumbent who recovered could take back the office from an acting president, but not from a president. If a recovered incumbent attempted to resume office, the most fearful convulsions might follow, Allen warned. Death being permanent, Congress brushed off the distinction and recognized Tyler as president. Wags called him His Accidency.

The original draft of the Constitution allowed a vice president to act temporarily as president until the disability of the President be removed. The Conventions Committee on Style, whose five members included Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, lacked authority to make substantive changes, but inexplicably cut this provision.

Orderly successions followed the deaths of Zachary Taylor in 1850 and of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, but James Garfields 1881 shooting became the first instance of a disabled president.

On July 2, 1881, Garfield was leaving the capital for vacation when a lunatic wounded him. Garfield seemed poised to recover, and historians believe he would have but for unsterile probing of his wounds by every doctor who entered the sickroom and thought he could do a better job than the one before, wrote Dr. T. Burton Smith, a medical historian. For two months, Garfield was conscious but unable to work. His only official act was to sign an extradition document. An infection killed him on September 19, 1881.

While Garfield still lived, Vice President Chester A. Arthur did not take over. Most of Garfields cabinet believed that doing

so would make Arthur president, not acting president. During those agonizing months, Arthur never met with Garfield.

A separate crisis arose upon Garfields death. Under the succession act, the nextand onlyindividuals in line were the president pro tem of the Senate and the speaker of the House. At the time, both positions were vacant, raising the question of who would serve if anything befell Arthur. In 1886, Congress extended the succession list.

On September 6, 1901, President William McKinley was at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, when an anarchist shot him. McKinleys prospects seemed good and there was no pressing national business, so not only did Vice President Theodore Roosevelt not take over, Roosevelt proceeded on a planned hunting trip in New Yorks Adirondack Mountains. When McKinley worsened and died on September 14, 1901, authorities scrambled to locate his successor.

These jolts presaged Americas gravest presidential incapacitation: the permanent disability of a president who refused to step aside (for the full story, see Big Lie, in our June 2017 issue).

The Wilson episode should have prompted legislative action on succession, but none occurred until the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Successor Lyndon B. Johnson called the avoidance of a succession disaster to date (in November 1963) more the result of Providence than of any prudence on our part. Senator Kenneth B. Keating (R-New York) asserted that disability and succession have loomed as the most serious single threat to the stability and continuity of the American Presidency as an institution. Many Americans agreed.

On January 6, 1965, Senator Birch Bayh (D-Indiana) introduced a joint resolution that became the basis of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution. Within six months, Bayhs measure had cleared Congress; the amendment became law on February 10, 1967. Its a happy day, said Bayh. A constitutional gap that has existed for almost two centuries has finally been filled.

The 25th Amendment authorizes a president, with congressional approval, to appoint a vice presidenta vacancy that has occurred when a vice president has succeeded a dead president, when seven vice presidents have died in office, and when, in 1832, Vice President John C. Calhoun resigned. The amendment also addresses situations akin to Garfields and overrides the Tyler precedent by allowing a president to declare himself disabled, with the vice president standing in temporarily and the chief executive resuming office upon recovering.

The most fraught provisionknown as the nuclear optionauthorizes forced removal of a president incapacitated but unwilling or unable to admit it. If the vice president and a majority of the cabinet declare in writing that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the vice president becomes acting president until the president recovers. If the president disputes that joint declaration, Congress decides if the president is disabled.

Congress picked the vice president and cabinet to make the initial decision because, the Senate Judiciary Committee believed, those are the officials closest to the president both politically and physically. Skeptics like Rep. William M. Colmer (D-Mississippi) feared a coup by a collusive vice president and cabinet. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy (D-New York) wondered what would happen if a president dismissed his cabinet to avoid being declared disabled. The Judiciary Committee refused to assume hypothetical cases in which most of the parties are rogues, choosing to believe that we shall always be dealing with reasonable men at the highest government level.

In October 1973, the 25th Amendment came into play when federal corruption charges led Vice President Spiro T. Agnew to resign. To replace Agnew, President Nixon named Rep. Gerald Ford (R-Michigan). When, on August 9, 1974, amid the Watergate scandal, Nixon resigned, Ford became president.

Several presidents, at least implicitly, have activated the voluntary-removal clause. On July 13, 1985, President Ronald Reagan underwent colon surgery; for eight hours, Reagan authorized Vice President George H.W. Bush to act in his stead. Reagan did not expressly invoke the amendment because he did not believe it applied to such brief and temporary periods of incapacity, but the effect was the same.

Reagans analysis shows a gap in the Constitution. Nothing in that document defines when disability requires a transfer of power. Observers noted this as early as 1787, when delegate John Dickinson of Delaware raised the matter at the Constitutional Convention. In 1965, Congress left the gap alone because, said Rep. Richard H. Poff (R-Virginia), a definition could lead to a rigidity which, in application, might sometimes be unrealistic. Rep. Edward Hutchinson (R-Michigan) disagreed. Lacking a definition, a cowardly president facing an unpopular decision could step aside, claiming an unspecified disability, and resume office after the vice president madeand took flak forthat decision, Hutchinson argued. The concept might be broad enough to allow a president facing legal trouble to step aside temporarily, a move the White House briefly considered in 1974,when Nixon was facing impeachment and a Senate trial.

Including Reagans polyp removal, since 1985 presidents have invoked the amendment for medical procedures three times, with sedation the key factor. President George W. Bush invoked the 25th Amendment when doctors sedated him for a July 29, 2002, colonoscopy, and again for a July 31, 2007, polyp removal. President Bill Clinton did not transfer power during a March 14, 1997, knee surgery involving local anesthesia.

No government has invoked the involuntary-removal provision, which has loomed several times. In Nixons final days in office, he was seen walking the White House halls by night speaking to paintings of predecessors. Aides, fearing a suicide attempt, kept tranquilizers and other medications away from him.

The closest call came on March 30, 1981, when a gunman shot Reagan in the capital. Rushed into surgery with no chance to turn over power to Vice President Bush, Reagan was bleeding internally and in shock, his prospects unclear. We were uncertain about what lay ahead, said Chris Hicks, an associate White House counsel. We might have a dead president, or worse, a comatose one. When White House Counsel Fred F. Fielding mentioned the 25th Amendment, he said later, he saw eyes glazing over in some parts of the Cabinet. They didnt even know about the 25th Amendment. In the executive mansion, Secretary of State Alexander Haig Jr., announcedincorrectlyAs of now, I am in control here in the White House, pending return of the vice president. Vice President George Bush was more circumspect. Flying back to Washington from Austin, Texas, Bush heard that his air crew had been told to set their helicopter down on the South Lawn of the White House. He countermanded that order. Only the president lands on the South Lawn, Bush explained.

Fielding did prepare 25th Amendment paperwork, but Reagan emerged from surgery with doctors predicting a full recovery. During his recuperation, Reagan chose not to step aside temporarily. Given that no one invoked the amendment the day of the shooting, Fielding explained, Reagan had no reason to step aside by the mere virtue of his understandably reduced schedule. The world had been told he was recovering, and, thankfully, thats what turned out to be the case. Not everyone agreed. There is a substantial difference between the president being able to wave to the crowd from a hospital window and his being able to govern, said former Attorney General Herbert Brownell, Jr., voicing a sentiment echoed later by Reagans White House physician. If ever there was a time to use it [the amendment], that was it, Dr. Daniel Ruge said in 1989. This was not a cold or diarrhea.

The disability issue arose oddly in 1987, when Howard Baker became Reagans chief of staff. Baker and subordinates were warned that Reagan, 76, appeared listless, confused, forgetful, and uninterested in affairs of state. Baker aide James Cannon prepared a memo on involuntary removal. On March 2, 1987, Baker and staff met with Reagan, finding him gregarious, witty, and fully engaged, and quashing talk of removal. But in 1994, doctors diagnosed Reagan with Alzheimers disease. Ron Reagan believes his father may have been experiencing early stages of the disease while in office.

The 25th Amendment testifies to American governmental continuity, functioning so effectively that many Americans do not even know it exists. However, an unwanted acid test awaits: a disabled president unwilling to face facts. 

To subscribe to American History Magazine, click here.
Seven decades ago, Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler launched a last major offensive on World War IIs Western Front in a desperate attempt to stave off Germanys catastrophic defeat. Three German armies struck an undermanned sector of the Allied front line in the rugged Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg on December 16, 1944. Over the ensuing days of brutal combat, German forces pushed a huge bulge in the line and threatened to cut off British and Canadian armies in the north from U.S. armies farther south. Hitler, however, badly misjudged the skill and competence of Allied leadership and the courage and sacrifice of the 600,000American Soldiers who fought and won the Battle of the Bulge. In the words of historian Charles B. MacDonald, who took part as a company commander, the U.S. Armys greatest battle ended with the greatest single victory in U.S. history.

This issue in Armchair Generals Special Feature article, we not only salute those who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, we also set the record straight on the myths and realities of this greatest American battle.

Two hundred years ago, the skill, courage and sacrifice of American troops were put to the test during another conflict, the War of 1812. Our Battle Studies article recounts the Niagara Campaign (the U.S. invasion of Canada) and focuses on two hard-fought engagements during which the fledgling U.S. regular Army came of age: the July 1814battles of Chippawa and Lundys Lane.

Renowned forensic archaeologist Douglas D. Scotts Battlefield Detective article examines the aftermath of another famous American engagement, the Battle of the Little Bighorn  also known as Custers Last Stand  where Lieutenant Colonel George A.Custers 7th Cavalry Regiment was defeated by Native American warriors. Forensic examinations of the slain mens remains have revealed fascinating evidence of the hard lives and violent deaths these 7th Cavalry troopers endured.

Our interactive articles let readers take part in the action, placing them in the roles of a German assault gun commander facing Red Army tanks on the Eastern Front in1944, an American Army general mounting a daring invasion of Anzio in 1944 in hopes of shortening the World War II campaign in Italy, and a U.S. Marine Corps captain leading an attack against the surging North Korean army in the Korean Wars embattled Pusan perimeter in 1950.

This issue offers much more as well, including Ralph Peters insightful Crisis Watch column and James H. Willbanks superb account of the life of General Ngo Quang Truong, South Vietnams finest commander. Plus, readers wont want to miss our must-read reviews of games, books and DVDs.

Jerry D. Morelock, PhD, Armchair General Editor in Chief

Originally published in the January 2015 issue of Armchair General.
GI Gourmets Main Course

I recently received this photo from Don Jones, the trooper on the right in the photo with his squad mate Butch Lovejoy. Between them is the wild boar referenced in my article Gourmet Grunts, 1969- 70 in the January 2013 issue of Armchair General. Butch and Don had been on one of our ambushes on the Cambodian border the night before, when this wild boar wandered into the kill zone, tripped the flares and got himself shot up by the M-60 gunner and a couple of riflemen. As the article pointed out, we backhauled his carcass and our battalion mess sergeant turned him into a delightful gumbo. Wish wed had this photo at the time of the articles printing!

PHILIP J. GIOIA

PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.

ACG Teaching Leadership

Major Dan Tower holds a copy of the January 2014 issue of Armchair General that he uses in his U.S. Army Command and General Staff College leadership classes. General Dwight Ike Eisenhower is used as an example of a successful organizational-level leader. The article Eisenhower Under Fire, 1944-45 in that issue provides excellent examples of how Ike was able to lead in a complex joint and combined organization, building a coalition and teams. Major Tower has been an ACG subscriber since his tour in Iraq, where he used the You Command tactics problems to train his subordinate officers.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL (RET.) EDWIN L. KENNEDY JR.

U.S. ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE

Ike, U.S. Presidents Under Fire

The article Eisenhower Under Fire in the January 2014 issue that describes the many attacks on Ike by members of the British high command prompted me to ask: While in command of Allied armies, how close did Eisenhower come to the front lines? Did he ever personally come under enemy fire?

In a related subject, Ralph Peters article Rebels at the Gates in the July issue describes the July 1864 Battle of Monocacy. A few days after that battle, President Abraham Lincoln traveled from Washington, D.C., to observe the Confederate attack on Fort Stevens and was fired upon. This is the famous incident wherein Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. shouted, Get down, you damn fool! I believe the only other incident of a serving president coming under enemy fire occurred during the War of 1812, when James Madison was fired upon by the British at the August 1814 Battle of Bladensburg.

PAUL WOLFF

NEW YORK, N.Y.

Carlo DEste, author of the book Eisenhower: A Soldiers Life, replies that except for a 1943 German air attack on a unit in North Africa during Ikes visit, he does not know of another time that Ike was in any real danger. However, DEste points out that Ike was at fairly serious risk of attack during his unescorted eight hour drives by staff car from his Algiers headquarters to the front in Tunisia in 1943. These trips were through open country, where an attack would have put Ike in pretty serious trouble.

MacArthurs Medal of Honor

As a Canadian, I enjoy your magazine immensely. Articles are always very informative and based on facts, not necessarily opinions. Of particular interest to me is the Uncommon Valor section. Im amazed by the valor shown by many warriors who have been recognized withyour countrys highest award,the Medal of Honor.

What I have found troubling over the years is the awarding of a Medal of Honor to General Douglas MacArthur. He sat in a fortress and left in a PT boat. Where is the valor, as the fight for the Philippines continued for two months after he left under the leadership of General Wainwright? Heroes such as Joe Basilone and Teddy Roosevelt rightfully received their awards under direct enemy fire, as have many warriors over time. To me, MacArthurs award diminishes the true meaning of the Medal of Honor.

WAYNE PAGE

VIA EMAIL

MacArthurs May 1942 award of the Medal of Honor (MOH) was at the instigation of Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall, principally to counteract any Japanese propaganda criticizing MacArthur for leaving his Philippines command in March at President Franklin D. Roosevelts direct order, but also to recognize the valiant defense of Bataan and Corregidor mounted by MacArthurs American and Filipino troops.

Clearly, MacArthur realized the larger purpose of receiving his MOH and upon accepting it graciously stated, This award was intended not so much for me personally as it is a recognition of the indomitable courage of the gallant army which it was my honor to command. In fact, twice previously he had been deservedly nominated but unfairly denied the MOH for heroism above and beyond the call of duty in combat during the U.S. occupation of Veracruz (1914) and World War I (1918).

Monocacy National Battlefield

I took a copy of the July 2014 issue of Armchair General up to Monocacy National Battlefield, but found that someone had already stopped by to give them a Xeroxed blackand-white copy of Ralph Peters article Rebels at the Gates! on the Battle of Monocacy from that issue. Nonetheless, the park ranger and staff were excited to get a full copy of the magazine for their files. This photo was taken at the Best Farm on the battlefield.

GEORGE W. ALBRECHT

DERWOOD, MD.

Originally published in the January 2015 issue of Armchair General.
Two hundred years ago, the U.S. Army proved its mettle against British Regulars.

To give immediate occupation to your troops and to prevent their blood from stagnating, U.S. Secretary of War John Armstrong cavalierly suggested to Brigadier General Jacob Brown, why not take Fort Erie? Yet much more was involved in the undertaking by Browns forces near the United States northern border than was indicated by the casualness of Secretary Armstrongs suggestion. For starters, it meant invading Canada.

It was the summer of 1814, and the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain had raged for two years. That part of the war being fought along the United States-Canada border had been a seesaw affair from the beginning, with neither side able to gain and hold a decisive advantage. But that balance was about to shift.

French Emperor Napoleons defeat that spring in the War of the Sixth Coalition had freed British resources  men, money and ships  for Britains war against the United States. Sixteen British army regiments, battle-hardened by the fighting in Europe, were being reassigned to Canada, and six more regiments were sailing to the Chesapeake Bay to raid the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. (See Battle Studies, January 2014 ACG.) The capture of Fort Erie on the Canadian side of the Niagara River international boundary would gain the United States a decisive advantage along its northern border before all of those seasoned British reinforcements could arrive.

NIAGARA CAMPAIGN

Brown initiated the series of actions collectively known as the Niagara Campaign on July 3, 1814, when he led 4,500 troops across the Niagara River into Canadian territory. (See U.S.-Canada Niagara Frontier map, p. 37.) His force included several regiments of U.S. Army regulars and a brigade of 753 militiamen under Brigadier General Peter B. Porter, along with 600 Iroquois Indian allies, among them the famous Seneca leaders Red Jacket and Corn planter. The Americans easily landed under only scattered British fire. Brown planned to take Fort Erie and then march north to capture the strategic bridge over the Chippawa River. Eventually, with the help of U.S. Navy ships under Captain Isaac Chauncey, naval commander on Lake Ontario, Brown intended to take British-controlled Fort George, strategically located where the Niagara River empties into the lake.

This would be the United States last invasion of Canada, and it would fail. Yet in combat against British regulars during the campaign,the U.S. Army would establish a reputation as a well-trained and disciplined professional force that could hold its own against the best army in the world.

When Brown invaded, Fort Erie was still unfinished  it was open on the landward side  and was garrisoned by only 137 soldiers under Major Thomas Buck. After the Americans had crossed the river,Buck fired a few shots from his cannon and then quickly surrendered.Judging the surrender to have been too hasty, Bucks superiors later court-martialed him. For the loss of only 10 casualties, Brown had accomplished Secretary Armstrongs objective, and he wasted no time setting out to accomplish the next one.

On July 4, Brown headed north from Fort Erie on a portage road alongside the Niagara River with a brigade under recently promoted Brigadier General Winfield Scott in the lead. The Americans met only weak resistance from a British force that had been sent to delay their advance. Numerous streams crossed the area, and at each of them the British attempted to halt the Americans but were quickly routed.Scotts men also prevented the British from destroying the Chippawa River bridge and scattered the defenders before they could cut down trees to block the portage road.

Meanwhile, Brown had sent Porters volunteers into the woods to the west of the road, where they routed additional British troops. The woods, Porter later wrote, were filled with scenes of frightful havoc& slaughter, with the British being cut down by the tomahawk, or,turning upon their pursuers, [fighting] hand-to-hand until the last.

By dusk, the British had withdrawn north beyond the Chippawa River to the main British camp, where additional reinforcements had been arriving. With reinforcements, the force, designated the Right Division of the British Army in Upper Canada, numbered about 2,300 men and was under the command of Major General Phineas Riall. However, since some of the divisions men had been detached to serve in the garrisons of Fort George and Fort Niagara at the rivers mouth, Riall had about 2,100  regulars, militia and British-allied Indians  near the Chippawa River bridge. He deployed a battery of artillery on the south side of the river among a scattering of buildings in the hamlet of Chippawa and formed the rest of his army on the north side of the river.

Rialls troops were dug in and they occupied a strong defensive position. The river was too deep to ford and there was no other bridge for miles.

THE BATTLE OF CHIPPAWA

After a brief exchange of artillery fire, Scott withdrew his brigade about a mile south to Streets Creek. The Americans had approximately 3,500 men, mostly regulars, with additional troops on the way. By the morning of July 5, the American force totaled about 5,000, including a sizable number of Indian allies. Between the Americans at Streets Creek and the British at the Chippawa River was a broad plain bordered on the east by the Niagara River and on the west by heavy woods.

Riall mistakenly believed that Fort Erie was still holding out and expected that the forts garrison would delay the main American offensive for at least two or three days. Based on this faulty assumption, Riall estimated that he faced only about 2,000 of the American forces troops. He also assumed that they were mainly ill-trained and inexperienced militia of poor fighting quality. He was wrong on both counts.

In response to the humiliating American loss at the Battle of Queenston Heights in October 1812, then-Colonel Scott had established a Camp of Instruction to rigorously train his U.S. Army regulars. He had instituted a uniform drill manual (the French army manual of 1791) and drilled the men for 10 hours a day. Scott also had established camp discipline, enforced well-regulated sanitary arrangements  which greatly reduced losses from disease  and purged his ranks of inept, politically appointed officers.

Scotts only failure had been his inability to procure for his troops the regulation blue uniforms worn by U.S. Army regular soldiers. A shipment of such uniforms had been mistakenly sent to Plattsburgh and could not be returned to Scott before the campaign began. Instead, Scott had to clothe his regulars in the undyed (gray) uniform jackets worn only by militia troops. Thus, the force that Riall faced at the Chippawa River was not the inexperienced militia he expected and which it appeared to be based on the color of the mens uniforms. Rather, it was a force of well-trained, superbly disciplined American regulars.

On July 5, British troops and their Indian allies crossed the Chippawa, moved into the woods west of Scotts force and began sniping fire at his outposts and camp. About noon, Brown, who by now had caught up to Scott, became exasperated by the annoying skirmishing and sent Porters brigade of Pennsylvania militia and Indians to clear the woods. Meanwhile, Riall was preparing for an all-out attack and had deployed a group of British-allied Indians into the same woods to guard his right flank. Porter was having little trouble clearing the woods until he realized that he was about to be caught between the advancing Indians and the British regulars on his right. He quickly turned his brigade and headed for the rear.

The sound of firing from Porters retreat alerted Brown that the British were attacking. Brown in turn alerted Scott, who moved his men north over Streets Creek bridge and deployed Captain Nathaniel Towsons three 12-pounder guns onto the portage road to his right. Rialls two light 4-pounder guns and a 5.5-inch howitzer began firing on Scotts men as they formed in line, and the British crossed the Chippawa River bridge onto the plain. At this point, Riall spotted the gray jackets of Scotts troops, which he believed confirmed his assumption that he was only facing American militia.

Scott formed his U.S. infantrymen in line,with 25th Regiment on the left near the woods,11th Regiment and 9th Regiment in the center,and 22d Regiment on the right. His men then began advancing toward Rialls force through British artillery fire. Scotts months of drill paid off  the American regulars advanced steadily and in disciplined order through the enemy fire, halting to load and fire and then moving on again. On Scotts left, Major Thomas Jesup moved his 25th Regiment into the woods that Porter had recently vacated and was able to turn the British right flank.

Watching the Americans advance steadily while under galling fire, Riall realized his mistake and exclaimed, Those are regulars,by God!

Towsons artillery guns had by now begun firing as well, and one of his shots hit and exploded a British ammunition caisson, shattering much of the British position. His 12-pounders silenced the remainder of the slower-firing British guns.

Riall advanced his British infantrymen toward the Americans,but they moved forward awkwardly, forming a ragged line that became bunched and disordered. Although advancing in line formation normally means increased firepower since all soldiers can fire at the enemy, Riall lost that advantage because of the disorderly advance and by ordering his men to fire only a single volley as they approached the enemy.

After silencing the British artillery, Towson shifted his guns to the advancing British infantrymen and began firing canister that tore huge holes in their line. Once the opposing sides had closed to within 100 yards, Scott moved forward his left and right flank regiments,25th and 22d infantry, forming a shallow U shape that caught Rialls advancing troops in a heavy crossfire. Both lines stood and fired repeated volleys, with the British being raked by Scotts infantry musket crossfire and by Towsons artillery fire until Scott ordered his men to conduct a bayonet charge. The British line dissolved, Scott later wrote, like a rope of sand.

After about 25 minutes, Riall, whose coat had been pierced by a bullet, ordered a withdrawal. As the British fell back, he brought up three 6-pounders across the Chippawa River bridge to cover his retreat while two more 6-pounders fired from entrenchments north of the Chippawa. Faced with these guns, Scott halted his brigade, although some of Porters Iroquois continued to pursue the British.

The Americans returned to their Streets Creek camp, and the day ended with the two forces in much the same positions as they had been in that morning. Yet Scott had won a smashing victory. His 1,400 U.S. regulars had broken Rialls 1,500 British regulars, proving that the Americans could stand against  and defeat  the best army in the world.

British casualties as a result of the battle were 148 men killed, 221 wounded, and 46 captured or missing. Scotts losses were 44 men killed and 224 wounded. Porters brigade had suffered an additional 54 casualties.

As news of Scotts victory at the Battle of Chippawa spread through the United States, a rush of jubilation and national pride spread with it. But the Niagara Campaign was far from over.

THE BATTLE OF LUNDYS LANE

Two days after the battle, Brown discovered a logging road through the woods and the American army crossed the Chippawa upstream of Rialls defenses. This maneuver turned the British flank and forced Rialls army to fall back to Fort George. Brown took Scotts and Porters brigades and retired to the village of Queenston, sending detachments farther north to Fort George, where they tried to dislodge the British from the fort. The detachments failed, however, and Brown settled down to wait for Captain Chaunceys fleet.

Yet with no American unified command existing then to control Army-Navy joint operations, no one could order Chauncey and the fleet out. The naval commander proved reluctant to risk his ships at the Armys bidding while a strong British fleet patrolled Lake Ontario. Chauncey claimed to be bedridden with a fever, but he refused to hand over command to a healthy officer. Consequently, the American Navy ships that Brown needed never showed up. Since a successful attack on Fort George was impossible without the U.S. Navys help,Brown was forced on July 24 to withdraw to Chippawa.

Meanwhile, the British had been able to bring in reinforcements under Sir Gordon Drummond, Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, who took command. Strengthened by fresh British troops and provided freedom of action by Browns withdrawal, Drummond led the 1,800-man British force south out of Fort George on the morning of July 25. He halted his men near where Lundys Lane ran into the Niagara portage road about three miles north of Chippawa.

Unaware of the strength of the British force, Brown sent Scott north at about 5 p.m. with 1,200 men, including Towsons artillery and a few cavalry. On the way, the Americans encountered a local tavern and were told by the proprietor that the British were a mile ahead at Lundys Lane. More importantly, the tavern keeper told

Scott that the force contained only 800 regulars, 300 militia and two artillery guns. This misinformation may have been a deliberate British deception plan.Scott advanced his men and moved them onto open ground where he could see the enemy force. He immediately realized the British were in much greater strength than he had been led to expect. Scott quickly sent word back to Brown asking for reinforcements. Yet rather than wait for those reinforcements, Scott attacked.

The British troops were deployed on a high knoll topped by a red brick church that dominated the ground around it. They were aligned in a crescent formation with seven artillery guns deployed in the center. The only cover for the Americans was an orchard on the left and woods on the right. The rest was open ground, giving British defenders excellent fields of fire.

Scott placed Towsons guns on his right near the portage road, sent out skirmishers,and ordered Major Jesups regiment into the woods along the Niagara River. Jesup moved north through the woods, coming back to the portage road beyond Lundys Lane and almost behind the British position. However, his regiment was too weak to break through and was held in place by the British force. The fighting there continued into the night, when in the dark Riall blundered into a group of Jesups Americans and was captured.

Meanwhile, Scott and his men had been caught in the pocket formed by the British positions and were fighting desperately to hold their ground when Scotts call for help was answered. Brown arrived on the field with 1,200additional men. He pulled back the remnants of Scotts battered regiments and then threw Lieutenant Colonel James Millers 21st U.S.Infantry into the fight. Miller, leading his men in the dark, quietly made his way to a rail fence from which he could see the glow of the slow matches British gunners used to fire their cannon. Resting their muskets on the fence and aiming carefully, Millers men killed a number of the enemy gunners and routed the rest in a single volley and were able to overrun the enemy guns.

By then it was 10 p.m., and fierce fighting developed for possession of the knoll and the British guns  fighting that one British officer described as a desperation bordering on madness. Men blinded by the dark fired at the muzzle flashes of enemy muskets and then clashed in repeated bayonet charges. The chaotic, confused struggle centered around the brick church on the knoll. The two sides troops intermingled in the darkness, and the melee combat featured close-quarter fighting with clubbed muskets, bayonets and point-blank musket fire.

A British column under Colonel Hercules Scott arrived on the battlefield from the north and stumbled into the center of the newly formed American line that had been created along Lundys Lane after Millers attack. The British column was driven back in disorder with the loss of its three 6-pounder guns.

As the Americans struggled to deploy their artillery among the captured British guns, Drummond, who had been wounded in the neck, mounted a counterattack to retake his cannon but it was beaten back. A second British attempt was also repulsed. While this was taking place, Scott led his depleted brigade in an attack against Drummonds center, but a well-placed British volley sent the Americans back in disorder pursued by British bayonets. It was only when the British mistook Scotts men for their own that the Americans were able to escape.

Scott, however, had taken a musket ball wound that shattered his shoulder joint. In addition, he already was suffering from bruises he incurred when two horses were shot out from under him and from a spent cannon ball that struck him in the side.

Brown had been injured as well. He was hit in the thigh by a musket ball, yet he stayed on his horse until, like Scott, he was struck by a spent cannon ball. Too badly hurt to continue directing the battle, Brown turned over command to Brigadier General Eleazar W. Ripley.

Shortly before midnight, Drummond launched a third counterattack on the American position. This effort evolved into more brutal fighting in the area of the captured British guns before the exhausted Americans were finally forced back from the knoll. The British,however, were also spent and remained with their recaptured guns instead of launching another attack against the Americans. In the dark and the smoke, both sides had lost many casualties to friendly fire and numerous others when men had mistakenly wandered into the wrong side. A British lieutenant at the battle later wrote,From going in among the enemy in the Dark,and from speaking the same language, once separated, we could not distinguish friend from foe.

Ripley ordered a retreat, leaving the Lundys Lane battlefield to Drummonds British force. The Americans trudged wearily back south to their Chippawa camp, while the equally spent British troops camped where they were, amid the groans and screams of the wounded and dying. A British surgeon wrote of the Lundys Lane battlefield: [S]uch a scene of carnage I never beheld  red coats and blue and grey were promiscuously intermingled, in many places three deep, and around the [knoll] the carcasses of 60 or 70 horses disfigured the scene.

The following morning, Ripley declined to initiate any further action and  despite Browns objections  retreated from Chippawa south to Fort Erie. Although both sides claimed victory in what was then the bloodiest battle of the war, the Battle of Lundys Lane was a tactical draw. However, since the British remained in possession of the battlefield and the Americans had withdrawn all the way back to the Niagara Campaigns starting point at Fort Erie, the battle resulted in a strategic victory for the British.

The official British casualty return listed 84 men killed, 559 wounded, 42 captured and 193 missing. The Americans, meanwhile, had lost 171 dead, 572 wounded and 110 missing. Of the American casualties, 516 were Scotts men.

AFTERMATH

For several months after the battles of Chippawa and Lundys Lane, the Americans remained at Fort Erie, successfully withstanding a months-long siege by Drummonds army. On November 5, however, with supplies running short and seeing no possibility of mounting further offensive actions against the British, the Americans blew up Fort Erie and withdrew across the river to the United States. The Niagara Campaign was over. The U.S. never invaded Canada again.

Despite the Americans strategic failure in the campaign, at the battles of Chippawa and Lundys Lane, U.S. Army regulars had stood and faced British regulars  soldiers hardened by service in the wars against Napoleon  in open, head-to head confrontation, and the Americans had more than held their own. Many historians cite these battles as the birthplace of the modern American army.

Jacob Brown and Winfield Scott each eventually became commanding general of the U.S. Army. Brown, the Armys senior ranking officer from June 1815, held the post first, when it was created in 1821, and was still holding it when he died in office in 1828. Scott became commanding general in 1841 and held the post for over two decades  longer than any other American general  until his retirement in November 1861. He died in 1866 and is buried in the U.S. Military Academy cemetery at West Point.

Chuck Lyons is a retired newspaper editor and a freelance writer who has written extensively on historical subjects, and his work has appeared in numerous periodicals. Lyons resides in Rochester, N.Y., with his wife, Brenda, and a beagle named Gus.

Originally published in the January 2015 issue of Armchair General.
The idea of sour beer is fairly simple; sweet wort undergoes a spontaneous fermentation when wild yeast is introduced into the mix. This then leads to the production of alcohol and a sour flavor (usually from lactic acid). We can announce this lovely fact today because thousands upon thousands of brewers before us have looked through microscopes, written books and published articles on the subject. But what if we were the first? What if we didnt have electricity or a microscope or even a way to communicate with the brewers living just a few hundred miles down the road? Thankfully, the ancient peoples of the word were so damn thirsty they managed to figure sour beer out.In Egypt, a kind of yeast-heavy bread was made by the women of each household and this was used to create a grain bed on the bottom of large fermenting vessels. The brewers would add water and local fruits such as dates for flavoring, which would then promote the growth of yeast populations. The Egyptians also loved to add honey, making a kind of muddy, mead hybrid that still contained the original bread mixture. This fermented slush was handed out as rations several times a day to the rulers of the empire, as well as the slaves, so that everyone could enjoy the mystical and nourishing stuff. I doubt too many modern drinkers would still consider the gruel a session beer, but it would have made building the pyramids a whole lot more tolerable.In Mesopotamia (once a strip of land in what is now The Middle East including parts of Iraq and Syria), beer drinkers would use river reeds as straws and sip a pulpy beer up from a communal bowl. Its unfortunate that very little documentation on the exact process of brewing, including ingredients and methodical instructions, has survived from this ancient civilization. As such, we cant be exactly sure how the Mesopotamians introduced yeast into their tubs of barley stew. But, its likely that they were clever enough to siphon some of the ferment from the top of an older batch onto the new wort as they were producing it. Good thinking! Of course, as sanitary and precise brewers in the twenty-first century, we know that this process probably encouraged more spontaneous fermentation through the exposure to the air.To Africa! This is where is gets really cool. African brews were a similar bready gruel to those found in Mesopotamia and especially Egypt (due to the geographical location), but these drinkers handled the product a little differently. In Africa, the beer was stored in mud containers, which were partly constructed of soil. All sorts of microorganisms were encouraged to infect the beer in this way, not just yeast, and some of them had medicinal properties. Many (perhaps even most) civilizations have acknowledged beers pharmaceutical properties, but there are African tribal remains that contain the antibiotic tetracycline. The figures indicate that, in some areas, ninety percent of the population had consumed the antibiotic-beer, including children as young as two years old.As old as Belgian Lambics are, some beers are 1000 or more years older. However they aren't being produced.Given that it took the rest of the world another 1500 years to discover, produce and distribute tetracycline, these sour beer brewers were pretty far ahead of their time. If were talking about items transferring microorganisms, we need to talk about Scandinavian brewing. The farmers of the past in this cold, cold corner of the planet knew that there was something causing the miraculous fermentation of their household beer. They also knew that if they took care of it, theyd be rewarded with a higher quality drink. These small family groups werent brewing on the same scale as the Egyptians, who could simply transfer a live yeast cake to a fresh brew. Instead, they had to keep their dry yeast cultures alive for weeks at a time. To do this, the Scandinavian brewers used porous objects like wooden poles with holes carved into the sides or string to soak up some of the yeast-rich brew. These items could then be stored and used again when the next brew day arrived. Families who ran out of yeast could even stroll to a neighbors house and ask to borrow their yeast log. Im sure youll agree that it sounds a lot more precise than rationing out buckets of (wonderful) beer-gruel and the high-quality farmhouse ales that were produced in Scandinavia are still being replicated today.If you already know a little about wild yeast, you probably know where were heading when we mention wood. Yep, were finally on to Lambics in Belgium. In the middle of the nineteenth century, the only place in Belgium that a legitimate Lambic could legally be brewed was within a couple of miles of Brussels. If it was brewed far, far away, the beer bosses didnt consider it the real thing. This was partly due to the false assumption that the microorganisms used to brew Lambic beers were unique to that area. But, only a few years after the turn of the century, a Danish scientist discovered that the same strain of yeast could be found in beers from Britain. He named this nifty little germ brettanomyces, which latter became brettanomyces, and can now be bought in any homebrew store and used to replicate the famous Belgium Lambic. But, our homebrewing methods are still only attempts at the traditional product.The traditional Belgium method of creating a sour beer was to drain the wort into a wide, relatively flat pan to cool called a koelschip (or cool ship if you insist on ruining the awesome, original label). As the exposed liquids temperature dropped, the brewer encouraged the circulation of air on the surface of the beer by opening any window, hatch or door in the brewery. This allowed the breeze to throw millions of tiny little yeast molecules into their perfect environment: the sweet, warm liquid of cooling wort. When our brewer returned the next day, their batch was well and truly infected. Hooray!Don't forget to check out the other Wold Beer Week articles.Day 1: Kent England Day 2: Australia DeBenedetti, C. (2013). A Brief History of Sour Beer.From: http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/a-brief-history-of-sour-beer Garshol, L. (2013). Kveik: Norwegian Farmhouse Yeast.From: http://www.garshol.priv.no/blog/264.html

Garshol, L. (2013). Traditional Nordic Beer.From: http://www.garshol.priv.no/blog/208.html

Hill, J. (2010). Beer in Ancient Egypt.From http://www.ancientegyptonline.co.uk/beer.html

Joshua, M. (2011). Beer.From: http://www.ancient.eu/Beer/

Lambic.info. (2016). Lambic.info. From: https://www.lambic.info/Home

Roach, J. (2005). Antibiotic Beer Gave Ancient Africans Health Buzz.
T he Four Vallees is the largest linked ski area in Switzerland, serving 256 miles of alpine slopes and snow parks across six resorts. Verbier is the Four Vallees top choice  a ski resort with true international appeal, where property prices are as steep as its infamous Tortin run.

"Verbier is in high demand because of its excellent infrastructure," says Caroline Murray of Alpine Homes. "It's a grown-up resort of chic restaurants, bars and clubs, with a cachet that attracts the smart European set, but it's also an overwhelmingly cool, sporty resort. Unlike Gstaad or Zermatt you're more likely to see residents in serious ski wear than expensive furs."

While the casually dressed multimillionaires of Verbier are happy to pay top dollar for a home, there are a number of better-value options sharing the exact same ski area.

NENDAZ

This is a particular favourite with British buyers."In Nendaz 800,000 buys a new two-or three-bedroom apartment with state-of-the-art heating, top finishes and great views," says Murray. "In Verbier that sum would barely buy a small renovated two-bedroom home built in the Eighties."

Nendaz has reinvented itself in the last 10 years, with new shops, good restaurants and excellent family-friendly sporting facilities, and now plans are in place for an international school funded by a Singaporean investor. Nendaz can no longer be seen as the poor man's Verbier, says Murray, pointing to the top-of-the-range cars that make the easy 20-minute ascent from the small Swiss city of Sion every weekend.

Alpine Homes' biggest seller in the Four Vallees over the past seven years has been Mer du Glace, a complex of 72 well-finished, traditionally styled yet modern one- to four-bedroom apartments in the heart of Nendaz.

The final three flats  two new and one resale  are for sale priced from 805,000 for two bedrooms. These are cosy homes, ski in and out, yet also central in the resort with lovely mountain views and access to the good on-site spa and pools  a list that is "the Alpine dream for buyers", says Murray.

OFF-PLAN AND ON-PISTE

The Four Vallees is bookended by Verbier to the east and Les Collons-Les Masses to the west. A determined intermediate skier could go from one to the other for lunch and back in a day.

Les Collons is sleepier and quieter than Nendaz. Its triple pluses are high altitude of 1,800 metres, sunny slopes and immediate access to excellent snow both on- and off-piste. At peak times when Verbier is crowded and its slopes well worn, Les Collons' pistes are quiet and snowy.

Four-bedroom chalets, 805,000 in Les Masses, through Savills Alpine Homes

La Dixence, a new off-plan project in Les Collons, will have 110 flats, five chalets, a hotel and a big spa and pools fed by thermal waters, all with mountain views. Phase One will have one- to four-bedroom flats and penthouses of 570sq ft to 1,420sq ft, from 375,000. Annual service charges start at 1,380, with completion due in December.

New law restricts construction in the Swiss Alps  making La Dixence one of the last chances to buy new build. "The weak pound means fewer UK buyers recently but for the right property they still want to invest," says Murray. "They view Swiss property as a financial safe haven with a winning lifestyle."

Savills Alpine Homes: 020 7016 3740 (alpinehomesintl.com)

WE LOVE OUR LIVES HERE - IT'S THE REAL SWISS DEAL

British chefs Darren Burke and Ashley Gamble, both 31, left, met while working in Verbier and now live and work at the opposite end of the Four Vallees in Les Masses. They opened their own restaurant, Le Bois Sauvage, last season, with Darren as head chef and Ashley managing front of house.

"We renovated the entire ground floor and opened as the only restaurant in Les Masses," says Darren, former head chef at The Lodge in Verbier, Virgin Collection's exclusive chalet. "We believe in using local products."

Good sports: chefs Darren Burke and Ashley Gamble

The restaurant has 60 covers and was full for three weeks over Christmas but the couple also found time to move into the new chalet they have built in Les Masses, and start to plan their wedding in Devon in May.

"Les Masses is the last undeveloped corner of the Four Vallees," says Ashley. "Verbier is very cool but here you are in proper Switzerland. We are learning so much about Swiss wine and produce, and have received so much help and support from the community."
News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits.

Tuesday, October 25, 4:30  7 p.m.

Orr Area EMS Open House

Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798.

Orr Fire Hall

4540 Lake St., Orr

Tuesday, October 25, 12  6 p.m.

Essentia Health Job Fair

Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org.

901 9th St. N., Virginia
Heres another incident to add to the long list of horses finding creative ways to get themselves into trouble.

Firefighters near Windsor, Colorado, were called to the rescue on Thursday morning when a 25-year-old horse named Katie was found trapped in her own hay feeder, which appears to be made from a modified tractor tire. Two different fire crews came to the scene: The Loveland Fire Rescue Authority and Windsor Severance Fire Rescue.

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There were no witnesses around when Katie got trapped within the tire, so neither the fire crews nor her owners know how she ended up there or how long shed been stuck. She may have fallen or perhaps simply decided to lie down on her hay, as some horses do in winter. However she got there, she was wedged in and couldnt get back up again on her own.

According to reports, it took at least 15 people an hour to get Katie back on her feet using a specially designed harness and a ladder truck. The horse had no apparent injuries from the ordeal, and a vet examined her afterwards and said she was OK. According to a Facebook post from Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Katie had been sick with an unspecified illness this week and the vet had already been scheduled to visit her on Thursday prior to her run-in with the tire.

Rescuing horses from the tricky predicaments they sometimes get into can be a delicate and challenging situation. Fortunately for Katie, fire crews in the area have been trained in large animal rescue as part of their role in an agricultural community.

Leslie Potter is a writer and photographer based in Lexington, Kentucky. www.lesliepotterphoto.com
Love is certainly in the air, and as the special day of celebrating love draws near, most of us are rampaging the internet for ideas of gifts to give and places to best express the unspoken language of love. Whether planning to go on your knees on February 14th, a surprise getaway for your loved one or a special activity you have both planned to undertake, here are some of the most romantic destinations in Africa to rekindle the flame of your love.

Franschhoek, Cape Town - South Africa

I am personally in love with Franschhoek, (and if spoilt for choice on how to treat me this Valentine), this is just the perfect getaway idea. The amiable town is a perfect painting of nature with the vine lands well terraced to give a perfect landing for lovebirds. Enliven your love over a romantic dinner accompanied by South Africa's finest wine at L'Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas. A spa treatment for the couple and an evening stroll along the property's green fields overlooking the alpines will create abundant fond memories for the day.

Thompson Falls, Nyahururu - Kenya

Oh love!  An instinctual feeling so magical and tender. This Valentine, express your intense love to your special someone by escaping to one of Kenya's magical and most romantic destinations. Nyahururu brings earth-shattering experiences that any couple would not miss to solidify their relationship. Romance in the face of the scenic Thompson Falls, as the water thunders 74m onto the Ewaso Ng'iro River. How Romantic! An evening of more romance at the Panari Resort Nyahururu will give a regal ending of a love-filled day. The quiet in the villas with views of the prairies provides the perfect privacy to adorn the romantic night.

Zanzibar - Tanzania

"I've got the old man's car

I've got a jazz guitar

I've got a tab at Zanzibar

Tonight, that's where I'll be"

Billy Joel was all about Zanzibar. And oh the night on Valentine, perhaps, Zanzibar is where you want to be. Famously reputed for its romantic beaches, this Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa, is a classy destination to celebrate love. A hand in hand walk along the seashore as you enjoy the sunset or a beach candle-lit dinner, whatever your idea of romance, Zanzibar works it all out. Furthermore, enjoy massive Valentine's Day deals as you engage in binding water adventures every step of the romantic way.

Seychelles

The Island of romance, Seychelles is a must Valentine's Day destination for the quixotic lovers. Go out of the way to give each other that dream romantic getaway in the tropical island. Fulfilling your love's fantasy is the best Valentine's gift ever, and how best than barefoot luxury alongside the turquoise seashores?
Up to age one, infants look on everyone as a friend, so they're a delight to care for. Afterward, they become aware that some people are strangers, and it's not a happy discovery. Frightened girls tend to keep quiet, but boys often protest the moment a doctor enters and don't stop until he leaves.

During one occasion, I removed stitches from the chin of an energetic three year-old. His family doctor had tried, then decided to wait a few days during which time the parents traveled to Los Angeles. By then the skin around the sutures was inflamed, so they had to come out.

Normally suture removal is painless, but the child went to pieces at my approach. Both parents struggled to immobilize him, but you can't prevent someone from moving his chin if that is his intention. Everyone on that hotel floor knew something terrible was happening. It took five minutes to snip four sutures, leaving everyone exhausted.

Mike Oppenheim
On Tuesday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco heard arguments from the Department of Justice and opposing attorneys from the states of Washington and Minnesota before they decide the fate of President Trump's executive order banning travel to the United States from seven Muslim-majority countries.

They can ultimately choose to reinstate the travel ban or uphold the lower court's ruling on the temporary stay, which would likely result in an appeal to the Supreme Court. However, both scenarios result in a loss for the travel industry and the economy.

Last week GBTA polled both its U.S. and European members to assess the impact of President Trump's travel ban. In Europe, nearly half of travel professionals reported expectations for their company to reduce business travel over the next three months and 31 percent of U.S. respondents agreed.

Based on the most recent industry data available as of February 8, 2017, the following is the estimated impact:

USA system-wide business travel transaction levels month-over-month (January 2017 vs. December 2016) decreased by up to 8 percent depending on industry and sector

depending on industry and sector USA system-wide business travel transaction levels were increasing by +1.2 percent the week before the travel ban but decreased by -2.2 percent the week after the travel ban for a net negative industry impact of -3.4 percent in one week

In that week, approximately $185 million in business travel bookings were lost as the uncertainty surrounding travel in general had a rippling effect on traveler confidence

as the uncertainty surrounding travel in general had a rippling effect on traveler confidence In 2016, 87.3 percent of USA business travel was domestic travel, 12.7 percent was international travel. This action had a significant disproportionate impact on international travel

For every 1 percent impact on business travel spending annually, the United States gains or loses 71,000 jobs, nearly $5 billion in GDP, $3 billion in wages and $1.2 billion in tax collections

We say it time and again. Business travel drives lasting business growth and is a leading indicator for jobs and the economy at large. Upholding the travel ban will clearly cause a rippling effect through the travel industry, ultimately hurting the economy. It also unleashes travel disruption like we saw when the order was first implemented. While the White House's stated goal was acting in the interest of national security, it did not give the civil servants responsible for implementing the ban any chance to do so effectively. There was too much uncertainty and a lack of clarity around the executive order, leading to general confusion. The net effect was that business travel bookings were delayed or canceled.

There is no question that security is of the utmost importance. However, instead of closing our borders, the United States should continue to pursue and focus on expanding security programs like the Visa Waiver Program, which facilitates information-sharing among governments to ensure properly vetted travelers, making us all more safe and secure.

Upholding the lower court's ruling is also a losing situation for the business travel industry. The initial impact has already been felt and the uncertainty it will create as we await an appeal to the Supreme Court will continue to make its mark. Advanced bookings will likely slow as travel professionals cannot be sure if and when the ban will be reinstated. Meetings and events may be cancelled altogether.

The cloud of uncertainty could leave a lasting economic impact. Large corporations and small businesses alike will suffer. The biggest driver of our economic recovery of the past seven years from the most recent downturn was international outbound travel. U.S. businesses found top line growth and business opportunity from new markets all over the world.

We urge the Trump administration to pause this travel ban action, reassess its path forward with key stakeholders and preserve both our national security AND our economy for the future.

View source
Social Media's Impact on the Hospitality Industry

In recent years we have been noticing the rise of social media channels as a way for businesses to communicate and engage with their customers. According to Statista, social media is predicted to reach around a third of earth's entire population.

Regarding hospitality, social media has become a powerful source of information. Travelers rely on different social media channels to support their decisions and share their experiences, making it definitely one of the most important marketing platforms. The most important transformation that this new wave brought to the marketing worlds is the fact that brands are no longer in control. Brands are on social media with or without the brand contribution.

The most efficient hotel managers distinguish themselves by their capacity to quickly react to market changes and adapt to these changes. They need indicators and adequate measures to evaluate performance in social media.

First Things First: Hoteliers Should Start by Defining Goals and the Right Metrics

The first step for any successful social media strategy is to define goals that establish outcomes and measures. You must be sure that the chosen metrics are reliable, precise and easily obtained. Goals? Brand Awareness? Leads? Engagement? Depending on each objective, you'll need to keep an eye on different indicators and metrics.

After the definition of goals and the right metrics, hoteliers should be able to analyze social media performance and make decisions based on the results. However, there are also some new engagement indicators based on sentiment analysis that can help you to understand your fans reactions on social media channels:

1. Guest Feelings and Emotions on Facebook: Get Relevant Online Consumer Behavior Insights Through New Emoji's

If you invest in unique and relevant content, engagement is the right metric. On Facebook, Likes, Interactions, Shares & Comments are the metrics used to monitor engagement but there is a new feature that can be used as a sentiment analysis to evaluate engagement: dynamic emojis reactions. These new reactions emotions can bring relevant data to be analyzed as they represent users emotions when viewing a Facebook post. Moreover, for the very first time, you can now analyze and evaluate negative feelings. For hotels, it is a great way of measuring your guest's satisfaction.

Reach & Engagement Metrics to be Considered When Measuring Emoji's - Facebook users can now choose six distinct emotive reactions: "Like", "Love", "Laugh", "Wow", "Sad", and "Angry". Measuring one by one these innovative emoji's, hoteliers will now be able to refine their messaging in order to get better reactions. Facebook delivers a new analytics page where page managers are able to aggregate these reactions together: emoji's reactions can now be monitored in Facebook insights page:

Three Powerful Social Media Indicators That are Overlooked | By Pedro Colaco Photo by GuestCentric Systems

Total Number of Reactions - will help you to understand the engagement in the Facebook post.

Positive Reactions - Positive emoji's can help to obtain a better view when guests are expressing agreement, surprise or supporting towards what they really love.

Negative Reactions - Before these new emoji's, the only way to express disagreement was to write a negative comment. Statistically it is more probable that more users pick a negative emoji now than type a negative comment. Basically, being able to isolate those users who select the "angry" or "sad" reaction, and pair them to a comment that they also post, will certainly be of significance to community/page managers.

Sentiment - Percentage of all mentions that are positive, neutral and negative in sentiment.

2. Analyzing #Hashtags Will Empower You to Define New Keywords, Improve SEO and Monitor Your Online Reputation

Today, hashtags are everywhere. A good hashtag can capture the imagination of the online public and help increase social media presence. Hashtags can be also used to understand which keywords are more relevant to identify an idea. That is why it is important to know exactly the words that your guests are using to hashtag your property in their posts, as well as its frequency. Moreover, knowing which keywords are being used as hashtags is also important for organic search results (the listings that appear on a search engine results page) and for writing unique content.

Investing in hashtags on social media channels like Instagram and Twitter, can really boost impressions, make your content more searchable and encourage guests to talk about your hotel experiences and get their feedback. Therefore, hashtags can be used to track conversations for hoteliers' content management and to build a keyword planner strategy. Furthermore, a good hashtag can redefine your online hotel identity, provide you with new ways to engage with your guests and help you to improve customer satisfaction.

Reach and Engagement Metrics to be Considered When Analyzing Hashtags:

Hashtags can be measured on conversations and engagement generated in social media. Measurement can be based on conversations, the experience that guests had in your hotel and all the content generated by hashtags. In order to measure reach (brand awareness) and acquisition metrics (building a relationship), hoteliers must take advantage of the following metrics:

Number and Type of Hashtags Per Post - Understand which type of keywords are used per post.

Keyword Frequency - The number of times that a particular keyword or phrase is found within a brand's social graph. It will help you to define the most used keywords and to understand which is your hotel perception of your guests. Moreover, you can also compare these keywords used in hashtags to understand the traffic driven into your website with the following metrics:

Traffic - Number of visits and visitors' social media drives to your website per period.

Search Visitors - Those who visit your site based on a search query.

Rank Per Keyword - Average position your content earns in a search engine for a specific keyword. You can explore here some of the most successful hashtags reputation management tools here.

3. Uncover Content Meanings and Get More Relevant Data From Guest Reviews Using Content and Sentiment Analysis

We all know how competitive the hotel industry is today. That is why guest experience and satisfaction should always be one of the most important goals for hoteliers: one simple poor review can damage a hotel's ranking. Good reviews mean more visibility and exposure to business, as well as better reputation that increases bookings and revenues. By analyzing bad reviews, hoteliers can improve their performance and customer satisfaction.

However, hoteliers could explore more online reviews and customer feedback by analyzing feedback content and what some keywords really mean. Feedback and online reviews can provide more added value than just star ratings and satisfaction scores. Guests don't rate their experience just with stars, they also express their opinions and expectations and expect you to listen.

By using text analytics and sentiment analysis, hoteliers can make the most out of guests' sentiment and feedback and obtain relevant insights that can make a difference. Moreover, you will be able to create a brand that resonates more with your audience, useful in driving engagement levels, making guests feel connected with you.

In order to improve your customer service or policies based on a negative review, you can act by simply sharing their reviews with the hotel's staff.

Metrics to be Considered When Measuring Comments Reviews

When analyzing guest feedback, it is important to filter through comments and reviews. Not all comments from guests will translate into actions hoteliers need to take. Although it might be a difficult task, hoteliers should analyze the metrics that can bring an added value and have an impact on their business.

That is why, when looking at reviews and comments, hoteliers must identify the key trends in customers comments to determine focus of concern. Implementing these initiatives will then ensure that there is a link with customer demands.

There are four essential emotional analysis factors when scanning comments in reviews. Besides the percentage of positive and negative reviews, hoteliers could also monitor the following metrics:

Sentiment:- Percentage of all mentions that are positive, neutral and/or negative in sentiment.

Analyze Customer Emotions by Keywords - You can perform an analysis of keywords (sentiment) for your hotel.

Customer Emphasis - Perceive how their thoughts and opinions were exposed.

Customer Key Issues - Analyze if there is any repetitive subject that guests are always mentioning.

Currently there are some tools like theenginuity or Sodash that can help you to monitor and measure sentiment of your audience, social activity and impact of comments and reviews.

Social media's influence on the traveler's journey has been growing in a very exciting way in the past few years. That's exactly why hoteliers must have at their disposal reliable and timely metrics. They need proper data to monitor their business and make quick decisions whenever they are needed.

Among several metrics that hoteliers track to monitor brand awareness, leads, or conversions, there are some new engagement metrics that should be also included in a social media analysis performance: sentiment analysis indicators. These indicators will enable hoteliers to better monitor their social media performance and get more relevant insights. Better yet, they will help you to fine tune your relationship with your customers in a more meaningful way.

Total Number of Reactions - will help you to understand the engagement in the Facebook post.

Positive Reactions - Positive emoji's can help to obtain a better view when guests are expressing agreement, surprise or supporting towards what they really love.

Negative Reactions - Before these new emoji's, the only way to express disagreement was to write a negative comment. Statistically it is more probable that more users pick a negative emoji now than type a negative comment. Basically, being able to isolate those users who select the "angry" or "sad" reaction, and pair them to a comment that they also post, will certainly be of significance to community/page managers.

Sentiment - Percentage of all mentions that are positive, neutral and negative in sentiment.

2. Analyzing #Hashtags Will Empower You to Define New Keywords, Improve SEO and Monitor Your Online Reputation

Today, hashtags are everywhere. A good hashtag can capture the imagination of the online public and help increase social media presence. Hashtags can be also used to understand which keywords are more relevant to identify an idea. That is why it is important to know exactly the words that your guests are using to hashtag your property in their posts, as well as its frequency. Moreover, knowing which keywords are being used as hashtags is also important for organic search results (the listings that appear on a search engine results page) and for writing unique content.

Investing in hashtags on social media channels like Instagram and Twitter, can really boost impressions, make your content more searchable and encourage guests to talk about your hotel experiences and get their feedback. Therefore, hashtags can be used to track conversations for hoteliers' content management and to build a keyword planner strategy. Furthermore, a good hashtag can redefine your online hotel identity, provide you with new ways to engage with your guests and help you to improve customer satisfaction.

Reach and Engagement Metrics to be Considered When Analyzing Hashtags:

Hashtags can be measured on conversations and engagement generated in social media. Measurement can be based on conversations, the experience that guests had in your hotel and all the content generated by hashtags. In order to measure reach (brand awareness) and acquisition metrics (building a relationship), hoteliers must take advantage of the following metrics:

Number and Type of Hashtags Per Post - Understand which type of keywords are used per post.

Keyword Frequency - The number of times that a particular keyword or phrase is found within a brand's social graph. It will help you to define the most used keywords and to understand which is your hotel perception of your guests. Moreover, you can also compare these keywords used in hashtags to understand the traffic driven into your website with the following metrics:

Traffic - Number of visits and visitors' social media drives to your website per period.

Search Visitors - Those who visit your site based on a search query.

Rank Per Keyword - Average position your content earns in a search engine for a specific keyword. You can explore here some of the most successful hashtags reputation management tools here.

3. Uncover Content Meanings and Get More Relevant Data From Guest Reviews Using Content and Sentiment Analysis

We all know how competitive the hotel industry is today. That is why guest experience and satisfaction should always be one of the most important goals for hoteliers: one simple poor review can damage a hotel's ranking. Good reviews mean more visibility and exposure to business, as well as better reputation that increases bookings and revenues. By analyzing bad reviews, hoteliers can improve their performance and customer satisfaction.

However, hoteliers could explore more online reviews and customer feedback by analyzing feedback content and what some keywords really mean. Feedback and online reviews can provide more added value than just star ratings and satisfaction scores. Guests don't rate their experience just with stars, they also express their opinions and expectations and expect you to listen.

By using text analytics and sentiment analysis, hoteliers can make the most out of guests' sentiment and feedback and obtain relevant insights that can make a difference. Moreover, you will be able to create a brand that resonates more with your audience, useful in driving engagement levels, making guests feel connected with you.

In order to improve your customer service or policies based on a negative review, you can act by simply sharing their reviews with the hotel's staff.

Metrics to be Considered When Measuring Comments Reviews

When analyzing guest feedback, it is important to filter through comments and reviews. Not all comments from guests will translate into actions hoteliers need to take. Although it might be a difficult task, hoteliers should analyze the metrics that can bring an added value and have an impact on their business.

That is why, when looking at reviews and comments, hoteliers must identify the key trends in customers comments to determine focus of concern. Implementing these initiatives will then ensure that there is a link with customer demands.

There are four essential emotional analysis factors when scanning comments in reviews. Besides the percentage of positive and negative reviews, hoteliers could also monitor the following metrics:

Sentiment:- Percentage of all mentions that are positive, neutral and/or negative in sentiment.

Analyze Customer Emotions by Keywords - You can perform an analysis of keywords (sentiment) for your hotel.

Customer Emphasis - Perceive how their thoughts and opinions were exposed.

Customer Key Issues - Analyze if there is any repetitive subject that guests are always mentioning.

Currently there are some tools like theenginuity or Sodash that can help you to monitor and measure sentiment of your audience, social activity and impact of comments and reviews.

Social media's influence on the traveler's journey has been growing in a very exciting way in the past few years. That's exactly why hoteliers must have at their disposal reliable and timely metrics. They need proper data to monitor their business and make quick decisions whenever they are needed.

Among several metrics that hoteliers track to monitor brand awareness, leads, or conversions, there are some new engagement metrics that should be also included in a social media analysis performance: sentiment analysis indicators. These indicators will enable hoteliers to better monitor their social media performance and get more relevant insights. Better yet, they will help you to fine tune your relationship with your customers in a more meaningful way.

About GuestCentric

GuestCentric is a leading provider of cloud-based digital marketing software and services that help extraordinary hoteliers promote their brand, drive direct bookings and connect with customers on all digital platforms. GuestCentric's all-in-one platform provides hotels with the only unified solution for managing their guests' online journey: award-winning, high impact websites; an integrated, easy-to-use booking engine; social media marketing and publishing tools; a GDS chain code and a channel manager to offer rooms on Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia, Galileo, Google, Sabre, TripAdvisor and hundreds of other channels. GuestCentric is a proud provider of solutions that maximize direct bookings to hotel groups and independent hotels from collections such as Design Hotels, Great Hotels of the World, Leading Hotels of the World, Relais & Chateaux, Small Luxury Hotels and Small Danish Hotels. GuestCentric is featured on Skift Travel Tech 250, a list of the top 250 travel tech companies shaping the modern-day travel experience.

Pedro Colaco

President and CEO GUESTCENTRIC

GuestCentric Systems
Overview:

I am going to discuss, in greater detail, the Caribbean tourism performance in 2016 and what to expect in 2017.

2016 marked another record-setting year as for the first time in our history we received over 29 million arrivals. This is also the 7th consecutive year of growth and our estimated 4.2% increase in tourism trips is the 3rd consecutive year above the global growth rate.

Moreover, the average annual growth rate over the last 7 years slightly exceeded the average annual global growth rate of international trips. The performance in 2016 was primarily supported by sustained economic growth in the US, our main source market, and relatively low oil prices.

Following an increase in the Caribbean market share of global visits in 2015, rising by 0.1 percentage points, it remained steady at 2.4% in 2016.

Nevertheless, negative events such as a weak Canadian dollar and the most active hurricane season since 2012, especially in October, no doubt contributed to preventing our region from reaching the coveted target of 30 million arrivals.

Among the destinations, tourist arrivals showed uneven growth. Of the 28 destinations reporting data for varying periods between January and December, 22 recorded increases ranging from quite modest to a robust 17.5% (the Turks & Caicos Islands), while the remaining six destinations experienced declines. Besides Turks and Caicos Islands, 4 countries, Belize, Cuba, Guyana, and Bermuda reported double digit growth rates.

The contributing factors to these performances included greater air access from the source markets to the region and the realization of significant investments to enhance infrastructure (airport redevelopment) and product (hotels).

With the exception of the Dutch Caribbean[1] (-5.6%), the major Caribbean sub-regions reported healthy growth.

The Other Caribbean[2] countries' market, which accounts for almost half of all arrivals to the region, recorded the fastest growth rate (7.4%) in 2016.

The Commonwealth Caribbean[3] and French Caribbean[4] grew by 4.1% and 4.2%, respectively.

Market Trends

A further look into the performance of our major source markets reveals that demand for Caribbean vacations rose in all of them, except Canada, which fell by 3.4%. A weak currency and sluggish first half economic output contributed to the decline in Canadian trips to the Caribbean. More than 70% of the reporting destinations reported decreases in arrivals from this market. Consequently, Canadian market share fell to 11.3%.

There were over 14.6 million U.S. visits to the region, 3.5% more than the previous year. This performance was attributed to solid economic growth, low unemployment rate and high consumer confidence in the US.

In particular, seven destinations recorded double-digit increases within their reporting periods. This group includes Belize, the Turks & Caicos Islands, Bermuda, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada and Montserrat, while declines were recorded in six destinations.

Arrivals from the European market totaled 5.6 million and improved by an estimated 11.4%, the strongest growth among the main markets, in spite of terrorist attacks in some countries, the Brexit referendum and mixed economic outcomes across continental Europe. In total, 72% of the reporting destinations registered increases in arrivals from this market. The top performing destinations, which registered double-digit increases, were the Turks & Caicos Islands, St. Maarten, Guyana and Anguilla.

Caribbean intra-regional travel broke another record in 2016, as arrivals rose by 3.6% to register just over 1.7 million trips, the second consecutive year of growth. Robust double-digit growth was experienced in Guyana, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The region received about 11% fewer tourist arrivals from South America in 2016 compared to 2015.

Hotel Trends

The improvement in arrivals to the Caribbean was not reflected in improved hotel performance. According to Smith Travel Research[5], the primary revenue metrics were slightly down.

The average daily rate (ADR) fell by less than a dollar to US$ 201.50 and revenue per available room contracted by 2.6% to US$ 134.48 while occupancy fell by 1.6 percentage points to 66.7%. This outcome reflects the rise of the sharing economy and additional hotel room stock.

However, it is important to note that the hotel revenue indicators are still above the performances recorded between 2012 and 2014.

Cruise Trends

2016 was also a record breaking year for Caribbean cruising, as, cruise passenger arrivals to the region grew by about 1.3% to reach 26.3 million, in line with expectations at the beginning of 2016.

Larger ships, port enhancements and new destinations on the Caribbean cruise itineraries helped to increase the attractiveness of Caribbean cruise holidays.

Overall, only 48% of the reporting destinations registered growth with the best performances occurring in the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands and Grenada, which all grew by double digits, while Belize became the eighth destination to record over one million cruise passenger visits this year.

In total, the Caribbean received 33.7% of all cruise deployments in 2016.

Visitor expenditure

Consistent with increases in stay-over and cruise visits, total visitor expenditure is estimated to have increased by approximately 3.5% to reach US$35.5 billion.

Outlook

2016 saw the election of a new Republican Administration in the United States and the success of a referendum which mandates that the United Kingdom withdraw from the European Union. Both these events raise the level of global uncertainty, which could impact the performance of tourism in 2017 and beyond.

Cuba was the destination that offered the greatest growth potential. However, at the end of 2016, several US-based airlines, citing reduced demand, announced they were cutting some of the promised capacity for 2017 to the destination.

Altogether, we expect that tourist arrivals to the region will grow at a slower rate of between 2.5 and 3.5% in 2017.

Further expansion of the cruise industry is expected in 2017, as 26 new vessels with a combined capacity of over 30 thousand passengers are expected to sail from the shipyards. The anticipated rise in cruise passenger arrivals to the region is projected to be between 1.5% and 2.5%.

[1] Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St Eustatius, St Maarten.

[2] Cancun, Cozumel, Cuba, Dom Republic, Haiti, Suriname

[3] OECS + Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands.

[4] Guadeloupe and Martinique

[5] a U.S. company that tracks supply and demand data for the hotel industry and provide valuable market share analysis for international, regional hotel chains and independent hotels

About The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados, offices in New York and London and representation in Canada, is the Caribbean's tourism development agency comprising membership of the region's finest countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish-speaking, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO's vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism - One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.

Among the benefits to its members the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution and research & information technology.

Johnson JohnRose

CTO

(246) 427-5242

Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)
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Cannabis should be made available to treat a limited range of medical conditions, according to a new report that will be published later today by the Department of Health.

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Riverdance, Mario Rosenstock, Brian Kennedy, Kila, Roisin O, and Patrick Bergin are just some of the big names who will take part in a gala concert to raise funds for an Irish charity working on the ground in Haiti.

The charity gig will be hosted by MCs Miriam OCallaghan and Brendan OConnor and other performers on the night will include Kila, Vladimir and Anton, and The Line-Up Choir. The event will take place on 11 March at the Convention Centre in Dublin.

The gala concert aims to raise awareness and support for the people of Haiti, which remains one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Haven is a prominent Irish NGO working on the ground in Haiti since 2008 and all proceeds raised will go directly to their recovery work there in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

The worthy event is being organised of John McColgan, the multi-award winning Producer, Director, Creative Director of Riverdance and founding Director of Tyrone Productions.

John decided to organise a unique fundraising Gala Concert after he visited Haiti in November 2016. John, along with his film-maker brother Gerry and actor/writer son Danny, travelled to Haiti to witness first-hand the work of Haven in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, which hit in October 2016. Photographs and videos of the groups visit to Haiti will be exhibited at the Gala Concert.

Having travelled to different parts of the world affected by poverty and conflict - including Palestine - we wanted to visit Haiti to capture the stories of its people, explore reality on the ground, and document how the Haitian people are rebuilding their lives after the devastation of the third major natural disaster in just six years," says John McColgan.

"It was a truly eye-opening and thought-provoking experience to do so with Haven, and I am delighted to be able to share it with the people of Ireland at this Gala Concert. I wish to sincerely thank all the performers who are taking part: together, we can help the people of Haiti to restore their livelihoods and communities after this immensely challenging time.

Haven has done amazing work in Haiti since it was set-up. Haven works solely in Haiti, focusing on three core development areas: water and sanitation, training and education, and shelter. Launched in 2008, Haven quickly moved from a house-building charity to one providing emergency relief in the wake of the destructive earthquake which struck in January 2010. As recovery efforts began to take hold, it moved to a sustainable community development strategy which centres on building a secure, independent future for Haitis people.

To date, Haven has facilitated the training of over 78,000 Haitian people, empowering them to build strong and sustainable livelihoods and to live free from poverty. It has also brought over 1,400 Irish volunteers to Haiti to assist with the building of houses through its Volunteer Programme; homes and shelters for over 21,510 people have already been built or upgraded.

It was a privilege to welcome the McColgan family to Haiti and to show them our projects in Haiti, especially after the devastation of Hurricane Matthew," says Leslie Buckley, chairperson and founder of Haven. "During their time in Haiti, they not only witnessed the gravity of the situation there, but, by raising awareness of it, greatly helped our recovery efforts and development in the communities we work with every day.

"Through this concert, we aim to create further support, and appeal to the generous Irish public to join us on the night to help the people of Haiti in their recovery. On behalf of the Haven team, I wish to sincerely thank all the artists for so selflessly giving their time and commitment in this vital fundraising event.

As part of their trip, the McColgans travelled to the island of Ile a Vache, and visited the communities of Figuier, Le Hatte, and Nan Roche to see first-hand the damage caused to Havens boat-building, agricultural and business development programmes. They also spent time with Havens emergency response team to observe the co-ordination and recovery process in action.

From there, they moved to Havens Christine Farm agricultural project in the Cavaillon Valley, where all the crops were destroyed, putting a temporary but significant strain on the economic independence of local farmers.

They also visited Irish woman Gena Heraty, who runs an orphanage for children with disabilities in the mountainous area of Kenscoff, before spending time at Hope House Haiti, a foster home for 40 children and a free school to more than 500 local students, where 30 Haven volunteers were based last year.

Hurricane Matthew was the most powerful hurricane to strike Haiti in over fifty years. Bringing 230km/h winds and torrential rain, it devastated what already stood as one of the poorest countries in the world.

More than 1.4 million people were left in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Families, particularly children, found themselves exposed to cholera and other life-threatening diseases, as unprecedented flooding brought severe water contamination. With between 80% and 100% of crops in south Haiti destroyed, many communities experienced chronic food shortages, posing the threat of hunger and malnutrition.

Havens team led the emergency response on the island of Ile a Vache, where many of its development programmes are based. In the weeks after the hurricane, Haven distributed 500,000 meals; 60,000 water-purifying tablets; 40,000 sachets of water; and 1,100 tarpaulins.

Now, Haven is looking to long-term recovery for the people of Haiti in the wake of the third major natural disaster to hit the country in just six years.

Havens team is leading recovery work on the remote island of Ile a Vache, which lay at the eye of Hurricane Matthew, the most powerful hurricane to hit Haiti in over fifty years. Having focused on the emergency response and successfully prevented the spread of cholera there, the Haven team is supporting local people to restart their livelihoods, restore their destroyed farms, and rebuild their damaged homes. All funds raised at the Gala Concert will make an incredible contribution towards this.

Tickets for the Gala Concert start from 25 and are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
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Funding for the Railroad Commission is not sufficient for the agency to do its job regulating the state's oil and gas industry and protecting public health and safety, the commission's chairwoman told a legislative committee Thursday.

The commission was forced to cut more than $1 million from its budget every month last year, leading to staff reductions and the inability to perform crucial tasks, such as well inspections and plugging abandoned wells, Railroad Commission Chair Christi Craddick testified before the state Senate Finance Committee. Craddick and the commission are seeking an additional $45 million over the next two years to hire more staff, update outdated technology, whittle a backlog of tens of thousands of uninspected wells, and plug thousands of abandoned wells.

"My fellow commissioners and I urge that the agency must be funded at the level necessary to carry out its mission," Craddick said.

In her remarks before the 15 member committee, Craddick painted a bleak picture of the agency's finances. The commission's full-time staff of 690 has 130 unfilled openings; in the past few years, the agency has lost up to 20 percent of its staff to better-paying jobs.

The Railroad Commission is funded by the fees it charges oil and gas companies. But those fees did not generate enough revenue to keep the agency fully funded throughout the two-year budget period, which ends August 31. The commission has had to cut an average of $1.3 million a month to balance its books. And the commission does not expect the situation to get better as oil prices hover above $50 a barrel. Oil settled at $53 a barrel Thursday in New York.

"This approach is not sustainable for the long-term welfare for the agency," Craddick said.

Senators said they understood the commission's plight, but they offered no hope of alleviating it as they work to cut more than $1 billion to balance the state's budget for the next biennium. The Finance Committee has proposed cutting the Railroad Commission' $85 million biennial budget by more than $13 million or roughly 15 percent.

"We don't have a lot of money," Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, told Craddick

Since the fall, Craddick has met with every senator on the committee to plead her case. Craddick told the Finance Committee that the agency's main funding system - industry fees - needs an update. Permit fees are based in the number of wells that companies operate, but today, technologies such as horizontal drilling mean companies can produce that same amount of oil from one well that they used to get from four.

Changing how the commission collects fees would require legislative action, and some senators said the time may have come to revisit how the agency is funded.

Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, said the funding mechanism was based on the assumption that the industry would only grow and oil prices continue to rise. But lawmakers should have considered the energy industry's price swings, he said.

Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, suggested that lawmakers look at changing the commission's funding model, but said that would likely have to wait another couple of years.

"I don't think that we can do it this session," he said.
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Ric Hodgin walks through the old Grace Theater with a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. For decades, this was home.

"The Lord has allowed us to be a light here," says the longtime managing director of the building for A.D. Players, one of Houston's oldest and largest professional theater companies.

Hodgin knows the building's charms and challenges well. He knows about the dearth of bathrooms, wing space and rehearsal space. He's also familiar with the myriad ways artists have come up with solutions to overcome the small facility.

A.D. Players has called the modest River Oaks-area theater home since 1977, but this weekend the group is moving to a new grander venue.

"To Kill a Mockingbird," which opens Sunday, will be the production debut of the George Theater, a stately facility located at 5420 Westheimer near the Galleria that is five times the size of the Grace.

Sure, Hodgin says, he will cherish the memories made at the Grace, but moving to a new building is really more sweet than bitter, he says. He's eager to show audiences just how impressive A.D. Players' new home is.

More Information 'To Kill a Mockingbird' When: premiers 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through March 5 Where: A.D. Players' George Theatre, 5420 Westheimer Tickets: $19-$68; 713-526-2721, adplayers.org 'To Kill a Mockingbird' When: Premieres 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through March 5 Where: A.D. Players' George Theater, 5420 Westheimer Tickets: $19-$68; 713-526-2721, adplayers.org See More Collapse

"The community is all coming with us," he says. "They're getting what they deserve."

The big move has been in talks since the early 2000s - the company bought the land in 2003 and originally had plans to start building as early as 2007 - but what's new is the fact that A.D. Players isn't just getting a fresh building. It's getting a new start.

In fact, the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In late 2016, it was certified as an equity house, meaning it shares a similar professional designation as the Alley Theatre or the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.

And the move isn't just about the building. Sure, attendees will appreciate the upgrade from barely a pair of stalls in the women's bathroom to 16 in the new digs, and theater-goers will have plenty of room to mingle before a show in a lobby to rival the Wortham Center.

But the move from a 220-seat theater to a 440-seat house means a bigger performance demanded of actors and designers - one aided by new dressing rooms and a dedicated scene shop, respectively.

Maintaining the building requires a bigger staff and thus a bigger budget. A.D. Players is becoming a larger company in all senses of the word.

"It's an exciting challenge," says Kevin Dean, associate artistic director of A.D. Players.

Hodgin says the Grace Theater didn't allow the company's art to flourish. Stage lights, for example, could never be angled correctly due to the building's low ceiling. The acoustics, the sight lines, the backstage area were not up-to-snuff for a professional troupe.

The George, on the other hand, opens up from the stage in a circle not unlike the Alley Theatre's newish mainstage, featuring a similarly-shaped catwalk a few stories above the first row.

"It's like getting a new car," Hodgin says. "You're still going to drive the car, but you have to learn all the bells and whistles."

A looming stage means larger, more impressive-looking theater. But production manager Mark Lewis says he's properly equipped to pull off the momentous project of upgrading the set. After all, sets were built offsite and driven to the old theater, while sets will now be built onsite.

"It saves literally weeks and weeks of work," Lewis says.

After the nostalgic tour of the Grace, Hodgin visits the new George Theater. He runs into Dean, who himself is on the way to meetings that day. They're both busy, but excitedly so, preparing for the premiere of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

When asked what the building means for A.D. Players, Dean pauses, looks at light shining through the lobby's towering glass windows, and smiles.

"You think about how far we've come, and this is just the beginning," Dean says.
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It's a long, lonely hunt for Ivanka Trump products at the Galleria. And Houston shoppers appear to be OK with that.

Sales associates Saks and Neiman Marcus in the Galleria say their locations never carried her collection, though the items could be ordered from the chains' websites.

At Macy's, there's a lone shift dress  in a pale blush pink that goes perfectly with a spray tan  hanging from the 20 percent off rack, along with one-offs from other designers. They never really carried her line at this Macy's, says a cashier; that dress was a return from a purchase at some other Macy's.

Things are a little different at Nordstrom.

The company made headlines last week when it announced its stores would no longer carry the Ivanka Trump line of accessories and apparel. In the Galleria location, a half dozen dresses hang from the last remaining Ivanka rack. No new orders will be placed when those are gone.

The company's statement last week noted that the decision to sever ties with the president's daughter's fashion line was not politically motivated. Instead, Nordstrom cited a steady decline in demand by consumers. But plenty of people read between the lines  including President Trump himself, who lashed out at the company on Twitter, writing that his "daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly" by the company.

It's a familiar move in the president's playbook, one that has had ripple effects in the economy. When Trump tweeted ill of Lockheed Martin and Boeing, the companies' stocks suffered. But though Nordstrom's stock felt a small dip shortly after the tweet, it has been pulling ahead in recent days.

And some Houston shoppers are tickled pink  a very pale blush pink  about what they see as a store's willingness to stand up for what is right.

On Friday afternoon, Noushin Dehbandi drove from her home in the Energy Corridor to the Galleria for a girls' day out, with her mother, daughter and sister-in-law.

"It's inconvenient to come here, but today we had some shopping to do," said Dehbandi. "We could go to Macy's in the Memorial mall, but we decided to come here to shop at the Galleria, so we could go to Nordstron's  because of the Ivanka Trump decision."

She bought a lipstick, as did her mother, who is visiting from Iran. Her sister-in-law, Reyhaneh Saedi, bought a purse.

"I'm so happy they got rid of it," Saedi said of the Ivanka Trump fashion line. When asked what it is she doesn't like about Ivanka Trump, she had a simple answer: "Her father."

It was the travel ban issues by the White House that really tipped Dehbandi over the edge, she said.

Still, Nordstrom isn't talking politics.

"The thing about that is they didn't remove the line for political reasons," said a Nordstrom employee who asked not to be named. "The buyers made that decision a year ago. The brand itself wasn't doing very well."

But the company has left a few Easter eggs to stir speculation. In January, Nordstrom's top executives sent a memo to their employees in January, making their position on immigration known. "It's important that we reiterate our values to all of you and make it clear that we support each of our employees," the memo states. "We will continue to value diversity, inclusion, respect, and you can count on that."

It's that sentiment that won the company business with Houston attorney Wilbourn Woodward, who, before this week, had never bought anything at Nordstrom.

"It's getting warmer, and I needed some shorts," says Woodward. "And I decided to get them from there. Clearly there are many ways to resist, and protest the decisions of this president, and that was just one way I thought of doing it."

He calls it resisting with his wallet. And he thinks it might be the best way to get a point across to a president who touts his business acumen.

"The president is very obsessed with market forces, what's popular," said Woodward. "What are people watching, what are they buying? What brands are winning versus losing: You know, 'the failing New York Times' or whatever. So if he's paying attention, that's a good way to get his attention  buying and consuming those things that speak against him."

Bookmark Gray Matters. Saks and Neiman Marcus in the Galleria never carried it.
After reports they were "spending lavishly" on things like travel, dinners and team building exercises at posh resorts instead of the needs of combat veterans, the Wounded Warrior Project has been given a clean bill of fiscal health from the Better Business Bureau.

The BBB's Wise Giving Alliance said this month that the Florida-based Wounded Warrior Project meets their 20 point standard of charity accountability. According to their report, the WWP gets a passing grade for proper finances, governance, effectiveness and funding raising.
Harris County District Attorney

Investigators are on the hunt for a man they say tortured and then killed his family's dog with a machete after an argument over his daughter's boyfriend.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Harris County Sheriff's Office was called to a home off Hempstead Road in Waller.
Ever increasing their services to customers of the bank, First Liberty National has participated in a program in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB) and successfully secured a $20,000 grant to assist a retail company.

It is a first for the bank which, according to President and CEO Kelly Stretcher, seeks to provide the means for area businesses to grow.

"We received the grant for $20,000 and the grant was awarded to a retail company that, in turn, created 35 new jobs," the banker said.

Stretcher recently received word that the grant had been awarded to the bank.

"We're trying to promote business, both retail and manufacturing," he said and it fits with the bank's mission.

The business must apply for the grant through the bank and the bank must also submit their part of paperwork with a minor expense to FHLB, but Stretcher said it's a means to help stoke the economy in the area.

"They can use that grant for working capital, to hire and train individuals for their jobs, pay down loan fees, use it for closing costs," or many other avenues Stretcher explained.

The grant is free money offered through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas that is to be used to assist businesses in low to moderate areas for the creation of jobs, job training as well as the construction of a new facility.

"This year the bank set aside $750,000 in grant funds for EDP-plus grants which is a small business grant," said Bruce Hatton, vice president of affordable housing at the Federal Home Loan Bank.

"Our member banks can apply for these grants up and until we run out of the money," Hatton said.

This particular loan was approved on Jan. 11 of this year.

"That grant has to be used in conjunction with an EDP-advance loan so the member bank applied for it in advance and the advances and the rates are lower than our other products," Hatton said.

The small business has to bring 10 percent equity and that can also be the EDP-advance, Hatton said.

This particular loan was of interest to the FHLB because it was located in a rural area and the income was at or below 100 percent of the area median income.

"That's what we qualified that particular loan on," he said.

In 2016, they set aside $1 million and it was distributed to 48 different clients.

"It's a first come, first serve basis and the money is usually gone in the first couple of months [of the year]," Hatton said. "This is the bank's bottom line. A voluntary program that we make available to help out our members in their community."

Small businesses who need assistance can apply for the grant, but Stretcher said it's important to come with a plan.

"Let's say you want to add six bays to your auto lube business and you will add employees with the expansion, we can apply for the grant and it's free money to you," he said.

He said there's no guarantee that they will get it in every instance, but they are certainly willing to go through the process with the business to promote economic growth in the area.

Hatton also clarified that the business has to take out the $20,000 advance loan and provide their own equity.

The EDP, or Economic Development Program Plus-Grant, was created in 2007 and is awarded to businesses who must qualify as a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA, see www.sba.gov for more details).

They must also be established as a legitimate business entity organized for profit, with a place of business located within the five-state district of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, and operating primarily within the United States or making a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials, or labor.

While the original intent of the program, which was founded in 1932 by the Federal Home Loan Bank Act, was to focus on housing and community economic development, some have expanded their offerings in order to promote savvy growth.

Outside of the EDP grant, the FHLB has an array of offerings to help economic development throughout the communities in the U.S. Among the additional programs offered are: the New Market Tax Credit Initiative, Economic Development Grants, Urban Development Advances, Rural Development Advances, and Letters of Credit. Each FHLB is required to develop a Community Lending Plan that explains how the bank will address the needs of the community it serves.

The FHLB only deals with banks and the banks must be a member of their system and there are certain requirements to meet in order to be a member. First National Bank of Liberty is a member and Stretcher said he didn't personally know of any other bank in the area doing the same.

"This will help the workforce and the community," he said. "As part of doing business with our bank, we can work with our clients to help them achieve that expansion by getting a grant to help."

The retail business awarded the $20,000 grant has expanded those resources in hiring and training additional employees from the community.

Adding that many more employees increase the economic reach and strength of the local economy.

The Federal Home Loan Bank system is made up of twelve Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs) that are government-sponsored enterprises.

Businesses in the area interested in seeking a grant for training, expansion, or more of their enterprise should contact Stretcher at the bank. The phone number is 936-336-6471.
When Deer Park resident Nelly Lopez returned from a trip in January, two important members of her family were gone. As it turned out, they were stolen.

"I was out of the country on vacation and my parents were watching my dogs," she said. "When I came back on (Jan. 10), they told me both of the dogs had gotten out."

The parents told her that after putting out fliers, using social media and searching the neighborhoood, they found a neighbor who had seen the male and female Maltese dogs, who are named Rajah and Luna. But the neighbor related something disturbing.

"As the neighbor saw them, another person pulled up in a car and said that she knew where the dogs belonged and that she was going to take them back to their owner," Lopez said. "My neighbor told (the woman in the car) to wait and went inside to get a pen and paper so she could take down the woman's information in case anyone came around asking about my dogs. But when my neighbor came back outside, the woman in the car was gone."

A worried Lopez decided to look on Craigslist to see if anyone had put out an ad to sell the dogs. She didn't see an ad for her dogs but found one ad, and then another, from prospective buyers warning people not to purchase a Maltese from a seller in Houston.

The person trying to sell Lopez's dogs had posted an ad, later taken down, that included an ultrasound image as proof that the female dog was pregnant. The prospective buyers discovered the ultrasound was from the United Kingdom and put out the alerts.

"It was my dog in the (warning) ad," Lopez said. "I got screenshots of everything that I had and I took that information to the police."

Trying to get the dogs back wasn't easy, Deer Park police detective Frank Hart said.

Because the original ad was no longer up, the police department had to subpoena Craigslist to find who posted it. The police hit another roadblock when the phone number used on the ad traced back to a phone without a provider.

"So, the police had to send out more subpoenas to get the thief's real phone number," Lopez said. "After they got that, they tried calling her."

Hart said that after police made initial contact with the suspect, things seemed to be moving along.

"She was cooperative at first and seemed like she wanted to help but very quickly became uncooperative," Hart said. "She claimed she gave the dogs away. She claimed she didn't know who she gave them to."

Several days into the investigation, the detective assigned to the case had to subpoena another phone company in an effort to retrieve the suspect's phone records.

"He worked on that case a little bit every day," Hart said, "cold-calling all of those numbers to see if anyone had the dogs or knew what happened to them."

After dozens of calls, there were a few numbers on the list that hadn't answered. The dogs had been missing for more than three weeks.

"The detective who helped me, Detective (Nick) Thatcher, was so kind and so patient with me," Lopez said. "I know they have other cases and I know he was busy with other things, but he always answered my questions and he was so reassuring. I appreciate him so much."

Eventually Lopez's story was featured on a local television news program. A couple who purchased the dogs with no idea they had been stolen contacted Detective Thatcher to return them to Lopez.

"He went to go pick them up and asked for a description of the person who sold them. That description matched the description of the person my neighbor saw right after the dogs got out of my back yard," Lopez said. "Then he brought Luna and Rajah back to me in Deer Park."

The person accused of stealing and selling the dogs could be charged with a misdemeanor, but as of presstime, charges had not been accepted by the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

Lopez said that she is extremely grateful for the hard work put into the case by the Deer Park police.

"This is a small community, and they went over and beyond to make sure I felt reassured and taken care of," she said. "I know I called a bunch. I was devastated, but they were always so nice and helpful. There is no way I'd have my dogs back if it wasn't for their hard work. My dogs were sold on Jan. 8 and police returned them to me on Jan. 29 - they worked for almost a month for me and my dogs."

Hart said that effort put forth into finding Lopez's dogs is the same effort they put into all of their cases.

"Not every case turns out like this, but our detectives work really hard to make sure that the people who come to us, while they might be victims of a crime, don't walk away feeling victimized," Hart said.

Video: Three-legged dog up for adoption at Houston Humane Society
Sub Zero Ice Cream and Yogurt blows into Magnolia on Friday, offering a plethora of frozen treats including pies, smoothies, shakes and Italian Ice (similar to a snow cone). But this is no ordinary ice cream parlor-there's no cold marble or soft-serve at Sub Zero.

Instead, the ice cream is made-to-order by using liquid nitrogen, funneling from a large tank at -321 degrees Fahrenheit. Patrons have the freedom to create unique flavor combinations or choose from one of the "Sensations," which are Sub Zero's specialty blends.

The Courier got a sneak-peak of Sub Zero on Wednesday and spoke with husband-and-wife duo, Aftab and Ashiyana Prasla, the co-managers and -owners of the new location.

Ashiyana said her and Aftab decided to own their own Sub Zero location almost immediately after going to Sub Zero in Vintage Marketplace in Houston.

After 11 years of working in the retail business with his family, Aftab was ready to own a concept himself. With his nutrition and science degree and Ashiyana's business degree, they make a pretty sweet team.

"It's really amazing to see," Aftab said. "This concept was really intriguing to me, especially coming from a science and nutrition background, seeing and studying science and seeing that science could be incorporating in making a food product, using that chemistry. Ice cream, as you know, is everyone's favorite. So that process totally blew my mind."

The journey to a dessert denser and creamier than typical ice cream, Aftab said, begins with a base of either regular, sugar-free, lactose-free, gluten-free or vegan. From there, you can choose from 18 different flavors and 17 toppings before adding the piece de resistance-a cold burst of liquid nitrogen. Aftab said the water in Sub Zero's ice cream mixture evaporates and freezes quicker than traditional ice cream, creating a new taste to America's favorite dessert.

Setting up shop in Magnolia was a no-brainer for the Praslas. As Spring residents, they knew they wanted to be part of the thriving The Woodlands market but weren't quite ready to pay the steep price. Instead, the shop nestled itself off Old Farm to Market 1488, at 6606 FM 1488 Road, Suite 110.

By the end of 2018, Aftab hopes to open two more Sub Zero locations, one in Conroe in the 336 Marketplace and another in The Woodlands. But the Praslas want to make their mark in the community from Magnolia first by implementing Sub Zero's national science education program with local schools to show students that science can be both cool and delicious.

With a travel-size liquid nitrogen dewar in hand, the Praslas plan to go school-to-school, showing students the process of making fresh ice cream with science.

"The first thing that comes to a kid's mind when you talk about science is, 'Oh, that's not my thing,'" Aftab said. "So we just want to go ahead and change the scenario in their mind about science."

But the Praslas already managed to make an impact on the community-without even realizing it. On Monday, The Woodlands resident Marci Resch attempted to grab some ice cream after dinner with her three children at Sub Zero.

But they were disappointed to see, after being excited about it all evening, that the door was locked with a sign announcing Friday's grand opening. Inside, Sub Zero employees were training and noticed Resch and her family proceeding back to their car.

Resch said she was surprised when Aftab ran out of Sub Zero after her and invited Resch, her two daughters and her 9-year-old son inside to watch the training process and enjoy some complementary ice cream.

"For him to be so kind after seeing the kids being upset, to literally run out and invite us in to see the experience-that was so gracious," she said.

Resch was so impressed, in fact, that she shared her experience online in a community Facebook group, praising Aftab's hospitality and kindness. Her post gained over 250 likes and many comments from residents who said they were excited for Sub Zero's opening.

Sub Zero in Magnolia will be open seven days a week, from 11-9 p.m. Sunday thru Thursday and 11-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The grand opening is on Friday, Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. The ice cream shop is also looking to hire more team members and a shift lead.

"The most rewarding part will be getting the name and the brand into the community, and reaching out to those kids in schools with the science presentations," Aftab said. "This is something to make people aware that Sub Zero isn't just a retail business where you just go to eat ice cream and they (the business) make money. We want to go out to the community as well."
Three months after convincing voters to stand up to the state's so-called Robin Hood school finance system, a split Houston ISD school board voted Thursday evening to hold another election in May to reconsider the decision to let the state detach commercial property.

Recapture sees so-called property rich districts give money back to the state so it can be redistributed to property poor districts.

But in January, the Texas Education Agency announced it would exempt 50 percent of the value that HISD loses through its generous 20 percent homestead exemption. HISD is one of the few districts that offers an exemption this large.

That made it so the district would pay $77 million instead of $162 million in recapture.

In a notice sent to HISD by the TEA on Thursday, the agency warned that it would annex more than $8 billion of taxable commercial property value if the district does not pay the recapture fee.

If the state detaches commercial property, the district will also lose the portion of the tax rate that covers bonds for school construction, which would eventually force a property tax rate increase.

On Thursday, the board voted 5-3, with one abstention, to put another referendum on recapture on the May 6 ballot. Placing a second referendum on the May ballot will cost the district $800,000, according to an HISD spokesman

Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, who campaigned in favor of not paying recapture with the first referendum, said HISD called the state's bluff, and, in turn, the state called HISD's bluff, but the state has the upper hand.

"The TEA offered this; the TEA is the same agency that has the power to take this district over. If they take over, do you think they'll send people who care about equity or our kids? Their whole agenda is not about our kids," said Skillern-Jones, who voted in favor of the second referendum.

'Not a gift'

But Trustee Jolanda Jones, who spearheaded the effort to reject paying recapture, said the whole reason for the first referendum was to get the Texas Legislature to move on overhauling school finance.

She said if the district pays recapture this year, the recapture fees will keep going up each year, essentially robbing the district of more and more money.

"The only reason they're paying attention is not because we have a great lobbying team, it's because we voted no," Jones said.

About 10 speakers at Thursday's meeting lambasted the idea of the board reversing its stance on paying the recapture money. Ken Davis, principal of Yates High School, said the TEA's lessening HISD's recapture bill is not a favor.

"That's not a gift -they're still taking money from our schools," Davis said. "Push back on that. You are all standing at a time where you set a standard for what the rest of the state does. Stand up and take a step forward."

So why did the state cut Houston ISD's recapture bill in half?

HISD is one of the few districts that offers a homestead exemption of 20 percent.

That means the owner of a $200,000 house within HISD only has to pay taxes on $160,000 of the home's value, as long as it's their primary home and not a rental.

What $77M could buy

That exemption, by its nature, lessens the amount of money available for schools by lessening what local taxpayers contribute.

The TEA agreed to take 50 percent of the money HISD loses to the homestead exemption off of the district's recapture bill, resulting in the difference.

Still, board members continued to argue that even the lessened recapture payment is unfair because about 80 percent of Houston ISD's students meet federal poverty guidelines to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

And $77 million could go a long way in Houston ISD - it's more than enough to build a new comprehensive high school, enough to hire 1,495 early career teachers, and enough to hire more than 1,200 hundred assistant principals.

Pamela Boveland said turnout for a spring election in a non-election year will mean fewer voters will go to the polls, resulting in diluted public input.

"I'm not understanding how Harris County, Houston, Texas and HISD can be bullied by the TEA," Boveland said. "We are the biggest dog in every room in the state. "
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The four West family headstones, adorned with flags and flowers, stand like sentinels at the edge of a mostly empty expanse of grass and dirt. The birthdates etched into the stones stretch back to 1863.

Tammie West Wall has been tending to these graves, and helping maintain the grounds of the surrounding cemetery, since she was a child. She knows it was only through luck that her family's markers were spared when a relative interrupted workers who were clearing the property in November. Most of the other headstones scattered across the 5-acre Aldine cemetery - the exact number is undetermined - were removed.

Wall and other descendants of those buried at the cemetery have been frustrated in their effort to understand how this happened and to hold someone accountable. "We have hit a dead end everywhere we turn," Wall told me Thursday.

But now the Harris County district attorney's office is delving into the case. Valerie Turner, the chief of the consumer fraud division, contacted the families this week and sent a letter to the property owner asking for detailed burial records and information about gravestones removed or damaged.

"I am hopeful this matter can be resolved without a criminal investigation," Turner wrote to Corwin Teltschik, the president of Foresthaven Cemetery Corp. "However, please be aware that if you should choose to ignore this written request, the next step would be to serve you with a grand jury subpoena to produce the records."

The district attorney's office initially declined to get involved, as I reported Feb. 3. A civil attorney the families consulted wanted a $10,000 retainer - a challenge for these working-class or elderly people.

District Attorney Kim Ogg said she instructed Turner to look into the case after seeing a letter from state Rep. Armando Walle, who represents the area, and reading my column.

"When I saw your article, it struck me that an injustice had occurred, because gravesites are sacred to families, and they're protected under Texas law," Ogg said. "I determined that this office would do everything in our power to make this right."

The official attention has rekindled the families' hopes. Wall said she and Turner spoke by phone for at least an hour on Wednesday.

"The Good Lord finally sent somebody that would listen to us," Wall said.

While much about what happened at the cemetery remains unclear, Turner's initial inquiries have yielded a partial explanation.

A Houston businessman, Ibrahim Badat, works with a nonprofit that wanted to purchase some plots in the cemetery, Turner said. Badat hired crews to do some work at the site, she said, and it is unclear whether he knew that they would remove or damage gravestones.

In her letter to Teltschik, Turner said Badat's attorney "has expressed a willingness to pay for the repair or replacement of any headstones or markers which were damaged. This could be very helpful in avoiding further action by this office. "

The connection between Badat and Teltschik is unclear, but Turner said she believes Teltschik knew what Badat was doing. Neither Teltschik nor Badat returned my calls Thursday.

Wall said she understands there is no guarantee anyone will be prosecuted; in fact, Ogg and Turner said they want to avoid that outcome by working out an agreement with those responsible.

"Her job is to learn both sides," Wall said of Turner. "The truth will come out."

Truth, so far, has been elusive in this strange episode, but the pain it has caused to the families is apparent. They are deeply connected to this small, out-of-the-way bit of land.

The cemetery holds the remains of Tammie's great-great grandparents, a great-grandfather and two great-grandmothers, two grandparents, her father and an uncle. A place is ready for her mother.

"This area should not be touched," she said. "It should be taken care of; it should be respected." Surely that's not too much to ask.
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As the Afghan man entered the arrival terminal for international travelers at Bush Intercontinental Airport, his seven children followed one by one in a straight line. The man, his wife and kids, ages 2 to 11, were greeted by colorful handmade signs welcoming them to America and stuffed animals for each youngster.

Noor, a 36-year-old father from Kandahar, Afghanistan, who worked as a regional security coordinator on behalf of the U.S. government, could finally breathe a sigh of relief. After a delayed 24-hour journey ending on Thursday, his family was finally safe in the U.S.

"My kids' lives were in danger," said the weary father, breaking down in tears. "My kids were not going to school."

This day was a long time coming for Noor, and his large family, whose lives were in danger due to his job. They had been waiting since December 2014 to come to America. "It was a bit of a long trip," he said of the flight from Frankfurt to Houston. "[But] We are happy." Noor asked that the family name not be published for their security.

His family's move came amid the uncertainty over President Donald Trump's travel ban, but Noor's sponsors said it was unaffected by the executive order. Instead, the journey was delayed a few days by snowy weather.

Special immigrant visas are given to Afghans like Noor who work on behalf of the U.S. government or serve as an interpreter for U.S. forces, but also their visa status can be a threat to the holder's families.

And Noor, as a special immigrant visa holder, could have been held up by the ban if his flight had been booked just a week prior, when Trump's executive order went into effect.

A Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel on Thursday unanimously upheld a restraining order blocking the government from enforcing the president's controversial ban.

A rigorous process

At about the same time as the court action, Noor , said he was just thrilled to have his wife, Tor, and children in a safe place.

Nisar Momand, who serves as Noor's caseworker at Refugee Services of Texas, was also a special immigrant visa holder in 2014 when he came to America from Afghanistan.

Momand said when he held the status he kept it quiet, only telling his close family members and staying close to home. To obtain such a visa, it can take a little over a year, Momand said. It's a rigorous process, requiring lots of paperwork and an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate office.

"When I get my SIV visa, I never traveled more than 10 miles," he said.

Noor can relate to his caseworker's fears, noting that he did not allow his children to play outside on the street.

When he left for work for the United States Agency for International Development in Afghanistan, his family would stay inside all day.

He told his wife to lock the door behind him as he left for work. She would only unlock it when he returned home at 5 p.m. and then keep it locked for the rest of the night.

Elaborate plans

But now as volunteers from Refugee Services of Texas, churches and other groups welcomed him to Houston, he could hardly believe it. The non-profit organization which helps refugees re-settle when they first come to the country, had already set up an apartment for his family to live in southwest Houston,

Volunteers unloaded the family's countless suitcases and packed them away into a black van outside the airport terminal.

Sara Kauffman, who is the Houston Director for Refugee Services of Texas, said although Noor's travel plans were not impacted by Trump's ban, refugee resettlement plans are elaborate and any setback can harm the plans to set up the family.

"The cost of setting up the apartment is lost," Kauffman said. "We may not find that apartment again. We have to work out the logistics of that. It's not easy. Going to the grocery store and putting food in the apartment's fridge and it's like oh they're not going to arrive."

A little over 8,000 refugees had been resettled in Texas through September. About 27 percent of those reside in Harris County, according to the most current statistics from Department of State Health services.

Noor, one of the thousands of refugees looking to start over in Houston, was thrilled the new life he had anxiously waited for was finally starting.

"I just thank the United States of America," he said. "The people have provided such compassion for me and my family to come here, for them to have a good bright future.
The doctor had waited as long as he could.

For days he had been checking news updates between appointments at Texas Children's Hospital. Waiting to see if the courts or Congress would permanently strike down President Donald Trump's restrictions on travel to the U.S. from seven Middle Eastern countries. Waiting to see if the administration would put out clear guidelines for those planning to go abroad. Hoping.

Now, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz felt he had run out of time, and he needed to break it to them.

He dialed in via Skype early this week, and there they were, staring back at him from Iran: The expectant parents whose babies almost certainly would die because he wouldn't be coming to operate on them.

Technically, there was nothing stopping his team from making the trip, he told them. But with uncertainty surrounding the president's travel restrictions  now tied up in federal courts  he and the other doctors weren't certain they would be able to return to Houston at the end of their 10-day visit, so they canceled their flights.

"It was a disaster," Shamshirsaz said, recalling separate video chats with two sets of parents who had been expecting him to perform life-saving surgeries next week on their unborn babies - complicated operations no doctors in Iran can do. "They were sobbing, completely and totally devastated. Now there is no hope for them."

Since Trump's travel ban was announced two weeks ago  an attempt to crack down on potential terrorist attacks from seven predominantly Muslim countries  much has been written about travelers trapped at U.S. airports.

Doctors with green cards stopped by customs officials and sent back to their home countries. Refugees told they wouldn't be coming to the U.S. after all.

Shamshirsaz, 42, an Iranian-born professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine, represents another way people have been affected by the uncertainty surrounding Trump's action: U.S. physicians who were born and studied medicine abroad often make return trips to their home countries to teach doctors techniques they've learned in America, spreading the latest advances in Western medicine across the globe.

Following the chaotic implementation of the president's executive order two weeks ago, Baylor and other medical schools nationwide sent messages cautioning faculty and students against traveling to one of the seven affected countries. Some of the other physicians Shamshirsaz had planned to travel with were adamantly opposed to going until the legal challenges against the order had been settled.

'An impossible decision'

Courtesy of Texas Children's Hospital

Even with the decision Thursday by a federal appeals court to keep in place a U.S. district judge's order temporarily blocking the federal government from enforcing Trump's travel ban, there's no telling what the status will be a week or two weeks from now, Shamshirsaz said.

"There's just too much uncertainty right now to know what is the right thing to do," said Shamshirsaz, who worried he'd be stuck in Iran and unable to return to his wife and patients here, who also depend on him. "It was an impossible decision, knowing how this would affect those families in Iran."

Shamshirsaz, known to his patients as "Dr. Shami," specializes in fetal surgeries, an emerging field in which doctors operate on babies in the womb, early in development, to correct deadly birth defects. Texas Children's Fetal Center is one of only a handful of centers in the world capable of performing such operations. Shamshirsaz began making return trips to Iran four years ago to teach others.

In partnership with Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shamshirsaz created a fellowship program to mentor five Iranian doctors. In 2013, he and his team conducted an open-uterus operation on a fetus in Iran, the first of its kind performed in the Middle East.

Since then, he's returned every few months, usually with a team of colleagues from Texas Children's, each time leading the Iranian fellows through a series of fetal surgeries, building their skills and saving babies' lives in the process.

Shamshirsaz covers the cost of his travel and is paid nothing for the work.

"I do this because it is payback to my country," said Shamshirsaz, whose wife and brother are also Iranian-born doctors practicing in Houston. "As a physician, I trained in Iran, and then I came to the U.S. At some point in your life, you want to do something to give back to the country you come from. Each time I go there, I can save a couple lives. But if I teach these fellows to do these operations, then they can saves thousands of lives."

Dismayed by order

Shamshirsaz isn't the only physician affected. More than a quarter of U.S. doctors - and more than 32 percent in Texas - were born abroad. Some, like Shamshirsaz, make return trips to their home countries to conduct research and train physicians.

"If you want to have the cutting edge in medicine, these other countries need to have a connection with the U.S." Shamshirsaz said. "That means people on both sides need to go back and forth frequently and freely."

Shamshirsaz was dismayed watching the initial fallout from Trump's executive order, which banned travel from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia. He read news reports suggesting that even green card holders like himself weren't being allowed back into this country.

He thought immediately of the expectant mothers he'd planned to operate on this month. One is pregnant with twins suffering from a syndrome in which the babies share a placenta with abnormal blood vessels, causing blood to flow unevenly between the fetuses. Without intervention, both babies will die, Shamshirsaz said.

"They will end up with two dead babies," he said, "and there is nothing else they can do in Iran."

The other mother's baby has been diagnosed with a severely narrow aortic valve, a defect so serious, Shamshirsaz said, it's unlikely the child will survive without intervention in the womb.

For both, there's only a short window to correct the issues, Shamshirsaz said.

Even if he and his team rescheduled the trip for a few weeks from now, he said, it will have been too late.

In a series of tweets over the weekend, Trump criticized the U.S. District Court judge in Washington state who ordered the federal government to temporarily stop enforcing the travel ban until legal challenges are settled.

That order opens a window for those with visas to get back to the U.S., but it offers little clarity for those thinking about taking a trip abroad in the coming weeks.

The president took to Twitter again Thursday evening, reacting to the appeals court decision to uphold the judge's order, setting up a possible showdown before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Shamshirsaz has another Iran trip planned for May. By then, the president's 90-day executive order will have expired, and he hopes immigration policy will have returned to normal.

"It's hard now," Shamshirsaz said. "One of my major goals of my life is on hold, and it's not clear when I will be allowed to continue it."
Police have identified an elderly man found dead in the Sharpstown area Thursday afternoon as 76-year-old Romeo Ramirez of Houston.

Some concerned friends of Ramirez visited his home in the 7300 block of Regency Square Court to check on him. Police found Ramirez dead in his SUV, the Houston Police Department said in a news release Friday.
In the late 1940s, young Bedouin goatherds discovered a cave in the Judean Desert, bored like the path of a giant termite into the hillside.

Within the cave the teenagers found something puzzling: ancient jars in rows. The jars held the first of the parchments that would come to be known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. The scrolls' discovery kicked off a search that lasted nearly a decade. By 1956, archaeologists and Bedouin explorers reported finding 11 such caverns, all to the northwest of the Dead Sea near the region of Qumran.

On Wednesday, Israeli and U.S. archaeologists announced they had found compelling evidence for a 12th Dead Sea Scroll cave.

Mostly written in Hebrew, though a few were in Aramaic and Greek, the scrolls' text dated back roughly 2,000 years. Best estimates suggest the authors inscribed their words at various points between the early first century BC and 70 AD, known as the Second Temple Period. A postage-sized scrap of the scrolls - and most were found in such small fractures - can fetch a huge sum at auction.

But scholars of antiquity would argue the information within the scrolls is priceless. These scrolls, which include sections of the Hebrew Bible and the earliest known version of the Ten Commandments, have been hailed as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. The search continues, decades later.

"It is the first time in 60 years we have the first evidence of a new scroll cave," Oren Gutfeld, a researcher at Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Institute of Archaeology, told the Washington Post by phone Thursday morning. "We knew about 11 caves, and now we have 12."

The cave had been mapped as part of a cursory survey in 1992. But the new evidence comes from a more thorough excavation. Gutfeld and his colleagues at the Hebrew University, along with a team led by archaeologist Randall Price, from Virginia's Liberty University, found the cave as part of an ongoing "Operation Scroll."

There was no new Dead Sea Scroll to add to the record. The scientists found nearly everything but a completed scroll. The paraphernalia included smashed and emptied jars, as well as a leather strap of the type that would have bound a scroll.

Thieves had beaten the archaeologists by more than half a century. The cavern was looted 60 years ago, Gutfeld said, during the rush to find the other Qumran caves. A telltale pair of iron pickaxe heads, of the type used by Bedouin looters, was found next to a smashed jar.

"Thank God they took only the scrolls," Gutfeld told the Post. "They left behind all the evidence that the scrolls were there."
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WASHINGTON - A federal appeals panel on Thursday unanimously rejected President Donald Trump's bid to reinstate his ban on travel from seven largely Muslim nations, a sweeping rebuke of the administration's claim that the courts have no role to act as a check on the president.

The three-judge panel, suggesting that the ban did not advance national security, said, for instance, that the administration had pointed to "no evidence" that anyone from the seven nations had committed terrorism in the United States.

The ruling also rejected the administration's claim that courts are powerless to review a president's national security determinations. Judges have a crucial role to play in a constitutional democracy, said the decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in San Francisco.

"It is beyond question," the unsigned decision said, "that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action."

The court acknowledged that Trump was owed deference on his immigration and national security policy determinations, but it said he was asking for something more.

"The government has taken the position," the decision said, "that the president's decisions about immigration policy, particularly when motivated by national security concerns, are unreviewable, even if those actions potentially contravene constitutional rights and protections."

Within minutes of the ruling, Trump angrily vowed to reporters at the White House and in a Twitter message to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

"SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

He told reporters that the ruling was "a political decision" and predicted that his administration would win an appeal "in my opinion, very easily." He said he had not yet conferred with his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, on the matter.

The Supreme Court remains short-handed and could deadlock. A 4-4 tie there would leave the appeals court's ruling in place.

The travel ban, one of the first executive orders Trump issued after taking office, suspended worldwide refugee entry into the United States. It also barred visitors from seven Muslim-majority nations for up to 90 days to give federal security agencies time to impose stricter vetting processes.

Immediately after it was issued, the ban spurred chaos at airports nationwide as hundreds of foreign travelers found themselves stranded at immigration checkpoints, and protests erupted against a policy that critics derided as un-American. The State Department said up to 60,000 foreigners' visas had been canceled in the days immediately after the ban was imposed.

Trial judges around the country have blocked aspects of Trump's executive order, but no other case has yet reached an appeals court.

Thursday's decision reviewed a ruling issued last Friday by Judge James Robart, a federal judge in Seattle. Robart blocked the key parts of the order, allowing immigrants and travelers who had been barred entry to come into the United States.

That case, filed by the states of Washington and Minnesota, is at an early stage, and the appeals court ruled on the narrow question of whether to stay a lower court's temporary restraining order blocking the travel ban.

In rejecting the administration's request for a stay, the court said, "The government submitted no evidence to rebut the states' argument that the district court's order merely returned the nation temporarily to the position it has occupied for many previous years."

The court said the government had not justified suspending travel from the seven countries. "The government has pointed to no evidence," the decision said, "that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States."

The members of the three-judge panel were Judge Michelle Friedland, appointed by President Barack Obama; Judge William Canby, appointed by President Jimmy Carter; and Judge Richard Clifton, appointed by President George W. Bush.

They said the states were likely to succeed because Trump's order appeared to violate the due process rights of lawful permanent residents, people holding visas and refugees.

The court said the administration's legal position in the case had been a moving target. It noted that Donald McGahn, the White House counsel, had issued "authoritative guidance" several days after the executive order came out, saying it did not apply to lawful permanent residents. But the court said that "we cannot rely" on that statement.

In its briefs and in the arguments before the panel Tuesday, the administration's position evolved. As the case progressed, the administration supplemented its request for categorical vindication with a backup plea for at least a partial victory.

The court discussed but did not decide whether the executive order violated the First Amendment's ban on government establishment of religion. by disfavoring Muslims.

It noted that the states challenging the executive order "have offered evidence of numerous statements by the president about his intent to implement a 'Muslim ban.' "

And it said, rejecting another administration argument, that it was free to consider evidence about the motivation behind laws that draw seemingly neutral distinctions.

But the court said it would defer a decision on the question of religious discrimination.

"In light of the sensitive interests involved, the pace of the current emergency proceedings, and our conclusion that the government has not met its burden of showing likelihood of success on appeal on its arguments with respect to the due process claim," the decision said, "we reserve consideration of these claims."
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AUSTIN - Special prosecutors assigned to Ken Paxton's criminal securities fraud case asked the judge for a change of venue Thursday, arguing the attorney general's communications team has spent the better part of two years trying to "irreparably taint" the jury pool in Paxton's home county.

In a court filing in the 416th Judicial District in Collin County, prosecutors argued Paxton's communications team has blitzed nearly every type of media over the last 22 months to "vilify, malign, and defame" the special prosecutors assigned to try the case, the court and individuals who say they fell victim to Paxton. His supporters followed suit, according to the filing, including some who took to Facebook likening the special prosecutors to Satan and compared Paxton's prosecution to the killing of Jesus.

The prosecutors, all three of whom are Houston defense lawyers, argue the only way to ensure a fair trial for the embattled attorney general is to move the case to a new venue.

"Team Paxton's 22-month siege against these principals has not merely been waged in the media, in the court of public opinion," read the filing, but in "the hearts and minds of Collin County citizens who will receive a jury summons in this case."

Paxton's trial on felony securities fraud charges is scheduled to begin May 1 in a Collin County courtroom. He is accused of failing to disclose to investors that he was being paid a commission from Servergy, a North Texas technology company, for recruiting them. He received 100,000 shares of company stock for recruiting $850,000 in investments to the company. He also landed a lesser felony charge for failing to register with the state as an investment adviser and is facing similar civil charges from the federal Securities and Exchange Commission.

In a colorfully written filing seeking the venue change, special prosecutors Kent Schaffer, Brian Wice and Nicole DeBorde say Paxton's "posse of spokesmen, supporters and surrogates" has "embarked on a crusade clearly calculated to taint the Collin County jury pool." The filing cites several lawsuits by Paxton's supporters, including two suits against prosecutors and a third against the court to stop paying the prosecutors.

In a long-running legal battle initiated by a Paxton ally over who should foot the bill for the state's prosecution of the first-term attorney general, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in Dallas last month temporarily stopped payments to the prosecutors.

Prosecutors also accused former Houston TV reporter-turned investigator Wayne Dolcefino of leaking a confidential investigative report and interviews by the Texas Rangers in December, further poisoning the jury pool. Dolcefino did not return calls for comment Thursday.

Paxton's legal team fired back.

"Ken Paxton, like all Texans, has the right to be tried in the county he was charged in," said Dan Cogdell, a lawyer on Paxton's legal defense team. "The special prosecutors have filed a 60-page pleading trying to thwart that right. That these prosecutors are somehow painting themselves as 'victims' of some non-existent conspiracy is extremely telling."

A Collin County grand jury indicted Paxton in July 2015, less than a year after he took over as Texas attorney general.

The law lacks specific benchmarks to determine whether a change in venue is necessary.

"For a change of venue, that's a particular one where there really isn't a very strict standard. It can be so different in every case about what to prove in terms of this fairness and impartiality," said Melissa Hamilton, a visiting criminal law scholar at the University of Houston Law Center.
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AUSTIN - Two Texas senators are promising to fight confidential agreements they signed before being allowed to view voter fraud complaints reported to the secretary of state's office.

Their plan to make the information public follows newly nominated Secretary of State Rolando Pablos' declaration in a Senate committee hearing last week that, "There is voter fraud in Texas, and we're doing everything we can to prevent it."

In response to Pablos' statement, Sen. Kirk Watson and Sen. Jose Menendez asked him to provide them with the number of complaints filed with the secretary of state's office following the November general election. They also asked for the number of voter fraud allegations referred to the attorney general's office and the nature of the complaints. Pablos agreed to give lawmakers the documentation, but his office required them to sign nondisclosure agreements before releasing the information to them.

"In my view, that is absurd," Watson, D-Austin, said. "I just think the public needs to know this."

Watson and Menendez, D-San Antonio, agreed to sign the forms, but both said they would fight the agreement. Watson said he intends to file legislation, so "we can open this up."

Confidential data

Pablos spokesman Sam Taylor said that by law a complaint of an election violation is confidential until it is submitted to the attorney general for review.

"It wasn't just raw numbers," Taylor said. "It was confidential information that's collected in the process."

Taylor pointed to a section of the state election code that says complaints alleging criminal conduct in an election are not public information unless the secretary of state or attorney general "makes a determination that the complaint does not warrant an investigation," or the attorney general has completed its investigation.

The Senate Nominations Committee unanimously confirmed Pablos on Thursday, but not before Watson voiced his concern with the records regarding allegations of voter fraud not being made available to the public.

"I was disappointed the secretary didn't have that information at the time, even though he was making statements about it," Watson told the committee. "I, frankly, don't see anything in the nature of the complaints that ought to be confidential."

The full Senate now must approve his nomination. Pablos, an Austin lawyer who heads a renewable energy company, would succeed Carlos Cascos of Brownsville.

Just hours after the hearing, Attorney General Ken Paxton touted the conviction of Rosa Maria Ortega for illegally voting in the November 2012 election and May 2014 GOP primary runoff in Dallas County. Ortega, a legal U.S. resident but not a citizen, was sentenced to eight years in prison for illegal voting by a noncitizen.

According to records obtained under the Texas Public Information Act, the attorney general's office received two allegations of election fraud from the Secretary of State regarding the November 2016 general election. Three additional allegations of voter fraud during the general election were reported to the attorney general by voters or what the attorney general's office lists as "other."

The two allegations from the secretary of state's office involved "mail-in ballot violations" in Bee County and "unlawful entry into a ballot box" in McCulloch County, according to the records.

15 prosecutions

Nearly 9 million Texans voted in the 2016 general election.

Records show that the attorney general's office received more than 360 allegations of voter fraud between the 2012 primaries and July 2016, and prosecuted 15 cases.

Menendez said his attorneys currently are looking into the nondisclosure agreement to figure out "what it's going to take to get out of that deal." He could not share information about the number or type of complaints referred to the secretary of state' office, but said he did not see any information that alarmed him about the integrity of the state's election system.

"I don't see a problem of any magnitude," he said.
Just imagine the owner of a business deciding he doesn't like Donald Trump, so he's going to fire every Republican on his payroll and refuse to hire anybody else who's a registered member of the GOP.

If that happened, it would be an outrage. And yet, that's basically what most Texas voters decide when they cast their ballots in elections for everything from sheriffs to county judges to county clerks.

Instead of choosing individual candidates, more than 60 percent of Texans typically vote for a straight ticket. In Harris County last year, almost two-thirds of voters cast their ballots for either all Democrats or all Republicans. Under this system, some well-qualified elected officials - like experienced judges - inevitably get booted out of office while some nitwits end up on the public payroll simply because they had D's or R's next to their names.

Our state is in the minority on this practice. Texas is one of only 10 states that allow voters to cast a one-punch straight-ticket ballot, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. But a few of our top elected officials in Austin - including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Texas House Speaker Joe Straus and Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht - now agree that it's time to either limit or abandon that option. And state Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton has filed legislation to abolish it for all elections.

What's happened to criminal and civil court judges over the years exemplifies the problem with this system. In 1994, when Republicans led by Newt Gingrich took control of the U.S. House of Representatives, dozens of Democratic judges in Harris County were swept out of office just because they were unlucky enough to be members of the wrong party. Then in 2008, dozens of Republican judges lost their seats to Democrats riding President Obama's coattails. When partisan sweeps like these flush experienced judges off the bench, the real losers are residents who go to the courthouse seeking justice.

"When partisan politics is the driving force, and the political climate is as harsh as ours has become, judicial elections make judges more political, and judicial independence is the casualty," Hecht said earlier this month in his State of the Judiciary speech.

Of course, voting based upon party affiliation has the appeal of simplicity. When you vote straight-ticket, you're assuming - sometimes wrongly - that all of the candidates on the ballot from your party share roughly the same political philosophy. But you're also assuming all of those candidates are competent and honest, and history has taught us that's how a lot of fools and scoundrels wind up in powerful positions.

Dumping the one-punch straight-ticket option wouldn't solve this problem. Texans could still cast individual votes for every Democrat or every Republican on the ballot. But that would give voters an incentive to consider each candidate independently rather than lumping all of them together based solely on party affiliation.

And to be sure, it would also impose upon voters the responsibility to work their way through lengthy ballots. Political scientists we consulted say Republican voters are more likely than Democrats to complete long ballots, casting votes in every race no matter how long it takes at the polling place. One of the reasons our state's GOP leaders are talking about this issue may be that it could work to the advantage of Republicans in down-ballot races.

Nonetheless, it's important we voters consider each candidate individually based upon his or her own qualifications and positions on relevant issues. Straight-ticket voting is an abrogation of civic responsibility. Our state lawmakers should pass this legislation and our governor should sign it into law.

We're the bosses in this republic, and it's important we know exactly who we're hiring to run the government.
The ruling by investigators on Wednesday that the recent fire at a Victoria mosque was arson is a sober reminder that old-fashioned domestic terrorism is more of a threat to our safety than ISIS or al-Qaida or whatever brand of "radical Islamic terrorism" the White House identifies to justify its anti-Muslim agenda. Law enforcement at every level no doubt knows that, even though President Trump and his band of nativist advisers in the White House work to keep the focus on foreigners.

The 16-year-old Victoria Islamic Center was set ablaze two weeks ago, hours after the president signed his executive order barring refugees from entering the country and restricting travel from seven Muslim-majority countries. Investigators say they don't know who set the fire.

The mosque fire could be the work of some right-wing extremist hate group, although it's more likely an isolated incident perpetrated by a disturbed individual. Exercised by something he or she has read on the internet - or encouraged by a Tweet from the president - the individual decides to take action against the "other," in this case Muslims. Mental health treatment, not a nationwide Muslim ban, would likely be a more effective deterrent for such incidents.

Thankfully, the good people of Victoria went to great lengths to erase any sign of otherness that anyone might attach to their Muslim neighbors, who have been part of the community for decades even though their mosque is relatively new. Hundreds of Victorians donated money and expressed solidarity. The leaders of the local Jewish congregation gave the Islamic congregation the keys to their synagogue, so they could continue to worship while they rebuild. Local expressions of support are part of a worldwide outpouring, now more than $1 million from nearly a hundred countries.

"I never doubted the support that we were going to get," Dr. Shahid Hashmi, a surgeon and president of Victoria Islamic Center, told CNN. "We've always had a good relationship with the community here."

It shouldn't take a fire to remind us to express support for each other these days, particularly for neighbors who feel threatened by a reckless president with no regard for the venerable truth that words have consequences. Perhaps we'll soon learn to tune out Trump's anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim rhetoric, although we have to be ready to resist whenever his words, or his actions, actually threaten the vulnerable among us. One example: Trump may be about to modify a federal program aimed at combatting the range of extremist threats, instead re-focusing the program exclusively on Islamic extremists. With this action he would perpetuate the "alt-fact" that only Muslims are terrorists. He also would make it easier for hate groups in our midst to target Muslims and other groups they despise.

Trump and his chief adviser, alt-right champion Steve Bannon, need to hop aboard Air Force One and pay a visit to Victoria, a small Texas city where neighbors look out for neighbors. Their big-hearted response to the mosque fire suggests they have no time for hateful words, for scapegoating, for bigotry.
A senator's pick

Regarding "DeVos' confirmation spurs emotion on both sides in Texas" (Page A3, Wednesday), Sen. John Cornyn recently attributed his constituents' calls questioning the nomination of DeVos for education secretary to "a concerted campaign by the establishment to try to sink Ms. DeVos' nomination." I am not part of any political organization, left or right, and I strive to be informed by politically balanced sources of news.

This constituent's request for consideration and more information was motivated only by careful consideration and deep concern for the nominee's specific qualifications for secretary of education. I suspect many of those who shared their questions and concerns with their elected senator did so for similar, personal reasons, not because they were encouraged to do so by some "establishment."

Cornyn's effort to dismiss open discourse and inquiry on an independent consideration with which he may not agree feels dismissive and is concerning. In this time of polarization and weakened trust in public officials across the political spectrum, we look to Cornyn to lead by setting a better example of openness and respect to his constituents, whether he agrees with them or not.

Dean Slocum, Houston

Track record

The problem with DeVos as education secretary is that her primary contribution to Michigan's education system was the transfer of taxpayer money to for-profit interests at the expense of their students' future. Her charter school policy's purpose was to assist students in poorly performing districts.

Detroit's charter schools, in general, have been worse-performing than the public schools and demonstrate that her experiment is a failure. What we need is someone who can make things work, not one who is a demonstrable failure, whose only success is undermining Michigan's future.

Elizabeth Jensen, Spring

Qualifications

The crux of the Senate Democrat's rejection of Betsy DeVos for secretary of education is that neither she nor her children ever attended a public school and that she has never taken out a federal student loan. Are these grounds for a rejection? Really?

With that reasoning, I suppose you have to be dead to write an obituary.

Mike Gonzales, Houston
Missourians have spoken, and soon drivers in the state will be able to obtain a new license plate for their vehicles, celebrating Missouris bicentennial in 2021.

The new plate is the result of legislation sponsored by state Rep. Glen Kolkmeyer that was approved by the legislature and signed into law last year. The new plate will be unveiled during a ceremony at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the House Lounge, third floor of the state capitol building in Jefferson City.

The new plate was voted on by the public following public hearings held by the Bicentennial License Plate Advisory Committee to take input on the design. The new design, which will be available Jan. 1, 2019, will replace the current Missouri bluebird license plate. The new plate will give all Missourians an opportunity to join in the 200-year anniversary celebration for the Show-Me State in 2021.

I want to thank the advisory committee for their work, and the public for helping to select the final design, said Rep. Kolkmeyer, R-Odessa. The new plates will allow us to show our appreciation for our states rich history, and an opportunity to play an important role in promoting our bicentennial celebration.

The plate celebrates the bicentennial with elegant red waves at the top of the plate and blue waves at the bottom of the plate to symbolize our Missouri flag and Missouri rivers. The plate also has a greyscale state seal centered on the plate and features the words, Missouri Bicentennial 1821, a star, and 2021. All text is featured in navy blue, embossed and printed on an alluring white plate.

Rep. Kolkmeyer noted the State Historical Society of Missouri and its Bicentennial Planning Committee played a vital role in developing the new license place.

According to Gary Kremer, the State Historical Society of Missouris executive director, the License Plate Advisory Committee worked to find a design that represented the entire state. The waves in the bands of color represent a river, Kremer said. Rivers are an important symbol for Missouri, as waterways figured prominently in the states historic role as a gateway for American exploration and transportation.

The selected design also had the greatest readability when tested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The bicentennial design will replace the current Missouri bluebird license plate. State law requires the Department of Revenue to begin a full reissuance of license plates with the new plate design in January 2019. Personalized license plates, however, will not be affected by the reissue.

The legislation sponsored by Rep. Kolkmeyer, House Bill 2380, was approved by the General Assembly during the 2016 legislative session. The bill established the Advisory Committee to develop and approve a new motor vehicle license plate design commemorating the anniversary of statehood on Aug. 10, 2021. The committee held public meetings last year in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Poplar Bluff to gather input on the design.

Committee members included the director of the Department of Revenue, the superintendent of the Highway Patrol, the correctional enterprises administrator, the director of the Department of Transportation, the executive director of the state Historical Society of Missouri, and the respective chairpersons of both the Senate and House of Representatives Transportation Committees, Sen. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, and Rep. Kolkmeyer.
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Singapore Airlines (SIA) has refuted claims that its sick leave system is unfair.



Earlier this week, the airline was hit with accusations that its sick leave system discourages genuinely ill employees from taking medical leave.



The accusations came in the wake of a tragedy involving 38-year-old Singapore Airlines flight attendant, Vanessa Yeap, who was found dead in a San Francisco hotel room a few hours before she was due to depart on a return long-haul flight.



An SIA spokesperson has responded to the claims, telling The New Paper that employees who are given medical leave are encouraged to rest at home.



"Operating with an MC is a disciplinary lapse," he said.



The spokesman also reiterated their commitment to workplace health and safety and fair performance management systems.



"Although crew attendance is a component in the performance management process, we would like to emphasise that crew performance is measured across many other factors," he said.



MOM issued a statement on Monday 6 February, confirming that sick leave is "a basic protection" under the Employment Act.



The Ministry also urged all HR departments to clearly communicate their employment and work-related terms and benefits to employees to avoid misunderstanding.


Deb Parent has been an activist and feminist for more than 40 years, but it was the women's march in January that made her realize why she does what she does.

"[It's] probably what every feminist and organizer dreams of," she tells The Huffington Post Canada, as a reported 60,000 people came out to the Toronto's Women's March last month.

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Co-organizers Deb Parent and Kavita Dogra at the end of the rally at Nathan Phillips Square.

The 60-year-old self-defence instructor and DJ, originally from Ottawa, was part of a small group of organizers who witnessed one of the city's biggest protests.

"In 40 years of marching and protesting, it's the first time I ever used the word love at a rally," she says. "I was so moved that my community met me there... 60,000 people showed [us] this is what love looks like, this is what love sounds like."

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Deb Parent and organizers at the Toronto women's march in Toronto on Jan. 21.

Parent's activism is widespread. From working in provincial politics to a Toronto rape crisis centre to protesting for women's and gay rights over the years, she's been the face of social change in her local community.

But her true passion for activism started when she was 19. After coming out at the age of 12 in 1969, the same year of the Stonewall Riots in New York City, she joined the gay liberation movement in Ottawa with her lover.

"I was lucky enough to ride that wave of the gay liberation movement and one of my lovers in my late teens, Marie Robertson, was one of the first feminists that I have ever met."

Parent and Robertson protesting in 1977 after the CBC released a public policy on airing controversial content.

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And with such a positive response following the march, Parent and her team are working on several events in March, including one for International Women's Day.

"I think this is what the revolution looks like. The revolution may not be televised but it's going to be digitized for sure."

In our new series 1 Canadian You Need To Know, we profile Canadians who are advocating for change, setting trends and thinking way outside the box. If you have someone in mind, reach out to us at CanadaLiving@huffingtonpost.com

Also on HuffPost
One of the worlds big three credit rating agencies is warning that President Donald Trumps policies could spark a global economic crisis.

In a statement issued Friday, Fitch Ratings said the Trump administration represents a risk to international economic conditions and to the financial stability of governments around the world.

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While noting that some parts of Trumps agenda would be positive for economic growth, the agency said Trumps open hostility towards certain nations and trade agreements poses a risk for many countries that rely in part on the U.S.

Canada would be one of the most affected countries in a Trump-fueled crisis, Fitch said, along with China, Germany, Japan and Mexico.

The administration has abandoned the Trans-Pacific Partnership, confirmed a pending renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, rebuked U.S. companies that invest abroad, while threatening financial penalties for companies that do so, and accused a number of countries of manipulating exchange rates to the U.S.'s disadvantage, Fitch noted.

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Because national economies have become more integrated in the age of globalization, any moves the U.S. makes to limit trade with one country will have cascading effects touching many other countries, Fitch said.

Trumps immigration crackdown could also damage the global economy, particularly developing countries, because of remittances  the practice of immigrants sending money to their home countries. The flow of immigrant money from the U.S. to Mexico is the largest of its kind in the world, Fitch noted.

The ratings agency is by no means the only authoritative voice out there sounding the alarm about the Trump administration.

European Central Bank president Mario Draghi said earlier this week that if the Trump administration were to loosen bank regulations, as it is now considering doing, it would sow the seeds of the next financial crisis.

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"The last thing we need at this point in time is the relaxation of regulation," Draghi told the European Parliament's economic committee. "The idea of repeating the conditions that were in place before the crisis is something that is very worrisome."

But that stands in contrast to Fitch Ratings own take, which is that the proposed bank deregulations are one of the positives in Trumps agenda.

Other economists, such as Nobel winner Robert Shiller, have suggested that Trumps promises of lower corporate taxes and deregulation have created a frenzy in the financial markets, setting the stage for a 1929-like crash.

Also on HuffPost
French investigators said Thursday that the police officers in Paris who sodomized a young black man with a baton did so accidentally, and that the incident does not constitute rape.

The 22-year-old youth worker, identified only as Theo, says a group of four police officers physically and sexually assaulted him on Feb. 2. He says he confronted the officers after seeing one of them slap a young person during an identity check. Then, Theo says, the officers took him around the corner and sodomized him with a truncheon, spit on him, beat his genitals and called him names, including negro and bitch.

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Theo suffered severe anal and facial injuries during the incident, parts of which were captured on video. He was immediately taken to the hospital for an emergency surgery. French Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux announced Sunday that each of the four officers has been charged with aggravated assault, and one was charged with rape.

Police have claimed Theos pants slipped down on their own and his wounds were sustained accidentally, according to French media reports. An early investigation by Frances national police force concluded that the incident, while very serious, was not a rape due to the unintentional character of the officers actions.

Video shows an officer applying a truncheon blow horizontally across [Theos] buttocks, a police source told The Local. While investigators acknowledge that Theo was penetrated, they say it was unintended.

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Huge demonstrations against police brutality and racism have spread through Paris Aulnay-sous-Bois suburb and surrounding communities in the week since the incident. Cars were set ablaze in the streets and dozens of people were arrested as protesters clashed with law enforcement night after night.

Theo and his family are urging the community to act peacefully.

I would like to ask the residents of my neighborhood to calm down. I ask them to stop the hostilities because I love my city, and I want to find it the way I left it, Theo told the French news station BFMTV from his hospital bed this week. Violence is not the way to support me. Justice will do its job.

Aulnay-sous-Bois Mayor Bruno Beschizza reiterated Theos pleas in a Facebook post on Thursday.

The call for calm launched by Theo before yesterday was heard. But tensions remain palpable, he wrote. Justice must be able to work in complete transparency and in complete serenity.

Theo a reagi avec dignite et responsabilite. La justice a ete saisie, il faut lui faire confiance. Elle ira jusqu'au bout. pic.twitter.com/YRlpdFXII6  Francois Hollande (@fhollande) February 7, 2017

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French President Francois Hollande visited Theo in the hospital on Tuesday, later tweeting that Theo reacted with dignity and responsibility and that justice has been seized.

Others on social media are using the hashtag #JusticePourTheo (Justice For Theo) to express their support and outrage.

The world is praying for you Theo #JusticeForTheo#Paris#France     Afsana (@AfsanaAbdul) February 6, 2017

Comment tu peux te regarder dans un miroir en jugeant un viole "d'accident" ? C'est le pire acte au monde #justicefortheo#justicepourtheo  hold on (@SonyaOdfall) February 9, 2017

The above tweet reads: How can you look at yourself in a mirror in judging an [alleged] rape as an accident? Its the worst act in the world. #justicefortheo #justicepourtheo

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male r*pe is something that our society often ignores and let it go unnoticed. please do not remain silent. #justicefortheo  rihab (@miselizajne) February 9, 2017

Police brutality is not just an issue in the us, it doesn't know boundaries. Please do not ignore this horrible crime #JUSTICEFORTHEO  sascha (@obviouslysascha) February 9, 2017
On Thursday, news broke that George Clooney is going to become a first-time father! But while the 55-year-old actor is expecting twins with his wife Amal, he didnt always want to have children.

I think its the most responsible thing you can do, to have kids. Its not something to be taken lightly, Clooney told People magazine in 2006. I dont have that gene that people have to replicate. But everything in my life has changed over time.

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From this interview, its clear that Clooney has always kept an open mind about having kids. And were guessing his big change of heart came about thanks to his lady love.

George and Amal Clooney attend the MPTF 95th anniversary celebration in October 2016 in Los Angeles, California.

The Money Monster star waved goodbye to bachelorhood in 2014 when he finally tied the knot with Amal during an intimate ceremony in Venice, Italy.

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A year later, he gushed to People magazine about his marriage, saying: All I know is that it sort of changed everything in terms of what I thought my future  my personal future  was going to be. Ive always been an optimist about the world. I wasnt always completely optimistic about how it was going to work out personally for me. But now I am.

Following his marriage, Clooney continued to keep his home life private, but in 2015, he revealed that he hadnt ruled out kids completely  they just werent his priority.

Ive thought about it I suppose, but I havent really  it hasnt been high on my list, he said in an interview on CBS This Morning.

Now that Clooney and Amals baby news has been revealed, a source close to the couple told People magazine that theyre all very happy.

Matt Damon also admitted on The Today Show that the actor will be a great father.

Those kids are really lucky, he said. [Amal is] spectacular Hell be great. Hes so smart, hes so loving. Hes going to be great.

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"Those kids are really lucky" Watch Matt Damon react to his pal George Clooney's baby news: https://t.co/zam6q2mDmIpic.twitter.com/XozUNiy9cY  TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 10, 2017

George Clooney isnt the only celebrity to change his mind about having kids. Flip through the slideshow below to find out who else did, too.
Anytime someone calls Black History Month ridiculous, theyre met with immediate backlash (as they should). But in a throwback video, Morgan Freeman makes an argument for why we should re-think our position on that statement.

You're going to relegate my history to a month? the 79-year-old actor said during a 60 Minutes interview in 2005. I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history.

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The Oscar-winning actors beliefs reiterate those of historian Carter G. Woodson, also known as the Father of Black History Month.

Woodson dedicated his career to making sure African-American history was taught and studied after he noticed black people were poorly underrepresented in school lessons and books. In 1915, he founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) and, 11 years later, created Negro History Week, which eventually expanded to become Black History Month.

Explaining why studying black history is so important, Woodson said, If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.

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Woodson hoped that black history and American history would one day become integral to each other, thus ending Black History Month altogether. However, the U.S., Canada and a number of other countries still continue to celebrate Black History Month every February to this day.

S/O to the homie Carter G. Woodson without you there'd be no #BlackHistoryMonthpic.twitter.com/ypWFiWgwBa  laron (@Iam_laron) February 1, 2017

In the throwback video, Freemans frustration regarding this fact is clear as he notes theres no white history month. (And we would argue that white people are celebrated every day so they don't need a month.)

When 60 Minutes host Mike Wallace opposed the actors views and asked how racism can end without the dedicated month, Freeman responded with a simple answer.

Stop talking about it, he said. Im going to stop calling you a white man, and Im going to ask you to stop calling me a black man.

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However, many still believe that black history and accomplishments need to be recognized before skin colour can be ignored.

Last year, Whoopi Goldberg made this perfectly clear on The View when she said: [Black history is] not taught as it pertains to America. American history holds all of us but we're not all treated like Americans.

And, as many of us know, black people still face an abundance of racism and unfair treatment from the police to the courts, not to mention the daily prejudice they face from strangers and online trolls.
A Nova Scotia mansion on the market is generating a lot of interest from buyers across Canada  probably because the 7,000 sq.-ft. home can be purchased for less than what many pay for a cramped condo in some major Canadian cities.

The Mounce Mansion, located in Nova Scotia's scenic Annapolis Valley, has been on the market for just five days, but has already attracted interested buyers from as far away as B.C., realtor Wanda Graves told The Huffington Post Canada.

"It's a property that's breathing on its own," said Graves, chuckling.

"We are so surprised with the amount of interest it's created and how it's taken off online."

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Graves listed the house Monday, and posted the details to the Eastern Valley Real Estate Facebook page later that day.

The post has gone wildly viral, she said, and visits to the Eastern Valley Real Estate website are through the roof.

With all those clicks come interest, and Graves said she's already booked solid with back-to-back showings over the weekend.

Take a tour of the Mounce Mansion. Story continues below:

Mounce Mansion For Sale In Nova Scotia See Gallery

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The seven-bedroom, three-bathroom house sits on three acres of land overlooking the Avon River. And the sheer size of the house, combined with a large property, is a steal of a deal with an asking price of $434,900.

"I think a lot of people are comparing it with their markets  it's a lot more house and land for the price than what you get in some of Canada's bigger (real estate) markets," said Graves of the interested buyers flying in from Toronto and B.C. to tour the property this weekend.

The 107-year-old home not only comes with ornate hand-carved woodwork, original decorative wall murals, and a butler's pantry  it also has a rich Maritime backstory.

According to the Avon River Heritage Society, the house was a gift from Thomas Mounce to his new bride Annie Mosher in 1909. It was built by local shipbuilders, and the couple styled rooms based on the countries they toured while on their two-year honeymoon.

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Graves said some updates  mostly to the kitchen and bathrooms  were done in the 1980s. But much of the home remains in its original condition.

As for the home's potential, Graves said it would make a lovely space for a family. She says people have also inquired about turning it into a bed and breakfast, wedding venue or retail space.

For comparison, here's what $434,900 will buy in large Canadian cities:

In Vancouver, you can buy this 883 sq-ft. condo, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms:

In Calgary, this 1104 sq.-ft, three-bedroom, three-bathroom house could be yours:

In Montreal, you could own this three-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex:

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And in Toronto, you could buy this one-bedroom, one-bathroom loft:
New Democrats are accusing the prime minister of spreading his own alternative facts when it comes to the abandoned Liberal pledge to reform Canadas voting system.

NDP House Leader Murray Rankin used the phrase, coined by an adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, in question period Friday. Rankin was responding to comments Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the night before in Iqaluit that appeared to place some blame on New Democrats for his about-face on electoral reform.

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Trudeau told a woman there that the NDP was absolutely locked into proportional representation, no matter what, at any cost, and unwilling to compromise. The prime minister warned such a system would elevate fringe voices in the House of Commons.

Rankin called Trudeaus remarks a desperate pivot.

Do the Liberals not understand that blaming everyone else for their broken promises is exactly what breeds cynicism in politics? he asked.

Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould did not address her boss comments directly, but said it was her job to improve, enhance and secure Canadas democracy.

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Its the job of members of Parliament, she suggested, to combat cynicism and encourage participation.

Rankin: Was PM asleep for 10 years?

Moments earlier, Rankin also accused the prime minister of suggesting proportional representation would lead to a more right-wing government.

My question is simple: was the prime minister asleep during the 10 years Stephen Harper was in power? he asked.

Trudeau had actually warned a party led by the likes of controversial Tory leadership contender Kellie Leitch could, under a PR system, hold the balance of power with about 20 seats.

While Tories have largely fallen silent on the electoral reform file  an issue destined to be overshadowed next week by Trudeaus first visit with Trump  New Democrats have raised the issue in question periods all week.

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NDP democratic reform critic Nathan Cullen got heated with Trudeau in question period Monday while reminding the prime minister how, mere weeks before scrapping the pledge, he said that walking away would not reflect how he was raised.

"Youd think the prime minister would at least have the decency to blush when he's breaking his promise to Canadians so blatantly, and he could at least take that slightly smug look off his face, Cullen said.

Cullen was not in question period Friday but shared his thoughts on Facebook.

Trudeau's excuse for breaking his promise on electoral reform is absolute garbage, Cullen wrote.

Donald Trump got elected under first-past-the-post so Trudeau's fear-mongering about 'fringe' or extreme groups winning under PR is bunk.

Trudeau's excuse for breaking his promise on electoral reform is absolute garbage. Donald trump got elected under... Posted by Nathan Cullen on Friday, 10 February 2017

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With files from The Canadian Press

Also on HuffPost
So proud of my awesome mama and her passion for this project. It is so nice to see these wonderful, talented women in roles just as dynamic as they are. #biglittlelies 

A photo posted by Ava Phillippe (@avaphillippe) on Feb 7, 2017 at 11:57pm PST
Getting through the news cycle these days can leave many adults feeling mentally exhausted, but for curious children, it can mean many unanswered questions.

Children can get their news from all kinds of sources, but Dr. Jillian Roberts, author and associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Victoria, says there is a right time to bring up topics like shootings, terrorism and hate.

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"With a young child, I would tend to address these topics only if they child brought them up," she tells The Huffington Post Canada.

"With an older child, I would engage in a thoughtful conversation about them in response to current events."

And when you are having these conversations, ones that can be emotional and difficult, it's always important to remind children of their safety.

It's also just as important to teach children about hate and racism, as well as teaching them how to stand up for others who are being bullied.

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Below, Roberts goes through some common questions parents may have about these discussion topics and how to bring them up with your kids.

Talking about violent news and protests in general: If you're wondering whether you should bring up topics like terror attacks at home or mass shootings with your children, Roberts says it really depends on the child.

"It would depend on the age of the child, and it would also depend on the personality and temperament of individual children. As a general rule, I would not recommend bringing it up to young children under the age of 10," she says.

"However, if your child should see something online or on the news, you would want to make sure that you gave them a chance to ask any questions they might have. You would also want to make sure that your child felt safe and secure.

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Talking to children over 10 about these topics: "An older child, like over 10, would likely be hearing about attacks from other children or on the news. With these children, you would want to make sure that they too had a chance to ask any questions they might have," she says.

Roberts says you may want to explain socio-cultural and historical context surrounding events, ensuring the kids still feel safe and secure.

Should young children watch the news? Roberts doesn't recommend this idea  in fact, she believes it's way too much information for young kids.

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If you have older children, watching the news with them may be a good idea, especially if they have follow-up questions.

What to do if your child is scared of being bullied: "I would encourage parents to discuss Canadian values," Roberts says. "We live in a proudly multicultural and diverse Canadian society... being bullied for being Muslim, for example, is wrong."

It's also important to teach kids how to be advocates here, especially how to help someone who is being bullied.

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If your child brings up U.S. President Donald Trump: "I would address this topic if a child were to bring it up. I would explain that the new president of the United States has different values than we do as Canadians and that many people around the world are worried about what is happening in the United States," Roberts says.

But more importantly, ask if your child feels worried.

"Talk about advocacy. Talk about ways the child can be an advocate for peace and inclusion at school and on the playground."

The consequences of not talking about the news with children: "A real significant consequence is that you miss the opportunity to connect and engage with your child," Roberts says.

"If your child does not feel connected and engaged with you, that child may turn to other sources of information to explore their questions and concerns."

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Should I bring my child to a protest? "I think it is important to stand up for the values that we hold dear as Canadians. Sitting back and doing nothing is a very passive stance," she says.

Thinking about issues thoughtfully and participating in community activism is a way of teaching children how to be strong, resilient and empowered, she adds.

Also on HuffPost
After days of speculation and rumours, the first official meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump has been scheduled. To say there is much anticipation would be understatement. The meeting comes in a moment of great uncertainty for the relationship between the two countries, as the new U.S. administration has called into question some of the very underpinnings of Canada's deepest partnership.

Of particularly grave concern is the fact that President Trump has rapidly undertaken to translate some of his most toxic campaign rhetoric into official policy. Some of those policies and positions blatantly undermine fundamental human rights. Others go further, directly violating of international law. Canadians have been aghast at these developments and have taken to the streets and social media in unprecedented numbers.

The high level of cooperation between Canada and the United States over many decades has deeply intertwined our two countries and preserving Canada's long-held partnership with the United States will no doubt be at the top of Prime Minister Trudeau's to-do list in Washington.

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But he must be clear in sharing the message that mutual observance and commitment to upholding human rights must be at the very centre of the special bond between Canada and the United States. Worryingly, President Trump has so far given much reason to believe that regard for human rights is not high on his own to-do list.

These are six areas where the prime minister must remind the President of the crucial human rights obligations that must be respected in the US/Canada relationship:

Refugee Protection.

Prime Minister Trudeau must press President Trump to withdraw his Executive Orders suspending refugee resettlement and banning nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries entry into the United States.

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If the President fails to do so, and to refrain from any further measures with respect to refugee and immigration policy that do not meet international standards, the prime minister must inform President Trump that Canada will have no choice but to suspend and ultimately withdraw from the Canada/US 'safe third country' refugee agreement.

Women's Human Rights.

As a prime minister who has embraced feminism and promoted women's rights, Justin Trudeau must ask President Trump to withdraw the so-called Global Gag Rule, which prohibits any organization receiving health assistance funding from the U.S. government from providing abortion services, information, counseling, or referrals, and from engaging in advocacy for access to safe abortion services.

The policy dangerously violates the sexual and reproductive rights of women world wide, as well as their very health and lives. It also violates international development agreements signed by the US.

National Security and Torture.

Since the U.S. election, President Trump has frequently expressed strong support for the use of torture and his belief that it is an effective tactic in protecting national security.

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It is crucial that Prime Minister Trudeau convey a clear message that Canada is absolutely opposed to the use of torture in all circumstances and that the unconditional prohibition of torture is enshrined in numerous international treaties.

Further, Prime Minister Trudeau must underscore that any moves to allow for use of torture by U.S. security agencies would pose a serious obstacle to the security and intelligence relationships that exist between our two countries.

The Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Amnesty International has closely followed the concerns of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and associated widespread protests with respect to the Dakota Access Pipeline. Any decisions with respect to the pipeline and the route it will follow must be based on the free, prior and informed consent of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Noting that both countries have far to go in ensuring that the rights of Indigenous peoples are consistently protected and upheld, the prime minister must impress upon President Trump the importance of rescinding his Executive Order directing construction of the pipeline to proceed. The Environmental Impact Statement review mandated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must be allowed to unfold without interference.

Human Rights Defenders and the Right to Peaceful Protest and Dissent.

Around the world and in the United States, calls for stronger human rights protection are increasingly met with attacks against human rights defenders and civil society. Human rights defenders who speak out and peacefully protest are increasingly being met with excessive, unnecessary and often highly militarized force.

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In this context, the prime minister must urge President Trump to respect the right of human rights defenders in the United States to peaceful protest and dissent, and use his influence to protect human rights defenders in other countries.

"The eyes of the world will be upon Prime Minister Trudeau during this visit."

Trade, Business and Human Rights.

President Trump has made it crystal clear that he intends to reopen the North American Free Trade Agreement. Prime Minister Trudeau should inform the U.S. President that Canada intends to ensure human rights protections and corporate accountability mechanisms are made central to bilateral trade policy matters between Canada and the United States.

That would include ensuring that any revised trade agreement is subject to a credible, independent human rights impact assessment, as recommended by UN experts, before and after implementation.

The eyes of the world will be upon Prime Minister Trudeau during this visit, as the international community increasingly looks to Canada for human rights leadership in a time when it is in distressingly short supply. Now is not the time to equivocate or appease; now is the time to be clear and uncompromising about the essential value of upholding all human rights.

That is the leadership that Canadians and so many other worried citizens of our shared global community are looking for at this time.

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When the Conservative party elects a new leader, it will be an important decision for the party's future. Should the membership decide that reality TV star Kevin O'Leary is the best choice to carry the party forward, they will have to contend with the party's own past. Attack ads against O'Leary have already been written, and they're quite effective. Problem is, the Conservatives wrote them.

When the time comes to campaign against a Conservative party lead by O'Leary, the Liberal party war room won't need late nights and bad take out to get by. Conservative strategists have already extolled everything wrong with a leader like O'Leary. When they did it they just happened to be talking about Stephane Dion, Michael Ignatieff, and Justin Trudeau.

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When running as Liberal leader, Stephane Dion put forward a strategy for addressing climate change called the "Green Shift." Conservative attack ads at the time lampooned Dion for raising the price of everything with his carbon tax. Jurisdictions both in Canada and abroad eventually endorsed such a program to combat climate change.

None, however, have gone as far as O'Leary by proposing that companies that don't reduce emissions "go to jail." While the law and order approach normally appeals to Conservatives, the environmental motive is one they have actively campaigned against.

Speaking of green, O'Leary has made it clear that he supports the legalization of marijuana. Good for him -- so do I -- still, it will be hard for the Conservatives to portray the prime minister as Canada's dealer-in-chief if O'Leary is holding the rolling papers.

Much has been made about O'Leary's residency and great affection for the city of Boston. Say what you want about Ignatieff -- Conservatives certainly did -- Iggy came back. The Toronto Star recently revealed, win or lose, O'Leary may not even do that much. Also, if we want to talk about why each man was in Boston, I think most would say the Harvard professor at the Kennedy School of Government is more qualified than the money man turned reality TV star.

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During the federal election in 2015, you may have heard Conservatives suggest that Justin Trudeau was not ready. By "may have" I mean people living on the far side of the moon likely caught the infamous "Just Not Ready" ads. If the Conservatives didn't think Trudeau's seven years as an MP, and two years as party leader were enough experience, what does that say about O'Leary's zero years of experience at either?

Yes, O'Leary has business experience -- of debatable merit -- however government is not a business. Economics clearly play a critical role for any government, so to does the day to day lives of Canadians. Something not easily measured solely by profit and loss. Without any record of public service to judge him on O'Leary is lacking experience where it matters most for anyone looking to lead this country.

Electing Kevin O'Leary as their leader would put the Conservative party on the defensive immediately, as reporters and politicians alike rightfully question the apparent hypocrisy in electing an inexperienced limelight lover from Boston. As we saw last week, the Conservative party had issues with hypocrisy on an individual scale. They should avoid sanctioning hypocrisy as a party plank, by electing someone their own ads have already made a case against.

Conservatives deserve a leader who speaks to their values, who has the experience needed to serve as party leader, and who can present a realistic alternative to Trudeau as prime minister. Kevin O'Leary is none of those things, and Conservatives have already shown they know that.

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DragonImages via Getty Images Closed door of hotel room with please do not disturb sign

With plush bedding, velvety bathrobes and bathtubs for two, hotels provide the perfect excuse for a steamy weekend away. And, with the next installment of Fifty Shades of Grey hitting the screens, some couples will be jonesing for a naughty night on the town. To cater to those adventurous souls who want to take it a step further, some hotels now offer small kits, quite often right in the minibar, that will put some added spice into a stay.

What is a kit like this, you ask? Think anything designed to make a night with your significant (or insignificant) other that much spicier. Running the gamut from condoms to kink, these kits are a surefire way to heat up your hotel experience. So, whether you forgot to pack your own toys before takeoff or youre gearing up for Fifty Shades Darker, theres no time like the present to explore the sexier side of the hotel minibar.

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While The Drake Hotel in Toronto is thought to have pioneered this type of offering (with a pleasure menu of curated items from local sex shop Come As You Are), more and more hotels are adding this sexy amenity to their roster.

To give you a peek at some of the eye-popping items on offer, Cheapflights.ca has unwrapped (literally) a selection of sexy kits from hotels around the world filled with accessories ranging from the risque to the romantic to the downright personal.

Hotel Max, Seattle, Washington

If you're a fan of the "Fifty Shades" books, Seattle may be just the destination for you to get in touch with your inner Christian Grey. And Hotel Max, with its in-room Crosley Record players and daily complimentary craft beer happy hour, is certainly a grown-up place to play, especially if you opt to try the Bunnyjuice Lovekits. With kits for him (wildhare) and her (wildbunny) that include condoms, lubricant and a male massager for him or mini-vibrator for her, Hotel Max makes it easy and discreet for anyone to spice up a stay in Seattle.

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Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria, British Columbia

If youre looking for a relaxing getaway with your S.O., the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, British Columbia, may be just the thing. With in-room spa treatments, including couples massages, and farm-to-table dining and local vintage wines with a waterfront view, romance is key. Throughout February, take advantage of the Inns many romantic specials, including the Naughty Romance package, which includes a bottle of The Velvet Devil merlot, a rose-petal covered bed, breakfast delivery, late check out and an Indulgences Pocket Pleasure kit by Jimmyjane, which contains a feather tickler, a mini vibrator, two condoms, lubricant and a love decoder game. The kit is only available as part of the package, but the hotels Month of Love celebration also features love quotes placed on guest room pillows, a signature Love Potion cocktail and a Love Board in the hotel lobby, where guests can post their own love notes.

Absalon Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark

Located in the centre of Copenhagens lively Vesterboro neighbourhood, the Absalon Hotel is close to shops, bars and galleries. Rent a bike from reception and explore the city like a local before returning to a warm and welcoming respite where couples can find romance in luxe guestrooms decked in rich purples. Take advantage of the Valentine Timeout package, which includes petit fours, sparkling wine, a breakfast buffet and the hotels Lovebag, a kit that contains two condoms, lubricant, massage oil, a vibrating ring, a tickler and a blindfold. The kit can also be purchased individually for DKK 150 (CA $28).

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Mama Shelter, Lyon, France

Mama Shelter may be one of the coolest hotels out there - modern and lively, colourful and sexy. While there are locations in six cities around the world, the Lyon, France, location is one of a kind. An in-room iMac offers free movies on demand as well as access to AirPlay, Skype and a video or photo booth - perfect, since guestrooms include fun, cartoon masks of characters from Batman to Tweety Bird. Also setting this hotel apart is the "Sexy Mama Box." The box costs 39 (CA $55) and contains two sexy dice games, a feather duster, three condoms, foam lubricant, a vibrating ring and massage oil. You can order the box on the hotel's website, as well as in display cases at reception (confirm prior to your stay, as they are popular).

Hotel Pelirocco, Brighton, England

Hotel Pelirocco - Englands most rock n roll hotel - is a boutique accommodation with a sexy twist. Close to the seafront and within walking distance to the towns centre, this Brighton, England, hotel is a great jumping off point for exploring the city. But its also an entertaining destination in its own right. Every aspect of a stay, from the rich colours and textures of the 19 individually themed rooms to in-room massages and boudoir photo shoot opportunities, exudes sex appeal. So too does the range of available kits. Plural. Hotel Pelirocco offers a menu of options from Koibito. The six love hampers range in price from 25 - 250 (CA $41 - $408) and are all named after songs. Think Like a Virgin, Sexy MF and Slave to Love among others. Pictured is the Easy Does It, which includes massage oil, lubricant, a mini vibrator, condoms, a feather tickler and a sexy origami game and costs 24 (CA $39.25).

To get the inside scoop on 10 more sexy amenity kits, go here.
CreVis2 via Getty Images Blood cell is attacked by bacteria and viruses

With files from Stefanie Glinski

Already in the grips of an impending famine, fragile Somalia can't handle much more. But while hunger rates grab news headlines, there is a much quieter killer at work: tuberculosis. TB is one of the top ten causes of death globally, and Somalia is estimated to have one of the highest incidence rates in the world.

Meanwhile, here in Canada, it's International Development Week. It's a chance to highlight and celebrate all the good work Canada has done globally. I find this difficult.

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Maybe it's the cynic in me, or perhaps it's everything that's going on in the world, including famines, refugee crises and various conflicts. I'd find it much easier to talk about what Canada isn't doing or how our country should do more to help those in need.

That was until I heard about Molit.

The tell-tale cough

Eight-year-old Molit is a boy in Somalia who contracted TB. Dressed in an oversized yellow t-shirt, he was sitting patiently between his parents and little brother. All of them had been infected and were waiting to be treated.

It was a few months ago, when Molit first started coughing. After weeks of feeling unwell, both he and his four-year-old brother Ali developed a fever.

"I was very scared," said Molit. "People in my village sometimes die and with my cough, I thought I could be next."

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Photo: World Vision

With barely any food in the house due to failed rain, as well as increasing prices at the market, Molit's father Said quickly decided that going to the hospital would be the children's only chance of survival. He didn't know then that both he and his wife had also contracted TB.

"We would never be able to afford treatment," Said explained. "We heard that we might receive free healthcare, so it was worth the risk."

Life-or-death decision

Somalia is one of the most fragile countries in the world. Violence is rampant and food is scarce, so the risks involved in getting his two sick children to the hospital were very real.

Not knowing if they would even have a place to stay when they got there, Molit's family walked for several days, holding on to the slightest possibility that they might be treated. Luckily, what they heard was true.

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"Ever since we've arrived here and our test results were positive, we have been cared for well. For the past two months, we have been living in the hospital, and we will be here until our treatment is completed", said Said.

Molit says he doesn't like the treatment but he's used to it because it's become habit. "The pills are big and I don't like taking them, but I know they will make me healthy again," he added. Even four-year-old Ali now swallows the pills confidently.

Small yet remarkable

It's this morning medical routine that gets me excited about the small, yet remarkable things Canadian aid can do. With the support from the Canadian Government, World Vision has created a holistic TB program that sees incredible results thanks to its built-in accountability measures.

This careful attention has become a critical part of the TB treatment in Somalia. Instead of handing out medication and sending people on their way, daily check-ins to make sure pills are taken keeps patients from defaulting on their treatment.

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Photo: World Vision

"We have a success rate of 88 per cent and, in the past year, have even successfully treated 240 cases of multi-drug-resistant TB," explained Dr. Hergeye, the hospital's leading physician. That wouldn't be possible without walking alongside patients every day.

Dr. Hargeye knows that many people walk far distances to get to hospitals. "That's why we want to expand our work here with World Vision," he said. "Instead of only treating patients at the hospital, we want to go into the village and find more TB cases through screening processes. It's all about being proactive."

An intervention as simple as caring for a vulnerable family while they take their medication is worth celebrating this International Development Week. TB might be a hidden killer, but human interactions like these prevent it from becoming a crisis.
By Kevin Perkins

Taking place annually on February 13, World Radio Day was established by the UN in 2012. Why dedicate a special day to celebrate a century-old technology in a new era of digital gadgets and applications? Because radio is still relevant and powerful. And, in some parts of the world, it is the medium that people rely on most.

Radio in Canada: A part of who we are

Canada has a special relationship with radio. For many of us, our CBC Radio is embedded in our sense of who we are, especially considering that it came to be as a response to the growing influence of American radio and the desire to protect Canada's unique culture and identity.

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This is especially true for Canadians with a farming background. It was clear in the early days of the CBC how powerful radio could be in helping Canada's farmers, struggling in the wake of the Great Depression. Radio presented an efficient way to reach remote communities with helpful information.

The CBC started airing farming programs in 1939, three years after it was established in 1936. Two years later it established the Farm Radio Forum, a national rural listening group project that saw neighbouring farmers gather to listen, review materials, and discuss the agricultural issues of the day.

Good ideas have a way of spreading, and it was not long before India, Ghana, and France adopted the Canadian Farm Radio Forum model, too. In Canada, the Forum continued until 1965.

Making radio work for farmers of the world

It is fitting then that the only international NGO dedicated to serving African farmers over the radio is a Canadian charity set up by a former CBC farm radio broadcaster. In 1975, a fellow by the name of George Atkins was invited to run a workshop in Zambia for a group of African farm radio broadcasters. It was on that trip that he had an idea that would go on to transform farm radio on the continent.

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While chatting with his African colleagues on a bumpy bus ride to a local farm, George asked a colleague from Sierra Leone about his next broadcast, and was astonished to learn that it would be about tractors. He asked how many farmers within the station's broadcast range might have a tractor. The answer? About 10 in 800,000.

At that time, African farm broadcasters simply did not have access to locally relevant agricultural information and resources and were basing their broadcasts on European and North American radio scripts, which reflected a completely different reality.

And so George took a year off and traveled the world on the hunt for low-cost, environmentally friendly ways to improve agricultural production in resource-poor environments. Upon his return to Canada, he started creating radio scripts designed to be useful for small-scale farmers in developing countries.

In 1979, he established the Developing Countries Farm Radio Network and sent the first package of scripts by mail to 34 participating broadcasters in 26 countries. Now known as Farm Radio International, its work is focused specifically in sub-Saharan Africa, where it works with more than 650 radio partners in 40 countries to fight poverty and food insecurity over the airwaves.

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The power of radio in Africa

With more than half of the global population still not connected to the internet, radio continues to be the world's most accessible mass medium. Indeed, in the rural African communities served by our broadcasting partners, it's the communication tool that people count on most.

Why? It reaches remote communities that development workers and agricultural extension agents struggle to visit. Broadcasts are in local languages that people understand, and listeners need not be literate to benefit from them. Radio appeals to people young and old, male and female. It is portable, and can be used in transit or while working the fields or caring for children at home. And it can provide crucial, life-enriching information to those who need it most.

In my work with Farm Radio International, I've seen how central radio is to life in rural Africa and how high-quality, farmer-centered radio programs can help people grow more and better food for their families and communities.

Taking radio to the next level

Mobile phones are ushering in a whole new era of interactive radio in rural Africa, making it easier than ever to engage listeners in a conversation. Mobile technologies enable listeners to ask questions, share feedback, be interviewed, and participate in polls. This is not your grandpa's radio; in today's world, radio is a two-way communication tool.

Taking radio to the next level is the focus of our team at The Hangar, our radio and ICT innovation lab in Arusha, Tanzania. In partnership with VOTO Mobile, and with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we developed a web-based application to gather feedback from listeners via mobile phones and analyze it in real time. It's called Uliza, Swahili for "to ask," and we use it in our projects to help broadcasters and development partners better understand the rural communities they are meant to serve.

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Celebrating radio

As George Atkins understood well, radio is best when it puts listeners front and centre. The theme of the 6th annual World Radio Day is Radio is You!, highlighting the importance of listeners themselves to good radio.

To celebrate World Radio Day, we're running a special World Radio Day Uliza poll, helping broadcasters around the world learn about their listeners. The poll results will be shared in real time through the World Radio Day website. Visit the site to watch the results coming in live and to get information how you can participate in the poll to share how and why you use radio.

Kevin Perkins is the executive director of Canadian NGO Farm Radio International. Based in Ottawa with regional offices across Africa, it is the only international charity dedicated exclusively to serving African farming families and communities through radio. To learn more, visit www.farmradio.org.

The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of CCIC or its members.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this blog indicated that World Radio Day was established by UNESCO in 2011. World Radio Day was established by the UN in 2012.

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Toronto police chief Mark Saunders just put out a "you can't fire me because I quit" press release announcing "I have decided the Toronto Police Service will not participate, this year, in the Pride Parade."

This "decision" comes in the wake of Pride Toronto's Annual General Meeting in January during which the majority voted to adopt all of the demands made by Black Lives Matter -- Toronto during their brief sit-down protest last year, including banning police floats but, despite claims to the contrary, not individual LGBTQ police officers.

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Even more frustrating, however, was that the rest of the police chief's letter was similarly oblivious to the reason why they were uninvited.

"We have made great strides with the LGBTQ communities. It's an inclusive relationship I'm proud of and I know the men and women of the Service feel the same way," Saunders wrote, blaming the fact that "LGBTQ communities are divided" without accepting any responsibility for that division.

Then there's Toronto Mayor John Tory's latest statement expressing his disappointment and frustration while pretending that Pride hadn't already made this decision for the police. Notably, he thanked the police for "how far they have come in their relationship with the LGBTQ2S communities" and referred to them like a marginalized minority while completely leaving out the word "black" or acknowledging why they've been asked to not participate.

Here is my statement on @TorontoPolice participation in Pride. pic.twitter.com/zObp4Ul03B  John Tory (@JohnTory) February 10, 2017

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This was a missed opportunity to address the lack of great strides with the black members of the LGBTQ community, and black Torontonians as a whole.

Black Lives Matter spokesperson Syrus Marcus Ware noted the absurdity of the police trying to "make it seem as if they are choosing to pull out of Pride when in fact they were uninvited" and the absence of any mentions of "anti-blackness and policing, around issues of carding.''

Saunders did say "we will continue to develop respectful relationships and build new ones, focusing on those who feel marginalized, with the trans and racialized communities. I will sit down with any group who feels marginalized, who comes to the table with ideas on how to make things better."

Thing is, that's not true.

Black Lives Matter even made it easy for Saunders last year when they set up a camp outside police headquarters to protest the police killing of Andrew Loku after the officer who shot him to death was cleared by the province's Special Investigation Unit.

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Saunders chose not to sit down with the protestors, later telling CBC's Metro Morning "I really didn't think that I had anything to offer." Instead of talking with those who feel marginalized, he ordered a police raid on the protest camp.

Saunders later subtweeted BLM in a letter to Pride officials about the proposed police ban, citing "attempts by some to undermine the relationship between my Service and the LGBTQ communities" as if somehow black people aren't also a part of the LGBTQ communities.

This idea that black and LGBTQ communities are mutually exclusive was reiterated again in the wake of Saunders "decision" by Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack.

"Our members feel like this is political pandering and a continuation of the knee-jerk reaction that has happened since Black Lives Matter shut pride down last year," the police union boss railed to CP24. "We don't this is a step in the right direction. We think it will seriously have an impact on the relationship between institutional police and the LGBTQ communities."

Naturally, the man who thinks any support of a movement to reduce police violence against black people is "political pandering" went on to make it even worse.

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"If the goal throughout this whole process was to erode the relationship between police and our communities then I think that Black Lives Matter and other special interest groups are clearly achieving that," he said, as if not wanting to be racially profiled and possibly beaten or even killed is a "special interest."

Keep in mind, McCormack has angrily denied that systemic racism even exists -- "It's not true and it's not acceptable to suggest it!"

Speaking of which, he proudly supports racially biased "carding" even though the Ontario ombudsman suggested that alone proves police racism is true. The province ruled carding is "wrong and illegal" for violating the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms because, as City TV reported, "statistics show it disproportionately targeted minorities, especially black men."

That's the police union's starting point.

Now let's not forget that just two weeks ago, we all watched a video of Toronto police not only tasering a black man lying on the ground but also threatening a bystander for filming the incident and made an ignorant comment about AIDS:

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The police did apologize but, as CBC reports, the Twitter apology "appeared to refer only to a male officer saying 'he's going to spit in your face and you're going to get AIDS' -- apparently referring to the suspect -- and said nothing about the use of a Taser on the suspect while he appears to be restrained on the ground in the footage."

Or the fact that the suspect, who allegedly punched and spit on a female police officer and kicked out the window of a police cruiser, appeared to be motionless on the ground as the police stomped and tased him while shouting "stop resisting."

Then the cop yelled "Get that guy out of my face, please" toward the civilian cameraman at which point his fellow officers went over to intimidate the witness, threatening to seize his cellphone if he didn't stop filming and then making that AIDS comment.

Siding with black members of the community over the police is actually being inclusive.

Do those rotten cops represent all police? They do not. But neither do the smiling cops with Super Soakers in the Pride Parade people are tweeting out or that amazing dancing cop who went viral this week.

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But until the police admit that they have a systemic racism problem in their ranks and make actual reform efforts to fix that problem rather than deny its existence, they should not be allowed to use the Pride Parade as a PR effort. Despite what Twitter might say, police are not a marginalized minority and siding with black members of the community over the police is actually being inclusive.

Let's not forget that Pride literally began as a protest against police violence and profiling in response to the police raids at the Stonewall in in New York and the bathhouse raids right here in Toronto. Pride is, and has always been, political.

BLM-Toronto's protest worked, not only in Toronto but across the country. Earlier this week, Halifax police proactively withdrew from their Pride "in consideration of a national debate about police participation in Pride parades."

Unlike Toronto's police chief, Halifax chief Jean-Michel Blais actually accepted some responsibility: "We recognized that our participation in the parade may contribute to divisions in the LGBT2Q+ community which is contrary to our intent of building a strong and sustainable relationship."

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Meanwhile, Saunders ended his Pride letter with "We have come a long way. We have much to do." The former may be true when it comes to white members of the LGBTQ community, but that progress has not made it across racial lines. Hence all the backlash from empathy-free white LGBTQ folks.

Once police make some progress on the"much to do" promise, which means actually working to reduce systemic racism in a real and meaningful way, then they can "decide" to rejoin the Pride Parade.

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Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan has been dragging his feet about deploying Canadian peacekeepers to Mali. One result, according to the Canadian Press is that Canada lost out on the opportunity of providing the force commander for the 15,000 member UN contingent in Mali. So what, I ask?

It's not like the mission in Mali is accomplishing anything. It's not like sending Canadian soldiers to die will change anything -- except for the families of our soldiers who will die or be grievously wounded there. Sixty UN peacekeepers have already died there on this pointless mission. There is no peace to keep in Mali and no plan that will produce peace. Keep our soldiers home, minister.

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Canada should never again contribute troops to the endless UN-led peace missions that pop up around the world. In 70 years of peacekeeping, I'm at a loss to think of a single mission that succeeded.

The mission in Cyprus, which has been heralded a success story by many including Conservative Party of Canada leadership candidate Kevin O'Leary, oversaw the effective ethnic-cleansing of that island, but has still failed to achieve a peace agreement 53 years after it began

If Canada feels compelled to re-engage with UN missions, then it should do so on its own terms. Never for an open-ended deployment. Post-Afghanistan, we have a renewed, combat-capable army that is capable of putting a highly-trained and well-equipped battalion-sized combat group on the ground anywhere in the world within 72 hours and sustaining it for weeks and months at a time without relying on allies for close air support, resupply, medical, logistical and administration support, etc.

Canada has the combat-experienced infantry, armour and artillery troops and the equipment they need. It has the strategic C-17 and tactical C-130 airlift they need to deploy and be sustained. It has the CH-47 and CH-146 Griffon helicopters it needs to move troops around the battlefield. We have the CF-18 fighter-bombers required to provide close air support to our troops on the ground and could readily acquire the helicopter gunships that would round out our combat capability. We have the medical support units necessary to provide battlefield care and immediate surgical/trauma care for soldiers wounded in combat.

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This mission would provide a focus and priority for our defence procurement -- underlining our need for Amphibious Air/Sea support ships that can provide a mobile support hub for Canadian operations abroad.

For decades, the UN has wanted for this capability. The UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations cannot put troops on the ground anywhere, fast enough to make a critical difference early on in a mission -- the time when its impact could be the greatest in terms of preventing widespread suffering and destruction. Instead, it takes months and months to get together and deploy a UN force that normally shows up lacking weapons, equipment, support and credibility. For years, generals have wanted a "rapid response" capability for the UN.

It's not an easy role to assume and it would be very dangerous.

If Canada wants to re-engage with the UN on peacekeeping operations -- it now has the capability to offer just such a short-term, rapid-response capability. Canada could put combat-capable troops on the ground within 72 hours of the UN's call for help -- and keep them there for three to six months while the UN gets its shit together to put a longer term force on the ground. Canadian Forces can then hand over to the UN mission and decamp to Canada until the next time they're needed.

This would keep Canada's military sharp and ready, provide an extremely valuable and effective capability the UN desperately needs, and prevent Canadian troops from becoming mired in endless, drawn-out and ineffective UN missions.

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It's not an easy role to assume and it would be very dangerous. But, Canada's military is better equipped to take on this task than any other military on Earth. Our soldiers are excellent. They're used to operating in small groups with minimal support. And they don't carry the colonial baggage or political taint of larger, more powerful nations. It's a role Canada can and would be proud of.

The author spent 14 years as a professional army officer who served on three different UN peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, Mediterranean and Africa.

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As cities across Ontario finalize their budgets and try to squeeze out savings to expand public transit, something doesn't add up. Too many cities, including Toronto, are missing out on hundreds of millions in savings. That's because Ontario has a labour law loophole that's putting cities, companies and taxpayers at a huge disadvantage.

The heated debate over road tolls in Toronto has distracted from a far simpler way of saving for public transit expansion. Here it is: Change the way construction projects are tendered. Right now, Toronto and too many other municipalities including Hamilton, Sault Ste. Marie and the Region of Waterloo are forced to award construction work to contractors affiliated with select unions only. No other contractors are allowed to compete, even if they're better qualified, can do the work more efficiently and at a lower cost.

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A loophole in Ontario's Labour Relations Act forces these municipalities to pay a premium for construction work by restricting competition. Each year, up to a billion dollars worth of construction work is subject to labour monopolies. As a result, taxpayers are not getting good value, and infrastructure dollars aren't going as far as they should. Ontario is the only province in all of Canada where municipalities are treated as "construction employers" and automatically bound to pre-existing collective agreements with no ability to negotiate the terms.

If Toronto had an open bidding process, there would be no need to bring in road tolls.

There's a compelling and mounting body of evidence that demonstrates the costly consequences of limiting construction competition. Research by the Cardus think tank shows that in those municipalities where construction tendering is restricted, project costs are inflated by 20 to 30 per cent. Apply that to the $600 million worth of work Toronto performs annually (and isn't allowed to openly tender) and it translates into major savings that could go a long way in expanding transit or addressing the backlog of needed repairs at Toronto Community Housing.

Here's another way to look at it: If Toronto had an open bidding process, there would be no need to bring in road tolls. That's right. The city could save about the same amount of revenue it hoped to collect through tolls by tendering construction work in a fairer way.

This begs the question -- shouldn't open tendering be an obvious choice as Toronto looks for savings to fund transit and other infrastructure projects? After all, Mayor Tory vowed that "all options" would be considered and City Manager Peter Wallace has said, "We need to demonstrate that we're investing [Torontonians'] hard-earned tax dollars properly."

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Toronto could prove that it's willing to do right by taxpayers by teaming up with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Large Urban Mayors' Caucus, the Ontario Good Roads Association and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. They've all urged the Ontario government to fix its antiquated labour laws.

"Restricted tendering increases project costs, harms local economic development and prevents the public from getting the best value for its tax dollars," said Gary McNamara, past president of AMO in a letter to Ontario's labour minister.

At every opportunity, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has asked the province to amend Section 126 of Ontario's Labour Relations Act.

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"The current system has created monopolies in some of the province's largest municipalities," said the OCC in a submission to the Ontario government back in 2015. It went on to say, "... this system stifles competition and often results in unnecessarily high infrastructure costs."

To help stimulate Canada's sluggish economy, the federal government is planning the biggest infrastructure spend in the country's history. It's committed to investing almost $125 billion over the next decade. "Every dollar we spend on public infrastructure grows our economy, creates jobs and strengthens our cities and towns," according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

This should not sit well with taxpayers.

One issue is that when these infrastructure dollars start flowing, they won't go nearly as far in Toronto, Hamilton, Sault St. Marie or the Region of Waterloo. For every infrastructure dollar spent elsewhere in Canada, it translates into about 70 cents in these municipalities. This should not sit well with taxpayers.

There is a way for Canada's largest city to find the savings it needs and champion a worthy cause. Toronto has an opportunity to push for a small legislative change that could make a big difference to municipalities and taxpayers across Ontario.

This blog first appeared in this month's issue of Business Elite Canada magazine.

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The five things you need to know on Friday, February 10

This morning's Waugh Zone is by Ned Simons. Paul is away. And I will SEE YOU IN COURT to make sure you read anyway.

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1) CORBYN ALLY CANNED

Today is a day. So Jeremy Corbyn is naturally conducting a reshuffle.

Perhaps of most intrigue in the shake-up is the apparent removal of leftwinger Jon Trickett as Labour's campaign co-ordinator - just two weeks before the crunch Stoke and Copeland by-elections. Members of Labour's NEC were dismayed when Trickett failed to turn up to deliver expected briefing on by-elections and general election preparedness. Some NEC members, as Paul reports, were later told he had been suddenly "taken ill". But they weren't sent prior apology for absence. As he was being moved aside, Trickett tweeted profoundly: "I love Heinz Beans with sausages + brown sauce. But have you noticed there seems to be more juice + less beans in each can? Disappointed!" I couldn't agree more Jon. This is worse than the lettuce crisis.

The new household names in the shadow cabinet are Peter Dowd (chief secretary), Sue Hayman (Defra), Christina Rees (Wales) while Rebecca Long-Bailey is promoted to fill Clive Lewis' old job at shadow business. Previous reshuffles were mostly about moderates and Blairites being replaced with younger or more leftwing MPs - this one is mostly about maneuvering within the Cortbynite-left itself.

Corbyn, channelling his inner Donald Trump, has dismissed the idea he is preparing to quit before 2020 as "FAKE NEWS". But everyone is watching to see what Lewis does next. The Daily Telegraph reports Owen Jones has been gauging the support among MPs for the Norwich South MP - although the Guardian columnist dismisses the idea he has been making calls on Lewis' behalf. Long-Bailey, who made an appearance on Corbyn's Snapchat story late on Wednesday evening after the Article 50 vote having "bumped into" the Labour leader on a train, has emerged in recent days as another contender. Everything she does will now be seen through a leadership filter.

2) THE PEACOCK PLOT

The backlash against John Bercow for his ban on Donald Trump rumbles on. Tory MP James Duddridge has tabled a motion of no confidence in the Speaker. Parliament is in recess until February 20, which means Bercow can not shut the motion down immediately. His critics will hope the pressure will build up over the next week. Duddridge predicted the number of MPs that will speak out will "increase and increase" and that "it will be known his position is untenable, perhaps even to the point that he doesnt return on the Monday".

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Duddrige told HuffPost's Aubrey Allegretti he thinks Bercow's days as Speaker are "numbered" as he had overstepped his bounds. I think he will probably go sooner than that and I think he will be sitting as a Labour peer rather than a crossbencher in the House of Lords, he added.

The former minister has already written to Theresa May, with a peakcock-tipped pen, asking her to grant a free vote if and when Bercow's future is decided upon. But the Speaker has already seen off one attempt by Tory MPs to get rid of him, and he will likely retain the support of opposition parties in any no confidence vote.

3) CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

In a major setback for Donald Trump, administration, a federal appeals court on Thursday declined the president's urgent request to restore his executive order restricting refugees and travel by immigrants from a number of Muslim-majority countries.

Trump responded in a typically presidential fashion. "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" he screamed on Twitter. Which is convenient for the judges as presumably they'll already be there. Hillary Clinton hit back with a reference to the president's court losses. "3-0," she posted simply.

White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway is facing an ethics investigation, after she promoted Ivanka Trumps fashion line during a Thursday appearance on Fox News. It is just a wonderful line. I own some of it, Conway said. Im going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online. Conway appeared to violate a federal regulation stating that government employees cannot use their public office to endorse products, quickly raising complaints from ethics watchdog groups.

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In another tweet yesterday, Trump accused CNN of failing to ask Senator. Richard Blumenthal about his misrepresentation of his military record in Vietnam. Thats false, and it only took CNN seconds to prove it.

BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR

Fox News proves Steve Bannon is not a bad person because he is not as bad as Isis.

4) LURKING MURDOCH

Ed Miliband, Vince Cable, Lord Falconer, Baroness Warsi and Baroness ONeill have sent a letter to Ofcom warning the attempted takeover of BSKYB by Rupert Murdoch is a defining test of its capacity and strength as a regulator. The pressure on the broadcast regulator follows the revelation in the Financial Times that Murdoch was lurking in the room for Michael Goves interview with Trump. Something the former Tory cabinet minister neglected to mention in any of his many articles and TV appearances that accompanied his -news packed - article. Miliband told The Huffington Post UK: This shows the power of Rupert Murdoch. And why we should be cautious about his influence over our media landscape.

5) COMMONS PEOPLE

This week's HuffPost UK Politics Commons People podcast is out. Owen, Paul, Martha and I discuss Labour's woes, Article 50 and EU nationals, the housing white paper and we hear from John Ashworth in a pharmacy in Stoke. There's a quiz about migration that Owen scribbled down on the back of his hand ten minutes before the record button was pressed. And also a joke about me having no friends which seemed arbitrarily rude.

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Barbara Winton, the daughter of Nicholas Winton who organised the rescue of hundreds of refugee children in WW2, has written a letter for Help Refugees together with kindertransport survivors asking the UK to show the same compassion now, as we did then.

In 1938/39 a large scale British humanitarian operation brought 10,000 children, endangered by Hitler's growing threat, from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia to safe homes in the UK. In Czechoslovakia many were refugees who had fled Germany or the Sudetenland, the borderlands handed over to Hitler in the Munich Agreement of September 1938 in return for "peace in our time". Despite some disgruntled voices, much like today, protesting the dangers of allowing into our country those from such foreign cultures, the overwhelming response was one of compassion and warmth. Many families volunteered to foster a child and others made donations to support the operation. Even at a time when city evacuations were being planned for British children, homes were found for these vulnerable young refugees.

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Now, 77 years later, vulnerable young refugees again seek the kindness and welcome that British people previously offered. Those who have travelled across Europe to Calais, to escape the life-threatening dangers of their home country, are hoping desperately to find the sanctuary their parents dared to believe Britain would once again offer.

My father, Nicholas Winton, witnessed the appalling conditions children were enduring in the refugee camps in Czechoslovakia in 1939 and determined to give them the chance of a better, safer life by bringing them to Britain. Many of those children went back to Czechoslovakia after the war. Others, whose families had been murdered by the Nazis, remained in Britain and became valuable, integrated citizens, contributing to the well-being of the nation. It is estimated that there are 6000 people alive today all across the world due to that rescue.

In recent years since the story of what my father achieved became public, he has been honoured and praised for the stand he took and the lives he rescued. Though he appreciated the accolades for his earlier work, he remained focussed on the most pressing issues of the day. He continued to act and help others throughout his life and believed that actively assisting those in need was the most rewarding and ethical way to live. Therefore I believe that the most appropriate way of honouring his memory would be to show the same concern and compassion he did then, for those in danger and in need now.

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It's finally upon us - the long-awaited release of Fifty Shades Darker, the second installment in the Fifty Shades of Grey film trilogy. But rather than swooning, I find myself shuddering.

The 'romantic' lead is Christian Grey, a deeply disturbed individual who immediately begins stalking the naive and virginal Ana. Christian is jealous, controlling and manipulative and has a penchant for sexual violence (this man just has 'catch' written all over him). He even attempts to persuade Ana to sign a contract that allows him complete control over her, from making herself available to him for sex on demand down to dictating what and when she can eat.

Ain't love grand?

An analysis of the first book found that the so-called romantic relationship between Christian and Ana was characterised by intimate partner violence. Using the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's definitions, researchers found that emotional abuse and sexual violence were pervasive throughout, noting that emotional abuse was present "in nearly every interaction". This was evidenced in stalking, such as tracking Ana's movements via phone and computer technology, limiting Ana's social involvement, intimidation and threats.

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Researchers identified various instances of sexual violence, including Christian initiating sexual encounters while angry, ignoring Ana's boundaries and using threats and alcohol to compromise Ana's consent.

"No, please. I can't do this. Not now. I need some time. Please."

"Oh Ana, don't overthink this."

"No," I protest, trying to kick him off. He stops. "If you struggle, I'll tie your feet too. If you make a noise, Anastasia, I will gag you."

Despite this, Fifty Shades has become a global phenomenon, inspiring a range of merchandise including lingerie, wine, sex toys, hotel packages, hardware stores selling Fifty Shades packs including rope and duct tape, and even baby onesies emblazoned with handcuffs and the slogan "I pretend Christian Grey is my daddy."

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So what happens when a film series of this magnitude frames domestic abuse and male violence against women as sexy and desirable? What message does it send to women and girls, and also to men and boys? Who benefits from widespread acceptance of the belief women and girls secretly want and enjoy sexual violence?

Of course, not everyone shares these concerns. In my work with campaigning movement Collective Shout: for a world free of sexploitation I've engaged with various fans of the books that argue Fifty Shades is merely a work of fiction and therefore has no influence. We addressed this and other common arguments on our website.

Alarmingly, many people who defended Fifty Shades and argued it had no impact on attitudes towards women or men's violence against women went on to spout various myths and misinformation about domestic violence, illustrating a profound lack of understanding about these issues. While these attitudes and beliefs already exist in the community they are powerfully reinforced in Fifty Shades.

Fifty Shades does not depict an abusive relationship, I've been told, because Christian never beats her (as if domestic abuse is limited to physical assault). Another argument I encountered was that if she didn't like it she would leave, again failing to understand the fear, power relations and complexity at play in domestic violence situations. Others still downplayed or defended Christian Grey's abusive behaviours, claiming his stalking and controlling tendencies were evidence of how much he loved her, excusable because he was a victim himself, or irrelevant because 'he changes in the end'.

In stark contrast to the Cinderella story where (spoiler alert) the abuser can change if his victim sticks around and loves him enough, the reality is that the violence tends to escalate over time. As author Gail Dines points out, "Battered women's shelters and graveyards are full of women who had the misfortune to meet a Christian Grey."

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Women's groups around the world have come together calling for a boycott in response. Collective Shout, the London Abused Women's Centre, Culture Reframed and the National Centre on Sexual Exploitation have been joined by dozens of groups in an international campaign, Fifty Dollars Not Fifty Shades.

The campaign is calling for members of the public to boycott the film and donate fifty dollars (or another amount) to domestic violence organisations or women's refuges, because in the real world, that is where women like Ana end up. Supporters are encouraged to use the hash tags #50DollarsNot50Shades and #FiftyShadesIsAbuse to promote awareness of the giving campaign.
I was ready to welcome Theresa May's Industrial Strategy as a welcome vote of confidence amid the turmoil of Brexit. Sure enough, a $5bn commitment to artificial intelligence, robotics and smart energy is an exciting prospect - but it's only half the story.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics - STEM disciplines - are the backbone of tech innovation. Yet, bringing tech such as AI from the lab to the home calls for a selection of experts who are not always part of the equation.

After all, tech doesn't simply drop into our lives. It takes the skills of designers and writers combined to produce applications that work with us and improve our experience of the world around us.

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So why overlook them in a strategy designed to make the UK a global hub of innovation?

The time has come to augment STEM disciplines with an 'artistic' element, more STEAM than STEM, perhaps.

Acronyms aside, the need is clear: in a few short years, our phones became the center of our lives and then chat apps became the center of our mobile lives.

In China, WeChat dominates mobile services and the likes of Facebook, Amazon and Google are rushing to emulate that success in western markets. It's no surprise that these players are all using chat interfaces to do this - what better format to engage audiences than by emulating natural conversation?

That's not solely the work of smart tech, but also of smart creatives to bring it to life.

If more proof were needed, look at Google's recent hires for its AI assistant: comedy writers from Pixar and The Onion. Virtual personal assistant X.ai must hire from the comedy pool, too - its bot draws on the improv technique "Yes, and" to make its interactions feel more human.

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User experience is a nuanced field, and changing all the time. It certainly shouldn't be separate from the tech itself.

But it's down to both business and government to make this blend happen. London is a perfect example - a world class melting pot of design agencies, tech specialists and business expertise.

Yet the rest of the UK has more to offer. London-centric companies may need to take a look around: see Cambridge, the AI heartland right on their doorstep. A little further afield the media powerhouses of Bristol and Manchester have a wealth of expertise to offer, too.
Ben Birchall/PA Archive

Not only is Britain leaving the EU. The government wants to go further and pull us out of the single market. That means we'll need to make a new trade deal with the EU. And ministers are cooking up a plan that could be terrible for working people.

Brexit Secretary David Davis says that the 'perfect starting point' is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada (CETA).

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This should worry us. CETA is a dreadful deal and it should not set a template for Britain's trade deal with the EU or anywhere else. That's why, when CETA comes before the European Parliament next Wednesday, trade unions in Britain and across Europe will ask MEPs to vote against it.

CETA is bad for your rights at work

The CETA deal does nothing to protect workers' rights in Canada. If the UK goes for a similar deal, politicians will be able to slice away at our employment rights.

Rights to maternity leave, holiday pay, working time and health and safety would be at risk. And workers will no longer be able to go to the European Court of Justice to get their rights enforced. The same goes for consumer and environmental rights. We'd end up the second class citizens of Europe.

CETA is bad for democracy

CETA will take control away from voters, and give it to multinational corporations. Foreign investors will gain huge powers to influence UK laws by suing our government in special courts if our parliament passes laws they think threaten their profits.

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These special courts, known as the Investment Court System, or ICS, would threaten the NHS and other public services.

Even after we leave the EU, if CETA is passed then ICS will continue to apply to the UK for twenty years. And if there's a form of ICS in a future UK-EU deal, our public services would be under even greater threat. The promise to 'take back control' would be broken, and we will lose the sovereignty people voted to get back.

If we do not want to hand control of the NHS, workers' rights, and consumer and environmental protections to foreign investors, our MEPs must reject CETA. And the UK government must rule out a UK-EU deal modelled on it.

CETA is bad for jobs and living standards

Even without ICS, a CETA-style deal would hit jobs and living standards.

CETA cuts tariffs on trade between Europe and Canada, but only in some sectors. At the moment, being members of the EU's single market means all our goods are traded tariff-free in the rest of the EU, and we pay no tariffs on imported goods.

If we end up with a CETA-style deal, our exports to Europe will be more expensive. Imported food, clothing and other goods will cost more in our shops. And the trade in services that our economy depends on could be blocked by regulation and red tape

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If our exports cost more, we'll sell less, and good jobs in export industries will be at risk. On top of that, everyone's living standards would decline because of the increased cost of imports.

There is a better alternative for Britain's working people

Workers must not pay the price for Brexit. Nor should we lose control to foreign investors. So instead of the flawed CETA model, the government must pursue a new approach that's best for Britain.

Our post-Brexit relationship with the EU must deliver decent jobs, fairer distribution of the benefits of growth, and rights at work that match - or surpass - those in the rest of Europe.

Our future UK-EU trade deal must ensure tariff-free trade for goods, and barrier-free trade for services. And it must guarantee working people at least the same minimum levels of employment protection as EU workers.
*Joseph McQuade is a Gates Cambridge Scholar doing a PhD in History on the transformation of laws of sedition into laws of 'terror' in both international and British imperial law from the beginning of the First World War until the end of the 1930s and the origins of terrorism as a legal category and a global idea. Picture credit: Wiki Commons.

With Donald Trump now sworn in as the 45th president of the United States of America, many commentators have drawn comparisons between his polarising rise to power and the infamous emergence of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis in interwar Germany. Some accuse this comparison of simply falling into Godwin's law, which claims that if a debate goes on long enough one side will end up unjustifiably comparing the other to Hitler. The comparison, however, should not be dismissed out of hand.

Hitler and Trump both emerged in the wake of a dire economic meltdown by stoking a populist campaign of ethno-nationalism that channelled the grievances of disillusioned whites through a scapegoating of minorities and the promised return to a mythic past of national greatness. Both men, despite very different backgrounds, emerged from relative political obscurity to defeat their more established rivals through a raw and visceral speaking style that tapped into the existing grievances of their frustrated audiences.

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While these similarities are as important as they are alarming, there are equally significant differences that should not be understated. The Weimar Republic was still only a fledgling democracy by the time the Nazi party came onto the scene, with widespread nostalgia for the autocratic regime of the Kaiser still prevalent in conservative circles. Politics were as often fought out in the streets as in the ballot box, with violent clashes between Communists and right-wing freikorps paramilitaries a common sight throughout the 1920s. Importantly, the very idea of democracy was still very much in contention, with many Germans seeing the Republic itself as an artificial construct imposed upon them by Social Democrats and liberals.

By contrast, although Trump rode to power atop a populist wave of anti-elitism and disaffection with mainstream politicians and the media, America's democratic traditions, while deeply flawed in many respects, are both venerable and robust. The day after his inauguration, more than three million people took to the streets across the United States in a Women's March that reached all seven continents, including Antarctica. This highly organised backlash was made possible by a long tradition of non-violent resistance in American history; from the suffragettes to the civil rights movement to anti-war protesters who railed against the invasions of Vietnam and Iraq.

Authoritarian style

This is not to downplay the monumental threat that Trump may pose to American democracy and human rights. The authoritarian style with which he ran his presidential campaign has not abated in the slightest since taking office. Recent proposals that include banning refugees from certain Muslim-majority countries, using federal agents to pacify Chicago and condoning the practice of waterboarding on suspected terrorists should indeed raise Orwellian red flags. So should presidential advisor Kellyanne Conway's bizarre appeal to "alternative facts" in defence of Trump's easily disprovable falsehoods.

Furthermore, the president's inflammatory rhetoric has emboldened the neo-Nazis and white supremacists who have cloaked themselves beneath the more publically palatable label of the "alt right". These groups have proven themselves to be more prominent and better organised than many would like to believe and should not be underestimated, particularly now that Trump's policies and visceral tweets are creating an increasingly fertile environment for right-wing extremism.

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It is nonetheless important to recognise that America has not yet slid into dictatorship. Channels do still exist for standing up to an administration that simply does not reflect the values or priorities of a majority of Americans, no matter what populist claims Trump might make.
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It was just under two years ago we received the news - Terry had finally lost his fight with Alzheimer's. Our office just outside Cambridge fell very quiet. A few of us glanced over to the photo of Sir Terry we have on our wall, behatted as ever, and leaning nonchalantly on a farm gate somewhere in Wiltshire. He looked a bit grumpy in that photo. Then the phones started ringing. People wanted to know our reaction.

In the interviews after the death of Sir Terry Pratchett, the most common question we were asked is "what did he mean to Alzheimer's Research UK"? Terry was incredibly generous to us, he donated over $1 million to our research to help reveal the mysteries of his disease. He encouraged our scientists. He became our Patron. He was angry about his diagnosis, outraged that the condition was stealing his abilities and sense of self - he helped us campaign around the disparity in funding for dementia research.

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As a small organisation fighting a big enemy, he gave us the confidence to think bigger. He led a march to Downing Street, delivering a petition to then Prime Minister Gordon Brown demanding fairer funding for dementia science. Mr Brown received the signatures in person and had a cup of tea with Terry - kicking down the doors of power delivered with unique British character. Since then there have been changes of government and leaders, but political will to rise to the challenge of dementia has never been higher, here and around the world.

But what we kept coming back to in the days after his death were, fittingly, his words. How he talked about his disease, the language he employed - arresting and evocative - was a new type of conversation around dementia. He began to make it OK to discuss a diagnosis, in the same way that people are now rightly emancipated to talk about their cancer.

People ask me why I announced that I had Alzheimer's. My response was: why shouldn't I? I remember when people died of "a long illness", now we call cancer by its name, and as every wizard knows, once you have a thing's real name you have the first step to its taming. We are at war with cancer, and we use that vocabulary. We battle, we are brave, we survive.

Sir Terry Pratchett, March 2008

Sir Terry knew, like us, that we have to start to believe we can fight dementia. Behind those debilitating cognitive and emotional symptoms are brain diseases, most commonly Alzheimer's, just as physical and just as real as cancer. Saying dementia's name was a crucial first step towards ultimately taming it. With desperate sadness, we couldn't achieve this in time to help Terry - we are playing catch-up with other disease areas - but thanks in no small part to his help we are now fighting it meaningfully in the lab and in the public consciousness.

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It can be a convenient narrative to pin a turning point in an organisation's history to a single person, and the reality is that many tens of thousands of supporters, scientists and staff make this charity what it is today. But as we lay increasingly important paths towards breakthroughs in research, increased public understanding, greater political will and more funding for our scientists, there is no denying that a lot of those paths lead back to Terry Pratchett.
Elephant poaching and the UK ivory trade - what's the connection?

Over the past decade Africa's elephants have been brutally slaughtered in huge numbers, to supply ivory into seemingly insatiable illegal international markets. As many as 30,000 elephants are thought to be victims of poaching each year. In September 2016, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated the continental elephant population to be just 415,000, following what it described as the worst declines in 25 years.

As a result, the ivory trade has come under increasing international scrutiny, and calls for an end to legal trade in ivory have gained pace. The United States, until recently a huge market for ivory, introduced a near total ban on ivory trade in June last year. In September, a motion passed at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) World Conservation Congress encouraged governments to close their domestic markets for elephant ivory as a matter of urgency. The following month, delegates at the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) voted to end a decade-long discussion about the establishment of future trade in ivory, and passed a Resolution calling for the closure of domestic markets that contribute to poaching or illegal trade. On 30th December 2016 China, widely regarded as the major destination for illegal ivory, said it would stop all commercial processing and sale of ivory by the end of March 2017, and shut down its domestic ivory market by the end of this year.

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In spite of repeated Conservative Party manifesto pledges to press for a 'total ban' on ivory sales, the UK remains one of the world's biggest exporters of legal ivory products. According to the CITES Trade Database , the UK declared exports of over 25,000 ivory items between 2006-2015, the vast majority for commercial purposes.

Although most of these items were declared to be 'pre-Convention' antiques manufactured from or containing ivory, there is real concern that the trade indirectly impacts wild elephants by stimulating interest in and demand for ivory products in key markets, and providing a means by which illegal, 'new' ivory can be 'laundered' into trade. In the BBC Documentary "Saving Africa's Elephants: Hugh and the Ivory War" (24th October 2016), radiocarbon dating on nine carved ivory pieces purchased online in the UK revealed that two thirds were likely to be illegal, with four of the nine consisting of or containing ivory obtained since 1947.

A government e-petition calling on the UK Government to make good on its manifesto commitment and implement a 'total ban' reached 100,000 signatures on 15th January this year, demonstrating the strength of public support for government action. As a result, Parliament debated the issue on 6th February. However, to date our Government has indicated that it only intends to consult on shutting down the UK's domestic and export markets for raw ivory and worked ivory items obtained since 1947, leaving the market for 'antique ivory' open.
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As the legal battle rages on around Donald Trump's chaotic travel ban and moratorium on refugees - not to mention last year's "Breaking Point" poster depicting an EU overwhelmed by a flood of asylum seekers - you could be forgiven for thinking that the West faces an existential threat unparalleled in its history. Yet as politicians rush to placate and at times inflate public fears about the negative impact of refugees on jobs, public services and national security, a growing body of research strongly suggests that refugees - far from being passive welfare claimants - create businesses and jobs wherever they go. Instead of accelerating the West's economic decline, refugees might just be a part of the solution.

Forced to flee from violence and persecution, countries accept refugees for humanitarian reasons rather than self-interest. Nevertheless, there is also a convincing economic rationale for welcoming refugees with open arms. Throughout history, people fleeing destruction and persecution have contributed hugely to their adoptive countries. From the Huguenots who arrived in England in the 17th century bringing with them their expertise in textiles, watchmaking, carpentry and science, to the Jewish diaspora that escaped war-engulfed Europe to America's great benefit, and the Cuban refugees that have become inseparable from Miami's culinary and cultural identity, nations have long reaped the benefits of harbouring those with no place else to go.

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Fast forward to today, where a succession of devastating wars in the Middle East - Afghanistan, Iraq and now Syria - has led millions to flee in search of refuge, mostly to other countries in the region, but also into Europe and North America. Yet despite both academic research and the historical record suggesting otherwise, voters in many developed countries are alarmed by what they see as an influx of welfare scroungers or worse - terrorists. This has led to a political reluctance to take in greater numbers of refugees, and has meant that countries are missing out on a potentially dramatic boost to their cultural and economic prosperity.

This is not to say that refugees do not face a whole host of challenges once they arrive in their host countries. While many bring with them valuable skills and education - this is particularly true of the current wave of Syrian asylum seekers - finding regular employment nonetheless poses substantial difficulties. Despite many having had successful careers back home, refugees often struggle to get hired in the formal economy. While the reasons vary - from language barriers, unrecognised qualifications and extended unemployment during the asylum period, to uncertainty around working rights and even blatant prejudice - the outcome is the same: unemployment, and frequently destitution. Of those refugees that do find jobs, over half feel overqualified for them.

In response to this frustrating underutilisation of skills, talent and experience, some are positing entrepreneurship as a solution. Unlike a traditional job, being an entrepreneur enables a refugee to circumvent many of the difficulties inherent in the hiring process and pursue a passion or idea on its own merits. As a vehicle of social mobility less determined by social standing or cultural origin, entrepreneurship is often an ideal career path for individuals without any roots or contacts in their new country. The resilience a person acquires in the process of leaving his or her home, livelihood and culture - while undoubtedly arduous - may also prepare them for the challenges of starting and running a new venture.

Take Turkey for example, where over the past five years Syrian refugees have set up over 4,000 businesses, bringing with them $220 million in capital and making up over a quarter of all new foreign-owned firms established annually. Pioneering research carried out in Uganda by Oxford University professor and director of the Refugee Studies Centre, Alexander Betts, found that the presence of refugees from neighbouring countries dramatically boosted local purchasing power, employment and human capital. In the capital city of Kampala, 21 percent of refugees run businesses that employ other people. A study in the state of Ohio calculated that local refugees benefited local and state government coffers by $2.7 million in 2012, while their businesses contributed $12 million in local spending and supported 175 jobs. And data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that refugees make twice as much money from their own businesses as people arriving on skilled and family visas.

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Given that the UK has been criticised for not doing its fair share in admitting refugees, how relevant is the notion of the entrepreneurial refugee to these shores? While compared to some of its European neighbours (including Germany, Sweden and Italy) the UK has not accepted a large amount, it has still committed to bringing over 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020, without counting the roughly five to ten thousand from other countries that are granted asylum each year. On top of the further 120,000 refugees already estimated to be here, the UK has a substantial number of refugees - and by extension potential entrepreneurs - to work with.

Ensuring that refugees are quickly integrated into the UK's social and economic structures is essential if they are not to be perceived by the public as a burden. Yet as it stands, asylum seekers here face a hard time finding their feet once - or rather if - their applications are accepted. With the abolition of the Home Office Refugee Integration and Employment Service (RIES) in 2011, government strategy has been lacking in this area, while cuts in public funding to legal aid and refugee charities have exacerbated the problem.

Furthermore, given the complexities and inevitable delays refugees face in acquiring bank accounts and National Insurance Numbers, many fail to access benefits and social housing before the termination of their meagre asylum support. With no right to work until an asylum decision has been reached and problems finding employment afterwards, it is no wonder that many end up in poverty and homelessness.

Yet it doesn't need to be this way, and a look at the data on refugees suggests a way forward. While unemployment and underemployment are high among UK refugees, official government statistics also reveal that they are the most likely to be self-employed of all migrant groups (themselves more likely to be working for themselves than the native-born). This corroborates recent research by think-tank the Centre for Entrepreneurs which found - based on an analysis of publicly registered companies - that migrants start more companies and create more jobs per head than the UK-born. However, while case studies abound of refugees turned successful entrepreneurs - from Michael Marks of Marks & Spencer and Rashmi Thakrar of Tilda Rice to Adnan Medjedovic and Edin Basic, two Bosnian refugees who founded thriving UK gourmet pizza chain Firezza - many could still do with a helping hand.

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To satisfy that need, several promising initiatives have emerged in the UK that aim to support refugees in starting companies. The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN) was set up in 2016 by several university graduates that had volunteered in European refugee camps and become passionate about developing a novel solution to the crisis. TERN is an incubator programme that helps a select group of refugees start businesses by addressing the obstacles - including isolation, lack of UK specific business knowledge and non-existent credit history - that prevent them from doing so. It describes its mission as "supporting refugees to become agents of their own change", which it does by providing them with training, mentorship, networks and investment. Having just completed an initial pilot, TERN is set to launch its first complete programme in just a few weeks, with 15 participants chosen from around 60 applicants. According to Charlie Fraser, co-founder and director at TERN, refugees "are mobile and quick to gravitate to gaps in the market."

As one programme gets off the ground, another has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. Her Equality Rights and Autonomy (HERA) trains female survivors of human trafficking in entrepreneurship. While not identical to refugees, survivors of human trafficking and exploitation usually have just as little say in leaving their homes, while in any case a large proportion go on to seek asylum. As Gokce Tuna, HERA's UK Programme Director explains: "While awaiting a decision, the women are unable to undertake paid work, and once granted asylum they face significant challenges finding employment".

Originating mostly from Africa and Eastern Europe, "most of them grew up in poverty and sometimes have no family left, which combined with scarce local job opportunities makes them prime targets for traffickers." Tuna emphasises the educational deficiencies, unfamiliarity with local norms and lack of stable accommodation that continue to disadvantage the women even once they have been granted asylum.

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Every year, HERA puts selected trafficking survivors through an intensive entrepreneurship training programme hosted and supported by Imperial College Business School. During three activity-packed weeks in the summer, up to 50 participants learn about developing a business idea, managing finances and marketing and presentation, while also gaining expertise in negotiation skills, networking and business etiquette. Upon completion, each woman receives a certificate from the Imperial Business School and is paired up with a HERA mentor in their area of interest for a minimum of 12 months. They also attend monthly seminars to continue their development.

While some do go on to become entrepreneurs, HERA students have also gone on to pursue successful careers as nurses, social workers, doctors, managers, lawyers and fashion designers, to name just a few. According to Tuna, an impressive 85% either start ventures, find employment or continue their education, with only a small remainder failing to stay in touch. She stresses that it isn't primarily about getting the women to start businesses; "entrepreneurial skills and an entrepreneurial mind-set are important in every area of life".
POOL New / Reuters

It is a sad day for democracy when making a statement which echoes the mood of the world is taken to be biased.

Four days ago, the Speaker addressed the House of Commons explaining he would not be offering Donald Trump an invitation to address Parliament, saying: "Our opposition to racism and to sexism, and our support for equality before the law, and an independent judiciary are hugely important considerations for the House".

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Yesterday I wrote to the Speaker thanking him for his statement. In my letter to him, I explained that I came into politics as I felt this place wasn't working for the average person like me, and that I am increasingly struggling with how Muslims were being seen. I thanked him not only for myself, but on behalf of my family, the global family which we all belong to.

It is quite extraordinary that there would be challenges to remove the Speaker based on his stance against 'racism and sexism'.

For decades our parliamentary democracy has been a bastion of hope in the fight against racism and sexism, passing motions and bills to eradicate the evils of such bigotries.

To suggest that opposing racism and sexism is a political debate is in itself an untenable position, as it is both a constitutional and democratic position, to be upheld, not challenged.

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The Speaker represents the House of Commons, not just the members who reside there, but everything it stands for. Our values and our laws could not be clearer on equality for all.

The Speaker did not make any of these comments on party-political grounds - it gave no bias to the government or any opposition parties. Thus, it is wrong to suggest the Speaker has jeopardised his role in the House by politicising his position.

By speaking out in the way he did, he did not overstep the mark, but defended the honour of the House and all it stands for.

As has been said, there is no automatic right to address both Houses of Parliament. Therefore, I feel it is right to refuse Donald Trump the platform that only a handful of people in the last 60 years have been offered. Should he be allowed to stand in the same place as Mandela? A man who has inspired millions around the world, who struggled against injustice for equality? Someone who is regarded as a global symbol of hope for so many? When so far all this man has shown, is his willingness to divide and to spread hatred?

Democracy is not an elected dictatorship - without the rule of law, democracy fails. The Speaker's defence of not just our values, but our laws, should absolutely be his right, and his obligation.

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So to table a vote of no confidence, when an impartial steward of the House of Commons speaks to remonstrate someone who has been so divisive in such a short space of time, and in the defence of our values, is beyond the pale.

What kind of message would we be sending to the British people and the world about our democracy, if we were to oust the Speaker of the House, for standing against racism and sexism?

Let me be clear. What I stand for has been shaped by my fights against all forms of inequality: misogyny, patriarchy and racism, including confronting the demons of my own ignorance. I have fought the majority of my life against these evils, so when someone as significant as the Speaker of our House feels compelled to make such a bold and brave statement, offering hope against a backdrop of fear and prejudice, then I for one believe that this shows Parliament at its best.
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Let us pretend that Brexit isn't happening. Let us also pretend that the name Trump means nothing to you. And then let us focus on a tiny shaft of sunlight that cuts through the global gloom and serves to remind us that wrongs need not always last for ever.

Eight former Bosnian Serb police officers went on trial in Belgrade this week, charged with taking part in the massacre of at least 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995. It was the worst atrocity committed in Europe since the end of the Second World War -- and now, more than 20 years later, at least some of those alleged to have been responsible are facing justice.

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Whatever the eventual verdicts, they will not bring back the dead. Just as the Nuremberg trials in 1945 and 1946 did not bring back any of the six million victims of the Holocaust. But justice serves a purpose, even after two decades. For survivors, and for the relatives of those who died, it means being able to look at the killers and say to them: 'What you did will not go unpunished.'

The military commander of the Bosnian Serbs, Ratko Mladic, is currently awaiting a verdict at the international war crimes tribunal in The Hague. Last year, the Bosnian Serbs' political leader, Radovan Karadzic, was sentenced to 40 years in jail after being convicted of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. They have both faced justice, just as those eight former police officers are facing justice now in Belgrade.

I wonder if anyone in Damascus has noticed. Are there perhaps a few senior military officers, police officers -- who knows, perhaps people even closer to Bashar al-Assad -- wondering if one day, they, too, might find themselves facing justice?

According to Amnesty International, in one of the most shocking reports it has ever published, as many as 13,000 people have been hanged in a Syrian military prison over a five-year period since the start of the anti-government protests in 2011. Saydnaya prison is less than twenty miles from Damascus, and Amnesty says it believes that the abuses committed there 'have been authorised at the very highest levels of the Syrian government.'

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The details in the Amnesty report are horrific. I do not intend to repeat them here, but you can read the report for yourself by clicking here. How credible are the accounts? Amnesty says it interviewed thirty-one former prisoners, four former prison officials or guards, three former judges, three doctors, four lawyers, and twenty-two people whose family members were believed to be detained at Saydnaya. To me, that sounds credible enough.

So here's what I'm getting at. One day - perhaps in twenty years' time, or perhaps much sooner than that - some of the people responsible for the obscenities taking place at Saydnaya will stand trial. Just as senior Nazis did at Nuremberg, and senior Khmer Rouge officials did in Cambodia.

Neither President Assad, nor anyone in his circle, can lie in their beds at night confident that they will never face justice. Their current protectors in Moscow and Tehran have their own interests to protect, and would quite happily throw Assad to the wolves if they considered it to be in their own national interests.

Dictatorships never last for ever. Slobodan Milosevic and his henchmen discovered that, as did Pol Pot and his band of Khmer Rouge murderers, Augusto Pinochet of Chile, and countless others. Some despots die a natural death (Stalin, Mao, Kim Jong-il), others are overthrown and face trial for their crimes.

And that's where the law comes in. It might seem a bit of a stretch to link Brexit and Trump with the atrocities of Srebrenica and Saydnaya - but all are, or should be, challengeable in the law courts. Whether it's Gina Miller and her successful challenge to Theresa May's decision to bypass parliament on the way to triggering Article 50, or the US 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the case against Donald Trump's proposed immigration ban, or the Belgrade trial of the former Bosnian Serb police officers - as long as there are independent courts and courageous lawyers, there is hope for the victims of untrammelled executive power. (Which is why, of course, on both sides of the Atlantic, governments attack them.)

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A final thought - even incorrigible liberals like me need to remind ourselves sometimes that however miserable we might feel about Brexit or Trump, we face nothing a fraction as terrifying as what the Muslims of Srebrenica faced in 1995, or what the people of Syria have been facing for the past six years.
Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

It's cold. Really bitterly cold. The wind is whipping across the open countryside and the military compound I'm standing in is the first thing which breaks its path. It is the first week of January and I'm in Palestine, queuing to get inside so that I can see for myself the child detainees as they are processed and charged. I'm lucky. We sent my documents to the Israelis in advance and the two international lawyers I am with are well-known, so within 10 minutes we're in. Not so fortunate are the parents who had been queuing long before we arrived. They most likely set off at five am to be there when the first case is called at nine. Palestine is a tiny country, about the same size as an English county, but it's not the distance or the lack of public transport that makes journeys there so long, it's the checkpoints.

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Sixty per cent of the West Bank of Palestine is designated as Area C and virtually all of this is under Israeli military control. Put simply, the majority of Palestine is not run by Palestinians but the Israeli Defence Force. It's why the Palestinian children I have come to observe today are being tried in a military court not a civil court, and it's why the parents have taken five hours to travel just a few miles, as their route is peppered with military checkpoints. As the crow flies, the military court is only a couple of miles from my hotel in Ramallah, but the journey took me nearly an hour in a private car as we criss-crossed, looped and doubled-back, trying to find checkpoints that were open, didn't have a massive queue or were deemed accessible - and my car had Israeli plates. Imagine what it must be like if you are Palestinian, on a Palestinian bus, trying to come 20 miles, desperately anxious to see your child.

Once inside the compound I enter a small security room. Much like an airport, I take off my coat, shoes and have my bag searched. Bizarrely, I am not allowed to take my gloves in to the room, but I can take my pen. This tickled me. I'm stopped from throwing down my gauntlet, but I can write about it. The lawyers and I now go back outside into a large holding area. There are hundreds of parents waiting for their child's name to be called. The court is open from nine am to five pm but you don't know what time your child may be tried, so you have to be there all day. There is a small canteen but, in spite of the cold, most people huddle outside. One of my chaperones tells me that whatever happens, I must not use the public toilet.

The courts proper are housed in large Portakabins behind a steel fence. Entering them I am struck by how hot they are and how many people wearing uniforms are lounging around looking bored. I wasn't expecting the judge to be in uniform or quite so many young drafted soldiers to be there. We sit in plastic bucket chairs and it is only then that I notice a small, scared boy sat on his own behind a barrier. His feet are shackled.

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The defence lawyer comes over and tells us that the boy is 14 and will be sentenced for throwing stones, during which a policeman was injured. The boy has already been incarcerated for four months awaiting sentence. The proceedings begin. The judge speaks. It becomes apparent that the young military man with his feet on the desk is the translator. The session is held in Hebrew but the boy speaks Arabic. Occasionally, the translator throws a few words of Arabic his way and the boy clearly pounces on them, desperate to understand his fate. He is given seven months (on top of the time he has already spent waiting), plus a 12-month suspended sentence. The whole process has taken a few minutes.

The next child to shuffle in with his chains rattling is a big lad with an open face. He looks frantically around the room, so I assume he is looking for his parents, but they are not there. He fixes his gaze on us - the only people without uniforms - and his eyes plead for help, warmth and compassion. I smile at him across the room although really I want to cry, hug him and take him home.

The judge speaks to us in English:

"The defence will be presenting medical evidence about this case and the prisoner's mental health. Before it is presented, I will ask you to leave for the prisoner's privacy."

The defence lawyer comes over and explains that the boy is actually 18, but because he has been in custody for two years without sentencing, he will still be tried as a child. We leave shortly after. I didn't find out what the boy was charged with. I don't know if he was guilty or innocent. What I do know is that however heinous the crime, to shackle a child, deny him education and force him to spend two years without sentence is not a just, democratic or moral way for a country to behave.

Our time at the compound was running out so we spent the last half an hour in the processing room where prisoners are first taken to be charged. This was a very different atmosphere, partly because it was a much smaller room, but it also seemed to be more menacing. The judge immediately looked uncomfortable when we walked in.

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"It's the English judge, he hates us" mumbled the lawyer I was with.

In the cramped confines, I almost didn't notice the two little boys, little in age and in stature. At first sight I thought they were disabled as they both appeared to have a similar facial palsy and were sitting in an awkward manner. A side door was thrown open and a man in jeans and a sweatshirt entered, which seemed odd as everyone else I had seen was in uniform. As he strode in, to shake hands with the judge and slap the clerks on the back, the two little boys instinctively flinched away from him. As they cowered, they turned in my direction and I got a proper look at their faces; they didn't have a palsy, they had been beaten.

"That man is the interrogator" whispered my chaperone as the judge fixed his gaze on us, got up and then left the room.

A charming, uniformed woman walked over to us.

"The judge has decided that we will try this case tomorrow" she said.

As the children were led out, I just sat there, staring ahead, simply trying to process what I had seen.

What on earth is going on in this country, and how is the world just letting it happen?
When following the news, it's become commonplace for us to hear about Brexit, fractured relationships in Europe, Trump wanting to ban immigrants from the USA and many other examples of conflicts throughout the world.

We live in a world and a society overrun with struggles to live together peacefully and fear of the unknown - harmony seems like an impossibility. This makes it all the more important for initiatives and exchanges to take place, which will bring individuals from different aspects of life and different parts of the world together.

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This is exactly what The Complete Freedom of Truth (TCFT) does. I wrote about TCFT last year, after having the special privilege of taking part in the past two phases in Bournemouth, UK and Srebrenica, Bosnia & Herzegovina.

TCFT is a five-year youth-led project which aims to "develop global youth citizenship through culture and the arts". Time spent embracing creativity, as well as learning about policies and democracies, through various workshops, presentations, activities and sharing evenings is a rewarding experience. It enables all participants to develop skills, build friendships and grow into change-makers that will have an impact on their communities, Europe and hopefully the world as a whole.

It is an environment where experiences and views are shared without judgement, prejudices are eradicated and everyone is seen as equal. Age, race, nationality, sexuality, religion and level of ability does not matter - each of us is human and that is all that matters. Wouldn't the world be a much better place if we all thought like that?

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Photo by Robert Golden and used with permission.

This is a project that has also been a life-changing and thought-provoking process for many of the 100 young people who have taken part. A young person from Bosnia, who was self-admittedly lazy, is working on developing an organisation in their country. A young Romanian, who said that she was previously a little racist, has changed the way she thinks and is apologetic about it.

I also know that I probably would not have taken my youth platform, Young People Insight, further without TCFT - I was able to develop my confidence while shaking off some of my fears, and it was there that I performed my first piece of spoken word and hosted my first poetry night a year later.

TCFT is a truly special project that more people need to be aware of, because it is slowly trying to repair some of the cracks in Europe through unity and creativity. Instead of constantly reporting on Brexit, why isn't more time spent reporting that?

TCFT has recently launched a crowdfunding campaign that will be running throughout the month of February. The campaign will be raising a portion of the funds to get young people to Sarteano, Italy for this year's phase, which will be taking place from the 31st March to the 14th April.

Please support The Complete Freedom of Truth's campaign by pledging and sharing it with others: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-complete-freedom-of-truth/

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Photo by Robert Golden and used with permission.
Porn addiction is not classified as an addiction in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) but has the same effects as drugs. Like cocaine, it causes an increase of that feel-good chemical, dopamine which leaves users wanting more by engaging in more porn. Making 79 billion globally, the demand for pornography isn't slowing down, with 28,258 users watching it on the Internet every second.

Bart, 20* from Belgium began watching pornography around the age of 11 when his friend introduced him to it and quickly got into watching BDSM (bondage, domination, submission and masochism).

"The darkest content was probably the porn where males were forced into becoming whores by wearing female clothes, being prostituted, etc. I guess I needed to go more graphic because I got used to the simpler stuff."

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At 14, he started watching hypnosis porn videos that consisted of fast flashes of tasks and reconditioning with a hypnotic voice. "It started getting me into a dreamlike state for days on end. It became difficult to see reality from fantasy. I started losing sleep, often waking up in the night to watch more. It made me feel like awful, but like a crack addict I kept crawling back. I couldn't stop until I pulled myself together 80 days ago."

Bart's addiction had a detrimental effect on his health, resulting in sleep paralysis and experiencing hallucinations. It affected his self confidence and love life. "It made intimacy really difficult. I convinced my previous girlfriend to engage in activities related to my fetishes and it made our relationship worse."

Recently, Bart sat his exams at college which took a toll on him: "The stress hit me a bit too hard and I relapsed a few days ago, I'm trying to get back up and try again this time".

Heidi Als Ringheim, chairman of Porno & Samfund (Danish for Porn & Society) and psychosexual therapist at her private practice, Love At Home, in Denmark describes how it manifests into an addiction: "At the start when they start watching it as teenagers - they're just curious and they're just starting to find their sexual identity. Then that gets distorted and they use it to self soothe and self medicate. The porn will help you build up these huge amounts (of dopamine and oxytocin) which makes you numb to a certain point, and then at that point you will have to have more - they might engage in more violent types of porn or even child pornography."

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The addiction results in the loss of many hours due to watching porn which comes with dire consequences such as the inability to form long-lasting social and intimate romantic relationships, feelings of depression and shame, sexual dysfunction and trouble at work or in school relating to poor performance.

Porn addiction often results in the partners also being affected. Vicki Tiede, from Minnesota, USA, is a former wife to a porn addict and author of When Your Husband is Addicted to Pornography: Healing Your Wounded Heart.

"Shortly after we got married I knew something wasn't right because he didn't want to be intimate, ever. Like, I had to beg. I thought that was so strange.

"One day, I discovered he was at the computer masturbating to images. He always had an excuse that he was researching something. Then I discovered he was going on trips with other women and having sexual encounters. We were intimate very rarely, and any intimacy there was verbally, emotionally and sexually abusive."

The stress from her ex-husband's addiction resulted in Vicki suffering from panic attacks. "I thought I was dying, my toes went numb and I'd be gasping for air. I had a fear that my daughter would be exposed to it or he would hurt her somehow from the choices he was making and the content he was watching." it also resulted in her having issues with her self confidence and self image.

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After three and a half years, Vicki decided to file for divorce "I did all I could to recover from that but I didn't know how exactly and I carried a lot of wounds with me. Counselling was really important. But, I found my healing at the foot of the cross, I needed to really have true healing and that's where I did my work."

Treatment involves clients having to undergo a 90 day sobriety period from sex and porn to explore other underlying issues that may have influenced the addiction in the first place.

Heidi says it varies from person to person on what causes it and describes most of her clients' backgrounds: "Most of them have emotional issues, trauma issues or attachment issues (e.g, poor attachment to parents) together with going into puberty you find an environment that surges you with the dopamine, the oxytocin and it will even give you relational relief as it gives you a sense of relational company."

Porn addiction also affects women as well, beauty and fashion vlogger Oghosa Ovienrioba, 24 from London (Also known as SincerelyOghosa) shared how she felt her addiction was partly caused by experiencing sexual abuse from a family friend for about three to four years: "Being molested at a young age exposed me to sexuality very early and it gave me a certain reliance on it, and that's where it linked to the porn addiction."

The recovery process is a complicated one addicts are also affected on a neurological scale. Heidi says "If you've had this addiction for years and years, the neural pathways in your brain are so trodden and well used that it won't take very much to jump into the same routines. It takes about 3-5 years to make up new ones.

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It's like riding a bicycle, you're so used to it that it's gone autopilot in your subconscious. So it takes time to unweave all these neural pathways and at the same time you have to make new ones."
It will be six-years since the Syrian uprising started next month and conditions in the country are dire with a fragile ceasefire barely holding. Syria, a country which has some of the earliest archaeological sites in human history and the oldest-continually inhabited city in the world, has become synonymous with massacres, brutality, terrorism and trouble for much of the outside world. Syria is ever present in political debates in the United States and the United Kingdom, but Syrians are largely absent from the discussions and much of the general public have formed opinions about a place and people without ever hearing what Syrians themselves think. What makes this peculiar is Syrians have not been silent for the past six-years, they have been very active is trying to talk to the outside world about themselves and events in their country.

Some of the reasons for this absence are political. Syrian-American activists, poet & lecturer, Mohja Kahf, told me about an incident at Berkeley University in California in November 2011. "I was invited to speak at a Berkeley teach-in as one of 3-4 panellists, each panellist spoke about an Arab Spring country and I was there to speak about Syria." As'ad Abukhalil, a well-known professor of political science at California State University, was also on the panel that day, and he spoke first at the event despite the fact that Mohja had pre-arranged with the organisers to speak first as she needed to leave the event early and head to another speaking engagement.

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Each speaker had ten-minutes each and Abukhalil spoke uninterrupted for his allocated time, but when time came for Mohja to speak, Abukhalil constantly interrupted her with comments, questions and accusations, which reduced the time of Mohja talk. During one of the interruptions, "He denied the existence of two women who at the time were head of two of three largest protest organising coalitions in Syria (against the Assad regime), both of whom I was in contact with- Razan Zaitouneh and Suheir Atassi. He just outright denied them (their existence). He said (Sarcastically), 'Oh the Ikhwan (Muslim Brotherhood) have women leaders now?' What did these two secular women have to do with the Ikhwan- and the Ikhwan had little to do with the Syrian Revolution at this point." The incident left Mohja feeling shocked but this would not be the last time she would come up against a wall of denial about events in Syria. She has also faced personal attacks and smears because of her activism.

Many Syrian activists in the UK have had much the same experience as Mohja over the last six-years. Often the politicised attempts to ignore or silence Syrian voices come from two sources, the far left and the far right. Abukhalil is a left-wing anti-Imperialist and left-wing anti-Imperialists are some of the most aggressive silencers of Syrian voices. It comes down to a cold-war dogmatic mind-set of us versus them. Because of President Assad's perceived anti-western imperialist stance, it must mean that there was no popular uprising in Syria in 2011, and the opposition is nothing more than Western and Gulf Arab attempts at regime change, or so the logic here goes. Syrian voices upset this picture and so activists who try to promote Syrian voices are sometimes ruthlessly hounded online or in person.

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Syrian refugees are often the ones who have to deal with the stereotypes that have built up in their host societies due to this. Omar, a refugee from Syria, was enjoying a beer at his local pub in Oxford, when he got talking to an American tourist. They were having a pleasant conversation until the American asked him where he was from, and Omar told him, he responded, "All those against Assad are radical Islamic jihadists, Assad is fighting terrorism." Omar was a bit surprised and said, "Look at me, I am drinking a beer with you, do you think I am an extremist? I am against the extremists but I am also against Assad." Despite this, the American tourist would not back down and insisted there were no moderates in Syria opposing the president. Omar's opinions did not seem to matter to him and this frustrating experience is not unusual for Syrians living outside Syria.

Omar told me, "I don't really blame them, the media gives them a distorted picture and most people are unaware that there is a third option between Daesh (ISIS) and the Assad regime. The third option is the Syrian people themselves. We are not extremists and we are made up of every religion, culture, class and creed. We are diverse and we are not like the media projects us. Most people here in the UK are nice and have been very welcoming. Sometimes they ask about events in Syria and say they have heard this or that, but usually they've picked it up from the media, and when I tell them what is really happening in Syria, they are really shocked and changed their opinions. They usually say that they have never heard anything like this before."

Being lectured to about events in their own country is a common experience for many Syrians as Omar experienced. Not all those who do the lecturing are non-Arabs either, Hala, who arrived in the UK from Syria some years ago, told me, "I started working as a receptionist and one day after an event, I sat down with one woman who worked in the company. She was from Iraq. She turned to me and said, 'Tell me, you are from Syria, don't you think the Syrian revolution was a mistake? I mean you got Daesh (ISIS), don't you think things were better under Assad?' I was fuming with anger at this question. I knew it wasn't really a question; it was a statement and a sectarian one too. I didn't answer the question and instead asked my own, 'Tell me, you're from Iraq, when you look at ISIS and the civil war, don't you think things were better under Saddam Hussein?' She became angry by this question and stopped talking. I am not with Saddam, I hate all dictators, but she brought this on herself."

Because of how heated discussion about Syrian politics can become, plus the raw memories and emotions associated with events in the country, many Syrian prefer not to be asked about the conflict. Most of the ones I spoke to get a sense of dread when asked the following question, "Tell me what is happening in Syria," which non-Syrians frequently ask. It is not only political questions that Syrian refugees have to deal with but also cultural stereotypes too. Yasmin recalls the warm welcome she received when she arrived in Yorkshire, but does remember, "Sometimes local religious groups would hand us headscarves and religious books. We are from Syria, we speak Arabic, why would we want to read books in English about Islam? We have our own culture and traditions, not everybody wears Hijab, why do they assume we all do?" While most people were friendly and curious, they were often surprised, "Sometimes, I would be with my Syrian friends, including women with blonde hair and green or blue eyes, and some people would look at them and say, 'you don't look Syrian.' But of course, we are all Syrians, it's a very diverse country and everyone has their own culture and traditions. I generally don't mind these questions, but one time I did get offended. I was talking to this guy, he was surprised that I came from Syria, and said that he found it hard to believe that I was from Syria because I dress too fashionably, nicely. He was expecting veiled and improvised looking person, not woman who likes to dress like women everywhere else in the world."
Matthew Lloyd via Getty Images

As a sentimental advocate of facts in what I'm increasingly being told is a 'post-fact' universe, today I mourn the loss of my fellow-countryman, the medical doctor and super-star statistician, Hans Rosling, who died yesterday at the ripe young age of 68 (pancreatic cancer).

I remember our geography teacher showing us Hans Rosling's second TED talk when I was in secondary school and being distinctly struck by a number of things. Firstly, how quickly he managed to capture the whole classroom's attention with his unique brand of 'edutaining'. Secondly, how he made very grand points about complex global trends and patterns in development accessible and easily comprehensible.

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And, thirdly, I remember recognizing, as a Swede, both how typically Swedish he was in his positivist, humanist vision, "please remember my main message: the seemingly impossible is possible. We can have a good world!" and then, conversely, how fantastically un-Swedish he was! My fellow Scandinavians will know what I mean. To prove his point about the 'seemingly impossible being possible' to the puzzled but awestruck audience, Hans stripped off his red plaid shirt to reveal his sagging middle-aged physique draped in a black leotard with silver lightning bolts on his chest, and proceeded to swallow a sword live on stage. As a public educator, he was the most creative in his recognition that a bit of showbiz is very effective in helping to get your point across.

What I will miss most about Hans Rosling is, firstly, his stubborn adherence to facts and his refusal to be subsumed by the media narrative of the world. By this I mean the erratic narrative that is always obsessed by some isolated catastrophe for which it demands a collective response of outrage, before switching its attention to the next headline-grabbing chaos and forgetting about its previous obsession entirely.

As a Danish news anchor put it in an interview with Hans Rosling on Danish TV in 2015, the media perspective of the world's current state is that it is characterised by "wars, conflicts, chaos." Against this, Hans Rosling, who did not hesitate to contradict the sheepish looking news anchor, appealed to us to look at the facts and not at isolated incidents. "News outlets," he explained, "only care about a small part, but you call it the world." Flinging his foot on to the table he went on, "You can choose to only show my shoe, which is very ugly, but that is only a small part of me. If you choose to only show my face then that is another part of me." His smack-down rationality, his maturity and his wisdom was truly laudable, even though, obviously, it shouldn't need to be.

Those who criticize Hans Rosling by calling him a Pollyannaist (one who focuses disproportionately on positive news and events) misunderstand the essence of his position, which is not to ignore the world's problems. Rather, what Hans Rosling's work cautions us from doing is basing our worldview on partial information, e.g. Boko Haram are terrorising Nigeria, therefore Nigeria in its entirety is in a terrible state. If we look at the whole picture, Rosling says, we get a much better understanding of the current situation and can direct our policy and resources to those areas and issues that are most pressing, and those are not necessarily the same areas and issues that capture public attention.

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The second thing I'll miss most about Hans Rosling is his dedication to illuminating facts in engaging and effective ways. His commitment to rectifying widespread views about the world based on prejudice and ignorance. Without being too didactic, we do need more figures like him in the present time where we have to constantly face down lies and distortions of the truth.
WildCare's Wildlife Hospital treats nearly 4,000 ill, injured and orphaned wild animal patients from over 200 species every year. This is one patient's story.

This Bobcat was hit by a car on Atherton Avenue in Novato, California. When he was found, the cat was stunned, but he started to wake up while his rescuers waited, with the cat loosely contained in a cardboard box, for the Marin Humane Society officer to arrive and transport the injured animal to WildCare.

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When the officer arrived at the scene of the accident, the cat had awakened enough to escape the box and scoot toward a nearby oak tree. It took a catch-pole, heavy gloves and some significant bravery on the part of the officer to contain the injured cat and corral him into a transport kennel!

When the MHS truck arrived at WildCare, the cat's low growling was audible. After some discussion, it was determined that a cat of this size and level of consciousness couldn't be easily or safely shifted out of the truck and into another kennel to be carried into the Wildlife Hospital. WildCare's Director of Animal Care, Melanie Piazza decided to give the cat a sedative injection to make handling him easier and reduce his stress.

Fortunately the injection worked quickly, and the large animal was brought into the examination room. In the video above, you can see Melanie gently removing the sleeping Bobcat from the carrier, and you can really get a sense of how large and healthy this cat was!

Although he weighed in at only 17 pounds, the cat's long legs and huge head showed him to be the biggest cat we'd ever treated in the Wildlife Hospital!

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Melanie examined the cat, commenting on the beautiful condition of his coat, paws and teeth. This was a healthy male Bobcat in his prime. There was blood on the fur of his chest, which led her to a gash on his upper lip, possibly caused by one of his own teeth. Radiographs (x-rays) and a full exam revealed no other injuries, however, so the sleeping cat was given hydrating fluids, his wound was cleaned, he was given anti-inflammatory and pain medications, and he was placed in a warm enclosure for the night.

The next day showed a very different cat from the peaceful sleeper of the night before. In the video below you can see Medical Staff urging the irate Bobcat into the small kennel inside his enclosure for transport to the release location. He needed to be fully awake and alert to return to the wild, so sedating him wasn't an option this time! As the Bobcat grudgingly backed into the kennel, Medical Staff lifted the lid of the cage, and reached in with gauntleted hands to lock the door.

Releasing a Bobcat back to the wild is always an exciting event. Cats being cats, no matter their size or wildness, there is usually a considerable delay between opening the kennel door to freedom and the cat's actual departure from the carrier. In the video below, taken after a long period of waiting quietly for the cat to decide to exit on his own, you can see WildCare Medical Staff member, Lucy Stevenot gently shaking the carrier to urge the cat out. You'll also see his brief moment of indecision, possibly wondering if he could take one last satisfying swipe at the humans that had kept him enclosed before he bounds off to freedom. The video plays twice, the second time in slow-motion, so you can appreciate the heart-stopping moment Lucy experienced!

We wish this handsome fellow the best of luck in the wild!

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The decision by President Trump to meet with airline executives this week probably put them on cloud 9. Alone with the president, unrestrained in their ability to complain about so-called competition, the airline execs likely provided a laundry list of complaints and wish-lists of things they dreamed of.

Unfortunately, the president met with only one segment of the industry-- and that could spell doom for general aviation. Let's remember, general aviation (defined as all aviation that is not airlines or military) contributed $219 billion dollars to the U.S. economy and more than a million jobs last year. (source: GAMA)

At the top of the list, no doubt, is the airlines favorite pet project: the privatization of air traffic control. Some republicans in Congress have been pushing to spin off ATC from the FAA into a non-profit, private corporation. Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA) is the big backer of privatization. The argument goes that the Congress cannot properly fund ATC- and that FAA modernization has been too slow- so let's turn it over to a private entity. There's little evidence that that would result in some magically improved system.

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General aviation groups fear that any such move would lead to the airlines having out-sized control over the new entity and impose fees and restrictions on GA. (In fact the airlines are demanding seats on the board of any private entity) The fact is any such move would be the largest transfer of government property to the private sector in history and would be a total abrogation of Congress's responsibility to fund the national airspace system.

Make no mistake about it, the airlines naked power grab is all about having the airspace largely to themselves and freezing out new, innovative competition,

The president repeated the airlines key talking point that ticket taxes (about 7.5%) are too high and need to be lowered. But doing that, no doubt, will lead to "user fees" for general aviation. Currently, the FAA is funded through a fuel tax that everyone pays. User fees- a tax by any other name- could cripple GA. Also, do you really think that the airlines would pass along savings to you, the flying public? If you believe that, I have a bag peanuts to give you.

It's easy to say this is a problem of the 1%-- rich people use private planes, right?

But who builds them? Those same American jobs the president has vowed to protect. Who flies the planes? Highly trained pilots who are not rich by any measure. Who maintains them? Mechanics trained at vocational schools republicans would like to expand. More than one million people who are squarely in the middle class will have jobs threatened by increasing the cost of business through user fees and ATC privatization.

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The airlines also want Mr. Trump to scuttle the Obama Administration deal allowing Norwegian Air to conduct international flights in the U.S. But it appears the president won't do that-- citing the American jobs that deal is creating.

Both Mr. Trump and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao have been quiet on the subject of ATC privatization. With this administration you can't read much into that and it should be a concern that it hasn't been outright rejected.

Donald Trump is obviously a "bigly" user of private planes-- jets baring his name flew across the country during the election. But the aviation community should not mistake that for supporting their cause.


Image courtesy of Jason Heuser. Used with permission

Although the scientific community has had an uneasy relationship with President Trump, a newly-formed group of physicists is seeking to legitimize so-called "alternative facts" utilized by the President and his administration. The group, whose name "Un-Cucked Physicists for Trump" appears to throw shade on more politically moderate peers by labelling them "liberal cucks", has started a petition claiming "'Alternative facts' are completely factual - just not in the reality we happen to physically inhabit." Further, the petition argues: "We demand 'universe equality'. And we demand equality of facts between these universes." Under a particular interpretation of quantum mechanics subscribed to by some physicists, objective reality is comprised of numerous parallel (or alternative) universes within a multiverse in which "all alternative histories and futures are objectively real."

Beyond this argument for fact equivalency between universes, "Un-Cucked Physicists for Trump" demands that the "fake news media and their liberal snowflake accomplices" practice a more ethical form of political discourse that does not "prioritiz[e] facts from our own universe over facts from parallel universes." By practicing a form of journalism that privileges the legitimacy of facts from our own universe, the media "creates sensationalistic articles that claim the Trump administration is selling lies" and also "promotes politically correct narratives that limit facts the Trump administration can effectively utilize to support its agenda."

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Unfortunately, fact equivalency between universes, the group contends, will lead to some "inconvenient truths" for liberals:

"Among other inconvenient truths for liberal snowflakes, there is no question that Donald Trump has had the biggest most bad-ass inauguration in US history, that America's murder rate has been at a 45 year high, and that the Bowling Green Massacre was one of the worst tragedies in American history."

Moreover, these "inconvenient truths" not only exist in other universes, but may also exist in ours as well: "Initial findings from our research group indicate that within our own universe, in addition to matter and dark matter, there may also be 'alternative matter', which operates according to rigid rules of alternative facts and alternative laws. Like dark matter, alternative matter is not clearly visible." The astounding implication of this research if proven correct would be that events, such as dozens of terror attacks, have occurred in our own universe but have not been reported by the news media because no one has knowledge they occurred in the first place.

Although the petition garnered praise from an anonymous member of the Trump administration, who said he was overjoyed that "Science finally got something right", it gained harsh rebuke from a spokesperson for Kellyanne Conway who stated, "No! Bowling Green happened! Here! Not in some other dumb universe or because of 'alternative matter' or some other stupid scientist thing." A competing critical perspective came from the International Association of Physics, which released a statement asserting that "Although IAP is reticent to comment on political matters, we feel strongly that political discourse should be based on clearly demonstrable facts existing in our own physical universe." Referencing a claim in the petition that liberal journalists practiced something akin to "white male privilege" by privileging facts from our own universe over others, physicist Stephen Hawking remarked, "I'm not sure physicists are in the best position to talk about white male privilege."

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Several lawmakers also expressed concerns about the future implications of a world where all alternative histories and futures were treated as real. Most vocal among them was Senator Elizabeth Warren who said, "What is this fact equivalency nonsense for parallel universes or alternative matter?! What would then stop this administration from claiming a terrorist attack on US soil supports drastic measures such as suspending the writ of Habeas Corpus? Or creating a registry for all Muslim US citizens as Trump promised to do after the San Bernardino attack in 2015?"
Rearview shot of a crowd protesting outside a public buildinghttp://195.154.178.81/DATA/shoots/ic_781584.jpg

Introduction by Bill Shireman

Last week, UC Berkeley made national news when protests forced the cancellation of a talk by Breitbart firebrand Milo Y, ostensibly to prevent him from spewing hateful right-wing rhetoric that would disrupt the campus's strictures against offensive speech.



As a part-time professor, I teach a class at UCB's Haas School of Business called Power & Purpose. It is one of the few places on campus where students can hear a range of uncensored political views - conservative, progressive, and libertarian - and understand their relationship to business and prosperity. My premise is that these three, which seem so contradictory, actually complement one another when considered together.



That's almost blasphemous at a campus that advises faculty to avoid terms that might offend the gentle and impressionable minds of youngsters supposedly too frail to deal with intellectual diversity. But I have yet to meet a single one of these students among the hundreds who have taken my course.



Milo got his wish at UCB. His cancelled speech attracted national attention, far more than he could have expected were he allowed to express carefully controversial views.



One of the students I work with on campus, a freshman named Pranav Jandhyala, grappled with the Milo controversy in the weeks leading up to the anti-free speech debacle. His first-hand account is exceptionally thought-provoking. Among the conclusions I personally drew from his essay is this: free speech and hate speech are inversely correlated. If we try to prevent disgusting and hateful speech, we simply get more of it. If we let it be expressed, without allowing ourselves to be gamed by the zealots trying to provoke us, then the extremism loses its power, while any legitimate ideas buried in the dung are able to emerge without the stench.



Pranav has taken action in response to the Milo mistake. With friends equally sickened by the polarization of politics from Berkeley to the Beltway, he has formed a new campus group, BridgeCal, dedicated to bringing left, right, and libertarian ideas together for robust civil discussion and debate. Find out more at www.BridgeUSA.org.



Pranav's experience reminds us that the best response to hate speech is neither angry hate-filled protests nor righteous censorship. These simply magnify its power. The best response is more speech, and more thoughtful speech, like Pranav's.

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-Bill

How we move forward as a school to lead the nation

By Pranav Jandhyala

About 50 years ago, a group of Cal students were responsible for sparking a movement that became a pivotal moment in the fight for civil liberties in United States history. In the Free Speech Movement, student leaders protested against the ban of certain political speech on campus. They believed that the universal ability to voice one's own thoughts and listen to the thoughts of whomever one pleased was an indispensable part of living in a free society. Above all, they cultivated an environment in which students of all political persuasions could engage with each other respectfully.

These students debated, but the other side was simply viewed as a group of people one disagreed with. Sproul Plaza used to be an active space for peaceful political activity on both sides of the aisle. The steps of Sproul Hall used to be a space that anyone could reserve for a speech or rally. It was ultimately a space where ideas floated freely and disagreement was met with conversations that exuded a spirit of intellectual inquiry.

I learned all this from a Cal alum on the afternoon after the protests. As we watched broken glass being cleared away and wooden boards replacing the windows of the Amazon Student Store, I listened to this old man reflect on the history of his alma mater and of our nation 50 years after he graduated. 50 years later, our campus and our nation have become spaces where we no longer tolerate the other side. We no longer read their books, watch their news, or let them speak at our universities. And on Wednesday, the center of Sproul Plaza became a space of violence.

The violent protestors were opportunists looking for a platform like this controversial event to insert their arsonist fervor into. Because the rioting groups were dressed in all black and wore black masks, we don't know much about the student body's affiliation to them that we can say with certainty. But what I do know with certainty is what I saw with my own eyes. Some students cheered on the acts of violence and some engaged in brawls with others.

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It may be the case that some students were involved with the coordinated violence against property and people. But if they were, they represent only a small minority of our student body. They don't represent the students or the Berkeley that I know. It is a shame that only the loudest voices get heard, and on this night, the loudest voice was violence and destruction. The scenes of hundreds of students peacefully assembling as a community were quickly replaced with scenes of rampage on national news networks. And UC Berkeley students quickly became associated with images of those who beat people with sticks rather than those who cleaned up their mess at 5 am in the morning.

In attempting to shut down the event because of fear of something Milo might or might not have said, the violent groups beat ticket holders, innocent bystanders, and journalists including myself, calling them "nazis". How can the pools of blood, the pepper sprayed eyes, the concussions, and the unconscious victims ever be justified? These despicable individuals merely used the pretense of attempting to protect groups that may be affected by Milo's speech to use others as targets for nothing else but their belligerent attitudes. And that's something that can never be condoned.

The political division on our campus and in our nation has created and stirred passions. And these passions are just now brimming over a glass that can no longer contain our exasperated and resentful bafflement towards those who just don't seem to make sense anymore. To both sides, the other doesn't seem to hold rational opinions anymore, they don't seem to make sense anymore. The left gets more left and the right gets more right every year, driven by the same tensions. In our inability to do the grunt work of healthy debate and compromise, of listening to the other side, we've dug ourselves into a debt. It's a chore we kept putting off, a regular assignment we started to do with less and less frequency that brought us to this place. It's a debt can only be solved with a political investment.

Shutting down speech in any form is a slippery slope to fascism and in the end creates far more problems than it purports to solve. We can't stand for those who silence speech simply because it is challenging to their beliefs. But neither can we stand for those who engage in hate speech or personal attacks. I truly believe that every single political opinion can be expressed without hate speech, whether it's support for the Muslim ban or a denouncement of Israel's actions in the West Bank. The challenge, then, is to create an environment of free and open discourse where ideas, rather than people, are challenged and intellectual empathy is fundamental.

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The way forward, and the only way where we can exist despite our differences, is both simple and remarkably challenging. We, whomever we may be, need to start talking to the other side. We need to start understanding what they believe and why they believe it by immersing ourselves in a marketplace of ideas. We need to spark a new Free Speech Movement, a Free Discourse Movement, on campus and in our nation. One in which a space is created for all ideas to be voiced but also rigorously challenged. No one benefits by silencing speech. Conservatives on campus won't be convinced of any point of view when we don't create this kind of space. Milo's invitation to campus and even his rhetoric was years in the making. If such a space was created, the Berkeley College Republicans would not feel the need to invite such controversial speakers to prove a point in response to their perception of liberal intolerance. But now, their perception of liberal intolerance has only been further confirmed by the events on February 1st. Neither side is at fault, but everyone is afflicted.
By Christopher Zoukis

Two California men are awaiting sentencing for claiming fraudulent tax refunds made with the names and identification information of more than 700 jail and prison inmates.

On Jan. 24, a jury in a federal case in California convicted Howard Webber, a 52-year-old ex-convict who has served time in Milwaukee, Santa Clara and San Quentin, of wire fraud, mail fraud and conspiring to commit mail fraud, for his part in the scam.

Webber and accomplice Clifford Bercovich, a 69-year-old disbarred lawyer, set up a bogus firm, Inmate Assets Recovery and Liquidation Services, and Webber signed up inmates incarcerated with him for a service that supposedly could help them obtain government benefits. At least some of the inmates reportedly received $75 from the schemers to provide their identifying information. Using the information, the defendants then filed for bogus tax refunds in the inmates' names.

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Over 700 tax refunds wrongly issued in the names of the inmates went not to the inmates in whose names the refunds were claimed, but instead to mail boxes and bank accounts Webber and Bercovich had set up. Federal prosecutors claimed the pair split more than $600,000 in the approximately two years (2010 to 2012) their scam was running.

The bogus tax returns claimed income from self-employment and took advantage of refundable tax programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Making Work Pay Credit, or both. Those programs provide for cash refunds to low-to-moderate income taxpayers, even those not earning enough to owe taxes.

The programs have often been criticized as fraud-prone. The inspector general for the Internal Revenue Service has estimated over one-fifth of EITC payments are improperly issued, though defenders of the credit argue that payments can be deemed improper without being fraudulent. They also point out government officials estimate at least 3.5 million, and perhaps as many as 7 million, taxpayers who meet the standards for EITC payments do not file for them.

From a modest start in 1975, the EITC program has been repeatedly extended and expanded, and now is one of the federal government's largest anti-poverty programs. Many states have also added similar programs to their tax laws. The program paid out more than $7 billion to about 29 million families in 2014. Even so, the EITC program is the only one at IRS which White House budget officials have designated as "high-risk."

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As a result, Congress has ordered a slowdown of refund payments to EITC claimants, to allow more time for checking for fraud or identity theft. The IRS says in 2014 it paid out $3.1 billion to identity thieves who filed fraudulent returns, down from $5.8 billion in 2013. During those two years, the agency says it detected and blocked payments on almost $47 billion in fraudulent claims for refunds.

Webber's accomplice, Bercovich, pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. He initially persuaded the trial court he could not be charged with aggravated identity theft, since the identity information had been voluntarily provided. But a three-judge panel of the federal appeals court in San Francisco disagreed and reinstated that charge.
How do we disrupt a tech culture that's made it difficult for women entrepreneurs to access capital?

The thing is, there are plenty of talented women out there, and we need to continue to put our money where our mouths are and actually fund startups led by women. Funding disparities for women-led tech startups is a global issue. Only 10% of all global investor money goes to women-led startups, yet women-led companies yield a 35% higher return than those led by men. We've gotta do better, and that's what we're aiming to do in the Women Startup Challenge Europe.

Allyson Kapin, the Founder of Women Who Tech says, pretty accurately:

"If we're going to solve the toughest problems facing our communities nationally and globally, we must foster and invest in a culture of innovation from diverse perspectives. This means helping to fund startups led by diverse founders."

The deal is, I'm a partner in the Women Startup Challenge through the Craig Newmark Philanthropic Fund, and we just launched applications for our 5th Startup Challenge and our first international competition. We're approaching this by working with tech ecosystems across Europe to find the most promising women-led startups.

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The competition will feature 10 finalists pitching their ventures before a panel of tech industry executives on Wednesday, May 3, at London's City Hall, hosted by the office of Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The jurors include:
Hard as it may be to believe, real life is continuing in some parts of the country. Here's a report about a trans health conference that occurred this past weekend in LA.

WPATH, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, is the global organization composed of health professionals and scientists working on transgender health and scientific research into human sexual development and gender variance. The U.S. contingent is in the process of creating a distinctly American version, to be called USPATH, as Americans make up 80% of WPATH's membership. The overwhelming North American majority often gives the global organization an American flavor, to the occasional distress of the European and Asian members.

This conference was very rapidly staged, just eight months after the last WPATH conference in Amsterdam, which I covered in my columns in detail. The rules for accepting papers, posters and panelists remained the same. My sources tell me the conference was highly successful on virtually all fronts, that organizer Dan Karasic, a leading supporter of gender-affirming approaches for the past two decades, did a remarkable job, and the health professionals in attendance were very pleased with the quality and quantity of offerings. Most importantly for the trans community, all the offerings were gender affirming. So why is there any news for me to report, since the controversial issues were dealt with very successfully in Amsterdam?

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A group of activists, led by Luna Ruparia, disrupted a panel discussion with Dr. Ken Zucker as one of the attendees. Note that Zucker wasn't invited, paid, or a keynote speaker; his proposals to join two panels were accepted under the rules. This was the core of their protest, though there was also a minor concern with conference security, and others had their own list of grievances. The protesters were completely oblivious of the Streisand Effect, and their action will probably have negative consequences, which does not concern them. When you act to forcibly remove your adversaries, you end up creating martyrs.

First, some background. I've written a great deal about Zucker and his now outmoded and increasingly ignored theories, brought to a scientific conclusion at last spring's WPATH symposium in Amsterdam. Ken Zucker is not the only sexologist to have been marginalized by the progress of science over the past half-century. First John Money of Hopkins, who brought genital reconstruction surgery to America at Hopkins in 1966, but ended his career in ignominy after defrauding science in the case of David Reimer, because of his unassailable belief that gender identity was a social construct. Reimer ended up committing suicide. Then, again at Hopkins, Paul McHugh was brought in to kill Money's program in 1976 but has continued to live on in retirement, without peer review, as the leading opponent of the science of gender identity because of his extremely conservative Catholic beliefs. Michael Bailey was called out after publishing a pseudo-scientific book with the Institute of Medicine in 2003, an act which sparked the creation of the trans activist scientific community, led by Lynn Conway, a major founder of the digital revolution.

Now we have Ken Zucker, who in being no-platformed is being shoved into the non-scientific realm as an opponent of gender-affirming therapy for children. He was fired two years ago, and his clinic shut down, because activists had brought the latest academic and clinical research to the attention of the Ontario government.

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After reading multiple Facebook threads, and speaking with some of the players and interacting on Facebook, I feel it comes down to one issue - not that Zucker's words are hate speech, but that allowing him to speak is in and of itself an act of violence against certain members of the trans community.

This is a problem. Scientific inquiry depends on the open and free flow of information, with research being peer reviewed. Silencing is not peer review. Scientists become convinced of the truth of their positions by defending against all comers. A classic example of the negative consequences of silencing dissent happened with Drs. Robin Warren and Barry Marshall, who posited that peptic ulcer disease was caused by a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, and not by stress or stomach hyperacidity. Warren and Marshall were ostracized and had their careers trashed (Wikipedia grossly minimizes this as "an extensive effort was required to convince the medical community of the relevance of their work"). The truth won out, however, and patients benefitted. Warren and Marshall were rewarded with the Nobel for Medicine and Physiology in 2005.

Fortunately, Dr. Zucker will not be awarded a Nobel Prize. He is following down the path of Money, McHugh and Bailey, fundamentally unable to break free of the assumptions that have limited and perverted his research for decades, the most prominent being that living as determined by your brain sex, rather than genital anatomy, is a horrible fate.

The professional scientific trans activists worked both within and without the system, got the DSM 5 changed, and have helped create a health care community that is overwhelmingly gender affirming for all ages. Were their feelings hurt? Yes. Did they lobby and rally because they wanted their feelings to be considered? No. They worked to change the organizations - WPATH, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, American Medical Association, etc. - from within and without, using the tools that scientific professionals use to create change. That meant meetings with the professionals and trustees, as well as the occasional demonstration to highlight community support.

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I am happy to join in and ask WPATH to evolve. I, for one, would love to see membership fees lowered for those who cannot afford to join or attend the conferences. I would love to see a Speaker's Bureau of instructors to teach the current generation of medical students about trans health. The complaints of trans persons, particularly women of color, regarding access and cultural competence, will be addressed by training the next generation of professionals, not by attacking the organization that has done so much to create the friendly environment from which we all benefit today.

We live in desperate times. The fascists are baiting us, as is evident with the college tour of the gay Nazi, Milo Yiannopoulis. Let's not rise to the bait. And trans professionals, please don't encourage disruption for the sake of disruption. This is a mode into which the trans community has fallen in recent years. Targeted disruption with a productive goal in mind - of course. Disruption due to hurt feelings or a desire simply to be heard, without consideration of the consequences - not.
At times of dramatic change in a nations history, fear and anxiety can become pervasive and overwhelming. Troubling visions of authoritarianism or chaos, of political persecution, and even civil war disturb our waking thoughts and nightly dreams. It can be emotionally, almost physically, paralyzing.

As Mark Twain allegedly quipped, "history doesnt repeat itself, but it often rhymes." Looking for those historical rhymes can provide perspective at times of disquiet, such as this. This may be particularly true for younger members of our attentive public, who have not lived through, and emerged safely from, some of the dark periods we have experienced as a country.

Americas 241 years of nationhood have been tumultuous. Events have repeatedly challenged the viability of our democracy. Here are just a few.

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The Civil War: An estimated 650,000 Americans died during this conflictthe equivalent of 1 in 43 citizens, or more than 7 million souls if it had been fought today.

The Great Depression: Unemployment reached 25 percent (compared to 10 percent at the height of the Great Recession of 20072009). Economic pain gave rise to extremist movements. Communism and fascism both had large followings in the United States, as they did in Europe.

World War II: Unlike any war fought since, this one constituted a truly mortal threat to the future of Western civilization. From 1939 to 1942, the allies suffered repeated defeats at the hands of fascist forces. Nevertheless, except for the shameful internment of Japanese Americans, our democratic institutions continued to function, with regular elections and the rule of law.

1968: The nation witnessed the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy. Riots destroyed vast swaths of American cities, where federal troops and armored personnel carriers patrolled the streets.

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1970: As anger at the Vietnam War raged, Ohio National Guard members shot and killed four student demonstrators and wounded nine at Kent State University. Strikes shut down many universities around the United States.

197374: A rogue White House burgled the offices of the opposing party. The U.S. president then ordered the crimes cover up. The media, Congress, and the judiciary combined to force his resignation.

Varied as these events were, they show how frequently crises test our democracy, and how resilient it has proven over time. They also show how important it is for defenders of our freedoms to remain vigilant. No civilizationno matter how mighty or seemingly stableis invulnerable. All decline and pass eventually from the scene. Only the values and courage of a free citizenry and its leaders assure that we will continue to confront and rise to the challenges that we will inevitably encounter.
Two Mexicans walk into a Hollywood movie studio office. No, this isn't the beginning of a hot new joke, even though there's an early Donald J. Trump laugh line. It's the start of Tanya Saracho's Fade, at the Cherry Lane, that, for one thing, takes up within-nationality biases

Lucia (Annie Dow), who's written one novel and is blocked on a second, has accepted a writing-team job on a television series. She's moved into her second-tier but still comfortable office where Abel (Eddie Martinez), pronounced Ah-bell, is the handy cleaning man. (Mariana Sanchez is the set designer.)

Just about right off the bat, Lucia assumes--correctly--that Eddie is Mexican and, because she is, too, begins addressing him in Spanish. Although he speaks English, he doesn't respond at first. Shortly, however, he points out to her--in English--that her assumption exposes a class distinction she's made about who would be likely to learn a second language and who wouldn't.

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So their earlier exchanges revolve around Abel wising Lucia up to herself as she grouses about the barely disguised biased treatment she's receiving from her states-born male writing colleagues.

In time, Lucia eases up and, as Abel visits her space to empty her wastebasket and show how to open her window, the two become friendlier and even bond with each other against the writing-team's unconscious racist remarks. They're in accord to the extent that Eddie not only opens up to Lucia about his troubles at home but also begins discussing her writing assignments.

It's here where Saracho's play--so smart about prejudice often seemingly rampant--goes somewhat off the tracks. Lucia gets Abel relaxed enough to confide something drastic about himself and family. Doing that, Saracho arms the audience with a hearty nudge as to where she's going with her script and makes a playwright's major mistake.

She lets the audience get ahead of her. The problem becomes that rather than having patrons follow the Lucia-Abel development, they're drumming their fingers in regard to how long it's going to take for the inevitable to take place.

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Though that goes some way to vitiate Fade, it doesn't undermine the play completely. Her observations about the complexities of intolerance are astute. The Lucia-Abel relationship and how it grows is amusing as well as enlightening to observe.

The playwright is valuably abetted by director Jerry Ruiz, who began his work in an earlier Denver Center Theatre Company production. Dow's never-ending jitters are great fun to watch. Worth watching closely is Martinez's display of sly understanding. He also exhibits a confident workingman's stride, which he probably honed in Denver.

******************

At the New York Theatre Workshop they're happy to reconfigure the commodious space for whatever is lodging there temporarily. With The Object Lesson, they've gone whole hog.

When patrons enter past an opaque plastic curtain they've already passed a wall of stacked boxes. Once in, they're encouraged to wander through the hundreds(?) of additional boxes. Some are stacked. Some are not, but are open and contain what look like society's detritus. Some are designated as seats. (Steven Dufala is credited with the scenic installation design.)

After the crowd has spent time milling about and then sitting, a willowy fellow named Geoff Sobelle (not that he gives a character's name) starts talking, initially discussing objects he picks out near the chair he's occupied for a few minutes. He rambles on for a while and then makes a call (or was he called?; I don't remember) and begins talking to himself--to his just recorded opening ramble.

Sobelle, ostensibly known for award-winning installations, continues spinning sentences that are notable for adding up to nothing much. In response, the audience occasionally laughs. Otherwise, the attendees are polite throughout.

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For a bit of relief from the attenuated tedium, Sobelle, climbs on a table and, with the ice skates he's wearing, does a dance in which he cuts up lettuce, carrots and a red pepper, thereby producing a salad for a woman, who's said she's Kyoko. The sequence is mildly amusing and constitutes the 90-minute diversion's high point.

(David Parker/The Bang Group is credited with the choreography. David Neumann is credited as director, although the extent of his contributions is elusive.)

For the final 10 or 15 minutes of a piece originally commissioned by Lincoln Center Theater, Sobelle stands at one end of the room pulling seemingly endless objects from a medium-sized box. Eventually, he runs out of junk, making his perhaps major point that in time civilization comes down to nothing.

Early on, Sobelle dubs the undertaking a "bulls**t enterprise." Let's give him that final word on one of the most impoverished theater pieces by which this reviewer has ever been assaulted.

******************

In Robert Holman's Jonah and Otto, twentysomething-thirtysomething Jonah (Rupert Simonian) and sixty-ish Otto (Sean Gormley) don't meet cute on this side of a crumbling stone wall that could, despite the absence of gravestones, be a cemetery. (Ann Beyersdorfer is responsible for the haunted-looking set.)

They encounter when Jonah slinks through a wooden door pushing a laden cart. He arrives to menace Otto, who's been rubbing against the wall, ostensibly to extract the heat soaked up during the day.

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Otto calls Jonah a hoodlum. Jonah claims he isn't. Throughout the ensuing conversation, which stretches into a series of conversations, Jonah and Otto alternately rag each other or declare their concern for one another. Slowly, it becomes obvious that, despite their differently troubled lives, they're forging a friendship. One of the reasons is the sleeping infant daughter whom Jonah takes care of in his cart.

Trying to make precise sense of what's transpiring moment to moment may not be worth a ticket buyer's time. The script doesn't bear the weight of too much analysis--certainly not the sequence in which while Otto is apparently sleeping, Jonah strips him of his outer clothes. This piece may be a small lapse in playwright Holman's career.

Little known stateside, if known at all, he does include among his works an exquisite one-act produced in 1986 about the also all but unknown writer Denton Welch. It's called Being Friends, and also there's A Thousand Stars Explode in the Sky, co-authored with David Eldridge and Simon Stephens. Would that those two plays would be presented here.

The pressing reason to see Jonah and Otto is to watch what Simonian and Gormley do with their meaty roles, as directed by Geraldine Hughes. Swizzlestick-thin Otto switches with speed from scared clergyman (at least a clergyman is what Otto claims to be) to overbearing aggressor. Chunky Simonian--who gets to throw a terrifyingly convincing epileptic fit--slowly instills irresistible humanity into the openly emotional Jonah.
On her second day on the job as U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos faced a protest as she visited a District of Columbia middle school. She also was sued by a group of cosmetology schools in a District of Columbia federal court. DeVos quickly fled the protest in an SUV. How she will react to the lawsuit is uncertain, but critical to Americans who want to pursue career training to improve their lives.

There is controversy over the protest, with some of the people who vehemently opposed DeVos's nomination criticizing the people who put their bodies in front of her at Jefferson Middle School Academy in southwest DC.

I don't know exactly what happened. I oppose violence and hyper-aggressive tactics. And I do think Betsy DeVos should meet with teachers and students, especially given that she has never run, taught in, or been a student or a parent in a public school system.

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But I also think people should continue to protest and say that it is not OK that DeVos agreed to stand for the job, and was appointed, when she lacks the requisite skills and experience, does not adequately support public education, and refused to provide reasonable assurances or even disclosures regarding the numerous conflicts of interest raised by her extensive investments.

Devos simply felt she was entitled to the job, Trump barely knew or cared who she is besides being a GOP donor, and the GOP Senators, many of whom had received campaign contributions to her in the past, pushed her through. DeVos was confirmed even though every Democratic senator, and two conscientious Republicans, voted against her. (It required Senator Jeff Sessions, on the verge of becoming Trump's attorney general, to hang around and vote instead of recusing himself.) DeVos's appointment is a disgrace, and citizens should not forget.

One group, however, appeared eager to greet Secretary DeVos: the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), which today sued the new Secretary, claiming her "gainful employment" rule is unlawful. But, of course, gainful employment is not DeVos's rule. It's a regulation that took the Obama Administration eight years to craft and implement, in the face of waves of lobbying and court challenges by the wealthy for-profit college industry.

Essentially, the rule says that if career education programs -- courses in fields like computer networking, diesel mechanics, medical assisting, and cosmetology -- year after year leave even their graduates with earnings insufficient to pay down their student loans, those programs will lose eligibility for federal grants and loans. And that would be very bad news for many for-profit colleges, a good number of which get close to 90 percent of their revenue from those federal taxpayer dollars. Worse, when the first results from the gainful employment test emerged last month, 98 percent of the flunking programs came from for-profit schools, where a toxic mix of high prices, poor quality, and weak job placement leave even many graduates who are hired in their chosen field (not to speak of the many dropouts and those left unemployed), worse off than when they started.

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But despite the high-priced legal talent hired (with our tax dollars) by for-profit colleges to fight the gainful employment rule, the final 2014 version of the rule was upheld by five different federal judges. In the decisive opinion in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, a three-judge panel unanimously concluded, "It would be a perverse system that, by design, wasted taxpayer money in order to impose crippling, credit-destroying debt on lower-income students and graduates."

But now that DeVos is in charge, the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) has filed a complaint in the same courthouse to relitigate the matter.

AACS may be cheered that this new lawsuit has been assigned to Judge Rudolph Contreras, an Obama appointee who struck down the first version of the gainful employment rule in 2012. But Contreras upheld most aspects of that rule, and the part to which he objected, on the ground that the Department had not provided a sufficient rationale, was removed from the 2014 version of the rule. That result, and the industry's subsequent loss in court, turned their legal onslaught into a major miscalculation -- stripped of the offending provision, which actually provided programs a safe harbor from misconduct, the new rule was slightly more demanding.

In addition, the somewhat risque argument the cosmetology schools are now making --- that hair and beauty school grads' incomes are understated because some don't report all their earnings to the IRS -- was considered and rejected by one of the federal courts considering the regulation.

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The gainful employment rule, in fact, allows schools to submit to the Education Department alternative data if they believe the standard earnings measure, using Social Security Administration information, doesn't do justice to what their graduates actually earn.

But if the cosmetology schools do not find a friend in Judge Contreras, perhaps they are hoping their lawsuit will make them a new friend in Betsy DeVos.

DeVos in her confirmation process cast strong doubt on the whether she would support the gainful employment rule, telling Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), "The last thing any of us want is to unnecessarily close down important programs -- putting students on the street with limited or no other options." This was the very argument that for-profit colleges made in vociferously attacking the rule in the Obama years, sidestepping the question: What programs would be shut down? By design, the rule only penalizes programs that are performing poorly. Warren told DeVos at her hearing, "Swindlers and crooks are out there doing backflips when they hear an answer like this." And, indeed, many of the programs that flunked gainful employment also have been under federal and state law enforcement investigation for deceptive recruiting and other fraud.

With DeVos saying negative things about the gainful employment rule, and with GOP Members of Congress, awash in campaign funding from for-profit colleges, salivating to cancel the rule, there is a concern that the Trump Justice and Education departments will decline to defend it robustly in court.

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Similar concerns underscore the importance of the effort this month by the attorneys general of Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and the District of Columbia to intervene in a federal lawsuit where the accrediting organization ACICS seeks to overturn a decision by the Obama Education Department to de-recognize that body because of its lax oversight of for-profit colleges. At a hearing last week, representatives of those AGs argued persuasively that they should be permitted to join the case to protect the interests of their students. Judge Reggie Walton tentatively decided that the AGs deserve a seat at the table in the dispute, pending further litigation of the issue.

Depending on the next signals from DeVos, the AGs might be well-advised to enter the new gainful employment lawsuit as well.

There are good cosmetology schools that deserve the Department of Education's support, so that they can help students train for good jobs. But some of these schools simply charge too high a tuition cost, making it impossible for low-earning graduates to pay back their loans, and turning their dream careers into nightmares.

The whole point of the gainful employment rule is to push schools to make their programs a good deal for students. Some schools have made clear they can adapt to the rule. The repeated efforts by some for-profit colleges to erase the rule, rather than try to live with it, suggests they are committed only to profits, rather than to their students.
On the morning after his release from prison on charges of forgery, manslaughter and bank robbery, Jack Abbott appeared as a guest on Good Morning America, joined by his much-publicized sponsor, author Norman Mailer. Guest host John Forsythe thrust a host of predictable questions at Abbott, whose prison essays, "In the Belly of the Beast," had achieved critical accolades. Mailer fielded most of the questions put to Abbott, who sat there sweating, unable to conceal his great discomfort.

Later that morning, I called Abbott's publisher (Random House) and suggested to the book's publicist that Jack might need some time to learn how to live in the outside world before he faced more cameras - something I knew about as the founder of The Fortune Society. As revealed in his book, Abbott was a "systems baby," reared from childhood in punishment institutions with years in solitary confinement. I extended an invitation to Abbott to stop in at Fortune where he would meet dozens of men for whom re-entry was a challenge that they faced together.

The publicist called the next day repeating Abbott's response, "I'm a loner, I don't need a program." I responded, "Of course he's a loner out here. He has spent a lifetime in cages. But he doesn't need Good Morning America either."

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Mailer, like William Buckley before him, was the self-proclaimed "savior" of a "tough ex-con," the ultimate achievement in literary machismo. Before Mailer discovered Abbott, Buckley sponsored the prison release of former New Jersey death row writer, Edgar Smith. After the Supreme Court ruled the death penalty unconstitutional, Smith was returned to general population at the state prison in Rahway. I became acquainted with Edgar, who was in a class I was teaching at that prison. Two other published "prison writers" (Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and Tommy Trantino) were also in the class which explored the outside world to which they aspired.

I had watched with horror when Buckley held a press conference with Edgar upon his release. It was featured on almost every news program. The next morning, I received a call from Edgar who had been holed up in a suite at the exclusive St. Regis Hotel, paid for by Buckley and Edgar's publishers. He, too, had a best seller, "Brief Against Death." He told me that he was up all night at the hotel, terrified and alienated. It was an overdose of culture shock.

I guided him to The Fortune Society, instructing him how to hail a cab. I would be on the street to meet him. He let out an audible sigh when he came upstairs to Fortune and met a group of men and women. He instantly recognized the trauma of transition, a first step of re-entry. In a few moments there was laughter as each person shared his awkward state as he hit the city streets.

Those memories hovered over me as I approached Jerome Loving's new book, "Jack and Norman," (St. Martins. February 21, 2017), a collection of essays linking the two writers. Abbott had been corresponding with Mailer as the latter researched his next book, "The Executioner's Song," a brilliant dissection of inmate Gary Gilmore - the first person executed after the Supreme Court re-validated the death penalty.

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Abbott's background, as revealed to Mailer in his letters from prison, was a carbon copy of Gilmore's. Abbott became an insightful reference for Mailer, who revealed a fascination with the posturing and threat of violence assumed by men like Abbott and Gilmore.

Buckley and Mailer apparently gravitated to men who, with backgrounds like Abbott and Gilmore, failed to challenge their demons and perpetuated the mythology of the bad seed.

Sadly, Loving's view of "prison reform" or "re-entry" is shaped by well-publicized convict-authors and ignores the daily grind of people and organizations, outside the spotlight, who work tirelessly to help men and women who are determined to reclaim their lives.

Buckley and Mailer saw the drama of the prison experience, involved themselves in the Svengali fashion, and then walked away when the magic literary wand wasn't sufficient.

Loving clearly recognizes Abbott in literary terms. Of him, Loving says, "Jack knew little about life outside prison. He was at his literary worst when writing fiction about life in the outside world." What he fails to note is that Jack could live comfortably in prison, but was at his worst in life on the outside.

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Abbott chose not to sit in a group with men and women like himself. He chose not to hear their fear of subway crowds, of being paralyzed in stores and restaurants because they no longer knew how to make decisions for themselves. Significantly, he did not learn how to have a relationship with someone who had not shared these fears.

In prison, you don't confront your fears except with a fist or a shiv. Men like Abbott and Gilmore didn't learn how to respond to a slight or push. Abbott knifed a young waiter, Richard Adan, in the East Village in a dispute over nothing shortly after his release from prison. In prison, nothing can cause a lot of trouble.

In the autobiographical play, "The Castle," actor-former prisoner Casimiro Torres tells the audience, "Every time I went to jail, I adapted to it. I thought that's where I belong. That's what I deserve. Not the last arrest. For the first time, I smelled the vomit and piss... I always knew there was something else. I just didn't know where to find it."

Buckley and Mailer were playing at saving lives. Jack Abbott was created and destroyed by the system. Edgar Smith is back in state prison. What Mailer and Buckley didn't understand is that prison does not prepare anyone to come home and that this is a problem that TV interviews or convict book signing can't fix.
Jeff Sessions is a longtime friend of mine, and I am very happy to see him be confirmed as Attorney General of the United States.

Make no mistake, though - while I am personally delighted for my friend, I am much more pleased as an American to have a man of impeccable qualifications and integrity about to take the reigns as the nation's top law enforcement officer.

His resume reads like a roadmap to the Attorney General's office: Six years as an assistant U.S. Attorney, 12 more as U.S. Attorney in Alabama, two years as Alabama Attorney General, and two decades in the United States Senate.

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During his time in those posts, the Senator has been a constant champion of law and order.

He has pushed for strenuously controlling our borders, something that will unquestionably take center stage during a Trump administration.

But despite his penchant for tough enforcement of laws and wealth of experience, there have been some concerns expressed about Senator Sessions not being willing to apply the law to everybody equally.



As I stated above, Jeff and I have been friends for years. I know him very well and can personally attest to the integrity of his character.



His record has been challenged, but I believe he has demonstrated his fidelity to the law repeatedly throughout his career.



This is a man who pushed to desegregate Alabama schools and helped prosecute KKK leader Henry Francis Hays, who received the death penalty for abducting and killing a black teenager named Michael Donald.



He later saw to it that Hays' accomplice and father were brought up on federal charges related to the murder.



Some have said he only prosecuted a voter fraud case because of racial motivations, but the son of Albert Turner - the main defendant in that case - disagrees and has endorsed Jeff Sessions for the position of Attorney General.



Said Albert Turner Jr. per the Washington Examiner,

"I have known Senator Sessions for many years, beginning with the voter fraud case in Perry County in which my parents were defendants. My differences in policy and ideology with him do not translate to personal malice. He is not a racist. As I have said before, at no time then or now has Jeff Sessions said anything derogatory about my family. He was a prosecutor at the Federal level with a job to do. He was presented with evidence by a local District Attorney that he relied on, and his office presented the case. That's what a prosecutor does. I believe him when he says that he was simply doing his job.

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Gone are the days when consumers would buy a banana and not think about how the company grew it, how much the company paid the farmers to pick it, and whether the CEO who runs the banana company is for or against abortion, for or against same sex unions, for or against a temporary travel ban, for or against the current President of the United States.

Consumers are no longer interested in the taste of your company's banana alone. They want to taste the company's politics first. Concurrently, many CEOs are feeling the need to be activists themselves, guided by business, morals, or a combination of both. In this new world of the Activist Consumer, I have 6 recommendations for the Activist CEO.

Recommendation #1: In most cases, SHUT UP!

Though it would be more polite to say "remain silent", "shut up" is more apt. The country is so split politically across liberal and conservative lines that you are likely to alienate half of your customers by expressing your opinion on sensitive issues. If you run a company that provides products and services to a broad audience, in particular, it is best not to engage. Importantly, if you are a CEO of a publicly held company, your fiduciary responsibility is to shareholders, many of whom are invested in your company via large mutual funds that reflect a wide swath of investors from the political spectrum. You owe it to them to make money to support their retirement, not to express your personal opinion on sensitive issues that many may not agree with.

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If you run a privately held company, you certainly have more latitude since you own the burger stand. But you are still responsible for the livelihood of your employees. To state your personal political opinion runs the risk of alienating many of your employees while putting them at risk of consumer backlash and sales decline.

Recommendation #2: FIGHT WHEN ISSUES HAVE A DIRECT IMPACT ON YOUR BUSINESS.

There are times to make your opinions known and to fight. Various companies are now aligned against the temporary travel ban on seven countries that the government identified as places with significant terrorist activities. A solid business argument is that the ban prevents talented foreign professionals from filling important positions here in the U.S. This prevents companies that rely on international talent such as Google, Apple, Tesla, and General Electric from optimizing operations. From a business standpoint, that's sound judgment. These are good fights to have.

In a broader sense, lobbying government in legal ways to increase shareholder value is well documented. The amount of money that businesses reportedly spend on lobbying Congress totals about $2.6 billion a year. Whether that is beneficial or not is the subject of a different article.

But when referencing opposition to the temporary travel ban, some companies shifted from a business argument to a moral argument. The Ford Motor Company's chief executive officer stated that, "We do not support this policy or any other that goes against our values as a company". And that, "I think we're just going to be a company that lives by its values and let the chips fall where they may." Be careful there. Recent research revealed that 55% of Americans are in favor of an immigration ban and only 38% are opposed. Ford should have stuck to the business argument and not to the moral argument, especially since domestic security is also a moral concern, one that most Americans rank higher.

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Recommendation #3: DON'T PANDER

If the preponderance of your business comes from a target audience that has a specific political view, then yes, it can make sense to express your view since your consumers like the taste of your politics. But it must be done in a sincere and concrete way that can have the added benefit of increasing the value of your company. Ben & Jerry's, for example, caters to a youthful, more liberal demographic that appreciates the stand it takes on issues, and the company communicates its opinions in a whimsical nature that takes the edge off. The company supports many efforts including democracy for all, GMO labeling, LGBT equality, and "climate justice" in which the company states, "We're not scientists, but we figure that ice caps, like ice cream, are best kept frozen." The company also does what it advocates. In the environment arena, it has invested to increase its energy efficiency while shrinking its carbon footprint. Love them or hate them, Ben & Jerry's does not pander. The company puts its time, money and energy behind both its ice cream and politics that many of its customers find tasty.

Conversely, do not pander to your consumers in a shallow effort to gain business. Insincere efforts to momentarily gain awareness and customers through politics rather than through the quality of your products and services can backfire. Consumers can smell insincerity.

Recommendation #4: SHOOT STRAIGHT

If you are going to offer your opinion on a sensitive issue, make sure you communicate it well. A recent failed attempt was the 84 Lumber commercial that the company aired during the 2017 Super Bowl. The 90 second television spot shown to over 111 million people conveyed the arduous efforts of a Hispanic mom and daughter as they made their way across Mexico to the United States. The commercial gave the impression that the company was sympathetic to the plight of immigrants coming to the U.S. The commercial also directed viewers to the company website that had a longer video that ended with the mother and daughter finding and entering a massive door in the U.S. border wall. It ended with, "The will to succeed is always welcome here."

But what is the company trying to tell us? Is it merely proclaiming its sympathy for immigrants? Is it trying to tell us that we should welcome all who come here whether they enter legally or not? In an attempt to resolve the confusion, CEO Maggie Hardy Magerko said that she was in support of President Trump's plans and that, to paraphrase various press releases and interviews, "We need to keep America safe...The wall, I think it represents, to me, security...I am all about those people who are willing to fight and go that extra yard to make a difference and then if they have to, you know, climb higher, go under, do whatever it takes to become a citizen." Her nuanced view seems to be that she supports the wall and legal citizenship yet can still be sympathetic to those with good intentions who travel difficult routes to get here. But the commercial did not convey that nuance. It gave a lopsided pro-immigration view at the least, and could easily have been interpreted as pro-illegal immigration. So if the objective of the spot was to increase awareness of 84 Lumber, then mission accomplished. But if the objective was to also provide a clear idea of the company's opinion, then mission not accomplished. If the objective was to increase business, it's hard to tell at this point, but confused marketing does not usually result in a massive sales success. If the objective was to recruit new employees, time will tell. But when you consider that the spot cost approximately $15 million to air and probably several million dollars to produce, you have to doubt that this was money well spent. More importantly, this was a lost opportunity. 84 Lumber is, after all, a building materials supply company. The nature of their work could have led to an attention-getting commercial that had a more direct association with the company's core competency...materials and know how for building walls...whether they be across a national border or across a backyard. Swing and a miss.

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Recommendation #5: CONSIDER UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

If you decide to make your opinions known, be sure you consider unintended consequences. Boycotts are now common, made more potentially devastating by the speed of social media and the growth of online sales that makes it easier for consumers to forego your offering with a click. Chick-fil-A made headlines a couple years ago when its chief executive officer, Dan Cathy, made public statements opposing same-sex marriages. It did not help that the company's charitable wing reportedly donated millions of dollars to organizations perceived to be opposed to the LGBT community. He probably didn't consider that a boycott would ensue meant to diminish sales. Nor did he probably consider that a counter-boycott would immediately follow meant to increase sales. Having experienced the roller coaster of consumer politics and public debate, and the uncontrollable effect it can have on a company's fortunes, the company decided that "Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena."

Good idea. Stay in your own lane.

Recommendation #6: GROW A BACKBONE

Democratic activists, unhappy that they lost an election to Donald Trump, have now called for a boycott of his daughter Ivanka's fashion line. I guess we do not just eat politics, but we wear them, too. Retailers such as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus have reportedly dropped the line. Nordstrom explained that Ivanka's line was simply under-performing. That may be true. It could be that a sales decline was already in the works and was deepened by the boycott. Then again, it could also be that these companies simply yielded to sudden pressure. But was it a good business decision? Consumer activism is often short-lived as activists rush from one issue to another. As we know from the Chick-fil-A example, there is often an equal and opposite reaction from consumer activists with an opposing opinion. As fewer retailers offer Ivanka's fashions, those that continue to sell them may grow as consumers who appreciate her style and politics seek them. As of this moment, this may bode well for companies like Amazon, Bloomingdales, and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Unless they knuckle under.

Whether you are being threatened by activists on the left or the right, the more you yield to their demands today, the more they will demand of you tomorrow, which increases their control of your future business. In some cases, you need to grow a backbone.

This is not to say that companies should consider only business issues and not moral ones. Morals have always played a key role in business and have led, with government demands and oversight, to better working conditions, an array of healthier products, greater transparency in financial transactions, and so much more. But you have to wonder why a CEO of a marshmallow company would ever want to make a public statement on abortion, only to see it erupt in public discourse, which would either persuade or dissuade any of us from enjoying marshmallows in our hot cocoa.
On January 23rd, President Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy, commonly called the "Global Gag Order." The policy, which was first enacted by the Reagan administration in the 1980s, requires foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to certify that they will not "perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning" in order to receive government aid. This condition has traditionally applied only to organizations providing family health services, however when President Trump recently reinstated the policy, he expanded it to include all other U.S. global health assistance organizations, including those that combat HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis, malaria, and other important diseases.

To counteract Trump's policy shift, eight countries, including Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Canada, announced on Thursday that they are creating an effort to raise funds to fill the potential deficit.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the Mexico City Policy specifically targets organizations that provide abortions, but it also restricts reproductive health NGOs from providing advice and information about abortion, offering referrals for abortions, promoting policy changes or lobbying for legislation that promotes abortion, or conducting public information campaigns about abortion.

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Since its inception under President Reagan, the Mexico City Policy has been rescinded with every Democratic president and reinstated by every Republican president. It's no surprise then President Trump would follow in the footsteps of his right-leaning predecessors in reestablishing it. However, his fine print additions were far from routine and may have dangerous consequences.

In 2003, President George W. Bush assured funds given to address other issues separate from family planning services would be secure, stating in his Mexico City Policy memorandum funding for global HIV/AIDS programs and multilateral organizations that are associations of governments would not be at risk. With Trump's additions, however, all U.S. global health assistance, not just funds focused on family planning, must now comply with the order, KFF reports. Federal agencies tasked with applying these new standards include USAID, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Defense.



Even those that are adamantly pro choice can understand the sentiment that people should not be forced to pay in taxes for something they vehemently oppose. However, such harsh policies are so restrictive that they not only punish health care organizations, they also punish those that desperately depend on them for life-saving interventions.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., cautioned her fellow members of congress about these potential dangers in a recent speech on the Senate floor: "Previously, under President Reagan and Bush administrations, this policy applied only to family planning funding. But under President Trump's order, it applies to every program that falls under global health assistance. This means that it puts at risk 15 times more funding and millions more women and families."

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Opponents of abortion argue Trump's policies will help reduce abortions in developing nations, but the data from the past three decades show the efficacy of the program is mixed, at best. Researchers at Stanford University concluded in an article published in the "Bulletin of the World Health Organization" in 2011 that in 20 sub-Saharan African countries, exposure to the Mexico City Policy during years of reinstatement resulted in an increase in induced abortions, which may be explained by the corresponding decrease in family planning and reproductive health services when the policy is in action.

Another report, released by the Leitner Center for International Law and Justice at Fordham Law School, focused specifically on the implications of the policy for Ethiopia. When two of the country's leading organizations in reproductive health were unable to comply with the Global Gag Rule, USAID funding was halted, resulting in a loss in reproductive health services at the clinic level and less availability of contraceptive supplies, technical support, and equipment.

No matter which side of the aisle tax payers fall on, everyone can agree that funding is needed for reproductive health in developing nations and that any policy that limits foreign health aid is potentially destructive. Should the current Global Gag Order remain in effect, its large scope will reach beyond reproductive health issues, making it likely there will be unnecessary and preventable deaths. This tragedy can and should be avoided.
The beginning of 2017 came with disappointing news from American Apparel. As a crusader for domestic-made products, the retailer's weakness came not from its altruistic model, but from errant leadership and a reluctance to grow with market changes. A brand that had a strong identity and morals lost its way from the top down, ultimately leading to its demise through an acquisition and shuttering of its retail stores.

In the brand's infancy, founder and CEO Dov Charney displayed unique leadership and forward-thinking visions. The brand's identity began to evolve as early as 1997, becoming known as a no-frills American-made manufacturer of quality products that rejected what has become a standard practice of human exploitation in the apparel industry. It swiftly gained recognition, opening 150 stores after its first year and nearly doubling that in the next three years. It continued to gain traction and in 2008 company shares reached $14. Yet Charney's infamous reputation for inappropriate behavior and the company's inability to change with the industry caused it to sell recently to Gildan Activewear Inc, a Canadian clothes manufacturer.

Contract Help from Employees

The signs were there. Once a desired workplace destination, in recent years American Apparel's ratings on sites like Glassdoor.com have plunged, with comments from current and former employees deriding the culture and leadership. A proactive leadership team will internalize this kind of feedback to 1.) determine if the gripes are legitimate, and if so 2.) concoct an action plan that addresses the issues.

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In a similar vein, strong leadership will take time to walk through their company and hear what employees from every level have to say about their jobs. Usually problems arise for employees that work with the product or customers every day and can identify what is not working.

For example, talking with a store-level employee might yield information about displays that work and don't. Factory-level employees, while not high on the org chart, can likewise be valuable sources of information about supply chain issues and specifically what is not working.

These criticisms can be the biggest assets to your company. Documenting these ideas then trying to find solutions can move your brand to leading the industry rather than just playing catch-up. It has been publicly reported that previous American Apparel leadership had significant mismanagement the brand, creating a ripple effect that led to disorganization and the dissatisfaction plainly evident on Glassdoor.

Create a Culture of Engagement

So what is the solution? A Hay Group poll found that engaged employees showed 43 percent more productivity. Engagement can come in the form of encouragement, transparency and integration in company happenings. Having employees understand how their work contributes to the overall company's goals can help engage employees.

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Transparency between employees and leadership can also give employees the confidence to approach leadership to raise concerns and bring ideas. Target recently used this model in their internal communication to create a culture of togetherness and inclusion. That culture will allow your employees to feel empowered rather than hindered to contribute.

Conversely, when your brand and its leadership are at loggerheads over litigation, remaining silent only breeds unease and anxiety.

Embrace Change

Since its founding, American Apparel remained positioned as a young-ish, niche brand that marketed with controversial sexualized advertising. The campaigns had stayed relatively similar all through its life. Many consumers knew what to expect and did not see much change in their product.

But some things did change. For instance, the age-old axiom that "sex sells" has, during the dawn of a new era in social justice and gender equality voices, weathered criticism. A look at the brand's arc of advertising sees a relentless adherence to this strategy, even as the world around it changed.

Responding to changing market forces and consumer trends is as important as good ideas themselves. American Apparel had a strong business model - producing quality products without human exploitation - but failed to hammer home that message in marketing their products. Operationally, the brick-and-mortar outlet failed to innovate online and create a strong online shopping presence.

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Perhaps these changes could have saved the company, or at least staved off bankruptcy a bit longer, but they are far from the only brand to meet this kind of demise. The scandal with their then-CEO - and the failure to replace him in a timely fashion - stunted their growth and ultimately their demise. One important role of leadership is to continue to look forward for the brand, even when that means cleaning house.

Remember Brand Identity

While change can mean growth, forgetting your brand and confusing your consumers can be detrimental. Your brand identity is set to tell the story of your company in a clear, consistent voice. It is what consumers will connect with and learn to trust. Brand loyalty has become as strong as advertising in the past years; consumers will forgive a company numerous failures if they feel the brand is connected to them. Keeping your brand in mind when you are thinking of taking the company in a new direction can help your consumers feel comfortable and enthusiastic with the change.

American Apparel made the mistake of not reiterating why they were spending $30 for a T-shirt. Its original mission was to produce quality American products without exploiting its labor force. This message was not reinforced in its marketing and consumers began to seek cheaper, faster fashion. Its failure to advertise its message led to its failure when the change to fast fashion dominated the market.
Vivaldi Seven Cello Concertos. Guy Fishman. Olde Focus CD

With seven members of the Handel and Haydn Society, Guy Fishman invigorates and illuminates a brilliant selection of Vivaldi's cello concertos, once more affirming the genius of the composer, the cello and historically-informed performances on period instruments.

Playing on a 1704 Roman instrument by David Techler, Fishman shows the mentoring effects of distinguished teachers from Laurence Lesser to Anner Bylsma: he possesses a gorgeous sound and always follows the long line--yet he knows his way around embellishments and filling out the continuo. Check out the magic in the slow movement of RV 418 and I guarantee you will be convinced.

Souvenirs d'Italie: Mr Harrach's Musical Diaries. Maurice Steger. Harmonia Mundi CD

Played with Swiss flauto dolce and recorder virtuoso Maurice Steger's customary death-defying magnificence, this deliriously delightful program of concertos and sonatas by Sammartini, Caldara (an amazing five-minute Ciaconna a 3), Vinci, Hasse, Piani and Fiorenza from the collection of manuscripts assembled by Count Aloys von Harrach of Austria. The good Count was an 18th century diplomat, statesman, Viceroy of Naples, an avid art collector, and an amateur musician who commissioned compositions and collected musical souvenirs on his travels around Europe.

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It's not all high-flying thrills. The slow movements are mesmerizing feasts of line and ornamentation. Steger's distinguished colleagues in this audiophile production, recorded in the church in idyllic Seewen, even include M. Grisvard.

European Tour. Nordic Brass Ensemble. 2L Hybrid SACD + Blu-Ray Audio

In putting together this spectacular example of sound and recording, the Nordic Brass Ensemble--on modern instruments--have assembled Rensaissance music from France, England, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain, arranged specially for this ensemble by Hans Petter Stangnes and Stian Aareskjold.

The modern instruments part is a nice change in timbres, and since the Nordic Brass Ensemble is made up of top musicians from symphony orchestras and wind ensembles in the Nordic countries, obviously well-schooled in early music ways, the results are enormous, exhilarating fun.

Giovanni Valentini: Secondo libro de madrigali. ACRONYM, Les Canards Chantants. Olde Focus CD

The rough and ready Baroque string band known as ACRONYM presents the first recording of Giovanni Valentini's "Secondo libro de madrigali" (Venice, 1616), the earliest known madrigal collection to call for instruments other than continuo--exactly four hundred years after its publication.

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Valentini was born in 1582 in or around Venice. In 1614 he joined the court of the Archduke Ferdinand at Graz, and upon Ferdinands 1619 election Vaneltini moved to Vienna to serve as Imperial organist. From the 1620s through the 1640s, Valentini oversaw much of the musical life of Vienna. He was music tutor to the Imperial family and retained his position of Hofkapellmeister under Ferdinand III, who took the throne in 1637.

Recorded at a historic 18th-century meeting house in rural New Hampshire, the sound is real and honest, just like the performances.

Defining their interest in forgotten composers such as Valentini, ACRONYM stands for "Altmusik Camerata Resurrecting Old---but New to You---Music."

Valentini might not have appreciated the name, he would certainly have fallen in love with the playing.

Bach & Entourage. Johannes Pramsholer and Philippe Grisvard. Audax CD

Tyrolean Baroque violinist Johannes Pramsohler, who has the honor of owning the great Reinhard Goebel's violin, a P.G. Rogeri made in 1713 plays a provocative recital of music by Bach and his circle, inmcluding premiere recordings of Krebs and Graun, in what has become a trending discovery throughout the Baroque violin industry.

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Backed with a lovely plaid of sound by harpsichoridst Philippe Grisvard, this exciting program of virtuosic sonatas for violin and basso continuo. The selection features two world-premiere recordings of works by Graun and Krebs along with other rarely-recorded sonatas attributed to Bach, whose legacy gave rise to a prodigious generation of German violinists.

Pierre de Manchicourt Missa Reges terrae. Choir of St. Luke in the Fields under David Shuler.

MSR Classics CD



As one of the elite composers who held prestigious positions during the lives and reigns of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and Philip II of Spain, Manchicourt's career culminated when he was hired as master of Philip's Flemish Chapel. By 1600, as John Bradley's engrossing booklet-note unhappily reports, "Manchicourt was largely forgotten."

Fear not: the programming and the quality of these performances by the 12 members of the Greenwich Village-based Choir enables you to feel the force of what Manchicourt brought to the swift moving evolution of the masses and motets that, along with chansons, were his genres.

Gesualdo Sacrae Cantiones for five voices, Book I (1603). Marian Consort. Delphian CD

Rory McCleery's new recording with his Marian Consort of the 19 solo motets of Gesualdo's Sacrarum Cantionum Quinque Vocibus Liber Primus, printed in Naples in 1603 by Costantino Vitali, has virtually no competition in the catalogue.

Heard cumulatively over the hour it takes the beautifully balanced, unfailingly mellifluous five member ensemble to deliver the music's almost painfully sensitive intensity, it is clear once again why the Romantic yet Modern notion of a colorful, self-obsessed Renaissance genius writing music of such expressive intent and such seemingly visionary harmonic means seized the popular imagination - along, of course, with Stravinsky's.

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As far back as World War II, United States foreign policy has been characterized by a bipartisan consensus in favor of expanding democracy and free markets. Republican or Democrat, we believed this was the path to a safer, more secure, more prosperous world.

President Donald Trump is upending that consensus. While it is early in his tenure, Trump's rhetoric is cause for concern when international tensions are high and foreign policy challenges are serious.

A hallmark of America's approach to international relations has been our willingness to engage extensively with other nations. We have supported our allies, financially and in other ways, and acted globally to meet challenges through a strong international network marked by consultations, treaties, agreements and accords. We led the way in creating and endorsing institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization.

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We believed that progress toward peace, security and prosperity would come through interdependence, co-operation and multilateralism. We acknowledged that this approach was in our self-interest. We believed not only that our security and prosperity were advanced by broad and deep alliances and partnerships, but that they were the best way to create a more peaceful, free and prosperous world.

This was the way we conducted our business, met our challenges and solved problems.

Trump challenges all of that. He supports what he calls economic nationalism. His campaign theme, now applied to governing, is America First. He embraces a protectionist, mercantilist foreign policy and questions the value of international institutions.

Trump has threatened to pull the U.S. out of the World Trade Organization. He has criticized the World Bank for linking climate change and global poverty. He says that trade agreements are killing American jobs and that NATO is obsolete, and he appears eager to get along with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He favors greatly expanding our nuclear forces and welcomes an arms race because, he says, "we will outmatch them." That runs counter to decades of policy aimed at reducing nuclear weapons and threats, an area where we have had significant success.

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The president insults and rattles our allies and disparages our alliances. He says other nations are taking advantage of the United States; that they are laughing at us for protecting them from threats and paying for their defense. They're "screwing us," as he puts it. Condemning his Republican and Democratic predecessors alike, he says American leadership has been "stupid" for decades. In his view, we will "make America great again" by taking oil from our rivals, building a wall to keep out immigrants and forcing concessions in bilateral trade agreements.

Trump is prone to bluster, and his actual approach may not match his rhetoric as he wrestles with real-world challenges. There have been hopeful signs that his policies -- on Iran, Russia, China and terrorism, for example -- may be more pragmatic than his bombastic statements would suggest. Several of his cabinet secretaries have, with reasonableness and even-handedness, spoken up for a more traditional American approach to foreign policy.

Some of his criticisms of the global order have merit. Our approach has not worked perfectly. Multi-nationalism has produced significant benefits, but it has not eliminated wars, prevented terrorism or narrowed the gap between rich and poor. Many of Trump's voters clearly felt that global economic progress left them behind and that American leadership was not appreciated or respected.

But we should all be aware of the stark changes the new president is advocating. As Americans, we have long believed that our interests are furthered through the spread of democracy and freedom. We have had faith that, in the long run, our system of government would prove superior to others. We have maintained that multilateral cooperation is the way to achieve these ends.
It is no longer a secret that Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive economic transformation.

This transformation is so essential to Saudi Arabia's security and stability, that it is taking every measure possible to make sure that it succeeds.

What is not yet known, however, is that Saudi Arabia is also taking a new approach in its relentless efforts to combat strains of extremism that are continuously threatening both local, regional, and global stability.

What makes this approach novel is that it confronts extremism to where it really matters: the ideological and intellectual battlefield.

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By examining the issue closely, and based on several reports, at the forefront of this effort appears to be the current Secretary General of the Muslim World League and a member of the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars, a key figure, an up and coming star in the Saudi religious establishment: Dr. Mohammed Al-Eissa.

In addition, He oversees the day-to-day operations of the Ideological Warfare Center (IWC), which aims to confront the roots of extremism and promote the true understanding of Islam. According to a new report prepared by the Saudi American Public Relation Affairs Committee (SAPRAC), Dr. Al-Eissa recently welcomed representatives of different sects "along with the Vatican delegate in this spirituality focused meeting, where the values of respect, tolerance and openness towards other religions and sects were emphasized".

There were some others in the religious establishment who would not participate in this gathering unless they "would act as debaters or opposers..". The report states that the Secretary General of the Muslim World League has stressed that "Islam warned against the forceful imposition of views, and that Islam has coexisted peacefully with other religious in the past. This has set the tone of the religious dialogue to that of politeness and respect for the other side's humanity and dignity."

A concise overview is given, in the report, of the current Secretary General of the Muslim World League's efforts to emphasize Islam's values of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, all of which are antithetical to the fundamentalist view of Islam that extremists are using to further their terrorist activities. Accordingly, Al-Eissa is the main figurehead for promoting the true version of Islam, which encourages peace, tolerance and coexistence.

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Finally, while critics may suggest that these values are also incompatible with the predominant and traditional Saudi religious establishment, nevertheless, one should look at the issue more meticulously as it has become clear that Saudi Arabia is taking the ideological war against extremism seriously, especially through the narrative that the current Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Al-Eissa, brings to the fore; an accepting, welcoming, and pluralistic narrative.

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Harvard-educated, Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is an American political scientist, president of the International American Council on the Middle East, business advisor, and best-selling author. He serves on the advisory board of Harvard International Review. Dr. Rafizadeh is frequently invited to brief governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as speak, as a featured speaker, at security, business, diplomatic, and social events. He has been recipient of several fellowships and scholarships including from Oxford University, Annenberg, University of California Santa Barbara, Fulbright program, to name few He is regularly quoted and invited to speak on national and international outlets including CNN, BBC World TV and Radio, ABC, Aljazeera English, Fox News, CTV, RT, CCTV America, Skynews, CTV, and France 24 International, to name a few. . He analyses have appeared on academic and non-academic publications including New York Times International, Los Angeles Times, CNN, Farred zakaria GPS, The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, The Nation, The National. Aljazeera, The Daily Beast, The Nation, Jerusalem Post, The Economic Times, USA Today Yale Journal of International Affairs, Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, and Harvard International Review. He is a board member of several significant and influential international and governmental institutions, and he is native speaker of couple of languages including Persian, English, and Arabic. He also speaks Dari, and can converse in French, Hebrew. More at Harvard. You can also order his books on HERE. You can learn more about Dr. Rafizadeh on HERE.
Yuja Wang was still an undergraduate at Curtis when she got the call: piano soloist Murray Perahia was under the weather. Could she jump on a plane to southern California and perform the next day with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields?

She could, and she did.

The pianist, barely 22, played with authority and sensitivity, wowing the musically literate in the Orange County audience (yes, there are some even in Costa Mesa).

She also astonished the ensemble's legendary conductor, Sir Neville Marriner. The audience was treated to the unique tableau of this towering figure on the music scene, 82 and approaching retirement, gazing with fascination at a young woman in the first throes of her career playing breathtaking, breakneck encores.

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Wang captivated another top conductor, Michael Tilson Thomas, at another impromptu performance, this time at Carnegie Hall, filling in for yet another ailing soloist. Her playing moved Thomas, a mentor figure in Wang's career, literally to bow down to her on the famous stage.

Word got around and piano virtuosi most likely started taking better care of their health.

Seven short years later, Wang has become an international star in her own right, touring the world, named 2017 Musical America Artist of the Year, and signed to Deutsche Grammophon, classical music's most respected brand.

Last week, Wang took her talents to Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall, where she performed a sold out recital with violinist Leonidas Kavakos. Wang could have taken the easy road and performed an evening of hummable crowd-pleasers, but that's not what you do when you're one of the most talented, enthralling, and even mesmerizing performers on the world scene.

Instead, Wang and Kavakos performed four extremely difficult pieces by Janacek, Schubert, Debussy, and Bartok. They are rarely performed because most touring musicians don't want to work that hard. The majority of the top dogs have a repertoire of concertos they can play in their sleep, and with some of their performances it sounds that way.

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It used to bother Wang, when she was younger, that audiences initially compared her to Lang Lang, the Chinese prodigy known more for his showmanship than his technical skills. European audiences in particular held a prejudice against Asian performers, believing them capable of technical greatness but lacking the emotion that great music ushers forth.

They don't make those complaints any longer. Wang won over Europeans, Asians, North Americans, and probably also Martians and Venetians with her ability to play with both drama and dexterity.

Wang certainly blew the minds of her Lincoln Center audience. She played with urgency, brilliance, color, energy, and emotion. The Washington Post calls her "arguably" the hottest pianist in the world; they won't get an argument out of me.

The pairing of Wang and Kavakos seems odd to the eye and sometimes to the ear. He's world class, yet her talent comes from another planet. Wang dresses as elegantly as she plays; in New York, her jaw-droppingly elegant Atelier Rosemarie Umetsu gowns matched the music.

The good news is that you get to hear four pieces seldom played, and you get to experience Wang's fiery virtuosity. If you missed the show in New York, you can catch it in southern California and Western Europe over the next few months (YujaWang.com for details).

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One of their dates is at Segerstrom Concert Hall in Orange County, where the then-unknown Wang astonished Sir Neville Marriner, back when his career was winding down and hers had just begun. Just seven years later, she has become the ultimate must-see musician for anyone who loves blindingly great performance.
Director Amma Asante's follow-up to "Belle" is another historical romance with political overtones, based on a real-life story. But "A United Kingdom," with Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo as a couple whose marriage created an international diplomatic crisis in the late 1940's, also includes another theme Asante says she hopes to have in all her films. "I don't know than I can ever do a story that doesn't involve sisterhood," she said in an interview. "Don't hold me to that. There might be some true life story that comes along that doesn't have that, but to me it was very, very important, the power of the women." Both "Belle" and "A United Kingdom" feature women who are strong and fearless and who will not be limited by the constraints their societies want to place them under due to race and gender.

Oyelowo plays Seretse Khama, an African prince who studied law in London after WWII, and fell in love with Ruth (Pike), a British secretary. Their marriage infuriated both families. The British government, which had extensive political and economic interests in Africa, supported exile for Khama. But love, courage, and integrity triumphed, and Khama became the country's first elected president.

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Asante, born in London to Ghanaian immigrant parents, has a deep understanding of the experience of those with connections to two worlds. It was important to her to portray the Africans and as "just normal," not like the exotic "other" we often see on screen. The dignity and respect throughout the community is palpable. The Ugandan locations also offered significant advantages for a story set half a century ago. "I mean the beauty of shooting in Botswana is that you can find large areas where you have 360 degree access. You can spin that camera around. The reality of shooting in Europe or any sort of built-up cities is that you have this triangle and that corner and you have that building and no matter what you do unless you're going to paint the whole thing into CGI, you are restricted in terms of giving the movie scope and scale."

Even the characters who are opposed to Seretse and Ruth are portrayed with some sympathy. She described the dilemma of the British official who tries to stop the marriage: "He's holding onto a world that is changing. He is holding onto a world that is in transition. India as just gotten its independence, many of them after World War II the foundations are shaking of the British Empire and these men, their history is entwined, their identity, their sense of identity is entwined in this idea of the empire." He, too, is between two worlds. It is just that unlike Ruth and Seretse, he wants to keep out everything that is not familiar to him.

The difference is illustrated in one of the film's most powerful scenes, Ruth has just given birth to her first child and they are in a hospital bed together, while the African women sit in a circle together, holding their newborns. Ruth gets out of the bed and silently joins them.

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Incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus (R) and U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn (C) look at U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as he talks with the media at Mar-a-Lago estate where Trump attends meetings, in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 21, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

The momentum to impeach President Trump is accelerating.

On Thursday, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) filed a "resolution of inquiry" that amounts to the first legislative step toward impeachment.

A new poll shows that registered voters are evenly split, at 46-to-46 percent, on whether they "support" or "oppose" impeaching Trump. Just two weeks ago, the pro-impeachment figure was 35 percent.

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Since inauguration, more than 800,000 people have signed a petition in the first stage of the Impeach Donald Trump Now campaign, which will soon involve grassroots organizing in congressional districts around the country.

Under the Trump presidency, defending a wide range of past gains is both necessary and insufficient. Fighting for impeachment is a way to go on the offensive, directly challenging the huge corruption that Trump has brought to the White House.

From the outset, President Trump has been violating two provisions of the U.S. Constitution -- its foreign and domestic "emoluments" clauses. In a nutshell, both clauses forbid personally profiting from presidential service beyond receiving a government salary.

Some believe that the Republican-controlled Congress is incapable of impeaching Trump, but history tells us what's possible when a president falls into wide disrepute. On July 27, 1974, seven GOP representatives on the 38-member House Judiciary Committee voted to impeach a fellow Republican, President Richard Nixon.

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As for objections that impeaching and removing Trump from office would make Mike Pence the president, that concern is apt to bypass one set of key considerations after another. Along the way, in political terms, people need to think through the implications of the fact that Trump could only be removed from office with the help of many votes from Republicans on Capitol Hill.

Even if every Democrat in the House voted in unison to impeach Trump, impeachment would only be possible if at least two-dozen Republican members of the House voted in favor. Likewise, a vote in the Senate (requiring two-thirds) to remove Trump from the presidency would only be successful if at least 19 Republican senators voted for conviction. Such events would badly splinter and damage the Republican Party -- causing divisive bitterness, putting GOP leaders back on their heels and hobbling a Pence presidency.

Arguably most important of all, democracy requires that no one be above the law -- a principle that's most crucially applied to the holder of the most powerful office in the U.S. government. Extreme abuse of power from the top of the government must be seen and treated as intolerable.

The Constitution that Trump continues to flagrantly violate is supposed to be "the supreme law of the land." To give Trump a pass would be to wink at his merger of vast personal wealth and corporate holdings with vast governmental power.

From the grassroots, it's crucial for constituents to push back with determination. As the Impeach Donald Trump Now campaign's website documents in detail, Trump's personal riches are entangled with countless policy options for his administration. That precedent must be resisted and defeated.

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So far, the Democratic Party's leadership in Congress has shown scant interest in impeaching Trump. With escalating pressure from constituents, that may soon change.

Congressman Nadler's unusual resolution of inquiry will be able to avoid some of the standard roadblocks in the House. As his website explains, "A Resolution of Inquiry is a legislative tool that has privileged parliamentary status, meaning it can be brought to the floor if the relevant Committee hasn't reported it within 14 legislative days, even if the Majority leadership has not scheduled it for a vote."

Nadler has just put a big toe in the impeachment water. Yet no members of the House have taken the plunge to introduce an actual resolution for impeachment. They will have to be pushed.
Back in 2015, Nevada decided to go all-in on vouchers, establishing the voucheriest of voucher programs-- the education savings account. With ESA's the state just hands every parent a check or a debit card (in Nevada's case, $5,700 for poor families and $5,100 for not-so-poor families) and families can spend that money on private school tuition, tutors, homeschool supplies, a case of Lisa Frank trapper-keepers-- whatever trips their educational triggers. It's worth paying attention to, because this is the sort of system favored by Betsy DeVos, newly installed Secretary of Education.

An ESA system is supposed to unleash the magical power of the free market and therefor cause All The Excellence to come busting out of a robusting out charter school sector. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Scott Hammond, was quoted in the Washington Post laying out his simple theory of action:

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Nothing works better than competition.

Let me quote from my own response at the time.

The program has proven to be hugely popular with wealthy and upper-middle-class families. Poor families-- not so much. In the suburbs, the Sun reports, applications for the program are running one out of every 100 students; in the inner city, it's one out of every 1000.

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There are many possible explanations. The Sun notes there are few-to-none high-rated schools in poor areas, meaning those students would face a transportation issue. But of course there would also be a Getting The School To Accept Your Child issue as well-- particularly since private and charter school tuition generally runs well above that $5,7000 voucher. The Sun also notes that "it could be true that there simply hasn't been enough outreach by the state in low-income neighborhoods." Almost as if getting poor kids into upscale schools is not the real objective of the program.

Treasurer Dan Schwartz, a conservative acolyte in the cult of the free market, says that we should all ignore the business about class in the use of the ESAa:

"This is not an issue of rich or poor," he said in a statement. "This is about empowering thousands of Nevada families who are trapped in mediocrity as Nevada struggles with a K-12 education system that is ranked 51st in the nation."

Which would make a lot more sense if Nevada hadn't gone with a system that empowers ALL parents to bank some tax dollars whether they are "trapped" in a bad school or not. And, as the Sun reports, the majority of ESA applicants live within walking distance of the highest-ranked schools in the state.

The program has hit some snags here and there. Most notably, the courts told the state that it couldn't finance the program with tax dollars meant to finance public education. This cuts to the heart of an ESA program-- the way these are supposed to work is the state hands you your 'cut" of the education tax dollars and says, "Go get yourself an education somehow and don't ever bother us about education stuff ever again." Nevada is still working on it.

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In the meantime, if Nevada really wants to get out of 51st place, their leaders might consider focusing on how to actually help schools be better instead of trying to figure out ways that education tax dollars can be used to enrich businesses and absolve the state of any responsibility for its school system.
A strong early resistance offers hope.

In 1852, long before the advent of reality television, a self-taught former slave delivered what students of rhetoric know as the Fourth of July speech to the citizens of Rochester. It was a bracing tirade. Here is a snippet:

"Your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity," are, to the slave, he said, "mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy - a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages."

Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist, suffragist, author, and statesman. He died in 1895. Last week, our forty-fifth president, who shows no sign of an education, marked the beginning of Black History Month by reducing this legendary orator to an employee of the month: "Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who's done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more, I notice."

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I suppose we should be grateful that our nitwit-in-chief quickly moved on to his favorite subject of himself before he could challenge Cedric the Entertainer's character in Barbershop for the most offensive take on a revered African American. I only wish Trump were similarly fictional.

That was but one in a series of farcical incidents during Trump's first two weeks in office. In a call to Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, Trump threatened an invasion to deal with that country's "bad hombres." In a call to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, he insulted our staunch ally over 1,250 refugees we had agreed to take. At the National Prayer Breakfast, he jokingly called for prayers to lift Arnold Schwarzenegger's ratings for "The Apprentice." He signed an executive order against refugees without consulting anyone with a clue or a Constitution, then insulted a judge for blocking his dictatorial impulses. He decided he could botch a raid in Yemen just as well from the dinner table as from the Situation Room. He excused Vladimir Putin's murder of opponents and critics by suggesting America is just as bad. His counselor Kellyanne Conway cited a nonexistent Bowling Green Massacre and slammed the press for not covering it.

Some of us clung to our sanity by trading memes. The slogan "I'm with her" accompanied a picture of the Statue of Liberty. A still from the Alien film series was posted in which the horrible creature getting up in Ripley's face was replaced with Ms. Conway.

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I'm afraid we are giggling past the graveyard. Gay friends of mine who came to America seeking asylum from persecution remain afraid despite assurances from their attorneys. They wonder what Trump will do next. A draft executive order has been circulating that would allow discrimination in the name of religious freedom, ignoring the fact that mutual tolerance is the bedrock of a diverse society. Congressional Republicans moved to gut healthcare and financial reforms, repeal ethics rules, abolish environmental protections, even restore gun access to the mentally ill.

A bright beacon during these dark days has been the surge of protest and action by everyone from immigration attorneys and the ACLU to ordinary citizens in response to Trump's constitutionally questionable executive order aimed at Muslim refugees. Acting Attorney General Sally Yates sacrificed her job by refusing to defend the order. A rebuke from the Gospel struck a deep chord in many Christians: "I was a stranger and you did not welcome me." (Matthew 25:43)

The Resistance is in its early stages. Republicans control both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, and at this point are showing more unity than Democrats, who as Sen. Elizabeth Warren points out, are in need of a backbone. Several cabinet nominees have been (or are about to be) confirmed whose records conflict with the missions of their agencies. The president's closest advisor is Steve Bannon, who, as House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi observed, is a white supremacist.

During his takedown of red-baiting Sen. Joe McCarthy in 1954, journalist Edward R. Murrow reminded American viewers, "We are not descended from fearful men." He was holding ordinary citizens responsible for the evil done in their names. In a similar vein, Sen. Kamala Harris tweets: "If you've ever wondered what you would have done during the Civil Rights Movement, this is your opportunity to find out. #goodtrouble"

This piece originally appeared in the Washington Blade and Bay Windows.
President Donald Trump is not the demon that many think he is. Some of his actions are questionable. The maelstrom of activism following the travel ban being a case in point. Still, one should handle the fragility of Trump's narcissism with care, rather than fanning the flames of vitriol. What I'm seeing on the American media is a vicious cycle of hate and counter-hate, which is anything but productive. Trust me, the Obama administration doesn't appear to be an angel when its inaction and a general apathy towards the refugee crisis is taken into account. And it was given a pass by the media and the so-called liberals. There is even a greater need for objectivity now as American courts have started reversing the executive orders.

A non-partisan approach would essentially begin with a dissection of the Syrian crisis. The refugee ban has further enhanced its significance. The Obama administration, and its backers, cannot absolve themselves of the responsibility. The failure to protect the red lines and aiding and abetting the perpetrators in Syria -- whether openly or clandestinely -- triggered the refugee crisis. Let's not forget the Islamic State either, which rose on the ashes of the American fallen promise. The Obama administration took great pains to keep the Iran deal on track, overlooking the consequences and Iran's naked aggression against humanity in Syria. It later joined hands with Russia, which has unleashed new waves of terror upon the Syrians.

The American media chose to downplay the Obama administration's criminal conduct on Syria. It also supported the Iran deal without offering the American public an unbiased view of the consequences. The deal has only emboldened the regime, which is flouting the restrictions by test-firing ballistic missiles and doubling down on its agenda of chaos in the region. There have been reports of widespread ethnic cleansing and sectarian genocide being carried out by Iran and Hezbollah. The Saydnaya prison carnage, which was only recently revealed, could very well be just the tip of the iceberg. That these things happened under the nose of Obama and, by extension, through his tacit approval, speaks volumes about the bipartisan moral downfall of America.

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During the last five years, the Obama administration resettled only a few thousand refugees, compared to hundreds of thousands who sought asylum in Germany alone. Thus not many Syrian refugees are affected by the Trump ban in the first place. The number will be in a few thousand, with their fate hinging on the eventual Supreme Court decision. Canada has already offered to resettle them without raising an eyebrow.

The highly controversial drone attacks took to new heights under the Obama administration, almost ten-times higher than the Bush administration. With a topsy-turvy legitimacy, these strikes targeted many civilians in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia. There was a troop surge in Afghanistan and now thousands of Americans are involved in the fight against ISIS. US is arming the murderous Shiite militias in Iraq, who have a storied history of violence and crimes against humanity. The Libyan fiasco is another blot on Obama's legacy.

Truth is, the Obama administration waged wars, flouted international laws, and abetted certified genocidal regimes. That it was hailed as a hero by the mainstream American media and received little, if any, scrutiny speaks volumes about the integrity of the fourth pillar. The alternative media emerged as a counter-weight to these partisan policies. It, however, resorted to spinning lies and falsehoods, instead of offering a real alternative picture. Thus the American public - and the global audience - was torn between the somewhat sycophantic MSM and the blatantly lying alternative media. A large chunk of gullible Americans believed the latter and the rest is history.

Perhaps the best way forward in dealing with President Trump's idiosyncrasies starts with a deep soul-searching. The left should acknowledge the grave mistakes of the Obama administration before casting stones at Trump's. The loss of high moral ground for Americans started with George Bush Jr.'s presidency, when many acquiesced to his lies and fabrications. The eight years of Obama administration ushered in an era of significant collusion between the political establishment and the MSM media. Rachel Maddow, for one, toured Afghanistan as an embedded journalist and sang praises of the campaign. Others also hailed the questionable policies of the administration that only engendered violence and chaos. The outcry on Syria was soon muffled by Obama's now legendary philosophizing and feet-dragging.

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"We have our first new age President. For years, spiritual wannabes have talked about creating their own reality. This guy actually does it."

-- Swami Beyondananda



In 2010, back when "alternative truth" and "fake news" were known by their proper name -- lies -- I wrote a blog post for OpEd News that got me in trouble with ... the left. I called it "Come On Baby, Fight My Liar" and I compared the lies conservatives tell each other, with those liberals tell themselves. It was back in the days when there actually was such a thing as a fact-checker that both sides at least tacitly paid attention to.

What I pointed out was how many of the viral emails sent out by my friends on the right in those days were simply "made up", and how many lies per square minute were told by Fox News. At the same time (you can read the whole article here), having just returned from a Spiritual Progressives conference and recognizing the unwillingness of so many there to face America's war machine that had the nicey-nicey face of Barack Obama pasted over it, I called out the progressives for their lack of courage in facing heartless darkness. I used the old story of the man on his hands and knees in a parking lot looking for something. A stranger asks him what he is looking for.

"I lost my car keys."

"You lost your car keys in the parking lot?"

"No, I lost them in the bushes over there."

"Why are you looking for them here?"

"Oh, because there's more light here."

And then I wrote:

Hence, we have mainstream progressives searching for the keys to change in a well-lit parking lot, instead of the dark and thorny shrubbery. They may find ways to temporarily feel better, but ultimately they will continue to hold the current dysfunction in place, while continuing to hold on to the "moral superiority" of believing in change, while not being willing to do what it really takes to have that change.

I concluded that right wing folks like being lied to, but the left prefers lying to itself.

That didn't sit well, and I got "fired" from my nonpaying position as a writer for a progressive magazine.

So ... deja voodoo, here we are again.

Only this time the jackboot is on the other foot. Instead of Obama's reassuring countenance, we have Donald Trump looking to use military force and the rule of "law" (i.e., legalized lawlessness) to impose his "reality" on the rest of us.

And ... the conversation of seven years ago is all the more pertinent today.

First, let's begin with "fake news" and "alternative facts." This is the tried-and-(un)true method the right has used since the Newt Gingrich days to "fire up their base" in the basest of ways: By feeding them information as "true" that will be automatically accepted as such because it conforms with what these people already believe.

Last month I attended a talk -- overfilled room, sold out -- by George Lakoff, the linguistics professor at Berkeley who has been talking to a wall (the Democratic Party "leadership") for at least twenty-five years about how people understand and make decisions through their feelings, and their subconscious minds -- not the logical rational information that the NPR crowd would like to imagine most people use. Lakoff reiterated what my colleague Bruce Lipton says, that 98% of our mental processes are subconscious. Consequently, it's these subconscious triggers that activate our decision-making process. And every one of those "alternative facts", and toxic memes used by the Trump campaign (and by the Republicans in general since the Gingrich era) has had one intention -- to emotionally charge the people who already tend to agree with them. Exaggerations? Lies? No problem. If it "feels" true, good enough.

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Progressives -- and the mainstream news -- tend to be more sophisticated about lies.

(Homework Alert: By the way, have you watched that 12-part series from Oliver Stone, "The Untold History of the United States?" If not, I strongly suggest that you do. It's your homework in this course called "Regaining and Sustaining Rule of We the People", and is a prime tool in creating the great awakening required to overgrow our current shituation.)

Anyway, when we look back on all the perpetrations that occurred "behind our backs", it wasn't so much that publications like the New York Times printed "lies." Rather it's what the Times DIDN'T print that enabled the perpetrations to proceed unchecked, AND ... equally important ... to perpetuate the progressive illusion of America as a progressive, benevolent force in the world.

A really excellent analysis of how the mainstream media (and the neoliberal pseudo-left) managed to "gently" keep us in the dark is this long piece by Jon Rappoport.

While Rappoport seems bought into the Breitbart / Trump / Drudge camp, the article is worth reading. Here is a pertinent quote:

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A decade ago, here is what a working reporter for a major paper told me: "We know what stories we can't cover. Nobody needs to prep us. Our editors know, too. Otherwise, they'd never get to be editors."

Rappoport's article -- and his audience -- point us both to how "the left got left and the right got right" in the 2016 election, and why we need to create an entirely new narrative, not from the left but from "deep center." The phenomenon of "alt right" news was born of the mistrust a growing percentage of the population had of both the mainstream media and the liberal establishment.

When I wrote my original "Fight My Liar" piece in 2010, I warned that the progressives needed to begin acknowledging the darker truths that had been intentionally covered over the by media and the liberal establishment. As a response, the publication I was writing for fired me for being a "conspiracy theorist." Meanwhile, over those same years, conservatives unafraid to look the heart of darkness in the face began doing their own research, thanks to Breitbart et al. Of course, that research given where it was coming from, was skewed in a particular way, and fit the impropaganda package the Steve Bannons of the world wanted to feed the populace.

What's important to note is this. Because progressives were too quick to dismiss real evidence of deep, dark misdeeds as "conspiracies", the "con's piracies" (our stolen commonwealth by both the neocons and neolibs) are now fully in the driver's seat.

Now at a time when the media's credibility is at an all-time low (so far -- it could go lower), they have little to lose. Instead of covering for the New York Times and CNN, we should encourage them not just to investigate Donald Trump, but to go deeper into the systematic corruption that led us to our current sorry state. Imagine ... the "media" graduating from serving up babblum to the fearful and misguided, and actually becoming the "press" the First Amendment talks about.

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While it doesn't seem likely at this polarized and contentious moment, our only way out and our only way forward involves awakening citizens from ALL SIDES to say it's time for "we the people" to part the "irony curtain", the invisible wall of impropaganda that has kept the American people out of the loop for six decades.
Here are some surprising facts about humans' effect on planet Earth. We have made enough concrete to create an exact replica of Earth 2mm thick. We have produced enough plastic to wrap Earth in clingfilm. We are creating "technofossils", a new term for congealed human-made materials - plastics and concretes - that will be around for tens of millions of years.

But it is the scale that humans have altered Earth's life support system that is the most concerning.

In 2000, Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer proposed that human impact on the atmosphere, the oceans, the land and ice sheets had reached such a scale that it had pushed Earth into a new epoch. They called it the Anthropocene and argued the current Holocene epoch was over.

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The Holocene began 11,700 years ago as we emerged from a deep ice age. Over the past 10,000 years, the defining feature of the Holocene has been a remarkably stable Earth system. This stability has allowed us to develop agriculture and hence villages, towns and eventually cities - human civilisation.

We use pretty powerful rhetoric to describe the Anthropocene and current human impact. As The Economist stated in 2011, humanity has "become a force of nature reshaping the planet on a geological scale". We are like an asteroid strike. We have the impact of an ice age.

But what does this really mean? Does it mean, for example, that we are having as big an impact as these natural forces are having right now, or is it, somehow, more profound?

The maths of the Anthropocene

In our recent study, we wanted to find the simplest way to mathematically describe the Anthropocene and articulate the difference between how the planet once functioned and how it now functions.

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Life on Earth, the chemical and physical composition of the atmosphere and oceans, and the size of the ice sheets have changed over time because of slight alterations to Earth's orbit around the sun, changes to the sun's energy output or major asteroid impacts like the one that killed the dinosaurs.

They can also change due to geophysical forces: continents collide, cutting off ocean currents so heat is distributed in a new way, upsetting climate and biodiversity.

They also shift due to sheer internal dynamics of the system - new life evolves to drive great planetary shifts, such as the Great Oxidation Event around 2.5 billion years ago when newly evolved cyanobacteria began emitting the deadly poison oxygen that killed all simple life forms it came in touch with. Life had to evolve to tolerate oxygen.

Taking as our starting point a 1999 article by Earth system scientist Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, we can say the rate of change of the Earth system (E) has been driven by three things: astronomical forcings such as those from the sun or asteroids; geophysical forcing, for example changing currents; and internal dynamics, such as the evolution of cyanobacteria. Let's call them A, G and I.

Mathematically, we can put it like this:















It reads: the rate of change of the Earth system (dE/dt) is a function of astronomical and geophysical forcings and internal dynamics. It is a very simple statement about the main drivers of the system.

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This equation has been true for four billion years, since the first life evolved. In his article, Schellnhuber argued that people must be added into this mix, but his theory came before the full impact of humanity had been assessed. In the past few decades, this equation has been radically altered.

We are losing biodiversity at rates tens to hundreds of times faster than natural rates. Indeed, we are approaching mass extinction rates. There have been five mass extinctions in the history of life on Earth. The last killed the non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago, now humans are causing the sixth.

The rate we are emitting carbon dioxide might be at an all time high since that time too. Global temperatures are rising at a rate 170 times faster than the Holocene baseline. The global nitrogen cycle is undergoing its largest and most rapid change in possibly 2.5 billion years.

In fact, the rate of change of the Earth system under human influence in the past four decades is so significant we can now show that the equation has become:















H stands for humanity. In the Anthropocene Equation, the rate of change of the Earth system is a function of humanity.

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A, G and I are now approaching zero relative to the other big force - us - they have become essentially negligible. We are now the dominant influence on the stability and resilience of the planet we call home.

This is worth a little reflection. For four billion years, the Earth system changed under the influence of tremendous solar-system wide forces of nature. Now this no longer holds.









IPCC, 2014: Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland





A new reality

Heavenly bodies of course still exert some force; so does the ground beneath our feet. But the rates at which these forces operate are now negligible compared with the rate at which we are changing the Earth system. In the 1950s or 1960s, our own impact rivalled the great forces of nature. Now it usurps them entirely.

This should come as a shock not only to environmentalists but to everyone on Earth. But our conclusion is arguably a modest addition to the canon of academic literature. The scale and rate of change has already been well established by Earth system scientists over the past two decades.

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Recently, Mark Williams and colleagues argued that the Anthropocene represents the third new era in Earth's biosphere, and astrobiologist David Grinspoon argued that the Anthropocene marks one of the major events in a planet's "life", when self-aware cognitive processes become a key part of the way the planet functions.

Still, formalising the Anthropocene mathematically brings home an entirely new reality.

The drama is heightened when we consider that for much of Earth's history the planet has been either very hot - a greenhouse world - or very cold - an icehouse world. These appear to be the deeply stable states lasting millions of years and resistant to even quite major shoves from astronomical or geophysical forces.

But the past 2.5 million years have been uncharacteristically unstable, periodically flickering from cold to a gentle warmth.

The consumption vortex

So, who do we mean when we talk of H? Some will argue that we cannot treat humanity as one homogenous whole. We agree.

While all of humanity is now in the Anthropocene, we are not all in it in the same way. Industrialised societies are the reason we have arrived at this place, not Inuits in northern Canada or smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Scientific and technological innovations and economic policies promoting growth at all costs have created a consumption and production vortex on a collision course with the Earth system.

Others may say that natural forces are too important to ignore; for example, the El Nino weather system periodically changes patterns globally and causes Earth to warm for a year or so, and the tides generate more energy than all of humanity. But a warm El Nino is balanced by a cool La Nina. The tides and other great forces of nature are powerful but stable. Overall, they do not affect the rate of change of the Earth system.

Now, only a truly catastrophic volcanic eruption or direct asteroid hit could match us for impact.

So, can the Anthropocene equation be solved? The current rate of change must return to around zero as soon as possible. It cannot continue indefinitely. Either humanity puts on the brakes or it would seem unlikely a global civilisation will continue to function on a destabilised planet. The choice is ours.

Owen Gaffney, Anthropocene analyst and communicator. Co-founder Future Earth Media Lab, Director of media (Stockholm Resilience Centre), Stockholm University and Will Steffen, Adjunct Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University


'Venice Inflatable Refugee', an artist's project displayed in Venice in 2016. Dirk Knot/Schellekens

In an incident that profoundly shocked the city of Venice, and Europe more broadly, a young Gambian asylum seeker was left to drown in a canal late January, as onlookers stood by. His tragic death highlights the desperation of migrants across Italy.

It echoes the case of a young woman from Cote d'Ivoire, who died of thrombosis in a centre for migrants near Venice at the beginning of 2017. Several occupants had protested against living conditions in the centre, which was originally built for 540 people but actually housed 1,400 at the time of the incident.

Similar events have been cropping up regularly in Italy, demonstrating that places such as Venice, which used to be centres of welcome for migrants, are increasingly failing them.

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In 2016 alone, more than 181,000 migrants arrived in the country, including numerous unaccompanied minors. Of these, 133,727 (77.7%) were housed in temporary structures; 14,015 in induction centres; 1,225 in so-called hot spots; and 22,971 in centres that are part of the national asylum system.

The situation has become critical due to lack of funding and an approach favouring containment.

A sanctuary city

Since 2015, "sanctuary cities" have been cropping up across Europe.

In these places, local authorities are taking charge of the conditions and methods for integrating migrants, in order to counterbalance the fact that governments are shirking their responsibilities.

Also known as asylum cities, cities of welcome and solidarity cities, sanctuary cities include Glasgow, Barcelona and Madrid.

The concept is not new. In 1996 French philosopher Jacques Derrida explicitly called on local authorities to come together and renew their traditions of hospitality.

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And Venice, in particular had developed its own tradition of hospitality before other new sanctuary cities emerged.

The Balkan precedent

According to migration expert Christopher Hein, Italy welcomed 80,000 refugees during the Balkan wars. More than 70,000 people were granted visas on humanitarian grounds, 57,000 of those between October 1991 and October 1995. He wrote:

Just 2,000 were housed in state run accommodation ... All of the others relied on the hospitality provided by town councils, private organisations, parishes, pilgrim centers, and other non-government institutions.

Around 500 migrants from the Balkans settled in Venice in 1992 and 1993. Confronted with the proliferation of makeshift camps, the local authorities quickly organised the new arrivals in the city (which then counted around 310,000 inhabitants), while seeking to provide more extensive support.

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This show of solidarity stands in stark contrast to the current situation. Violence in Syria and broader geopolitical instability are constantly swelling the ranks of exiled populations, who are looking to the European Union for help. Yet the EU appears to be limiting its approach to crisis management and control. But alternatives forms of hospitality have been developed by local authorities and ordinary citizens.

'Emergenza' in Venice

In the 1990s, the first difficulties with ex-Yugoslavian migrants arose from material, sanitary and sociocultural issues. In response, the Venice town council set up public meetings to discuss ways to welcome and live alongside new populations, calling for suggestions from the community.

This bottom-up approach contrasted with a quantitative and faceless institutional approach to humanitarian crisis management. As Beppe Caccia, the deputy mayor for social affairs at the time, explained in 2004:

The 'Emergenza' refugee management strategy was always intended to be long term and forward thinking. The goal was to help these people integrate into society.

Thanks to support in finding schooling, employment and housing, the majority of people in the induction centres gradually settled down in the region. When the Italian government, whose military was still engaged in former Yugoslavia, declared that the emergency was over and cut funding to the programme, the Venetian town council decided to keep it going, using its own budget.

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The Fontego Project

This experiment led the town council to refine its integration methods over the course of the 1990s and the 2000s. In 2001, Venice launched the Fontego Project -- three centres that could house around 110 people.

Upon signing a contract with the council, asylum seekers were granted a six-month stay and given medical treatment, administrative support, and training in order to help them integrate and create ties with the local community. They participated in music and theatre workshops, the opening of an "Exile cafe" and the Mostra del Cinema.

The Fontego Project evokes Venice's tradition of hospitality. The name itself is indicative of an open desire to evoke a rich past.

From an architectural standpoint, the Fontego is typical of Venetian lodging. Dating back to the 13th century, Fonteghi provided temporary accommodation to foreigners, especially merchants.

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Conjuring this proud tradition is an attempt to add legitimacy to a more recent commitment to welcoming migrants by grounding it in the city's cosmopolitan past.

According to a mix of history and legend, Venice was founded in 421 in the lagoon by people we would now call refugees from coastal communities, fleeing hordes of "Barbarians".

In telling its own story, however, the city has been forced to acknowledge the contradictions inherent in the organisation of public space and the life of a community confronted with outsiders. Let us not forget that, in 1516, it was Venice that gave us the term "ghetto", now used to describe systems of control and confinement in urban spaces.

The crisis approach

So how did we end up where we are today, with migrants drowning in the canals of Venice, rather than being welcomed by the city?

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Starting in 2010, financial difficulties began to plague several Italian cities. Coupled with a "crisis" approach to managing new arrivals, especially from 2011 onwards, the Venetian integration initiative stalled.

The rollback was completed in June 2015, when the new mayor announced on the day after his election that he intended to "put a stop to migration". In December 2016, he also pushed for the establishment of a "citadel of poverty" to contain homeless people.

The independence of cities is being gradually eroded by a federal management policy, with the "Lampedusa model" being the most striking illustration.

Cities are still suffering from the tensions created by a topdown federal control approach to humanitarian crises, where people become collateral damage.

Given the disparities between the powers and goals of local and national institutions, a socially conscious solidarity between cities could well be the way to find sustainable alternative solutions.

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Translated from the French by Alice Heathwood for Fast for Word.
Like most Republicans, President Donald Trump has made it clear he intends to "fix" the federal government by "draining the swamp." Traditionally, the GOP has aimed to cut the size of the federal government. The president's freeze on hiring federal employees is a first step in that direction. And he might go a step more.

The administration is showing signs that it views the bureaucracy as primarily implementers, not creators, of policy.

Evidence of this shift in approach can be seen in White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer's response to a letter of dissent signed by nearly 1,000 State Department employees against Trump's travel ban to the U.S. from seven Muslim majority countries. He said they should "either get with the program or they can go."

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Trump abruptly ended Sally Yates' term as attorney general for refusing to defend the order.

This demand for obedience is most often seen in competitive authoritarian regimes, which I study. Such regimes often look like democracies, but don't actually function like them. Think Turkey and Malaysia, for example.

Such a confrontation between leaders and civil servants leaves the system gridlocked and in chaos. It's worth understanding the vital role bureaucracies play in the smooth functioning of a government by looking at examples from other countries.

Lessons from Japan and Turkey

After the second World War, Japan made efforts to rebuild its economy and revamp its pre-war institutions. Leaders sought to better serve a new democratic country with significantly limited global influence. Civil service reform was a crucial part of this rebuilding process. As a result of these reforms, starting in the 1960s, Japan was effectively governed by a bureaucracy, while the Liberal Democratic Party ruled.

AP Photo/T. Sakakibara/H. Huet

Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, who was in power most of the '60's and early '70's, empowered bureaucrats at government departments. For example, under his leadership, the responsibilities of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry were expanded to include building an export-oriented economy that created jobs. This work built the foundations for the modern Japanese economy.

Politicians were able to take credit for economic programs that worked, and distance themselves from those that were unpopular, but necessary. The LDP deflected criticism of unpopular budget cuts, and the restructuring of basic public services implemented by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

This division of responsibility allowed nonelected officials to conduct the day-to-day tasks of governing and delivering public services. Meanwhile, party leaders focused on the big-ticket populist items, such as resisting China's acceptance into the U.N., and committing to a nonnuclear Japan. This allowed the regime to focus on promises that helped win reelection. Civil servants had the autonomy to run their departments in the most efficient way without political blow-back.

The case of Turkey is more complex. It also went through a similar period during the 1980s in which its government - both in authoritarian and democratic forms - relied on the bureaucracy to lead industrialization and development efforts.

In the late '70's, Turkey was on the verge of civil war triggered by economic collapse. Democratic government led by Suleyman Demeril unsuccessfully tried to launch a last ditch series of economic reforms which left Turkey unable to buy even the basic commodities. At risk of complete economic breakdown, General Kenan Evren seized power and put in place an authoritarian regime to rule Turkey in 1980.

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The new regime pushed a series of sweeping changes, including banning unions, controlling wages, banning political parties and removing agricultural subsidies. The push for industrialization was the cornerstone of this strategy. What the regime failed to do was effectively implement the strategy and trust state institutions to do their work. The policies had little input from the bureaucrats who expected to implement them. As a result, real wages were depressed and farming communities suffered losses without subsidies.

In state-sanctioned elections of 1983, Turgat Ozal was elected as prime minister against President Evren's preferred candidates. Ozal was able to roll back the harsh economic policies and actively push for industrialization. He was able to bring back the professionalization of the bureaucracy by giving them a larger role in policy creation and implementation. Buoyed by the new mediator, newly independent government institutions pushed austerity measures that cut government spending and incentivized foreign investment. Heavy government subsidies for large industries in new economic opportunity zones stabilized and spurred growth in Turkey's economy.

Meanwhile President Evren, who had advocated against this approach to governance approach between 1980 and 1983, seemed to be ready to take credit for it by the time 1987 rolled around.

The common pattern observed in the cases of Turkey and Japan is the government's reliance on an independent civil service, especially in times of political turmoil.

Ruling and governing: Marriage of convenience?

The new administration in the U.S. is challenging the autonomy of the civil service by limiting its role in policy creation and implementation. Trump's election mandate, with significant support from Congress, is to "change things up" in Washington and push for stable economic growth. To achieve this, the administration will need to find a way to work with the civil service and allow it to do its job, not impede it.

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Like in Turkey and Japan, the bureaucracy evolves in times of political change. Especially in times of severe political partisanship, reliance on bureaucracy to deliver on campaign promises increases. Trump's administration needs the technical policy making expertise of bureaucrats to deliver on those promises.

But what is becoming increasingly clear with the inefficient rollout of Trump's travel ban is that his administration may lack willingness to work with relevant bureaucrats to implement its vision.

If the administration continues down this path, we may witness more botched implementation of orders like the travel ban. The quicker the administration reformulates its strategy to work with civil servants, the faster we can expect meaningful policies and their implementation.
by Sabrina Stone, 1,000 Dreams Fund contributor

In the fall of 2014, Ella Dawson started as an intern at TED. In just two years, she's taken over the role of Social Media Manager and she's given her own TEDx talk. The 24-year-old is gaining fame as an outspoken advocate and social media maven. Want to flip that internship into influence? Here's Ella's story.

You started at TED as an intern. How did you turn that into a full-time job?

It was my first job out of college that had potential, so I made it very clear that it was my priority. I was excited to be there every day and I was very grateful. I knew that staffers had gotten hired through internships in the past, so it was a possibility, but not a promise, by any means.

I was actually commuting to the NYC offices from Connecticut, so it took a lot of effort for me to get there, but I made sure to always be on time even though I was traveling an hour (or more) each way! I never complained; I ran with whatever they gave me.

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What advice do you have for other interns?

Find ways to make yourself valuable and pay attention. I never took the opportunity for granted.

What was your first day as a Social Media Manager like?

I had already been doing a lot of my tasks as my internship wrapped up and it became clear that I was staying on board. It was very nice to feel recognized, especially as I was so young when I came on full-time. It was a huge compliment to be a staffer, as opposed to an intern, and it gave me a lot of confidence to settle in and be myself. Plus, I've got fancy business cards and there's nothing more validating than very cool branded business cards

Totally. How did it feel to get your first paycheck?

OMG, it felt amazing!! I had been paid pretty well as an intern but it made me feel very adult to have a proper paycheck. It puts a lot of trust in you when a company puts you on salary and allows you to work the amount of hours that makes sense for you to fulfill your responsibility. I was like, "I've made it!"

What's the hardest part of your job?

I moderate a lot of Facebook comments. At TED, we take it pretty seriously. We are sharing talks and idea articles, so we see it as our responsibility to own those comments. We share content on a lot of topics that are sensitive. We have talks on Muslim culture, global issues, war, business and things that people have very strong opinions about. Especially feminism. Anything that's about feminism is a nightmare for us to moderate. It can be really challenging to read those comments and be thoughtful about what I disagree with but still be respectful.

What's the most enjoyable part of your job?

I love being in contact with such brilliant, passionate people, both with my direct coworkers and with the speakers. I am really lucky to work for a company that values individuality in its staffers and a company that is kind. It's very much a family, and as an environment, there's an expectation that you are a human outside of the office, so there's a lot of support for personal projects and really amazing benefits. People take paternity leave at TED! It's a wonderful, supportive place to work.

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You gave your own TED talk. Tell us about it.

I gave a TEDx talk, which is a little different. TEDx events are individually organized events. People can apply for a license from TED to host their own small, local events. I spoke at TEDx Connecticut College, which is actually my mom's alma mater. It made her really happy. It was fascinating to be on that side of the experience and to see what the speakers go through, since I work so much on the other side. It was scary and amazing. I was really confident giving the talk though because I had watched so many TED talks and I was like, "I know how to do this right and I am not going to waste this opportunity!"

What advice would you give to aspiring social media mavens?

Enjoy and own your social media! You don't have to be doing social media for a company or an organization in order to practice your skills, to become really comfortable on those platforms or to know what's happening in the industry. Just familiarize yourself with the tools. The things that you know how to do as a young person who uses social media, those are marketable to companies that aren't as cognizant of how these platforms work. Put it on your resume! Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr. If you enjoy social media it can lead to a real career.
Habitat loss. Human-wildlife conflict. Illegal poaching. These are just a few of the issues facing threatened, endangered, or vulnerable species around the world -- whether it's sloth bears or tigers in India, gray wolves in the United States, rhinos in Sumatra, or elephants in Africa and India. As an organization focused on wildlife conservation, we've seen it firsthand since the mid-1990s when Wildlife SOS was established. Working to resolve issues using outside-the-box problem solving, we've established various types of programs and campaigns that we feel are most likely to succeed in addressing the problem.

Case in point: 20 years ago, the Taj Mahal had a problem right outside its walls that no one seemed to be talking about. As international and local tourists flocked to see this World Heritage site -- one of the most beautiful and revered monuments in the world -- they also saw an impoverished marginalized community called Kalandars trying to eke out a subsistence economy on the back of a cruel practice called "dancing bears." Many who visited the Taj left saddened by the animal suffering and the glaring poverty. But the "dancing bear" problem ran much deeper than was visible to the naked eye: What was happening outside the Taj and indeed across India was a major conservation challenge pushing the endangered sloth bear rapidly toward extinction.

Effective law enforcement and policing are crucial components of any solution to such problems. But over the last 20 years, we've learned (the hard way) that law enforcement alone is never enough. Successfully solving wildlife conservation problems requires an approach that involves bringing all the stakeholders together -- e.g., the communities, governments, and NGOs -- to work the common ground.

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Many attempts to end the dancing bear problem in India failed before Wildlife SOS got involved. Initially, the problem seemed insurmountable in that it involved minority communities, livelihoods, and the law. One failure stemmed from a belief that there was some sort of "cultural issue" with the Kalandar people -- that they "wanted" to dance bears for their livelihood -- and the solution was to simply imprison the offenders. This negative reinforcement approach did not effectively address the fundamental problem, and poisoned the debate as one of human welfare versus bears.

We saw a different explanation: the Kalandar people used sloth bears because they had been following a nomadic lifestyle for generations and their ancestors had taught them to earn a livelihood this way. They knew no other way of supporting their own community. Vilification and imprisonment would only have exacerbated the problem; the solution required creating financial security for the Kalandar people. Education and vocational training in a variety of trades and professions helped them forge new livelihoods, and effectively ended the dancing bear trade.

Today, visitors to the Taj Mahal are no longer confronted with disturbing images of poverty and animal cruelty. It's not because the Kalandar population has been rounded up and incarcerated or moved to another part of town. The problem was not simply swept under the rug. Instead, the problem was solved through thoughtful, non-biased analysis. As a result, sloth bears in India are no longer poached from the wild and forced into painful "dance" performances on the streets of India. Today they stand a much better chance of survival as a species.

At the start of this piece, we mentioned several human-caused challenges facing wildlife around the planet. And though we realize a single approach will not work for each threatened or endangered species, we do know from experience that a holistic approach has far better odds of success than a punitive one. This worked in India for Wildlife SOS, it worked for the Kalandar community, and it worked for the sloth bears.

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The main point is this: Unless we can effectively address the concerns of people impacted by our conservation measures, we will struggle to make serious and sustainable change.
In a signal that France is still facing a threat of terror, Paris is planning to build a barrier around the Eiffel Tower.

Jean-Francois Martins, a city official, said the barrier, which will reportedly be a 2.5 meter-high bullet proof glass wall, will be "permanent" and aesthetic.

The city has made $21.3 million available to evaluate proposals, taking into account the aesthetics. The Eiffel Tower has already seen barriers installed around it, but they have mostly been unsightly, temporary fences.


The President has said that terrorism is a bigger threat than Americans understand it to be. If he truly believes that, then his heavily litigated Executive Order (EO), banning Muslims from seven countries from coming to the US on a temporary basis, is an unwelcome indication that he may be missing the point about the evolution of the global terrorist threat.

In addition, the proposal to designate the Muslim Brotherhood--a diverse international organization that officially rejects violence-- a foreign terrorist organization, as well as his professed support of torture, send all the wrong signals regarding the approach of his Administration to counter terrorism (CT) policy.

Aside from the legal and values-related issues raised, these actions will do nothing to lessen the threat from ISIS or Al Qaeda (AQ). Instead, if this is the counter terrorism (CT) path the Administration follows, the American people will become more vulnerable, not less.

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The terrorist threat is morphing from an entrenched ISIS caliphate in Syria and Iraq and an AQ in disarray to a more dispersed ISIS that is moving beyond the caliphate as its primary focus to one that is emphasizing more global jihad. AQ is regrouping and strengthening its position globally.

ISIS setbacks in Syria and Iraq, particularly the attacks against its strongholds in Raqqa and Mosul, have hurt it on several levels. The attacks are eliminating a base of operation from which ISIS operated with impunity, and cutting deeply into ISIS sources of funding. They are hurting its ability to recruit fighters to defend the caliphate, and also challenging its projected image of invulnerability.

There are two schools of thought as to what a defeat of ISIS in Syria and Iraq might ultimately mean to the US and its allies. One school believes the collapse of the caliphate could lead to a devolution of ISIS into competing groups that would undermine its leadership, which would impact its effectiveness and message. Another school sees the splintering as creating a network of more extreme groups. It may turn out to be both, similar to what happened to Al Qaeda. For instance, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has been less potent that Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which is considered to be not only a regional threat, but a threat to the US homeland.

What is clear is that changes are occurring with ISIS and also with Al Qaeda. There has been a resurgence of AQ, particularly in Syria. AQ's policy has been one of integration rather than confrontation with local populations. This is potentially a potent way to challenge the existing order, such as it is, in Iraq and Syria. In fact, Al Nusra, the AQ affiliate in Syria, has formally split with AQ, rebranding itself as Jabhat Fateh Al Sham (JFS), which by some estimates has a 10,000 strong fighting force. JFS also has a reputation of being particularly tough on the battlefield, which helps with the integration effort. The split, which is more of a facade than an actual break, is a way for JFS to distance itself from the AQ brand, making integration with the local population easier.

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These changes to ISIS and AQ are not connected to CT measures the Trump administration is taking with its effort to ban immigrants from Iraq, Syria and Libya and four other predominately Muslim nations. Not only does the ban give ISIS and AQ a talking point about America's so-called war against Islam, it misses the point about what the US should be doing. As the terrorist enemy evolves, so too must the approach of the US and its allies, particularly its European allies.

The growing terrorist threat in Europe is from within. The French and Belgian connection of terrorist cells is a proven threat, exemplified by the recent attacks in Brussels, Paris and elsewhere. There are also fighters returning from Syria and Iraq, who will pose an additional threat to a number of EU nations. Many of the returnees are citizens and would not be captured by an EU version of the Trump EO.

In addition, ISIS in particular is managing recruits remotely. They are providing direction and overall support for lone wolves, some of whom are not completely alone. This reinforces the idea that the splintering of ISIS into cells may be more lethal to the EU and US homeland than the present situation. It also begs the question of whether the response to a US CT strategy ought to be so focused on immigrants coming from countries where they are already thoroughly vetted. The Trump team's sturm and drang over this is not an efficient or effective way to develop and implement a CT effort.

Instead, the focus should be on working more closely with the EU, including continuing to promote law enforcement and intelligence sharing efforts. Extreme measures from the Trump Administration undercuts the positive connection that has developed between the US and EU on these issues. For example, when the Prime Minister of the UK has to explain to her parliament that her government does not condone torture before she visits the US, it is a sure sign that there is trepidation on the part of European allies in dealing with the Trump Administration on CT related issues.
How President Trump's Muslim ban -- Executive Order 13769 -- echoes WWII's infamous Executive Order 9066.

By Sophia Stephens

Recently, my mother sent a picture of our traditional Hinamatsuri dolls.

In the past, my sister and I helped her unpack each doll - about 16 in total - and arrange them on a precarious platform in our living room.

This time, it was just the emperor and empress sitting on top of the family piano.

The picture was gorgeous, but something felt wrong. I quickly realized that it embodied how it felt growing up Japanese American: beautiful but abbreviated.

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Emperor and empress Hinamatsuri dolls in Sophia's childhood home. Photo courtesy of Sophia Stephens.

We are allowed to be here, but the way I'm treated sometimes keeps me in a state of doubt. The slights are big and small - from the smirk of disgust from the cashier at Safeway as I buy daikon, miso paste, and other Japanese foods, to men leering at me as they guess "what" I am because of my "exotic" appearance. Sometimes racism feels like death by a million paper cuts, other times like being hacked by a machete.

How close can we get to being American? How close can we get to being Japanese?

Getting too close to one end or the other of the spectrum threatened our affiliations.

I discovered the story of Japanese internment during World War II by myself since I never learned about it in grade school, and my parents didn't talk about it. I studied alone for years until my Asian American Studies class in college.

Now this painful reality of an executive order targeting ethnic communities is no longer confined to the sterile safety of a university classroom. It is happening again with President Trump's immigration policies.

Sure, my family is not at the epicenter of this, but we ride our own waves from the shock and despair of this latest betrayal.

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I'm only one or two generations away from the immigrant experience. My mother is a green card holder from Japan who met my father in the 80's while studying in the States. My father is a first-generation American - he's the son of a World War II refugee who fled to America from Greece at the age of five to escape the Nazis. So the topic of travel bans and discrimination isn't too far away to talk about with either parent.

When my mom talks about Trump's executive order on immigration, she says "Now it is seven countries, but what is next? Japan? China?"

She sighs.

"If I can't go back to see my mother in Japan, and I cannot come back to the United States, I cannot imagine... I am always optimistic, though. I hope that Japan will stay okay."

This worry permeates my mind, but I know that there are others whose lives are not okay right now and affected much more deeply than I am. Although I'm not Muslim, I've been spending time at the Islamic Center of North Seattle since the travel ban to feel a sense of connection to the community.

The last time I went, I was taught how to worship - alternating from having our feet or shoulders touching as we listen to prayer to prostrating ourselves on soft carpet.

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Each time I bend forward at prayer, I can see the whiteboard in the back says, "Muslims - do not be afraid. We fight for each other" out of my peripheral vision.

I wonder about Buddhist temples and Japanese spaces of community during World War II America. What was that atmosphere like? Was it like this?

The grief of marginalized people is universal.

And that is a horrifying comfort, if we can even call it that. To be honest, I don't know what to call it.

After prayer, I turn and ask the woman next to me what the community will do for now.

"We keep living," she says. "Life is hard, that is the way it is for us. But we do not give up."

She asks my ethnicity and I tell her that I am Japanese. She nods her head.

"So you know this, too."

Sophia Stephens grew up in Wenatchee, Washington and lives in Seattle.
Here are 5 takeaways from Kansas' 37-16 win against Oklahoma State

The Jayhawks are bowl eligible for the first time since 2008. Kansas just topped Oklahoma State for that pivotal sixth win.
Just one film, the zombie spectacular "Train to Busan," drew over 10 million viewers last year, suggesting that the domestic market has reached its limits.

Some 1,500 movies were released last year, a full 300 more than the previous year, but audiences seemed untempted and real blockbusters were few and far between.

A total of 217 million people went to the movies last year, a slight decline from the previous year even though new releases mushroomed.

The decline seems to be mainly among moviegoers in their 30s, according to analysis by theater chain CGV.

"A growing number of young people don't have the time and money for leisure as they are being affected by a tough job market, with many of them even giving up dating and marriage," said Lee Seung-won, a staffer at CGV.

Instead, the proportion of moviegoers over 45 or more is increasing steadily. In 2007, they accounted for a little over five percent of audiences, but now they make up over 20 percent. And they go to the movies more often than other age groups. Lee said middle-aged and older people are now "the core demographic" of Korean moviegoers.

Older people tend to rely more on TV to find out what movies are playing, while younger people rely on the internet.

Seo Jung, the CEO of the theater chain, said, "The Korean movie market is saturated, so now is the time to tap into foreign markets to grow. We're considering forays into Russia and India."
Despite the massive snow, the Lanesborough School Committee still met Thursday night.

Lanesborough School To Consider Preschool Subsidy Program

LANESBOROUGH, Mass.  Superintendent Kimberly Grady is reinvigorating the idea of a sliding scale for preschool.

The School Committee on Thursday approved the pricing for the preschool programs, which Grady says is lower than many programs. But there are still other free programs. Grady hopes to one day move to a free program but for now, she is bringing back the conversation about providing subsidies for families who can't afford the full price.

The school used to have a sliding scale option but over time the entire program had grown to be more expensive than the income it was taking in. A proposal was floated to end the practice altogether but that faced resistance.

Eventually, school officials shut the program down for a year and completely revamped and relaunched a new program. Now, the preschool is operating smoothly and the School Committee was able to keep the rates the same for this upcoming year  at $18 for a half day and $36 for a full day.

This year 16 students were enrolled and so far 13 have been screened for the upcoming year. Grady said she sent mailings out to 22 students. But Grady also knows that there could be more students in town from families that can't afford the program. She hopes to reach out to residents more to determine the true needs.

"The subsidy piece is just a further discussion," Grady said.

In other business, School Committee Chairwoman Regina DiLego kicked around an idea to address a longstanding question over capital repairs at the school.

DiLego said her interpretation of law changes on the state level allows for revolving accounts to be created from fees. She thinks there could be a possibility of creating one, funding it with tuition fees, and use it on future capital projects.

"Let's direct it into something useful to start saving for those large projects," DiLego said.

The School Committee has done some capital planning but hasn't had an account in its control to perform any projects. Instead, the Board of Selectmen has been approving and funding needed work. The School Committee has advocated for a reserve account for capital but to no avail. The ability to create a revolving account gives school officials another avenue to look at when deciding on capital projects.

The tuition, however, has been an issue with the Board of Selectmen. The Selectmen have long felt the tuition cost for students from New Ashford was way too low, and often compared it to the per pupil cost at the school. However, school officials have seen tuition as an additional revenue stream because the students fill up classes which weren't full. Either way, at this point the tuition funding goes directly into the town's general fund and not the school.

DiLego said the tuition agreement is in place until 2018 but in the late fall discussions will begin again. She told her colleagues to keep the Selectmen's views in mind.

At the same time, she doesn't know exactly what will happen. Right now officials in Lanesborough, Williamstown, and among the Mount Greylock Regional School District are considering regionalization. That would essentially eliminate Lanesborough's agreement and a new one would have to be crafted with the entire district.

DiLego says by the fall she should have a better understanding of what will happen with the regionalization efforts. The tuition agreement is aligned with the one at Mount Greylock Regional already.

The regionalization vote could also impact the bus contract. Right now, the three schools in the tri-district have their own bus contracts. The contracts are linked somewhat but still individualized. If that goes through, the entire district would negotiate only one contract plus the district would be eligible for state transportation reimbursement, which individual schools currently are not.

Lanesborough's contract with DuFour ends in 2019 but the School Committee will be keeping that in mind over the course of this year and into next. The price is going up this year by some $17,100, which is being factored into the budget being crafted now. That is because DuFour owed the town a credit after the School Committee eliminated one bus. For two years, the town received a lower rate. But that ended in 2016.

Also in other business, Principal Martin McEvoy reported that the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System testing schedule has been set for April and May. The first tests being on April 4 with the England Language Arts test for third graders.

"The test is not timed this year, unlike the PARCC," McEvoy said.

The town is back to taking MCAS after being one of the schools statewide to pilot Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers tests that the state has scrapped in favor of a revamped MCAS. But, the state is still asking fourth-grade students to perform the test online, which Lanesborough plans to do.

The math testing will only be two days this year, McEvoy said, compared to three or four last year. That will be in early May. Science will be the following week in May.

The School Committee also approved $7,100 to continue a half dozen after-school programs including music, robotics, tutoring, drama, and math. The school has traditionally funds those after school programs and there is money in the budget for it.

The committee opened up three school-choice slots for the upcoming year, all for first grade. McEvoy said his recommendation included looking at enrollment in Williamstown Elementary to restrict class sizes as the students leave the elementary level and go to the middle school. The ideal seventh-grade class size is 90.

"We are cognizant of several factors," McEvoy said. "We thought three was a prudent number to recommend for the first grade... We still have a little cushion in case new families move in."

A joint meeting between the School Committee and the town's Finance Committee has been scheduled for March 6 to discuss the upcoming budget.

"It is not as formal as our budget hearing, it is more of an informal conversation with them so they know where we are at," DiLego said.
Senator Adam Hinds congratulates Morris Elementary School Principal Carolyn Boyce for Morris designation as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School.

Morris, Williamstown Elementary Schools Honored at State House

BOSTON, Mass.  Sen. Adam Hinds welcomed Morris Elementary School Principal Carolyn Boyce to the Massachusetts State House on Feb. 1 to celebrate Morris' designation as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School.



During the ceremony, Williamstown Elementary School was also named a 2016 Massachusetts Commendation School.



The two Berkshire County schools were among 51 schools honored for high achievement, narrowing achievement gaps between groups of students or making strong progress. The schools were recognized as 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools, state-designated Commendation Schools or National Title I Distinguished Schools.


SVMC Sponsoring Active Lifestyle Photo Contest

BENNINGTON, Vt.  Community members are invited to submit photos of Vermonters living an active lifestyle for the newly renovated Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Orthopedics practice on Dewey Street in Bennington.



"Our health is affected by the amount of activity we incorporate into our daily lives," said Dr. Jonathan Cluett, physician at SVMC Orthopedics. "We are proud of our role in helping patients maintain their favorite activities even after a significant injury and throughout their lives."



Participants should photograph people being active in Bennington County and its surrounding communities. Examples of activities participants may photograph include hiking, biking, running, or team sports. Entrants can submit photos for consideration electronically through April 1.



Entries will be judged by a panel based on creativity, photographic quality, genuineness, connection to local community, and relation to healthy behaviors. Preference will be given to photos with a connection to the local area, including Southwestern Vermont, Western New York and Northern Massachusetts.



Winners from two categories, Youth (18 years and younger) and Adult (19 years and older), will be honored. The top prize is $300. Photographs will be featured at SVHC's newly renovated orthopedics practice on Dewey Street in Bennington.
CHESHIRE, Mass.  The Selectmen want to review the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District agreement that ties the small town to its larger neighbor to educate the children of both.

Selectwoman Carol Francesconi said at Tuesday's meeting that with the impending closing of an elementary school, she would like to review the district agreement with the Cheshire representatives on the School Committee.

"It hasn't been reviewed as long as I have been on the board and with the situation the way it is, I would feel more comfortable if it is in the best of interest of both towns," said Francesconi, who has served since 1989. "We don't know where this is all going to go ... but we want to protect Cheshire's best interests."

The three members of the board said they have never seen the document in its entirety, even those who at one point served on the School Committee. Francesconi said she wasn't 100 percent sure where the document was stored.

The likelihood that one of the two elementary schools will close has become more pronounced over the past two years as the school district has struggled with rising costs and dropping enrollment. The day after the board's latest meeting, the school district hosted a presentation of the University of Massachusetts' Collins Center study of the district that found at least $500,000 could be saved by closing one of the schools.

However, closing Plunkett School in Adams would require an investment in renovations and possibly an addition at Cheshire Elementary.

Francesconi admitted that she has no clear vision on what the town will do in response if Cheshire Elementary was chosen to close but Chairman Paul Astorino said it would be good to be familiar with the document in case Cheshire decides to operate its own school or take other actions.

Selectman Robert Ciskowski said it is probably too late to make any changes to the contract that could protect Cheshire.

"Unfortunately, what is happening now is this is fast tracking a lot faster than I thought it would," he said. "It seems like we saw it coming and now it is snowballing and gaining speed. I don't like it but it is what it is."

In other business, Astorino said construction on the Sand Mill Road Bridge project will begin at the end of the month.

 The Selectmen approved the Community Development Strategy Plan that is needed to participate in the state Housing Rehabilitation Program. A minimum of 50 interested homeowners are required by March 1.

 Town Administrator Mark Webber has continued to check references of applicants for the Department of Public Works director post. Astorino added that Lanesborough had inquired if Cheshire would be interested in sharing the position.

Astorino said not yet.

"Currently, the board is not ready to make that move," he said. "It may have to be considered but as of right now, no."
Independent counsel Park Young-soo on Thursday questioned President Park Geun-hye's longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil on allegations that she took bribes from Samsung.

This is the first time that Choi, who is in jail pending a separate criminal trial, has been questioned over the bribery charge, which the independent counsel is determined to make stick.

Choi persistently refused to appear for questioning until the independent counsel took the unusual step of obtaining an arrest warrant for a person who is already in jail.

On Thursday, Choi instead refused to answer questions by insisting on her right to remain silent. This has led to speculation that she merely wanted to gauge how much progress investigators have made building the case against her.
The measures were announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on Thursday.

The government hopes to tackle the oversupply of rice by reducing farm land dedicated to the staple crop by 8.7 percent in the coming years and sending more overseas in the form of aid.

Farm land dedicated to rice production will fall from 35,000 hectares to 33,000 hectares next year.

Government officials hope that this would cut oversupply from 300,000 tons last year to 100,000 to 200,000 tons this year and to less than 50,000 tons in 2018. Instead rice farmers will be encouraged to switch to other crops.

The government also aims to join the Food Assistance Convention this year and boost rice aid to countries in need.

Separately, the government will send 1,000 tons of rice to Burma and Cambodia through an emergency stockpile created by ASEAN, Korea, China and Japan.

A ministry official said, "We aim to achieve a balance in rice production and consumption by 2019."
The 123-story Lotte World Tower, the capital's tallest building, has finally been given the green light to open for business in April, when the Lotte Group celebrates its 50th anniversary.

A spokesman for the Seoul Metropolitan Government said the city consulted with dozens of related government departments to review whether the skyscraper was built according to regulations.

An advisory panel of 21 experts and neighboring residents checked a total of 188 criteria, from fire protection to environmental factors, before city officials made the final decision.
The U.S. general warned that even one stray North Korean missile could wreak havoc on South Korea because of the high population density here. He also stressed the need "to present a sufficient combination of capabilities that is known to an adversary in both defensive and offensive aspects so that deterrence actually occurs."

Brooks joins a growing chorus of hawkish voices in the U.S. calling for preemptive strikes against North Korea if it continues its nuclear and missile programs. Brooks said existing defenses are "insufficient" in dealing with the North Korean missile threat.

U.S. Forces Korea Commander Vincent Brooks has called for greater capability to target and destroy North Korean missile bases. Addressing the Association of the United States Army in a video call on Tuesday, Brooks said the proliferation of low-cost missiles that can be used to threaten the U.S. requires a "layered" approach to missile defense.

Brooks is not the only U.S. government official touting the need for preemptive strike capabilities. New U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday vowed to come up with a "new approach" to dealing with North Korea that includes military measures, while Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker asked a hearing on North Korea last week whether the U.S. needs to prepare for a preemptive attack on the North's putative intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The fact that hawks like National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and Defense Secretary James Mattis now wield the power in American defense policy make such comments much more resonant than before U.S. President Donald Trump was inaugurated.

In the past, the prospect of preemptive strikes had been mentioned primarily by U.S. analysts on a theoretical basis, but now they are being touted as viable options by government officials and lawmakers.

But pundits say a number of conditions need to be met to justify a strike at the risk of a full-blown war. First, the North operates a number of secret uranium enrichment facilities in addition to the Yongybon nuclear facility, but U.S. intelligence officials do not know where they are. Also, long-range missiles such as the KN-08 or KN-14 ICBMs are transported on mobile launchers), which make them extremely hard to locate.

The aim of a preemptive strike would be to disable North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities completely, so accurate and detailed intelligence is critical. Also, steps would have to be taken to minimize the risk of U.S. and South Korean casualties if a full-blown war breaks out.

Kim Yeol-soo at Sungshin Women's University said, "If the U.S. launches a strike, it would have to ask Seoul first and I wonder how prepared the government here is to allow that."

And Park Won-gon at Handong Global University said, "Trump considers the financial costs of everything. Would he be willing to foot the huge bill of waging war?"
U.S. President Donald Trump singled out South Korea on the stump as getting a "free ride," whereas in fact there is a frequently renegotiated cost sharing agreement in place.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said South Korea is bearing its fair share of the defense burden, it emerged on Wednesday. Seoul already contributes "large amounts to support U.S. forces" in the country, he said in his congressional confirmation hearing in January.

Tillerson made the remarks in a written reply to questions from U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, the Democratic ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. It was made public by a U.S. environmental group.

Replying to a question whether he would withdraw U.S. troops from South Korea and Japan unless a "fair" burden-sharing deal is struck, Tillerson said, "Japan and South Korea already contribute large amounts to support U.S. forces in their respective countries, and I am optimistic that future discussions will continue to be productive and result in equitable burden-sharing arrangements." This suggests that Washington will not make unreasonable demands.

South Korea's ratio of defense spending to GDP stood at 2.4 percent in 2016, higher than that of Japan (one percent), and major NATO member states like the U.K. (two percent), France (1.9 percent) and Germany (1.1 percent).

U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, during his visit to Seoul last week, did not mention any problems with burden sharing. The current agreement is effective until 2018.

Meanwhile, Tillerson pledged to work out a fresh approach to solving the North Korean problem, including military options. He also stressed the need for a secondary boycott as a means to put pressure on the North.

He called the North a priority factor threatening regional and international security and pledged to cooperate closely with other agencies to define a new approach to substantially resolving threats from the North.

In answer to the question whether he supports military measures to prevent the North from launching intercontinental ballistic missiles, he said the U.S. is fully prepared to mobilize all means available to fend off a nuclear attack on the U.S. mainland.


Imperial Valley News Center

Vice President Pence's Meeting with Right to Try Advocates

Washington, DC - Vice President Mike Pence today met with Right to Try families to encourage them to continue their efforts and discuss the importance of pending legislation before the Congress. Right to Try legislation would allow doctors to prescribe to terminally ill patients medicines that have only made it through the first of three approval phases at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

During the presidential campaign, the President and Vice President voiced their strong support for enacting Right to Try legislation at the federal level.

The Right to Try families expressed to Vice President Pence that expanded access to drug therapies would allow patients to circumvent the bureaucratic process at the FDA, as well as long waits for clinical trials, to obtain life-saving treatments.

Vice President Pence reiterated his belief that a Right to Try law is fundamentally about restoring hope and gives patients with terminal illnesses a fighting chance by giving them access to experimental drugs that have already passed the FDAs safety review process. The Vice President and the families discussed how Right to Try legislation is the first step towards getting patients the medical innovations that will save their lives. Vice President Pence offered the Presidents encouragement to the families to keep fighting for a national Right to Try law and made clear that both he and President Trump are committed supporters of Right to Try legislation.

As Governor of Indiana, Vice President Pence signed Right to Try legislation into law in 2015. That legislation was inspired by 8-year-old Jordan McLinn, who was present for todays meeting in the Vice Presidents Ceremonial Office.
White House Director of Legislative Affairs Announces Legislative Affairs House Staff Appointments

Washington, DC - President Trumps Director of Legislative Affairs Marc T. Short announced the following additions to the Legislative Affairs House staff team.

Im honored to work alongside impressive individuals committed to advancing the Presidents agenda, Short said. With extensive experience and relationships on Capitol Hill, they offer abundant knowledge and valuable insight that will undoubtedly play a vital role within Legislative Affairs. I look forward to working with them in supporting this Administration and our country.
President Trump's Call with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of Spain

Washington, DC - President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of Spain to reaffirm the strong bilateral partnership across a range of mutual interests.

The leaders discussed shared priorities, including efforts to eliminate ISIS. President Trump reiterated the U.S. commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and emphasized the importance of all NATO allies sharing the burden of defense spending. The leaders agreed to continue close security, economic, and counterterrorism cooperation.
President Trump's Call with President Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Washington, DC - President Trump today spoke with President Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and emphasized the ongoing importance of the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership and his support for the National Unity Government.

The leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relationship in areas such as security, counterterrorism cooperation, and economic development. President Trump looks forward to continuing a regular dialogue with President Ghani.




This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
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Over the past two days, Chris Evans has taken on Jeff Sessions, the Trump administration, and now former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke on Twitter.

The 35-year-old actor, who plays the Marvel superhero Captain America onscreen, argued with the white nationalist over the confirmation of the new US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a man whose career was nearly derailed over accusations of racism.

If David Duke DAVID!... DUKE!... thinks you're right, then you are unequivocally wrong," Evans wrote on Twitter. The confirmation of [Jeff Sessions] is beyond words.

A few hours later, Duke responded. "Typical dumb actor, he wrote, if everything I say is wrong, then when I say I oppose these Zionists wars, you must be for them, Captain America!?"

Evans responded with a collection of racist quotes courtesy of the KKK leader. "[David Duke] well if these nuggets of bigotry are some of your OTHER thoughts, then I stand by my original tweet.

Evans finished the argument with one last comment, "We can't let hatred be the loudest voice."
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Lives will be lost if the UK sets up its own medicines regulator after Brexit and cuts ties with the European body currently responsible for ensuring drugs are safe, a leading cancer specialist has warned.

Professor Paul Workman, president of The Institute of Cancer Research, said pharmaceutical companies would naturally seek regulatory approval for new drugs in the biggest markets first, potentially putting the UK behind the European Union, United States and Japan.

That could mean a delay of two years in new drug breakthroughs becoming available to British patients, he said.

The industry has been in talks with UK officials since the EU referendum about the issue and expressed confidence the Government was taking it seriously.

However Dr Virginia Acha, executive director of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, appealed to the Brexit negotiators not to let the current system be pulled apart by the politics.

She said if everyone involved in the talks did a good job then patients would not notice any difference on day one of Brexit, but suggested it might otherwise be a point to panic.

They were speaking after several experts expressed alarm at Health Secretary Jeremy Hunts revelation last month that the UK would quit the European Medicines Agency (EMA) because it is subject to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Among them was Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, the chair of the Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)  the body that would have to take over from the EMA.

He told the House of Lords last month that one of the biggest worries he had about setting up a stand-alone regulator in post-Brexit Britain was that the UK would be at the back of the queue for new drugs.

Speaking to The Independent, Professor Paul Workman said it was a very worrying time for those involved in drug development and treating patients.

Its worrying because theres a lack of clarity in the way forward. Businesses need clarity, if they dont get clarity they will make alternative plans, he said.

I worry about the delay of life-saving drugs  and potentially the additional costs, I worry about this being an extra factor in the de-prioritisation of the UK not only for making drugs available but research and development as well.

Asked if lives would be lost, he said: Oh yes, no question.

The European market would be pharmaceutical companies biggest focus because it is a bigger market than the UK, Professor Workman said, pointing to estimates that this might delay new drugs in Britain by up to two years.

So cancer patients will die and potentially people with other life-threatening diseases, he said.

Even where the disease is not life-threatening but chronic, patients will be affected.

The health consequences are very profound.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

Dr Acha, a former academic who also worked for drug giant Pfizer, said the EMA, supported by a network across the EU, was a complex system that had evolved over a long time for the safety of patients.

My strongest plea to Government is to not let this be pulled apart by the politics, she said.

People should be reassured we are doing everything we can to make sure that on day one of Brexit, they dont even notice.

If we get to day one and theres no bump in the road and everyone is getting their medicines just as they should, well have done a good job.

What I dont want them to worry about is that suddenly theres a looming deadline two years from now thats a point to panic.

She said the industry would like the new UK regulator to be as close as possible to the EMA after Brexit.

This point was echoed by the British Generic Manufacturers Association, which is highly sensitive to any increase in costs as their margins are relatively small.

Warwick Smith, the BGMAs director general, said: To date, the existence of a single European marketing authorisation for medicines has generated considerable benefits for patients, the NHS and the industry.

The single European marketing authorisation reduces cost and complexity for manufacturers, facilitating the production and regulation of high quality medicines and their availability to patients.

The UK generic and biosimilar medicines industry would urge the Government to do everything possible to maintain this European marketing authorisation system and remain part of the European network in the forthcoming negotiations with the European Union to avoid delays in patient access and the launch of new medicines.

The MHRA said it was wholly committed to effective regulation of drugs and devices.

How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Show all 8 1 /8 How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Weetabix Chief executive of Weetabix Giles Turrell has warned that the price of one of the nations favourite breakfast are likely to go up this year by low-single digits in percentage terms. Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Nescafe The cost of a 100g jar of Nescafe Original at Sainsburys has gone up 40p from 2.75 to 3.15  a 14 per cent risesince the Brexit vote. PA How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Freddo When contacted by The Independent this month, a Mondelez spokesperson declined to discuss specific brands but confirmed that there would be "selective" price increases across its range despite the American multi-national confectionery giant reporting profits of $548m (450m) in its last three-month financial period. Mondelez, which bought Cadbury in 2010, said rising commodity costs combined with the slump in the value of the pound had made its products more expensive to make. Cadbury How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Mr Kipling cakes Premier Foods, the maker of Mr Kipling and Bisto gravy, said that it was considering price rises on a case-by-case basis Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Walkers Crisps Walkers, owned by US giant PepsiCo, said "the weakened value of the pound" is affecting the import cost of some of its materials. A Walkers spokesman told the Press Association that a 32g standard bag was set to increase from 50p to 55p, and the larger grab bag from 75p to 80p. Getty How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Marmite Tesco removed Marmite and other Unilever household brand from its website last October, after the manufacturer tried to raise its prices by about 10 per cent owing to sterlings slump. Tesco and Unilever resolved their argument, but the price of Marmite has increased in UK supermarkets with the grocer reporting a 250g jar of Marmite will now cost Morrisons customers 2.64 - an increase of 12.5 per cent. Rex How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Toblerone Toblerone came under fire in November after it increased the space between the distinctive triangles of its bars. Mondelez International, the company which makes the product, said the change was made due to price rises in recent months. Pixabay How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Maltesers Maltesers, billed as the lighter way to enjoy chocolate, have also shrunk in size. Mars, which owns the brand, has reduced its pouch weight by 15 per cent. Mars said rising costs mean it had to make the unenviable decision between increasing its prices or reducing the weight of its Malteser packs. iStockphoto

And Dr Ian Hudson, its chief executive, said in a statement: This will not change after the UK leaves the EU.

We have been working closely with industry and other stakeholders and we have established an internal taskforce which is exploring a range of possible models for the future regulation of medicines in the UK  this is still under negotiation.

Whatever the future regulatory medicines regime is, getting patients fast access to new medicines continues to be a priority for us.

We are  working towards a more rapid and flexible UK assessment for new medicines while maintaining a high level of safety for patients.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: Ensuring patients have timely access to safe, effective medicines is, and always will be a priority for this Government  in fact, Brexit brings opportunities in this area, and we will be focused on whether we can secure even faster access to the latest innovations for British patients.

So we are already taking action to ensure the UK continues to be a world leader and our cross-agency Brexit taskforce is considering the future regulatory roles the MHRA could adopt.
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And now for the good news. Apple boss Tim Cook says dont worry about all that Brexit stuff. The UK will do great! Hes a big believer in us.

But before you put on your headphones in case the office berk with the Union flag cufflinks and the UKIP tie catches your eye, fear not. Its easy enough to shut him up.

Of course Mr Cook said hes optimistic about the UK. Its the diplomatic thing to do when youre meeting a Prime Minister who has set her heart on Brexit.

It wouldnt do him any good to point out that it is one of the two or three stupidest ideas in modern politics and the Government is making a hash of it, now would it.

And of course, Mr Cook reiterated the tech giants plan to build a new headquarters at Battersea Power Station. Apple doesnt much like paying corporation tax. The UKs rates are already low and Ms May has indicated that they could be lowered still further after Brexit. That sort of thing is music to the ears of a multinational like Apple.

London is also a global city with a ready supply of talented people knocking around, and Apple, as a global business, isn't going to feel the impact of Brexit like a domestic UK outfit that trades with Europe.

By cooing sweet nothings in public, Mr Cook was doing a good job of diplomacy and the right thing for Apple.

You can bet that in private, he will probably have told Ms May that hes very keen to be able to import clever, bright and talented people from overseas where he needs them.

Apple likes immigration, because it benefits from it, just as Britain does, as those of us that live happily in the middle of its multicultural, multi race and multi faith communities have long known.

Mr Cook might be inclined to speak out against Ms May in future if she follows President Donald Trump too far down the immigrants not welcome here line, his opposition to which he re-iterated.

But hes clearly prepared to leave that for another day, at least in public. He only needs to speak out if and when Britain's immigration policy becomes a problem for Apple.

Whatever Mr Cook is, hes no fool.

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.

If your Brexit backing colleague still insists on spouting a lot of nonsense, and is threatening to continue dong so down the pub after work, you could remind him of what Mr Cook said to students in Glasgow, where he received an honorary doctorate.

He told them not to work for money because it will wear out fast, or youll never make enough and you will never be happy, one or the other.

This from a man who personally makes more money than the GDP of some small countries.
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A plumber has won a legal battle for employment rights that could have implications for thousands of workers across Britains booming gig economy.

The Court of Appeal ruled that Gary Smith, who worked for Pimlico Plumbers for six years until 2011, was entitled to basic rights such as sick pay even though he was technically self-employed.

Mr Smith claimed he was dismissed following a heart attack and sued Pimlico for sick pay.

The case is the latest of several that have scrutinised the relationship between independent contractors and companies such as Uber, Deliveroo and parcel delivery firm Hermes.

This is the highest UK court so far to consider such a case and could mean greater protections for thousands of independent contractors working job-to-job with little security and limited employment rights.

The number of gig economy jobs has surged in recent years but campaigners have said it leaves many with no guarantee of earnings and no protection if they cannot work. In some cases workers claim they have been paid less than minimum wage.

Natalie Razeen at Russell-Cooke said: Self-employment was once seen as a sign of having successfully established oneself and of finally being able to pursue ones ambitions on ones own terms.

However, the advent of the gig economy has meant that many of those now classified as self-employed are not necessarily living the dream.

In fact it can be quite the opposite, as the truly self-employed will not enjoy basic rights such as the right not to suffer discrimination. They may therefore find it difficult to rely on the businesses they contract with providing flexibility when it is needed.

Jonathan Chamberlain, partner at the law firm Gowling WLG, said the ruling was the latest to examine business models which seek to control people as if they were employees but pay them as if they were not.

Once again, the so-called 'self-employed' have been found to be workers, Mr Chamberlain said, warning that as long there is disparity in pay, tax and legal protections between different forms of employment, businesses will continue to take advantage.

The judgment is a wake-up call for employers reliant on independent contractors as an integral part of their businesses, according to Naeema Choudry, partner at Eversheds Sutherland.

Judges warned that the ruling would not necessarily be applicable to all workers in similar positions.

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.

Although employment lawyers will inevitably be interested in this case  the question of when a relationship is genuinely casual being a very live one at present  they should be careful about trying to draw any very general conclusions from it, said Lord Justice Underhill.

The Court of Appeals ruling comes just days after the TUC published a scathing report warning that British workers face cut-rate, bottom-of-the-league protections after Brexit, with more zero-hours contracts and fewer guarantees over holiday and equal pay.

The number of workers without guaranteed hours or basic employment rights has risen by more than 660,000 in the past five years, the study found.

In October, a London employment tribunal ruled that Uber drivers are entitled to receive the national minimum wage and holiday pay because they are workers, not self-employed.

The tribunal rejected Ubers argument that the drivers do not work for Uber, but merely use its technology.
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A six-hour working day with full-time wages sounds like a dream for most people, but for a group of 70 Swedish nurses it has been a reality for the past two years.

They were part of a trial aimed at testing the benefits of less work, which gained a huge amount of attention around the world.

But is the nine-to-five really going to be a thing of the past?

The results of the trial released so far are encouraging.

Nurses working shorter hours took less sick days, felt healthier and were more productive.

They also said they were 20 per cent happier on average and had more energy at work and in their spare time. This allowed them to arrange 85 per cent more physical activities with elderly residents, the study found.

Assistant nurse Emilie Telander, who has now gone back to eight-hour shifts, told the BBC: I feel that I am more tired than I was before.

During the trial all the staff had more energy. I could see that everybody was happy.

Despite the positive results there was one big problem: the cost. The city of Gothenburg spent 12m kronor (1.1m) on the trial, largely because, despite productivity gains, it had to hire 17 extra nurses to cover the lost hours.

Even in Sweden, famed for its generous welfare state, this is apparently too much to bear.

Could we do this for the entire municipality? The answer is no, it will be too expensive, Daniel Bernmar, a Left Party councillor who has backed the Gothenburg pilot scheme said.

However, Bernmar says the trial has put the shortening of the work day on the agenda both for Sweden and for Europe, which is fascinating."

While the idea may not be viable in face-to-face work such as nursing, where lost hours still have to be covered anyway, in more flexible working environments such as Sweden's booming tech start-ups, some companies have reported more success.

Linus Feldt, chief executive of app developer Filimundus told The Independent that sick leave dropped by a quarter when it shortened working hours. Meanwhile, employees produced the same amount in six hours as they previously had in eight.

"The biggest effect was that people were happy when coming to work and leaving work. There was not that fatigued feeling after a long workday. The employees felt more happy overall," Feldt said, adding that there are now less conflicts at the workplace and better focus.

Employees simply cut out distractions such as "social media and the little things we tend to do when we are bored or fatigued and instead focus for 6 hours," Feldt said.

While it may have captured many headlines, as well as the attention of overworked people around the globe, the idea of a six-hour working day has struggled to gain widespread political support in Sweden.

The Left Party is the only party in the country that backs shorter working hours and won just six per cent of the vote in the last general election.

Attempts to prove the economic efficiency of reduced hours have produced inconclusive results so far.

A handful of trials in the 1990s and 2000s were scrapped due to a lack of definitive data.

Another recent Swedish trial at a retirement home in the town of Umea found that sick leave actually rose, from 8 per cent to 9.3 per cent.

One success has come at Toyotas Swedish service centre where shifts were cut in 2003, sparking an immediate boost to productivity and increased profits.

The company has kept the shorter hours ever since.

If a six-hour day isnt catching on in Sweden, with its famously generous welfare system and emphasis on work-life balance, there seems little hope for workers in Anglo Saxon economies like the UK.

But some companies have taken up the idea. Liverpool-based Agent Marketing first trialled shorter days for two months in early 2016.

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.

Speaking to The Independent, Agents managing director Paul Corcoran said: There were loads of really great benefits. People were refreshed and more creative. It was good for effectiveness and efficiency.

Clients also noticed the happiness of the employees which helped win business, Corcoran said.

Agent stuck rigidly to the six hour format at first which led to some impressive changes.

Corcoran said one hour meetings have been cut to fifteen minutes because of the imperative to save time.

But he added: There were challenges surrounding it. Surprisingly it sometimes actually brought about more stress, because people feel theyve got to get their work done more quickly in order to go earlier, Corcoran said.

Eventually, the company settled for a compromise - every Friday is a six hours and employees can each choose another shorter day each week. The other three are normal business hours. But the benefits have remained, with happier, more productive employees, Corcoran said.

The company also provides meditation, pilates and a monthly massage to all staff.

But even this seemingly perfect workplace cant avoid commercial realities.

In the end, the most important thing is getting the work done for our clients otherwise well be doing zero hour working days because we would have no clients, Corcoran said.
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The Government has stopped accepting disabled child refugees fleeing war in Syria and other countries because it says it cannot cope with their needs, The Independent can reveal.

A flagship government programme to resettle the most vulnerable victims of conflict in the Middle East and North Africa has been partially suspended, meaning children will be left in refugee camps instead of being moved to safety in the UK.

The revelation, condemned as unthinkable and marking a new low in the Governments handling of the refugee crisis, comes as ministers came under fire for closing down a separate scheme, the Dubs programme, offering sanctuary to lone refugee children in Europe.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, was forced to defend the Dubs closure yesterday, but faced criticism for saying that the scheme would incentivise children to travel to Europe. The Archbishop of Canterbury said he was saddened and shocked by its closure and appeared to compare the Governments position with that of Donald Trump.

The crisis affecting the Governments refugee programmes deepened as it emerged that its Vulnerable Childrens Resettlement Scheme, which is supposed to rehome 3,000 children with their families from countries including Syria, Libya, Yemen and Iraq, is not accepting young people with complex needs, including disabilities and learning difficulties.

The United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which processes applications, said the Home Office had requested it temporarily limit requests from people with mobility problems and learning disabilities because there was not suitable reception capacity for them.

The Independent understands the Home Office has been refusing to consider applications from people with disabilities since at least the beginning of January. It is understood that no end date to the suspension has yet been set.

The latest developments come after the Home Affairs Select Committee found last month that accommodation provided for asylum seekers in the UK was a disgrace, with investigators describing people living in rat and insect-infested housing.

Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said the revelation about disabled children represents a new low for the Government and she will be making further inquiries.

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. 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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. 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Shantha Barriga, director of Human Rights Watchs disability rights division, said: Shutting the door on vulnerable children is an affront to British values.

People with disabilities endure unimaginable hardship during conflict, and many faced huge hurdles in escaping the violence. That the UK now says its not prepared to accept refugees with disabilities is unthinkable.

Its an indefensible decision and blatant discrimination. The UK is not simply lacking suitable accommodation in this case, but seems to be lacking political will.

Dr Lisa Doyle, head of advocacy at the Refugee Council, said: The refugees who benefit from the UKs resettlement programmes are by definition the most vulnerable, and refugees with disabilities will often have specific needs.

While the Refugee Council knows that communities up and down the country are keen to help welcome refugees it appears there is an urgent need for accessible accommodation.

Recommended Government defends closure of child refugee scheme after six months

Andrej Mahecic, the UNHCRs senior external relations manager, said: The Home Office has requested UNHCR to temporarily limit submissions of cases with special mobility and educational needs.

We understand that this temporary measure is to assist the Government and local authorities with ensuring that suitable reception capacity is available for these highly vulnerable cases.

A Home Office spokesperson said it was wrong that all refugees with mobility or educational needs were being denied sanctuary. More than 1,000 adults under another refugee scheme  the Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement programme  have been brought to the UK.

But the spokeperson added that after discussion with the UNHCR, the Home Office had temporarily paused new referrals of some of the most complex cases to its Vulnerable Childrens Resettlement Scheme. This would allow the Government to ensure those cases were properly accommodated when they arrived, they said.

We work closely with the UNHCR and local authorities on both schemes and always ensure the necessary care packages are in place as we plan the arrival of vulnerable children and their families.
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Council leaders are calling on the Government to maintain its commitment to vulnerable child refugees after the Home Office cited local authority funding as part of the decision to scrap the scheme.

At least eight London councillors have signed an open letter urging Theresa May to reconsider the decision to snatch this lifeline from thousands of lone asylum seekers under the age of 15, implemented under the Dubs Amendment last year.

It came after Home Secretary Amber Rudd suggested local authorities had been struggling to cope with the financial pressures of the humanitarian effort.

We call on the Government to re-consult with council leaders, reconsider the support given this important programme, and above all not to snatch this lifeline from thousands of desperate children in need, the councillors wrote in the letter, signed by leaders of Hammersmith & Fulham, Gedling Council, Camden, Ealing, Lambeth, Hounslow, Royal Borough of Greenwich and Lewisham.

Hammersmith and Fulham Councillor Steve Cowan claimed he contacted the Home Office on multiple occasions offering to take on more children, but received no response.

Despite our offer and despite our pestering, they have only given us 13 children, I don't know if its confidence or if it's a deliberate attempt not to let the children in, but I just don't believe it, he told Sky News.

Theres councils across the country, many in London, ready to step up - this is a humanitarian crisis.

The Governments early closure of the Dubs programme after just six months provoked widespread anger, with just 200 lone children in Europe being given safe passage. The scheme is set to close once a further 150 arrive in the UK, however legal challenges to the U-turn are reportedly already being prepared.

Ms Rudd defended the reversal claiming the programme could incentivise lone refugee children to come to Europe.

Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Show all 13 1 /13 Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Volunteers walk a group of refugee children towards their school on the island of Chios AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Refugee children pose at a makeshift camp on the island of Chios AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees A Syrian Kurd mother combs Roza's hair, as she prepares to go to a volunteer-run school in a refugee camp on the island of Chios AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Refugee children attend an English language class at the volunteer run school on the island of Chios AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Refugee children carry vegetables in a refugee camp on the island of Chios AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees A newly arrived Syrian refugee, 13, holds her sister, 2, in a makeshift camp on the island of Chios AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Refugee children pretend they go to school as they play in a refugee camp in the island AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees A Greek girl walks past a graffiti on her way to a school on the island of Chios AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees A Malian refugee child poses from behind a fence in a makeshift camp AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees A Syrian Kurd mother combs Roza's hair, as she prepares to go to a volunteer-run school in a refugee camp on the island of Chios AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees A Syrian family from Aleppo newly arrived to Greece sits in a makeshift camp on the island of Chios AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees A child carries a broken blackgammon game in a makeshift camp on the island of Chios AFP/Getty Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees Inside the classroom with Chios's child refugees A child holds onto her mother, Djeneba from Mali, before attending school in a refugee camp on the island of Chios AFP/Getty

"I am clear that when working with my French counterparts they do not want us to indefinitely continue to accept children under the Dubs Amendment because they specify, and I agree with them, that it acts as a draw. It acts as a pull, she said.

"It encourages the people traffickers."

However, refugee charity Safe Passage said the move would achieve the opposite.

This announcement risks driving hundreds of street homeless children into the hands of the same traffickers Theresa May spent her time as Home Secretary fighting so determinedly against, Safe Passage spokesperson Rabbi Janet Darley said.

Lord Dubs, who himself was one of 669 refugee children rescued from the Nazis, called the Government U-turn shameful.

I believe in arbitrarily closing down a scheme without any good reason for doing so, the Government is in breach of its commitments, he said.

Speaking on Thursday, Theresa May said she thought the Government approach was "absolutely right.

"We have been seeing quite a number of children and families being resettled here in the United Kingdom, she said.

"I think what we are doing in terms of refugees is absolutely right, on top of course of the significant financial support and humanitarian aid we are giving to refugees in the region of Syria - a commitment of 2.3 billion, the second biggest bilateral donor."
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The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has been accused by a union of targeting disabled and ethnic minority staff after 10 people were sacked by email and given one day to clear their desks.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said dismissal at such short notice was "unprecedented" in the civil service and government agencies. However, the staff had previously been threatened with redundancy.

The union also accused the body of denying employees opportunities of employment elsewhere by forcing them to accept six months' pay in lieu of notice (PILON).

The dismissal, emailed while PCS and United members were striking over cuts to the Commission, said: I therefore give you notice of the termination of your employment by reason of redundancyYour last working day will therefore be Friday 10 February 2017.

EHRC defended the decision to issue PILON claiming it would be "stressful" for employees to work the six-month notice period. However, PCS claimed seven of the sacked staff members were of black or minority ethnic origin, and six were disabled.

By imposing PILON you are cutting off this option and effectively consigning BME, disabled, women and trade union members to unemployment. There should only be PILON in cases where the individual concerned has agreed to it, the union said in a letter addressed to EHRC.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka called the decision "reprehensible."

That this has happened at the government body charged with upholding human rights and fair treatment in our society is an absolute scandal and we will continue to fight it," he said.

The EHCR was established in 2007 to help eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality and protect human rights in the UK.

The dismissals came at the end of five days of industrial action against compulsory redundancies and budget cuts within the Commission.

According to the National Audit Office, the EHRCs budget has been cut by almost 70 per cent since it was created, and will be cut by a further 25 per cent over the next four years.

PCS Midlands announced it was planning an emergency protest outside the EHRC office in Birmingham on Friday.

The Independent contacted the EHRC for comment but none had arrived at time of publication.

An EHRC spokesperson said:

"It is untrue to say staff have been sacked by email. Face to face meetings have taken place over recent weeks to notify them when redundancy letters would be issued. The full notice period is being paid as this will give every person the chance to focus on securing alternative employment, in which they will have our continued and full support to help them.

"Like every public sector organisation we have had cuts imposed on us and it is with great sadness that we have to issue redundancy notices. We regret having to do this but have made sure the process has been fair, robust and transparent.

"The difficult changes we are making will ensure we can still deliver our ambitious programme and we will remain a robust and independent voice to protect peoples rights"
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The man who was almost beheaded in a knife attack at Leytonstone Tube station has condemned its inclusion on a controversial list of terror attacks drawn up by the White House.

The dossier of 78 incidents was released by Donald Trumps team to back up the Presidents claim atrocities in Europe were not even being reported [by the] dishonest press.

The White House said its list included terror attacks executed or inspired by Isis, but several had not been classified as terror-related by prosecutors, including the London attack.

 Witness films Leytonstone attack

Lyle Zimmerman, a biologist and musician, was on his way to play a gig with his band on 5 December 2015 when he unknowingly boarded the same Central Line carriage as Muhiddin Mire.

As they got off the train at Leytonstone, Mire attacked him from behind, punching him to the ground and kicking him in the head until he passed out.

Mire then withdrew a bread knife and attempted to behead Mr Zimmerman in front of Tube passengers who tried to stop the attack as Mire slashed at them with his weapon.

Mr Zimmerman said his recollection of the attack, which left him with a jagged gash in his throat requiring 19 stitches, was fuzzy.

The guy beat me up really quick, it was kind of shocking and next thing I know I wake up and theres a doctor sitting with me on the steps telling me Im going to be ok, he told The Independent.

Three days later I was back in the pub playing music.

The 57-year-old cannot remember Mire shouting during the frenzied assault, when Mire claimed he was carrying out the attack for my Syrian brothers and repeatedly shouted Allahu akbar as police took him down with tasers.

In pictures: Leytonstone stabbing Show all 5 1 /5 In pictures: Leytonstone stabbing In pictures: Leytonstone stabbing Mobile phone footage shows the suspect being tasered and arrested at Leytonstone Tube station In pictures: Leytonstone stabbing Mobile phone footage shows the suspect being tasered and arrested at Leytonstone Tube station In pictures: Leytonstone stabbing Mobile phone footage shows the suspect at Leytonstone Tube station In pictures: Leytonstone stabbing Mobile phone footage shows the suspect at Leytonstone Tube station In pictures: Leytonstone stabbing Mobile phone footage shows the suspect at Leytonstone Tube station

The statements caused police to initially investigate the stabbing as a terror incident but the culprit, who had a history of paranoid schizophrenia, was not charged with terror offences and received a life sentence for attempted murder.

I was very clear in my mind within a day or so of the attack that it was just a mental health tragedy, Mr Zimmerman said.

This guy had had a really profound history of mental illness and his family had been trying to get him help. I thought it was entirely appropriate that he wasnt charged with terrorism crimes.

But the White House does not agree.

It listed the Leytonstone incident among 78 under-reported terror attacks on Western targets between September 2014 and December.

For the White House, thats not good enough, Mr Zimmerman said. I felt like it was heavily covered and also not actually an act of terrorism.

It was obvious to me that the event was ripe for sensationalisation, and that was going to help Isis and help far right extremists as well by making it this big, terrifying event.

Muhiddin Mire injured several passengers during the attack in December

Mr Trump cited the threat of terror attacks as the main reason for his attempted suspension of the US refugee programme and halt on immigration from seven-mainly Muslim countries.

The executive order, labelled a Muslim ban by critics, has been suspended after a legal challenge that sparked angry allegations from the President that a judge had opened up our country to potential terrorists.

Mr Zimmerman said the White Houses terror list aimed to appeal to the lowest common denominator of Mr Trumps support base.

He disagrees with the Presidents immigration ban, believing its counter-productive to US safety by alienating international allies.

The dual British national pointed out that in the aftermath of the Leytonstone attack, when an onlookers shout of you aint no Muslim bruv went viral, he was treated by Muslim police officers and doctors.

In America you dont have a rusty bread knife, you have an automatic weapon, Mr Zimmerman added.

Either he gets hold of a gun and Im dead, or police shoot him dead.

President Donald Trump has been criticised for arguing his immigration ban will stop terrorism (AP)

But Im glad Mire is in [Broadmoor] hospital, I dont want him to be dead. Hes not a martyr and I think thats a good thing.

Commander Dean Haydon, head of the Metropolitan Police Service Counter Terrorism Command, said Mire was inspired by Isis to carry out the unprovoked attack, while the judge concluded that he was motived by events in Syria.

It was not the only contested attack on the White Houses list, which included the murder of a British man and woman at a hostel in Australia.

Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, was stabbed to death by her French roommate in a hostel, while Tom Jackson died of his injuries after trying to save her.

Smail Ayad shouted Allahu Akbar during the murder but investigators said the attack was not-terror related after concluding that he attacked Ms Ayliffe-Chung after she rejected his advances.

Her mother, Rosie Ayliffe, wrote an open letter to Mr Trump voicing her anger about her daughters murder being included on the list.

The possibility of Mia and Tom's deaths being consequent to an Islamic terror attack was discounted in the early stages of the police investigation, she wrote, accusing the President of vilifying whole nation states and their people based on religion.

Sandra Jackson said the President had used her sons murder to further his campaign of hate, adding: How dare you. You are a disgrace.
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A former student from Blackburn is believed to have become the first British woman to fight Isis alongside Kurdish forces in Syria.

Kimberley Taylor, 27, is currently embedded with the Womens Protection Units (YPJ) in northern Syria, where the group is being supported by international air strikes to drive jihadis out of territory surrounding their de-facto capital in Raqqa.

Also known by her adopted Kurdish name Zilan Dilmar, she is working for the YPJs media team to record and broadcast their operations, but also fights to defend the groups camps from frequent attacks.

The camps Ms Taylor is based in are in dangerous positions in the region (Facebook)

The latest was on Friday morning, when Isis militants struck at 4am in a super gory assault.

We put up an incredible fight for three hours, Ms Taylor said in a message posted on Facebook.

Just two friends slightly injured. Im so proud to call these people my comrades. We fight with unconditional resistance.

She said four Peoples Protection Units (YPG) fighters were killed in another attack on a nearby base, and two others on the front line, while Isis used its propaganda outlets to claim it killed at least 40 Kurdish fighters in Raqqa province.

The groups are Isis main rivals in the region, where their military success has attracted air cover and support from the US-led coalition.

A map showing the reported frontlines of mainly Kurdish forces (shown in yellow) and Isis (in black) in Raqqa province, Syria, on 10 February 2017 (Liveuamap)

The Turkish government classifies the YPG and YPJ as terrorist groups because of their links to violent separatist groups in Turkey but Ms Taylor says she is fighting to liberate Syrians from Isis control and bring a social and political revolution.

Her frequent social media updates show her wearing combat gear and traditional Kurdish scarves, surrounded by female fighters as they push back Isis despite waves of car bombings, battles and counter-attacks.

Videos show vans and cars packed with civilians waving as they move away from frontlines and triumphant dances and parades from soldiers in the Syrian Democratic Forces alliance.

Images showing large mines and devastation caused by rockets, artillery and gun battles hint at the danger of her position.

Having grown up in Darwen, near Blackburn, and moved to Merseyside as a teenager, she studied maths at Liverpool University and then business and politics in Stockholm, although her mother said neither course was completed.

Ms Taylor started to travel extensively, volunteering in countries including Greece, Turkey and Iraq as the refugee crisis intensified, and writing for a Swedish socialist newspaper.

In a Facebook post announcing her decision to join the YPG in September, she said meeting families fleeing the Syrian civil war in Athens in 2013 had started her journey to the cause as she heard about the murder and abuses perpetrated by Isis.

Timeline: The emergence of Isis Show all 40 1 /40 Timeline: The emergence of Isis Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2000 Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (pictured here) forms an al-Qaeda splinter group in Iraq, al-Qaeda in Iraq. Its brutality from the beginning alienates Iraqis and many al-Qaeda leaders. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2006 Al-Zarqawi is killed in a U.S. strike. Al-Zarqawis successor, Abu Ayyub al-Masri, announces the creation of the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI). Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2009 Still al-Qaeda-linked ISI claims responsibility for suicide bombings that killed 155 in Baghdad, as well as attacks in August and October killing 240, as President Obama announces troop withdrawal from Iraq in March. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2010 Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi becomes head of ISI, at lowest ebb of Islamist militancy in Iraq, which sees last U.S. combat brigade depart. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2012 In Syria, protests (pictured here starting in Daree) have morphed into what president Assad labelled a real war with emergence of a coalition of forces opposed to Assads regime. Syria group Jabhat al-Nusra are among rebel groups who refuse to join, denouncing it as a conspiracy. Bombings targeting Shia areas, killing more than 500 people, spark fears of new sectarian conflict. Sunni Muslims stage protests across country against what they see as increasingly marginalisation by Shia-led government. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2013 Al-Baghdadi renames ISI as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or Isis, as the group absorbs Syrian al-Nusra, gaining a foothold in Syria. In response, al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri (Bin Ladens successor) concerned about Isis expansion orders that Isis be dissolved and ISI operations should be confined to Iraq. This order is rejected by al-Baghdadi. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - January Isis fighters capture the Iraqi cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, giving them base to launch slew of attacks further south. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis declares itself the Caliphate, calling itself Islamic State (IS). The group captures Mosul, Iraqs second largest city; Tal Afar, just 93 miles from Syrian border; and the central Iraqi city of Tikrit. These advances sent shockwaves around the world. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Around the same time Isis releases a video calling for western Muslims to join the Caliphate and fight, prompting new evaluations of extremists groups social media understanding. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis take Baiji oil fields in Iraq - giving them access to huge amounts of possible revenue. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August James Foley is executed by the group as concerns grow for second American prisoner, fellow reporter Steven Sotloff. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August Obama authorises U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, helping to stall Isis along with action by Kurdish forces following the deaths of hundreds of Yazidi people on Mount Sinjar. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release video showing Steven Sotloffs murder prompting Western speculation his executioner is same man who killed Mr Foley. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Obama tells us that America will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release a video appearing to show David Haines, who was captured by militants in Syria in 2013, wearing an orange jumpsuit and kneeling in the desert while he reads a pre-prepared script. It later shows what appears to be the aid worker's body. Rex Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Peshmerga fighters scrabble to hold positions in the Diyala province (a gateway to Baghdad) as Isis fighters continue to advance on Iraqi capital. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Aid worker Alan Henning is killed. Self-imposed media blackout refuses to show images of him in final moments, instead focuses upon humanitarian care. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Isis raise their flag in Kobani, which had been strongly defended by Kurdish troops. The victory goes against hopeful western analysis Isis had overextended itself, while alienating much of the Muslim population through the murder of Henning. Victory causes fresh waves of Kurdish refugees arriving in Turkey. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - November American hostage, who embarced values of Islam, Peter Kassig and 14 Syrian soldiers are shown meeting the same fate as other captives. But intelligence agencies will be poring over the apparently significant discrepancies between this and previous films. Seramedig.org.uk Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis has released a video revealing the murder by burning to death of a Jordanian pilot held by the group since the end of December 2014. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have released videos which appear to show the beheading of Japanese hostages Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February American aid worker, Kayla Mueller was the last American hostage known to be held by Isis. She died, according to her captors, in an airstrike by the Jordanian air force on the city of Raqqa in Syria, though US authorities disputed this. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have posted a gruesome video online in which they force 21 Egyptian Coptic Christian hostages to kneel on a beach in Libya before beheading them. Egypt vowed to avenge the beheading and launched air strikes on Isis positions. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February The British Isis militant suspected of appearing in videos showing the beheading of Western hostages has been named in reports as Mohammed Emwazi from London. Rex Features Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - March Isis triple suicide attack has killed more than 100 worshippers and hundreds of others were injured after the group members targeted two mosques in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Iraqi forces have claimed victory over Isis in battle for Tikrit and raised the flag in the city. EPA/STR Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis has claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan that killed at least 35 people queuing to collect their wages and injured 100 more. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis media arm released a 29-minute video purporting to show militants executing Ethiopian Christians captives. The footage bore the extremist groups al-Furqan media logo and showed the destruction of churches and desecration of religious symbols. A masked fighter made a statement threatening Christians who did not convert to Islam or pay a special tax. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Isis has been "incapacitated" by a spinal injuries sustained in a US air strike in Iraq. He is being treated in a hideout by two doctors from Isis stronghold of Mosul who are said to be "strong ideological supporters of the group". Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis has also claimed responsibility for killing 300 of Yazidi captives, including women, children and elderly people in Iraq AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis attack on Prophet Mohamed cartoon contest in Texas was its first action on US soil. Two gunmen were shot and killed after launching the attack at the exhibition. Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi have been named as the attackers at the Curtis Culwell Centre arena in Garland. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isiss deputy leader, Abu Alaa Afri, a former physics teacher who was thought to have taken charge of the deadly terrorist group, has been killed in a US-led coalition airstrike. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May US special forces have killed a senior Isis leader named as Abu Sayyaf in an operation aiming to capture him and his wife in Syria. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Iran-backed militias are sent to Ramadi by the Iraqi government to fight Isis militants who completed their capture of the city. Government soldiers and civilians were reportedly massacred by extremists as they took control and the army fled. Charred bodies were left littering the city streets as troops clung on to trucks speeding away from the city. Ramadi is the latest government stronghold to fall to the so-called Islamic State, despite air strikes by a US-led international coalition aiming to stop its advance in Iraq and Syria. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis rounded up civilians trapped in Palmyra and forced them to watch 20 people being executed in the historic citys ancient amphitheatre. The Unesco World Heritage site was overrun by militants, threatening the future of 2,000 year-old monuments and ruins. Thousands of Palmyras residents fled but many are still living within the city walls, while the UN human rights office in Geneva said it had received reports of Syrian government forces preventing people from leaving until they retreated from the city. Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May A group of Isis-affiliated fighters have captured a key airport in central Libya. The militants took control of the al-Qardabiya airbase in Sirte after a local militia tasked with defending the facility withdrew from their positions. Affiliates of Isis, already control large parts of Sirte, the birthplace of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and a former stronghold of his supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June The US Air Force has destroyed an Isis stronghold after an extremist let slip their location on social media. According the Air Force Times, General Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, said that Airmen at Hulburt Field, Florida, used images shared by jihadists to track the location of their headquarters before destroying it in an airstrike. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Kurdish forces captured a key military base in a significant victory in Raqqa as well as town of Tell Abyad. YPG fighters, backed by US-led airstrikes and other rebels, consolidated their gains, when they seized the key town on the Syria-Turkey border. They are now just 30 miles to the north of Raqqa and have cut off a major supply route deep inside Isis-held territory. Ahmet Silk/Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has released gruesome footage claiming to show the murder of more than a dozen men by drowning, decapitation and using a rocket-propelled grenade as it seeks to boost morale among its fanatical supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has begun carrying out its threat to destroy structures in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, blowing up at least two monuments at the Unesco-protected site as Syrian government troops made advances on the Islamists positions. AFP

The activist described how she started questioning the nature of success in European society, writing: I, personally, have searched for years for answers to this question. I have tried and tried to do my part, but been constantly hindered by the systems of domination  capitalism, liberalism, patriarchy, statism. There is no way out under these systems.

Recommended The British volunteers prepared to die fighting Isis in Syria

After visiting the de-facto Kurdish region of Rojava, in northern Syria, to report on female anti-Isis fighters in March last year she decided to join their ranks herself.

After three days, I was sure I had found my place in the world, and decided to leave my life behind in Europe and stay, Ms Taylor said, describing the ongoing war as an unending struggle between the systems of religious extremism and capitalist imperialism.

In an open message to her family friends, she urged them to understand her reasoning.

What I am doing is not from naivety, but from true knowledge built through life experience and that this is exactly in line with who I am, someone that wants to dedicate their life to creating a world in which we are all free, she added.

The British Government does not take such a positive view, warning that anyone travelling to fight in Iraq and Syria  for whatever side  can be prosecuted upon their return.

Anyone who does travel to these areas, for whatever reason, is putting themselves in considerable danger, a spokesperson for the Home Office said.

A member of the British anti-Isis volunteer group the Bob Crow Brigade keeping watch in northern Syria (Bob Crow Brigade)

Those who travel abroad in order to participate in conflicts may be committing criminal or terrorism offences and could face prosecution when they return to the UK.

There are many crimes committed abroad  including murder  which courts in the UK can prosecute.

The Foreign Office has also advised against all travel to Syria, where all British consular services are suspended, making government aid impossible.

Ms Taylor has voiced her anger over the arrest of fellow anti-Isis fighters, including 24-year-old Joshua Molloy, an Irish YPG fighter temporarily detained by Iraqi authorities last year.

Other British fighters, Ryan Lock and Dean Carl Evans, have died in battle after volunteering with the YPG.

Dozens of volunteers from the UK are thought to be fighting Isis in Syria, including a group calling themselves the Bob Crow Brigade, who told The Independent they are battling to defend the first revolution of the 21st century.

They number a small fraction of at least 800 British citizens who have joined Isis in Syria, with 600 others caught attempting to enter the country.

The Government believes around 400 British jihadis remain in the country, with the rest either having left or been killed, including in drone operations targeting high-profile members.
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More children will be trafficked, exploited and killed as a result of the closure of the Dubs refugee scheme, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned.

The Most Rev Justin Welby stepped up his attack on the Government for closing the programme for resettling lone youngsters from mainland Europe to the UK.

The so-called Dubs Amendment, named after its architect, Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs, requires the Government to relocate unaccompanied refugee children from other countries in Europe.

Controversy erupted when it emerged the scheme will come to an end after another 150 unaccompanied children are brought to Britain, on top of 200 who have already arrived, rather than the 3,000 campaigners and politicians had originally wanted.

The Archbishop said he was "saddened and shocked" at the decision and has insisted it is "deeply unjust" to leave the burden of caring for them on Italy and Greece, where thousands of refugees and migrants arrive from the conflict-ridden Middle East and north Africa.

He said he understood Home Secretary Amber Rudd's argument that British and French authorities feared the scheme was acting as a "pull factor" for children to head to the UK, and that it provides opportunities for people-traffickers.

But speaking to BBC Radio 4's World At One, he said: "Parents do not casually wake up one day and say, well the easiest thing to do is to send our children off by themselves. This is the symptom of a situation more extreme than anything that any of us can ever imagine.

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"And at some point the vulnerability of these children must be recognised because the alternative is they will be trafficked - it's not going to stop them being trafficked - and they will end up in brothels, they will end up in places where they are exploited, ill-treated, manipulated and very often finally killed."

The Archbishop was being interviewed alongside Bank of England governor Mark Carney, who said: "As governor of the Bank of England, it's not an issue that is part of our responsibility."

The Home Office has insisted it is not giving up on vulnerable children, and youngsters will continue to arrive from around the world through other resettlement schemes and the asylum system.

More than 900 unaccompanied children were transferred to the UK from Europe last year.

Press Association
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Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer

A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell last month, when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice.

Recommended Hunt admits Brexit could mean the end of free medical treatment in EU

Sir Alasdair Breckenridge, a former chairman of the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said companies would be forced to pay for a separate assessment to clear new drugs for use in this country.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: The UK market compared to the European market of course is small and they may decide not to come to the United Kingdom.

So, therefore, there will be delay in getting new drugs - important new drugs, anti-cancer drugs, anti-infective drugs - for patients in the UK.

The comments echo an unreported warning by the current MHRA chairman, Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, who said Japan, the US and the EU would be put ahead of Britain.

He told peers, last month: One of the biggest worries I have about Brexit and standing alone as a regulator is that we are only three per cent of the world market for new drugs and if we are not careful we are going to be at the back of the queue.

David Jeffreys, the vice-president of Eisai - a Japanese drugs firm that employs 450 people in the UK - said British patients could face delays of up to two years.

The early innovative medicines will be applied for in the USA, in Japan and through the European system and the UK will be in the second, or indeed the third, wave - so UK patients may be getting medicines, 12, 18, 24 months later than they would if we remained in the European system, he warned.

Mr Jeffreys, who also speaks for the trade body the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), said it wanted the UK to agree a co-operation deal with the EMA, even if it did not remain part of the EU system.

Dr Philippa Whitford, the SNPs health spokeswoman and a breast surgeon, said Theresa May had looked utterly blank about the benefits of the EMA, when she raised the issue.

Last month, Mr Hunt told a Commons committee he was hopeful of being able to continue working closely with the EMA, promising separate regulatory arrangements.

And the Department for Health said Brexit offered new opportunities to bring forward new drugs faster from other markets, insisting it remained a priority.

A spokeswoman added: In fact, Brexit brings opportunities in this area, and we will be focused on whether we can secure even faster access to the latest innovations for British patients.

So we are already taking action to ensure the UK continues to be a world leader and our cross-agency Brexit taskforce is considering the future regulatory roles the MHRA could adopt."

However, medicines experts fear that efforts to reach a solution will be blocked if they become part of a much bigger political row with the EU during the Brexit negotiations.
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Labour MPs who represent steel-producing areas have slammed the Government after a leaked document showed the industry has been marked low priority for Brexit negotiations.

The list divides Britains industries into low priority, medium priority and high priority for negotiations  indicating how much special attention they needed in the Brexit process.

High priority industries include banking and the automotive industry, while fisheries and the chemicals industry sit in the middle tier. Steel and telecoms are in the bottom tier.

Recommended Tata in talks with German rivals to save Port Talbot

It is understood that the list, which was obtained by The Times newspaper, does not indicate the Governments view of how important a sector is  but how much attention they will require during Brexit.

A Government spokesman said: We do not comment on partial accounts of leaked documents.

We have been doing detailed work to prepare for the negotiation, analysing more than 50 sectors and cross-cutting issues.

Tom Blenkinsop, who represents Middlesbrough and Cleveland and chairs the all-party parliamentary group on steel, said the approach risked the introduction of tariffs on steel exports by the EU.

The steel industry can thrive in the United Kingdom given the right market environment but this document suggests that the government are not willing to work to provide this, he said.

The dumping of cheap Chinese steel is a huge worldwide problem for the steel industry and we need to work with other steel producing nations to remain competitive in a saturated market. The last thing that British steel industry needs is an import tariff on their goods.

I will be seeking assurances that the British steel industry will not be an afterthought in the upcoming negotiations from the governments Brexit Secretary when Parliament returns from recess.

Meanwhile Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberavon, the home of the Port Talbot steelworks said

Once again we see a government who approach the British steel industry with a toxic combination of incompetence and indifference, he warned.

The Government seem totally unaware of the fundamental importance of the steel industry not only to other manufacturing sectors, but to the fate of communities up and down the country.

Frances OGrady said the Government should involve trade unions in Brexit talks (AFP/Getty) (AFP)

The loss of the Port Talbot steel works alone would cost 40,000 jobs across the economy, local community and supply chains, and could cost the Exchequer 4.6bn.

It is this indifference to the fate of our communities and industry that is the most galling, and I think my constituents and steel communities up and down the country can be forgiven for wondering if the government would have a different attitude were the steel industry was based in the South East.

He said the Prime Minister seems to be falling at the first hurdle in her pledge to ensure Brexit helped the whole country.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty 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

The fundamental question facing her now is this: will Brexit be about picking winners, and favouring those who have the most effective lobbying operations, or will it be about the radical redistribution of wealth and opportunity across our economy and communities that she spoke about on the steps of 10 Downing Street?

Let us hope that the Prime Minister will come to the right answer to that question, and fast.

TUC general secretary Frances OGrady meanwhile reiterated her call for trade unions to be involved in the Brexit negotiation process.

Stephen Kinnock warned that other sectors relied on steelmaking to function (Getty) (Getty Images)

Working people in the so-called low priority industries will be worried that the government is going to leave them paying the price for Brexit. These industries employ lots of people on decent wages, so it would put the livelihoods of many families at risk, she said.

It shows how important it is for the government to give working people a genuine voice in negotiations by involving trade unions.
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The daughter of Sir Nicholas Winton  who was hailed Britains Schindler after saving hundreds of children from Nazi tyranny  has called on Theresa May to reverse the closure of the Dubs refugee scheme.

Barbara Winton issued a personal appeal to the Prime Minister amid a mounting storm over the future of the programme for resettling lone youngsters in the UK.

Ms Wintons late father helped 669 mostly Jewish children flee Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia just before the outbreak of the Second World War.

Recommended Government defends closure of child refugee scheme after six months

In a letter to the Prime Minister, she wrote: Donald Trumps refugee ban echoes the terrible failures of the human spirit that, on the eve of the Second World War, saw country after country close its borders to Jewish refugees in urgent need of protection.

My father ... knew that each and every one of us share in a responsibility to our fellow men and women, a responsibility to offer sanctuary those fleeing persecution.

If its not impossible, he used to say, then surely something could and something must be done.

The so-called Dubs Amendment, named after its architect the Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs, requires the Government to relocate unaccompanied refugee children from other countries in Europe.

It emerged on Wednesday that a total of 350 youngsters will arrive under the scheme, sparking a furious backlash from campaigners and politicians who had originally campaigned for 3,000 to resettled.

Ms Winton went on: The Government has now announced the total figure of children to be helped through Alfs amendment and, sadly, has announced a close to the programme.

Every single childs life is worth every single thing we can give. That the country has taken any of these children shows my fathers spirit lives on.

As my fathers MP, I know he deeply valued the relationship he had with you towards the end of his life, and at his memorial you very generously described him as an enduring example of the difference that good people can make even in the darkest of times and said I hope that his life will serve as an inspiration for us all... and encourage us to do the right thing.

As the world once again teeters on the edge of dark times, I ask you to remember those words.

Controversy erupted over the Dubs scheme after it emerged that it would come to an end after 150 unaccompanied children are brought to Britain, on top of 200 who have already arrived through the programme.

 Britain's Schindler Nicolas Winton dies 106

The Government was not tied under the amendment to any specific figure, but the announcement on Wednesday drew an angry response from critics who expected the final number to be far higher.

As the furore continued on Thursday, the Archbishop of Canterbury added his voice to a chorus of protests.

The Most Reverend Justin Welby said he was saddened and shocked at the Governments decision to limit the number to 350.

Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK Show all 9 1 /9 Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK A coach carrying the first group of unaccompanied minors from the Jungle migrant camp in Calais to be brought to Britain arrives at an immigration centre in Croydon, south London Reuters Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK A Catholic priest chats to Muslim Imans as they wait for the arrival of the coach carrying the first group of unaccompanied minors from the Jungle migrant camp in Calais to be brought to Britain arrives at an immigration centre in Croydon, south London Reuters Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK Fourteen migrant children from the 'Jungle Camp' in Calais are due to arrive in the UK today to be reunited with relatives Getty Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK Young men are escorted after stepping off a coach at the Home Offices Lunar House Getty Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK A boy is escorted after stepping off a coach at the Home Offices Lunar House after arriving from the Calais 'Jungle Camp' Getty Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK UK Border Force staff escort the first group of unaccompanied minors from the Jungle migrant camp in Calais to be brought to Britain as they arrive at an immigration centre in Croydon, south London Reuters Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK A young boy arrives on a coach at the Home Offices Lunar House after leaving the Calais 'Jungle Camp.' Fourteen migrant children from the 'Jungle Camp' in Calais are due to arrive in the UK today to be reunited with relatives Getty Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK British former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, center, flanked by Bethany Gardiner-Smith, left, from the Citizens UK charity and Bishop of Croydon Jonathan Clark speaks to the media about the 14 migrant children who will be resettled in the UK, outside Croydon Minster church in Croydon, south London AP Calais Refugee Children arrive in UK Asif Khan whose brother Aimal Khan was one of fourteen migrant children who arrived in the UK, speaks to the media outside Lunar House in Croydon, south London. The 25-year-old chef has been living in the UK for 11 years, having fled Afghanistan himself. His brother Aimal Khan, 14, also from Afghanistan, had been stranded in the Jungle for six months PA

Ms May insisted the Governments approach to assisting refugees is absolutely right, while Home Secretary Amber Rudd defended the approach to the Dubs scheme  saying British and French authorities feared it was acting as a pull factor for children to head to the UK and provided opportunities for people-traffickers.

The Home Office has insisted it is not giving up on vulnerable children and youngsters will continue to arrive from around the world through other resettlement schemes and the asylum system.

In total, more than 900 unaccompanied children were transferred to the UK from Europe last year.

PA
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Downing Street has abandoned plans for Donald Trump to address Parliament during his state visit to the UK later this year, according to reports.

The move follows pointed remarks by Commons Speaker John Bercow that Parliament's opposition to "racism" and "sexism" made an official address by the US President to both houses inappropriate.

Sources have told The Guardian that Mr Trump's visit will take place over the summer while Parliament is on recess, meaning UK officials can avoid directly snubbing the Republican billionaire.

 John Bercow 'strongly opposed' to Donald Trump address to Parliament

His visit is expected to stretch from a Thursday to a Sunday in August or September, when MPs are either on their summer holiday or attending party conferences outside of London.

The plan is the preferred option for the British Government, the source said.

Thousands of people took to the streets last weekend to demonstrate against Mr Trump, and his impending visit is likely to trigger a fresh wave of public anger.

Recommended Petition to cancel Trump state visit reaches 1m signatures

Officials are said to be keen to limit the number of public outings by Mr Trump during the trip. That is likely to mean he will spend only a brief period in the capital, where protests are expected to take place.

Included in the trip will be an audience with the Queen, whom he has reportedly requested to play golf with.

Discussions are said to be underway for Mr Trump to play a round of golf on the private nine-hole course in Scotland as the Queen watches.

In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Show all 32 1 /32 In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London An image of President Donald Trump is seen on a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A view of the skywriting word reading 'Trump' as thousands rally in support of equal rights in Sydney, New South Wales EPA In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome People shout and hold signs during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A protester holds a placard during the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille A placard ready 'Pussy grabs back' is attached to the handle bar of a bike during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A young Thai girl holds a "women's rights are human rights" sign at Roadhouse BBQ restaurant where many of the Bangkok Womens March participants gathered in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok A Thai woman takes a photo of a "hate is not great" sign at the women's solidarity gathering in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Bangkok American expats and travellers gather with the international community in Bangkok at the Roadhouse BBQ restaurant to stand in solidarity in Bangkok, Thailand Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protetesters gather outside The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Women's March at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Marseille Protestors hold placards reading 'My body my choice, my vote my voice' during a 'Women's March' organized by Feminist and human rights groups in solidarity with women marching in Washington and around the world for their rights and against the reactionary politics of the newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump, at the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Marseille, southern France Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Rome A person holds a sign during a rally against US newly sworn-in President Donald Trump in Rome Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activist Sarah Annay Williamson holds a placard and shouts slogan during the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Kolkata Activists participate in the Women's March rally in Kolkata, India AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A Women's March placards are rested on a bench outside the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London A women carries her placard ahead of the Women's March in London, England Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila Women protesters shout slogans while displaying placards during a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President Donald Trump, in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Berlin Protesters attend a 'Berlin Women's March on Washington' demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Protesters take part in the Melbourne rally to protest against the Trump Inauguration in Melbourne, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters take part in the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Melbourne Womens march on Melbourne protestors marching during a rally where rights groups marched in solidarity with Americans to speak out against misogyny, bigotry and hatred Rex In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Macau Protesters hold placards as they take part at the Women's March rally in Macau, Macau. The Women's March originated in Washington DC but soon spread to be a global march calling on all concerned citizens to stand up for equality, diversity and inclusion and for women's rights to be recognised around the world as human rights Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Manila A mother carries her son as they join a rally in solidarity against the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines AP In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney An infant is held up at a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman attends a demonstration against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydney A woman expresses her Anti-Trump views in Sydney, Australia Getty Images In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump Sydeney Protesters demonstrate against new U.S. President Donald Trump in Sydney, Australia. The marches in Australia were organised to show solidarity with those marching on Washington DC and around the world in defense of women's rights and human rights Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters march from The US Embassy in Grosvenor Square towards Trafalgar Square during the Women's March in London, England Getty In pictures: Women of the world march against Trump London Protesters carrying banners take part in the Women's March on London, as they stand in Trafalgar Square, in central London Reuters

Tea at Buckingham Palace is also understood to be on the Presidents wish-list.

Earlier this week, Metropolitan police chief Sir Bernard Hogan Howe said Mr Trumps planned state visit to the UK could happen around June.

The prospect of a state visit provoked outrage after Mr Trump signed an executive order temporarily banning people from seven Muslim-majority countries entering the US.

Mr Bercow said he was strongly opposed to Mr Trump speaking in the Commons as he stressed that being invited to address Parliament was not an automatic right but an earned honour.

Before the imposition of the migrant ban I would myself have been strongly opposed to an address by President Trump in Westminster Hall," Mr Bercow told MPs.

After the imposition of the migrant ban by President Trump I am even more strongly opposed to an address by President Trump in Westminster Hall.

 Donald Trump state visit is likely to be 'around June'

The timing of Mr Trumps visit to coincide with the summer recess will be welcomed by a large number of MPs, including the Labour and Liberal Democrat leaders, who have voiced their opposition to the trip.

But it leaves Theresa May in a somewhat trickier position as she has attempted to forge a close relationship with the new President in a bid to build post-Brexit trade links with America.

Responding to calls for the visit to be called off, Ms May said: The United States is a close ally of the United Kingdom. We work together across many areas of mutual interest and we have that special relationship between us.

I have issued that invitation for a state visit for President Trump to the United Kingdom and that invitation stands.
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The Government has scrapped a scheme to provide support and sanctuary to lone children fleeing war in Syria.

Just months after it was established, the Dubs Amendment has been ditched by Theresa Mays Government on the eve of a parliamentary recess, in a move described as shameful by Lord Dubs, who brought in the measures to help child refugees.

The closure of the scheme has met with widespread censure. The Archbishop of Canterbury said he was saddened and shocked by its closure and appeared to compare the Governments position with that of Donald Trump.

Lord Dubs, who himself was a child refugee fleeing the Nazis, also condemned the anti-refugee sentiment coming from the US and the British Government.

He said: At a time when Donald Trump is banning refugees from America, it would be shameful if the UK followed suit by closing down this route to sanctuary for unaccompanied children just months after it was opened.

The amendment was originally introduced to a bill designed to crack down on illegal immigration, and was designed to aid 3,000 children from war-ravaged countries.

To date only 350 children have benefitted from the scheme.

But Home Secretary Amber Rudd told MPs this week that the scheme was now a magnet for people traffickers, and warned that the scheme for child refugees was incentivising migration.

Recommended Largest migration of human beings in the world underway in China

When the amendment to the bill was introduced in April 2016, it was rejected by 294 MPs to 276. A subsequent amendment was accepted by the Government.

The original amendment was supported by Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNP and five Conservative MPs  Tania Mathias, Will Quince, Geoffrey Cox, David Warburton and Stephen Phillips.

At the time, the Conservatives Mr Phillips explained why he supported the measure.

He said: These children are already in Europe. They are alone, far from their families, they are cold, frightened, hungry, frequently without help or access to those who might help or protect them.

Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Show all 7 1 /7 Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis The Solidarity With Refugees group said Saturdays protest aimed to show our Government and the world that Britain is ready to welcome more refugees. Rex Features Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis People march through central London as they take part in a protest rally organised by Solidarity with Refugees in a bid to urge the Government to take more action on the migrant crisis Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis The protest comes days before world leaders meet to discuss crisis at UN General Assembly Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Demonstrators made their way from Park Lane to Parliament Square in London on Saturday afternoon Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Marchers chanted refugees are welcome here and waved banners reading no-one is illegal and lets help people Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis The march was supported by charities and groups including the Red Cross, Asylum Aid, Save the Children, Hope Not Hate, Oxfam and the UN Refugee Agency Rex Features Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis In the wake of Alans death, David Cameron pledged to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees in the UK over the coming five years but there have been additional calls to re-home those who have already reached Europe, as well as asylum seekers coming from other conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan Rex Features

In total 289 Conservatives voted against the amendment. The remaining five votes came from Ukip, the Democratic Ulster Unionists and the Ulster Unionist Party.

Here is the list in full:

Conservatives

Adams, Nigel

Afriyie, Adam

Aldous, Peter

Allan, Lucy

Amess, Sir David

Andrew, Stuart

Ansell, Caroline

Argar, Edward

Atkins, Victoria

Bacon, Mr Richard

Baker, Mr Steve

Baldwin, Harriett

Barclay, Stephen

Baron, Mr John

Barwell, Gavin

Bebb, Guto

Bellingham, Sir Henry

Benyon, Richard

Beresford, Sir Paul

Berry, Jake

Berry, James

Bingham, Andrew

Blunt, Crispin

Bone, Mr Peter

Borwick, Victoria

Bottomley, Sir Peter

Bradley, Karen

Brady, Mr Graham

Brazier, Mr Julian

Brine, Steve

Brokenshire, rh James

Bruce, Fiona

Buckland, Robert

Burns, Conor

Burns, rh Sir Simon

Burrowes, Mr David

Burt, rh Alistair

Carmichael, Neil

Cartlidge, James

Cash, Sir William

Caulfield, Maria

Chalk, Alex

Chishti, Rehman

Chope, Mr Christopher

Churchill, Jo

Clark, rh Greg

Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth

Cleverly, James

Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey

Coffey, Dr Therese

Collins, Damian

Colvile, Oliver

Costa, Alberto

Crabb, rh Stephen

Davies, Byron

Davies, Glyn

Davies, Mims

Davies, Philip

Dinenage, Caroline

Djanogly, Mr Jonathan

Donelan, Michelle

Double, Steve

Dowden, Oliver

Doyle-Price, Jackie

Drax, Richard

Drummond, Mrs Flick

Duddridge, James

Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain

Dunne, Mr Philip

Ellis, Michael

Ellison, Jane

Ellwood, Mr Tobias

Elphicke, Charlie

Eustice, George

Evans, Graham

Evans, Mr Nigel

Evennett, rh Mr David

Fabricant, Michael

Fallon, rh Michael

Fernandes, Suella

Field, rh Mark

Foster, Kevin

Fox, rh Dr Liam

Frazer, Lucy

Freeman, George

Freer, Mike

Gale, Sir Roger

Garnier, rh Sir Edward

Garnier, Mark

Gauke, Mr David

Ghani, Nusrat

Gibb, Mr Nick

Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl

Glen, John

Goodwill, Mr Robert

Gove, rh Michael

Graham, Richard

Grant, Mrs Helen

Grayling, rh Chris

Green, Chris

Green, rh Damian

Grieve, rh Mr Dominic

Griffiths, Andrew

Gummer, Ben

Gyimah, Mr Sam

Halfon, rh Robert

Hall, Luke

Hammond, Stephen

Hancock, rh Matthew

Hands, rh Greg

Harper, rh Mr Mark

Harrington, Richard

Harris, Rebecca

Hart, Simon

Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan

Heald, Sir Oliver

Heappey, James

Heaton-Harris, Chris

Heaton-Jones, Peter

Henderson, Gordon

Herbert, rh Nick

Hinds, Damian

Hollobone, Mr Philip

Holloway, Mr Adam

Hopkins, Kris

Howarth, Sir Gerald

Howell, John

Howlett, Ben

Huddleston, Nigel

Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy

Hurd, Mr Nick

Jackson, Mr Stewart

Javid, rh Sajid

Jayawardena, Mr Ranil

Jenkin, Mr Bernard

Jenkyns, Andrea

Jenrick, Robert

Johnson, Boris

Johnson, Gareth

Johnson, Joseph

Jones, Andrew

Jones, rh Mr David

Jones, Mr Marcus

Kawczynski, Daniel

Kennedy, Seema

Kirby, Simon

Knight, rh Sir Greg

Knight, Julian

Kwarteng, Kwasi

Lancaster, Mark

Latham, Pauline

Leadsom, Andrea

Lee, Dr Phillip

Lefroy, Jeremy

Leigh, Sir Edward

Leslie, Charlotte

Letwin, rh Mr Oliver

Lewis, Brandon

Lewis, rh Dr Julian

Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian

Lidington, rh Mr David

Lilley, rh Mr Peter

Lopresti, Jack

Lord, Jonathan

Loughton, Tim

Lumley, Karen

Mackinlay, Craig

Mackintosh, David

Main, Mrs Anne

Mak, Mr Alan

Malthouse, Kit

Mann, Scott

May, rh Mrs Theresa

Maynard, Paul

McCartney, Karl

McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick

McPartland, Stephen

Menzies, Mark

Merriman, Huw

Metcalfe, Stephen

Miller, rh Mrs Maria

Milling, Amanda

Mills, Nigel

Milton, rh Anne

Mordaunt, Penny

Morgan, rh Nicky

Morris, Anne Marie

Morris, David

Morris, James

Morton, Wendy

Mowat, David

Murray, Mrs Sheryll

Murrison, Dr Andrew

Newton, Sarah

Nokes, Caroline

Norman, Jesse

Nuttall, Mr David

Offord, Dr Matthew

Opperman, Guy

Parish, Neil

Patel, rh Priti

Paterson, rh Mr Owen

Pawsey, Mark

Penning, rh Mike

Penrose, John

Percy, Andrew

Perry, Claire

Philp, Chris

Pickles, rh Sir Eric

Pincher, Christopher

Poulter, Dr Daniel

Pow, Rebecca

Prentis, Victoria

Prisk, Mr Mark

Pritchard, Mark

Pursglove, Tom

Quin, Jeremy

Raab, Mr Dominic

Redwood, rh John

Rees-Mogg, Mr Jacob

Robertson, Mr Laurence

Robinson, Mary

Rosindell, Andrew

Rudd, rh Amber

Rutley, David

Sandbach, Antoinette

Scully, Paul

Selous, Andrew

Shapps, rh Grant

Sharma, Alok

Shelbrooke, Alec

Simpson, rh Mr Keith

Skidmore, Chris

Smith, Chloe

Smith, Henry

Smith, Julian

Smith, Royston

Soames, rh Sir Nicholas

Solloway, Amanda

Soubry, rh Anna

Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline

Spencer, Mark

Stephenson, Andrew

Stevenson, John

Stewart, Bob

Stewart, Iain

Stewart, Rory

Streeter, Mr Gary

Stride, Mel

Stuart, Graham

Sturdy, Julian

Sunak, Rishi

Swayne, rh Mr Desmond

Swire, rh Mr Hugo

Syms, Mr Robert

Thomas, Derek

Throup, Maggie

Timpson, Edward

Tolhurst, Kelly

Tomlinson, Justin

Tomlinson, Michael

Tracey, Craig

Tredinnick, David

Trevelyan, Mrs Anne-Marie

Truss, rh Elizabeth

Tugendhat, Tom

Turner, Mr Andrew

Tyrie, rh Mr Andrew

Vaizey, Mr Edward

Vara, Mr Shailesh

Vickers, Martin

Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa

Walker, Mr Charles

Walker, Mr Robin

Warman, Matt

Watkinson, Dame Angela

Whately, Helen

Wheeler, Heather

White, Chris

Whittaker, Craig

Whittingdale, rh Mr John

Wiggin, Bill

Williams, Craig

Williamson, rh Gavin

Wilson, Mr Rob

Wollaston, Dr Sarah

Wood, Mike

Wragg, William

Wright, rh Jeremy

Democratic Ulster Unionist

Campbell, Mr Gregory

Shannon, Jim

Ukip

Carswell, Douglass

Ulster Unionist Party

Elliott, Tom

Kinahan, Danny
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Michel Barnier, the European Unions chief Brexit negotiator, is set to demand a 57bn (48bn) payment from the UK to the leave the bloc.

The figure was purportedly agreed at a meeting of member states, although Sky News reported that France and Germany called for the UK to be charged at least 70bn.

Britain is committed to tens of billions in spending on EU-wide projects up until 2020, as well as the pensions of officials.

Negotiations for a potential trade agreement would only start when the final Brexit bill is reached, the meeting concluded.

 Brexit Bill backed: Theresa May allowed to start EU exit negotiations

It has been the firm position of several senior EU figures that trade talks can only happen after an exit deal is struck and a divorce payment agreed.

Theresa May had held out hope that separate talks and trade negotiations could be held simultaneously.

Mr Barnier announced in December that the UK would be charged 50bn for outstanding liabilities upon triggering Article 50, which will begin formal talks with EU leaders over the terms of Brexit.

He told colleagues at the time the that UK must continue to pay tens of billions every year into the EU budget until 2020.

The bill includes the UKs share of contributions to EU pensions, loan guarantees and cost of UK-based projects.

MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour to pass a Brexit bill earlier this week, keeping Ms May on track to meet her March deadline for triggering Article 50.

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

During the meeting it was also decided that talks for agreeing reciprocal rights for EU citizens would have to start from ground zero.

Ms May has come under pressure from within her own party to secure the rights of EU citizens at an early stage of the Brexit talks and has offered assurances it was a priority.
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Jeremy Corbyn is poised to remove his elections co-ordinator, less then a fortnight before two crucial Westminster by-elections.

Jon Trickett will be shifted to a different role after criticism of his preparations for both this months polls and the general election to follow, sources said.

A Labour source insisted today that any suggestion of Jon Trickett being sacked or demoted is wrong.

Nevertheless, moving him will raise alarm among Labour MPs and supporters about the state of the partys campaigning in both Stoke and Copeland, ahead of the by-elections on February 23.

Labour is reported to be trailing UKIP in private polling in Stoke-on-Trent Central, where the party's public split over Brexit could hand new UKIP leader Paul Nuttall the seat.

In Copeland, in Cumbria, Mr Corbyns lukewarm support for the nuclear industry could open the door for the Conservatives  in a constituency Labour has held for 80 years.

If so, it would be the first time the Government has won a seat off the official opposition since the Tories took Mitcham and Morden, in London, way back in 1982.

By-election defeat would plunge Mr Corbyn into a fresh leadership crisis, despite his overwhelming victory when he was challenged only last summer.

Meanwhile, a potential rebel has emerged with the resignation of Shadow Business Secretary Clive Lewis who refused to vote for Article 50  a popular stance with Labour members.

Just two months ago, Mr Trickett unveiled a new election strategy widely seen as an attempt to relaunch Mr Corbyn as a left-wing populist figure, riding the anti-politics mood following Brexit.

As promised, the Labour leader has made many more television appearances, although an attempt to develop eye-catching policies ran into trouble when he made confusing announcements on immigration and high pay.

In December, Mr Trickett boasted: Were ramping up the organisation now. Theres a great deal of analytical work going on behind the scenes.

We need to frame an argument about Britain, its past, present and future  but we will be doing that in a carefully modulated way.

But it has been reported that members of Labour's ruling NEC were dismayed when Mr Trickett failed to turn up to deliver an expected briefing on by-elections and general election preparedness.

Some were later told he had been suddenly taken ill, but they were not given advance notice or an apology.

It is thought that Mr Tricketts job running Labours elections strategy could be handed to Andrew Gwynne, the shadow cabinet minister without portfolio who is running the Copeland campaign.

However, a Labour source told The Independent: Jon has not been sidelined. He will remain a key part of the core team.

Yesterday, Mr Corbyn plugged Shadow Cabinet gaps for the roles of Treasury chief secretary (Peter Dowd), Environment (Sue Hayman), Wales (Christina Rees) and Business (Rebecca Long-Bailey).

And, today, he is expected to announce whether to discipline 14 junior frontbenchers who joined Wednesdays rebellion again their leader by voting against triggering Article 50.
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Parts of the NHS are providing unacceptable care to patients, Jeremy Hunt has admitted.

The Health Secretary said there was no excuse for failings documented at some hospitals, in an interview with the BBC.

Mr Hunt claimed that the Government was doing what we can with extra financial support for the NHS this year and suggested long-term reforms could help.

However, The Independent revealed last month that the Government is cutting NHS spending per person in real terms over the coming years. Similarly, MPs on the Health Committee have warned that the Government is exaggerating how much help it is giving the health service.

There are numerous signs that the health of the NHS has deteriorated under Mr Hunt. The numbers waiting more than 18 weeks for routine operations in hospitals has risen more than 163 per cent in four years, while nine out of 10 hospitals have had unsafe numbers of patients in their wards this winter.

Leaked documents appeared to show record numbers of patients waited more than four hours for A&E care last month while the Government has moved to quietly privatise the in-house NHS staffing agency despite an increasing reliance on expensive agency staff.

Mr Hunt was accused of hiding in January after the British Red Cross declared a humanitarian crisis in the health service, calling for more funding.

On Friday morning, when confronted about the poor care that some patients have received, Mr Hunt said: It is incredibly frustrating for me. Im doing this job because I want NHS care to be the safest and best in the world and that kind of care is completely unacceptable, no one would want it for their own family.

I think what you have to recognise is there are positive things as well as negative things and there is huge commitment in the NHS to sort out those negative things and the particular pressure point we have is A&E.

He appeared to urge some members of the public to stay away from A&E departments, warning: We also need the publics help because we also know the number of people seen in A&Es could actually have their needs dealt with in another part of the NHS.

"We need to make sure that, as far as we can, we free up people in A&E departments to deal with the most vulnerable older patients who have particular needs.

Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow Health Secretary, said that it was Mr Hunts mismanagement that was causing misery for patients.

These are hollow words from the Secretary of State this morning. On his watch the NHS is suffering from the biggest financial squeeze in history and social care is at tipping point. Jeremy Hunt appears to be finally waking up to the scale of the crisis but he must now accept responsibility. Instead he offers just hand wringing but no solutions.

This week we have seen more and more statistics revealing that patients are waiting longer, and suffering longer in discomfort.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty 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

Government adviser Lord Carter has extraordinarily called NHS conditions warlike and now Sir Robert Francis says there is an existential crisis for the health service warning that another Mid Staffs is inevitable.

By making such stark warnings Sir Robert Francis blows apart Jeremy Hunts rhetoric on putting patient safety first.

The Prime Minister cant just put her head in the sand and ignore these astounding warnings. This is clearly not just a small number of incidents as she glibly suggested.

The Governments mismanagement of the NHS is causing chaos and misery for patients. We cant go on like this. They need to listen to the experts and explain fully in the Budget in a few weeks time how they will put the NHS and social care on a sustainable footing. NHS patients and their families should never be put through a winter like this again.
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The Royal Navy has insisted it has a world-class fleet after a report claimed all seven of its attack submarines were out of action.

The services four Trafalgar-class boats and the three newer Astute-class are not ready for missions with just one at sea, it has been claimed  and that submarine is on trials after maintenance.

The Sun reported that repairs and maintenance were keeping the craft from their patrols.

Recommended RAF jets scrambled to intercept Russian bombers circling UK

A Royal Navy spokesman said: We dont comment on specific submarine operations. Britain has a world-class fleet, the Royal Navy continues to meet all of its operational tasking, deploying globally on operations and protecting our national interests as Britain steps up around the world.

Sources told The Sun the Trafalgars, the last of which was built in 1986, were on their last legs.

HMS Ambush, one of the newer Astute-class, made headlines last summer after it collided with a ship off the coast of Gibraltar and sustained damage to its outer hull. Its nuclear plant was not affected and no crew were injured.

The three Astute boats, of seven planned, cost nearly 4bn to build with construction delayed by more than four-and-a-half years and costs exceeding the original budget by more than 50 per cent.

In January Downing Street was accused of covering up a failed Trident missile test involving one of the UKs Vanguard submarines. The missile was said to have veered off course and the Government refused to answer questions about it, before details were leaked to CNN in the US.

Prime Minister Theresa May dodged the question four times in a row on the Andrew Marr Show.
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Boris Johnson privately pushed for Britain to keep selling bombs and other weapons to Saudi Arabia after the countrys air forces killed over 140 people attending a funeral in Yemen.

Correspondence between the Foreign Secretary and Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, shows Mr Johnson intervened after the bombing to tell his Cabinet colleague that he did not judge the attack as a reason to stop selling weapons.

The funeral bombing in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, hit the citys Great Hall at the start of October last year. Minutes after the first air strike a second bomb hit, killing more people including those who had rushed to help.

Recommended Ministers were told by top civil servant to stop bomb sales to Saudi

This is an extremely complex situation and I have recently received a further IHL update, he wrote in a letter dated 8 November 2016.

Based on the analysis and evidence in the update and noting the commitments to Saudi authorities have given us, particularly in response to the 8 October airstrike on the Sanaa Great Hall, I assess that the clear risk threshold for refusal under Criterion 2(c) has not yet been reached.

The issue is extremely finely balanced, but I judge at present that the Saudis appear committed both to improving processes and to taking action to address failures/individual incidents.

The correspondence was revealed to the High Court in London as part of a legal challenge by Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) against the continued sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia.

The revelation comes days after the court heard that the Governments top civil servant in charge of weapons export controls recommended that exports be stopped.

More than 3.3bn worth of arms has been licenced to Saudi Arabia since the bombing began in March 2015. Arms companies ramped up sales of bombs and other explosives by 100 times what they were before the conflict began in comparable three-month periods at the start of 2016.

Human rights groups say more than 10,000 people have been killed in Yemen as the Saudi Arabian-led coalition intervenes in the countrys civil war.

Schools, hospitals and food factories have reportedly been hit while the United Nations has declared the situation a humanitarian catastrophe.

Boris Johnson corresponded with International Trade Secretary Liam Fox (Getty)

CAAT says the Government is unlawfully failing to suspend the sale of UK arms to Saudi Arabia, despite evidence that the Gulf state is guilty of repeated and serious breaches of international humanitarian law.

The Government says there is no clear risk that UK-licensed items might be used to commit a serious violation of humanitarian law. Licencing is the responsibility of Liam Foxs Department for International Trade; it was previously the responsibility of the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills, which has now been abolished.

10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty

A Government spokesperson said: The UK is playing a leading role in work to find a political solution to the conflict in Yemen and to address the humanitarian crisis.

We operate one of the most robust export control regimes in the world and keep our defence exports to Saudi Arabia under careful and continual review. Given the current legal proceedings we will not be commenting further outside of court at this stage.
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A federal appeals court has refused to reinstate Donald Trumps refugee and travel ban, infuriating the US President who has promised to challenge the ruling. The executive order, which affects people from seven Muslim-majority countries, was temporarily paused by a district court in Seattle last week.

Judges from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld the lower courts temporary restraining order suspending the ban. The decision on Thursday is the latest legal blow to one of Mr Trumps biggest campaign promises.

The unanimous decision, from the three-judge panel reads: We hold that the Government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay."

President Trump signed the executive order during his first week in office, sparking confusion and protests at airports around the world. The restrictions prevented citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the country while temporarily banning all refugees from resettling in the states.

Within minutes, President Trump tweeted his response in all-caps promising to challenge the decision in court, signaling an immediate appeal to the US Supreme Court.

In their decision, the panel also ruled that Mr Trump's talk of a "Muslim ban" on the campaign trail can be used as evidence for discrimination. The States argue that the Executive Order violates the Establishment and Equal Protection Clauses because it was intended to disfavor Muslims, reads the decision.

In support of this argument, the States have offered evidence of numerous statements by the President about his intent to implement a Muslim ban as well as evidence they claim suggests that the Executive Order was intended to be that ban, including sections 5(b) and 5(e) of the Order. It is well established that evidence of purpose beyond the face of the challenged law may be considered in evaluating Establishment and Equal Protection Clause claims.

Judge James Robart, the federal judge in Seattle who granted the temporary restraining order, inspired attacks from President Trump, who referred to him as a so-called judge and accused him of endangering the countrys national security.

Hillary Clinton, Mr Trump's former rival on the campaign trail, referenced the Ninth Circuit's unanimous decision by simply tweeting, "3-0."

Groups who vehemently opposed the Presidents travel restrictions from the start, applauded the federal court on Thursday.

Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Show all 20 1 /20 Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-1 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-2 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-3 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-4 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 28: Demonstrators hold signs during a rally against a ban on Muslim immigration at San Francisco International Airport on January 28, 2017 in San Francisco, California. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that suspends entry of all refugees for 120 days, indefinitely suspends the entries of all Syrian refugees, as well as barring entries from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering for 90 days. Stephen Lam/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-5 A crowd of protesters gathers outside of the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse as a judge hears a challenge against President Donald Trump's executive ban on immigration from several Muslim countries, on January 28, 2017 in Brooklyn. The judge issued an emergency stay on part of Trump's executive order, ruling that sending refugees stopped at U.S. airports back to their countries would be harmful. Yana Paskova/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-6 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-7 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-8 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-9 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-10 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-11 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-12 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-13 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-14 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-15 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-16 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-17 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-18 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-19 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-20 Passengers wait in line to check in at the American Airlines terminal at JFK International Airport August 10, 2006 in the Queens borough of New York City. British authorities arrested 21 people and halted a anallegedly terrorist plot to use liquid explosives concealed in carry-on luggage to blow up airliners traveling between Britain and the U.S. Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff said that the plot appeared to be directed at U.S. carriers flying out of Heathrow. such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines. Stephen Chernin/Getty

Omar Jadwat, the director of the ACLU's Immigrant Rights Project, agreed with the panels decision.

The appeals courts refusal to reinstate the Muslim ban is correct, he said in a statement to The Independent. The governments erratic and chaotic attempts to enforce this unconstitutional ban have taken a tremendous toll on innocent individuals, our countrys values, and our standing in the world. We will keep fighting this un-American executive order until it is permanently dismantled.



Meanwhile, Nihad Awad, co-founder and executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, reminded supporters that the legal fight against the Trump administration is far from over.

"We applaud this ruling as a reaffirmation of the strength and independence of our system of justice. This decision adds to the long list of federal judgesboth Republican and Democratic appointeeswho found reason to block this discriminatory order, he said in a statement.

"While this decision is critical, it is not the end of the legal process. Other courts across the country will be passing judgment on this order, and the US Supreme Court will likely weigh in at some point. This victory should not lead to complacency, he continued. This and other Trump administration orders and policies still pose a threat to communities of color, religious minorities, women, and others."
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Argentinian women are going semi-nude in a protest for the right to sunbathe topless.

Police, as seen in a heated exchange captured on film involving dozens of people, asked three young women lying on a southern Buenos Aires beach to put their shirts back on.

Dozens of topless women and hundreds of fully-clothed people, in a demonstration that was copied elsewhere in the country, have been protesting at the Buenos Aires Obelisk monument this week.

It remains unclear what, if any, the law is surrounding nudity on the South American countrys beaches.

It followed protests over gender equality and a 16-year-old girl's rape last year Marcos Brindicci/Reuters (Marcos Brindicci/Reuters)

Police during the January incident cited a national criminal code article prohibiting obscene displays, but at least one judge has since said that going topless is not a crime.

Some protestors told journalists the incident was just the latest example of grave social inequality between men and women in the traditionally Catholic nation.

It followed the Not One Less protests late last year, in which tens of thousands of Argentines protested gender-related violence after the rape and killing of 16-year-old Lucia Perez.

There were 235 femicides, a term written into Argentine law, in 2015.

In many places, when a woman reports gender violence, they don't listen, but when a woman shows her breasts they send so many police, said Grace Prounesti Piquet, a 33-year-old photographer.

She had the words the breast is not a crime painted in pink on her back.

It's a shame.

One protester had censor this written on her chest, and another: We are not going to ask you for permission.

A sign read: The only breasts that bother them are the ones that aren't for sale.

Protester Daiana Asquini also told Associated Press at the scene: We women have the right to the free use of our bodies.
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The leader of the Democratic National Committee has suggested President Donald Trump acted like a terrorist in a statement celebrating an appeals court decision to uphold a block on his travel ban.

Interim chair Donna Brazile said: "We do not discriminate based on religion," and added: "That is what terrorists do." Mr Trump's executive order affected people from seven Muslim-majority countries and followed his campaign call for a "complete and total shutdown" on Muslims entering the US.

On Thursday the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to reinstate the ban after a lower court placed a hold on it last week. Mr Trump tweeted in response: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

Ms Brazile said: "This is a massive blow to the White House. The court upheld that we do not discriminate based on religion.

"That is what terrorists do, and what terrorists want us to do. From the four-month-old infant with a heart defect kept away from the surgery she needs in the US to the handcuffed 88-year-old blind man denied a wheelchair, thousands of decent, peaceful people have already been hurt, and all of us are less safe.

"President Trump still lacks the judgement to see the pointless chaos and harm he has caused. Our courts, thankfully, do not. We are confident this ruling will stand."

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

The unanimous decision, from the three-judge panel reads: "We hold that the Government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay."

President Trump signed the order during his first week in office, sparking confusion and protests at airports around the world. The restrictions prevented citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the country while temporarily banning all refugees from resettling in the States.

In its decision, the panel also ruled that Mr Trump's talk of a "Muslim ban" on the campaign trail can be used as evidence for discrimination. "The States argue that the Executive Order violates the Establishment and Equal Protection Clauses because it was intended to disfavor Muslims," read the decision.

"In support of this argument, the States have offered evidence of numerous statements by the President about his intent to implement a Muslim ban as well as evidence they claim suggests that the Executive Order was intended to be that ban. It is well established that evidence of purpose beyond the face of the challenged law may be considered in evaluating Establishment and Equal Protection Clause claims."

Judge James Robart, the federal judge in Seattle who granted the temporary restraining order, inspired attacks from President Trump, who referred to him as a "so-called judge" and accused him of endangering the countrys national security.

Last year Ms Brazile was let go as a contributor by CNN after allegedly leaking debate questions to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
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President Donald Trump has lobbied Democrats and Republicans to back his Supreme Court nominee even as he escalated his attacks against one of their Senate colleagues for disclosing that Judge Neil Gorsuch found the President's criticism of the judiciary demoralising and disheartening.

In a day of political whiplash, Trump insisted that Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal misrepresented comments from Gorsuch, who expressed misgivings about the president's attacks on a judge. Gorsuch's comments were first reported by Blumenthal, but were subsequently confirmed by two other senators who heard versions of the same thing, and verified by the White House-appointed handlers shepherding Gorsuch around Capitol Hill.

Nevertheless, sitting at a White House lunch between two of Blumenthal's Democratic colleagues, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Trump took the opportunity of a shouted question from a reporter to lash out at Blumenthal, dredging up a years-old controversy in which the former Marine Corps reservist apologised for falsely saying he had served in Vietnam.

What you should do is ask Senator Blumenthal about his Vietnam record that didn't exist after years of saying it did. Ask Senator Blumenthal about his Vietnam record, Trump said. He misrepresented that just like he misrepresented Judge Gorsuch.

Blumenthal, D-Conn., defended himself in a series of interviews on Thursday, insisting that he had correctly characterised Gorsuch's reaction to Trump's attacks against a so-called judge, as the president described the Seattle judge who put a stay on his refugee travel ban.

This issue is way bigger than me or even Judge Gorsuch's nomination, Blumenthal told The Associated Press when asked about Trump lashing out at him. What's at stake is the independence and integrity of the court system and a core constitutional principle - the independence and integrity of our judiciary.

Trump's complaints about what Blumenthal said Gorsuch said came even as other Democrats offered their own complaints about Gorsuch's reported comments, albeit for totally different reasons. With the White House hunting for eight Democratic votes to get Gorsuch across a confirmation hurdle in the Senate, Democrats accused the judge of participating in a White House ruse to pretend to be independent from the president by claiming to be demoralised by his attacks on the judiciary.

This is clearly a meaningless White House orchestrated attempt to help Judge Gorsuch pretend he won't be a rubber stamp for the Trump administration, said Zac Petkanas, senior adviser at the Democratic National Committee.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said on the Senate floor of Gorsuch: What he did does not show independence. It shows a desire to appear independent.

It was not clear whether Trump made much headway in his lunch with senators including Heitkamp, Manchin, No. 2 Senate Republican John Cornyn of Texas, Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and others. Heitkamp and Manchin emerged to speak of a productive meeting that touched on topics including infrastructure and opioid abuse, but they refused to address the awkwardness of sitting by as the president gave a colleague a tongue-lashing.

Trump seemed particularly interested in making nice with Manchin, the one Democrat to vote for his attorney general nominee Senator Jeff Sessions, going in for a hug at the start of the lunch and opening his remarks by thanking Manchin for having the courage to vote for somebody who's really very outstanding.

Four of the Senate Democrats in the lunch - Manchin, Heitkamp, Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Jon Tester of Montana - are staring down difficult re-election campaigns next year in states where Trump dominated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. The Democrats' success in their re-election fights could determine their party's ability to counter Trump's agenda for the remainder of his term.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Tester later told home-state reporters on a conference call that Trump's rhetoric isn't helpful and Blumenthal is a hard-working and respected man. The president has this reaction when people challenge him. It's the way it is, Tester said.

Even as drama unfolded at the White House, Gorsuch himself, a mild-mannered Denver-based appellate judge, continued to traverse the corridors of the Senate office buildings across from the Capitol, paying courtesy calls to senators while ignoring reporters' questions. GOP Senator Susan Collins of Maine was full of praise after meeting with Gorsuch, adding that while she hadn't asked him to reiterate his concerns about Trump's attacks on the judiciary, I am confident that Judge Gorsuch could be, will be, an independent judge.

AP
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After weeks of speculation that he would break with almost four decades of US foreign policy, President Donald Trump will now stay in line with the countrys official One China policy.

The President stoked diplomatic concerns after he arranged a phone call with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen shortly after the 2016 election. The call was the first by a US president-elect or president since Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979.

The White House confirmed Mr Trumps decision to step away from an earlier comment that the US did not necessarily have to adhere to the policy, under which Taiwan is not recognised as a sovereign territory.

Recommended Chinese state newspaper delivers warning to Donald Trump over Taiwan

After a lengthy phone call with China President Xi Jinping, the White House said that the two discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our One China policy.

Mr Trump himself acknowledged the Thursday call in a tweet criticising The New York Times for reporting that his last call with President Xi took place on 14 November in their coverage of this weeks talk between the leaders.

The paper did not make reference to the Thursday-evening call in the early edition of Friday's newspaper, but later added the White House's announcement to the online story.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

The failing [New York Times] does major FAKE NEWS China story saying Mr Xi has not spoken to Trump since Nov 14, he tweeted the next morning, misquoting the third paragraph of the story about the Thursday call. We spoke at length yesterday.

The White House has previously admitted that they will refer to any news critical of the President as "fake".

Mr Trumps December stumble prompted a diplomatic protest from Beijing.

 Donald Trump's closest advisor Steve Bannon thinks there will be war with China in the next few years

When asked about whether he would adhere to the One China policy amid the controversy, Mr Trump trotted out his characteristic tough talk in an interview with the conservative Fox News.

I fully understand the One China policy, but I dont know why we have to be bound by a One China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade, he said.

China responded with concern, saying that the policy was instrumental to any trade deals with the US.

The nationalistic Chinese paper Global Times condemned Mr Trump's handling of diplomacy in an editorial piece, saying that he was ignorant like a child.

If Trump abandons the One China principle, the paper added, why should China need to be the US's partner in most international affairs?"
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A mother of two who has lived in America for more than 20 years, is believed to have become the first undocumented migrant to be deported since Donald Trump came to power.

Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos was 14-years-old when she moved to the US from Mexico.

After she was caught using a fake Social Security number during a raid in 2008 at a water park where she worked, she had been required to attend an annual meeting with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

After a review of her case and some questions, in previous years she had been allowed to leave.

In 2013 she was allowed to stay in the United States even after a judge issued a deportation order against her because she did not pose a threat to anyone, and did not fit any of Mr Obamas criteria for priority deportation.

But this year her meeting with ICE ended differently and she was taken into custody and ordered to be deported.

Her detention sparked protests in Arizona, where one man tied himself to the wheels of an immigration van and at least six demonstrators were arrested.

Immigration advocates said they believed her deportation reflects the Trump administration's hard line on illegal immigration.

"ICE had done what President Trump wanted -- which is deport and separate our families," Carlos Garcia, the director of immigration rights group Puente Arizona, told CNN.

While President Obama's administration prioritised deporting people who were deemed a threat to public or national safety, had ties to criminal gangs, or had committed serious offences or a number of smaller crimes, Mr Trumps definition of criminal alien is so broad it could be applied to the majority of unauthorised immigrants.

But in an executive order, Mr Trump stipulated last month that undocumented immigrants convicted of any criminal offence  even those who have not been charged but are believed to have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense  have become a priority for deportation.

Thousands of others now face similar treatment when they report for their regular immigration checks, lawyers from two leading civil rights groups have said.

Were living in a new era now, an era of war on immigrants, Ms Rayoss lawyer, Ray A Ybarra Maldonado, told the New York Times.

Cecillia Wang, deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, also called Mr Trumps internal enforcement order alarming, because it gave federal agents the power to decide who is and who is not a threat to security.

Mr Trump took the gloves off agents and has permitted these agents to go after immigrants regardless of their ties and contributions to the United States she said.

Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Show all 20 1 /20 Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-1 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-2 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-3 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-4 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 28: Demonstrators hold signs during a rally against a ban on Muslim immigration at San Francisco International Airport on January 28, 2017 in San Francisco, California. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that suspends entry of all refugees for 120 days, indefinitely suspends the entries of all Syrian refugees, as well as barring entries from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering for 90 days. Stephen Lam/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-5 A crowd of protesters gathers outside of the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse as a judge hears a challenge against President Donald Trump's executive ban on immigration from several Muslim countries, on January 28, 2017 in Brooklyn. The judge issued an emergency stay on part of Trump's executive order, ruling that sending refugees stopped at U.S. airports back to their countries would be harmful. Yana Paskova/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-6 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-7 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-8 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-9 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-10 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-11 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-12 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-13 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-14 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-15 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-16 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-17 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-18 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-19 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-20 Passengers wait in line to check in at the American Airlines terminal at JFK International Airport August 10, 2006 in the Queens borough of New York City. British authorities arrested 21 people and halted a anallegedly terrorist plot to use liquid explosives concealed in carry-on luggage to blow up airliners traveling between Britain and the U.S. Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff said that the plot appeared to be directed at U.S. carriers flying out of Heathrow. such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines. Stephen Chernin/Getty

Ms Rayos was 14 when she left Acambaro, a city in an impoverished corner of the Mexican state of Guanajuato, and sneaked across the border into Nogales, Arizona, a three-hour drive from Phoenix. She married  her husband is also undocumented  and gave birth to a boy and a girl, who are now in their teens.

It is believed she was deported to Nogales, Mexico.

Her daughter Jacqueline said: The only crime my mother committed was to go to work to give a better life for her children."
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Donald Trump has issued more executive orders and presidential memoranda in his first two weeks than former President Barack Obama - or any President since Franklin Roosevelt.

The Republican has signed eight orders and 12 memoranda so far, which signify one of the highest uses of power that the President has. Mr Obama signed one less - 19 - over the same period. Mr Trump's number was far higher than George W Bush (4), or Bill Clinton (10) in the first two weeks of office.

Mr Trump tweeted in July 2012 that Mr Obama was flexing his Presidential muscle too much and too early on in his term.

Recommended Donald Trump signs executive order giving police more authority

"Why is Barack Obama constantly issuing executive orders that are major power grabs of authority?" he asked.

Ronald Reagan, who Mr Trump has often modelled himself on, did not sign any in the first two weeks in office.

If Mr Trump continues at his present pace, he will sign 1,040 actions this year, which would be almost four times as many as Mr Obama signed throughout his entire time in office.

Both orders and memoranda take immediate effect, the only difference is that a memorandum should be published in the Federal Register to have "general applicability and legal effect". Neither need approval by Congress.

With each sweep of his pen and photo opportunity, Mr Trump has moved to dismantle laws that Mr Obama instated over his eight years in office.

Mr Trump has worried critics that he is rolling back rights for women, LGBT members, people of colour and is dismissing climate change.

The Republicans re-instating of the Mexico City Policy, banning aid to foreign organisations that even talk about abortion, his orders to build the Dakota Access and the Keystone XL Pipelines, as well as his request to build the wall along the border, are just three of the 20 orders. He has also ordered a review of all the Obama-era regulations on the financial and investment industry which were put in place after the 2008 credit crisis.

The latest three orders, signed Thursday, outline the mandate of the newly sworn-in Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the longtime senator from Alabama who was once deemed too racist to serve as a federal judge. They include enforcing existing laws and creating new ones to crack down on drug cartels, illegal immigration and violent crime, as well as invest more power in the police.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

One of the most controversial orders has currently been blocked by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, and it may go all the way to the Supreme Court. Signed 27 January, the order banned nearly all travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries in the name of fighting terrorism, yet nobody from these countries has killed a single American in a terrorist attack on US soil since 2001, according to a Cato Institute report.

Mr Trump has sent out a series of angry tweets, including one all in capital letters.

"SEE YOU IN COURT!"

His cabinet has been described as the wealthiest - a collective worth of $81. billion - and the least educated in modern American history. A total of 17 cabinet picks alone have more wealth than a third of American households. Mr Trumps campaign pledge to "drain the swamp" of Washington DC compared to Mr Obamas cabinet, which was around $7.7 billion less rich than that of successors.

It is also the least ethnically diverse since Ronald Reagan.

The cabinet is 88 per cent white and 88 per cent male, and the first cabinet since George H W Bush in 1989 to not include any Hispanic members.
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Donald Trumps lawyer of choice to represent him at the Supreme Court and push through his controversial Muslim ban executive order has said he no longer wants to be considered for the job.

Chuck Cooper, who was a top contender to argue for Mr Trump in the nations highest court, withdrew from consideration on Thursday night.

The decision was made the same evening that the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld federal Judge James Robarts decision to enforce a temporary stay on Mr Trumps order.

Mr Trump vowed to fight back and take the case all the way to the Supreme Court.

Mr Copper said in a statement to The Independent that he was deeply honoured for the consideration but had great respect for any public servant in the Trump administration.

But after witnessing the treatment that my friend Jeff Sessions, a decent and honorable man who bears only good will and good cheer to everyone he meets, had to endure at the hands of a partisan opposition that will say anything and do anything to advance their political interests, I am unwilling to subject myself, my family, and my friends to such a process, he said.

 Cory Booker testifies that Jeff Sessions is not qualified to protect the rights of U.S. citizens

Mr Sessions was sworn in as Attorney General this week after facing massive opposition from Democrats and civil rights activists who claimed that his career has been dogged by allegations of racism and sexism. Mr Sessions, who is against same-sex marriage and abortion, said the accusations of racism were "damnably false charges".

Mr Trump has yet to name his top pick to represent him now that Mr Cooper has withdrawn his nomination. Likely contenders are the new Attorney General and close friend, Jeff Sessions, or acting Solicitor General Noel Francisco.

The administration is reportedly still interviewing candidates for Solicitor General.

One potential candidate is George Conway, husband of the Counselor to the President, Kellyanne Conway.

Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Show all 20 1 /20 Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-1 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-2 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-3 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-4 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 28: Demonstrators hold signs during a rally against a ban on Muslim immigration at San Francisco International Airport on January 28, 2017 in San Francisco, California. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that suspends entry of all refugees for 120 days, indefinitely suspends the entries of all Syrian refugees, as well as barring entries from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering for 90 days. Stephen Lam/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-5 A crowd of protesters gathers outside of the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse as a judge hears a challenge against President Donald Trump's executive ban on immigration from several Muslim countries, on January 28, 2017 in Brooklyn. The judge issued an emergency stay on part of Trump's executive order, ruling that sending refugees stopped at U.S. airports back to their countries would be harmful. Yana Paskova/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-6 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-7 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-8 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-9 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-10 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-11 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-12 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-13 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-14 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-15 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-16 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-17 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-18 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-19 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-20 Passengers wait in line to check in at the American Airlines terminal at JFK International Airport August 10, 2006 in the Queens borough of New York City. British authorities arrested 21 people and halted a anallegedly terrorist plot to use liquid explosives concealed in carry-on luggage to blow up airliners traveling between Britain and the U.S. Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff said that the plot appeared to be directed at U.S. carriers flying out of Heathrow. such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines. Stephen Chernin/Getty

The executive order, signed 27 January, banned nearly all travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days and refugees for 120 days. It also indefinitely suspended Syrian refugees from entering the US.

It prompted massive protests at airports around the US and ensnared dual nationals as well as visa and green card holders.

 In August of 2017, Donald Trump decried the courts' role in the travel ban

The ban was dealt a big setback after federal Judge Robart halted the ban temporarily and nationwide. Airports were immediately advised to let people into the US from those seven countries.

Mr Trump filed an emergency appeal via the Justice Department, which was denied.

Mr Trump was further irked after the Ninth Circuit upheld Mr Robarts decision, and accused the judges of being political, putting the country in turmoil and peril.

His Supreme Court Justice appointee, Neil Gorsuch, said those comments about the judiciary were disheartening and demoralizing, according to Senator Richard Blumenthal, who related the conversation to reporters.

Mr Trump insisted that the Senator had misrepresented Mr Gorsuchs comments.

 Comedian rips apart Donald Trump's 'Not-A-Muslim ban'

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Mr Trump had "no regrets" about selecting Mr Gorsuch and that he would continue to "speak freely" about what he thought of the judiciary.
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A day after a federal appeals court rejected his executive order to ban travel from seven majority-Muslim countries, President Donald Trump said he will introduce "something new" to replace the controversial order.

Mr Trump suffered the embarrassing defeat after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals' unanimous decision to pause the President's executive order. In response to his second federal court loss in less than a week, Mr Trump furiously told the court he would "SEE YOU IN COURT," via Twitter.

During a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Mr Trump told reporters that he would announce new security measures as soon as next week. It remains unclear if the new measures would be separate from the controversial executive order that currently hangs in limbo.

Recommended Donald Trump loses court battle to reinstate travel ban

"Safety is one of the reasons I'm standing here today, the security of our country," Mr Trump said at a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "So, we'll be doing something very rapidly having to do with additional security for our country. You'll be seeing that sometime next week."

He added: "We will continue to go through the court process, and ultimately I have no doubt that we'll win that particular case."

Mr Trump did not provide particulars to how he would reintroduce his order or provide these extra security measures.

Earlier Friday, the White House confirmed to NBC that they were drafting a new executive order that would use language that the courts would eventually favour.

New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Show all 27 1 /27 New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People gather for evening prayer at a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Yemeni business owner Musa closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty

Citing what he's learned during his first weeks as president, Mr Trump said: "There are tremendous threats to our country. We will not allow that to happen, I can tell you that right now."

The executive order is the product of Mr Trump's hard-line immigration rhetoric that began during his campaign. He initially announced the idea as a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States", described in a statement that is still on the Trump campaign website.

After a critical backlash, Mr Trump shifted the apparent shutdown to include so-called "extreme vetting" when processing refugees from Muslim-majority coming to the US  despite the fact that refugees already go through a rigorous vetting process involving multiple US agencies.

 Trump reacts to travel ban ruling

Manifested as an executive order, the travel ban singled out immigrants, refugees, and travellers from seven countries  Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia  originally identified by the Obama administration in a 2015 revision to the visa waiver programme. The programme allowed refugees from 38 countries to enter the US without visas for up to 90 days. President Obama excluded the seven countries from that list, but did not outright ban migration from those areas.

Mr Trump has insisted that, despite his campaign rhetoric, the ban is simply about national security.

"This is not about religion," he said. "This is about terror and keeping our country safe. There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority-Muslim that are not affected by this order."

Still, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani said that Mr Trump had come to him for advice about how to enact a "Muslim ban" seeking "the right way to do it legally".

"The States have offered evidence of numerous statements by the President about his intent to implement a 'Muslim ban' as well as evidence they claim suggests that the Executive Order was intended to be that ban," the 9th Circuit court said in its ruling.

"Although we agree that 'the Governments interest in combating terrorism is an urgent objective of the highest order'," they added, "the Government has done little more than reiterate that fact."

Indeed, no immigrants or refugees from the seven countries have carried out an attack on US soil. Additionally, none of the 9/11 hijackers originated from the countries listed in Mr Trump's order.

The halt of the executive order earned major praise from civil liberties groups across the country.

"The appeals court's refusal to reinstate the Muslim ban is correct," ACLU Immigrant Rights Project director Omar Jadwat told The Indpendent. "The government's erratic and chaotic attempts to enforce this unconstitutional ban have taken a tremendous toll on innocent individuals, our country's values, and our standing in the world.

"We will keep fighting this un-American executive order until it is permanently dismantled."
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The New York Times has turned up the heat on Donald Trump in their long-running feud, saying the US President could alienate "the entire Muslim world" if he goes ahead with a reported plan to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group.

Senior figures at the paper, which President Trump has previously described as "failing", said the US leader had already "made America look cruel and incompetent in the eyes of the world with his sweeping immigration edict" and that the move "would be seen by many Muslims as another attempt to vilify adherents of Islam".

While a report in the Times on Wednesday suggested the signing of an executive order had been delayed by protests from officials in the State Department and others, its board sent a strong message to the White House.

The State Department says in order to be added to its list an organisation must carry out terrorist attacks or retain the ability and intention to do so, and that its activity must pose a risk to US national security or the safety of its citizens.

The Times board argued that while violent groups including Hamas have come out of the Brotherhood, the Brotherhood itself as "a collection of groups and movements" has renounced violence.

A CIA memo, reported by Politico, warned that adding the Brotherhood to the list could "provide Isis and al-Qaeda additional grist for propaganda to win followers and support, particularly for attacks against US interests".

And because of the movement's wide support, "many Arabs and Muslims worldwide would view an MB designation as an affront to their core religious and societal values", the memo added.

Some members "have engaged in violence", its author conceded.

The Times leader said listing the Brotherhood could cause political complications in countries with which the US has dealings because of its involvement in political parties in Pakistan, Turkey, Iraq and others.

As Prime Minister, David Cameron oversaw the publication of a report into the Brotherhood.

It said it was a transnational network with links in the UK and national organisations "in and outside the Islamic world".

In a scathing assessment, he described the movement as "deliberately opaque and habitually secretive".

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

In a statement to MPs in December 2015, Mr Cameron wrote: "Aspects of the Muslim Brotherhoods ideology and activities run counter to British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, equality and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

"Parts of the Muslim Brotherhood have a highly ambiguous relationship with violent extremism. Both as an ideology and as a network it has been a rite of passage for some individuals and groups who have gone on to engage in violence and terrorism."
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Donald Trump has reaffirmed America's long-standing "one China" policy in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, potentially alleviating concerns about a major shift in Washington's relations with Beijing.

The White House and China's state broadcaster CCTV said the two spoke at length by phone on Thursday evening.

The two leaders discussed numerous topics and Trump agreed "at the request of President Xi" to honor the "one China" policy that requires Washington to maintain only unofficial ties with China's rival Taiwan, the White House said.

CCTV reported that Xi "praised" Trump's affirmation and said China was willing to work with the U.S. to enhance ties and bring "more fruitful gains for the benefit of our two peoples and those in every country."

The White House described the call as "extremely cordial" and said the two leaders had invited each other to visit their respective countries and looked forward to further discussions.

Some had questioned why Trump had taken so long to call Xi given that he'd already spoken with more than a dozen world leaders. Chinese observers had also noted that Trump had broken with his predecessors in not extending good wishes to the Chinese people on the occasion of last month's Lunar New Year holiday, prior to the issuing of a belated greeting on Wednesday.

Trump has accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, criticized China's military buildup in the South China Sea and said Beijing is doing too little to pressure North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and complained after Trump upset decades of diplomatic precedent by talking by phone with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen shortly after winning November's presidential election.

In December, Trump said in an interview that he didn't feel "bound" by the decades-old one China policy unless the U.S. could gain concessions from China in trade and other areas. Washington has robust unofficial relations with the island and provides it with arms to guard against Beijing's threat to use force to reunify with it.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Underscoring uncertainty in the relationship, the call between the leaders came as the U.S. Pacific Command reported a Chinese aircraft and a U.S. Navy patrol plane had an "unsafe" encounter over the South China Sea this week.

Pacific Command spokesman Robert Shuford said Friday that the "interaction" between a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft and a U.S. Navy P-3C plane took place on Wednesday in international airspace. He did not say what was unsafe about the encounter.

Shuford says the U.S. plane was on a routine mission and operating according to international law.

The Chinese defense ministry has not responded to a faxed request for comment.

China routinely complains about U.S. military surveillance missions close to its southern island province of Hainan, which is home to numerous sensitive military installations.

A collision between a U.S. EP-3 surveillance plane and a Chinese naval air force jet in April 2001 resulted in the death of the Chinese pilot and the 10-day detention of the U.S. air crew by China.

Here are some of the major developments in U.S.-Sino relations since Trump won the U.S. presidential election in November:

Dec 2 - Trump speaks by phone with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, a move that is likely to infuriate China, which considers the self-ruled island its own, and complicate U.S. relations with Beijing. China lodges swift protest, blaming Taiwan for the petty move.

Dec 11 - Trump says the United States did not necessarily have to stick to its long-standing position that Taiwan is part of "one China," questioning nearly four decades of U.S. policy.

Dec 12 - China expresses "serious concern" after Trump said the United States did not necessarily have to stick to its long-held stance that Taiwan is part of "one China".

Dec 14 - In a veiled warning to Trump, China's ambassador to the United States says Beijing will never bargain with Washington over issues involving its national sovereignty or territorial integrity.

Jan 11 - Taiwan scrambles jets and navy ships after a group of Chinese warships, led by its sole aircraft carrier, sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the latest sign of heightened tension between Beijing and the island.

Jan 12 - Trump's then nominee for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, says China should be denied access to islands it has built in the contested South China Sea, describing the placing of military assets there as "akin to Russia's taking Crimea" from Ukraine.

Feb 3 - China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, tells Michael Flynn, Trump's National Security Advisor, that China hopes it can work with the United States to manage and control disputes and sensitive problems.

Feb 9 - Trump breaks the ice with Xi in a letter that says he looks forward to working with him to develop relations.

Feb 9 - Trump changes tack and agrees to honour the "one China" policy during a phone call with Xi.
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US intelligence officials have confirmed some aspects of the Russia dossier that rocked Washington a month ago, it has been reported. However, those aspects of the dossier that have been confirmed do not relate directly to Donald Trump.

Last month, it emerged that Mr Trump and Barack Obama had been briefed by US intelligence officials about aspects of a 35-page dossier that was circulating in journalistic and government circles. The dossier made a series of unverified claims about Mr Trumps personal and financial dealings in Russia - claims he dismissed as false.

On Friday, CNN, which was first to break news of the briefing to Mr Trump and Mr Obama, said intelligence officials had confirmed some aspects of the dossier, which were initially collected by a former British intelligence agent, Christopher Steele. He collected it as opposition research for Mr Trumps opponents - Republicans and then Democrats - during the presidential campaign.

It said the elements that had been confirmed were several conversations in the dossier involving foreign nationals. None of the conversations involved Mr Trump or members of his team.

It also said that intelligence officials had at this stage, neither confirmed or disproved any of the more salacious claims included in the dossier, which was published in full by BuzzFeed and several other news outlets.

"We continue to be disgusted by CNN's fake news reporting," White House press secretary Sean Spicer said.

In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President-elect Donald Trump acknowledges guests as he arrives on the platform at the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump looks on during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington AP In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President Donald Trump shakes hands with Justice John Roberts after taking the oath at inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President Donald Trump raises his fists after his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Getty In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets outgoing President Barack Obama before Trump is inaugurated during ceremonies on the Capitol in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump resident-elect Donald Trump arrives on the platform of the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Attendees partake in the inauguration ceremonies to swear in Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump US President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address during ceremonies at the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. President Donald Trump waves with wife Melania during the Inaugural Parade in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters registered their rage against the new president Friday in a chaotic confrontation with police who used pepper spray and stun grenades in a melee just blocks from Donald Trump's inaugural parade route. Scores were arrested for trashing property and attacking officers AP In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators protest against US President Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A woman holds a sign before the start of the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump at Freedom Plaza in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Anti-Trump protesters prepare banners for a protest against the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, in Berlin REUTERS In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators shout slogans against US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators march, block foot traffic and clash with U.S. Capitol Police at the entry checkpoints for the Inauguration of Donald Trump Alamy Live News In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators display a banner as people arrive for US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A man displays a placard as people lineup to get into the National Mall for the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump raise their hands as they are surrounded by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A demonstrator wearing a mask depicting Donald Trump protests outside the US Embassy in London Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators hold placards as they protest outside the US Embassy in London Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Former US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush arrive for the Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden share an umbrella as President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address at the inauguration in Washington DC Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton arrive on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. Vice President Mike Pence takes the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Advisors to President-elect Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon depart from services at St. John's Church during the Presidential Inauguration in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump take cover as they are hit by pepper spray by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump An activist demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump is helped after being hit by pepper spray on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A police officer tries to tackle a protester demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump Reuters/Adrees Latif In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Police arrest and detain a protester in the street in Washington DC Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A police officer falls to the ground as another shoots pepper spray at protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters

He later phoned back CNN: "This is more fake news. It is about time CNN focused on the success of the President has had bringing back jobs, protecting the nation, and strengthening relationships with Japan and other nations. The President won the election because of his vision and message for the nation."

 Putin calls creators of Trump dossier 'worse than prostitutes'

Mr Spicer's comment hearkens back to Mr Trump's disavowal of the story earlier this year, conflating both CNN's reported story in January and BuzzFeed's release of the full documents.

"I win an election easily, a great movement is verified, and crooked opponents try to belittle our victory with FAKE NEWS. A sorry state!" he tweeted. "Intelligence agencies should never have allowed this fake news to leak into the public. One last shot at me. Are we living in Nazi Germany?"

Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper expressed his "profound dismay" at the leak, which was circulated by politicians, intelligence officials, and journalists for weeks before the report.

Mr Clapper said that both he and Mr trump "agreed that [the leaks] are extremely corrosive and damaging to our national security."
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Donald Trumps proposed wall along the US-Mexico border could cost each American family $170 (136) and a total of $21.6 billion (17.3 billion) of taxpayers money, a report from the US Department of Homeland Security has revealed.

During his presidential campaign, the US leader suggested it would cost $12 billion (9.6 billion).

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells later added $3 billion (2.4 billion) when they estimated it would cost $15 billion (12 billion).

There were about 125.82 million households in the US in 2016, according to website Satista, which gathered data from the US census Bureau.

If the costs were split equally, it would cost each one $170 (136).

Mr Trump has previously suggested that the US Congress will front the cost of the wall but that Mexico will reimburse US taxpayers. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto was quick to refute this.

Internal Revenue Service figures show that 243 million Americans paid some form of federal tax in 2013, which would bring the bill to $89 each.

The latest report from the Department of Homeland Security, says the project could be a series of fences and walls which would take more than three years to build. It is expected to be presented to Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly, but its recommendations wont necessarily be taken into account.

The report sets out what it would take to close the border with 1,250 miles of fences by the end of 2020 during three construction phases.

A total of 654 miles of the border are already closed off but the new plan would extend this to the entire length of the US-Mexico border.

The steep price increase is in part explained by the time and cost of acquiring private land to complete the project. Building in mountain ranges would also likely drive up costs.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

It also takes into account the cost of potential legal battles.

The International Boundary and Water Commissions, a US-Mexico agreement over shared water, would also have to be respected and this could bring the cost from $11 million (8.8 million) per mile to $15 million (12.4 million) in one area.

The report commissioned by Mr Kelly is a final step before requesting taxpayer funds from Congress and getting started with the construction.

A spokeswoman from the Department of Homeland Security said the department does "not comment on or confirm the potential existence of pre-decisional, deliberative documents.

A White House spokeswoman said it would be "premature" to comment on a report that has not officially been presented to the US President.

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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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The report assumes the project would get funding from Congress by April or May and that the construction would start in September.

It says the first phase of the construction, also the easiest and cheapest, would take place in sections near San Diego, California, and in Texas. Covering 26 miles it would cost an estimated $360 million (289 million).

It also shows the US government has begun seeking waivers to bypass environmental laws on building in some areas, started to work with contractors and is planning steel purchases for the project.

Mr Trump told law enforcement officials this week: "The wall is getting designed right now."

Bernstein Research, an investment research group that tracks material costs, said that uncertainties around the project could drive its cost up to as much as $25 billion (20 billion).
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More than half of Donald Trump supporters think a made-up massacre actually happened, even after the fabricated story was widely debunked.

In a new poll, 51 per cent of Trump voters agreed that "the Bowling Green Massacre shows why Mr Trumps immigration policy is needed".

Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway stated that two Iraqi refugees were the masterminds behind the Bowling Green massacre in a televised interview  before having to clarify that the attack in Kentuckys third most populous city never actually happened.

Ms Conway used the alleged massacre to justify Mr Trump's travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries.

She told MSNBC presenter Chris Matthews: President Obama had a six-month ban on the Iraqi refugee program after two Iraqis came here to this country, were radicalised and they were the masterminds behind the Bowling Green massacre. Most people dont know that because it didnt get covered.

Ms Conway was in fact referencing a 2011 incident, where two Iraqi nationals were arrested for allegedly having ties to an improvised explosive device used against US troops in Iraq.

A more stringent screening process was imposed after Mohanad Shareef Hammadi and Waad Ramadan Alwan were arrested for trying to send money to al-Qaeda in 2011, but the refugee programme was not suspended.

The two men had been living in Bowling Green and later admitted to participating in IED attacks against soldiers in their home country. However they never attacked anybody within the United States.

The poll, a survey of 712 registered voters, conducted predominantly over the phone, found that Mr Trump's approval rating is now just 43 per cent, while his disapproval rating has gone all the way up to 53 per cent.

If voters could choose they would rather have either Mr Obama or Hillary Clinton as US President, instead of Mr Trump, the data showed.

Just three weeks into his administration, voters are now evenly divided on the issue of impeaching Mr Trump, with 46 per cent in favour and 46 per cent opposed.

It only took three weeks in office for half the country to decide it wants to impeach Donald Trump, said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling.

Voters who didnt like Trump but were willing to give him a chance have quickly decided hes not fit to hold the office.

Part of the problem, the pollsters found, is Ms Conway, and the other people Mr Trump surrounds himself with.

Just 34 per cent of respondents said they approved of Ms Conway, while 47 per cent disapproved of her. Even less, 22 per cent and 32 per cent respectively, said they liked Mr Trump's other senior advisers Steve Bannon and Sean Spicer.

Voters said they thought Mr Trump was over reaching to make the country safe, when it is already safe according to 66 per cent of Americans (compared to just 23 per cent who consider it unsafe).

Only 45 per cent of voters said they supported Mr Trump's Executive Order on immigration, while 49 per cent opposed it.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

The poll also found that Mr Trump is losing credibility, with voters increasingly taking the media's side in fights.

The New York Times has repeatedly been a target of Trump's attacks, but voters said they thought the Times had more credibility than him by 52 per cent to 37 per cent.

The Presidency has been so diminished over the last 3 weeks that voters even said Saturday Night Live had more credibility than Mr Trump, by 48 per cent to 43 per cent.
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Donald Trumps new Health Secretary was a member of a doctors group that believes vaccinations are equivalent to human experimentation.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Tom Price was until recently, an affiliate of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, (AAPS).

The ultra-conservative, libertarian group is opposed to mandatory vaccinations, which runs contrary to the recommendations of every major health organisation.

Recommended Donald Trump appoints vaccine sceptic to chair vaccine committee

The group also vehemently opposed to Obamacare, or the Affordable Care Act, which allowed some 20 million previously uninsured Americans to purchase health insurance.

A former member of the House of Representatives for Georgia, Dr Price was quizzed on his views on vaccination by the Senate, amid fears that he supports Mr Trumps long espoused theory that vaccines cause autism.

Mr Trump told Fox News in 2014: I've seen people where they have a perfectly healthy child, and they go for the vaccinations, and a month later the child is no longer healthy."

Mr Trump repeated his claim in 2015, telling a Republican Primary debate he believed vaccinations were causing an autism epidemic.

He has also met repeatedly with dedicated anti-vaccination campaigners including Robert F Kennedy Jr and disgraced doctor Andrew Wakefield.

Dr Price remained a member of AAPS until last year.

A resolution by the group in the year 2000 stated: Safety testing of many vaccines is limited and the data are unavailable for independent scrutiny, so that mass vaccination is equivalent to human experimentation and subject to the Nuremberg Code, which requires voluntary informed consent.

Dr Price would not give the Senate any guarantees over funding for public vaccination programmes, but pledged to swiftly debunk false claims to protect public health and make certain that factual information is conveyed to Congress and the President and the American people.

Senator Bob Menendez asked him directly: Do vaccines cause autism?

Mr Price replied: I think the science in that instance is that they dont.

He went on to say that individuals in the US are concerned about a link, but was cut off by Mr Menendez who said he wanted to keep the focus on science.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Currently, laws in all 50 states require children to get vaccinations before they attend schools or day care centres, although some states offer exceptions for religious or philosophical beliefs.

But some medical researchers claim the leap in the number of autism cases is down to increased diagnoses - including possible over-diagnoses - or environmental factors.

Hundreds of state and national medical groups sent medical evidence on the benefits of vaccinations to the White House in the wake of Mr Trumps election.

Groups including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Paediatrics also sent an open letter to the US leader.

Claims that vaccines are unsafe when administered according to expert recommendations have been disproven by a robust body of medical literature, including a thorough review by the National Academy of Medicine," it said.

As well as espousing a link between autism and vaccinations, publications from the APPS have advocated a range of scientifically discredited theories, including the belief that HIV does not cause AIDS, that being gay reduces life expectancy and there is a link between abortion and breast cancer.

Recommended Donald Trump set to pick Health Secretary desperate to scrap Obamacare

The organisation also published an editorial implying that Barack Obama was using neuro-linguistic programming, or NPL, a covert form of hypnosis to coerce people into voting for him during the 2008 Presidential campaign.

Dr Prices appointment as Health Secretary has outraged many womens rights groups because of his vehement opposition to abortion.

He voted against the Protect Life Act of 2011, which would have denied funding to health care plans that offered abortion and allowed hospitals to refuse terminations unless a pregnancy was the result of rape or incest, or would endanger the mother's life.

He also voted against state funding for groups such as Planned Parenthood and has claimed the birth-control mandate in the Affordable Care Act violates religious freedom.

He also suggested the funding was not necessary because all women can afford birth control.

 Bernie Sanders grills Tom Price on Trump's health care plans

Democrats in the Senate unanimously opposed Dr Prices appointment, but a Republican majority meant he was confirmed by 52 votes to 47.

It's clear to me Congressman Price's policies do not have the best interest of the people I represent in Michigan at heart, said Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow.
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Donald Trump has "no regrets" about appointing a Supreme Court nominee who criticised his attacks on the judiciary and the President will continue to "speak freely".

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that Mr Trump was "very proud" of his decision to appoint conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch.

He added that Mr Trump would continue to "be authentic", which was "one reason he got elected".

Recommended Donald Trump brands senator a liar over Supreme Court nominee

"The president will speak his mind. It goes back to Thomas Jefferson. Where has this outrage been for the last 100 years?" he asked reporters.

Mr Spicer insisted that Mr Gorsuchs naming of the Presidents attacks on the judiciary as "disheartening" and "demoralizing" were not specific to the Presidents negative tweets.

"The judge was very clear that he was not commenting on any specific matter; he was asked about his general philosophy, so you cant take that back and equate it to the specific," he added.

Mr Gorsuch made the comments to Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal during a private meeting on Wednesday, the day after the President had called a court hearing on his controversial immigration executive order "disgraceful".

 In August of 2017, Donald Trump decried the courts' role in the travel ban

"I told him how abhorrent Donald Trumps invective and insults are toward the judiciary. And he [Gorsuch] said to me that he found them disheartening and demoralizing  his words," Senator Blumenthal said in an interview.

Mr Trump told reporters before a meeting with airline executives on Thursday that Mr Gorsuchs comments about his tweets were "misrepresented".

"Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him?" Mr Trump also wrote on social media.

He offered no further explanation on the claim, but the crossed lines between the President and the Supreme Court Justice so early on do little to reassure critics of their smooth working relationship.

The President has expressed frustration that his executive order, signed 27 January, which banned travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, has been temporarily blocked by Judge Robart in Washington.

Mr Trumps emergency appeal, filed by the Justice Department, was denied several days later.

The President sent a series of angry tweets about the rulings, including that the federal courts were being political instead of following the law. He also said so-called Judge Robarts ruling could put out country in such peril. If something happens blame him and court system.

Speaking to the National Sheriffs Association on Wednesday, Mr Trump read out the wording of the executive order to the crowd and insisted it was written "clearly" and "beautifully".

"Even a bad high school student could understand this," he said.

The ban initially entrapped visa and green card holders as well as citizens of dual nationality. It caused widespread confusion and massive protests at airports around the country.

The temporary halt by Judge Robart, and a potential reversal by the court in favour of Mr Trump, would cause national whiplash for the millions of people in the US and the seven countries who are affected by the travel ban.

The case could go all the way to the Supreme Court, regardless of how the appeals court is expected to rule this week.

Mr Trump has previously threatened to destroy the career of a Senator who did not agree with him, and he fired former acting attorney general Sally Yates for refusing to defend his Muslim ban in court.

The dispute between Mr Trump and Mr Gorsuch might, however, go some way to convincing sceptics that Mr Gorsuch will make independent, law-abiding decisions, rather than currying favour for the President.
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Nine people have said Donald Trumps national security advisor did in fact discuss Barack Obama's Russia sanctions with the country before the inauguration  contradicting what he said earlier this week.

The current and former officials claim Mike Flynn explicitly discussed the sanctions on the Kremlin with the Russia ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak  although a spokesperson for Mr Flynn said he couldn't remember if the issue of sanctions was discussed.

That is despite Mr Flynn twice saying no in an interview this week when asked if the sanctions, over Russias interference in the US election, were talked about.

Some officials told The Washington Post that Mr Flynn's actions are potentially illegal and inappropriate.

Kislyak was left with the impression that the sanctions would be revisited at a later time, said one former official.

Various counterintelligence officials have already investigated Mr Flynn over his communication with Mr Kislyak in the month before Mr Trumps inauguration on 20 January.

The retired lieutenant general allegedly spoke to Mr Kislyak on the telephone five times over, on 29 December; the same day Mr Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats from the country.

Two Russian compounds in the US were also closed in retaliation to cyber-attacks on the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Hillary Clintons campaign and other political organisations.

Two of the nine officials say Mr Flynn urged Russia not to overreact to the penalties because the situation would be reassessed after Mr Trump was sworn in.

 Barack Obama: US will act on election hacking by Russia

Officials say the FBI is continuing to investigate the communications.

Despite Mr Flynns denial on Wednesday, a spokesman for the 58-year-old backtracked on Thursday.

The spokesman said Mr Flynn indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

The various officials also told The Washington Post, that while sanctions were discussed between the pair, the FBI has not found Mr Flynn gave an explicit promise to reverse Mr Obamas sanctions.
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A badly burned Iraqi boy who has been stranded in the US for months is one step closer to being reunited with his parents after Donald Trumps Muslim ban has been halted by the courts.

Dilbreen, who was severely disfigured last year after a kerosene heater exploded in an Iraqi resettlement camp, flew to the US for emergency surgery with his father and nonprofit organisation Road to Peace last September.

As he recovered after surgery, his father, Ajil, had to return home to be with his wife as she gave birth.

The newborn babys visa was twice denied and the parents visas were then revoked.

But after receiving an invitation for an appointment at the US consulate this weekend, the parents are hopeful they will be able to soon rejoin Dilbreen in the US as he undergoes more surgery.

The dramatic turnaround comes one week after the same consulate cancelled their previous interview and said there would be no more appointments for 90 days.

The invite followed President Trumps executive order which banned nearly all travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iraq, for 90 days.

Dilbreens family are Yazidis who fled an Isis-led genocide in August 2014. They have lived in camps ever since.

Sally Becker, director of Road to Peace who has worked with Dilbreen since day one, told The Independent it was difficult to understand why the boys parents had been invited for an appointment. She said the parents had not reapplied after they had been turned away last week, thinking the fight was hopeless.

"I dont know whether this would have happened regardless [of Mr Trumps travel ban being halted], whether its out of compassion or due to the enormous amount of press coverage weve received in the US," she said.

She said thet Michigan congressman Mike Bishop said he had received a call from the State Department, informing him the visas had been issued.

The familys case has also received support from senators and organisations like Amnesty International, but progress has been slow.

Dilbreen came to the US last September for surgery to loosen the scar tissue around his mouth. The surgery allowed him to eat certain foods again and brush his teeth.

(Sally Becker / Road to Peace (Sally Becker / Road to Peace)

He does not have a nose and is prone to infection, and he is at risk of losing his sight.

"Hes a wonderful little boy. He touches hearts wherever he goes," said Ms Becker.

His father, Ajil, stayed by his sons bedside 24 hours a day. He lost weight and also suffered from anxiety as he watched his son suffer and knew his pregnant wife was alone at home.

Before flying back to Iraq after the operation, he asked for Dilbreen not to undergo anymore surgery without his parents by his side as the young boy was already suffering from the trauma of separation from his mother.

(Sally Becker / Road to Peace (Sally Becker / Road to Peace)

For the last two months the child has been living in Michigan with Adlay Kejjin, director of the Yazidi American Women Organisation, an affiliate with Road to Peace.

Ms Becker ensured that Dilbreen got to know Ms Kejjins voice and face via FaceTime before he was taken to live with her.

It was supposed to be for two or three weeks.

Ms Becker said that working with Iraqi children was nothing to do with politics, but that politics might have had an impact of these children getting help.

The parents invitation to the consulate comes shortly after Mr Trumps Muslim ban was halted by a federal judge in Washington. Mr Trumps emergency appeal was denied, and the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit also ruled against Mr Trump on Thursday evening.

"Obviously Im delighted that the US press seems to have got behind his case but there are many other children who need medical help," said Ms Becker.

"In fact we're aware of a specialist women and children's hospital in the KRI [Kuridstan region] that has capacity to help solve this problem and we're currently exploring options for funding support with our local partners."

There are 87 children in Iraq who are in need or urgent medical support, but Ms Becker said it had taken months to get help for just four of them, including Dilbreen. She expressed doubt that the UK would open its doors to the children, as it announced this week that it has limited the number of child refugees it would accept.

As for Dilbreens parents, Ms Becker is hopeful their visas will be approved and handed over on Sunday, so they can fly straight to the US.

I only hope theyre not going to make that difficult journey again for nothing, she said.
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Hundreds of people chanted Do your job! at the senior Republican legislator over his role in investigating Donald Trump.

People lined up to attend an open meeting with Jason Chaffetz, chair of the House Oversight Committee, over what they see as his failure to investigate President's business enterprises and the potential conflicts of interest they potentially create.

The Oversight Committee is responsible for investigating waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government, giving Mr Chaffetz more power than anyone else to curb any possible effort by Mr Trump or his family to leverage the White House for personal gain.

More than a thousand people arrived at the meeting in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, to demand he do more.

"The town hall was scheduled to begin at 7pm, but by 5.15pm, people were already lined up around the building  many of them holding signs asking when Chaffetz will investigate the President Donald Trump's tax returns, or questioning the president's immigration policies," a local paper, the Daily Herald, reported. "When the doors opened at 6pm, the auditorium quickly filled nearly to its capacity of 1,080."

Mr Chaffetz has reportedly requested documents related to Mr Trumps hotel in Washington DC, and on Thursday he called Kellyanne Conway wrong, wrong, wrong for publicly endorsing Ivanka Trumps clothing label.

But critics have pointed out that in comparison Mr Chaffetz was relentless in his investigation of the executive branch under Barack Obamas administration, particularly over Hillary Clintons role in the Benghazi scandal, provoking anger at perceived double standards.

The Daily Herald reported: "Chaffetz was met with a round of booing from a rowdy crowd who also shouted down the fire marshal who informed the crowd that no more people would be let in to fill the few remaining seats in the back row.

"Multiple groups dissatisfied with Chaffetz's previous answers on issues like investigating Trump's possible conflicts of interests, the congressman's handling of public lands and his stance on abolishing the US Department of Education, had mobilised people on Facebook beforehand."

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Videos of the meeting show people demanding Mr Chaffetz define his line in the sand for Mr Trump, and loudly booing Mr Chaffetz for saying he doesnt believe Mr Trump should release his tax returns.

As recently as two weeks ago, Mr Chaffetz said he would not look to investigate Mr Trumps business activities. In an interview after one meeting of the Oversight Committee, he said that he was not interested in engaging in fishing expeditions over Mr Trump.

Ill remind people that I never did a quote-unquote investigation of Barack Obama when he was president, Mr Chaffetz told Vox. I am personally not diving into the individual roles of the family members. I havent done that with President Obama, and I have not done that with Donald Trump.
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A major talent agency has cancelled its annual Academy Awards party in protest of President Donald Trumps immigration ban.

It will instead donate $250,000 (200,000) to the American Civil Liberties Union and the International Rescue Committee and hold a rally to express the creative communitys growing concern with anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States.

The move comes after an executive order by Mr Trump barred refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the US.

 Kristen Stewart analyzes Donald Trump tweets about her on SNL

A federal appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate the ban, which had been locked by a judge in Washington on Sunday.

The United Talent Agency (UTA) said the demonstration, set to take place two days before the Oscars, will oppose a potential chilling effect on the global exchange of ideas and freedom of expression prompted by anti-immigrant sentiment.

This is a moment that demands our generosity, awareness and restlessness, UTA chief executive Jeremy Zimmer in a letter to agency employees.

Our world is a better place for the free exchange of artists, ideas and creative expression.

"If our nation ceases to be the place where artists the world over can come to express themselves freely, then we cease, in my opinion, to be America.

The UTA represents hundreds of celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Harrison Ford and Amy Schumer.

Academy award-winning Iranian director Asghar Farhadi is also a client of the agency.

Mr Farhardi, who is again nominated for an Oscar, has said he will boycott the ceremony in response to the "unjust" travel ban.

The UTA said the Tehran-based director said he felt "honoured and in tears" when he heard about the UTA's decision.

New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Show all 27 1 /27 New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People gather for evening prayer at a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Yemeni business owner Musa closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty

Another talent agency WME-IMG, has also voiced concern about an apparent growth in anti-immigrant sentiment, saying it was forming a national political action committee.

In a memo to employees seen by Reuters it said it planned to develop "actionable public policy solutions", connecting clients with politicians, and support donations made by employees.

It added "this companys greatest asset is the diversity of our backgrounds and beliefs.

"Please know that we will do everything in our power to support and protect this diversity now and in the months and years ahead."

On Friday Mr Trump reacted angrily on Twitter to the federal court's decision not to reinstate the immigration ban, promising to fight the verdict.
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The Georgia Republican and orthopedic surgeon was confirmed 52-47 to oversee a department with a budget of more than $1 trillion.

Mr Prices confirmation was marked by no small controversy. He was questioned repeatedly by senators over his views about vaccinating children.

 Bernie Sanders grills Tom Price on Trump's health care plans

The congressman belongs to a group, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), which holds several unorthodox views and has described mandatory vaccination as equivalent to human experimentation.

He was also dogged by questions about his trading in hundreds of thousands of dollars in health company stocks while working on healthcare legislation. Reuters said that Democrats boycotted the committee vote on his nomination, saying he had made misleading statements. Mr Price has said his actions were legal and ethical.

Mr Price, in his new job, will have authority to rewrite rules implementing the 2010 Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Mr Price could move quickly to rework the law's regulations while waiting for Republicans in Congress to keep their pledge to scrap the law entirely.

Having Dr Tom Price at the helm of HHS gives us a committed ally in our work to repeal and replace Obamacare, said US House Speaker Paul Ryan, who has vowed to pass a new plan this year.

Mr Trump signed an order on his first day in office directing government agencies to freeze Obamacare regulations and take other steps to weaken the law, a directive that will fall largely on Price. Since then, the president has said that a replacement may not come until next year.
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President Donald Trump's first three weeks in office were filled with a flurry of action, and he's just getting started.

The 45th president has signed 25 executive actions so far, with far-reaching effects on Americans' lives.

While many of them have been billed as executive orders in the popular vernacular, most of them were technically presidential memoranda or proclamations.

The three types of executive actions have different authority and effects, with executive orders holding the most prestige:

Executive orders are assigned numbers and published in the federal register, similar to laws passed by Congress, and typically direct members of the executive branch to follow a new policy or directive.

Presidential memoranda do not have to be published or numbered (though they can be), and usually delegate tasks that Congress has already assigned the president to members of the executive branch.

Finally, while some proclamations  like President Abraham Lincoln's emancipation proclamation  have carried enormous weight, most are ceremonial observances of federal holidays or awareness months.

Scholars have typically used the number of executive orders per term to measure how much presidents have exercised their power. George Washington only signed eight his entire time in office, according to the American Presidency Project, while FDR penned over 3,700.

In his two terms, President Barack Obama issued 277 executive orders, a total number on par with his modern predecessors, but the lowest per year average in 120 years. Trump, so far, has signed 11 executive orders.

Here's a quick guide to the executive actions Trump has made so far, what they do, and how Americans have reacted to them:

Executive Order, February 9: Combating criminal organizations

The order is intended to "thwart" criminal organizations, including "criminal gangs, cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities."

The action directs law enforcement to apprehend and prosecute citizens, and deport non-citizens involved in criminal activities including "the illegal smuggling and trafficking of humans, drugs or other substances, wildlife, and weapons," "corruption, cybercrime, fraud, financial crimes, and intellectual-property theft," and money laundering

The Secretary of State, Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Director of National Intelligence will co-chair a Threat Mitigation Working Group that will identify ways that local, state, federal, and international law enforcement can work together in order to eradicate organized crime.

It also instructs the co-chairs to present the president with a report within 120 days outlining the penetration of criminal organizations into the United States, and recommendations for how to eradicate them.

Executive Order, February 9: Reducing crime

Following up on his promise to restore "law and order" in America, Trump signed an executive order intended to reduce violent crime in the US, and "comprehensively address illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and violent crime."

The action directs Attorney General Jeff Sessions to assemble a task force in order to identify new strategies and laws to reduce crime, and to evaluate how well crime data is being collected and leveraged across the country.

 Donald Trump's biggest Twitter feuds

Trump has come under fire recently for claiming the national murder rate was at an all-time high, when it has in fact dropped to one of the lowest rates ever, with 2015 merely experiencing a slight uptick from the previous year.

Executive Order, February 9: Protecting law enforcement

The order seeks to create new laws that will protect law enforcement, and increase the penalties for crimes committed against them.

It also directs the attorney general to review existing federal grant funding programs to law enforcement agencies, and recommend changes to the programs if they don't adequately protect law enforcement.

The action is likely in response to multiple high-profile police killings over the past year, including a sniper attack that killed five Dallas police officers in July.

Executive Order, February 3: Reviewing Wall Street regulations

Trump signed two actions on Friday that could end up rewriting regulations in the financial industry that Obama and Congress put in place after the 2008 financial crisis.

The executive order sets "Core Principles" of financial regulation declaring that Trump's administration seeks to empower Americans to make their own financial decisions, prevent taxpayer-funded bailouts, and reduce regulations on Wall Street so US companies can compete globally.

It also directs the Secretary of Treasury to review existing regulations on the financial system, determine whether the Core Principles are being met, and report back to the President in 120 days.

Experts worry that loosening regulations could roll back the Obama administration's landmark consumer protection reform bill, Dodd-Frank, aimed at reducing risk in the financial system. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the progressive darling from Massachusetts, led the charge decrying the actions.

Presidential Memorandum, February 3: Reviewing the fiduciary duty rule

The memorandum directs the Treasury Secretary to review the "fiduciary rule," another Obama-era law intended to protect Americans' retirement money from conflicted advice from financial advisers that has long drawn rebuke from Wall Streeters and was scheduled to go into effect in April.

If the secretary finds the rule conflicts with the administration's Core Principles, adversely affects the retirement industry, or causes increased litigation, then he should recommend revising or repealing the rule.

Democratic lawmakers and 38-million-member retiree nonprofit AARP came out against the action.

Presidential proclamation, February 2: American Heart Month

This ceremonial proclamation invited Americans to wear red on Friday, February 3, 2017 for National Wear Red Day, and followed Congress' request in 1963 for presidents to annually declare February American Heart Month. The goal is to remember those who have died from heart disease and to improve its prevention, detection, and treatment.

Executive Order, January 30: For every new regulation proposed, repeal two existing ones

The order states that for every one regulation the executive branch proposes, two must be identified to repeal. It also caps the spending on new regulations for 2017 at $0.

Some environmental groups expressed concern that the order could undo regulations put in place to protect natural resources.

Executive Order, January 28: Drain the swamp

The order requires appointees to every executive agency to sign an ethics pledge saying they will never lobby a foreign government and that they won't do any other lobbying for five years after they leave government.

But it also loosened some ethics restrictions that Obama put in place, decreasing the number of years executive branch employees had to wait since they had last been lobbyists from two years to one.

Presidential Memorandum, January 28: Reorganizing the National and Homeland Security Councils

Trump removed the nation's top military and intelligence advisers as regular attendees of the National Security Council's Principals Committee, the interagency forum that deals with policy issues affecting national security.

The executive measure established Trump's chief strategist, Steve Bannon, as a regular attendee, and disinvited the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Director of National Intelligence to attend only when necessary.

Top Republican lawmakers and national security experts roundly criticized the move, expressing their skepticism that Bannon should be present and alarm that the Joint Chiefs of Staff sometimes wouldn't be.

Presidential Memorandum, January 28: Defeating ISIS

Making a point to use the phrase "radical Islamic terrorism" (something Trump criticized Obama for on the campaign trail), Trump directed his administration "to develop a comprehensive plan to defeat ISIS," drafted within 30 days.

Executive Order, January 27: Immigration ban

In Trump's most controversial executive action yet, he temporarily barred people from majority-Muslim Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, and Syrians from entering until he decides otherwise.

Federal judges in several states declared the order unconstitutional, releasing hundreds of people who were stuck at US airports in limbo. The White House continues to defend the action, insisting it was "not about religion" but about "protecting our own citizens and border."

Tens of thousands of people protested the action in cities and airports across the US, company executives came out against the order, and top Republicans split with their president to criticize Trump's approach.

Presidential Memorandum, January 27: 'Rebuilding' the military

This action directed Secretary of Defense James Mattis to conduct a readiness review of the US military and Ballistic Missile Defense System, and submit his recommendations to "rebuild" the armed forces.

Presidential proclamation, January 26: National School Choice Week

Trump proclaimed January 22 through January 28, 2017 as National School Choice Week.

The ceremonial move aimed to encourage people to demand school-voucher programs and charter schools, of which Trump's Secretary of Education nominee Betsy DeVos is a vocal supporter. Meanwhile, opponents argue that the programs weaken public schools and fund private schools at taxpayers' expense.

Executive Order, January 25: Build the wall

Trump outlined his intentions to build a wall along the US border with Mexico, one of his main campaign promises.

The order also directs the immediate detainment and deportation of illegal immigrants, and requires state and federal agencies tally up how much foreign aid they are sending to Mexico within 30 days, and tells the US Customs and Border Protection to hire 5,000 additional border patrol agents.

While Trump has claimed Mexico will pay for the wall, his administration has since softened this pledge, indicating US taxpayers may have to foot the bill, at least at first.

Executive Order, January 25: Cutting funding for sanctuary cities

Trump called "sanctuary cities" to comply with federal immigration law or have their federal funding pulled.

The order has prompted a mixture of resistance and support from local lawmakers and police departments in the sanctuary cities, which typically refuse to honor federal requests to detain people on suspicion of violating immigration law even if they were arrested on unrelated charges. The city of San Francisco is already suing Trump, claiming the order is unconstitutional.

Executive Order, January 24: Expediting environmental review for infrastructure projects

The order allows governors or heads of federal agencies to request an infrastructure project be considered "high-priority" so it can be fast-tracked for environmental review.

Trump signed the order as a package infrastructure deal, along with three memoranda on oil pipelines.

3 Presidential Memoranda, January 24: Approving pipelines

Trump signed three separate memoranda set to expand oil pipelines in the United States, a move immediately decried by Native American tribes, Democrats, and activists.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

The first two direct agencies to immediately review and approve construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Keystone XL Pipeline, and the third requires all pipeline materials be built in the US.

While pipeline proponents argue that they transport oil and gas more safely than trains or trucks can, environmentalists say pipelines threaten the contamination of drinking water.

Presidential Memorandum, January 24: Reduce regulations for US manufacturing

Trump directed his Secretary of Commerce to review how federal regulations affect US manufacturers, with the goal of figuring out how to reduce them as much as possible.

Presidential Memorandum, January 23: Reinstating the 'Mexico City policy'

The move reinstated a global gag rule that bans American non-governmental organizations working abroad from discussing abortion.

Democratic and Republican presidents have taken turns reinstating it and getting rid of it since Ronald Reagan created the gag order in 1984. The rule, while widely expected, dismayed women's rights and reproductive health advocates, but encouraged antiabortion activists.

Presidential Memorandum, January 23: Hiring Freeze

Trump froze all hiring in the executive branch excluding the military, directing no vacancies be filled, in an effort to cut government spending and bloat.

Union leaders called the action "harmful and counterproductive," saying it would "disrupt government programs and services that benefit everyone."

Presidential Memorandum, January 23: Out of the TPP

This action signaled Trump's intent to withdraw from the Trans Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that would lower tariffs for 12 countries around the Pacific Rim, including Japan and Mexico but excluding China.

Results were mixed. Sen. Bernie Sanders said he was "glad the Trans-Pacific Partnership is dead and gone," while Republican Sen. John McCain said withdrawing was a "serious mistake."

Executive Order, January 20: Declaring Trump's intention to repeal the Affordable Care Act

One of Trump's top campaign promises was to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare.

His first official act in office was declaring his intention to do so. Congressional Republicans have been working to do just that since their term started January 3, though there's dissent among Republicans over whether or not to complete the repeal process before a replacement plan is finalized and strident Democratic resistance to any repeal of the ACA.

Presidential Memorandum, January 20: Reince's regulatory freeze

Trump's Chief of Staff Reince Priebus signed this action, directing agency heads not to send new regulations to the Office of the Federal Register until the administration has leaders in place to approve them.

Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel signed a similar memorandum when he took office in 2009, but as Bloomberg notes, Priebus changed the language from a suggestion to a directive.

The action is partly carried out to make sure the new administration wants to implement any pending regulations the old one was considering. Environmentalists worried if this could mean Trump is about to undo many of Obama's energy regulations.

Read more:

 Science says couples in lasting relationships typically wait this long to start having sex

 The truth about how many chemicals are in everything we eat

 These are the 19 best countries for raising a family, as voted by expats

Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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A portion of the US Capitol was closed on Thursday afternoon after reports of a suspicious package outside the building.

Capitol Police examined the package  which appears to be a duffel bag in photos posted to social media  outside the East Front of the building.

It was initially unclear if the package presented a danger to the people inside, however it was later deemed not to pose a risk to the public.

Officials were understood to have removed the bag.

Security is extremely tight around the US Capitol, the parliament building in Washington DC.
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Donald Trumps Education Secretary was met with protesters shouting stand up - fight back, when she made her first visit to a state school in her new role.

Several dozen protesters, some of them with small children, gathered at Jefferson Middle School in Washington DC, and shouted as Betsy DeVos tried to enter the premises.

Video footage showed her leaving the door she was trying to enter and walk away. Reports said she was eventually able to enter the school by means of an alternative entrance.

ABC News said one protester shouted: She doesnt represent anything that they stand for. Others chanted: Shame, shame, shame.

The Associated Press said the visit, which was closed to the media, was designed to try and help her mend fences with state school teachers and parents across the country.

 Education secretary Betsy DeVos wants to 'advance God's kingdom' through US school system

Ms DeVos, 59, is a billionaire Republican donor who spent more than two decades promoting charter schools and school voucher programmes in her home state of Michigan and elsewhere.

The AP said she faced fierce opposition during the confirmation process from teachers' unions who fear that she intends to defund traditional state schools. Two Republican senators from rural states that rely heavily on public schools, opposed the nomination and Vice President Mike Pence had to cast a tie-breaking vote.

Randy Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the groups that vigorously opposed Ms DeVos nomination, condemned Friday mornings incident.

Several dozen protesters showed up (AP)

Just heard a protester blocked & almost knocked Secy BetsyDeVos down at Jefferson, she wrote on Twitter. We dont condone such acts.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser also said on Twitter that protests should be peaceful. We welcome Betsy DeVos & anyone who wants to learn more about our schools, she wrote.

Jennifer Ibrahim, 34, a humanitarian worker, brought her son to the protest.

I want to support our local public schools, make sure that everybody gets fair treatment under the system and I dont feel like that's where we are headed with our new education person, Ms Ibrahim said. Charter schools aren't necessarily better than public schools.
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Donald Trumps national security advisor is under mounting pressure amid claims he discussed lifting sanctions against Moscow with a Russian diplomat before the then President-elect took office.

Members of Mr Trumps senior team had originally denied claims that Michael Flynn discussed lifting sanctions imposed by Barack Obama to punish Russia for alleged interference in the US election, when he spoke with the countrys ambassador to Washington, Sergey Kislyak. Vice President Mike Pence was among those to deny that sanctions came up in the conversation in late December.

But after nine former or serving intelligence officials told the Washington Post that Mr Flynn had conveyed to Mr Kislyak that the relationship between the US and Russia would change after Mr Trump took office, Mr Flynn changed his stance. Having initially denied the claim, a spokesman subsequently sold the newspaper that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

On Friday, as outcry over Mr Flynns actions grew, the White House was dragged into the issue, with a senior official telling the Associated Press that the national security advisor can't be certain that sanctions were not discussed.

David Corn, Political Editor of Mother Jones, told The Independent, it was now clear that Mr Flynn had not only discussed sanctions with Russia  something that would potentially breach US law  but then misled the public and the media about the conversation.

Its a real scandal. The national security advisor has been both dishonest and dumb, he said. He was discussing things with the Russians, without realising that such calls are under surveillance.

 Michael Flynn: We're officially putting Iran on notice

He added: I think he should be fired for this.

Mr Pence was strident in his defence of Mr Flynn when he appeared on CBSs Face the Nation last month.

It was strictly coincidental that they had a conversation, as new sanctions were announced, Mr Pence said. He insisted the discussion did not address the Obama administrations decision to impose sanctions on Russian intelligence services and expel Russian 35 diplomats it said were actually intelligence operatives.

Mr Pence also said the Trump presidential campaign had no contacts with the Russians ahead of the election. Mr Pences office has now been forced to say it was now looking again at the issue.

One former senior US diplomat who asked not be named, said it was not unusual for incoming administrations to talk to countries such as Russia, before coming into office. He said it was also unclear at this point what precisely Mr Flynn had discussed.

However, others had pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin surprised observers when he did retaliate in kind against the US for the expulsions, a decision Mr Trump quickly praised on twitter.

After US officials first revealed Mr Flynns calls last month, aides to Mr Trump originally denied that a telephone conversations had even taken place on 29 December. Hours later, an official acknowledged one such call.

Mr Trump has long made clear his desire for a reset in the relationship between the US and Russia, saying having a good relationship with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing. Yet others have condemned him for failing to comment on human rights abuses in Russia, or Mr Putins expansionism in places such as Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
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A military veteran organisation has raised more than $200,000 for a renewed campaign effort against the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline.

Veterans Stand has collected $213,500 so far to send supplies to the Standing Rock Native American reservation in North Dakota to help protesters and those who will be affected by the construction of the $3.7 billion pipeline, which would cut through four states and threaten the water supply for millions of people.

The group wrote on their Facebook page: "We have continued to stay in contact with indigenous and camp leadership and have identified several areas where the Veterans Stand network can continue to serve the needs of the camp and local community."

Recommended Veterans heading to Flint after successful Dakota pipeline protest

Michael Woods, founder of Veterans Stand, told CNN that it was unlikely the group will send down a large group of protesters like last time.

"The biggest misconception is that Veterans Stand wants to do anything aggressive in response," he said.

"People want to do something and they just don't know what to do. We just want to give people a platform."

The groups secretary of communications, Anthony Diggs, has spent a week at the Standing Rock Reservation to meet with camp leaders, arrange to send supplies and organise volunteers.

Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline Show all 21 1 /21 Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Despite blizzard conditions, military veterans march in support of the "water protectors" at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Fireworks fill the night sky above Oceti Sakowin Camp as activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline near the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Despite blizzard conditions, military veterans march in support of the "water protectors" at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Fireworks fill the night sky above Oceti Sakowin Camp as activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline near the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Despite blizzard conditions, military veterans march in support of the "water protectors" at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Native American and other activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Chief Arvol Looking Horse of the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota Nation listens to speakers during an interfaith ceremony at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Today the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending the months-long standoff. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: An Native American activist rides down fom a ridge which overlooks Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Despite blizzard conditions, military veterans march in support of the "water protectors" at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Political activist Cornel West listen to speakers during an interfaith ceremony at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Today the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending the months-long standoff. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline Activists hold hands during a prayer circle as they try to surround the entire camp at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country gather at the camp trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. / AFP / JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline Activists celebrate at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota, after hearing that the Army Corps of Engineers has denied the current route for the Dakota Access pipeline. / AFP / JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Chief Arvol Looking Horse (L) of the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota Nation listens as political activist Cornel West speaks during an interfaith ceremony at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Today the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending the months-long standoff. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Military veterans from Southern California collect firewood for their campsite at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Despite blizzard conditions, military veterans march in support of the "water protectors" at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 03: Activists participate in an art project conceived by Cannupa Hunska Luger, from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 3, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been gathering at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 05: Military veterans are briefed on cold-weather safety issues and their overall role at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 5, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Over the weekend a large group of military veterans joined native Americans and activists from around the country who have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Yesterday the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will not grant an easement for the pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation. The proposed 1,172-mile-long pipeline would transport oil from the North Dakota Bakken region through South Dakota, Iowa and into Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Native American and other activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Native American activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline CANNON BALL, ND - DECEMBER 04: Native American and other activists celebrate after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Getty Images Sioux from Standing Rock claim victory over Dakota Pipeline Activists celebrate at Oceti Sakowin Camp on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota, after hearing that the Army Corps of Engineers has denied the current route for the Dakota Access pipeline. The US Army Corps of Engineers on Sunday announced they will no longer allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under a lake on the Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota, marking a huge win for Native Americans and protesters who had long opposed the construction. / AFP / JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images

Fundraising efforts this year follow thousands of veterans joining the tribe in 2016 to block Energy Transfer Partners from completing the pipeline under Lake Oahe and the Missouri River, which would pollute the tribes water supply and affect around 17 million people who live downstream.

Veterans also raised more than $1.5 million for the cause last year to provide transportation and supplies for the protesters.

 What is the Dakota Access Pipeline?

Clashes with police turned violent as temperatures dropped in winter, with law enforcement using water hoses and tear gas. One canister badly damaged the arm of a woman protester.

Hundreds of people were arrested.

Former President Obama ordered the US Army Corps of Engineers in December to look at ways to reroute the pipeline, instead of it running within half a mile of the Standing Rock Reservation. His decision was hailed as a big victory for a grassroots campaign and protesters on the ground.

Yet within four days of Mr Trump assuming office, he signed an executive order to "get the pipeline built", as well as the Keystone XL pipeline from TransCanada.

ETP announced building would begin again "immediately" and would be complete within about 83 days.
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American and Chinese military aircraft have had an unsafe encounter over the contested South China Sea amid warnings that the risk of skirmishes is increasing in the contested region.

Major Robert Shuford, a spokesperson for US Pacific Command, said a US Navy patrol plane was involved in the interaction on Wednesday.

Calling it unsafe, he said the P-3C Orion had been conducting a routine mission when it neared a Chinese KJ-200 surveillance aircraft.

The Department of Defense and US Pacific Command are always concerned about unsafe interactions with Chinese military forces, Major Shuford said.

 Rex Tillerson calls China's actions in the South China Sea 'illegal'

We will address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels.

A US official told Reuters the two aircraft came within 1,000 feet (305 meters) of each other near the Scarborough Shoal, between the Philippines and the Chinese mainland.

The official added that such incidents involving Chinese and American aircraft are infrequent, with only two having taken place in 2016.

In 2001, a collision between a US EP-3 surveillance plane and a Chinese naval air force jet in resulted in the death of the Chinese pilot and the 10-day detention of the American air crew by China.

Kerry Brown, an associate fellow in the Asia programme at Chatham House, warned earlier this month that there may be skirmishes between American and Chinese military assets at sea.

He told The Independent that Donald Trumps provocative and chaotic approach was increasing tensions, adding: Its a no-win situation. Only through the act of the most amazing stupidity and provocation would conflict happen.

But Mr Trump and his team have shown they are willing to do very high-risk things.

It is significantly more probable that there would be a misunderstanding than it has been for many, many years. It is still improbable but significantly more likely.

China's Liaoning aircraft carrier with accompanying fleet conducts a drill in an area of South China Sea (Reuters)

Veerle Nouwens, a research analyst for Asia studies at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) said Mr Trumps approach was creating a heightened risk of miscalculation in the South China Sea.

The KJ-200 is a propeller airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) based originally on the old Soviet-designed An-12, used to detect aircraft, ships and vehicles at long range.

China's defence ministry told state media its pilot responded with legal and professional measures.

We hope the US side keeps in mind the present condition of relations between the two countries and militaries, adopts practical measures, and eliminates the origin of air and sea mishaps between the two countries, the Global Times quoted an unnamed official as saying.

China and the Philippines have been locked in a standoff over the Scarborough Shoal since 2012, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the rich fishing grounds, along with Taiwan.

Filipino authorities attempted to investigate evidence of illegal fishing but were blocked by Chinese maritime surveillance ships, causing the Philippine government to file a legal case in 2013 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague.

The move infuriated Beijing, which refused to take part in proceedings, and the court largely rejected Chinese claims last year.

Tensions have eased since the election of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has sought to mend ties with China.

World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Show all 29 1 /29 World reaction to President Trump: In pictures World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty Images World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mosul , Iraq Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures New Delhi, India Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Karachi, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kabul, Afghanistan AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem. Israel Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Moscow, Russia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Seoul, South Korea AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Peshawar, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Hyderabad, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kolkata, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Aleppo, Syria Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem, Israel EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Baghdad, Iraq Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Tokyo, Japan Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico Getty

But relations between the superpower and the US could hit a new period of turbulence under Mr Trump, who made a series of incendiary claims during his campaign, including that China was financially raping the US.

The new President has also shaken Beijing by questioning the One China policy, which does not formally recognise Taiwan, and speaking to the island nations President over the phone in a break with decades of diplomatic policy.

Mr Trump reaffirmed Americas support for the policy in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday evening, when the White House said the pair invited each other to visit their respective countries in an extremely cordial discussion.

Chinese state television reported that Mr Xi praised Mr Trump's affirmation that he would maintain only unofficial relations with Taiwan and said China was willing to work with the US to enhance ties and bring more fruitful gains for the benefit of our two peoples and those in every country.

Some questioned why the US President had taken so long to call his counterpart given that he'd already spoken with more than a dozen world leaders, and his predecessors had extended good wishes to the China for last month's Lunar New Year.

Tensions had worsened when Mr Trump accused the Chinese military of stealing an underwater research vessel in the South China Sea in an unprecedented act in December.

Beijing said it removed the device from international waters to ensure the safe navigation of passing ships, and later returned the vessel amid continuing controversy over the contested region, where the US conducts freedom of navigation operations.

China is deeply suspicious of any American military activity in the resource-rich South China Sea, while the US has previously criticised the militarisation of maritime outposts and construction on a number of artificial islands and reefs.

Additional reporting by agencies
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An Amnesty International report which claimed that up to 13,000 people have been hanged in a Syrian prison as part of an extermination campaign, has been called fake news by the country's president, Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian leader insisted it had been fabricated on fake allegations in a bid to undermine the government.

Put into question the credibility of Amnesty International, it is always biased and politicised and it is a shame for such an organisation to publish a report without a shred of evidence, he told Yahoo News. They havent been to Syria, they only made their reports on allegations. You can forge anything these days - we are living in a fake news era.

Amnestys report said that mass hangings were taking place at the Saydnaya Prison on the outskirts of Syria's capital Damascus, was part of a systematic campaign of torture and "extermination" against dissidents.

Detainees referred to the prison as the slaughterhouse, it said, adding that the hangings had been authorised by officials at the highest level government from 2011.

Amnesty International carried out 84 interviews to compile the report, which included 31 men who were detained at Saydnaya and four prison officials or guards who previously worked at the prison.

They also spoke to, three former Syrian judges, three doctors who worked at Tishreen Military Hospital, four Syrian lawyers, 17 international and national experts on detention in Syria and 22 family members of people who were or still are detained at the prison.

The human rights organisation is barred from entering the country by the Syrian authorities and so interviews were carried out in southern Turkey, via telephone or by other remote means.

But Mr Assad accused the organisation of having deliberately fabricated information.

They said it is based on interviews but what about the documents," he said. "What about the concrete evidence?

He added: It means nothing. When you make a report you need evidence, concrete evidence. You can make any report and pay money to anyone."

An aerial view of Saydnaya Prison (Amnesty International)

Previously, the justice ministry claimed the findings were totally untrue and were part of a smear campaign, in a statement published by state-controlled media.

Asked whether he knew what was going on inside the prison and whether he had been there, Mr Assad replied: No, I have been in the Presidential palace.

He added that the US had no grounds on which to condemn Syria for human rights abuses considering its own record.

The US is in no position to talk about human rights since the Vietnam War. Since that moment, when they killed millions of civilians and 1.5 millions in Iraq without any assignment by the Security Council, he said.

Your own the questions, I own the answers, the Syrian President also told his American interviewer.

Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters

Executions by the Syrian government or by affiliated institutions were legal actions following a trial, he insisted.

After the report's publication, Boris Johnson said he was sickened by the reported executions, adding: Assad responsible for so many deaths and has no future as leader.

The report covers the period from 2011 to 2015, when Amnesty said 20 to 50 people were hanged each week at Saydnaya Prison in killings authorised by senior Syrian officials, including deputies of President Bashar al-Assad, and carried out by military police.

The report referred to the killings as a "calculated campaign of extrajudicial execution".

Before detainees were hanged, the victims were allegedly condemned to death in trials lasting between one and three minutes. The decisions were made without the presence of a lawyer and the victims were not given any information about their sentence, the report said.
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Dutch police say they have seized enough materials in a truck to make one billion ecstasy pills.

Officers said they found 100 canisters of hydrogen, 15 tons of caustic soda and 3,000 litres of other chemicals in a lorry around 50 miles south of Rotterdam.

Police say the haul, found in the village of Rilland close to the Belgium border, is worth several hundred thousand Euros.

The force said on Twitter: Very large batch of raw materials found in trailer. Substances and truck are today still being drained.

Commodities have commercial value of some 100,000 and in ecstasy laboratory are good for 1 billion pills. Very big catch!

It is believed some of the chemicals were stolen, as the canisters of hydrogen gas found on board cannot be purchased publicly, according to Sky News.

The Independent has contacted police for more details, but no one has reportedly been arrested.

An estimated one in 20 young people use ecstasy each year, according to the Crime Survey of England and Wales.

A 19-year-old Manchester teenager, and a 16-year-old girl at a house party near Edinburgh, both died after taking ecstasy last year.

Around 360kg in cocaine, worth about 50m on the streets, washed up on a Norfolk beach today.
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Top EU diplomat Federica Mogherini has asked the US not to "interfere" in European politics.

Ms Mogherini made the remarks on the second day of a two-day visit to Washington, her first since Donald Trump became President.

"We do not interfere in US politics [...] And Europeans expect that America does not interfere in European politics," AFP quoted Ms Mogherini saying.

Her remarks follow the US President's repeated praise of Brexit, calling it a "great thing" and saying the UK was "smart" for voting to leave the EU.

In January, then-US ambassador to the EU Anthony Gardner said Mr Trump was supporting the fragmentation of Europe by backing Brexit  an outcome he said would not be in America's best interests.

During Ms Mogherini's visit, she also said meetings with the Trump administration had given her confidence that the US was committed to following through with the Iran nuclear deal.

"I was reassured by what I heard in the meetings on the intention to stick to the full implementation of the agreement," Ms Mogherini told reporters a day after talks at the White House and State Department.

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

She said the new administration made clear it had not decided on a new American ambassador to the EU, and had also not decided on a way forward on stalled US-European trade talks.

At the start of a series of meetings with top officials, the EU's foreign affairs boss said she hoped to find "common ground" with the Trump administration.
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A French law that banned people from regularly visiting jihadist websites, which encourage or praise acts of terrorism, has been ruled unconstitutional.

The constitutional council, a top judicial body, has overturned the law which was brought in last June after a terrorist attack by jihadist militants killed 130 people in Paris in November 2015.

In a ruling, the 10-members of the constitutional council vetoed the law, which would imposed a two-year prison sentence and a 30,000 (25,575) fine for anyone consulting jihadist websites regularly on the basis it infringed unnecessarily and disproportionately on freedom of communication.

In a statement, the council said that French law enforcement agencies had enough resources to tackle terrorism by monitoring websites, which incited militancy, and people who clearly had "a terrorist intention" without the need for this new law.

The case was brought before the constitutional council by a lawyer, whose client was found guilty of the offence and was sentenced for two-years by a tribunal in Anger.

The lawyer decried the new law as very vague and warned it could lead to prosecutions of a large number of people, who were being asked to prove their good faith.

The man accused of the offence was also sentenced for other offences and it is unclear how the ruling will affect his prison term.

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 decision comes as a 16-year-old girl was among four suspects arrested in Montpellier, south of France, for allegedly planning a new terror attack in a tourist area of Paris after explosives and bomb-making material were found in a mans home.

The 16-year-old girl and her 20-year-old boyfriend, both in custody, were known from the French authorities for their alleged connection with radical Islam.

France has been under a state of emergency since the horrific attack in November 2015 and has since seen another attack last July, which killed 86 people in Nice during national day celebrations.
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Police in France have claimed that an officer anally raped a 22-year-old black man with a truncheon by mistake.

In an initial investigation, they found insufficient evidence to support the man's claim that he was deliberately sodomised.

A lawyer for one of the officer's suggested his expandable baton slipped into the man's anus by accident.

The findings of the internal police inquiry were announced as violent protests continued for a sixth night in Paris' northern suburbs, over the incident involving a man identified only as Theo.

The youth worker suffered such severe injuries to his rectum during an arrest last week in Aulnay-sous-Bois, north of Paris, that he needed major emergency surgery and remains in hospital.

The case drew attention to alleged police brutality in France, where officers are regularly accused of using excessive force in poorer neighbourhoods, particularly against young black men.

President Francois Hollande visited Theo, who had no police record prior to the incident and was stopped last week for an identity check, in hospital on Tuesday, in a bid to calm tensions on housing estates and deflect criticism that the government has not taken allegations of police brutality seriously.

With Mr Hollande beside his hospital bed, Theo made a televised appeal for his neighbourhood to stay calm and stay united. He said he did not want a war on the estate and that he trusted the justice system.

But the finding of the inquiry may now spark more protests.

A woman holds up a placard during a protest in support of a man allegedly abused while in police custody in central Paris on February 8, 2017 (AFP/Getty Images)

Police reviewed a video which reportedly shows an officer applying a truncheon blow horizontally across the buttocks. After this Theo's trousers slipped down on their own, a police source told French media.

Investigators said they had taken into account the questioning of the victim and the (police officers), eyewitness accounts and CCTV recordings and had concluded that there are insufficient elements to show that this was a rape.

However, a magistrate has charged one of the police officers with rape and is still investigating the case. Three other officers have been charged with assault and all four have been suspended.

Theo said in the television interview that he thought he was going to die during the incident. He said a police baton was forced into his anus and that he was then sprayed with teargas to the face and mouth and beaten to the head while officers shouted insults, including bitch. He said the pain from being sprayed and beaten to the head seemed fleeting because he was in such agony from the baton attack. I was walking only because they were holding me up, he said.

He was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery to repair his rectum. Doctors said he would be incapacitated for three months.

Police said things were quieter in the area where the incident occurred after Theo's public appeal for calm, but on Wednesday 28 people were detained in neighbouring Parisian suburbs for throwing objects, lighting fires and violence.

Protests spread to northwestern France, with 20 people arrested in Nantes following a demonstration of around 400 people in support of Theo and incidents in the city of Rennes as well.

Sebastian Roche, a sociologist specialising in French policing, told Le Parisien newspaper that in recent years politicians had done little to address the decaying relationship between police and young people or to tackle the tensions and racial discrimination on housing estates. He said: The crucial question is how to treat citizens in an equal way? No government on the right or left has seized on this question.

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

Last year, French police took part in a national protest against what they calledanti-cop hatred, after clashes with demonstrators at rallies against the governments proposed new labour laws.

In 2005, weeks of riots erupted on estates across France after two teenagers were electrocuted when they hid in an electricity substation while being chased by police. The death in police custody last summer of a young black man just outside Paris, and the slow reaction of authorities, has sparked accusations of police violence and a state cover-up. An investigation is continuing.

Last autumn, Frances highest court upheld a ruling finding the French state guilty of carrying out unjustified identity checks on men from ethnic minorities.
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Cannabis is set to be legalised for the treatment of several medical conditions in Ireland.

A new scheme will see the drug used to treat patients with epilepsy, intractable nausea and other illnesses. Running for five years, it will be monitored by health service experts.

A report by Ireland's Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) warned of the lack of evidence over Cannabis' effectiveness and safety,

But Simon Harris, the country's Minister for Health has given the go ahead for the drug to be used.

I believe this report marks a significant milestone in developing policy in this area, Mr Harris told The Guardian. This is something I am eager to progress but I am also obligated to proceed on the basis of the best clinical advice.

Professor Tony OBrien, chairman of the HRPA, said he was pleased to cautiously advise for the restricted use of cannabis products for a small number of medical conditions.

Access to medicinal cannabis is ultimately a societal and policy decision which has to balance the lack of scientific evidence against patient-led demand, the report said, according to The Irish Times.

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 did however note there was insufficient information about the long-term safety of cannabis usage.

The scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of cannabis across a large range of medical conditions is in general poor, and often conflicting, it said. Cannabis has potential therapeutic benefits but these need to be better defined through clinical research.
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A woman has been jailed for murdering her allegedly abusive husband in self-defence.

Natalia Markelova was given an eight-year sentence this week despite claiming husband Evgeny Markelov beat her repeatedly and even placed the knife in her hand.

The Russian was convicted just one day after President Vladimir Putin relaxed domestic violence laws.

Mr Putin downgraded battery of a relative to a civil offence, instead of a criminal one, in cases where no one has suffered harm deemed serious.

The court heard Mr Markelov wielded a knife and threatened to kill the 39-year-old during a vodka-induced attack at their Yekaterinburg home on 18 October, 2015.

The woman claims the 41-year-old placed the knife in her hand, telling her to kill him, but the knife pierced his chest during the ensuing scuffle.

She was allowed to live at home on the charge of excessive self-defence, but it was reclassified as murder a year later.

The woman caused a stab wound to the heart of her husband, read the statement by the Investigative Committee of Russia in Sverdlovsk, which said she was convicted based on forensic, medical and genetic evidence.

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 criminal case investigation carried out complex measures aimed at establishing all the circumstances of the crime.

Her lawyer has reportedly lodged an appeal.

Friend Yulia Gracheva said: "We do not understand how the court did not consider that she was repeatedly beaten by her husband this."

In a bizarre re-enactment that Ms Markelova performed for a TV interview in the flat while on bail, she admitted: "I was lying and watching TV and told him go to bed. If you don't, I will call the police.

He replied: If you call the police, I will kill you. So you better kill me now.

Mr Putins United Russia party introduced the legislation on Tuesday to protect parents right to discipline their children and reduce the states ability to meddle in family life.

But critics said it was a step backwards which would exonerate tyrants in the home and discourage victims from reporting abuse.

Around 14,000 women are killed by husbands or other relatives in Russia each year, according to a 2010 United Nations report.

A follow-up newspaper column by writer Yaroslav Korobatov said: For years, women who have been smacked around by their husbands have found solace in the rather hypocritical proverb, If he beats you, it means he loves you!

"However, a new scientific study is giving women with irascible husbands new grounds to be proud of their bruises, insofar as women who are beaten, biologists confirm, have a valuable advantage  theyre more likely to give birth to boys!"
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Police are likely to recommend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is indicted following an investigation into bribery allegations, national broadcaster Channel 2 has reported.

Multiple investigations into the leader were opened, but Case 1000  which allegedly involves illegal gifts  was being treated as separate to the other ongoing investigations.

The TV channel reported that Case 1000 was to be closed with a recommendation to indict the Israeli leader in the next six weeks.

Mr Netanyahu was reportedly questioned under police caution three times as part of the inquiry. He is expected to be interviewed once more before the probe closes.

Recommended Israeli police probe into Netanyahu corruption allegations widens

The leader is accused of accepting of tens of thousands of dollars in gifts  including suits and cigars  from wealthy businessmen. He has vigorously denied any wrongdoing.

Details of the probes into Mr Netanyahu have been scarce, and it was reported in June that the Chief of the Israeli Police Roni Alsheikh had demanded they be conducted in total secrecy.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told Haaretz: "Its all nonsense.

Since Netanyahus victory in the last elections and even before, hostile elements have used heroic efforts to attempt to bring about his downfall, with false accusations against him and his family."

Investigators are also reportedly looking into allegations Mr Netanyahu accepted 1 million (850,000) from Arnaud Mimran, a French businessman currently serving eight years in prison for committing a large-scale carbon-tax fraud.

During his trial, Mimran claimed to have donated the money to Mr Netanyahu during the 2009 Israeli election campaign  something the politician has consistently denied.

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

Earlier this year a spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister said: Mr Netanyahu received no prohibited contribution from Mimran. Any other claim is a lie.

The Prime Minister did, however, admit accepting $40,000 (33,000) from him in 2001.

Mr Netanyahu and his family have been plagued by corruption allegations throughout his time in office.

It was reported in June that the Attorney General, Avichai Mandelblit, was planning to close three cases of fraud against Mr Netanyahus wife, Sara, against the recommendation of police.

Investigators had reportedly recommended Ms Netanyahu be charged with three incidents of fraud after allegedly using public money for personal use.

She is accused of spending state funds on patio furniture and gourmet dinners made by private chefs.
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US President Donald Trump has said he is thinking seriously about moving the countrys embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Mr Trump made the remarks in an interview with Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, published on Friday. The holy city is contested by Israel and the Palestinians, who both claim it as their capital.

The inflammatory promise  made on the campaign trail  has been condemned by the international community.

Observers worry such a symbolic move could spark renewed violence in Israel and the Muslim world, and risks showing the US is no longer interested in pursuing a two-state solution.

 Barack Obama uses final interview as President to slam Israeli policy on settlements

Since taking office Mr Trumps administration had approached his campaign rhetoric with more caution.

Despite enthusiasm from several prominent Israeli politicians, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters last month that the US was only at the very beginning stages of even discussing this subject.

While the election of Mr Trump  who is regarded as far more sympathetic to Israeli interests than his predecessor Barack Obama  was welcomed in Israel, the president also used the Israel Hayom interview to say he does not think Israeli settlement building in the West Bank is good for peace.

The remarks represent the most direct comments Mr Trump has made on the subject since taking office.

Israel, emboldened by what one politician described as a friend in the White House, has pushed through plans for thousands of settler homes over the 1967 Green Line in the past few weeks. Last week the Knesset also voted to legalise around 4,000 homes already built on privately owned Palestinian land.

Israel: From independence to intifada Show all 7 1 /7 Israel: From independence to intifada Israel: From independence to intifada 26973.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26974.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26975.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26976.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26977.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26985.bin Robert Capa/Magnum Israel: From independence to intifada 26986.bin Robert Capa/Magnum

Palestinian officials have been outraged by both the new building plans and the proposed embassy move, which Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas wrote to Mr Trump to warn it could "open the gates of hell". One senior Fatah member called the move as good as as declaration of war.

Jerusalem has already seen an upswing in stabbings and shooting attacks in the last 18 months in what has been dubbed the Jerusalem intifada.

Israeli media has reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus cabinet has met for special consultations with police, security services and the Israel Defence Force (IDF) in preparedness for scenarios of worsening violence if the US does move its embassy to the city.

Army officials warned they expected violence could also spread to the West Bank.

Over the years several US presidential candidates have made the same pledge in an effort to reach out to Jewish American voters and assure Israel that strong relations with the country are a high priority for their administration, but none have followed through with the plan once reaching office.
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A former Israel Defence Force (IDF) general has warned that Israel could enter another conflict with the Gaza-based militant Palestinian group Hamas before the end of the year.

The housing minister and former head of the armys Southern Command Yoav Galant told Israel Radio in an interview earlier this week that the [current] reality, in my assessment, might lead to a situation in which Hamas is drawn to escalation in the spring or the summer.

While Gen Galant made the same prediction about the summer of 2016, following the exchange of rocket fire between the Gaza Strip and Israeli forces this week many are on edge.

Hamas fired a rocket from the enclave into Israel on Monday, leading to a quick retaliation in the form of a series of strikes by the IDF.

Three Palestinians were injured in around a dozen Israeli strikes throughout the day, including in Gaza City, medical sources in the territory said.

Gazan media reported Hamas officials as accusing Israel of risking another war with the action.

Last month the IDF said that the group's military capabilities had been restored to their pre-2014 war strength.

Hard-right education minister Naftali Bennett said earlier this week that he believed war was a matter of when, not if.

In Gaza, they are continuing to threaten us and try to harm us Only with a total victory over our enemy will we put an end to this, he added.

Israel: From independence to intifada Show all 7 1 /7 Israel: From independence to intifada Israel: From independence to intifada 26973.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26974.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26975.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26976.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26977.bin Israel: From independence to intifada 26985.bin Robert Capa/Magnum Israel: From independence to intifada 26986.bin Robert Capa/Magnum

The IDF has played down the political rhetoric.

We have no interest in an escalation of violence, but are determined to fulfil our obligation and protect the people of Israel from attacks originating in Gaza, army spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner told The Times of Israel.

The strikes against Hamas positions were a clear message that it is responsible for the attacks against Israel and will be held accountable, he said.

Before this week, the most recent rocket fire from Gaza into Israel occurred in October.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.

Since the last war in 2014, a fragile ceasefire along the largely closed border has been observed
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Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has approved a controversial bill that could see him stay in office until 2029, before it goes to a country-wide referendum.

Under the proposed far-reaching changes to the executive branch of government, the power to appoint and dismiss government ministers would become the duty of the president rather than the prime minister.

The reform would also allow Mr Erdogan to become leader of the ruling party while in office again, and possibly stay in office for another 12 years.

Parliament approved the package in three votes and several rounds of intense  and sometimes violent  debate.

While the bill was passed by MPs, it did not receive a big enough majority to become law without a public vote. Deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Friday that the referendum was likely to be held on April 26.

During a January debate on the lengthy bill, prime minister Binali Yildirim said the reform would resolve the problem of Turkey having two executive authorities.

 Theresa May unveils 100m defence deal on fighter jets during Turkey trip

There needs to be one authority in the executive branch, he said. Two captains sink the ship, there needs to be one captain.

Mr Erdogans ruling AK party argues that Turkeys current fragile economic and security situations need strong leadership, but opponents have already voiced fears about the authoritarian nature of the bill. Critics say it would concentrate even more power in the hands of a leader they accuse of authoritarian behaviour with little tolerance for dissent.

Turkey protests: Erdogan is Turkey's Mrs Thatcher - and he's not for turning either Show all 3 1 /3 Turkey protests: Erdogan is Turkey's Mrs Thatcher - and he's not for turning either Turkey protests: Erdogan is Turkey's Mrs Thatcher - and he's not for turning either 169917998.jpg Getty Images Turkey protests: Erdogan is Turkey's Mrs Thatcher - and he's not for turning either 169906502.jpg Getty Images Turkey protests: Erdogan is Turkey's Mrs Thatcher - and he's not for turning either 169917619.jpg Getty Images

President Erdogan has steadily consolidated his control of Turkeys branches of government since his election in 2014.

There has been a particular crackdown on members of the opposition, academics, journalists and rights activists since a failed military coup in July last year, after which the government declared a state of emergency.

If the proposed changes to the presidential system go ahead they will mark a crowning achievement for Mr Erdogan, whose AK party has already begun campaigning for a "yes" vote before the official campaigning period begins.
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Rabbis have refused a victim of domestic violence a divorce because they said they understood why her husband beat her and did not think it would happen again.

The womans husband was first jailed when he assaulted her after she said she wanted to leave him. Since then he has been charged with attacking her on two more occasions.

But a group of Jewish judges in Jerusalem have ruled the attack was not grounds for a gett  a religious divorce  because the husband had apologised and expressed remorse for what they described as non-recurring violence.

A regional religious court first denied the woman a divorce in July, shortly before her husband was found guilty of assaulting her.

A few weeks later, she called the police to report that her husband had punched her in the face and bruised her shoulder, Haaretz reported.

Her husband admitted to the attack and spent 75 days in prison.

After his release, he was indicted and found guilty twice more of violence against his wife.

The woman appealed the regional courts original verdict to the Rabbinical Court of Appeals in Jerusalem. But the court of appeals referred the case back to the regional court.

On 1 February a group of three presiding rabbis  Yosef Goldberg, David Birdugo, and Mordechai Ralbag  again rejected the wifes motion to end the marriage.

Unquestionably, any harm the husband causes the wife is unjustifiable in any circumstances; any violence should be treated gravely and condemned, especially severe violence like that described in the indictment, the rabbis wrote.

25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Show all 12 1 /12 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-5.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-1.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-3.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-2.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-4.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-6.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-7.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-8.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-9.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-10.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-11.jpg AFP / Getty 25,000 attend huge wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families Untitled-12.jpg AFP / Getty

But on the other hand, there is also no doubt that the husbands eruption was due to his difficult situation after his wife filed for divorce.

Despite the husband beating his wife on three separate occasions, the rabbi's wrote that his behaviour had been an "aberration", that he had admitted to his mistake and we can assume he wont be repeating these deeds in the future.

Around 20 women are murdered by a husband or male partner in Israel each year.

In 2015, 755 women nationwide accessed domestic violence shelters, an increase of 20 per cent from the year before.

People working in the women's sector say there are extra barriers to ultra-Orthodox women receiving help.

Ultra-Orthodox communities tend to be quite isolated and suspicious of government services. Meanwhile, divorce is considered shameful, and women cannot divorce their husbands if they do not agree.

In a letter to the attorney general, womens rights activist and lawyer Batya Kahane Dror and lawyer Hadas Grossman wrote that the rabbi's ruling empowers men to beat their wives if they want a divorce in defiance of the mans wishes.

The two vowed to appeal the verdict, which they said further weakened the publics faith in the rabbinical justice system.
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For years, I thought of Florida only in terms of the peninsula that dips into the Atlantic like a finger. But theres so much more to the state  the so-called Panhandle, which extends hundreds of miles west to the Perdido River and the Alabama state line. Halfway along the Panhandle, a bulge dips into the Gulf of Mexico. The southernmost part comprises of Gulf County  whose shore is known as the Forgotten Coast.

What time is it?

Port St Joe is the main town, and a world, or 500 miles away, from the bright lights of Miami.

Its a fair drive, but seven days hire of a compact car from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport starts from 187 with Hertz.co.uk. Its in the same time zone as Floridas biggest city, but most of the county isnt. Indeed, Gulf County is chronologically confusing: parts are in Central Time, an hour behind other parts in Eastern Time. At the Lookout Lounge, the time zone runs straight through the outdoor deck. If youre feeling nostalgic, walk 10 feet over the line to enjoy the last hour again.

Port St Joe

Traffic lights and baked oysters

At the other end of the countys coastline, the Indian Pass Trading Post is better known as the Raw Bar. Its an only-in-Florida experience. A dozen oysters, baked with Parmesan cheese, cost less than $15. And the well-stocked fridge is run as an honesty bar. Nearby, Turtle Beach Inn is one of several divine places to stay on the beach, with its own boardwalk leading you to the warm waters of the Gulf. Heading inland, the town of Wewahitchka (more concisely known as Wewa) has an unusual characteristic for this part of Florida: traffic signals - one of only three sets in the whole of Gulf County.

Water, water everywhere

Close by is Dead Lakes, an eerie waterscape populated by the half-submerged skeletons of trees. You can paddle for hours in idyllic isolation. Staying on the water, in St Joseph State Park, on St Joseph Peninsula, overlooking  yes, youve guessed it, St Joseph Bay  you can try paddleboarding. The claw-like peninsula protects the bay from the Gulf beyond, making it gratifyingly calm for travellers with a wobble. On the other side of the claw, the Gulf shore is often lively with surf. This is one of the few places in the US where you can ride a horse through the shallows. Gulf County is a place to let time stand still, whatever zone you are in, as you have the time of your life.

Dead Lakes, Wewahitchka

Discover more at Visit Florida
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Long-haul flying is a highly artificial environment, in which people are placed in close proximity for a prolonged spell, often overnight. So perhaps its understandable that some people get upset. On a number of flights I have witnessed altercations about personal space, involving reclining seats, armrest wars or cases where an obese passenger spills into the space of the occupant of the adjacent seat.

The often-free availability of alcohol often fuels such in-flight conflicts. But of an altogether more serious magnitude is the phenomenon of sexual assaults on planes  as reportedly suffered by Allison Dvaladze on a Delta flight from Seattle to Amsterdam last year.

Ms Dvaladze says the alleged attack took place about three hours into the flight, when the man in the next seat repeatedly groped her. She told BBC Radio 5 Lives Phil Williams: My initial response was just to hit him because I was so shocked. He grabbed me again and I hit him again and the third time he went to grab me I tried to block myself and he hit me.

Recommended Alleged inflight sex assault victim demands airlines take action

She alerted the cabin crew, but says: Its clear to me that theyre not trained to handle these situations.

Petty crime in aircraft is a well-known phenomenon, usually involving thefts from bags. On flights to Prague, for example, the Foreign Office warns: Theres a risk of pickpocketing on flights from the UK, so keep your passport and valuables with you before and during your flight. But clearly a sexual assault is more serious, and demands a proper criminal investigation.

The very nature of a long-haul flight should make it straightforward to deal with assaults: a passenger plane is a very public environment, the perpetrator cant escape, and there are likely to be numerous witnesses. So a crime like this should be straightforward to investigate and bring to justice.

The cabin crews prime responsibility is safety. If anything happens to jeopardise passengers wellbeing, whether a drunk running amok or a serious assault, the passenger has to be dealt with. The aircraft is a crime scene.

If a passenger reports inappropriate behaviour then the senior cabin-crew member should take control, assess the situation, speak to the apparent victim and to passengers in adjacent seats. Contemporaneous notes are valuable for evidence in any criminal trial.

The captain must be alerted, so that he or she can decide whether to divert the aircraft because they have an out-of-control person onboard, or to make sure the police will meet the flight on arrival.

In the case of Allison Dvaladze, I estimate the plane would have been over Baffin Island in Arctic Canada at the time of the incident  not the sort of place you want to divert to in the middle of the night if you can possibly avoid it.

In a statement, Delta told me: When we become aware of incidents onboard, we always investigate so appropriate action may be taken, coordinating with local law enforcement when requested by the customer and crew.

Airlines, in my experience, tend to be good at warning passengers about the consequences of bad behaviour, but poor at following through. I suspect one reason for the apparent lack of enthusiasm to begin criminal proceedings (as well as civil recovery of costs associated with a diversion, for example) is the practical implications. The last thing an airline wants is several members of cabin crew off the roster and having to attend court to give evidence, quite possibly in a foreign country.

But unless airlines show they take sexual assaults extremely seriously, they could face more stringent regulations.
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There were plenty of things to send Donald Trump into a tizzy this week, not least the shutting down of his immigration travel ban by those fools who call themselves judges. Yet, somehow he found time also to aim his Twitter barrels at Nordstrom, a department store chain. I ask you.

Even before it booted the fashion and jewellery line that bears the name Ivanka Trump from all its locations, Nordstrom was probably struggling in the Presidents books. It is based in Seattle. Bad. Thats where the federal judge who first put the kibosh on the travel ban sits. It calls itself a luxury shopping destination. Bad too. Trump is for the people, not the elite. Unless they are the ones paying the $200,000 he now charges for them to join his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

The real sin of Nordstrom was not just to announce that it would no longer stock Ivankas products, but to dare say that it was ditching them because they werent selling. Not selling?

This is the religion that gets Mr Trump out of bed in the morning. Trump sells bigly, for Petes sake. In the latter half of his career especially, he discovered the easiest money was to be made not in building and operating things like casinos and resorts himself but just allowing others to slap his name on their projects. And on ties made in China. And steaks.

His name, Trump, is a selling elixir, in his mind. (Lets not dwell on the flops, like the not-so-lamented Trump airline shuttling folk between Boston, New York and Washington with faux-marble basins in the toilets. It literally flopped in three years.) Its why he is where he is now. He stitched those five letters to a presidential candidacy and, hey presto, King of the World.

Now he has merchandising power beyond even his wildest dreams. Pictures of him sitting atop Trump Tower sent a pretty compelling message to shoppers. The big desk and pudgy smugness shouts success. But now the images are of him sitting at a desk in the Oval Office no less. Nothing says ribeye more powerfully than a man with his finger on the nuclear button.

Everyone in the family gets this. Melania Trump, the missing-in-action first lady, last week sued Mail Media, the owner of the Daily Mail, for publishing an article about her which, it alleged, not only damaged her reputation but also her unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to launch a broad-based commercial brand at the time of her husbands political ascent.

It doesnt get more blatant than that, does it? Statements from the first ladys office the following day said she has no intention of using her public position for personal gain. Is that so? Whats Slovenian for ka-ching? The Trumps are using the White House like the Kardashians used reality TV, to build and vastly expand their overall business enterprises, said Norman Eisen, President Barack Obamas chief ethics counsellor.

Actually, it does. (You knew that was coming.) Come Wednesday, the President had taken to Twitter to berate Nordstrom for dumping Ivanka. The company had treated his daughter so unfairly, he blustered. So unfairly. If he has to rely on Twitter to get his message out, maybe he could talk about the unfair treatment of Palestinians. Of Syrian refugees by his administration.

A president has the bully pulpit, but its meant for political cajoling, not commercial terrorising. In another age, the notion of a sitting president singling out a private corporation for his ire, delivered from the White House, would be unthinkable. But this is not another age. Fortunately for Nordstrom, the dip in its share price that followed his Tweet didnt last long.

But then on Thursday, matters really got out of hand when Kellyanne Conway appeared on a breakfast television programme  on Fox News, as it happens  and proceeded to urge America to regather its senses and go buy all things Ivanka at once. This is just a wonderful line, she offered. I own some of it. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the new home of the Shopping Channel.

Understand, she was taping the interview from the White House Briefing Room. Go buy Ivankas stuff is what I would say, Ms. Conway rattled on blithely. Im going to give a free commercial here: go buy it today, everybody; you can find it online. Its a wonder there werent screens behind her counting sales as viewers phoned in their orders. Never mind the NSC. These days its QVC that matters most in the corridors of the West Wing.

The subsequent clobbering of Conway was heard far and wide. It is among the the most basic ethics rules out there: those employed in the executive branch may not use their positions to help friends or family to financial gain. Ever. Well, she had clearly broken that one and possibly several other conflict-of-interest rules. Jaw-dropping, said Don Fox, former acting director of the Office of Government Ethics. Even Jason Chaffetz, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, couldnt quite contain himself, declaring that her comments were wrong, wrong, wrong, and theres no excuse for it.

For a second the White House sounded almost chastised. Kellyanne has been counseled and thats all we are going with. She has been counseled on that subject and thats thats it, Sean Spicer, the Presidents spokesman, stuttered. But no loss of job or temporary suspension, it appears, which experts of such matters said would be the proper response to what she did.

But proper is not an adjective that attaches easily to this presidency. Rather we have whole compendiums of conflict-of-interest problems. Yes, the President has ceased running the Trump Organisation, handing it to his two adult sons. But that doesnt mean it isnt still enriching him.

Did you see whos looking to rent office space in Trump Tower? The Department of Defence. Where is the Red Cross to hold its annual ball? At Mar-a-Lago. In all kinds of other ways, the fact of his being President and the pursuit of profit by the Trump Organisation collide in eyebrow-raising ways. For instance: the new Trump International Hotel near the White House used to be the main Post Office and is leased from the General Services Administration. The head of that government body is appointed by him, the President. How convenient.

Or how about this? Mr Trump still hasnt released his tax returns. They, in fact, could tells us a lot about his web of business interests and how his being President may be impacting them, especially those involving investments or partnerships in foreign countries. He says he cant release them because the Internal Revenue Service has them under audit. He is now the ultimate boss of that agency, so he has that well under control.

Mr Trump only has one thing to worry about. The idea of anything with his name on it not selling. So heres further bad news, Mr President. TJ Maxx and Marshalls  not luxury chains  have announced plans to de-emphasise Ivankas products. Because, you know, no one wants them.
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Images of trolleys laden with suffering people in corridors, old people hooked up to drips on beds in cupboards  not pictures emerging from Syria, but the latest crisis to hit the NHS.

Waiting times in A&E are unacceptable, with hospitals operating at full capacity; dozens of beds are occupied by people who have nowhere else to go. When even the Health Secretary  the normally unflappable Mr Positive, Jeremy Hunt  admits things are problematic, its probably not the best time to publish a report claiming that robots could take over nurses jobs.

According to experts at the independent think tank Reform, 250,000 public sector workers, including receptionists, civil servants and administrators, could be replaced by artificially intelligent chatbots. They claim that many tasks currently performed by doctors and nurses could be more efficiently executed by robots, from diagnosis to collating information, giving out medication and telling patients the best way to seek treatment, to selecting medical centres or specialist services. According to Reform, Whitehall could lose 130,000 jobs and the NHS 91,000 administrators, while hospitals and doctors would replace 24,000 receptionists.

 Jeremy Hunt left red-faced after being called out by Corbyn in PMQs

Only one problem with this utopian dream: the latest news footage from the ghastly battleground that is emergency services shows parents sitting on the floor, cradling their children because there are no chairs. Toddlers run freely while combative drunks, the homeless and the mentally ill wander in and out. Corridors are blocked with wheelchairs, trolleys and equipment. Negotiating this complex sequence of obstructions needs the navigational skills of an Olympic Dressage champion  or an over-worked, unpaid, hard-pressed NHS doctor, nurse or care assistant.

Robots topple over, they dont do stairs, they dont have a great sense of balance and they have zero empathy. Can you honestly imagine a studious chatbot sitting at reception in a busy doctors surgery or behind the admissions desk in A&E? Where do the academics that come up with this bilge actually live? In cloud cuckoo land? No one is denying that automation will usher in job losses and lead to increased leisure. In the future, governments might have consider paying everyone a basic wage because there will not be enough of any kind of work, let alone full-time employment, to go around.

We are in full jobocalypse mode, according to the billionaires of Silicon Valley, who think that the future for dreary old flesh and blood humans looks pretty grim. And its not just low-paid workers who will be affected: according to experts at Oxford University, the middle classes face an equal threat from robots, and the Bank of England estimates redundancies could be as high as 15 million. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and Space X, forcefully states the case for artificial intelligence, claiming robots are the workforce of the future.

Hang on a minute, though. Humans are better at emotions, mobility and speaking. We are better at sifting through a complex situations involving other humans and acting appropriately. We are good at teamwork and responding to the unexpected. I cannot imagine for one minute that all drivers will suddenly be replaced by automated vehicles. Its not going to happen. The most likely scenario is that driverless cars and taxis operate alongside ones driven by humans  who still want spontaneity and freedom of choice, even if it might cost them more. Skilled drivers will oversee fleets of robot trucks and schedule maintenance, and so on.

In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike Doctor in acute medicine, Melissa Haskins, holds up a 'I ain't afraid of no Hunt' sign whilst striking with other junior doctors outside her hospital, St Thomas' Hospital in London Getty Images In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike Accident and emergency junior doctor, Jennifer Hulse, holds a homemade placard outside St Thomas' Hospital as she strikes with colleagues in London Getty Images In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike Demonstrators and Junior doctors hold placards as they protest outside the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, in Basingstoke during a strike by junior doctors Getty Images In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike Demonstrators and Junior doctors hold placards as they protest outside the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, in Basingstoke during a strike by junior doctors Getty Images In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike A supporter displays a slogan on her bag during a junior doctors' strike outside St Thomas' Hospital in London Reuters In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike The picket line outside King's College Hospital in London PA In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike The picket line outside King's College Hospital in London, as thousands of junior doctors begun the first all-out strike in the history of the NHS after the Health Secretary said the Government would not be "blackmailed" into dropping its manifesto pledge for a seven-day health service PA In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike Junior doctors and supporters take part in a strike outside the Royal United Hospital in Bath Getty Images In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike Doctor in acute medicine, Melissa Haskins, holds up a 'I ain't afraid of no Hunt' sign whilst striking with other junior doctors outside her hospital, St Thomas' Hospital in London Getty Images In pictures: Junior doctors first all-out strike Dave Prentis, UNISON general secretary visits a British Medical Association picket line at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, to show support for striking junior doctors on the second day of the union's annual health conference PA

As for saving costs for the NHS and making it more efficient, I know from a brief period working as a care assistant for a documentary series, the amount of data you are required to input is ludicrous  as every patient will have experienced. There are forms, forms and more forms to fill in. The police force suffers from the same dead weight of data. Of course robots can get on with that. But humans are empathetic, even when working under pressure. Receptionists are frontline workers who need to be paid more, not phased out.

At the risk of sounding like a Luddite, I doubt very much that chatbots will be gliding about instead of civil servants taking notes in meetings in Whitehall, or doing anything more than performing mundane backroom clerical work. The reason is simple: I doubt any government would choose automation that results in redundancies and more workers claiming benefits. Whats needed is a forward-thinking strategy that includes retraining, better education for increased leisure, and a restructuring of the benefit system so that every citizens receives a basic salary which can be used towards paying for services. That way humans are in control of their lives, not just fodder for the scrap heap.
The sergeant's solicitor said the family are devastated by unfounded abuse allegations

Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe, who is to get a full apology over an untrue report that he allegedly raped a girl

Whistleblower Garda Sergeant Maurice McCabe is to get a full apology over an untrue report that he allegedly raped a girl.

The officer's solicitor said the family are devastated by unfounded abuse allegations which the state's child protection agency Tusla claimed were created in an "administrative error".

A Commission of Investigation has been launched into the peddling by senior gardai of the child sex assault claims among journalists and politicians in an attempt to blacken Mr McCabe's reputation as a respected whistleblower.

But Sean Costello, the sergeant's solicitor, said more questions are still hanging over the affair.

"On a human level he's absolutely devastated, as is Lorraine his wife, their family," he said.

"The impact is just horrendous, to think that a government agency charged with, as it is, the protection of children and a state run body, would deal with a complaint such as this in the manner outlined."

Tusla said they are in the process of making a full apology to Mr McCabe.

The sergeant's lawyer confirmed that the scandal involves a complaint being made in August 2013 to a counsellor from an outside agency who was working for Tusla.

The record of the complaint - involving a woman who had previously made an unfounded and less serious complaint of abuse about Mr McCabe in 2006 - wrongly stated that there had been an allegation of rape.

Files received by Mr McCabe and his legal team show that the untrue case of alleged sex abuse was referred to local gardai to investigate in 2013 but there is no record of how it was handled.

It was not until May 2014 that the person who initially referred the abuse allegation to gardai then reported that there had been an "administrative error" which led to the complaint including the unfounded claim of rape.

It was not until December 2015 that Mr McCabe was told about it.

Over the time that the false abuse allegations were on record, Sergeant McCabe was at the centre of exposing routine abuse of the penalty point system and also made a series of mostly substantiated reports of negligence and bad policing.

Tusla said it will cooperate fully with Judge Peter Charleton who is leading the inquiry into the allegations.

"It is important to note that when we receive allegations from a child - or from an adult reflecting on when they were a child - that we are obliged to carry out a complete assessment," the agency said.

"We also accept that because of the nature and complexity of these situations, the systems and processes involved in doing this need to be extremely robust.

"In this case, it appears there were some failures and these are the subject of our internal review, the conclusions of which will be made public.

"Tusla regrets that this situation has arisen and deeply apologises for distress caused.

"It does not reflect the high standards that we hold ourselves to and we want to assure the public that we will take whatever steps are required to ensure that nothing like this happens again."

The sex crime allegations were ultimately was used as a slur against Sgt McCabe by at least one senior garda.

That is the basis of Judge Charleton's inquiry.

The smear campaign was revealed by the former head of the Garda press office, Superintendent Dave Taylor, who is currently suspended from the force over the leaking of the names of Roma children taken into social care in 2013.

He told Sgt McCabe about it in the middle of last year and then blew the whistle last September and alleged that Sgt McCabe had been targeted in a secret character assassination by the passing on of false and damaging allegations to selected journalists.

Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan has denied spreading the allegations or any knowledge of the campaign.

Mr Costello told the RTE's Today with Sean O'Rourke that Mr McCabe met Children's Minister Katherine Zappone to discuss the entire Tusla affair two weeks ago, before the initial terms of reference for Judge Charleton's inquiry were drafted.

"It's extraordinary that it should happen. It's extraordinary that an agency such as Tusla and or anybody feeding information into them or referring complaints should make a mistake of that nature," he said.

"As any parent, uncle, aunt, whoever it happens to be, who sees these things written about, in this sense Maurice McCabe, that he posed a potential risk, is just absolutely devastating," Mr Costello said.

The McCabes are considering all options to deal with the scandal, including suing the state.

"They want to know when this will end. They want to know when they can start to live a proper and normal life without wondering whether tomorrow they are going to read something else about Maurice or somebody," said Mr Costello.
KBC Group has said it will look at buying an Irish bank or insurance businesses, and has immediate plans to start lending to small businesses.

The Belgian-owned bank confirmed its "long term commitment" to Ireland yesterday, following a lengthy strategic review.

The news was a relief to 1,000 Irish staff, on tenterhooks for months as the group mulled options that included a possible sale of the businesses here.

The Irish unit will become part of KBC's "core" bank division, following the decision.

The Irish unit reported a net profit of 227m for the year, up from 75m in 2015.

A return to profit since 2015 was among the factors keeping KBC here, along with the wider economic recovery and favourable demographics, KBC Ireland ceo Wim Verbraeken told the Irish Independent.

KBC will now target higher growth here, he said.

"The core market classification implies a commitment to a greater level of relevance (in the Irish market)," he said.

As well as the existing retail business, KBC will now start lending to smaller or micro-SMEs, he said.

In the longer term, KBC Ireland plans to develop as a bank-insurance business, similar to the model at its Belgian parent, he said.

"That is not for today - we have a good relationship with Irish Life and Zurich (whose products are sold through KBC Ireland), but bank insurance is the bank's DNA," Mr Verbraeken said.

Expansion in retail banking and insurance may include acquisitions, he said.

"There are no live deals on the banking or insurance side. The intention is to look at opportunities should they arise," he said.

Read more:

Ulster Bank and Permanent TSB have long been tipped as potential tie-up partners for KBC Ireland.

A merger would add scale to the business which, with 12pc of the new mortgage market, is dwarfed by AIB and Bank of Ireland.

Buying an insurance business, such as FBD, could help roll out the bank-assure model.

In the meantime, organic growth will be funded from within the Irish business CFO Des McCarthy said.

The bank has already embarked on a 100m multi-year technology investment programme.

After opting to stay in Ireland KBC is now hiring an additional 100 staff in roles ranging from retail and call centre posts to technology.

KBC stressed future growth in relation to the decision to remain in Ireland. But it pumped 1.4bn into the business in the wake of the crash, to cope with loan losses.

An immediate sale that failed to recoup that would have left the bank out of pocket. Retaining the now profitable Irish unit means it can claw that money back over time.

KBC Ireland is among the banks that must identify and compensate customers who wrongly lost cheap tracker mortgages under a process supervised by the Central Bank.

The lender hopes to complete a review of all cases this year, and, in the meantime, is telling borrowers as they are identified under a so-called "stopping the harm" policy, Mr Verbraeken said.
A disused customs post on the border between Dundalk in the Republic of Ireland and Newry in the North

Worries about free movement in the context of Brexit don't simply apply to people - concerns have also been raised about horses.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has warned the United Kingdom's exit from the EU has significant implications for Ireland's thoroughbred industry.

Horse racing and thoroughbred breeding essentially operates on an all-island basis, he said, with horses, trainers and riders regularly moving between both jurisdictions.

"The introduction of tariffs or regulations has the potential to increase the cost of business and reduce the free movement of labour and horses," Mr Creed said, in response to a parliamentary question from Independent TD Tommy Broughan.

Mr Creed said trainers in Northern Ireland are licensed by the Irish Turf Club, and races there are run under the Turf Club's Rules of Racing.

"Ninety per pent of runners at these fixtures are trained in the Republic with horses moving on a daily basis, so the return to a hard border would seriously disrupt this movement," he added.

"The two countries operate a single entity for stud book purposes. British and Irish foals are both registered in the one stud book, and together with France, have historically had a tripartite agreement between the respective Departments of Agriculture to facilitate free movement of thoroughbred horses."

Ireland's exports of thoroughbreds to Britain are worth around 225m each year. This may be at risk due to reduced trade flows following the Brexit vote, the Government believes. The horse industry overall contributes more than 1.1bn annually to the Irish economy.
Ireland's push for a 'special status' in the Brexit negotiations has suffered a setback with the Polish prime minister's refusal to back such a move.

Beata Szydlo said the issues surrounding Northern Ireland were just one of "many questions" that would have to be addressed in the forthcoming negotiations.

Speaking after a two-hour meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Poland, Ms Szydlo said the two countries shared many common interests in relation to the EU. In particular, she said Poland, like Ireland, was adamant EU citizens in the UK should continue to enjoy the same rights post-Brexit.

"We agreed that there can be no limitations whatsoever with regard to trade," she said.

However, when asked about Mr Kenny's desire to get special recognition for the Irish situation, she said: "We are only at the start of the process of Great Britain leaving the European Union. There are a lot of questions being raised."

Mr Kenny told the same press conference that Ireland will be affected more heavily by Brexit than any other country.

"The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are both the places most adversely affected by Brexit, and we need to be imaginative and creative as to how we deal with the situation," he said. "It does give us a special situation, which is increasingly recognised in Europe."

The Taoiseach's trip to Poland was the latest in a series of EU visits to brief leaders on Brexit. He has already travelled to Spain and Malta. He said that he had explained the "set of circumstances in Ireland" to the Polish prime minister.

"We are the only place in the EU where there is a peace process, supported by both the European Union and the United States, and this gives us special status as it is," Mr Kenny said.

Both leaders agreed that the EU needs major reforms on the back of the Brexit negotiations if it is to survive. "The European Union has to better respond to the needs of its citizens and it has to react more efficiently to the challenges they are facing," Ms Szydlo said.

"For Poland and Ireland, it is important to focus the actions of the European Union on the agenda of economic growth, employment and competitiveness. It is also necessary to remove barriers. It is important to avoid projects which introduce divisions."

Outside of Brexit, the prime ministers discussed Irish-Polish relations, with Ms Szydlo thanking the Taoiseach for the "very hospitable welcome" that 150,000 Poles have received in Ireland.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan met the European Commission Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels yesterday to "ensure that Ireland's unique concerns are well understood".

He said Mr Barnier was on record as "recognising and understanding" these concerns.
Bord Bia Warsaw today welcomed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. to its new office, from which it aims to drive exports of Irish food and drink to eleven targeted Central European markets.

An Taoiseach, Bord Bia Chief Executive Tara McCarthy and Irish exporters highlighted the value of Ireland as a source of sustainable produced food and drink to importers during a business event in the Embassy of Ireland, hosted by Ambassador Gerard Keown.

An Taoiseach, remarked that Bord Bias presence in the region would assist exporters build enduring business relationships at a time when Irelands food and drink industry is seeking new premium markets for food and drink in order to meet the targets of FoodWise 2025.

Our food and drink industry has always embraced the challenge of finding new markets for our produce, exporting over 80% of what we produce. From this strategic location Bord Bia can pave the way to new and valuable markets reaching to the eastern borders of the EU with a combined population of 103 million and a retail market worth 177 billion. While our three largest markets in the region currently absorb 85% of exports, there exists huge potential for further growth.

Poland is Irelands eighth largest EU market for food and drink with exports reaching an estimated 185 million in 2016, an increase of 15% on the previous year.

Bord Bia Chief Executive Tara McCarthy said the decision to establish an office in Poland followed considerable research into potential growth in Poland itself and its location as a gateway to Central Europe.

This office opens at a time when many Irish companies are looking to new opportunities while still holding their positions in traditional markets. The value of trade to Poland has almost trebled over the last five years with dairy, beverages and prepared foods, all showing strong growth in 2016.

"The potential for further growth here and in emerging EU markets will increase their attractiveness to exporters and the increasing awareness of Origin Green will offer important assurances to buyers on sustainable sourcing. Bord Bia Warsaw will provide exporters with the resources, consumer insight and market intelligence necessary to help them maximise opportunities in these markets.

Central and Eastern Europe accounts for over a quarter of a billion euro of Irish food and drink exports. The three largest markets, Poland, Czech Republic and Latvia, account for almost 85% of this trade which has doubled in value in the past five years.

The key sectors driving growth of Irish exports in the region are prepared foods (driven by fat filled milk powders in Poland), meat (driven by beef and pigmeat in Poland) and beverages (driven by Latvia and Czech Republic).

The 11 target countries are: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
MPs in Westminster have warned that the Government's record on dealing with farming subsidies does not bode well for Brexit.

The Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed concern at delays in payments to farmers and landowners.

A report into the delivery of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments, and rural development, raised fears over the Government's attitude to farmers after the UK withdraws from the EU.

The probe criticises the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) over how it has handled the Basic Payment Scheme, stating: "The department's record of failure when developing systems to support subsidy payments to farmers does not inspire confidence in its ability to cope with the challenges associated with Brexit that lie ahead."

DEFRA gives 1.8 billion a year in CAP payments to English farmers and landowners and the report warns that the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is failing to deliver money on time.

PAC deputy chairman Richard Bacon said: "The recent history of the Basic Payment Scheme is a sorry affair.

"Farmers have suffered badly from the collapse in service levels and Government has done too little to help them cope with the fallout.

"At the same time, taxpayers continue to be hit in the pocket by financial penalties arising from the Government's failure to deliver the scheme properly, penalties running to more than half a billion pounds for England in the current period.

"Rapid and effective change is required during what is a critical phase for the Rural Payments Agency, whose chief executive is leaving at the end of this month, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more widely.

"If farmers are to be properly supported through Brexit and beyond, it is vital their interests are represented at senior level. In particular, the RPA must be at the table during discussions of any future subsidy payment scheme."

The report states the Government must move to better understand the impact of late payments and learn the lessons from the floods of 2015 "to ensure payments to farmers in times of crisis are not delayed".

The committee found that RPA paid only 38% of farmers under the Basic Payment Scheme on December 1 2015, the first day of the payment window, compared with more than 90% in previous years. By the end of January last year, that had climbed to 76%, but at the end of March, there were still 14,300 farmers, 16%, who had not received any payment.

More than 10,000 farmers who had received a payment had not been paid in full. Two thirds of the additional payments made to these farmers were in excess of 1,000 euros and were first paid in September last year, more than nine months after the first monies could have been received.

The report states: "Many farmers who did not receive their payment in a timely manner were forced to seek alternative means of funding. Some had to sell livestock to meet their financial obligations."
Microsoft's new 134m campus is currently under construction - and the Leopardstown development plans to house the firm's 1,200-strong workforce in Ireland under one roof.

The 34,554 sq m building - a site of just under 3 hectares - will be the Irish base for the multinational firm which has been here for over 30 years.

The new campus is located on a wooded setting backing on to Leopardstown racecourse. A running and walking trail is being created around the perimeter of the site, while rooftop terraces will overlook a landscape filled with greenery and bordered by mountains.

"As someone who loves technology, its thrilling that the new campus will widely deploy the latest Microsoft technology," said Joanne Morrissey, HR Director at Microsoft Ireland.

"Delivering intelligent cloud platforms is central to the companys support of businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, and the new campus is making full use of this technology."

But what can potential candidates looking to join the Microsoft family do to impress the HR team? Passion is what needs to be seen first and foremost, according to Ms Morrissey.

"Our mission is to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more, so we always look for people who share this goal," she told independent.ie.

"We also look for curiosity, a desire to learn and for someone who looks at where we are heading next and wants to help us get there."

And Microsoft do not exclude go-getters without advanced degrees that have acquired their skills and experience through non-collegiate avenues, and has established an association with FIT (Fastrack to IT) for many years.

"Most recently we collaborated on the Youth2Work programme which has given 13,500 young people the chance to acquire skills that are in demand by the IT sector," Ms Morrissey said.

"Many of these youths would previously have been in danger of becoming long-term unemployed and, instead, have now gone on to further education and roles in industry."

Nonetheless, every candidate wants to know how to set themselves apart from the crowd but, believe it or not, one of the most impressive qualities is perhaps the most basic: be yourself.

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"Its incredibly refreshing to meet a candidate who has a good sense of themselves and knows what they want to achieve," said Ms Morrissey. At Microsoft, we want to give our people the opportunity to grow so if a candidate can tangibly show the steps they have taken to reach a personal milestone, they will really stand out."

On the flipside, not being transparent during the selection process - and fudging your CV just a little bit - is a complete no-no for Microsoft.

"Customers place their trust in us, as a consequence we hold our employees to high standards. Professionalism is really important  you should always conduct yourself in a way you can be proud of," said Ms Morrissey.

Ireland is one of the few places around the globe where every area of Microsofts business is represented. According to Ms Morrissey, team here fulfils every possible function from finance, operations, sales and R&D to development and engineering.

"Thats really exciting for someone who has a career progression in mind," she said.

"We think of ourselves as One Microsoft, with cross-functional teams co-locating so people learn from each other."

Microsoft's diverse workforce in Ireland is made up of people from over 57 countries and embody the full range of life stages from recent graduates to longer term employees - with many working at Microsoft since the company first opened an office here.

"Diversity of people and capabilities is core to our needs as a company to ensure we continue to provide a value proposition for our clients...There is no one single type of Microsoft customer so with a diverse customer base we of course need our employees to reflect that diverse range of needs and capabilities," said Ms Morrissey.

With diversity enriching everything the 'One' family does at Microsoft, the firm has a wide range of targeted programmes that promotes diversity and inclusion in place.

When it comes to gender, this includes Codess, Inspiring Careers, Women at Microsoft, as well as being founder members of Connecting Women in Technology.

"All these programmes have as their goal the creation of a thriving technology sector which enables women to fulfil their potential," said Ms Morrissey.

"We also support GirlCrew Pro  a series of events that see incredible women sharing the ups as well as the downs of their career paths and the winding roads it often took to get to where they are today."

Microsoft also has a distinguished track record when it comes to supporting its LGBT team members. Last year, the Workplace Equality Index Awards recognised Microsoft as one of the Top 5 Best Places to Work for LGBT Inclusion. Additionally, Microsofts Dan Klein was named among the Top 50 LGBT Ally Executives in the OUTstanding and FT rankings 2016.

Ms Morrissey believes that this groundwork of inclusion lays the foundation for a successful transition to the new campus in Leopardstown.

New team members that come into the company have lots to offer," she said.

"That view is widely shared across our business and we make it a priority to pair or buddy new recruits with more established team members so they learn the most, and also so we can benefit from their fresh perspective."

But securing a position at Microsoft is not all work and no play as the company has injected energy into establishing a work-life balance for its employees.

"Microsoft has developed Fuel Your Everything, an employee wellbeing programme that aims to assist employees in fuelling their mind, body and life," said Ms Morrissey.

"This holistic wellbeing offering is provided in two ways: through a set of Wellbeing Experiences, which aims to develop employee capability or key life skills, including a parenting programme, financial wellbeing, mindfulness, and our peak performance programme.

"There is also a wide range of Wellness Centre treatments such as health screening, physiotherapy, dental and optical, massage, reflexology, barber and even a nail salon!"
Gibraltar's top insurance regulator has insisted that companies there operate to the same standard as others in the EU, including Ireland.

She was responding after the Irish Independent revealed that senior Central Bank staff here had raised repeated concerns with the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission about some motor insurers active here.

Irish officials fear not enough is being done by regulators in Gibraltar to prevent a repeat of last year's collapse of Gibraltar-based Enterprise Insurance, which it is understood hit 14,000 Irish motorists.

Central Bank staff are understood to have raised issues around the financial viability of some insurance providers with both regulators in Gibraltar and at the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA).

The situation is understood to have caused frustration for officials here because under EU 'passporting' rules, Ireland cannot preventing an insurer operating here if it is approved by regulators elsewhere in the EU, regardless of any fears about particular operators.

However, the chief executive of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, Samantha Barrass, has insisted that insurers under her watch comply with all EU standards. She said her agency cooperates with the Irish authorities.

"We proactively share information with all the host state regulators of the jurisdictions in which our Gibraltar insurance companies operate and we participate in joint supervision activity.

"We consider that we have a strong working relationship with the CBI," she said.

"We are a National Competent Authority (NCA) in the EU, operating as a part of the EIOPA group of insurance regulators.

"A very important part of the work we do is the close and collaborative work with EIOPA and the other regulators in all jurisdictions within which our firms operate.

"This includes the Central Bank of Ireland," she said in a statement.

Gibraltar has implemented tough new rules, dubbed the Solvency II Directive, governing the financial health of all insurers, she said.

"An important outcome of this directive is for host jurisdictions and consumers to have confidence that the provision of insurance services is delivered to the same consistently high standards across the EU and from firms that passport into their territory," she said.

Gibraltar's insurance regulators are especially important to Ireland.

Data from the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland shows 11 companies based in Gibraltar sell motor insurance here, including through Irish brokers. In most cases such external insurers, the bulk of the market, operate without raising any Irish concerns.

However, we now know that officials here do not have full confidence in some operators, and therefore with the wider single market system.

The case cuts to the heart of the single market.

For it to work, Irish consumers must be able to trust that any EU compliant service sold here meets the same standard as those originating and regulated in Ireland.

But, Irish drivers meanwhile have now been left to assess for themselves whether their insurer can be relied on.
The CHC search and rescue service operates on a 24-hour, all year-round basis using Sikorsky S92 helicopters

CHC Ireland - which provides search and rescue (SAR) services for the Coast Guard under a 500m Government contract - is to build a new multi-million euro hangar and operations base at Dublin Airport.

The company is a subsidiary of Canada's CHC Helicopter.

It has secured planning permission for the new development at Dublin Airport, which will involve the demolition of a temporary 596 sq m hangar and an office building.

In their place, CHC will build a 2,000 sq m hangar complex that will include the new operations control unit. There will be a minimum of six personnel based at the facility round the clock.

Work on the project is set to start next month and be completed by summer 2018.

The CHC search and rescue service operates on a 24-hour, all year-round basis using Sikorsky S92 helicopters.

It has helicopters based at Dublin, Shannon, Waterford and Sligo and covers the Atlantic to the west of Ireland and the Celtic Sea, to a range of 200 nautical miles (370km). The service also frequently assists in missions to cliffs, mountains and inland waterways and even in pollution control.

Coastguard helicopters completed a total of 886 missions last year.

The helicopter service transferred 61 patients from offshore islands to hospital. It transferred nine patients to the UK, primarily for organ transplants.

In 2016, the aircraft also conducted 20 long-range offshore missions, involving casualty evacuations at ranges exceeding 160km from land.

The longest mission was conducted at a range of 240km west of Loop Head, Co Clare, when an injured crewman aboard a vessel was airlifted for transfer to hospital.

The Government awarded CHC Ireland a 10-year, 500m contract to operate the life-saving service in 2012. The Air Corps had traditionally provided Ireland's search and rescue capability.

The latest set of publicly-available accounts for the company show that it undertook 3,331 hours of search and rescue operations in the 12 months to the end of April 2015, compared to 3,193 in the previous 12-month period.

In 2015, the helicopter search and rescue service completed more than 1,000 missions - the first time the 1,000 mark had been passed.

It generated a profit of 3.4m in 2015 - almost eight times the amount it made in 2014 - as revenue rose 24pc to 52m.

The SAR helicopters operated by CHC have enhanced equipment such as forward-looking infrared, 'night sun' searchlights, satellite communications and on-board paramedics.
Little Leo OBrien (8 months), from Clondalkin, attended the launch of the new housing development yesterday Picture: Keith Arkins

About 30,000 people are expected to be housed in a development heralded as the "biggest Ireland has ever seen".

Work has now begun on a new town in Cherrywood, South Dublin.

It will be a mixed development with apartments, town houses, family houses and a town centre.

Several developers have committed to building 8,000 houses, and a minimum of 800 of these will have to be used for social housing due to Government rules.

The site was described as "the biggest residential construction project Ireland has ever seen" by Housing Minister Simon Coveney.

"Some of the developers might decide to go more than 10pc because they'll be able to do a deal with local authorities to get payment up front.So they may go for 15 or 20pc, we'll have to wait and see," Mr Coveney said.

Hines is the largest developer and is set to build 4,000 housing units. It bought the land in 2014 and will employ 180 people in the first phase of the 160m project. Overall, 3,000 people are expected to be employed.

There will be 5.4km of roads and footpaths as well as three parks. These will be built before any residents move in, with most of the work expected to be done by spring 2018.

Beckett Park will be 13 acres, Ticknock Park 47 acres, and Tully park will be 22 acres.

Hines senior managing director, Brian Moran, said the new town centre would have a cinema, retail outlets, restaurants, bars, a health centre, library and offices. It is set to cost 875m.

There will be 1,300 apartments in the town centre, and the majority will be to rent. He said the development would have "something for everybody".

Construction of the apartments is expected to begin in autumn 2017.
Sue ONeill, who has highlighted the collective impact of small businesses, and chef John Grennan from Simpli Baked, at yesterdays SFA awards at Dublins RDS. Photo: Gary ONeilland

The Government needs a more focused strategy for small business, the head of the chairwoman of Small Firms Association (SFA) said at the group's annual awards.

Over 30 finalists from 13 counties were at the RDS in Dublin yesterday to showcase their business offerings for the SFA Small Business Awards.

"Small companies make up 98pc of all businesses and we are present in every city, town and village in the country. Together we employ half of the private sector workforce - some 800,000 people - highlighting our collective impact," said SFA chairwoman Sue O' Neill at the event.

"We are calling on government to engage now in delivering a more medium-to-long-term vision for the small business community, as outlined in our 'Next Generation Business' policy document. We want to make Ireland the most vibrant small business community in the world," she said.

Speaking at the RDS, Jobs and Enterprise Minister Mary Mitchell O' Connor, insisted her department's policy was to meet the needs of the small business community.

"We have placed the growth and support of SMEs and indigenous enterprises at the centre of our medium to long-term goals. I agree with the SFA on the importance of entrepreneurship as a career option. The Government's National Skills Strategy 2025 includes a commitment to develop an Entrepreneurship Education Policy Statement. This will help ensure that more young people can choose to become entrepreneurs, which are the lifeblood of our economy," she said.

The SFA awards are broken into seven categories, which recognise excellence in manufacturing, food and drink, innovator of the year, exporter of the year, and sustainable energy, together with outstanding business and emerging new business.
Suspicious spouses would once jump in a taxi to follow their partners movements or hire a private investigator to do the dirty work.

But in the modern day, unfaithful husbands and wives are just as likely to be found out by their Uber accounts.

A businessman in France is suing the company for 45m after a bug in the car-hailing app meant all of his journeys showed up on his wifes phone, ultimately leading to a presumably messy divorce.

After the unnamed man borrowed his wife's iPhone to log into his Uber account, she continued to receive notifications detailing where and when he was being picked up, as well as his destination, according to the French newspaper Le Figaro. It led his wife to suspect infidelity.

The man blamed this on a bug in the app that meant his wifes phone continued to receive alerts from his account even after he had logged out.

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The bug has also been reported by several Twitter users, although probably with less devastating effects.

It appears to affect older versions of iOS, the iPhones operating system.

The man from the Cote dAzur now claims that the bug cost him his marriage and is seeking damages from Uber.

The company said it did not comment on individual cases, especially those that involved divorce proceedings.

There are few reports of divorce cases citing Uber records, although the rise of GPS data gathering and apps such as Find My iPhone has led to tracking technology being increasingly used by jealous spouses.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
FILE PHOTO - The Snapchat logo is seen on the door of their headquarters in Venice, Los Angeles, California October 13, 2014. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo

Snap, owner of the popular Snapchat app, said it expected to spend $1bn (939m) over the next five years to use Amazon.com cloud services, in addition to the $2bn cloud contract it already has with Google.

Snap, owner of the popular Snapchat app, said it expected to spend 939m ($1bn) over the next five years to use Amazon.com cloud services, in addition to the $2bn cloud contract it already has with Google.

Snap may eventually invest in building its own infrastructure, it said on Thursday, in an amendment to a filing related to its planned stock market debut in March

The company, which filed its IPO registration statement a week earlier, is looking to raise $3bn.

Snap could be valued at between $20bn and $25bn, giving the company the biggest valuation in a US technology IPO since Facebook.

Venice, California-based Snap has said it relies on Google Cloud to host the vast majority of its computing, storage and bandwidth.

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Snap also added details in the filing about user habits outside North America and Europe. Slower and expensive cellular networks outside these two regions have limited the use of its app, which requires high bandwidth, the company said.

This means users from these countries tend to be more interested in consuming content than creating it, making them easier targets for Snap's competitors, the company said.

Snapchat, which started in 2012 as a free mobile app that allows users to send photos that vanish within seconds, competes with Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for users.

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"Fewer Snaps and Chats sent means fewer notifications inviting friends back into the application and therefore lower and more sporadic daily use," Snap said in the filing.

Snapchat has more than 100 million active users, about 60pc of whom are aged 13 to 24, making it an attractive way for advertisers to reach millennials.
In the 1960s, there was only one Batman: the delightfully camp Adam West, kitted out in his big knickers and painted-on eyebrows. If you grew up in the late 80s, Batman was, obviously, Michael Keaton, battling it out with Jack Nicholson's Joker, the clown prince of Gotham City. The reincarnations seemed to only speed up from there, with studios firing out caped crusaders in the form of Val Kilmer ("You trying to get under my cape, doctor?"), George Clooney (the Batnipples!), Christian Bale (he of the gravelly Bat voice) and even a hormonal teen Bruce in the TV series Gotham.

Last year, there was Ben Affleck, miserably sulking his way through the critically panned Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad, and soon to return in The Batman.

But now, Batfleck's got some competition. He only wears black or sometimes very, very dark grey, and today he arrives in cinemas with his very own film. Not to be dismissed as some thin, child-friendly version of the Dark Knight, Will Arnett's Lego Batman is a Batman to be reckoned with.

Fans of the DC comics will appreciate the film's understanding of the character's essential mythology - the centrality of his rivalry with the Joker (played by Zach Galifianakis as a teary-eyed jilted lover, hurt by Batman's declaration that "I don't currently have a bad guy. I am fighting a few different people. I like to fight around"), eager-to-please sidekick Robin (voiced by a hilarious Michael Cera), and Bruce Wayne's existential angst as a result of being orphaned at a young age.

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But even if you're not a hardcore fan, Lego Batman is perfectly formulated for a millennial audience - gleefully self-aware, the film slyly refers to Batman's many reincarnations, with throwbacks that go all the way back to the early days. He's even got a feminist Batgirl (Rosario Dawson), who smirks at the moniker and asks: "Does this mean I get to call you Batboy?"

The issue of who was 'the greatest ever Batman' is likely to roll on for as long as Hollywood makes superhero films. And while some versions are best forgotten - even by the actors themselves (looking at you, Clooney) - it can be argued that each Batman was 'the greatest ever Batman' for his generation.

In the 1960s, the Batman comics were faltering, and readers were beginning to turn to Marvel's superheroes instead. Until, that is, Adam West's Batman and his shark repellent batspray 'KAPOW!'-ed on to screens in 1966.

Here was a Batman satirising the innocent optimism that defined 1950s America, amid the turbulence of the Vietnam War, Civil Rights battles and the aftermath of the JFK assassination. The show openly parodied the seeming moral simplicity of the previous decade: it featured absurd villains harbouring crazy plots, mocked authoritarian figures like policemen and politicians and even poked fun at its own goofy protagonist, as evinced by West's fantastically stilted delivery.

That camp silliness was dramatically overhauled in 1989, when Michael Keaton's menacing Batman captured the burgeoning distrust and fear of the city in a time of rapid suburbanisation.

Alongside Se7en, Taxi Driver and The Crow, it was one of a number of "anti-city" movies that reflected suburban paranoia about the city, depicting it as a doom-laden urban hell. Indeed, the first line of the script for Tim Burton's Batman read: "Hell has erupted through the pavements and carried on growing."

The opening shot of Gotham City shows a dark, smoggy wasteland, an oppressive space of gloom where crime festers - Gotham must cancel its 200th anniversary because the streets are not safe enough to hold it. Batman's apocalyptic vigilantism was to be celebrated.

That dark vision of Gotham City prevailed in 2005's Batman Begins, the first instalment in the excellent Dark Knight trilogy. While the Christopher Nolan-directed films delivered many thrills - from Heath Ledger's unhinged Joker to Tom Hardy's growling Bane - it also offered up the first proper origin story for Batman. Bale brought a level of depth to the character we hadn't seen before, as the film chronicled Bruce Wayne's inner turmoil, and in turn evoked the collective angst in the years post-9/11.

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The poster for The Dark Knight showed a skyscraper with smoke and flames pouring from a giant hole in its side, blotting out the sun - an image that blatantly mirrored the attacks on New York. Bale's Batman presented a fantasy of conquering fear and thwarting terrorist attacks, and reflected a deep-seated cultural anxiety about the American response to terrorism.

Less than a decade later, Ben Affleck brings us a Batman for the Trump era. A loud, angry blockbuster that reflects the emotional tone of the moment, it was even produced by Steve Mnuchin, Donald Trump's pick for Treasury Secretary.

Forget Batfleck. The definitive Batman of this decade is the Lego Batman. It is, more than any other film about Batman, specifically "about" Batman, but along with that generous dose of post-modern humour, the filmmakers land some serious thematic material. Writer-director Chris McKay and his team manage to combine the ridiculous silliness of the "Biff! Bam! Pow!" 1960s version with the psychological pain of the later iterations, resulting in a joyously warm-hearted (and relentlessly funny) movie.

While it would be simple to dismiss it as escapist fare, the film manages to carry a surprising amount of emotional weight, with a mature message about what makes a "family" and the importance of working together to defeat a tyrant wreaking havoc on the disempowered. The Lego Batman Movie builds the hero we deserve.
Netflix shared the trailer for its new comedy series Dear White People and some people aren't pleased.

With the announcement that Netflix is set to stream the TV adaptation of the 2014 film Dear White People, some people have cancelled their subscription and are venting their anger on Twitter with the hashtag #BoycottNetflix.

The 10-episode adaptation is based on the 2014 crowd-funded movie of the same name.

Set in a predominantly white Ivy League college, the series focuses on a series of racially insensitive parties that spark tensions on campus and inspire one of the characters to become more direct in her critiques of the school's white student population.

The premise of the show isn't anti-White. It's meant to be provocatively tongue-in-cheek and uncomfortably funny. In fact, the series is hoping to bridge racial divides by highlighting racial tensions that are generally ignored.

But it all kicked off on Twitter when Tim Treadstone, a former Buzzfeed writer who has since become an outspoken member of the so-called alt-right Twitter mob under his @BakedAlaska handle, argued that Dear White People was promoting "white genocide" and encouraged his followers to cancel their Netflix subscriptions in protest.

Director Justin Simien has responded to the backlash on Facebook: "When the first trailer for the film dropped, I'll admit the deluge of claims that I was a reverse racist and a 'piece of [expletive] monkey that should shut up and go back to Africa' really hurt," Simien wrote.

"But now, I feel strangely encouraged. To see the sheer threat that people feel over a date announcement video featuring a woman of color (politely) asking not to be mocked makes it so clear why I made this show."
First Dates Ireland didn't let us down when it came to awkward moment but it also provided us with one of the funniest coming out stories thanks to Gary's mam.

We'll start off with the nice bits.

Cheeky chappy Ian from Finglas was matched with Gary the dancing hairdresser and swapped stories about coming out to their parents for the first time.

"It wasn't like I did have to come out," said Gary. "I was very out there, do you know what I mean? I used to be in majorettes so I'd be going around throwing a baton up in the air and doing a bleedin' cartwheel in the middle of the road.

"When I told me ma I was gay I was like 'I think I'm gay?' She was like 'You THINK you're gay?' I was like 'I'm gay!'"

Ian's family and friends weren't aware that he was gay so he had a harder time convincing them.

"I was so sick of walking on eggshells and talking about girls with me mates. 'She's gorgeous, she's this, she's that'

"The second I said it, it was like time just slowed down and everything that I was worried about everything that was holding me back just disappeared."

Both agreed that life had improved since they had been open about their sexuality.

"Isn't it like having a bleedin' heavy bag on your back and it's just... it's just gone. I'm proud. I'm loud. I'm out there," said Gary.

"I'm completely in love with the fact everybody accepts it," said Ian.

But at the other tables, some of the First Daters were having a terribly awkward time.

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There was George. George tried to prove to his date that he was a feminist by praising the sandwich making skills of women everywhere.

That face you make when he tells you women make sandwiches and you're studying feminism #FirstDatesIRL pic.twitter.com/DH4LAIauB6  Therese Ryan (@TheRealTherese) February 9, 2017

Poor George ! "I only say she because men make bad sandwiches" resulting in death stares from the feminist gas #FirstDatesIRL  Laura O'Neill (@LauraON31181992) February 9, 2017

The farmer half way through telling the story about the deli and women making sandwiches #FirstDatesIRL pic.twitter.com/bypF14gBmB  Philip Wade (@philipwade85) February 9, 2017

An extreme feminist and a farmer! This will never work, he'll get no sandwiches off her #FirstDatesIreland  Barry Nolan (@Bar_Nolan) February 9, 2017

"men are bad a making sandwiches yknow" when talking about women deli staff eeeeee, sweatin for him#FirstDatesIreland  ky  (@_kyradical_) February 9, 2017

A few of the dates seemed to have been absent when the atlases were passed around during 3rd class geography. Camille thought that the Republic of Ireland was "the little bit at the top" of Ireland and Kerry was convinced her date was from Cork, even though he was from the opposite end of the country, Longford.

Again, people. Are there no maps in schools anymore?? #FirstDatesIRL https://t.co/hg95xuQSmY  Eithne Shortall (@eithneshortall) February 9, 2017

gas a #longford lad on #FirstDatesIRL and his date asks him are you from #cork - know how that feels!  Ray Kelleher (@ray_kelleher) February 9, 2017

Can everyone going on #FirstDatesIRL get a breifing on the geography of ireland.please  Conor Hoolie (@Conor_Hoolie) February 9, 2017

"My geography wouldn't be the best" is putting it mildly... #FirstDatesIreland  Darren Regan (@DarrenReganDJ) February 9, 2017

Half-Icelandic Kari, who is vegan (and informed his date of that fact straight away) and has questionable taste in trousers, went on a date with Camille who tried to show her solidarity with his cause by explaining that she liked almond milk ("isn't it better than nothing?" and used vegan shower gel but she still ate meat. Still, she didn't fare too bad as Kari asked her out on a second date to a nudist beach.

Ah jesus!!! Now the Vegan lad wants to take her skinnydipping in a nudist beach for second date?! STEADY ON!!! #FirstDatesIreland pic.twitter.com/E2teZ0d1Ku  Creative Yoke Blog (@Creativeyoke) February 9, 2017

Those trousers the Icelandic is wearing then he's a vegan and splits the bill like that.. cringe mate Goodluck! #FirstDatesIreland  Ciara Donovan (@buttons1121) February 9, 2017

A nudist and a vegan. Who'd have thought it wearing those trousers? #FirstDatesIreland  Gavin (@_Hatchy_) February 9, 2017

Kerry couldn't decide if she wanted to be a paramedic or a firefighter but thankfully, Dublin Fire Brigade was able to help her out of her dilemma with this tweet.

Awkward all round.
Garda Whistleblower Maurice McCabe looks set to sue the state following an RTE PrimeTime report which revealed details of a litany of errors which resulted in serious allegations against him.

Speaking to Sean O'Rourke on RTE Radio One Mr McCabe's solicitor Sean Costello said Mr McCabe was "absolutely devastated".

Last night PrimeTime revealed that a file containing the false allegation of child sex abuse was sent by the State child and family agency to gardai and was widely circulated in 2013, the programme reported.

The father was alleged to have abused a young girl, with the detail that it was digital penetration, both vaginal and anal.

Senior members of the force were aware of the allegation but no attempt was made to put the allegations to Mr McCabe.

Tusla admitted to the "clerical error" in 2014.

Today Tusla has released a statement saying it is the process of issuing a full apology to the person involved.

The statement reads:

"Taking an overall view of this situation, however, it is clear to us that mistakes have been made. On this basis, we have commenced an internal review and will cooperate fully with any Commission of Inquiry if requested.

"Although we cannot comment on the details of this individual case, we can confirm that we are in the process of apologising fully to the individual involved.

"It is important to note that when we receive allegations from a child  or from an adult reflecting on when they were a child  that we are obliged to carry out a complete assessment. We also accept that because of the nature and complexity of these situations, the systems and processes involved in doing this need to be extremely robust. In this case, it appears there were some failures and these are the subject of our internal review, the conclusions of which will be made public."

The RTE report was based on a document outlining the sequence of errors made by Tusla in the investigation, which was compiled by the Chief State Solicitors Office for the OHiggins Report last year.

The report relates how Sergeant Maurice McCabe made a complaint about a colleague in January 2006. This complaint led to the colleague being disciplined.

That September, the colleague made a complaint about Maurice McCabe on behalf of his daughter.

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The girl subsequently made a complaint about Maurice McCabe in which she alleged the garda sergeant had tickled and behaved inappropriately towards her while she played hide and seek with his children a decade earlier.

The allegation was investigated by gardai and a file sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in which gardai said there was no ground for prosecution. The DPP agreed, making the observation that it was doubtful whether the allegations made would constitute an offence in the first place.

In August 2013, when Sgt McCabes whistleblowing was dominating news headlines, the allegations reared their head again, but were on a more serious scale.

During this time, a counsellor notified Tusla that a client she had been counselling had disclosed to her that she had been sexually abused in childhood.

According to the counsellors report, the complaint alleged digital penetration.

The mistaken allegation involving the digital penetration was wrongly reported by Tusla as coming from the same woman who had made the previous allegation against Sgt McCabe in 2006.

Days after receiving the report, a social worker contacted a garda involved in the original investigation.

However, it is not known if they ever met to discuss the case further.

The report alleges that a formal garda notification outlining details of the new " allegation " was not sent to the superintendent of the district involved until May 2, around eight months later.

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The report also outlined that files were opened on the garda sergeants four children in April 2014  each file containing the allegation their father had abused a young child.

On May 14 2014, the counsellor contacted Tusla to say she had made an administrative error in her report to them.

An internal Tusla email, which related to the counsellors original referral, stated: The line that this involved digital penetration, both vaginal and anal, is an error and should not be in the referral.

It is in fact a line from another referral on another client that has been pasted in in error. The counsellor has apologised and is sending us an amended report ASAP

Within minutes of this report being received, a social worker recommended the Garda notification on Maurice McCabe be amended immediately, and updated with this information.

An amended Garda notification was sent to the relevant garda superintendent, stating the counsellors initital report contained an administrative error. This notice stated that both parties were fully clothed at the time of the alleged offence and the girl had alleged inappropriate contact.

However, it appears another error was made by Tusla.

The Prime Time programme related how on December 29 2015 a child protection social worker wrote to Maurice McCabe informing him an investigation was taking place into allegations he had sexually abused a child, allegedly involving digital penetration.

This was the first time the garda had heard about the allegation, the report stated.

In a letter from his solicitor to the social worker, Sgt McCabe denied the allegations in their entirety.

He also set out the previous circumstances of when the original allegation was made in 2006, and how the DPP had directed no prosecution and observed that it was doubtful whether the allegation constituted an offence in the first place.

In June 2016, a social worker from Tusla responded.

She said the agency was obliged to investigate the allegations  but said a mistake had been made in previous correspondence.

I can confirm to you that no allegation of digital penetration has been made in relation to your client, the social worker said.

Sgt McCabe requested of Tusla that all copies of records made on and his family be released to him.

It is also understood that the woman who made the 2006 allegations told Tusla in August she does not want to pursue the matter any further.

On January 27, Tusla wrote to Minister for Children Katherine Zappone.

The letter stated: I regret the management of this case did not meet the high standard set for the service and it is the intention to issue a full formal apology to Mr McCabe for the failings.

Separately, fresh claims emerged last night that Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan met gardai in June 2014 to discuss the allegations that had been brought forward by the counsellor.

However, senior Garda sources have denied that this is the case.

The same sources hit back at Tusla, saying the agency was at fault for allowing the unsubstantiated allegation to remain on its database until recently.

Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald declined to comment, saying it was a matter for Tusla.

Speaking this morning Mr McCabe's solicitor, Sean Costello, said on a human level Mr McCabe was "absolutely devastated".

When asked how the family felt in relation to four files being opened on Mr McCabe's children he said:

"As any parent, aunt, uncle, whoever sees these thing written about Maurice McCabe, that he posed a potential risk is just absolutely devastating."

"He has gone through a lot through so many years," he added.

He said he is considering his options but answered yes when asked if Mr McCabe was planning to sue.
Solicitor Gerard ODonnell, acting for Ms Ksiezopolska, said Nurse Ewa was put in an impossible position on the night Resident A escaped, as she was busy with the care of 21 residents (Stock picture)

A nurse has been acquitted of professional misconduct in relation to the escape of an elderly Alzheimer's sufferer in her care in Westmeath.

At a fitness to practise inquiry, nurse Ewa Ksiezopolska (64) was found not guilty on eight counts, including the three relating to the elderly resident who escaped from Maple Court Nursing Home in Castlepollard, Co Westmeath, in September 2014.

However, the Nursing and Midwifery Board inquiry determined she was guilty of professional misconduct in relation to medical management and recording errors, and the destruction of a medical record.

Ms Ksiezopolska worked as a staff nurse at Maple Court, which caters for up to 21 elderly residents, from 2013 until 2015. She faced claims in relation to three residents living at the nursing home in 2014 and 2015.

The first resident, referred to as Resident A, was a man in his 80s suffering from Alzheimer's. On the night of September 21, 2014, while Ms Ksiezopolska was on duty, Resident A escaped from the nursing home, after the front door had been left open by a visitor. A short while later, he was found on a public roadway, 2km away by the nephew of another resident.

During her evidence, Ms Ksiezopolska said she was busy on the night Resident A escaped, as she was doing the medication round with the 21 residents.

She said the only staff on duty that night were herself and a health care assistant. She recalled that Resident A was "restless" at the time, and was suffering from a kidney infection, as well as Alzheimer's.

Ms Ksiezopolska said that following this incident, an additional staff member was put on the night shifts.

Solicitor Gerard O'Donnell, acting for Ms Ksiezopolska, said "Nurse Ewa was put in an impossible position" on the night Resident A escaped, as she was busy with the care of 21 residents.

The nurse admitted she made mistakes in relation to the way she recorded the medications given to Resident B, an elderly woman suffering from dementia, depression and underlying psychotic issues. No harm came to Resident B as a result of Ms Ksiezopolska's mistakes. She also admitted to discarding a medical document belonging to a third resident in September 2015. "I put it in the bin. It was my mistake," she said.

Ms Ksiezopolska said she has not worked since she was dismissed from Maple Court in the autumn of 2015.
An Aer Lingus worker arrested in connection with an alleged immigrant-smuggling operation at Dublin Airport has had a further charge brought against him.

Frederick Cham (61) appeared in Cloverhill District Court today accused of failing to update Immigration gardai with his personal details. He is already facing more serious human trafficking charges following his arrest along with a co-accused Aer Lingus employee at the airport last month.

Judge Kathryn Hutton remanded him in custody again after no bail application was made on his behalf today.

Mr Cham, of Railway Cottages, Hazelhatch, Celbridge, Co Kildare was already charged with two counts of facilitating the trafficking of a non-national into the State at the airport on January 9 and 22 last.

The latest alleged offence, failing to provide details under the Immigration Act, is alleged to have happened at the airport on January 22.

Garda Lorcan Tighe of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) told Judge Hutton he charged Mr Cham before the court sitting at 10.15am today and he made no reply after caution.

The accused was handed a copy of the charge sheet.

Defence solicitor Fiona McNulty said she was not applying for bail, as had been indicated on a previous date.

She said a bail application may be made on the next court date and that she would give the prosecution due notice.

Ms McNulty also asked the judge to defer a legal aid application.

Previously, a judge had deferred a decision on legal aid for Mr Cham, to give the gardai an opportunity to explore the circumstances of the accused.

Judge Hutton remanded Mr Cham in custody to appear in court on February 17.

Mr Cham, wearing a red anorak and light grey trousers, did not address the court.

At the same court, the judge further remanded a Chinese national, Xing Wang, in custody for another two weeks.

Mr Wang, of no fixed address, is charged with failing to produce a passport or identification card and failing to present himself to an immigration officer, under the Immigration Act on January 22.

He is also charged with possession of a false Hong Kong passport.

No bail application has been made on his behalf yet. Previously, Garda Keith Cleary said ID and status issues had to be resolved in relation to Mr Wang.

A second Aer Lingus worker, Peter Kernan (56), with an address at The Old Rectory, Celbridge, Co Kildare is also currently before the courts on the same charges as Mr Cham. He was granted bail previously.

When Mr Cham was first brought before the courts, Gda Tighe said Mr Cham also made no reply to the original charges after caution.
A YOUNG Garda who survived a holiday shooting in the United States has been convicted of assaulting two women in a row over a 15 fee for a lift home.

Garda Brian Hanrahan (34) had vehemently denied before Nenagh District Court that he had punched the two women in an unprovoked attack near an isolated Tipperary cemetery.

However, Judge Elizabeth MacGrath today convicted the young Newcastlewest-based garda of assault causing harm after considering her verdict for a week following the day long trial.

"Having studied the evidence very carefully...the court is satisfied that Mr Hanrahan is guilty of the two charges," she said.

Judge MacGrath noted inconsistencies in Garda Hanrahan's evidence including his initial claim in a 999 call made from the scene that he had been confronted by six or eight people.

After convicting the young Garda, Judge MacGrath briefly adjourned the matter to determine when sentencing will be dealt with.

Two young women, Emer Kelly and Aisling King, had sobbed while giving evidence about the assaults which occurred when they had asked the young garda for a promised 15 for the lift home.

Garda Hanrahan, who was off duty at the time, insisted to the court he only acted in self-defence after he claimed one of the young women "launched herself" at him in a row over the lift fee.

"She (Emer Kelly) got out of the car and attacked me. She wanted me to pay 50. The last thing I wanted or desired was an altercation of any description after what had happened in New Orleans (the shooting)," he said.

"I did everything I could to stop it (the confrontation). I wasnt trying to hurt her. I was trying to stop her. I couldn't get away from her. She was kind of stunned (after the blow). Then she sat down and started crying."

"If I hit her the way she said I hit her she would be black and blue all over."

"I am sorry she sustained an injury - but if I am attacked I am going to defend myself," he said.

Michelle O'Connell, for the State, said Gardai became aware of an incident in Nenagh at around 4am on March 6 last.

Ms Kelly was in Nenagh with her friends Aisling King and Ellen Nyhill in her new car.

Mr Hanrahan approached the young women and agreed to pay them 15 to 20 for a lift to his home at Ballintotty, Nenagh.

None of the women knew him.

"It was a weird situation after a while. He was very rude. He said that Nenagh was full of scumbags," Ms Kelly said.

Mr Hanrahan also described Nenagh as "a sh** hole" and "a kip."

When one of the young women joked that Nenagh men would not like to hear such derogatory comments about their town, Ms Kelly said Mr Hanrahan replied that he would fight anyone who took him on.

The women then asked Mr Hanrahan to get out of their car.

He immediately complied and exited the vehicle near Lisboney cemetery.

"Aisling went to drive off but I said I will ask him for the money. I didn't want her to leave without him giving her something," Ms Kelly said.

"The door was between me and Brian. He pulled my hair and beat me to the ground," Ms Kelly sobbed.

"He kicked me in the face while I was on the ground."

"I covered my head. I left my mouth open and that is why the damage was caused to my teeth."

Ms Kelly subsequently required 510 worth of dental repair treatment.

"He kicked or punched me about six or eight times I couldn't touch my mouth it was so sore."

Ms Kelly, who is 5 ft in height, rejected defence claims that she had attacked Mr Hanrahan who is 6ft tall.

Aisling King said she jumped out of the car when she realised something was happening with her friend.

"He had pulled her hair. Then she (Emer) was on the ground. He was hitting her. It seemed to go on forever," Ms King wept.

"I said stop, stop, please stop. Please. But he hit me twice in the face. There was blood all over Emers face."

Ms Nyhill rang the gardai.

A passing motorist, Eddie Ryan, stopped to help the young women.

"I saw Mr Hanrahan holding her (a young woman) by the hair," he said.

Mr Hanrahan of Newcastlewest Garda Station, Co Limerick denied two assaults contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act.

He insisted he only acted in self defence.

The young garda made headlines in 2015 when he was shot while on holidays in New Orleans in the US.

He had been withdrawing cash from an ATM when an armed robber attacked and shot him.
The Court of Appeal has upheld a 73-year-old man's four year jail term for abusing his granddaughter despite a contention from his lawyers that he could expire before the sentence expires.

The frail man with multiple medical difficulties, whose details cannot be published to protect the victim's identity, had pleaded not guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of sexually assaulting his granddaughter on dates between July and October 2013.

He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment with the final three suspended by Judge Sean O'Donnabhain on April 21, 2016.

The three-judge Court of Appeal upheld the man's sentence today despite an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions that it was too lenient and a cross appeal by him that it was too severe.

The DPP submitted that the man's medical difficulties did not justify the sentence while the man's lawyers claimed their client could expire before his sentence does.

Giving judgment, Mr Justice George Birmingham said the man's wife had died one month before the first offence. The victim was sent to spend time with him because he was seen as lonely.

The offences involved a game of strip poker and ejaculation, acting out a pornographic scene and ejaculation and digital penetration which was interrupted by the phone ringing.

Mr Justice Birmingham said the trial was fully contested and the child complainant was cross examined on the basis that this was a scam to obtain money from her grandfather.

The man had a background in maritime activities and was a major figure in a national charity at his local level. He had cared for his dying wife, had made a positive contribution to society and had never come to adverse garda attention.

Counsel for the DPP, Siobhan Lankford BL, submitted that the actual term to be served of four years did not meet the gravity of the offence and that the medical difficulties provided no justification for such a lenient sentence.

In his appeal against sentence, the man's barrister, Patrick Gageby SC, submitted that the sentencing judge erred in taking the view that the man's medical difficulties would be dealt with as effectively in prison as they would in the community.

His GP stated that he was a sick old man who required access to an oncologist, dermatologist, cardiologist and may need to be referred to a respiratory physician. She stated that the imposition of a prolonged custodial sentence was equal to a death sentence.

Mr Gageby said there was a real risk the man will expire before the sentence expires while Ms Lankford urged the court to focus more on the various consultants who did not provide alarming prognoses.

The court heard that the man had been advised to stop smoking. However, e-cigarettes apparently can't be sent into prison. It was a procurement problem, the court was told.

Mr Gageby added that the point about his client not being able to get e-cigarettes in prison was not his best argument.

Mr Justice Birmingham said this was a difficult case. The offending was particularly serious and, unlike other abuse cases, had been committed in the recent past. The case was contested and there had been no remorse.

On the other hand, the combination of the man's age, frailty and the multiple medical issues required and demanded the sentence had to be significantly less than would have been imposed on a person younger in age and in good health, the judge said.

Mr Justice Birmingham said it was clear that the sentencing judge engaged in a difficult balancing exercise. In the Court of Appeal's view, the sentence fell well within the margin of appreciation afforded to sentencing judges.

Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, said the court would refuse the application to review the man's sentence, would dismiss the man's appeal against sentence, and uphold the sentence imposed in the Circuit Court.

The man did not attend court for the hearing.
A student accused of murdering mother-of-three Irene White has asked to be put back under vulnerable care while he is in custody.

Anthony Lambe (34) is charged with murdering Ms White (43), who was stabbed to death in Dundalk in 2005.

While in prison awaiting trial, he has been taken off protective custody and wants it reinstated, his lawyer told a court today.

However, Judge Kathryn Hutton ruled it was a matter for the prison authorities and further adjourned the case at Cloverhill District Court, for the preparation of a book of evidence.

Mr Lambe, from Annadrumman, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan first appeared in court when he was arrested and charged last month.

He is charged with the murder of Irene White on the April 6, 2005 at Ice House, Demesne Road, Dundalk, Co Louth.

Garda Sergeant Stephen Nalty told Cloverhill District Court today that the prosecution was applying for a further remand in custody, for the DPPs directions to be made available.

Mr Lambes barrister said the accused was consenting to a four-week adjournment.

She added that she understood Mr Lambe had been in protective custody but he now said he was no longer in protective custody.

She asked the judge if she could make an application today to have him placed back in protective custody.

A prison officer told the court the accused was still in protective custody.

I was instructed otherwise by Mr Lambe, the defence barrister said.

She then consulted the accused, who wore a red jumper and grey tracksuit bottoms and stood with his hands in his pockets as he spoke to her.

The barrister then told the judge Mr Lambe had been in vulnerable care but had been taken off that.

Judge Hutton asked if this application should not be taken to the governor of Cloverhill prison.

Sgt Nalty said it should.

Judge Hutton adjourned the case to March 9. The accused did not otherwise address the court during the brief hearing.

When Mr Lambe was first brought before Dundalk District Court last month, Garda Inspector Pat Marry gave evidence that the accused said "Im very sorry" in reply to the charge after caution.

His solicitor asked at that stage that he get protective custody. Insp Marry said that he maybe a vulnerable person.

He was granted protective custody and legal aid by the presiding judge.

Irene White was stabbed to death in the house where she lived with her family beside Ice House Hill Park in Dundalk 12 years ago.

Her mother, Maureen McBride, found her lying dead in the kitchen when she called to the house at around 12.30pm that day.
A Dublin man who hijacked a car and repeatedly punched a heavily pregnant woman in the passenger seat while driving through the city centre has been given a partly suspended sentence.

Stephen Comey (29) has 70 previous convictions and had been released from prison six weeks prior to this offence.

The court previously heard he had a "tragic background" but was now anxious to rehabilitate himself.

Comey of Pearse House, Pearse Street, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawful seizure of a car, assault causing harm and possession of a syringe in the north inner city on May 12, 2014.

Today Anne Marie Lawlor BL, defending, said the case had been adjourned on several occasions with Comey in custody to allow him continue work on his rehabilitation.

She told the court there had been an exceptional turnaround in her client.

Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a three and a half year sentence. She backdated the sentence to May 2014 when Comey went into custody and suspended the balance of the sentence from today's date.

Judge Ryan had previously noted that Comey had made great efforts to rehabilitate himself while in custody and now had the support of his family.

She noted the seriousness of the offence and took into account the effect the crime had on the victim.

Sergeant David Wogan told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that a Chinese couple had parked their car in the city centre and the husband went to get a parking ticket, leaving the keys in the ignition. His seven and a half month pregnant wife stayed in the car in the passenger seat.

She had removed her seatbelt and was turning to get a coat when the driver door opened and a man shouted at her to get out. The car started moving and she had no chance to get out. She tried to put the gear stick into neutral but Comey punched her to the face.

The woman said the punching persisted and she did not know how many times she was hit. She tried getting out of the car and called for help.

She was crying and very upset.

During the struggle the man shouted at her and tried to push her out of the car while it was in motion.

She felt unable to jump out because of her pregnancy.

Sgt Wogan said gardai had come across the silver Audi at the Gardiner Street and Mountjoy Square junction and saw it driving erratically at speed with the front passenger door open.

They saw Comey in the car having a physical altercation with the distressed woman and the woman's husband in the street chasing the car.

Gardai followed the car to Gardiner Lane where it struck and scratched a number of parked cars. It came to a stop and the man could be seen punching the woman.

The car took off again towards Gardiner Street and broke a red light at Sean McDermott Street before coming to a stop.

Comey grabbed a mobile phone from the car before exiting and was put to the ground by the arresting gardai who found a syringe in his possession.

Ms Lawlor said her client was now drug free and had been using his time in custody wisely. She said he was doing extremely well and anxious to avail of any chance to rehabilitate himself.

She handed in comprehensive psychiatric report on Comey and his tragic background which was read by Judge Ryan.
A young Dublin mother was left for dead after she was horrifically beaten by her female cousin, a court has heard.

Donna O'Brien (25) sobbed as Judge Melanie Greally described how Bernadette Cash "died alone and unaided" after being attacked by O'Brien. The victim was found dead the next day, lying close to the place she was left after the beating.

In a victim impact statement the victim's mother, Bridget O'Brien, said that Ms Cash was a beautiful young girl and a loving daughter and mother. "She would light up a room. She had personality and manner. She is missed terribly by all her family and friends," she said.

Judge Greally said that O'Brien and three men who were in the house at the time left the 20-year-old victim in a critical condition to die alone.

These men told gardai afterwards that O'Brien was rowing with the victim over alleged taunting about O'Brien's hand disfigurement and of her child.

Judge Greally said that the two women were cousins but their way of life had become "debased" and Ms Cash had become caught up with "dangerous individuals".

She added that the victim was living in squalor in "a hovel".

O'Brien of Cherryfield Lawn, Hartstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the manslaughter of Ms Cash at her home in Warrenstown Walk, Blanchardstown, on October 30, 2013.

Detective Sergeant Dan Callaghan told Sean Gillane SC, prosecuting, that Cash's dead body was discovered lying in a hallway of the house the morning after the assault.

The court heard that O'Brien repeatedly punched Ms Cash in the face after a verbal row. She was knocked to the ground and witnesses said that O'Brien then kicked her repeatedly in the head and body.

One man told gardai that he grabbed O'Brien to try to pull her away but she broke away and kicked Ms Cash again. O'Brien admitted punching Ms Cash but denied she ever kicked the victim.

The witness told gardai that when the assault ended the victim "was not fighting back", was "in a bad way . . . hurt bad" and that "she was in trouble".

Another man said that her arm began moving and he was worried she was having a fit. The four all left the house but one man went back into the house to see if the victim was moving but then left in a car with the others.

Judge Greally said that at this point Ms Cash may not have been fully cognisant due to the level of drugs in her system.

The court heard that the victim may have been alive for a number of hours after the assault.

A post-mortem found that Ms Cash suffered brain swelling and died from head injuries. It also found the possibility of a pre-existing clot. Judge Greally noted that O'Brien could not have been aware of the haematoma.

Judge Greally noted that O'Brien knew her victim had been badly injured in two severe assaults in the recent past but still persisted in striking her.

She said that O'Brien had left the house afterwards knowing and indifferent to the fact that Ms Cash was "in trouble" and in need of assistance.

She took into account in mitigation her appalling personal history, her remorse and the birth of her child.

Judge Greally imposed a four-and-a-half-year jail term on the manslaughter charge. She also imposed a consecutive 18-month suspended term for unrelated theft offences committed in September 2013.
A murder accused was stressed and crying while a search was underway for her housemate and former partner, witnesses have told her trial.

Monika Matracka (35), with an address at The Pines, Briarfield, Castletroy, Limerick has pleaded not guilty to murdering Michal Rejmer (38) at that address at a time unknown between 8pm on December 30 and midnight on December 31, 2015.

Opening the prosecution case to a jury at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday, Mr Paul Carroll SC told the court that Ms Matracka told gardai that she stabbed her housemate and former partner in self-defence.

Mr Rejmer was reported missing on January 6, 2016 after colleagues became concerned when he had not turned up for work at MacDonald's in Castletroy for a number of days. He was last seen on December 30, 2015.

The court heard that one of the areas the jury will have to consider is whether the defence of self-defence arises in this case.

Today prosecution counsel Mr Carroll called Ms Marzena Robak, who worked in the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel with the accused, to give evidence.

The housekeeping supervisor said that Ms Matracka was "very honest and sincere" and "conducted her work very well."

Ms Robak told Mr Carroll that both her and Ms Matracka were working on January 1, 2016 and everything was normal.

Ms Robak said she saw Ms Matracka in work on the Wednesday and Thursday of the first week of January.

The witness testified that Ms Matracka had initially agreed to work on Friday, January 8 but then told her: "I won't cope mentally coming to work on Friday."

"That was the time the search for Michal was going on, we were all worried and Monika was sad. She said she was going through that emotion very strong and with all that stress she cant come to work on Friday," said Ms Robak.

The witness agreed with Mr Mark Nicholas SC, defending Ms Matracka, that each girl who worked under her supervision got a list of bedrooms to clean and that Ms Robak would check up on their work afterwards.

Ms Robak agreed with Mr Nicholas that his client was "very reserved and kept to herself."

The witness told counsel that Ms Matracka started crying on January 7 when they were having a cigarette.

Ms Robak said there were "tears coming out Ms Matracka's eyes" and she was comforting her when she told her she could not come to work the following day.

The prosecution then called Ms Malgorzata Glogowska, who also worked at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel as a cleaner, to give evidence.

Ms Glogowska said that she saw the accused working at the hotel on December 30 and 31 but did not notice anything about her apart from her being "a little upset at lunch" on December 31.

The witness testified that she smoked a cigarette with Ms Matracka at lunchtime on January 1.

"She never smoked before and I ask why she smoking and she said she was stressed. She started to cry at that time as she so stressed," said Ms Glogowska.

The prosecution then called Garda Nicholas Jones, attached to Roxboro Garda Station in Limerick, to give evidence.

Gda Jones told the court that he was tasked with the job of collecting CCTV footage from a number of locations in Castletroy.

The jury then viewed CCTV footage of the deceased walking from his home and arriving into the rear entrance of his work at McDonald's at 1pm on December 30, 2015. In another clip Mr Rejmer is seen leaving work that same day at 8.35pm and walking home in the direction of Briarfield in Castletroy.

The jury also viewed CCTV footage of Ms Matracka arriving for work at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel at 7.53am on December 31, 2015.

At 8.15am the accused can be seen holding a cleaning bucket and some supplies in her hand. In another clip Ms Matracka can be seen leaving work at 3.22pm that afternoon and walking in the direction of Briarfield in Castletroy.

The jury also saw CCTV footage of Ms Matracka arriving for work at 9.56am on January 1, 2016.

The accused can be seen leaving the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel that evening at 5.35pm and walking in the direction of Briarfield in Castletroy. In another clip Ms Matracka can be seen arriving to work at 9am on January 2, 2016.

The next piece of CCTV footage showed the accused arriving for work at 8.56am on January 6, 2016 and leaving later that day.

Gda Jones told the jury that another piece of CCTV footage showed Ms Matracka walking in the vicinity of The Pines and appearing "to have something across her arm or shoulder."

Another piece of CCTV footage showed the accused buying 20 credit for a Meteor phone at 7pm on January 6.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury of six men and six women.
Marie Quigley was killed by husband Jim at their home in Co Louth

The children of Jim and Marie Quigley, who died in a murder-suicide, have said mental health issues which "should not be ignored" are rampant in Ireland.

In a statement issued after the inquests into their parents deaths they said they live with "this tragedy every minute of every day".

Their mother Marie was found dead in her bedroom and their father Jim died after driving his car into the path of an articulated lorry on the M1 motorway. It is believed that Jim murdered Marie before taking his own life.

Dundalk Coroner's Court heard their son Kieran had a bad feeling when his dad did not turn up to meet him at the DOE test centre in Dundalk at about 2.45pm on July 27, 2015. He rang his mother and father's phones but no one answered so he went to the family home at Newtownbalregan, Co Louth.

When he arrived at the house he saw the blinds were down in his parents bedrooms; his mother was an early riser and always pulled up her blind.

The back door was locked so he opened the front door and went upstairs. His father's bedroom was empty but his mother's door was locked. He was ringing her phone and could hear it ringing out.

He rang 999 and family members. His uncle and cousin arrived and they tried to open the door. When they got it open Kieran said he could see a blanket over somebody and there was blood all over the place.

It was "the most devastating moment in my life", he told investigating gardai.

Garda Superintendent Brian Mohan, then an inspector in Dundalk, said the body of Mrs Quigley was lying across the bed and was partially covered. She had suffered severe head injuries and a towel was stuck in her mouth. A doctor pronounced her dead at the scene.

State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy performed a post-mortem examination and said she had been the victim of a violent attack while in bed.

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Mrs Quigley had suffered blunt force trauma to the head with an object such as a hammer. She had stab wounds to her face and neck and there was a scalding injury to her face as well as bruising to her hands. She concluded death was due to instrumental blunt force trauma to the head and obstruction of the airways because of a gag. She said death would have been within minutes of the assault.

The inquest heard that James Quigley had driven southwards on the hard shoulder of the northbound lane of M1 south of Dundalk and had then driven into an articulated lorry.

In a statement, Kieran, Sonya, Mark and Gavin Quigley, the children of the deceased, said: "The sense of losing both parents is overwhelming. We can only pray time will ease the heartache and heal our souls."
A WOMAN who broke her ankle on a ride at Tayto Park in Co Meath has sued for damages in the High Court.

Helena McDonnell (25) was working as a tour guide at the Tayto Park at the time of the accident five years ago, and went down the 60 foot "Tayto Twister" slide with her friends.

Ms McDonnell, Newbrook Avenue, Donaghmede, Dublin, claimed her right ankle became trapped twice in the loops on the slide and she broke her ankle.

I heard a popping noise in my ankle as I went down the slide. At the second loop, I heard a cracking noise. I was terrified," she said.

When she got to the bottom "my foot was out of shape and turned to the right hand side, she said.

Ms McDonnell told Mr Justice Kevin Cross she now has pain every day and had to abandon her dream of being a makeup artist as that would require a lot of standing.

Ms McDonnell told the court the Twister ride was not open to the public at the time and she said she and other employees were told to try it so "we could get the feel of it.

She has sued Ashbourne Visitor Centre Ltd trading as Tayto Park , Ashbourne, Co Meath over the accident on June 11, 2012.

She has also sued the manufacturer of the ride, Hags Aneby AB of Sweden, and the suppliers of the ride, Spraoi Linn Ltd of Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford as a result fo the accident on June 11, 2012.

She has claimed the defendants were negligent in that they manufactured, designed, supplied and installed a slide which was allegedly dangerous.

She further claimed there was an alleged failure to alter the slide to reduce acceleration.

The court was told the case was before the court for assessment of damages only.

Her counsel, Michael Byrne, said after the accident the ride was altered in relation to how steep it was and at the turns.

It was also contended that a sign warning that the ride was not appropriate for anybody over 15 years of age had been removed.

The case continues on Tuesday.
Eight illegal immigrants were detained by Gardai following a checkpoint operation in Dundalk, Co Louth earlier this week.

The immigration operation occurred at three different locations on the M1 motorway in the Louth division on Monday.

The individuals are believed to have been making their way to the Republic via Northern Ireland and England.

A source told Independent.ie that some of their nationalities include Nigerian, Chinese and Pakistani.

An Immigration Operation occurred at Dundalk, Co. Louth on the 6th Feb, where 8 persons were found to be in breach of immigration offences. pic.twitter.com/awHUWfzZdP  An Garda Siochana (@GardaTraffic) February 10, 2017

It is understood that they were not all associated with one another, but were caught in separate incidents throughout the day.

In a statement on their official Twitter account, gardai said: "An Immigration Operation occurred at Dundalk, Co Louth on the 6th Feb, where eight persons were found to be in breach of immigration offences.

A garda spokesperson added: "The eight people have been repatriated to where they came from."

In addition to the immigration offences there were 11 vehicles seized under Section 41.

It has not been clarified that these vehicles belonged to any of the eight individuals repatriated.
Lack of accountability in the health service has been a constant refrain in the aftermath of scandals. Patients can suffer serious injury or die, but when it comes to administrators and management the old excuse of "systems failure" is usually a convenient safety net.

Back in 2015, former health minister Leo Varadkar spoke of "heads rolling" in an internal memo about overcrowding.

But later he admitted nobody could be sacked.

Poor management is also now being increasingly blamed for contributing to the ongoing trolley crisis and spiralling waiting lists.

The latest much-touted promises of a more rigorous performance and accountability regime for health managers, announced by the Health Minister Simon Harris, is a long and wieldy process.

And it is also without the ultimate sanction of dismissal or even a reduction in salary.

The final step says if the manager fails the various performance reviews they will be removed from their post and reassigned to other duties.

The Portlaoise Hospital scandal is a classic case of the HSE's failure to hold its staff to account, allowing for the need for due process.

It is almost two years since the HSE promised an investigation into whether staff should be disciplined, arising after the deaths of five babies in Portlaoise.

The promise was that it would be completed in three months.

However, it is unclear what has happened since. A spokesman for the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, which includes Portlaoise Hospital, said last night the disciplinary process concerning issues at the hospital is "at an advanced stage".

But he could not say how many have appeared before a disciplinary body, if any.

Following a damning Hiqa report the HSE agreed to establish an investigation into staff performance and responsibility nearly two years ago.

It led to three retired NHS officials being hired to carry out the review and an initial examination said around 16 staff should have their role probed.

The process was supposed to have been concluded in the summer of 2015.

However, it faced a legal challenge from one member of staff and the review had to be reconstituted with a view to a completion at the end of 2015.

A barrister and a Northern Ireland obstetrician were also appointed.

The whole process has been beset by concerns of legal action.

At one point the HSE suggested it would be forced to set up a commission of investigation which would cost 10m in legal fees.

The entire debacle shows the obstacles in the way of securing accountability.

In the meantime the families whose children died in Portlaoise are still waiting for answers.

The Department of Health yesterday was unclear on the legal status of the performance and accountability framework for managers, which is being promoted by the minister as a way of shining a light on competence in handling struggling hospitals in particular.

The HSE could not say if it has been invoked although it has been in place since 2015 and was enhanced in 2016.

In the meantime, the public is right to remain sceptical.
HSE health managers found to be underperforming will not be dismissed or suffer a cut in salary, it was confirmed yesterday.

Health Minister Simon Harris is blaming the failures of some managers for the trolley crisis and spiralling waiting lists.

Mr Harris said that a "get tough" regime will help weed out inefficiencies.

He told angry backbenchers at a Fine Gael parliamentary meeting earlier this week that the Performance and Accountabiltity Framework would hold senior health executives to greater account.

He said that if HSE managers are not up to their job, they will be removed.

However, the Department of Health confirmed yesterday that this just means a manager will be removed from their post and ultimately resassigned to other duties. The framework also has no provision for any cut in salary.

It comes as the latest waiting-list figures show more than 630,000 public patients are on some form of waiting list.

In addition, widespread ward closures and cancellation of hospital procedures loom as as the nurses' dispute remains in stalemate.
Health managers who are found to be underperforming will not be dismissed or suffer a cut in salary, it was confirmed yesterday.

Health Minister Simon Harris, who is blaming the failures of some managers for the trolley crisis and spiralling waiting lists, has claimed the "get tough" regime will help weed out inefficiencies.

He told angry backbenchers at a Fine Gael parliamentary meeting earlier this week that the Performance and Accountabiltity Framework would hold senior executives such as hospital managers to greater account.

He said he intends to "shine a light on management in the HSE" in the wake of the harrowing expose of patients on waiting lists on the 'RTE Investigates' programme. He agreed that if HSE managers are not up to their job, they will be removed.

However, the Department of Health confirmed to the Irish Independent yesterday that this just means the manager will be removed from their post.

They will be reassigned to other duties. It means that the risk of losing their job has been removed from an underperforming manager.

The framework also has no provision for any cut in salary.

Mr Harris told the Dail yesterday he has written to the head of the HSE, Tony O'Brien, to trigger the new system.

He said he has faith in Mr O'Brien but he did not have "blind faith" in anyone.

The Department of Health said the accountability framework which has been in place since 2015, and enhanced last year, "makes explicit the responsibilities of health service managers in relation to four areas".

These include performance in patient access to services; access to services; quality and safety; and ensuring proper control of finances.

A spokeswoman said the framework "ensures that named senior health service managers designated as accountable officers are explicitly and personally accountable for performing within their budget allocation".

HSE national directors, hospital group CEOs and others are included in the assessment.

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The national performance oversight group (NPOG) has delegated authority from the HSE director general to monitor performance.

In cases where remedial actions have been put in place to support the manager and no improvement has been made "there is provision under the framework for escalation".

"This escalation reflects an increased level of concern in relation to performance which requires more intense focus, action and scrutiny in order to bring about improvement."

The manager will be asked to produce a recovery or improvement plan, which will include detailed actions for improving performance.

It will have to set out specific and measurable actions and timelines for improvement. At that point a "graduated and appropriate regime of supports are available to managers which includes assistance to form the improvement plan".

The spokeswoman said while the focus of the escalation process will be on supporting managers to improve performance, there is also potential sanctions applied in the case of continued underperformance .

These sanctions include the issue of a formal performance notice to their relevant section.

"An organisational performance improvement plan is required in foot of a performance notice," she said.

"Where improvement is not seen within the timeframe set out in the first performance notice, a second performance notice will be issued.

"Performance notices will be published on the HSE website."

Individual sanctions will also be applied where there has been no improvement in performance within specified timeframes.

An individual performance plan will be required to be agreed with the national director or line manager.

"Ultimately where improvement in line with the performance improvement plan is not achieved, the process may ultimately culminate in the removal of the named manager from the post."

It can also see them reassigned to other duties.
The prospect of ward closures and widespread cancellation of hospital procedures has increased as the nurses' dispute remains in stalemate.

Thousands of nurses who are members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have served notice of industrial action, beginning with a work-to-rule on March 7, following the breakdown of talks with health employers over staff recruitment and retention.

Union officials put their side to the oversight group for the Lansdowne Road pay agreement yesterday but it is likely to be next week before the group decides if it is worth recommending both sides to go to the Workplace Relations Commission.

"As of now, the employers say there is nothing more in the cupboard," said the INMO deputy general secretary Dave Hughes.

If the work-to-rule goes ahead, nurses will refuse to be deployed to departments or wards which are short-staffed, which will force hospitals to close beds and drastically reduce certain high-risk procedures, including surgery, in the interests of safety. This would be followed by an escalation which would see all hospitals hit by a one-day work stoppage.

It comes as the latest waiting-list figures show more than 630,000 public patients are on some form of waiting list.

Breaks

Mr Hughes said the failure to meet union demands, including the payment of nurses who work through their meal breaks and the restoration of certain allowances worth around 2,500 a year to nurses hired after 2012, was among the reasons for the breakdown in talks.

The union was also seeking payment for unscheduled overtime as well as an hour a week which nurses could devote to professional development.

Mr Hughes said the employers were offering to improve on the 1,500 relocation package which was offered to nurses in the UK who were willing to take up posts here. They were offering a second 1,500 after a period of 18 months.

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The employers repeated their offer to hire an additional 1,200 full-time nurses but after the union was unsatisfied with the guarantees and autonomy to hire given to Directors of Nursing on this, a ministerial order had to be obtained late in the talks.

These full-time posts would be offset by around 800 nurses who will retire.

They would mostly be in exchange for nurses who currently work in the health service through an agency.

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe said yesterday the Government remains committed to a collective approach to industrial peace and the setting of public pay, and expects continued adherence to the Lansdowne Road agreement by all signatories.

The oversight group would continue to engage.
When Enda Kenny was in opposition he launched a bitter attack on then health minister Mary Harney.

The Fine Gael party leader said in November 2007 that the Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrat's government record on the health service was a "wasted decade from a bunch of wasters".

"From minister Cowen, who couldn't wait to get out of the brief, to minister Martin, who didn't read the brief, to minister Harney, who gave the brief away to the HSE, they have all failed," he said.

Earlier in the 2007 General Election campaign, he pledged to "sack the wasters of taxpayers' money".

Mr Kenny said Irish people viewed politics as being no different to any other job. "They want people to take responsibility," he said. "I'm talking here about ministerial competency and accountability. In the next government, targets will be set by myself for each minister and they will understand that this kind of reckless behaviour with the public's money will not be tolerated."

He said he would sack any minister who fell short of their targets, unless there was a compelling reason for the failure. Fine Gael said at the time there was a need for ministerial accountability to prevent future cost over-runs, such as the 52m spent on redundant e-voting machines and the 176m spent on the PPARS health service payroll computer system.
The recommendation of a boundary commission is to transfer 6,000 hectares of land, just north of the existing city border and the river Suir, from Kilkenny to Waterford, taking about 4,500 people with it, causing uproar in Co Kilkenny (Stock picture)

A Fine Gael TD has vowed to take to the streets and to the courts to fight a proposed 'landgrab' which would see part of Co Kilkenny transferred to Waterford city.

The recommendation of a boundary commission is to transfer 6,000 hectares of land, just north of the existing city border and the river Suir, from Kilkenny to Waterford, taking about 4,500 people with it, causing uproar in Co Kilkenny.

Members of Kilkenny County Council have rejected the recommendation, which has gone to Housing and Local Government Minister Simon Coveney for consideration, while local TDs are also up in arms about the proposal.

"We will fight it on the streets and we will fight it in the courts, if necessary," Fine Gael backbencher John Paul Phelan, who lives in the area of south county Kilkenny affected by the move, said.

"We're not going to be used as pawns ... to resolve the mounting debts of Waterford City and County Council by gifting them a piece of our proud county."
A man aged in his 60s has been shot in an attack in Co Armagh.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, police said. The incident happened at around 10pm in the Tullymore Road area near Poyntzpass.

Gunmen opened fire on a home with a number of shots going through a window. The victim, who was shot a number of times, was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police are investigating and have appealed for information.
Children's Minister Katherine Zappone is facing mounting calls to explain her actions after being directly informed of the shocking Tusla blunder surrounding Maurice McCabe in January.

Fine Gael ministers have today expressed their deep surprise at why Ms Zappone did not formally inform Cabinet of a meeting with Sgt McCabe and his wife in January.

Ms Zappone, who is currently in the United States, has yet to respond to the questions. Her spokesman has not responded to requests for comment today.

Independent.ie has learned that in January, Sgt McCabe's wife Lorraine contacted the office of Health Minister Simon Harris and asked to speak to the minister about a "Tusla issue".

Mr Harris's secretary informed Ms McCabe that Tusla falls under the remit of the Department of Children.

A meeting then took place with minister Zappone, during which the situation surrounding the file on the McCabe family was outlined to the minister.

It's still not clear who in government Ms Zappone spoke to.

Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald told the Dail yesterday that she was unaware of any such involvement by a state agency.

Labour TD and former Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan is among those who have called for clarity about what Cabinet knew about the controversy before drafting the terms of the commission of investigation into an alleged smear campaign against Maurice McCabe.

"I am also calling on Minister Zappone to immediately provide clarity as to whether she briefed her Cabinet colleagues on her knowledge of the TUSLA file on Maurice McCabe. We have heard this morning that she was fully aware of the details of the case at the end of January.

"If she did not bring this information to Cabinet, she urgently needs to explain why she withheld such relevant information from her Cabinet colleagues when they were agreeing to the establishment of a commission of investigation."

Political reaction to revelations on RTE's Prime Time that a mistaken allegation of digital rape of a child was linked to the garda whistleblower has been swift.

Health Minister Simon Harris has said the child and family agency should apologise immediately and did not need to wait for the commission of investigation into an alleged smear campaign against Mr McCabe concludes.

"I think they should explain why an apology hasn't issued to Sergeant McCabe, when it was clearly their intention to do so," he added. "I think they should issue that apology forthwith," he told Newstalk Breakfast.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fail's Dara Calleary said his stomach churned as he watched the program on Thursday night. He spoke on RTE's Morning Ireland and said the situation was "absolutely incomprehensible"

The notion that a very serious report can be made on the basis of a cut and paste job is absolutely incomprehensible given the seriousness of the job TUSLA have to do on a daily basis, he said.

Where are the checks and balances and have they reviewed the processes in light of what has come out given that they have done an investigation into this in January of 2017?

I think that TUSLA need to urgently answer their appalling failings and how the situation arose. How Maurice McCabe was not informed? How files were opened on his children, including two adult children without being informed? And why they haven't issued an apology?

Also speaking on RTE this morning Labour Leader Brendan Howlin said:

"It beggars believe that matters of such seriousness could firstly have happened, that somebody could have the most vile of accusations circulated about them by the state. That is a possibility and we have to fully investigate that," he said.

Tusla, which is responsible for the protection of children, has said it is in the process of apologising to Mr McCabe.
Members of the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit made safe three suspect devices on the Naas to Newbridge Rd after reports a suspicious device found in a car.

The R445 was currently closed at the Bundle of Sticks roundabout.

Kildare Traffic  Naas to Newbridge Rd (R445) closed at the Bundle of Sticks roundabout due to an incident. Gardai directing traffic  An Garda Siochana (@GardaTraffic) February 9, 2017

KILDARE: V heavy on all approaches to Bundle of Sticks due to incident, esp. from J10 on M7 and from Naas Town. https://t.co/qvBPcgxUj8  AA Roadwatch (@aaroadwatch) February 9, 2017

Gardai were also at the scene and diversions were put in place.

The Defence Forces deployed the Army Bomb Disposal Team on request from An Garda Siochana.

A cordon was established in the surrounding area to ensure public safety.

The Army Bomb Disposal Team arrived at 4.15pm, carried out an assessment and proceeded to make safe the three suspect devices.

The scene was declared safe at 9.30pm.

The devices have now been removed to a secure military installation for further examination.

Material of an evidential nature will be handed over to An Garda Siochana.
The Taoiseach and Tanaiste knew about a meeting between Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone and garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe  but insist they were not aware that Tusla held an inaccurate file on Sgt McCabe.

In a statement this evening, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald said she knew that her colleague, Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone, planned to meet with Mr McCabe  but added: She of course did not inform me about any details in relation to confidential Tusla records.

It came after Ms Zappone issued a statement stating she informed relevant Government colleagues of the copy and paste blunder involving Sergeant McCabe.

The minister, who is currently in the United States, has refused to say who those government colleagues are.

There has been widespread shock after it emerged a false file containing allegations of child sexual abuse remained on the TUSLA database for almost two years - without the knowledge of the McCabe family.

Ms Fitzgerald has now said that she was informed me in January that Ms Zappone intended to meet with Sgt McCabe.

Expand Close Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone. Photo: Tom Burke / Facebook

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Whatsapp Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone. Photo: Tom Burke

She of course did not inform me about any details in relation to confidential Tusla records, Ms Fitzgerald said.

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An inquiry is being set up by the Government into an alleged smear campaign against Sgt McCabe.

Expand Close Whistleblower Maurice McCabe outside Leinster House in 2014 Photo: Tom Burke / Facebook

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Whatsapp Whistleblower Maurice McCabe outside Leinster House in 2014 Photo: Tom Burke

The Terms of Reference of the proposed Commission put before the Oireachtas by me refer specifically to a complaint of criminal misconduct against Sgt McCabe and whether this allegation was used against him, the Tanaiste said.

I have always been scrupulous to avoid any comment in the Dail on what was at issue in the criminal complaint against Sgt. McCabe, referred to in the terms of reference.

Expand Close Sergeant Maurice McCabe Photo: Tom Burke / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sergeant Maurice McCabe Photo: Tom Burke

Had I put into the public domain anything which indicated or implied the nature of the complaint against Sgt McCabe I would be rightly open to criticism, the Tanaiste said.

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She added: At the heart of the issues to be examined by the Commission is whether senior Gardai were involved in a campaign to use information to damage Sgt McCabe.

I agreed to take on board amendments designed to put beyond doubt that the examination of any smear campaign would not be confined.

Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness spoke on RTE's Six One News this evening and said a criminal investigation is needed into how the Tusla file was created and by whom.

Mr McGuinness also said that Tusla's apology to Mr McCabe was today delivered to his next door neighbour and then passed on to the family.
A TUSLA counsellor "mistakenly copied and pasted" allegations of the rape of a child by digital penetration into a file on garda whistleblower sergeant Maurice McCabe.

RTE's PrimeTime have revealed details of a sequence of errors which resulted in serious allegations against Mr McCabe.

The file containing the false allegation of child sex abuse was sent by the State child and family agency to gardai and was widely circulated in 2013, the programme reported.

The father was alleged to have abused a young girl, with the detail that it was digital penetration, both vaginal and anal.

TUSLA is the body responsible for the protection and wellbeing of children.

Senior members of the force were aware of the allegation. It was also reported no attempt was made to put the allegations to Mr McCabe.

Tusla admitted to the "clerical error" in 2014. Meanwhile, Mr McCabe first heard of the allegations last year.

Fianna Fail TD Darragh Calleary said his stomach churned as he watched the Prime Time programme.

The notion that a very serious report can be made on the basis of a cut and paste job is absolutely incomprehensible given the seriousness of the job TUSLA have to do on a daily basis, he said.

Where are the checks and balances and have they reviewed the processes in light of what has come out given that they have done an investigation into this in January of 2017?

I think that TUSLA need to urgently answer their appalling failings and how the situation arose. How Maurice McCabe was not informed? How files were opened on his children, including two adult children without being informed? And why they haven't issued an apology?

The revelations come hours after a Fianna Fail TD queried whether TUSLA will become part of the Commission of Investigation into the alleged smear campaign against sergeant Maurice McCabe.

Read more: Now TUSLA dragged into Maurice McCabe 'sex crimes' smear controversy

Carlow/Kilkenny deputy John McGuinness made the intervention towards the end of a Dail debate on the terms of the reference for the judge-led inquiry.

Earlier on Thursday during Leaders Questions, Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald asked Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald whether other state agencies were approached by the gardai in relation to allegations against Sgt McCabe.

Ms Fitzgerald said to her knowledge there were approaches to the garda oversight body, GSOC. But she was not aware of approaches to any other state agency.

But during a later Dail debate , which heard calls for the terms of reference for the inquiry to be widened, Mr McGuinness cited the agency TUSLA. He asked whether it would be included in the work of the commission by Supreme Court judge Peter Charleton.

Ms Fitzgerald replied: I think that would be entirely up to the commission to decide but I see no reason why if there is a relevant agency, for example the one that you mention, that it wouldnt be included in the work of the commission.

Queries to TUSLA and the garda press office have yet to be answered.

The development comes as the Government and the garda force continue to be rocked by the fallout of the allegations of a smear campaign against Sgt McCabe.

Among the terms of reference for the commission of investigation is to determine whether journalists were pointed to whether Superintendent David Taylor was directed to draw journalists attention to an allegation of criminal misconduct made against Sgt McCabe.

In the Dail on Wednesday, Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin claimed that Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan was involved in the leaking allegations that Sgt McCabe was involved in crimes of a sexual nature. She has vehemently denied the claims in a statement.
A majority in the British House of Commons approved - unamended - on Wednesday the Article 50 legislation proposed by the government, which is needed to trigger the UK's formal exit talks with the EU. The chamber has, in effect, endorsed Prime Minister Theresa May's vision of a 'hard' Brexit and Article 50 will likely now be triggered next month, possibly at the EU Summit on March 9, aligning with Mrs May's previously touted schedule.

The legislation now passes to the House of Lords where many have already flagged concerns about Brexit. It is possible that this upper chamber could seek to revise the legislation, but it seems unlikely that it will block the bill. Indeed, to do so now could prompt a potential UK constitutional crisis.

Three of the most notable amendments defeated by the government in the Commons included a last ditch attempt to try to keep the UK in the European single market; efforts to secure a second public referendum; and the nature of the ratification that parliament will have on any exit deal reached with EU.

On the former issue, there was, for instance, an amendment defeated that called for the government to spell out the objective that the UK should remain in the single market. That was killed along with the attempts to push for a second EU referendum on the terms of any Brexit deal agreed between the UK and EU.

The government is strongly opposed to such a second referendum and would only reverse course very reluctantly given the fickleness of public opinion. Some polls now show a majority once again supports EU membership. And if any such referendum were to reject the terms of an exit deal, it could be a fatal political blow for Mrs May, who has now staked her credibility on delivering Brexit.

A third key amendment relates to the nature of the vote that parliament will have on any final Brexit deal. In Mrs May's landmark January 17 speech on Brexit, she said legislators would have a take-it-or-leave-it vote in which they would need to either endorse any UK exit deal agreed with Brussels, or default to the UK leaving the EU and falling back to WTO rules.

Opposition legislators rightly regarded this as a poor choice (some called it a non-decision between a "rock and a hard place") to have to make, but the government defeated an amendment that would have given parliament a more substantive range of options, including the possibility of potentially defaulting back toward EU membership. However, the government did offer a concession whereby it has said that parliament will now get to vote not just on any formal exit arrangements, but also the future terms of the UK's relationship with the EU. And the government confirmed, for the first time, that these votes will occur before the European Parliament debates these issues.

Mrs May will be delighted by the outcome in the Commons on these and other Brexit votes in recent days. Despite the best efforts of some opposition legislators to try to engender mini-rebellions, trying to bring along with them a critical mass of moderate backbench MPs from the ruling Conservatives, this did not have great success. In effect, the Commons has not just endorsed Mrs May's end-March schedule for triggering Article 50, but also her EU exit vision, which she articulated last month. She advocated a clean break, arguing against "keeping bits of EU membership", including of the single market of 500 million people.

Mixing occasional tough talk with an upbeat tone, Mrs May advocated development of a "new positive, constructive partnership" between London and Brussels based on 12 key principles for a "smooth and orderly Brexit" which she believes will allow Britain to play a bigger global role in the future beyond Europe. Yet, she made explicit that, in her view, "no deal is better than a bad deal".

Thus, there are clear bottom lines in the forthcoming negotiation for her, especially over the need for the UK to be able to control immigration from EU nations. Amongst the key principles she advocated was developing a "stronger [UK] economy and fairer society" which she asserted stronger immigration controls could help provide. She acknowledged that this meant that continued membership of the single market would not be possible given the EU's commitment to the four freedoms of capital, goods, people and services. Her alternative vision is instead for a free trade agreement with the EU with the "freest possible trade in goods and services". With the UK leaving the single market, she maintains that this deal should include the "greatest possible access to the single market on a reciprocal basis".

However, her message on the UK and the EU customs union is much more nuanced. She has argued that the status quo of "full [customs] membership" isn't tenable given that she wants the nation to be rediscover its role "as a great global trading nation", including with countries such as China, Brazil, India, Australia, Canada and the US.

This means no longer being bound by the EU's common external tariff. Yet, she left open the possibility of partial membership of the customs union by making it clear that she does not want new tariffs on trade with the EU going forward. Whether a deal along these lines can be done remains highly uncertain.

Taken overall, Mrs May will be delighted by Wednesday's votes in the Commons. In effect, a majority of legislators in that chamber has not just endorsed her Brexit vision, but also her timetable to trigger Article 50.

Andrew Hammond is an associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics, and an adviser to ReputationInc
The recent health crisis can be laid firmly at the door of our politicians and the political system. We have known for over 30 years of crises in emergency departments, inequitable two-tier hospital care, and waiting list problems.

The problems persist despite the passing years. The cause of this is failure of political leadership. Professor John Searle at the University of California refers to political leadership as the ability to make people want to do something they would not otherwise have wanted to do.

Clearly, there has been no political party leader in the Dail in the last 30 years with this capacity. Part of the reason for this failure is related to the difficulty of delivering reform.

The politician and philosopher Machiavelli famously stated: "There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order."

Therefore, political leadership is essential in healthcare.

It is time for the political class to divest significant amounts of its power over health care. The Department of Finance has far too much control over health financing and this should be devolved to the people through some form of insurance system.

Politicians should make the laws and ground rules to govern health care in respect of equity of access, financial efficiency, quality in health care and public involvement.

They should give autonomy and accountability to those delivering care in the public health system like that in the private system.

It would be a good day if the Future of Healthcare Committee in the Dail decided on such a policy, because politicians should recognise their failure and give others an opportunity to solve our health system problems.

Dr John Barton

Consultant Cardiologist

Cappagh Road, Galway

Need to rethink economic stance

Fears for 500 jobs at HP remind us how vulnerable we are to market whims, and dictates.

Were, for example, Intel, Apple, or Pfizer to issue similar warnings there would be serious panic.

We discovered, to our cost, in 2008, that it is most definitely not a good thing to be a small, open economy, yet the socio economic model has not shifted appreciably, in response.

It is a model copperfastened by Ireland's partition, a kind of default set up, one London, no doubt, enjoys enormously.

Rather than going cap in hand to IT, and pharma multinationals, and selling our national soul, we should be looking to exploit our leather, wool, timber, to revive our flax/linen industry, to expand our tourism industry, to explore possibilities in digital electronics, and to look to discoveries of petroleum, in the Celtic Sea, to build a new plastics/composites industry.

The partition of Ireland has sent us off down a side road, one which is proving more and more disastrous.

Daithi O Frithile

Wexford town, Co Wexford

Arrogance and ignorance on Brexit

I write regarding your story, 'May gets green light to formally begin Brexit negotiations' (Irish Independent, February 9).

Britain's problems began long before the Brexit vote.

In a TV panel discussion before the vote, a representative of the Conservative Party announced that Norway was not an EU member state, but had access to the European single market. He added that the other EU member states must not deny this model to the United Kingdom.

There is, however, one thing he had not considered:

Norway is a member of the 'European Free Trade Association' (EFTA).

In 1992, an agreement extended the European single market to the EFTA member states. But all EFTA member states must, among other things, also grant the free movement of persons.

Now to the shock of the British politicians the other EU member states only want to grant the UK access to the European single market if it in return agrees to grant the free movement of persons to all citizens of EU and EFTA member states.

Before advocating for Brexit, some British politicians should have learned what the 'Norwegian model' actually means. Arrogance and ignorance are not a good mix.

Michael Pfeiffer

Neuhausen auf den Fildern, Germany

City freedom is a bridge too far

The offer of the Freedom of Dublin to Barack and Michelle Obama makes even less sense than the proposal some years back to rename Drogheda's Bridge of Peace after another former US president, Bill Clinton, in memory of his having travelled over the bridge, bypassing the town without stopping - on his way to somewhere else!

Ireland's generosity in awarding such honours just isn't thought through.

David Bradley

Drogheda, Co Louth

De Valera's finest hour?

Dan O'Brien (Irish Independent, February 9) is correct in stating that Eamon de Valera's expression of condolences to the German ambassador to Ireland Herr Hempel at the German embassy, after the death of Adolf Hitler in 1945, was regarded by some as a blot on his record as a politician and statesman.

However, this is a view rejected by many. Having adhered to an overtly strict policy of neutrality throughout the war, a policy which covertly supported the Allies, Mr de Valera applied a strict policy of adherence to protocol which obliged him to offer the condolences of the Irish people on the death of Hitler.

Significant co-operation with the Allies, which included the possibility of putting the Irish Army under British command should Germany invade Ireland and a policy of interning German airmen who landed in Ireland, was agreed by Dev.

These are hardly the actions of a Nazi supporter or a friend of Hitler.

To further enforce his unyielding belief in our neutrality and sovereignty, Mr de Valera's government introduced internment of IRA members for the duration of the war to prevent attacks in Britain.

Furthermore, claims that no representative of the president of Ireland called to the US embassy to express sympathy on the death of US president Franklin D Roosevelt in 1945 are incorrect.

Following Mr Roosevelt's death, Mr de Valera had arrangements made for a commemorative service to be held in the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin.

Mr de Valera adjourned Dail Eireann and ordered all flags to be flown at half mast as a mark of respect.

This policy of Irish neutrality could be regarded as Mr de Valera's finest hour.

Tom Cooper

Templeogue, Dublin 6
Lee Mead found fame in BBC1 singing contest Any Dream Will Do

Actor Lee Mead has signed up to join hospital drama Holby City.

Mead, 35, is resurrecting the role of Ben "Lofty" Chiltern, which he played in another BBC1 medical drama, Casualty.

Last year, viewers saw Lofty resigning from his post to retrain as a bereavement counsellor in palliative care and head to Australia for a break.

Holby City is set in the same hospital as Casualty.

Mead said: "I'm really excited to be coming back as Lofty. I've missed him! I'm looking forward to being in a new part of the Holby hospital and seeing what it has in store for him next."

Mead, who will be on screen from the spring, shot to fame when he won BBC1's singing contest Any Dream Will Do.

He went on to marry T V presenter Denise Van Outen, who was a judge on the show, but the pair divorced in 2015.

The Holby City team will also see the return of Jaye Jacobs as nurse Donna Jackson, who left the wards in 2011.

Jacobs said: "Donna and I have unfinished business. She's flirty, brash and ballsy. I've missed her!"

Waterloo Road actress Ayesha Dharker is also joining the cast as Nina Karnik, a tough but compassionate general surgeon, while David Ajao is Dr Damon Ford.

Video of the Day

Holby City and Casualty acting executive producer Simon Harper said: "I'm beyond excited to welcome on to the wards two new faces, a returning face and a much-loved Casualty character.

"It's thrilling to bring Jaye back as the sparky, irreverent Donna, one of the most popular and iconic Holby characters ever and equally so to have Lee make the 'trip upstairs' as Lofty.

"Keller Ward is going through some dark times, so Lofty's trademark warmth and kindness will come at just the right moment."
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham are expecting their first child

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham have said they are "very happy" to be expecting their first child.

The 29-year-old model announced the news on Instagram by posting a photo of herself showing off her baby bump in a bikini on a beach.

She wrote: "Very happy to share that Jason and I are expecting!! Lots of love Rosie x."

The photo, which has been liked more than 400,000 times, was taken by 49-year-old actor Statham, she added.

Last summer, Huntington-Whiteley entered the world's highest-paid models list for the first time, above the likes of Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne.

The Plymouth-born model was in a tied fifth position with American model Gigi Hadid in the top 20 list compiled by Forbes.

Her estimated earnings are believed to be nine million dollars (6.8 million).

She has her own lingerie range, Rosie For Autograph, with Marks and Spencer.

Statham is best known for his roles in various Guy Ritchie films, including Snatch and Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.

The couple have been together for around six years.
Workers prepare to unload US M1 Abrams tanks that will be deployed in Latvia for NATO's Operation Atlantic Resolve in Garkalne, Latvia

The Russian government views Romania as a military threat whose government is pursuing Russophobic policies, a senior diplomat said.

Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko, who heads a department for European affairs at the Russian foreign ministry, said the former Communist nations stance on EU sanctions and decision to host elements of a Nato missile defence system made it a clear threat.

Romanias stance and the stance of its leadership, who have turned the country into an outpost, is a clear threat for us, he told Russias Interfax news agency.

All these decisions... are in the first instance aimed against Russia, he said, accusing Romanian authorities of revelling in anti-Russian rhetoric.

The $800m (750m) Romanian element of Natos missile defence shield, which includes a base hosting SM3 medium range interceptor missiles, went online in May last year.

Nato and US officials say the system, which was initially announced in 2007, is designed to protect Nato allies from ballistic missiles launched by Iran.

Moscow says the real purpose of the shield is to erode Russias nuclear deterrent by reducing its chances of a successful retaliation in the event of being attacked by another countrys nuclear missiles.

In 2009, Barack Obama scrapped plans to base long-range interceptor missiles in the Czech Republic and Poland, partly in response to Russian concerns.

Russia has said the changes did not go far enough. Romania was part of the Moscow-allied Warsaw Pact until the end of the Cold War.

It joined Nato in 2004, as part of an eastward expansion of the alliance that the Kremlin has bitterly criticised.

Mr Botsan-Kharchenkos comments came as Russia hit out at the recent deployment of Nato troops to eastern central Europe, including the Baltic states.

This deployment is of course a threat for us, Alexei Meshkov, a deputy foreign minister, said. Who said that it will end with this? We do not have such information. For the first time since World War II we see German soldiers along our borders.

German troops arrived in Lithuania last month as part of an enhanced forward presence designed to reassure eastern Nato allies in the wake of Russias annexation of Crimea and invasion of eastern Ukraine.

The move has also seen the US deploy thousands of soldiers with heavy weaponry to Poland, the Baltic States, and south-eastern Europe.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
The BBC story included mentions of the new king's personal life and other material considered too sensitive to be publicly discussed in Thailand

A student pro-democracy activist who shared a story about Thailand's new king that had been posted on Facebook by the Thai-language service of the BBC has been formally indicted and will be tried on the charge of lese majeste, or insulting the monarchy.

A court in the north-eastern province of Khon Kaen has accepted the case of Jatupat "Pai" Boonpattararaksa, said the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights legal aid group.

It will be the first prosecution under the lese majeste law since King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun took the throne in December, succeeding his late father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Lese majeste carries a penalty of three to 15 years in prison.

Jatupat has pleaded innocent to the charge and another under the Computer Crime Act.

He faces charges in other separate cases for his political activities opposing Thailand's military government.

The BBC story included mentions of the new king's personal life and other material considered too sensitive to be publicly discussed in Thailand.

Critics of the lese majeste law, known as Article 112, say it is used to silence political dissidents.

Jatupat is a prominent member of Dao Din, a small student organisation that has held public protests against the military government.

Since the army took power in a 2014 coup, it has especially cracked down on commentary on the internet.

In Jatupat's case, he was the only person charged over the BBC story, although it was shared by more than 2,000 other people.

The authorities have warned that even "shares" - links to a posting, rather than the content itself - could be considered a violation of the law.

Jatupat had also posted several passages from the BBC Thai story.

An outside expert for the UN human rights office on Tuesday urged Thailand's government to halt the use of laws that make it illegal to criticise the monarchy, calling them "a political tool to stifle critical speech".

Special rapporteur for freedom of expression David Kaye said international human rights law is incompatible with Thailand's lese majeste provisions.

Many human rights organisations inside and outside Thailand have made similar calls.

The government has responded that freedom of expression is not absolute and that the law is necessary to maintain public order.

AP
Amal and George Clooney at the Cannes Film Festival in France last year. Photo: Getty

Award-winning Hollywood actor George Clooney and his human rights lawyer wife Amal are expecting twins, according to US media reports.

The babies are due in June, said CBS's 'The Talk' host Julie Chen.

Another source close to the couple, quoted by 'People' magazine, said they were "very happy".

The Clooneys' representatives have not yet commented.

The couple married in Venice in 2014 with a star-studded list of guests who included Matt Damon and Bill Murray.

Rumours that they might be expecting began to circulate last month when Mrs Clooney was spotted wearing a loose-fitting dress.

These will be the first children for both the Oscar-winning producer and actor (55) and his 39-year-old wife.

They are said to be expecting a boy and a girl, TMZ reported, noting that rumours about the pregnancy came up after Amal was spotted with a baby bump in London last month while their Clooney Foundation for Justice hosted a screening of the Netflix documentary 'The White Helmets'.

Amal "has let everyone in both families know quietly," a source close to the couple told 'People'. "They're all very happy."

Mrs Clooney has represented a number of high profile figures, including former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and Australian Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Her efforts against the Isil militant group have been internationally recognised.
An arthritic penguin called Dippy has forged a bromance with his 57-year-old keeper.

Dippy the Humboldt penguin moved to Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre a year ago when his long-term home on the Isle of Wight was forced to close.

At 21 years old he is the senior bird in the flock, and most of his feathered friends have already paired up.

But Dippy proved to be more of a people-penguin, and he has grown particularly fond of aquarist Dave Warriner, who readily admits that tending to Dippy and his penguin entourage is his favourite daily duty.

While Dippy seems happy when any of his human guardians enter his enclosure, it is only Dave who gets an enthusiastic braying call and then a swift waddle approach to receive a friendly tickle.

"I must confess I've developed a bit of a soft spot for him," said Mr Warriner, of Caister-on-Sea. "It's the way he lifts his little wings so I can tickle him underneath."

The keeper has to rake the sand in the enclosure and give things a general sprucing up, including brushing down the sloping rock that is Dippy's very own disabled access ramp into the penguin colony's pool.

Before joining the Sea Life staff 20 years ago, Mr Warriner worked backstage at the end of pier theatre on Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth, a job which enabled him to hobnob with celebrities ranging from Russ Abbot to the Krankies.

Ask him who his favourite "star" is, however, and there is no longer any contest - Dippy wins, flippers down.

Dippy is one of 15 Humboldt penguins at the centre, all captive-bred.

As well as entertaining visitors with their antics they help raise awareness of penguin conservation needs.

Humboldts have been reduced to an estimated 10,000 pairs in their native Peru and Argentina, mainly because of overfishing of their favourite food source.
Magic can help with dexterity and in learning skills such as co-ordination and presentation, as well as boosting confidence in public speaking

It may seem like it would only be of use to pupils at Hogwarts, but teaching children magic could help with their education, it has been suggested.

Teaching youngsters magic tricks in the classroom can help build their confidence and improve their speaking and listening, according to a small group of magicians and head teachers.

Sally Quirk, head of St John's CE Primary in Sevenoaks, Kent, said magic workshops at her school had helped pupils learn to communicate well with others.

"I had read about the way in which magic can involve speaking and listening skills, which is something we are very keen to promote," she said, adding that magic gives pupils the "the perfect opportunity to speak out loud".

Mrs Quirk said: "Each group were taught how to speak in front of and engage an audience, and were also taught a trick. They then performed it for each other and then to other classes."

As well as helping with speaking and listening skills, the workshops helped to develop pupils' confidence as well as getting classes to work together and bond.

Teachers spoke to children afterwards about what they had learned, Mrs Quirk said, and suggested that other educational elements could be introduced, such as writing an instruction manual to teach other youngsters a trick.

She said other schools should consider using magic.

Rubens Filho of Abracademy, which runs magic workshops, said: "Speaking and listening, a major part of the national curriculum in primary and secondary schools, are both areas magic can enhance since it requires self-discipline, presentation, storytelling and an ability to empathise with your audience, as you think how the trick looks from another person's perspective.

"All these skills are more likely to be taken on board by a child if they have a purpose behind doing it, like performing a trick. As a result, their confidence and self-esteem is boosted."

Gustav Kuhn, a reader in psychology at Goldsmiths University said there is potential to use magic in schools.

"People find magic very interesting and engaging and it could be used as an effective teaching tool," he said.

Magic can help with dexterity and in learning skills such as co-ordination and presentation, as well as boosting confidence in public speaking, Dr Kuhn said, but research is needed to evaluate the impact on schoolchildren.
Glasgow University is offering the one-day course looking at the Star Wars universe - and it will be held on May 4

A university is to host a course in the philosophy of Star Wars.

Glasgow University is offering the one-day course looking at the Star Wars universe in which The Force governs all and directs the destiny of individuals and civilisations.

It will examine how free a person's actions really are and how morally responsible they can be held for what they do.

The event, held appropriately on May 4, will also question the relationship between a fixed future, freewill and moral praise or blame against the backdrop of George Lucas's storylines.

Dr John Donaldson, who previously ran a course which examined the virtues of Homer Simpson, said he hopes it will be popular with fans of the franchise and those new to the film series.

He said: "The course is an open access course and doesn't carry any certification.

"It's organised around a theme that's based on the characteristic of a Star Wars universe.

"We are looking at what the consequences would be if we accept the philosophy of Star Wars.

"We'll be asking how we can legitimately tell if the characters are good or bad if they are being governed by a force."

Dr Donaldson, philosophy tutor at the university, will also be discussing the elements such as freewill and the impact it would have on characters' decisions and actions.

The aim of the course, he said, is to provide philosophical interpretation of something contemporary which would not normally be looked at using philosophy.

Around 25 people are expected to attend the course on May 4, with another date scheduled on May 6.

He added: "We will hopefully get a mix of people attending. It's not designed to be a Star Wars convention and it's certainly not the case that you need to be a Star Wars nerd to take part.

"In general we would like people to pursue further philosophical inquiry.

"The course is really about philosophy dressed in Star Wars clothes."
Ljubisa Beara entering the courtroom of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, Netherlands, in 2015 (AP)

A Bosnian Serb commander convicted of war crimes over the 1995 Srebrenica massacre has died in a German prison aged 77.

Ljubisa Beara died on February 8, a spokeswoman for Berlin state's justice department said.

The spokeswoman, Peggy Fiebig, was unable to say what the cause of death was, but noted that Beara was "not in the best of health".

Beara was one of two senior Bosnian Serbs convicted in 2010 of genocide for the murder of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys, Europe's worst massacre since the Second World War.

Appeals judges at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal in The Hague largely upheld the convictions in 2015, after which Beara was sent to Berlin's Tegel prison to serve his sentence.
France's President Francois Hollande, right, stands next to alleged victim, identified only by his first name, Theo, at Robert Ballanger hospital in Aulnay-sous-Bois, north of Paris, France. (Arnaud Journois/Le Parisien via AP)

Police in France have claimed that an officer anally raped a 22-year-old black man with a truncheon by mistake.

In an initial investigation, they found insufficient evidence to support the man's claim that he was deliberately sodomised.

A lawyer for one of the officer's suggested his expandable baton slipped into the man's anus by accident.

The findings of the internal police inquiry were announced as violent protests continued for a sixth night in Paris' northern suburbs, over the incident involving a man identified only as Theo.

The youth worker suffered such severe injuries to his rectum during an arrest last week in Aulnay-sous-Bois, north of Paris, that he needed major emergency surgery and remains in hospital.

The case drew attention to alleged police brutality in France, where officers are regularly accused of using excessive force in poorer neighbourhoods, particularly against young black men.

President Francois Hollande visited Theo, who had no police record prior to the incident and was stopped last week for an identity check, in hospital on Tuesday, in a bid to calm tensions on housing estates and deflect criticism that the government has not taken allegations of police brutality seriously.

With Mr Hollande beside his hospital bed, Theo made a televised appeal for his neighbourhood to stay calm and stay united. He said he did not want a war on the estate and that he trusted the justice system.

But the finding of the inquiry may now spark more protests.

Police reviewed a video which reportedly shows an officer applying a truncheon blow horizontally across the buttocks. After this Theo's trousers slipped down on their own, a police source told French media.

Investigators said they had taken into account the questioning of the victim and the (police officers), eyewitness accounts and CCTV recordings and had concluded that there are insufficient elements to show that this was a rape.

However, a magistrate has charged one of the police officers with rape and is still investigating the case. Three other officers have been charged with assault and all four have been suspended.

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Theo said in the television interview that he thought he was going to die during the incident.

He said a police baton was forced into his anus and that he was then sprayed with teargas to the face and mouth and beaten to the head while officers shouted insults, including bitch.

He said the pain from being sprayed and beaten to the head seemed fleeting because he was in such agony from the baton attack. I was walking only because they were holding me up, he said.

He was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery to repair his rectum. Doctors said he would be incapacitated for three months.

Police said things were quieter in the area where the incident occurred after Theo's public appeal for calm, but on Wednesday 28 people were detained in neighbouring Parisian suburbs for throwing objects, lighting fires and violence.

Protests spread to northwestern France, with 20 people arrested in Nantes following a demonstration of around 400 people in support of Theo and incidents in the city of Rennes as well.

Sebastian Roche, a sociologist specialising in French policing, told Le Parisien newspaper that in recent years politicians had done little to address the decaying relationship between police and young people or to tackle the tensions and racial discrimination on housing estates. He said: The crucial question is how to treat citizens in an equal way? No government on the right or left has seized on this question.

Last year, French police took part in a national protest against what they calledanti-cop hatred, after clashes with demonstrators at rallies against the governments proposed new labour laws.

In 2005, weeks of riots erupted on estates across France after two teenagers were electrocuted when they hid in an electricity substation while being chased by police. The death in police custody last summer of a young black man just outside Paris, and the slow reaction of authorities, has sparked accusations of police violence and a state cover-up. An investigation is continuing.

Last autumn, Frances highest court upheld a ruling finding the French state guilty of carrying out unjustified identity checks on men from ethnic minorities.
THE German government has been forced to deny it is interested in acquiring nuclear weapons amid calls for it to lead a European "nuclear superpower".

"There are no plans for nuclear armament in Europe involving the federal government," a spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.

The highly unusual statement comes amid growing calls for the European Union to invest in its own nuclear deterrent in the wake of President Donald Trump's comments that Nato is "obsolete".

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the head of Poland's ruling party, told a German newspaper this week he would "welcome an EU nuclear superpower".

A senior MP from Ms Merkel's Christian Democrat party (CDU) has called for Germany to press for a European nuclear deterrent.

'Spiegel' magazine has questioned whether it is time for Germany to acquire its own nuclear weapons and the 'Financial Times' has called for Germany to "think the unthinkable" on the issue.

Expand Close German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, left, and Lithuanias President Dalia Grybauskaite welcome the German battalion being deployed to Lithuania as part of Nato deterrence measures against Russia in Rukla, Lithuania, earlier this week. Photo: Reuters / Facebook

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Whatsapp German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, left, and Lithuanias President Dalia Grybauskaite welcome the German battalion being deployed to Lithuania as part of Nato deterrence measures against Russia in Rukla, Lithuania, earlier this week. Photo: Reuters

There are fears in several quarters that the US may not remain committed to Europe's defence under President Trump.

He described Nato as "obsolete" in an interview last month and has repeatedly spoken out in praise of Vladimir Putin.

During the presidential election campaign, he warned the US may not necessarily come to the aid of its Nato allies.

Following her visit to Washington, British Prime Minister Theresa May urged all Nato nations to meet a target matched by Britain for all member nations to spend 2pc of GDP on defence.

Mr Kaczynski's call for a "European nuclear superpower" came in an interview just before Ms Merkel's visit to Poland, and it is thought he may have pressed her on the issue.

But leading voices in Germany have warned that the country acquiring its own nuclear weapons is not the solution.

"We would open Pandora's box and start an arms race," General Hans-Lothar Domrose, a former Nato commander, said. "It would make it even more difficult to prevent other countries like Iran from getting the bomb.

"Obtaining nuclear weapons, either directly or indirectly through the EU, would be a serious violation of international law for Germany," Wolfgang Ischinger, the head of the influential Munich Security Conference, said.

Roderich Kiesewetter, an MP and former army colonel who is foreign policy spokesman for Ms Merkel's party, has called for Germany to take a leading role in setting up a European nuclear deterrent.

But he warned: "A German bomb would be a disaster because it would lead to a new nuclear arms race".

Instead he wants Germany to pay for the UK and France, Europe's two existing nuclear powers, to increase their arsenals in order to provide a "nuclear shield" for the continent.

Such a move would be extraordinarily costly, but Mr Kiesewetter says the EU could finance it through a common defence budget.

"Europe must start planning for its own security in case the Americans sharply raise the cost of defending the continent, or decide to leave completely," he said.

Others believe the UK is not a viable partner in the light of Brexit, and have called for any such plan to focus on France.

"If the US is no longer prepared to do its part of the nuclear deterrence, Germany and France will have to fill this vacuum," Gustav Gressel, of the European Council on Foreign Relations, said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Merkel said last night that she and the governors of Germany's 16 states have agreed to push for more and faster deportations of rejected asylum-seekers.

Mrs Merkel, who faces a national election in September, has called repeatedly for a "national effort" to make sure that people without the right to stay leave the country.

Deportations currently are handled by state governments, but top officials have recently made clear the federal government wants more influence.

After meeting, Mrs Merkel and the governors told reporters in Berlin that they would work closely to devise new deportation regulations.

The government officials are planning to create several so-called "exit centres" where people could be taken before their scheduled deportations to make sure they don't disappear at the last minute. ( Daily Telegraph London)
A Cambridge University student who claims he is a direct relative of Nicola Sturgeon has been kicked out of the Conservative Association after being filmed burning a 20 note in front of homeless person.

Student Ronald Coyne was allegedly caught on film setting fire to the banknote while wearing a white bow tie and tails in Cambridge.

A shocked passer-by watched while the drunk Cambridge student, a member of the Cambridge University Conservative Association and has since been expelled from the group.

In the video, the student struggles to light the note, while the film-maker panned to the homeless person.

The student says "some homeless shelter", and the video, which was allegedly taken in the early hours of February 2, cuts out.

It has been rumoured that burning a 50 note in front of a homeless person is one of the initiation ceremonies of Oxford's notorious Bullingdon club.

Speaking to student newspaper The Tab, a Cambridge resident who saw the student soon after the incident said: "I was blocked from getting into my college as some chap in white tie was being excluded by the porters.

"I saw the videos of what he did the next morning, and am utterly shocked and appalled that someone would do such a thing.

"I'm sure I speak on behalf of the student body when I say that we condemn such actions."

White tie is the most formal dress code, even more so than Black tie and is usually reserved for the highest of high profile events - like state dinners with the Queen, Nobel Prize ceremonies, and Magdalene May Ball.

Some members of the Cambridge University Conservative Association are known to regularly wear white tie to CUCA dinners.

Ex-cabinet minister Ken Clarke is a former chairman, while ex-chief whip Andrew Mitchell and Lord Speaker Lord Fowler are both still Honorary Vice-Presidents.

The current Honorary President is prominent historian Andrew Roberts.

A Cambridge University Conservative Association spokesman said the behaviour of Coyne, who was the associations communications officer, was "abhorrent and repugnant".

He added: "The CUCA committee became aware of serious allegations against Ronald Coyne late last week concerning his private behaviour.

"His resignation was immediately demanded and we determined the appropriate response to be to permanently revoke his membership and bar him from all future events, which we did on Saturday.

"There is no place for people who behave like this in CUCA, however we must emphasise that he was no more representing CUCA in his behaviour than he was another other University Association of which he may be member.

"Notwithstanding, we wish to totally disassociate ourselves from the individual and his behaviour."

However this is not the first time in recent months CUCA have been embroiled in scandal.

In June last year CUCA had to defend themselves against multiple allegations of sexism after varsity revealed that the women's officer felt she had "faced open ridicule" and "aggressive sexism".

A source said Coyne told fellow students over a number of years he was Nicola Sturgeon's nephew, but a spokesman for the Scottish Government denied he was a direct relative.

He said: "The individual is not a direct relative of the First Minister or her husband.

"It's as simple as that."

A spokeswoman added: "They are not really related, the connection is so distant it doesn't even count as a relation, there are six or seven degrees between them.

"He might go around saying he is her nephew but he's not.

"She has no recollection of ever meeting him. Somewhere along the line his dad is the brother of the ex-husband of the sister of the First Minster's husband."

A Cambridge University spokesman said the university did not comment on individual cases but added: "The University is committed to respecting the rights and dignity of all members of our community.

"We expect our students to treat others with respect, courtesy and consideration at all times, and the University takes allegations of unacceptable behaviour very seriously."

Ronald's mum, Sandra McLaughlin, 46, said she could not understand her son's behaviour.

Speaking from their family home in Livingston, West Lothian, she said: "I don't recognise that behaviour in my son.

"I don't really know why he's done something so thoughtless and cruel.

"It's completely out of character. He did two years of volunteering at Stockbridge shelter homeless shop in Edinburgh when he was still at school."

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
A video-journalist films the wreckage of an entrance of an apartment building after a raid of a French anti-terrorist police unit in Clapiers, southern France (AP)

Anti-terrorism forces have arrested four people in southern France, including a 16-year-old girl, and uncovered a makeshift laboratory with the explosive TATP and other ingredients for fabricating a bomb.

France's top security official said the raid thwarted an "imminent attack".

A police official said the teenager had pledged loyalty to Islamic State (IS) in a recent video.

The prosecutor's office said around 70 grams (2.5 ounces) of TATP were seized in the Montpellier-area home of a 20-year-old man, along with a litre of acetone and other materials.

TATP, which can be made from readily available materials, was used in the deadly November 2015 attacks in Paris and the March 2016 attack in Brussels carried out by IS extremists.

Two other men were arrested, a 33-year-old and a 26-year-old, along with the teenage girl, according to the prosecutor's office, which handles terrorism investigations in France.

The police official said one of the suspects was believed to be planning a suicide attack but that the investigation had not yet uncovered a specific target.

He said a person in the group had tried to reach Syria in 2015 and was known to intelligence services.

The group - notably the girl - attracted new attention with their social media postings, he said.

Interior minister Bruno Le Roux said the arrests in three locations in the Montpellier area "thwarted an imminent attack on French soil".

The country's prime minister praised the work of anti-terror investigators.

"Faced with the heightened threat, there has been an extremely strong mobilisation of our intelligence services to ensure the French are protected to the utmost," said Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.

France is still under a state of emergency after several deadly attacks in 2015 and 2016.

AP
A Canadian man who vanished five years ago has been found thousands of kilometres away in a city in the Amazon rainforest after apparently walking much of the way there.

Anton Pilipa (39), who was last seen by his family in 2012, was discovered wandering barefoot on a track with no passport or identification documents near Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas.

His brother Stefan Pilipa told media outlets his sibling had mental health problems and had begun treatment for schizophrenia before disappearing. He had apparently walked and hitchhiked across two continents, surviving by begging and foraging for food.

"I feel amazed that he's alive and had made it that far," Mr Pilipa told CBC. Although details were scarce, the journey of more than 16,000km had reportedly taken Mr Pilipa from Vancouver, where he was living, across at least 10 borders to Buenos Aires, Argentina, before he turned north again and headed into Brazil.

He was first picked up by police in Brazil in November and taken to hospital but then escaped and headed into the jungle.

Helenice Vidigal, a Brazilian-Canadian police officer, who questioned him, said: "That is the area where we talk about huge predators like crocodiles and jungle cats. We truly were afraid he could be eaten by one of those animals."

After Mr Pilipa was found again near Manaus, officer Vidigal found his family in Canada through Twitter.

Stefan Pilipa, who flew to Brazil to bring his brother back, said: "He looked really rough. His health was starting to deteriorate. We got him just in time."

Anton Pilipa told BBC Brasil: "I know that I am very lucky to be alive. I am very happy to be able to return to my family."

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
French police close to the Louvre Museum in Paris following the attack

The suspect in last week's machete attack at the Louvre Museum is facing preliminary charges of attempted murder and association with a terrorist organization, the Paris prosecutor's office said.

The 28-year-old suspect - who French officials believe to be Egyptian - was charged on Friday.

The prosecutor's office said the man, who Egyptian authorities identify as Abdullah Reda Refaie al-Hamahmy, remains in hospital after he was shot four times during the February 3 attack. His injuries are not life-threatening.

The Louvre Museum reopened to the public on Saturday, a day after the attack in which a man shouting Allahu akbar attacked French soldiers guarding the sprawling building.

French President Francois Hollande has said there is "no doubt" that the suspect's actions were a terror attack.

AP
An Australian man was charged by Thai police on Thursday following the death of his girlfriend in a jet ski accident on the tourist island of Phuket.

Emily Jayne Collie (20) died on Sunday after her jet ski collided with one being ridden by her boyfriend, Thomas Keating, as they approached the beach.

"We have charged him with causing death to another through carelessness," Police Colonel Sanya Thongsawad told reporters.

Keating (22) had reported to a police station accompanied by his relatives and members of Collie's family.

Keating was not detained, but police said he could not leave Thailand until the court process was completed.

Collie's family, including her parents, arrived at a Phuket hospital on Wednesday to identify her body, which will be sent back to Australia this week.

Keating took to Facebook to pay tribute to his girlfriend.

"I love you so much Emily and I wish I could just bring you back into my arms..

"I'm so broken and I know I'll never never be able to mend."
A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) carries supplies near the village of Bir Fawaz during their offensive against Isil. Photo: Delil Souleman/Getty Images

Russian air strikes accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers during an operation against Isil in Syria yesterday, the Turkish military said.

"During an operation by a Russia Federation warplane against Islamic State [Isil] targets in the region of the Euphrates Shield operation in Syria, a bomb accidentally hit a building used by Turkish army units," the Turkish military said in a statement.

Eleven other soldiers were wounded.

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin had called Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan and expressed his condolences, blaming the incident on poor co-ordination between Moscow and Ankara.

Meanwhile, Turkish-backed Syrian opposition fighters resumed a major offensive inside the Isil-held city of al-Bab yesterday, a day after they broke through Isil defences in its remaining stronghold in Aleppo province.

A rebel commander in the Euphrates Shield forces said fighters of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), working with Turkish commanders, were moving forward from territory near the western gates of the city they had stormed on Wednesday.

"The battles began a short while ago to complete what had been achieved yesterday," said a commander of a leading FSA group fighting in al-Bab, who requested anonymity.

North-east of al-Bab, he added, they have also regained control of the two key villages of Qabasin and Bazza, from which they had been repeatedly pushed out in past fighting by a succession of suicide attacks.

The advance into al-Bab threatens an important Isil stronghold, whose fall would deepen Turkish influence in an area of northern Syria where it has created a de facto buffer zone.

Syrian government forces have also advanced on al-Bab from the south, bringing them close to their Turkish and rebel enemies in one of the most complex battlefields of the six-year-old conflict.

Al-Bab was a major economic hub for the militants and lies on a key crossroads for the region north of Aleppo. The city is just 30km from the Turkish border. The Turkish military said yesterday they had killed 44 militants in aerial and artillery strikes and clashes in northern Syria.

Five Turkish soldiers were killed in the clashes, the private Turkish news agency Dogan said. This would bring the total death toll among Turkish troops since the start of the Euphrates Shield operation in August to 66, Turkish media said.
Mainland welcome for Taiwan citizens

From:Xinhua | 2017-02-09 14:45

Beijing is drawing up policies to support and attract Taiwan citizens to work and live on the Chinese mainland, a spokesman for the State Councils Taiwan Affairs Office said yesterday.



An Fengshan told a regular press briefing the policies would cover employment, social insurance and living needs, and would not only facilitate living and working on the mainland, but also aim to boost the social and economic integration of both sides of the Strait.

Asked about remarks by the Taiwan administration about island enterprises operating on the mainland, An said the mainland had always encouraged and supported Taiwan enterprises and set great store by safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests.

We used to do it this way and we will continue to do it in the future, said An, who added: Who on earth is disturbing and hindering cross-Strait economic cooperation and Taiwan investment in the mainland? We must see it clearly.

An said huge business opportunities had been created by Chinas reform and opening up and Taiwan businesses would continue to be encouraged to develop on the mainland.

Commenting on a recent accident involving mainland tourists on the island, An urged Taiwan to take measures to ensure the safety of travelers.

A bus carrying 25 tourists and a tour guide from the mainland was involved in an accident in Kaohsiung, a city in southern Taiwan, on Saturday when it hit the roof of a tunnel after the driver took a wrong turn.

Of the 21 people taken to hospital, everyone, apart from the tour guide who is still being treated for his injuries, have now returned to the mainland, An said.

He said mainland authorities had been involved in dealing with the aftermath of the accident in conjunction with tourism organizations on both sides of the Strait.

The mainland, An said, was deeply saddened by a string of accidents in recent years involving mainland tourists.

In July last year, 23 tourists and a tour guide from the mainland, along with a driver and tour guide from Taiwan, were killed when their tour bus crashed into a barrier on a highway and caught fire near the islands Taoyuan Airport.

The driver was found to have been drunk and had deliberately set the bus on fire. He had been found guilty of rape before the accident, but was free pending an appeal.

Responding to a question regarding the Taiwan Solidarity Unions intention to invite Rebiya Kadeer, a Uygur separatist, to Taiwan next month, An said the mainland was resolutely opposed to the visit.

It is a well-known fact that Rebiya Kadeer is among the heads of the separatist East Turkistan forces, An said. The invitation by the Taiwan independence secessionist force is intended to make trouble and will certainly harm cross-Strait relations.

An also responded to a question about a claim by a leader of Taiwans New Power Party, who said Taiwan authorities would offer scholarships to Tibetans identified by Taiwan as refugees to sponsor their study on the island. An said that our attitude is very clear, and (we) firmly oppose confusing the refugee issue with the issue of overseas Tibetan compatriots.
US President Donald Trump has hit headlines repeatedly this week for both his policies and his family life.

Here are 10 things Donald Trump did this week:

Trump vowed to fight for his immigration policy

Defiant Donald Trump has vowed to fight an appeal court decision refusing to reinstate his ban on travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations, tweeting: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

For now, it means refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim nations identified in the president's surprise January 27 executive order can continue entering the country.

But the executive order is not dead either, it just is not being enforced while the courts debate its legality.

The government has 14 days to ask the court to reconsider Thursday's decision and it could also file an emergency appeal with the US Supreme Court, which would go to Justice Anthony Kennedy for referral to the rest of the court.

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Trump said he will honour the 'One-China' policy

Trump has told President Xi Jinping that America will honour Washington's "one China" policy, which has been at the centre of friction between the global powers since his election as US president.

During a phone call on Thursday night Mr Trump "agreed, at the request of President Xi", to honour the policy that requires Washington to maintain only unofficial ties with China's rival Taiwan, the White House said.

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Trump hit out at a clothing store for treating daughter Ivanka "unfairly"

The president accused Nordstrom, the high-end department store, of treating Ivanka Trump "so unfairly" by pulling her eponymous products from its shelves, and said she was a "great person" who was "always pushing me to do the right thing". He added she was someone who did not deserve to see her business suffer.

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Nordstrom's decision to drop the brand came amid the "#GrabYourWallet" boycott of Trump-branded products, which has resulted in a sales plummet, according to the company.

Another retailer, TJ Maxx, told its employees to throw away signs advertising Ms Trump's brand and directed its stores to mix her range in with other products, which would make them less visible in stores.

Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, defended Mr Trump's tweet.

"I think this is less about his family's business than an attack on his daughter," said Mr Spicer.

"I think for people to take out their concern about his actions or his executive orders on members of his family, he has every right to stand up for his family and applaud their business activities, their success.

"There's clearly an attempt for him to stand up for her because she is being maligned because they have a problem with his policies."

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Conway 'counselled' for Ivanka pitch

A a day after President Trump attacked Nordstrom on Twitter for dropping his daughter's fashion line, top White House adviser Kellyanne Conway was "counselled" after she urged people to buy Ivanka Trump products during an interview on Fox News.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said: "She's been counselled, and that's all we're going to say."

Ms Conway spoke on Fox News from the White House briefing room. She encouraged people to "go buy Ivanka's stuff".

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New US attorney general appointed

Alabama senator Jeff Sessions was appointed as the new US attorney general, despite fierce Democratic opposition over his record on civil rights and immigration.

After Mr Trump nominated Mr Sessions, Democrats laid into the senator, casting him as too cosy with Mr Trump and too harsh on immigrants.

They said he would not do enough to protect voting rights of minorities, protections for gays and the legal right of women to obtain an abortion.

And they fear immigrants in the US illegally will not receive due process with Mr Sessions as the top law enforcement officer.

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Trump 'regrets hiring Press Secretary Sean Spicer'

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It was reported this week that Trump 'regrets' choosing Sean Spicer as his Press Secretary.

President Trump is disappointed with Mr Spicers performance and blames his chief of staff, Reince Priebus, for pushing for Mr Spicer for the job, CNN reported.

"Priebus vouched for Spicer and against Trump's instincts," one source told the network, adding that the president "regrets it every day and blames Priebus.

Mr Spicer is a longtime Republican party operative and has a close relationship with Mr Priebus. However, in his first two weeks, hes berated reporters and has been tasked with defending numerous falsehoods pushed forth by the Trump administration.

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Trump admitted he didn't realise the magnitude of the job

Earlier this week, Donald Trump says he's working "long hours" and frequently only gets about four or five hours of sleep a night.

The US president told Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor that he typically works until midnight or 1am, then wakes up at 5am to eat, read newspapers and check the television.

Mr Trump said that at the start of his presidency he has been surprised by "the size, the magnitude of everything" and being president can be a "surreal experience in a certain way".

But he added: "You have to get over it because there's so much work to be done."

Pope Francis denounces Trump's comments

Pope Francis repeated his appeal for people to build bridges of understanding, not walls as he marked a feast day of a Sudanese immigrant amid a global uproar over the Trump administration's attempts to impose a travel ban on seven mostly Muslim countries.

"In the social and civil context as well, I appeal not to create walls but to build bridges," he said. "To not respond to evil with evil. To defeat evil with good, the offence with forgiveness. A Christian would never say 'you will pay for that.' Never.

"That is not a Christian gesture. An offence you overcome with forgiveness. To live in peace with everyone."

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Trump approved new budget airline for US-Irish routes

Trump confirmed he has no objection to plans by a budget airline to enter the transatlantic market, which would serve as a massive tourism boost to Ireland.

US President Trumps spokesman, Sean Spicer, confirmed when questioned about plans by Norwegian Air International (NAI) for new US-Irish routes that the White House sees major benefits in the project.

NAI plan direct services from Cork and Shannon to Boston and New York  with other potential Irish and US cities likely to be added.

The airline hailed the statement as a correct understanding of the benefits their proposed Irish-US services will offer.

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Trump's Supreme Court nominee blasted president's 'demoralising' attacks on judges

Trump was rebuked by his nominee for the US Supreme Court for his extended criticism of the judiciary.

Judge Neil Gorsuch told a senator the US president's comments were "demoralising and disheartening".

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Judge Gorsuch, nominated by Mr Trump to the nation's high court last week, made the comments after the president accused an appeal court considering his immigration and refugee ban order of being "so political".

Mr Trump also labelled a judge who ruled on his executive order a "so-called judge" and referred to the ruling as "ridiculous".

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With reporting from Press Association and Reuters
A U.S. federal appeals court on Thursday unanimously upheld a temporary suspension of President Donald Trump's order that restricted travel from seven Muslim-majority countries.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling came in a challenge to Trump's order filed by the states of Washington and Minnesota. The U.S. Supreme Court will likely determine the case's final outcome.

The White House said it had no immediate comment.

Trump's Jan. 27 executive order barred entry for citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days and imposed a 120-day halt on all refugees, except refugees from Syria who are barred indefinitely.

U.S. District Judge James Robart suspended Trump's order last Friday.

The ruling from the 9th Circuit, which follows a hearing on the case on Tuesday, does not resolve the lawsuit, but relates instead to whether Trump's order should be suspended while litigation proceeds.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

Two members of three-judge panel that ruled were appointed by former Democratic Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama, and one was appointed by former President George W. Bush.

Either side could decide to appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump had said the order was vital for national safety and criticized Robart, the Seattle judge, for suspending it.

Critics have called Trump's ban discriminatory against Muslims and have questioned its value as a security measure. National security veterans, major U.S. technology companies and law enforcement officials from more than a dozen states backed a legal effort against the ban.

Ultimately the courts will have to address questions about the extent of the president's power on matters of immigration and national security. Traditionally, judges have been extremely cautious about stepping on the executive branch's authority in such matters, legal experts say, though some note that the implementation of this order presents unique issues.

The appeals court panel subjected Trump's order to intense scrutiny during Tuesday's oral argument.

During the oral argument, the judges asked a government lawyer whether the Trump administration's national security argument was backed by evidence that people from the seven countries posed a danger.

Judge Richard Clifton posed equally tough questions for an attorney representing Minnesota and Washington. Clifton asked if Robart's suspension of Trump's policy was "overbroad." Clifton is an appointee of former President George W. Bush, a Republican like Trump.

August Flentje, representing the Trump administration as special counsel for the U.S. Justice Department, told the panel on Tuesday that "Congress has expressly authorized the president to suspend entry of categories of aliens" for national security reasons.

"That's what the president did here," he said.

When the 9th Circuit asked Flentje what evidence the executive order had used to connect the seven countries affected by the order with terrorism in the United States, Flentje said the "proceedings have been moving very fast," without giving specific examples.

He said both Congress and the previous administration of Democrat Barack Obama had determined that those seven countries posed the greatest risk of terrorism and had in the past put stricter visa requirements on them.

Noah Purcell, solicitor general for the state of Washington, began his argument urging the court to serve "as a check on executive abuses."

Curbing entry to the United States as a national security measure was a central premise of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, originally proposed as a temporary ban on all Muslims. He has voiced frustration at the legal challenge to his order.

"I actually can't believe that we're having to fight to protect the security, in a court system, to protect the security of our nation," he said at an event with sheriffs on Tuesday.

U.S. presidents have in the past claimed sweeping powers to fight terrorism, but individuals, states and civil rights groups challenging the ban said his administration had offered no evidence it answered a threat.
Donald Trump has told President Xi Jinping that America will honour Washington's "one China" policy, which has been at the centre of friction between the global powers since his election as US president.

During a phone call on Thursday night Mr Trump "agreed, at the request of President Xi", to honour the policy that requires Washington to maintain only unofficial ties with China's rival Taiwan, the White House said.

The White House described the call as "extremely cordial" and said the two leaders had invited each other to visit.

Before taking office, Mr Trump questioned the policy, which shifted diplomatic recognition from self-governing Taiwan to China in 1979, and said it was open to negotiation.

China has bristled at the "one China" comments by Mr Trump, who wants to pressure Beijing to narrow its huge trade surplus with America.

Mr Trump had accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, criticised China's military build-up in the South China Sea and accused China of doing too little to pressure North Korea.

Some had questioned why Mr Trump had taken so long to call Mr Xi given that he had already spoken with more than a dozen world leaders.

Chinese observers also noted that Mr Trump had broken with his predecessors in not extending good wishes to the Chinese people on the occasion of last month's Lunar New Year holiday, before issuing of a belated greeting on Wednesday.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and complained after Mr Trump upset decades of diplomatic precedent by talking by phone with Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen shortly after winning November's presidential election.

In December, Mr Trump said in an interview that he did not feel "bound" by the decades-old China policy unless the US could gain concessions in trade and other areas.

Washington has robust unofficial relations with Taiwan and provides it with arms to guard against Beijing's threat to use force to reunify.

Underscoring uncertainty in the relationship, the call between the leaders came as the US Pacific Command reported a Chinese jet and a US Navy patrol plane had an "unsafe" encounter over the South China Sea this week.

Pacific Command spokesman Robert Shuford said on Friday that the "interaction" between a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft and a US Navy P-3C plane took place on Wednesday in international airspace.

He did not say what was unsafe about the encounter but said the US plane was on a routine mission and operating according to international law.

China routinely complains about US military surveillance missions close to its southern island province of Hainan, which is home to numerous sensitive military installations.

A collision between a US EP-3 surveillance plane and a Chinese naval air force jet in April 2001 resulted in the death of the Chinese pilot and the 10-day detention of the US air crew by China.
US President Donald Trump's chief strategist Steve Bannon has caused much controversy since setting foot inside the White House, and it has now emerged his ex-wife is a former Rose of Tralee contestant.

Mr Bannon's third wife was Limerick woman and former model Diane Clohessy.

Mr Bannon, described by some as the "most dangerous political operative in the US", was married to Ms Clohessy until their divorce in 2009.

Photos from the 'Limerick Leader's archive show that, prior to moving to the United States, Ms Clohessy, from Castletroy, was one of the Limerick contestants in the Rose of Tralee in 1990 - where she represented Pery's nightclub.

The winner of the 1990 year's festival was German Rose Julia Dawson.

After the festival, Ms Clohessy continued to model locally and was remembered this week by model agent Celia Holman Lee as "a striking young woman with lots of personality".

"I remember Diane had a very pretty face and was very attractive. She probably didn't have the height to make it as a big-time model.

"She moved to the States and I didn't hear much about her after that," Ms Holman Lee said.

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Ms Clohessy began studying marketing at the age of 24 at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Despite their divorce, Ms Clohessy and Mr Bannon seem to have an amicable relationship. In fact, Ms Clohessy has been working as a social media manager with Breitbart News, of which Mr Bannon is the former executive chair.

While President Trump's signature may be on the executive orders on refugees and immigration which have caused enormous controversy around the world, many political experts have said they had the fingerprints of Mr Bannon all over them.

Mr Bannon was appointed Mr Trump's chief strategist and has been at the president's side for many of the major news events of the past few weeks.

This includes a visit to CIA headquarters and the meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May.

He was also pictured in the Oval Office close to the president while he was on a call to Russia's President Vladimir Putin on January 28.

President Trump's senior counsellor also helped write the president's inaugural address.

This week's 'Time' magazine profiles Mr Bannon as their cover story, dubbing him 'The Great Manipulator'.

Mr Bannon seldom gives interviews, preferring instead to exert his influence behind the scenes.

However, Mr Trump has denied that Mr Bannon calls the shots.

"I call my own shots, largely based on an accumulation of data, and everyone knows it," he wrote on Twitter.

"Some FAKE NEWS media, in order to marginalize, lies!"

Born in Virginia, Mr Bannon transformed himself from working-class Navy man to Goldman Sachs financier. He also worked as a Hollywood producer and became popular with America's right-wing media, as chairman of Breitbart website. "I come from a blue-collar, Irish Catholic, pro-Kennedy, pro-union family of Democrats," Mr Bannon told Bloomberg.

"I wasn't political until I got into the service and saw how badly (President) Jimmy Carter f***ed things up."
A US appeal court has handed a resounding victory to Washington and Minnesota in their challenge to Donald Trump's travel ban, finding unanimously that a lower court ruling suspending its enforcement should stay in place while the case continues.

Here is a summary of the legal issues in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling - and what comes next.

WHAT DOES THE RULING MEAN?

For now, it means refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim nations identified in the president's surprise January 27 executive order can continue entering the country.

Travellers from those countries will not be detained or put back on planes heading overseas and there probably will not be more protests jamming US airports as there were after Mr Trump issued the surprise order.

But the executive order is not dead either, it just is not being enforced while the courts debate its legality.

The government has 14 days to ask the court to reconsider Thursday's decision and it could also file an emergency appeal with the US Supreme Court, which would go to Justice Anthony Kennedy for referral to the rest of the court.

Rory Little, a former Supreme Court clerk who teaches at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, does not think that is such a good idea.

In addition to seeking to overturn a reasoned decision, he said, Mr Trump would be facing Chief Justice John Roberts, who just wrote an annual report in which he raved about his District Court judges.

The president repeatedly insulted the Seattle judge who ruled against him, in addition to the appeal judges who followed suit.

"I think Kennedy and Roberts are seething about the president insulting their judges," Mr Little said.

"If they go to the US Supreme Court, they risk getting a serious adverse ruling."

WHAT DID THE COURT CONSIDER?

There have been, in effect, two items before the court: the government's appeal of the lower judge's ruling and its motion to put that ruling on hold pending the appeal.

On Thursday, the panel denied the motion for stay and set a briefing schedule for fuller arguments on the merits of the appeal.

That prompted some confusion among those watching the case, many of whom expected it to be returned to the Seattle court.

Washington's lawyer, state solicitor general Noah Purcell, wrote to the Seattle court's clerk late on Thursday to note the state would not be making an expected court filing because of the new appellate briefing schedule.

Barring an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court, the government's opening brief is due on March 3, with the states' filing due on March 24.

In denying the motion for stay, the court said it was considering whether the administration was likely to win its appeal, whether suspending the travel ban had harmed the government, and whether the public interest favoured granting the stay or rejecting it.

The judges agreed that the lower court's ruling was appealable - the only question on which the states lost.

They rejected the Justice Department's argument that the states lacked standing to sue, noting that some faculty members at state universities were unable to travel, for example.

But most forcibly, they rejected the DOJ's notion that the president has nearly unlimited authority over immigration decisions.

"There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy," the opinion said.

A PROBLEMATIC EXECUTIVE ORDER?

Based on what they know so far, Mr Trump's executive order poses some serious constitutional concerns, the panel said.

For example, the government has not shown that it complies with due process, by giving those affected notice or a hearing before restricting their ability to travel.

While the government insisted that most or all those affected do not have such rights, the court disagreed, saying the protections of the Fifth Amendment's due process clause are not limited to US citizens.

And while White House counsel Donald McGahn issued guidance days after the executive order saying it did not apply to legal permanent residents of the US, some of whom had been caught up in the travel ban, that guidance was of little use, the court wrote.

A LIBERAL COURT?

Many conservatives condemned the ruling and some law professors criticised various aspects of it, including its lack of analysis regarding a law giving the president power to suspend entry of "any class of aliens" when he finds their entry "would be detrimental" to the country.

Republican senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas called the decision misguided and wrote off the court it came from as "the most notoriously left-wing court in America".

While the 9th Circuit certainly has a lefty reputation, based in part on the long tenure of the many liberal judges that Democratic president Jimmy Carter appointed, legal scholars say the label is less deserved than it used to be.

Two of the judges on the panel that made the ruling are Democratic appointees, while one, Judge Richard Clifton, was appointed by George W Bush.

Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond Law School, said Judge Clifton's decision to join the opinion should allay any concerns that it was motivated by politics instead of the law.

That should make the government think twice before going to the Supreme Court, he said.

"I don't think they're going to be well received at the Supreme Court for all kinds of reasons, but mainly because this is a reasonable decision. The precedents are there, they've weighed the issues, and even Clifton signed it."
Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Slovenian President Borut Pahor during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, pool)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is grateful to Slovenia for its offer to host his first meeting with US President Donald Trump, adding that it will depend on Washington.

Speaking after Kremlin talks with his Slovenian counterpart, Mr Putin said that Russia welcomes Mr Trump's statements about the need to restore strained Russia-US ties.

He said Moscow is waiting for the Trump administration to prepare for dialogue.

Mr Putin added that Moscow and Washington could jointly tackle the terror threat and deal with other global challenges.

He thanked the Slovenian president for his readiness to organise his meeting with Mr Trump.

Mr Putin added it will depend on the US on whether to hold such a meeting.
Rick Derringer performs during a campaign rally kicking off George Wallace Jr's bid for the office of lieutenant governor in Montgomery, Ala. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Rock guitarist Rick Derringer's manager said the musician meant no harm when he carried a loaded gun in his carry-on bag on a flight from Mexico to the US - and vowed to clear his name.

Derringer is charged with having a gun in a secure area at Atlanta's airport.

Prosecutors said Derringer carried a loaded gun on a Delta Air Lines flight from Cancun, Mexico, and landed in Atlanta, Georgia. He was stopped after landing in Atlanta.

A federal air marshal quoted in court records that Derringer told him he often flies with a gun in his carry-on and has never had a problem.

Derringer's manager, Kenn Moutenot, said Derringer thought he was permitted to have the gun because he has a licence to carry one, and that he will work with the government to clear his name.

Derringer was charged with unlawfully entering an airport's secure area on January 9.

A Transportation Security Administration spokesman had no immediate comment.

Derringer sang the 1965 hit Hang on Sloopy and later recorded Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.
Top White House adviser Kellyanne Conway has been "counselled" after she urged people to buy Ivanka Trump products during an interview on Fox News.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said: "She's been counselled, and that's all we're going to say."

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Ms Conway spoke on Fox News from the White House briefing room. She encouraged people to "go buy Ivanka's stuff".

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She made the comments a day after President Trump attacked Nordstrom on Twitter for dropping his daughter's fashion line.

While Mr Trump himself is not subject to the standards of ethical conduct for federal employees, Ms Conway is.

Among the rules: An employee shall not use his or her office "for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise".

Later, House Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz said Ms Conway's promotion of Ivanka Trump's fashion brand was "wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable".

The Republican congressman said the White House must refer the matter to the Office of Government Ethics for review.

He said he and Democratic Oversight Leader Elijah Cummings are writing a letter to the office and he will also write to President Donald Trump about the matter.

"It needs to be dealt with," he told The Associated Press. "There's no ifs, ands or buts about it."
Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo is being checked out in a hospital after the accident (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz )

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo has suffered minor injuries in a car crash and been flown to the capital Warsaw for medical tests, a spokesman said.

The accident happened about 6.30 pm on Friday in the town of Oswiecim, southern Poland - Szydlo's home town.

Officials said Szydlo was travelling in the second car in a convoy along the town's main road when a car drove into Szydlo's black Audi limousine, causing it to hit a tree.

Two security officials were also injured in the accident.

Government spokesman Rafal Bochenek told the news agency PAP that Szydlo's injuries were not serious and was conscious but that she was undergoing a precautionary examination in a hospital.

She was later flown to Warsaw for more medical tests. "Fortunately, nothing bad happened," he said

The state broadcaster TVP published an image of her limousine, with the front of the car bashed in.

Sebastian Glen, a police spokesman, said the car that hit the prime minister's car was a small Fiat driven by a 21-year-old man who was sober. He said Szydlo, the driver and a security officer were taken to a nearby hospital.

Oswiecim is best known to the world by its German name, Auschwitz. It is the town where Nazi Germany ran the death camp in occupied Poland during World War II and today is the site of a memorial and museum that draws large numbers of visitors.

It was the second accident involving a convoy that Szydlo was travelling in.

In November, several vehicles in a Polish government convoy collided during a state visit to Israel. Szydlo was not in one of those that collided but two other Polish officials had minor injuries.

Separately, Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz escaped uninjured from an eight-car collision in January.

Poland's interior minister Mariusz Blaszczak has called an emergency meeting with the leadership of the Government Protection Office, which protects and drives Prime Minister Szydlo and other top government figures.
Protesters clash with police near parliament in Cape Town, South Africa (AP)

South African President Jacob Zuma reviews the guard of honour at Parliament in Cape Town. (AP/Schalk van Zuydam)

South Africa's parliament descended into chaos as opposition politicians denounced President Jacob Zuma as a "scoundrel" and "rotten to the core" because of corruption allegations and then brawled with guards who dragged them out of the chamber.

The raucous scenes unfolded on national television as opposition politicians tried to stop Mr Zuma from addressing the chamber, repeatedly insulting the president and declaring him unfit for office.

In the surrounding streets of Cape Town, police and hundreds of military forces patrolled to guard against protesters who want President Zuma to quit.

Security teams eventually were called into the chamber to remove red-clad members of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters, some of whom threw punches and pounded guards with plastic helmets.

Politicians from the Democratic Alliance, the country's biggest opposition group, then walked out in protest. Some members of the ruling African National Congress party heckled them as they left.

"Out. Out," they shouted.

"Finally," said a laughing Mr Zuma, who then started an annual address on the economy and other national matters.

A politically weakened figure, President Zuma has faced calls to resign even from factions of the ruling party.

Some ANC members blame Mr Zuma's scandals for the party's poor performance in local elections in August, in which it lost control of several key metropolitan areas.

Critics condemned an announcement by President Zuma's office that 441 members of the military would assist police in maintaining order during the speech and the opening of parliament.

The military has previously deployed for the event, but the security operation was among the largest in recent years.

While at least one group of protesters scuffled with police who blocked their path, the streets were mostly calm before the speech, in contrast to the events later in parliament.

Mr Zuma is "rotten to the core", said Julius Malema, leader of the EFF.

Other opposition legislators described the president as a "scoundrel" and a "constitutional delinquent".

Earlier, police near parliament used stun grenades to disperse ruling party members and opposition groups who were fighting.

The hours leading up to Mr Zuma's speech featured the pomp associated with the annual opening of parliament, when dignitaries walk on a red carpet and pose for cameras in an impromptu fashion show.

President Zuma has been under scrutiny for an allegedly improper relationship with the Guptas, a business family of Indian immigrants that has been accused of meddling in top government appointments.

The president has denied wrongdoing.

Mr Zuma, who took office in 2009, also reimbursed the state more than $500,000 in a scandal over upgrades to his private home.

The president's speech addressed numerous sources of frustration for many South Africans, including the delivery of basic services and an economy that has stalled.

He said he expects 1.3% growth in 2017, after just 0.5% last year.

AP
New Somalian president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, pictured, must quickly form an inclusive government, the United Nations chiefs has said (AP)

United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres is calling on Somalia's new president to quickly form an inclusive cabinet.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the top priority for the government led by Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who was elected on Wednesday, must be tackling the current drought and "the imperative of averting a famine".

Mr Dujarric said Mr Guterres hoped the new government would also work with the states to "tackle urgent national priorities immediately, including finalising the constitution and establishing effective national security forces".

Mr Guterres expressed appreciation to international partners "for their vital support to the electoral process and continuing humanitarian assistance" and praised former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and prime minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke both for their work and for allowing a smooth handover to the new president.
Donald Trump applauds as he stands with Judge Neil Gorsuch after announcing him as his nominee for the Supreme Court (AP)

A US court has refused to reinstate Donald Trump's ban on travellers from seven predominantly-Muslim nations.

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco refused to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously-barred travellers to enter the US.

An appeal to the US Supreme Court is possible.

AP

US District Judge James Robart, sitting in Seattle, issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban last week after Washington state and Minnesota sued.

The US Justice Department appealed to the San Francisco court, where g overnment lawyers argued that the ban was a "lawful exercise" of the president's authority and that the seven countries had raised terrorism concerns.

The states said Mr Trump's executive order unconstitutionally blocked entry based on religion.

In its unanimous decision, the appeal court rejected the Trump administration's claim that the court did not have the authority to review the president's executive order.

The panel of three judges noted that Washington and Minnesota had raised serious allegations about religious discrimination.

The court said the government had not shown a likelihood it would succeed in appealing to reinstate the travel ban, nor had it shown that failure to reinstate the ban would cause irreparable injury.

The panel said Washington proved it had the legal right to bring its lawsuit by claiming its universities would suffer harm - one of the questions that the judges considered.

Universities have complained about students and staff becoming stranded overseas.

Both sides faced tough questioning during an hour of arguments conducted by phone - an unusual step - and broadcast live on cable networks, newspaper websites and social media, attracting a huge audience.

The judges hammered away at the administration's claim that the ban was motivated by terrorism fears, but they also challenged the states' argument that it targeted Muslims.

"I have trouble understanding why we're supposed to infer religious animus when, in fact, the vast majority of Muslims would not be affected," Judge Richard Clifton, a George W Bush nominee, asked a lawyer representing Washington and Minnesota.

Only 15% of the world's Muslims were affected by the executive order, the judge said, citing his own calculations.

"Has the government pointed to any evidence connecting these countries to terrorism?" Judge Michelle Friedland, who was appointed by Barack Obama, asked the Justice Department lawyer.

The lower-court judge temporarily halted the ban after determining that the states were likely to win the case and had shown that the ban would restrict travel by their residents, damage their public universities and reduce their tax base.

Judge Robart put the executive order on hold while the lawsuit works its way through the courts.

After that ruling, the State Department quickly said people from the seven countries - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen - with valid visas could travel to the US.

The decision led to tearful reunions at airports round the country.

The Supreme Court has a vacancy and there is no chance Mr Trump's nominee, Neil Gorsuch, will be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban.

The ban was set to expire in 90 days, meaning it could run its course before the court would take up the issue.

The administration also could change the order, including changing its scope or duration.

The appeal judges said the government presented no evidence to explain the urgent need for Mr Trump's executive order to take effect immediately and said courts have the authority to review presidential orders on immigration and national security.

Mr Trump took to social media, tweeting: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

The appeal court said the government had not pointed to any evidence that anyone from the countries named in the executive order had committed a "terrorist attack" in the US.

The panel said: "Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the executive order, the government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all.

"We disagree, as explained above."
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

The American Cancer Societys Look GoodFeel Better program will be held from 6:15-8:15 p.m. in the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center private dining room A free dinner will be provided to those who attend. Female cancer patients who participate in this class will learn how to use make-up and skincare techniques to overcome the appearance-related effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Classes and materials are provided free of charge to women receiving active cancer treatment. For more information about this event or to register, call The American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

A blood drive with the American Red Cross will be hosted by Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in the Community Rooms A and B from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Blood drive is open to the public and appointments are recommended. You will need to bring photo identification with you. To register or to find out more about this local blood drive, call 704-660-4859 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

TUESDAY, FEB. 14

The Compassionate Friends of Stanly County is a support group for parents/families who have lost children of any age, due to any cause at any time in their lives. The group offers support from other parents who are working through their loss. They meet at 7 p.m. at Locut City Hall. Visit their Facebook Page The Compassionate Friends of Stanly County or email jamisgifts@gmail.com for more information.

THURSDAY, FEB. 23

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center is hosting a Go Red for Women luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m.. The program will be held in the hospitals community rooms. Daniel Koehler, D.O., Cardiologist will be the featured speaker for the event. Go Red for Women is an organization created by the American Heart Association which strives to make women more aware of their heart health and take better actions towards staying healthy. Lunch is complimentary, but space is limited, so please call 888-99-LNRMC (56762), to reserve your seat.

Cabarrus Health Alliance - Calendar of events

Grocery Store Tours  Cooking Matters: Join us for a free, guided grocery store tour teaching skills for buying healthy foods on a budget. Contact Meghan Charpentier at Meghan.Charpentier@CabarrusHealth.org or call 704-920-1324 to sign up.

Walmart Supercenter, 150 Concord Commons Pl SW, Concord:Feb. 16, 9-10:30 a.m.; March 16, 6-7:30 p.m.; April 6, 10-11 am.; April 27, 6-7 p.m.

Food Lion, 860 Union St. S, Concord: Feb. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.; March 21, 6-7:30 p.m.; April 4, 6-7:30 p.m.

Food Lion, 358 Oak Ave. Mall, Kannapolis: Jan. 26 10-11:30 a.m.; Feb. 10, 10-11:30 a.m.; march 14, 10-11:30 a.m.

Diabetes Self-Management Class  Living Healthy with Diabetes is a workshop that will help you take control of your diabetes rather than letting it control you. Through this six-week class, you will learn how to manage the disease, communicate effectively, eat healthier, keep your blood sugar in check and much more. Classes will be held at the Cabarrus Health Alliance, 300 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis. We will meet on Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 17 and ending on Feb. 21. Class will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Materials are included in this free class. Contact Meghan Charpentier at Meghan.Charpentier@CabarrusHealth.org or 704-920-1324 to sign up as spaces are limited.

Cooking Classes Cabarrus Health Alliance culinary nutrition staff offer monthly cooking classes in our state of the art Wellness Kitchen for just $10 per class. For more information, go to www.CabarrusHealth.org/CookingClasses. You will find a list of upcoming classes and link to register. There are recipes and cooking demonstration videos to help you get started preparing quick, delicious meals from the comfort of your own home. For more information, contact Meghan Charpentier at Meghan.Charpentier@CabarrusHealth.orgor 704-920-1324.

February Class: Get Your Kids to Eat Healthy Are you tired of trying to find new things for your childs lunch or being asked whats for dinner? Not sure how to get them to eat healthy? Join us as we not only create recipes your kids will love, but learn how to pack lunches that are healthy without them knowing it. Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 6-7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb.8 from noon to 1:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10-11:30 a.m.

March Class: Beyond the Comfort Zone Ever look at foods at the grocery store and wonder what it is for or what to do with? March is National Nutrition Month and we are exploring uncommon, yet extremely nutritious foods that are worth adding to your meals. Tues., March 7from11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Thurs., March 9from 6-7:30 p.m.; Sat., March 11from 10-11:00 a.m.

Meal Planning & Recipe Demonstration for Diabetics This free class will discuss meal planning, reading labels, and preparation of foods for those who have pre-diabetes or diabetes. All are welcome to join this class as it will show how to incorporate healthier habits into daily lifestyles. Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Concord Public Library

Free Community Yoga This is a perfect class for people at all levels of fitness. Students will learn the fundamentals of proper alignment as well as how to breathe fully. Use of props will be encouraged to support the body and make the poses comfortable. Bring your own mat if you have one. All classes are held at Cabarrus Health Alliance, 300 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis, every Friday from 6-7 p.m.

Sisters in Partnership Helen Garcia-Leak, Outreach Coordinator for the Breast Center at Carolinas Healthcare, will provide information on 3D Mammography. Breast cancer survivors are invited to attend this information session and bring a friend. Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m. at Cabarrus Health Alliance, 300 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis.

Grief recovery support group

Most of us know what it means to lose someone close. For some people, the grieving process can be more overwhelming than others. Central Baptist Church of Kannapolis takes a look at a program hoping o help people in the community cope with the loss of a loved one.

Central Baptist Church offers a thirteen-week GriefShare program to the community. GriefShare is a seminar complied by professionals in the field of grief to assist people trying to cope with the loss o a loved one.

Those who join the group receive a workbook. The workbook coincides with a DVD series that helps guide people through the healing process. Following the DVD, the group discusses about what the video reviewed and their concerns.

This cycle starts every Monday on Feb. 6 through May 1. You are welcome to begin attending our GriefShare Group at any point. Each session is self contained, so you do not have to attend in sequence. For additional questions or if you would like to register, call Julia Pope at 704-467-2795 or Central Baptist Church at 704-933-8006.
CONCORD  Cabarrus County Schools Communications & Public Information (CPID) department garnered 18 awards for its communications work.

The North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) honored school communications professionals from across the state on Friday, Jan. 27 at the O. Henry Hotel in Greensboro at its annual Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence in Communications brunch.

Thirty-seven school districts were recognized for the products of their craft. A Blue Ribbon Award is the highest honor a school district can receive from the North Carolina School Public Relations Association. The awards represent excellence in school communications and public relations.

Awards were presented in eight categories: digital media engagement, electronic media, excellence in writing, image/graphic design, marketing, photography, publications (print and electronic) and special events and programs.

Best of the Best honors were awarded to one entry in each category deemed the most outstanding. Entries were judged by the Georgia School Public Relations Association Board of Directors.

CPID received 15 Blue Ribbon Awards and topped the 255 NCSPRA entries with three Best of the Best awards.
By Pritesh Samuel

In another sign that the government is keen to allow to foreign law firms and accountants in India, the government on January 3 amended the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) rules which may make legal and accountancy services from foreign companies possible in SEZs.

The amendment was published in the Official Gazette, which says, In the Special Economic Zones Rules, 2006, in Rule 76, for the words professional services (excluding legal services and accounting) rental/leasing services without operators, the words professional services, rental/leasing services without operators shall be removed. In other words, such services may be outsourced to foreign entities in such SEZs.

Foreign lawyers have predicted that the Gujarat International Financial Tec-City (GIFT) could be the first SEZ where foreign law firms can set up in, followed by another one which is planned in Mumbai.

RELATED: Legal and Financial Due Diligence Services from Dezan Shira & Associates

Nationalist opposition

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has opposed the move and stated that it will lodge protests with the ministry of law and justice over the governments move.

Naturally, domestic lawyers are concerned that big foreign law firms and legal process outsourcers (LPOs) will set up in SEZs  previously regulations barred foreign law firms in the country, let alone SEZs. However, the ruling would also allow domestic law firms to operate in SEZs.

Despite the ruling, the Advocates Act, 1961 says that law can only be practiced by Indian nationals and firms. Judgments by the Bombay and Madras high courts have reiterated that foreign firms are not allowed to practice in India.

The Economic Times, however, quoted the head of GIFT, Dipesh Shah, who said, The new amendment allows not only Indian law or accountancy firms to set up a base in GIFT, but even multinationals can directly advise upon international disputes or arbitration by setting up a base there.

The government will have to clarify as foreign law and accounting firms risk running their firms amid unclear regulations as the rule does not explicitly mention foreign law firms. Foreign companies, however, can take relief that despite BCIs opposition, the government remains committed and is likely to support such firms, particularly in Gujarats SEZ.

The Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF)  a collective of Indias top corporate law firms, and the only representative body for law firm of India  has also strongly opposed the move. SILF maintains that the liberalization of the legal sector should be done in a phased manner and should be done internally. For example, at present law firms cannot advertise or have websites, and the SILF believes these norms should be phased out slowly

RELATED: Indias 2017 Budget: Sober Initiative after Heady 2016

Positive direction

To be safe and provide full clarity, the government will have to amend the Advocates Act or come up with a new law. While the changes are small, it is a much awaited one and will help India in making it a better place to do business. While further clarification is sought, allowing foreign law firms to operate in SEZs might just work, paving the way for the sector to open up throughout the country



About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email india@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight.

Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide.

An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2016

Doing Business in India 2016 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in India. As such, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Indian market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to stay up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.

Strategies for Repatriating Funds from India

In this issue of India Briefing Magazine, we look at issues related to repatriating funds from India. We highlight the unique regulations for sending funds back from India, examine the various strategies companies can make use of while repatriating, and look at remittance procedures for different types of Indian entities. Finally, we give some tips on how expats can remit their Indian money to their home countries.
AIADMK General Secretary met the Governor C.Vidyasagar Rao at around 7:30 PM at the latter's Raj Bhavan residence in Chennai.

Before going to the Governor's official residence, Sasikala went to the memorial of late Chief Minister J.Jayalalitha and prayed in front of her. She also kept the document in which ADMK MLAs have agreed to accept Sasikala as the Legistlative Party Leader and to make her the Chief Minister.

Then Sasikala met the Governor and staked claim to form the Governor.

Earlier on the day, Chief Minister O.Panneer Selvam,who has started a rebellion against nominating Sasikala as the next CM, met the Governor with his supporters and briefed him about the situation. He seems to have claimed that he has the support of ADMK rank and file and the people and he was forced to resign the CM post.

It was expected that the Governor will either invite Sasikala to form the Government as she has the support of over 130 MLAs or withdraw his acceptance for the resignation of OPS. But in an unprecedented move, the Governor has sent a report to the President, Prime Minister and the Home Ministery about the prevailing political situation in Tamil Nadu. He is also expected to seek legal opinion before talking a decision on this.

Political analyst say that the Governor may not take a call until the Supreme Court pronounces its verdict on the Disproportionate Assets case in which Sasikala is one of the accused.

This means the political turmoil in Tamil Nadu will continue for more days to come.
JMC Projects India secures new orders of Rs2,277 crore; Stock gains 2.6% JMC Projects (India) Limited (JMC), a leading Civil Engineering and EPC Company has secured new orders of Rs2,277 crores. The details are as follows: Water Projects in India of... November 04, 2022 | 04-11-2022 2:08 pm

Lupin receives USFDA tentative approval for Drospirenone Tablets Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) has announced that it has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug ... November 04, 2022 | 04-11-2022 1:26 pm

Bloomberg Report: Pegatron Corp starts production of iPhone 14 in India Pegatron Corp., a Taiwanese contract manufacturer for Apple Inc., has begun producing the most recent iPhone 14 model in India. Pegatron is now the second Apple supplier to manufacture th... November 04, 2022 | 04-11-2022 12:48 pm

JMC Projects India allots NCDs for Rs100 crore; Stock rallies over 3.5% The Management Committee of the Board of Directors of JMC Projects (India) Limited at its meeting held on November 04, 2022 has allotted 1000 Repo Rate, Unsecured, Rated, Listed, Rede... November 04, 2022 | 04-11-2022 12:34 pm

Nykaa receives shareholders' approval for bonus issue and ESOP; Stock down 1% The Board of the lifestyle retailer FSN E-Commerce Ventures Limited (Nykaa), on October 3, 2022, approved Bonus Issue of Equity Shares in the proportion of 5 (Five) fully paid-up Equity Sh... November 04, 2022 | 04-11-2022 12:03 pm
Jolly LLB 2, a sequel to Subhash Kapoor's Jolly LLB, yet again strikes the right chord in the mirth and emotion department. Two and half hours fly by as you get totally involved in the story of Jagdishwer Mishra alias Jolly LLB (Akshay Kumar), from Kanpur's outwardly mundane life, as he dreams of making it big.

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Jolly is from a humble background and is more or less a lackey, working as one of the many assistants to a prominent lawyer. Even though Jolly is ridiculed for his ambitions, which seem totally out of place from where he stands, he is shrewd enough to know which path to tread to ultimately reach his goal.

All seems well, until an unfortunate incident and the guilt that comes with it, makes him suddenly change his track. That's when he encounters a morally bankrupt 'supercop' (Kumud Mishra) and his topnotch, ruthless lawyer, Pramod Thakur (Annu Kapoor).

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Jolly this time is Akshay Kumar. Jolly is, thankfully, yet again, not a typical Bollywood type chest-beating, punchline-spewing fighter for truth that filmy courts have witnessed over the years. He is just another regular guy who gets to taste defeats more than triumphs, in spite of his razor sharp mind and his persuasion skills.

His sharp tongue is his weapon, and he shamelessly and unapologetically uses it to his utmost benefit. Jolly's relationship with his 'Gucci' loving wife, Pushpa (Huma Qureishi) is refreshingly real too.

screen grab/youtube

This movie rather bravely takes on the often farcical legal system in the country. This time it takes on the case of a victim of a fake police encounter. Unfortunately, while the film is busy taking on the loopholes of the law, it trips on some loopholes of its own thanks to the script.

For instance, Thakur insists on getting a witness go through a narco test, and the results go against Jolly's case. As far as one's knowledge goes, only the accused has to go through the narco test, and that too in the worst case scenario.

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Even in the dialogues department, there is, disappointingly, too much illogical jeering between Jolly and Thakur in the court, and fewer scenes with a smart, logical war of words.

Akshay Kumar is brilliant, as he consistently and smartly stays true to his character without once resorting to unnecessary hero like behaviour. Annu Kapoor is so convincing as the aggressive, overconfident lawyer that you want to cheer when a tight slap is planted on his cheek. Huma Qureshi gives good support in whatever little she gets to do.

Jolly LLB2 is total paisa vasool for sure. Watch it!
It seems like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati is jinxed. Ever since Bhansali announced his project, there have been constant issues with the film. After the attack on Bhansali, there is fresh trouble brewing again.

A PTI report claims that the former Jaipur royal family has decided to take disciplinary action against the officials for not providing them details about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmavati.

bollywoodmantra

The shooting was going on at the Jaigarh fort, owned by the former royal family, when the members of Karni Sena staged protest and vandalised the set on January 27, accusing Bhansali of distorting the historic facts in the film.

Also Read: Protesters Slap Sanjay Leela Bhansali And Tear Off His Clothes On The Sets Of Padmavati

The report quotes the release from the family,

"The department set up to take care of shootings and granting permission did not provide full information to the Royal Family relating to the film and gave permission to shoot it. When it came to the knowledge of the Royal Family, disciplinary action is being taken against the erring officials of the department."

Former Rajmata Padmini Devi in a statement said that Jaipur Royal Family stands committed to protect the proud history of Rajasthan.

Pinterest

Also Read: Karni Sena Now Demands Sanjay Leela Bhansali To Change The Name Of His Movie 'Padmavati'

"Anyone attempting to twist or change the history of Rajasthan will not be tolerated," she said.

She has also informed that the narration of the entire story will be thoroughly checked and then permission for any shootings taking place in the historic monuments of the family in future. She added,

BCCL

"Anyone attempting to distort the heritage or the history will not be tolerated at any cost. The Family stands with Shri Rajput Karni Sena and other such national organisations which want to keep alive the rich and proud history of Rajasthan."

Also Read: Giriraj Singh Says Padmavati Was Portrayed Wrongly Because She Was Hindu, Dares People To Make Films On Prophet Mohammed
After BSF Jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav's wife filed a habeas corpus plea seeking in Delhi High Court seeking her husband's whereabouts, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday informed the court that Tej Bahadur Yadav has been shifted to another battalion at Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district and not under arrest.

The court also directed that Yadav's wife is allowed to meet him over the weekend in Samba. Read more

1. India Rubbishes Pak's Claims About 'Secret Nuclear City' Saying That It's A Figment Of Imagination

India has rubbished Pakistan Foreign Ministry's claim that New Delhi is building a secret nuclear city to produce thermonuclear weapons as well as develop intercontinental missiles and stockpile nuclear material.

MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the allegations were baseless. These are completely baseless allegations. The so-called secret nuclear city is a figment of Pakistans imagination. Read more

Bihar is known for innovative ways of cheating in examinations, the latest being Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) case.Initial investigation suggests that the cash spent to get the correct answers could run into multiple crores and the involvement of nexus between officials, middlemen and candidates.

At least six people have been arrested so far by the Special Investigation Team in connection with the incident. Read more

3. 500-Kg Egyptian Woman Is Finally Coming To Mumbai In A Modified Plane For Bariatric Surgery

World's heaviest woman, 500-kg Egyptian Eman Ahmed, will arrive in Mumbai on Saturday morning ahead of a bariatric surgery she is scheduled to undergo at Saifee Hospital.

An Egypt Air Airbus 300-600 freighter aircraft has been modified to fly Eman, 36, who has not been able to step out of her home in Cairo in 25 years because of her weight and attendant health complications. Read more

4. Narayana Murthy Breaks His Silence On Infosys Infight, Says Quality Of Governance Is Bad

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy is distressed these days. His company is witnessing an infight. "The issue is not with Vishal Sikka but with the quality of governance at the board. It has slipped," he said.

There has been intense speculation that the founders are at odds with the company's board and have red-flagged governance concerns over the last year. Read more

5. Kingfisher Boss Vijay Mallya Finally Grounded! India Formally Requests UK To Extradite Him

India has handed over a formal request to the UK for Vijay Mallya's extradition to face trial in India. Confirming the development, foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the request, as received from the CBI, was handed over to the UK high commission in New Delhi.

The extradition request is a test of the India-UK partnership. This was indicated by Swarup who said, "We have an extradition treaty with the UK, and we believe we have a legitimate case against Mallya." Read more
Beleaguered liquor baron Vijay Mallya has claimed "innocence" in the alleged funds diversion related to the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines (KFA), saying nothing has come out finally against him from a court.

BCCL

"Till this minute, there is no final judicial determination on what KFA owes to banks and what I may owe in my personal capacity after trial," Mallya tweeted.

In our Country I assumed that innocence prevails till proven guilty. Media have convicted me guilty without trial with widespread influence  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) January 26, 2017

In a series of tweets, Mallya raised concerns over the media coverage of the recent developments here and said his "innocence prevails" till he is proven guilty by any court.

Also Read: 'Legion' Dumped Personal Data Hacked From Vijay Mallya, Here Is What We Found In It

"In our country, I assumed that innocence prevails till proven guilty. Media have convicted me guilty without trial with widespread influence," said Mallya.

"Yet, it is reported that I have fled or run away owing money to banks that I never ever borrowed in the first place."

BCCL

On January 25, market regulator Sebi had barred Mallya and six others from the securities market in a case related to alleged funds diversions from United Spirits, a company which the tycoon promoted before selling it to Diageo. .

In a series of tweets, Mallya had alleged that there is a witch-hunt against him by the government.

Also Read: Vijay Mallya's Loan Not Waived Off, Says Govt After Reports Of SBI Writing Off His Rs 1,201 Crore Debt

"I am kind of getting used to these witch-hunts coming from all directions with no legal basis whatsoever. Shows what government machinery can do," Mallya tweeted.

BCCL

Claiming that Kingfisher Airlines "was a great public utility service connecting India like never before", he said, "It was not my private toy."

Mallya, who is now staying in London, also scoffed at suggestions that he had fled the country in the wake of the investigations against him, saying his departure was "nothing sudden. I have been a non-resident since 1988".
The 22-year-old student of Arab Islamic Culture at the revered Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, has now become a sensation around the country.

(Also read: This Solo Female Biker Travelled 32,000 Kms Across 16 States To Prove That India Is Safe For Women)

Facebook

Roshni Misbah is just another girl studying in college, but what puts her on a different podium than most women her age is her passion for riding motorcycles. While most women only toy with the idea of riding a bike, Roshni took it to the streets of Delhi and became famous with the title of Hijabi Biker.

Jamia's Roshni Misbah makes heads turn

When a CBR Repsol enters Jamia campus, heads turns, eyes rolls and yes... https://t.co/PVQ9MvE83u  Srinagar Times (@SrinagarTimes_) January 26, 2017

For those who think women cant ride a motorbike, then meet Roshni Misbah - ET Auto https://t.co/hnVsSXf382  Me gusta Arbizu (@megustaarbizu) January 28, 2017

Roshni Misbah: A biker who is committed to break the stereotypes about Muslim women https://t.co/HzcCSX1I5n  S l Habib (@irfhabib) January 28, 2017

Facebook

She rode her first bike when she was just 9 years old and even then she was wearing a hijab.

She firmly believes that her passion for bikes does not interfere with her faith.

(Also read: Meet The 'Milk Riders' - Leather-Clad Biker Women Delivering Breast Milk To Hungry Babies)

Facebook

"Riding a motorcycle is in my genes," she says.

She also admits that being a woman biker in India is very different.

She says that her passion for bikes is been shared by her father and sister. She credits her father with inspiring her to take up her passion and encouraged her to follow her dreams.

She's also part of the Delhi Chapter of 'The Bikerni' group. It's basically a gang of women that aims at spreading women empowerment through the medium of motorcycles and encourage women to go on adventures they would have never thought to go on before.

(Also read: Four Women Bike 10,000 Km Across 10 Asian Countries To Raise Awareness Against Female Foeticide)

For her, riding a bike is anti-depressional and she feels a lot more liberated when she does that. 'It opens up your mind and perspective' she says.
The Bombay High Court recently granted bail to a man accused of sexually assaulting his stepdaughter.

BCCL

The accused who ran a shelter home called Fatima Mata Sadan had adopted the victim in 2006, when she was nine following the death of her mother, who was HIV positive.

According to the complaint filed by Vijay Shetty, who is part of an NGO that works for the protection of children from sexual abuse, the victim contacted him in 2015 seeking protection from her 'stepfather'.

She claimed that her stepfather had sexually abused her when she was in Class VI, because of which she had undergone severe trauma.

BCCL/ Representative Image

But what is most shocking in the entire episode is the conclusion drawn by the judges in granting bail to the accused.

She has admitted that she used to do all dirty things. It appears that she was inherently abnormal and had sexual instincts right from her childhood, in all probabilities, because of the environment and atmosphere where she lived and the conduct of her deceased mother.

These are the exact words used by the judges in the bail order which is dated January 16. The judges made the rather unusual observation after reading the handwritten notes of the victim, which she had written while staying at the shelter home.

The order also goes on to question the long delay in filing the complaint, from which the judges concluded that,

"The statement of the victim on the basis of which crime is registered does not appear to be truthful and therefore, does not inspire confidence of this Court."
India is planning to purchase new spy drones to keep an eye on Pakistan and China. While the Israeli-made Heron 1 is already in service with the Indian armed forces, India is looking for a longer endurance drone. Enter Heron TP XP.

IAI

The XP variant of the drone will make its global debut at the upcoming Aero India at Yelahanka air base located outside Bengaluru. The MALE (medium-altitude long-endurance) drone can loiter over the designated target area for more than 30 hours at a stretch and can send back live images from a height of 45,000 feet.

The maker of the drone, Israel Aerospace Industries, has reduced the payload capacity from the usual 1,000 kg to 450 kg to meet the MTCR-2 restrictions. It features satellite communications to securely send data back to base thousands of kilometres away.
While atrocities on Rohingya Muslim minority by Myanmar army have grabbed headline across the globe, a Malaysian ship with aid for the troubled community was greeted by protesters when it docked the port in Myanmar on Thursday.

Reuters

The ship docked on the outskirts of the commercial hub Yangon where was to offload 500 tonnes of food and emergency supplies with rest of its Bangladesh bound 2200 tonne cargo.

Almost 69,000 Rohingyas have fled Myanmar and entered Bangladesh in past four months after Myanmar security forces crackdown upon them. The aid shipment from Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country has resulted in Buddhist-majority Myanmar where many see the Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Malaysia has been one of the few countries that openly criticised Myanmars approach in the crisis of Rakhine state which erupted after nine militants were allegedly killed by Rohingya militants.

Reuters

Malaysia has been an outspoken critic of Myanmar over the crisis in Rakhine state, which erupted after nine policemen were killed in attacks on border posts on Oct. 9 claimed by Rohingya militants.

According to the UN officials working with refugees in Bangladesh, the death toll in the Myanmar security sweep could be more than 1,000.

Reuters

Refugees have given journalists, human rights groups and UN investigators detailed accounts of troops firing on civilians, burning villages, beatings, detention and rape.

The Myanmar government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, has rejected the reports of abuse, saying many were fabricated.
Malaysian authorities have seized around 2,000 paintbrushes labelled as halal. Though labelled as halal, the Malaysian authorities suspect that paintbrushes are made of pig bristles, an official said Wednesday. Domestic trade ministry raided shops throughout the country after some brushes sent for testing at the labs were found made of pig bristles.

Muslims consider products made of pigs, be it pork or anything else as haram or forbidden. Goods marked "halal" -- meaning "permissible" in Arabic -- are acceptable to them. We will send the (2,000) brushes to a lab for testing and verification," Zarif Anwar, a ministry official, told AFP.

AFP

The paintbrushes would not have been seized had they been correctly labelled and separated from halal products, domestic trade minister Hamzah Zainudin was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency. Halal standards also apply to products such as cosmetics.
Since Donald Trump has taken over as the US President, a lot seems to be changing in terms of international diplomacy. US policy may also not remain same for too long as the US authorities have signalled a possible change in it. Experts believe that the US Commander, John Nicholson, who leads US and international forces in Afghanistan, could propose a harsher policy toward Pakistan, which till now hasnt been the case as US has always claimed that Pakistan is a trusted ally in its war against terror.

AFP

However, they also warned that such an approach could be a high-risk strategy that could threaten the long-term stability of the region.

"Our complex relationship with Pakistan is best assessed through a holistic review," Nicholson told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Nicholson also added that ties US ties with Pakistan would top the priorities when meets US Defence Secretary, James Mattis and the White House, which has given little details on its strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In recent years, the US has reduced the military as well as economic aid to Pakistan, which reflect its growing apprehension about supporting Pakistan who reportedly supports Taliban.

"The tools that will get Pakistan to hurt so badly, that it would want to do what the U.S. is asking, is a very high-risk proposition in terms of what happens within Pakistan," Moeed Yusuf, the associate vice president of the Asia Center at the United States Institute of Peace told Reuters.

AFP

Yusuf said the review would likely lead to a harsher US policy toward Pakistan and could include looking at reducing the level of economic assistance and military support, increasing the number of drone strikes along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and sanctions against Pakistani individuals.

"US policy makers, deep down inside, they realise Pakistan is more important than Afghanistan in the long term," Yusuf said.

The report of the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based think tank released last week has called for US strict approach towards Pakistan and Trump administration making it more and more costly for Pakistan and its politicians to harness proximities with terrorist which disturb US regional strategic goals.

AFP

Nicholson's comments on Pakistan come as Afghan government forces control no more than two-thirds of national territory, and have struggled to contain the Taliban insurgency since the bulk of NATO soldiers withdrew at the end of 2014.
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Economist Who Predicted Trump & Brexit Explains How The System Screws You

Video - The Jimmy Dore Show



Mark Blyth explains what austerity means in today's world.

Mark Blyth, Eastman Professor of Political Economy. - Professor of Political Science and International and Public Affairs

Posted February 09/10, 2017

Economist Who Predicted Brexit & Trump Explains How It Happened.

Mark Blyth is a political economist whose research focuses upon how uncertainty and randomness impact complex systems, particularly economic systems, and why people continue to believe stupid economic ideas despite buckets of evidence to the contrary. He is the author of several books, including Great Transformations: Economic Ideas and Institutional Change in the Twentieth Century (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 2002, Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea (Oxford University Press 2013, and The Future of the Euro (with Matthias Matthijs) (Oxford University Press 2015)

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House.

2016 Economy Matches Worst Year since Great Recession : In fact, over the past 50 years, anytime the economy grew less than 2% in a year, it was either already in a recession for part of the year, or thered be a recession the following year.
The Kuwait-born Pakistani citizen of Baluch ethnic background, lists a long litany of U.S. overseas interventions  from Iraq and Iran to Vietnam and Hiroshima  to justify the worst terror attack on U.S. soil. But he is particularly focused on the cause of the Palestinians, highlights civilian suffering and accuses Obama of being beholden to special interests, notably Israel and the occupier Jews. Israel gets 39 mentions while Osama bin Laden gets a dozen, including once to excoriate Obama for the mission that hunted down and killed the founder of the al-Qaida movement for the 9/11 attacks. An excerpt from Khalid Sheik Mohammed's letter to former President Barack Obama. Mohammed ridicules Obama  a smart attorney, well acquainted with human rights  who can kill his enemy without trial and throw his dead body into the sea instead of giving him to his family or respecting him enough as a human being to bury him. The former al-Qaida operations chief wrote the letter in the context of violence in Gaza and the occupied territories, said Mohammeds death-penalty defense attorney, David Nevin. He called it the primary motive for the drafting of the letter and declined to say whether the client or his legal staff typed it up. Mohammed began drafting the letter during 2014 when Israel had an offensive in the Gaza Strip that claimed civilian lives, according to his military attorney, Marine Maj. Derek Poteet. Hes upset at U.S. foreign policy and he plainly perceives that the United States has signed a blank check to Israel, Poteet said. In the opening paragraph Mohammed tells Obama: Your hands are still wet with the blood of our brothers and sisters and children who were killed in Gaza. In an Aug. 14, 2014 news conference at the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Khalid Sheik Mohammed's attorney, David Nevin, discusses the letter that Mohammed sent to President Obama. - Department Of Defense Mohammed is one of five men in pretrial hearings at the Guantanamo war court that accuses them of engineering the Sept. 11, 2001 hijackings, and seeks their execution if convicted. The man was hidden for 3 1/2 years in the CIAs secret prison network, where he was waterboarded 183 times and subjected to other brutal interrogation techniques. I will never ask you, or your court for mercy, he writes. Do what you wish to do, my freedom, my captivity and my death is a curse on all evil doers and tyrants. Mohammed spent about three years in North Carolina in the 1980s. He attended Chowan College in Murfreesboro for one semester and then transferred to North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, where he earned an engineering degree in 1986. An excerpt from Khalid Sheik Mohammed's letter to former President Barack Obama. Prison officials refused to deliver the letter, a position backed by prosecutors who said it should be suppressed as propaganda. His Pentagon-paid defense attorneys asked the judge to intervene in September 2015, arguing Mohammeds First Amendment right to petition the president. The Army judge in charge of the trial, Col James L. Pohl, eventually ruled that the commander in chief could receive it, virtually as the Obamas were packing out of the White House  and the public could see it a month later, once President Donald J. Trump moved in. Whats so troubling to me is it took so long to get approval, even to get this litigated, Nevin said, reminding that the defense team started out asking the military, How do we provide this to the president of the United States? In the letter Mohammed also:  Endorses Al-Jazeera. Dont let Fox, CNN, BBC, or American and pro-Israeli channels cover your eyes ... Their main task is brainwashing. They are experts at lying and distorting the facts to achieve their masters ends.  Invokes the blood of the innocents your drone attacks killed in Waziristan, Yemen, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Somalia, and elsewhere around the globe.  Singles out the CIA, the FBI, the Jewish community of Brooklyn, the merchants of AIPAC, the war profiteers, to pro-Israeli militias and the Christian-Zionist Lords for condemnation, as well as the Christian right wing and the followers of Jerry Falwall, Gary Bauer, Pat Robertson and John Hague.  Says Allah aided us in conducting 9/11, destroying the Capitalist economy, catching you with your pants down, and exposing all the hypocrisy of your long-held claim to democracy and freedom. The theme is not new. In October 2012, when he was first allowed to wear a hunting vest to the war court he scolded the judge with this: Your blood is not made of gold and ours is made out of water. We are all human beings. The Herald obtained the document from Mohammeds lawyers after a judicially ordered 30-day review period expired. Pohl ruled on Jan. 6 that there was no legal basis for continued sealing of the letters contents but gave the prison an extra month to scrub it of sensitive information before releasing it on the Pentagon war court website whose motto is Fairness * Transparency * Justice. A spokesman at the Pentagon could not explain Wednesday why the document was not yet posted on the website. The Herald asked Obamas office on Tuesday whether the former president had read the letter. It has yet to respond. An excerpt from Khalid Sheik Mohammed's letter to former President Barack Obama. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Noam Chomsky - The Crimes of U.S. Presidents Chomsky goes through some of the crimes of the post-war presidents. From 2003.
The Futile Efforts of Donald Trump

By Israel Shamir

February 09/10, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - President Trump had paid a hefty advance to the Jews. He did (almost) all they wanted for their Jewish state: he promised to move the US embassy to the occupied Jerusalem thus legalising their annexation of the holy city; he condoned their illegal settlements, he gave them starred positions in his administration; he told the Palestinians to drop their case in the ICC or else, he even threatened Iran with war. All that in vain. Jewish organisations and Jewish media attack Trump without slightest hesitation and consideration. His first step in curbing the soft invasion wave had been met with uniform Jewish vehemence.

He was called a new Hitler and accused of hatred of Muslims: what else could cause the President to arrest, even for a few months, the brave new migration wave from seven Middle Eastern states? Today he singles out Muslims, tomorrow he will single out Jews, said Jewish newspapers. Migration is the lifeblood of America, and the Muslim refugees are welcome to bring more diversity to the US.

Massive demonstrations, generously paid for by this notable Jewish philanthropist Mr George Soros, shook the States, while judges promptly banned the banning order. They insisted the orders are anti-Muslim, and therefore they are anti-constitutional. Somehow the constitution, they said, promises full equality of immigrants and does not allow to discriminate between a Muslim and a Christian.

This sounds an unlikely interpretation of the US Constitution. The US, and every other state, normally discriminates, or using a less loaded word, selects its potential citizens. The choice of seven states hasnt been made by Donald Trump but by his saintly predecessor: President Barack Obama, this great friend of Muslims, made the choice personally some years earlier. So Trump had made a most moderate and modest step in the direction of blocking immigration by picking states already selected by the Democratic President.

One could reasonably claim that people of the seven states have a very good reason to hate America, and the reasons were supplied by previous US Presidents.

Libya, the most prosperous North African state until recently, had been ruined by President Obama: NATO invasion had brought Libya down; instead of stopping migration wave Libya had been turned into a jumping board for the Africans on their way North.

Syria is another Obamas victim: by his insistence that Assad must go, by massive transfer of weaponry, money and equipment (remember white Toyota pickups?) to the Islamic extremists, he ruined this country.

Iraq has been ruined by President Bush Jr: he invaded the most advanced Sunni state, broke it to pieces and gave the centre of the country to the Isis.

Somalia has been ruined by President Bush Sr: he invaded this unfortunate country in the early nineties, when the USSR collapse allowed him to do so under the UN flag. Since then Somalia has become the supplier of choice of migrants and refugees for Sweden (there they formed the biggest community in Malmo and elsewhere), the US is also keen on getting them.

Yemen has been destroyed by Obama with Mme Clinton playing an important role: she facilitated delivery of weapons to Saudi Arabia in real time as they bombed Yemenis.

Sudan was bombed by President Clinton; afterwards this country had been dismembered and separate South Sudan had been created. Both halves became dysfunctional.

Iran is the odd one in the Magnificent Seven. It has not been invaded, has not been bombed, just threatened with invasion and bombardment for many years since President Carter. This country has no terrorists, it did not fail, its citizens are not running seeking for asylum. It was placed on the list by President Obama, who planned to bomb it, but never got to do it.

While Bush, Clinton and Obama bombed and invaded these countries, the Democratic humanitarians including their Jewish leaders just applauded and asked for more bombs. But they became appalled when Trump promised: no more regime change, end of invade the world/invite the world mode. Wikileaks put it well: bomb the Muslims, and you are fine; ban the Muslims, and you are the enemy.

Apparently, the people who instigated the Middle Eastern wars wanted to create a wave of refugees into Europe and North America in order to bring more colour and diversity to these poor monochrome lands. Welfare state, national cohesion, local labour and traditions will disappear, and these countries will undergo a process of homogenisation. Never again the natives will be able to single out Jews, for there will be no natives, just so many persons from all over the world, celebrating Kumbaya.

The Jews will be able to get and keep their privileged positions in Europe as they do in the US. They wont be alone: by their success, they will establish a pattern to copycat for whoever wants to succeed in the new world, and masses of imitation-Jews will support the policies of real Jews.

Still, Jewish insistence on the Syrian refugees acceptance and on Muslim immigration in general is a strange and baffling phenomenon. Hypocrisy is too mild a word to describe that. We may exclude compassion as a cause for it. There are many thousands of natives of Haifa in Israel who suffer in Syria and dream to come back to their towns and villages, but the state of Israel does not allow these Syrian refugees to return for one crime: they arent Jews.

Israel accepts Jews only; and American Jews do not object to it; they do not compare Israeli leaders with Hitler or Trump. Israel had build a wall on its border with Sinai, and this wall stopped the black wave of African migrants. American Jews did not shout No wall, no ban in front of Israeli Embassy. Mystery, eh?

Kevin MacDonald wrote a thoughtful piece trying to unravel the mystery, Why Do Jewish Organizations Want Anti-Israel Refugees? and published it on January 17, a few days before Trumps inauguration and full three weeks before the subject moved to the front burner. KMD correctly predicted that Donald Trump wont appeal for national unity in his Inaugural Address, though this was the guess of mass media. Moreover, KMD correctly predicted that Trump will announce an immediate pause in refugee admissions, currently surging, to be followed by a zero quota for the next fiscal year. There would be hysteria, in which the major Jewish organizations would, almost certainly, join. My (KMDs) question: why would they do that?

KMD provides a few possible answers, but none answers his own question. The world is full of troubles, and the US can get as many refugees as they wish from the Ukraine or Brazil, from China and Central Africa, without an anti-Israeli angle.

Id suggest a simple explanation. Jews want to import Muslims to fight Christ and the Church.

Muslims of the Middle East are not, or werent, anti-Christian; they co-existed for millennia with their Christian neighbours. In Palestine, Christians and Muslims lived together and suffered together under the Jewish yoke.

But recently a new wind has blown in the Muslim faith, the wind of a very strong rejection of whatever is not strict Sunni Islam of the ISIS brand. Their first enemy is Shia Islam, but Christians follow Shias as a second-best object of persecution. The much softer Muslim Brotherhood has also hardened towards Christians. In Gaza, Hamas (a branch of MB) delivers friendly speeches, but the Christians are leaving the Strip very fast. MB rule in Cairo was considered anti-Christian by their Copt neighbours. So the new refugees from ISIS-touched lands (six out of Trumps Seven: Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan) have been possibly infected with anti-Christian tendency.

It is almost a superfluous quality, anyway. The Muslims are being used as silent partners in the Jewish war on the Church. Instead of saying: We, Jews, do not want to hear church bells, see Christmas scenes and hear Christian blessings, these modest and retiring people usually refer to Muslims. Muslims do not want to hear church bells and see Christmas trees, they say. We Jews are just more considerate towards our Muslim brethren, so we notice that, while you brutes do not. Muslim sensitivities are already quoted in Germany to exclude pork-based local delicacies and to ban Christmas celebrations. It doesnt matter that normally Muslims do not object to Christmas celebrations, as we know from our experience in Palestine. The Jews and other enemies of the Church say it all the same.

With the new ISIS-infected Muslims, the war on the Church will proceed even better. For sure, the US judges like the Seattle one will ban Christmas celebrations in a few years time citing the same refugees they insist on delivering to Americas shores.

The war on Christ and the Church is the most important element of Judaism. Wherever Jews succeed, the Church suffers, and vice versa. Israel, the Jewish state, has been located at the cradle of Christianity not by whim of Zionists: actually, the leading Zionist Theodore Herzl called for establishing the Jewish state elsewhere, from Uganda (modern Kenya) to Argentina. But the struggle against Christ necessitated their choice of Palestine with its deep Christian roots.

The most popular Jewish early medieval text glorified Judas for his victory over Jesus Christ. Fight against the Church and Christ in-formed Jewish weapons: media and money. The Church was an enemy of moneylenders; interest has been forbidden by the church, but it was used by Jews to accumulate their vast capital to be used against the Church.

As for media, the present concentration of almost all mass media in Jewish hands began in France of 19th century, where Jews formed a conspiracy to own and control media and they used it with great success against the Church during the Third Republic, notably in connection with Dreyfus Affair. (I previously wrote about it in a review).

The Jews usually acted in union with Protestants, as they were also enemies of the Church. Protestants, certainly, believed they were using the Jews for their own benefit, but in the end, separate and mutually hostile Protestant Churches submitted to the single will of Jews. This is why Jewish positions are so strong in the US in the absence of a single national church. Judging by the migration affair, it appears the Jews believe they can make a next step in their fight with Christ: by using the Islamic fanatics as a cover, they plan to push the church underground, out of public space altogether.

Much of the future developments depend on the will of President Trump. He fights against incredible odds. His idea to use Zionists against prevalent Jewish positions meanwhile does not work. His Jews are under attack as traitors to the Jewish cause. Kushner is bad for Jews, says Haaretz. Indeed, Jews have more important things to care than the Jewish state, and they are united for diversity, in other words, for more migration from the Middle East.

He should stop bumping the closed door. Forget the embassy move, forget pussyfooting with other Zionist dreams, and first of all, forget attacking Iran. If the Zionists would deliver Trump the wholehearted support of their American brethren, it would make some (not much) sense; but in the existing circumstances, none whatsoever. If Israel is threatened, then, perhaps, Zionists will be able to prevail upon their liberal cousins and convince them to think more of Israel and less of diversity. Perhaps is the key word.

Avoiding wars is another secret of success. The US spends too much money on wars. Keeping out of Ukrainian and Syrian mess is perfectly possible; spending money in America will improve Trumps popularity and undermine the adversary. The US working class could be his best supporter, for these people are losing in case of wars and of immigration.

Meanwhile Trump is doing fine. He is doing what he promised; he defended Russia while pushed to denounce them; he tries to stop migration. He even tried to remove the weapon of holocaust from Jewish hands by not mentioning Jews while referring to Holocaust. Jews already called him a holocaust denier. This is a good sign. Let us hope he will prevail.

Israel Shamir can be reached at adam@israelshamir.net
US Does Not Dare Carry Out Attack On Iran By Al Jazeera February 09/10, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " Al Jazeera " - Iran has stepped up its war of words with the US, with an influential adviser to the supreme leader threatening the Trump administration with "dark days to come" in case of a military attack on his country. In an exclusive interview to Al Jazeera, Ali Akbar Velayati, foreign-affairs adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said "Washington does not dare to carry out its military threats against Iran". "The Americans know very well that Iran and its allies in the region would retaliate very hard, that will make America face dark days to come," he said. In the past week, the US has imposed new sanctions on Iran over a missile test. Velayati said Iran's policies in the Middle East would not change, "therefore [President Donald] Trump and the American administration must get their stuff together and leave this region completely because the people of this region feel alienated by their policies". Velayati said the US effort to make Iran stop its missile programme with military threats amounted to "worthless fantasies". "Without the slightest doubt, I can guarantee you that we will continue to develop our military programmes, and especially our defence missile programme, no matter what and at any cost," he said. "We do not have any worry about the US threats because America for the last 38 years after the Islamic revolution has not been able to do anything." Relations between the US and Iran have deteriorated since Trump took office on January 20, promising a more aggressive line on what he views as Iranian belligerence towards US interests and allies. 'Playing with fire' Last week Michael Flynn, US national security adviser, accused Iran of violating a UN Security Council resolution which calls on Iran not to test missiles capable of delivering a nuclear weapon. Iran has confirmed it tested a ballistic missile, but denied it was a breach of a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers or UN resolutions. Trump said Iran was "playing with fire" after the country dismissed his warnings over the missile test as unfounded and provocative. READ MORE: US slaps new sanctions on Iran over missile test In a post on Twitter, Trump said his administration would not be as "kind" to Iran as the government of his predecessor, Barack Obama. "Iran is playing with fire - they don't appreciate how 'kind' President Obama was to them. Not me!" Trump said. Asked by a reporter if military action was a possibility, Trump said: "Nothing is off the table". The US later imposed sanctions on 13 Iranians and 12 companies. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House.
Protesters As Mexican Woman Deported Because of Trump's Orders?

February 09/10, 2017 "

Information Clearing House

" - PHOENIX (AP)  The deportation of an immigrant mother in Phoenix who was granted leniency during the Obama administration provides an early example of how President Donald Trump plans to carry through on his vow to crack down on illegal immigration.

The case of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos became a rallying cry Thursday for immigrant groups who believe Trump's approach to immigration unfairly tears apart families. Her arrest prompted a vocal demonstration in downtown Phoenix as protesters blocked enforcement vans from leaving a U.S. immigration office. Seven people were arrested.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer referred questions on the matter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which said in a statement on Twitter on Thursday that the agency "will remove illegal aliens convicted of felony offenses as ordered by an immigration judge."

Protesters at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Phoenix.

Garcia de Rayos was deported around 10 a.m. from a Nogales border crossing and ICE worked with Mexican consular officials to repatriate her, agency spokeswoman Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe said in a statement.

"Ms. Garcia's immigration case underwent review at multiple levels of the immigration court system, including the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the judges held she did not have a legal basis to remain in the U.S. ICE will continue to focus on identifying and removing individuals with felony convictions who have final orders of removal issued by the nation's immigration courts," Pitts O'Keefe wrote.

Advocates for people in the U.S. illegally but with deep ties to the country denounced the deportation as heartless.

"ICE has done what President Trump wanted to do, which is deport and separate our families," said Marisa Franco, director of the Phoenix-based advocacy group Mijente. "We are going to stand strong with the family."

Garcia de Rayos, 35, was among workers arrested years ago in one of then-Sheriff Joe Arpaio's first investigations into Phoenix-area businesses suspected of hiring immigrants who had used fraudulent IDs to get jobs.

She was accused of using a Social Security number belonging to another person to get a job at the Waterworld amusement park in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale.

Garcia de Rayos was not arrested in a raid of the park, but was taken into custody six months later when investigators found discrepancies in her employment documents.

She was denied bail in January 2009 under an Arizona law that prohibited it for immigrants who are in the country illegally and charged with certain felonies.

Garcia de Rayos pleaded guilty in March 2009 to a reduced charge of criminal impersonation and was sentenced to two years of probation. She was placed into deportation proceedings but given leniency.

On Wednesday, she showed up with her lawyer for what she thought was a routine check-in with ICE officials and was detained instead of being allowed to leave after checking in.

Her lawyer, Ray Ybarra Maldonado, said the action against his client could push immigrants deeper into the shadows and to avoid checking in with authorities like Garcia de Rayos always did.

"My advice is, let's look for a sanctuary, a church that might wanna take you in if you wanna do that. It's not fun walking someone to the slaughter. It's not fun walking in and then walking out without them," he said.

Fearing Garcia de Rayos would be return to Mexico, dozens of immigration activists Wednesday night blocked the gates surrounding the ICE office in Phoenix.

Police took positions around the building and confronted some of the demonstrators, many of them chanting "Justice!" in English and Spanish.

Seven protesters were arrested, said Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Jonathan Howard.

The deportation of Garcia de Rayos came days after the Trump administration broadened regulations under which some people will be deported.
NYT: Unlike Russian Wars, US Wars Promote Freedom and Democracy By Adam Johnson February 09/10,, 2017 " Information Clearing House " -The New York Times, in its recent rebuff of comments President Donald Trump made about Russia, seems not to have evolved its understanding of US geopolitics past an 8th grade level. Trump had been asked by Fox News Bill OReilly (2/5/17) why he wouldnt condemn Vladimir Putin, whom OReilly called a killer. You got a lot of killers, Trump told OReilly. What, you think our countrys so innocent Naturally, this prompted a torrent of pearl-clutching from liberal patriots aghast that the president could equate the moral worth of the United States with that of the dastardly Russians. Most prominent among these was the New York Times, whose editorial board published a flag-waving scolding called Blaming America First (2/7/17): Asserting the moral and political superiority of the United States over Russia has not traditionally been a difficult maneuver for American presidents. But rather than endorsing American exceptionalism, Mr. Trump seemed to appreciate Mr. Putins brutalitywhich includes bombing civilians in Syria and, his accusers allege, responsibility for a trail of dead political opponents and journalists at home and suggested America acts the same way. Oh my, the horror. A rough look at the actions in question since Putin has been in office reveals this outrage to be, at best, misplaced. One tally by Airwars, a Western nonprofit, puts the total number of Syrian civilians killed by Russia since it entered the war in September 2015 at just over 4,000, or 0.80.4 percent of the 500,000 to 1 million civilians who died due to George W. Bushs unilateral invasion of Iraq in 2003. Add to this the thousands of other civilians killed in other theaters of the War on Terror under the Bush and Obama administrations, including Afghanistan, Libya and Syria itself, and the idea of pointing to respect for civilian lives as something that elevates the United States above Russia seems a little absurd. But the addition of stifling dissent and allegedly killing journalists takes Russia over the line into Bad Guy territory, the Times suggestsignoring the USs own harsh punishment for whistleblowers, infiltration of dissident groups and bombing of foreign journalists. Not to mention the USs sprawling, unprecedented incarceration system, or its unmatched institutional racismall human right abuses leveled at home. The Times goes on to insist that no American president has done what Mr. Putin has done, including invading Ukraine and interfering in the American election. Of course, American presidents have invaded other countries and intervened in other elections, but for reasons unclear, the Times suggests that those two cases are the ones that indicate the USs moral superiority over Russia. The New York Times briefly mentions the Iraq War and torture, but whistles past these episodes by insisting they were terrible mistakes. The Times seems to be under the impression that Russia kills innocents for laughs, while the United States does so only with the best of intentions: At least in recent decades, American presidents who took military action have been driven by the desire to promote freedom and democracy, sometimes with extraordinary results, as when Germany and Japan evolved after World War II from vanquished enemies into trusted, prosperous allies. That US invasions have been driven by the desire to promote freedom and democracy is not argued, let alone proved; its presented as an article of faith. As the Times recent decades go back to World War II, the United States presumably killed an estimated 3.8 million in Vietnam to promote freedom and democracydespite President Dwight Eisenhower admitting that given the chance, 80 percent of the Vietnamese people would have voted for Ho Chi Minh, the leader whose government the US opposed. Implicitly, the USs use of covert terror to try to overthrow the elected government of Nicaragua, and US military support for death squad regimes elsewhere in Central America, were likewise motivated by a longing for freedom and democracy. As FAIR (9/30/16) has noted, the most important function of major editorial boards is to be gatekeepers of national security orthodoxy. And there is no more axiomatic orthodoxy than American exceptionalism. One can handwring over mistakes, even occasionally do harsh reporting on American war crimesso long as one arrives back at the position of American moral superiority. Yes, America has made mistakes, the good liberal insists, but at least we dont do this other bad thing that is, unaccountably, uniquely disqualifying. Clearly, Trumps motives in questioning American innocence were anything but liberal or noble. He was evoking Americas own sins not to challenge them, but to apologize for those of the Russian president and, preemptively, his own. But the outrage over Trumps comments from pundits and editorial boards did not seek to spotlight his cynicism and its dark implications, but rather to insist that the United States is, in fact, on a higher moral plane than Russia. This is a childish assertion that serves to flatter the ego of American readers while legitimizing their governments crimes. Adam Johnson is a contributing analyst for FAIR.org. You can find him on Twitter at @AdamJohnsonNYC. You can send a message to the New York Times at letters@nytimes.com (Twitter:@NYTimes). Please remember that respectful communication is the most effective. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Noam Chomsky - The Crimes of U.S. Presidents Chomsky goes through some of the crimes of the post-war presidents. From 2003.
'They Accept Us as We Are;' Christians Join Forces With Hezbollah to Fight ISIS in Lebanon By Vincent Funaro



February 09/10, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " Christian Post " - The Iran-backed Shiite Muslim militant group Hezbollah, classified for many years by U.S. Intelligence as a terrorist organization, is training Christians to fight ISIS in Lebanon and the Middle Eastern believers say their new and unlikely allies "accept us as we are." Citing Lebanese sources, Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin says Christian villages in the Bekaa Valley area of Lebanon are forming militias to join Hezbollah fighters already engaging ISIS and the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat al-Nursa Front in the Syrian Qalamoun mountains opposite villages in central and eastern Bekaa. Rifit Nasrallah, a Catholic businessman who is part of the militias fighting ISIS in Ras Baalbek, discussed the alliance with Hezbollah in an International Business Times report last month. "We're in a very dangerous situation," he said. "The only people who are protecting us are the resistance of Hezbollah. The only one standing with the army is Hezbollah. Let's not hide it anymore." Nasrallah said Hezbollah does not expect its allies to convert to Islam or create an allegiance to the group's ideals. "They accept us as we are," he said. "They do not impose on us anything. When there's an occasion, they come to our children's birthdays. The people here accept that Hezbollah comes and helps." This unlikely alliance between Christians and Hezbollah is a far cry from the adversarial relationship depicted between the two groups in the region. According to the IB Times report, however, the alliance is one of convenience. Hezbollah is Iran's strongest proxy in that area of Lebanon and has been a key factor in keeping President Bashar Assad's regime in power after four years of the Syrian war. Protecting Ras Baalbek is a priority for the group because losing it to ISIS would put the surrounding Shiite towns under direct threat. As a result, Hezbollah has invested heavily in sustaining the relationship with Christians. The group trained Christians in Syria to fight ISIS alongside them, according to a November report from Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar and even paid wages similar to Hezbollah members for Christians joining their ranks. "We are not speaking of an assumed threat, we are speaking of a real aggression that exists every hour, every day, every night," said Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in a recent speech. He explained that armed groups have launched continuous attacks inside Lebanese territories while also holding dozens of Lebanese soldiers and police officers hostage, "so we need a permanent solution." Last fall, The Christian Post reported that GOP 2016 presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was booed after he offended some Middle Eastern Christians by declaring at an event in Washington, D.C. that "Christians have no greater ally than Israel." Mark Tooley, president of the Institute of Religion and Democracy and an attendee at the evening event, later wrote in a blog entry that he was not surprised by the reaction. "It's no secret that many Mideast Christians generally aren't big fans of Israel. I learned this firsthand during the 2006 Israel war on Hezbollah, when my discussion at church with a Lebanese Christian nearly escalated to a shouting match," wrote Tooley. "Sometimes American Christians romanticize overseas persecuted Christians into disembodied noble souls unaffected by terrestrial concerns. But they, like everybody else, have histories, loyalties, resentments, grievances, and political calculations." The Times of Israel reported in March that Iran and Hezbollah were removed from the list of terror threats against the U.S. as a result of its campaign against ISIS. "We believe that this results from a combination of diplomatic interests (the United States' talks with Iran about a nuclear deal) with the idea that Iran could assist in the battle against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq and maybe even in the battle against jihadist terrorism in other countries," the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center said in an analysis of the unclassified version of the Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Communities released in February. Another American body, the Defense Intelligence Agency, however, said both Iran and Hezbollah were still terrorism threats. "Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Lebanese Hezbollah are instruments of Iran's foreign policy and its ability to project power in Iraq, Syria, and beyond," noted the body in their assessment, submitted to the U.S. Senate on Feb. 26. "Hezbollah continues to support the Syrian regime, pro-regime militants and Iraqi Shiite militants in Syria. Hezbollah trainers and advisors in Iraq assist Iranian and Iraqi Shiite militias fighting Sunni extremists there. Select Iraqi Shiite militant groups also warned of their willingness to fight U.S. forces returning to Iraq," it noted. Contact: Vincent.funaro@christianpost.com; follow me on Twitter @vinfunaro The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Hassan Nasrallah: The chaos in the Middle East won't save Israel Transcript We hope that this kind of experience [of interfaith rapprochement] will spread to other Arab and Muslim countries.



Today, in these (troubled) times, we need more than ever Sheikh Abd-al-Nasser Jabri, his fellow men, his thought, his way, his soul, his sincerity, his brotherhood, because our Islamic world is currently facing a very dangerous phenomenon, namely extremism freed from any limit, whether in certain Sunni milieus or certain Shiite milieus.



When we consider the takfiri phenomenon and the takfiri movement, we see that even before the year 2000, before the 1990s, they already existed, but only in certain settings, in certain countries, in certain circles, and they did not assert themselves as they do now. The takfiris, whether on the ideological, media, political or field levels, now assert their unrestricted and unlimited positions and have pushed things to extremes. And this is very dangerous.



In the struggle against takfirism today, it is no longer just takfir (accusation of apostasy) that we face, but it goes as far as murder, massacres, slaughter, captivity, decapitations, profanation (of corpses), crucifixions, etc. Well, this is the most dangerous situation that the Islamic community can reach. And that's what we're living now.



Similarly, in some Shi'ite circles, unfortunately, certain currents that His Eminence Sayed Ali Khamenei characterizes as London Shi'ism or British Shiism, which also adopt the Takfir (accusation of apostasy), the accusation of treason, and insults against all sanctities and symbols, and not only against the sanctities and symbols of our Sunni brothers, but even against those of the Shiites  scholars, authorities, the most eminent symbols of science and virtue.



Today, when we see that all the means are provided to these two currents, the current of takfir, monstrosity, extremism, imprecations, insults, accusations of treason and such, cutthroat, murders... All the media are at their disposal. As for the TV channels of the Resistance, they are suppressed from Arabsat, Nilesat and European satellites. But the channels of sedition, like Al-Wisal, Safa, Fadak, etc., find open all the doors of the world.



What happens then, dear brothers and sisters, dear scholars, is not a coincidence, it is not due to negligence. But there are countries, intelligence services, offices that work day and night, and have discovered that the Islamic nation and the Muslim peoples have awakened, risen and taken clear positions in front of the arrogant American hegemony over Muslim countries and our region, and that it has taken a clear and decisive position, based also on the enthusiasm due to the Resistance victories against Israel, and they have concluded that this Islamic community must be pushed to fratricidal struggles, and that it was absolutely necessary to combat this popular awakening which is rumbling in the Arab countries, especially in the Arab countries and in all the Islamic countries in general, which we saw a few years ago, and the only way was to divert all these masses towards sedition and discord.



And what is better able to serve the arrogant Zionist project of division, strike and partition, to move the struggle from its true and just ground to other lands, if not the current of takfir and monstrosity?



Today, more than ever, we must assume our responsibility, as the late Sheikh Abd-al-Nasser [Jabri] did. On the one hand, we must isolate and besiege these people, face them, silence them, and on the other hand we must work towards greater convergence, rapprochement, mutual aid, fraternity, unity, co-integration, because the objective of these takfiris and extremists and their American and Zionist masters is that we disintegrate, that we move away from each other, that we all stay in our corner.



Our insistence on rapprochement, encounter, joint action and common frameworks in terms of knowledge, politics and Resistance is the best answer and challenge, and even the best accomplishment through which we can understand the failure of the adverse project.



The second point is that of Resistance. The position of His Eminence Sheikh Abd-al-Nasser [Jabri]. I will not (repeat)... I support and confirm everything the brothers said before me, because I have followed this commemoration from the beginning. His decisive position as regards the Resistance since the first days. He did not take a position towards the Resistance, he was part of the Resistance. He was one of its scholars, its fighters, its thinkers, its actors in the political, media, popular, social and field levels. But in all the difficult stages, when the Resistance needed to be defended, in its project, its thought, its logic, its legality, Sheikh Abd-al-Nasser [Jabri], like the rest of his brothers among the Muslim scholars, the Islamic Works Front, the various Islamic organizations, raised a high, strong and courageous voice, especially after the events of 2005 in Lebanon [assassination of Rafik Hariri, withdrawal of Syrian troops] and 2006 [War against Israel] and all the facts that followed. Until the last moments of his life, the Resistance in Lebanon and Palestine was one of his essential pillars in faith, deeds and sacrifices.



This Resistance is still threatened today, in its countries, its peoples, its societies, its armies, its movements of jihad (combatants). One of the most dangerous titles of the continued war against our region for years is the war against the Resistance and the Axis of the Resistance, and this is the truth that is revealed more day by day through the confessions of the American leaders, politicians and diplomats, generals, security officials, through irrefutable documents (published), testimonies, recordings...



The goal of everything that is happening in the region is now clear and obvious. Today, some are working to destroy the Arab armies in the interests of Israel and to overthrow the last resistant Arab regimes for the good of Israel so that the Israeli army becomes the strongest after the Resistance defeated it in Lebanon and Palestine, and after the Resistance humiliated it in Lebanon and Palestine, and after this army became a morally crushed army, in its confidence in itself, in the confidence of its officers in its soldiers and the confidence of its soldiers in its officers. (Faced with this), it is necessary to destroy the armies of the region so that only one powerful army remains, to restore its morale, its (radiant) horizons, its confidence  it is indeed the Israeli army.



Today, the reputation of the Resistance movements in Lebanon, Palestine and throughout the region is isolated, besieged and smeared. The reputation of anyone who supports and supports the Palestinian people and the Palestinian cause is smeared. Those who support it with justice are killed, fought all over the world.



In Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, Yemen, and the rest of the world, in Nigeria, whose population manifests by the hundreds of thousands during Al-Quds (Jerusalem) International Day, for Palestine and for Al-Quds. The Resistance is targeted today, and its defense is also the responsibility of all, just like the Sheikh Abd-al-Nasser (Jabri) did. And this targeting continues on all fronts.



Do not imagine that Israel is now abandoned and inactive, as the whole world is busy and exhausted, and that Israel is content to look, no. Israel is hunting down any consciousness that can dedicate itself to the Resistance, or that has the potential to develop a certain area of the Resistance, as it did through the assassination of the martyr Muhamad Zouari [Hamas engineer] in Tunisia, or as they did in the past for the martyr commander Hassan Laqqis [of Hezbollah], as they did for Iranian nuclear scientists, and Iraqi nuclear scientists. This Israel cannot endure to find, within our societies and peoples of our region, mentalities, wills, armies, Resistance movements, scientists, thoughts that can regroup, unite and allow us to compete with this Zionist project and this arrogant project.



Today ... and it is also a responsibility. We must defend the Resistance, the Axis of Resistance, the movements of the Resistance and the societies of the Resistance. The consciousness of His Eminence the Sheikh [Jabri], may God have mercy on him, his courageous and frank position in the defense of the Resistance constitute a glorious standard here and in the Hereafter for Sheikh Abd-al-Nasser Jabri.

We trust our people and our (Arab-Muslim) community. We have great confidence in them. Whatever the sufferings and tragedies, let me say this today, as we commemorate the disappearance of this fighter, believer and pious Sheikh: whatever the sufferings, this community will never abandon Palestine. Israeli calculations are vain and false calculations. In Palestine, their calculations have long been that the Palestinian people would abandon its cause, its Islamic and Christian holy places, and accept the crumbs offered by the Zionists, but the Palestinian people surprised the Israelis.



He surprised them in 1983 and 1984, surprised them with the Al-Aqsa Intifada (2000), and surprised them with armed resistance. And before that, he had long been fighting them from the Nakba (1948) and the Naksa (1967). And he also surprised them by the recent Intifada of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). And the Palestinian people surprises them with his extremely strong support, maximum support for the choice of the Resistance. Similarly in Lebanon, all their calculations in 1982 were disappointed, unsuccessful, and they recognize that their calculations were wrong.



And still today, they believe that the region that endures such a war, such sedition, such calamities and tragedy (they believe that) this region and its peoples, as well as their leaders and scholars, will come out in tatters, exhausted, and that there will be neither as the main of their preoccupations nor anywhere in their worries the name of Israel and the struggle against the Zionist project. They are lulled by illusions, I guarantee you.



The Axis of Resistance will emerge from this universal war against it victorious in all countries, God willing, as well as the peoples of this region. And the Resistance movements will emerge (reinforced) from this painful experience, so that the priority of the Axis, regimes, armies and peoples, parties, political forces, thoughts, media and feelings, Palestine will once again become a priority, the struggle against the Zionist project will again become a priority, and the liberation of Al-Quds will once again become a priority. If the Israelis hope that this universal war will bury beneath the dust of this land and this region all Resistance, fighters and men of honor, they are mistaken and deluded. This would contradict the divine paths (the global march of the world). This would contradict the course of history.



This would contradict [the attested Prophets saying that] There are men of God who, when they want something, God wants it [and materializes it]. And in this region, all the Resistants are determined to persevere, to remain firm, a term that Sheikh Abd-al-Nasser Jabri liked, and to continue the struggle until the final victory.



This region will not hand over Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq or any other country. It will not hand them over neither to American hegemony nor to the Zionists.



Today, for example, as the Israeli enemy puts pressure on all terrain, we see the endurance of prisoners in Israeli prisons. They go on hunger and thirst strikes to the extreme. Or those unjustly killed in prisons, as happened yesterday with Sheikh As'ad al-Wali, a patriotic and resilient figure in the occupied Syrian Golan. For his funeral, a huge crowd of Golanians gathered to proclaim their [Syrian] identity, their position, their commitment, their rejection of this [Zionist] entity and submission to that entity.



Today, some regimes are surrendering. The government of Bahrain allows the worst Zionist organization to come to Bahrain (they say Israeli, non-Israeli, their identity is American but they are part of a Zionist organization in the broad sense), it allows the worst Zionist organization to come to Bahrain and to be welcomed, and the Israeli media are ecstatic. The Israeli media spoke of two things: the first, that this Zionist organization, with its religious garments, alongside Arabs dressed in traditional dresses, with their headdress and igal (scarf and hoop), all Arab clothes, danced together. And the other scene is that this organization has sung in the streets of Bahrain the song The temple will be built on the ruins of the mosque (al-Aqsa, 3rd holy place of Islam).



If the government of Bahrain has been on the path of normalization (with Israel) for a long time, the people of Bahrain and the scholars of Bahrain, subjected to whipping by the regime, thrown into prison, whose men and women were killed, tortured, and also abandoned from the Arab and Muslim world, have never forgotten Palestine, neither the Palestinian cause, nor the fact that the primordial struggle is against the Israeli enemy. This is why, while the entire world is silent about the normalization of Bahrain, and only a few Palestinian movements condemn it, the Bahraini people and scholars of Bahrain go out into the street to denounce and refuse this.



This means that, whatever our sufferings may be, they will never make us forget Palestine or the Palestinian cause.



In Yemen, siege, hunger, bombing, death, thousands of children dying of hunger and disease, but the Yemeni people burns for Palestine and manifested for Palestine in Sana'a under bombardment.



What does all this mean? This means that the good is strong in this community.



And this is why I say in conclusion this point: I tell the Zionists not to count (on current events). The future, in this region, is for the Resistance, for the Axis of the Resistance and for the project of the Resistance. It is not a simple rhetorical discourse. It is a phrase that translates into blood, endurance, perseverance, physical sacrifice, in more than one country and on more than one terrain.
The West Is Finished, But Why? By Andre Vltchek February 09/10, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Despite certain economic and social setbacks, the Western Empire is doing remarkably well. That is, if we measure success by the ability to control the world, to condition the brains of human beings on all continents, and to crush almost all substantial dissent, at home and abroad.



What has almost entirely disappeared from life, at least in such places as New York, London or Paris, is that simple human joy, which is so obvious and evident when it exists. Paradoxically, in the very centers of power, most people seem to be living anxious, unfulfilled, almost frightened lives.



It all somehow doesnt feel right. Shouldnt citizens of the conquering part of the world, of the victorious regime, be at least confident and optimistic?



Of course there are many reasons why they are not, and some of my comrades have already outlined in detail and in colorful language at least the main causes of depression and dissatisfaction with life, which are literally devouring alive those hundreds of millions of European and North American citizens.



The situation is mostly analyzed from a socioeconomic angle. However, I think that the most important causes for the present state of things are much simpler: the West and its colonies almost entirely destroyed the most essential human instincts: peoples ability to dream, to feel passionate about things, to rebel and to get involved.



Single-mindedness, optimism, naivete are almost entirely gone. But those are exactly the qualities that used to move our human race forward!



*



Despite what is now commonly perceived in the West, it is not knowledge and definitely not science that were behind the greatest leaps forward achieved by civilization.



It has always been a deep and instinctive humanism, accompanied by faith (and here Im not talking about some religious faith) and by tremendous dedication and loyalty to the cause. Without naivete, without innocence, nothing great could have ever been attained.



Science was always there, and it was important for improving many practical aspects of human life, but it was never the main engine propelling a nation towards some just, balanced, and livable society. When employed by an enlightened system, science has played an important role in building a much better world, but it was never the other way around.



Progress was always triggered and fueled by human emotions, by seemingly irrational and unachievable dreams, by poetry and wide scale burning of passions. The finest concepts for improvement of civilization were frequently not even logical; they were simply born out of some beautiful human instincts, intuitions and desires (logic was applied later, when practical details had to be nailed down).



Now knowledge, rationality and logic, at least in the West, are forcing human feelings into a corner. Logic is now even replacing traditional religions. Obsession with facts, with understanding everything, is actually becoming absurdly extreme, dogmatic, even fundamentalist.



All this fanatical fact collecting often feels unreal, metallic, cold and to many of those who are coming from the outside (geographically or intellectually), extremely unnatural.



Lets not forget that facts consumed by the masses and even by the relatively educated Westerners, are generally coming from identical sources. The same type of logic is being used, and several undistinguishable tools of analyses applied. Consuming excessive amount of news, facts and analyses usually doesnt lead to understanding anything in depth, or to truly critical thoughts, quite the contrary - it very effectively murders ones ability to consider totally new concepts, and especially to rebel against the intellectual cliches and stereotypes. No wonder that the European and North American middle classes are among the most conformist people on earth!



Collecting mountains of data and information in most cases leads absolutely nowhere. For millions, it is becoming just a hobby, like any other one, including videogames and PlayStation. It keeps a person on top of things, so he or she can impress acquaintances, or it simply satisfies that neurotic need to constantly consume news.



To make things worse, most Westerners are incessantly locked in a complex information and perceptions web with their families, friends and co-workers. There is constant pressure to conform while extremely little space and almost no rewards for true intellectual courage or originality.



*



Regimes have managed to a great extent to standardize knowledge, mainly by utilizing pop culture and indoctrinating people through its educational institutions.



People are actually voluntarily locking themselves for years in schools and universities, wasting their time, paying their own money, even getting into debt, just in order to make it easier for the regime to indoctrinate them and turn them into good and obedient subjects of the Empire!



Already for decades the system has been successfully producing entire generations of emotionally dead and confused individuals.



These people are so damaged that they cannot fight for anything, anymore (except, sometimes, for their own personal and selfish interests); they cannot take sides, and cannot even identify their own goals and desires. They constantly try (and fail) to find something meaningful and fulfilling they could do in life. It is always about them finding something, not about joining meaningful struggles or inventing something thoroughly new for the sake of humanity! They keep going back to school, they keep crying for lost opportunities because they didnt study what they think they really should have (no matter what they actually study or do in life, they mostly feel dissatisfied, anyway).



They are constantly scared of being rejected, they are petrified that their ignorance and inability to do anything truly meaningful would be discovered and ridiculed (many of them actually sense how empty their lives are).



They are unhappy, some thoroughly miserable, and even suicidal. Yet their desperation does not propel them into action. Most of them never rebel; never truly confront the regime, never challenge their immediate milieu.



These hundreds of millions of broken and idle people (some of them actually not stupid at all) are a tremendous loss to the world. Instead of erecting barricades, writing outraged novels or openly ridiculing this entire Western charade, they are mostly suffering in silence.



If the opportunity to thoroughly change their lives really arrives, they cannot identify it, anymore; cannot grasp it. It is because they cannot fight; they were pacified since an early age, since school.



That is exactly where the regime wants to have its citizens. Its where it got them!



Shockingly, almost no one calls this entire nightmare by its real name - a monstrous crime!



*



People buy books in order to make sense of it all, but they hardly manage to read them to the end. They are too preoccupied; they are lacking concentration and determination. And a great majority of books available in the stores are giving no meaningful answers, anyway.



Still, many are trying: they are analyzing and analyzing, aimlessly. They dont understand and want to know. They dont realize that this path of constantly thinking, while applying certain prescribed tools of the analyses, is one huge trap.



There is really nothing much to understand. People were actually robbed of life, robbed of natural human feelings, of warmth, of passion, even of love itself (what they call love is often a surrogate, and nothing more).



All this is never pronounced not even in fiction books anymore, unless you read in Russian or Spanish. The success of the Empire to produce obedient, scared and unimaginative beings is now complete!



Big corporations are thriving; elites are collecting enormous booty, while a great majority of people in the West are gradually losing their ability to dream and to feel. Without those preconditions, no rebellion is possible. Lack of imagination, accompanied by emotional numbness, is the most effective formula for stagnation, even regression.



This is why the West is finished.



*



The grotesque obsession with science, with medical practices, and with facts, is helping to divert attention from real and horrific issues.



Constant debates, analyses, and looking at things from different angles, leads to nothing but passivity. But taking action is too scary, and people are not used to making dramatic decisions, anymore, or even gestures.



This also leads to the fact that almost no one in the West is now ready to gather under any ideological banner, or to embrace full heartedly what is called derogatorily labels.



For millennia, people flocked intuitively into various movements, political parties and groups. No significant change was ever achieved by one single individual (although a strong leader at the head of a movement, party or even government could definitely achieve a lot).



To be part of something important and revolutionary was symbolizing often a true meaning of life. People were (and in many parts of the world still are) fully committed, dedicated to important and heroic struggles. Trying to build a better world, fighting for a better world, even dying for it: that was often considered the most glorious thing that a human being could achieve in his or her lifetime.



In the West, such an approach is dead, thoroughly destroyed. There, cynicism reigns. You have to challenge everything, trust nothing, and commit to nothing.



You are expected to mistrust any government. You should ridicule everyone who believes in something, especially if that something is pure and noble. You simply have to drag through filth any grandiose attempt to improve the world, whether it is happening in Ecuador, Philippines, China, Russia or South Africa.



To show strong feeling for some leader, for a political party or government in a country that is still capable of some fire and passion, is met with mocking sarcasm in places like London or New York. We are all thieves, and all human beings and therefore governments, are similar, goes the deadly and toxic wisdom.



How lovely, really! What a way forward.



Yes, of course: if hours and hours are spent analyzing some fiery leader or movement, for instance in Latin America, at least some dirt would always emerge, as no place and no group of people are perfect. This gives Westerners a great alibi for not getting involved in anything. Thats how it is designed. Give up on the hope for a perfect world, say that you simply cannot believe in anything anymore. Then, go back to school or get yourself some meaningless job.



It is actually much easier than to work extremely hard to save the world or your country! It is much easier than to risk your life and to fight for justice. It is easier than trying to really think, to attempt to invent something thoroughly new, for this beloved and scarred planet of ours!



*



An old Russian ballad says: It is so hard to love... But it is so easy to leave...



And with the revolution, with the movements, struggles, even governments that one full heartedly supports, it is, to a great extent, very similar to love.



Love can never be fully scrutinized, fully analyzed, or it is not really love. There is nothing, and should be nothing logical or rational about it. Only when it is dying one begins analyzing, while looking for excuses to slam the door.



But while it is there, while it exists, alive, warm and pulsating, to apply objectivity regarding the other person would be brutal, disrespectful; in a way it would be a betrayal.



Only new Westerners can commit such travesty, by analyzing love, by writing guides about how to deal with human feelings, how to maximize profits from their emotional investments!



How could a man who loves a woman just sit on a sofa and analyze: I love her but maybe I should think twice, because her nose is too big, and her behind is too large? Thats absolute nonsense! A woman who is loved, truly loved, is the most beautiful being on earth.



And so is the struggle!



Otherwise, without true dedication and single-mindedness, nothing will ever change; never improve.



But lets not forget - the Empire doesnt want anything to improve. Thats why it is spreading limitless cynicism and nihilism. Thats why it is smearing everything pure and natural, while implanting bizarre perfection models, so the people always compare, always judge, always have doubts, never feel satisfied, and as a result, abstain from all serious involvements.



The empire wants people to think, but think in a way it programs them to do. It wants them to analyze, but only by using its methods. And it wants people to discard, even reject their natural instincts and emotions.



The results are clear: grotesque individualism and self-centrism, confused, broken societies, collapsed relationships between people, and total spite for higher aspirations.



It is not only about the Marxist or revolutionary political parties, about the rebellions or internationalist, anti-imperialist struggles.



Have you noticed how shallow, how unstable most inter-human relationships in the West have become? Nobody wants to get truly involved. People are testing each other. They constantly think, hardly feel. Powerful passions are looked down on (emotional outbursts are considered indecent, even shameful): now it is suddenly all about ones feeling good, always calm, but paradoxically, almost no one is actually feeling good or calm in this new West, anymore.



It all, of course, mutated into the exact opposite of what love, or a true revolutionary work (political, or artistic) used to be, and just to remind you, it used to be the most beautiful, the most insane turmoil, a total departure from dismal normalcy.



In the West, almost no one could even write great poetry, anymore. No haunting melodies, no powerful lyrics are created there.



Life has become suddenly shallow, predictable and programmed.



Without the ability to love passionately, without the capacity to give, to sacrifice everything unconditionally, one cannot expect to become a great revolutionary.



Of course in the passionless West, obsessed with a type of knowledge that somehow keeps failing to enlighten, with the applied sciences and deeply rooted egocentricity, there is no fertile ground for powerful passions left, and therefore no chance for true revolution.



I rebel: therefore we exist, declared Albert Camus, correctly.



Collective rebellion culminates into revolution. Without a revolution, or without constant aspiration for it, there is no life.



The West has lost the ability to love and to rebel.



And that is why it is finished!



*



There is a good saying: You can never understand Russia with your brain. You can only believe in it. The same goes for China, Japan and so many other places.



To come to Asia or Russia and begin the journey by trying to understand these places is nothing short of insanity. There is no reason for it, and no chance that it could be achieved in a few months, even years.



The neurotic and thoroughly Western approach of constantly trying to understand everything with ones brain, can actually ruin all irreversibly and right from the beginning. The best way to start to truly comprehend Asia is by absorbing, by being gently guided by others, by seeing, feeling, discarding all preconceptions and cliches. Understanding doesnt come necessarily with logic. Actually, it almost never does. It involves senses and emotions, and it usually arrives suddenly, unexpectedly.



The revolution, in fact the most sacred and honorable struggles - they also brew for a long time, and they also come unexpectedly, and straight from the heart.



Whenever I come to New York but especially to London or Paris, and whenever I encounter those theoretical leftists, I have to smile bitterly when I follow their pointless but long discussions about some theory, which is totally separated from reality. And it is almost exclusively about them: are they Trotskyists and why? Or perhaps they are anarcho-syndicalists? Or Maoists? Whatever they are, they always begin on the couch or a bar stool, and thats where they end up, late in the evening.



In case you are just coming from Venezuela or Bolivia, where people are fighting true battles for the survival of their revolutions, it is quite a shocking experience! Most of them, in Altiplano, have never even heard about Lev Trotsky, or anarcho-syndicalism. What they know is that they are at war, they are fighting for all of us, for a much better world, and they need immediate and concrete support for their struggle: petitions, demonstrations, money, and cadres. All they get is words. They get nothing from the West: almost nothing at all, and they never will.



It is because they are not good enough for the Brits and French. They are too real, not pure enough. They make mistakes. They are too human, not sterile, and not well-behaved. They violate some rights here or there. They are too emotional. They are this or that, but definitely one could not fully throw his or her weight fully behind them.



Scientifically, they are wrong. If one spends ten hours in the pub or living room, discussing them, there would definitely arise enough arguments for withdrawing all support. The same applies for the revolutionaries and for the revolutionary changes in the Philippines, and in so many other places.



The West cannot connect to this way of thinking. It doesnt see absurdity in its own behavior and attitudes. It lost its spirit; it lost its heart, its feelings, from the right and now even from the left. In exchange for what, brain? But there is nothing significant that comes from that area either!



And that is why it is finished!



People are now unwilling to get themselves behind anything real; behind any true revolution, any movement, any government, unless they are like those plastic and toxic looking women from glossy fashion magazines: perfect for men who lost all their imagination and individuality, but thoroughly boring and mass-produced for the rest of us.



Andre Vltchek is a philosopher, novelist, filmmaker and investigative journalist. He has covered wars and conflicts in dozens of countries. Three of his latest books are revolutionary novel Aurora and two bestselling works of political non-fiction:  Exposing Lies Of The Empire  and  Fighting Against Western Imperialism . View his other books here . Andre is making films for teleSUR and Al-Mayadeen. Watch Rwanda Gambit , his groundbreaking documentary about Rwanda and DRCongo. After having lived in Latin America, Africa and Oceania, Vltchek presently resides in East Asia and the Middle East, and continues to work around the world. He can be reached through his website and his Twitter . This article as updated February 12, 2017 The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Ecuador This is a song about oppression by a few over the many. It is based on actual events that involved the destruction of part of the Ecuadorian rainforest as a result of oil drilling over the course of decades. One Earth music can be downloaded on iTunes  NATO Blues, Ecuador and Refugee. The music is also available on Google Play, Spotify, etc. Their contact email is 1earthmusic@gmail.com. Click here for their YouTube channel and here for their Facebook page.
What The US Representative to the UN Should Know About Annexed Crimea By Arina TSUKANOVA US Ambassador to UN Blames Russia for new violence in eastern Ukraine: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, blamed Russia on Thursday for the recent surge of violence in eastern Ukraine and warned Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia will not be lifted until Moscow returns Crimea to Kiev. February 09/10, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " SCF " - The speech by the new US permanent representative to the UN Security Council, Nikki Haley, at a Security Council meeting on 3 February backed up the idea that the foreign policies of two American administrations  the previous one and the current one  will be continued. Haley said exactly the same as Samantha Power before her: Our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns control of the peninsula to Ukraine. The White House supported Haleys statement on the need for Crimea to be returned to Ukraine, and the White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, stated during a briefing that: With respect to the sanctions, I think Ambassador Haley made it very clear of our concern with Russias occupation of Crimea. I think she spoke very forcefully and clearly on that. It is interesting that Mrs Haley was speaking about the territory of Crimea rather than the people. I wonder how this American imagines the return of the Crimean Peninsula to Ukraine  with the people or without them? Its a pity that this question has remained unanswered. Do the Crimean people regard themselves as Ukrainian? And does Nikki Haley know the answer to this most important question? It is unlikely that the US ambassador to the UN wants to move the people out of Crimea so that she can give the peninsula back to Ukraine. Especially as she would have to move not only the living, but also the dead, since the Ukrainian history of Crimea is very short, around a quarter of a century. It is surprising that the citizen of a country whose constitution begins with the words We the people of the United States... is doing everything to avoid a conversation at the level of We the people of Crimea... But everything really does look different from that position. From the point of view of the people who live on the Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine annexed Crimea in 1991, grossly violating the rules of international law. Crimea became part of independent Ukraine illegally, and repeated attempts by the Crimean people to redress this injustice met with opposition from Kiev. In order to see this, Nikki Haley just needs to be made aware of a few facts. In 1990, the Parliament of the Ukrainian SSR adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty, which hid behind the words Expressing the will of the people of Ukraine... and spoke of a new state being established within the existing boundaries of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic based on the Ukrainian nations right to self-determination. But did the Ukrainian nation have the right to self-determination in Crimea if the number of Ukrainians on the peninsula made up only 25.8 percent of the population? The answer is obvious  no, it did not. This was the first step in the annexation of Crimea by the Ukrainian state, which, at that point, was the Ukrainian SSR separate from the Soviet Union. On 20 January 1991, the first Crimean referendum was held on the restoration of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic as a subject of the USSR and as a party to the Union Treaty. (Between 1921 and 1945, the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was part of the RSFSR.) With a high turnout of 81.37 percent, 93.26 percent of the Crimean population voted in favour of restoring autonomy. On 12 February 1991, the restoration of the Crimean ASSR was confirmed by law: the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR accepted the results of the referendum. The Crimean people were clearly self-determining, and this self-determination differed hugely from the self-determination of the Ukrainian nation. So what did the Ukrainian state do next? On 24 August 1991, the Supreme Court of the Ukrainian SSR, again on the basis of self-determination, declared the independence of Ukraine, arbitrarily identifying the Crimean ASSR as a territory of the newly established state. By doing so, the founders of Ukraine ignored a law requiring a separate referendum to be held in Crimea on the Crimean ASSRs status within Ukraine. This was done deliberately, since Kiev knew perfectly well that the people of Crimea would never vote in favour of becoming part of Ukraine. At the same time, a huge scam to manipulate history was being prepared: on 1 December 1991, a referendum was held illegally in the Crimean ASSR that did not deal with the issue of Crimeas status, but retroactively confirmed the Ukrainian Declaration of Independence in the autonomous republic. Moreover, anyone who had ever stepped foot on the peninsula was allowed to vote. This was to make it seem as if the Crimean people supported Ukrainian independence when, for the most part, they actually boycotted the referendum. In this underhand way, Ukraine took its second step towards the annexation of Crimea. The Crimean ASSR did not agree with the Ukrainian con artists, however. From the start of 1992, the number of protests began to increase  the Crimean people were outraged at the deception and demanded secession from Ukraine. Under pressure from the people, the Supreme Soviet of Crimea adopted the Act of State Independence of the Republic of Crimea, approved its own constitution, and passed a resolution to hold a referendum on 2 August 1992. It was another step towards the self-determination that those Crimeans who felt no connection to the Ukrainian nation were perfectly lawfully and legitimately pushing for. The Constitution of Crimea began with the words: We the people, who make up the multi-ethnic nation of Crimea and are united by centuries-old ties of a common historical fate, are free and equal in dignity and rights... By this time, however, Kiev had already gotten a taste for it. No one was willing to let go of the idea of Ukraine annexing Crimea. The referendum was postponed to a later date (it was held in 1994 in the form of a public opinion poll) and the Constitution of Crimea, under pressure from Kiev, was rewritten dozens of times until the peninsula was tied to Ukraine for good. The first presidential elections took place in Crimea in 1994, but by 1995, both the position of president and the Constitution of Crimea had been abolished. In late 1998, the Ukrainian authorities brought the legislation of the Autonomous Republic of Ukraine completely in line with the legislation of Ukraine. This was the penultimate step in the annexation of Crimea, the final step being to deprive Crimea of its autonomous status by establishing the Crimean Oblast as part of Ukraine. Over the next decade, Kiev did not dare do this, since any attempt to raise the issue of abolishing Crimean autonomy led to large-scale protests and demands to restore the 1992 Constitution and the statehood of the Republic of Crimea. Creeping Ukrainization was also unsuccessful  moulding Crimea to be more like Ukraine did not work even in light of the 2001 census, which showed that the Russian population on the peninsula had fallen by 512,000. The disappearance of Russian Crimeans cannot be explained by a natural decline in the population, by migration processes or by a shift in identification. The figures indicate something else: Ukraine had simply expunged half a million Russians from the annexed territory in order to build a Ukrainian Crimea. In 2012, the Svoboda Party, made up of radical Ukrainian nationalists, included the abolition of Crimean autonomy as part of its party policy. The February (2014) uprising in Kiev was not supported by Crimea, but attempts by Crimeans to oppose it led to tragedy: on the night of 20 and 21 February, buses taking protesting Crimeans home from a chaotic Kiev were stopped by armed nationalists in the small city of Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi. The Crimeans were beaten, tortured, forced to sing the Ukrainian national anthem under threat of death, and made to pick up broken glass from the buses windows, which had been smashed with sticks, with their bare hands. In a referendum on 16 March 2014, the Crimean people once again confirmed their historical choice, just as the United States once did when they broke away from the British Crown. In the US Declaration of Independence, it says that the Creator endowed people with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Just like Americans, Crimeans also want to live, be free and be happy. That is precisely why they spent decades trying to break away from the Ukrainian trident, something they finally managed in 2014 when they returned to Russia. It seems that Nikki Haley, like millions of her fellow Americans, does not know the history of the Crimean peoples struggle against its illegal annexation by Ukraine, which began in 1990 and ended in 2014. Questioning the choice of the Crimean people in 2014 seems to be the reason why the US permanent representative to the UN Security Council is keeping quiet about the Ukrainian annexation of Crimea in the 1990s. After all, no one in the world could doubt the results of the Crimean referendum held on 20 January 1991. If it is a case of the deliberate distortion of facts, however, then the situation looks a lot worse. Only an ignorant or a dishonest person could deny the fact that there has never been and never could be any kind of self-determination of the Ukrainian nation in Crimea, owing to the fact that Ukrainians living on the peninsula are very much in the minority. If you were to side with the Crimean people, then the history of Crimeas reunification with Russia becomes simple and understandable. It is enough to know that for each territory, whether that is the US or Crimea, exactly the same words are key: We the people... Because dont you think that when she says the word Crimea, Nikki Haley is only talking about the territory without the people? The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House.
The Children of Syria  So We Never Forget Peter Koenig February 09/10, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - With Trumps aggressive anti-Muslim immigration policy, especially anti-Syrian refugees, with the US special forces ordered by Trump carpet bombing and indiscriminately killing predominantly children and women in Yemen, and with Trump declaring his intent to step up the anti-terror fight in Yemen --- it is time to republish The Children of Syria

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article44491.htm



Lets remind the people, especially those selective Trump supporters, that the new Presidents atrocities are hardly running behind those of the Obama / Killery team.

Killing is still Washingtons number One objective to feed the weapon and war cum security industry without which the rotten-to-the bone United States economy could not survive. The victims of these brutal US trained-to-kill soldiers are invariably children and women. Those who are not killed right away, are likely to become refugees, be it from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan  and, yes, Yemen  and then they have no choice, but to seek out the homelands of their killers. Europe is next door.

That is why highlighting again The Children of Syria, symbolic for other children refugees of the western-destroyed Middle East, is so important. The leadership (sic-sic) of the EUs also rotten (and corrupt)-to-the-bone bureaucratic dictatorship, pretending to command the destiny of some 800 million people, is meeting in Malta, nominally to discuss the destabilizing flood of refugees as they call it  had actually nothing better to do then to bash Trump for destabilizing Europe. Yes, you read correctly, Trump. The villain and danger for the utterly useless bunch of vassal-clowns is, would you believe it, suddenly no longer Putin  but Trump!  See also Finian Cunninghams Trump or Putin (http://mycatbirdseat.com/2017/02/96205trump-or-putin-eu-loses-plot-on-biggest-threat/) When do these incompetent and inhuman European stooges of the White House, wake up to their own responsibility to stop the wars, thereby stopping the inhuman flood of refugees and apologize to the victims. They  the European un-leaders  would be capable of stopping the bloodshed, if they wanted to, as Washington will not do the killing alone. Washington will not expose themselves to the world as the only brutes to massacre women and children. Brussels knows about their power. But they dont use it; they are cowards  or bought by the murderers. But who would be surprised? Their forefathers have slaughtered and raped and colonized and exploited to the roots for over 800 years the rest of the world. Why would the new Europeans be different? Inhumanity is in the Judo-Christian mens nature, the settlers of Europe. Let us be reminded of The Children of Syria as a reality on its own, and as an allegory for refugee children around the world, of the inhumanity that inhabits the soul- and heartless westerners. Its not by hazard that in a recent interview with Al-Jazeera President Bashar Al-Assad pointedly said he didnt want any European help in rebuilding Syria, You cant destroy Syria and then [make money] rebuilding her.. The words of the neocon Robert Zoellick, then President of the World Bank, still ring in the air Lets hope the World Bank will be able to help rebuild Libya- after US / NATO forces under Obamas and Hillarys orders bombed the country to rubble in 2011, and shamelessly and brutally murdered their rightful leader, Mohamad Gaddafi on 20 October 2011, in his hometown of Sirte. The Children of Syria  are also the suffering and homeless children of Libya --- and of Somalia, of Iraq, of Afghanistan, of Palestine, of Pakistan, of Sudan - and the list of victims of western wars. The Children of Syria are everywhere where the western war machine seeks profit for its US based industry and for full spectrum world dominance of its deep State Masters. Peter Koenig is an economist and geopolitical analyst. He is also a former World Bank staff and worked extensively around the world in the fields of environment and water resources. He is the author of Implosion  An Economic Thriller about War, Environmental Destruction and Corporate Greed  fiction based on facts and on 30 years of World Bank experience around the globe. He is also a co-author of The World Order and Revolution!  Essays from the Resistance . The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. American stupidity is worse than terrorism - Russia Maria Zakharova, Russia's Foreign Affairs spokesperson, lets loose on a Western journalist after she is asked "Why is Russia supporting Assad, who is killing civilians?" Nine young children killed: The full details of botched US raid in Yemen: Planned for months, it was decided over dinner.
More than 500 people with the same ancestors gathered together in China for a massive family photo.

The group made up of members of the Ren family gathered at Shishe village in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang to celebrate the completion of the family tree.

The photo was taken with a drone during the Lunar New Year period after elders updated family tree records and located 2,000 living relatives.

It took us two and a half years to complete the new family tree, Village Chief Ren Tuanjie said. During the Spring Festival, we like to bring all the family members together so as to let our ancestors know where they are.

Members of the family from multiple generations traveled from Beijing, Shanghai, Xinjiang and Taiwan to take part in the giant reunion.

One reason was to understand where our descendants have spread to, where they have ended up and where they live, to account to our ancestors, Tuanjie said. And another reason was also to let descendants all over the country know their roots, so that wherever they go they will not forget where they come from.
British Nigerian Actor David Oyelowo says his fact-based, period romance A United Kingdom is both a timely and timeless story.

Directed by Amma Assante and starting in 1947, the film follows Oyelowos Seretse Khama, king of Botswana, as he meets Rosamund Pikes Ruth Williams and falls in love with the office worker while wrapping up his education in London. Despite intense opposition from their families and the British government, the interracial couple fights to make a life together.

Their love defied an empire and inspired the world.#AUnitedKingdom opens in select theaters February 10 // https://t.co/xsbMmOwPjX pic.twitter.com/VwfWfUDK8K  A United Kingdom (@_aunitedkingdom) January 30, 2017

Oyelowo told UPI, A lot of people have said the film is very timely. I think it is, but it is also timeless. I dont know that there is ever a time where we feel like: Yeah, weve got this love thing down. Its fine. Oh, United Kingdom, yeah, its just whats happening right now. That just  unfortunately seems to be the way we have been going. But, yes, I am a big believer in the power of love to heal, the power of love to obliterate those things that are different about us and make us recognize that we are so much more alike than we are different across racial lines, gender lines, age lines, religious lines. So, yes, for me, the film is, hopefully, a tonic for people right now.

Co-starring Terry Pheto, Tom Felton, Laura Carmichael, Jack Davenport and Jessica Oyelowo, A United Kingdom opens in U.S. theaters Friday.
The Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and his Osun State counterpart, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, have lamented the continued closure of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, in spite of their spirited efforts to restore normalcy.

Speaking during the submission of the report of the Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN)-led visitation panel, set up over the crisis rocking the university in Ibadan, on Friday, the owner-states governors expressed concern over the non-resumption of academic activities at the institution.

The panel was set up in October, last year, to chart a fresh path forward for the institution, which had been thrown into crisis for more than eight months due to the industrial action embarked upon by its academic and non-academic staff.

Although the school was reopened by the management on January 27 following the injection of over half a billion naira by Oyo and Osun States, the institutions branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities had refused to return to classes citing unresolved issues with the management.

Ajimobi had commended the panel for what he called a thorough and in-depth job done, assuring the panel of full implementation of the recommendations.

He, however, harped on the need for the collaboration of corporate bodies and individuals to set up a trust fund for the funding of the institution giving the pervading reality of paucity of funds in the country.

Awolowo was a realist and he saw the need to finance education while alive. He also had the resources to apply to the vision then and we all benefited from his gesture. Today, oil revenue, which is the mainstay of sustaining education funding through federal allocation, had dropped.

Oyo State that used to get N5.2billion as monthly allocation now gets as low as N2.5billion and we have to pay salaries of workers and finance social infrastructure. How do we survive that without looking inward?

The reality on the ground requires that we look at different ways of doing things. There is need for repositioning of the university, especially on the structure. The non-resumption of academic activities after our (governors) efforts is worrying.

LAUTECH should be the flagship of the South-West. There is nothing wrong in the whole South-West states buying into the ownership, relying on the internally-generated revenue from the school alone cannot help, he said.

Also, Aregbesola said the whole crisis was regrettable, but inevitable having been allegedly brought about by a sharp drop in the states financial power, occasioned by the crash of petroleum price in the world market.

He disclosed that the next assignment would be to set up a Technical Implementation Committee that would draw up a white paper from the report of the visitation panel.

Aregbesola said, The whole situation is regrettable, but Im of the opinion that the academic staff and students of the university are not unaware of the present financial challenges facing the states, which culminated from the drop in our monthly federal allocation.

We are happy the panel has done a marvelous job and the next step is for the two states to put up a technical implementation committee that would work on a white paper from the visitation panels report.

The chairman of the panel said the panacea to the crisis bedeviling the academic institution was the establishment of a trust fund and strategic funding by the owner-states governments in the form of subvention.

Olanipekun said it was a well-known fact that throughout the world, funding of university education did not rest squarely on government, but with support from corporate individuals and bodies in the form of trust fund.

He said, Government alone is incapable of funding university education. Talk of great universities all over the world, you will talk of Harvard. The budget of Harvard University is more than that of Nigeria.

How did they come about this? It is through trust fund and we are also recommending same as a solution to the funding crisis of LAUTECH. Maybe Nigerian universities would start to learn from LAUTECH if our recommendations are implemented.

But, we are recommending that for now the university need money; the immediate thing is for the university to reopen. It has been out of session for eight months.

Therefore, we are recommending that for now, the university must be given some subvention for it to reopen in the short term and after that the implementation of the other steps and recommendations could be also followed.

Also at the event were the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the institutions Governing Council, Prof. Wale Omole; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin, and others members of the governing council and the visitation panel.

Source: Leadership
A two year old baby boy, Lulo Patekile has died after he fell into a burning rubbish heap in South Africa.

According to iol.co.za, the two-year-old boy was playing outside with three other children when tragedy struck.

An unknown man had started a fire in a hole, and was burning some rubbish. Only for him to leave the fire unattended. Probably wanting to find out just how hot it could get, Little Lulo and his friends gathered round the already ravaging fire and fuelled it with wood and papers.

Unfortunately, Lulo got overwhelmed by the heat and fell into the hole, where the heap of rubbish (including old mattresses) was burning, and got killed by the scotching flames.

Lulos aunt, Nomfundiso Mswana, 41, spoke to the Daily Voice as his traumatised mother, Asanda, was rushed to hospital after she collapsed at the scene. She said:

He was playing outside with his friends when one of the boys came running, calling Asanda and saying the child is in the hole, burning. We dont know who made that fire. It is very difficult for us at this time, the emotional aunt said.

The childs tiny body was found lying face down in the hole surrounded by rubbish and a burnt mattress.

Source: iol.co.za
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has expressed disappointment over the handling of its case against the Nigerian government by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. IPOB said the inability of the court to rule on the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu was disappointing.

The pro-Biafra group had hoped that the ECOWAS Court would deliver express judgment in order have its leader released, but has now expressed displeasure that the Court seemed aligned with Nigerian courts to frustrate their aspiration.

In a statement by IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group said it understands that Nigerian courts could not give a decisive ruling because of their pay masters, but wondered why ECOWAS Court should be slow in passing judgment.

The statement said, Does it mean that African judges are not capable of standing up to defend the rights of the individual against a brutal and dictatorial state, simply because the state pays the salaries of those judges? Cant ECOWAS Court learn something from the European Court to see where judgements are delivered against sovereign governments on a daily basis?

Does it mean ECOWAS Court and Federal High Court Abuja both funded by the APC government of Nigeria must do the bidding of their paymaster President Muhammadu Buhari by denying Nnamdi Kanu and others justice in this clear-cut case of persecution against those agitating for their God-given right to self determination?

The Indigenous people of Biafra IPOB and its leadership worldwide wish to express our disappointment with the collaboration between the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, COURT, and the Nigeria Federal High Court Abuja presided over by Justice Binta Nyako. We view this as an unhealthy and dangerous judicial partnership of travesty of justice against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafrans detained alongside him.

The ECOWAS Court and Nigerian domestic courts have been noticeable recently on the way both courts have resorted to making a complete mockery of justice by systematically extending the dates of their respective rulings on the cases before them involving our supreme leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu versus Federal Government of Nigeria. From a viewpoint of fairness and justice, these undue delays are appalling.

It is not healthy for society or the interest of democracy for judges to base their handling of court cases on protecting the interest of who pays their salary. If this ugly, unjudicial and illegal trend in not checked in black Africa, there is no hope for democratic development and defence of the rule of law. We can understand, if not condone, Buharis crude interference in the judicial process because he is by nature a dictator, what is baffling is that justices of the law both in ECOWAS Court and Federal High Court Abuja should aid and abate him in the abuse of human rights and perversion of the course of justice.

The determination of the case of gross abuse of human rights instituted by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu against the regime of Muhammadu Buhari has been pending before ECOWAS Court since March 2016.

Any reasonable person is bound to ask why it has taken such a long time to deliver judgement on a clear cut case of disobedience to court order which everybody is already aware of.

Source: Dailypost
Local residents have been thrown into a frenzy after Twelve bags of stashed Class A cocaine worth 50 million Pounds washed up on the communitys beaches.

According to a shocking report by Dailymail, an enormous Class A cocaine haul in 360kg stash worth up to 50 million has washed up on two beaches in Norfolk, United Kingdom.

The National Crime Agency launched an investigation into who was behind the cocaine ending up on the country coastline.

Matthew Rivers, from the NCAs border investigation team, said: We are now working with Border Force, the Coastguard Agency and Norfolk Police to try and establish how the bags ended up where they did, however it is extremely unlikely that this was their intended destination.

This is obviously a substantial seizure of class A drugs, and its loss will represent a major blow to the organised criminals involved.

Superintendent Dave Buckley, from Norfolk Constabulary, said: We are assisting the National Crime Agency with their searches and whilst we believe we have recovered all the packages, should any member of the public find one they are urged to contact Norfolk Constabulary immediately on 101.

The cocaine was strewn across a stretch of coastline between the villages of Hopton and Hemsby, which have a combined population of 5,000 people.

The Great Yarmouth area has been described as a dumping ground for those on low incomes and welfare claimants, and has attracted a reputation in recent years for being a haven for drugs.

Today, a further number of packages were discovered separately at a location near Caister. Extra police are patrolling the area following the drugs discovery.
Gunmen have caused serious commotion in a Lagos community after storming the area to unleash terror on the residents.

Dayo Adekoya, the Secretary of Isheri North Estate, GRA, Lagos State, has been kidnapped by gunmen on Thursday morning, Daily Post reports.

Adekoya was abducted at about 1am by gunmen who stormed the estate. Channels reports that the assailants shot into the air before taking Adekoya away.

Three estate security men were reportedly killed in the operation. Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has confirmed the incident.

Source: Naija loaded
The Federal Government has blamed the rise in the cost of food prices on what he called extortionist practices of men of the Nigerian Police, Army, and Nigerian Customs Services at the nations various checkpoints and ports.

Members of the joint committee on Agriculture were stunned when the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh made the allegation

yesterday during a budget defence session at the National Assembly.

Ogbeh lamented that despite having written formally to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali and other heads of security agencies over their officials fraudulent practices, the practice had not stopped.

He enumerated other factors negatively affecting governments agricultural policies.

According to him, the high cost of diesel, which now sells for N300 per litre is another factor responsible for the skyrocketing prices of food items, explaining that trucks and vehicles transporting farm produce are powered by diesel.

Ogheh further stated that other factors responsible for high prices of food items include the treaty on free movement of goods and services put in place by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) among member states, which he said gives room for movement of not less than 300,000 trucks of grains outside Nigeria on a daily basis, which the ministry cannot check.

The minister however, assured the committee that the Federal Government would soon ensure a reduction in prices of the food items via the committee set up to that effect, but expressed surprise that farmers were already kicking against the move.

According to him, farmers were angry with him over the move because they see the situation on ground as very favourable economically to them.

The minister said one of such farmers tackled him in Katsina recently, urging him not to tamper with the present price of food items by claiming that he made N4 million from the sales of sorghum, which had catapulted him from the realm of poverty to that of affluence.

Another farmer in Anambra state also claimed to have reaped N1 million profit from the sale of rice as a result of the current market price.

Source: Guardian
Wife of American actor George Clooney, human-rights attorney Amal Clooney, is pregnant with twins, The Talk co-host Julie Chen announced Thursday.

BREAKING! On The Talk today, Julie Chen confirmed that George Clooney and his wife, Amal, are due with twins IN JUNE! Congrats and we cant wait to meet the lucky little ones! a post on the programs Facebook page said.

Amal has let everyone in both families know quietly, People magazine cited an unnamed source close to the couple as saying. Theyre all very happy.

Neither the couple, nor their representative have publicly commented on the reports.

George, 55, and Amal, 39, got married in September 2014.

Their baby news was reported just days after pop star Beyonce revealed she and rapper Jay Z are expecting twins.
The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) yesterday took over the executive control of Arik Air to save the carrier from collapse due to its heavy financial debt burden.

The airline will now be managed by Capt. Roy Ukpebo Ilegbodu, a veteran aviation expert with more than 30 years experience, under the receivership of Mr. Oluseye Opasanya (SAN).

With the takeover by independent management under AMCON, owned by the Federal Government, the airline stands a chance of not going under, but to rebound and give efficient services to passengers and meet its financial obligations, including paying workers salaries.

Industry watchers had seen the development coming, but rather than a complete takeover, the debts purchasing company preferred the option of a management takeover, having considered the security, safety and attendant loss of revenue and hundreds of jobs by workers, service providers, contractors, suppliers and others.

The change in management came after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invaded the headquarters and quizzed the Chairman, Sir Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, for several hours over alleged misappropriation of N135 billion.

Rationalising the management takeover, a high-ranking source at AMCON confided in The Guardian on the telephone yesterday that the issue with Arik goes beyond wanting to recover debts owed.

According to the source, Even if AMCON wants to recover the N135 billion, under the current economic crisis, how much will it realise from selling the aircraft? Theyve gone from 28 aircraft to just 10 in the fleet.

The source said further: N135 billion is just debts owed to AMCON. What about the $20million owed foreign partners for services or the N100million to renew its insurance?

Besides, it has not been able to pay salaries for about seven months and everyday their passengers are stranded at all the airports where they operate. So we are trying to save them from collapse, not kill them as AMCON is often accused of.

In fact, it is in everybodys interest  the government, the airline and the passengers that it continues to operate. There is no way government can allow Arik, Nigerias biggest airline and the only one flying the international routes, to go under.

The new management will examine the fundamental problems of the airline and will remain until the airline stabilises and able to meet its domestic and external obligations to all stakeholders, the source added.

Arik Air, which is reputed as West and Central Africas largest carrier, was accused of bad corporate governance; erratic operations; inability to pay staff salaries; delay in renewal of aircraft insurance, and heavy debt burden to fuel marketers and aviation ancillary services, among others.

The airline has refused to comment on the development or the allegations against it, as calls and text messages to the spokesman, Banji Ola, remain unanswered.

Speaking on the AMCONs latest intervention in Arik Air for the second time, the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said the development was timely and would stabilise the operations of the airline.

This will enhance the long-term economic value of Arik Air and revitalise the airlines ailing operations as well as sustain safety standards, in view of Arik Airs pivotal role in the Nigerian aviation sector.

The minister pledged the Aviation Ministrys support for the new management of the strategic carrier, adding that all necessary steps had been taken to ensure that there would be no undue disruption of Ariks regular business operations or activities of other stakeholders on account of the change in the leadership.

Meanwhile, aviation stakeholders have expressed mixed feelings over the change in leadership. While some commended the action as long overdue, others expressed concerns over AMCONs ability to manage the airline to safety.

On Wednesday, Arik suspended its flight operations to the John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States, claiming that the two Airbus A330-200 aircraft dedicated to the route had been taken to France for C check at the same time.

Also, more than eight aircraft are currently grounded at the tarmac making it difficult to meet their routine commercial flights.

During the last Yuletide season, passengers were stranded at airports all over the country due to Ariks incessant flight delays and cancellations, which negatively affected the preference they enjoy from passengers.

The Head of Corporate Communications Department of AMCON, Jude Nwauzor, said that the move, which clearly underscores governments decision to instill sanity in the nations aviation sector, has also prevented a major catastrophe that would, among other factors, protect and preserve Arik Airlines as a going concern.

The development will afford Arik Airlines, which is the largest local carrier to go back to regular and undisrupted operations, avoid job losses, protect investors and stakeholder funds as well as ensure safety and stability in the already challenged aviation sector.

Ilegbodu, under the receivership of Opasanya, has also assured both staff of the troubled airline and all other stakeholders that his appointment at Arik would among other objectives enhance the value of Arik, improve customer experience, sustain the safety, and reliable and secure operational history of the airline before all those were eroded.

But a doyen of the aviation industry, Capt. Dele Ore, said the development was unfortunate, noting that AMCON is strictly for financial institutions and not cut out for managing an airline.

Ore expressed the fear that his friends and colleagues would be at risk of losing their jobs, if the airline manages to recover as AMCON has promised.

The Secretary General of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Abdulrasak Saidu, said Arik emerged from the remains of Nigeria Airways, bought over by the owners, without paying a dime to the government.

Source: Guardian
Nigerian newspaper headlines February 10, 2017.

Punch

The Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and civil society organisations on Thursday organised a mass rally to protest what they called lack of good governance and scourge of corruption in the country.

Guardian

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has forwarded names of nine eligible candidates to the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Judicial Service Commission, Justice Walter Onnoghen, for appointment as justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Vanguard

Amidst increasing concerns over the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari, indications emerged, yesterday, of his imminent return to the country, having reportedly finished with the extended medical tests his United Kingdom-based physicians ran on him.

The Nation

A team of researchers, representing the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Wageningen University, has raised the alarm over the enormous economic impact of parasitic weeds on rice production in Africa, threatening the food security and livelihoods of millions of resource-poor rice farmers and consumers in the region.

Thisday

After months of uncertainty over the fate of Nigerias largest carrier, the federal government yesterday finally took over the management of Arik Air, stating that the decision had become necessary to save the distressed airline, which it said was too important to fail.

Premium Times

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday told a committee of the House of Representatives that $9.2 million and 750,000 pounds were recovered from a residence in Kaduna state.

The Sun

Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, has said that the only way to ensure enduring peace in Southern Kaduna , was to identify perpetrators and the masterminds of the violence, and met out appropriate punishment to them, saying that there was no way to guarantee peace without justice.

Leadership

The World Bank has provided $320 million credit to assist poor and vulnerable Nigerians in remote areas through the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA).
The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hadiza Usman, has given March 1 deadline to the Federal Road Safety Commission ( FRSC) for enforcement of Minimum Standard of Safety and Road Worthiness (MSSRW) for all trucks entering Nigerian ports.

Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FRSC in Lagos, Usman said NPA had the responsibility of protecting lives and properties of all stakeholders accessing her services.

According to her, this is by ensuring that all articulated vehicles and trucks which on daily basis freight containers and assorted bulk cargoes to different parts of the country from the ports meet the required minimum safety standards.

Usman said NPA was collaborating with the FRSC as part of efforts to put lasting solutions to the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway gridlock.

To ensure full compliance, NPA is collaborating with the FRSC and other safety enforcement agencies toward achieving safety standard for trucks accessing the ports by adopting the Road Traffic Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS).

This include regular inspection and certification of the NPAs fleet.

Apapa for example, is home to Nigerias two foremost ports which are being managed by nine terminal operators, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Usman as saying.

She said, Between the two ports, more than 65 per cent of dry cargoes and about 90 per cent of the nations liquid (petroleum products) are handled.

The managing director said this was because Apapa hosts about 35 tank farms in addition to the numerous other businesses located in the port city.

Going by the operational activities highlighted above, there is always heavy vehicular traffic around all port locations and most of these vehicles are not in good state.

This debilitating vehicular traffic has assumed a frightening dimension in so many port areas.

It has led to serious accidents that have claimed innocent lives and several man hours lost in traffic jam.

Miscreants, armed robbery and other social vices have been on increase because of the perennial traffic situation in those areas, NAN quotes Usman as saying.

She said that past efforts put in place by the authority, some state governments and terminal operators to ameliorate the situation were to no avail.

According to her, this is because most of the vehicles plying the road are not road worthy.

Usman urged the FRSC to ensure that no rickety vehicle enters the port.

In his address, Oyeyemi said his agency was happy over the NPAs initiative.

He reminded owners of heavy duty trucks operating within and around the ports on the need to strictly adhere to the minimum safety standards.

Oyeyemi said this would ensure safety of haulage operations, adding that FRSC would enforce all aspects of the MoU.

He said adequate and appropriate driver education and speed limiter were vital and would therefore, be enforced by his men.

Oyeyemi said from March 1, officers of the agency would be fully mobilised for the enforcement of the law.

While commending the NPA for signing the MoU, he urged fleet owners and truck owners associations to obey the new rules by the NPA.

Source: Guardian
The Jamaatu Nasril Islam, JNI, has said President Muhammadu Buhari cannot escape death as he is just but a mortal being.

In an official statement by the General Secretary of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar, The Jamaatu Nasril Islam, JNI, has said President Muhammadu Buhari cannot escape death as he is just but a mortal being.

The JNI noted that those spreading false rumours of Buharis illness and death were unpatriotic, and described as callous, mischievous, those promoting false reports that the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo was being pressured to resign.

The Islamic group said it was worried over the several rumours regarding the trip of the President to the United Kingdom.

The statement reads: JNI is indeed perturbed over the series of rumours making the rounds on the state of President Muhammadu Buharis health.

It should be however noted that as with every mortal, illness is inevitable, likewise life and death.

Thus, JNI is very concerned about the pandemonium generated as a result of the rumoured illness of the President and the dimension it is unfortunately taking.

Those spreading the rumour will not live till eternity. We must as patriots, be cautioned on spreading inaccurate information. More so, Muslims should be cautioned not to join the bandwagon of rumour mongers.

Nigerians should instead pray for the Presidents safe return, restoration of good health and the ability to continue with the task of piloting Nigeria to greater heights with all those in the positions of authority, for Allahs guidance in the discharge of their respective duties.

We nonetheless, condemn in the strongest terms those calling for the resignation of Professor Yomi Osinbajo, as the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Whatever, the intent may be, we see such calls as callous, mischievous and unpatriotic. Moreover, why must that vacuum be created now, if not for sinister motives?

We therefore call on all Jumuah Imams to include the matter in their respective Friday sermons tomorrow and beyond, because in prayers we find consolation, the statement added.

Source: Naija loaded


Welp. Thats over. Jennifer Lopez and Drake began dating earlier this year, leading fans to calmly reflect with, Them? and, All right? and, I guess.

Sadly, being impossibly beautiful and (one assumes) loving the movie Selena wasnt enough to keep these lovers together long term. On Sunday, JLo shared a graphic quote on Instagram that hinted at a sort of Jesus Take The Wheel approach to her relationship with the 30-year-old rapper.

Now, a mere four days later, a source told E! News, [JLo and Drake] have taken some time apart, not because they dont want to be with each other, just because their schedules started getting insane.

Despite rumors of hard partying and infidelity that plague so many Hollywood pairings, schedules appear to be a particularly aggressive, relationship-killing cancer among stars. Its no secret entertainers and professional athletes are crazy busy  JLo resumed her Jennifer Lopez: All I Have residency in Las Vegas on Wednesday and Drake kicked off his Boy Meets World Tour in Europe in January  but it sure seems like schedules are to Hollywood breakups what exhaustion is to Hollywood rehab stints.

The source added, JLo and Drake are still talking, so people should know they are not in any means angry or that some incident happened. It mainly had to do with timing They have just cooled things off a bit and its not as fast as it was in the beginning. They very well may go to dinner tomorrow or in a month. They are in each others lives, just doing their own thing now. Maybe dinner in a month, perhaps? Well take it!

JLo began her relationship with Drake under relatively casual terms, but Drake reportedly approached dating Jenny From the Block with the exact bleeding heart enthusiasm weve come to expect from our boy. In January, a different source told E! the Degrassi: The Next Generation alum is in it all the way, while JLo is peddling slower, but still really enjoys his fun and loving company.

elitedaily.com
A Nigerian drug trafficker has been caught red-handed at the airport in India after ingesting 90 capsules of cocaine.

A Nigerian identified as Okonkwoh M Tony has been apprehended in India after he was caught with drugs. The Delhi zonal unit of Narcotics Control Bureau intercepted Tony after he had swallowed 90 capsules of cocaine, weighing around 1.3 kg.

He was intercepted on the 6th of February by a team of NCB operatives during passenger profiling. He arrived at the Indhira Gandhi International Airport that morning. During the course of interrogation, the man feigned ignorance about the presence of drugs and told the team that he visited India for business purposes.

The fellow was taken to Delhis Safdarjung Hospital where doctors confirmed the presence of foreign bodies in his stomach. He was kept in the hospital for two days during which he excreted 90 Capsules containing 1.3 kg cocaine.

The man accepted that he ingested drug capsules from Lagos Nigeria and that it took him good three hours to do it. He then took a flight for Lome to Adis Ababa andthen flew down to Delhi. He was to deliver the drugs to some Nigerian in New Delhi and was supposed to get in touch after activating a local SIM card.

The investigation is ongoing and the agency is now on the lookout for people involved in cocaine distribution in India, especially in the capital city.
Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno on Friday donated a two-bedroom flat to a nursing Internally Displaced Person (IDP), Halima Algoni.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Algoni lost her husband and parents in an attack by the Boko Haram at Bulabulin Ngaura, Damboa Local Government Area in 2015.

NAN also reports that the donation was in fulfilment of Gov. Shettima`s promise to Amina in January, after she had narrated her ordeal in the hands of the Boko Haram insurgents.

The IDP was spotted by Gov. Shettima during a presentation of relief materials donated by a Kano-based group of Ulamas at the El-Miskin IDPs centre, Maiduguri in January.

Hajiya Fanta Babashehu, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, presented the keys to the house to Algoni on behalf of the governor.

Babashehu said the gesture was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the IDP who lost virtually all she had with no one to cater for her livelihood.

We are glad to know that Halima had given birth to a bouncing baby boy named Muhammad Kadu.

This house is donated to her by Governor Kashim Shettima, the key and all the document of the house are hereby given to her, she said.

In her remarks, Algoni thanked Gov. Shettima for fulfiling the promise he earlier made to her.

May Allah give Kashim Shettima the keys to Janna (Paradise),  she prayed.

In his remark, Malam Zannah Laisu, the Chief Imam of Borno, commended the governor for fulfiling the pledge he made to his citizen.

Zannah called on philanthropists and wealthy individuals to complement the government`s effort toward assisting the under-privileged victims of the insurgency.

Source: Guardian
No fewer than ten people were on Thursday arraigned and convicted by the Oyo state Environmental Court for violating sanitation and waste management laws in the state.

The convicts were arrested at different locations in Ibadan, the state capital during the weekly environmental sanitation.

The offenders include Anita Lateef, Olaiya Usman, Sakariya Abdullahi, Rauadon Tairu, Yusuff Adamu, Bashiru Mustapha and Ishau Sheu.

Others are Aminat Oloyede, Akeem Alade and Anthony Sunday.

The first set of offenders were charged for street trading while the second set were charged for abating/assaulting the enforcement team.

The penalty carries one month imprisonment with an option of fines.

In his judgment, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs Adetuyibi F. said the offenders were found guilty of the offence and were subsequently sentenced to one month imprisonment, or pay a fine of N5000 and N7500.

She stated that the sentence was in accordance with the state environmental sanitation laws 2013.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Chief Isaac Ishola also affirmed that the fines were in line with the state environmental sanitation and waste management laws.

He, however, disclosed that the court will be sitting twice in a week; Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The commissioner, therefore, appealed to traders and the public in general to comply and support governments policy in ensuring safe and aesthetics environment.

Source: Dailypost
The management of the University of Lagos, Lagos, has distanced itself from a purported dress code issued to students.

The Deputy Registrar, Information, University of Lagos, Prof. Toyin Adebule, said this in a statement on Thursday.

In a memo purported to have emanated from the university on Tuesday, it was alleged that the university had issued a new dress code for students, adding that indecent dressing did not reflect the seriousness, dignity and character-moulding nature of academic enterprise.

The report, published in a daily newspaper and (not The PUNCH) claimed that the university had outlawed tight-fitting clothes as well as mini skirts and dresses, among others.

Students should maintain a clean and well-cared for appearance in all settings on campus. Wearing of tight, strapless and revealing clothes, or clothes whose lengths are above the knees are inappropriate, it said.

But, the university on Thursday said that it did not approve a new dress code for students. While saying that it encourages students to dress decently, Adebule urged the public to discountenance the report.

He said, The University of Lagos wishes to inform the general public that it has not approved or implemented any new dress code for its students. The general public is hereby advised to discountenance any campaign in the print, electronic or social media claiming that the University of Lagos has introduced a new dress code for its students. All such claims are false and do not emanate from the university.

However, it is pertinent to state that the university encourages students to dress decently and our watchword is, Dress as you want to be addressed.

Source: Punch
Customs officers in Texas, USA, while examining a shipment of key limes from Mexico discovered nearly 4,000 pounds of marijuana disguised as citrus fruits.

U.S. Customs and Border Protections Office of Field Operations at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility searched a commercial shipment of key limes being hauled by a 2001 Freightliner tractor trailer Jan. 30.

A non-intrusive imagining system and a canine team alerted officers to the presence of illicit materials, and a further search discovered 34,764 of the limes were actually small packages of marijuana disguised to blend in with the fruits.

Officers said they found a total 3,947.37 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $789,467.

The case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations agents.
The outcome of the annual H-1B visa lottery is immigrations Groundhog Day. Its the same result year after year, as the large outsourcing firms continue to lead all others in getting H-1B visas.

But this year may be different, because of President Donald Trump.

The H-1B lottery favors large firms. In the 2015 fiscal year, for instance, the top 10 firms received 38 percent of all the H-1B visas in computer occupations alone. All these firms, except for Amazon and to a partial extent IBM, are outsourcers. These large companies have the resources to submit enough visa applications to help ensure they receive a bare minimum of approvals.

The top 20 firms in 2015, which included more of a mix of outsourcing and technology firms, accounted for 46 percent of all the computer-occupation visas. This is according to data recently received by Computerworld from a Freedom of Information Act request to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (See full chart, at the end of the story.)

[ Join the discussion at Computerworlds H-1B & IT Outsourcing group on Facebook. ]

The U.S. received a total of 172,500 applications for H-1B visas in the first week of April 2014,when the U.S. accepted new petitions for the 2015 fiscal year that began October 1. The government held a random lottery and then rejected about 87,500 visa petitions because they exceeded the 85,000 H-1B visa cap.

Who didnt get a visa? The companies most hurt by the random H-1B distribution system are those that submit only a few applications. Many are smaller firms. There were approximately 9,100 entities that received H-1B visas for computer-related jobs in fiscal year 2015. Of that number, more than 5,000 had just one H-1B visa approved.

Now, however, the Trump administration wants to improve the ability of U.S. tech companies to secure a visa. It hasnt detailed its plans, but has broadly said it wants a system aimed at the best and brightest.

Trumps position on the H-1B visas has deep roots in his administration.

Trumps just-confirmed attorney general, former Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), held several hearings over the last two years on the H-1B visas impact on IT workers, and he helped Trump develop his immigration platform.

Sessions was the first U.S. senator to endorse Trump for president, and a former aide of Sessions, Stephen Miller, is now a top domestic policy adviser in the Trump White House.

Sessions drew attention to offshoring at Disney, Southern California Edison and Northeast Utilities (now Eversource), among others. The hearings organized by Sessions gathered data and testimony that the Trump administration may now use to argue for H-1B reform.

The tech industry wants the 85,000 H-1B visa cap raised. Thats how industry groups would fix the problem. But thats not the Trump administrations approach.

Instead, the Trump administration is hinting at changes that may end the random lottery distribution and replace it with a merit system. It could distribute visas based on wages or whether a visa holder was educated in the U.S. It could favor non-dependent H-1B companiesa legal definition for firms that have less than 15 percent of their staff on the visaover dependent firms, which includes all the all the large offshore firms.

These changes are worrisome to large offshore outsourcing firms, but to those in India in particular. NASSCOM, Indias large IT industry group, is trying to meet this month with Trump administration to make its case.

R. Chandrasekhar, NASSCOM president, says he doesnt have a problem with the administration trying to protect employment opportunities for U.S. workers, provided that whatever changes are made are applied uniformly.

A split on the visas that favored non-dependent firms over H-1B dependent firms would be, says Chandrasekhar, highly discriminatory.

We are fully aware of the skills shortage that exist in the U.S., said Chandrasekhar, so we dont think that the employment opportunities for qualified Americans are being affected.

But Trumps new attorney general has repeatedly argued that there is no skills shortage.

The sad reality is that not only is there not a shortage of exceptionally qualified U.S. workers, but across the country thousands of U.S. workers are being replaced by foreign labor, said Sessions, one year ago this month.

The offshore firms are trying to adjust. Cognizant Technology Solutions told financial analysts on a recent earnings call that is boosting its U.S. hiring, and said it hired 4,000 citizens and permanent residents last year. But it was not clear how many the company now employs in the U.S.

Some of the people hired by Cognizant are rebadged, or transferred from their original employer. IT workers at Cengage Learning in Mason, Ohio were shifted to Cognizant in 2015 and have been training workers in India. Some are now worried they are getting laid off, said one worker who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

People are upset about whats happening to our country and our jobs, said this IT worker. I hope he [Trump] can do something about these visas because this is where the middle class is losing their jobs.

It remains to be seen whether changes to the H-1B program will fundamentally impact offshore outsourcing.

David Rutchik, executive managing director of business transformation and outsourcing at advisory firm Pace Harmon, believes that additional restrictions on H-1B visa use will have a measured impact on the industry.

Restrictions may prompt more U.S. hiring by outsourcing firms, but that is something we think makes sense for their businesses anyway and should make them more competitive, he said. It would be a direct, positive impact of the revised visa provisions, said Rutchik.

Conversely, the providers may also push more work offshore and try to eliminate U.S. jobs altogether. The offshore firms may rely more on robotic processes and artificial intelligence, he explained.

Yes, they would likely hire more U.S. nationals, push more offshore, and accelerate automation efforts, but those would all be incremental modifications in the grand scheme of things, Rutchik said.

Top companies with new H-1B visas in FY 2015

Company Total Tata 4588 Cognizant 3778 Accenture 3227 Wipro 3034 Infosys 2763 IBM 1893 Mahindra 1495 HCL America 1222 Syntel 1061 Amazon 1012 Microsoft 872 Google 790 Larsen and Toubro 536 Deloitte 530 Capgemini* 530 IGATE* 508 Mindtree 454 Oracle 387 Facebook 363 UST Global 282 Source: Computerworld analysis of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. Data cover new H-1B applications approved for computer-related jobs from Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2015. Data for subsidiaries and multiple versions of one companys name have been combined as much as possible, but some duplicates likely remain in our cleaned data set.



* IGATE was acquired by Capgemini in July, 2015. Combined, the two companies had 1,038 new applications approved.

In addition to the general Computerworld social media pages listed below, you can comment specifically about H-1B and other IT outsourcing issues at our H-1B and Outsourcing Facebook group, tweet to Patrick @dcgov and Sharon @sharon000 or email them at pthibodeau@computerworld and smachlis@computerworld.com.

This story, "Trump eyes end to an H-1B system that favors largest outsourcers" was originally published by Computerworld .
When it comes to programming, Java, C, and C++ still rule the roost, according to this month's Tiobe index of language popularity. But all three have suffered downturns from where they stood in the index a year ago, with lesser-ranked languages grabbing away share.

Java maintained the top spot it has held since April 2015, with a rating of 16.676 percent, while C stays in second with a rating of 8.445 percent, followed by C++ in third place at 5.429. But Java has lost 4.47 percentage points year over year from last February, when it was rated at roughly 21.145 percent, while C is down a whopping 7.15 percentage points during that same time period. It was rated 15.594 a year ago. C++'s drop was less sharp compared to one year past, decreasing 1.48 percentage points from about 6.91 percent.

"I expect the big drop for C and Java to continue because there's hardly any dominance anymore in the programming field," Paul Jansen, managing director at Tiobe, said. "So the small languages are coming closer and closer to the top." But he expects C++ to remain at the same level. "The reason for this is that I see a migration from C to C++ at our customer base."

Go made big year-over-year gains. It was in 38th place in February 2016 and is in 14th place now, with 2.105 percent rating, up 1.81 percentage points from a year ago. The Google-developed language, known for its use in building the Docker container system was named Tiobe's language of the year for 2016 due to having the highest growth rate last year. It was in 13th place last month.

Swift, Apple's anointed successor to Objective-C, appears on a path to do exactly that. It was in 12th place this month with a 2.125 percent rating, while Objective-C ranked 19th, with a rating of 1.536 percent. Also doing well and cracking the top 20 was Scratch, an educational programming language intended for children, which had a rating of 1.5 percent in 20th place. "The field of teaching children to program should certainly not be underestimated," Tiobe said in its report accompanying the index.

The rest of Tiobe's top 10 languages included C#, in fourth place and rated at 4.902 percent, followed by Python (4.043), PHP (3.072), JavaScript (2.872), Visual Basic.Net (2.824), Delphi/Object Pascal (2.479), and Perl (2.171). The rival PyPL index, which is based on how often language tutorials are searched on in Google, had Java at the top with a share of 22.6 percent, followed by Python (14.7), PHP (9.4), C# (8.3), JavaScript (7.7), C (7), C++ (6.9), Objective-C (4.2), R (3.4), and Swift (2.9).

The Tiobe Programming Community Index gauges popularity through a formula assessing searches on languages in different search engines, including Bing, Google, Wikipedia, and Yahoo. Specifically, the index gauges the number of skilled engineers worldwide, courses and third-party vendors pertinent to a language.
The Arctic has a serious litter problem: in just ten years, the concentration of marine litter at a deep-sea station in the Arctic Ocean has risen 20-fold. This was recently reported in a study by researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI).

Plastic bags, glass shards and fishing nets: despite its location, far from any urban areas, the amount of litter in the depths of the Arctic Ocean continues to rise, posing a serious threat to its fragile ecosystem. Since 2002, AWI researchers have been documenting the amount of litter at two stations of the AWIs Hausgarten, a deep-sea observatory network, which comprises 21 stations in the Fram Strait, between Greenland and Svalbard.

The results of the long-term study have now been published in the scientific journal Deep-Sea Research I. Our time series confirms that litter levels in the Arctic deep sea have risen rapidly in the past few years, says first author and AWI biologist Mine Tekman.

The scientists involved in the study observed the ocean floor at a depth of 2,500 metres using the OFOS (Ocean Floor Observation System), a towed camera system. Since the start of their measurements, they have spotted 89 pieces of litter in a total of 7,058 photographs. To enable comparison with other studies, the researchers have extrapolated the litter density to a larger area.

The result: an average of 3,485 pieces of litter per square kilometre in the monitoring period (2002 to 2014). Further, there has been a clearly recognizable increase in the past few years: when the team calculated a contamination level of 4,959 pieces of litter per square kilometre for 2011 in an earlier study, they hoped it was a statistical outlier. But the levels have continued to rise since, reaching a new peak of 6,333 pieces of litter per square kilometre in 2014.

The situation is particularly dramatic at the networks northern station, called N3. Here the amount of litter rose more than 20-fold between 2004 and 2014, says Tekman. If we consider the findings for the northern research area in the marginal ice zone, the data for 2004 indicated 346 pieces of litter per square kilometre. Ten years later, the number had risen to 8,082. The level of contamination is similar to one of the highest litter densities ever reported from the deep seafloor, in Cap de Creus Canyon off the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

Among the litter they photographed, the researchers observed plastic and glass most frequently. As a rule, glass does not drift; it sinks straight down to the ocean floor. This indicates local sources and concurs with increasing ship traffic in the region due to the receding ice. Still, it is extremely difficult to draw any firm conclusions on the origin of the plastic litter, since it often covers a considerable distance before reaching the seafloor. In most cases, the scientists cant determine the origin on the basis of photographs alone.

While it is clear that the Gulf Stream transports plastic litter into the Arctic with the Atlantic water masses, the authors also have a new theory as to why litter is accumulating in the Fram Strait: their results indicate a positive relationship between litter density and the summertime expansion of sea ice. If were right, sea ice could entrain floating litter during ice formation. During warmer periods, the ice breaks up and is transported to the south into the Fram Strait with the Transpolar Drift, releasing entrained litter into the survey area when it melts, says deep-sea biologist Dr Melanie Bergmann, a co-author of the study. To date weve assumed just the opposite, since we viewed the ice as a barrier to litter contamination.

The researchers are still faced with the puzzle of when and how plastic litter changes on its way to the deep sea. Over time they have observed more and more small bits of plastic, which are likely the result of larger pieces of litter fragmenting and could point to an increasing level of microplastic. This is surprising, since in the deep sea there is no UV light to break down the plastic, and the low temperatures are not conducive to disintegration. In the summer of 2016 the team rediscovered a piece of plastic, which they had first seen two years earlier. Bergmann: Running into this same piece of plastic twice with hardly any changes to it is a vivid reminder that the depths of the Arctic are at risk of becoming a depot for plastic litter. The well-hidden accumulation of litter on the deep ocean floor could also explain why we still dont know where 99% of the marine plastic litter ends up.

More information on the AWI Hausgarten and the OFOS camera system:

The Hausgarten is the AWIs deep-sea observatory in the Fram Strait, and currently consists of 21 stations at depths ranging from 250 to 5,500 metres. Samples have been collected at these stations every summer since 1999. Further, the year-round operation of moorings and free-falling lander systems, which serve as observation platforms on the seafloor, makes it possible to record seasonal changes. With the help of an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), samples are collected at regular intervals, automatic recording instruments are positioned and maintained, and in-situ experiments are conducted. The Hausgarten represents one of the key regions in the European Network of Excellence ESONET (European Seas Observatory Network) and is part of Germanys Long Term Ecological Research network (LTER-D).

During Polarstern expeditions to the Hausgarten, deep-sea researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute regularly employ the remotely controlled towed camera system OFOS (Ocean Floor Observation System). At four Hausgarten stations its cameras are suspended roughly 1.5 metres above the seafloor at a depth of 2,500 metres, where they take a photograph every 30 seconds. These photographs enable deep-sea biologists to document changes in the species diversity for larger forms of sea-life, for example in sea cucumbers, sea lilies, sponges, fish and shrimps.

Notes for Editors:

Original publication:

 Mine B. Tekman, Thomas Krumpen, Melanie Bergmann: Marine litter on deep Arctic seafloor continues to increase and spreads to the North at the HAUSGARTEN observatory. Februar 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr.2016.12.011; Link:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2016.12.011

Please find printable images in the online version of this press release: http://www.awi.de/nc/en/about-us/service/press.html

Your scientific contact persons are:

Dr Melanie Bergmann

tel.: +49 (0)471 4831-1739

e-mail: melanie.bergmann@awi.de

Mine B. Tekman

tel.: +49 (0)471 4831-2130

e-mail: mine.banu.tekman@awi.de

Your contact person at the Dept. of Communications and Media Relations is:

Sebastian Grote

tel.: +49 (0)471 4831-2006

e-mail: sebastian.grote@awi.de

The Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) conducts research in the Arctic, Antarctic and oceans of the high and mid-latitudes. It coordinates polar research in Germany and provides major infrastructure to the international scientific community, such as the research icebreaker Polarstern and stations in the Arctic and Antarctica. The Alfred Wegener Institute is one of the 18 research centres of the Helmholtz Association, the largest scientific organisation in Germany.
U.S. ECONOMY IS IN TROUBLE Alpine Trading - Sat Nov 5, 4:35PM CDT Never Mind the nonsense, here is the RISK-OFF trade of the YEAR!

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November Rain Sidwell Strategies - Sat Nov 5, 2:31PM CDT US elections Tuesday; USDA reports Wednesday

Climate activists block private jets at Amsterdam airport AP - Sat Nov 5, 7:48AM CDT Hundreds of climate protesters have blocked private jets from leaving Amsterdams Schiphol Airport in a demonstration on the eve of the COP27 United Nations climate meeting in Egypt $SPX : 3,770.55 (+1.36%) $DOWI : 32,403.22 (+1.26%) $IUXX : 10,857.03 (+1.56%)

Should Investors Sweat the 2022 Midterm Elections? Young & The Invested - Sat Nov 5, 6:00AM CDT Election Day is right around the corner. And while there's plenty to be anxious about, Wall Street strategists say your portfolio shouldn't be one of them.
A self-storage proposal from JHM Hotels is being considered in Greer, S.C. The company, which primarily runs a portfolio of hotel properties, wants to build a 100,000-square-foot facility on 2.7 acres at 1408 Boiling Springs Road. The Greenville County Planning and Development Committee recently sent back a rezoning request to the planning commission with requested project changes, according to the source.

The building site contains a single-family residence and vacant wooded land. Its near a church, gas station, retirement home and townhomes. The rezoning request is part of a previously approved flexible review district, but some local residents have objected to the project amid concerns of increased traffic, the source reported.

Though planning staff indicated self-storage is an appropriate use for the property and wouldnt generate much traffic, staff members objected to the scale of the structure and said architectural elements were out of character with the aesthetics of the community. Planners recommended the height of the building be reduced from 45 to 40 feet at its peak and 23 feet at its lowest elevation.

Jay Burnett, vice president of real estate for JHM, told committee members the developer is willing to lower the height and soften the color scheme to better fit the area. As originally proposed, the buildings design was to include brick, stone, metal panels and aluminum, according to the source.

Planning staff will review JHMs final revisions and make a recommendation to the planning commission, which will in turn issue a recommendation to the planning and development committee. Commission members had earlier recommended the project be denied, the source reported.

Based in Greenville, S.C., JHM owns and operates more than 40 hotels in six states. Its portfolio includes Comfort Suites, Hyatt Regency, La Quinta, Marriott, Sheraton, Westin and several other brands. It has several properties under development and also owns a five-star hotel in Surat, India, according to the source.
Self-storage developer Big Idea LLC intends to move forward with building Sedona Cool Storage at 75 E. Cortez Dr. in the Village of Oak Creek, Ariz., despite losing a variance request and plenty of residential opposition to the project. The Yavapai County Board of Adjustment recently denied the developers request to reduce the setback requirement from 20 to 10 feet, according to the source.

Though the property is already zoned for self-storage, Big Idea asked for the setback variance because the lot is long and narrow. In a letter to senior planner Tammy DeWitt, project engineer Tom Pender also asked for a height consideration up to 50 feet above grade to align with allowances on other structures within the same zone, calling the discrepancy a hardship. The current plan is to build a three-story facility with one floor below ground, the source reported.

The unnecessary hardship relates to the enjoyment of the property rights, Pender wrote. Specifically, the local residences favor/require architectural enhancements. We are cognizant of this and stand willing to meet their desires. In addition to this, the [building code] limits the height of the exposed building to 30 feet, where other buildings within the same zone and architecture are allowed to extend to 50 feet above grade.

This is adversely impacting the enjoyment of property rights afforded to the surrounding properties, he continued. At this point we are willing to meet these impositions. We are doing so with the hope of relief from the setback. We sincerely believe the issuance of the variance will provide this property with the fair and equitable treatment mitigating the loss of property rights that our neighbors are enjoying.

The Big Park Regional Coordinating Council, which acts as a village council in the unincorporated area, recommended the board reject the variance because it didnt agree there was a hardship. DeWitt also noted she received 25 e-mails prior to the hearing, with just two showing support. In all, 20 e-mails opposed the plan and three requested more information, according to the source.

Pender indicated the developer would revise its plan and move forward with construction. We appreciate the folks in the village, he told the board. They want to be involved, want to have something that looks good to them. Were not trying to shove something down their throats.
Fitch Ratings has warned that the actions of President Donald Trump and his administration could be dangerous to the credit worthiness of other nations.

In a statement today, Fitch says major risks to sovereign credits include the possibility of disruptive changes to trade relations, diminished international capital flows, limits on migration that affect remittances, and confrontational exchanges between policy makers that contribute to heightened or prolonged currency and other financial market volatility. Sovereigns most at risk to changes in their credit fundamentals are countries with close economic and financial ties to the U.S., including Canada, China, Germany, Japan, and Mexico, which Trumps administration has identified as having trade arrangements or exchange rate policies that warrant attention, Fitch says.

Three weeks into his tenure in the White House, President Trump has shown himself to be an unconventional and unpredictable world leader. From his controversial executive order seeking to block migration from seven predominantly Muslim countries and suspend the entry of refugees from Syria, to defending his actions via Twitter, Trump has drawn intense scrutiny even as some supporters applaud such boldness. The U.S. President also plans to build a wall along the Mexico border, a pledge that he repeatedly made on the campaign trail, and has been insisting that Mexico will pay for it.

Tighter immigration controls and possible deportations could have meaningful effects on remittance flows, as the U.S. has the worlds largest immigrant population, Fitch says, pointing to risks for Mexico, as well as Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. In November, Fitch revised its BBB+ outlook on Mexicos sovereign credit to negative, partly due to Trumps surprise victory over Hillary Clinton in the U.S. election.

Countries with direct U.S. investment are at risk of being singled out for punitive trade measures, according to Fitchs statement today. Again, Mexico is at risk, along with Canada, the U.K., the Netherlands, Germany, China, and Brazil.

The Fitch report is not all doom and gloom. The credit rater says its favorably inclined toward elements of Trumps economic agenda, specifically infrastructure spending, regulatory roll backs, and tax cuts. It may be that, after the current flurry of activity, the Trump administration may normalize and revert to a more business-as-usual, GOP-style White House favoring business and de-regulation. Still, James McCormack, Fitchs London-based managing director for sovereigns, and Charles Seville, a New Yorkbased senior director in the group, warn that the present balance of risks points toward a less benign global outcome.
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Inflation remains the primary concern for the worlds central banks, which have engaged in the broadest and fastest tightening regime in history, according to Alejandra Grindal, chief economist at Ned Davis Research.
It's critical to help clients make the most of the plans they have
Wearable technology is set to have an impact on the insurance industry but using a pacemaker to spot insurance fraud doesnt seem like the first place to start.



An Ohio man has been charged with arson and insurance fraud after investigators used data from his pacemaker to reveal a plot to cheat his insurer.



A fire last September destroyed Ross Comptons home in Middletown, Ohio and when calling 911, Compton said he grabbed a bunch of stuff and threw it out the window, local broadcaster WLWT reported.



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Compton also said on the call that he had an artificial heart.



Later, Compton told police that he was able to pack suitcases and throw them out of his bedroom window after smashing the window with his walking stick.



Police contacted a cardiologist to verify the claims, who noted that Comptons version of events was highly improbable because of his medical condition.



The proof police needed came from Comptons heart monitor which tracked his heart rate, pacer demand and cardiac rhythms before, during and after the fire. The data did not match Comptons story.



It was one of the key pieces of evidence that allowed us to charge him, Lt. Jimmy Cunningham told WLWT.



Court records show that petrol was found on Comptons shoes, pants and shirts with fire investigators finding multiple points of origin of the fire from outside the house.



Compton is scheduled to be arraigned next month.





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A Brisbane-based insurance giant is looking to reduce its exposure to the troubled life insurance market as it announced a review of strategic alternatives for its life insurance arm.



Suncorp, Australias second largest general insurer by market share, has announced that it is considering the sale of its $1.5 billion life insurance unit as it reported a 5% increase in half-yearly net profits, below market expectations of about 8% growth, Reuters reported.



The life insurance industry has suffered from increased customer claims and policy cancellations since the media exposed the use of discredited methods to reject legitimate claims for insurance payouts in March last year.



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This prompted the National Australia Bank to sell the majority of its operations to Japans Nippon Life for $2.4 billion; the Macquarie Group to offload its life business to Zurich; and ANZ to consider selling its $4.5 billion life insurance and wealth division.



AMP, meanwhile, is looking to secure a second reinsurance deal to cover its life insurance book, the report said.



Aside from the sale of all or part of the life insurance unit, which has an embedded value of $2 billion, other options for the business included reinsurance deals and partnership arrangements.



Suncorp chief executive Michael Cameron said: It is too early to give detailed guidance on what might be the benefits of the alternatives.



He said that under any scenario, Suncorp would continue to distribute life products as part of its strategy of being a one-stop financial shop for customers, Reuters reported.



The review is a good thing and it is timely, CLSA analyst Jan van der Schalk told Reuters. Over time why wouldnt (Suncorp) be looking to be merely the owner of that platform and outsourcing the manufacturing to someone else?



Suncorp reported a $584 million cash profit for the six months ending December 31, up from the previous years $556 million, after insurance premium growth of 4.3%, Reuters said. Its life insurance division, meanwhile, posted a 52% drop in profits to $11 million in the first half.





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A Biddeford, Maine, man has pleaded guilty to setting a fire that claimed two lives there when he was 18 years old.

Dylan Collins pleaded guilty Tuesday in Superior Court in Alfred, Maine, to one count of arson and to two counts of felony murder. Hed previously been charged with two counts of depraved indifference murder, a more serious charge.

Hes due to be sentenced later this month.

Twenty-three-year-old Michael Moore died of smoke inhalation in the September 2014 fire. Twenty-year-old James Ford died a month later from complications.

Police say Collins acknowledged that he lit the fire to scare an ex-girlfriend and that the two men who died were collateral damage. They say he purchased a lighter and rubbing alcohol used to start the fire with cash to avoid having a record of the transaction.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Maine
RSA has introduced a new Global Risk Solutions (GRS) operating model aimed at delivering brokers and customers improved access to decision-makers and enabling GRS to operate with more focus in its chosen markets.

Effective immediately, GRS will consist of three units, with each head reporting to Hayley Robinson, GRS managing director.

The new structure is as follows:

Europe. Led by Richard Turner, this business will be responsible for Europe specialty lines, Europe & international marine, Dubai International Financial Centre and Scandinavia hull.

Led by Richard Turner, this business will be responsible for Europe specialty lines, Europe & international marine, Dubai International Financial Centre and Scandinavia hull. Specialty & wholesale . Led by Gareth Hilton, this business will cover London market construction and engineering, renewable energy, marine and wholesale international property/casualty.

. Led by Gareth Hilton, this business will cover London market construction and engineering, renewable energy, marine and wholesale international property/casualty. UK & multinational. This covers the existing UK and multinational risk managed business including real estate. Gary Long will lead this business.

All three directors previously held leadership positions within GRS and share almost 100 years of insurance industry experience, RSA said in a statement.

This announcement follows the restructure in November 2016 of RSAs commercial lines businesses within the UK & International region as GRS and Commercial Risk Solutions.

The new structure for GRS allows us to serve our customers better and compete more effectively. By simplifying how we do business, we will be able to trade more collaboratively with brokers and with more focus across the markets in which we operate, said Hayley Robinson, GRS managing director, RSA.

The creation of Global Risk Solutions in November 2016 was aimed at enabling this business under Hayley Robinsons leadership to reflect more closely the needs, the size and complexity of customers risk, commented Steve Lewis, CEO, UK & International, RSA.

The launch of the new GRS model continues this direction of travel towards becoming the chosen partner of brokers and customers in our target markets by being accessible and easy to trade with, no matter how complex the risk, he said.

Biographies

Prior to assuming his new role as head of Europe, Richard Turner was global marine director for RSA from 2012 to February 2017. He worked as head of UK marine for RSA (2009 to 2012) and held a variety of underwriting and leadership roles across RSAs marine business (1983 to 2009). He also was a member of RSAs commercial executive team from 2011 to 2016.

Gareth Hilton, the head of GRSs specialty and wholesale unit, was previously director, European and international specialty lines for RSAs Global Risk Solutions unit (2016 to February 2017). He also held various leadership roles across commercial sales and the regional mid-market business, including director, UK specialty lines, GRS (20072016). Between 2003 and 2007, he was affinity business lead for HBOS General Insurance. He first joined RSA in 1997 and held various underwriting, sales and distribution roles across personal and commercial lines (1997-2003).

Gary Long, the head of GRS UK and Multinational business unit, was previously director UK and wholesale for GRS (between 2012 and February 2017). He worked as global trading director for RSA from 2008 to 2011 and UK property manager from 2003 to 2008. Long also held various underwriting and leadership roles in property between 1978 and 2003.

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Topics Excess Surplus Europe
Facebook Inc. co-founder Eduardo Saverins B Capital Group has led a new financing round for a Singapore-based online health insurance service that values the startup at $100 million.

Singaporean government investment vehicle EDBI jointly led the $25 million round in CXA Group alongside Saverins outfit, the startup said in a statement Wednesday. New investors Royal Philips NV and RGAx, a unit of Reinsurance Group of America Inc., and existing backers NSI Ventures and BioVeda Capital also joined the round.

CXA is among a growing crop of startups trying to build an online marketplace for health services, from insurance to data management. Founded by Chief Executive Officer Rosaline Koo, the daughter of an illegal Chinese immigrant who made his way from Mexico to San Francisco by sea, CXA now has annual revenue of S$10 million ($7 million) and counts 45 Fortune 500 companies among its 500 corporate clients, she said.

Saverin will join the board of CXA, which plans to expand to 10 countries across Asia in addition to its current markets of Singapore and Hong Kong.

Koo, 55, moved to Singapore before starting CXA in 2013 with S$5 million in savings, after a stint overseeing a 14 country-operation for Mercer Marsh Benefits. She grew up in a Los Angeles ghetto during the Watts riots of the 1960s. Like her father, her mother moved to the U.S. from China, leaving two daughters behind when the Communist Party seized her property.

A number of venture capital firms and private equity firms had expressed their interest in funding CXA but B Capital and EDBI were picked for this round because of their focus on health and wellness, Koo said.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics InsurTech
Insurance broker Aon Plc said on Friday it agreed to sell its employee benefits outsourcing business to private equity firm Blackstone Group LP for up to $4.8 billion.

Blackstone will pay $4.3 billion upfront and up to an additional $500 million based on future performance.

London-headquartered Aon said it expected the deal to improve its return on invested capital and add to adjusted earnings per share in 2018.

Proceeds from the deal after tax are expected to be about $3 billion, subject to customary working capital and other adjustments, Aon said.

The company said it expects to use part of the proceeds to buy back shares and raised its repurchase program by $5 billion to $7.7 billion.

Reuters first reported the news on Thursday, citing sources who said Blackstone prevailed over buyout firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice LLC in an auction for the deal.

The deal allows Aon to exit a mature, capital-intensive outsourcing business and focus on growth areas such as cybersecurity and health insurance.

It also gives Blackstone ownership of a business that processes work benefits for 15 percent of the U.S. population.

Private equity firms have been keen investors in businesses that help companies cut costs by outsourcing large parts of their administrative functions, since such operations can generate strong cash flows.

They typically seek to sell ownership of such assets at a big profit a few years after they invest.

Blackstone will have to pay Aon a termination fee of $215 million if the agreement falls through, Aon said in a filing.

Aon also reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, helped by strength in its retail business.

The companys net income attributable to shareholders fell to $502 million, or $1.87 per share, in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, from $584 million, or $2.09 per share, a year earlier.

On an adjusted basis, Aon earned $2.56 per share, beating the average analysts estimate of $2.49, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Total revenue rose about 1.1 percent to $3.32 billion, while revenue in the outsourcing business increased 1.8 percent to $854 million.

Morgan Stanley was Aons financial adviser while Citigroup, Credit Suisse, and SMB Capital advised Blackstone.

Sidley Austin LLP provided legal counsel to Aon and Kirkland & Ellis LLP to Blackstone.

(Reporting by Nikhil Subba in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Aon
Zenefits is laying off nearly half its staff as the software startup grapples with the fallout of insurance violations that resulted in hefty penalties from state regulators.

The company, which offers free human-resources software to manage benefits and payroll while making its money as an insurance broker, said on Thursday that 430 employees would lose their jobs. That leaves 4-year-old Zenefits with about 500 employees, roughly a third of what it had a year ago.

The layoffs are part of a widespread restructuring effort to reduce costs and had been planned by Zenefits board and previous chief executive officer, according to a company spokeswoman.

This has been planned for some time and is the result of a lot of hard work over the past year to improve our products and service and make the operations of the company more efficient, the spokeswoman said in a statement.

Employees were alerted to the layoffs in an email by Jay Fulcher, who started as the San Francisco-based companys CEO on Monday.

In 2015, Zenefits grew too quickly, hiring employees to support revenue projections that far surpass where we are today, Fulcher said in the memo, which Reuters saw. Todays action aligns our costs more closely to our business realities and gives us the runway we need to build the business properly for the long term.

Fulcher said Zenefits would move its operations to its Tempe, Arizona, office while expanding product and engineering groups in Vancouver and Bangalore, India, to supplement its San Francisco team.

This isnt how any CEO would choose to spend his first week on the job, Fulcher said in the memo, but I strongly believe these difficult decisions are essential in setting Zenefits up for success.

Zenefits also laid off more than 350 people last year.

The companys software provides a range of human-resources functions, but Zenefits primarily makes money as a middleman between businesses and health insurance providers such as Anthem Blue Cross.

Founder Parker Conrad was replaced as CEO a year ago after revelations that employees had acted as insurance brokers without obtaining the required licenses, circumventing state laws.

Several states began investigating the company. In November, California fined Zenefits $7 million for licensing violations, one of the largest in the state insurance departments history.

Fulcher, the companys third CEO in a year, previously headed software companies Ooyala Inc. and Agile Software Corp. His predecessor, David Sacks, announced his resignation in December.

BuzzFeed News reported the layoffs earlier on Thursday.

(Reporting by Heather Somerville; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)

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Topics Talent
After 18 months of courtship and court cases, two massive deals that would have reshaped the U.S. health insurance industry have both been declared dead, blocked by judges who said theyd do unacceptable harm to competition in the industry.

Now, the companies are right back where they started. Anthem Inc.s $48 billion deal to buy Cigna Corp. was blocked by a federal judge late Wednesday, weeks after another judge halted Aetna Inc.s bid for Humana Inc. Aetna and Humana have said they may appeal.

The question now becomes what the companies will do with the large piles of cash they allocated for the acquisitions, and whether theyll try anew at fresh takeovers under a Trump administration, whose antitrust officials could be more amenable to large consolidations. They could also opt for something more conservative in the face of widespread uncertainty about the future of the U.S. health system.

Cigna intends to carefully review the opinion and evaluate its options in accordance with the merger agreement, the Bloomfield, Connecticut-based company said in a statement after the decision. Jill Becher, a spokeswoman for Indianapolis-based Anthem, said the insurer was reviewing the ruling and declined further comment.

Cigna Chief Executive Officer David Cordani has estimated that his company will have $7 billion to $14 billion of deployable capital, with the high end including extra debt the company could take on if it decided to make acquisitions.

We have a track record of being very disciplined relative to our capital priorities and not allowing surplus capital to sit around, Cordani said on Jan. 11.

Fresh Deals?

Humana may be a target, once again. Cigna or Anthem may make a bid for the Louisville, Kentucky-based company, which specializes in the fast-growing business of selling private health plans for the elderly, said Ana Gupte, an analyst at Leerink Partners. Cigna could also bid for WellCare Health Plans Inc., she said.

Also likely are more conservative moves by the companies, like buying back shares or investing in their own businesses, said Sarah James of Piper Jaffray.

The four deal stocks have been hoarding cash for 18 months, and now that the rulings have been announced, we believe the companies will look to deploy the capital, she said in a note to clients. The companies will most likely favor share repurchases.

The Justice Department, along with the antitrust division that sued to block the deals, could be remade under new Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was confirmed Wednesday. While antitrust officials under the Obama administration aggressively blocked a number of megadeals, over time the antitrust laws have ensured some consistency in enforcement between Republican and Democratic administrations.

Holdover Case

The case is a holdover from the Obama administration, where the Justice Department thwarted several mega-mergers, including Comcast Corp.s attempted takeover of Time Warner Cable Inc., Halliburton Co.s deal for Baker Hughes Inc. and AT&T Inc.s bid for T-Mobile US Inc.

If health insurance companies are thinking of merging and they dont really compete with each other then these decisions shouldnt discourage them, said Martin Gaynor, a professor of economics and health policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Companies with serious overlaps in business would still face obstacles, he said.

Theres also the risk that Republicans will remake large parts of the U.S. health-care system as part of their plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Insurance executives may wait to see which parts of the industry the new administration and Congress favor before writing checks. The ACA, which expanded the market for Medicaid health plans and for coverage sold to individuals, hasnt been a big driver of growth for any of the firms. Still, its demise could cut off a source of growth at a time when theyre looking for ways to expand.

Sit Back

We expect potential buyers to take their time, Thomas Carroll, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus, said in a research note. In our view, all potential buyers will sit back, see how the new administration reshapes U.S. health care, and digest the deal commentary of the last year and a half.

Anthem has also said it would pursue deals and buybacks as its Plan B if the Cigna transaction didnt go through. CEO Joseph Swedish has said he might attempt to expand in the Medicare Advantage market through acquisitions, for example.

The 18-month effort to get the transaction done was marked by discord between Anthem and Cigna. Last year, the companies accused each other of violating the merger agreement, and the government said in court that disputes among executives had undercut the rationale for the deal.

The hostility could continue. With the deal defeated, Anthem owes Cigna a $1.85 billion breakup fee under the terms of the agreement. Anthem wouldnt have to pay the breakup fee if it could prove that Cigna committed a willful breach of the merger agreement.

Company Disputes

The disputes, which spilled into court, harmed the deals chances, said U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson. She called the hostility the elephant in the courtroom.

Cigna officials provided compelling testimony undermining the projections of future savings, and the disagreement runs so deep that Cigna cross-examined the defendants own expert, she wrote. Anthem urges the court to look away, and it attempts to minimize the merging parties differences as a side issue, a mere rift between the CEOs. But the court cannot properly ignore the remarkable circumstances that have unfolded both before and during the trial.

The Anthem-Cigna case turned on the market for health plans sold to employers. In her ruling, Jackson looked at its likely effect on the sale of health insurance to national accounts  customers with more than 5,000 employees, usually spread over at least two states - within the 14 states where Anthem operates as the Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee.

Eliminating this competition from the marketplace would diminish the opportunity for the firms ideas to be tested and refined, when this is just the sort of innovation the antitrust rules are supposed to foster, Jackson said in her 12-page order. Her accompanying opinion fully detailing her reasons for ruling against the deal was filed under seal.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Brent Snyder of the Justice Departments antitrust division called the ruling a victory for American consumers.

This merger would have stifled competition, harming consumers by increasing their health insurance premiums and slowing innovation aimed at lowering the costs of health care, Snyder said in a statement.

The case is U.S. v. Anthem Inc., 16-cv-1493, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia (Washington).

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Carriers USA
A fire that destroyed a South Texas mosque has been ruled arson, but theres no evidence of a hate crime at this time, federal investigators said.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Houston did not reveal the nature of the evidence that led to the arson conclusion related to the Jan. 28 fire at the Victoria Islamic Center.

We have to hold that back in the event we get a suspect, said ATF Senior Special Agent Nicole Strong in an email to The Associated Press.

As for the underlying motive for arson, Strong said that remains to be determined. It means there is no evidence to suggest a hate crime, but that could change if new evidence is uncovered, she said.

No one was hurt in the pre-dawn fire in Victoria, about 80 miles north of Corpus Christi. Authorities say the mosque was burglarized about a week before the blaze.

A $30,000 reward is being offered for information leading to arrests and indictments, ATF said Wednesday. The agency, the Victoria Islamic Center and Crime Stoppers each offered $10,000 toward the reward.

The absence of any hateful messages or graffiti at the scene of the fire leaves no proof of a hate crime, said Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of the Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. That could change once a suspect is identified and investigators are able to access online statements and browsing histories, Carroll said.

The fire occurred hours after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that blocked citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. That order was later blocked by the federal courts, but the Trump administration is appealing the court order.

Dr. Shahid Hashmi, a Victoria surgeon and the mosques president, said hes satisfied with the investigation so far.

A GoFundMe campaign that set a goal of raising $850,000 to rebuild the mosque was closed after topping $1.1 million, proving that the majority of people are well-meaning and have good hearts, Hashmi said.

Demolition of the mosques ruins is underway. Hashmi said after that work is finished, architects will be engaged to design the new mosque. Our priority right now is security, he said.

In the meantime, Temple Bnai Israel, Victorias synagogue, opened its doors to the displaced Islamic worshippers. The temples worshippers can relate to what those who attend the Victoria Islamic Center are experiencing. In 2007, vandals spray-painted swastikas and anti-Semitic obscenities across the temple. One man was sentenced to eight years in prison for the incident and another received a 10-year deferred sentence.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Texas
Authorities say a metro train crashed into a boom lift in downtown Miami, killing a 43-year-old construction worker and injuring another.

Miami-Dade police tell local news outlets the Metromover crashed about 1 a.m. Wednesday. No passengers were on the train, which runs from 5 a.m. to midnight.

Emergency crews took Luis Perez and Oscar Cabrera to the hospital. Cabrera died. Perez was treated and released.

Miami Fire Rescue spokesman Ignatius Carroll told reporters one man was dangling from the side of the crane and was helped to the ground by co-workers.

Metromover officials say theyll run buses in the areas affected by the crash. Another section of the trains loop through downtown isnt affected and is running as normal.

Authorities are investigating.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A blaze that tore through an award-winning country ham business in western Kentucky burned much of the 100,000-square-foot facility to the ground.

Media reported that fire crews were called to Harpers Country Hams in Hickman County before daybreak Wednesday and spent much of the day getting the blaze under control, then putting out hot spots.

Hickman County Fire and Rescue Chief David Cox said windy conditions caused the blaze to spread quickly. The state fire marshals office is investigating.

Company president Dolores Harper told The Paducah Sun that she doesnt know what the future holds for the company, which employed 70 workers.

West Kentucky Star reports Harpers has won six grand champion awards at the Kentucky State Fair.

The companys website says Harpers has been producing country hams since 1952.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Kentucky
Labor secretary nominee Andrew Puzder, the controversial business leader expected to undergo a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing next week, will be spared an emotionally weighted and concurrent discrimination trial against the restaurant group he heads.

A state court in Orange County, Calif., has granted CKE Restaurants Inc. a delay from Feb. 27  when the full Senate might still be considering Puzders nomination  to early June for an age and disability discrimination lawsuit after the company cited negative publicity generated by his nomination.

Puzder, CKE Restaurants chief executive, has been under fire by Democrats and labor groups for opposing increases in the minimum wage and aiming to curb worker protections. But his expected confirmation by a Republican majority in the Senate has not been knocked off track.

By the June 5 trial, he may be labor secretary and well along the way to divesting himself from the company. Puzder agreed to divest his stakes in CKE, worth anywhere between $11 million and $55 million, if confirmed, according to an ethics submission reviewed by Reuters.

Puzders confirmation hearing has been repeatedly delayed as a government ethics office reviewed his plan to divest from CKE, which owns franchised restaurants, including Carls Jr. and Hardees.

Puzder also promised to divest his holdings in more than 200 assets, including Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Altria Group Inc., Bank of America Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc., within 90 days of his confirmation. He will divest from more illiquid funds within 180 days, but he declined to provide details for some of the funds underlying assets, citing a confidentiality agreement.

The California case was brought by James Dombrowski, whose employment was terminated as he recovered from a brain biopsy, according to court filings.

CKEs franchised restaurants have faced wage-and-hour and labor condition complaints from workers, but the Dombrowski case is against the holding company largely controlled by Puzder.

CKE was also named in an antitrust lawsuit filed by current and former Carls Jr. workers in a California court on Wednesday that alleges a scheme to suppress wages across its franchises by using no hire agreements.

Dombrowski claims that he was fired by CKE when he tried to return to work in 2015, at the age of 68, after taking a disability leave following a brain biopsy which temporarily paralyzed him.

CKEs attorney in the Dombrowski case, Scott Ferrell, argued that the negative publicity surrounding CKEs business practices due to Puzders fame as a Cabinet nominee would hurt the companys ability to have a fair jury trial, not that the case would in any way hurt Puzders ability to be confirmed.

Ferrell declined to comment on the case. Dombrowskis attorney did not respond to requests for comment. A representative of Puzder also declined to comment.

CKE Restaurants has said it is up to its franchises to set wages and working conditions and they are protected from liability as a franchisor.

Senator Susan Collins, who is on the panel that will hold Puzders initial confirmation hearing next week, said she has not made a decision regarding Puzder. Collins was one of two Republicans to vote against Betsy DeVos, who was confirmed on Tuesday to head President Donald Trumps Department of Education.

I have not reached a decision. I almost always wait until theres a hearing, unless I know the individual well, Collins said on Thursday.

Ive had two conversations with Mr. Puzder and I think there are questions outstanding that will be, Im sure, delved into at his hearing, she added.

Puzder, an enthusiastic early supporter of Trump, has lobbied against efforts to raise the minimum wage and is expected to roll back rules aimed at curbing unpaid overtime and improving worker safety if confirmed to head the Labor Department. (Reporting By Amanda Becker, with additional reporting by Sarah Lynch, Susan Cornwell and Robert Iafolla; editing by Linda Stern and Jonathan Oatis)

Topics California
Representative Thomas "Tom" Price, a Republican from Georgia and chairman of the House Budget Committee, left, speaks as U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, looks on during an Obamacare repeal enrollment ceremony for the Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act (H.R. 3762) in the Rayburn Room of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016. The House voted Wednesday to repeal most of Obamacare, sending legislation to President Barack Obama for the first time that would dismantle his biggest domestic policy achievement. Photographer: Pete Marovich/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Paul Ryan; Tom Price Pete Marovich/Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Senate confirmed Tom Price, a congressman and physician, to head the Department of Health and Human Services, a post where hell have a leading role in Republican efforts to dismantle Obamacare and implement its replacement, and oversee a budget of more than $1 trillion.

The vote was 52-47, making Price the most contentious nominee for the position since at least President Jimmy Carters administration. Democrats opposed him because of his free-market, limited-government views on how the American health-care system should operate, and his past efforts to privatize Medicare by turning it into a voucher system. They also strongly criticized him for leaving questions unanswered about stock purchases in medical companies he made while handling health-care legislation.

President Trump is setting up his cabinet to run our country in a way that benefits those at the top and their allies, but really hurts the workers and families we all serve. Senator Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, said on the Senate floor during Thursdays debate on Price. Its hard to imagine who in America would be better off under Congressman Prices leadership at HHS.

Senator Orrin Hatch, a Republican from Utah, backed the nominee, who was an orthopedic surgeon before being elected to Congress.

Dr. Price has extensive insight into our nations health-care system, having practiced medicine for two decades in a variety of settings, Hatch said. He will put this vast experience to good use and be decisive not only in working with Congress to find solutions but implementing them.

Contentious Confirmations

Democrats have been trying to delay Trumps remaining Cabinet picks on the Senate floor, though they dont have the votes to block them. After Price, the Senate is turning to efforts to confirm Steven Mnuchin -- another nominee that Democrats accuse of not telling the full truth during hearings -- to lead the Treasury Department. Debate on Mnuchin begins Friday, with a vote scheduled for Monday. A vote on Veterans Affairs secretary nominee David Shulkin is also set for Monday, while the Senate plans to vote Tuesday on Linda McMahon, nominated to head the Small Business Administration.

It took a tie-breaking vote by Vice President Mike Pence, a historical first, to confirm Betsy DeVos as head of the Education Department in a 51-50 vote on Tuesday. And Jeff Sessions was confirmed as attorney general by a vote of 52-47 on Wednesday.

The biggest piece of HHSs budget goes to Medicare, the U.S. program for the elderly and disabled, with another large chunk devoted to Medicaid. Seema Verma, Trumps pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, an HHS agency, will face a confirmation hearing next Thursday at the Senate Finance Committee, which is chaired by Hatch. Other HHS agencies include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.

Price has served in the U.S. House representing Georgia since 2004. In 2015, he introduced legislation to replace Obamacare that featured tax credits to help people buy insurance on the private market, expanded use of health savings accounts, and federal funds for states to create high-risk pools to cover the very sick and those with pre-existing conditions. Democrats argue Americans uninsured rate will rise after it reached a record low under Obamacare if the health law is changed based on Prices plan. Republicans say Prices experience makes him ideally suited to help replace the law.

Our health-care system has undergone some serious turmoil as of late, and this was undoubtedly caused at least in part by the rolling calamity of Obamacare, Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton said during the debate. If we need someone who will focus on the needs of patients, why not pick a doctor.

While Prices plan generally espouses the principles Republicans embrace surrounding health coverage, GOP members of Congress have yet to unite around a specific proposal or even whether they will make wholesale changes to Obamacare or repair what they consider flawed pieces. The timing is also uncertain. While Trump said last month hed put forward his plans for replacing the law once Price is confirmed, he told Fox News Bill OReilly in an interview that aired Sunday that the process could stretch into 2018.

For now, Prices duties will include overseeing the Affordable Care Act on an ongoing basis. Trumps administration so far has a mixed record of shoring up the law and working to undermine it. Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office calling for his agencies to work to reduce the laws burdens, and Price will be among administration officials charged with that task.

Late last month, HHS halted some ACA outreach in the final days of the sign-up period before resuming it, a move that some have blamed for lower-than-expected sign-ups for insurance plans under the health law. References to the ACA and its benefits have since been removed from the governments HealthCare.gov sign-up website, according to a review of internet records. The changes first appeared on Feb. 1, the Washington Examiner reported.

Trump has said he wants insurance for everybody though Price repeatedly said during a Senate hearing in January that he wants to ensure every single American has access to affordable health coverage that will provide the highest-quality health care that the world can provide.

We should all be cautious about being promised access without any pathway towards the ability to actually afford quality health care, said Senator Christopher Coons, a Democrat from Delaware.
If you are like many U.S. workers, you have access to a defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k). Because each plan is unique, it's important to find out about the details of your company's plan as well as your options. Here are five questions you should ask about your company's 401(k) plan.

Key Takeaways Contributing to your company's defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k), can be a great way to save for your retirement.

Contribute to the limit of your company's matchit's akin to receiving free money.

Find out what your 401(k) plan's investment options are and which ones have the lowest expense ratios to make sure you are getting the best returns.

Once you are vested in your company's plan, you can take advantage of your contribution match and take your earnings with you if you leave for another job or retire.

Certain hardship exemptions, such as avoiding foreclosure, allow you to withdraw funds before age 59 without paying a 10% penalty.

1. Does the Company Match My Contributions?

This is perhaps the most important question to ask because a company match can significantly increase the value of your retirement account. Employers typically match a percentage of your contribution. If you make $50,000 a year, contribute 5% of your salary ($2,500), and your company matches 50% of your contribution, this adds $1,250 to your account. The employer contribution may be limited by the plan (for example, the plan may match 50% up to 4% of your salary) or by your annual contribution limit as set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Try to contribute the maximum of your company's match, assuming it has one. But you may not want to go above that amount. Many small companies have high-cost 401(k) plans, says Michael Zhuang, principal of MZ Capital Management in Bethesda, MD. In this case, it is actually not worth it to contribute more to the plan since whatever you save in tax dollars you pay in hidden fees and then some.

2. What Are My Investment Options?

Plans will usually allow you to choose from a variety of investments, such as mutual funds, stocks (this can include your companys stock), bonds, and guaranteed investment contracts (GICs). If you dont like the investment options offered by your employer, you may be able to transfer a percentage of your plan into another retirement account. This is known as a partial rollover.

Be sure to ask whether your 401k has a self-directed, full brokerage option. The majority of 401(k) plans don't, but some do, says Dan Stewart, CFA, president and chief investment officer of Revere Asset Management, Inc., in Dallas, TX. This would allow you to have a brokerage account where you could do individual stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, etc., and wouldn't limit you to the usual 10 to 12 mutual funds. Again, this is not the norm, but the larger the company, the better the odds of having a full brokerage option.

Many people invest more aggressively when they are younger (and are able to recover from losses) and make more conservative investments as they approach retirement. This requires you to change your allocations over time. Most plans let you make changes at will; however, some restrict changes to only once per month or quarter.

3. Which Investment Option Has the Lowest Expense Ratio?

Many investments, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), charge shareholders an expense ratio to cover the funds total annual operating expenses. Expressed as a percentage of a funds average net assets, the expense ratio includes administrative, compliance, distribution, management, marketing, shareholder services, and record-keeping fees, as well as other operational costs.

The expense ratio directly reduces shareholder returns, thus lowering the value of your investment. Don't assume an investment with the highest return is automatically the best choice. A lower-returning investment with a smaller expense ratio might make you more money in the long run.

Note that the least expensive or lowest-fee option may not always be the best option for your investment portfolio. Be sure to conduct thorough research in addition to looking solely at cost.

4. When Do I Become Vested?

The vested portion of your 401(k) is the part that is yours to keep, even if you leave your job. Any money that you contribute is always 100% vested. The contributions made by your company, however, will be subject to a vesting requirement. There are two types of vesting schedules: graded and cliff.

With graded vesting, funds vest over time. You may, for example, be 25% vested after your first year, 50% vested the next year, and so forth until you are fully vested. With cliff vesting, the employer contribution is 0% vested until you have been on the job for a specified amount of time (such as two years), at which point it becomes 100% vested. Either way, once you become fully vested, all the money in the plan (your contributions plus your employers contributions) is yours, and you can take it with you when you change jobs or retire.

IRS rules now permit hardship withdrawals from a 401(k) to include not just your contributions but also your company's match and earnings on these amounts. Check with your human resources department to determine your employer's policy.

5. When Can I Withdraw My Money?

In general, if you make a withdrawal before you are age 59, you have to pay a 10% penalty tax (as well as income taxes) on the distribution. In cases of hardship, you may not have to pay the penalty. These hardship exemptions can include:

Suffering a disability

Death (the distribution is made to a beneficiary)

Certain medical expenses

Buying your first home

Paying for college (for you, your spouse, or your children)

Avoiding foreclosure or eviction

Burial or funeral expenses

Certain home repairs

Having or adopting a child

Once you turn 72, you need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from all of your 401(k)sexcept for a plan offered by a company you're still working for. In general, you have to start withdrawing money by April 1 of the year following the year you turn 72. Your age (and life expectancy) and account value determine the required minimum distribution.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a 401(k) plan can seem overwhelming. As a result, many workers eligible to participate in these employer-sponsored retirement plans delayor even avoidsigning up. Understanding these five questions will help clarify the plan's details and your options.

If the materials you receive from your employer are not clear, ask your human resources or benefits coordinator to answer any questions you have about your company's 401(k) plan. Be sure to also find out what "resources are available to support participants, such as online tools and applications, education, advising, and more, says Marguerita Cheng, CFP, CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth in Gaithersburg, MD.

If you're already signed up, be sure to track your investment options and reallocate as necessary.
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A former Cork GP found guilty of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old female patient 27 years ago is seeking a Supreme Court appeal.

Kevin Mulcahy (aged 57), of Creggan, Lombardstown, Mallow, Co Cork, had pleaded not guilty to a single charge of indecently assaulting the girl while on call to her family home on December 23, 1989.

He was found guilty by a jury after a retrial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court following 39 minutes of deliberations and he was jailed for two years by Judge Sean O Donnabhain on November 25, 2015.

Mulcahy had an appeal against conviction dismissed last October but was resentenced to 12 months imprisonment following a sentence appeal.

During case management procedures in the Court of Appeal today, Mr Justice George Birmingham directed there be a legal aid certificate to cover the hearing of a Supreme Court appeal.

Giving judgment on Mulcahy's unsuccessful appeal against conviction in October, Mr Justice John Edwards said the doctor had regularly attended the home of the complainant to treat her mother, who had terminal cancer.

On one of these visits, the complainant was suffering from a head cold of sorts and while examining her, Mulcahy touched her vagina on the outside of her clothing for some minutes.

Mulcahy was arrested and interviewed in 2011 on foot of a complaint of indecent assault.

When asked if he recalled the girl being a patient of his, Mulcahy said he had a pre-prepared, typed statement in which he said the allegations were blatantly false.

Following the signing of the statement, he was asked a number of questions and in reply said I have nothing to say other than what's written in my statement, the judge said.

These additional questions and answers were put before the jury, which Mulcahy's barrister, Blaise O'Carroll SC, submitted breached his right to silence and irretrievably tainted his credibility in the minds of the jury.

Mr Justice Edwards said it was clear Mulcahy did not elect to say nothing but to reiterate that he was relying on his statement.

The supplementary questions merely afforded him the opportunity to add to or change the statement after hearing the specifics of the allegations for the first time or being reminded of them  it was unclear which, the judge said.

In relation to the second ground of appeal, that the trial judge failed to warn the jury about the danger of convicting in the absence of corroboration, Mr Justice Edwards said the trial judge was not asked to give a corroboration warning.

Furthermore, when the trial judge said he half expected to be asked to give a corroboration warning and said he wouldn't have given one anyway, defence counsel said thank you, Judge, Mr Justice Edwards said.

He said the essential justice of the case did not require the court to intervene.

Mr Justice Edwards, who sat with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, said the appeal must be dismissed.

The Court of Appeal heard that Mulcahy is no longer practicing
Update 8.52pm: Sinn Fein Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald has said that this evening's statement from Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald in relation to her knowledge of Tusla's role in the scandal impacting Sgt Maurice McCabe is not credible.

Ms McDonald said: "It is alarming that the Tanaiste, having misled the Dail yesterday, should continue her cycle of evasion this evening. Her version of events is not credible.

"I repeat my call for the Tanaiste to correct the record of the Dail. She should resign if she is not prepared to do so.

"This scandal goes to the very heart of the integrity of government in this state. Nothing but the full truth and the disclosure of an accurate version of events will suffice. It is the very least that Sgt McCabe and his family deserve after everything they have been put through."

It comes as the Minister for Children Katherine Zappone released a second statement on the affair today saying it would have been inappropriate for her to brief the Cabinet on her reasons for meeting Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe.

It is after it emerged that both the Taoiseach and Tanaiste had been told Katherine Zappone was meeting Sergeant McCabe, but not the reasons why.

The statement from a spoksperson from her department read: "Minister believed Tusla would be subject to investigations by the Commission of Inquiry.

"It would have been highly inappropriate for the Minister to brief the Cabinet on confidential, highly sensitive and personal information which one could reasonably assume was the subject of a protected disclosure, which was leading to the establishment of the Commission."

Update 6.30pm: The Tanaiste and Minister for Justice has broken her silence around the allegations against Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe.

Frances Fitzgerald says she learned about "an issue affecting Sgt McCabe in January" from Minister for Children Katherine Zappone, but was unaware of the details to do with Tusla.

"As was confirmed in a statement by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs this afternoon, Minister Zappone became aware in mid-January of an issue affecting Sgt McCabe which related to her Department," the Tanaiste said.

"As the statement points out Minister Zappone has taken and is taking a number of steps to deal with this matter.

"She informed me in January that she intended to meet with Sgt McCabe. She of course did not inform me about any details in relation to confidential Tusla records."

She adds that she had avoided commenting on the matter in the Dail, as she "would be rightly open to criticism."

"The Terms of Reference of the proposed Commission put before the Oireachtas by me refer specifically to a complaint of criminal misconduct against Sgt McCabe and whether this allegation was used against him.

"I have always been scrupulous to avoid any comment in the Dail on what was at issue in the criminal complaint against Sgt. McCabe, referred to in the terms of reference. Had I put into the public domain anything which indicated or implied the nature of the complaint against Sgt McCabe I would be rightly open to criticism.

"At the heart of the issues to be examined by the Commission is whether senior Gardai were involved in a campaign to use information to damage Sgt McCabe.

"I agreed to take on board amendments designed to put beyond doubt that the examination of any smear campaign would not be confined.

"Just as my colleague Minister Zappone is dealing with the serious matters relating to her area of responsibility, I am proceeding to finalise the terms of reference of the Commission of Investigation arising from Mr Justice O'Neill's report."

Update (4.30pm): Labour's children's spokeswoman Jan O'Sullivan has said: "The Tanaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald claimed she was not aware of any contact between An Garda Siochana and Tusla about Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

"If Minister Zappone briefed her Cabinet colleagues on the details, then the Tanaiste must now account for why she misled the Dail on this matter."

Mary Lou McDonald questions if Tanaiste has misled the Dail. #Garda #McCabe  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) February 10, 2017

Fianna Fail's children's spokeswoman Anne Rabbitte added: "Did the Minister for Children contact the Minister for Justice when she became aware of this grave error?"

"We now know that Minister Zappone met with Sergeant McCabe two weeks ago - why was this meeting not included in the terms of reference of the Commission of Investigation that was announced this week?"

Update (3.20pm): Minister for Children Katherine Zappone has said that she had informed "relevant government colleagues" of the allegations made against Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe.

The Minister revealed in a statement today that her department was contacted by Garda McCabe's wife, via the office of the Minister for Health, on January 18.

Zappone has said she told Gov colleagues of Tusla Maurice McCabe case,& first found out about it on Jan 18.Thinks Tusla should be in inquiry  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) February 10, 2017

Minister Zappone said that she later met with Mrs and Sgt McCabe on Wednesday, January 25, and her office has been "in regular contact" with the pair, and Tusla, since.

Spokesperson for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone stated: "Minister Zappone has met with Mrs Lorraine McCabe and Sgt Maurice McCabe. She has heard first hand of the devastation caused to them by the false allegations against Sgt Maurice McCabe.

"The Minister became aware of the circumstances when Mrs McCabe contacted the office of the Minister for Health on January 18, 2017.

"As the matter related to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Private Secretary of DCYA was requested to call Mrs McCabe.

"The private secretary did this on January 18.

"Minister Zappone met Mrs and Sgt McCabe on Wednesday, January 25.

"Since then her office has been in regular contact with Mrs and Sgt McCabe and Tusla - which has led to the offer of a public apology.

"The Secretary General of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs held a meeting with Senior Tusla Personnel on Friday, January 27.

"Tusla provided DCYA with a chronology and analysis of the case - which my Department gave to Mrs and Sgt McCabe on Saturday, January 28.

"Tusla informed the Secretary General that they have instituted a case review to extrapolate all relevant information in order to provide a more detailed analysis.

"Minister Zappone informed relevant Government colleagues during the course of this period.

Minister Zappone was always of the view that Tusla would form part of the investigation by the Commission of Inquiry.

Katherine Zappone has declined to reveal the identity of the "relevant Ministers" she spoke to about Mr McCabe  Sarah Bardon (@SarahBardon) February 10, 2017

.@simonharristd has said he had no knowledge that Mrs. McCabe had contacted the Dept of Health & there was no request for a meeting @rtenews  Martina Fitzgerald (@MartinaFitzg) February 10, 2017

Cabinet sources now expressing surprise & regret that #Tusla was not included in #McCabe terms.This does not explain why it was not #iestaff  Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) February 10, 2017

Update 1.30pm: The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has today expressed its concerns at the ongoing controversy surrounding the treatment of Garda whistle-blower Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

The ICCL notes that issues arising may be so profound as to require a broader response engaging institutions beyond the proposed Commission of Investigation.

They said that the potential involvement of a range of state agencies in the alleged smear campaign against Sergeant McCabe run to the very heart of the Irelands justice system and its political system, even raising issues of public confidence in the State's child protection systems.

Speaking today, ICCL Executive Director Mr Liam Herrick said: Information which has been placed into the public domain in the last 48 hours including very serious allegations of misconduct in the treatment of Sgt Maurice McCabe raise very serious questions for accountability and oversight across a range state agencies which must be addressed if the public is to retain full confidence in the administration of justice and policing in Ireland.

"The Tanaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality must ensure that the proposed Commission of Inquiry is constituted to stop the rot and that measures to ensure meaningful reform of policing and justice are implemented without delay.

Drawing attention to the time frame in which the Commission of Investigation will conduct its work, Mr Herrick noted: It is imperative that Judge Charelton is empowered to reach full conclusions within a specified timeframe and can do so while respecting and vindicating the rights of all parties to the Investigation.

"However, it is equally important that the Government and the relevant oversight bodies now accelerate the wider process of Garda reform. From the seriousness of the issues that arise in this case, it is clear that Garda reform to date has been partial, and that systemic and cultural resistance to reform remains.

Update 11.45am: The Child and Family Agency Tusla says it has begun an internal review into the circumstances surrounding recent revelations concerning Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe.

It emerged yesterday that Tusla opened an investigation into the welfare of Sergeant McCabe's children, around the same time he made allegations of mismanagement in the Garda force.

However, no attempt was made to contact Sergeant McCabe and put the allegations to him.

Sergeant McCabe now says he's going to sue over the false child abuse claims.

Due to Data Protection and Constitutional rights, Tusla is prohibited from commenting on the detail of individual cases, Tusla said in a statement.

We also have a responsibility to protect the privacy and wellbeing of the children and families with whom we work.

Taking an overall view of this situation, however, it is clear to us that mistakes have been made. On this basis, we have commenced an internal review and will cooperate fully with any Commission of Inquiry if requested.

Although we cannot comment on the details of this individual case, we can confirm that we are in the process of apologising fully to the individual involved.

It is important to note that when we receive allegations from a child  or from an adult reflecting on when they were a child  that we are obliged to carry out a complete assessment.

We also accept that because of the nature and complexity of these situations, the systems and processes involved in doing this need to be extremely robust.

In this case, it appears there were some failures and these are the subject of our internal review, the conclusions of which will be made public.

Tusla regrets that this situation has arisen and deeply apologises for distress caused.

It does not reflect the high standards that we hold ourselves to and we want to assure the public that we will take whatever steps are required to ensure that nothing like this happens again.

Maurice McCabe

Update 11.20pm: Sean Costello, solicitor for Maurice McCabe, has said his client is devastated over the allegations made against him.

Speaking on Today with Sean O'Rourke, he said: "To think a government agency charged with the protection of children and a state run body who would deal with a complaint in the manner outline."

He said that the complaint was first made in August 2013 and was referred to local gardai, but that it appears nothing happened until May 2014 when the same individual who referred the complaint to the HSE wrote to state that the initial report contained an "administrative error".

He said that error related to the description of abuse and that they need more information from Tusla and the HSE about how mistakes like the one made are possible.

"It is extraordinary that an agency like Tusla should make a mistake of that nature. The question will only be answered if this should be the subject of the inquiry."

In relation to the files opened on McCabes children, Mr Costello said it is devastating.

"As any parent, aunt, uncle, whoever sees these thing written about Maurice McCabe, that he posed a potential risk is just absolutely devastating. And how that manifests itself and became part of what are allegations at least at this stage and became part of a campaign."

Earlier: Garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe says he's going to sue over false child abuse claims.

It emerged yesterday that Tusla opened an investigation into the welfare of Sergeant McCabe's children, around the same time he made allegations of mismanagement in the Garda force.

The abuse claims were made by a young woman in August to a counsellor, who contacted Tusla and gardai. However, no attempt was made to contact Mr McCabe and put the allegations to him.

However the child and family agency later said the allegations were based on a 'clerical error'.

The allegation surfaced on a file in August 2013, and the error was detected the following May, a period during which Sergeant McCabes claims of malpractice were causing major political and garda related controversy.

Yesterday, Labour leader Brendan Howlin told the Dail that he had been contacted by a journalist who told him he had direct knowledge of the garda commissioner, Noirin OSullivan, briefing journalists that Sergeant McCabe was responsible for sexual crimes.

Mrs O'Sullivan has denied spreading the allegations of sex crimes against Mr McCabe.

In a statement yesterday, she said she was surprised by claims of her involvement in a smear campaign targeting Mr McCabe and insisted it was the first time she had heard the accusation.

Sinn Fein TD Mary-Lou McDonald wants the Garda Commissioner to step aside during an inquiry.

"It seems a concerted campaign to blacken a serving officers name, to take his good character, to destroy his career, and I'm very concerned that the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice insist on the Garda Commissioner staying in place - I think that is not an acceptable position.

"She does need to stand aside and allow the Commission of Investigation to proceed."

Fianna Fail says Sergeant Maurice McCabe was failed by the state in the most fundamental way.

Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson, Dara Calleary, claims the Children's Minister was aware of the false sex abuse claims against him, but may not have passed on that information to the Justice Minister.

"If she did not tell why not, given in any circumstance no matter who it was, the absolute breach that Tusla had put on a family given that was such a high-profile individual."

Opposition parties such as Sinn Fein and Labour say Noirin O'Sullivan's position as head of the force is untenable.

However Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are still supporting her.

Fianna Fail TD Niall Collins said: "Noirin O'Sullivan, no more than any other person or any other citizen under the constitution of the land, is entitled to her good name.

"Because an allegation has been made against her by way of a protected disclosure in my mind doesn't mean that she should step aside."
A glass security barrier will be built around the Eiffel Tower to protect it from terror attacks.

The two-and-a-half metre high wall will replace metal fences put in place during Euro 2016.
The suspect in last week's machete attack at the Louvre Museum is facing preliminary charges of attempted murder and association with a terrorist organization, the Paris prosecutor's office said.

The 28-year-old suspect - who French officials believe to be Egyptian - was charged on Friday.
British patients could face a longer wait for new drugs after the UK pulls out of the European Union, experts have warned.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said he does not expect the UK after Brexit to remain within the European Medicines Agency, which evaluates applications to market new drugs across the EU.

A former chairman of the UK's medical regulator said that if pharmaceutical firms had to obtain separate permissions for Britain, they were likely to prioritise EMA applications for access to the much larger European market.

And a drug company executive suggested the UK would be in the "second or third wave" for new drugs - after Europe, the USA and Japan - leading to delays of as much as 24 months.

Sir Alasdair Breckenridge - who was chairman of the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for almost a decade - told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "The UK market compared to the European market, of course, is small, so therefore there will be a delay in getting new drugs - important new drugs, anti-cancer drugs, anti-infective drugs - for patients in the United Kingdom.

"Since there's going to be a second application as well as the European application, the cost will be greater."

And David Jeffreys, vice-president of Eisai - a Japanese drugs firm that employs 450 people in the UK - said British patients could face delays of up to two years.

He said: "The early innovative medicines will be applied for in the USA, in Japan and through the European system and the UK will be in the second or indeed the third wave so UK patients may be getting medicines, 12, 18, 24 months later than they would if we remained in the European system."

Scottish National Party health spokeswoman Philippa Whitford, a consultant surgeon, told Today: "We keep using the shorthand 'single market', giving the impression that the EU is only about trade.

"The thing that frightened me the most was when I asked Theresa May about this at Prime Minister's Questions, she looked utterly blank. That suggests to me the European Medicines Agency is not high enough up her agenda."

Dr Whitford added: "Jeremy Hunt is not on the Brexit cabinet (committee) and therefore health is not being seen as core to this. All the things we've had - the health insurance card, the right of pensioners to have healthcare in Europe - need to be recognised and put on the table."
Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked Slovenia for offering to host his first meeting with US President Donald Trump, but added that the prospect hinges on Washington.

The Russian leader hailed Slovenia, where Mr Trump's wife Melania was born and grew up, as an "excellent" venue for possible talks with the US president.

"It depends not only on us, but we are naturally ready for it," he said.

Speaking after holding talks at the Kremlin with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahort, Mr Putin said Russia welcomes Mr Trump's statements about his intentions to restore strained Russia-US ties.

"We always welcomed that and we hope that relations will be restored in full in all areas," Mr Putin said.

"It relates to trade and economic ties, security issues and various regions of the world, which are suffering from numerous conflicts.

"By pooling our efforts, we naturally would be able to significantly contribute to solving those issues, including the fight against international terrorism."

In recent years, Russia-US relations have plunged to post-Cold War lows over the Ukrainian crisis, the war in Syria and the allegations of Russian hacking of the Democrats in the US presidential election.

In 2001, Slovenia hosted Mr Putin's first meeting with former US president George W Bush that led to a short-lived thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington.

Slovenian President Borut Pahor

A similarly short warm spell early during Barack Obama's presidency gave way to new tensions.

As part of Mr Obama's early effort to "reset" ties with Moscow, the two nations in 2010 signed a pivotal arms control pact that set new lower caps on the number of warheads each country can deploy.

Mr Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the prospects of extending the New START Treaty that is set to expire in 2021 will "depend on the position of our American partners" and require negotiations.

He would not say whether the Kremlin favours extending the pact that limited Russian and US nuclear arsenals to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each.

Speaking in a conference call with reporters, Mr Peskov pointed to a "certain break in dialogue on strategic security issues" during the Obama administration, and said Moscow and Washington now need "an update of information and positions".

Mr Peskov denied a report by the Washington Post claiming that Michael Flynn, the retired general who is now Mr Trump's national security adviser, had discussed a possible review of anti-Russian sanctions with the Russian ambassador to Washington in December.

Mr Peskov said ambassador Sergei Kislyak did talk to Mr Flynn but the rest of the report was wrong.

While suggesting possible co-operation with Moscow to fight Islamic State (IS) in Syria, as a candidate Mr Trump was critical of the New START Treaty and talked about a need to strengthen US nuclear arsenals.

In December, Mr Trump declared on Twitter that the US should "greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability" until the rest of the world "comes to its senses" regarding nuclear weapons.

Mr Putin has also said strengthening Russia's nuclear capabilities should be among the nation's priorities.

The platform of Mr Trump's Republican Party had promised to "abandon arms control treaties that benefit our adversaries without improving our national security" and called for the development of "a multi-layered missile defence system".

Mr Kislyak told Russian media in Washington that he sees little chance for a compromise on missile defence, as Moscow believes the US wants to develop the shield against Russia despite assurances that it is directed against other threats.

"I don't exclude that at a certain stage we may have a mutual interest to talk about those issues, but as of now I'm not seeing any basis for reaching agreement," he said, according to the Interfax news agency.

He voiced hope, however, that joint efforts to fight IS could help break the ice in Russia-US ties.

"If we have serious co-operation, it could help to start rebuilding trust," Mr Kislyak said in televised remarks.

Mr Kislyak added that Russian and US diplomats will start soon to try to prepare a Putin-Trump meeting.

The ambassador has also sought to downplay differences on Iran, saying that "we disagree more on accents related to the nuclear agreement rather than substance".

Mr Trump has accused the Obama administration of being weak on Iran and responded to Iran's recent missile test with a package of sanctions.

The penalties, however, referred solely to the missile programme and did not directly undercut a landmark 2015 deal between Iran and six world powers that curtailed Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for rolling back international sanctions.

- AP
Since launching in late 2015, Red Planet has secured a number of blue-chip telecommunications and financial services clients. Deloitte Ireland said Red Planet was a natural fit for its clients.

The size of the deal has not been disclosed for commercial reasons but Deloitte said it plans to continue making significant investments in its digital capability.
The defendant, aged 17, was on trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where he admitted falsely imprisoning the woman in the lift and assault causing harm but he denied the charge of sexual assault.

Cleared of the sex attack, he was remanded in custody for sentencing on the other two charges today.

Dermot Sheehan, prosecuting, said the defendant claimed in his interview with the gardai that he was trying to rob the woman and not sexually assault her. However, Mr Sheehan said the injured party had a bag over her shoulder throughout the incident and that this contained her phone and her purse and the teenager did not attempt to take any of this property.

Alice Fawsett, defending, submitted to the jury that they could not use the admission by the teenager to the charges of assault causing harm and falsely imprisoning the victim as evidence to support a finding that he probably sexually assaulted the woman .

There is no doubt he gave her a horrible time. That does not mean he sexually assaulted her as well, said Ms Fawsett.

The woman, originally from France, told the jury she was followed by a young man and sexually attacked in the lift after a night out on St Stephens Day.

She said that. while walking home at 6.30am, a man asked her the time and she said she did not know. He then asked her for a kiss and she supposed that she had misheard him. However, he kept asking for a kiss and she said that he followed her home and forced his way into the building despite her efforts to hold him back.

She said he came into the lift after her and was standing very close to her and again kept repeating his request for a kiss.

He repeatedly tried to lift me up, putting his hand under my bum, she said. It was just can I have a kiss? on constant. I tried to push him away at this stage. I was very afraid of the violence.

She was eventually able to flee and got to a nearby hotel, where the alarm was raised.
The footage showed how Peter Downey, 59, from Inniscarra, Co Cork, suffered fatal injuries after he fell from a height when the cherrypicker he was operating toppled over at Bus Eireanns Capwell garage at Summerhill South, Cork, on November 23, 2015.

Cork City Coroners Court was told that Mr Downey had installed two Steinbruckner bus washing machines at the depot in 2007, and had the maintenance contract for them, calling up to 15 times a year to service them. He arrived at the depot at around 1pm on November 23, 2015, to repair one of the machines. He sealed off the faulty machine, and drove a hired scissor-lift cherrypicker between the two washers to gain access to water hose pipes, which were suspended above and between the washers. The other washer remained open.

Bus Eireann engineering operative Willie Cronin told coroner Philip Comyn that he drove a bus into the working washer and turned it on, and that it moved along its tracks, and returned to begin a second cycle, without incident.

As it began moving again, Mr Cronin said Mr Downey, who was standing in the elevated platform of the cherrypicker, asked him to move the faulty washer a few feet to provide better access to the hose pipes.

Mr Cronin said that, as he walked towards the faulty washer, Mr Downey shouted at him to stop the working washer.

However, before Mr Cronin could run to stop it, the water hoses caught the cherrypicker and toppled it, throwing Mr Downey from the platform.

I ran to stop it, but I couldnt make it in time. I was at the other machine, I was helpless, Mr Cronin said.

Investigating Garda Brendan Holohan said the cherrypicker platform was at a height of just over 4.3m at the time of the incident.

Mr Downey was rushed by ambulance to CUH, where he died on November 27. Assistant State pathologist Margot Bolster said the cause of death was traumatic brain injury consistent with a fall from a height.

Health and Safety Authority inspector Mark Rolands investigated the incident and said the DPP directed there be no prosecution.

He said he discussed with Bus Eireann management the need for clarification about the control of work sites on the depot when sub-contractors are on site, and that these contractors need to have absolute control of the work site for the duration of such works.

Bus Eireann regional engineer Gordon Bryan said that, arising from talks with the HSA, and following a company review in the wake of the fatal accident, the company has now changed its procedures to ensure that both bus washer machines are taken out of operation to facilitate repairs.
Sinead Behan, barrister for the accused, Paul Martin, said yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that Martins daughter had died two weeks earlier.

This was day of his daughters funeral, said Ms Behan. He had no previous convictions and this assault was out of character for him. He had an awful lot of alcohol on the night.
Last years Raise & Give (Rag) Week raised 16,000 for charity and the 2017 events begin next Monday, with measures being taken by college management and UCC Students Union to try to ensure its success.

Among these efforts is the operation of a Student Community Support (SCS) team, which has helped in recent years to maintain a positive relationship with local residents. Following complaints about anti-social behaviour and drink-related incidents near the campus in previous years, students who work with the SCS monitor what is happening and also liaise with local gardai and residents groups.
WE COULD have lived in easier times, Maire Geoghegan Quinn told the Fianna Fail ard fheis in 1991. We could all pick moments we wouldnt want to live through again. But, I can say with absolute certainty to all of you, and for all of you, there will never be a time like it again. Never such excitement, never such achievement, never such heartache, never such happiness as the time they will talk of as the Haughey era.

The Haughey era came to an end with the election of Albert Reynolds as taoiseach on February 11, 1992. If the people of Fianna Fail thought they had come to the end of their political rollercoaster ride, they were in for a surprise, because there were even more ups and downs on the way.

Reynolds was first elected to the Dail in the Fianna Fail landslide of 1977. Little over a couple of years later he was one of the Gang of Five  along with Jackie Fahey, Tom McEllistrim, Sean Doherty, and Mark Killilea  who led the heave against Jack Lynch that brought Charles J Haughey to power in December 1979.

That was the first real heave within Fianna Fail, but it was to portend several others during the next decade and half. Lynch had intended to retire as Taoiseach anyway, but he decided to step down early when George Colley assured him that he had the votes to succeed him. The bulk of the cabinet obviously supported Colley, but they over-estimated his support on the backbenches.

There was an unsuccessful heave against Haughey in October 1982 when Charlie McCreevy proposed a motion of no confidence in the leadership at a parliamentary party meeting. Reynolds backed Haughey during that unsuccessful heave. After losing power shortly afterwards, Haughey also survived a secret ballot after Ben Briscoe tabled a motion calling for his removal at the parliamentary party meeting of February 7, 1983. Reynolds apparently backed him on that occasion.

It was almost 10 years before there was another heave. That was when the Kildare deputy Sean Power announced he was proposing the removal of Haughey as taoiseach at a parliamentary party meeting on November 9, 1992.

Reynolds promptly announced he was supporting Powers motion. For some time now there has been considerable political instability, which has led to an erosion of confidence in our democratic institutions, Reynolds declared. This uncertainty must not be allowed to continue. The country needed strong and decisive leadership.

On the day of the challenge, Haughey was confident enough to have an amendment tabled calling for a vote of confidence in his leadership. After deliberations extended beyond 13 hours, Haughey won by 55 votes to 22.

But shortly after came the revelation by another member of the Gang of Five  former minister for justice Sean Doherty  that he had told Haughey about the phone tapping in 1982 of two journalists, Geraldine Kennedy and Bruce Arnold. That was the final straw that forced Haughey to step down.

Reynolds took over as taoiseach on February 11, 1992. Despite his call for political stability, he promoted further uncertainly by bringing down his own coalition government before the end of the year. He did this by essentially accusing Des OMalley, the leader of Progressive Democrats  with which Fianna Fail was in coalition  of perjuring himself before the Beef Tribunal.

Testifying before that tribunal himself on October 27, 1992, Reynolds stated that OMalleys testimony in July had been reckless, irresponsible and dishonest. Although pressed to clarify whether he was accusing his government colleague of perjury, Reynolds dodged the question.

Perjury is your word, he told senior counsel Adrian Hardiman, dishonesty is mine.

Hardiman picked up on that and asked if this meant that OMalleys evidence had merely been incorrect as distinct from dishonest. Reynolds considered, before answering with just one word  dishonest. This was clearly an allegation of perjury in OMalleys opinion, so the Progressive Democrats withdrew from the coalition and brought down the government. In the ensuing general election, the Labour Party won its highest ever total of 33 seats, but it was not in a position to form a majority government with any single party other than Fianna Fail.

Reynolds confidently predicted the availability to the incoming government of grants of 6bn in European structural and cohesion funds. This would be sufficient to attract Labour into a coalition with Fianna Fail. Although the taoiseach was accused of exaggerating the extent of the available funds, he actually secured a promise of 8bn at the European summit in Edinburgh, and the first Fianna Fail/Labour coalition  or what they called a partnership government  was duly formed.

In the following months, Reynolds distinguished himself in relation to Northern Ireland. He developed an extraordinary relationship with British prime minister John Major, and they concluded the Downing Street Declaration on December 15, 1993.

The declaration affirmed the right to self-determination of the people of Ireland and Northern Ireland. If a majority of the people of Northern Ireland desired, jurisdiction would be transferred from the United Kingdom to the Republic of Ireland. The concept of an Irish dimension was also agreed, by which the people of the two parts of the island had a right to resolve issues by mutual consent. Paramilitary organisations were accorded the right to engage in negotiations, provided they renounced violence.

This played a key role in fostering a change of attitude among republican and loyalists militants, which led to discussions prompting both the Provisional IRA and the Combined Loyalist Military Command to agree to a ceasefire. The declaration was ultimately a major factor in leading to the Good Friday Agreement.

Despite his magnificent role in developing the Northern Peace Process, Reynolds up-scuttled his government again in November 1994 by forcing the appointment of Harry Whelehan as president of the high court without the approval of his coalition partners.

The Labour Party had reservations about Whelehans possible role in delaying the extradition to Northern Ireland of the paedophile priest Brendan Smith.

You cross the big hurdles, and when you get to the small ones, you get tripped up, Reynolds told the press corps in the Dail gallery after his resignation. He served as taoiseach more than a year less than any of his predecessors, but his promotion of the peace process stands as a testimony to his memory and an invaluable legacy.
From their body language, the meeting did not appear to go well.

In Poland on his latest spin of his Brexit roadshow, Enda was in town to garner support for his call to make Ireland a special case during the Brexit talks between Britain and the EU.

But he got no joy from the no-nonsense Polish leader, who failed twice to express any support for Ireland.

Her view: many issues need to be resolved in the Brexit talks.

Then poor old Endas glitzy press conference got completely overshadowed by the raging justice crisis at home which is hovering over the head of Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan.

The Irish media only got to ask two questions, and both related to the position of OSullivan, who as the chief law enforcement officer in the country, is now subject to a judicial commission of inquiry.

To lose one commissioner is unfortunate, to lose two is careless. Asked if was credible for her to stay at her post, Kenny was sticking by his woman: In respect of the Garda commissioner, yes I have confidence in her, full confidence in her. There is no prime facia evidence, there is no indication of any wrongdoing of any kind against the Garda commissioner. For that reason, she is fully entitled to the support of Government.

Asked was the Governments support merely an exercise in trying to protect and prolong his time in office, a riled Taoiseach gave a sharp response: Your comment that this is about prolonging the lifetime of the Government is utterly irrelevant.

But the Taoiseachs stance is a curious one.

On one hand, he described the controversy as a very serious constitutional matter. There is a formal commission of inquiry arising from protected disclosures.

But on the other hand, when asked why it was ok for Ms OSullivan to stay in charge, he said no evidence exists to support the allegations: These are all allegations, none of them have been proven. There is no evidence of wrongdoing. You cannot have a country if everyone against whom allegations have been made have to step aside. She has the full confidence of the Government, and that is why we are having a commission of inquiry with powers of compellability which will determine the truth of the allegations made which Judge Iarlaith ONeill was unable to determine.

So either it is a serious constitutional matter which requires her to step down without prejudice or there is no evidence so why then hold an inquiry at all?

While some sought to make Brendan Howlins intervention in the Dail the story, the denials so far from OSullivan are what would be expected  but this saga refuses to go away.

Kenny last night was the guest of honour at an Irish Embassy gig in Warsaw but he probably needed it like a hole in the head.

If Ireland is going to get its special status, then it appears Enda will have to change his strategy because it is not working at the moment.
Burma Amnesty International Urges Govt to Suspend Letpadaung Copper Mine

Local farmers protesting the Letpadaung copper mining project in Sagaing Divisions Salingyi Township. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Amnesty International urged Burmese authorities to halt operations at Sagaing Divisions Letpadaung copper mine and properly regulate large investment projects while stressing that foreign states have a duty to ensure their companies do not commit human rights abuses in Burma.

The report titled Mountain of Trouble: Human Rights Abuses Continue at Myanmars Letpadaung Mine details ongoing land grabs, environmental damage, and human rights infringements by Burmese authorities.

The government needs to intervene and suspend operations until all human rights and environmental concerns are properly investigated and addressed, said Mark Dummett, Amnesty Internationals researcher on business and human rights.

Some 141 families living in four villages facing forced evictions as the mine expands by 2,000 acres have not been given details of relocation, despite mine operator Chinese company Wanbao Mining claims that it has conducted consultations.

The authors of the report accuse Wanbao Mining of being more interested in public relations than ensuring the rights of the local community.

Some 6,700 acres were developed for the Letpadaung cooper mine and 26 villages were told to relocate, although somesuch as Tse Tae, Moegyopyin and Thonerefused to do so.

A monk from Tse Tae village named Ashin Nanda Sa Ra told The Irrawaddy that since the project began, both Wanbao Mining and the government have failed to protect the health of local people and complained of air pollution and dust from trucks dumping waste soil in the summer.

We do not want the locals to suffertheir socioeconomic situation should be supported, he said. Their desire to stay in the land of the forefathers should be respected and they deserve proper compensation.

The report also revealed a waste leak from the mine in November 2015 that ran into fields in Wet Hme village. Soil samples from the area of the leak were tested by a UK laboratory and found to contain arsenic, copper and lead.

A resident of Wet Hme village Ma Thwet Thwet Win said that villagers had lost 10 acres of crops due to contaminated water but numerous complaints to the relevant government departments since January 2016 had gone unanswered.

Ma Thwet Thwet Win said they later told the Salingyi constituency member of parliament that contaminated water from the mine entered the villages of Tse Tae, Wet Hmae and Shwe Hlay during the rainy season.

Our villages usually flood from the Chindwin River in rainy season, but in the last few years the water flowing into our farms has been very red and dirty, said Ma Thwet Thwet Win.

We know it is very different water from our main water source [the Chindwin River], which leaves us with the alluvial soils to be able to grow our crops, said Ma Thwet Thwet Win.

Amnesty International warned that Wanbao had not conducted an adequate environmental assessment and that the mines position near the Chindwin River meant flooding or earthquakes could unleash large-scale environmental damage.

The report denounces a slew of draconian laws used by authorities to block peaceful protests of the mine and notes that to date no officials have been held accountable for the use of incendiary white phosphorus munitions against peaceful protestors in November 2012 nor the case of a female protestor shot dead by police in 2014.

Local protests against the Letpadaung copper mine have eased since the National League for Democracy government took office nearly a year ago and local people said they hoped that solving issues through the correct authorities and parliamentary representatives would be the best way to show their support to the civilian government.

But we expect the government to find better approaches to the project that do not affect the environment and local peoples lives, said Ma Thwet Thwet Win.
Burma Burma Army Forms Team to Investigate Allegations of Abuse in Arakan State

Military and police travel through Maungdaw, in northern Arakan State on Oct. 17, 2016. / Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy

In response to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report released on Feb. 3, the Burma Army has formed its own investigation team tasked with ascertaining whether security forces committed unlawful acts during clearance operations in Arakan State.

The announcement from the Tatmadaws True News Information Team on Thursday said officials at all levels are instructed and supervised to act within the framework of law and to ensure that security forces stay away from using excessive force and committing human rights violations in areas where military operations are conducted.

It reaffirmed that legal action will be taken against anyone who breaks any of the directives.

The ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that the Burmese government is deeply concerned about the OHCHRs findings and considers the allegations contained in the report [to be] very serious in nature.

The government requested more information from the UN concerning the report, which is based on interviews conducted from Jan. 12-21 with more than 200 Rohingya refugees who fled Burma since October for neighboring Bangladesh.

Since coordinated October attacks on the border police posts in northern Arakan State left 10 security personnel dead, combined security forces of the Tatmadaw and the police have led clearance operations through the region to capture the attackers and to retrieve seized weapons and ammunitions.

The Tatmadaws five-member investigation team is the first formed by the army but the third team formed to look into the regional situation. The Kofi Annan-led Arakan State Advisory Commission was formed in August of 2016 to make recommendations toward addressing longstanding tensions in the region, and the Vice President U Myint Swe-led National Investigation Commission was formed on Dec. 1 last year to look into the allegations of abuse carried out by security forces in the Arakan State. In contrast to the UNOCHRs report detailing extensive human rights violations, the Vice President U Myint Swe-led commissions January report said it identified no evidence of widespread abuses committed by police and Burma Army troops.

The Burma Armys new investigation team is chaired by Lt-Gen Aye Win, who is the Inspector General. The other four members include Brig-Gen Khun Thant Zaw Htoo, vice adjutant general from Adjutant-Generals office; Brig-Gen Aung Kyaw Hoe, the Commander of No. 9 Defense Services Advanced Training Depot; Major Hla Myo Kyaw, the deputy assistant judge advocate general member from the Western Command; and Lt-Col Myo Win Aung, assistant judge advocate general secretary from the Judge Advocate General Office.

U Pe Than, an Arakanese lawmaker in the Lower House, told The Irrawaddy that since the investigation committee members were under the control of the Tatmadaw or the government, he expected that their enquiries would be independent and truthful.

Despite allegations of the Tatmadaws own alleged involvement in the reported abuses in Arakan State, U Pe Than argued that the armys enquiry team may be able to investigate in remote areas and reach conflict zones better than civilian investigators; humanitarian aid teams and journalists have been limited access to these areas by the Burmese military during clearance operations.
Burma Footage of Monk and Foreign Reporter Goes Viral

BBC correspondent Jonah Fisher talks to protesting monks / Facebook

RANGOON  Footage has gone viral of a BBC correspondent questioning a Buddhist monk in Rangoon on Thursday in a manner netizens deemed impolite.

Jonah Fisherthe first resident correspondent in Burma for the British news outletquestioned a monk protesting the arrival of a ship from Malaysia carrying aid to the troubled Maungdaw Township in northern Arakan State as it docked at the Myanmar International Terminals port in Thilawa near Rangoon.

Several dozen Buddhist monks and nationalistsincluding monks from the Ma Ba Tha-aligned National Coalition Groupdemonstrated against the use of the name Rohingya, which is commonly used by a group of Muslims in northern Arakan State to describe their ethnicity.

Viral footage and pictures showed the correspondent questioning the monk about the Rohingya with his hands on his hipsa stance considered disrespectful in Burma especially when talking to religious persons of any faith and people older than you.

You cant talk to a Buddhist monk like that in Burma, boy. You are insulting us too much! one Facebook user said and shared a photo of the correspondent with his hands on his hips.

U Zayar Hlaing, the General Secretary of Myanmar Journalist Network and editor of Mawkun (Chronicle) magazine, told The Irrawaddy that journalists should be careful about their posture as well as their questions when talking to religious persons.

If you dont have understanding of the culture and tradition of the country you are covering, there will be problems and it can harm your profession, he said.

The reporters manner evidently riled the monk and he asked, Is he [the correspondent] being hostile to me or interviewing me?

He needs to have some respect. He can ask anything he wants to know, politely. We cant accept his manner with arms akimbo or with hostility. Tell him, if he doesnt have any respect, dont ask questions, the monk told the correspondent through an interpreter.

The correspondent asked the monk what he was upset with: his questions or his stance. The monk replied that his posture was rude.

You are upset by my questions when I asked you about Rohingya? You dont like me asking you direct questions? Jonah Fisher asked. The monk replied he just didnt like his posture, not his questions.

He can ask me any questions but please change your posture, the monk told the correspondent through the interpreter.
Burma Malaysian Shipment of Maungdaw Aid Greeted by Protest in Rangoon

The Nautical Aliya carrying aid from Malaysia arrives in Rangoon / Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Some 100 protesters greeted a ship from Malaysia when it docked at Rangoons Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa on Thursday carrying aid bound for the troubled Maungdaw Township in northern Arakan State.

The ship was due to unload 550 tons of food and emergency supplies, with the rest of its 2,400 ton cargo bound for southeast Bangladesh.

The shipment to provide food and medicine for Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships ruffled government feathers last year after it reportedly received no communication regarding the plan from either the Malaysian Embassy or the aid organization.

Presidents Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay told The Irrawaddy in December 2016 that the Burmese navy would warn the ship to return to Malaysia, or it would turn it back by force.

Malaysia has been an outspoken critic of Burma over security operations in northern Arakan state.

Several dozen Buddhist monks and nationalistsincluding nationalist monks from the Ma Ba Tha-aligned National Coalition Groupdemonstrated outside the port terminal on Thursday.

They held signs rejecting the use of the name Rohingyathe name most Muslims in northern Arakan State use to describe themselves.

We dont mind that they want to support people who are suffering, Buddhist monk U Thuseiktha told Reuters.

But we dont want political exploitation of this issue by calling them Rohingya. The name Rohingya doesnt exist.

Confidence

Burma officials have also accused Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak of tapping into the Rohingya cause to promote a certain political agenda.

The Muslim groups and aid organizations behind the shipment had hoped to deliver the supplies directly to Rohingya people in Arakan State, but were instead forced to hand the goods over to the Burma government in Rangoon.

Burma has also insisted that the aid is distributed equally between Buddhists and Muslims in Arakan State.

Abd. Aziz Sheikh Fadzir, a lawmaker from Najibs ruling party who attended the docking, said the organizations behind the shipment had been delivering aid to other crisis points around Asia and the Pacific.

Any suggestion of political expediency was speculation, he said.

Najib has called Burmas military operation genocide and saw off the shipment when it left Malaysia last Friday.

Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Malaysias deputy minister of foreign affairs, who was also at the port, praised Burma for agreeing to accept the delivery, saying it built confidence between the international community and Burma.

Win Myat Aye, Burmas minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement, said Arakan was the second-poorest state in Burma, is a natural disaster-prone area by geographical location, and it is compounded by communal conflicts unfortunately.

Burma has been criticized for hampering the work of agencies including the UN World Food Program trying to feed people in an area where malnutrition rates were high before the conflict .

The government had been delivering aid to affected people in northern Arakan without discrimination, Win Myat Aye said, adding Burma would arrange the distribution of this aid to the communities in the affected areas at the soonest possible time.
Burma Shwedagon Pagoda to be Discussed as World Heritage Site Nominee

Shwedagon Pagoda. / Reuters

RANGOON  Shwedagon Pagoda will be discussed as an addition to a UNESCO tentative list that will inform future World Heritage nominations, according to a UNESCO Rangoon announcement on Friday.

Meetings between UNESCO and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture will be held at Rangoons Department of Archeology and National Museum office on Feb. 13-14.

On the first day, the experts will review the cultural sites on Burmas tentative list. The following day will be dedicated to technical consultations regarding the management of cultural landscapes.

Shwedagons gilded stupa and centuries-old architecture are locally and internationally known.

Yangon Heritage Trust director Daw Moe Moe Lwin said that Shwedagon Pagoda was a good nominee for the World Heritage list.

She added that the pagoda is highly valued by Buddhists and that a UNESCO preliminary measure is the extent to which locals treasure and maintain the proposed site.

Previous governments had created plans to leave an unobstructed view from Pyay Road to Shwedagons western staircase. But high-rise construction could threaten the view, said Daw Moe Moe Lwin.

Daw Moe Moe Lwin was invited to attend the upcoming two-day conference.

Burmas tentative list of cultural sites has not been updated since 1996 despite Operational Guidelines of the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage encouraging the task to take place every 10 years.

In 2014, the Pyu ancient cities were inscribed as the countrys first World Heritage property.

Currently, Burma is preparing to nominate the Bagan archaeological area and monuments and the Hkakabo Razi landscape in Kachin State.
About one in five organizations within the banking and insurance industry feel confident they can detect a data breach, yet, the vast majority of their customers, 83 percent, trust these same companies to have high standards for cybersecurity practices, according to a survey by Capgemini. Capgemini Global Cyber Security Chief Operating Officer Mike Turner was quoted in eSecurity Planet, stating:

Consumers implicitly trust banks with their money and data, but this faith is rooted in a mistaken belief their provider can be 100 percent secure. While banks are evolving to combat the sophisticated threat cyber criminals pose, public understanding of the threats and challenges remains low.

If Im a bank or insurance executive, Im sighing with relief that my customers trust me and my security efforts so much. It means that they trust the companys brand, and according to a recent Ponemon Institute study, in partnership with RiskVision, the majority of companies actually fear the loss of brand reputation over data breaches due to lack of risk management strategies.

Enterprise understands that serious cybersecurity are threats lurking  how can you not in todays landscape? Yet, 76 percent of these organizations reported that they either dont have a clearly defined risk management strategy in place or the one that they have isnt applicable to the entire enterprise. At the same time, two-thirds of these companies are more worried about their brand taking a reputation hit rather than the actual data breach. I would think it would be the other way around  that they worry about the data breach more because of the damage it can do to the brand  but this isnt the case. In a formal statement, Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute, explained why:

While security breaches are costly to detect and remediate, the expenses are finite. On the other hand, expenses around compliance, customer attrition and negative public relations incurred due to the resulting loss of brand and reputation are ongoing, sometimes dragged out for months or even years, and are much more difficult, if not almost impossible to predict or gauge.

All right, I can understand that rationale. However, it doesnt explain why half of these organizations surveyed dont have a formal budget for risk management strategies or 69 percent dont have metrics for determining risk intelligence effectiveness. But it isnt all bad, as a Security Intelligence article pointed out:

The good news, according to Dark Reading, is that executives are waking up to the need for effective measurement. Just 21 percent of companies analyzed risk in real-time 18 months ago. Today, that figure stands at 32 percent. Gartner also noted an increased demand for risk management technologies.

They understand the need. Now is the time to step and do something to earn that consumer trust.

Sue Marquette Poremba has been writing about network security since 2008. In addition to her coverage of security issues for IT Business Edge, her security articles have been published at various sites such as Forbes, Midsize Insider and Toms Guide. You can reach Sue via Twitter: @sueporemba
Wikipedia, being one of the most popular go-to websites for information regarding different topics, is making sure that all its article references are reliable. With that, the website's editors have voted to oust one well-known publication from Wikipedia's list of reliable sources. It was said that the online encyclopedia is finally banning Daily Mail from being a source for its website after years of discussions.

According to The Guardian, this move is kind of unusual for Wikipedia, considering that it rarely places a ban on publications. Nevertheless, its editors have a reason why they deem that a ban is in order for Daily Mail. Apparently, Wikipedia editors believe that Daily Mail has a reputation for sensationalism, poor fact checking and flat out fabrication.

It is worth noting that Wikipedia is run by the Wikimedia Foundation. However, the organization isn't the one controlling the editing processes and it's the volunteer editors for the English Wikipedia who discussed the banning of Daily Mail as an article reference. As per Wikimedia's statement, the editors of the English Wikipedia have come to a decision that Daily Mail is unreliable and its usage as a reference must be prohibited, especially when there are other reliable sources that exist.

It's also worth noting that when the proposal to ban Daily Mail was initially made, it was actually met with different responses. Some editors were in favor of it while there were also some who opposed to it. Those who disagreed with the move said that Daily Mail was also sometimes reliable and that there are also other publications that can also be deemed as unreliable.

Needless to say, the consensus has been met and Daily Mail alongside its website dailymail.co.uk are now banned from being used as a reference in Wikipedia. There will be instances where citing the publication is necessary such as when talking about the publication itself or any of its employees. However, as a whole, Daily Mail will no longer be cited in Wikipedia. The website's editors also asked for volunteers to review past links to Daily Mail and replace them with other sources if possible.
The release of "Rick and Morty" season three has been pushed by the fans for over a year now and it has been adding pressure to the creators, Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. Thus, to finally address the issue in the most creative way, they released a rap song in response to the queries about the show's third season release date.

Creators Of "Rick And Morty" Pressured By Fans To Release Season 3

Ever since it was confirmed during the end of the second season that "Rick and Morty" will be back for season three, the creators of the show have been pressured into making and releasing the new season already. Now, it has been more than a year since the renewal of the series was confirmed and still, there isn't even any announcement on when it will be released officially. All that the fans have right now are speculations and filler stories by Adult Swim to fill the voids of the waiting fans.

Dan Harmon Uses Humor And Wit To Answer The Queries Of The Fans About The Show's Release

However, Dan Harmon found a way to respond to the fans' queries about the upcoming season in the most artistic way possible. In fact, he was not considered an artist for nothing. During a live interview that he did, when the hosts asked about the upcoming "Rick and Morty" season three, he laid a track to rap over. He went over to explain in a humorous way how to do an animated film which would explain why it would have taken so long. Part of the lyrics of the rap song stated the words "Here's how cartoons work: first, you write them. Then you draw them for a really long time. Everything needs to be on paper, so you can see it. So if all I do is write it and then put it on TV, it will look like a script."

Obviously, Harmon is as creative as he is placed to be, given that he is one of the creators of one of the most loved animated shows of all time. He has always reasoned for the delay of the release of "Rick and Morty" season three and somehow some of the fans still don't grasp the whole thing and how hard it is. Thus, it has led Harmon to explain in a hilarious song to catch the attention of the fans.
Virtual is officially bringing virtual reality to the web, thanks to Google's Chrome browser support for WebVR.

Google's Chrome WebVR Support

According to Tech Crunch, up until now, using virtual reality (VR) on a smartphone has been a pretty complicated matter. The user needs to slot the smartphone into a headset, then launch apps and experiences within the headset after navigating the internal menus and home screens. But now, this is going to change, as Google is by bringing WebVR to Chrome with the aim of making it easier to discover VR content spontaneously.

Previously, Chrome did not offer mobile browser support for WebVR. The browser couldn't gather any data regarding the phone's input controller, orientation, and position. By having access to all this data, Chrome has now the ability to offer pretty rich experiences.

Google offered support for the WebVR API to a beta version of Chrome in December, but now the update is going wide. Users can tap on a WebVR experience after navigating to a particular web page. They have the option of navigating it with a mouse on a desktop or with their finger on touchscreens or connecting the smartphone to their Daydream View in order to have access to a more immersive experience.

WebVR allows content creators and companies to create VR experiences without the need to host them in a native VR app. This update to Chrome supports enabling full experiences with the Daydream headset and controller and allows websites to host 360-degree videos. Among the early partners joining Google's WebVR for Chrome initiative are included PlayCanvas, Matterport, and SketchFab.

Other allies of Google's initiative to bring virtual reality to web browsers are Facebook, Microsoft, and Mozilla. According to CNET, WebVR technology is already promoted by Google on several sites. For instance, Bear 71 is an interactive nature documentary, WebVR Lab offers a collection of interactive VR worlds and Within offers a collection of VR movies.

Google's Partners In Developing WebVR

WebVR has been developed by Google along with Mozilla, the maker of Firefox web browser, Facebook's Oculus team, as well as other partners. Microsoft is also reportedly working to provide WebVR support for its HoloLens eyewear and Edge browser. Among makers of VR headsets such as Samsung's Gear VR and HTC's Vive, support is still spotty.

Mozilla has already enabled WebVR, but only in its developer versions of Firefox aimed at the adventurous and web programmers. However, it is expected that this summer mainstream version of its browser will also add WebVR. This will include support for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

For the moment, this expansion is limited to people viewing the VR content on their desktop or phone without using a headset, as well as to users of Google's Daydream headsets. Google plans to add support for their Cardboard platform and other headsets soon. iPhone users are not included here, given that this only works for Daydream.

Instead of having to create a separate version for each device, in principle, WebVR could make it easier for developers to create a single VR experience working across many different VR headsets. The application can be seen as an extension of how a single website can span user's iPad tablet, Android phone or laptop. The technology called WebVR allows programmers to create more interactive websites that present various computer-generated 3D worlds.
As astronomers use more powerful technologies to search for alien life in the universe, experts warn that an alien contact might not be good for life on earth. Leading researchers say that top organizations should have more action plans in place. However, they also state the benefits if the extraterrestrial creatures are friendly

'There's a possibility that if we actively message, with the intention of getting the attention of an intelligent civilization, that the civilization we contact would not necessarily have our best interests in mind,' Lucianne Walkowicz, an astrophysicist at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, says. In fact, she stresses that making contact could be catastrophic for the human race. On the other hand, there might be great benefits as well.

Alien contact could be something that ends life on Earth, but it might also be something that accelerates the quality of life on Earth. We really have no way of knowing. Another person who believes we're playing a dangerous game by trying to contact them is Stephen Hawking

The physicist believes if aliens make contact with Earth, they are more likely to want to colonize the planet. He describes an alien visit much like when Columbus landed in America. It certainly did not turn out well for the Native Americans, he recently said in an interview, the Daily Star reports.

On the other hand, co-founder and former director of the Seti Institute, Jill Tarter, thinks the opposite is more likely to happen. Any aliens who have managed to travel across the universe will be sophisticated enough and would likely be friendly and peaceful, she argues.

According to the Daily Mail, Seth Shostak, leading expert in detecting radio signals from extraterrestrial civilisations, says that more needs to be done to put an action plan in place.He compares our current response to aliens to the Neanderthals having a plan in case the US Air Force showed up. In the 1980s, basic protocols for first contact were put in place, but they're merely guidelines, and not action plans for dealing with alien contact.


For several weeks now, net neutrality has been a hot topic of discussion in the tech industry. It began with President Donald Trump's appointing of Ajit Pai as the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Pai has since been very vocal about his plans to change the various projects and regulations put in place by the former administration.

The former FCC chairman, Tom Wheeler, established the Open Internet rules in 2015. The entire goal of the same is to provide internet users with a consistent service no matter where they are and no matter what they want to see. As such, broadband providers are unable to block specific pages or create special fast lanes for content. This principal is what makes up net neutrality.

But with Pai at the seat, this might all change. As IBTimes noted, the newly appointed executive has often called net neutrality as a "regulatory overreach" and has called on the FCC to remove specific regulations that he himself considers as obstructive. The entire principal of net neutrality has not been erased, but there are concrete steps that have started to blur the lines.

Those who opposed the removal of net neutrality, and Pai's administration in general, fear that the fate of internet will no longer lie in the hands of regulatory bodies but in the hands of providers. As such, providers would theoretically have the freedom to package their services in any way that they see fit, no matter how much it might disadvantage their competitors and thereafter their users. The incentives for startups and smaller players would be stifled in the midst of big player moves.

Theoretically, what could happen is that the bigger players will block all small players out of the market. Even if start-ups get their foot into the industry, it is unlikely that they will survive long if they are unable to provide the same level or service. "If net neutrality did not exist in 2004, MySpace would pay for faster access to customers and Facebook might never have caught on," said Nathan White, a senior legislative manager of organization Access Now, a digital rights activist group.

On the other side, those that are on board with Pai's administration argue that the removal of such strict restrictions and conduct will actual foster positive competition. They argue that what could result are services that are the best that they can be because there are no restrictions holding them back. Arguably, the bigger players will be able to provide their best without having to consider the smaller players.

Good or bad, Pai's administration is taking action - that is sure. And as Engadet reported, the new FCC chairman is doing exactly what was expected of him. The executive, an ex-Verizon lawyer, has also started the process of altering a few other regulations. Like the above, the positives and negatives of the same are up for discussion.

Pai has also made the first moves to suppress an old FCC project that would reform the set-top box market. He also wants the FCC to be much more transparent than it used to be by making its agendas known to the public prior to meetings. The idea, as Pai explained, would be an FCC that shows the public how it operates and it would also increase public engagement.
WikiLeaks is facing one of its most delicate moments, given the fact that its leader Julian Assange might be evicted from the Ecuadorean embassy, after Ecuadors presidential candidate Guillermo Lasso assured that he will end his asylum if hes elected. Naturally, this is something that represents a huge threat to WikiLeaks future, considering that this is an organization which structure has been characterized for being extremely vertical.

Ecuadors Next President Might End Julian Assanges Asylum

In fact, Lasso explained that he would give Assange a months notice to leave the embassy since he believes that a costly asylum is no longer justified. Of course, the setback would be extremely huge and will put Julian Assange into a quite critical situation, given the fact that he has lived for four and a half year in the Ecuadorean embassy. Actually, what seems to be the most crucial detail about this controversy, is that even in the case that Lasso doesn't get elected, it is quite possible that the next Ecuadorean president will also make this same move against Julian Assange, which put WikiLeaks leader into some kind of labyrinth which exit remains unknown.

WikiLeaks Could Enter Into A Whole New Era

If he doesn't solve this situation, it is quite possible that Julian Assange ends up getting extradited to Sweden to face the accusations of sexual assault, or even in the U.S. Naturally, this would put WikiLeaks into one of its most difficult moments, considering that Assange is its main leader, and his absence would be extremely harmful for the organization, to the point in which it can't be discarded a possible closure.

Nevertheless, considering that there are still some months before the outcome is officially known, WikiLeaks might start to take some measures to offset what could do good for Julian Assange, but even if the organization takes the best decision and make the greatest move, it wouldn't be the same without him. WikiLeaks could be facing its end or the beginning of a weaker era.
When faced with a challenge, the most likely move that a tech company does is to turn towards technology, at least that's what Facebook is doing. Following a global criticism that its ad approval process was failing to separate discriminatory ads, Facebook has revised and renewed its approach towards advertising, the social media company announced on Wednesday.

In addition to updating its policies about how advertisers will be able to use data to target users, the social media giant also plans to implement a high-tech solution, which is machine learning.

Facebook's Turn Towards Machine Learning

According to TheChristianScienceMonitor, artificial intelligence has, in recent years, have been climbing off the pages of science fiction and into countless aspects of the real world and everyday life. Facebook's new ad-approval algorithms are wading into greener territory as the company attempts to utilize machine learning to address, or at least not contribute to, any social discrimination.

"Machine learning has already been around for half a century at least but we're only recently starting to use it to make a social difference," Geoffrey Gordon, who is an associate professor in the Machine Learning Department at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said in a phone interview made by CDANews, "It is definitely going to become increasingly significant."

Other Tech Companies Are Following The Trend

Though analysts warned that machine learning does have its limits, such an approach can also carry tremendous potential for addressing these types of challenges. Having that in mind, more companies other than Facebook - particularly the ones in the technology sector - are likely to deploy similar techniques in the near future.

Facebook's change of strategy towards this technological advancement will definitely influence other companies to also incorporate AI technology into their arsenal. Facebook's move is only the beginning of AI advancement into people's everyday lives.

Only time will tell what would happen next.
An appalling betrayal among the CIS team is about to be discovered. Still unnamed, the CIA L.A. agents will drop their jaws upon knowing that the traitor is someone they least expected. Meanwhile, Kensi still remains captive by the mole who continues to torture her. The agents though are to come up with a rescue plan that may bring her out either dead or alive.

After over a month of hiatus, the "NCIS: Los Angeles" is finally coming back with its season finale on Sunday, Feb. 19. The latest spoilers to surface about the "NCIS: Los Angeles" season 8, episode 15 reveal that one agent in the NCIS is apparently backstabbing the rest of the team. A traitor among them will be found out by one of the male members of NCIS L.A. Who among them is bringing the team at risk is still greatly kept under the wraps, hence the identity of the traitor and how it tries to turn down the team still remains as a shocker.

There was a theory though that recently went out, claiming that the betrayal will have a connection to the mole incident. Some are suspecting that the traitor refers to the mole who apparently works with the NCIS L.A. team, hence their difficulties in finding out the culprit's identity and location.

Meanwhile, the episode 14 of "NCIS: Los Angeles" revealed that Kensi has been kidnapped by the mole. She is kept in a location that remains unknown to the NCIS L.A. team. A heavy torture session is being inflicted on the captive, and the team is already distressed as to how they can formulate a rescue plan. The agents though reportedly have to find a way as soon as possible to save the life of Kensi who is in danger of being beaten to death.

A theory on "NCIS: Los Angeles" though states that Marty Deeks will save Kensi from harm. Their relationship is reportedly a driving force for the former to come to the latter's rescue, hence fans might see a sweet reunion of the two.

"NCIS: Los Angeles" airs on Sundays on CBS.


More than 400 whales have been stranded in New Zealand. At least 250 of these whales have already died. The rest are struggling for survival as they re-float in a beach in Farewell Spit in Golden Bay on Friday morning.

According to the local Department of Conservation, they are exerting their fullest effort to save the rest of the whales which are still alive. As of press time, they have already helped 50 whales return to their habitat. However, another 80 to 90 of these whales re-stranded themselves five hours later.

Kath Inwood, scout ranger from the Department of Conservation, relayed that the resurfacing of the dolphins at shore ignited the passion of environmental conservationists nearby. When news broke of the dolphins resurfacing, two to three hundred truck loads of people arrived to help. According to Inwoods estimate, about three hundred to four hundred people have rendered their help to save these dolphins.

Furthermore, Inwood told CNN that many locals have been trained to in keeping animals safe and comfortable. She even commended the volunteers for having worked efficiently and selflessly with the knowledge and expertise they learned. In consideration of the volunteers safety in helping the stressed animals return to sea, work will temporarily stop at night time.

According to a department staffer, the whales were first spotted within the waters Thursday night. The source futher added that this is not the first time that whales have re-stranded themselves. Usually, the re-floating happens around November and March, but there are mostly one or two dolphins found at the shoreline. Recently, the worlds oldest killer whale has died.

MSN News also reported that volunteers find it extremely difficult to get the living animals back in the sea because of the many whale carcasses in the area. This is because the dead whales areobstructing the course of the sea. Furthermore, dozens of volunteers formed a human chain to prevent the whales from re-stranding themselves.
A protest has been planned in Sharm el-Sheikh, the venue of the summit.
The first utility-scale wind farm in North Carolina is now fully operational even though the state's top politicians wanted President Donald Trump to nix the $400 million project because they said it's a national security threat.

Avangrid Renewables today announced the wind farm, sporting 104 turbines that are 50-stories tall, is now generating 670 megawatt hours (MWh), enough electricity for 61,000 homes. The wind farm is located in the northern part of the state and was built out across farm lands.

Avangrid Renewables One of 106 wind turbines under construction as part a 670MWh farm that will power Amazon's Virginia data centers.

Amazon is buying electricity from the new wind farm to power its Virginia data centers. The North Carolina facility is one of three new wind and solar projects Amazon announced as part of its AWS sustainability project that is now delivering energy onto the electric grid that power its data centers.

After a development and permitting process that began in 2009, Avangrid Renewables began building the North Carolina wind farm in the summer of 2015.

Ten North Carolina legislators, including state House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger, however, asked the Trump administration to kill the project because of its proximity to the Navy's long-distance surveillance radar installation in Chesapeake, Va., according to an Associated Press report. The Navy radar station scans the Atlantic and Caribbean for ships and planes.

Avangrid Renewables Farm owners sign a massive turbine propeller before it was hoisted 50 stories up.

Last month, the Pentagon said the wind farm and radar station can operate without detriment to either. For its part, Avangrid Renewables culled the size of the project, repositioned the turbines and worked with the military to avoid affecting the radar array.

With the new wind farm operational, Amazon said it has exceeded its 2016 goal of being powered by 40% renewable energy; it has set a new goal to be at 50% by the end of 2017.

Avangrid Renewables The Avangrid Renewables wind farm is located in northern North Carolina on rural farm lands.

"Amazon is investing in several other clean energy activities across the company," the online retailer and service provider said in a statement. "Some of our other projects include Amazon Wind Farm Texas -- a 253MW wind farm in Scurry County, Texas -- green rooftops, and the District Energy Project that uses recycled energy for heating Amazon offices in Seattle."

The 18-month construction project put more than 30 North Carolina-based companies to work, at one point employed more than 500 workers and resulted in more than $18 million spent locally by Avangrid Renewables. The total of landowner payments and taxes will begin injecting more than $1.1 million into the local economy each year, the company said.

Avangrid Renewables The massive base of one 50-story-tall wind turbine contructed by Avangrid Renewables in North Carolina.

Farms have been growing corn, soybeans, and wheat for a long time here, and the wind farm revenue means a lot of families are protected from pricing swings, floods or droughts going forward, said Horace Pritchard, one of nearly 60 North Carolina landowners associated with the project. Were just adding another locally-grown crop to our fields, with very little ground taken out of production, and the improved roads really help with access, so its a great fit here.
In a year thats already been marked by uncertainty, one thing is clear: IT outsourcing customers will need to reexamine their approaches to IT services in 2017. We see a big year ahead for technology transactions, says Brad Peterson, partner in the Chicago office of Mayer Brown, in a recent webinar on the law firms 2017 predictions for the IT and business services space.

[ Related: Outsourcing trends to watch in 2017 ]

There are big changes afoot in a number of areas  from a political climate that threatens to reshape the already shifting global IT services industry to new data protection and privacy regulations and the drive to extract more value from data to the widespread adoption of new digital technologies to a revolution thats begun in the more rapid delivery of software and other systems.

Mayer Brown brought together four leaders from its technology transactions to explain what theyve been seeing in the areas of IT outsourcing, data and privacy, digital services and software development, and what IT leaders can do to best prepare for the changes this year is likely to bring.

Politics and provider proliferation challenge outsourcing customers

This year is proving to be a time of great uncertainty both in the U.S. and abroad. This may be one of few times when traditional outsourcing is actually directly affected by the political climate, says Daniel Masur, partner in Mayer Browns Washington, D.C. office.

[ Related: IT service providers prepare for potential H-1B visa changes ]

In the U.S., the new administration is promising major changes in trade agreements, regulations, corporate taxes and visa policies in the name of retaining American jobs, which would impact outsourcing models built upon the benefits of labor arbitrage. The Brexit vote; looming elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany; and the uncertain economic state of Italy and other EU countries just adds to the uncertainty, says Masur. Companies with existing outsourcing arrangements and those completing new ones in early 2017 will be closely monitoring these developments.

Outsourcing customers will want to add flexibility to the IT service deals by seeking new termination rights, the right to switch locations, the right to insource, and other similar protections. However, Masur warned, providers are likely to push back insisting that these issues are customer  not provider  problems to solve.

To some degree these political changes may well accelerate the move to sourcing models offering cost savings not based on offshore labor arbitrage such as cloud services, robotic automation and utility offerings. While these sourcing strategies may result in the elimination of American jobs, Masur says, they cannot be attacked as offshoring jobs to foreign countries.

The net result of the current political environment is hard to pinpoint. Some customers may accelerate outsourcing deals before any significant changes occur while others may defer outsourcing decisions pending further resolution of these issues. But IT leaders can suspend decision-making for so long, says Masur. There is simply too much risk of a disruptive innovator taking advantage of that delay.

Meanwhile, IT leaders are also contending with the challenges of an expanding portfolio of new and niche technology companies. Our clients have been entering in to outsourcing contracts with an increasing number of providers, says Paul Roy, a partner in Mayer Browns Chicago office. We have every expectation that they will source services from an ever expanding list of emerging and digital technology providers.

Data security becomes a key consideration

IT leaders will continue to encounter the kinds of extensive changes in cybersecurity and data privacy regulations that began last year, says Rebecca Eisner, partner in Mayer Browns Chicago office.

Since the EU-US Safe Harbor agreement was invalidated last year, companies have been scrambling to find alternative means of transferring personal data form the EU to the U.S. (The agreement had permitted American businesses to import personal data of EU citizens based on self-certification of compliance with EU data protection principles.)

A new framework called the Privacy Shield emerged last summer, but companies are continuing to assess whether to adopt the approach, Eisner says. Meanwhile, the EUs new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) last year will go into force next May and will likely result in significant technical and operational changes for multinational companies and companies outside of the EU who process the personal data of EU citizens.

Russia and China also have new data localization laws. LinkedIn was blocked in Russia for violation of the Russian law last November and Chinas controversial cybersecurity law will go into force in June.

U.S. federal and state regulators also continue to focus on consumer privacy and data security issues. While federal efforts will be subject to the overarching direction of the new administration, Eisner says she expects continued active enforcement and introduction of new regulations at the state level.
Papa Johns International has hired Mike Nettles  a key member of the IT team that drove Panera Breads digital transformation  as its CIO and chief digital officer (CDO). The move signals the pizza chains intent to boost its capabilities at a time when rivals Pizza Hut and Dominos Pizza are exploring voice-based virtual assistants as the next frontier for digital ordering.

Nettles is a proven leader in the digital and retail sectors that will help us deliver a better customer experience and elevate our digital platforms, says Papa Johns President and COO Steve Ritchie, who is Nettles boss, in a statement.

Nettles demonstrated that leadership at Panera, where he drove IT architecture and processes for Panera 2.0, an effort to remove friction from the ordering experience. Customers can order and pay for takeout in advance online or from their mobile phone, as well as from iPad kiosks, in a Panera cafe. Nettles led the technical design, development and implementation of digital and in-cafe Panera assets.

Change management is paramount

While such an ambitious project requires its fair share of tinkering with code, applications and servers, it also required significant change management for Paneras cafe employees and the consumers they work to serve, Nettles tells CIO.com in an email interview.

Nettles will apply his experience balancing quality guest and operational experiences at Papa Johns. For example, he says that while it may be easy to drop in a feature that looks great on paper, it can have unintended consequences if not introduced properly, harming both operating margins and the guest experience.

The industry is littered with examples of feature glut that simply didnt work, and usually because they didnt work in harmony with the culture of the brand, Nettles says. That focus on the overall solution  the system if you will  is what excites me about Papa Johns. They have a tremendous culture and it resonates with our customers. Finding ways to change technology offerings that leverage that is the real opportunity.

While Nettles says Papa Johns current architecture roadmap is solid, technology changes are inevitable as his team finds new ways to augment the customer experience. Theres an art to it, and thats where the team already in place at Papa Johns will impress the industry the most. They are already well adapted to change.

From Starbucks and Panera to pizza chains, online and mobile ordering have become table stakes for a quick-service industry where consumers expect to use any device to reduce wait time. Papa Johns says that 55 percent of its domestic sales now come through digital platforms, with 60 percent of those digital transactions coming from iPhones and Android smartphones. In August, Papa Johns launched an app that lets consumers customize and order their pizza from their Apple TV.

Pizza ordering via chat, voice platforms

Digital and mobile solutions help facilitate transactions and reduce friction for consumers. Moves by Papa Johns rivals Pizza Hut and Dominos Pizza suggest voice and messaging platforms could be the key ingredients to courting more customers, or at least boost brand loyalty.

Dominos last week began allowing consumers to use their smartphones to text orders to its Dom virtual assistant within Facebook Messenger. Pizza Hut Thursday began allowing customers to order pizza using their voice via Amazon.coms Alexa assistant. Customers can enable the Pizza Hut skill from either the Alexa App or Amazon.com by saying Alexa, ask Pizza Hut to place an order.

Whether Papa Johns will offer similar services is a question the company isnt ready to answer. A Papa Johns spokesman said, In the coming weeks, stay tuned for announcements detailing some new digital innovations which are sure to improve the customer experience.

Nettles path to Papa Johns is a rocky one. Panera in July sued Nettles and the pizza chain for violating a noncompete agreement. According to the USA Today-owned Courier-Journal, Panera alleged that Nettles took with him, via his Mac laptop and Dropbox, trade secrets related to capturing consumers who place mobile orders. The case was settled and dismissed in December, clearing the way for Nettles to begin his new role.

Prior to Panera, Nettles served as the CTO at DiningIn and previously held positions with Torex, Brinker International, NeoStar Retail Group and was the founder and principal of Red Chair Ventures.
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A DAY dedicated to raising awareness of the issues facing remote communities in getting access to water has been organised by the Isle of Wight charity Roll Out the Barrel.

Taking place as part of the UN World Water Day, on March 22, all 52 of the Island's schools have been invited to get involved.





The charity will work with schools to teach children about the way water is transported by children in developing countries.





Roll Out the Barrel has created a special barrel that can be pulled along the ground that makes it much easier for communities to fetch water, meaning children have time to go to school.





Everyone who takes part will receive a certificate of inclusion in the United Nations World Water Day.





A fundraising night is also set to take place at Prezzo, High Street, Newport.





The World Water Day Dinner and AfroArt Exhibition will feature original African artwork for sale.




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Links to our top local news stories of the day, Monday through Saturday.
N.C. Appeals Court denies BAT appeal on shareholder lawsuit

The state Court of Appeals has denied an appeal by British American Tobacco Plc involving a N.C. Business Court decision related to shareholder lawsuit claims against Reynolds American Inc. and its board of directors. The decision was reached Feb. 2

The appeals court agreed Jan. 4 to dismiss the claims against Reynolds and its board, but kept alive a series of claims against BAT for its pivotal role in Reynolds $29.25 billion purchase of Lorillard Inc. in July 2015. BAT requested its appeal be heard by the entire appeals court.

As part of a four-party transaction, BAT spent $4.7 billion to maintain a 42.2 percent ownership stake in Reynolds. Legacy non-BAT Reynolds shareholders hold 42.8 percent, and legacy Lorillard shareholders 15 percent.

On Jan. 17, the independent members of Reynolds board accepted BATs $49.4 billion offer to buy the 57.8 percent of shares of Reynolds that it does not own.

The Beatrice Corwin Living Irrevocable Trust attempted to block the megadeal that was announced in July 2014. The case was transferred to the business court, which handles complex business cases.

Business Court Judge James Gale ruled in August 2015 that the plaintiff failed to state a claim that proved BAT controlled the deal. However, the appeals court ruled BAT may owe a fiduciary duty to other shareholders. The BAT aspect of the lawsuit was remanded to Gale.

Richard Craver

Summit Credit Union acquires Hickory competitor

Summit Credit Union said Thursday it has acquired Corning Cable Systems Credit Union, effective Feb. 1.

Summit is based in Greensboro, while Corning Cable is based in Hickory with 3,800 members and assets of $34 million. By comparison, Summit has $220 million in assets and 33,000 members.

Corning Cable has at least 304 employees in Winston-Salem with plans to add another 100 through a planned production expansion.

Since 1962, it has been serving employees of Corning Cable Systems, Corning Corp. and US Conec and their family members.

Summit said it has gained five employees in the acquisition, including Marc Jacobson, chief executive of the Corning credit union.

Summit has pledged to build a new branch at 102 First Ave. NE in Hickory.

Richard Craver

Company pledges to create 71 jobs in Montgomery County

Carolina Structural Systems said Thursday it will open a manufacturing plant in Star that represents the creation of 71 jobs and a $1.3 million capital investment.

The company, founded in 2016, designs, manufactures and sells customized wood-based building materials to the residential and light-commercial construction markets. Plant employees will include designers, builders and management.

The annual wages for the new positions will average $45,647. By comparison, Montgomery Countys average yearly wage is $33,388.

The company has been made eligible for up to $200,000 in performance-based incentives from the One North Carolina Fund, which requires matching local incentives.

Richard Craver
Greensboro  The N.C. State Bar has suspended a Guilford County lawyers license after immigration officials banned a Honduras woman from the United States for 10 years because she followed advice from his law firm.

Mirtila Jannett Ortiz Sanchez sought assistance filing for legal residency in the U.S. from Calle Law, run by Alvaro De La Calle, a North Carolina immigration attorney since 2012.

The State Bars Order of Discipline said that Claudia Dagnesses, a paralegal and Calles office manager, told Sanchez that to be granted legal residency she needed to travel back to her native country and that she did not need immigration officials permission to leave the U.S.

Sanchez followed that advice, and traveled to Honduras to file paperwork, leaving her husband and children behind.

What Sanchez did not know was that Dagnesses was not a lawyer and was not authorized to give legal advice. She was also unaware that advice was incorrect.

Immigration officials denied Sanchezs request for residency and banned her from returning to the U.S. for 10 years because she left the country without permission. She hired another North Carolina lawyer and was granted permission to return to the United States 11 months later.

The State Bars order says the family was traumatized by the separation and had to pay $7,550 in various legal fees and travel costs.

As a result, the bar suspended Calles law license for five years.

Calle did not respond Thursday to a request for comment left with a woman who answered the phone at his office.

The State Bar ordered Calle to pay $7,550 to Sanchez and her husband, Wilson Edgardo Soriano Galeas. The money covers administrative and attorney fees and repays the $1,000 Dagnesses charged Sanchez for her services and Sanchezs travel costs to and from Honduras. It does not include future legal fees, child care the couple incurred while Sanchez was in Honduras or their lost income.

Sanchez was in the United States legally on a temporary protected status when she sought advice from Calle Law for legal residency.

At the time, in 2013, her son had just turned 21 years old and could apply for her legal residency by filling out a Petition for Alien Relative form. The family took that step but the National Visa Center said the family needed to provide additional documents.

In 2014, Sanchezs husband contacted Calle Law and spoke with Dagnesses, who helped the couple fill out immigration paperwork, some of which was unnecessary, the discipline order states.

A year later, in June 2015, Dagnesses told Sanchez to travel to Honduras, the order states.

When the State Bar asked Calle about the situation with Sanchez he initially denied she was a client.

Later, Winston-Salem-based attorney Dudley Witt tcq wrote to the State Bar on Calles behalf that Calle answered the complaint without knowing about his sisters actions or that she had charged Sanchez money.

The order states that the State Bar believes Calle did know Sanchez was a client of his law firm.

Conditions of the suspension list strict requirements for reinstatement of Calles law license.

He is required to undergo a psychiatric or psychological evaluation by a doctor approved by the State Bar. He is also required to release his medical records to the State Bar.

Throughout the five-year suspension, Calle must keep up with continuing legal education requirements. The State Bar ordered him to take an additional three hours of both law-practice management and immigration law classes yearly throughout the suspension.

If his license is reinstated, Calle would be required to contract with another attorney for two years who would review his cases and discuss potential legal issues with statutory and regulatory authorities, among other duties.

That attorney would submit quarterly reports about the meeting to the State Bar.
HIGH POINT  Two-thirds of North Carolinians say President Donald Trump will be successful in passing his programs.

Gov. Roy Cooper? Not so much.

In the latest High Point University Poll, 67 percent of respondents said Trump will get his agenda passed. Only 42 percent said the same is true for Cooper.

Twenty-three percent said Trump will be unsuccessful and 33 percent said the same for Cooper.

In terms of policy, North Carolina residents gave Trump a 40 percent approval rate and a 46 percent approval for Cooper. Fifty-two percent disapproved of Trumps policies and plans for the future. Coopers disapproval rate was 19 percent.

Poll respondents disagreed somewhat on who they want to see take the lead role in setting policy. Twenty-three percent said they want to see Trump take the lead, while another 21 percent said they would like to see Republicans in Congress take the lead. Forty percent said they want Democrats in Congress setting policy.

There are similar divisions among North Carolinians on who they would like to see setting policy in the state. About one-third (35 percent) of respondents said they want Cooper to have the lead role, while 31 percent want to see Republicans in the General Assembly in that role. Twenty-four percent want to see Democrats in the General Assembly take the lead role.

A relatively large majority of North Carolinians believe President Trump will pass his policy program, but as a whole they are less supportive of the policies themselves, Martin Kifer, the director of the HPU Poll and an associate professor of political science, said in a news release.

In Coopers case, North Carolinians are less sure he will be successful in passing his program, which makes sense given Republican control of the General Assembly, Kifer said. And when it comes to taking the lead on policy, there are divisions along partisan lines about who should do it  the executive or one of the parties in the legislature.

The poll was conducted Jan. 28 through Feb. 3. The margin of error is about 4.9 percentage points.
The number of flu-related deaths in North Carolina increased to 22 with the report of three more victims, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday.

There was one death reported for the week that ended Feb. 4, as well as two victims connected to previous weeks.

A death was reported in each of these age groups: 65 and older, 50-to-64 and 25-to-49.

The week that ended Dec. 31 has had the most deaths at four.

For the flu season that began Oct. 1, 15 deaths have been individuals age 65 and older, along with three in people 55 to 64, two in the 25-to-54 age group, and one each in the 5-to-17 and 18-to-24 age groups.

There have been no reported flu-related deaths in the Triad and Northwest N.C. Some county health directors do not publicly report flu deaths, citing patient privacy policies or state DHHS directives.

Flu can be a serious illness not only for the elderly, but also for children under 5, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

There were 59 flu-related deaths during the 2015-16 season, along with 218 flu-related deaths in 2014-15, with 180 of the victims being 65 and older.

None of the Triads primary hospitals currently have visitor restrictions related to the flu season.

Before the end of 2016, Cone Health of Greensboro and Randolph Hospital of Asheboro began advising visitors with flu-like symptoms to not visit family members or friends in their facilities. The Cone Health restrictions also cover Alamance Regional Hospital, Annie Penn Hospital, Wesley Long Hospital and Womens Hospital.
Donald Trump, the citizen, was an unconventional presidential candidate, and he made no attempts to refashion his style after becoming president-elect.

Throughout his long campaign and four months as president-elect, he made some audacious promises to the American people, such as building a huge wall stretching across the U.S.-Mexican border, putting coal miners back to work, repealing the Affordable Care Act with a replacement that covers all people and threatening to dissolve our commitment to NATO.

Will President Trump practice more restraint and adhere to the prevailing rules of protocol and civility expected of a world leader? Because of his impulsive nature and habit of modifying anything he announces, we do not know how he will govern in the long term. Based on his first few weeks in the Oval Office, though, we have every reason to believe that the Trump we have observed for months is the real Trump.

The medias compulsive coverage of Donald Trump as candidate and president has made little mention of his perspective related to our basic and historic understanding of religious freedom embodied in the First Amendment to the Constitution. There is evidence to support the notion that Trump has little or no familiarity with the U.S. Constitution, or that he simply has no regard for it. His pronouncements while a candidate and as president-elect about the relationship between government and religion reflect a limited understanding of the issues. The concept that government must neither promote nor disparage any religion seems to be completely foreign to him.

Candidate Trump repeatedly directed troubling threats toward our Muslim citizens that rob them of their First Amendment rights. His ideas of registering Muslims and banning Muslims from entering this country are far beyond what is acceptable in a democracy, and the enactment of such ideas would be an unimaginably dangerous practice. President Trumps appointment of Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as National Security Advisor has only exacerbated the possibility of the threats becoming a law or official policy. According to Gen. Flynn, Islam is not a religion. To him, apparently, it is only a terrorist front.

Repealing the Johnson Amendment is another promise Trump made specifically to conservative Christian leaders. Lyndon Johnson was a U.S. senator when he added an amendment to the federal tax law in1954. The amendment prohibits tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations from endorsing or opposing any candidate running for public office. Houses of worship can decline the tax-exempt status and actively campaign for or against candidates, but some churches want both the exemption and the permission to be politically active. Why should taxpayers subsidize a church in the form of an exemption when that church is operating as a political action committee?

According to a poll by the Pew Research Center, 81 percent of white evangelical Christians voted for Trump, and his response has been wholesale support of their social causes. He has promised to appoint justices to the U.S. Supreme Court in the mold of Antonin Scalia and to defund Planned Parenthood.

Also, the Donald Trump who once supported LGBTQ rights has reversed that position and now says he would sign proposed legislation that would legalize discrimination (refusing services) against anyone considered to be immoral. The proposed legislation, the First Amendment Defense Act, would deny our fellow citizens equal protection under the law.

In addition, Trump has proposed a $20 billion voucher program that would siphon tax dollars away from public schools and direct them to private, mostly religious, institutions. If this proposal is enacted into law, there is little doubt significant funds will be given to students attending religious schools, because Trumps secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, is an advocate for the privatization of public schools and is especially supportive of the practice of public funds supporting private religious schools.

Public money paying for sectarian education and religious indoctrination is without a doubt a violation of the principle of church-state separation. Trump seemingly cannot grasp the fact that he is openly favoring one specific religious demographic and by doing so denying the beliefs of another religious demographic.

Freedom of religion is a gift the United States gave to the world in the 18th century. The idea that there would be no state religion was a revolutionary concept. In the 21st century, Trump, who has less than a sophisticated grasp of religious freedom, is challenging that concept. We must take pains to guard the constitutional standard of freedom of religion that is under attack from the highest level of government.
Today

Periods of rain. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.

Tonight

Periods of rain. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.

Tomorrow

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
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By Ali Murat Yel | (Informed Comment) |  

Turkey is facing a possible referendum in April regarding a constitutional amendment that would change the current system from a parliamentary to a presidential one. Despite heated debates in the public arena, in which the left has alleged that a presidential system will move Turkey into dictatorship, voters do not seem overly interested in the technicalities of the possible system change. The proposal requires some expertise in terms of legal and political language. Still, there is a considerable probability the referendum will succeed. Turkey has become a center-right country, with the left in a structural and long-term national minority.

Although the Turkish electorate was capable of fairly dramatic swings in the twentieth century, in this century there has been relatively little voter volatility. Some 90 per cent of the electorate has a strong attachment to a political party and for the past decade and a half there has been little swing between elections. Over two-thirds of the working class and rural inhabitants support the conservative parties. The remaining third of the electorate, comprising mainly urban middle class people, support leftist or social democratic currents, like the Republican Peoples Party (CHP). For much of the twentieth century, the determinedly secular and statist CHP, founded by Kemal Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey, had dominated the countrys politics. The entry into the political sphere of rural and provincial urban populations in recent decades, however, has reduced the CHP seats in parliament to only about one fourth.

In the 1920s through the 1940s, the political elites who had established the Republic considered themselves to be the owners of the country, who had the burden of civilizing the masses without asking their opinions on the upcoming changes in their lives. There was no social contract whatsoever between the ruled and the rulers until a multi-party system began being implemented in 1946. The memory of the one-party state has traumatized everyone, and conservatives have been able to play on a fear of marginalization and humiliation for their traditional values in provincial voters. Secular Kemalists, in contrast, whip up anxieties in the urban professional classes of going back to the darkness of Middle Ages.

The cooperation between the pro-Islam Justice and Development (AK) Party and the secular conservative National Movement Party (MHP) is a clear indication of this historical right wing bloc in Turkey. There are, however, also some floating voters who could be persuaded to change their votes by factors like economic slowdown, which would endanger their livelihoods, or issues like security and stability. The latter in turn are associated in the minds of relations with the United States, the European Union, and neighbouring countries. For some liberal elites, democratic reforms like human rights and more importantly, rule of law were crucial issues for their political choices.

The no camp will probably campaign against the referendum item on the grounds that a presidential system will polarize society and allow a sweeping intervention by the president in their secular style of life. Kemalists and their allies see themselves as guardians of the Republic in a proprietary way. They often seem to hold that their values are beyond criticism, since they had the lions share in modernizing the country. They inscribed this project of modernity in part on the female body . How women dressed was seen as a barometer of modernity and backwardness. So, until recently, traditionally clothed women were excluded from public spaces such as government buildings and even universities, an exclusion that affected the whole family. However, the militantly secular section of the society who had occupied the political center through the 1990s is anxious about losing their privileges over the rest of the society, whom they had been marginalized into the periphery. In short, this polarization issue has been disputed by the two sides from their own perspectives inasmuch as both of them accuse the other of plotting the marginalization of rivals. The secularists do have an advantage in typically having louder megaphones.

The center-left will also invoke the specter of authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and dictatorship. These charges have not appeared to hurt Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Tayyip Erdogan in the past, inasmuch as he keeps winning elections, and may not deter the public with regard to a presidential system. The warning by the left that the AKP is a stealth vehicle for the imposition on secular Turkey of Muslim fundamentalism has never borne much fruit and likely the wider public has come to discount it.

The center-right, on the other hand, may be overly cocky. Their appeal to a feeling of past grievance on the part of marginalized traditionalists may not any longer have the appeal it once did. The younger generation is developing their own political ideologies, independent of their parents, as a result of modern individualization in the society. Ironically, the changes that have allowed women wearing a head-scarf to enter government facilities has made the issue less salient. The AKP argument that before it began regularly winning elections in the early 2000s, Turkey had been perennially beset by economic and political instability is overused, and invokes a distant past many Turks no longer remember or no longer remember very vividly. Similarly, the achievements of the AK Party over the past 15 years in different realms like the economy, health, transportation, and other investments are not necessarily persuasive as predictors of a future under a different system.

Still, despite its unpredictability in other spheres, when it comes to elections, the electorate in the past decade and a half seems to be fairly consistently divided into two camps, with the center-right in the majority. Unless one party makes a huge mistake, voters will not likely cross the aisle. The precise issues, or the details of the referendum, will be less important than the party loyalty and the countrys deep cultural division Unless the Kemalist opposition can overcome the conviction of the average voter that they are elitists with no robust ideas for taking the country into a brighter future, the center-right will likely continue to prevail.

Ali Murat Yel is Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Radio, Television and Cinema at Marmara University, Turkey.



Related video added by Juan Cole:

TRT from last month: Turkeys Constitutional Reforms: AKP plans referendum on executive presidency
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By Christopher Zumski Finke | ( Yes! Magazine ) |  

The large refugee community in Minnesota is a big target for bigotry, and tensions are expected to get worse. But theyve got a plan.

In November 2015, Asma Jama, a Somali-born woman living in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, was waiting for her pasta alfredo at Applebees, chatting in Swahili with her family, when she was confronted by Jodie Burchard-Risch. Burchard-Risch demanded that Jama speak English or go home. Then, she smashed her beer mug in Jamas face.

I forgive you. And I hope that you choose love over hate.

The attack was shocking and made national news. This past December, Jama spoke at the sentencing hearing for Burchard-Risch, who pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and will serve six months in jail. Jama recounted the fear she lives with after the attack, saying she no longer goes anywhere alone. Still, she spoke words of kindness to the woman who showed her none. In front of everybody here, Jama told the packed courtroom, I forgive you. And I hope that you choose love over hate.

Minnesota is home to the nations largest Somali population. And like so many Muslim communities throughout the United States, Minnesota Somalis are organizing to combat the Islamophobia stoked by Trump. The Minnesota Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) plans to activate 10,000 Minnesotans using a three-part strategy grounded in the belief that people will, when given a chance, choose respect and understanding instead of fear, following Jamas example of rejecting hate.

CAIR-MN plans to use a combination of traditional organizing tactics and new outreach efforts to communities not historically engaged in this fight.

Successfully engaging thousands of people to fight Islamophobia depends on an understanding that Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-MN, laid out to about 60 Somali and non-Somali activists in late December. Most Americans agree there is something wrong with how we are treating American Muslims, Hussein said. They know something is wrong, even if they cannot identify it. As Trumps presidency nears, Hussein told the room, They know theyve got to do something about it.

Muslims expect American Islamophobia to intensify under Trump, and Somali Americans expect to be on the front line.

The Somali-American community had been the target of institutionalized Islamophobia prior to the campaign and subsequent election of Donald Trump. The Somali community in Minnesota was at the blunt end of Islamophobia before this election, says Hussein. But it is a phenomenon that has outgrown all previous levels.

Somalis in Minnesota targeted

The U.S. Census Bureau data estimates there are 40,000 Somali-speaking residents in Minnesota. Underreporting to the U.S. Census Bureau is common, though, and by some accounts, the number of Somalisincluding resettled refugees, inter-state migrants, and native U.S.-born residentscould be twice as high. While Somali Americans have planted deep roots in the state, starting thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations, opening schools and mosques around the Twin Cities metro area and beyond, tension between the states largest Muslim population and native Minnesotans has risen in recent years.

The uncertainty and tension felt by Somalis result in part from the Somali identity inhabiting multiple American fault lines. Imam Hassan Mohamud put it bluntly: We are Black. We are immigrants. We are Muslims.

Mohamud, Imam at the Minnesota DaWah Institute, spoke at a recent anti-Islamophobia meeting, where he explained how Somali Americans feel the harsh rhetoric against Muslims, the anti-refugee rhetoric in general, and racism against African Americans. The compounding effect of this racism and Islamophobia has left Somalis feeling specifically targeted.

The compounding effect of this racism and Islamophobia has left Somalis feeling specifically targeted.

Last April, a Minnesota man crossed the border to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he burned down a Somali-owned restaurant. The same month, former Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman wrote an op-ed in the Minneapolis Star Tribune intending to address the number of Twin Cities-based individuals who returned to Somalia to fight in that nations civil war. In the piece, Coleman labeled Minnesota ground zero for radical Islamic terrorism and called out a specific populationSomalis. The letter was titled The Land of 10,000 Terrorists.

Perhaps the biggest source of concern in the Somali communityand the one that makes Somalis feel uniquely targeted by the U.S. governmentis a Department of Justice program called Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). The program is meant to root out radicalization and extremism on U.S. soil, but it has led to controversy and fear among Somali Muslims. Mohamud and Hussein both agree that CVEs policy of offering money into a resource-starved population in exchange for information about activities taking place within the community has left the Somali community divided. Muslim support for CVE is rare, Hussein explained, but many are in a position where they need to choose the money over their opposition to the program.

According to Mohamud and Hussein, CVE imbeds Islamophobia into government policy. The programs very premise is Islamophobic, Hussein points out. It targets one community, Somali Americans, and builds suspicion that any individual in that community might be a source of radical extremism. Thats the playbook of the Islamophobia network, Hussein says, and it affirms the principle that Somali Americans are a threat to America.

This was the tense landscape in Minnesota even before Donald Trump arrived at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Nov. 6, two days before his election, to address his supporters. Trump said, A disaster is taking place in Minnesota as a result of lax vetting in refugee resettlement, with very large numbers of Somali refugees coming into your state without your knowledge, without your support or approval.

Trump didnt refer specifically to the stabbing at a mall in St. Cloud, Minnesota, nor to the ISIS trial in which nine men were tried for providing support to the terrorist organization. But the message that he did share was clear: The Somali community as a whole is a threat to Minnesota. Youve suffered enough, he told the crowd.

Strategy toward understanding

CAIR-MNs overall strategy to fight Islamophobia is rooted in Asma Jamas story of violence and forgiveness. She has the literal scars (of Islamophobia) on her face, and could have retreated after her attack, says Hussein. But she chose love instead of fear.

The first part of the strategy is to make conversations about Islam easier for everyone by training the trainers. CAIR-MN will provide the preparation for people to accurately combat the misinformation and fear used to perpetuate Islamophobia. Then, the trainers can talk to those who might be susceptible to that fear, those who have little contact with Muslims and are unfamiliar with Islam.

Islamophobia feeds on small pieces of misinformation that build a case for fear.

Islamophobia feeds on small pieces of misinformation that build a case for fear, says Hussein. That strategy succeeds because people make decisions based on what they feel and not what is true about Islam or Muslims.

The second part is to share success stories of the Somali community with non-Muslim Minnesotans to challenge the ugly narratives about Islam. Much of that sharing will take place on social media, used by many Somali youth. Hussein estimates that 5060 percent of the Somali population in Minnesota is under the age of 40. They know English, have adapted to the culture, and are one of communitys best advantages in the fight against Islamophobia. The youth, Hussein says, are better able to communicate across the cultural divideon the internet and offwithout losing their own cultural identity.

Finally, CAIR-MN envisions an increase in traditional non-violent organizing tactics that raise public awareness, such as rallies and community education events. Mobilizing public events around Islamophobic incidents or targeted neighborhoods remains a crucial part in the fight against Islamophobia.

The most important element in these parts, Hussein stressed, is reaching beyond the existing participants of a conversation. Most people having conversations about Islamophobia in Minnesota are talking to people who agree with them, he points out. During Trumps presidency, the only way to progress will be to hold conversations with people who disagree. You can no longer say these people disagree with me or voted the other way, so I am not going to have a respectful conversation with them.

Hussein would like to work with evangelical congregations, where pockets of Islamophobia can be found. Muslim outreach to evangelical Christians could re-engineer how we communicate on this issue, he says. Without that outreach, were just talking to the same people we have already reached.

Resilience from experience

Some Muslims use humor as a way to assuage the fear and uncertainty. Mohamud joked about an anti-Islamophobia sticker produced by a local organization that was translated incorrectly into Somali and Arabic, before moving to a sincere plea to recognize that not all Republicans are Islamophobes. He related the story of former Utah Sen. Bob Bennets dying remarks to Muslims, in which he apologized for his partys embrace of Islamophobia.

Hussein opened his meeting at CAIR-MN with similar levity, joking about the election even as the fear created by Trumps victory animated the room. There are reasons to be positive. From the election of the nations first Somali representative, Ilhan Omar of Minneapolis, who was sworn in last week, to the overwhelming interest in fighting Islamophobia that has emerged since Election Day, Somalis are hopeful.

The Somali community in Minnesota is a big target for bigotry, and tensions are expected to get worse. But in their experiences of facing both institutional and societal Islamophobia, their resilience and optimism is evident.

Via Yes! Magazine



Related video added by Juan Cole:

Al Jazeera English: US-Somali community fears Trumps travel ban
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By M. Safa Saracoglu | (Informed Comment) |  

On January 30, 2017, the President issued an executive order suspending entry of people from seven countries for 90 days. This ban proclaimed that people coming from these nations would be detrimental to the interests of the US. The suspension was designed to temporarily reduce investigative burdens on relevant agencies. We are now trying to determine what information is needed to establish that those trying to come to US are not a security or public-safety threat.

Few analysts have considered whether it is very likely that some of the governmental bureaucracies of the seven countries can meet the burden being placed on them or whether they were chosen precisely because they would be unable to. The US has an extensive and efficient vetting system already in place and does not actually need the help of Somalia.

Our security and intelligence agencies will determine a list of information needed from these countries in 30 days. The US will notify the foreign governments about this list, and those governments will provide this information for those wishing to travel within 60 days of notification. Governments who fail to comply will remain among the banned countries. In addition, the list of banned countries can be expanded as the Secretary of State or Homeland Security may submit to the President the names of any additional countries recommended for similar treatment.

This order suspends travel from seven countries until the administration is satisfied that it has adequate information (from those countries) regarding their citizens who wish to come to US. What is so special about these countries? Can they fulfill these additional requirements? What may happen if they cannot?

Somalia has been in a civil war since 2006, when US-backed Ethiopian military intervened to support the transitional federal government against the fundamentalist Islamic Courts Union regime, kicking off a long-term conflict. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centres 2016 Global Report, more than 1.2 million people had to flee for their lives because of this civil war. That figure refers only to those displaced internally, who have not left Somalia. Statistics collected by the World Bank illustrate the relationship between the civil war and the growing number of refugees from Somalia seeking asylum elsewhere: in 2005, there were 390,000 Somalis seeking asylum; by 2014, that number had risen to over 1.1 million.

The experience of Somalia is reflective of larger global trends; the number of refugees fleeing wars, civil wars, and other violent threats has risen dramatically since 2005. The UNHCRs 2016 report notes, one in every 113 people globally is now either an asylum-seeker, internally displaced or a refugee.

Sudans refugees almost doubled from 2009 to 2014 (670,000 refugees), along with a total of 3.2 million internally displaced by the end of 2015. Those figures do not include the lives lost or shattered during the 1983-2005 civil war in Sudan, which resulted in the 2011 creation of a new state, South Sudan. US Evangelical groups support for a Christian South Sudan state is a well-documented story. Today, Sudan proper is ruled by president Omar al-Bashir, for whom the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant in 2009.

Yemen, likewise, has seen nearly 200,000 people flee the country since spring of 2015. In addition, 2.18 million have been internally displaced in recent years. The reason? Civil war. Was US involved? Yes. The US and Saudi governments have been supporting the unpopular government of Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi and, as journalist Safa Al Ahmads brilliant documentaries made for PBS Frontline reveal, the country has very little hope for future as the carnage continues.

Readers no doubt already know about US involvement in recent events in Iraq, Syria, and Libya, where millions of people have been displaced by war, civil war, and military occupation.

The situation is clear. With the exception of Iran, all of the countries named in the presidents executive order are among the nations with the worlds worst records of human suffering and displacement. And they all have dysfunctional governments. Somalia just elected Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, a US-Somali dual citizen, as their new president. Because of threats from Muslim fundamentalist opposition groups, only members of the parliament could vote and they had to do so in an aircraft hangar, considered the safest place to hold this election.

Is it realistic to expect these governments to report the required information we will require in in the next 90 days? Even if they could, how reliable would that information be? What will be the true consequence of this ban? To provide security for us or to create more misery for those suffering in those countries? Or perhaps to create jobs for independent contractors specializing in collecting the information required for US visa applications? We will see.

The suffering of the internally displaced is underrepresented in the mediaeven more than the massacres and terrorist attacks. If the courts uphold it, this suspension, will likely turn into a longer ban for these countries, and add to the agony of those who are trapped in war with abundant opportunity for exploitation by radical groups. The terrorist attacks in the US were not organized by citizens of these countries. This order will do little to make us safer. Lifting the ban will not make the bad people very happy. It will eliminate the agony of those who suffer.

M. Safa Saracoglu is Associate Professor in the Department of History at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA

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Related video added by Juan Cole:

CGTN: Iraqi families affected by Trumps immigration ban
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

A three-judge panel from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday denied the Trump administrations request that the Executive Order banning Muslims from 7 countries from coming to the US be reinstated. It was set aside by a Temporary Restraining Order issued by a Federal judge in Seattle.

One thing about this decision leapt out at me: that Trumps actual opponents are in the main the University of Washington Seattle, Western Washington University at Bellingham, the University of Minnesota, and other state institutions of higher education in the two states that brought the suit against the EO.

That the universities should stand, at least temporarily, in the way of President Bannons plans to ban Muslims from the US, is poetic justice. Universities are everything that Fascists hate. They are machines for shredding the fake news on which the progress of Fascism depends. They promote rational tools of thought. They are cosmopolitan and international. They are based on merit and discount race. Fascism maintains that whites are superior to other races in every way, including in intelligence. But physics doesnt care if you are white or brown. Physics only cares if your formula is correct, i.e. matches up with reality. Alt-NeoNazis like Bannon have no advantage in the university, despite their status as wealthy white males, unlike the situation in populist politics. Indeed, the irrational and apocalyptic discourse of a Bannon is looked down on and ridiculed by the university community.

It is no accident that one of the first things the Nazis did on coming to power in 1933 was to fire the Jewish university professors. That was only the beginning of the neutering and gutting of the universities under Fascism.

The Trump administration argued that Washington State and Minnesota had no standing to sue over the EO, since it had nothing to do with them. Judge James Robart found that the states did have standing to sue, on several grounds. One is that the states fulfill the role of parents or guardians for refugees resident in the state. Washington has at least 25,000 residents from the seven countries being banned, and has the obligation to look out for their interests. Another basis for their standing is that these states are economically harmed by the EO.

The main example of economic harm cited in the TRO is the harm to universities. Everything is telegraphic at this stage in the proceedings, so not a lot of detail is offered. But we can imagine the sorts of harm implied here. I noted last fall,

There are about 1 million international students studying in American universities nearly 5% of the countrys undergraduate population. Very large numbers of them are on government scholarships or are from wealthy families in their home countries, and the bulk of them pay full tuition. But they also rent apartments and go out to eat, and shop. These international students bring in $30 billion a year to the US economy.

That is, the universities have students from these countries who were getting locked out of the country despite valid visas and travel documents, or even green cards (permanent residency). That is a loss of tuition, dormitory fees, etc. In addition, the universities employ professors and researchers from the 7 countries, and so would lose their contribution to e.g. research on a scientific project, where those non-citizen researchers may have been playing a crucial role. To have these researchers suddenly and arbitrarily deprived of the ability to follow through on their commitments to these projects is a clear loss to the universities. The numbers of university-related people would be even greater if green card holders and those with dual citizenship are affected, as was initially asserted by the Trump administration. In the face of massive protests, it backed off these extreme positions, but only via a note from the press secretary. The EO could still at any moment be interpreted to sweep up permanent residents and even US citizens.

The ruling says,

The States argue that the Executive Order causes a concrete and particularized injury to their public universities, which the parties do not dispute are branches of the States under state law . . . Specifically, the States alleged that the teaching and research missions of the universities are harmed by the Executive Orders effect on their faculty and students who are nationals of the seven affected countries. These students and faculty cannot travel for research, academic collaboration, or for personal reasons, and their families abroad cannot visit. Some have been stranded outside the country, unable to return to the universities at all. The schools cannot consider attractive student candidates and cannot hire faculty from the seven affected countries, which they have done in the past.

The three-judge panel in San Francisco found that the universities do indeed have third party standing because their interests are inextricably bound up with the activity the litigant wishes to pursue Moreover, in other cases schools have been allowed to assert the rights of their students. And, the quality of their faculty obviously deeply affects the universities.

So the 3 judges found that the states do have standing to sue, reaffirming the lower court opinion. But note that while the states might have other interests in the EO besides those of the universities, it is these educational harms that are foregrounded in both of the initial decisions staying the EO until larger issues can be addressed.

The Trump administration also tried to argue that the presidents EO is not subject to review by the courts because he has the right to exclude any class of aliens by fiat if he fears they are a danger to national security. The judges laughed this unreviewability argument right out of court, citing previous court reviews of precisely this sort of policy, as when Bush tried to deny habeas corpus (the right to be produced before a court when charged with a crime) to detainees (enemy combatants) charged with terrorism, and the Supreme Court slapped him down.

A further consideration in upholding the TRO is the Executive Orders violation of the Establishment Clause. The 1st Amendment in the Bill of Rights forbids the government to make one particular religion a state religion. The panel accepted the States argument that statements of Trump, Rudy Giuliani and others make it clear that the EO is a Muslim ban and if so, that it violates the first amendment. The judges argue that courts have often taken the legislative history into account in striking down laws that have the effect of discriminating with regard to religion. This argument appears to be controversial among the legal scholars, but they do give a lot of case law for this way of proceeding. Those who cite previous instances of US visa or refugee preference for minorities, it seems to me, are on thin ground because those took place before the 1965 Immigration Act, which forbids such discrimination. Likewise, lots of unconstitutional things were done on racist grounds in the past that would not pass muster today. I think both statute and current Supreme Court approaches to the Establishment Cause tell against the discrimination mandated in the EO.

As the case moves through the courts, the deference to the president on national security issues may reemerge as a decisive consideration. This dispute is by no means over, and precedent probably is on the side of the EO. But in these essential first weeks, we can be proud that the universities took a leading role in standing against this Muslim ban, against this affront to the constitution, against this nasty piece of Neofascist bigotry.

Appendix:

Motion for stay, 9th Circuit Order, 9 February 2017 by The Guardian on Scribd


The US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit [website] ruled [opinion, PDF] Thursday that the practice of keeping former death row inmates in solitary confinement after their death sentences have been vacated is unlawful. The plaintiffs, Craig Williams and Shawn T. Walker, are inmates in the custody of the defendant Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Both were sentenced to death after being convicted of separate murders in the early 1990s. Williamss death sentence was vacated in 2006, and Walkers was vacated [opinions, PDF] in 2004. Despite no longer being on death row, the two men remained in solitary confinement, where they were kept in 712 foot windowless cells for nearly 24 hours a day. Williams remained in solitary confinement for six additional years, and Walker for a eight additional years, bringing their total time in solitary to 20 and 22 years, respectively. The appellate court ruled that inmates who have had their death sentence vacated cannot remain on death row without receiv[ing] meaningful review of their continuing placement on death row to determine if the deprivations of that placement were necessary.

The legality of solitary confinement has been an ongoing debate in the US, with many calling for comprehensive prison reform [JURIST podcast]. Last month the American Civil Liberties Union released a report [JURIST report] on the effects of solitary confinement on inmates with physical disabilities. Last January former US President Barack Obama announced a ban on the federal prison systems use of solitary confinement for juveniles [JURIST report]. In September 2015 the Association of State Correctional Administrators, in partnership with the Arthur Liman Public Interest Program at Yale Law School released a report [text, PDF] estimating that between 80,000 to 100,000 prisoners were in what correctional officials call restrictive housing in 2014. Also that September, California agreed [JURIST report] to restrict its controversial practices of solitary confinement. The class action lawsuit was brought by the Center for Constitutional Rights, which alleged that approximately 3,000 prisoners were kept in isolated conditions in which they were alone for 22 hours a day, sometimes in windowless cells.
A former National Security Agency (NSA) [official website] contractor was indicted [indictment, PDF] on Wednesday by a federal grand jury on charges that he willfully retained national defense information. US officials are stating [press release] that the theft by Harold Thomas Martin may have been the largest heist of classified government information in history. Martin allegedly spent over 20 years stealing highly sensitive government material [CNN report] related to national defense. It is unclear what, if anything, Martin did with all the stolen data. Martin now faces 20 criminal counts, each of which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Martin worked for Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp, which also employed Edward Snowden. Martin was employed as a private contractor for at least seven different companies, beginning in 1993. His positions dealing with government computer systems, gave him various security clearances that routinely provided him access to top-secret information. The indictment alleges Martin stole documents from US Cyber Command, the CIA, the NSA and the National Reconnaissance Office [official websites]. Martins initial appearance in the US District Court for the District of Maryland is scheduled for next Tuesday.

Governments around the world have re-examined their data privacy laws in the wake of a myriad of data leaks, including the Edward Snowden [JURIST backgrounder] leaks. National governments around the world have attempted [JURIST op-ed] to gain control over data transferred within their borders. On Tuesday the US House approved [JURIST report] a measure that would updat US privacy laws in regards to e-mails and cloud storage. In October 2015 the European Court of Justice ruled [JURIST report] that EU user data transferred to the US was not sufficiently protected. In June 2015 a court in The Hague struck down [JURIST report] a Dutch law that allowed the government to retain telephone and Internet data of Dutch citizens for up to 12 months in an effort to combat terrorism and organized crime.
New Gambian President Adama Barrow [BBC profile] has confirmed [tweet] through a top EU official that The Gambia will remain in the International Criminal Court (ICC) [official website]. Neven Mimica [official profile], the EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, was in The Gambia to announce a package of financial support [press release] for the country and reported the decision after meeting with Barrow. Last October then-president Yahya Jammeh had stated that the country intended to leave the international court dedicated to trying instances of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity because the court had allegedly been disproportionately scrutinizing African leaders. Jammeh referred to the court through Information Minister Sheriff Bojang as the International Caucasian Court.

The Gambia was the third country that had announced plans to leave the ICC or had actually done so within the last several years [JURIST report]. In October South Africa and Burundi [JURIST reports] similarly announced their withdrawal from the ICC. The South African government originally expressed [Reuters report] such intentions in 2015 when the nation refused to act on the ICCs arrest warrant for visiting Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. The nations Justice Minister stated that the countrys ICC membership conflicts with South Africas Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act (DIPA) [text, PDF]. Vice President Gaston Sindimwo of Burundi previously announced the countrys decision to withdraw from the ICC amid criticism the court only prosecutes African nationals.
The High Court of Kenya ruled [judgment, PDF] Thursday that a government order to close the worlds largest refugee camp is unconstitutional. Dadaab, a camp to more than 200,000 people, would have been forced to shut down and send its inhabitants back to war-torn Somalia [BBC backgrounder]. The judge who halted the order said the government failed [Al Jazeera report] to prove Somalia was safe. Also important to the decision was the lack of consultation between the government and the affected refugees.

The refugee crisis has been a major concern in recent years. Earlier this week the US Department of Justice released a memorandum approving [JURIST report] of President Donald Trumps executive order to restrict immigration refugee entry into the US. In January the government of Turkey threatened to scrap an agreement with Greece on refugees if eight soldiers from Turkey are not retried [JURIST report] in Greece. That same month the UN reported that 2016 had more recorded migrant deaths [JURIST report] than any previous year.
[JURIST] The Mississippi Senate [official website] on Thursday approved a bill forbidding public universities and local governments to prohibit employees from disclosing any persons immigration status to a federal official. Senate Bill 2710 [bill, PDF] also prohibits local government and universities from implementing a policy that grants to any person the right to lawful presence or status within the state, a county or municipality, or the campus of a university, college, community college or junior college in violation of federal law. The bill is aimed [Associated Press report] at Jackson, which has a policy prohibiting routine questioning by police officers into a persons immigration status.

Sanctuary cities have become a very polarized topic in the US, with cities and the federal government sometimes taking different positions. Hugh Spitzer of the University of Washington School of Law spoke on the effect [JURIST op-ed] the Supreme Court might have when it comes to deciding the power divide on the issue. In January the Attorney General for the State of New York proposed, what he believed to be, model language [JURIST report] for cities to use in regards to sanctuary cities. In February the city of San Francisco filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order that would cut federal funding [JURIST report] from sanctuary cities. San Franciscos police chief was sued, in January, by an undocumented El Salvadorian over the citys own sanctuary city [JURIST report] protection laws. On Thursday the Texas Senate approved a bill [JURIST report] targeting sanctuary cities.
[JURIST] Nepal on Thursday extended the mandates of two separate commissions tasked with investigating crimes from the countrys civil war [JURIST report]. This extension [Pakistan News report] came hours before the mandates were set to expire without any cases actually having been investigated in the two-year period. The mandates have been extended for another year. However, some critics believe one year is not enough, especially given that the fact that the government has not granted the commission legal power under international law to prosecute war crimes.

Nepals decade-long civil war [JURIST report] that led to the abolition of the Nepali monarchy. In May 2012 the Supreme Court of Nepal ordered [JURIST report] the government to complete the final draft of the nations new constitution by the following week. When that deadline was not met, then-prime minister Baburam Bhattarai announced [JURIST report] the 2008 parliament would be dissolved and new elections would be held later that year. In January 2014 the Supreme Court ruled [JURIST report] that the selection of a new president was not an immediate need and should be postponed until the adoption of a new constitution. When officials met in January to draft the constitution, the meeting ended in violence [JURIST report], but officials have stated that the April earthquake, which killed more than 8,700 people, drove the leaders to work together and resolve the disputed issues. In June leaders of the four major political parties in Nepal reached an agreement [JURIST report] on key issues for the new constitution and settled on dividing the country into eight federal states.
[JURIST] The New Hampshire House of Representatives [official website] on Thursday approved a bill [SB 12 text] that would repeal the law prohibiting state citizens from carrying concealed firearms without a permit. Though similar bills have passed [NRA-ILA report] through the New Hampshire legislature twice, they were vetoed by the former governor, Senator Chuck Morse [official profile], on both occasions. The bill, backed by the National Rife Association (NRA) [advocacy website], would make New Hampshire the twelfth state to allow the concealed carrying of firearms, joining New England states Maine and Vermont. The bill, which passed with a 200-97 vote, must now be reviewed by Governor Christopher Sununu [official website], who is expected to sign it into law.

Gun control and the Second Amendment continue to be controversial topics across the US. In February the US House of Representatives [official website] on Thursday voted to repeal [text, PDF] an Obama-era gun regulation that required mental health information to be shared with the national gun background check system. In December Ohio Governor John Kasich [official website] signed Senate Bill 199 [JURIST report], making it legal to carry concealed weapons at daycare facilities and onto college campuses. In September the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit [official website] restored [JURIST report] gun ownership rights of individuals convicted of minor crimes. Earlier that month the New Jersey Second Amendment Society [official website] filed [JURIST report] a lawsuit against the states Attorney General in New Jerseys district court alleging the states stun gun ban is unconstitutional. In June the US Supreme Court [official website] ruled [JURIST report] that a state law conviction on reckless domestic assault is sufficient to bar possession of a firearm under federal law. Earlier in June Hawaii Governor David Ige signed a bill [JURIST report] requiring gun owners to be listed on an FBI database, notifying police if a Hawaii citizen is arrested in another state and providing a continuous criminal record check on those individuals seeking to possess a firearm.
[JURIST] A three-judge panel in North Carolina issued a temporary restraining order [text, PDF] Tuesday that limits a law [text, PDF] stripping the states new governor, Roy Cooper [official website], of some of his powers. The law required Senate approval for the Governors Cabinet nominees, a measure never required before. Cooper and his fellow Democrats have been critical of the measure the Republican legislature enacted it, calling [NYT report] it a power grab. State Senator Wesley Meredith [official profile] expressed concern over the courts order. Never before has a judge told the representatives elected by the citizens that they cannot hold a committee meeting as allowed by the constitution. The court concluded that the governor had shown that there was a possible success in his case and that no restraining order would cause irreparable harm.

Several controversial North Carolina laws have been in the national news including Senate Bill 4 to restrict [JURIST report] the governors powers. In January the US Supreme Court blocked [JURIST report] a trial courts ruling ordering special elections in North Carolina. The court granted a stay of the order of the US District court for the Middle District of North Carolina, which ruled that North Carolina must redraw congressional districts by March 15, 2017, and hold special primary and general elections by next fall. In December a bipartisan agreement to repeal North Carolinas bathroom bill fell apart [JURIST report] after each party accused the other of reneging on promises. House Bill 2 is a state law requiring transgender people to use the public bathroom associated with the sex listed on their birth certificate.
[JURIST] Six Democrats in the North Carolina House of Representatives [official website] filed a bill on Thursday to reverse House Bill 2 [bill, PDF], commonly known as the bathroom bill. HB2 requires transgender individuals to use the restroom that corresponds with their biological sex, which is defined by the legislature as the physical condition of being male or female, which is stated on a persons birth certificate. The bill also prohibits local governments from passing laws that allow transgender individuals to use the restroom of their choosing. HB82 [bill, PDF] would repeal HB2, as well as outlawing housing, employment, and insurance discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina [advocacy website] praised [press release] the attempted repeal. According to CNN, the bathroom bill caused economic losses [CNN report] for North Carolina, as some businesses boycotted the state.

North Carolinas stance on LGBT rights has been a topic of national controversy. Last March the states then-governor Pat McCrory signed HB2 into law [JURIST report]. A few days later North Carolina individuals and civil rights groups filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] against McCrory, claiming that the bill he signed one week prior was unconstitutional and discriminatory. That same week then-Attorney General and current governor Roy Cooper stated during a press conference that he would not defend [JURIST report] the law, which he considers to be discriminatory against the LGBT community. In April McCrory issued an executive order [JURIST report] to clarify HB2 in response to significant backlash. McCrory dismissed a lawsuit [JURIST report] in September and declared that HB2 did not violate federal law. In December a deal to repeal the bill collapsed [JURIST report].
[JURIST] The Constitutional Court of Romania [official website] declined on Thursday to rule on a controversial decree decriminalizing certain corruption offenses. The decree was introduced [JURIST report] by the government last week and then referred to the court for review, but the ruling Social Democrats withdrew the decree two days after the referral due to massive protests. The court has declined [Reuters report] review because a withdrawal of a decree has the effect that it no longer exists. However, the withdrawal must be approved by the Romanian Parliament [official website].

The controversial decree was passed [JURIST report] this week, sparking immediate demonstrations. The decree was originally drafted on January 18. The following day, the government published a draft of a plan to reduce prison overcrowding [JURIST report] that involved pardons for thousands of prisoners, which was met with protests around the country. The government insisted that a referendum [JURIST report] on the governments plan to pardon the prisoners was needed despite protests. The decree was repealed [JURIST report] on Saturday, but protests continue in many parts of Romania. In a statement following the repeal, the government noted that it had heard the voice of the street and did not want to divide Romania. Many of the demonstrations [Al Jazeera report] are calling for the government to step down, despite the repeal of the decree. In 2015 Romanias Superior Magistrates Council rejected 22 proposals that would have made it harder to fight top-level corruption [JURIST report].
The Texas Senate approved a bill on Wednesday that would effectively ban so-called sanctuary cities, requiring cities to be in compliance with federal immigration law. SB 4 [text] would require law enforcement in cities and on college campuses to hold an arrested person in custody until immigration officials look into their immigration status. It would also allow victims of crimes to sue local officials who release immigrants suspected of being in the country without documentation. The author of the bill, Senator Charles Perry [official profile] stated [Texas Senate report], my majority of citizens, immigrants or non, illegal or undocumented, all want a system of law that is applied blindly and without prejudice for all involved. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 20-10 and will now move on to the Texas house for consideration. Critics of the bill have stated that it will not make cities safer. Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez told [CNN report] CNN, our community is safer when people can report crimes without fear of deportation. The Texas Branch of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has vowed to stop the bill, after a full analysis of the impact.

Sanctuary cities have become a very polarized topic in the US, with cities and the federal government sometimes taking different positions. Hugh Spitzer of the University of Washington School of Law spoke on the effect [JURIST op-ed] the Supreme Court might have when it comes to deciding the power divide on the issue. Last week the City of San Francisco filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order that would cut federal funding [JURIST report] from sanctuary cities. San Franciscos police chief was sued, in January, by an undocumented El Salvadorian over the cities own sanctuary city [JURIST report] protection laws. Also in January the Attorney General for the State of New York proposed, what he believed to be, model language [JURIST report] for cities to use in regards to sanctuary cities.
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe [official website] on Thursday filed a legal challenge in the US District Court for the District of Columbia [official website] in an attempt to stop the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) [USACE backgrounder]. On Wednesday, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) [official website] officially granted an easement to the DAPL developer [JURIST report]. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, which was already part of a lawsuit filed in July [JURIST report] against the DAPL with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe [official website], filed one motion seeking a temporary restraining order [text, PDF] to immediately stop construction around Lake Oahe while the original lawsuit is pending, as well as adding a freedom of religion claim [text, PDF] by stating that it will desecrate the waters that are used for religious practices. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes second motion is for a preliminary injunction [text, PDF] to prevent enforcement of the easement on the basis that it violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act [LII materials]. If construction continues, the pipeline is expected to be operational in just under three months.

The Dakota Access Pipeline [informational website] is a partially constructed oil pipeline that would transport more than 470,000 barrels of oil per day over its 1,172 mile length through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois. In December the USACE announced [JURIST report] that an alternate route will be investigated for the Dakota Access Pipeline. The controversy surrounding the project is connected with its proposed proximity to multiple large bodies of water that could become irreparably contaminated should the pipeline fail. Protesters have made camp at the site since early summer and are led in part by the Indigenous Environmental Network [advocacy website] and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Conflict between protesters and police has been condemned by both the UN and the American Civil Liberties Union. In November the ACLU reported that police at the Standing Rock site in North Dakota used life-threatening weapons to control protesters [JURIST report]. Earlier that month a UN rights group released a statement expressing concerns that the US government is ignoring treaty rights, as well as human rights [JURIST report] of Native Americans and others that are protesting the DAPL.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday approved an 18-article bill [text, in Turkish] that would provide significant changes to Turkeys constitution. A public referendum vote [Al Jazeera report] will be held on April 16 to see if the changes will be incorporated. Erdogan has stated that the changes are necessary to provide stability in Turkey. Opponents of the bill have stated that the changes would remove some checks and balance of the president that could lead to Turkey being under a one-man rule. The bill would enable the president to issue decrees, declare emergency rule, appoint ministers and top state officials and dissolve parliament. If approved by the referendum vote, presidential elections would be held November 2019. The changes allow a president to serve up to two five-year terms. Erdogans current time as president would not count towards to term limits set by the bill.

Turkey has had significant political turmoil July 2016 after a failed coup [JURIST report] attempt. Hundreds were killed in the attempt and tens of thousands have been been arrested. Since the coup attempt, tens of thousands have been fired [Guardian report] from government, media, academia, police, military, and civil service due to allegations of ties to the coup attempt. Human rights in Turkey have continued to be controversial for many years. Human Rights Watch (HRW) released [JURIST report] a report in July stating that Turkey has blocked access for independent investigations into mass abuses against civilians. Earlier in July a US federal court dismissed [JURIST report] a lawsuit against Muhammed Fethullah Gulen alleging he issued orders from Pennsylvania directing his followers in Turkey to launch a campaign of persecution against other religious groups in that country. US Secretary of State John Kerry has stated [Independent report] that the US would consider an extradition request for the cleric if it is proven that he was involved in the attempted coup. In May 2016 the Turkish parliament granted immunity to armed forces conducting counter-terrorism measures and advanced [JURIST reports] an amendment to strip immunity privileges from members of parliament.
McLaren Automotive has announced the first details of its new Composites Technology Centre close to the campus of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield, and built with support from Sheffield City Council.

The new centre will develop and make the Monocell and Monocage carbon fibre chassis for future models. The next generation Monocell will be built using advanced automated manufacturing techniques developed in conjunction with the AMRC. Construction of the new factory is due to start construction early in 2017 with the first pre-production carbon fibre chassis expected to be delivered in the second half of 2017 using trial manufacturing processes in the AMRC before going into full production by 2020.

The creation of the new centre is the companys first purpose-built factory outside of its current campus. Formed through a partnership between McLaren Automotive, the University of Sheffields AMRC and Sheffield City Council, the new centre will create more than 200 jobs through a combined investment of nearly GBP50m. The target is that the new centre will deliver cost savings of around GBP10million when compared to costs of today and GBP100m of GVA (gross value added) benefit to the local economy by 2028. Opportunities for expansion thereafter create an ambition of doubling that to GBP200m. The in-sourcing of the manufacture of the carbon fibre chassis also increases the average percentage (by value) of a car sourced in the UK by around 8% from its average of around 50%, depending on model.

AMRC

The AMRC was established in 2001 as a GBP15m collaboration between the University of Sheffield and Boeing with the purpose of using Sheffields traditional expertise in materials and machining (the city was known for its steel and cutlery profuction) and applying those skills for future technological development. In 2004, the AMRC moved into the purpose-built Advanced Manufacturing Park in Sheffield and, in 2008, opened the Rolls-Royce plc Factory of the Future. In 2012, the Factory of the Future expanded to include an enlarged Composite Centre.

In 2015, the AMRCs Factory 2050 was opened as the UKs first fully reconfigurable assembly and component manufacturing facility for collaborative research, capable of rapidly switching between different high-value components and one-off parts. The 7,000 sq m building is home to the ARMCs Integrated Manufacturing Group with open-plan desk space integrated with high-tech assembly and manufacturing.

The McLaren centre will be housed in a 7,000m2 building set over four acres. The 200 new employees will comprise approximately 150 production staff and 50 manufacturing support staff.

Pioneer

For more than 30 years, McLaren has pioneered the use of carbon fibre in vehicle production. The MP4/1 was the first car on the Formula OneTM grid to feature a carbon fibre chassis. Compared to the aluminium structures of the time, carbon fibre was lighter but stronger and therefore faster but safer. By the following season, most competitors had adopted this new material in the construction of their cars, and it continues as the prevalent construction material today. The F1 road car from 1993 was the first to be built with a carbon fibre chassis. This car still holds the world record for the fastest naturally-aspired road car.

Since 1981, McLaren has not built a car without a carbon fibre chassis.

CEO Mike Flewitt said: Creating a facility where we can manufacture our own carbon fibre chassis structures is therefore a logical next step.

We evaluated several options to achieve this objective but the opportunity created by the [centre] at the University of Sheffield was compelling. We will have access to some of the worlds finest composites and materials research capabilities, and I look forward to building a world-class facility and talented team.
India initiated political step against Pakistan as China negotiated to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Talking about the issue defense minister DS Grewal said that China has created an ill-will between both the countries.

As per the reports, DS Grewal said, "Though US, UK, France and others were vehemently asking for it, China was consistent of not passing the resolution which has created an ill-will between two countries and as a result demarche has been issued by India to China. Two countries have to survive together for better development and peace,"

Grewal further added, "China does not even consider Azhar as the global terrorist who has been behind the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks where lots of lives of national and international citizens were lost. It is a great damage to the peace of the world. The way China is proceeding these days it is dangerous for its own country."

Also Read:

Sasikala presented list of 134 MLAs to form the next government

Varanasis District administration refused Rahul and Akhilesh to hold road show

No Aadhar, no subsidy ration will be available
New Delhi: After announcing subsidy norms in LPG connections, the government is planning to launch new subsidy policy on ration shops. Its main aim is to fund Rs 1.4lakh crore subsidy for the BPL(Below Poverty Line) citizens of the country.

People those who dont have Aadhar cards are requested to apply for Aadhar till 30th of June. As per the reports, new norm will be implemented after 30th of June.

The new norm is implemented to secure National Food Security Act, which was announced last year. Under this act more 80 crores Indian citizen, who are categorized as BPL are provided ration on cheapest rate.

Also Read:

Pakistan claims Indian's secret nuclear city is dangerous for neighboring countries

Ruckus in Tamil Nadu for CM post, commissioner post is in danger

Sasikala wanted to betray the party and become the Chief Minister: O. Panneerselvam
KEARNEY  The Kearney Area Parkinsons Support Group will meet from 2-3 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church at 4500 Linden Drive.

The group will view a DVD titled Overview of Parkinsons Disease Management. The presenter is Dr. John Bertoni, director of the Parkinsons Clinic and professor of neurological sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Some areas that will be discussed are diagnosis, possible causes, symptoms, medications, treatments and management.

The support group meetings provide an opportunity to meet with those who have Parkinsons or a related condition and people who serve in a support role.

For more information, call Rod Behrhorst at 308-830-0170.

Environmental Trust Board seeks applicants

LINCOLN  Applicants are being sought for openings on the Nebraska Environmental Trust Board, which awards grants from state lottery funds for environmental projects.

One member, Rick Brandt of Lincoln, recently resigned. Another member, Gloria Erickson of Holdrege, has requested that she not be reappointed when her term expires March 10.

Terms of two other board members, Paul Dunn of Omaha and Kevin Peterson of Osceola, expire in March, though they could be reappointed.

The board has 14 members, of which nine are citizen representatives. Each of the states three congressional districts has three members.

Applicants must apply for the positions through the Governors Office. Gov. Pete Ricketts then decides who to appoint. Terms for the unpaid post are for six years.
To my beautiful, treasured granddaughter, its official. The future is female. I encourage you to become knowledgeable about the positive changes rapidly developing in our world. The vast majority of straight white American males deplores and dreads this change.

The males will continue to defy our progress with every weapon they can muster. I encourage you to connect with progressive women. Males fear us, and they want you to fear us, too. We threaten their sweet white empire. We are everywhere.

Our numbers are exponentially rising. As typical of males in Red American states, I surmise that at the core, all or most of the males in your life morbidly fear and despise the following: self-assured, male-BS-intolerant women and supporters of women; non-whites (unworthy, nefarious, did not earn Americas goodies); non-straight males (pervert sissies).

An open mind and an open heart bring joy and fulfillment you could never imagine. Support women, your human rights, equality and dignity are at stake. Speak well of us and require respect from those blessed to be in your presence. Embrace diversity, the basis of life. Exemplify inclusiveness. Advocate for the vulnerable. Women will save our awe-inspiring, fragile-planet-home that human males greedily labor to destroy.

We are the healers and protectors. How our earth goes, so go we. Push back is 100-percent guaranteed, my darling. Do not be discouraged.

Racists, homophobes and misogynists, sadly many of whom are women (see collusion and Stockholm Syndrome) will do what they do. The patriarchys divide and conquer strategy has been effectively utilized since humans first appeared.

Males rely on our infighting to keep us down and distracted. Women are now choosing to stand and work together for the benefit of all. You have a lifetime ahead to witness and experience this unprecedented evolution of our species.

You are a loving example for women and girls in your life, many of whom feel alone and too intimidated to challenge the status quo. You have the privilege of navigating this world through the lens of your fine education. I and other women will be honored to aid and support you, regardless of your choices.

Nobody can stop you. Do not settle. Go for it all, whatever that may be for you, dear one.

Sherry Ruh, Kearney
Citizens ask questions and see displays, including a pipe, during a TransCanada open house to explain a proposed gas pipeline beneath the Potomac River, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. A Potomac River protection group organized a demonstration against plans for a pipeline beneath the river that would carry natural gas from Pennsylvania to West Virginia. (Kevin G. Gilbert/The Herald-Mail via AP)
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Statistics Canada says the economy added 48,300 net new jobs in January, pulling down the national unemployment rate to 6.8 per cent from 6.9 per cent. Workers are pictured at the Vancouver Shipyard in an October 7, 2013, file photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
Toronto's police chief says he understands the LGBTQ community is divided and decided his force wouldn't participate in the city's parade to enable those differences to be addressed. Toronto police chief Mark Saunders marches during the annual Pride Parade in Toronto, in a July 3, 2016, file photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch
For the Newbies, the KFB movie review is an every Friday column that

gives you a cinema guide on which movies to watch and not watch! You can

check out our other reviews (HERE).

Todays movie for review is The Guest!



Synopsis: The

Guest is the story of a passionless but dedicated and faithful couple

who take in an old friend. An affair soon begins between the husband and

the friend, but when she starts to kill off members of his household

who stand in the way of her getting what she wants, the couple realize

that they have it all in each other and that their family is worth

fighting for.

Starring: Rita Dominic, Femi Jacobs, Somkele Idalamah

Review:



Theres currently a

Gold rush to the cinemas by pretenders and ugly ducklings looking to

cash-in on the legacy of beautiful Nollywood triumphs. One such pretender is The Guest.

Thirty minutes in, it reveals itself;

going from Gold to Rust, in the blink of an eye, never to recover. It

never even tries to recover! In fact, it succeeds only in getting worse;

like a ticking time Bomb, every passing minute is significantly worse

than the last.
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I love teaching my children about history, and in the process, I often see a clearer perspective of events I learned about at a young age when I had less life experience under my belt.

As I have been revisiting the evolution of our country, the formation and restructuring of our society, and the emergence of periods of oppression, rebellion, and social change, I have been struck by the concept that over the past few decades, our healers have been subjected to systematic oppression and disadvantage by certain constraints, in a way that threatens the fabric of health care in our country. The causes and reasons are many, and the forces at work are complex, but nonetheless I am inspired to follow the historical precedent of our forefathers to present a simple Physicians Bill of Rights, as a framework to promote further thought and conversation about how to preserve the independent spirit of the profession, and reject the ongoing psychological abuse and economic oppression. Physicians have become the enslaved worker bees in the health care economy, under the powerful subjugation of the government and insurance companies.

The United States Bill of Rights consisted of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, and were designed to prevent government intrusion and oppression of the minority. While physicians in general do not tend to elicit sympathy for their plight, its time we publicly realize that the job, and the very process of becoming a physician, bear certain challenges. The well-meaning and caring healer endures a tradition of abusive training, a staggering burden of debt, and the grueling nature of medical practice, including long emotionally draining hours under the looming threat of malpractice. Physicians experience this as a baseline condition, to which is added the unnecessary stress of the complex and frustrating contributions of Medicare regulations  from electronic health record mandates, meaningful use requirements, accountable care organizations, and ICD-10 conversions, to constant criminalizing assumptions of fraud. The prerequisite respect bestowed on physicians as responsible professionals in the past has been eroded such that any humane or moral entitlement which could be classified as an inherent right now needs to be declared.

Surprisingly I discovered that there have been inadequate similar attempts in history. An actual Doctors Bill of Rights Act of 1999, HR3300, was formally introduced to Congress but was never enacted. Not exactly designed to foster physician wellbeing, it was crafted to increase resources to prevent fraud in Medicare, and even stated that physicians should not be arrested at gunpoint. Under findings it acknowledged the problem of many physicians leaving the Medicare program due to fear of criminal investigation, and overly complex regulation, stating that keeping track of the morass of medicare regulation detracts from the time physicians have to treat patients. Twelve years later, from another perspective, a Doctors Bill of Rights was proposed by Dr. Elson Haas in 2012, to address the rights of physicians in establishing expectations for a better physician-patient relationship, with a matching Patients Bill of Rights. Neither of these two bills was directive or inclusive enough in protecting our healers.

The Physicians Bill of Rights presented here broadly addresses a multitude of concerns without dictating a particular course of action, to stimulate further consideration and planning in the current unstable matrix of our health care system. Facing record-breaking rates of physician dissatisfaction and suicide, as well as a diminishing physician workforce, we can no longer employ the traditional stalwart attitude of expecting that physician grit will overcome such obstacles. Our organized medical societies and academies, which purport to advocate on our behalf, have seemed too plumped in administration and politics to realize the challenges encountered on the front lines, and have been unable to effectively define and defend these rights.

The Physicians Bill of Rights

1. The right to learn and train without physical and emotional abuse and discrimination.

2. The right to ongoing access to supportive and confidential mental health services, without fear of retribution.

3. The right to humane working hours, whether in active patient care, on-call duties, or charting, and with reasonable compensation for time spent on completion of paperwork, forms, and prior authorizations.

4. The right to practice medicine in the best interest of the patients health, rather than solely for cost-containment, or for performance measures which lack clear evidence of benefit or are beyond the physicians control, or for patient satisfaction scores when satisfying the patient would be an unnecessary intervention or a detriment to health.

5. The right to practice medicine with reasonable compensation for treatment of psychosocial issues related to health.

6. The right to practice medicine and be licensed independent of the use of an electronic medical record.

7. The right to practice medicine without reimbursement being dependent upon the patients health behavior or health status.

8. The right to practice in an independent setting in a competitive free market, with price transparency for our patients medication, lab tests, radiographic studies, consultations, and procedures.

9. The right to earn a living which allows for the payment of student debt within a reasonable time, with the preservation of a work/life balance which includes time for self and family.

10. The right to affordable and uncomplicated continuing medical education and maintenance of board certification, and to be awarded such credit without complicated exercises of unproven benefit.

While these rights are written toward a physician perspective, the fulfillment of these criteria promises to improve the quality of care of the patient via improved well-being of the physician. Access to care would improve, both by better retention of physicians and discarding the inherent incentives to discharge noncompliant patients who fail to meet quality measures. In fact, these rights for the physician would improve cost-effectiveness, efficiency, communication, safety, and patient satisfaction. The epidemic of physician dissatisfaction which is driving the physician shortage, would be resolved.

Clearly, this list of rights is not all inclusive, nor does it attempt to propose how to implement these changes. The physician organizations and legislators charged with reshaping the landscape of health care might consider the virtues and benefits of incorporating the concepts within these rights, for the sake of physicians as well as patients, and in fact to save health care itself from imploding. Until then, we shall echo the historical words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he wrote in his letter from the Birmingham Jail, Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

Michele C. Parker is a physician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
On Thursday next February 16 at 6pm at the Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny an open evening will be held for the re-establishment of the Kilkenny branch of Network Ireland.

After a huge amount of interest, hard work and encouragement from so many Kilkenny business women it has been decided to reopen the branch. And what better way than with a workshop entitled 'Your Future Wealth. Its not all about the money.'

Anyone who is interested in discovering what Network Ireland has to offer is encouraged to come along to this free event. On the night guests will be introduced to Network Ireland and how the organisation can support, inspire and champion you and your business or career through the new Kilkenny Branch.

The event will also feature special guest speaker Bibi Baskin, renowned TV presenter will give a motivational talk, Your Future Wealth. Its Not All About Money to Network Ireland Kilkenny Branchs February information evening.

Kilkenny women in business, the professions and the Arts (and anyone else interested, including men!) are invited to attend the event.
Kilkenny County Council are to investigate the possibility of twinning County Kilkenny with the State of Minnesota according to Councillor Andrew McGuinness.

The Fianna Fail councillor recently put forward the proposal in the form of a Notice of Motion which in turn was passed unanimously by the elected members.

Kilkenny is already twinned with its namesake in Minnesota since 2013 with many successful projects in process. The last four Kilkenny Mayors have visited starting with Martin Brett in 2013. Kevin Taaffe, who has been Mayor of Kilkenny, Minnesota since the twinning began has become a regular visitor here every St Patricks Day.

"The twinning agreement has gone from strength to strength and it seems now like a natural progression to look into joining our county with the State of Minnesota.

"I have met with Mayor Taaffe and with the Mayor of St Paul, Chris Coleman, and I have discussed this possibility with them. They are both very interested and there would be great benefits for both sides if this were to happen. Chris Coleman has announced his candidacy for State Governor so it is fantastic that somebody at that level of politics in America is interested in Kilkenny.

"The connections we have with Minnesota are huge. Not only have we a shared history and a strong friendship with Kilkenny, Minnesota, but a Kilkenny man, Bishop Ireland, was responsible for the construction of St Paul's Cathedral, one of, if not the most impressive building in St Paul.

"We would be the first county to twin with a an American State and it may be the case that it cannot happen but it is certainly worth a try. During my visit as Mayor in 2014 I was amazed with the level of interest they have for Kilkenny and the enthusiasm surrounding our twinning. It would be fantastic to take it to the next level and to build relationships between schools, GAA clubs and so on so communities on both sides can benefit from the relationship.
Fine Gael Minister Simon Coveney has been accused of bare-faced cheek and of contradicting himself on the Waterford landgrab affair.

He has also been charged with giving his support to the annexation of 15,000 acres of Kilkenny land to Waterford by the tone and words in his press statement on the issue, released this afternoon.

A fuming Deputy John Paul Phelan of Kilkenny has asked for Minister Coveney to consider his position and ask himself if he should remain in office following his intervention in the hugely contentious issue.

He is a disgrace by the language he is using and it is giving approval to Waterford for the landgrab.

"I am calling him out on this, he should step aside if he is going to act like this and fail to be impartial.

He can't play games with the lives of the people of South Kilkenny," Deputy Phelan said.

The TD who lives in the area being "handed over to Waterford by Coveney said that his Fine Gael colleague and senior minister had bare faced cheek to say in his statement that he wanted to encourage people in the counties with the boundary reviews to take part in the consultation process.

He has some neck to say it's an important opportunity for them to get their views across on the future of their counties when the three man boundary committee for Kilkenny-Waterford completely ignored the views of the people.

"Of the 21,000 submissions received on the proposed Waterford extension into Kilkenny, over 19,000 were against it - that's a landslide.

"How can he have the gall to say this and then have the opinions of the people involved ignored.

It's a betrayal and I and the people of Kilkenny are not having it, Deputy Phelan said.

Earlier today, Minister Coveney said the Kilkenny boundary change would give Waterford City Council control of the immediate hinterland of Waterford City and include provision for the expansion of that area to cater for forecast population and economic growth of the regional centre.

"The recommendation would involve moving specified areas lying

south of the N25 bypass road to the control of Waterford City and County Council, but retaining the village of Slieverue and the port at Belview in the local government area of Kilkenny County Council," he added.

"Clearly the recommendations in the Waterford report would have significant implications. I will not be rushing to make decisions.

"There are fundamental issues of county and cultural identity as well as economic and social factors that need to be carefully considered. I

will be considering the report and its implications very carefully in the context both of ongoing work in relation to the future of local

government in Ireland and also the development of Ireland 2040, the new National Planning Framework over the coming months," he said.
Nearly 20 years ago, a maverick trapper and mushroom picker decided to look for gold instead of mushrooms and ended up staking more than 35,000 claims in Canadas Yukon Territory. During the gold bull that began in 2000, Shawn Ryan became the king of the new Yukon gold rush, the biggest since the legendary Klondike gold rush over a century ago. Credible estimates of the amount of gold still buried in his properties run to the billions of dollars. It is a true rags to riches story as he and his family were living in an abandoned miners tin shack with no electricity or running water at the time he decided to begin prospecting. Ryan spent winter nights by a wood stove reading old mining journals as temperatures in the dead of winter reached 50 below zero.

By 2001, after nine years of mushroom picking, the Ryan family had managed to save C$3,000. He and his wife decided to spend it on the first claim they called Lucky Joe, which they sold to junior miner Kennecott. Ryan then promptly spent the entire paycheck hunting for more gold, earning him the nickname Double Down. After two years of using a unique soil sampling method to discover multiple drill targets, they had sold a dozen options to various juniors as the price of gold continued to climb. To make a long story short, these claims have attracted the attention of three major mining companies.

Back in March of 2010, as the post financial crisis miner bull-run was in the blow off phase, global miner Kinross bought out Underworld Resources for C$139M. Underworld had made a major high grade discovery in 2008 from some of Ryans claims in the White Gold District of the Yukon. The buyout made Kinross the first major miner in the highly prospective and remote district to control a significant sized land package.

Eighteen months later, the gold bull came to an end as a vicious four-year bear market ensued. Kinross, along with most other major miners, were too busy concentrating on their balance sheets to be concerned with early stage development projects. So the property, as well as the district, became an after-thought while the price of gold plummeted to $1050 per oz by the end of 2015.

However, while the bear was raging, there was one company in the process of developing a high-grade heap leach operation in the same region. Kaminak Gold had a district scale land package they called Coffee, discovered by Ryan of course, which was getting the attention of the market because of its size and grade. As the sector turned in early 2016, Kaminak was bought out by Goldcorp for C$520M. With two majors in the district now, the Yukon was starting to get hot again as many of the exploration and development junior companies in the area began to receive attention and funding.

As the sector was bottoming last December, global miner Agnico Eagle bought into a new exploration company in the district that has been aptly re-named White Gold Corp, becoming the third major to invest in the district. This new company has tied up 30% of the area with all of the remaining Shawn Ryan claims and makes it the largest landholder in the White Gold jurisdiction. The properties range from grass roots to more advanced exploration projects with over C$30M having been spent on exploration to date.

Ryan is Chief Technical Advisor for White Gold Corp. and stated he would rather have all the claims in one company so that GroundTruth Explorations technology can explore targets much more quickly than was previously possible. The drillers methods allow it to explore an area almost too quickly for a junior miner to manage. He told a Yukon News journalist recently, What used to take us two field seasons and $500,000 is now taking us about a month for about $100,000.

GoldTruth (a company jointly owned by Ryans wife, Cathy Wood, and long time associates Isaac Fage and Tao Henderson) has revolutionized remote exploration and will be used to explore the properties using their Drones to Drills technology, which facilitates year-round exploration with considerably less impact on the environment than traditional methods. This new technology uses a revolutionary GT RAB Drill - a remotely controlled tracked platform that is completely pneumatically and hydraulically operated. Drilling costs for the new company are only $135/m, a 70% reduction compared to the roughly $450/m cost of traditional method diamond drilling that has previously been used in the area.

White Gold Corp (WGO.V) is fully funded for a three year C$15M drill program scheduled this year through 2019.

With the purchase of the Coffee project by Goldcorp, the miners in the district are now lobbying to get a paved highway built which would create over 400 jobs as well as benefit many of the junior exploration companies in the Yukon. The Yukon Resource Gateway Project (YRGP) would spend C$468M over eight years, upgrading the placer mining road south from Dawson and extending the Freegold Road north from Carmacks. Funding of the YRGP is envisioned to run through 2024/25 and would be a partnership between Canada, Yukon, and industry with each sharing costs, risks, and benefits.

I strongly believe these factors will make many of the local juniors that have managed to tie up district size land packages, very attractive to majors going forward. Here is a list of companies in the area in which I have accumulated. Please do your own due diligence, as there are many others to choose from in this district as well.

Western Copper and Gold (WRN.TO)

http://westerncopperandgold.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/WRN_Presentation_Jan2017_Final.pdf

White Gold Corp. (WGO.V)

http://www.whitegoldcorp.ca/_resources/presentations/White_Gold_Presentation_Corporate_2017-Jan-03.pdf

Triumph Gold Corp. (TIG.V)

Website is under construction as new management changes over from former company Northern Freegold.

Independence Gold Corp. (IGO.V)

https://ingold.ca/assets/docs/presentations/IGO_Invest_Pres_VRIC&RUP_2017-1484939647.pdf

Klondike Gold Corp. (KG.V)

http://www.klondikegoldcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/Klondike_Presentation_Nov2016.pdf

By David Erfle Contributor to Kitco News

newsfeedback@kitco.com

Follow @KitcoNewsNOW

David Erfle is a 52 year old self-taught mining sector investor. He stumbled upon the mining sector in 2003 as he was looking to invest into a growing sector of the market. After researching the gains made from the 2001 bottom in the tiny gold and silver sector he became fascinated with this niche market. So much so that in 2005 he decided to sell his home and invest the entire proceeds from the sale into junior mining companies. When his account had tripled by September, 2007, he decided to quit his job as the Telecommunications Equipment Buyer at UCLA and make investing in this sector his full time job. He personally survived two bear markets, witnessed incredible sector changes and had to alter his investment philosophy numerous times in order to adapt to changing market conditions."
HANOI, Feb 10 (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 0401 GMT.

Feb 10 Feb 9 USD/VND mid-point 22,224 22,216 USD/VND interbank 22,620/22,700 22,680/22,682 USD/VND unofficial 22,810/22,830 22,800/22,830 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.70/37.02 36.95/37.27

Interbank offered rates Overnight 1.5-2.3 1.5-3.5

1 week 1.6-2.5 2.0-4.0

1 month 3.0-3.8 3.2-4.5

3 months 3.8-4.6 3.8-4.6

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; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
BEIJING, Feb 10 (Reuters) - China's top securities regulator vowed on Friday to apprehend law-breaking financial tycoons he called "giant crocodiles", saying they will not be allowed to "suck the blood" of retail investors, financial magazine Caixin reported.

Liu Shiyu, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), said that a group of such businessmen had circumvented regulations to ultimately control financial institutions and dominate board rooms.

The market won't allow them to "to peel the skin and suck the blood of retail investors, and China should stick to its plan to capture a group f giant crocodiles and bring them back," Liu was quoted as saying.

The comments by Liu, who didn't identify any targets, come as China-born billionaire Xiao Jianhua, who runs Beijing-based financial group Tomorrow Holdings, disappeared in Hong Kong, prompting media speculation that he has been abducted and taken to mainland China. .

Xiao entered mainland China through a border checkpoint on Jan. 27, Hong Kong police said in a statement to Reuters.

Xu Xiang, a Chinese hedge fund manager detained in the wake of the market crash in the summer of 2015, was sentenced in late January to 5-1/2 years' imprisonment for market manipulation. China has intensified a crackdown on illegal market activities since the mid-2015 crash that wiped out almost $3 trillion of share value.

Liu was appointed chairman of CSRC in early 2016, after his predecessor was widely criticized for the crash.

In December, Liu condemned "barbaric" leveraged company buy-outs by some asset managers using illegal funds. (Reporting by Stella Qiu, Samuel Shen and Nicholas Heath; Editing by Richard Borsuk)
ZAGREB, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Russia wants Croatian food company Agrokor to repay its debts to Russian banks, the country's ambassador to Croatia said on Friday, referring to concerns about the level of debt Croatia's biggest privately-held company is servicing.

"We've on several occasions credited Agrokor, believing it will help stabilise the company. We're not considering fresh loans," Anvar Azimov was quoted by the state news agency Hina as saying.

"If Agrokor turns to Sberbank for a new loan, it will be considered in the light of financial difficulties it is currently facing," he told a news conference when speaking about the prospects of boosting economic ties between the two countries.

Zagreb-based Agrokor is the biggest food producer and retailer in the Balkans. It employs almost 60,000 people with annual revenues of some 50 billion kuna ($7.13 billion). It is not listed itself, but owns several companies that are. Sberbank is among its major creditors.

"Agrokor has an intensive and continuing communication with all of its investors, including those from Russia. At the moment there are no demands for any further exposure to the Russian banks," Agrokor spokeswoman Anja Linic told Reuters.

In a recent statement Agrokor said it was servicing all its financial obligations regularly and would continue doing so.

However, investors have recently voiced concern about the ability of Agrokor to service easily its forthcoming obligations amid already high debt. At the end of September last year its debt amounted to some 45 billion kuna against the capital of around 7.5 billion kuna.

"I think they might be forced to sell some of its profitable assets relatively soon," a London-based analyst said.

Agrokor has also been considering an initial public share offering.

In the last 30 days the yield on Agrokor's 2020 bond soared to almost 22 percent from around 7.5 percent.

IFR news agency reported on Friday that Agrokor's debt stemmed from an acquisition of Slovenian retailer Mercator, which was funded with a 485 million euro deeply subordinated PIK toggle loan in 2014. PIK toggle notes allow companies to make interest payments with additional debt if they are short of cash, meaning the size of the debt can balloon if not tackled quickly. ($1 = 7.0090 kuna)

(Reporting by Igor Ilic; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
Ghana 91-day bill yield falls to 15.6877 pct

ACCRA, Feb 10 (Reuters) - The Bank of Ghana said the yield on its weekly 91-day bill fell to 15.6877 percent at an auction on Friday from 15.9522 percent at the last sale on Feb. 3. The bank said it had accepted 644.99 million cedis ($146 million) worth of bids out of 655.49 million cedis tendered for the paper, which will be issued on Feb. 13. For full details, click here: ($1 = 4.4175 Ghanaian cedis)

(Writing by Kwasi Kpodo; editing by John Stonestreet) 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
(Kitco News) - Gold prices moved higher leading into President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes press conference on Friday, especially gold priced in Japanese yen.

According to Kitcos currency charts, spot gold priced in USD last traded at $1,235.40 an ounce, down 0.01%; meanwhile, gold in yen terms traded at 139,909.05 an ounce, up 0.18% on the day.

However, despite the price discrepancy, one analyst said hes still rooting for gold in dollar terms, attributing the difference in prices for bullion to a weaker Japanese currency.

I would buy in USD than the weaker Yen, noted Todd Bubba Horwitz, chief strategist at bubbatrading.com, in an email to Kitco News. Gold is weaker against the dollar but strong like a bull right now.

Gold prices have seen a boost this year, especially since President Trump took office. The uncertainty surrounding what a Trump administration will mean for the U.S. economy, the U.S. dollar and geopolitical issues abroad have all helped boost safe-haven gold. April Comex gold futures last traded at $1,236.60 an ounce, up 1.29% on the week. Bullion prices are up 7% year to date.

During the press conference, Trump assured the public of his commitment to work closely with Japanese Prime Minister Abe throughout his presidency, calling Americas alliance with Japan crucial.

The bond between our two nations and the friendship between our two peoples runs very, very deep, he said. This administration is committed to bringing those ties even closer.

Abe will be staying in the U.S. over the weekend, where Trump will host him in Florida. After meeting Britain Prime Minister Theresa May, Abe is the second foreign leader Trump meets since taking office.

By Sarah Benali of Kitco News; sbenali@kitco.com

Follow @SdBenali
The following company announcements, scheduled economic indicators, debt and currency market moves and political events may affect South African markets on Friday.

COMPANIES

- ArcelorMittal South Africa releases Full-year results.

- Brait releases third quarter results.

SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

South Africa's rand weakened slightly on Thursday, weighed down by a rebound in the U.S. dollar, ahead of President Jacob Zuma's annual state of the nation speech. GLOBAL MARKETS

Asian shares rallied to an 18-month peak on Friday, as investors cheered upbeat Chinese trade data and strong gains on Wall Street after U.S. President Donald Trump promised to unveil a major tax announcement to lower the burden on businesses. WALL STREET

Wall Street's three main indexes surged to fresh record highs on Thursday after President Donald Trump said he would make a major tax announcement in a few weeks. GOLD Gold fell on Friday on a firmer dollar after U.S. President Donald Trump promised a major tax announcement and as economic data boosted expectations of a U.S. rate hike. EMERGING MARKETS

For the top emerging markets news, double click on - - - -

Some of the main stories out in the South African press:

BUSINESS DAY

- Flayed Zuma delivers transformation plan

- Uncertainty 'stymies coal miners'

BUSINESS REPORT

- Banks shielded from the bad debt

- Blow to Royal Bafokeng despite good news

(Compiled by Nqobile Dludla) Keywords: SAFRICA MARKETS/FACTORS
UK Stocks-Factors to watch on Feb 10

Feb 10 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 index is seen opening up 23 points at 7,252 on Friday, according to financial bookmakers. * The UK blue chip index was up 0.6 percent at 7,229.50 points at the market close, underperforming the pan-European STOXX 600 index on Thursday, as insurance and banking stocks picked up pace, while miners weighed. * LLOYDS: Lloyds Banking Group is the latest bank to join a new British cyber security group for banks called the Cyber Defence Alliance (CDA), sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. * BHP: Workers at BHP Billiton's , Escondida copper mine in Chile, the world's largest, walked off the job on Thursday in a strike that threatens to disrupt the international supply of the widely used metal. * RBS: Royal Bank of Scotland has rejected calls to beef up a 400 million pound ($502 million) scheme to reimburse customers who say they were mistreated by the bank's business restructuring division. * BAE: A group of companies including subsidiaries of BAE Systems , Northrop Grumman Corp , Science Applications International Corp , Teledyne Technologies Inc and KBR Inc will share in a $3.04 billion missile defense contract, the Pentagon said on Thursday. * For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets * UK CORPORATE DIARY: Greene King Plc Q3 2017 Electrocomponents Plc Q3 2017 TODAY'S UK PAPERS > Financial Times > Other business headlines Multimedia versions of Reuters Top News are now available for: * 3000 Xtra : visit * For Top News : (Reporting by Rahul B in Bengaluru; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri) 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
Firehouse Subs donates $13,000 of equipment to Knoxville first responders

FEBRUARY 9, 2017 at 9:41 p.m.









Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded $13,000 worth of life-saving equipment grants to Knoxville Police Department and Knoxville County Sheriffs Office.



The law enforcement agencies received 10 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) worth $13,000 (five each). The AEDs will be placed into police cruisers and help ensure the departments are prepared to provide medical assistance if an individual goes into cardiac arrest.



Research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania showed only 30 percent of the nations police agencies have equipped their vehicles with AEDs. Often the first responders to emergencies, police officers are frequently in a position to provide immediate assistance to a sudden cardiac arrest victim. Studies from the American Heart Association show use of an AED within three to five minutes of a victims heart stopping improves odds of survival by nearly 70 percent.



In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has given more than $24 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $1.3 million in Tennessee.



Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets, available to guests for a $2 donation to the Foundation. Donation canisters on register counters explain the non-profits mission and collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to round up their bill to the nearest dollar. All funds raised benefit the Foundation. Published February 9, 2017
From left are Kim Yong-yeon, vice president of the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation, Vladimir Mendelssohn, artistic director of the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival and Eero Suominen, Finnish Ambassador to Korea, posing for a photo after a press conference held at the Finnish Embassy in Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of Kumho Art Hall



By Yun Suh-young

The Kumho & Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival kicked off Thursday, marking the first musical exchange between the Seoul-based Kumho Art Hall and the Finnish Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival. It will be held from Feb. 9 to 11 at the Kumho Art Hall in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul.

The festival is one of the world's largest chamber music festivals. Started in 1970 in the small Finnish town of Kuhmo, 600 kilometers from Helsinki, the festival has survived for over 40 years attracting 50,000 visitors annually. It runs every July for 14 days in Kuhmo which has now become a summer vacation destination, thanks to the music festival's success. Around 200 musicians and 100 music students participate in the annual event.

This event will be the first in a series of cultural exchanges between the two countries. The Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival decided to take its act to Korea for the first time this year, and moving onwards the two countries will continue to exchange musicians for future co-organized events.

"Kumho Art Hall and the Finnish Embassy began planning the festival in Seoul four years ago," said Kim Yong-yeon, vice president of the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation, during a press conference Wednesday. "Starting this year, Finnish musicians will be coming to Seoul to perform. Next year, Korean musicians will visit Finland to take part in the festival there. We'll continue to exchange musicians back and forth like this."

This year is especially meaningful for the Finnish festival as it marks the 100th anniversary of Finland's independence from Russia in 1917.

As a tribute and dedication to the iconic Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, often identified as a symbol of the country, the music festival will begin Thursday at 8 p.m. The repertoire includes "Finlandia, Tone Poem for Orchestra, Op. 26" and "Valse Triste from Kuolema, Op. 44" under the theme, "The Time of Sibelius."

"The heart of Finnish culture, the symbol of Finland is Jean Siberius. He was born before the Finnish independent state was born and started music when Verdi and Brahms were flourishing. Nothing can move Sibelius away from Europe. It is why the first program of this weekend of concerts is called The Time of Sibelius," said Vladimir Mendelssohn, artistic director of the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival.

On Friday, Feb. 10, more Sibelius is to come, but the focus shifts onto French composers such as Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Darius Milhaud and Cesar Franck. Under the theme "Paris by Night," the program will offer pieces such as Sonata for Cello and Piano, L. 135 by Debussy and Tzigane, Rhapsodie de Concert for Violin and Piano by Ravel.

On Saturday, two performances are scheduled for 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. The 3 p.m. concert is themed "Baroque, Evergreens" with pieces by Johann Pachelbel, Tomaso Albinoni and Antonio Vivaldi, while the 8 p.m. performance will feature Mozart, Schubert and Brahms.
By Nam Hyun-woo





Jeong Chan-woo

Korea's bourse operator, the Korea Exchange (KRX), may lose its head as Chairman and CEO, Jeong Chan-woo, is suspected of being involved in the President Park Geun-hye and Choi Soon-sil corruption scandal.



According to KRX on Thursday, it is paying keen attention to the independent counsel team's investigation of the scandal, as the team hinted that it may grill Jeong over the allegation that he meddled in a number of private financial firms' workforce reshuffling.



The team said Wednesday it "may summon Jeong if necessary" and "he can be regarded as a suspect should the circumstances dictate so."



Jeong is facing an allegation that he peddled influence in a KEB Hana Bank senior executive's promotion when he was vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission (FSC). Jeong served in the post from March 2013 to January last year.



The executive, Lee Sang-hwa, who is in charge of global sales, allegedly assisted Choi and her daughter Chung Yoo-ra to secure loans for their business and property purchase in Germany. In 2015, KEB Hana's branch in Germany lent them 380,000 euros, backed by Choi's land in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, as collateral when Lee was the head of the branch.



Lee returned home in January last year and relocated as the chief of a KEB Hana branch in Seocho-dong, Seoul. A month later, he was promoted to the current position.



Regarding Lee's promotion, an allegation was raised that former presidential secretary Ahn Jong-beom ordered Jeong to peddle influence to KEB Hana Bank. The special prosecutors reportedly found a memo regarding Lee in Ahn's notebook.



Over the allegation, the team raided the FSC on Feb. 3. In the raid, the special prosecutors focused their search on the FSC's vice chairman office. Jeong has already been summoned by the prosecutors as a testifier.



Should Jeong be treated as a suspect, it raises the likelihood of KRX losing its head. In case of Jeong's absence, its Management Strategy Division head will lead the operator as acting chief.



"The KRX has its protocol over such a case," said a KRX official. "However, no conclusion has been made so far and the allegation is not about Jeong's activities as the KRX chief. We are currently paying keen attention on the special prosecutors' move."



Upon his appointment as the chief of the KRX, Jeong faced strong oppositions from the KRX union. Back then, the union claimed that Jeong, who has been close to the Park Geun-hye administration, got the publicly recruited position through so-called "parachute appointment."



Also, rumors are spreading that Jeong has exerted his influence in not only the promotion of the FSC but also KEB Hana Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea and even KB Kookmin Bank.



A day earlier, Financial Consumer Agency said it will accuse Jeong and FSC Chairman Yim Jong-yong to the special prosecutors' team. In its statement, the civic group claimed "Yim and Jeong are the hands of Choi who subordinated the country's financial industry for her interest."



"They peddled their influence to not only public financial firms but also private companies, while abandoning their duty as the chief of the financial authority," it added.
By Park Hyong-ki





NPS chief Moon Hyung-pyo is escorted by police to appear at the Constitutional Court as a witness in the impeachment case against President Park Geun-hye on Thursday. / Yonhap

Korea's National Pension Service (NPS) is facing a management crisis due its alleged involvement in Samsung's affiliate merger and the scandal involving President Park Geun-hye.



With more employees seeking to leave Korea's pension fund manager and global institutional fund managers keeping their distance amid the NPS's tarnished image, there are growing calls for the fund to launch an independent investment management unit.



More than 50 NPS employees reportedly left the company over the past year due to the latest scandal involving the Samsung affiliate merger, President Park and Choi Soon-sil, Park's longtime friend, and the planned relocation of the fund's headquarters to Jeonju in southern Korea later this month.



The presidential scandal is casting doubts over the NPS's ability to manage over 500 trillion won to provide for people's retirement.

Kim Sang-jo, an economist at Hansung University, and Jang Ha-sung, a business professor at Korea University - two of the most outspoken critics of the NPS - have called for fundamental change in the way the fund manages public money.



Kim said the fund should carry out "its responsibility in addressing governance and investment concerns and problems over companies it invested in for the people."



Jang said during a recent television program that there is a huge misconception here that the NPS's owner is the government, and that the owners of conglomerates are chaebol, even though they do not have any shares in the companies.



"We commonly think that Lee Boo-jin is the owner of Hotel Shilla. She does not own any shares in the company. Its biggest shareholder is the NPS and, therefore, the public is the major investor in the hotel," Jang said, adding that the NPS and the hotel have to answer to people's calls.



The NPS has an 11.6 percent stake in the hotel, according to an audit filing. Lee Boo-jin, the chief executive of Hotel Shilla who is the daughter of Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee, has no shares in the hotel, but Samsung Group subsidiaries, including Samsung Electronics and Samsung Life Insurance, hold a combined 17.4 percent.



This misperception over chaebol ownership and NPS management is mostly due to poor governance, which is still plaguing the Korean economy.



Politicians with no experience in investment management mostly ran the NPS over the years under the influence of the government, with key decisions made by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.



The presidential scandal is a case in point that fully exposed a broken system in operating and governing the fund.
By Choi Yearn-hong







Ven. Cho Oh-hyun "For Nirvana" by Ven. Cho Oh-hyun

Poet Ven. Cho Oh-hyun is known as the senior monk of Backdamsa Temple of Mount Seorak, a temple that has been famous since the Ven and where Han Yong-un stayed during the Japanese colonial rule. Ven. Han was imprisoned for signing the Korean Declaration of Independence on March 1, 1919, and he represented the Buddhists in the movement for Korean independence from Japanese rule. Later, in the 1990s, Korean strongman Chun Doo-hwan was "imprisoned" at the temple, kind of a house arrest, for his many wrongdoings as the president. However, many Korean people still remember the temple with Ven. Han, and now, Ven. Cho has made the temple famous to the outside world as well. Ven. Cho created Manhae Village and the prestigious literary award after Ven. Han, who was also well known for his poetry book, "Silence of My Lover." Manhae was Ven. Han's pen name. Many literary figures inside and outside of Korea have visited Manhae Village for its annual festival.

I read "For Nirvana" with great interest, because it is a poetry book of Zen and "sijo," which are one and inseparable, like two sides of one coin. Zen means meditation to control the mind. Sijo is a traditional form of Korean poetry with much more strict regulations; it regulates the number of words in a rhythm, like with haiku poems. All forms of Korean poetry contain Zen and sijo elements. The 108 poems in this book, which was published by Columbia University Press, were translated into English by famous writer Heinz Insu Fenkl, who also teaches at the State University of New York at New Paltz. The figure "108" refers to human agonies in the Buddhist sutras. I was attracted to the many interesting elements of this book. I reviewed "The Columbia Anthology of Traditional Korean Poetry," edited by Peter Lee, in 2003. "For Nirvana" did not meet my expectations, however; the 108 did not contain the 108 agonies in the Buddhist sutras. There may be more than 108 agonies in this modern world. Zen is in the book, but not in the sense of meditation. In addition, the old form and style of sijo are not faithfully observed in this book, because the sijo in this book is more free verse in spirit. Nevertheless, I am attracted to this book. Cho is not just another poet writing traditional sijo poems like Yoon Sun-do (1587-1671) and Hwang Jin-yi (1506-1544), two of my favorite sijo poets. He is not just another Zen Buddhist as Hyesim, the first Korean Zen monk from the Goryeo Kingdom whose poetry book, "Magnolia and Lotus," was published in 2013. Cho is his own Zen monk writing his own style of sijo.

Traditional sijo poems were both popular and successfully performed in songs and chants. The recited narrative was interspersed with the primal poem that was the poet's song. Indeed, spoken word and performances were significant features of traditional vernacular poetry in Korea. I am a free verse poet, but I respect and admire sijo poets.

Hyesim's sijo poems were great. Ven. Cho's sijo poems are different from those of Hyesim, who lived in the 12-13th century and who cultivated Seon in the Korean Buddhist practices. Zen, a Japanese concept, is much better known to the outside world. Zen representing the Korean Seon and Chinese Chan.

Ven. Cho's preface to this book looks like a short essay, but it is considered as free verse. I believe it is both a free verse is a short essay  no disputes or arguments. Poetry and prose are undistinguishable these days. We live in the modern age, where the wall of one genre falling and that of another is disappearing. In a sense, Ven. Cho is a new pioneer with his sijo poetry. I bet he is trying to bring new Chamsun, Zen meditation for control his mind. Let me quote his well-known poem, "Distant Holy Man" from page 3.

Today, this one day,

On this day called today

I saw the whole of the sun rise

And saw it all set

Nothing more to see 

A swarm of gnats laying eggs, dying

I am still alive,

Long past my time to die,

But consider  today, I don't feel

As if I've lived even this single day

He may live a thousand years

But the holy man

Is but a distant cloud of gnats

I see the spirit of Master Cho from the metaphor of a day in the life of a gnat. My own translation of the title of this poem is either "Faraway Saint" or "Saint with a Long Way to Go." Many other poets have used gnats in their poetry. However, this poem written by a famous monk may make a different impact on the readers. Humility is a virtue. I can exclaim that this monk is really a saint. This poem is a self-portrait of the monk, as is the 107 other poems.

The following poem on page 105 is one of the most beautiful poems in this book. In this poem, he made a clear distinction between Zen and poetry. His views on both are succinctly presented in two words.

"My Lifelines"

What I have been seeking all my life

Are the mountains, the veins

Of Zen

& poetry

The conclusion I reached today 

Poetry is woodgrain, knotted,

& Zen is wood's grain, straight.

Ven. Cho is a Zen sijo poet, but not an orthodox one. He declared that he is far away from sainthood, that he is simply producing knotted poems, not beautiful waves inside the wood's grain. He has created a new tradition of Korean sijo poetry, straightening the knotted waves. I wish him the best on his admirable endeavors.

Dr. Choi is a Washington, D.C.-based poet and writer.
By Yi Whan-woo



The reopening of the inter-Korean industrial park in Gaeseong, North Korea, is emerging as a presidential campaign issue.



Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung, presidential hopefuls from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), have pledged to make efforts to reopen the Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) if elected.



They claim this will help restart stalled talks between the two Koreas and save South Korean firms that have plants there. The companies have been suffering snowballing losses following the shutdown a year ago.



But other potential presidential contestants are cautious about joining Moon and Lee amid concerns the resumption of the GIC could be a breach of the U.N. Security Council's (UNSC) nuclear sanctions on North Korea.



The Park Geun-hye government closed the GIC on Feb. 10, 2016, claiming that the Kim Jong-un regime was pocketing earnings from North Korean employees there and funneling funds to the UNSC-banned nuclear program.



Against this backdrop, Ahn Cheol-soo, a former co-chairman of the minor opposition People's Party, has an ambiguous approach, saying, "The shutdown of the GIC doesn't do any good for peace on the Korean Peninsula but we must be prudent over whether to resume its operation."



Another DPK presidential hopeful, South Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung, says Pyongyang's sincerity in making changes, such as resuming inter-Korean dialogue and denuclearization efforts, should precede any GIC reopening.



Two conservatives from the Bareun Party _ Rep. Yoo Seong-min and Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil _ have echoed a similar view by proposing conditions for the GIC's reopening. Yoo wants "progress in resolving North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs" while Nam is seeking to "create a peaceful atmosphere on the peninsula."



The accumulated loss of the 123 South Korean enterprises at the GIC is estimated to be at least 250 billion won ($218.1 million), according to an emergency committee aimed at helping the victims.



The victims say they have had difficulty securing new factories and experienced other problems in reviving their businesses.



The Ministry of Unification, citing its own data, downplayed the concerns. It said 114, or 92.7 percent, of the 123 companies are operating and their average sales last year were about 79 percent of those in 2015.



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday reopening the GIC "does not correspond with" the international cooperation to press North Korea.



Harsh reality



Some analysts said Moon and Lee are not realistic in their pledge and that they are trying to court more left-wing voters.



"The support groups of Moon and Lee tend to overlap and they need to ensure wooing more supporters ahead of the primary by making what can be seen as radical promises," said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University.



Shin said the situation is more urgent for Lee, a Seongnam mayor who has been trailing Moon in the polls. Moon, a former DPK chairman, has had a firm lead for weeks.



"The issues over the GIC are not something that can be resolved on our own," Shin said. "It is complicated and involves discussion with the United States and Russia, and others."



Political commentator Hwang Jae-soon agreed.



"The GIC is the most noteworthy legacy of late President Kim Dae-jung and underscoring a need to resume its operation can be effective to bring the voters together for Moon and Lee only until a DPK presidential candidate is chosen," he said. "It will be burdensome for a candidate to oppose the UNSC sanctions, the U.S. pressure and other international measures taken against North Korea in the presidential campaign."



Other experts disagreed, claiming Seoul's suspicions over Pyongyang's exploitation of the GIC to funnel funds to the nuclear program are not proven.



"Moreover, the UNSC does not explicitly state anything about closing the GIC," said Chang Yong-seok, a senior researcher at the Institute for Peace and Unification Studies at Seoul National University.



Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, said the issues over the GIC should be separated from national security and ideology.



"It makes more sense to say that the GIC is more related to economic interest," he said. "Moreover, the voters are fed up with ideological disputes surrounding North Korea."




By Choi Ha-young





Won Yoo-chul Nam Kyung-pil

Minor presidential contenders from conservative parties are calling for South Korea to develop its nuclear arsenal to counter threats from North Korea.

While major contenders do not believe this is a viable option in dealing with the North, the minor contenders have adopted nuclear development into their campaign platforms.

"To ensure our safety, nuclear armament is necessary until the North drops its nuclear ambition," Rep. Won Yoo-chul, a presidential hopeful from the ruling Saenuri Party, said in a radio interview, Friday.

"According to Article 10 of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, a member can break away from it if an emergency situation occurs. Now, South Korea is in a state of emergency."

A day earlier, Won visited the Nuclear Engineering Department of Seoul National University and met with Prof. Suh Kune-yull, a prominent nuclear scientist.

"Suh told me if we decide to make a nuclear weapon, we can have it in six months," Won said.

Another presidential hopeful, Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil of the conservative Bareun Party, also supports nuclear armament in the context of self-reliant national defense.

"We need to face an uncomfortable truth. The nation should discuss and decide on nuclear armament, a volunteer military system and recovery of wartime operational control from the United States," Nam said last month while declaring his bid for the presidency.

"Won has a security-oriented approach to North Korea's threats, while Nam has a broader view, thinking about economic benefits of possessing nuclear weapons, for example, and better treatment for soldiers," said Sejong Institute senior researcher Cheong Seong-chang, who is in favor of nuclear armament.

South Korea once dreamed of becoming a nuclear state in the 1970s during President Park Chung-hee's term. After Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test was carried out in early 2016, some politicians and experts from both conservatives and liberal groups rekindled ambitions of nuclear armament.

However, mainstream academics have refuted it citing the Korea-U.S. alliance and possible international sanctions on South Korea.

U.S. President Donald Trump previously said Seoul and Tokyo should become nuclear states, but recently withdrew his remarks. "However, Trump's isolationism may pave the way for South Korea's nuclear armament," Cheong said.
South Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung, left, a presidential hopeful from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, bows to Lee Shim, head of the Korean Senior Citizens Association, during a visit to the association in Mapo, Seoul, Thursday. An vowed to introduce measures to resolve poor living conditions of elderly people, including reforming the basic living subsidy and pension plans for them. The move came as the liberal contender seeks to expand support from centrist and conservatives voters.



/ Yonhap
By Park Si-soo



Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has received a professorship offer from his alma mater Harvard University, his aides said Friday.

Ban, who is visiting Kenya to see his daughter -- who works there for the United Nations -- is "positively" considering the offer, they said.

"He received the offer from Harvard Kennedy School toward the end of his term as U.N. chief," an aide was quoted as saying in a report. "He rejected the first offer but received the second one recently."












A South Korean tourist was found dead on Kuta Beach on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Friday, two days after he went missing while snorkeling, police said.

A local merchant found the body of the man in his 50s washed ashore around 6:30 a.m. about 500 meters away from the spot he went into the sea.

The man, a South Korean resident in Vietnam, disappeared after he went snorkeling with his wife and acquaintances at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. His wife and the acquaintances returned to the beach around 5:00 p.m. for rest, but he went back into the sea to snorkel more and went missing.

Police, who are investigating the case, suspect he drowned or suffered a heart attack.

Officials at the South Korean Embassy in Jakarta are helping his bereaved family transfer his body and set up a funeral. (Yonhap)
By Park Si-soo





Lee Cheong-yeon

Incheon's education superintendent has been found guilty of bribery and jailed for eight years.

Lee Cheong-yeon, superintendent of the Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education, was charged with taking 300 million won in bribes from a construction firm in 2015 and 120 million won from a promotional leaflet maker in 2014. In return, the construction firm won profitable projects at two Incheon schools and the leaflet maker won the right to produce fliers for Lee's election campaign in 2014.

The Incheon District Court on Thursday also jailed three of Lee's close aides for their involvement in the scandal.

Lee is the first education superintendent to be prison while in office.

"Lee let down and even shocked numerous people by perpetrating corrupt deeds," Judge Chang Se-young said. "He deserves the punishment given integrity and honesty are the most crucial values educators must have."
By Yi Whan-woo

Opposition presidential contenders plan to join the ongoing candlelit rallies that have taken place almost every weekend since a corruption scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye broke out in late October.

Although they were often present at past rallies, their participation this time is stirring up controversy because it can be seen as political pressure on the Constitutional Court.

There have been rumors that the court may overturn the National Assembly's impeachment of Park or delay its decision.

If this happens, it can deal a blow to Moon Jae-in of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and other opposition presidential hopefuls preparing for an early presidential election.

In particular, Moon has been taking a firm lead in popularity polls and has a higher chance of becoming the next president if the presidential election is held early instead of December as initially scheduled.

On the DPK side, Moon and Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung are set to join the candlelit rally at Gwanghwanmun Square in downtown Seoul while South Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung will do so in Gwangju, according to party officials, Friday.

They said Moon initially had other plans over the weekends but postponed them to concentrate on the anti-Park rally.

The DPK is trying to mobilize its members to the rallies as well, by asking all of its lawmakers to make appearances.












By Choi Ha-young





Chun In-bum

Chun In-bum, ex-commander of the Special Warfare Command (SWC), quit the campaign team for leading presidential contender Moon Jae-in, Friday, after being dogged by a series of allegations.

"I will leave the country to study in the United States," Chun posted on Facebook. "I feel sorry for being a political burden on Moon."

However, Chun said he will do what he can do in the U.S. to promote Moon's security agenda and help boost the Korea-U.S. alliance.

A few days after he joined Moon's campaign as a security advisor, Chun was hit by the court's ruling to imprison his wife Shim Hwa-jin, president of Sungshin Women's University, for embezzling school funds.

He said earlier on social media, "If my wife did anything wrong, I would shoot her with a pistol."

Later, a civic group criticized the retired special force head's previous evasion of responsibility over two soldiers' death. The professors' group added criticism against Moon who recruited Chun, who allegedly mobilized university employees when he was promoted to major general.

His interview published on Thursday drew further criticism from the second-largest opposition People's Party based in the Jeolla region, for denying ex-President Chun Doo-hwan's responsibility for a massacre in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province in 1980.

"It is Moon's mistake since Chun did the interview after joining Moon's team," Ko Yeon-ho, spokeswoman of the People's Party said, Friday.

Moon's spokesman said the camp would respect Chun's decision.
By Rachel Lee





Moon Jae-in An Hee-jung

South Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung has narrowed the gap with Moon Jae-in considerably, according to a poll, released Friday.

A Gallup Korea survey conducted between Tuesday and Thursday on 1,007 respondents showed that An, also from the DPK, stood at 19 percent, a whopping 9 percentage points increase from the previous week.

Moon's support, however, fell to 29 percent, 3 percentage points down from the last week.

The pollster said the governor's popularity has come from diverse groups of people in the country, including from the Chungcheong region and opposition voters, as well as those supporting the conservative Bareun Party and minor opposition People's Party. The poll found that An attracted more support from the Jeolla region, the country's liberal stronghold, and the conservative North Gyeongsang Province by 11 and 13 percentage points, respectively.












By Kim Bo-eun



The independent counsel team filed a suit Friday, calling for a court to allow it to search Cheong Wa Dae as part of its investigation into the influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye.



On top of the administrative suit, the team also filed a separate injunction with the Seoul Administrative Court, asking the court to nullify Cheong Wa Dae's disapproval of the team's search.



"We filed the suit and injunction as we want the court to determine whether the refusal of the counsel team's search of Cheong Wa Dae is lawful," team spokesman Lee Kyu-chul said during a press briefing.



The team cited a clause in the Criminal Procedure Law, which states that searches cannot be refused, with the exception of when it is deemed to harm critical national interests.



It claims the presidential office's denial of the search is not covered by this clause.



The team's move to take the case to court is aimed at pressuring Cheong Wa Dae. President Park has also rejected the team's request for face-to-face questioning.



The team attempted on Feb. 3 to search the presidential office after receiving a court-issued arrest warrant, but was denied entry, as officials stated the grounds are a national security zone.



The search was intended to secure evidence for the allegations Park faces, including receiving bribes from Samsung and other conglomerates, ordering a blacklist of artists critical of the government, and dereliction of duty on the day of the Sewol ferry disaster in 2014.



After the attempted search failed, the team sent a request to acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn for permission to conduct the search, but it has yet to receive an official reply.



Hwang has said he sees no immediate need to extend the mandate for the independent counsel.



The court is likely to make a decision by next week, as the team's investigation period expires at the end of the month.



The team said it will immediately conduct a search if the request is approved. The search warrant is valid until Feb. 28.



The team is reviewing an extension of its investigation period, as it has not made much progress in its investigations of the allegations against the President due to Cheong Wa Dae's uncooperativeness. However, the extension needs Hwang's approval and it is unclear whether it will be made.



Park pulled out of an earlier agreement with the counsel team for face-to-face questioning to take place earlier this week at Cheong Wa Dae.




Park Geun-hye supporters hold the Korean national flag during a weekly protest held in front of Daehan Gate of Deoksu Palace in downtown Seoul, Feb. 4. / Yonhap



By Chung Hyun-chae



Park Jang-sun, 32, a member of the Korea Youth Foundation, was bothered when he saw the Taegeukgi, Korea's national flag, carried by conservative groups at a recent counter-protest.



"I was worried young people could misunderstand that the national flag represents those holding conservative views," Park said. "Another sad thing is that I saw many flags being stacked on trash cans after rallies."



The conservative group, Park Sa Mo  literally meaning people who love President Park  consists of men and women in their 50s or older, mostly from the southeastern part of Korea, the conservative party's home turf. Starting tiny, the presence of Park Sa Mo at the weekly protests has grown over the weeks.



Many, especially young people, echo Park's opinion.



Oh Se-rip, 23, a college student, believed that the national flag cannot be the exclusive property of a certain party or group. "I think some conservative groups hold the Taegeukgi to claim that their behavior is patriotic," Oh said.




By Jhoo Dong-chan



An increasing number of workers at the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) are agitated over a series of news about the big four conglomerates' forthcoming withdrawal of their membership from the nation's largest business lobby.



"Workers are very anxious about their future with the FKI," said an FKI official.



"I heard a number of workers here are considering changing jobs. Not many workers have so far quit the FKI yet, but it makes me feel like this is a moment before exodus."



He added that an increasing number of FKI workers are discussing career changes during lunch time. The FKI official denied the media's claims that a number of workers have allegedly transferred or are preparing to transfer at the moment but fear prevails in the office.



Another worker said under condition of anonymity that she is already looking into other options in case the FKI fails to mend the situation by the end of this month.



"The FKI has become some kind of axis of evil' since the Choi Soon-sil gate came to the surface," she said. "People used to envy my job for its steady and high salary with various welfare benefits. Now, they are all pointing their fingers at us. I will change jobs if there is an opportunity."



Sources say the fate of the FKI depends on whether they can appoint a new chairman and vice chair by the end of this month because incumbent FKI Chairman Huh Chang-soo and Vice Chair Lee Seung-cheol's term expires this month.



The appointment is, however, also facing difficulties as all nominees have dropped their candidacy for the post since the "Choi gate" erupted. The FKI reportedly attempted to recruit former Strategy Minister Yoon Jeung-hyun and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for the post only to fail.



On Monday, Samsung Electronics announced it will officially withdraw its membership from the FKI. The tech giant's decision could be the precursor for a chain departure by other units of the Samsung Group from the beleaguered business lobby group.



LG Group already decided to leave the FKI last year while Hyundai Motor and SK Group are expected to soon do the same as well.



The exit of the nation's four largest conglomerates is expected to directly affect the FKI's membership revenue, which amounts to 50 billion won ($43 million) every year. Of the 600 member companies, the big four's contribution accounts for roughly half of the total FKI membership profits.



LG Group's information technology affiliate LG CNS, which has leased 13 office floors of the FKI headquarter building in Yeouido, is also expected to move their base into Magok industrial district by the end of this year. LG CNS has paid about 11.5 billion won for lease every year.



LG CNS' lease has also accounted for nearly 30 percent of the FKI's lease profits through its headquarter building.



"The FKI's future is very unclear at this point," said an industry insider.



"No matter who takes office in the next presidential election, he won't leave the lobby group alone. The prevailing perception of the FKI as a means of the nation's conglomerates to flatter the incumbent regime will be a huge obstacle for its survival."



The FKI has often been at the epicenter of many scandals over the years as it raised funds from large businesses for those in power, in exchange for the government's conglomerate-friendly economic policies.



In addition to the Choi scandal, it came under fire early this year for giving money to the right-wing Korea Parent Federation in return for allegedly organizing pro-government rallies.




By Chyung Eun-ju





Last year, my two home countries, Korea and Brazil, had a total political meltdown. Corruption is often been prevalent in both countries but it finally has taken the two to the extreme with their respective first female presidents mired in impeachment.

The two countries dealt with improper relations between government and businesses. In a big cauldron of collusion, politics and business are like potato or potahto  the same difference.

In Korea, there have long been cozy relations between the political elite and chaebol, family-oriented big businesses. Reports have it that when Lee Jae-yong, de facto leader of the Samsung business empire, pushed an inter-subsidiary merger in order to succeed his ailing father, Korea's government-controlled pension fund gave him a helping hand.

Some other leading Korea businessmen are also accused of buying the influence of President Park Geun-hye directly or through her proxy and longtime friend, Choi Soon-sil. Park awaits the verdict from the Constitutional Court on her impeachment motion passed by the National Assembly. Bizarre as it may be, Park is just carrying the dishonorable tradition of corruption at top. .

Brazil also has a long series of bribery and corruption scandals. One last development is a notorious case known as Operation Car Wash that began with money laundering at a network of gas stations. The impeached President Dilma Roussef's Worker's Party and the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party of her successor Michel Temer stood behind the shady deals at Petrobras that are found to have helped fund campaigns and buy political support.

The two female leaders' cases involved the cast of a number of aides and chaebol owners. Some of them are being sent to prisons. In the long run, the economy has slowed, unemployment rise, and the people are deeply concerned about their future. Hundreds of thousands protestors hit the streets with burning candles and placards.

Koreans may brace for more bad news  impeachment is hardly the end of the story.

Dilma's supporters strongly argue that a vote for her impeachment was an endorsement for corruption. Dilma was accused of concealing the budget deficit, and the impeachment process went too fast thanks to the conspiracy of her downfall. Michel Temer received $1.6 million through Operation Car Wash and Eduardo Cunha, former speaker of the lower house of Congress, has allegedly received a similar amount. Rousseff claimed that she was innocent, arguing that her predecessors had done the same things without being charged. Many news outlets appreciated in the rise of Temer the surreal elements of Frank Underwood in the "House of Cards." It is no compliment.

Unfortunately, we are still seized by the sense of hopelessness. It is not easy for the government to restore public confidence. I fear the same post-impeachment blues will befall Korea, too.



The writer has lived in Brazil for 18 years and studied at Graded School. She currently studies at Seoul National University and works at Arirang TV. Her email address is: elainechyung@gmail.com.
By Chris Khang

The way we communicate has gone through dramatic transformations.

From delivering handwritten letters to emails and now to simple text messages or mobile messengers, what we could not have imagined decades or even a few years ago is now possible and continues to evolve.

At a time when everything is disruptive, making the leap from conventionality is no longer a choice but a requirement, especially when it comes to communications.

According to the Reuters Institute, as of March 2016, global news media groups such as the BBC are investing heavily in ways to cope with digital media challenges.

The public, no longer solely dependent on the traditional media for their information, prefer to consume news from social media. With the onset of such a phenomenon, traditional players now need to undergo fundamental changes and own digital assets as well as execute mobile strategies. This necessity, and call for action, is not only felt in the media, but also in business.

For many years, corporations have been using tools such as TV, newspapers, posters and corporate magazines as their means of communication, all of which are "one-way street" methods.

However, in the digital era, it is essential to have a profound understanding of "two-way street" communication, which allows interactivity with consumers rather than simply posting news or an announcement.

Since July 2014, when we launched the GE Reports Korea (www.geports.kr) corporate digital content hub, GE Korea has been delivering distinguished stories focusing on innovative digital industrial technology.

By updating quality content with videos about GE, as well as the latest industry trends, GE Reports Korea has consolidated its position as an informative and go-to communication channel for subscribers who are primarily our customers and key stakeholders in Korea.

Businesses leaders should be storytellers as the world no longer really responds to companies with conservative communication strategies. They need to be proactive in storytelling and should go directly to the people. In addition, using data-driven communications is effective in making one's points persuasive and compelling.

Building coalitions with other partners, such as academia and public organizations, is another way of increasing communication effectiveness. Bringing new groups together, especially those we hadn't engaged with, can help induce interest from the public.

Most importantly, effective communicators and business leaders need to practice straight talk.

They should be transparent in delivering their messages, and should be able to clarify "who we are and what we do." Instead of passively laying out the facts, it is crucial to use emotion and be connected directly with people.

The point that we stand for people, for our employees and what our core values are as a company needs to be clearly indicated.

At GE, we have been emphasizing the importance of effective communications, and thus made good use of leadership video blogs and interactive communication tools like Yammer.

GE Korea's kick-off event this year was all about how to engage in lean communications with peers and mangers. Benchmarking the format of MBC-TV's "My Little Television," we had a live-broadcasting employee event called "My GE Digital Television."

We opened three rooms and each had three employees standing in front of a live-streaming camera to discuss topics like challenging leaders with effective communications skills, useful digital communications tools, and energizing and empowering each other.

It was the first project to use emotion and be connected directly with our people, our employees.

We now live in the age of uncertainty and ambiguity, and the business world is getting more interconnected between digital assets.

It is time for business leaders effectively to leverage storytelling channels, internally and externally, to achieve the real impact from communications in the digital age.



Chris Khang is president and CEO of GE Korea.
Government should properly compensate Gaeseong businesses



It has been a year since the government closed the inter-Korean industrial complex in the North Korean city of Gaeseong. On Feb. 10, 2016, Seoul suspended business operations there following Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6 and a long-range missile launch on Feb. 7.



Gaeseong had been the workplace for more than 50,000 North Koreans and 123 small businesses from South Korea. It was a key symbol of inter-Korean cooperation. The closure is not just an irreparable loss for businesses, but also a huge blow to the course of reconciliation of the two Koreas.



Reopening the factory zone has been raised by some heavyweight politicians from the opposition camp, timed with the first year of its closure. In a recent message on social media, leading presidential contender Moon Jae-in pledged to expand the complex and encourage more businesses to enter it and participate in other joint ventures. Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung, another presidential contender, and Sohn Hak-kyu, who just joined the minor opposition People's Party, have also announced their intentions to pursue its reopening.



There is more to consider  besides Gaeseong's special symbol or the situation of the resident companies  before making rash claims about restarting the inter-Korean complex. Proponents of the reopening should also consider the grave national security situation. North Korea's military threats are ongoing. During his first overseas visit, U.S. President Donald Trump's Defense Secretary Jim Mattis vowed an "effective and overwhelming response" if North Korean leader Kim Jong-un uses nuclear weapons.



President Park Geun-hye was hasty in deciding suddenly to terminate the biggest symbol of inter-Korean cooperation, which was established with the long-term goal of preparing for unification. Even Park's first unification minister, Ryu Gil-jae, expressed a negative view about the President's decision during a recent interview, saying that the Gaeseong complex should be reopened. However, it is premature to talk of reopening while North Korea keeps up its nuclear weapons development. Most importantly, reopening is not compatible with the U.N. sanctions against North Korea.



The estimated damages, calculated by an association representing the Gaeseong enterprises, exceeded 1.5 trillion won, and more than 1,000 South Korean workers at the industrial complex lost their jobs. The association said that the government has compensated only about 32 percent of losses so far.



The immediate concern is not reopening the complex but how to help the business owners facing mounting difficulties. It will be hard for the owners ever to trust the government's policies for inter-Korean ventures if the government keeps looking away from their hardships.




By Kim Ji-myung

"As for the future, your task is not to foresee, but to enable it," said French novelist Saint-Exupery in his 1948 book The Wisdom of the Sands.

But human beings want to know the future by nature, especially when that future seems quite uncertain. At present, the global community seems to be threatened by many new risks. Not only in Korea but in the United States, Europe, China and North Korea, the future is by no means clear.

Even in peaceful times, fortune-tellers make their worldly fortunes by giving tips about the futures of politicians in election seasons. Business people also frequent their advisory prophets to get help with decision making on important matters and big deals.

These arts can be considered semi-scientific because they are partly based on probability derived from statistics.

Most Koreans now say they are sick and tired of listening to the endless layers of lies, perjury, criminal acts and ugly betrayal stories coming from the "Choi scandal" investigations.

New names of suspects still appear on the scene weekly. No one has admitted his or her offenses. The most unexpected turns of the case came from the conservatives, and the president herself. The first media reports that broke the news of scandal, producing a tablet notepad as the "smoking gun" of the crime, has now been charged to be a fake.

President Park Geun-hye, on the other hand, seems to have chosen a strategy to simply delay the process. Many factors such as a slated change of Constitutional Court judges and the schedule of a special prosecutors' investigation will affect the timing of final verdict on her impeachment. And that in turn will decide the dates of President Park's term in office, with the next presidential election swiftly approaching.

At this very subtle point in time, a scholar of Buddhist Folklore and a popular columnist, Dr. Cho Yong-heon, gave a lecture on scenarios for the future. At Wonkwang University, he teaches Eastern Studies which focus mainly on the Four Pillars of Destiny, geomancy (pungsu-jiri or fengshui) and other traditional philosophical theories and wisdom.

His audience was a group of Korean social leaders, who have studied for more than 10 years theories of the Book of Changes (I Ching), the Four Pillars, rules of life and death, parapsychology and the occult.

Believe it or not, let me introduce a few points of his presentation for your reference. I do this, because the scenario, in general, is not a doomsday story but a message of hope.

When the Westernized education system was adopted in Korean public schools in the early 20th Century, traditional science and technology, folk wisdom and skills were disparaged as mystical, superstitious and heretical.

Only the traditional herbal medicine has regained its due position with the public. Other expertise of studying the principles of cosmic order is still considered irrational.

However, serious researches have continued, and academics and practitioners from many Asian countries will gather in Jeonju Korea, in 2018 at its third international conference on the topic. .

Cho is called a "field scholar" in contrast to the "classroom scholars" of academia as he specializes in global-out-reach research work in-situ. Visiting numerous temples, old villages and other such sites, he met with ascetics, hermits, gurus and other such traditional teachers.

"Foreseeing the destiny of a nation is one of the most difficult jobs," Cho said. Instead of forecasting the future of Korea, Cho quoted the famous 1975 prophecy of the late Buddhist master-monk Tan Huh (1913-1983).

"About 30 years after the moon above Mt. Worak-san shines on the lake-waters, Korea will have a lady president; and then near the end of her presidency, unification will come."

A huge dam was built near Chungju City in late 1970s, that eventually created this nation's largest reservoir-lake, which indeed reflects the moon and Worak-san peaks. Then, what about his second prophecy of unification? We will just have to wait and see.

The unusual power vacuum which may plague both parts of Korea might open an exceptional chance for a dramatic change that would lead towards unification. Koreans have been strong in crisis. That is our belief, as well as our hope.

The writer is the chairwoman of the Korea Heritage Education Institute (K*Heritage). Her email address is Heritagekorea21@gmail.com.
TmaxSoft CEO Rho Hak-myung, left, shakes hands with Seoul National University of Science and Technology President Kim Jong-ho after signing an agreement at the school, Wednesday, for industrial-academic cooperation. The deal will enable the two sides to work together to promote domestic software development and nurture talented programmers. / Courtesy of TmaxSoft
By Lee Min-hyung



Samsung Electronics plans to abolish bureaucratic ranks or titles among its employees as of the end of this month, as part of its efforts to foster a more horizontal corporate culture and encourage competency-based reward systems.



The drastic shift in the organizational structure comes as the Seoul-based conglomerate hopes to remain agile to root out the nation's notorious top-down office culture.



The company said it would streamline the existing seven ranks, except for executives, into four, based on employees' career levels (CL).



"We are going to push ahead with the plan as of Mar. 1," said a company official. "This is in line with our group-wide movement to encourage a more open environment where employees can express their ideas more actively, regardless of their ranks or positions."



The new measure will split ranks for employee-level officers' into four  from CL1 to CL4  based on their work-related achievements and capabilities.



In June last year, Samsung Group announced the revised personnel policy. But with the company failing to conduct its year-end human resources reshuffle in the wake of its involvement in a presidential corruption scandal, concerns surfaced that this may also put a brake on its plan to scrap the hierarchical ranks system.



But the company recently dispelled the rumor, saying that its personnel reshuffle among non-executives will proceed as usual at the end of this month, while no specific timeline has been drawn for executive-level officers from Samsung Group and its affiliates.



This is because Samsung Group's de facto heir Lee Jae-yong is currently facing investigations from the prosecution over allegations that the company offered some 40 billion won ($34.78 million) to President Park Geun-hye's close confident Choi Soon-sil in exchange for favorable treatment of its business.



Amid the ongoing investigation and lack of control tower, the company had to delay its planned year-end executive reshuffles.



"For the employee-level officers, however, we will adopt the new office culture as planned," said the official.



This is not the first time that a Samsung Group affiliate has pushed for a similar move. Cheil Worldwide, the advertising subsidiary of the nation's largest conglomerate, has adopted the competency-based ranks system since April 2010.



But as Samsung Electronics is the largest affiliate of Samsung Group, expectations are that this will help create an environment for other smaller subsidiaries to follow suit.




South Korea levied more than 300 billion won ($260.39 million) in taxes on two foreign tobacco companies accused of pocketing profits by hoarding, officials said Friday.

One firm filed an appeal on the decision, while the other is planning to do so.

The National Tax Service and the Ministry of Interior ordered Philip Morris Korea to pay 218 billion won in taxes and British American Tobacco (BAT) Korea 89 million won, and plan to seek an additional penalty fee in the upwards of 100 billion won, according to the officials.

Both firms have paid the demanded taxes, but BAT Korea immediately filed an appeal contesting the decision, while Philip Morris Korea said it is mulling a similar move.

South Korea hiked its cigarette prices by 2,000 won starting in January 2015, saying the increase will help discourage smoking. An audit showed that the foreign firms stocked up on their tobacco at warehouses before the price was raised and released them in the market afterwards, avoiding taxes on the profits. (Yonhap)
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants to work closely with Chinese President Xi Jinping to develop a mutually beneficial relationship.

Trump made the remark in a letter sent to Xi on Wednesday in response to Xi's letter congratulating him on his inauguration, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said in a statement.

"President Donald J. Trump today provided a letter to President Xi Jinping of China, thanking President Xi for his congratulatory letter on the occasion of President Trump's inauguration and wishing the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and prosperous Year of the Rooster," Spicer said.

"President Trump stated that he looks forward to working with President Xi to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China," he said.

It marked the first time Trump has reached out to Xi since taking office.

Since his inauguration, Trump has spoken by phone with a number of world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, but not with Xi. That, together with the belated response to Xi's letter, appears to show the negative views Trump has of China.

Trump has repeatedly accused Beijing of unfair trade and currency practices hurting American businesses, and slammed the country for failing to exercise enough pressure on North Korea to rein in the regime.

He has even raised questions why the U.S. should stick to the "one-China" policy of diplomatically recognizing only Beijing, not Taiwan, and spoke by phone with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, the first time in decades that a U.S. president or president-elect has done so, in a breach of the decadeslong diplomatic tradition. (Yonhap)
BLOOMFIELD  A fire destroyed a familys home last night at N1053 Juneau Road, but an effort to help them is under way.



The owner of Chris Anns Helping Hands Inc., 406 Interchange N., Highway 120, Lake Geneva, said she is trying to find housing, clothes, furniture, beds and other items for her friend, Lorretta Rosko, 42, and her family.



Rosko and her two children were displaced due to the blaze, along with their cats and dogs.

Smith said her friend has a daughter who attends Badger High School, and a son at Lake Geneva Middle School.



It is believed that no one suffered injuries.



On the phone Friday morning, Bloomfield-Genoa City Fire Chief Fred Schalow said the home sustained substantial damage.



We believe it was due to a lamp, said Schalow, about the suspected cause of the fire. Nothing suspicious, nothing out of the ordinary.



He said his department responded to the call Feb. 9 at 6:51 p.m.



We were advised before we got there that everyone was out of the house and accounted for, Schalow said.

It was a two-alarm fire.

Bloomfield Police Chief Steve Cole said his department left the scene at 1:05 a.m.



Several area emergency departments assisted, including from the towns of Linn, Lyons, Salem, Wheatland and Delavan, Twin Lakes, and from Illinois, Richmond, Hebron and Spring Grove.



Smith said people can drop off gift cards and certificates, pet food, cash donations and other items at her store.



For more information, call Smith at (262) 348-9088 or visit the Chris Anns Facebook page.
Historic ties of north Meck span throughout region Though the north Mecklenburg area didnt see significant population growth until a few decades ago, its rich history dates back to the Revolutionary War. That was the basis of...

An easier-than-expected first mammogram experience HUNTERSVILLE  Scheduling a cancer screening probably ranks somewhere on your to-do list between "clean out the garage" and "donate those clothes that don't fit." Sure, you'll get to it at...
This article appears in the February 10, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

HELGA ZEPP-LAROUCHE

The Win-Win Solution:

One Belt, One Road

[Print version of this article]

This is an edited transcript of Helga Zepp-LaRouches keynote address to the Schiller Institute conference in Manhattan on Feb. 4.

Dennis Speed: My name is Dennis Speed, and on behalf of the Schiller Institute, I want to welcome you to todays conference. This is part of a series of conferences that the Schiller Institute has been sponsoring for several years now, on a dialogue of cultures and civilization, but this conference has a very specific significance.

America and the new American Presidency can and should commit itself to a new economic outlook on behalf of all humanity. Todays conference is devoted to exploring the possibilities of radically transforming the relationship between China and the United States for the better, but that is merely one aspect of our purpose.

The World Land-Bridge proposal advocated by Helga Zepp-LaRouche and the Schiller Institutefirst advocated over 20 years ago and now refined and updatedis not a proposal for mere infrastructure development, but for a whole new economic platform and a new outlook on humanity:

The prospect for a joint space mission to the Moon combining India, China, Russia, Japan, the United States, and other countries;





The joint crash development of advanced nuclear power systems and of thermonuclear fusion power generation;





Joint collaboration to end starvation, drought, and disease in Africa by building the largest water, rail, and power projects in history.

This is the human economy that we can now create.

To tell you how this future can be attained and how that new economic platform can create a new human culture that will allow humanity to achieve adulthood and rise above the infantile diseases of war and conflict, it is my pleasure to introduce our first speaker, the founder and head of the Schiller Institutes, Helga Zepp-LaRouche. [applause]

Helga Zepp-LaRouche: Ladies and gentlemen, Im very happy to be able to address you even if it is only electronically, but I am happy to be with you, because this is very much a defining moment in history. The chances to build a completely new paradigm in the world is within reach and could be a reality in a very short period of time.

That may be difficult to believe if you look at the world as it is right now, which is clearly in the biggest uproar I have experienced, maybe in my lifetime. The election of President Trump in the United States has caused violent reactions in the United States and in Europe, and I have never seen a situation in which an American President, who just got democratically elected, was met with such a fierce opposition.

Therefore, I think it is important to situate this election in the broader context, because the election of President Trump was not the first such uproar. Really, the first one was last June: The Brexit vote of the British people, the decision to leave the EU, already caused a shock. Then you had the election of Trump, and then very shortly after that you had a referendum in Italy deciding on the change of the Constitution, where 60% of the Italians voted no against the policies of the EU. You have to see Brexit, the Trump vote, and the No vote in that referendum as a common development.

White House

The Foreign Minister of Germany, Mr. Steinmeier, characterized the election of Trump as the end of the order of the 20th Century. Obviously, that is what is going on because you have, as the common denominator between all these revolutionary changes, the fact that the neo-liberal world order, at least of the 26 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, indeed has ended and it will never come back.

You have even the more extreme reaction of Mr. Donald Tusk, who is the present President of the European Council, who just wrote a letter to the 27 remaining heads of state of the EU, in which he said that the Trump Administration represents the same threat to Europe as the newly assertive China, an aggressive Russia, and wars, terror, and anarchy in the Middle East and Africa.

Even if you discount the fact that Mr. Tusk is Polish and they sometimes have peculiar views these daysbut to put Trump on the same level as ISIS? Well, it was very clear from Day One, that the representatives of the collapsed unipolar world did not accept Trump as a President. Already in the foreground of the election, you had the hand of MI6 very clearly in the fake dossier of MI6 agent Christopher Steele, which basically tried to argue that Trump won the election only because Putin hacked into the e-mails of the Democratic Party and that therefore Putin stole the election from Hillary Clintona ridiculous view, which is still to the present day proclaimed by Hillary Clinton and by many of the Democrats.

The British Empire Against the U.S.

The characterization of these demonstrations against Trump as a color revolution, was my first view on the matter, but President Putin also gave it the same name. If you look at what happened with the color revolutions, you had the same characteristics in the Orange Revolution in Ukraine in 2004 and the so-called Rose Revolution in Georgia. This was the same kind of process as in the Arab Spring, as in the attempted but failed White Revolution against Russia, and also in the Yellow Revolution with the yellow umbrellas in Hong Kong, which did not go very far. And the governments of both Russia and China characterized these efforts at color revolutions as a form of war. Putin basically called it a Maidan against Trump, and that is what it is: It is by the same people, by the same political apparatus, and for the same motives.

To understand what is going on, in my view, one has to consider the entire history of the United States, because the British Empire at the time of the American Revolution, never accepted that America, their most important colony, would become independent, and they tried to reverse that, first, in a military way, with the War of 1812. They tried the same thing with the Civil War, when the British Empire was allied with the Confederacy against Lincoln.

But after that, they realized it would not be possible to militarily reverse the independence of the United States. Therefore, they changed tactics, and from that point on said, OK, if we can convince the American establishment to rule the world as an empire based on the British model, then we have it. And they succeeded to a very large extent in accomplishing that. This was the basis of the American policy since Teddy Roosevelt, with the very short interruptions of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and to a certain extent, John F. Kennedy.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the neo-cons saw their moment and that of the British to establish this principle of a unipolar world, where basically they would eliminate every government which would not submit to this unipolar world through color revolutions, through regime change, or through wars based on lies, as it was in the case in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. They tried the same thing in Syria.

If you take the word or the concept of globalization, as just being another word for this Anglo-American Empirea system where the profit of the few is what counts, the system where the rich became unbelievably rich, where the poor became poorer, and the middle class was vanishingwell, this left a lot of people who felt left out, the so-called deplorables, as Hillary Clinton called them.

People had this tremendous sense of injustice caused by the EU, and that was the reason for the Brexit: not just the refugees, but the general feeling that the EU bureaucracy does not represent the interests of the people. This was the case clearly with the rejection of Hillary Clinton, where the American population, or at least a large part of it, felt they had no future. In the rust belt, people have a shortened life expectancythis is the clearest marker that a country is collapsing, when the life expectancy falls!

This is the reason for all of these developments, and also many strategic re-alignments in the world, which I do not now have the time to go intobut it was what caused Trumps election victory.

Mr. Trump has been in office for two weeks, and it is very clear that he is implementing all of his election promises. Some are good and hopeful; others are clearly more problematic. Take his America First. My comment on the first day he said thatI said OK, its fine, America First, but what about all the other countries? They need to be first, too. We need a new paradigm, a completely new set of relations among nations, where we dont have one country being the first but where the new paradigm defines the common aims of all of mankind.

Glass-Steagall

Clearly, globalization was at the expense of the American working population. Because globalization meant outsourcing of industrythe United States has very little industry left, only the military-industrial sector, aerospace, and a couple of other areas. A lot of the productive, middle-level industries are no longer there. They were sent to cheap labor markets. So it is correct when Trump says he wants to bring production back to the United States, especially because you have tremendous problems: you have collapsing infrastructure, you have a huge drug epidemic, you have violence, and for sixteen years you have a rising suicide rate. As a result, he was correct to cancel TPP and NAFTA, because these were parts of the trade agreements of the system of globalization which has gone under.

But what about the effect this has on the other nations? Building a wall with Mexico? Under this system of globalization, the food self-sufficiency of Mexico, which was 80% in the time of President Jose Lopez Portillo, has fallen to only approximately 50%. So how do you compensate for that? And General Kelly, who now has a new post in Homeland Security in the Trump administration, was absolutely correct when he said, the Mexicans are not the problem, but it is the fact that all of Central America has fallen under the control of the drug mafia. People are running away because they fear for their lives, kidnapping, drug addiction, murder. Therefore, the question is not the Mexicans; it is really the drug traffic.

After the ban on immigrants for 90 dayscitizens from seven Muslim countries cannot come to the United States for that periodthere was a huge outcry in Europe, but what a hypocrisy! European politicians felt that they had to lecture Trump on human rights and all of these things. What a double standard! The EU for a very long time has tried to prevent all refugees from coming to Europe. In 2016 alone, more than 5,000 people drowned in the Mediterranean officially, and that does not count the many uncounted. They are trying to keep people from coming through the Greek and Balkan routes, which are now blocked by NATO barbed wire. The head of the CSU Party in Bavaria, Mr. Seehofer, said that there should be a preference for people that come from Christian Western areas. That is just another formulation for what Trump said, when he said he wanted to keep the Muslim population out.

The EU has no problem in leaving the Greek people alone with terrible refugee camps of 100,000 people, who are not receiving much care. They dont care about the refugee camps in the Balkans, where people without enough to eat, and without heating, are trying to survive the winter.

After the very dubious deal with Turkey, the EU just concluded a summit in Malta, where they decided to make a deal with LibyaLibya, which does not even have a clearly defined governmentwhere competing militias are fighting it out, and the EU is now training the Libyan Coast Guard. And even the First Channel of German TV, on a program called Monitor, said this is a deal with human traffickers and torturers, and competing militias who are absolutely criminal. With these people, the EU is trying to solve the refugee problem.

Therefore, the EU in this respect is not one iota better than the idea of a wall with Mexico.

CC/Mstyslav Chernov

Trump also promised to implement Glass-Steagall, the banking separation law of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Around that there is a huge fight in the United States right now. It is very clear that the bosses of Wall Street are dead set against Glass-Steagall. They are moving like crazy to prevent it, to keep control. The designated Secretary of the Treasury, a Mr. Mnuchin, has already said in a hearing with Maria Cantwell in the Senate, that he is against Glass-Steagall as it was. He wants to have some modern variety, which basically is exactly not what is required.

So right now, we are in a huge battle. Marcy Kaptur [D-Ohio] announced a new Glass-Steagall in the American Congress, in a press conference by Congressmen and -women: Walter Jones [R-N.C.], Tim Ryan [D-Ohio], Tulsi Gabbard [D-Hawaii], who are all for Glass-Steagall. LaRouche PAC is in a major national mobilization. You have many other organizations trying to put Mr. Trumps feet to the fire on his election promise. But this is clearly the Achilles heel of the Trump administration, because you can have at any moment another 2008 financial blow-out of the system.

Yesterday he made a new executive order, giving to his Cabinet the task of making a review of all aspects of the financial system within the next 120 days. Today, all the financial media were jubilant, saying Wall Street won; the bankers won. Well, it is not yet decided.

U.S. Relations with Russia

On the positive side, Mr. Trump has started to improve relations with Russia. There are very positive signals and that is one of the reasons why the representatives of the unipolar geopolitical faction are so absolutely upset, because they want to have regime change in Russia, and not U.S.-Russian relations. They are now even pronouncing Mrs. Merkel to be the leader of the free worldwhich is a sort of a joke. Anyway, as to the first telephone discussion between Trump and Putin, both sides characterized it as being very important. This is really a very important precondition, because if Trump had not been elected and we had a Hillary Clinton Presidency, we would be on a short road to World War III. So therefore, this is a positive first step.

But, what about U.S.-Chinese relations? Well, thats a little bit more problematic, because Mr. Trump did not make his first phone call to Xi Jinping, but to the President of Taiwan, thus signalling that he may question the One China policy, which obviously the Chinese government was not very happy about.

Xinhua/Lan Hongguang

On the more positive side, the nominee as ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, is a known friend of President Xi Jinping, and he just attended the Chinese New Year at the February 1st concert of traditional Chinese music in Muscatine, Iowa. He spoke of the long, cordial relationship between Iowa and China, where Xi Jinping and Terry Branstad had met for the first time in the 80s. Friendship agreements of a sister-state relationship were established between Iowa and Hebei province. Mr. Branstad then gave an interview to Xinhua, in which he said that if he is confirmed as Ambassador of the United States to China, he will work for a win-win policy between the United States and China. He added that if the largest developed country and the largest developing country work together, it will not only be beneficial for the two of them, but for the whole world. And that is obviously the truth.

But, where is the potential to make that relationship the crucial change in world history? Mr. Trump promised in the election campaign that he would invest $1 trillion in the infrastructure of the United States in the next ten years. He already met the CEO of Alibaba, Jack Ma, and Mr. Ma offered to create a platform for e-commerce of another $1 trillion investment for Chinese investors to invest in the United States, and American exporters to export to China. The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Peoples Congress, Mme. Fu Ying, recently spoke in New York, where she said the infrastructure cooperation between the United States and China can become a bridge leading to collaboration in the New Silk Road.

The New Silk Road and the U.S.A.

The Schiller Institute developed this idea of the Eurasian Land-Bridgewe called it the New Silk Road in 1991. It was the answer to the collapse of the Soviet Union, and we proposed the integration of Eurasia through infrastructure development corridors. We kept working on this program for 25, by now 26 years, with many, many conferences around the world. We kept enlarging this program, not only a Eurasian Land-Bridge, but to integrate Africa, Latin America, all of Asia into one World Land-Bridge. In 2014, very much encouraged by President Xi Jinpings New Silk Road, we published this report and we called it The New Silk Road Becomes the World Land-Bridge.

In 2015, we elaborated a chapter of that World Land-Bridge report, and we called it The U.S. Must Join the New Silk Road. We had several conferences about that subject in New York, in Washington, in San Francisco, in Seattle. We tried to convince the American industrialists, trade unions, and people in general, that it would be in the absolute self-interest of the United States to work with China on this World Land-Bridge idea. [The audio/video, transcripts, and programs of these conferences are available at https://schillerinstitute.com/

It is very clear that the United States urgently needs a New Silk Road. If you travel over the American highways, if you are unlucky, you may end up disappearing into a pothole. If you look at the number of miles of high-speed rail in the United States, you cant find any. China, on the other side, already by the end of last year, had 20,000 kilometers of high-speed rail systems. By the year 2020, they want to have 50,000 km of high-speed rail systems, connecting every major city in China through a high-speed rail system. And I can assure you, having had the good fortune to travel on these trains, that they are really fantastic. They are fast and quiet; they dont shake you around like European trains.

China is the world leader right now in such high-speed rail systems. They have a new project by which they want to connect the greater region of Beijing, together with Tianjin and smaller cities, into one very large region, in which people living in the so-called commuter cities can take a high-speed train like people elsewhere take a bus, and be at their workplace in 20 minutes. That kind of a system is needed for the United States as well.

You need to have a new infrastructure of high-speed rail systems connecting the North and the South, the East and the West. Why not build 50,000 miles of high-speed rail in the United States? Then you could combine that with other large infrastructure projects, like solving the water crisis of Southwest America through NAWAPAthe creation of new water from ionization of the atmosphere, creating new water and weather patterns, building a couple of new science cities for international cooperation, starting joint research in fusion power, space cooperation, and just have a completely different approach to the idea of collaboration among nations.

This is where the cooperation with China and other nations comes in. China has already offered cooperation in infrastructure investment in the United States. The United States could immediately join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the AIIB. And if we use the present motion to implement not only Glass-Steagall, but to implement the Four Laws of Lyndon LaRouchewhich are:

Glass-Steagall,





A national bank which creates credit lines for these investments,





An international credit system for joint ventures around the world, and





A crash program for fusion power and space cooperation.

With that, the United States, China, and other nations could immediately start transforming the world.

It is quite interesting. For the last three and half years, since Xi Jinping put the New Silk Road on the international agenda, most Western think-tanks have been completely ridiculous: They have basically been saying that the New Silk Road is just another effort of Chinese imperialism. That they have ulterior motivesjust one report like that after the other.

But now there is a change. There is a realization at least among some of these think-tanks, that what is already happening is the biggest infrastructure project in history. What is already happening is twelve times as big as the Marshall Plan in buying power in todays dollars. It already involves 4.4 billion people. More than 70 countries are already cooperating. It is expanding very quickly. It already involves trillions of dollars in investments. For example, there are already eight regular train routes between Chinese cities and Europe, through which container trains arrive every week. As a result, while the EU is still stand-offish, and the German government is still stand-offish, nevertheless there are some changes.

The Vice President of the Federal Academy for Security Policy in Germany, a Mr. Thomas Wriessnig, just put out a paper where he talked about the Geo-Strategic Significance of the Chinese New Silk Road initiative, OBOR. In his paper, he still reflects a little bit of the old view, being a little suspicious here and therebut after all the ifs and buts, he recognizes the fact that the Belt and Road Initiative has a tremendously stabilizing effect everywhere it exists. Therefore, he basically proposes at the end of the paper that Europe should be open to the Chinese offer to cooperate. And then he says that despite Trumps previous statements that were critical of China, it cannot be excluded that the United States would jump at this initiative and join the AIIB. And given the fact that the United States has leadership in digitalization, and the Chinese have expertise in other areas, these could be complementary, and they could work together to each others benefit. That is exactly the point.

The New Paradigm

Not only would that benefit the United States. For example, China certainly has better high-speed rail technology than the United States at this point, and China could help the reconstruction of the American economy. But there could be also joint U.S.-Chinese-Russian-Indian-European cooperation, for example, in Southwest Asia. Through the Russian military intervention in Syria and the Astana peace talks, there is the possibility of peace in the Middle East for the first time. But that requires building up the economies of Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and North Africa, because that will be the only way to dry out the atmosphere for recruitment for terrorism.

Mr. LaRouche, in 1975, had already proposed a development plan for the Middle East which he called the Oasis Plan. This was based on the idea that you have to create new water sources through different technological means in order to have peace. In 2012, the Schiller Institute proposed the extension of the New Silk Road into the Middle East to develop Southwest Asia as a basis for peace. Our World Land-Bridge report has already been translated into Arabic, and a couple of months ago it was presented by the Transport Minister of Egypt in a big press conference in Cairo, together with Mr. Hussein Askary, EIRs Arabic editor. Egyptian officials declared that what is in this World Land-Bridge report is also the Egyptian program for the Middle East. As a result, we are not starting from zero, but there is already tremendous motion in this direction.

When President Xi Jinping was in Iran last year, he proposed the extension of the Silk Road not only to Iran, but to Iraq, to Syria, and obviously, from there to Africa and into Europe. The development of Africa is already underway, with Chinese investments in many countries. Just a couple of days ago, the official opening of the rail line between Djibouti and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia occurred. This is a very important intervention which will transform many countries in Africa. China has also now started to make a feasibility study for the Lake Chad initiative, which would bring water from the Congo River to refill Lake Chad, and that would transform the economic prosperity for 12 nations in this region. So there is already tremendous activity going on.

Instead of training a very suspicious and dubious Libyan Coast Guard to keep the refugees back in Africa, would it not make more sense if European nations joined with China and others, like Japan and India, which already are involved in Africa, to develop the African continent?

The formulation by President Xi Jinping, that we have to build a community for the future of mankind, based on a win-win cooperation, is exactly the way to look at this. This is not a zero-sum game where one nation wins and the other one loses, but it is a new perspective where all countries of this planet can work together in the benefit of each. It is exactly the idea that Friedrich Schiller developed in the context of the American Revolution in his play Don Carlos.

In the famous scene between the Marquis of Posa talking with King Philip II, in which he said Spain should not be great because of this suppression of Flanders, but should allow all the provinces to prosper exactly like Spain. Posa said to Philip, Be a king of a million kings! This was a very clear refutation of the idea of equality of the French Revolution, where equality basically meant, for the Jacobins, that you achieve equality by means of the guillotine, because then everybody is beheaded and everybody is equal. And Schiller contrasted that with the noble idea of the American Revolution that everybody in the whole country should prosper, and the common good should be what unites all.

This is what we have to accomplish today. We need a New Paradigm. That New Paradigm must be as different from the present paradigm of globalization as modern times were different from the Middle Ages in Europe. The Middle Ages in Europe were terrible. They were a Dark Age. They were characterized by scholasticism, by superstition, and by belief in witches. Modern times made it possible to have natural science and Classical culture.

The New Paradigm which replaces globalization must precisely leave the wrong axioms behind, and by wrong axioms, I mean geo-politics, and the neo-liberal idea of wealth creation, which maintains that it is the control of trade, free trade, which generates wealth. It must be replaced by the idea that the only source of wealth is the creativity of the human being. And therefore, the common aims of mankind must focus on this: that what is unique about the human species is that we are the only creative species, and that we can discover universal laws more and more deeply. And we call that scientific progress. When we turn that scientific progress into technology, it increases the productivity of the economic process. That, in turn, leads to a higher living standard, a longer life expectancy, and prosperity for everybody.

If we do this now, we can reach the adulthood of mankind. Wars will be a question of the past. We will no longer use violence to resolve conflicts, but we will concentrate on the common aims of mankind, of space exploration, of reaching energy and raw materials security through mastery of fusion technology, and similar things. If we are guided by such a beautiful vision of the future, we indeed will be able to create a new set of relations among nations.

And I think if we can convince the United States, with the Trump Administration, to cooperate with China on the New Silk Road, I am safe in the prediction that Mr. Trump will not only be a great American President, but that if he can mobilize his country to join hands with China right now, he will go into history as one of the towering giants of all of universal history.
This article appears in the February 10, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

Helga Zepp-LaRouche

Respond s t o D r. Patric k Ho

[Print version of this article]

Feb. 4This is a very exciting perspective, but I would actually like to propose, Patrick, that we organize a big event, maybe an international conference, because I think that the knowledge about Chinese culture, but also about Western culture, is really not known to the other culture.

For example, I was in China once, and I was looking for scholars on Nicholas of Cusa, who was the most important scholar and great mind of the 15th Century in Europe. But I only found one professor who was familiar with Nicholas of Cusa. And this is typical, because what you said about the difference between Western values and Chinese valuesI think that many times people mistake humanism for liberalism, because of the British influence in the universities all over the world, but also, I think, this has been the case in China for some time. And that is really not true.

We are not talking about the Aristotelian tradition. We are not talking about certain traditions in Europe which then led to certain forms of the Enlightenmentthe French Enlightenment and the English Enlightenmentwhich, as you correctly said, are centered very much on the role of the individual and liberalism.

But that is exactly the tradition which was rejected by what we regard as the positive tradition of the pre-Socratics, Plato, Augustine, Cusa, Kepler, Leibniz, and Schiller.

In science, this tradition includes Riemann, Einstein, and similar thinkers. So there is a much bigger fight in the tradition of European civilization than most people really know. And the entire progress of Classical science and culture comes from the rejection of liberalist tradition. The oligarchy has consciously employed warfare against this tradition, to try to drive people away from the idea of human creativity.

For example, I and other members of the Schiller Institute compared the ideas of Confucius and Mencius with certain ideas and philosophers of the West, and there is a much greater unity. For example, this Nicholas of Cusa whom I mentioned, has conceptions which absolutely correspond to the Li and the concept of Ren in Confucius. He has this ideaif Li is to do the right thing in the right place at the right time [as Dr. Ho had earlier mentioned]Nicholas of Cusa has this idea that each microcosm, each human being, can only fully develop if you contribute to the harmony of the macrocosm by developing all the other microcosms and vice-versa.

That is exactly the win-win cooperation among human beings. This is the idea which went into the Peace of Westphalia: the idea that peace is only possible if you respect the interests of the other.

As for Leibniz, Leibniz was so responsive to Chinese philosophy because he himself was a continuation of the thought of Nicholas of Cusa, and he had the idea that each human being is a monad, each human being contains in his own creative mind the entirety of the universe, and concordance is only possible if there is a harmonious development of all of these faculties.

This is what led into the Declaration of Independence and its pursuit of happiness, which is not happiness from the standpoint of luck, but it is exactly the fulfillment, the development of all potentialities which are embedded in the human being. So this is embedded in the human being.

This tradition in European philosophy which we call humanism, is totally opposed to liberalism, and it is much, much more in cohesion with Confucianism than is generally recognized.

The problem with Western books and Western university teaching, is that it has been occupied for a very long time by the people who won the wars, by the oligarchy, by the people who try to suppress this creativity in the population. And I think we would do the next, second Renaissance a very big favor, if we were to organize a symposium to work out these parallels much, much more. And I think this is actually crucial for the understanding of the people from the different cultures.

Nicholas of Cusa said, the only reason that people from different cultures can understand one another, is because they each produce scientists and artists who develop universal principlesand once you have an understanding of these universal principles, you can communicate.

This is why musicians of different nations can be in one orchestra, or why scientists come to the same conclusions about scientific discovery, exactly as you developed with the binary system. I think that there are many more treasures to be found both for the West and to learn from China, as well as for the Chinese people to understand, not about the liberal teaching of history and philosophy of ideas, but to really go to the original sources as they were, and as they were drivers of focus in the West. So, Im very excited and I hope you can organize something along these lines.
This article appears in the February 10, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

Four Powers To Bury the British System:

From Franklin Roosevelt to Lyndon LaRouche

by J. Philip Rubinstein

[Print version of this article]

Feb. 1On October 10, 2009, Lyndon LaRouche delivered an address to the Seventh Annual Session of the World Public Forum Dialogue of Civilizations, on the Island of Rhodes in Greece, wherein he stated:

Therefore, the task, as I defined it, is, if Russia, and the United States, and China, and India, agree, as a group of countries to initiate and force a reorganization of the world financial and credit system, under these conditions, with long term agreements, of the same type that Franklin Roosevelt had uttered before his death, in 1944, under key nations, the intention of Roosevelt all these years later, could have been realized, and we could do that today.

What FDR, and LaRouche, foresaw as the way to replace the inhuman British System of world finance, would now be in effect were the United States to join Russia, India, and China with its One Belt One Road policy of Eurasian developmentthe latter, in fact, a part of LaRouches World Land-Bridge. Presidents Putin and Xi have been especially committed to this and have offered an open invitation to the United States to join. Donald Trump has been brought to the Presidency of the United States not by a chaotic, populist impulse in the U.S. electorate, but by a global change brought on by the collapse of the London-Wall Street system, and the live potential of a new economic world as seen in China. This Four Power combination would effect the complete replacement of the two hundred-plus years of the British Empire.

That 2009 intention of what Lyndon LaRouche proposed was echoed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a speech delivered on January 25 of this year to the lower house of the Russian Legislature, the Duma:

We believe that as Russia, the United States and China build their relations, this triangle should not be closed or directed toward some projects that could worry other states. [They should be] open and fair. I am convinced that the economic structure of Russia, the United States and China is such that there is a great deal of complementarity in the material and economic sphere. As for international security problems, these three countries play a very important role. Russia and China have restrained attempts to introduce confrontational, force-based solutions into world politics. We expect that Donald Trump, who has confirmed his commitment to focus primarily on US [domestic] problems and to abandon interference in the internal affairs of other states, will do the same. . .

The Chinese Foreign Ministrys spokesman, Hua Chunying, responded to Lavrovs statement, saying, according to Tass, China, Russia and the United States are the leading global powers, and they are the permanent members of the UN Security Council. We have great responsibility for global peace, stability and development. Beijing has been deepening relations of strategic partnership and cooperation with Russia, and has also been making efforts to develop trust-based relations with the United States, she said, Therefore, China plans to intensify cooperation with the United States and Russia and to make common contribution to solving the tasks and challenges of the modern world.

She also noted that the Russian side has repeatedly said that it attaches great importance to Russian-Chinese relations and gives a high assessment to them. We welcome this, she said, adding that the relations of strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries have reached the highest level, and both sides plan to jointly work on the issues of regional and global peace, stability and development.

Carol M. Highsmith

The fourth of the Four Powers named by Lyndon LaRouche, and organized earlier by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his own struggle to put an end to the world rule of the British Empireis India. On January 26, Indias Republic Day, Russian President Putin sent greetings to Indias President and Prime Minister, which said that the special and privileged strategic partnership with India is an invariable priority in Russias foreign policy.

What is it that, up until now, has kept the United States out of this Four Power arrangement of peace and economic cooperation? What opposition does President Trump now face were he to act as Lyndon and Helga LaRouche have proposed?

Consider: Why did FDRs death mean, that his vision, the vision of the man who led America out of the Great Depression and to victory in World War II, would fade until seventy years after his death? Why has Lyndon LaRouche been nearly alone in the fight for FDRs conception in the United States?

The following may help produce a basis for an insight into this, and how to change it now, with the opportunity provided by the recent Presidential election.

The Imperial Special Relationship

The present Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, herself ironically raised to Prime Minister by the resignation of her predecessor in the wake of the British vote to leave the European Union, raced to be the first leader to meet President Trump. Her mission: to assure the continuation of the cherished Special Relationship, coined, if not created, by Winston Churchill.

This behavior has numerous precedents in the interval from FDR to the present. The British know they cannot rule without the United States. This became crystal clear when their creation, Adolf Hitler, instead of going East and attacking Russia in 1940, as British elites intended, instead turned West as Hitlers military command knew they must. Britains Frankensteins monster, Adolf Hitler, thus forced the British to ally with their original target, the USSR. This was a bitter lesson for the London oligarchy. As Churchill put it, After this war, we will be weak. We will have no money and no strength, and we will lie between the two great powers of the USA and the USSR. (Six Months in 1945 by Michael Dobbs, p.103). For the British Empire to survive, after 1945, this meant that Britain had to control the United States and pit America against the Soviets, which could not be done with Roosevelt alive.

This is the real theme of the last seventy years in different variations. Looking backward in time, we have Tony Blair, in Chicago in 1999, enunciating the Regime Change policy of Right to Protect, and the end of Westphalian Sovereignty. This led to a policy of perpetual war under George W. Bush, a policy which intensified under Barack Obama. It was Blair who was the author of the lie that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction in the infamous dodgy dossier. He claimed that Iraq could deliver a nuclear bomb on forty-five minutes notice, and he became the key confidant to Bush in the second Iraq war. The result was the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians and a disaster for the United States. With these credentials Blair then became the chief proponent and mentor of Obama.

A bit further back we have Margaret Thatcher, famously stiffening the resolve of George H.W. Bushclearly the Bush family had some limitations despite their loyalty to the Crown. This gave us the first Iraq war. A decade earlier, when Reagan evinced some reluctance to join the British in the Malvinas war, Thatcher turned to anglophile Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger to draw the United States in on the British side, violating the Monroe Doctrine.

This is not to say these efforts always succeeded. The British failed in the case of the Suez crisis of 1956, when Eisenhower refused to go along. The Prime Minister of the time, Anthony Eden, was forced to resign. Despite these singular exceptions, since Roosevelts death, the UK-USA Special Relationship has been the core British necessity for maintaining the Empire.

Roosevelt Battles the Empire

This reality governed the relationship of FDR and Churchill through World War II. Churchill intended from the very beginning to direct the U.S. war effort. Within days of Pearl Harbor he arrived at the White House, to stay for over a month. His goal was to ensure some control over the U.S. military actions, but even more to guarantee the primacy of the alliance with Britain.

US Army

Franklin Roosevelt, however, had other ideas, as did General Marshall and others, both regarding military, as well as political questions. For Roosevelt, this was an alliance of necessity, but it was a difficult one, and it showed most clearly on the issue of the colonies, the special economic rules for them, as well as on the question of the Soviet Union. For FDR, World War II was to be a war of liberation from the very system that was destroying the world with depression and war. There was no point to fighting fascism only to continue the inhumanity of colonialism. As reported by Elliot Roosevelt and others, Churchill became furious at even the suggestion that India, the crown jewel of the Empire, might gain independence at the end of the war.

Through the course of the war, FDR, as well as Generals MacArthur and Eisenhower, realized that general war was no longer a means to settle political disputes among nations. The horror of modern warfare was too great, even before the arrival of nuclear weapons. Roosevelt envisioned a United Nations Organization (which was the name of the war-time alliance) as a place to debate and find solutions to conflict among sovereign nations freed from colonialism. FDR had a clear idea of the development needed to truly liberate colonies. His vast geographical knowledge was essentially a map of needed development projects, such as he envisioned when he flew over North Africa and proposed to an uninterested Saudi king Ibn Saud. The great Four Corners projects that he had led in the United States were the paradigm for what Roosevelt envisioned globally.

At the same time FDR saw the need for a core of leading nations to make this effective. Despite their differing war objectives, the Big Three of World War II (America, the Soviet Union and Britain) were a military necessity. For the post-war period, this would become a Big Four. In fact, it was Roosevelt who insisted that China be part of a Big Four during the war, despite the opposition of both Stalin and Churchill. The future would require a solid foundation with the United States, the Soviet Union, leading developing and newly independent nations, and the nation called the United Kingdom.

FDRs conception was not a pipe-dream, as it is often portrayed today. Nor did he think he could manipulate Stalin by some personal tie. There was good reason for Stalins belief that the West did not mind the USSR taking the brunt of the war, and a great deal of distrust had to be overcome. FDR also knew that Stalin and the Soviets were aware that they would need ten to twenty years to rebuild after the destruction of the war, and that they would need help from the West. Therefore by developing some common basis in securing peace and development, trust could be built, and a new global directionality might be realized.

China and India

China, at the same time, was an independent nation and represented the future of the underdeveloped world. FDRs confidante and global representative Harry Hopkins, in a report in August, 1945, stated,

If I were to indicate a country in which the United States, for the next hundred years, had the greatest interest from political and economic points of view, I would name the Republic of China. With the defeat of Japan, China will become one the greatest land-powers on earth. I do not say that she will be one of the most powerful for many years to come, but she will have regained her heritage in Manchuria, and we hope there will arise out of the welter of war a unified China.

It is clear that this was Roosevelts concept of the postwar era.

Churchill was appalled by all of this. He viewed India and China with typical racist arrogance. FDR had approved Chiang Kai-shek visiting Mahatma Gandhi in India to attempt to organize his support, at least logistically, against Japan. For Gandhi and India there was little to choose between the British Empire and the German-Japan axis. Churchill refused to allow Chiang to meet at Gandhis home and interfere in India. Despite this, they did meet for five hours, after which Chiang received a letter from Gandhi, in which he wrote to Chiang, that I consider the five hours of frank discussion that we had in Calcutta as the most satisfying and unforgettable experience in my life. Following this, Chiang sent a note to FDR on the need for Britain and Holland to copy the American example in the Philippines and unequivocally promise full independence to all their colonies. This, Chiang said, was the only way to ensure the true loyalty of colonial peoples to the allied cause. In his message he quoted at length from his conversation with an Indian friend. FDR passed this on to Churchill, who was outraged, not just at the call for India to be independent, but the mere audacity of China and America to meddle in Imperial affairs (The Generalissimo by Jay Taylor). When FDR intimated a comparison of India with the United States, he was told, it is none of your business.

Two Incompatible Visions

The British held the same view at Bretton Woods. This was not simply some peculiarity of Churchill. At Bretton Woods, while preaching free trade, as usual, the entire British delegation rejected any discussion of trade preferences with their colonies.

As to the Soviet Union, British strategy was always to allow the Soviets to fight it out with Hitler, or minimally, to bear the brunt of the war. When Hitler turned west, the alliance with the USSR became necessary, but the destruction of the Soviet Union remained paramount policy. At the same time, everything was done to keep Roosevelt from succeeding in organizing a relationship with Stalin based on the need for economic development. To this day, the lie is repeated that FDR was weak at Yalta and deluded about his ability to influence Stalin. In truth, FDR was dying, but it was the British who were waiting for him to pass, to overturn his leadership. Roosevelts strategy, throughout the entirety of the war, was clear, and he stuck to it. His distance from Churchill was due to a divide over the peace and the future. For Roosevelt it meant the end of the colonial world and the end of want, the key to the Four Freedoms.

Churchill was in fact preparing for the cold war, already referring to the iron veil well before his Fulton, Missouri speech, and prior to FDRs passing from the scene. Churchill insisted on blowing Yalta up over Poland, but the truth is, that he had proposed the boundaries already to Stalin, just as he had proposed the division of the Balkans on a piece of paper he handed to Stalin in a private meetingso much for the hero of the neo-cons.

The role of the British in stalling the Western Front is well known. Less well known are its effects. It should be clear that FDR and Chief of Staff General Marshall saw the Western Front as the only way to win the war and alleviate the enormous pressure on the Red Army. The constant sabotage by the British, ironically, gave Stalin a stronger hand and even moral advantage, given that the Red army did by far most of the fighting to the end. Fully two thirds of the German soldiers killed during the war were in the East. Overall, eight million Russian soldiers were killed or missing versus 416,000 Americans and 383,000 British. Even more, total Soviet losses were twenty-seven million, including civilians. These losses were incomparable and staggering.

As the British intended, the divide between the Russian and American allies became much more intense with the death of FDR and the dropping of the A-bomb. Stalin was not told of the developments around the bomb until the very end. Truman, Churchill and others, like confederate Secretary of State James Byrnes, viewed the bomb as the great equalizer to the Soviet advantage on the groundreally more than equal.

Truman and Churchill were almost giddy when news of the successful bomb test was received at Potsdam. The nuclear cold war was on, if not won, and the likes of Bertrand Russell were calling for nuclear bombing of the Soviet Union. Russell wanted nuclear superiority to enforce world government.

FDRs vision of a UNO secured by a Four Power agreement of America, Russia, China and Britain (France was viewed as a partner of the British) emphatically meant a developing relationship to a rebuilding of the Soviet Union, as well as of China, as a future force representative of the developing sector. He had expressed this in the Four Freedoms: from want, from fear, of speech, of belief. After 1945, all this was twisted into unrecognizable form, into a stratagem of more war and poverty. All that was to be left was the Special Relationship with the British Empire.

Despite figures like Eisenhower, MacArthur and JFK, this orientation increasingly took over, until it finally dominated U.S. policy making, down to the present day. By the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, with the subsequent Bush and Obama administrations, it appeared that the takeover was complete. The Achilles Heel, however, was foreseen by LaRouche even as the Wall fell. The London-Wall Street Axis was rotten ripe itself. There has been an ongoing collapse of the trans-Atlantic British financial system of increasing intensity, especially since 2007-2008. The seventy year long Special Relationship is now at a dead end, and there is no way out.

A Return to Roosevelts Vision

FDRs Four Powers, as exemplified in the policy of the World Land-Bridge, is the active policy of China, supported by Russia, in effect today. Other nations are increasingly taking part, led by the BRICS group, most especially India. This includes building new financial institutions like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with up to seventy or more participants.

As can be seen in the quotes with which we began, Russia and China, under the leadership of Putin and Xi, are fully committed to this policy, and have offered an open hand to the troubled United States. Without the Special Relationship, the British System is doomed to be replaced by a New Paradigm. The question that will determine the possibility of avoiding a catastrophe of war or chaos provoked by this dying Empire isWhich way the United States?

EIRNS

During the American Presidential campaign, Donald Trump pledged to reinstate FDRs Glass-Steagall banking regulation, separating out speculative financial activity. This would open the door to the full LaRouche policy of Hamiltonian credit and crash scientific programs to increase the productivity of labor, making the United States a full partner in world progress. Lyndon LaRouche, as a young man serving in the India-Burma theater at the end of the war, pledged himself to fulfill FDRs mission, and with the backing of a knowledgeable American people it can be done now.

Allow yourself a few moments of unfettered imagination; imagine a world where the United Statesthe only nation to put men on the Moon and bring them backreinvigorates its nearly destroyed space program, by joining with the active and highly successful Chinese program, with the Russian capabilities, with the India that successfully launched an orbiter to Mars in 2013, with the European space program, and othersin a Four Powers-led Extra-Terrestrial Policy for the future of humanity. Or, imagine a truly unified effort to tackle the breakthroughs needed to utilize fusion power and solve further problems in our knowledge of the micro-world. What can be done in advancing conceptions of biology using the mixture of science available globally?

How many high level jobs would be needed? How many highly developed youth with a breadth of education and character to create for the further future would be needed? What would we begin to know about each other? What would it mean for our knowledge of Mankind?
This article appears in the February 10, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

Therefore Choose Life

by Tony Papert

[Print version of this article]

Feb. 7President Trumps Feb. 10-11 summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, offers the United States the opportunity to join in with the great new Eurasian-centered system of cooperation of the 21st Centurywhich includes Japan, China, Russia, and the more than 70 other nations, with 4.4 billion total population, which have joined in Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of worldwide development corridors. It is indicative that Abe has prepared a contingency package for this upcoming summit, of Japanese hi-tech investment in the United States to create hundreds of thousands of good jobs.

Japanese media report that Prime Minister Abe has prepared a plan which includes large-scale investment in high-speed rail in Texas and California, along with other infrastructural investment, as well as mutual cooperation towards advanced nuclear power and other breakthrough technologies.

Japans development of this package for Washington, must be understood as a spinoff of the revolutionary agreements being made between Japan and Russia over recent months. The two countries have been negotiating a peace agreement; they have officially been at war with each other for over 70 years. But these peace negotiations are unique in form: they would never have been possible outside the context of the new, Eurasia-centered agreement among nationsof which most Americans are still completely unaware.

Putins Russia and Japan have decided to overcome an intractable territorial dispute, by means of the two nations coming to understand and trust each other through ever-closer massive economic cooperation, in their common interest. When Prime Minister Abe met President Putin in Vladivostok, on Russias Pacific coast, last September, he proposed eight points of economic cooperation, which included major Japanese investment to help develop the Russian Far East (or eastern Siberia). When Putin returned the visit in December, the eight points were reaffirmed and elaborated between them. Additionally, they agreed to joint economic development of the territory disputed between them, the Kuril Islands. Final resolution of the sovereignty dispute will follow the deepened trust to result from this cooperation.

When President Putin proposed this uniquely 21st-century path of negotiations with Japan, he, of course, had in mind Chinese President Xi Jinpings 2013 launching of the Belt and Road Initiative, a revolutionary vision of infrastructural development corridors linking all of Eurasia, spreading out into the Middle East and Africa, and, via a Bering Strait tunnel, into both American continents as well. As we have reported, the Belt and Road Initiative is the outgrowth of policy-proposals which Lyndon and Helga LaRouche have continuously fought for since 1988.

As President Putin himself noted, his other reference-point for this new path of negotiations with Japan, was the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the Peoples Republic of China and the Russian Federation, signed in 2001 after thirty years of negotiationsnegotiations which are still continuing today in a closer and deeper way, with ever more trust between the two sides. That 2001 treaty was a prerequisite for the BRI, while the negotiations for that treaty directly gave birth to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, another important element of the new world constellation which is now open for the United States to join it.

EIRNS/Stuart Lewis

The nations of Eurasia, led by Russia, China, and now Japan, are saying to the United States, Weve opened up a new way to live. Will you accept it and join it? President Trump will not be a problem here, Lyndon LaRouche told associates on Feb. 6. Rather, U.S. adherence to the new agreement among the nations will be the way in which the new President can fulfill his campaign promise that no American who wants to work will be unable to find a job.

We have only a short period in which to consolidate this, LaRouche said. We have a solid group of leaders who firmly agree on principles of action; they must be consolidated as a unity. Weve got a clean job, and it must remain that. What could ruin it, is if some third party were allowed to barge in and try to impose its own, different principles.

The required principles are those of LaRouches Four New Laws. The initial leading forces have selected themselves. Others who want to enter must qualify themselves; they cant be allowed to just walk on in. We have to make that decision.

By this point, one can hear the hard-boiled reader asking, But what are the chances of this? That question reflects erroneous teachings about so-called probability against which Albert Einstein fought unceasingly over decades until his death in 1955. Statisticians are failed mathematicians, just as mathematicians are failed human beings. The fallacy of their notions of probability is especially obvious when they are applied to human affairs, as here.

Imagine that as you are crossing the street, a speeding vehicle jumps through a red light and heads directly at you, threatening to run you down. Our friend the statistician would lean into your ear and ask, What are the odds that you can survive this?
PRESS RELEASE

Lavrov Evokes World War II Allied Alliance as Model for War on Terror

Feb. 9, 2017 (EIRNS)Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has evoked the World War II Allied alliances as a model for the fight against terror. Addressing the launch of the 26th volume of the Foreign Ministrys Soviet Documents on Foreign Policy series, Lavrov said,

"The year 1943 marked a change in the course of the Great Patriotic War and World War II in general. That year, the battle of Stalingrad was won, the siege of Leningrad was broken, the fascist troops faced an overwhelming defeat in the Battle of Kursk. All of this had a deep impact on the military and political situation." "Although the anti-Hitler coalition members all had their own interests, they succeeded in leaving tensions and disagreements behind and pooling their efforts in order to defeat the inhuman ideology of fascism,"

Lavrov said.

"Today, when the world community is facing the threats of terrorism and extremism, the experience that the allied countries gained during World War II could help us achieve our common goals."

According to TASS, this new volume contains documents reflecting the radical turn in the course of World War II and Soviet diplomats activities that strengthened the anti-Hitler coalition and boosted cooperation among the Allied countries. The volume also includes correspondence among the heads of state and government and the foreign ministers, as well as some secret messages declassified for the first time.
Moda Health, a small Oregon health insurer, just won a $214-million judgment against the federal government. Normally that wouldnt be worth reporting, except that in awarding Moda the money, the federal judge in the case dismantled the most cynical attack on the Affordable Care Act that congressional Republicans had devised.

The issue was the Affordable Care Acts risk corridor program, which was devised to shelter insurers from unexpected losses in covering Affordable Care Act customers from 2014 through 2016. To encourage insurers to enter an entirely novel market, the program aimed to balance risks by taking funds from insurers that turned out to be unexpectedly profitable and use the money to cushion others losses. The model was provisionally written into Medicares prescription drug program, Part D, which went into effect in 2006 and worked well to attract insurers.

To say ... The joke is on you. You shouldnt have trusted us, is hardly worthy of our great Government.  U.S. Judge Thomas C. Wheeler

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Initially, economists expected the Affordable Care Act version to be in the black overall  the Congressional Budget Office forecast that the government would collect $16 billion from successful insurers and pay out only $8 billion to struggling companies over the programs three years. But if it turned out that there wasnt enough, the Department of Health and Human Services was authorized to pay out funds from general government revenues.

Although Medicare Part D had been a Republican program, this time around the GOP railed against the same risk corridor arrangement as a bailout of insurers. They inserted a provision in a 2014 spending bill forbidding Health and Human Services from using any money other than what came from profitable insurers. As it happened, the program ran deeply in the red. The accumulated losses for 2014 and 2015 alone are up to $8.3 billion; some estimates place the total owed over the three years at nearly $15 billion.

Because its hamstrung to pay the full claims, Health and Human Services has paid out only 12.6% of all claims for 2014, and nothing so far for 2015 or 2016. Modas lawsuit claimed that its due $214 million. It argued that the government essentially promised that the money would be paid, and that promise cant be nullified just because Congress decided to tamper with where the money came from.

Judge Thomas C. Wheeler of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims agreed with Moda on every point. There is no genuine dispute that the Government is liable to Moda, he ruled in a decision issued Thursday. The Government made a promise in the risk corridor program that it has yet to fulfill. He directed the government to fulfill that promise. After all, to say to [Moda], The joke is on you. You shouldnt have trusted us, is hardly worthy of our great Government.

Wheeler also told the government where to find the money: in its Judgment Fund, which pays plaintiffs who win claims against the government in his court.

A ruling like Wheelers was long expected by many legal experts. As Nicholas Bagley of the University of Michigan observed following the ruling: It was only a matter of time before a court entered a money judgment against the United States. Two other lawsuits are pending in the Court of Federal Claims. One brought initially by two Oregon health insurance co-ops has been certified as a class action. Another, brought by the Illinois insurer Land of Lincoln, was dismissed in November, but is already under appeal.

That said, even if the insurers eventually get paid, the GOP attack on the risk corridor program, and by extension on the Affordable Care Act in general, did a lot of damage. In a survey for the New England Journal of Medicine in November, Bagley wrote that the GOP measure hit particularly hard at new co-op health plans, which were thinly capitalized but supported by Affordable Care Act loans. Deprived of full risk-corridor payments, by the end of summer 2016, just seven of 23 co-ops were still in business. As the co-ops collapsed, almost a million people were forced to look elsewhere for coverage. That contributed to a sharp reduction in competition on the [Obamacare] exchanges.

That underscores the cynicism of the Republican attack. GOP politicians such as House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) talk continually about a lack of competition on the Affordable Care Act exchanges as though thats a structural flaw in Obamacare. They dont admit that much of that lack of competition is their own handiwork.

One remarkable feature of this attack is that, even though it helped destroy some low-income insurers and harmed their customers, Republicans in Congress jostled with each other to take credit for it.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R- Fla.) made his championing of the provision a linchpin of his presidential campaign, claiming that his role in the measure saved billions for the American taxpayer. His bragging ticked off the GOP politicos who actually had sneaked the measure into law. Among them was a certain Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), then the ranking Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, who, as Donald Trumps newly-minted attorney general, now will have to decide whether to appeal Wheelers ruling to a higher court. When Sessions issued a statement listing the measures supporters, the Washington Post reported, he pointedly left Rubio out.

The risk corridor claimants arent out of the woods yet. The Moda judgment could be appealed. Moreover, although Judge Wheeler noted that payment from the Judgment Fund is a path Congress has left open, Congress also could block that path, simply by enacting a law barring it as a source of risk corridor claims, even with a court order. That measure would have to be signed by President Trump, but as Bagley commented, Trump hasnt been above stiffing partners in his own business ventures. Why would he stop now?

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.

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The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged a Chinese investor and his family members with illegally profiting from Comcast Corp.s $3.8-billion acquisition last year of DreamWorks Animation.

The government on Friday obtained an emergency court order to freeze brokerage accounts used in the alleged insider trading scheme led by Shaohua Michael Yin, a 44-year-old former partner of Summitview Capital Management Ltd. in Hong Kong. Yin and other defendants allegedly made $29 million in profits by illegally trading DreamWorks shares.

The SEC lawsuit said during a three-week period last April  before news of Comcasts interest in DreamWorks became public  five brokerage accounts allegedly controlled by Yin amassed more than 2 million shares, worth about $56 million. The stock in the animation studio was bought for about $26 a share.

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The accounts were opened in the name of several Chinese citizens, including Yins elderly father and mother, who were also named as defendants.

Before April 2016, the accounts had never held any shares of DreamWorks, the Glendale animation studio behind Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.

Placed in context, the purchases by these five individual trading accounts  nominally owned by two elderly retirees, an electrical company employee, a teacher and a natural resources manager  accounted for 16.9% of all market trading in DreamWorks, the complaint said.

Comcast offered DreamWorks $41 a share. After Comcasts interest became public, DreamWorks shares soared nearly 50%.

Before the Comcast bid, PAG Asia Capital, a private equity fund, was in advanced negotiations to buy DreamWorks, which has operated a studio in Shanghai through a joint venture with Chinese investors.

Yin, a former UBS banker who has an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, has homes in Beijing and Palo Alto. The SEC alleged that he has made illegal trades of stock of other companies, and the FBI executed a search warrant on Yin at the San Jose International Airport on Feb. 3, just before he boarded a flight to China, according to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court in New York.

Yins former employer, Summitview Capital Management, said in a statement provided to the Times on Tuesday that it was reviewing the allegations in the SEC complaint and Mr. Yins conduct and any potential effect on the company.

The allegations are directed against Mr. Yins actions in a personal capacity and not against Summitview, the firm said, adding that Yin resigned last week. His resignation came days after the FBI executed the search warrant in San Jose, and three days before the SEC announced that it had obtained a court order to freeze the assets in question.

The SEC is seeking a permanent injunction, return of ill-gotten profits and other penalties.

Despite the defendants alleged attempts to hide his control over these accounts, the SECs data analytic investigative tools enabled us to determine who was behind the suspicious trading, Michele Wein Layne, Director of the SECs Los Angeles regional office, said in a statement.

Yin was not immediately available for comment. Comcast, which folded DreamWorks Animation into its NBCUniversal media company, declined comment.

meg.james@latimes.com

@MegJamesLAT

UPDATES:

Tuesday, 10:10 a.m. This article was updated with a statement from Summitview Capital Management.

This article was originally published on Feb. 10.
Would you buy a home without ever stepping foot in it?

Thanks to virtual reality, prospective homebuyers can check out for-sale properties by viewing them through a headset  exploring faraway kitchens and bathrooms without ever leaving the couch.

VR is the next natural evolution in terms of marketing real estate, said David Scott Van Woert, account director at Transparent House, which has developed a virtual reality mobile app for home builders. A lot of these companies are very tech-forward and always looking for, not only an edge over competition, but to stay current.

This month, Brookfield Residential began offering virtual tours of model homes at its new San Marcos, Calif., home project using Transparent Houses technology. Transparent House recently received requests to bring the technology to individual homes in Beverly Hills and Palo Alto.

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Although the technology began working its way into real estate circles early last year, this is probably the first time it will be used on a large scale in San Diego County and the first place Canada-based Brookfield is trying it out.

Brookfield spokeswoman April Harter-Enriquez said it is a way to get potential buyers interested in a project before models are ready to open. The San Marcos homes, for instance, dont begin open houses until the spring.

The home-buying process, in general, is a bit of a dinosaur at times, she said. Brookfield looked at VR technology to really change the homebuying experience by letting people get a taste of what the homes will be like before they are actually built.

Users of the virtual reality tool put on a Gear VR head strap that wraps around the front of a persons face and look at an application in front of their eyes running on a Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphone.

The user can walk from room to room in the house, into the bathroom, up the stairs and view details on the ceiling. By looking at targets placed in certain parts of the screen, the software knows to move users to a different location.

San Francisco-based Transparent House recently operated a virtual reality tour of San Franciscos Shipyard, a master-planned community by developer Lennar with 12,000 homes and 1 million square feet of retail.

Van Woert said that to get the full experience, it is best to use a full immersion goggle set like the Gear VR, which costs about $100. Still, he said, the company often sends cardboard virtual reality kits that cost roughly $15.

To reach as many potential homebuyers as possible, Brookfield opted to showcase the VR tours at a mall.

There also is an incentive for real estate agents and companies to show properties as soon as possible, even if only virtually. San Diego County homes stayed on the market an average of 33 days in 2016, according to the Greater San Diego Assn. of Realtors. That was down from 39 in 2015 and 46 in 2014.

Jason Cassity, an agent with ISellTheCity real estate in downtown San Diego, said he thinks virtual reality will be the future in his industry. Hes eager to use the tech to show homes to clients.

It is so helpful to buyers, he said. You could have someone sitting in Boise walk through your house, and it just does so much more than the photos can. It gives them a sense of how the layout feels.

Cassity already pays about $300 a listing to conduct a 3-D map of properties through the Matterport platform. Right now, he said not everyone has a pair of virtual reality goggles sitting around, but at least distant buyers can walk through the 3-D-scanned properties.

Other agents and real estate groups have experimented with similar technologies. In late 2015, Redfin launched a Live Video Tour function that lets potential buyers watch as an agent walks through a property live-streaming it room by room.

For now, virtual reality might be cost-prohibitive. Van Woert said each project is different, but a single room can cost $20,000 and a larger project could run up to $100,000.

Molnar writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com
At a recent meeting with pharmaceutical-industry bigwigs, President Trump declared that were going to be cutting regulations at a level that nobodys ever seen before. He also said that were going to have tremendous protection for the people.

Its hard to see how he can do both.

As with Trumps proposed elimination of consumer safeguards, environmental-protection measures and financial reforms, the reality is that if his administration proceeds with a wholesale deregulation of the drug industry, the public will be largely undefended against the aggressive and potentially dangerous predations of multibillion-dollar conglomerates.

We need regulations to make sure first and foremost that theres drug safety and efficacy, said Michael Santoro, a management professor at Santa Clara University and co-editor of the book Ethics and the Pharmaceutical Industry.

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What Trump is basically proposing is less testing of drugs before theyre made available to patients.

The pharmaceutical industry is a business and wants to bring drugs to the market quickly, Santoro said. Thats why you need the Food and Drug Administration to look at the medical and scientific evidence to make sure that speeding up the process doesnt harm the public.

In some cases, experts say, faster drug approvals may be warranted. It now can take years for a new drug to obtain the FDAs go-ahead. For a terminally ill cancer patient, say, that can be a death sentence.

Sam Peltzman, a professor emeritus of economics at the University of Chicago, noted that the more testing thats conducted, the more stuff that can come to light that can prevent harm. But he said anything that speeds up the drug-approval process will have net positive effects.

That remains to be seen. My colleague Melody Petersen reported on a $7,800-a-month cancer drug called Tarceva. Under pressure from Genentech and patient advocates, the FDA expanded use of the drug despite little evidence it worked. Patients suffered as a result.

The trick is finding the right balance of speed and safety, and its fair to wait and see what the Trump administration comes up with. He hasnt yet even named an FDA commissioner, except to say that he has a fantastic person in mind.

Another change sought by drugmakers, however, is intended solely to boost profits. It would greatly expand the industrys ability to pitch prescription meds directly to consumers.

This is a terrible idea.

The United States is one of only two countries  the other being New Zealand  that allows direct-to-consumer marketing of drugs. Every other nation has concluded that advertising powerful drugs for treating complex illnesses makes no sense when your target market isnt qualified to fully understand the risks.

Thats not a knock on consumers. Its an acknowledgement that doctors undergo at least three years of university pre-med courses, four years of medical school, and as much as eight years of residency and fellowship work.

All that education and training is for a reason. The practice of medicine isnt for amateurs.

Yet the drug industry wants patients to think theyre entitled to have a hand in writing prescriptions.

The idea is that consumers are central players in their health management and therefore have a right to be informed of different drugs, said Lewis Grossman, a law professor at American University who specializes in food and drug law.

As such, the drug industry spent $5.2 billion in 2015 on direct-to-consumer marketing, up 60% from four years earlier, according to the healthcare news service Stat. Thats more than the estimated $4.9 billion spent for all Super Bowl commercials over the last 51 years.

Such crazy-high spending not only increases a drugs retail cost but also boosts industry profit by steering people away from generics and other cheaper alternatives.

Many patients will insist on brand-name drugs they saw advertised on TV, and their doctors will write prescriptions rather than spend valuable time talking them out of it. For these reasons, the American Medical Assn. has called for a ban on direct-to-consumer drug advertising.

Yet the FDA is now considering a policy change that would expand direct-to-consumer drug marketing to so-called off-label uses  that is, for treatment of conditions that the drug wasnt originally intended to remedy.

Even though doctors are permitted to write prescriptions for off-label drug uses, current rules state that a pharmaceutical company cant pitch off-label uses to consumers without first backing up its claims with clinical trials.

If adopted, the new policy, which was unveiled at a public hearing the day after the November election, could allow drug companies to forgo much of that extra testing and leave patients to hope for the best.

Drug companies have a very bad history of promoting products for which they havent been approved, said Santa Clara Universitys Santoro. The industry hasnt displayed trustworthiness as far as this goes.

To be sure, there may be valid off-label uses for prescription drugs. I wrote recently about a young woman with an autoimmune disorder who was helped by a drug intended for heart troubles.

In that case, though, the decision to try an off-label drug was made by a cardiologist, not as a result of the woman seeing a TV ad.

Sarah Peddicord, an FDA spokeswoman, told me the agency wants a rule that best protects and promotes the public health in view of ongoing developments in science and technology, medicine, healthcare delivery and constitutional law.

If thats the case, the agency should defer to the expertise of doctors, who are in the best position to understand the risks and rewards of off-label drug use.

A study last year by Canadian and U.S. researchers found that patients using off-label drugs without strong scientific evidence of effectiveness were 54% more likely to experience adverse side effects, such as an allergic reaction, or gastrointestinal or respiratory complications. Or worse.

Thats not an easy thing to communicate in a slick 30-second ad on prime-time TV. In fact, it has no business being addressed in such a slapdash manner.

Some deregulation of the drug industry may help patients. The Trump administration is on the right track if it can safely accelerate drug approvals, promote production and use of generics, and lower drug prices through increased competition.

It absolutely shouldnt permit pharmaceutical companies to expand their direct-to-consumer marketing. The administration should heed the medical communitys call to end the practice and bring us in line with nearly every other country.

Diagnosis: It just isnt healthy.

David Lazarus column runs Tuesdays and Fridays. He also can be seen daily on KTLA-TV Channel 5 and followed on Twitter @Davidlaz. Send your tips or feedback to david.lazarus@latimes.com.

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Americas widespread opioid crisis has sadly made a crucial part of Eugene ONeills Long Days Journey Into Night more relatable.

Mary, the strung-out mother in the plays alcoholic household, has once again succumbed to her morphine addiction. She lies, lashes out, makes trips to the pharmacy, denies whats right under her nose, breaks down and becomes a ghost of herself in this classic study of family disintegration.

The idea of a respectable woman, who (through a combination of medical malpractice and untreated depression) becomes dependent on pain medication, is no longer a distant reality. If she doesnt live next door, weve heard all about her problem on TV.

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The Geffen Playhouses nourishing, though still unsettled, revival of ONeills supreme masterpiece doesnt seek out points of contemporary relevance. But the company, led by Alfred Molina as James Tyrone and Jane Kaczmarek as Mary, tries to rediscover the work for our time.

Bestowed as a manuscript to his wife on their anniversary in 1941 but only first produced in 1956, three years after the authors death, Long Days Journey represents an autobiographical exorcism, a confrontation with the demons that hurt ONeill into playwriting.

In the dedication, ONeill delivers this play of old sorrows, written in tears and blood, to his wife, Carlotta. The work was too raw, too painful, too potentially damaging to the family psyche for public presentation in his lifetime. A good deal of interest has naturally flown from the connections between the artists life and his work.

Director Jeanie Hackett doesnt banish ONeill as a figure from the stage. (His image is projected during scene breaks.) But she and her actors are more intent on understanding the pathological family dynamics from the universal perspective of tragedy. Biography, as it should be, is the beginning rather than the end of their exploration.

The house, conjured on stage by scenic designer Tom Buderwitz, situates us in a stylized facsimile of the Connecticut house where ONeill spent summers with his family as a youth. But the production, set (as written) in the summer of 1912, isnt obsessed with sepia-tinged detail.

The Tyrones no longer seem like thinly veiled surrogates of the ONeills. (A few of them would have a hard time passing for Irish American.) There are dissonances between the play and the players, but Hacketts somewhat askew casting forces us to see the work as a tragedy not just of a particular family but of family life itself. In ONeills dark domestic vision, love is limited in its power to heal the wounds it invariably inflicts.

Kaczmareks sturdy persona doesnt lend itself to the kind of neurasthenic flutter that earned both Vanessa Redgrave and Jessica Lange Tony Awards for their turns as Mary. Kaczmareks nervousness is less diaphanous, more earthbound. Rarely has Marys Midwestern background seemed so pronounced.

Kaczmarek has trouble finding the character in the plays first half. The actress (an accomplished stage veteran known for her TV role on Malcolm in the Middle) signals Marys condition more than she embodies it. False notes abound. ONeills occasionally thudding dialogue can sound canned in Kaczmareks mouth. But the performance gains power after intermission when Marys drug-clouded psyche unravels along with her bundled-up hair.

Molina, a marvelous classical actor who made a memorable Lopakhin in the 2006 Mark Taper Forum production of The Cherry Orchard, gives us a carefully measured James Tyrone. Molina avoids the trap that lesser talents have fallen into. Tempting as it might be to overdo the hamminess of this Shakespeare-quoting patriarch who has squandered his artistic gifts for comfortable income in the commercial theater, Molina preserves the characters tattered dignity.

Like everyone in the play, James is torn between generosity and selfishness, forbearance and fury, love and disgust. Molina isnt always convincing in a roaring key; theres a rote aspect to some of the characters tyrannical outbursts. But he infuses James silences with the grief, worry, compassion and guilt of a man who realizes that the center of his family cannot hold.

If Colin Woodell, who plays Edmund, the tubercular son with a poets suicidal sensibility, makes the deepest impression, its not because the character is the most developed or interesting. A portrait of the playwright as a young dissolute man, Edmund is the fragile observer of the inferno engulfing his family. As sweet as he is passive, he seems willing to offer himself up first to the flames.

Woodells performance has a natural ease. Edmunds cough is one you can imagine echoing down a sanitarium corridor. (The sound might have you reaching for hand sanitizer.) Although his character may feel adrift in the world, Woodell seems very much at home in the part. Even his vulnerable pre-Raphaelite appearance works. (The bookshelves in this New London house, per ONeills stage directions, contain poetry by Swinburne, whose poem A Leave-Taking is heard during scene transitions.)

The frail, almost sacrificial beauty of Woodells Edmund elicits a delicacy of feeling from his scene partners. All the principal actors seem to do their best work either with him or when arguing about his characters condition.

James (Jamie) Tyrone Jr., Edmunds wild older brother, is the showier of the sibling roles, and Stephen Louis Grush attacks the part with the necessary bravado. Grushs Jamie knows hes a destructive influence that Edmund will have to shun to survive. But Jamies love always seems greater than his hate, making Edmunds sadness all the more piercing.

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Perhaps to alleviate the relentless gloom, the production occasionally lapses into a sitcom rhythm. Angela Goethals, who plays the whiskey-slurping maid, Cathleen, bags easy laughs in her tipsy scene with high-as-a-kite Mary. (The Geffen audience at Wednesdays opening seemed as desperate for a belly laugh as Mary was for her fix.)

Hacketts staging, while commendably focused on the actors, can get clunky. Minor missteps  the sound of Mary rummaging upstairs in the attic, the flash of lights for emotional flourishes  call undue attention to the artifice of what were experiencing.

The scene that lingers is the one in which Edmund tells his father of his moment of transcendence at sea, when he felt at one with creation. Woodell communicates Edmunds memory with a rapturous melancholy. But its the way Molina listens  a father taking in the spirit of his badly ill boy  thats so heartrending.

ONeill, staring into the abyss of his own photo album, plunged into the paradox of family relationships, the push and pull of these untenable, inescapable, irreplaceable bonds. Long Days Journey Into Night is a harrowing and often grueling journey into the elusive myth of home, the broken promise that hope keeps eternally alive. This Geffen revival, while patchy in places, reminds us why actors and audiences keep returning to ONeills haunted house.

         

Long Days Journey Into Night

Where: Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood

When: 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays (check for exceptions)

Tickets: $32-$90 (subject to change)

Information: (310) 208-5454, www.geffenplayhouse.org

Running time: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster.

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Under ordinary circumstances, the gathering of several dozen artists, U.S. museum leaders and journalists for a news conference at the Museo Jumex, the contemporary art museum in Mexico Citys tony Polanco neighborhood, wouldnt be noticed beyond art world insiders interested in upcoming programs and collaborations for this falls Pacific Standard Time exhibitions to be held all over Southern California. But these days, as tensions grow between the Trump administration and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, hardly any exchange between the United States and Mexico could be qualified as ordinary.

Joan Weinstein, deputy director of the Getty Foundation, which has poured more than $16 million into PST LA/LA, as the project is known, noted Tuesday morning in her opening remarks that in the current political climate, it was important to strengthen the cultural connections between the two countries.

She then played a short video overview of the project, whose voice-over narration (prepared months before Trump assumed office) stated: Its time to provoke conversations around the relationship between North and South America. Its time to challenge every line, perimeter and border.

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There is no us and them. There is just us and us.  Michael Govan, director, LACMA

On hand to help Weinstein present the series of exhibitions were L.A. County Museum of Art director Michael Govan, Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles director Philippe Vergne and Los Angeles Philharmonic chief operating officer Chad Smith  joined by Julieta Gonzalez, acting director at the Museo Jumex, who is collaborating on a PST LA/LA show to be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

Govan touched on the issue of the profound cultural connections between the U.S. and Mexico in his remarks. Forget walls, he said. There are bridges everywhere.

Though PST LA/LA has been in the works for half a dozen years  before Barack Obama had even been elected for a second term  it is emerging as a cultural salvo against the Trump administrations repeated call for a border wall.

The series will consist of dozens of exhibitions across more than 70 cultural institutions  almost four dozen of which will bear some connection to Mexico or Mexican culture. It will also include a music festival, titled CDMX (an abbreviation for Mexico City), which will feature specially commissioned works by up-and-coming Mexican composers.

Smith says that the L.A. Phil has been at work on CDMX and other related programming for more than 18 months.

This is just the beginning of a long and involved relationship with this city, he told The Times shortly after the presentation concluded.

It was a sentiment echoed by Weinstein.

This is a moment to highlight the collaborations across borders, she said. The Getty has a long tradition of working internationally and connecting institutions.

We have so much to do to make everyone understand how connected our cultures are  how connected we are, added Govan. There is no us and them. There is just us and us.

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carolina.miranda@latimes.com

@cmonstah

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This week: A feel-good musical about a 1950s vocal quartet, a new play about an Indian family tripped up by the Internet age, and the return of a classic drama about Chicano life in 1940s L.A.

Church Discipline New immersive-theatre production about a congregation in conflict; for ages 13 and up. Zombie Joes Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends March 12. $15. (818) 202-4120.

Hallelujah, Baby! Musical Theatre Guild stages the Tony-winning Jule Styne musical about an African American woman seeking success in show biz. The Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $45. (818) 243-2539.

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Off the Top! Broadway and TV veteran Jason Kravits wholly improvised cabaret show. Rockwell Table and Stage, 1714 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Next Sun., 8 p.m. $15, $20. (323) 669-1550.

Zoot Suit Luis Valdez helms a revival of his landmark fact-based drama with music about Chicano life in WWII-era L.A.; with Demian Bichir. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Today, 7 p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends March 19. $25-$95. (213) 628-2772.

Hubcap Staged reading of David Lee Rays new drama about a black family in present-day Georgia. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre, Blvd., Sierra Madre. Mon., 7 p.m. Free; donations appreciated. (626) 355-4318.

Andrea McArdle: 70s & Sunny Broadways original Annie performs in this cabaret show; with opening act Anthony Federov. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. Mon., 8:30 p.m. $25-$50. (866) 468-3399.

The Return of Zoot Suit: Downstage With the Frame Luis Valdez, Center Theatre Group artistic director Michael Ritchie and others explore the L.A. history that inspired the play. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Mon., 7:30 p.m. Free; reservations at www.centertheatregroup.org.

Circus 1903  The Golden Age of Circus Family-friendly show features acrobats, aerialists, large-scale elephant puppets and more. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends Feb. 19. $35 and up; children under 5 not admitted. (800) 982-2787.

Dirtsong Indigenous music group Black Arm Band celebrates Australias aboriginal culture in this CAP UCLA presentation. Royce Hall, UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Wed., 8 p.m. $19-$39. (310) 825-2101.

Free Outgoing U.S. premiere of Anupama Chandrasekhars drama about a middle-class family in India whose lives are upended after the teen daughter is captured in an indiscreet video that goes viral. East West Players, David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St., L.A. Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 12. $35-$50; discounts available; pay what you can, Thu., Feb. 16 only. (213) 625-7000.

The Beauty, the Banshee & Me Writer-performer Cathy Lind Hayes autobiographical solo play about being adopted and searching for her birth mother. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Thu., 8 p.m. $25. (323) 960-1055.

Cuisine & Confessions Cirque troupe Les 7 doigts (The 7 Fingers) explores the connection between food and memory, love, etc. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Thu.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; ends Feb. 18. $50 and up. (310) 434-3200.

Fried Chicken & Latkes Rain Pryor, daughter of comic Richard Pryor, stars in this new autobiographical solo show. Jewish Womens Theatre, 2912 Colorado Blvd. #101, Santa Monica. Thu., Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 2. $40. (800) 838-3006.

Bye Bye Birdie Classic musical about a rock n roll star who gets drafted into the Army. Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends April 1. $20-$32. (818) 244-8481.

Die, Mommie, Die! An aging actress two children seek revenge after she murders their father in Charles Buschs campy comedy; Drew Droege stars. Celebration Theatre @ the Lex, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 26. $25-$40. (323) 957-1884.

Dont Tell My Mother! Manila Luzon (RuPauls Drag Race) is featured in a ladies-night edition of the comedy/storytelling series. Busbys East, 5364 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Fri., 8 p.m. $25-$50. www.dtmm-show.com.

Edward: The Musical Theater company Blue Vanity stages this dark comedy about a sad, angry man who has a psychotic break. The Studio at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends Feb. 19. $10. (562) 494-1014.

Forever Plaid Hit musical comedy about an ill-fated 1950s-era vocal group that returns from beyond to perform a concert. International City Theatre, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 5. $47, $49; opening night, $55. (562) 436-4610.

Long Joan Silver Arthur M. Jollys female-led reimagining of Robert Louis Stevensons pirate tale. Loft Ensemble Theater, 13442 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends March 26. $20. (818) 616-3150.

The Music of ABBA Tribute band Arrival recreates a concert by the Swedish pop group. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Fri., 8 p.m. $35-$65. (562) 467-8818.

Phalariss Bull: Solving the Riddle of the Great Big World L.A. premiere of molecular biologist and philosopher Steven Friedmans autobiographical solo drama. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Fri., 8 p.m. $25. (310) 394-9779.

Postmodern Jukebox Musical collective that specializes in retro-styled covers of recent Top 40 hits. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Fri., 8 p.m. $39 and up. (714) 556-2787.

Romeo and Juliet New staging emphasizes the sex and violence in Shakespeares tragic tale of star-crossed lovers. Archway Studio/Theatre, 10509 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 19. $30; discounts available. (818) 980-7529.

Sapo The 1970s music scene serves as the setting for Culture Clashs reimagining of Aristophanes ancient comedy The Frogs. Getty Villa, Fleischman Theater, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun. 3 p.m.; ends Feb. 19. $7; advance tickets required. (310) 440-7300.

Unexploded Ordnances (UXO) Feminist theater company Split Britches explores aging, desire, etc. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. $5-$10. (877) 722-4849.

Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Boops West Coast premiere of Jen Silvermans edgy comedy exploring the female identity, queerness, sexuality, etc. Boston Court, 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends March 19. $20-$39. (626) 683-6883.

Tortured Souls All new late-night new immersive-terror tale; for ages 15 and up. Zombie Joes Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 11 and 11:45 p.m.; ends March 25. $15. (818) 202-4120.

Faces of the King With Elvis Presley tribute artists Shawn Klush and Jake Rowley. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends Feb. 19. $40, $49. (818) 508-4200.

King Lear Shakespeares tragedy about an aged and ailing monarch. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 6. $44 and up; student rush, $20. (626) 356-3100.

Liana and Ben Circle X Theatre Co. presents Susan Rubins new Faust-inspired fantasy-drama about a woman who strikes a fateful bargain with a mysterious stranger. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends March 26. $20, $25. www.circlextheatre.org.

Bob Newhart The comedian performs; with special guest Broadways Jean Louisa Kelly. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sat., 8 p.m. $35-$85. (562) 944-9801.

Shaolin Warriors Choreographed martial arts battles, acrobatics and more. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Sat., 8 p.m. $45-$65. (562) 467-8818. Also, Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Next Sun., 3 p.m. $38 and up. (818) 677-3000.

Etta Mae Mumphries  And the Rest Is History Karen Bankheads solo comedy about an elderly African American woman and her encounters with celebrities and historical figures. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $15, $20. (626) 355-4318.

Shine The storytelling series presents a best-of show. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 3rd St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 7 p.m. $12; discounts available. (310) 452-2321.ends April 2. $40. (800) 838-3006.
Since the start of awards season, the story has been the same: Theres been the Big Three  Damien Chazelles fizzy musical La La Land, Barry Jenkins poetic coming-of-age story Moonlight and Kenneth Lonergans wrenching drama Manchester by the Sea  and then theres been everything else.

Heading into the Oscars on Feb. 26, La La Land, a romantic fable about an aspiring actress and a struggling jazz pianist, leads the pack with 14 nominations, tying the record. Moonlight, which centers on a gay African American boy growing up in poverty in Miami, follows with eight, while Manchester, the story of an emotionally shattered man who becomes the guardian of his late brothers teenage son, has earned six. All three films are up for best picture.

 2016 film directors Damien Chazelle, Barry Jenkins, Pablo Larrain, Kenneth Lonergan and Jeff Nichols swap stories about the magic that happens on set.

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For Chazelle, 32, Jenkins, 37, and Lonergan, 54, who are each nominated for directing as well as for their films screenplays, its been a heady time  and a grueling one. On a late afternoon in early January, as the three gathered in Beverly Hills for a wide-ranging conversation, Chazelle was fretting about getting sick from burning the candle at both ends and Jenkins was feeling fried after catching an early-morning flight from New York.

But as the three filmmakers discussed the journeys theyve been on with their movies, the overall arcs of their careers and the state of Hollywood and the current political climate, any sense of fatigue gave way to their evident passion for storytelling and admiration for one anothers work. Though theyre at different points in their lives  with Lonergan the grizzled, wryly dyspeptic veteran to the younger, more openly idealistic Chazelle and Jenkins  they fell naturally into the joking, easygoing camaraderie of filmmakers sharing in the same fight.

See, Jenkins said at one point, if the whole season was like this, it would be awesome.

How are you guys holding up on the awards campaign trail? Damien, when I interviewed you a couple of years ago while you were going through this for the first time with Whiplash, you said you felt like a deer in the headlights.

Chazelle: Yeah, I thought that would get better but it hasnt. I still feel that way.

Lonergan: When I came back to the circuit after the Christmas break, I was going to one of the events and my wife was like, Are you enjoying this at all? I said, No. She was like, Thats wrong  you should be enjoying this. Thats when I decided to be more positive.

Chazelle: And now you have this sunny new disposition!

Lonergan: [deadpan] I know. Its freaking everyone out.

Barry, this is your first go-round. Whats your experience been like?

Jenkins: Its definitely a deer-in-the-headlights feeling, but you kind of get used to it after a while. Its weird to process. I dont understand everything thats going on, and I dont have control over anything thats going on.

Its weird to process. I dont understand everything thats going on, and I dont have control over anything thats going on.  Barry Jenkins

Its an interesting dynamic because you guys are obviously spending a lot of time together and becoming friends, but at the same time youre in competition. Is it hard to tune that part of it out?

Lonergan: A little but the competition part is to sell tickets and get people interested in the movies, so I dont think it should be anything more than that. I dont think that the arts are naturally competitive. I wont see Casablanca because I like To Have and Have Not   that just doesnt make a lot of sense.

Chazelle: Yeah, I think thats the accepting state of mind Ive gotten to about all this insanity. The extent to which it is a kind of game-show atmosphere does shine some sort of spotlight. It might be a very messy, flawed means to an end  and it also doesnt always get it right  but if all it does is shine a light every year on just a few movies that right now need the light more than ever, then that I think almost kind of makes everything worth it.

Otherwise I have a dim view of what Hollywood would do. I think that they make movies that arent tentpoles reluctantly, and they enter into this game because theres this kind of luster.

 Once director Damien Chazelle got the go-ahead to make La La Land, he had to face the panic attacks of making his dream happen. He decided to go for broke and put everything he had into it.

The conventional wisdom at the studios is that the audience for adult-oriented movies is disappearing. Do you think the success of these three movies gives the lie to that idea?

Lonergan: There is an audience, and its all over the country. This is one of the only businesses that deliberately shrinks its own base by saying, 18-to-22-year-olds go see movies, so thats who were going to make movies for.

Chazelle: I used to hope there was a certain kind of fairness to the system where, if a certain kind of movie died an ignominious death, it would lessen the need to make those kinds of movies. And you find the opposite: If its the studios kind of movie, it actually doesnt matter how it performs  theyre still going to make those kinds of movies.

What aspect of each others movies particularly impressed you?

Jenkins: I was away from L.A. in Telluride the first time I saw La La Land, and I could see my apartment in the background of the opening sequence. I never get nostalgic for L.A., but I was like, He nailed it. This makes me feel like Im back home for a hot second. I remember Damien from [his 2009 directorial debut] Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench and to see that same voice on such a huge canvas  thats what you hope for with anybody who does this, that you retain your voice but the skills and the expression grow.

Chazelle: Right back at you. There are some movies that capture the world in a way that makes you see it differently, whether its a Terrence Malick movie or a Spielberg movie. Watching Moonlight on a big screen, it felt like a giant, expansive experience, down to every detail.

And with Kenny  Im not sure theres anyone who can capture human behavior right now the way his movies do. There was a lot of stuff in Manchester where I was just like, I wouldnt have thought of that. I hate you, Kenny. Theres a lot of rage. [laughs]

Lonergan: The characters in Moonlight are in so much trouble and you never know which way the story is going to go  and its just always in a way thats completely truthful and real and human. The characters are never undercut for one minute emotionally.

And in La La Land, the last sequence  the what-could-have-been sequence  just blew me away. I dont know how you conceived it, executed it or edited it. Its a completely different approach to emotional reality. Sometimes when you see a musical thats really good, youre just like, Everything else is like nothing compared to this. It just takes you to somewhere you cant go in any other way.

Were obviously in this intense and divisive political moment right now. Does that change the way you look at your movies at all?

Lonergan: You do find yourself reevaluating it and thinking, What is the role of this thing that was made earlier in light of whats happening now?

I feel that all these movies have a tremendous positive relation to the terrifying things that are going on in different ways. Beyond the sheer escapism, I think La La Land is about love and imagination and freedom of thought and a way of looking at the world thats beautiful and full of feeling  not condemning, exclusionary and viciously angry.

Jenkins: I love that the movies are all so different and yet were all here in the same conversation. Its an affirmation of something. Theyre all in some way representing the same thing: Whats possible when you decide to tell your story.

Between the political context and the fact that were coming off of back-to-back years of #OscarsSoWhite, Moonlight is often talked about as a movie thats largely about race. Do you see it that way, Barry?

Jenkins: Its weird to me talking about race and Moonlight because I dont think race plays a role in the theme of the film in any overt way.

The movie was 3  or four years in the making, so I couldnt have made it in anticipation of these things. But I cant deny that, for certain audiences, it took on a different connotation and a different level of importance after the election. Certain people wanted to take possession of the film to place a stamp, like, Yes, this movie is America.

I think as an artist you never want to try to plan for those things because then youre trying to make an important film or a statement film and that is the death of anything thats intrinsically nuanced. But thats the world that Im from, so I couldnt do anything but make the film in that voice. And unfortunately we dont see films at a high enough rate from people who have that voice.

In recent years, weve seen more and more directors being plucked from smaller independent movies to direct huge studio tentpole movies. What do you guys make of that trend?

Lonergan: Im waiting to be plucked.

 Manchester by the Sea director Kenneth Lonergan describes jumping into the river of creativity with the actors who bring to life his characters.

Really? I know youve said you love Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Do you have a big sci-fi movie about aliens in your back pocket?

Lonergan: No, but I wish I did because Id love to make one. If I think of one, thats what Im going to do.

Jenkins: Were in Hollywood, brah. I could pitch you a reboot. [laughs]

I dont choose to make movies as small as the movies Ive made. The combined budget of my two films is far under $5 million, but its just by necessity that it ends up being that way. I think we all have stories that wed like to do that demand more resources. I watch La La Land and I think, Id like to see this guy rescue the DC universe.

Chazelle: What I always get struck by with this big-versus-small thing is, purely on the level of craft, there are tiny movies in budget that feel giant and giant movies in budget that feel really small.

Something like Moonlight or Son of Saul last year  you watch that on a big screen and to me it feels more epic than a lot of the superhero movies that are obviously shot on subpar video and just look like TV projected in a theater. I think it just has to do with strong choices and a distinctive viewpoint.

Speaking of TV, there are so many film people moving into that world because it seems to offer more creative freedom in a lot of ways. Is that something that interests you?

Jenkins: Im working on a limited series right now based on the Colson Whitehead book The Underground Railroad. When I saw House of Cards and what Steven Soderbergh did with The Knick, theres an individual aesthetic. Theres a cinematic voice.

What about you, Damien? You seem like a cinematic true believer.

Chazelle: Its true, Im definitely very romantic about the movie theater experience. But Ive been dipping my toe into the television or long-form space. Im certainly fascinated by it.

Im of two minds about this because I want to preserve the sanctity of the movie theater, but you have to admit theres also something interesting about the blurring of the boundaries between long-form and features. Maybe, like Barry was saying, as long as theres a singular voice, that makes it cinema.

I want to preserve the sanctity of the movie theater, but you have to admit theres also something interesting about the blurring of the boundaries.  Damien Chazelle

Lonergan: I would be really excited if the blurring also went in the reverse direction. Im hopeful that the films that are getting attention this year will finally get financiers to back more movies that are made in this way. Im hoping that theyll see, in a cold, calculating way, that its a good business decision to back good movies.

If you look at the history of movies, its only the last 20 or 30 years where so-called intimate stories were off-limits to big movies. Since the late 80s, theres been this proliferation of this template. Every movie is either about believe in yourself or trust your heart, not your head. I want just to see one big-budget Hollywood movie thats like, You know what? Trust your head. Just think a little. [laughs]

Jenkins: I have faith its going to get back.

Chazelle: I feel like its a little bit of an ebb and flow. Whether its the crumbling of the monopolies that paved the way for the 70s or the stuff that happened leading into the 90s, you can isolate moments when the industry was shaken to its core and was in a real self-questioning phase and it created these holes that movies like Easy Rider or Pulp Fiction crawled through. Thats the biggest reason why I like seeing new players like Amazon and dont feel a sense of alarm about that.

I dont think the 70s was some kind of miracle age that descended from the heavens or that people were smarter back then. I think there were industrial reasons that led to people storming the gates. I think that can happen again. And maybe its happening already.

josh.rottenberg@latimes.com

Twitter: @joshrottenberg

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The first time Laurence Fishburne watched the gonzo, mayhem-filled 2014 cult action film John Wick, he immediately knew he wanted be involved in any potential sequel. I was like a kid, the actor recalled recently. I was laughing. I was giddy.

Fortunately for him, he knows a guy: A long while back, John Wick star Keanu Reeves had shared the screen with Fishburne  and taken a certain red pill from his hand  in a little movie called The Matrix.

Now, two decades after that seminal 1999 sci-fi-action smash, the two are reunited in John Wick: Chapter 2, with Fishburne as a shadowy crime boss called the Bowery King who crosses paths with Reeves assassin as Wick attempts to free himself from the deadly business that has once again pulled him in.

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On a late January afternoon in West Hollywood, Fishburne, 55, and Reeves, 52, talked with the easy rapport of old friends about their new film, what The Matrix means today and aging gracefully in Hollywood.

The first John Wick was basically about the main characters quest to avenge his dead dog. You guys hadnt initially banked on a sequel, so how did you crack what a second movie would be about? Obviously you couldnt just kill John Wicks dog again.

Reeves: Yeah, that was at the top of the list of what you couldnt do. There are some films where its like, theyve got your wife, they killed your family, they took your daughter. We did the dog, so we couldnt do that again.

In this film, John Wick is fighting for his self-agency, but the more he tries to become free, the more he gets ensnared. One of the things [director] Chad [Stahelski] talked about is that theres John Wick and then theres just John, the person who is grieving and trying to heal and get out of the life. John Wick has to start fighting for John, and the more he fights for John, the further he gets away from actually being able to be John.

 Keanu Reeves returns as the lead character in John Wick: Chapter 2.

Laurence, this is a situation where you know youre not going to have a huge amount of screen time but you need to make a big impact. How did you approach it?

Fishburne: It was really simple because of the way they set it up. You know, John Wick is not a guy that asks for help, so when he goes to somebody for help, whoever that is, you know hes a serious cat. So I didnt have to do much. All I had to do was put the clothes on. [laughs]

The other thing is that, with the Bowery King, we start to suddenly realize that theres another layer to this world: What, theres an underground to the underworld?

When you put it like that, it actually sounds a little Matrix-y.

Fishburne: Sure, its like, Im going to show you theres a deeper level to this. Being the character who opens that up for you is really kind of nice.

Reeves: But this wasnt stunt casting or anything like that. Its not a cynical thing that Laurence is here. It didnt happen as a wink. Its totally organic.

John Wick really takes a serious beating in this movie. Does this kind of hardcore action get harder to do as you get older?

Reeves: Yeah, sure, you feel it in the knees a little bit. Im not quite leaping and bounding down the stairs. Now I get thrown down stairs. [laughs]

Chad takes great pleasure in really messing John Wick up: hit him with a car, throw him through windows, have him get shot. But I think thats one of the reasons you root for the guy. Yeah, hes got this huge myth and hes ultra-dangerous, but hes vulnerable. Its not quite James Bond.

Fishburne: All that running and jumping and gun-fu  there are some younger cats than you that wouldnt be down. But I think staying open is a wiser choice than limiting oneself by your age or whatever.

Im occupying the grandpa chair now on [the ABC comedy series] black-ish. But Ive embraced it. Im not dyeing my hair and trying to pretend Im 40. Thats not going to work for me. Im embracing where Im at and just trying to stay open for whatevers out there.

Weve been waiting 35 years for these [DC characters] to show up on the screen. What were they doing over there? Marvel has been kicking their ass.  Laurence Fishburne, on Warner Bros Justice League plans

The Matrix came out almost 20 years ago. When was the last time you guys watched it?

Fishburne: I havent watched it in a while.

Reeves: But it runs into you on the street.

Fishburne: Oh, all the time. People think my name is Morpheus. Many times people will say to me, Morpheus! and I will complete the sentence by saying, is not my name! [laughs]

The thing is, it changed a lot of peoples lives. Its a huge blessing to know youve done something that has affected people the way The Matrix has. Its like, theres Star Wars and then theres The Matrix. Its cool to be a part of that.

Its amazing to think that when The Matrix came out, the Internet was still a pretty new phenomenon and there were no smartphones and no social media.

Fishburne: Yeah, I got my first cellphone when we were doing the first one.

Reeves: I dont think I got my first cellphone until after the second one.

How do you think the movies meaning has changed over time?

Reeves: It used to be like, Is this the Matrix? And now its like, The Matrix is real! Now the zeitgeist is kind of catching up to that question.

With VR and the integration of everything, were starting to be able to think that we can live in an artificial reality. Why go outside when you can put your haptic suit on and go traveling and fall in love with some AI? Forget global warming and everything  well digitize and just be. Which maybe leads to more abuse in the real world.

Fishburne: The Matrix was also the first movie that really delivered on what comic books promised. It was basically a superhero movie.

Reeves: I never had superhero opportunities but I had actor envy. When the amazing Hugh Jackman got to play Wolverine, I was like, Uck, I would have loved to do that. But dang, hes really good. [laughs]

Laurence, youve had experience in that superhero world, first as the voice of the Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and, more recently, playing Daily Planet editor Perry White in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. Are we going to see you pop up later this year in Justice League?

Fishburne: They asked me to come for a day, but I couldnt work it out, schedule-wise. And really, what do you need the newspaperman in Justice League for? You want to see the Flash. You want to see Aquaman. You want to see Wonder Woman. You want to see the Lantern.

Weve been waiting 35 years for these [characters] to show up on the screen. What were they doing over there? Marvel has been kicking their ass. This is the comic-book geek in me, who has a collection of comic books. Ive been waiting to see these people on-screen forever.

As a comic-book geek, were you surprised at how quick fans and critics were to jump all over Batman v Superman?

Fishburne: Look, I love what Zack Snyder does. Jesse Eisenberg, this little nebbishy guy, as Lex Luthor? For me, thats a genius move. And the whole thing with Martha Kent and Martha Wayne? I dont know, man, I must be sentimental but thats some heartwarming [stuff] to me. So I dont get it.

It definitely shows how tough the expectations game can be when youre working at that level.

Fishburne: Its true. People always ask me, Will there be another Matrix? Is there more? If we were to ever do something like that, can you imagine the pressure wed be under?

Reeves: [smiling] Yeah, it would be awesome! Youve got to go into the fire!

Meantime, this movie is subtitled Chapter 2, which obviously implies a third chapter in the John Wick saga. I assume youre game for that?

Reeves: I love the character. I love the world. We want to do it, but its really up to the audience. If we made a meal that people like, then wed get to do it. Its show business.

josh.rottenberg@latimes.com

Twitter: @joshrottenberg

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As an advocacy piece for the protection of Americas overpopulation of wild horses, Running Wild makes a few meaningful points. But as a dramatic telling of one womans fight against equine politics, misguided self-interests and federal bureaucracy, the film, directed by Alex Ranarivelo (The Dog Lover), takes a largely simplistic, heavy-handed approach to a potentially deep and vital story.

When pampered Stella Davis (Dorian Brown Pham) discovers that husband J.T., who was recently killed in a car crash, had secretly mortgaged their vast Double Diamond Ranch to keep the ailing property afloat, she must come up with six million bucks in 90 days or hand the place over to the bank.

Although seemingly in the ozone all the years she lived there with J.T., Stella gets a sudden burst of girl power, ancestral pride and horse sense, and decides she must save this California ranch, which has been in her family for four generations. If you believe all this, I have a ranch to sell you.

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But when Stella and her hunky ranch manager, Bratt (Jason Lewis, evoking a 40ish Clint Eastwood), come upon a herd of sickly wild mustangs grazing on the property, she decides to buck the system  and the wary Bratt  and enlist in the Prison Rehabilitation Equine Program (PREP), which allows a quintet of local convicts (including Tommy Flanagan and Tommy Williamson) to work each day at the ranch training these needy horses. The criminals even get to name their favorite steeds, which is sweet, no?

Enter animal rights extremist Meredith Parish (a great-looking Sharon Stone, also an executive producer here), a billionaires widow (naturally) and the evil sister of Stellas evil ex-friend, Jennifer (Christina Moore, who co-wrote with Brian Rudnick).

Meredith, who believes all horses should be free to run in the wild  but has perhaps a wider agenda  mounts a noisy public campaign to shut down Stella and her PREP program. But can she? Two guesses.

Events play out in ways that are often convoluted and strain credibility, particularly when it comes to the storys financial aspects, character intentions, ranch procedure, equine training, a climactic horse auction and the administration of PREP, which is an actual, federally funded program.

In addition, what was the deal between Stella and J.T., a seemingly messed-up guy with a drinking problem and bad management skills? Given Stellas barely-there mourning of the husband she clearly let run roughshod over her legacy (why?), a speech about their marital history was duly in order.

A stronger, more engaging actress than Pham might have helped provide a more empathetic center to the proceedings. Still, she and her fellow cast members can do only so much with their thinly drawn characters and such eye-rolling lines as Is there a burr in your saddle, cowboy? and Youre a hell of a woman, Stella.

And just when you think the film has gratefully escaped its most inevitable turn, it goes there, adding one final kernel of corn to this ho-hum horse tale.

-------------

Running Wild

Rating: PG, for thematic content, language and brief suggestive material

Running time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Music Hall, Beverly Hills; also on VOD

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

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calendar@latimes.com
The last time an African prince was at the center of a Hollywood film, Eddie Murphy was Coming to America in 1988. Thats because, most often, when images of Africa make it to the big screen, theyre rooted in stereotype: a lanky child, stomach swollen from malnourishment; an impoverished, overcrowded shanty town; a group of hunter gatherers who communicate with the clicks of their tongues.

Until now, as David Oyelowo plays Prince Seretse Khama in A United Kingdom, in theaters Friday. The role, he said, is just one in a long line of characters he plans to play to diversify African representations on-screen and further contextualize the black experience on planet Earth.

As a Nigerian, there is a real discrepancy between how [Africa] is represented in the media and on film and what it actually is, he said. When I look at the landscape of cinema over the last few decades as it pertains to African stories, theyre so often told from an outsider perspective and so often through the eyes of a white protagonist. [With A United Kingdom], I felt like this is the Africa I know.

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Based on the 2006 book Colour Bar: The Triumph of Seretse Khama and His Nation by Susan Williams, A United Kingdom tells the real-life story of Khama, heir-apparent to the kingship of Botswanas Bangwato people and, eventually, the countrys first president after it gained independence in 1966. This, however, came after Khama was exiled in England for six years for marrying a white English woman, Ruth Williams (played by Rosamund Pike). Spanning the 1940s into the 1950s, the film chronicles Khama and Williams relationship and how they defied family, apartheid South Africa and the British empire.

 David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike star in A United Kingdom.

I just couldnt believe that I didnt know this story, as a person of African descent, as someone whos constantly trying to find stories that give more context to who black people are, now and in the past, and how that feeds the future, Oyelowo said.

He added that he automatically felt a cinematic rendition was necessary. Granted, he has knack for playing real-life people, such as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Ava DuVernays Selma. He decided to take on the responsibility, though he is very much aware of the danger with biopics.

There is this, I think, slightly unfair demand placed on them to be absolutely accurate, he said. You cant do that in two hours. You have to have a take on it.

And thats why who directs the film matters, he said. As we know, perspective dictates the narrative.

As a producer on the film, he petitioned for Belles Amma Asante to helm the project, as he wanted the black British woman of Ghanaian descent point of view on a black prince from Botswana and a white commoner from London. It had to be placed in the right hands, he said, lest a white savior or American journalist sneak their way into the plot.

If youre constantly getting a similar point of view because a certain demographic is constantly in the driving seat of the story, then before you know it, that which is specific [to them] becomes universally true, Oyelowo said, noting that A United Kingdom wouldve probably been a more politically oriented film had a man, white or otherwise, been at the helm. I know that because I had periods of discussing it with other directors.

Asante demonstrated how her role as director affected the picture by pointing to the development of A United Kingdoms black female characters.

When I first came on board, the African women in the story didnt have a point of view, she said. There wasnt a sense of African female politics in the story and a reaction to Seretse coming home with a white woman. It was very important to me as a black female to make sure that those women had a voice, that as much as its very much a part of the culture in Botswana [to respect men], theyre political and intellectual and have a thinking side too.

Additionally, Asante took great pains to not necessarily prioritize the love story over the political drama of the time, or to minimize the love story all together. Rather, she said, it was important to me to express clearly that there could be no love story without the politics, to embrace the politics through the prism of the love story.

Striking that balance is why, Oyelowo added, Hollywood needs to hire more female directors. (Five of his last 10 films have been directed by women, something that absolutely didnt happen by accident.)

Because so often the perspective we see in movies is male, and more specifically male and white, we are malnourished cinematically, he said. Not to say one is wrong or right but if youre only eating carrots, as good as they are for you, youll start turning orange. That to me is what were robbing ourselves of when we dont have different voices at the helm of this very powerful medium.

As for what audiences can take from the picture, which he calls both timely and timeless, because a timeless film is always timely, Oyelowo likens some of the movies conflict to the currently divisive world, which is getting only more so. But the central message is about the power of love, across the aisle and across differences.

Be reminded right now that love can overcome so much of the ugliness that is in the world, whether politically or from families that disagree, Oyelowo said. When you are operating from a place of love, its extraordinary what can be overcome.

Get your life! Follow me on Twitter (@TrevellAnderson) or email me: trevell.anderson@latimes.com.
Raf Simons much-anticipated debut collection for Calvin Klein hit the runway here Friday, and like many (OK, make that nearly all) of the collections weve seen this season, it had a lot to say about the current state of America.

But a couple of things set the fall / winter 2017 mens and womens Calvin Klein runway collection apart from what weve seen so far  and from what were likely to see between now and the time the final footfall hits the catwalk on Thursday. First is that Simons, who was named chief creative officer in August 2016, originally hails from Belgium. This means his take on America  and its contributions to the world of fashion and popular culture  is rooted in an outsiders point of view.

Second is that the show was set in a permanent total-room art installation by L.A.-based artist Sterling Ruby, on the ground floor of Calvin Kleins corporate headquarters in Manhattans Fashion District. A friend and past collaborator with Ruby, Simons invited the artist to, in the words of the show notes, imagine a work appropriate for Calvin Klein: Sterling Ruby imagined America.

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The result was a ceiling from which dangled engine-block parts; red, white and blue fabric shredded into pompoms; rectangles of distressed denim; swaths of fringe; galvanized metal buckets; and at least one chromed metal security door. (According to the show notes, the ground floor installation is one in a trilogy by the artist, with a second part set to be unveiled on the buildings 12th floor later in the day, and a third part to be revealed in May.)

So, in effect, the outsider  now a creative insider with one of the most recognizable American fashion brands on the planet  was presenting an outsiders-eye view of America from within an art installation that was itself envisioned as homage to America. If that sounds like some pretty heady stuff, it was  all before the first look hit the runway to the strains of David Bowies This Is Not America.

Simons debut ready-to-wear collection (the show notes point out it was completed with the brands creative director, Pieter Mulier) was titled Parade, and it was a was deep dive into American archetypes including the cowboy (all-denim looks, button-front shirts with Western-inspired contrast breast-pocket flaps and dangerous-looking cowboy boots) and the preppie (khaki trousers, navy blue blazers and repp stripe details).

There were parkas and trench coats covered in quilted patterns that would have been right at home on the bedspreads of rural America of the 19th century beamed back from the 22nd century.

The idea of America as a patchwork nation -- a functional whole composed of incongruous parts -- was furthered by the collections mixed-fabrication pieces like the blue-check, peak-lapel blazer with mustard yellow, scrunched-up rib-knit sleeves or the same rib-knit sleeves adorning sheer, breast-baring tops.

One of the most memorable looks involved the American flag itself  a skirt notable not just because it looked like the Stars and Stripes but because it looked like a gold-fringe-trimmed version of the flag, the kind most often associated with the pomp and pageantry of higher office.

The runway finale walk at the Calvin Klein fall/winter 2017 runway show during New York Fashion Week. (Angela Weiss / AFP/Getty Images)

That detail was one of several that hinted, ever so slightly, at peeling back the superficial outer layer of all that America symbolizes. There were also sleeveless mens shirts with repp-striped collar details that peeled back like old wallpaper at the shoulder and womens footwear that split at the heel like a piece of fruit in the early stages of peeling. The outsider who looks in, it seems, must peer slowly and proceed with caution, these details seem to signify.

Another delicious you-had-to be-there detail was the black and white waistband patch visible on some of the sturdy denim pieces, the silhouetted image of Brooke Shields kicking up one leg in an instantly recognizable version of her 80s-era Calvin Klein denim ads.

Shields was actually in the house to see the leather-patch version of herself make its runway debut  one of the constellation of stars who turned out to see Simons debut for the brand. Others spotted in the front row included Lauren Hutton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sofia Coppola, Amber Valletta, Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Bosworth, A$AP Rocky, Naomie Harris and Julianne Moore.

After the show, we asked Moore if she had a favorite from the collection.

It was all beautiful, she told us. I liked the American references, the American materials  things like the quilting, the cowboy boots and the flags.

Now that the outsider has offered up his vision of America  and taken his place at the helm of an iconic American brand  the next big question is where he takes it next.

A question that feels awfully familiar for some reason.

adam.tschorn@latimes.com

For more musings on all things fashion and style, follow me at @ARTschorn.

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Chengdu Impression, not to be confused with either of the popular San Gabriel Valley Sichuan restaurants Chengdu Taste or Szechuan Impression, is set to open in Arcadia on Saturday.

The new Sichuan restaurant, based in Chengdu, China, chose Arcadia for its U.S. debut because of its proximity to the newest generation of mainland Chinese immigrants as well as its convenient parking and a breathtaking view of the San Gabriel Mountains from a pre-existing patio.

Carmen Peng, one of the chains managing partners in the U.S., says the goal of her group is to bring the relaxed modern lifestyle and culture of Chengdu to America.

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The opening menu features an elaborate 11-course, $45 tasting menu, accompanied by a brief list of Chengdu favorites. Instead of fiercely spicy and numbing mala dishes, there are sweet potato starch noodles with intestine; Sichuan flatbreads (like the kind found all over the famous Wide Narrow Alley gastronomy street of Chengdu); mapo tofu topped with dried beef; stir fried pork with shishito peppers; and mochi balls in tea broth.

With 37 overseas restaurant branches under its umbrella group, Chengdu Impression brought three Sichuan chefs from China.

The interior of the 6,700-square-foot restaurant includes a two-story skylight and signed prints from six Chengdu modern artists. Extra lengthy bamboo chopsticks, each with a note denoting the proper grip, and calligraphy paper place mats were imported from Chengdu along with the restaurants collection of ceramics.

Upstairs, with its covered patio and staging for gaiwan cha (a Ming-dynasty traditional tea brewing method), will serve as a gathering space for tea lovers in between lunch and dinner. The restaurant also plans to host tea-brewing classes featuring Sichuan tea leaves.

21 E. Huntington Drive, Arcadia.

food@latimes.com
Home is where the heart is, literally.

This Valentines Day, heart-shaped home goods and matching, whimsical prints are turning up the heat on style, providing a cadre of creative ways to embrace design  and showing up on everything from shower curtains to casserole dishes.

Although there are several theories concerning how the heart shape as we know it came to be the enduring symbol of love, no one can say for sure. Its a mystery that seems fitting for the instantly recognizable symbol representing the worlds most sought after and sometimes confounding emotion.

Luckily, looking for love in all the right places just got a whole lot easier. We shopped some of our favorite stores and found a lineup of gift-worthy goods aimed at celebrating  you guessed it  the joy of  home. (What, you were expecting something else?)

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Your style is timeless

Beating heart clock, $85 at UncommonGoods.com.

My love doesnt waffle

Five-of-hearts waffle maker, $69.99 at Kohls.com.

You shine, my Valentine

Oliver Gal heart canvas, $160 at LaylaGrayce.com.

Youre intoxicating!

Bottle opener, $21 at UncommonGoods.com. Pair it with a favorite craft beer and youre golden.

Lets turn up the heat

Le Crueset 2-quart Cerise red heart casserole dish, $285 at CrateandBarrel.com.

You brighten the stormiest skies

Heart-shaped umbrella, $32 at UncommonGoods.com.

Shower you with love

Hello Beautiful shower curtain, $89.99 at Target.com.

Im pouring my heart out: Will you be my valentine?

Heart-shaped bottle stopper, $4.95 at CrateandBarrel.com. Pair it with a beloved vintage.

You keep me in stitches

Yarn bowl, $50 at UncommonGoods.com.

Valentine, youre ottoman league

Oh Joy! heart-shaped ottoman, $59.99 at Target.com.

Doggone it, be my valentine!

Heart-shaped dog bowl, $38 at HenriBendel.com.

Welcome to my heart

Rubber heart doormat, $28 at UncommonGoods.com. Valentines rug, $14.99 at Target.com

I believe in love at first sight

Budi Kwan Love Eye Test print, $49 at Target.com.

Write it on your heart

RoomMates dry erase peel-and-stick wall decals, $13.99 at Target.com.

Youre eggstraordinary!

Pair a dozen farm-fresh eggs with the Gama Go heart egg mold, $10 at SurLaTable.com.

You make my heart race

A heart-to-heart pillow, from $55 at DanielDuganArt.com.

This buds for you

Hand-blown heart-shaped bud vases, $25 each at UncommonGoods.com. Add a bloom for bonus points.

Wanna cuddle?

Be Mine fleece blankets, starting at $75 at DanielDuganArt.com.

Bonnie McCarthy contributes to the Los Angeles Times as a home and lifestyle design writer. She enjoys scouting for directional trends and reporting on whats new and next. Follow her on Twitter @ThsAmericanHome.

Home@latimes.com

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USC names retired aerospace executive Wanda Austin as acting president, announces Nikias departure By Harriet Ryan USC appointed a retired aerospace executive as interim president and laid out a detailed plan for selecting a permanent leader Tuesday, ending speculation about whether outgoing President C.L. Max Nikias might remain in the post. Nikias, embattled over his administrations handling of a campus gynecologist accused of sexually abusing patients, relinquished his duties after a meeting of USCs board. The trustees tapped one of their own, Wanda Austin, an alumna and former president of the Aerospace Corp., to temporarily run the university. The trustees also approved the formation of a search committee and the hiring of firm Isaacson, Miller to coordinate the selection of a successor. A second search company, Heidrick & Struggles, will also advise trustees. Read More Facebook

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Ex-student sues elite Brentwood School after teacher is charged with sexually abusing him By Richard Winton A former student sued the elite Brentwood School on Monday in the wake of a female teacher being charged with repeatedly having sex with the minor, alleging that other faculty members encouraged the unlawful behavior and failed to report it to authorities. The lawsuit accuses the private school, whose students include the children of many of Hollywoods elite and L.A.s powerful, of acting negligently and allowing Aimee Palmitessa to abuse and batter the teenager sexually. The suit alleges that the student was abused in summer 2017 after one of the schools counselors offered words of encouragement to the then-17-year-old, identified in the suit as only John Doe, to engage in an illegal relationship with the teacher. Read More Facebook

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Civil jury vindicates fired Montebello school executives in whistleblower case By Howard Blume The Montebello school district is in dire straits  at risk of insolvency and under apparent criminal investigation. An outside audit in July found some teachers earning more than $200,000 a year, as well as improper raises, excess paid vacation time and inappropriate overtime, sick leave and car allowances. Fixing the district and pinpointing blame could take time. Read More Facebook

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L.A. schools fall short on safety measures, new report warns By Howard Blume After the mass shooting at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, Los Angeles school officials reassured parents that much had been done to keep local schools safe. California had tougher gun laws, after all, and the school district paid close attention to students mental health. But a new report issued Monday by a panel convened to take a close look offers some cause for concern, flagging inconsistent campus safety measures, thinly spread mental health staff and inadequate coordination between the school district and other public agencies. With the stakes this high, we must strive to do better, said L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer, who assembled the panel. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school district says more are graduating, but rate may not show it By Howard Blume The L.A. Unified School District has hopes of continuing its winning streak this year with another record graduation rate, but the official numbers may not show it. A senior district administrator warned the board Tuesday that graduation rates were likely to decline 2% to 3% across the state, even though L.A. Unified is likely doing better than ever in producing graduates, he said. The issue is that the state will now count high school students who transfer to adult school as dropouts, said Oscar Lafarga, who heads the districts office of data and accountability. Previously, schools treated these students as though they had simply enrolled in another high school, he said. Read More Facebook

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Betsy DeVos to California: Not so fast on that federal education plan By Joy Resmovits In April, Californias top education officials breathed a sigh of relief. After months of debate and back-and-forth with Betsy DeVos staff, they had finalized a plan to satisfy a major education law that aims to make sure all students get a decent education. The state focused on aligning its plan to fulfill the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act with Californias Local Control Funding Formula, which gives extra money to districts to help students who come from low-income families, are in the foster system or are English learners. But this week, DeVos team said not so fast. Jason Botel, the U.S. Department of Educations principal deputy assistant secretary, sent California education officials a letter asking for more information in such areas as measuring student progress, graduation rates and English learners. In an unsigned statement, the California Department of Education declared itself surprised and disappointed because officials thought  after a meeting with federal officials in Washington  that they were on the right track to get approval. Now the Every Student Succeeds Act plan will be up for discussion once again at the July meeting of the State Board of Education. The U.S. Department of Education has already approved most state plans. Every Student Succeeds is the Obama administrations 2015 replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act. Facebook

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L.A. school board sets a new goal: prepare every grad to be eligible to apply for Cal State or UC By Sonali Kohli Last month, Los Angeles school board president proposed a spate of highly ambitious mandates aimed at ensuring that every district graduate be eligible to apply to one of the states public four-year universities by 2023. By the time the L.A. Unified school board unanimously approved the resolution Tuesday, the original language had been watered down. The goal is no longer that in five years 100% of students meet the long list of benchmarks, which include not just college eligibility for graduates but first-grade reading proficiency and English fluency by sixth grade for all students who enter the district in kindergarten or first grade speaking another language. The original college-readiness goal, for example, called for 100% of all high school students to be eligible to apply to one of the states four-year universities. Now the goal seems to offer more wiggle room: Prepare all high school graduates to be eligible to apply to a California four-year university. Read More Facebook

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We have been hurt. More women say they were mistreated by USC gynecologist By Richard Winton USC student Anika Narayanan says she vividly recalls her first appointment with Dr. George Tyndall at the campus health center, alleging that he made several explicit comments during an examination she felt was inappropriate and invasive. When she came back for a second visit in 2016 after a nonconsensual sexual encounter, he allegedly chastised her, she said in a civil lawsuit and at a press conference Tuesday. He asked me if I had forgotten to use a condom again,  said Narayanan, 21. At one point, she said, Tyndall asked if I did a lot of doggy style,  she said. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unified gives inspector general brief contract extension By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school board on Tuesday extended the contract of Ken Bramlett, its inspector general, by three months, though his job is far from secure and questions remain about the future direction of his watchdog office. Board members also unanimously promoted Vivian Ekchian, who had been the runner-up for the superintendents job, to deputy superintendent  the districts No. 2 position. Both moves had elements of peacemaking between different factions on the board. Read More Facebook

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USCs handling of complaints about campus gynecologist is being investigated by federal government By Harriet Ryan The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it has launched an investigation into how the University of Southern California handled misconduct complaints against a campus gynecologist, the latest fallout in a scandal that has prompted the resignation of USCs president, two law enforcement investigations and dozens of lawsuits. In revealing the inquiry by the departments Office of Civil Rights, officials rebuked USC for what they alleged was improper withholding of information about Dr. George Tyndall during a previous federal investigation. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has been criticized for taking a less vigorous approach to examining sexual misconduct than predecessors, called for a systemic examination of USC and urged administrators to fully cooperate. Read More Facebook

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Judge to sentence woman and her boyfriend for the murder of an 8-year-old that led to L.A. child welfare reforms By Marisa Gerber A woman and her boyfriend are expected to be sentenced Thursday for the torture and murder of an 8-year-old boy whose killing in 2013 provoked public outrage, prompted sweeping reform of Los Angeles Countys child welfare system, and led to unprecedented criminal charges against social workers who handled the childs case. Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, 34, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in the death of her son, Gabriel. A jury decided last year that her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 37, should be executed. When paramedics arrived at the boys Palmdale home in May 2013, Gabriel had slipped out of consciousness. He had a fractured skull, broken ribs, burned skin, missing teeth and BB pellets embedded in his groin. A paramedic would later testify that every inch of the boys small body had been abused. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unifieds spending out of step with similar school systems, task force says By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school district is out of step with similar school systems, spending more on teachers pay and health benefits and less on activities that could enhance student learning, according to a new report by an outside task force. The L.A. Unified School District Advisory Task Force did not make specific recommendations, but instead posed a series of questions it said the district needs to answer to make sure its funding is aimed at providing a full opportunity for all students to succeed. What were trying to say is: Lets put the data on the table. Lets look at the truth. Lets be transparent and here are the numbers, said task force member Renata Simril. This is not to say that  we should cut teachers salaries. Read More Facebook

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Top USC medical school official feared dean was doing drugs and alerted administration, he testifies By Paul Pringle A former vice dean of USCs Keck School of Medicine testified Tuesday that he feared the schools then-dean, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito, could be doing drugs and expressed concerns about his general well-being to the universitys No. 2 administrator before Puliafito abruptly left his job in 2016. Dr. Henri Fords testimony at a hearing of the state Medical Board marks the first suggestion that any USC administrator had suspicions about Puliafitos possible drug use before he stepped down. A Times investigation in 2017 found Puliafito led a secret second life of using illegal drugs with a circle of young criminals and addicts. Puliafito testified about his behavior at the hearing Tuesday, saying he took drugs with one young woman on a weekly basis. Ford said that he decided to alert USC Provost Michael Quick after receiving reports in early 2016 that Puliafito was partying in hotels with people of questionable reputation, and that he came to worry about his mental stability. Read More Facebook

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Why L.A. Unified may face financial crisis even with a giant surplus this year By Jessica Calefati With more than half a billion dollars socked away for next school year, the Los Angeles Unified School District hardly seems just two years from financial ruin. Its a scenario that is especially tough to swallow if youre a low-wage worker seeking a raise or a teacher who wants smaller classes. But budget documents show that todays $548-million surplus cannot be sustained  and that even basic services face steep, seemingly unavoidable cuts because of massive problems barreling the districts way. Theres a disconnect between the rosy short-term picture and what we know is coming, said board member Kelly Gonez. Read More Facebook

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We have failed: Top USC officials try to reassure students amid gynecologist scandal By Joy Resmovits Top administrators at USC are reaching out to students in the wake of misconduct allegations against the universitys longtime gynecologist, acknowledging failings and vowing reforms as they try to address growing outrage over the revelations. Several USC deans have sent out messages trying to reassure students and faculty that the university is committed to changing. We have failed, wrote Jack H. Knott, dean of USCs Sol Price School of Public Policy, in a May 24 letter. What happened is antithetical to everything we know is right. Read More Facebook

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Rick Caruso is named chair of USCs trustees, vows swift investigation of gynecologist scandal By Thomas Curwen The University of Southern Californias board of trustees has elected mall magnate Rick Caruso to be the new chair of the board, giving fresh leadership as the university navigates a widening scandal involving a longtime campus gynecologist. The move marks the latest effort by USC to address the case, which has sparked a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and dozens of civil lawsuits. More than 400 people have contacted a hotline that the university established for patients to make reports about their experience with Dr. George Tyndall. In his first act as chairman, Caruso announced that the white-shoe L.A. law firm OMelveny & Myers would conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the gynecologists conduct and reporting failures at the clinic. He set an ambitious timeline for the review, pledging it would conclude before students return for the fall semester. Read More Facebook

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UC Berkeley students persistence helps win more liberal rules for in-state tuition By Teresa Watanabe Ifechukwu Okeke thought shed be a shoo-in for in-state tuition when she was admitted to UC Berkeley for fall 2016. She had moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2012 to go to Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. By the time she got her acceptance to transfer to UC to study molecular and cell biology, she had lived in California four years. She had a California drivers license, bank account and rental records as proof. UC Berkeley, however, ruled she was a nonresident  which meant she would have to pay nearly $27,000 more. Read More Facebook

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State medical board calls former County-USC doctor a sexual predator, suspends his license By Matt Hamilton A UCLA cardiologist has been temporarily stripped of his medical license after state regulators described him as a sexual predator who assaulted three female colleagues when he was working and training at L.A. County-USC Medical Center. Read More Facebook

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Global California 2030 aims to get more students learning more languages By Joy Resmovits Tom Torlakson (Andrew Seng / Associated Press) Outgoing state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday announced a new statewide effort to encourage students to learn more languages. Called Global California 2030, its goal is to help more students become fluent in multiple tongues. Torlakson said that by 2030, he wants half of the states 6.2 million K-12 students to participate in classes or programs that lead to proficiency in two or more languages. By 2040, he wants three out of four students to be proficient enough to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy. Torlakson announced the initiative at Cahuenga Elementary School, which offers a dual-language immersion program in English and Korean. Californias public school students speak more than 60 languages at home, and 40% come to school with knowledge of a language other than English. Torlakson called his plan a call to action that invites parents, legislators, educators and community members to pool resources to expand language offerings in schools and get more bilingual teachers trained. He said the state already is working with Mexico and Spain to expand a teacher-exchange program. Fluency, the plan argues, can help students succeed economically  and language acquisition can help their overall critical thinking. The initiative builds on Proposition 58, a ballot initiative passed in 2016 that undid an earlier requirement that English learners be taught in English-immersion classes unless their parents signed waivers. Torlakson recently visited Mexico and met with that countrys education secretary. They later signed a pact to increase collaboration, particularly in language education. This [Global California 2030] is great follow-through on Toms part and very important, Patricia Gandara, a UCLA education professor who hosted the Mexico meeting, said in an email. It hands over a plan to move forward in an area in which California has a unique advantage, but must seize the opportunity. Facebook

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Jury convicts man of murder in 2015 slaying of UCLA student found inside her burning apartment By Marisa Gerber A jury on Tuesday convicted a man in the 2015 slaying of a UCLA student found dead inside her burning apartment  a gruesome stabbing case that led to a fierce rebuke of the police response amid concerns that the killing could have been prevented. The panel deliberated for about six hours before finding Alberto Medina, 24, guilty of murder, arson, burglary and animal cruelty. On Sept. 21, 2015, firefighters found the charred body of Andrea DelVesco inside her apartment after responding to the complex a block from campus. The 21-year-old student  an Austin, Texas, native known to her sorority sisters as a fearless giver who befriended others with ease  was stabbed at least 19 times, authorities said. Read More Facebook

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LAPD begins sweeping criminal probe of former USC gynecologist while urging patients to come forward By Adam Elmahrek The Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday it is investigating 52 complaints of misconduct filed by former patients of USCs longtime campus gynecologist as detectives launch a sweeping criminal probe into the scandal that has rocked the university. LAPD detectives also made an appeal for other patients who feel mistreated to come forward, noting that thousands of students were examined by Dr. George Tyndall during his nearly 30-year career at USC. More than 410 people have contacted a university hotline about the physician since The Times revealed the allegations this month. Tyndalls behavior and practices appear to go beyond the norms of the medical profession and gynecological examinations, said Asst. Chief Beatrice Girmala. We sincerely realize that victims may have difficulty recounting such details to investigators. We are empathetic and ready to listen. Read More Facebook

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At L.A.'s only school for the deaf, parents want leaders who speak the same language By Anna M. Phillips Ever since her son was 6 months old, Juliet Hidalgo has been bringing him to the Marlton School, a low-slung building in Baldwin Hills that for generations has been a second home for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Los Angeles. Marlton staff taught Hidalgos brother and sister, both of whom are deaf. The school was where her deaf son learned to make the signs for milk and food. Hidalgo had planned to enroll her daughter, taking advantage of a popular program that allows hearing children to learn American Sign Language alongside their deaf siblings. But after more than a decade of involvement, she and other family members are considering withdrawing their children. They are not alone. Read More Facebook

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Fueled by unlimited donations, independent groups play their biggest role yet in a California primary for governor By Ryan Menezes An unprecedented amount of money from wealthy donors, unions and corporations is flowing into the California governors race, giving independent groups  unrestricted by contribution limits  a greater say in picking the states chief executive than ever before. The groups have already spent more than $26 million through Thursday, the most ever spent by noncandidate committees in a gubernatorial primary, according to a Times analysis of campaign finance reports. California elections have always been expensive, and the future is even more expensive, said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former state Republican leader. The stakes are very real. Read More Facebook

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2 hurt in Indiana middle school shooting; suspect in custody, authorities say By Associated Press Authorities say two victims in a shooting at a suburban Indianapolis school are being taken to a hospital and the lone suspect is in custody. Bryant Orem, a spokesman for the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, said in a news release that the victims in Friday mornings attack at Noblesville West Middle School are being taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and their families have been notified. He says no other information is available about the victims. Orem said the suspect is believed to have acted alone and was taken into custody. No additional information about the suspect was made public. Read More Facebook

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For new L.A. schools chief Austin Beutner, some key unions are giving no honeymoon period By Howard Blume In the less than two weeks since Austin Beutner took charge of Los Angeles schools, unions representing teachers and administrators have staged a job action and a protest. Theyve made it clear that they will not give the new superintendent the traditional honeymoon period, and they are bashing him for his wealth and lack of experience running either a school or a school district. Beutner is a billionaire investment banker with zero qualifications, local teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told members in a phone alert urging them to participate in a Thursday afternoon rally in Grand Park. The board is saying that billionaires who made their money blowing institutions up and making money off it know best  not the education professionals who have dedicated our careers to working with students. Read More Facebook

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Pressure grows on Board of Trustees amid USC gynecologist scandal By Paul Pringle USCs large and powerful Board of Trustees is coming under growing pressure to provide a stronger hand as the university faces a crisis over misconduct allegations against the campus longtime gynecologist that has prompted calls for President C.L. Max Nikias to step down. Allegations that Dr. George Tyndall mistreated students during his nearly 30 years at USC have roiled the campus, with about 300 people coming forward to make reports to the university and the Los Angeles Police Department launching a criminal investigation. USC is already beginning to face what is expected to be costly litigation by women who say they were victimized by the physician. So far, the trustees to whom Nikias reports have expressed sympathy for the women who have come forward and launched an independent investigation while also publicly backing the president. Read More Facebook

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UC regents approve leaner budget for Janet Napolitano By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents on Thursday unanimously approved a leaner, more transparent budget for President Janet Napolitano, moving to address political criticism over the systems central office operations. The $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 reflects spending cuts of 2%, including reductions in staffing, travel and such systemwide programs as public service law fellowships, carbon neutrality and food security. Napolitano shifted $30 million to campuses for housing needs and $10 million to UC Riverside to support its five-year-old medical school. She also permanently redirected $8.5 million annually to help enroll more California students, as required by the state. Read More Facebook

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USCs Academic Senate calls on university president to resign after a series of scandals By Matt Hamilton The body that represents USCs faculty called on President C.L. Max Nikias to resign Wednesday in the wake of relevations that the universitys longtime gynecologist faced years of accusations of misconduct by students and colleagues at the campus health clinic. The Academic Senate took the vote late Wednesday afternoon after a fiery town hall meeting attended by more than 100 faculty members, many of whom voiced outrage over Nikias and the Board of Trustees leadership. The vote came a day after the trustees executive committee stood firmly behind Nikias, saying it has full confidence in his leadership, ethics and values. At the town hall meeting, Senate President Paul Rosenbloom said he did not think Nikias or Provost Michael Quick committed wrongdoing but that the university president deserved criticism for a lack of transparency. Read More Facebook

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Californias public universities on the way to getting a big longed-for boost in funding By Teresa Watanabe The University of California and California State University systems are poised to get major funding boosts that will help them enroll thousands of additional state students and eliminate the need for tuition increases in the coming school year. A key Assembly budget panel on Wednesday approved $117.5 million in new funds for the UC. A Senate panel approved a similar sum last week. The same committees recently approved even more funding for the Cal State system. Read More Facebook

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UC regents to scrutinize Janet Napolitanos office budget in a step toward stronger oversight By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents this week plan to scrutinize the budget of President Janet Napolitano, whose office came under political fire last year for questionable spending and murky accounting. Regents will vote on the proposed $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 during their two-day meeting, which starts Wednesday, at UC San Francisco. They also will discuss state funding, financial aid, online education and transfer student policies. Board Chairman George Kieffer said regents are stepping up to exert stronger oversight of the presidents office after a blistering state audit last year found financial problems including an unreported $175 million budget reserve. Read More Facebook

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State legislative panels approve major funding boost for Cal State By Teresa Watanabe After months of intensive lobbying, Cal State University has convinced two key legislative panels to approve funding to enroll nearly 11,000 more students, hire more faculty and expand housing aid to those without shelter this fall. An Assembly budget panel on Tuesday approved $215.7 million more for Cal State, adding to Gov. Jerry Browns proposed $92.1 million general fund increase. A Senate budget panel approved a similar increase last week. The extra funding  which went beyond Cal States own request to the Legislature of $171 million  is still subject to final budget negotiations with Brown. But the actions by the Senate and Assembly panels amount to a demand from Democrats that the governor hike higher education spending. Cal State University is the workhorse undergraduate university serving hundreds of thousands of Californians, said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who heads the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. We need more graduates for the California workforce and higher education is the ticket to the middle class. Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White hailed the actions, but said it was too soon to celebrate. The CSU has a singular focus on helping students earn high-quality degrees sooner, and the entire university community has rallied to reinforce that message to our states lawmakers, he said in a statement. The actions taken thus far by the Assembly and Senate are promising and show that our message is being received, but there is still work to be done. Funding for the University of California was not taken up Tuesday as originally scheduled. McCarty would not comment on sticking points but said he was confident that a resolution would be reached this week. Were looking to provide resources above whats in the governors budget, but negotiations are ongoing, he said in an interview. State per-student funding is not what it once was, leaving both Cal State and the UC in a tough financial squeeze. Both systems raised tuition last year after a six-year freeze on higher costs. For this year, Cal State had asked for funding to enroll an additional 3,621 students, but both the Senate and Assembly panels approved three times that amount. Cal State, the largest public university system in the nation, turned away 32,000 eligible students last year because its campuses werent able to accommodate them. The panels asked that at least $50 million of the extra funding be used to hire more tenure-track faculty to help boost graduation rates. The Assembly panel also approved one-time funding of $5 million to ease hunger on campuses and $14 million for rapid rehousing pilot projects at three campuses, offering needy students rental support and short-term case management. Other items approved include $5 million to support the CSU Long Beach Shark Labs research on sharks and beach safety and $2 million for equal employment opportunity practices. This post has been updated to include comments from Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White. Facebook

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Faculty members call for USC president to step down: He has lost the moral authority to lead By Matt Hamilton Two hundred USC professors on Tuesday demanded the resignation of university President C. L. Max Nikias, saying he had lost the moral authority to lead in the wake of revelations that a campus gynecologist was kept on staff for decades despite repeated complaints of misconduct. Read More Facebook

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Gun battle, negotiations lasted 15 minutes before Texas school shooter was apprehended, sheriff says By Molly Hennessy-Fiske Minutes after a school shooter opened fire in an art class last week, killing 10 people and wounding 13, including a local police officer, fellow officers returned fire in a protracted gun battle before isolating the suspect, the local sheriff said Monday. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset praised first responders as well as Santa Fe Police Officer John Barnes, who was working as a resource officer at the school the day of the shooting. Their actions, he said, prevented the attack from spreading to other classrooms and potentially claiming additional victims. As officials continue to probe last Fridays shooting at Santa Fe High School, students are worried about returning to the scene of the attack when classes resume next week. Read More Facebook

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6 women sue USC, alleging they were victimized by campus gynecologist By Richard Winton Six women filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging that a longtime gynecologist at the University of Southern California sexually victimized them under the pretext of medical care and that USC failed to address complaints from clinic staff about the doctors behavior. One woman alleged Dr. George Tyndall forced his entire ungloved hand into her vagina during an appointment in 2003 while making vulgar remarks about her genitalia, according to one of the lawsuits. Another woman alleged that Tyndall groped her breasts in a 2008 visit and that later he falsely told her she likely had AIDS. A third woman accused the doctor of grazing his ungloved fingers over her nude body and leering at her during a purported skin exam, the lawsuit states. The wave of litigation comes as USC continues to grapple with the scandal, which legal experts said could prove costly to the university as scores of former patients come forward about their experiences with the gynecologist. Read More Facebook

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Fatalities reported in Texas high school shooting; suspect arrested, officials say By Associated Press Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a local high school Friday morning. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting at Santa Fe High School, which went on lockdown around 8 a.m. The Associated Press has not been able to confirm the reports. The school district has confirmed an unspecified number of injuries but said it wouldnt immediately release further details. Assistant Principal Cris Richardson said a suspect has been arrested and secured. Read More Facebook

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This student followed the new L.A. schools chief on his first-day tour Melissa Barales-Lopez, a senior at Garfield High School followed Supt. Austin Beutner on his first day on the job, as he toured a variety of programs around the Los Angeles Unified School District. Heres what she took from the experience. LAUSD students and staff alike are looking for a personal champion, someone who will address and improve the difficulties afflicting their education.  What LAUSD students need is someone whos willing to listen and learn, someone who can understand the current issues affecting their schools and act to efficiently amend them, someone who can unlock the full potential of LAUSD students and enable them to reach their goals. During the entirety of his first day, superintendent Austin Beutner did indeed demonstrate a willingness to learn. Posing questions to teachers and students, Beutner engaged with the student communities he encountered to gain a better comprehension of the minutiae and nuances that distinguish each school inside an overwhelmingly large district. From inquiries about Grand View Boulevard Elementary Schools dual language program to questions regarding the services of LAUSDs after-school program, Beyond the Bell, Beutner revealed he has a lot to learn about the system. But, Beutner also showcased a willingness to tackle challenges head-on on his first day. Read More Facebook

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USC let a gynecologist continue treating students despite years of misconduct allegations By Matt Hamilton For nearly 30 years, the University of Southern Californias student health clinic had one full-time gynecologist: Dr. George Tyndall. Tall and garrulous with distinctive jet black hair, he treated tens of thousands of female students, many of them teenagers seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Few who lay down on Tyndalls exam table at the Engemann Student Health Center knew that he had been accused repeatedly of misconduct toward young patients. The complaints began in the 1990s, when co-workers alleged he was improperly photographing students genitals. In the years that followed, patients and nursing staff accused him again and again of creepy behavior, including touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and making sexually suggestive remarks about their bodies. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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On his first day as L.A. schools chief, Beutner plans a day of visits across the district By Howard Blume L.A. Unifieds new superintendent, Austin Beutner, will kick off his first day of work on Tuesday with a choreographed tour of the nations second-largest school district, from the San Fernando Valley to Carson. His day is scheduled to begin at 5:15 a.m. at a school bus depot and end more than 12 hours later at a parent meeting at Garfield High School. Along the way, Beutner is expected to be joined by school district administrators, L.A. Unified board members and the vice president of the union that represents school bus drivers. Though he will be covering a lot of ground, Beutners tour has him skipping Tuesdays school board meeting, when board members are expected to discuss labor negotiations in closed session. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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Why a handful of rich charter school supporters are spending millions to elect Antonio Villaraigosa as governor By Ryan Menezes California voters have seen a barrage of sunny television ads in recent weeks touting former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosas record on finances, crime and education, aired by Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018. But the group is, in fact, largely funded by a handful of wealthy charter-school supporters. Together they have spent more than $13 million in less than a month to boost Villaraigosas chances in the June 5 primary  at a time when his fundraising and poll numbers are lagging. Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, jump-started the group with a $7-million check, by far the largest donation to support any candidate in the election. Their efforts are part of a broader proxy war among Democrats between teachers unions  longtime stalwarts of the party  and those who argue that the groups have failed low-income and minority schoolchildren. Read More Facebook

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Talking schools with L.A. Unifieds new superintendent By Anna M. Phillips Austin Beutner, who officially starts Tuesday as the new superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is taking on a famously difficult job at a particularly difficult time. The school board is divided and did not back him unanimously. The nations second-largest school district has deep-seated problems, including declining enrollment, lagging academic achievement and rising pension and healthcare costs that eat away at its budget. The 58-year-old former investment banker and former L.A. Times publisher has years of experience in the financial world but none as an educator. Earlier this week, he sat down with the Times education team to discuss the challenges facing the district, which has about 60,000 employees and 500,000 students in traditional public schools. He did not talk about his plans  saying repeatedly, stay tuned  but he spoke in broad terms about his mindset in approaching the tough decisions ahead. Read More Facebook

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Suspect detained, authorities search campus after reports of armed man at Palmdale high school By James Queally One person has been detained after a report of an armed man at a Palmdale high school sparked a massive law enforcement response Friday morning. The suspect was spotted at 7:05 a.m. on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, according to Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida. The person was detained in a nearby parking lot, according to Nishida, who did not know whether that person was an adult or juvenile. Deputies at the scene are clearing the school methodically, and students will be transported home via school buses once the campus is deemed safe, Nishida said. Read More Facebook

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The education of Bertha Perez: How a UC Merced custodians disenchantment led to a political awakening By Robin Abcarian Its the third day of a three-day strike, and UC Merced custodian Bertha Perez is taking a break from a picket line at the universitys unremarkable entrance, an intersection with stop lights. Photos from other UC campuses this week have shown big crowds of striking service workers  members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees  marching and chanting pro-labor slogans as they try to force the University of California back to the negotiating table. But here, at UC Merced, whose handful of big buildings rise from a flat expanse of farmland, the picket line is tiny, maybe two dozen workers and a few students. Its not a big-city-style show of force. Then again, a union sympathizer is banging relentlessly on a snare drum, so its noisier than youd expect. Read More Facebook

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Ref Rodriguez resigns from teacher credentialing commission By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez appears during a court appearance. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez has resigned from the states Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which oversees the integrity and quality of Californias teachers. Rodriguez faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. Separately, his former employer, a charter school organization, has accused him of improperly authorizing checks to a nonprofit under his control. Rodriguez has denied wrongdoing. Rodriguezs resignation from the state body was effective May 4, days after he cast a crucial vote as part of a narrow majority that voted to authorize contract negotiations with Austin Beutner to become superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District. Beutners first official day on the job is Tuesday. Rodriguez remains in his $125,000-a-year position on the Los Angeles Board of Education. The mission of the state body is to ensure integrity, relevance, and high quality in the preparation, certification, and discipline of Californias teachers. Critics had questioned Rodriguezs continued service on the commission, given that teachers can be suspended from work if they face criminal charges. They also can lose their jobs for lapses in personal behavior, such as excessive drinking, with the potential to affect their performance. Police in Pasadena arrested Rodriguez on a Friday afternoon in March for public drunkenness. He was not charged in the incident and has apologized. The state commission reviews teacher discipline cases and can take action to remove a teachers credential to work in a California classroom. The commission has 15 members. Rodriguezs departure was disclosed in a one-sentence announcement on the agencys website. Facebook

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School board members request for restraining order against blogger is rejected By Priscella Vega An Orange County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a school board members petition for a permanent restraining order against a Huntington Beach blogger. Attorney Jeffrey W. Shields filed the petition on behalf of Ocean View School District trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin, 46, who alleged in court documents that Charles Keeler Johnson, 56, has threatened her on social media and at school board meetings, causing her to fear for my own safety and for that of my immediate family members. Johnson, who goes by Chuck and publishes HBSledgehammer.com, said the trustee tried to stifle his freedom of speech. He also contended that Clayton-Tarvin took his blog posts and Facebook comments too seriously and out of context, saying anyone who is afraid of metaphors has serious issues. Read More Facebook

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Deal with workers averts one-day strike that could have shut down L.A. schools By Howard Blume Los Angeles school district and union officials announced a contract agreement Tuesday night that averted a one-day strike planned for next week. The pact, which runs through June 2020, removes one labor problem from the desk of incoming Supt. Austin Beutner  whose first day on the job would have coincided with the strike. Plenty of other challenges remain. Read More Facebook

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UC labor strike expands with show of support from more unions By Teresa Watanabe Fong Chuu is a registered nurse who has assisted with countless liver transplants, kidney surgeries and gastric bypasses during 34 years at UCLA. Working with her are scrub technicians who sterilize equipment, hand medical instruments to the surgeon and dress patient wounds. They are a team, Chuu says, which is why she walked off her job Tuesday in support of those technicians and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299. The 25,000 member AFSCME local, the University of Californias largest employee union, launched a three-day strike Monday. Read More Facebook

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We are humans too: Voices of UCLAs striking custodians, hospital aides and imaging technicians By Joy Resmovits Demonstrators parade in front of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) This week, thousands of UC employees are staging a three-day strike for better pay and working conditions. On Monday, more than 20,000 custodians, cooks, lab technicians, nurse aides and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 walked off their jobs. By Tuesday, two more unions joined in sympathy strikes. The union and UC reached a bargaining impasse last year. The university has said it wont meet the workers demands. The strikers said they wanted better pay, more equity in the allocation of work, stable healthcare premiums and an end to the universitys use of contract workers. These are their stories. Read More Facebook

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Massive UC workers strike disrupts dining, classes and medical services By Joy Resmovits A massive labor strike across the University of California on Monday forced medical centers to reschedule more than 12,000 surgeries, cancer treatments and appointments, and campuses to cancel some classes and limit dining services. More than 20,000 members of UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, walked off their jobs on the first day of a three-day strike. They include custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Two altercations involving protesters and people driving near the rallies were reported at UCLA and UC Santa Cruz. At UCLA, police took a man into custody Monday after he drove his vehicle into a crowd, hitting three staff members. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, said Lt. Kevin Kilgore of the UCLA Police Department. Read More Facebook

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Sen. Kamala Harris to skip UC Berkeley commencement in support of striking workers By Teresa Watanabe California Sen. Kamala Harris has canceled plans to deliver UC Berkeleys commencement address this weekend in support of UC workers who are on strike over wages and health benefits. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, Sen. Harris regretfully cannot attend and speak at this years commencement ceremony at UC Berkeley, said a statement from Harris office issued Monday. She wishes the graduates and their families a joyous commencement weekend and success for the future. They are bright young leaders and our country is counting on them. UCs largest employee union, the 25,000-member American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees Local 3299, launched a three-day strike Monday and had earlier called for a speakers boycott. The union and university reached a bargaining impasse last year and subsequent mediation efforts have failed to produce an agreement. The union is asking for a multiyear contract with a 6% annual pay increase while the university is offering 3% annual increases over four years. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ will deliver the keynote address instead, the university announced. About 5,800 students are expected to participate in the ceremony Saturday. Facebook

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School mural depicting Trumps bloody, severed head sparks controversy By Gary Warth A Chula Vista school mural that depicts the bloody, severed head of President Trump on a spear sparked a controversy that prompted officials to cover it and issue a response distancing themselves from the work. The statement also said the artist will alter the painting. We understand that there was a mural painted at the event this past weekend that does not align with our schools philosophy of non-violence, read the statement from MAAC Community Charter School director Tommy Ramirez. We have been in communication with the artist  who has agreed to modify the artwork  to better align with the schools philosophy. Read More Facebook

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New blackface incident at Cal Poly prompts calls for state investigation By Kim Christensen Cal Poly San Luis Obispo officials have asked the state attorney generals office to investigate after a new photo of a white student in blackface surfaced on a fraternity groups private Snapchat. I am outraged, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a video address Friday to the campus. These vile and absolutely unacceptable acts cannot continue. We must not allow these acts to define us as an institution. Armstrong said the latest photo was intended to imitate an incident last month in which a white member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity was photographed at a party wearing blackface. Read More Facebook

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More than 50,000 UC workers set to strike this week but campuses will remain open By Teresa Watanabe More than 50,000 workers across the University of California are set to strike this week, causing potential disruptions to surgery schedules, food preparation and campus maintenance. The systems 10 campuses and five medical centers are to remain open, with classes scheduled as planned. UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, plans to begin a three-day strike Monday involving 25,000 workers, including custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Read More Facebook

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New L.A. schools chief Beutner pledges to listen, learn and take action By Howard Blume New Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner proved Wednesday that hes a quick learner even without an education background. Like countless public officials before him, he appeared at an important event  his first speech and news conference  with a photogenic background of students. His message  that he would put those students first  seemed heartfelt if hardly original. Nor was it a huge surprise that he pledged to push cooperatively but unflinchingly to improve the districts academic performance and stabilize its finances. As an introduction, Beutner, a former investment banker who made a fortune on Wall Street, offered little flash, but that was partly the point. Read More Facebook

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In a school lockdown, one student takes stock of the stressful scene At the beginning of lunch one day late last month, Duarte High School, Northview Middle School, and California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley were advised by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to go into lockdown mode due to police activity in the immediate area. Phalaen Chang, a junior at the California School of the Arts, wrote a series of notes on her iPhone while she sat in a room with her classmates. By the time the lockdown ended an hour later, she wrote, she knew which of her friends would hold open the door for others, be the ones calming others down, be the ones barricading the doors. She knew that all of them have the potential to be such strong people. Read More Facebook

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Tale as old as time: L.A. Unified superintendent pick follows a historical pattern of outside-the-box choices By Joy Resmovits L.A. Unified has long gone back and forth between picking insiders and outsiders to run the nations second largest school district. The choice of Austin Beutner, announced Tuesday, places the district squarely back in the outsider camp  months after a consummate insider, Supt. Michelle King, announced that she had cancer and would not return to the job. Check out this timeline of former L.A. superintendents to see how the school board members have changed their minds, sometimes favoring leaders who come from the world of education and sometimes executives from elsewhere, recruited to shock the system into change. At one point, the district hired someone from the military  retired Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, who served as superintendent from 2006-2008. In hiring Brewer, board members had opted for a non-educator  largely because they sought a fresh thinker, unwedded to the bureaucracy, unafraid to make bold, even unorthodox moves, reads a 2008 Times story. Facebook

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Austin Beutner named superintendent of Los Angeles schools By Howard Blume Austin Beutner, a philanthropist and former investment banker, on Tuesday was named superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest school system. His selection was the biggest move yet by a Los Angeles school board majority elected with major support from charter school advocates. The decision came after lengthy public testimony, most of it in support of the other remaining finalist, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, who is well known within the school system. Beutner, 58, has no background leading a school or school district. Less than 2 years ago, a school board with a very different balance of power named Michelle King, a former teacher who rose through the district throughout her career, to L.A. Unifieds top job. Read More Facebook

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Hearing delay gives both sides more time in Ref Rodriguezs potential trial By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez and his attorneys will have more time to prepare their defense against charges of political money laundering, a judge ruled Monday. The preliminary hearing in the case had been scheduled to begin May 9, but that date will now be pushed back to July 23 per the ruling from L.A. Superior Court Judge Deborah S. Brazil. Rodriguez, 46, faces three felony charges of conspiracy, perjury and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board poised to name Beutner as superintendent By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is poised to select philanthropist and former investment banker Austin Beutner to be the next superintendent of the nations second-largest school system. Barring a last-minute development, the only mystery is whether Beutner emerges with four or five votes from the boards seven members. Terms of his contract already have been under discussion, according to sources close to the process who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak. The selection of Beutner, 58, who has no experience managing a school or a school district, would be a signal that the board majority that took control nearly a year ago wants to rely on business management skills instead of insider educational expertise. Read More Facebook

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Teacher walkouts in Arizona and Colorado continue national debate on money for schools By Michael Livingston Following the lead of teachers who walked off the job in other states in recent weeks, thousands of teachers and their supporters took to the streets in Arizona and Colorado for the second day in a row to demand better pay and more funding for education. Read More Facebook

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Three decades before the #MeToo movement, UC San Diego led the way against sexual assault By Teresa Watanabe When Nancy Wahlig first started her fight against sexual assault, one company was marketing a capsule for women to stash in their bras and then smash to release a vile odor. Because of the very nature of society, the only person who can prevent rape is the woman herself, read a 1981 advertisement for the Repulse rape deterrent. Ideas about how to prevent sexual violence have come a long way since then, and Wahlig has helped lead that evolution on college campuses. In 1988, she started UC San Diegos Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), the first stand-alone program at the University of California. Today, she remains the systems most senior specialist. Read More Facebook

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Andres Alonso withdraws from consideration for L.A. schools job By Howard Blume Andres Alonso, believed to be one of three remaining finalists to lead the Los Angeles school system, has withdrawn from consideration. The remaining known candidates in the confidential search are former investment banker Austin Beutner and interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian. Alonso, 60, announced his decision on Twitter on Thursday night, saying he had notified the L.A. Unified School District on Monday. The exit of Alonso, the former Baltimore schools chief, seems to solidify the front-runner status of Beutner, who also was a former L.A. Times publisher and a Los Angeles deputy mayor. He held each of those positions for about a year. Read More Facebook

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Heres why the apparent increase in autism spectrum disorders may be good for U.S. children By Karen Kaplan The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among American children continues to rise, new government data suggest. And that may be a good thing. Among 11 sites across the U.S. where records of 8-year-olds are scrutinized in detail, 1 in 59 kids was deemed to have ASD in 2014. Thats up from 1 in 68 in 2012. Normally, health officials would prefer to see less of a disease, not more of it. But in this case, the higher number is probably a sign that more children of color who are on the autism spectrum are being recognized as such and getting services to help them, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More Facebook

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UC shelves tuition increase for now, in hopes of getting more state funding By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents will not vote on a tuition increase next month, shelving the plan for now in hopes that state lawmakers will come through with more funding. Raising tuition is always a last resort and one we take very seriously, UC President Janet Napolitano said Thursday in a statement. We will continue to advocate with our students who are doing a tremendous job of educating legislators about the necessity of adequately funding the university to ensure UC remains a world-class institution and engine of economic growth for our state. Last week, Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White said the 23-campus system no longer would consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year. But unlike Cal State, UC officials have not taken a tuition increase off the table entirely. Read More Facebook

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A chemical spill, unchecked eyewash stations, poor training: Audit details Cal States lax lab safety By Joy Resmovits In May 2016, two bottles tumbled off a poorly supported shelf and broke, leading to a chemical spill in a Sacramento State University lab. The liquid got onto one students legs and soaked anothers feet. Five employees cleaned up the mess, even though no one knew for sure what it was and whether it was dangerous. They called fellow employee Kim Harrington, their union representative, to let her know what happened. Read More Facebook

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After blackface incident, minority students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo say they dont feel welcome By Hailey Branson-Potts Aaliyah Ramos was walking through the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus last year when a prospective student approached her. Ramos was the only black person, the young woman said, that she and her mother had seen that day. They asked about the quality of education and the diversity of the student body. Ramos, a mechanical engineering student, didnt want to sugarcoat the truth: Cal Poly long has been predominantly white. But she told the young woman  who also was black  that she didnt want to discourage her from applying, because that wouldnt help with diversity at a school where only 0.7% of students are African American  the lowest percentage of any university in the California State system. Read More Facebook

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El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills wins the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon By Carlos Lozano El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills has won the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon, officials said. The winner was announced early Saturday at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas. More than 600 students from the U.S., Canada, China and the United Kingdom gathered there over the last three days to compete in the 37th annual U.S. Academic Decathlon. Congratulations to El Camino Real Charter High School for another impressive victory, said Vivian Ekchian, interim superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Your academic stamina and competitive spirit to win is remarkable. The entire L.A. Unified family is so proud of you. Read More Facebook

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Anticipation mounts as L.A. school board meets over superintendent selection By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is reconvening in closed session Friday at noon as anticipation mounts about the choice of the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. The presumed front-runner is former investment banker and philanthropist Austin Beutner, but interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian and former Baltimore Supt. Andres Alonso also are in the running. Most district insiders appear to be rooting for Ekchian, who has spent her entire career in education within the school system. After her 10 years as a teacher, her roles have included head of human resources, chief labor negotiator and regional administrator for campuses in the west San Fernando Valley. Shes managed the district since September, when then-Supt. Michelle King went on medical leave and chose Ekchian to fill in for her. King, who is battling cancer, never returned and announced her retirement in January. Numerous influential civic leaders have urged  and pressured  the board to select Beutner. Also lending their weight have been advocates for charter schools, which are independently operated, growing in number and competing for students with district-operated campuses. Four of the seven board members  enough to control the outcome  were elected with major financial support from charter supporters. Beutner has two ongoing connections with the L.A. Unified School District. The first is his leadership of an outside task force that is making recommendations on how to improve the school system. The second is his charity, Vision to Learn, which supplies glasses to low-income students. The charity and the school system are in a dispute at the moment over who is responsible for delays in providing services to students as part of a $6 million contract, half of which is paid for by L.A. Unified. Unlike Ekchian and Buetner, Alonso, who currently teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has no deep-seated local constituency, but the prospect of his selection has generated some excitement. While in Baltimore, Alonso was recognized for pushing for progress at low-performing schools, and for being willing to take strong action. While in Baltimore, he also weathered a test-score cheating scandal and occasionally rocky relations with the teachers union. But by the time he resigned, after six years, he and union leaders seemed to be working together without rancor. Leaders of some community groups have split from the pro-Beutner camp. They worry that Beutners approach to confronting the districts financial problems could shut out their voices or involve severe economic cutbacks that would undermine programs that are helping students. Some prefer Ekchian; some Alonso. Theyve been reluctant to speak out publicly because theyll have to work with whoever is selected, but they have tried to get the ear of board members. On Friday morning, one leader of a community group decided to come out in favor of Alonso. L.A. Unified has the opportunity to bring in an instructional leader of color with a history of success, said Alberto Retana, president and chief executive of Community Coalition, which works on behalf of low-income students and families in South Los Angeles. If we have a shot at that, we should go for it  because its in the best interests of our kids and of our community. Retana said his statement was not meant to criticize Beutner or Ekchian but to alert board members that there also is community support for Alonso. Facebook

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Cal State leader shelves proposed tuition hike: Its the right thing to do, but its not without risk By Joy Resmovits Cal State, the nations largest public university system, will no longer consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year, Chancellor Timothy P. White announced Friday. The decision is a bet that Sacramento will come through in the end. If Cal State loses that bet, it could mean cuts to campus programs. White said in an interview that Californias economy is strong enough that families should not be shouldering the burden of higher college costs. Read More Facebook

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L.A. students to participate in national walkout activities on Friday By Joy Resmovits Students are taking to the streets again Friday to protest gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Starting at 10 a.m., students at many schools will spend 13 seconds honoring the 13 people  12 students and one teacher  killed on that day in Littleton, Colo. After that, theyll participate in a host of different activities. Within L.A. Unified, one school is having an open-mic event for students to talk about school violence, and lawmakers are visiting campuses to hear students thoughts. According to a central hub for organizing the protests  written by the students of Ridgefield High School in Connecticut  the walkouts are intended to drive the political change necessary to curb school violence. The day is also a time for students to interact on an elevated platform they have never had before, the site states. It is a day of discourse and thoughtful sharing. Bringing together communities and students to get a national discussion rolling. Organizers have suggested using the event to convey the importance of curbing gun violence to legislators. They are encouraging students to push legislation that would ban assault weapons and tighten up rules around who can buy guns and how. Over 2,500 schools nationwide are expected to participate. In L.A., some students  at campuses including Eagle Rock High School, the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and Bravo Medical Magnet  plan to walk out. Students from various schools expect to join area marches, including those in Santa Monica and Huntington Park. Other schools are hosting career days and voter registration drives. At 1 p.m., students plan to start a rally in front of L.A. Unified headquarters. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that 12 teachers and one student were killed in the Columbine shooting. The opposite is true: twelve students and one teacher died. Facebook

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Stabbing of popular student devastates South El Monte High School; teen friend suspected in slaying By Sonali Kohli When administrators at South El Monte High School called Jeremy Sanchezs parents to say he never showed up for class Wednesday, his father began to worry. It was unusual for the 17-year-old junior to miss school, so his father filed a missing persons report and assembled two of Jeremys close friends to look for the popular student-athlete. Their search took them to a scenic stretch of the San Gabriel River Trail, where one of the friends  a 16-year-old boy  made a tragic discovery. Among the bushes in the riverbed near Thienes Avenue and Parkway Drive was Jeremys body, punctured with stab wounds, according to Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Read More Facebook

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Racist fliers spark outrage at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo By Alene Tchekmedyian Soon after Neal MacDougall arrived on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus Tuesday, the professor noticed university police standing outside a restroom near his office. A racial slur against African Americans had been scrawled in red marker on a stall wall. Later, he discovered a series of racist fliers pinned up next to his door. Someone had also slashed posters hed hung outside his office supporting students in the country illegally. The discovery was the latest controversy on the prestigious campus  which the president said is less than 55% white  that MacDougall said demonstrates a culture of racism at the university. Last week, photographs emerged of white fraternity members, including one in blackface, flashing gang signs. Read More Facebook

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The superintendent waiting game, paying for L.A.'s College Promise, Princetons slave history: Whats new in education By Joy Resmovits Acting LAUSD superintendent Vivian Ekchian is a finalist for the permanent job. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) In and around Los Angeles: The L.A. Unified school board spent 10 hours interviewing and discussing candidates for superintendent. When they adjourned after 10 p.m., they said they would reconvene on Friday. Who is paying for Mayor Eric Garcettis much-touted College Promise, a program that promises two years of community college for LAUSD grads? In California: The Legislature is considering a proposal that would boost K-12 education funding for black students. When the cost of living is taken into account, California has the highest rate of child poverty. Nationwide: The families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School are suing Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never occurred. Princeton will name two spaces  an arch and a garden  after slaves who lived or worked on the campus. Facebook

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L.A. school board meets privately with finalists and debates choice for school district leader By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education adjourned late Tuesday after spending more than 10 hours interviewing candidates and trying to reach a decision on who would be the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. When the meeting finally recessed at 10:11 p.m., a spokesman announced only that the school board would reconvene Friday at noon. Going into the days meetings, there were apparently four finalists, according to sources who could not be named because they were unauthorized to speak. Read More Facebook

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Two Sandy Hook families sue Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never happened By David Altimari Families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School have filed lawsuits in Texas against controversial radio host Alex Jones for continually claiming the massacre never happened. Neil Heslin, the father of Jesse Lewis, and Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, whose son Noah Pozner died in the massacre, filed separate lawsuits late Monday in Travis County, Texas. The lawsuits allege that Jones defamed the parents by constantly calling them crisis actors and insisting the shooting was a false flag operation; they also claim Jones accusations have led to death threats against the Sandy Hook families by Jones followers. Read More Facebook

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Beutner emerges as a top pick for L.A. schools superintendent amid last-minute jockeying By Howard Blume Austin Beutner has emerged as a leading contender to run the Los Angeles school district, with backers saying he is smart enough and tough enough to confront its financial and academic struggles. Though he does not have a background in education, the former investment banker has in the last year examined some of the districts intractable problems, serving as co-chair of an outside task force with the support of then-Supt. Michelle King. Sources inside and outside the school district said Beutner appears to have more support on the seven-member board than other finalists, and his name could come up for a vote as early as Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves By Nereida Moreno A 15-year effort to build a school in Chicagos Dunning neighborhood is underway with an unusual complication: Construction workers are taking careful steps to avoid disturbing human remains that may lie beneath the soil. The $70-million school is to be built on the grounds of a former Cook County Poor House, where an estimated 38,000 people were buried in unmarked graves. Among the dead are residents who were too poor to afford funeral costs, unclaimed bodies and patients from the countys insane asylum. There can be and there have been bodies found all over the place, said Barry Fleig, a genealogist and cemetery researcher who began investigating the site in 1989. Its a spooky, scary place. Read More Facebook

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Oklahoma teacher walkout winds down despite lawmakers failure to meet demands By Washington Post Oklahomas largest teachers union has announced an end to a walkout that has drawn thousands of educators out of classrooms and to the state Capitol demanding greater investment in the states schools, which have endured the nations steepest funding cuts. The announcement Thursday from the Oklahoma Education Assn. does not necessarily end the protests at the Capitol, as teachers not affiliated with the union vowed to stay longer. Instead of a walkout, the union and school districts across the state have said they plan to send delegations of teachers to Oklahoma City to keep the pressure on lawmakers. Teachers and their supporters have also promised to push education issues to the forefront of November elections, when the state chooses a new governor. As school districts begin to reopen, the protests may lose steam. The Legislature is not in session Friday, and observers are waiting to see what happens Monday, when lawmakers return. Read More Facebook

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Most Californians are worried about school shooting threats and oppose arming teachers, survey finds By Joy Resmovits Hamilton High School student Aiyana Dabriel holds a sign during a March 14 walkout in support of the Parkland shooting victims. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Most Californians are worried that a school shooting like the one that occurred in Parkland, Fla., in February could shed blood closer to home, a new survey found. Some 73% percent of adults and 82% of public school parents said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about school shootings. The Public Policy Institute of California surveyed 1,704 adults in the state by phone just after the March for Our Lives protest against gun violence. Latino and black respondents were significantly more likely to be concerned about school violence than white or Asian respondents, the institute found. Two-thirds of adults and public school parents said they opposed letting more educators carry weapons in school. The response differed across party lines, with 86% of Democrats and 69% of independents voicing their opposition, while 60% percent of Republicans said they would support a measure to arm educators. The poll, which had a margin of error of 3.2% in either direction, also asked Californians about school funding, educational issues in the governors race and the impact of immigration enforcement on students. You can find the full results here. Facebook

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Californias largest virtual charter school network agrees to contract with its teachers By Anna M. Phillips Nearly four years after teachers at Californias largest online charter school voted to unionize, they have reached a deal to increase pay and create job protections, according to a spokesman for the California Teachers Assn. The contract, which is still tentative and subject to ratification, is a victory for the teachers union. Although charter schools are publicly funded, most are privately managed and their employees arent protected by labor contracts. Under the terms of the contract  the result of years of negotiation and legal wrangling  approximately 500 teachers working for California Virtual Academies will no longer be at-will employees who can be dismissed for almost any reason. Their average salary will rise to just over $45,000, according to union estimates, a figure that remains far below the norm for traditional public school teachers. Still, it is an improvement over the previous average of $38,000. The accord also places a limit on the number of students each teacher is responsible for monitoring in online homeroom classes. Were very satisfied with the gains we made, said teacher Brianna Carroll, president of California Virtual Educators United. I think were going to see some extraordinary changes in our schools. According to Carroll, teachers at California Virtual Academies  better known as CAVA  had grown frustrated with the organizations foot-dragging and were making preparations to go on strike when CAVAs leadership agreed to the deal. CAVA and K12, the Virginia-based for-profit company linked to its schools, did not immediately respond to an email Tuesday asking for comment. The network currently operates nine virtual charter schools across California. In 2016, the charter network agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle claims of false advertising, misleading parents and inadequate instruction. The state attorney generals office had also accused K12 of controlling the charters for its own financial benefit. Neither CAVA nor K12 admitted to wrongdoing in the settlement. A year later, the state imposed a $2-million fine on CAVA after an audit found that it had misspent public funds. The network disputed the findings. Facebook

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School board approves a new formula for funding high-need schools By Sonali Kohli L.A. schools will soon get more money if they are located in neighborhoods with such problems as high levels of gun violence and asthma. The Los Angeles Unified school board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new formula to determine how to dole out some funding to schools, based not only on the characteristics of the student populations but on the traumas that affect the communities around campuses. The new formula will be applied to $25 million in funding next fiscal year and about $263 million annually in future years  a small part of the districts $7.5 billion annual budget. Read More Facebook

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Protesters demand Ref Rodriguez resignation outside school board meeting By Sonali Kohli Students, parents, teachers and UTLA marching outside the board meeting chanting "Ref resign" pic.twitter.com/W0LRWZSIXY  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 A few dozen parents, students and teachers marched outside the Los Angeles Unified School Board meeting Tuesday, some calling for board member Ref Rodriguez to resign the week after news broke that he was taken into custody on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena bar and restaurant. Rodriguez was not cited or charged in that incident, but was held for more than five and a half hours before being released. The school board member faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. He is accused of getting more than two dozen people people to donate to his campaign for his school board seat with the understanding that he would reimburse them. He stepped down from his post as school board president after he was charged last fall, but he did not give up his seat on the board. He has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of conspiracy, perjury, and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May. He cant give his full focus to our students, said Rebecca LaFond, a Highland Park parent whose three children marched with her as she chanted, Ref resign. One daughter marched in front of her, using a drum stick to hit the bottom of a gallon-size empty water jug. Our kids deserve someone who has the utmost ethical standards representing them, LaFond said. The protests continued into the board meeting, where some addressed Rodriguez directly, calling on him to step down during public comment portions of the meeting. Rodriguez, through his chief of staff, declined to comment. Some parents outside the board meeting did not know about the charges against Rodriguez but came out to protest the possibility of sharing their school campuses with charter schools. Protesters also oppose colocation  not all of the parents are here to ask Ref Rodriguez to step down pic.twitter.com/1Co8zQ9zSi  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 Cynthia Martinez said her son, who goes to Christopher Dena Elementary School in Boyle Heights, has been bullied in the past by students from a charter school sharing the campus. She said she didnt know who Rodriguez was. Some parents and teachers are worried about losing computer labs, robotics rooms and fitness centers if they are required to share their campus with charter schools, said Ilse Escobar, a parent community organizer for United Teachers Los Angeles. The issues of Rodriguez and colocation are related, Escobar said. Rodriguez is part of a majority on the school board elected with financial backing from charter school supporters, and many parents, she said, feel that the school board is compromised if he is a part of it. Staff reporter Howard Blume contributed to this post. Facebook

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Delaine Eastin tries to gain momentum in the California governors race, one voter at a time By Seema Mehta Delaine Eastin was a sophomore in high school when a drama teacher urged her to try out for a part in The Man Who Came to Dinner. She hesitated until he told her: This is a metaphor for your whole life. If you never try out, you will never get the part. Eastin auditioned and won the role. Decades later, the advice sticks with the former state schools chief, this time in her unlikely run for governor. Despite calls for more women in leadership roles in state politics following sexual misconduct allegations in Sacramento, Eastin has been largely overlooked in the race, lagging far behind her Democratic rivals in fundraising and the polls. Read More Facebook

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Arizona high court rejects in-state tuition for DACA recipients By Associated Press Young immigrants granted deferred deportation status under a program started by President Obama are not eligible for lower in-state college tuition, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday. The unanimous ruling will affect at least 2,000 students attending the states largest community college district and hundreds more at other colleges and the states three public universities. The Maricopa County Community Colleges District and state universities said they would begin raising tuition immediately for the coming school year. Read More Facebook

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New York high school students injured when bus strikes overpass By Associated Press A charter bus carrying teenagers returning from a spring break trip Sunday night struck a bridge overpass on Long Island, seriously injuring six passengers and mangling the entire length of the top of the bus. The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday on the Southern State Parkway in Lakeview, according to New York State Police. One of the six injured passengers had very serious injuries, said State Police Maj. David Candelaria. Thirty-seven other passengers suffered minor injuries. Read More Facebook

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Some good news for California in national student test scores By Joy Resmovits Every two years, the nations fourth- and eighth-graders are tested in math and reading  and newly released results from last years tests give California at least a little reason to be pleased. The 2017 results  out Monday night  were mostly flat nationwide compared with 2015, though the average score in eighth-grade reading went up. But while that improvement largely came from the increased scores of the highest-performing students, California eighth-graders showed some reading progress from the lowest levels to the highest. Read More Facebook

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Under state control, Inglewood school districts financial picture worsened By Anna M. Phillips When Eugenio Villa agreed to return to the Inglewood schools for a second tour last summer, he knew the district remained one of Californias most troubled. Inglewood Unified had been nearly insolvent when it was taken over by the state Department of Education in 2012. Six years later, its enrollment was still declining. Its school buildings were tired  some edging into decrepitude. Its test scores and graduation rates were still below the state average. And the public was out of patience. Still, Villa, who had signed back on as the districts chief business official, was shocked at what he found when he arrived in June 2017. Two years earlier, he had left the school system on what he thought was firm ground. Read More Facebook

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Charter school group drops two lawsuits against L.A. Unified By Howard Blume A charter schools advocacy group last week announced that it would end two long-running lawsuits in which it was seeking more classroom space and construction money from the Los Angeles school district. The decision, the California Charter Schools Assn. said, reflects better relations between charter schools and the L.A. Unified School District. But the move also suggests that the litigation, which already contributed to significant gains for area charters, was unlikely to produce much more. It takes time, money and effort to litigate, said Ricardo Soto, general counsel for the charter group. Maybe its better to see if we can find the time and opportunity for collaboration. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board member Ref Rodriguez is arrested on suspicion of public intoxication By Richard Winton Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez was arrested recently on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena restaurant, the latest trouble for an elected official who faces political money-laundering charges. Pasadena police took Rodriguez into custody on March 16, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Officers arrested Rodriguez at about 4:30 p.m. at the Yard House restaurant and bar at the Paseo Mall and held him in jail for more than five-and-a-half hours. Rodriguez was ultimately released without being cited or charged, Derderian told The Times. Other details about the arrest were not available, she said. Read More Facebook

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Kentucky teachers rally at Capitol over state budget By Associated Press Thousands of Kentucky teachers filled the streets near the state Capitol in Frankfort on a cold, overcast Monday to rally for education funding. Teachers and other school employees gathered outside the Kentucky Education Assn. a couple of blocks from the Capitol chanting, Stop the war on public education and holding or posting signs that say, Weve Had Enough. Were madder than hornets, and the hornets are swarming today, said Claudette Green, a retired teacher and principal. Read More Facebook

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A top Obama administration executive at the U.S. Department of Transportation approved a $647-million grant for a California rail project in mid-January and less than two weeks later went to work for a Los Angeles-based contractor involved in the project, The Times has learned.

The grant provides a significant part of the money required to install a $2-billion electrical power system on the Bay Areas Caltrain commuter rail system, allowing the rail to retire its diesel locomotives.

The power equipment will eventually be used by the states bullet train from Los Angeles to San Francisco, making it a critical part of the $64-billion program. The California High-Speed Rail Authority has pledged about $713 million to help install the system, according to state records.

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The grant was handled by Carolyn Flowers, the acting chief of the Federal Transit Administration. Flowers announced the grant approval in a letter, dated Jan. 18, to congressional leaders. The Times obtained a copy of the letter.

Thirteen days later, Flowers went to work for Aecom, a Los Angeles-based engineering firm. The company news release announcing her hiring says she will head its North American transit practice. Aecom provides program management services to Caltrain for the electrification project, according to Caltrain documents. It was formerly a regional consultant to the high-speed rail project as well.

On Friday, the federal transit agency said it had deferred a decision on the grant and said it would look at the matter in the next federal budget cycle. The decision may be an early sign of the Trump administrations view of the bullet train project. The line is already under construction and will need significant federal funding moving forward.

The delay follows a letter from every Republican member of the California House delegation to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, asking that the grant be put off until an audit of the high-speed rail project is completed.

This is exactly what America hates about Washington, D.C.  Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Tulock)

Aecom did not respond to a request for comment. Flowers did not return a call left at her office.

Fourteen Republican members of the House wrote a letter last month to Chao, who was appointed by President Trump, asking that she delay awarding the Caltrain grant until the bullet trains finances can be audited. The House members expressed concern that the bullet train project is behind schedule and over budget.

Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), chairman of the House rail subcommittee, was bluntly critical of Flowers for approving the grant and then accepting a job at a company whose work would be supported by the grant money.

This is exactly what America hates about Washington, D.C., he said in a statement. Taxpayers deserve transparency, and its time for an audit. Period.

Seamus Murphy, a spokesman for Caltrain, said his agency had worked on the grant with the transit administration for more than two years. Murphy said the agency had given the proposal a solid rating and was ready to recommend approval. Not many projects had applied for such a grant, he said, so the decision to move Caltrains forward would have been an easy one.

The decision to defer the grant evoked a strong protest by Californias senators on Saturday.

We very much regret that the Trump administration [Friday] decided to delay a grant agreement to modernize the Caltrain corridor between San Francisco and San Jose, Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris said in a joint statement.

This decision is incomprehensible and will cause delays and millions of dollars of additional costs that could jeopardize the entire project. Unfortunately, some mistakenly believe this project is part of the High-Speed Rail project, which it is not. Its a separate project that will create more than 9,600 jobs, expand our economy, and allow Caltrains ridership to double by 2040.

But House Republicans dispute the assertion that the electrification is not a key part of the high-speed rail project, because bullet trains will use the same tracks and electrical system. The California High-Speed Rail Authority has pledged $713 million to help in the electrification, money it plans to take from a bond issue that was specifically designated for bullet trains.

It is unclear when Flowers began talking with Aecom about the job. High-level corporate jobs typically require extensive interviews, vetting and negotiations, leading House staffers to question whether Flowers had begun the process while she was still chief of the FTA.

The decision to move Caltrains (grant proposal) forward would have been an easy one.  Seamus Murphy, Caltrain spokesman

ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedian

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Arrests made by federal immigration officials in Southern California this week have heightened anxiety about a promised crackdown by President Trump on people in this country illegally.

The arrests sparked a protest in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday evening, with immigration advocates claiming that about 100 people had been taken into custody. But immigration officials disputed those numbers and said the arrests were part of routine activities, not tied to any new crackdown.

The situation highlighted fear among many immigrants about Trumps vow to deport those here illegally. Los Angeles and Orange counties are home to 1 million immigrants living without proper papers, according to an analysis released Thursday by the Pew Research Center.

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1 / 19 Protesters converge on the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles during a rally against immigration arrests. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles TImes) 2 / 19 Ada Camacho of SEIU-USWW, left, joins a crowd protesting alleged I.C.E. sweeps in Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 19 Protesters block the entrance to the 101 southbound ramp as they rally against I.C.E. sweeps reported Thursday in Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 19 Protesters block the entrance to the 101 southbound ramp as they rally against I.C.E. sweeps reported in Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 19 Jenny Villegas joins protesters opposing President Donald Trumps immigration policies after rallying outside the Metropolitan Detention Center. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 19 Protesters demanding answers on reported I.C.E. sweeps in Los Angeles march toward City Hall. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 19 Protesters block Aliso Street as they rally against I.C.E. sweeps that were reported Thursday in Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 19 People gather for a CHIRLA rally outside the Metropolitan Detention Center to protest alleged I.C.E. sweeps in Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 19 Protesters block the entrance to the 101 southbound ramp as they rally against I.C.E. sweeps reported Thursday in Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 19 People gather for a CHIRLA rally outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 19 People march in a CHIRLA rally outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 19 People gather for a CHIRLA rally outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 19 CHP officers close the on-ramp to the 101 freeway as protesters converge on the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles during a rally against immigration arrests. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles TImes) 14 / 19 People rally in downtown Los Angeles Thursday, to protest immigration arrests. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 19 Protesters converge on the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles during a rally against immigration arrests. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 19 Protesters block a car on the onramp to the 101 Freeway during a rally against immigration arrests on Thursday night. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 19 Protesters converge on the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles during a rally against immigration arrests. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 19 A man carries a baby during a protest against immigration arrests in front of the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 19 Protesters converge on the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles during a rally against immigration arrests. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles TImes)

Some politicians said they were demanding answers from federal authorities about the arrests. Meanwhile, local police were fighting concerns that they were somehow involved in new immigration actions. Many law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, have vowed not to take part in the mass deportations Trump and his supporters have promised.

The Pomona Police Department put out an alert Thursday night warning of social media hoaxes claiming the agency was taking part in immigration checkpoints. Similar rumors circulated last week as well. Police officials decried them as fake news.

There is information that is out there that is wrong, said Los Angeles Deputy Police Chief Bob Green, adding that his department would not participate in any federal immigration sweeps. We are working hard with the immigrant communities to dispel fears.

Virginia Kice, a spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said the arrests were not part of a new and more aggressive mission the agency had adopted in light of the presidents stance on deportations.

In a statement, she said any arrests were part of the agencys routine enforcement activities.

Our operations are targeted and lead driven, prioritizing individuals who pose a risk to our communities. Examples would include known street gang members, child sex offenders, and deportable foreign nationals with significant drug trafficking convictions, Kice wrote. To that end, ICEs routine immigration enforcement actions are ongoing and we make arrests every day.

Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, said 100 people were detained, 60 of them Mexican nationals.

Salas said when she and other CHIRLA members arrived at a downtown L.A. detention center Thursday afternoon, they saw five white vans and one bus filled with people who they believed had been nabbed in the actions. They said they have not been able to get any information about those detained.

Salas said one man was at home when there was a knock on his door. When the man opened the door, he was met by an ICE agent who asked him to provide identification. When he couldnt do so, he was detained, she said. Another man was detained at his work at a Target store in the San Fernando Valley, she said.

They say its routine, but we dont believe it was a routine operation, Salas said.

An ICE official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and requested anonymity said the claims that ICE officers made 100 arrests Thursday were grossly exaggerated.

Green said Thursday that the department knew of no ICE raids going on in the San Fernando Valley.

The only ICE activity, he said, is the normal execution of deportation orders that is nothing out of the ordinary.

California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) said in a statement that hes asked federal officials to disclose how many children, men, and women they have detained; what the processing time will be; what the rationale is for their detention; and I asked that everyone be offered access to an attorney.

Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Los Angeles) also said he was demanding answers from immigration officials.

At the federal detention center off Aliso Street downtown on Thursday night, dozens of people walked in a circle, holding signs that read: Stop separating families and ICE out of L.A.

At one point, a federal judge tried to drive down Aliso Street to get onto the 101 Freeway, but demonstrators had blocked the street. The judge was eventually able to get to the freeway.

Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) attended the protest. He said the issue is a personal one for him. Santiagos father was undocumented when he immigrated to the United States from Mexico as a teen.

He came here to create a better life for my brother and I once we were born, he said. He was a hardworking guy. These people are no different. This is absolutely the point that we need to stand up for immigrant rights.

Times staff writers Hannah Fry and Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.

joel.rubin@latimes.com

ruben.vives@latimes.com

richard.winton@latimes.com

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UPDATES:

7:49 a.m. Feb. 10: This article was updated with comment from Tony Cardenas.

8:10 p.m.: This article was updated with additional editing.

7:35 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details on the protest and with more context.

This article was originally published at 6:25 p.m. Feb. 9
Immigration officials said Friday that they arrested more than 160 people  most of them with criminal histories  during an operation this week across Southern California.

The arrests, which officials have described as routine and not part of a crackdown promised by President Trump, have sparked fear and anger in immigrant communities.

David Marin, the director of Enforcement and Removal Operations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles, said the actions taken this week were planned before Trump took office and were comparable to a similar weeklong operation taken last summer that resulted in 112 arrests.

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Marin said roughly 75% of the people arrested this week had prior felony convictions for crimes that included sex offenses, assault, robbery and weapons violations. Most of the 161 people arrested this week had been targeted for removal based on past criminal convictions, but Marin admitted a few people were swept up because they were found to be undocumented while other arrests were being carried out.

Those were individuals that are in the country illegally, so they had no documentation or any right to be here in the country, he said.

The rash of these recent reports about ICE checkpoints and random sweeps and the like, its all false, and thats definitely dangerous and irresponsible, Marin said. Reports like that create panic, and they put communities and law enforcement personnel in unnecessary danger.

ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice said it was not immediately clear how many of those arrested in California this week had been deported. Marin also sharply criticized activist groups that characterized the operation as an indiscriminate series of raids, claiming such allegations put law enforcement officers and residents at risk.

The Los Angeles-area operation was carried out in conjunction with similar actions in New York City, Atlanta and Chicago, according to Kice, who said it was not uncharacteristic for ICE operations to coincide in major cities. Kice could not immediately provide arrest statistics for the operations in other cities.

The arrests sparked a protest in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday evening.

The situation highlighted fear among many immigrants about Trumps vow to deport those in the United States illegally. Los Angeles and Orange counties are home to 1 million immigrants living without proper papers, according to an analysis released Thursday by the Pew Research Center.

Some politicians said they were demanding answers from federal authorities about the arrests.

Speaking to a packed room inside the Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights Los Angeles offices, Executive Director Angelica Salas characterized the enforcement actions as raids or sweeps that are indicative of the Trump administrations hard-line stance on illegal immigration.

Salas said the organization received an unusual volume of calls, starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, from immigration attorneys and relatives of those who had been detained.

This is what sweeps, or coordinated actions, look like, she said.

A young woman whose father, Manuel Mosqueda Lopez, was nearly deported Thursday to Mexico shook with rage as she spoke about the fears the Trump administration has stoked among immigrant communities throughout the state. The woman, Marlene Mosqueda, claimed immigration officials were searching for someone else when they arrested her father, who does not have a criminal record.

With Donald Trump being president, I see no hope for us, she said before sobbing and walking away.

Marlene Mosqueda, 21, speaks about her father, Manuel Mosqueda Lopez, who was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement from his residence. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

ICE officials say the recent arrests were similar in scope to other operations the agency has conducted in the area in past years.

Last year, federal agents took 112 people into custody during a four-day operation targeting immigrants with criminal histories in Southern California, including one previously convicted of the attempted murder of a police officer, ICE said at the time. In 2015, ICE announced the arrests of more than 240 people with criminal records over the course of another four-day operation in the Southland.

Jennie Pasquarella, director of immigrant rights for the ACLU in California, said the actions taken by ICE in California this week are not necessarily indicative of the hard-line enforcement that Trump promised on the campaign trail, though she did express concerns about reports that some immigrants without criminal histories were caught up in the weeklong operation.

Even under Obama we had sweeps or big operations where they would go into a particular neighborhood or say that this week were going to do a big operation and arrest people with certain profiles in certain parts of the city, Pasquarella said. The piece of it that is new is some of the reports that we were getting yesterday indicating that there were people [arrested] who did not have any criminal convictions at all.

james.queally@latimes.com

Twitter: @JamesQueallyLAT

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4:50 p.m.: This article was updated with new information from ICE.

3:35 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the ACLU.

2:25 p.m.: This article was updated with information about previous ICE operations in Southern California.

This article was originally published at 1:40 p.m.
San Francisco City Atty. Dennis Herrera filed a lawsuit Thursday against five gun suppliers, alleging they violated a state law banning the sale of high-capacity magazines by selling them in pieces and marketing them as repair kits.

The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, alleges that online retailers Badger Mountain Supply of Washington, 7.62 Precision of Alaska, Shooters Plus of Mississippi, LAK Supply of Wyoming and BuyMilsurp.com of Florida are engaged in unfair or fraudulent business practices. The companies did not respond to requests seeking comment Friday morning.

Herrera alleges in court papers that the companies are violating Californias ban on high-capacity magazines by marketing and selling them to customers in the state under the guise of repair kits or rebuild kits. The kits are disassembled, but customers can easily put together the high-capacity magazines, according to the lawsuit.

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These kits are not individual magazine parts to replace, say, a worn out spring or a cracked baseplate in a lawfully processed magazine, the lawsuit states. Rather, they are complete parts of disassembled large-capacity magazines packaged under the guise of a kit. Purchasers can readily assemble the parts into brand-new, fully functional large-capacity magazines.

The number of rounds held in the magazines ranges from 10 to 150, according to the lawsuit.

Large-capacity magazines, which hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition, allow shooters to fire numerous bullets in succession without having to reload. The devices have received significant attention in recent years for their role in several major mass shootings, including last years Orlando nightclub shooting, the 2015 Charleston, S.C., church shooting, as well as the Aurora, Colo., movie theater shooting and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.

California has banned the sale of the large-capacity magazines since 2000. In 2013, the state Legislature clarified the law to note that high-capacity magazines also could not be sold in disassembled pieces.

San Francisco strengthened the law locally in 2014, enacting a ban on possessing large-capacity magazines rather than just prohibiting the purchase or sale of them.

In 2016, voters cast their ballots to again toughen Californias gun laws, which are among the most stringent in the nation, with the passage of Proposition 63. Among other regulations, the law will prohibit the possession of large-capacity magazines  with few exceptions  statewide beginning July 1.

It takes a particular type of miscreant to compromise the safety of Californians simply for profit, Herrera said in a prepared statement. The only purpose of these magazines is to kill as many people as quickly as possible. They have no place in our neighborhoods. Thats why the people of California have spoken loud and clear on this.

The lawsuit is seeking $2,500 in civil penalties for each act of fraudulent competition, the cost of the lawsuit and a court order prohibiting the companies from marketing or selling large-capacity magazine repair kits or other disassembled magazines in California. Herrera is also seeking a court order to require the companies to state on their websites that it is illegal to buy repair or rebuild kits or any disassembled large-capacity magazine in California, according to the lawsuit.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @HannahFryTCN on Twitter.

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An unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile was launched Wednesday night from Vandenberg Air Force Base as part of an operational test.

The Minuteman III missile launch occurred at 11:39 p.m. at the base just north of Lompoc and lit up the sky of Californias Central Coast, according to the U.S. Air Force. The missile was equipped with a non-explosive payload that recorded flight data, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

The missile traveled 4,200 miles to a test range in Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

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The test was conducted by the Air Force Global Strike Commands team from the 91st Missile wing at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. The base is one of three missile bases overseeing the countrys intercontinental ballistic missile forces.

In a statement, Col. Chris Moss, Vandenbergs 30th Space Wing commander, said the launch was an important demonstration of our nations ICBM capabilities.

The launch was designed to test the missiles accuracy and reliability as well as providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent, the Air Force said.

The missile launch was delayed 24 hours because of a labor dispute, according to the Santa Maria Times. The dispute involved a group of 13 employees who work for RGNext and are involved in launch operations and planning, the paper reported.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA
The owner and operator behind a network of four Koreatown-area schools that authorities allege was actually a pay-to-stay immigration scheme pleaded guilty to federal charges Thursday, according to prosecutors.

Three people, including owner and headmaster Hee Sun Leonard Shim, 53, of Beverly Hills, were arrested in 2015 as authorities announced an indictment alleging that few of the hundreds of students enrolled actually attended the schools and that many in fact lived out of state and had never set foot on campus.

Shim and employees Hyung Chan Steve Moon and Eun Young Jamie Choi were accused of immigration offenses and conspiracy. Moon and Choi have already pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

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Shim pleaded guilty to conspiracy and immigration document fraud and faces up to 15 years in prison when hes sentenced on June 5, the U.S. attorneys office said. He also had to forfeit $465,000 that was seized during the raids almost two years ago.

The three operated schools that offered immigration paperwork to students for as much as $1,800 for six months, assuring them they did not need to attend classes. Among those listed as active students were people living in Las Vegas, Seattle, Dallas and Honolulu, according to an affidavit in the case.

Authorities paid routine, unannounced visits to the schools  Prodee University/Neo-America Language School; Walter Jay M.D. Institute, an Educational Center; the American College of Forensic Studies; and Likie Fashion and Technology College  and found that there were few, if any, classes in session. Some had only one to three students. An instructor told investigators that one of his classes, introduction to politics, regularly had zero students, according to the affidavit.

When officials asked for records for the students, Shim sent shoddy files that listed the same bank account number for multiple students and contained clear signs that theyd been doctored, according to the affidavit.

Investigators said they suspected the scheme brought in about $6 million a year.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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L.A. planning commissions approve 90% of requests by developers to exceed zoning laws, Times analysis finds
The parcel at Jefferson and La Cienega boulevards might not seem like an obvious place to put an upscale 30-story residential tower. Zoned for industrial use, the West Adams intersection near the new Expo Line is surrounded by low-rise warehouses and businesses.

But when a developer proposed a high-rise tower and a shopping center at the site last year, Los Angeles planning commissioners  appointees of Mayor Eric Garcetti  approved the project even though it was 10 times taller than existing building rules allowed.

Such exceptions to zoning laws have become commonplace across L.A., a Times analysis of nearly 1,000 cases found. About 90% of requests for general plan amendments, zoning or height district changes heard before the citys Planning Commission and local planning commissions have been greenlighted since 2000, city documents show.

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The high volume of these amendments has eroded the role of zoning regulations as a true guide to what development is allowed across Los Angeles, critics say. By frequently permitting larger and denser projects, the city has frustrated some residents who erroneously believed the established zoning rules dictated what could be built in their neighborhoods.

City officials and developers say the exceptions are essential to building more housing amid soaring rents and a shortage of apartments. They argue that the zoning rules are out of date for a city of nearly 4 million people and that denser development will help meet rising demand.

The issue has taken on more urgency with Measure S, a March ballot measure that seeks to temporarily halt all projects for two years that require general plan amendments, zoning or height district changes  changes that are typically needed to build bigger projects than would otherwise be allowed. Supporters say the city has flouted its zoning rules by approving so many amendments.

But even opponents of Measure S, who believe the city needs denser development, said the current system doesnt work.

Former City Councilman Michael Woo, who served as a planning commissioner for six years, said that general plan amendments and zone changes should be the exception rather than routine, as they are now.

The planning process in the city of L.A. has gotten out of balance, said Woo, who opposes Measure S. There shouldnt be so many requests for discretionary decisions moving through the system.

Woo and others say the city needs to do a better job updating its planning rules. But they contend the measure goes too far and would worsen L.A.s housing shortage and hurt the economy.

The Times review found that when planning commissioners raised objections to some projects, developers were able to secure approval by including more affordable housing or agreeing to add sidewalks, landscaping or other conditions.

Despite concern about building next to a freeway, the Planning Commission in November backed a zone and height district change for a 335-unit Woodland Hills apartment complex next to the 101 Freeway after the developer agreed to add more affordable housing units.

The Planning Commission votes to approve or reject condominiums, schools and other projects. The seven area planning commissions typically hear smaller developments. (The Planning Commission also routinely approves changes sought by the city itself when it puts forward new building and land use policies. Such cases represented about 5% of those analyzed by The Times.)

The commissions dont necessarily have the final say. Major projects and zoning changes typically go before the City Councils Planning and Land Use Management Committee and the full City Council.

City planners work with developers to give feedback on projects and suggest approval or denial to the commissioners, said Yeghig Keshishian, spokesman for the Planning Department.

We work as citizen volunteers to do our best job in reviewing every policy and project that comes before us, said David Ambroz, the Planning Commissions president. I listen, I do all my research and I make independent decisions based on all the materials, findings and testimony.

The Planning Commission also regularly votes to protect neighborhoods, Ambroz said, backing historic preservation zones and regulations to rein in the size of homes.

If cases come with a planning staff recommendation for approval, the planners usually get it right, Ambroz said.

Developers say theyre forced to apply for zone changes and other amendments because the citys community plans  land use instructions for each Los Angeles neighborhood  havent been updated in years.

Land use consultant Craig Lawson said his developer clients want certainty but often enter Planning Commission meetings unsure of the outcome.

They dont know what the conditions [put on the project] will be, Lawson said. They dont know if there will be an appeal, and they dont know if they will be sued.

The City Council voted this week to back an effort to update community plans more frequently. Councilman Jose Huizar, who chairs the planning and land use committee, said through a spokesman that the citys current planning guidelines dont reflect neighborhood needs and that zone changes will dramatically decrease once our community plans are updated.

Seeking changes is so routine for developers that the Planning Department offers an illustrated pamphlet that provides step-by-step instructions on how to file requests.

The flier, available at department counters, depicts a cartoon figure walking down a flight of stairs, each representing a month of the process from application to mayoral approval.

Cities vary in their approach to allowing general plan amendments or other changes, said John Terell, vice president for policy and legislation for the California chapter for the American Planning Assn.

Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter 

The Times analysis of cases in which rules changes were sought shows approvals are on the high side, Terell said, but acceptable in his view. Compared with other California cities, exemptions are much more common in Los Angeles, he said. They have these big projects.

In cases where the citywide and local commissions reject a request, the city can overturn those decisions.

The Times review of cases that have gone before the commissions since 2000 found at least a dozen denials by commissioners that were reversed by elected officials.

One of those cases was the Sea Breeze apartment project in the Harbor Gateway neighborhood, where a developer sought a zone change to build a 352-unit apartment complex in an area zoned for industrial use. The Planning Commission rejected the proposal, but it later was approved by the City Council and Garcetti.

The project was the subject of a Times investigation last year that found donors with direct or indirect ties to real estate developer Samuel Leung gave more than $600,000 to support L.A.-area politicians as the project was being reviewed.

In the case of the West Adams tower  called the Cumulus project  the Planning Commission sought to add 55 units of workforce housing in the 1,200-unit residential building. When the tower went to the Planning and Land Use Management Committee, council members eased that recommendation after the developer said the community wanted other perks.

A group associated with Measure S was part of a lawsuit against the city last summer over the project, saying the City Council approval violated state and local laws.

Jill Stewart, campaign director for Measure S, said the planning commissions approval rate is a result of the citys broken system for reviewing land use changes that often favors more growth.

Sometimes they stop really outrageous projects that the local neighborhood cant absorb, but way too often they rubber-stamp, Stewart said.

Ambroz, the Planning Commission president, declined to respond to those criticisms.

Garcetti spokesman George Kivork said in a statement, All development projects proposed in Los Angeles are considered carefully on their merits, and they are put through a rigorous, multi-layered approval process that prioritizes feedback from the public.

Kivork said the mayors budget this year includes funding for community plan updates, and Garcetti supports efforts to speed the process.

West L.A. resident Barbara Broide testified against Casden West L.A. apartment complex when it came before the Planning Commission in 2013.

The commission granted a general plan amendment for the project, which ultimately was the target of a lawsuit by Broides homeowners association.

Today, she continues to speak at Planning Commission hearings. Her comments and other opponents remarks are considered part of a public record and can be cited in case a lawsuit is brought, she said.

She also testifies in the hope a commissioner will hear her criticisms about the next office tower or condominium complex, but shes realistic about the outcome.

It isnt always clear it makes a difference, Broide said.

Times staff writer Andrew Khouri contributed to this report.

ben.poston@latimes.com

Twitter: @bposton

dakota.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @dakotacdsmith

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A Granada Hills music producer known as Ramsay Tha Great is facing felony charges of pimping and pandering two women in Orange County, authorities said.

Brandon Christopher Ramsay, 24, pleaded not guilty Thursday to two felony counts of pimping and two felony counts of pandering by procuring, according to court records.

Orange County prosecutors said Ramsay pimped and pandered the two women  an 18-year-old and a 20-year-old  in Orange County and used the money they received from sexual acts for his own benefit.

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On Tuesday, authorities found advertisements depicting the two women soliciting commercial sex. An undercover officer contacted one of the women and arranged to meet both at a motel on Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim.

After the women met with police, Ramsay called one of them on her cellphone multiple times. Shortly after, Ramsay pulled into the motels parking lot, where he was met by police who took him into custody.

The defendant is accused of possessing evidence of pimping and sending text messages to the victims containing language consistent with pimping prior to his arrest, according to a news release from the Orange County district attorneys office.

Ramsay is being held in a Santa Ana jail in lieu of $70,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear for a pretrial hearing Feb. 21.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of seven years and four months in state prison.

Ramsay made headlines last month after reporting he was assaulted by two people who robbed his home.

A Chicago rapper known as Chief Keef, whose real name is Keith Cozart, and a second man, Darron Rose, were arrested by Los Angeles police and booked on suspicion of home invasion robbery. Ramsay previously worked as Cozarts producer.

While lying in a hospital bed last month, Ramsay described the assault in a video. He said he was awakened by someone at his door and that Cozart and another man, armed with an AK-47, pushed their way into his room and struck him in the face.

He stole my $1,600, he stole my rings and he stole my a Rolex watch, the producer said.

He posted photos of himself on social media that revealed bruises, swelling and a cut near his eyebrow. He also wore a neck brace.

After Cozarts arrest, some fans criticized Ramsay and threatened to harm him for snitching.

This provoked an angry response on social media from the music producer.

Yo its real sad to see my black community condone home invasion, armed robbery with deadly assault  hitting me the face with an AK-47, he said in a video posted to Instagram.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @HannahFryTCN on Twitter.

Times staff writers Richard Winton, Matt Hamilton and Veronica Rocha contributed to this report

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The sister-in-law of one of two shooters in the San Bernardino terror attack pleaded guilty Thursday to helping arrange a sham marriage that was uncovered in the aftermath of the attack.

Tatiana Farook, 32, entered a guilty plea in federal district court in Riverside to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, according to the U.S. attorneys office in Los Angeles.

She is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 13. Farook faces up to five years in federal prison.

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Tatiana Farook is married to Syed Raheel Farook, the older brother of San Bernardino terrorist Syed Rizwan Farook. The younger Farook carried out the Dec. 2, 2015, attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino with his wife, Tashfeen Malik. The shooting during a staff Christmas party left 14 people dead and 22 others wounded.

Tatiana Farook is accused of helping plan and arrange the fraudulent marriage between her sister, Mariya Chernykh, and Enrique Marquez Jr., according to court documents.

Marquez, who was a longtime friend of Syed Rizwan Farook, is charged with buying weapons used by the couple in the attack, the U.S. attorneys office said. He was a neighbor of the couple.

Prosecutors said Chernykh, a Russian citizen who came to the U.S. on a short-term visa in 2009, married Marquez to obtain legal U.S. residency. The couple did not live together and never had a marriage ceremony.

According to prosecutors, Syed Raheel Farook created a fraudulent lease agreement that suggested Marquez and Chernykh had been living together with he and his wife since November 2014.

Syed Raheel Farook pleaded guilty on Jan. 10 to conspiracy to commit immigration fraud. Chernykh pleaded guilty on Jan. 26 to conspiracy, perjury and making false statements to the FBI.

The charges against the trio are not connected to the 2015 shootings. But details of the marriage scam were uncovered during the shooting investigation.

With Tatiana Farooks plea, U.S. Atty. Eileen M. Decker said prosecutors are closer to wrapping up their cases stemming from the attack.

Specifically, three members of the shooters family now face federal prison, Decker said. These convictions are a testament to law enforcements ongoing commitment to ensure that everyone related to the terrorist attack are brought to justice.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

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A Loma Linda man has been sentenced to 11 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to abusing his 1-month-old son, causing the infant to fall into a coma.

San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Richard Peel on Wednesday sentenced Christian Tressa, 24, to six years for willful cruelty to a child and five years for great bodily injury of a child under 5 years old, court records show.

Tressa told authorities he was at the familys Loma Linda home with his infant son and his 1-year-old son on Jan. 24, 2016, when the baby fell from a rocking bassinet that was sitting on top of an ottoman.

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The next morning, Tressa called the babys mother to come home. When she arrived, she noticed a bruise on the infants face and indicated she wanted to take him to the hospital. Tressa resisted taking the child for medical care until the afternoon, authorities said.

Doctors found the infant had a catastrophic brain injury, which caused him to fall into a coma. He also had multiple injuries that were inconsistent with a fall from a short distance, authorities said.

Tressa will serve his sentence at the California Institution for Men in Chino, according to court records.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN

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As millions of gallons of rushing water continued to pound and erode the massive Lake Oroville Dam spillway on Friday, dozens of onlookers gathered on a nearby hillside to catch a glimpse of the muddy spectacle.

Ive never seen it like this, ever, said Charles Wing, an Oroville bricklayer. And Ive been here 44 years, he said.

Elberta Portman, 63, drove up from the Sacramento area with her husband, Dennis, 66, just to take a look. They werent disappointed: A mighty wave of water tumbled down the concrete chute at up to 50 miles per hour and exploded into the air as it hit the fracture that has opened up in the spillway in the last few days. From there, the water carved into the sloping earth beside and beneath the spillway, turning it the color of heavily creamed coffee, and washing mud, rock and concrete into the Feather River below.

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Its pretty impressive, Elberta Portman said.

UPDATE: Oroville Dam operators open emergency spillway amid rising waters; officials say public safe>>

Although rains had tapered off Friday, runoff from surrounding foothills continued to dump water into the fast rising lake. To make room, Department of Water Resources officials plan to keep the spillway open throughout the day. The constant flow was sure to damage the concrete slide even further, but posed no risk to the dam itself, they said.

Millions of gallons of rushing water continue to pound and erode the massive Lake Oroville Dam spillway.

Though the lakes level continues to rise, its at a pace that engineers are comfortable with. They said the lake level will begin to lower by Saturday afternoon when the latest storm runoff subsides.

Currently, water is gushing down the spillway at 65,000 cubic feet per second, while inflow to the reservoir is roughly double that at 130,000 cfs, according to DWR Senior Engineer Kevin Dossey.

The spillway follows the slope of a dirt- and tree-covered hill that helps secure the towering dam. As long as the water doesnt erode the upper portion of the hillside, engineers will continue to use the spillway, they said.

As a precaution, Calfire crews have worked to clear portions of a nearby emergency spillway. So far theyve removed one-third of the trees from the emergency spillway in case its needed, but they dont expect it will be, according to the DWR.

Engineers biggest concern is the debris going into the Feather River. The water is already murkier than normal because of the damaged concrete spillway, and if the emergency spillway was used, even more sediment, brush and debris would end up in the river, officials said.

The spillway fracture began as a 200-foot-wide hole that was discovered earlier this week. By Friday, the break appeared to run across the full width of the spillway near its bottom half.

At a Friday press conference, reporters asked DWR officials why the spillway hadnt been repaired better after problems were found a few years ago.

Something has happened we didnt expect to happen, said Kevin Dossey, DWR engineer. There wasnt evidence that more needed to be done.

The Department is setting up a barrier and boats downriver from the spillway to catch any debris that might come down, officials said.

Images of water crashing down the spillway began circulating widely on social media on Thursday.

These pictures are dramatic and they will continue to change and be dramatic, William Croyle, the DWRs acting director, said at a Thursday evening news briefing.

As we upped the flows  thats further eroding around the lower part of the spillway and the spillway itself. Thats not a surprise to us, he added.

The spillway is separate from the dam, Croyle emphasized, adding that none of this is affecting the integrity of the dam itself.

 Millions of gallons of rushing water continued to pound and erode the massive Lake Oroville Dam spillway.

On Friday morning, operators said that if current releases from the nearly full reservoir can be maintained, it is less likely the lake will rise to the point where water flows into the emergency spillway channel.

Bobbie Sage, 40, of Oroville marveled at the height of the lake, which had suffered under the drought. She recalled going swimming there with her children in the dry years.

Youd have to park and run way down the boat ramp to get to the docks, she said.

Northern California, including the Sacramento Valley, has been pounded by a parade of storms since the beginning of the year, piling snow in the Sierra Nevada and soaking the surrounding mountains and foothills.

Read more: The frantic fight to protect the nations tallest dam as spillway rapidly erodes 

The last of the weeks storms is expected to drop up to 2 inches of rain between Friday and Saturday before its replaced by warmer temperatures early next week.

Even though rainfall will taper off after today, runoff will continue and many rivers and streams will remain high with continued fast stream flows, the National Weather Services Sacramento office said in a flood statement Friday.

The reservoir level had risen to 895 feet by Friday morning, just six feet below the emergency release point of 901 feet. Officials spent Friday preparing for the possibility of flows pouring down the unpaved emergency spillway sometime early Saturday morning.

It will be pretty amazing to see what happens, Croyle said. It will be a thin veneer of water flowing over the crest into ravines and into the river.

In preparation for that, crews cleared trees and brush from the emergency pathway on Thursday. The state also moved a couple of million fish out of the downstream Feather River Hatchery because water from the eroded spillway is too muddy for hatchery use.

Officials do not know what caused the collapse of a section of the spillway, gouging a hole that was 45 feet deep and 250 feet long. The cavity has since doubled in size.

Water continues to rush down the spillway and the lakes inflow had dipped since Thursday. Officials insisted that there was no danger to the public on Friday.

The Butte County Sheriffs Office said there was no imminent threat from the spillway but nevertheless urged residents nearby to prepare for possible evacuations if that changes. The Butte Office of Education canceled classes in Oroville on Friday due to the weather and as a precaution due to the spillway, officials said.

The states second largest reservoir, Oroville provides the main storage for the State Water Project that sends Northern California supplies to the Southland.

For some area residents, the spillway episode called to mind 1997, when heavy rains and flooding prompted evacuations.

Mike Ramsey, who has served as Butte County District Attorney for the last 29 years, said residents were afraid then that the water would come over the emergency spillway and swamp downtown Oroville with ten feet of water.

People were told to pack up their stuff and get out, Ramsey recalled.

Nothing happened though. The water stopped just a few inches before going over, he said.

Thats whats been on peoples minds, Ramsey said Friday. Are we going to have to evacuate again? Are we going to have to start pulling stuff out?

However, it seems like the threat isnt as bad, and theres no evacuation order. He was just talking with the local rotary club, which is planning a dinner for tomorrow night. The dinner was scheduled for the municipal auditorium right on the levee, and theyre not cancelling it, a sign of confidence that things will be ok.

bettina.boxall@latimes.com

Twitter: @boxall

Staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report.

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UPDATES:

2:55 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Ramsey.

1:30 p.m.: This article was updated with reactions from Oroville residents and other spectators.

10:50 a.m.: This article was updated with details from the National Weather Service and the California Department of Water Resources.

Feb. 10, 7:45 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional details and developments.

This article was originally published on Feb. 9 at 8:04 p.m..
With an aging population and a growing number of people nearing retirement, its scary to think of how little the typical American family has set aside in savings. According to a report last year by the Economic Policy Institute, half of the families with workers in their prime have amassed $17,000 or less in their nest eggs. When their paychecks stop, theyll have little more than their Social Security benefits to live on, as paltry as they may be.

Thats why California lawmakers, led by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), spent the better part of a decade developing a retirement savings program aimed at low-income Californians who arent covered by a pension or 401(k) plan. And thats why its stunning and outrageous that House Republicans are moving to kill the U.S. Department of Labor rule that cleared a legal pathway for such plans.

The vast majority of employers do not offer any kind of help for retirement. Most are relatively small  about 90% of U.S. companies employ 20 or fewer workers. The ones that compete for skilled professionals (think law firms and physician groups) may offer retirement benefits, but the rest typically do not. As a consequence, almost half of American families with workers in their prime arent covered by a pension or 401(k) plan, the Economic Policy Institute found. In California alone, an estimated 7.5 million workers fall into this category.

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The California Secure Choice plan that lawmakers approved last year would require businesses that dont offer retirement plans to enroll their workers in new, state-administered Individual Retirement Accounts unless the workers opted out. A private firm overseen by a state board would pick the investment options, but workers would decide what percentage (if any) of their paycheck to contribute and which specific funds to invest in.

The states approach is supported by a Labor Department ruling in August that a 1974 federal law governing employer-sponsored retirement plans does not apply to certain state-administered IRAs for workers. The ruling reflects the fact that employers are not involved at all in the administration of the Secure Choice plans; instead, they simply distribute information about them and help their employees enroll or opt out.

The only opposition to the final version of Californias plan came from lobbyists for one segment of Wall Street: the mutual fund industry, which complained that the state IRAs would compete unfairly with the retirement plans they sold to employers. That industrys point of view now has a new champion: the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which is pushing resolutions to overturn the August rule and a similar one in December for city- and county-administered plans.

The committee contends that the resolutions would protect workers from retirement plans that arent regulated by the 1974 law. It also argues that the state plans could discourage businesses from offering pensions or 401(k)s, which provide larger benefits. Both arguments are specious. The California IRAs may not have the protections of the 1974 law, but the investments will be more closely scrutinized by a state oversight board. And its ludicrous to think that any business that has to compete for workers would drop its retirement plan in favor of the states more limited IRAs.

The real travesty here is that proponents of the resolutions are pretending to protect workers who have no retirement plan by stopping states from offering them a modest tax-free one. (California is one of five states that have approved these IRAs.) House Republicans have floated other ideas for trying to promote retirement savings, but the bottom line here is that the companies opposing Secure Choice have never served the market the state is trying to reach. Theres no profit to be made offering retirement plans one by one to companies employing only a small number of workers, all of them at relatively low pay.

The resolutions are expected to hit the House floor next week, despite the lack of public hearings. If they pass, the Senate will be able to take them up shortly thereafter, again with no obligation to hear from retirement-plan experts or supporters of Secure Choice. Even if President Trump signs the measures into law, California could move ahead with Secure Choice as planned and defend the program in court against a likely lawsuit based on the 1974 law on employer plans. But the state shouldnt face such a challenge, and it wouldnt if House Republicans really did worry about workers retirement savings.

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As a candidate, Donald Trump famously impugned the integrity of a federal judge presiding over a lawsuit against Trump University, suggesting he couldnt be impartial because of his Mexican ancestry. As president, Trump has continued to attack the independence of federal judges, describing as a so-called judge the federal jurist who put a temporary hold on his executive order blocking travelers from seven mostly Muslim countries and suggesting that only politics or bias would lead a judge to rule against the order.

This trash talk about an independent branch of government is disgraceful. Presidents, like any other citizens, have a right to criticize decisions of the courts, and Trumps predecessors have done so, sometimes in scathing terms. Barack Obama denounced the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision in a State of the Union address attended by most of the justices. But Trumps comments have been different. Referring to U.S. District Judge James Robart as a so-called judge wasnt just insulting; it implied that the judge lacked the authority to rule on the legality of Trumps order.

Trump also has suggested that, by subjecting his order to legal and constitutional scrutiny, the judicial system might be putting the nation at risk. The judge opens up our country to potential terrorists and others that do not have our best interests at heart, he warned in one tweet last weekend. Bad people are very happy! He followed that with an even more offensive tweet: Just cannot believe a judge would put our country in such peril. If something happens blame him and court system. People pouring in. Bad!

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Federal judges have life tenure, and they are duty-bound to ignore criticism from presidents or anyone else. Still, when presidents call into question the legitimacy of judges, or, worse, lay the groundwork for blaming them for a terrorist attack, public confidence in the courts can erode. Thats why Trumps attacks on the judiciary are so dangerous.

They also have sullied what had been one of the few relatively rational moments of his first month in office: the nomination of an experienced and well-respected conservative federal judge to a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Neil M. Gorsuch now finds himself caught between Democratic senators who demand that he denounce Trumps attacks on his fellow judges and a president who is notoriously intolerant of what he considers disloyalty.

On Wednesday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said Gorsuch confided in a private conversation that he had found Trumps criticism of judges demoralizing and disheartening. Thats hardly surprising, given Gorsuchs stature in the legal profession and reputation for civility. But a political dispute immediately ensued over whether Gorsuch was referring specifically to Trumps comments or, as former Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), suggested, saying more generally that he finds any criticism of a judges integrity and independence disheartening and demoralizing.

Characteristically, Trump rushed to Twitter to accuse Blumenthal of distorting what Gorsuch had said: Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him? But the Washington Post reported that Blumenthals version of the conversation was vouched for Ron Bonjean, a member of the team guiding Gorsuch through his confirmation process.

Actually, it doesnt matter much which version is correct: Gorsuch was reacting to Trumps objectionable comments the way any responsible judge would. And hell no doubt have additional opportunities to distance himself from Trumps tweets at his confirmation hearings, because Senate Democrats are determined to get him on the record on the subject, as much to embarrass the president as to establish Gorsuchs independence from the man who appointed him. On Thursday Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York upped the ante by demanding that Gorsuch go public with his criticism of Trump: To whisper to a senator but to refuse to say anything public is not close to good enough to show an independence, Schumer said.

Fair enough. Fortunately, whatever other objection there may be to Gorsuchs nomination, independence from the president who appointed him doesnt seem likely to be one of them. Unlike some other advisors and appointees, the judge isnt a Trump crony, for which even the nominees critics should be grateful.

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In the 1870s, spectacular rains began to fall on the Western Plains, turning a dry region then named the Great American Desert to gorgeous green. Thousands of young homesteaders rushed west to raise crops and families, convinced by a humdinger alternative fact: Rain Follows the Plow. The more people moved to the Plains, the widely reported theory went, the more it would rain.

Federal scientist and explorer John Wesley Powell, head of the U.S. Geological Survey, told Congress otherwise in his 1878 Report on the Lands of the Arid Region of the United States. Not nearly enough rain fell in the region to quench the yeoman farmers over the long haul. Development should occur around watersheds; farmers would have to come together to share a scarce resource.

Powells advice was anathema for the railroad bosses selling farm plots from millions of acres Congress granted them to lay track and open the West. So they defied it. They claimed that settlement and construction  even blasts of dynamite  were bringing the rain. Precipitation, they said, would continue to increase with population as plows broke up the soil. Financier Jay Gould, at a time when he controlled both the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific railroad companies and Western Union Telegraph, speculated that railroad and telegraph construction was expanding the nations rain belt west by 20 miles a year. Industry-paid scientists and eastern newsmen fed by railroad PR men both hyped the rainy headlines and fueled the nations first land boom.

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Regardless of alternative facts, fake news or scientific censorship, nature tells the truth.

Of course Powell was right, and the hype dangerously wrong. When typical dry years returned in the 1880s, conditions forced thousands of farmers to abandon their land. Between 1888 and 1892, half the population of western Kansas and Nebraska retreated east. Many poor families who held out for rain went hungry or starved to death.

The farmers helpless, with no weapon against this terrible and inscrutable wrath of nature, were spectators at the strangling of their hopes, their ambitions, all that they could look to from their labor, wrote a young reporter named Stephen Crane at the Lincoln State Journal.

The wrath did not derive from nature, but what we now call alternative facts, an insidious force in the nations history since European settlers claimed to buy land from Native Americans, who had a completely different concept of property. Recall all manner of harmful convictions born of propaganda: Slavery is civilizing. The communists have infiltrated. Owens Valley has more than enough water to share with L.A. (A headline from this newspaper: Owens Valley People Going Off as Half-Cock.) The Gulf of Tonkin. Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Truth does not always find the light. Endeavoring historians cannot tell us who sank the Maine in Havana Harbor, or whether Massachusetts executed innocent men when it sent Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti to the electric chair in 1927.

But there is one truth that outs every time, and that is nature. Spurning the doubt still funded and spread by the fossil fuel industry, Earths temperatures are rising with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, triggering longer droughts, more-extreme rains and many other troubles. The deluges setting records in Southern California are as real as the record drought they are extinguishing.

Like an earthquake rattling fracked Oklahoma, natures truths are bluntest in times when the nation has ignored its best scientists, quashed reports to benefit industries and been awash in fake news. And those times have been frequent.

In the 1910s and 1920s, another land boom spread across the Plains, luring a new generation of farmers unaware of the previous centurys drought disaster. Tractors that could rip through thick native grasslands replaced the old plows. Bullish news stories on generous rainfall, war-inflated wheat prices and farm subsidies helped bring tens of thousands of settlers. When wheat prices collapsed, farmers with large mortgage payments responded by tearing up even more of the grasses that had evolved over thousands of years to hold the Earth together in dry times. Early ecologists warned of the need for a conservation ethic. Most farmers never heard those warnings. Those who heard them did not believe.

The next great drought settled in around 1930 and seared for a decade. Summer temperatures passed 115 degrees. Thousands died from the extreme heat. When hot prairie winds met stripped ground, they kicked up violent black dust storms. These storms really did follow the plow. Rather than rain, they carried millions of pounds of dirt. After riding out blinding blizzards in Oklahoma on Black Sunday in 1935, AP reporter Robert Geiger dubbed the region the Dust Bowl. In response, writes environmental historian Donald Worster, chambers of commerce formed truth squads that worked systematically to deny, and to repress, the Dust Bowl label. But the winds would not be censored. They blew five more years of dust and death.

At the close of 2016, the Oxford English Dictionary declared post-truth its word of the year. The adjective is defined as relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief. But Earth and its breath  the climate  paid no heed. Nature had its own declaration, ending 2016 as the hottest year in the global record, the third consecutive record-breaking year.

The climate does not care that new Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the former Exxon Mobile CEO, and Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Scott Pruitt, nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, continue to repress the scientific consensus that greenhouse gas emissions are causing its warming.

The oceans  their sea levels, temperatures and acidity all on the rise  do not read Breitbart News in the United States or the Daily Mail in the United Kingdom, which by spreading science denial put the most vulnerable at risk.

Regardless of alternative facts, fake news or scientific censorship, nature tells the truth. That truth will flood in torrential rains. It will sear in extended droughts. It will sweep into coastal homes, especially where it has been suppressed; in North Carolina, for example, where the state general assembly banned the use of sea-level rise projections in coastal policymaking, and in South Florida, where thousands of condos and rental apartments are under construction in areas known for serious tidal flooding.

As in historic droughts, floods and hurricanes, the wealthy  including the peddlers of falsehoods  will be able to move or bunker up. Those who are poorer, and the ill-prepared, will be left to face the truth directly. Post-truth may be the word of the year, but nature always has the last word.

Cynthia Barnett is the author of three water books, including Rain: A Natural and Cultural History. She is the environmental journalist in residence at the University of Floridas College of Journalism and Communications. Follow her on Twitter: @cynthiabarnett.

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English-language media have compared President Trump to more than 120 different people, ideas, things and nonhuman life forms in the last 18 months, according to one rough tally, including the Zika virus, Richard III, a Galaxy Note 7, P.T. Barnum and, of course, Adolf Hitler. For a media struggling to understand Trumps improbable rise to power, Trump is like X has become an exceedingly popular genre.

While many of these comparisons are harmless, and often useful, one iteration of this trend  comparing Trump to Latin American, Middle Eastern and Asian leaders  often does double-duty as a way to bash countries hostile to U.S. interests. Not only that, it contributes to the whitewashing of Trumps quintessentially American origins.

Over the past year and half, Trump has been compared by the media to Chinese leaders eight times, Iranian leaders nine times, and Venezuelan leaders 30 times. By contrast, Trump has only been compared to contemporary white, Western populists like Pat Buchanan and the United Kingdoms Nigel Farage four and six times, respectively.

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Trumps agenda is largely the same as the broader Republican Party; his rise, moreover, was the logical manifestation of the ... tea party movement.

Again, while some comparisons can elucidate, the practice of analogizing Trump to foreign enemies has the effect of veiling Trumps right-wing agenda. Pundits who engage in it seem more comfortable criticizing authoritarianism, a Davos-friendly catchall, than 21st century conservatism.

Often, they prioritize adherence to norms and governing style over ideological goals, precisely because this approach allows them to, at the same time, praise George W. Bush while treating Trump as beyond the pale, despite the fact that the two men share many of the same political objectives, including a bloated military, economic policies that favor Wall Street and the installation of anti-choice judges on the Supreme Court.

The instinct to constantly connect Trump with socialists like former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez reveals the intellectual poverty of this approach  we are told to focus on how they achieved power (style, charisma, railing against elites), not whom they serve with that power (the rich and the white versus the poor and the indigenous).

Journalists are not the only guilty party; politicians, too, have picked up on the rhetorical tic of foreign-izing Trump. During the campaign, the Democratic Party released a Spanish-language video equating Trump with Chavez. Last July, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Trump sounded like a two-bit dictator of some country that you couldnt find on a map.

These critiques often descend into racist or orientalist tropes, sometimes with goofy photoshopped images of Trump smoking a Cuban cigar or made up to look Chinese. The recurring impression is that Trump and his vulgar politics can only be explained outside the normal U.S. body politic.

The Trump is like Bad Leader X take is popular, above all, because it offends no one while indulging American exceptionalism.

And yet, foreign leader analogies notwithstanding, Trumps agenda is largely the same as the broader Republican Party; his rise, moreover, was the logical manifestation of the xenophobic, insurgent tea party movement  funded and supported not by foreign governments, but by entirely domestic billionaires.

Theres a reason why Republican senators from John McCain to Marco Rubio have voted to confirm Trumps nominees: They basically agree with him. How strange, then, that we have zero hot takes drawing parallels between Trump and McCain or Trump and Rubio, and dozens of hot takes drawing parallels between Trump and Latin American leftists. The foreign leader comparison prioritizes style over policy, personality over material effect.

Trump is like Bad Leader X meme-makers may not realize it, but theyre indemnifying the forces that gave us Trump: the GOP establishment, which acquiesces at every turn; NBCUniversal, which ignored Trumps anti-black racism for years while revitalizing his career; and a corporate press that gave Trump almost $2 billion in free media in 2015  2.5 times more than Hillary Clinton.

All of these forces are entirely American. All largely overlooked.

The groundwork for Trump was laid by Rush Limbaugh, Lou Dobbs, Glenn Beck, Fox News and the Drudge Report. All pushed the limits of post-truth, all spent years stoking white grievance, demonizing immigrants, spreading black on white crime panic.

Trump is a raw, unfiltered expression of American nativism and white grievance. The effort to stop Trump would be better served attacking these threads  and their specific right-wing ideology  than continuing to draw lazy parallels to foreign enemies in bad standing with the U.S. national security establishment.

Adam H. Johnson is a media analyst for Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting.

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To the editor: I dont know what horrified me more, the sickening harassment by hoax peddlers of the grieving family members of the educators and children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, or that our president and his national security advisor are open enthusiasts of conspiracy monger Alex Jones Infowars. (In an age of alternative facts, a massacre of schoolchildren is called a hoax, Feb. 3)

Does this explain President Trumps repeated insistence on untruths? Are he and his national security advisor getting their intelligence from a conspiracy-theorizing network?

Vicki Lindman, Huntington Beach

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..

To the editor: I dont understand Trumps silence about the Sandy Hook massacre and his failure to condemn Jones, who claims the shooting deaths of 20 children and six adults on Dec. 14, 2012, never happened.

Four years later, the Sandy Hook tragedy continues to engender a vicious torrent of denials, death threats, ethnic slurs and charges of a Democratic-inspired hoax by gun lovers and anti-Semites. This is reminiscent of what the Jewish families of three of the four unarmed Kent State University students  shot to death on May 4, 1971 by members of the Ohio National Guard while protesting the Vietnam war  continued to experience long after that tragedy had faded from public consciousness.

Harold N. Bass, Porter Ranch

..

To the editor: After reading this story, I want to throw up. Its hard to imagine there are people so heartless and hurtful to people who have lost children.

Tom Burton, Van Nuys

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Gold Star father Khizr Khan cancels speech in Toronto after organizers report his travel privileges were under review

(Alex Wong / Getty Images)

Gold Star father Khizr Khan has canceled a scheduled speech in Toronto after being told his travel privileges are being reviewed, according to the event organizer.

Khan has lived in the U.S. since 1980 and is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

It was unclear which authorities communicated with Khan or what privileges were under review. Yolanda Choates, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, declined to comment about Khan specifically.

She said in and email that the agency would notify people who were losing their membership in the Global Entry program -- which allows pre-screened travelers to speed through customs upon arriving in the country -- though theres no indication that is what happened to Khan.

Of course, any U.S. citizen with a passport may travel without trusted traveler status, she said.

Khan could not be reached for comment, and the event organizer, Ramsay Talks, did not respond to an email, text message or phone message.

Khan was scheduled to speak Tuesday at a luncheon hosted by the Toronto-based organization.

The two-hour event was slated to include a presentation and question-and-answer session on what we can do about the appalling turn of events in Washington -- so that we dont all end up sacrificing everything, according to the organizer.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the organizer said Khan was not told why his travel status was under review.

This turn of events is not just of deep concern to me but to all my fellow Americans who cherish our freedom to travel abroad, Khan said in the statement. I have not been given any reason as to why. I am grateful for your support and look forward to visiting Toronto in the near future.

Khan, whose family is Muslim, made national headlines after his fiery speech at the Democratic National Convention, during which he blasted Donald Trumps rigid stance on Muslim immigration.

Donald Trump, youre asking Americans to trust you with their future. Let me ask you, have you even read the United States Constitution? Khan said before pulling a pocket Constitution from his jacket. I will gladly lend you my copy. In this document, look for the words liberty and equal protection of law.

Khan immigrated to the U.S. from Pakistan in 1980. He and his wife, Ghazala, became American citizens six years later.

Their son Humayun Khan was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004. The Army captain was running toward a taxi cab approaching his troops when a bomb inside exploded. Khan was killed while the other soldiers remained safe.

Khan received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star posthumously.

UPDATE

6:02 p.m.: This story was updated with information about Trusted Traveler programs.

This story was originally published at 1:12 p.m.
Rep. Tom Price won Senate confirmation early Friday to be Health and Human Services secretary, overcoming bitter opposition from Democrats who have criticized the Georgia congressmans calls to repeal the Affordable Care Act and scale back Medicare, Medicaid and other government safety net programs.

The 52-47 vote broke along party lines with every Republican in the chamber voting to confirm Price and every Democrat and independent voting against him, except Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), who opposes Price but missed the vote to be home with her husband while he underwent surgery.

Price is now expected to assume a leading role in helping guide the Republican effort to roll back the healthcare law, often called Obamacare, and to develop an alternative.

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GOP lawmakers, despite years of pledging to replace the law, are scrambling to settle on a strategy and overcome divisions within the party.

That has repeatedly delayed the repeal, which President Trump and congressional Republicans once said would be done within days of Trumps inauguration.

To date, neither Trump nor senior GOP lawmakers have produced legislation to either repeal the current law or replace it. And last weekend, Trump hinted that the repeal and replace effort could drag into 2018.

Price, a former orthopedic surgeon and longtime ally of House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), has been a leading champion of the repeal campaign and a favorite of the Republican base.

He was an early supporter of the tea party movement and has sponsored legislation to overhaul the healthcare system, scaling back Medicaid and replacing Obamacares insurance marketplaces.

That has endeared him to many Republican lawmakers, who praised Prices record and have expressed hope that he will be able to help accelerate the repeal push.

Hes had a tremendous experience, a wealth of experience in the practice of medicine, understands these problems and has been a great member of the House of Representatives, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) said during Prices confirmation hearing. Virtually all of the attempts Ive witnessed to characterize Dr. Prices views as being outside of the mainstream, have been patently absurd.

Prices nomination has been among Trumps most controversial, in part because of his hostility to government safety net programs, including Medicaid and Medicare.

This is a nominee with an extreme agenda, said Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, the senior Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee.

His proposals would strip tens of millions of Americans of their health coverage. His proposals would put Americans with preexisting conditions in danger of losing coverage for the care they need. His proposals would slash Medicare. His proposals would shred Medicaid.

Democrats have also been increasingly critical of Prices extensive trading in healthcare stocks while he has been in Congress, and in some cases while he has pushed legislation that would benefit his portfolio.

Also drawing criticism was Prices purchase of discounted shares in an Australian biotech firm, Innate Immunotherapeudics, which he was offered through a private deal not available to general shareholders.

The pattern of stock trading stunned many government ethics experts, who have said Prices behavior raises serious questions.

Price has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

But Senate Democrats, demanding further investigation of the stock trades, boycotted a committee vote on Prices nomination, forcing enraged Republicans on the panel to suspend the committees rules and advance Prices nomination to the Senate floor on their own.

Senate Republicans said Price did not violate any ethics rules.

noam.levey@latimes.com

Twitter: @noamlevey

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UPDATES:

7:10 a.m. Feb. 10: This story was updated with the final vote tally.

This story was originally published at 11:20 p.m. Feb. 9.
The appellate court repudiation of President Trumps travel ban marked the first high-level loss for a new administration that, for all the chaos it has inflicted on Washington and itself, had thus far largely succeeded in accomplishing its immediate goals.

Before the judicial panel refused Thursday to reinstate Trumps order  which aimed to prevented entry into the U.S. by refugees and by all travelers from seven mostly Muslim countries  drama in Washington, D.C., played out as if the nation had only two pillars of power. Trump nominated Cabinet secretaries, and the Republican-led Senate, the only part of the legislative branch with a role in these opening days, pushed them past Democratic opposition.

The court decision was a reminder to the president that the success of his administration will also be driven by the views of jurists who represent the third center of power under the U.S. Constitution.

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And it was a reminder of how Trump, and his inability to curb his impulses, can pose a threat to his own goals.

Tweets and comments from the president that were once seen as merely inflammatory and insulting, such as his campaign pledge to enact a ban on all Muslims seeking to come to the U.S., took on more power when cited as evidence before the courts. Trumps words cut against the Justice Departments argument that the presidents executive order did not amount to an unconstitutional ban on any particular religion.

The court also provided a rebuttal to the bleak worldview Trump has promoted through exaggerations and falsehoods about safety threats at home and abroad.

The government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States, the judges wrote.

Trump contributed to the courts rebuke by adopting, in his early weeks as president, a shock-and-awe strategy that put a premium on speed and secrecy rather than thoughtful deliberation. In the case of the executive order, issued one week after he took office, that meant the administration bypassed review by agencies that might have helped the plan meet judicial muster.

Friday, in the aftermath of the loss in court, administration officials said they were considering a new executive order designed to fix the main problems of the original  a tacit admission of problems with how the order had been written and carried out.

Trump came into office bent on upending politics, and his actions have been meant to further that image. Swift, unilateral behavior  and sharp rejoinders to anyone not going along  have been his hallmarks.

While that has kicked up controversy, Trump has succeeded in early tests of strength because his power over Capitol Hill has been nearly complete. The president is hardly a conservative ideologue, but he shares goals important to the Republican majorities in both houses, such as tax cuts for business and upper-income earners and the repeal of President Obamas healthcare plan. And that has kept them in line.

With a firm hold on the most activist and energized voters in the Republican base, Trump also represents a potential threat to the political ambitions of Republicans who might want to publicly disagree with him.

After a rocky confirmation hearing, his Education secretary, Republican donor Betsy DeVos, was approved with only two GOP defections and Vice President Mike Pence breaking a Senate tie. His attorney general, former Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, survived furious Democratic objections on the Senate floor with even less GOP wobbling.

That loyalty and a provocative sense of siege have propelled his administrations first few weeks. Trump has worked to create the sense he first floated in the campaign that only he can solve the nations problems and that any entity that threatens his political power is illegitimate.

As president, he has crafted that alternative universe from his first inaugural words, when he cast a dark vision of American carnage afoot in the land, of gangs and criminals and the imminent threat of terrorist attacks.

He declares almost daily that the media are dishonest and out to get him, even when his allegations are disproved by video. He has cast reporters as effectively treasonous for intentionally hiding incidents of terrorism  an accusation that is false.

For more on politics 

They have their reasons and you understand that, Trump told military service members in Florida this week, speaking of the media. (His staff later released a lengthy list of supposedly ignored attacks, many of which had, in fact, been covered extensively.)

He also went after U.S. Dist. Judge James L. Robart, the Seattle-based jurist who initially blocked his travel ban, in an echo of his attacks last year on a judge handling a legal case against Trumps former real estate school.

The judge opens up our country to potential terrorists and others that do not have our best interests at heart, Trump tweeted this week. Bad people are very happy.

Just cannot believe a judge would put our country in such peril. If something happens blame him and court system. People pouring in. Bad!

As the appellate panel indicated in its judgment, Trump provided no proof that people born in the countries listed in the travel order represented an imminent threat.

But his rhetoric remains consistent.

In the last 10 days  half the length of his presidency  Trump has taken on judges and the media, demeaned his political opponents as paid provocateurs, threatened to strip federal funds from California, insulted Australia, a U.S. ally, and cast aspersions on an American company, Nordstrom, for its decision to stop selling a fashion line by his daughter Ivanka.

On Thursday, apparently angered that Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut had made public some remarks by his Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, that were critical of Trump, the president raised Blumenthals past exaggeration of his service during the Vietnam War.

Trump then went after Arizona Sen. John McCain, a former Vietnam prisoner of war who had angered him when he defined as a failure a recent Yemen counterterrorism raid in which a Navy SEAL died.

Hes been losing so long he doesnt know how to win any more, Trump said of McCain, who won his sixth term in November by a 13-point margin.

Later, on Trumps behalf, spokesman Sean Spicer said that criticizing a military operation, as McCain had done, did a disservice to the slain officer  a striking remark given Trumps habit of denouncing military actions in past administrations.

The most obvious downside to Trumps behavior so far is its potential to work against his own interests. Hes insulted judges who hold his plans in their hands and senators who will cast votes on his proposals.

And so far, he has made no effort to reach beyond the minority of voters who backed him in November. A Gallup poll this week found 43% of Americans supporting him  minimally less than the 46% of the country who voted for him. Of eight major polling organizations that have tracked changes in Trumps job approval since his inauguration, seven have shown a decline.

In any normal presidency, even this early in its existence, those would be sobering statistics. Thursdays reminder that another constitutional branch has the power to upend presidential actions would only amplify the concern.

In any normal presidency, those would be reason enough to regroup and do things differently in the future.

Nothing in the Trump experience so far suggests such changes are in store.

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker

ALSO:

See you in court, Trump tweets after 9th Circuit panel unanimously refuses to reinstate his travel ban

Supreme Court may look for a middle ground on Trumps travel ban

Updates on California politics

UPDATES:

2:20 p.m.: This article was updated with the news of a possible new version of the executive order.

This article was originally published at 6:50 a.m.
Rebuffed again by the courts, President Trump said Friday that he is weighing a new, more narrowly tailored executive order to curb entry into the U.S., a step that would mean setting aside his legal battle in favor of moving more quickly on his broader goal of restricting the flow of who comes into the country.

We need speed for reasons of security, the president told reporters as he traveled to Florida on Friday.

Trump said he might implement a brand-new order as early as next week. That step could effectively void his first executive order and end the court proceedings over it.

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Trump insisted that he was confident his policy was on solid legal ground, a day after judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously refused to reinstate his temporary bans on travelers from seven majority-Muslim countries and on all refugees. But he suggested that he was uninterested in a prolonged fight in court.

We will win that battle, Trump said. The unfortunate part is that it takes time.

The administration was considering several options, Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said late Friday at the White House, including asking the Supreme Court to lift the temporary restraining order on the travel bans that the 9th Circuit panel kept in place.

The new order under consideration would suspend only refugee admissions and the issuance of new visas, according to an administration official familiar with the internal deliberations. Everyone who already was granted a visa or refugee status would be allowed to keep them.

The new directive would be intended to allay the type of chaos that erupted as a result of Trumps Jan. 27 order, which blocked an estimated 60,000 people with valid visas, some while they were in midair and others who were removed from planes bound for the U.S. before takeoff. The federal court rulings against Trump cited the rough implementation of the order in staying it.

In addition to temporary bans on entry by refugees and on all citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, the order Trump issued also indefinitely suspended the admission of Syrian refugees and gave preference to refugees who are members of persecuted religious minorities.

We will not allow people into our country who are looking to do harm to our people. We will allow lots of people into our country that will love our people and do good for our country, Trump said earlier Friday at a White House news conference alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

If Trump does decide to fight the restraining order all the way to the Supreme Court, he may undercut his objectives, legal experts warn, particularly given the courts 4-4 split between Republican and Democratic appointees.

A tie is possible, similar to the stalemate last year over President Obamas immigration order temporarily protecting millions in the country illegally from deportation. If the Trump administration cant win five votes, the 9th Circuit order would remain in effect.

The government needs to take its medicine and withdraw the current executive order, substituting with one that clearly exempts [green card holders] and previously admitted nonimmigrant visa holders like students and medical residents. Otherwise, the government is in a box, said Peter Margulies, who teaches immigration law at Roger Williams Law School in Rhode Island.

If the government appeals to the Supreme Court, Justice Anthony Kennedy would receive the request and probably ask for written briefs in the coming days.

The courts conservative justices would be likely to see merit in the governments claim that the law calls for deferring to the president on matters of immigration and national security.

The liberal justices would be likely to agree with the two states that sued the administration, Washington and Minnesota, that Trumps order was rash, disruptive and unfair to foreign travelers who were traveling legally into and out of the country.

If the White House chooses to fight on, justices could take action that would effectively yield the same outcome as Trump rescinding the order, with a a middle-ground ruling rather than an all-or-nothing decision.

The court could allow the ban to apply to thousands of foreigners who have obtained U.S. visas but have not yet used them, but not to green card holders, foreign students, doctors, technology company executives and tourists who were already living in the U.S. when the travel restrictions were announced.

Such a move could allow the high court to avoid a tie and a broader debate on the constitutionality of the ban.

Some immigration lawyers say a middle-ground ruling makes sense legally and practically.

This would provide a balanced remedy that would relieve the chaos, Margulies said. It would protect the visa holders who are here and want to travel outside the country. Its unfair to change the rules on them. But it would not apply to people who have never been admitted to this country.

I think its possible Justices [Stephen G.] Breyer or [Elena] Kagan might think a modified restraining order makes more sense, he said.

Temple University law professor Peter Spiro agreed that if the case reached the high court, the justices might move toward narrowing the order, noting that U.S. law gives more protection to people who are in this country, even if they were foreign citizens.

The courts have been generally deferential to the political branches when it comes to immigration, but they have been less deferential when it comes to noncitizens already present in the U.S., he said. So this makes sense, both politically and legally.

From the administrations perspective, a limited reinstatement would get them much of what its looking for: No new visas would be issued to nationals of the listed countries or to refugees.

Justice Department attorney August Flentje advocated for such an approach in the final minutes of his argument Tuesday before the appeals court panel. He called the temporary restraining order against the ban vastly over-broad.

But in its decision Thursday night, the three judges said courts were ill-equipped to make such distinctions.

Even if the [temporary restraining order] might be over-broad in some respects, it is not our role to try, in effect, to rewrite the executive order, the panel ruled.

michael.memoli@latimes.com

Twitter: @mikememoli

brian.bennett@latimes.com

Twitter: @bybrianbennett

david.savage@latimes.com

Twitter: @davidgsavage

ALSO:

Supreme Court may look for a middle ground on Trumps travel ban by shielding only certain travelers

See you in court, Trump tweets after 9th Circuit panel unanimously refuses to reinstate his travel ban

6 times when presidents besides Trump weighed in on court rulings

UPDATES:

3:55 p.m.: This story was updated with Trump saying hes considering a new travel ban.

This story was originally published at 12:05 p.m.
Every presidency hits a rough patch eventually, but few have slammed into the barriers quite as early or quite as hard as the Trump administration in its third week in office.

President Trump remains popular with the voters who elected him  although numerous polls show he has not gained ground with anyone else  and that support from his base will continue to be a major asset.

But a question now looms for the president and his top aides: Do they examine how what even allies say were flaws in their decision-making led them into trouble? Or does Trump respond to frustration by going on the attack?

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Good afternoon, Im David Lauter, Washington bureau chief. Welcome to the Friday edition of our Essential Politics newsletter, in which we look at the events of the week in Washington and elsewhere in national politics and highlight some particularly insightful stories.

MULTIPLE SETBACKS

The biggest, most dramatic reversal for Trump came from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which rejected his plea to put into effect his travel ban on visitors from seven mostly Muslim countries.

That fight may now move to the Supreme Court, where, as David Savage wrote, the justices might be inclined toward a compromise to avoid a 4-4 split.

Its also possible that Trump could rewrite his executive order, which was written by top aides Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon in great haste after minimal consultation with government experts. A rewrite could fix some of the biggest weaknesses the appeals court identified in its ruling, but it would implicitly concede that the initial process was flawed.

While the court fight absorbed most of the nations attention, the week brought other problems:

In a late-night telephone call on Thursday, Trump gave in to pressure from Beijing and reaffirmed the longstanding one-China policy that the Chinese regard as an essential part of relations between the two countries.

In December, Trump had said in an interview with Fox News that I dont know why we have to be bound by a one-China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade.

Shortly before his inauguration, he told the Wall Street Journal that everything is under negotiation, including one-China.

His promise to get tough on China has been a central element of Trumps claim that his experience as a businessman would allow him to get better deals for the U.S. than his predecessors achieved.

But Chinas president, Xi Jinping, rejected negotiations over one China, and Trump climbed down. If he gained anything in return, the White House statement was silent about it.

Trump has also backed away from his previous criticism of NATO, as Bill Hennigan reported.

The moves may reflect the influence of Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, both of whom have been trying to reassure allies about the new administrations plans.

OBAMACARE: MEND IT DONT END IT?

Trump also appeared to pull back this week from his insistence on the immediate repeal of Obamacare: During an interview with Foxs Bill OReilly, timed to coincide with the Super Bowl, Trump said that replacing President Obamas healthcare law would take longer than he had thought.

Maybe itll take til some time into next year, he said. Its statutorily  takes a while to get. Were going to be putting it in fairly soon, he continued.

I would like to say by the end of the year, at least the rudiments, but we should have something within the year and the following year.

In his campaign, Trump said he would move to repeal Obamacare on Day 1 of his administration. Instead, he signed an executive order that was long on rhetoric but short on specifics. Then, in his first week, he said the repeal would come very quickly, insisting Congress should act within weeks.

But Republicans are increasingly divided on how to proceed .

As Noam Levey reported, Republicans succeeded in confirming Trumps nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services, Tom Price, on a party-line vote early Friday morning, but they have yet to come up with a plan for repeal.

Many GOP lawmakers now talk about fixing Obamacare, not repealing it. That prospect threatens mutiny from the GOPs most ardent conservatives.

AT WAR WITH McCAIN

Overseas, the first military effort under the new administration  a Jan. 28 raid on an Al Qaeda base in Yemen  has increasingly come under criticism. The attack cost the life of one U.S. service member, killed several civilians and appears to have failed in at least some of its objectives.

As the operations problems became public this week, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the head of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned White House claims that the raid had been a huge success.

Trump fired back in a tweet saying McCain Only emboldens the enemy! Hes been losing so long he doesnt know how to win anymore.

The exchange deepened the rift between the White House and a senior Republican senator whose help the president eventually will need.

ALL TRUMPS TWEETS

Were compiling everything the president has tweeted since taking office.

Were also keeping a running list of major events in the Trump administration.

Both are great resources.

CALLING THE RUSSIANS

To add to Trumps troubles this week, the Washington Post reported that nine current and former government officials had confirmed that Trumps national security advisor, retired Gen. Michael Flynn, had discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with that countrys ambassador in the final weeks of Obamas tenure.

The FBI has been examining Flynns contacts with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, the Post and others have reported. At issue is whether he tried to undermine the Obama administrations toughening of sanctions against Moscow.

Flynns contacts with Kislyak may not have broken any laws; the relevant one, the Logan Act, which bars private citizens from interfering with U.S. diplomacy, is an 18th century statute that is periodically waved around as a threat, but has never been used for a prosecution.

But the Posts account flatly contradicts Flynns repeated public assertions that he had not discussed sanctions with the ambassador. On Thursday, a representative for Flynn backed away from those statements, telling the Post that while Flynn had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up.

Vice President Mike Pence had repeated Flynns flat denials in a television interview, and after the Post published its account, a White House official pointedly told the paper that Pence had made his statements based on what Flynn had told him.

THE PERILS OF OVERSELLING

As Noah Bierman reported, what can be a problem for Trump is the flip side of one of his strengths  his ability to reduce policy issues to a catchy, memorable phrase.

Trumps call for a Muslim ban has made his executive order suspect in the eyes of federal judges. His promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border has raised expectations hes not likely to meet. The same goes for his promise to immediately repeal Obamacare.

A related problem is his extreme sensitivity to criticism. That could be seen this week as Trumps Supreme Court nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, tried to carefully distance himself from some of the presidents statements, only to be undermined by Trumps tweets.

As Cathy Decker wrote, Trump has begun learning the hard way that his inability to curb his impulses can pose a threat to his own goals.

Meanwhile, as Lisa Mascaro reported, the partisan pressures that Trump has helped generate have continued to enflame proceedings in the Senate.

The latest example came as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell used a little-employed Senate rule to silence Sen. Elizabeth Warren during debate over Sen. Jeff Sessions nomination to be attorney general.

Sessions won his confirmation fight, but his problems dont get any easier, now that hes heading the Justice Department, Del Wilber reported.

McConnells move further raised Warrens profile as a leader of the opposition to Trump. Some Democrats think that was McConnells goal. Warren might be too liberal to win a national election, Republican strategists believe. Of course, Democratic strategists thought Trump couldnt win a national election, either.

GOP VERSUS CALIFORNIA

The new administration and the Republican Congress have made clear their opposition to many California policies. Now, as Evan Halper reported, they are moving quickly to bar a state effort to bolster retirement security for low-income people

In 2016, the Legislature passed a law under which low-income workers could be enrolled in state-sponsored, but privately managed, IRA accounts.

Many financial services firms oppose the idea, fearing competition from lower-fee accounts. Now the GOP plans to pass a measure that would forbid California and several other states from putting the plan into effect.

State Republicans have also asked the Trump administration to block federal money for Gov. Jerry Browns effort to build a high-speed rail link between Los Angeles and the Bay Area, as Ralph Vartabedian reported.

LOGISTICS

That wraps up this week. My colleague Sarah Wire will be back Monday with the weekday edition of Essential Politics. Until then, keep track of all the developments in national politics and the Trump administration with our Essential Washington blog, at our Politics page and on Twitter @latimespolitics.

Send your comments, suggestions and news tips to politics@latimes.com.

And if you like this newsletter, tell your friends to sign up.

David.lauter@latimes.com

@davidlauter
As the healthcare vote looms, Trump sees opposition from conservatives, both on Capitol Hill and in the media By Kurtis Lee Its a really important vote in President Trumps fledgling first term. Will House Republicans pass a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act  a promise from Trump on the campaign trail  or reject it? (House Speaker Paul D. Ryan rushed to the White House on Friday morning for a last-minute meeting with Trump as both attempted to corral enough votes.) Trump spent much of the week trying to win support from members of the Freedom Caucus, among the most conservative lawmakers, some of whom are holdouts because they believe the bill does not go far enough. After seven horrible years of ObamaCare (skyrocketing premiums & deductibles, bad healthcare), this is finally your chance for a great plan! Trump tweeted Friday. But even some in conservative media arent all that thrilled about the bill. Here are some of Fridays headlines: Polls: Ryancare even more unpopular than Obamacare and Hillarycare (Breitbart) So, its been clear in recent weeks that the right-wing website Breitbart does not like the new healthcare proposal. The news site has dubbed the current bill Obamacare-lite or Ryancare  an homage of sorts to Ryan, who helped craft the legislation  and argued it does not go far enough in its overhaul. Most conservatives want to repeal the Affordable Care Act, nicknamed Obamacare, they just differ on what the replacement should look like. For example, some on the far right want to see so-called essential health benefits, such as maternity and newborn care, stripped from the bill.) This piece highlights several of the dismal polls the legislation has received. Among them: A recent Fox News survey that showed 54% oppose the bill, compared with 34% who support it. The article also references an analysis of polling and data by FiveThirtyEight.com, which shows the GOP legislation is more unpopular than Obamacare and President Bill Clintons healthcare reform bill were when they were first introduced. A modest immigration proposal (Weekly Standard) Trumps recent immigration orders have left many immigrants on edge. Through social media and pop-up legal clinics, immigrant rights groups have doled out around-the-clock assistance, as families fear being separated. In this piece, Irwin Stelzer notes that at some point, our border will be secure, resistance to deporting felons will collapse, and we will have accepted the fact that Dreamers will be allowed to stay in this country, probably on a path to citizenship. He lays out his views of immigration reform, citing, among other things, setting an annual immigration limit and adopting a system that has the effect of enriching our citizens by filling that annual quota with immigrants who are likely to increase the well-being of the existing citizenry. Jeff Sessions is Rip Van Winkle on drug policy (American Conservative) Its clear from polls that most Republicans oppose marijuana legalization, while Democrats support it. However, libertarian-leaning Republicans often tend to support legalization. This piece highlights Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions recent comments in opposition to states legalizing pot. The attorney general regurgitates simplistic cliches right out of the 1970s and 1980s about marijuana use. I dont think America is going to be a better place when people of all ages, and particularly young people, are smoking pot, Sessions told reporters on February 26, the author, Ted Galen Carpenter, writes. He adds, Such comments confirm that critics may be right when they label him a drug war dinosaur. He seems either oblivious or scornful about the trend in public opinion regarding marijuana. Facebook

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FCC Chairman Pai wants to halt Internet privacy rules before they begin taking effect this week By Jim Puzzanghera (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) The nations new top telecommunications regulator wants to halt tough Internet privacy rules before they begin taking effect this week, arguing they would unfairly impose tougher requirements on broadband providers than on websites and social networks. Privacy advocates and a key Senate Democrat vowed Monday to fight the move as well as a separate effort in Congress to overturn the regulations, which were approved in October on a party-line vote by the Federal Communications Commission when it was controlled by Democrats under President Obama. Following President Trumps inauguration, control of the commission passed to Republicans and Ajit Pai took over as chairman. All actors in the online space should be subject to the same rules, and the federal government shouldnt favor one set of companies over another, a spokesman for Pai said Friday. Read More Facebook

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Trump says Hollywoods obsession with him led to best picture Oscar gaffe By Michael A. Memoli (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) President Trump is often loath to accept responsibility when things go wrong, but in the case of Sundays Oscars broadcast, he made an exception. As he explained it Monday, it was Hollywoods obsession with attacking him that contributed to the botched best picture announcement, calling the embarrassing episode sad, of course. Accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has apologized for the mix-up that led Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway to announce La La Land as the winner of the top Academy Award prize, instead of Moonlight. But in Trumps eyes, the blame falls more broadly on an entertainment industry so preoccupied with politics that they didnt get the act together, he told Breitbart News. It took away from the glamour of the Oscars, Trump told a reporter from the website, which was once led by his chief White House strategist, Stephen K. Bannon. It didnt feel like a very glamorous evening. Ive been to the Oscars. There was something very special missing, and then to end that way was sad, he added. The ceremony did contain a number of slights at Trump during its telecast, some more subtle than others. Host Jimmy Kimmel openly at one point begged the president to weigh in by tweeting at him. Trump spent part of Sunday night hosting a black-tie dinner at the White House honoring the nations governors, who were visiting Washington for their annual winter meeting. But it appears from excerpts of the Breitbart interview that he may have spent at least part of the evening watching. Facebook

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Justice Department shifts course in closely watched Texas voter ID case By Del Quentin Wilber The Trump administration has scaled back its assault on a strict Texas voter identification law that federal courts have ruled discriminated against minorities, portending a shift in how the Justice Department plans to pursue allegations of voter suppression. The government revealed its decision in court papers filed in federal court Monday, dealing a blow to civil rights advocates who have relied on federal support to help them knock down the controversial Texas statute. Its a very concerning signal to American voters about the Department of Justices commitment to enforcing the Voting Rights Act, said Danielle Lang, deputy director of the voting rights unit of the Campaign Legal Center, which is suing Texas in the case. The administrations partial retreat in the dispute highlights how Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, a conservative Republican who has championed voter identification measures, is expected to handle such cases. The Obama administration had joined civil rights groups in aggressively challenging the Texas law and other such measures around the country. At issue in the case was how the Justice Department would proceed in a federal lawsuit that alleged the Texas legislature discriminated against minority voters when it enacted the strict voter identification law in 2011. Known as SB 14, the measure requires voters to present a specific form of government-issued photo identification - such as a drivers license, military ID card, U.S. passport or citizenship certificate - to be permitted to cast a ballot. The Obama administration and civil rights groups argued the state pushed the law, in part, to suppress the power of the states minority voters, who frequently dont drive or have a passport. State officials and lawmakers countered that the law was aimed at preventing voter fraud, though there is scant evidence that the problem exists. The law was challenged in court by civil rights groups and the Justice Department under provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which was intended to help overcome legal barriers erected at the local and state level to keep African-Americans from the polls. Last July, a federal appeals court ruled that the Texas law had a discriminatory impact on minority voters. It told U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos to craft a temporary remedy in time for the November elections. Ramos subsequently ordered Texas to permit voters to present other forms of documentation to verify their identities. The judges order is expected to remain in force until she imposes a permanent remedy or Texas addresses the judges concerns. According to the court papers filed Monday, the Justice Department will continue to work with civil rights groups to address those issues but will seek to withdraw from another important aspect of the suit. In the same decision that found the Texas law had a discriminatory impact, the appeals court reversed Ramos finding that Texas legislators had intended to harm minority voters. It ordered Ramos to reconsider the evidence of that finding. If the judge determines discriminatory intent in crafting the voter ID requirements, she could throw out the entire law. Civil rights groups will continue to press that claim. In its court filing, the Justice Department asked Ramos to permit it to withdraw its claim that Texas acted with intent, arguing that it is best to give the Texas legislature time to address the matter. With the loss of their key ally in court, civil rights groups will argue on their own in an effort to prove that Texas acted with a discriminatory purpose in passing the law. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Voting advocates complained that the Trump administration was backing away from a key safeguard of voting rights. The Justice Department decision defies rationality and stands diametrically opposed to positions they have taken at every stage of this litigation, Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said in a statement. This reversal of position was taken despite years of work and effort that the government has invested in fighting the Texas Voter ID law, one of the most discriminatory voting restriction of its kind. Facebook

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House Intelligence Chair Devin Nunes warns against witch hunt over Trump-Russia ties By Sarah D. Wire House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) talks to reporters about his committees Russia investigation. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes said on Monday he has seen no evidence from the intelligence community that there was contact between Russia and the Trump campaign. I want to be very careful, we cant just go on a witch hunt against Americans because they appear in a news story, said Nunes (R-Tulare). We still dont have any evidence of them talking to Russia. He said the committee has been briefed on the highlights of what the intelligence community has found, but is still collecting evidence. The committees ranking Democrat, Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), quickly responded, saying the committees investigation is in its infancy and its too soon to reach conclusions about the evidence. We havent obtained any of the evidence yet, so its premature for us to be saying weve reached any conclusion about the issue of collusion, Schiff said. The most that weve had are private conversations, the chair and I with intelligence officials. Thats not a substitute for an investigation. The House and Senate Select Intelligence Committees are conducting separate investigations into Russias reported attempts to influence voters in 2016 in an effort to curtail Hillary Clintons chances and boost Donald Trumps. A leaked U.S. intelligence report on the attempts did not look at whether the effort succeeded. The House committee has expanded a previous ongoing investigation of Russia cyberhacking to include a look at efforts to interfere in the 2016 election, Nunes told reporters Monday. Though it is still in its early stages  the leaders of the committee are still discussing the investigations scope  Nunes said he expects the findings to be made public. Schiff and Nunes spoke separately to reporters Monday. Schiff said the two agreed privately that they would jointly address reporters about the investigation going forward. Nunes, who served as a member of Trumps transition team, said he continues to be concerned about leaks of classified and sensitive information from the White House and intelligence communities. The leaks  one of which resulted in a report about the FBI investigating Trump campaign officials  will be part of the committees investigation. A government cant function with massive leaks at the highest level, Nunes said. Facebook

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Appeals court denies Justice Department request to put appeal of travel ban on hold By Jaweed Kaleem (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied the

Justice Departments request to pause proceedings in an appeal of President Trumps travel ban. The court in a filing Monday said its schedule for the governments appeal of a lower courts halt on the travel ban will proceed, with the first brief due to the appeals court on March 10. In early February, the Justice Department appealed a Seattle-based federal district judges order blocking enforcement of Trumps executive action. which established a series of immigration and refugee restrictions aimed at preventing potential terrorists from entering the country. Last week, government lawyers asked the appeals court to stop proceedings in the case because the president planned to issue a new executive order and rescind the original one. A three-judge panel of the court previously denied a request from the government to reverse a nationwide stay on the travel ban. The same panel on Monday ruled that the appeal will proceed. Trump has said he will sign a new executive order tailored to deal with court decisions that have largely gone against him. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said he expected the order to be issued mid-week. Spicer has said Trump wants to fight for the current order while also issuing a new one, but the Justice Department has said in multiple court filings that the the current order will be undone after a new one is issued. The states of Washington and Minnesota, which brought the case in Seattle now under review, have pushed for courts to move forward on a review of the constitutional issues. Facebook

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No random ICE stops on streets of America, Homeland Security chief tells governor By Lisa Mascaro Gov holds closing media briefing on Capitol Hill to wrap up @NatlGovsAssoc Winter Meeting. pic.twitter.com/3mZMBA4S0o  Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) February 27, 2017 President Trump received some unsolicited advice at dinner with the nations governors when Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe told him he needs to do a better job explaining his policies regarding deportations. McAuliffe, a Democrat and chairman of the National Governors Assn., told the president that there has been a chilling effect going on as businesses stay away from his state and as immigrants fear being rounded up. If theyre not going to be deported, we need to hear that from the president, McAuliffe said, recounting his conversation from the governors Sunday night dinner with Trump. What I told the president is these actions are hurting us. McAuliffe, a longtime ally of Hillary Clinton, said Trump agreed in large part. McAuliffe also met privately with Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly, and said the secretary assured him during an hourlong talk that Trumps enforcement actions were only targeting criminals -- despite widespread reports of otherwise law-abiding immigrants being detained for being in the U.S. illegally. He assured me there will be no random ICE stops on the streets of the United States of America, McAuliffe said, referring to the raids being conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. If thats the case, McAuliffe said, Trumps policy does not sound much different than the operations under former President Obama, whose administration deported more immigrants than its predecessors. Obama, however, explicitly put a priority on deportations of criminals, a distinction the Trump administration has done away with as part of the presidents executive action. My advice to him was he needs to let the American public know what theyre doing, McAuliffe said. Facebook

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Trump: I havent called Russia in 10 years By Brian Bennett President Trump rejected calls for an independent investigation of his ties to Russia, telling a group of business leaders Monday that he hasnt called Russia in a decade. At the start of a White House meeting with healthcare executives, a reporter asked Trump whether a special prosecutor should be assigned to investigate allegations of Russian meddling during the election. In response, Trump mouthed the word no to the executives. As reporters were led out of the room, Trump said: I havent called Russia in 10 years. Democratic lawmakers have ramped up their calls for additional investigations into allegations that Trump allies had been in contact with Russian officials during the election and inappropriately discussed U.S. sanctions against the Moscow regime during the transition. White House officials have denied reports that Trump associates were frequently in touch with senior Russian intelligence officials during the election. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded last year that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had authorized an operation to damage Hillary Clintons campaign and tilt the 2016 election in Trumps favor. Facebook

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Trump: Nobody knew that healthcare could be so complicated By Michael A. Memoli View Twitter post President Trump promised the nations governors Monday that his yet-to-be-revealed replacement plan for the Affordable Care Act would give states greater flexibility and thanked some Republicans in the room who advised him on healthcare. Its an unbelievably complex subject, he said. Nobody knew that healthcare could be so complicated. The remark likely surprised state leaders; spending on Medicaid alone was the second-biggest driver of increased state general fund spending, according to the 2016 Fiscal Survey of States conducted by the National Assn. of State Budget Officers. And it was just eight years ago that Washington dove head-first into a raging debate over healthcare reform under President Obama, which simmered long after his signature health law was enacted. But the finer points of healthcare policy are likely new to Trump, who is immersed in discussions with Republican leaders and his senior staff on that and other subjects ahead of his high-profile address Tuesday to a joint session of Congress. Trump offered no hint as to the details. Republicans have vowed to repeal and replace Obamacare, but their effort has stalled as they debate how to do so and await word from the White House on what Trump wants to do. The president seemed keenly aware of the political ramifications of whatever steps he takes. As soon as we touch it, if we do the most minute thing, just a tiny little change, whats going to happen? Theyre going to say its the Republicans problem, Trump said after telling the governors the easiest thing for him to do would be nothing, and, in his view, watch Obamacare collapse. But we have to do whats right because Obamacare is a failed disaster. Facebook

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Trump wants to add $54 billion to defense budget while slashing domestic spending and foreign aid By Brian Bennett President Trump is proposing a massive increase in defense spending of $54 billion while cutting domestic spending and foreign aid by the same amount, the White House said Monday. Trumps spending blueprint previewed a major address that he will give Tuesday night to a joint session of Congress, laying out his vision for what he called a public safety and national security budget with a nearly 10% increase in defense spending. We never win a war. We never win. And we dont fight to win. We dont fight to win, Trump said Monday in remarks to the nations governors. So we either got to win or dont fight it at all. Trump noted that the U.S. has spent nearly $6 trillion on fighting wars since the Sept. 11 attacks but said that cutting military spending was not the answer. Instead, the increase he is proposing would be offset by cuts to unspecified domestic programs and to foreign aid, which would in turn be made up for in part by demanding that other countries pay more for security alliances that have historically been underwritten by the U.S. This budget expects the rest of the world to step up in some of the programs that this country has been so generous in funding in the past, an official from the Office of Management and Budget said, demanding anonymity to discuss the presidents spending plans. Foreign aid makes up about 1% of the budget. This budget speaks for itself, the official said. I dont think this budget has anything to do other than putting Americans first. Trumps call for deep cuts to spending at home is likely to set up major battles on Capitol Hill, where Democrats and even House Republicans will likely be reluctant to pass a spending bill that includes such major reductions in programs for their constituents. Facebook

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Trump says businesses cant borrow because of Dodd-Frank. The numbers tell another story By Jim Puzzanghera President Trump was preparing the first step in a key campaign promise  dismantling the 2010 DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act  when he repeated a frequent criticism of the law. We expect to be cutting a lot out of Dodd-Frank because, frankly, I have so many people, friends of mine that had nice businesses, they cant borrow money, Trump told leading corporate chief executives, including Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Larry Fink of money management giant BlackRock Inc., meeting at the White House earlier this month They just cant get any money because the banks just wont let them borrow it because of the rules and regulations in Dodd-Frank, Trump said. Shortly afterward, he ordered a wholesale review of the landmark act, which was passed in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. But a main reason for dismantling Dodd-Frank often cited by Trump and critics of the law  that its slew of tougher financial regulations have significantly restricted bank lending  isnt borne out by the data. Read More Facebook

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Another Trump nominee withdraws nomination to top national security post due to business interests By W.J. Hennigan Philip M. Bilden, President Trumps pick for Navy secretary, withdrew from consideration late Sunday, becoming the second White House nominee to bail on a top Pentagon position due to problems untangling his financial investments. After an extensive review process, I have determined that I will not be able to satisfy the Office of Government Ethics requirements without undue disruption and materially adverse divestment of my familys private financial interests, Bilden said in a statement. He did not detail the issues but he said he fully supported the presidents agenda  to modernize and rebuild our Navy and Marine Corps. Bildens withdrawal comes after billionaire investor Vincent Viola dropped out from becoming Army secretary after he decided his extensive financial holdings would hamper his ability to win Senate confirmation. The White House shot down reports that surfaced two weeks ago that Bilden was considering stepping down. Just spoke with him and he is 100% commited [sic] to being the next SECNAV pending Senate confirm, White House spokesman Sean Spicer tweeted on Feb. 18. Bilden, a venture capitalist and Army veteran, was a surprise selection from Trump but had the backing of Defense Secretary James N. Mattis. This was a personal decision driven by privacy concerns and significant challenges he faced in separating himself from his business interests, Mattis said in a statement. While I am disappointed, I understand and his respect his decision, and know that he will continue to support our nation in other ways. Bilden served ten years in the U.S. Army Reserve as a military intelligence officer from 1986 to 1996. He then co-founded private equity firm HarbourVest Partners LLC and spent 25 years there, mainly in the companys Hong Kong headquarters. He also serves on the board of directors of the United States Naval Academy Foundation and the board of trustees of the Naval War College Foundation. Mattis said he intends on recommending a replacement nominee to Trump in the coming days. The withdrawal marks another setback for Trumps national security team, which has struggled to find its footing since the fledgling administration began. Earlier this month, National Security Advisor Michael Flynn was forced to resign after it became public that he held secret talks with a Russian ambassador and then misled Vice President Mike Pence about it. Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster took the job last week after Trumps first choice to replace Flynn, retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Harward, passed on the opportunity. Facebook

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New DNC chairman Tom Perez ridicules Trump tweet over rigged vote By Laura King Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez was chosen to lead the Democratic Party over a congressman backed by the progressive wing. (Branden Camp / Associated Press) President Trump claimed Sunday that the race for Democratic National Committee chairman had been rigged -- drawing a quick riposte from Tom Perez, who narrowly won the partys leadership race. Trump insinuated that Perezs DNC victory on the second ballot at a party conference in Atlanta on Saturday was because Hillary Clinton had backed Perez, a former Labor secretary in the Obama administration who was seen as representing the partys establishment forces. Clinton did not make a formal endorsement, but Perezs rival, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, was backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and the partys more liberal wing. Bernies guy, like Bernie himself, never had a chance, Trump tweeted early Sunday morning. Clinton demanded Perez! Perez, appearing on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, told host Jake Tapper that he and Ellison got a good kick out of that, adding: Donald Trump, up in the morning tweeting about us. Sanders, appearing on the same show, said Trump doesnt have a point about the DNC vote. Moments after Perez beat Ellison by 35 votes out of 435 cast, he named Ellison as the deputy chairman of the party, leading to widespread applause. Perez is the first Latino to lead the Democratic Party, and he faces the challenge of trying to rebuild a party that suffered devastating losses in the 2016 election. Republicans now control not only the White House and Congress, but 33 governorships and dozens of state legislatures. In his CNN interview, Perez sarcastically suggested that Trump should address questions about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign rather than concerning himself with the DNC leadership battle. Frankly, what we need to be looking at is whether this election was rigged by Donald Trump and his buddy Vladimir Putin, he said. Facebook

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White House again bats away call for special prosecutor on Russia By Laura King A White House spokeswoman said Sunday that it was too soon to say whether a special prosecutor should look into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign, while President Trump again inveighed against coverage of Russia-related queries as FAKE NEWS. Calls have grown louder from Democrats in Congress for U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from the issue because of his role as a prominent Trump supporter during the campaign, and to appoint an independent special prosecutor to carry out a Russia probe. A few Republicans have joined in that chorus  some reluctantly. Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista, appearing on HBOs Real Time with Bill Maher, voiced support Friday for naming of a special prosecutor to probe the Russian connection, though he also said congressional intelligence committees should continue their work. He also said he considered Sessions a friend, but pointed to his role as a political appointee who had worked on the Trump campaign. Issa, who narrowly won reelection, was a vociferous critic of the Obama administration during his former tenure as head of the House Oversight Committee. In that post, he spearheaded an array of investigations on topics from Benghazi to bank bailouts. Some Republicans pushed back against the notion of Sessions needing to recuse himself. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said on NBCs Meet the Press that he had seen no credible information about contacts between the Trump campaign and Russians  and no allegations that rose to the level of criminal activity. If we get down that road, thats a decision that Attorney General Sessions can make at the time, said Cotton, who is a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russian intelligence agencies hacked Democratic Party computers and used other tactics last year to interfere with the election. The FBI is separately investigating whether anyone on Trumps campaign had improper contacts with Russian authorities during the campaign. On Sunday, White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said congressional investigations on Russia and the campaign should be allowed to go forward before a special prosecutor appointment was considered. I dont think were there yet, Sanders said on ABCs This Week. Lets work through this process. Echoing the previously stated White House stance, Sanders said the Trump campaign had not colluded in any Russian meddling. We had no involvement in this, she said. The president is known to keep a close eye on surrogates performances on the talk shows, and Sanders repeated a prime administration talking point: that questions about possible Trump campaign contacts with Russia amounted to Democratic excuses for losing the election. If Democrats want to continue to relive their loss every single day, by doing an investigation or review after review, thats fine by us, she said. We know why we won this race. Its because we had the better candidate with the better message. Trump himself underscored that notion with an afternoon tweet denouncing media coverage of the ongoing Russia investigations as FAKE NEWS put out by the Dems, and played up by the media, in order to mask the big election defeat and the illegal leaks! Facebook

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Whose news is fake? Heres the latest in Trumps war with the press By Kurtis Lee Every president since 1981 has attended the annual White House Correspondents Assn. dinner. That year, President Reagan missed out. The reason? He needed to recover after a would-be assassin fired a bullet into his chest a few weeks earlier. On Saturday, President Trump announced he will not be attending the annual dinner in April, long considered the premier social event of the Washington press corps and typically an evening of good-natured bantering between presidents and the Fourth Estate. Trumps announcement added to the ratcheting tensions between his administration and the media. Almost daily, in speeches or on Twitter, he calls particular news outlets fake, disgusting or dishonest  and news organizations have responded by digging in, standing united and devoting more resources to covering a president who has branded the press the enemy. Read More Facebook

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Crucial group of Americans like Trumps stands, not him, poll finds By David Lauter Trump still gets dismal ratings on temperament but is above water on economy, decision-making, promises of change. pic.twitter.com/Md0H096n9m  Carrie Dann (@CarrieNBCNews) February 26, 2017 With the public deeply split in its views of President Trump, one potentially key group stands out -- those who dislike the man, but approve of the direction in which hes moving. Thats a central finding of a new nationwide survey by NBC News and the Wall St. Journal. The new poll confirms what other major surveys have shown: Trump starts his administration with less support than any president in the seven decades of presidential polling. Asked if they approve or disapprove of the job Trump is doing, 44% approve, 48% disapprove. No previous president has begun his tenure with a net negative job approval. Trump has held onto the support of his ardent backers. At the other end of the spectrum, he gets almost no approval from Democrats. In the middle, the poll found, are many Americans -- just over a third of those polled -- who either voted for Trump with reservations, voted for a third party candidate or did not vote at all in 2016. Just over half of that group gives Trump positive marks, the poll found. Their support is enough, currently, to keep Trumps standing from collapsing, and holding them is likely key to his future. Just under one third of Americans say they like Trump and approve of his policies, the poll found. Another one in six approve of most of his policies even though they dislike him. Well over half, 59%, said they did not like him personally. On a separate question, only 43% of those surveyed have a positive view of Trump -- up from the low points of the campaign, but still far below the standing of most new presidents. By contrast, 86% agreed with one of the central lines of Trumps inaugural speech, that government insiders had reaped the rewards of government, while the people have borne the cost. On other issues, the public is more closely divided. The public splits evenly, for example, on Trumps proposed temporary ban on travel from seven mostly Muslim countries. Just over half of those surveyed, 52%, said that the problems Trump has encountered in his first month were unique to this administration and suggest real problems; 43% said they were growing pains similar to those other administrations have had. And by 51%-41%, the public thinks the press has been too hard on the new administration. The NBC/WSJ poll, run by a bipartisan team of two polling firms, was taken by phone, using cell phones and landlines, Feb. 18-22 among 1,000 American adults. It has a margin of error for the full sample of 3.1 percentage points in either direction. Facebook

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Trump appears to think Perez at head of Democratic National Committee is good news for Republicans By Evan Halper Congratulations to Thomas Perez, who has just been named Chairman of the DNC. I could not be happier for him, or for the Republican Party!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2017 The Democratic Party put its faith in its old guard Saturday to guide it out of the political wilderness, choosing as its new leader an Obama-era Cabinet secretary over the charismatic congressman backed by the progressive wing of the party. Tom Perez, a former secretary of Labor with strong ties to unions, persuaded the spirited assembly of party delegates in Atlanta that he can best help harness a grass-roots outpouring of anti-Trump protest and anger into a Democratic resurgence at the ballot box. Read More Facebook

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Trump to Washington reporters: Not going to your dinner By Kurtis Lee I will not be attending the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner this year. Please wish everyone well and have a great evening!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2017 The annual White House Correspondents Assn. dinner will be missing a key guest this year: President Trump. On Saturday, Trump tweeted he will not attend the April 29 dinner, considered the premier social event of the Washington press corps -- and typically an evening of good-natured bantering between presidents and reporters with a mix of celebrities watching. His announcement comes amid growing tensions between his administration and the media. Trump has decried stories he doesnt like as fake news, and described unnamed news groups as an enemy of the people. A day earlier, the White House barred reporters from several major news organizations, including the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, CNN and Politico, from attending an off-camera press briefing. In a sign of the growing rift, several media organizations that traditionally sponsor lavish parties around the black-tie dinner had announced they would not do so this year. At the annual dinner, the president usually delivers self-deprecating jokes and often is roasted by a high-profile comedian. The president also greets students who win journalism scholarships and awards, a major part of the evening. Trump has been a frequent guest of media organizations at the dinner in the past, but he always sat at a table in the crowded ballroom, not up at the front dias. President Obama singled Trump out during the dinner several years ago, mocking Trump for raising doubts about whether Obama was born in the United States. This year, as we do every year, we will celebrate the First Amendment and the role an independent press plays in a healthy republic, the White House Correspondents Assn. said in a statement earlier this month about the upcoming dinner. Facebook

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Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez named Democratic Party leader By Evan Halper Newly elected Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez (Branden Camp/Associated Press) The Democratic Party put its faith in its old guard Saturday to guide it out of the political wilderness, choosing as its new leader an Obama-era Cabinet secretary over the charismatic congressman backed by the progressive wing of the party. Tom Perez, a former secretary of Labor with strong ties to labor unions, persuaded the spirited assembly of party delegates in Atlanta that he can best help harness a grass-roots outpouring of anti-Trump protest and anger into a Democratic resurgence at the ballot box. We are suffering from a crisis of confidence, a crisis of relevance, Perez told delegates before they chose him in a down-to-the-wire contest with Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, whom the Bernie Sanders wing of the party had rallied round. We need a chair who can not only take the fight to Donald Trump.  We also need a chair who can lead a turnaround and change the culture of the Democratic Party, Perez said. The ascendance of an establishment liberal is certain to renew tension between veteran party stalwarts and the unruly progressive movement aligned with Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, both of whom backed Ellison. Some Ellison supporters erupted in protest as the final vote was announced. Perez quickly sought to unite the party by naming Ellison his deputy chair, a move unanimously approved by the 435 assembled delegates, who had supported Perez 235-200. Read More Facebook

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Trump chastises media for not reporting minor dip in national debt By Del Quentin Wilber President Trump took to Twitter on Saturday morning to blast the news media for not highlighting a minor dip in the national debt. The media has not reported that the National Debt in my first month went down by $12 billion vs a $200 billion increase in Obama first mo., he tweeted at 8:19 a.m. The media has not reported that the National Debt in my first month went down by $12 billion vs a $200 billion increase in Obama first mo.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2017 Trumps tweet came shortly after Herman Cain, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, made a similar comment on Fox News. While the numbers are accurate, Trumps tweet suggests he deserves credit for something that is largely beyond his control, especially since he hasnt yet given Congress any proposals to change tax laws or the financial industry. Considering that Trump hasnt enacted any fiscal legislation, its a bit of a stretch for him to take credit for any changes in debt levels, Dan Mitchell, a libertarian economist at the Cato Institute, told the fact-checking website Politifact. President Obamas first month in office in 2009 was largely taken up with spending bills aimed at easing the massive recession that he had inherited. Trump inherited an economy with low inflation, low unemployment and a booming stock market. The national debt, which stands at just under $20 trillion, is expected to rise by more than $500 billion in the fiscal year ending in September. Facebook

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Mexico rejects U.S. plan to deport Central Americans to Mexico By Patrick J. McDonnell Mexico has informed the Trump administration that it cannot accept non-Mexican nationals whom U.S. authorities arrest along the border and seek to remove from U.S. territory, the nations internal security chief said Friday. Earlier this week, the Trump administration rolled out a broad immigration crackdown that included a proposal to send non-Mexican detainees apprehended along the U.S.-Mexico border back to Mexico while their immigration cases were pending in the United States. The vast majority of non-Mexican nationals detained along the U.S.-Mexico border are Central Americans. They often travel overland through Mexico to reach the United States. In a fact sheet released Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security said that releasing detained, third-country nationals to the foreign contiguous territory from which they arrived would save on detention and adjudication resources. The idea would be to keep them out pending their hearings on deportation, the fact sheet said. However, Mexican authorities have reacted coolly from the outset to the notion. Now, they appear to have formally nixed the idea. On Friday, Mexicos interior secretary, Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, told a radio interviewer than Mexican authorities had informed a pair of visiting U.S. Cabinet officers  Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly  that Mexico could not oblige the U.S. request. We told them that our legal framework doesnt allow this, Osorio Chong told Radio Formula, referring to the visit this week of the two Trump Cabinet officials.  We told them it is impossible. There is no way, legally, nor is there capacity. In recent years, non-Mexicans, mostly Central Americans, have become a larger proportion of illegal immigrants apprehended along the Southwest border as the relative number of Mexican nationals has declined. In fiscal year 2016, according to U.S. Border Patrol statistics, agents recorded apprehensions of almost 191,000 undocumented Mexican citizens along the Southwest frontier. In the same fiscal year, the Border Patrol said it registered 218,000 detentions of non-Mexican nationals, most of them Central Americans. Cecilia Sanchez of The Times Mexico City bureau contributed to this report. An earlier version of this blog post misspelled Miguel Angel Osorio Chongs name as Osorio Chung. Facebook

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Trump blasts FBI over Russia leaks after a brief Twitter hiatus By Kurtis Lee (Alex Wong / Getty Images ) After several days of relative silence on Twitter, President Trumps feed came alive Friday with a direct attack on the FBI. Yes, hes done this before. But recent news reports that suggest his administration pressed the FBI to quell claims that members of his campaign had contact with Russians throughout the 2016 election appear to have inspired a response. The FBI is totally unable to stop the national security leakers that have permeated our government for a long time, he tweeted. And conservative news was all over it. Here are some of todays headlines: Trump blasts FBI leakers (Fox News) Trump has assailed everyone from Democrats to intelligence officials for the leaks  which he often refers to as fake news  about his ties to Russia. Reports from several news outlets this week, citing anonymous sources, claim Trumps chief of staff, Reince Priebus, asked FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe to publicly dispute media reports that Trumps campaign advisors frequently were in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election. While some reports made it appear Priebus had contacted McCabe, this piece disputes that. Fox News has learned that McCabe indeed had initiated the conversation, asking to speak with Priebus for a few minutes at the end of an intelligence meeting last week, their article reports. Ed Schultz at CPAC: Trump promised Americas heartland a deal (Daily Caller) He was once among the top liberal voices in the country. Now, Ed Schultz, the former MSNBC anchor, is speaking glowingly about President Trump. Between covering high-profile speeches at the Conservative Political Action Conference from Trump and his aides, the Daily Caller popped into a panel at which Schultz provided commentary. Shultz, who now works with the Russian government-funded RT television network, blasted the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, asserting that Trumps claim that it would cost U.S. jobs was a game changer in the 2016 election. Trump went into Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin and he took down the progressive firewall, because he talked to the American people about a deal, Schultz said. It was a Wall Street deal, it was not a Main Street deal, he said, referring to the TPP. Trump is about blowing up Washington as it exists (Rush Limbaugh) Remember when Trump talked about draining the swamp? Since he entered the White House, some conservatives have wondered if Trump means business. Many members of his cabinet  including Priebus and Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions  are the ultimate Washington insiders. Still, Rush Limbaugh, one of the firebrand conservatives out there, is certain the president will blow up traditional Washington. Whats Trumps No. 1 obstacle? I have concluded that the media is the No. 1 obstacle because of the success they have, he said on his radio show this week. The people in Washington, media is every bit as big a part of the establishment as anybody else is. He added: The media is creating this narrative, if you will, and this picture  this series of pictures, this overall image  that Trump is stalled, that everybodys opposing him, that his agenda is backlogged. Facebook

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After Trump calls media an enemy of the people, White House bars many news outlets from briefing By Noah Bierman Fridays White House press briefing, normally an on-camera affair open to all reporters with press credentials, was turned into an exclusive event for certain outlets hand-picked by the administration. The action came after President Trump on Friday described the media and what he terms fake news as the enemy of the people."On the list were Trump-friendly outlets such as Breitbart News, the Washington Times and OANN, a conservative television network that employs former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski as a commentator. Off the list were some of Trumps favorite targets, including the New York Times and CNN. The Los Angeles Times was also excluded. The off-camera briefing with Sean Spicer, the press secretary, was not solely for conservative outlets. Several mainstream reporters were also allowed in, including the three major broadcast networks and wire services, such as Bloomberg News. Also allowed in were pool representatives who transmit news events to a far larger group of reporters. The Associated Press and Time magazine were also invited but declined to participate in solidarity with other news organizations that were denied entry. The White House Correspondents Assn. protested, as did editors at several of the organizations that were excluded. In a statement, Times editor Davan Maharaj said that it was unfortunate that the Los Angeles Times has been excluded from a White House press briefing today. The public has a right to know, and that means being informed by a variety of news sources, not just those filtered by the White House press office in hopes of getting friendly coverage, Maharaj said. Regardless of access, The Times will continue to report on the Trump administration without fear or favor, he added. 12:30 p.m.: This post was updated with a statement from Times editor Davan Maharaj. Facebook

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Its a Russian flag! Trickster strikes CPAC before Trumps speech By Matt Pearce Crowd at CPAC waving these little pro-Trump flags that look exactly like the Russian flag. Staffers quickly come around to confiscate them. pic.twitter.com/YhPpkwFCNc  Peter Hamby (@PeterHamby) February 24, 2017 As the crowd waited to hear President Trump speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference, little red-white-and-blue flags appeared without warning, handed down the aisles by a man with a green bag, according to a witness. The flags said Trump. They also happened to be the flag of the Russian Federation. He was dressed like any one of us, said Tyler Dever, 20, a student at the University of South Florida in Tampa, who was wearing a suit. He passed them to me and was like, Pass them down, pass them down.  Dever, caught up in the moment, passed them down, before someone sitting next to him said, Oh, its a Russian flag! CPAC staff quickly recollected the flags. If it was just a red-white-and-blue flag, I would have picked it out, Dever said. He said it was his first time attending an event like CPAC and was surprised to see a provocateur in the audience, especially beyond the cordon set up by the Secret Service. Someone tried to victimize me, Dever said. You have Secret Service out here, and Id expect it to be fully screened. ... Thank God someone noticed. Facebook

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Trump still loves the USC/L.A. Times poll: What it got right and what it got wrong By David Lauter Throughout the fall campaign, then-candidate Donald Trump and his allies loved the USC/L.A. Times Daybreak poll -- the only major survey that consistently showed him winning. A couple polls got it right. I must say Los Angeles Times did a great job, shocking because, you know, they did a great job, Trump declared in his speech this morning at CPAC, the annual gathering of conservative activists. But did the poll get it right? In the simplest terms, no, and after considerble analysis, we know why. Read More Facebook

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A celebration, and wake, for a campaign legend and a Republican Party that is no more By Mark Z. Barabak (Steve Lopez/Los Angeles Times) It was a cool and rainy day when elders of the Republican tribe recently gathered to honor one of their own. The honoree, Stuart K. Spencer, was unmistakable in his white duck pants and a lime-green sport coat so bright it almost hurt to see. A reformed chain-smoker, he snapped merrily away on a wad of chewing gum. The event marked Spencers 90th birthday, but the mood beneath the surface conviviality was unsettled and gray, like the clouds fringing the mountains outside. If the occasion was intended as a personal celebration, it also had the feel of a wake for a time in politics long passed. Along with former Vice President Dick Cheney and former California Gov. Pete Wilson, veterans of the Reagan years turned out in force. It was Spencer, more than anyone, who took a political long shot and washed-up B-movie actor and helped transform him into the Reagan of legend. Read More Facebook

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CPACs reaction to President Trumps speech: Two thumbs up By Matt Pearce Supporters cheer President Trump as he speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md., on Friday. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump loves CPAC, and CPAC loves Trump. As hundreds of Conservative Political Action Conference attendees spilled out into the hallways Friday after Trumps speech to the group, they had glowing reviews of the man who has been tormenting Democrats and the media and transforming the Republican Party. It was fantastic, unbelievable, absolute truth, said Shia L. Lome, 84, a retired Air Force colonel from Deerfield Beach, Fla., appraising Trumps remarks. If he carries through [his promises], this will be the greatest country ever. Lome added that there is no question about it, Trump is his own type of Republican. Whether its conservative or whatever you want to call it, Lome said he is happy as long as [Trump] causes the Democrats heartaches. Kayne Robinson, 73, a former chairman of the Iowa Republican Party, said Trump was simply taking the party in the direction that people want it to go. I think the party is every bit as united behind him as it was behind either of the Bushes, Robinson said. Trump led a revolution in the party, very much like Reagan. ... I think Trump is doing just fine. Frank March, a 50-year-old Army retiree from Fairfax County, Va., emerged from the ballroom at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center wearing a red Make America Great Again cap, which carried Trumps jagged signature on the bill. Marchs daughter had gotten the hat signed when she previously met Trump, and he proudly showed off photos of that event. I recognize the signature! a woman exclaimed as she saw the hat. March praised Trumps follow-through and his commitment to workers as incredible. Hes bringing in new people to the party, March said. The hope is, by his follow-through, doing what he said he was going to do, then the non-Republicans who voted for Trump will stick. Helping workers will be one of the ways Trump can make that happen, he said. In politics, youre supposed to help people, March said. Workers are the people. Theyre people who earn money to take care of their families. Republicans should support those people because theyre the ones who make America run. Facebook

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Donald Trump shows up at conservatives most prominent gathering and defines a new GOP By Noah Bierman  President Trump shows up at conservatives most prominent gathering and defines a new GOP. President Trump made one of his strongest pitches Friday to unite the Republican Party and the conservative movement behind a nationalist, anti-globalist ideology that until recently would have been unthinkable for many Republicans. There is no such thing as a global anthem, a global currency or a global flag, Trump said to great applause from thousands of conservatives. Im not representing the globe. Im representing your country. He echoed ideas he has espoused in the past -- denouncing trade deals as the antithesis of economic freedom, warning that the great cities of Europe have been ruined by mass immigration, denouncing intervention in the Middle East by both parties. But while many of the words were familiar, the venue and the passion made Fridays speech remarkable. The comments came at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, just outside of Washington, D.C., the most prominent gathering of right-leaning groups and activists in the country. Such a speech would have been shocking from a conservative, much less the president, at almost any other time in the conferences history. Trump has been popular at CPAC in the past. He credits a speech there with launching his political career. But he snubbed last years event amid a heated primary in which many conservatives rejected his tone and the direction he was trying to move the GOP. I would have come last year, but I was worried that I would be at that time too controversial, Trump said in his speech, which lasted nearly an hour. Trump, the first president since Ronald Reagan to address the group during his first year in office, made clear that he is moving those once controversial ideas to the movements center. In addition to his usual critiques of the media and frequent references to his electoral success, Trump spoke directly of his ambition for reshaping the Republican Party to attract blue-collar voters, the forgotten men and women who helped propel his electoral victory. Im here today to tell you what this movement means for the future of the Republican Party and for the future of America, Trump said. The core conviction of our movement is that we are a nation that [must] put and will put its own citizens first. Later, he added that the GOP will be from now on also the party of the American worker. While Trump tried to unite conservatives, the speech made little effort to bridge the countrys larger political divide. For example, Trump dismissed people who have shown up at town halls around the country to protest reversal of Obamacare. Theyre not you, he said. Theyre the side that lost. Facebook

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Justice Department rescinds order phasing out use of private prisons By Del Quentin Wilber Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions has jettisoned an Obama administration order to phase out the use of private prisons to hold federal inmates. The new order reverses one issued by former Deputy Atty. Gen. Sally Yates in August that sought to eliminate the departments use of private for-profit prisons, which hold just over 10% of the current prison population. The Obama administration order changed long-standing policy and practice, and impaired the bureaus ability to meet the future needs of the federal correctional system, Sessions wrote Thursday to announce the reversal. Civil rights and prisoner rights groups decried the Sessions decision, saying private prisons are not as cost-effective or as safe as government-run facilities, citing numerous abuses in the past. The Bureau of Prisons houses about 21,000 of its 190,000 inmates in a dozen private prisons, including one near Bakersfield. Atty. Gen. Sessions has shown that he is not taking the mass incarceration crisis seriously, said Wade Henderson, who heads the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Continuing to rely on private prisons for federal inmates is neither humane nor budget conscious, Henderson added. We need a justice system that can work better for all people. Yates order did not affect facilities used to detain people in the country illegally. The use of private prisons is expected to surge under President Trumps promised crackdown on illegal immigration. Trump has signed an executive order calling for expansion of immigrant detention facilities and authorized the use of private contractors to construct, operate, or control facilities. Stocks in private prison companies have jumped on Wall Street since Trump won the presidential election, and they continued their rise on news of Sessions order. Facebook

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CPAC and conservative media prepare for Trump By Kurtis Lee The future path of the Republican Party is being debated in the halls of the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland this week. Will it be the party of Donald Trump, an outsider of the GOP establishment, or House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, the definition of establishment? Or, perhaps, of Richard Spencer, a white nationalist leader of the so-called alt-right movement? (Spencer was kicked out of CPAC on Thursday.) Trump is set to address the conference on Friday, and the conservative media are ready for the much-anticipated address. Tomorrow it will be TPAC when hes here, Kellyanne Conway, a senior advisor to Trump told reporters Thursday. Here are some of todays headlines: Go Big, Go Bold: Walker, at CPAC, pushes GOP to carry out agenda as party controls Congress, White House (Fox News) Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, once a Trump foe, is urging conservatives to use the November election as a mandate. Do what you said you were going to do, Walker said to attendees. In the Fox News piece, which leads its website, it notes that leaders at the conference are hoping to use it to strategize about what they can accomplish and to better articulate their values at a time when the very definition of conservatism has seemed to waver. Sweden Democrats: Trump was right (Fox News) Remember last weekend when everyone  including many Swedish politicians  were really confused about Trumps comments at a recent rally? You look at whats happening last night in Sweden, Trump, at a rally in Florida on Saturday, said about the Scandinavian country that has accepted large numbers of refugees. Sweden. They took in large numbers. Theyre having problems like they never thought possible. Actually, not much happened in Sweden on Friday night. Trump said later that he had been referring to a broadcast on Fox News on that night. Still, recent riots in the country were covered extensively by conservative media. This post notes a recent op-ed penned by Jimmie Akesson and Mattias Karlsson, both leaders of the Sweden Democrats, in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday supporting Trumps characterization of a Muslim immigrant-led crime crisis in Sweden. In it they write, Trump did not exaggerate Swedens current problems.  If anything, he understated them. Trump Is Letting DREAMers Stay, And Rush Is Fine With That (Daily Caller) Hes an immigration hard liner, and, apparently, hes OK with Trump allowing DREAMERs to remain in the country. This piece highlights comments by Rush Limbaugh this week. A lot of people think that Trumps caving because if you allow the DREAMers to stay, were talking 750,000 DREAMers, kids, who each have two parents who could come in. Look, this is a-no-win, Limbaugh said this week. Nobodys gonna win anything by deporting a bunch of kids that we let in. Facebook

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Trump advisor Steve Bannon rails at corporatist, globalist media By Noah Bierman Steve Bannon to the #CPAC crowd: "If you think they're going to give you your country back without a fight, you're sadly mistaken" pic.twitter.com/ryw7iO0Snr  POLITICO (@politico) February 23, 2017 The two men with the most heavily dissected relationship in President Trumps White House held a rare public appearance together Thursday and agreed on one common enemy: the media. Reince Priebus, the chief of staff who is often described as embattled, said he has grown conditioned to the media counting Trump out: during the presidential campaign, the transition and the first month of the presidency. The biggest misconception is everything that youre reading, Priebus said. Steve Bannon, Trumps chief strategist, framed his complaint as an ideological war. He consistently called the media the opposition party throughout a 20-minute joint interview on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference just outside of Washington. Its not only not going to get better, it gets worse every day, Bannon said. Theyre corporatist, globalist media that are adamantly opposed to an economic nationalist agenda like Donald Trump has. If you think theyre going to give you your country back without a fight, he added. You are sadly mistaken. Bannon, former executive chairman of the far-right Breitbart News, seldom speaks in public. His nationalist rendering of Republican ideology is often seen in contrast to Priebus, the former chairman of the GOP, who is viewed as the more mainstream conservative advocate within the White House. The two men said the tension between them portrayed in the media is inaccurate. But as they praised each other, the men made clear that Bannon sees his role as dominant in shaping Trumps policy. Bannon praised Priebus for doggedly keeping the trains running -- one of the toughest jobs Ive ever seen in my life. Bannon talked about being in the first inning of shaping a new political order and beginning the deconstruction of the administrative state. Priebus used more prosaic language and spoke of Bannon as the one who pushes Trump to maintain his bold vision. He is very dogged in making sure that every day the promises that President Trump made are the promises were working on, Priebus said of Bannon. Facebook

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In Mexico, Homeland Security chief says there will be no mass deportations of people in U.S. illegally By Patrick J. McDonnell Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly, left, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Mexico City on Thursday. (Ronaldo Schemidt / AFP/Getty Images) Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly, on a visit to Mexico, said Thursday that there will be no mass deportations of people living in the U.S. illegally. Kelly also said U.S. military forces would not be used in deportation efforts and that any deportation cases would go through the U.S. legal system. No. Repeat, no use of military force in immigration operations, Kelly said at a news conference at the Foreign Relations Ministry in Mexico City. None. Well approach this operation systematically, in an organized way, in a results-oriented way, in an operation and and in a human dignity way. Kelly and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson are in Mexico City to discuss a wide variety of issues, including immigration and security, with Mexican government officials. Kellys remarks came the same day President Trump called recent raids in the U.S. an unprecedented enforcement effort. You see whats happening at the border. All of a sudden for the first time, were getting gang members out, he said. Were getting really bad dudes out of this country, and at a rate that nobodys ever seen before. Read More Facebook

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Mexico bracing for long battle with Trump administration, foreign minister tells lawmakers By Patrick J. McDonnell Mexico Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray (Brian Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images) Mexico is preparing for a long battle with the administration of President Trump, its foreign minister reportedly told lawmakers in private comments, adding that the country was prepared to retaliate with new tariffs if necessary. We are here preparing for a battle that is going to be long, Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray told federal deputies Wednesday, according to the newspaper La Jornada, which said it had obtained a copy of the comments. This is not going to be resolved in three days. In the reported remarks, Videgaray said Mexico was prepared to retaliate with new tariffs on U.S.-made goods should the Trump administration follow up on its threats to slap an export tax of 20% or more of goods imported from Mexico to the United States. There was no official response from the Mexican Foreign Ministry on Videgarays reported remarks. Videgaray was among the Mexican officials, including President Enrique Pena Nieto, who met this week with a pair of visiting White House Cabinet members, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. The private remarks were apparently made on Wednesday, when the two Trump envoys were scheduled to arrive in Mexico City. Read More Facebook

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Homeland Security tried to downplay immigration raids as routine. Now Trump says theyre unprecedented By Michael A. Memoli (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) After nationwide immigration raids this month in which more than 680 people were arrested, the Department of Homeland Security issued a nothing-to-see-here statement downplaying the sweeps as strictly ordinary. ICE conducts these kind of targeted enforcement operations regularly and has for many years, the agency said last week, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But President Trump had a different take Thursday, labeling the raids an unprecedented enforcement effort. You see whats happening at the border. All of a sudden for the first time, were getting gang members out, he said before a roundtable on manufacturing. Were getting really bad dudes out of this country, and at a rate that nobodys ever seen before. Under President Obama, deportations peaked at 400,000 people in 2012, touching off widespread criticism from immigration advocates, which prompted Homeland Security to scale back deportations. Last year, deportations fell to 240,000 as the Obama administration focused on targets similar to what Trump described in the raids conducted under his authority: criminals, repeat immigration violators and recent arrivals. Trump also called the sweeps this month a military operation, even though no military resources were involved and the White House has pushed back aggressively on reports that the administration was considering seeking National Guard forces to assist in deportations. Homeland Security said the raids were conducted by ICE agents, U.S. marshals and state and local law enforcement agencies. What has been allowed to come into our country, when you see gang violence that youve read about like never before, and all of the things  much of that is people that are here illegally, Trump said. Theyre rough and theyre tough, but theyre not tough like our people. So were getting them out. Of the 680 arrests last week, 161 occurred in Los Angeles and surrounding counties. Three-quarters of those detained in the Los Angeles-area sweeps were from Mexico. Trump noted that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly traveled to Mexico this week on a tough trip. We have to be treated fairly by Mexico, Trump said. Facebook

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White nationalist leader Richard Spencer booted from Conservative Political Action Conference By Matt Pearce Reporters surround white supremacist Richard Spencer during the first day of the Conservative Political Action Conference on February 23, 2017. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) One of Americas most prominent white nationalists, Richard Spencer, was kicked out of the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday after conference organizers gave him credentials to attend and then wavered on whether to let him stay. Spencer, who coined the term alternative right to describe his far-right views on separating the races, came to CPAC to attend a speech that was critical of the alt-right. CPAC organizer Matt Schlapp took pains to distance CPAC from the fringe Spencer represents. The alt-right does not have a legitimate voice in the conservative movement, said Schlapp, adding that nobody from that movement is speaking at CPAC. Read More Just talked to CPAC organizer Matt Schlapp. Said he didn't endorse Richard Spencer's ideas but won't kick him out of the conference.  Matt Pearce  (@mattdpearce) February 23, 2017 Basically their line on this is, if they actually agreed with his ideas, they'd put him on stage, but they don't, and it's a free country.  Matt Pearce  (@mattdpearce) February 23, 2017 Change of plans. Richard Spencer just got kicked out of CPAC.  Matt Pearce  (@mattdpearce) February 23, 2017 Facebook

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Obamacare 101: Are health insurance marketplaces in a death spiral? By Noam N. Levey (Don Ryan / Associated Press) Its been a rocky few months for the health insurance marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act. Even if youre not one of the roughly 11 million Americans who rely on these online markets to get your health insurance, youve probably seen the headlines about rising premiums and insurance companies pulling out of the system. Last week, national insurance giant Humana announced it would stop selling plans on the marketplace. Aetnas chief executive claimed the marketplaces are in a death spiral. Republicans say the marketplaces are Exhibit A that Obamacare is collapsing. So whats the real story? Are these things really kaput or can they be fixed? Heres a rundown of where things stand. Read More Facebook

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Trump administration wants tax reform done by August, Mnuchin says By Jim Puzzanghera The Trump administration wants to overhaul the tax code by August, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday, laying out an aggressive timetable in his first significant public comments since taking office last week. Our economic agenda, the No. 1 issue is growth, and the first most important thing that will impact growth is a tax plan, Mnuchin said in an interview with CNBC. So we are committed to pass tax reform, he said. We want to get this done by the August recess. Read More Facebook

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Loud and angry, protesters turn congressional town halls into must-see political TV By Mark Z. Barabak (Bill Pugliano / Getty Images) They came by the hundreds, in big cities and rural hamlets, to heckle, plead, badger and, in some instances, to protest the protests themselves. Congress is in recess this week, and a citizenry suddenly spurred to action used the opportunity to let their returning lawmakers know just how they feel about the tempestuous last month in Washington. Winners make policy and losers go home, a taunting Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate leader, told an invitation-only gathering in his home state of Kentucky, as about 1,000 protesters gathered outside. Not exactly. The town hall meeting, a throwback to a time of more intimate connection, has become a political organizing tool in the social media age  a piece of performance theater and a worldwide stage. Obamacare, immigration, environmental regulation, Social Security, Russian meddling in the 2016 election and Trump, Trump, Trump  all poured forth this week in the form of questions, loudly and heatedly. Read More Facebook

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Trump administration rescinds guidelines on protections for transgender students By Michael A. Memoli The Trump administration rescinded an Obama-era directive Wednesday aimed at protecting transgender students rights, questioning its legal grounding. Under the guidelines, schools had been required to treat transgender students according to their stated gender identity, and either allow access to restrooms and locker rooms for the gender they identify with or provide private facilities if requested. The Obama administration had said that students gender identities were protected under Title IX requirements, which prohibit federally funded schools from discriminating on the basis of sex. But officials in the Education and Justice departments said that their predecessors failed to make their case, citing significant litigation spurred by the policy. Read More Facebook

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Americans in Mexico protest Trumps inflammatory rhetoric during Tillerson visit By Kate Linthicum A group of Americans living in Mexico is planning a protest Thursday to send a message to visiting U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Their gripe? President Trumps inflammatory rhetoric. Thats according to a draft of a letter that several groups organizing the protest hope to deliver to Tillerson, who is in town along with Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly for talks with top Mexican officials. The letter, which will be cosigned by the Mexican chapter of Democrats Abroad, as well as other groups, complains about Trumps hostile attitude toward Mexico, which it says is engendering nationalistic sentiments in Mexico. Among Trumps hostile acts, the letter says, is Trumps vow to build a border wall and force Mexico to pay for it. The idea of building a wall ... frames Mexico and Mexicans as foreign invaders, the letter says. It also criticizes Trump for pledging to renegotiate NAFTA, saying, The U.S. and Mexico are deeply connected economies and it is in the interest of the United States to strengthen the regional production network to boost manufacturing employment in the U.S. and ensure the long-run competitiveness of manufacturing in the region. There are more than a million U.S. citizens living in Mexico, and many have been vocal since Trumps election. Last month, thousands turned out for a womens march outside the American Embassy that saw crowds chanting anti-Trump slogans. Facebook

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Mexico will never accept unilateral American immigration rules, foreign secretary says By Patrick McDonnell Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said defending the rights of Mexican immigrants is the first point in the agenda for talks with U.S. officials. (Christian Palma / Associated Press) Mexico will reject any unilateral effort from the United States to impose immigration or other policies on the Mexican government, the countrys foreign secretary said Wednesday. I want to make clear, in the most emphatic way, that the government of Mexico and the Mexican people do not have to accept measures that, in a unilateral way, one government wants to impose on another, Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray said in public comments. That we are not going to accept. He spoke a day after the Trump administration unveiled tough new measures to enforce immigration laws and deport people who are in the country illegally  proposals that were widely portrayed in the Mexican media as a prelude to massive deportations. On Wednesday, two top Trump administration cabinet members  Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly  were arriving in Mexico for talks with that nations officials, including Videgaray. Immigration, trade and law enforcement issues were expected to be discussed at a tense moment in U.S.-Mexican relations. In his reported comments, the Mexican secretary did not single out any specific U.S. proposal as objectionable. Mexican officials have acknowledged there is little they can do to counter U.S. immigration policies. Among other things, the Trump administration has proposed sending non-Mexican citizens detained along the U.S.-Mexico border back to Mexico. Mexican officials would presumably have to sign off on such a plan. Mexico already detains and deports thousands of Central Americans annually who cross Mexican territory with the hope of entering the United States illegally via the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. authorities have worked with their Mexican counterparts to halt the Central American influx. The Mexican foreign secretary made it clear that immigration would be at the top of the list of items to be discussed during meetings with the U.S. Cabinet secretaries. Defending the rights of Mexican immigrants is the first point in the agenda, said Videgaray. He also said Mexico could take the issue of the rights of Mexican immigrants to the United Nations and other international agencies. Facebook

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Both in power and in turmoil, conservatives head to Conservative Political Action Conference to see whats next By Matt Pearce Josh Platillero (Matt Pearce / Los Angeles Times) The eyes of men in crisp blazers darted toward passing faces and identification badges, looking for a familiar face, a famous name. As Fox News host Sean Hannity prepared to broadcast a live show from a ballroom, a brief chant burst out from the audience: U-S-A! U-S-A! Its that time of year again: Hundreds of Republicans began arriving Wednesday at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Md., just south of Washington, for the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. CPAC, as its best known, is a place for conservative political figures and activists to gather, schmooze, hammer out new ideas and audition for starring roles in the Republican Party. And this year, CPAC attendees have a lot to talk about. Their party is in control of Congress, the White House and dozens of state governments across America, and yet not at all at peace with itself. President Trump is expected to address the conference later in the week after winning on a platform of populist nationalism that some conservatives have accused of not being conservative at all. Breitbart News, the brash rising star of right-wing media, is one of the conferences top promoters, but one of its staffers, Milo Yiannopoulos, lost his speaking slot at CPAC and resigned from the news organization after video circulated showing him appearing to promote pedophilia. Some conservatives had backed Yiannopoulos and cried censorship when the provocateur offended liberals at college speaking events, but now they had become offended themselves. Still, as CPAC began on Wednesday, the mood was upbeat. This was a victorious movement, after all. Many new guests were greeted by the sight of Josh Platillero, 23, wearing a cartoonishly large stovepipe hat and a suit the colors of the American flag. I love networking, said Platillero, who recently lived in Knoxville, Tenn., before moving to the D.C. area to work with a conservative nonprofit, the Leadership Institute. Its his second year attending CPAC, and he was excited about the lineup of speakers, which include some of the White House staff. I think our new president is not perfect, but I think hes doing good things, he said. Ariel Kohane, 45, who came from the Upper West Side in Manhattan, stood in the lobby holding signs that read, Jews for Trump, in both English and Hebrew. I love the fact that I can get together with many of my fellow conservative friends and colleagues and we can all be very proud of ourselves with all our accomplishments and the fact that we get to strategize and plan ways to further expand conservatism across America and across the whole world, Kohane said. Facebook

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Pence condemns Jewish center bomb threats and visits desecrated cemetery in Missouri By Jaweed Kaleem (Michael Conroy / Associated Press) Visiting Fenton, Mo., on Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence condemned a string of bomb threats against Jewish community centers around the nation and the desecration of a St. Louis-area Jewish cemetery over the weekend. Speaking just yesterday, President Trump called this a horrible and painful act. And so it was. That along with other recent threats to the Jewish community centers around the country, said Pence, who was visiting the headquarters of the Fabick Cat machinery company. He declared it all a sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil. We condemn this vile act of vandalism and those who perpetuate it in the strongest possible terms. The vice president said it was inspiring how the people of Missouri have rallied around the Jewish community with compassion and support. Among those showing solidarity with the Jewish community is a group of Muslims who launched an online fundraising campaign to help repair the cemetery. Donors had pledged more than $90,000 by Wednesday afternoon. Pence later visited the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Mo., where nearly 200 tombstones had been toppled over the weekend. Facebook

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Trumps move on transgender bathroom access sparks interest By Kurtis Lee (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) For President Trump, commenting on social issues  such as same-sex marriage and abortion  has never seemed much of a priority. Indeed, throughout the campaign, Trump hardly discussed the topics. When asked about transgender bathroom access at a town hall in April 2016, Trump said people should be able to use whichever bathroom they choose. He then moved on from the question, offering little else. Now it appears his administration is set to wade into the controversy. Its a topic the conservative media loves to explore. Here are some of todays headlines: Return to normalcy: Trump readies reversal of transgender bathroom lunacy in public schools (Daily Caller) What will the Trump administration do about transgender bathroom access? The Caller highlights White House Press Secretary Sean Spicers pronouncement on the issue: This is a states rights issue and not one for the federal government, Spicer told reporters. The lunacy referred to is the federal guidance President Obama issued prior to leaving office directing schools that receive federal funding to allow transgender students to use restrooms and other facilities that match their gender identities. Several states filed suit to overturn the directive, and a federal judge issued a temporary injunction barring its enforcement, which remains in place. Several states, following the lead of North Carolina, are seeking to implement legislation that bans transgender people from using the bathrooms of the gender with which they identify. 66 percent of Trump voters change the channel when awards shows get too political (Daily Caller) When Meryl Streep criticized President Trump last month in her Golden Globes speech, he replied quickly. Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, doesnt know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes, Trump tweeted. Well, Trump can probably expect more barbs as actors (in overwhelmingly liberal Hollywood) take the stage at the Oscars on Sunday. Lots of Trump voters can be expected to change the channel, according to this piece, which highlights a new poll on the subject. The Hollywood Reporter says that 66% of Trump voters said they have stopped watching an awards show because a celebrity started talking about politics while accepting an award. By contrast, only 19% of Hillary Clintons supporters have done so. Trump talks tolerance, decries anti-Semitism, but media remain skeptical (Fox News) Well, Trump finally did say something to condemn the anti-Semitic vandalism and threats that have taken place since his presidential victory. Anti-Semitism is horrible, Trump said in an interview with MSNBC on Tuesday. In the Fox News piece, Howard Kurtz argues the media should give the president more credit for speaking out. I always think its unfair to blame a political leader for violence or vandalism carried out by people who support him, he writes. I felt the same way about critics who blamed Barack Obama for urban riots or shootings of police officers. Facebook

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Among Republicans, Trump is more popular than congressional leaders By David Lauter Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) walk together. (Matt Rourke / Associated Press) Amid strain between the Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress, the White House holds the high ground, a new survey indicates. Among Republicans, President Trump has greater popularity than the partys congressional leaders. Asked specifically who they would trust if the two sides disagreed, most Republicans chose Trump over their partys leadership. The findings, from a new survey by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center underscore Trumps continued sway with the Republican congressional majority. Although the president has historically low job approval ratings among the public at large, he remains highly popular among Republican partisans and in Republican districts. As for Democrats, theyre strongly in an oppositional mood. Asked if they were more worried that Democrats in Congress would go too far in opposing Trump or not go far enough, more than 70% of Democrats said they feared their party would not go far enough. Only 20% said they worried the party would go too far. Republicans in Congress have eyed Trump warily on several fronts. His positions on trade and entitlement reform break with years of the partys positions. His reluctance to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin has generated tension. And the administrations lack of clarity on healthcare and tax policy have Republican leaders guessing which way to turn on major issues. But Republican partisans have fewer reservations than their elected representatives. Eighty-six percent to 13%, those who identify as Republicans or as independents who lean Republican have a favorable view of Trump, the Pew survey found. By comparison, 57% have a favorable view of Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, with 22% unfavorable and 21% having no opinion. House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin is slightly better known, with 65% of Republicans holding a favorable view, 23% an unfavorable view and 13% having no opinion. Asked who they would trust if the two sides disagreed, 52% of Republicans said they would side with Trump and 34% with the Republicans in Congress. Republicans younger than 40 were the only major exception; 52% to 36%, they said they would side with Congress. At the same time, Republican partisans now have a warmer opinion of their party leadership than they had during most of President Obamas tenure. Republicans' approval of their congressional leaders has more than doubled since 2015 https://t.co/KSo1hRMhJj pic.twitter.com/WHTHxCNEFq  Pew Research Center (@pewresearch) February 22, 2017 During the Obama years, GOP partisans tended to be frustrated that their side could not reverse the presidents initiatives, even with a majority in the House, starting in 2010, and then in the Senate for Obamas last two years. Their view of the GOP leadership has rebounded strongly since the election. Democrats view of their congressional leadership has been more stable. And both sides widely dislike the other partys leaders. Facebook

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Supreme Court rejects use of racial stereotypes in death penalty cases By David Savage The Supreme Court rejected the use of racial stereotypes in death penalty cases Wednesday, reopening the case of a black man in Texas who was sentenced to die after his jury was told African Americans are more likely than whites to commit crimes. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said this testimony had no place in a sentencing hearing and appealed to the racial stereotype that black men are prone to violence. Our laws punish people for what they do, not for who they are, the chief justice said in the courtroom. The 6-2 decision faults Texas authorities for refusing to give a new sentencing hearing to Duane Buck, a Houston man who was convicted of shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend and seriously injuring her new boyfriend in 1995. Buck was found guilty of murder, but when his jury was debating his fate, his court-appointed defense attorney put on the witness stand an expert who cited statistics showing blacks are more likely to commit future crimes than whites. After hearing this testimony, the jury decided to sentence Buck to death. Years later, Texas state attorneys set aside the death sentences for six other black defendants whose juries heard similar testimony, but they refused to reopen Bucks case. In Buck vs. Davis, the high court said that was a mistake. The jury was deciding the question of life or death, and this is no place for the introduction of a particularly noxious strain of racial prejudice, Roberts said. The court sent the case back to judges in Texas to reconsider the death sentence. Justice Clarence Thomas dissented, along with Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Thomas said Buck was properly sentenced to die for a brutal murder, and he insisted the court should not have heard the case for procedural reasons. Having settled on a desired outcome, the court bulldozes procedural obstacles and misapplies settled law to justify it, he wrote. Facebook

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At Rep. Tony Cardenas town hall, Democrats worry about what Donald Trump may do By Kurtis Lee (Kurtis Lee/Los Angeles Times ) They arrived with soggy jackets, hats and umbrellas. The topic was supposed to be the Affordable Care Act. But many who attended Democratic Rep. Tony Cardenas town hall meeting Tuesday night in a crammed auditorium at the Cesar E. Chavez Learning Academies came with a question: What can we -- as Democrats -- do to help you? Show up and vote, said Cardenas, who represents a slice of the staunchly liberal San Fernando Valley. (Hillary Clinton defeated Donald Trump in this district by nearly 60-percentage points in the fall election.) Sign people up, get people involved, he said. At times the meeting had the feel of a therapy session for Democrats, wondering aloud how to function under a Trump administration. Where is the anger among Democrats? asked one man. I want to see more anger. Cardenas, standing at a lectern on an elevated stage, offered a stern look and nodded in agreement as rain could be heard splattering on the roof above. The complaints included Republicans efforts to repeal Obamacare and Trumps new immigration mandates. Trust me, Im pissed. Im upset, Cardenas said. But we have to act constructively. We have to be responsible. Last month, Trump signed executive orders directing the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize the removal of people in the U.S. illegally who have criminal convictions. In addition to speeding up the deportation of convicts, Trumps orders also call for quick removal of people in the country illegally who are charged with crimes and waiting for adjudication. And in recent days, a handful of people who have received protection under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) have been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents nationwide. Cardenas said that for him, the issue is personal. His parents were immigrants from Mexico, who lived in the San Fernando Valley for decades, raising 11 children, he said. Today his district is nearly 70% Latino. Im going to fight for you, he said. Im going to fight for the people who are my immigrant father. When a young man, a DACA recipient, asked him, via Twitter, if hell be safe in the weeks ahead, Cardenas seemed at a loss. I pray that [Trump] doesnt go after you, he said. Facebook

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Killing with kindness, GOPs McClintock faces down hostile questioners as town hall goes into overti
Arrests made by federal immigration officials in Southern California this week have heightened anxiety about a promised crackdown by President Trump on people in this country illegally.

The arrests sparked a protest in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday evening, with immigration advocates claiming that about 100 people had been taken into custody. But immigration officials disputed those numbers and said the arrests were part of routine activities, not tied to any new crackdown.

The situation highlighted fear among many immigrants about Trumps vow to deport those here illegally. Los Angeles and Orange counties are home to 1 million immigrants living without proper papers, according to an analysis released Thursday by the Pew Research Center.

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Some politicians said they were demanding answers from federal authorities about the arrests. Meanwhile, local police were fighting concerns that they were somehow involved in new immigration actions. Many law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, have vowed not to take part in the mass deportations Trump and his supporters have promised.

The Pomona Police Department put out an alert Thursday night warning of social media hoaxes claiming the agency was taking part in immigration checkpoints. Similar rumors circulated last week as well. Police officials decried them as fake news.

There is information that is out there that is wrong, said Los Angeles Deputy Police Chief Bob Green, adding that his department would not participate in any federal immigration sweeps. We are working hard with the immigrant communities to dispel fears.

Virginia Kice, a spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said the arrests were not part of a new and more aggressive mission the agency had adopted in light of the presidents stance on deportations.

In a statement, she said any arrests were part of the agencys routine enforcement activities.

Our operations are targeted and lead driven, prioritizing individuals who pose a risk to our communities. Examples would include known street gang members, child sex offenders, and deportable foreign nationals with significant drug trafficking convictions, Kice wrote. To that end, ICEs routine immigration enforcement actions are ongoing and we make arrests every day.

Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, said 100 people were detained, 60 of them Mexican nationals.

Salas said when she and other CHIRLA members arrived at a downtown L.A. detention center Thursday afternoon, they saw five white vans and one bus filled with people who they believed had been nabbed in the actions. They said they have not been able to get any information about those detained.

Salas said one man was at home when there was a knock on his door. When the man opened the door, he was met by an ICE agent who asked him to provide identification. When he couldnt do so, he was detained, she said. Another man was detained at his work at a Target store in the San Fernando Valley, she said.

They say its routine, but we dont believe it was a routine operation, Salas said.

An ICE official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and requested anonymity said the claims that ICE officers made 100 arrests Thursday were grossly exaggerated.

Green said Thursday that the department knew of no ICE raids going on in the San Fernando Valley.

The only ICE activity, he said, is the normal execution of deportation orders that is nothing out of the ordinary.

California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) said in a statement that hes asked federal officials to disclose how many children, men, and women they have detained; what the processing time will be; what the rationale is for their detention; and I asked that everyone be offered access to an attorney.

At the federal detention center off Aliso Street downtown on Thursday night, dozens of people walked in a circle, holding signs that read: Stop separating families and ICE out of L.A.

At one point, a federal judge tried to drive down Aliso Street to get onto the 101 Freeway, but demonstrators had blocked the street. The judge was eventually able to get to the freeway.

Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) attended the protest. He said the issue is a personal one for him. Santiagos father was undocumented when he immigrated to the United States from Mexico as a teen.

He came here to create a better life for my brother and I once we were born, he said. He was a hardworking guy. These people are no different. This is absolutely the point that we need to stand up for immigrant rights.

Times staff writers Hannah Fry and Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.

joel.rubin@latimes.com

ruben.vives@latimes.com

richard.winton@latimes.com

UPDATES:

8:10 p.m.: This post was updated with additional editing.

7:35 p.m.: This post was updated with additional details on the protest and with more context.
Its hard for breweries to find a sense of place. Unlike wine or coffee, which rely for flavor on the whims of the soil and climate in which the beans or grapes are grown, beer is a completely man-made product, its final taste mostly a testament to the skills of the brewer.

But as experimentalism seeps into a growing craft beer industry here in Orange County, newcomer Gunwhale Ales has found a unique way to express its terroir.

Inspired by its location in a city that straddles land and sea, the 3-month-old Costa Mesa brewery uses a sense of place to drive its entire concept, from taproom design to beer recipes. So far, the latter has resulted in a steady array of approachable yet complex, if hard to categorize, beers that straddle the domain between Belgian farmhouse tradition and beachy West Coast sass.

Offerings like Bait Ball (an IPA given a heavier body with oat and rye) and Barno (an oak-fermented rye saison dry-hopped with the citrusy New Zealson hop Nelson) exemplify this signature style.

Our beer is about balance, says co-founder Justin Miller, who was the executive chef at Pizzeria Ortica for seven years before he quit in the weeks leading up to Gunwhales opening last November. Too many beers these days have one dominant flavor that jumps out at you, and while theyre good, you cant drink that much of it. Its like food  you want balance.

The idea of building an entire brewerys lineup around finding balance in the stylistic fusion of rustic Belgian farmhouse ales (think: saisons) and the hop bombs found in Southern California (think: every IPA ever) is so uncommon that Gunwhale created a new term for its Old World-meets-New World brews: coastal ales.

For Miller  a beer nerd who used to home brew but now leaves Gunwhales beer-making duties to head brewer Derek Testerman  leaving the fast-paced restaurant world to finally sling his companys coastal ales is the culmination of a three-year journey, during which he and the other co-founders, J.T. Wallace and Bobby Fitzgerald, literally built Gunwhale from scratch.

Wallace, a Newport Beach native like Miller, has a manufacturing background and personally constructed many of the wooden tables, chairs and wall decorations in the industrial-park tasting room, as well as facilitated the placement of fermentation tanks and oak barrels in the relatively small warehouse space in back (there isnt an actual brewery on site; Testerman brews 10-barrel batches at Anaheims Backstreet Brewing several times a week). Fitzgerald, who lives in San Diego, is the mastermind behind Gunwhales subtly nautical branding, which is as versatile as it is eye-catching.

Together, they crafted a curated space for beer drinking so full of farm charm, outdoorsman stateliness and beach-bum hippie whimsy that its almost hard to go back to the minimalist communal table in a brewhouse taproom stereotypes (cold brew and kombucha are even on tap).

We saw an opportunity with our tasting room to do something thats comfortable and unique so we can maybe bring in different people than just beer people, Miller says.

Given Millers background at one of O.C.'s top restaurants, it should come as no surprise that in addition to beer people, Gunwhale also easily attracts food people.

Unlike many craft beers, which are built for chugging by the pint at a bar, Gunwhales coastal ales are perfect for sipping with food. In fact, the lightest thing on draft right now is a 4.0% ABV hoppy table beer, a dry coastal take on the style born out of Belgiums fondness for drinking bottles of flavorful, light-alcohol beer with every meal (its the equivalent of a table wine in Italy or France).

Other than a double IPA (meaty but somehow still balanced) that tops out at 8.3% ABV, all of Gunwhales beers are supremely sessionable. (A session beer is low in alcohol and can be consumed in large quantities without leading to excessive intoxication.) The unfiltered, sometimes-barrel-aged styles themselves are also friendly starters for palates that are perhaps unaccustomed to the intense flavors favored by contemporary brewers.

Highly nuanced, wine-like beers like Gunwhales are usually found on the outer fringes of the beer industry, made by small operations like Monkish in Torrance or as part of nerdy side projects that, with barrels stacked to the sky, look more akin to wineries (see: Bruery Terreux and Beachwood Blendery). If you want the beers at home, youll normally have to buy them in a large-format wine bottle with a cork and cage top that elevates the product even more.

Not so at low-key Gunwhale, which currently only sells its beer at the taproom in 32-ounce growler cans called crowlers. The first packaged releases, Miller says, will also be in cans.

We want to do these cool complex flavors in a can, Miller says. Take it and go hiking with it, take it to the beach, drink it when its a hot day.

Its only been open a few months, but Gunwhale is already looking forward, experimenting with the next round of coastal ales. The brewerys first sour beers are aging in 10 wine barrels housed in a temperature-controlled room just off the taproom; and a large oak fermenting vessel called a foeder is filled with beer that will be ready at the end of spring.

During a recent visit, Testerman, Wallace and Miller were busy pureeing 150 pounds of kumquats purchased from a local produce supplier. The fruit was destined for a special one-off batch of Chickabiddy, the table beer.

Millers culinary influence will undoubtedly creep in soon too. Hes already looking into contacting a heritage grain supplier he knew from his chef days to order some smokey green farro to experiment with. And with Miller eventually interested in getting back in a kitchen, there are opportunities to add on everything from a food truck to a brewpub. (Right now is just phase one, he assures.)

For now, the taproom is a must-visit, TV-free zone where you can sip on a range of beers with a clearly defined sense of place. Using the Wild West-by-the-sea history of Orange County as its base, Gunwhale makes liquid representations of its prime location  where idyllic farmland meets the rough, wild sea.

"[The tasting room] is a place to have a beer and talk to the person next to you. Well never have a TV. We dont have any board games, says Miller, acknowledging amenities that many other brewery tasting rooms have.

Were not trying to be the opposite of everyone else. Were just trying to chart our own path.

Gunwhale Ales is at 2960 Randolph Ave., Unit A, Costa Mesa. Information: (949) 393-2537, gunwhaleales.com.

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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.
When students in Edison High Schools Center for International Business and Communications Studies started to develop product and business ideas for their senior projects, Thomas Mays began work on something he could sell his classmates on  an eight-day trip to Washington, D.C., that they will embark on Saturday.

For nine months, the senior at the Huntington Beach campus put his writing, networking, time management, negotiating and presentation skills attained from Edisons center to use while planning the trip for him and his 35 fellow seniors in the program, plus three of their siblings, four teachers and three parent chaperones.

Organizing the trip was definitely a project in itself, said Mays, who plans to major in finance when he attends college.

This is the seventh annual trip for seniors in the four-year CIBACS program, but its the first time all will be attending.

Some students [in the past] just chose not to go or they couldnt afford it, said CIBACS teacher Bob Strachan. But what Thomas has done is develop a product at a price point that everyone can afford.

Each year, students in the program can apply to coordinate the trip. The destination depends on the teacher and the organizer.

Mays announced to his classmates in June that they would be going to the nations capital.

We all got pretty excited, senior Ryane Bradbury said. Its something weve been looking forward to since freshman year.

Mays negotiated with airlines, hotels, restaurants and ground transportation and touring companies to arrange the six days the students will spend in Washington. He also gave two presentations about the trip to his classmates and their parents.

One was to convince them on why they should go on the trip, and another was to let them know what they need to bring for the trip, he said.

If it werent for this program, I probably wouldnt even stand in front of 10 people to give a presentation, let alone a hundred, Mays said with a laugh. Its given me the confidence and courage to do these things.

He also used contacts through school, family and Rep. Dana Rohrabachers office to arrange visits for the class with American Council of Life Insurers President and Chief Executive Dirk Kempthorne and federal appellate Judge Raymond Chen.

Of the many skills students say they learn in CIBACS, time management is an essential one for their senior projects.

A majority of us have after-school activities, jobs, sports, said senior Jordan Wetzel, whose project is to publish a book to help children who have lost siblings to cancer.

During their freshman year, students in the program are tasked with creating a marketing plan to take a real U.S. business to a foreign country and pitch the plan to the business owners.

During their sophomore year, they develop products to pitch to company executives. As juniors, they job-shadow or intern in fields they are interested in.

We dont do it for the grade, senior Kevin Moreland said of the program. We do it to learn how to do something useful.

alexandra.chan@latimes.com

Twitter: @AlexandraChan10
Parents of two of the Laguna Beach High School students associated with a December incident in which a watermelon was thrown at the house of a black student are apologizing, according to a letter addressed to the community that was emailed to the Daily Pilot.

Meldie Moore, an attorney representing the parents, sent the letter on their behalf.

The Daily Pilot spoke with one of the parents and confirmed their identity and the letters authenticity but is withholding their names to protect the identities of their children, who are minors.

What happened over the winter break is offensive and unacceptable, the letter said. We are appalled at the events that took place and do not regard this is as a stupid joke or boyish prank. We are ashamed that our kids are associated with this situation 

Our families are truly and sincerely sorry. We hope you can accept that this comes from our hearts.

Maurice Possley said previously that he and his family were preparing to eat dinner shortly before 9 p.m. Dec. 27 when he heard a thud and found shattered pieces of a watermelon outside their home. He said he traced the watermelon brand to a store in Laguna, where an employee said she remembered the juveniles who bought the fruit.

Possley and his wife, Cathleen Falsani, who are white, say their 17-year-old adopted son, Vasco, was targeted because he is black.

I know what throwing a watermelon at a person who is black is designed to connote, Possley said in an interview last month. He declined to comment for this article.

Laguna police have told the Daily Pilot that they were investigating five juveniles who have possible connections to the incident. On Wednesday, Sgt. Tim Kleiser said the department had forwarded the case to the Orange County district attorneys office for possible charges.

Kleiser has said that because the case involves juveniles, he cant release details regarding the nature of the investigation.

In the letter handled by Moore, the parents of the other youths said the act was not premeditated. The students planned to throw toilet paper on a female classmates house, but declined because the house was too exposed and the lights were on, the letter said.

They chose another classmates house, but that house also was not suitable, the letter said. One [student] suggested they throw the watermelon. Two boys objected and tried to stop it. One boy used an offensive racial epithet as they drove away.

The parents hired Moore because of potential consequences with the school system and juvenile law, the Laguna Beach attorney said in a phone interview Wednesday.

My clients have never been in trouble before, so their parents sought my counsel and advocacy on the possible school discipline and juvenile law consequences, Moore wrote in a follow-up email.

Any and all [Laguna Beach Unified School District] discipline processes related to the incident have been completed, Leisa Winston, district assistant superintendent of human resources and communications, wrote in an email.

The students received significant and appropriate consequences, Laguna Beach High Principal Chris Herzfeld wrote in an email sent to parents last month. He declined to be more specific.

The district attorneys office is prohibited by law from speaking on the matter because the case involves juveniles, said Susan Kang Schroeder, the offices chief of staff.

bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
The 2017 Chinese New Year marked the Year of the Rooster starting Jan. 28, and in celebration, a gala dinner and concert were held in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall benefiting the Pacific Symphony.

Some 180 VIP patrons contributing at least $1,200 per person were treated to one of the most exquisite evenings on the Orange Coast social calendar.

Created around a Chinese New Years performance by the 88 musicians of maestro Carl St.Clairs Pacific Symphony, dinner guests joined a sold-out audience of more than 1,500 O.C. residents for a production that included Dubussys Clair de Lune, Beethovens Ode to Joy and the classical Chinese elements Butterfly Lovers Concerto by He Zhanhoa/Gang Chen and Hua Wus Deep into the Night.

Guests arrived at the Segerstrom Center for cocktails at dusk in the first level foyer of the concert hall. Red envelopes containing lucky $2 bills were presented as the crowd sampled the delicacies  with a decidedly Chinese theme  prepared by the Patina kitchen. The cocktail crowd mingled, entertained by pianist Fei-Fei Dong, a finalist in the 14 th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

As the dinner bell chimed, the elegant assembly swooped up the curving staircase to the centers box level. A dinner setting adorned in rich gold and vibrant Chinese red, symbols of good fortune for the new year, awaited them. Designers filled tall vases with bright-yellow blooms of forsythia, and at each dinner table was an original and impressive glass sculpture created by artist LIULI. At each place setting was a gift from LIULI of a stylish and colorful mini-crystal rooster atop a clear glass, square base.

The Patina staff created an extraordinary Chinese dinner that began with roast duck bao, followed by a seared beet cucumber salad and then a serving of hamach (fish) with chilled soba noodles. The entree was a Meyer lemon Chilean seabass in carrot butter with crispy wonton.

Guests table-hopped and introduced family members. Many patrons attended with multiple generations of families, including young children, exposing them to the new year festivity along with the importance of participating in symphonic music in the community.

Supporting the evening were symphony executive John Forsyte and his wife, Michele, joining major patrons Zheng Lei Chen, David and Victoria Collins, Doug and Lynn Freeman, and Michael and Ellie Gordon. In the crowd, was best dressed Michelle Horowitz and husband David. O.C. philanthropist Joann Leatherby was spotted along with Young Kim, Rosaria Marin, Carlos and Haydee Mollura, and the much-admired Anne Shih and husband Danny. St.Clair and wife Susan were lauded by donors Janie Tsao, David Tsoong and Betty Tu, Loretta Yang, Chang Yi, and Charlie and Ling Zhang.

The guests were treated to a VIP intermission reception as well as a post-concert cocktail and dessert event that included a meet-and-greet with guest artists.

More than $80,000 net was raised, all of which will benefit the Pacific Symphonys outreach programs in the O.C.

Special kudos go to Pacific Symphony board members Charlie Zhang and his wife, Ling Zhang, for chairing the elegant evening, along with very special thanks to Loretta H. Yang and Chang Yi, artists and LIULI.

B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
Newly inaugurated U.S. presidents are often judged by the work completed in their first 100 days of office.

We can judge President Trump by the first 100 tweets of his presidency.

George Bennett of the Palm Beach Post reported that more than half his tweets end with an exclamation point and more than one-quarter [have] at least one word in all capital letters.

Take a look.

Enjoy the #SuperBowl and then we continue: MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 5, 2017

Enjoy the Super Bowl and then we continue: MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Iran has been formally PUT ON NOTICE for firing a ballistic missile. Should have been thankful for the terrible deal the U.S. made with them!

If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view - NO FEDERAL FUNDS?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2017

If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view  NO FEDERAL FUNDS?

I will send in the Feds!

FAKE NEWS

Words matter. They can threaten or they can heal.

Feb. 12 will be the 208th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, whose words still endure today.

Acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns made The Address in 2014 about the Greenwood School in Putney, Vt., a small boarding school for boys with learning disabilities who each year recite Lincolns Gettysburg Address as a rite of passage that demonstrates their confidence to overcome their challenges.

In 272 words, it may be the best-written speech by any president under two minutes.

He uses the rule of three twice, done to perfection: We can not dedicate  we can not consecrate  we can not hallow  this ground and the famous coda government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.

Lincoln was not the featured speaker when the battlefield was dedicated as a cemetery on Nov. 19, 1863. Edward Everett, noted orator of the time, spoke for two hours first, then came Lincoln.

The photographer assumed Lincoln would speak longer allowing him more time to focus his camera on the president. By the time he took the photograph, Lincoln had just sat down.

Little did Americans know at the time that the Civil War would continue for almost two more years.

And it wasnt until years later that Lincolns words would burn an indelible mark in the American story. In fact, before he was assassinated, many in the country disliked Lincoln. After his murder, however, his reputation rose.

This year, I had my English students learn about Lincoln and recite the speech.

After they finished, I asked them their thoughts.

I loved presenting this speech and learning about it and the person behind it, one student wrote.

It inspires people and reminds us how great Lincoln was that he was able to bring the country together, remarked another.

The speech showed how much he cared about his country, how he cared about the American people deeply was another comment

He was very intelligent and eloquent who showed compassion and loved his country; a good, true, honorable man, another student wrote.

And one student said funny how in the speech, Lincoln says the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here but people still remember the speech today.

If only our chief executive could word his thoughts as well as a 15-year-old high school student.

Indeed, in the turbulent times we live in where there is a pervasive dark mood, it is comforting to read the words of someone who truly led a divided nation.

When he was assassinated on April 15, 1865, he had recently turned 56 years old. Even with an additional 14 years of life, Trump has a lot of catching up to do before his memorial ever breaks ground on the National Mall.

Over 150 years from now, will a Trump tweet be recited by school children, examined as one of the finest collection of words coming from a president?

Take a break from all the bad news and read over the Gettysburg Address to honor Abraham Lincoln and to remind yourself that we are all Americans.

--

BRIAN CROSBY is a teacher in the Glendale Unified School District and the author of Smart Kids, Bad Schools and The $100,000 Teacher. He can be reached at briancrosby.org.
I wish to commend Shant Minas for his op-ed on Glendale traffic woes. Minas describes eloquently the disgraceful situation existing in Glendale as a result of uncivilized behavior of drivers and nonexistent enforcement of traffic laws. It is a terrifying experience driving and walking in our city. The City Council and the Police Department refuse to hire officers to enforce existing traffic laws. Issuing tickets, suspending licenses and impounding cars should be quite effective on our drivers, as gentle persuasion and polite pleas fall on deaf ears.

The claim the city does not have enough money for enforcement is hollow. I recall our chief of police,some time ago stating that we dont want to write too many tickets because the merchants complain we might acquire the reputation of having strict traffic enforcement, which, in turn, will reduce the number of people coming to Glendale and presumably diminish their profits. This is an offensive statement. To begin with, one might think that our life and limbs and property have some value, if not to the chief and the City Council and the merchants, then to us as individuals.

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Tickets and fines will bring considerable revenue. If the city has sufficient funds to hire numerous consultants to rename our airport, to study and design the hare-brained idea of capping the 134), I am sure they can find a few dollars for traffic policemen to protect those of us who live here and care for our city.

We know the problem and the solution. Let us act and go after those who allow this unacceptable situation to continue.

Theodore Polychronis

Glendale

..

Hopes for new council members

Im heartened to see that some fresh blood will be running for the three open seats on the Glendale City Council.

Change is certainly needed. After all, this is the council that most recently was found to have improperly signed off on the transfer of $57 million from GWP to the General Fund. And for years now, its been the council that never met a massive development it didnt like, rubber-stamping every project that came its way. In the process, its members have transformed a livable, comfortable city into an overbuilt, under-served jungle.

In dark moments, I used to think the City Council was crooked. I believed they must have been systematically plied with payoffs and kickbacks to approve the building of all these mammoth, ugly boxes over the years. I dont necessarily think that now ... but if there had been payoffs and kickbacks, it would probably look an awful lot like what we have now.

Lets hope the new candidates have the guts to finally stand up and say no.

Michael Sloane

Glendale

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Enforcement is the key word

Interesting letter from Hank Schlinger, Carl Field and Marl Carlos Advocating for traffic safety.

I went to their website drivesafeglendale.com, and four of their recommendations have the word enforcement in them and their first recommendation is increase funding for GPD which I take as another recommendation for enforcement. I completely agree that more enforcement is vitally important.

We have more than enough laws, speed bumps, stop signs, signals and crosswalks to make our city a safe place to drive. What we dont have is enough drivers who care.

When people dont care this is what we get: speeding on residential streets (install speed bumps and they move to another street), stop signs that are mere suggestions of coming to a complete stop, drag racing, talking and texting, ignoring pedestrians in crosswalks.

Why dont they care? One of the main reasons is there doesnt appear to be any consequence for the bad behavior, and on the rare occasion when they do get a ticket they dont seem to care about that either.

I have no idea how to make drivers care. Does it begin at home? Do the consequences need to be more draconian (impounding, loss of license, short jail time)?

What I am fairly sure of is we dont need more laws and traffic calming measures. Making people care is a difficult issue. In the meantime I strongly support more enforcement.

Jim Kussman

Glendale

..

Questioning GWP upgrades

The Feb. 8 News-Press had a fairly lengthy article titled Glendale Water & Power looks to upgrade Grayson Power Plant, wherein GWP officials were ordered to draft plans to improved the plant to allow for a more reliable, affordable and sustainable facility to generate electricity. The cost estimate for this upgrade is $350 million. Elsewhere, on the front page of the Los Angeles Times business section, was an article titled Delay urged for power plant. The delay was urged because of concerns over an electricity glut. A few days ago, The Times published an article addressing the early closure of plants in Northern California, due to the same glut.

I must say, the only logical reason I can see for Glendale charging on is to enable the city to use the electricity plant as a funding source for their other expenditures. You cant make this stuff up.

Donald Cameron

Glendale

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No experts are watching GWP

Glendale Water & Power is in the process of tearing down and replacing the Grayson Power Plant with exception of Unit 9. If the utility was blessed with tons of excess ratepayer money that might be a logical thing to do. However it doesnt have excess money and will have to borrow the funds or raise electrical rates. There were no engineering studies to see if some of the older generators could have any life extensions and what would the cost be.

The general manager of GWP and the city manager are not experts in this area and neither know what to do with an older power plant. They are relying on hired consultants who are making tons of money on their recommendations. Unfortunately, our City Council lacks the same expertise in this area, so what we have is the blind leading the blind, and ratepayers will be left paying the bill.

Larry Moorehouse

Glendale

Editors Note: The writer is a retired Grayson plant superintendent.
Cambodias most shocking killing in years happened in broad daylight, on a muggy July morning, just as its capital city was stirring to life.

Kem Ley, a famous political pundit, walked into a convenience store at a Caltex gas station just before 9 a.m. and ordered an iced latte. A man approached, carrying a semi-automatic pistol. He shot Kem twice  once in the head, execution-style.

The suspect, Oueth Ang, 43, walked away calmly down the citys crowded streets, past languid snack sellers, low-slung French colonial homes and motor scooters jostling like schools of fish. About a half-hour later, SWAT police arrested him.

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Later, he confessed to killing Kem over a $3,000 debt. A Cambodian court charged him with premeditated murder. Authorities considered the case cut-and-dried.

But questions lingered about why Oueth shot Kem, and if anyone put him up to it. And the ensuing fallout  involving massive protests, a dictator, a secret video file, a U.S. oil company, and a law firm in San Francisco  has upped the stakes for Cambodias small human rights community.

Tens of thousands marched in the funeral procession for Kem Ley in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on July 24, 2016. Ley, 45, was fatally shot in an attack that raised suspicion of a political conspiracy. (Heng Sinith / Associated Press)

Kem  a crusader whose causes included illegal logging, corruption and sovereignty issues on the Cambodia-Vietnam border  was a widely beloved public figure. On July 24, two weeks after the killing, tens of thousands of Cambodians gathered for his funeral. A sea of mourners surged down Phnom Penhs broad boulevards, carrying Kem in a glass coffin covered in flowers. Many wept; some marched the entire 50 miles to his hometown in Takeo province, where they laid his body to rest.

The march was as much a repudiation of Cambodias prime minister as it was a tribute to Kem. Hun Sen, a 61-year-old strongman, has ruled the country for 31 years, making him among the worlds longest-serving rulers.

Hun wields almost total control over the countrys police force, military, major media and courts  and Kem criticized him relentlessly, casting him as a corrupt despot.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, a frequent target of Kem Leys criticism, at an event in Phnom Penh on Jan. 7, 2017. marking the anniversary of the 1979 downfall of the Khmer Rouge regime. (Heng Sinith / Associated Press)

Hun called the killing a savage act, and promised an investigation. But Kems supporters were suspicious.

Huns Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) has been accused of assassinating opponents, then manipulating the investigations of their deaths. And some details from the shooting cried out for further inspection  witnesses claimed that a police vehicle pulled up to the gas station that morning, lingered briefly and departed just before the shooting. They claimed that Oueth attempted to jump on a police motorbike before walking away.

The truth may lie on the Caltex stations surveillance video. Kems supporters have repeatedly lobbied authorities to release the video files, to no avail.

Then in December, they received an unexpected shot of hope.

Caltex is owned by Chevron, the San Ramon, Calif.-based energy giant. A boutique law firm in San Francisco, BraunHagey & Borden, suspected that Chevron still had the files  and that it could force the company to release them.

One of the firms lawyers who had worked on human rights issues in Cambodia was disturbed by the killing, and thought the firm could inject some fairness into the case. On Dec. 13, its lawyers filed a suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

I feel these are times when the 1st Amendment, the freedom of the press and the freedom to dissent  to speak your mind  are more important internationally, and I think law firms should be standing up for that, said Matthew Borden, a partner at the firm.

On Dec. 23, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court closed its investigation into Kems death. This week, the California lawsuit took a major step forward.

Pok Sin, Kem Leys 78-year-old mother, sits at the familys home in Takeo province receiving a steady stream of mourners. (Jonathan Kaiman / Los Angeles Times)

Kem was born to a family of farmers in an impoverished, rice-growing village a half-days drive from Phnom Penh. His mother, Pok Sin, 78, described him as a smart but quiet child. He never said anything about wanting to be famous or influential, she said. He studied medicine in Thailand and Malaysia, and after graduation, worked as a public health researcher for international nonprofit organizations.

In 2013, everything changed. Hun won election to his fifth term as prime minister. The opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party came close; its leaders alleged mass voter fraud, and refused to accept the outcome. Protests erupted, and in January 2014 the government cracked down, resulting in four deaths.

The events enraged and emboldened Kem. He began to travel widely, spending his nights with rural families, and appearing on radio and television to air their grievances. He campaigned against illegal logging, pollution, corruption, inequality and land grabs. He founded an independent political party, the Grassroots Democracy Party, which planned to field candidates for local elections in 2017.

He was pretty much like a man with eight arms, said Virak Ou, a Phnom Penh-based human rights activist and friend of Kems. He seemed to be everywhere. And that was one of his strengths.

Kems organizing was dangerous, and he knew it. Many Cambodians believe, despite a lack of conclusive evidence, that the CPP has at least played a role in the deaths of its fiercest critics. In 2004, Chea Vichea, an influential union leader, was shot to death; in 2012, Chut Wutty, an environmental activist, was gunned down near a protected forest. Their killers were never brought to justice.

Kems final radio interview may have been the last straw to his most violent opponents. On July 9, he appeared on Radio Free Asia to discuss a Global Witness report that claimed Huns family members had amassed a fortune worth at least $200 million.

Kem spent his last days living in fear, according to Buth Bunteng, a Buddhist monk and anti-illegal logging activist. Buth recalled meeting Kem at a cafe on July 7, three days before the killing.

Before then, he thought he would be arrested, he said. On the 7th, he thought he would be killed. He was afraid. His facial appearance changed. His behavior changed on that evening. He looked so sad.

After the killing, journalists visited the gunmans rural hometown on Cambodias western border and heard that he was a former soldier and inveterate gambler. Voice of America reported that Oeuth likely didnt have $3,000 to lend Kem; the Cambodia Daily, citing Oeuths family and friends, reported that he had never even uttered Kem Leys name. He had vanished from his village 10 days before the shooting.

After Oeuth was arrested, he gave an unusual nickname to police: Chuop Samlap, Khmer for meet to kill. Oeuths trial is scheduled to begin March 1.

A girl stands beside a portrait of activist Kem Ley at his grave in Ang Takok, Cambodia. (Denis Gray / Associated Press)

The case could hinge on something called a Section 1782 discovery  a simple U.S. statute with complex implications.

It stipulates that if an American company is involved in a legal proceeding outside the U.S.  say, a trial in Cambodia  a litigant can apply to an American court for evidence that could be used in that proceeding.

BraunHagey & Bordens lawyers considered the statute, and saw an opportunity.

Hours after Kems killing, Sam Rainsy, head of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, had called the death an act of state-sponsored terrorism, with parallels to the killings of Chea and Chut. In August, Huns government sued Rainsy for defamation; he went into exile in France.

Also, in October 2014, a group of Cambodian citizens brought a case to the International Criminal Court, accusing Cambodian officials of crimes against humanity.

Chevrons surveillance video was relevant to both cases, and BraunHagey & Borden filed the discovery request for the video, along with other materials, on behalf of both Rainsy and the Cambodians in the ICC case.

The energy giant itself had used Section 1782 before in an environmental case in Ecuador. Were basically using it in all the ways that Chevron has used it, Borden said.

Chevron has not yet filed any responses in court, but maintains that theres no point in suing for the video. A spokesman, Gareth Johnstone, said the gas stations digital video recorder, along with the footage it contained, was removed by the police shortly following the incident. He did not offer further details.

The law firm is skeptical. Eva Scheuller, an associate attorney at the firm, said it seemed somewhat implausible that the digital files were not backed up.

On Thursday, the court granted the firms request, allowing Chevron 30 days to object. Judge Donna M. Ryu wrote that the request for the files does not appear to be unduly burdensome.

The Cambodian government has repeatedly denied having a role in Kems death. I think theres speculation, and thats the right of the people, said CPP spokesman Sok Eysan. But as a government ruling party we dont want such incidents to happen. He blamed the opposition party for stirring up resentment and denied that Hun would interfere in the countrys courts.

Yet the killing has cast a chill over Cambodias human rights community. Kems wife and five sons have fled to Thailand; they are applying for asylum in Australia.

Chum Houth and Chum Houth, 27, prominent environmental activists who are identical twins with identical names, said they now fear for their lives.

Many [aid] workers have told us to wear helmets and masks over our faces whenever we go out, said one of the twins. But I said no, that would make me not a Cambodian citizen.

We dont know who is an enemy, and who is a friend, added his brother.

On a rainy afternoon in November, Pok Sin, Kems mother, sat on a damp wooden platform outside of the familys home, receiving busloads of guests  weathered farmers, coiffed office workers, Buddhist monks in flowing orange robes. They bowed deeply, then snapped photos by Kems coffin, their expressions defiant but darkened by grief.

Kem Ley wrote something on his Facebook before he died about brave people who stood up to government pressure, said one visitor, Bov Sorphea, 38, who has protested land seizures near her home in Phnom Penhs Boeung Kak area. Whenever we went to jail, when we got out, he was there to support us.

As Bov left, another bus pulled up, and Pok watched the new round of visitors quietly approach.

Buth Bunteng, a Buddhist monk and anti-illegal logging activist. said Kem Ley was afraid for his life when they met three days before Kem was gunned down. (Heng Sinith / Associated Press)

jonathan.kaiman@latimes.com

For more news from Asia, follow @JRKaiman on Twitter

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Climbing down from a position that put the United States on a collision course with Beijing, President Trump has told Chinese President Xi Jinping in a telephone call that he would abide by the one China policy that effectively recognizes Beijings sovereignty over Taiwan.

The belated concession in a telephone call Thursday shows that the practicalities of modern geopolitics are beginning to sink in for the three-week-old Trump administration.

Trump hadnt spoken to the Chinese leadership since taking office  a delay widely seen as a sign of Beijings irritation at Trumps hints that he would fundamentally change U.S. policy toward the worlds second-largest economy.

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According to a White House statement, Trump told Xi he would honor the diplomatic understanding, first established after President Nixons opening to China in 1972, that the United States will not challenge Beijings assertion of sovereignty over Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing views as a breakaway province.

The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our One China policy, the statement said. It described the call as extremely cordial.

The shift is the latest sign that Trump has had to moderate some of his more provocative foreign policy pronouncements.

I have a sense that Trump has become tweeter in chief, but he has some cooler heads around him who are taking care of business, said Orville Schell, director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations at the Asia Society in New York. Schell said some of Trumps more impetuous statements had left people off-balance and scared and confused, but his lieutenants have realized we have to get this world stabilized.

Earlier this week, Trump vowed strong support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, for example, weeks after calling the 38-nation military alliance obsolete.

Last week, his ambassador to the United Nations said the administration would not lift sanctions on Russia until it withdraws from Ukraine, weeks after Trump had suggested he might ease sanctions.

And Trump has backpedaled on a promise to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a move that would infuriate the Muslim world since Palestinians also claim the city as their capital.

The reboot with China appears to be the handiwork of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House aide Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, who met with Chinese ambassador Cui Tiankai before a Lunar New Year event last week in Washington. Kushners wife, Ivanka Trump, attended the event with the couples 5-year-old daughter and released (to the delight of many Chinese) a video of the girl singing a song in Chinese.

Trump has repeatedly criticized Chinas trade policies during and since the campaign. His promise to get tough on China has been a central element of Trumps claim that his experience as a businessman would allow him to get better deals for the United States than his predecessors achieved.

The Chinese had shrugged off Trumps campaign rhetoric as American politics as usual, but his statements about Taiwan rattled Beijing to the core.

In December, Trump said in an interview with Fox News, I dont know why we have to be bound by a one China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade.

Shortly before his inauguration, he told the Wall Street Journal that everything is under negotiation, including one China.

The one China policy is essentially an agreement to disagree  a diplomatic fiction that allowed the United States and China to set aside their differences and build a relationship that by now dominates the world economy. Officially, the United States does not recognize the independence of Taiwan, which is led by the political descendants of the anti-Communist Chinese who fled the mainland after the Chinese Civil War, although it remains committed to its defense and has periodically sold arms to Taipei.

Many of us dont like the one China policy in a world of self-determination where Quebec can talk about leaving Canada, and Scotland about leaving the U.K., said Schell. But it remains the basic fundament of the U.S.-China relationship and you better not mess with it or you wont get anything done.

Trump broke with decades of diplomatic precedent when he accepted a congratulatory phone call from Taiwans president, Tsai Ing-wen, on Dec. 2.

No U.S. president or president-elect is believed to have spoken directly with a Taiwanese leader since the U.S. recognized the mainland government and cut ties with Taiwan in 1979.

Many Taiwanese were delighted by the Trump-Tsai call  a rare moment of international recognition for their small but vibrant democracy  yet they have expressed concerns about becoming a geopolitical bargaining chip for Trump. Any upset in the delicate status quo is also risky for Taiwan, which counts the mainland as its leading trade partner.

Following the news of Trumps call with Xi, Taiwans presidential office issued a cordial, yet muted statement on Friday, expressing understanding toward the U.S. goal of peace and stability in East Asia.

According to a summary of Thursdays call by Chinas official New China News Agency, Xi spoke in florid diplomatic rhetoric; he told Trump that China will work with the United States to enhance communication and cooperation so that bilateral ties can advance in a sound and stable manner and yield more fruits to benefit the two peoples and people of all countries in the world.

Trump told Xi he was very happy to speak with him, the agency reported, adding that he praised the historic achievements of Chinas development. Trump said that developing the China-U.S. relationship has the broad support of the American people, the agency added.

Though Trump has spoken by phone with more than a dozen other world leaders since his inauguration, his only previous conversation with Xi took place in November, a week after the election.

The White House gave reporters no advance word that Trump would be making the call and did not release news of it until roughly 11 p.m. Eastern time. That suggested an effort to minimize attention to a move that amounted to a significant climb down for Trump on a subject that goes to the heart of his image as a successful businessman and dealmaker.

The phone call was made more urgent by the attention Trump is lavishing on Japan, Chinas traditional rival in Asia. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Washington on Friday and is being hosted for a day of golf Saturday in Mar-a-Lago, Trumps Florida retreat.

Trump has accused China of manipulating its currency, supporting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, economically raping the U.S. and creating the concept of global warming as a hoax to undercut U.S. manufacturing. During his campaign, he advocated a 45% tariff on Chinese exports to the U.S.

Trumps top advisor on trade is Peter Navarro, a hawkish business professor at UC Irvine who directed a documentary called Death by China. Tillerson has also taken some confrontational positions  telling the Senate during his confirmation hearing that China should be denied access to artificial islands that it built in contested waters of the South China Sea.

Yet the Trump administration has markedly softened its tone since the campaign and the transition period.

In a phone call last week with Chinas top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, national security advisor Michael Flynn noted that the U.S. government is committed to developing strong U.S.-China relations, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

And this week in Tokyo, Trumps secretary of Defense, James N. Mattis, said issues in the South China Sea would be best solved by the diplomats.

On Wednesday, Trump sent Xi a letter wishing the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and prosperous Year of the Rooster.

He realized that this agreement the U.S. and China made before cannot be easily broken.  Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization

The letter is the kind of standard language and protocol prepared for any new president, said Paul Haenle, director of the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center in Beijing, who was a National Security Council China director in the George W. Bush and Obama administrations. The timing might be linked to Tillersons confirmation last week.

My guess is that Tillerson is now making his own round of phone calls and meetings with ambassadors and foreign leaders, he said.

Wang Huiyao, president of the Beijing-based think tank Center for China and Globalization, said Trumps administration likely faced a rude awakening about the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship after his inauguration.

I think Trump is more informed as a president now than when he was a candidate, he said, so he realized that this agreement the U.S. and China made before cannot be easily broken.

Times staff writer David Lauter in Washington and special correspondents Yingzhi Yang in Beijing and Ralph Jennings in Taipei contributed to this report.

jonathan.kaiman@latimes.com

For more news from Asia, follow @JRKaiman on Twitter

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UPDATES:

3:40 p.m.: This article was updated with more background and reaction.

10:15 a.m.: This article was updated with new details from the White House.

9:30 a.m. Feb. 10: This article was updated with reaction from Taiwan.

11:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details of the call between the two leaders.

This article was originally published Feb. 9 at 9:20 p.m.
A harrowing piece of anti-war art by a Syrian that was erected in the heart of Dresden this week has sparked an emotional debate in the city that was controversially destroyed by Allied bombs near the end of World War II and then magnificently rebuilt  before having its reputation stained recently by ugly anti-foreigner protests.

Manaf Halbouni, a Syrian-born artist with German roots, got the idea to stand upright three massive buses  some 40 feet long and weighing 12 tons each  in the center of his German mothers hometown. He could not get out of his mind gripping war zone images he had seen in 2015 of three buses stood up in similar fashion in Aleppo  where they served as a makeshift barricade to protect civilians during fighting between Syrian government troops and rebel forces.

I was fascinated by the images and the energy that went behind the efforts to stand the buses upright like that, Halbouni said in a telephone interview with The Times from his home in Dresden, where he has lived since 2008. I was fascinated too by the ordinary street life taking place in the city behind the protection of the buses. Children playing on the streets and people riding bikes. It was surreal.

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A March 14, 2015, photo shows a young boy walking past a makeshift barricade made of the wreckages of buses to obstruct the view of snipers in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. (Karam Al-Masri / AFP / Getty Images)

The reaction in Dresden has been surreal as well. Backers and opponents of the striking artwork called Monument have angrily debated the merits of Halbounis creation erected in the central town square near the famous baroque Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, that was devastated by Allied bombs in 1945 but rebuilt brick by brick after German unification and has since become a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

We knew there would be some people unhappy about this, but we didnt anticipate the reaction being quite this intense, said Christiane Mennicke-Schwarz, the head of the Kunsthaus Dresden, a state-backed art gallery and exhibition center that sponsored the project.

Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert has faced death threats and is now under round-the-clock police protection after he tried to speak over jeers at the unveiling of Halbounis exhibit on Tuesday, which uses three 1980s-era buses from a Bavarian junkyard that have been mounted and firmly anchored to the ground with steel cables.

Its thought-provoking and thats what we wanted: to connect the terrible suffering of the war in Syria to Dresden, to connect the commemoration of the victims of the past with those of the present, Mennicke-Schwarz added. It seemed so appropriate to give us a small insight into how civilians are trying to get by at the moment in Syrian cities.

Syrian artist Manaf Halbouni. (Michael Sohn / Associated Press)

But right-wing protesters and supporters of the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party have protested loudly, calling it a disgrace to the memory of the 25,000 civilians killed in a firestorm and three days of bombing Feb. 13-15, 1945  less than three months before an already decimated Germany surrendered.

Halbounis work was installed to coincide with the 72nd anniversary of the Allied raids that devastated the city. The bombings by British and American warplanes on a militarily insignificant city remain the source of resentment, and far-right groups try to use the annual memorial to push a revisionist view of history that Dresden was a victim of an Allied war crime.

Traitor! and piece of garbage! were some of the chants about 100 demonstrators hurled at the mayor, the artist and other dignitaries at the unveiling. Others shouted Get lost! and shame on you!

Dresden, in eastern Germany, has been the center of the anti-Muslim PEGIDA movement, or Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West, that has sullied the regions reputation, but many Dresden residents have opposed the the small but loud anti-foreigner protests. Many also have have expressed unqualified support for the artist and his artwork.

I think Dresden has been enriched by this artwork, said Annegret Ehnert, an elementary school teacher in Dresden. Especially at a time when were facing the challenges of PEGIDA and xenophobia, its great to see the way hes shaking things up here and got people to look beyond their own noses.

Hes managed to get everyone in town talking about it even though Halbouni is unfortunately getting a lot of grief from some pretty ignorant people who forget how fortunate the people in Dresden have been compared to what people in Aleppo are going through.

Kirschbaum is a special correspondent.

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Its been almost 70 years, Scientists from Manhattan Project tested their first Nuclear bomb during the World war II. Now, scientists have found radioactive glass from the testing site that reveals the theories behind the formation of Moon.

A group of Scientist from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diago started examining on the chemical components of the green-colored glass. This radioactive glass is known as trinitite. Researchers found Zinc(Zn) and other volatile materials from the trinitite that was formed by the intense temperature, resulted from the plutonium bomb explosion.

According to ScienceDaily, those glass samples were collected between 10 meters (30 feet) and 250 meters (800 feet) radius from the ground zero at the trinity site, New Mexico. Scientists compared the test samples that was collected from the various distances of detonation site. Closest samples of the test site drained more Zinc and other volatile elements. The zinc that was collected from the test samples, enriched with a heavier amount of less-reactive isotopes.

Amount of Zinc and other volatile materials were lower at the nearest zones because those elements were evaporated due to the higher temperature. Scripps geoscientist James Day and the lead researcher of the study, said in a statement,The results show that evaporation at high temperatures, similar to those at the beginning of planet formation, leads to the loss of volatile elements and to enrichment in heavy isotopes in the leftover materials from the event. Their findings were first published on Feb. 8 in the journal of Science Advances.

The Same type of chemical reaction happened during the collision between Earth and a Mars-sized planetary body. Debris ejected from the collision course ultimately formed the Moon by getting together. According to the research by Dr. Day and his colleagues, there are huge similarities between lunar rocks and trinitite. Both of them are exhausted with volatile elements and no sign of water. This new study provides a new theory behind the formation of the moon that proves the giant impact theory.
Japanese researchers have recently created insect-size drones that help the honeybees to pollinate plants. As the administration of President Donald Trump delays the listing of a bee species in the U.S.

Bees are dying globally and everyone is alarmed by the fact. According to The Bee Informed Partnership, the diminishing of pollinators and bee colonies high mortality rates are now a major concern worldwide and in the U.S. the rapidly declined population of the bees is greatly caused by climate change, diseases, or pesticides.

The Verge has reported that back in 2016, the United States declared that there are 7 species of Hawaiian bees are endangered. So, the Japanese Researchers in National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science, have looked into a sticky liquid gel to pollinate flowers. In making a pollinator, they ordered over $100 drones from Amazon, researchers added some horsehair painted on the gels and to their undersides.

After making the pollinator, the drones were ready to take and release pollen grains. As per Eijiro Miyako, the project leader of the research stated that it is the first time that a drone has pollinated a flower. Though it is obvious that a drone pollinator will not be enough to replace the work of bees, but it is a great technology for nature and alternative as the populations decline, Gizmodo reported.

The work of a drone isn't close enough to the vital works of the bees or in some area in China, who uses their hands to pollinate a flower by brushing. "It is impossible to replace the bees with a manual drone," Eijiro Miyako stated and claimed that targeting a drone is challenging.

The drone is need of improvements to pollinate flowers. Improvements in artificial intelligence, GPS, and high-resolution cameras are needed but it's a bit challenging and the inclusion on a small airborne robot drone. But Miyako said that the drone is feasible, the honeybee colonies have declined over 44% in 2015 and in 2016.
The newest post primary school in Portlaoise, Dunamase College, has announced the appointment of its first principal, Aoife Elster. Ms. Elster will take up her new role in March at the temporary school premises in Railway Street.

Speaking about the appointment, Paul Fields, Director of Schools at Laois Offaly ETB, stated that, the appointment of the principal is a significant step in establishing the school within the community.

"The fact that the principal will be in place from March onwards will ensure that all of the necessary preparations for the opening of Dunamase College will be in place before the school opens its doors to students in September, he said.

The new principal, Aoife Elster is originally from Dublin but has been living in the Midlands for almost three decades.

Her background is in science and she worked for several years in the oil industry in London before moving to Laois. She has been involved in education for over two decades and has worked in both Irish and English medium schools.

She has extensive experience in the setting up and development of new schools, having been involved with Gael-Cholaiste Chill Dara in Naas from its inception in 2004 and most recently she has been the founding principal of Cholaiste Ghlor na Mara, a 1000 pupil second level school in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.



Science and mathematics are a lifelong passion, and this has been reflected in her own learning and teaching.

She has recent postgraduate qualifications in Mathematics and Education from NUIM, in association with the University of Cambridge. She also developed distance learning strategies, teaching physics in two counties simultaneously over the internet.

Her vision for education involves the widespread use of appropriate technologies and modern teaching methods. She is particularly interested in using technology to increase accessibility to additional subjects and learners. She also has a strong interest in culture and music.

She is a keen walker and walks in the Sliabh Blooms most weekends and has walked several parts of the Camino de Santiago in recent years. Aoife is married to Stephen, and has two adult children; Naomi, a cancer researcher and writer, and Ciaran, a musician and teacher, both of whom are working abroad at the moment.

Chief Executive at Laois Offaly ETB, Joe Cunningham expressed his belief that, the appointment of the new principal is another practical step in establishing Dunamase College as a significant provider of post primary education within Portlaoise.

He took the opportunity to remind parents that an information meeting will take place on Thursday 16th. February @ 7.30, Railway Street, for any interested parents.






A prisoner who claimed his fellow inmate, an ex-garda, allegedly requested an assault so as to orchestrate his early release from prison on safety concerns has lost a sentence appeal.

Gerard Brown (34), with an address at the Midlands Prison, was found guilty by a jury at Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court of assaulting Mr Stephen Cooper, his fellow inmate, in the Midlands Prison on May 20, 2014.

He was sentenced to three years imprisonment made consecutive to a term already being served.

Brown had an appeal against sentence dismissed on Thursday with the Court of Appeal holding that his sentence could not be regarded as unduly harsh.

Giving judgment, Mr Justice Alan Mahon said Mr Cooper was an ex-Garda who was serving a sentence for fraud, perverting the course of justice and for an offence under section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. As an ex-garda, Mr Cooper was afforded special protection in prison.

On the day in question, as Mr Cooper was being escorted to the prison gym, he was assaulted by Brown when forcefully struck on the head two or three times with a mug concealed in a sock.

Brown admitted that he attacked Mr Cooper in the manner described. He claimed Mr Cooper had consented to being assaulted, having requested Brown to attack him for the purpose of facilitating or orchestrating Mr Cooper's early release from prison on the basis that his safety inside the prison was at risk .

Brown alleged that Mr Cooper instructed him not to hold back and just make sure there is blood. He alleged that Mr Cooper agreed in return to provide him with certain documentation and information as well as 1,000 in cash.

Mr Cooper gave evidence that he had not consented to being assaulted at all and insisted that he had no agreement with Brown.

Counsel for Brown, Conor Devally SC, submitted that the trial judge erred in treating the fact that the offence was committed in prison as an aggravating factor.

Mr Devally said the sentencing judge wrongly enhanced the sentence by calculating it in a manner that amounted to double counting. If it had been a mass prison riot like something in Brazil, Mr Devally said, then the situation would be different.

Mr Justice Mahon said the fact the offence was committed in prison should not have been considered an aggravating factor. However it was unclear whether the Circuit Court judge did approach sentencing on that basis .

Furthermore, Mr Justice Mahon said the sentence could not be regarded as unduly harsh having regard to the seriousness of the offence and the totality principle.

Mr Justice Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice John Edwards, dismissed the appeal.
The new Action Plan for Education will help tackle disadvantage in Laois, according to local TD and Minister Charlie Flanagan.

Minister Flanagan said that the Action Plan for Education 2017 is going to promote wellbeing in schools as well as tackling educational disadvantage across Laois. He said would also see computer science added to Leaving Cert education.

"The 2017 Plan is going to improve the lives of children all over Laois by promoting wellbeing in schools. Every school will be required to have dedicated guidance counselling time available for students and we are appointing an additional 10 NEPs psychologists across the country," he said.

He said schools will also have to establish a wellbeing steering committee to develop a policy statement in this area and identify gaps in existing services.

Every school will also be required to implement the Junior Cycle Wellbeing programme which contains guidelines for making wellbeing a whole school endeavour.

He said a Plan for future supports to tackle educational disadvantage will be published soon. In the area of Special Educational Needs, Minister Flanagan said there would be a new model for the allocation of teachers in mainstream schools to support children.

The 2017 Action Plan for Education also contains lots of great initiatives to equip Laois children for the world we live in today and for the future workforce. This includes a real focus on technology and skills in education," he said.

This will include the implementation of computer science as a Leaving Cert subject is being brought forward 12 months to September 2018. A curriculum for computational thinking and coding is being developed for primary level.
Portlaoise-based locksmith Jack Nolan was recently elected Chairman of the Irish Locksmiths Organisation at their annual general meeting in Naas.

Jack is this year celebrating 35 years in business in Railway Street in Portlaoise and was elected at a time of great change in the locksmith industry as from February 1 all locksmiths must be licensed by the PSA.



Since February 1st it is now an offence for an unlicensed locksmith to fit, change, service or repair locks either domestic or commercial. It is also an offence for a customer to engage an unlicensed locksmith to carry out work on their behalf.

Nolans Locksmiths were one of the first in the country to receive accreditation from the PSA and customers can engage their services safe in the knowledge that they are fully vetted and licensed and with decades of experience in the trade.

Jack, a former town councillor, sees the new licence as a challenge and opportunity

"There has been no regulation in the industry and it has been possible in the past for people to operate as locksmiths without any training, expertise or standards and both the professional locksmiths and the customer were suffering.

"I am delighted to be at the head of the Irish Locksmiths Organisation at this period of great change," he said.

Jack is one of Portlaoise's best known business people. He has been involved in promoting the town through many groups over the years and is a member of the Downtown Portlaoise traders group.

He is also a part-time GAA commentator on local radio and is involved with Park Ratheniska GAA club.
Gardai and public representatives in Laois are being asked to join a campaign that aims to tackle the damage done by drugs through educating recreational use.

The Laois Joint Policing Committee will have been asked to consider joining the Think Before You Buy Campaign. The projects was developed in Blanchardstown, Dublin to expose the link between casual recreational drug use and the damage it causes.

Over the past two years Safer Blancharstown has developed a multi-media campaign involving its website www.thinkbeforeyoubuy.ie which has challanged the view that recreational drug use is harmless.

Philip Jennings, co-ordinator of Safer Blanchardstown has written to the Joint Policing Committee in Laois and other counties to ask them to join the campaign.

"We believe recreational drug use is the genesis of much of the underlying cause of crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour and in particular drug related criminal activity and therefore this campaign should be of particular interest to all JPCs," he wrote.

The Laois JPC is made of senior gardai, politicians, county council officials and other public representatives. It meets on Monday, February 13.
The outcome of a new national plan is critical for the future development of Laois according to Laois TD and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan who has urged Laois people to have their say.

Ireland 2040  Our Plan, the new National Planning Framework sees the start of a Government project to plan ahead for the countrys long term development.

"I strongly people across urban and rural locations all across Laois to get involved and have their say on behalf of their communities and the county they know and love," said Minister Flanagan.

He said everybody can see, and has had to live with the "legacy of previous bad planning". The Portlaoise-based TD said this is the first time a Government has planned 20 years ahead like this.

He said the country must deal with the challenges and opportunities brought about by the fact that our population is forecast to increase by 1 million by 2040.

The Mountmellick native said 'unbalanced development' that has seen major growth only in the Dublin area and in the east, cannot continue. He said strong well-developed cities are needed across the country providing regional balance, encouraging people to live and work outside of Dublin.

This plan is critical for Laois in the context of the rapid population increase experienced in Laois in recent years and the need for essential services to keep pace with the population growth in the county," said the Fine Gael TD.

The announcement of a project follows on quickly from the start of work on a project to replace the National Spatial Strategy which saw Laois relegated to division two status for development.

The absence of IDA jobs in Laois is partly due to this strategy which promoted, Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar over Portlaoise. Despite this the county's population is one of the fastest growing in the country.

Go to www.ireland2040.ie to make an initial submission between now and the 16th of March. There will also be a series of regional consultations.
A national weather forecaster with Laois roots, the Parish Priest of Knock and a youth Christian evangelist are among an eclectic list of guest speakers lined up for Portlaoise Parish's Solemn Novena.

The annual Spring celebration of the faith in Laois' biggest parish gets underway on Sunday, March 4 and runs to the following Sunday, March 12.

Portlaoise Parish says the nine day is celebrated to give thanks to a Faith Community that is dynamic, alive and very active in many ways. Each day features differant themes.

Laois native Evelyn Cusack of Met Eireann will be a guest speaker towards the end of the week. Christian youth evangelist Jasper Rutherford will give a powerful testimony of new hope.

With the debate ongoing over the repeal of the Eight Amendment on abortion Bernadette Goulding of the Pro Life will speak early in the week.

Fr Richard Gibbons, PP of Knock, Co Mayo is probably one of the highest profile PPs in the country due to the continued popularity of Knock Shrine.

Fr Brian Shortall and Br Kevin who work with the Capuchin Franciscan Order's food kitchen for the homeless and poor in Dublin will also feature.

Sr Consilio, who is closely linked with the Cuan Mhuire addiction treatment service, will speak on the same day as a midnight Mass will be celebrated for families affected by suicide.

The Parish has also confirmed Bishop Brian Storey, Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath as a speaker.

Apart from local priests Msgr John Byrne, PP, and Fr Paddy Byrne, Fr Eddie Lalor and Fr Tom O'Connor, guest priests include: Mountmellick PP Fr Micheal Murphy, Fr Joe McDermot, who will also be a guest speaker, Graiguecullen PP Fr John Dunphy and Fr John Harris.

There will be a school masses for local schools during the week including Confirmation candidates. The week also features a special Mass for the heart beat of Portlaoise music St Joseph's Accordion Band to honour its 60th anniversary.

The final day's Mass on Sunday, March 12, will be led by Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty.
Kildare North Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan slammed those responsible for the derelict Naas Shopping Centre building in the Dail yesterday evening (Thursday, February 9).

"The leaning towers of Naas have brought nothing but ridicule to us as public representatives, and to the town itself, through no fault of the people of the town," he said.

He also said that in recent times a number of town businesses have closed, "and there are rumours of a number of other businesses closing, and this has come about because of a lack of footfall.

"People need to have a reason to come into the middle of the town."

Continue reading below...

Video: Oireachtas TV

He said it was time for the Department of the Environment and the local authority to bring together all the players in the shopping centre saga and ask "what is happening?"

"The visual impact of any town has a huge impact on the town," he said.

"Business people in the town are worried they are going to be left like that."

He added that this crisis was happening just 25 miles from the middle of Dublin.

In response, Minister of State Catherine Byrne TD said that the management of the stalled development at Naas Shopping Centre is a matter for Kildare County Council and it would be improper for the Minister to become involved.

She added that a long-awaited arbitration hearing concerning a piece of land crucial to the opening of the centre has been scheduled for April 2017.
Five Kildare students are in the final of the Doodle 4 Google competition.

Voting started online last Tuesday and will remain open until February 21. One talented artist receive a 5,000 college scholarship and a 10,000 technology grant for their school as well as a Chromebook for themselves and their teacher.

The winning doodle will also feature on the Google Ireland homepage for 24 hours in April giving millions of people will have the opportunity to see it.

The official prize winning ceremony will be on April 3.

The theme of this years competition is If I could create anything, it would be...

Here are the five finalists from Kildare,who are battling it out with budding artists from all over Ireland, and the links where you can vote for them.

Misha Magee, Rathmore National School  If I could create anything, it would be The Animal Translator.

Wouldn't it be great if I could create a machine that understands animals and changes their sound to human language. Then we could help them when they are hurt, or feed them when they are hungry, said Misha.

To vote for Misha, click here

Weronika Gumola, Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge  If I could create anything it would be world peace.

The world would be a better place if we had world peace, no wars and equality, said Weronika.

To vote for Weronika's doodle, click here

Ksenia Stisz, Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge  If I could create anything I'd create acceptance for everybody.

Amputies, wheelchairs, glasses, skin diseases, weight and stretch marks. I want them to be seen as normal, accepted, said Ksenia.

To vote for Ksenia's doodle, click here

Holly Newman, Scoil Mhuire, Clane  If I could create anything it would be Tiny Galaxies.

I love space. I think it's facinating and beautiful, but the sheer size and vastness of space terrifies me. But I thought, what if I could shrink space? I decided that, if I could create anything, it would be a tiny Galaxy all to myself, said Holly.

To vote for Holly's doodle, click here

Toman Macukas, Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge  If I could create anything it would be Google Galileo.

This doodle for google represents that scientists can find new ways of finding better efficient energy to prevent climate change, said Toman.

To vote for Toman's doodle, click here
The new united Co. Kildare Chamber of Commerce will come into existence on March 1.

North Kildare Chamber had taken a vote on the merger last Wednesday, followed by Newbridge Chamber (Kildare South Chamber) on Thursday.

Both unanimously agreed to join forces to form Irelands first fully affiliated County Chamber of Commerce.

The new unified entity will have over 400 members, employing 42,000 people.

Known as the "Co. Kildare Chamber", it will automatically become one of the largest regional Chamber of Commerces in Ireland, matched only in scale by the Chambers in Irelands larger cities.

Negotiations on the merger took place over a period of months last year. This endeavour enjoyed support from stakeholders including Kildare County Council, TDs, councillors from all five Municipal Districts, as well as organisations such as the Education and Training Board of Ireland and Maynooth University.

Chambers Ireland have also welcomed the move and believe the agreement represents a road map for other counties to follow suit.

Vivian Cummins President of North Kildare Chamber stated that, While we face a series of challenges from across the Irish Sea and Atlantic, that are currently unpredictable, this is the time for building bridges and not walls. I am grateful to my colleagues on both Chamber committees who worked so hard to bring about this decision. I am confident that a united Co. Kildare Chamber will be better able to utilise its resources towards developing the interests of the Co. Kildare business and broader community on a local, national and international level.

Sean Dunne, President of Kildare South Chamber, added that 2016 will perhaps be recorded as a very significant year in the 49-year history of Newbridge Chamber t/a Kildare South Chamber as it will be the last year of Newbridge Chamber activity and hopefully the decisions made in 2016 will herald a new era of a whole united County Chamber in the future.

Businesses and representatives around the County will now have a common platform that is conducive to the creation of a healthy business environment. The Co Kildare Chamber will be the one voice representing business in Kildare, it will have the best potential to deliver greater benefits, greater strength in representation and more effective networking to the members throughout Co Kildare.

Allan Shine, CEO of the newly formed County Kildare Chamber said,The enlarged Chamber will provide more services and support for businesses throughout the county. This newly formed entity will be a more effective lobbying organisation in that we now have a single voice for the business community in Kildare.

Particular thanks must go to the respective Presidents and mediation teams of both Chambers. Work starts now to promote this new organisation throughout the county. County Kildare Chamber will aim to protect, promote, maintain and enhance business in every village and town throughout Kildare.

The committee will be made up as follows: President: Vivian Cummins (Athy), Vice-President: Sean Dunne (Kildare-Newbridge), Vice-President: Keith Traynor (Celbridge/Leixlip), Co-Treasurer: Brendan Allen (Maynooth), Co-Treasurer: Alistair Conway (Naas), Hon. Secretary: Noel Dempsey (Naas), Andrew Cody (Kildare-Newbridge), Maureen Bergin (Kildare-Newbridge), Pat Sutton (Kildare-Newbridge), Ronan Twohig (Celbridge-Leixlip), Mick OShea (Celbridge-Leixlip), Bernie Everard (Maynooth), Denis Buckley (Maynooth), Michael Moriarty (Naas), Luke Hanahoe (Naas).

Following the first AGM of the Co. Kildare Chamber in September 2017 at the latest, the 15-member committee structure of the proposed new entity, Co. Kildare Chamber, will be made up with three members from each of the five Municipal Districts in Co. Kildare to ensure broad representation.
Building on the success of previous events, the Leitrim Design House is pleased to present its third annual conference on, Saturday February 11.



It features a panel of speakers representing dynamic and inspiring design businesses. The conference is chaired by Eddie Shanahan, a well known expert in brand and product development for the fashion, craft and homewares industry. This conference will explore various aspects of developing a craft and design business. Themes will include key challenges at start up; relevant supports availed of and key learnings along the way.



The event will be brim full of practical advice on developing your creative business. The afternoon session offers the audience the opportunity to engage with the speakers in a specially devised conversation session discussing some of the issues raised by the presenters and the audience.



Dont miss this opportunity to listen to a really interesting panel of speakers. Join the conversation!

- The Shed Distillery marks a return to traditional distillation using medieval copper stills and is the first multi-purpose distillery of its kind in Ireland. Filled with experiments and recipes for herbaceous gins, potato vodkas, handcrafted Irish Pot Still and Single Malt Irish whiskey and new liqueurs, the Shed is the brainchild of Patrick J. Rigney.

- Edge Only is an exciting jewellery brand. The company creates a range of items that have an edge. Made by experienced craftspeople from quality materials, the collection represents attitude and identity but also quality and longevity, balancing elegance with edge.

- The Atlantic Equipment Project designs and builds long-lasting, quality backpacks and satchels. The range of bags is tough and durable combining to create simple, beautiful and long lasting equipment designed for men and women who find joy in the exploration of our rugged Atlantic coastline.

- ORiain Pottery established by master craftsman John Ryan makes both functional and decorative stoneware pottery, drawing inspiration from the surrounding rural landscape. The high quality pottery can be used in microwaves, ovens and dish washers. Only natural and ecological materials are used throughout the entire production process.

- Artwood is a family business set up by Giolla Liddy and Emily Sachs Eldridge. The company has an expanding range of natural and handcrafted home and gift ideas.

Each piece is handcrafted in their workshop under the Sliabh an Iarainn mountain in County Leitrim. Artwood works with locally sourced woods.



Registration & coffee is at 10.30am. Conference opening and outline by Eddie Shanahan commences at 11.15am. Lunch will be provided at 1.15pm and conference closes at 3.30pm.



For further information visit www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie or phone 071 9650550. Follow us on Facebook-www.facebook.com/TheLeitrimDesignHouse.com The Leitrim Design House, The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Leitrim Enterprise office supports this project.
Rikki van den Berg was born in Holland, spent her formative years in Ireland. Moving back to Holland, and bringing an unusual cultural background, left her vulnerable and estranged from her native country. In 1997, Rikki returned to Ireland, establishing herself as a figurative and abstract painter, embarking on a personal journey in search of identity and place, resulting in abstract landscapes and figurative work.

Rikkis inspiration comes from the dark clouds, the flooded fields, the abandoned, the decay, the hardship and rawness of nature and rural civilisation. From these she recognises a vulnerable beauty, a fleeting moment of timelessness, a connectedness. It is the challenge to re-feel that what touched her in a particular moment or story and to portray that into a new piece of art which, working intuitively, she evokes personal memories and feelings.

In her work she is continuously searching for her individuality yet it also holds a familial and social historical reference in her figurative work , all perhaps in essence mounting to the same search for an abstracted sense of belonging.

Rikkis work has received both national and international acclaim, with works in public and private collections America, Canada, Ireland, London, Belgium, France and China and at present her work is represented by five renowned galleries around Ireland.

Rikkis current collection of work is based on her emotional responses to the rural and natural environment in which she lives and works. Based on this work, Rikki received the Co Cavan Bursary Award for the Tyrone Guthry Centre in 2016. During her residency here she started working on her latest series Of The Land which is also included in this exhibition. The project Of The Land is to continue in collaboration with the renound poet and art critic Cherry Smyth and is to be completed in May 2017.

The exhibition will be officially opened by Gail Quinn of Solas Gallery on Friday, February 10 at 7.30pm.
DONALD Trump has had his fair share of controversy when it comes to women and now the Leader can reveal that the third wife of his right-hand man is none other than a glamorous Limerick model.

The newly-elected US president has been married three times. His top advisor has also had three wives - one of them Castletroy woman and former Rose of Tralee contestant, Diane Clohessy.

Steve Bannon, the man who graces the cover of this weeks Time magazine and is described as the second most powerful man in the world, was married to Ms Clohessy before their divorce in 2009.

Photos from the Limerick Leader's archive department show that prior to moving to the States Ms Clohessy was one of the Limerick contestants in the Rose of Tralee in 1990 - she represented Pery's nightclub. She also modelled locally and was remembered by model agent Celia Holman Lee this week as a striking young woman with lots of personality.

I remember Diane had a very pretty face and was very attractive. She probably didnt have the height to make it as a big time model. She moved to the States and I didnt hear much about her after that, Celia commented.

While President Trump's signature may be on the executive orders on refugees and immigration which have caused enormous controversy around the world, many political experts have said that they had the fingerprints of another man all over it - Steve Bannon.

Mr Bannon was appointed Mr Trump's chief strategist and has been at the president's side for many of the major events of the past few weeks  including a visit to CIA headquarters and a meeting with UK Prime Minister Theresa May. He is also pictured in the Oval Office close to the president while he was on a call to Russia's President Vladimir Putin on January 28 last.

President Trumps senior counselor also helped write the presidents inaugural address.

This weeks Time magazine profiles Bannon their cover story, dubbing him The Great Manipulator. Bannon seldom gives interviews, preferring instead to exert his influence behind the scenes. Bannon has been outspoken about what he sees as the rise of Islamic extremism threatening the West.

Ms Clohessy - who is referred to as Ms Clohesy in most news articles in relation to her ex-husband - began studying marketing at the age of 24 at New Yorks Fashion Institute of Technology, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Despite their divorce, Ms Clohessy has been working as a social media manager with Breitbart News of which Bannon is the former executive chair.

Locals in Limerick who are acquainted with Ms Clohessy and her ex-husband say there doesn't seem to be any bad blood between them. Ms Clohessy is understood to have been home in Limerick over Christmas - her elderly mother still resides here.

Diane has experienced her own difficulties. As a friend we dont like to say too much, said one friend.

Media reports in the US quote Ms Clohessys brother Declan as saying: Steve has always been there for my sister.
THE call has gone out for volunteers to take part in the re-enactment of the Fenian Rising in Ardagh which is planned for Sunday, March 5.

But unlike the original Rising, where there were those who could keep secrets and those who tipped off the local constabulary, the plans for the re-enactment are all out in the open.

As many as 70 people were involved in one way or another in the attack on the RIC Barracks in Ardagh in March, 1867, which co-incided with other military manoeuvres in Kilmallock, Kilteely, Cork, Dublin and Canada.

But the best local estimate for the actual sortie itself is about 40 men, armed with muskets, guns and locally made pikes.

And, says John OSullivan, chairman of the St Kierans Heritage Society which is master-minding the 150th Fenian anniversary, they hope to recruit about 40 men for the job, men who will be prepared to dress the part, march the road and act out the attack.

But all the schools in the area, Ardagh, Kilcolman, Carrigkerry and Coolcappa, are also getting involved, through art competitions, essay and poetry writing.

And all the schoolchildren are being encouraged to dress up in old-style costumes on Sunday, March 5 to view the re-enactment and also to participate in the old-style fair day being organised for that afternoon.

We are hoping they, the children, will go home and talk about it to grandparents, ask them about using the scythe or sickle or walking to the well for water, said Mary Kury, local historian and a member of the Heritage Society. They want children to understand the mindset of the time, of the why and how of the events that make up our history, she explained.

Mary herself is currently preparing a history of Ardagh for publication, a book which it is hoped will be launched later in the year.

Meanwhile, the chapter on the Fenian Rising in Ardagh has been published as a pamphlet and can be bought in local shops for 5. The money will help defray the costs of the weekend itself, the programme for which includes unveiling a plaque, holding a Rambling House, mounting an exhibition and staging an old-time fair-day as well as the Rising reenactment.

Commemorative pins will also be available and sold as part of the weekend of events.

Visitors from all over Limerick will be very welcome, Mr Sullivan stressed, and he has appealed to as many as possible to dress the part for the day and make it an occasion to remember.
THE number of patients being treated on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick has dropped slightly this Friday and as a result has spared the hospital the unwanted distinction of having the highest numbers in the country for a fifth straight day.

There are 35 people on trolleys at UHL this Friday  in A&E and on wards  according to figures collated by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, a drop from Thursdays 39.

The numbers on trolleys in the Limerick hospital were the highest in the country for four straight days this week  according to the figures  but University Hospital Galway has taken over the top slot this Friday, with 36 on trolleys.

The overcrowding figure has been consistently high at UHL but remains some way short of Januarys peak of 66  yet the hospital is regularly the most overcrowded in the country.

27 beds that were opened between St Johns Hospital, Ennis and Nenagh hospitals to alleviate overcrowding have now reverted back to their original use.

A state-of-the-art emergency department is expected to open this May, subject to a successful recruitment campaign and HSE funding.

It will be three times the size of the current facility, and is expected to improve the patient and staff experience at the hospital, a spokesperson for the UL Hospitals Group has said.
A Limerick-based garda has been convicted of assaulting two women during a night out last year.

Garda Brian Hanrahan, who is attached to Henry Street garda station, had denied the charges which related to an incident outside a take away in Nenagh on March 5, 2016.

During a district court hearing, which lasted for several hours, Judge Elizabeth MacGrath heard evidence from the garda who insisted he stuck the women in an effort to defend himself.

Garda Hanrahan, who was off-duty on the night, said the last thing he wanted was to be involved in an altercation - four months after he was shot and injured during an incident while he was on holidays in the US city of New Orleans.

Nenagh District Court was told one of the woman lost a tooth when she was kicked in the face by the defendant.

The woman had earlier told the court that she was in a car with friends when she saw Garda Hanrahan trying to flag down cars. She said they agreed to give him a lift home after he offered to pay 15.

However, the witness said when she asked him for the money he pulled her hair. She said he then punched her and kicked her up to eight times when she fell to the ground.

Another passenger in the car said Garda Hanrahan pushed her back and hit her in the face.

In his evidence, the defendant said one of the women got out of the car and attacked him.

While he admitted hitting her he insisted it was to fend her off and to defend himself.

I wasn't trying to hurt her. I was trying to stop her. I couldn't get away from her, he told the court.

Delivering her judgment this Friday, Judge MacGrath said she did not believe the defendants account of what happened on the night was accurate.

She added that she could not accept the proposition that each of the women had told lies while giving evidence.

The matter has been adjourned to April 27 for sentence.
LIMERICKS biggest private hospital is in new ownership after Bon Secours confirmed the acquisition of Barringtons.

The Cork-based healthcare provider Bon Secours Health System (BSHS) is understood to have paid 15m for the hospital, which is based at Georges Quay in the city centre.

The deal was recently given the green light by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission following an extensive investigation.

Chief executive Bill Maher said the healthcare provider had ambitious plans for the development of the hospital.

These include extensive refurbishment, recruitment of extra consultant staff and the introduction of new services.

In a statement, he said: Id like to welcome the staff at Barringtons Hospital to Bon Secours health System and to join us in implementing our 2020 plan to deliver advanced medicine and exceptional care to the people of Limerick.

Mr Maher said the group  which is the largest operator of private hospitals in Ireland  is committed to working with the local authority and the Limerick Chamber.

We are excited with the prospect of a health campus in Limerick and will work closely with the local authority in reaching the goals of the 2030 plan. In order to progress our research and educational agenda, we also look forward to working with UL and LIT, he added.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan will formally launch the hospital under new ownership in the coming weeks.

Minister Noonan welcomed "the successful completion of this acquisition and welcome Bon Secours Health System to Limerick".

Bon Secours also operates in Cork, Dublin, Tralee and Galway.
A man charged with murdering his flatmate at their home in Limerick became emotional in court, as he described hearing the man scream when he hit him with the leg of a table.

He said he had taken it from the deceased, who had begun swinging it at him, after calling him into his darkened room in the middle of the night.

Arnis Labunskis, aged 56, with an address at Wolfe Tone Street, in the city was giving evidence at the Central Criminal Court this Friday afternoon.

The Latvian has pleaded not guilty to murdering 39-year-old Dainius Burba on April 21 or 22, 2015.

He told gardai that he had found his flatmate almost dead, with blood coming from his head, when he arrived home to their unlocked house.

In evidence, the father-of-two explained that the deceased man was supposed to have stayed with him for only a few days but had stayed longer.

The house was also due to be vacated the following day.

He said he had been surprised to find Mr Burba there on arriving home from work on the evening of April 21, believing that he had already moved out, but said he had agreed to let him stay that night.

Mr Labunskis told the jury that he had been washing his hands in the kitchen that night when the deceased had grabbed him from behind and tore his clothes. He said hed opened the door and told him to leave, but the deceased had run upstairs.

He said he decided to leave it and went to bed himself.

Mr Labunskis said he went downstairs for a cigarette in the middle of the night and that Mr Burba called him on his way back up.

He said there was no light when he went into Mr Burbas room, just shadowy light from the window. He said the deceased pushed the door closed and he could see something his hand.

He said Mr Burba had told him: I will show you now before he came towards him swinging something.

I dont know how I managed it. I cant still explain it to myself, but I grabbed it and I was able to retrieve it from him, he testified.

He said that Mr Burba then came at him with his fist and that he swung the object he had just taken.

I dont know how much time I was swinging the object, a minute maybe. I could feel I hit something somewhere, but where exactly I dont know, he said.

Then he came very close to me and I just hit him and I can feel theres something hard Im hitting, he continued, crying. I hit once and there was a scream.

He said that Mr Burba shouted: Stop old man.

He said that he ran out into the corridor, turned on the light and saw that he was holding the leg of a table.

The trial continues before Ms Justice Deirdre McCarthy and a jury of three women and nine men.
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Himanshu Dimri: Clean lines, isolated flavours Meet the designer-turned-boutique restaurateur behind Forage, a new gourmet stop with a limited, nutrition-conscious menu that avoids dairy and gluten /news/talking-point/himanshu-dimri-clean-lines-isolated-flavours-111646906368473.html 111646906368473 story

For 15 years, National Institute of Fashion Technology design graduate and self-taught chef Himanshu Dimri, ran Grasshopper, a seven-course, by-reservation-only restaurant in Bannerghatta, Bengaluru. In January, he launched Forage in the hipster neighbourhood of Indiranagar, in partnership with friends, to reflect lifestyle changes (long-distance and ultra-running) in a nutrition-conscious menu that avoids dairy and gluten and focuses on alternate ingredients and clean eating.

Edited excerpts from an interview:

Whats the one new ingredient that youre working with right now?

Nutsalmonds, cashews, walnutsthat we process for butters and milks. Nuts are high in protein, fibre and essential fatty acids and we use nut milks and creams in our desserts, such as the cashew and date creme brulee, as a dairy alternative. We also use almond flour in our breads and tortes. Coconut milk goes into desserts like the panna cotta.

The cooking method that excites you

Caramelization, braising and residual heat cooking. The Maillard reaction extracts newer flavours from ingredients, be they onions and garlic or steaks. I also like the slightly rustic, imperfect look charring gives a dish. Even if Im braising something, I like to char it firstit gives the sauces a different flavour. I also like playing with residual heat, which involves removing a piece of fish, say, from the fire before its cooked through and letting the heat already introduced do the rest of the job.

The cuisine that inspires you

Japanese KaisekiI think it supersedes any type of course menu in its deceptive simplicity. Its an idealistic approach to cooking which Im not sure I can ever adopt but which I certainly aspire to. The depth and finesse of a Kaiseki meal are distinct: They can serve you a simple fried yam, nothing accompanying it, but the produce would be so fresh and it would be fried so well, it would bring pleasure and joy to the person eating it. Kaiseki is an experience that goes beyond the culinary. I would love to go to Kyoto to learn the process.

Your favourite FOOD city And a memory

Each city has its own unique flavours and tastes but London sticks out for sheer exuberance. A particular memory would be of The Fat Duck (well, technically its outside London), where we had their tasting menu a few years ago. Of all the lovely dishes, the simplest one got me: two jellied squares, one beetroot red and one orange. The server casually suggested we start with the red one. And so we did, only to be sensorily amused, as the red one had the orange flavour and the orange one was beetroot jelly. The rest of the meal was fantastic but the simple beauty of this course stood out . This captured the Kaiseki philosophy, in a way.

Starter, main course or dessert?

Starters. Its a great way to titillate the palate without filling you up and, therefore, you get to taste a lot more. Also, its fun to plate and play around with. I guess my approach comes from minimalistic Scandinavian and Japanese design principles. I like to see a lot of empty space around things, be it in a room or on a dishand such a condensed dish can only be a starter. At Forage, we now serve mackerel rolls with tomato butter and dill, two rolls on a large plate. I enjoy isolated flavours.

The most overrated food trend today

That would be what is called health food", used with no understanding of the underlying principles of health or what it means to be healthy. People think health food will lead to weight loss or detoxification. But while limiting the nutrients you eat can lead to weight loss, it doesnt make you fit or strong. With Forage, thats what we seek to do: We have fish, meat, vegetables, we have gluten-free carbs and various millets and quinoa and red and brown rice, all the stuff that gives more nutrients to your body than processed white rice or maida (refined flour).

Your favourite protein to cook withand how would you do it?

A good marbled fillet of beef. I usually keep it simple: I first brown it all over in clarified butter on high heat, adding a little salt as I go along. Once it reaches the right level of colour and feel, the remaining cooking is done with butter on low heat till its medium rare. The most important part after that is resting it long enough for the juices to settle and the meat to relax.

Whats in your fridge?

Mushrooms, broccoli, Feta, butter, Ezekiel bread, almond milk.
No Tinder on this screen Indian cinema's nod to our digital romance is seen in its growing acceptance of modern realities of relationships /news/talking-point/no-tinder-on-this-screen-111646906602409.html 111646906602409 story

Recently, Facebooks Memories" feature reminded me of an article I had shared in jest a year ago. It was an instant-dopamine-hit of a headline: Man Hooks Up With Girl On Facebook, Only To Find Shes His Wife." If this situation sounds like its straight out of a movie, thats because it is. Revathys 2002 directorial debut Mitr, My Friend told the story of a lonely housewife, Lakshmi (played by Shobana), living in California with her software engineer husband Prithvi (Nasser Abdullah), who drifts into a virtual relationship with a stranger in a chat room. As her mitr helps her rediscover herself, her relationship with Prithvi crumbles. When she finally gathers the courage to meet her chat-room friend, she discovers she had been chatting with Prithvi all along.

Also Read: Caught in the net

Romance has always been an integral element of our cinema, even though large swathes of Indian society have traditionally treated love marriage across caste and class as a fringe, radical idea. In recent years, Indian films, particularly those made by Bollywood, have been slowly but surely disposing of coy and metaphorical depictions of young love in favour of bolder", more overt sexuality. Films like Shuddh Desi Romance (2013), O Kadhal Kanmani (2015) and Befikre (2016) have been eager to depict youngsters as carefree, rebellious and commitment-phobic.

Today, urban youngsters increasingly form connections and meet people through social media and dating apps. Women and men sext with photos. In fact, there ought to be a specific word for that feeling of panic when someone takes your phone and youre terrified theyll go through your image gallery.

While the digital age has affected how youths interact, our cinema, which is usually about young people, has been reluctant to acknowledge it. Perhaps it is because most films are commercial, looking to appeal to a pan-Indian audience that may not be comfortable using digital tools. Or perhaps it is because, cinematically speaking, the visual of young people staring into screens is no match for elaborately choreographed song-and-dance routines that emulate mating rituals.

This is not to say that there have been no such depictions. One of the first Indian films to spotlight romance in the digital age was the Tamil film Kadhalar Dhinam (1999; dubbed in Hindi as Dil Hi Dil Mein), in which the two leads meet and fall in love via the Internet. In Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011), marketed as Indias first Facebook movie", two college students who cant get along in reality form a connection on the social networking site under false identities. These exceptions to the rule have one thing in common: Theyre only brought in when the limitations imposed by the setting and social environment force characters to resort to the digital medium to communicate with each other, and are not depicted as the new normal.

This may be because while urban India may have warmed up to the radical notion that young people will choose their own partners, it still refuses to openly acknowledge premarital sex. It is still less socially stressful to initiate a conversation on social media. A couple of films like Nagraj Manjules Marathi-language Sairat (2016) and Neeraj Ghaywans Masaan (2015) show this accurately. In both cases, the first move" is made by the male protagonist sending a friend request on Facebook.

Perhaps the strongest acknowledgement of our digital normal comes with Indian cinemas growing acceptance of choices in relationships. In Dear Zindagi (2016), Alia Bhatts character is a serial dater. At one point, she complains to her counsellor, played by Shah Rukh Khan, about societys double standards towards women who pursue multiple relationships. Khan responds by comparing the act of searching for a suitable partner to shopping for chairs, pointing out that it is perfectly all right to try out several chairs before purchasing one. The movie never mentions if she uses Tinder, but it does acknowledge that the very idea of love has changed for some of us. For an industry that is quick to err on the side of conservativeness, thats a significant step forward.

Suprateek Chatterjee is a Mumbai-based film critic.
Two bloody hours to see a bookshelf hiding a staircase? Amsterdam's best-known tourist secret is Anne Frank's secret annex /how-to-lounge/books/two-bloody-hours-to-see-a-bookshelf-hiding-a-staircase-111646906774987.html 111646906774987 story

February is not tourist season in Amsterdam. The city is cold and wet. You can walk in and out of museums without pre-booking ticketseverywhere except 263 Prinsengracht, that is. Come wind, water or heavy snow, nothing seems to deter the steady resolve of the hordes queuing outside this canal property.

Today, I am one of them, putting my patience to the test amongst chatty American pensioners and a group of rowdy Englishmen. The guard says it could take over 2 hours to enter. Two hours?" Theres an exasperated exclamation from a young girl with fake eyelashes. Two bloody hours to see a bookshelf hiding a staircase?" Thats precisely what the secret annex is. A swinging bookcase leading to now empty rooms that once provided a hideout for a young Jewish teenage girl and her family from the Nazis.

The bookcase.

An old lady in a snow jacket in front of me glares at the girl. I look at the gulls flying over the canal. Rusty boats line the sides. A cobbled street along the canal curves down to the corner by Westerkerk Cathedral. It starts drizzling again; I open my rain-soaked umbrella.

From smuggling Jewish children to safety in the shadows of passing trams, to hiding dozens of Jews behind the enclosures at the Artis Royal Zoo, many Dutch citizens refused to betray their Jewish neighbours during the Nazi occupation. Stories about Nazi resistance abound in Amsterdam; its best known is still that of the secret annex.

Yet the best-known story remains that of Anne Frank and the occupants of the secret annex. The teenager might have been just another name in the holocaust if it were not for the diary she kept for about two years when her family hid in the back of her fathers warehouse.

As they did in 1942, visitors today also enter the building from the ground-floor warehouse, continuing up to the second-floor offices before passing the famous bookcase that conceals the entrance to the secret annex where Anne, along with her family and four others, spent 25 months. Copies of her original diary, bound in tartan covers, are on display in what used to be the room she shared with two others.

It takes some effort to reach her diary and the pages of the re-edited manuscript she was working on, through the army of camera-wielding visitors. I peer through the glass box that encases them. The handwriting is neat, with tidy strokes.

A view of the Anne Frank House.

To the museums credit and visitors disappointment, the house is kept nearly empty. There is no recreated furniture. It is a warehouseuncomfortable and cold. Tiny details remain, however; little memories created by those who tried to make it into a home. On the yellow walls, newspaper clippings of Greta Garbo pasted by the smitten teenager. In another room, a small map of Normandy, and in another, faint pencil marks that show Anne and her sister Margots height marks.

Information slates on the walls inform visitors that the annex residents were arrested by the SS on 4 August 1944 and sent to a labour camp in northern Netherlands before being sent to Auschwitz.

I walk out through the gift shop. The sun is out and the narrow streets are filled with dog walkers and bikers. Couples stroll by the canal and children hand out treats to the noisy gulls.

I dont think about all the misery, but about the beauty that still remains," Anne wrote. Go outside, enjoy the sun and all that nature has to offer. Go outside, try to recapture the happiness within yourself; think of all the beauty within yourself and in everything around you and be happy."

Annelies Marie Frank died in March 1945 at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. She was 15.
Jean-Charles Boisset: Hook, wine and sinker From the perfect recipe for the wine bubble-bath to tetra packs, there's nothing the 'James Bond of the wine world' hasn't taken a shot at /food/drink/jeancharles-boisset-hook-wine-and-sinker-111646906320056.html 111646906320056 story

Jean-Charles Boisset, 47, first tasted wine as a baby. In my mothers womb," he says. She never stopped drinking it even when she was heavily pregnant with me."

France has a tradition of a parent dabbing a little finger into a glass of wine and offering an infant his or her first taste, he reminds me. It is a sign of good luck. In my case, it was more than just the pinkys worth."

Wine is an integral part of Boissets life. He is the president of the Boisset Collection, among the biggest French winemaking groups, set up in 1961 by his parentshe runs it with his elder sister Nathalie. The group has 26 wineries spread across 17 regions and two countriesFrance and the US. In 2016, the company sold 82 million 750ml bottles across 90 countries, up 3.5 million bottles from the previous year.

Boisset was on his maiden business trip to India to launch two of his wines, under the labels DeLoach and the eponymous JCB. When we met at Delhis Hyatt Regency hotel last month, the first things I noticed were his Christian Louboutin shoes and tomato-red socks. Boisset has a reputation for being audacious, both in his dressing and his business decisionshe created the first Tetra Pak for wines.

This is the moment for India in its tryst with wine," says Boisset. India is one of the worlds most prolific alcohol-guzzling countries but wine consumption is less than 1% of the total alcoholic beverage market, with whisky taking the lions share. And that surprises Boisset.

Indians outside the country are wine drinkers. Indian food is so rich, complex and diverse in terms of textures, ingredients and spices that it is meant to be paired with wine," Boisset says. So I am actually very surprised that wine hasnt boomed in India yet because it seems so obvious to me." Part of the reason, according to him, is that it hasnt been presented in the right manner. Maybe the barriers to entry were high or the structure of wine imports is not in place or the tariffs are too high. But I am still bullish about the future," he says.

Around 18 months ago, Boisset struck up a partnership with Fratelli wines to bring some of its labels to the country. Retailing will take timethe first step is to establish a connection with wine drinkers. To that end, and to avoid higher import duties, Fratelli has tied up with select hotels and restaurant chains that have a duty-free licence.

Jean-Charles Boisset. Illustration by Jayachandran/Mint

*****

Boisset always wears red socks and the shoes are always Louboutins. I love the colour (red) and its energy," he says. Today, he is wearing a pair of black Chrisolido Oxfords with a butterfly design over the tongue and throat. A self-designed, two-buttoned white shirt with a longer collar band, a purple Tom Ford suit and a self-designed brooch on the lapel complete the ensemble.

But his sartorial elegance goes beyond clothing.

In 2005, he introduced Tetra Paks to the wine industry with the launch of The French Rabbit. The idea was to reduce the carbon footprint by making a recyclable casing that was also portable and travel-friendly," he says.

Although this didnt do well in Europe, it became a rage in the US and Canada, and is one of the fastest growing packaging types for wine in the US today. In 2012, he launched Surrealist by JCB, a Napa Valley red blend wine that comes with a decanter and pieces of jewellerysomewhat like the old days, when a piece of jewellery would be put on the bottle instead of the label. One can even remove the piece and wear it as a brooch. Similarly, the Baccarat crystal stopper enables the bottle to be used as a decanter later.

Audacity is about going beyond the obvious and it is in our DNA," says Boisset. Audacity for us is organic and biodynamic farming. Its about how you package your product. It is constantly thinking about how to create a world around our wines. Audacity is coming to India at this time and launching a wine. And audacity will be to bring cashmere and pashmina in our wineries and look at what we could do with that in terms of design." Despite the sluggish growth in wine consumption in India, Boisset insists he is not in it for quick numbers, but for the long haul.

Some years ago, Boisset also created the perfect recipe for the bubble bath". I took two cases of JCB 69, which is 18 litres, and added the same amount of warm water. A bathtub is typically 42 litres, so 36 litres is just about right," he says. This was my Valentines Day gift to my wife, Gina. We were supposed to go out that evening, which didnt happen. We stayed home and nine months later, our twin girls were born" (the bubble-bath experience has since been added to the menu at the companys Raymond Vineyards in California).

Boisset designs his shirts and socks himself. He also loves to design jewellery. I have always thought men were underappreciated on the jewellery front because we dont have much besides a wedding band and a watch, he says. So he started designing cufflinks, chains and brooches a couple of years ago. We have more than 100 pieces now, he says. The company has used some of these on its bottles.-

*****

Boisset has never thought of wine as business. I was born in a vineyard; it was my playground. My bedroom was just on top of the winery. The barrels, the tanks, they were all around. So in all honesty, I have always looked at wine as a game. I was helping in the cellar as any child would help his parents. If my parents had a restaurant, I would have washed the dishes or waited tables," he muses.

Boisset was born in 1969 to Jean-Claude and Claudine of Vougeot village in Frances Burgundy region. He went to the US as a teenager and finished high school there. After undergraduate studies at the London Business School, he returned to the US for a masters in business administration in finance from the University of California, Los Angeles, which he completed in 1993. I never studied viticulture," says Boisset. It came naturally to me. If I were to do it again, I think I would study the arts."

Boisset even worked in corporate finance in Germany for about a year before returning to the family business. The love for numbers and spreadsheets has stayed with him, however, and it reflects in the number of deals he has struck and the acquisitions he has made over the years. Some of the wineries that are now in his fold have a history dating back to the 14th century.

Boisset bought his first California winery, the Lyeth Estates, in 1994. In 1999, he co-founded Domaine de la Vougeraie with his sister to consolidate the familys vineyards in the Burgundy region. Four years later, he purchased DeLoach Vineyards in Californias Russian River Valley, followed by Raymond Vineyards in Napa Valley, California, in 2009 and the Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, California, in 2011.

In 2009, Boisset married Gina Gallo, granddaughter of Julio Gallo. Julio, along with his brother Ernest, had founded the E&J Gallo Winery in Modesto, California in 1933. Today, Gallo wines are available in 90 countries. Though Boisset and Gina manage two of the worlds biggest winemaking groups, the only time wine is mentioned in a conversation is when the couple is tasting wines".

Boisset reckons wine is generally under-represented across the world. It could be one of the reasons he uses wine to get several messages across. People havent embraced wine enough. I would love to see wine being considered as food, an ingredient," he says. Wine is the epicentre of a lot of different things that are about design, fashion, decor, jewellery, and about art at large."

According to the 2011 census figures, nearly 40% of Indias population is aged between 18-40. It is this age group that Boisset is targeting. When I think of wine, I think about a certain art of living," says Boisset. The liquid is important, of course, but all the things that come with it are equally importantthe packaging and the presentationthe shoes, the socks, the decanter, a certain way of life."

Jean-Charles Boisset brings that lifestyle to the table.
Hollywoods first call in India From casting films for Mira Nair and Wes Anderson to working on the Oscar-nominated 'Lion', Tess Joseph continues to have a charmed career /news/talking-point/hollywoods-first-call-in-india-111646906881194.html 111646906881194 story

For some time now, Tess Joseph has been the go-to casting director for Hollywood studios in India. Her latest discovery is Sunny Pawar, whose performance in Garth Davis Lion is causing something of a sensation, leading to the eight-year-old appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and presenting at the 2017 Golden Globes. This month, Joseph will be attending, for the first time, the Academy Award Nominees Dinner with Kristy McGregor, Lions Hollywood casting director.

Joel Edgerton, with whom she worked on The Waiting City, was the reason she got the Lion gig; the actor wrote to the producers of the film recommending her. It turned out to be an exhaustive casting process, especially when it came to finding someone to play the films five-year-old protagonist, Saroo. Kristy and I screened 2,500 kids for the role over four months," says Joseph. We came across Sunny Pawar after having visited dozens of schools in Mumbai, Pune and Delhi. He was shy, but after we put him through a workshop, Garth knew he was the one."

Josephs entry into films was accidental. In the noughties while she was working with the Bournvita Quiz Contest in Kolkata, two art directors for the show told her that film-makers were looking for an old flat in the city to shoot a movie. Joseph offered her own home in a British-era building off Park Street. The next thing she knew, Mira Nairs crew was walking around her flat and taking notes.

They didnt end up filming in my family flat but they wanted me to have breakfast with them the next day," Joseph says. Mira asked me whom I would cast for a particular character in The Namesake. I had no clue about actors in Kolkata. I said as much, but Nair asked me to describe the actor ideally suited for that character. I did. Next thing I hear from her was, I want you to cast The Namesake." The best compliment she has got for her work till date came from Nair, who put Josephs name first in the end credits of the film.

After that, Joseph worked on Wes Andersons The Darjeeling Limited; Lydia Pitcher, The Namesakes producer, was working on the film and reached out to Joseph. Every directors reality is different," Joseph says. They see the world of their story, not reality as we know it. It is important to understand that to help directors translate their vision on film." With Anderson, Joseph had to go from school to school to find actors for the parts of three Indian brothers whom Owen Wilson and his siblings come across. Working with Wes, I quickly learnt that every single face in every shot is composed and cast. Every face matters. Casting doesnt stop at finding the lead actor."

For six months while filming The Darjeeling Limited, Joseph walked around the sets with a file containing 1,200 mugshots, with complete details regarding the scenes and costumes they appear in. One was of an old man with a turban and dark glasses that Wes had taken and shown to her. Wes told us he wanted this man in a scene. I asked, Where did you see him? He said, On the highway. We tracked him down and he is there in the film."

Shortly after her stint with Anderson, Joseph moved to Mumbai. She cast Fair Game, Meena, The Waiting City, Sold and West Is West. One day, her phone rang and the woman on the other side said, This is Avy."

Avy who?" Joseph asked.

Avy Kaufman," the voice said. Kaufman, one of Hollywoods biggest casting directors, had been looking for months for someone to play the 11-year-old version of the titular character in Ang Lees Life Of Pi. Joseph and her team found Ayush Tandon for the role within a week.

Joseph doesnt believe in auditioning actors with a cold reading. The audition should be something actors can react to, thats when their true performance comes out. As a casting director you are the first person who gives the director a glimpse of their movie."
A travel mate The dating app for gay men doubles up as a surprisingly good source for finding a travel guide in a new city /news/talking-point/a-travel-mate-111646906527944.html 111646906527944 story

Its always entertaining watching my straight friends react to the Grindr interface, particularly when they are complaining about the excesses of its pan-sexual counterpart, Tinder. The latter offers at least some method in the madness of reaching out to complete strangersyou contend with a single profile at a time, and mutual interest must be established through a right-swipe before you communicate with the other person. Grindr is gloriously anarchic. You open the app to watch a cascade of tiny squares fill your screen, clustering around you in order of geographic proximity. On this near-facsimile of a restaurant menu, there is nothing to stop you from contacting whomsoever you please.

This also means that the complaints about Tinder-fatigue, which range from its video-game interface to the lack of quality conversations, are amplified for queer men. Not to mention that Grindrs been around for a full three years longer globally. There has been many a time when Ive attempted to create a Grindr-shaped hole in my phones memory storage, but always desisted when it comes to pulling the plug. As time-consuming and hollow as the experience might often be, there is still a window of wonder that this app holds.

Also Read: Caught in the net

For me, it creaks open during my travels. Ive barely opened my suitcase in a new hotel room when Im turning on the app to change my standard profile line. Im visiting for the week, I note, and Oh! city dweller, wont you show me around?

This doesnt always work. Wording a Grindr profile carefully involves making the assumption that people will actually read the text of said profile. This is optimistic at best, and is rewarded with opening messages asking about sexual preferences half the time. More creative, if still not useful, responses have included variations on I can show you around my bedroom". And then, there are the other moments:

So I need to learn how to pronounce your name."

Not really, its fine, just call me F."

Dont be ridiculous, it cant be that difficult."

All right, its  Frrhhn-svaa"

Fransaw."

 Sure. Shall we just walk around then?"

I elect to walk. It is my second day in Ottawa. Grindr-as-TripAdvisor had led me to Francois, who offered a little walking tour of the downtown area. We make our way to the banks of the Rideau Canal, which Im informed becomes the worlds largest ice-skating rink come Ottawas minus 30-degree winters. Further down and were in front of a giant glass building, flanked by an over 30ft-high spider composed of bronze, stainless steel and marble. And that right there is Maman. There are eight of its kind in the world."

This information comes from me, much to Francois indignation. I point to my Lonely Planet defensively. Anyway, this isnt really my city," he says. Montreal though." Montreal he is wistful about. During his rapturous ode to the city, I begin to take in bits of him, the way his eyes are impossibly light, the little smirks of gold inflecting his hair. He complains about Stephen Harper, the then Canadian prime minister. I complain about Yann Martel, the Canadian Booker Prize winner. We walk to his favourite noodle bar, then to his favourite cafe, and then, with a chaste kiss laced with future promise, call it a night.

The following day I travel to Montreal with Francois voice in my head. I take in the stunning arches of Saint Patricks Basilica, but also note the sidewalk where he mentioned he had stolen a drunken kiss this past New Years Eve. I head to the local gaybourhood and find my way to his bar of choice and say hello to Peter as instructed. The city becomes an exciting new space that Im discovering, simultaneously tinged with a borrowed nostalgia from a stranger.

Sometimes, seeing the city through another set of eyes can be a road to a very different kind of experience. In Istanbul, I find my wonder laced with terror. Minutes before the flight takes off, I ask for the Turkish Daily News, and regret my decision instantly. It is filled cover to cover with images and analysis of the attack at Istanbuls Ataturk international airport. I begin to read with forced detachment about how the airport that I will be landing at in 6 hours was breached, how the arrival hall was where the violence centred.

My fitful sleep and the leaden knots in my stomach are no match for the casually dazzling beauty that is the Old Town of Istanbulthe roof of the Hagia Sophia with its mural of Mary placed next to the massive golden medallions of Islamic scripture, the gigantic circular lights of the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, a damp underground chamber of pillars which extend as far as the eye can see.

A few days into the trip, I meet someone at a cafe near the hotel. I ask him if he feels safe in the city. He replies that he doesnt.

Im struck by his casual honesty and for a minute I want to put aside my own fears and tell him how the statistics work, how the chances of him being in an incident" are much lower than x and y, and how the prevalence of these incidents was possibly just as high in the pre-Internet world and this anxiety is just the information surplus we are at present afflicted with. Instead, I tell him that perhaps no place is truly safe. This city in particular, but I get my degree, I leave. This is nice, but I will not live here," he tells me.

Neither, it seems, will the other date I have the following evening. I missed the bombing last month by 2 minutes," he says. We will soon all have stories like this."

Again I want to take refuge in the statistical improbability. I look around us as the tram takes us through the Old Town, I gaze at the most heartbreakingly beautiful sights I have seen in months. I am also aware of the fact that I am in a closed chamber packed with dozens of people.

Whether its giving me a uniquely intimate perspective on a place or amplifying my own preconceived notions, Grindr has served as an excellent travel companion in its own right, a gift that keeps on giving. It has allowed me to discover a gloriously deserted Goan beach in one arduous quest, and made a long airport layover a lot less tedious. In the mela of the Jaipur Literature Festival, it allowed me to gravitate towards the bibliophilic queers. And sometimes, it has let me see old neighbourhoods closer home with new eyes.

I recently returned to Delhi from a trip and turned on the app, forgetting to change my visitor" profile. This new out-of-town status attracted more messages than usual, with long-time gaybours apparently waking up to my existence for the first time. The message that caught my attention was from a complete stranger a bit further away. He welcomed me to the city, and asked if I had seen the Satpula dam ruins in Khirki Village. Would I be interested in exploring them at some point?

I hadnt, and I was.

Danish Sheikh is a lawyer and writer based in Delhi. He co-authored Invisible Libraries, published by Yoda Press in 2016.
A waddle on the wild side Phillip Island in Australia's Victoria state boasts of a spectacular coastline, fur seals and thousands of little penguins /news/talking-point/a-waddle-on-the-wild-side-111646906720691.html 111646906720691 story

It was at the end of a long day on Phillip Island that I found myself caught in what must be the worlds most delightful traffic snarl. The little penguins on one side of the path, sprightly even at that late hour in the evening, were behaving like proverbial deer in the headlights: Should we cross? Should we not? A step forward, two steps back. And so on they went.

Seeing that the penguins had frozen at the sight of so many people, we moved to a corner of the road to make ourselves as unobtrusive as possible. No good. More and more peopleall making their way back to the main exithad started gathering around, hushed and expectant, waiting for the penguins to move.

After a few restless moments, my ranger-guide, Ricardo Alves-Ferreira, looked to the penguins closest to us and snapped, Come on, come on, move it." As if on cue, they flat-footed their way to the other side, amid much aahing and oohing from the spectators.

A sleeping koala at the conservation centre. Photo: Charukesi Ramadurai

A march to remember

All this was happening at the Penguin Parade, the popular tourist attraction on Phillip Island in the state of Victoria, not too far from its capital city, Melbourne. Penguins come home from the sea to roost here for the night. Of the 32,000 little penguins on Phillip island, over 4,000 have made burrows on Summerland Beach. On any given night, 2,000 or more of these wee penguins, just 33cm tall, waddle on to the beach just after sunset.

Phillip Island itself is small in size, just over 100 sq. km, with a population of less than 10,000. This jumps by four times in the summer months of December-March, around the time I visited with domestic and international visitors, heeding the siren song of the little penguins.

Once the home of the aboriginal Bunurong tribe, Phillip Island is now one of Victoria states not-so-hidden secret. My main reason for heading there early one morning from Melbourne was for the spectacular wildlife the compact island is home to.

Take a waddle on the wild side," declares the website of Phillip Island Nature Parks, which manages the Penguin Parade and other activities on the island. If this seems overly cutesy, then remember, this is penguins we are talking about, flapping and wobbling their way unsteadily, like human babies just learning to walk.

Friends who had been to this Penguin Parade earlier had called it one of the highlights of their Australia trip. After seeing these little happy feet waddling through the soft powdery sands of Summerland Beach, I can fully agree. Think of this as the UnCatwalkthese penguins are the very opposite of the cool and confident models on the runway (or even a big cat on the prowl), who are either completely oblivious of or indifferent to the presence of humans.

We were seated at the Penguin Plus viewing platform that afforded a vantage point to enjoy the spectacle from as close as possible. After half an hour of watching the penguins come ashore in groups and march past us towards their burrows, we then moved to the underground viewing area for a completely different experience.

Where earlier they had walked somewhat under our noses, here they were at eye level. It almost felt like I could reach out and touch them, but for those pesky clear glass windows. As I watched fascinated, one of them made for the window in front of me, attracted perhaps by the light, staring straight into my eyes for a moment.

It is no wonder that the ranger-guides here are completely devoted to these little chaps with their disarming cackles and waddles, and their conservation. Their numbers had reduced greatly, mainly due to reckless human activity and attacks from foxes and dogs.

Fur seals at Seal Rocks off Phillip Island. Courtesy Melbourne Tourism

Animal farm

Earlier that evening, I had gone on a boat tour of Phillip Islands spectacular coastline, the aptly named Wild Ocean EcoBoat Tour"it was one of the choppiest boat rides of my life. The idea was to look for Australian fur seals and other assorted animal life in the waters. At the area known as Seal Rocks, we did spot a few fur seals, but they had decided to call it a day and were working on a tan under the mellow evening sun, perfectly immobile (they would fit right on Bondi Beach among the sun-worshippers, no questions asked).

But before the seals, our sea legs were put to the test by our bearded captain, who took us deep between rocky plateaus where the lashing waves were taller than the boat. A bit bracing, eh?" he said wryly as I hung on for dear life, trying not to think of cold, watery graves. It was only when he decided that he had entertained himself enough that he turned back and sailed smoothly along the craggy outcrops and cliffs.

After the fur seals and penguins, it was time for the koalas to make an appearance. At the Koala Conservation Centre, we picked the easy boardwalk trail, keeping our necks craned for koalas on treetops.

The first one was easy to spot, practically as soon as I entered the wooded area. There he was, fast asleep, clinging to a thin branch. After I spent a few tough moments trying to get a clear front shot, he finally opened his eyes. And appearing to see us down below, he turned his face away like a petulant child refusing to pose for photos.

Further on, where the treetop boardwalk took me almost face-to-face with the fauna, another was wide awake, looking for lunch. And that was how I was given a fascinating glimpse into his life, as he jumped between trees and scrambled along a narrow branch before settling down in front of one with fresh eucalyptus shoots. In Australias aboriginal language, the word koala means no water"and sure enough, these furry animals are so adapted to local climatic conditions that they can stay alive in extremely dry conditions.

Watching the koala tuck into its lunch, I could easily see why they are oftenand incorrectlyreferred to as koala bears. They have no biological connection with the bear species but all that furry and cuddly mass reminds people of teddy bears. Lunch done, he wedged himself into a nook in the tree and went to sleep in a matter of seconds. Thats the other thing about these creaturesthey can fall asleep at practically any spot on tall trees, seemingly attached by means of an invisible Velcro patch.

For a brief moment earlier, I had wondered if the little penguins and I were kindred spirits. Then I felt the fur seals were my spirit animal; think of all the lounging under the sun while ignoring people. But as I made eyes at the koalas, watching them look adorable even as they did absolutely nothing, I knew I had found my zen master.

Trip planner

Go

Fly to Melbourne from Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. Phillip Island is just 140km away.

Stay

Most people stay on the main island of Cowes. I stayed at The Waves Apartments, with an extra bedroom and a small kitchenette, and great sea viewsideal if you are travelling with family (Thewaves.com.au).

Eat

Most tourist attractions have their own cafes. Otherwise, the best choices are on Cowes. Start your day at the quirky Madcowes Cafe (Madcowescafe.com.au) and end with hearty Italian fare at the family-managed Pinos Trattoria (Pinostrattoria.com.au).
Finding love in a hopeless place They lead their lives, heartbreak and all, in full view of followers. Some even meet on Facebook's 'Other' folder. A Gen Y writer went looking for love stories about Gen Z /relationships/it-s-complicated/finding-love-in-a-hopeless-place-111646906488930.html 111646906488930 story

People are always telling Sheena their movie-like love stories. They probably find it easy to tell her things. She is 21, a student who grew up in Hyderabad. She is bright, giggly and non-judgemental. So it isnt surprising that the young woman on the train told her everything. The young woman on the train was crying as she said goodbye to her young man. Sheena asked after the train started, Newly-weds?" She got the whole story, the long, unlikely online romance of strangers that had ended in a wedding. But here was the detail Sheena told me with eyes like an anime girl. They met in her Other inbox."

It takes me a moment. What are the chances of that ignored Facebook messages folder starting an epic romance? But when I repeat this story in one brief line to 18-year-old Lakshmi, she sighs immediately, gustily making her curly hair fly. In her Other inbox? Thats so beautiful!"

Also Read: Caught in the net

Lakshmi is a student in Bengaluru. She believes in fairy-tale romance, love at first sight, grand gestures, everything. Romantic moments on TV make her toes wriggle involuntarily. She was 6 when she first went online. She logged on to Facebook when she was 13, though her mother got all her notifications too until last year.

The Other inbox story starts Manasi off, not on romantic sighs, but howls of laughter at her younger self. She is 23 now and learning music. She tells the story of her first online romance, laughing, mocking her juvenile patois of love, Sup, yo, nothing. Thats all we would say and I was like OMG he wrote to me!" She made her first profile on MSN Messenger. I was in a girls school. He was a family friend. Its before we called it status messages but MSN had it. And I couldnt figure what mine should be so I was always putting Dylan lyrics." Did he like Bob Dylan? No!" she collapses laughing, He was all Eminem. On my birthday, I wanted him to come online and he didnt and I was crushed." How old was she? 9."

In the immortal crutch phrase of actor Carrie Bradshaw, I couldnt help but wonder," could any of these women imagine romance without the Internet? Many of them cant remember life before it.

For them, the Internet isnt at all like what it was when I was 19Im 37 nowand my family got a cordless phone enabling late-night melodrama punctuated by battery death (this was when we had search engines called Lycos and Ask Jeeves, websites had an amazing DIY quality that included animated puppy backgrounds, and all of us got our first email accounts on Hotmail). Or when I was 17 and my classmate DIY-ed herself a secret phone connection in her bedroom. Love fears no locksmiths or fibre optics. All this was in the brief couple of years before we got cellphones that could get into bed with us, walk in the rain with us and be on public transport with us and be, in the words of a colleague, like a handy Mani Ratnam hero.

But for younger women the Internet is not just a handy aid for romance, it is everything: a playground to frolic in, a stream of judgemental Spy Maamis, the repository of old romances and the mundane everyday air, water and wallpaper, all at once.

They have thousands of photographs on Instagram and are often peer-pressured to keep the number of followers higher than the number of accounts they followa Marie Kondo-meets-Jack Welch approach to social media. They have complicated ways of taking screenshots of Snapchat without being detected. They are nostalgic about Myspace. Their social norms are online norms. They know, for instance, that it is now too passe to say sapiosexual" in your dating profile and soon it may be passe to say not a sapiosexual". They use Instagram for the personal statements and Facebook to share the huge albums of party pictures so that everyone who didnt come feels a bit crappy. They are used to oversharing, and to having multiple social profiles. Hasna, for instance, told me that in her early 20s she got married secretly to an unsuitable boy and everyone in one of her Facebook accounts knew about it. Her family, who only saw her second Facebook account, only came to know of the marriage a couple of years later.

Tanya, a Bengaluru-based high school student, is much younger than Hasna and her phone is her life. She treasures a screenshot of the Facebook friend request from the boy she currently likes a lot, will probably always like but knows she cant be with". She has archived entire romances conducted on Facebook Messenger. She and her crush were nudged into a romance by schoolmates who would take Snapchat pictures of them talking innocently in the corridor. We kept saying, were just friends, were just friends. I knew the Snapchat would disappear in 24 hours but still"

Tanya and her friends have grown up hearing all the warnings about the Internet. Her classmates may post frisson-giving photos, you-go-girl each other but also slut-shame each other. Life is a constant negotiation of how much make-up in your photos is too much, how much skin is too much, which filter is passe and which boys are allowed to do more than post unsmiling muscle photos in black and white.

Dylan-loving Manasi says that after those early years on the Internet, she wasnt really online for a long time. It didnt help that my later boyfriend found some picture of us making out and put it online to show off. I became totally phobic about the Internet." These days, after a couple of frankly terrifying encounters on online dating application OkCupid, she has abandoned it. She has, however, forged a sceptical relationship with Tinder.

For Nina, a 35-year-old writer from Chennai, the Internet was never scary. It was the wild, wild West but we just didnt know it then. We were deeply puzzled but not particularly troubled by the senders of dick pics." Nina says: Somewhere online is a picture of me, naked, but thats not the problem. I am naked wearing pearls!" She is joking, but also not. The possibility that someday her ex will lose his precarious grip and the photo will wander online is not completely ridiculous, though its not something she worries about.

She went online for the first time in the 1990s, at 19, to stay in touch with boys she had met in other colleges, before revenge porn sites, when cyber cafes" were sometimes two computers in a store that sold milk, bananas and biscuits. For our generation, the screechy sound of a dial-up modem was the passage to a wider world full of lovers outside our own circle, beyond college and the neighbourhood.

Though the Internet is not a place today where you meet total strangers, the way it was for my generation, this is the one thing we have in common with much younger people. The Internet still represents the possibility of unexpected love somewhere outside the mohalla of your mind. We get fed up, delete dating app profiles, then get back online again, because where else are you going to go?

Sheena, the collector of love stories, tells me she went on a date with a boy whose first comment was, Oh your collarbones were showing much more in your profile photo." She went home depressed and changed her DP to that of an inanimate object.

Even Tanya, enmeshed in high-school social media drama, tells me, I dont put up anything personal online but my best friend, she is in another school now and she says: If you dont put anything personal out there, how will you meet someone?"

Love and the Internet have that one thing in common: to be a time machine, ready to make you older, ready to make you younger, ready to freeze that one moment.

Tanya tells me: I mean people are so obsessed with stuff sometimes. Why did she put up this guys picture? Why did he snapchat her? I tell my friends, its like Chloe Bella learnt in Pitch Perfect 2. At some point, you have to graduate. You just have to move on. Life is not high school."

But maybe it is.

(Only first names have been used to protect the identities of the women.)

Nisha Susan is the founder-editor of The Ladies Finger and Grist Media.
Drawn out A comic writer traces the rise of queer graphic work in India /news/talking-point/drawn-out-111646906288248.html 111646906288248 story

ow that the fifth edition of the indie annual zine by Gaysi Family, a website and forum for LGBTQ-desis (or gaysis"), is out, its time to acknowledge that the graphic story form in queer literature has come into its own in India. As a writer who has worked on queer graphic artI am part of Kadak Collective, a group of women visual storytellers, which has contributed to this zineits a changed milieu that is as new and exciting as it is inspiring.

The theme of The Gaysi Zine, which contains both graphics and writings, was the realm of queer desires. From the Kadak Collective, Akhila Krishnans Alone But Not Lonely: Most Of The Time explored the narrators sense of comfort with a lack of desire; Aindri Chakraborthys How Does Make-up Transform You? inquired into make-up as a tool of transformation and examined the relation between beauty and desirability; Mira Malhotras Cosmos presented two different manifestations and experiences of desire, created by the presence and absence of the object of desire; Kaveri Gopalakrishnan and I jointly created Desire & Dessert, in which we made food into a metaphor for desire. The other visual work in the zine included Karishma Dorais Multiple Orgasms, a sensitively written, illustrated piece. Dorai has been the art director of the zine since its inception (all except Issue No.4). Two years ago, one of the editions of The Gaysi Zine was an all-graphic anthology, the first of its kind in India.

The cover of the July 2006 edition of Scripts, titled Hair

So what is queer graphic art?

While there is no singular definition, I have grown to understand it as the sort of graphic art that offers an alternative point of view to the straight heteronormative world that we live in. Whats more, there has also been a significant increase in the incidences of representation of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community in films, television, advertisements and illustration/comics. As the queer person becomes more ubiquitous, and the Web makes dissemination of images easier and faster, queer graphic art has found a new audience as well as newer subject matter. But the question of how to graphically present queer issues is an endlessly interesting one, and its answers change over time.

A couple of years ago, Gopalakrishnan and I had collaborated on a graphic story for First Hand: Graphic Non-Fiction From India, an Indian anthology of graphic non-fiction by Captain Bijli Comics in collaboration with Yoda Press. The Same, Everywhere was about two friends at a time when Section 377 was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2013. One of the recurring conversations during the creation of this piece was about the visual representation of one of the protagonists, a queer woman named Pia. Does she look like a queer person?" Does a queer person really look that different?" Is this too much of a stereotype?" In the end, we chose to depict her as an androgynous figure, and Gopalakrishnans nuanced inquiry and visualization of gestures and emotions brought the story to life.

This dilemma of representation arose again when I worked with Bengaluru-based artist Renuka Rajiv on Aloe Vera And The Void, a graphic story that records a conversation with Purushi, a Bengaluru-based transgender woman, about belief, God and exclusion. This forms part of a forthcoming anthology on identity and politics through dialogues with members of the transgender community in Bengaluru.

Desiderata, an editorial illustration made by Karishma Dorai for the new zine.

During an interview with Gee Imaan Semmalar, a transgender man, we asked him how he would like to be represented; this led to a very insightful conversation about identity and image-making. Drawing and illustration are interpretative methods of storytelling, and our choice of visuals, words and gestures carries the weight of bias. So, as artists and creators, we are often confronted by questions like whether there is a correct" or incorrect" way to represent a queer person.

The impetus to create queer graphic art comes from not finding examples of representation of the queer body, identity or experience. From 1998-2015, LABIA (Lesbian and Bisexuals in Action), a feminist group in Mumbai, ran a self-published zine called Scripts. In some ways, this can be seen as a precursor to The Gaysi Zine. In Scripts, one found not only writing by queer-identified individuals, but also a set of clearly queer graphics, illustrations and short comics, done by members of the LBT (lesbian, bisexual and transgender) community. In these visual pieces, one found drawings of non-mainstream, non-heteronormative women who were clearly Indian, something that wasnt easily seen at the time. One particular Scripts zine was the Hair issue (July 2006), whose cover featured illustrations of a range of butch and femme Indian lesbians and their hairstyles, which had names like Spyke-Dyke Cut and Kkkhan Cut.

These early efforts were some of the first published and circulated queer graphic storytelling publications in India. These zines were part of a continued effort by queer visual artists, photographers and film-makers to create a shift in the representation of the queer community, to show the diversity of gender and gender identity, body and politics within the LGBTQ community.

Amruta Patils Kari (2008) was perhaps the first widely published and circulated Indian graphic novel with a queer character. Kari is a short-haired, androgynous woman who mourns the end of her relationship with another woman in crowded-yet-lonely Mumbai.

In contrast, the cover of Gaysis 2015 graphic anthology showed a sharp-featured queer person sitting on a toilet, comfortable with their body, looking directly at the viewer/reader. This image seemed to signal a big shift in queer representation, and also mirrored a more self-aware and confident generation of the LGBTQ community, and its artists. The person on the cover is someone whos in drag, but in a state of undress. I came up with this particular depiction because I have met so many people who have had a secret" side. Its not easy for a lot of queer people in this country, yet theyre proud of who they are. I wanted to give a glimpse into the private life of a queer individual who could be any one of us," says Sreejita Biswas, who curated the stories in this anthology.

Now, Indian queer graphic content is also accessible online. Most recently, Puu by US-based Akshay Varaham, a Web comic set in Chennai, tells the story of two Tamil Muslim gay menJameel and Saboor, a Bharatanatyam dancer and harmonium player, respectivelywho fall in love. Updated weekly on the artists blog, the comic has showcased 19 episodes, and while the storyline depicts struggle, the representation of the characters defies expectations. The protagonist, Saboor, is constantly wearing flowers (in Tamil, puu, means flower) in his hair, for instance. These characters and stories are some of the compelling examples of the huge positive shifts in presentation and representation of the LGBTQ community in India.

One hopes that the countrys legislation will eventually catch up with the times.
How do you hitch a ride on an army ant? Try masquerading as an ant butt. At least, that's the strategy that seems to work for the newly described beetle species Nymphister kronaueri.

Seen from above, a colony of Eciton mexicanum army ants marching across the forest floor looked perfectly normal to researchers surveying the insects in Costa Rica. But viewed from the side, many of the ants appeared to have a little extra junk in the trunk, sporting what seemed to be two abdomens stacked on top of each other, the scientists reported in a new study.

Closer inspection revealed that the topmost "abdomen" was actually a tiny hitchhiker  a beetle species unknown to science, holding on tight with its mandibles and perfectly camouflaged to resemble the rear end of the ant it clung to. [Cool Close-Up Photos Show Ants of the World]

Unlike most known ant species, army ants don't build permanent nests. Instead, vast colonies that can number in the tens of thousands travel as a group between temporary nest sites known as "bivouacs," which are constructed around the queen and larvae from the living bodies of worker ants.

Army ants in the Eciton genus that live in neotropical habitats are typically stationary for three weeks and migratory for two weeks, moving to a new nest site every night during their migratory phase  a process that can take up to 9 hours, the study's lead author and ecologist Christoph von Beeren, a postdoctoral researcher with the Technical University Darmstadt in Germany, told Live Science in an email.

Army ants hunt insects and other arthropods, such as spiders, mites and millipedes. But many types of arthropod species known as myrmecophiles, or "ant lovers," have come to depend on ants for survival, living off their garbage scraps or hiding within ant colonies as protection from other predators. To keep up with migrating army ants, some "ant lover" species  including many types of beetles  use the ants themselves as a taxi service, stowing away on workers or larvae, von Beeren said.

Von Beeren and study co-author Daniel Kronauer, who traveled to Costa Rica to investigate army ants and associated species, discovered the beetle as they were puzzling over what appeared to be an army ant with two abdomens that they had captured in a vial. And then suddenly, the hidden rider revealed itself.

"When we shook the vial the beetle detached and expanded its legs and antennae  that is the moment we realized we had discovered something new here," von Beeren said.

Nymphister kronaueri uses its long mandibles to grip an army ant's "waist." (Image credit: von Beeren and Tishechkin DOI 10.1186/s40850-016-0010-x)

The stealthy and highly specialized beetle N. kronaueri associates exclusively with one army ant species  E. mexicanum  and attaches only to medium-size worker ants, the researchers discovered. Its long mandibles are used like a pair of pliers, grasping the ant between its petiole  essentially the ant's "waist"  and a wider knob at the top of the abdomen.

Much like the ants it rides, N. kronaueri is shiny and reddish brown in color, and is about the same size and shape as an ant abdomen, which could explain how it can ride atop them and stay unharmed by the colony. Arthropods that coexist with ants fool their hosts into accepting them with chemical signals or physical mimicry  or both  but not enough is yet known about this new beetle species to tell for sure how it succeeds at tricking ants into accepting it as a passenger, von Beeren told Live Science.

The beetle's highly effective camouflage could also explain why the species was only recently discovered by scientists. Though army ants have been extensively studied, this conspicuous yet overlooked hitchhiker serves as an important reminder of how much is yet to be learned about ants  and the insects that are along for the ride, the researchers noted.

The findings were published online today (Feb. 9) in the open access journal BMC Zoology.

Original article on Live Science.
A tomb was recently uncovered in Colima, Mexico that held bones and ancient figurines that dated to 1,700 years ago.

Editor's Note: This article was updated at 3 p.m. E.T.

A 1,700-year-old untouched tomb bearing the bones of a dozen male adults, as well as pre-Columbian figurines and statues, has been unearthed in Mexico.

Archaeologists discovered the ancient tomb, which dates to the Comala Period (between 0 and A.D. 500), during work to remodel a Seventh-day Adventist church in Colima, Mexico. The archaeologists uncovered a hole that was sealed up with stones, artifacts for grinding, and human bones.

Inside, 12 skulls and other bones were piled atop one another in a haphazard manner. Some of the skulls showed signs of damage, as well as tooth fractures and wear, said Rosa Maria Flores Ramirez, a physical anthropologist at the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico.

When the archaeologists explored further, they discovered three burial levels. In the second burial level, the team found two figurines  a male and female  placed facedown next to two skulls. [Prince's Tomb: Images from a Mayan Excavation]

Ancient figurines

The male figurine, which measures 15 inches (39 centimeters) tall and 6 inches (15 cm) wide, was wearing an elaborate headdress with a horn jutting out from it. In his hand, he holds an ax.

The female figurine, which is 12.5 inches by 5.5 inches (32 by 14 cm), shows a woman with a sharp nose and a triangular head. She wears a banded headdress and has her hands crossed, with the right hand holding a pot. The burial also contained two other pots.

Each of the figures was sculpted from fine paste that was polished when complete. The ancient artists used cuts to etch in the facial features.

"The presence of these pieces in the offering hint at the worldview of the groups that inhabited the Colima valley in that period. The sculptures, according to their attributes, served as propitiatory elements that ensured the protection of the deceased, as is the case with the male sculpture, which represents a shaman. The other objects fulfilled the function of bringing the requirements to the underworld," Rafael Platas Ruiz, an archaeologist at the INAH, said in a translated statement.

The finding is rare because tombs of this type are almost invariably looted before archaeologists can get to them.

The fact that the tomb was untouched "allowed us to have a first approach with the bone remains, to observe the lesions, deformations and to have more information to know what was their way of life," the researchers said in the statement.

It's possible that this isn't the only burial in the area, because the entire Colima valley was occupied continuously from 1500 B.C. to A.D. 1500, and cultural relics from different periods in the city's history may be lying beneath it, the researchers said.

Editor's Note: This article was corrected to note that the figurine was wearing an elaborate headdress, not a feathered headdress.

Originally published on Live Science.
Men may be serial swipers on the Tinder app, while women may respond to the deluge of matches using more discerning criteria, research suggests.

This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

In America, 60 percent of digital media consumption now occurs on mobile or tablet devices instead of desktop computers.

As people and technology have become increasingly mobile, so have their efforts to find love and sex. According to app analytics website AppAnnie, the dating application Tinder is one of the most popular tools to pursue modern romance and has been ranked as the most downloaded lifestyle app in America for nearly two years.

As a social psychologist, I've focused my research on exploring why Tinder  as one of my interview participants put it  is so "evilly satisfying." While completing my dissertation exploring sexual conflict on Tinder, I've analyzed hundreds of surveys, interviews and internet posts from Tinder users describing their experiences with the app. My preliminary results suggest Tinder users do, in fact, have different outcomes than those who either use online dating websites or don't use any dating technologies at all.

Specifically, Tinder may be causing what researchers call "a feedback loop," in which men use less strict criteria for finding a mate by serially swiping, and women use more discerning criteria in response to the deluge of matches. But we shouldn't sound the alarms just yet, as swiping may reflect more about our cognitive shortcuts than our more nuanced romantic desires.

Like a game

While most online dating websites such as Match or eHarmony attempt to connect similar users based on carefully constructed algorithms, Tinder does nothing of the sort. Using geo-location, Tinder generates a stream of photos from potential mates who are in or around the user's location. Users then "swipe right" on profiles that they like or "swipe left" on those they don't. If two individuals both "swipe right" after viewing the other's profile, they will be alerted that a "match" has been made, and they'll be allowed to message one another. According to Tinder, the app boasts 1.4 billion "swipes" a day and is available in over 196 countries, from France to Burundi.

Tinder's approach to romance is straightforward, yet brutally effective. Matches are made using sparse criteria: Looks, availability and location. Because people can gauge someone's attractiveness after just a one-second glance, Tinder users often churn through profiles at astounding speeds.

In terms of psychological conditioning, Tinder's interface is perfectly constructed to encourage this rapid swiping. Since users don't know which swipe will bring the "reward" of a match, Tinder uses a variable ratio reward schedule, which means that potential matches will be randomly dispersed. It's the same reward system used in slot machines, video games and even during animal experiments where researchers train pigeons to continuously peck at a light on the wall.

In a study on the brains of drug addicts, researchers found that the expectation of the drug caused more release of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine than the actual drug itself. Similarly, for those who may be expecting the next swipe on Tinder to lead to reward, serial swiping can start to look and feel a lot like addiction. Not surprisingly, in 2015 Tinder began to limit the amount of daily right swipes to around 100 for users who don't buy into their premium service, TinderPlus. And yes, there have already been reports of Tinder withdrawal for those who have tried to break up with their Tinder account.

So when it comes to finding a mate, Tinder's rapid pace appeals to the simplest of our cognitive shortcuts: Are they nearby? Are they available? Are they attractive? If so, swipe right.

For short-term hookups, that may be good enough.

A gender disconnect

But is that really all Tinder is good for? Research has shown that men and women may have different motivations for using the app.

While women do frequently engage in short-term mating strategies, men repeatedly demonstrate more desire for short-term mating. In addition, studies suggest men are more likely to pursue romantic partners using direct and quick methods of approach and proposition, and they spend more time and energy looking for short-term mating opportunities than women. And since Tinder users often use the app when they're alone and can reject or express interest without receiving any social backlash, males may be especially drawn to rapid swiping.

As a result, women and gay men receive more matches than heterosexual men. In one of the first quantitative studies conducted on Tinder, researchers created an equally attractive fake male and fake female Tinder profile and then "swiped right" on everyone who appeared in the app. They then recorded the number of swipe matches and messages each of the fake profiles received in return. While the female profile had a matching rate of 10.5 percent, the match rate for the male profile was a minuscule 0.6 percent, with most matches coming from gay or bisexual men.

But while women get more matches, they don't necessarily enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of the most desirable mates. Researchers from the fake-Tinder study found that women were three times more likely to send a message following a match than men, and their messages were nearly 10 times longer in length (122 characters compared to a paltry 12 for men, which is barely enough to squeak out "Hi, how are you?").

As such, men send out more messages, to more potential partners, but tend to put in less effort or are less committed to their matches. Women may feel flattered by the frequency of matches, but they may also feel disappointed when trying to follow up and have deeper conversations.

Love in a hopeless place?

This doesn't mean you can't find love on Tinder. A 2017 qualitative study of motivations for using Tinder found that love was a more common motivation for using Tinder than casual sex. My own preliminary data (still subject to peer review) mirrors this finding. I distributed a survey to hundreds of Tinder users, online dating users, and those who don't use any kind of dating technology and compared their experiences with deception, sex and romantic satisfaction.

While I found no statistical difference between Tinder users and the other two groups in regards to desired relationship length and likelihood to have sex on the first date, Tinder users did report experiencing frustration with their romantic encounters. Tinder users were more likely to report being deceived by romantic partners met through the app, and they had lower overall satisfaction with their last "first date" than the other two groups. In other words, motivations for using Tinder may not be as different as we thought, but the outcomes suggest the fun users have while swiping may not always translate to the same kind of enjoyable experiences in real-world settings.

Though love and sex have historically been relegated to the proverbial bedroom, data from matching systems like Tinder provide fruitful insight into human mating behavior. While some suggest Tinder has caused a "dating apocalypse," it doesn't appear to cause any new patterns of human sexual behavior we haven't encountered before. In fact, it may just cause men and women to act in more gender-stereotypical ways, which could be thought of as a step backwards.

But if people become increasingly disinterested in conventional relationships and more comfortable with technology in their personal lives, the allure of swiping may be too evilly satisfying to quit.

Jeanette Purvis, Ph.D. Student in Psychology, University of Hawaii

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
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During a recent district court sitting in Longford Judge Seamus Hughes read out a letter in the public domain which he received from Longford Tidy Towns.

The letter written by the chairman of the organisation, John Farrell, thanked the local district court judge for an allocation of 4,000 to Longford Tidy Towns which was administered from the courts poor box back in December.

I got a very nice letter from Longford Tidy Towns, said Judge Hughes before pointing out that over 125,000 had been donated to various charities across his district area in recent years from the poor box.

The main amount of money was collected in Mullingar but we try to distribute it fairly.

Meanwhile, the Judge pointed to the letter from Longford Tidy Towns in which Mr Farrell acknowledged receipt of the money and pointed to the many ways that it would be used to enhance and tidy Longford town.

I do this, said Judge Hughes, In the background of draft legislation pending in the Dail for the last two years [which will put an end to poor box donations in courts].

If that legislation is passed, organisations like Tidy Towns will lose out.

Mr Farrell said in his letter to Judge Hughes that is was his intention to introduce new initiatives with the money from the Court poor box .

These initiatives, he added, would raise awareness around the litter issue; highlight the importance of volunteering in every community throughout the county and make Co Longford a better place in which to live, work and visit.

4,000 is an enormous amount of money and Longford Tidy Towns will ringfence this and use it to tackle various projects which would not have been otherwise considered, said Mr Farrell.

This donation is a huge vote of confidence in Longford Tidy Towns and I can assure you that not one cent of this money will be wasted.

Before concluding matters, Judge Hughes thanked the local tidy towns chairman for his courteous letter and wished the organisation the best of luck with its future endeavours.

I am glad, the Judge added, that the court poor box has been singled out and I genuinely hope that the legislation in respect of this does not go through.

He continued, I hope that the elected representatives in Longford, noting the lack of representation in Dail Eireann for Longford, will ensure, that legislation is not passed.
The inaugural Gerry Brady Memorial fox hunt took place on Sunday and while there was much on-line opposition to the event, Cllr Paraic Brady, son of the late Gerry, launched a staunch defence.

Paraic said that the event, which was run by the Drumlish/Ballinamuck Gun Club, was under the remit of the National Association of Regional Games Council (NARGC) and all monies raised on the day went to the Irish Heart Foundation and Cancer research.

We got a lot of support on the day; my father was a great sportsman and reared pheasants, added Mr Brady.

He loved nothing more than to go out shooting with his dogs and it didnt matter if he shot nothing - it was about being out with the dogs and letting them run around.

In recent days plenty of opposition to hare coursing and foxhunting has emerged with many organisations calling for a complete ban on such activities.

Mr Brady says it is part of our culture, a tradition and a way of life for many people in society.

There are people for hunting and there are those that are against it, the Drumlish native continued.

I feel that our gun club runs in tandem with the national guidelines and last year we released over 180 pheasants.

This year there will be even more than that this year and it costs money to do these things.

He also went on to say that the NARGC runs a vermin control annually - an element, which he added, keeps everything in sync.

For the odd hunt that does take place these days I dont see any harm in that, Mr Brady continued.

For hundreds and hundreds of years there has been hunting and it is a tradition, so why not keep it going?

In my opinion we are not being cruel to any animals.

See Page 68 for more photographs from the hunt and also our Letters to the Editor section on Page 20.
There was a heavy garda presence in Longford today as hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral of John 'Dodie' Stokes.

Several units, including members from the armed Regional Support Unit (RSU), were on hand to ensure proceedings passed off peacefully at St Mel's Cathedral.

Photo: Gardai outside Ballymacormack Cemetery in Longford.

It was a similar scenario last night when prayers were held at Glennon's Funeral Home in Longford town.

From midday uniformed gardai kept a watching brief from the outer confines of the Cathedral as worshippers arrived to pay their respects to the late Mr Stokes.

Inside, an array of floral tributes could be seen dotted across the steps to the altar carrying messages such as 'Big Daddy' and 'Simply the Best'.

Members of the congregation were also told of Mr Stokes' love and devotion to his family with a close family friend describing him as a 'man of peace'.

As mass goers made their way from the Cathedral to the nearby Ballymacormack Cemetery, so too did large numbers of gardai including members from the Public Order and Dog Units respectively.

A Garda source told longfordleader.ie the increased attendance of gardai at today's funeral and last night ensured events passed off peacefully.

Originally from Edgeworthstown, Mr Stokes who was in his early 60s, passed away in recent days in the UK.

Photo: The funeral of the late John 'Dodie' Stokes at St Mel's Cathedral, Longford today, Friday, February 10.
He remarked, "Occasionally RTE takes its remit as a public service broadcaster seriously and last night was one such occasion. Living on the List, a programme by the RTE Investigates team on the tens of thousands who are on the HSEs almost interminable waiting list for operations, exposed some hard truth about Ireland 2017 for the whole nation to see, and it was ugly, painfully ugly.



"It brought anyone who saw it to tears, real tears for most but  and I make no apology for saying this  crocodile tears from those responsible for the scandal.

"We had Health Minister Simon Harris, the man-child appointed by Enda Kenny, saying how he was ashamed, how this is wrong, this is something that as a country we can't stand over.

"We had Fianna Fail Health spokesperson Billy Kelleher, without a hint of irony, saying we are exhausted from talking about reform, when it was his own party leader Micheal Martin when he was Minister for Health who abolished the old regional Health Boards and GAVE us the HSE in all its bloated administrative top-heavy glory, back in 2005. This is not to mention the cuts in beds and services implemented by that same party over the last few decades. Reform?

"I know money isnt the only problem here but it IS a major element of it. Time after time when it comes to issues like this, or issues like water, education, broadband rollout, road infrastructure, the question interviewers most like to ask is  Where will we get the money?.

"Ill tell you EXACTLY where we can get the money  in fact Ill give a few sources:

 First, stop destroying the Promissory Note billions (1bn in 2014, 2bn in 2015, a reported 3bn last year - 31bn in total to be destroyed), every euro of which is borrowed by the NTMA, and instead divert that money to where its most needed;

 Second, stop using our MNC-distorted GDP as a basis for calculating our annual contribution to the EU;

 Third, stop the challenge to the Apple European Commission ruling and accept the 19bn.

"For the last couple of years, every opportunity I get I have challenged the Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and the ECB President Mario Draghi, on the legitimacy of the Promissory Note debt; last week I challenged the Budget Commissioner Gunther Oettinger on the fairness and legitimacy of using our GDP to calculate our EU Budget dues; in the Parliament and in the ECON Committee I have debated the Fine Gael MEPs on Commissioner Vestagers Apple decision, and congratulated her on it.

"Ultimately however, all the above will be done only by our own government, with Michael Noonan at the heart of that. In the last week weve witnessed incredible scenes from Romania, where the people, sick of the corruption within their own government, have finally risen and said Enough!



"Its time we in Ireland did the same and if RTE now continues in this vein and puts the spotlight on the Promissory Note destruction of billions, on NAMA and what Mick Wallace is exposing, on Siteserv and the work done by Catherine Murphy, on what has truly happened and is still happening in Irish Water, that modern insurrection will surely happen.

It is long overdue."
Tech & Science, School & Education, Local News, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 10 2017

Governor Cuomo launched the first ever statewide coding competition for SUNY and CUNY students, the "Making College Possible Coding Challenge, as part of his Excelsior Scholarship Campaign.
Local News, Business & Finance, Health & Wellness, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 10 2017

A.G. Schneiderman issued the following statement on the decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to enjoin the anticompetitive merger between insurance giants Anthem and Cigna.

New York, NY - February 9, 2017 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement on the decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to enjoin the anticompetitive merger between insurance giants Anthem and Cigna. On July 21, 2016, Attorney General Schneiderman filed a joint lawsuit with the Department of Justice, ten other states, and the District of Columbia, which sought a court order to halt the merger between the two companies:

This decision is a significant victory for consumers in New York and across the country. The Anthem-Cigna merger had the potential to harm millions of consumers who are covered by health insurance plansincluding hundreds of thousands of New Yorkersin the form of higher premium costs, reduced accessibility, and lower quality of care. I thank my federal and state partners for their remarkable work in the fight to stop this merger. Effective competition is essential in healthcare markets, and we will continue to vigorously enforce the antitrust laws to prevent mergers that may harm consumers.

The complaint alleged, and the District Court agreed, that the merger would lessen competition in the market for national plans sold to large employers covering employees within the fourteen states where Anthem operates as the Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee, including New York. The complaint also alleged that the merger would lessen competition for large employer plans in 35 local markets, including the New York City metropolitan area, and that the merger would drive down reimbursement rates for healthcare providers in a manner that might affect access to and quality of health care services in some areas of the country, including the New York City metropolitan area. The District Court did not need to reach those issues because it enjoined the transaction based on the national plan allegations alone.

Anthem and Cigna are two of the top five largest national health insurance carriers in the United States and, collectively, provide commercial health insurance to approximately three million individuals in New York City.

The case is captioned United States et al. v. Anthem Inc. et al., and is docketed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under Civil Action No. 1:16-cv-01493 (Jackson, J.).

The case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Irina C. Rodriguez of the Antitrust Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Beau W. Buffier and Deputy Bureau Chief Elinor R. Hoffmann. The Antitrust Bureau is part of the Division of Economic Justice, led by Executive Deputy Attorney General for Economic Justice Manisha M. Sheth.
Local News, National & World News, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 10 2017

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued a statement following the Ninth Circuit ruling.

New York, NY - February 9, 2017 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement:

"Today's decision by the Ninth Circuit is a major victory for the rule of law and the fundamental American principle that no president is above the constitution. As my colleagues and I have argued in courts across the country, President Trump's executive order is an unconstitutional exercise of authority that unlawfully discriminates against millions of people based on their religion. State attorneys general have been leading the fight against President Trump's order on behalf of the many universities, hospitals, businesses, and residents harmed by it, and today the Ninth Circuit affirmed the critical role we play. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I commend my colleagues Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson, and all of the attorneys general who supported their arguments in amicus briefs. My office will continue to support all of our colleagues' efforts to protect their residents and institutions, and will doggedly pursue our claims against President Trump's unconstitutional and un-American order in federal court here in New York."

Earlier this week, Attorney General Schneiderman led an amicus brief filed by 18 Attorneys General in support of the Washington State lawsuit. Additionally, Attorney General Schneiderman filed his own lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York last week.
Yesterday (Feb. 9), the jihadi known as Abu Jaber released his first speech as the leader of the newly formed Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), or Assembly for the Liberation of the Levant.

In late January, al Qaedas branch in Syria, Jabhat Fath al Sham (formerly known as Al Nusrah Front), and four other groups announced the creation of HTS, with Abu Jaber as their leader. [See FDDs Long War Journal report, Al Qaeda and allies announce new entity in Syria.]

Abu Jaber (seen above) had been a prominent figure in another organization, Ahrar al Sham, which he led from Sept. 2014 to Sept. 2015. But he resigned from Ahrar entirely to become the general commander of HTS.

Abu Jaber begins his speech by mentioning the many difficulties the insurgents in Syria currently face, including military, political, [and] civil challenges. He says that HTS was formed to safeguard the gains of the revolution and the land that was liberated with the blood of thousands of martyrs.

He emphasizes that HTS is an independent entity and not an extension of previous organizations or factions. Instead, he claims, it is a merger where all factions and titles were dissolved and disintegrated. With these lines, Abu Jaber undoubtedly intends to distance HTS from the legacy of al Qaedas official arm, which he and others now argue no longer exits.

The creation of HTS ushers in a new stage in the life of the blessed revolution and seeks to unite the various insurgent groups under the banner of one entity, with a unified leadership that will guide the political and military work of the Syrian revolution toward achieving its goal. Their chief mission, Abu Jaber stresses, is to topple Bashar al Assads regime. And HTS will be begin its military work against the regime in short order. This war of liberation will achieve great victories, he promises.

Abu Jaber rallies his brothers in HTS, saying they are at the forefront of the Syrian jihad and stories of their heroism and victories have motivated the people. They have handed Assads regime defeats, humiliated Hezbollah, and faced down the Russians, Abu Jaber says. He calls on other factions to join HTS and also warns all Sunnis in Syria of the dire circumstances they would face should the war be lost. In that event, he claims, the Shiites (rejectionists) will enslave the region.

HTS was not established over night. It is the product of a long-running debate within the jihadi community over the best course for surviving and achieving victory in Syria.

Abu Jabers background

Abu Jaber (also known as Hashem al Sheikh) rose to prominence in Syria in Sept. 2014, when he was named the new emir of Ahrar al Sham. He continued in that role for one year before voluntarily stepping down in Sept. 2015. He was pressed into service after the first leader of the group, Hassan Abboud, was killed along with his comrades in a mysterious explosion. Abboud, who was a student of the famous al Qaeda leader known as Abu Khalid al Suri, was a popular figure among jihadis and Islamists in Syria. When Abboud and many of his closest advisors in Ahrar al Sham perished, Abu Jaber suddenly inherited a greatly weakened organization, at least at the leadership level.

Ahrar al Sham released a short biography for Abu Jaber on Sept. 10, 2014. It can be seen on the right. A native Syrian, he was born in Maskana in Aleppo and eventually received a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Aleppo. Abu Jaber worked for a time as an expert in the Defense Factories, but he was arrested several times due to his religious thoughts, which is likely a reference to his Salafi-jihadist beliefs.

Bashar al Assads regime arrested Abu Jaber in 2005 and sent him to the notorious Sednaya Prison. He was held alongside other jihadis who would eventually be freed and then help lead the fight against the Syrian government. Abu Jaber was released from Sednaya on Sept. 25, 2011 and then joined the Mujahideen against the Assad regime in the northern and western countryside of Aleppo.

Abu Jaber fought among the ranks of al-Fajr Islamic Movement and later led others from his area in [the] Musab Ibn Omayr battalion. Abu Jabers men fought alongside the group formerly known as Al Nusrah Front, al Qaedas official Syrian branch.

Abu Jabers organization was folded into Ahrar al Sham and its joint venture, the Islamic Front. And he was eventually appointed as a member of Ahrar al Shams elite shura (or advisory) council, as well as the groups leader in the eastern countryside of Aleppo.

It is possible that there were some intriguing details left out of Ahrar al Shams Sept. 2014 biography of Abu Jaber. Shortly after he was named as the head of HTS in late January, jihadis circulated another short dossier on him. A similar document was previously posted online by El-Dorar Al-Shamia. The events described in this version of Abu Jabers life are basically the same as in Ahrar al Shams biography, with two noteworthy additions.

First, according to this alternate biography, Abu Jaber joined the jihad in Iraq during the height of the war. He reportedly helped facilitate fighters through Syria and into Iraq. If accurate, then this implies that Abu Jaber was a facilitator for al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). It is well known that Bashar al Assads regime hosted AQIs major pipeline, which sent jihadis into Iraq to fight the Americans. Abu Jaber was imprisoned by the Assad regime from 2005 to 2011, but this doesnt preclude the possibility that he worked for AQIs network, as Assads security services periodically detained jihadis in order to maintain control over the operation. While Assads government imprisoned some Sunni jihadis, it allowed others to operate with relative impunity.

Second, it appears that Abu Jaber was named the head of Ahrar al Shams operations in Aleppos eastern countryside after Abu Khalid al Suri was killed in Feb. 2014. If this is true, then it is another especially important detail. Abu Khalid al Suri was one of the most senior figures in Ahrar al Sham, as well as Ayman al Zawahiris most trusted advisor in Syria. That Abu Jaber could succeed Abu Khalid as the chieftain for eastern Aleppo indicates that others in Ahrar al Sham already held him in high regard.

In Apr. 2015, Al Jazeera broadcast a lengthy interview with Abu Jaber. He complained about Al Nusrah Fronts role as a branch of al Qaeda. Abu Jaber argued that Al Nusrahs allegiance to al Qaeda hurt the Syrian revolution. Other Ahrar al Sham commanders have made the same argument, claiming that al Qaedas overt presence in the rebellion hinders the effort to topple Assad by bringing unwanted scrutiny from the international community. These same Ahrar al Sham leaders likely realize that the nations opposed to Assad will not provide as much assistance as they could as long as al Qaeda, an international pariah, is recognized as a strong player on the battlefield.

Abu Jabers critique was not a disavowal of al Qaeda; it was a common sense observation.

Indeed, al Qaedas own senior leaders tried to hide their affiliation with Al Nusrah Front at first for precisely this reason. Al Qaeda wanted to avoid the unwanted attention that comes with the al Qaeda brand name as it built up its paramilitary army and focused on toppling Assad. As a result of an open dispute with the Islamic States Abu Bakr al Baghdadi in Apr. 2013, however, Al Nusrah Front leader Abu Muhammad al Julani revealed his allegiance to Ayman al Zawahiri. The al Qaeda chieftain criticized Julanis decision, noting that al Qaeda had not given him permission to announce his fealty or reveal his connections.

Al Qaeda even embedded veteran operatives in Ahrar al Shams ranks, with the intent of clandestinely guiding the group. Men such as Abu Khalid al Suri, Abu Hafs al Masri, and Abu Hani al Masri had well-documented al Qaeda pedigrees, which were not advertised to the public even as they helped lead Ahrar al Shams operations.

For years, Ahrar al Sham and al Qaedas arm in Syria (rebranded as Jabhat Fath al Sham in July 2016) have been close battlefield partners. The two organizations established a series of coalitions throughout 2015, including during Abu Jabers tenure as Ahrar al Shams overall commander. The most successful of these was Jaysh al Fateh, which overran Assads forces in the province of Idlib in early 2015. In May of that year, while Abu Jaber was still Ahrars overall leader, they also jointly created Ansar al Sharia in Aleppo. This military alliance quickly became defunct, but it was an attempt to unite various jihadist, Islamist and other factions. [For more on Ansar al Sharia and the jihadists other coalitions throughout Syria, see FDDs Long War Journal report: Al Nusrah Front, allies form new coalition for battle in Aleppo.]

Abu Jaber has eulogized fallen jihadists, including members of al Qaedas branch, as martyrs on his Twitter feed. In one tweet on Feb. 26, 2015, for instance, he asked Allah to comfort our dear brothers in the #Al Nusrah Front regarding three slain fighters, including one who was the emir of the Syrian Desert. In early Jan. 2016, Abu Jaber honored a deceased Ahrar al Sham commander known as Abu Rateb al Homsi, whom Al Nusrah Front identified in its own eulogy as a jihadist who had fought in Afghanistan.

During Abu Jabers time as Ahrar al Shams emir, the group also openly praised the Taliban and its deceased leader Mullah Omar for showing jihadists how to build the [Islamic] Emirate in the hearts of the people before it becomes a reality on the ground.

It is a goal that Abu Jaber has apparently taken to heart.

Abu Jaber: The jihad must be a popular jihad.

Jihadism has been evolving for some time, but especially since 2011, when uprisings throughout the Arab world shook the dictatorships that had long maintained a stranglehold on their societies. The revolutions presented a new opportunity for jihadists to spread their ideas and attempt to win popular support. Suddenly, there was a range of options open to the jihadists.

On one end of the spectrum was Abu Bakr al Baghdadis top-down, authoritarian Islamic State, which rejects compromise, even with its closest ideological cousins. Prominent jihadi thinkers, including within al Qaeda, have long considered Baghdadis approach to be a long-term loser, as it alienates much of the Muslim population and invites outside parties (especially the US) to intervene. Al Qaedas leaders rejected the Islamic State, in part, because they feared that Baghdadis men would spoil the jihad in Syria. Most Muslims in Syria and elsewhere do not pine for Islamic State-style rule.

Al Qaeda shares many of the same goals as Baghdadi and his enterprise, but has adopted a radically different strategy for achieving them. In many ways, the war in Syria brought the jihadis into unchartered waters, as they are attempting to achieve a lasting victory without resorting to Baghdadis immediate totalitarianism. It is a difficult balancing act, as there are undoubtedly many jihadis within al Qaedas sphere of influence who want to immediately impose a Draconian-style of sharia similar to the Islamic States laws. The lure of declaring an Islamic emirate in northwestern Syria has also been strong, even though al Qaeda thinks it would be premature. Should the jihadis and Islamists in Idlib announce that they now control a Taliban-style state, and then lose control over it, the very notion of an Islamic emirate could be discredited in the peoples eyes.

Ahrar al Sham, including during Abu Jabers one-year tenure, has attempted to navigate these difficult waters. There is not one settled school of practical thought for them to follow. So, there have been regular disagreements over how much the jihadis should be tactically flexible. Some have sought to portray Ahrar al Shams quest for a practical jihadism as distinct from al Qaedas own experimentation, but this is not the case. It is evident to any careful observer that al Qaeda itself has been debating, sometimes in vitriolic terms, which path is best for achieving its goals without abandoning or severely compromising on its Salafi-jihadist ideology. Al Qaedas own official arm in Syria, first known as Al Nusrah Front, then as Jabhat Fath al Sham, has embodied different ideas. One al Qaeda theorist has even advocated that the jihadis adopt political guerrilla warfare, such that it enhances their resilience in the face of militarily superior Western foes. Indeed, the Afghan Taliban, which remains closely allied with al Qaeda to this day, has long mixed its own form of politics with jihad.

Abu Jaber is clearly aware of this evolution in the jihadis thinking. He has lived it. And he has moved himself to the forefront of the quest to develop a practical program that would allow the jihadis to survive and thrive in Syria.

In 2016, Al Jazeera produced a lengthy documentary on Ahrar al Sham that highlighted how Salafi-jihadists were adapting to events on the ground in Syria.

Ahrars first emir, Hassan Abboud, traced this evolution to the time he and others, including Abu Jaber, spent in the Sednaya Prison. The prisoners represented different camps within the Islamist and jihadist worldview. While they shared many points in common, they also had significant differences. The Sednaya prison phase, to be honest, during it, some of the concepts and visions were rectified and for the first time, we lived the difference between theory and practice, when you follow the path of Jihad, especially the Salafi-jihadist [ideology], Abboud said.

For his part, Abu Jaber said he rejects any ideologue who is quick to label others just because he doesnt agree with him on every detail. There are people who, I mean, just for having a different opinion from them, they have labels which [they] label you with, and name you with the names which they choose, Abu Jaber said. People of ignorance we call them. They dont want to learn. The only thing they understand about religion is to sacrifice their blood, to die, and only that.

Abu Jaber wants more than that. He wants to transform Syrian society.

We didnt want the Islam of caves or the Islam of rifles, Abu Jaber told Al Jazeera. The Islam, the right understanding of it, is that it is a religion, a country. Its politics and it is fighting. Its ruling and its knowledge.

The Al Jazeera documentary did a good job of explaining why this has been difficult for the jihadis to achieve. Al Jazeeras journalists used the example of Aleppo, where mixed ideologies have existed. Along with Al Nusrah Front and Liwa al Tawhid, Ahrar al Sham established the citys first judicial body. But this ruling religious authority immediately encountered problems. Islamists and more secular parts of the society disagreed over how to govern. Ahrar al Shams leaders explained these problems in the documentary, emphasizing that it is difficult to establish a truly competent administrative body in a revolutionary environment in which the war is far from over. In one clip, an Ahrar al Sham leader implores his audience to stop protesting against the religious committee and to work out their differences instead. Clearly, this early attempt at jihadi governance in Syria was a failure.

Everyone agrees that there were mistakes, Abu Jaber said of the attempt to rule in Aleppo. We have to learn from those mistakes, so we dont fall for them again. The solution is not to rely on the Jihad (opinion) of the elite. The Jihad must be a popular jihad.

In other words, the jihadists can be successful only once their ideology has been adopted by a significant portion of the population. Another Ahrar leader went even further than Abu Jaber, saying that the followers of the Salafi-jihadist ideology have tarnished themselves by claiming their jihad to be the jihad of the elite.

In contrast to the Islamic States top-down authoritarianism then, Ahrar al Sham figures such as Abu Jaber have adopted a bottom-up approach, seeking to spread their beliefs so that their state-building project cannot be easily uprooted. The problems they have encountered are numerous. Some of their own members havent understood how their ideology differs from the Islamic States and, at times, even refused to fight Baghdadis men as they marauded their way through parts of Syria.

Many of the brothers dropped their weapons and left, Abu Jaber told Al Jazeera, referring to the early days of the conflict with Baghdadis so-called caliphate. They dropped their weapons and left, to avoid the spilling of Muslim blood. Abu Jaber explained why: The surprise was that there was no prior intellectual foundation. Abu Jaber likely meant that, in the beginning, Ahrar al Shams own foundation was shallow and his comrades lacked a deep cadre of support from which they could draw in the battle against Baghdadis adherents.

Al Qaedas branch in Syria (most recently known as Jabhat Fath al Sham), Ahrar al Sham and other organizations have spent years cultivating more popular support for their project. They are far beyond square one, but still well short of their ultimate goal: a new Islamic emirate in Syria.

A new path

Muhannad al Masri succeeded Abu Jaber as the head of Ahrar al Sham in Sept. 2015. In his own interview with Al Jazeera the following year, al Masri praised Abu Jabers stewardship of the group, saying it started following the institutional and administrative methodology excellently during his tenure. Sheikh Abu Jaber was quite devoted to it at the end of the year when he was in charge, al Masri explained. But Abu Jaber resigned from the Shura [council] of Ahrar al Sham, so he could go down a new path in the world of Islamic and Jihadi movements.

Muhannad al Masri didnt explain what this new path entailed, but Abu Jaber has been positioning himself for another leadership role for some time.

In Feb. 2016, several reports suggested that Abu Jaber was going to lead a new joint venture of several parties in Aleppo. The alliance didnt get off the ground, but the effort demonstrated that Abu Jaber was considered someone capable of uniting various factions under a single banner. [See FDDs Long War Journal report, Aleppo-based rebel groups reportedly unite behind Ahrar al Shams former top leader.]

Then, in late 2016, Abu Jaber and other senior Ahrar al Sham figures formed their own internal contingent named Jaysh al Ahrar. Although they didnt break away from the Ahrar al Sham mother organization at the time, the creation of Jaysh al Ahrar clearly signaled that there was an internal divide.

Those divisions became obvious earlier this year. Ahrar al Sham has split into different factions, with Abu Jaber and other founding members joining HTS. According to pro-HTS accounts, a large number of Ahrars battalions have joined them. Meanwhile, other leaders continue to run the original organization, absorbing smaller groups in the process.

It says much about Abu Jabers influence and the respect al Qaedas jihadis have for him that they accepted him as the first leader of HTS. Abu Muhammad al Julani, the longtime emir of Al Nusrah/Jabhat Fath al Sham, stepped aside to allow Abu Jaber to fill the top spot. As the miltary commander of HTS, Julani still wields considerable power within the organization. But Abu Jaber is its front man. The new flag for HTS can be seen on the right.

The formation of HTS came at a time when al Qaedas men in Syria feared that their enemies were launching a new conspiracy against them. By merging with other groups and embedding their operations within HTS, al Qaeda clearly hopes to minimize additional international attention.

In January, representatives from some Syrian opposition groups traveled to Astana, Kazakhstan for diplomatic talks. Jabhat Fath al Shams members portrayed the negotiations as part of a plan to turn other insurgents against them. Tellingly, HTS staged rallies in which Abu Jaber was praised for rejecting the talks. Some of the signs that were held up (seen below) praised Abu Jaber while denouncing Jaysh al Islams Mohammad Alloush, who served as one of the rebels chief negotiators.

Abu Jaber and his newly formed HTS are now charged with defending the jihadist project in Syria. And his new path incorporates the group first known as Al Nusrah Front and then as Jabhat Fath al Sham  which is al Qaedas largest branch in history.

In early February, pro-HTS Telegram channels posted the pictures below of protests in Syria. Abu Jaber was praised for rejecting the talks in Astana, while Alloush was denounced for taking part in them:

Note: Jihadi media outfits, including Bilad al Sham, have produced multiple translations of Abu Jabers speech.

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

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Culture / Art Republik

Feb 10, 2017 | By Nadya Wang

Three new works were unveiled at the National Museum of Singapore in December, just in time for its 130th birthday in 2017. Director Angelita Teo says, Its a big celebration for us and we wanted to engage with the contemporary world and represent our history in a way that would get people excited about it.

The new additions to the museum, Suzann Victors Wings of a Rich Maneuver, teamLabs Story of the Forest and Robert Zhaos Singapore  Very Old Tree, are in line with the museums mission to adopt cutting-edge and multi-perspective ways of presenting history and culture to redefine conventional museum experience. The works will provide visitors with interesting perspectives to understand and appreciate Singapores history for years to come.

Suzann Victor

Suzann Victor worked on a new chandelier for the contemporary wing of the museum. Wings of a Rich Maneuver builds on Contours of a Rich Maneuver, a beloved 12-piece red chandelier that has been at the museum since it reopened in 2006. Talking about the two works, Victor says, The original work was about using the chandelier as a signifier of Western culture. It is really about disturbing the signification of objects like it. The Rich is not about any form of wealth, but rather, references the kinetic element of the work in a roundabout way.

Wings of a Rich Maneuver is a row of eight moving bespoke chandeliers constructed from Swarovski crystals and steel, illuminated by LED light. Swarovski collaborates with artists from all over the world, and are known to give free rein to collaborators to push the boundaries of what the crystals can create. In Victors artwork, the movement of the crystals make for a dynamic spectacle that looks different in the sunlight that streams into the glass structure in the day, and in the lights at night in equally dazzling displays.

While some things remain the same between the two works, there are significant changes. It will be the same amplitude, for example  these things are retained, says Victor, But what would be quite different is the shimmering and the cloud-like light. And the light is not emitting from each lightbulb in the chandelier but from thousands of refractions of light as they travel through the crystals.

The refractions come about from the artists enduring fascination with light in her work. The rainbow refraction is a continuation of part of my work, and is about our love affair with light as a human race. Victor had previously presented Rainbow Circle for Singapore Biennale 2013, where she created natural rainbows indoors using sunlight, water droplets and a heliostat within the main Rotunda.

In making Wings of a Rich Maneuver, the artist paid attention to its permanent residence. The artefacts in a history museum represents time at a standstill because it pauses time, says Victor, Wings continues the intention of the original series to visualise the passage of time, simply because each chandelier functions as a pendulum that work like an upside-down metronome. It actually shows us the moment to moment passing of time. And you contrast it to the function of this museum, where all the historical artefacts embody the stillness of time or time being artificially stopped to prevent the ravages of time on the object.

teamLab

Nearby in the Glass Rotunda, teamLab has created Story of the Forest, based on the museums prized William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, comprising 477 drawings on paper that are showcased at the museums Goh Seng Choo gallery. teamLab sieved through the collection to select 69 drawings for its commissioned artwork.

The digital installation begins in the Upper Rotunda, where flowers such as the hibiscus and lotus cascade soothingly from the ceiling down along the walls. Continuing along The Passage, a winding road of 170 metres, visitors will encounter a luxuriant Malayan jungle as reimagined by teamLab, meeting animals such as the Malayan tapir and the slow loris. Iman Ismail, Assistant Curator at National Museum of Singapore notes, Every visit is different because the digital projections run through an algorithm. To interact with the installation, visitors can download the mobile app Story of the Forest, to capture and save all of the animals in the installation, and be rewarded with educational behind-the-scenes information on the drawings that inspired the animations.

Bidding farewell to the tropical landscape, the Lower Rotunda brings another magical visual treat with the blooming of native flowers such as the palmyra palm and the lotus flower, as well as the harvesting of fruits such as the mangosteen and rambutan. In a media conference, Toshiyuki Inoko, founder of teamLab spoke about the everlasting allure of Farquhars drawings. The drawings are pure love, says Inoko, There are creative and scientific values. There is the romance of the history and the beauty of nature and the hope of the future from the drawings.

Robert Zhao

Leaving teamLabs digitally animated world, visitors will come upon Robert Zhaos Singapore, Very Old Tree series depicting trees  and people  from around Singapore. The static but no less impactful images provide a change of pace before one enters the Singapore History Gallery. The work, comprising 30 images, was commissioned for Singapores Golden Jubilee in 2015, and acquired in 2016 by the National Museum  17 are on display.

It started as a postcard from the National Archives of Singapore. Just a picture of a very big tree and a small man. And the title was Singapore, Very Old Tree. That postcard made me think about trees around Singapore that are really, really old, says Zhao, The man is there to give scale to the tree, and it made me think that there are stories that the trees can tell and you need a person to tell them. The stories about trees in Singapore can be a greater story about Singapore.

Zhao points out that in some of the pictures, such as Bodhi Tree, Bidadari Cemetry and Sea Beam, Stamford Road, the trees photographed are surrounded by construction, a familiar sight in Singapore, and calls them silent witnesses to history. One of the pictures in the series is taken at the Old Kallang Airport area near Goodman Road. The story of the tree is told by Ramanathan, a 70-year-old odd-job labourer who has made the tree his hangout spot since he saved it from being cleared some twenty years ago. The picture shows the mans bicycle, and some plastic chairs for passers-by to sit with him.

Not all the trees are witnesses to unhappy events. The Wedding Tree, Seletar Reservoir shows the bald casuarina tree that features often in Singaporean couples wedding photographs. Wong Yong Choon, a photographer speaks of how he has personally shot over 100 couples at the photogenic tree, which is flanked symmetrically by two benches against an open, green landscape.

*For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.sg.

This article was first published in Art Republik.
The ramifications of the controversial appointment of Betsy DeVos as the secretary of education in the Trump administration are rippling across the U.S. as educators try to figure out whats next. We spoke to twenty teachers in public, private and charter schools across the country to learn more about their feelings and concerns.

What parts of the American education system do you feel need the most improvement?

Elisabeth Mency, public school: We are constantly underfunded by our government, forcing us do more with less; when government-mandated test scores drop, we are vilified. We are blamed for not being number one in the world for test scores, yet we arent given the resources we need to teach all students.

Bob McHeffey, public school: Most mandates that come down from on high are ineffective. They take too long to implement, there is no local buy-in and they disappear too fast. Its like a pendulum swing. However, changes that are made with collaboration among shareholders, with solid educational research and with financial backing and time are effective in improving our schools.

Allison, private school: As a special-education teacher, I definitely feel that the services many public schools provide to both special-education and low-income students are in major need of improvement. These schools and students need more resources, more respect and a better understanding of diverse learning needs and styles.

Joe Gels, magnet school (specialized public school): Lets please kill high-stakes testing that doesnt measure anything except for a students ability to do well on a high-stakes test.

Laura, charter school: As an arts educator, it has been sad for me to see content that I consider to be sacred being eliminated from school programming to make room for test prep.

Corey, application-selective public school: The worse the funding is for local schools, the more extreme the measures taken to try and catch students up. Wealthier school districts, private schools and charter schools have more freedom to practice proven forms of effective education. Critical thinking, collaboration and creativity are all practiced in those schools at a much higher rate due to the fact that they tend to not worry so much about filling in the achievement gap. The one thing that the DeVos/Trump/Republican camp never wants to talk about is the fact that poverty plays a tremendous role in student performance and achievement.

This is not to say that students cannot rise above it, but is it really fair and equitable when your students baseline emotional level is distressed? When was the last time you were hangry? How hard was it to focus?

The C-level kids from my high school (a boarding school filled with spoiled, rich kids) all got into college. How much effort do you think they put in? How many C-level students from public schools in Newark, Trenton or the Bronx go to college?

JT Taylor, public school: Places like New England and the West Coast seem to be okay-to-high okay. The flyover states and the South arent so great. These are places that scream for state power when they really need some government regulation.

Alice, public school: The biggest facet that needs improvement is quality control amongst schools. Every student should be receiving an equal education, despite their background or area code. Adequate teacher training is a necessity that will lead to less burnout for young teachers.

Liz Martin, public school: Very little actual teaching or learning is going on with all of the issues were facing. We are doing our best to keep students IN CLASS so that they can learn, but there is legislation making it impossible to have consequences for non-compliant, disrespectful, even violent behavior, and its becoming like Lord of the Flies  the toughest kids run the school, and the teachers and other kids are scared.

Taylor Reinhart, charter school: The deeper you dive, the more nuance you see in the problems. I always put forth the federal vs. local problem to those who dont know much about ed policy. We know that communities have unique needs, so a one-size-fits-all educational model from the federal government will fail to address tons of local concerns. If that model is made from a white reform perspective, students in traditional schools that are mostly segregated will not receive education and materials that meet their unique needs.

What is your opinion on Betsy Devos being appointed as secretary of education?

Jillian, public school: Betsy DeVos is part of the Amway pyramid scheme empire. Her family donated over $200 million to politicians, and she completely and utterly failed to answer questions with any sense of understanding or information. Her answer, to please Republicans, was to turn it back to the states. She did not know that IDEA was a federal law.

She will attempt to dismantle teachers unions. The states that have the strongest teachers unions have the highest-performing scores on national (NAEP) and international (PISA/TIMSS) assessments. Teachers unions do protect teachers rights, but more importantly, we safeguard CLASSROOMSclass size, having nurses, guidance counselors, time for teachers to plan effectively for quality instruction.

Elisabeth Mency, public school: If teachers must be highly qualified to get and keep our jobs, so should the secretary of education.

Bob McHeffey, public school: DeVos qualifications are laughable. Education policy should not be solely grounded in the political. It should be grounded in the practical, and with the well being of ALL students in mind, not just the students DeVos wants to serve.

Jack, private school: The appointment of Betsy DeVos is a nightmare for the public education system. She actively worked to drain money from Detroit public schools, stripped away accountability regulations for charters and unleashed on Detroit unregulated, unaccountable, for-profit charter schools that dont actually perform any better than Detroit public schools. DeVos also has an interest in a student debt collections company. I fear that DeVos will use her position to enrich herself and people like her at the expense of students at the primary, secondary and university levels.

Laura, charter school: It sends a message that public education isnt important enough to merit having a high-quality professional oversee and work towards improving the system.

Joe Gels, magnet school (specialized public): Betsy DeVos is a prime example of corporate greed trying to make education in its own image so it can be exploited. In particular, having those who have never even set foot in a public school (except to look down upon it) in a place of power.

Samantha, public school: DeVos believes teachers are overpaid. Its an absolute joke. All of my friends make more than I do and I am shaping the minds of our future generation. Our doctors, our lawyers our future president. I am also paying for my graduate degree, which is mandated to keep my license, out of pocket. Absolutely zero help from the state. This will all get worse under DeVos, who is afraid of bears roaming the halls of our public elementary schools.

Sonja, private school: Education is not a business, but many private schools and charter schools are run like businesses. How can public schools compete for educators when private and charter schools can hire teachers that are not licensed by the state, yet can be paid more?

JT Taylor, public school: Unions are on the chopping block. Then there will be more power shifted to states. Places like California and Massachusetts will probably be fine, but still struggle. Bumblefuck, Alabama  already struggling with state and federal funds/support  is going to be so fucking fucked when the government washes its hands of education and uses a tweet at 3 a.m. to imply good luck.

Taylor Reinhart, charter school: The bear fiasco hides what is scariest about her: Betsy DeVos will make rash decisions in a field that needs to be defined by patience, data and ethical ideals. Bad decisions will be made and my colleagues and I will soldier on.

One of DeVoss more controversial platforms is school choice, which greatly affects how public schools are funded. What is your opinion on the concept of school choice, if any?

Elisabeth Mency, public school: Sure, some kids opt out, but what about those who still attend the school in question? We need to fully fund all schools and not just those in affluent settings.

Scott, public school: I get that parents might like the way it sounds, but instead of abandoning a school it should be fixed and focused on.

Bob McHeffey, public school: There are some schools that, given the freedom of a charter, would provide sound educational policies and programs for kids. But there are WAY too many that are poorly conceived and run. And the good ones will mostly likely only serve those who already have economic advantages.

Alice, public school: I absolutely agree with the idea of school choice. It is unfair that students are forced into inadequate schools based on their area code. Parents should have the choice on where to send their child. I know that some people have brought up the fact that this system will not work for underprivileged families. In fact, it does. I have worked in charter schools where families pay no out-of-pocket costs and students are extremely successful in these environments. When it comes to a voucher system, schools are receiving money per child. If each child is getting the same funding, students are equals in education, as they should be.

Jack, private school: If the local public schools are just as good as nearby schools that charge tuition, the parents who can afford to pay tuition will still send their kids to those schools and the parents who cant afford it will still be satisfied with free, well-performing public schools.

Allison, private school: With school choice, the students who need the most help are still stuck in the public schools, which are also then working with fewer resources than before since they have fewer students (and therefore get less money), or are hemorrhaging even more money paying for vouchers. The separation of church and state is one issue. Another is that many parochial and private schools, unless they are specifically schools for students with special needs, cannot support students with diverse learning needs either, and also counsel out students who need additional support that the school cant offer.

Joe Gels, magnet school (specialized public): The people who would be affected by school choice dont actually want it!

Marissa, public school: Charters blur the lines of church and state. Now, if parents choose to send their children to a religious school, that is absolutely their choice. Charters, however, are supposed to be public institutions as they take public funding. Its a roundabout way for public funds to go to religious schooling.

Samantha, public school: Charter schools are a scam. They dont have a SPED department, teachers do not need a license to teach in them and they are allowed to turn away children with behavioral disorders. They basically kick them out, but keep the money the state gave them for teaching the student.

Arielle, public school: It becomes a survival of the fittest for education. Who gets the vouchers first? Who gets priority in choosing schools? What happens to those who are unable to receive a voucher and must instead continue to go to the school in their community?

Corey, application-selective public school: What happens when the good schools that everybody wants to attend fill up? Class sizes increase, watering down quality. Itll place an even larger burden on teachers  dampening their ability to be creative and effective. Zone schools will no longer be required take all students, meaning increased competition that will favor students with greater resources to prepare them for entrance. The leftover students will be consigned to low-performing schools.

DeVos wants vouchers to apply to parochial schools, which is a direct affront to the establishment clause of the constitution. Public funding has no place being spent on religion, plain and simple.

Taylor Reinhart, charter school: I teach in one of these charter schools and my mom is a lifelong public school teacher. We have managed to keep it from being contentious.

Part of it is how strictly schools are held to the law: Ohio and Louisiana are famous for doling out school vouchers like Band-Aids, and unsurprisingly have been wrapped in scandals of malpractice. It is much harder to get a charter off the ground in MA or NY, or even Texas. I do not believe public schools are failing us and that charters are the answer. I believe that there are innovative practices charters are empowered to test via more freedom in their curriculum and smaller building sizes, and they may inform public school practice in positive ways.

Charters have been assaulted lately by bastions of right-wing thought that have noticed the possibility of transforming American schools into corporate enterprises like the prison system. Charters, popular as they are with bi-partisan support pre-Trump, can be co-opted. I believe DeVos may have her eyes on eliminating secular education because of her religious beliefs, but that corporate element is there, too. My opinion on school choice: There is nothing wrong with empowering parents to seek education tailored to the interests and circumstances of their kid. We will continue to have more choices, hopefully. But, like democracy, that choice can be bought and paid for if we are not terribly, terribly diligent.

Jamie Loftus is a comedian and writer. You can find her some of the time, most days at @hamburgerphone or jamielof tusisinnocent.com.

Collage by Krista Anna Lewis. Photos via Getty Images.
Ten Hag: The players just love to play

Article

The boss says his squad have no problem with the schedule, even though it will be just as busy next year.
The Most Exciting Period of Human History Is yet to Come

While complexity mathematics and information theory may be relatively new, the general concepts contained in them were well known to previous generations of economists dating back to Adam Smith.

Matt Ridley, who youve met before, is one of my favorite economic writers. He authored the powerhouse books The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves and The Evolution of Everything.

I have literally scores of pages underlined in The Evolution of Everything and am especially enamored with Ridleys chapter on the evolution of economics.

What we see is not the result of human design

This decentralized emergence of order and complexity is the essence of the evolutionary idea that Adam Smith crystallized in 1776.

Yet, when Smith wrote his Wealth of Nations, there was little good evidence for his central idea that free exchange of goods and services would produce general prosperity.

Adam Smith is no paragon. He got plenty wrong, including his clumsy labor theory of value, and he missed David Ricardos insight about comparative advantage, which explains why even a country (or person) that is worse than its trading partner at making everything will still be asked to supply something, the thing it or he is least bad at making. But the core insight that he had, that most of what we see in society is (in Adam Fergusons words) the result of human action but not of human design, remains true to this day and under-appreciated.

They simply got it wrong

The really big thing that both Smith and Ricardoand Robert Malthus and John Stuart Mill, and all the other British political economists of the timemissed, however, was that they were living through the Industrial Revolution.

This was because their world view was dominated by the idea of diminishing returns. So Smiths division of labor, and Ricardos comparative advantage, could improve the lot of people only up to a point. These were just a more efficient way of squeezing prosperity out of a limited system.

Even after living standards began to rocket upward in Britain from the 1830s, Mill saw it as a flash in the pan. Diminishing returns would soon set in. In the 1930s and 1940s, John Maynard Keynes and Alvin Hansen saw the Great Depression as evidence that some limit of human prosperity had been reached.

The end of the Second World War would bring stagnation and misery. Again in the 1970s, and in the 2010s, there was widespread talk of sharing out the existing wealth of society rather than hoping living standards could go higher.

Yet, repeatedly the opposite happened. Far from diminishing, returns kept increasing thanks to mechanization and the application of cheap energy.

Even Ricardos wheat yields, from British fields that had been ploughed for millennia, began to accelerate upward in the second half of the twentieth century thanks to fertilizers, pesticides, and plant breeding.

By the early twenty-first century, industrialization had spread high living standards to almost every corner of the globe, in direct contradiction to the pessimistic fears of many that they would forever remain a Western privilege. China, a country mired in misery for centuries, and plunged into horror for decades, sprang to life and saw its billion people create the worlds largest market.

The most exciting period of human history is yet to come

Even though contemporary economists pay lip service to the marvels of technological change, I think thatlike the classical economists mentioned above who missed the fact they were tumbling into the Industrial Revolutioncurrent economists vastly underestimate the amount and variety of change that is going to occur in the next 20 years.

Conservatives and free-market economists are going to have to completely rethink their concepts of what government should be and how society should be structured. It is not clear that we will be up to the task. Ive said it before and Ill say it again, the next 20 years will be far and away the most exciting period of human history. You wont want to miss it.

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NATO Is Obsolete for the US

BY GEORGE FRIEDMAN : Donald Trump deeply upset the Europeans when he raised the possibility that NATO is obsolete and that the European Union is failing.

But this isnt the first time these issues have been discussed. I wrote about it last year, and the conversation has only continued.

What Trump has done is simply bring into the open the question of Europes relationship with the US.

The missions and motives of NATO and the EU

NATO was an alliance with a single purpose: to protect Western Europe from a Soviet invasion.

The basic structure of NATO didnt change when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. It simply grew to include the former Soviet satellite states and the Baltic states.

The motive behind the expansion was to bring these countries into the framework of the Western defense system in order to give them confidence in their independence. And help support the development of democracies.

The motivation was roughly the same for expanding the EU. The bloc was primarily an economic union. Simply being an EU member was believed to enhance prosperity, so that even the economically weakest country would become strong after attaining membership.

The real goal was to expand the EU as far as possible. As with NATO, EU expansion had less to do with the EUs primary mission than with political and ideological factors.

NATO is obsolete if it cant support the US interests

The EU question is ultimately a European problem.

But NATO is an alliance. The US has important and legitimate interests. But there are questions.

First, with the Soviet Union gone, what is NATOs purpose?

Second, how does NATO serve the American national interest?

Third, given that the EU has almost as large a GDP and almost 200 million more people than the US, why isnt its collective contribution to NATOs military larger than the US?

The automatic answer to the first question is fairly basic: NATOs purpose is to guarantee its members security.

On the second question, it cannot be argued that NATO has served American interests since 1991.

It is true that NATOs area of responsibility is focused on Europe. The US current wars are outside of this area. But from the American point of view, having an alliance with a region where large-scale warfare is unlikely makes little sense.

NATO must evolve with the needs of its members. If it cant, it can be seen (as Trump put it) as obsolete.

This brings us to the third question, the size of the European force. A military alliance needs a military.

Many European countries, in times of wealth as well as constraint, have chosen not to create a force large enough to support American interests.

Even when NATO commits to fighting alongside the Americans, European capabilities limit their contribution. There is no automatic support from NATO. The countries that want to participate, fight with as much or as little as they choose to send.

This is their right as sovereign states. But this radically changes their relationships with the US. They would participate in a US-led war if it was in their self-interests.

Nations have the right and obligation to carry out their foreign and military policies as they wish. But an alliance holds nations to behave in a certain way given certain events.

Europeans must face two facts

First, the wars that matter to the US are being fought in the Islamic world. Second, Europe is not struggling to recover from World War II. Its military capabilities should be equal to those of the US.

NATO is obsolete if it defines its responsibility mainly to repel a Russian invasion. Especially since it refused to create a military force capable of doing that. It is obsolete in that it regards the US as the guarantor of Europes security when Europe is quite capable of incurring the cost of self-defense.

If European nations are free to follow their own interests, then so is the United States.

When we step back, we see a broader truth. First, the European Union is breaking. Europe is in no position to do unanimously supported NATO operations. For the Europeans, NATO is important because it means that, in the rare chance of a European war, the US must be there.

The United States wants to stop Russian hegemony over the European Peninsula. But the US can deal with that by placing limited forces in the Baltics, Poland, and Romania. The Europeans have devolved NATO into bilateral relations between the US and each NATO member. So, the United States can do the same. Also, the US can accept the status quo in Ukraine, written or unwritten. The US is not going to war in Ukraine. Russia is not going to war there either.

Trumps approach to NATO has been forced on the US by the Europeans. NATO doesnt work as an alliance. It is a group of sovereign nations that will respond to American requests as they see fit. The US knows this and at some point, someone was going to point out that NATO is obsolete.

The matter can be summed up the following way. What is the commitment of European countries to the United States? And what is the US commitment to Europe?

It is not clear that there is a geopolitical basis for this commitment any more. Interests have diverged. NATO is not suited to the realities of today.

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Universal basic income (or UBI), an unconditional payment to all citizens, has become part of the economic zeitgeist in recent times, embraced by advocates on both the Left and the Right as a solution to the symptoms and sores of the crisis-ridden capitalist system.

John McDonnell, the veteran Labour left and Shadow Chancellor, has announced recently that he and his team are exploring the idea as a centrepiece of Labours economic programme. Across the Channel, Benoit Hamon, the so-called French Corbyn and Socialist Party presidential candidate, has promised a UBI if elected. Meanwhile, the possibility of a UBI has even gained traction in India, where the policy has been seriously suggested as a simple alternative to the complex web of welfare provisions currently on offer.

But what would be the real impact of UBI? Why has it suddenly risen to prominence as a demand in the past few years? And, most importantly, who is actually raising the proposal  and in whose interest?

Race against the machine

An apocryphal tale is told about Henry Ford II showing Walter Reuther, the veteran leader of the United Automobile Workers, around a newly automated car plant.

Walter, how are you going to get those robots to pay your union dues, gibed the boss of Ford Motor Company.

Without skipping a beat, Reuther replied, Henry, how are you going to get them to buy your cars? (The Economist, 4th November 2011)

The story recounted above is likely fictional. Nevertheless, it draws upon  and highlights  a very real and grave concern amongst the more far-sighted bourgeois commentators today: the threat of technological unemployment  the so-called race against the machine.

Far from welcoming the advances in modern technology and the vast potential for liberating humanity that automation offers, the rapid pace of technological development today is seen as a dangerous and uncontrollable force that could make vast swathes of the working  and even middle  class obsolete in the not-too-distant future.

Who, in this scenario, the above anecdote asks, will buy all the plethora of commodities that the world economys vast productive forces continue to churn out?

Above all, this question of automation and machinery has begun to shine a light upon the contradictions of the capitalist system, exposing the rank hypocrisy of those politicians who demand austerity and attacks on ordinary people, whilst in the same breathe venerating the billionaire entrepreneurs who, between just eight of them, control as much wealth as half the worlds population put together.

It is becoming increasingly clear to those who have eyes to see that an army of robots has helped to create a reserve army of labour, as Marx described it: a mass of unemployed whose presence puts a downward pressure on wages for those in work. Those replaced by new technology are not retrained and re-educated in order to give them the skills required to keep up with this ever-accelerating treadmill of capitalism; instead they are thrown onto the scrapheap and forced into the rapidly expanding gig economy  a shadowy netherworld of bogus self-employment, insecure work, and zero-hour contracts.

The result is that, despite the array of automation and technology deployed in production, the growth in productivity across the economy has actually stalled; it is cheaper, from the point of view of the parasitic profiteering capitalist, to recruit from the ranks of the precariat desperately looking for a job than to invest in machinery that actually reduces the need for labour. From the perspective of capitalism, then, there is both too much automation  in terms of technological unemployment  and, simultaneously, too little, with the stagnation of productivity.

The system is broken

It is this context of a broken economic engine that we see the emergence of the demand for a universal basic income, or UBI: a uniform payment given to all in society, regardless of wealth or needs.

The idea behind the UBI, in theory, is that it would break the link between work and pay, providing  on the one hand  workers who have been made redundant by robots a safety net that prevents them from getting stuck in low-paid, precarious jobs, whilst also allowing them to transition from obsolete industries into new, more productive sectors. And  on the other hand  enabling the capitalists to invest in automation and new technology without the moral anxiety (or, more importantly, the practical concern) of adding to societys legion of the unemployed. Et voila! The wheels of capitalism are well and truly greased: investment goes up; productivity increases; the economy grows  and meanwhile workers are able to smoothly move from one job to another for the rest of their lives.

Would that it were so simple. The reality is that productive investment today is at an all-time low, not because of any principled apprehension about the fate of sacked workers, but because of the enormous levels of overproduction  or excess capacity as the bourgeois like to euphemistically describe it  that hang like an albatross around the neck of the global economy. The capitalists invest, not to provide jobs, meet needs, or develop the productive forces, but to make profits. If goods cannot be sold because ordinary families do not have the money to buy them, then industry will be mothballed. And if the bosses can get more profit out of ten exploited workers than from one shiny new machine, then the workers will stay in place and productivity will remain sluggish.

Indeed, the relationship between work and pay has already been broken  but not in any positive sense. In all countries  both in the advanced capitalist countries and the so-called emerging economies  the share of wealth going to labour has decreased, with real wages remaining stagnant despite an increase in GDP. The working week grows longer, and yet take-home pay stays the same.

In whose interest?

Despite being raised on the basis of fundamentally false premises, the call for a UBI has nevertheless found an echo in this epoch of eye-watering inequality. Already, social and economic experiments involving UBIs are underway in a variety of countries, including Canada, Finland, and Holland. In Switzerland, a proposal for a SFr30,000 per annum (around 24,000 per year) UBI was rejected by 77% to 23% in a referendum on 5th June 2016. In Britain, meanwhile, the demand for a UBI has been raised by the leaderships of both the Labour Party and the Green Party.

For those on the Left, the UBI is proposed as a progressive demand: a reinforced safety net, beyond the sticking plaster of the current welfare state, funded through increased taxation on big business and the rich. Raised in such a manner, it is clearly a demand  like any genuine reform  that should be supported and fought for.

UBI, however, is not an inherently left-wing or progressive measure. The idea of a universal payment, in fact, has many advocates on the libertarian right. Indeed, even prominent bourgeois economists such as Milton Friedman have made similar proposals in the past, with his idea for a negative income tax.

For these respectable ladies and gentlemen, the concept of a UBI has great appeal as an extremely streamlined version of  or, worse still, replacement for  the welfare state. In one fell swoop, these small government zealots suggest, one could simplify (read: slash) vast swathes of the taxation and benefits system, eliminating bureaucracy and reducing market interference.

At the same time, one can clearly see the attraction of the UBI to the Schumpeterian liberals who preach the virtues of the invisible hand and the powerful transformative forces of creative destruction. Provide a primitive safety net, eradicate barriers to job creation such as the minimum wage, and give the anarchy of the market a free hand to destroy industries and jobs, without any planning or provision of education and retraining. Its a libertarians dream  and a nightmare for the working class.

Some free-market fanatics, meanwhile, have even advocated the idea of a relatively large UBI payment, but (and heres the catch) only on the proviso that pesky public services  such as healthcare and education  are scrapped, i.e. privatised, and opened up to profit.

Far from strengthening the conquests made by previous generations, therefore, one can see how the demand for a UBI can equally be raised by those looking to roll back and destroy such gains. Rather than increasing the welfare state in a progressive way by redistributing societys colossal wealth, a UBI could instead become a deeply regressive fig leaf for a wholesale attack on  and privatisation of  public services, bolstering the capitalist market instead of weakening it.

Marxists will fight for any reform that genuinely improves the living standards of workers and the poor. But in order to ascertain whether we can support this-or-that demand, we must first ask: is it really a reform that is being proposed, or  in fact  a counter-reform?

In this respect, the call for a UBI in the abstract is meaningless. The devil is in the detail. Above all, it is necessary to analyse the question from a class point of view and look at who is raising the demand, and  most importantly  in whose (class) interest.

Who pays?

As with all such reforms, the most pertinent question is: who pays? Where, one must ask, would the money come from? Indeed, it is this key point that right-wing opponents to UBI highlight.

In the case of the Swiss referendum last year, the government came out against the 24,000 per year that was being proposed on the grounds of this amount being unaffordable (to put the proposed level in perspective, however, bear in mind that the cost of living in Switzerland is painfully high, and average salaries are around twice this suggested UBI amount). In places such as Finland, the more reasonable UBI suggested is the miserable sum of approximately 5,700 per year  a value that would be small change to the millionaires receiving it (dont forget, it is an unconditional universal payment, after all), but that would actually leave the poorest who currently rely on the provision of means-tested benefits worse off.

In order to provide a UBI payment better than what is currently on offer through the welfare state, some fairly significant tax increases would be required, as the Economist highlights with some hypothetical estimates:

Setting up a basic income would be no easy matter. To pay every adult and child an income of about $10,000 per year, a country as rich as America would need to raise the share of GDP collected in tax by nearly 10 percentage points and cannibalise most non-health social-spending programmes. More generous programmes would require bigger tax increases still.

Before continuing, let us make one thing crystal clear: the money clearly does exist to provide a decent UBI payment to all  and at levels far beyond $10,000. As has already been noted, according to the recent Oxfam report on global inequality, just eight billionaires own as much wealth as the poorest half of the worlds population. Meanwhile, big business in the USA sits on an idle cash pile of around $1.9 trillion dollars.

The problem, however, is not economic, but political. To implement a genuinely progressive UBI would constitute the most ambitious and radical shake up of the redistributive taxation system since the cradle-to-grave welfare state was introduced in the post-war period. And yet, at a time when all these gains of the past are under attack from austerity, we see various well-meaning left-wingers calling for the UBI and proposing a titanic challenge to capital, with huge tax increases on the rich and corporations.

Everywhere we look, social democracy and reformism is in retreat as a result of the crisis of capitalism. Elected left governments, such as Syriza in Greece and Hollandes Socialists in France, far from carrying out progressive programmes of tax-and-spend, have been forced by the dictatorship of the banks to implement cuts and counter-reforms. But never mind all that: double or nothing!

Utopia

In this respect, the demand for a UBI is only the latest utopian proposal from a naive layer of the left who imagine that austerity is ideological, and that we can  somehow, surely  persuade the rich and wealthy to kindly and quietly pass over the money for the good of society. This, at root, is what the advocates of UBI are relying on and hoping for: the benevolence and philanthropy of the capitalists and the establishment politicians who represent them.

Whilst the occasional multi-billionaire such as Bill Gates might well part with a small portion of their vast fortune voluntarily for charitable causes (and even then, often only as a cynical PR stunt), the capitalist class as a whole  in the final analysis  are in business to make a profit. And they do not  and never have  appreciated having their private wealth forcibly taken from them to fund the rest of society; hence the almost farcical tax-dodging schemes that the worlds biggest businesses are scandalously embroiled in. As Warren Buffett, the renowned billionaire investor, stated emphatically after pointing out that he pays less tax than his receptionist: theres class warfare, all right  but its my class, the rich class, thats making war, and were winning!

Again, we should stress that the wealth is most definitely there in society to fund a genuinely progressive UBI system. But the only way such a reform would ever actually be introduced in any meaningful way is if the capitalists felt threatened to the point that they feared losing everything; that is, if the class struggle reached such intense and heightened levels that the ruling elites offered reforms from above to prevent revolution from below. And even then, in such a situation, the demand would have to be not for UBI, but for socialist revolution!

If the demand for UBI is to be posed and fought for by the Left, then it cannot be done so in a manner divorced from the question of class struggle. We cannot rely on the altruism of the rich and the compassion of the capitalist state, the essence of which  as Engels explained and Lenin underlined  consists of special bodies of armed men in defence of the property and interests of the ruling class.

Particularly at a time when governments everywhere are prostrating themselves before the invisible hand of the market, therefore, it is pure utopianism to suggest that the capitalists will happily and calmly agree to hand over their wealth to fund a decent UBI, or that the bourgeois state would ever be willing to begin on undertaking such a task.

Distribution vs production

The main limit of the call for a progressive UBI, as with all reformist demands, is that it fails to pose the question from a class perspective  that is, to analyse who actually owns and controls the wealth and technology in society, and, most importantly, how they have come to have such control in the first place.

The problem with the UBI (and reformist policies in general), in other words, arises from its almost exclusive focus on the issue of distribution, rather than production. As Marx comments in his Critique of the Gotha Programme (a similarly reformist and utopian programme put forward by Marxs socialist peers, the Lassalleans):

Quite apart from the analysis so far given, it was in general a mistake to make a fuss about so-called distribution and put the principal stress on it. Any distribution whatever of the means of consumption is only a consequence of the distribution of the conditions of production themselves. The latter distribution, however, is a feature of the mode of production itself. The capitalist mode of production, for example, rests on the fact that the material conditions of production are in the hands of non-workers in the form of property in capital and land, while the masses are only owners of the personal condition of production, of labour power. If the elements of production are so distributed, then the present-day distribution of the means of consumption results automatically. If the material conditions of production are the co-operative property of the workers themselves, then there likewise results a distribution of the means of consumption different from the present one. Vulgar socialism (and from it in turn a section of the democrats) has taken over from the bourgeois economists the consideration and treatment of distribution as independent of the mode of production and hence the presentation of socialism as turning principally on distribution. After the real relation has long been made clear, why retrogress again? (our emphasis)

These words ring even more true today. By focussing on the question of taxation and redistribution, the modern leaders of the labour movement actually end up aiming their fire at the wrong people, alienating the middle classes with talk of taxes on incomes and personal property, rather than attacking the super-rich of the capitalist class, whose wealth is tied up in profits and capital  often far beyond the reaches of the states tax collectors.

The emphasis for socialists, therefore, as Marx stresses, should not be on redistributing the wealth that has already been created in society (through taxation and welfare, etc.), but rather on having collective and democratic control over the means by which new wealth is created  that is, the means of production. If such a rational plan of production was implemented, then questions of taxation, inheritance, redistribution, welfare, and so on, would quickly disappear.

For Marxists, the question of inequality, whilst important, is secondary. At root, our criticism of capitalism lies primarily not with these symptoms of the senile system, but with its fundamental disease: the laws of capitalism itself; the barriers of private ownership, competition, and production for profit, which stand in the way of the development of the productive forces  of industry and science, technology and technique, and art and culture. As Leon Trotsky, the great Russian revolutionary and theoretician, commented in his Marxist masterpiece Revolution Betrayed,

The fundamental evil of the capitalist system is not the extravagance of the possessing classes, however disgusting that may be in itself, but the fact that in order to guarantee its right to extravagance the bourgeoisie maintains its private ownership of the means of production, thus condemning the economic system to anarchy and decay. (Leon Trotsky, Revolution Betrayed, chapter 1)

Today we see this fundamental evil of anarchy and decay vividly displayed by the contradiction of enormous cash piles in the hands of the big business alongside historically low levels of investment and stagnant productivity growth; by the absurdity of the potential for mass automation alongside fears of technological unemployment; by the concerns over forced idleness for millions, instead of the realisation of voluntary leisure for all.

UBI, for all its attempts to paper over the cracks, does nothing to stop this anarchy of the market and resolve the crisis of overproduction that has led society to this impasse. Indeed, as Marxists have always emphasised, no amount of reforms can unravel these fundamental contradictions of capitalism. Only the revolutionary transformation of society can cut through this Gordian knot.

Wages for housework

Notably, there are also feminist advocates of UBI who support the demand on the grounds that a payment of this nature would challenge present notions about work, demonstrating the value of currently unpaid  but socially necessary  labour, such as housework. But the associated call of wages for housework is not a socialist demand. Marxists do not wish for women (or men) to be compensated monetarily for their domestic labour  that is, to create wage labourers in the home alongside wage labourers in the workplace.

Instead, Marxists wish to do away with the concept of domestic work altogether: to take these currently privately performed tasks out of the hands of individual families  out of the walls of isolated homes  and to organise these socially necessary tasks in a social manner, as part of a rational plan of production. Only by socialising the question of childcare and domestic tasks, and removing this burden of labour off the shoulders of working class women, can we expect to achieve genuine gender equality in society.

As Engels remarks in Origins of the Family, Private Property and the State:

The emancipation of woman will only be possible when woman can take part in production on a large, social scale, and domestic work no longer claims anything but an insignificant amount of her time. And only now has that become possible through modern large-scale industry, which does not merely permit of the employment of female labour over a wide range, but positively demands it, while it also tends towards ending private domestic labour by changing it more and more into a public industry. (Frederick Engels, Origins of the Family, Private Property and the State, chapter 9)

The only way to instigate real, permanent change in society, therefore, is not to pay women for their domestic work, but to take domestic, unwaged labour outside of the individual home altogether; to make this labour a social task that is the responsibility of society as a whole; and ultimately to invest in new machinery and technology that allows for us to abolish this work altogether.

The invention of household machines such as the microwave, the dishwasher, and the washing machine have helped to massively reduce the time needed for domestic duties. The challenge now is to take this technology and put it under public and democratic control; to socialise these tasks as part of a socialist plan of production; and thus to liberate both working women and working men from the scourge of domestic labour.

Wages, income, and the UBI

Within modern capitalism, where the working class has managed to secure for itself  through struggle  publicly-funded services, such as the NHS, and a welfare state, the income a worker receives is effectively split into two parts: a wage paid by the employer in exchange for labour-power; and a social wage of publicly-provided benefits and services that are free at the point of use and provided on the basis of need, without any money being handed over.

Under socialism, the ratio between these two components would shift dramatically towards the latter. The unseen social wage would vastly increase, whilst the wage paid in exchange for labour-power would be diminished (in relative terms  the total would of course increase as societys wealth grows). Instead of just receiving healthcare without any monetary transaction required, transport, housing, electricity, food, clothes, etc.: all of these, and even things currently considered luxury items, could be provided without any exchange as part of a socialist plan of production. The concept of value would gradually become meaningless and the money system would wither away.

With UBI, however, a third income variant is introduced: alongside the paid wage and social wage, we now have also the unconditional monetary payment of the UBI. For those on the libertarian right who are in favour of UBI, the introduction of this universal payment acts not to strengthen the socialist element of the social wage, but to weaken it, (as discussed earlier) by using the UBI as a pretext for opening up public services to privatisation.

Similarly, the introduction of UBI might also be used to justify the elimination of important reforms such as the minimum wage, putting workers on the back foot in the battle against the bosses. Far from eroding the power of money and the market, then, the UBI could serve to consolidate and bolster these forces.

Those on the Left who most enthusiastically and unthinkingly call for a UBI must therefore be careful what they wish for. Again, rather than embracing the ambiguous and dubious demand of UBI, the leaders of the labour movement should be pushing the call for nationalisation and workers control back to the fore.

For a socialist society

The greatest irony regarding UBI is that those on the Left calling for it openly recognise all the glaring contradictions present in capitalist society, but then choose to turn the problem on its head, suggesting everything but the solution itself. They see the irrationality of mass unemployment alongside overwork; of inequality increasing whilst technology advances; of automation that enslaves us rather than liberates us: and yet they accept these irrationalities as a given fact  admitting to capitalisms failings, but refusing to recognise capitalism as the root of the problem.

As with all reformist demands, the advocates of UBI are willing to propose the most extraordinary and utopian measures, as long as these do not challenge the one right that they consider to be the most inviolable and sacrosanct of all: that of private property. Indeed, it has even been suggested that UBI could be a capitalist road to communism  that is, to Marxs maxim, from each according to their ability; to each according to their needs.

For such venerable ladies and gentlemen, competition and the pursuit of profit may be responsible for the scourge of inequality, unemployment, and economic crisis that blights society  but to suggest abolishing the anarchy of the market is pure blasphemy. After all, as we revolutionaries are so frequently reminded  we must be realistic!

Indeed, for some, as Thomas Paine  the English-American Enlightenment political philosopher and one of the Founding Father of the United States  argued, a form of UBI would be a tit-for-tat entitlement to all citizens conditional on them accepting the very existence of private property. As the Economist notes:

Thomas Paine would have relished such a prospect. His case for a basic income justified it as a quid pro quo for the existence of private property. Before the advent of private property, he believed, all men had been able to support themselves through hunting and forage. When that resort is taken from them, they should be compensated by means of a natural inheritance of 15 to be paid to all men every year, financed from a ground rent charged to property owners.

Instead of calling for a UBI, socialists should be using this question to expose the irrationalities, absurdities, and contradictions of capitalism. Our demand should not be for a UBI, where economic control remains in the hands of a tiny rich elite, and where money continues to flow into the pockets of parasitic capitalists. Our demand must be for nationalisation of the key levers of the economy and for workers power.

Rather than demanding a basic income for those who are made obsolete by automation, we should be calling for necessary work to be shared out, with the hours of the working day reduced for all. But this is only possible on the basis of an economic system based on needs, not profits. Furthermore, we should highlight the potential for a genuine socialist society, where mankind and machine exist in harmony: a society of superabundance; of fully automated luxury communism, where the motto from each according to their ability; to each according to their need can finally be realised in practice.

In his speech In Defence of October, Leon Trotsky, explaining the historic gains of the Russian Revolution, the centenary of which we celebrate this year, pointed the way forward for humanity:
Each week, MassLive showcases pets available for adoption at shelters at rescue organizations across Massachusetts.

With the participation of the shelters listed below, many animals should be able to find a permanent home.

We also provide some pet-related news items that we hope you will enjoy.

Study finds new bacterial strain can contaminate shellfish



Michael Casey, Associated Press

CONCORD, New Hampshire (AP) -- Scientists studying oysters along the Atlantic Coast have discovered a critical clue to understanding why more seafood lovers are getting sick from eating shellfish.

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found a new strain of the bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the world's leading culprit of contamination in shellfish that, when eaten, causes diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, people have died from contracting lethal septicemia.

FILE - In this Dec. 20, 2013 file photo, oysters are unloaded on Deal Island, Md. Researchers outlined in a report published in February 2017, that a new strain of disease-causing bacteria has been found thriving along the Atlantic Coast which can contaminate oysters or other shellfish. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Cheryl Whistler and her colleagues discovered the new strain ST631 and detailed their findings in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology . Previously only one strain of the bacteria was blamed for this type of food poisoning, which Whistler said is on the rise in New England and already is responsible for an estimated 45,000 cases in the U.S. each year.

Whistler said the new strain is endemic to the region but it is unclear how it evolved to become so dangerous. It has similar virulent genes to ST36, the strain long blamed for infections and which is believed to have come from the Pacific Northwest.

"It wasn't understood that there was a strain that lived in the Atlantic already that was causing increasing infections," said Whistler, the director of the university's Northeast Center for Vibrio Disease and Ecology. "We knew people were starting to get sick more frequently by unknown strains. It wasn't clear if every person was getting sick by a different strain. Are there a hundred different strains making people sick or just a couple making people sick?"

She partnered with the federal Food and Drug Administration and public health and with shellfish management agencies in five states on the study to discover the new strain.

"We were surprised to learn that it was so widespread," she said, adding that ST631 can thrive in a range of water temperatures from Florida to Prince Edward Island and the Gulf of Maine, suggesting a link to climate change.

The findings build on earlier studies showing the role climate change is playing in the spread of pathogens like Vibrio parahaemolyticus. An August report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that warming waters are linked to waterborne food poisoning, especially from eating raw oysters.

"There is a lot of evidence that there is changing climate and an expanding pathogen population because of that," Whistler said.

Rita Colwell at the University of Maryland did not participate in the UNH research but led the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and praised Whistler's work. She said the UNH study contributes to a growing body of evidence that global warming has "a measurable human effect."

"They have done a very nice job doing sequencing of the DNA and getting the DNA fingerprints so to speak," Colwell said. "The important aspect of it is they have good evidence that the strain that is circulating in the U.S. is in fact different from strains that are circulating globally ... They have also been able to track infections with it."

Public health officials are hoping the discovery of ST631 will give agencies along the Atlantic Coast and in Canada the data they need to develop tools to reduce the risk of food poisoning from the pathogen.

Already, Whistler and UNH colleague Stephen Jones have developed a model that can estimate the likelihood the bacteria is present in coastal New Hampshire oysters.

"Knowing that 80 percent of all reported illnesses are either ST36 or ST631 has helped us to target our environmental surveillance efforts on strains that cause illness," said Christopher Schillaci, an aquaculture and vibrio specialist for Massachusetts' marine fisheries division. "We can go beyond looking at total Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the environment."

He said the research also helps put the focus on how common aquaculture practices affect the levels of this pathogen in shellfish and on adjusting control measures accordingly.

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MASSACHUSETTS SHELTERS:

Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society

Address: 163 Montague Road, Leverett

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 548-9898

Website: www.dpvhs.org

Address: 171 Union St., Springfield

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 781-4000

Website: www.dpvhs.org



Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center

Address: 627 Cottage St., Springfield

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, noon-4 p.m.; Thursday, noon-7 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 781-1484

Website: tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com

Westfield Homeless Cat Project

Address: 1124 East Mountain Road, Westfield

Hours: Adoption clinics, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Website: http://www.whcp.petfinder.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westfieldhomelesscatprojectadoptions



Westfield Regional Animal Shelter

Address: 178 Apremont Way, Westfield

Hours: Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 564-3129

Website: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/ma70.html

Franklin County Sheriff's Office Regional Dog Shelter and Adoption Center

Address: 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 676-9182

Website: http://fcrdogkennel.org/contact.html

Polverari/Southwick Animal Control Facility

Address: 11 Depot St., Southwick

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 569-5348, ext. 649

Website: http://southwickpolice.com/chief-david-a-ricardis-welcome/animal-control/

Berkshire Humane Society

Address: 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 447-7878

Website: http://berkshirehumane.org/

Purradise Feline Adoption

Address: 301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington

Hours: Monday and Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Friday,10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

Telephone: (413) 717-4244

Website: http://berkshirehumane.org/contact-us/

Greyhound Options, Inc.

Address: 43 Sygiel Rd., Ware, MA. 01082

Telephone: 413-967-9088

Website: greyhoundadoptions.org



Animal Rescue League of Boston

Address: 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116

Telephone: (617) 426-9170

Fax: (617) 426-3028

Website: adoption@arlboston.org

Worcester Animal Rescue League

Address: 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606

Telephone: (508) 853-0030

Hours: Open 7 days a week from noon to 4 p.m.

Website: www.worcesterarl.org


Boston police have arrested a man they believe shot and paralyzed a 9-year-old girl in Roxbury last October.

According to a press release, Dominique Jerard Finch, 27, of Dorchester, was taken into custody on Feb. 8 and charged with assault with intent to murder, aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and a litany of firearms-related charges.

On Oct. 9, around 1 a.m. authorities responded to the area of 63-69 Annunciation Road after receiving reports of gunshots in the neighborhood. Upon their arrival, officers located a 9-year-old girl suffering from a gunshot wound.

According to the Boston Globe, authorities believe the gunfire originated from a nearby party. The victim may have been struck by a stray bullet.

She was transported to Boston Children's Hospital. Her injury was originally reported as life threatening, but according to a press release, the victim is now paralyzed.

The incident marks Finch's second run in with the law.

Finch was also arrested in 2008 for marijuana possession after his cousin, a known gang member, allegedly shot an 11-year-old boy and two 12-year-old boys because they lived in a housing development connected to a rival gang, the Boston Globe reported.

Finch suffered a gunshot wound to the foot during the shooting.

According to the Boston Globe, a prosecutor described Finch as an "impact player" in the gang.

Despite some uncooperative witnesses slowing down the investigation, authorities said they've built a strong case against Finch.

"This case was particularly troubling to us because it not only involved a young victim, but we encountered uncooperative witnesses," Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said. "Despite roadblocks, the detectives have worked tirelessly in gathering physical evidence, and they look forward to presenting a strong case in court to bring justice for this little girl and her family."
space.jpg

Space savers are your unspoken pass to a parking space on snowy Boston streets, but the tradition has not gone without controversy. Space-saving caused two disputes in December 2013: one ending with nails gunned into car tires and another with a knockout punch.

The practice of placing an object - literally, any object - in the middle of a parking spot has long-served as a makeshift permit after snowstorms. Chairs, cones, and even a yoga mat can mark your territory for coveted street parking in the city. The rule is largely interpreted as follows: if you shovel it, you claim it.

In recent years, some small changes have been made to keep space savers in check. The city of Boston permits space saving up to 48 hours after a snow emergency expires, though in the past this rule was not always enforced.

In places like Cambridge and South Boston, the custom has been banned altogether. Through efforts by the South End Forum, the neighborhood became the first area in Boston to officially ban the controversial practice in January 2017, according to the Boston Globe.

On the morning following blizzard-storm Niko, Mayor Marty Walsh announced that space savers are allowed in areas outside South Boston, but warned residents "be respectful." Walsh reported that threatening notes had been found attached to some space savers.

"If we see those threatening signs, we're gonna take those space savers and throw them in the truck," Walsh said.

Many took to social media to express the hilarity and frustration that comes with the art-form of space saving:

Chat with high school friends on whether the space saver debate in Boston exactly mirrors the Brexit debate  Ranjan (@ranjanxroy) February 10, 2017

BAD SIGNS.....a sign on a space saver on I Street South Boston issuued a warning of no parking in my spot after the storm pic.twitter.com/A4KtFYW9P8  David L. Ryan (@GlobeDavidLRyan) February 10, 2017

No, I do not do the space saver thing. My house is on a no snow parking road, so by the time the snow's over, @CambridgeDPW plows the space  Prairie Rose Clayton (@hoover_dam) February 10, 2017

Space savers after the storm. My favorite is the yoga mat. What's yours? Namaste. . Added more from our afternoon walk. People are getting very fanciful with their savers. A baseball trophy? Posted by Jennie Kroll Hollister on Friday, February 10, 2017

This is why the city and @marty_walsh should not encourage space saver tradition without codifying it in an ordinance, outlining rules https://t.co/o75CGu1x7L  Seth Kroll (@sethkroll) February 10, 2017

Hoping for a lil more space saver creativity on my street pic.twitter.com/0IrnTalmeZ  Megan Johnson (@megansarahj) February 10, 2017
SOUTH HERO, Vt - Two people were killed in a deadly house fire in the town of South Hero, Vermont, on Thursday afternoon.

Authorities received calls for a structure fire at 253 Rt. 2 in South Hero at roughly 1:30 p.m., according to Vermont State Police.

Authorities initially on scene were told by a household member that two other people were trapped inside the building and could not get out.

Firefighters from a number of fire departments from the surrounding areas responded to the fire.

Police say that 87-year-old Elinor Lawrence, and her daughter, 54-year-old Carolyn Lawrence, were both killed in the deadly blaze.

A number of law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the fire, including the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Vermont State Police Fire Investigation Unit.

Police say that the cause of the fire is not known at this time, but that it is not considered to be suspicious.
The book, Betrayed Ally. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A new book by Frances Wood and Christopher Arnander shows how China played a vital role in the Allies' victory in World War I. But instead of honor and appreciation, its efforts were disparaged, discounted and disregarded. Tom Clifford reports.

One hundred years ago, Europe was convulsed. Its young men were fighting war on an industrial scale. The carnage was meant to result in the war to end all wars. It led in actual fact to Versailles, the peace to end all peace, the great betrayal made up of lesser betrayals.

Betrayed Ally (China in the Great War) by Frances Wood and Christopher Arnander, superbly written and informative, shows how China played a critical, though unheralded, role in securing victory for the Allies. But instead of gratitude and appreciation, its efforts were scorned, derided and ignored.

The peace conference of 1918-19 may have had high ideals but it was undermined by subterfuge, intrigue and that word again, betrayal.

The Chinese delegates refused to sign the Versailles treaty and with good reason.

The treaty gave Japan a foothold in China that would lead to outright invasion.

This book provides an invaluable insight. Both authors are well equipped to chisel out this rich seam of history.
The C919 will provide an opportunity to promote the nation's industrial chain, which is just what it needs

China's homegrown passenger jet, the C919, is expected to make its maiden flight in the first half of this year. Even though its debut has been delayed at least twice since 2014, that is not the point. What I care most about is how the preparation work goes before the maiden flight.

Since the nation started research on the plane, and the first C919 rolled off the assembly line, China has understood that in building such a highly advanced product, the manufacturing stage could only follow on the scientific engineering process. Being eager for success or acting on impulse will only create more unnecessary problems.

There is no doubt that the C919 will have a successful maiden flight sooner or later. Whether early or late is not the key issue.

People believe the C919 will become the new symbol of China's industrial capability, or a calling card for the country's power. However, these were not the primary objectives for building a homegrown commercial aircraft.

The C919 will provide an opportunity for China to promote its whole industrial chain, which is just what the country needs. Boeing and Airbus have estimated that China's civil aviation market needs 5,000 to 6,000 more aircraft to meet demand in the coming 20 years. It is a huge market of enormous economic value, but this is not the nation's main reason for building the C919.

China has become the workshop of the world over the past two decades. This has meant that a large number of low value-added industrial products have been made and assembled in China. The lower costs of the nation's huge labor force and means of production helped it win business.

However, the situation is changing. The advantage of low costs has been weakened as some production has been transferred to other countries and regions which can provide much cheaper manpower and raw materials.

China has to move toward a high-end industrial system with an emphasis on technology, focusing on research and innovation. This is the only way to advance the innovation and profitability of manufacturing in China and the only way to promote and upgrade its industrial ability.

The transformation and upgrading of China's manufacturing industry will be hard to achieve without the government's guidance and policy support. The manufacture of high-end, integrated industrial products, such as the C919, is one kind of the way of fulfilling the objective. The aircraft has required expertise in avionics, automatic control, material science, mechanical design, aero-engines and many other disciplines. The technological demands it has created will promote research, innovation and investment to develop related fields, which are also high value-added industries. Manufacturing the C919 will promote the development of a whole industrial chain and increase China's international competitive power.

Unlike traditional industrial products such as clothing or general merchandise, huge civil aircraft could be in service for more than 20 years. The benefit period for related industries and services will be the same. It will create big economic value and a lot of job opportunities.

The C919 could be a guiding light for China to improve its industrial abilities. The aircraft's successful research, manufacturing and marketing operation will mean that China's industrial chain has high-end innovation capability and is in a leading position internationally.

The challenges faced in producing the C919 were not only in research and manufacturing, but also came from market competition, business considerations and support capability, which also reflect the country's industrial competence.

When it comes into service, the C919 will face strong competition from international manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus. Customers will make comparisons between the C919 and other aircraft in terms of reliability, economic efficiency, security, maintainability, comfort and support services. This will be a big challenge but also an opportunity.

There is no going back. China's commercial aircraft have to keep on improving. We believe the C919 will be a successful first step for China to stake its claim for a place in the civil commercial aircraft industry.

The author is deputy editor-in-chief of Aerospace Knowledge magazine. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily European Weekly 02/10/2017 page8)
Les membres du gouvernement ont pris note que le Electricity Act 2005 et le Central Electricity Board (Amendment) Act 2020 seront promulgue et effectif le 10 juin 2022, aussi celui de Land Surveyors (Diplomas) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 ainsi que celui Reporting Council (Rotation of Audit Firm Exemption) Regulations 2022 tout comme le Medical Council (Medical Institutions) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 entre autres.

1. Cabinet has agreed to the proclamation of the Electricity Act 2005 and the Central Electricity Board (Amendment) Act 2020, effective as from 10 June 2022. The following Regulations are being promulgated under the Electricity Act 2005, namely:

(a) the Electricity (Safety, Quality and Continuity) Regulations 2022 to ensure the continuity of a safe electricity supply, as per established standards;

(b) the Electricity (Metering, Billing and Collection) Regulations 2022 to regulate these activities of the Central Electricity Board;

(c) the Electricity (Licensing, Registration and Fees) Regulations 2022 which concern the licensing activity of the Utility Regulatory Authority once it would start its operations; and

(d) the Electricity (Transitional Licence) Regulations 2022 to regulate the transitional phase, pending full compliance of the requirements of the legislation by the existing Independent Power Producers and Central Electricity Board.

2. Cabinet has taken note that the Land Surveyors (Diplomas) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 would be promulgated to include in the Schedule the following qualifications in order to enable a person holding these qualifications to be eligible to act as land surveyor in Mauritius:

(a) Degree of Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Mapping Science awarded by the University of Newcastle; and

(b) BSc (Hons) in Geomatics awarded by the University of Mauritius

3. Cabinet has taken note that the Financial Reporting Council (Rotation of Audit Firm Exemption) Regulations 2022 would be promulgated. Section 41 of the Financial Reporting Act was amended to provide for the rotation of auditors of a listed company, whereby, no audit firm shall, within a period of 10 years from its appointment as an auditor of a listed company, audit the accounts of that company for an aggregate period of more than 7 years. This provision is applicable to all companies listed on the local stock market even though the primary listing of the company is not in Mauritius.

Cabinet has also taken note that the companies, which are listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius and having their primary listing outside Mauritius, would be exempted from the application of section 41A of the Financial Reporting Act, subject to certain conditions.

4. Cabinet has taken note that the Medical Council (Medical Institutions) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 would be promulgated under the Medical Council Act to include the Universite de la Reunion in the recognised list of institutions.

5. Cabinet has agreed to pilgrims proceeding on the Hadj 2022 pilgrimage being exempted from the payment of local airport taxes, namely the Terminal Expansion Fee and the Passenger Solidarity Fee in addition to the Passenger Service Charge and the Passenger Fee.

Cabinet has also taken note that a Hadj Mission led by Mr A. Sairally, Chairperson of the Islamic Cultural Centre has been constituted. The objectives of the Hadj Mission are mainly to oversee, in close collaboration with Ambassador S. Soodhun, GCSK, Hadj operations in Saudi Arabia and ensure that Mauritian pilgrims perform the Hadj pilgrimage in the best possible conditions.

6. Cabinet has agreed, in principle, to the introduction of a Technology Education Stream at secondary level for students at Grades 10 and 11. The objectives behind the introduction of Technology Education are:

(a) to diversify the educational offerings at Grades 10 and 11;

(b) to promote learner achievement; and

(c) to provide a solid foundation for building up future higher-level skills.

Technology Education is necessary to ensure a strong base for programmes offered by the Polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education and Technology. The Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology was working on the details of the project and would come forward with a Strategy Paper on the proposed Technology Education Stream, incorporating a roadmap for its implementation.

7. Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius joining and signing the Roadmap for Global Food Security-Call to Action on the invitation of the United States of America. The Roadmap was issued following the conclusion of the Global Food SecurityCall to Action Ministerial Meeting convened by the United States from 18 to 19 May 2022, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Roadmap outlines the principal steps which UN Member States could take to respond to the food crisis. It calls for actions which include assisting key humanitarian organisations providing immediate life-saving humanitarian assistance, keeping food and agricultural markets open, boosting fertilizer production and strengthening long-term agricultural resilience.

8. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Cooperative College and the Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management of India. The general principles of collaboration and the areas of cooperation have been defined as follows:

(a) short-term courses and long-term programmes where Officials from both organisations, might participate such as Certificate, Diploma, Masters, PhD;

(b) collaboration in joint research of mutual benefit whereby the findings of such research would be disseminated to relevant co-operatives;

(c) exchange of information, materials, publications, expertise and other related matters on subject of common interest;

(d) officials would be provided with a basic knowledge of the principles and methods used in designing and implementing training programmes for cooperative leaders; and

(e) attachment programmes, study visits and strategic alliances in the areas of training and any other area of knowledge-based activities.

9. Cabinet has taken note of the activities being organised by the Prime Ministers Office, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on 26 June, namely:

(a) on 26 June 2022, the National Drug Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation and the Mauritius Sports Council, would organise sensitisation programme and activities against drug under the Line Up Live Up Programme together with land base and water base activities at Pointe Jerome Outdoor Centre for around 200 youths aged 14 to 17 years from various regions;

(b) on 27 June 2022, the National Drug Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, would organise a series of organise a series of activities related to the fight against drug abuse in all primary and secondary schools; activities related to the fight against drug abuse in all primary and secondary schools;

(c) on 28 June 2022, the Forensic Science Laboratory, in collaboration with the University of Mauritius, the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit and the Mauritius Revenue Authority, would carry out activities to raise awareness on drug trafficking;

(d) on 29 June 2022, a training workshop would be held with educational social workers of the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology and coaches of the Mauritius Sports Council who interact directly with vulnerable youths;

(e) on 30 June 2022, the Prime Ministers Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, would commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the University of Technology, Mauritius.

The theme for this year is Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises.

10. Cabinet has taken note that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) would organise a four-week training on Port Security for Port Mathurin as from 18 to 29 July 2022 and from 02 August to 16 August 2022 for Port Louis, with a view to making the world safer from drugs, crime and terrorism.

The objectives of the training courses are to assist the ports in the following manners:

(a) enhancing communications between different port agencies to fight crime in ports;

(b) sharing of ideas and experiences on countering crime in ports;

(c) helping port officials to organise, prepare and respond to emergencies;

(d) improving port protection against waterborne terrorist attacks; and

(e) ensuring crimes at ports get prosecuted.

The UNODC would also conduct an end of training debrief and inter-agency workshop for national level stakeholders on Port Security on 17 August 2022 in Port Louis.

11. Cabinet has taken note of the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Tools for the Identification and Care of Victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in Mauritius. A Consultant was appointed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to develop the SOPs to improve the identification and the referral of victims of trafficking. The SOPs set out the steps to be followed for critical stages in the management of the cases of victims of trafficking.

The Consultant has also proposed Guidance Tools for the implementation of the SOPs. Upon the establishment of the SOPs, all relevant stakeholders would be trained on the different stages of their involvement in the case management of Trafficking in Persons through the IOM under the project.

12. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the 8th round of the technical negotiations between the European Union and Eastern and Southern Africa States (ESA-5: Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Zimbabwe) on the deepening of the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA), held recently in hybrid virtual mode.

Progress was made in several areas, namely Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Measures (SPS); Customs and Trade Facilitation; Technical Barriers to Trade; Rules of Origin; Trade in Services, Investment Liberalisation and Digital Trade; Intellectual Property Rights; Dispute Settlement and Institutional Provisions; Transparency in Public Procurement, Competition, Agriculture; and Economic Development Cooperation.

The next round of technical negotiations has been scheduled for September 2022.

13. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the National Conference on Circular Economy, organised by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme held recently. The programme comprised nine main sessions with 37 high-profile speakers at local, regional and international levels. They shared best practices, lessons learnt as well as avenues and opportunities to leverage circularity as a key approach to offering systemic solutions for a new economic model.

The Conference brought valuable insights on regional and international initiatives towards paving the way to bring circularity in economic sectors such as the European Union Circular Economy Action Plan and the Africa Circular Economy Alliance. The event also served as a networking platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions towards advancing circular economy initiatives at various levels and to bring a revolutionary transition to a more sustainable, low carbon, inclusive and circular economy.

14. Cabinet has taken note that a Mauritian delegation of 40 members, including 29 athletes and 11 officials are presently participating in the African Senior Athletics Championships in Mauritius. As at 09 June 2022, Mr Jeremie Lararaudeuse, Mauritian athlete, has won one silver medal in the 110m Hurdles.

15. Cabinet has taken note of the activities being organised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness during the month of June to mark World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on 14 June. The slogan for World Blood Donor Day 2022 is Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives,

A workshop would be held on 15 June 2022 targeting blood donation campaign organisers, NGOs and technical staff, to develop appropriate strategies for encouraging the young generation to become blood donors so as to overcome the drop in blood donation brought about by ageing blood donors and also to develop a Roadmap in situations of pandemic or other crisis.

The Blood Donors Association would organise, inter alia, the following activities:

(a) sensitising the population at large on the need for blood donation. Awareness campaigns would be conducted on television and radios during the whole month of June;

(b) conducting health check-ups, Drawing and Quiz Competitions for Youths and blood donation in the region of Flacq; and

(c) organising blood drives (blood collection points) dedicated to dialysis patients at four different sites, namely Grand Baie, Cap Tamarin, Belle Rose and Plaisance.

16. Cabinet has taken note of the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic prevailing across the world. Some 538.3 million cases have been reported globally, of which 511.5 million persons have been successfully treated.

With regard to Mauritius, as at 08 June 2022, there were 114 active cases of COVID-19, out of which nine were admitted at the New ENT Hospital. Over the period 02 to 08 June 2022, three deaths were attributed to COVID-19.

Cabinet has also taken note of progress in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, including the administration of the booster dose and paediatric dose in the Republic of Mauritius.

17. Cabinet has taken note that the test results for the suspected cases of Monkeypox were received on 04 June 2022 and were all negative. Regulations have been made under the Quarantine Act to include Monkeypox as a notifiable disease.

Cabinet has also taken note that the Ministry of Health and Wellness had already ordered primers for PCR tests for Monkeypox.

18. Cabinet has taken note that in the wake of the implementation of the Metro Express Project Phase 2C from Phoenix to Curepipe, major works would be carried out along Swami Sivananda Avenue from the Roundabout at Leclezio Street up to Malartic Street near the upcoming Curepipe Central Metro Station. The left lane on Swami Sivananda Street would be closed to traffic from its junction at the Leclezio Roundabout up to the exit of the Curepipe Central Metro Station as from 11 June 2022.

The following traffic scheme would be implemented:

(i) traffic coming from the Manhattan Roundabout, along the left lane of Swami Sivananda Avenue, would be allowed to left turn only onto Chasteauneuf Street at the junction with Leclezio Roundabout to proceed towards Curepipe Centre; and

(ii) only the traffic coming on the right lane of Swami Sivananda Avenue from Manhattan Roundabout would be allowed to proceed straight on Swami Sivananda Avenue at the junction with Leclezio Roundabout.

The necessary traffic signs would be set up to inform and guide road users.

19. Cabinet has taken note of the introduction of MAUSHIELD, a digital platform aiming at facilitating cyber threat information sharing in Mauritius, developed by the Computer Emergency Response Team Mauritius (CERT-MU).

MAUSHIELD is an open source platform that would be a national system for sharing cyber threat intelligence in real-time and in a secured and confidential manner. The platform would help public and private sector organisations to improve their cyber defence capabilities and stay ahead of emerging trends and cyber threats. It would also allow various authorities/organisations to conduct cyber threat situational analysis in Mauritius. The system is expected to go live by end of June 2022.

20. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the recent official visit of the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development to Rodrigues. The main purpose of the visit was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with respect to a framework for collaboration and mutual cooperation between the Road Development Authority and the Commission for Public Infrastructure, Housing, Transport and Water Resources of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and also to review progress of ongoing drain and road projects being implemented in Rodrigues.

The Minister paid a courtesy call on the Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues. Visits were carried out at various sites of road and drain projects being implemented by the National Development Unit and the Rodriguan authorities, namely at Anse Ally, Port Sud Est and Baie Malgache.

21. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the recent official visit of the Attorney General, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security to Rodrigues. A meeting was held with the Commissioner of Agriculture, the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, the Agricultural Marketing Board, the Agricultural Research and Extension Services and the Mauritius Shipping Corporation Limited to discuss shipment of fruits and vegetables from Rodrigues to Mauritius. The Official Ceremony for the Educational Achiever Award Scheme and the Farmers Family Fun Day were organised by the Small Farmers Welfare Fund. The launching of the Public Relation Unit/Food Agricultural Research and Extension Institute/Small Farmers Welfare Fund Office at Citronelle was also held. The new office in Rodrigues would enable the effective extension of the welfare schemes and activities of the Small Farmers Welfare Fund to registered farmers.

The issue of fruit fly was raised during discussions and the Entomology Division of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security would undertake a comprehensive Fruit Fly Control Programme in Rodrigues.

22. Cabinet has taken note of the recent participation of the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation as Speaker in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2022 Ministerial Round Table co-organised in a virtual mode by the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. The theme for this year was ICTs for Well -Being, Inclusion and Resilience: WSIS Cooperation for Accelerating Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Ministerial Round Table was a unique opportunity to build on the lessons learned from previous initiatives of Member States around the above-mentioned topic, enabling Ministers to look into the future by developing a vision of WSIS beyond 2025, especially by leveraging the synergies and complementarities with other UN processes.

23. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Executive Committee of the National Youth Council with Ms Keshikah Sohan as part-time Chairperson.

24. Cabinet has taken note of the constitution of the Board of the Mauritius Recreation Council with Mr Marie Pierrot Stephane Rock as part-time Chairperson.

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International alliances and collaborations should remain unshaken in the face of angry words surrounding Trump's arrival

There is no doubt that Donald Trump has made an extraordinarily successful debut as an American politician. His ability to confuse and destroy so many potential rivals in his own party and to use his unusual style and innovative tactics to set the national political agenda has put him where he is today.

So far, the president is dividing both his country and the West. European leaders would, however, be wise not to fall into the atmosphere of over-excitement that Trump seems to enjoy. The European Union has made clear its concerns about Russian encouragement of separatism in Ukraine. It has a policy of constructive engagement with China. These basic positions should not be changed to appease the White House.

Theresa May was happy to be the first leader to visit Trump at the White House, some would say as part of a desperate attempt to convince herself and her country that there are parts of the global market out there from which the United Kingdom is blocked off because of its EU membership. A week after this visit she at least united her country as, in an almost unique development, the House of Commons voted to call on the president to reverse the "Muslim Ban". Her self-appointment as a bridge between the EU and the United States did not seem very relevant to the rest of the EU, broadly committed to strengthening its security and May has had to distance herself from the almost hostile attitude coming from Trump and some of his key advisers, expressing her support for a strong EU even after the UK leaves it.

Brexit will be a "wonderful thing" he told her in front of the world's press, maybe unaware that she had originally opposed the whole idea. Except for Hungary's Viktor Orban, the rest of the EU seem to be, at a minimum, unsure of the reliability of May's new best friend. Orban describes himself as in favor of "illiberal democracy" and expresses admiration for President Vladimir Putin, who popped into Budapest on the eve of last week's meeting in Malta of the European Council. Putin, no doubt, shares Trump's oft-repeated view that NATO is obsolete.

On the eve of the Valletta meeting, council President Donald Tusk wrote to the EU 28 listing the new US administration as one of several major external threats to the EU, already beset with numerous internal crises seen as potentially existential in their nature. His letter reflected, however, a strange set of priorities. In a key paragraph, which has attracted attention around the world, he wrote: "The first threat, an external one, is related to the new geopolitical situation in the world and around Europe. Russia's aggressive policy toward Ukraine and its neighbors, wars, terror and anarchy in the Middle East and in Africa, with radical Islam playing a major role, as well as worrying declarations by the new US administration all make our future highly unpredictable."

In fact, the only new element mentioned is indeed the start of the Trump administration. All the others are old news. Russia, like Trump, seems intent on splitting - if not destroying - the EU. The issues of terrorism and radical Islam are ongoing. All play into and exacerbate the internal challenges, but the EU still needs to keep cool. However worrying the signals from Washington have become, Europe still needs the US as an ally and an economic partner and this was made clear by EU leaders in Malta. There is no need to give Trump the benefit of the doubt, but as his administration has not fully been set up, the opportunity remains to keep the Atlantic Alliance on track. Success is not guaranteed and signals need to be sent. The refusal of European Parliamentarians to deal, for example, with a US ambassador openly seeking to break up the very EU with which he wishes to be accredited, is timely and well-targeted, as no formal nomination has yet been made.

The reference to China at the top of the Tusk threat list was particularly inappropriate and ill-conceived. Since the 1970s, China has consistently supported European political and economic integration. This policy was established at a time when the USSR (and British leftists like Jeremy Corbyn) had already started attacking the project and hoped it would fail. Unlike the USSR, China favored UK membership at the time of the 1975 referendum and has clearly regretted the Brexit decision of 2016. It remains committed to the closest possible relations with the EU. Yes, transparency and fair trade issues are profoundly important. But it is a very small blip on Europe's geopolitical horizon. Moreover, China, like the EU, is relying on successful globalization and recognizes the importance of fighting climate change, both of which are of immediate importance to Europe.

A few weeks before last July's EU-China Summit, the EU set out an ambitious agenda to continue the deepening of relations with China. As Federica Mogherini, high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, put it: "The European Union and China already cooperate on so much. We work together on the global and political issues of our times, such as Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, migration and climate change."

Keeping cool means maintaining consistency in stormy and unpredictable circumstances. The nicest thing one could say about President Trump is that he is sui generis and so to list him as part of a threat list of this kind reflects anxiety rather than strategy. It is an anxiety which leaders like Trump deliberately create. Chaos is part of the plan.

European leaders have to think through the new realities. Neither Theresa May nor Twitter diplomacy is the key. Europe should, instead, continue building alliances with those in Washington and around the world who do not want to upend global stability and will not accept a world order based on "America First". China can be part of this.

The author is a visiting professor at the College of Europe in Bruges and a distinguished teaching fellow at Vesalius College Brussels. He was an official of the European Parliament, based in Washington DC from 2012 to 2016. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily European Weekly 02/10/2017 page13)
Instead of retreating, the world needs to embrace the opportunities for widespread prosperity created by stronger relations

Delivering his keynote speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Xi Jinping reiterated China's commitment to opening-up and its firm opposition on trade protectionism.

Speaking in front of political and business leaders from around the world, he said globalization should not be blamed for the sluggish recovery of the global economy.

The unimpressive economic recovery and the widening gap between the haves and have-nots and between the South and the North, as Xi pointed out, are the result of insufficient momentum for growth, ineffective global governance and unbalanced development.

His comments come at a time when economic globalization is fraught with uncertainties or, as some pessimists argue, is in reverse following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election and the United Kingdom's "all-out" departure from the European Union, including its single market.

However, calling it the demise of globalization - which involves increasing interdependence between economies thanks to the free flow of commodities, capital, personnel, and information - is going a bit too far.

Brexit and a worrisome new US government are indeed not good news, but they are not likely to turn the tide of globalization.

The expansion of global trade is both a result of economic globalization and an engine of it. The global value chains forged over decades of cross-border exchanges have greatly changed how the world economy works. The economic well-being of all countries are more intertwined than ever.

International mechanisms are contributing to globalization, too. The Trade Facilitation Agreement, inked after the ninth World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference on the Indonesian island of Bali in 2013, includes provisions pledging to fight all forms of protectionism. It is estimated that the implementation of the Bali package, the first multilateral agreement to be ratified since the WTO's birth, could increase global trading by about $1 trillion per year.

The unanimous ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change marks a historic step in the efforts to deal with global climate change. Under the deal, all signatories are obliged to step up their cooperation to contain the rise of the global average temperature and curb greenhouse gas emissions.

China, one of the main beneficiaries of globalization, is now a torchbearer for better global governance. While hosting the G20 Hangzhou summit last year, it made clear its commitment to globalization and proposed solutions to the problems it faces. Not only has Beijing proposed inclusive concepts, such as a community of shared destiny for all humankind and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, it is also making progress in realizing them.

The success of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the BRICS New Development Bank speak volumes about China's development which, as Xi said at Davos, is "an opportunity for the world". The nation welcomes other countries to share the opportunities created by its development.

Countries aspiring to make a difference should adopt an innovation-driven approach to improve old growth models and cooperate on reciprocal, inclusive programs for shared development. With the bright prospect of more technological breakthroughs, globalization can remain on the right track.

The author is a researcher at the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and director of the Center for Latin American Studies, Shanghai University. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily European Weekly 02/10/2017 page12)
Africa needs to concentrate on transforming itself from an agrarian continent to an industrial society to reap higher profits

As we move from the Year of the Monkey to the Year of the Rooster, African countries should now be thinking of how they can display the qualities of such a bird in tackling industrialization. The rooster is, after all, a very observant, hardworking, resourceful, courageous, talented and confident creature.

Africa has the chance to transform itself from a mainly agrarian continent into an industrialized one if the proper polices are implemented.

"Industrialization cannot be considered a luxury but a necessity for Africa's development," said South Africa's Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma shortly after she became chair of the African Union in 2013.

The rationale for much of the current discourse on the "Africa Moment" and "Africa Rising" is clear. Some of the fastest-growing economies in the world are from Africa.

Africa has shown relative buoyancy in a period of economic crisis. But although it is growing fast - much faster than it did in the 1980s and 1990s - the growth rate needs to accelerate in order to deliver the kind of results enjoyed by the South-east Asian Tigers and China.

Africa needs to find the path that leads to 10 percent growth.

An old Nigerian proverb states that "a man cannot sit down alone to plan for prosperity". Growing economic cooperation with China provides African countries with a reason to be optimistic about their plans.

The single-digit growth rate of African GDP over the past decade has been lauded as a transformation - almost a miracle. However, the fact is that Africa's growth only looks good in comparison to its abysmal past performance and against the backdrop of recession in the developed world and a slowdown in Asian economies.

China's slowdown from double-digit growth to 7 percent is cited as a huge source of concern, while Africa's 5 percent growth is considered excellent. It is not sufficient. Africa's growth falls short of the 7 percent minimum required to double average income in 10 years.

The reason is partly the fact that numerous African economies are dependent on the production and export of primary commodities. It is imperative that the continent focus on the potential offered by industrialization.

One of the greatest challenges African countries are facing nowadays is their inability to add value to their primary products.

In this respect, Lawrence Mbae raised some important economic examples that are crucial to the value-added issue in his article entitled Industrialization in Africa: Can the continent make it? The author pointed out that Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana produce 53 percent of the world's cocoa but supermarket shelves in Abidjan and Accra, their respective capitals, are stacked with chocolates imported from Switzerland and the United Kingdom - nations that do not farm cocoa.

This scenario is repeated throughout the continent in different contexts. Coffee is the second most traded commodity after oil. Globally, out of the total coffee business valued at around $144 billion per year (2008), the coffee-growing nations together get just $15 billion for their green, unprocessed beans.

The remaining $129 billion remains in the importing (developed) nations that add value to the coffee they themselves have not grown. For instance, 0.45 kilogram of green coffee will earn a Tanzanian coffee farmer around $1, while the roaster in a developed nation will be able to sell similar coffee for about $8. The Tanzanian coffee farmer is losing $7 per 0.45kg of added value, simply because he is not roasting and packing his own coffee.

In other words, Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana were trading cocoa for chocolates. The same scenario applies to the Tanzanian farmer where he trades green, unprocessed coffee beans for coffee, missing a huge opportunity to add value domestically and industrialize.

Such skewed trade patterns could result in a situation in which whatever revenue these African countries generate from exporting raw materials is offset by imports of manufactured goods. Africa has been gifting this level of value to the developed world for decades.

Certainly, the lack of industrial development forces African countries to depend on exporting raw materials while importing value-added goods. The comparative advantages of Africa are consequently annulled, triggering acute dependency and low economic power.

According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa study titled Greening Africa's Industrialization, asserts that transforming Africa's mineral export volume by just 5 percent before exporting could generate 5 million jobs annually. The same study also declares that current estimates show that Africa spends $30 billion per year on imported processed food. The removal of that import cost would free capital to assist larger development needs and help bring about industrialization.

In pursuing industrialization, African governments need to think of how to turn the continent's natural resource advantage into a development advantage.

The experiences of Japan, the South-east Asian Tigers and China show the effect of deliberate industrial policies, as well as the role of central regimes in advancing national development goals. While the role of the government may be significant, policymakers must understand global trade dynamics and employ regional and global trade negotiations to pursue their industrialization agenda.

Industrial policies alone will not jump-start African industrialization, but they will provide a robust framework for countries to reassess their industrial goals. This will give them the opportunity to identify the best routes to structural transformation and direct industrial policy to attain the desired objectives.

The author is a researcher with the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily European Weekly 02/10/2017 page12)
Company says $1b plant will be built in stages, starting with a smaller facility

The Chinese-funded luxury electric car startup Faraday Future said on Feb 3 that it remains committed to its planned $1 billion plant in Nevada in the United States, but will build the factory in phases and start with a much smaller facility.

Faraday, an affiliate of Beijing-based internet major LeEco, said in a statement to China Daily that it is adopting a multi-stage manufacturing strategy for its 27.87-hectare auto plant.

Qiong Liu, city manager of North Las Vegas, said on Feb 2 that Faraday will build a 6.04-hectare facility later this year. "I don't think they are downsizing, but instead they will construct the plant in phases," Liu said.

According to Liu, Faraday is completing engineering work on the factory and aims to have the shell of the building ready by the end of August and the rest of the building done by the end of October.

Faraday expects to start testing a vehicle later this year and to "start production in 2018", she added.

Faraday said it is scheduled to start constructing the second stage of the plant later this year. A cash crunch at LeEco and Faraday's missed payments to a contractor working on the factory last year spurred skepticism about the company. In November, Nevada State Treasurer Dan Schwartz expressed concerns about Faraday's ability to complete the project.

In 2015, Nevada lawmakers approved an incentive package valued at about $215 million for the plant. Liu said the incentives are structured so that they won't be paid out until and unless the company meets certain requirements.

Faraday unveiled its first production vehicle, called the FF91, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.

Eric Paul Dennis of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan, says that Faraday is becoming more realistic about what it can accomplish. "Their initial plans to build a mega-factory and introduce multiple models on a short timetable were very risky and probably impossible," he says.

"Their recent restructuring makes me think they are beginning to mature as a company. Starting small, focusing on quality and responding to the market reception of one or two models is a better approach to establishing a viable auto operation," Dennis says.

Contact the writers through masi@chinadaily.com.cn

Jia Yueting, head of Le Holdings Co Ltd, unveils an all-electric battery concept car during a ceremony in Beijing. Provided to China Daily

(China Daily European Weekly 02/10/2017 page29)
Protesters hold up posters spelling out "hypocrisy" near the Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany, on Tuesday. Sebastian Kahnert / AFP

Right-wing activists in the eastern German city of Dresden are protesting a work by a Syrian-German artist designed to show solidarity with the people of Aleppo, saying it belittles the memory of the citys own bombing in World War II.

The installation, consisting of three buses standing on end, was placed in a square in front of the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), which was destroyed by British and US bombers in World War II and rebuilt as a symbol of reconciliation.

The work evokes a scene from 2015 in which rebels in the Syrian city stood three buses on end to shield a street from government snipers.

It is part of commemorations for the 72nd anniversary of the obliteration of much of Dresden with firebombs in February 1945, three months before the end of the war in Europe.

The raids, which killed 25,000 people and destroyed historic Baroque churches and palaces, continue to evoke resentment in Dresden. The city is also the cradle of the anti-Muslim PEGIDA movement, which drew about 20,000 supporters to weekly marches in 2015.

Right-wing campaigners booed Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert at the opening ceremony on Tuesday and shouted "Garbage!", "Get out!", "Shame on you!" and "Traitor!" He also received death threats, German media reported.

Artist Manaf Halbouni, a German-Syrian, said he was shocked by the protest.

"The aim of this installation was to foster dialogue between people so that we can all discuss things together and try to solve problems together," he said.

On his website, he said his work links the suffering of people in Syria and Europe "but also the hope for reconstruction and peace".

After decades as a ruin, the Frauenkirche was rebuilt starting in 1994 and reconsecrated in 2005.

The Dresden branch of the anti-immigrant political party AfD, which has enjoyed a surge in popularity since an influx of over a million refugees, many from Syria, called the installation "an insult to the citizens of Dresden".
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by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, February 10, 2017

Only 17% of small business owners will invest in search engine optimization (SEO) in 2017, 26% admit to having a Web site with only one page, and 43% say they have no plans to change or improve their online presence this year.

A joint study between David Ricketts, innovation fellow in the Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard University found that only 54% of small business owners report that they are confident their company's online presence performs well, despite the small number of owners who are embracing online marketing.

Web.com Small Business Digital Trends Report surveyed 300 small business owners to learn how they use online channels to grow their businesses -- from dentistry to contractors, and artists to welders or dry cleaners, and retailers with ecommerce sites.

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Although SEO can help businesses rise to the top of search engine query results, most small business owners do not cite the search media as a priority. Only 17% say they plan to add SEO to their online marketing strategy in 2017, and only 5% consider SEO a top priority for the year.

Too many small business owners lack the knowledge to fully harness the potential of online media and are likely to leave money on the table, per the report. While the findings may suggest confusion as to how online advertising and marketing actually work, consumers are adapting well to a world of online purchases.

PewResearchCenter estimates that nearly eight in 10 Americans have made a purchase online as of December 2016, up from 22% in June 2000. And the National Retail Federation estimates that this Valentine's Day, 27% of U.S. consumers will go online to spend some of the estimated $18.2 billion spent this year on Valentine's Day gifts.

Conveying the correct message to consumers seems to be a major issue for small business owners. The Web.com study found that a majority of small business owners seem to lack the understanding of how ecommerce sites truly support online retail. While 12% cite ecommerce as the main purpose of their Web site, only 31% identified their company as a retail business.

The problems reach far beyond the areas of SEO and ecommerce. Some 85% of business owners say they hit some kind of roadblock when attempting to use social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to promote their business. Many are overwhelmed with the maintenance, and 15% are concerned with risking their reputation on certain sensitive issues.

About 68% say they handle the building and maintenance of their online presence in-house or on their own, compared with 22% who outsource this work to an online marketing firm, and 9% who solicit help from friends and family. Admitting they need help, 29% of business owners require assistance in online marketing and 26% in Web site maintenance or expansion.
by Philip Rosenstein , February 10, 2017

In the last days before the deadline to sign up for health-care coverage through the exchanges set up by the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the Trump administration forced the cancellation of advertisements informing Americans about the deadline.

DSPolitical, the progressive digital ad network, struck back.

When we found out President Trump had unilaterally defunded advertising for people to be routed to where they could sign up to purchase life-saving health care, we decided we had to do something, Jim Walsh, cofounder and CEO of DSPolitical, told Red, White & Blog.

The weekend before Tuesday, January 31, the last day to sign up for health-care coverage, DSPolitical worked with former healthcare.gov CMO Josh Peck to get life-saving ads out as quickly as possible.

Through a GoFundMe campaign and help from the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, Rising Tide Interactive and more than 50 other individual donors, DSPolitical was able to help more than 4,000 people sign up for health-care coverage.

According to Walsh, the numbers on the ads were a first: With a spend of $6,396, the campaign was able to clock 15.5K impressions, with a 25.27% click through rate.

The three-day search advertising-only campaign ran in the states of North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Pennsylvania.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, February 10, 2017

Siding with Google, a federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by search engine optimization company e-ventures Worldwide, which claimed its sites were wrongly removed from search results.

U.S. District Court Judge Paul Magnuson in the Middle District of Florida said in a ruling issued this week that Google has a free speech right to decide which search results to display.

"Googles actions in formulating rankings for its search engine and in determining whether certain websites are contrary to Googles guidelines and thereby subject to removal are the same as decisions by a newspaper editor regarding which content to publish, which article belongs on the front page, and which article is unworthy of publication," U.S. District Court Judge Paul Magnuson in the Middle District of Florida said in a ruling issued this week. "The First Amendment protects these decisions, whether they are fair or unfair, or motivated by profit or altruism."

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The decision grew out of a lawsuit filed by e-ventures in late 2014. The company alleged in its original complaint that Google removed 231 sites associated with e-ventures' Webmaster tools. Google allegedly notified e-ventures that the sites would be de-listed because they were "pure spam."

"Identifying what Google believes is 'pure spam," and remedying the problem to remove the "pure spam" designation, without any specificity from Google, is a potentially insurmountable task," e-ventures wrote in the complaint, which accused Google of engaging in unfair and deceptive practices and interfering with business relations and defamation. e-ventures later dropped the defamation claim and added an allegation that Google violated a law regarding unfair competition.

Magnuson noted in his ruling that e-ventures' consultant told the company its sites were spam.

"In its attempts to secure re-listing of its sites on Google, e-ventures admitted that its sites were littered with doorway domains and scraped content -- e-ventures told Google that its single topseos.com site contained 18,000 scraped articles, 46,000 scraped press releases, and more than 28,000 scraped job listings,"Magnuson added.

He said that Google restored 50 e-ventures sites in November 2014, and that e-Ventures "abandoned" 100 others by consolidating them into a single domain.

Magnuson's ruling comes nine months after he rejected Google's request to dismiss the case at a preliminary stage.

Santa Clara University law professor Eric Goldman, who called attention to Magnuson's decision, suggests e-ventures' lawsuit should have been thrown out earlier.

"Of course Google can de-index sites it thinks are spam," Goldman writes on his blog. "Its hard to believe were still litigating that issue in 2017."

He notes that Google prevailed in prior lawsuits accusing it of wrongly demoting companies in the search results. In 2003, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit about that issue brought by SearchKing; in 2006, a different judge threw out a similar lawsuit by KinderStart.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, February 10, 2017

An artificial intelligence startup founded by former Google and Uber engineers will get $1 billion dollars from Ford Motor Co. to build out self-driving car technology.

The deal, framed by Ford as more of an "investment" rather than acquisition, puts two top engineers at the helm -- Bryan Salesky from Google's self-driving team, and Peter Rander, who led Uber's autonomous efforts founded Pittsburgh-based Argo AI.

The investment puts a focus on Ford's expansion as a "mobility" with the ability to license the technology to others in the future, Ford President and CEO Mark Fields said in a statement.

Argo AI will help Ford develop the autonomous system for a self-driving vehicle with plans to hit the road by 2021. "The next decade will be defined by the automation of the automobile, and autonomous vehicles will have as significant an impact on society as Fords moving assembly line did 100 years ago," he stated.

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Ford will continue to lead the development, but Argo will join forces to strengthen the "commercialization" of the self-driving vehicles.

The $1 billion investment will be made during a span of five years and is consistent with the autonomous vehicle capital allocation plan shared last September as part of Ford Investor Day.

Ford has been investing in other companies. In 2016 joined Chinese search giant Baidu to invest about $150 million in Velodyne, which manufacturers LiDAR sensors.
Muscular dystrophy is a group of rare muscle-wasting diseases with a wide range of biological features, symptoms, and genetic origins. To obtain a precise diagnosis and offer appropriate genetic counseling, doctors must carry out clinical, biochemical, and genetic tests. Now, a new study finds that mutations in the INPP5K gene gives rise to a new type of congenital muscular dystrophy that presents with short stature, intellectual disability, and cataracts.

Share on Pinterest Researchers suggest that studying the genes unique mechanism could lead to new treatments and move research in a different direction.

The study  led by George Washington University in Washington, DC, and St. Georges University of London in the United Kingdom  is published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of rare disorders caused by gene mutations that disrupt the production of proteins important for generating and maintaining healthy muscles. Some of the mutations can also affect proteins in the eyes or brain.

There are several different types of muscular dystrophy, according to the particular genes that are involved. Examples include: Duchenne, Becker, myotonic, congenital, facioscapulohumeral, limb-girdle, and oculopharyngeal.

Different types of muscular dystrophy affect different muscle groups, the severity of impairment, and the age at which signs and symptoms first appear.

The new study concerns congenital muscular dystrophy, a type that becomes apparent at or near birth. Babies born with the disease are weak at birth and may have difficulties swallowing or breathing.
A study led by the University of Warwick has found a link between the removal of ovaries during hysterectomy and an increase in heart disease, cancer and premature death.

The study is the largest of its kind conducted on the subject and covered a ten year period. It compared women who were treated for a benign disease who had both ovaries removed with those who had one or none removed.

The work looked at 113,679 cases of women aged 35-45 during the period April 2004 to March 2014. A third of the patients studied had both ovaries removed. Titled Removal of all ovarian tissue versus conserving ovarian tissue at time of hysterectomy in premenopausal patients with benign disease: study using routine data and data linkage the study has been published in the BMJ.

It found that women who had one or no ovaries removed were less likely to develop ischaemic heart disease (coronary artery disease) or cancer after hysterectomy than those who had both (bilateral) ovaries removed. The researchers also found that fewer women who retained one or both ovaries compared to those who had both removed died within the duration of the study - 0.6% compared to 1.01%.

Although removal of both ovaries protects against subsequent development of ovarian cancer, the researchers believe premenopausal women should be advised that this benefit comes at the cost of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and of other (more prevalent) cancers and higher overall mortality.

The study was led by Richard Lilford, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Chair in Public Health at the University of Warwick's Warwick Medical School. He said: "The combination of biological plausibility and the massive 'effect size' make a compelling case that women can be advised that their risk of ovarian cancer is greatly reduced by surgical removal of both ovaries.

"However, the lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is one in 52 in the UK, and the removal of a metabolically active organ such as the ovary may have harmful effects in the long term.

"If so, these long term disadvantages (combined with the unpleasant shorter term effects of acute oestrogen deprivation) must be offset against the benefit conferred by protection from ovarian cancer."

A national database of hospital admissions was examined by the researchers and linked to the national register of deaths to conduct this nationwide study. Unlike the previous, smaller Nurses' Health Study, it was conducted on a countrywide basis rather than in a sample, and examined associations between operation type and subsequent hospital admissions, as well as mortality.

Forty per cent of women with no specific risk factors for reproductive cancer had their ovaries removed during abdominal hysterectomy in the 35-45 age group. Professor Lilford said: "This might be a higher proportion than would be expected among women who were fully aware of the worse health outcomes with bilateral removal that we've reported. In that case, we might expect the proportion of women who select bilateral ovarian removal to decline as the health risks that must be traded for a reduced incidence of ovarian cancer come into sharper focus."

Another point of interest the research team found was a decline, albeit a slow one, in the number of hysterectomies performed; nearly 9,000 women had a hysterectomy for a benign condition in the target age range in 2014, compared to almost 13,000 in 2004-05.

The researchers admit the data available wasn't as detailed as they would have liked, in particular they didn't have information on the use of hormone replacement therapy. However they plan to re-examine the cohort at a later date to examine trends over the long term.
A simple blood test may be as accurate as a spinal fluid test when trying to determine whether symptoms are caused by Parkinson's disease or another atypical parkinsonism disorder, according to a new study published in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

In early stages of disease, it can be difficult to differentiate between Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonism disorders (APDs) like multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration, because symptoms can overlap. But identifying these diseases early is important because expectations concerning progression and potential benefit from treatment differ dramatically between Parkinson's and APDs.

"We have found that concentrations of a nerve protein in the blood can discriminate between these diseases as accurately as concentrations of that same protein in spinal fluid," said study author Oskar Hansson, MD, PhD, of Lund University in Lund, Sweden.

The nerve protein is called neurofilament light chain protein. It is a component of nerve cells and can be detected in the blood stream and spinal fluid when nerve cells die.

For the study, researchers examined 504 people from three study groups. Two groups, one in England and one in Sweden, had healthy people and people who had been living with Parkinson's or APDs for an average of four to six years. The third group was comprised of people who had been living with the diseases for three years or less. In all, there were 244 people with Parkinson's, 88 with multiple system atrophy, 70 with progressive supranuclear palsy, 23 with corticobasal degeneration and 79 people who served as healthy controls.

Researchers found the blood test was just as accurate as a spinal fluid test at diagnosing whether someone had Parkinson's or an APD, in both early stages of disease and in those who had been living with the diseases longer. The nerve protein levels were higher in people with APDs and lower in those with Parkinson's disease and those who were healthy. In the Swedish group, the protein levels averaged around 10 picograms per milliliter. People with multiple system atrophy had levels averaging around 20 pg/ml; those with progressive supranuclear palsy averaged around 25 pg/ml; and those with corticobasal degeneration averaged around 27 pg/ml.

Hansson said, "Lower concentrations of the nerve protein in the blood of those with Parkinson's may be due to less damage to nerve fibers compared to those with atypical parkinsonism disorders."

For the group in Sweden, the blood test had a sensitivity of 82 percent and a specificity of 91 percent. Sensitivity is the percentage of actual positives that are correctly identified as positive. Specificity is the percentage of negatives that are correctly identified. For those in the early stages of disease, the sensitivity was 70 percent and the specificity was 80 percent.

"Our findings are exciting because when Parkinson's or an atypical parkinsonism disorder is suspected, one simple blood test will help a physician to give their patient a more accurate diagnosis," said Hansson. "These atypical parkinsonism disorders are rare, but they generally progress much faster and are more likely to be the cause of death than Parkinson's disease, so it's important for patients and their families to receive the best care possible and to plan for their future needs."

One limitation of nerve protein testing is that it does not distinguish between the different APDs, however doctors can look for other symptoms and signs to distinguish between those diseases.

The study was supported by the European Research Council, the Swedish Research Council, The Parkinson Foundation of Sweden, the Swedish Brain Foundation, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Torsten Soderberg Foundation at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Swedish Federal Government under the ALF Agreement.

Article: Blood-based NfL: A biomarker for differential diagnosis of parkinsonian disorder, Oskar Hansson, MD, PhD, Shorena Janelidze, PhD, Sara Hall, MD, Nadia Magdalinou, MD, Andrew J. Lees, MD, PhD, Ulf Andreasson, PhD, Niklas Norgren, PhD, Jan Linder, MD, PhD, Lars Forsgren, MD, PhD, Radu Constantinescu, MD, PhD, Henrik Zetterberg, MD, PhD, Kaj Blennow, MD, PhD; For the Swedish BioFINDER study, Neurology, doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000003680, published online 8 February 2017.
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"Our new studies are helping to explain the mechanisms underlying these disorders," Jindal said.These studies were published this year, one in the(PNAS) and the other inonline. The researchers made the discoveries in zebrafish and fruit flies - animals commonly used as simplified models of human genetics and Jindal and Goyal's specialties, respectively.Due to the evolutionary similarities in the RAS pathway across diverse species, changes in this pathway would also be similar. Thus, it is likely that significant parts of findings in animals would apply to humans as well, although further research is needed to confirm this.The first paper published inpresented a way to rank the severity of different mutations involved in RASopathies. The researchers introduced 16 mutations one at a time in developing zebrafish embryos. As each organism developed, clear differences in the embryos' shapes became evident, revealing the strength of each mutation.The same mutant proteins produced similarly varying degrees of defects in fruit flies. Some of the mutations the researchers tested were already known to be involved in human cancers. The researchers noted that these cancer-related mutations caused more severe deformations in the embryos, aligning with the medical community's ongoing efforts to adapt anti-cancer compounds to treat RASopathies."Until now, there was no systematic way of comparing different mutation severities for RASopathies effectively," Goyal said.Jindal added, "This study is an important step for personalized medicine in determining a diagnosis to a first approximation." The study therefore suggested a path forward to human diagnostic advances, potentially enabling health care professionals to offer better diagnoses and inform caretakers about patients' disease progression.The study went further and examined the use of an experimental cancer-fighting drug being investigated as a possible way to treat RASopathies. The researchers demonstrated that the amount of medication necessary to correct the developmental defects in the zebrafish embryos corresponded with the mutation's severity - more severe mutations required higher dosages.The more recent paper, published online by, reports an unexpected twist in treatment approach to some RASopathies. Like all cellular pathways, the RAS pathway is a series of molecular interactions that changes a cell's condition. Conventional wisdom has held that RASopathies are triggered by overactive RAS pathways, which a biologist would call excessive signaling.Thestudy, however, found that some RASopathies could result from insufficient signaling along the RAS pathway in certain regions of the body. This means that drugs intended to treat RASopathies by tamping down RAS pathway signaling might actually make certain defects worse."To our knowledge, our study is the first to find lower signaling levels that correspond to a RASopathy disease," Goyal said. "Drugs under development are primarily RAS-pathway inhibitors aimed at reducing the higher activity, so maybe we need to design drugs that only target specific affected tissues, or investigate alternative, novel treatment options."Thestudy also found that gRAS pathway mutations cause defects by changing the timing and specific locations of embryonic development. For example, in normal fruit fly cells, the RAS pathway only turns on when certain natural cues are received from outside the cell. In the mutant cells, however, the RAS pathway in certain parts of fly embryo abnormally activated before these cues were received. This early activation disturbed the delicate process of embryonic development. The researchers found similar behavior in zebrafish cells."Our integrative approach has allowed us to make enormous progress in understanding RASopathies, some of which have just been identified in the last couple of decades," Shvartsman said. "With continued steps forward in both basic and applied science, as we've shown with our new publications, we hope to develop new ideas for understanding and treatment of a large class of developmental defects."Princeton co-authors of the two papers include Trudi Schupbach, the Henry Fairfield Osborn Professor of Biology and professor of molecular biology, and Rebecca Burdine, an associate professor of molecular biology, as well as co-advisers to Goyal and Jindal; Alan Futran, a former graduate student in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and LSI; graduate student Eyan Yeung of the Department of Molecular Biology and LSI; Jose Pelliccia, a graduate student in the Department of Molecular Biology; seniors in molecular biology Iason Kountouridis and Kei Yamaya; and Courtney Balgobin Class of 2015.Bruce Gelb, a pediatric cardiologist specializing in cardiovascular genetics and the director of the Mindich Child Health and Development Institute at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, described the two new studies as "wonderful" in advancing the understanding of altered biology in RASopathies and developing a framework for comparing mutation strengths, bringing effective treatments significantly closer."At this time, most of the issues that arise from the RASopathies are either addressed symptomatically or cannot be addressed," Gelb said. "The work [these researchers] are undertaking could lead to true therapies for the underlying problem."The paper, "In vivo severity ranking of Ras pathway mutations associated with developmental disorders," was published in the. The paper, "Divergent effects of intrinsically active MEK variants on developmental Ras signaling," was published in Nature Genetics online. The research for both papers was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.Source: Eurekalert
When I was growing up, my Nokia 3310 went through a lot of turmoil and I came to the conclusion that it is one of the most durable phones ever made. It is considered to be virtually indestructible. It has saved lives by literally taking a bullet, has been stomped on and it still manages to work like a charm.

The Nokia 3310 was announced way back in September 2000 and dominated the cell phone market (yes it was called a cell phone back then) for years to come. Seventeen years later, a British veteran is still using his handy Nokia 3310 and, apparently, it has gone through a lot of turmoil. According to the soldier, the phone has survived a war (in Afghanistan and Iraq) and it is still in working condition.

 YouTube

Dave Mitchell, the 49-year-old retired soldier, has been using his Nokia 3310 daily and is attached to it like we are to our dogs. The Daily Mail reports that Dave Mitchell would be distraught if he had to part ways with his handset. According to Mitchell, the phone has been working well even after 17 years of non-stop use.

 YouTube

He elaborates that he only charges his phone once in 10 days and doesnt really need a smartphone. He calls the Nokia 3310 virtually indestructible as he has dropped it several times unintentionally. He says he has dropped his phone in a washing machine and even in curry sauce. Every time his phone underwent some trauma, he would just dust it off or wipe it and turn it back on, only to find it working perfectly.
Soros: I Will Take Down President Trump

A battle cry has been issued against our new president by arguably the worlds most evil villain: billionaire financier George Soros. At a recent meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Soros told a crowd of wealthy politicians and corporate heads that he plans to take down President Trump in order to usher in a financial armageddon that fits his plans for a New World Order.

One of the big backers of failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Soros has been on a mission to destroy Trump since long before he was elected president. But after losing nearly $1 billion in the stock market, which made a big rally after Trumps victory, Soros is more determined than ever to stop the agenda of President Trump, which in large part involves rolling back globalism and bringing jobs back to the United States.

Reports indicate that Soros instructed many of the top dogs of various large, multinational corporations who attended the meeting to immediately stop doing business in the U.S. until President Trumps agenda is halted. If these companies continue to do business in the U.S., Soros warned, they will most certainly face serious consequences, economic and otherwise.

Id keep as far away from it as I can, Soros stated in cryptic fashion to his audience of listeners. (RELATED: Follow the happenings of Donald Trumps presidency at Trump.news)

Soros a wounded beast that is hell bent on revenge, say Wall Street analysts

In Soros view, all of the promises President Trump is making, from his pledges to cut taxes and reduce regulations to bringing outsourced jobs back to the states, are not going to happen. Even if they appear to at first, he claims, it will not be long before they all fail. Within 24 hours of Trump taking office, Soros stated, reality will prevail.

Soros has hardly been shy in making his views known about President Trump. The Jewish Nazi collaborator is on the record as having called the president a dictator, for instance, adding that the president wont be able to get away with some of the things he is doing to upset the plans of the globalist cabal.

Soros fury has been so pronounced over the past several months that Wall Street analysts actually likened him to a wounded beast that is hell bent on revenge, presumably a reference to the biblical prophecies of the Book of Revelation. In the meantime, many observers, including many conservative Republicans, are wondering what other nefarious tricks Soros might have hiding up his sleeve.

One idea is the financial armageddon and the unleashing of hell that some media sources claim Soros is hatching as a Plan B. Again making reference to biblical prophecy, the plan, some say, is for Soros to crash the world financial markets in order to create chaos. This act would put the U.S. on the brink of financial ruin, and in the midst of that, the phoenix will rise and usher in a New World Order.

Whether or not this actually happens remains to be seen, and only time will tell. But it is certain that the globalists do not plan to give up without a fight. And the fight they have planned could result in some major tumult for our country and for much of the rest of the world, which is directly affected by market and financial volatility here in the states.

The way Soros broke the Bank of England and ruined the Malaysian economy, these will one day just be seen as warm ups for his full scale tilt at global financial armageddon, a Wall Street analyst is quoted as saying.

Sources for this article include:

NeonNettle.com

YourNewsWire.com
Alternate Foreign Minister G. Katrougalos met today with the Spanish Ambassador to Greece, Alfonso Lucini Mateo.



During the meeting, there was a discussion of issues of European and bilateral interest. The meeting also confirmed the excellent relations between the two countries, and further strengthening of bilateral economic relations was proposed.
Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias had a telephone conversation today, Friday, 10 February, with the Vice Chancellor and new Foreign Minister of Germany, Sigmar Gabriel.

During the conversation, there was a discussion on the continuation of Greek-German cooperation, the state of the economy, and recent regional developments.

It was agreed to schedule reciprocal visits on dates to be determined via diplomatic channels.
CASS CITY  The path of the annual Back to the Bricks celebration started in Cass City and it is because of efforts of the state's first highway commissioner  Horatio "Good Roads" Earle.

There is a 12,000 pound, Maine-granite monument to Earle and the first state-funded highway at the intersection of M-81 and Schweigler Road in Elkland Township.

In 1901, Earle was elected as a state senator. He introduced a senate resolution for a joint committee of seven appointed by the governor to investigate the subject of highway improvement in the state. That committee sponsored the building of "sample roads" at different points in the state, and the first road was near Cass City.

It was because of Earle that the "world's first mile of concrete road ever built" was done. It is Woodward Avenue in Wayne County. At that time, the concrete road was 18-feet wide and one mile long. Engineers thought him a "fool" and said the hard highway wouldn't last a year.

It did last. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) estimated more than 35 million vehicles traveled over it, and the road was still in good condition when it was torn up to make the street 100 feet wide. Thousands of antique and vintage vehicle enthusiasts, including those from the Thumb, attend the Back to the Bricks event in Flint and Woodward Dream Cruise near Detroit, which will be Aug. 15 this year.

According to documents from the MDOT's centennial celebration in 2005, Earle was a "colorful character." He is credited as the founder of the department, and his zeal brought him national prominence as well as focused the attention of Michigan residents on the need for better roads.

Earle was instrumental in putting Cass City on the map as the first community to build a "State Reward Highway." The Reward Highway Law was written by Earle.

Michigan's first state-aided road was built just east of Cass City in 1905. The state paid $500 toward building the road.

"Spending $985 the township widened to nine feet and graveled the one mile of rutted wagon road (what would become M-81) between the corner of Elkland Cemetery and what became Crawford Road," states the State Historic Marker honoring that and Earle. "That road marked the beginning of state aid for local roads."

Ironically, the push for road improvements was not because of automobiles, but rather bicycles when they debuted in the late 1870s.

"Users of bicycles had to organize in order that their strength might be combined and used for their protection, as well as to gain their constitutional rights. During this early period, bicyclists were as much hated as automobiles were in the late 1890s and so the League of American Wheelmen (LAW) was formed in 1897," states a Cass City Historical Society newsletter.

The newsletter went on to explain that the fight for good roads in the state began in the 1890s, and there were bitter feelings on both sides of the issue. It was felt that if farmers wanted better roads they should be the ones to build them and farmers felt if those in the cities wanted better roads let them build them.

In fact, the opposition against roads was so strong that roads were not permitted to be built even if there was no cost to anyone.

One of those who encouraged Earle's pursuit of good roads was the late I.B. Auten, who was a Cass City Bank proprietor, and raised the $300 dollars as part of the cost of the first State Reward Road in Elkland Township.

The Michigan Department of Transportation was created in 1905 when voters in all 83 counties approved an amendment to the state's constitution authorizing state money to be spent on roads. Michigan was the 18th state to establish a state agency to supervise road improvements.
The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan said Thursday that the war is in a "stalemate" and efforts to turn the situation around on the ground are being complicated by growing Russian support for the Taliban.

To underline the difficulty of the fight, Army Gen. John Nicholson said he learned just before the start of a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that a U.S. Special Forces soldier had been severely wounded in a firefight in the flashpoint Sangin area of Afghanistan's southwestern Helmand province, the center of the country's flourishing poppy trade.

Controlling Helmand, possibly the most contested of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, was long the mission of U.S. Marines and British forces before their withdrawal in 2014. Nicholson said the plan to send about 300 Marines back into Helmand on a training and advisory mission would help the struggling 215th Corps of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in regaining territory lost to the Taliban.

Helmand is the main source of the Taliban's "narco insurgency" against the Afghan government, Nicholson said, adding, "This is where they get their money."

Nicholson said he had personally reached out to Commandant Gen. Robert Neller to ask for assistance since "the Marine Corps has deep experience in Helmand."

Nicholson said he expected the 300 Marines to arrive in the spring to provide "a more structured advisory effort than we've had to this point" with the 215th Corps and its new commanders. Previous commanders of the 215th were sacked because of corruption and poor leadership.

At the opening of the hearing, Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican and the committee chairman, asked Nicholson, "Are we winning or losing?"

Nicholson replied: "Mr. Chairman, I believe we are in a stalemate," but the stalemate is one in which the "equilibrium favors the government" and the ANDSF.

However, Nicholson did not dispute the recent report from the office of the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) that the Taliban made significant gains on the ground and inflicted heavy casualties on Afghan forces during 2016. The SIGAR report said that the Afghan territory controlled by the Kabul government had been reduced from 72 percent to 57 percent.

McCain said that limits on the force size and restrictive rules of engagement had "unfortunately tied the hands of our military in Afghanistan and, instead of trying to win, we settle for not trying to lose."

To break the stalemate, Nicholson, commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and NATO's Resolute Support mission, said that he had discussed with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford the possibility of putting more troops into Afghanistan, either from the U.S. or from NATO and other countries from the coalition.

Currently, the U.S. is limited to about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan; the total force under Nicholson's command is about 12,500.

"I have adequate resourcing in my counterterrorism mission," the main mission of U.S. troops, he said. "In my train, advise and assist mission, we have a shortfall of a few thousand."

In the course of the hearing, Nicholson returned several times to the new threat of Russian influence in Afghanistan that he said began to surface last year. Afghanistan was already struggling with a resilient insurgency, political corruption, a failing economy and ethnic rivalries, and now Russia is using its influence "to prop up the Taliban," he said.

"I think it's to undermine the United States and NATO," Nicholson said when asked for his thoughts on Russia's motives. He also said Moscow is concerned about the possible spread of unrest from Afghanistan to central Asian states on its borders. He pointed to recent talks in Moscow of representatives of the Taliban and Iran from which the Afghan government of President Ashraf Ghani was excluded.

"The Russians, of course, lack legitimacy in Afghanistan" following the brutal occupation by the Soviet Union in the 1980s, Nicholson said, but their propaganda line has been that the U.S. is ignoring the offshoot of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, known as the Islamic State-Khorasan province, that now has a foothold in southeastern Nangarhar province.

The Russian effort to destabilize the Kabul government is just one of several issues stemming from the U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, now in its 16th year, that will have to be faced by the new administration of President Donald Trump, Nicholson said.

Another is the fallout on Afghanistan from Trump's travel ban on seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Iraq.

Under questioning from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, Nicholson expressed concern for those who may be impacted by cutbacks in the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for interpreters and others who aided U.S. forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

"My understanding is that we are going to run out of visas for Afghans" under the SIV program, Shaheen said.

"We do have a backlog," Nicholson said. "We're strong supporters of this program because of those brave Afghans who fought alongside us, served alongside us."

Cutting off or limiting the SIV program "would be the wrong message to send to our Afghan partners," he said.

The Afghan war, America's longest, received scant attention from Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the election campaign, and Trump made only a passing reference to Afghanistan in his first visit to a military base as commander in chief last week at U.S. Central Command in Florida.

Trump expressed his gratitude to "everyone serving overseas, including our military personnel in Afghanistan."

On Jan. 27, Trump gave Mattis 30 days to come up with a plan to speed up the campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, but there has been no sign as yet from the White House on a similar plan for Afghanistan.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune...
A bill that would give veterans access to mental health care despite a less-than-honorable discharge is back in Congress.

Reps. Mike Coffman, a Colorado Republican, and Derek Kilmer, a Washington Democrat, are leading the bipartisan reintroduction of the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act, Coffman's office announced Tuesday.

The legislation, H.R. 918, would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide initial mental health assessments and "urgent mental health care services to veterans at risk of suicide or harming others, even if they have an other than honorable discharge," otherwise known as a "bad paper" discharge, the announcement said.

"It's important that we give all of our combat veterans, irrespective of the discharges they receive, access to mental health care through the Veterans [Affairs Department]," Coffman told Military.com during a phone call Wednesday.

Coffman, the only member of Congress to serve in both the first Iraq War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, said of the "bad-paper" separations, "I question the nature of the discharges in the first place, and I'm exploring that."

Veterans who received a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge would still be ineligible from accessing the services.

The bill would also require an independent study of veteran suicide to review effects of combat service on suicide rates; the rate and method of suicide among veterans who have received health care from the VA; and the rate and method of suicide among veterans who have not received health care from the agency, the announcement said.

Coffman pursued a similar bill last year, but it didn't pass the House. The previous legislation included language that linked a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge to a general court-martial, but those types of separations can also result from a special court-martial. The new bill excludes any reference to court-martial "to avoid confusion," spokesman Daniel Bucheli said.

Coffman said this time around "there is a greater awareness of this issue," especially because David Phillip Roe, a physician representing Tennessee's 1st Congressional District, is now the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

In addition, the bill has 12 sponsors.

"So I think it stands a good chance of getting passed this time around," Coffman said. "We seem to have fewer and fewer veterans in the Congress, so I think it's difficult sometimes for them to understand the culture of the military. I think [members in Congress] are very supportive of the notion of providing mental health care to veterans even if they don't understand the nature of these discharges."

High Ground Veterans Advocacy, a grassroots organization training veterans to become leaders and activists in their local communities, has advocated for a fairness for veterans coalition of more than 50 veterans service officers, mobile service officers and veterans legal services clinics surrounding the issue, said founder and chairman Kristofer Goldsmith.

"We're calling on the Armed Services Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee to hold hearings on the issue of 'bad paper,' " said Goldsmith, who also serves as the assistant director for policy and government affairs for the Vietnam Veterans of America.

"We've seen a lot of positive action from the Congress and there is bipartisan recognition that the issue exists, which is wonderful, but until the VSOs and MSOs are invited to testify at a hearing alongside the boards of corrections of military records from each of the branches, we're not going to be able to get as much work done on this issue as we'd like to," he said, referring to veterans service organizations and military service organizations.

According to a National Public Radio study, roughly 22,000 Army veterans confirmed to have a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury (TBI) were issued "bad paper" between 2009 and 2015. The Army investigated the claim, but found nothing wrong with how commanders chose to remove soldiers coming back from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Coffman, who served in the Army before retiring from the Marine Corps as a major, said he believes the stigma surrounding personality disorders has become a way for the Defense Department to take disciplinary measures instead of offering proper health care. In some cases, he said, the action could be tied to how a specific service works through a drawdown in its ranks.

"It seemed to always come down on military personnel returning from combat zones, and I just thought this was inappropriate. I think in the past what [DoD] has done is say, 'OK. We're going to do a reduction in force and  deny people re-enlistment or give people early outs.' But to give these 'bad paper' discharges to combat veterans and then [say] no as a result ... they have no access to mental health care, and that's really problematic," Coffman said.

Goldsmith too said there needs to be more action from within the department. "It's disappointing that [DoD] thinks they can fix this problem just by changing the narrative in the press shop," he said. The dialogue pendulum continues to swing from DoD to the VA and vice versa, which too often turns into "the blame game" without firm action.

"Congress needs to hold both of them to account in a coordinated effort," he said.

"There's a long history of members of Congress trying to address this issue, and I think in this year, in 2017, we're going to kind of hit a -- I hope -- critical mass where members of Congress who don't focus on military and veterans issues will realize how important this is, and they'll join the fight as well," Goldsmith said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
The Army is adamant: It needs to close bases to save money, and it needs to do it now. The Air Force may also be open to the idea, but other services are not so sure.

Before the Senate Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on readiness Wednesday, the vice chiefs of the military services made well-worn cases to lawmakers for more money and an end to sequestration budget caps that they say have cut into maintenance and efforts to modernize the military.

And a round of base closure and realignment, or BRAC, may provide a solution for some.

Subcommittee Chairman Sen. Jim Inhofe, a Republican from Oklahoma, asked the officers to provide their perspective on BRAC, warning at the same time that he firmly opposed such a measure.

"I've been through every BRAC round, [six] of them. And without exception, every BRAC round in the first three years costs money," Inhofe said. "If there's ever a time in the history of our military that we can't afford to dilute those dollars  we need to resolve the problems that have been talked about today."

Gen. Daniel Allyn, vice chief of staff for the Army, nonetheless maintained the service's position that it needed a BRAC round, and soon.

"I've been up here now, this is the third year, pleading for additional funding, pleading for the elimination of sequestration and pleading for the stoppage of continuing resolutions. Those have not gone away," he told Inhofe. "We are forced to look internally on where else can we save, and BRAC is an area we know we can save."

Allyn said the Army is saving $1 billion annually from the most recent round of base closures and realignments in 2005, and $2 billion per year from previous rounds dating back to 1988.

"A billion dollars would make a huge difference," he said. "It costs us $30 million to run an installation whether there's a soldier on it or not, so this is real money when you have 154 installations to run around the world."

Gen. Steve Wilson, vice chief of staff for the Air Force, was less committal but indicated the service is open to exploring its options.

"We carry about 25 percent extra capacity on our bases, and I think there's opportunity to do some smart investment going forward," he said. "Right now, we are carrying a backlog of stuff we have to pay for and need to look at opportunities to save."

The Marine Corps, which has the smallest number of bases of the four services, is in a good place with its East and West Coast installations, Assistant Commandant Gen. Glenn Walters said.

And Adm. Bill Moran, vice chief of naval operations, was similarly dismissive of the idea.

"I learned a long time ago that waterfront property is something you should never give away," he said, drawing chuckles from the committee. "We feel we're in pretty good shape."

However, Moran said, the Navy might examine the possibility of conducting its own "micro-BRAC" within installations, demolishing buildings and infrastructure it no longer needs to save funds.

"That would be far more helpful than another round of BRAC," he said.

The question of another BRAC round has hung over the military for years. Last year, Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work wrote a letter urging Congress to authorize one, saying the Defense Department as a whole had 22 percent excess capacity on its bases. But BRAC is unpopular for many lawmakers, as it means the loss of jobs and businesses in districts that have bases closed or consolidated.

The most recent defense budget and military construction bills were amended by Congress to explicitly prohibit a BRAC round in 2017. The next defense budget request, for fiscal 2018, is expected to come this spring.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck.
Call it the case of the marooned military mechanics of Fort Riley, Kansas.

The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan said Thursday that an Army aviation brigade deployed to Afghanistan last year without its mechanics because of the 8,400-troop ceiling on U.S. forces.

Army Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and NATO's Resolute Support mission, said he had to hire contractors at greater expense to taxpayers to make up for each soldier mechanic that the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, had to leave behind.

"We left their mechanics back in Fort Riley and substituted contract mechanics" to work on the brigade's AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, Nicholson said in response to questions from Sen. Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee on the progress of the Afghan war.

Nicholson said the military had to hire two contractors for every soldier mechanic left behind to keep the brigade flying. The troop ceiling also resulted in the Fort Riley mechanics "not having an opportunity to do their jobs."

"This is one of the issues we've put on the table" in ongoing discussions with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford on the possibility of boosting troop levels in Afghanistan, with either additional U.S. or NATO troops, Nicholson said.

Other senators at the hearing focused on numerous instances cited in a recent report of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction of U.S. overreliance on contractors.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, cited SIGAR figures showing that the U.S. is spending $13 million daily in Afghanistan.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is headed to NATO headquarters in Brussels next week for talks with allies on speeding up the campaign against ISIS and boosting troop strength in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said Friday.

Earlier Friday, Mattis met with German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, whose support will be crucial at the NATO talks. Von der Leyen's closed talks with Mattis followed on the meeting last week of German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel with new Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Germany has sought assurances of continued U.S. support for NATO following remarks by President Dgermnonald Trump that the alliance is "obsolete," and his ongoing complaints about NATO members not paying their fair share for defense.

Despite Trump's remarks, Mattis has been upfront in stating that the U.S. commitment to NATO is solid and enduring to counter Russia and ease the concerns of the Baltic states and Poland on threats emanating from Moscow.

Mattis is scheduled to leave Tuesday for Brussels on what will be his second foreign trip since succeeding Ashton Carter as defense secretary.

Later in the week, Mattis will attend the Munich Security Conference, an annual event that bills itself as "a major global forum for the discussion of security policy." Vice President Mike Pence and a congressional delegation are expected to join Mattis in Munich.

At the Pentagon on Friday, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said Mattis' trip "will underscore the commitment of the United States to our NATO alliance and to defeating ISIS."

On his first visit as commander in chief to the Pentagon on Jan. 27, Trump directed Mattis to draw up a plan within 30 days for an accelerated campaign to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Afghanistan will also be on the agenda for the NATO meetings, according to Army Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and NATO's Resolute Support mission. In testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Nicholson said he is seeking a "few thousand" more troops for Afghanistan, either from the U.S. or allies.

The Europeans have made clear that how to deal with Trump will be on the agenda for the Munich Security Conference.

The conference's website states, "The conference agenda focuses on the future of trans-Atlantic relations and NATO after the election of Donald Trump, the state of European Union cooperation in security and defense matters, the Ukraine crisis and relations with Russia, the war in Syria, and the security situation in the Asia-Pacific."

Wolfgang Ischinger, the former German ambassador to the U.S. and chairman of the conference, said in a statement, "The liberal order many of us have taken for granted is increasingly threatened from within and without. That is why it is so important to find ways to defend and strengthen the fundamental values of the West, and the institutions of a rules-based international system."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
The A-29 Super Tucano turboprops supplied to the Afghan Air Force by the U.S. have flown hundreds of combat missions amid concerns over mounting civilian casualties caused in the airstrikes, Gen. John Nicholson said Thursday.

"We've grown our pool of pilots to around 20" for the eight A-29s now in Afghanistan, said Nicholson, commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and NATO's Resolute Support mission, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Since the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucanos became operational in April 2016, they "have done in excess of 800 missions" flown by the Afghan pilots trained at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Nicholson said.

"The system that does this is more than the pilots and aircraft," he said. "It also involves the Afghan tactical air controllers on the ground and the Afghan maintainers back at the base" who also are trained in the U.S.

"We have seen progress in all these areas," Nicholson said.

Sen. David Perdue, a Georgia Republican, cited the statement last year of Army Gen. John Campbell, then the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, that one of the greatest challenges faced by the Afghan forces was "overcoming their extremely limited ability to organize close-air support."

Nicholson agreed, but said the Afghans are making progress. "In fact, it's been very impressive for such a young capability," he said. Nicholson also said he favored the continuation and expansion of the Special Immigrant Visa program that allows Afghan pilot and maintainers to come to the U.S. to train. However, the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, released a report in Kabul on Feb. 7 stating that in 2016, "Airstrikes carried out by Afghan and international forces caused 590 civilian casualties (250 deaths and 340 injured), nearly double that recorded in 2015 and the highest since 2009."

The airstrike figures were part of an overall report stating that in 2016, "11,418 conflict-related civilian casualties, including 3,498 killed and 7,920 injured" were recorded. About two-thirds of the civilian casualties were attributed to the Taliban and other insurgents, UNAMA said. According to an analysis of figures from the U.N., Afghan forces and the U.S. by Military Times, the A-29 pilots are firing and dropping munitions at a far higher rate than U.S. pilots.

Of 328 A-29 missions examined by Military Times in 2016, 138 involved firing or the dropping of munitions, a rate of 43 percent. U.S. aircraft had a drop rate of about 12 percent, the analysis showed.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Neuerscheinung: The Sobibor Death Camp von Chris Webb

This is the most detailed study of the Nazi death camp at Sobibor to date, by turns insightful and harrowing. It completes Chris Webbs must-read trilogy for ibidem-Verlag, respectively covering the so-called Aktion Reinhardt death camps.Matthew Feldman, Professor in Contemporary History at Teesside University.

This account of the Nazis remorseless and relentless production line of killing at the Sobibor death camp tells of one of the worst crimes in the history of mankind. Chris Webbs painstakingly researched volume ranges from the survivors and the victims to the SS men who carried out the atrocities.

Closing a gap in the existing literature, Webb focuses on the victims and presents details of their lives which have been found and re-tells them to keep their memory alive, to show they are not forgotten. The book covers the construction of the death camp, the physical layout of the camp, as remembered by both the Jewish inmates and the SS staff who served there, and the personal recollections that detail the day to day experiences of the prisoners and the SS. The courageous revolt by the prisoners on October 14, 1943 is re-told by the prisoners and the German SS, with detailed accounts of the revolt and its aftermath.

The post-war fate of the perpetrators, or more precisely those that were brought to trial, and information regarding the more recent history of the site itself concludes this book. There is a large photographic section of rare and some unpublished photographs and documents from the authors private archive.

Weitere Informationen unter www.ibidem-verlag.de

Chris Webb

The Sobibor Death Camp

History, Biographies, Remembrance

520 Seiten, Paperback. 2017. 39,90

ISBN 978-3-8382-0966-1

Erhaltlich in jeder Buchhandlung oder direkt bei ibidem.
An unanticipated series of factors led starter Jason Hammel to sign with the Royals, as Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star writes. That included not only the fact that Hammel surprisingly reached and then remained on the open market, but also the untimely death of young Royals righty Yordano Ventura. First and foremost a human tragedy, Venturas passing also left the organization in need of another starter for the coming season  an uncomfortable situation which Hammel thoughtfully acknowledged in his introductory remarks. I feel like I need to express my condolences to, first of all, Royals Nation and the Ventura family, he said. Just because, I truly feel that if that unfortunate passing doesnt happen, you guys arent talking to me.

Here are a few more notes on the free-agent market
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The expansion of a global engineering firm in Dearborn - along with the projected hiring of about 70 engineers - is one example of spinoff business from Ford Motor Company's investment in Michigan.

RLE International dedicated its new North American Product Development Center this week, celebrating its move into about 20,000 square feet of office/flex space near Rotunda and Greenfield.

The location in Dearborn is due in part to the relationship RLE has with Ford, both in previous overseas projects and in a new contract that prompting this opening.

The new office is in the heart of "Ford country," between the automaker's world headquarters campus and iconic Rouge plant - and close to its product development center.

It's that proximity to the heart of Ford's engineering muscle that makes a difference to RLE, its North American president said.

"We wanted to be very close to the Ford development center," said Rob Kokx.

RLE will be hiring up to 70 engineers to staff the new office, which is the result of a new contract with the automaker. While details on RLE's work are part of a confidentiality agreement, Kokx said, it represents new business for the automaker - not a lost contract for another engineering firm.

It's also tied to "a couple of new projects that have been in the news."

Among projects Ford has announced are a $700 million investment in its Flat Rock plant to produce 13 new electric vehicles and a $4.5 billion investment in electric vehicle development.

Phil Collareno, executive director of North America and Global Product Programs, said that Ford has 12 electric vehicles in the pipeline today. That's just a part of where Ford seeks to maintain its automotive leadership amid future advances, he said during a dedication for the new office space.

"We plan to be the leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles and electrification, (which is) a big part of where RLE is helping us now, and customer experience," Collareno.

"The business case for electrification is not very good, but I do think it's changing," Collareno said. By 2030, he said, Ford expects the number of electric vehicles on roadways to exceed gas and diesel products.

RLE is celebrating its chance to grow alongside Ford, which is the second-largest automaker in the U.S. Among its specialties are engineering for electric vehicles, powertrains and auto body structure. The company, based in Germany, also has offices in Spain, India and the United Kingdom.

Its U.S. headquarters is in Madison Heights and it also has a prototype building shop in Sterling Heights. It employs about 100, with customers typically Tier One auto suppliers and the work not as site-specific as with its new engineering center.

Kokx said he's hopeful that the first wave of hiring in Dearborn will prompt additional expansion.

"We'd like to see this center growing," he said, noting that discussions to acquire more space already have started.

The RLE center was tough to find, Kokx noted. He sought many windows, a wide open space to inspire collaboration, and also needed a garage area that could be locked as confidential projects unfolded.

"We've learned that if you're in one building, but two different rooms, you're not having the same collaborative process," he said.

That's important, Kokx said, as his colleagues participate in the massive transportation change that's under way.

"These car companies are thinking about these transportation solutions that go beyond what you see out there today."
Adam Ingrao is a doctoral student in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University, an Army veteran, and also a national leader in connecting veterans like himself to careers in agriculture.

Ingrao tells Kirk Heinze on Greening of the Great Lakes about his passion for educating veterans about agricultural careers. Most veterans, much like the general public, have very little understanding of the agricultural enterprise.

Ingrao founded and directs the Michigan Food and Farming Systems Veterans in Agriculture Network and has founded the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Michigan and the Heroes to Hives program, beekeeping education at Bee Wise Farms, LLC--which is linked to the Michigan Pollinator Initiative.

"I found healing for myself through agriculture" says Ingrao in describing his own battle with being a disabled veteran at age 25. He says it was his parents who first got him outside to experience some of nature's healing powers. "That's really shaped my life from that point on.

"I wanted to develop a statewide network for veterans to understand the value of agriculture as a potential career opportunity. We really try to find all of the resources and educational opportunities available to veterans in the state and then connect individual veterans with those resources."

Ingrao says veterans already possess many of the skills and sense of duty necessary to be good farmers, but many just aren't exposed to it.

"And that healing component is something that really speaks to veterans. A lot of veterans love being outside and interacting with nature."

Click here to hear the Ingrao/Heinze conversation.

Greening of the Great Lakes airs every Sunday evening at 7:00 on News/Talk 760 WJR and around the state each weekend via the Michigan Talk Network.
Planned Parenthood protest.jpg

Activists rally outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Ann Arbor in 2015.

(The Ann Arbor News file)

ANN ARBOR, MI - Pro-life and pro-choice protesters will take to the sidewalks of Ann Arbor Saturday, Feb. 11, to support their respective beliefs.

Protest Planned Parenthood is hosting rallies at both Ann Arbor's Planned Parenthood clinics, 3100 Professional Drive and 2370 W. Stadium Blvd. The protests, which call for defunding Planned Parenthood, are from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Stop Trump Ann Arbor is hosting pro-choice rallies from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at both clinics.

Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit that offers reproductive health services. The clinic offers birth control, abortions and sexually transmitted infection testing, among other services.

Pro-life organizers aim to "raise public awareness of Planned Parenthood's disregard for the sanctity of life and call for the defunding of the abortion giant, a goal of the pro-life movement that is now likely to be achieved under a Trump presidency and a more sympathetic Congress."

"Not a single cent of American tax dollars should go to an organization that kills innocent human life-- that fails to honor the sanctity of life," said Monica M. Miller, Michigan-based Citizens for a Pro-Life Society director, in a statement.

"And it is the goal of the pro-life movement that the five hundred million plus dollars that currently are allocated to Planned Parenthood be shifted to community health centers that provide even more comprehensive health care to both men and women--while respecting the right to life of all," she continued.

Planned Parenthood of Michigan spokeswoman Ruth Lednicer said federal law prevents health organizations from using federal funding for abortion services except in cases of rape or incest or to save the mother's life.

About 90 percent of what Planned Parenthood does has nothing to do with abortion, and is instead preventative care, she said.

"The majority of the people in this country don't want to see us defunded," Lednicer said.

Planned Parenthood would welcome the pro-life protesters to use that energy to help lower the rates of unplanned pregnancy, she said.

The pro-choice rallies aim to defend Planned Parenthood and access to abortion services for women.

A local organizer could not be reached for comment.

In Washtenaw County, 16 percent of pregnancies end in abortion, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. From 2011 to 2015, the county's abortion rated decreased by 16 percent.
ANN ARBOR, MI - State Rep. Donna Lasinski, D-Scio Township, wants to see an expansion of high-speed Internet services into some of Michigan's more rural areas, including parts of Washtenaw County she represents.

State Rep. Donna Lasinski, D-Scio Township.

Lasinski this week introduced a bill to amend the Michigan Public Improvements Act to allow townships to use special assessments to fund broadband and communications projects in areas that still need high-speed Internet.

"I hear from constituents each day that they are unable to complete everyday tasks due to their lack of broadband," Lasinski said in a statement. "Some municipalities in my district are now taking it upon themselves to explore other avenues to address this problem, which could potentially be solved by allowing special assessments to help fund broadband infrastructure."

Lasinski was elected in November to represent western Washtenaw County, including Chelsea, Dexter, Saline, Manchester and several townships.

House Bill 4162 would add the construction, improvement and maintenance of communications infrastructure, including broadband and high-speed Internet, to the list of public improvements for which townships could use special assessment districts to help fund, making property owners that benefit pay for all or part of the cost of improvements. Michigan law does not allow that now.

Changing the law could help residents who still need broadband service and whose property values would benefit from it, Lasinski argues.

"Enabling townships to help connect residents to more affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet can allow entrepreneurs to develop their home-based businesses, students to complete their schoolwork at home, property values for homeowners to increase and seniors to comfortably age in place," she said. "I am hopeful this bill will be passed to promote the economic benefits of broadband and improve quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders."

State Rep. Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor, and several other reps are co-sponsoring the legislation. Read a copy of the bill here.
ANN ARBOR, MI - A proposal for a major redevelopment of a 6.4-acre vacant site in Ann Arbor is getting mixed reactions.

After several years of looking at an empty field surrounded by a chainlink fence, where a number of shops were demolished several years ago in anticipation of a big development that never happened, some residents say they're eager to see a new developer build new apartments, condos and retail space to breathe new life into the property at Broadway Street and Maiden Lane.

Ron Mucha of Morningside Lower Town LLC gives a presentation on his company's plans to develop property in Ann Arbor's Lower Town area at a public meeting attended by dozens of residents at the Holiday Inn on Plymouth Road on Feb. 8, 2017.

Others are complaining it's too tall at seven stories or it doesn't offer the collection of retail shops, restaurants and office space they were hoping to see. The plans at this time call for 5,000 square feet of retail space and hundreds of residential units in three buildings.

At a public meeting at the Holiday Inn on Plymouth Road on Wednesday night, Feb. 8, some residents described the project as "campus creep," arguing it will cater to University of Michigan medical students and others with ties to the university. Developer Ron Mucha of Morningside Lower Town LLC doesn't deny it will attract people with UM ties, but he said it's not a student housing project.

Virginia Falk, who works at the India Cafe in a small strip mall across the street at 1143 Broadway St., said she's worried the development will gentrify another part of Ann Arbor and force existing small businesses out.

"So much of Ann Arbor is gone and has been replaced by the gentrification of the downtown area, and now it's just creeping into the neighborhoods," she said, adding she likes the character of the Lower Town area right now and the collection of shops at the end of Broadway Street. "That's what we like in the Broadway neighborhood and I'm really just afraid that's going to disappear."

The five tenants in the strip mall across from the development site on the other side of Broadway include the Arbor Party Store, Broadway Cafe, Cottage Inn Pizza, the Yourist Pottery Studio and the India Cafe. And the Manna Oriental Market is in its own building right next door.

Mucha acknowledged his firm does have a ground lease for the strip mall across from its development site and there's a chance it, too, could be redeveloped.

He said he expects to see significant improvements to other properties in the area, including new retail development, if his firm's project happens.

"The redevelopment of this site will absolutely trigger reinvestment and redevelopment in the surrounding properties, and there are a number of them that are clearly in need of one or the other," he said. "And those people, rightly so, they're on the sideline. They're watching because they saw this whole fiasco in 2003 and that ridiculous plan, and it didn't happen, probably for the best.

"And so they want to see that this is real. They want to see, OK, does the approval really happen? Does the developer have the wherewithal to actually get the shovel in the ground and start construction -- do more than just have a groundbreaking this time? And so, as they start to see that happen, it's absolutely the case that you will see, again, significant reinvestment or redevelopment of properties."

Mucha said he couldn't say much about Morningside Lower Town LLC's ground lease for the strip mall across the street.

"The terms of the lease are confidential, but there are possibilities that down the road that site will see reinvestment or redevelopment," he said.

As for those who want to see the 6.4-acre development site include more shops, Mucha said, "You can't look to this site alone and say this is going to become the shopping center it once was."

Mucha said his team has carefully studied the market and 5,000 square feet of retail space is what the market can support.

He said there are big challenges with doing retail on the site and the fact that more and more people are buying stuff online these days doesn't help.

That said, Mucha said he and his company are not opposed to expanding the retail component if there's market demand.

He suggested they could take another look at having more of a retail component on the ground floor of the Phase 3 apartment building at the corner of Broadway and Maiden Lane after the first two buildings on the site -- an apartment building and a condo building -- are built. He said they'd like to get started on the project later this year or early next year, and it could be a six-year buildout.

Mucha confirmed Wednesday night his firm has acquired the 6.4-acre site and the state's retirement system no longer has any stake in the property. He said he can't talk about the acquisition because it's confidential.

City records show the property went through an ownership transfer on Dec. 12 from Lower Town Project LLC to Morningside Lower Town LLC, a company created for the new development. The listed sales price is $0.

The last company that tried to develop the property, Strathmore Development Co., brought in the state retirement system as an equity partner, with $20 million in state pension funds invested in the project that eventually stalled.

State officials have yet to respond to questions from The Ann Arbor News/MLive this week about the disposition of the property and whether the state lost money on it or came out ahead, so some details remain unclear.

As part of the previous development that stalled several years ago, a group that included the state plus the developer acquired a ground lease on the strip mall property, Mucha said. When things went south, he said, the state was left with the ground lease, and the state brought on McKinley as the property manager.

As of this past year, McKinley is no longer managing the property, Falk said Wednesday night, adding strip mall tenants are uncertain about their future there.

"We're just crushed in the middle between the people doing the business and we get really nothing out of it except they raised our rent," she said.

"McKinley did last year and it's still the same, and we're actually waiting to hear from the landlord what's going to happen."

Mucha, whose Chicago-based company also developed the Liberty Lofts condos near downtown Ann Arbor, told residents at Wednesday's meeting he has lived in Ann Arbor for years and has a personal interest in transforming the vacant Lower Town property. He said it's a disservice to the community to have such a large piece of land sit empty and blighted for so many years.

The property once was home to a Kroger grocery store, car wash, gas station, laundromat, dry cleaner, hair salon, offices and a cafe.

All of the buildings were demolished by 2009 in preparation for the previous Broadway Village development that stalled years ago.

Mucha gave special thanks Wednesday night to former City Council Member Sabra Briere, who recently moved to California but used to live just up the street on Broadway and gave input on the new development. Mucha said he met with many stakeholders and tried to come up with a plan that reflects community values, including environmental stewardship and affordability.

Some of the features that help achieve those include rooftop solar panels and some dedicated workforce housing and live/work units.

Mark Kurensky of HKM Architects and Planners Inc. explained some of the architectural features, noting the plan to wrap apartments around a central parking deck is what's known in the industry as a "Texas doughnut."

Mucha said there would be about 286 apartments in a Phase 1 building with the parking deck, about 70 condos in a Phase 2 building with its own parking and about 250 apartments in a Phase 3 building with some retail.

By making housing the focus instead of commercial, he said, it significantly reduces the amount of traffic coming in and out of the site.

Some residents still expressed concerns that rush-hour commuters will use the private streets in the development to cut through to Broadway and up to Plymouth Road and avoid the intersection of Maiden Lane and Plymouth.

Others warned the developer to expect lots of people trying to park around the site on weekends in the summer when kayakers and tubers overfill the Argo Park parking lot. They said it's already a problem.

Mucha said how to manage traffic and parking will have to be worked out with design treatments, signage and the like.

He noted about 621 parking spaces are required per city code, but he believes only about 577 are needed. He said his company might request a variance to avoid building parking that isn't needed.

He said he's expecting to have a site plan submitted by the end of the month and it could go to the Planning Commission for consideration in April or May, followed by final approval from the City Council. The company also is seeking brownfield tax incentives to help fund environmental cleanup and other project elements.
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(MLive file photo)

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI - Police are investigating a reported robbery involving the social media app MeetMe in Ypsilanti Township.

Police were called about 10:35 p.m. Feb. 8 to the area of Woodruff Lane and Appleridge Street for the incident, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office.

A man told police he met a girl on MeetMe and arranged to meet. However, he told police he was picked up by the woman and an unknown black male at his residence, police said.

He said he was struck in the back of the head by something in the rear of the SUV as they pulled into the area of Woodruff and Appleridge, according to police. He reported being further attacked by two unknown black males, who took his wallet and cellphone, when he exited the vehicle.

The incident remains under investigation.

Those with further information on the incident are asked to call the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office confidential tip line at 734-973-7711 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP.
LAW QUAD 2 OF 2 EG

The University of Michigan is hosting a community town hall seeking input regarding the search for a new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs on Monday, Feb. 13.

(The Ann Arbor News file photo)

ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan is hosting a community town hall seeking input regarding the search for a new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. The forum is set for Monday, Feb. 13.

The event, which takes place at 5:30 p.m. inside the Michigan League, is hosted by UM President Mark Schlissel and features members of the search committee to appoint a new provost.

Schlissel appointed the 11-member committee last month to find a replacement for Martha E. Pollack, who left the university on Jan. 31 to become president of Cornell University.

UM appointed professor Paul N. Courant as its interim provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Courant began in his interim role on Feb. 1.

Courant has served in a number of senior leadership positions over the years at UM, previously serving as provost from 2002 to 2005, dean of libraries, an associate provost, the Director of the Institute of Public Policy Studies (now the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy) and chair of the Department of Economics in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
ANN ARBOR, MI - University of Michigan students spoke out against recent racist and anti-Semitic emails sent this week by holding a sit-in inside the Michigan Union.

The Students4Justice group at UM posted a list of demands for marginalized students on campus, while crowding the hallways and rooms on the first floor of the Union after meeting around 4:15 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at the UM Diag.

Organizers from Students4Justice planned the emergency sit-in as a response to the incidents, and plan to stay inside the Union until it closes at 2 a.m. Around 200 students were participating in the sit-in as of 6 p.m.

Victoria Johnson, a UM junior and philosophy major, said the sit-in is intended to continue to put pressure on the university to take racist and anti-Semitic incidents more seriously.

"We feel like they haven't done enough," she said. "It's one thing to put up posters everywhere, but it's another to actually show support for the groups of students who have been attacked and don't feel safe on campus.

"We're tired of buzz words," she added. "We're hoping that the university will step up and take action."

Late Tuesday, Feb. 7, emails attacking black and Jewish students were sent to College of Engineering students by a person or persons who forged the email address of J. Alex Halderman, a professor of computer science and engineering. He said he did not send the emails.

According to The Michigan Daily, the first two emails read: "Hi n*****s, I just wanted to say that I plan to kill all of you. White power! The KKK has returned!!! Heil Trump!!!!"

The third reads: "Hi you f*****g filthy jews, I just wanted to say the SS will rise again and kill all of your filthy souls. Die in a pit of eternal fire! Sincerely, Dr. Alex Halderman," according to the Daily.

Johnson said she was "terrified" to walk home after hearing about the emails that were sent out earlier that evening.

"I know it was sent to engineering students, but it was a threat to all black and Jewish students here," she said. "I felt a threat against my life."

Halderman, who was among a group of computer scientists and election lawyers urging Hillary Clinton to call for a recount in three swing states won by President Donald Trump, said he believes he was targeted because of his work in efforts to recount the presidential election.

UM is working with the FBI to determine who sent racist emails to students from what looked like a university account.

UM police also are investigating destruction of property in the Shapiro Undergraduate Library after someone urinated on a rug used for prayer at the facility.

The university provided a comprehensive update of the steps it has taken to address both incidents.

UM student Tiana Brandon said she would like to see university administration start acting quicker when incidents involving racism occur.

"I don't feel like they are using their full power to hold these people accountable who are doing these crimes," she said. "So personally, I'm going to keep fighting until people are held accountable and some change comes.

"I went to the original protest outside of President Schlissel's house and he looked me in my face and told me there was nothing he could do," she added. "I don't know how to respond when the president of my university looks me in face and tells me that there's nothing he can do when my life is being threatened."

Schlissel was quick to condemn the emails in his remarks with students and on social media following the incident.

UM social work student Lawrielle West said she wasn't surprised by the content of the emails after being woken up by texts from friends informing her of what had occurred.

"I'm never surprised at all, because racism has existed since the Mayflower," she said. "This is nothing new to me.

"I know that (President Schlissel) can't stop everybody, but that shouldn't be your first response," she added. "I never feel like the response (from the university) is genuine or empathetic."
Copoco.jpg

Copoco Community Credit Union at 4265 E. Wilder Road in Bangor Township.

( )

Kenneth J. Plonski

BAY CITY, MI -- Claiming he was promised huge amounts of gold by a man from Ghana, a 63-year-old man wired more than $70,000 to Africa, scamming a Bay County credit union in the process, police allege.

On May 31, a Michigan State Police trooper met with staff at Copoco Community Credit Union, 4265 E. Wilder Road in Bangor Township, after they claimed member Kenneth J. Plonski had defrauded the institution. Plonski in October 2014 opened a mortgage on a Bay City residence and began making monthly payments. He also opened a Visa gift card with a line of credit secured from the mortgage for $20,000, court records show.

Beginning in April 2016, Plonski began making "very large credits/payments" on the line of credit through an online bill pay system, court records show.

"Almost the same day or within a day or two, very large cash advances were made on the line of credit," a trooper wrote in his report, contained in court files. "All of these payments were then reversed and not honored causing the bank to be out the money from the cash advances."

In all, Plonski owed an estimated $72,413.67 to Copoco, court records state.

Police determined that when Plonski signed the mortgage papers in 2014, he misrepresented himself as a single man, when he was in fact married to a doctor, court records show.

Police on July 21 interviewed Plonski with defense attorney Dwight Carpenter present. Plonski said he owns two rental properties -- one in Bay City and one in Clare -- and makes about $20,000 to $30,000 annually, from which he mostly breaks even.

Online scam

About three years prior, Plonski started playing a farm game on Facebook through which he befriended a man who claimed he lived in Ghana, a country in western Africa. The man told Plonski his father worked in African gold mines and that, because gold was so plentiful on the continent, it wasn't worth much and could be purchased for very little, then sent to the U.S. and sold for a sizable profit, court records show.

Plonski began wiring money to an African bank, he told police. His Facebook friend started asking for more and more cash, however, telling him more money was needed to insure the gold and to ship it to the U.S.

"Ken advised he never received anything for his payments except for promises," court records state. "Ken states that he allowed (the man) to 'take over' his computer and provided passwords and account numbers to him. He would utilize Ken's computer to make transactions and Ken, believing the transactions had been made, would be instructed to pick up the cash following the transactions. Ken advised he believed the transactions were legitimate because the banks allowed him to obtain the cash. Ken would then wire the cash back to (the man)."

Plonski on April 22 opened a savings account at Chemical Bank and on several occasions, deposited large sums of money and then wired them to the man, court records show. He last attempted to wire cash overseas on July 15, after he was told by police and his attorney that he was being scammed, court records show.

Plonski on Thursday, Feb. 9, appeared in Bay County District Court for arraignment on one count of false pretenses between $50,000 and $100,000. The charge is punishable by up to 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of $25,000 or three times the value of misappropriated money.

The arraigning judge set Plonski's bond at $5,000 cash-surety and scheduled his case for a preliminary examination for 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23.
FLINT, MI - A 74-year-old man will serve a year of probation in connection to a Flint-based food stamp fraud scheme that bilked taxpayers out of roughly $4.5 million.

Arthur Armstrong worked at Shorthorn Meats, which was at the center of a scam to take money from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Armstrong pleaded guilty in Flint U.S. District Court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to court documents, and was sentenced to one year of probation and must pay $100,941.59 in restitution.

A retiree of General Motors, Armstrong worked at Shorthorn Meats alongside Brian Waycaster.

A nearby car wash that Armstrong owned also was used in the scam.

He was sentenced on Wednesday, Feb. 8.

Waycaster pleaded guilty in June in Flint U.S. District Court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Waycaster has since died, according to federal court documents. No other information about his death was provided.

Federal prosecutors allege the scheme began in December 2011 and ran through September 2014, when federal investigators executed a warrant at the business.

Prosecutors claimed Waycaster and two other men, including a person who operated the store on the city's north side, and Armstrong conspired to charge customers a commission for converting their food stamp benefits into cash.

Armstrong and the store operator are also facing charges as part of a federal indictment unsealed in April. The store operator is not being named because he has not yet been arraigned on the charges.

The store operator has since fled the country, presumably to Israel, according to Armstrong's sentencing memorandum.

The USDA previously alleged in court records that Shorthorn redeemed an average of more than $54,000 per month in food benefits since 2005. The affidavit claims similar-sized grocery stores within a five-mile radius of Shorthorn redeemed less than $10,000 monthly on average over that same time frame.

The indictment alleged customers would enter the grocery store and request a "meat bundle" for Gator, which was alleged an alias for Armstrong. Waycaster and the store operator would then provide the suspects associated with the store their Bridge Cards, The Flint Journal previously reported.

Waycaster and the store operator allegedly debited a large amount of money from the card and provide the customers with a receipt, despite the claim that the recipients were actually purchasing no food at the time.

Federal authorities claim the customers would then take the receipt to Armstrong's nearby car wash where he would provide them with cash in the amount of roughly half of what was deducted from the card by the Shorthorn suspects.

Prosecutors allege the Shorthorn staff would occasionally also directly provide Bridge Card customers cash in exchange for their food stamp benefits. The payouts were typically 50 percent of what was deducted from their cards, according to the indictment.

Investigators claimed they were able to have multiple undercover officers and informants make such transactions at the store.

Agents from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Internal Revenue Service executed a search warrant Sept. 29, 2014, at the Flint store.

Authorities claim the scam, including more than $50,000 Waycaster took in unlawful Social Security benefits, cost taxpayers nearly $4.5 million.
mtmorris.jpg

(MLive.com File Photo)

MT. MORRIS, MI -- Classes have been cancelled Friday, Feb. 10 for Mt. Morris schools due to the flu.

A statement from Mt. Morris schools Thursday evening reads the district is closed "due to student and staff illness."

Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, February 10, due to student and staff illness. The... Posted by Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools on Thursday, February 9, 2017

It marks the second school district in Genesee County to cancel classes this week due to illness.

Faithway Christian School in Burton sent a letter home to parents Wednesday, Feb. 8 announcing the building would be closed the rest of the week after confirmed cases of scarlet fever.

Mt. Morris schools "will all be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected (Friday) and over the weekend so that can get a handle on all the flu viruses," according to the district.

Classes are expected to resume Monday, Feb. 13.
Water Relief

Local Flint clergy and residents stand behind a sign declaring Gov. Rick Snyder's Water Bill efforts during a press conference on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 at University of Michigan Flint-Riverfront Banquet Center in Flint. Snyder signed the $30-million budget supplemental to reimburse Flint water customers with credits on their water bills for water used for drinking cooking and bathing. Rachel Woolf | MLive.com

Flint, MI -- Mayor Karen Weaver is holding a press conference regarding the state's decision to pull water relief credits and to to stop footing the bill for Flint's connection to the Great Lakes Water Authority after it was discovered that residents had been exposed to toxic lead in their water.

According to a statement by Flint spokeswoman Kristin Moore, Weaver requested a meeting with Gov. Rick Snyder to discuss the state's decision to pull funding.

"I want the people of Flint to know we are still fighting for what is right," said Weaver in the Feb. 10 press release.

"I am disappointed by the announcement from the governor's office, especially after we were told the credits would last at least until March 31st. The lack of consideration there seems to be for the residents is also concerning because we know people need time to prepare for changes like the credits no longer being provided."

Weaver has set a briefing at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 13 in the Flint City Hall lobby.

On Feb. 9, the city issued a statement regarding a letter dated Feb. 7 sent to Flint's interim Finance Director David Sabuda from Richard Baird, a senior adviser to Gov. Rick Snyder. The statement said the state will no longer issue water relief credits to Flint water customers, but it will continue to provide the filters and filter replacement cartridges while the city replaces water lines throughout Flint.

Snyder's spokeswoman Anna Heaton said the discontinuation of credits and the state pulling back funding for Flint's connection to the GLWA for its water supply were decided after research from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality showed Flint's water was below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's federal action level for lead and copper.

In January, the DEQ reported that a 6-month cycle of water testing showed Flint was below the federal action level for the Lead and Copper Rule. The EPA allows 15 parts per billion. Flint's testing yielded results of 8 ppb.

"Due to these new levels being achieved, the payment of water credits on Flint's active water customer accounts which have covered water usage since April, 2014, will continue for water used through the end of February," read the letter. "Also, funding for the source water from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) which has been covered by the State since October, 2015 will continue through the end of February. No water credits should be applied to meter readings conducted after February 28th."

Beginning March 1, the state will stop picking up the tab for the city's drinking water and end water credits for customers.

Gov. Rick Snyder introduced the water relief act to help offset utility costs for Flint customers February 26, 2016. Since then, Flint launched a citywide water bill collection push to keep with the state's demands of having a 70 percent water bill collection rate to keep the credits.

Under the relief act, residential water customers received a 65 percent credit for the water portion of their utility bills and commercial customers received a 20 percent credit.

According to Moore, the state shelled out about $1.2 million per month for the city's connection to the GLWA and has spent an estimated $40.4 million in water relief credits for Flint water customers.
FLINT, MI -- The Salvation Army Genesee/Shiawassee Regional Command honored four individuals and 10 groups during its 2016 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, held Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Salvation Army Flint Citadel Corps in downtown Flint.

Recognized for their volunteer work were Dick Skaff, Christine Heidebreicht-Benson, Ed Leick, Cumulus Broadcasting, Daniel Martinez, Salvation Army ARC, Genesee County Association of Fire Chiefs, Flint Kiwanis, Michigan School for the Deaf, The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Emergency Disaster Team, North End Soup Kitchen, the City of Burton Fire Department, the Clio Walmart Supercenter, Fenton United Methodist Church, and the Clio Area Fire Department.

Dick Skaff received the Jack Hamady Humanitarian award for outstanding service to both The Salvation Army and the community and particularly youth. Among his contributions are encouraging volunteerism, investing in and supporting programs that motivate growth in our communities, enriching lives and literacy of area children.

Chris Benson is the recipient of the 2016 Hands of Mercy award for her unwavering civic responsibility, leadership, and commitment and to the welfare of others throughout Genesee County.

Flint Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center was honored with the The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Fredrick Booth-Tucker award for their leadership and devotion to the needs of Genesee County. When disasters strike they are ready and quick to respond manning the Salvation Army mobile canteen feeding unit to offer meals, snacks and drinks to first responders, rescue workers and survivors.

Genesee County Fire Departments received the 2016 Shield award. Firefighters and Law Enforcement "rang off" in a competitive "Good vs. Good" to see which arm of the civil service could bring in the most donations during the 2016 Red Kettle Campaign in support of the vital programs and services offered by The Salvation Army.

Flint Kiwanis received the 2016 Altruist award which is given to an area service club for playing a fundamental role as they use philanthropy as a tool to help improve the quality of life in Genesee County.

Daniel Martinez received the 2016 G.E.M. award - Going the Extra Mile - for their service and dedication to help others in the community through selfless service.

The North End Soup Kitchen and Walmart received the 2016 Unsung Hero awards for going above and beyond regular demands and responsibilities in an effort to significantly help make a positive impact.

The City of Burton Fire Department received the 2016 Doing The Most Good award as they collected over 3,000 toys. Their endeavor truly helped Genesee County families in need provide their children with a Christmas toy that they would not receive otherwise.

Michigan School for the Deaf received the 2016 Community Impact award presented to an organization or group that has made a significant and positive difference that is positively impacting their communities in ways that inspire integrity.

The 2016 Walmart Traveling Trophy was awarded to Clio Walmart Supercenter for their continual effort to ensure that every child in need in Genesee County has a gift to unwrap on Christmas morning.

The Bell Ringer award is awarded to the two top bell-ringing fundraising groups. The 2016 recipients were Fenton United Methodist Church and the City of Burton Fire Department.

The Power of One was presented to Ed Leick, Cumulus Broadcasting in recognition for their actions inspiring others to be the difference and to make a difference in the lives of others throughout Genesee County.

Mike and Stephanie, from Cumulus Broadcasting are this year's Red Kettle Ambassadors.

Mott Community College Public Safety Department received the Law Enforcement Traveling Trophy for ringing the bell and raising the most funds while helping to change lives one ring at a time.

Genesee County Fire Departments turned up the heat in a Red Kettle Competition to see which department could raise the most money. The 2016 Beecher Firefighters Traveling Trophy was awarded to the City of Burton Fire Department.

The Chief Halstead Memorial Firefighters Traveling Trophy is awarded to the department that exemplifies the late Fire Chief Doug Halstead's belief in honor, integrity and passion in doing the most good. We honor his memory by continuing this tradition with the hope to come close to Chief Halstead's many accomplishments. The City of Burton Fire Department was the recipient of the 2016 Chief Halstead Memorial Firefighters Traveling Trophy.

The Salvation Army is extremely grateful for the dedication and support of its volunteers. Volunteers stand for hours outside in the bitter cold to ring bells for the red kettle campaign to help raise money for those in need. "We could not do what we do without our volunteer force. They are truly the heartbeat of our mission," said Captain Caleb Senn, the Salvation Army Genesee/Shiawassee regional coordinator.

- Submitted by the Salvation Army
FLINT, MI -- The state will continue to provide water filters and replacement cartridges for Flint residents for three years while officials work to replace the city's lead-tainted pipes.

A letter dated Feb. 7 to Flint's interim Finance Director David Sabuda from Richard Baird, a senior adviser to Gov. Rick Snyder, says the state will no longer issue water relief credits to Flint water customers, but it will continue to provide the filters and filter replacement cartridges while the city replaces water lines throughout Flint -- a plan officials have said could take at least three years.

"Due to the ongoing lead service line replacement projects this year, filters and filter cartridges will remain available," read the letter. "Further, filters and cartridges will remain available for residents during the estimated three years it will take to remove the remaining lead and galvanized iron service lines."

The letter also said the state would continue to provide bottled water for the city. However, the state will end credits to city water customers and stop funding the city's $1.2 million per month water payments to the Great Lakes water Authority.

The cuts would begin at the end of February, according to the letter.

Snyder's spokeswoman Anna Heaton said the discontinuation of credits and the state pulling back funding for Flint's connection to the GLWA for its water supply were decided after research from the Department of Environmental Quality showed Flint's water was below the Environmental Protection Agency's federal action level for lead and copper.

"The water quality in Flint meets the requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule and Safe Drinking Water Act, which makes it comparable to the water quality in other municipalities around the state and the nation," said Heaton. "Because of this, the funding provided by state taxpayers will no longer be used to pay for source water or water bill credits in Flint."

In January, the DEQ reported that a 6-month cycle of water testing showed Flint was below the federal action for the Lead and Copper Rule. The EPA allows 15 ppb. Flint's testing yielded results of 8 ppb.

However, attorneys are continuing to challenge whether the city's water supply is in compliance with the federal Lead and Copper Rule.

A brief filed Jan. 26 in Detroit U.S. District Court by the Natural Resources Defense Council and American Civil Liberties Union calls into question whether the city's water supply is complying with federal corrosion control rules and the sampling procedures the state used to obtain its newest data.

The brief was filed as part of a lawsuit against the state and city, which seeks, in part, a bottled water delivery system.

A preliminary injunction was ordered Nov. 10, by U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson requiring the state and city to begin home water delivery unless proof was readily available of operating, properly installed water filters in homes following a lawsuit by the Concerned Pastors for Social Action, Flint resident Melissa Mays, ACLU of Michigan and several others.

Despite the state's claims the water is meeting safety guidelines, Flint residents are still being advised not to drink the city's water supply unless it has been properly filtered.

The state is promising to continue to provide various filter resources while the city works on replacing infrastructure at between 18,000 to 28,000 homes in Flint.

On Feb. 8, Snyder proposed $48 million in funding for the Flint water crisis to help with early childhood services and filter cartridges. The funding, for the 2018 fiscal year running from Oct. 1 through September 2018, will also help fund technical assistance for water system operation and nutritional services.

State Rep. Sheldon Neeley, D-Flint, said he was unaware of the state's decision to pull the water relief credits and discontinue funding Flint's connection to the GLWA. He said he will be seeking answers as to exactly why the funding for GLWA was pulled and why water customers will no longer receive credits.

"I'm unsure if this is a negotiation between the Governor's office and the Mayor's office," said Neeley. "Neither party has communicated with us ... However, I hope this does not leave the residents of Flint without options as they move forward to provide relief out of the water crisis. I still have a lot of questions about this process that I will be seeking answers for."

According to Flint spokeswoman Kristin Moore, the state shelled out about $1.2 million per month for the city's connection to the GLWA and has spent an estimated $40.4 million in water relief credits for Flint water customers. Under the water relief credits, residential account holders received a 65 percent credit on the water portion of their bills and commercial customers received a 20 percent credit.

The city launched an initiative in October to collect outstanding water bill payments to keep with the state's demand of having a 70 percent utility bill collection rate to keep the water relief credits.

Despite the drop in the city's lead and copper levels, U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Twp., says Flint still needs support from the state.

"This decision is disappointing, since it was the actions by state government that created this crisis. This crisis is not over," said Kildee. "The city still today must buy usable water from other communities instead of treating its own water at the city plant," said Dan Kildee. "This is because of decisions by unelected emergency managers that got the city into this emergency in the first place. Flint families still need the state to step up and do more until the city can treat its own water."

Flint Letter Ending Water Credits and Source Water Subsidies by Gary C Ridley on Scribd
170108_Intersections_04ERB

The intersection of 44th Street and Eastern Avenue SE in Grand Rapids, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2016.

(Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com)

KENTWOOD, MI - Drive 44th Street through the intersection of Eastern Avenue on the southern border of Grand Rapids during the winter and you can say you've survived the slickest intersection in Kent County.

The intersection had the third-highest number of crashes in ice and snow in Michigan in 2016 - and had the most crashes in all of Michigan in those conditions throughout the last five years.

The crossing on the busy east-west 44th Street corridor that links the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to U.S. 131 is one of the first priorities to be cleared in the wintertime, according to public works officials.

And during the year, 44th and Eastern isn't a high-crash intersection, said Kentwood Police Chief Tom Hillen.

"When the pavement is dry this isn't the highest (crash) intersection by far," Hillen said.

But what makes it so slippery in the wintertime?

It's hard to tell. There isn't one authority over what happens there: two different road crews are responsible for its conditions - and a different pairing of police agencies respond to crashes. And a third municipality is responsible for studying and managing the traffic signal.

Crashes at 44th and Eastern - though there are many in the winter - tend to be minor, moving it far down the priority list for engineers and authorities.

68 crashes in the past five years

In January 2015 a Grand Rapids police officer nearly fell when getting out of his car to investigate a crash, and in February 2013 a Grand Rapids police officer responding to a spin-out on 44th just east of Eastern nearly got into an accident himself.

"44th east of Eastern was extremely icy and slick due to the cold weather and snowy weather. The roadway was slick to the point that while I was approaching the intersection driving 5 to 10 mph, I almost slid into the intersection. I contacted dispatch to have the city's snow plow trucks salt this area," the officer wrote in his police report.

The intersection was even too slick for a tow truck in December 2013, as a right turn from 44th to Eastern sent the truck sliding into the median, breaking a sign.

In the past five years, the intersection has seen the most crashes in snow and ice than any other in Michigan. There were 68 crashes in those slick conditions from 2012 to 2016, according to Michigan State Police data.

According to data collected by the Michigan State Police, here are how many crashes occur in snow, ice and slushy conditions within a 200-foot radius of the intersection:

2016: 10

2015: 15

2014: 15

2013: 23

2012: 5

The intersection marks the border between three municipalities, with Grand Rapids to the northeast, Kentwood to the south and Wyoming to the northwest.

Boundaries

On Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, four crashes occurred in a four-hour span from 2:20 p.m. to 6:36 p.m. at the intersection - but they were split between two police agencies.

Drivers blamed slick roads for the crashes, on a day when four inches of snow blanketed the area and the high temperature was 12 degrees. The forecast for that Friday was so bad that most schools had called off class the night before.

Kentwood Police are responsible for nearly all of the intersection except for the northeast corner, which belongs to the Grand Rapids Police Department.

But the strict boundary lines for the police don't apply to snow plows.

Eastern north of 44th is in the city of Grand Rapids, but Grand Rapids plows don't push snow off of the pavement there. Grand Rapids has a "border agreement" for that area - which means Kentwood plows clear Eastern between 40th and 44th.

For Kentwood, 44th and Eastern is one of the first intersections to be plowed, said Jim Wolford, Kentwood's public works supervisor.

"They're the first priorities when it starts snowing before we move to the connectors and then the local streets," Wolford said.

The west side of the intersection is handled by Wyoming. Kentwood and Wyoming have an unspoken agreement.

"It's a mutual thing," Wolford said of how Kentwood plows work with Wyoming to clear 44th and Eastern. "They (Wyoming) know we go past there to make our turnaround to go back in the opposite direction. We work together as an unwritten rule - you take care of the neighboring community."

Wolford said Kentwood plows maintain the intersection just as they maintain 52nd and Eastern or Kalamazoo and 44th.

"We maintain Eastern from just north of 44th to 60th," Wolford said. "Because it's a border street we overlap on Eastern into a little of Wyoming and come back."

The western and southern legs of the intersection are cleared by the city of Wyoming.

"Wyoming plows Eastern south goes through the 44th intersection, turns around through the intersection and goes north again," said Wyoming Director of Public Works Bill Dooley.

Fender benders

Though 44th and Eastern rises to the top of the list for the number of wintery crashes in Kent County, it's not a deadly one.

No one was injured during crashes at the intersection on icy and snowy roads in 2015, 2014 or 2013, according to a review of incident reports. Reports from 2016 were not yet available.

Most of the crashes on icy or snow at the intersection involved a driver unable to stop in time for a light or for the car in front of them - resulting in drivers sliding through the intersection and into other cars, poles or the median.

"I would wonder if the yellow on the signal is long enough - sometimes there's a shorter yellow cycle," said Kentwood city engineer Tim Bradshaw.

The intersection sees high volumes of cars, as it helps link the airport to U.S. 31 and has the Steelcase headquarters in the northeast corner.

About 31,000 vehicles traveled on the four-lane, divided 44th Street east of Eastern daily in 2015, according to traffic counts from the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council. That's compared to 24,300 vehicles daily on 44th Street west of Eastern.

Eastern is less traveled, but not a quiet street. About 17,300 vehicles drive Eastern north of 44th, and 15,700 vehicles travel Eastern south of 44th.

The intersection is in Kentwood, but the city's 3.5 engineers don't manage the signals.

The city of Grand Rapids has been in charge of studying and maintaining traffic signals for the past several decades as the larger department helps out smaller communities around it, and bills them for services.

"When we get our crash data we try and take a look at outlying locations that have some increased crash histories and try to turn those into grant opportunities," Bradshaw said. "With the funding perspective, accidents have to occur for funding. There hasn't been any activity recently."

Many of the traffic reports from crashes in ice and snow sound like this incident from two years ago:

On the snowy morning of Jan. 26, 2014, a Kentwood man in a Dodge Dakota was driving south on Eastern with a green light about 9:35 a.m. His vehicle was hit by a Mercury Sable traveling west on 44th that tried to stop at the red light at Eastern but slid on the snowy road into the Dodge. No one was injured.

"In the overall scheme of things, these low-severity, rear-end type crashes are less concerning than head-on left turn crashes," said Chris Zull, the city of Grand Rapids' utility system manager.

Zull's department finds issues at intersections through public feedback or observations as technicians are out doing maintenance.

44th and Byron Center Road

Kentwood Police Chief Hillen said the number of crashes at the intersection doesn't tell a complete story of what the issue is at the intersection, as there could be any number of contributing factors.

If drivers are following each other too closely -- or are distracted by the cars alongside of them - drivers have a hard time stopping in time.

"Whenever it snows we typically have accidents," Hillen said.

But changes to another 44th Street intersection in Kentwood's neighbor to the west, Wyoming, may prove to be an interesting example.

44th and Byron Center Road was an area of great concern for Wyoming, as it was one of the highest-crash intersections for a period of time, said assistant director of public works Russ Henckel.

Byron Center Road is one of the major intersections on 44th as it spans Interstate 196 and U.S. 131 - and area that includes the Rivertown Mall and multiple strip malls.

"We had a focused effort on doing some improvements to improve progression through the intersection," Henckel said. "A lot of crashes were rear-ending with people not realizing it in time."

In the winter, however, the intersection particularly stood out - as officials noticed it iced up before other intersections, and car crashes stacked up there when there weren't issues elsewhere.

"Also by working with the police and being somewhat proactive - we'd salt that intersection right as it started and even before -- wouldn't wait until we're doing all the streets - we'd be doing that one first," said Russ Henckel assistant director of public works for Wyoming.

It was a part of a larger slate of changes Wyoming implemented in its strategy for the area.

Signal timing was updated at the intersection, and the timing of the left turn signal was also changed to allow left turns after the green light instead of before. Push-button activated pedestrian crossings were also added.

Police also increased their patrols so drivers were forced to pay attention.

"If you see a police officer, you're probably not as likely to be speeding and less likely to be texting," Henckel said.

In the short term, it appears to have paid off. There were no crashes reported during icy and snowy conditions in 2016 and 2015, down from 34 crashes in 2014 and 11 crashes in 2013.
HOLLAND, MI -- A customer at a Holland convenience store shot and wounded another man he tried to stop from assaulting the store clerk, the store owner says.

The shooting happened about 10:25 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 at Columbia Avenue One Stop, 405 Columbia Ave.

Store owner Jansen Le said a female clerk was on duty when a man described as the clerk's ex-boyfriend came inside and an altercation ensued.

The clerk, in a phone conversation with Le, told him the ex-boyfriend began beating her up. Soon after, another customer came into the store and witnessed the assault.

The customer tried to intervene, Le was told, and the other man then began to assault the customer. Le said the customer separated himself from the attacker and pulled out a gun.

Le said the customer warned the other person to stop.

"He didn't listen," Le said.

Holland Police early Friday said the 29-year-old attacker was shot twice by the 43-year-old customer. The customer had a legal handgun and also had a valid Concealed Pistol License, according to Holland Police. He cooperated with police in the follow-up investigation.

Police said the woman was 39 years old.

The attacker was first taken to Holland Hospital and later transferred to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in critical condition, police said.

When police arrived at the store, the injured man was on the store floor but conscious, Le said.

Le said he believes the shooting was self-defense.

"The customer tried to help (the clerk) but he got beat up, too," he said.

Le said he did not believe the clerk and customer were seriously hurt.
Fatal car-pedestrian.jpg

The scene of a fatal car-pedestrian crash on 44th Street just west of Kalamazoo Avenue on Thursday, Feb. 9

(John Tunison | MLive Media)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A person was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing 44th Street just west of Kalamazoo Avenue SE early Wednesday evening.

The person is a 64-year-old man.

Police said the driver of the vehicle was headed west and had just accelerated from the traffic light at Kalamazoo Avenue when a person ran across the road.

Police said the pedestrian was trying to cross 44th Street from south to north, about 50 yards west of the intersection.

A Grand Rapids police lieutenant said the initial indications are that the driver had no warning the pedestrian was crossing the road.

Grand Rapids police Sgt. Terry Dixon said the crash occurred in the area of the Tim Hortons store on 44th Street.
HOLLAND, MI -- Police are at the scene of a Holland convenience store on a report of a person injured in a shooting.

Holland police responded to Columbia Avenue One Stop, 405 Columbia Ave., about 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.

Initially, an officer went to the store for a "disorderly person" call, but police quickly determined the call was more serious.

An officer at the scene said one person had been shot.

There was no further information about the severity of the injury or the circumstances of the incident.

Police indicated one man was being detained and they had recovered a gun.
HARBOR SPRINGS, MI -- A retired Northern Michigan pastor was seriously injured Wednesday evening during an explosion at his home in Harbor Springs, fire officials said.

William Mindel was transferred to Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids on Thursday. He was listed in serious condition as of Friday morning.

Emergency crews responded around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8 to a report of a fire in a detached pole barn on West Conway Lane. The fire did not spread to the nearby house.

Fire Chief John Cupps said his crew arrived to find heavy smoke and a fire in the back of the building. An EMS crew attended to Mindel, who suffered second- and third-degree burns on about one-third of his body, authorities said.

Cupps said the founder and former pastor of Harbor Light Community Chapel was working on a propane heating unit in the barn when there was some type of malfunction, which sparked the small explosion.

Firefighters put out the flames, but were called back to the scene around 11 p.m. Wednesday after the fire rekindled.

Cupps called the pole barn, which housed Mindel's office space, a complete loss.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- As U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Cascade Township, walked out onto the school auditorium stage, hundreds of eyeballs were fixed on him.

"I think we're going to have to get a bigger auditorium next time," Amash said. "VanAndel Arena, maybe?"

Amash chose City High Middle School because the auditorium seats 595, more than double the capacity of the auditorium that packed in a standing-room-only crowd at his January town hall.

Yet, as empty seats rapidly disappeared, a few dozen were forced to stand against the back wall of the auditorium at Amash's Thursday, Feb. 9, town hall.

Outside, fists pounded relentlessly at the locked glass doors while faces contorted with frustrated expressions looked in at police officers and school officials, who stood with arms crossed. Many expressed confusion at why -- though they arrived 10 minutes early and had to park and walk from blocks away -- they were being denied entry to a public meeting.

For those who attended the town hall on Jan. 17 at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, there was a sense of deja vu. Scores were turned away at the door after that auditorium's 252-person capacity was met.

The congressman's staff expressed surprise as, again, the crowd exceeded the venue's capacity limits.

If the audience at January's town hall was argumentative, this month's was downright surly.

From the chorus of "boos" unfurled when Amash said he supports repealing the Affordable Care Act to the cheers when a resident asked the congressman to demand President Donald Trump's tax return, there was no question the Republican faced a group with opposing political viewpoints.

While many in the crowd came independently to express their viewpoints and ask questions on issues close to their heart, others were part of a more organized effort to oppose the new presidential administration.

Christine Lewis, director of Michigan People's Campaign in West Michigan, explained that bringing the fight to individual members of Congress at town halls like Thursday's is one strategy of the resistance movement formed in the wake of President Donald Trump's election.

"We're in a very different moment right now where people want to stand up and yell and we have to be in an auditorium space, because people are pissed," Lewis said. "The Resist Trump movement -- the whole strategy is that we are able to resist Trump's agenda by targeting our local Congress people to resist him."

Michele DeVoe Lussky, an organizer with West Michigan Indivisible, distributed packets of information and questions to those walking in Thursday. Lussky said she saw at least 40 people in the crowd associated with the group, which has helped organize events and demonstrations in the wake of Trump's election and inauguration.

"It took us two weeks to get 1,000 followers," she said. "Why? Because when you start taking away our basic civil rights. I have a child who has autism. How is he going to be protected? How, under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, are his equal rights going to be protected when we don't even have a Department of Education?

"We have all kinds of people now who have come out of the woodwork because they realize that our basic human rights are under peril."

By helping people voice strong, consistent opposition to Amash's support of policy initiatives like dismantling the Department of Education and repealing the Affordable Care Act, groups like Lewis' and Lussky's are hopeful their local, grassroots effort can disrupt those initiatives at a national level.

That anger and frustration fueling that effort was palpable inside the school auditorium Thursday.

Amash's responses to questions were often met by attempts from the audience to shout him down.

When an education professional stood up to say she and many of her colleagues are unhappy with Betsy DeVos' confirmation as secretary of education, Amash's support of the new cabinet member was less than popular.

"She has been active on education issues for a long time," Amash said. "It's good to have diversity of thought, and I think she'll do a good job reaching out to people on both sides."

"Ridiculous," a voice yelled from the back.

Much like he did during January's town hall, Amash began Thursday's by talking about the danger of approaching important issues with an inflexible partisan ideology.

"When people get really partisan, we tend to lose sight of the facts," he said.

Amash said a lot is going wrong in the nation's capital right now, to which he received thunderous applause. But when he went on to say a lot went wrong when a Democrat was in the White House, the "boos" drowned out a few stray cheers.

"There we go with the partisanship," Amash said. "That's an example of my point."

Though a few chuckled when he pointed out the division on display, issue after issue illustrated the clear divide between the conservative congressman and mostly-liberal audience.

When Amash stood behind his argument for dissolving the Department of Education, several voices shouted in opposition.

Others were more civil in their approach.

Paul Bonis, a former area hospital president, chatted politely with Amash at the meeting's conclusion, discussing a potential one-on-one meeting.

Bonis stood up during the forum to say, based on his background as a healthcare professional, that he knew firsthand the benefit the Affordable Care Act had for many seeking care from his former employer. He pleaded with Amash to, regardless of the fate of the federal healthcare law, fight to ensure that at least the preexisting condition provision is sustained.

"It scares me to death about what's going to happen to all of those children and all of those elderly," Bonis said. "Whatever new Trumpcare or new healthcare law is passed, I believe, needs to contain those two sentences to protect people's rights to be able to not be discriminated against in obtaining health insurance because they have a preexisting condition."

First elected to Congress in 2010, Amash won reelection to a fourth term in November 2016.

He represents Michigan's 3rd congressional district, which stretches from Albion in the south to Sand Lake in the north and includes all or portions of Barry, Calhoun, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm counties.

Despite the obvious disagreements, many standing up to ask questions on Thursday thanked the congressman for holding the public town hall meetings and for listening to their questions and concerns.

For his part, Amash expressed devotion to the idea despite the fact that few venues seem big enough to accommodate the crowds drawn to his events this year.

"I think it is critical that members of Congress hold in-person town halls like this," he said, perhaps in a veiled reference to criticism another West Michigan congressman has received after issues stemming from a recent "telephone town hall."

"There aren't enough of people on either side of the aisle who do it," Amash said. "That's a shame."

About a half hour past the scheduled ending time, he closed the meeting by returning the thanks received from many in the audience.

"Thank you for making this a part of your day and encouraging others to attend as well," he said. "We need this in our community. Thanks."
GRANDVIILE, MI -- Rachel Caliendo credits an episode of Shark Tank for her business.

The ABC show is how she spotted an opportunity in Tom+Chee, a restaurant offering quirky takes on comfort foods like tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Even before co-founders Trew Quackenbush and Corey Ward struck a deal with Barbara Corcoran, one of the show's Shark investor, Caliendo shot off an email to the duo in May 2013.

She remembers her husband Chris Balagot's reaction when she showed him the episode. He had just returned from a business trip to Cincinnati.

"He said 'I saw that place and there was a line out of the door,'" Caliendo said. "He said, 'who waits in line for grilled cheese?'"

Two years later, the couple opened their Tom+Chee franchise, a 50-seat, 2,200-square-foot restaurant, at 3060 44th St SW, in Grandville. Now, they are scouting for a second location in Grand Rapids.

They appear in the latest episode of Shark Tank, when the show gave an update on the growing chain that got its start as a food tent in downtown Cincinnati. There's now 99 stores under contract in 20 states, including Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, Texas and Tennessee.



"We're so proud to be a part of this growing company, and really enjoyed being able to meet Barbara and hear her advice for small business owners like ourselves," Caliendo said.

Viewers can spot Caliendo and Balagot in the crowd shot. They are on the far right, holding their two little kids, she said.

The Ohio-based chain features a menu of more than 20 sandwiches, plus salads, soups, as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. But it may be best known for its Grilled Cheese Doughnut, named one of the "Best Sandwiches in America" by The Today Show.
dillon, weiser

Current Michigan Democratic Party Chair Brandon Dillon, Republican Party Chair candidate Ron Weiser

(MLive file photos)

Both Michigan's Democratic and Republican party members are gathering at conventions this weekend to elect leadership positions and set the party pace for the coming year.

Members of the Michigan Republican Party are headed to Lansing Friday night and Saturday morning, where Ron Weiser is expected to assume the position of state party chair now that Ronna Romney McDaniel has been named chair of the Republican National Committee.

Initially, President Donald Trump's state campaign director Scott Hagerstrom was also in the race, but dropped out and supported Weiser in January.

Michigan Democrats are meeting at the Cobo Center Saturday, Feb. 11, for their own state convention, where current state party chair Brandon Dillon is currently the only candidate running for the leadership post.

The Democratic convention comes a week after the Democratic National Committee held a forum in Detroit, where candidates running for national leadership posts gathered to make their pitch before party members vote at the national meeting in Atlanta later this month.

Michigan Democratic Party Spring State Convention

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11

Where: Cobo Center, 1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit

More information here.

Michigan Republican Party 2017 State Convention

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 and 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11

Where: Lansing Center, 333 East Michigan Ave., Lansing

More information here.
Money

Student loan borrowers who are behind on their payments could get help from a new program through the Michigan Department of Treasury. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

LANSING, MI -- Michiganders who have defaulted on their student loans are eligible for a free one-on-one counseling as part of a state pilot program.

The Michigan Department of Treasury is running the program in conjunction with Inceptia, a division of the National Student Loan Program, according to a press release issued earlier this month.

The program is available to Michigan residents who have federal student loans from a public or private nonprofit Michigan college or university and are currently delinquent on their student loans. Participants must agree to provide their credit score twice during the pilot period, which runs until Jan. 1, 2018.

"Helping borrowers address their student loan delinquency is a priority for the well-being of our state," said Anne Wohlfert, administrator of Treasury's Student Financial Services Bureau, in a press release.

"This program provides the assistance and guidance needed so Michiganders can follow a path toward financial success. When we proactively problem-solve student loan delinquency, our communities become stronger and more resilient."

The program's one-on-one counseling helps borrowers develop a repayment plan that will return them to good standing. It also helps participants with household budgeting and better understanding their credit scores.

Sign up or learn more

.
JACKSON, MI - A Jackson County judge doesn't have much faith a man accused of armed robbery will avoid going to prison given the evidence and witness testimony being used against him.

"Unless (your attorney) can pull a rabbit out of his hat, I think you're dead in the water," said District Court Judge Michael Klaeren. "I have a difficult time trying to image how you will avoid conviction."

Damonjaae Boyd, 19, was bound over on all counts after a continuation of his preliminary examination Friday, Feb. 10.

Boyd is charged with one count each of assault with intent to murder, armed robbery, carrying a concealed weapon, felony firearms and obstructing or assaulting a police officer.

The preliminary exam was delayed so the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office would have time to clarify the reasoning behind the assault with intent to murder charge.

Boyd was arrested after a brief foot chase with police at about 12:03 a.m., Jan. 1, beginning in the Frank's Finer Food parking lot at 418 First St. and ending a short distance away.

Witnesses testified at the beginning of his preliminary examination on Jan. 24 that Boyd approached a man inside the store and said he owed him $20, showing him a handgun he was carrying in the process.

The robbery eventually found its way outside the store where Boyd allegedly again demanded money from the victim.

Outside the victim's car, a fight broke out with at least two shots being fired from the weapon during the scuffle.

Reviewing Boyd's case, Klaeren noted the victim was not touching the gun when the first shot went off and only had his hand on the barrel of the gun when the second shot went off.

Klaeren said an argument could be made that it was not Boyd's intent to murder during the robbery, but there is enough circumstantial evidence to send the case to a jury to decide.

Boyd, who was being held without bond since Jan. 1, was issued a bond of $100,000.

His case has been assigned to Circuit Court Judge Susan Beebe.
JACKSON, MI - A Jackson College administrator is out of the running for the presidency of Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor.

Rebekah Woods was not selected to move on in the interview process following a meeting of the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees on Jan. 24, according to a report on the college's presidential search web page.

Woods is the Jackson College provost. She has been at the college for seven years.

The two finalists still in the running for the LMC presidency are Trevor A. Kubatzke and Jon Mandrell.

Kubatzke is vice president of student services at Milwaukee Area Technical College, while Mandrell is vice president of academics and student services at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Ill.

A fourth finalist, Orinthia Montague, vice president for student affairs and chief diversity officer at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minn., withdrew her application, the report said.

Woods, Kubatzke and Mandrell made campus visits to Lake Michigan College on Jan. 17 to meet with students and employees and participate in public interviews led by the board.

A new president is expected to be chosen by the end of February, according to the report. The new president succeeds Robert Harrison, president emeritus and acting chief executive officer.

Harrison, who had retired after 16 years at LMC, returned to the college in May after its board fired newly-hired President Jennifer Spielvogel over alleged unauthorized and improper spending, according to news reports.

More about the search can be found at: lakemichigancollege.edu/president.
Trump in Flint 040

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves to supporters and protestors as he rides in a caravan to tour the Flint Water Plant on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 on Stewart Avenue in Flint. Jake May | MLive.com

(Jake May | MLive.com)

JACKSON, MI - A question flooding work break rooms across the country is the topic for the 26th annual Teressa Delph Essay and Oratorical Contest.

"If you were the President of the United States, what would you do?" the question asks.

The contest is organized by the city of Jackson's Human Relations Commission. The deadline to register is by the end of the day Friday, Feb. 10. Students can contact their school counselor or call 517-788-4167 to sign up.

The contest takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at Frost Elementary School, 1226 S. Wisner St. Students in second through 12th grades are eligible. They will answer the question with an essay and short speech.

Delph, former Jackson Public Schools teacher and HRC member, started the contest to develop reading, writing and public speaking skills for children, according to a press release from the city.

She died at age 83, in July 2014. Delph served on the HRC for 41 years.

The students are divided into four categories, with a $75 gift certificate going to the winner in each category. Second place receives $50, while third wins $25.

The youngest group is made up of second- through fourth-graders, followed by fifth and sixth grade, then seventh through ninth grade and 10th through 12th grade.
business At Infosys, issue is difference in perceptions: Mazumdar Shaw This time it is Infosys that is caught up in the net of the 'bitter boardroom battle' as the rift between the founders and the board is out in the open. But, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Independent Director at Infosys says, athese are not governance issues, these are differences in values and perceptions.a
business Exclusive Interview: Narayana Murthy questions ex-CFO Bansal's severance payout Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy has spoken out on 'differences' with the board. In an interview to Network18, he questioned the 30-month severance pay given to former CFO Rajiv Bansal. Hope Bansal was not paid because he had any "damaging information", he added.
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18 00: Big Revelation:If I had not received 1,800 emails over governance issues, I wouldn't have been worried, Murthy said.



17 50: There a lot of questions that need to be asked over severance payout, Murthy said. Infosys need to strengthen its remunerations committee, he said. "What will the world think if we pay such huge sums?" he asked.



17:15 Many executives who left Infosys had insider information, why did the board pay only Bansal, he asked. There is a bit of consternation over the 30-month severance pay given to Bansal, he said, adding that such a severance pay is not a normal practice.

17:10 Murthy cleared the air on Vishal Sikka saying that he is "quite happy" with Infosys CEO. He, however, added that the board's "governance could have been better".

17:05 Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy has spoken out on 'differences' with the board. In an interview to Network18, he questioned the 30-month severance pay amounting to Rs 23 crore to former CFO Rajiv Bansal. Hope Bansal was not paid because he had any "damaging information", he added.

1655 Earlier in the day, Infosys said that the company's board appreciates and respects inputs from the founders and is "committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to act independently and in the overall interest of the shareholders".

16:40Stay tuned for BIG NEWS at 5 pm  Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy will speak to Network18.



16:15 Former Chief Financial Officer TV Mohandas Pai is now suggesting that a television debate might be the best way to resolve differences.

"The best thing would be for [founder] Narayana Murthy and [Chairman R] Seshasayee to be on TV and let Murthy ask Seshasayee the questions because he is the chairman of the board and he is accountable to everybody, Pai tells The Economic Times.



16:00 Weve got another comment piece for you, where Moneycontrols Shishir Asthana asks whether the founders have a right to protest given that theyve sold their Infosys shares.



15:45The rumblings at the top have not really had a bearing on Infosys' performance in the stock market. It fared well today, going up nearly 20 points to end the week up 3.46 percent at 967.70 on the BSE. You can track the stock's trajectory here.



15:30 We started a poll earlier in the day asking you if the Infosys founders are hurting the company by letting their revelations go public. The results: Yes-74%, No-26%



You can still tell us what you think about the Infosys row here.



15:10 Here's some good news for Vishal Sikka. OppenheimerFunds  the third largest institutional investor in Infosys with a 2.7 percent stake  has given its backing to the CEO. Let Vishal do what he was hired to do, without distractions, reads the missive. Read the full story here.



14:50 Shriram Subramanian, a former Infosys executive and founder of InGovern Research, doesnt think there is any imminent threat to Vishal Sikkas position at CEO. However, he tells Business Standard that the companys board may need to be reconstituted. "It's not a Tata-Cyrus situation yet," he says.



14:20TV Mohandas Pai, Infosys former CFO, says founder NR Narayana Murthy failed to groom leaders during his tenure as CEO. Here are Pai's top three reasons for the slide at the company.

1. Lack of adequate leadership as many people left because of Murthy's focus on only founders becoming leaders

2. Not changing the business model to face automation and change in the marketplace



3. Capital allocation and lack of capital efficiency



14:00 Chairman R Seshasayee has thrown his weight behind Sikka. Here's what he has to say on recent events:



"The board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Dr Vishal Sikka and is very appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation. Vishal and the board, while being pleased with the company's resumption of industry-leading performance on many parameters, are keen to further accelerate the progress and achieve even more shareholder value increase, on the foundation of sound governance."



13:45 As the Infosys rift continues to play out, RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka gets poetic on Twitter and also gives us a new hashtag:



Tata episode not be repeated

And shareholders feel cheated

Infosys can have only one boss

So hope Sikka not sent for a toss.#InfosysDivide

 Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) February 10, 2017





13:40One of the founders' major concerns was the high compensation for CEO Vishal Sikka. Here's how his pay stacks up against his peers:









13:25 Even as Sikka plays down the rift, former CFO Mohandas Pai, who was with the company for 17 years, gets sentimental.



"I am very saddened," he tells Press Trust of India. "All of us spent a major part of our lives building up this great company, and I am very saddened by what has happened."



13:20 Are Infosys' founders hurting the company by letting their revelations go public? Have your say on our forum page.



13:10 Much ado about nothing appears to be CEO Sikkas reading of the situation. Heres what he said in an e-mail to his employees:

"Let us not get distracted by media speculation or speculate on the unknowns, around visas, or anything that questions our commitment to governance, integrity and values...''



And here's how he headlined his impact on the company:



"Our revenue growth which underperformed the industry growth by 50 percent approximately 2 years ago, is now in line with overall industry growth.''



12:55 In case you missed it, do read our comment piece on why it would be better for the founders to leave Vishal Sikka alone if the company wants sales of USD 20 billion.



12:50 Meanwhile, former CFO Balakrishnan says the Infosys board has been a big let down in engaging with shareholders.



12:45 More from Kiran Mazumdar Shaw: She says that the promoters want Vishal Sikka to go ahead and ensure he delivers on his very lofty goals.



Shaw adds that she doesn't think Sikka has a very aggressive strategy and that it's essential to support him and the management.



12:40 Some more clarity coming in from Biocon MD Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, who is an Independent Director at Infosys. She tells CNBC-TV18 that the issues arent about governance but more about differences in values and perceptions. Read the full story here.



12:35 Going back to Balakrishnans comments. He said that the issues are specific to compensation and remuneration of certain employees and said there have been many missing disclosures, which is against the governance principles Infosys has so far been hailed for.



He stressed that no issues have been raised over the use of cash on books.



12:30 Sources are telling CNBC-TV18 that the management is keen to sort out the differences with the founders and is open to all suggestions. It maintains, however, that there has been no violation of corporate governance.



12:25 Infosys has hired law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas to mediate between the founders and the management. But former CFO V Balakrishnan told CNBC-TV18 that this is a bad idea, saying it signals a breakdown of communication and highlights a trust deficit.



12:20 Just to recap, the founders led by NR Narayana Murthy had written a letter to the Infosys board in January raising concerns over corporate governance practices and disclosure norms at the software exporter and suggested bringing value-based individuals into the firm.

They also questioned the compensation given to Chief Executive Officer Vishal Sikka and hefty severance packages handed to former Chief Financial Officer Rajiv Bansal and General Counsel David Kennedy.

In response, Infosys denied any lapses on its part and defended Sikka and Board Chairman R Seshasayee.



12:15 We're tracking the controversy surrounding issues of governance at Infosys, which is continuing to escalate on Friday, with Chairman Emeritus NR Narayana Murthy and former Chief Financial Officer TV Mohandas Pai publicly speaking out against the management, even as the company issued a statement denying any lapses.
business Good time for Spencer's IPO as it turns profitable:Sanjiv Goenka The market is expecting CESC to go through a restructuring process but the companys Chairman Sanjiv Goenka said the board did not discuss this aspect in the meeting today. He said consultants are reviewing the restructuring exercise and will present to board soon. They are also evaluating various options of restructuring, he added.
Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity
With a busy teacher recruiting season on the horizon, Morgan Hill Unified School District staff noted that nearly half the local workforce of educators was discovered at the many recruitment events throughout the stateand even one outside the country.

Placing even more importance on these recruitment fairs is the statewide teacher shortage that has school districts competing against one another for a limited number of candidates with a slew of openings to fill every year.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the number of college students enrolling in teacher credentialing programs has declined sharply from just over 700,000 in 2010 to less than 500,000 in 2014. Over the last 10 years, the number has decreased 75 percent, district staff reported.

We are all concerned about the teacher shortage and the effect it has on student learning locally, said MHUSD Human Resources Director Fawn Myers at the Feb. 7 board of education meeting as she laid out the districts plan for the upcoming recruitment season. I really feel like weve improved our marketing game. It really is a little bit about marketing when youre out there.

District staff is scheduled to participate in seven recruitment job fairs beginning Feb. 22 at California State University at Monterey Bay and March 9 at the Fresno State School of Education. They also have stops at National University in San Jose March 20, Santa Clara University March 21-22 and Sonoma State University April 7. But the largest recruitment event is held March 25 with the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

Last year, the district was able to find one teacher from outside the country as part of the California/Mexico Visiting Teachers Program, which MHUSD will again take part in March 15-17. That program is run through the California Department of Education and Secretaria de Educacion Publica.

In addition, district staff maintains close relationships with 15 universities by accepting student teachers and interns and by sending information about recruitment and open positions, according to the Feb. 7 agenda rationale.

Before the start of the 2016-17 school year, MHUSD was able to hire about 50 new teachers. In order to fill some vacancies left unfilled by certificated teachers, the district took other measures such as hiring more than a dozen instructors on Provisional Internship Permits. These instructors have not earned their teaching credential, but have experience in the classroom and are in the process of doing so, according to district staff.

As recent as the Feb. 7 meeting, the board approved a certificated waiver that allowed the district to fill an unexpected middle school science vacancy.

Despite the shortage, our goal continues to be the recruitment of top talent, the agenda reads. Principals will assist with these efforts to bring the best possible talent to join the MHUSD team for the 2017-18 school year.
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With a series of historic storms having pounded the region since 2017 started, Santa Clara Valley Water District officials are bummed that their overall storage capacity is limited by various safety and environmental restrictionsallowing untold amounts of potential drinking water to wash into the bay shortly after it falls from the sky.

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On a more ominous note, SCVWD Board of Directors Chair John Varela said in a public letter Feb. 9 that Anderson Reservoir is on the verge of reaching its full capacity due to recent and coming stormsa condition that could pose severe flooding danger to the valley if a major earthquake hits near the compromised dam.

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SCVWD and state officials have cautioned that if a 7.25 magnitude earthquake hits within two kilometers of Anderson Dam when the reservoir is full, it could cause the dam to at least partially collapse. In such an event, the pressure of the water behind the failed dam could release a wall of water up to 35 feet high into the valley, potentially flooding Morgan Hill, Gilroy and San Martin within a couple hours.

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What would happen if a massive quake did occur? Varelas letter states. Theres a chance that the dam could be damaged, but the chance of immediate dam failure is exceedingly remote. It is possible that we would have several days or weeks to reduce the water level with emergency pumps before any further damage could compromise the integrity of the dam.

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Because of these seismic safety issues with the dam that towers above northeast Morgan Hill, Anderson Reservoirunder drier conditionscannot be full above 68 percent of its capacity until SCVWD completes a scheduled $400 million retrofit of the dam. The reservoir was 87 percent full Feb. 9, but the state Division of the Safety of Damsthe agency that placed the restriction in 2009understands that there are times when its just not possible to keep the reservoir down to that limit, SCVWD spokesman Marty Grimes said.

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A giant outlet pipe at the bottom of Anderson Dam, which flows directly into Coyote Creek, has been open 100 percent since Jan. 9, Grimes said. The rainone storm after anotherhas outpaced the rate it can be released from the outlet.

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That outletwhich shakes the ground above it when fully openreleases water at a maximum rate of 416 cubic feet per second (cfs), Grimes said. By contrast, on Feb. 7, for about an houralso during a period of heavy rainfallnearly 9,000 cfs was flowing into Coyote Reservoir due the rainfall.

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The SCVWD plans to keep the outlet pipe flowing at full blast until Anderson drops to the permitted level, Grimes added.

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Construction on the Anderson Dam retrofit project is expected to start in 2020 and take up to four years to complete.

Storage concerns

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Flushing all that water into Coyote Creek from the bottom of the reservoir is also an example of the loss of potentially valuable drinking water that cannot be stored for future use. Varelas letter states that by the end of the current rainy season, the water district will have released up to 30,000 acre feet of water into the baythats enough water to supply 60,000 households for an entire year.

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Our project team and expert consultants are working diligently to complete the design of this major (Anderson Dam) project so that the reservoir can be fully utilized as soon as possible, Varelas letter states.

<

Ongoing projects at two of the districts other 10 reservoirsCalero and Guadalupealso limit the overall storage capacity, Grimes said.

<

He added that after four years of a statewide drought, it has been hard during this years storms to watch rainwater rush over the spillway at reservoirs like Uvas and Chesbro, and continue downstream toward the Pajaro River, which flows into Monterey Bay.

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We are very much looking forward to the day we can fill all those reservoirs again, Grimes said.

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Until then, SCVWDwhich is the wholesale drinking water provider for 1.8 million residents in Santa Clara Countyhas limited options to improve its overall storage capacity. Because of environmental restrictions, its almost impossible to build new reservoirs nowadays, Grimes said.

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Whats more possible is raising existing dams, but such efforts take years of planning, Grimes said. Were looking at some potential project partners to increase storage in other (reservoirs) outside SCVWD.

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One of these is the Los Vaqueros Reservoir in Contra Costa County. Officials there are planning to raise that dam in order to increase the reservoirs storage capacity. That may be a benefit to Santa Clara County residents if we can use that space, Grimes said.

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On the bright side, this years storms have contributed to a sunny outlook for the SCVWDs groundwater storage for at least the next year, Grimes noted. So far this winter, Morgan Hill has received more than 30 inches of rain at the water districts Edmundson Avenue rain gauge. The latest big storm Feb. 9 was projected to drop at least another inch on South County.

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Residents and businesses in South County do not rely on water stored in Anderson and other reservoirs. Instead, South County customers depend on wells and groundwater, which is supplied from various sources outside the county.

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Water stored in the reservoirs mostly serves North County customers.

Dam history

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Varelas letter attempted to quell any fears of a potential failure of Anderson Dam. He noted that the likelihood of a 7.25-magnitude earthquake in the next few weekswhile the reservoir is full or nearly fullis very remote. Such a temblor would be larger than the 1989 Loma Prieta quake.

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Furthermore, he noted that Anderson Dam, which was built in 1950, has performed well in numerous earthquakes, including the 1989 shaker.

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Anderson Reservoir has reached its capacity 10 separate times since the dam was built, most recently in 2006, Varela added.
BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA: Deaf evangelist Kevin Clark and his team recently spread the gospel and love of Christ without speaking a word.

Clark and four other volunteers, all deaf except for one, traveled to Barranquilla in Colombia, South America, for a week starting Jan. 16 to facilitate an annual Bible camp from for deaf individuals grown out of a faithful ministry going back decades.

Team member Sally Dixon, the only hearing volunteer who went on the mission trip, explained that Baptist missionaries Cliff and Brenda Tolosa were granted leave by the Southern Baptist Conventions International Missions Board in 2005 to travel to Colombia to minister to the deaf population there. The couple were not deaf themselves, but had been ministering to deaf individuals in North Carolina for 20 years before that, and felt like they were being called out into the world to share their ministry.

The couple faced challenges right away, since they had to learn Spanish as well as Colombian sign language. Dixon explained that sign language lexicons are different in every country.

God blessed the work down there among the deaf people, Dixon said. Over two to three years, about 200 deaf people accepted Christ. The couple trained several of these people, and they became spiritual leaders among the deaf in Colombia.

Dixon said understanding and support for the deaf community is significantly lacking in Colombia. She said the unemployment rate for deaf individuals throughout the country is about 95 percent. Deaf individuals there suffer greatly from things like alcoholism and depression. They are not encouraged to marry, and sometimes are not even allowed to raise their own children.

Theres not a lot of deaf pride in Colombia, because nobody really views them with a great deal of respect, Dixon said. Theres not a big push, like we see here in America, with wanting rights and privileges afforded to the deaf, or to give them assistance, and thats heartbreaking for us. The needs are really great.

While the couple was on furlough for six months back in the U.S., they visited Dixons congregation at Catawba Valley Baptist Church in Morganton and shared information about the spiritual and physical needs of the deaf community in Colombia, along with two people in the deaf congregation of the church from Colombia who spoke from a firsthand perspective.

We just fell in love with the deaf there without even meeting them, Dixon said.

When the Tolosas returned to Colombia, they decided to offer a week-long Bible camp to deaf individuals in the area. In 2012, they sent out invitations to people in deaf ministry throughout the U.S. to help with the camp. Dixon, recently retired as a teacher from the North Carolina School for the Deaf, traveled with five other volunteers, all from North Carolina, to minister to more than 80 deaf Colombian individuals who attended the camp.

It was unbelievable, Dixon said. We led Bible studies and trained them in using drama to explain Bible stories. Theyve now become quite proficient in using drama to do their Bible studies and worship services.

The Tolosas decided to support and empower the deaf Colombian spiritual leaders the following year by asking them to help plan the next camp.

Since that time, the deaf have taken on more and more of the responsibility of planning these camps, Dixon said.

She said the Colombian leaders have made great strides in leading deaf Bible studies and worship services in various homes throughout the year due to the couples training and encouragement.

In 2015, the Tolosas retired from mission work and came home to the U.S. Since then, the Special Ministries Department of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina has cleared Clark, an ordained deaf minister, to lead U.S. team members in helping the deaf leaders in Colombia continue the tradition of the camp each year. Dixon said Clark has ministered to deaf populations around the world since beginning his career.

This year, four volunteers from North Carolina and one from Georgia made the trip. Dixon said the camp has expanded to include craft activities and counseling. They also support the camp and the campers financially. They paid for a campers trip to and from Venezuela and made a donation to an afterschool program for deaf children the Colombian leaders started.

Fifty-five deaf Colombians attended the camp this year, about a dozen of them for the first time. They met in a hearing church that allowed the deaf camp to use its facility.

Theyre a giving people, Dixon said of the deaf population in Colombia. They dont have a lot to give, but they love to give and make you feel welcome. I love getting to know the deaf Columbians and hearing them speak about how God has changed their lives and is showing them things. Thats hope in an area where theres not a great deal of hope. Its always difficult to leave them.

Dixon asked people to pray for the deaf ministry in Colombia, specifically for the calling of a full-time deaf minister there and for plans for next years camp. Those wishing to financially support the deaf mission to Colombia may send checks to Dixons current church, Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, and specify Colombian deaf ministry in the memo line. The churchs address is 1698 Conley Road, Morganton, NC, 28655.

Tammie Gercken can be reached at tgercken@morganton.com.
Active managers have, on the whole, struggled to outperform their benchmarks over the past seven years, marking a trend that has supported the growth of passive funds.

Commentators attribute this underperformance to rising correlations between markets, which has caused asset classes to rise and fall together at certain points. In addition, there have been higher correlations between stocks  making it harder for stock pickers to generate returns by picking the winners.

When everything moves together when markets are risk-on or risk-off - as we have seen over the last few years - it is very hard for stock pickers, said Peter Sleep, senior investment manager at Seven Investment Management.

However, things are starting to change. A new trend is taking hold, which should spell good news for savvy stock pickers. According to analysts at Bernstein, correlations between individual stocks have fallen over the past two months. In theory, this creates opportunities for active fund managers to add value through stock picking.

The near term prospects for managers to be able to harvest idiosyncratic alpha are as high as they have been in recent memory, noted Bernstein quant and macro specialist Ethan Brodie.

Ian Rees, Premiers head of multi-asset research, agrees there has been a recent shift away from the high sector dispersion that previously dominated.

Over the last two years what we have seen is high sector dispersion within the UK market, but very low intra-sector dispersion. For the last couple of years it has been about what sectors you owned rather than what stocks you owned, he explained.

It has also been a matter of what sectors you havent owned. For example, in 2015 active managers who avoided mining and oil stocks performed well after share prices across both sectors plummeted. However, there was a complete reversal in 2016  as miners and oil majors rallied when commodities prices recovered.

Has Tracker Outperformance Peaked?

If the recent fall in stock correlations continues, will it allow stock pickers to shine in 2017?

Gary Potter, co-head of BMO Global Asset Managements multi-manager team, believes this should be the case. In his opinion, we are currently at the peak of tracker outperformance.

With this in mind, his team has a low exposure to passive funds, as they expect current market conditions will be supportive for active managers.

After a period of strong relative performance [for passives] against active funds, normally it is the case that the actives rebound and trackers perform worse in a relative sense. I think that is very much on the cards for this year.

The direction of travel is one of mean reversion and that would suggest that good active managers should be able to once again add value, he explained.

Picking The Right Active Funds

However, selectivity when picking funds is crucial in Potters opinion.

Active managers ought to do better this year because the environment is likely to be one of opportunities for those managers. The big question is - have people got the right active managers in their portfolios?

I would argue that in some cases they have not. They have big unwieldy funds that they think are solid and stable, but those funds are not nimble enough. That is why we have a bias to funds that are less unwieldy, with assets under management in the million mark, not the billions, said.

In this environment, he expects fund managers at groups like Majedie Asset Management and JO Hambro Capital Management to do well because they are typically flexible and pragmatic in their style. He also highlights Andrew Swan, manager of the Bronze Rated BlackRock Asia fund, as one to watch.

Seven Investment Managements Sleep points out that active managers have a much better chance of outperforming their benchmarks when share prices are driven by idiosyncratic factors rather than macro events.

The role of capital markets is to allocate capital to great companies. This is what financial markets should be doing, so I hope they will be more successful, Sleep added.

While the trend of lower stock correlations appears to be taking root, Sleep warns that macro events could dominate once again, given the raft of oncoming elections across Europe.

Rees echoes these sentiments. In his opinion, active managers will only benefit if there is a sustained period of lower stock correlations.

I think there needs to be a period of time where stock dispersion picks back up and becomes more elevated for managers to really see the benefit of stock picking coming through in their performance, he said.

Benefit of Fiscal Policy Shift

Many commentators argue that quantitative easing (QE) has increased correlations as a result of trillions of pounds, dollars, yen and euros being pumped into government bonds to boost stock markets and economies.

If QE is to blame, the situation could soon change because a number of central banks are starting to shift away from monetary policy, in favour of fiscal stimulus.

If monetary policy winds down and fiscal stimulus picks up, we could see more idiosyncratic risk, Sleep added.

Each week, Seven Investment Management examines the Kritzman Absorption ratio. It measures the concentration of risk in portfolios or broader markets, showing when markets are vulnerable to shocks.

Sleep says the ratio is currently low, which suggests that it could be a good time for investors to take on idiosyncratic risk, rather than macro risk in portfolios.

If we continue to see lower correlations between stocks, what does this mean for volatility?

Sleep expects volatility will remain at an asset level, but notes the overall volatility of equity portfolios should fall if the underlying positions are less correlated. Diversification starts to work again because correlations are lower, he added.
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Quicken Loans is making changes to its leadership team, including promoting longtime CEO Bill Emerson.

Emerson is being promoted, effective immediately, to vice chairman of Quicken Loans parent company Rock Holdings, according to a HousingWire report. Hell be replaced as Quicken Loans CEO by Jay Farner, a 21-year veteran of the company who most recently served as president and chief marketing officer.

The company is also moving former chief economist Bob Walters into a dual role as president and chief operating officer, according to HousingWire.
A recent letter from Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway about the proposed high-level nuclear waste storage site in Andrews has prompted Midland County Democrats to act in hopes of a better solution, and theyre reaching out for help.

The Midland County Democratic Party held a press conference at the DoubleTree hotel Thursday and brought with them activist heavyweights Tom Smitty Smith, longtime director of Public Citizen Texas, and Karen Hadden, president of the Sustainable Energy and Economic Development Coalition, better known as SEED.

This is not just a Democratic thing to be concerned about, MCDP Chairman David Rosen said. We invite our Republican brothers and sisters, as well as the unaffiliated. A waste dump 50 miles from Midland is not a good idea.

Conaway issued a press release on Jan. 12 with comments in support of H.R. 474, the Interim Consolidated Storage Act. The bill seeks to amend the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to enter into contracts for the storage of certain high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, take title to certain high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, and make certain expenditures from the Nuclear Waste Fund, according to the bills summary.

A few companies are seeking to house high-level nuclear waste from dozens of decommissioned nuclear power plants that currently sit at reactor sites and from those to be decommissioned in the future. At issue is the Department of Energys inaction on taking possession of the waste and putting it into permanent storage, which by law it must do.

One company that seeks to take the waste for temporary storage while the Department of Energy finds a permanent home for the dangerous material is Waste Control Specialists, which already had a low-level radioactive waste storage facility west of Andrews. WCS wants to house the waste above ground while the Department of Energy finds a solution.

H.R. 474 would help move the process along, with the relocation of waste beginning in as little as five years. This legislation allows the Department of Energy to cut through the red tape and enter into contracts with these licensed facilities, such as the one in Andrews, ensuring that nuclear waste will be properly stored until a permanent site is established, Conaway said in his press release.

WCS initially wants to take 5,000 metric tons of high-level nuclear waste for above-ground storage, according to previous Reporter-Telegram reports. Its facility will have capacity for up to 40,000 metric tons.

Smith said above-ground storage has risks beyond what any community ought to take. He said that the waste should be buried underground, citing preliminary studies dating back to the 1980s that show perhaps the site with the best and safest geology is Washington, D.C. However, storage at the nations capital isnt politically feasible, he said.

Smith also said above-ground storage is dangerous because its an open target for terrorist attacks.

We have a lot of concern about the potential of terrorist attacks, he told the Reporter-Telegram before the press conference. This waste is basically going to be sitting on a big parking lot and visible to anyone who uses Google Maps. This is just putting a big nuclear target on West Texas and eastern New Mexico. Any terrorist worth his salt who wants to take a good shot at the United States would aim a rocket right at those locations.

Smith had no comment when asked during the press conference why waste storage casks shown to survive a battery of tests in the late 1970s, including impacts on a rocket-powered train, were no longer viable but permanent site storage research from the early 1980s was.

Hadden said the canisters needed to be more robust because they will contain as much plutonium as the bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. Codenamed Fat Man, the bomb was dropped on the city on Aug. 9, 1945. About 22,000 people died on the first day and 17,000 more perished in the four months after, according to the World Nuclear Association.

Forty-two square miles of land could be uninhabitable from an accident, she said. Hadden said the steel casing for canisters in the U.S. are about a half-inch thick; in Europe, theyre up to 10 inches thick.

Ultimately, Smith and Hadden argued that temporary centralized nuclear waste storage wasnt necessary. They said the current sites are secure and that whats really needed is a safe, secure and permanent storage site underground.

Smith also expressed worry that temporary storage sites might wind up as de facto permanent sites because the federal government will no longer have incentive to actively find a forever home for the waste.

I dont think (the federal government) will officially name Andrews a permanent disposal site, but it will never move because nobody wants it, he said before the event.

Hadden and Smith are taking their message to Andrews on Saturday and were in Eunice, New Mexico, on Wednesday. The mini tour is setting up for U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission public meetings next week. The first is 7-10 p.m. MST Monday at the Lea County Event Center, 5101 N. Lovington Highway, in Hobbs, New Mexico. The second is 7-10 p.m. Wednesday at the James Roberts Center, 855 State Highway 176, in Andrews.

One of the opportunities within a democracy is to make your opinions heard, Smith said. Democracy is a contact sport, and this is your opportunity to have contact with the people who make these decisions and tell them what you think about (putting high-level nuclear waste) in West Texas and the consequences for tens of thousands of years.

Like Trevor on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @HowdyHawes.

----BE HEARD

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold two public comment hearings next week, where residents can weigh in on the proposal to store high-level nuclear waste in West Texas and eastern New Mexico. The schedule is as follows:

 Hobbs, New Mexico.: 7-10 p.m. MST Monday at the Lea County Event Center, 5101 N. Lovington Highway.

 Andrews: 7-10 p.m. CST Wednesday at the James Roberts Center, 855 State Highway 176.






Selena Gomez will always last Fred Armissen close to her heart. When the Murders Under Construction star had a kidney transplant in 2017, she knew she wanted to give her new organ a special name. "I named it after Fred Armisen because I
Levi Elden Coon View Photos

Sonora, CA  A man resisted arrest while wielding a knife, but that was not his only weapon.

The call came into Sonora Police dispatch around 1 p.m. Wednesday regarding a report of a man brandishing a knife at the Enrichment Center on Hospital Road. Once there, officers approached the suspect, 30-year-old Levi Elden Coon. Police report that Coon made an aggressive movement toward one of the officers, who were able to grab him. Coon struggled with the officers and was forced to the ground and taken into custody.

Two knifes that Coon had ditched just before police arrived were found by the officers. One was a fixed blade knife he had used to threaten another person at the center, according to police.

A records check showed that Coon was wanted on a felony Calaveras County warrant for drug related charges. He was booked at the Tuolumne County Jail on felony brandishing a knife, criminal threats, and resisting arrest. His bail is set at $70,000.

Neither the officers nor Coon suffered any injuries during the scuffle.

This is not the first time Coon has been arrested by police. Three weeks ago his was taken into custody for outstanding drug warrants and resisting/obstructing a Peace Officer. Click here for details on that arrest.
The Orlando Police Department released a video of a December shooting that left one man dead and four injured in the hope that the public will come forward with information on the gunman.

1 man died, 4 hurt in shooting in December

Police looking for information about the attack

Victims' names released

In just a few seconds, the gunman fired more than two dozen shots from a rifle at around 9:50 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at the parking lot of 5100 North Lane in Orlando, according to police.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;

The gunman appears at the 2:58 mark.

The gunman opened fire, and five people were shot and hospitalized. Jeffery Webb, 47, died at a hospital.

The following are the people who were injured:

Benjamin Holmes, 36

Kelvins Pierre, 15

Stevenson Pierre, 16

Jaquari Walker, 15

Officials stated that since there were a number of people who fled the area before police arrived at the scene, they would like to speak with those who witnessed the attack.

They are asked to contact the Orlando Police Department at 407-246-2470 or the Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
A bill that would place term limits on Florida Supreme Court justices and appellate judges passed a Florida House panel Thursday.

FL House bill HJR 1 would limit judges to 2 6-year terms

Voters currently decide if judges, including FL Supreme Court justices stay on the bench

Republican leaders upset that courts have overturned some of their biggest laws

The contentious measure targets a judiciary that has had a hand in overturning many of Gov. Scott's and the Republican-controlled state legislature's signature laws.

The legislation, HJR 1, would put a constitutional amendment on the 2018 ballot that, if approved by at least 60 percent of voters, would limit judges to two six-year terms on the bench. Judges are currently required to stand for merit retention votes every six years, meaning voters can decide whether they stay on the bench.

The Florida Supreme Court justices are appointed by the sitting governor.

"There's never been a justice or judge that has not been retained," State Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R-Mount Dora) told the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee before its vote on the measure. "An accountability system that doesn't hold people accountable is not truly an accountability system."

The judicial term limit legislation is a priority for House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land O'Lakes), who in his inaugural address in November railed against a judicial branch he believes has acted with impunity. In recent years, the Florida Supreme Court and district courts of appeal have overturned Republican initiatives ranging from school voucher programs to caps on workers' compensation attorney fees.

"We need judges who will respect the Constitution and the separation of powers, who will reject the temptation to turn themselves into some unelected super legislature," Corcoran said.

But Democrats believe it's legislative leaders, not judges, that are running roughshod over the state's system of checks and balances. Judicial term limits, they warn, would cause catastrophic turnover, weakening an essential branch of government.

"I don't think my constituents want to see the judiciary eviscerated," said Rep. Sean Shaw (D-Tampa), whose father, Justice Leander Shaw, served on the Florida Supreme Court for 20 years.

"Some of his landmark decisions were later on in his career -- about the death penalty, about the electric chair, about other commercial issues," Shaw noted. "Those decisions would not have occurred if this bill were in place."

The bill's prospects, however, are uncertain. It appears to enjoy lukewarm support in the Senate, and even some rank-and-file House Republicans have reservations about changing the long-established rules of another branch.

"I hope the Senate does the right thing, I think, and protects the judiciary," Shaw said.
K-9s at the St. Cloud Police Department are getting better protected, thanks to a charitable donation.

2 St. Cloud Police canines get donation of bulletproof vests

Armored vests for K-9s can costs up to $2,000 each

Dogs were presented with the vests Thursday night



Garrett Stockdill comes to work every day alongside his partner in fighting crime, Axel.

That bond and attachment is 100 percent a thing, he said.

Last year, more than 30 canines were killed in the line of duty, one of them in Central Florida while trying to apprehend a suspect. K-9s are often sent in to scope out an area or building alone, putting them at high risk.

It can become more dangerous for him than us, because he's the one were sending in to do his job. So he either goes to apprehend or find which puts him in the front line, said Chad Wilson, another K-9 officer for the St. Cloud Police Department. He is Endos handler.

Axel and Endo are the only two K-9s at the department. They were presented with armored vests at the St. Cloud Council meeting Thursday night.

The nonprofit group Vested Interest in K9s helped by donating dog vests, which can cost up to $2,000 each. The vests are about 5 pounds and not only are bulletproof but also protect against stab wounds.

Because K-9 dogs are not just police dogs but family to K-9 officers, Stockdill said this is the level of safety his pal deserves.

I know that if either one of our canines were to pay the ultimate price, we would be proud to say who they were and what they did, Stockdill said.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has refused to reinstate President Trump's executive order regarding travelers to and from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Federal appeals court will not lift ban on executive order

Order bars travel, immigration from 7 Muslim-majority countries

Also suspended nation's refugee program

RELATED: READ President Trump's executive order READ ruling from Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (.pdf)



A panel of three judges unanimously decided not to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the travel ban.

The ban temporarily suspended the nation's refugee program, along with immigration and travel from countries that Trump administration deems a security risk.

Justice Dept. lawyers argued that the president had the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and the courts and the states cannot second-guess his decision.

However, several states have sued to stop the travel ban, saying it harmed individuals, businesses and universities and specifically targeted Muslims.

During arguments Tuesday, judges hammered away at the administration's claim that the ban was motivated by terrorism fears, but they also forcefully questioned states' attorneys' claims that it specifically targeted Muslims.

In the end the court ruled the state had a legal standing to sue, and it had the constitutional right to block the ban if necessary.

"Within our system, it is the role of the judiciary to interpret the law, a duty that will sometimes require the [r]esolution of litigation challenging the constitutional authority of one of the three branches, the judges wrote in their ruling.

With regard to whether the executive branch has the right to make decision's without the court's interference in matters of national security, the court also disagreed.

"Although our jurisprudence has long counseled deference to the political branches on matters of immigration and national security, neither the Supreme Court nor our court has ever held that courts lack the authority to review executive action in those arenas for compliance with the Constitution," the ruling states.

"To the contrary, the Supreme Court has repeatedly and explicitly rejected the notion that the political branches have unreviewable authority over immigration or are not subject to the Constitution when policymaking in that context."

And further down in the ruling:

"The Supreme Court has made clear that the Governments 'authority and expertise in [such] matters do not automatically trump the Courts own obligation to secure the protection that the Constitution grants to individuals,' even in times of war."

The Trump administration will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. A tie in the 8-justice panel would uphold the suspension of the executive order. There's little chance Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, will be confirmed in time to take part in the case.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington State, which challenged the president's order, responded with a statement saying, "Mr. President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you."

The American Civil Liberties Union issued this statement regarding the ruling:

The government's erratic and chaotic attempts to enforce this unconstitutional ban have taken a tremendous toll on innocent individuals, our country's values, and our standing in the world."

The ban is set to expire in 90 days. That means it could expire before the Supreme Court takes up the issue.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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Damien Cox didnt have health insurance for most of his life. So when the transgender man began transitioning 11 years ago, he went to a Planned Parenthood clinic for hormone treatments.

Planned Parenthood isnt just a womans thing, said Cox, a 40-year-old Sunnyvale resident. Its a queer health issue and a trans health issue. It affects everybody.

Cox is among those voicing support for the nonprofit reproductive health organization at what could be a critical moment in its history. President Trump and his administration have threatened to eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood, because the services provided by the clinics include abortions.

On Saturday, the debate will crest with nationwide rallies  including at clinics in San Francisco, Redwood City and Napa  calling for the defunding of Planned Parenthood.

The whole issue would go away if they just didnt offer abortion services, said Monica Migliorino Miller, a Michigan resident who is part of a coalition of antiabortion groups that organized the demonstrations.

Supporters are planning counter-protests, arguing that a loss of funding would hurt an array of patients, and in particular low-income and minority communities. Planned Parenthoods services include prenatal care, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, cancer and diabetes screenings and vaccinations.

In the fiscal year that ended in June 2015, Planned Parenthood received $553.7 million in Medicaid reimbursements and federal grant money, according to the groups latest annual report  43 percent of its total budget.

Under federal law, none of that money went toward abortion services, which make up 3 percent of all services provided, barring situations where a womans life was in danger or cases of incest and rape, said Gilda Gonzales, the interim chief executive of the organizations Northern California affiliate.

If the group was defunded, Gonzales said, 60 percent of Planned Parenthoods clientele would lose care provided under Medicaid and the Title X family planning program. The vast majority of patients in Northern California range from ages 20 to 35, are people of color and live below the poverty line, she said.

But opponents of abortion believe stripping all federal funding will help their cause. Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 27, said ending taxpayer abortions was a priority for the new administration.

At a GOP debate in Houston in February 2016, Trump pointed out that millions and millions of women  cervical cancer, breast cancer  are helped by Planned Parenthood. But he said, I would defund it because of the abortion factor, which they say is 3 percent. I dont know what percentage it is. They say its 3 percent. But I would defund it, because Im pro-life.

Republicans in both the House and Senate plan to introduce measures to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood and ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, which Trump has pledged to sign.

While supporters of the group say the right to a safe abortion is critical, they are also working to bring more awareness to Planned Parenthoods other services. They include Nique Eagen, a 41-year-old Campbell resident, who will be among an expected 3,000 counter-protesters in San Jose.

For years, Eagen said she suffered through intense pain and nausea during her menstrual cycles, but didnt understand why.

I would get really, really sick, Eagen said. I was getting dehydrated. Id black out because I was losing too much blood.

After she lost her job in 2010, she sought care from Planned Parenthood and learned that the cause of her pain was ovarian cysts  a problem that was solved by taking birth control, which keeps the cysts from growing, she said.

Heather Jacoby, a 31-year-old Vacaville resident, said she turned to Planned Parenthood when she ran out of other options.

Last summer, she was thrilled when she found out she was pregnant. But within weeks, she wound up in the emergency room due to severe pain, vomiting and blacking out. She had lost the baby and gone into septic shock.

I was carrying a dead fetus inside me for over six weeks. I felt hopeless, Jacoby said.

Jacoby didnt want an abortion but needed one to save her life. She had insurance, but said her primary care provider didnt immediately schedule the procedure. When she ended up in the emergency room, a doctor referred her to Planned Parenthood in Walnut Creek, she said.

I still remember the day because two of my good friends gave birth that day, Jacoby said. Before it started, I just started crying because this is the culmination of six weeks and I was so exhausted and I just remember the nurse (at Planned Parenthood) grabbed my hand and looked in my eyes and said, I got you.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
JERRY LARA /San Antonio Express-News

A USAA member in McAllen was awarded $1.8 million by Hidalgo County jurors this week after they found the San Antonio insurer acted with malice in mishandling a claim from a 2012 hailstorm.

McAllen lawyer and USAA member John Griffith sued USAA Texas Lloyds Co. and insurance adjuster AllCat Claims Service of Boerne in 2014 accusing them of undervaluing and underpaying his claim for damages to his home.
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Hamilton is coming to San Antonio.

Lin-Manuel Mirandas hip-hop infused smash, which traces the life story of Alexander Hamilton, will come to the Majestic Theatre during the 2018-19 Broadway in San Antonio season. Subscribers to the 2017-18 season, which includes four shows making their Majestic debut, will get first dibs on Hamilton tickets.

Subscriptions for next season are on sale now at broadwayinsanantonio.com or by calling 800-215-7469. They range from $211 to $766 .

The first national tour of Hamilton launches in March in San Francisco.

We didnt have to wait very long, said Emily Smith, general manager of Arts Center Enterprises, which runs the Majestic and the adjoining Charline McCombs Empire Theatre.

The show makes its Texas debut April 24-May 20, 2018, at the Hobby Center in Houston. San Antonio dates have not been announced.

As for what future Hamilton ticketholders can expect from the 2017-18 season at the Majestic, heres a look:

The Bodyguard, Sept. 19-24: The musical is based on the 1992 film about a former secret service agent (Kevin Costner) hired to protect a pop star (Whitney Houston) who has been receiving death threats. The score is laced with Houston hits, including Saving All My Love, How Will I Know, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and I Will Always Love You.

The King and I, Oct. 17-22: The oft-revived 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is about a widowed British schoolteacher hired to serve as governess for the children of the king of Siam. The score includes such much-adored songs as I Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You and Shall We Dance.

Irving Berlins White Christmas, Dec. 12-17: This is the Majestic debut of the show, which is adapted from the classic holiday movie about a pair of song-and-dance men who put on a show to try to save a failing inn while they woo a pair of singing sisters. The score includes such Berlin-penned delights as Sisters, Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep, Well Follow the Old Man and the title tune.

Rodgers and Hammersteins Cinderella, Jan. 12-14, 2018: The latest adaptation of the fairy tale was an immediate hit with audiences when it made its Majestic debut in April, which is why its coming back so soon. Its by popular demand, said Jean McIver, ACEs director of marketing for Broadway shows. The new version opens up the tale a bit, beefing up the storylines for one of Cinderellas stepsisters and for the prince. The score has been expanded, too, though all of the original tunes  including In My Own Little Corner, Impossible and Ten Minutes Ago  remain in place.

The Color Purple, Feb. 6-11: This is the second time the musical has graced the Majestic stage. It is based on Alice Walkers novel about an African American woman overcoming tremendous obstacles to find her own place in the world. The score includes Our Prayer, Lily of the Field, All Weve Got to Say and Im Here.

On Your Feet, March 13-18: The 2015 jukebox musical, which is making its San Antonio debut, traces the romance and biographies of Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The score includes such hits as Rhythm is Gonna Get You, Conga and Get On Your Feet.

The Book of Mormon, May 1-6: Its back! This is the third production here in four years because it continues to sell out, Smith said. San Antonio supports it. The irreverent, profane musical follows the misadventures of a pair of Mormon missionaries sent to Africa to spread the word of God. The show elicits some strong feelings from audiences, and so, once again, season subscribers will be able to choose between a package with the show and one without it.

An American in Paris, June 12-17: The musical is based on the famously lush Oscar-winning 1951 movie in which a former G.I. trying to launch a new career as a painter in Paris finds himself falling both for a mysterious woman and for the city. The all-Gershwin score includes I Got Rhythm, S Wonderful, But Not for Me and the title song.

dlmartin@express-news.net

Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN
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A viral story last week detailing how a rattlesnake slithered up a North Texas homes toilet proved that plumbing problems can result in shocking situations.

Thats the story at a North Side meat market asked to intensify efforts to treat pests near its kitchen draining system, according to its report.

La Michoacana Meat Market at 4523 Blanco Road received demerits when an inspector noticed drain flies and gnats coming from the floor drain in bakery area underneath a three-compartment sink.

The establishment was one of 25 restaurants, bars and markets around San Antonio to make this weeks dirty list.

To make the Express-News' list of dirtiest restaurants, an establishment must earn a score of 89 or below  or anything less than an "A"  during a random city health inspection.

Other wild violations include misplaced bloody raw meat at Teresitas Mexican Restaurant at 901 N. New Braunfels, black mold-like residue in the ice machine at Mash'd at 17623 La Cantera Pkwy. and a trash bag used for food storage at Panaderia La Concha at 507 S. Gen McMullen.

Get all the highlights from this week's dirtiest restaurant list in the slideshow above.

RELATED: San Antonio restaurant inspections: February 3, 2017

The San Antonio Express-News examines hundreds of restaurant inspections each week conducted by the San Antonio Food and Environmental Health Services division to bring you the eateries with scores of 89 or below.

Restaurants are graded on a 100-point system, where "100" is a perfect score, and demerits are based upon the number of violations found during a regular food establishment inspection. There are three categories of demerits and each are assigned a demerit score of 3, 2 or 1 points, according to the health division.

Scores and demerits listed are only representative of the state of the restaurant at the time of inspection and are surveyed at random.

rsalinas@mysa.com

Twitter: @RebeccaLSalinas
It's the closest thing we'll get to "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." A new job being offered in England is looking for a chocolate and cocoa beverage taster.

Mondelez is best known for its cookies, chocolate and gum. The multi-billion dollar company holds several brands, including Oreos, Chips Ahoy!, Toblerone, Trident and Stride.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.

Dear Carolyn:

I'm getting married in D.C. in four months, and my brother will not commit to whether he's coming or not. Extenuating circumstances are that he lives in Hawaii, his wife had a baby this month, and they have a rocky relationship with the rest of the family.

I emailed last month expressing my sadness at the prospect of him missing the wedding, offering to pay their airfare, and acknowledging that he is in a challenging and intense place in his own life. I have heard nothing, though we have texted and shared photos of my new nephew.

I am at a loss. I am very excited for him that he's a new dad, but incredibly angry at him as well.

When is it appropriate to broach the topic with him again?

-- Getting Married

He has a newborn! I think it's promising and generous that he hasn't said no outright.

I know people fly with small children all the time, and babies can be easier because they don't walk yet, but damn it's hard to keep a baby comfortable on any flight, much less a long one, particularly among fellow passengers horrified to discover their 10- to 13-hour flight might come with a soundtrack of screaming baby. Yeeikes.

Apparently you haven't even considered how daunting a full day's travel must seem to them right now, and that's actually another check in the "hell no" column. You have to know what you're asking of people to have any business asking it, much less to get "incredibly angry" that the answer might not be yes.

Especially given that any pull they feel to be with his family is weak for other reasons.

I've written myself to the point where now my advice is for you to contact your brother, apologize for pressuring him and say that you'd love to have him at your wedding -- but if it's too much to ask right now, you'll understand.



Dear Carolyn:

I recently got an email from a man I dated when I was 19. He was older and ready to settle down. I was trying to fit in, but didn't know at the time that I was gay. We dated, he asked me to marry him. I knew it wasn't a good fit although I didn't know why. So I turned him down and didn't cross paths with him again.

Now, 40 years later, he found me and emailed me that he is going to be in my city and wants to catch up. If I agree, there is no way I can avoid mentioning my orientation. I have been an activist for years. I also feel I owe him an apology for leading him on, although I had not the slightest conscious understanding at the time. And I don't really want anything from him anyway, so it seems pointless to say yes. But it also seems rude to say no. Input?

-- Anonymous

I think you're overthinking. You don't owe him an apology. You don't need your orientation to be some big reveal. You don't need to want anything from him to see him. You also don't need to see him if you don't want to.

You're just you. Say yes to catching up, or no thank you.
Plainview Kiwanis Club

Fifteen people gathered at noon Thursday for the clubs regular meeting. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Ron Gammage offered a prayer.

Mark Warren is handling Meals on Wheels delivery in February, with Jonathan Petty to follow in March.

February program chairman Homer Marquez introduced Philip Mize, coordinator of the Plainview Shattered Dreams Coalition along with Joani Chapman. Philip spoke about the impaired/distracted driving awareness event, which will be conducting its biannual program April 6 and 7.  Kevin Lewis

Plainview Lions Club

Shades of Phantom of the Opera prevailed in the confines of the civic center on Wednesday as Josh Walters and Lily Cooper, students of the arts at WBU, presented a super-duper presentation of high culture citified opera singing which folks from these parts are not subjected with too often. However, one could hear a pin drop while these two very talented vocal students of the arts carried us through six cultural pieces of operatic qualities, all ending with a glaring round of West Texas applause. Thanks kids, you did a bang up good job for us.

Lion Boss Jim Tirey, Queen Katie Mahagan and Princess McKinley Whalen presided at the head table as Doug McDonough led both pledges. Larry McNutt and Jim Tirey led singing and Shala Whalen gave the invocation. Jolly Roger parson Rey Rodriquez, sporting a new head of hair, prescribed rules of doing good. Guests at the Valentines celebration were Dorothy Tawwater on her 91st birthday, and Helen Hogge as guests of Mike Melcher. Koby Hatch with Meredith Riney, Sunell Pyeatt with Shala Whalen and Edna Eversole with Lion mate Don.

Our weekly raffle netted Passionate Care $78. Winners of prizes were Ron Trusler and Bill Cross.

Its great to be a Lion. We Serve  Ron White

Daughters of the American Revolution

The Mary McCoy Baines Chapter convened Feb. 8, 2017, for its regular meeting at the Plainview Country Club. Regent Shirley Scott called the meeting to order and led the opening ritual. After prayer by Chaplain Floy Smith, a seated luncheon was served.

Thomas M. Ray, WBU history professor, gave the program on Alexander Hamilton: Visionary Founding Father. Born on the island of Nevis, Hamilton moved to New York where he attended Kings College (now Columbia). During the American Revolution, he served as Washingtons aide-de-camp and after the war became Americas first Secretary of the Treasury. In his position he advocated for strong power, a diversified economy, and a strong banking system. Before his death in 1804 in a duel, he had set the country on a path to financial success.

Regent Scott read the President Generals message which stressed that service to America begins at home. She also gave the National Defense Report which consisted of a number of famous people born in February including Charles Lindbergh, John Adams, Charles Dickens, Ronald Reagan, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and John Steinbeck.

In officers reports Librarian Carolyn Courtney mentioned that a donation to Unger Library had been received from Allen Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The gift consists of a number of files compiled by Beverly Hubbard Weagley who researched the genealogy of her ancestor Lee Erskine Moore, early Hale County rancher.

Betty Adams, conservation chairman, reported on a joint project of the Texas Conservation Soil and Water Board and the NRSC to increase the Monarch butterfly population. A monetary subsidy will be offered to those who plant food that attract the butterflies.

In other business Regent Scott announced that a new membership training course was available. A list of possible meeting venues for the chapter was discussed. After thanking hostesses Corky Terrell and June Wells, Regent Scott adjourned the meeting.  Carolyn Courtney

Plainview Rotary Club

The Plainview Rotary Club met Tuesday at the Plainview Country Club.

Leslie Gattis called the meeting to order. Steve Long led the invocation and Kim Street led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Special guests were Sarah Hanoch, Student of the Month, Melody Brown and Andrew Allison.

Also present were February Student of the Month Sasha Gonzales.

Membership chairman Janice Payne presented attendance awards to J.B. Roberts for 58 years and Randall Roberts, 31 years. Also, Jay Givens received an attendance award for nine years,

The day's speaker was Abbi Hanoch, 2015-2016 Outbound Student to Japan.

She told the group she became emotionally strong during her time in Japan. She credits Coralyn Dillard for introducing her to Rotary and being a foreign exchange student. Her dream was going to Japan and she has now achieved that.

She also attended Outbound Camp and met other exchange students. She stayed with three different families. She had special adventures with each family. She bowled, attended Sumo tournament and traveled to Tokyo. She learned to hula dance and experienced Halloween in Japan.

She experience holidays in Japan. She experienced 1,000 years of tradition. She also told the group that it could be awkward at times and they do not hug. However, they have love and respect for one another.

She joined a band with a traditional instruments. She was a member of Student Council and belonged to a Tea Ceremony Club.

She also thought temples and shrines were beautiful.

Kim led the Four-Way-Test and Leslie dismissed the club.  Cynthia Gregory
We human travelers have airport lounges, wine bars, massage chairs and in-terminal yoga classes. Our pets have a crate and water.

In an effort to improve equality among the species, the world's first privately owned animal terminal and quarantine recently opened at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The ARK at JFK offers round-the-clock service to animals with flight plans. The $65 million center occupies a hulking 178,000-square-foot cargo building that is intimate enough for a munchkin kitten and roomy enough for a Belgian draft horse. The new facility's mission is to provide a safe, healthy and Zen environment for animals on the go. To ensure the highest standards of care, Racebrook, the company behind the project, partnered with such experts as Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine and the Agriculture Department.

"Transporting live cargo by plane can be a complex and stressful process for owners and animals alike," said John Cuticelli Jr., chief executive of Racebrook and founder and chairman of ARK Development. "Our goal is to create a more efficient and safe process by reducing the need for additional travel and offering trained animal care staff pre- and post-flight."

In early January, Racebrook/ARK Development unveiled the first phase of its Dr. Dolittle enterprise  the ARK Pet Oasis and the Equine and Livestock Export Center. The company, which expects the ARK to be fully operational by the second quarter, will next roll out the Equine Quarantine/Import, Grooms' Lounge and Aviary, which are all part of the ARK Import-Expert Center.

In November, I visited the 14.4-acre facility, where workmen outnumbered animals 10 to 0. Nevertheless, Cuticelli showed me around the facility-in-progress. He explained that the ARK caters to travelers who send their animals as cargo and don't want Precious languishing in the holding tank before or after the trip. (By comparison, owners who carry their pets onboard or check them as luggage have quick access to their animals.) He showed me the area where the majority of companion animals will stay: the Pet Oasis, an airy space with 47 kennels for dogs and a dozen spots for cats.

The Oasis welcomes pets arriving, departing or in-between flights for an accommodation fee starting at $125. Before takeoff, the owners can drop off their animal at the facility, which will prepare the pet for travel  a preflight walk and survey of the crate for airline compliance, for instance. The staff will transport the pet to the aircraft and coordinate with the airline on the departure time to minimize the wait at the boarding area.

On the arrival side, the staff picks up the four-legged traveler from the airplane and handles the customs details. Once at the Oasis, the animal receives the full-on pampering treatment: bath, meal, fur-coat brushing, stroll on a wide strip of lawn. The staff also cleans the travel crate and tucks the pup into an individual kennel until his or her ride arrives. The cats are also fed and groomed. Owners itching to see their bestie can, for an additional fee, receive a photo and update of their pet's ARK holiday. (Feel free to share with everyone in the taxi line.)

The Equine and Livestock Export Center is dedicated to horses and livestock scheduled for transport. Who travels with their horses, you might ask? Generally, breeders, jockeys and grooms. The center serves as a rest area for inspection before horses travel internationally from the United States. The 24 covered stalls come with nonslip flooring (on certain materials, hoofs slide like skates), cushy bedding and the Veuve Clicquot of hay. Meanwhile, the Equine Import and Quarantine area will care for horses that have just landed and are subjected to a three- to seven-day quarantine, per USDA orders. Neigh-guests stay in one of 48 stalls and receive two daily feedings. In a separate section of the building, the Aviary will house birds required to undergo a 30-day quarantine. The ARK has built specialized habitats for birds of all wing stripes, such as waterfowl, gulls and parakeets.

A vet clinic is also on the horizon, as is Paradise 4 Paws, a luxury pet resort that already operates near airports in Chicago, Denver and Dallas/Fort Worth. (The latter occupants are subtenants.)
Don't miss this week's episode of "New York Now," the award-winning coproduction of WMHT and the Times Union. Among the highlights:

 The Reporters Roundtable has Michael Gormley of Newsday and Jimmy Vielkind of Politico New York discussing the increased pressure being placed on the members in the state Senate's Independent Democratic Conference.
Washington, D.C.

Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch's show of independence from President Donald Trump does not appear to be paying dividends among the Democratic senators he needs to win confirmation  Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer least of all.

A day after Gorsuch told Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., in a private meeting that he found Trump's attacks on judges "demoralizing and disheartening," Schumer said the remark "is not close to good enough."

Without stating his dismay in public, the Denver-based appeals court judge "did not show independence," Schumer said Wednesday on the Senate floor. Rather, he "showed an ability to desire the appearance of independence without actually asserting it."

Schumer went even further in a television interview on MSNBC Wednesday night, suggesting that Gorsuch's "demoralizing and disheartening" statement was a feint by Republicans to sway the Democratic senators he needs to win confirmation.

"I think it's a way for the Republicans and the president to try to show independence where none really exists" Schumer said.

During a courtesy call to Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee that will hold confirmation hearings, Gorsuch volunteered his implied criticism of Trump's harsh words against judges.

Trump's targets were those presiding over legal review of his temporary travel ban on refugees and citizens of seven majority-Muslim nations in the Middle East.

Trump described the stay on the travel and refugee ban imposed by a Seattle-based federal judge as the "ridiculous" work of a "so-called judge."

And Wednesday morning, the day after a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in San Francisco weighed an appeal of the stay, Trump said "courts seem to be so political."

Blumenthal's recounting of what Gorsuch told him in the meeting set off a firestorm in Washington, one to which Trump added fuel when he tweeted that Blumenthal, "who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him?"

Trump was referring to statements by Blumenthal in his 2010 campaign suggesting he was a Marine Corps Reserves veteran of Vietnam when, in fact, he'd never fought in Vietnam. Blumenthal apologized for the remark and said he'd meant to say he was a Vietnam-era veteran.

He won election to the Senate in 2010 handily, as well as re-election last year.

Democratic senators including Schumer rallied to Blumenthal's defense. Schumer said the president had Blumenthal in "a cheap way."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's spokesman, Marc Brumer, said "she wasn't privy to the conversation, but she thinks it's concerning if he says he has these views in private but will not do so publicly."

Gillibrand has already stated she will vote against Gorsuch. Schumer has said he remains undecided, although the nominee's failure to say critical words about Trump publicly was "not a good start."

Blumenthal declined to get into the specifics of Trump's Vietnam charge, suggesting it was old news.

His spokeswoman, Maria McElwain said that Blumenthal stood by his characterization that Gorsuch's remark was specific to Trump's criticism of judges.

Gorsuch, 49, a judge on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, is an admirer of the justice whose seat he'd be taking, conservative icon Antonin Scalia. Scalia died a year ago and Senate Republicans denied President Obama an opportunity to fill the vacancy.

Under Senate rules, it takes 60 votes to confirm a Supreme Court justice. With the Senate divided 52-48 in favor of Republicans, Gorsuch would need at least two Democratic votes to win confirmation.

But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and his fellow Republicans could elect to "go nuclear," meaning it would take only a simple majority  51 votes  to confirm.

Schumer and other Democrats believe there is enough resistance within the Republican caucus to prevent the "nuclear option." Trump has urged McConnell to pursue that course if necessary.

dan@hearstdc.com
Americans are now evenly divided on whether President Trump should be impeached, with numbers supporting his removal rising week by week, according to a new national survey by Public Policy Polling.

"Just three weeks into his administration, voters are already evenly divided on the issue of impeaching Trump, with 46 percent in favor and 46 percent opposed," the poll found. "Support for impeaching Trump has crept up from 35 percent two weeks ago, to 40 percent last week, to its 46 percent standing this week."

Or as Dean Debnam, president of the polling firm, put it:

"It took only three weeks in office for half the country to decide it wants to impeach Donald Trump. Voters who didn't like Trump but were willing to give him a chance have quickly decided he's not fit to hold the office."

The survey's approval/disapproval findings echoed those of recent Gallup and Quinnipiac University polls: 43 percent of those surveyed approving the job that Trump is doing, while 53 percent give thumbs down to the job performance of the 45th president.

Public Policy Polling has Democratic roots, but accurately reported and predicted downturns in President Obama's popularity over the past eight years.

The poll's findings show that President Trump has not been wise in picking a fight with the federal judiciary, such as his denunciation of Thursday's ruling by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The appellate judges kept in place a restraining order against Trump's travel crackdown.

Fifty-three percent of those surveyed by PPP say they trust judges more to make the right decisions for the United States, versus 38 percent who trust in Trump.

"And only 25 percent of voters think Trump should be able to overturn decisions by judges he disagrees with, to 64 percent who don't think he should be able to do that," the survey found.

"Trump voters have evidently had enough of the Constitution and those pesky checks and balances, though -- 51 percent of them think he should personally be able to overturn decisions he doesn't agree with , to only 33 percent who dissent."

Two-thirds of those polled believe that America is a safe place. "Perhaps as an outgrowth of that sentiment, only 45 percent support Trump's Executive Order on immigration, to 49 percent who are opposed to it," PPP said.

The poll found, by a 48-43 percent spread, that voters believe that the intent of the Executive Order on travel is to be a ban on Muslims. The President sought to prohibit travel to the U.S. from seven predominantly Muslim nations, but has been restrained by federal courts. Only 22 percent of Americans support a Muslim ban, the poll found.

The PPP survey was taken February 7 and 8, and consisted of interviews with 712 registered voters.

One more finding, in PPP's words: "The Presidency has been so diminished over the last three weeks that voters say even Saturday Night Live has more credibility than Trump, 48 percent to 43 percent."

Alec Baldwin will don his orange wig and do another Trump impression on Saturday night.
Colorado-based upstream company Antero Resources Corporation AR announced that its subsidiary Antero Midstream Partners AM has entered into a joint venture with MarkWest Energy Partners L.P, a subsidiary of MPLX LP MPLX. The move aims at developing and expanding the Marcellus Shale acreage in West Virginia held by Antero Resources. The joint venture will be equally owned by Antero Midstream and MarkWest Partners.

Objective

This JV seeks to capitalize on the relationship between Antero and MarkWest, which in turn will enhance the future growth possibilities of MPLX. The deal will enable Antero to diversify its midstream value chain. In addition, the JV will boost Antero Resources natural gas liquids production and MarkWest is likely to benefit from the enhanced acreage and lowered capital burden.

Details of the Deal

The joint venture will expand the infrastructure of Sherwood Complex and thus, the three plants that are set to be developed at the complex will increase Antero Resources' capacity by 600 million square feet per day. The first two facilities are scheduled to begin operations in the first and the third quarter of this year, while the third facility is likely start functioning from the first quarter of next year. Further, eight processing facilities to support Antero Resources are to be developed at Sherwood and a new location at West Virginia.

Under the agreement, Antero Midstream will release 195,000 gross acres processing services to the JV held by Antero Resources in Ritchie, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties. This would boost MarkWests Marcellus Shale acreage to more than 360,000 acres. MarkWest will set up three processing plants at Sherwood Complex and upgrade the infrastructure for their operation. Antero Midstream will initially contribute $155 million for the processing assets at Sherwood and fractionation capacity at Hopedale Complex. Eventually both the companies will contribute equally to the JV.

Story continues

Revised Guidance

Post the announcement of the joint venture, Antero Resources has revised its capital expenditure to $800 million from the earlier figure of $525 million, representing an increase of 52%. It has also increased its net income forecasts by 3%. Forecasted distributed coverage ratio has also been raised by 4%.

Zacks Rank & Key Pick

Antero Resources, headquartered in Denver, deals with the acquisition, production and exploration of oil and natural gas with its assets chiefly located in Appalachian Basin in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Over the last one month, the Zacks categorized U.S Oil and Gas Production & Exploration industry has registered a negative growth of 4% growth. However, shares of Antero Resources have outperformed the industry by registering a positive growth rate of around 3%.

Denbury Resources Inc DNR is one of the better-ranked players in the industry carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). DNR is expected to report year-over-year earnings growth of 450% in 2017. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

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1 Education secretary: Several dozen protesters gathered outside a public school Friday in Washington, D.C., where Betsy DeVos paid her first visit as education secretary in a bid to mend fences with educators after a bruising confirmation battle. About 50 protesters gathered outside Jefferson Middle School, holding signs and shouting We fight back! DeVos has previously worked to promote charter schools and school voucher programs, which her critics say would hurt public schools. The Senate confirmed her for the job Tuesday.

2 Water crisis: The state of Michigan plans to provide Flint residents with water filters and replacement cartridges for about three more years amid the citys crisis with lead-tainted water. A letter to a Flint official from Richard Baird, a senior adviser to Gov. Rick Snyder, also gave the city notice that credits to ease the cost of water bills will stop at the end of this month. The filters and replacement cartridges will be provided as officials work to replace lead pipes and some other water service lines throughout the city. The state will also continue to provide access to bottled water.
Hale County commissioners and Plainview City Council members are expected to consider an interlocal agreement in meetings this week to allow the two governmental entities to work together on two joint road resurfacing projects.

Commissioners meet in regular session Monday while the council meets Tuesday night. Both discussed the projects during work sessions last week -- the city met Thursday and the county on Friday.

The joint roadway projects involve resurfacing Andy Taylor Road and Westridge Road. Different stretches of both heavily-traveled thoroughfares are maintained by the city and county, with part of Westridge Road also maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The Westridge Road portion of the project is expected to be resurfaced as part of the citys 2017 Seal Coat Project. On Tuesday, the council is expected to approve a $471,030 bid from G&G Operations of Dalhart for the city seal coating project covering 211,500 square-yards, at a cost of $2.22 per square-yard. The cost of the Westridge Road project  from US 70 to Southwest Third, and on to the overpass -- is set at $16,650.

The work on Andy Taylor Road is expected to be done in-house by city and county road crews, with the city furnishing the necessary oil and the county furnishing rock. It will go from US 70 to 24th Street and cost to the county is expected to be $10,910.

By the city and county working together, it will benefit all concerned and the cost is much less than if we did our part individually, Precinct 1 Commissioner Harold King said. Its just good business.

In other action Monday, commissioners are scheduled to:

--Consider reappointing five members of the Hale County Hospital Authority Board whose current two-year terms expire March 31. They include Donald Ebeling Jr., Dr. Bobby Hall, Frances Barrera, Danny Glenn and Jim Mock.

--Review and approve the Lower Runningwater Draw Site 4 Inspection Report.

--Consider a request to join the Plainview Downtown Association. Dues are $100.

--Consider a request to join the Association of Rural Communities in Texas, with a membership fee of $395.

--Consider converting the private ownership of hangers at the Plainview/Hale County Airport to public ownership, as suggested in the facilitys master plan. While the property is jointly owned the City of Plainview and Hale County, the hangers are privately owned which disqualifies the airport for some state and federal grants.

--Take action on a request to name Brent Bass as Precinct 1 road foreman.

--Authorize Precinct 4 Commissioner Benny Cantwell to begin the process of assembling an internet auction of surplus county equipment, including used pickups from the sheriffs office and Ollie Liner Center and surplus office furniture.

--Consider hiring Jessie Canalez as 64th District Court administrator.

--Approve 2016 activity reports from the Abernathy and Halfway volunteer fire departments and release their 2017 stipends.

--Consider a personnel request from the sheriffs department and review its racial profiling report for 2016.

--Approve current accounts payable, including $599,923 from the 2016 budget and $324,753 from the 2017 budget.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Monday in the courthouse at 500 Broadway and is open to the public.
Two weeks after formally adopting updated residential and commercial building codes, the Plainview City Council began work at putting into place the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code and 2015 International Existing Building Code. Those updates will supersede 2009 codes currently in place.

Chris Valverde, community development manager, reviewed the latest code updates Thursday during the City Councils work session. They will go before the council on first reading at Tuesdays regular meeting.

He noted that changes between the existing 2009 codes and these 2015 updates are generally minor, with few local amendments. Their adoption, without local amendments lessening the overall standards, are mandated by both state and national legislation.

The International Energy Conservation Code sets minimum efficiency requirements for new and renovated buildings that assure reductions in energy use over the life of the building, Valverde noted, explaining that energy efficient structures are more comfortable and cost-effective to operate as well as promote energy, economic and environmental benefits.

The International Existing Building Code provides alternatives in determining what is necessary for repairs, alterations and additions to existing buildings. While encouraging the use and reuse of existing buildings while requiring reasonable upgrades and improvements, Valverde said most of the directives involve life safety issues.

There are two proposed local amendments to the codes. One would no longer allow two layers of asphalt shingles in roofing applications. The other provides alternative accessibility design requirements for buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places or listed locally.

Councilmember Larry Williams voiced his frustration with state and federal mandates requiring the adoption of the energy conservation provisions. These things should be market driven, but instead they are a huge governmental overreach. We really dont have a choice in this, even though it will cost consumers  the little savings in energy come with a high cost.

In other action, the City Council learned that the City of Plainview serves as trustees for 150 parcels that have been forfeited to local taxing entities through tax foreclosure proceedings. In an effort to make the properties available and to get them back on the tax rolls, city staff has been working to develop a process to take bids and sell the properties. The first seven properties have been selected to test that process.

The council on Tuesday is expected to approval offering the tracts for bid via internet auction. Six of the properties are residential tracts  201 Beech, 1414 Portland, 608 W. 19th, 204 E. Second, 1910 W. 26th and 612 E. Ninth. The lone commercial tract, at 1115 N. Columbia, was originally the Gene Bumpus Fuel location and most recently used as Slims Trading Post.

The council on Tuesday also is expected to approve bids on the 2017 Seal Coat Project. The low bid, from G&G Operations of Dalhart, is $471,030 with a supplemental bid of $16,650 for a joint city-county project to resurface Westridge Road.

The council will be asked to approve a $219,325.22 bid to purchase a 2018 model Peterbilt 40 cubic-yard frontloading trash truck to replace a 2008 Peterbilt. The city budgeted $237,000 for the purchase. Low bidder is Rush Truck Center in Lubbock. Two frontloading trash trucks are used daily on commercial trash routes, with two older trucks held in reserve. Three side-load trucks are used daily on residential routes, with two older trucks used as spares.

Also up for approval is a $413,125 bid to purchase a 2017 Caterpillar 816K compactor for the landfill to replace a 2007 Caterpillar 816K compactor that has reached the end of its useful life. It is being purchased off the State Buy Board. The City has budgeted $500,000 for the purchase.

The council Tuesday also plans to approve board appointments to the Runningwater Draw Retired Senior Volunteer Community Advisory Group, Civil Service Commission, Plainview-Hale County Airport Board, Parks Advisory Board, Building Trade and Fire Code Board of Appeals and Citizens Advisory Committee.

Five are scheduled for reappointment to the RSVP board with terms expiring in December 2019  Nicki Logan, Sally Phillips, Rodney Watson, Elsa Cooper and Gary Stennett. Juan Escamilla and Ron Trusler are scheduled for reappointed to the Civil Service Commission. John M. Tye is being reappointed as city representative on the Airport Board. Phyllis Wall had her term extended on the Parks Advisory Committee. The council also will name 30 individuals to the Citizens Advisory Committee.

At Thursdays work session, Mike Fox, executive director of the Plainview/Hale County Economic Development Corp., gave his quarterly report to the council. He already give the same report to the Hale County Commissioners Court.

Two councilmembers were absent Thursday, Teressa King and John Gatica.
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NORWALK  As Columbus Magnet School opens its lottery application window for the 2017-18 school year, school officials are looking forward to welcoming an entirely new grade of students this fall.

The addition of the sixth grade as the school opens its doors this August is a part of a years-long plan to transform Columbus Magnet School from a K-5 into a K-8 school. Seventh-graders will be welcome in 2018-19 and eighth-graders the year after.

Im extremely excited, said Medard Thomas, school principal. Its very exciting to have the prospects to create something unique for Norwalk. From what I understand for many, many years the parents of Columbus have wanted a middle school program.

Columbus Magnet School is a Norwalk Public School that offers a Progressive Bank Street/H.O.T. (Higher Order Thinking) model of learning. The schools mission is to develop passionate, lifelong learners who strive for academic excellence by cultivating their creativity and imagination through hands-on, integrated units of study and arts infusion.

Though the number of grades at the school is increasing, the school building itself will not expand in size. Rather, Thomas said, the school formed two sections of kindergarten classes last year instead of three.

Its part of a gradual process, Thomas said, to slowly move grades throughout the school from three to two sections to accommodate the new grades.

For the 2017-18 school year, Thomas said there will be one sixth-grade class. The possibility of allowing non-Columbus students to enter that class will depend on how many of the roughly 42 current fifth-grade students decide to stay on to attend sixth grade at the school.

If I can hold on to at least enough kids to make a class, then I dont anticipate opening up a lottery for sixth-grade students, Thomas said. However, if he loses a majority of the current fifth-grade students to other middle schools, he will be able to accept others into the newly formed sixth-grade class.

Space is an issue, Thomas said. Its very tricky.

Dealing with space issues only stands to grow more difficult as the seventh and eighth grades are added at the school.

My concern, Thomas said, is that in a few years we to have the facilities to provide a robust program for K-8 students. They need space. For right now its possible for me to build on year after year, but once we get to eighth grade I need a facility to say that we are ready to offer a real, state-of-the-art K-8 program.

New home for Columbus?

Luckily for Thomas, the Norwalk Board of Education has approved plans to construct a new school building for Columbus Magnet School. The boards 2017-18 capital budget plan included funding for the construction of a new school next to an existing pre-school building at the Nathaniel Ely campus, among funding for plans to renovate and expand several other district schools.

Whether those plans will be approved is still up in the air, though the plan to construct the new building for Columbus Magnet School went fully funded in Norwalk Financial Director Bob Barrons budget proposal.

If funded, Columbus Magnet School could be in its new school building by the 2023-24 school year.

As for the 2017-18 school year, Columbus Magnet School is accepting lottery applications through March 23. Most of the spots will be open to kindergartners, with preference given to siblings of current students and prospective students living in the unassigned district in South Norwalk, Thomas said.

An informational meeting on the lottery will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 at the school. Tours are also available upon reservation.

For more information or to download a lottery application, visit the schools website at cms.norwalkps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=73082&pageId=5165532.

KSchultz@thehour.com; 203- 354-1049; @kevinedschultz
An appeals court ruled against reinstating President Donald Trumps travel and immigration ban.

A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that the government had not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of it appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and therefore we deny this emergency motion for a stay. The question before the judges was on whether Trumps executive order, issued last month, should be put on hold while the weighty issues of its constitutionality are considered.

Trumps travel ban had been challenged by attorneys general from the state of Washington and Minnesota, and dozens of tech companies, including Amazon, Google, and Netflix.

The appellate judges considering the case were Michelle Friedland, an appointee of President Barack Obama; Richard Clifton, an appointee of President George W. Bush; and William Canby, an appointee of President Jimmy Carter.

A district court judge granted a temporary restraining order last week that put Trumps executive order on hold nationwide. The Trump administration appealed the district courts decision.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE! Trump tweeted in reaction to the ruling.

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

Trumps order temporarily restricted entry into the United States from seven Muslim-majority countries, and halted the flow of refugees into the U.S. for 120 days.

Earlier in the week, at a one-hour hearing before the 9th Circuit, Noah Purcell, attorney for Washington state, argued that reinstating it would harm the state, separate families, and prevent students and faculty from entering the country.

August Flentje, representing the federal government, argued that Judge James Robarts temporary restraining order was an extraordinary action in that it enjoined a presidential national security decision based on some newspaper articles.

Story continues

Technically, the 9th Circuit was not considering the merits of the case  whether Trumps order was a constitutional violation in singling out Muslim-majority countries. The executive order restricted travel from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, and suspends entry indefinitely of all Syrian refugees.

But the motivations behind Trumps order were brought up at Tuesdays hearing.

The judges noted that Washington state and Minnesota, in challenging Trumps executive order, had presented evidence in support of their argument that the president intended to disfavor Muslims. The states cited Trumps campaign statements about his intent to implement a Muslim ban.

The States claims raise serious allegations and present significant constitutional questions, the judges said in the ruling.

The judges declined to limit the scope of the temporary restraining order. They noted that the federal government had offered no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States. Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the Executive Order, the Government has taken the position that we much not review its decision at all. We disagree

In their ruling, the 9th Circuit judges also rejected the administrations claim that the presidents decisions about immigration policy are unreviewable.

There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy, the judges said.

Related stories

Senate Confirms Jeff Sessions as Attorney General

Correspondents Dinner: Which Comic Will Take on Trump?

Trump Immigration Ban 'Inflicts Significant Harm' on U.S. Business, Tech Firms Say in Court Filing
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For Tink and Bobbye Calfee, it's easy to see the red flags now.

Several months ago, the longtime Conroe couple put their trust in a local roofing company to repair the damage to their home in the Wedgewood subdivision off Longmire Road following storms that moved through the area in May of 2016. But after signing over an insurance check for $11,000, the Calfees were never able to get the company back to do the work.

And they weren't the only ones; two other homeowners in their neighborhood found themselves in the same situation.

According to Tink, representatives of the company came to their home after inspecting several other homes in the neighborhood and asked whether they could look at his roof. Tink agreed and learned he had damage to his home.

"They said I needed to get in touch with my insurance people to come out and look at it," said Tink, noting company officials said they wanted to be there when that happened. "We did that and the adjuster said, 'Yes you have roof damage.'"

Tink said he called multiple times but could never get the company to come back and do the roof.

The Calfees declined to give the name of the company since the issue is still under investigation.

"I just want (the roof done), but I think they should be put in jail," Bobbye said of the company that took their money.

Bill Harris, who lives across from the Calfees, said the same thing happened to him and he decided to reach out to law enforcement. Before long, a detective with the Conroe Police Department was talking to the homeowners and put them in touch with StormScamHelp.com.

"The roofer had been in the neighborhood working," Harris said of how he came in contact with the company. "It looked good and everything sounded great. I was tickled to death to get a new roof and I made the mistake and gave them money up front."

Harris, like the Calfees, was never able to get the roofer back to do the work.

StormScamHelp.com, contractor watchdog group, is making sure the Calfees and their neighbors are getting new roofs. According to Jessica Sloat, director of sales for Genesis Contractor Solutions and StormScamHelp.com, the roofing materials for the work has been donated by Georgia-based Atlas Roofing and the labor is begin provided by Cypress-based Always Great Service LLC.

"We step in and help homeowners who have been scammed by local contractors," Sloat said.

Sloat said she was contacted by Conroe PD about the issue and asked if we could help out. While Sloat didn't have statistics, she added roofing scams are among the most prevalent with homeowners.

According to InsuranceFraud.org, no single agency collects fraud statistics but the site noted fraud comprises about 10 percent of property-casualty insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses each year and property-casualty fraud equals about $32 billion each year.

Diane Peoples, marketing and communications manager with Atlas Roofing, said the effort is good for homeowners and the roofing business. "We think it is really important to help our contractor differentiate themselves in the market," Peoples said. "We want to see the reputation of the industry elevate."

As for Harris and the Calfees, they just want others to learn from their mistakes and never pay for contracting work up front. Both agree they are lucky to get the help from StormScamHelp.com.

"All this money I thought I would have to beg, borrow or steal to get a roof, I didn't have to do after all," Harris said.

For more information, visit www.StormScamHelp.com.
Joe Tant, treasurer for the Sabine Neches Region CASA, which helps abused and neglected children, said he started noticing problems with the non-profit's books a month ago.

A bank account that was supposed to have $39,000 held $13,000, he said.

After more investigating, Tant determined about $55,000 of the group's funds had been spent using credit cards.

Almost half of the charges were made at Louisiana casinos, he said.

Board members Johnny Trahan and Kim Dickerson filed a police report last week, and an employee subsequently was fired.

"This isn't the first time that this has happened to an organization, and it won't be the last," Tant said.

Of the cases of embezzlement from Southeast Texas charities and non-profits in recent years, several have involved volunteers using stolen funds to gamble.

On Jan. 18, a district judge in Jasper County sentenced Kathern D. Molt, 50, to five years' probation for stealing nearly $50,000 from the Magnolia Festival in Kirbyville.

Molt, the festival's former treasurer, pleaded guilty to the charge of theft of fiduciary funds or property of a financial institution, a third-degree felony.

She told Kirbyville police she had been writing herself checks for several years to cover gambling debts.

Molt was ordered to make restitution to the festival.

In December, Lumberton police arrested Helen Cox, 46, the former treasurer for the Lumberton Band Booster Club, alleging she gambled away more than $70,000 of the club's money at four casinos over five months. Cox has not been indicted.

The affidavit said Cox spent about $85,000 at the Golden Nugget Casino in Lake Charles and wanted to get out of the hole "by gambling more hoping to earn back when she had lost."

"(Gambling) is an addiction, but it's a hidden addiction. It's very similar to substance abuse. They develop tolerance and preoccupation and loss of control," said Keith Whyte, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, a Washington, D.C., non-profit that aids people with gambling addictions.

About 70 percent of people with the addiction commit a white collar crime to fund the habit, he said.

Whyte said while men still make up the majority of gambling addicts, the number of women affected has increased in the past decade with the proliferation of slot machines in casinos.

"They can sit in front of that machine for hours and escape," he said. "You need to have more and more money."

Some non-profit organizations can make up the loss.

Tant said his organization will recover quickly because it has an insurance policy that will cover the lost funds.

Other groups haven't been so lucky.

The Lumberton Band Booster Club has had to host fundraisers and solicit donations to try to recover some of its lost funds.

NKrebs@BeaumontEnterprise.com
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Opponents of President Donald Trump's travel ban sought Friday to rack up another legal victory against the measure, believing they have the administration on the defensive after a federal appeals court refused to reinstate the order.

As government attorneys debated their next move, they faced unsympathetic judges on both coasts.

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided Thursday with the states of Washington and Minnesota in refusing to reinstate the ban, opening the possibility that the case could advance to the U.S. Supreme Court. On Friday, a federal judge in Virginia also seemed inclined to rule against the administration in a different challenge.

For his part, Trump said Friday that he is considering signing a "brand new order" while the ban is held up in court.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida for the weekend, the president said he expected his administration to win the legal battle over his original directive. But he said the White House was also weighing other alternatives, including making changes to the order, which suspended the nation's refugee program and barred all entries from seven Muslim-majority countries.

In Virginia, a lawyer for the state asked a judge to impose a preliminary injunction barring the government from enforcing a portion of Trump's Jan. 27 executive order that bars anyone from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the U.S. for 90 days.

A preliminary injunction would be long-lasting, continuing through the trial in a case. Still, because of the 9th Circuit's decision refusing to reinstate the order, the practical effect of any decision in Virginia may be muted for now.

Judge Leonie Brinkema, who was appointed to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1993, did not seem satisfied with answers about the executive order from an administration lawyer.

Brinkema said that the order "clearly has all kinds of weaknesses," and she asked the government to explain the justification for the ban, saying courts have been "begging" for that explanation. The president can legally suspend the entry of non-citizens into the country when he "finds" that their entry "would be detrimental to the interests of the United States."

Story continues

"Finds," she said, doesn't mean just "think."

Virginia's Solicitor General Stuart Raphael said the government has been unable to answer the charge that the ban was targeted at Muslims.

Brinkema, who did not say when she will rule, said that there was strong evidence that the order is harmful to national security. She quoted from a joint declaration filed in the case by former national security, foreign policy and intelligence officials, including former secretaries of state Madeline Albright and John Kerry, former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and former CIA Director and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

"In our professional opinion, this Order cannot be justified on national security or foreign policy grounds. It does not perform its declared task of 'protecting the nation from foreign terrorist entry into the United States," the declaration states.

The group continued that Trump's executive order "could do long-term damage to our national security and foreign policy interests."

A lawyer for the administration, Erez Reuveni, countered that the group is not in the current administration. But he did not give any additional justification for the order. Instead, Reuveni argued that Virginia does not have the right to challenge the ban and that Brinkema does not have the power to review the president's executive order.

As for how the government will move forward in the 9th Circuit case, Reuveni said no decisions had been made.

"We may appeal. We may not," Reuveni said. "All options are being considered."

Moments after the ruling Thursday, Trump tweeted, "SEE YOU IN COURT," adding that "THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" But he did not specify what court he meant.

The administration could appeal the ruling to a larger 9th Circuit panel or bypass that step and go straight to the U.S. Supreme Court. That could put the decision over whether to keep the temporary restraining order suspending the ban in the hands of a divided court that has a vacancy. Trump's nominee, Neil Gorsuch, probably could not be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban, which would expire in 90 days unless it is changed.

In addition to the challenge in Virginia brought by Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat, the ban still faces lawsuits around the country, some filed by refugees directly affected by it. The Trump administration did win a legal victory earlier this month in Massachusetts, where a federal judge in Boston declined to extend a temporary injunction against the travel ban. But a separate federal ruling in Seattle later in the day put the ban on hold nationwide. It was the Seattle judge's ruling that was ultimately appealed to the 9th Circuit.

___

Associated Press writers Ken Thomas and Darlene Superville in Washington and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report.
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San Francisco

A federal appeals court refused Thursday to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, unanimously rejecting the administration's claim of presidential authority and questioning its motives.

The three judges of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the argument that the ban targets Muslims raised "serious allegations" and presented "significant constitutional questions," and they agreed that courts could consider statements by Trump and his advisers about wishing to enact such a ban.

Moments after the ruling, Trump tweeted, "SEE YOU IN COURT," adding that "THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

In response, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat who leads one of the states that challenged the ban, said: "Mr. President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you."

The panel declined to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travelers to enter the U.S. But it did not shy away from the larger constitutional questions raised by the order.

The judges rejected the administration's argument that courts did not have the authority to review the president's immigration and national security decisions. They said the administration failed to show the order met constitutional requirements to provide notice or a hearing before restricting travel and presented no evidence that any foreigner from the seven countries was responsible for a terrorist attack in the U.S.

"Despite the district court's and our own repeated invitations to explain the urgent need for the Executive Order to be placed immediately into effect, the Government submitted no evidence to rebut the States' argument that the district court's order merely returned the nation temporarily to the position it has occupied for many previous years," the panel wrote.

The court battle is far from over. The lower court still must debate merits of the ban, and an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court seems likely. That could move the decision to a divided court with a vacancy. Trump's nominee, Neil Gorsuch, could not be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban.

The appellate judges noted compelling public interests on both sides.

"On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies. And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination."

The Justice Department said that it was "reviewing the decision and considering its options." It's the first day on the job for new Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was sworn in at the White House earlier Thursday by Vice President Mike Pence.

Last week, U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban after Washington state and Minnesota sued. The ban temporarily suspended the nation's refugee program and immigration from countries that have raised terrorism concerns.

Justice Department lawyers appealed to the 9th Circuit, arguing that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

The states said Trump's travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities. Citing Trump's campaign promise to stop Muslims from entering the U.S., they said the ban unconstitutionally blocked entry to people based on religion.

The appeals court sided with the administration on just one issue: the argument that the lower court's temporary restraining order could not be appealed.
SAO PAULO, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Brazilian medical laboratory Instituto Hermes Pardini SA priced its initial public offering (IPO) at 19 reais per share on Friday, in the bottom half of the suggested price range, between 17.50 and 21.50 reais per share.

The company raised 878 million reais ($282 million) in the IPO, according to the website of securities regulator CVM, of which 187 million reais will go to the company's treasury and 691 million reais to shareholders.

($1 = 3.11 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer and Aluisio Alves, editing by G Crosse)
SAO PAULO, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Brazilian car rental firm Unidas SA on Friday said it will no longer seek an initial public offering, citing 'unfavorable market conditions', according to a securities filing.

Reuters reported earlier on Friday, citing sources, that the company would scrap the IPO plans after sluggish investor demand.

(Reporting by Marcelo Teixeira; Editing by James Dalgleish)
chris evans

Chris Evans had the chance to fight pretend Nazis as Captain America on the big screen. Now Evans in real life has called out ex-KKK leader David Duke on Twitter.

Evans stepped into the political conversation after Duke, a white nationalist and Holocaust denier, tweeted his support of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was recently confirmed. To Evans, that alone is a warning sign.

If David Duke....DAVID!...DUKE!... thinks you're right, then you are unequivocally wrong. The confirmation of @jeffsessions is beyond words. https://t.co/CuLUznwO6S  Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 9, 2017

About two hours later, Duke fired back, calling Evans a typical dumb actor.

Typical dumb actor - if everything I say is wrong, then when I say I oppose these Zionists wars, you must be for them, Captain America!? https://t.co/fsxQHgzdWD  David Duke (@DrDavidDuke) February 9, 2017

That encouraged Evans to further call Duke out on his beliefs.

@DrDavidDuke well if these nuggets of bigotry are some of your OTHER thoughts, then I stand by my original tweet https://t.co/YSrOCDuyBw  Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 9, 2017

Evans ended the Twitter war when he said, We cant let hatred be the loudest voice.

We can't let hatred be the loudest voice. https://t.co/bqRPRXo453  Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) February 9, 2017

NOW WATCH: 6 details you may have missed in the 'Stranger Things' season 2 trailer





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SAN ANTONIO  Twin sisters are being forced to find a new home after a fire partially destroyed their Northwest Side apartment Friday morning.

Police responded around 8 a.m. at an apartment complex in the 6600 block of Callaghan Road.

Sierra Ray, one of the 19-year-old twins, said she was getting ready when the fire started.

"I was blowdrying my hair, and then I heard a pop and the plug started smoking," Sierra said. "Then all the lights went off and smoke, like heavy black smoke, started coming out of the lights."

RELATED: Body found in trunk in Universal City identified as 23-year-old father

She and her sister, Serena, called 911 and fled the apartment.

When firefighters first arrived on the scene, they had to search for the fire in the walls, according to Joe Arrington, a spokesman for the San Antonio Fire Department.

"It was kind of stubborn, running a little bit," Arrington said.

They could feel where they heat was coming from, so they used axes to bust open the walls and ceiling of the apartment, where they discovered the fire.

"They had to cause some damage to prevent further damage," Arrington said.

Two apartments were affected by the fire, that of the Ray sisters and a vacant unit. It is unclear how much damage the fire caused.

READ ALSO: Officer hospitalized after alleged drunken driver crashes into parked squad car

Sierra said she and her sister would relocate to another apartment in the complex for the time being.

The twins' mother, Sandy, who lives in the same complex, said she was thankful her daughters were uninjured in the fire.

"I ran right down when I heard," she said. "I thought they were joking at first."

She said the fire brought on flashbacks as her older son's apartment had previously been consumed in a fire. He was uninjured.

Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
A second small Hill Country school district this week temporarily closed its doors because of high absenteeism blamed on the flu.

Medina Independent School District, which serves about 300 students in central Bandera County, shut down Friday and will be closed Monday due to an outbreak of the contagious virus.
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Dustin Lee Osborne, convicted of murder in the 2014 shooting death of his friend, was handed a sentence of 80 years in prison and a $10,000 fine Friday.

Earlier in the day, his new wife wept in the courtroom as prosecutor Josh Somers told the jury that the 20-year-old killer is a drug dealer, liar and manipulator.

With the murder weapon sitting in front of the jury, Somers said: When you carry guns, threaten people and murder someone, it's not a mistake. It's who you are. Today you get a chance to protect us from him by sending him to prison for life.

RELATED: Witness testifies of drinking, drug use and sex before San Antonio man shot to death

Osborne, now 20 and an admitted drug dealer, was convicted this week of shooting Ralph Michael Lopez, 34, on Aug. 11, 2014, in the driveway of Lopez's South Side home, after what witnesses testified was a brief argument.

State District Judge Jefferson Moore instructed the jury that they could consider whether sudden passion was a mitigating factor in the murder, which would have reduced the crime to a second degree felony that carries a 2- to 20-year range of sentence.

But the jury issued no finding of sudden passion, which left the crime as a first degree felony, punishable by a term of 5 to 99 years in prison.

RELATED: 10 things to know about gangs operating in San Antonio

Court-appointed defense attorney Patrick Hancock told the jury his client had acted in self-defense and was so neglected as a child that he was destined to be a criminal.

Dustin never had a chance, Hancock said. He never had nurturing parents. His dad was in and out of prison. He dropped out of high school in 2014. He's a product of this street culture.

He's going to prison. He knows that, Hancock said. But he should be punished in a fair and just manner.

After listening to both sides, the jury began deliberated about six hours before deciding on the sentence.

bselcraig@express-news.net
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State lawmakers are pressing for harsher punishment on teachers wrapped up in improper relationships with students, an issue that has hit the San Antonio-area dramatically in the last six years.

Using an Austin American-Statesman database built with Texas Education Agency data, mySA.com found 63 San Antonio-area educators lost their teaching certificate after investigations were opened for their supposed involvement in an improper relationship with a student during a six-year time period.

The teachers either voluntarily gave up or had their teaching certificates revoked.

MySA.com also found 24 of those San Antonio-area teachers were charged with a crime.

A dozen teachers worked in more than one district across the state, including some overlapping in multiple Bexar County districts, records show.

RELATED: 900 cases in 5 years: Texas Education Agency to ask lawmakers to help curb teacher/student sex

Several teachers were investigated for improper relationships before or after moving to a San Antonio-area school district.

Across Bexar, Guadalupe, Kendall and Comal counties, Northside Independent School District had the highest number of teachers investigated for an improper relationship, data shows.

Of the 20 teachers who had their licenses revoked in the district, four of them were charged with a crime.

Click through the slideshow to see where your district falls on the list.

Improper student-teacher relationships are on the rise in the state a record 207 investigations were opened in the 2015-16 fiscal year. A total 893 investigations were opened from 2011-2016 and the Statesman found 686 teachers permanently lost their teaching certifications due to improper relationships from Jan. 2010 to Dec. 2016.

RELATED: Gov. Abbott, new bill target growing teacher-student sex trend in Texas

Social media may be contributing to the rise in cases, said TEA spokeswoman DeEtta Culbertson. She said as social media has become more "prevalent" in society, it has acted as a catalyst for inappropriate relationships.

Some investigations have found teachers texting with a student or using apps like Snapchat to carry on relationships outside the classroom.

RELATED: Police: Married Texas junior high teacher impregnated 15-year-old student during long relationship

House Bill 218, filed by Rep. Tony Dale, R-Cedar Park this session, aims to increase penalties and close the loopholes "that allow educators who engage in inappropriate relationships to resign and obtain employment in another district."

Gov. Greg Abbott spoke on the problem at his State of the State address last month.

"Texas reportedly leads the nation in teacher-student sexual assaults," he said. "Some of those teachers are not prosecuted ... and worse ... (others) are shuffled off to other schools to continue teaching in other areas threatening other kids.

"Teachers who assault children should lose their license and they should go to jail," Abbott said.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
SAN ANTONIO  Emergency personnel transported a woman Friday morning after she rolled her vehicle in a parking lot near the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.

Police and EMS responded at about 8:15 a.m. Friday near the intersection of Commerce and Comal Streets.
SAN ANTONIO  Police are searching for at least two gunmen who they say shot a man in a Northeast Side neighborhood and fled on foot Friday afternoon.

Officers responded to the scene around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Bikini Drive and Glendora Avenue to find a man shot in the leg.

Sgt. David Renn, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department, said the victim, a man in his late 20s, went out of the apartment at the intersection of Glendora Avenue and Bikini drive around 1 p.m. to get something from his car when two suspects approached him and shot him once in the leg.

The suspects, both described as black men with medium builds, then fled the scene.

READ ALSO: SAPD investigating after shots fired in "drive-by" shooting at NE Side day care

The victim, who was visiting family and has yet to be identified, was transported to San Antonio Military Medical Center in stable condition.

Renn said the victim wasn't cooperating with officers, claiming he had no idea why anyone would shoot him and declined to give details of the shooting itself.

"He wasn't providing us much details as to what had happened," Renn said.

He said the family didn't know why the victim was shot either.

Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
A San Antonio police officer was hospitalized early Friday after a drunken driver crashed into him as he responded to an accident in the North Side.

According to Ofc. Douglas Green, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department, the officer's vehicle was rear-ended by a Chevy truck around 1 a.m. near Loop 410 and U.S. Highway 281.
Courtesy/Hays County Sheriff's Office

A Wimberley man confessed to killing his wife earlier this week, hours after she called 911 pleading for help, according to the Hays County Sheriff's Office.

Christina Anderson, 67, called 911 Thursday afternoon at 4:45 p.m. and said her husband, Jimmy Rhodes, was "out of control" and that she needed help, Hays County officials said in a news release.
Forbes has released their 9th annual top colleges rankings and their rankings focused on one things: return on investment. The report focused on factors such as undergrad satisfaction, time to graduate, student loan debt, and the prospects of landing a good job in a chosen profession. Here's a look at the top universities and colleges Forbes picked this year.
Have you ever noticed how often liberal feminists claim they speak for all women? They consistently insist their policy agenda is pro-female.

Call me naive, but I believe liberals are about as pro-female as they are pro-choice. They claim to be pro-choice, but attempt to legislate everything under the sun, such as: soda sizes, guns, coal, car sizes, God, free speech, bathrooms, school choice, cake baking, salt, and cigarettes.

For them, pro-choice boils down to just two options: Whatever they demand and abortions.

If you don't fit into their big-city-values club filled with metrosexual males, overaged hippies, smarter-than-thou professors, gang-bangers, brainwashed snowflakes and foul feminists, you're out of luck. And if you say anything to the contrary, forget the First Amendment, you're out of line.

That's why my inbox overflows with emails from incensed leftists demanding, in no uncertain terms, and with lots of expletives, that I apologize for a few comments made about the abundance of overweight women at the post-Inauguration Day Women's March against Donald Trump.

The march was co-organized by a woman named Linda Sarsour who once "referred to Sharia as 'reasonable,'" CNS News reports.

Let that sink in for a minute.

Leftists should lay off the pettiness and focus on real women's issues, like the ones women's right activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali talked about on Fox News with Martha MacCallum on February 1. Ali said the march should have been focused on things like the "mass rapes" happening across Europe, genital mutilation and all the women kidnapped by ISIS.

MacCallum asked Ali, a victim of genital mutilation herself, about a now-deleted tweet preserved via screen-catch by the Women's March co-organizer Linda Sarsour: "Brigitte Gabriel= Ayaan Hirsi Ali. She's asking 4 an a$$ whippin'. I wish I could take their vaginas away ---- they don't deserve to be women."

"Ms. Sarsour is hostile to me," Ali said, "not because she knows me, but because she's a fake feminist. Sarsour is not interested in universal human rights." Ali continued, "She's a defender of Sharia law. She hates me because I expose what Sharia law is...no principle degrades and dehumanizes women more than Sharia law."

Normal Americans had to endure the agony of watching women waddling around wearing pink "pussycat" hats to protest Donald Trump's lewd joke to Billy Bush in 2005. And then we discover that the march's co-organizer once tweeted she wants to remove another female's body parts. A female who is a true women's rights advocate, no less.

Oh, the despicable irony.

The Women's March was supposed to welcome a cross-section of American women -- unless those women happened to be pro-life, and in that case, they were not welcome at all. Pro-life activist Kristina Hernandez described it as a "brutal day," telling USA Today she "did not feel safe." She said one pro-lifer was "spit at" and others endured verbal abuse. Hernandez said her sign was torn "in multiple pieces."

This, my friends, is the face of feminism as defined by a Democrat Party so overtaken by extremism it has become the party of regression and oppression.

Allow me to clarify: Being pro-life doesn't mean you are anti-woman; it means you are pro-all women, including unborn girls. It wasn't a women's march. It was some women's march, just like the Democrat Party is some women's party. Certainly, not mine.

Susan lives in Alaska and writes about culture, politics and current events. Contact her by Facebook or at writestamper@gmail.com.
With President Trump's nomination of Coloradan Neil Gorsuch to fill the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court, all eyes turn to Senate Democrats.

Will they or won't they play hardball? They could refuse to allow hearings or a vote on Gorsuch, much the same way Republicans refused to consider then-President Barack Obama's pick, Merrick Garland.

As satisfying as this might be for the party faithful, Republicans wield a large club. If Democrats refuse to cooperate, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell could change voting procedures. Instead of needing 60 votes to confirm, the Senate could invoke rules that would allow confirmation of a Supreme Court nominee on a simple majority vote. That's 51 votes. There are 52 Republicans in the Senate.

If exercised, this "nuclear option" kills any incentive to find compromise in the future because whichever party holds the majority in the Senate will win.

Even without this dramatic backdrop, we would hope that Democrats would drop their retaliatory instincts and simply focus on the merits of the nominee. Yes, the manner in which Republicans handled Garland's nomination was unsavory and reckless. In fact, agreeing to a confirmation hearing would give Democrats the opportunity to ask Gorsuch himself whether "the Senate has a constitutional obligation either to consent or deny consent to a presidential nominee," the legal scholar Alan Dershowitz noted in an essay for the Boston Globe.

As a constitutional "orginalist" Gorsuch would have to express at least some concerns about the actions of Republican senators following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia a year ago, Dershowitz added.

Knowing there's little they can do to stop Gorsuch's confirmation, Democrats would at least get the vindication of an answer and preserve the 60-vote threshold to fight for a moderate the next time a liberal justice retires.

So there's a practical aspect of giving Gorsuch a fair shake. But he's also a respected jurist who appears to be eminently qualified for the job, even if his record tilts conservative.

"Like Scalia, Gorsuch is a proponent of originalism - meaning that judges should attempt to interpret the words of the Constitution as they were understood at the time they were written - and a textualist who considers only the words of the law being reviewed, not legislators' intent or the consequences of the decision," Robert Barnes wrote for the Washington Post.

While we agree that the Scalia vacancy should have been filled by a qualified candidate nominated by President Barack Obama when he still had nearly a year left in his term, relitigating that now is counterproductive. The Senate can and should be better than that. It should complete the court and end the uncertainty of a deadlock.

Any attempt to punish Republicans would punish all of us by keeping judicial review in a state of suspended animation.

-The Daily Sentinel (Colo.)
It should be obvious to even the casual observer that the new American president has something up his sleeve regarding how he engages with the Russian president. Part of that engagement clearly involves curious responses to those who would make observations abut the Russian leaders various sins.

In a presidency as volatile as Donald Trumps, this will tend to drive people batty, generating much comment which is, as usual, projected through the lens of what everyone thinks of Trump in the first place. His detractors will wail that he is propping up an evil tyrant in Vladimir Putin; his supporters will insist that there is a method to what others see as madness.

So what might that method be?

The way to understand Trump is to recognize his main motivating forces. One is a key reason he won: his drive to make decisions based on American interests first, rather than the global dalliances that have distracted us for years. The other is his well-established desire to be viewed as a success.

There would be no greater foreign policy success for Trump than the measurable suppression of ISIS as a threat, across the Middle East, Europe, and its tentacles that have reached into America. In a classic case of the-enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend, he makes frequent mention of Putin as a potential ally in the fight against global jihad.

Is this realistic? The answer lies in an even deeper unknown: the level of interest Putin has in partnering with America to deflect ISISs bloody advances. Russia has been a target of terrorism and will likely face further threats. But that doesnt make Putins motives pure. His fingerprints may be on the 1999 Moscow bombings just before the Chechen war, attributed by some to the KGBs successor agency, the FSB, led at the time by Putin. As recently as the last few years, Russian-led forces have been blamed for targeted political terror attacks in various Russian cities.

This is not a good guy. And his terrorism radar may be frustratingly selective. While it was encouraging after the 2015 Paris attacks for Russia to join a U.N. Security Council resolution backing all necessary measures against ISIS, its dark collaborations with Iran and Syria make Russia a reliable facilitator of arms to Hamas and Hezbollah.

So it becomes equally useful to discern what is the advantage to Putin of partnering with Trump? The goals are a mirror image: The Russian president wants to be able to claim his share of credit for declawing ISIS, and he wants to bolster his popularity by scoring points for keeping his own citizens safe. Those instincts could prove useful.

But as Trump plots a cooperative path that could yield real progress in stifling ISIS with Russian help, he should keep his eyes wide open that one convenient partnership, even one as ambitious and vital as this, does not mean the Russian regime deserves broad praise.

Trump will pursue Russian help to fight global jihad, as well he should. He knows that Putin, who can match him ego for ego, could balk at joining the effort if he hears Trump taking the bait as people goad the U.S. president to savage his Russian counterpart.

Trump being Trump, that means we will get occasional confounding moments like the Were so innocent? retort to Bill OReillys accurate claim of Putin as a killer.

This does not in any way mean Trump morally equates American actions to Putins sinister exploits; it simply means he will say what is necessary to keep the Russian president on the hook for a partnership that could help achieve the most important foreign policy goal of our time.

Imagine Trump calling Putin all of the nasty names people seem to want him to use, and which Putin surely deserves. Then imagine the Russian leader storming away from a potentially vital role in joining us to beat ISIS.

Would everybody be happy then?

Mark Davis is a radio host in Texas and a columnist for The Dallas Morning News. Email: markdavisshow@gmail.com.
Without issuing an opinion -- no ruling on school desegregation, no decision on abortion rights -- the Supreme Court is at the center of perhaps its gravest constitutional crisis in eight decades. The stakes could not be higher, the implications could not be greater, the consequences could not be more far-reaching.

In the span of a few months the country has witnessed the high court nomination of a supremely competent jurist, Judge Merrick B. Garland, be ignored by a stubborn Republican-controlled Senate, followed by the prospect that another supremely competent jurist, Judge Neil Gorsuch, might be blocked by a recalcitrant Democratic minority; and, just the other day, a blistering critique of judges by the president followed by Judge Gorsuch's comment that the Trump remarks were "disheartening."

This whole contretemps is a substantial departure from American history. A Ronald Reagan appointee, Anthony Kennedy, won confirmation by a 97-0 vote. Two of Republican George H.W. Bush's nominees were confirmed by a Democratic Senate, once by a 90-9 vote (David H. Souter). As recently as 2009, nine Republicans voted to confirm the choice of a Democratic president (Sonia Sotomayor).

But last year Republicans refused even to take up the nomination of Garland, and now Democrats are threatening to return the favor and stall, if not defeat, the nomination of Judge Gorsuch.

"Now no one from the other party is acceptable," says Dan Urman, who directs the law and public policy program at Northeastern University. "This is the political equivalent of the Hatfields and McCoys. Each side wants to get even for what happened the last time."

That could mean extending this dispute indefinitely, threatening the independence of the judiciary. "Prolonged civil wars," the Israeli historian Benny Morris once wrote about the Middle East, "tend to brutalize combatants and trigger vengefulness."

That's what's happening here today. There is no premium in asking who started this (perhaps a group of Democrats including future Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. that killed the Supreme Court nomination of Robert Bork in 1987), or for refighting the war over whether a president toward the end of his term ought to make a high-court nomination (as Reagan did with his nomination of Justice Kennedy in November 1987, a result the GOP ignored last year).

At the heart of this crisis is how to interpret Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, which says the president "shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint" justices to the courts.

Does that mean that the Senate has a co-role in the appointment of these jurists? Or does it specifically grant the predominant responsibility to the president, putting the Senate in a minor role? It depends on whom you ask, and what his or her interests are.

Overall the Senate has rejected a dozen Supreme Court nominees, including a George Washington selection, John Rutledge, who was engulfed in a complex political struggle involving the Jay Treaty of 1794. Two Richard M. Nixon appointees, Clement Haynsworth and G. Harrold Carswell, were rejected.

Generally, however, the president gets his way, and generally the Senate applies few ideological tests. But now we are in a cycle of revenge that imperils any nominee's efforts to win confirmation.

"The Democrats are understandably angry about the Garland nomination," says Kenneth Gormley, former dean of the Duquesne Law School and now president of the university. "At the same time, that does not change the fact that the Constitution says what it says, and the current Senate, including the Democrats, have an obligation to consider the president's nominee and consent to it if he is qualified. The fact is that President Trump won the election, and he gets to pick the justice."

But the fact also remains that many Democrats, including Senate minority leader Charles E. Schumer of New York, are determined to fight the Gorsuch nomination, their ardor heightened after Trump pilloried federal Judge James Robart, a George W. Bush appointee who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate, as a "so-called judge" for putting a hold on his executive order on immigration. Schumer said the president's attack "raises the bar even higher for Judge Gorsuch's nomination."

The possible result is Senate, and thus high court, paralysis. Orrin G. Hatch, the Utah Republican who three times was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said seven years ago that Judge Garland would be a "consensus nominee" for the court, and yet the Judiciary Committee refused even to hold hearings. Schumer presumably was one of those who supported Judge Gorsuch's appointment as a federal appellate judge for the 10th Circuit in 2006, and yet he is threatening to hold up the Coloradan's confirmation.

"We could be entering a situation where one party consistently blocks nominees of the other party, waiting its turn to take over the White House," says Gormley. "Then each party will be obstinate. It turns the system upside down."

So is there a way out of this mess, the worst since President Franklin Roosevelt tried to pack the court to preserve his New Deal legislation in 1937?

A start would be presidential initiative to reach out to leaders of the rival political party, to seek their views on Supreme Court appointments, and to get a sense of who is confirmable. President Bill Clinton did some of that, and it helped him win large margins for Ruth Bader Ginsburg (96-3) and Stephen Breyer (87-9), both of whom had strong ideological tints.

Or my proposal: Trump, facing a divided country with high emotions, seeks to mend fences and salve past injuries by offering a deal to both parties. He asks Democrats to join Republicans in giving swift and perhaps even unanimous approval to his nomination of Judge Gorsuch. He accompanies that with a vow to fill the next vacancy -- whether it is produced by the death or resignation of a Republican-appointed justice or one appointed by a Democrat, a gamble for everyone -- with Judge Garland, vowing to ask Republicans to support that selection.

About one in five Americans who voted in last November's election said that Supreme Court appointments were "the most important factor" in their choice; and more than half of those who selected that factor voted for Trump. The president would risk alienating part of his constituency by this offer.

But the president would stand above the public fray and would be aligned with the broad national interest at a time of partisan bickering. He would drain the Senate swamp of the choking woody plants of partisanship -- a boon to all who called in November for dramatic change in Washington and a gift to his successors.

David M. Shribman is executive editor of the Post-Gazette (dshribman@post-gazette.com, 412 263-1890). Follow him on Twitter at ShribmanPG.
Mastering reading, writing and arithmetic is not enough.

Ensuring some students success is much more than just academics. It often requires a more holistic approach that includes addressing needs that extend far beyond the classroom.

Sometimes that includes providing them with clothes and food. In some school districts, it even means allowing access to washing machines so students have clean clothes.

Rising income inequality is creating need all around, sometimes in unexpected places. It would be easy for educators, school staff and volunteers who witness the problems firsthand to shrug them off as not their responsibility.

School days hardly seem long enough to address state education mandates, but that has not hindered local efforts to provide students with assistance beyond the classroom.

In the last 12 months, volunteers in the North East Independent School District have opened a food pantry at one of the high schools and started operating a clothes closet to serve the entire district.

NEISD is generally considered one of the wealthier school districts in Bexar County, but its student demographics tell a different story. The district has 66,700 students, and 46 percent of them qualify for free and reduced school lunches.

Churchill High School launched a food pantry on campus after Ashley Rice, an American history teacher, approached administrators about students who were coming to school hungry and having a difficult time learning.

School staff discussed the problem with the PTA and a plan came together quickly. In January 2016, the school opened a volunteer-operated food pantry in what used to be a dishwashing room off the cafeteria.

All the food is donated, and although a student needs to sign in to shop the shelves, there are no income limitations and no one is turned away, said Laura Talley, Churchill High School PTA president.

Most of the food goes home with students, but on occasion the customers are students who find themselves spending extra long days on campus. They pick up a granola bar to tide them over, Talley said.

Last month, the North East Independent School District PTA Council opened a clothes closet at 8758 Tesoro Drive in an old photo lab building across the parking lot from the NEISD Community Learning Center.

It, too, is run by volunteers and operates on donations of clothing and cash, said Cathy Reed, the PTA councils clothes closet coordinator.

The idea came from a meeting of PTA organizations from across the state. They discussed what they were doing, said Jennifer Easley, president of the NEISD PTA Council, which is comprised of all the PTAs in the school district.

The clothes closet is open to families that receive vouchers from the counselors at a students school. At least one other San Antonio school district is considering a clothes closet of its own.

Attendance rates is one of the issues we want to address, Easley said. Some children dont attend school because they dont have clothes. We hope this will help.

School clothes is a big problem for some families. Educators are finding that the stigma of not having clean clothing for school often contributes to chronic absenteeism.

In 2015, Whirlpool launched its Care Counts program, which provided washing machines to schools with at-risk and low-income students after they were approached by Melody Gunn, a St. Louis principal, for a donation.

During visits to students homes, Gunn found that many of the families did not have washing machines in the home. The children were embarrassed to show up at school wearing dirty clothes, NPR reported.

Whirlpool donated washing machines to schools in St. Louis and Fairfax, California. The pilot program was a success its first year and is expanding. It is not in San Antonio, but it should be considering its proven track record.

Over 90 percent of the students who had access to the clean laundry improved their attendance by 6.2 days, according to the appliance manufacturers website.

That statistic underscores the importance of looking beyond the learning environment when we talk about leveling the playing field for all students.

gpadilla@express-news.net
WESTPORT  An investigation to a fatal fall during a roofing job in December has lead to the arrest of a Stratford contractor for not having a license.

Nelson Turcios, 51, was arrested Thursday on a charge of not being registered as a home improvement contractor.

At around 1 p.m. Dec. 4, firefighters and Emergency Medical Services responded to a Norwalk Avenue address on a report that two workers fell off a three-story roof. The workers had been doing repairs and there was scaffolding at the house, which is near Compo Beach.

First responders found one of the fall victims, Juan B. Rodriguez, 29, of Stamford, dead on the scene. The other worker was seriously injured.

Detectives determined Turcios was the contractor for the roofing job.

Through a check of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, detectives found that Turcios was not currently registered with the state of Connecticut as a Home Improvement Contractor, the Westport police report said. Based on the fact that Nelson Turcios did not have a contractor license, a warrant was submitted to Norwalk Court for his arrest.

On Thursday, Turcios turned himself in and was released after posting a $10,000 bond. A Lexis database search indicated that Turcios had a home improvement contractor license from Dec. 1, 2004, until it expired on Nov. 30, 2006.

Meanwhile, OSHA and Westport police continue to investigate the circumstances of the accident and what caused the two men to fall from the roof.
(Repeats with no changes. The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters)

* http://tmsnrt.rs/2kvrr6j

By Andy Home

LONDON, Feb 9 (Reuters) - The copper market is facing the imminent prospect of the simultaneous closure of the world's two largest copper mines.

Strike action is due to start today at the largest, the Escondida mine in Chile.

There seems little prospect of a last-minute settlement between unions and the mine's majority owner and operator BHP Billiton. The union didn't even bother attending talks on the fifth day of statutory government mediation and the company has started shutting down operations.

In Indonesia, meanwhile, Freeport McMoRan is threatening to partly suspend operations at its Grasberg mine due to the lack of an export permit, the latest turn in the long-running stand-off between the company and the Indonesian government.

At risk is combined production of around 1.7 million tonnes, equivalent to around eight percent of global output last year.

The potential for lost production from one or both may be partly priced into the market, which is currently trading around $5,870 per tonne in London. Fund money has been steadily accumulating since copper's big upside move from below $5,000 last November.

But with copper's notoriously unpredictable supply already back in full focus this year, how well prepared is the market for significant production losses?

Because despite the much-vaunted "wall of supply" coming on stream over the last couple of years, there has been no significant rebuild of refined metal stocks on the world's exchanges.

Indeed, those registered with the London Metal Exchange (LME) are once again shrinking at a fast pace.

DOUBLE IMPACT

Escondida produced around one million tonnes of copper last year in a combination of concentrates and refined metal.

It was a relatively low production year for the world's biggest mine due to low grades. Output in both 2014 and 2015 was around 1.15 million tonnes.

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Analysts are calculating a loss of around 20,000-25,000 tonnes of metal for each week of strike action.

There were strikes at Escondida in both 2006 and 2011, lasting 25 and 15 days respectively.

It's worth noting that Chilean labour laws mitigate against long walkouts since after 30 days individual union members are allowed to return to work if they chose to, shifting negotiating leverage back to management.

That may limit both the length of a walkout and the resulting production hit.

There is no such comfort for Grasberg, which is facing multiple threats.

The most pressing is the lack of an export licence for the material not sent to the local Gresik smelter for processing. With limited storage capacity Freeport has warned it will be forced to reduce drastically production to the tune of around 32,000 tonnes per month.

A temporary export licence is dependent on ongoing talks with the Indonesian government about a new operating licence, which includes provisions for investment in additional local smelting capacity and, more controversially, the disposal by Freeport of a majority stake to Indonesian investors.

Freeport has been here before. A similar stand-off with the government in 2014 cost around 125,000 tonnes of lost output.

It has also become clear that all is not well at the mine or the existing smelter either with labour unrest, or what Grasberg has termed "productivity" issues, translating into lower mine production over the back end of last year and a walkout at the smelter this year.

So clouded has become the future of Grasberg that Rio Tinto is now openly talking about walking away from its minority investment.

Graphic on global exchange stocks of copper:

http://tmsnrt.rs/2kvrr6j

RESILIENCE?

Just how resilient is copper's supply chain to such imminent production losses?

Not as resilient as it should in theory be given all that "wall of supply" which came on line in 2014 and 2015. Excess supply, after all, was the reason copper was bombed out below $5,000 per tonne until as recently as last November.

Exchange stocks of metal haven't rebuilt in any significant way. The combined tally across the London Metal Exchange, COMEX and the Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE) was 565,000 tonnes at the end of last month, little changed from 508,000 tonnes a year earlier.

The relative stability of global stocks has been masked by a convoluted shuffling of metal between the LME and China last year as two trading power-houses slugged it out across the LME spreads.

For sure, there is always more "out there" than just what is sitting in exchange warehouses but it is most likely "out there" in China, which sucked in 3.63 million tonnes of refined copper last year, only marginally off the record pace of 2015.

And right now LME stocks are once again falling fast.

The headline count of 251,525 tonnes has already dropped by 60,300 tonnes, or 19 percent, since the start of January.

That, however, only tells half the story. There are currently 111,200 tonnes awaiting physical load-out from LME warehouses, representing 44 percent of the total.

The "open" tonnage that remains is the lowest it's been since early December and that despite a low seasonal period for copper usage due to the combination of Western and Chinese new year holidays.

DEFICIT NOW?

Copper's double supply trouble is coming against a backdrop of a re-tightening market with some analysts such as Goldman Sachs predicting a return to supply deficit this year.

No-one will be rushing immediately to revise their calculations. Every copper analyst now factors in a "disruption allowance" in their supply calculations, typically around 5 percent globally.

But if both Escondida and Grasberg close, even for a relatively short period of time, a large part of that allowance will already have been used up.

And that's before the potential for further disruption.

Keep an eye on the Las Bambas mine in Peru, another big operator with 330,000 tonnes of production last year. It is facing renewed protests from local residents, who have blocked access to the mine.

It too has been here before. A similar flare-up in local tensions last year stopped shipments and almost stopped the mine.

It's shaping up to be a hot year for copper production. Whether that translates into a hot year for the copper price is going to be dependent on just how much more stock is lying in statistical darkness beyond exchange warehouses.

Because that visible safety cushion is looking a lot leaner than might have been expected.

(Editing by David Evans)
Peer-to-peer lending is growing up, and Wall Street is looking for a bigger piece of the action.

The burgeoning business, also known as marketplace lending, involves private loans between lenders and borrowers, usually arranged through websites such as Prosper, Lending Club and SoFi, along with a growing array of other entrants to the field. Investors like the loans for the yield they provide, and individuals and business people enjoy the ease of going to a site and being able to procure funding relatively quickly.

But as the industry is growing, so are its funding needs. That's where big Wall Street banks are stepping in.

P2P platforms increasingly are bundling loans together and selling them off to institutional investors as "asset-backed securities."

If that term is familiar, it's because the practice was at the center of the financial crisis, where Wall Street combined loans  often mortgages  into exotic packages and then shipped them off to yield-hungry investors. They became an ugly symbol of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, but asset-backed securities (ABS) never went away, and the instrument, part of an industry practice known as securitization, is now proving valuable for the P2P industry.

Total ABS issuance for 2016 in peer lending came to $7.62 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence analyst Eric Turner. In the grand scheme of things, the figure doesn't sound like much for a banking industry that has $16 trillion in total assets.

However, the practice of ABS issuance in the marketplace lending arena began only around 2013, when the total was a meager $257.1 million. That means issuance is about 30 times what it was just four years ago. The 2016 total also represented a 72.4 percent increase over the previous year.

As the industry expands, so will loan securitization.

"As the market has proven resilient in the face of headwinds, the use of securitization is unlikely to slow down, and 2017 stands to be another record year for deals in the space," Turner said in a research note. "The continued need for capital at (traditional) lenders, coupled with the entry of new lenders in the space, will help fuel increased offerings for the year."

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Gundlach and others are buying

There's certainly plenty of demand.

Bond guru Jeffrey Gundlach at DoubleLine Capital is just one deep-pocketed investor who has been buying up marketplace-lending ABS, particularly those comprised of personal and student loans, Turner said. Gundlach did not respond to a CNBC request for comment.

Other big investors include Zurich Insurance Group and property and casualty insurer Chubb.

For those wondering whether the P2P industry is going down the same perilous road as some of the now-dead companies that helped pave the way for the financial crisis, Turner believes the presence of high-profile names is a sign that the ABS offerings are more secure.

"We view this as a positive indicator for future growth, since these investors have likely conducted a significant amount of due diligence on the platforms and their offerings, making them more likely to purchase new securities in the future," he said.

However, he does note that either an economic downturn, "a large default affecting a seasoned ABS issuance," or a ratings downgrade could have adverse consequences. Turner also warned that investors could get greedy and demand higher yields, putting more pressure on the industry.

Echoes of Lehman

Likewise, Fitch Ratings views structured finance  the umbrella under which securitization falls  to be "predominantly stable" in 2017.

Of course, the ratings agencies themselves came under fire for failing to see the financial crisis brewing, as they gave sterling ratings to securities that eventually capsized.

Interestingly, the first P2P securitization came from a former Lehman Brothers trader who packaged Lending Club loans in 2013. Lehman's collapse on Sept. 15, 2008, accelerated the crisis.

Among platforms, SoFi leads the way in ABS offerings, with the firm accounting for 58.4 percent of the 2016 total. Avant and Earnest were other big issuers during the year, while Lending Club was fourth.

SoFi already has made a splash in 2017, issuing $564 million and making its intentions known that it will be a big player in the mortgage-backed securities market.

The sites themselves do not act as lenders, only as facilitators between interested parties.

There's every indication that even as regulations for big banks are likely to ease in the years ahead, peer lending is likely only to get bigger.



PricewaterhouseCoopers has projected that the industry is likely to explode to at least $150 billion by 2025. Fitch said 2015 issuance probably topped $20 billion.
Two people are missing after they were swept away by floods that hit Matabeleland Norths Binga district on Monday.

So far one person has been reported dead as the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) continues rescuing and evacuating marooned villagers.

More details to follow

 Herald

Breaking News via Email
THE MDC-T is in fresh chaos amid renewed pressure for party leader Douglas Mwonzora to step down for failing to respect the constitution, alleged abuse of funds and hobnobbing with Zanu-PF while destroying the once vibrant opposition movement.

Mwonzora is being accused of failing to pronounce a date for congress that is long overdue while appointing cronies to key positions to consolidate his power.

Impeccable sources told The NewsHawks that those linked to Mwonzora are pushing for a standing committee meeting to push for the blocking of congress until the party reorganises its structures, a move frowned upon by other senior leaders who are itching for the elective indaba.

According to a congress roadmap crafted by the party, branch congresses were set for 28 and 29 May, followed by district congresses on 30 May.

Provincial congresses, including external provinces, were set for June 6-11, while a national council meeting was scheduled for June 17 followed by others processes leading to the July 23-24 congress.

All this has been stalled and the party is blaming Mwonzora and his band of loyalists.

MDC-T national chairperson Morgen Komichi said the party was waiting for a proclamation of the congress, but he would not be drawn into commenting on what is causing the delay.

Komichi said the congress was long overdue and the party was waiting for its leader to come up with a date while ruling out this month as initially set.

It is still not clear now. We are waiting for the president to announce the date, he said.

Party insiders said Mwonzora was not comfortable with congress, amid reports of revolts against him from the provinces.

His pact with Zanu-PF is haunting him. His handling of finances is not transparent and he has failed to finance party projects in the provinces. He attacks opposition other than Zanu-PF and people feel he has betrayed the struggle and people no longer want him, an insider said.

He attacks Chamisa as a person not adhering to the constitution, but he is doing exactly that, the source said.

A Mwonzora loyalist confirmed a push for the party to stall the convening of congress, arguing there was need to turn to the structures first before entertaining any talk on the indaba meant to elect new leaders.

Mwonzora is facing internal revolt amid reports that senior party officials were eyeing his post to refresh the dying movement, with names of vice-president Elias Mudzuri, national chairperson Komichi and businessman Norest Marara featuring prominently.

Loyalty has shifted from the former MDC-Alliance secretary-general Mwonzora since the party performed dismally in the 26 March by-elections.

Mwonzora was accused of failing to inspire the party to victory and alienating it from the electorate who take him as an extension of Zanu-PF and only meant to decimate other opposition parties. Those who lost have blamed Mwonzora for failing to lead the party, with Zivai Mhetu, who contested on the party ticket in Epworth, say-ing the electorate openly spoke against the party leaders poor leadership. Mhetu has since been fired from the party while Fungai Chiposi, who stood and lost in Kambuzuma, defected to Nelson Chamias Citizens Coalition for Change.

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CITIZENS Coalition for Change (CCC) vice president Tendai Biti, has launched a scathing attack on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, saying he was an extremely incompetent leader with no capacity to run the country.

Biti said Mnangagwa and his entire administration must resign and go into peasant farming where they might have a chance of succeeding.

The former finance ministers outbursts follow governments dramatic volte-farce on its decision to ban lending services by banks.

The move, coming barely a week after it was introduced, became a spectacular howler after it triggered an unanticipated economic bloodbath characterised by a shortage of commodities, companies halting operations and downscaling of production.

Biti told Newzimbabwe in an exclusive interview that such confusion exposed governments gross incompetence.

Why did they impose the ban anyway? This is a reflection that this government is incompetent, it is out of date, it is clueless, it is cruel, it is predatory and destructing, Biti said.

They should just do the right thing and resign and go back home to farm, he said.

The CCC deputy leader said the ban on bank lending should never have been imposed.

It was a blatantly unlawful, irrational and unsound decision. A country cannot be run on the basics of kick and hope strategies. Irreparable harm was caused and surely heads must roll, shame, he exclaimed.

Government lifted the ban on Tuesday, exactly eight days after the policy change.

The ban was implemented on May 9, in a desperate bid to arrest the rapid devaluation of the Zimbabwean dollar.

Government has been accusing companies of hoarding the United States dollars for speculative purposes and the ban was meant to stabilise the local currency.

Biti said this only confirmed that Mnangagwa was clueless and incompetent and must resign.

The ban resulted in various companies cutting off credit facilities, rejecting Zimbabwean dollar payments and temporarily ceasing operations.

The ban also triggered basic commodities shortages and price hikes.

Government at the moment says it is investigating the unnamed speculators who are taking out the local currency bank loans to buy foreign currency on the black market, driving the local currencys value lower.

Meanwhile, to ease the negative impact of its recent policies, the central bank has ordered the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) to scrap duty on basic commodities.

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DENVER  Self-service has become ubiquitous in society today with self-driving cars, self-serve gasoline pumps and self-checkout lines at grocery stores. While ATMs have been around for a while, Bank of America is taking self-service even further by opening mini, robo-banks, the Washington Post reports. The three tiny branches, which have ATMs and video-conferencing capabilities but no actual human beings, opened in Minneapolis and Denver (two locations).

This is the beginning of the end of the American bank branch, said Peter Fitzgerald, who founded Chain Bridge Bank. Bank branches are dead. They were killed by the iPhone. Its like the horseshoe when the automobile came along.

A Bank of America spokesperson said that in-person tellers arent going away. Anne Pace estimated that a million people daily walk into a Bank of America branch and discuss banking needs with employees. Those who use the new robo-banks can have a one-on-one conversation to get a mortgage, plan for retirement, open a small business or get a car loan, she said. This is just a test. We havent rolled these out extensively. We are going to see how these go, see what we learn and make a decision from there.

Cash is dying out, Fitzgerald said. Many millennials dont carry cash. They only use their debit card. In 2011 and 2012, bank branch traffic dropped precipitously. The last I checked, 98.5% of our banks transactions are done online and electronically.

Fitzgerald isnt the only one to predict the demise of cash. A September 2016 study predicted that plastic purchases would outpace cash, while the head of point-of-sale system Revel forecasted that cash is on its way out.
Yves here. This Real News Network interview with Dean Baker uses the Cruz-Sanders debate on health care as its point of departure.

DHARNA NOOR: Welcome to The Real News Network. Im Dharna Noor, joining you from Baltimore.

Tuesday night, Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Ted Cruz faced off in a CNN debate on the merits of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The nearly two-hour debate was perhaps one of the most comprehensive discussions about Obamacare on a major television channel. The senators covered issues such as problems small businesses face under the law, rising insurance premiums and deductibles, the power of the pharmaceutical industry itself, healthcare alternatives to Obamacare and whether healthcare is a human right.

Lets take a look at a brief CNN summary of the debate.

MAN: Insurance company profits have doubled under Obamacare. That was the result

MAN: Senator

MAN: this thing isnt working.

MAN: Senator, senator, sen

BERNIE SANDERS: You know, here I find myself in agreement in agreement with Ted. Hes right. Lets work together on a Medicare for all, single-payer program. So were finally going to get insurance companies, private insurance companies, out of our lives.

TED CRUZ: When government takes over healthcare, every example on earth, the result is rationing and waiting periods and you, the citizens, being told no, you cant have the healthcare you want and deserve.

BERNIE SANDERS: And, in America, we do rationing in a different way, Ted. The way we do rationing is if you are very rich you can get the best healthcare in the world I believe, but if you are working class, you are going to be having a very difficult time affording the outrageous costs.

TED CRUZ: So maybe you can could agree on a commonsense reform of allowing Laronda(?) to purchase health insurance in any of the 50 states. That creates a 50-state national marketplace, it drives down costs, it increases choices

BERNIE SANDERS: Ted let me ask you a question.

TED CRUZ: Sure.

BERNIE SANDERS: Is every American entitled  and I underline that word  to healthcare as a right?

TED CRUZ: So, what is a right? Is access to healthcare. What is a right is choosing your own doctor.

BERNIE SANDERS: Access for what? You want to buy one of Donald Trumps mansions? You have access to do that, as well. Access doesnt mean a damn thing.

DHARNA NOOR: Well, now joining us to explore some of the issues that were raised, and some that were not raised, in this debate is Dean Baker. Dean is the co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C. His most recent book is Rigged: How Globalization and the Rules of Modern Economy were Structured to make the Rich Richer. Thanks so much for joining us today, Dean.

DEAN BAKER: Thanks for having me on.

DHARNA NOOR: As we just saw in the beginning of the debate, Sanders said that a single-payer system would cut the cost of healthcare premiums, and Senator Ted Cruz said that such a system would be prohibitively expensive. He said it would cost actually 2.5 to 3 trillion dollars per year. Sanders never actually responded to this claim. Whats your response?

DEAN BAKER: Well, single-payer systems do cost less. I mean, we can look other countries, Canada is in many ways seen as a model. I believe Senator Sanders actually looks to Canada as a model, and their healthcare costs are about 40% lower per person than they are in the United States. There are others you could look to, as well. You could look to countries like Sweden, the United Kingdom, Denmark, a number of other countries have single-payer-type systems. You could also look at our own Medicare system and the administrative costs of Medicare are considerably lower than private insurers, so the administrative cost of Medicare are less than 2% as compared to on the order of 15% for private insurers. So you could certainly save a lot of money with the universal Medicare-type system.

Now a problem  and I gather this is what Senator Cruz was alluding to  a problem is that it means everything is run through the government in the sense that you have to raise the money through the governments, so the money that people are now paying to private insurers would instead go to the government. In principle, thats doable, but that is a lift. Its a big lift, so hes certainly not wrong in pointing that out. But you certainly could save a lot of money based on a lot of evidence weve seen from around the world.

DHARNA NOOR: Senator Ted Cruz also said that a single-payer system would make wait times longer. This is something that we hear often from Republicans who are arguing against the single-payer system. Whats your response to this? Will wait times be longer if we have a single payer?

DEAN BAKER: Well, theres been, again, considerable analysis of this, and the answer is for the most part no. Countries like Canada, other countries that have single-payer-type systems, on average they dont have longer waits than the United States. That doesnt mean in all cases they dont have longer waits. Certainly in some instances therell be longer waits in those countries. Of course, in some instances there are longer waits in the US. Theres been a big propaganda for it. I remember when Obamacare was being debated back in 2009-2010, the Republicans were circulating a story about this young woman who had brain cancer and was on some wait list for supposedly two years and couldnt get treated in Canada. She eventually had to come to the United States. It was basically a fabrication. But you get things like that. So, you know, therell be bad incidents in any healthcare system. Unfortunately, thats the world. But in terms of average wait times, theyre very comparable to the US, again, better in some cases, worse in others, and the average is very comparable.

DHARNA NOOR: Sanders also advocated a bit later in the debate for a public insurance option, and you, like Sanders, have advocated for this option as a way of increasing competition and thereby lowering insurance premiums. Cruz and Trump agree with the idea that there should be more competition, but their solution is to create a national insurance market instead of regional or state-based ones. So what does all this mean? How would regional markets differ from a national one?

DEAN BAKER: Well, the story that Senator Sanders and I and, for that matter, now, President Obamas been pushing and he had a piece in the last month of his presidency arguing that we should have a public option, you have a lot of areas where you dont have much competition that exchanges and having Medicare, Medicaid, one of those two programs, offer an option, would guarantee people that you had presumably a well-working option that you could turn to and presumably would have lower costs than many of the private insurers. They dont have to pay shareholders dividends. They dont have to have profits, they dont have CEOs that get paid millions of dollars.

So I think thats a very good route to go. Now, we should be clear what the Republicans are talking about, theyre making it sound like this big boon to competition. What you would have is a situation where basically states would lose their authority to regulate insurers, and states have very different qualities of regulators, so some states  I believe California, I believe New York  they have reasonably good regulation of their insurers. Other states  I wont pick on any, but you could think of some in your mind that might not have very good regulators  they would be able to regulate an insurer which then could incorporate lets say in Mississippi and then sell insurance in California, sell in New York, sell in Illinois, and the regulators in those states would have no ability to say that, you know, youre doing improper practices. Youre not having an adequate network of doctors. Youre not paying claims in a timely manner. Things that insurance companies have been known to do.

So even the best regulated markets I think people have many complaints about, basically what you would see as a nationalization of the worst markets.

DHARNA NOOR: Would then a national insurance market in any way help lower premiums?

DEAN BAKER: Its very hard to see what advantage they would expect to get. I mean, what we want to ensure is that you have some amount of competition in each state market, and having a national market can increase is, but theres certainly no guarantee of it. I mean, one of the issues thats come up is we continue to see efforts of insurers, the major insurance companies, to merge, which does reduce competition, so good place to start if we want to ensure that we have competition in these markets is to prevent the mergers of these large insurance companies whittling down the size of the number of actors in the market.

DHARNA NOOR: Another issue that came up during the debate was that the ACA requires insurance companies to cover certain basic things, such as childbirth, even if the person covered does not need it because theyre too old. Sanders sort of brushed off the criticism by saying that he thinks that its wrong, too, but isnt that the point of insurance? To cover people for eventualities whether they need the coverage or not in order to distribute the costs more evenly?

DEAN BAKER: Thats exactly the point. We could sit down and go, okay, you know, Im a man, Im not going to ever get pregnant. You know, women arent going to have prostate cancer. We could do that and I could also look back at my family history and say I have a very low risk of certain conditions. Other people could do it with theirs. The whole point of insurance is to create a common pool, understanding that were going to share the risk. Again, this gets to one of the things that one aspect that many of the Republican proposals you hear about weeding out high risk people, and this is its well, I shouldnt say its silly, its cruel. But, you know, look, we could all reduce our insurance if we could find out whos really sick among us, because the reality is most of us are thankfully relatively healthy, which means we have low healthcare bills. So if we could take the 10% of the least health segment of the population, their average bills are $54,000 a year. For the rest of us, the other 90%, the average is $6,000 a year. So if we could just figure out okay, lets figure out how we can get rid of that 10%, well, well all save a lot of money. Of course, those 10% wont get care. So what the Republicans are trying to do is figuring out some clever way where they could throw the expensive 10% out of the pool, tell the rest of us theyll save us money, and then try to ignore the fact that were basically telling those 10%, well, youre out of luck. You cant afford your insurance, you cant afford your healthcare, too bad for you.

DHARNA NOOR: Further on this, during the debate, Senator Ted Cruz implied that the Republican replacement plan would address issues like pre-existing conditions and coverage under the expansion of Medicaid. His solution here is to increase competition, portability of insurance plans from employer to employer and expand healthcare savings plans. What do you make of these proposals?

DEAN BAKER: Well, the healthcare savings plan is exactly the sort of changing of the pool. So, again, lets say youre relatively healthy first as most people are, and you have relatively low bills. You could say, okay, Im going to get an insurance policy that has a large deductible, you know, $6,000, maybe $10,000 deductible. Ill put every year $3,000, $4,000, $5,000 into my health savings plan. Its going to be tax-preferred, so I could accumulate money in that, pay no taxes on it. And then if something bad happens to me, you know, I have this insurance that kicks in. Now, people who can count on having five, six, eight thousand a year in bills because they have chronic conditions, a heart condition, a cancer survivor or whatever it might be, theyre not going to be able to take advantage of that. Theyll be in a different pool, and theyre going to have to pay a lot more for their insurance. And, you know, this is kind of like a kids game, like, really, Senator Cruz? Like, are we idiots? You know, we this is what hes trying to do. And, yeah, that will save me money. Im a relatively healthy person, most of us are, we would save money. So the idea is if we could somehow get those less-healthy people in a separate pool and tell them theyre on their own, you know, youre gonna have to pay real high premiums, you know, yeah, if the rest of us will save money, but, again, the whole point of having insurance, of having the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, were saying, no, were going to be in the same pool. We want people to be covered when theyre sick. That was the point. He wants to go the other way.

DHARNA NOOR: Republicans seem to be determined to get rid of Obamacare, even if they have no clear replacement. Obamacare has benefited the insurance companies. Senator Ted Cruz mentioned that their profits are higher now than ever. So wont insurance companies be opposed to a repeal?

DEAN BAKER: Well, insurance companies put effort into preparing for a new market, so I suspect they will. I think the that idea the insurance companies  Im not one to speak for the insurance companies  but the idea that theyre making out like bandits from this I dont think is particularly true. I mean, they have left the exchanges in many cases, and I think usually it is because they arent making money. They dont walk away from money. So its not as though this has been a big bonanza for them, but on the other hand, you know, the ones that are in the exchanges just spend a lot of money preparing for that, even the ones not in exchanges you have a different market because the exchanges are there, you have rules about how you cant turn down people now because of pre-existing conditions. So theyve adjusted to the Obamacare market, the ACA market, so I have to imagine most insurers would not be anxious to see that go away.

DHARNA NOOR: Okay. Thank you so much for joining us today, Dean Baker.

DEAN BAKER: Thanks for having me on.

DHARNA NOOR: And thank you for joining us on The Real News Network.
European stocks are the cheapest they've been in 40 years, by this metric

European stocks are the cheapest they've been relative to their U.S. counterparts in nearly 40 years, and they have more upside potential for profit growth, making them an attractive buy even with looming political risk, according to analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.



The analysts made a bullish case Thursday to buy Europe, based on the idea that corporate earnings there have bottomed and are set to see double-digit growth for the first time since 2010. On a price-to-book basis, Europe is the cheapest it has been to the U.S. in nearly 40 years.

European equities have seriously underperformed U.S. stocks over the past nine years, with the total return index for MSCI U.S. (MSCI: .MSCIZUSB) beating MSCI Europe by 105 percent in dollar terms from the trough in 2008.

That said, the political situation looks shakier on the Continent, with a number of elections this year. The most concerning by far is the French election. Nervousness about that vote, as well as Greece's interminable debt crises, have put pressure on bond yields recently.

Nationalist candidate Marine Le Pen, who has become increasingly popular in France, has said she would take the country off the euro. That could lead to the breakup of the entire euro zone  France is its second-biggest economy, after Germany  and would mark a tremendous blow to Europe considering that Britain voted to leave the European Union last June.

The Netherlands also has a March election, where another nationalist candidate is leading, but it is France that has been the big concern. The first round in the French presidential election is in April, and the second round is in May.

"That's clearly the downside risk. I think if Marine Le Pen was elected  it would call into question the integrity of the euro zone," said Ronan Carr, BofA European equity strategist.

Carr does not expect Le Pen to win, however, and either of the other two candidates are seen as positive for the markets, since they both would be reformists and pro-euro zone.

Story continues

"I think it's quite conceivable we're sitting here in May and the markets find the outcome quite bullish. Between now and then the markets could be choppy, kind of like we saw with some of the political events we saw last year," he said. "Ultimately, I think once we work through the uncertainty the backdrop is very strong."

German and possibly Italian elections are expected later in the fall. There could be further volatility then.

"On the other hand, if and when current political risks stabilize, it could set the stage for European valuations to recover," according to the analysts' report.

Carr said while Greek bonds have been under pressure, he expects "an 11th-hour resolution" of its current debt issues.

European stocks should also benefit from the reflation trade  the boost U.S. markets are seen getting from lower taxes and new government spending on infrastructure  which has been driving U.S. stocks since President Donald Trump was elected.

Corporate Europe derives nearly half its earnings from outside the European economy, so the earnings upturn is tied to global growth, the analysts said.

Bank of America expects European earnings growth of 11 percent in 2017 because of the recovery in commodities, low margins and a currency tail wind. The analysts expect growth of just 9 percent in the U.S., and for 2018, earnings growth is expected to be 8 percent in Europe, versus 6 percent in the U.S.

Based on one-year forward price-earnings, MSCI Europe trades at 14.7 percent, a 17 percent discount to the MSCI U.S. at a 17.8 times.
On the same night that Tipperary senior hurling manager Michael Ryan will be honoured with the Tipperary Person of the Year accolade, the Tipperary Association Dublin will induct Golden man Eddie Dalton into its Hall of Fame.

He has been selected in recognition of his groundbreaking research leading to the final granting of a posthumous pardon to Henry (Harry) Gleeson in January 2016.

In April 1941 Mary McCarthy was murdered in Marlhill and her nearest neighbour Harry Gleeson, a native of Holycross, was convicted and hanged for her murder.

Gleeson went to the gallows with immense fortitude and dignity but firmly protested his innocence right up to the end and his last wish to his legal team was to have his name cleared.

Many people down through the years had been convinced of Harrys innocence but none more so than Eddie Dalton.

Not alone that but Eddie set out to do something about it.

For well in excess of forty years, Eddie Dalton, consumed by the conviction of the injustice that had been done to Gleeson, set about proving Gleesons innocence.

By the early 1980s, he had discovered sufficient evidence, mainly through a Firearms Register, to require the reopening of the Gleeson case.

This in turn led to the final granting of Harry Gleesons pardon.

The efforts for Gleeson conducted by Eddie Dalton have been far-reaching, time-consuming, exhaustive and critical.

The granting of the posthumous pardon by the State marks a milestone in Irish legal history.

It was neither popular not profitable for Eddie Dalton to pursue the cause of Gleeson, living as he did in the very community where these terrible events occurred which makes his efforts all the more heroic.

The Associaton says it seems fitting then to mark that milestone event by granting a lifetime achievement award to Mr Eddie Dalton whose research has led without question to this final outcome.

Both awards will be presented at a function in Dublin later this year.

Pictured right is a a heretofore unpublished photo of Gleeson (right) with his young cousin Thomas Reid who lived and worked

with Gleeson at John Caesars farm in Martlhill.

Taken on a Sunday during

haymaking in the Summer of

1940, it is believe to be the

last photo taken of Gleeson

before his execution.

(Photo from Billy OGormans

collection).

Billy, late of Rossmore was Gleesons business partner in a Threshing venture from 1933-1940.

Billy was called to Gleesons trial as a witness but he was one of several crucial witnesses for Gleeson who was not called to give evidence.
The Jobs for Tipp action group will meet with the IDA and Tipperary County Council to present a case to bring jobs to Tipperary Town.

The action group, launched in December, will meet CountyCouncil CEO Joe MacGrath tomorrow (Thursday 7th) and will meet IDA officials the following Thursday.

On Monday night in Tipperary Town, the action group held its second public forum .

The launch of the group late last year attracted a huge crowd which was matched on this occasion.

Concerned citizens of Tipperary Town and a wide catchment area attended to hear the five TDs in the constituency and local elected representatives on how they were going to help deliver jobs to the town.

The TDs - Seamus Healy, Mattie McGrath, Jackie Cahill, Alan Kelly and Michael Lowry - and the local elected representatives were asked why they were not doing more to bring jobs to Tipperary Town.

Elected representatives were asked why the local authority was re-zoning business and commercial land to agricultural.

This move restricted options to would-be companies that wanted to set up business in Tipperary Town, maintained the concerned locals who directed questions to the politicians.

Commercial Rates

They also demanded answers on commercial rates. They insisted that support was required for existing businesses that were struggling to keep their doors open.

Audience members asked for a show of hands from the politicians to see if they agreed commercial rates should be reduced.

When all hands were raised, audience members asked why, if there was such agreement, did Tipp/Cashel Municipal Council vote recently for the equalization of rates resulting in Tipp Towns rates being increased.

Councillors explained talks between the County Council and the owners of the former PAL factory and the former Namco site had taken place. The use of the sites was discussed.

TD Alan Kelly said he was working on bringing a new business project to one of the sites available in Tipperary town. Cllr. Roger Kennedy explained that the rates had to be equalized throughout the county before a reduction in certain areas could be carried out.

Most of the public representatives said that a two-tier commercial rate system needs to be introduced to account for income rather than square footage.

Attracting jobs to Tipperary

The forum was presented with ideas for progressing the campaign to attract jobs to Tipperary.

These included the decentralisation of offices from Dublin to Tipperary, marketing two sites in the town and obtain anchor tenants, eliminate pay parking, concentrate on developing small industries and a suggestion that the councillors take control of the County Council to make decisions that will help the town.

Those in attendance pointed to the absence of the town planners, engineers and administrators from Tipperary County Council, who were all invited to the public forum event.

If you consult the public about decisions in the town they will feel they own it and will support it, said Maureen Walsh, Jobs for Tipp.

We have over 2,000 followers on Facebook but to see the auditorium full of supporters confirmed to us how important our mission is.

The forum was a turning point and showed that people are not going to put up with lack of consultation anymore.

The County Council refers to public consultation all the time in their literature but this is not happening at all.

There is now a sense of hope, support and a determination for more public engagement on the future of Tipperary Town.

Going forward Jobs for Tipp will create a task force to meet with the powers that be. We need to know what the truth is for the plans of Tipperary town so we can deal with it and take action from there.
Clonmel's Suir Dragon Paddlers are planning ahead for a busy year on the river and are looking for new members to join their rowing crew.

Suir Dragon Paddlers are a group of breast cancer survivors and their supporters.

The team was formed in 2013 and are based in the Clonmel Rowing Club.

International research shows that the exercise associated with dragon boat paddling is hugely beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer recurring.

It also helps prevent and improve lymphedema, a debilitating condition which sometimes develops after breast cancer surgery.

Figures show that one in ten women in Ireland will develop breast cancer at some stage in their lives while men can also develop breast cancer.

There is a very social side to the Suir Dragon Paddlers - they celebrate whenever they have a reason or an excuse!

But is it isnt all play, they train hard and during 2016 the team competed in regattas in Athy, Carlow, Dublin and a friendly regatta in Cork.

And for the first time they travelled to Henley-on-Thames in the UK for the winter series. This was over a much longer distance than the team normally compete, it was over 7 kilometres instead of the usual 200 metres!

"We were delighted to bring home our first medal", said a crew member.

If you would like to find out more about the Suir Dragon Paddlers please check out their Facebook page, website www.suirdragonpaddlers.com or call Carol on 087-623-9808.

They would be delighted to hear from you and always welcome new members.
A garda has been found guilty of assaulting two women and causing them harm after an argument broke out over a 15 fee for a lift home following a night out.

Brian Hanrahan (34) of Ballintotty, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, denied the two charges against him which involved punching and kicking one woman and hitting another, but was found guilty on both counts by Judge Elizabeth MacGrath at Nenagh district court.

The two victims and their families gasped, hugged each other and wept when the judge gave her verdict while Mr Hanrahan briefly bowed his head.

Judge MacGrath adjourned sentence until April 27 to allow for the preparation of a probation report and psychological report on Mr Hanrahan. She said his attitude on the night of the assaults gave rise to concern and meant a psychological report would be of assistance when it came to deciding the penalty.

The court was told last week that Garda Hanrahan hit the two young women, Emer Kelly and Aisling King, after an argument broke out near Lisbunny graveyard at about 4am in the morning on March 6 of last year.

Brian Hanrahan was off duty at the time and claimed he had acted in self-defence because one of the women launched herself at him because she wanted 50 for the lift home.

Mr Hanrahan was shot in the back and the leg during a botched robbery at an ATM machine while he was on holiday in New Orleans, USA, in 2015. He had to undergo emergency surgery before recovering in hospital and then being allowed travel home to Ireland, where he resumed garda duty in Limerick.

He told Nenagh district court that, after what happened to him in the United States, the last thing he wanted was an altercation of any description.

Judge MacGrath found the ingredients of assault causing harm under section three of the Offences Against the Person Act were present, that an assault did take place and that harm was caused to both women.

She said that she had to then decide if the three main prosecution witnesses - the two injured parties and another woman in the car - were lying. She was conscious of the phrase used by the late Lord Denning of the appalling vista, she said.

She said she had to find that Mr Hanrahans account on the night in question, of a 999 call he made after the incident in which he said there were six or eight of them and theyre a f..king crowd of psychopaths was not an accurate account of what went on.

Having reviewed all of the evidence, she said she was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Hanrahan was guilty of the two charges against him.

The defence immediately gave notice of intention to appeal the verdict, when Mr Hanrahans solicitor Daniel OGorman asked the judge to fix recognaisances. The judge said she couldnt do so until sentence had been passed.

Mr OGorman said the verdict will have very far-reaching implications for his client. He has to think seriously about his behaviour on the night and think seriously about his own future.

He has no previous convictions and is married with two children, aged six months and three years respectively.

The accused had been socialising in Nenagh on March 6 and was looking for a lift in the town square when he approached three young women and agreed to pay them 15 to 20 to drive him home.

One of the women, Emer Kelly, told the court last week that Mr Hanrahan became very rude in the car, describing Nenagh as a shit hole and was talking about fighting people. He told them he would kill anyone who took him on, when they joked that the men from Nenagh wouldnt like him talking in that way about the town.

They stopped outside a cemetery and asked him to get out of the car, Emer Kelly said, and when she asked him for the money after they got out, he pulled my hair and beat me to the ground and kicked me in the face while I was on the ground. She said Brian Hanrahan kicked or punched me about six or eight times and beat me to a pulp.

She sustained damage to her teeth during the incident, she said, which cost 510 to repair. I was absolutely terrified, Ms Kelly told the court. I tried to get away but he kept following me and beating me.

She denied a claim by the defence that she had attacked Mr Kelly because she wanted extra money for the lift.

The second injured party, Aisling King, said Brian Hanrahan hit her twice in the face when she saw what was going on and asked him to stop.

The court heard that Mr Hanrahan himself called 999 and said they tried to have a go at me and I fought them off.

The accused told the court that he did everything he could to stop the confrontation and wasnt trying to hurt Emer Kelly. I was trying to stop her. I couldn't get away from

her I am sorry she sustained an injury - but if I am attacked I am going to defend myself.

In a victim impact statement read out yesterday by Sergeant David Buckley, Emer Kelly said she has had trouble sleeping. I couldnt believe a guard could do this to me. The guards are meant to be there to help. She said that listening to Brian Hanrahans evidence last week, in which he claimed she had attacked him, really hurt me.

Aisling King said in her victim impact statement said she now has a fear of guards after what happened on the night. I had a respect for them, but now I have a fear of them. This incident has had a big impact on my life.
CALIFORNIA

SAN DIEGO

ReverseVision, a provider of software and technology for the reverse mortgage industry, has promoted Kelly Kelleher to the role of director of corporate marketing and events.

Since joining ReverseVision as marketing manager in 2013, Kelleher has helped guide projects ranging from a full-scale corporate rebranding to targeted marketing campaigns to drive user participation in the company's reverse mortgage loan origination system.

COLORADO

DENVER

LenderLive Holdings Inc. said that Bill Welch has joined the firm as vice president of national sales for the company's settlement services division.

In this position, Welch will be responsible for developing new client relationships and supporting existing ones for LenderLive's settlement services line of business.

Welch, who brings more than 20 years of experience to LenderLive, was most recently chief executive officer of JWJ Consulting.

MASSACHUSETTS

DANVERS

Joni Miller has joined Mortgage Network Inc. as a loan officer in the company's Longmeadow, Mass., branch office.

In her new role, she will be responsible for serving homebuyers and homeowners throughout western Massachusetts.

Miller, who brings to Mortgage Network 20 years of mortgage banking experience in the western Massachusetts area, most recently served as a senior mortgage consultant at KeyBank.

Jayme Chandler has also joined Mortgage Network as a mortgage loan officer in the company's Lancaster, Pa., branch office.

In her new role, Chandler will be responsible for serving homebuyers and homeowners throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.

MICHIGAN

TROY

Flagstar Bank has hired Kurt Hocker to lead expanded capital markets activities.

Hocker joined Flagstar as senior vice president and director of capital markets from Union Bank of California where he served as executive vice president and head of commercial capital markets.

He has 25 years of experience in commercial banking activities, with several years focused exclusively on capital markets.

PENNSYLVANIA

PHILADELPHIA

Cushman & Wakefield has named Erick Mazzoni as leader of the valuation and advisory group's Pennsylvania operations.

Mazzoni began his career in 2004 with Cushman & Wakefield as an appraiser in the Philadelphia and northern New Jersey offices.

He left the firm in 2006 and joined Greystone Realty Advisors, a commercial real estate consulting and development firm based in Wilmington, Del.

In 2008 Mazzoni rejoined Cushman & Wakefield. Since then, he served as an associate director, director and senior director, and was named an executive director in 2015.

Are you a mortgage professional who recently changed jobs? Let us know! Send your announcement and photo (if available) to Glenn McCullom at glenn.mccullom@sourcemedia.com.
By Patrick Graham

LONDON (Reuters) - Online financial trading sites can expect more action from regulators after the introduction of new rules on leverage and client funds in Europe and the closure of FXCM's U.S. business, the chief executive of rival broker Oanda said on Thursday.

Speaking to Reuters by phone, Vatsa Narasimha said his brokerage supported moves to reduce the previously huge credit-based leverage given to small retail investors by an industry that has mushroomed over the past five years.

He said Oanda backed proposals by Britain's Financial Conduct Authority to limit leverage for new clients to 25:1, compared to past rates of up to 500 times. London is an important location for brokers due to the city's domination of the global foreign exchange market.

Discussing the removal of FXCM's (FXCM.N) U.S. licence this week and the subsequent sale of its business there to another broker, Gain Capital (GCAP.N), Narasimha said brokers could expect more pressure from regulators.

"The regulators are doing the right thing. They are going in and taking a look," he said. "I think you will see more actions coming through."

Shares in Britain's major financial betting firms lost more than a quarter of their value when the FCA unveiled proposals for limits on leverage and other industry practices in December.

That followed moves to tighten regulations in other major EU economies and, most importantly, Cyprus, where dozens of brokers are registered to take advantage of a relatively easier regulatory regime.

U.S. regulators on Monday ordered FXCM and its founding partners Dror Niv and William Ahdout to pay $7 million (4 million pounds)to settle charges it defrauded retail foreign exchange customers.

(Writing by Patrick Graham; editing by John Stonestreet)
A carbon tax in the United States appears to be growing nearer in implementation. Tesla founder Elon Musk, one of the members of US President Donald Trump's "tech commitee," took it to the president himself to adopt a tax on carbon emissions.

According to Bloomberg, the issue was raised at a White House meeting on manufacturing and was backed by secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson.

Musk, CEO of SpaceX, showed public support for Tillerson, who was also Exxon's chief executive. Tillerson argued that the changing climate can be best addressed with a carbon tax, as this includes the potential effect of using carbon in the environment. The tax will hopefully represent a fraction of the cost of economic decisions that oil companies and consumers have.

Carbon Tax Takes Off Burden for the Poor

Exxon Mobil wanted to do this tax in the form of a revenue-neutral carbon tax. This can also potentially raise the cost of fossil fuels if ever there are new environmental regulations in place. Carbontax.org said the choice to make it "revenue-neutral" is apparently burden-free for the poor. The point is to put a "fee" for the damages companies cause to the environment while using carbon.

However, Bloomberg elaborated that the carbon tax can also be placed directly on gas, oil and coal companies themselves. An alternative would also be placing them on the bills of consumers as well. Regardless, the money raised by the taxes can be returned as dividends to people who use less carbon.

A Great Divide on the Controversial Tax

The issue of a carbon tax has split the industry, especially since other large companies are considering the idea of supporting a carbon tax. Meanwhile, other independent producers have also shown restraint and opposition because of their lack of operations.

Regardless, the nudge by Musk can hopefully put the idea of a carbon tax in the limelight. This is because the idea was often disregarded by many conservative advocates in the past, and even now as they are guiding the current Administration's policies. Other economists have favored the idea of getting a carbon tax, but no direct means to its implementation have been established.

Just recently, senior republicans have been lobbying for the replacement of all of the Obama administration's policis on climate in exchange for said carbon tax. According Washington Post, these are courtesy of the Climate Leadership Council, which includes James Baker, George Shultz, Marty Feldestein, Greg Mankiw and Henry Paulson.
As Stephanie Rabara drives down to Tijuana, Mexico, she gets quiet thinking about how she got separated from her father some 10 years ago.

Rabara says theyd been in Tijuana for the weekend and were heading back home to San Diego.

Rabaras dad, Enrique Salas, had lost his wallet the night before. As they were driving across the border from Mexico, he explained what happened to a border agent, and said he needed to get a new green card. The border agent checked his computer, and then came back and told Salas, You shouldnt even be here.

A charge for possession of methamphetamine and intent to sell drugs had come up on the computer check. As his 13-year-old daughter watched in shock, Salas was handcuffed, detained and sent back to Mexico. Relatives had to come and pick up Stephanie, whose mother was not part of her life.

I mean, obviously its super hard, no one wants to see their dad get arrested in front of them; that happened to my dad, says Rabara. I had school that day, and I had to go to school, and my life completely changed from then on. My dad was the only parent I had, and he was taken from me.

Despite the separation and all hes gone through since, My loyalty is to the United States, Salas told NBC Bay Area.

The only thing that Ive had bad with the United States is them putting me in Mexico right now. You know, forcing me out here. But I mean it gave me beautiful children, it gave me a beautiful family. It gave me great work. It gave me stability and a future to look forward to, he says.

Salas got caught up in a law that allows federal officials to deport any noncitizen for a long list of crimes classified as aggravated felonies. That list expanded greatly during the Bill Clinton presidency to include things like drug possession, failure to appear in court and entering the country illegally (even if the entry was as a young child.)

The policy was designed to crack down on noncitizens who commit crimes in the United States, but it has also led to deportation of hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of U.S. military veterans who had been willing to die for their country.

One in 100 veterans ends up in jail or prison in the U.S., and the U.S. Department of Justice says those veterans are more likely than nonveterans to serve time for violent crimes.

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in four vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan shows signs of a mental disorder, and one in six reports symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.)

Salas is one of them.

Honorably discharged from the Marines, where he served as an infantryman from 1988 until 1992, Salas says he still struggles with some of things he saw during deployments in Desert Storm and in West PAC 89.

After serving time in prison for his drug convictions in the U.S., Salas was deported. He was permanently barred from the U.S. after trying to re-enter the country to be with his daughters. He says being forced to live apart from them is his biggest frustration.

I wake up every morning thinking about them, hoping and praying that nothing bad happens, you know, says Salas. Because God forbid something happened; I wouldnt be able to go back.

Rabara, who has married and bought a home in the U.S. since her father was led away in handcuffs, says the policy isnt fair.

These men are good enough to serve our country but once they make a mistake, they dont get any second chances, you know, theyre just disposed of, Rabara says.

NBC Bay Area

An ACLU of California report released in July 2016 found at least 239 noncitizen veterans who have been deported by the federal government. NBC Bay Area subsequently interviewed one of the people who helped compile the numbers and contributed to the ACLUs report, Hector Barajas, who says hes identified 301 such deported U.S. military veterans located in at least 36 different countries.

Of course (there could be) hundreds or thousands out there that we believe, says Barajas. We can say exactly this summer that there  are at least 301.

Its a horrible injustice, says retired Marine and former California Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher of San Diego. They (veterans) struggle finding work, they struggle with substance abuse. A grateful nation is supposed to offer them a path to redemption and rehabilitation, not a path to deportation.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials say they are merely enforcing the law as its written.

If youve been convicted of certain offenses, its a deportable act, says UCIS spokeswoman Sharon Rummery. We dont ask ourselves whats fair or not fair. Were simply here to administer the law. Thats what were charged with. Thats what we do.

Fletcher says hell lobby Californias Assembly and the U.S. Congress to change this law.

It's wrong legally, and it's wrong morally, and this is one of those things that should be easy to get fixed, Fletcher says.

Change this policy, you know. If were willing to give our lives for this country, let us stay, Salas says.

Note: Through ACLU, Enrique Salas has connected with a lawyer who is trying to file a motion for a pardon from California Gov. Jerry Brown and get some form of conviction relief for Salas. Meantime, Salas still waits in Tijuana, Mexico.
The sister-in-law of one of the shooters responsible for the San Bernardino terror attack has changed her plea to guilty in a marriage fraud case.

Tatiana Farook, 32, of Corona, pleaded guilty Thursday in Riverside to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, "related to a sham marriage discovered during the investigation" of the San Bernardino attack, according to a statement from the United States Attorney's Office.

She faces a maximum of five years in prison when she is sentenced Nov. 13.

Her husband, Syed Raheel Farook, is the brother of Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the two shooters in the December 2015 attack that killed 14 people.

United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker addressed the plea change in a statement from the United States Attorney's Office Thursday.

"After todays guilty plea, all but one of the defendants charged as a result of the December 2 San Bernardino terrorist attack have been convicted," Decker said. "Specifically, three members of the shooters family now face federal prison. These convictions are a testament to law enforcements ongoing commitment to ensure that everyone related to the terrorist attack are brought to justice."

The marriage-fraud case involves Tatiana Farook's sister, Mariya Chernykh, a Russian immigrant whose alleged sham marriage to a Riverside man was discovered when her husband became part of the shooting investigation.

The marriage charges are unrelated to the attack.

Chernykh pleaded guilty Jan. 26 to conspiracy, perjury and two counts of making false statements on Jan. 26.

Under a plea agreement with prosecutors, Chernykh faces up to 20 years in prison and $1 million in fines. She is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 20.

Chernykh, 26, also faces deportation, and has been in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since shortly after her arrest.

Syed Raheel Farook, 31, pleaded guilty Jan. 10 to conspiring to commit immigration fraud by setting up his Russian sister-in-law in a sham marriage. He remains free on bail and also faces a maximum of five years in prison when he's sentenced Nov. 13.

Chernykh is married to Enrique Marquez Jr., a family friend of the Farooks accused of supplying guns and explosives used in the San Bernardino attack that killed 14 people and wounded 22 others on Dec. 2, 2015. Marquez has been charged with conspiring to support terrorists, lying about the firearm purchase and participating in a sham marriage.

"The three defendants made false statements in immigration documents, Chernykh paid Marquez for his participation in the scheme, and Chernykh made additional material false statements during interviews with FBI special agents," according to a statement from prosecutors.

Marquez, who is named as an uncharged co-conspirator in the marriage indictment, remains in jail. His trial is scheduled for Sept. 26.

Marquez admitted he was paid $200 a month to marry Chernykh, according to court documents.
The FBIs San Francisco Division is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the return of a submachine gun and other items that were stolen in January out of an agents car somewhere in Contra Costa County.

The stolen items include an H&K 10mm MP5 submachine gun, three magazines and one bulletproof vest. FBI officials believe the theft occurred in Concord, Orinda or Lafayette between 6 p.m. Jan. 8, when the items were last seen, and 10 p.m. Jan 9, when the officer first discovered they were missing.

Officers declined to comment on whether the car was broken into or unlocked, citing an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call the FBIs San Francisco field office at 415-553-7400. Callers can remain anonymous.
Calvin Philips was wracked with laughter when he watched comedienne Melissa McCarthy play Sean Spicer on Saturday Night Live last week.

So, the 20-year-old former San Francisco resident, who now attends Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio, went on Twitter to chat about her performance.

He joined an online conversation where Stephanie Thompson of San Diego, who listed herself as a publicist, writer and copy editor, tweeted: "Quick, who can we get to play T***p on SNL instead? Ooh..maybe Rosie."

Then Staley Sharples, a digital media manager in Chicago, jumped in.

"Anyone else realizing the opportunity that Lorne Michaels has here in casting the drag version of #SteveBannon...?" Sharples also tweeted a side-by-side of Rosie O'Donnel and White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. She has a pinned Feb. 7 tweet saying, "Ya'll I was the one who suggested" the idea.

Courtesy Calvin Philips

But it was Philips, a graduate of San Francisco University High School, who connected the players together (even though he had originally thought O'Donnell should play Trump.)

"Trump, @Rosie, was upset that a staffer was played by a woman, and you do a great impression of him. Willing to take one for the team?" Philips tweeted.

In a phone interview on Friday, Philips thought his comment would just disappear into the "Twitter ether."

It did no such thing.

His comment has gotten 230 retweets and 1,255 likes.

And the best part of all? O'Donnell tweeted him back. "i am here to serve - alec has trump - melissa has spice- i would need a few days to prepare - so if called-i will be ready," O'Donnell tweeted on Monday.

On Thursday, O'Donnell changed her Twitter profile, which looks like she photoshopped her face on Bannon's. Tweeps across the globe put side-by-side photos of the two together showing a striking, and eerie, resemblance.

The only thing that could make Philips happier is if O'Donnell actually played Bannon on SNL.

As of Friday, the Today Show reported there was no announcement that O'Donnell will appear on this week's "Saturday Night Live."



The show will be hosted for a record 17th time by Alec Baldwin on Feb. 11.

But the Internet sure wants it to happen.
San Francisco police were investigating a shooting that injured two people Thursday on a Municipal Railway line in the Dogpatch neighborhood.

The shooting occurred at 1:56 p.m. in the 2400 block of Third Street near 20th Street, according to police.

Two people were taken to a hospital, but only one of them with a gunshot wound, police said. More details about the case weren't immediately available.

Third Street between 20th and 22th streets was closed while officers investigated the shooting.

Anyone with information on the shooting is encouraged to contact the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message.
An appeals court's decision to uphold an injunction on President Donald Trump's immigrant travel ban is changing lives.

One Bay Area woman wondering if she would ever see her Iranian parents again called it a gift. Rosa Behrouz cried tears of joy as she was reunited with her parents at San Francisco International Airport on Thursday night,just hours after the court's decision. The couple flew in from Iran, one of seven predominantly Muslim countries listed in Trump's travel ban.

"I was thinking for a second that I might not be able to see my dad one more time again," Behrouz said. "Too much for me to bear."

Behrouz's parents canceled flight reservations last week when the ban was in effect and rebooked when a federal judge in Washington state blocked it. While they were in the air, a three-judge panel from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco unanamously denied an emergency request from the Department of Justice to reinstate the ban.

University of San Francisco law professor Bill Hing said the judges cited a lack of evidence proving the country would be harmed without the travel ban.

"They have to prove its people who would do us harm by trying to exclude seven countries," Hing said. "It's too broad."

The DOJ is likely to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but for now, Behrouz is grateful to be able to have her parents home with her.

"I want to thank those judges from the bottom of my heart, and all those people who stood and fought, thank you very much," she said.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly will wrap up a two-day tour of the nation's border with Mexico on Friday as plans take shape to build a wall along the 2,000-mile divide between the two countries.

Kelly has told lawmakers that he would like to see wall construction well underway within two years, but he held open the possibility that it wouldn't extend to areas where there are natural physical barriers.

Fences already cover about 700 miles of the border.

Kelly was scheduled to tour one of the most fortified stretches of the border separating San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. The two cities in the border's largest metropolitan area are separated by a double fence, much of it topped with razor wire.

San Diego is often cited as an example of how walls can slow illegal crossings, but critics say the structures only forced people to more dangerous areas where many have died in extreme heat.

The San Diego-Tijuana area of about 5 million people has the nation's busiest border crossing, where tens of thousands of motorists and pedestrians enter the U.S. every day. It's also one of the busiest crossings for cargo.

On Thursday, Kelly toured southern Arizona  the busiest corridor for illegal crossings from 1998 to 2013.

Southern Texas is now the most preferred route as large numbers of Central American families and children make their way to the U.S.

San Diego was the busiest route for illegal crossings until the late 1990s, when a surge of agents helped push crossers toward the remote mountains and deserts in Arizona.

Kelly was visiting the border in Arizona and California for the first time since he became secretary last month. Last week he toured the border in southern Texas.

Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general, rose to run the U.S. Southern Command, responsible for U.S. military activities in 31 countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Kelly told a House panel on Tuesday that Trump's immigration and travel ban made "an awful lot of sense" but probably should have been delayed at least long enough to brief Congress about it.

On Thursday, a federal appeals court panel refused to reinstate the ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations. The three judges unanimously rejected the administration's claim of presidential authority.
Congressional Democrats on Friday called for an investigation into whether White House National Security Adviser Michael Flynn discussed U.S. sanctions in phone calls with Russia's ambassador while President Barack Obama was still in office, conversations that may have broken U.S. law aimed at barring private citizens from conducting diplomacy.

The White House said President Donald Trump had "full confidence" in Flynn, a show of support coming as the administration scrambled to manage the fallout from reports that Flynn addressed U.S. sanctions against Russia in a phone call late last year. The report contradicted both Flynn's previous denials, as well as those made by Vice President Mike Pence in a televised interview.

Democratic Sens. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Chris Murphy of Connecticut called for an investigation of Flynn. Other Democrats demanded that Trump fire the retired U.S. Army lieutenant general.

"He lied  repeatedly and egregiously  about his actions," Reps. Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Ted Lieu of California said.

Two other Democrats, Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, sent a letter to U.S. intelligence officials requesting a review of Flynn's security clearance. They said the reports of his calls to the Russian ambassador contribute to "questions concerning his suitability for continued access to classified information."

A Trump administration official told The Associated Press Friday that Flynn "can't be certain" sanctions did not come up on the call. The official said Flynn has "no recollection" of discussing the sanctions, but left open the possibility that the issue did come up when he spoke with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the transition.

The Kremlin denied Friday that Flynn and Kislyak discussed the sanctions before Trump took office.

The Washington Post, citing several current and former U.S. officials, reported late Thursday that Flynn made explicit references to election-related sanctions imposed by the Obama administration in his conversations with Kislyak.

Asked about the Post's report Friday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he didn't know about it but would "look at that."

The report immediately put pressure on the vice president, who had defended Flynn in television after news of the phone call first broke earlier this year.

A second administration official said Friday Pence was relying on information from Flynn. A Pence official said the vice president and Flynn had a conversation in person on Friday morning.

The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insisted on anonymity.

Flynn later traveled with the president to Florida, where Trump was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Questions about Trump's friendly posture toward Russia deepened after he dismissed the U.S. intelligence agencies' assertions about Russia's role in the hacking. In briefing Trump on their findings, intelligence officials also presented him with unsubstantiated claims that Russia had amassed compromising personal and financial allegations against him.

Members of the Trump administration have maintained that Flynn had spoken to the ambassador during the transition period to wish him a Merry Christmas and offer condolences after a deadly Russian plane crash.

One of the calls took place on Dec. 29, the day the Obama administration hit Moscow with sanctions in response to a U.S. intelligence assessment that the Russian government had interfered in the U.S. presidential election with the goal of helping Trump.

The Post report also raises questions about assertions made by Pence staunchly denying that Flynn's contact with the Russian ambassador had anything to do with sanctions.

"It was strictly coincidental that they had a conversation" as new sanctions were announced, Pence said in an interview on CBS's "Face the Nation" last month. He insisted the discussion did not address the Obama administration's decision to impose sanctions on Russian intelligence services and expel 35 Russian diplomats it said were actually intelligence operatives.

Pence also maintained that the Trump presidential campaign had no contacts with the Russians ahead of the election.

It's not unusual for incoming administrations to have discussions with foreign governments before taking office. But repeated contacts just as Obama was imposing sanctions raise questions about whether Trump's team discussed  or even helped shape  Russia's response.

Russian President Vladimir Putin unexpectedly did not retaliate against the U.S. for the expulsions, a decision Trump quickly praised.

The Post and other news outlets reported that U.S. officials considered whether Flynn's conversation violated the Logan Act, a little-enforced law prohibiting U.S. citizens from correspondence that aims to influence a foreign government in disputes with the United States. The U.S. officials said American intelligence agencies regularly monitor foreign officials' calls within the U.S.

After U.S. officials first revealed Flynn's calls last month, Trump aides originally denied that a telephone conversation even took place on Dec. 29. Hours later, an official acknowledged one such call.

Flynn's contact with the Russian ambassador suggests the Trump administration has been laying the groundwork for its promised closer relationship with Moscow. That effort appears to be moving ahead, even as many in Washington, including Republicans, have expressed outrage over the assessment that Putin ordered a hacking operation aimed at meddling in the U.S. election.

The sanctions targeted the GRU and FSB, leading Russian intelligence agencies that the U.S. said were involved in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and other groups.

Last week, House Democrats called for an investigation of Flynn to determine whether he violated the Constitution by accepting payments from a Kremlin-controlled TV station in Russia. Flynn traveled in 2015 to Moscow, where he joined Putin and other Russian officials in a celebration of the RT network.

Flynn later explained he had been paid for taking part in the event, but brushed aside concerns that he was aiding a Russian propaganda effort.

The Emoluments Clause of the Constitution prohibits federal officeholders from accepting gifts from foreign governments. The Defense Department warns that the prohibition applies to both active-duty and retired military.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the next phase of his sweeping infrastructure plan Thursday, vowing to add 40,000 jobs through a variety of projectsincluding an express rail to OHare International Airport.

If you build it, jobs will come, Emanuel said during a speech at the Chicagoland Laborers District Council Training & Apprentice Fund.

Five years after laying out his bold Building a New Chicago plan at the same venue, Emanuel outlined his proposal for an "express rail" line that would directly connect the Chicago Loop with OHare.

Creating faster connections between the economic engines of OHare and downtown and our central business district the economic engine of our Central Business District can pay dividends for generations to come for the city of Chicago and continue to secure its place in the world economy as a world class economy, Emanuel said during a speech at the Chicagoland Laborers District Council.

Emanuel isnt the first Chicago mayor to push for a high-speed rail system to OHare. While in office, former Mayor Richard M. Daley unsuccessfully lobbied Chinese investors to construct a high-speed line from the Loop to the airport, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

On Thursday, the mayor noted that attorney Bob Rivkin has been retained to work on the O'Hare project, comparing the city's plan to similar high-speed rail systems in London, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Toronto. Rivkin, a former general counsel at the U.S. Department of Transportation, will provide legal advice in identifying a clear path forward and working with potential partners, according to the mayors office.

Additionally, Emanuel touted plans for a new Green Line stop at Damen Avenue, which would improve transit options for visitors to the nearby United Center and businesses in the Kinzie Corridor. According to the mayors office, the city expects to start both new projects over the next three years.

Emanuel pushed Thursday for continued economic growth in Chicago, noting that the city has already created 60,000 new jobs under his bold infrastructure program.

When we invest in building a new Chicago, were putting people from Chicagos communities to work in Chicagos communities, Emanuel said.

Investments in our infrastructure are about much more than steel and concrete, he added.

The mayor also said he was making it a priority to complete an estimated $1 billion redevelopment of Union Station. Emanuel hopes to get federal funding to complete the project.

President Donald Trumps team included Union Station in a list of prospective projects for the Republicans yet-to-be-announced federal infrastructure program. According to the plan, the Union Station redevelopment will cost an estimated $1 billion and create roughly 1,000 direct jobs.

Another project put forth in Trump's plan would modernize North Side CTA Lines. That prospective project would cost an estimated $2.1 billion and create 2,100 jobs.
Gov. Bruce Rauner criticized Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigans plan Thursday to halt state workers pay, pushing legislation that would ensure payment regardless of Illinois' ongoing budget impasse.

As you know, Attorney General Madigan is going into court asking a judge to end state employee pay, Rauner said in a video posted to YouTube. The Attorney General now believes the state should be shut down until a budget is passed. We do not agree.

Last month, Madigan filed a motion in St. Clair County Circuit that seeks to dissolve a preliminary injunction that allowed state workers to be paid during the states ongoing budget stalemate. Madigan explained her reasoning in a State-Journal Register op-ed Sunday.

The lack of progress on a state budget has been aided by a St. Clair County Courts order allowing the state to continue to pay employees without an enacted appropriations by law, Madigan wrote. "By removing the threat of a government shutdown, there has been little agency to force action by the governor and the legislature.

Rauner noted Thursday that a pair of proposals have been presented to address the issue. He supports a plan put forth by Illinois House Republican Avery Bourne that would pay state employees on a continual basis regardless of the budget impasse, much like lawmakers and constitutional officers. Republican state Reps. Terri Bryant, C.D. Davidsmeyer, Sara Wojcicki Jimenez and Democratic state Rep. Jerry Costello II have joined the bill as co-sponsors.

Rauner claimed the other plan, put forth by House Speaker Michael Madigan, the father of Attorney General Madigan, would stop employee pay and shut down the government on June 30 instead.

Speaker Madigan will try to sell his June 30 government shut down proposal as a solution in case his daughter wins in court, Rauner said. But dont be fooled. Its not a solution  its a crisis showdown set for June 30 when the Speaker will use the leverage of a forced shut down to finally get the massive tax hike he recommended in December 2015.

Theres only one solution that makes sense: give state employees the same rights as the Speaker, rank-and-file legislators and the Attorney General herself, he added.

Rauner noted that he plans to shut down Madigans proposal if it crosses his desk.

I dont take a paycheck  never have, never will, but I believe state employees who show up to work every day for the people of Illinois should get their paychecks no matter what, he said.

The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Council 31, Illinois' largest public employee union, said Rauner is trying to mislead state workers Thursday, claiming that legislators are being paid six months late due to the governors refusal to do his job and sign a budget.

The governor caused this crisis by holding the budget hostage to his political demands, the union said in a statement. Next week hes due to present a spending plan for fiscal year 2018. If he introduces a budget, helps pass it and signs it into law on schedule this spring, this entire conversation is moot.

Instead Rauner says hed veto a payroll bill, an action that could shut down state government, AFSCME added.

The union, which is currently voting to authorize a strike if they cant agree with Rauner on a new contract, supports legislation put forth by House Democrat Sue Scherer. The measure would ensure that appropriations are made to pay state employees through the end of the current fiscal year.

In contrast, the governors threat to veto a bill not sponsored by his partisan political allies follows a familiar pattern: Rauner makes a demand, refuses to compromise, and bullies those who disagree, AFSCME said. If he wants to make progress, the governor should negotiate, not dictate, both in developing a fully-funded budget and reaching a fair contract for state employees."
A group of Democratic U.S. senators are pressing Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts about his past political fundraising as they consider his nomination for deputy commerce secretary, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Ricketts was nominated for the post in November by President Donald Trump.

Sens. Tom Udall of New Mexico, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Edward Markey of Massachusetts reportedly pushed for more information Tuesday about potential conflicts of interest related to Ricketts' involvement with two GOP fundraising committees.

One of the groups in question is Future45, a super political action committee that by the end of 2016 spent nearly $25 million against Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. According to the report, Ricketts father, TD Ameritrade founder and CEO Joe Ricketts, donated $1 million to the group in September.

The other organization, 45Committee, is a dark money is a dark money group that doesnt list donors but spends money to support or oppose candidates without coordinating with campaigns. According to the report, the committee spent over $18 million against Clinton and more than $3 million in support of President Donald Trump.

The group of senators noted that 45Committee was spending millions of dollars on TV ads to boost some of Trumps cabinet nominees, including recently-confirmed Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

In a letter Tuesday, the group of Democratic senators said news stories and other sources indicated that Ricketts led both groups and raised money for them, according to the report.

They noted that the Commerce Department has wide-ranging jurisdiction over the countrys "economy, business and communities," adding that the department can positively or negatively impact individuals jobs and companies bottom lines.

If nominees and officials to the highest positions at this department are raising and spending money for partisan political causes without disclosing their donors, the opportunities for conflicts of interest and abuse of power are vast and far-reaching, the senators wrote.

The Democrats said they needed more information on Ricketts leadership roles with the committees to evaluate potential conflicts and whether he should recuse himself from certain matters at the Commerce Deparment, the Tribune reports.

They also reportedly requested that Ricketts provide a full list of donations from that he or his family made to politically active nonprofits over the past five years.

Sens. Tom Udall of New Mexico, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Edward Markey of Massachusetts reportedly pushed for more information Tuesday about potential conflicts of interest related to Ricketts' involvement with two GOP fundraising committees.



One of those groups, Future45, spent nearly $25 million opposing Democrat Hillary Clinton's unsuccessful 2016 presidential bid. According to the report, Ricketts father, TD Ameritrade founder and CEO Joe Ricketts, dumped $1 million into the group's coffers in September.



The other group, 45Committee, deals in "dark money," which means the organization doesnt have to disclose its funding sources. "Dark money" groups spend money supporting or opposing politicians, but don't coordinate with candidates or campaigns. According to the report, the committee spent over $18 million against Clinton and more than $3 million in support of President Donald Trump.



The group of senators noted that 45Committee was spending millions of dollars on TV ads that looked to boost some of Trumps cabinet nominees, including recently confirmed Attorney General Jeff Sessions.



In a letter Tuesday, the group of Democratic senators said multiple sources indicated that Ricketts led the two groups, raising money for both. They noted that the Commerce Department has wide-ranging jurisdiction over the countrys "economy, business and communities," adding that the department can positively or negatively impact individuals jobs and companies bottom lines.



If nominees and officials to the highest positions at this department are raising and spending money for partisan political causes without disclosing their donors, the opportunities for conflicts of interest and abuse of power are vast and far-reaching, the senators wrote.



The Democrats pushed for additional information Tuesday on Ricketts roles within the committees in order to assess potential conflicts and whether he should recuse himself from certain matters moving forward, the Tribune reports.



The group also reportedly requested that Ricketts provide a full list of donations that he and his family made over the past five years to politically active nonprofits.
A Chicago man posed as a woman on Facebook to lure children to participate in sex acts, according to federal prosecutors.

Bryan Osborne, 27, is charged with sex trafficking and enticing a minor to engage in a sex act, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. He was ordered held in federal custody at a court appearance Thursday.

Osborne created on account pretending to be a woman named Lonyae Jackson on the social networking site and communicated with more than 2,000 people, many of them minors, prosecutors said.

Pretending to be the woman, he told several children they would be paid thousands of dollars to appear in child pornography films. First, he told them, they would need to meet with a producer named Trey for sex to make sure they were suitable for filming.

That producer was also Osborne, prosecutors said. He would meet the minors for sex in a building in the West Side Austin neighborhood, then make up a reason for not paying them. He told some children they would be paid more money to recruit younger children, and enticed others to engage in prostitution with some of his recruits.

He used the Facebook handle lonyae.gotafattie to pose as a woman, prosecutors said

Osborne was expected to appear in court again next Thursday.
An endangered monkey born three days ago at the Lincoln Park Zoo is already on display and shouldnt be difficult to spot.

The bright orange Francois langur was born Monday and can be seen by visitors at the Helen Brach Primate House, according to a statement from the North Side zoo announcing its newest arrival.

The infant is the seventh successful offspring for Pumpkin, the mother; and Cartman, the father, according to the zoo. It joins sisters Kieu and Orla, brothers Vinh and Pierre, and adult female Chi in the troop.

The babys sex and measurements have not yet been determined as the newborn is clinging to its mom, according to the zoo. Its fur will turn from orange to black by the time it is six months old.

Pumpkin is an experienced and attentive mother and the entire troop is being supportive, the zoos curator of primates Maureen Leahy said in the statement.

Francois langursnative to China, Vietnam and Laosare endangered in the wild due to habitat degradation and hunting.

The baby can be seen between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily at the zoo.
Hundreds of demonstrators marched on Northwestern Universitys campus Friday following an investigation regarding allegations of sexual assault prevalent in the schools fraternity scene.

The university sent out a security alert Monday night after receiving reports of possible sexual assaults on its Evanston campus that involve the use of a date rape drug.

The warning was issued after two reports were filed last week with the schools Sexual Harassment Prevention Office in regards to separate incidents at two Northwestern fraternities.

On Feb. 2, the universitys Sexual Harassment Prevention Office received a report that four female students were potentially given a date rape drug while at a party at Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity that was held two and a half weeks earlier, on Jan. 21. Two of the four women said they believed they were sexually assaulted.

The Sigma Alpha Epsilon headquarters placed its Northwestern University chapter under a "cease-and-desist order," which means all chapter operations must halt until further notice, the fraternity said in a statement.

"Sigma Alpha Epsilon respects the rights of those who will participate in the march to assemble and voice their opinions," the fraternity said. "We currently are engaging in dialogue with the campus community, and we are hopeful the movement is peaceful and productive."

On Feb. 3, the university received an anonymous report of another sexual assault that allegedly took place on Feb. 2. In the report, a female student was sexually assaulted, possibly involving the use of a date rape drug, after attending an event at another fraternity house, school officials said. The report did not name the fraternity involved, and it was unclear as to where the alleged assault occurred. [[413017833, C]]

Did the chapter do anything that breached our expectations and guidelines, we as a national organization have the ability to sanction the chapter as a whole if we think that is necessary or individuals or one person in the chapter, Brandon Weghorst, associate executive director of communications for Sigma Alpha Epsilon said in a phone interview.

In the alert posted to Northwestern Universitys website, the school asks anyone with information to come forward.

The Northwestern University Policy on Sexual Misconduct requires all employees, including student employees, as well as non-employees with teaching or supervisory authority, to report sexual misconduct of which they become aware, the statement said.

Those who may know someone at risk are urged to call Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456 or Evanston Police by dialing 9-1-1, or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone.
The Independent Police Review Authority has recommended the Chicago Police Department terminate the officer who fatally shot a man during a traffic stop in 2011, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.

In a report made public Thursday, IPRA said Officer Raoul Mosqueda lied about the circumstances of the fatal shooting of Darius Pinex on Jan. 11, 2011.

IPRA spokeswoman Mia Sissac confirmed the organization recommended Supt. Eddie Johnson terminate Mosqueda, who could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.

Steve Greenberg, an attorney for Pinexs family, said IPRAs determination should resonate for years to come.

This case should go down in history as the case that got the lawyers to do what they should be doing and gets the police to what they should be doing, Greenberg said.

Though IPRA found Mosqueda lied, the agency ultimately ruled that there is insufficient evidence in the record to prove by a preponderance that [Mosquedas] use of deadly force was excessive and outside of the Use of Force Model.

IPRA said Mosqueda provided false testimony about the shooting several times throughout the investigation and in subsequent depositions and trial.

Mosqueda said he and his partner, Gildardo Sierra, curbed the Oldsmobile Aurora in Englewood because the car matched the description of a car other officers tried to stop about three hours earlier in a different police district.

Mosqueda said he heard about the wanted vehicle in a police radio broadcast, and not directly from the officers involved in the earlier encounter with the car. He claimed the broadcast warned that the Aurora was involved in a shooting or a gun might have been in the car.

The officers said they fired at Pinex, the driver of the Aurora, because he tried to drive away and was endangering their lives.

In the agencys findings, IPRA said Mosqueda pulled over Pinex without justification, based on a police radio transmission which did not contain specific and articulable facts to form a basis for the seizure, which was also a Fourth Amendment violation.

In trial and deposition testimony, Sierra said that although he didnt see Pinexs vehicle commit any traffic violations before it was curbed, Mosqueda was adamant that the vehicle was wanted for a shooting from another district, according to IPRAs findings.

Pinex was in the car with Matthew Colyers when the shooting occurred and a loaded gun was ultimately found in the vehicle, authorities said.

Though the agency did ultimately decide Mosqueda should lose his job for lying, some of his questionable testimony could not be definitively proven false, IPRA said, pointing specifically to Mosquedas recollection of where Sierra was at the time of the shooting.

[Mosquedas] inability to definitively recall [Sierras] position in relation to [Pinexs] vehicle, although dissatisfying and perhaps unconvincing, is still plausible in light of the quickly evolving tense circumstances in which these kinds of incidents unfold.

Sierra resigned from the department in August 2015.

An autopsy performed by the Cook County medical examiners office found Pinex was shot three times in the upper torso and once in the chest.

Pinexs mother, Gloria Pinex, filed a federal lawsuit against the city and two officers.

After Mosqueda had given testimony, he was again called to the stand to answer questions regarding recently surfaced recordings of police radio dispatches from the night of the shooting. Attorneys for the city had previously said those recordings would have been recycled a long time ago.

Confronted with the recording, Mosqueda admitted it did not contain the specifics about the car he initially claimed it did.

A jury concluded that the two officers were justified in their actions.

In January 2016, U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang reversed that decision, saying a lawyer for the city intentionally misled the court when he concealed the police radio dispatch recording.

The city Law Department attorney, Jordan Marsh, an attorney for the city, knew about the recording before the first trial, the judge ruled.

The court has no choice but to conclude, based on the record evidence, that Marsh intentionally withheld this information from the court, Chang wrote then.

Chang sanctioned Marsh for holding back evidence, prompting the city attorneys resignation.

Soon after, Mayor Rahm Emanuel hired former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb to conduct an exhaustive review of the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division of the citys Law Department.

The City Council ultimately approved a settlement of nearly $2.4 million to compensate Pinexs family.
Ford Self Driving Car

Ford is investing $1 billion in a secretive artificial intelligence startup headed by former Google and Uber execs to advance its self-driving car efforts.

The startup, Argo AI, was founded by Bryan Salesky, the former director of hardware for Google's self-driving-car efforts, and Peter Rander, Uber's engineering lead at its autonomous cars center.

Argo AI is based in Pittsburgh, Penn. and has hubs in Southeastern Michigan, where Ford is based, and the Bay Area of California.

The $1 billion investment will be spread out over five years as Ford looks to commercialize its self-driving technology by 2021.

According to Ford Chief Technical Officer Raj Nair, $1 billion is what it costs to develop advanced autonomous technology, and the investment is consistent with what Ford said its capital allocation in the space would be when it presented information to investors last year.

He told Business Insider, however that "the investment to deliver the entire autonomous vehicle" as planned in 2021 is more than that.

Argo AI will leverage roboticists and engineers from inside and outside of Ford to develop a virtual-driver system for the autonomous vehicles in 2021, Ford said in a press release. The virtual driver system will use machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence that improves with experience, to act as the brain of Ford's self-driving cars.

The technology will deliver near-full-autonomy  a "level 4" capability  that can be used in very large geo-fenced urban areas. The Argo AI founder and Ford executives characterized the eventual application as an order of magnitude more sophisticated as the semi-self-driving systems currently on the road.

Ford is a majority stakeholder in Argo AI, but the startup wrote in a Medium post that it's structured to operate with independence. Salesky and Rander will serve in the board, as will Nair and John Casesa, Ford's VP for Global Strategy. Some Ford employees will become Argo AI employees as a result of the investment.

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Employees will receive "significant equity participation" in Argo AI. On a conference call with Wall Street analysts and the media, Ford CEO Mark Fields said that Ford and Argo AI could take on additional investors in the future, or consider an IPO of the company.

Fields also said that the five-year cadence of the $1-billion investment wouldn't be revealed, but he added that there would spending above and beyond that figure for future costs. Argo AI expects to have 200 employees in total by the end of the year.

Ford Chariot

Long term, the investment could expand Ford's lines of business.

"Our initial focus will be to support Fords autonomous vehicle development and production, but in the future, we may license our technology to other companies and sectors looking for self-driving capability," Ford's Medium post reads.

Fields stressed the value of this licensing proposition is response to analysts' questions. The carmakers efforts around mobility services could yield returns in the 20% ballpark, Fields has said, compare with the 10% margins that a carmaker earns when business is good.

The investment takes place against the backdrop of the traditional auto industry, flush with cash after several record sales years, looking to play a major role in the transformation of mobility. General Motors has invested $500 million in ride-hailing service Lyft and spent nearly $1 billion acquire Cruise Automation, a self-driving startup. Ford recently bought Chariot, a shuttle-bus service based in the Bay Area.

The stakes are high. Ford is facing increasing pressure from Waymo, the self-driving-car company operating under Google's parent company Alphabet, and Uber.

waymo

Fiat Chrysler has supplied Waymo with 100 Pacifica minivans equipped with Waymo's self-driving-car hardware as part of the two companies' partnership. The minivans are currently being tested on public roads in Arizona and California. There are reports that Fiat Chrysler and Waymo could launch a self-driving taxi service by the end of 2017.

Waymo's self-driving-car software is considered among the most sophisticated out there. Waymo's cars have driven over 2 million miles, amounting to 300 years of human driving experience.

Uber has launched pilot programs for its self-driving cars in Pittsburgh and Arizona. The ride-hailing service is also partnering with Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz. Daimler will supply its self-driving cars to run on Uber's network.

Ford was careful to characterize its investment in Argo AI as just that, rather than as a de facto acquisition. Ford's majority stake, Fields said, leaves equity available for Argo AI to fight the "war for talent" and provide incentives for the best engineers and leaders to come work for the company. In a sense, Ford is functioning here both as a technology partner, lending vast global scale to Argo AI's development, and as a venture capitalist.

The automaker and Argo AI called this a "hybrid" model and said that it had been much discussed prior to the investment decision being made. "The real advantages came to the forefront," said Raj Nair. "It was an ideal way to solve the problem."

NOW WATCH: Ford just revealed some of the first production versions of its most expensive supercar  the Ford GT





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A man and woman found shot to death Monday morning in a home in the Brighton Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side have both been identified.



Officers responded to a call of a person shot at 7:36 a.m. inside a home in the 2500 block of West 46th Street, according to Chicago Police.



Pricilla A. Gloria Reyes, 33, was found shot in the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:45 a.m., according to the Cook County medical examiners office.



Edwin Eliseco Chuy Cutzal, 31, was shot multiple times and was also pronounced dead at the scene at 7:45 a.m., authorities said.



Both of their deaths were ruled homicides, according to the medical examiners office.



They were discovered in the basement apartment of the building.

Residents were uneasy on Monday, saying this kind of violence is not common in the area.

"It's kinda awkward that it did happen over in this neighborhood. I mean, in the Back of the Yards, I know there is gang shooting and stuff. So I didn't think anything like that would happen over here," said David Brosman, who lives across the street.

Brosman said he was watching the Super Bowl at the time police told him the shooting occurred.

Other neighbors said they saw at least one suspicious person in the area before the shooting, and late Monday afternoon, police removed a car parked in front of the building, though its connection to the crime was unclear.
The body of a missing Chicago man was found Monday in northwest suburban Lake in the Hills.

At 3:38 p.m., a construction worker called 911 and reported that he had found the body of an adult lying in the mud in the 8000 block of South Route 31, according to Lake in the Hills police.

He was identified as Lawrence Johnson, 69, according to the McHenry County coroners office. An autopsy Thursday found evidence that hypothermia played a role in his death. A final ruling on cause and manner of death are pending further study.

Johnson was reported missing from his home in the Austin neighborhood on Jan. 25, according to Chicago Police. A day later, Crystal Lake police said Johnson was spotted at a Wal-Mart at 1205 S. Route 31. He was seen on video surveillance wearing one-piece blue coveralls with a Walmart patch on the front chest. He was without a jacket or hat.

Police said there is no indication of a threat to public safety.

Lake in the Hills police are investigating, along with the McHenry County Major Investigations Assistance Team.
Passengers aboard a Boston-bound Amtrak train say they were stuck in the Bronx without heat for at least four hours amid sub-freezing temperatures.

https://twitter.com/AliIcenhower/status/830006594171723777

The passengers took to Twitter on Friday morning with complaints about being cold and uninformed. They said they were in some unknown part of the Bronx. According to Amtrak, Northeast Regional Train 66, which originated in Washington, D.C., with a stop in New York, was moving again by 7:30 a.m.

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It wasn't immediately clear exactly what time the train lost power, but Amtrak said power was restored by 7:10 a.m. An overhead power issue was to blame, a spokeswoman said.

Hey @Amtrak @AmtrakNEC- I've been in a 66 train outside nyc for four hours with no power or heat. No sign of moving. What's going on?  Feral Knitter (@merrysushi) February 10, 2017

Amtrak had responded to passengers via Twitter, apologizing and telling them to call the railroad's customer relations department. Later, a top railroad executive offered a more extensive apology.



"Today we fell short of providing the outstanding service that customers should expect from Amtrak, and we are sorry for the delay and the significant inconvenience, including the loss of heat onboard," Amtrak Chief Operations Officer Scot Naparstek said in a statement. "We also regret that some passengers did not receive adequate information about the situation while we worked to fix the problems."

Devin Driscoll was on the train. He said it departed from Penn Station as scheduled around 2:40 a.m., but lost power about an hour later.

.@Amtrak. They has us get off at New Rochelle, claiming that we need to get on the next train. But it's 22 degrees, we're all freezing a and  Feral Knitter (@merrysushi) February 10, 2017

"They announced there had been a power line issue, and that Amtrak was sending a diesel locomotive to come to our aid," he said. "Then, we waited. No power, no heat."

Around 7:20 a.m., he said the train started moving again. He and his wife were then told to get off the train at New Rochelle, where they were left freezing on the platform for 25 minutes before another train pulled up. He is now on that train, headed for his final destination of Providence, Rhode Island.

Snowstorm Paints Tri-State a Wintry White

The train is due to reach South Boston shortly before noon.



"It's been quite an adventure," he said.

Amtrak responded to passengers via Twitter, apologizing and saying they should call the railroad's customer relations department.

"There are mechanical issues with the train. No ETD," said one such message.

It stalled amid frigid temperatures in the 20s -- but it felt more like the 10s or lower with the wind chills. A day earlier, a fast-moving winter storm buried parts of the Bronx under more than a foot of snow.

Snow-dorable! Kids and Pets Playing in the Snowstorm
A Norwalk firefighter is accused of dealing cocaine and prescription drugs, including from the parking lot of the fire station while he was on duty, according to police.

Police arrested 46-year-old Mark Monroe, of Norwalk, Thursday and said they had been investigating for months after allegations surfaced that he was selling cocaine in Norwalk.

Police arrested Monroe after he met an undercover officer to sell cocaine, according to police.

Authorities said Monroe sold cocaine to the undercover officer on four separate occasions and he was on duty as a Norwalk firefighter during two of those occasions.

According to police, Monroe directed the undercover officer to the rear lot of the Volk Central Fire Station at 121 Connecticut Ave., where he conducted the transactions, according to police.

Norwalk Fire Chief Laurence Reilly said Monroe has been placed on administrative leave.

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The other two transactions were in at retail parking lots on New Canaan Avenue and West Avenue in Norwalk, according to a news release from police.

A search of Monroes house turned up five additional bags of cocaine, weighing 12.35 grams; five Alprazolam pills, 152 Cialis pills; and 21 pills with no markings, according to police, who believe Monroe illegally obtained the pills.

Police said officers also recovered 11 vials of suspected steroids and 300 hypodermic needles.

Officers also found a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol on top of a dresser in his bedroom. Monroe has a valid permit for the gun, but police said it was stored in a negligent and unsafe manner because minor children in the house had access to the firearm.

Police seized the gun.

They also search Monroes car and said they found eight additional pills of Alprazolam, Oxycodone and Amphetamine, none of which were in their proper containers. They also seized another bag of cocaine.

Police also searched Monroes personal locker located at Volk Central Fire House but found no contraband.

Monroe was arrested and charged with several drug offenses, as well as risk of injury to children and other charges.

He was held on $150,000 bond.
One of the two men convicted in the slayings of a mother and her two daughters during a home invasion in Cheshire is seeking a new trial and a brief was filed with the appellate clerk, according to court officials.

Thirty-six-year-old Joshua Komisarjevsky and 52-year-old Steven Hayes were sentenced to death for killing Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters, Hayley and Michaela Petit, but their sentences were changed to life in prison without the possibility of parole after the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty violated the state constitution's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

Komisarjevsky and Hayes were serving their sentences in Connecticut, but they were transferred to maximum security prisons run by the Pennsylvania Department of Correction.

Both were sentenced to serve six consecutive life terms in prison without the possibility of release and will be housed out of state for an indefinite period of time, according to state officials.
A 28-year-old West Haven man has pleaded guilty to federal robbery and firearm charges that federal officials said are related to the murder of 27-year-old Joseph Zargo during a drug deal on Dec. 23, 2011.

Zargo, of West Haven, was shot in the area of 50 Houston St. just before 1 a.m. that Friday morning and he was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Zargo had turned 27 just two days earlier.

Trevor Murphy, 28, of West Haven, pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal robbery and firearm charges.

Police said Murphy was a member of the Red Side Guerilla Brims, a sect of the Bloods street gang that operated in New Haven from 2011 through 2015.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Murphy ordered ecstasy from Zargo and planned to steal drugs and cash.

Just after midnight on Dec. 23, 2011, Murphy met Zargo on Houston Street, took the ecstasy pills from him and pulled out a firearm, federal authorities said. When Zargo reached into his pocket, Murphy shot him once in the chest and Zargo died later that morning, according to federal authorities.

Murphy pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Murphy, who has been in prison since Sept. 30, 2015, made a plea agreement to 30 years in prison.
A Dallas County chase ended in a fiery crash and the arrest of two men, one of whom was connected to an earlier drive-by shooting in Rowlett, according to police.

Rowlett police said they responded to a call about multiple gunshots fired during a drive-by at a home in the 2600 block of Remington Drive at 12:14 a.m. Friday. When officers arrived, a woman told them she is involved in an ongoing dispute with her ex-boyfriend.

Police said an officer spotted a "suspicious vehicle" heading west on Interstate 30. The officer followed the vehicle and requested backup.

Officers continued following vehicle through Garland, Mesquite and into Dallas where Dallas police joined. Police said one of the people in the vehicle then threw a handgun out the window and the pursuit began.

Polie said the driver tried to make a turn at the Haskell/Blackburn bridge over U.S. 75, but collided with a pole. The vehicle then caught fire.

Officers rescued two men from the vehicle. Authorities said neither were injured and are in custody.

One of the men is connected to the reported drive-by shooting, according to police.

No further details have yet been released.
The General Motors plant in Arlington is looking to the wind to power its future.

The company announced Thursday it planned to convert its sprawling SUV assembly line to 100 percent wind power by the end of 2017. It now uses 50 percent wind power.

"We're bullish at GM on renewable energy because it helps provide a stable energy cost while lowering our carbon footprint, said Rob Threlkeld, GMs manager of renewable energy.

Representatives of the wind-power industry were on hand for the announcement.

"General Motors is such an American company, has so many employees. For them to say wind energy makes business sense is a wonderful endorsement, said Tom Kiernan, head of the American Wind Energy Association.

The power comes from huge turbines in west and south Texas.

The electricity is harnessed in parts of the state with a lot of wind and sent to the cities where there's a lot of need -- for things like making cars.

GMs Arlington plant produces an SUV every minute, about 1,200 every day. Last year, it made a record 340,000 vehicles.

Wind energy used to be more expensive than traditional sources, but over the years the price has dropped dramatically.

Around the world, GM spends $1 billion a year on energy.

Any savings can not only help the company's bottom line, but also be passed on to customers in the form of lower sticker prices.

"This is the future, Threlkeld said. The renewables have come down to be price competitive so that's where we're moving."
A North Texas boy saw a need for kid-friendly food at a local pantry, and he got right to work.

Kaden Newton, 7, started a non-profit organization, and the results have been overwhelming.

His organization is called Mac & Cheese and Pancakes, two of Kaden's favorite foods.

Kaden's mom, Diana Newton, says her son first showed an interest in feeding the needy at age 4.

He then developed the idea for a food drive after recent visits to a food pantry, Rockwall County Helping Hands.

"There was like canned carrots and canned green beans that I didn't really like, and so I thought like, well, I can get some kid-friendly food to make those kids happy," Kaden said.

He officially formed his nonprofit in November, but shared his idea on Facebook last Thursday.

Since then, the Newtons' home has been inundated with donations made through an Amazon Wish List. Boxes full of kid-friendly food, like cereal, peanut butter and pasta, are stacked up around their home.

In just the past week, they've received nearly 6,000 food items.

"It's awesome. It's unbelievable," Kaden said.

Diana Newton says she never expected the project to grow to such great proportions but says she'll continue to support her son's idea.

"It's unbelievable that this much food is the result of a 7-year-old child. It's pretty awesome," she said.

Rockwall County Helping Hands will benefit from the food drive.

They plan on picking up their first round of donations on Monday.
A small community in Wise County has been told school buses will no longer drive up their roads, because they're too dangerous and in terrible shape.

"We have three different parents that called and complained about their child getting injured on the bus when their heads hit the window whenever the bus would twist and turn," said Rod Townsend, superintendent of the Decatur Independent School District.

The school buses used to make at least 15 stops in the Hills of Oliver Creek development, but now they make only four stops.

"Right now, on these roads, it is dangerous for the kids to be riding the bus," said Rosalyn Oliver, who has two nieces who ride the bus. "But it's three times more dangerous for them to be walking some of the distances that some of these kids are coming to get to the bus in the morning."

Wise County isn't allowed to help repair private roads, leaving homeowners there looking for ways to afford what could be a $150,000 repair bill.

"These people right here work for a living. We barely make it from paycheck to paycheck, how are you going to come up with $150,000?" Oliver said.

The original developer is working to get some gravel to fill the potholes, and reach out to people who live there to form a homeowners' association to find a more permanent solution.

Decatur ISD has spent $3,000 to repair damage to school buses caused by the potholes, but district leaders say the buses will return if the roads become safe to drive.

"We're going to do what we can to accommodate these families, and if we can make it easier on them, then that's what we'll do," Townsend said. "As long as it's in a safe environment that we can do it and not have to worry about the kids."
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Disney Marvel

We've got the feeling 2017 is going to be another banner year for Disney's Marvel Studios.

Its first release of the year is "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," coming out May 5, and if you were already excited for the return of Star-Lord, Rocket, and Groot, brace yourself  test audiences have given the movie a perfect score.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 100 score is a rare one for a movie and in regards to Marvel movies it's the best in the company's nine-year history, besting "Iron Man 3" and "The Avengers," which both scored in the high 90s.

Test screenings are done by all Hollywood studios (and some independents) to gauge audience interest. They are often done by recruiting people to see a movie and then those people are asked to rate the movie from 1 to 100.

The testing process doesn't just help filmmakers and the studios understand how people outside of Hollywood feel about the movie but also can help them with parts of the movie they have questions about (if certain jokes are funny or if the ending is effective).

THR points out that Marvel test screenings are a little different. To protect from spoilers being spread across the internet, instead of grabbing random people from malls or other public places to come see the movie, they do more controlled "friends and families screenings."

Because of this more select grouping, it's harder to compare this 100 score to the rest of the industry. It's also debatable if a high test score means the movie will be a success. THR uses the example of "Pretty Woman" only testing in the 70s, and going on to become a classic.

Seth Rogen told Business Insider once how hard it is to believe a good test score.

"In the past, I feel like some of our movies have been disserved by only having really good test screenings, which can happen, and it's not always representative of a good movie," he said. "Recently we havent told the audience what movie they are seeing. Its finding ways to put as many roadblocks between us and a good test screening, and really be hard on the material and make sure it is all working."

Story continues

2014's "Guardians of the Galaxy" was a surprise hit for Marvel, taking in over $773 million worldwide.

NOW WATCH: The new 'Power Rangers' trailer finally shows off the Dinozords and they look incredible





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Travis County prosecutors will begin notifying thousands of people convicted of crimes that forensic evidence in their cases may be flawed because of faulty testing at the Austin police crime lab.

The Austin American-Statesman reports the county will notify about 2,200 people convicted of crimes, including people in prison for murder and rape. Inmates serving prison terms may be entitled to an appeal.

The first batch of letters will be sent to 642 people whose information has been verified by prosecutors and investigators. Officials say they're working to locate the other remaining defendants.

Recipients of the notices include people who are in prison, have already served prison terms or are on probation.

The crime lab was closed in June amid revelations that staff members weren't using commonly accepted practices for analyzing DNA evidence.
An undercover FBI agent who was investigating terrorism was driving past two Arizona men just before they opened fire outside a Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest in suburban Dallas in 2015, court records show, raising questions about whether authorities could have done more to stop the attack.

The records emerged in the criminal case against Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem, a Phoenix man who was sentenced this week to 30 years in prison on criminal convictions that included providing support to Islamic State. The Associated Press assembled a timeline of the agent's involvement through court records and interviews that show how the FBI was at the scene of an attack by Islamic State sympathizers.

Two of Kareem's friends, Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi, were armed with semi-automatic weapons, body armor and had a copy of the Islamic State flag when they arrived at the anti-Islam event in 2015. Investigators say Kareem had trained them on how to use the weapons and watched jihadist videos with them. He was one of the first people brought to trial in the U.S. on charges related to Islamic State.

Kareem wasn't at the event in Garland, Texas, but the FBI was. Court records also show that the unidentified FBI agent was in contact with one of the gunmen days before the attack. In one social media exchange, the officer told Simpson, in a bid to keep the conversation going, "Tear up Texas." The two attackers were killed in a shootout with police assigned to patrol the event, and a security guard was wounded.

The fact that there was an FBI agent at the contest in Texas who was in contact with Simpson has drawn criticism from Kareem's lawyer and the security guard's lawyer. They say the government has not been forthcoming about the agent's role in the plot and have questions why the agency didn't break up the plot.

"We are convinced that there is much more to this story than the FBI has admitted ," said Trenton Roberts, an attorney for security guard Bruce Joiner.

The FBI declined to comment on whether the agency believed beforehand that Simpson and Soofi would launch an attack and on Kareem's claim that the agent's presence wasn't revealed to avoid embarrassment. The Garland Police Department also declined to comment.

The agent had been sitting in a vehicle outside the Garland convention center just as events wrapped up at the cartoon contest.

A dark sedan in front of the agent made an abrupt stop. As the agent drove around the car, two men with an Islamic State flag, wearing body armor and carrying military-style rifles, got out and opened fire.

The agent drove away and was later stopped by police. The two men were killed in a shootout with law enforcement assigned to guard the controversial event, and the security guard was shot in the leg.

The agent's presence at the contest wasn't publicly revealed until 15 months later and has raised questions about whether authorities could have done more to stop the attack.

There was no mention at Kareem's trial last year that an undercover agent witnessed the shooting and had exchanged social media messages with one of the men days before the attack.

The agent's presence at the event was first revealed in August in court records in a criminal case in Cleveland against Erick Jamal Hendricks, a North Carolina man accused of trying to recruit people to join Islamic State.

Hendricks says he had been paid by the FBI since 2009 to help identify potential terrorists. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State.

More details emerged in December in court records in Kareem's case, revealing for the first time the officer's proximity to the shooters.

Kareem's attorney said in court records that Hendricks put the undercover agent into contact with Simpson about 10 days before the attack. In one encounter with the agent, Simpson, who had a prior terrorism-related conviction, referred to the upcoming contest in Texas.

On the day of the attack, the agent communicated with Hendricks while the agent was outside the convention center. Hendricks asked about the size of the crowd, whether snipers were present and other questions, according to records.

The agent, according to an FBI record filed in Kareem's case, snapped two photos from the convention center parking lot moments before the shooting. One shows a police officer and another person standing in the distance near a tree. The second image was taken less than 30 seconds before the shooting.

An estimated 25 to 30 officers were at the contest in Garland. Snipers were posted in nearby buildings, and officers stood guard in parking lots and drove around the convention center on motorcycles looking for anything suspicious.

In the days after the shooting, FBI Director James Comey said federal investigators learned only hours before the contest that a man under investigation for extremist activities might show up at the contest and alerted local authorities. Comey also said investigators had no indication that the man planned to attack the event.

Daniel Maynard, an attorney for Kareem, said in court records that the government hasn't explained the agent's presence at the contest. Maynard said the agent did little to stop the attack, according to court records.

Much of the evidence about the agent supports his client's view that "this was not an unbiased investigation by the FBI to determine the truth, but a rush to judgment to get a conviction and to cover up the FBI's own ineptness and misdeeds," Maynard wrote.
Prosecutors say a former inspector at the Red River Army Depot in Texas has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $760,000 in military vehicle parts and selling the items for scrap.

Jason Allen Autrey pleaded guilty Thursday in Texarkana to theft of government property in a plea agreement. The 36-year-old Autrey remains free on bond as he awaits sentencing that could mean a 10-year federal prison term.

Investigators say Autrey, from mid-2015 to May 2016, stole batteries and armor kits while employed as a heavy mobile equipment mechanic inspector. Officials say Autrey then sold the items as iron and metal scrap, netting him nearly $22,000.

Officials say Autrey could be fined up to $250,000 and ordered to repay the U.S. government the full value of the stolen parts.
Newly confirmed Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos had to enter a middle school in Southwest Washington through the back door after protesters blocked the front entrance.

The crowd, which included parents, union officials and teachers from other schools, stood outside Jefferson Middle School Academy Friday morning with signs that read, "Welcome to our public school. It's open to everyone!" and "Ms Devos: Our children are not props."

One protester was arrested for blocking a driveway and refusing to move, police said.

It was DeVos' first visit to a public secondary school since she was confirmed by the Senate Tuesday by a historic 50-50 tie vote broken by Vice President Mike Pence.

DeVos met with D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson, Jefferson Academy Principal Greg Dohmann and other school leaders once she got inside the school.

In a statement released after her visit, DeVos said she respected the protest, but "no school door in America will be blocked from those seeking to help our nations school children."

"I respect peaceful protest, and I will not be deterred in executing the vital mission of the Department of Education," the statement read.

A D.C. Public Schools spokesperson called the meeting with DeVos "productive."

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also defended the group's right to protest peacefully, but spoke against violence toward anyone.

"DC has the fastest growing urban school district in America. We welcome @BetsyDeVos & anyone who wants to learn more about our schools," she wrote on Twitter.

DC has the fastest growing urban school district in America. We welcome @BetsyDeVos & anyone who wants to learn more about our schools.  Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) February 10, 2017

White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway also weighed in on the protest on Twitter, writing, "Don't we want the Sec of Education to visit schools?"

Don't we want the Sec of Education to visit schools? https://t.co/3PVirgMzJQ  Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) February 10, 2017

DeVos has been a strong advocate of charter schools. She faced criticism and ridicule for a perceived lack of experience and confusion during her confirmation hearing. At one point, she said schools should be allowed to have guns if their districts wanted, citing the threat of grizzly bears in Wyoming.

Jefferson Academy teachers were to stay in their classrooms during the protests.

Washington Teachers' Union President Elizabeth Davis said the protesters "love our public school system."
President Donald Trump on Thursday lashed out at Republican Sen. John McCain, accusing the veteran of emboldening the enemy for disputing the administration's insistence that the deadly U.S. military mission in Yemen was a success.

Trump took to Twitter to assail the chairman of the Armed Services Committee after the Arizona lawmaker initially called last month's raid a "failure." McCain softened his stand in a statement Tuesday in which he said that while many objectives of the raid were met, "I would not describe any operation that results in the loss of American life as a success."

"Sen. McCain should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media," Trump said over several tweets. "Only emboldens the enemy! He's been losing so ... long he doesn't know how to win anymore."

Sen. McCain should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media. Only emboldens the enemy! He's been losing so....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

The raid was supposed to be an intelligence gathering mission but turned into a lengthy battle with al-Qaida fighters in which a Navy SEAL, Ryan Owens, was killed, a $75 million aircraft was lost and there were multiple casualties, including women and children.

"Our hero ... Ryan died on a winning mission (according to General Mattis), not a 'failure.' Time for the U.S. to get smart and start winning again!" Trump tweeted. Retired Gen. Jim Mattis is Trump's secretary of defense.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer has called the raid "absolutely a success."

McCain, who spent 5 years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, has not been shy about criticizing Trump, especially over his accommodating attitude toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and his controversial order suspending all immigration for citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries, including Yemen, for 90 days.

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But on Thursday, McCain was not eager to respond to Trump's latest missives.

"I have my responsibilities on the Armed Services Committee and we just had a hearing where the general in charge of Afghanistan says we're not winning. We're in a stalemate. That's where I'm focusing my efforts," he said. "I just have to do my job."

But his daughter, Meghan McCain, showed no reluctance to answer the president.

"Trump has never served. My father can't bend one of his knees or lift one of his arms above his head. I am done with this today. DONE," she tweeted.

McCain, 80, cruised to a sixth Senate term in November, defeating a Democratic challenger who hounded the senator for standing by Trump even after the billionaire businessman insulted him as a "loser" and appeared to question whether he is a war hero.

Trump, who received draft deferments during the Vietnam era, also said there was nothing heroic about McCain's military record after he was shot down during the war.

McCain dropped his support for Trump in early October after a 2005 recording surfaced in which Trump boasted about groping women. The move led to an outcry from conservative voters firmly behind Trump. McCain has sought to limit his public criticism of Trump to policy differences but often struggles to hide his exasperation when encountering reporters in the corridors of the Capitol.
A federal appeals court refused Thursday to reinstate President Donald Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, unanimously rejecting the administration's claim of presidential authority, questioning its motives and concluding that the order was unlikely to survive legal challenges.

The three judges of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the argument that the ban targets Muslims raised "serious allegations" and presented "significant constitutional questions," and they agreed that courts could consider statements by Trump and his advisers about wishing to enact such a ban.

The president vowed to contest the decision, tweeting, "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

In response, Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat who leads one of the states that challenged the ban, said: "Mr. President, we just saw you in court, and we beat you." The state's solicitor general, Noah Purcell, mirrored Inslee's remarks during a press conference following the decision, saying "We did see you in court, twice, and you've lost both times."

"Bottom line, this is a complete victory for the state of Washington," Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson added.

President Donald Trump vowed to contest Thursday's decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reinstate his travel ban, after the panel of three judges declined to block the ruling that suspended the ban. "We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake," Trump said.

The court battle is far from over. The lower court still must debate the merits of the ban, and an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which remains short-handed and could deadlock, is likely. The chances of Trump's Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch to be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban is improbable. A 4-to-4 tie in the court would leave the appeals courts ruling in place.

The appeals panel said the government presented no evidence to explain the urgent need for the executive order to take effect immediately. The judges noted compelling public interests on both sides.

"On the one hand, the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact policies. And on the other, the public also has an interest in free flow of travel, in avoiding separation of families, and in freedom from discrimination."

The court rejected the administration's claim that it did not have the authority to review the president's executive order.

The White House late Wednesday posted on its website ethics waivers granted to four ex-lobbyists and numerous others who have joined government.

"There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy," the court said.

While they did not rule on the actual merits of the states' argument that the travel ban was intended to target Muslims, the judges rejected the government's claim that the court should not consider statements by Trump or his advisers about wishing to enact such a ban. Considering those remarks, the judges said, falls within well-established legal precedent.

The Justice Department said that it was "reviewing the decision and considering its options." It's the first day on the job for new Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was sworn in at the White House earlier Thursday by Vice President Mike Pence.

Last week, U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order halting the ban after Washington state and Minnesota sued. The ban temporarily suspended the nation's refugee program and immigration from countries that have raised terrorism concerns.

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Justice Department lawyers appealed to the 9th Circuit, arguing that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

The states said Trump's travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities. Citing Trump's campaign promise to stop Muslims from entering the U.S., they said the ban unconstitutionally blocked entry to people based on religion.

The appeals court sided with the states on every issue save one: the argument that the lower court's temporary restraining order could not be appealed. While under 9th Circuit precedent such orders are not typically reviewable, the panel ruled that due to the intense public interest at stake and the uncertainty of how long it would take to obtain a further ruling from the lower court, it was appropriate to consider the federal government's appeal.

Speaking at a law enforcement conference at the White House on Feb. 8, President Donald Trump spent time criticizing the federal courts for blocking his travel ban, reading aloud from the executive order.

Josh Blackman, a professor at South Texas College of Law in Houston, said the "million-dollar question" is whether the Trump administration would appeal to the Supreme Court.

That could run the risk of having only eight justices to hear the case, which could produce a tie and leave the lower-court ruling in place.

"There's a distinct risk in moving this too quickly," Blackman said. "But we're not in a normal time, and Donald Trump is very rash. He may trump, pardon the figure of speech, the normal rule."

President Donald Trumps claim that his recent executive action on immigration and refugees mirrors restrictions put in place under former President Barack Obama in 2011 is not accurate, says Eugene Kiely of Factcheck.org. NBC News reports.

Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School, said the ruling was thoughtful and supported by a great deal of legal precedent. More important, though, it was unanimous despite the having judges who were appointed by Democratic and Republican presidents.

"It's a very important message that judges are not just politicians in robes and not just political hacks," Levinson said. "The role of the judge is to transcend politics. That's why they're appointed for life, so they don't worry about what's popular. They worry about what's legally correct."

Both sides faced tough questioning during an hour of arguments Tuesday. The judges hammered away at the administration's claim that the ban was motivated by terrorism fears, but they also challenged the states' argument that it targeted Muslims.

"I have trouble understanding why we're supposed to infer religious animus when, in fact, the vast majority of Muslims would not be affected," Judge Richard Clifton, a George W. Bush nominee, asked an attorney representing Washington state and Minnesota.

Only 15 percent of the world's Muslims are affected by the executive order, the judge said, citing his own calculations.

"Has the government pointed to any evidence connecting these countries to terrorism?" Judge Michelle T. Friedland, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, asked the Justice Department attorney.

After the ban was put on hold, the State Department quickly said people from the seven countries  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  with valid visas could travel to the U.S. The decision led to tearful reunions at airports round the country.

The ban was set to expire in 90 days, meaning it could run its course before the court would take up the issue. The administration also could change the executive order, including changing its scope or duration.

The president, in his third week in office, has criticized the judiciary's handling of the case. Last weekend, he labeled Robart a "so-called judge" and referred to the ruling as "ridiculous." Earlier this week he accused the appellate court considering his executive order of being "so political."

Moments after the decision was announced, Trump told reporters in a brief, impromptu appearance in the West Wing that the decision is "political" and that ultimately his administration was "going to win the case," NBC News reported.
The Ohio parole board has recommended against mercy for a condemned Ohio killer who shot two people to death in back-to-back robberies over two days.

Gary Otte was sentenced to die for the Feb. 12, 1992, killing of Robert Wasikowski and the Feb. 13, 1992, killing of Sharon Kostura. Both slayings took place in Parma in suburban Cleveland.

The board voted unanimously Friday to reject a request for clemency made by Otte's attorneys in February. Gov. John Kasich has the final say. Otte's execution is scheduled for June 13.

Otte's lawyers argued that drug addiction, intoxication and depression led to the crimes.

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor said Otte still won't take full responsibility and tries to blame others, including the victims.

Kasich has delayed eight executions as a court fight continues over the constitutionality of the state's lethal injection process.

The Republican governor's announcement Friday postpones an execution scheduled for next week until May. It also moves seven other procedures months into the future.

Kasich said the timing of arguments before a Cincinnati federal appeals court necessitated the delay.

The court is hearing Ohio's appeal of a judge's order finding the state's latest execution process unconstitutional.

Kasich said he's confident Ohio will win the appeal, but the court calendar didn't provide enough time to prepare for executions scheduled this month, next month and April.

Ronald Phillips, scheduled to die next week for raping and killing his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter, is now set for execution May 10.
People with unwanted tattoos across Southern California were outraged Thursday after they say several laser tattoo removal clinics suddenly closed without warning and customers were left wondering if they would get a refund.

Many were also only part-way through the tattoo removal process, which they said is painful and takes at least several appointments.

The doors were locked at a Dr. Tattoff location in Montclair Thursday, said to be a "celebrity trusted" nationwide company on its site.

Some customers didn't even know the clinic in Montclair was closed and showed up for scheduled appointments.

"I had an appointment scheduled for 11:30, and I showed up and it looks like they're shut down," Nadia Cintron said.

All day long, customers were coming to Montclair clinic wondering why the doors were locked.

They said they never got any warning that the clinic was closing down.

Many of them had driven from far away to get their tattoos removed because the Montclair location was the only one in the Inland Empire.

Customers said they have been trying to call for more information as well as other locations in Orange County and the San Fernando Valley, but they keep getting voicemails during business hours.

NBC4 reached out to Dr. Tattoff as well as Violet Medical Group, which according to a sign inside the clinic, owns the location. Both companies have not yet responded.

Many of the customers said they were angry as they had paid hundreds of dollars in advance.

"I drive at a distance and nobody got back to me. They've obviously just locked the doors on several people, several clients, and that is unjustified to me," Tiffany Curtner said.

Curtner drove in rush-hour traffic from Riverside to Montclair for a 10:45 a.m. appointment to finish removing a tattoo on her ring finger. She already paid $584 toward the appointment.

NBC4 called D. Tattoff locations in Orange County and the San Fernando Valley, and got similar voice messaging systems.

"They didn't even have the audacity to tell me," Amanda Santella said.

In Sherman Oaks, customers said they were worried they wouldn't get a refund.

"If they continue to charge me I'll be pretty upset, but it is what it is," Elijah Diaz said. "I guess I'm going to have to find somewhere else which is pretty inconvenient because this place is pretty close to home."

Customers weren't the only ones angry: employees at the Montclair clinic said on Monday they suddenly got a text from their bosses telling them they no longer had jobs.
The family of man hit and killed by a car in South Central Los Angeles is searching for answers after the 41-year-old died of his injuries Wednesday night.

Abraham Garcia was found critically hurt after his family said he was run over.

"I think it's inhumane -- somebody leaving somebody like that," the victim's brother Moises said. "It doesn't make sense that people can do that... it just shocks me."

Abraham's younger brother said his brother was humble, hardworking and didn't deserve what happened to him.

Moises said he is still trying to make sense of the tragedy.

Abraham, who dabbled as a rapper called Fats, was on his way home from an overnight shift as a security guard, riding the bus to 59th Street and Western Avenue in the Chesterfield Square neighborhood. They said he must have gotten off at a stop and run into trouble.

Initial reports that morning point to a robbery gone bad and ended with the attackers hitting Abraham with their car.

He ended up at a hospital on a ventilator, badly injured and sedated.

Doctors told the family his ribs were crushed from being run over.

"The doctor said everything collapsed together. The car ran over his chest and maybe dragged him a couple of miles and maybe the car came again," Moises said.

Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department said they can't confirm it was a robbery and were hoping to talk to Abraham before NBC4 alerted them that he had succumbed to his injuries.

His family hopes police can find answers, but his little brother has a message for whoever was behind the wheel.

"I hope you realized you took a family man -- a family man, a working man - and a loving person who loved everybody," Moises said.

LAPD said they'll be in contact with the family as they continue to investigate.
Alexander Filinov, a suspected member of a group of hackers involved in blackmailing Russian officials, seen in a video link, attends hearings in the Moscow City Court in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. The court extended Filinov's arrest until early April pending official probe. (Alexander Avilov/Moscow news agency via AP)

TALLINN, Estonia (AP)  For several years a group of Russian hackers have been posting letters and documents stolen from senior Russian officials with impunity. And then the nation's spy agency tracked them down and offered them a deal.

A member of the Shaltai Boltai (Humpty Dumpty) group told The Associated Press on Thursday that the hackers accepted the offer from the Federal Security Service, or FSB, the top KGB successor agency: show their spoils before publishing in exchange for protection.

But somehow the things went wrong for the group, and its leader and two other men have ended up behind bars.

Alexander Glazastikov, who spoke to the AP from Tallinn, Estonia, where he's seeking political asylum, said his group had no connection to the hacking of Democratic Party emails during the 2016 U.S. election campaign. Former President Barack Obama's administration had accused Russia of launching the hacking campaign to help Republican Donald Trump win, accusations that the Kremlin has denied.

"We did not have any interest in Western countries, the United States. No one except inside Russia," Glazastikov said.

He didn't say if the FSB officers who approached the group were those arrested in December on charges of spying for the United States. The arrests reported by Russian media outlets fueled speculation that the officers could have been connected to hacking the Democrats.

While the interview Thursday provided no new information about Russian meddling in the U.S. elections, it offered a rare glimpse into the shadowy world of Russian politics, where hackers serve as a weapon for competing Kremlin clans and rival spy agencies.

Glazastikov said the hacking group's leader, Vladimir Anikeyev, had offered to set up Shaltai Boltai as a resource that would release information serving public interests. Glazastikov said he joined the group because he was bored with his marketing job.

The group quickly won the limelight by publishing letters written by government officials, artists or Kremlin-connected tycoons that cast them as unscrupulous and cynical. And then Shaltai Boltai began to cash in on its fame by blackmailing its victims to make them pay to prevent the publication of their personal data.

Story continues

Glazastikov said he believed the group crossed a red line for Russian officials in 2015, when it posted letters and documents from the chief of the Defense Ministry's construction department and then followed up with an open letter to the head of military counterintelligence mocking the agency's inability to keep secrets.

"We were playing with fire: The counterintelligence got very interested in us after that letter," Glazastikov said in an interview broadcast Thursday with the Russian Dozhd television station.

He said unidentified people, possibly from the Defense Ministry, bought the cache of documents stolen from the military construction department chief for about $100,000.

Separately, the FSB, competing for influence with other spy agencies, got the hacking group in its crosshairs.

Glazastikov told Dozhd that Anikeyev, the hacking group's leader, had told him the FSB contacted him via proxies to give a message: "Guys, we know all about you. We won't arrest you, but we would like to know what you are doing."

Neither the Defense Ministry nor the FSB has had any immediate comment about Glazastikov's claims.

Glazastikov said Anikeyev was maintaining links to hackers who stole personal data and also dealing with the victims and those who ordered the hackings. Glazastikov estimated the group earned up to $2 million since 2014, but a large share of the money was spent to cover "operational expenses." He said he himself made less than $100,000.

Glazastikov said Anikeyev didn't name the FSB officers he was dealing with, and added that he doesn't know if they were the officers of the FSB's cybercrime division arrested on treason charges in December. Two of them have been named in Russian media as Col. Sergei Mikhailov, deputy head of the FSB's Information Security Center (TsIB), and his subordinate, Maj. Dmitry Dokuchayev.

According to Russian media reports, Mikhailov was arrested in a way designed to sow fear in the ranks: He had a bag placed over his head while attending a meeting of senior FSB officials.

Glazastikov said Anikeyev had asked him to come to Russia, but he refused because he had a feeling that Anikeyev had been arrested and was making the request on officials' orders. Another hacking group member, Konstantin Teplyakov, agreed to come and was arrested.

Anikeyev's arrest was later officially announced.

Glazastikov said he didn't know another alleged group member, Alexander Filinov, who also was arrested. Filinov showed up Thursday at a Moscow court, which extended his arrest until April.

__

Isachenkov reported from Moscow.
A group of undergraduate students at UCLA opened a shelter in Santa Monica to combat homelessness among their peers.

Since its opening in October, students have been running the two-room shelter inside Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. It consists of nine beds, a lounge and toiletries along with a breakfast and dinner area. Overnight security is provided each day by a student manager.

The shelter, which is open to students from Santa Monica College and UCLA, is capable of providing room to nine people. Students in need are chosen after filing an application describing their needs.

"We do like to choose residents who are in the most dire circumstances," said Imesh Smarakoon, an undergraduate student at UCLA, who helps run the shelter.

Students call it the Bruin Shelter, which is also the name of the non-profit organization they started to help fund the shelter. It the only one of its kind in the West Coast, with Harvard students operating a similar shelter in Massachusetts.

"We really want to start a discussion, we really want to get everyone else thinking about how can we help these students," Samarakoon said.

The Santa Monica College Vice President of Student Affairs Mike Tuitasi said the shelter is "very innovative as far as trying to address the issue." He added that according to campus data there are about 130 students on his campus who are homeless or don't have the money to pay for rent and the number is likely higher because many others dont report their living arrangements.

Read more at KPCC

NBC4's Marina Pena contributed to this report.
They say everything is bigger in Texas. It's now safe to say that applies to bail.

A Texas court official said Friday that she imposed a $4 billion bond on a murder suspect as a jab at a "broken" judicial system that too often sets bond so high that defendants are forced to remain in jail.

Bell County Justice of the Peace Claudia Brown said setting exorbitant bonds force too many people to remain in jail until trial. She called the trend "ridiculous."

Brown said she wanted to impose a $100,000 bond on 25-year-old Antonio Marquis Willis when he turned himself in last week, an amount she said most people in the county would have difficulty posting.

But she said she was challenged by law enforcement officials involved in the case who wanted a $1 million bond. Irritated, she then changed the amount to $4 billion.

"I changed the 1 to a 4 and added a whole bunch of zeroes," she told The Associated Press. "At some point in time, I had to alert the system that I am a new judge and I'm committed to changing the system. And this was the perfect time, because this man had come in and turned himself in and they were starting the bail at $1 million."

Willis is charged with first-degree murder in the December death of a man at a house in Killeen, a city about 60 miles north of Austin. An arrest affidavit alleges the man was shot after repeatedly returning to the home after Willis told him to leave. Willis' attorney, Billy Ray Hall Jr., said he hasn't had a chance to review evidence in the case. But he said Willis has told him he's innocent.

A state district judge lowered the bond to $150,000 later Friday. Brown had acknowledged her bond amount could be seen as a constitutional violation, noting that a judge could lower it.

Brown, who was elected to a four-year term in November, told the Temple Daily Telegram that "everything in the system is broken," and she saw Willis' case as illustrating those failings.

Seana Willing, executive director of the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct, said she couldn't speak publicly about a specific case. But she said judicial officials must adhere to rules of conduct, such as conducting themselves outside the courtroom in a way that their actions don't call into question their impartiality.

"We would not ever advocate in our sessions to use due process rights as an opportunity to make a statement," added Thea Whalen, executive director of the Texas Justice Court Training Center, which provides training sessions for justices of the peace who are new to the position. "But that's a personal decision that each judge could make."

Some state policymakers are pushing for reforms that would allow indigent defendants with low-level offenses to get out of jail without posting large amounts of bail money.

According to the Texas Judicial Council, about a quarter of the 41,000 inmates awaiting trial in Texas pose little threat to the public but are incarcerated because they can't afford to post bail. In some cases, they have been unfairly identified as flight risks, the council said.

A study by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards found that the percentage of inmates waiting for trial 25 years ago was 32 percent. Now it's 75 percent.

Brown, for her part, says she's OK with any criticism that may come her way.

"I will be a fool all day long as long as the system is changed," she said.
Actor Tom Hiddleston is known for his celebrity impressions.

The impersonations are so good that the actor often receives requests during interviews and appearances. From Owen Wilson and Chris Hemsworth to Christopher Walken and even Al Pacino, his range of accents and dialects is very impressive.

While getting ready for a recent GQ photo shoot in London, the British actor gave a brief masterclass in the accents of the United Kingdom.

Speaking in any accent is all about the tune, Hiddleston explains.

The Thor star says an American accent tends to follow the same pattern, while if youre from Ireland, you tend to go up in pitch when you stress something and then you go down in the end.

In Scotlands capital of Edinburgh, Hiddleston explains in the local accent, its quite soft but generally if you want to stress something you go up in pitch and then go down."

Asked by the stylist how to order coffee in a British accent without them thinking Im American, Hiddleston suggests she camp it up a bit.

Morning darling. What I really want, if you can help me out, is Id like a nice cup of tea, and a pain au chocolat, he says.

[NATL] Top Entertainment Photos: Best of the American Music Awards, and More

The stylist, in awe, admits that she doesnt actually drink coffee. And though Hiddleston is disappointed by her disclosure, he appears pleased with her attire selection for him.

I like this suit very much, who made it? Hiddleston asks.

Louis Vuitton, she responds.

I wonder if he could do accents. Probably not, he says.

Born in Westminster, London, Hiddleston studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and went on to work on many stage, TV and film projects before getting his big break with Marvel's Thor in which he played Loki.
Dr. Gary Marder in Port St. Lucie has agreed to pay up to $18 million to reimburse the government for Medicare payments on patients who were not ill.

Prosecutors allege that Dr. Marder falsely diagnosed patients with skin cancer and put them through medically unnecessary radiation treatments, pocketing millions from the insurance companies.

Gloria Strumalo from Port St. Lucie was one of his patients. She went to Dr. Marder's office for a checkup and was diagnosed with skin cancer. He recommended radiation therapy.

I went for 20 days for 2 hours, Strumalo said.

She had no idea that she didn't need radiation therapy since she didn't actually have skin cancer.

You just take their word," Strumalo said. "You trust your doctors.

The bills to the insurance company for her unnecessary treatments were stacking up. Each visit cost between $1,600 and $3,500.

A few weeks later she went back for a checkup and she didn't believe when Dr. Marder said she had to undergo more radiation therapy. Soon, she found out she wasn't alone. She talked to another of Dr. Marder's patients.

She said: 'You know that doctor wanted to do radiation on me again," Strumalo said.

Strumalo decided against another set of radiation and opted for surgery instead. The wound got badly infected.

There was a lot of discomfort and a lot of pain, Strumalo said.

She went to Dr. Ted Schiff for a second opinion and she wasn't his first patient from Dr. Marder.

Sometimes we recognize patients just by the sheer number of biopsies done," Schiff said.

"By the number of procedures and the excessive use of radiation therapy done in an improper manner.

Schiff said over the course of three to five years he had seen numerous of Marder's patients with benign conditions such as freckles or warts, who were told they had skin cancer.

"In all my years in the medical field, I've never seen anything like this," Schiff said. "As doctors, we take an oath to do no harm."

Schiff alerted the authorities and worked with the FBI to uncover the scale of the scheme and build a case against Dr. Marder.

A whistleblower lawsuit began in 2013 after Schiff noticed a big increase in patients that had undergone unnecessary treatments. The lawsuit was picked up by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The settlement brings an end to the civil case against the dermatologist who has practices in Okeechobee and Port St. Lucie.

As part of the agreement, Marder can pay $5.2 million before the due date and avoid having to pay the full $18 million. He will also have to give the government a vacant lot he owns on Hutchinson Island in Martin County, valued at $650,000.

Although he owns a 12,700-square-foot home, which is valued at $28 million, it can't legally be seized.

As of Thursday, Marder's medical license was still active, despite previous disciplinary actions against him.

The worst part for Strumalo was when she learned that she never actually had skin cancer on her leg and that the radiation treatments and surgeries were all for nothing. Its devastating," Strumalo said.

This story is courtesy of our news partner WPTV.
Gold star father Khizr Khan was speaking to the Islamic Center of Greater Miami Thursday when a federal appeals court announced it denied President Donald Trump's bid to reinstate his travel ban.

The Muslim-American father whose son, a U.S. Army captain, was killed in combat in Iraq 12 years ago has prominently opposed Trumps anti-Muslim rhetoric during the presidential campaign.

During his appearance in Miami, Khan said he was heartened to hear Thursdays decision, calling the presidents executive order an embarrassment.

When you alienate a community, the bad  those who wish to do us harm  begin to find and go to and entice people, Khan said.

Trump has vowed to fight the ruling.

The gold star father said he was saddened to hear what he called an assault on our judiciary.
If youre thinking of buying flowers for your sweetheart, you may be wondering  will the picture you used to make your order match what they actually receive?

NBC Responds units across the country including Dallas, New York and Los Angeles teamed up to test three popular online flower retailers: FTD, 1-800-Flowers and ProFlowers.

1-800-Flowers

With a $50 budget in mind, the NBC 6 Responds team visited 1800Flowers.com to pick out something nice to send to NBC San Diego. We chose the Purple Passion Roses arrangement with an upgraded vase. They were on sale, so we were able to nab a larger arrangement at a discounted price. The San Diego team chose for us the Hydrangea in a Mosaic Planter.

A few days later, on February 1st, our plant arrived at the station early in the morning. After a little unpacking and plenty of water, our hydrangea was set. Overall, it seemed similar to what was pictured, but not as full and parts of it still hadnt fully bloomed yet. 1-800-Flowers told us thats how the plant is supposed to look. The website notes it will arrive budding and ready to bloom.

Our purple roses arrived in San Diego on the day we chose. They, too, were in a box, so it took the team a little bit of work to get them in order. In a statement, 1-800-Flowers said: At 1-800-Flowers.com, we are very focused on our #1 product, our customer experience. Our caring team is obsessed with world class service and we are committed to delivering smiles for our customers.

We found the best deals in the middle of January. The closer you get to Valentines Day, the fewer options we found. And, if you want your flowers to arrive on the actual holiday, be prepared to pay a delivery surcharge. 1-800-Flowers had one for $7.99.

Proflowers

NBC Connecticut and NBC Los Angeles ordered flowers through Proflowers. NBC Los Angeles reports receiving the same types of flowers as what was pictured, but say they did get a flowerless stem. They also say most of the flowers bloomed after they were prepped. The bouquet lasted about 6 days before starting to dry out and wilt.

NBC Connecticut says their flowers arrived on time, bloomed within the projected 24 hours and lasted about 10 days. They report one of the carnation stems arrived broken and the roses had a significantly shorter life span than the rest of the bunch, lasting about 4 to 5 days before showing significant wear.

In a statement, Proflowers said: If any ProFlowers customer is unsatisfied with their ProFlowers order for any reason, we will replace it or refund. That is our policy and what our business and world-class quality reputation is built on. The statement goes on to say, With flowers, as with any perishable product, there are occasional issues. We have dedicated customer service representatives in place to resolve any of these issues to our customers satisfaction in line with our guarantees. We would be happy to replace or [[issue a]] refund for your bouquet.

FTD

NBC 5 Dallas and NBC News 4 New York used FTD to place their orders. NBC DFW reports that compared to the picture of the bouquet they were supposed to receive, they had all the same types of flowers, but there looked to be much less of the actual flowers and more greenery. The flowers, they observed, had lots of buds. But 3 days after their arrival, they said the flowers were starting to die and by the 4th day they were entirely dead.

New York says the arrangement they received was exactly as pictured online but there were a few wilted leaves in the package. The buds took about a day to fully open up.

In a statement, FTD said, in part: Flowers come in many varied shapes, colors, sizes, forms and textures and are a perishable product. While all floral products have natural variations, FTD florists take the time and care to handcraft and deliver quality floral products. The company added that they have a 7-day satisfaction guarantee and, That guarantee means that our floral arrangements will last at least seven days or customers can get their money back or receive a replacement bouquet.

FTD Statement:

We are pleased that the FTD Precious Heart bouquet was delivered on time and that it was an overall great match to the photo. Flowers come in many varied shapes, colors, sizes, forms and textures and are a perishable product. While all floral products have natural variations, FTD florists take the time and care to handcraft and deliver quality floral products.

Since flowers are a perishable product, our policy is to ensure quality and freshness through our FTD Good As Gold 7 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. That guarantee means that our floral arrangements will last at least seven days or customers can get their money back or receive a replacement bouquet. When we hear from our customers with a concern, FTDs customer service specialists will work to resolve those issues to our customers satisfaction. If our customers are not satisfied with the quality of their flowers, we encourage them to contact us at 1-800-SEND-FTD within that our guarantee period for a replacement or refund.

FTD takes pride in making people feel like exceptional gift givers through our artisan-designed, handcrafted flowers.

ProFlowers Statement:

If any ProFlowers customer is unsatisfied with their ProFlowers order for any reason, we will replace it or refund. That is our policy 365 days/year and what our business and world-class quality reputation is built on. All ProFlowers bouquets are backed by a 7-Day Freshness 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

ProFlowers takes tremendous pride in providing the best service to our valued customers. We are recognized time and time again as having the highest customer satisfaction rates among flower companies. Truly, our mission is to delight our customers  and we do whatever it takes to accomplish that.

With flowers, as with any perishable product, there are occasional issues. We have dedicated customer service representatives in place to resolve any of these issues to our customers satisfaction in line with our guarantees. We would be happy to replace or refund for your bouquet.

ProFlowers has delivered more than 60 million bouquets since our inception on Valentines Day in 1998, and we will never compromise on your flower's freshness or longevity. Customer service for ProFlowers can be reached at 800-580-2913.
A Puerto Rican nationalist who is the last of his group still serving time for his role in a violent struggle for independence for the U.S. territory unexpectedly returned to the island Thursday to serve the remainder of a sentence commuted by outgoing President Barack Obama.

Oscar Lopez Rivera disembarked from an American Airlines jet that landed in the capital of San Juan and was placed under house arrest at his daughter's apartment. He was originally scheduled to be released from prison in Terre Haute, Indiana on May 17.

"Most prisoners go to halfway houses," said U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, who had requested and helped secured Lopez's transfer. "He got to go home to be with his daughter. That's pretty unusual."

Gutierrez said the warden agreed to Lopez's transfer on the condition that it would be discreet. He and others including San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin picked up Lopez in Indiana before dawn on Thursday and flew with him to Puerto Rico.

"I didn't think it would be this easy," Gutierrez said.

Lopez's arrival was kept secret until just hours before his plane touched down, which angered supporters.

"They wanted to deprive him of a hero's welcome," said Mady Pacheco, 64, who brought her 4-year-old niece to the airport. "I wanted her to witness this historic moment."

Lopez had been sentenced to 55 years in prison after he was convicted on one count of seditious conspiracy, and he was later convicted of conspiring to escape from prison in Leavenworth, Kansas. He served nearly 13 years in solitary confinement, and Obama commuted his sentence last month.

Lopez was a member of the ultranationalist Armed Forces of National Liberation, which claimed responsibility for more than 100 bombings at public and commercial buildings during the 1970s and '80s in New York, Chicago, Washington and other U.S. cities. The group's most notorious bombing killed four people and injured more than 60 at New York's landmark Fraunces Tavern in 1975. Lopez was not convicted of any role in that attack, but some still hold him responsible because of his ties to the ultranationalist group.

His daughter, Clarisa Lopez, said there were no victims as a result of her father's actions.

"He's never killed anyone," she said. "My father was not accused and he did not participate."

Some Puerto Ricans opposed his early release, saying that they were pained by it.

"He does not represent the Puerto Rican community and many of us in the island are disgusted and rebuff his actions," said Evelyn Aimee De Jesus.

Juan Segarra, who was a member of the ultranationalist movement and was pardoned by former U.S. President Bill Clinton 13 years ago, clutched a Puerto Rico flag as he waited for Lopez at the airport.

"Finally! I can't describe my emotions," he said as he held back tears. "I spent 17 years in prison. I know what this family reunion is like."

Lopez's friends have said he wanted to spend time with his daughter and granddaughter and establish a think tank that will work on such problems as climate change, the economy and the island's political status.

Lopez's attorney, Jan Susler, said he will remain under house arrest until May 17. She said he's not allowed to talk to the media or to anyone with a criminal record, including other nationalists who served time.
Miami Police are investigating a morning shooting in which two vans were struck  one carrying school children.

Detectives say both vans were traveling on NW 24th Avenue and 46th Street when both drivers say they heard the sound of windows shattering. A group of elementary school students were taken off one van, while a second carrying patients from Miami Jewish Health System was also evacuated.

No one was injured and police are determining whether the vehicles were hit by bullets or pellets.

An NBC 6 photo journalist shot video Friday morning of the scene in Brownsville.

Miami-Dade School Superintendent Alberto Carvakho tweeted his reaction from the scene to yet another shooting involving students:

Stay tuned to NBC 6 on air and online for more developments.
Since 2015, when former President Barack Obama asked Congress to lift the nearly 60-year-long trade and financial embargo with Cuba, the tropical Caribbean island has been on the top of everyones list of must-see travel destinations. For those with wanderlust, the newly opened borders mark the end of an unadulterated era when the island has been frozen in time, and travelers and hospitality companies alike have been rushing to Cuba before it loses its purity. Winning the accommodation race is Europes oldest luxury hotel group Kempinski. American companies still arent allowed to build in Cuba, and the 120-year-old Swiss company (which currently operates 75 five-star hotels and residences in 30 countries) just announced its newest endeavor. Opening later this year, the Gran Hotel Kempinski Manzana La Habana will be Cubas first five-star hotel, and one of the countrys first significant steps into the modern Western world.

Befittingly, the forward progression is still rooted in the islands rich culture. The five-story hotel will be housed within the historic Manzana de Gomez building. Dating to 1890, the grandiose structure was Cubas first European-style shopping center with over 500 departments, including stores, business offices, law firms, and notaries. Adding to its historical importance, Manzana de Gomez is located at the heart of Habana Vieja (Old Havana)a portion of Cubas capital city that was founded in 1519 by Spain and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flanked by Bacardi rums art deco bell tower and the National Museum of Fine Arts, Manzana de Gomez is part of the citys lifeblood. It also overlooks the Capitol, the Great Theater of Havana, and El Floriditathe infamous fish restaurant and cocktail bar that Ernest Hemingway frequented. Hotel guests can easily walk to Old Havanas main interconnecting artery Calle Obispo (which is packed with art galleries, shops, and music bars), and the famous Castillo del Morro lighthouse (which has guarded the entrance to Havana Bay since 1589) is only a 10-minute drive.

Story continues

Inside the restored neoclassical building, Gran Hotel Kempinski Manzana La Habana will offer 246 rooms and suites. Ranging in size from about 430 to 1,615 square feet, each offers a crisp contemporary white color palette with vaulted ceilings, large French windows, and fun pops of bright colors that feel inherently Cuban. Amenities include an approximately 10,765-square-foot Swiss Resense spa, three restaurants, a lobby bar, a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, and free internet in every roomwhich is huge considering Cuba is one of the least digitally connected countries in the world. Naturally, there is also an in-house cigar lounge. Those returning to the United States should keep in mind the $100 maximum limit for cigars and rum, and Robb Report still recommends flying privately through a company like Victor. A full guide to Cuba, can also be found here. (kempinski.com)

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An aide to President Donald Trump was "counseled" after she urged Americans to "go buy Ivanka's stuff" during a television interview, prompting a wave of backlash for potentially violating ethics rules governing the executive branch.

But House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz says that's not enough, calling what Kellyanne Conway did "wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable."

The Utah Republican congressman said he will join with Democratic Oversight Leader Elijah Cummings to ask the Office of Government Ethics to review the matter. Chaffetz also said he will write a formal letter to the White House lodging his irritation.

He said White House press secretary Sean Spicer's remark that Conway has been "counseled" doesn't go far enough.

"It needs to be dealt with," he said in an interview with The Associated Press. "There's no ifs, ands or buts about it."

The White House says Trump "absolutely" continues to support White House counselor Kellyanne Conway after she promoted his daughter Ivanka Trump's fashion line during a cable interview.

In response to questions from The Associated Press, the White House said the president didn't see Conway's interview on Fox News. But a spokeswoman says Trump "understands she was merely sticking up for a wonderful woman who she has great respect for and felt was treated unfairly."

The White House says Trump also "fully supports his daughter."

The ethics dustup began Wednesday with the president himself.

Reacting to news that a department store had dropped his daughter's line of clothing and accessories, Trump tweeted  and retweeted from the official presidential account  that Ivanka Trump had been treated "so unfairly by @Nordstrom."

Ivanka Trump does not have a specific role in the White House but moved to Washington with her husband, Jared Kushner, who is one of Trump's closest advisers. She followed her father's approach on business ties by handing over operating control of her fashion company but retaining ownership of it.

In a Thursday morning interview with "Fox and Friends" from the White House briefing room, Conway urged people to "go buy Ivanka's stuff," boasting that she was giving the brand "a free commercial here."

While Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are not subject to ethical regulations and laws for federal employees, Conway, who is a counselor to the president, is. Among the rules: An employee shall not use his or her office "for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise."

"For whatever reason, the White House staff evidently believes that they are protected from the law the same way the president and vice president are," said Stuart Gilman, a former special assistant to the director of Office of Government Ethics.

He called the Conway comments "unbelievable," adding that they risk wrecking the U.S. reputation around the world as a model for government employee ethics.

In addition to the House Oversight Committee, two liberal-funded government watchdogs pounced on Conway's comments, filing ethics violation complaints with the Office of Government Ethics, which advises and oversees federal employees on such issues but is not an enforcement agency.

"Conway's action reflects an ongoing careless disregard of the conflicts of interest laws and regulations by some members of the Trump family and Trump administration," said Craig Holman, government affairs lobbyist for Public Citizen. The group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington also lodged a complaint.

Spicer said Wednesday that Trump was responding to an "attack on his daughter" when he posted the tweet and that "he has every right to stand up for his family and applaud their business activities, their success."

Ethics lawyers had a different interpretation. The implication, intended or not: Hurt my daughter's business, and the Oval Office will come after you.

"This is a shot across the bow to everybody who is doing business with Trump or his family," said Norman Eisen, who was President Barack Obama's chief ethics counselor. "It's warning them: Don't withdraw their business."

Trump's son Donald Jr. tweeted a link Thursday to a story on the Breitbart conservative news website saying that women across the country are cutting up their Nordstrom cards and planning boycotts after the decision to drop Ivanka Trump's brand.

Though Trump has tweeted about companies such as Boeing, Carrier and General Motors, ethics experts say this time was different because it involved his daughter's business, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.

Ethics experts have criticized Trump's plan to separate himself from his sprawling real estate business by handing managerial control to his two adult sons. The experts want him to sell his company. Most modern presidents have sold their financial holdings and put the cash raised in a blind trust whose investments remained unknown to them.

Eisen joined with other legal scholars and lawyers to sue the president last month for allegedly violating a clause in the Constitution that prohibits government officials from accepting gifts or payments from foreign governments.

Trump and his top aides have repeatedly said that Americans do not care about what Eisen and other ethics critics say. "Prior to the election it was well known that I have interests in properties all over the world," Trump wrote on Twitter Nov. 21.

Nordstrom reiterated Wednesday that its decision was based on the brand's performance, not politics. The company said sales of Ivanka Trump items had steadily declined over the past year, particularly in the last half of 2016, "to the point where it didn't make good business sense for us to continue with the line for now."

Retailers drop brands all the time because of poor performance, said brand consultant Allen Adamson. But given a highly charged political environment, perception is reality for loyal Trump fans.

"It is clearly hard for Nordstrom to tell the story that it is dropping (the brand) for business reasons," said Adamson, founder of the firm Brand Simple.

Associated Press writers Catherine Lucey and Anne D'Innocenzio and Matthew Ott in New York contributed to this report.
The powerful storm that dumped more than a foot of snow on parts of the tri-state had moved out by Friday morning, leaving behind frigid temperatures, brutal winds and heaps of wet snow  perfect conditions for perilous black ice.

Frigid temperatures descended on the tri-state after Thursdays monster snowstorm. Commuters in New Jersey were treading lightly Friday morning as the cold temperatures froze leftover snow. Tracie Strahan reports.

Clumps of wet, icy snow remained on many area streets and sidewalks, and officials warned that black ice and slick spots posed a significant threat on untreated surfaces as commuters hit the roads and rails Friday.

Temperatures were well below freezing Friday morning and were expected to stay bitterly cold throughout the day as blustery winds continued.

Patches of black ice formed in the five boroughs and along the Jersey Shore, but were expected to be more widespread to the northwest of the city, as well as on Long Island and in Connecticut.

Long Island got the brunt of Thursdays snowstorm. Crews were working to dig out Friday morning as many schools canceled classes. Rana Novini reports.

A black ice alert was in effect for all of New Jersey Friday and schools were to be delayed 90 minutes to give buses time to get to pick up students safely.

Thursdays storm was blamed for at least one death in New York City. It also caused hundreds of car accidents, crippled travel by ground and air, closed schools and offices, and cut power to thousands of people across the tri-state.

Long Island, where a state of emergency was declared in Suffolk County and whiteout conditions were widespread, saw more than a foot of snow in many spots. Selden got 16 inches, while 15.5 inches fell on Bohemia and 14 inches on Hicksville.

Road crews worked around the clock to clear the streets in New York City after a snowstorm dropped more than a foot of snow in some areas. Many vehicles and sidewalks were still covered in the white stuff Friday morning as residents prepared for work. Katherine Creag reports.

There was also significant snowfall in the Hudson Valley, with 12 inches of snow recorded in Poughkeepsie and Kingston. Snow piled up in New York City too, with Fresh Meadows, Queens, getting 13.2 inches and the northwest Bronx, 12.5 inches. In New Jersey, Highland Lakes saw 11.1 inches.

It's forecast to warm a little this weekend, with highs in the 40s under mostly cloudy skies. Sprinkles are possible Saturday and rain is likely Sunday.

Snowstorm Paints Tri-State a Wintry White
What to Know President Donald Trump confirmed his support for the "one China" policy in a call with the country's leader

Garcia de Rayos, who has become the face of undocumented immigrants facing deportation under Trump, was deported to Mexico

A monstrous winter storm that dumped more than a foot of snow across swaths of the Northeast left a brutal cold in its wake

Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here.

*This daily briefing will be off Monday and Tuesday, returning on Wednesday, Feb. 15.



Trump Reaffirms One China Policy

President Donald Trump has reaffirmed America's long-standing one China policy in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, potentially alleviating concerns about a major shift in Washington's relations with Beijing. The White House and China's state broadcaster CCTV said the two spoke by phone on Thursday evening. Trump has accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, criticized China's military buildup in the South China Sea and accused Beijing of doing too little to pressure North Korea.

Woman Who Sparked Protests Deported

Immigration officials deported a mother who had been in the U.S. illegally since she was 14 years old on Thursday, in what some activists say is the first deportation under the new immigration policies of President Trump. Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos was removed from the country to Nogales, Mexico after authorities attempted to deport her late Wednesday, NBC News reported. They were unable to move the van she was in because protesters were blocking it. One man wedged himself in the wheel well.

Court Won't Reinstate Travel Ban

A federal appeals court has handed a resounding victory to Washington state and Minnesota in their challenge of President Trump's travel ban, finding unanimously that a lower court ruling suspending the ban's enforcement should stay in place while the case continues. The 3-0 decision from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the states on nearly every issue presented. Some legal scholars who reviewed it said the Justice Department could face long odds in any immediate appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, though that won't necessarily stop the administration from trying. Trump tweeted "SEE YOU IN COURT" after the ruling came out Thursday.

Kellyanne Conway Counseled After Plug

An aide to President Trump was "counseled" after she urged Americans to "go buy Ivanka's stuff" during a television interview, prompting a wave of backlash for potentially violating ethics rules governing the executive branch. But House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz says that's not enough, calling what Kellyanne Conway did "wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable." In a Thursday morning interview with "Fox and Friends" from the White House briefing room, Conway urged people to "go buy Ivanka's stuff," boasting that she was giving the brand "a free commercial here."

Divide Senate Confirms Trump Health Secretary

Republicans won Senate confirmation of President Donald Trump's choice for health secretary early Friday in the testy chamber's fourth consecutive brawl over Cabinet picks. Senators approved Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., to head the Health and Human Services Department by a strictly party-line 52-47 vote in the dead of night. Republicans see Price, an orthopedic surgeon and seven-term House veteran, as a knowledgeable leader who will help scuttle Obama's health care overhaul. Democrats describe an ideologue with a shady history of trading health care stocks and whose policies will snatch insurance coverage from Americans.

Massive Snowstorm Moves out

The biggest storm to hit the Northeast this winter dropped a foot or more of snow along the New York-to-Boston corridor Thursday, turning roads treacherous, grounding flights and giving millions of people weather whiplash a day after temperatures soared into the 50s and 60s. Scores of accidents were reported as drivers confronted blowing snow and slick highways. Stretches of Interstate 95 in Rhode Island were closed in the afternoon after tractor-trailers got stuck. Schools closed in cities big and small, including New York City, Philadelphia and Boston, and government offices told non-essential workers to stay home.

Oldest American Dies at 114

A New Jersey woman who was the oldest American person has died at age 114. Adele Dunlap died Sunday at a hospital near Flemington, according to the Martin Funeral Home. She had become the country's oldest person in July 2016 following the death of 113-year-old Goldie Michelson, of Worcester, Massachusetts. A group that tracks long-living people says the oldest known person living in the U.S. is now 113-year-old Delphine Gibson, of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.
Local

Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
After a storm brought snow to the entire Philadelphia region Thursday morning, bitter cold temperatures and gusty winds took hold as the evening arrived.

A few inches of snow fell on much of the region in a matter of hours as the intense storm quickly moved through the Philadelphia region as temps dropped to freezing and below. Snow first began falling in Berks, Chester, Lehigh and Northampton counties and then spread to Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties as well as northern Delaware and South Jersey turning from rain to sleet to snow. By late morning, more than 6 inches had fallen in parts of the Lehigh Valley.[[413343353, C]]

Before noon the storm moved out from west to east.

Temperatures should stick below freeing with wind gusts up to 40 mph through the rest of Thursday. The high temp isn't expected to get past the freezing mark Friday and overnight temps should feel like the single digits. [[413290823, C]]

Due to the expected snowfall, all Philadelphia public and archdiocesan schools closed Thursday. (Philly schools will open Friday, officials said.) Hundreds of other area schools also closed ahead of the storm. Philadelphia lifted its snow emergency at noon.

SkyForce10 captured children taking advantage of the day off bu sledding on Belmont Plateau. [[413342543, C]]

New Jersey closed all state offices Thursday for nonessential employees and the snow was expected to linger longer in the Trenton area. Bucks and Montgomery counties also closed offices and courts. In Delaware, all state offices would open as normal as the storm didn't hit as hard.

Some attractions also changed schedules Thursday such as the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, opening late at noon, and the Please Touch Museum in Fairmount Park, which closed for the day. [[413298133, C]]

Speed limit restrictions were put in place on many major highways and bridges and PATCO operated on a special "Snow Schedule."

Precipitation began to fall overnight starting as rain in some areas but changed to sleet, then snow as temperatures cooled before daybreak. The snow led to blinding conditions  less than 1/4-mile visibility  in some areas right around the time of the morning rush. [[413264633, C]]

The intensity of the snow made roads difficult to traverse. Philadelphia International Airport warned travelers that most morning flights were canceled.

Some sun shined late Thursday morning and more could shine in the afternoon but not enough to melt off much of the snow left on the ground. The sun should shine Friday but with freezing temps, not much melt off will happen.The heavy wind combined with the heavy snow also posed a threat for limbs to take down power lines.

A warm-up comes this weekend as temps push into the 40s Saturday.

The NBC10 First Alert Weather Team's forecasts are the most accurate in the Philadelphia area, says WeatherRate.com. The team brings 80 years of combined forecasting skill to NBC10 viewers.
Two gunmen are being sought for holding up five stores in North and Northeast Philadelphia, and both the FBI and police are asking for the public help to find them.

The last known robbery occurred Jan. 4 when the gunmen walked into a Subway hoagie shop near 11th Street and Girard Avenue and demanded money from the cash register, police said. They fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The other four robberies occurred:

11/28/2016, 9:11 p.m.  Rite Aid, 5400 Rising Sun Ave.

12/13/2016, 8:18 p.m.  CVS, 7065 Lincoln Dr.

12/26/2016, 8:09 p.m.  CVS, 7720 Bustleton Ave.

12/30/2016, 11:36 p.m.  Rite Aid, 8243 Stenton Ave.

Anyone with information about these armed robberies or these subjects is urged to call the FBI at 215-418-4000 or the Philadelphia Police Department. There is a reward for information leading to these subjects captured. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

The first subject is described as a stocky, black man, between five foot six and five foot nine.

The second subject is described as a thin black man, 20 to 30 years old, about five foot nine to six foot two. He wore a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, tan boots, and sometimes a black scarf or mask over his face.
Mike and Jackie DiMaggio of San Diego celebrated 70 years of marriage Friday with a cake, a kiss and some advice.

A happy marriage is simple, according to Mike.

I do everything she tells me to do, he said.

The DiMaggios are regulars at the Balboa Park Senior Lounge at Casa Del Prado where staffers held a special party for the couple.

Family photo

The two met on a Greyhound bus traveling to San Pedro in 1946. As Mike tells it, Jackies sister was engaged to his brother who was being discharged from the U.S. Navy.

He remembers she was a nice-looking woman. Mike was very handsome, she recalled.

The two married in 1947 and lived in a tiny shack" next to Filippis. Their old neighborhood is now a parking lot.

Three kids, seven grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren later they still do everything together.

Once in a while we argue," he said. "We never fight."

On this day, Mike did most of the talking to the television cameras lined up in the lounge.

Jackie chimed in to say I love him.

Hes been my life, she said while touching his arm.

The small gathering applauded after the couple enjoyed a kiss and a piece of cake.

Then, there was the special gift wrapped in pink tissue paper. Inside the box, fur-lined handcuffs.

The 92 year olds got quite a laugh out of that.

They may be old but theyre still romantic, they said.

The DiMaggio's will celebrate their 70th anniversary with family in July.

Volunteers run the Senior Lounge to give local seniors a place to socialize. It's open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week.
Licensed or Unlicensed Dispensaries? --Both-- Licensed Unlicensed Schools

Dispensaries



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The map above was created by NBC 7 Investigates to show where both licensed and unlicensed medical marijuana dispensaries are operating in San Diego County as of February 9, 2017.

NOTE: The map is best viewed on mobile devices.

Highlights of the map:

Areas in the cities of San Diego and La Mesa allowing medical marijuana operations are shaded on the map in zones colored green.





Areas in the cities of San Diego and La Mesa where medical marijuana operations are prohibited are shaded on the map in zones colored red.





Legal, licensed marijuana operations are marked on the map with a green pushpin.





Unlicensed marijuana operations are marked on the map with a red pushpin.





A filter allows you to toggle between viewing licensed dispensaries, unlicensed dispensaries or both at the same time.





Another toggle option allows you to see where schools are located in comparison to dispensaries.





Clicking on any individual map point (dispensary, school or zone) allows you to learn more about the location.

NOTE: If map turns gray in an area, it is still loading. To fix the issue refresh your web browser.

To create the map above, NBC 7 Investigates used data obtained through the California Public Records Act and the website Weedmaps.com. The data was last collected on February 9, 2017.

Using permits issued by the City of San Diego and San Diego County, NBC 7 Investigates was able to map the locations of legal and licensed marijuana operations.

Using Weedmaps, described online as a resource to find cannabis storefronts, doctors, and deals, NBC 7 Investigates gathered location details for marijuana operations in San Diego County. By mapping the locations from Weedmaps and comparing the list of locations to city and county permits, NBC 7 Investigates was able to determine which marijuana businesses were legally operating and which were operating without a license.

NBC 7 Investigates contacted each business listed to verify if it was operating. Dispensaries that require patients to call for an address, as indicated on Weedmaps, were not included on the map as their location was not published on a public website.

NBC 7 Investigates has learned some of the unlicensed dispensaries labeled on WeedMaps as operating or open for business have recently been forced to shut down by law enforcement. On the map, those locations are indicated as being closed in the notes section of the individual pushpin.

If you have an update on a location featured on this map, contact NBC 7 Investigates, NBC7Investigates@nbcuni.com or (619) 578-0393.
Mexican authorities uncovered a new drug tunnel in Tijuana on Friday, the same day the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary was visiting the U.S.-Mexico border.

The tunnel was discovered when Mexican state police stumbled on an armed man was found in a Tijuana parking lot, according to a written release from the Mexican government. The location of the tunnel opening is Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, officials said.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson Lauren Mack said the tunnel was incomplete and did not reach U.S. land. The nearest streets are Via de la Amistad and Siempre Viva Road.

DHS Secretary John Kelly was scheduled to tour one of the most fortified stretches of the border separating San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico.

Kelly was visiting the border in Arizona and California for the first time since he became secretary last month. Last week he toured the border in southern Texas.

NBC 7 spoke to Everard Meade, Director of the Transborder Institute at the University of San Diego, who said that the border wall in San Diego doesn't stop drug cartels and smugglers.

"We're talking just about this physical border because it's a good political symbol, but it's not really how most people and things get into the United States anyway," Meade said.

He added that the U.S. needs Mexico's cooperation when it comes to such occurrences.

"The old analogy is, you build a 20-foot wall, they build a 21-foot ladder," he said.

According to the DHS, an estimated 148 tunnels have been build along the U.S.-Mexico border since 2006, most of them in California and Arizona.
One of the recent executive orders signed by President Donald Trump allows federal officials working along the U.S. borders to detain nearly anyone who is in the country without documentation and not just those who've been convicted of a crime.

Who and why someone could be deported is changing, according to Andrew Nietor, Chair of San Diego's Chapter of Immigration Lawyers Association.

"This atmosphere that we've been under just within the last two weeks which has been characterized by, at best, uncertainty but in most cases fear, is a very sharp and dark turn from what we've seen in the past few years and decades," Nietor said.

He's been practicing immigration law for more than 15 years. Most of the calls to his office have been from students who were registered in the DACA program but he also get calls from U.S. citizens who are concerned about relatives or friends.

Six to 8 million people in the U.S. could be targeted as deportation priorities.

About 170,000 of them call San Diego County home, according to a Pew Research Center study released Thursday.

Under the Obama Administration, the priority for removal were those with felony convictions, serious misdemeanor convictions or multiple misdemeanor convictions.

However, under the Trump Administration, the criteria for deportation, though still unclear, appears to be changing.

Some of the language that is used by the Trump Administration includes not only individuals who have convictions, but individuals who are charged or who are believed to have committed offenses, he said.

It's a promise Trump made during his campaign. Those who support his policy, applaud the move.

My grandparents they got their citizenship and did it the right way, Jean Cauley told NBC 7 during a visit to San Diego. That's kind of what America is all about.

What's still unclear is who will determine whether someone is suspected of having committed a violation.

ICE San Diego would not comment on if they will be changing operations under the new executive order. Our questions were directed to the Department of Homeland Security.

Currently, ICE has a broad amount of discretion when it comes to undocumented immigrants.

Officials can detain a person, put the person on house arrest or have him or her check in on regular intervals. The decision is usually based on the risk of flight or potential danger to the community.

Almost by definition they will have violated some law [by being in the country illegally], but within the law it also allows pardons and waivers and people to exercise their rights under the Constitution, Nietor said.

The possibility of more deportations made national news this week, after Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, 36, was deported to Mexico.

The undocumented mother of two, had been in the country for 21 years.

Garcia de Rayos was arrested in 2008 during a workplace raid. She was convicted of a felony for using false papers to work.

She was detained on Wednesday during a routine check in meeting with immigration officials.

Despite the conviction, she was allowed to stay in the country, as long as she complied with routine check in meetings with immigration officials.

During her last appointment she was detained and deported.
U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), Chairman of the Environment Subcommittee at House Energy and Commerce, toured the now-closed San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station Friday.

The seaside plant between Los Angeles and San Diego has been shut down since January 2012, after a small radiation leak led to the discovery of unusual damage to hundreds of tubes that carry radioactive water.

The decommissioning was initially slated for early 2016. One year later many questions remain.

What is going to happen to the plant? How long will it take to be decommissioned? And what will be done with the nuclear waste on site?

They say they want answers to those questions sooner rather than later.

"I'm, very optimistic and Im the nuclear guy, said Shimkus. This is what I do in Washington. So I have to keep moving forward and I look forward to having a very productive year in Washington on this issue.

But Shimkus and Issa say the whole process will take a long time.

I think we need to put our expectations appropriately,  said Issa. If there were a facility today, the first decommissioning of the old reactor could be moved."

"There isnt a facility, and it will take until 2019 just to have all the materials in drycast prepared to potentially move.

Issa estimated it may be 30 years before the site is fully available.

Issa said in the next few weeks there would be an artist rendering of the time line to restore this part of the coastline.

Theyre hoping to have the domes removed in two to 10 years.
A 26-year-old woman suffered a broken leg after another driver ran a stop sign and crashed into her motorcycle in University Heights, San Diego Police (SDPD) said.

The crash happened around 4:13 p.m. Thursday on the 2200 block of El Cajon Boulevard.

Police said the driver of a pickup truck, identified to be a 35-year-old man, was heading northbound on Mississippi Street when he crashed into the motorcycle going eastbound on El Cajon Boulevard.

He initially fled the scene but later returned. No alcohol or drugs are suspected to be a factor in the collision.

The woman was taken to a local hospital.

Check back for updates on this breaking news.
A 9-month old puppy is recovering after she was shot in the head in Alpine.

Her family said they posted a plea on Facebook after Nylah went missing around 3 p.m. last Friday. She was found nearly six miles away from her home near Japatul Road days later.

According to the family, Nylah had been beaten and there was a strange wound on her head.

NBC 7 spoke to Dr. Chamkaur S. Brar, D.V.M at Country Pet Hospital on Thursday. He treated Nylah for her injuries after her family found her.

Brar said the owner's husband initially thought the wound was caused by an animal attack but after an x-ray, they discovered the bullet in her head.

The family does not know who shot Nylah.

Fortunately, the bullet did not penetrate into the bone and her brain, Brar said.

Shes lucky. Shes very, very lucky to survive," he added.

Brar told NBC 7, he believes Nylah slipped away from the owner's home because she was in heat but added that she is not an aggressive dog.

"The dog is very nice, not aggressive--very sweet dog," he said.

He added that he believes the shooter appeared to have the intention to kill Nylah.

The dog's owner told NBC 7, she has not filed a report with police yet since she is currently in Texas.

She said she wants the person responsible to face animal cruelty charges.
A man with dementia missing from a relatives home in 4S Ranch has been found and reunited with his family, San Diego County Sheriffs Department confirmed.

Deputies say 78-year-old Michael Becker was found at The Villas at Camino Bernardo, an apartment complex off Camino Del Norte about 2 miles away from his daughter's house on Cayenne Creek Court, the place where he was last seen.

A citizen who heard about the search for Becker from law enforcement and media coverage reported seeing Becker wandering the apartment complex just before 3 p.m.

An office employee at the apartment complex brought him inside and called the San Diego Police Department which in turn contacted the SDSO.

"We pretty much know all of our residents," said Sharon Hensley, the Assistant Community Relations Manager. "So when we saw [Becker] walking around in the front office here, we just thought it looked a little out of place."

Hensley said she approached Becker and began conversation and after a short time she recognized signs of dementia, a disease she said her own mother suffered from.

"I knew that I couldn't let him walk away," Hensley said. "So I convinced him to come in, had a bottle of water, sat down with him and just talked with him and stayed with him."

Becker was reported missing at around 9:45 a.m. a few hours after he walked out of the door at his daughters house at approximately 7:45 a.m.

Search and Rescue teams set up an initial search area within three miles of the home, and it expanded as time went on.

The SDSO Search and Rescue team used a helicopter and tracking k-9 units to help find Becker. Volunteers also jumped in to assist deputies and other SDSO staff, SDSO Sargent Edward Ward said.

Ward said this particular search was made more difficult with all of the natural terrain in the area, like waterways, open space and drop-offs.

Michelle Edwards, Becker's daughter, told NBC 7 that Becker is in town from Arizona helping out as his granddaughter recovers from surgery.

"The family has a sense that he's just sitting in somebody's backyard waiting for us to come home because for some reason he can't get back inside the house because he's at the wrong house," Edwards said amid the search for her father.

Edwards told NBC 7 her dad has walk out of the house without the family noticing in the past, but has never ventured more than a few blocks.
San Diego police (SDPD) are investigating reports of a physical altercation following a traffic collision in the Birdland neighborhood.

Police say a traffic collision was reported at Cardinal Court and Cardinal Road at 6:22 p.m. Thursday followed by reports of a fight stemming from a possible road rage incident.

Officers are currently interviewing witnesses in an effort to gather more information.

SDPD and San Diego Fire-Rescue units are responding.

Check back for updates on this breaking news.
Immigration officials deported an Arizona mother who had been in the U.S. illegally since she was 14 years old on Thursday, in what some activists say is the first deportation under the new immigration policies of President Donald Trump.

Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos was removed from the country to Nogales, Mexico, after authorities attempted to deport her late Wednesday, NBC News reported. They were unable to move the van she was in because protesters were blocking it. One man wedged himself in the wheel well.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

"I think this is a direct result of the new executive orders that are being put into action, President Trump calling them enhancing public safety which really appears only to be attacking immigrant communities and attacking people of color," her attorney Ray Ybarra Maldonado said.

Ybarra said he and her family learned of her deportation through the Mexican consulate. Garcia de Rayos, who has two U.S. citizen children, was convicted of criminal impersonation for using a fake Social Security number to work while illegally in the U.S. Ybarra added that, to his knowledge, there was not a victim in her case who claimed the number.
Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih talks to journalists before a meeting of OPEC oil ministers in Vienna, Austria, June 2, 2016. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/File Photo

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has received an early and key endorsement of its effort to reduce the global oversupply of oil.

On Friday, the International Energy Agency  a global energy watchdog  said OPEC had achieved 90% compliance with its agreement last year to lower production. Saudi Arabia, the IEA said, appeared to cut more than was agreed on at the meeting with some key non-OPEC members in November.

The IEA's oil market report for February said, "While seaborne oil export data, from which secondary source estimates of OPEC production are mainly derived, are not complete for January and is subject to revision, OPEC nevertheless appears to have made a solid start to what is a six-month process. This first cut is certainly one of the deepest in the history of OPEC output cut initiatives."

Brent crude, the international benchmark of oil prices, approached the highest level in over a year after the IEA's report, gaining 1.9% to $56.73 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures, the US gauge, climbed 1.6% to $53.84 per barrel.

Saudi Arabia, which is ostensibly OPEC's leader, stands to gain from the bump in oil prices that lower production levels could stimulate. Besides a fiscal boost, it is eyeing a 2018 initial public offering  which would be the world's largest  for its state-owned oil company, Aramco.

On non-OPEC producers who were part of the deal, the IEA said that based on incomplete data, Russia cut output by 100,000 barrels per day. It's on track to gradually hit its target of 300,000. Oman lowered output in line with its commitment, while Kazakhstan was cutting more than it agreed to, the IEA said.

However, the solution to the oil market's imbalance still rests heavily on US shale producers.

"US shale is coming back, and its coming back strong," said Mark Keenan, a commodity strategist at Societe Generale, in a recent note. He cited the rise in rig counts and improving job growth in the energy sector as part of the evidence for this.

Story continues

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Jamie Lynn Spears' 8-year-old daughter, Maddie, was released from the hospital Friday after being treated following a serious accident involving an ATV in Louisiana earlier in the week.

Maddie's aunt, Britney Spears, took to social media to share the good news.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQV

"So grateful that Maddie was able to go home from the hospital today," Spears wrote. "It's truly a miracle."

Earlier in the week, a Spears family representative (through the hospital treating Maddie) released a statement saying the 8-year-old was "awake and talking" to her family members.

"With her father, mother and stepfather by her side, Maddie regained consciousness mid-day Tuesday, February 7. The 8-year-old daughter of entertainer Jamie Lynn Spears was involved in an ATV accident at a family home Sunday in Kentwood, La. Paramedics resuscitated her and she was airlifted to a local hospital. She is aware of her surroundings and recognizes those family members who have kept a round-the-clock vigil since the accident."

The statement continued, "Doctors were able to remove the ventilator today and she is awake and talking. Maddie continues to receive oxygen and is being monitored closely but it appears that she was not suffered any neurological consequences from the accident."
Dozens of children who attend an elementary school in Arlington, Virginia, spent Thursday at home sick.

It's the second day in a row that more than 80 students at Oakridge Elementary School have been absent because they have stomach aches, fever, vomiting and, in some cases, diarrhea -- all symptoms consistent with norovirus, school officials said.

In just one hour, News4 met three parents who were at the school picking up their kids because they received a call from the school nurse.

"I just got a phone call from the clinic that his stomach is not feeling well," said parent Dorothy Blagrove.

"I actually had one home sick yesterday," said Katie Fudd, who was back at the school Thursday.

A spokesperson for Arlington Public Schools said having more than 80 children absent from Oakridge Elementary is far from the norm. Health officials are testing for norovirus and disinfecting surfaces, the spokesperson said.

Arlington Public Schools sent a letter home with students Thursday urging parents not to bring their children to school if they show any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and cramping and fever.

"Even if they feel okay on the morning of school, they are still able to spread the illness to others," the letter said.

Children should also wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, officials said.
A former National Guardsman from Virginia was sentenced to 11 years in prison on a terrorism charge.

Mohamed Jalloh of Sterling pleaded guilty in October to attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group after admitting he traveled to Africa and boarded a truck to join the Islamic State group before ultimately bailing out.

"I'm sorry to the court, to the people and to the U.S. military," Jalloh said in court, with his family present.

The case originated from an FBI sting operation. After his arrest, though, Jalloh admitted he made his own contact with the group before he had ever been introduced to the FBI informant, contact the government had been unaware of at the time.

Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Sierra Leone, traveled to Africa with his father in 2015. While there, he met an Islamic State recruiter. In August 2015, Jalloh went to Sierra Leone to stay with the group's facilitator. He intended to travel to Libya to join the Islamic State, but the plans fell through.

Later that year, Jalloh traveled to Niger, again with the intent of joining the group. That time, he went so far as to get on a truck with other recruits to trek across the Sahara to Libya. But, in court papers, Jalloh described how he got cold feet and sneaked off the truck after 18 hours.

Guys in the truck would whip people with a hose to pack you in, Jalloh said, describing his experience as a recruit. This was the worst, most scary situation that I had ever been in as an adult.

Before returning to the U.S., Jalloh made contact online with an ISIS operative named Abu Saad Sudani, who put Jalloh in contact with a person he hoped would help Jalloh carry out an attack in the U.S. But that person turned out to be a government informant.

In conversations with the informant, Jalloh discussed carrying out a Fort Hood-style attack. He also sent hundreds of dollars to an undercover FBI employee he believed was an ISIS member. He also told the informant he decided not to re-enlist with the Virginia Army National Guard after listening to lectures by deceased al-Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki online.

Jalloh's lawyers described his interest in the Islamic State group as a flirtation that stemmed from a difficult childhood in war-torn Sierra Leone that left him with little parental guidance. When Jalloh met with the informant, his goal was to be set up with a Muslim woman he could marry, but the informant continually steered the conversation to violence, his lawyers said.

The FBI arrested Jalloh July 3, the day after he test-fired and bought an assault rifle at Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly, Virginia. But the gun dealership made the rifle inoperable before Jalloh left the dealership, following the FBI's instructions.

In court papers, Jalloh renounces the Islamic State group.

I feel like a complete idiot for accepting such a superficial and dishonest interpretation of Islam, Jalloh wrote in a letter to the court.

I did not intend to cause harm to anyone, he said Friday.

Prosecutors asked for a 20-year sentence, while the defense sought fewer than seven years.

"This offense is clearly troubling," Judge Liam O'Grady said. "You were willing to take steps to support ISIL. After serving six years in the National Guard, it's hard to understand."

Jalloh is one of more than 100 people in the U.S. to be charged with terror offenses connected to the Islamic State since 2014, according to George Washington University's Extremism Tracker, and one of seven from the northern Virginia area alone to be charged in the past two years.
Chances are, you've seen a flood of posts on social media about a full moon, lunar eclipse and comet that will create a "triple threat" show in the skies Friday night.

There's just one problem -- there won't be much of a show at all.

A full "snow" moon will pass through Earth's outer shadow overnight on Friday and Saturday. According to Space.com, it is a minor eclipse known as a penumbral lunar eclipse, instead of a full umbral eclipse in which the moon passes deep into the Earth's shadow and has a red or blood orange tint.

"Penumbral eclipses can be difficult to see from Earth because the moon is merely passing through the Earth's penumbral shadow, causing only subtle shading on the moon's surface," wrote Space.com.

The eclipse will peak about 7:45 p.m. Eastern time.

We should have clear skies tomorrow night to view the eclipse, however, dont expect a huge difference in the brightness of the moon. You will notice it, but the moon will only be slightly darker, Storm Team4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said Thursday.

So, no total eclipse of the heart, um, moon to see here.

About That Comet

Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova, named after three astronomers who discovered it in 1948, is shooting by Earth between Thursday and Sunday. Its closest approach will be on Saturday, when it will pass 7.4 million miles from Earth, according to Space.com.

But Comet 45P, which has a bluish-green appearance, will only be visible using binoculars or telescopes.

Luckily, astronomy broadcasting service Slooh will have a livestream of the comet starting at 10:30 p.m. You can watch here.

Editor's Note: NBC12 Meteorologist Andrew Freiden first reported a similar story.
A Whole Foods Markets grocery store in Northwest D.C. is back open after it was closed by the health department for food code violations.

The store in the Glover Park neighborhood was back open as of 2:30 p.m. Friday. A sign posted on the front door as of Friday morning said the store would be closed until further notice.

The notice said the store violated "the District of Columbia food code regulations, which presents an imminent health hazard to the public."

News4 reached out to the District's health department to learn more about the violations, but we're still waiting on a response.

Whole Foods released this statement Friday afternoon:

We take this matter very seriously and there is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our customers and team members. We feel confident that our store is now ready to reopen and we can assure the community that the store environment is safe and the products on our shelves meet the high quality standards that our customers expect from Whole Foods Market. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
A company wants to build a natural gas pipeline under the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and some residents and environmental groups fear it could have a negative impact.

The pipeline would be built by the company under the C&O Canal in Hancock, Maryland, near the borders with Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Run by TransCanada, the pipeline would transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to West Virginia.

Environmentalists warn that if the pipeline were approved and something went wrong, it could affect drinking water for everyone in the Washington, D.C. area who gets their drinking water from the Potomac.

Activists crowded a TransCanada open house Thursday night in Hancock, blocking access to displays about the company's proposed pipeline.

Russell Mokhiber of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, told the peaceful protesters they can defeat the Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project by making their concerns about potential leaks known to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission once TransCanada files its application in March.

"We're going to defeat this pipeline and move on to a better world with solar energy," Mokhiber said after leading scores of demonstrators in singing, "Down to the River to Pray," in the community room of the Hancock Town Hall.

TransCanada spokesman Scott Castleman said it was unfortunate that people curious about the project had difficulty reaching company executives stationed at seven tables around the room. He said the pipeline, 72 feet below the river bed, would support growth in the region by increasing a gas supply that is nearing capacity due partly to a Procter & Gamble manufacturing plant under construction near Tabler Station, West Virginia.

"We're looking to have conversations with people in the community who want questions answered by our experts," Castleman said.

Jimmy Barnhart, the owner of C&O Bicycle in Hancock, said he worried the pipeline construction would cut into his business.

Castleman said the company would work to make the construction and operation as "minimally invasive as possible."

"We're going to drill sideways under the river, so it's going to eliminate the impacts to people who use the river on a daily basis for recreational purposes," he said.

He said the company has countless safety measures in place.

"There's a lot of safety measures that go in before we even install this line," he said. "We're putting in thicker pipe than we're required to. We do a lot of surveys to make sure we're putting this in the right way, and then we're monitoring it 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."

The project would need federal approval to proceed.

"We're prepared to protest. We're prepared to legally challenge every step of the way," said Brent Walls of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network.
Maryland senators approved a resolution Thursday to empower the attorney general to sue the federal government without the governor's permission, saying they're worried about how President Donald Trump's administration could hurt Maryland.

The vote was 29-17, with all of the Senate's 14 Republicans, plus three Democrats, voting against the resolution.

Supporters cited concerns about the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act and worries about lax enforcement of regulations to protect the Chesapeake Bay. They also noted concerns about how Trump's policies aimed at "draining the swamp" could affect the state's large federal workforce. Some said they have been hearing from worried constituents in phone calls and emails.

"My folks are scared," said Sen. Roger Manno, who supported the resolution as a Democrat from Montgomery County, which is adjacent to the nation's capital and home to many federal workers. "They're terrified."

But Republicans said Democrats were dragging the highly charged partisanship of Washington into Annapolis, largely for the purpose of undermining Gov. Larry Hogan, Maryland's popular Republican governor.

Sen. Stephen Hershey, a Republican who represents the Upper Eastern Shore, said efforts to link Hogan to Trump have been heightened since the Maryland General Assembly convened Jan. 11 for its 90-day legislative session.

"It's trying to tie this governor to an administration and trying to take away what he's trying to do for the state of Maryland," Hershey said.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, D-Calvert, said the resolution was not a political jab at the governor.

"It's aimed at Capitol Hill, and the policies of Capitol Hill," said Miller, who voted for the resolution.

Unlike more than 40 other state attorneys general, Maryland's highest court has ruled the attorney general lacks the common law authority to sue the federal government on his own.

The resolution, which now goes to the House of Delegates, represents the General Assembly's authorization for him to sue the federal government on a variety of grounds. The Maryland Defense Act of 2017 would enable the attorney general to sue the federal government to protect the health, public safety, civil liberties and economic security of Maryland residents, as well as the environment. It also would enable the attorney general to sue over federal immigration and travel restrictions.

Sen. Ron Young, D-Frederick, said politics had nothing to do with his support, saying he would be "scared" by the president's recent actions, whatever his party affiliation.

"I just don't know what he's going to do next, and I think we needed to take action fast so that our attorney general can be prepared to move forward and represent us," Young said.

But Republicans said the resolution went too far. They also complained that Democrats would not let them delay action on the resolution for a day, so that they could have more time to consider it. Nine Republicans walked out of the Senate on Thursday in an unusual form of protest in Annapolis, after their request for one more day was squashed in a 28-18 vote.

Sen. Andrew Serafini, R-Washington, said that damaged Republicans' ability to give voice to their constituents.

"You have to give us a chance to be their voice to express that," Serafini said.

Sen. George Edwards, R-Allegany, said he hoped Republicans would get more time to consider other contentious issues that come before them this session.

"There are going to be a lot more of them this session, so we just all need to work together," Edwards said.

The Maryland Senate has approved a resolution to empower the attorney general to sue the federal government without the governor's permission, because supporters are concerned about actions taken by President Donald Trump.

The Senate voted 29-17 Friday for the resolution. All of the Senate's 14 Republicans and three Democrats voted against it.

Supporters cited concerns about the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act and worries about lax enforcement of regulations to protect the Chesapeake Bay.

Democrats also noted economic concerns relating to possible reductions in the federal workforce, because Maryland has a large number of federal workers. They say their constituents are scared about what may happen next in Washington.

Republicans say the resolution wrongly injects the partisanship of Washington into the state capit
Maine lawmakers are considering a bill to make the assault of a police officer a hate crime.

Rep. Karl Ward (R-Dedham) is sponsoring the bill. The language is still being finalized, but Ward said it would make the assault a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Its being referred to here as the Blue Lives Matter bill, said Rep. Ward. It gives the judge the latitude where they can consider whether this was a hate crime perpetrated against emergency responders, simply because of who they are.

Ward said the bill would apply to police, sheriffs deputies, wardens, firefighters, and EMS professionals.

They are being assaulted in shocking ways that I dont think weve ever seen before, said Ward.

He said the intent of the law is not to convict someone simply resisting arrest for a hate crime  but rather someone trying to ambush or target police officers in situations seen in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Dallas, Texas.

Lawmakers in Louisiana passed a similar Blue Lives Matter bill, and several other states are considering similar legislation.

Critics, such as the Anti-Defamation League, argue a hate crime protection should not be extended to someone on the basis of their occupation.

Current hate crime laws in Maine protect people who are victimized on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or homelessness.

Wards bill would add a persons status as a law enforcement officer, emergency medical care provider or fighter to that list.

While the ADL supports enhanced penalties for attacks against law enforcement officers and first responders, we do not support adding law enforcement or other categories based on employment to hate crime laws, said Robert Trestan, ADL New England Regional Director.

Doing so is unnecessary and will make it more difficult to prosecute targeted attacks against police, as well as dilute and undermine the effectiveness of the hate crime law and the protections it affords to victims and their communities, said Trestan.

Wards Act to Prevent Violence Against Emergency Responders could have a public hearing as soon as next week.
Firefighters in Maine have rescued two people after their sport utility vehicle went off a bridge and crashed into an ice-covered pond.

Biddeford Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Duross tells The Portland Press Herald the SUV left the road shortly before noon Thursday, went down an embankment and plunged into Swan Pond. A city employee discovered the accident and The man and woman were able to exit the partially submerged vehicle, but were unable to climb up the steep embankment.

Two firefighters waded in the water, where they attached ropes that helped them move the two people to shore. Other firefighters stood on the bridge and pulled the victims up the embankment.
A bill that would remove the licensing requirement for carrying concealed guns is on its way to the governor after the New Hampshire House passed it.

Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, is likely to sign the bill. The House passed it 200-97 on Thursday; the Senate already approved the measure.

Former Gov. Maggie Hassan, a Democrat, vetoed a similar bill the last two years.

Existing law allows anyone who can legally own a gun to carry it openly. But to carry it out of sight, such as in a purse or under a jacket, a person must get a license from local law enforcement or town officials. The police can take into consideration whether the person is "suitable" to hold a license.

The National Rifle Association says concealed carry is legal in 11 states, including Maine and Vermont.
A Peabody, Massachusetts man has been convicted in the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend in June of 2015.

According to the Essex County District Attorneys Office, Brandon Hoar, 61, was convicted Friday of voluntary manslaughter in the stabbing death of 55-year-old Cheryl Young.

He was charged with first degree murder after officers responded to his Gates Road home and found Young, his girlfriend of 25 years, with a knife protruding from her chest.

Their 5-year-old granddaughter was sleeping in the master bedroom.

Hoar told police he had stabbed Young the day before.

Sentencing for Hoar is set for Feb. 23. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Vermont State Police say a mother and daughter were killed in a fire that destroyed a home in South Hero.

Police say 87-year-old Elinor Lawrence and 54-year-old Carolyn Lawrence were found dead after firefighters from multiple departments extinguished the flames Thursday afternoon at the house on U.S. Route 2.

Emergency crews reported that neighbors had tried to help the victims but were unsuccessful. Lt. Maurice Lamothe says first responders saw at least one person inside the home, but no one came outside. Police confirmed the two deaths several hours later.

Lamothe says the cause of the fire hasn't been determined. It's not considered suspicious. The investigation is ongoing.
A New Hampshire guidance counselor is facing charges after police say she had sex with one of her students.

Kristie Torbick, 37, surrendered to police Friday morning. Authorities say the investigation started at the end of January after they got a report of alleged sexual misconduct between a faculty member and a student. She's been charged with aggravated felonious sexual assault.

NBC Boston caught up with Torbick as she was leaving her Lee home Friday afternoon.

She didn't have anything to say about the allegations and asked us to leave her property.

Exeter residents say it's a story theyve heard far too often. In recent years, police have investigated several reports of sexual misconduct at the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, which is just about 10 minutes from Exeter High.

"It's horrible," said one Exeter mom who didn't want to be identified. "To me, every angle is just sad and devastating."

According to the Exeter School District, when Superintendent Michael Morgan learned of the investigation, Torbick was placed on paid administrative leave pending its outcome.

"Since this is a personnel matter, I am not going to comment on the particulars of this case, including the allegations and charges," Morgan said in a statement. "The district will continue to cooperate with the Exeter Police Department. As always, the safety, well-being and security of all of our students remain our highest priority."

Torbick is due back in court in March.
A Brockton, Massachusetts, man is being held without bail after police say he kidnapped and raped a woman then left her half-naked in a parking lot in Raynham.

Nathanial Simmons was arrested Wednesday after allegedly ditching his victim in a Wal-Mart parking lot and leading police on a short chase that ended in a crash.

He's a level 3 sex offender who served prison time for raping three other women, and was originally deemed too dangerous to be released.

His lawyer says despite witness reports, Simmons denies he did anything wrong.

He is set to be back in court on Monday.
Firefighters rescued several people hanging from windows of a burning multi-family house in New Britain on Thursday afternoon.

The fire broke out at the home at 116 West St. and left people trapped on the upper floors, according to fire officials.

Firefighters had to rescue as many as six or eight people who were hanging from windows, the fire chief said.

Four people were taken to the hospital, including one person who suffered serious smoke inhalation. A firefighter was also taken to the hospital to be evaluated for exhaustion.

Mayor Erin Stewart said the city opened a nearby school to use as a shelter for families who were forced into the snow by the fire.

In all, about 15 people were affected, she said.
Authorities in Massachusetts have arrested a man in connection with the deadly shooting of a 34-year-old man Thursday afternoon.

The Essex district attorney's office says Sean LaRose, 34, was arrested late Thursday night in Amesbury after fleeing the scene of the Haverhill shooting in a stolen car.

Officers found the victim, Joseph Smith, dead at the scene on Portland Street just before 5 p.m.

State police assisted in finding and arresting LaRose in Amesbury.

It's unclear if LaRose has an attorney.

He's due in Haverhill District Court Friday morning on murder and motor vehicle larceny charges.
Brand Ivankas demographic is made up of a group of people who may very well feel Mr Trump to be their Kryptonite: Getty Images

One day students at Pennsylvanias Wharton Business School will write theses on the brand impact of an association with the presidency of Donald Trump. Some of them will focus on one of the schools most high profile alumni: his daughter Ivanka.

Ms Trump was at the centre of the Presidents latest ethics controversy, when he launched one of his patented Twitter broadsides at Nordstrom, a fancy retailer which recently dropped the Ivanka Trump brand as a result of its failure to perform.

My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person  always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible! he snarled.

The ethics debate centres on the President intervening with the aim of boosting his daughters company. In reality, by further entwining her name with his, he might just have put the final nail in its coffin.

Ivanka Trump is a very modern business, that relies solely on the image portrayed by its glamorous founder and the willingness among her target market  young working women  to buy into her by wearing her name.

Unfortunately the name is all the business really has and she cant easily change it. This isnt like Cosmair becoming LOreal USA. Without Ivanka Trump, theres nothing there.

Ms Trump built the brand, and its image, by saying things like: Im incredibly proud to play a small role in debunking this caricature of what a working woman looks like, in creating content thats actionable, thats tip-orientated, for this young working woman that encourages her to architect a life that she wants to live.

No, Im really not sure what that means either. It feels like she wants to be seen to care about her target market but is struggling to say so, perhaps because the world she lives in is so completely divorced from the world of the average working woman. And perhaps because she knows that, deep down, hers isnt the mission-led business she likes to claim. Its just about making a buck.

Story continues

But thats just my view, and up until very recently, the strategy has undeniably worked. Those vague statements have imparted a vaguely positive, aspirational quality to clothes and shoes made in China. They have put the brand up alongside other vaguely aspirational names that sell similar clothes and shoes made on the same production lines.

Until The Donald embarked on a political career and it became obvious that he was the antithesis to all that slightly woolly positivity, even before his despicable comments about women were made public.

Brand Ivankas demographic is made up of a group of people who may very well feel Mr Trump to be their Kryptonite. And if they dont, their friends probably do.

With a wide field of alternatives that dont have the potential to be seen as a faux pas at a working lunch when you wear them, why take the risk of buying Ivanka? Especially now the President has further entwined Ms Trumps brand with his own.

Nordstroms decision wasnt made as a comment on that. It was something the President really ought to understand: a cool-headed business choice to remove from the shelves a brand that had stopped selling. Unlike previous businesses that have been made Trump tweet targets, Nordstroms shares have done just fine.

As for Ms Trump, she had, of course, stepped back from the brand and from her previous role at the Trump Organisation, partly because she has taken an ill-defined role in her fathers administration while her husband Jared Kushner has joined his leadership council as a loyal lieutenant.

Whether there will be anything for her to return to when that role ends is now open to question.

Of course, she could always set up a new brand. It worked for Gerald Ratner, after the UK jeweller damaged the business that bore his surname with some spectacularly ill-advised comments that were mild by comparison to what the President says daily.

He resurfaced in the same sector, using the brand Gerald with some success. If Ivanka wants to follow his lead she might want to try using her middle name.

Or she could just take up her old role at the Trump Organisation. It has been trying out a new name of its own: Scion.
A woman was killed in an early-morning fire in Fall River, Massachusetts Friday, according to the victims relatives.

According to necn affiliate WJAR, fire officials said the fire was at the home at Globe and Chaplin streets.

Crews found the woman unresponsive on the third floor.

She was taken to Saint Annes Hospital. She has not yet been identified.

Firefighters were originally called for an appliance fire, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
President Donald Trump told a group of senators the reason he lost to Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire in November was due to illegal voters from Massachusetts, according to a Politico report.

The political website said Trump met with a group of 10 senators Thursday to talk about Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. During the meeting, he reportedly began talking about the election. Former New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who lost her state by fewer than 1,000 votes last year, was in the room.

Trump reportedly said that he and Ayotte would have won New Hampshire were it not for the thousands of people who were bused in from Massachusetts to vote illegally. Clinton beat Trump by an almost 2-to-1 margin in Massachusetts, while New Hampshire is a so-called "swing state" where Clinton only won by less than 3,000 votes.

Trump announced last month that he plans to launch an investigation into widespread voter fraud. He has implied that some people may have been registered in more than one state and voted twice.

"There are millions of votes, in my opinion," Trump told ABC. "Of those votes cast, none of them come to me. None of them come to me."

His claim that voter fraud was widespread has been widely debunked, however. House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz said he sees no evidence of voter fraud in the 2016 election and his committee will not investigate it.
St Peter Mancroft Church Norwich Presents The Leaves of the Trees an installation by sculptor Peter Walker which provides a memorial for those who died of Covid-19

St Peter Mancroft Church Norwich Presents The Leaves of the Trees an installation by sculptor Peter Walker which provides a memorial for those who died of Covid-19

Community Chaplaincy Norfolk begins a new chapter Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) celebrated the beginning of a new chapter this week, as the new chair of trustees Chris Tomlinson led his first annual meeting. Read more

Lowestoft Christians launch on-line bible helps app The Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth branch of Good News for Everyone (GNFE), formerly the Gideons, have introduced a new mobile phone app called On-line Bible Helps. Read more

Addicts' rehabilitation centre plan for Drayton Hall Christian addiction charity Teen Challenge London is planning to turn Drayton Hall near Norwich into its headquarters and a rehabilitation centre for men, after it was gifted the freehold of the hall by its owner, the Lind Trust. Read more

The power of positive protest Philip Young encourages us to take a stand for what we believe, and has just written to Therese Coffey regarding climate change and the forthcoming COP 27. He explains why we should be prepared to protest. Read more

Norwich church celebrates with cribs and trees Rosebery Road Methodist Church in Norwich will be holding its annual Cribs and Trees Festival in December. Read more

Transforming Norwich lunch offers ministry tips Ex-Brighton vicar, Rev Phil Moon, will offer tips on how to keep going in ministry to the Transforming Norwich leaders lunch on Wednesday November 16. Read more

Quiet Waters in Bungay offers healing retreat Quiet Waters Christian Retreat in Bungay is holding a gentle day retreat exploring healing in the Kingdom of God. Read more

Latest Norfolk Christian community events Events of interest to the Norwich and Norfolk Christian community happening over the next few weeks are listed. Read more

Norfolk ministry coaching duo are guest speakers Former church leaders and now freelance ministry coaches, Jonathan and Paige Squirrell, are the guest speakers at the next dinner of Norwich FGB on Monday, November 21. Read more

Bringing light to Halloween Anna Price encourages Christians to engage positively with Halloween rather than hide away, on what many see as the darkest night of the year. Read more

First service takes place at Norwich church site SOUL Church hosted around 400 people for a special service on the site of their new building on Heartsease Lane. Read more

Dereham draws up list of warm places for winter As rising energy prices make it harder to heat homes, churches in Dereham are leading the way in creating warm spaces where people can go. Read more

South Norfolk church scoops national award A medieval Anglican church in a tiny hamlet in South Norfolk has won a national award and a 10,000 boost. Read more

Dereham churches help people to help themselves A group of churches in Dereham have launched an ambitious project which aims to meet needs in the town, including the provision of food and skills training. Read more

Halloween light in Gorleston church On Halloween this year, St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston will be preparing to welcome around 200 families to experience their Light on a Dark Night event. Read more

An opportunity for Norwich to pray for the nation Rev Nigel Fox, who has served as a Methodist Minister for 15 years in Norwich, shares an open invitation to pray for the nation at a crucial moment. Read more

Norwich church seeks musicians Kingdom Ambassadors International Church is appealing for instrumentlists, keyboardists and guitarists to be part of their worship experience. Read more
Not sure what your phone is collecting about you? A free Android app is promising to simplify the privacy settings on your smartphone, and stop any unwanted data collection.

The English language app, called Privacy Assistant, comes from a team at Carnegie Mellon University, whove built it after six years of research studying digital privacy.

Its very clear that a large percentage of people are not willing to give their data to any random app, said CMU professor Norman Sadeh. They want to be more selective with their data, so this assistant will help them do that.

Their Privacy Assistant is designed to automatically modify your phones privacy settings for you, based on your views about certain types of data collection.

For instance, when the app first starts up, itll ask you three to five questions to gauge your privacy preferences. How do you feel about your social media accessing your camera? Or what about game apps pulling your location data?

Norman Sadeh

From those answers, the app will recommend a particular set of privacy settings you should consider. Users can then approve the recommendations or alter them, accordingly.

The assistant may sound enticing, but it comes with a catch. The software only works with Android 5.x and 6.x phones that have been rooted -- which most Android users havent done.

Rooting a phone means gaining root access to the Android operating system, opening it up to full customization. But the act can also void your phones warranty or brick the phone, if done improperly.

Computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon have previously published research, showing that users are often alarmed when they learn their smartphone apps have been collecting their private data like locations.

Users, however, can face a cumbersome task when modifying their phones privacy settings or the app permissions.

A typical Android user has between 50 and 100 apps, and these apps can require three permissions, Sadeh said. So you do the math, and the number of permissions can be overwhelming.

Many apps are also collecting private user data when they dont really need it, he said. The Privacy Assistant is designed to revoke those permissions, without causing any malfunctions with the offending app.

As the user downloads more software, the Privacy Assistant will continue to work in the background, recommending what new app permissions should be approved or denied.

Norman Sadeh

With root access, the CMU teams Privacy Assistant app is able to automatically apply new permission settings to the phone. However, Sadeh estimates that only about 25 percent of all Android smartphones in the world are rooted and many of those are located in Asia.

He doesnt recommend people root their phone just to use this app. But Sadeh believes his teams Privacy Assistant will attract a sizable population of existing users who are concerned about their online privacy.

The app is also part of the researchers' larger efforts to streamline privacy settings. The hope is that Google, Apple, and device manufacturers will notice the benefits offered by their Privacy Assistant and incorporate the technology into their products.

Google is among those funding the university's work on online privacy, Sadeh said.

People like this stuff, he added. A smartphone manufacturer would have an advantage over your competitors if you ended up putting this on the smartphone you sell to customers.
Microsoft announced today it is celebrating 20 years of Visual Studio with the introduction of Visual Studio 2017, the latest iteration of its developer tool suite, on March 7.

A lot has changed in those 20 years, as illustrated by a picture Microsoft posted of the contents of Visual Studio 97 (below), the first iteration of the IDE. Back then it was pretty much just a bunch of languages in one box with no real integration.

Microsoft

And most of the languages supported back then are gonesuch as Visual J++, a Java compiler that caused all kinds of legal problems with Sun Microsystems, and Visual C++, which has been ditched in favor of C#. Also, Visual FoxPro is pretty much dead, and the support apps, including SourceSafe and InterDev, have been replaced with newer apps or functions.

Things changed in 2002 with the launch of Visual Studio .NET. C#designed to be an easier-to-use object-oriented language than C++was first introduced, and a radically changed Visual Basic.NET also made its debut. Apps were compiled through the .NET Framework instead of to machine code.

Microsoft would dump the .NET suffix from the name with the release of Visual Studio 2005, but the intention remained. Microsoft settled on C# as the main programming language, with Visual Basic designated the beginner language.

Over time, Microsoft would add more internet-oriented language support through add-ons, such as Python, Ruby, node.js and M. It also added a new language, F#, which doesn't have a large following, but what it does have for users are very dedicated.

Visual Studio 2017 launch event

Microsoft will hold a two-day event beginning on March 7 to launch Visual Studio 2017, which will be livestreamed. March 8 will include "a full day of live training with multiple topics to choose from."

The launch event will feature top members of the Visual Studio team showing off the latest developments from Visual Studio, .NET, Xamarin, Azure and more. Developers can engage in demo sessions focusing on key improvements within the product.

Microsoft is also asking for developers to share their stories of their using Visual Studio by recording a video on their smartphone and including details such as how long they have been using Visual Studio, what is the coolest software theyve built, what do they like about Visual Studio and, showing Microsoft hasn't lost its sense of corny behavior, birthday wishes for Visual Studio. At least they don't call it "bae."
A patient lies in a hospital bed waiting for a medical professional to conduct a blood gas analysis. Little does the patient know that his personal information is also undergoing a procedure.

The database that stores patient data was found unencrypted, default passwords were used, and the nature of the exploit was basic, according to TrapX Security, which was called in later to recreate and diagnose the issues at the unnamed hospital. The technology research company recently released its findings in a report called "Anatomy of an Attack  Medical Device Hijack (MEDJACK)". The security company declined to name the three hospitals it examined, except to say they were located in the Western and Northeastern U.S.

The TrapX Labs cyber exploit team was able to remotely change readings in the exploited blood gas analyzer. We could change database records at will. Blood gas analyzers are often used in intensive care. These are patients generally quite ill, so any interference with the operation of the device could have negative consequences, said Moshe Ben-Simon, co-founder and vice president of TrapX Security, adding that they have no evidence of any cyber attacker activities that physically harmed a patient.

Since the beginning of 2016, several hospitals and healthcare institutions have fallen victim to ransomware attacks, including MedStar Health, Kansas Heart Hospital and Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital. Personally identifiable information (PII) and medical records hold a value between 10 to 20 times more than credit card data.

Cybersecurity firm Dell Secure Works notes that cyber criminals get paid $20 to $40 for health insurance credentials, compared with $1 to $2 for U.S. credit card numbers prior to the Target breach.

The black market is filled with PII for sale. Cybercriminals use these records to create false identities, to obtain credit and apply for credit cards, and to file false tax returns, said Ben-Simon.

The records also enable fraudulent access to the victim's financial accounts including bank accounts, credit card accounts and more. Medical records are the top targets for cyber attackers, he said.

From the report: Medical devices have become the key pivot points for the attackers within healthcare networks. They are visible points of vulnerability in the healthcare enterprise and the hardest area to remediate even when attacker compromise is identified. These persistent cyber-attacks threaten overall hospital operations and the security of patient data.

TrapX is in the middle of an investigation into a MEDJACK attack that may impact up to ten hospitals, Ben-Simon said. Details of this will be presented at RSA next week at TrapXs disclosure session on MEDJACK.

According to TrapXs recent research report, the number of major attacks where over 500 patient records were reported as breached rose more than 50 percent from 2015 to 2016.

The damage varies by hospital. In almost all cases, without exception, the cyber attackers were focused on stealing patient records for resale and economic gain, he said.

The hospital explained that they had not sensed any kind of malware infection or persistent threats visible to patients. The hospital had a strong industry suite of cyber defense products, including a firewall, intrusion detection (heuristics based), endpoint security and antivirus. The healthcare IT team included a team with several experienced cyber technologists, TrapX found.

TrapX said forensic evidence showed that the attacker continued to move through the hospitals networks looking for appropriate targets. These were all infected separately and had now enabled backdoors into the hospital networks.

The cyber attackers were focused on stealing patient records for resale and economic gain.

Moshe Ben-Simon, co-founder and vice president of TrapX Security

It was subsequently determined that confidential hospital data was being exfiltrated to a location within Europe. Although the data breach was identified, there is still uncertainty around how many data records were exfiltrated.

TrapX found Zeus and Citadel malware being used to find additional passwords within the hospital.

In some cases we understand that the hospital is concerned about liability brought on by accidentally affecting the correct operation of the device. The effect of loading updates and/or additional software is never completely known or understood, TrapX reported, referring to the liability and possible consequences involved in updating software on the medical devices.

Images of vulnerability

In the second healthcare institution, TrapX identified the source of this lateral movement was the picture archive and communications systems (PACS) that provided the radiology department with the storage and access to images derived from multiple sources. These image sources included CT scanners, MRI scanners, portable X-ray machines and ultrasound equipment. The PACS system is central to hospital operations and is linked to the rest of the hospital for access to vital imagery.

TrapX found the infection originated from a nurses workstation. Confidential hospital data was being exfiltrated to a location in Guiyang, China. An end-user in the hospital surfed on a malicious website, which redirected them to another malicious link that loaded a java exploit into that users browser. This allowed the attacker to run a remote command and inject malware to provide backdoor access for lateral movement.

[These records are] the most complete and detailed profile data and hence the most valuable. Each system breached provides an opportunity for the theft of data, and potential access to additional systems on the network, Ben-Simon said. Attackers could cause the complete loss of data, if not backed up. Even if backed up, the cost to recreate the data files correctly in a newly restored operational healthcare medical systems is high.

X-ray vision

TrapX found the attacker installed a backdoor located within one of the X-ray systems in the hospital. A wrong reading of an X-ray could result in missing the delivery of required therapy, or perhaps delivering the wrong therapy. TrapX researchers found that medical devices in all three hospitals were infected by two types of sophisticated attacks: Shellcode and Pass-the-Hash techniques, both of which were designed to exploit older operating systems without current security updates.

Hospitals generally install medical devices "behind the firewall" where they are believed to be secure and protected. The internal network protection generally includes a firewall, signature-based protection such as antivirus software, other endpoint and intrusion security and more.

The security gap that makes MEDJACK effective is that most of the information technology cyber defense in the protected network cannot run on the medical devices. Cyber defense can only run on the servers and workstations (personal computers) around them. Once the attacker can get into the network and bypass existing security they have a time window to infect a medical device and establish a backdoor within this protected (and safe) harbor.

MEDJACK has brought the perfect storm to major healthcare institutions globally. The health information technology team is dependent on the manufacturers to build and maintain security within the device. The medical devices themselves just do not have the requisite software to detect most of the software payloads delivered by MEDJACK attack. Finally, the standard cyber security environment set up in the hospital, regardless of how effective it might be, cannot access the internal software operations of medical devices, said Carl Wright, executive vice president and general manager at TrapX Security.

According to TrapX, attackers leveraged the shellcode technique to exploit numerous medical devices including a Radiation Oncology system, a Trilogy Linac Gating system, a Flouroscopy Radiology system and an X-Ray machine. During the attack, malware moves within the network, injecting malicious code into a malware trap by leveraging a small module of code as a payload to exploit a software vulnerability. This complex attack then invoked a file transfer to load the appropriate file to set up additional command and control functions.

What made this attack unique was that the attackers sophisticated tools were camouflaged inside an out-of-date MS08-067 worm wrapper that was used for the initial distribution vector, enabling the malware to successfully move between networks. After observing a pattern, TrapX researchers concluded that the attackers intentionally packaged tools targeting older and more vulnerable Windows XP or Windows 7 operating systems devoid of adequate endpoint cyber defenses. By masking new tools in outdated worm code, the attackers were also able to dodge security alerts by the standard hospital workstations installed with up-to-date endpoint cyber defenses.

In addition, TrapX discovered a pass-the-hash technique was being used to exploit vulnerabilities in the hospitals PACS, as well as multiple vendor computer servers and storage units. A pass-the-hash technique allows the attacker to authenticate credentials to a remote server or service using the underlying NTLM (Microsoft NT Lan Manager) hash of users' passwords instead of plaintext passwords. From there, attackers can then intercept network traffic. Researchers found that the attackers created a backdoor within the MRI system, which, in turn, attacked several of the PACS system servers.

As of March 30, 2015, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) shows healthcare breach incidents as 32.7 percent of all incidents nationwide.

Attackers know that medical devices on the network are the easiest and most vulnerable points of entry. The MEDJACK is designed to rapidly penetrate these devices, establish command and control and then use these as pivot points to hijack and exfiltrate data from across the healthcare institution, Ben-Simon said.

While most critical patient data is protected under the federal Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the level of enforcement varies from state to state, notes TrapX. This inability to enforce security policies consistently [poses] risks for healthcare institutions and strains limited security resources, thus creating an easy and vulnerable target for cyber attackers.

Also, despite the fact that many healthcare institutions have implemented the latest operating systems, many fail to regularly update the operating system and/or default administrative passwords that come with devices.

TrapX Labs recommends that hospital staff review and update their contracts with medical device suppliers. They must include very specific language about the detection, remediation and refurbishment of the medical devices sold to the hospitals which are infected by malware. They must have a documented test process to determine if they are infected, and a documented standard process to remediate and rebuild them when malware and cyber attackers are using the devices, said Ben-Simon.

This story, "Hospital devices left vulnerable, leave patients at risk" was originally published by CSO .
A Microsoft lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice over indefinite gag orders attached to search warrants can proceed, following a federal judges ruling on Thursday.

The tech titan sued last year to end the governments practice of indefinitely blocking it from informing customers of search warrants for their information. Microsoft alleged that such orders violate its First Amendment frees speech rights and the Fourth Amendment privacy rights of its users.

The Justice Department argued that Microsoft couldnt bring either of the claims in a motion argued in front of the judge two weeks ago.

Judge James Robart from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington said Microsofts First Amendment claims could proceed, but its Fourth Amendment claims could not.

Microsoft said that it was pleased with the ruling. The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Were pleased this ruling enables our case to move forward toward a reasonable solution that works for law enforcement and ensures secrecy is used only when necessary, Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith said in an emailed statement.

At issue in the case are gag orders allowed by a section of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, which allows the government to indefinitely prohibit a cloud vendor like Microsoft from telling one of its users about a search warrant for their digital information.

Robart said Microsoft had standing to continue with its argument that the gag orders are an unconstitutional prohibition on its speech. However, because of legal precedent, Microsoft could not assert a Fourth Amendment claim on behalf of its users, the judge said. That decision presents a conundrum, as Robart noted in his opinion.

As Microsoft alleges, the indefinite nondisclosure orders allowed under [the law] mean that some customers may never know that the government has obtained information in which those customers have a reasonable expectation of privacy, he wrote.

Its been a busy month for Robart. He issued a restraining order blocking parts of President Donald Trumps executive order banning immigration from seven countries with large Muslim populations.
We continue to hear dire warnings about the inherent security risks of the Internet of Things (IoT), and indeed IoT-related incidents are happening. With many companies beginning to capture IoT data from connected devices, a key question is are they doing enough to ensure that data and networks are secure?

If security executives thought they had a lot to handle with the growth of mobile devices and the expanding digital enterprise, the emergence of connected products, corporate assets, vehicles and other things is taking security coverage to a whole new level.

A December 2016 study by the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT)  a cyber security think tank that acts as a conduit between private sector companies and U.S. federal agencies, points out how vulnerable enterprises are to attacks such as distributed denial of service (DDoS) via IoT.

Cyber criminals are expanding their control over vulnerable IoT devices, which can be used in DDoS-for-Hire services for an array of layered attack methods, the report says.

Meantime, IoT continues to take hold. A survey of nearly 1,000 enterprise IT buyers worldwide conducted by 451 Research from August to October 2016 shows that 71 percent of enterprises are gathering data for IoT initiatives today. Organizations expect to increase their IoT technology investments by 33 percent over next the 12 months, the study says. A huge majority (90 percent) will increase IoT spending over the next 12 months, and 40 percent will raise IoT-related investments by 25 percent to 50 percent compared with 2016.

However, security remains a concern, with half of the respondents citing it as the top impediment to IoT deployments.

When it comes to IoT and security, I think its nearly impossible to overstate the need and the critical nature of security readiness, says Laura DiDio, research director at 451 Research and lead author of the study.

In IoT environments where devices, people and applications are interconnected, the attack surface or attack vector is potentially limitless, DiDio says. Threats are everywhere. This is a situation where organizations and their IT departments are well served by being a bit paranoid rather than being lax.

Every IoT application, process and device is vulnerable, DiDio says. Even the most stringent security mechanisms and measures can be undone by a single careless user who fails to follow the rules and implement security on various devices, she says.

The largest security threats in IoT are those inherent in the need to interconnect devices, says Ed McNicholas, co-leader of the privacy, data security and information law practice at Sidley Austin LLP, who focuses on IoT as a part of his practice.

When it comes to IoT and security, I think its nearly impossible to overstate the need and the critical nature of security readiness.

Laura DiDio, research director at 451 Research

A wide variety of smart technologies are being integrated into an incredible variety of objects by a multitude of companies, often using novel technologies, McNicholas says. The drive to push these devices to market quickly, combined with the need for communication with a wide variety of other devices, will result in gaps that can be exploited and which will dramatically increase the attack surface of organizations.

A number of factors determine just how great the security risk is with any given connected device.

Obviously those with a bigger attack surface such as internet-facing devices have greater risk, says Scott Laliberte, managing director and global lead of the security and privacy practice at consulting firm Protiviti.

Another factor is how common the device is. The greater the adoption of the device, the more likely it is to be targeted by bad guys, Laliberte says. The theory is the attackers efforts will be focused on devices that reap them greater rewards by having greater impact.

Also, the more complex a device is, the more device functions there are to protect, and the more there is that can go wrong. Finally, high-risk functionality will likely draw interest of people trying to wreak havoc. The riskier the functionality, the greater the importance that the manufacturer secures the device effectively, Laliberte says.

Device manufacturers need to make sure security is incorporated into the design and embedded in the product life cycle, Laliberte says. Design the product to be easy for the consumer to secure, he says. Do not rely on them to perform critical activities needed to secure the device. They will likely not do it.

Ultimately, users of IoT and the product manufacturers have an obligation to install and create IoT products in ways that maximize usefulness and minimize risk, Laliberte says. The use of IoT devices is going to expand rapidly, and without adequate security we have the potential to introduce unknown dangers into our homes, workplaces and communities.

The overwhelming amount of insecure and unsecured IoT devices worldwide practically ensures that well continue to see attacks such as DDoS continue to proliferate worldwide for the foreseeable future, DiDio says.

While much of the focus is on protecting the network perimeter because its the so-called first line of defense, organizations cant ignore key applications and servers located in the data center. Another all too common security mistake organizations and IT departments sometimes make is the failure to physically secure devices, DiDio says.

One of the first things an organization should do as it looks to bolster IoT security is gain a solid understanding of what IoT devices it currently has, as well as those its planning to deploy.

Having an inventory of your devices is a fundamental part of asset management, says Andrew Wild, CISO at QTS, an international provider of data center, managed hosting and cloud services.

Weve also developed a policy that requires a review and approval process for new types of devices that will be attached to the network, Wild says. Secondly, the infosec organization is tracking all of the device types on the network to monitor the appropriate vendor vulnerability disclosures and continuing to perform network wide vulnerability scanning to identify and fix vulnerable devices, including IoT devices.

QTS has many network-enabled sensors and control systems that collect and forward various types of information, from environmental data to power system monitoring.

Devices should be secure by default

Having an IoT security policy and enforcing it strictly is a wise approach, DiDio says. Organizations can mitigate and decrease the risk to an acceptable level by being proactive, she says. That means that in IoT environments security must be built-in from inception. The IoT environment must be secure by design, secure by default, secure in use, secure in transmission and secure at rest.

Other must dos include conducting vulnerability testing to find out where the weak points are in the network and work to shut them down; staying up to date on security fixes and patches; deploying the appropriate security devices and software; training and re-certifying IT staff on the latest security mechanisms and investing in security awareness training; and taking inventory of whats on the network.

Companies using or planning to use the IoT can also work with other organizations to push for security standards for connected objects.

It took years for the technology community to realize the need to build security protocols into internet communications, McNicholas says. Companies can advance their security effectively by attempting to formulate and seek consensus on technical standards that allow for more secure communications.

A key to developing strong IoT security will be acquiring the needed skills.

Most organizations do not have the internal skill sets that securing IoT devices will require, Laliberte says. Securing IoT devices requires a unique mix of hardware, development, network, and embedded security skills. Finding these at all, let alone in one person, is extremely difficult.

One of the skills most needed to develop better security protocols for IoT is the ability to communicate more effectively about risk, McNicholas says. This communication needs to take place among technologists, attorneys and business leaders.

Only if the company can speak a common language can robust discussions about risks and rewards take place, McNicholas says.

This story, "Are companies doing enough on the IoT security front?" was originally published by CSO .
The outcome of the annual H-1B visa lottery is immigration's Groundhog Day. It's the same result year after year, as the large outsourcing firms continue to lead all others in getting H-1B visas.

But this year may be different, because of President Donald Trump.

[ Join the discussion at Computerworld's H-1B & IT Outsourcing group on Facebook. ]

The H-1B lottery favors large firms. In the 2015 fiscal year, for instance, the top 10 firms received 38% of all the H-1B visas in computer occupations alone. All these firms, except for Amazon and to a partial extent IBM, are outsourcers. These large companies have the resources to submit enough visa applications to help ensure they receive a bare minimum of approvals.

The top 20 firms in 2015, which included more of a mix of outsourcing and technology firms, accounted for 46% of all the computer-occupation visas. This is according to data recently received by Computerworld from a Freedom of Information Act request to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (See full chart, at the end of the story.)

The U.S. received a total of 172,500 applications for H-1B visas in the first week of April 2014,when the U.S. accepted new petitions for the 2015 fiscal year that began October 1. The government held a random lottery and then rejected about 87,500 visa petitions because they exceeded the 85,000 H-1B visa cap.

Who didn't get a visa? The companies most hurt by the random H-1B distribution system are those that submit only a few applications. Many are smaller firms. There were approximately 9,100 entities that received H-1B visas for computer-related jobs in fiscal year 2015. Of that number, more than 5,000 had just one H-1B visa approved.

Now, however, the Trump administration wants to improve the ability of U.S. tech companies to secure a visa. It hasn't detailed its plans, but has broadly said it wants a system aimed at the "best and brightest."

Trump's position on the H-1B visas has deep roots in his administration.

Trump's just-confirmed attorney general, former Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), held several hearings over the last two years on the H-1B visa's impact on IT workers, and he helped Trump develop his immigration platform.

Sessions was the first U.S. senator to endorse Trump for president, and a former aide of Sessions, Stephen Miller, is now a top domestic policy adviser in the Trump White House.

Sessions drew attention to offshoring at Disney, Southern California Edison and Northeast Utilities (now Eversource), among others. The hearings organized by Sessions gathered data and testimony that the Trump administration may now use to argue for H-1B reform.

The tech industry wants the 85,000 H-1B visa cap raised. That's how industry groups would fix the problem. But that's not the Trump administration's approach.

Instead, the Trump administration is hinting at changes that may end the random lottery distribution and replace it with a merit system. It could distribute visas based on wages or whether a visa holder was educated in the U.S. It could favor non-dependent H-1B companies -- a legal definition for firms that have less than 15% of their staff on the visa -- over dependent firms, which includes all the all the large offshore firms.

These changes are worrisome to large offshore outsourcing firms, but to those in India in particular. NASSCOM, India's large IT industry group, is trying to meet this month with Trump administration to make its case.

R. Chandrasekhar, NASSCOM president, says he doesn't have a problem with the administration trying to protect employment opportunities for U.S. workers, provided that whatever changes are made "are applied uniformly."

A split on the visas that favored non-dependent firms over H-1B dependent firms would be, says Chandrasekhar, "highly discriminatory."

"We are fully aware of the skills shortage that exist in the U.S.," said Chandrasekhar, "so we don't think that the employment opportunities for qualified Americans are being affected."

But Trump's new attorney general has repeatedly argued that there is no skills shortage.

"The sad reality is that not only is there not a shortage of exceptionally qualified U.S. workers, but across the country thousands of U.S. workers are being replaced by foreign labor," said Sessions, one year ago this month.

The offshore firms are trying to adjust. Cognizant Technology Solutions told financial analysts on a recent earnings call that is boosting its U.S. hiring, and said it hired 4,000 citizens and permanent residents last year. But it was not clear how many the company now employs in the U.S.

Some of the people hired by Cognizant are "rebadged," or transferred from their original employer. IT workers at Cengage Learning in Mason, Ohio were shifted to Cognizant in 2015 and have been training workers in India. Some are now worried they are getting laid off, said one worker who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"People are upset" about "what's happening to our country and our jobs," said this IT worker. "I hope he [Trump] can do something about these visas because this is where the middle class is losing their jobs."

It remains to be seen whether changes to the H-1B program will fundamentally impact offshore outsourcing.

David Rutchik, executive managing director of business transformation and outsourcing at advisory firm Pace Harmon, believes that additional restrictions on H-1B visa use will have a "measured" impact on the industry.

Restrictions may prompt more U.S. hiring by outsourcing firms, but that "is something we think makes sense for their businesses anyway and should make them more competitive," he said. It "would be a direct, positive impact of the revised visa provisions," said Rutchik.

Conversely, the providers may also push more work offshore and try to eliminate U.S. jobs altogether. The offshore firms may rely more on robotic processes and artificial intelligence, he explained.

"Yes, they would likely hire more U.S. nationals, push more offshore, and accelerate automation efforts, but those would all be incremental modifications in the grand scheme of things," Rutchik said.

Top companies with new H-1B visas in FY 2015

Company Total Tata 4588 Cognizant 3778 Accenture 3227 Wipro 3034 Infosys 2763 IBM 1893 Mahindra 1495 HCL America 1222 Syntel 1061 Amazon 1012 Microsoft 872 Google 790 Larsen and Toubro 536 Deloitte 530 Capgemini* 530 IGATE* 508 Mindtree 454 Oracle 387 Facebook 363 UST Global 282 Source: Computerworld analysis of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. Data cover new H-1B applications approved for computer-related jobs from Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2015. Data for subsidiaries and multiple versions of one company's name have been combined as much as possible, but some duplicates likely remain in our cleaned data set.



* IGATE was acquired by Capgemini in July, 2015. Combined, the two companies had 1,038 new applications approved.

In addition to the general Computerworld social media pages listed below, you can comment specifically about H-1B and other IT outsourcing issues at our H-1B and Outsourcing Facebook group, tweet to Patrick @dcgov and Sharon @sharon000 or email them at pthibodeau@computerworld and smachlis@computerworld.com.

This story, "Trump eyes end to an H-1B system that favors largest outsourcers" was originally published by Computerworld .
Privacy advocates are claiming in court that an FBI hacking operation to take down a child pornography site was unconstitutional and violated international law.

Thats because the operation involved the FBI hacking 8,700 computers in 120 countries, based on a single warrant, they said.

How will other countries react to the FBI hacking in their jurisdictions without prior consent? wrote Scarlet Kim, a legal officer with U.K.-based Privacy International.

On Friday, that group, along with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, filed briefs in a lawsuit involving the FBIs hacking operation against Playpen. The child pornography site was accessible through Tor, a browser designed for anonymous web surfing. But in 2014, the FBI managed to take it over.

In a controversial move, the agency then decided to use the site to essentially infect visitors with malware as a way to track them down.

As a result, the FBI is prosecuting hundreds who were found visiting the site, but it also happened to hack into computers from 120 countries.

On Friday, the three privacy groups filed briefs in a case involving Alex Levin, a suspect in the FBIs Playpen investigation whos appealing the way the agency used malware to gather evidence against him.

Privacy International claims that the warrant the FBI used to conduct the hacking is invalid. This is because the U.S. was overstepping its bounds by conducting an investigation outside its borders without the consent of affected countries, the group said.

According to Privacy International, the case also raises important questions: What if a foreign country had carried out a similar hacking operation that affected U.S. citizens? Would the U.S. welcome this?

The EFF and ACLU also claim that the FBIs warrant was invalid, but they cite the U.S. Constitution, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches.

Here, on the basis of a single warrant, the FBI searched 8,000 computers located all over the world, EFF attorney Mark Rumold wrote in a blog post. If the FBI tried to get a single warrant to search 8,000 houses, such a request would unquestionably be denied.

A key concern is that a warrant to hack into so many computers will set a precedent. Even serious crimes cant justify throwing out our basic constitutional principles, Rumold said.

U.S. attorneys have argued in court that the FBI followed proper procedures in obtaining its warrant from a federal judge. They said the FBIs hacking techniques managed to identify hundreds of Playpen users who otherwise were cloaked in anonymity.

Allowing the Playpen suspects to evade capture and carry on abusing children in the dark shadows of Tor would be repugnant to justice, the U.S. attorneys argued in court in October.
One person detained after visit

ONE person has been detained after immigration enforcement officers raided a Newbury nail bar on Monday.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited The Nail Bar in Northbrook Street at around 9.30am.

Immigration checks on staff found that a 20-year-old woman from Vietnam had entered the country illegally.

She has been detained pending removal from the UK.

Two other people on the premises were also found to have entered the UK illegally  both were minors, also from Vietnam, and they have been passed into the care of social services.

The Nail Bar has been served with a notice warning that a financial penalty of up to 20,000 per illegal worker employed will be imposed unless the business can demonstrate that appropriate right-to-work checks were carried out on staff.

This includes seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.

Failure to do so could see The Nail Bar hit with a total fine of up to 60,000.

Carla Johnson, from Immigration Enforcement, said: Employers should remember that failing to carry out the correct right-to-work checks on staff can potentially lead to a heavy financial penalty.

Using illegal labour is not a victimless crime; it cheats the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and means legitimate job seekers are denied employment opportunities.

I would urge those with detailed and specific information about immigration abuse to get in touch.

People with information about suspected immigration abuse can report it at https://www.gov.uk/report-immigration-crime or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Measures to be introduced at Thames Valley Police training event

DOOR staff in Newbury will be given bodycams as police look to make the town a "safer place to be".

Police say the measures are being introduced to help prevent alcohol related disorder and vulnerability in the night time economy.

Thames Valley Police will be introducing the cameras, as well as hand held breath test machines, to door staff at licensed premises in the town at a training event next week.

Police are inviting businesses and organisations to the event at Newbury Racecourse on Tuesday to highlight the vulnerable positions people can find themselves in while on a night out in the town.

Officers will provide guidance to help businesses recognise the different types of vulnerability and risks, and how these can manifest themselves in different ways.

Speaking about the training event, Inspector Matthew Lugg of Newbury Police Station said: "This will be a great opportunity for Newbury's businesses and charities to meet and engage with other people involved with the night time economy.

"We are making the format of the event as interactive as we can, and I am keen to ensure that we all work together to reduce vulnerability within the night time economy and make Newbury a safer place to be."

Businesses can register their interest in attending by emailing PC 6760 Chhetri at Newbury Police Station at Lucie.chhetri@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.

The email should include the names of people attending and job title or business/ charity/ organisation that you represent.
Richard Benyon votes to leave EU while refusing to back proposal allowing EU nationals to stay

NEWBURY MP Richard Benyon said he could "not vote against the will of the people" backing the beginning of Brexit.

A large majority of MPs, including Mr Benyon, voted in favour of triggering Article 50 on Wednesday giving the government the green light to begin negotiations to leave the EU.

The approved European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill has now passed to the House of Lords.

The Tory MP had come in for heavy criticism following the first commons vote last week in which he also backed the Bill to leave the EU.

Many remainers in West Berkshire made it clear they believed Mr Benyon's loyalties should lie with his constituents rather than with the final referendum result.

The district had voted to remain in the EU by a four per cent majority in last year's EU referendum.

Following this week's commons vote Mr Benyon said: "I entirely understand how people who voted remain feel.

"I'm glad West Berkshire, like me, voted to remain and it gives me a strong mandate to get the best deal but I'm a democrat and I will not vote against the will of the people in a national referendum."

Wednesday's vote followed 40 hours of debate in the House of Commons in which nine amendments to the Bill were rejected including a proposal by the Liberal Democrats which called for a second national referendum to approve the final Brexit deal.

"It would have bound the government's hands by encouraging Europe governments to give us a really bad deal in the hope it would get voted down," argued Mr Benyon who voted against the amendment.

The Tory MP also voted against an amendment to give all EU citizens in the UK permanent residency after Britain leaves the EU.

Defending the decision Mr Benyon said he would "dearly like to have the issue resolved" but blamed German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for refusing to guarantee the rights of UK nationals living in Europe.

He said: "There are millions of people who live abroad and we want to secure the same rights for them as EU citizens living in the UK."

Mr Benyon was confident the matter would be resolved, however, saying the issue was a "simple one".

He added: "European citizens living in West Berkshire should not at all be nervous about their status."
Pramod Thomas By

Express News Service

KOCHI: Gold loan firms, which were hit by demonetisation, might be rebounding. Muthoot Finance and Manappuram Finance, which have been losing on the bourses since note ban was announced, are now faring well.

The stock price of Muthoot Finance rose 6.6 per cent on Thursday to touch Rs 340.35 on the BSE, while that of Manappuram Finance increased 5.8 per cent to close at Rs 98.35.

Our performance during the third quarter was affected by the dislocation by demonetisation. We expect to revert to business as usual at the earliest, said V P Nandakumar, MD and CEO, Manappuram Finance.

According to Akshay Agrawal, vice-chairman and MD of Acumen Capital Market (India), the gold loan economy is leaving the pain of demonetisation behind.

Sixty per cent of the gold loan business is done via unorganised channels. Demonetisation has played a major role in shifting the business from pawn brokers to organised players.

Though not listed on the stock exchanges, companies such as Muthoot Fincorp, Kosamattam Finance, and KLM Fincorp are also doing brisk business.

George Alexander Muthoot, managing director of Muthoot Finance, expects a bank rate cut during April-June, which will provide a boost to the sector.

Analysts say gold prices will continue to rally as prices hover near their three-month highs on the international and domestic exchanges. Gold prices in the Indian markets can potentially move higher towards the Rs 28,800 per 10-gram mark in the near term, said Prathamesh Mallya, chief analyst, non-agri commodities and currencies at Angel Broking.

KOCHI: Gold loan firms, which were hit by demonetisation, might be rebounding. Muthoot Finance and Manappuram Finance, which have been losing on the bourses since note ban was announced, are now faring well. The stock price of Muthoot Finance rose 6.6 per cent on Thursday to touch Rs 340.35 on the BSE, while that of Manappuram Finance increased 5.8 per cent to close at Rs 98.35. Our performance during the third quarter was affected by the dislocation by demonetisation. We expect to revert to business as usual at the earliest, said V P Nandakumar, MD and CEO, Manappuram Finance. According to Akshay Agrawal, vice-chairman and MD of Acumen Capital Market (India), the gold loan economy is leaving the pain of demonetisation behind. Sixty per cent of the gold loan business is done via unorganised channels. Demonetisation has played a major role in shifting the business from pawn brokers to organised players. Though not listed on the stock exchanges, companies such as Muthoot Fincorp, Kosamattam Finance, and KLM Fincorp are also doing brisk business. George Alexander Muthoot, managing director of Muthoot Finance, expects a bank rate cut during April-June, which will provide a boost to the sector. Analysts say gold prices will continue to rally as prices hover near their three-month highs on the international and domestic exchanges. Gold prices in the Indian markets can potentially move higher towards the Rs 28,800 per 10-gram mark in the near term, said Prathamesh Mallya, chief analyst, non-agri commodities and currencies at Angel Broking.
By PTI

LONDON: A leading Indian tech entrepreneur has decided to invest in a UK-based genomics data platform company to "democratise precision healthcare" and help pharmaceuticals develop targeted therapeutics. Ambarish Mitra, well known as the co-founder and CEO of Blippar  an augmented reality and computer vision based AI application platform  will invest in the Cambridge-based Global Gene Corp to bring medicine to the masses.

"Global Gene Corp sits at the convergence point of genomic & life sciences, machine learning and big data technologies. They have fundamentally disrupted the business model to deliver a platform that is scalable and affordable  which is key to bringing precision medicine to the masses," Mitra said.

Genomics seeks to sequence, assemble, and ultimately understand the function of genomes, the complete set of DNA within a single cell of an organism. The insights gained through genomics help scientists better understand disease and then develop more effective drug delivery systems and therapeutics. The Global Gene Corp team discovered that over 60 per cent of the world's population is almost completely unrepresented by the available genomic data  mainly of Asians and Africans.

"We have made it our mission to build the largest high-fidelity genomics data platform of analysed and sequenced DNA along with clinical longitudinal data sets from every ethnic group in order to help pharmaceuticals develop targeted therapeutics. We're particularly looking at underexplored populations from Asia and Africa," said Sumit Jamuar, Global Gene Corp's co-founder and CEO. "We believe we currently have the largest data set for the Indian population and are expanding to other ethnicities. This has only been made possible due to our collaboration with over 50 organisations across the world," Jamuar said.

Global Gene Corp's R&D centre is based at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Cambridge, alongside the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, which played an important role in the original sequencing of the human genome. It is one of only three companies selected to be part of the first cohort of "cutting-edge" businesses to move into the Campus' new 42-million-pound Biodata Innovation Centre in July 2016.

LONDON: A leading Indian tech entrepreneur has decided to invest in a UK-based genomics data platform company to "democratise precision healthcare" and help pharmaceuticals develop targeted therapeutics. Ambarish Mitra, well known as the co-founder and CEO of Blippar  an augmented reality and computer vision based AI application platform  will invest in the Cambridge-based Global Gene Corp to bring medicine to the masses. "Global Gene Corp sits at the convergence point of genomic & life sciences, machine learning and big data technologies. They have fundamentally disrupted the business model to deliver a platform that is scalable and affordable  which is key to bringing precision medicine to the masses," Mitra said. Genomics seeks to sequence, assemble, and ultimately understand the function of genomes, the complete set of DNA within a single cell of an organism. The insights gained through genomics help scientists better understand disease and then develop more effective drug delivery systems and therapeutics. The Global Gene Corp team discovered that over 60 per cent of the world's population is almost completely unrepresented by the available genomic data  mainly of Asians and Africans. "We have made it our mission to build the largest high-fidelity genomics data platform of analysed and sequenced DNA along with clinical longitudinal data sets from every ethnic group in order to help pharmaceuticals develop targeted therapeutics. We're particularly looking at underexplored populations from Asia and Africa," said Sumit Jamuar, Global Gene Corp's co-founder and CEO. "We believe we currently have the largest data set for the Indian population and are expanding to other ethnicities. This has only been made possible due to our collaboration with over 50 organisations across the world," Jamuar said. Global Gene Corp's R&D centre is based at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Cambridge, alongside the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, which played an important role in the original sequencing of the human genome. It is one of only three companies selected to be part of the first cohort of "cutting-edge" businesses to move into the Campus' new 42-million-pound Biodata Innovation Centre in July 2016.
By Reuters

MUMBAI: State Bank of India's profits more than doubled from a year ago in the October-December period, first such rise in five quarters for the nation's top lender by assets, helped by lower provisions for bad loans.

Standalone net profit, not including contributions from subsidiaries or associates, more than doubled to 26.1 billion rupees ($390 million) for the third quarter, versus 11.15 billion rupees a year ago. That was above an average estimate of 24.64 billion rupees from 23 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters.

The last time the bank posted a year-on-year rise in its quarterly profit was in the three months ended September 2015.

SBI, which accounts for more than a fifth of India's banking assets, saw its gross bad loans as a percentage of total loans rising slightly to 7.23 percent at the end of December, from 7.14 percent at end-September.

But provisions for bad loans fell to 72.44 billion rupees from 76.7 billion rupees in the September quarter and 76.45 billion rupees a year earlier.

Bad loans in India's banking sector were at a record high of $133 billion as of end-September. While SBI has fared better than its state-run peers in managing its sour assets, investors remain wary with the bank's heavy exposure to stressed industries such as steel and power.

Indian banks, including SBI, have seen a surge in low-cost deposits after a shock cancellation in November of 86 percent of the country's currency. This has helped lower banks' funding costs, although a scramble to replace scrapped banknotes has hit their other activities, such as lending.

SBI, which is merging its five subsidiary banks with itself and also taking over a small state-run lender for women, could tap the capital markets after the deal is closed to raise as much as $1.5 billion, Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya told Reuters last month.

Shares in SBI were trading up 1.5 percent by 0751 GMT in a Mumbai market that was up 0.2 percent.

Bank of Baroda, the second-biggest state-run lender, reports third-quarter results later on Friday.

MUMBAI: State Bank of India's profits more than doubled from a year ago in the October-December period, first such rise in five quarters for the nation's top lender by assets, helped by lower provisions for bad loans. Standalone net profit, not including contributions from subsidiaries or associates, more than doubled to 26.1 billion rupees ($390 million) for the third quarter, versus 11.15 billion rupees a year ago. That was above an average estimate of 24.64 billion rupees from 23 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. The last time the bank posted a year-on-year rise in its quarterly profit was in the three months ended September 2015. SBI, which accounts for more than a fifth of India's banking assets, saw its gross bad loans as a percentage of total loans rising slightly to 7.23 percent at the end of December, from 7.14 percent at end-September. But provisions for bad loans fell to 72.44 billion rupees from 76.7 billion rupees in the September quarter and 76.45 billion rupees a year earlier. Bad loans in India's banking sector were at a record high of $133 billion as of end-September. While SBI has fared better than its state-run peers in managing its sour assets, investors remain wary with the bank's heavy exposure to stressed industries such as steel and power. Indian banks, including SBI, have seen a surge in low-cost deposits after a shock cancellation in November of 86 percent of the country's currency. This has helped lower banks' funding costs, although a scramble to replace scrapped banknotes has hit their other activities, such as lending. SBI, which is merging its five subsidiary banks with itself and also taking over a small state-run lender for women, could tap the capital markets after the deal is closed to raise as much as $1.5 billion, Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya told Reuters last month. Shares in SBI were trading up 1.5 percent by 0751 GMT in a Mumbai market that was up 0.2 percent. Bank of Baroda, the second-biggest state-run lender, reports third-quarter results later on Friday.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Sundaram Clayton Ltd, the flagship company of TVS Group has plans to invest Rs 350 crore in its first ever overseas project by setting up a dye casting plant in United States. The company will employ about 130 locals.

The firm also announced Rs 400 crore investments in India as part is expansion plans in the next three years.

Sundaram Clayton Limited (SCL) is a manufacturer of aluminium die cast products used in automotives from two wheelers to four wheelers. The project will be set up in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Currently, the United States contributes a major share of SCLs export revenue. The move is to help its customers reduce the time for supply components.

The US project will help creation of jobs to the localsthe planning was done two years ago. The customers have taught us a lot and being near to them is one such learning we have acquired 50-acre land to set up the facility, said Lakshmi Venu joint managing director, Sundaram Clayton.

The US project will have an installed capacity of 10,000 tonnes. The mass production will start in 2018. SCL will carry its community service activity to the US and will work with local authorities, Venu added.

The India investment will be to recruit people, expand existing projects and enhance the capacity to 70,000 metric tonnes from the current 60,000 metric tons.

The business of the group is old but the company is young that understands customers well.. to sum up, we are bullish on India and very positive on America she said.

The company will fund the North America project, which will be a mix of debt and equity. It is a move made for flexibility and not cost advantage.

The US unit would also help the customers in the region with shorter supply chain and improved responsiveness to their requirements.

NEW DELHI: Sundaram Clayton Ltd, the flagship company of TVS Group has plans to invest Rs 350 crore in its first ever overseas project by setting up a dye casting plant in United States. The company will employ about 130 locals. The firm also announced Rs 400 crore investments in India as part is expansion plans in the next three years. Sundaram Clayton Limited (SCL) is a manufacturer of aluminium die cast products used in automotives from two wheelers to four wheelers. The project will be set up in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Currently, the United States contributes a major share of SCLs export revenue. The move is to help its customers reduce the time for supply components. The US project will help creation of jobs to the localsthe planning was done two years ago. The customers have taught us a lot and being near to them is one such learning we have acquired 50-acre land to set up the facility, said Lakshmi Venu joint managing director, Sundaram Clayton. The US project will have an installed capacity of 10,000 tonnes. The mass production will start in 2018. SCL will carry its community service activity to the US and will work with local authorities, Venu added. The India investment will be to recruit people, expand existing projects and enhance the capacity to 70,000 metric tonnes from the current 60,000 metric tons. The business of the group is old but the company is young that understands customers well.. to sum up, we are bullish on India and very positive on America she said. The company will fund the North America project, which will be a mix of debt and equity. It is a move made for flexibility and not cost advantage. The US unit would also help the customers in the region with shorter supply chain and improved responsiveness to their requirements.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Congress today accused the government of being "insensitive" towards implementing GST and said the blame for delaying the key tax reform measure for three years should be on the Modi dispensation. There is confusion on the launch of GST on July 1, Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said.

"VAT income of all states has declined sharply. This is mainly because of demonetisation and other factors. GST revenues will be decelerating in all states. The states will be badly hit. This has not been envisaged by Finance Minister. No provision has been made in the present Budget for meeting such challenges.

"That means they are most insensitive for implementing a very important enactment like GST, which was brought by us. If at all any blame should go, it is to the present government, which has delayed implementation of GST for more than three years," the former Union Minister said.

He said the GST network had rejected CAG's request to name Auditor and do extra audit. "This has had sad reflection with regard to preparedness to launch the GST," he said.

Moily said the Budget allocation for defence reflects the "sad affair" of allocations to the sector. He said the allocation has been reduced by 5 per cent and this will "decelerate military modernization and preparedness".

Pointing out to the story of BSF soldier Tej Bahadur, who had put out a video of the food quality given to soldiers on social media, he said it reflects the morale of defence forces which is depleting day-by-day with such incidents.

"It is most unfortunate story, which reflects how the Army has been managed, how they are not being properly supplied with the rations, uniforms," he said.

He alleged that Rs 7,000 crore of capital budget in 2016-17 has been surrendered, "which underlies the structural incapability of this Government to spend even the inadequate allocation. I do not know whether the Defence Minister is doing his job or not except thumping his own chest".

"They do not do anything to strengthen the capabilities of their establishments. India faces conventional war challenges from Pakistans F-16s and rapidly modernizing Chinese Air Force.

"The capital outlay has decreased in the fiscal year 2017-18 to Rs 10.5 billion that means 5 per cent decrease from the previous year. This will decelerate military modernization and preparedness," he said.

NEW DELHI: Congress today accused the government of being "insensitive" towards implementing GST and said the blame for delaying the key tax reform measure for three years should be on the Modi dispensation. There is confusion on the launch of GST on July 1, Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said. "VAT income of all states has declined sharply. This is mainly because of demonetisation and other factors. GST revenues will be decelerating in all states. The states will be badly hit. This has not been envisaged by Finance Minister. No provision has been made in the present Budget for meeting such challenges. "That means they are most insensitive for implementing a very important enactment like GST, which was brought by us. If at all any blame should go, it is to the present government, which has delayed implementation of GST for more than three years," the former Union Minister said. He said the GST network had rejected CAG's request to name Auditor and do extra audit. "This has had sad reflection with regard to preparedness to launch the GST," he said. Moily said the Budget allocation for defence reflects the "sad affair" of allocations to the sector. He said the allocation has been reduced by 5 per cent and this will "decelerate military modernization and preparedness". Pointing out to the story of BSF soldier Tej Bahadur, who had put out a video of the food quality given to soldiers on social media, he said it reflects the morale of defence forces which is depleting day-by-day with such incidents. "It is most unfortunate story, which reflects how the Army has been managed, how they are not being properly supplied with the rations, uniforms," he said. He alleged that Rs 7,000 crore of capital budget in 2016-17 has been surrendered, "which underlies the structural incapability of this Government to spend even the inadequate allocation. I do not know whether the Defence Minister is doing his job or not except thumping his own chest". "They do not do anything to strengthen the capabilities of their establishments. India faces conventional war challenges from Pakistans F-16s and rapidly modernizing Chinese Air Force. "The capital outlay has decreased in the fiscal year 2017-18 to Rs 10.5 billion that means 5 per cent decrease from the previous year. This will decelerate military modernization and preparedness," he said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown on domestic shell companies, the government on Friday decided to take harsh punitive action, including freezing of their bank accounts used to launder money or evade taxes.

Following a review by the Prime Ministers Office, a task force with members from regulatory ministries and enforcement agencies has been constituted to monitor action against deviant shell companies.

Shell firms are characterised by nominal paid-up capital, high reserves and surplus on account of receipt of high share premium, investment in unlisted companies, no dividend income and high cash.

While the Serious Fraud Investigation Office has filed cases against 49 shell companies, as much as Rs 3,900 crore has been laundered by 559 persons with the help of 54 professionals. Also, Rs 1,238 crore cash has been deposited in shell or dormant companies, post demonetisation.

There are about 15 lakh registered companies in India, of which only six lakh file their annual return, which means a large number of these companies may be indulging in financial irregularities, said a PMO statement.

Harsh punitive actions will be taken against the deviant shell companies, which will include freezing of bank accounts, striking off the names of dormant companies, invocation of Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016, it said. The database will also capture the Aadhaar number of individual directors in the companies.

The regulatory ministry concerned will ensure disciplinary actions are initiated against the professionals indulging in malpractices and abetting the entry operators of these companies.

NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown on domestic shell companies, the government on Friday decided to take harsh punitive action, including freezing of their bank accounts used to launder money or evade taxes. Following a review by the Prime Ministers Office, a task force with members from regulatory ministries and enforcement agencies has been constituted to monitor action against deviant shell companies. Shell firms are characterised by nominal paid-up capital, high reserves and surplus on account of receipt of high share premium, investment in unlisted companies, no dividend income and high cash. While the Serious Fraud Investigation Office has filed cases against 49 shell companies, as much as Rs 3,900 crore has been laundered by 559 persons with the help of 54 professionals. Also, Rs 1,238 crore cash has been deposited in shell or dormant companies, post demonetisation. There are about 15 lakh registered companies in India, of which only six lakh file their annual return, which means a large number of these companies may be indulging in financial irregularities, said a PMO statement. Harsh punitive actions will be taken against the deviant shell companies, which will include freezing of bank accounts, striking off the names of dormant companies, invocation of Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016, it said. The database will also capture the Aadhaar number of individual directors in the companies. The regulatory ministry concerned will ensure disciplinary actions are initiated against the professionals indulging in malpractices and abetting the entry operators of these companies.
Nvidia rocks on.

By a wide margin, 2016 was Nvidias best year on the books. The companys stock more than quadrupled, and revenue for the year was up 38% over 2015.

In an earnings call with investors on Thursday, longtime Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang credited the companys success to a perfect alignment between their core graphics processor business and the needs of the nascent artificial-intelligence field.

At this point deep learning and AI has really become how future software development is going to be done for a large number of industries, Huang said. A lot of people credit the work that weve done with our programmable GPUs and our GPU computing platform and the early collaboration with deep learning.

Nvidia has already inked deals with most major technology firms, many of which were announced last year, as AI hype reached a fever pitch. Now the company needs to convince the rest of the world that they too need access to the same processing power as Facebook and Google.

Nvidia is already targeting healthcare, retail, finance, and transportation as areas of growth, according to CFO Colette Kress. Each of these industries has been recently upended by machine learningAI can now detect cancer faster than humans by learning from medical imagery, and high-volume stock trading is regularly conducted via algorithm. Rather than rely on the cloud services that buy Nvidias products, the company is hoping to convince these sectors to invest in the technology themselves.

But for now at least, gaming is Nvidias primary breadwinner, accounting for nearly 60% of its revenue. The continued success of selling gaming graphics cards has been boosted by the recent popularity of e-sports and games like Overwatch, says Huang. Nvidia recently released a line of lower-cost, high-performance GPUs that make PC gaming slightly more accessible.

Story continues

My expectation is that the eSports along with AAA titles that are coming out this year is going to keep PC gaming continue to grow, Huang said. I dont remember the last time that a large business the size of ours, and surely the size of a Datacenter business, grew by a factor of three.

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By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Chairman of Manipal Global Education T V Mohandas Pai said US President Donald Trump has no clue about the existing scenario as he is trying to bring back robotic jobs from China which wouldnt help the US population.

He spoke at an interactive session with the Japanese ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, on Thursday at an event organised by the Indo-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IJCCI) and Asia Centre, Bengaluru.

Hiramatsu said India and Japan enjoyed a special relationship. He spoke about the possible collaborations in various sectors, especially technology, industry and defence. He said the Prime Ministers of both the countries had a high level of understanding and were both action-oriented men.

Touching upon the industrial collaborations, he said Japan had made sizeable investments in the manufacturing sector, especially in Bengaluru, and was looking to double the same over the next 3-4 years. He also mentioned the joint drill by navy forces of the two countries, and indicated such collaborations as important in light of unstable elements in the region.

Pai started off by pointing out it was a good time to discuss Indo-Japan relations as globalisation was being pushed back across the world, and mentioned US, Brexit, France and Austria in this regard.

On globalisation

Pai said, In the past 15-20 years, only the higher income groups have benefitted from globalisation, while the people in the middle have remained unaffected. He spoke about the disruptions in numerous sectors, and said in this scenario, it was imperative for India and Japan to work together. He voiced concern on Chinas activities in the South China Sea and in Indias neighbouring countries. He added that India was in the middle of a demographic nightmare.

Pai also spoke about Bengalurus importance, calling it Indias richest and only global city, and said by 2020 the city would have more people in the IT sector than Silicon Valley. He urged Hiramatsu to arrange for interactions between youngsters of both countries. He signed off by saying that Bengaluru needed a visible symbol from Japan in the city, failing which China might do the same. To drive home his point, with a glance at the ambassador, he quipped, If Japan doesnt do it, China will. And talking about China will incentivise Japan to move faster.

BENGALURU: Chairman of Manipal Global Education T V Mohandas Pai said US President Donald Trump has no clue about the existing scenario as he is trying to bring back robotic jobs from China which wouldnt help the US population. He spoke at an interactive session with the Japanese ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, on Thursday at an event organised by the Indo-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IJCCI) and Asia Centre, Bengaluru. Hiramatsu said India and Japan enjoyed a special relationship. He spoke about the possible collaborations in various sectors, especially technology, industry and defence. He said the Prime Ministers of both the countries had a high level of understanding and were both action-oriented men. Touching upon the industrial collaborations, he said Japan had made sizeable investments in the manufacturing sector, especially in Bengaluru, and was looking to double the same over the next 3-4 years. He also mentioned the joint drill by navy forces of the two countries, and indicated such collaborations as important in light of unstable elements in the region. Pai started off by pointing out it was a good time to discuss Indo-Japan relations as globalisation was being pushed back across the world, and mentioned US, Brexit, France and Austria in this regard. On globalisation Pai said, In the past 15-20 years, only the higher income groups have benefitted from globalisation, while the people in the middle have remained unaffected. He spoke about the disruptions in numerous sectors, and said in this scenario, it was imperative for India and Japan to work together. He voiced concern on Chinas activities in the South China Sea and in Indias neighbouring countries. He added that India was in the middle of a demographic nightmare. Pai also spoke about Bengalurus importance, calling it Indias richest and only global city, and said by 2020 the city would have more people in the IT sector than Silicon Valley. He urged Hiramatsu to arrange for interactions between youngsters of both countries. He signed off by saying that Bengaluru needed a visible symbol from Japan in the city, failing which China might do the same. To drive home his point, with a glance at the ambassador, he quipped, If Japan doesnt do it, China will. And talking about China will incentivise Japan to move faster.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Members of the Madras High Court Advocates Association have urged the collegium of the Supreme Court to elevate Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar, presently Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, to the Supreme Court.

A resolution to this effect was adopted at the extraordinary general body meeting of the Madras High Court Advocates Association, chaired by president G Mohanakrishnan on Thursday.

The resolution noted with regret that though the previous collegium, headed by the then Chief Justice of India, had cleared the name of Justice Vasanthakumar, hailing from Kanniyakumari district in South Tamil Nadu and a member of the Madras Bar during October 2016, his name did not find place in the list forwarded to the Union Law ministry.

CHENNAI: Members of the Madras High Court Advocates Association have urged the collegium of the Supreme Court to elevate Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar, presently Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, to the Supreme Court. A resolution to this effect was adopted at the extraordinary general body meeting of the Madras High Court Advocates Association, chaired by president G Mohanakrishnan on Thursday. The resolution noted with regret that though the previous collegium, headed by the then Chief Justice of India, had cleared the name of Justice Vasanthakumar, hailing from Kanniyakumari district in South Tamil Nadu and a member of the Madras Bar during October 2016, his name did not find place in the list forwarded to the Union Law ministry.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Body of a 35-year-old NRI, who went missing a few days ago, was exhumed from the under-construction residence of accused in Falaknuma police limits on Thursday. The deceased Syed Imran worked as a customer service officer, National Bank of Abudabi and had arrived in the city in connection with a court case recently.

The police arrested two accused for killing the victim on Thursday. The arrested persons are - Saif Bin Sabeth Barabood and Hasham Ali, residents of Chandrayangutta, relatives of the deceased. Illicit affairs maintained by the deceased with relatives of the accused is said to be the motive behind the murder.

According to police, on February 5, one Syeda Afsha, lodged a complaint with Falaknuma police stating that her son Syed Imran, went to Nampally court and did not return home. Based on complaint, police registered a missing case.

During investigation it was revealed that Syed Imran met one Fathima and left with her on his Honda Activa and reached Fatimas residence. The accused detained the victim and killed him by slitting his throat using a knife and sprinkled chilli powder in his eyes and buried him at an under-construction apartment, police said.

It is established that the missing person was having extra-marital affair with Fathima who is the wife of his elder brother- Syeed Bin Sabeth Barabood, police said.

HYDERABAD: Body of a 35-year-old NRI, who went missing a few days ago, was exhumed from the under-construction residence of accused in Falaknuma police limits on Thursday. The deceased Syed Imran worked as a customer service officer, National Bank of Abudabi and had arrived in the city in connection with a court case recently. The police arrested two accused for killing the victim on Thursday. The arrested persons are - Saif Bin Sabeth Barabood and Hasham Ali, residents of Chandrayangutta, relatives of the deceased. Illicit affairs maintained by the deceased with relatives of the accused is said to be the motive behind the murder. According to police, on February 5, one Syeda Afsha, lodged a complaint with Falaknuma police stating that her son Syed Imran, went to Nampally court and did not return home. Based on complaint, police registered a missing case. During investigation it was revealed that Syed Imran met one Fathima and left with her on his Honda Activa and reached Fatimas residence. The accused detained the victim and killed him by slitting his throat using a knife and sprinkled chilli powder in his eyes and buried him at an under-construction apartment, police said. It is established that the missing person was having extra-marital affair with Fathima who is the wife of his elder brother- Syeed Bin Sabeth Barabood, police said.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: In an attempt to further improve the facilities at citys Nehru Zoological Park, environment and forests minister, Jogu Ramanna and a team of Telangana forest department officials will be flying to Singapore soon. The minister announced the same at the meeting of Zoos and Parks Authority of Telangana (ZAPAT) on Thursday.

In order to strengthen the security at Hyderabad zoo, the minister said that the zoo will be taking help from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University to survey the existing compound wall for strength and stability. More CCTV cameras will be installed in the zoo for tightening the scrutiny, he said that a new railway line will be laid in the zoo for a new toy train for which help will be sought from South Central Railway.

HYDERABAD: In an attempt to further improve the facilities at citys Nehru Zoological Park, environment and forests minister, Jogu Ramanna and a team of Telangana forest department officials will be flying to Singapore soon. The minister announced the same at the meeting of Zoos and Parks Authority of Telangana (ZAPAT) on Thursday. In order to strengthen the security at Hyderabad zoo, the minister said that the zoo will be taking help from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University to survey the existing compound wall for strength and stability. More CCTV cameras will be installed in the zoo for tightening the scrutiny, he said that a new railway line will be laid in the zoo for a new toy train for which help will be sought from South Central Railway.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: A 16-year-old girl committed suicide at her home in Hyderabad on Friday, February 10, purportedly leaving behind a note that spoke of her disappointment at being pulled out of college. Her friends told the police that she was a brilliant student.

Police said D Apurva was a student of the first-year Intermediate at St Anthonys College in Kompally, on the outskirts of Hyderabad. For some days, she had not been attending classes.

At around 10 am Thursday (February 9), Apurva left home stating she would be visiting a friend to study together. Some time later, her parents, D Satyanarayana, an auto driver, and his wife, a nurse, left for work.

When Satyanarayana returned home at 4 pm, he found the door locked from the inside. He broke through with the help of neighbours and found his daughters body hanging from the ventilator.

Inspector Shankar Yadav of the Medchal police station said a note purportedly was written by Apurva, which had been found.

The girl was upset as her parents had told her to discontinue her studies, said the officer. Police said they werent sure whey Apurvas parents would try to pull her out of college when she was doing well academically.

In his statement to the police, Apurvas father said he suspected no foul play.

Since it was an unnatural death, the police have filed a case under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

HYDERABAD: A 16-year-old girl committed suicide at her home in Hyderabad on Friday, February 10, purportedly leaving behind a note that spoke of her disappointment at being pulled out of college. Her friends told the police that she was a brilliant student. Police said D Apurva was a student of the first-year Intermediate at St Anthonys College in Kompally, on the outskirts of Hyderabad. For some days, she had not been attending classes. At around 10 am Thursday (February 9), Apurva left home stating she would be visiting a friend to study together. Some time later, her parents, D Satyanarayana, an auto driver, and his wife, a nurse, left for work. When Satyanarayana returned home at 4 pm, he found the door locked from the inside. He broke through with the help of neighbours and found his daughters body hanging from the ventilator. Inspector Shankar Yadav of the Medchal police station said a note purportedly was written by Apurva, which had been found. The girl was upset as her parents had told her to discontinue her studies, said the officer. Police said they werent sure whey Apurvas parents would try to pull her out of college when she was doing well academically. In his statement to the police, Apurvas father said he suspected no foul play. Since it was an unnatural death, the police have filed a case under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: With over 50 members in her immediate family, a 119-year-old matriarch from a family in Vanasthalipuram in Hyderabad has been adjudged the oldest living person in the world by the High Range Book of World Records (HRBWR).

T Narasamma, born in 1898, was on Friday awarded the oldest person living (female) award, after she replaced Emma Martina Luigia Morano from Italypresently 118 years old. The oldest person in recorded history was Jeanne Calment of France aged 122 years who died in 1997.

After verifying her Aadhar details, she was identified as the oldest living person. "She has seen generations of our family and is still a very healthy woman who eats a lot," said Pentamma N, the 75-year-old daughter of Narasamma.

"I was the fourth childthree of the children elder to me, diedand our family has over 50 members," she added. The family is happy and proud that the 119-year-old great grand mother has won the award.

119-yr-old T Narasamma being awarded the HRBWR for oldest

living person. (Photo: Facebook via @HIGHRANGEOFRECORDS)

Yarra Nagaiah, father of film actor Giri Babu, was awarded the HRBWR in 2016 for the oldest person living (male). He was born in the year 1910 and is 106 years old.

The HRBWR was established in 2014 and according to their websitewww.highrangeworldrecords.comits India headoffice is situated in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

HYDERABAD: With over 50 members in her immediate family, a 119-year-old matriarch from a family in Vanasthalipuram in Hyderabad has been adjudged the oldest living person in the world by the High Range Book of World Records (HRBWR). T Narasamma, born in 1898, was on Friday awarded the oldest person living (female) award, after she replaced Emma Martina Luigia Morano from Italypresently 118 years old. The oldest person in recorded history was Jeanne Calment of France aged 122 years who died in 1997. After verifying her Aadhar details, she was identified as the oldest living person. "She has seen generations of our family and is still a very healthy woman who eats a lot," said Pentamma N, the 75-year-old daughter of Narasamma. "I was the fourth childthree of the children elder to me, diedand our family has over 50 members," she added. The family is happy and proud that the 119-year-old great grand mother has won the award. 119-yr-old T Narasamma being awarded the HRBWR for oldest living person. (Photo: Facebook via @HIGHRANGEOFRECORDS) Yarra Nagaiah, father of film actor Giri Babu, was awarded the HRBWR in 2016 for the oldest person living (male). He was born in the year 1910 and is 106 years old. The HRBWR was established in 2014 and according to their websitewww.highrangeworldrecords.comits India headoffice is situated in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Abhijit Mulye By

Express News Service

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray is confident that his party would be in the majority in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) yet again despite severing ties with its ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, more than winning the local body elections in Mumbai and Maharashtra, distancing itself from the BJP has a greater degree of importance for the Shiv Sena, he said.



Im happy not to be there with the transformed BJP, the BJP that has started sporting goons on their posters instead of stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, Thackeray told The New Indian Express.



The BJP had been inducting goons and the most corrupt politicians on one hand and alleging us with charges of corruption under the pretext of transparency. This is unacceptable. Im happy today that Im not there with the BJP. Otherwise my photo would have been published along with Shah, Modi and (Pappu) Kalani, Thackeray said pointing at a photograph of a campaign poster in neighbouring Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation where the BJP has tied up with political outfit floated by former National Congress Party (NCP) leader Pappu Kalani, who is serving life sentence in a murder case.



Does this mean that he is otherwise happy with the way the BJP government is working and unhappy with the way the party is trying to spread? Uddhav Thackerays answer is a firm No.



What are the achievements of the governments (at centre and in the state) in the past two and a half years? Did they promise demonetisation in their manifesto? If not, why did they take such a big decision in a haphazard way? Thackeray asked, adding In fact, that was the trigger point that drifted us away from them.



We dont doubt the motives of the government. But, the act unnecessarily troubled the innocents, which is just like previous governments. Then where is the difference, Uddhav Thackeray added.



The BJP was really a party with a difference in the days when we joined hands with them. But, they have transformed. Have they fulfilled their promises to abolish article 370, to build the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, of bringing Dawood Ibrahim back to India? How can we be comfortable with a party that is going back on their words, Thackeray asked.



Sometimes I feel now there is an easy way for Dawood to come to India, that would be to join BJP, he added sarcastically.



Speaking on whether the Shiv Sena will withdraw support of the BJP government in Maharashtra owing to the recent divide, Uddhav Thackeray says We are in the government for the people. We are there to keep them under control. We are there like what a goad is to an elephant.



We have to play this balancing act of being in power and acting like an opposition to keep tab on the BJP. We shall keep criticizing their policies and decisions which we feel are going wrong, Thackeray added.



Shiv Sena is also contesting elections in Goa and Uttar Pradesh. While speaking about the party of spreading into other states, Thackeray said We have been receiving invitations from all across the country ever since the 90s. However, post 92 (Babri Masjid) we took a conscious decision to concentrate only on Maharashtra and let BJP look after the other states. But, now Ive started honouring all invitations. My idea is that there needs to be a grand alliance of regional parties that would honour regional sentiments.



Look at Goa. The local regional party Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) is contesting maximum seats there. Their leader has been projected as our Chief Ministerial candidate, Thackeray added.



Elaborating on what he thinks of Shiv Senas future role in this context, Uddhav Thackeray said, Ive just started mooting this idea of an alliance of regional parties. That does not mean tomorrow I will be a Prime Minister (PM) of front of regional parties. But, this is the need of the hour. The regional sentiments need to be honoured and

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray is confident that his party would be in the majority in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) yet again despite severing ties with its ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, more than winning the local body elections in Mumbai and Maharashtra, distancing itself from the BJP has a greater degree of importance for the Shiv Sena, he said. Im happy not to be there with the transformed BJP, the BJP that has started sporting goons on their posters instead of stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, Thackeray told The New Indian Express. The BJP had been inducting goons and the most corrupt politicians on one hand and alleging us with charges of corruption under the pretext of transparency. This is unacceptable. Im happy today that Im not there with the BJP. Otherwise my photo would have been published along with Shah, Modi and (Pappu) Kalani, Thackeray said pointing at a photograph of a campaign poster in neighbouring Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation where the BJP has tied up with political outfit floated by former National Congress Party (NCP) leader Pappu Kalani, who is serving life sentence in a murder case. Does this mean that he is otherwise happy with the way the BJP government is working and unhappy with the way the party is trying to spread? Uddhav Thackerays answer is a firm No. What are the achievements of the governments (at centre and in the state) in the past two and a half years? Did they promise demonetisation in their manifesto? If not, why did they take such a big decision in a haphazard way? Thackeray asked, adding In fact, that was the trigger point that drifted us away from them. We dont doubt the motives of the government. But, the act unnecessarily troubled the innocents, which is just like previous governments. Then where is the difference, Uddhav Thackeray added. The BJP was really a party with a difference in the days when we joined hands with them. But, they have transformed. Have they fulfilled their promises to abolish article 370, to build the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, of bringing Dawood Ibrahim back to India? How can we be comfortable with a party that is going back on their words, Thackeray asked. Sometimes I feel now there is an easy way for Dawood to come to India, that would be to join BJP, he added sarcastically. Speaking on whether the Shiv Sena will withdraw support of the BJP government in Maharashtra owing to the recent divide, Uddhav Thackeray says We are in the government for the people. We are there to keep them under control. We are there like what a goad is to an elephant. We have to play this balancing act of being in power and acting like an opposition to keep tab on the BJP. We shall keep criticizing their policies and decisions which we feel are going wrong, Thackeray added. Shiv Sena is also contesting elections in Goa and Uttar Pradesh. While speaking about the party of spreading into other states, Thackeray said We have been receiving invitations from all across the country ever since the 90s. However, post 92 (Babri Masjid) we took a conscious decision to concentrate only on Maharashtra and let BJP look after the other states. But, now Ive started honouring all invitations. My idea is that there needs to be a grand alliance of regional parties that would honour regional sentiments. Look at Goa. The local regional party Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) is contesting maximum seats there. Their leader has been projected as our Chief Ministerial candidate, Thackeray added. Elaborating on what he thinks of Shiv Senas future role in this context, Uddhav Thackeray said, Ive just started mooting this idea of an alliance of regional parties. That does not mean tomorrow I will be a Prime Minister (PM) of front of regional parties. But, this is the need of the hour. The regional sentiments need to be honoured and
Sudhir Srinivasan By

Express News Service

After all the praise that has come his way for his performance in Bogan, youd expect Arvind Swami to be bursting with joy.

As he leans back with a cigarette at his Besant Nagar mansion, he denies hes elated. Its relief. Its the pressure slowly deflating, he says.

Excerpts from a conversation with the sophisticated actor...

For much of the 1990s, you were thought to be the poster boy of attractive men. After two decades, it seems to be happening again.

I think little of it. I dont internalise any appreciation directed towards my looks. Even during the 90s, if you remember, I did a deglamourised role in Devaraagam, a year after I did Bombay. In fact, I did a variety of roles, only so people could focus on my acting instead.

Thats happening too. Perhaps it has something to do with you doing negative roles?

My doing back-to-back negativeroles was definitely not planned. I did Thani Oruvan as I wanted to avoid the stereotypes associated with negative roles: drinking, smoking, loud dialogues, etc. I met Lakshman (director of Bogan) at the success meet of Thani Oruvan. I liked the core idea of Bogan  the body swap.

Surely, you must have been reminded of Face/Off?

The idea of a mans soul occupying another persons body has long been explored in Tamil cinema. Only, we call it koodu vittu, koodu paayardhu. I dont know, perhaps Lakshman was influenced by it. But as an actor, I liked it as it allowed me to play two contrasting roles. Furthermore, Lakshman was very collaborative. And thats important for methat a director listens to my ideas, and has a

dialogue with me.

If that S and M joke in the interval block was any indication, Im guessing your ideas were definitely well-received.

(Laughs) That was my idea, yes. I thought of the joke as we were getting ready for a scene. I was in handcuffs, and the line just came to me. If some sections of the audience dont get it, Im not going to try and teach them about it, you know. It was just my being loyal to the characters motivations.

Also, considering Im now 46 years old and about 25-years-old in the film industry, I am going to make my voice heard. I only work with people who are willing to collaborate. If you dont like my ideas, talk to me. Explain why you dont. When I accept a film, I thoroughly embrace the character I play. Im constantly thinking about him. Sometimes, I wake up suddenly at midnight, and message the director to ask if hes awake.



Perhaps its that sort of investment that has finally brought a character our cinema has long been bereft of  the sophisticated villain.

I dont even see Bogan as a villain. The films called Bogan, and I am Bogan. How am I the villain? If you made a film about Magneto, you wouldnt think of him as the villain, right? Ill never think of my role as being lesser than another actors. Its important for me to get immersed in his world view. Perhaps he is ambitious like Siddharth Abhimanyu (Thani Oruvan), perhaps hes a ruthless opportunist (Aditya in Bogan) Im more interested in the events that shaped him.

You seem liberated, playing these characters.

I am. Ive signed up some positive roles too, but I dont feel the same freedom of portrayal. Negative roles come with so much scope  there are moments of vulnerability, heroism, evil, eccentricity

Jayam Ravi and you have now become a sought-after duo.

Well, too bad that my dates are all taken for the year. But Id be happy to work with him if another terrific script comes our way. I like that we can bounce ideas off each other. Many scenes in Bogan were the result of collaborative effort.

Theres a scene after we swap bodies when Im restrained in a prison, and he comes to taunt me. I was helping him with the negative characters body language. I told him to go for the kill, that it was his scene. I also made sure

I was on the location during the initial days, to make sure that Vikrams body language was perfect after the swap occurs. It was my responsibility as an actor whod invested time and effort into understanding Adityas character.

You also did a bit of a dance in the Kooduvittu Koodu song.

(Laughs) I think I must have last danced for a film in Bombay for Kuchi Kuchi Rakkamma, more than 20 years ago. I used to dance when I was in school. Somehow, it died out. Dancing is an expression and you have to feel it. When Prabhu Deva (producer of Bogan) suggested that I dance, I asked, Do you want to embark on this dangerous game? But Bogan is a party animal, and the song is about his philosophy of life. So, I had no problem, as the dance was within the framework of the character.

Tell me about your process of arriving at this framework.

Once I take up a role, Im letting it form in my head. I exhaust myself thinking about the character. Im subconsciously ruminating over his motivations, desires, fears When I read a scene, I ask myself if the character would behave like that. When I read dialogues, Im asking if the character will speak like that. I suggest ideas when Im not convinced.

Thats why I have butterflies before a films release. A films success or failure isnt in my hands, but I want to see if my suggestions were right. When the reactions are overwhelmingly positive as they are to Bogan, Im relieved. Im not overjoyed, Im in no mood to party. Im just so fatigued by all the pressure that I just want to sleep for two full days.

In one of our earlier conversations, you had mentioned that you burn out easily. Are you in danger of that now?

No, and thats because I am on a creative high at the moment. Weve shot half of Sadhurangavettai 2 already. Its a fun film, and a smart script. Ive signed up a cop film with director Selva, called Vanangamudi. Ive signed another exciting project I cant talk about yet.

Where does this sudden surge of productivity come from?

My kids are grown up, and I dont have to be with them physically. Did you know that for almost ten years, I didnt travel even for one night, so I wouldnt be away for them?

I was a hands-on parent. Now, however, I have time, and I can channelise my creativity. Im writing scripts. Im singing songs. Im dancing. Im acting. All the appreciation coming my way is also fuelling this high.

I noticed that you painstakingly respond to each appreciative tweet.

Its only fair, considering people take the effort to reach out to me. One person said that I respond only to those who appreciate me. I responded saying that even if he didnt like my film, Id thank him for watching it and try to deliver a better film next time. Im enjoying cinema as I never did during my 20s.

What has changed?

I was a bit of a recluse in my 20s. I didnt want to be a star. I was under-prepared to be one. Even when films like Roja and Bombay made me popular across the country, I went to the sets only to learn from people like Mani Ratnam how films were being made. I was more curious about that. I didnt care for the celebrity status.

Today, Im relaxed and more self-assured. Audiences are also more appreciative of innovative work. I wish scripts like Soodhu Kavvum were written in the 90s. As I see it, Im 46, and Ive got another three-four years of prime time. I want to pack these years with as much quality work as possible. Im doing what I like, and the audience seems to be liking it too. It has never been better.

After all the praise that has come his way for his performance in Bogan, youd expect Arvind Swami to be bursting with joy. As he leans back with a cigarette at his Besant Nagar mansion, he denies hes elated. Its relief. Its the pressure slowly deflating, he says. Excerpts from a conversation with the sophisticated actor... For much of the 1990s, you were thought to be the poster boy of attractive men. After two decades, it seems to be happening again. I think little of it. I dont internalise any appreciation directed towards my looks. Even during the 90s, if you remember, I did a deglamourised role in Devaraagam, a year after I did Bombay. In fact, I did a variety of roles, only so people could focus on my acting instead. Thats happening too. Perhaps it has something to do with you doing negative roles? My doing back-to-back negativeroles was definitely not planned. I did Thani Oruvan as I wanted to avoid the stereotypes associated with negative roles: drinking, smoking, loud dialogues, etc. I met Lakshman (director of Bogan) at the success meet of Thani Oruvan. I liked the core idea of Bogan  the body swap. Surely, you must have been reminded of Face/Off? The idea of a mans soul occupying another persons body has long been explored in Tamil cinema. Only, we call it koodu vittu, koodu paayardhu. I dont know, perhaps Lakshman was influenced by it. But as an actor, I liked it as it allowed me to play two contrasting roles. Furthermore, Lakshman was very collaborative. And thats important for methat a director listens to my ideas, and has a dialogue with me. If that S and M joke in the interval block was any indication, Im guessing your ideas were definitely well-received. (Laughs) That was my idea, yes. I thought of the joke as we were getting ready for a scene. I was in handcuffs, and the line just came to me. If some sections of the audience dont get it, Im not going to try and teach them about it, you know. It was just my being loyal to the characters motivations. Also, considering Im now 46 years old and about 25-years-old in the film industry, I am going to make my voice heard. I only work with people who are willing to collaborate. If you dont like my ideas, talk to me. Explain why you dont. When I accept a film, I thoroughly embrace the character I play. Im constantly thinking about him. Sometimes, I wake up suddenly at midnight, and message the director to ask if hes awake.Perhaps its that sort of investment that has finally brought a character our cinema has long been bereft of  the sophisticated villain. I dont even see Bogan as a villain. The films called Bogan, and I am Bogan. How am I the villain? If you made a film about Magneto, you wouldnt think of him as the villain, right? Ill never think of my role as being lesser than another actors. Its important for me to get immersed in his world view. Perhaps he is ambitious like Siddharth Abhimanyu (Thani Oruvan), perhaps hes a ruthless opportunist (Aditya in Bogan) Im more interested in the events that shaped him. You seem liberated, playing these characters. I am. Ive signed up some positive roles too, but I dont feel the same freedom of portrayal. Negative roles come with so much scope  there are moments of vulnerability, heroism, evil, eccentricity Jayam Ravi and you have now become a sought-after duo. Well, too bad that my dates are all taken for the year. But Id be happy to work with him if another terrific script comes our way. I like that we can bounce ideas off each other. Many scenes in Bogan were the result of collaborative effort. Theres a scene after we swap bodies when Im restrained in a prison, and he comes to taunt me. I was helping him with the negative characters body language. I told him to go for the kill, that it was his scene. I also made sure I was on the location during the initial days, to make sure that Vikrams body language was perfect after the swap occurs. It was my responsibility as an actor whod invested time and effort into understanding Adityas character. You also did a bit of a dance in the Kooduvittu Koodu song. (Laughs) I think I must have last danced for a film in Bombay for Kuchi Kuchi Rakkamma, more than 20 years ago. I used to dance when I was in school. Somehow, it died out. Dancing is an expression and you have to feel it. When Prabhu Deva (producer of Bogan) suggested that I dance, I asked, Do you want to embark on this dangerous game? But Bogan is a party animal, and the song is about his philosophy of life. So, I had no problem, as the dance was within the framework of the character. Tell me about your process of arriving at this framework. Once I take up a role, Im letting it form in my head. I exhaust myself thinking about the character. Im subconsciously ruminating over his motivations, desires, fears When I read a scene, I ask myself if the character would behave like that. When I read dialogues, Im asking if the character will speak like that. I suggest ideas when Im not convinced. Thats why I have butterflies before a films release. A films success or failure isnt in my hands, but I want to see if my suggestions were right. When the reactions are overwhelmingly positive as they are to Bogan, Im relieved. Im not overjoyed, Im in no mood to party. Im just so fatigued by all the pressure that I just want to sleep for two full days. In one of our earlier conversations, you had mentioned that you burn out easily. Are you in danger of that now? No, and thats because I am on a creative high at the moment. Weve shot half of Sadhurangavettai 2 already. Its a fun film, and a smart script. Ive signed up a cop film with director Selva, called Vanangamudi. Ive signed another exciting project I cant talk about yet. Where does this sudden surge of productivity come from? My kids are grown up, and I dont have to be with them physically. Did you know that for almost ten years, I didnt travel even for one night, so I wouldnt be away for them? I was a hands-on parent. Now, however, I have time, and I can channelise my creativity. Im writing scripts. Im singing songs. Im dancing. Im acting. All the appreciation coming my way is also fuelling this high. I noticed that you painstakingly respond to each appreciative tweet. Its only fair, considering people take the effort to reach out to me. One person said that I respond only to those who appreciate me. I responded saying that even if he didnt like my film, Id thank him for watching it and try to deliver a better film next time. Im enjoying cinema as I never did during my 20s. What has changed? I was a bit of a recluse in my 20s. I didnt want to be a star. I was under-prepared to be one. Even when films like Roja and Bombay made me popular across the country, I went to the sets only to learn from people like Mani Ratnam how films were being made. I was more curious about that. I didnt care for the celebrity status. Today, Im relaxed and more self-assured. Audiences are also more appreciative of innovative work. I wish scripts like Soodhu Kavvum were written in the 90s. As I see it, Im 46, and Ive got another three-four years of prime time. I want to pack these years with as much quality work as possible. Im doing what I like, and the audience seems to be liking it too. It has never been better.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Centre has accorded Z+ category VVIP security cover of elite NSG commandos to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in the wake of lurking threat from insurgent groups of the Northeast.



Union Home Ministry accorded the sanction recently for NSG cover to Assam CM after a review of the threat perception by the Intelligence Bureau.

According to the inputs with the Centre, Sonowal faces a high-grade threat from banned outfits like ULFA and NDFB.



Officials said a contingent of about 35 NSG commandos will soon take over Sonowals protective cover and a team of the counter-terror federal contingency force is being readied to be flown to Guwahati.



With this latest VVIP security duty, the NSG will now have a tally of 14 protectees under its cover.

Others being provided security cover by NSG include Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav, former UP chief minister Mayawati and BJP veteran L K Advani and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh among others.

NEW DELHI: The Centre has accorded Z+ category VVIP security cover of elite NSG commandos to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in the wake of lurking threat from insurgent groups of the Northeast. Union Home Ministry accorded the sanction recently for NSG cover to Assam CM after a review of the threat perception by the Intelligence Bureau. According to the inputs with the Centre, Sonowal faces a high-grade threat from banned outfits like ULFA and NDFB. Officials said a contingent of about 35 NSG commandos will soon take over Sonowals protective cover and a team of the counter-terror federal contingency force is being readied to be flown to Guwahati. With this latest VVIP security duty, the NSG will now have a tally of 14 protectees under its cover. Others being provided security cover by NSG include Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav, former UP chief minister Mayawati and BJP veteran L K Advani and Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh among others.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Jagdish Tytler today told a Delhi court that CBI has not given any reason in its plea to conduct lie detection test on him in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Tytler, who did not appear before the court personally, filed an application through his lawyer stating that the CBI plea was a "gross misuse of law" and it was filed with "malafide intention". Arms dealer Abhishek Verma, who was also issued notice by the court on the CBI plea, appeared before the court and said he stands by his statement given to the probe agency earlier and was ready to join investigation.

Advocate Maninder Singh, who represented Verma, also said CBI has not given any reason to conduct lie detection test on him and he was ready to record his statement before a magistrate unser section 164 CrPC. He also sought a week's time to file his reply on the plea.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma granted time to Verma to file his reply and listed the matter for February 23 for hearing arguments on CBI's application. Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who represented the riot victims, said Tytler had earlier given a statement to the media that he was ready to undergo lie detection test.

The court had on February 8 issued notice to Tytler and Verma on CBI's plea. The case pertains to death of three Sikhs in the aftermath of the riots that broke out after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Tytler has been given a clean chit by CBI thrice in the case but the probe agency has been directed by the court to further investigate the matter. Verma has made several statements to CBI against the senior Congress leader that he allegedly pressurised witnesses in the case.

During the hearing, Verma told the court he was facing threat and should be given protection. CBI in its plea has said, "For the purpose of further investigation, polygraph test (lie detection test) needs to be conducted on Abhishek Verma and Jagdish Tytler". It has cited the court's December 4, 2015 order in which it was mentioned that lie detection test may be conducted, if required.

"The presence of these two persons namely, Abhishek Verma and Jadgish Tytler is necessary before this court to accord their consent about the polygraph test (lie detection test)," the plea while seeking the court's direction to Tytler and Verma to appear before it.

The court had earlier held that Verma in his statement to CBI disclosed an "active role" played by Tytler in extending a "helping hand" to a witness against him. It had noted that the statement given by Verma to CBI in which he has claimed that Tytler had sent the son of Surinder Singh Granthi, a key witness against him, to Canada cannot be a "sheer coincidence" and the agency should probe if it is true.

The case pertains to riots at Gurudwara Pulbangash in north Delhi where three people were killed on November 1, 1984, a day after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. The court had in December 2015 directed CBI to further investigate the matter and had said it would monitor the probe every two months so that no aspect of the matter is left uninvestigated.

CBI had re-investigated the case of killing of Badal Singh, Thakur Singh and Gurcharan Singh near the gurudwara after a court in December 2007 refused to accept its closure report. CBI has filed three closure reports in the case. Tytler has denied any role in the riots.

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Jagdish Tytler today told a Delhi court that CBI has not given any reason in its plea to conduct lie detection test on him in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Tytler, who did not appear before the court personally, filed an application through his lawyer stating that the CBI plea was a "gross misuse of law" and it was filed with "malafide intention". Arms dealer Abhishek Verma, who was also issued notice by the court on the CBI plea, appeared before the court and said he stands by his statement given to the probe agency earlier and was ready to join investigation. Advocate Maninder Singh, who represented Verma, also said CBI has not given any reason to conduct lie detection test on him and he was ready to record his statement before a magistrate unser section 164 CrPC. He also sought a week's time to file his reply on the plea. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma granted time to Verma to file his reply and listed the matter for February 23 for hearing arguments on CBI's application. Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who represented the riot victims, said Tytler had earlier given a statement to the media that he was ready to undergo lie detection test. The court had on February 8 issued notice to Tytler and Verma on CBI's plea. The case pertains to death of three Sikhs in the aftermath of the riots that broke out after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Tytler has been given a clean chit by CBI thrice in the case but the probe agency has been directed by the court to further investigate the matter. Verma has made several statements to CBI against the senior Congress leader that he allegedly pressurised witnesses in the case. During the hearing, Verma told the court he was facing threat and should be given protection. CBI in its plea has said, "For the purpose of further investigation, polygraph test (lie detection test) needs to be conducted on Abhishek Verma and Jagdish Tytler". It has cited the court's December 4, 2015 order in which it was mentioned that lie detection test may be conducted, if required. "The presence of these two persons namely, Abhishek Verma and Jadgish Tytler is necessary before this court to accord their consent about the polygraph test (lie detection test)," the plea while seeking the court's direction to Tytler and Verma to appear before it. The court had earlier held that Verma in his statement to CBI disclosed an "active role" played by Tytler in extending a "helping hand" to a witness against him. It had noted that the statement given by Verma to CBI in which he has claimed that Tytler had sent the son of Surinder Singh Granthi, a key witness against him, to Canada cannot be a "sheer coincidence" and the agency should probe if it is true. The case pertains to riots at Gurudwara Pulbangash in north Delhi where three people were killed on November 1, 1984, a day after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. The court had in December 2015 directed CBI to further investigate the matter and had said it would monitor the probe every two months so that no aspect of the matter is left uninvestigated. CBI had re-investigated the case of killing of Badal Singh, Thakur Singh and Gurcharan Singh near the gurudwara after a court in December 2007 refused to accept its closure report. CBI has filed three closure reports in the case. Tytler has denied any role in the riots.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: Demonetisation loomed large over the West Bengal general budget presented by economist-turned-finance minister Amit Mitra at the state Assembly on Friday. The budget indicated a reduced revenue generation of Rs 1,800 crore with the debt burden on the state likely to touch 3.66 lakh crore.

However, keeping in mind the Panchayat elections in rural Bengal next year, a slew of social benefits have been eked out in the budget targeting Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, small-scale industries and even migrant workers who have returned to West Bengal from various parts of the country due to demonetisation.

The finance minister said the growth rate of West Bengal has reduced to 9.27% and claimed it would take two-three decades for the economy to recover from the effect of demonetisation. He also stated 13.27 lakh jobs have been generated in the state over the past six years.

"We had planned for a revenue generation of Rs 50,773 crore in the financial year 2016-17 but succeeded in generating Rs 48,926 crore. The major loss was incurred in sales tax generation. We had planned for Rs 32,000 crore sales tax generation but succeeded in generating Rs 30,000 crore. Less collection of sales tax is a direct result of demonetisation," he said.

The debt burden on the state has increased affecting the revenue generation. "Debt of Rs 12,400 crore was incurred in the previous financial year. This is a direct legacy of the debt circle we have been trapped in since the Left Front regime began huge unregulated central borrowings since 2006. The total debt may touch Rs 3.66 lakh crore," he added.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also put the blame for increased debt crisis on the Left Front. "In the past six years, we borrowed Rs 1.42 lakh crore. However, every year we need to repay Rs 40,000 crore to the Centre due to the borrowings of the Left since 2006," she said.

Lauding the budget as humanitarian, she said:"We don't have much money unlike states like Tamil Nadu. Despite this, we have tried to make the budget as humanitarian as possible. Despite severe money crunch, our government will continue all schemes benefitting the people."

Refuting the blame, Left legislative leader Sujan Chakraborty said, "When we lost power in 2011, the debt burden on the state was Rs 1,86,000 crore. However, Rs 79,000 crore was paid back. But, she had additionally borrowed Rs 1,45,000 crore over the past 6 years. How can she blame us for that?"

10 major highlights of the 2017 West Bengal general budget:

1. A hike of Rs 500 per month in honorarium to two lakh Anganwadi workers in West Bengal.

2. A hike of Rs 500 per month in honorarium to 50,000 ASHA workers.

3. Rs 50,000 one time monetary assistance to 50,000 migrant workers who returned home to West Bengal after demonetisation; Rs 250 crore earmarked.

4. Rs 100 crore special package for farmers; focus on creating cooperative institutions.

5. District hospitals in Purulia, Rampurhat, Diamond Harbour, Coochbehar and Raiganj to be upgraded to medical colleges; 500 MBBS seats to be added to these colleges; Rs 750 crore earmarked.

6. Businessmen with businesses under Rs 10 lakh need not pay VAT.

7. Kerosene kept out of VAT.

8. VAT registration made online in the state.

9. 20% rebate in tax if a new house is registered within one year of construction.

10. Only 2% stamp duty in the beginning; the rest can be paid over 4 years.

KOLKATA: Demonetisation loomed large over the West Bengal general budget presented by economist-turned-finance minister Amit Mitra at the state Assembly on Friday. The budget indicated a reduced revenue generation of Rs 1,800 crore with the debt burden on the state likely to touch 3.66 lakh crore. However, keeping in mind the Panchayat elections in rural Bengal next year, a slew of social benefits have been eked out in the budget targeting Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, small-scale industries and even migrant workers who have returned to West Bengal from various parts of the country due to demonetisation. The finance minister said the growth rate of West Bengal has reduced to 9.27% and claimed it would take two-three decades for the economy to recover from the effect of demonetisation. He also stated 13.27 lakh jobs have been generated in the state over the past six years. "We had planned for a revenue generation of Rs 50,773 crore in the financial year 2016-17 but succeeded in generating Rs 48,926 crore. The major loss was incurred in sales tax generation. We had planned for Rs 32,000 crore sales tax generation but succeeded in generating Rs 30,000 crore. Less collection of sales tax is a direct result of demonetisation," he said. The debt burden on the state has increased affecting the revenue generation. "Debt of Rs 12,400 crore was incurred in the previous financial year. This is a direct legacy of the debt circle we have been trapped in since the Left Front regime began huge unregulated central borrowings since 2006. The total debt may touch Rs 3.66 lakh crore," he added. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also put the blame for increased debt crisis on the Left Front. "In the past six years, we borrowed Rs 1.42 lakh crore. However, every year we need to repay Rs 40,000 crore to the Centre due to the borrowings of the Left since 2006," she said. Lauding the budget as humanitarian, she said:"We don't have much money unlike states like Tamil Nadu. Despite this, we have tried to make the budget as humanitarian as possible. Despite severe money crunch, our government will continue all schemes benefitting the people." Refuting the blame, Left legislative leader Sujan Chakraborty said, "When we lost power in 2011, the debt burden on the state was Rs 1,86,000 crore. However, Rs 79,000 crore was paid back. But, she had additionally borrowed Rs 1,45,000 crore over the past 6 years. How can she blame us for that?" 10 major highlights of the 2017 West Bengal general budget: 1. A hike of Rs 500 per month in honorarium to two lakh Anganwadi workers in West Bengal. 2. A hike of Rs 500 per month in honorarium to 50,000 ASHA workers. 3. Rs 50,000 one time monetary assistance to 50,000 migrant workers who returned home to West Bengal after demonetisation; Rs 250 crore earmarked. 4. Rs 100 crore special package for farmers; focus on creating cooperative institutions. 5. District hospitals in Purulia, Rampurhat, Diamond Harbour, Coochbehar and Raiganj to be upgraded to medical colleges; 500 MBBS seats to be added to these colleges; Rs 750 crore earmarked. 6. Businessmen with businesses under Rs 10 lakh need not pay VAT. 7. Kerosene kept out of VAT. 8. VAT registration made online in the state. 9. 20% rebate in tax if a new house is registered within one year of construction. 10. Only 2% stamp duty in the beginning; the rest can be paid over 4 years.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday claimed that the BJP was eyeing a reconciliation with it as they have "understood their mistake", even as he ruled out any possibility of an alliance with it after the BMC elections.

"(BJP president) Amit Shah says it is a friendly match between them (in BMC polls). It only means that they have realised their mistake. They have understood that they have taken wrong steps and it will be difficult for them to fight the anger of Mumbaikars. Thus, they are now trying to get back to us," Thackeray said.

Shah had last Sunday said there were no differences with the Sena and that he hoped its decision to contest the Maharashtra civic polls independently was not going to cause damage to the alliance.

The Shiv Sena recently snapped ties with the BJP in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the country's richest civic body, the elections for which are scheduled on February 21.

Recently, Uddhav Thackeray had said that the BJP was merely serving its notice period. Speaking to The New Indian Express, he clarified, saying, "Our ministers met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to demand crop loan waiver.

The BJP has assured farmers of Uttar Pradesh that their crop loans would be waived off. I said, why should farmers in Maharashtra not get the same benefit when we are ruling here.

He added, "The Chief Minister has been talking about transparency in the municipal corporation. I asked him why not have similar transparency in the State government too. That would prevent doubts over issues like Chikki scam. Our expectations are that simple. But, the government would stay on notice period till issues like these are resolved."

Saying that the BJP has been inducting goons into the party, he added, "This is unacceptable to us. The economic survey has shown that Mumbai tops in transparency. The Chief Minister said that we are misquoting the document. But, if that is the case, why was the BJP with us all these years in the corporation?".

Thackeray also said that he was not satisfied with the style of functioning of the BJP government.

He said: "What are the achievements of the governments (at the Centre and in the State) in the past two and a half years? Did they promise demonetisation in their manifesto? If not, why did they take such a big decision in a haphazard way?"

He added, "The BJP has changed. They use the word transformation - parivartan. But, I dont understand what kind of transformation this is, where they have started sporting goons on their posters instead of stalwarts like Vajpayee and Advani. The BJP was really a party with a difference in the days when we joined hands with them. But, they have transformed."

When asked if the Shiv Sena would withdraw support to the Shiv Sena at the Centre, Thackeray said: "We are in the government for the people. We are there to keep them under control. We have to play this balancing act of being in power and acting like an opposition to keep a tab on the BJP. We shall keep criticising their policies and decisions which we feel are wrong.

The party is contesting elections in Goa and Uttar Pradesh. talking about taking on a national role, Uddhav said: "We have been receiving invitations from all across the country ever since the 1990s. However, Post 1992 (Babri) we took a conscious decision to concentrate only on Maharashtra and let BJP look after the other states. But, now Ive started honouring all invitations. My idea is that there needs to be a grand alliance of regional parties from other states that would honour regional sentiments."

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday claimed that the BJP was eyeing a reconciliation with it as they have "understood their mistake", even as he ruled out any possibility of an alliance with it after the BMC elections. "(BJP president) Amit Shah says it is a friendly match between them (in BMC polls). It only means that they have realised their mistake. They have understood that they have taken wrong steps and it will be difficult for them to fight the anger of Mumbaikars. Thus, they are now trying to get back to us," Thackeray said. Shah had last Sunday said there were no differences with the Sena and that he hoped its decision to contest the Maharashtra civic polls independently was not going to cause damage to the alliance. The Shiv Sena recently snapped ties with the BJP in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the country's richest civic body, the elections for which are scheduled on February 21. Recently, Uddhav Thackeray had said that the BJP was merely serving its notice period. Speaking to The New Indian Express, he clarified, saying, "Our ministers met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to demand crop loan waiver. The BJP has assured farmers of Uttar Pradesh that their crop loans would be waived off. I said, why should farmers in Maharashtra not get the same benefit when we are ruling here. He added, "The Chief Minister has been talking about transparency in the municipal corporation. I asked him why not have similar transparency in the State government too. That would prevent doubts over issues like Chikki scam. Our expectations are that simple. But, the government would stay on notice period till issues like these are resolved." Saying that the BJP has been inducting goons into the party, he added, "This is unacceptable to us. The economic survey has shown that Mumbai tops in transparency. The Chief Minister said that we are misquoting the document. But, if that is the case, why was the BJP with us all these years in the corporation?". Thackeray also said that he was not satisfied with the style of functioning of the BJP government. He said: "What are the achievements of the governments (at the Centre and in the State) in the past two and a half years? Did they promise demonetisation in their manifesto? If not, why did they take such a big decision in a haphazard way?" He added, "The BJP has changed. They use the word transformation - parivartan. But, I dont understand what kind of transformation this is, where they have started sporting goons on their posters instead of stalwarts like Vajpayee and Advani. The BJP was really a party with a difference in the days when we joined hands with them. But, they have transformed." When asked if the Shiv Sena would withdraw support to the Shiv Sena at the Centre, Thackeray said: "We are in the government for the people. We are there to keep them under control. We have to play this balancing act of being in power and acting like an opposition to keep a tab on the BJP. We shall keep criticising their policies and decisions which we feel are wrong. The party is contesting elections in Goa and Uttar Pradesh. talking about taking on a national role, Uddhav said: "We have been receiving invitations from all across the country ever since the 1990s. However, Post 1992 (Babri) we took a conscious decision to concentrate only on Maharashtra and let BJP look after the other states. But, now Ive started honouring all invitations. My idea is that there needs to be a grand alliance of regional parties from other states that would honour regional sentiments."
Sajjan Kumar By

Express News Service

Have you seen a single rich man or politician standing in a bank queue? is the refrain you hear across Uttar Pradesh, as voters prepare to cast their first ballots in the Assembly election. You hear it from Muslims, Yadavs and Jatavs who are traditional supporters of parties other than the BJP but also from floating voters from other sections.

Conventional wisdom had it that this election, like all others in the past, would be dominated caste- and community-centric issues. The fact that there was hardly any popular agitation against demonetisation gave one the impression that it was not going to be a major issue. However, it has emerged as a crucial factor in determining the electoral outcome.

People didnt protest over demonetisation because they were busy standing in the bank and ATM queues, explained a pro-BJP school teacher in a village in Moradabad district.

In general, there is a sense of discontent over demonetisation in UP among farmers, daily-wagers, small businessmen and informal sector workers. However, the degree of anger is mediated by caste and religious identities. Core voters of the BJP, like the upper castes, Banias and some sections of the Lodhs and Kushwahas, tend to admit the difficulties caused by demonetisation while defending the move for its abstract objectives. Non-BJP voters like Dalits, Muslims, Yadavs as well as a significant bloc of other OBCs are, however, aggressively vocal on the difficulties they had to endure.

Conventionally, opinions expressed in public discourse tend to be influenced by upper caste groups including Banias who dominate public spaces like the village chaupals, tea shops and market squares. This influence plays a significant role in the shaping of opinions of floating voters who tend to go by their subjective perceptions of the winnability factor. This time, however, with demonetisation causing general suffering across the spectrum, the upper castes lost their confidence as opinion mobilisers and became apologists instead. On the other hand, traditional voters of the non-BJP parties, like the Yadavs, Muslims and Dalits, are articulating the anti-demonetisation narratives lot more boldly.

This role reversal was visible to this correspondent in the village of Sitapur where pro-BSP Jatav respondents confidently and logically silenced some Thakur respondents when the latter tried to present a bright picture of demonetisation. The BJP scored a spectacular success in the 2014 Lok Sabha election in UP, taking a 42.3% share of the popular vote. This was mainly due to the pro-BJP swing of floating voters, primarily from non-Yadav OBC and non-Jatav Dalit castes. In addition, some core voters of the BSP and SP Jatav-Dalits and Yadavs respectivelydeserted the parties in favour of the saffron party.

However, our fieldwork across UP revealed that a shift has taken place since 2014. Not only have the core voters of the SP and BSP returned to their respective parties, floating voters were seen to share the anti-demonetisation sentiment. This shift was summarised pithily by a group of Brahmin, Nishad and Kurmi respondents at Mangari village in Gosaiganj constituency at Faizabad: Notebandi ka jawaab votebandi (The answer to note ban is a vote ban). Another factor why demonetisation might go against the BJP is its Modi-centric campaign strategy.

(Sajjan Kumar is a PhD from the Centre for Political Studies, JNU. He is associated with Peoples Pulse, a Hyderabad-based Research Organisation, specialising in fieldwork-based political and electoral studies.)

Have you seen a single rich man or politician standing in a bank queue? is the refrain you hear across Uttar Pradesh, as voters prepare to cast their first ballots in the Assembly election. You hear it from Muslims, Yadavs and Jatavs who are traditional supporters of parties other than the BJP but also from floating voters from other sections. Conventional wisdom had it that this election, like all others in the past, would be dominated caste- and community-centric issues. The fact that there was hardly any popular agitation against demonetisation gave one the impression that it was not going to be a major issue. However, it has emerged as a crucial factor in determining the electoral outcome. People didnt protest over demonetisation because they were busy standing in the bank and ATM queues, explained a pro-BJP school teacher in a village in Moradabad district. In general, there is a sense of discontent over demonetisation in UP among farmers, daily-wagers, small businessmen and informal sector workers. However, the degree of anger is mediated by caste and religious identities. Core voters of the BJP, like the upper castes, Banias and some sections of the Lodhs and Kushwahas, tend to admit the difficulties caused by demonetisation while defending the move for its abstract objectives. Non-BJP voters like Dalits, Muslims, Yadavs as well as a significant bloc of other OBCs are, however, aggressively vocal on the difficulties they had to endure. Conventionally, opinions expressed in public discourse tend to be influenced by upper caste groups including Banias who dominate public spaces like the village chaupals, tea shops and market squares. This influence plays a significant role in the shaping of opinions of floating voters who tend to go by their subjective perceptions of the winnability factor. This time, however, with demonetisation causing general suffering across the spectrum, the upper castes lost their confidence as opinion mobilisers and became apologists instead. On the other hand, traditional voters of the non-BJP parties, like the Yadavs, Muslims and Dalits, are articulating the anti-demonetisation narratives lot more boldly. This role reversal was visible to this correspondent in the village of Sitapur where pro-BSP Jatav respondents confidently and logically silenced some Thakur respondents when the latter tried to present a bright picture of demonetisation. The BJP scored a spectacular success in the 2014 Lok Sabha election in UP, taking a 42.3% share of the popular vote. This was mainly due to the pro-BJP swing of floating voters, primarily from non-Yadav OBC and non-Jatav Dalit castes. In addition, some core voters of the BSP and SP Jatav-Dalits and Yadavs respectivelydeserted the parties in favour of the saffron party. However, our fieldwork across UP revealed that a shift has taken place since 2014. Not only have the core voters of the SP and BSP returned to their respective parties, floating voters were seen to share the anti-demonetisation sentiment. This shift was summarised pithily by a group of Brahmin, Nishad and Kurmi respondents at Mangari village in Gosaiganj constituency at Faizabad: Notebandi ka jawaab votebandi (The answer to note ban is a vote ban). Another factor why demonetisation might go against the BJP is its Modi-centric campaign strategy. (Sajjan Kumar is a PhD from the Centre for Political Studies, JNU. He is associated with Peoples Pulse, a Hyderabad-based Research Organisation, specialising in fieldwork-based political and electoral studies.)
By PTI

DEHRADUN: Terming demonetisation as the "century's biggest scam", senior Congress leader Anand Sharma today asked the Centre to issue a white paper on it, saying if his party came to power, it will order a Supreme Court-monitored inquiry into the move.



According to the third quarter projections, the growth rate has dropped by one per cent due to demonetisation and there is a downturn in both investment and industrial production, he said at a press conference here.



Though the step was taken to fight corruption, black money, the scourge of counterfeit currency and funding of terror activities, it had failed to achieve these goals, he said.



"All cash is not black money. Black money is in the bullion market, real estate and in foreign exchange. By withdrawing 85 percent currency in circulation, Rs 15 lakh crore cash has been turned into trash in one go, but after note ban, 58 percent cash returned to the banks defeating the very objective of the move," he alleged.



The former Union minister, who was here to campaign for Congress for the February 15 Uttarakhand Assembly polls, said the Centre was talking about going cashless at a time when the whole country has to do without basic facilities like toilets.



Sharma said Congress had not boycotted Parliament but the Prime Minister over the latter's "raincoat" barb at his predecessor Manmohan Singh.



He also accused Narendra Modi of insulting people of Uttarakhand by making a light-hearted reference to the recent earthquake in the state during a speech in Parliament.

DEHRADUN: Terming demonetisation as the "century's biggest scam", senior Congress leader Anand Sharma today asked the Centre to issue a white paper on it, saying if his party came to power, it will order a Supreme Court-monitored inquiry into the move. According to the third quarter projections, the growth rate has dropped by one per cent due to demonetisation and there is a downturn in both investment and industrial production, he said at a press conference here. Though the step was taken to fight corruption, black money, the scourge of counterfeit currency and funding of terror activities, it had failed to achieve these goals, he said. "All cash is not black money. Black money is in the bullion market, real estate and in foreign exchange. By withdrawing 85 percent currency in circulation, Rs 15 lakh crore cash has been turned into trash in one go, but after note ban, 58 percent cash returned to the banks defeating the very objective of the move," he alleged. The former Union minister, who was here to campaign for Congress for the February 15 Uttarakhand Assembly polls, said the Centre was talking about going cashless at a time when the whole country has to do without basic facilities like toilets. Sharma said Congress had not boycotted Parliament but the Prime Minister over the latter's "raincoat" barb at his predecessor Manmohan Singh. He also accused Narendra Modi of insulting people of Uttarakhand by making a light-hearted reference to the recent earthquake in the state during a speech in Parliament.
By IANS

BISADAH: In the area where a Hindu mob murdered Mohammad Akhlaq after accusing him of eating beef, the election fever of Uttar Pradesh is laced with old tensions.



The few Muslim families here are unwilling to speak -- unlike almost everyone else in the state -- on their preferences in the staggered state polls starting on Saturday.



Posters and flags of political parties do flutter atop houses and shops at Dadri. But old issues are at play.



Predictably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raked up cow slaughter, fully knowing that the issue could polarise Hindus and Muslims.



Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a rally here to canvass for BJP's Tejpal Singh Nagar in the Dadri constituency. Dadri, about 50 km from Delhi, will vote in the first phase of assembly polls on Saturday.



In the Rajput-dominated village, slogans are raised to hail Prime Minister Narendra Modi. One can hardly spot a flag of any other party in the village. Even the walls are painted with BJP slogans.



A huge poster of BJP President Amit Shah and Modi promises to shut down slaughter homes across Uttar Pradesh if the BJP is elected to power in the country's most populous state.



Pratap Singh Sisodia, in his late 60s, told IANS: "Cow slaughter is going to be a major issue in this election."



Not surprisingly, the more pressing issues of poor electricity supply, law and order situation and lack of schools have taken a backstage.



Even after 16 months of Akhlaq's lynching, communal hostility is visible.



Akhlaq, 50, was at his home when a mob barged in, took out meat from his fridge, alleged it was beef which his family was consuming and carried out a murderous attack.



The local Hindus accused the police of wrongly arresting 18 men from their village under pressure from the Akhilesh Yadav government to "appease" Muslims.



Others say that it was only Akhlaq's family which was compensated by the state government.



Ravi Kumar, 21, one of those arrested after Akhlaq's murder, died on November 4 in mysterious circumstances while in judicial custody.



A family member told IANS: "You see the pain of Akhlaq's mother, but you can't see the pain of Ravi's mother? We didn't even get Ravi's autopsy report."



Bisadah village is home to some 10,000 people, of whom 70 per cent are from the Rajput community. Muslims account for 15 per cent. The rest are lower castes.



"Rahul Gandhi and (Delhi Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal visited the village after Akhlaq's death but they never visited Ravi's family," Tikam Singh, another villager, told IANS.



Another woman, Leelavati Devi, has two sons -- Hariom Singh and Shriom Singh -- still lodged in jail for the 2015 murder. People from the village provide food to the family.



Villager Rajesh Singh added: "Rajnath Singh's rally is a sign we are not going to vote for the Congress or Samajwadi Party."



In most Muslim homes, people are tight-lipped. To avoid talking, many even claimed they were merely visiting the village.



Mohammad Iliyas Khan said: "Everything has changed here after Akhlaq's death. Earlier there used to be harmony in the village. Now that peace has gone."

BISADAH: In the area where a Hindu mob murdered Mohammad Akhlaq after accusing him of eating beef, the election fever of Uttar Pradesh is laced with old tensions. The few Muslim families here are unwilling to speak -- unlike almost everyone else in the state -- on their preferences in the staggered state polls starting on Saturday. Posters and flags of political parties do flutter atop houses and shops at Dadri. But old issues are at play. Predictably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raked up cow slaughter, fully knowing that the issue could polarise Hindus and Muslims. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a rally here to canvass for BJP's Tejpal Singh Nagar in the Dadri constituency. Dadri, about 50 km from Delhi, will vote in the first phase of assembly polls on Saturday. In the Rajput-dominated village, slogans are raised to hail Prime Minister Narendra Modi. One can hardly spot a flag of any other party in the village. Even the walls are painted with BJP slogans. A huge poster of BJP President Amit Shah and Modi promises to shut down slaughter homes across Uttar Pradesh if the BJP is elected to power in the country's most populous state. Pratap Singh Sisodia, in his late 60s, told IANS: "Cow slaughter is going to be a major issue in this election." Not surprisingly, the more pressing issues of poor electricity supply, law and order situation and lack of schools have taken a backstage. Even after 16 months of Akhlaq's lynching, communal hostility is visible. Akhlaq, 50, was at his home when a mob barged in, took out meat from his fridge, alleged it was beef which his family was consuming and carried out a murderous attack. The local Hindus accused the police of wrongly arresting 18 men from their village under pressure from the Akhilesh Yadav government to "appease" Muslims. Others say that it was only Akhlaq's family which was compensated by the state government. Ravi Kumar, 21, one of those arrested after Akhlaq's murder, died on November 4 in mysterious circumstances while in judicial custody. A family member told IANS: "You see the pain of Akhlaq's mother, but you can't see the pain of Ravi's mother? We didn't even get Ravi's autopsy report." Bisadah village is home to some 10,000 people, of whom 70 per cent are from the Rajput community. Muslims account for 15 per cent. The rest are lower castes. "Rahul Gandhi and (Delhi Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal visited the village after Akhlaq's death but they never visited Ravi's family," Tikam Singh, another villager, told IANS. Another woman, Leelavati Devi, has two sons -- Hariom Singh and Shriom Singh -- still lodged in jail for the 2015 murder. People from the village provide food to the family. Villager Rajesh Singh added: "Rajnath Singh's rally is a sign we are not going to vote for the Congress or Samajwadi Party." In most Muslim homes, people are tight-lipped. To avoid talking, many even claimed they were merely visiting the village. Mohammad Iliyas Khan said: "Everything has changed here after Akhlaq's death. Earlier there used to be harmony in the village. Now that peace has gone."
By PTI

KOHIMA: With the deadline given by tribal bodies for Chief Minister T R Zeliang's resignation set to expire today, the agitating Nagaland Tribes Action Committee, Kohima and Joint Coordination Committee urged him to step down on moral grounds, threatening "extreme" steps and "consequences" if he failed to do so.

In a statement, the organisations asserted that stepping down on moral grounds from office can be the only rational action by the CM that will mitigate the loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property that had taken place in the wake of Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections in some areas on February 1 with 33 per cent reservation for women.

In a serious threat, the statement said on expiry of the deadline, people of the state will be left with no other option but to resort "to the most extreme step and the consequences arising out of it will be borne entirely by TR Zeliang and his cabinet."

Accusing the Zeliang-led cabinet of having commited "treachery", the two organsiations said that the apex tribal body Naga Hoho, which had given him a 3-day ultimatum, is sticking to the demand that Zeliang step down from the office of the Chief Minister.

"The issue at hand is not a constitutional matter but a plain moral issue of owning up and acting upon it," the statement said.

The move comes after Zeliang met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi yesterday where he explained to the Centre about how the state government was determined to fulfill its Constitutional obligation of holding ULB polls with 33 per cent reservation for women.

According to Nagaland officials, Zeliang told Singh that he had initiated the election process after several tribal organisations expressed support to holding of ULB polls with reservation of seats for women, and claimed these bodies took a U-turn since announcement of poll dates.

KOHIMA: With the deadline given by tribal bodies for Chief Minister T R Zeliang's resignation set to expire today, the agitating Nagaland Tribes Action Committee, Kohima and Joint Coordination Committee urged him to step down on moral grounds, threatening "extreme" steps and "consequences" if he failed to do so. In a statement, the organisations asserted that stepping down on moral grounds from office can be the only rational action by the CM that will mitigate the loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property that had taken place in the wake of Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections in some areas on February 1 with 33 per cent reservation for women. In a serious threat, the statement said on expiry of the deadline, people of the state will be left with no other option but to resort "to the most extreme step and the consequences arising out of it will be borne entirely by TR Zeliang and his cabinet." Accusing the Zeliang-led cabinet of having commited "treachery", the two organsiations said that the apex tribal body Naga Hoho, which had given him a 3-day ultimatum, is sticking to the demand that Zeliang step down from the office of the Chief Minister. "The issue at hand is not a constitutional matter but a plain moral issue of owning up and acting upon it," the statement said. The move comes after Zeliang met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi yesterday where he explained to the Centre about how the state government was determined to fulfill its Constitutional obligation of holding ULB polls with 33 per cent reservation for women. According to Nagaland officials, Zeliang told Singh that he had initiated the election process after several tribal organisations expressed support to holding of ULB polls with reservation of seats for women, and claimed these bodies took a U-turn since announcement of poll dates.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: Udayan Das, the West Bengal man who is accused of killing his girlfriend last year and his parents seven years ago, has reportedly told his interrogators that he would prefer to be given a death sentence and hanged in the Bankura jail so that his deceased lovers parents can witness his death.

The man had on Thursday confessed to killing Akansha Sharma because he suspected she was not faithful to him. Police sources said Udayan Das broke down during interrogation on Friday and begged to be hanged in the Bankura prison.

A senior police official said Udayan Das was grilled for six hours on Friday. Udayan started crying and said he deserved to be hanged for his crimes. He wanted to be hanged right there in the Bankura prison, the officer said.

Akansha's parents live in Bankura. The officer said Udayan Das wanted them to be able to witness his death.

Udayan Das

Thirty-two years old, Udayan Das is accused of killing Akansha Sharma on July 14, 2016, and burying her in the living room of his residence in Saketnagar in Bhopal. Police also say he killed and buried his parents, Birendra Kumar Das and Indrani Das, at their SBI Colony bungalow in Raipur in Chhattisgarh seven years ago. After both murders, he continued to keep their Facebook accounts alive in an effort to give the impression that they were still alive.

Udayan Das is believed to have told his interrogators that after murdering his parents, he withdrew Rs 28 lakh from his father's account and Rs 22 lakh from mother's account and was going to withdraw Rs 19 lakh more.

Udayan Das first met Akansha at Jaipur airport in 2007 and drew closer to her on social media. Akansha and Udayan Das met 14 times from 2007 to 2014 in Bhopal where he had moved after the murder of his parents, sources revealed.

The man is slated to be in custody of the Bankura police till February 15, when he will be produced in the district court. The Raipur police will then seek Udayan's transit remand to investigate him for the murders of his parents.

KOLKATA: Udayan Das, the West Bengal man who is accused of killing his girlfriend last year and his parents seven years ago, has reportedly told his interrogators that he would prefer to be given a death sentence and hanged in the Bankura jail so that his deceased lovers parents can witness his death. The man had on Thursday confessed to killing Akansha Sharma because he suspected she was not faithful to him. Police sources said Udayan Das broke down during interrogation on Friday and begged to be hanged in the Bankura prison. A senior police official said Udayan Das was grilled for six hours on Friday. Udayan started crying and said he deserved to be hanged for his crimes. He wanted to be hanged right there in the Bankura prison, the officer said. Akansha's parents live in Bankura. The officer said Udayan Das wanted them to be able to witness his death. Udayan DasThirty-two years old, Udayan Das is accused of killing Akansha Sharma on July 14, 2016, and burying her in the living room of his residence in Saketnagar in Bhopal. Police also say he killed and buried his parents, Birendra Kumar Das and Indrani Das, at their SBI Colony bungalow in Raipur in Chhattisgarh seven years ago. After both murders, he continued to keep their Facebook accounts alive in an effort to give the impression that they were still alive. Udayan Das is believed to have told his interrogators that after murdering his parents, he withdrew Rs 28 lakh from his father's account and Rs 22 lakh from mother's account and was going to withdraw Rs 19 lakh more. Udayan Das first met Akansha at Jaipur airport in 2007 and drew closer to her on social media. Akansha and Udayan Das met 14 times from 2007 to 2014 in Bhopal where he had moved after the murder of his parents, sources revealed. The man is slated to be in custody of the Bankura police till February 15, when he will be produced in the district court. The Raipur police will then seek Udayan's transit remand to investigate him for the murders of his parents.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: The West Bengal police are saying that a woman who killed her 28-days-old twin daughters did so because she was being harassed for giving birth to female children. However, the womans husband said there was no harassment.

The incident took place on Thursday, February 9, in Alisagar in West Bengals Paschim Medinipur district. The woman, Gouri Giri, is the wife of a daily wage worker, Prashant.

On Thursday afternoon, when her husband and her mother-in-law Bijli Rani, also a daily wager, went out to work, Gouri Giri allegedly laid out the twins, named Ambika and Anwesha, in the hot sun and covered them with a thick blanket. The 28-day-old twins were suffocated to death.

The infants bodies have been sent for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, a police officer from the Debra police station said.

Gouri Giri has been booked under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sent to three days in police custody.

Police say they have found that Gouri Giri was being harassed by her in-laws for giving birth to twin girls. Gouri and Prashant have a son, Abhi, five years old.

They planned a second child and her husbands family are said to have wanted another son. The police officer said the family was worried that they wouldnt be able to afford two more daughters.

Prashant, who registered a case against Gouri at the Debra police station, said, "I never thought she would do this. She seemed to love our daughters."

KOLKATA: The West Bengal police are saying that a woman who killed her 28-days-old twin daughters did so because she was being harassed for giving birth to female children. However, the womans husband said there was no harassment. The incident took place on Thursday, February 9, in Alisagar in West Bengals Paschim Medinipur district. The woman, Gouri Giri, is the wife of a daily wage worker, Prashant. On Thursday afternoon, when her husband and her mother-in-law Bijli Rani, also a daily wager, went out to work, Gouri Giri allegedly laid out the twins, named Ambika and Anwesha, in the hot sun and covered them with a thick blanket. The 28-day-old twins were suffocated to death. The infants bodies have been sent for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, a police officer from the Debra police station said. Gouri Giri has been booked under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sent to three days in police custody. Police say they have found that Gouri Giri was being harassed by her in-laws for giving birth to twin girls. Gouri and Prashant have a son, Abhi, five years old. They planned a second child and her husbands family are said to have wanted another son. The police officer said the family was worried that they wouldnt be able to afford two more daughters. Prashant, who registered a case against Gouri at the Debra police station, said, "I never thought she would do this. She seemed to love our daughters."
By IANS

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik was arrested here on Friday while Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest, police said.



Malik was arrested when he and his supporters tried to lead a march from Sarai Bala area to Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar, the summer capital of the state.



Earlier, Mirwaiz, who was also to lead a march towards the UN military observers group headquarters, was placed under house arrest.



Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar to prevent the Friday protests called by separatist groups.

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik was arrested here on Friday while Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest, police said. Malik was arrested when he and his supporters tried to lead a march from Sarai Bala area to Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar, the summer capital of the state. Earlier, Mirwaiz, who was also to lead a march towards the UN military observers group headquarters, was placed under house arrest. Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar to prevent the Friday protests called by separatist groups.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Unlike the rest of Uttar Pradesh, in the 73 seats in western Uttar Pradesh going to polls in the first phase in the State on Saturday, the contest is four-cornered.

That is, in clear terms, four political parties/alliances -- BJP, BSP, the Samajwadi Party-Congress combine and lastly Ajit Singh's RLD -- are fighting it out with each other in this region, with its distinctive characteristics.

The BJP has locked horns with the RLD to retain its dominance over one of the major vote-banks of the region, the Jats. The polarised Jat voters of 2014 had partly helped the BJP win the massive mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, paving the way for Narendra Modi's national ascendancy.

If the BJP manages to hold on to the seats of the Jat belt of western UP, there's a fair chance that it would be within a striking distance of power in Lucknow when votes are counted on March 11.

But, if Ajit Singh's RLD bounces back on its slogan that the BJP has not kept its promise of giving reservation to the Jat community, then it could be a rather uphill task for the BJP.

Ground-level reports suggest that the Centre's demonetisation move, in addition to the unsatisfactory minimum support price for sugarcane, has left the Jat community restive and divided, with the youth still rooting for Modi and the old generation returning to Ajit Singh.

If the Jat community has a choice between the BJP and RLD, the Muslims -- the other big bloc of voters -- too have a choice, between the SP-Congress combine and the BSP.

Law and order, which is an issue in this part of UP that has seen riots, has the minority voter talk about Mayawati's 'stern' administration with a tinge of nostalgia.

Last Assembly elections, SP and BSP were equally placed with 24 seats each. But this time, the Muslim voters in West UP seem set for a decisive vote to either one of them, the SP-Congress or the BSP.

The Congress does have a few pockets of influence in this region and to be fair, there's no strong anti-incumbency against its ally, Akhilesh Yadav.

But Mayawati who has chosen her candidates carefully and has a better law and order record than Akhilesh is very much in the reckoning.

Whether she or Ajit Singh will be a winner or a spoiler, will only be known when the votes are counted.

Then come the Dalit voters, for whom BJP chief Amit Shah and BSP chief Mayawati are battling it out.

If the Dalits come back to Mayawati en masse, and she gets a sizeable chunk of Muslim votes, then there's no stopping her. If Shah manages to restrict Mayawati to her core Jatav votes, then it will be harder for the BSP to balance the act in the other coming phases.

In western UP thus, it's indeed a four-cornered contest with no clear wave in any one's favour. But it's also a straight fight for vote banks.

NEW DELHI: Unlike the rest of Uttar Pradesh, in the 73 seats in western Uttar Pradesh going to polls in the first phase in the State on Saturday, the contest is four-cornered. That is, in clear terms, four political parties/alliances -- BJP, BSP, the Samajwadi Party-Congress combine and lastly Ajit Singh's RLD -- are fighting it out with each other in this region, with its distinctive characteristics. The BJP has locked horns with the RLD to retain its dominance over one of the major vote-banks of the region, the Jats. The polarised Jat voters of 2014 had partly helped the BJP win the massive mandate in the Lok Sabha elections, paving the way for Narendra Modi's national ascendancy. If the BJP manages to hold on to the seats of the Jat belt of western UP, there's a fair chance that it would be within a striking distance of power in Lucknow when votes are counted on March 11. But, if Ajit Singh's RLD bounces back on its slogan that the BJP has not kept its promise of giving reservation to the Jat community, then it could be a rather uphill task for the BJP. Ground-level reports suggest that the Centre's demonetisation move, in addition to the unsatisfactory minimum support price for sugarcane, has left the Jat community restive and divided, with the youth still rooting for Modi and the old generation returning to Ajit Singh. If the Jat community has a choice between the BJP and RLD, the Muslims -- the other big bloc of voters -- too have a choice, between the SP-Congress combine and the BSP. Law and order, which is an issue in this part of UP that has seen riots, has the minority voter talk about Mayawati's 'stern' administration with a tinge of nostalgia. Last Assembly elections, SP and BSP were equally placed with 24 seats each. But this time, the Muslim voters in West UP seem set for a decisive vote to either one of them, the SP-Congress or the BSP. The Congress does have a few pockets of influence in this region and to be fair, there's no strong anti-incumbency against its ally, Akhilesh Yadav. But Mayawati who has chosen her candidates carefully and has a better law and order record than Akhilesh is very much in the reckoning. Whether she or Ajit Singh will be a winner or a spoiler, will only be known when the votes are counted. Then come the Dalit voters, for whom BJP chief Amit Shah and BSP chief Mayawati are battling it out. If the Dalits come back to Mayawati en masse, and she gets a sizeable chunk of Muslim votes, then there's no stopping her. If Shah manages to restrict Mayawati to her core Jatav votes, then it will be harder for the BSP to balance the act in the other coming phases. In western UP thus, it's indeed a four-cornered contest with no clear wave in any one's favour. But it's also a straight fight for vote banks.
Mexico now knows the size of the bill theyll be receiving from the Trump administration for the border wall the president has promised to build -- and its a lot bigger than expected. A report completed by the Department of Homeland Security and leaked to the Reuters news agency on Thursday, pegs the cost of extending the existing barrier along the southern border at $21.6 billion, almost double the $12 billion figure that Trump floated during his presidential campaign.

The project would be completed in phases and would take some three and a half years, meaning that unless the project is started almost immediately, it would likely remain incomplete by the end of Trumps first term in office.

Related: Heres Why Trump May Be Sending More Jobs to Mexico than He Saves

In remarks to law enforcement officials in Washington on Wednesday, Trump reported that the wall was being designed right now.

However, this week, DHS Secretary John Kelly told Congress that isnt likely to happen, testifying only that construction would be well under way within two years. Kelly did restate the administrations commitment to completing it, though, calling the border with Mexico a gaping wound in national security.

The wall, as a key element of Trumps campaign for the Oval Office, has become a symbol of his effort to crack down on illegal immigration, and despite the cost and logistical difficulty of erecting it, is not something the president can afford to back away from.

He also cannot retreat on his repeated insistence that Mexico will pay for the construction, a promise that was largely viewed as a fantasy even before the cost of the construction was revealed to be far higher than Trump originally claimed.

Related: Trump Pratfalls Onto the World Stage Targeting Muslims, Mexico, and Iraqs Oil

The fuss over payment for the wall has already led to one of several foreign policy missteps by the new administration, with a planned visit from the Mexican president being scrapped after Trump found himself in a Twitter-based war of words with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.

Story continues

In an odd aside, prior to Trumps decision to go after Pena Nieto on Twitter, the president had delivered a speech about Mexico that many saw as conciliatory. He said, a strong and healthy economy in Mexico is very good for the United States  very, very good...I truly believe we can enhance the relation between our two nations to a degree not seen before, certainly in a very, very long time.

According to The Washington Post, the language in Trumps speech was tempered by his son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, with an assist from Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray, who was in the White House prior to its delivery.

In a television appearance later that day, though, Pena Nieto restated his refusal to pay for the wall, leading Trump to suggest that the Mexican president should cancel his upcoming visit, which Pena Nieto promptly did.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
The Indian bureaucracy is notorious for inventing outrageous ways of self-aggrandisement. However, nothing demonstrates its unbridled audacity for disregarding all civilised norms of probity than the disreputable Non Functional Upgrade (NFU) scheme. One must doff ones hat to the ingenuity of the bureaucracy to loot the nation. Simultaneously, the political leadership needs to be pitied for a total lack of spine to check this blatant delinquency. Bureaucracy rules the roost.

The Sixth Central Pay Commission, in its March 2008 report, recommended introduction of NFU to reward civil servants of 49 Organized Central Group A Civil Services with automatic time-bound pay promotions till the Higher Administrative Grade. Subsequently, it was made applicable to the IPS and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS). Its stated purpose is to alleviate stagnation in the civil services.

Opinion in the Seventh Central Pay Commission was divided. The Chairman felt the NFU should continue because it had existed for the last 10 years while two distinguished members faulted its basic premise and recommended its total withdrawal. The pusillanimous government decided to continue with NFU.

NFU implies that whenever any IAS officer of a particular batch is promoted to a specific grade pay in pay bands PB-3 or PB-4, grant of higher pay scale on non-functional basis should be granted to the officers belonging to batches of Organized Central Group A Civil Services senior by two years.

For better understanding, let us take an actual case. On 22 August 2016, the first officer of the 1999 batch of IAS was appointed as Joint Secretary in the Centre. It resulted in simultaneous upgradation of all officers of the 1999 batch of IAS and the 1997 batch of 49 Organized Central Group A Civil Services (along with IPS and IFoS) to joint secretary grade on non-functional basis. Consequently, all of them started earning pay of joint secretary from the said date, even while continuing to perform functions of junior appointments.

The NFU is by far the most blatant loot by the officialdom anywhere in the world. There is no international precedent for such a scheme. It is a malady of epidemic proportions and has the potential of hollowing out all organs of the state. The domino effect is already discernible. Initially, it was meant only for 49 Organized Central Group A Civil Services. The IPS and IFoS were soon added.

In Sep. 2015, the Delhi High Court declared the Central Armed Police Forces as organised services, thereby entitling them to the NFU. In its Dec. 2016 verdict, the principal bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal in New Delhi allowed a petition by the armed forces demanding the NFU, thereby meeting their long-standing demand.

Right to equality of status and opportunity is enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution. Article 16 (1) is more specific and states: There shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State. Thus, it will be difficult to deny the NFU to other government employees. The demand is already being raised by the unorganised Group A Services, Group B Services and Group C Services. If alleviation of stagnation is the sole justification for NFU, their case is far stronger as they have fewer opportunities for advancement. It will not be long before State government employees demand similar dispensation. The future is fraught with turmoil.

The NFU suffers from serious fundamental infirmities. The promotions are independent of all administrative imperatives like organisational structure, availability of vacancies, job responsibility, span of control and challenges of decision-making.

It delinks promotions from career progression, thereby completely abolishing the merit-based selection system. With assured promotions, there is no incentive to excel in work. It is a fundamental principle that financial remunerations must relate to the responsibility being undertaken. How can an official performing the duties of joint secretary be given the pay scale of an additional secretary? It is totally absurd.

By linking promotions to progression in IAS, it makes an untenable attempt to equate all services. In addition, it damages the structural edifice of all services. Through promotions to entire batches, it bloats the central services and makes them cylindrical in nature.

Worse, as pay scales decide parity in government services, the NFU has undermined the status of the defence forces with disastrous effect on command and control. In mixed organisations, citing NFU pay scales, most civilian officials refuse to obey their senior service officers.

Selection for higher levels needs to be merit-based, not seniority-based. The NFU negates this. In case stagnation is a problem, the right way to solve it is through cadre-review and not en masse promotions. Senior level positions and pay scales should not be available to everybody as a matter of course. In no other country can a employee expect pay of a senior position while performing functions of a junior position.

It is symptomatic of the bureaucracys self-serving arrogance and total disregard to basic norms of ethics and principles. As it rewards mediocrity and encourages non-performance, it has the potential to play havoc with financial prudence, organisational efficiency and responsible governance.

It is naive to expect the bureaucracy to shed the NFU voluntarily or the political leadership to crack the whip. The honourable Supreme Court of the country is the only hope to stop this shameful loot of the national exchequer. As the NFU is malum in se (bad in law), it is an ideal case for being taken up suo moto by the top court.

Maj. Gen. Mrinal Suman

A decorated veteran and expert in defence procurement procedures

Email: mrinalsuman@gmail.com

The Indian bureaucracy is notorious for inventing outrageous ways of self-aggrandisement. However, nothing demonstrates its unbridled audacity for disregarding all civilised norms of probity than the disreputable Non Functional Upgrade (NFU) scheme. One must doff ones hat to the ingenuity of the bureaucracy to loot the nation. Simultaneously, the political leadership needs to be pitied for a total lack of spine to check this blatant delinquency. Bureaucracy rules the roost. The Sixth Central Pay Commission, in its March 2008 report, recommended introduction of NFU to reward civil servants of 49 Organized Central Group A Civil Services with automatic time-bound pay promotions till the Higher Administrative Grade. Subsequently, it was made applicable to the IPS and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS). Its stated purpose is to alleviate stagnation in the civil services. Opinion in the Seventh Central Pay Commission was divided. The Chairman felt the NFU should continue because it had existed for the last 10 years while two distinguished members faulted its basic premise and recommended its total withdrawal. The pusillanimous government decided to continue with NFU. NFU implies that whenever any IAS officer of a particular batch is promoted to a specific grade pay in pay bands PB-3 or PB-4, grant of higher pay scale on non-functional basis should be granted to the officers belonging to batches of Organized Central Group A Civil Services senior by two years. For better understanding, let us take an actual case. On 22 August 2016, the first officer of the 1999 batch of IAS was appointed as Joint Secretary in the Centre. It resulted in simultaneous upgradation of all officers of the 1999 batch of IAS and the 1997 batch of 49 Organized Central Group A Civil Services (along with IPS and IFoS) to joint secretary grade on non-functional basis. Consequently, all of them started earning pay of joint secretary from the said date, even while continuing to perform functions of junior appointments. The NFU is by far the most blatant loot by the officialdom anywhere in the world. There is no international precedent for such a scheme. It is a malady of epidemic proportions and has the potential of hollowing out all organs of the state. The domino effect is already discernible. Initially, it was meant only for 49 Organized Central Group A Civil Services. The IPS and IFoS were soon added. In Sep. 2015, the Delhi High Court declared the Central Armed Police Forces as organised services, thereby entitling them to the NFU. In its Dec. 2016 verdict, the principal bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal in New Delhi allowed a petition by the armed forces demanding the NFU, thereby meeting their long-standing demand. Right to equality of status and opportunity is enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution. Article 16 (1) is more specific and states: There shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State. Thus, it will be difficult to deny the NFU to other government employees. The demand is already being raised by the unorganised Group A Services, Group B Services and Group C Services. If alleviation of stagnation is the sole justification for NFU, their case is far stronger as they have fewer opportunities for advancement. It will not be long before State government employees demand similar dispensation. The future is fraught with turmoil. The NFU suffers from serious fundamental infirmities. The promotions are independent of all administrative imperatives like organisational structure, availability of vacancies, job responsibility, span of control and challenges of decision-making. It delinks promotions from career progression, thereby completely abolishing the merit-based selection system. With assured promotions, there is no incentive to excel in work. It is a fundamental principle that financial remunerations must relate to the responsibility being undertaken. How can an official performing the duties of joint secretary be given the pay scale of an additional secretary? It is totally absurd. By linking promotions to progression in IAS, it makes an untenable attempt to equate all services. In addition, it damages the structural edifice of all services. Through promotions to entire batches, it bloats the central services and makes them cylindrical in nature. Worse, as pay scales decide parity in government services, the NFU has undermined the status of the defence forces with disastrous effect on command and control. In mixed organisations, citing NFU pay scales, most civilian officials refuse to obey their senior service officers. Selection for higher levels needs to be merit-based, not seniority-based. The NFU negates this. In case stagnation is a problem, the right way to solve it is through cadre-review and not en masse promotions. Senior level positions and pay scales should not be available to everybody as a matter of course. In no other country can a employee expect pay of a senior position while performing functions of a junior position. It is symptomatic of the bureaucracys self-serving arrogance and total disregard to basic norms of ethics and principles. As it rewards mediocrity and encourages non-performance, it has the potential to play havoc with financial prudence, organisational efficiency and responsible governance. It is naive to expect the bureaucracy to shed the NFU voluntarily or the political leadership to crack the whip. The honourable Supreme Court of the country is the only hope to stop this shameful loot of the national exchequer. As the NFU is malum in se (bad in law), it is an ideal case for being taken up suo moto by the top court. Maj. Gen. Mrinal Suman A decorated veteran and expert in defence procurement procedures Email: mrinalsuman@gmail.com
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: Based on harassment complaint lodged by one 38-year-old NRI woman with city police commissioner through email, Penamaluru police arrested one Akkineni Vijay Krishna (38), son of a former Telugu Desam MLA from Jaggaiahpet, Akkineni Lokeswar Rao, on Thursday, here.

According to the police, the victim had lodged a harassment complaint with city police commissioner on February 2 from Louisville of Kentucky in USA. The woman, who hails from Penamaluru of Vijayawada, got married 15 years back and was living in the US for the last 10 years. Reportedly, she had been facing harassment through WhatsApp and email from the accused since the last four years as Vijay Krishna threatened to upload her photos and video clips taken before her marriage.

They both belong to Penamaluru and resided nearby where family members were also close acquaintances. Both the accused and victim knew each other. To protect her marriage, she had sent a mail to city police commissioner Gautam Sawang. Later, after confirmation about the complainant, Sawang instructed Penamaluru police to investigate the case.

The police have confirmed the accuseds role in harassment. Vijay Krishna collected the phone number and email ID of the woman and started sending messages and comments to the victim asking her to leave her husband and get married to him. The police conducted raid on Vijay Krishnas residence in Penamaluru and seized mobile phones, computer, hard disks and other electronic devices. The police found more than 500 pictures of the victim.

Later, Gautam Sawang said that wife of Vijay Krishna, who is also a victim of dowry harassment, approached him and lodged a complaint. Based on complaints from both, the police have registered cases under Sections 354 (d), 506 for criminal intimidation, 509 for gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman and a case under IT Act 2008, 498A of IPC was booked.

VIJAYAWADA: Based on harassment complaint lodged by one 38-year-old NRI woman with city police commissioner through email, Penamaluru police arrested one Akkineni Vijay Krishna (38), son of a former Telugu Desam MLA from Jaggaiahpet, Akkineni Lokeswar Rao, on Thursday, here. According to the police, the victim had lodged a harassment complaint with city police commissioner on February 2 from Louisville of Kentucky in USA. The woman, who hails from Penamaluru of Vijayawada, got married 15 years back and was living in the US for the last 10 years. Reportedly, she had been facing harassment through WhatsApp and email from the accused since the last four years as Vijay Krishna threatened to upload her photos and video clips taken before her marriage. They both belong to Penamaluru and resided nearby where family members were also close acquaintances. Both the accused and victim knew each other. To protect her marriage, she had sent a mail to city police commissioner Gautam Sawang. Later, after confirmation about the complainant, Sawang instructed Penamaluru police to investigate the case. The police have confirmed the accuseds role in harassment. Vijay Krishna collected the phone number and email ID of the woman and started sending messages and comments to the victim asking her to leave her husband and get married to him. The police conducted raid on Vijay Krishnas residence in Penamaluru and seized mobile phones, computer, hard disks and other electronic devices. The police found more than 500 pictures of the victim. Later, Gautam Sawang said that wife of Vijay Krishna, who is also a victim of dowry harassment, approached him and lodged a complaint. Based on complaints from both, the police have registered cases under Sections 354 (d), 506 for criminal intimidation, 509 for gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman and a case under IT Act 2008, 498A of IPC was booked.
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: Indian Bank managing director Mahesh Kumar Jain met Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu here on Thursday. The bank proposed Rs 5,000 crore investment in infrastructure, education, tourism and hospitality sectors in the State.

Jain explained to the Chief Minister that the Indian Bank is the best performing bank in entire Asia and agreed to the request of the Chief Minister for setting up the banks zonal in the capital city of Amaravati. At present it has three zonal offices in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati.

The bank's managing director explained that over 50 per cent of the loans issued by the bank are agriculture loans. He said they extended loans to Kapu Corporation, Brahmin Corporation, SC, BC and Minority corporations. Mahesh Jain explained that in Krishna district alone, they have 100 banking correspondents and another 145 in Guntur and Prakasam districts.

VIJAYAWADA: Indian Bank managing director Mahesh Kumar Jain met Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu here on Thursday. The bank proposed Rs 5,000 crore investment in infrastructure, education, tourism and hospitality sectors in the State. Jain explained to the Chief Minister that the Indian Bank is the best performing bank in entire Asia and agreed to the request of the Chief Minister for setting up the banks zonal in the capital city of Amaravati. At present it has three zonal offices in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati. The bank's managing director explained that over 50 per cent of the loans issued by the bank are agriculture loans. He said they extended loans to Kapu Corporation, Brahmin Corporation, SC, BC and Minority corporations. Mahesh Jain explained that in Krishna district alone, they have 100 banking correspondents and another 145 in Guntur and Prakasam districts.
By Express News Service

ALAPPUZHA: A local leader of DYFI was hacked to death at Karuvatta near Haripad in the district on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Jishnu 22, a native Oottuparambu near Karuvatta. According to police, a ten-member gang reached in two wheelers hacked him near his house around 12.30 pm.

Jishnu is the joint secretary of DYFI Haripad Area Committee. Local leaders of CPM said a 'quotation' (local usage for criminal activities for money) gang was behind the murder. A gang located near Kannukalipalam near Karuvatta was suspected behind the murder. According to CPM Jishnu and other members of DYFI had protested against the activities of the gang and this enmity might have led to the murder.

District Police have deployed large posse of police in the area.

ALAPPUZHA: A local leader of DYFI was hacked to death at Karuvatta near Haripad in the district on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Jishnu 22, a native Oottuparambu near Karuvatta. According to police, a ten-member gang reached in two wheelers hacked him near his house around 12.30 pm. Jishnu is the joint secretary of DYFI Haripad Area Committee. Local leaders of CPM said a 'quotation' (local usage for criminal activities for money) gang was behind the murder. A gang located near Kannukalipalam near Karuvatta was suspected behind the murder. According to CPM Jishnu and other members of DYFI had protested against the activities of the gang and this enmity might have led to the murder. District Police have deployed large posse of police in the area.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The State Government has asked the Bahrain Government to set up a Kerala Public School and Engineering College in Bahrain as part of the Bahrain Kerala Academic Exchange.

During his interaction with Bahrain Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has taken up a number of issues with the Bahrain Government.

Formulating a government to government financial district in the state to make use of human resources in Kerala and the spending potential of Bahrain citizens figures among the most prominent proposals put forth by the CM.

Another major suggestion was about creating a special investment fund for infrastructure development in Kerala.

The other proposals that came up during the discussion include setting up of a cultural complex in the name of Bahrain administrators in Kerala for Bahrain-Kerala cultural exchange and building a hospital for Bahrain natives for specialised treatment of cancer, cardiac illness and diabetes and providing treatment at a low cost.

Establishing a Kerala clinic for Malayalis in Bahrain and ensuring traditional and modern treatment, and setting up of a new centre under Norka to provide legal support to Keralites in Bahrain were also raised with the administrators during the discussions.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The State Government has asked the Bahrain Government to set up a Kerala Public School and Engineering College in Bahrain as part of the Bahrain Kerala Academic Exchange. During his interaction with Bahrain Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has taken up a number of issues with the Bahrain Government. Formulating a government to government financial district in the state to make use of human resources in Kerala and the spending potential of Bahrain citizens figures among the most prominent proposals put forth by the CM. Another major suggestion was about creating a special investment fund for infrastructure development in Kerala. The other proposals that came up during the discussion include setting up of a cultural complex in the name of Bahrain administrators in Kerala for Bahrain-Kerala cultural exchange and building a hospital for Bahrain natives for specialised treatment of cancer, cardiac illness and diabetes and providing treatment at a low cost. Establishing a Kerala clinic for Malayalis in Bahrain and ensuring traditional and modern treatment, and setting up of a new centre under Norka to provide legal support to Keralites in Bahrain were also raised with the administrators during the discussions.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: Alleging that both BJD and BJP have raised the Mahanadi river water dispute keeping the panchayat polls in view, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) today asked the ruling BJD to oppose the NDA government in Parliament and raise the issue there instead of organising Jal Satyagrahas in the State.



Reiterating the Congress stand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should immediately convene a meeting of the two states to resolve the dispute, OPCC president Prasad Harichandan told media persons here that if there is no possibility of a negotiated settlement the Centre should refer the matter to a tribunal without further delay.



Stating that the Chhattisgarh government is responsible for the reduced flow of water in the Mahanadi river, Harichandan criticised the state BJP for supporting the neighbouring state.

"The state BJP has all along supported the Chhattisgarh government by maintaining that flow of water in the Mahanadi river will never reduce," he said.



Referring to the campaign by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh in panchayat polls for BJP candidates, Harichandan said he should have stopped all barrage work on Mahanadi before coming

to Odisha. However, despite opposition from BJD, Congress and Samajwadi Party, Singh is scheduled to campaign for the BJP candidates in Sundargarh district on Saturday.



The OPCC president also alleged that BJD is trying to intimidate Congress candidates by threatening them and asking them to refrain from campaigning. Referring to the spate of violent activities in all parts of the state during campaigning, Harichandan said steps should be taken by the State Election Commission (SEC) for a free and fair poll.



"Situation is not conducive for a free and fair poll. The SEC should immediate initiate steps in this regard," Harichandan said and alleged that police is misusing section 107 of the CrPC against Congress candidates.



Congress today sought protection for Dayabati Minj, party's candidate for Zone 2 Zilla Parishad seat in Rengali as she has been threatened by police and asked not to campaign.

BHUBANESWAR: Alleging that both BJD and BJP have raised the Mahanadi river water dispute keeping the panchayat polls in view, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) today asked the ruling BJD to oppose the NDA government in Parliament and raise the issue there instead of organising Jal Satyagrahas in the State. Reiterating the Congress stand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should immediately convene a meeting of the two states to resolve the dispute, OPCC president Prasad Harichandan told media persons here that if there is no possibility of a negotiated settlement the Centre should refer the matter to a tribunal without further delay. Stating that the Chhattisgarh government is responsible for the reduced flow of water in the Mahanadi river, Harichandan criticised the state BJP for supporting the neighbouring state. "The state BJP has all along supported the Chhattisgarh government by maintaining that flow of water in the Mahanadi river will never reduce," he said. Referring to the campaign by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh in panchayat polls for BJP candidates, Harichandan said he should have stopped all barrage work on Mahanadi before coming to Odisha. However, despite opposition from BJD, Congress and Samajwadi Party, Singh is scheduled to campaign for the BJP candidates in Sundargarh district on Saturday. The OPCC president also alleged that BJD is trying to intimidate Congress candidates by threatening them and asking them to refrain from campaigning. Referring to the spate of violent activities in all parts of the state during campaigning, Harichandan said steps should be taken by the State Election Commission (SEC) for a free and fair poll. "Situation is not conducive for a free and fair poll. The SEC should immediate initiate steps in this regard," Harichandan said and alleged that police is misusing section 107 of the CrPC against Congress candidates. Congress today sought protection for Dayabati Minj, party's candidate for Zone 2 Zilla Parishad seat in Rengali as she has been threatened by police and asked not to campaign.
By ANI

CHENNAI: Hours after V.K. Sasikala staked her claim to form government in Tamil Nadu, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday made a sardonic remark on Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, saying he should ask the AIADMK general secretary to form the government if 'he has woken up to his duties as a constitutional authority'.



BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said if the incumbent Chief Minister O. Pannerselvam withdraws his resignation, it'll be like putting the toothpaste back in the tube.



"Pannerselvam didn't give any list of MPs or MLAs who are supporting him. He didn't stake any claim. He just wants his resignation to be withdrawn. But, it has already been accepted. How can he do this? It's like putting toothpaste back in the tube," Swamy told ANI.



"So, if the governor has any chance, and he has woken up to his duties as a constitutional authority, he should ask Sasikala to form a government and then move a resolution in the assembly for confidence vote and proceed from there. There is now nothing left. Had Pannerselvam produced a list, there would have been a question over which list to accept. If the governor now doesn't call Sasikala, it would mean he is playing politics and he deserves to be removed," he added.



Earlier, the AIADMK had informed the decision on Twitter. "Chinnamma stakes claim to form Government," the tweet read.



Sasikala had visited former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa's memorial at Chennai's Marina beach. Prior to this, she had met the Tamil Nadu Governor.



Sasikala also carried along with her letter of support claiming majority. She was accompanied by five senior AIADMK leaders.



The Governor also met Panneerselvam.

CHENNAI: Hours after V.K. Sasikala staked her claim to form government in Tamil Nadu, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday made a sardonic remark on Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, saying he should ask the AIADMK general secretary to form the government if 'he has woken up to his duties as a constitutional authority'. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said if the incumbent Chief Minister O. Pannerselvam withdraws his resignation, it'll be like putting the toothpaste back in the tube. "Pannerselvam didn't give any list of MPs or MLAs who are supporting him. He didn't stake any claim. He just wants his resignation to be withdrawn. But, it has already been accepted. How can he do this? It's like putting toothpaste back in the tube," Swamy told ANI. "So, if the governor has any chance, and he has woken up to his duties as a constitutional authority, he should ask Sasikala to form a government and then move a resolution in the assembly for confidence vote and proceed from there. There is now nothing left. Had Pannerselvam produced a list, there would have been a question over which list to accept. If the governor now doesn't call Sasikala, it would mean he is playing politics and he deserves to be removed," he added. Earlier, the AIADMK had informed the decision on Twitter. "Chinnamma stakes claim to form Government," the tweet read. Sasikala had visited former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa's memorial at Chennai's Marina beach. Prior to this, she had met the Tamil Nadu Governor. Sasikala also carried along with her letter of support claiming majority. She was accompanied by five senior AIADMK leaders. The Governor also met Panneerselvam.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: For the fourth consecutive day the political battlefield in Tamil Nadu has been so action-filled that not many were enthusiastic about the famous Alanganallur jallikattu organised on Friday  the conduct of which the people of the state fought for only a few weeks ago.

On Friday, the states governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, whose decisions would shape the further course of events, held a discussion with Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan and the Director General of police TK Rajendran in the morning. But there was no word yet from him on whether he would ask the ruling AIADMKs general secretary V K Sasikala to form the next government or allow the present Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who is now revolting against his partys leadership, to withdraw his resignation to prove his strength in the assembly.

The numbers game was still in favour of Sasikala till this afternoon as most of the AIADMK party men who walked out in support of Pannerselvam are old party hands, not sitting MLAs. Pannerselvam camps claims that all the MLAs  except the five supporting him  were being held hostage in two luxury hotels on the scenic East Coast Road far away from the city.

The MLAs, most of whom had kept their phones switched off for the past two days, today came out and addressed mediapersons saying they were all staying in the hotels on their own accord. The reason given by one MLA to a TV channel on why they had all gathered at one place was that all the MLAs were set to proceed for a function elsewhere and the hotel was just a convenient place on the way for a stopover.

The matter was discussed for a second day this afternoon in the Madras High Court which heard a couple of habeas corpus petitions seeking that the court set the MLAs free. However, the court did not pass any strong orders as an additional public prosecutor representing the government sought time to get instructions from the government before he could make any submissions. However, he retracted his earlier submission in the court that the legislators were free and were present at the MLAs hostel in Chepauk. The bench headed by Justice CT Selvam directed the police to file an affidavit on the issue and instructed them to ascertain if the MLAs were indeed being held hostage, as the Panneerselvam camp had claimed.

Meanwhile, AIADMKs presidium chairman E Madhusudanan has written a belated letter to the Election Commission against the nomination of Sasikala as the partys general secretary. Madhusudanan, who till Wednesday was with Sasikala, had on Thursday switched to Panneerselvams camp. He justified his shifting of loyalty saying he wanted to protect the party from the clutches of a family, referring to the alleged influence of Sasikalas family in the partys affairs.

Sasikalas camp struck back by announcing that the general secretary (Sasikala) had expelled Madhusudanan from the party and that former Minister KA Sengottaiyan was chosen as the new presidium chairman of the party.

With Madhusudanan having been the presidium chairman of the party now joining Pannerselvam, its erstwhile treasurer, the OPS camp clearly seems to be trying to prove that it has control of the AIADMKs organisational setup. The letter sent by Madhusudanan is considered OPS camps strategic move to unsettle Sasikala from the organisational set up.

In the letter to EC, Madhusudanan has cited the partys byelaws to assert that Sasikala is not eligible to become the partys general secretary. And the camp had also argued that Pannerselvams removal as treasurer from the party was against the byelaws as Sasikala being a temporary general secretarydid not have the powers to remove the treasurer.

Meanwhile, Congress sources said that the S Thirunavukkarasar, president of the Congresss TN unit, was questioned by the partys leader, vice-president Rahul Gandhi, for his alleged pro-Sasikala stand. Senior congress leaders, including P Chidambaram, from the state met Rahul Gandhi today in Delhi.

M K Stalin, the working president of the states principal opposition, was busy at Alanganallur watching the jallikattu. When approached by mediapersons to comment on the political developments in the ruling AIADMK, he excused himself saying he was there to watch the bull-taming sport and would prefer not to discuss the power battles, at least at that venue.

CHENNAI: For the fourth consecutive day the political battlefield in Tamil Nadu has been so action-filled that not many were enthusiastic about the famous Alanganallur jallikattu organised on Friday  the conduct of which the people of the state fought for only a few weeks ago. On Friday, the states governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, whose decisions would shape the further course of events, held a discussion with Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan and the Director General of police TK Rajendran in the morning. But there was no word yet from him on whether he would ask the ruling AIADMKs general secretary V K Sasikala to form the next government or allow the present Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who is now revolting against his partys leadership, to withdraw his resignation to prove his strength in the assembly. The numbers game was still in favour of Sasikala till this afternoon as most of the AIADMK party men who walked out in support of Pannerselvam are old party hands, not sitting MLAs. Pannerselvam camps claims that all the MLAs  except the five supporting him  were being held hostage in two luxury hotels on the scenic East Coast Road far away from the city. The MLAs, most of whom had kept their phones switched off for the past two days, today came out and addressed mediapersons saying they were all staying in the hotels on their own accord. The reason given by one MLA to a TV channel on why they had all gathered at one place was that all the MLAs were set to proceed for a function elsewhere and the hotel was just a convenient place on the way for a stopover. The matter was discussed for a second day this afternoon in the Madras High Court which heard a couple of habeas corpus petitions seeking that the court set the MLAs free. However, the court did not pass any strong orders as an additional public prosecutor representing the government sought time to get instructions from the government before he could make any submissions. However, he retracted his earlier submission in the court that the legislators were free and were present at the MLAs hostel in Chepauk. The bench headed by Justice CT Selvam directed the police to file an affidavit on the issue and instructed them to ascertain if the MLAs were indeed being held hostage, as the Panneerselvam camp had claimed. Meanwhile, AIADMKs presidium chairman E Madhusudanan has written a belated letter to the Election Commission against the nomination of Sasikala as the partys general secretary. Madhusudanan, who till Wednesday was with Sasikala, had on Thursday switched to Panneerselvams camp. He justified his shifting of loyalty saying he wanted to protect the party from the clutches of a family, referring to the alleged influence of Sasikalas family in the partys affairs. Sasikalas camp struck back by announcing that the general secretary (Sasikala) had expelled Madhusudanan from the party and that former Minister KA Sengottaiyan was chosen as the new presidium chairman of the party. With Madhusudanan having been the presidium chairman of the party now joining Pannerselvam, its erstwhile treasurer, the OPS camp clearly seems to be trying to prove that it has control of the AIADMKs organisational setup. The letter sent by Madhusudanan is considered OPS camps strategic move to unsettle Sasikala from the organisational set up. In the letter to EC, Madhusudanan has cited the partys byelaws to assert that Sasikala is not eligible to become the partys general secretary. And the camp had also argued that Pannerselvams removal as treasurer from the party was against the byelaws as Sasikala being a temporary general secretarydid not have the powers to remove the treasurer. Meanwhile, Congress sources said that the S Thirunavukkarasar, president of the Congresss TN unit, was questioned by the partys leader, vice-president Rahul Gandhi, for his alleged pro-Sasikala stand. Senior congress leaders, including P Chidambaram, from the state met Rahul Gandhi today in Delhi. M K Stalin, the working president of the states principal opposition, was busy at Alanganallur watching the jallikattu. When approached by mediapersons to comment on the political developments in the ruling AIADMK, he excused himself saying he was there to watch the bull-taming sport and would prefer not to discuss the power battles, at least at that venue.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: It was no more than a chance encounter that Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M Thambidurai managed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

Thambidurai was present when Modi dropped in  as is customary for the Prime Minister upon the successful completion of the first half of the Budget session  on Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in her chambers in Parliament. Senior members of the Union Cabinet, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar too were present. So there was no question of an exclusive meeting between the PM and Thambidurai.

According to sources, no tangible dialogue or even a specific exchange of pleasantries took place between the PM and the Deputy Speaker, as was being claimed by media houses. After thanking the Speaker, Modi left her chambers without much of a conversation.

The AIADMK leader, who is backing V K Sasikala for the chief ministers post in the current stalemate in Tamil Nadu, himself admitted he had no conversation with the Prime Minister. Home Minister Rajnath Singh later told ANI that the political crisis in Tamil Nadu is an internal matter of the AIADMK and the Centre has no role to play in it.

Amid late-evening speculation that Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao sent a report to the President after granting an audience to the two opposing sides  acting Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala  Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a denial.

Sources said the President of India has little role in the matter as of now. Its a call that the Governor of Tamil Nadu has to take in keeping with the legal constitutional position, they said.

Even if the Governor deems it fit to send a report to the Centre, the Union Home Minister is technically the likely recipient of the report.

A top Cabinet minister did not deny that the Governor is taking legal opinion on the relevant constitutional provisions since Sasikalas claim of majority support from AIADMK MLAs is being questioned by Panneerselvam on certain specific grounds, but he added that the opinion would be coming from the Governors own team of constitutional experts, not from Central law officers.

Meanwhile, in Parliament on Thursday, most of the AIADMK MPs were found raising their voices in Sasikalas favour and against the delay by the Governor in calling her to form a government.

A Navanaeethakrishnan, the AIADMKs floor leader in the Rajya Sabha, claimed that Chinnamma (Sasikala) has the support of all legislators in Tamil Nadu and all Parliamentarians, not Panneerselvam. Since Chinnamma has the support of all MLAs, the Governor should not delay the swearing-in ceremony. The budget has to be cleared, theres a drought in the State, and there are other pressing issues that require attention, Navaneethakrishnan said during an interaction at Parliament House. He said the delay by the Governor in appointing Sasikala as chief minister was unconstitutional and impermissible under law.

On Sunday, when AIADMK leaders met and chose Sasikala to lead the party and the State, it was Mr Panneerselvam who fell at her feet. He touched her feet in front of everyone. And now he says he was forced to resign? he asked. During zero hour discussions in the Rajya Sabha, Navaneethakrishnan mentioned the absence of Governor Vidyasagar Rao from the State. The AIADMK MPs trooped into the well of the House in order to save democracy. The swearing-in ceremony should be conducted today itself, he said.

Another MP alleged that Panneerselvam was acting as a puppet of the DMK, which has said it will support him. The MP, however, did not blame the Union government for Panneerselvams rebellion. He said even the late M G Ramachandran never antagonised the Centre. The original plan was to parade the MLAs before the President of India, but when media reports came in that the Governor would be in Chennai, the plan was dropped. Even Raj Bhavan had no information about the arrival of the Governor. We got to know of it from the media, the MP said.

NEW DELHI: It was no more than a chance encounter that Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M Thambidurai managed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Thambidurai was present when Modi dropped in  as is customary for the Prime Minister upon the successful completion of the first half of the Budget session  on Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in her chambers in Parliament. Senior members of the Union Cabinet, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar too were present. So there was no question of an exclusive meeting between the PM and Thambidurai. According to sources, no tangible dialogue or even a specific exchange of pleasantries took place between the PM and the Deputy Speaker, as was being claimed by media houses. After thanking the Speaker, Modi left her chambers without much of a conversation. The AIADMK leader, who is backing V K Sasikala for the chief ministers post in the current stalemate in Tamil Nadu, himself admitted he had no conversation with the Prime Minister. Home Minister Rajnath Singh later told ANI that the political crisis in Tamil Nadu is an internal matter of the AIADMK and the Centre has no role to play in it. Amid late-evening speculation that Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao sent a report to the President after granting an audience to the two opposing sides  acting Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala  Rashtrapati Bhavan issued a denial. Sources said the President of India has little role in the matter as of now. Its a call that the Governor of Tamil Nadu has to take in keeping with the legal constitutional position, they said. Even if the Governor deems it fit to send a report to the Centre, the Union Home Minister is technically the likely recipient of the report. A top Cabinet minister did not deny that the Governor is taking legal opinion on the relevant constitutional provisions since Sasikalas claim of majority support from AIADMK MLAs is being questioned by Panneerselvam on certain specific grounds, but he added that the opinion would be coming from the Governors own team of constitutional experts, not from Central law officers. Meanwhile, in Parliament on Thursday, most of the AIADMK MPs were found raising their voices in Sasikalas favour and against the delay by the Governor in calling her to form a government. A Navanaeethakrishnan, the AIADMKs floor leader in the Rajya Sabha, claimed that Chinnamma (Sasikala) has the support of all legislators in Tamil Nadu and all Parliamentarians, not Panneerselvam. Since Chinnamma has the support of all MLAs, the Governor should not delay the swearing-in ceremony. The budget has to be cleared, theres a drought in the State, and there are other pressing issues that require attention, Navaneethakrishnan said during an interaction at Parliament House. He said the delay by the Governor in appointing Sasikala as chief minister was unconstitutional and impermissible under law. On Sunday, when AIADMK leaders met and chose Sasikala to lead the party and the State, it was Mr Panneerselvam who fell at her feet. He touched her feet in front of everyone. And now he says he was forced to resign? he asked. During zero hour discussions in the Rajya Sabha, Navaneethakrishnan mentioned the absence of Governor Vidyasagar Rao from the State. The AIADMK MPs trooped into the well of the House in order to save democracy. The swearing-in ceremony should be conducted today itself, he said. Another MP alleged that Panneerselvam was acting as a puppet of the DMK, which has said it will support him. The MP, however, did not blame the Union government for Panneerselvams rebellion. He said even the late M G Ramachandran never antagonised the Centre. The original plan was to parade the MLAs before the President of India, but when media reports came in that the Governor would be in Chennai, the plan was dropped. Even Raj Bhavan had no information about the arrival of the Governor. We got to know of it from the media, the MP said.
By Online Desk

The sequestering of MLAs in a resort on the outskirts of Chennai has led to the public taking potshots at their leaders over the drama being staged over the fight for the chief ministers chair in Tamil Nadu. In one instance, a poster has been put out of a minister, Kadambur Raju, saying he has gone missing since February 7.

The notice says Minister Kambur Raju has

been kidnapped by unknown people on

February 7, 2016

AIADMK party cadres in Salem have approached the police, saying they want the authorities to look for the missing MLAs of Salem-South and West.

After the AIADMK split into two factions after the revolt of Chief Minister O Panneerselvam against the party general secretary V K Sasikala, the latter is said to have gathered the majority of MLAs and housed them in Golden Bay resort on East Coast Road, 25 km away from the heritage and tourist hotspot Mahabalipuram.

Supporters of Panneerselvam, who has only a handful of MLAs to show for support, claim that the partys MLAs were confined in the resort against their wishes, and said the MLAs phone have not been reachable for the past two days.

Today, however, the Sasikala camp MLAs came out from their hideaway and addressed mediapersons, saying they were all staying in the hotel on their own accord. The reason given by one MLA to a TV channel on why they had all gathered at one place was that all the MLAs were set to proceed for a function elsewhere and the hotel was just a convenient place on the way for a stopover.

The public, however, did not seem to be buying that story. Giving credence to their scepticism, a rebel MLA on Friday declared that he had been illegally detained at the resort and had escaped.

Read: I escaped, claims AIADMK MLA, complains to Chennai police about others in detention

The sequestering of MLAs in a resort on the outskirts of Chennai has led to the public taking potshots at their leaders over the drama being staged over the fight for the chief ministers chair in Tamil Nadu. In one instance, a poster has been put out of a minister, Kadambur Raju, saying he has gone missing since February 7. The notice says Minister Kambur Raju has been kidnapped by unknown people on February 7, 2016AIADMK party cadres in Salem have approached the police, saying they want the authorities to look for the missing MLAs of Salem-South and West. After the AIADMK split into two factions after the revolt of Chief Minister O Panneerselvam against the party general secretary V K Sasikala, the latter is said to have gathered the majority of MLAs and housed them in Golden Bay resort on East Coast Road, 25 km away from the heritage and tourist hotspot Mahabalipuram. Supporters of Panneerselvam, who has only a handful of MLAs to show for support, claim that the partys MLAs were confined in the resort against their wishes, and said the MLAs phone have not been reachable for the past two days. Today, however, the Sasikala camp MLAs came out from their hideaway and addressed mediapersons, saying they were all staying in the hotel on their own accord. The reason given by one MLA to a TV channel on why they had all gathered at one place was that all the MLAs were set to proceed for a function elsewhere and the hotel was just a convenient place on the way for a stopover. The public, however, did not seem to be buying that story. Giving credence to their scepticism, a rebel MLA on Friday declared that he had been illegally detained at the resort and had escaped. Read: I escaped, claims AIADMK MLA, complains to Chennai police about others in detention
Express News Service

MADURAI: The political whirlwind in Chennai could not take the excitement out of Alanganallur Jallikattu on Friday. The heartland of Jallikattu hosted the sport after two years, following a Special Law passed by the State government.

This time, the event just got bigger with commercial establishments sponsoring it. The prizes included a hatchback car, which was bagged by a bull belonging to Sri Lankan Minister Senthil Thondaman. While the best bull won the Maruti Suzuki Alto sponsored by a Chennai-based textile showroom, premium motorbikes such as Royal Enfield Bullets were given to other top bulls.

Vimalraj from Pannaikudi tamed the maximum of 13 bulls. He was in the arena since the third batch of bulls from 11 am to 4.45 pm. He bagged a Royal Enfield bike as prize.

When Express reached the Vadivasal before the dawn, it was no surprise that every gallery, including the ones allotted to the press, was flooded with people. Police personnel, more than 2,000 in number, were deployed for the event.

The only Jallikattu that is a government event started with a red carpet welcome for the bulls and tamers. Initially, five temple bulls, including the one belonging to the Muniyandi temple, which is the host for the festival, were let loose in the arena. As per the rules, they were not tamed, but allowed a free run before 549 bulls took to the field against 1,050 bull-tamers.

As promised, the district administration provided T-shirts to the players, in a bid to avoid interference by political parties. The tamers registration numbers were printed on the jerseys to help in easy identification. Only 150 bull-tamers were allowed at a time and given one hour to showcase their skills. Once the time was over, the next batch of 150 bull-tamers were allowed in. For every round, different colours of T-shirts were given to the participants to differentiate between batches. The best of each lot was retained for successive rounds.

The generous sponsorship ensured that each and every bull had at least five prizes, including travel bags, silver utensils, mobile phones, gold and silver coins, apart from regulars like cots and bicycles. If the bulls were untamed, the prizes were given to their owners. Almost 60 per cent of the bulls were not tamed.

Madurai Collector K Veera Raghava Rao, along with top police officials, including South Zone IG S Murugan, DIG Anand Kumar Somani and SP In-charge R Sakthivel, ensured that the Supreme Court guidelines were followed, apart from ensuring safety with timely intervention when called for.

Many tamers who violated the rules were disqualified and sent out of the arena. At least 73 tamers and four bulls were injured. All of them sustained only minor injuries. For medical assistance, all facilities were in place.

MADURAI: The political whirlwind in Chennai could not take the excitement out of Alanganallur Jallikattu on Friday. The heartland of Jallikattu hosted the sport after two years, following a Special Law passed by the State government. This time, the event just got bigger with commercial establishments sponsoring it. The prizes included a hatchback car, which was bagged by a bull belonging to Sri Lankan Minister Senthil Thondaman. While the best bull won the Maruti Suzuki Alto sponsored by a Chennai-based textile showroom, premium motorbikes such as Royal Enfield Bullets were given to other top bulls. Vimalraj from Pannaikudi tamed the maximum of 13 bulls. He was in the arena since the third batch of bulls from 11 am to 4.45 pm. He bagged a Royal Enfield bike as prize. When Express reached the Vadivasal before the dawn, it was no surprise that every gallery, including the ones allotted to the press, was flooded with people. Police personnel, more than 2,000 in number, were deployed for the event. The only Jallikattu that is a government event started with a red carpet welcome for the bulls and tamers. Initially, five temple bulls, including the one belonging to the Muniyandi temple, which is the host for the festival, were let loose in the arena. As per the rules, they were not tamed, but allowed a free run before 549 bulls took to the field against 1,050 bull-tamers. As promised, the district administration provided T-shirts to the players, in a bid to avoid interference by political parties. The tamers registration numbers were printed on the jerseys to help in easy identification. Only 150 bull-tamers were allowed at a time and given one hour to showcase their skills. Once the time was over, the next batch of 150 bull-tamers were allowed in. For every round, different colours of T-shirts were given to the participants to differentiate between batches. The best of each lot was retained for successive rounds. The generous sponsorship ensured that each and every bull had at least five prizes, including travel bags, silver utensils, mobile phones, gold and silver coins, apart from regulars like cots and bicycles. If the bulls were untamed, the prizes were given to their owners. Almost 60 per cent of the bulls were not tamed. Madurai Collector K Veera Raghava Rao, along with top police officials, including South Zone IG S Murugan, DIG Anand Kumar Somani and SP In-charge R Sakthivel, ensured that the Supreme Court guidelines were followed, apart from ensuring safety with timely intervention when called for. Many tamers who violated the rules were disqualified and sent out of the arena. At least 73 tamers and four bulls were injured. All of them sustained only minor injuries. For medical assistance, all facilities were in place.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Reacting guardedly to India's diplomatic protests over its move to block US resolution to list Pakistan-based JeM leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist, China today hoped all members of the UN Security Council who are part of the anti-terrorism committee will follow rules.

"Will check on reports of India's diplomatic protest," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here when asked about yesterday's demarche by India over China putting a technical hold of US resolution in the 1267 Committee of the UNSC to designate entities involved in terrorism.

Lu said China already reiterated its stand on its technical hold two days ago. "China is a responsible member of the UNSC as well as a subsidiary organ. China has always been acting in accordance with UNSC resolutions and rules of procedure of its subsidiary organs. We hope that all members of the security council and its affiliation would follow the rules of the procedures," he said.

On February 8, Lu defended China's move to block a US attempt to list Azhar in the UN saying that the "conditions" have not yet been met for Beijing to back the move. He said Beijing resorted to this move to allow the "relevant parties" to reach a consensus.

"Last year, 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council has discussed the issue regarding listing Masood in the sanctions list. There were different views with no consensus reached," Lu said.

"As for the submission once again by relevant countries to list him in the sanctions list, I would say the conditions are not yet met for the Committee to reach a decision," he said. This is the second year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would warrant Pakistan to act against him.

Jaish-e-Muhammad, a terrorist organisation based in Pakistan, has already been listed by the 1267 Committee. India moved for UN ban against him in March last year accusing of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China first blocked for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year.

The US along with the UK and France approached the Committee again for the ban and Beijing once again put a six months technical hold on it.

NEW DELHI: Reacting guardedly to India's diplomatic protests over its move to block US resolution to list Pakistan-based JeM leader Masood Azhar as a terrorist, China today hoped all members of the UN Security Council who are part of the anti-terrorism committee will follow rules. "Will check on reports of India's diplomatic protest," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here when asked about yesterday's demarche by India over China putting a technical hold of US resolution in the 1267 Committee of the UNSC to designate entities involved in terrorism. Lu said China already reiterated its stand on its technical hold two days ago. "China is a responsible member of the UNSC as well as a subsidiary organ. China has always been acting in accordance with UNSC resolutions and rules of procedure of its subsidiary organs. We hope that all members of the security council and its affiliation would follow the rules of the procedures," he said. On February 8, Lu defended China's move to block a US attempt to list Azhar in the UN saying that the "conditions" have not yet been met for Beijing to back the move. He said Beijing resorted to this move to allow the "relevant parties" to reach a consensus. "Last year, 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council has discussed the issue regarding listing Masood in the sanctions list. There were different views with no consensus reached," Lu said. "As for the submission once again by relevant countries to list him in the sanctions list, I would say the conditions are not yet met for the Committee to reach a decision," he said. This is the second year China has blocked attempts to bring about a UN ban on Azhar which would warrant Pakistan to act against him. Jaish-e-Muhammad, a terrorist organisation based in Pakistan, has already been listed by the 1267 Committee. India moved for UN ban against him in March last year accusing of masterminding the Pathankot terrorist attack. China first blocked for six months followed by three months technical hold, which ended on December 31 last year. The US along with the UK and France approached the Committee again for the ban and Beijing once again put a six months technical hold on it.
By Associated Press

SAO PAULO: The government of Brazil's southeastern state of Espirito Santo has indicted more than 700 military police officers for allegedly refusing to work as part of a pay raise movement that has led to a wave of violence and more than 100 deaths.

Public Safety Director Andre Garcia said Friday that 703 officers have been charged with committing the "crime of revolt."

Brazil's military police force patrols the nation's cities and its members are barred by law from going on strike.

The killings in the state capital of Vitoria and other cities erupted one week ago as friends and family of the officers blocked their barracks to demand higher pay for the officers.The union representing civil police officers said 121 people have been killed since police stopped patrolling the streets.

SAO PAULO: The government of Brazil's southeastern state of Espirito Santo has indicted more than 700 military police officers for allegedly refusing to work as part of a pay raise movement that has led to a wave of violence and more than 100 deaths. Public Safety Director Andre Garcia said Friday that 703 officers have been charged with committing the "crime of revolt." Brazil's military police force patrols the nation's cities and its members are barred by law from going on strike. The killings in the state capital of Vitoria and other cities erupted one week ago as friends and family of the officers blocked their barracks to demand higher pay for the officers.The union representing civil police officers said 121 people have been killed since police stopped patrolling the streets.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: The co-operation between India and Iran on the strategic Chabahar port in southern Iran will be beneficial to Afghanistan in terms of economic development, a top US general has said as he praised New Delhi's initiatives in the war-torn country.

"The governments of India, Iran and Afghanistan signed an agreement over the Chabahar Port in southern Iran. Actually, this initiative would be very beneficial to Afghanistan, in terms of economic development," General John Nicholson, Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan.

"There's also, ongoing conversations about water treaties between Afghanistan and Iran. Iran needs Afghanistan's water," he said in his testimony before the powerful Senate committee. "There are mutual interests that Iran and Afghanistan share -- water rights, commerce. We welcome the recent economic treaty between Iran, Afghanistan and India on the Chabahar port.

We think this offers Afghanistan economic alternative to going through pack," Nicholson said. India has increased its aid to Afghanistan, he said. "India has dedicated another USD 1 billion on top of the USD 2 billion that they have already given to Afghan development needs and we appreciate their support," he said.

At the Brussels Conference in October last year, 75 countries and organisations confirmed their intention to provide USD 15.2 billion to Afghanistan's development needs and this plays a very positive role, going into the future, he said. "These expressions of international commitment reflect the importance which the world places on stability in Afghanistan," Nicholson said.

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 2016 after detailed discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

WASHINGTON: The co-operation between India and Iran on the strategic Chabahar port in southern Iran will be beneficial to Afghanistan in terms of economic development, a top US general has said as he praised New Delhi's initiatives in the war-torn country. "The governments of India, Iran and Afghanistan signed an agreement over the Chabahar Port in southern Iran. Actually, this initiative would be very beneficial to Afghanistan, in terms of economic development," General John Nicholson, Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan. "There's also, ongoing conversations about water treaties between Afghanistan and Iran. Iran needs Afghanistan's water," he said in his testimony before the powerful Senate committee. "There are mutual interests that Iran and Afghanistan share -- water rights, commerce. We welcome the recent economic treaty between Iran, Afghanistan and India on the Chabahar port. We think this offers Afghanistan economic alternative to going through pack," Nicholson said. India has increased its aid to Afghanistan, he said. "India has dedicated another USD 1 billion on top of the USD 2 billion that they have already given to Afghan development needs and we appreciate their support," he said. At the Brussels Conference in October last year, 75 countries and organisations confirmed their intention to provide USD 15.2 billion to Afghanistan's development needs and this plays a very positive role, going into the future, he said. "These expressions of international commitment reflect the importance which the world places on stability in Afghanistan," Nicholson said. 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 2016 after detailed discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
By PTI

BEIJING: China has released the theme and the cooperation priorities of the 2017 BRICS Summit which is scheduled to begin in September, the official media reported today. The summit will be held under the theme "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future," state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

It will also feature five key priorities such as deepening cooperation, strengthening global governance, carrying out people-to-people exchanges, making institutional improvements and building broader partnerships. The BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The inaugural summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. South Africa did not take part in it as the nation was admitted to the group in 2010. So far a total of eight summits have taken place. The last year's summit was hosted by India at Goa. The summit will take place in Xiamen which is located in east China's Fujian Province.

BEIJING: China has released the theme and the cooperation priorities of the 2017 BRICS Summit which is scheduled to begin in September, the official media reported today. The summit will be held under the theme "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future," state-run Xinhua news agency reported. It will also feature five key priorities such as deepening cooperation, strengthening global governance, carrying out people-to-people exchanges, making institutional improvements and building broader partnerships. The BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The inaugural summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. South Africa did not take part in it as the nation was admitted to the group in 2010. So far a total of eight summits have taken place. The last year's summit was hosted by India at Goa. The summit will take place in Xiamen which is located in east China's Fujian Province.
Express News Service

COLOMBO: Former Sri Lankan navy chief Adm. Jayanath Colombage has, in his recently published book Asymmetric Warfare At Sea: The Case of Sri Lanka, described how the United States helped the Sri Lankan navy destroy the LTTEs floating armories by supplying vital satellite images of the location of these ship-borne warehouses.

The destruction of the floating armories helped the Sri Lankan navy win Eelam War IV in the sea, which in turn helped the Sri Lankan army win the war on land and the Air Force take on ground targets without fear of being shot down.

Based on his doctoral dissertation submitted to General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University here, the book helps debunk the general impression among nationalist Sinhalese that the US was out and out pro-LTTE, and that all that it did during Eelam War IV was to put pressure on the Mahinda Rajapaksa government to stop the war so that the Tiger chieftain, Prabhakaran, and his aides could be whisked away to a safe place.

The destruction of the floating warehouses had helped cripple the LTTEs arms and ammunition supply network as these on-sea warehouses had come to play a critical role in the groups survival in the context of the menacing encirclement that was taking place in the war zone on land  an encirclement which was constantly reducing the land area available to the LTTE to store its munitions.

In the asymmetrical land war that was going on in Sri Lanka, with the LTTE out-manned and out-gunned, the LTTE was using ammunition and area weapons-like artillery and mortars liberally to strike terror in the heart of the enemy.

It did not show the restraint and conservatism conventional armies generally show in using their ammo. For the LTTE, firing had to be well-targeted and also exceptionally heavy, to make up for the shortage of men and artillery pieces.

As Seelan, a former 'Sea Tiger' said: When army fired a shell, we fired about 20 shells. We fired a lot of shells like mortars and artillery.

The heavy shelling from the LTTE did have a devastating effecting on the Sri Lankan army. A former Army Commander said: Casualties due to artillery and mortars were the heaviest on our side. I think it was more than 50 percent.

US Help Sought

Thus, it became very important for the Sri Lankan navy to cut off the LTTEs ammo and weapons supply. And when it was discovered that the LTTE was storing its ammunitions in floating warehouses in international waters away from the main shipping lines, the help of the US Ambassador and the US Defense Attache was sought making use of the US Global War on Terror.

They (the US embassy officials) agreed to provide necessary target information after verifying the tactics and methods used by the SLN (Sri Lankan navy) to attack these floating warehouses, Adm.Colombage writes.

The US side wanted assurance that we will not attack any innocent ship or civilians unless they are 100 % LTTE combatants. Once the procedure was explained, they were satisfied and positioned a satellite onto the probably area that we gave them.

Then one day, in September 2007, we got an intelligence report saying that they (the Americans) had detected some suspicious vessel in the area, Adm.Colombage says.

But this posed a major challenge to the SLN. The question was how to reach that distant place, stay there for a while, and sail back to base.

"The OPV (Offshore Petrol Vessel) fleet was ready to go after the LTTE floating warehouses even to distances they have never been. But endurance was the main issue, a former navy commander pointed out.

There had to be enough fuel, food, and ammo onboard. Long sojourns out at sea become problematic for vessels which are old, and the Sri Lankan OPVs were second-hand. Rough seas could also lead to wear and tear. Refueling in foreign ports could not be considered for fear of leaking information to the LTTE.

The OPVs were therefore placed on the Equator where the sea is calm and arrangements were made to keep them supplied there, when needed.

Given the lack of large caliber guns and anti-ship missiles, the OPVs used the available armaments on them. To supplement these, the OPVs carried boats of the Small Boats Squadron (SBS). The SBS boats would be sent to take on the LTTE ships. Getting close to the LTTE vessel, the SBS men would get into Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) and fire Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) to sink the targeted vessels.

Between September 10 and 11, 2007, three LTTE vessels were destroyed. On October 17, another one was sunk. Earlier in 2006, an LTTE gun runner was destroyed off Kalmunai in South East Sri Lanka, and in early 2007, another vessel was brought down off Dondra in South Sri Lanka.

With successes close to home, the navy was encouraged to go out further into the sea to hunt for such vessels and went 1,500 nautical miles as far as Indonesia. But actionable intelligence was needed to make the venture worthwhile. Hence the appeal to the US for intelligence in 2007.

According to a former Director of Naval Intelligence, the destruction of the floating armories deprived the LTTE of a large quantity of 152 mm, 130 mm and 122 mm artillery shells and 122 mm mortar rounds among other ammo. MV Koshia, destroyed in September 2007, had 29,000 artillery shells. The LTTE also lost electronic warfare and communication equipment; high powered outboard motors; water scooters; jet skies; swimmer delivery vehicles; radars; GPSs and other war-like material. MV Matsushima had torpedoes, bullet proof vehicles, light aircraft and tons of explosives besides artillery shells.

The destruction of the floating armories did not raise a storm internationally because the world knew that the SLN had only destroyed gun-runners and not innocent vessels, Adm.Colombage notes.

COLOMBO: Former Sri Lankan navy chief Adm. Jayanath Colombage has, in his recently published book Asymmetric Warfare At Sea: The Case of Sri Lanka, described how the United States helped the Sri Lankan navy destroy the LTTEs floating armories by supplying vital satellite images of the location of these ship-borne warehouses. The destruction of the floating armories helped the Sri Lankan navy win Eelam War IV in the sea, which in turn helped the Sri Lankan army win the war on land and the Air Force take on ground targets without fear of being shot down. Based on his doctoral dissertation submitted to General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University here, the book helps debunk the general impression among nationalist Sinhalese that the US was out and out pro-LTTE, and that all that it did during Eelam War IV was to put pressure on the Mahinda Rajapaksa government to stop the war so that the Tiger chieftain, Prabhakaran, and his aides could be whisked away to a safe place. The destruction of the floating warehouses had helped cripple the LTTEs arms and ammunition supply network as these on-sea warehouses had come to play a critical role in the groups survival in the context of the menacing encirclement that was taking place in the war zone on land  an encirclement which was constantly reducing the land area available to the LTTE to store its munitions. In the asymmetrical land war that was going on in Sri Lanka, with the LTTE out-manned and out-gunned, the LTTE was using ammunition and area weapons-like artillery and mortars liberally to strike terror in the heart of the enemy. It did not show the restraint and conservatism conventional armies generally show in using their ammo. For the LTTE, firing had to be well-targeted and also exceptionally heavy, to make up for the shortage of men and artillery pieces. As Seelan, a former 'Sea Tiger' said: When army fired a shell, we fired about 20 shells. We fired a lot of shells like mortars and artillery. The heavy shelling from the LTTE did have a devastating effecting on the Sri Lankan army. A former Army Commander said: Casualties due to artillery and mortars were the heaviest on our side. I think it was more than 50 percent. US Help Sought Thus, it became very important for the Sri Lankan navy to cut off the LTTEs ammo and weapons supply. And when it was discovered that the LTTE was storing its ammunitions in floating warehouses in international waters away from the main shipping lines, the help of the US Ambassador and the US Defense Attache was sought making use of the US Global War on Terror. They (the US embassy officials) agreed to provide necessary target information after verifying the tactics and methods used by the SLN (Sri Lankan navy) to attack these floating warehouses, Adm.Colombage writes. The US side wanted assurance that we will not attack any innocent ship or civilians unless they are 100 % LTTE combatants. Once the procedure was explained, they were satisfied and positioned a satellite onto the probably area that we gave them. Then one day, in September 2007, we got an intelligence report saying that they (the Americans) had detected some suspicious vessel in the area, Adm.Colombage says. But this posed a major challenge to the SLN. The question was how to reach that distant place, stay there for a while, and sail back to base. "The OPV (Offshore Petrol Vessel) fleet was ready to go after the LTTE floating warehouses even to distances they have never been. But endurance was the main issue, a former navy commander pointed out. There had to be enough fuel, food, and ammo onboard. Long sojourns out at sea become problematic for vessels which are old, and the Sri Lankan OPVs were second-hand. Rough seas could also lead to wear and tear. Refueling in foreign ports could not be considered for fear of leaking information to the LTTE. The OPVs were therefore placed on the Equator where the sea is calm and arrangements were made to keep them supplied there, when needed. Given the lack of large caliber guns and anti-ship missiles, the OPVs used the available armaments on them. To supplement these, the OPVs carried boats of the Small Boats Squadron (SBS). The SBS boats would be sent to take on the LTTE ships. Getting close to the LTTE vessel, the SBS men would get into Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) and fire Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) to sink the targeted vessels. Between September 10 and 11, 2007, three LTTE vessels were destroyed. On October 17, another one was sunk. Earlier in 2006, an LTTE gun runner was destroyed off Kalmunai in South East Sri Lanka, and in early 2007, another vessel was brought down off Dondra in South Sri Lanka. With successes close to home, the navy was encouraged to go out further into the sea to hunt for such vessels and went 1,500 nautical miles as far as Indonesia. But actionable intelligence was needed to make the venture worthwhile. Hence the appeal to the US for intelligence in 2007. According to a former Director of Naval Intelligence, the destruction of the floating armories deprived the LTTE of a large quantity of 152 mm, 130 mm and 122 mm artillery shells and 122 mm mortar rounds among other ammo. MV Koshia, destroyed in September 2007, had 29,000 artillery shells. The LTTE also lost electronic warfare and communication equipment; high powered outboard motors; water scooters; jet skies; swimmer delivery vehicles; radars; GPSs and other war-like material. MV Matsushima had torpedoes, bullet proof vehicles, light aircraft and tons of explosives besides artillery shells. The destruction of the floating armories did not raise a storm internationally because the world knew that the SLN had only destroyed gun-runners and not innocent vessels, Adm.Colombage notes.
By Associated Press

TEHRAN: Iranians on Friday marked the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution with nationwide celebrations and mass rallies that saw people step on large U.S. flags laid out on the streets while President Hassan Rouhani called the new American administration "a problem."

This year, the anniversary came against the backdrop of remarks by President Donald Trump, who has already engaged in a war of words with Iran's leadership and put Tehran "on notice" over its recent ballistic missile test.

At the Tehran rallies Friday, demonstrators chanted traditional slogans against the United States and Israel, and later, hundreds of thousands marched toward the city's central Azadi Square, where Rouhani addressed the crowds, telling them that Iran will strongly answer any threat from its enemies.

"All of them should know that they must talk to the Iranian nation with respect and dignity," Rouhani declared. "Our nation will strongly answer to any threat. (Iranians) will resist before enemies until the end."

Rouhani called Iran the home of "lions" but said the country does not seek hostility. "We are not after tensions in the region and the world. We are united in the face of bullying and any threat."

Many of the marchers carried the Iranian flag, others had banners and posters with revolutionary slogans. Printed U.S. flags and pictures of current and former U.S. presidents lay scattered on the streets  so they could be trampled by the marchers.

Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic relations since 1979, when Iranian students stormed the American Embassy and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Friday's rallies commemorated Feb. 11 of that year, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the U.S.-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi. The United States helped orchestrate the 1953 coup that overthrew Iran's popular prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, which brought Pahlavi to power and set the stage for decades of mistrust between the countries.

Some of the posters distributed in English on Friday read: "Thanks to American people for supporting Muslims."

Another one with a picture of Trump said: "Thanks Mr. Trump ... for revealing the face of the U.S."  a reference to remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, earlier this week.

Khamenei said on Tuesday that the "newcomer" Trump has shown the "real face" of the United States. He spoke after Trump tweeted  following a ballistic missile test by Iran  that Iranians were "playing with fire," saying they "don't appreciate how 'kind' President (Barack) Obama was to them. Not me!"

Trump has repeatedly criticized the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran, the U.S. and five other world powers, in which Tehran agreed to curb its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions, but he has not said what he plans to do about it.

His administration said Iran was "on notice" over the missile test, and imposed new sanctions on more than two dozen Iranian companies and individuals.

In Tehran, some of the demonstrators threw balls and darts targeting pictures of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Others burned an American flag. The semi-official ILNA news agency reported that an Israeli flag was also burned.

Many ranking officials attended the ceremony in Tehran, including Gen. Qassem Soleimani who heads the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations such as the war in Syria and Iraq's fight against the Islamic State group where the Shiite power Iran supports Iraq's government.

Rouhani told reporters prior to addressing the crowds that Iranians will make the U.S. regret using threatening language, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.

"Anyone who speaks the language of threat to this nation, the Iranian nation will make him regret" it, he said, without elaborating.

"This presence (of demonstrators) is a response to wrong comments by new leaders in the White House, and they announce with their presence to the world that they (U.S. leaders) should talk with respect and not use threatening language to the Iranian nation," Rouhani added.

Iranian state television aired footage of commemorations in Tehran and other cities and towns across the country, many of them held in sub-zero temperatures.

In the central city of Kashan, the official IRNA news agency said the country's prosecutor general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, told reporters that members of the Islamic State group have been arrested near Tehran. "They planned to sabotage" the anniversary rallies, he said.

And Khamenei's senior adviser, Gen. Rahim Safavi, said during a similar rally in the southern city of Ahvaz that the "evil triangle" or America, Britain and Israel "cannot create a serious military threat against Iran."

Tehran resident Mohammad Soufi, 33, a medical lab technician, said Trump's recent stance encouraged him and his wife to participate in the rally this year.

"We did not participate in the rally for more than 10 years," he said. "This year my wife told me: 'Let's go out to show to the world, particularly Trump, that we love our county despite differences'."

Sorraya Khalili , a 44-year-old hairstylist, said she was out to support the government and object to the "U.S. bullying of Iran."

"Why people like Trump think they can make decisions for the entire world? Iran is an independent country like the United States," she added. "I wish Americans get to visit Iran to find out we are similar to them; we warmly welcome our guests and respect them."

TEHRAN: Iranians on Friday marked the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution with nationwide celebrations and mass rallies that saw people step on large U.S. flags laid out on the streets while President Hassan Rouhani called the new American administration "a problem." This year, the anniversary came against the backdrop of remarks by President Donald Trump, who has already engaged in a war of words with Iran's leadership and put Tehran "on notice" over its recent ballistic missile test. At the Tehran rallies Friday, demonstrators chanted traditional slogans against the United States and Israel, and later, hundreds of thousands marched toward the city's central Azadi Square, where Rouhani addressed the crowds, telling them that Iran will strongly answer any threat from its enemies. "All of them should know that they must talk to the Iranian nation with respect and dignity," Rouhani declared. "Our nation will strongly answer to any threat. (Iranians) will resist before enemies until the end." Rouhani called Iran the home of "lions" but said the country does not seek hostility. "We are not after tensions in the region and the world. We are united in the face of bullying and any threat." Many of the marchers carried the Iranian flag, others had banners and posters with revolutionary slogans. Printed U.S. flags and pictures of current and former U.S. presidents lay scattered on the streets  so they could be trampled by the marchers. Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic relations since 1979, when Iranian students stormed the American Embassy and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. Friday's rallies commemorated Feb. 11 of that year, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the U.S.-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi. The United States helped orchestrate the 1953 coup that overthrew Iran's popular prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, which brought Pahlavi to power and set the stage for decades of mistrust between the countries. Some of the posters distributed in English on Friday read: "Thanks to American people for supporting Muslims." Another one with a picture of Trump said: "Thanks Mr. Trump ... for revealing the face of the U.S."  a reference to remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, earlier this week. Khamenei said on Tuesday that the "newcomer" Trump has shown the "real face" of the United States. He spoke after Trump tweeted  following a ballistic missile test by Iran  that Iranians were "playing with fire," saying they "don't appreciate how 'kind' President (Barack) Obama was to them. Not me!" Trump has repeatedly criticized the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran, the U.S. and five other world powers, in which Tehran agreed to curb its uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions, but he has not said what he plans to do about it. His administration said Iran was "on notice" over the missile test, and imposed new sanctions on more than two dozen Iranian companies and individuals. In Tehran, some of the demonstrators threw balls and darts targeting pictures of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Others burned an American flag. The semi-official ILNA news agency reported that an Israeli flag was also burned. Many ranking officials attended the ceremony in Tehran, including Gen. Qassem Soleimani who heads the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, which focuses on foreign operations such as the war in Syria and Iraq's fight against the Islamic State group where the Shiite power Iran supports Iraq's government. Rouhani told reporters prior to addressing the crowds that Iranians will make the U.S. regret using threatening language, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency. "Anyone who speaks the language of threat to this nation, the Iranian nation will make him regret" it, he said, without elaborating. "This presence (of demonstrators) is a response to wrong comments by new leaders in the White House, and they announce with their presence to the world that they (U.S. leaders) should talk with respect and not use threatening language to the Iranian nation," Rouhani added. Iranian state television aired footage of commemorations in Tehran and other cities and towns across the country, many of them held in sub-zero temperatures. In the central city of Kashan, the official IRNA news agency said the country's prosecutor general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, told reporters that members of the Islamic State group have been arrested near Tehran. "They planned to sabotage" the anniversary rallies, he said. And Khamenei's senior adviser, Gen. Rahim Safavi, said during a similar rally in the southern city of Ahvaz that the "evil triangle" or America, Britain and Israel "cannot create a serious military threat against Iran." Tehran resident Mohammad Soufi, 33, a medical lab technician, said Trump's recent stance encouraged him and his wife to participate in the rally this year. "We did not participate in the rally for more than 10 years," he said. "This year my wife told me: 'Let's go out to show to the world, particularly Trump, that we love our county despite differences'." Sorraya Khalili , a 44-year-old hairstylist, said she was out to support the government and object to the "U.S. bullying of Iran." "Why people like Trump think they can make decisions for the entire world? Iran is an independent country like the United States," she added. "I wish Americans get to visit Iran to find out we are similar to them; we warmly welcome our guests and respect them."
By IANS

ROME: British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said there was no need for a second independence referendum in Scotland, the media reported.



"We don't see any need for a second referendum in Scotland," Fallon said on Thursday at a joint news briefing in Rome with Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti.



"The Scottish government should get on with what it was elected to do which is to improve school standards in Scotland, to tackle the problems of the Scottish health service, and above all to revive the Scottish economy where unemployment is now rising."



"Those are the priorities for Scotland, not a second referendum," Fallon said.



After Britain's referendum to exit the European Union last June, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said a second referendum on Scottish independence could be held in the future.



A referendum on Scottish independence was previously held in September 2014, in which 55.3 per cent voted against the plan to separate.

ROME: British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said there was no need for a second independence referendum in Scotland, the media reported. "We don't see any need for a second referendum in Scotland," Fallon said on Thursday at a joint news briefing in Rome with Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti. "The Scottish government should get on with what it was elected to do which is to improve school standards in Scotland, to tackle the problems of the Scottish health service, and above all to revive the Scottish economy where unemployment is now rising." "Those are the priorities for Scotland, not a second referendum," Fallon said. After Britain's referendum to exit the European Union last June, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said a second referendum on Scottish independence could be held in the future. A referendum on Scottish independence was previously held in September 2014, in which 55.3 per cent voted against the plan to separate.
By Associated Press

PHOENIX: An immigrant mother in Phoenix granted leniency during the Obama administration was deported to Mexico Thursday in what activists said was an early example of how President Donald Trump plans to carry through on his vow to crack down on illegal immigration.

The case of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos became a rallying cry for immigrant groups who believe Trump's approach to immigration will unfairly tear apart countless families.

Her arrest prompted a raucous demonstration in downtown Phoenix late Wednesday as protesters blocked enforcement vans from leaving a U.S. immigration office. Seven people were arrested.

Garcia de Rayos said on Thursday evening that she didn't regret her decision to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite knowing she'd risk getting arrested.

Garcia de Rayos spoke from the Kino Border Initiative, a soup kitchen and shelter in Nogales, Mexico, where many migrants go after being deported. Her U.S.-citizen children were by her side, their first time in Mexico, their mother said.

"I'm doing this for my kids so they have a better life. I will keep fighting so they can keep studying in their home country," she said. "We're a united family. We're a family who goes to church on Sundays, we work in advocacy. We're active."

Garcia de Rayos was deported around 10 a.m. from a Nogales border crossing and ICE worked with Mexican consular officials to repatriate her, agency spokeswoman Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe said in a statement. She said her case underwent a thorough review that determined the 35-year-old mother of two children with U.S. citizenship had no "legal basis to remain in the U.S."

"ICE will continue to focus on identifying and removing individuals with felony convictions who have final orders of removal issued by the nation's immigration courts," Pitts O'Keefe said.

Garcia de Rayos says she's not sure what comes next for her but that her parents, who live in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, are headed to Nogales to reunite with her. Her attorney, Ray Ybarra Maldonado, said there aren't many legal avenues for her to come back to the U.S.

"Getting back to the U.S., legally, there's really no route for her. There's no avenue for her. There's no application she can submit. There's no waiver she can submit," Maldonado said. "I mean, this is a prime example of our failed immigration system."

Advocates denounced the deportation as heartless.

"ICE has done what President Trump wanted to do, which is deport and separate our families," said Marisa Franco, director of the Phoenix-based advocacy group Mijente. "We are going to stand strong with the family."

Garcia de Rayos was among workers arrested years ago in one of then-Sheriff Joe Arpaio's first investigations into Phoenix-area businesses suspected of hiring immigrants who had used fraudulent IDs to get jobs.

She was accused of using a Social Security number belonging to another person to get a job at the Waterworld amusement park in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale.

Garcia de Rayos was not arrested in a raid of the park, but was taken into custody six months later when investigators found discrepancies in her employment documents. She was denied bail in January 2009 under an Arizona law that prohibited it for immigrants who are in the country illegally and charged with felonies.

Garcia de Rayos pleaded guilty in March 2009 to a reduced charge of criminal impersonation and was sentenced to two years of probation. She was placed into deportation proceedings but given leniency under Obama administration guidelines that targeted immigrants who had committed dangerous crimes.

On Wednesday, she showed up with her lawyer for a routine check-in with ICE officials and was detained instead of being allowed to leave after checking in.

Immigration activists who anticipated she could be arrested rallied in front of ICE offices, and advocacy groups who took Arpaio to court over his immigration enforcement say they now face the same struggle with Trump over deportations.

Maldonado said Arizona's identity theft laws are the reason his client was put on the radar of immigration authorities. He said the Arpaio raids terrorized the community.

Arizona's ID theft laws were amended in 2007 and 2008 as part of a package of laws aimed at confronting businesses that hired people in the country illegally. The laws led to the arrest of 700 workers, mostly immigrants.

Maldonado said his client's deportation could push immigrants deeper into the shadows and to avoid checking in with authorities like Garcia de Rayos always did.

"My advice is, let's look for a sanctuary, a church that might want to take you in if you want to do that. It's not fun walking someone to the slaughter. It's not fun walking in and then walking out without them," he said.

Ahead of Garcia de Rayos' deportation, dozens of immigration activists Wednesday night blocked the gates of ICE's Phoenix office.

Police took positions around the building and confronted some of the demonstrators, many of them chanting "Justice!" in English and Spanish.

Seven protesters were arrested, said Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Jonathan Howard.

The deportation of Garcia de Rayos came days after the Trump administration broadened regulations under which some people will be deported.

She came to the U.S. from the Mexican state of Guanajuato when she was 14 and has two children who are U.S. citizens, said the Puente Arizona immigrant advocacy group based in Phoenix.

PHOENIX: An immigrant mother in Phoenix granted leniency during the Obama administration was deported to Mexico Thursday in what activists said was an early example of how President Donald Trump plans to carry through on his vow to crack down on illegal immigration. The case of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos became a rallying cry for immigrant groups who believe Trump's approach to immigration will unfairly tear apart countless families. Her arrest prompted a raucous demonstration in downtown Phoenix late Wednesday as protesters blocked enforcement vans from leaving a U.S. immigration office. Seven people were arrested. Garcia de Rayos said on Thursday evening that she didn't regret her decision to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite knowing she'd risk getting arrested. Garcia de Rayos spoke from the Kino Border Initiative, a soup kitchen and shelter in Nogales, Mexico, where many migrants go after being deported. Her U.S.-citizen children were by her side, their first time in Mexico, their mother said. "I'm doing this for my kids so they have a better life. I will keep fighting so they can keep studying in their home country," she said. "We're a united family. We're a family who goes to church on Sundays, we work in advocacy. We're active." Garcia de Rayos was deported around 10 a.m. from a Nogales border crossing and ICE worked with Mexican consular officials to repatriate her, agency spokeswoman Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe said in a statement. She said her case underwent a thorough review that determined the 35-year-old mother of two children with U.S. citizenship had no "legal basis to remain in the U.S." "ICE will continue to focus on identifying and removing individuals with felony convictions who have final orders of removal issued by the nation's immigration courts," Pitts O'Keefe said. Garcia de Rayos says she's not sure what comes next for her but that her parents, who live in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, are headed to Nogales to reunite with her. Her attorney, Ray Ybarra Maldonado, said there aren't many legal avenues for her to come back to the U.S. "Getting back to the U.S., legally, there's really no route for her. There's no avenue for her. There's no application she can submit. There's no waiver she can submit," Maldonado said. "I mean, this is a prime example of our failed immigration system." Advocates denounced the deportation as heartless. "ICE has done what President Trump wanted to do, which is deport and separate our families," said Marisa Franco, director of the Phoenix-based advocacy group Mijente. "We are going to stand strong with the family." Garcia de Rayos was among workers arrested years ago in one of then-Sheriff Joe Arpaio's first investigations into Phoenix-area businesses suspected of hiring immigrants who had used fraudulent IDs to get jobs. She was accused of using a Social Security number belonging to another person to get a job at the Waterworld amusement park in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale. Garcia de Rayos was not arrested in a raid of the park, but was taken into custody six months later when investigators found discrepancies in her employment documents. She was denied bail in January 2009 under an Arizona law that prohibited it for immigrants who are in the country illegally and charged with felonies. Garcia de Rayos pleaded guilty in March 2009 to a reduced charge of criminal impersonation and was sentenced to two years of probation. She was placed into deportation proceedings but given leniency under Obama administration guidelines that targeted immigrants who had committed dangerous crimes. On Wednesday, she showed up with her lawyer for a routine check-in with ICE officials and was detained instead of being allowed to leave after checking in. Immigration activists who anticipated she could be arrested rallied in front of ICE offices, and advocacy groups who took Arpaio to court over his immigration enforcement say they now face the same struggle with Trump over deportations. Maldonado said Arizona's identity theft laws are the reason his client was put on the radar of immigration authorities. He said the Arpaio raids terrorized the community. Arizona's ID theft laws were amended in 2007 and 2008 as part of a package of laws aimed at confronting businesses that hired people in the country illegally. The laws led to the arrest of 700 workers, mostly immigrants. Maldonado said his client's deportation could push immigrants deeper into the shadows and to avoid checking in with authorities like Garcia de Rayos always did. "My advice is, let's look for a sanctuary, a church that might want to take you in if you want to do that. It's not fun walking someone to the slaughter. It's not fun walking in and then walking out without them," he said. Ahead of Garcia de Rayos' deportation, dozens of immigration activists Wednesday night blocked the gates of ICE's Phoenix office. Police took positions around the building and confronted some of the demonstrators, many of them chanting "Justice!" in English and Spanish. Seven protesters were arrested, said Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Jonathan Howard. The deportation of Garcia de Rayos came days after the Trump administration broadened regulations under which some people will be deported. She came to the U.S. from the Mexican state of Guanajuato when she was 14 and has two children who are U.S. citizens, said the Puente Arizona immigrant advocacy group based in Phoenix.
By AFP

TEHRAN: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned on Friday that those using "threatening language" against Tehran would regret it as the regime faces increasingly hawkish rhetoric from the new US administration.

Rouhani was speaking at a march attended by hundreds of thousands of people in the capital marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.

"This turnout is a response to false remarks by the new rulers in the White House and the people are telling the world through their presence that the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect," Rouhani said.

"Iranians will make those using threatening language against this nation regret it," he said.

"Anyone threating Iran's government and armed forces should know that our nation is vigilant."

US President Donald Trump has taken an increasingly strident line towards Iran since taking office last month, warning that it was "playing with fire" and "on notice".

Last week, he imposed sanctions on Iran over a January 29 ballistic missile test and officials warned more might follow.

Last weekend, new Pentagon chief James Mattis described Iran as "the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world."

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Trump's policies showed "the real face of America", a country long derided by the regime as the "great Satan".

TEHRAN: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned on Friday that those using "threatening language" against Tehran would regret it as the regime faces increasingly hawkish rhetoric from the new US administration. Rouhani was speaking at a march attended by hundreds of thousands of people in the capital marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. "This turnout is a response to false remarks by the new rulers in the White House and the people are telling the world through their presence that the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect," Rouhani said. "Iranians will make those using threatening language against this nation regret it," he said. "Anyone threating Iran's government and armed forces should know that our nation is vigilant." US President Donald Trump has taken an increasingly strident line towards Iran since taking office last month, warning that it was "playing with fire" and "on notice". Last week, he imposed sanctions on Iran over a January 29 ballistic missile test and officials warned more might follow. Last weekend, new Pentagon chief James Mattis described Iran as "the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world." Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Trump's policies showed "the real face of America", a country long derided by the regime as the "great Satan".
By Associated Press

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin thanked Slovenia on Friday for offering to host his first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, but added that the prospect hinges on Washington.

The Russian leader hailed Slovenia, where Trump's wife Melania was born and grew up, as an "excellent" venue for possible talks with Trump.

"It depends not only on us, but we are naturally ready for it," he said.

Speaking after holding talks at the Kremlin with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor, Putin said Russia welcomes Trump's statements about his intentions to restore the strained Russia-U.S. ties.

"We always welcomed that and we hope that relations will be restored in full in all areas," Putin said. "It relates to trade and economic ties, security issues and various regions of the world, which are suffering from numerous conflicts. By pooling our efforts, we naturally would be able to significantly contribute to solving those issues, including the fight against international terrorism."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he's looking forward to an opportunity to talk to U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Germany, where they both will attend a security conference and a meeting of the G-20 foreign ministers next week. Lavrov told NTV television that Putin and Trump agreed about the need to meet soon during their phone call on Jan. 28 and told diplomats to negotiate the time and venue.

In recent years, Russia-U.S. relations have plunged to post-Cold war lows over the Ukrainian crisis, the war in Syria and the allegations of Russia hacking of the Democrats in the U.S. presidential election.

In 2001, Slovenia hosted Putin's first meeting with former U.S. President George W. Bush that led to a short-lived thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington. A similarly short warm spell early during Barack Obama's presidency gave way to new tensions.

As part of Obama's early effort to "reset" ties with Moscow, the two nations in 2010 signed a pivotal arms control pact that set new lower caps on the number of warheads each country can deploy.

Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the prospects of extending the New START Treaty that is set to expire in 2021 will "depend on the position of our American partners" and require negotiations.

He wouldn't say whether the Kremlin favors extending the pact that limited Russian and U.S. nuclear arsenals to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each.

Speaking in a conference call with reporters, Peskov pointed to a "certain break in dialogue on strategic security issues" during the Obama administration, and said Moscow and Washington now need "an update of information and positions."

Peskov on Friday denied a report by the Washington Post claiming that Michael Flynn, the retired general who is now Trump's national security adviser, had discussed a possible review of anti-Russian sanctions with the Russian ambassador to Washington in December. Peskov said Ambassador Sergei Kislyak did talk to Flynn, but the rest of the report was wrong.

While suggesting possible cooperation with Moscow to fight the Islamic State group in Syria, as a candidate Trump was critical of the New START and talked about a need to strengthen U.S. nuclear arsenals.

In December, Trump declared on Twitter that the U.S. should "greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability" until the rest of the world "comes to its senses" regarding nuclear weapons.

Putin also has said strengthening Russia's nuclear capabilities should be among the nation's priorities.

The platform of Trump's Republican Party had promised to "abandon arms control treaties that benefit our adversaries without improving our national security" and called for the development of "a multi-layered missile defense system."

Kislyak told Russian media in Washington that he sees little chance for a compromise on missile defense, as Moscow believes the U.S. wants to develop the shield against Russia despite assurances that it's directed against other threats.

"I don't exclude that at a certain stage we may have a mutual interest to talk about those issues, but as of now I'm not seeing any basis for reaching agreement," he said, according to the Interfax news agency.

He voiced hope, however, that joint efforts to fight the IS could help break the ice in Russia-U.S. ties. "If we have serious cooperation, it could help to start rebuilding trust," Kislyak said in televised remarks.

Lavrov said Friday that Putin and Trump had a "good, detailed talk" about nuclear non-proliferation, including issues related to Iran and North Korea during their phone call.

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin thanked Slovenia on Friday for offering to host his first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, but added that the prospect hinges on Washington. The Russian leader hailed Slovenia, where Trump's wife Melania was born and grew up, as an "excellent" venue for possible talks with Trump. "It depends not only on us, but we are naturally ready for it," he said. Speaking after holding talks at the Kremlin with his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor, Putin said Russia welcomes Trump's statements about his intentions to restore the strained Russia-U.S. ties. "We always welcomed that and we hope that relations will be restored in full in all areas," Putin said. "It relates to trade and economic ties, security issues and various regions of the world, which are suffering from numerous conflicts. By pooling our efforts, we naturally would be able to significantly contribute to solving those issues, including the fight against international terrorism." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he's looking forward to an opportunity to talk to U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Germany, where they both will attend a security conference and a meeting of the G-20 foreign ministers next week. Lavrov told NTV television that Putin and Trump agreed about the need to meet soon during their phone call on Jan. 28 and told diplomats to negotiate the time and venue. In recent years, Russia-U.S. relations have plunged to post-Cold war lows over the Ukrainian crisis, the war in Syria and the allegations of Russia hacking of the Democrats in the U.S. presidential election. In 2001, Slovenia hosted Putin's first meeting with former U.S. President George W. Bush that led to a short-lived thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington. A similarly short warm spell early during Barack Obama's presidency gave way to new tensions. As part of Obama's early effort to "reset" ties with Moscow, the two nations in 2010 signed a pivotal arms control pact that set new lower caps on the number of warheads each country can deploy. Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the prospects of extending the New START Treaty that is set to expire in 2021 will "depend on the position of our American partners" and require negotiations. He wouldn't say whether the Kremlin favors extending the pact that limited Russian and U.S. nuclear arsenals to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each. Speaking in a conference call with reporters, Peskov pointed to a "certain break in dialogue on strategic security issues" during the Obama administration, and said Moscow and Washington now need "an update of information and positions." Peskov on Friday denied a report by the Washington Post claiming that Michael Flynn, the retired general who is now Trump's national security adviser, had discussed a possible review of anti-Russian sanctions with the Russian ambassador to Washington in December. Peskov said Ambassador Sergei Kislyak did talk to Flynn, but the rest of the report was wrong. While suggesting possible cooperation with Moscow to fight the Islamic State group in Syria, as a candidate Trump was critical of the New START and talked about a need to strengthen U.S. nuclear arsenals. In December, Trump declared on Twitter that the U.S. should "greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability" until the rest of the world "comes to its senses" regarding nuclear weapons. Putin also has said strengthening Russia's nuclear capabilities should be among the nation's priorities. The platform of Trump's Republican Party had promised to "abandon arms control treaties that benefit our adversaries without improving our national security" and called for the development of "a multi-layered missile defense system." Kislyak told Russian media in Washington that he sees little chance for a compromise on missile defense, as Moscow believes the U.S. wants to develop the shield against Russia despite assurances that it's directed against other threats. "I don't exclude that at a certain stage we may have a mutual interest to talk about those issues, but as of now I'm not seeing any basis for reaching agreement," he said, according to the Interfax news agency. He voiced hope, however, that joint efforts to fight the IS could help break the ice in Russia-U.S. ties. "If we have serious cooperation, it could help to start rebuilding trust," Kislyak said in televised remarks. Lavrov said Friday that Putin and Trump had a "good, detailed talk" about nuclear non-proliferation, including issues related to Iran and North Korea during their phone call.
By Associated Press

BUCHAREST: A top Romanian court said Friday the Senate speaker, accused of making false statements to protect people in a property case, can stand trial.

The High Court of Cassation and Justice rejected an appeal filed by Calin Popescu Tariceanu, who argued there were insufficient grounds for his trial. No date was set for the trial to begin.

Last year, prosecutors charged Tariceanu with making false statements under oath and hampering the investigation into a suspected fraudulent land restitution case. He had denied knowledge of connections between a Romanian prince and a politically connected businessman and others.

Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials.

The justice minister resigned Thursday over the unrest, but more protests are forecast for the weekend with demonstrators demanding the resignation of the whole government.

The government dropped the decree and will now craft a draft law to be approved by Parliament.

Tariceanu is a strong critic of the anti-corruption prosecutors' agency, which he accuses of overstepping its authority.

BUCHAREST: A top Romanian court said Friday the Senate speaker, accused of making false statements to protect people in a property case, can stand trial. The High Court of Cassation and Justice rejected an appeal filed by Calin Popescu Tariceanu, who argued there were insufficient grounds for his trial. No date was set for the trial to begin. Last year, prosecutors charged Tariceanu with making false statements under oath and hampering the investigation into a suspected fraudulent land restitution case. He had denied knowledge of connections between a Romanian prince and a politically connected businessman and others. Romania has seen massive protests this month against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. The justice minister resigned Thursday over the unrest, but more protests are forecast for the weekend with demonstrators demanding the resignation of the whole government. The government dropped the decree and will now craft a draft law to be approved by Parliament. Tariceanu is a strong critic of the anti-corruption prosecutors' agency, which he accuses of overstepping its authority.
By Associated Press

BANGKOK: Thai authorities are trying to clean up a massive, one-kilometre long tangle of trash, officials said Friday, calling it the largest garbage heap to float through the kingdom's waters.

The mass of debris was estimated to weigh some 300 tonnes, said Sopon Thongdee, deputy director of Thailand's Marine and Coastal Resources Department.

"In all my working life I've never seen an amount of garbage this huge," he told AFP, adding that it was first spotted off of southern Chumpon province and has since floated north.

Authorities believe much of the detritus was carried into the ocean by floods that swept through Thailand's south in January.

Four ships have been mobilised to retrieve the trash -- a task made more difficult as the cluster began to break off into smaller chunks on Friday, said Sopon.

Thailand is one of the world's top consumers of plastic bags and a major contributor to ocean waste.

In a recent report, US-based advocacy group Ocean Conservancy estimated that Thailand was one of just five countries responsible for as much as 60 percent of plastic waste dumped into the ocean.

The other nations are China, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.

BANGKOK: Thai authorities are trying to clean up a massive, one-kilometre long tangle of trash, officials said Friday, calling it the largest garbage heap to float through the kingdom's waters. The mass of debris was estimated to weigh some 300 tonnes, said Sopon Thongdee, deputy director of Thailand's Marine and Coastal Resources Department. "In all my working life I've never seen an amount of garbage this huge," he told AFP, adding that it was first spotted off of southern Chumpon province and has since floated north. Authorities believe much of the detritus was carried into the ocean by floods that swept through Thailand's south in January. Four ships have been mobilised to retrieve the trash -- a task made more difficult as the cluster began to break off into smaller chunks on Friday, said Sopon. Thailand is one of the world's top consumers of plastic bags and a major contributor to ocean waste. In a recent report, US-based advocacy group Ocean Conservancy estimated that Thailand was one of just five countries responsible for as much as 60 percent of plastic waste dumped into the ocean. The other nations are China, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.
By PTI

WASHIGNTON: The White House says President Donald Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping in a phone call Thursday night that the U.S. would honor Washington's "one China" policy, which has been at the center of friction between the global powers since Trump's election.

Trump "agreed, at the request of President Xi," to honor the policy, the White House says.

Before taking office, Trump questioned Washington's "one China policy," which shifted diplomatic recognition from self-governing Taiwan to China in 1979. He said it was open to negotiation.

China has bristled at the "one China" comments by Trump, who wants to pressure Beijing to narrow its huge trade surplus with America.

The two leaders also invited to each to visit their respective countries.

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5:57 p.m.

The top two lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee are asking ethics officials to review comments made by a top aide to President Donald Trump after she promoted Ivanka Trump's fashion line during a television interview from the White House.

Reps. Jason Chaffetz of Utah and Elijah Cummings of Maryland on Thursday asked the Office of Government Ethics to review the comments by White House aide Kellyanne Conway. The lawmakers say Conway's statement could "constitute an explicit endorsement and advertisement for Ivanka Trump's personal business."

Chaffetz, a Republican, chairs the oversight panel. Cummings is the senior Democrat.

Chaffetz and Cummings said White House press secretary Sean Spicer's remark that Conway has been "counseled" doesn't go far enough.

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4:20 p.m.

The White House says President Donald Trump is open to discussing immigration legislation with lawmakers, but believes a 2013 Senate bill amounts to "amnesty."

Trump discussed immigration during a White House meeting with lawmakers Thursday.

A spokesman for West Virginia's Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin says Trump told lawmakers he would be "open" to reviewing the "Gang of 8" bill from 2013. The bill, which was never voted on in the House, would have granted citizenship to millions of people living in the U.S. illegally.

Trump spokesman Sean Spicer says the president was only expressing a willingness to discuss the issue with lawmakers. Spicer said that earlier in the meeting, Trump had voiced his opposition to the "Gang of 8" legislation and called it "amnesty."

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4:15 p.m.

Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe's stay at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort will be free of charge.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the weekend trip to Trump's posh Palm Beach, Florida, resort is a "gift" to Abe from Trump. The two leaders will travel there Friday after meeting in Washington.

Mar-a-Lago serves as both a residence for Trump and a private club. Mar-a-Lago recently doubled its membership fee to $200,000.

"No one else will be staying there as far as I know from the Japanese delegation," Spicer said. "They will stay out in town with the rest of the staff."

Abe paying for his stay at the Trump property would have raised questions since Trump is not allowed to collect payments from foreign officials.

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3:55 p.m.

The White House is disputing a report that President Donald Trump was unaware of a U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Spokesman Sean Spicer says Trump paused during the call because he was "seeking an opinion" from advisers. Reuters reported that Trump had stopped to ask aides what the New START treaty was.

Spicer told reporters Trump is aware of the treaty that was forged during the previous administration. As a candidate, Trump was critical of the agreement, which set new, lower caps on the number of nuclear warheads each country can have.

Spicer said the president finds it "concerning" that details of his conversations with world leaders have been leaked to the press.

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3 p.m.

Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal says Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch encouraged him to go public with the judge's criticism of President Donald Trump's comments attacking federal judges.

The Democratic senator tells The Associated Press in an interview that Gorsuch called Trump's attacks demoralizing and disheartening during a private meeting and said the lawmaker should feel free to quote him.

Blumenthal says Gorsuch told him, "You can repeat that. You can quote me."

Trump tweeted Thursday that Blumenthal had misrepresented Gorsuch's comments and criticized Blumenthal for past statements that he served in Vietnam. Blumenthal was in the Marine Corps Reserves at the time but did not fight in Vietnam.

Blumenthal says Trump's attacks are "way bigger than me or even Judge Gorsuch's nomination" and go to the core issue of judicial independence.

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2:40 p.m.

House Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz says White House counselor Kellyanne Conway's promotion of Ivanka Trump's fashion brand was "wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable."

The Republican congressman said the White House must refer the matter to the Office of Government Ethics for review. He said he and Democratic Oversight Leader Elijah Cummings are writing a letter to the office and he will also write to President Donald Trump about the matter.

"It needs to be dealt with," he told The Associated Press. "There's no ifs, ands or buts about it."

Chaffetz was referring to Conway's Thursday interview with Fox News in which she boasted she was giving the president's daughter "a free commercial here" and urged viewers to "Go buy Ivanka's stuff."

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Conway has been "counseled." Chaffetz said that isn't enough.

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2:30 p.m.

A spokesman for the White House says that comments by President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court were taken out of context.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer was addressing comments by Judge Neil Gorsuch calling Trump's recent criticism of federal judges "disheartening." The judges had angered Trump by pushing back against his immigration ban.

Citing former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who is helping with Gorsuch's confirmation, Spicer said Gorsuch was commenting in general about attacks on the judiciary.

He said that Gorsuch was "asked about his general philosophy."

Gorsuch's confirmation staff and three senators have confirmed the remarks.

___

2:15 p.m.

A White House spokesman says top adviser Kellyanne Conway has been "counseled" after she urged people to buy Ivanka Trump products during an interview on Fox News.

Sean Spicer says: "She's been counseled, and that's all we're going to say."

Conway spoke on Fox News Thursday morning from the White House briefing room. She encouraged people to "go buy Ivanka's stuff." She made the comments a day after Trump attacked Nordstrom on Twitter for dropping his daughter's fashion line.

While Trump himself is not subject to the standards of ethical conduct for federal employees, Conway is. Among the rules: An employee shall not use his or her office "for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise."

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1:44 p.m.

President Donald Trump is having dinner at the White House Thursday night with one of his biggest financial backers, casino mogul Sheldon Adelson.

That's according to two people with direct knowledge of the dinner, which was first reported by The Washington Post.

Adelson and his wife, Miriam, contributed more than $20 million to a super PAC that aired pro-Trump and anti-Hillary Clinton advertising in the final weeks before Election Day.

The couple are close with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. They received prime seats for Trump's swearing-in last month and  in a highly unusual bit of access  also attended a congressional lunch afterward with the new president and lawmakers.

Trump's relationship with Adelson was late-blooming. During the Republican primary race, Trump ridiculed his opponents for being puppets of Adelson.

-By Julie Bykowicz and Julie Pace

___

1:15 p.m.

President Donald Trump has summoned 10 senators to the White House to urge them to confirm his Supreme Court nominee.

Trump is meeting at the White House with both Republicans and Democrats, and telling them Judge Neil Gorsuch is "exceptionally qualified" and has "great intellect."

The president also is repeating his assertion that comments Gorsuch made appearing to distance himself from Trump were  in Trump's word  "misrepresented."

Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut says Gorsuch told him that Trump's critical comments about a judge who ruled against his refugee and immigration ban were "demoralizing" and "disheartening."

Former New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who's working with Gorsuch on the confirmation process, later said Gorsuch was speaking broadly about any criticism of judicial independence, and not about a specific case.

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1:10 p.m.

Democrats are accusing Judge Neil Gorsuch of engaging in a White House "ruse" by criticizing President Donald Trump's attacks on the courts.

Gorsuch has told Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and others that he found Trump's criticism of a federal judge "disheartening and demoralizing."

But the Democratic National Committee calls it "a meaningless White House-orchestrated attempt" to help the Supreme Court nominee "pretend he won't be a rubber stamp" for the administration.

And Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says Gorsuch is only showing "a desire to appear independent."

Trump has disputed Blumenthal's characterization of Gorsuch's remarks, even as Gorsuch's White House-appointed handlers confirmed them.

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12:19 p.m.

Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer says secretary of labor nominee Andrew Puzder should withdraw his name from consideration for the Cabinet post.

Schumer tells reporters that Puzder's record as CEO of fast food empire CKE Restaurants Inc. disqualifies him from advocating for workers as the head of the Labor Department.

Senate Democrats have come forward with another former employee of Puzder's company who says she was mistreated. Puzder has said he's committed to becoming a member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet.

Puzder took another step toward confirmation this week by submitting required ethics forms to the Senate ahead of his Feb. 16 hearing.

He says he'll avoid conflicts of interest by divesting from more than 200 companies if he's confirmed. President Donald Trump has not divested from his business empire.

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11:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump will host Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the White House on Monday.

The White House says the leaders will discuss "strengthening the relationship" between their countries.

Trump has said he wants to discuss his wish to overhaul the North American Free Trade Agreement, which involves the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump has said NAFTA puts U.S. workers at a disadvantage.

Trump's refugee and immigration ban may also come up in the discussions with Trudeau.

After Trump signed the executive order pausing all entries to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority nations, Trudeau tweeted that Canada welcomed people fleeing persecution, terrorism and war.

Trudeau said "diversity is our strength."

___

11 a.m.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee told him and another senator that he was "disheartened" by Trump's denigration of federal judges.

The New York Democrat says Neil Gorsuch made the remark when they met privately Tuesday. It is remarkable for a president's nominee to chide him.

On Wednesday, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Gorsuch told him Trump's criticisms of the judiciary were "demoralizing and disheartening."

That comment was confirmed by aides helping Gorsuch win Senate confirmation.

Trump tweeted Thursday that Blumenthal "misrepresents" what Gorsuch said. Trump offered no reason for his claim.

Schumer also says Gorsuch told Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse (sas) that he was disheartened.

Sasse spokesman James Wegmann confirms that Gorsuch told the senator that Trump's comments were "disheartening."

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9:35 a.m.

White House adviser Kellyanne Conway is defending Ivanka Trump's fashion company.

Conway tells Fox News that Trump is a "successful businesswoman" and people should give the company their business.

President Donald Trump launched a Twitter attack against Nordstrom on Wednesday after the Seattle-based retailer dropped his daughter's clothing and accessory line. Trump says his daughter has been treated "so unfairly."

The tweet drew swift criticism from ethics experts.

Trump has tweeted about companies such as Boeing, Carrier and General Motors. But ethics experts say this time is different because it involves a business run by his daughter  and that raises conflict-of-interest concerns.

___

8:48 a.m.

President Donald Trump is going after Republican Sen. John McCain for suggesting that last week's U.S. raid in Yemen wasn't a success.

Trump tweeted Thursday that McCain "should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media. Only emboldens the enemy!"

He added that McCain has "been losing so long he doesn't know how to win anymore, just look at the mess our country is in  bogged down in conflict all over the place."

McCain is a Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war who lost the 2008 presidential election to President Barack Obama. The Arizona senator won re-election in November.

McCain said Wednesday that any operation where a $75 million airplane is lost, a Navy SEAL is killed, and there are multiple casualties, including women and children, "cannot be labeled a success."

___

8:25 a.m.

An adviser to President Donald Trump says the president is "fully confident" in his Supreme Court nominee.

Kellyanne Conway said Thursday on "Fox and Friends" that Trump wants judges "to express their own independence," after his extended criticism of the judiciary prompted a rebuke from Judge Neil Gorsuch, his pick for the Supreme Court.

Conway echoed comments made earlier by Trump, casting doubt on the credibility of Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who first relayed remarks Gorsuch that Trump's criticism of the judiciary is "demoralizing and disheartening."

Trump's own confirmation team for Gorsuch later confirmed the comments.

Conway said that "the judge has been misrepresented."

She said, "Blumenthal has had a credibility problem" after inaccurately saying he'd served in Vietnam. Blumenthal apologized for his misstatements in 2010

___

8:22 a.m.

A Republican former senator confirms comments by the president's Supreme Court nominee, though the president suggests those comments were misrepresented.

President Donald Trump attacked a Democratic senator early Thursday. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal had said judge Neil Gorsuch told him during a meeting that he found Trump's disparagement of the judiciary "demoralizing and disheartening."

GOP former Sen. Kelly Ayotte is helping with Gorsuch's confirmation and was at the meeting.

She issued a statement saying Gorsuch made clear he was not referring to any specific case. But she said the nominee said he finds any criticism of a judge's integrity and independence to be "disheartening and demoralizing."

Trump tweeted Thursday that Blumenthal "misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him?"

___

7:30 a.m.

President Donald Trump suggests a Democratic senator misrepresented his Supreme Court nominee when the senator said the judge criticized Trump's recent disparagement of the judiciary.

Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Wednesday that Judge Neil Gorsuch told him Trump's comments were "demoralizing and disheartening." Trump's own confirmation team for Gorsuch confirmed those comments.

But Trump tweeted Thursday, "Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him?"

Blumenthal faced criticism in the past for saying he had served in Vietnam. Blumenthal served in the Marine Corps Reserves during Vietnam. He apologized in 2010, saying he regretted his misstatements.

___

3:23 a.m.

President Donald Trump's extended criticism of the judiciary has prompted a rebuke from his nominee for the Supreme Court, who told a senator the president's comments were "demoralizing and disheartening."

Judge Neil Gorsuch, who was nominated by Trump to the nation's high court last week, made the comments Wednesday after Trump accused an appellate court considering his immigration and refugee executive order of being "so political." During the weekend, the president labeled a judge who ruled on his executive order a "so-called judge" and referred to the ruling as "ridiculous."

Gorsuch's comments came at the end of his first full week of meetings in the Senate, which is considering his nomination.

WASHIGNTON: The White House says President Donald Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping in a phone call Thursday night that the U.S. would honor Washington's "one China" policy, which has been at the center of friction between the global powers since Trump's election. Trump "agreed, at the request of President Xi," to honor the policy, the White House says. Before taking office, Trump questioned Washington's "one China policy," which shifted diplomatic recognition from self-governing Taiwan to China in 1979. He said it was open to negotiation. China has bristled at the "one China" comments by Trump, who wants to pressure Beijing to narrow its huge trade surplus with America. The two leaders also invited to each to visit their respective countries. ___ 5:57 p.m. The top two lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee are asking ethics officials to review comments made by a top aide to President Donald Trump after she promoted Ivanka Trump's fashion line during a television interview from the White House. Reps. Jason Chaffetz of Utah and Elijah Cummings of Maryland on Thursday asked the Office of Government Ethics to review the comments by White House aide Kellyanne Conway. The lawmakers say Conway's statement could "constitute an explicit endorsement and advertisement for Ivanka Trump's personal business." Chaffetz, a Republican, chairs the oversight panel. Cummings is the senior Democrat. Chaffetz and Cummings said White House press secretary Sean Spicer's remark that Conway has been "counseled" doesn't go far enough. ___ 4:20 p.m. The White House says President Donald Trump is open to discussing immigration legislation with lawmakers, but believes a 2013 Senate bill amounts to "amnesty." Trump discussed immigration during a White House meeting with lawmakers Thursday. A spokesman for West Virginia's Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin says Trump told lawmakers he would be "open" to reviewing the "Gang of 8" bill from 2013. The bill, which was never voted on in the House, would have granted citizenship to millions of people living in the U.S. illegally. Trump spokesman Sean Spicer says the president was only expressing a willingness to discuss the issue with lawmakers. Spicer said that earlier in the meeting, Trump had voiced his opposition to the "Gang of 8" legislation and called it "amnesty." ___ 4:15 p.m. Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe's stay at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort will be free of charge. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the weekend trip to Trump's posh Palm Beach, Florida, resort is a "gift" to Abe from Trump. The two leaders will travel there Friday after meeting in Washington. Mar-a-Lago serves as both a residence for Trump and a private club. Mar-a-Lago recently doubled its membership fee to $200,000. "No one else will be staying there as far as I know from the Japanese delegation," Spicer said. "They will stay out in town with the rest of the staff." Abe paying for his stay at the Trump property would have raised questions since Trump is not allowed to collect payments from foreign officials. ___ 3:55 p.m. The White House is disputing a report that President Donald Trump was unaware of a U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Spokesman Sean Spicer says Trump paused during the call because he was "seeking an opinion" from advisers. Reuters reported that Trump had stopped to ask aides what the New START treaty was. Spicer told reporters Trump is aware of the treaty that was forged during the previous administration. As a candidate, Trump was critical of the agreement, which set new, lower caps on the number of nuclear warheads each country can have. Spicer said the president finds it "concerning" that details of his conversations with world leaders have been leaked to the press. ___ 3 p.m. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal says Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch encouraged him to go public with the judge's criticism of President Donald Trump's comments attacking federal judges. The Democratic senator tells The Associated Press in an interview that Gorsuch called Trump's attacks demoralizing and disheartening during a private meeting and said the lawmaker should feel free to quote him. Blumenthal says Gorsuch told him, "You can repeat that. You can quote me." Trump tweeted Thursday that Blumenthal had misrepresented Gorsuch's comments and criticized Blumenthal for past statements that he served in Vietnam. Blumenthal was in the Marine Corps Reserves at the time but did not fight in Vietnam. Blumenthal says Trump's attacks are "way bigger than me or even Judge Gorsuch's nomination" and go to the core issue of judicial independence. ___ 2:40 p.m. House Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz says White House counselor Kellyanne Conway's promotion of Ivanka Trump's fashion brand was "wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable." The Republican congressman said the White House must refer the matter to the Office of Government Ethics for review. He said he and Democratic Oversight Leader Elijah Cummings are writing a letter to the office and he will also write to President Donald Trump about the matter. "It needs to be dealt with," he told The Associated Press. "There's no ifs, ands or buts about it." Chaffetz was referring to Conway's Thursday interview with Fox News in which she boasted she was giving the president's daughter "a free commercial here" and urged viewers to "Go buy Ivanka's stuff." White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Conway has been "counseled." Chaffetz said that isn't enough. ___ 2:30 p.m. A spokesman for the White House says that comments by President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court were taken out of context. White House press secretary Sean Spicer was addressing comments by Judge Neil Gorsuch calling Trump's recent criticism of federal judges "disheartening." The judges had angered Trump by pushing back against his immigration ban. Citing former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who is helping with Gorsuch's confirmation, Spicer said Gorsuch was commenting in general about attacks on the judiciary. He said that Gorsuch was "asked about his general philosophy." Gorsuch's confirmation staff and three senators have confirmed the remarks. ___ 2:15 p.m. A White House spokesman says top adviser Kellyanne Conway has been "counseled" after she urged people to buy Ivanka Trump products during an interview on Fox News. Sean Spicer says: "She's been counseled, and that's all we're going to say." Conway spoke on Fox News Thursday morning from the White House briefing room. She encouraged people to "go buy Ivanka's stuff." She made the comments a day after Trump attacked Nordstrom on Twitter for dropping his daughter's fashion line. While Trump himself is not subject to the standards of ethical conduct for federal employees, Conway is. Among the rules: An employee shall not use his or her office "for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise." ___ 1:44 p.m. President Donald Trump is having dinner at the White House Thursday night with one of his biggest financial backers, casino mogul Sheldon Adelson. That's according to two people with direct knowledge of the dinner, which was first reported by The Washington Post. Adelson and his wife, Miriam, contributed more than $20 million to a super PAC that aired pro-Trump and anti-Hillary Clinton advertising in the final weeks before Election Day. The couple are close with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. They received prime seats for Trump's swearing-in last month and  in a highly unusual bit of access  also attended a congressional lunch afterward with the new president and lawmakers. Trump's relationship with Adelson was late-blooming. During the Republican primary race, Trump ridiculed his opponents for being puppets of Adelson. -By Julie Bykowicz and Julie Pace ___ 1:15 p.m. President Donald Trump has summoned 10 senators to the White House to urge them to confirm his Supreme Court nominee. Trump is meeting at the White House with both Republicans and Democrats, and telling them Judge Neil Gorsuch is "exceptionally qualified" and has "great intellect." The president also is repeating his assertion that comments Gorsuch made appearing to distance himself from Trump were  in Trump's word  "misrepresented." Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut says Gorsuch told him that Trump's critical comments about a judge who ruled against his refugee and immigration ban were "demoralizing" and "disheartening." Former New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who's working with Gorsuch on the confirmation process, later said Gorsuch was speaking broadly about any criticism of judicial independence, and not about a specific case. ___ 1:10 p.m. Democrats are accusing Judge Neil Gorsuch of engaging in a White House "ruse" by criticizing President Donald Trump's attacks on the courts. Gorsuch has told Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and others that he found Trump's criticism of a federal judge "disheartening and demoralizing." But the Democratic National Committee calls it "a meaningless White House-orchestrated attempt" to help the Supreme Court nominee "pretend he won't be a rubber stamp" for the administration. And Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says Gorsuch is only showing "a desire to appear independent." Trump has disputed Blumenthal's characterization of Gorsuch's remarks, even as Gorsuch's White House-appointed handlers confirmed them. ___ 12:19 p.m. Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer says secretary of labor nominee Andrew Puzder should withdraw his name from consideration for the Cabinet post. Schumer tells reporters that Puzder's record as CEO of fast food empire CKE Restaurants Inc. disqualifies him from advocating for workers as the head of the Labor Department. Senate Democrats have come forward with another former employee of Puzder's company who says she was mistreated. Puzder has said he's committed to becoming a member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet. Puzder took another step toward confirmation this week by submitting required ethics forms to the Senate ahead of his Feb. 16 hearing. He says he'll avoid conflicts of interest by divesting from more than 200 companies if he's confirmed. President Donald Trump has not divested from his business empire. ___ 11:55 a.m. President Donald Trump will host Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the White House on Monday. The White House says the leaders will discuss "strengthening the relationship" between their countries. Trump has said he wants to discuss his wish to overhaul the North American Free Trade Agreement, which involves the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump has said NAFTA puts U.S. workers at a disadvantage. Trump's refugee and immigration ban may also come up in the discussions with Trudeau. After Trump signed the executive order pausing all entries to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority nations, Trudeau tweeted that Canada welcomed people fleeing persecution, terrorism and war. Trudeau said "diversity is our strength." ___ 11 a.m. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee told him and another senator that he was "disheartened" by Trump's denigration of federal judges. The New York Democrat says Neil Gorsuch made the remark when they met privately Tuesday. It is remarkable for a president's nominee to chide him. On Wednesday, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Gorsuch told him Trump's criticisms of the judiciary were "demoralizing and disheartening." That comment was confirmed by aides helping Gorsuch win Senate confirmation. Trump tweeted Thursday that Blumenthal "misrepresents" what Gorsuch said. Trump offered no reason for his claim. Schumer also says Gorsuch told Nebraska Republican Sen. Ben Sasse (sas) that he was disheartened. Sasse spokesman James Wegmann confirms that Gorsuch told the senator that Trump's comments were "disheartening." ___ 9:35 a.m. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway is defending Ivanka Trump's fashion company. Conway tells Fox News that Trump is a "successful businesswoman" and people should give the company their business. President Donald Trump launched a Twitter attack against Nordstrom on Wednesday after the Seattle-based retailer dropped his daughter's clothing and accessory line. Trump says his daughter has been treated "so unfairly." The tweet drew swift criticism from ethics experts. Trump has tweeted about companies such as Boeing, Carrier and General Motors. But ethics experts say this time is different because it involves a business run by his daughter  and that raises conflict-of-interest concerns. ___ 8:48 a.m. President Donald Trump is going after Republican Sen. John McCain for suggesting that last week's U.S. raid in Yemen wasn't a success. Trump tweeted Thursday that McCain "should not be talking about the success or failure of a mission to the media. Only emboldens the enemy!" He added that McCain has "been losing so long he doesn't know how to win anymore, just look at the mess our country is in  bogged down in conflict all over the place." McCain is a Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war who lost the 2008 presidential election to President Barack Obama. The Arizona senator won re-election in November. McCain said Wednesday that any operation where a $75 million airplane is lost, a Navy SEAL is killed, and there are multiple casualties, including women and children, "cannot be labeled a success." ___ 8:25 a.m. An adviser to President Donald Trump says the president is "fully confident" in his Supreme Court nominee. Kellyanne Conway said Thursday on "Fox and Friends" that Trump wants judges "to express their own independence," after his extended criticism of the judiciary prompted a rebuke from Judge Neil Gorsuch, his pick for the Supreme Court. Conway echoed comments made earlier by Trump, casting doubt on the credibility of Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who first relayed remarks Gorsuch that Trump's criticism of the judiciary is "demoralizing and disheartening." Trump's own confirmation team for Gorsuch later confirmed the comments. Conway said that "the judge has been misrepresented." She said, "Blumenthal has had a credibility problem" after inaccurately saying he'd served in Vietnam. Blumenthal apologized for his misstatements in 2010 ___ 8:22 a.m. A Republican former senator confirms comments by the president's Supreme Court nominee, though the president suggests those comments were misrepresented. President Donald Trump attacked a Democratic senator early Thursday. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal had said judge Neil Gorsuch told him during a meeting that he found Trump's disparagement of the judiciary "demoralizing and disheartening." GOP former Sen. Kelly Ayotte is helping with Gorsuch's confirmation and was at the meeting. She issued a statement saying Gorsuch made clear he was not referring to any specific case. But she said the nominee said he finds any criticism of a judge's integrity and independence to be "disheartening and demoralizing." Trump tweeted Thursday that Blumenthal "misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him?" ___ 7:30 a.m. President Donald Trump suggests a Democratic senator misrepresented his Supreme Court nominee when the senator said the judge criticized Trump's recent disparagement of the judiciary. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Wednesday that Judge Neil Gorsuch told him Trump's comments were "demoralizing and disheartening." Trump's own confirmation team for Gorsuch confirmed those comments. But Trump tweeted Thursday, "Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), now misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him?" Blumenthal faced criticism in the past for saying he had served in Vietnam. Blumenthal served in the Marine Corps Reserves during Vietnam. He apologized in 2010, saying he regretted his misstatements. ___ 3:23 a.m. President Donald Trump's extended criticism of the judiciary has prompted a rebuke from his nominee for the Supreme Court, who told a senator the president's comments were "demoralizing and disheartening." Judge Neil Gorsuch, who was nominated by Trump to the nation's high court last week, made the comments Wednesday after Trump accused an appellate court considering his immigration and refugee executive order of being "so political." During the weekend, the president labeled a judge who ruled on his executive order a "so-called judge" and referred to the ruling as "ridiculous." Gorsuch's comments came at the end of his first full week of meetings in the Senate, which is considering his nomination.
By IANS

MEXICO CITY: US President Donald Trump's proposed wall along the southern border with Mexico is unlikely to deter migrants fleeing violence, poverty or a lack of opportunities, a Mexican immigration official said.



"There is no way to stop a person who wants to migrate or to cross the border," Rodolfo Figueroa Pacheco, a representative of Mexico's National Migration Institute in the border state of Baja California, told Xinhua news agency on Thursday.



"The real solution to the migration issue lies in the countries that expel migrants," said Figueroa, referring to policies that exacerbate violence, drug trafficking and poverty in Central America and other regions.



"Our obligation is to ensure that those who are in Mexico are orderly, safe and have their rights respected," he said.



Undocumented migrants have many ways to cross borders, noted Figueroa, adding "there's the maritime route and the overland route, the use of fake, borrowed or rented documents, and there are also tunnels and ramps. That is to say it is very complicated and difficult to deter."



Mexico's geographic location has made it a springboard for migrants who are driven not just by the promise of a better life, but often by the destruction of their own way of life, as the current refugee crisis shows.



"We can't change our geography. Baja California is where it is, so our proximity to the US turns us into a natural corridor for migration," said the official.



Fences with floodlights, sophisticated sensors and cameras lead many migrants to avoid the overland route and find an underground alternative to cross.



Esteban, an undocumented migrant who has sneaked across the border several times, said: "The sewage system is one of the best (options), as it takes you straight to San Diego."



"The exit is close to a shopping centre. You arrive, change into clean clothes and no problem. Sometimes you go in groups or individually."



Some of the "other ways" are dangerous, especially for women and minors, said Salome Limas, an activist who works at a migrant shelter called Casa Madre Assunta.



Shelters usually offer migrants a place to stay for up to 15 days, enough time for those who have already travelled long distances to rest and recover before attempting a potentially dangerous crossing, said Limas.



Women who decide to risk the crossing at present, she said, are mainly those who were deported from the US, "but must go back there, where they have homes, husbands or children".



Last year, according to government figures, some 250,000 undocumented migrants crossed the border, most from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.



Independent groups say the number is close to 400,000.

MEXICO CITY: US President Donald Trump's proposed wall along the southern border with Mexico is unlikely to deter migrants fleeing violence, poverty or a lack of opportunities, a Mexican immigration official said. "There is no way to stop a person who wants to migrate or to cross the border," Rodolfo Figueroa Pacheco, a representative of Mexico's National Migration Institute in the border state of Baja California, told Xinhua news agency on Thursday. "The real solution to the migration issue lies in the countries that expel migrants," said Figueroa, referring to policies that exacerbate violence, drug trafficking and poverty in Central America and other regions. "Our obligation is to ensure that those who are in Mexico are orderly, safe and have their rights respected," he said. Undocumented migrants have many ways to cross borders, noted Figueroa, adding "there's the maritime route and the overland route, the use of fake, borrowed or rented documents, and there are also tunnels and ramps. That is to say it is very complicated and difficult to deter." Mexico's geographic location has made it a springboard for migrants who are driven not just by the promise of a better life, but often by the destruction of their own way of life, as the current refugee crisis shows. "We can't change our geography. Baja California is where it is, so our proximity to the US turns us into a natural corridor for migration," said the official. Fences with floodlights, sophisticated sensors and cameras lead many migrants to avoid the overland route and find an underground alternative to cross. Esteban, an undocumented migrant who has sneaked across the border several times, said: "The sewage system is one of the best (options), as it takes you straight to San Diego." "The exit is close to a shopping centre. You arrive, change into clean clothes and no problem. Sometimes you go in groups or individually." Some of the "other ways" are dangerous, especially for women and minors, said Salome Limas, an activist who works at a migrant shelter called Casa Madre Assunta. Shelters usually offer migrants a place to stay for up to 15 days, enough time for those who have already travelled long distances to rest and recover before attempting a potentially dangerous crossing, said Limas. Women who decide to risk the crossing at present, she said, are mainly those who were deported from the US, "but must go back there, where they have homes, husbands or children". Last year, according to government figures, some 250,000 undocumented migrants crossed the border, most from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Independent groups say the number is close to 400,000.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: A US federal appeals court has unanimously declined to reinstate Donald Trump's controversial executive order to temporarily ban refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim nations, prompting the President to call the judgement as a "political decision".

The judgement by a three-judge bench is seen as a major setback for the Trump Administration which argued that executive order was a major step to prevent entry of radical Islamic terrorists from entering the country. Trump soon reacted to the court order in his tweet. "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" Trump wrote indicating that he is deeply disappointed on the decision of the San Francisco-based Ninth Court of Appeal.

The Trump Administration has reached out to the court asking it to lift the halt on the implementation of its executive order that was ordered by a federal court in Seattle after an appeal filed by the Washington State. The San Francisco Court had held an oral hearing on the case early this week.

The bench included Judges William C Canby Jr, Richard R Clifton, and Michelle T Friedland. "We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay," the judges said in an unanimous order.

"Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the Executive Order, the government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all. We disagree," they wrote. "In short, although courts owe considerable deference to the President's policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action," the judges said.

In a brief interaction with reporters after the judgement, Trump described this as a political decision. "It's a political decision, and we're going to see them in court. This is just a decision that came down, but we're going to win the case," Trump said according to NBC news. However, his political opponents and rights activists celebrated the court verdict. "The Constitution wins," said Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who was one of the leading Democratic lawmakers against Trump's executive order.

"This is an enormous victory for democracy and for families in our country and around the world. The justices unanimously rejected the idea that they should narrow the temporary restraining order based on geography or scope. They signalled that this executive order will likely be overturned in higher court," Jayapal said.

Jayapal said the US retains its place as a refuge for so many around the world. "Given the court's ruling, I urge the President to abandon this failed executive order, and to spare the American people the expense and pain of continued litigation. Instead of stoking hate and xenophobia, he should be a president for all Americans," she said.

Trump ought to see the handwriting on the wall that his executive order is unconstitutional, said Senator Chares Schumer, Senate Minority Leader. "He should abandon this proposal, roll up his sleeves and come up with a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe," he said. "The 9th Circuit's unanimous ruling is a victory for our Constitution and our fight against terrorism.

National security experts have urgently warned us that the President's ban is not just immoral and unconstitutional, but downright dangerous," said Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader. House Democratic Whip Steny H Hoyer said America's judicial system delivered a strong rebuke to the Trump Administration's unconstitutional Muslim ban. "With its unanimous 3-0 ruling, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel rejected the Administration's attempts to subvert the values and highest ideals of our nation. It also rejected a policy that threatens our national security and will hinder us in the war against ISIS and other purveyors of terror," he said.

"This is a victory not only for the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the ban but a victory for everything America stands for as well. Now, it is incumbent upon the President to respect the independent judgment of our courts and abide by this decision. I urge him to withdraw this ban altogether," Hoyer said.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), welcomed the court's decision to maintain the freeze on President Trump's controversial "Muslim ban" executive order, which barred entry into the United States by refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations. "We applaud this ruling as a reaffirmation of the strength and independence of our system of justice.

This decision adds to the long list of federal judges - both Republican and Democratic appointees - who found reason to block this discriminatory order," said Nihad Awad, CAIR national executive director. "If the President were serious about bringing our country together and keeping us safe, he would rescind this arbitrary and discriminatory order and recall what makes our country great," said Senator Patrick Leahy, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

WASHINGTON: A US federal appeals court has unanimously declined to reinstate Donald Trump's controversial executive order to temporarily ban refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim nations, prompting the President to call the judgement as a "political decision". The judgement by a three-judge bench is seen as a major setback for the Trump Administration which argued that executive order was a major step to prevent entry of radical Islamic terrorists from entering the country. Trump soon reacted to the court order in his tweet. "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" Trump wrote indicating that he is deeply disappointed on the decision of the San Francisco-based Ninth Court of Appeal. The Trump Administration has reached out to the court asking it to lift the halt on the implementation of its executive order that was ordered by a federal court in Seattle after an appeal filed by the Washington State. The San Francisco Court had held an oral hearing on the case early this week. The bench included Judges William C Canby Jr, Richard R Clifton, and Michelle T Friedland. "We hold that the government has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of its appeal, nor has it shown that failure to enter a stay would cause irreparable injury, and we therefore deny its emergency motion for a stay," the judges said in an unanimous order. "Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the Executive Order, the government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all. We disagree," they wrote. "In short, although courts owe considerable deference to the President's policy determinations with respect to immigration and national security, it is beyond question that the federal judiciary retains the authority to adjudicate constitutional challenges to executive action," the judges said. In a brief interaction with reporters after the judgement, Trump described this as a political decision. "It's a political decision, and we're going to see them in court. This is just a decision that came down, but we're going to win the case," Trump said according to NBC news. However, his political opponents and rights activists celebrated the court verdict. "The Constitution wins," said Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who was one of the leading Democratic lawmakers against Trump's executive order. "This is an enormous victory for democracy and for families in our country and around the world. The justices unanimously rejected the idea that they should narrow the temporary restraining order based on geography or scope. They signalled that this executive order will likely be overturned in higher court," Jayapal said. Jayapal said the US retains its place as a refuge for so many around the world. "Given the court's ruling, I urge the President to abandon this failed executive order, and to spare the American people the expense and pain of continued litigation. Instead of stoking hate and xenophobia, he should be a president for all Americans," she said. Trump ought to see the handwriting on the wall that his executive order is unconstitutional, said Senator Chares Schumer, Senate Minority Leader. "He should abandon this proposal, roll up his sleeves and come up with a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe," he said. "The 9th Circuit's unanimous ruling is a victory for our Constitution and our fight against terrorism. National security experts have urgently warned us that the President's ban is not just immoral and unconstitutional, but downright dangerous," said Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader. House Democratic Whip Steny H Hoyer said America's judicial system delivered a strong rebuke to the Trump Administration's unconstitutional Muslim ban. "With its unanimous 3-0 ruling, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel rejected the Administration's attempts to subvert the values and highest ideals of our nation. It also rejected a policy that threatens our national security and will hinder us in the war against ISIS and other purveyors of terror," he said. "This is a victory not only for the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the ban but a victory for everything America stands for as well. Now, it is incumbent upon the President to respect the independent judgment of our courts and abide by this decision. I urge him to withdraw this ban altogether," Hoyer said. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), welcomed the court's decision to maintain the freeze on President Trump's controversial "Muslim ban" executive order, which barred entry into the United States by refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations. "We applaud this ruling as a reaffirmation of the strength and independence of our system of justice. This decision adds to the long list of federal judges - both Republican and Democratic appointees - who found reason to block this discriminatory order," said Nihad Awad, CAIR national executive director. "If the President were serious about bringing our country together and keeping us safe, he would rescind this arbitrary and discriminatory order and recall what makes our country great," said Senator Patrick Leahy, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
By AFP

ADEN: Yemeni government forces took full control of the historic Red Sea port of Mokha on Friday after weeks of deadly fighting with Shiite rebels and their allies, a spokesman said.

"We have done with the Battle of Mokha," armed forces spokesman Mohammed al-Naqib told AFP, adding that the rebels had been forced to flee the town.

Another loyalist military source confirmed that government forces were in "full control".

The rebels had put up fierce resistance in the town. Twenty-four rebels and eight loyalist troops were killed in fighting on Wednesday alone.

Mokha was once Yemen's main port serving as the export hub for coffee grown in the highlands.

But it was overtaken in the 19th century by Hodeida further north, which remains in the hands of the rebels, and the southern port of Aden, which is the headquarters of the government. The capital Sanaa is held by the rebels.

Before the government launched a major offensive on January 7, the rebels controlled virtually all of Yemen's 450 kilometre (280 miles) Red Sea coastline.

But with the support of a Saudi-led coalition the loyalists have made steady gains.

More than 400 combatants have been killed since the offensive began.

ADEN: Yemeni government forces took full control of the historic Red Sea port of Mokha on Friday after weeks of deadly fighting with Shiite rebels and their allies, a spokesman said. "We have done with the Battle of Mokha," armed forces spokesman Mohammed al-Naqib told AFP, adding that the rebels had been forced to flee the town. Another loyalist military source confirmed that government forces were in "full control". The rebels had put up fierce resistance in the town. Twenty-four rebels and eight loyalist troops were killed in fighting on Wednesday alone. Mokha was once Yemen's main port serving as the export hub for coffee grown in the highlands. But it was overtaken in the 19th century by Hodeida further north, which remains in the hands of the rebels, and the southern port of Aden, which is the headquarters of the government. The capital Sanaa is held by the rebels. Before the government launched a major offensive on January 7, the rebels controlled virtually all of Yemen's 450 kilometre (280 miles) Red Sea coastline. But with the support of a Saudi-led coalition the loyalists have made steady gains. More than 400 combatants have been killed since the offensive began.
By AFP

VILNIUS: US President Donald Trump signalled support for Ukraine's territorial integrity in a letter released on Friday, as Kiev grapples with an upsurge in fighting with Russia-backed separatists.

"Your support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine () advance our shared goal to enhance European and regional security," Trump said in a letter to Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite.

The US embassy in Vilnius published the letter amid the worst fighting in two years in eastern Ukraine, which has presented the Trump administration with the first test of its Russia policy.

After an uprising in Kiev ousted a pro-Russian leader, Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in March 2014 and supported a separatist movement in eastern Ukraine that has since claimed more than 10,000 lives.

Lithuania, which is both a NATO and EU member, is a vocal supporter of Ukraine.

Trump, who has suggested he may seek to improve ties with Moscow, praised Lithuania's defence spending hike, calling it a "valued NATO ally".

Vilnius increased its defence budget by a third this year and pledged to meet NATO's two-percent-of-GDP funding target in 2018.

Grybauskaite said Thursday that Lithuania "trusts" Trump will fulfill all US defence obligations towards its NATO partners.

Her comments come at a time of uncertainty for eastern NATO allies like Poland and the three Baltic states, who have been unsettled by Trump's seemingly pro-Moscow stance coupled with critical remarks about NATO.

Trump has called the alliance "obsolete" in terms of fighting terrorism, but of "fundamental importance" to transatlantic security.

The new US president sent the letter to congratulate on its upcoming February 16 national holiday.

VILNIUS: US President Donald Trump signalled support for Ukraine's territorial integrity in a letter released on Friday, as Kiev grapples with an upsurge in fighting with Russia-backed separatists. "Your support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine () advance our shared goal to enhance European and regional security," Trump said in a letter to Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite. The US embassy in Vilnius published the letter amid the worst fighting in two years in eastern Ukraine, which has presented the Trump administration with the first test of its Russia policy. After an uprising in Kiev ousted a pro-Russian leader, Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in March 2014 and supported a separatist movement in eastern Ukraine that has since claimed more than 10,000 lives. Lithuania, which is both a NATO and EU member, is a vocal supporter of Ukraine. Trump, who has suggested he may seek to improve ties with Moscow, praised Lithuania's defence spending hike, calling it a "valued NATO ally". Vilnius increased its defence budget by a third this year and pledged to meet NATO's two-percent-of-GDP funding target in 2018. Grybauskaite said Thursday that Lithuania "trusts" Trump will fulfill all US defence obligations towards its NATO partners. Her comments come at a time of uncertainty for eastern NATO allies like Poland and the three Baltic states, who have been unsettled by Trump's seemingly pro-Moscow stance coupled with critical remarks about NATO. Trump has called the alliance "obsolete" in terms of fighting terrorism, but of "fundamental importance" to transatlantic security. The new US president sent the letter to congratulate on its upcoming February 16 national holiday.
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Were just over a month in, but 2017 so far is looking better than last year for hedge funds.

More than 70% of hedge funds reported positive results in January, according to eVestments newest Hedge Fund Performance Report authored by Peter Laurelli.

The average hedge fund rose 1.16% in January, marking the eleventh consecutive month of positive performance. The S&P 500, a commonly used benchmark to compare performance, returned 1.9% in January.

For an industry needing to bolster its representation within institutional portfolios, broad satisfaction with performance is an excellent place to start, Laurelli wrote.

For the most part, hedge funds had an underwhelming year in 2016. Hedge funds returned 5.74% in 2016, while the S&P 500 was up 11.96%. Meanwhile, total industry assets soared to a record above $3 trillion in 2016 even as investors pulled $106 billion from the hedge fund industry in 2016, according to another recent report from eVestment.

The hedge fund industry is made up of an estimated 10,000 hedge funds, employing a variety of different strategies (long/short, event, credit, risk arbitrage, macro, etc.). There are dispersions of returns among strategies and even among managers within the same strategies. Hedge funds are particularly difficult to benchmark.

eVestment

According to the latest eVestment report, some of the standout strategies include the emerging markets, which returned 3.37% overall in January. Brazil-focused hedge funds gained an average of 7.72%. Other funds focused on the BRIC countries posted positive performance, with Russia-focused funds returning 4.1%, India-focused funds returning 4.21%, and China-focused funds returning +4.17%.

Distressed funds also had a solid start to the year, returning 1.57%. Long/short equity hedge funds gained 1.57%. The activist hedge funds posted slight gains of 0.99%.

The weakest performance was amongst the macro funds, which fell 0.33%. Managed futures also slipped an average 0.74%.

Story continues



Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter.



Read more:
Who are Newport's top taxpayers? Take a look at the top 50.
The corporate logo of financial firm Morgan Stanley is pictured on the company's world headquarters in the Manhattan borough of New York City, January 20, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Segar

(Reuters) - Morgan Stanley (MS.N) is exploring a move to Hudson Yards, the vast development site on Manhattan's West Side, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The bank is considering purchasing the remaining 2 million square feet at 50 Hudson Yards, the planned tower where money manager BlackRock Inc (BLK.N) is also expected to move its headquarters, the Journal said.

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, plans to move its headquarters in 2022 from midtown Manhattan to a new office tower in the Hudson Yards district, the developers said in December.

Morgan Stanley was not avaible to comment outside regular U.S. business hours.

(Reporting by Akankshita Mukhopadhyay in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler)
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).
Older adults who live in poor and violent urban neighborhoods are at greater risk for depression, a study by researchers from UC Davis, the University of Minnesota and other institutions published Jan. 23 in the journal Health & Place has found.

The research specifically showed that older adults who lived in neighborhoods with more homicide and a higher poverty rate experienced more depressive symptoms. In fact, neighborhood homicide rates accounted for almost a third of the effect of neighborhood poverty on older adult depression.

According to the World Health Organization, depression affects 120 million people worldwide. It is the third leading cause of global disease burden and it is projected that unipolar depressive disorders will become the leading cause of global disease burden by 2030. While depression is a major issue at any age, it is a particular concern for the elderly, increasing disability and mental decline and reducing quality of life.

"Given the shift towards an aging population and the growing rates of depression among older adults, understanding the factors that contribute to depression is critical," said Spruha Joshi, a doctoral student in epidemiology at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and first author on the paper. Neighborhoods in which older adults live are an important factor influencing depression and overall mental health, she said.

"We wanted to investigate the total effect poverty has on older adult depression, but also look at particular characteristics that might explain that relationship," said Magdalena Cerda, associate professor in the UC Davis Health Department of Emergency Medicine and senior author. "Specifically, what is it about poor neighborhoods that make people depressed? This study really highlights the role violence plays in affecting mental health."

While previous studies revealed a link between poverty and depression, few have focused exclusively on older adults. In addition, previous efforts had not addressed the many conditions in poor neighborhoods that could contribute to older adult depression.

"Older adults tend to be less mobile and more dependent on the amenities, services and sources of social support in the neighborhoods where they live," Joshi said.

For the study, the researchers queried data from the New York City Neighborhood and Mental Health in the Elderly Study II (NYCNAMES II), a three-year study of elderly residents in the nation's most populous city. Depression was measured using the nine-question Patient Health Questionnaire.

The team looked at several neighborhood factors that might contribute to depression, such as high homicide rates, poor perception of safety, pedestrian and bicyclist injuries, green space, social cohesion and walkability. The study sample was 61 percent female and 47 percent non-Hispanic white. In addition, 60 percent of respondents had incomes below $40,000.

While many factors were examined, violence was the only neighborhood characteristic that substantially contributed to depression in older adults in impoverished, urban communities.

"We found that about 30 percent of the relationship between neighborhood poverty and depression was explained by the higher homicide rate," Cerda said.

These findings could help shape policy to improve quality of life for older adults in urban neighborhoods.

"Violence in the pathway between poverty and depression is a critical finding," Joshi said. "Now we can look at neighborhoods that are not only poor but also have high levels of violence and possibly provide support for older adults in the area."

The study highlights the key role that violence can play in shaping the mental health of local residents. By investing in violence prevention in high-poverty neighborhoods, it's possible to reduce violence and improve the mental health of vulnerable populations, Cerda added.

More work will need to be done to tease out the relationships between neighborhood conditions and depression for older adults in impoverished neighborhoods.

"There are still many pathways through which poor neighborhoods can shape mental health that we don't yet understand," Joshi said. "Identifying these pathways will be critical if we want to identify suitable ways to promote mental health in local residents."
BMG LABTECHs UK subsidiary has achieved more than two decades of innovation and steady growth. The subsidiary was established in 1996 and 2017 sees its 21st anniversary. It was founded to offer excellent sales and service for BMG LABTECHs wide range of dedicated and multi-mode microplate readers for life sciences applications and high throughput screening purposes. Throughout 2017 there will be various events and promotions for the customers as BMG LABTECH Ltd celebrates 21 years of customer service excellence in the UK.

Since its incorporation there have been many changes at BMG LABTECH Ltd (UK). Team BMG LABTECH UK has grown and developed into a premium company offering the very best in customer support for the high quality German designed and built range of microplate readers. 2017 marks a milestone year in which I anticipate further growth to support both our existing customer base and enhance our offering to new customers, says Robert Mount, Managing Director BMG LABTECH Ltd.

Today BMG LABTECH is at the forefront of technology due to its continuous development of innovative and unique technologies in microplate reading, adds Robert. BMG also recognises the importance of innovative approaches to customer support and has a highly qualified and fully trained customer support team which includes applications specialists, engineers and a dedicated technical support desk. We also offer applications support for the lifetime of all our instrumentation, something that we know makes a key difference to our customer base.
Following research showing that a unique immersive virtual reality can help children with autism spectrum disorder overcome their fears and phobias, the service known as the Newcastle Blue Room is now being offered on the NHS.

The first patients have been referred for treatment in the Blue Room, an immersive virtual reality room.

In 2014, the Newcastle University team reported in PLOS ONE, how eight out of nine children treated in the Blue Room were able to tackle the situation they feared and some were found to have completely overcome their phobias, even a year later.

Now the immersive reality treatment is available as a NHS service, where there is funding by the children's Clinical Commissioning Group, and each child referred will receive four sessions at the facility in County Durham, UK.

Immersive technology as treatment

The Newcastle University team work with company Third Eye Technologies in their unique immersive Blue Room to create personalised scenarios. Accompanied by a psychologist, the child is completely surrounded with audio visual images representing the 'real world' in the 360 degree seamless screened room with no point of external reference. This means they do not have to wear a headset or goggles which children with autism can find distressing.

They move around the scene using ipad controls, interacting and navigating through the scenario as they wish allowing them to fully control the environment.

Scenarios tested already include getting on a busy bus, crossing a bridge, going shopping or talking to an avatar shop assistant.

Supported by a psychologist, they are given breathing and relaxation exercises in the controllable and safe virtual environment to help them to learn to cope with that situation. They are observed by their parents via a video-link which enables them to watch the techniques used to help their child.

The flexibility of the Blue Room means that scenes can be gradually built up in complexity and noise level, allowing a graded exposure and element of control that cannot be achieved in real life.

Combatting situation specific anxieties, fears and phobias

Dr Jeremy Parr is a Clinical Senior Lecturer specialising in Paediatric Neurodisability at Newcastle University and works within the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust which is providing the service. He said: "Situation-specific anxieties, fears and phobias can completely stop a child with autism taking part in normal family or school life and there are very few treatment options for them. Currently the main treatment is cognitive behaviour therapy but that often doesn't work for a child with autism as it relies on their imagination.

"People with autism can find imagining a scene difficult so by providing it physically in front of the child's eyes we can sit alongside them and help them learn how to manage their fears.

"Our previous small scale study of this immersive treatment for children is incredibly promising and work is continuing on a much larger study. To see children able to face a situation that they previously found so distressing, such as going into a shop after just four sessions in the treatment room is amazing. It makes a huge difference to their lives."

To examine the long-term effectiveness of the treatment, a larger-scale clinical study is being carried out with the results due 2017 - in the initial study the effects were still felt by children one year after treatment.

The treatment is being offered through the NHS England Commissioned Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service (CNDS), whose remit includes research to develop new treatments and interventions and evaluate their use in the NHS. Payment for the treatment will be through the local Clinical Commissioning Group or equivalent and can information can be found on the Blue Room page of Newcastle University website: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/research/developmental/devproj2/

Harnessing technology

The technology supporting the treatment is being provided by ThirdEye technologies with a specialised facility in Consett, County Durham.

Managing Director Paul Smith said: "The Blue Room is a module where all surfaces are screens so no goggles or headsets have to be worn and this leads to you feeling totally immersed. When we were developing the facility we knew it had endless possibilities but to be able to harness the latest technology in order to help children with autism control their anxieties and phobias is incredibly rewarding and something we hadn't anticipated."

Around 150,000 children in the UK are thought to have autism spectrum disorder and it affects four times more boys than girls. Studies show that the condition costs the UK 32bn every year. Many people with autism spectrum disorder have a fear or phobia which can be so distressing that they and their families completely avoid the situation.
The meticulous, careful study of minute compounds in both simple and complex mixtures has traditionally relied on conventional mass spectrometry (MS); however, MS technology can be bulky and present a substantial learning curve for new operators. Miniature mass spectrometers, however, have provided an alternative, especially for biomedical applications.

 Micolas / Shutterstock.com

Pittcon 2022: March 6-10 Click here to learn more Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

New Orleans, LA USA

Physicians using portable MS instruments can obtain rapid disease-specific results, such as during surgery, allowing for quicker and more high-quality patient care. Research on miniature mass spectrometers have made way for more efficient miniaturized MS tools, some of which will be presented at this years Pittcon Conference, March 5-9, Chicago.

Benchtop MS instruments have been condensed and made practical for use at the bedside, and some miniature mass spectrometers have been developed for handheld use in the clinical and laboratory setting. Driving the further development of miniature MS has useful applicability in other fields, like firefighting and food safety inspections.

Miniaturizing the size of spectrometers has its limitations, however, since these tools can hinder MS performance in some cases. The vacuum, for example, is one of the biggest challenges for MS miniaturization due to its naturally large size and weight.

Miniature MS in surgery

Surgery has been a growing realm for exploring the uses of miniature mass spectrometers, particularly in oncology-related procedures. Research has also shown that miniature MS can also be helpful for guidance in surgical resection, a common curative method for patients with pancreatic cancer.

A Purdue University and Brigham and Womens Hospital study led by Robert Graham Cooks, a featured speaker at Pittcon 2017, reports that desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) can be a helpful ionization technique in miniature MS during brain surgery. DESI works by creating molecular maps-to-tissue sections, allowing for the identification of disease state within tested tissue without requiring large sample sizes.

Ionization methods in miniature MS

DESI can be tested directly on biological tissue. Additionally, charge droplets are utilized for ionizing analyte molecules in a small sample during DESI. High DC voltage electrospray and sheath gas are also used to produce a high-velocity-charged droplet. This tool tested brain tissue to determine the grade and type of cancer in brain surgery patients.

Essentially, using tools like these could be helpful for guiding surgical decisions, such as deciding when to remove diseased tissue. DESI has been used in miniature MS for real-time diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Paper spray (PS) ionization, another ionization technique commonly used in MS and miniature MS for highly complex structures to be discussed by Larry Warfield at Pittcon 2017, uses electrospray to generate ions to a paper substrate.

Paper is a decent material for sample storage in PS and is commonly used for chromatographic separation. PS is a simplified, speedy technique that is appealing to researchers who have small samples and who need a quick, effective method for drug monitoring.

Low-temperature plasma (LTP) ionization is another ionization method used in mass spectrometry that has been used to analyze ingredients in seed oils, identify agrochemicals, and detect explosives on surfaces. LTP is an ambient ionization technique, using active species that are generated in a low-power plasma.

Doing this, researchers desorb and ionize analytes in untreated samples. Various elements, including nitrogen, argon, and helium, are transferred through an alternating electric field, and a device extracts the plasma species out of a discharge region to sample compounds.

Daniel Austin, a researcher at Brigham Young University and speaker at Pittcon 2017, has led the way in miniature MS studies. His research has demonstrated the continual advancement of miniature MS in all aspects of the life sciences. Austin has produced mass analyzers as well as miniaturized ion traps using lithographically patterned plates.

The future of MS

The future applications of miniature MS continue to be explored, and many researchers give hints into its many prevalent uses in the biomedical field. Chemical analysis in pharmaceuticals, forensics applications, agrochemical evaluation, and surgical guidance are a few of the most common avenues through which miniature MS will be applied more frequently. Physicians and non-professionals will also be more likely to utilize miniature MS technology as a quick, cost-effective solution for patient analysis.

Portable, handheld MS may even gain a greater foothold in everyday medical practice and research. J. Michael Ramsey of the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill will be discussing handheld analyzers in his talk at Pittcon 2017. His session will include the exploration of portable MS technology for the quantification of low-concentrated compounds in low- and high-pressure conditions. His additional Pittcon 2017 talk will also discuss the use of miniature MS tools in electrophoresis applications and the recent developments in miniaturizing ion trap MS systems.

Even the United States space program has seen rising interest in the use of miniature MS; the study of planetary atmospheres and their composition represent one of the many areas of research where miniature mass spectrometers can be used. In fact, previous studies have shown the successful deployment of miniature MS instruments on the Mars Viking Lander. The study of human breath in space to evaluate the effects of microgravity on respiratory function in humans is a potential example of where miniature MS can be used in the near future.

Portability, ease-of-use, and high-sensitive analysis represent a few of the many reasons why miniature MS tools are becoming more mainstream in research and everyday scientific applications. At Pittcon 2017, speakers from every spectrum of MS research will be presenting their data on the newest MS tools, miniaturization methods, and the research regarding MS analysis.

Pittcon 2022: March 6-10 Click here to learn more Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

New Orleans, LA USA

Also, companies like Hamamatsu, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Bruker will be onsite at the expo to demonstrate the latest miniature mass spectrometers to attendees. To read more about miniature MS and to learn more about Pittcon 2017, its 150+ sessions, and how you can attend, click here to download the Miniature Mass Spectrometry Instruments for Biomedical Applications eBook from Pittcon.org.

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References:

About Pittcon

Pittcon is a registered trademark of The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, a Pennsylvania non-profit organization. Co-sponsored by the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh and the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, Pittcon is the premier annual conference and exposition on laboratory science.

Proceeds from Pittcon fund science education and outreach at all levels, kindergarten through adult. Pittcon donates more than a million dollars a year to provide financial and administrative support for various science outreach activities including science equipment grants, research grants, scholarships and internships for students, awards to teachers and professors, and grants to public science centers, libraries and museums.

Visit pittcon.org for more information.

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, an independent director on the board of Infosys, has said that the controversy engulfing Indias second largest IT services firm is unnecessary and has backed CEO Vishal Sikka from an attack by founder Narayana Murthy.Unnecessary controversies are being created and these are old issues, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw told CNN News18. We need to focus on business, Vishal Sikka is doing a great job.Infosys founder Narayana Murthy today told the Economic Times in an interview that corporate governance at the firm is down amid concerns about pay hikes and the severance packages of the top management. Murthy said that such payments raised doubts whether the company is using them as hush money to hide something.This brings to head tensions between the promoters (founder and co-founders) of Infosys and the management team and board members. Among the former is CEO Vishal Sikka while the latter consists of chairman of the board R Seshasayee and independent director Jeffrey Lehman.Mazumdar Shaw told News18 that while the board has a lot of respect for Murthy the matter is not as serious as it is made out to be. She said that the issues flagged by Murthy are at least a year old and that while they are sensitive to promoters concerns, the board and promoters should talk directly to each other and not communicate through the media.We should have a communication channel with the promoter, She told CNN News18. He has made the statement because the media has reached out to him, she added.
New Delhi: NR Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys in the middle of a storm about corporate governance practices at the company, told CNN-News18 that Chief Executive Officer Vishal Sikka is doing a good job, but the actions of the board could have been better.



It is not the Infosys management that concerns me, we are quite happy with Vishal Sikka, he is doing a good job, Murthy told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview.



Certain acts of the board [regarding] corporate governance could have been better, he said.



He cited the severance package paid to former Chief Financial Officer Rajiv Bansal as a matter of concern. Bansal was paid a severance package amounting to Rs 17.38 crores, or the equivalent of 24 months of pay. Murthy said he hoped it was not hush money  money paid in order to ensure that Bansal did not reveal damaging information on Infosys to his next employer.



The Infosys founder said that no other senior employee of Infosys, including Mohandas Pai, Balakrishnan, Ashok Vemuri or BG Srinivas, had been given a severance package when they quit.



He said there was some consternation about the size of the pay out.



"In Infosys itself, we have had 2 CFOs who left before and several other senior people who are on the boards...senior VPs, etc who have such competitive information but we didn't pay anyone of them. So therefore, it has led to some kind of confusion...," he said.



Asked about market speculations that Bansal was paid off because he had damaging information on Infosys, Murthy said: "I hope it is not the case."



Former executives Mohandas Pai, Ashok Vemuri, V Balakrishnan and B G Srinivas were never paid any severance pay, he added.



Infosys, however, has denied any governance lapses.



"The board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Dr Vishal Sikka and is very appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation," Infosys Chairman R Seshasayee said in a statement.







"Vishal and the board, while being pleased with the company's resumption of industry leading performance on many parameters, are keen to further accelerate the progress and achieve even more shareholder value increase, on the foundation of sound governance. We will remain undistracted with this focus," he added.



Biocon Chairperson and independent director on Infosys board Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said there has been no breach in governance issues, but there may be "judgement calls" on which the board members differ with promoters.


New Delhi: Trouble is brewing in Infosys with founder Narayana Murthy raising some big questions over how the management of the IT giant is functioning.



Sources told CNBC TV18 that Murthy is upset with several decisions taken by the companys governance board, ranging from pay hikes to CFOs severance package.



Murthy expressed his displeasure after getting complaints from several lower level employees.







While Murthy has not directly blamed CEO Vishal Sikka, he has questioned the massive salary hike he was given.



Infosys has dismissed reports of a rift between Murthy and the management, calling them mere media speculation and its board is "fully aligned with the strategic direction" of Sikka.



"The board is fully aligned with the strategic direction of Dr Vishal Sikka and is very appreciative of the initiatives taken by him in pursuance of this transformation," Infosys Chairman R Seshasayee said.



Infosys says Shareholders have approved the hike for Sikka and the company has employed corporate governance experts as well. The company has maintained that all decisions were made in the overall interest of the company and that it has made full disclosures on all developments.



(With PTI inputs)
Mumbai: BSE benchmark Sensex surged over 126 points and NSE Nifty reclaimed the 8,800-level in early trade on Friday as domestic investors and foreign funds indulged in sustained buying ahead of key industrial output numbers to be released later in the day.



Besides, better-than-expected earnings by some more companies also fuelled the positive sentiment.



With regards to global cues, firming trend at other Asian bourses, tracking overnight gains on the US markets after President Donald Trump promised to release a much-anticipated plan for tax cuts soon, boosted trading momentum here.



The 30-share Sensex was higher by 126.48 points, or 0.44 percent, at 28,456.18 with sectoral indices led by banking, metal, capital goods, health-care an IT trading in the positive zone.



The gauge had gained 39.78 points in Thursday's trade.



The broader NSE Nifty too rose by 44 points, or 0.50 percent, to 8,822.10.



Brokers said building up of positions by participants ahead of key economic data - industrial production (IIP) for December - to be released after market closing today, had a significant influence on the trading pattern on domestic bourses.



Globally, Japan's Nikkei climbed 2.36 percent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng moved up 0.51 per in early trade today.



China's main Shanghai Composite Index was also up by 0.33 percent.


Dear Tommy.I dont wear u, neither do my kids endorse u.If u hv lost ur spine I hv a great team 2help u find it.Please (hil)figure urself out pic.twitter.com/QMB2h9Gm0y  Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) February 9, 2017

Actor Hrithik Roshan who is riding on the success of his film Kaabil recently took to Twitter to teach a renowned brand work ethics.Apparently Tommy Hilfiger, a lifestyle brand many of us are aware of, used Roshan and his sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan's picture without permission, to endorse its Spring/Summer 2017 collection.Although the Kaabil actor could have dragged the brand to court and sued them for the act, he preferred teaching them a lesson via social media.Roshan wrote, "Dear Tommy.I dont wear u, neither do my kids endorse u. If u hv lost ur spine I hv a great team 2help u find it. Please (hil)figure urself out (sic)."As of now, the brand hasn't responded to Roshan's tweet. But after this, it is certain that they will think twice before doing something like this again!
Gurugram: In a daring heist, around 7 to 8 armed men looted 33 kg of gold and Rs 8 lakh cash from Manappuram Finance company in Gurugram on Thursday.



Three persons including a bank guard and two customers are said to have sustained injuries in the incident.



The robbery took place at the busy New Railway Road area in Gurugram when robbers threatened the company staff and customers with guns and knives and decamped with the booty.



The total loss to the company is estimated to be around Rs 10 crore.



"The robbers had firearms. The four staffers and customers were threatened with dire consequences and asked to remain quite at gun point and they also brandished knives," Police said.







An alert has been sounded in the city and the police team is scanning the CCTV footage to identify the culprits.



Meanwhile, Gurugram police have yet to receive CCTV footage from Mannapuram.



"We are yet to receive CCTV footage from Mannapuram. The company is saying that their servers are in Kerala and it will take some time to send the entire day's footage," said police.
New Delhi: The government is considering a proposal to rename airports, a move that could ruffle feathers politically as many of the aerodromes are named after political leaders and known personalities.



"There is a proposal to rename airports... Cabinet is considering it," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said on Thursday on the sidelines of an Assocham event.



"Let's see what decision is taken going forward," he said in response to a query on whether there are plans to rename airports.



There are around 75 operational airports in the country and many of them are named after personalities, including political leaders from the Congress. Later in the evening, Sinha tweeted that the government is considering guidelines only for unnamed airports.



"Media is wrongly reporting that there is a proposal to rename airports. Govt is considering guidelines only for unnamed airports," he said in the tweet.



While Sinha did not divulge specifics, newspaper reports quoted him as saying that the government is considering a proposal to rename existing airports as well as future ones after cities and not personalities.



State-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages 125 airports, including 18 international and 78 domestic aerodromes. Besides, there are 26 civil enclaves at defence airfields and seven customs airports.



While Indian aviation sector is poised for dramatic growth, Sinha said there are challenges of land and financing, among others, for expansion of airport capacity.



"We have to triple our airport capacity and by some estimates that would require, leaving aside the land, somewhere between Rs 2.5 to 3 lakh crore," he noted.



About Air India, the minister said transformation is underway at the airline. There is a need to improve customer services, restructure the balance sheet, strengthen corporate governance and professional management as well as optimise the routes, he added.



According to him, it should also be looked at how the carrier's non-core assets can be utilised optimally.
New Delhi: Acronyms are in fashion these days. And sometimes can take on great, heftier meanings and acquire gravitas. Just why CONFUSION is sitting pretty in Uttar Pradesh.



SOMEHOW IN THESE WINTRY, misty, smoggy months the Tibetan Buddhist word Bardo comes to the mind while decoding the elections in Uttar Pradesh. Deconstruction, instead of decoding, would be a better wordweightier, but it carries academic nuances and is, with its overuse, inherently boring and tepid in conveying meaning. Sociologically, many communities are in a flux; politically there is a churn; and scientifically, for those looking for quick clues and answers, there is only confusion. In the Muslim areas around the pokey city of Amroha, this miasma of confusion hangs thick; in the farm-rich Jat areas around Shamli, its stubborn thinness refuses to dissipate; in western UP, as a whole, we are in a state of Bardosomewhere between death and rebirth. Limbo, in short. Being in limbo only means being in deep confusion. In the Bardo. Many old assumptions are dying and there is no clarity about what is emerging or what is being reborn in their place.



Acronyms are in fashion these days. Generally they tend to jargonise, but sometimes they effectively can project many meanings. Prime Minister Modi has a penchant for them and uses them, sometimes effectively, to serve his political ends. Let's try and put politics in western Uttar Pradesh under the microscope of CONFUSION.



C=Consolidation



Nothing suggests on the ground that there is a Hindu consolidation happening anywhere in the gullies and largely broken highways of western UP. The Jats are going their way and planning to vote for Ajit Singh, and even among the lower castes there is no clear picture emerging how they will cast their vote. A Jatav says something, another says a completely contradictory statement. It's largely Muslims who are en masse looking to gravitate towards the Akhilesh-Congress combine. Mayawati, everyone says, was a strong force some months ago and some Muslims would have inked their fingers for the elephant, but now the Muslim vote overwhelmingly seems to be going Akhilesh's way. Will this trigger a reverse consolidation? For now there are no signs of that.



O=Obedience



In these feudal lands, obedience was a trait that was common among Jats and Muslims. An important cleric said something and the entire community of Muslims would line up and do his bidding. That explained the importance of imams like Delhi's Syed Ahmed Bukhari and Lucknow's Kalbe Jawad. Even netas, primarily from the Congress, used to make a beeline to their citadels to seek blessings. It is clear, from traversing these still-feudal lands, that Muslims are not giving a hoot to the clerics these days. Across, among Jats, it is not the writ of the elders that runs these days. The young Jats shape their own destinies and take their own decisions. Not for them the diktats of panchayats. For Muslims, too, the fatwa is not something to be taken seriously.



N=Notebandi



Demonetisation, the epochal policy step taken by the Modi government, has taken its toll on politics. Mayawati seems to be suffering the most. Her electoral fortunes have taken a sharp dip after India voided 86% of its currency on November 8. Many in UP feel it was a masterstroke by Modi to propel BJP into power in India's politically pivotal state. But even if this rampant speculation is discounted, it is still abundantly clear that SP, the ruling dispensation, used whatever tools it had at its disposal to buck the negative effects of demonetisation. Stories abound on how SP innovatively emerged from currency woes to give a tough fight to the saffron party. Also, demonetisation has had a deleterious effect on what is considered BJP's core constituency: traders. There are reports that in some bazaars of western UP traders are actively campaigning against the saffronites.



F=Facts



Well, India still has not crossed over into the post-fact and post-truth camp. It is amply clear that voters, thanks to social media and other tools, are aware of the shenanigans of politicians and are taking their penchant for fact fungibility with a pinch of salt. With Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, it has become increasingly difficult to fool voters. Any attempts at befuddlement are swiftly countered. Even among Muslims there is sharp awareness. Because their community has been subjected to asinine fatwas and bogus diktats always, the Muslims this time are not taking any chances. Any fast-and-loose with the facts is being swatted away with great alacrity. There may be some fake Indian news stuck in the algorithms of social media giants but for now that is not giving any heartburn to anyone.



U=Unquiet



Jats are angry this time and their reasons are innumerable. The bizarre fact that Haryana has a Punjabi, not a Jat, chief minister has made Jats in western UP angry. And there are grievances about reservation and sundry other things. How a Jat in west UP is riled because a Jat in Rajasthan has been snubbed, is something only sociologists can explain. Egos, mighty egos perhaps, come into play. Cultural pride is another. And still, despite many changes being wrought in the country, there exists a strong and muscular brotherhood of Jats cutting across states and territories. The only community that rivals Jats in its quickly-feel-strongly-for-wronged-brethren streak are Tamils, who were out in large numbers protesting against the Jallikattu ban. With Jats too, that can happen. A Jat in Alwar suffers a slight and, as a consequence, Jats in Shamli will take out a protest march. We can't help it. Jat's the way.



S=Silence



Silence, said Confucius, is a true friend who never betrays. And Muslim clerics have taken this maxim to their hearts and gone quiet. Not a fatwa, not a squeak from them ordering their community members on how and where to vote. Bukhari has broken the pledge, but his commands are taken as seriously by Muslims as a serious lover takes whimsical decrees issuing from the chatty mouth of a fickle girlfriend. And this time the Muslim populace is also silent on which way they will vote. Not only have most clerics in UP taken a monkish vow of silence, but Muslims in general are quiet about whom they will go for. Their allegiances are hidden and that is something that is giving grief to many parties clamouring for their votes here. Some Muslims are promising everyone who comes visiting their votes, keeping their real intent hidden until the day of the polling.



I=Impatience



There is a palpable sense of anger among people. Everyone wants progress, everyone wants jobs, everyone wants development and everyone wants to be an active participant and enjoy the fruits of reforms. Muslims want their pound of flesh, Jats want theirs and Dalits, too, are passionate about embracing change. And their patience is wearing thin, dangerously thin. A Jat in Kairana asks why he does not have a job, a Muslim in Rampur wants Modi to do something for them and a Dalit in Saharanpur seeks something concrete from Akhilesh. No one wants any handouts anymore; everyone wants a piece of action. And most are convinced all the action is taking place in the cities and are concerned why the engine of turbocharged capitalism is not travelling to their bastions. There is impatience everywhere. And, if not tackled properly, it can easily build up into an undying rage.



O=Owaisi



Asaduddin Owaisi is furiously on the stump here and has put up many candidates in this belt. But Owaisi's labours will come to naught as Muslims in these areas just ignore him. Some think he is a BJP stooge; some say he is just not serious to make any impact here. It is rather strange to find Owaisi in these parts because these are areas where Muslims have always had their own leaders. They have never been devoid of their netas. They have had Muslim, Hindu leaders. Owaisi has not dared to set foot in and around Rampur, which is the home of another fire-breathing Muslim strong man: Azam Khan, of the SP. Both Azam and son are fighting elections and Owaisi maintains a huge distance from their pocket boroughs. Who is supplying Owaisi with money and muscle? No one knows. Can Owaisi answer? Perhaps not.



N=Next



There is a sense of trepidation about what comes next. The best way to predict your future is to create it, Abe Lincoln said somewhere. How does one create future? When the past in ancient and present in a flux, future-creation becomes an arduous, mind-numbing task? But everyoneMuslims, Jats, Dalits, OBCsare trying to grab their present to have a stake in the future. The Muslims are trying desperately to think out of the community box; the Dalits are thinking of walking without the elephant; the OBCs are promising to walk with anyone who can give them a decent, humane living. Benedict Anderson, studying the origins of nationalism, developed the concept of imaginary communities. India, with its many diverse communities, has always many nationalisms at play. Attempt to foist one-size-fits-all Hindu nationalism on entire country has not succeeded. So, the country now needs an imaginary community of lift-everyone-by-their-bootstraps development. Let's hope our combined future creates one.



Acronyms sometimes can take on great, heftier meanings. Acronyms can acquire gravitas. But that's not the attempt here. The political winds are blowing so hot and cold that it is becoming increasingly difficult to take their temperature. A set of people says something; another says something that is totally contradictory, totally at a distance from what the first is saying. Politics is the art of the possible, but can it contain a multitude of impossibilities? The entire world is now confusingly grappling with change as many shibboleths continue to die in slow, sometimes meaningful, sometimes meaningless explosions. In India, too, politics now encapsulate a million impossibilities. Some of these changes will make the country better in the coming years; some of it will remove the old, bloody antagonisms; some of it will resolve old, deep-seated resentments. Yet some of the conflicts will continue to fester and trouble us. Some wounds and plenty of scar tissue. Until there is a sort-out, until there is clarity, until some light penetrates the miasma of confusion, politics---and we toowill continue to stay in the Bardo. Between Death and Rebirth. Amen!
Bengaluru: Indian Space Research Organisation's workhorse PSLV will carry a record 104 satellites in a single mission on February 15 from the space centre at Sriharikota Andhra Pradesh.



"PSLV-C37/Cartosat-2 Series Satellite Mission is scheduled to be launched on February 15, 2017 at 9.28 hours IST from SDSC SHAR Sriharikota," ISRO said.



Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its 39th flight (PSLV-C37), will launch the 714 kg Cartosat-2 series satellite for earth observation along with 103 co-passenger satellites, together weighing about 664 kg at lift off.



It will be launched into a 505 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).



ISRO said the co-passenger satellites comprise 101 nano-satellites, one each from Israel, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and 96 from United States of America (USA), as well as two from India. The two Indian nano-satellites are ISRO's INS-1A and INS-1B.



INS-1A and INS-1B will carry a total of four different payloads from Space Applications Centre (SAC) and Laboratory for Electro Optics Systems (LEOS) of ISRO for conducting various experiments, the space agency said.



Last year, ISRO had launched a record 20 satellites at one go.



The highest number of satellites launched in a single mission is 37, a record that Russia set in 2014. The US space agency, NASA has launched 29.



The 101 international customer nano-satellites are being launched as part of the commercial arrangements between Antrix Corporation Limited (Antrix), the commercial arm of ISRO and the international customers.



Speaking on the record launch, ISRO Chairman Kiran Kumar had earlier said the aim was to maximise the capability with each launch and it was not to set a record.



"We are not looking at it as a record or anything like that; we are just trying to maximise our capability with each launch, in trying to utilise that launch for the ability it has got and getting the maximum return," he had said.


Thrissur: Four students of Nehru College of Engineering & Research Centre here alleged on Thursday that their parents were summoned and they were suspended after they led a protest over suicide of Jishnu Pranoy.



Jishnu, a first year engineering student, was found hanging in the college hostel on January 6, allegedly due to the torture by college authorities.



Athul Jose, one of the students who led the protests, said, The reason they told us not to enter class is because we led the protest and spoke against the college. They also said that we have violated the rules and regulations of the college.



We were told that there is a meeting tomorrow of parents, executive members and students and after that a final decision will be taken, he added.



Meanwhile, the college authorities have issued a press release stating that no student has been suspended. All the four students belong to the Students Federation of India (SFI).

Meanwhile, Jishnus family is inconsolable and angry. His mother, Mahija, said, My child should get justice. He was innocent, he did not do any wrong. I have lost my son, no other mother should go through this suffering. There should not be one more Jishnu. No other child should go through what my son went through.



Once Jishnu's 41st day ritual is over the family is planning to sit on a satyagraha in front of the college chairman's house.



"This mother has been on a satyagraha since I lost my son. I am not able to eat or drink anything. If my son doesnt get justice after 16th of this month, we will move in front of the chairman's house and start our protest there," Mahija said.



The family alleges that the 18-year-old committed suicide due to torture by college authorities, who accused him of cheating in an exam.

Sreejith, Jishnu's uncle, said, "The college authorities at first told us that he was caught with chits but then later claimed that he copied from someone's answer sheet. There was an injury mark on Jishnu's nose.



He said the family suspects that Jishnu was tortured before he took the extreme step. He added that Jishnu's friends who were in the exam hall told them how the teacher threatened to debar Jishnu.



Sreejith added that it was practically not possible for someone to copy from another person's sheet due to the distance between students in exam hall. Even the inquiry committee appointed couldn't find any proof against Jishnu.



The family has demanded a speedy inquiry into this. The investigation is on since a month and the case registered is of unnatural death, he said.



Several students of the college have alleged that they went through sever physical and mental harassment at the hands of authorities.



Jishnu's death had led to protests in different self-financed colleges across the state. In many colleges, students who are protesting have spoken about the torture that they have been undergoing under the management. They allege that they were physically tortured and fined over the silliest of reasons. A 29-day strike at the Kerala Law Academy over Jishnus Death has been called off.
Thiruvananthapuram: The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet against two men for indoctrinating youth from Kerala to join Islamic State.



The agency charged Arshi Qureshi and Abdul Rashid Abdulla for spreading hatred against India and for providing support to IS.



Abdulla is considered to be the main conspirator behind motivating youngsters from Kasaragod and Palakkad to Join IS. About 21 young men from Kerala went missing in June 2016.



NIA, while investigating, found that Abdulla was the one who motivating Ashfak and a number of other youths from Kasaragod and Palakkad districts of Kerala to join IS. He showed them videos of IS and also gave them lectures on violent Jihad.



He also financed the travel and stay of some of the missing youths.



The Court has taken cognisance of the chargesheet and fixed February 17 as the next date of hearing.


Srinagar: Authorities have imposed restrictions in Srinagar on Friday to prevent a separatist-called protest march in the city.



No pedestrian and vehicular movement in areas placed under the restrictions were allowed.



Heavy contingents of police and CRPF personnel were deployed all across the city.



Separatists have called for a march to the headquarters of the UN Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) situated in Sonawar area.



This follows a bandh call on Thursday to mark the fourth death anniversary of executed parliament attack accused Afzal Guru. A similar bandh call has been given for Saturday to protest the hanging of JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat. Separatists and family members of Guru and Bhat have demanded their mortal remains be shifted to Srinagar from Tihar where they were buried. Clashes between forces and protesters took place at several places in Srinagar and Baramulla on Thursday.


Akshay Kumar, Annu Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, Saurabh ShuklaSubhash KapoorCourt room dramas are always too tricky to write and shoot. Because movements of characters are restricted and unless you have sharp, powerful lines and adequate twists, they tend to become boring and can be tedious to watch. When filmmaker, writer Subhash Kapoor first came out with Jolly LLB, a court-room satire, back in 2013, it managed to rise above and become an instant hit possibly because it was cleverly written and brilliantly enacted by the entire cast. The sequel, featuring Akshay Kumar, based on similar format manages to entertain and engage just as much, despite the films predictability and some unexplained, unnecessary plot twists.Akshay Kumar plays Jagdhishwar Mishra aka Jolly, a struggling lawyer in Lucknow who aspires to have his own chamber and make it big in his profession. Jolly is the 15th assistant of a noted lawyer of the city and despite his eagerness to prove his worth, is never given an opportunity to work on any case. Needless to say Jolly wants to break out and have his own practice. And he does manage to get his own chamber alibi through lying to Hina Siddiqui, a desperate 8 month pregnant woman who makes rounds of the court every day in an attempt to get someone to fight her case. Hinas husband was killed in a fake encounter and she now seeks justice.It is only when Hina commits suicide does Jolly realize his mistake and decides to fight her case, out of repentance perhaps. But he is pitted against the most powerful, expensive lawyer (Annu Kapoor) in town who doesnt leave any opportunity to belittle Jolly and his failing career.Saurabh Shukla reprises his role as the judge and he completely owns his part as the exasperated judge who knows his limitation and his rights well. Kapoor, who is also the dialogue writer, gives the best lines to Shukla and the actor makes them look so effortless and real that you feel you are watching an actual judge speak inside a real court.In fact, the court room scenes are the high point of the film and rightly so considering the film is about a lawyer. The altercation between Kapoor and Kumar, Kumars desperate attempt at proving his worth and save the case and Shuklas quick and right repartee to both the lawyers are the high points of the film. Unlike a lot of films, Jolly LLB 2s second half saves the film. The first half takes too much time to establish the plot, meanders into unnecessary sub plots and is rather boring. But second half, with right dialogues is crackling.There are of course a lot of loopholes. Sanjay Mishras character comes fleetingly to provide comic relief  which is really not needed in satire like this one. Also, at one point Jolly is barred from practicing anymore and given 4 days to prove his innocence yet in the next scene Jolly is back in the court and fighting the case.Strong performances and smart writing manage to camouflage these flaws well. Despite Akshay Kumars star status, the actor makes for a convincing small-town lawyer. From mannerisms to wearing torn socks and sport shoes, Kumars look and performance is just right. Annu Kapoor, on the other hand, dwindles now and then. He gets the part of being the smart ruthless, successful lawyer well mostly, but ever so often, the righteous, nostril flaring music show host of '90s creeps in giving out gyaan on police force and desh drohis. Those moments you cringe the most. Huma Qureshi, Vinod Nagpal, Sayani Gupta and Manav Kaul are given limited screen time and hence are unable to do much.Even if Jolly LLB 2 is based on the same format of its prequel, it works well. It lacks the surprise element that the first part had, it is not that cleverly written as well, yet Jolly LLB 2 manages to engage viewers and gives Kumar ample scope to perform. And he doesnt disappoint.3/5Also see: Tweet review of Akshay Kumar's Jolly LLB2
Lucknow: As the curtains came down for campaigning for the first phase of Assembly election on 73 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh on February 11, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari surprised many by openly urging Muslims to vote for BSP in the Uttar Pradesh elections.



Just a day before, Rashtriya Ulema Council had also made an appeal to Muslims voters to give a chance to BSP in UP State Assembly Elections.



Will such statements by Bukhari and Ulema Council really make any impact in the upcoming elections or will the Muslim voters cast their vote unaffected? Many political pundits feel that this statement of Bukhari can cause a little dent to the Samajwadi-Congress alliance if not much.



The first phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh comprises of many seats where Muslims voters hold the key. In such scenario, the announcement made by Bukhari carries a strategic importance too. Making his announcement Imam Bukhari said, The state government led by Samajwadi Party has done nothing for Muslims in the last five years, also the community had a tough time in the state in the SP regime. Sighting which, all Muslims should come united and vote in favour of Bahujan Samaj Party.



He just didnt stop there and even accused Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav of cheating Muslims and claimed that the Samajwadi government has acted against the interest of Muslims. I met Mulayam several times on the issue of reservation for Muslims and Netaji brought the same to the notice of Akhilesh Yadav but he did nothing. Akhilesh didnt listen to his father. How can you rely on a person who has ill treated his father, Bukhari said.



A day before this announcement Rashrtiya Ulema Council had also issued a similar appeal and asked Muslim voters to vote for BSP. National President of Ulema Council Maulana Amir Rashadi hosted a joint Press Conference along with BSP leader Nasimuddin Siddiqui and requested all the Muslims to vote against Samajwadi Congress alliance as they have done nothing for the community and they should vote for BSP instead in the upcoming polls. It is the need of the hour that we (RUC) should work together with BSP to defeat fascist forces and provide relief to the state from Gundaraj and Parivarwad. The anti-Muslim attribute of Akhilesh has been even pointed out by his father. When he could not win the confidence of his own father, then how could he win the confidence of the community, Rashadi stated.
: For the last four years, since deadly communal riots broke out in Muzaffarnagar in 2013, the communal cauldron in western Uttar Pradesh has constantly been kept on the boil.In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) seem to have reaped the political dividends of communal polarisation in western UP.Jats, a significant voting bloc in the region, deserted the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), traditionally seen as a party of Jats, and went in favor of the BJP. Over the years, in the run up to the 2017 Assembly polls, communal tensions were high. From the lynching of Mohammed Akhlaq in Dadri to Kairana MP Hukum Singh claiming 250 "Hindu families" had fled due to fear of another community", there is no dearth of issues dividing people along religious lines.The polarisation, however, may not pay off as much as the BJP would have hoped. With just a few hours to go before polls open in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the political dynamics are not the same as 2014.In the last week of campaigning, BJP sources said they are worried about losing several seats they considered "safe seats" a while ago.Among the most high-profile seats is Kairana in Shamli district. Hukum Singh, BJP MP from Kairana, held the Assembly segment of Kairana before he was elected to the Lok Sabha. In the byelection that followed, Singhs nephew Anil Chauhan fought on a BJP ticket and lost to Samajwadi Party candidate Nahid Hassan.Kairana is a high-stakes seat for the BJP because the top brass of the party, including national president Amit Shah, has lent support to Singh's claim. What followed was bitter infighting and a family feud. The party decided to snub Chauhan and name Hukum Singh's daughter Mriganka Singh as the party candidate. Hukum Singh is known to have aggressively lobbied for his daughter. Chauhan, miffed with the nomination, quit BJP the very next day and managed to get an RLD ticket from the same seat. He has since gone on record to say his uncle's claim of "exodus" was false and accused him of nepotism. Not only is Chauhan likely to split the vote, he is also looking to undercut one of Singh's, and by extension the BJP's, main election plank  exodus. Meanwhile, sitting MLA Nahid Hassan has reportedly been drawing huge support from Muslims, who form the majority in the constituency.Two of BJP's riot-accused leaders, UP BJP vice-president Suresh Rana and Sardhana MLA Sangeet Som, are reportedly running into trouble with the poll-arithmetic swinging away from them. Rana, who is contesting from Thanabhawan in Shamli district, kept the communal tempo up until the last few days of the campaign. In January, he said that "there would be a curfew" in Deoband and Moradabad, the Muslim-majority towns, if he were elected. He was slapped with an Election Commission notice for making the remark. He is up against Samajwadi Party's Sudhir Panwar, who happens to be a Jat.According to sources in the SP, Panwar has been cobbling together an alliance of Jats and Muslims by asking them to maintain communal harmony. As two of the biggest voting blocs in the region, this coalition could threaten Rana's chances from Thanabhawan, where he is a sitting MLA.Som is facing a similar challenge in his seat of Sardhana. He is facing SPs Atul Pradhan, his long-time rival who lost the 2012 assembly polls to Som. Pradhan is hoping to cash in on his position as a Jat and like Panwar, join their cause with that of Muslims. What could help the BJP in these seats, however, are the BSP candidates. Mayawati has fielded Muslims  Abdul Waris Khan in Thanabhawan and Imran Qureshi in Sardhana  in both seats. The BSP candidates could potentially undercut the SP's support, helping the two BJP rabble-rousers.A potential loss that would, perhaps, embarrass the BJP most would be the one in Meerut Cantonment, a seat that BJP has not lost for 27 years. The BJP first wrested this seat from the Congress in 1989. In 2002, Satyaprakash Aggarwal won the seat on a BJP ticket and has held it since then. Since last year, however, there has been a silent rebellion in the local BJP unit as younger leaders demanding that the ticket be given to someone other than the 77-year-old Aggarwal. Vineet Sharda, head of the BJP's trader outfit, has been known to lobby for the seat for himself. In the end, however, the party chose to go with the sitting MLA. The infighting in the BJP unit in Meerut Cantonment unit may lead to the BJP surrendering its citadel lock, stock and barrel.Sources said that the party was also worried about the candidacy of former UP BJP chief Laxmikant Bajpai. In 2012, Bajpai won the seat with just over 6,000 votes against SP candidate Rafiq Ansari. This year, Ansari is looking to consolidate the Muslim vote behind him since he is the only Muslim candidate fielded by a major party.Sources indicate that in the hinterland, BJP is worried about the Jat vote slipping away from the party and gravitating back towards the RLD. In several seats such as Siwalkhas in Meerut district, Budhana and Khatauli in Muzaffarnagar district, the RLD is looking to script a comeback. In 2014, RLD chief Ajit Singh had lost his seat of Baghpat to the BJPs Satyapal Singh. RLD is looking to regain support among Jats and retain the Chaprauli seat in Baghpat district, which the party won in 2012. The high concentration of Dalits in Baghpat and Baraut, also in the same district, make it ripe ground for the BSP to win big.While officially, BJP claims that all is well, BJP leaders admit in private that their gains are slipping away. "RLD will surely do much better this time. The BJP has been privately reaching out to Jat community leaders this time but we think we will do better in eastern UP than in the west," a senior BJP leader, on condition of anonymity, told News18.
Nitish Kumar has made a dramatic U-turn on his stand towards demonetisation saying neither cash-less nor less-cash economy has worked anywhere in the world, and would never work in India.The Bihar Chief Minister had raised eyebrows earlier when he repeatedly supported the move by his political rival Prime Minister Narendra Modi to scrap high denomination bank notes. Even when the MPs of his party JD (U) were opposing demonetisation tooth and nail in Parliament, Nitish had said it was a courageous step.However, today, at a function in Delhi, he sang a different tune.Manmohan Singh was right when he said demonetisation was monumental mismanagement. The Centre has to tell us what the benefit from demonetisation was. They can't divert the issue. When nowhere in the world cashless or less cash economy has worked, how will it work in a country like India? They say we will double farmers' income in five years. But they won't be here in five years, how will they double the income? The people in power today have a tendency to divert the narrative, he said.Even at the height of Opposition move against demonetisation, Nitish had refused to change his stand and had suggested it could have been managed better.While supporting demonetisation in principle, I, with equal strength, criticise the poor arrangements for its implementation due to which common man is facing hardship," Nitish, who is also the JD(U) National President, had said recently."In the beginning, people might face some inconvenience but taking everything into account, it would yield positive results," Kumar, who is also the national president of JD (U) said on November 9, a day after the PM announced the scrapping of notes, even while the rest of the Opposition were up in arms.Kumar has also unequivocally offered his support to the government's move for a Goods and Services Tax Constitution Amendment Bill.Kumar is also now part of a committee to commemorate the birth centenary of RSS ideologue and mentor Deendayal Upadhyaya, organised by the Centre on September 25. For a politician who once called for an "RSS-mukt Bharat", Kumar's acceptance of a chair to commemorate the centenary of one of the patron saints of Hindutva was seen as an ideological departure.However, Kumar's pointsman in New Delhi, and senior JD (U) leader, KC Tyagi said there was nothing wrong in being part of a committee to commemorate Deendayal Upadhyay.
Bhopal: Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh on Friday kicked up another potential row by saying that none of the 11 accused arrested in ISI espionage case are Muslims and one of them is a Bharatiya Janata Party worker.



Taking to Twitter Singh said, "Of the ISI agents arrested in Bhopal, none is Muslim and one of them is a BJP worker. Think Modi followers."



Singh also shared on his twitter handle some cuttings of media reports related to the ISI espionage case.



BJP spokesperson Rajbish Agrawal flaying the remarks termed them as appeasement of minority vote bank.



Meanwhile, the tussle between the BJP and Congress intensified further as Congress later in the day alleged that Dhruv Saxena, one of the accused arrested in connection with the ISI espionage case, is an officebearer of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), youth wing of the BJP.



Congress chief spokesperson K K Mishra came up with pictorial evidences of Dhruv Saxena being BJYM district coordinator of IT cell and shared his pictures posing with senior BJP leaders.



Meanwhile, BJP Madhya Pradesh president Nandkumar Singh Chauhan told newsmen that Dhruv Saxena had nothing to do with the BJP. BJYM district head Anshul Tiwari too claimed that Saxena was not a BJYM member.



However, Congress state head Arun Yadav has demanded a CBI probe into the matter. Turning the heat on the BJP further, the Congress leaders had on Friday took out a protest march accusing BJP of patronising ISI agents.



Police had raided Saxena's New Minaal Residency-based residence on Friday and broke open the door as it was locked. Police seized several things from the flat.



In a late evening development, BJYM state head Abhilash Pandey was summoned to CM House.



Anti Terrorism Squad of Madhya Pradesh have arrested 11 ISI agents who are accused of passing on vital information to Pakistan. On Friday, a court in Bhopal remanded five accused  Manoj Bharti, Sandip Gupta, Dhruv Saxena, Mohit Agrawal and Manish Gandhi to police custody till February 14.



The court on Thursday had remanded mastermind of the gang to police custody till February 14 and remaining five accused till February 12.
AIADMK chief VK Sasikala met MLAs at the Golden Bay resort for a second day today. Addressing a press conference at the luxury getaway, she accused defectors and opposition parties of spreading false news. No MLA has been held captive. They all have access to phones and are in touch with their families, she said. Soon after, Panneerselvam addressed reporters at his Chennai residence, saying the process to probe Jayalalithaas death had been set in motion.

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Mumbai: Taking on Narendra Modi over his "raincoat" remark, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said the Prime Minister had created "fizz" without soap.



"Though he wore a raincoat, (former Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh at least bathed using water. You (Modi) did not even use water to bathe everybody (in the country). You created fizz without soap," Thackeray said, in an apparent reference to hardships caused by the demonetisation.



The Sena leader was addressing a campaign rally here for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls.



Referring to the former Prime Minister during a speech in the Rajya Sabha yesterday, Modi had said, "Dr sahib's image remained clean despite his government being mired in scams, as only he knew the art of bathing with his raincoat on."



Uddhav said had he not severed ties with BJP (for BMC elections of February 21) his photo too would have been there in posters with Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and Pappu Kalani (former MLA of Ulhasnagar who was accused of murder). I am relieved that I did not have to join the likes of Kalani," he said.



"We are accountable to people. Earlier BJP had faces like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani. Now they have faces of goons. Now Kalani is with Modi and Shah on posters," he alleged.



The Sena chief also hit out at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who had said that Mumbai was on par with Patna in terms of the level of development.



"Mumbai is much progressed than any city. But Patna is also not a backward city. He (Fadnavis) has insulted both Mumbai and Patna. Mumbai has the highest share of tax collection for the Centre. This year Central government has got more than Rs 2 lakh crore through various taxes from Mumbaikar's pockets. I will demand Mumbai should get 25 per cent share out of our collection," he said.


The first phase of UP elections is starting from February 11. Political parties including BJP, BSP, and Congress are banking on caste calculations to ride to power in Uttar Pradesh.Here is the caste wise graphics of major political parties.For the BJP, its a huge task at hand. Phase one, probably, holds the key for it to get back to power in UP after more than 15 years. Also, it has a challenge to defend its electoral performance of 2014 Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh: the BJP won on 71 out of the 80 seats it contested.While BSP is primarily banking on its much publicised Dalit-Muslim(DM) unity with the understanding that both these communities have a strong presence on most of the seats going to poll in the first Phase; SP-Congress alliance too has pitched itself strongly as the secular front against the BJP.SP-Congress alliance giving a Muslim face in 12 constituencies, it's a bitter battle between the two for wooing the minority vote Bank.Eyes will also be on Rahul Yadav, son- in-law of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is contesting on SP ticket from Sikandrabad seat in Gautam Buddha Nagar district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a rally in Haridwar.

Modi sought the complete restoration of Devbhoomi and said that only BJP can make this possible if it comes to power in the state.

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: Swaraj India, the party led by former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav , will launch its campaign for the Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCD) polls in Delhi on February 12 with a 'Jawab Do Hisab Do' rally, two days before Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal completes two years in office.At the rally, to be held in Ram Lila Maidan, "the present state of affairs of Delhi will be assessed and the future framework will be discussed," Yogendra Yadav, who is Swaraj India's National President, said.The party will bring no-confidence motion against the three governments -- the Centre, the state and the MCDs -- responsible for Delhi's "failure" during the public meeting.It will also present the findings of its door-to-door survey, conducted to assess the people's satisfaction level with the three levels of governance."The party's door-to-door survey results show that the people of Delhi are disappointed with all three levels of the governance in the national capital," Swaraj India Chief National Spokesperson Anupam told IANS.The Swaraj India said that through its 'Jawab Do Hisab Do' campaign, which was launched on January 15, the party volunteers reached more than one lakh households in the city to create awareness for the upcoming MCD polls."Unfortunately, the citizens of Delhi are disillusioned with all these three. People are forced to raise slogans of 'teen sarkaar, teeno bekaar'," Anupam said."Only 11.6 per cent of the people surveyed in Delhi were satisfied with the state government and only 8 per cent expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Municipal Corporations of Delhi," Anupam added."A total of 85.8 percent of the respondents were not happy with their Councillors while 86.2 percent were not happy with their MLAs, 71.6 percent of the respondents were not happy with the work done by their respective MPs. Surprisingly, 23.9 percent of the respondents did not even know the responsibility of the MP of their area," he said.
Facebook Lite, launched in 2015, to run on lower-end Android smartphones with lower RAM and as a solution for spotty internet connection, has reached over 200 million monthly active users. The social media giant, had introduced the leaner version of Facebook in 2015; it occupies less space when compared to the regular app.Read more: Snapdeal-owned Shopo to Down its Shutters Today The social media giant had introduced the leaner version of Facebook in 2015; it occupies less space when compared to the regular app.Don't miss: Apple's New Campus Draws Inspiration from iPhones; See Pictures Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a post: "We built a light version of Facebook for people with low bandwidth internet. Now 200 million people use it to connect around the world. I loved hearing this news -- what a great start to the day."Read more: Google India Delegation Meets Assam Chief Minister to Discuss Digital Initiatives "In many areas, networks can be slow and unable to support all the functions available on Facebook. FB Lite gives people access to core Facebook experiences like News Feed more quickly and while consuming less data," Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg said in a blog post.Don't miss: Apple AirPods Review: Contrary To Popular Belief, They are Just Brilliant Meanwhile, the latest update to the Facebook Lite app brings in better speed and with this, the app has reached out to more regions like South Korea, Italy, United Arab Emirates, and Israel. It is pertinent to note that Facebook Lite registered 100 million users in March 2016, in less than nine months since its unveiling. Users can download Facebook Lite the Google Play Store.
A delegation of Google India led by its Country Head Public Policy Chetan Krishnaswamy called on Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today and discussed various issues for boosting the government's efforts to realise the goal of digital Assam.Read more: Macquarie, ING Join Hands With Apple Pay in Australia in challenge to Big Four The Google India team apprised the Chief Minister of several measures for enhancing use of digital medium in the operation of small business, skill development, promotion of cultural sites, supporting the eco-system and the 'internet sarathi' project successfully implemented in different parts of the country by the internet giant.Don't miss: Apple's New Campus Draws Inspiration from iPhones; See Pictures Informing the delegation that the government gives special focus on connecting the rural masses through new technology and empowering their skills, Sonowal said keeping this in mind provisions have been made in the budget and a knowledge centre is proposed in each village of the state.Don't miss: Apple AirPods Review: Contrary To Popular Belief, They are Just Brilliant The Chief Minister also asked the Google team to find out ways to augment internet penetration substantially in the rural areas and project Assam as the gateway to south-east Asia.
Hamburg: A German court Friday barred a TV comedian from reciting in full his so-called "defamatory poem" against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan which sparked a diplomatic row last year.



In the poem, broadcast in March 2016, satirist Jan Boehmermann accused Erdogan of bestiality and watching child porn, while gleefully admitting he was flouting legal limits to free speech as a deliberate provocation.



The Hamburg civil court, upholding a ruling from last May, barred Boehmermann from repeating lengthy passages of the poem, objecting to 18 of its 24 lines.



It ruled that the claimant "does not have to accept insults or verbal abuse", even if the offensive passages were clearly not intended to be taken seriously.



The Turkish leader had sought a complete ban on the poem.



Boehmermann's performance sparked a row that badly soured Berlin-Ankara relations at a time when Turkey was vital to EU plans to stop the mass flow of migrants from the Middle East and Africa into the bloc, especially to Germany.



Erdogan had also sought to bring a criminal case against Boehmermann under a rarely enforced lese majeste law, but German prosecutors rejected the claim as they found the satire so exaggerated it could not be taken seriously.



German lawmakers voted last month to strike the 19th-century lese majeste law, which threatened jail terms for insulting foreign heads of state, from Germany's legal code.



The comedian's poem came in reaction to Ankara's decision to summon Germany's ambassador over another satire, a song broadcast on German TV which had lampooned Erdogan in far tamer language.
THAXTON  More than a dozen workers were on Taylors Mountain on Thursday digging and searching through soil, but officials said they cant discuss what theyre looking for.

With a wind chill below freezing and a few snow flurries blowing by, crews were clad in cold weather gear or white suits with gloves while they worked.

The property off of Taylors Mountain Road formerly was owned by Elizabeth and Allen Parker. According to county real estate records, the two sold the property in 2012.

Elizabeth Parker is the aunt of Lloyd Lee Welch Jr. Welch is accused of abducting and killing Sheila and Katherine Lyon, who vanished during a trip to a Wheaton, Maryland, shopping mall in 1975. Investigators claim after killing the sisters, he disposed of their bodies in Bedford County.

Welchs jury trial for two first-degree murder charges in the Lyon sisters case is set for April 18 in Bedford County Circuit Court.

The News & Advance previously reported bones found in September 2014 on Parkers former property were sent to state labs for analysis, according to affidavits for search warrants filed in Bedford County Circuit Court. FBI agents were searching on the mountain in January 2015, and investigators were digging on Parkers former property again in March 2015, according to The News & Advance archives.

The adjacent property is owned by Richard Allen Welch and Patricia Jean Welch, according to county real estate information. Patricia Welch was found guilty over the summer of perjury in connection to the Lyon sisters case, while Richard Welch has been identified by authorities as a person of interest.

A Montvale Fire Company truck pumped water up to where crews were working on the hill Thursday afternoon, and a few Bedford County Sheriffs Office vehicles and deputies were stationed around the area. Crews were spraying down material in hanging screen trays or digging in an area dotted with flags.

Maj. Ricky Gardner stated Thursday the Bedford County Sheriffs Office cannot comment because of a gag order issued by Judge James Updike Jr.
A $3 million civil suit has been filed against Centra Health and the city of Lynchburg by a city man who claims he was detained unlawfully and shocked by a Taser after he tried to leave Lynchburg General Hospital without discharge papers.

Tershaud Rose is seeking $1 million in compensatory damages plus $2 million in punitive damages in a suit that also names three Lynchburg police officers and three Centra security guards, as well as unnamed defendants.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Lynchburg this week, also seeks unspecified relief for what it described as Centras negligent entrustment of the Taser to a security guard.

City Attorney Walter Erwin said Thursday the city has not been served the lawsuit but defended the officers conduct based on a report he had read on the incident. A Centra Health spokeswoman did not return calls seeking comment.

Rose alleged in the suit that Lynchburg General security, followed by police officers moonlighting as security for the hospital and a housing complex nearby, chased down Rose when he tried to leave the hospital after treatment in the emergency room Feb. 4, 2016.

The police officers assisted in the nighttime chase, which carried onto public streets, after the hospital requested help; the officers apparently believed there were outstanding arrest warrants on Rose, which there were not, according to the lawsuit.

In an ensuing scuffle on Langhorne Road, in which several of the officers and guards tried to subdue Rose, one of the security guards used a Taser on his back twice, causing excruciating pain and later scarring, the lawsuit alleged.

The civil action went on to allege that later, after returning Rose to the hospital to be treated for injuries in the scuffle, officers learned he had no outstanding warrants. They then devised reasons for detaining him, including trespass on the hospital and obstruction of justice, according to the suit.

The lawsuit and court records show the trespass charge was dropped by prosecutors and Rose was acquitted in a jury trial Sept. 26, 2016, of the obstruction charge.

Paul Valois, Roses attorney in the civil suit, said there was no reason for either Centra security or the moonlighting police to chase down Rose, who was free to leave the hospital.

Theres clearly excessive force, and they had no reason to detain him; they had no reason to charge him, Valois said. Its just as a case of injustice.

According to the lawsuit, when Rose elected to dress and leave the hospital, he still had an IV attachment in his arm, but the suit asserted it was not connected to any equipment.

Rose indicated he would remove the IV himself, which Valois said is not uncommon for patients. Lots of people leave hospitals with IVs in their arms, he said this week.

Rose had earlier been brought to the hospital by emergency transport after collapsing at a shopping center out of exhaustion from lack of sleep, according to the lawsuit. While the suit acknowledged he has a history of mental illness, he was showing no symptoms and was not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, the lawsuit asserts.

Valois said he filed the lawsuit in federal court because it alleges violations of Roses constitutional rights.

Part of the case centers on Centras purported entrustment of the Taser X26 to the guard who allegedly used it on Rose.

Along with pain and permanent scarring, use of the Taser caused severe mental anguish to Rose, the suit alleges.

Erwin, the city attorney, emphasized it was a Centra guard and not the police who allegedly used a Taser on Rose, though he could not comment on details of the civil action itself.

The suit hasnt been served on anyone in the city. I do know about the incident, he said late Thursday afternoon. Once the city is served  and officers are served, we will file an appropriate response on everyones behalf.

Lynchburg Police Lt. David Gearhart, department spokesman, said LPD would not comment because the matter may involve ongoing litigation.

Erwin said the city reviewed the incident based on an LPD report.

They file an incident report to make sure what happened fell within the police departments protocols, he said. It looks like the police department acted in an appropriate manner.

Erwin said the officers were contacted by Centra Health and responded.

I dont see anything to criticize or fault the officers actions, he said.

No court dates have been set in the case. Once served, the parties will have 60 days to respond in federal court.
The investigation into the workplace death of Goodyear employee William Billy Scheier is complete, and the state is in the process of issuing citations soon against the plant related to the August fatality, said an official with the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Program.

VOSH also is reaching a settlement with Goodyear over fines and citations issued last year as a result of health and safety inspections by the state, said Jennifer Rose, VOSH safety director with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.

The Goodyear plant was hit with more than $1 million in fines and more than 100 citations in October as a result of health and safety inspections by the state. Three fatalities happened there in 2016, in addition to the Aug. 31, 2015 death of Jeanie Lynne Strader.

Goodyear contested the fines and citations.

Rose said the state will provide details about the new citations and a settlement next week.

Employee William Billy Scheier died in an accident at the Danville Goodyear plant Aug. 12. He died from blunt injuries to the chest and mechanical asphyxiation, according to the Medical Examiners Office in Roanoke. The death was ruled accidental.

Scheiers death was the fourth in a year-long period between August 2015 and August 2016.

Goodyears Danville facility covers 50 acres and employs about 2,200 workers. The plant manufactures aviation and specialty tires, and operates on three shifts. Employees at the plant are represented by Local 831 of the United Steelworkers of America.

Goodyear officials said they have implemented safeguards, such as enhancing comprehensive training of associates, strengthening safety checks and enhancing the plants safety audit processes to identify and eliminate potential adverse events before they happen.

Rose said the company is not required to correct violations it was cited for until there is a final order on its contested fines/citations.

Goodyear Communications Manager Laura Singleton said the company had nothing to report when asked for comment Thursday by a Danville Register & Bee reporter.
The friendly takeover of Mead Johnson by Reckitt Benckiser will "significantly strengthen" the UK company's footprint in developing markets like China (AFP Photo/WANG ZHAO) (AFP/File)

London (AFP) - British consumer health giant Reckitt Benckiser on Friday gobbled US infant and child nutrition specialist Mead Johnson for $16.6 billion in a takeover which targets rapid expansion in Asia.

The friendly deal, worth the equivalent of 15.5 billion euros, was pitched at $90 per share and will "significantly strengthen" its presence in developing markets like China, Reckitt said in a statement.

The transaction will also take Reckitt, whose brands include Durex condoms and Nurofen painkillers, into the baby-food market for the first time.

The deal, which values Illinois-based Mead Johnson at $17.9 billion including debt, is expected to generate 200 million of annual cost savings within three years of completion.

"The acquisition of Mead Johnson is a significant step forward in Reckitt Benckiser's journey as a leader in consumer health," said chief executive Rakesh Kapoor.

He described Mead Johnson's "Enfa" baby food brands as "a natural extension" to Reckitt Benckiser's consumer health portfolio.

Under Kapoor's leadership, Reckitt has been on the lookout for a major acquisition for some time, and the Mead takeover will boost its US and Asia business and expand its health division.

The transaction would strengthen the British group's position in developing markets -- which will account for approximately 40 percent of the combined group's sales.

- 'Tremendous value' -

Mead Johnson chairman James Cornelius said the deal would provide "tremendous value" and described Reckitt Benckiser "with its strong financial base, broad global footprint, consumer branding expertise and dynamic business model (as) an ideal partner."

Mead Johnson sells 70 products in over 50 countries, including its flagship "Enfa" line.

The US company, which booked a net profit of $545 million in 2016 on sales of $3.7 billion, generates nearly half its revenues in Asia.

Story continues

Mead Johnson belonged to Bristol-Myers Squibb until 2009, when its shares were floated on the stock exchange. It has regularly been the focus of takeover speculation, with food giants Danone and Nestle previously tipped as potential buyers.

London-listed Reckitt Benckiser, which generated sales of 8.87 billion in 2015, twice downgraded its forecast for organic, or self-generated, sales growth during last year.

Its diverse portfolio of brands also includes Air Wick air fresheners, Dettol surface cleaners, Finish dishwasher tablets and Strepsils throat lozenges.

In early morning London trade, Reckitt's share price rose 0.75 percent to 7,293 pence on the British capital's benchmark FTSE 100 index, which gained 0.54 percent to 7,268.40 points.

- Reckitt profits advance -

The British company made the announcement alongside its full-year results. Net profit, or earnings after taxation, rose five percent to 1.83 billion in 2016 on a 2.0-percent increase in revenues to 9.89 billion.

"2016 was a good year in which we achieved broad-based growth and excellent margin expansion, despite challenging markets and an unusual number of issues," Kapoor added.

"In 2017, we expect macro conditions to remain challenging, and for a number of existing headwinds to persist in the first half."

The Mead purchase meanwhile remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The takeover deal represented a premium of 29 percent over Mead's stock closing price on February 1, which was the day before the pair confirmed takeover talks.
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Home News Sports Social Obituaries Events Letters Businesses warned of phishing scam February 9, 2017 Attorney General Lawrence Wasden is asking Idahoans to be on the lookout for a particularly dangerous phishing scam that could compromise sensitive employee data.



The IRS notified the Attorney Generals Office this week of a scam thats targeting schools, restaurants, hospitals, tribal groups and others. A number of Idaho organizations have been targeted by this threat.



Cybercriminals continue to seek to plunder confidential information from Idaho businesses and employees, Wasden said. This is a particularly nefarious scam and a reminder that we should all remain vigilant when it comes to protecting sensitive data.



According to the IRS, the scam works like this: Cybercriminals use various spoofing techniques to disguise an email to make it appear as if it is from an organization executive. The email is sent to an employee in the payroll or human resources departments, requesting a list of all employees and their W-2 forms.



The cybercriminal then follows up with an executive email to the payroll or comptroller and asks that a wire transfer also be made to a certain account. Although not tax related, the wire transfer scam is being coupled with the W-2 scam email, and some companies have lost both employees W-2s and thousands of dollars due to wire transfers.



The scam is not new, but reappeared in the last two weeks. Some organizations being targeted were also subject to a similar scam last year.



Businesses and organizations are asked to alert their payroll, finance and human resource employees about this scam as soon as possible. Those who dont have internal policies for releasing employee W-2s or conducting wire transfers should consider creating them. Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail!
The Senates pre-dawn vote on Friday to confirm Rep. Tom Price of Georgia as the next secretary of health and human services was a pivotal moment in the Trump administrations increasingly high stakes effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and perhaps fundamentally change the nature of the federal health care system.

The Senate voted 52 to 47 along strict party lines to confirm Price, who was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence at the White House later in the morning. His confirmation process was slowed by the Democrats due to a controversy over his dubious trading in medical and pharmaceutical company stocks while he helped write legislation affecting some of those companies.

Related: 8 Big Changes Under Tom Prices Obamacare Replacement Plan

Price will be under enormous pressure to reenergize the Republicans repeal and replace campaign that has stalled after encountering push back from insurers, health care providers, consumer advocates and even Republican governors and mayors.

That wont be easy because many rank and file Republicans are being spooked by an intense backlash from liberal Democrats and progressive groups that are protesting efforts to dismantle Obamacare  including angry demonstrations at town hall meetings called by GOP lawmakers. In a few cases, Republicans skipped the meetings to avoid confrontation.

Price will also have to be careful in his dealings with House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and a legion of committee chairs who have already begun discussing legislative options.

Yet his experience and depth of knowledge of complex health care issues undoubtedly will make him first among equals within the Trump administration in shaping policy on Obamacare as well as Medicare and Medicaid  two other programs that Price has long criticized as wasteful and ill-conceived.

Related: Stock Trades by Trumps Top Health Care Reformer Raise Some Swampy Questions

Story continues

I think hes going to have a major influence on White House thinking, said Joseph Antos, a health care expert with the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, because he is clearly going to be the most senior and most knowledgeable person all the way around on health care financing.

While Trump has shown little reluctance to speculate on the timing and scope of his ideas on replacing Obamacare  including his boast three weeks ago that a plan for providing insurance for everyone was imminent  Antos predicts that the president likely will take his cues from Price in the future. I think that a lot of where the administration is going to come out on issues is going to originate with Tom Price, as opposed to it being top down, as it was in the Obama administration, he said in an interview.

Prices challenge in waging war on Obamacare is two-fold: One is to carry out Trumps recent executive order that mandates agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Internal Revenue Service to do whatever they can within the law to mitigate any adverse effects of the Affordable Care Act on the insurance industry, health care services or consumers. The order has been widely interpreted as Trumps call to begin the demolition of Obamacare from within, before Congress finally gets around to passing legislation. Price reportedly will begin rolling out some policy changes shortly.

The other challenge is to take a leading role in designing or perfecting Obamacare replacement legislation. In recent weeks, a number of Republicans have begun promoting replacement plans of their own, including one by Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana that would essentially allow the states to decide whether to keep Obamacare or opt for some other health insurance system.

Related: GOP Cuts in Medicare May Be Next After Dismantling Obamacare

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky unveiled a more conservative system of tax credits and health savings accounts after privately conferring with Trump. And Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), chair of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Ways and Means Committee Chair Kevin Brady of Texas, and Ryan are all weighing in with proposals of their own.

For his part, Price has spent years working on replacement ideas, and most recently unveiled a 242-page bill detailing a new conservative approach. That legislation, called the Empowering Patients First Act, would use a handful of tax credits, savings incentives, state grants and other marketing incentives to spark greater competition within the insurance industry and provide consumers with more policy choices, ideally at a lower cost.

But Prices proposals for weaning more than 20 million Americans away from Obamacare are highly controversial among Republicans as well as Democrats. And critics have warned that any radical alternative like this would result in millions of Americans losing coverage.

Price, a wealthy orthopedic surgeon from suburban Atlanta who has spent much of his political career as a state legislator and House member railing against government intervention, is unmatched in his disdain for Obamacare and government regulations that he says intrude on the relationship between doctors and their patients.

Related: Congress Gives Trump a Chance to Recast the Federal Budget

During his testimony before the Senate Finance Committee last month, Price declared that we ought not go down the road with anything that gets in the way of the patient, their families and physicians making the decisions about what kind of health care they desire.

The Tea Party conservative has embraced a number positions well outside of the mainstream of basic health care policy, as The Washington Post noted Thursday. Democrats say that they are even more alarmed that Price for years has advocated transforming Medicare from an open-ended entitlement for seniors to a fixed government contribution for beneficiaries to use to either purchase private insurance or continue with traditional Medicare.

Although Trump pledged during the campaign to leave Medicare and Social Security alone, liberal groups and advocates for seniors now worry that Medicare could become a bargaining chip later this year, as Republicans look for ways to finance their health care initiatives and help pay for a massive tax cut.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York charged that Price had dedicated his life to destroying Medicare as we know it and that Prices premium support approach would result in millions of seniors losing their health care coverage.

McConnell vigorously defended Price and his views, saying at one point that Price knows more about health care policy than just about anyone.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Lions head visits TT

However, says Nicolin Moore of the Arima Lions Club, I think Chancellor Corlew was impressed with the US anthem being played on the pan, and even tried his hand on the instrument. Moore is one of six international directors elected in June 2016 serving the US and the Caribbean on the international board.

During the one-day visit, the very pleasant visitor and his wife Lion Dianne Corlew, ended a very tight itinerary at a cocktail reception in the Queens Hall foyer, attended by visiting lions from Multiple District 60 which stretches from Cayman in the North to Suriname in the South. Six new Lions were inducted by Corlew who said, they could be the newest Lions in the world as he placed the pins on their lapels. This worldwide organisation, founded by Chicago businessman Melvin Jones, 100 years ago, serves over 200 countries with 1.4 million Lions in over 47,000 clubs.

Corlew, retired Chancellor for the State of Tennessee, USA, and a law professor, was elected president at the 99th International Convention in Fukuoka, Japan, in June 2016. A member of the Murfreesboro Noon Lions Club since 1978, Corlew has held many offices within the association and has received numerous awards including the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the highest honour bestowed on members. The Corlews have five children and five grandchildren.

What part does Moore, TT s second international director since Terry Inniss, 20 years ago, play in the world of Lionism? As an international director, I have the responsibility of serving on sub-committees of the board and assisting in making policies to keep our association relevant and at the forefront of humanitarian service.

I also represent the association at conventions of Lions districts all over the US, (including the Caribbean) and Canada. My spouse, Rudy, accompanies me on these speaker engagements.

So far, our travels have taken us to Nebraska, Tennessee and Minnesota. Over the next few months we will be visiting Wisconsin, Alabama, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, California and Washington in the US and Saskatchewan and Ontario in Canada. In June we will join thousands of lions as we celebrate our associations centennial anniversary in Chicago.
HOLY BANDITS

Once inside the house, one of the female bandits quickly placed a piece of cloth soaked in chloroform (a chemical that causes unconsciousness) to the womans nose, causing her to collapse.

When she regained her senses, the victim was greeted with her entire house ransacked and valuables stolen.

The incident is worrisome to police who said it shows the level of lawlessness and disrespect by criminals who are bent on stooping to any level (including using the Bible) to gain the trust of their victims.

According to reports, at 10.15 am, Shelly Ann Jones, 34, was at her Chaguanas home when she heard a pleasant, female voice saying, good morning. Jones went to check who was calling and saw three women all dressed smartly in shirts and skirts, holding Bibles and indicating they wanted to preach the Word of God to her.

Thinking the three were members of the Jehovah Witness faith, who are well-known for going door to door preaching and praying, Jones later told police, she was in no way alarmed.

The victim proceeded to the yard to speak with the three, when one of them pulled out a gun from the waist of her skirt and pointed it at Jones. She was ordered back inside her house where the female bandits placed a piece of cloth over her causing her to lose consciousness.

Jones said she did not know what happened after and when she revived at 11.45 am, she saw her house ransacked and in disarray. She discovered over $25,000 in valuables and jewelry worth over $14,000, missing.

The jewelry, police said, included a pair of gold bracelets valued $5,000; a gold slave band valued $4,000; one gold ID bracelet worth $3,500; two gold chains valued $600 and five rings, valued $1,000.

The shell-shocked woman alerted Chaguanas police and crime scene officers along with CID officers led by Detective Constable Bhajan visited the house.

A check was carried out in the area for the suspects but to no avail. The victim was interviewed and her house dusted for prints.

Yesterday, when a Newsday team visited Jones home to seek an interview, we were told she was heavily sedated on advice from her doctor.

A woman who said she was the victims aunt, said her niece who is a businesswoman and mother of two, remains deeply traumatised.

Just look at how this country has reached where women are pretending to be God-fearing while hiding guns behind their Bibles and going around robbing innocent citizens, the aunt said.

Central Division head Ag Snr Supt Kenny Mc Intyre said, we have to put measures in place to deal with this. Traditionally, we would have looked at men carrying out such crimes but now it seems women are getting in on the act. It is sad to know we have to look at everybody, man woman and even child, with suspicious minds. But it is the reality in this country which we have to safeguard against. The top cop advised persons to view any stranger outside their home or business as a potential criminal and take all necessary precautions including remaining inside, locking up the house or office and immediately contacting the area police as well as friends, neighbours or family members.

He said CCTV cameras have become a necessary party of a house or office.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Central) Surujdeen Persad said he was alarmed on hearing of the incident and echoed McIntyres warnings.

He said patrols have been stepped up in the Division but underscored that citizens have a personal duty to safeguard themselves and their belongings, as it is humanly impossible for police to be everywhere, JUST how low will this countrys bandits go as they prey on innocent, law-abiding citizens? This was the question asked by police investigating a case in which three women, all clutching copies of the Holy Bible in their hands, held up a Chaguanas woman at gunpoint on Wednesday morning.

Once inside the house, one of the female bandits quickly placed a piece of cloth soaked in chloroform (a chemical that causes unconsciousness) to the womans nose, causing her to collapse.

When she regained her senses, the victim was greeted with her entire house ransacked and valuables stolen.

The incident is worrisome to police who said it shows the level of lawlessness and disrespect by criminals who are bent on stooping to any level (including using the Bible) to gain the trust of their victims.

According to reports, at 10.15 am, Shelly Ann Jones, 34, was at her Chaguanas home when she heard a pleasant, female voice saying, good morning. Jones went to check who was calling and saw three women all dressed smartly in shirts and skirts, holding Bibles and indicating they wanted to preach the Word of God to her.

Thinking the three were members of the Jehovah Witness faith, who are well-known for going door to door preaching and praying, Jones later told police, she was in no way alarmed.

The victim proceeded to the yard to speak with the three, when one of them pulled out a gun from the waist of her skirt and pointed it at Jones. She was ordered back inside her house where the female bandits placed a piece of cloth over her causing her to lose consciousness.

Jones said she did not know what happened after and when she revived at 11.45 am, she saw her house ransacked and in disarray. She discovered over $25,000 in valuables and jewelry worth over $14,000, missing.

The jewelry, police said, included a pair of gold bracelets valued $5,000; a gold slave band valued $4,000; one gold ID bracelet worth $3,500; two gold chains valued $600 and five rings, valued $1,000.

The shell-shocked woman alerted Chaguanas police and crime scene officers along with CID officers led by Detective Constable Bhajan visited the house.

A check was carried out in the area for the suspects but to no avail. The victim was interviewed and her house dusted for prints.

Yesterday, when a Newsday team visited Jones home to seek an interview, we were told she was heavily sedated on advice from her doctor.

A woman who said she was the victims aunt, said her niece who is a businesswoman and mother of two, remains deeply traumatised.

Just look at how this country has reached where women are pretending to be God-fearing while hiding guns behind their Bibles and going around robbing innocent citizens, the aunt said.

Central Division head Ag Snr Supt Kenny Mc Intyre said, we have to put measures in place to deal with this. Traditionally, we would have looked at men carrying out such crimes but now it seems women are getting in on the act. It is sad to know we have to look at everybody, man woman and even child, with suspicious minds. But it is the reality in this country which we have to safeguard against. The top cop advised persons to view any stranger outside their home or business as a potential criminal and take all necessary precautions including remaining inside, locking up the house or office and immediately contacting the area police as well as friends, neighbours or family members.

He said CCTV cameras have become a necessary party of a house or office.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Central) Surujdeen Persad said he was alarmed on hearing of the incident and echoed McIntyres warnings.

He said patrols have been stepped up in the Division but underscored that citizens have a personal duty to safeguard themselves and their belongings, as it is humanly impossible for police to be everywhere, all the time, at the same time.
Sisters fondled while shown porn movie

Police last evening continued the search for a man who fondled two sisters, aged eight and nine, while sitting with them and looking at a pornographic movie, at his home. The act happened last Friday and the girls parents are thanking their lucky stars that their daughters were not raped.

According to reports, the sisters were told to go to the home of their uncle (the neigbour) who would supervise them while they (the mother and father) went out. The sisters were sitting with the man when at 8.30 pm, he turned on a television set and began to look at a pornographic movie.

The man began to fondle both girls, telling them he wanted to do to them, the same thing a man was doing to a woman in the porn movie. The girls, police were told later, begged the man to stop and said they would tell their parents, when they went back home. The man threatened to beat the girls.

At this point, the victims parents returned home and came to the predators house calling out his name. The man quickly turned off the television and warned the girls not to say anything to their parents. The girls then left the house and immediately told their parents what happened.

The shocked parents immediately contacted the St James police and lodged a report. Officers of the Child Protection Unit (CPU) were contacted and when officers visited the suspects house, he was nowhere to be seen. Police sources said an arrest is expected to be made soon. The sisters were medically examined and it was determined no sexual penetration took place. They are receiving counselling.

Police yesterday called on parents and guardians to use care when giving the title uncle or aunt to an adult friend or acquaintance, since in the eyes of an impressionable and naive child, such a term to a non-family member, suggests a level of trust.

Officers said children must be taught from early that not everyone who is friendly or known to their parent or adult relative, is to be considered an uncle or aunt by them (the child/children).

The term uncle or aunt suggests to a child, especially a pre-teen child, that this person who is not a member of my family can still be trusted as if they were. Too often we are seeing these aunts and uncle taking advantage of children, once they gain the childs trust. Parents must understand that now time is different to long time, when any adult whether family or not, was expected to seek a childs interest as if they were related to that child...as if they were really an aunt or uncle, a police source said. Investigations are continuing.
Here Are the Most Overrated

Tourist Spots in the US
duterte philippines

During a speech at an event celebrating the 115th anniversary of the founding of the Philippine Bureau of Customs, President Rodrigo Duterte gave a customarily blunt response to an op-ed written by former Colombian President Cesar Gaviria.

Gaviria, who presided over the hunt for and killing of Pablo Escobar, cautioned against deploying armed police and troops to fight the drug trade and called for more efforts to address the social factors related to drug use in a New York Times op-ed titled "President Duterte is repeating my mistakes."

Duterte, whose campaign against the drug trade in the Philippines is believed to have led to more than 7,600 killings since he took office in summer 2016, gave little weight to Gaviria's words.

"To tell you frankly [they say that] Colombia [leader] has been lecturing me. That idiot," he said, according to Philippine news site Rappler.

During his speech, Duterte had been describing the virulence of "shabu," the local name for methamphetamine used in the Philippines.

According to Rappler, he said he had been "receiving so many lectures, communications, and criticisms" about his war on drugs. But, he said, observers should be more understanding, since he was dealing with around 4 million or 5 million addicts in the Philippines.

That number doesn't quite jibe with other estimates. Data from the President's Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) put the number of drug users at about 1.8 million, about half the 3.7 million that Duterte has cited in the past, according to Reuters.

Philippines Manila drug war violence killing crime

Of those 1.8 million, only about one-third had used drugs in the previous 13 months, and only 860,000 had used shabu. Overall, drug-usage rates in the Philippines are thought to be roughly similar to the US or Australia.

Story continues

Duterte also contrasted the nature of Colombia's drug trade with that of his country, saying the dissimilarities necessitated a different approach in the Philippines.

"You know, they have cocaine there. Cocaine and heroine, not really; cocaine and marijuana are kind of okay. You can still communicate," he added. Colombia is the world's biggest producer of cocaine, and in the past, much of the heroin consumed in the US has come from South America as well.

Cesar Gaviria Colombia president

Duterte's comments about Gaviria, who is a founding member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, differed from a statement issued by his spokesman prior to his speech.

"We respect the opinion of former President Cesar Gaviria that Colombias experience of 'war against drugs' cannot be won by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies alone," the statement said, noting that the "second phase" of Duterte's anti-drug campaign "focuses on the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents."

"We appreciate the ex-Colombian president's concerns and we encourage our people to see our situation in the light of comprehensive nation-building," the statement concluded.

As noted by Rappler, Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa, who is currently under fire for alleged abuses carried about by his police force, traveled to Colombia in September 2016 to see, he said, "how they won, what they did to win the war on drugs."

NOW WATCH: Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte congratulates Trump on a 'well-deserved victory'





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* Air strikes intensify on Yemen's main port of Hodeidah

* UN and Red Cross call for protection of trapped civilians

* Escalation comes days after U.N. appeal for $2.1 billion (Adds U.N. quotes, background, ICRC statement)

By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA, Feb 10 (Reuters) - The Saudi-led coalition has intensified air strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, possibly trapping civilians and hampering a humanitarian operation to import vital food and fuel supplies, the United Nations said on Friday.

Earlier this week, Yemeni government forces backed by Gulf Arab troops recaptured control of the Red Sea city of al-Mokha in a push that paved the way for an advance on Hodeidah, the country's main port city.

"Civilians were trapped and targeted during the al-Mokha fighting," U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein said in a statement. "There are real fears that the situation will repeat itself in the port of Hodeidah where air strikes are already intensifying."

He said possible war crimes had been documented with "alarming frequency" since the conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels backed by Iran erupted almost two years ago.

A U.N. statement expressed concerns civilians in al-Mokha had been deliberately targetted by the rebel-linked gunmen during the battle for control of the port.

"Credible reports indicate that Houthi-affiliated snipers shot at families attempting to flee their homes in Houthi-controlled areas," the statement said.

As the fighting shifted along the coast, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that civilians were already caught up in the fighting in Hodeidah, as well as in the towns of Taiz and Dhubab.

The aid agency pressed called for civilians to be allowed to leave for safer areas, and called for the wounded to be given access to medical care, in line with international law.

"We stand ready to deliver much needed aid to the civilian population," said Robert Mardini, ICRC regional director for the Near and Middle East.

Story continues

Across Yemen, some 12 million people, roughly half the population, face the threat of famine and conditions are worsening, the United Nations warned on Wednesday as it appealed for $2.1 billion to fund food and other life-saving aid.

Jamie McGoldrick, U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, said the destruction of five cranes in Hodeidah port had forced dozens of vessels to line up offshore.

"We're trying to bring in four new mobile cranes to support the Hodeidah port, to try to ease the congestion there. That's something that we're in negotiation with Riyadh right now," McGoldrick said.

(Editing by Tom Miles and Richard Lough)
No one seems to know why there's an orange alligator in a pond near Charleston, South Carolina. Residents living near the pond in Hanahan say they've seen the orange or rust-colored alligator a number of times, and it's now become a viral sensation. Photos show the 4- to 5-foot-long alligator on the banks of a retention pond at the Tanner Plantation neighborhood, reports the AP. Residents joke the gator used too much self-tanning lotion. Or maybe it's a fan of the Clemson Tigers, who are known for their orange colors.

A state wildlife official theorizes the color may come from where the animal spent the winter, perhaps in a rusty steel culvert pipe. Whatever the reason, the creature is expected to return to a normal shade once it sheds its skinthough some residents swear it's been around for a decade, notes the local Berkeley Observer. Nicknames include "Cheese Puff" and, yes, "Trumpgator." (Read more strange stuff stories.)
The 51-year-old father of three girls who perished in a 2011 Christmas Day house fire in Connecticut has died, according to the foundation he started in memory of his daughters. Matthew Badger's death was announced Thursday on the Facebook page of the Lily Sarah Grace Fund, an organization that works to bring the arts to underfunded public elementary schools, the AP reports. Robert Cambria, the fund's executive director, said he was notified of Badger's death Thursday morning, but was not given any other details. The 2011 fire at a Victorian home in Stamford owned by the children's mother, New York advertising executive Madonna Badger, killed 7-year-old twins Grace and Sarah Badger, 9-year-old Lily Badger, and their maternal grandparents, Lomer and Pauline Johnson, formerly of Louisville, Kentucky. Madonna Badger and her boyfriend at the time, Michael Borcina, escaped the flames.

Borcina, a contractor, had been renovating the house. Authorities said the fire began in the fireplace ashes, which were left in a bin in the mudroom in the house. Borcina originally told authorities he put ashes in the room, but later said the ashes had been left in the room by the girls' mother. He agreed to pay Mathew Badger $5 million to settle a lawsuit. Matthew Badger also had lawsuits pending against the city, subcontractors and their insurance carriers. (Read more Madonna Badger stories.)
In a scene that seems straight out of Footloose, a small town has cancelled a dance simply because it was to be held 300 feet from a church. Henryetta, Okla., is a town of roughly 5,500 people 60 miles south of Tulsa, and had planned a Valentine's Day dance at Rosie LaVon's Marketplace for the upcoming holiday, reports Courthouse News. Then Robbie Kinney asked a question. She tells KTUL she had family who wanted to attend, but she was aware of the old city "morality" ordinance outlawing dancing within 500 feet of a church and asked on Facebook if it had been repealed. It hadn't. Even though the city's police chief tells ABC News he has no "interest in enforcing it," the organizerwhose husband is the city's attorneycanceled the dance.

If this all sounds familiar, it should: The movie Footloose is based on Elmore City, which is also in Oklahoma, about a 2-hour drive from Henryetta. For 82 years after the town was incorporated in 1898, a city ordinance forbade dancing; they could shout, but not twist, as Tulsa World put it. Over in Henryetta, dance organizer Joni Insabella, who'd already hired a DJ and lights, was accused of getting special treatment because of her husband. "It just started a terrible firestorm," she tells USA Today. Still, she's hoping that when the city council votes on whether to uphold the old ordinance on Feb. 22, she'll find she's able to host an Elvis dance. "We're just some dancing rebels down here," she says. (See why Vietnam weighed banning dancing.)
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the Trump administration on Thursday, refusing to reinstate the president's executive order restricting immigration and refugees from seven majority-Muslim nations, the Washington Post reports. The decision upholds the ruling of Judge James Robart made last Friday, which first blocked Trump's travel ban. The court bought into the arguments of Washington state and Minnesota that the baneven a temporary reinstatement of itwould cause harm to the states, specifically their universities, according to the AP. Reuters reports it was a unanimous ruling of all three judges on the Court of Appeals.

In its ruling, the court found the Trump administration failed to show the US would be harmed if the travel ban weren't reinstated. It also didn't completely buy the administration's arguments for why the ban is needed, and ruled that comments by Trump and his advisers could be used to determine the intent of the ban, CBS News reports. The court didn't rule on the constitutionality or legality of Trump's executive order, only that the suspension of it could be kept in place. Trump responded in a tweet following the ruling: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!" The executive order will likely now head to the Supreme Court, where a 4-4 split is probable. In the case of a tie, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling would hold. (Read more Trump travel ban stories.)
daymond john shark tank american heroes

"Shark Tank" dedicated Friday's episode to "American Heroes," something star investor Daymond John believes not only honors those who have dedicated their lives to others, but can also dispel preconceived notions.

"Having a show thats dedicated to almost anything from mom-preneurs to minorities to everyday farmers to veterans is extremely important," John told Business Insider while promoting his new partnership with Shop.com on Friday.

"Its the ultimate equalizer. It takes all race, color, gender, everything else out of the room and you become the person who you are."

In addition to a nurse and a Peace Corps. volunteer, the "American Heroes" episode of "Shark Tank" features entrepreneurs who have served as first responders and in the military.

John said that backgrounds such as those carry with them many of the traits the retail mogul and his fellow sharks are looking for in a business partner.

"When you talk about people who are veterans and people who serve our country, you realize that these people arent selfish people," he said. "They dedicate themselves to their country. They know how to finish a task, they know how to work within systems, and theyre willing to literally give it their all. When they walk into the room, we already know they have one step up from everybody else and we know theyll give it their all no matter what."

NOW WATCH: Here's what Daymond John has learned from 8 years of investing on Shark Tank





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President Trump's national security adviser may be in hot water over his talks with the Russian ambassador before Trump took office. The upshot of stories in the Washington Post and the New York Times is the same: They say Michael Flynn discussed sanctions with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, despite Flynn's denials. Both stories are based on anonymous US officials. As recently as Wednesday, Flynn flatly denied discussing sanctions with Kislyak, but the Post notes that his response shifted Thursday: A spokesman said Flynn "indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn't be certain that the topic never came up." If it did, Flynn may have violated a federal law called the Logan Act that forbids private citizens from interfering in foreign policy.

The FBI is investigating, though both stories agree that any prosecution would be difficult, to say the least. The problem? It's never been done before and thus there's no case history, notes the Post. The Times, meanwhile, calls the law "murky" and doesn't think it's likely to be used against a sitting national security adviser. One gray area is just how explicit Flynn was in discussing the sanctions. Both stories suggest that he left Kislyak with the impression that the Trump administration could unwind any sanctions put in place by President Obama over Moscow's alleged meddling in the election, though he reportedly did not make an explicit promise to that effect. At worst then, it might wind up being seen as a breach of protocol, though one that could embarrass Trump officials such as Mike Pence who've publicly denied that Flynn even discussed the penalties. (Read more Michael Flynn stories.)
Hillary Clinton tweeted "3-0" on Wednesdayand she wasn't referring to the Canucks' win over the Blue Jackets in the NHL. Clinton zinged President Trump with the tweet immediately after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to reinstate Trump's travel ban, handing him a major defeat less than three weeks into his presidency, the Daily Dot reports.

The Los Angeles Times reports that former Attorney General Eric Holder also tweeted "3.0." "Skill, judgment, courgage [sic]," he wrote, posting a photo of former acting AG Sally Yates, who was fired for refusing to defend the ban in court. "VINDICATED." Trump also used all caps in a tweet after the ruling, saying: "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE." (Read more Hillary Clinton stories.)
A blustery day on a Virginia bridge led to a truck driver's death Thursday, the AP reports. Joseph Chen, a 47-year-old employee of Evans Transport, was crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in his tractor-trailer around 12:30pm, shortly after weather reports had indicated a Level 1 wind advisory, meaning winds were clocking in at over 40mph, the Virginian-Pilot reports. The North Carolina man was driving his truck southbound when his vehicle went over the side and into the 45-degree Chesapeake Bay. As his truck began to sink, Chen was spotted standing atop it, offering hope he'd survive the freak accident. But after a Navy chopper pulled him from the water, he died en route to the hospital.

Just 30 minutes after Chen's truck was swept off the bridge, the wind advisory was raised to a Level 2, which means winds had crept up past 47mph. Between 1964 and 2011, 10 vehicles driving over that bridge have met similar fates, with only one survivor out of the bunch, per Virginian-Pilot records. A truck driver who crosses the bridge a couple of times a week tells WAVY "on a windy day, you can feel it" and that his truck will sway from left to right, depending on the wind's direction. Meanwhile, Chen's wife, Billie Jo, tells the Virginian-Pilot her husband "was off the chain." They would've marked their 10-year anniversary in April. She added her husband, whom she said was "awesome," had two kids from a previous marriage. (A truck fell from the sky in San Diego.)
More than six million monarch butterflies were killed in a single month in Mexico, showing an increasing need "to protect breeding, feeding, and migratory habitat," says a rep for the World Wildlife Fund. Experts who count the butterflies that migrate from the US and Canada to Mexico each winter say the insects covered about 10 acres in Mexico last winter. This December, they covered 7.2 acresa loss of 27%, reports Reuters. Experts say about 6.2 million butterflies, or 7.4% of the population in Mexico at the time, were likely killed when winter storms hit in March 2016, just as the butterflies were preparing to fly north, per a release. The storms brought rain and high winds that toppled 133 acres of butterfly habitat.

It was the biggest forest loss in six years. However, experts say the loss of forests, also due to illegal logging, isn't the sole reason for the population decline. Milkweed, necessary food for monarchs, is becoming scarce in the US and Canada with less open land and increasing use of herbicides. "Even if Mexico's overwintering sites never lose another tree," the butterflies could soon disappear unless humans do more to prevent illegal logging and habitat loss, says a World Wildlife Fund rep. Referring to President Trump's promised wall on the US-Mexico border, however, an environmentalist says there are fears there will also be "an environmental wall" if environmental cooperation between the two countries ceases, "and that its first direct victim might be the monarch butterfly." (See why monarchs are a "biological treasure trove.")
A day after offering belated Chinese New Year greetings, President Trump gave Beijing something more substantial: his assurances that he respects America's long-standing "one China" policy and plans to adhere to it. Trump had his first conversation with China's President Xi Jinping late Thursday and the White House says it was an "extremely cordial" talk, the South China Morning Post reports. "The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our one-China policy," the White House said in a statement. The policy, which the US has followed for decades, accepts Beijing's view that Taiwan is a part of China.

Trump infuriated China in December when, as president-elect, he spoke directly to Taiwan's president. Analysts say Trump appears to have adopted a more pragmatic approach, possibly because of the influence of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. The phone call is "good news and a positive development for the relationship," Paul Haenle, director of the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center in Beijing, tells the Guardian. "It will allow the US and China to get on to the more difficult issues that really need work, such as trade, North Korea, and the South China Sea." The AP reports that the US Pacific Command disclosed Friday that a Chinese aircraft and a US Navy patrol plane had an "unsafe" encounter over the South China Sea earlier in the week. (Read more China stories.)
The chairman of the House Oversight Committee was met by frequent, deafening boos at a Thursday town hall in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, as constituents grilled him on everything from investigating President Trump's tax returns to Planned Parenthood, reports the AP. A young girl asked Rep. Jason Chaffetz about his plans to protect the air and water and the crowd booed when he replied that he supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which includes mining for coal. Another exchange that brought cries of "do your job," per NBC News: He was asked about a potential conflict between the presidency and Trump's businesses, something that would fall under the purview of the House Oversight Committee. "You're really not going to like this part: The President, under the law, is exempt from the conflict of interest laws," Chaffetz said.

His assertion that Kellyanne Conway was "wrong, wrong, wrong" for plugging Ivanka Trump's clothing line was well received, however. But more jeers greeted his comment that while he believes "if you're going to run for president, you should have to release your tax returns ... it's not required by law," reports the Daily Herald. Chaffetz repeatedly said, "hold on," and "give me a second," as the audience members reacted negatively to nearly all of his statements. Outside, hundreds of people were holding signs and chanting, "Vote him out," while one woman was arrested. Chaffetz said earlier in the day that he hopes Trump will repeal the Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah, something he discussed with the president during a Tuesday meeting. A CNN correspondent tweeted that the town hall ended an hour early. (Read more Jason Chaffetz stories.)
After their mobile home burned last year, the best Michael Reeves and Chassity Carter could do was to park a camper trailer on the same lot in coastal Georgia and make it their new home. Now hardship has become sheer tragedy for Reeves and Carter. Less than a year after their mobile home burned, another fire Wednesday ravaged the camper the family had been living in, killing two of their children3-year-old Blayden Wade Reeves and his 4-month-old sister, Tallie Ann Carter, the AP reports. Chassity Carter and 2-year-old Brighton Michael Reeves were hospitalized in critical condition. After searching the camper's charred remains Thursday, investigators determined the deadly blaze likely stated as an accidental cooking fire.

"There was a pot of noodles left on a hot plate on a countertop that was the cause of the fire," Glynn County Police Chief Matt Doering told reporters at a news conference. Police were initially suspicious because of last year's mobile home fire, but he said there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in the fire at the camper. "It was a travel trailer, which is unusual for a family to be living in," Doering said. "It's not designed for that, especially for a family of five." Neighbors knew the young couple had a hard time making ends meet, said Danny O'Neal, who lives around the corner. "They have been struggling and struggling," O'Neal said Thursday from his front porch just outside the port city of Brunswick, about 70 miles south of Savannah. He could hardly talk about the day before, when he ran outside to the sound of his neighbors screaming for their children. (Read more Georgia stories.)
A multi-state hunt for two missing New Mexico State University students ended in Idaho Thursday morning. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that 18-year-old McKinnah Sinclair and 19-year-old Charlie Daniels, missing since they attended a hip-hop concert in Texas last Friday, were found driving in Nampa and said to be in good condition. A Facebook post from the Las Cruces Police Department notes a Nampa cop pulled over a red Ford Focus crawling along at 30mph below the highway speed limit and found Sinclair and Daniels inside, with Daniels behind the wheel. A lieutenant with the department tells the Sun-News the car, which apparently belonged to one of the teens' parents, had been reported stolen and was sporting license plates from another car.

Investigators say the women purposely switched plates before they started traveling the country. Before they ended up in the Gem State, they had been caught on camera in Beverly Hills, Calif., Monday at an ATM. All told, they covered a driving distance of at least 1,600 miles before they were located, the Sun-News estimates. They hadn't been answering calls to their cellphones or contact on social media since they vanished after the concert. KTSM reports it's still vague what the teens' final destination was, or why they didn't tell anyone where they were going. The police in Nampa didn't detain the women after determining they were OK (both are technically adults), but the LCPD says their families have put things in place to get them back to New Mexico. (Read more missing person stories.)
A 22-year-old French man says a police officer used a baton to rape him during an arrest in a Paris suburb, leaving him to undergo emergency surgery for injuries to his rectum. According to one of the involved officer's lawyers, the baton might've slipped into the man's anus by mistake. It's a story few are buying in Aulnay-sous-Bois, where protesters have gathered for the past six nights while the youth worker, a black man identified as Theo, remains in a hospital, per the Independent. A police officer has been charged with rape and three others face charges of assault after the event last ThursdayTheo was stopped for an identity check as police were looking for drug dealers, per the Localthough police say there is insufficient evidence of a rape.

A police source say a video shows an officer "applying a truncheon blow horizontally across the buttocks," adding Theo's pants at some point "slipped down on their own." Theo, however, says an officer "took his baton and shoved it into my buttocks," per the New York Times. He says officers also beat him, sprayed him with tear gas, and called him a "b----." Police have used tear gas to subdue protesters across France in the days since. In one case, police fired live rounds into the air to disperse protesters, several of whom have been arrested, accused of setting cars on fire, damaging buildings, and "ambushing" police. Theo, visited by French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday, has implored protesters to remain peaceful. (Read more France stories.)
Time named him one of America's "top 10 impostors," and now James Hogue is likely headed back to prison after authorities found him living in a homemade shack high in the Colorado mountains. A police officer spotted the 57-year-old con man in the illegal shack on Shadow Mountain in Septemberhe may have been living there for up to a yearbut Hogue escaped out a window, the Aspen Times reports. He was arrested weeks later after being spotted trying to build a new cabin. Authorities say he had stolen ski gear and $17,000 in cash in his car. On Monday, Hogue pleaded guilty to felony theft and felony possession of burglary tools. He's facing up to three years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

Hogue first made headlines when at the age of 26 he posed as a high school student in Palo Alto. The Mercury News, which has an in-depth timeline of Hogue's criminal exploits, reports he was discovered after an "eyebrow-raising performance" at a track meet. Hogue went on to pose as a student at Princeton while in his early 30s. He made the varsity track team and the dean's list, but his ruse was once again discovered during a track meet, according to the Washington Post. Hogue was also busted for stealing $50,000 in jewels from a Harvard museum while working as a guard in the early '90s and went to prison in 2007 for burglarizing around 7,000 items from homes in Colorado. (Our greatest con man remains a mystery.)
Stocks (^DJI, ^GSPC, ^IXIC) are mounting a midday rally, with the major indices set to end the week at new all-time highs. The energy sector (XLE) is leading the way and consumer staples (XLP) is lagging at the flatline. Jonathan Corpina of Meridian Equity Partners joins us live from the New York Stock Exchange.

To discuss the other big stories of the day, Alexis Christoforous is joined by Yahoo Finances Myles Udland and Justine Underhill.

Snapchat to drop another $1B on cloud services

The parent of Snapchat just announced plans to pay Amazon (AMZN) $1 billion over the next five years for use of its cloud services. Last Thursday, Snap filed IPO documents to take the company public. And as part of its risk disclosures, the company said it already plans to pay Google (GOOG, GOOGL) $2 billion over 5 years. Snap also warned that it was highly reliant on Google for services that other companies simply couldnt provide.

The political risks for GOP of scrapping the Affordable Care Act

The Senate just confirmed Congressman Tom Price to lead the Department of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump. Price will take the lead in repealing and replacing Obamacare. This comes as new analysis shows 12.2 million people signed up for coverage this year under the Affordable Care Act.

Americans renouncing citizenship at record high

The number of Americans who are renouncing their citizenship is on the rise. As you see on the graphic, the number rose to more than 5,400 last year, up 26% from 2015. Among the people giving up his US citizenship last year: UK foreign minister Boris Johnson, who was born here in New York.
Betsy DeVos made her first visit to a public school as education secretary Friday, but a group of protesters initially barred her from entering Washington DC's Jefferson Middle School. One of them chanted, "Shame. Shame. Shame," as DeVos was forced to return to her car, reports ABC News, which calls the group of demonstrators "small." The protesters also kept her from quickly driving away, but ABC says she eventually entered the school.

"Don't we want the Sec of Education to visit schools?" tweeted Kellyanne Conway after the incident. DeVos was confirmed as the head of the Department of Education Tuesday in a contentious vote that required Vice President Mike Pence to break the tie. The Washington Teacher's Union, which did not support DeVos' nomination, had also organized a gathering outside the middle school Friday, in which they told DeVos they support free public schools and equal education opportunities for all, WJLA reports. That meeting was apparently unrelated to the group blocking DeVos' entrance. (Read more Betsy DeVos stories.)
BEIRUT (AP)  Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview released on Friday that the United States is welcome to join the battle against "terrorists" in Syria  as long as it is in cooperation with his government and respects the country's sovereignty.

Speaking with Yahoo News, Assad said he has not had any communication  direct or indirect  with President Donald Trump or any official form the new U.S. administration.

But the Syrian leader appeared to make a gesture to the new U.S. president in the interview, saying he welcomes Trump's declaration that he will make it a priority to fight terrorism  a goal Assad said he also shares.

However, Assad's government has labelled all armed opposition to his rule  including the U.S.-backed rebels  as "terrorists."

"We agree about this priority," Assad said of Trump. "That's our position in Syria, the priority is to fight terrorism."

Syria's six-year civil war has killed more than 300,000 people and displaced half the country's population. The country is shattered and the chaos has enabled the rise of the Islamic State group, which in a 2014 blitz seized a third of both Syria and neighboring Iraq. The extremist group, responsible also for several deadly attacks around the world, has declared an Islamic caliphate on the territory it controls.

Assad also told Yahoo News that his country would welcome U.S. "participation" in the fight against terrorism but it has to be in cooperation with the Syrian government.

Assad's comment ignored the U.S.-led international coalition, which has been targeting the Islamic State group and al-Qaida's affiliate in Syria with airstrikes since September 2014. The U.S. also has advisers in Syria along with predominantly Kurdish fighters north of the country who are fighting against the Islamic State.

"If you want to start genuinely, as United States ... it must be through the Syrian government," Assad said. "We are here, we are the Syrians, we own this country as Syrians, nobody else, nobody would understand it like us."

Story continues

"So, you cannot defeat the terrorism without cooperation with the people and the government" of Syria, he added.

The Syrian government has always blamed the U.S. for backing opposition fighters trying to remove Assad from power. The rebels formed a serious threat to the Syrian leader until 2015, when Russia joined Syria's war backing Assad's forces and turned the balance of power in his favor.

"We invited the Russians, and the Russians were genuine regarding this issue. If the Americans are genuine, of course they are welcome, like any other country that wants to defeat and to fight with the terrorists. Of course, with no hesitation we can say that," Assad said in English.

But when asked if he wants American troops to come to Syria to help with the fight against the Islamic State group, Assad said that sending troops is not enough  a genuine political position on respecting Syria's sovereignty and unity is also needed.

"All these factors would lead to trust, where you can send your troops. That's what happened with the Russians; they didn't only send their troops," Assad added.

Assad would not comment on Trump's move to bar Syrian refugees and people from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the U.S., calling it an "American sovereignty" issue.

But he appeared to offer some veiled support at last, saying that there are "definitely terrorists" among the millions of Syrians seeking refuge in the West, though it doesn't have to be a "significant" number.

Excerpts of Assad's comments were aired on Thursday while the full interview with Yahoo News ran on Friday.

The Syrian president also blasted a report released this week by Amnesty International in which the group said as many as 13,000 prisoners were hanged in over four years in one of Syria's prisons and later buried in mass graves.

"It's always biased and politicized, and it's a shame for such an organization to publish a report without a shred of evidence," Assad said.

He also rejected an initiative that calls for creating "safe zones" in Syria for refugees, an idea also been floated by Trump as a substitute for resettling Syrian refugees in the U.S. and elsewhere.

"Safe zones for Syrians could only happen when you have stability and security," Assad said. "It's much more practical and less costly to have stability than to create safe zones. It's not a realistic idea at all."

In other developments Friday, the Kremlin said that Russia and Turkey have agreed to improve coordination in Syria to prevent further friendly fire incidents after a Russian airstrike killed three Turkish soldiers and wounded 11 the day before.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the accidental strike near the town of al-Bab in northern Syria prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to discuss better cooperation in fighting the Islamic State group in the area. In a signal that the incident hasn't hurt a Russia-Turkey rapprochement, Peskov said that Erdogan is set to visit Russia next month.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said the Turkish casualties on Thursday were the result of "faulty coordination" in Syria and showed "there is a need for a much closer coordination."

___

Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.
Ghaziabad:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday tore into Akhilesh Yadav government, alleging it was sheltering and nursing crime and corruption and asserted that this UP election was about ending the 14-year exile of growth in the state.

Addressing Parivartan Sankalp Rally here on the penultimate day of campaigning for the first phase of polls, Modi said Akhilesh has disappointed those who had high hopes of him and has destroyed the state in last five years. He also took a dig at SP-Congress alliance, saying, Samajwadi Party had stepped in a sinking boat.

Is this poll about choosing a new government, or about electing a new CM? This election is about ending 14 years of exile of growth (vikas ka vanvas) in UP and replacing it with growth and prosperity, he said alluding to Ramayana.

In his nearly 45-minute address, Modi, who represents Varanasi in Lok Sabha, attacked the Akhilesh-led government on several fronts, including law and order, even as he made promises of rectifying the wrongs committed by the state government.

When Akhilesh came, we felt he is young and educated and will try to do some good. Par nirash kar dia, paanch saalo ke andar UP ka vinash kar diya (But he has disappointed us, destroyed UP in five years.

They keep attacking me, and accuse that I have not kept promises. I tell you, I will give answer to the public in 2019, but Akhilesh government must answer to the people as it had ruled it for the last five years.

If you do no answer in Uttar Pradesh, who will you make it Uttam Pradesh, Modi said.

The Prime Minister also accused the SP government of sheltering crime and nursing goondas and sitting blindfold over corruption in the state.

Today, women fear to venture out after dark in the state. Young girls are scared of going to schools.

This evil has been sheltered by the ruling party leaders in the state. It is nursing the criminals. The law and order has failed as powerful people with protection of the ruling party are controlling police in their areas, Modi alleged.

There is corruption in jobs, poor farmers and middle-class peoples lands have been snatched away. There are 40,000 complaints registered under the Arms Act, he said.

ALSO READ | PM Modi in Ghaziabad: 'Akhilesh Yadav has kept his feet on a drowning boat by joining hands with Congress'

If BJP forms government in UP, Modi said, I promise you we will form a special task force to ensure that lands looted from farmers and middle-class people would be restored.

We have also been asking for CAG audit of irregularities in GDA but the UP governance has not agreed. Once we form a government in UP, we will ensure that GDA and other development authorities are audited, he said.

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Washington:

Two top US senators have proposed a legislation to cut the number of legal immigrants to the US by half within a decade, a move that could adversely hit those aspiring to get a green card or permanent residency in the US including a large number of Indians.

The Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment, or Raise Act, introduced by Republican senator Tom Cotton and David Perdue from the Democratic party, would alter the US immigration system to significantly reduce the number of foreigners admitted to the country without a skills-based visa.

The bill proposed to reduce the number of green card or legal permanent residency issued every year from currently about a million to half a million.

The passage of the bill, which is said to have the support of the Trump administration, will have a major impact on hundreds and thousands of Indian Americans who are currently painfully waiting to get their green cards on employment-based categories.

Notably, the current wait period of an Indian to get a green card varies from 10 years to 35 years and this could increase if the proposed bill becomes a law. The bill however does not focus on H-1B visas.

Cotton argued that the growth in legal immigration in recent decades had led to a sharp decline in wages for working Americans and that the bill represented an effort to move the US to a more merit-based system like Canada and Australia.

Its time our immigration system started working for American workers, Cotton said.

The RAISE Act would promote higher wages on which all working Americans can build a future-whether your family came over here on the Mayflower or you just took the oath of citizenship, he added.

The RAISE Act would lower overall immigration to 6,37,960 in its first year and to 5,39,958 by its tenth year, a 50 per cent reduction from the 1,051,031 immigrants who arrived in 2015.

We are taking action to fix some of the shortcomings in our legal immigration system, Perdue said. Returning to our historically normal levels of legal immigration will help improve the quality of American jobs and wages, he added.

The RAISE Act, among other things, would retain immigration preferences for the spouses and minor children of US citizens and legal permanent residents while eliminating preferences for certain categories of extended and adult family members.

It also proposes to eliminate diversity visa lottery.

The Diversity Lottery is plagued with fraud, advances no economic or humanitarian interest, and does not even deliver the diversity of its namesake. The RAISE Act would eliminate the 50,000 visas arbitrarily allocated to this lottery, it said.

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Washington:

Foreign travellers visiting the US may have to hand over their social media passwords for back ground check, a move which could come as part of the effort to toughen vetting of visitors, US Homeland Security Secretary has said.

Were looking at some enhanced or some additional screening, John Kelly told a hearing of the House Homeland Security Committee.

We may want to get on their social media, with passwords, he said.

Its very hard to truly vet these people in these countries, the seven countries... But if they come in, we want to say, what websites do they visit, and give us your passwords. So we can see what they do on the internet, Kelly said on Tuesday.

If they dont want to cooperate, then they dont come in to the United States, he said.

Kelly told Congress that the measure was one of several being considered to vet refugees and visa applicants from seven Muslim-majority countries, the NBC News reported.

His comments came the same day judges heard arguments over President Donald Trumps executive order temporarily barring entry to most refugees and travelers from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Libya and Yemen.

Kelly, President Donald Trump appointee, stressed that asking for peoples passwords was just one of the things that were thinking about and that none of the suggestions were concrete.

Under the existing vetting process, according to Kelly, officials dont have a lot to work with, relying on the applicants documentation and asking them questions about their background.

When someone says, Im from this town and this was my occupation, [officials] essentially have to take the word of the individual, he said.

I frankly dont think thats enough, certainly President Trump doesnt think thats enough. So weve got to maybe add some additional layers. As well as asking people for their passwords, Kelly said he was looking at trying to obtain peoples financial records.

We can follow the money, so to speak. How are you living, whos sending you money? he said.

It applies under certain circumstances, to individuals who may be involved in on the payroll of terrorist organisations, Kelly said.

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Chennai :

Caretaker Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Thursday held a brief meeting with Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao amid the political uncertainty in the state and said that good things will happen but did not elaborate.

We had a detailed discussion with Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao about all that is happening in Tamil Nadu... For sure, good thing will happen, dharma will win, he told reporters at his residence on returning from the Raj Bhavan.

The meeting came two days after Panneerselvam revolted against AIADMK General Secretary Sasikala, claiming that he was forced to resign from the Chief Ministers post.

Accepting Panneerselvams resignation, the Governor had on February 6 asked him to continue till alternative arrangements were made.

Live updates: Sasikala vs O Panneerselvam political tussle in Tamil Nadu

After his revolt, Panneerselvam has maintained he was willing to reconsider his resignation if the people desired.

However, Raos absence for the next two days from the state raised eyebrows with Sasikalas supporters demanding that she should have been invited to form the next government.

Rao, holding charge of Tamil Nadu in addition to Maharashtra, arrived here from Mumbai late this afternoon and gave appointments to Pannerselvam and Sasikala, who is slated to meet him around 7.30 PM.

Also read: TN BJP defends OPS, says he has worked 'wisely' and public supports him

Panneerselvam said he called on Rao along with senior leaders of his camp including, AIADMK Presidium Chairman E Madusudanan. He said they have the blessings of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

He quoted a popular Tamil verse of nationalist poet Subramanya Bharathi, the import of which is though dharma could be eclipsed by intrigue, it will be dharma which will triumph ultimately.

He, however, did not take any questions and merely gestured with folded hands when asked about his discussions with the Governor.

Panneerselvam, who has repeatedly asserted that he will be able to prove his strength on the floor of the House, has not yet disclosed the number of MLAs supporting him.

To know more about O. Panneerselvam CLICK HERE

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Raipur:

A Naxalite was gunned down on Friday in an exchange of fire with security personnel in a dense forest of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said.

The skirmish took place in the wee hours between a team of security men and the ultras in the forest under Basaguda police station limits of the district, Bijapur's Additional Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg said.

A joint team of Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) 168th battalion and district force had launched the operation in the forest of Basaguda, located around 450 kms from Raipur, last night.

While the security personnel were cordoning-off a restive pocket, they came under fire from a group of armed Naxals leading to a heavy gun battle.

However, the rebels soon escaped into the core forest after finding the security men zeroing-in on them, he said.

During a search, police recovered the body of a male Maoist along with weapon, grenades and Naxal-related material from the spot, the ASP said adding that the identity of the deceased was being ascertained.Further details were awaited as the police were yet to reach back to their camp, he said.

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Beijing:

Chinas state media on Thursday warned overseas Indians of political consequences if they interfere in the countrys internal affairs, after a US university headed by an Indian-origin academic invited exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama.

According to a report in the state-run Global Times, the University of California San Diego (UCSD) on February 2 said it has invited the 14th Dalai Lama to address the graduating students at their commencement ceremony in June.

The announcement has triggered protests from Chinese mainland students at the university, the report claimed.

By calling the Dalai Lama the exiled spiritual head and leader of the Tibetan people and a man of peace, the UCSD has shown admiration for the Buddhist monk, the paper said.

What is laughable is that the person behind the infamous invitation was campus Chancellor Pradeep Khosla, an Indian-American. The campus website posted a photo of Khosla who met the Dalai Lama in Dharmsala, India, last October. This shows how some Indian-Americans agitate China-India and China-US relations, it said.

But he is not the first and the only person to take such action. In recent years, as Indian authorities gradually offset the support for the Dalai Lama, some public organisations supporting the Buddhist monk have become more active. In 2008, many Indians and Westerners in Nepal held demonstrations in Kathmandu against the Beijing Olympic torch relay, it said.

Some Indians in European countries have also tried to lobby local officials for more opportunities for the Dalai Lama to speak to an international audience. With a clear knowledge of the Chinese governments stance toward the issue, these Indians overseas are deliberately opposing China, it said.

India is a big country in terms of public diplomacy, but if some overseas Indians make it their business to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and treading on their sovereignty, they will bear the political consequences, it warned.

Since modern times, the Indians have enjoyed unity bestowed by the British. They ramified Pakistan, annexed Sikkim, and exploited geopolitical interests from ethnic divisions in Sri Lanka and Nepal. If the Indians indulge in the obsession of intruding on the territorial integrity of China, China will not sit still, it said.

The article also attacked the new Trump administration.

The US may have played a role in the UCSD invitation. The invitation was announced right after Rex Tillerson was sworn in as the US secretary of state. It may serve to echo Tillersons supportive stance toward Tibets Government in Exile and the Dalai Lama, it said.

If Donald Trumps administration wants to alter the consensus reached between China and the US after the end of WW-II over Tibet, they will thoroughly embarrass themselves, it said.

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Bhopal:

Wang Qi, a Chinese prisoner of war who settled in Madhya Pradeshs Balaghat district after his release from jail and raised a family here after marrying an Indian, is all set to fly to his native country after five decades.

Wang, now 77, was caught for entering the Indian territory shortly after the Sino-India War of 1962. He was later released from jail.

Wang with his wife Sushila, and their son Vishnu and two other family members will be flying to China, Balaghat Collector Bharat Yadav told PTI.

He said Wang and his four family members got visa today and they might fly to China on Saturday. This has happened due to the help they received from the Ministry of Home and External Affairs.

Official sources in Beijing said Wang and his family members are expected to arrive on Saturday. After their arrival, they would travel to his native place in Shaanxi Province to meet Wangs relatives, they said.

The development has come within a week after a delegation from the Chinese Embassy met Wang who had been wanting to visit his country.

Three officials from Chinese Embassy in India met my father and talked to him for more than one hour. They assured him all possible help to visit China, his son Vishnu (35) had told PTI over phone from Balaghat on February 4.

Wang, who lives with his wife and three children in Tirodi area of Balaghat district, has not been able to visit China for the last five decades for want to permission from Indian government, according to the family.

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New Delhi:

In a major crackdown on domestic shell companies, the government on Friday decided to take harsh punitive action, including freezing of their bank accounts used to launder money or evade taxes.



Following a review by the Prime Ministers Office, a task force with members from regulatory ministries and enforcement agencies has been constituted to monitor action against deviant shell companies.



While the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has filed cases against 49 shell companies, as much as Rs 3,900 crore have been laundered by 559 persons with the help of 54 professionals. Also, Rs 1,238 crore cash has been deposited in shell or dormant companies, post demonetisation.



There are about 15 lakh registered companies in India and only 6 lakh companies file their annual return. This means a large number of these companies may be indulging in financial irregularities, a PMO statement said.



A task force, headed by revenue and corporate affairs secretaries, with members from various regulatory ministries and enforcement agencies has been set up to monitor the actions taken against such deviant shell firms by various agencies.



Harsh punitive actions will be taken against the deviant shell companies which will include freezing of bank accounts, striking off the names of dormant companies, invocation of Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016, it said.



The regulatory ministry concerned will ensure disciplinary actions are initiated against the professionals indulging in malpractices and abetting the entry operators of the shell companies.



It was decided at the meeting that appropriate red flag indicators will be used for identifying shell companies, and a database of such companies and their directors will be built by pulling in information from various agencies.The database will also capture Aadhaar numbers of individual directors in the companies, the statement said.



Shell companies are characterised by nominal paid-up capital, high reserves and surplus on account of receipt of high share premium, investment in unlisted companies, no dividend income and high cash in hand.



Also, private companies as majority shareholders, low turnover and operating income, nominal expenses, nominal statutory payments and stock in trade, minimum fixed asset are some of the characteristics, the statement said.

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Mumbai:

A passenger on-board an IndiGo plane from Mumbai to Chandigarh opened the emergency chute of the aircraft accidentally, resulting in injury to a co-passenger, following which the airline lodged an FIR against the accused.



The incident occurred on Friday morning when the flight was getting ready to depart for Chandigarh, IndiGo said in a statement.



Just after the boarding completed, a passenger seated on seat number 12C suddenly opened the emergency exit door and inflated the slide, it said.



IndiGo staff on-board immediately observed this and alerted the Captain-in-Command. A co-passenger seated on 12A received bruises, the statement said.



The captain immediately informed the ground staff and instructed the team to arrange for medical assistance and other necessary action, the airline said.



Simultaneously, the captain informed all 176 passengers via in-flight announcement and switched off the aircraft engine.The passenger who opened the emergency exit door was handed over to the security staff and the CISF at the airport, it said.



Any untoward behaviour which compromises the safety of our passengers, crew or the aircraft is of a serious concern to us. IndiGo has filed an FIR against this passenger. This matter is now with the authorities, the airline said.

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Friday refused for urgent hearing on a plea seeking stay on Sasikala's oath as Chief Minister till court decides the Disproportionate Assets case against her.

The political turmoil in Tamil Nadu continues on Friday as there is no decision yet from Governor C Vidyasagar Rao on the government formation. Both Sasikala and Panneerselvam met Governor C Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday.A

Here are the live updates:

#8:00PMA

AIADMK was formed to protest against family politics but now it has gone in family politics; We won't let it happen: Madhusudanan



Nobody can hijack the party, which was developed as a huge Banyan tree; Even if an attempt is made, we won't let it happen: Panneerselvam



#6:34Pm

I myself left her (VK Sasikala), even before she did: Madhusudanan, AIADMK on his sacking



#6:30PM

Will conduct election soon to elect new party General secretary: Madhusudanan, AIADMK



#6:00PM

Chennai: AIADMK General Secretary Sasikala Natarajan holding a meeting with MPs at Poes Garden.



#5:40PM

Only Panneerselvam can save interests of people, Governor is an able man, he will take a sensible decision: E Ponnusamy, AIADMK



He's an absent-minded person, he doesn't know what he's speaking now and what he'll speak later: AIADMK's Kalairajan on E Madhusudan



#5:30PM

Haven't threatened Panneerselvam, but if he touches us, will reply; AIADMK HQ and Poes Garden come under my distt area, so have rights: Kalairajan



If you (Panneerselvam) provoke or hit me, I'll do same; Amma taught us to do namaskar with hands, but they can be used in another way: Kalairajan, AIADMK



#5:20PMA

Now, people-friendly work has stopped reaching the locals, hence submitted petition to find out where are these MLAs: Srinivasan, AIADMK



For past 1 week, AIADMK MLAs missing from their constituencies; It's creating hindrance in developmental activities: Srinivasan, AIADMK



#3:40PM

Another AIADMK leader swears support for O Pannerselvam. 'Alandur ex MLA VN P Venkataraman extends his support to hon CM', official CMO Tamil Nadu account tweeted.A

#3:07PM

Governor can call us anytime that is why we all have assembled at one place: Ratnaswami, Ex AIADMK MLA lodged at resortA

#2:30PM

Wait and see: E Madusudhanan after being removed as presidium chairman and from primary membership of AIADMK



#2:21PM

KA Sengottayan appointed as Presidium Chairman of the party: AIADMK

#2:20PM

E Madusudhanan removed from his post as presidium chairman and from primary membership of party: AIADMK

#1:25PM

EC should not allow Sasikala to continue as AIADMK General Secretary: E Madhusudan, AIADMK Presidium chairman

#12:46PM

Only Panneerselvam can save interests of people, Governor is an able man, he will take a sensible decision: E Ponnusamy, PMK

#12:45PM

Chennai: O Panneerselvam felicitated by his supporters

#12:10PM

Meet between DGP T K Rajendran and Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao underway in Chennai

#11:50AM

DGP T K Rajendran met Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, at Raj Bhavan

#11:45AM

High Court asks Police to file an affidavit on the MLAs who are lodged at the resort

#11:40AM

We told him (R Gandhi) what's happening there. Governor has to act according to constitutional obligations: S Thirunavukkarasar, TN Cong Pres

#11:32AM

All MLAs lodged in the resort have willingly switched off their mobile phones as they are getting threatening calls: Valarmathi, AIADMK

#11:30AM

Governor is the constitutional head of the state, it is his prerogative to take decisions: HM Rajnath Singh on TamilNaduA

#11:10AM

Supreme Court declines urgent hearing of PIL seeking to restrain V K Sasikala from taking oath as CM

Here is what happened on Thursday

Sasikala met Governor C Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday evening and staked claim to form the government. However, Governor C Vidyasagar Rao has not yet given any indication as to what course of action he will take.

Hours after caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam visited Rao, Sasikala called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan and gave him the letter staking claim to form government and containing the names of supporting MLAs who elected her as AIADMK Legislature Party leader on Sunday. She also submitted individual letters of support furnished by AIADMK MLAs.

Here is what happened on Wednesday

After Panneerselvamas rebellion, Sasikala called a meeting of party MLAs at the AIADMK headquarters in a show of strength and later herded them in buses to undisclosed destination in a bid to keep the flock together.

There were unconfirmed reports that AIADMK would even parade the MLAs before the President if the Governor delays the swearing-in of Sasikala.

In an act of defiance, Panneerselvam said an inquiry commission under a sitting Supreme Court judge will be set up to probe the adoubtsa surrounding the health condition and demise of Jayalalithaa.

Addressing the legislators, Sasikala, who had sacked Panneerselvam from the post of treasurer, launched a no-holds-barred attack on him, saying he had betrayed the party and afully mergeda with DMK which Jayalalithaa had fought all her life.

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New Delhi:

The political turmoil in Tamil Nadu entered the fourth day on Friday as new developments kept political leaders, police officials and the mediapersons on their toes in the last three days in Chennai.



The power struggle followed the December 5 death of Jayalalithaa after almost two months of hospitalisation.



After Ms Jayalalithaa's death, the AIADMK said that Sasikala will be Amma's natural replacement as leader of the party. Later, the party decided decided that Sasikala would take over from Mr Panneerselvam as chief minister of Tamil Nadu.



For two days, Mr Panneerlsevam seemed to have no problem. Then, on Tuesday night, he appeared dramatically at Jayalalithaa's grave to declare that he had been forced to resign and now willing to keep his job.



Panneerselvam had an explanation behind his decision change in 48 hours saying Jayalalithaa's "spirit had appeared before me and urged me to fight."

Also Read | Panel will be set up to probe Jayalalithaas death; wasnt allowed to meet her in hospital, says Panneerselvam



Sasikala, who is trying to become Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, had declared in writing to Jayalalithaa a few years ago that she had "no interest in politics," as claimed by Panneerselvam.



Sasikala is awaiting a Supreme Court verdict on a case of disproportionate assets.



Later, the political battle began in the party and attacks and counterattacks from both sides started coming in media from both faction of the party.



The power struggle reached at new peak on Thursday when governor Vidyasagar Rao returned to Chennai and met both claimants to the legacy of late chief minister Jayalalithaa.



Now, the ball is in the court of the governor, who has sent a report on the political situation in the state to the Centre after hearing out Sasikala and Panneerselvam.



Rao gave no hint of the course of action after accepting Sasikalas claim in writing, with the names of lawmakers supporting her.



After meeting the governor, Panneerselvam briefed him about the present situation in the state and said that he was forced to uit as chief minister.



He told media after meeting with the Governor: "Im confident justice will prevail."



The AIADMK has 135 members in the 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly. The Sasikala faction claims to have the support of at least 130 MLAs.



With AIADMK party set for a vertical split, here are few options before Governor Rao now-



1. Pannerselvam has said he will withdraw his resignation, but if he realises he doesnt have the majority, he can recommend to the Governor to dissolve the assembly.



But, why would the MLAs go for fresh election with almost four years of their term remaining?



2. The Governor may ask Panneerselvam to prove his majority in the state assembly.

If the Governor gives more time to OPS, he would emerge stronger in case the SC ends up convicting Sasikala in the disproportionate assets case next week.



3. The Governor can also put the House in suspended animation if neither Sasikala nor Panneerselvam are able to prove their majority.

Also Read | V K Sasikala unacceptable to most people of Tamil Nadu: Chidambaram



4. If Panneerselvam proves his majority, Governor Rao may refer to provisions of Anti-Defection Law to check if the expelled leader enjoys support of two-third of AIADMK MLAs.



5. If Sasikala, in case the Governor asks her to take oath, proves majority in House but gets convicted in the disproportionate assets case next week, the state will become leaderless. In that scenario, the Governor may impose Presidents rule in the state.



6. The Governor may revoke Panneerselvam's resignation letter and reinstate him as a caretaker CM till a new leader is elected. But, then Panneerselvam will have to prove his the majority on the floor of the house.

Also Read | Don't break Tamil Nadu into a country, I promise, all India will fight for TN in a civil war of Ahinsa: Kamal Haasan



A week ago Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a meeting with Panneerselvam and the PM, at the end of the meeting, is said to have had a conversation with OPS alone for a short while.



According to reports, Union minister Venkaiah Naidu has said that the Centre will back OPS as "he was chosen by Jayalalithaa." It is also being said that not just the BJP, the PM himself has been monitoring the situation in Tamil Nadu.



The Governor has the discretion to appoint as chief minister anyone who, in his opinion, is in a position to command a majority in the legislature.



However, in the light of conflicting claims, he may wait for the suggestions coming from the Union Home Ministry on the report he sent after his meeting with both Sasikala and Panneerselvam on Thursday.



Also Read | Panneerselvam-Sasikala battle brings back the memories of Jayalalithaa-Janki split after MGR demise



Also Read | Profile: Who is Sasikala



Also Read | Profile: Who is Panneerselvam



(With inputs from Agencies, PTI)

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Mumbai:

Taking on Narendra Modi over his "raincoat" remark, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that the Prime Minister had created "fizz" without soap.

"Though he wore a raincoat, (former Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh at least bathed using water. You (Modi) did not even use water to bathe everybody (in the country). You created fizz without soap," Thackeray said, in apparent reference to hardships caused by the demonetisation.

The Sena leader was addressing a campaign rally here forBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls.

Referring to the former Prime Minister during a speech in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Modi had said, "Dr sahab's image remained clean despite his government being mired in scams, as only he knew the art of bathing with his raincoat on."

Uddhav said had he not severed ties with BJP (for BMC elections of February 21) his photo too would have been therein posters with Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and Pappu Kalani(former MLA of Ulhasnagar who was accused of murder). I am relieved that I did not have to join the likes of Kalani," he said.

"We are accountable to people. Earlier BJP had faces like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani. Now they have faces of goons. Now Kalani is with Modi and Shah on posters," he alleged.

The Sena chief also hit out at Maharashtra Chief MinisterDevendra Fadnavis who had said that Mumbai was on par withPatna in terms of level of development.

"Mumbai is much progressed than any city. But Patna is also not a backward city. He (Fadnavis) has insulted bothMumbai and Patna. Mumbai has highest share of tax collection for the Centre. This year Central government has got more thanRs 2 lakh crore through various taxes from Mumbaikar'spockets. I will demand Mumbai should get 25 per cent share out of our collection," he said.



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New Delhi:

Robbers looted around 32 kg gold worth Rs 9 crore from Manappuram Finance in Gurugram on Friday. The robbers executed their loot on gunpoint and forcibly retrieved gold from companys vaults.

The Manappuram Finance has been on constant radar of robbers and it was sixth time in less than six months that they have looted gold from companys branches.

Eight robbers attacked the New Railway Road branch of Manappuram Finance in Old Gurgaon on Friday noon. Along with 32 kg of gold, the looters also took away Rs 7.8 lakh in cash.

Manappuram, a non-banking finance company with its headquarters at Valappad in Thrissur, Kerala, has about 3,200 branches across 25 states.

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Sankrail:

A youth was arrested on Thursday after he stabbed and killed his grandmother, severed her head and threw it in the nearby jungle in a fit of rage, the police said.

The incident happened this evening in Noaga village within the jurisdiction of Sankrail police station in West Midnapore district.

Police officers probing the incident said Radha KantaBera, the grandson of Chenti Bera (60) suspected the elderly woman was practising witchcraft and there was altercation overthe issue between the two on Thursday.

In a fit of rage, Radha Kanta stabbed and killed his grandmother with a sharp weapon and later on severed her head from the body, the police said adding, when villagers tried to chase him, he ran inside the jungle close to the village and threw the severed head there.

District Superintendent of Police Bharati Ghosh said Radha Kanta was mentally deranged and has been arrested. The police are searching for the severed head in the jungle, she said.







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Washington :

Go buy Ivankas stuff, a top White House adviser urged American shoppers on Friday, a day after President Donald Trump sharply criticised a department store for dropping his daughters clothing line.

I hate shopping, Kellyanne Conway told the Fox network in a televised interview, with the White House seal clearly visible over her left shoulder. But Im going to go get some myself today.

This is just a wonderful line, she added. I own some of it. I fullyIm going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online.

To Washington traditionalists, Conways direct pitch from the White House for a product line sold by the presidents child seemed a jaw-dropping use of presidential prestige.

But she was clearly channeling the anger expressed a day earlier by the president himself, when he tweeted that Ivanka had been treated so unfairly by Nordstrom, the upscale department store chain that dropped her line. Terrible, he added.

The message from the White House again fanned debate over the unprecedented level to which the new presidentdespite his protestations to the contraryhas mixed politics, business and family, raising questions about conflicts of interest.

After Trumps tweet, shares in Nordstrom briefly dropped, but by the end of the day they had more than made up their losses.

Since his election in November, Trump has targeted a series of American multinationals by name (General Motors, Ford, Boeing, Lockheed and others) for moving production overseas or for allegedly overcharging the government.

But this was the first time he had complained directly about the business interests of one of his adult children.

The Nordstrom group, with 350 stores in the United States and Canada, has repeatedly denied any political motive to its dropping of Ivanka Trumps clothing line, saying it was motivated purely by performance considerations. Sales had fallen, particularly in last years second half.

But products carrying a Trump brand, including Ivankas, have been boycotted by critics of the new president, leading to his complaint of a political motivation behind Nordstroms move.

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Berlin:

A Muslim woman in Germany has been awarded nearly 9,000 euros in compensation after a court ruled that Berlin City discriminated against her by denying her a teaching job due to the headscarf she wears.

The Muslim woman won an appeal before a Berlin-Brandenburg court on Thursday in a case over her rejection for a teaching job at a Berlin elementary school.

Head judge Renate Schaude was quoted by The Local as saying that the woman had been discriminated against and because her wearing a headscarf posed no danger to school peace, the discrimination against her was illegal.

She was therefore awarded 8,680 euros in compensation.

She had lost her initial case last year as the Berlin school argued neutrality rules meant no one could wear religious symbols in schools.

But in 2015, Germanys Constitutional Court ruled that general bans on state school teachers wearing headscarves were unconstitutionalunless headscarves were found to constitute a sufficiently specific danger of impairing the peace at school or the states duty of neutrality.

After this major ruling, some states had to revise their regulationsalso because they gave preferential treatment to Christian symbols.

But the Berlin-Brandenburg court ruled that Berlins neutrality rules were still constitutional. This law states that police, teachers, and justice workers may not wear any religious apparel.

A court in Osnabruck last month ruled very differently than the Berlin-Brandenburg court.

In that case, a Muslim woman in Lower Saxony was also not allowed to teach due to her headscarf in 2013. But despite the 2015 Constitutional Court ruling, the lower Osnabruck court said that the school had made a valid decision based on the legal basis at the time.

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Washington :

The US will never win its fight against terrorism until Pakistan ends supporting the extremist groups operating in Afghanistan, according to top American Senators.

'Pakistani support for extremist groups operating in Afghanistan, whether it is passive or deliberate, must end if we and Afghanistan are to achieve necessary levels of security,' Senator Jack Reed, Ranking Member of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee said during a Congressional hearing here on Afghanistan.

He was joined by several other lawmakers in expressing their views on Pakistan not taking action against the Taliban and the Haqqani network.

Its very difficult to succeed on the battlefield when your enemy enjoys external support and safe haven. I think we need to continue to work closely with Pakistan, acknowledged General John Nicholson, Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

He was responding to a question from lawmakers on the safe havens inside Pakistan.

Whats your view of what we need to do concerning the safe haven issue in Pakistan? Senator John McCain, Chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee asked. We still have enemy sanctuary in areas like Quetta, like you mention, with the Taliban leadership, and other cities within the tribal areas for the Haqqani leadership, Nicholson said as he called for adopting a holistic approach in dealing with Pakistan.

Senator Reed alleged that Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), at times seemed to be aiding and assisting Haqqani Network and others. Maine Senator Angus King said the US will never win this fight as long as Pakistan is acting as a sanctuary.

What can we do to get Pakistan off the dime on these issues? They were good in Waziristan. But, theres plenty of areas theyve left untouched. What do we have to do? Cut off funding, have a summit or something? he said. Because were doing all of this work in Afghanistan which will never achieve final success as long as Pakistan sitting there enabling a lot of this activity, King said.

We need to do a holistic review of our Pakistan policy. And sit down Pakistan leaders. Of course, we have an opportunity for such a review; given the new administration and the new chain of command. We have many areas where we could be working together and our mutual benefit. I think this is a key to the future, Nicholson said.

Im personally committed to this and working with my Pakistani counterparts. President Ashraf Ghani wants to work with Pakistan towards a peaceful resolution. And, in my initial conversations with my chain of command, this is a high priority for all of us, he said.

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Washington:

The top US commander in Afghanistan has said that Russia and Iran are supporting the Taliban in part to undermine the US and NATO mission to attain peace and stability in the war-torn nation.

"When we look at Russia and Iranian actions in Afghanistan, I believe that in part there, to undermine the US and NATO and prevent the strong and partnership that we have with the Afghans in the region," General John Nicholson, Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan told lawmakers on Thursday during a Congressional hearing.

Related News: NATO to take refugee crisis aid requests 'very seriously'

"The Russian involvement (in Afghanistan), this year, has become more difficult," Nicholson said. "They (Russians) have begun to publicly legitimise the Taliban. This narrative that they promote is that the Taliban are fighting Islamic State and the Afghan government is not as fighting Islamic State and that therefore there could be spillover of this group into the region.This is a false narrative," he said.

"The Afghan government, along with US counterterrorism forces are successfully fighting against Islamic State in Afghanistan. This year alone we have reduced their fighters by half, their territory by two thirds, we've killed their leader, in fact their top 12 leaders and continue to disrupt their operation," he said.

Nicholson alleged that Russia has legitimised the Taliban with this false narrative of fighting Islamic State.

"They also, have initiated a series of meetings in Moscow to which the Afghans have not been invited, for the first several meetings, in which to discuss the future of Afghanistan," he said."Afghanistan is trying to work with all of its neighbours and all of the stakeholders. They've reached out to the Russians about this. We believe, that a peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan should be Afghan," the General said.

"This has been the position of the United States government and we believe this will be the most lasting, enduring effective peace arrangement," he said.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen asked about the recent spurt in relationship between Russia and Pakistan. "We are seeing additional engagement by the Russians with Pakistan. There was recently a training exercise conducted in Pakistan with Russian troops. And we have, again, reporting of an increased conversations going on in the country about potential support to these groups", she said.

"Given Pakistan's nuclear arsenal that should give us all much more reason to be very concerned about what's happening in that region," Shaheen asked.Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee alleged that both Russia and Iran are meddling in Afghanistan.

"Iran is reportedly arming and funding the Taliban. and,as if the situation were not complicated enough, Russia is now meddling in Afghanistan in apparent attempt to prop up the Taliban and in undermine the US," he said.

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Washington :

In a U-turn, US President Donald Trump on Friday agreed to honour the decades-old 'One China' policy during his first telephonic conversation with hisChinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

"The two leaders discussed numerous topics and Presiden tTrump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'One China' policy," the White House said after Trump and Xi spoke over phone.

Xi appreciated Trump's affirmation of One China policy, Chinese state media reported.

Representatives of the US and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest, the White House said.

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"The phone call between President Trump and President Xi was extremely cordial, and both leaders extended best wishes to the people of each other's countries," it said, adding that they also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries.

Trump and Xi look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes, the White House said of the "lengthy conversation" the two leaders had. Trump, after his election, had stated that the 'One-China' policy on Taiwan is up for negotiation and that he is not fully committed to it.

China had hit back saying 'One-China' policy which stipulates that Taiwan is part of Chinese mainland is"non-negotiable".

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and insists all countries having bilateral ties with it to abide by the 'One-China' policy. Trump has also often accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, currency manipulation and military buildup in the South China Sea.

Earlier in the day, a presidential spokesman said Trump believes that a constructive relationship between China and America is in the fundamental interest of both countries.

"I think it (US-China relationship) is obviously important to us and the President understands that. He has spoken fairly often about China. He understands both the national and economic interests that we have, the desire for our companies to access the Chinese market, but also the national security interests that we have," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said.

Trump, Spicer insisted, wants to have a fruitful and constructive relationship with China. "And he looks forward to developing that as we go forward," Spicer said. The phone conversation between the two leaders happened a day after Trump wrote a letter to Xi and on the eve of his scheduled meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Xi Jinping had sent a congratulatory letter on the day of the President's inauguration.

Trump sent a letter to Xi to wish him and the people ofChina a happy Lantern Festival.

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By Ben Blanchard and Steve Holland BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump changed tack and agreed to honour the "one China" policy during a phone call with China's leader Xi Jinping, a major diplomatic boost for Beijing which brooks no criticism of its claim to self-ruled Taiwan. Trump angered Beijing in December by talking to the president of Taiwan and saying the United States did not have to stick to the policy, under which Washington acknowledges the Chinese position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it. A White House statement said Trump and Chinese President Xi had a lengthy phone conversation on Thursday night, Washington time. "President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'one China' policy," the statement said. A spokesman for Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said in a statement it was in Taiwan's interest to maintain good relations with the United States and China. The U.S. and Chinese leaders had not spoken by telephone since Trump took office on Jan. 20. Diplomatic sources in Beijing say China had been nervous about Xi being left humiliated in the event a call with Trump went wrong and the details were leaked to the media. Last week, U.S. ties with staunch ally Australia became strained after the Washington Post published details about an acrimonious phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. No issue is more sensitive to Beijing than Taiwan. China and the United States also signalled that with the "one China" issue resolved, they could have more normal relations. "Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest," the statement said. In a separate statement carried by China's Foreign Ministry, Xi said China appreciated Trump's upholding of the "one China" policy. "I believe that the United States and China are cooperative partners, and through joint efforts we can push bilateral relations to a historic new high," the statement quoted Xi as saying. "The development of China and the United States absolutely can complement each other and advance together. Both sides absolutely can become very good cooperative partners," Xi said. Taiwan's top China policymaker, the Mainland Affairs Council, said it hoped for continued support from the United States and called on Beijing to adopt a "positive attitude" and "pragmatic communication" in resolving differences with Taiwan. China is deeply suspicious of Tsai, whose ruling Democratic Progressive Party espouses the island's formal independence, a red line for Beijing, and has cut off a formal dialogue mechanism with the island. Tsai says she wants peace with China. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the "one China" principle was the political basis of Sino-U.S. ties. "Ensuring this political basis does not waver is vital for the healthy, stable development of China-U.S. relations," Lu said. "PAPER TIGER" Lawyer James Zimmerman, the former head of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said Trump should have never raised the "one China" policy in the first place. "There is certainly a way of negotiating with the Chinese, but threats concerning fundamental, core interests are counterproductive from the get-go," he said in an email. "The end result is that Trump just confirmed to the world that he is a paper tiger, a 'zhilaohu'  someone that seems threatening but is wholly ineffectual and unable to stomach a challenge." Jia Qingguo, dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University and who has advised the government on foreign policy, said Trump had created a lot of uncertainty but was now back on track. "Trump has reassured people that he will be a responsible president," he told Reuters. "...This is good news for China, because stable U.S.-China relations are good for China. Now we can do business." The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but is also Taiwan's biggest ally and arms supplier and is bound by legislation to provide the means to help the island defend itself. Defeated Nationalist forces fled from China to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. "EXTREMELY CORDIAL" China wants cooperation with the United States on trade, investment, technology, energy and infrastructure, as well as strengthening coordination on international matters to jointly protect global peace and stability, Xi said in the statement. The White House described the call, which came hours before Trump plays host to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as "extremely cordial", with both leaders expressing best wishes to their peoples. There was little or no mention in either the Chinese or U.S. statement of other contentious issues - trade and the disputed South China Sea - and neither matter has gone away. A U.S. official told Reuters on Thursday that a U.S. Navy P-3 plane and a Chinese military aircraft came close to each other over the South China Sea, though the Navy believes the incident was inadvertent. China on Friday reported an initial trade surplus of $51.35 billion for January, more than $21 billion of which was with the United States. (Additional reporting by Michael Martina in Beijing and Adam Jourdan in Shanghai; Writing by Nick Macfie; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Alex Richardson)
Donald Trump

For at least the fifth time since winning the presidency, President Donald Trump again revived claims that widespread voter fraud was rampant during the election he won.

Politico reported Friday that Trump insisted during a meeting with senators that "thousands" of people voted illegally in New Hampshire, declaring it the reason why former Sen. Kelly Ayotte didn't win reelection in the state. She was present in the meeting to talk about Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, whose nomination effort she is spearheading in Congress.

During the meeting, Trump also revived a moniker for Sen. Elizabeth Warren that he used frequently on the campaign trail  "Pocahontas," an insult aimed at a controversy involving her heritage.

Senior Deputy Secretary of State David M. Scanlan, head of the Election Division, told the Union Leader in November there was "no indication of anything that widespread taking place in New Hampshire."

Experts and Republican lawmakers agree. Studies have found no evidence of voter fraud, particularly at the scale Trump has referenced. One study analyzed 1 billion ballots cast and found just 31 incidents of in-person voter fraud nationwide.

After Trump claimed that thousands were "brought in on buses" to "illegally" vote in New Hampshire, Politico reported, an awkward silence followed. A bipartisan group of 10 senators attended the meeting, which was billed by the White House as a "listening session" on the Supreme Court.

While Trump won the Electoral College handily with 304 votes to Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton's 227, he trailed in the popular vote by nearly 3 million ballots. It's this loss that Trump has been publicly irked about, as he claimed in November that he "won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally."

Two weeks ago, Trump said he would sign an executive order that would establish a commission to investigate voter fraud headed by Vice President Mike Pence. No such order has been signed, but several Republican senators have already come out against the idea.

Story continues

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called an investigation "totally irrelevant," saying it was "time to move on."

Spokespeople for Democratic senators present in the meeting did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

NOW WATCH: Trump's Attorney General pick wants access to everyone's phones  here's why that's a problem





More From Business Insider


The media can no longer hide the truth about Fukushima; the entire world is in danger

We first want to thank Fox News for FINALLY reporting on a subject that has been highly censored by the mainstream media for the past 5+ years, the situation in Fukushima, Japan is completely out of control. While Fox News recently reported that radiation levels at Fukushima were now at unimaginable levels more than 5 years after the disastrous earthquake and tsunami struck, as Steve Quayle asked in an SQNote he left while linking to that story, why has the mainstream media been silent all of this time?

(Article by Stefan Stanford from Allnewspipeline.com)

Weve long believed that reality has a way of awakening everybody and the stories recently coming across the wire over at ENENews have been mind-numbing the last few weeks to say the least. You can hear the Fox News report on Fukushima in the 1st video below while in the 2nd video, Mike Adams over at Natural News gives us a new update on the Fukushima radiation apocalypse that has been steadily spewing poisons into our atmosphere for almost 6 years now with hardly a peep from the MSM.

In the most recent stories from ENENews, on February 5th they reported the heartbreaking news that a record high number of whale deaths had recently been reported surrounding the Hawaiian Islands with the sick and starving animals allegedly a mystery to experts. Reporting that rotting carcasses were scattered throughout the islands, how can so-called experts NOT know that Fukushima poisons flowing into our oceans for years are most likely to blame?

As Adams tells us in his video, the sustainability of all life throughout the Northern hemisphere is in danger and the entire MSM up until now has been in a complete blackout mode except for this recent reports. Do CNN, MSNBC and the rest of them think that if they DONT report upon Fukushima, whats happening to the fish and our oceans is fake news? Do they think that because we cant actually SEE the radiation, its not really there? The MSMs failure to report upon Fukushima may be the final straw that not only breaks the camels back but puts that camel out of our misery.

For the past several years, weve reported horror story after horror story of sea life dying all across the Pacific Ocean and up and down the entire West coast, from Alaska to California. Also documented in great detail over the past several years by ENENews, with mass animal deaths all across the world being kept track of by End Times Prophecy, its clear that the mainstream media has completely failed the American public on Fukushima.

Another recent story over at ENENews reports on Fox News sudden admission that Fukushima is out of control, highlighting a few phrases used by Fox in their report that shows just how completely out of touch the MSM has been with reality over the past 5+ years. Their story also brings to light :

Fox News, Feb 8, 2017 (emphasis added): Adam Housley, who reported from the area in 2011 following the catastrophic triple-meltdown, said this morning that new fuel leaks have been discovered He said that critics, including the U.S. military in 2011, have long questioned whether Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) and officials have been providing accurate information on the severity of the radiation He added that critics are now questioning whether the radiation has been this severe all along.

Fox News video transcript excerpts, Feb 8, 2017: Experts believe melted fuel is leaking inside the plant almost daily No one knew [in 2011] of the growing threat which today only continues to get worse Wow, this is a crazy story What some people are saying is,  Has it been this bad since the beginning?

Quite surprisingly after all of their years of silence, the Washington Post actually finally reported on Fukushima on February 8th in a story in which they asked: Could the radiation level be even higher? Possibly. The 530 sievert reading was recorded some distance from the melted fuel, so in reality it could be 10 times higher than recorded said Hideyuki Ban, co-director of Citizens Nuclear Information Center.

Imagine that ten times higher than the unimaginable levels already detected. Is this why the MSM is finally reporting upon Fukushima? As a commenter on the Washington Post story wisely mentions, were watching a run-a-way train speeding completely out of control and experts have admitted, there is really no way to stop it and least not in the next several decades.

Devastating to our oceans and therefore our food chain, we read in the new SQAlert seen below that most Americans are completely clueless to what is happening to the Pacific Ocean and up and down the West Coast of America.

READERS RESPONSE TO FUKUSHIMA, AND ITS DAILY AND DEADLY EFFECTS, IN TRYING TO GET HIS FRIENDS TO CONSIDER THE RAMIFICATIONS TO THEM!

Regarding this forever-lied-about Fukushima tonnage released daily, the problem is two-fold 1) only a small (yet growing) number of dumbed-down, Facebook and Twitter-absorbed, McDonalds food-engorging people are even AWARE..yes, after five years..of how serious Fukushima is. It is because the mainstream media doesnt breathe a word about it. 2) the second issue is RAMPANT APATHY, RESIGNATION, AND DENIAL. I sent the bleak and depressing coast-of-Chile sardine kill photos to friends everywhere and not even ONE (we are talking about people your age and mine.about 65.highly successful and intelligent) wrote me back with perhaps a query as to whether it MUST BE radiation from Fukushima or if it MIGHT HOPEFULLY BE El Nino algae red bloom choking off oxygen.

ONLY A HANDFULL.REALLY CARE. THE WORD I AM LOOKING FOR IS FATALISM. DAVID C. (MY RESPONSE  SQ DENIAL UNTO DESTRUCTION  FATALISM USUALLY DEALS WITH FUTILITY AND HELPLESSNESS TO AN OVERWHELMING EVENT OR DISASTER -THIS IS THE WILLING ABANDONMENT, OF REASON AND PERCEPTION  NICE WAY OF DISMISSING YOU AND THE SERIOUS NATURE OF THE INFORMATION YOU SENT THEM!  THEIR ATTITUDE IS FORGET ABOUT IT  MY ADVICE TO YOU FORGET ABOUT THEM UNLESS THE LORD TELLS YOU DIFFERENTLY)

And the ignorance of the American people in itself is the work of the MSM, neglecting to report upon what could be the most important health story in America and the northern hemisphere today  a story that up until now, has flown completely under the MSM radar. So why would the MSM black out Fukushima for nearly 6 years and why are they suddenly reporting upon whats happening there now?

In the new story from Mike Adams over at Natural News he reports there are times when Im convinced humanity is a suicidal cult of complete idiots whose only real achievement is figuring out increasingly obscene ways to distract themselves from reality. Adams points out that while most of the nation was fixated on the Super Bowl and Lady Gaga, the Fukushima disaster got much worseand the MSM remained silent.

In the new story from Ethan Huff over at Outbreak.News he reports that according to one liberal college professor, the world will be much better off without 90% of the population. Professor Eric Pianka from the University of Texas claims the Earth is way overdue for a massive die-off. And with much of the left thinking murdering babies is ok, as is expressing their love through violence upon those who dont think like they do, might Fukushima be the ultimate depopulation weapon, intentionally unleashed upon the West, an endless radiological attack upon the Northern hemisphere, one we cannot see nor smell nor taste?

The fact that the mainstream media has seemingly gone out of their way to cover up what has been happening at Fukushima for almost 6 years now gives us a hint that something much more might be at play. And the fact that liberal professors such as Eric Pianka seemingly have a death wish for our society should prove to us what kind of people have gained power over the past decade+, and that have led to snowflakes suffering nuclear meltdowns on US college campuses. From Outbreak.News:

This is really an exciting time, Pianka is quoted as saying amid warnings of an apocalyptic future. Death. This is what awaits us all. Death.

Piankas collective death wish for humanity fits right into the current eugenics plan of limitless abortion, which has become a rallying cry of the political left. Just recently, millions of women marched on Washington, D.C., to demand that they continue having access to abortion clinics where they can murder their unborn babies on a whim  because this is supposedly their right as women.

Such evil is exactly the type of thing that Pianka seems to embrace as good in his distorted worldview. Killing off humans is a good thing in his demented mind, and this message of human destruction is continually being spread to impressionable young men and women attending college who likely never thought they would encounter this toxic message while trying to get an education.

After making his initial statements in front of a diverse crowd at the Texas Academy of Sciences, Pianka was later approached by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after being reported as a potential terrorist.



In the final video below, Alex Jones from Infowars talks with us about Fukushima and the massive mainstream news media blackout and coverup that has been going for 5+ years, comparing whats happening at Fukushima to climate change and global warming while proving to us the MSM has an agenda, while asking: what are they still hiding?

Read more at: Allnewspipeline.com

Submit a correction >>
Syrian refugee taking Facebook to court over fake news photo that went viral

In 2015, a Syrian refugee by the name of Anas Modamani took a selfie with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Since then, the photo spread across social media sites like Facebook in posts that frequently, but falsely, suggested that he was a terrorist. Modamani is now taking Facebook to court.

Modamani claims that the spread of the photo has resulted in unwanted attention, with people even publicly accusing him of being involved in the Brussels bombing in March of 2016 and the rogue truck attack in Berlin last December, which claimed the life of twelve innocent people and injured 48 others.

In a recent interview, Modamani told CNN that all of the drama began not long after the Brussels bombing, when a friend showed him a Facebook post that blamed Syrian refugees for the attack. Included in the post, much to his surprise, was his selfie.

I saw my picture posted but of course, this was not me! Modamani told CNN. I thought immediately: what does this mean? What about my future? This is really no joke now. This is serious.

After trying, but ultimately failing, to handle the situation on his own by utilizing Facebooks flagging feature, Modamani turned to German lawyer Chan-jo Jun to help him file the injunction. In a video on Juns law offices Facebook page, Jun states, Facebook is unusually difficult about implementing German law, adding Slander and abusive insults are against German law, but not against its community standards.

Now, for the first time ever, Facebook has officially been summoned to court in Germany.

In a statement, Facebook claimed that the trial was unnecessary, adding that the lawsuit was not the most effective way to resolve the situation.

We are committed to meeting our obligations under German law in relation to content which is shared by people on our platform, the social media giant said, according to CNN. We have already quickly disabled access to content that has been accurately reported to us by Modamanis legal representatives, so we do not believe that legal action here is necessary or that it is the most effective way to resolve the situation. (RELATED: Read more stories related to Facebook at Fetch.news).

Still, the court may find that Facebook hasnt done enough. Although it has already removed access to existing content, Facebook may also have an obligation to ensure that no additional fake news is posted that includes the photo of Modamani.

This isnt the first time that Facebook has come under fire for failing to prevent the spread of fake news. In October of last year, an analysis by BuzzFeed news found that hyperpartisan political Facebook pages and websites are consistently feeding their millions of followers false or misleading information. The study also found that the least accurate pages were also the ones that received the highest numbers of shares and comments.

In an effort to combat this fake news phenomenon, Facebook is launching new initiatives that are intended to slow the spread of inaccurate stories and misinformation. The Wall Street Journal reports that starting in Germany and France, Facebook will begin tagging news stories as disputed when outside news organizations consider the content to be false. (RELATED: Find out how Facebook is working with liberal fact checkers to influence the French election).

Of course, in the midst of this global push to fight fake news, many conservatives and constitutionalists are concerned that violations of the First Amendment are right around the corner. While trying to keep news accurate and factual may stem from good intentions, many fear that giving social media organizations  or worse, the federal government  the ability to determine which news is real and which is fake is a slippery slope. After all, once liberty is gone, it is nearly impossible to get back.

Sources

DailyCaller.com

CNN.com

BuzzFeed.com

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This is to congratulate the Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN); Dr. John Murphy, WCHN president; and his team on winning approval for a Danbury campus of the University of Vermont Medical School.

This is a significant achievement of area-wide, even state-wide, import. The future of Connecticut lies with the growth of the learned professions and a highly skilled workforce. A medical school in Danbury will complement the other higher-education facilities that are already in place, such as Western Connecticut State University, Naugatuck Valley Community College and the Connecticut Institute For Communities own Internal Medicine Residency program.
phone call Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump looked to patch up relations with China by promising to honor the "One China" agreement between the world's two biggest economies on his first phone call as president with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A press release from the White House said that during an "extremely cordial" and "lengthy" conversation on Thursday evening, the "two leaders discussed numerous topics and that Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'one China' policy."

The release also said the two leaders extended invitations to meet in their respective countries and representatives of each country "will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest."

Trump rattled the US's relationship with China after his inauguration by breaking with decades of US policy and taking a call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen in December.

The "One China" policy, to which the US and China agreed in 1972, holds that China and Taiwan belong to a single country. Many on the island of Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, see themselves as the legitimate government-in-exile of all of China after the Communist Party took control of the mainland.

For that reason, recognition of Taiwan internationally poses an existential threat to China. China has warned Trump that the "One China" policy between the US and China was nonnegotiable.

The White House said Wednesday that Trump had provided Xi with a letter to correspond with Xi's written well wishes on Trump's inauguration. In the letter, the White House said, Trump told Xi he "looks forward to working with President Xi to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China."

NOW WATCH: Trump's close friend of 40 years explains what he has in common with Richard Nixon





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Leading Ice Cream Brand Partners with Love and Relationship Expert Dr. Kimberly Moffit for Valentine's Day

TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Love is in the air, and with a pairing as sweet as vanilla ice cream and chocolate chips, Baskin-Robbins Canada has partnered with the foremost relationship expert, Dr. Kimberly Moffit, to make this Valentine's Day extra special. Equipped with expert relationship advice, tips and an assortment of giveaways, this partnership is aimed at helping Canadians deepen their romantic relationships and to inspire creative gift giving.

"The Baskin-Robbins brand to me, has always been synonymous with love and happiness," says Dr. Moffit. "I'm excited to help share this joy with Canadians by offering insights into how we can celebrate relationships through fun, unique and creative ways."

This month, Baskin-Robbins will reintroduce its popular Flavour of the Month, Love Potion #31, which is a combination of white chocolate and raspberry flavoured ice creams swirled with a raspberry ribbon, stuffed with raspberry-filled hearts and chocolate flavoured chunks. This flavour can be featured as Warm Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich and for a Limited Time Only as a Love Potion #31 Polar Pizza Ice Cream Treat, which features a double fudge brownie Polar Pizza crust topped with Love Potion #31 ice cream, cookies and cream pieces, marshmallow topping and fudge, sprinkled with heart sequins.

"We love exploring new ways to inspire love and happiness for the whole family during Valentine's Day," says Natalie Joseph, spokesperson for Baskin-Robbins Canada. "This partnership with Dr. Kimberly Moffit is a new way for us to engage with our guests and we're looking forward to sharing the ideas that can help our visitors express their love in fresh and innovative ways."

Unique gift ideas that are perfect for two include the Conversation Heart Cake, which is a sweet, heart-shaped ice cream cake that can be customized with a personal message (i.e. I (Heart) U, BFF, Be Mine etc.) along with the Mini 'Be Mine' Heart Cake  a 6" round cake customizable with a guest's choice of ice cream and preference of chocolate or vanilla cake.

For more information about Baskin-Robbins Canada and its wide variety of ice cream flavours and frozen desserts, please visit www.baskinrobbins.ca or follow the company on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.

About Dr. Kimberly Moffit

Backed by a doctoral degree in psychology from Middlesex University, Dr. Moffit is one of TV's most experienced relationship experts and has appeared on several TV networks such as Fox, NBC, ABC, Canada AM and ETalk to name a few. Kimberly has been the spokesperson for the premier dating site Match.com since 2011 and has also been quoted by Women's Health Magazine, ELLE Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. Kimberly's YouTube channel "Ask Kimberly" boasts over 269,000 subscribers and over 17 million views.

About Baskin-Robbins Canada

Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 by two ice cream enthusiasts who shared a dream to create an innovative ice cream store that would be a neighbourhood gathering place for families. Today, Baskin-Robbins Canada operates 96 locations in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. More than 300 million people around the world visit Baskin-Robbins each year to sample from the more than 1,300 flavour creations available in its ice cream library, as well as enjoy its full array of frozen treats including ice cream cakes. For further information, visit www.baskinrobbins.ca.

SOURCE Baskin-Robbins Canada

For further information: Nicole Chin, Torchia Communications, 416-341-9929 Ext. 230, [email protected]
TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - BSM Technologies Inc. ("BSM" or the "Company") (TSX: GPS), a leading provider of remote monitoring, fleet management and fleet diagnostics, today announced its financial and operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2016 (the "Quarter"). All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

First Quarter of Fiscal 2017 Highlights

Recurring Revenue (i) of $11.6 million , an increase of 17% compared to $9.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 ("Q1 F2016").





of , an increase of 17% compared to in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 ("Q1 F2016"). Hardware and service revenue of $6.8 million , an increase of 17% compared to $5.8 million in Q1 F2016.





, an increase of 17% compared to in Q1 F2016. Total revenue of $18.4 million , an increase of 17% compared to $15.7 million in Q1 F2016.





, an increase of 17% compared to in Q1 F2016. Adjusted EBITDA (i) of $2.8 million , an increase of 33% compared to $2.1 million in Q1 F2016.





of , an increase of 33% compared to in Q1 F2016. On October 3, 2016 , BSM acquired substantially all of the assets of Mobi Corp. ("Mobi"), enhancing BSM's commercial fleet management solutions to include planning, scheduling, route optimization and fleet analytics for consideration of US$8.0 million and up to US$17.0 million in potential earn-out payments.





, BSM acquired substantially all of the assets of Mobi Corp. ("Mobi"), enhancing BSM's commercial fleet management solutions to include planning, scheduling, route optimization and fleet analytics for consideration of and up to in potential earn-out payments. Experienced Subscriber (ii) Gross Additions (ii) of 4,300 and Subscriber Churn (ii) of 3,100 in the Quarter. Additionally, BSM acquired 15,100 Subscribers (ii) as a result of the acquisition of the assets of Mobi, bringing the total number of Subscribers (ii) to 168,400 as of the end of the Quarter.





Gross Additions of 4,300 and Subscriber Churn of 3,100 in the Quarter. Additionally, BSM acquired 15,100 Subscribers as a result of the acquisition of the assets of Mobi, bringing the total number of Subscribers to 168,400 as of the end of the Quarter. On December 19, 2016 , BSM received approval to commence a normal course issuer bid (the "Bid"). Under the terms of the Bid, BSM may acquire up to 7,027,655 common shares, representing approximately 10% of the total public float of common shares, as defined by the Toronto Stock Exchange. As at December 31, 2016 , BSM had repurchased and cancelled nil common shares pursuant to the Bid.

Management Commentary:

"Strong revenue growth, in combination with robust gross margins and net Subscriber additions saw us deliver record results for BSM this quarter," said Aly Rahemtulla, BSM's President and CEO. "Our fiscal 2017 first quarter was highlighted by closing our acquisition of the Mobi assets and the fulfillment of previously announced large-scale hardware deployments. As we integrate the Mobi product offering with our technology, we believe that our enhanced end-to-end enterprise solution will better serve our customers, deepen our client relationships and enable additional commercial growth across our verticals."

Mr. Rahemtulla continued: "Growing our pipeline, delivering exceptional customer service and executing on organic growth opportunities will be our focus this fiscal year. Further, and as announced previously, we plan to continue to invest in the business with the goal of achieving best-in-class sales and marketing, customer experience and technology. Overall, we are excited about our first quarter results and the fiscal year ahead and we look forward to continuing to build a bigger and better BSM."

Second Generation (2G)/CDMA Wireless Network Shutdown

Certain wireless carrier partners of BSM have announced that they will shutdown their 2G/CDMA wireless networks in an effort to transition users towards next generation cellular network technology. As a part of these network shutdowns, they have announced that they plan on taking their 2G/CDMA towers offline. This 2G/CDMA network shutdown will affect some BSM Subscribers that continue to rely on this technology to operate their fleet management devices. Although many of its customers have already transitioned to newer network platforms, BSM believes that approximately 10,000 of its Subscribers will be impacted in the first quarter of calendar 2017.

Mr. Rahemtulla added: "We are mindful of the impact that this event will have on our customers. We are diligently working to convince them to upgrade their fleet management devices and benefit from enhanced technology and greater functionality, however, we expect a significant portion of these customers to unsubscribe."

Financial Highlights for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2017:

($ thousands except gross margin % and per

share data)

Three months ended

December 31



2016 2015 Total revenue

$ 18,363 $ 15,701 Recurring revenue(i)

11,561 9,875 Hardware and service revenue

6,802 5,826 Gross profit

10,912 8,672 Gross margin %

59% 55% Net income (loss)

(465) (505) Basic income (loss) per share

(0.006) (0.006) Diluted income (loss) per share

(0.006) (0.006) EBITDA(i)

2,344 1,698 Adjusted EBITDA(i)

$ 2,818 $ 2,114







Notes: (i) Recurring Revenue, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by the Company's GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. See "Non-GAAP Disclosures" below for additional information. (ii) Subscriber, Subscriber Gross Additions and Subscriber Churn are key performance indicators of the Company and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and KPIs" section in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended December 31, 2016 (the "Q1 FY2017 MD&A"), available at www.sedar.com, for further information on these definitions.

The Company's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended December 31, 2016, together with its corresponding management's discussion and analysis can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.bsmwireless.com.

Conference call details:

DATE: Friday, February 10, 2017 TIME: 8:30 a.m. ET DIAL-IN NUMBER: 647-427-7450 or 1-888-231-8191 CONFERENCE ID: 59679232 TAPED REPLAY: 416-849-0833 or 1-855-859-2056 Reference number 59679232 Available until Friday, February 17, 2017 at midnight LIVE WEBCAST: http://bit.ly/2jbbrSZ Webcast will be archived for 90 days

About BSM Technologies Inc. (bsmwireless.com)

BSM Technologies Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a global top 20 commercial fleet telematics provider for automatic vehicle location (AVL) solutions that improve efficiency, accountability and reduce costs for fleet operators. BSM's end-to-end solutions automate record keeping and regulatory compliance, reduce fuel burn and idling, mitigate risk, and keep drivers safe. BSM provides solutions for commercial and government units who manage and operate diverse assets and large fleets that utilize its integrated fleet tracking, fleet maintenance, and intelligent business engine which provides real time, webbased tracking of mobile and fixed assets.

For more information, please visit http://www.bsmwireless.com

Non-GAAP Disclosures

This news release includes the measures "Recurring Revenue", "EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA", which are deemed "non-GAAP financial measures" under applicable laws. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have any standardized meaning under the Company's GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Readers are cautioned that that the disclosure of these items are meant to add to, and not replace, the discussion of financial results or cash flows from operations as determined by GAAP. BSM believes that investors use these non-GAAP financial measures as indicators to assess telematics companies. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and KPIs" section in the Q1 FY2017 MD&A, available at www.sedar.com, for further information on the definition, calculation and reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures.

"Recurring Revenue" includes monthly application service provider fees, monthly monitoring fees, and resale of cellular and satellite data. Recurring Revenue is derived from the service revenue category within the segmented information note of the Company's financial statements. BSM believes that Recurring revenue provides useful information to BSM's investors because it shows the long term nature of service revenue.

"EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA" are measures of BSM's operating profitability. BSM believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to its investors because they exclude transactions not related to the core cash operating business activities, allowing meaningful analysis of the performance of BSM's core cash operations. EBITDA is an indicator of the financial results generated by BSM's business activities excluding: the impact of any financing activities; amortization of property, equipment and intangible assets; and taxes with respect to various jurisdictions. Adjusted EBITDA is a further refinement of EBITDA to remove the effect of: acquisition, integration and restructuring related costs; share-based compensation expense; write-off of goodwill or other impairments to any financial and non-financial assets; fair value adjustments on contingent consideration; and costs related to certain legal actions. As such, Adjusted EBITDA provides more meaningful continuity with respect to the comparison of BSM's operating results over time. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are derived from the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and statement of cash flows. BSM believes that using these metrics enhances an overall understanding of the Company's results and BSM presents them for that purpose. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and KPIs" section in the Q1 FY2017 MD&A, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, for further information on the calculation and reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information under applicable Canadian, U.S. and other securities laws. Such forward-looking information and statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and any other similar expressions. Such forward-looking information includes but is not limited to, statements with respect to enhancing the Company's enterprise solution in order to better serve the Company's customers and achieve greater commercial growth, the future financial or operating performance of the Company, the resources and financial flexibility of the Company, plans to continue to invest in the Company's sales and marketing, customer experience and technology, the impact of the 2G/CDMA network shutdown on the Company and its customers and the ability of the Company to capitalize on future opportunities. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business and include, but are not limited to, successfully completing a hardware and software consolidation and developing an enhanced enterprise solution, current and future customers reacting positively to the enhance enterprise solution leading to increased commercial growth, reducing Subscriber Churn through internal investments, the financial position of the Company and the impact of the 2G/CDMA network shutdown. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable; however, some risks include, but are not limited to, the failure to efficiently or successfully complete hardware and software consolidation, the failure to develop an enhance enterprise solution, the failure to judge the impact of the 2G/CDMA network shutdown, the failure to capitalize on future opportunities, and the failure to reduce Subscriber Churn through internal investments. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Some of these risks, uncertainties and other factors are described under the heading "Risk Factors" in BSM's most recent annual information form available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements or information are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, BSM does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

SOURCE BSM Technologies Inc.

For further information: Aly Rahemtulla, President & CEO, BSM Technologies Inc., (416) 675-1201, [email protected]; Conrad Seguin, Investor Relations, NATIONAL Equicom, (416) 586-1951, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.bsmwireless.com


OTTAWA, Feb. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will conduct a state visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, with stops in Stockholm, Malmo, Lund and Gothenburg from February 19 to 23, 2017.

Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia will be hosting Their Excellencies during the visit, which will focus on building innovative, sustainable societies that benefit everyone.

Quote

"Canada and Sweden have a great deal in common as Northern countries that are firmly committed to human rights, the environment, free trade, and the well-being and prosperity of their citizens. This visit by the Governor General of Canada will help further strengthen our social and commercial ties, and reaffirm our warm friendship."

 Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick facts

This will be the second time a Canadian governor general conducts a visit to the Kingdom of Sweden .

. Canada and Sweden collaborate on Northern issues within the Arctic Council, including on sustainable development and environmental protection.

and collaborate on Northern issues within the Arctic Council, including on sustainable development and environmental protection. Significant trade and investment flow between the two countries, with close cooperation in innovation, science and technology.

Sweden is one of Canada's top priority countries for investment as it is home to a number of large, technologically sophisticated, multi-national companies and dynamic and innovative small-to-medium sized enterprises.

Associated links

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

For further information: PMO Media Relations: 613-957-5555

Related Links

http://pm.gc.ca/


In this Feb. 9, 2017 photo, President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Senators on his Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington. Trump has disputed statements by at least three senators that his nominee for the Supreme Court, Judge Neil Gorsuch, voiced complaints to them about the president's recent attacks on the judiciary. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump lobbied Democrats and Republicans to back his Supreme Court nominee on Thursday even as he escalated his attacks against one of their Senate colleagues for disclosing that Judge Neil Gorsuch found the president's criticism of the judiciary "demoralizing and disheartening."

In a day of political whiplash, Trump insisted that Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal "misrepresented" comments from Gorsuch, who expressed misgivings about the president's attacks on a judge. Gorsuch's comments were first reported by Blumenthal, but were subsequently confirmed by two other senators who heard versions of the same thing, and verified by the White House-appointed handlers shepherding Gorsuch around Capitol Hill.

Nevertheless, sitting at a White House lunch between two of Blumenthal's Democratic colleagues, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Trump took the opportunity of a shouted question from a reporter to lash out at Blumenthal, dredging up a years-old controversy in which the former Marine Corps reservist apologized for falsely saying he had served in Vietnam.

"What you should do is ask Sen. Blumenthal about his Vietnam record that didn't exist after years of saying it did. Ask Sen. Blumenthal about his Vietnam record," Trump said. "He misrepresented that just like he misrepresented Judge Gorsuch."

Blumenthal, D-Conn., defended himself in a series of interviews on Thursday, insisting that he had correctly characterized Gorsuch's reaction to Trump's attacks against a "so-called judge," as the president described the Seattle judge who put a stay on his refugee travel ban.

"This issue is way bigger than me or even Judge Gorsuch's nomination," Blumenthal told The Associated Press when asked about Trump lashing out at him. "What's at stake is the independence and integrity of the court system and a core constitutional principle  the independence and integrity of our judiciary."

Story continues

Trump's complaints about what Blumenthal said Gorsuch said came even as other Democrats offered their own complaints about Gorsuch's reported comments, albeit for totally different reasons. With the White House hunting for eight Democratic votes to get Gorsuch across a confirmation hurdle in the Senate, Democrats accused the judge of participating in a White House "ruse" to pretend to be independent from the president by claiming to be demoralized by his attacks on the judiciary.

"This is clearly a meaningless White House orchestrated attempt to help Judge Gorsuch pretend he won't be a rubber stamp for the Trump administration," said Zac Petkanas, senior adviser at the Democratic National Committee.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said on the Senate floor of Gorsuch: "What he did does not show independence. It shows a desire to appear independent."

It was not clear whether Trump made much headway in his lunch with senators including Heitkamp, Manchin, No. 2 Senate Republican John Cornyn of Texas, Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and others. Heitkamp and Manchin emerged to speak of a productive meeting that touched on topics including infrastructure and opioid abuse, but they refused to address the awkwardness of sitting by as the president gave a colleague a tongue-lashing.

Trump seemed particularly interested in making nice with Manchin, the one Democrat to vote for his attorney general nominee Sen. Jeff Sessions, going in for a hug at the start of the lunch and opening his remarks by thanking Manchin "for having the courage to vote for somebody who's really very outstanding."

Four of the Senate Democrats in the lunch  Manchin, Heitkamp, Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Jon Tester of Montana  are staring down difficult re-election campaigns next year in states where Trump dominated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. The Democrats' success in their re-election fights could determine their party's ability to counter Trump's agenda for the remainder of his term.

Tester later told home-state reporters on a conference call that Trump's rhetoric isn't helpful and Blumenthal is a hard-working and respected man. "The president has this reaction when people challenge him. It's the way it is," Tester said.

Even as drama unfolded at the White House, Gorsuch himself, a mild-mannered Denver-based appellate judge, continued to traverse the corridors of the Senate office buildings across from the Capitol, paying courtesy calls to senators while ignoring reporters' questions. GOP Sen. Susan Collins of Maine was full of praise after meeting with Gorsuch, adding that while she hadn't asked him to reiterate his concerns about Trump's attacks on the judiciary, "I am confident that Judge Gorsuch could be, will be, an independent judge."

___=

Associated Press writer Matthew Daly in Washington and Matt Volz in Helena, Montana, contributed.
(TSX: KBL)

EDMONTON, Feb. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - K-Bro Linen Inc. (the "Corporation") will release its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2016 on Friday, March 24, 2017 after 8:00pm Mountain Time (10:00pm Eastern). The Corporation will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss the results on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 7:00 a.m. Mountain Time (9:00 a.m. Eastern).

The conference call will include prepared remarks from Linda McCurdy, President and CEO, and Kristie Plaquin, Chief Financial Officer. After the prepared remarks, the Corporation will accept questions from analysts and institutional investors.

Date: Monday, March 27, 2017 Time: 7:00 am MT (9:00 am ET) Call: 1.888.231.8191 (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 April 10, 2017 by dialing 1.855.859.2056 (Canada and USA), passcode 70801536. The public is invited to listen to the live conference call or the replay.

This conference call will be webcast live over the internet and can be accessed by all interested parties at the following http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1366609&s=1&k=4BF07FB005A9D8D1E1D6F661F3C0E7A5.

To listen to the live webcast, visit the Corporation's website at least 10 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to listen during the live webcast, an audio replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the conference call for a period of 90 days.

CORPORATE PROFILE

K-Bro is the largest owner and operator of laundry and linen processing facilities in Canada. K-Bro provides a comprehensive range of general linen and operating room linen processing, management and distribution services to healthcare institutions, hotels and other commercial accounts. K-Bro currently operates nine processing facilities under three distinctive brands, including K-Bro Linen Systems Inc., Buanderie HMR and Les Buanderies Dextraze, in eight Canadian cities: Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria.

Additional information regarding the Corporation including required securities filings are available on our website at www.k-brolinen.com and on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com; the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR").

KBro est le plus important proprietaire et exploitant de buanderies au Canada. KBro fournit une gamme etendue de services de buanderie aux etablissements de soins de sante, hotels et autres clients commerciaux. KBro exploite actuellement neuf usines sous trois marques distinctives, incluant K-Bro Linen Systems Inc., Buanderie HMR et Les Buanderies Dextraze, dans huit villes canadiennes: Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver et Victoria.

Vous pouvez obtenir des renseignements supplementaires sur la Societe, y compris les documents deposes aupres des autorites de reglementation, sur notre site Web, au www.k-brolinen.com et sur le site Web des autorites canadiennes en valeurs mobilieres au www.sedar.com, le site Web du Systeme electronique de donnees, d'analyse et de recherche ( SEDAR ).

SOURCE K-Bro Linen Inc.

For further information: Kristie Plaquin, Chief Financial Officer, K-Bro Linen Inc. (TSX: KBL), Phone: 780.453.5218, Email: [email protected], Web: www.k-brolinen.com

Related Links

http://www.k-brolinen.com


TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications Inc. today announced the filing with securities regulators in Canada and the U.S. of its 2016 annual report to shareholders. The annual report to shareholders includes, amongst other things, Rogers' 2016 audited annual consolidated financial statements, notes thereto, and management's discussion and analysis in respect of the annual financial statements.

As well as being available on the websites of the Canadian Securities Administrators at sedar.com and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at sec.gov, these documents have also been posted on the Investor Relations section of Rogers' website at rogers.com/2016annualreport.

Paper copies of these documents may be requested at no charge, by contacting [email protected], or at 1-888-935-7777.

Rogers Communications Inc. will hold its Annual General Shareholder Meeting on April 19, 2017 in Toronto at 11:00 am.

About Rogers:

Rogers is a leading diversified Canadian communications and media company that's working to deliver a great experience to our customers every day. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high-speed Internet, information technology, and telephony services to consumers and businesses. Through Rogers Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, sports, televised and online shopping, magazines, and digital media. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

SOURCE Rogers Wireless and Cable

For further information: Investor Relations, 1-888-935-7777, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.rogers.com


Early indicators suggest that a post-ISIS Sunni insurgency may be forming in Iraq and al Qaeda (AQ) is trying to gain traction within it.

This essay highlights indicators that post-ISIS insurgencies are forming and that al Qaeda is present in Iraq. ISW (Institute for the Study of War) forecasted on November 30, 2016 that Iraq will likely face a renewed Sunni insurgency as military operations diminish ISISs hold in Mosul. The U.S.-backed Coalition has been focused only on eliminating ISIS, not other insurgent groups or the conditions that grow them. Political conditions therefore permit an insurgency to take root. Iraqi insurgent groups that predated the rise of ISIS remain active, even though ISIS has tried to suppress them. These groups have publicized their intent to revive a resistance movement against the Iraqi state. It is too soon to assess whether these insurgent groups will operate under a national umbrella.

ISIS, nevertheless, continues to be active and capable of conducting spectacular attacks in Iraq and will remain so for months, despite its losses elsewhere in the country. ISIS launched a series of deadly attacks in Baghdad over the New Year holiday and has demonstrated its ability to attack disperse areas of Iraq, including Kirkuk, Tikrit, and Samarra, since operations in Mosul began in October 2016. ISIS, however, may begin to alter how it carries out attacks in Iraq as the group transforms from a governing to a guerrilla style terrorist organization. This shift will make attribution of attacks difficult, especially if signature capabilities erode or attack patterns change.

Recent anomalous attacks, therefore, need to be assessed equally as possible indicators that non-ISIS insurgents are already conducting attacks in Iraq and as indicators that ISIS is changing tactics or losing capabilities.

Here is an update on Syria

Future Indicators

AQ (al Qaeda) is likely to build upon or co-opt already present insurgent groups. AQ did so in Iraq between 2004 and 2006, and in Syria from 2011 to today. It may try to unify disparate Iraqi insurgent groups, as it did in 2006 under the Islamic State of Iraq. It has likewise been trying to unite groups in contemporary Syria by establishing military councils and merging with local groups. The current insurgent elements in Iraq may be too ideologically and geographically dispersed to create a national movement in the wake of ISIS; their attempt to do so in January 2014 after the fall of Fallujah to ISIS likewise failed. This vulnerability could accelerate AQs cooptation or establishment of an affiliate in Iraq more quickly than did ISIS in 2013 or AQI in 2004. Iraqi insurgent groups residual antipathy to AQ or ISIS, dating from the Awakening in 2007 and the current situation, may dampen AQs success, however.

AQs efforts to rebuild its networks in Iraq will occur at a local level. We should expect AQ to interfere in local politics, especially as provincial and parliamentary elections approach in 2018. It may try to establish an assassination campaign against local politicians or tribal leaders, undermine the electoral process, or portray it as an ineffective method to address grievances. AQ and Sunni insurgents are likely to attack campaign rallies and voting stations. Changes in Sunni tribal relations and alliances may also indicate that AQ is leveraging its tribal connections and know-how to revive networks and increase its position. It may try to play tribes against each other, as it did in al-Qaim in 2007, or it may use inter-tribal disputes, such as the ongoing rivalry within the dominant Jubur tribe in northern Iraq, to eliminate resistance.
In the spring of 2017, Russia may test a rocket mounted Zircon Hypersonic missile for the first time. The launch is said to be conducted within the scope of the global non-nuclear deterrence strategy.

The source did not specify the carrier, from which the missile was to be launched.

Zircon mounted Hypersonic Missiles are planned to be used on Yasen-M nuclear submarines, as with the well as with the Huskys Submarines and some surface ships.

Hypersonic speed is Mach 5 or faster. Mach 1 is the speed of sound which is about 300 meters per second, or 1,224 km / h.

The Zircon missile was designed for the Russian Navy at NPO Machine Building (Reutov, Moscow region). The company also develops advanced warheads for intercontinental ballistic missiles known as Object 4202.

The range of the missile will be about 500 km, whereas the speed of the new missile is said to reach Mach 5 or six.

Zircon missiles can be used as armament for surface warships and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as aircraft and coastal mobile missile systems. It is believed that Onyx and Zircon missiles are designed to implement elements of the concept of strategic non-nuclear deterrence.

Last year, it was reported that Zircon missiles would be used on board the Peter the Great heavy cruiser, as well as prospective fifth-generation multipurpose nuclear submarines known as Husky.

In 2017, Russia also plans to start flight tests of the state-of-the-art liquid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile RS-28 Sarmat.

It is worthy of note that Zircon missile tests were originally scheduled for 2018. However, a source in the Russian defense industry told Interfax that the timing may change for 2017.
By www.wrc.com 10 February 2017 - 12:05





Jari-Matti Latvala regained the lead of Rally Sweden in the final speed test of Friday mornings opening loop after a blistering drive propelled him back ahead of Thierry Neuville.

Latvala stormed through Norways Svullrya special stage 8.5sec faster than the Belgian in his Toyota Yaris. He crossed back into Sweden to the Torsby service park with a 3.9sec lead following a fast and furious group of three stages.

Overnight leader Latvala stiffened his front suspension and relished the snow and ice-covered roads. A beautiful stage. It was a really nice feeling to drive in here. I couldnt get that feeling last year because I had a broken driveshaft, but I really enjoyed it now, he said.

Neuville, who won this mornings opening two stages in his Hyundai i20 Coupe, yielded a few seconds after an impact. There were a lot of deep cuts and I hit something very hard with the front. I took it a bit more carefully as I thought I might have a puncture but the car was OK, he explained.

The battling duo pulled clear of a fierce fight for third. Kris Meeke held the advantage but third fastest for Sebastien Ogier promoted him from eighth to fourth, only 0.3sec behind the Citroen C3. Just 0.9sec further back, and tied on time, were Ott Tanak and Mads stberg.

Tanaks Fiesta was jumping out of gear, while Norwegian stberg struggled for grip in his similar car as those ahead in the running order broke up the icy surface.

Dani Sordo slipped from fourth to seventh after a bizarre incident. Some netting attached to the roof inside his i20 Coupe came loose, affecting his vision and concentration. He missed a hairpin and dropped more than 20sec.

Craig Breen broke a front damper after hitting a stone but the Irishman, Juho Hanninen and Hayden Paddon filled the rest of the leaderboard. Elfyn Evans slipped to 12th after clipping a rock buried in a snowbank and puncturing his Fiestas right rear tyre.
We all know by now that President Trumps tweets can move markets. When he conveys displeasure (or approval) about a company, say, offshoring in Mexico or closing a factory in the US, targeted firms have seen their stocks rise and fall.

Whats more, though, is that according to an analysis by S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGI), the presidents tweets also do short-term damage to a targeted companys creditworthiness  particularly when Trump and his administration have the means to hurt a company by enacting unfavorable policy, or canceling any government contracts.

Heres an example: After a negative tweet regarding a very expensive Lockheed (LMT) F-35 project contracted by the government, shares plummeted and Lockheeds probability of default for Lockheed rose a whopping 10.9%. In S&Ps credit analysis, probability of default (PD) is a metric that crunches stock volatility numbers with a broader economic picture to determine the likelihood a company cant pay its debts, and default on its loans. After a negative tweet at Toyota (TM), the carmakers probability of default went up 26.2%. The PD for industrial machinery company Rexnord (RXN) rose 18.1% after a negative tweet by Trump.

In the many instances since the election, a Trump tweet has sent companies reeling, and many have set up public relations task forces to make sure some hands are on deck in the event of an impulsive late-night tweet.

It goes both ways, however. After positive tweets about Carrier (UTX) and Fiat Chrysler (FCAU), their probability of defaults fell 17.5% and 15.3% respectively. Still, a positive tweet may not make a difference. For Ford (F), the probability of default went up as the positive tweet coincided with guidance that Fords earnings-per-share would drop. In other circumstances, the moves Trump advocates for may not be advantageous to the company, sending its probability for default up.

Similarly, some negative tweets dont have much effect, and are simply shrugged off. S&P Global Market Intelligence found no issues after negative tweets for Boeing, as Trump had mistaken the companys current contracts at $4 billion when they were really $170 million, which represents a mere 0.2% of company revenues, according an S&P analyst.

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On the one hand, its possible the Trump tweet effect is wearing off. But closer analysis shines a light on the limits of presidential control as well as other factors. In addition to the presidents half-truth, according to Politifact, about Boeings contracts, his well-known praise of the company tempers the situation.

For General Motors (GM), positive sales news boosted the stock and mitigated any negative impact from Trumps tweet blasting the company for sending jobs to manufacture the Chevy Cruze to Mexico (which was incorrect).

Most recently, a negative tweet about Nordstrom (JWN) may have precipitated a 5% gain after the president complained on Twitter that the company treated his daughter Ivanka Trump so unfairly. For Nordstrom, according to S&P calculations, the companys probability of default dropped from 3.85% to 3.07% by Thursday, a whopping 20.3%.

Unlike some of these other companies, Nordstrom does not have extensive government contracts and is probably less affected by presidential animus; there are simply fewer ways to specifically target it by policy. As the business community becomes more used to these tweets things may cool off, and at the end of the first 100 days, policy surprises may tail off. Some companies are simply more susceptible to executive branch moves than others.

However, another factor may be at play. Donald Trump is astoundingly unpopular, which could provide footing from which a company could make a bold bet. Youd expect it from an anti-establishment record store selling punk t-shirts, but more mainstream companies could implicitlyor even explicitlytake a step into the presidents crosshairs and poke the bear. For some companies, it may be good business.

Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumer issues, tech, and personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann.

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In this Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 photo provided by the Gaziantep Governor's Office, packs of explosives and other material are pictured, in Gaziantep, southeastern Turkey, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Police detained four Islamic State group suspects who were allegedly planning to carry out a "sensational" attack in Turkey and seized 24 suicide attack belts, officials said. Police found the suicide belts _ made with 150 kilograms of explosives and fortified with metal pieces _ as well as two automatic rifles, 14 kilograms of TNT and other material during the operation, the governorate said. (Gaziantep Governor's Office via AP)

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- Turkish police detained four Islamic State group suspects who were allegedly planning to carry out a "sensational" attack in Turkey and seized 24 suicide attack belts, officials said Thursday.

The latest detentions came as CIA chief Mike Pompeo arrived in Turkey to discuss the fight against the extremist group in Syria and Iraq, making his first overseas trip since taking office.

Police found the suicide belts  made with 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of explosives and fortified with metal pieces  as well as two automatic rifles, 14 kilograms (31 pounds) of TNT, cellphones that could be used as detonators and other materials during an anti-terror operation in Gaziantep, near the border with Syria.

There were no details on the nationalities of the suspects, who were allegedly taking orders from high-level IS members in Syria. One suspect was wanted for membership in a terror organization, according to the Gaziantep provincial governor's office.

The suspects were being questioned by prosecutors Thursday, an official at the governor's office said. He said the four led police investigators to a field and other locations where the explosives and other material were hidden.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations that bar civil servants from speaking to journalists without prior authorization.

Video of the operation provided by the governor's office showed a sniffer dog with a handler in a field and officials unearthing various explosives and other objects. In another shot, an official is seen removing an automatic weapon, wrapped in plastic, from what appeared to be a gap on the side of a building.

Last year, Turkey suffered a series of deadly attacks carried out by IS or Kurdish militants and has stepped up anti-terrorism operations across the country. Some 750 people with alleged IS links were detained in a major police sweep in 29 Turkish provinces last week.

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Pompeo met with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, and the two later held discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish leader's office said, without providing details.

The talks were to include plans for a possible operation to retake the Islamic State group stronghold of Raqqa, a security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government regulations, told The Associated Press.

Pompeo's visit follows a phone call between President Donald Trump and Erdogan.

Turkey is hoping for a reset in relations with the U.S. that were strained under the Obama administration over Turkish demands for the extradition of a U.S-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who Turkey has accused of orchestrating a failed coup.

Turkey was also angered by U.S. backing for Syrian Kurdish fighters, since it considers them terrorists because of their links to outlawed Kurdish rebels in Turkey.

Turkey, which has troops currently trying to liberate the IS-held town of al Bab in Syria, is pressing for a joint operation with the U.S. to re-capture Raqqa without the Syrian Kurdish groups' involvement.

The security official said during talks with Pompeo, Turkey would also seek greater U.S. cooperation in Turkey's struggle against Gulen's movement and the Kurdish rebels.

Related Video: Details Emerge About 2016 Istanbul Terror Attack Suspects

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Acting president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo received a rousing welcome when he visited Bayelsa state which is the home state of former p...

Osinbajo was in the state as part of his visit to the Niger Delta region to foster peace between the federal government and the region.The vice president was in the state on Friday, February 10 shortly after he left Rivers state where he was received by Governor Nyesom Wike.Militants have been terrorising the region in an agitation for resource control although this has reduced since the federal government made moves to carry out the demands from the region.Osinbajo was in Delta State last month in the first leg of a charm offensive aimed at restoring peace to a restive region.There have also been stopovers in Rivers State.This week, with President Muhammadu Buhari's blessings, Osinbajo headed for Bayelsa where he was met with a joyous crowd and traditional rulers."I am in Bayelsa now as we continue federal government's dialogue with our Niger Delta oil communities. I have come today on behalf of the President and Commander-In-Chief", said Nigeria's Vice President who has been standing in for an ailing Buhari.President Buhari is waiting to receive results of medical tests from his Doctors in a London apartment and recently sought for an extension from parliament.Osinbajo added that: "I am here with cabinet colleagues and heads of relevant agencies to propose a new vision, signposting a new era for our people in the Niger Delta".The Vice President admonished the people that it makes no sense to vandalise oil installations and cripple an economy already on its knees."We must not allow anyone to persuade us to destroy investments, or pollute our environment to prove a point or to get a few benefits."That is cutting our nose to spite our face! We must make haste. We must move quickly. Day by day, the world is moving away from oil."For many years, we heard US, our major oil buyer, developing shale oil, we did nothing. Today America does not buy a drop of oil from us."We must focus on how to ensure that people see the benefits of the land's wealth. This new vision will define the future of the region".See video below
Like many in the North-east region of Nigeria, Aisha Bakari Gombi is a Muslim but also believes in traditional spirits. Aisha, 38, grew up...





Like many in the North-east region of Nigeria, Aisha Bakari Gombi is a Muslim but also believes in traditional spirits. Aisha, 38, grew up near the Sambisa forest, where the extremists still operate despite a military offensive last year that destroyed many of their major camps. She used to hunt antelopes, baboons and guinea fowl with her grandfather. Now she hunts Boko Haram.As seven abducted women and four children were being taken deeper into Sambisa forest, Aisha Bakari Gombi received a call.The voice was familiar: an army commander asking her to assemble a group of hunters to track them down.The 11 had vanished earlier that day after a group of Boko Haram militants attacked their village, Daggu. Three local people were shot dead and cars, houses and food stores set ablaze.Daggu is a half-hour drive from Chibok where more than 200 schoolgirls were abducted in April 2014. Both villages are in the region of Borno state, which has become all too familiar with such attacks by the worlds deadliest terrorist group.There are thousands of hunters in the region who have been enlisted by the military on an ad hoc basis. But Bakari Gombi is one of only a handful of women involved and she has become a heroine for hunters and local people alike. Her gallantry has won her the title queen hunter.The first rescue mission in Daggu failed because Boko Haram was heavily armed. But we saw where [the girls] are being held, Bakari Gombi explains the morning after. We could free them if the military would give us better weapons, she adds, eyeing the double-barrel shotgun on her lap.Like many in the rural regions of north-east Nigeria, Bakari Gombi is Muslim but also believes in traditional spirits. One of her rituals is to douse fellow hunters with a secret potion to protect them from bullets.The 38-year-old leads a command of men aged 15-30 who communicate using sign language, animal sounds and even birdsong.Boko Haram know me and fear me, says Bakari Gombi whose band of hunters has rescued hundreds of men, women and children.
Former Special Assistant to Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on electronic media, Reno Omokri has said that under the President Muhammadu Bu...

Former Special Assistant to Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on electronic media, Reno Omokri has said that under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government, a total of 14 airlines have fled the country.He said to this end, the move to takeover Arik airline by the federal government will further run the airline aground.He however advised the Federal Government against turning itself to an undertaker and torturing businesses, especially those facing challenges but should rather nurture them to stand firm.Omokri gave the advise in a series of tweets on Friday.According to him, AMCOM has not managed previous businesses it took over from their owners and as such, should not take over the management of Arik Airline.
At least eight Nigerian soldiers were killed in a Boko Haram ambush on Friday, sources said, highlighting the Islamist group's capacit...





At least eight Nigerian soldiers were killed in a Boko Haram ambush on Friday, sources said, highlighting the Islamist group's capacity to strike despite government claims it is seriously weakened.Troops heading to the town of Dikwa came under attack at about 9:00 am (0800 GMT) at Ajirin village, in the Mafa area, some 52 kilometres (32 miles) east of the Borno state capital, Maiduguri."There was a heavy gunfight. At least eight troops have been confirmed killed and two others injured. Boko Haram also suffered losses," a military source in Maiduguri told AFP."It was a surprise attack and this is what led to the casualty toll," the source added on condition of anonymity, as he is not authorised to talk to the media.A civilian vigilante involved in helping the military with security in the restive region confirmed the account but said as many as 10 soldiers may have been killed.No one from army headquarters in Nigeria's capital Abuja was immediately available when contacted by AFP.Nigeria's military and government have claimed repeatedly in recent months that Boko Haram, which is allied to the Islamic State group, is in disarray and nearly defeated.The army has mounted a sustained counter-attack against the group in its Borno state stronghold of the Sambisa forest. In December, commanders said the rebels had been flushed out.
South African Airways and British Airways have informed the Nigerian government of their final decision not to use the Kaduna airport as a...

South African Airways and British Airways have informed the Nigerian government of their final decision not to use the Kaduna airport as an alternative when the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja will be closed for repair works.According to reports, both airlines wrote to the government. They cited safety and security of passengers, lack of catering services as well as adequate technology as their reason for not using the Kaduna airport.The Abuja airport is expected to be shut from March 6th.
President Muhammadu Buhari is the strongest brand the country currently has to improve on its credibility.





President Muhammadu Buhari is the strongest brand the country currently has to improve on its credibility.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Geoffrey Onyeama made this known when he addressed newsmen in Eke, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Thursday.According to him, the credibility of the nation has relatively improved since the inception of Buharis administration.He, however, said that the improvement was basically because of the reputation of the president.The minister said that the international community had high regards for the president whose anti-corruption posture had made impressions on them.The nations credibility before the international community has improved but I think it is mainly because of the person of the president.The international community is very impressed with the presidents records so far.He has a track record of real integrity and that is why they are responding so positively to our economic, security and anti-corruption initiatives.So, the strongest brand Nigeria has at the moment is President Muhammadu Buhari, he said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the redeployment of officers and men of the Army serving as his bodyguards in the Presidential Vi...

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the redeployment of officers and men of the Army serving as his bodyguards in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.Many of them were brought in in the wake of this administration.They have been replaced with officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).It was gathered that the approval for the removal of the soldiers was given by Buhari shortly before he left for London.Both the former Chief Security Officer (CSO), Abdulraman Mani and the Presidents Aide de Camp (ADC), Colonel Lawal Abubakar, have been fighting over which agencies should protect the President.While Mani insisted on allowing men and officers of the DSS to protect the President, the ADC was rooting for soldiers. The battle led to the removal of the former CSO by President Buhari.Mani, in a memo dated Friday, June 26, 2015 , wrote: In fact, the issues raised in the aforementioned (ADCs) circular tend to suggest that the author may have ventured into a not-too-familiar terrain.The extant practice, the world over, is that VIP protection, which is a specialised field, is usually handled by the Secret Service, under whatever nomenclature.They usually constitute the inner core security ring around every principal. The Police and the military by training and mandate are often required to provide secondary and tertiary security cordons around venues and routes.However, all other security agencies, including the army, the police and others, also have their roles to play. It is on this note that heads of all security agencies currently in the Presidential Villa and their subordinates are enjoined to key into the existing command and control structure. They are to work in harmony with each other in full and strict compliance with the demands of their statutorily prescribed responsibilities.It was learnt officials of the DSS have taken positions previously manned by the soldiers.
Yusuf Lasun, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, allegedly assaulted Mrs. Lizzy Chirkpi, Senior Correspondent of Hallow Mace Magazin...

Yusuf Lasun, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, allegedly assaulted Mrs. Lizzy Chirkpi, Senior Correspondent of Hallow Mace Magazine.According to reports, the journalists had converged on the House of Representatives wings, to cover a budget defence, involving the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Raji Fashola. Lasun and his security aides who were on their way to the hall for the budget defence, physically began to shove people out of the way.A security aide pushed the female journalist to the floor. The journalist who frowned at the action of the security detail, wanted to know why she was so treated, but was shocked by the response of the Deputy Speaker who was right behind the orderly, even as he ordered that the lady be pushed again.You are asking why he pushed you, come here, come, come here let him push you again, the terrific deputy Speaker roared.The journalist had to leave the room to avoid further assault.
Multiple sources confirmed to Us Weekly that their relationship died down a bit. Another source added that the couple are done for now.





According to both sources, its likely that the the Hotline Bling rapper, 30, will pursue the 47-year-

old Shades of Blue actress again when he returns to L.A. next month after his European tour.





Amid the breakup, Lopez also posted a cryptic Instagram quote on February 4, which read, Timing is everything. If its meant to happen, it will, and for the right reasons."
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday raided the home of former General Managing Director of the ...

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday raided the home of former General Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, in Kaduna city.The EFCC agents allegedly recovered $9.2million from Yakubus safe and an additional 72,000.The anti-graft agency said that it was the largest amount they had recovered in recent weeks.Yakubu was arraigned in June 2016 on allegations of money laundering.He served as GMD of NNPC between 2012 and 2014, during the Goodluck Jonathan regime.He was sacked by the then Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who reportedly accused him of insubordination.
Some gunmen attacked a police station at Eika community in Okehi local government area of Kogi state in the early hours of Friday, killing...

Some gunmen attacked a police station at Eika community in Okehi local government area of Kogi state in the early hours of Friday, killing two policemen and a detainee.According to NAN, the bandits invaded the station around 1am and immediately opened fire on policemen on duty.The heavily armed hoodlums, said to be about 10, later set the station ablaze and proceeded to the house of Sadiq Obomi, chairman, Eika community development association, and killed him.Abdulahi Chafe, commissioner of police, confirmed the incident, promising to provide details later.However, a resident of Eika community who is also a member of a local vigilante group, said the attackers came in two vehicles.The resident said they started shooting into the air as they made their way to the station.He said the gunmen later escaped after the operation, which lasted almost two hours.Security men have been deployed to the community to maintain peace.The high rate of insecurity in parts of Kogi state has been an issue of concern to both the state and federal governments.Kogi is one of the states with the highest rate of kidnappings in the country.
KADUNA State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has offered a three-step solution to end killings in Southern Kaduna  a Christian-dominated settl...

KADUNA State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has offered a three-step solution to end killings in Southern Kaduna  a Christian-dominated settlement that has been constantly invaded by suspected herdsmen.The governor said calming frayed nerves, prosecuting culprits and building peace are ways to go in healing injuries precipitated by the renewed crisis, which recently led to the destruction of lives and properties.El-Rufai, who spoke yesterday on Sunrise Daily, a live programme on Channels TV, described the Southern Kaduna killings as a reprisal from trans-human pastoralists from outside Nigeria, saying some arrested suspects who participated in the carnage were helping security agencies in investigations.He said: We have studied these problems and we think the solution is in three-step. We are very clear in our mind that, that is the way to go. Based on previous experience and the study of the situation on the ground, and based on what Peace and Intelligence experts have told us; the first step is to restore peace and normalcy to the affected Local Government Areas through enhanced security and military deploymentThe second step is to prosecute all those involved. We have made significant arrest; the police have paraded some of these suspects. Some have not been paraded because we have not got the entire gang Most of those we have arrested now are local Fulani and the Southern Kaduna people, because they were also blocking highways and killing innocent people. We have both (groups) in custody and we are getting closer to arresting the masterminds.The third step is the peace building. We need to bring the communities together, because no matter how many policemen and armed forces you put in a place like Southern Kaduna, which has scattered communities, there would be no peace unless people agree to live in peace.El-Rufai said there are people directly living of the crisis, accusing political and religious leaders for making gains out of the killings.He said: There people, believe it or not, that have been living of this (crisis). Subsequent events and prosecutions would reveal this. As I speak, we are aware of some church leaders that have been getting money from abroad to bury Christians that have killed and to re-build thousands of churches that are being destroyed. Because, the more they put these pictures on social media and give the impression that Christians are being targeted, the more the funds flow in.The governor cautioned political and church leaders in Southern Kaduna sending a narrative of exclusion to desist from making divisive statement.He said: There are political and church leaders in Southern Kaduna sending a narrative of exclusion that, only indigenes should live in that part; that only people of particular religion should live there. Unless people agree to live in peace, we will not have peace.No peace is possible without justice and foundations of law enforcement. What we have seen in Southern Kaduna is a result of impunity. People came and destroy property for 37 years and no one has ever been prosecuted.On the allegation that some traditional rulers and local government chairmen might be part of the problem, he said: We are working closely with traditional rulers, but I want to tell you that some of them are part of the problems. We are prosecuting some of them. There was a case of policemen who went to Nasarawa State for an investigation. On coming back, they met a checkpoint manned by Southern Kaduna youths who killed four policemen and took their rifles. When the police investigated the matter, a traditional ruler handed over the rifles to police investigators. And we said, where are those people that gave him the riffles? Those are the killers. The traditional ruler refused. We are charging him for murder.
The Senior Pastor of Champions Royal Assembly, Kubwa, Abuja, Joshua Iginla, was Thursday spotted with the Ekiti State Governor and Chairma...

The Senior Pastor of Champions Royal Assembly, Kubwa, Abuja, Joshua Iginla, was Thursday spotted with the Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ayodele Fayose in the state.The cleric paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at his hometown, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.The cleric was said to have visited to offer special prayers for Fayose and some his cabinet members and Nigeria as a whole.They were then led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olubunmi Olusola, to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Alayeluwa Ewi Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III.Iginlas visit is coming weeks after the attempted arrest of the founder of Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleman by the Department of the State Security Service, DSS, which was foiled by the governor in the state.See pictures:
An Algerian and a Nigerian suspected to be planning to carry out a terrorist attack have been arrested in the German city of Goettingen, o...

An Algerian and a Nigerian suspected to be planning to carry out a terrorist attack have been arrested in the German city of Goettingen, officials said on Thursday.The men, aged 27 and 23 respectively, were taken into custody in a 450-strong police operation that took place during the night.The Goettingen police and the Interior Ministry of the state of Lower Saxony did not confirm whether any evidence was confiscated as part of the raids.The men have been classified by Germanys domestic intelligence agency as a danger to others.Police Chief, Uwe Luehrig said that evidence gathered in the past few days about the mens terrorist plot had forced the authorities into action.
Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday visited Bayelsa state for the second leg of the Niger Delta dialogue.

Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday visited Bayelsa state for the second leg of the Niger Delta dialogue.In a series of tweets, Osinbajo urged Niger Delta militants to desist from attacking oil facilities as they would only hurt themselves." We must not allow anyone to persuade us to destroy investments, or pollute our environment to prove a point or to get a few benefits," he said. "That is cutting our nose to spite our face!""We must make haste. We must move quickly. Day by day the world is moving away from oil.""For many years we heard US, our major oil buyer, developing shale oil, we did nothing. Today America does not buy a drop of oil from us."
Investors generally gauge a stocks potential return by examining earnings growth and valuation multiples. At the same time, its important to measure the performance of such a stock relative to its industry or peers, or the appropriate benchmark.

If you see that a stock is underperforming on fundamental factors, then it would be prudent to move on and find a better alternative. However, those outperforming their respective sectors in terms of price should be selected because they stand a better chance to provide considerable returns.

Then again, it is imperative that you determine whether or not an investment has relevant upside potential when considering stocks with significant relative price strength. Stocks delivering better than the S&P 500 over a period of 1 to 3 months at the least and having solid fundamentals indicate room for growth, and are the best ways to go about this strategy.

Finally, it is important to find out whether analysts are optimistic about the upcoming earnings results of these companies. In order to do this, we have added positive estimate revisions for the current quarters (Q1) earnings to our screen. When a stock undergoes an upward revision, it leads to additional price gains.

Screening Parameters

Relative % Price change  12 weeks greater than 0

Relative % Price change  4 weeks greater than 0

Relative % Price change  1 week greater than 0

(We have considered those stocks that have been outperforming the S&P 500 over the last 12 weeks, 4 weeks and 1 week.)

% Change (Q1) Est. over 4 Weeks greater than 0:Positive current quarter estimate revisions over the last four weeks.

Zacks Rank equal to 1:Only Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks  that have returned more than 26% annually over the last 26 years and surpassed the S&P 500 in 23 of the last 26 years  can get through. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

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Current Price greater than or equal to $5 and Average 20-day Volume greater than or equal to 50,000: A minimum price of $5 is a good standard to screen low-priced stocks, while a high trading volume would imply adequate liquidity.

VGM Score less than or equal to B:Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of A or B when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 (Buy) offer the best upside potential.

Here are the 5 of the 13 stocks that made it through the screen:

Brooks Automation Inc. BRKS: Headquartered in Chelmsford, MA, Brooks Automation is a leading provider of automation solutions for the global semiconductor and other associated industries. The company has a VGM score of B and an excellent earnings surprise history. It surpassed estimates in each of the last four quarters at an average rate of 38.69%.

United States Steel Corp. X: A leading steel manufacturer in the U.S. and the fifth largest in the world, Pittsburgh, PA-based United States Steel has a VGM score of A. Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal years 2017 and 2018 increased 170% and 29%, to $2.67 and $2.38 per share, respectively.

Everest Re Group Ltd. RE: Everest Res operations encompass property and casualty (P&C), reinsurance and insurance in the U.S, Bermuda and international markets. Headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, the company also offers other innovative products like excess and surplus lines of insurance. The company has a VGM score of B and handily outperformed earnings estimates in all the last 3 reported quarters.

OraSure Technologies Inc. OSUR: OraSure Technologies is a leading developer and manufacturer of various lines of oral fluid diagnostics. Sporting a VGM score of A, this Bethlehem, PA headquartered companys expected EPS growth rate for 3 to 5 years currently stands at 15%  comparing favorably with the industry growth rate of 14.40%.

TTM Technologies Inc. TTMI: Headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA, TTM Technologies is a leading provider of time-critical, one-stop manufacturing services for highly complex printed circuit boards. The 2017 Zacks Consensus Estimate for this company is $1.38, representing some 7% earnings per share growth over 2016. Next years average forecast is $1.44, pointing to 4% growth. TTM Technologies Resources has a VGM score of A.

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Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) yesterday protested in Kaduna. They urged Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to obey a co...

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) yesterday protested in Kaduna.They urged Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to obey a court order and release their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.The police dispersed the protesters.Kaduna State government has banned protest due to insecurity.The demonstrators, carrying posters of Zakzaky with the inscription Free Zakzaky, told Osinbajo to set a precedent by obeying the court order, considering his position as a professor and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), by releasing the Shiites leader.Their leader, Sheikh Qasim Umar, in a speech delivered before the police arrived, said IMN was the most oppressed group in the country.He said: Within 48 hours, soldiers killed over 1,000 unarmed civilians in Zaria in December 2015. Where in the annals of Nigerian history has such a tragedy taken place, without the leadership of the country battling an eyelid of concern?The atrocities committed by the Army are the first of their kind by any national and supposedly well-trained Army. Where in the world are soldiers seen burning people alive? They burnt the elder sister of Sheikh Zakzaky and others alive. Where in the world are soldiers video-taped, pouring petrol on bodies and burning them? They burnt hundreds in Zaria, which is why probably the Kaduna State government was only able to document the deaths of 347 people in the hands soldiers. Where in the world are soldiers involved in burying hundreds of people in a mass grave at night, if not in Mando, Kaduna with the governors consent?To date, over 200 IMN members are languishing in jail, some with gunshot injuries, yet the perpetrators of the violence are moving about freely as if nothing has happened. There are hundreds believed to be in secret detention of the security agencies.The governor has the temerity to declare IMN as an unlawful society, despite constitutional right of freedom of assembly and freedom of religion and association. Under such an obnoxious state order, dozens are in jail because they were arrested in a black attire, allegedly worn only by the Shias.The most intriguing aspect of the oppression visited upon us is the continued detention of our leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife, even after a Federal High Court order to release them. Where in the world is a democratic government contemptuous of its courts if not the present administration in Nigeria?The above reasons and many more made us to pour into the streets peacefully to demand justice. This is our right, and nobody will deny us this right. We call on the public and international community to bear witness to this oppression against us.
Police officers harassed Obasi Sunday, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, at the entrance of the presidential villa in Abuja on...

Police officers harassed Obasi Sunday, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, at the entrance of the presidential villa in Abuja on Thursday.The incident happened about the time when members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) staged a protest to Aso Rock.Sunday later told journalists that he was on his way to supreme court  his place of primary assignment (PPA)  when the officers stopped him.My PPA is the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Today is my CDS (community development service) after my CDS, I usually go to my PPA, he said.So, today as I was passing, I saw one policeman and he asked me where I was going. I told him that I was going to my PPA. I even brought out my two ID cards  my NYSC ID and my supreme court ID, but he said I shouldnt go despite the fact that I saw people entering the villa gate.They said I should enter a car that can take me there, but I refused. They started pushing me, harassing me, they were many about 10, look at my ID card, they tore it to shred.The policemen let him off the hook after realising the scene he was creating.
A federal appeals court has refused to reinstate US President Donald Trumps ban on travellers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, de...

A federal appeals court has refused to reinstate US President Donald Trumps ban on travellers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, dealing another blow to his young administration.In a unanimous decision, the panel of three judges from the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals declined on Thursday to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the ban and allowed previously barred travellers to enter the US.Shortly after the ruling, Trump responded furiously on Twitter, writing his response in capital letters.He told reporters his administration ultimately would win the case and dismissed the ruling as political.Trumps January 27 order barred travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days, except those from Syria, whom he would ban indefinitely. He said his directive was done for the security of our nation, the security of our citizens.District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order on the ban on February 4 after Washington and Minnesota states sued, prompting Trump to label him a so-called judge.The 9th Circuit judges noted that the states had raised serious allegations about religious discrimination.Asked about Trumps tweet, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said: We have seen him in court twice, and were two for two.An appeal to the Supreme Court is possible.
- By George Ronan





The diabetes space is drawing a lot of attention right now, and the large majority of it is unwanted. Late last month, a group of diabetes patients filed a lawsuit against three of the industry's biggest names, arguing that the systematic price increases of these companies over a number of years amount to a fraudulent pricing scheme.

The suit highlights just one of the many complexities associated with the way drugs are priced and patients charged. The chances of a drug being accepted for coverage by an insurer are increased if the company that makes the drug offers a large discount to said insurer. These discounts are not shouldered by the company however. They are added on to the price the patient pays. The suit alleges the price increases of insulin products over the last decade are rooted in the companies' ability to offer a bigger discount to insurers in an attempt to get the latter to favor their drugs over those of their competitors.





The three companies under investigation are Sanofi SA (SNY), Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) and Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY). The suit will likely be long and drawn out. The outcome is anyone's guess.

Whatever happens, the situation highlights a wider trend in the diabetes space as whole. That is, the lack of any major innovation or development.

Compared to other subsectors of health care, diabetes is sorely lacking when it comes to advancement over the past 10 to 20 years. Right now, just as they did at the end of the 1980s, diabetes patients use blood tests to measure glucose and self-administer insulin through intramuscular injection.

The big names have control of the space right now, but this control is loosening. Smaller companies are innovating, and the oligopolistic nature of the industry may be coming to an end.

Here are some examples of the cutting edge of this trend.

Story continues

Before the advent of recombinant DNA technology, which is used to create the artificial insulin that diabetics self-administer today, porcine insulin was the standard-of-care treatment in the space. Now, of course, insulin is synthetic, but the history of using pig-derived material in medicine has given rise to another field of development called a human-pig chimera. In essence, scientists have figured out a way to inject pig embryos with human-derived pluripotent stem cells and have these stem cells survive.

The importance of this? The process can be used to develop artificial organs, one of which is a pancreas. The pancreas is the keystone of diabetes as it secretes insulin to counter a rise in glucose. In diabetics, the detection and secretion is deficient. The production and introduction of a new pancreas could repair the deficiency.

And it has gone further than just a theory. Scientists in Tokyo have genetically modified rats so that they do not have a pancreas, and then used mouse stem cells to essentially grow a mouse pancreas in a rat. As they developed, these rats were able to survive with a mouse pancreas. This science is way off from human application, but the concept is now proven.

What about nearer term, less science fiction-sounding developments?

Oral insulin has long been the holy grail of the diabetes space. The current method is tough on patients as it can be painful, cumbersome and hard to comply with long term. Of course, compliance is essential, so quality of life can be severely impacted by the currently unavoidable self-injectable medication regimen.

If a patient was able to take a pill that would deliver the insulin required, their quality of life would dramatically improve. Unfortunately, the science behind oral insulin makes it a difficult thing to develop. Insulin is quite unstable, and the gastrointestinal system breaks it down easily. As such, any pill form of insulin requires the equivalent of a protective shell and more if it is to reach its target in the body.

One company, Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ORMP), is spearheading the space right now. Its treatment, an asset called ORMD-0801, is an oral insulin that uses a proprietary technology to create a pill coating that protects the active insulin ingredient. The drug is under investigation in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients, having completed a phase II study in Type 2 and currently in a phase II study in Type 1.

Data to date have served up significant evidence that the orally delivered insulin that forms the active ingredient of the ORMD-0801 pill can effectively reach its target without too much degradation and, in turn, could be a viable alternative to the current standard-of-care self-injectable insulin that dominates the space.

Oramed put out top line results from its O801 phase II study in mid-2016, detailing the effect of the drug against a primary endpoint of a significant reduction of weighted mean nighttime glucose in patients treated with the drug when compared to a placebo. As the data highlighted, the study showed a statistically significant decrease in the primary endpoint, pooled nighttime glucose mean percentage change of 6.47% from run-in, between placebo and active cohorts (p=0.0268). That means the drug works, and it is now just a case of expanding the patient population in a phase III study in an attempt to collect the data required to underpin a New Drug Application.

Oramed hopes to put its drug through pivotal trials this year, so unlike the chimera-derived treatment, this one could realistically be hitting shelves in the next few years.

Another small company, Caladrius Biosciences Inc. (CLBS), is working to stop Type 1 diabetes from worsening before pancreatic islets are destroyed by the immune system. When people have Type 1 diabetes, their immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin. Over time, of course, the condition worsens because the longer the condition develops, the more the cells deteriorate.

At diagnosis, however, the average Type 1 patient has around 20% of their functional insulin-producing cells intact.

Caladrius has developed a process through which it is able to harvest these healthy insulin-producing cells, modify them so that they cannot be destroyed by the immune system and then reintroduce them to the patient. Early studies have shown patients that have their cells protected in this way can exercise considerable control over blood glucose levels without the necessity for exogenous insulin.

Again, this one could realistically be hitting shelves at some point in the next few years. It is currently under investigation as part of a phase II study called T-Rex and has fast-track designation from the FDA, which will speed up the time to approval once the study is complete and regulatory submission gets underway.

Disclosure: The author has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned in this article, and does not intend to buy or sell any discussed stocks for the next 30 days.

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This article first appeared on GuruFocus.






New Orleans man indicted for murder in shaking death of his infant child
U.S President Trump speaks at CIA headquarters in Langley, Va., on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS)(Philip Rucker and John Wagner The Washington Post)
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has issued a subpoena to Donald Trump. The nine-member panel sent a letter to the former president's lawyers on Friday, demanding his testimony under oath by mid-November and outlining a series of corresponding documents. The decision by lawmakers to exercise their subpoena power comes a week after the committee made its final case against the former president, who they say is the "central cause" of the multi-part effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. It remains unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond to the subpoena, if at all.
Weather Alert

...DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT CDT TONIGHT TO 9 AM CST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Dense fog will reduce visibility to 1 NM. * WHERE...Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas, Mississippi Sound and Lake Borgne. * WHEN...From midnight CDT tonight to 9 AM CST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Low visibility will make navigation difficult. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must navigate, proceed with caution. Use proper fog signals. Make sure all running lights are on. Remember to use your radar and compass. &&
SHENANDOAH  The Iowa Court of Appeals has affirmed a Farragut mans conviction and sentence for third-degree sexual abuse, assault and lascivious acts with a child following a 2015 Fremont County jury trial.

Thomas Ingram argued that the district court abused its discretion by admitting the child victims diary into evidence. Additionally, he claimed his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance in failing to object to impermissible vouching testimony by an expert witness.

According to court documents, the state charged Ingram in September 2014 after an allegation from a 12-year-old girl.

Roughly a year later, the jury convicted Ingram and sentenced him to a maximum of 10 years in prison for the sexual abuse charge, a maximum of five years on the charge of lascivious acts with a child and a maximum of 30 days in jail for the assault charge, with credit for time served. The sentences are being served concurrently.

Ingram claims the girls diary, which was used in the trial, was hearsay and unfairly prejudicial.

A portion of the diary read: Well I dont know how to put it but here it goes, (Ingram) has been raping me. ... I want to tell (an adult) but ... she probably thinks Im lying.

The victim, who also testifed in court, said she was scared to report the abuse because Ingram had threatened to kill her family.

In the appeal, Ingram also claimed that Meghan Jones testimony about child sexual abuse, indirectly commented on (the victims) credibility because the examples she gave were close to the facts in this case.

Jones is a mental-health therapist employed by Project Harmony.

The Appeals Court ruled the use of the girls diary was not prejudicial because it showed her dislike of the abuse and her desire for the abuse to end. This allowed the jury to conclude Ingram sexually abused her by force or against her will.

The court added the testimony of Jones may arguably have walked the thin line between proper expert testimony and vouching for the credibility of the victim but did not cross the line.
The parents of a child who was sexually abused by a former Council Bluffs Community School District teacher have filed a civil lawsuit against the district and the ex-teacher for damages.

The suit alleges the district did not do enough to safeguard the child from Jeffrey Daugherty, who was sentenced in 2015 to 10 years in prison for sexual misconduct with two students. Superintendent Martha Bruckner said the district took appropriate action after the allegations surfaced.

Daughertys trial is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2018.

Daugherty, a former Thomas Jefferson High School math teacher, pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony; two charges of sexual abuse by a counselor, therapist or school employee, a Class D felony; and seven misdemeanors as part of an agreement with prosecutors.

The sentence carries no mandatory minimum.

According to court records, one involvement, with a then-14-year-old student, lasted about two months. The teacher and victim began talking, texting and communicating via Twitter about explicit acts and also exchanged multiple topless photos.

The victim told police that one evening after school Daugherty kissed her, while two other instances included the teacher touching the victims private areas. At least one of the encounters happened after school in a classroom.

The arrest affidavit also indicates the victims mother found out about the situation after finding a late-night text message from Daugherty on her daughters phone. The mother told Daugherty to stop texting her daughter.

The second victim was 17 at the time of the acts. She told detectives that she and Daugherty stayed after school in his classroom often in April of 2014.

On one occasion, she said she exposed herself to him after being asked to do so. On multiple occasions, the teen said Daugherty asked her to perform sex acts on him, and she complied. The arrest affidavit notes the victim told police she was not forced to engage in sex acts with the teacher.

Daughertys Iowa teacher certificate was permanently revoked on Jan. 14, 2016. His Nebraska initial teaching certificate was later permanently revoked, as well.

According to the lawsuit petition, the plaintiffs allege some of the email exchanges between Daugherty and the victim were through school district emails.

On one or more occasions, (the victim) reported to another teacher at T.J. of the inappropriate, negligent and/or illegal sexual conduct, that was occurring between Daugherty and the victim, the petition states.

The reports the victim made to another teacher were both in person and via email, and that teacher failed to report the information as required and instead only informed others of the conduct after law enforcement contacted that teacher, the petition reads.

On one or more occasions, a custodian at the school employed by the district walked into a room when Daugherty was engaged in illegal sexual conduct with the victim and didnt report it, according to the petition. The petition also claims the district failed to provide students, including the victim whose parents are suing, a setting that was safe, secure and free from sexual exploitation by school employees.

The district itself engaged in additional improper conduct toward the minor, the petition states, by pulling (the victim) out of classes during the school day; allowing teachers within the school to ask them questions about the rumors involving her and Daugherty ... and allowing other students within school to ask questions about the rumors.

No specific dollar amount is mentioned in the petition, but they ask for an amount that will compensate the plaintiffs for the injuries and damages they sustained, plus costs and fees the court deems just.

School district spokeswoman Diane Ostrowski issued a comment from Bruckner:

We are aware of the lawsuit and are working with legal counsel. School district administrators took immediate and appropriate action when informed of the allegations, the superintendent said. The employee was not at work in the school following the report and is no longer an employee of the school district.

Matthew Hammes, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said he could not comment on the suit because of ethical obligations.
It was like a game of hot potato  but the potato was a bag of meth.

A Winnebago, Nebraska, man on Thursday pleaded guilty to possession of meth after authorities pulled him over with 26.7 grams of narcotics. Two others in the car face similar charges after nobody agreed on whose meth officers had found.

Gordon Dick, 39, was sentenced to a suspended jail sentence of one year, ordered to complete a substance abuse evaluation, had his license suspended for 180 days and ordered to two years of probation, plus fines and fees.

According to the police report, Dick was pulled over on Interstate 29 near mile marker 70 outside of Council Bluffs on Jan. 9 because the plates on the truck he was driving didnt match.

Officers asked Dick if there were any drugs in the car, which he said he did not know  he just recently purchased the car.

While twitching noticeably, police asked Dick when was the last time he used meth, to which Dick answered a couple of weeks ago.

During a record search, police learned a warrant for his arrest came up for a theft charge and failing to appear out of Dakota County, Nebraska.

The warrant indicated Gordon has a history of drugs and violent history known to assault and inflect serious injury, the report reads.

Inside the car, police spoke with Terrell Harlan and Kellie Parker, who were found sitting next to a large bag of meth, police said.

Parker said the meth belonged to Dick. Dick said he didnt know who the meth belonged to. Harlan said Dick handed him the meth while they were being pulled over.

Harlan and Parkers arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 20. They are charged with possession with intent to deliver and are currently being held at the Pottawattamie County Jail for $130,000 bond.
Everybody came from somewhere, as nobody was born and raised here, John F. Fish said in 1914 when the elderly Wapello County pioneer sat down to visit with a local newspaper reporter.

Fish was reminiscing about Iowa in the 1830s  before statehood. It was a time when settlers from the eastern part of the United States, as well as immigrants from other countries, moved into Iowa in torrents. Many entered the territory by way of Keokuk and Burlington. At Burlington, steam ferry boats ran night and day.

The old pioneer recalled seeing acres of land on the Illinois side of the river covered with wagons, horses and cattle waiting their turn for the ferry. Although roads followed the easiest routes, at times the newcomers had to double-team to ford a stream or climb a hill.

Bridges were not plentiful. John talked about a swinging bridge held up by iron rods looped together to span the Skunk River. And there was a pontoon bridge across the Des Moines River at Raccoon Forks made by anchoring flatboats with planks laid from one boat to the other.

Those early Iowa roads were surrounded by a great moving sea of grass as far as the eye could see, Fish said.

It moved in gently rolling billows on stems bending with the breeze, he recalled. And the wild flowers threw off aromas that no perfume manufacturer could imitate.

Settlers who wanted to farm first had to burn off the thick vegetation that covered the prairie. But it could be a dangerous undertaking. Farmers had to be careful about controlling the fires, as the flames could easily spread and destroy everything for miles. Deep furrows were plowed along fences, stacks of grain and buildings to create a buffer.

Fish described a frightening experience he had when he tried clearing his land of several years dense grass. The new sprouts would give his sheep herd  numbering a couple thousand  a tasty, tender treat.

He lit a match to the old grass early one morning. Within a few minutes, Fish said the heavens and earth appeared to be ablaze. The wind rose and fanned the flames, moving the fire in the direction of a neighbor.

Quickly mounting his horse, he put spurs hard to the horses flanks and got to the neighbors farm ahead of the fire, where he managed to extinguish the flames. On his way back over the smoking prairie, he claimed he saw thousands of rattlesnakes killed by the fire laying curled up like ram horns.

Merchants and farmers transported goods by teams of horses or oxen. Farmers shipped wool, pork and hides. Merchants traveled to St. Louis to purchase goods for their stores. Steamboats plied the Des Moines River.

Sometimes the water fell before the steamboats could leave, and the crew was stuck until it rose again. They made use of their time by fishing or hunting deer, squirrels and pheasants in the Iowa woods. Other times, they helped local farmers plant their corn.

It wasnt uncommon for farmers to hold a dance and invite the crew. Sometimes, the crew held the dance aboard the boat. Everyone danced into the early morning hours.

Early Iowans loved to fish, according to Fish. Men, women and children piled into wagons. Women, who were in charge of food, brought plenty of good things to eat. The men used axes to fish, rather than poles.

Sometimes, they cut grape vines off trees, tying them together with hickory bark. Lashing brush and limbs as tightly as they could to the vines, fishermen worked for hours to make brush seines, 8 to 10 feet in diameter.

Two teams of horses, one on each end of the giant seine, started down the river. Men followed lifting the seine over obstructions. Another group of men went ahead splashing and making noise to scare the fish into the seine.

Fish said schools, built with logs and clapboard roofs, were plentiful in 1830s Iowa. Many highly educated men came from the east to teach in Iowa. McGuffeys Readers, Sanders Readers, Davies Arithmetic, Mitchells Geography and Smiths Grammar-School Speller were standard books found in most Iowa schools at the time.
Council Bluffs officials are considering a new road along the Missouri River to spur economic and recreational development.

This road in effect gives us a continuous river access, said Greg Reeder, director of the citys Public Works Department. Its an investment for our future.

Currently, people attending events at the Tom Hanafan Rivers Edge Park or at Harrahs Casino must travel back east to Interstate 29 or South 35th Street if they want to travel farther south to Ameristar Casino or other sites in that part of town, according to Reeder.

In the short time frame, though a specific timetable isnt set, the plan calls for a road west of I-29 that would connect Ninth Avenue with Nebraska Avenue to the south, Reeder said. After that, the road could perhaps be extended farther south to Veterans Memorial Highway, he added.

Besides offering a more efficient way for traveling south, this road could spur new economic development, Reeder said.

To make this project a reality, city officials have received a once in a lifetime opportunity from the Iowa Department of Transportation, which must lengthen the Union Pacific Railroad bridge over I-29 to make way for a wider interstate as part of the overall interstate reconstruction around Council Bluffs, Reeder said.

The DOT has agreed to lengthen the bridge even further to the west to allow room for this proposed two-lane river road, he said, though the city will have to pay for that further extension. Without this extension, the city would need to tunnel a connection  and its doubtful Union Pacific would agree to this, according to Reeder.

The cost for the extended bridge work is estimated at less than $3 million, and the DOT has agreed to a five-year repayment plan by the city for that work, which the DOT would pay upfront.

The DOT is more than willing to help out, according to Wendy Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Council Bluffs interstate reconstruction project.

Its definitely a good opportunity for us to coordinate together. Its a good partnership, she said.

On Monday, Reeder plans to ask the city council to approve of this reimbursement because the bridge project is scheduled for a construction bid letting in June. A formal agreement could be drafted at a later date, Reeder said.

Its a lot of money, but its also a lot of opportunity that it opens the door to, Reeder said of this road.

Plan could create economic, recreational opportunities along Missouri River
Gregg Cruickshank, superintendent of the Sidney and South Page school districts, will leave both posts in July to take a superintendent position in Nebraska.

Cruickshank will take over in Homer, Nebraska, a village southeast of Sioux City.

The superintendents new role is dependent upon the Homer school boards approval, scheduled for a Wednesday, Feb. 15 meeting, and approval by the Sidney and South Page boards to release Cruickshank from his contract.

Cruickshank has spent the past eight years in a shared position overseeing both the South Page and Sidney districts. Hes been with the Sidney Community School District for a total of 13 years  which includes his first year, as junior high principal, and four subsequent years as junior high and high school principal and superintendent before taking on the South Page Community School District duties.

If approved, Cruickshank will finish his contracts with both schools on June 30.

The Sidney board is expected to hold a special meeting Sunday, Feb. 12. Cruickshanks move will be on the South Page agenda Monday, Feb. 13, as part of its regularly scheduled meeting.

In a letter to the boards, Cruickshank noted Homer is about 12 miles from Sioux City, where his wife, Lynda, works. In an email, Cruickshank said he was the principal at the junior high and high school in Homer from 1997 to 2004. His wife took a job with her former employer two years ago, and, while the couple resides in Sidney, Lynda Cruickshank spends the work week in South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Therefore, it is an ideal location for our family, he said in the letter.

According to the Homer website, the district has 393 students and 42 certified teachers.

Cruickshank was a finalist in Clarinda last year when it was searching for a new superintendent. Afterward, South Page had explored a three-way sharing agreement with Griswold, which was seeking a new superintendent.

In April of 2016, the Sidney district decided it wasnt comfortable sharing Cruickshank with the Griswold district on top of the existing sharing agreement with the South Page district.

In July of 2016, Cruickshank submitted a resignation letter, but he reconsidered. In the letter, Cruickshank stated considerable thought and discussion with his family went into the decision. But two days later, he withdrew his resignation.

Cruickshank later proposed a reduced role with South Page, which its board approved. This year, Cruickshanks time at South Page was reduced by a day to 1.5 days per week, while he spends 2.5 days per week as Sidneys superintendent.

The restructure saved about $37,000 for South Page.

It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve the Sidney District for 13 years and the South Page District for 8 years, Cruickshank said in his letter to the Sidney and South Page boards, and to work with you and for you in your leadership roles with the respective districts.

 Nonpareil Assistant Managing Editor Scott Stewart and Tess Nelson of the BH News Service contributed to this story.
Last week, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed a de-appropriations bill, cutting roughly $117 million from the 2017 fiscal budget year  including a $3 million decline in funding for Iowa community colleges.

Iowa Western Community College President Dan Kinney said $185,000 was cut from his schools budget, and, while he anticipated the cuts, the college will still have to make changes regarding spending.

If you go back 10 years, funding for community colleges has increased 1.7 percent  and not per year. Thats over 10 years total, Kinney said. So we havent been getting a tremendous amount of support from the state of Iowa, and its had an accumulating effect on the budget.

Kinney said the college would not increase tuition this year but would instead look at eliminating 22 positions, 10 of which are expected to be faculty. While Kinney couldnt provide which departments could expect the cuts, he told KMA Radio on Thursday morning that cuts are coming through an elimination of programs  mainly arts and sciences transfer programs.

The positions the college are looking to eliminate would be effective July 1, Kinney said. Were in the preliminary plans, but were working to reduce all kinds of spending on things that we can, he added.

Iowa Western spokesman Don Kohler said the college is still working to study all the numbers and assess where to make cuts to the budget,

Once we have made our final decisions regarding cuts, it could be two months, Kohler said in an email Thursday.

Kinney said the school has also seen an increase in health care costs.

We had a 14.7 percent increase on health care premiums last year, which doesnt sound like a lot, but thats a $750,000 increase in one year, Kinney said. It has a big impact on budget.

At the end of January, Kinney said the colleges claims were 15.9 percent ahead of health insurance premiums, which could end up costing the college about $1 million.

It could slow down the next few months if employees dont use it as much and 15.9 may not be the final number, but were forecasting a million dollars for the budget next year, Kinney said.

Outside of rising healthcare costs, the school is also facing a decline in enrollment numbers.

We had predicted a 5 percent decline, Kinney said. But we had a 6.4 percent decline in the fall  most of which has been transfer arts and sciences transfer courses.

Kinney said he attributes the decline in enrollment to an advertising battle between Iowa and Iowa State that happened about three years ago.

Its had a negative effect on our enrollment, Kinney said. Some students are choosing to go to those universities directly instead of the community colleges. If we had millions of dollars, we would balance that but we dont.

Kinney recently met with legislators to talk about the de-appropriation bill and its potential impact it could have on the school. The colleges president said while the current funding situation isnt ideal, hes thankful that lawmakers were able to reduce the proposed $8.7 million to $3 million in cuts from states community colleges.

If it were three times of what it is now, we would be terminating people right now, Kinney said. Thankfully, we didnt have to do that. 
The widow of a man who died after he fell 60 feet from an overlook at The Ledges State Park near Boone during a New Years Day group hike said the state should post a warning sign near the location to warn those hiking in the area in the future of potential danger.

But The Des Moines Register reported that state park officials say no such warning will be erected there.

Dan Carlile, 63, of Ames had ventured 50 yards off the Lost Lake Trail where a Ledges State Park ranger and 100 others were taking part in a hike to celebrate the new year.

Carlile reportedly wanted to take a photograph from a location known as Solstice Rock, a bluff top rock surface that overlooks the Des Moines River. He lost his footing and fell some 60 feet to the riverbank below.

In the wake of the accident and the widows request, Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials evaluated past falls at The Ledges State Park and how modifications designed to improve visitors safety would impact visitors experiences. Their decision was to not put up any barriers or signs at the site.

Its just too important of a cultural resource to do that, Ledges State Park Manager Andy Bartlett told The Register. We are taking a look at the trail system as a whole. We will do some increased direction and warning signs to stay on designated trails.

Four hikers have fallen from the overlook in the last 19 months, but Calile was the lone fatality.

Park officials say the site has historical significance as a gathering place for Native Americans, but visitors have worn an off-trail path to it to take in the natural beauty.

The victims 18-year-old son, who was with his father on the hike, told a Des Moines television station after the accident that fencing off the location would not be appropriate because people are responsible enough to take care of themselves.

In a perfect world, yes, but we can think of a host of circumstances  not the least being a total of four falls, including one death, in 19 months  indicating ours is not a perfect world.

Park officials did say that a sign will be erected at the Lost Lake trailhead this springs that will include warnings to stay on the trail.

Its an inadequate response to a dangerous situation, one that could potentially be costly for the state.
Do we want to return to working without unions?

This is for all those who do not see the value of unions and collective bargaining.

When I started teaching in 1966, there were school districts in Iowa where I, as a single woman, would be paid less for the same position than a married man.

In 1970, when I was married and pregnant with my first child I was allowed to finish the school year because I wasnt showing a lot yet. My son wasnt due until October so I had to take a maternity leave for that year. I was not allowed to be pregnant and teach at the same time. There were no maternity or personal day benefits.

You had to lie about being ill in order to stay home with a sick child. I was docked a half day of pay when I attended my uncles funeral.

Do Iowans really want to go backward? I hope not.

Dolores Bristol, Council Bluffs
A man shot in January near Lake McConaughy was killed in self-defense, the Keith County attorney said in a statement Thursday.

Wesley Holland shot his son, Steven Holland, 44, on Jan. 19 at their home in Shady Acres near Lemoyne, Keith County Attorney Randy Fair said.

Before the shooting, Steven Holland had assaulted his mother, Marie Holland, Fair said.

Steven Holland stood in the basement brandishing a large knife, threatening to shoot and kill his mother, father and others, Fair said. Hollands father then grabbed a rifle and shot him.

Wesley acted in such a manner to protect himself and to protect his wife, Fair said.

He added that because the father acted in self-defense and defense of others, no charges will be filed.
CRETE  Plans for the development of what CSX railroad is calling a state-of-the-art intermodal freight terminal was the reason residents of the village and surrounding communities were invited Thursday to an open house at Crete-Monee High School to learn about the project and ask questions of CSX representatives.

Attendees were able to view video and picture presentations that covered such subject areas as terminal design and the environment.

"When this is constructed, this will be one of the one of the most advanced rail terminals in the world," said Louis Renjel, vice president of strategic infrastructure for CSX.

He said the project is still in the early design phase and that other meetings will be held throughout the year to gain community feedback. But if all goes according to plan and permits are in place, construction could begin early next year and the facility would likely be up and running in 2020.

He said what would take place at the facility is that the boxes tractor trailers carry would be lifted off and placed on rail cars.

"And they can actually be double-stacked, so you have two of the boxes on top of each other," Renjel said. "And that's the most efficient, environmentally friendly way to move freight."

He said the increased congestion of highways in the Chicago area has made it more difficult to move freight via trucks.

Renjel said one of the features that will make the terminal state-of-the-art is the use of zero-emission electric cranes.

He said the project would create a couple hundred construction jobs initially and then others both at the facility and in warehouses and companies that would locate themselves nearby to be in close proximity to the terminal.

He said the facility would have an average of three trains in and out a day so there would not be increased train traffic.

Crete Village President Michael Einhorn said he believes the project has all of the elements necessary to be good not just for Crete, but for the entire region.

"I'm hoping that this becomes a catalyst for additional development," Einhorn said. "The footprint that this is on is about 1,100 acres and so it should lend itself easily for additional industrial or distribution-style development."

He said the rough boundaries of the area are Crete-Monee Road on the north and Goodenow Road on the south, with about three-quarters of a mile on the west side of the tracks and another 250 acres on the east side from where the CSX main line is to where Routes 394 and 1 come together.

NWI's hope for a terminal

Northwest Indiana has long aspired to develop a full-fledged intermodal rail yard like the one CSX wants to build in Crete.

A decade ago, CSX officials confirmed they were on the hunt for a site for an intermodal facility to be located somewhere in Northwest Indiana and city of LaPorte officials confirmed Norfolk Southern railroad was interested in a site west of their city.

But CSX eventually built an intermodal yard in New North Baltimore, Ohio, and not in Northwest Indiana. The Norfolk Southern facility LaPorte officials talked about never materialized.

LaPorte County officials continue to work on enticing companies in need of intermodal freight service to the 1,000 acre Kingsbury Industrial Park. The site is served by CSX and the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad.

Resident reaction

Among those who attended the open house was Crete resident David Bruns. He was familiar with the project but came to learn more.

"There's so much on social media you don't know what's true and what's false," Bruns said.

He said he believes the terminal will be good for the area in terms of helping with the tax base and creating jobs.

"Like with any project, there's good and bad," Bruns said. "You can't please everybody."
MUNSTER  Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District officials faced a skeptical and at times hostile audience during a meeting Friday morning on the West Lake Corridor station proposed for Ridge Road and Manor Avenue.

If you disagree with whats being said, Town Council President Joseph Simonetto said at one point, then come up to the microphone (and speak). Were here to get information. Attendees had plenty of information to give him and NICTD officials, namely that the train station isnt welcome, particularly where NICTD is currently looking at putting it. About 50 people attended the session.

NICTD President Michael Noland fielded plenty of questions as to why NICTD abandoned a proposed site behind Lake Business Center in favor of the Ridge Road location. Although there were environmental issues on-site NICTD ultimately decided not to go behind the business center because of cost. A station on that site would have to be elevated because of the existing Canadian National train tracks, he said.

Again and again people said they were frustrated with the conflicting information theyre getting. Resident Pam Eames said at one point she and others would be filing a Freedom of Information Act so as to gain access to emails between NICTD and town officials.

Quality of life and property values were also at the heart of residents concerns. When council member John Reed said statistics show that home values go up once mass transit goes in, the audience clearly didnt believe him.

I love Munster, said resident Sue Davis. Its a great community. I hope itll stay that way. However, Davis and others opined that bringing a commuter station would negatively impact the town. They say they feel traffic and property values will be negatively impacted and the new train could be accompanied by a rise in crime.

The West Lake Corridor extension would consist of a 9-mile branch off the main South Shore Line running from just north of downtown Hammond to the north side of Dyer. Officials hope to have trains running on it by 2022.

Reed said he feels a commuter station would have a positive (impact) on Munster, an opinion he acknowledged is not very popular. But the town is, and should be, looking to the future.

For millennials, public transportation is very important, Reed said.

Commuter rail is a way to attract professionals who work in Chicago and would likely prefer having a train station close to where they live, he said. Reed told of a friend who has an $800,000 home in Burr Ridge and pays high taxes within a school system not as highly rated as Munsters. Reed asked him why he wouldn't move to a place like Munster.

When I asked him he said that they both work in Chicago and a train station is five minutes from their house.

Residents had converged on the Town Council during its Monday meeting to present a resolution they asked the council to adopt. The citizen-generated resolution is far-reaching, covering everything from quiet zones, barrier walls, parking and parking lot fencing as well as compensation to all residents within a quarter mile of the West Lake Corridor Extension station and tracks for any loss in property value they suffer.

Council members ultimately decided to move the resolution to a future study session.

The question of whether or not the matter should be put to referendum came up more than once. Residents seemed solidly for it.
WASHINGTON  Kellyanne Conway, the high-profile White House counselor, has come under fire from Democratic and Republican lawmakers, fact checkers and the media. But she's so far maintained the support of her boss, President Donald Trump.

Trump backed Conway both publicly and privately Thursday after House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, criticized her for promoting Ivanka Trump's fashion line during a television appearance and urged the Office of Government Ethics to review the matter.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Conway had been "counseled" on her comments, but he would not expand on what that entailed.

The president appeared to take issue with his own press secretary's depiction, telling staff that he believed it was unfair to Conway and made it sound like she was in trouble, according to a person with direct knowledge of his comments.

A White House spokeswoman said that while Trump didn't see Conway's television comments urging people to buy Ivanka Trump's products, he believed she was "merely sticking up" for his daughter after Nordstrom dropped her fashion line.

The flare-up came in the midst of a rough stretch for Conway, who is among Trump's most visible advisers.

Her reference to a nonexistent "Bowling Green massacre" made her a punchline for comics and internet pranksters. She said it was a slip of the tongue as she was describing the 2011 arrest of two Iraqi nationals in a failed plot to send weapons overseas to al-Qaida. It was later discovered that she had made that misstatement before.

Conway was then caught up in the bad blood between the Trump administration and CNN. The news network was angered last weekend when Vice President Mike Pence made the rounds of Sunday talk shows and pointedly left out Jake Tapper's CNN show. CNN said it "passed" when Conway was offered instead, while Conway said she was unable to appear.

Conway's high-profile and close relationship with Trump has created tension with some other advisers. One Trump associate said Conway's standing with some senior staff had been hurt by her recent missteps, though the person noted that her relationship with the president remained strong.

The Trump associate and the person with knowledge of the president's comments about Conway insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss internal matters.

Conway's sales pitch for Ivanka Trump was particularly notable in that it sparked a rebuke from Chaffetz, a Republican who until now has not questioned the young administration on ethical matters. Chaffetz said Conway's actions were "wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable."

The Utah congressman and the ranking Democrat on the committee, Elijah Cummings of Maryland, jointly asked for the ethics review. The Office of Government Ethics advises federal employees on such issues but is not an enforcement agency; enforcement falls to Congress, the General Accounting Office, the FBI, various inspectors general and others, OGE noted on Twitter. Ultimately, it is up to Trump to punish employees for ethics infractions.

While Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are not subject to ethical regulations and laws for federal employees, Conway, who is a counselor to the president, is. Among the rules: An employee shall not use his or her office "for the endorsement of any product, service or enterprise."

"For whatever reason, the White House staff evidently believes that they are protected from the law the same way the president and vice president are," said Stuart Gilman, a former special assistant to the director of OGE.

In addition to the House Oversight Committee, two liberal-funded government watchdog groups pounced on Conway's comments, filing ethics violation complaints with OGE. A third group, the Project on Government Oversight, asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions to open a Justice Department investigation.

Nordstrom reiterated Wednesday that its decision to drop Ivanka Trump's brand was based on its performance, not politics. The company said sales of her items had steadily declined over the past year, particularly in the last half of 2016, "to the point where it didn't make good business sense for us to continue with the line for now."

___

Associated Press writers David Bauder, Anne D'Innocenzio and Matthew Ott in New York, Michelle Price in Salt Lake City, Catherine Lucey and Chad Day in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC and Julie Bykowicz at http://twitter.com/bykowicz
GARY  An East Chicago man was killed and a Gary woman was wounded in a shooting early Friday in Gary's Horace Mann neighborhood, officials said.

AJonte J. Griffin, 36, died in the 300 block of McKinley Street, according to the Lake County coroner's office.

Officers responded to the area about 1:35 a.m. for a report of shots fired and found the two victims, police said.

The 29-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital, police said.

Griffin was pronounced dead at 2:53 a.m. at the scene, a coroner's release said. His death was ruled a homicide.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Kristopher Adams, of the Lake County/Gary Metro Homicide Unit, at 219-755-3855. To remain anonymous, call 866-CRIME-GP.
SCHERERVILLE  Against a backdrop of floral arrangements and crystal luminaries, couples from throughout the Calumet Region will again say their I dos during Valentines Day weddings at Alberts Diamond Jewelers.

Now in its 19th year, the Valentines Day nuptials take place from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Schererville location, 711 Main St.

The tradition of Valentines Day weddings honors the Feb. 14, 1968 wedding of Fred and Donna Halpern and dates back to when the couple decided to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at the Alberts store they owned, then in East Chicago.

Their invitation for other couples to join them and get married that same day sparked the annual nuptials and renewal of vows, said Josh Halpern, the couples son and president of Alberts Diamond Jewelers.

We currently have 15 weddings planned. Our goal is to host about 20 of them, said Natalie Mora of Alberts who helps redesign the store into a decorated chapel. Two magistrates will officiate at the ceremonies that take place every 15 to 20 minutes.

The wedding event is to give back to the community and our customers, she said. There is no expense to get married at Albert's. Couples are welcome to bring as many family and friends as they would like to join in their celebration.

Champagne and a small cake will be presented to each couple after the ceremony.

Area businesses donate everything for the weddings and renewal of vows, Mora said.

Monarch Florist of Schererville provides the floral decor as well as the rose bouquets for the brides and grooms boutonnieres. The cakes are baked fresh and donated by Ultra Foods of Highland.

Videographer Dave Ervin, of Ervin Video Services in Schererville, and photographer Bernie Zemen, from Timeless Images Photography in Highland, volunteer every year to capture the special day, she said. The ceremonies will also be presented on Facebook Live for those who cannot make it to the store.

Other community businesses pitch in to support the stores tradition, Mora said. This year, Eco Chic Boutique of Dyer is offering 10 percent off wedding gowns for those getting married at Alberts

All couples need to get married here is a Lake County, Indiana marriage license, Mora said.

Times are still available to get married this Valentines Day at Alberts Diamond Jewelers. Couples can fill out an application online at http://www.albertsjewelers.com/say-i-do-at-alberts.

For more information call 219 322-2700.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP  A Minnesota man who died Thursday morning along the Indiana Toll Road may have lost control of his semitrailer due to a medical emergency, a preliminary Indiana State Police investigation has found.

John A. James, 57, of Foley, Minnesota, was westbound about 11:45 a.m. along the Toll Road when his semitrailer went off the roadway to the left, through a grassy median and across both eastbound lanes, state police said in a news release.

The semitrailer then went through a guard rail on the south side and down an embankment before coming to a rest against some trees, the release stated.

The driver may have experienced a medical emergency that caused him to lose control, state police said. A state trooper arrived and began chest compressions on James until emergency medical personnel arrived, according to state police. James was pronounced dead at the scene by the Porter County coroner.

A family member was in the semi when the incident occurred. Family has been notified, police said.

Porter County Coroner Chuck Harris said in a release his office is working with the Indiana State Police on the investigation. Cause of death is pending on autopsy and toxicology reports, he said.
Any mode of hoisting the debt-plagued Gary public school system from the depths of fiscal and functional disaster must come from a bipartisan lifeline from the highest levels of state government.

We're glad to see key Republicans and Democrats working together to weave such a rescue line.

State Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, is a seasoned lawmaker widely known as the General Assembly's fiscal guru. Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Merrillville, is a freshman legislator whose district squarely encompasses the financial disaster that is Gary schools.

Those two lawmakers are joining forces in co-sponsoring legislation that would have a state-appointed emergency manager take over the debt-ridden school district. The manager would be able to take a more reasoned approach toward eliminating the late vendor payments, delayed payrolls, annual operating deficit and $101 million debt burden of the troubled school district.

Under Senate Bill 567, the Indiana Distressed Unit Appeals Board would appoint an emergency manager and chief financial officer to supplant the elected school trustees on all financial issues for up to five years.

It's become very clear throughout the years that the existing power structure of Gary schools can't get the job done.

Some of that can be blamed squarely on politics, but the challenge also is exceptionally steep.

Sometimes the only way to solve a massive perennial problem is recruiting a fresh, outside perspective not bound by local politics and unafraid to make tough decisions.

Under the Kenley-Melton bill, a three-person fiscal management board  with members appointed by the school trustees, Gary mayor and state superintendent of public instruction  could advise the state manager.

This would allow school officials to voice their suggestions while still allowing the manager, who would answer to the distressed unit board, to make the necessary and tough decisions.

Gary schools Trustee Nellie Moore and Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson have endorsed the plan of a state financial takeover.

A school board-appointed financial specialist has been in place for the past two years, and the books remain unbalanced.

In the meantime, students' future prospects, exceptionally reliant on quality education, are suffering.

Melton is correct when he refers to Gary schools' dire situation as an "unprecedented financial crisis."

The bipartisan effort seeking to change that deserves all of our support.
INDIANAPOLIS  Republican Vice President Mike Pence had a pretty bad day at the Statehouse Thursday, despite being nowhere near the building he worked at until last month as Indiana's governor.

On the second floor, Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb issued executive orders declaring a state of emergency in East Chicago due to lead contamination and pardoning Keith Cooper for a 1997 Elkhart robbery that he did not commit.

Pence had repeatedly refused to act on either of those issues while running for national office during his final year as governor, despite widespread criticism from Hoosiers and individuals across the country.

Holcomb also used the one-month anniversary of his swearing-in to scuttle a controversial Pence deal with an out-of-state company to lease state-owned cell phone towers and fiber optic lines to pay for bicentennial-related events and buildings.

On the third floor, the Republican-controlled House enthusiastically voted to override Pence vetoes on legislation the former governor claimed would limit the state's ability to maintain clean drinking water and preserve government transparency.

House Enrolled Act 1082, re-approved 65-29, would prohibit state environmental regulations that are more stringent than corresponding federal regulations from taking effect until after the next annual session of the General Assembly has adjourned.

House Enrolled 1022, re-approved 93-2, deems most but not all records of private university police departments are subject to disclosure under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act.

House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said he believes Pence would support the overrides, since the water issues in Flint, Michigan, and open records dispute at the University of Notre Dame that prompted his vetoes now are less pressing.

Bosma vigorously denied a Statehouse rumor that Pence had been calling individual Hoosier lawmakers in recent days and lobbying them to sustain his vetoes.

"Quite frankly, he has a lot bigger fish to fry right now than worrying about these two bills," Bosma said.

The Republican-controlled Senate next week is expected to similarly produce a majority vote to override Pence's vetoes and thereby enact both proposals into law despite his objections.

House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, declared afterward that Pence's legacy as governor is over, and probably quicker than any of his 49 predecessors.

"He's left and gone to Washington, and we're already on to a new day," Pelath said.
What started as double vision for St. John teen Vince Bossi has led to a rare virus.

After 18 months we finally have a diagnosis, said Lisa Bossi, Vinces mother. Vince has VZV. This virus is a shingles virus and attacks the central nervous system. The doctors at Mayo Clinic, Columbia University in New York and Denver are concerned this may be a new mutation.

VZV stands for varicella-zoster virus. They refer to it as Vinces Virus because it is the first case Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has seen. It is also one of the few cases known.

Vince has not been able to walk since December  nor can he roll over in bed or sit up on his own.

Vince also has been diagnosed with Mollarets Meningitis, a form of recurrent aseptic meningitis, which has caused him to lose his hearing.

We will be looking into very cool hearing aids at the end of this journey, Lisa Bossi said.

Vince started experiencing symptoms in December 2015. By March 2016, Vinces care was under University of Illinois in Chicago. Because Vince tested negative for countless tests such as leukemia, autoimmune disease, etc., the hospital decided to treat Vince as if he had CVID  common variable immune disorder. He was treated for meningitis as well. By July, he was taking 39 pills a day.

Between July and December there were times that he seemed to be getting better. But he started losing his ability to walk and we couldnt figure out why. He began to have a lot of back pain. By December he couldnt get out of a chair by himself  we just kept seeing him go downhill, Lisa said.

On the morning of Dec. 27, after a long night of Vince crying in pain, Lisa decided to drive Vince to Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

They saw us in the ER, but said they no longer admit patients who are under the care of another hospital through the ER. I told them I wanted to speak with a supervisor because I was not going to drive back to Chicago to get a referral. I wasn't leaving until Vince was admitted, Lisa said.

Lisas mother, Ola Jones, of Merrillville, said this has been one of the toughest experiences in her life.

We are so thankful for the diagnosis, but its a tough time right now with everything that hes been through. You pray for God to give you strength to accept it and it is hard to accept, Jones said. But we do have to be thankful that we got to the Mayo Clinic in time to make a difference. And hopefully this will make a difference in other people's lives.

Vince has another nine to 12 weeks of intense therapy at Mayo Clinic.

The neurology team said they think its possible that he will walk again, Lisa said. Vince was there when the doctor said that and he said, I WILL walk again. The doctor said, I love this kid!

Lisa and Vinces father, Frank Bossi, are divorced. But every week they take turns being with Vince at Mayo Clinic and caring for Vinces older brother, Anthony, in St. John. Unfortunately, all time off by Vinces parents are unpaid.

Lisa and Jones are both overwhelmed by the communitys support.

Centier Bank has been very loving and supportive as well as the Hammond Fire Department. They are going above and beyond, said Lisa, vice president at Centier Bank. Frank is a fireman.

Because Vince is considered a freshman at Lake Central, the students held a fundraiser and raised $700 last month. His brother is a senior at Lake Central.

The St. John Chamber of Commerce is holding a benefit for Vince from 6 to 10 p.m. March 15 at Andorra Banquets in Schererville. Visit stjohnchamber.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Those interested in helping Vince and his family can visit www.gofundme.com/lighten-lisas-load.
The city's airports are back up and running after coming to a standstill Thursday.

Around 650 flights were canceled at LaGuardia Airport out of concern for the weather, while hundreds of others were also grounded JFK and Newark.

That forced many travelers to spend the night inside the busy travel hubs.

Even though getting stuck at an airport can be an exhausting ordeal, we spoke with one flyer on his way to Charlotte, North Carolina who had a more positive outlook.

"It was a very good experience because you meet people from all over the world just in the same situation as you. You just happen to find common things to talk about. I mean, people of different ages and different places. That was a great experience," said the flyer.

If you're flying today, airport officials are urging you to check to make sure your flight has not been delayed or canceled.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  US appeals court refuses to reinstate President Trump's ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations.

Three federal judges unanimously rejected the Justice Department's arguments that the president's authority on immigration policy is his discretion alone, with no authority for review by the courts.

The panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said there's no precedent to support that notion, which "runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy.''



The judges noted that Washington state and Minnesota had raised serious allegations about religious discrimination in President Donald Trump's ban on seven predominantly Muslim countries.



The president reacted to the decision Thursday night:

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 9, 2017

It is likely that the Justice Department will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

That could run the risk of having only eight justices to hear the case, which could produce a tie and leave the lower-court ruling in place.

Josh Blackman, a professor at South Texas College of Law in Houston, said, "There's a distinct risk in moving this too quickly. But we're not in a normal time, and Donald Trump is very rash. He may trump, pardon the figure of speech, the normal rule.''



Trump's order, which he signed Jan. 27, had banned entry to the United States by residents of seven Muslim-majority countries  Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen  for 90 days.

The executive order had also banned U.S. entry of those fleeing war-torn Syria indefinitely, and had banned the admission of all refugees for the next four months.

Last week, U.S. District Judge James Robert in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order, halting the measure after Washington State and Minnesota sued.

Saturday, the Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to set aside a judge's order that temporarily blocked the ban.

The federal government's request for an emergency stay was filed Saturday night with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The administration on Saturday moved to suspend enforcement of the travel ban as the Justice Department readied its legal challenge.

Donald Trump had lashed out at Robart on Twitter, calling him a "so-called judge."



The court countered Thursday that no one from the countries committed a terror attack in the United States.

In a 29-page decision, they write: "the Government has not offered any evidence or even an explanation of how the national security concerns that justified those designations, which triggered visa requirements, can be extrapolated to justify an urgent need for the Executive Order to be immediately reinstated."

"We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake," Trump disagreed Thursday night, in an audio recording. "And it's a very serious situation, so we look forward, as I just said, to seeing them in court."

Opponents of the ban had said the ban unconstitutionally discriminated against Muslims.

The court decided to put aside consideration of that hot-button issue.

Instead, they ruled that travelers  even non-American citizens  were denied due process before travel, like a hearing.

"We are a nation of laws and as I have said, as we have said, from Day One, that those laws apply to everybody in our country, and that includes the president of the United States," Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson said.

Other states joined Washington State in the suit, including New York State.

Even before Thursday's ruling, Trump's legal setbacks had him unleashing criticism against the legal system.

That prompted accusations he is violating the traditional separation of powers.

Even his nominee to the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, called it "disheartening and demoralizing."

It's unclear whether Gorsuch will be on the nation's highest bench in time to potentially weigh an argument against the man who nominated him.

Meanwhile, reactions to the decision are pouring in, divided along predictable lines  even from Trump's rival in November's election:
Uganda plans to secure a $1.9 billion loan from Chinas Exim bank to build a railway network and restore the country's cheaper transport system.

Officials from the ministry of finance and those from the Lands ministry will soon be heading to China to negotiate the funding, which will be used to finance the construction of the Kenya-Uganda Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line, an official from SGR said recently.

Kasingye Kyamugambi, the project coordinator, said negotiations between the government and Exim bank have been going on for some time but there have been issues that the bank wanted Uganda to iron out before the funds are released. He did not specify what those issues were.

Kyamugambi further explained that Exim had asked for business feasibility plans so as to enable the project to start.

Negotiations have been going on for long; we expect to borrow 85 per cent of the $2.3 billion to start the Malaba - Kampala part. I know people are asking when we will start the project, but we will answer that when we come back from Exim Bank, he said.

Kyabagambi explained that the Naivasha-Kisumu- Malaba-Kampala route must be completed within 42 months. These months will start when Exim and the Uganda government reach financial closure and the funds released.

Workers lay rails of the Standard Gauge Railway on the Kenya side

President Yoweri Museveni has on several occasions said that once the railway line is complete, most of the transportation challenges that Ugandan traders face will drastically reduce. The railway line will also save Ugandas poor road network from being further dilapidated since more goods will be coming into the country via rail, and not by road as is the case.

Museveni believes road transport brings challenges such as delays. With rail, movement of goods will be faster, timely and cheaper. Kyamugambi said Uganda can only get into upper middle- income status by 2040 if the economy shifts to export- oriented trade, and from being dependent on imports.

If you want an economic turnaround, as government, you have to bring down the cost of doing business. A country like China is farther from America or Germany than Uganda but it still exports to USA yet its goods are cheaper than those from Uganda, he said.

He added: We want to see that when the SGR is complete, we will have a competitive transport tariff that will lower the costs of transport to be the same as Chinas or United Kingdoms.

UGANDA SLOW

The business community and other stakeholders feel that Uganda is dragging her feet while countries such as Kenya have done substantial works on the first phase between the port of Mombasa and Nairobi.

In December last year, the Kenyan government announced that the Mombasa- Nairobi SGR civil works of 472-kilometre stretch that cost Kshs 327bn in addition to Kshs 15bn on land acquisitions, were 98 per cent complete.

However, Kyabagambi said Uganda is not too late as Kenya embarks on the Nairobi- Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba stretch. Uganda will also start the MalabaKampala route after completing compensation of the people along the route.

If you do Malaba-Kampala and you finish when there is no connectivity with the Kenyan side, we would have not achieved what we want; many people have been saying Kenya has done their part, but it is not possible to connect when you start from here, he said.

justuslyatuu08@gmail.com
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE  The Air Force says an unarmed Minuteman 3 missile has been launched from Californias central coast in the latest test of the intercontinental system.

The missile blasted off at 11:39 p.m. Wednesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base northwest of Los Angeles.

The Air Force says the missile carried test re-entry vehicles that headed for a target area 4,200 miles away to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

The Air Force routinely uses Vandenberg to test Minuteman missiles from bases around the country.

This test involved personnel from Vandenbergs 576th Flight Test Squadron and the 91st Missile Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.
SACRAMENTO  Californias new attorney general is seeking re-election next year as lawmakers and Gov. Jerry Brown look to the states top law enforcement official as a shield against some Trump administration policies.

Xavier Becerra made his re-election bid official on Thursday, less than a month after taking over the office.

Becerra, of Los Angeles, promised to defend Californias forward-leaning values against what he called the presidents unconstitutional and un-American executive orders that shouldnt see the light of day.

He noted his parents, who immigrated from Mexico, once faced discrimination that he vowed to combat.

Brown appointed Becerra to complete the term of fellow Democrat Kamala Harris after she was elected to the U.S. Senate.

He previously told state lawmakers he intended to run for a full term in 2018.
SANTA ANA  A man convicted of stabbing another man to death in a Tustin park was sentenced Friday to 56-years-to-life in prison.

Robert Jesus Wilson, 53, during his sentencing at the Santa Ana courthouse, continued to claim that he acted in self-defense when he plunged a blade into 39-year-old Robert Carranzas neck during a 2015 confrontation at Frontier Park.

I acted instinctively to defend myself, Wilson told Orange County Superior Court Judge Gregg L. Prickett. He was a tough guy. This wasnt a little kid coming at me. He was dangerous.

Prickett was unmoved, noting that jurors had disregarded Wilsons self-defense argument by finding him guilty of second-degree murder.

There had been an altercation between the men, who apparently didnt know one another. During the trial, jurors were shown surveillance video depicting one man stabbing another before fleeing on a bicycle.

Wilsons sentence was extended significantly because of two previous violent-crime convictions for assaulting a police officer and for making criminal threats.

Carranzas family described their loved one as big-hearted.

He was the rock in the family, said Adriana Carranza, one of Robert Carranzas daughters. I love my father. I love him with every bit of my broken heart. And I miss him every day.

Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com
BEIRUT  Syrias fronts are on fire despite a cease-fire reached in December between the rebels and the government.

Though the two sides sat face-to-face in the Kazakh capital of Astana a month later, the government has pressed offensives against rebels around the capital, Damascus, and recently escalated its air campaigns in Homs and Idlib.

The wars January toll  some 2,000 dead, about a third of them civilians, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group  is the lowest it has been in four years. But that may be because the government wrapped up operations for Aleppo, the countrys largest city, last year.

Rebels, for their part, struck at government positions in central Hama province, though they have been mostly occupied by infighting in Idlib that calls into question the direction of their insurrection.

In the midst of all this, Islamic State has renewed its crusade for the remote eastern city of Deir el-Zour, while holding onto the culturally cherished site of Palmyra. At the same time, Turkish troops and the rival Syrian military are both closing in on the Islamic State-held town of al-Bab, as U.S.-backed Kurdish forces bear down on the extremists self-declared capital, Raqqa.

Though small and out of the way, al-Bab is shaping up to be the weather vane for the rest of the conflict as the U.N. plans to convene Syria peace talks in Geneva on Feb. 20.

The government and rebels have converged on the town with clashes breaking out between the two sides for the first time on Thursday. Separately, a Russian airstrike killed three Turkish troops in what Russia said was an accident. It is now up to Turkey, Russia and Iran to demonstrate whether they can mediate a stable outcome for the town, or whether the front will dissolve into open warfare. Turkey is backing the rebels and has deployed several thousand troops to fight Islamic State in al-Bab, while Russia and Iran support the governments side.

Heres a look at the fighting around Syria:

Damascus

Despite a rebel ultimatum delivered in Astana against further aggression around the capital, Syrian government forces along with Lebanons Hezbollah militant group pressed on with an offensive against rebels holding Damascuss primary water source, and defeated them one week later. About 2,000 rebels, opposition activists and their families chose exile from the Barada valley rather than remaining under government authority.

This has become the hallmark of the governments strategy  to squeeze its opponents through siege then offer them exile. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes from bombardment across the country, with thousands more fleeing to northwestern Idlib province instead of submitting to government rule. Opponents call the strategy forced displacement.

Government forces have also intensified their assault on the eastern Ghouta region outside Damascus. Home to some 400,000 people, the area has hardly seen a day without fighting since the rebels expelled the government in 2012. The government justifies its attacks, saying those areas include fighters from the al-Qaida branch in Syria, although the rebels deny that.

Rebel factions are fighting back with tank, artillery, and other heavy weapons fire.

Idlib

This province in northwestern Syria is now almost entirely under rebel control and has been overwhelmed by hundreds of thousands of people displaced by fighting there and elsewhere.

But it is hardly safe. Multinational aircraft are constantly raiding the province, striking al-Qaida-linked rebels as well as civilian positions. U.S. coalition aircraft are believed to have killed more than 100 al-Qaida-linked fighters on the last day of Barack Obamas presidency, according to the Pentagon, while government or Russian aircraft are believed to be behind a string of raids on the provincial capital, also called Idlib, that killed at least 26 civilians and more than a dozen militants earlier this week, according to the Observatory.

Rebels, meanwhile, are fighting one another in the province as they divide into competing camps over whether to engage in the diplomatic process in Geneva and Kazakhstan. On the one side are groups aligned with the al-Qaida-linked affiliate, Fatah al-Sham, while on the other are an array of Western- and Turkish-backed rebels, led by the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham.

Central Syria

Pro-government forces have intensified their bombardment of al-Waer, the only enclave for the opposition in the countrys third-largest city, Homs. Nine people were killed in shelling and airstrikes on Wednesday, according to local activists. Osama Abu Zeid, a resident, said he believes the government is trying to force the neighborhood to surrender and activists like him into exile.

Rebels, meanwhile, are raiding towns and villages loyal to the government in neighboring Hama province.

Islamic State territory

Islamic State seized Palmyra and its ancient ruins on Dec. 11 and has maintained its grip on it ever since. It has gone so far as to threaten the governments position at the strategic T4 air base in central Syria, but the military has so far stood up to the test. The group has seized and destroyed several natural gas fields and facilities, with consequences for the national economy for years to come.

The extremists also stepped up their campaign for Deir el-Zour, which has been under siege since 2015, and for a nervous two weeks in January forced the U.N. food agency to abandon its air drops due to safety fears. The U.N. estimates more than 90,000 civilians are trapped inside. Government troops and loyal militias are fighting back.

With the U.N. planning to convene peace talks in Geneva on Feb. 20, hopes for success hinge on the intentions of the three powers closest to the conflict  Turkey, Russia and Iran  who together pledged to guarantee the tenuous cease-fire.

And nowhere will their intentions crystallize more clearly than in al-Bab, where each side has a stake Turkey fighting alongside the Syrian rebels, and Russia and Iran backing the Syrian government and allied Shiite militias.

The outcome in al-Bab  whether it is ultimately taken by the government or the rebels, and whether the front between the two sides stabilizes or dissolves into all-out warfare  will set the direction of future talks and any settlement.
c.2017 New York Times News Service

(Web Summary: Human rights groups have criticized the situation at camps after protests and three deaths during cold weather.)

ATHENS, Greece  Human rights groups stepped up their warnings Thursday about the living conditions for migrants in Greece after three people died during a recent cold snap on the Aegean island of Lesbos, and as dozens of asylum seekers near Athens threatened to resume a hunger strike if the situation did not improve.

The European Commission criticized Greece last month for an untenable situation at its refugee camps amid worsening weather, and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Amnesty International and other aid groups have previously expressed alarm about facilities across Greece, including those at Elliniko, a camp near Athens, and on Lesbos.

More than 1 million migrants have passed through Greece in the last two years, and the country has been stretched to its limits in trying to simultaneously cope with the huge influx and an economy that was teetering long before the arrival of the asylum seekers.

The approval this week of 3.9 million euros ($4.15 million) in emergency funds from the European Union will help, but with around 62,000 migrants effectively trapped in Greece at the moment, it will not be nearly enough to resolve a situation that has defied attempts to control it.

The conditions at Elliniko are difficult, Roland Schoenbauer of the U.N. refugee agency said of the site near Athens that was once home to the Greek capitals international airport. This is not a camp that was made to house human beings for an extended period.

Migrants at Elliniko have been living in flimsy tents for more than a year, and a group of around 30 people started refusing food and trying to block deliveries to the site over the weekend to protest living conditions, according to aid workers. They have since started eating again but are threatening an open-ended hunger strike if conditions are not improved.

On Lesbos, severe overcrowding at the main camp has meant that hundreds of migrants have been forced to live in tents for the past several months. Three people died in one week in January, when cold weather swept across the island and covered tents in snow.
BREIL-SUR-ROYA, France  The house, if you can call it that, is nearly impossible to find. Unless you happen to be a migrant  then you probably know the place. And, by word of mouth, its owner.

A self-ascribed extreme leftist with the requisite beard and unruly ponytail, Cdric Herrou  once an auto mechanic, then a steeplejack  is now technically an olive farmer, living out of a crumbling, 19th-century cottage in the middle of nowhere, on a rocky incline high above a riverbed. But Herrous focus is no longer the picholines that grow on his trees. These days, what matters are the migrants.

For the past two years, Herrou, 37, has continually defied French authorities by shepherding undocumented migrants across the Italian border and onto his hillside farm: as many as 60, he says, have stayed on his land at one time, some after knocking on his door in the dead of night. Herrou, like other good Samaritans in Britain and Scandinavia, is now on trial accused of helping undocumented foreigners enter, move about and reside in France  and facing a possible sentence of five years in prison as well as a fine of 30,000 euros ($32,000) if convicted. On Friday, he will learn his fate.

As France struggles to navigate the tidal wave of migration that has crashed onto European shores in recent years, the case of this obscure mechanic-turned-farmer has electrified a nation that has remained comparatively inhospitable to refugees. At its core is an uncomfortable question about the moral obligations of French citizenship. In times like these, does being French mean following the letter of the law, which indeed prohibits undocumented foreigners? Or does it mean upholding the lofty, humanitarian values of the French republic in spite of its laws?

Herrou  and the thousands who have rallied to his defense across the country  insist on the latter. As was widely reported in French media during his trial last month, he responded to a judge who asked him in court why he had helped migrants across the border with a simple phrase.

I am a Frenchman, Herrou said.

Theres much to criticize about it today, but France is a country with values that are beautiful  the rights of man, the protection of children, and the social welfare we have, Herrou said in an interview Wednesday, sitting on the terrace of his cottage, sipping coffee he made in his alfresco kitchen. All of which we are in the process of losing.

He was brandishing a sizzling skillet in front of the last of the migrants staying on his land: Mohamed, 19, from Sudan, who made his way into Libya and across the central Mediterranean to Lampedusa and then onto the Italian mainland. Herrou found Mohamed wandering in the valley earlier in the week and had quickly taken him in.

I worry about this one, Herrou said. He doesnt eat much.

Typically, Herrou said, he collects migrants from a church in nearby Ventimiglia, Italy, where many  most often from sub-Saharan Africa  live in a squalid camp along a set of abandoned train tracks outside of town. Then he drives them across the French border in the same beat-up blue van he uses on the farm.

Entry into France tends to be safer on the back roads than through the train stations, where  in spectacles eerily reminiscent of the hunts for Jewish stowaways during World War II  French police repeatedly stop and comb trains for migrants without the right papers.

This is precisely what happened Tuesday afternoon at the Menton-Garavan station, the last stop in France before the Italian border. A squadron of the French National Police flanked Cheick Isaac Binate, 21, from Ivory Coast, on the platform and deposited him on the 3:40 p.m. train for Ventimiglia.

Dont you worry! Binate screamed as the officers shoved him on the train and waited for it to pull out of the station.

All of the officers involved declined to comment.

Once on the Italian side, Binate  who had also arrived in Europe via Libya and Lampedusa  said he crossed the French border late Sunday night, with hopes of making it to the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, to find his aunt. The French police had caught him in Nice earlier on Tuesday, attempting to board a Paris-bound train with papers that had expired in mid-November.

When he struggled with the officers, Binate said, one of them struck him over the head, leaving a bloody gash, which he bent over to show. I had a positive idea of France, the country of human rights, of legality, he said. But theres nothing to see of that here. Even still, he vowed to try again.

Back on the French side of the border, Herrou scoffed at the notion that many now consider him a hero.

Im not doing this for the money or the material benefit. When you dont live for that, the notion of your house and my house being somehow separate doesnt apply, he said.

Herrou sees the problem on the border as less about a society shutting its doors on foreigners than about people willing to tolerate indecency beyond the scope of their immediate concerns.

Everyone should go out in the streets and try to solve whatever problems they see, he said. Thats what democracy is. Its not staying at home and sharing things on Facebook. Its positioning ourselves to live better together.

And if we have to fight against the state to do it, then we have an obligation to do so.
Reports of arrests by federal immigration agents in Southern California on Thursday sparked an outcry from civil rights groups and politicians, heightening fears that President Donald Trump is moving forward with a promised crackdown on illegal immigration.

Protesters marched in downtown Los Angeles to demonstrate against the arrests, blocking streets and disrupting traffic after reports that federal agents had detained as many as 100 undocumented immigrants across the greater L.A. area

But officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement disputed those numbers and said that any arrests this week were part of routine enforcement operations.

Deportation officers conduct enforcement actions every day around the country and here in Southern California, ICE spokeswoman Lori Haley said. To that end, ICEs routine immigration enforcement actions are ongoing.

Immigration-rights groups said they were alerted Thursday morning by credible sources that ICE had conducted sweeps in homes in at least five locations  Van Nuys, San Bernardino, Downey, Santa Paula and Oxnard.

ICE conducts these types of operation every single day, said Jorge-Maria Cabrera, communications director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. But this is business as usual on steroids.

A number of immigrants had been detained and were being taken to the downtown ICE office, Cabrera said. He added that when protesters arrived at the detention center Thursday, they saw several vans and buses filled with people, who they believed had already been processed for deportation.

By late Thursday, activists and immigration attorneys were still trying to figure out the extent of the raids, as well as who they had targeted.

The situation is very fluid now, said Salvador Sarmiento, national campaign coordinator for the National Day Laborers Organizing Network. But it certainly seems like something that is not just routine.

Jennie Pasquarella, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said that one woman in the Los Angeles area was at home when ICE agents knocked on her door, asking about her ex-husband, whom she no longer lives with. ICE agents then asked everyone in the home for identification, Pasquarella said.

The agents returned and arrested the womans current husband. According to Pasquarella, that man has already been deported.

In Pomona, activists with the ACLU and the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center said they confirmed that an undocumented man was arrested in his home early Thursday, and was being held in an ICE processing center in San Bernardino.

In an emailed statement, ICE said that any arrests made by the agency are not out of the ordinary.

Our actions are targeted and lead driven, prioritizing individuals who pose a risk to our communities, Haley, the ICE spokesperson said. Determinations about where and how ICE enforcement personnel affect both administrative and criminal arrests are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all aspects of the situation, including the prospective targets criminal history; and safety considerations.

California State Senate leader Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, said he is asking ICE to provide details about the number of people detained, as well as the agencys rationale for their arrest.

It is now clear that the Trump administration is not concerned with public safety, de Leon said. They are only focused on ripping hard-working men, women and children from their families and communities.

In downtown L.A., a 5 p.m. vigil in front of the Metropolitan Detention Center morphed into a protest as attendees, some carrying signs and holding candles, chanted Let them out! and marched back and forth in front of driveways of the detention center  apparently to block cars from coming out.

The protest swelled to about 100 people and moved into the streets, where a crowd marched on Aliso Street before blocking the entrance to the southbound 101 Freeway.

Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to the scene, telling protesters to disperse or you will be arrested.

No arrests had been made as of 7:30 p.m., according to LAPD officials.

LAPD Lt. Al Labrada called the crowd peaceful and said the main concerns were the flow of traffic and pedestrian safety.

Local police departments also sought to dispel rumors that they were involved in the raids. Asked about the reported raid in Pomona, a spokesperson for the Pomona Police Department said, thats fake news. The department also put out a statement Thursday warning of social media hoaxes claiming that the city had set up immigration checkpoints.

A spokesperson for the LAPD also said that the department was not aware of any raids in the city.

Kenia C., a 16-year-old protester who said her parents are undocumented, said she fears the possibility of their arrest and deportation.

That will tear our family apart. I had to come here and stand up for what I believe in, Kenia said. Since my parents cant do it, Ill do it for them.

U.S. Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-San Fernando Valley) issued a statement Thursday night calling for ICE to provide more information about its enforcement operations.

Its outrageous that ICE would go into the homes of hardworking people and tear them away from their children, he said. I will not sit quietly by while they seek to harm the people of my district.

Contact the writer: gwyler@scng.com

Staff writers Brenda Gazzar, Elizabeth Chou and Ryan Fonseca contributed to this report.
More than a quarter of a million Somali refugees got a huge break Thursday.

A Kenyan judge ruled that the Kenyan governments contentious plan to close Dadaab, the worlds largest refugee camp, was illegal and discriminatory, and that the refugees could not be forcefully relocated.

For years, Kenya has threatened to shut the sprawling camp, a crowded, sweltering realm near Kenyas border with Somalia that has been a refuge for desperate people since Somalis began fleeing to Kenya in 1991, when their country was plunged into civil war.

The government has said the camp is a breeding ground for Islamist terrorists, though the evidence is mixed for how central it really is to Kenyas terrorism problem, which has claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.

The vast majority of refugees who live in Dadaab are Somalis, too scared to return home to a nation plagued by war, famine, chaos, poverty and disease.

On Thursday, Judge John Mativo of Kenyas High Court, the equivalent of a U.S. District Court, ruled that the governments plan to close the camp specifically targeting Somali refugees is an act of group persecution, illegal, discriminatory and therefore unconstitutional.

The judge also ordered the Kenyan government to reinstate its refugee department, which the government essentially closed last year.

In May, Kenya announced it was serious about closing Dadaab, though it has since missed several self-imposed deadlines. Diplomats, U.N. agencies and human rights groups have told the Kenyans that forcing the refugees to return to Somalia would be a violation of international law.

Kenyas foreign donors, including the United States, have threatened to withhold payments if the government kicks out the refugees. That has left Kenya in a tight spot: Relocating hundreds of thousands of people would not be cheap.

Few say they believe Dadaabs future is settled. Within hours of the ruling, the Kenyan government vowed to appeal, arguing that the situation in Somalia had improved and the refugees could return.

It is unclear whether the Kenyan government will follow the court order. Though Kenyas judiciary is considered strong and independent, the president has enormous power and Kenyan security forces routinely violate the rights of Somali refugees.

Still, the pressure is growing to do something about Dadaab. Aid officials, who have sharply criticized repatriation, admit that the situation is untenable.

Kenya and the international community must work toward finding alternative solutions for refugees, including local integration options, said Muthoni Wanyeki, an Amnesty International regional director.

More than 9,000 Somali refugees were resettled in the United States last fiscal year, many coming from Dadaab. But a recent change in U.S. policy could threaten that trend.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month barring Somalis from traveling to the United States. Over the past two weeks, scores of refugees have been bused back and forth between Dadaab and Nairobi, Kenyas capital, as the United States refugee policy is argued in American courts.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its annual report on union membership.

For organized labor, it was bad news. The number of employees belonging to a labor union in 2016 hit an all-time low. Only 14.6 million U.S. employees were union members last year  a drop to 10 percent of the workforce. While public-sector union membership held steady at 34 percent of government employees, just about 6 percent of private-sector employees were union members  down from one-third of all workers in the 1950s.

While union leadership blames the drop on an anti-labor onslaught, a bit of soul-searching is in order. A Rasmussen poll conducted before the election shows that only 20 percent of Americans see labor leaders as do[ing] a good job representing union members. Even among current or former union members, only 25 percent have a favorable view of union leadership.

Employees consistently resist labor organizers and the left-wing politics that come with them. At Harvard University, the United Auto Workers  which has aimed to unionize teaching assistants since early last year  recently lost a certification election despite using extremely aggressive tactics.

Since Wisconsins passage of Act 10  a state law allowing public employees to forgo union representation  roughly 60 percent of union members have left the Wisconsin Education Association Council. WEAC membership dropped from nearly 100,000 employees before Act 10s passage to just over 36,000 members in 2016. In Washington, nearly half of the states child care providers left the Service Employees International Union after being given the option to opt out of paying monthly dues. The percentage of providers paying dues to the SEIU fell from 100 percent in 2014 to roughly 53 percent (3,738 employees) in 2015.

At the same time, a majority of U.S. states have now embraced right-to-work statutes, prohibiting union membership as a condition of employment. Kentucky joined a list of 26 other states this month, while Missouri and New Hampshire could pass similar legislation in the near future.

If the union agenda is as indispensable as union bosses suggest, then why are employees rejecting it and voting for politicians who support workplace freedom?

President Trump and a Republican Congress should read the writing on the wall. Union bosses are as synonymous with the establishment as Wall Street bankers and Washington lobbyists  against whom the working class revolted in the 2016 election.

Proposals like the Employee Rights Act  a federal bill that amassed 170 co-sponsors in the 114th Congress  can democratize the workplace through secret ballot union elections, mandatory recertification votes and other pro-employee reforms. Supported by 80 percent of union households, the ERAs key reforms prevent labor organizers from bullying and coercing employees into union representation. A National Right to Work Act would similarly  albeit less comprehensively  transfer power from union bosses to blue-collar employees.

The Trump administrations nomination of CKE Restaurants CEO Andy Puzder  who faces a difficult confirmation battle this month  is a step in the right direction. As a leading job creator in the food service sector, Puzder is uniquely attuned to the unemployment consequences of excessive minimum wage mandates and aggressive union organizing.

But Big Labor wont go down without a fight. Despite President Trumps recent meeting with representatives of the building trades unions, the SEIU and other unions excluded from the listening session are gearing up for a four-year war with the White House. The SEIU-backed Fight for $15 is currently fighting tooth and nail to derail the Puzder nomination.

President Trump and Congress should return the favor. Working Americans deserve a brighter future.

Richard Berman is the executive director of the Center for Union Facts.
At least 17 of the Dodgers preseason games  including 14 from Arizona are scheduled to be broadcast this spring.

The TV schedule announced by the Dodgers Thursday listed 16 games scheduled to be broadcast on SportsNet LA (including all three Freeway Series games in Southern California against the Angels).

The Dodgers-Rangers game on March 23 is also scheduled to be broadcast nationally on ESPN. The March 13 game between the Dodgers and Angels in Tempe is also likely to be televised by the Angels.

For those with access to SportsNet LA, the Dodgers network will also have a one-hour studio show five nights a week during spring training.

Here is the list of games scheduled to be televised:

Sat., Feb. 25 vs. Chicago White Sox, 12 p.m. PT

Sun., Feb. 26 at Milwaukee Brewers, 12 p.m. PT

Wed., March 1 at San Francisco Giants, 5 p.m. PT

Sat., March 4 at Chicago Cubs, 12 p.m. PT

Sun., March 5 vs. Seattle Mariners, 12 p.m. PT

Fri., March 10 vs. Texas Rangers, 6 p.m. PT

Sat., March 11 vs. Angels, 12 p.m. PT

Sun., March 12 vs. Chicago White Sox, 7 p.m. PT

Thur., March 16 vs. Chicago Cubs, 1 p.m. PT

Fri., March 17 vs. Seattle Mariners, 7 p.m. PT

Sat., March 18 at Chicago White Sox, 1 p.m. PT

Thur., March 23 at Texas Rangers, 4 p.m. PT on ESPN

Sat., March 25 vs. Oakland As, 1 p.m. PT

Sun., March 26 at Texas Rangers, 1 p.m. PT

Thur., March 30 vs. Angels in Anaheim, 7 p.m.

Fri., March 31 vs. Angels in Anaheim, 7 p.m.

Sat., April 1 vs. Angels at Dodger Stadium, 6 p.m.
SANTA ANA  A Santa Ana man was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder for shooting his sisters boyfriend to death during an argument.

Jurors disregarded Adan Rodriguez Leons claim that he acted in self-defense when he shot Paul Guzman, 39, to death during a midday confrontation on West Chestnut Avenue in 2015.

Leon, who faces up to 50 years to life in prison, stared ahead as the verdict was read. Guzmans family members exhaled, nodded and wiped their eyes.

There was no dispute that Leon shot Guzman shortly after learning that Guzman and Leons sister had broken into Leons parents home while they were out of the country and took Leons tools.

Guzman and Leons sister had been dating for several months.

Leons parents had barred his sister and Guzman from their home, but the attorneys said the pair had broken in while the parents were in Mexico and spent a weekend doing drugs and having sex.

Upon learning that his tools had been stolen, Leon showed up. After a brief discussion with his sister, Leon began talking with Guzman and the two then started walking along the street. An argument ensued.

Guzman turned to put down a beer and then turned back to face Leon, who the prosecutor alleged pulled out a revolver and shot the unarmed Guzman four times.

Leons attorney, Deputy Public Defender Jacob DeGrave, told jurors that Guzman had a violent temperament and was known to carry a knife. During the confrontation, DeGrave said, Guzman threatened to kill Leon.

Leon is to be sentenced April 14.

Contact the writer: semery@scng.com
I have lived in the United States for most of my life, but I have never ceased to feel connected to my homeland. Like many of my countrymen and fellow exiles, I recognize that the tyrannical theocracy ruling Iran today usurped a democratic revolution in 1979. Millions of us fled the country in the aftermath in order to fight back and pursue the democratic future that so many people envisioned before the mullahs took over. That is why I am inspired to see so many senior former American officials supporting the democratic Iranian opposition. Nearly two dozen of them have written a letter to President Trump urging him to engage the opposition instead of the tyranny.

Here in the U.S. and Europe, supporters of the Iranian resistance are constantly working to spread the secular democratic message of the National Council of Resistance of Iran and its constituent groups. So many in the West have heard our message and joined our cause against the terrorist and fundamentalist regime in Tehran.

The 10-point plan of NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi outlines a number of principles that make her movement a natural ally of the free world, including a commitment to free and fair elections, pluralism, gender-equality and the disavowal of any pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. The current regime may be willing to negotiate on the nuclear issue, but they will never commit to it fully.

At home, the regime sees extreme brutality and human rights abuses as prudent means of suppressing dissent. This is why the work of Iranian expatriates is so important. It shines a light on Iranian human rights abuses when too many Western policymakers appear willing to focus on short-term economic interests.

In time, the will of the Iranian people and the concern of the international community will become an unstoppable force for change. And today, we may be very near a milestone in our work.

Sadly, through five U.S. presidents, the Iranian people were sidelined when it came to policy on Iran. Virtually since the creation of the Islamic Republic, leading American politicians have generally been more interested in cutting deals with the mullahs regime than with the Iranian people, who are Americas natural allies.

Those who look more closely at the regime and the record of current President Hassan Rouhani understand that the situation for the Iranian people has only gotten worse. More than 3,000 people have been put to death since Rouhani took office; the ranks of the countrys political prisoners have swelled; and provocations toward Western countries have become at once more belligerent and more frequent.

But it is clear that Donald Trump is prepared to repudiate the conciliatory policies of the Obama administration and to chart a new course for the U.S. relationship with Iran. I and my fellow Iranian expatriates are hopeful that the new approach will finally eschew short-sighted deals with the clerical regime, in favor of building a relationship with the democratic opposition.

Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, former FBI Director Louis Freeh, former National Security Advisor General James Jones and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Hugh Shelton, among others, have urged the new president to adopt an Iran policy that recognizes the plight of the Iranian people and their abiding desire for democratic governance.

A policy highlighting, and demanding an end to, Irans domestic human rights violations and malevolent regional actions will attract broad support and generate needed leverage against Irans threatening behavior, their letter declared.

I know the truth of that claim. And as someone who strives to keep in touch with those I left behind in Iran, I know how actively the people of my homeland will support such a policy when it hopefully emerges from Washington.

Nasser Sharif is the executive director of the California Society for a Democratic Iran, a member of the Organization of Iranian American Communities.
SANTA ANA  Investigators say a woman who was killed Thursday night at a vigil for a man who was found dead the day before was a relative.

Trisha Irene Verdugo, 27, of Orange was hit by a car in a strip-mall parking lot by a driver with whom shed gotten into an argument.

Family members set up a memorial with candles and balloons outside a vacant storefront on 17th Street and Grand Avenue. Santa Ana police say Verdugo had gathered with a group to remember Joseph Frank Garcia, 23, also of Orange, who was discovered Wednesday night lying face-down in the alley behind stores that include a shuttered Food 4 Less.

She got into a verbal argument and for whatever reason the suspect hits her with the car, police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. She flew some feet and he hit her again with the car and drove off.

Bertagna said investigators still dont know prompted the argument. Verdugo was pronounced dead at the scene and witnesses described the suspects car as a dark sedan.

On Friday evening, a handful of people gathered near the memorial. Some drove up quickly, dropped off candles and sped away. The words RIP Playboy were written in the concrete.

Garcia was shot multiple times in the upper torso. Though he had a history of drug-related offenses, he was not a documented gang member. Its unclear if the deaths were fueled by any gang activity.

Our big question is: why? Bertagna said. Why was he there?

Santa Ana police ask anyone with information about either incident to call 714-245-8390. Anonymous tips can also be passed along to the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7802, jsudock@scng.com or via Twitter @jsudock
On Sunday the Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea will be up for best regional Mexican music album at the 59th Grammy Awards, where the all-female group has been nominated seven times, winning twice. On Thursday, the band played a concert to celebrate their latest nomination at a place theyve been playing live for 14 years, the Disneyland Resort.

Lucky for me I was a friend of Cindy (Shea) when she was at Cal State Fullerton with my son Jason, said Stan Freese, who was the director of talent booking at the resort back then.

Now retired, Freese said he was so impressed with the groups founder that when he heard that she and a few others had formed an all-female mariachi ensemble, he was intrigued.

So, after booking them for a few gigs at a Los Angeles street fair, he decided to try them out at Disneyland in 2003.

They have wonderful arrangements, he said. They bring the musicianship to great arrangements.

Shea and a few others founded the group in 1999.

Back when we first started in 1999, it was very, very unique to be an all female group in any genre of music, Shea said.

It was even more unusual in that Shea has blonde hair and blue eyes.

Im not of Mexican heritage, she said.

But she fell in love with mariachi as she learned to play the trumpet, and pursued it with a passion. She joined an all-female group in the early 1990s, but when it broke up in 1999, she and a few others got together to form the Mariachi Divas.

When I started the group there were many mariachi groups with one token girl in the band to come out and sing one song per hour, said Shea. I thought that if theres such a great response from this one woman  what if we put all of us together?

In 2009, they became the first all-female mariachi band to be nominated and receive a Grammy. They received a second in 2014 and are nominated this year for their 12th album, Tributo a Joan Sebastian & Rigoberto Alfaro  a celebration of two legends in Mexican music.

Besides recording mariachi music albums, they still perform regularly at the Disneyland Resort, including Saturday evening performances at Tortilla Jos in Downtown Disney.

During their live performances they play a variety of mariachi music, and put their own mariachi spin on some Disney classics such as Its a Small World and Let it Go from the movie Frozen.

It depends on what generations are in the crowd, Shea said.

The group will be performing live Sunday during the pre-telecast online at grammy.com, which will start around noon Pacific time.

Contact the writer: meades@scng.com or follow on Twitter @markaeades
I find one of the most enduring delights of travel is the chance to meet new people, and experience even familiar places in a way thats new and different.

Sometimes, this means eschewing traditional hotels in favor of guesthouses, where you have a chance to interact with the hosts or other guests in a way that would be otherwise impossible.

Sometimes the guesthouses are small and family owned. Sometimes theyre part of a larger chain, that offers private rooms inside hostel settings.

But what they all offer is a shared sense of community. And youll usually save money as well, compared to any hotel above the flophouse level. The website Booking.com is a good place to look for small properties, and you can also find them on sites like Hostelz.com or Hostelbookers.com.

Here are five of my favorite places, but if I missed yours, send me an email and tell me about it:

1. Denali Mountain Morning Hostel and Cabins, Alaska. I was stunned at the exorbitant prices for food and lodging around Alaskas famed Denali National Park, so I was delighted to find this affordable option. Built on a rushing creek just outside the national park, this rustic cabin complex feels like the real Alaskan outdoors without the price tag of the posh wilderness resorts. Theres a clean shared kitchen in a log cabin, where I met scientists doing research in the Arctic, as well as a woman who worked with penguins in Tasmania. We stayed in the tiny Yanert cabin, with one bunkbed and one twin bed, and saved a fortune by cooking our own food. Yanert is $102 per night, which is a bargain in this pricey region. If I ever went back, I wouldnt stay anywhere else. They also offer dormitories and canvas tents by the creek. Learn more: denalihostel.com

2. Experience Nubia Bet el Kerem guesthouse in Aswan, Egypt. Many people skip Aswan when they plan their trips to Egypt, but it was one of our favorite destinations, largely because of this charming guesthouse. The service was more akin to a five-star hotel than a simple house, because the entire staff seemed determined to make your stay a wonderful one. Our room was a little odd and funky, but we didnt care, because we were too busy enjoying the fabulous rooftop deck, the great meals, the delicious hibiscus tea that turned me into a devotee, and the chance to meet interesting people from all over the world. We were on the wrong, i.e. local side of the Nile, so it was an interesting ferry ride with the local populace across the river to hit the main tourist drags. The owner arranged camel rides, guided bike rides, a boat trip up the Nile cataracts and more. He even showed us where we could swim in the river safely. Expect to pay around $50 per night. Learn more: betelkerem.com

3. Vida Tropical guesthouse, Alajuela, Costa Rica. This small, simple house isnt much to write home about, and its not in an elegant neighborhood, but its friendly, comfortable and very close to Juan Santamaria Airport, Costa Ricas largest. Weve stayed here three times now, on our way to and from the San Juan airport, and its a safe, inexpensive, affordable waystation. Last visit, over the breakfast table, I met a woman from Belgium and a French Canadian couple whod been traveling for a year. After breakfast, they helped us find a taxi to take us up to the nearby Poas Volcano. The rate includes a breakfast cooked to order in the morning by the friendly housekeeper, and also the advice and help of the English-speaking manager. Theres a pocket-sized back yard with a resident bunny. Its a short taxi ride to the airport, which helps for those early-morning flights. I recommend the upstairs rooms. Rooms around $55 per night. Learn more: VidaTropical.com

4. Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta, Cusco, Peru. When I first started researching places to stay in Cusco, I was taken aback by the prices for cozy bed-and-breakfasts. I wasnt about to pay $200 per night for a room. Luckily, I found Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta, which is located a few blocks from the main tourist district, in an old family-owned mansion. My two traveling companions and I paid a total $40 per night for a suite of two bedrooms and a sitting room, filled with antiques, and also had the use of a shared kitchen, which came in handy when we needed to make coca tea to fight altitude sickness. The guesthouse was in a modest business district with inexpensive shops and restaurants, too. Learn more: hostelrecoletacuzco.com or visit Booking.com

5. HI-Sacramento Hostel, Sacramento. Now, before you start grumbling that youre not staying in a hostel, ask yourself this: When was the last time you slept in a private room in a Gold Rush-era mansion in downtown Sacramento? The Llewellyn Williams Mansion was built in 1885 by a Gold Rush millionaire, and you can stay there, near the state Capitol, while you explore the regions attractions. The mansion has elegant shared parlour, dining room and a huge, clean kitchen where you can cook your meals, or just rustle up a snack. Big front porches have couches designed to encourage guests to linger. And the area is filled with good restaurants and shops. Old Sacramento and the river are a short walk away. Private rooms run $62-109 per night. Learn more: norcalhostels.org/sac

Did I miss your favorite guesthouse? Send me an email and tell me about it, with details, and maybe Ill include it in a future column!
FULLERTON  A city ordinance restricting where registered sex offenders could live was repealed by the City Council this week to settle a lawsuit that contends it violated state law.

Fullertons law, like those in some other California cities, likely was too restrictive as to where sex offenders can live, city officials acknowledged.

The city now defers to state law: Only sex offenders on parole, or with specific court-sanctioned restrictions, can be prohibited from living within 2,000 feet of a school, park or daycare center, Sgt. Jon Radus said.

He added that Tuesdays decision will not change how the citys registered sex offenders are supervised or tracked: Our enforcement, supervision and registration requirements will not change.

There are 162 registered sex offenders in Fullerton. None of them had been convicted of violating the law.

Fullerton adopted the ordinance in 2010, making it a misdemeanor for all registered sex offenders to live within 2,000 feet of a park, school or daycare center. Violators were subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or six months in jail.

But in 2015, the California Supreme Court found unconstitutional similar restrictions imposed in San Diego County.

Fullerton was one of three Orange County cities sued on behalf of Frank Lindsay, who was convicted in 1979 of lewd acts with a child under 14 years old, over its law.

Tustin repealed its ordinance in October, and Seal Beach is expected to address its in the future.

Attorney Janice Bellucci, who represents Lindsay, said the old law illegally blanketed all sex offenders.

Unfortunately, what was happening in the past in cities that adopted residency restrictions, families were being torn apart, she said. In some cases, registrants could not live with spouses and their children.

Councilwoman Jennifer Fitzgerald saw it differently.

Its disgusting that the state courts have decided that communities cant take further steps to protect its citizens, especially its children, the councilwoman said. I take absolutely no pleasure in repealing this ordinance.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7724 or bwhitehead@scng.com
SANTA ANA  Police released the name of a 23-year-old man on Thursday who was found shot to death in the 1900 block of South Grand Avenue: Joseph Frank Garcia of Orange.

Garcia was discovered, laying face-down, in an alley behind Food for Less by an employee around 10:30 p.m., Santa Ana police Cmdr. Matt Brown said.

He had multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso.

The motive for this shooting was unknown.

The Santa Ana Police Department is asking anyone with any information about this case to contact the agencys homicide investigation unit at 714-245-8390. Anonymous tips can also be passed along to the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.

Court records show that a Joseph Frank Garcia with the same date of birth had a lengthy criminal history for crimes that included possession of stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to sell.

Staff writer Scott Schwebke contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7802, jsudock@scng.com or via Twitter @jsudock
SANTA ANA  A hip-hop music producer was arraigned Thursday on four felony charges of pimping and pandering a pair of women this week at an Anaheim motel.

Brandon Christopher Ramsay, 24, of Granada Hills, also known as Ramsay Tha Great, pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to Orange County Superior Court records.

He was being held Thursday night in the Orange County Jail in lieu of $70,000 bail. If convicted, Ramsay faces a maximum sentence of seven years and four months in prison.

On Tuesday, the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force discovered advertisements depicting two women, ages 18 and 20, selling sexual services, according to a statement from the Orange County District Attorneys Office.

An undercover officer arranged to meet the women at a motel on Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim, the statement says. After police contacted the women, Ramsay called one of them multiple times asking for her location, according to prosecutors.

Officers spotted Ramsay driving into the motels parking lot and took him into custody. They found Ramsay in possession of undisclosed evidence and text messages sent to the women containing language consistent with pimping, the statement says.

Ramsay generated headlines last month when he alleged Chicago rapper Chief Keef was the culprit behind a home-invasion robbery in Tarzana, according to Anaheim police Sgt. Daron Wyatt. Ramsey reported to police that he was a crime victim, claiming that several men broke into his home and assaulted him.

Ramsay was criticized for ratting on the rapper, Wyatt said.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7767 sschwebke@scng.com Twitter: @thechalkoutline
The wrong side of Costa Rica was just right for us.

Ive always been a contrary person. Thats why I ignored the beaten volcano-beach path in Costa Rica that had been traveled by so many of my friends.

Instead, I took my teenagers to the wilder Caribbean side of this Central American country, where development hasnt taken off and everything is smaller and funkier, with a reggae vibe.

Most tourists ignore this eastern coastline of Costa Rica, which is just the way I like it. This region was settled by Jamaican immigrants who were brought in to work on the countrys railroads and then remained due to racial segregation.

That means that this province, called Limon, has much more English spoken  in a Jamaican patois  than the rest of the country. It also means that many residents have that laid-back Rastafarian vibe.

We settled on a small Caribbean town called Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the southern part of the region, only two hours north of Panama.

Im a little bit hippy-dippy at heart, so the low-scale development of this modest, dusty little beach town appealed to me, with most of the tourists being surfers, Europeans and yoga advocates and heavily skewing toward a younger crowd.

I knew when I decided to visit Costa Rica that I never wanted to see a McDonalds, a Holiday Inn or any other sign of American commercialism. Luckily, Puerto Viejo fits the bill. Theres not a Subway or Jack in the Box to be found.

What there is, however, is great food with a Jamaican flair  such as mouth-watering jerk chicken  and more than the rice and beans most typical of bland Costa Rican fare.

Most travelers who plan to tour around Costa Rica rent a car, and the country is eminently drivable. In Latin America, Ive found that its usually as cheap to take vans or taxis around, and a lot less stressful, because I hate getting lost. So we hired Caribe Shuttle to pick us up and haul us four hours across the country to the Caribbean coast, stopping at the tiny, open-air El Brujo Carniceria in Guapiles as recommended by our driver for lunch. I spent $40 on a hearty lunch of chicken, rice and beans for five of us.

On our first trip, we arrived in Puerto Viejo after spending two days up in the isolated region of Tortuguero, accessible only by boat or private plane, on the Riverboat Francesca with Francesca Watson and her captain. It was a wonderful trip that I hope someday to repeat.

Then, we drove an hour south to Puerto Viejo and stayed at the adorable, small boutique hotel Banana Azul, which is right on the beach and owned by amiable Canadian expat Colin Brownlee. It has only 14 rooms, along with a small restaurant and bar. Each room is a labor of love, with mosaic murals, local hardwoods and hanging ferns, and its deservedly so popular that it can be a struggle to get a reservation.

This was the first time that Id reserved a separate room for my two teenagers, and it was bliss on earth. They were next to me, but I didnt have to wade through the piles of clothes they threw on the floor, gripe about all the wet towels in the bathroom or tell them to turn off their phones because they didnt need to use the Wi-Fi to text their friends at 3 a.m.

Yes, it was expensive to get two rooms, but I didnt care. I had my own wonderful, clean room with my own deck built of gorgeous Caribbean hardwoods that looked out over the small pool and the beach beyond. It was heaven.

The beach at Banana Azul isnt really swimmable due to riptides, but that didnt matter so much to us because there are other beautiful beaches up and down the coast and we live on the beach at home.

Because we were visiting during the rainy season, we had to contend with days of rain, so we played cards and board games, because the rooms had no televisions.

When it wasnt raining (and sometimes even when it was), I sent the teens out on day adventures, including a jungle tour on zip-lines with rappeling down a waterfall.

We loved Colins hotel and Puerto Viejo so much that we resolved to come back as soon as we could. Well, two of us loved it. My 17-year-old daughter, not so much. While we were there, her boyfriend back home decided to dump her via text. What is wrong with people? She spent the last few days breaking into heart-rending sobs everywhere we went.

So when I proposed going back to Puerto Viejo this fall, she refused, even though she knew her new boyfriend wasnt going to break up with her, especially not by text.

The simple solution was to bring the boyfriend along, which meant I had to bring a friend for my 19-year-old son so he wouldnt be a third wheel. I was supposed to bring a friend for me, but she had to cancel at the last minute.

We loved Banana Azul, but it was a $5 cab ride to town. So I decided that wed try to find lodging that was walking distance to town this time.

I found Cashew Hill Jungle Lodge, Andrew Denleys little cabana resort, online and immediately knew it was our kind of place. Perched on a hill overlooking the town, it backs up to the rain forest, yet walking down the hill puts you in town in minutes.

Its not for everyone. Theres only a small dipping pool and no air conditioning and you have to climb a set of monumental stairs from town to get there. When we arrived, our van couldnt even make it up the hill, so all the luggage had to be schlepped by hand, along with the groceries wed bought in town to cook in our kitchen.

I didnt mind the many stairs up and down to the town, since I was getting my exercise, but the hot water in the bathrooms was temperamental and ceased working regularly. And we fought valiantly against ant invasions in the kitchen. Still, I loved it there, especially the artwork throughout the house and the beautiful wood carvings. Andrew seemed genuinely interested in making us happy, even lending us a cooking pot and bringing me extra patio chairs from his own house when we asked.

All the cabins are open to the jungle  they have screens and lattice protecting the many windows, but not a pane of glass to be found. I loved this. It felt like being in a wonderful, rustic summer camp. Every day, wed hear the howler monkeys roaring in the jungle behind us, along with tree frogs, cicadas and other noisy denizens of the rain forest. They woke me up every morning, but I never minded at all.

However, the screening did mean that bugs sometimes got in. One day, I was lying by the pool and heard blood-curdling screams. Eventually, I realized they were coming from my cabana and I raced uphill, heart pounding, only to discover my daughter shrieking like a banshee over a large bug shed discovered in her room.

Beds also had mosquito nets, though we didnt need them in December.

Our cottage lacked the ocean view that some others on the property had, but it did have three bedrooms and two baths, which meant that I could throw the teenagers upstairs and I could take the downstairs bedroom for myself.

Id made a vow to myself that I would spend this trip getting healthy, and in fact I booked private yoga lessons for all of us on the resorts yoga platform overlooking the sea. I expected the teenagers to balk at this, but they actually enjoyed the daily lessons, and it was as relaxing as I had hoped.

The entire town and coastline are flat and easily bikeable, so the teens rented bikes every day and explored the area. I had intended to learn to ride a bike to join them, but my lessons fell behind. Next time, I promised myself.

I told the four teens that they would be cooking most of the meals in rotation, because I wasnt feeding five people three meals per day. That caused great consternation because some of them couldnt even boil water. But it was a good learning experience, and we all survived the experiment.

Puerto Viejo has dozens of restaurants in all price points, and though Id vowed we were going to eat in to save money, I couldnt resist taking the teens out to eat nearly every day. Who could resist fabulous seafood that was just caught that morning? Or cocktails on the beach?

Because the drinking age in Costa Rica is 18, all the teens were old enough to imbibe, so I waved goodbye to them in the evening as they headed downhill excitedly to hit some of the towns small clubs, where drinks were cheap and the locals were friendly.

I was happy to put my feet up with a glass of wine, put some music on my tablet via the cottages excellent Wi-Fi and read a book. The cottages have no electronics, perhaps an example of the youthfulness of the town itself, as owner Andrew assumes that everyone who visits wants great Wi-Fi but will bring their own.

Because we were visiting the rain forest in the winter rainy season, a couple of our eight days were very wet indeed, but never cold. Most times, the downpours would end, leaving the rest of the day humid but walkable.

As soon as we arrived, I walked down into town and booked day tours through ATEC, the Asociacion Talamanquena de Ecoturismo y Conservacion, a nonprofit association that channels most of the proceeds back to the local tour guides.

One day we went out to visit the local indigenous tribe, the BriBri, and learn about their culture. And we really enjoyed meeting local Creole Sherman Pena, our guide for our wild dolphin small-boat tour out of the remote, unspoiled village of Manzanillo, even though the pouring rain cut our day way too short. We still managed to find ourselves in the midst of a huge, thrilling dolphin pod before we had to give up early and head back to shore.

The teens wanted to repeat their jungle adventure of the previous year, so they headed off to hike through the forest, take a zip-line and rappel down a waterfall, swim in a local swimming hole and use a Tarzan swing, while I strolled the beachfront and had a leisurely lunch. We also went back to the Jaguar Rescue Center, a wonderful place where volunteers care for wounded and orphaned animals, and the teens went riding on the beach with Caribe Horse, which Id booked online in advance.

Before we arrived, Id considered traveling at least overnight to Panama. Numerous companies will take you down to Bocas del Toro, an archipelago with stunning scenery just two hours south. But I decided to put that trip off for the future and just get to know our town better.

Its not typically in my nature to spend eight nights in one town. Im too restless for that. And its simply ridiculous to me that weve never been anywhere else in Costa Rica. But weve just fallen in love with the Caribbean coast, and were already plotting our next adventure there.

Cashew Hill, well be back.

IF YOU GO

Puerto Viejo is so small that you can ask any local how to find any place you seek. Learn more about Puerto Viejo at puertoviejosatellite.com. I highly recommend visiting ATEC when you arrive, the Asociacion Talamanquena de Ecoturismo y Conservacion. Its on Calle Principal. It offers sustainable tours including guided hiking in national parks, boating and snorkeling, cultural walks and more. The local guides keep 80 percent of your fees. info@ateccr.org or ateccr.org

Lodging

Banana Azul: This small, simple property of 14 units is built with Costa Rican hardwoods on a lovely (though unswimmable) beach. Slightly north of town. English spoken. 305-846-8220, info@bananaazul.com or Bananaazul.com

Cashew Hill Jungle Lodge: A small, rustic cabana property that sits atop the town, with ocean view. Several cottages with kitchens. Restaurant, dipping pool and yoga platform. Howler monkeys will wake you up and you might see the resident sloth. Cashewhilllodge.co.cr, reservations@cashewhilllodge.co.cr or call from the U.S. at 011-506-2750-0001. $100 and up nightly for full cottages with screens only, no glass windows.

Dining

Koki Beach Restaurant: This beautiful, art-filled, somewhat pricey yet casual restaurant across from Koki Beach was our favorite place. It has an extensive menu and good cocktails. If you love lobster, splurge on the extra-large size. Colorful Adirondack chairs overlook the ocean in the lounge area. Entrees $15 and up. kokibeach.blogspot.ug. Phone: 2750-0902.

Chile Rojo: This restaurant has good food and a wide variety of dishes, including sushi. Dinner for five was $82, including cocktails. Phone: 2750-0025

Flip Flop: Among the advantages of dining here is the varied cuisine and reasonable prices, along with a friendly owner whos around to make sure you have a good time. Good choice if you have people who cant agree on a cuisine. Phone: 2750-2031.

Lazy Mon: Its the place to go in town, right on the beach for drinks, hanging out and catching live music. Great sunsets. thelazymon.com. Phone: 2750-0016.

Getting around

Book a red-eye flight: You arrive in the morning, plenty of time to travel to the Caribbean coast without having to spend a night in the capital city of San Jose  the closest international airport to the area.

Caribe Shuttle is a reliable transport company that can get you to and from the airport and other points in Costa Rica. For taxis, its easy to catch cabs in Puerto Viejo to anywhere you want to go from a local stand in town, or the MEPE bus goes up and down the highway among the various towns cheaply.

Adobe Rent a Car is right in town and recommended by locals. Phone: 2750-0290.

Things to do

Hit the beaches: There are numerous lovely spots up and down the coast, often with riptides, though, so beware. The surfing is great here; this town was discovered by surfers who traveled unpaved roads to hit the famed Salsa Brava break, recommended for experts only.

Rent a bike: Its the easiest and cheapest way to get explore the area. Expect to pay around $7 per day. Ask at your lodging, or find rental places all over town. Make sure the bike is in good condition.

Indulge in a spa treatment: Yeah. A gorgeous massage with aromatherapy and a jungle view. Need I say more? Walk there from town. PureJungleSpa.com. Phone: 2756-8413.

Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center: You want to come here to see the animals being lovingly cared for by volunteers before being returned to the wild. Its a special place. We splurged on the $60 private tour, which is worth it. Regular tours are $20. jaguarrescue.foundation

Explore two national parks: Theres Cahuita National Park to the north and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge to the south. Both have marvelous hiking, wildlife viewing and snorkeling.

Plan some adventures: Numerous companies also offer zip-lining, river rafting, surf lessons and more.

Contact the writer: mfisher@scng.com or 714-796-7994
Told that he couldnt replace his aging oceanfront mobile home with a new one unless he waived his rights to protect the new one from storm surf, Eric Wills took the California Coastal Commission to court.

On Feb. 9, buoyed by a court decision in his favor, Wills attended a Coastal Commission meeting in Newport Beach.

The commission approved his new mobile home without discussion, he said, and without the requirement to waive any rights.

We feel great about it, said Wills, a San Clemente resident. Its been a long road. We are glad that we fought it. We are glad that its over.

Noaki Schwartz, a spokeswoman for the Coastal Commission, could not be reached this week for comment.

Wills is a resident of Capistrano Shores, a community of 90 mobile homes built around 1960. A seawall in front buffers the homes from waves.

In 2014 Wills sought to replace a nearly 40-year-old mobile home with a slightly smaller new one, only to learn that rolling away the old one and rolling in a new one wasnt that simple.

The Coastal Commission was requiring a permit, which took months to process and tacked on a condition requiring Wills to give up future rights to maintain the seawall.

Earlier, the owners of two other Capistrano Shores mobile homes had agreed to the waiver in order to obtain permits to replace old mobile homes, Wills said.

What happens if all 90 waive their right? he asked.

The Pacific Legal Foundation, a public-interest property rights law firm, offered to represent Wills for free as he filed a lawsuit in April 2015.

In August 2016, Orange County Superior Court Judge Theodore R. Howard overturned the Coastal Commissions waiver requirement.

The judge ruled that the sea wall is an existing structure  not a new development  and said that making Wills give up rights to repair or maintain the wall appears to be overreaching.

The judge said it appears that the Coastal Commission is concerned that the sea wall will someday require expansion and a seaward expansion would diminish a small beach there.

To preempt this, the commission was trying to have individual mobile home owners waive protection rights as they update their mobile homes, the judge wrote.

The ruling stated that any future changes to the sea wall would require the park owners to obtain a coastal permit, so the commission could control its design then anyway.

The Coastal Commission acknowledged that in its staff report Thursday.

It said the waiver requirement was deemed overbroad since the applicant did not propose any change to the existing bulkhead or revetment as part of the development proposal under consideration  and because the commission already retains the authority to reject future requests to alter or expand the revetment if it concludes that such an alteration or expansion would be inconsistent with the lawful application of the Coastal Act.

Wills was allowed to install his new mobile home in 2015 with the understanding that whatever ruling resulted from the case would apply to it.

After the judges ruling, the two parties in the case worked out mutually agreeable wording to be included in Wills coastal permit.

We wanted to establish a framework for all of the other homes at Capistrano Shores, Wills said.

Larry Salzman, the Pacific Law Foundation attorney who represented Wills, said that technically the ruling applies only to Wills, but other Capistrano Shores residents figure to benefit.

Indeed, the Wills stipulation was applied to two coastal permits that the commission issued Thursday for other mobile home replacements at Capistrano Shores, Wills said.

The Coastal Commission did not appeal the case, Wills said.

Asked if it will apply up and down the coast, Salzman said it doesnt apply statewide, but the principle is there.

Contact the writer: fswegles@scng.com or 949-492-5127
A Chinese farmer with only three years of school under his belt has dedicated the last 16 years of his life to teaching himself law, hoping to bring down a state-owned chemical company that has been polluting his village and affecting his livelihood.

Wang Enlin, from Yushutun village, in Chinas Heilongjiang Province, will never forget that day in 2001, when his village and the surrounding farmland were flooded with toxic waste. It was the eve of the Lunar New Year, and Wang and his neighbors were playing cards and making dumplings, when they notice that the house they were in was being flooded with waste water from the nearby Qihua Group, a state-owned enterprise. That same year, Mr Wang wrote a letter to the Land Resources Bureau of Qiqihar, complaining about the pollution, but during his dealings with officials, he was repeatedly asked to provide evidence that his village and the land he and his neighbors survived off of had indeed been contaminated.

I knew I was in the right, but I did not know what law the other party had broken or whether or not there was evidence, the 60-something farmer recently told reporters. The easiest thing to do would have been to hire a lawyer, but Wang and his neighbors could barely afford to put food on the table, so professional legal council was definitely not an option. But Wang Enlin would not give up so easily, and even though he had only attended school until Third Grade, he decided to study law himself and find out what kind of evidence he needed to collect.

Photos: Peoples Daily Online

But even teaching himself law was a financial challenge, because Wang couldnt afford to buy the books he needed, so he spent every day reading law books at the local book store, and copying important information from them, by hand. The farmer would offer the shopkeeper bags of corn for letting him read the books in the shop.

Wang used a dictionary to make sense of the technical terms he didnt understand, and little by little, he started making some sense of this whole law thing, to the point where he knew what evidence would be required in court. He shared that information with his neighbors, asking them to gather evidence against Qihua Group as well.

Photo: QQ.com

In 2007, impressed by Wang Enlins efforts to fight against a chemical company with assets worth over 2 billion yuan ($290 million), a Chinese law firm specialized in pollution-related cases, began offering him and his neighbors free legal advice. After checking all the evidence they had gathered in the previous six years, they also agreed to help the villagers file a petition to court.

Due to unknown complications, the trial against Qihua Group only began in 2015, but it was apparently worth the long wait, as Wang and the other villagers have recently won the first instance at the Angangxi District Court of Qiqihar. A judge ordered the chemical company to pay 820,000 yuan ($120,000) in compensation to the residents of Yushutun village. They also have to get rid of all the liquid and solid waste they have dumped in the surrounding area over the last 16 years.

Photo: Xie Xinyuan/IPEN.org

It is estimated that the Qihua chemical plant dumped an average of 20,000 tonnes of chemical waste each year on farmland that covered more than 70 acres. Wang Enlin and his neighbors also presented evidence that a nearby lake had also been contaminated. Its water is now almost completely devoid of life.

Qihua Group has already filed an appeal, but Wang Enlin is confident that he and and the other 55 families involved in the lawsuit will prevail. We will certainly win. Even if we lose, we will continue to battle, he told reporters.

Sources: Peoples Daily Online, SCMP, SupChina
In an effort to make his Buddhist temple more accessible to the wider public and draw younger generations to religion, a former DJ turned Buddhist priest has been holding techno memorial services at his temple in Fukui City, Japan.

Attending one of the unconventional memorial services organized at the Sho-onji Buddhist temple by 49-year-old Gyosen Asakura feels more like a warehouse rave than a traditional religious experience. A kaleidoscope of psychedelic lights bathes the golden decorations of the temple, and electronic music ranging from IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) to breakbeats blends with chantings of Buddhist scripture.

The sight of a Buddhist priest wearing his traditional garb, but also sporting a pair of large headphones while operating a DJ station during his sermon only adds to the psychedelic feel of attending a techno memorial service at Sho-onji. Its definitely a strange experience, but one that it is fulfilling its purpose of bringing people, especially youths, back to religion.

Photo: Gyosen Asakura/Readyfor

For Gyosen Asakura, a big fan of electronic music and a former DJ, blending techno and Buddhism was a no-brainer. Despite some criticism to his unorthodox ways, the 49-year-old priest only sees this combination as a modernized recreation of the image of the Pure Land of Perfect Bliss, and an interpretation of the divine land of Amida Buddha that can resonate with the people of today.

Buddhism says The Pure Land (a heaven-like celestial realm) is a world of light. It is said people used to use the most advanced technologies available to them at the time in order to ornament temples with gold leaf and thus recreate this world of light. What I want to do with this project is use lighting and contemporary technology in order to make it possible for people to get a more accurate image of what Lord Buddhas world looks like, Asakura says.

Photo: YouTube screengrab

However, his techno memorial services, which combine colorful lights, projection mapping, and techno music with Buddhist scripture are an expensive affair that require a variety of high-tech gadgets and software. The high cost of organizing such an event, have only allowed him to hold two techno memorial services so far  once in May and once in October of last year. The response has been very positive, but in order to keep his project going and improve it, he needs money.

Gyosen Asakura recently started a crowdfunding campaign on Japanese website Readyfor, asking 300,000 yen ($2684), but with 14 days to go, he has already surpassed his goal. 38 backers have already pledged 373,000 yen to his cause.

If youve ever wanted to experience a techno memorial service, Asakura plans to hold his next one on May 3, 2017, so if youre in Fukui City, be sure to stop by his Sho-onji. Im sure its an experience you dont want to miss.

Sources: Japankyo, Grapee
In the old photo, a teenage boy smiles as he grips a judges hand.

Charles Manson, 14, a dead end kid who has lived in an emotional blind alley most his life, is happy today, reads the Indianapolis News story from March 1949. Hes going to Boys Town.

Today, few Omahans know that Manson, the infamous cult leader convicted of orchestrating the 1969 murders of actress Sharon Tate and six others in California, spent a brief stint at Father Edward Flanagans childrens home. Details of his time here are scarce. Manson ran away after just a few days.

But Lawson McDowell, a 66-year-old local author and retired director of network operations at Union Pacific, spent more than a year corresponding with the imprisoned Manson, researching his historical fiction book, Before He Became a Monster: A Story of Charles Mansons Time at Father Flanagans Boys Town, published in 2013.

On Sunday, McDowell will speak about Mansons time in Omaha, the 1969 murders and subsequent trial as part of a presentation hosted by the Douglas County Historical Society.

I write mainly for myself, but also to educate anybody that wants to learn, he said. I wanted to write about (Manson) just to let people know that hed been here in town and left.

McDowells book tells the story of how Manson came to stay at Boys Town and what happened during his time there, blending real and imagined events. The episode is shrouded in uncertainty, and Manson himself gave cryptic answers to some of McDowells questions.

What is certain is that Mansons admittance to Boys Town was meant to turn his life around.

Mansons mother was a heavy drinker and unstable caregiver, who at times found herself in trouble with the law. Her son spent much of his early life in one city or another, living with relatives or in group homes.

Eventually, he was caught stealing and ended up in the Indiana juvenile court system. In 1949, the Indianapolis News ran a story outlining the 14-year-old Mansons troubled childhood. The boy, it read, had expressed a desire to become Catholic and had been daydreaming about the home in Omaha.

I think I could be happy working around cows and horses. I like animals, Manson told the court.

At his hearing, an Indiana judge encouraged him: Maybe youll have that farm yet and be a real farmer, son. You just try hard and learn the things they teach.

It wasnt to be. Mansons stay at Boys Town lasted all of three days, said Kara Neuverth, Boys Town spokeswoman. (In his book, McDowell writes Boys Town told him five days. Manson himself, he writes, couldnt remember.)

Manson is not considered a Boys Town alumnus, Neuverth said. He never made it out of orientation.

He took off and that was kind of the last of it, she said.

In a letter to the Journal Star, a newspaper in Peoria, Illinois, Manson claimed he ran away from Boys Town, stole a car in Lincoln and continued to Idaho and later Peoria, where police caught him in more than one break-in.

But when McDowell heard from a friend that Manson had, in fact, spent time at Boys Town, he wanted to know more. So he decided to ask the man himself.

In 2009, McDowell began writing letters once a week to Manson in Corcoran State Prison, asking him if hed be willing to talk about his time in Omaha. The letters went unreturned for more than six months, until McDowell began including photos of Union Pacific trains. Manson, McDowell learned, is interested in railroads.

One night, McDowell said, he received a call from a man who identified himself as an associate of Manson. McDowell explained what he wanted to know, and arrangements were made for him to speak with Manson through a telephone service for inmates.

Off and on for more than two years, McDowell chatted with Manson. They talked about Omaha, about Mansons past and about the 1969 murders. True, McDowell wanted to know more about Mansons experiences at Boys Town, but he also wanted to vet the inmate, who, for decades, has drawn attention for odd behavior.

I was scared to deal with him because of his reputation and all, McDowell said. But he surprised me in how intelligent he is, and how thoughtful he is in some things.

Manson remembered his time in Omaha fondly and vividly, McDowell said. He could recall, for example, the name of a nun who confiscated his cigarettes and specific architectural details about the Boys Town campus. Overall, McDowell said, Manson gave the impression that he appreciated what the childrens home had tried to do for him.

So why run away? McDowell asked, over and over. Manson, he said, never gave a clear answer.

After a while, McDowell grew tired of Mansons phone calls. He wrote his book, piecing together what he learned from their conversations. He sent Manson a copy.

McDowell stopped taking Mansons calls, ready to put the story behind him. He shifted gears after the Manson book, writing Ginny Coopers War about the construction of the Enola Gay at what is now Offutt Air Force Base.

Today, McDowell saves memories of his correspondence with Manson in a manila folder. It contains postcards addressed and signed in Mansons messy handwriting, their envelopes stamped by the California prison.

Ask McDowell how he feels about Manson, and hes clear: I am not a Manson fan, he said. He believes the man, now 82, is a career criminal who deserves to be in jail.

But, at McDowells presentation Sunday, he plans to share his take on Mansons crimes, one he knows isnt always popular with those convinced of the mans guilt.

He thinks theres more to the story.

Charles Manson in Omaha

What: Lawson McDowell will speak about Mansons time in Omaha and discuss the 1969 murders and trial as part of the Douglas County Historical Societys Second Sunday Series.

When: 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: 5730 N. 30th St. Metropolitan Community College Building 10

Admission: Free for historical society members and $5 for nonmembers. To RSVP, call 402-455-9990 or email Members@DouglasCoHistory.org.
Nine people were arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor sex-sales crimes last week during an undercover operation in Lincoln that was an element of a national effort focused on human trafficking.

Four women were arrested on suspicion of prostitution, and five men were arrested on suspicion of solicitation of prostitution, Lincoln police said Thursday.

The suspects who were arrested in Lincoln live in that city, Omaha and Troy, New York.

One of the women who was arrested Friday also was charged with prostitution in October after Lincoln police arrested her at a hotel during another undercover operation.

The National Johns Suppression Initiative began in 2011. Its 13th operation began Jan. 18 and ended Sunday, when the Super Bowl was played. It included about 30 law enforcement agencies in 15 states. The operation was coordinated by the Cook County Sheriffs Office in Illinois.

The agencies conducted sting operations that led to 752 arrests, including 723 sex buyers and 29 sex traffickers, the Cook County Sheriffs Office said.

The Super Bowl was played in Houston, and the Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriffs Office were among the arresting agencies.
LINCOLN  Nebraska criminals who successfully complete probation sentences are less than half as likely to commit repeat crimes than those sent to prison, according to a report from a University of Nebraska-Lincoln researcher.

The report said that of those successfully discharged from probation, only 14.2 percent committed additional serious crimes within three years. That compares to a recidivism rate of 30.1 percent for those who serve prison sentences.

The hard work that probation has done over the last several years is paying off. This study reinforces that we are on the right track, said Deb Minardi, the states deputy probation administrator.

The report, issued on Thursday, comes as the Nebraska Legislature is looking at how to cut spending to close a $900 million budget gap.

The Supreme Court, whose budget includes the state Office of Probation, had been facing an $8.2 million cut in spending during the current fiscal year. But the Legislature is expected to restore $4 million in funding for the court and probation system on Monday.

A research team supervised by UNL law and psychology professor Richard Wiener recently studied Nebraska court records between the years 2006 and 2012 to determine the three-year recidivism rates of probationers.

The report did not include those who did not successfully complete probation, but a study of that group is underway, Minardi said.

About 71 percent of those sentenced to probation successfully complete the supervised requirements. Its safe to assume that the recidivism rate would be higher for those who wash out of probation, Minardi said.

The state Office of Probation currently supervises 13,518 adults on probation.

Minardi said that number has stayed fairly steady in recent years, though the number of felons on probation has increased by about 25 percent because of recent sentence reforms enacted by the state to reduce prison overcrowding and spending.

Probation supervision costs between $3,000 and $10,000 per year, while the cost of housing an inmate for a year in prison can be $35,000 or more.
LINCOLN  For a second time, the Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction of a transient who was arrested more than three decades after the slaying.

In 1978, a 61-year-old hospital worker, Carroll Bonnet, was found stabbed to death in a downtown Omaha apartment.

The investigation went cold. But in 2008, an Omaha police fingerprint analyst, Laura Casey, discovered that a fingerprint recovered from the apartment matched that of Jerry Watson, a transient, whose print was stored in a national database of known felons.

At the time, Watson was in an Illinois prison, serving time for burglary. Watson was arrested, and in 2011, convicted of the slaying. He was sentenced to life in prison.

In 2013, the states highest court rejected an appeal of Watsons conviction on grounds that he couldnt confront witnesses because they had either died or couldnt be located.

On Friday, the Supreme Court rejected a second appeal by Watson based on his claim that his legal representation was ineffective.

Douglas County District Judge Peter Bataillon had rejected Watsons latest appeal without holding an evidentiary hearing, which prompted the appeal.
A state agency can pursue a years-old fine levied against a Bellevue city councilman, a judge has ruled.

Sarpy County District Judge George Thompson ruled this week that the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission can revive a 2007 judgment against Pat Shannon. The judgment stems from a violation of campaign laws in 2004 and totals more than $16,000 plus interest.

After years of trying to collect the money, the commission filed a motion to revive the judgment in December after Shannons election to the Bellevue City Council.

Council members are paid $11,000 a year. Shannon, a businessman, represents all of Bellevue as the at-large councilman.

The defendant is now in changed economic circumstances because he has been elected to public office, and he will draw a salary which may potentially be garnished to satisfy the judgment, the motion said.

Frank Daley, executive director of the commission, said as long as theres a reasonable basis to secure payment, his agency will do so.

Daley said the commission would look at its options.

We plan to take such actions as permitted by law to secure collection of the judgment, Daley said. Those could include garnishing wages or finding assets that are not encumbered by liens for seizure or sale.

The commission has sought payment for years. But during an April 2012 deposition, Shannon said he had no assets to satisfy the judgment and that the Internal Revenue Service had liens on his property.

Shannon said in an emailed statement Thursday that the ruling only serves to revive the dead judgment.

Shannon has called into question the legitimacy of the judgment. In the statement, he said he has new evidence that exonerates me and has been in the hands of the NADC since 2006.

Shannon has said for months that he would reveal the truth about the fine but that hes under a gag order from the commission.

Daley has said there is no such gag order.

Shannon was fined by the commission for eight campaign disclosure violations. The fines stemmed from an anonymous flier that was distributed that alleged domestic abuse by Shannons opponent in his 2004 race for the Legislature.

Shannon has long denied creating the flier, but U.S. postal inspectors found that the letter was sent with a bulk mail permit held by one of Shannons businesses.

The commission said Shannon made copies of the flier on his equipment and stuffed more than 7,000 fliers. Shannon denies that because he said he didnt know how to use the machine needed for the work.

In a separate case, Shannon has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor in Sarpy County Court. Prosecutors say he hired someone to do electrical work at his business who wasnt listed on the permit taken out for the job. That case will be back in court in March.
LINCOLN  Some of the same drugs used in operating rooms also are used in death chambers.

State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell said Thursday that intersection has factored into shortages of the medicines needed for surgeries. He blamed the protests and harassment of drug manufacturers by death penalty opponents.

To support his argument, he cited a 2011 letter from the American Society of Anesthesiologists that said difficulties in obtaining a common surgical anesthetic targeted for its use in executions had jeopardized the safety of patients in need of medical procedures.

How many medical patients will suffer, have less than optimal surgical and medical care, or die to protect convicted death row inmates? Kuehn asked Thursday as he testified in support of his bill that would hide the identities of those who would supply lethal injection drugs to Nebraska.

Opponents of the secrecy bill said citizens have the right to scrutinize every detail and dollar spent when it comes to something of the magnitude of an execution. Spike Eickholt, lobbyist for the ACLU of Nebraska, questioned whether Nebraskans would support shielding the identify of an abortion drug supplier who had a contract with the state.

In government, nothing good happens in secret, he said.

Legislative Bill 661 would change Nebraskas public records law so state officials could legally withhold any information leading to the identity of an individual or business that manufactures, supplies, compounds or prescribes execution drugs.

Members of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard public testimony on the bill Thursday. The committee took no action after the hearing.

Drug secrecy laws are on the books in 15 of the 31 states with the death penalty, Kuehn said. Texas and Georgia, the states that led the nation in executions last year, both have the shield laws.

The courts have generally ruled against inmates whove challenged the secrecy laws. Kuehn said he patterned his bill after the law in Georgia, which was upheld by that states Supreme Court in a 5-2 decision in 2014.

Kuehn referred to the 61 percent majority of Nebraska voters who supported the death penalty in November by reversing the 2015 repeal of capital punishment by state lawmakers. Voters sent a clear message that they want the Legislature to fix the death penalty, he said.

Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, a member of the Government Committee, questioned Kuehns assertion that death penalty opponents are to blame for drug shortages. Was it possible, he asked, that some companies have restricted supplies of their products because they ethically oppose executions?

Kuehn acknowledged it was possible. But he argued that his law would make it possible for those willing to supply the state with execution drugs to be able to do so without repercussion.

Kuehn also said he has been harassed by death penalty opponents for introducing the secrecy legislation.

His bill does not extend secrecy to provisions of the execution protocol that requires laboratory testing of any lethal drugs purchased by the state. The lab results, along with the identity and quantity of drugs the state intends to use, would have to be shared with the inmate well in advance of an execution.

Among the four people who testified for the bill was Scott Frakes, director of the Department of Correctional Services. Late last year, the department included a similar secrecy rule in a draft version of the states execution protocol, but decided to remove the provision in the final version. The governor recently signed off on the new procedure.

The state currently has a supply of potassium chloride, one of the three lethal drugs required under the previous protocol. But that drug alone cannot be used to execute because it does not first render an inmate unconscious.

Frakes said he has just recently started the process of contacting potential drug suppliers, but has not made a purchase.

He told committee members that it may be possible to obtain drugs without a secrecy law, but that such a law would remove barriers, making it easier for the department to carry out a legal punishment. Currently 10 men are on death row in Nebraska, which last carried out an execution 20 years ago.

I firmly believe this bill is needed to remove a tool that death penalty opponents will continue to use to frustrate and stymie the will of the voters, Frakes said.

Pierce County Sheriff Rick Eberhardt read the names of some of the victims of death row inmates as he testified in support of the bill. He told lawmakers that he and other death-penalty supporters will be watching the issue closely.

This is not about vengeance, its about justice, he said.

Eleven people testified against the bill, including Media of Nebraska, the League of Women Voters and Nebraskans for Peace.

Lincoln attorney Alan Peterson, who helped draft the public records law in 1979, said the legal requirement for public disclosure of records related to state expenditures and purchases traces back to the territorial days.

Peterson, who also has long represented a death-row inmate, predicted lawyers for the condemned would use the federal courts to learn the names of the states suppliers. Defense lawyers would be obligated, he said, to make sure the manufacturing or business practices of a supplier werent grounds for a stay of execution.

Lancaster County Public Defender Joe Nigro testified on behalf of the Nebraska State Bar Association. He stressed that the association takes no position for or against the death penalty, but it opposes the secrecy bill.

Because the idea of hiding those involved in making the drugs used to execute people ... could not be further from the administration of justice, he said.
A 33-year-old Valley woman was identified as the woman seriously injured Thursday night when her car collided with another vehicle just west of Elkhorn.

Tiffany Camp was taken by medical helicopter to Nebraska Medical Center after the crash about 6 p.m. at U.S. Highway 275 and West Dodge Road, the Douglas County Sheriffs Office said.

Deputies said Camps 2012 Volkswagen Eos and a 2015 Jeep Cherokee driven by Alisa Schlegelmilch, 22, of Omaha ended up near the northwest corner of the intersection. Debris from the crash covered the roadway, the Sheriffs Office said.

The Volkswagen was northbound on Highway 275 and the Jeep was westbound on West Dodge Road.

The Jeep failed to stop at a stop sign, the Sheriffs Office said, and crashed into the Volkswagens passenger side.

The Volkswagen rolled into a ditch after the crash. It ended up on its wheels in about 2 feet of water, deputies said.

A 7-year-old passenger who was in the drivers-side rear seat of the Volkswagen suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center, the Sheriffs Office said. Schlegelmilch also suffered minor injuries and was taken there.

The crash closed southbound Highway 275 and westbound West Dodge Road for about three hours.

A previous version of this story listed an incorrect time for the crash.
It was refreshing to see the Omaha Public Schools board take a single vote to fill its open seat. The ease of Mondays decision was a relief after last months embarrassing effort to elect a board president, which initially deadlocked for more than 120 votes.

The board later compromised on Lacey Merica, who pledged to bring the sides together. Early returns are promising.

The board chose Shavonna Holman this week from a talented pool of applicants to represent Subdistrict 4 in north-central and northwest Omaha, citing her impressive background. Holman will complete the term of Justin Wayne, who was elected to the Legislature.

Holman, 40, is an assistant professor of educational administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincolns College of Education, with specialties in urban education and educational leadership.

Before leaving for UNL, she taught and served as an assistant principal in OPS, including at some of the citys economically challenged schools. Her daughter attends OPS Fullerton Magnet Center.

This combination of experience and personal investment bodes well for Holmans ability to help bridge communication gaps between the OPS board, district management and staff.

The board can now turn its full attention to its key task: hiring the strongest replacement possible for retiring Superintendent Mark Evans.

Filling the ninth board seat should diminish the possibility of 4-4 votes on a school board with a vital regional educational mission.
Tax fairness is the best argument for more effectively collecting Nebraska sales taxes on Internet purchases.

State law sets a 5.5 percent state sales tax on goods bought at brick-and-mortar stores as well as those bought online. But while those brick-and-mortar stores are required to collect the tax, online sales tax collection is left to an honor system in which taxpayers are expected to report and pay when they file their state income taxes.

Not surprisingly, fewer than 1 percent of taxpayers self-report.

The state, by looking the other way, gives online retailers a price advantage over local stores, which employ more than 100,000 people statewide. This failing honor system is unfair to retail employers and employees who live and invest in our communities.

State senators can consider one of two bills before them that would require online businesses of varying sizes to collect the sales tax. This is already being done by states such as South Dakota and Colorado. The Colorado law passed muster in federal court.

The fiscal stakes are large for the state. Amazon, the nations largest online retailer, has voluntarily started collecting Nebraskas sales tax. The Nebraska Department of Revenue estimates the state will collect about $28 million in sales taxes on those purchases in 2017-18. Thats from one, albeit large, online retailer.

But setting aside revenue considerations, this is a matter of principle. Lawmakers should focus on fixing a flawed process by fairly applying an existing tax. Its time to level this playing field.
Mello, master of the weather?

There is no doubt that, as Omaha mayor, Heath Mello would have arranged for the recent snow to have fallen at a more convenient hour (After the snow, blame piles up, Feb. 9 World-Herald).

Mike Hendrick, Omaha

Keep Nebraska a state of innovation

As an engineer and University of Nebraska alum, I was pleased to read the Jan. 22 World-Herald editorial about the UNeTech partnership helping to grow jobs and increasing innovation.

However, legislation in Congress could thwart this great partnership, harm Nebraskas inventors and entrepreneurs and stifle our states innovation. The legislation, H.R. 9 in the House and S. 1137 in the Senate, introduced last year and likely to come up again this year, would threaten our states startups in a number of ways.

If enacted, these bills would make it harder for inventors to protect their inventions, in turn making investors less likely to invest in those projects. The result would be fewer and fewer new technologies coming to market, including ones from the biotech industry.

Furthermore, the bills would hurt the little guy by requiring fee shifting, better known as loser pays. Once challenged by big companies with virtually unlimited resources, Nebraskas startups would face an uphill court battle. If they lost, they would often have to pay the attorneys fees for both sides. This could be a potentially fatal blow for any startup.

Universities and startups play a vital role in innovation, both in Nebraska and around the nation, and it is important that we continue to create an environment that fosters innovation.

As our representatives begin voting this year, they should keep in mind that we cannot allow many of the provisions like the ones in H.R. 9 and S. 1137 to make it through Congress.

David Hansen, Omaha

A fairer tax code for all

Everyone should support Papillion State Sen. Jim Smiths Legislative Bill 337, which would reduce the state income tax rate and help many, if not most, Nebraska households.

While the bill may seem modest (or extreme), the critics are wrong. By reducing the income tax rate, Nebraska will find it easier to keep Nebraskans from leaving the state while encouraging important workers, such as teachers and nurses, to come to Nebraska. That is how you grow Nebraskas economy.

To leave the top income tax at 6.84 percent, which applies to incomes as low as $29,830, is absurd. Such high tax rates encourage people to look for tax shelters and exemptions and eventually harm tax revenues while pushing workers to go to other states.

The only better tax plans would be a flat, 4.5 percent income tax or no income tax at all.

Andrew L. Sullivan, Omaha

OPS still on the side of the law

Jim Sanfords Feb. 8 Public Pulse letter, OPS signals it wont work with feds, was off-base. Omaha Public Schools is not a sanctuary school district. It has said it would comply with the law or with a court order. Doing anything beyond that would be a violation of students rights. And they do have rights.

Floyd Harvey, Omaha

Only an issue if you break the law

Ill clarify it for Feb. 8 Public Pulse writer Peter Vidito (Enforcement or harassment?): If people obey traffic laws, they dont have to worry about getting a ticket from a police officer or being tricked into obeying those laws.

Its really that simple.

Steve Hudson, Omaha

Obamacare an assault on small business

Most people have no idea what life has been like for small business owners under Obamacare. Start with a 950-page law, to which the Obama administration has added over 20,000 pages of regulations.

I have spent literally a few hundred hours on webcasts and reading papers written in legalese to try to make sure I will not make an innocent mistake that could cost me tens of thousands of dollars in fines and bankrupt the business I have spent 26 years building while working 60 to 70 hours per week.

Those hundreds of hours could have been spent continuing to build my business and create more jobs for more people.

Thanks to a nondiscriminatory clause issued by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, my managers lost an excellent group insurance policy because I could not afford to pay that high a premium for every employee. I have also had my income reduced by several thousand dollars because I had to hire a firm to help me keep up with all the reporting requirements.

This has been the worst law passed in my lifetime, which covers the last 62 years. Congress needs to get rid of this monstrosity of a law immediately, while providing a transition period into a new market-based law that gives people more freedom in their choices of insurance.

Randall Bradley, Papillion

Give a little relief to home schoolers

As a grandfather of 13, six of them home schooled, and as an observer of public schools, Ive found the quality of local teaching to be wonderful. However, the current outcry misses the dysfunction in large urban areas where the union protects and hides incompetency. Its time for a paradigm shift that shouldnt affect those doing their jobs well. Whats been done is not working for all American students.

Does the public realize home-schooling families support public schools with property taxes, easing overcrowding in classrooms and helping budgets by absorbing cost per student? A small voucher or a little tax help is not too much to ask, in my opinion.

Randall Klein, Lincoln

Education not the feds job

Betsy DeVos name should have never come up for nomination for secretary of education. Thats because the Department of Education shouldnt even exist.

Nowhere in the Constitution is the power over education given to the federal government. Its not listed in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, and the 10th Amendment says if the power isnt delegated, then it does not exist.

Since that department was created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 as a payoff to the teachers unions, test scores have steadily declined, while spending has steadily increased.

This is the typical result whenever the federal government gets involved in something.

Just think, the nearly $70 billion budgeted for that department could be cut from the federal budget and left to the states to spend on education on the local level as they see fit.

Klaus P. Lindner, La Vista

Trusting Fischers judgment

For some confusing reason, Sen. Deb Fischer has been characterized as the deciding vote on the nomination of Betsy DeVos to be secretary of education.

Fischer was no more the key to DeVos confirmation than any of the other 49 Republican U.S. senators who voted for her.

DeVos would not have been my first choice for secretary of education. But she was the nominee of the president. Fischer has done us all a great service by closely vetting this nominee, as she has on many nominees before this.

Fischer has a long track record as a local school board member. Her mother taught in public schools for 30 years. Fischer was successful in securing an amendment to the recently passed Every Student Succeeds Act reinforcing state and local control of our schools.

During my eight years of service on the State Board of Education, we fought against the interference of the federal government in Nebraska schools. I am pleased and encouraged that Fischer elicited this promise from DeVos to leave decisions about charters, vouchers and the like to us. And I was pleased to read that DeVos supports local control of schools in general.

During her time in the U.S. Senate, Fischer has made sound decisions that have benefited our state and our nation. I trust her judgment on this.

Bob Evnen, Lincoln

There are graver threats than terrorism

Every week in the United States about 650 people die in automobile accidents, about 650 die by firearms and 750 people die from poisoning, not to mention the deaths due to disease and other causes.

If Donald Trump is truly interested in making America safe, why is he not addressing these issues rather than all his concern about terrorism? You are more likely to drown in a bathtub than be a victim of a terror attack (1 in 20 million).

Jack McGonigle, Omaha

D.C. players should know their role

Here is a quaint idea. Lets leave the nations security to the president and the generals and tell members of Congress to shut up. That way no one will know how dumb they are.

Darrel Adamson, ONeill, Neb.
BSF jawan who complained about food allowed to meet wife

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The wife of Tej Bahadur Yadav will be allowed to meet him over the weekend at the Samba sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The order was passed by the Delhi high court. It may be recalled that Yadav had posted a video online complaining about the poor quality of food served to jawans.

Yadav's wife Sharmila had filed a habeas corpus petition alleging that her husband was missing ever since the video that he posted went viral. During the course of the hearing, the union Home Ministry told the court that Yadav was not arrested as is being alleged. He has only been shifted to another battalion, the ministry also told the court.

Yadav's wife Sharmila sought a directive from the Delhi high court to the authorities concerned to produce her husband before the court. The court will hear the matter on Friday.

Sharmila says in the petition that an inquiry had been ordered after he had uploaded the video. Since then none of us have been able to contact him, she also alleged. She even said that she had written two letters to the BSF, but there was no response. They avoid my phone calls and very often keep the call on hold, she also alleged.

OneIndia News
How the numbers add up in UP: This is what BJP's win percentage was

Congress-SP alliance opportunist, BSP fighting a lost battle: Rajnath

India

oi-PTI

Lucknow Feb 10: Predicting doom for BSP in Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said Mayawati's party was fighting a "lost battle," and termed SP-Congress alliance as "opportunist". At the same time, he said BJP would get absolute majority.

"BSP is fighting a lost battle in Uttar Pradesh. Its supremo (Mayawati) is seeking votes on communal basis. She is doing divisive politics. In democracy, votes should not be sought on basis of caste and religion," Singh said at a press conference here.

Terming SP-Congress alliance as "opportunist and demoralised", the Home Minister said, "Both parties are weak. SP accepted itself as weak and that is why it forged an alliance with Congress, against which Mulayam Singh Yadav was always opposed to."

Claiming that people of the state has accepted BJP as a strong alternative, Singh said, "It will get absolute majority in the UP polls." Attacking the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh for its "failure" on law and order front, he said, "There is no development and good governance here. Law and order is in shambles in UP. There are 13 murders, 11 loots and nine rapes everyday in the state as per NCRB data."

Singh also asked state government to recommend CBI probe into murder of a local businessman Shravan Sahu last month. "If the state government recommends it, we will order CBI probe. If BJP forms government in UP, we will order CBI probe into the matter," he said.

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 13:39 [IST]
Delhi HC to hear plea seeking to trace 'missing' BSF jawan

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

New Delhi, Feb 10: A Delhi High Court on Friday agreed to hear a a habeas corpus plea seeking to trace 'missing' BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav, who posted a video alleging that poor quality food was served to them.

In a petition filed by wife of BSF jawan claimed that she is unable to trace her husband. She also alleged that ever since the video was uploaded, none of them have been able to contact him. She had also written two letters to the BSF, but there was no response. They even avoided my phone calls and keep the call on hold.

It may be recalled that Yadav had created a stir across the nation after he uploaded a video on his social media account in which he complained about the poor quality of food served to jawans.

A habeas corpus is "a provision in law requiring a person under arrest or detention to be brought before a judge or court, on fear of the individual's safety.

OneIndia News
Why is the DMK continuing to oppose the imposition of Hindi? - 50 years of struggle and the truth!

Tamil Nadu: Heavy rains in several parts of Tamil Nadu in next 2 days

Governor must act in accordance with Constitution: Moily on TN crisis

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, Feb 10: Congress on Friday said that Tamil Nadu Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao must act in accordance with the Constitution on the issue of AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala staking claim to form the government in the state.

"As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, it is the internal matter of the AIADMK. But, we want the Governor to act in accordance with the Constitution provisions and also Supreme Court framework which has been illustrated in the Bommai case," said senior Congress leader and MP M. Veerappa Moily.

"I think they have to go by the strict law," he added.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused take up on priority a petition that sought stalling Sasikala Natarajan's swearing in Tamil Nadu chief minister. A petition had been filed seeking a stay on the swearing-in-ceremony until the verdict in the disproportionate assets case was pronounced.

IANS
Hafiz Saeed may be under house arrest, but his modules are intact

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Hafiz saeed, the Lashkar-e-Tayiba chief has been under house arrest for the past two weeks now. The house arrest was meant to have an impact on the terror networks of the Lashkar, but according to the Intelligence Bureau officials, it has had no effect whatsoever.

In fact, the Lashkar has become more determined to strike and have activated several modules in Jammu and Kashmir to seek out revenge. The Lashkar feels that the house arrest of their leader is due to India's meddling apart from the close ties that Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares with American President Donald Trump.

"There has been no impact on the ground," says an officer monitoring the outfit. "The prime camp run by the outfit at Muridke is still intact and attempts are being made everyday to send across trained jihadis into India. The Markaz Taiba camp near Mansehra too is intact and training is conducted every day," the officer says. The other camps of the outfit at the Atter Sheesha too are running.

Another major camp at Muzzafarabad is active as well, officials have reported. All this indicates that the house arrest is just a hogwash and Pakistan has no intention of carrying out a crackdown where it should. In the aftermath of the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, all these camps had come under the scanner. Pakistan had in fact ensured that these camps shut down. It is a whole other story that these camps were opened up two years later.

The two main figure heads of the LeT, Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi may have been kept quiet by Pakistan. However, Pakistan has failed to curb the activities of the outfit. The foot soldiers are ready to fight in the name of their leaders. Officials say that unless these camps are shut down, the war on terror would never be one.

In this context it would also be interesting to note that the financial wing of the Lashkar, Jamaat-ud-Dawa also had affected a name change to avoid a ban. The JuD which had come under the scanner for raising funds for terror related activities was placed under the watch list. It immediately changed its name to Falah-e-Insaniyat. When this group came under the scanner, the outfit re-launched itself as the Tehreek Azadi Jammu and Kashmir. This group is already collecting donations and diverting the funds to the Lashkar.

Interestingly, the group also decided to add Jammu and Kashmir to its name. This was a strategic move as the Kashmir issue remains an emotional one in Pakistan. The group feels that if there is any crackdown on it by the Pakistan government then it would appear as though action is being taken against the Kashmir cause.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 14:55 [IST]
In the numbers game, Sasikala has forgotten these 3 legal hurdles

India

oi-Vicky

Chennai, Feb 10: Sasikala does have the numbers, but she also carries a huge baggage. The first hurdle would be to come clean in the disproportionate assets case, the verdict which will be pronounced by the Supreme Court next week.

OneIndia spoke to both legal and Constitutional experts on the hurdles that Sasikala has in her way before she could become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Experts say that there are several factors that would be taken into consideration before stand-in Governor of Tamil Nadu Vidyasagar Rao takes a final call on the matter.

The first major hurdle would be the DA case. If found guilty by the Supreme Court either on Monday or Tuesday, Sasikala would have to do time and would be disqualified from contesting an election. If the sentence of four years imposed by the trial court is upheld then she is out of action for the next ten years.

The Representation of People's Act bars a convicted person from contesting the polls for 6 years.

The next hurdle for her would be appointing herself as the leader of the legislature party. Experts point out that she cannot be appointed as the leader of the AIADMK's legislature party since she is not a member of the house. For her to be appointed as the leader, it is mandatory that she is either a member of the assembly or the Parliament.

Finally she has been appointed as the interim general secretary of her party. This can be struck down by the Election Commission which has already been petitioned on the matter. The by-laws of the party clearly do not allow for this post. The bylaws only provide for a general secretary.

OneIndia News
Vaishali Takkar suicide: Her e-gadgets to be probed; hunt for the harasser is on

ISI ordered me to carry out train accidents in India

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Inter-Services Intelligence agent arrested in Nepal has confessed that it was a module run by him that was behind the train accidents in India. Shamshul Huda, who was arrested in Nepal on Tuesday told the police that the ISI has ordered him to carry out train accidents in India.

During his interrogation, Huda told the police that the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express near Kanpur was his doing. He explained in detail the modus operandi while stating that the derailment was caused by cutting the track with a gas cutter. One hundred and fifty people died in this accident.

Huda said that he had got in touch with one Braj Kishore Giri to carry out the job. At first it was decided that they would hire youth who were part of the Indian Mujahideen. However that would have brought them under the radar. Instead they decided to hire three criminals for the job, Huda also said.

[Meet Shafi Shaikh, Karachi-based don, behind train accidents in India]

Giri hired Uma Patel, Mukesh Yadav and Moti Paswan. Huda said that he had paid Giri Rs 8 lakh as advance and assured him that if the job was successful, the balance payment of Rs 3 crore would be made.

Huda further states that Paswan had initially planted a pressure cooker bomb on the tracks in Ghorsan near Motihari on October 1. However, the alert locals tipped off the police. This led to the plan being aborted, Huda also explained.

Huda says that Paswan then decided to change the plan. He decided to cut the tracks with a gas cutter which in turn would cause the derailment.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 10:16 [IST]
Assembly polls: Maximum candidates who left a party to join another were from BSP

In the past five years 1.29 crore votes have been cast for NOTA

Know your candidates: 256 crorepatis, 107 criminals are contesting 2nd phase of UP polls

India

oi-Vicky

Lucknow, Feb 10: According to a report, 256 crorepatis and 107 candidates with criminal records are in the fray for the second phase of Uttar Pradesh assembly elections to be held on February 15.

The report, jointly prepared by Uttar Pradesh Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms, has analysed the records of a total of 719 candidates from 92 political parties who are contesting the polls.

Here we bring you the details from the report...

Candidates with criminal background

--Out of 719 candidates analysed, 107 (15%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.

--Eighty four (12%) candidates have declared serious criminal cases, including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, crimes against women etc.

--Six candidates have declared cases related to murder.

--Fifteen candidates have declared cases related to attempt to murder (Indian Penal Code Section-307).

--Five candidates have declared cases related to assault against woman (Indian Penal Code Section-354) and dowry death.

--Seven candidates have declared cases related to kidnapping for ransom, etc. (Indian Penal Code Section- 364, 364A, 365).

Party wise candidates with criminal cases

It report noted that 16 out of 67 candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party, 25 of 67 from the Bahujan Samaj Party, 6 of 52 from the Rashtriya Lok Dal, 21 of 51 from the Samajwadi Party, 6 of 18 from the Congress and 13 of 206 independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Red alert constituencies

There are 15 red alert constituencies. These constituencies are those which have 3 or more candidates with a criminal background.

Financial background of candidates

The report said that out of 719 candidates, 256 are crorepatis adding that 58 from the BSP, 50 from the BJP, 45 from the SP, 13 from the Congress, 15 from the RLD and 36 independent candidates have declared assets worth more than Rs 1 crore.

The average asset per candidate contesting in the second phase of UP elections is Rs 2.01 crore. A total of three candidates have declared zero assets in their self-sworn affidavit.

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 9:28 [IST]
Why PM Modi has urged everyone to visit Nadabet, the 'Wagah of Gujarat'

PM Modi: SP Sarkar misusing power to arrest BJP cadres in UP

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, Feb 10: At an election rally in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made some serious allegations against the ruling Samajwadi Party in the state on Friday. PM Modi said that chief minister Akhilesh Yadav-led government in the state has arrested several Bharatiya Janata Party cadres to suppress the opposition.

He added that the SP government was misusing law to put opposition cadres behind bars. However, he did not reveal how many BJP party workers were arrested by the SP regime.

BJP ke karyakartaon ko jabran jail mein daala gaya. 11 March ko Akhilesh ji aapka kaccha chittha khulega:PM Modi  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2017

Kya sarkar ka upyog aise karte ho, apne virodhiyon ko jail mein daalne ke liye qaanoon ka durupyog karte ho: PM Modi in Bijnor #uppolls2017 pic.twitter.com/xU2xGfvgkg  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2017

The PM alleged that the UP government has done nothing to address the issue of rise in rape cases in the state. Taking a dig at the family of SP veteran Mulayam Singh Yadav, PM Modi said that all the MLCs, MLAs and MPS from Safai in UP belong to the Yadav family.

PM Modi did not even spare Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. He said that maximum number of jokes online were about the Congress VP.

Wooing Jats, PM said if BJP govt is formed in UP it will set up 'Chaudhary Charan Singh Kisan Kalyan Kosh' in all districts.

He further said the Samajwadi Party government is "against sugarcane farmers." "We will waive off loans of all small farmers once voted to power," Modi added.

In another poll rally, attended by Akhilesh, the UP chief minister continued his attack against PM Modi-led government at the Centre. Akhilesh said while the Centre talks about Mann ki Baat (taking a dig at PM Modi's monthly radio talk show), his government talks about Kaam ki Baat (work).

OneIndia News
Amitabh Bachchan reveals he had to get stitches after he cut a vein on his leg

Rajinikanth floating political outfit, but Big B says please dont!

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Amid all the political turmoil in Tamil Nadu there is talk that superstar Rajinikanth is set to launch his own political outfit. However his Hum co-star, Amitabh Bachchan has advised him against it.

A report in India Today states that the Rajini was advised by senior RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy to float his own outfit. According to the report, it was a proposal made so that the BJP could gain entry into TN while riding on the popularity of the superstar.

The BJP feels that it could take advantage of the ongoing problems in the AIADMK which is the ruling party in the state. The BJP according to the report wants to project Rajini as the chief ministerial candidate. However there is no clarity on the details and to talk about a CM candidate now does not appear to add up since the elections are four years away.

Meanwhile, the report also states that Rajini was advised by the megastar not to enter active politics. Bachchan himself did not have a happy outing in politics in the 1980s. He had won the Allahabad seat on a Congress ticket. Bachchan however quit politics later.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 17:26 [IST]
Rao Inderjit Singh stress on development of infrastructure

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 10: Pitching for betterment of living condition in urban areas, the government today stressed the need for meeting the challenges posed by migration of people from rural hinterland to cities and providing better amenities.

"Migration is a worldwide phenomenon which is bound to take place. We have to prepare ourselves for that, to ensure that those who migrate to cities are given whatever they expect from cities," Minister of State for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Rao Inderjit Singh said here at the 'One Globe' conference.

He said a major chunk of the population is going to live in urban areas in the next few years. "According to an estimate, 70 per cent of our population will be living in cities by 2050 so we have to prepare for that," he said. Taking note of the prevailing condition in cities, Singh said, "We have cities now which are not capable of tackling the influx of people that are coming in... We have to develop cities with better amenities like water and electricity." He said that majority of the people currently stay in rural areas.

"People are coming to cities for better life and opportunities. As a result, cities are overflowing. Migration creates pressure on city infrastructure. So we have to ensure that cities are livable with better amenities," he said. Referring to the condition in slums, Singh said there is also a need for providing better amenities in these areas.

"There are about eight million children in slum areas which are breeding ground for violence. So there is a need for providing clean water, better sewerage system, health etc in these areas," he said. Spelling out the government's initiatives to address the issues, he said, "We have two thrust areas. We have Smart City Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation for improving infrastructure in cities."

The government has launched Smart City Mission for 100 cities which are being selected through competition among cities. Five hundred cities have been selected for AMRUT for five years. While Smart City aims to provide all modern amenities, Amrut scheme has the focus of the urban renewal projects to establish infrastructure that could ensure adequate robust sewerage networks and water supply for urban transformation.

He said, "Sixty cities have been selected through competition now to be developed as Smart City in the country." He said infrastructure projects will be executed through special purpose vehicle in these proposed Smart Cities. As of now, projects worth about Rs 1.35 lakh crore have been committed for these cities, he added.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 17:15 [IST]
Why is the DMK continuing to oppose the imposition of Hindi? - 50 years of struggle and the truth!

Sasikala vs OPS: Legal options available for governor

India

oi-Vicky

Chennai, Feb 10: The turmoil in Tamil Nadu continues as Governor Vidyasagar Rao is yet to take a decision on the future of the government. After meeting both O Panneerselvam and Sasikala Nataraja, the governor has sent a report to the Centre. The governor has also sought legal opinion on how to deal with the ongoing political crisis in the state.

OPS is currently the caretaker chief minister of the state. While he has offered to withdraw his resignation, the law does not permit him to do so. Sasikala, on the other hand, has the numbers and has staked a claim to form the government in TN.

The legal opinion given to the government in this matter will be based on the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the SR Bommai judgement.

The broad message in the Bommai verdict is that the majority enjoyed by the council of ministers should be tested on the floor of the House.

In this case, the governor will have to take a call on whether to invite Sasikala to form the government or permit OPS to prove his majority on the floor of the house. Parliamentary convention demands that the governor has to appoint the leader of the ruling party as the CM. However, if there is no clear picture, he may allow another person of his discretion to act as the CM. In both the cases, the nominated person has to prove their majority within one month.

The Bommai verdict

Article 356 of the Indian Constitution deals with the provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in the state. Broadly, it deals with the imposition of President's rule in the state. However, there has been misuse of this article in the past and hence the SC while interpreting the same laid down guidelines. Here are the guidelines...

--The majority enjoyed by the council of ministers shall be tested on the floor of the House.

--Centre should give a warning to the state and a time period of one week to reply.

--The court cannot question the advice tendered by CMs to the President, but it can question the material behind the satisfaction of the President. Hence, Judicial Review will involve three questions only:

--Is there any material behind the proclamation?

--Is the material relevant?

--Was there any malafide use of power?

If there is improper use of Article 356 then the court will provide remedy.

--Under Article 356(3), powers of the President has been limited. Hence, the President shall not take any irreversible action until the proclamation is approved by the Parliament and can't dissolve the assembly.

--Article 356 is justified only when there is a breakdown of constitutional machinery and not administrative machinery.

--Article 356 shall be used sparingly by the Centre, otherwise it is likely to destroy the constitutional structure between the Centre and the states. Even Dr BR Ambedkar envisaged it to remain a 'dead letter' in the constitution.

OneIndia News
Spying ring: Major module busted in Madhya Pradesh

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Feb 10: One more espionage ring running illegal telephone exchanges to gather information for the ISI has been busted. This time it was the Madhya Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad which bust a major ISI espionage ring comprising 11 persons. The incident comes close on the heels of the Uttar Pradesh ATS busting a similar network.

The MP ATS got wind of the network following the questioning of two alleged ISI agents, Satwinder and Dadu. The questioning led up to one Balram who was allegedly heading the network. He had appointed ten others to help him execute the job.

During the raid, the police unearthed an illegal telephone exchange being run under the guise of a call centre. There were Chinese equipments that were found at the exchange. The probe revealed that calls were being made to Army officials posted in Jammu and Kashmir. They would pose as senior officials and gather strategic information, ATS chief Sanjeev Sami informed.

The ATS also informed that the money would come to these persons through a hawala channel. The funds were in turn shared among all the members of the ring. The ATS says that they are still analysing the extent of information that has been leaked by these persons to the ISI.

The module is similar to the one busted in UP recently. However, there is no link between the two modules as each operated separately. Officers say that the ISI has set up similar networks in various states with an intention of gathering information so that the Pakistan army has a strategic advantage.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 9:05 [IST]
Stall Sasi from becomig CM: SC says no urgency

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Supreme Court on Friday refused take up on priority a petition that sought stalling Sasikala Natarajan's swearing in Tamil Nadu chief minister. A petition had been filed seeking a stay on the swearing-in-ceremony until the verdict in the disproportionate assets case was pronounced.

The court said that there was no urgency in the matter and it could not be heard out of turn. The court pointed out that the petition is pre-emptive in nature and no date for the swearing in has been fixed as of now. The bench said that any order in this regard would be pre-emptive in nature.

A plea was filed to put on hold the swearing in ceromony of Sasikala until the verdict in the Disproportionate Assets case is decided.

The plea was filed on Monday just a couple of hours after the Supreme Court had indicated that it would pronounce the verdict by next week.

Sasikala was the accused two in the DA case. She along with the late Jayalalithaa and two others convicted by the trial court at Bengaluru. The Supreme Court was moved in appeal after the Karnataka high court had acquitted all four accused in the case.

OneIndia News
'Severe' yet again: Delhi air continues to remain toxic with AQI at 431

Anand Mahindra's tweet about UPI at country's 'last tea shop' is every Indian's emotion

Student immolates self in Allahabad

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Lucknow, Feb 10: A second-year Law student sustained serious burn injuries on Thursday when he set himself on fire outside the Allahabad University campus, police said.

The incident is believed to be linked to the ongoing students' agitation there.

The student, Zaabir Raza, sustained 30 per cent burn injuries and was rushed to Delhi in an ambulance late in the night.

Following the incident, tension griped the university campus and angry students held hostage some of the university officials. Police had to resort to a minor cane charge to disperse the unruly mob of students.

The students have been agitating against the university management for some days. President of Allahabad University Students Union Rohit Mishra has termed the incident as "sad" and the cane charge by police as "very unfortunate".

IANS

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 11:36 [IST]
Why is the DMK continuing to oppose the imposition of Hindi? - 50 years of struggle and the truth!

TN crisis: Simultaneous floor test likely

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao is expected to consult with the speaker of the legislature assembly about the possibility of conducting a simultaneous floor. The possibility of such a test arises since there are two claimants to the post of chief minister in the state.

Both Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and AIADMK interim general secretary Sasikala have claimed that they have the numbers in the Tamil Nadu Legislative assembly. Both leaders also met with Rao on Thursday and staked a claim to form the government.

Rao has been holding consultations with legal experts on this peculiar situation in Tamil Nadu. All those who advised the governor say that guidelines laid down in the S R Bommai verdict must be followed. The verdict says that the party that has the majority on the floor of the house will form the government.

The Bommai verdict

While consulting with the speaker, Rao sought to know if a simultaneous floor test could be held. This would mean both OPS and Sasikala would get a chance to prove their majority on the floor of the house. The governor is expected to make an announcement on Friday in a bid to put an end to the week old turmoil.

OneIndia News
Why is the DMK continuing to oppose the imposition of Hindi? - 50 years of struggle and the truth!

Tamil Nadu: Heavy rains in several parts of Tamil Nadu in next 2 days

TN Governor's office says no report has been sent to Centre over political crisis

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

The Tamil Nadu Governor's office on Friday refuted the reports that Governor Vidyasagar Rao has sent a report to the Home Ministry over the political crisis in Tamil Nadu.

No report has been sent from Governor C Vidyasagar Rao to Ministry of Home Affairs: Raj Bhavan PRO pic.twitter.com/Q0nHaGzTCr  ANI (@ANI_news) February 10, 2017

Vidyasagar Rao, who met both Sasikala and Panneerselvam on Thursday, was expected to send a report to centre over the matter.

Rao, who met Panneerselvam first after reaching Chennai on Thursday, assured the chief minister that justice would be done. Panneerselvam told Rao that he wished to withdraw his resignation. Panneerselvam did not give out details of what exactly transpired between him and Rao, but thanked the people for their support and said 'Dharma will win.'

Later, Sasikala Natrajan reached the Raj Bhavan in Chennai to meet the Governor. During the meeting, Sasikala told Rao that she should be invited to form the government in Tamil Nadu.

She also showed the governor letters of support and said that she had the numbers to form the government.

OneIndia News
TN impasse: Subramanian Swamy slams governor; wants Sasikala to be CM

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Chennai, Feb 10: The controversial Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy on Friday blamed Tamil Nadu governor Vidyasagar Rao for the political stalemate underway in the southern state.

Both caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam legislature party leader Sasikala Natarajan are staking their claim to the chief ministerial post.

Swamy insisted that the governor should ask the AIADMK general secretary Sasikala to form the government if 'he has woken up to his duties as a constitutional authority'.

"Pannerselvam didn't give any list of MPs or MLAs who are supporting him. He didn't stake any claim. He just wants his resignation to be withdrawn. But, it has already been accepted. How can he do this? It's like putting toothpaste back in the tube," Swamy told ANI.

"So, if the governor has any chance, and he has woken up to his duties as a constitutional authority, he should ask Sasikala to form a government and then move a resolution in the assembly for confidence vote and proceed from there. There is now nothing left. Had Pannerselvam produced a list, there would have been a question over which list to accept. If the governor now doesn't call Sasikala, it would mean he is playing politics and he deserves to be removed," he added.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 11:56 [IST]
How the numbers add up in UP: This is what BJP's win percentage was

Uma Bharti's punishement for rapists-put chilli powder on their wounds

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Agra, Feb 10: Union Minister Uma Bharti has stirred a controversy after she said that rapists should be tortured in front of the victims, while campaigning in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Bharti, while addressing a large group of people said, "Rapists should be tortured in front of the families of the victims untill they beg for forgiveness. When I was the CM, I made them do it." Bharti, who was the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in 2003, raked up the Bulandshar rape case and said that the Samajwadi party never did enough when it came to this incident.

She described that rapists should be hung upside down and chilly powder be rubbed on their wounds until they scream. "Mothers and sisters should watch so that they can get closure," she added. She said that when she was the chief minister, she had once ordered cops to hang the rapist upside down and beat them so badly that they would cry out.

"The officer objected and said it was not right. I said, those who behave like demons cannot have human rights. I told him their heads should be cut off like Ravan's," she said.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 13:14 [IST]
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case

UP: Liquor cartons seized from SP-Cong candidate

India

oi-PTI

Ghaziabad, Feb 10: Following the directions of observers appointed by Election Commission, police teams conducted raids at some party offices in Ghaziabad and seized 20 cartons of liquor from an SP-Congress alliance candidate.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Anoop Kumar told PTI that observers got some complaint in this regard, upon which police officers were instructed to raid the election offices of the party candidates in Sahibabad legislative assembly constituency.

20 cartons of Indian-made foreign liquor were seized from the office of an SP-Congress alliance candiate, Kumar said, adding they were to be distributed among voters, in to lure them.

A random raid was conducted by city superintendent of police Salman Taj Patil in BJP and BSP offices but nothing was found there, he said.

On the other hand, from an Indirapuram office of Amar pal Sharma, the SP-Congress alliance candidate, 20 cartons of IMFL was confiscated on Friday. 16 cartons were sealed and four were found to be open, he said. An FIR has been lodged at Indirapuram police station under section 60 of UP Excise Act and violation of Model Code of conduct, the ASP added.

PTI
Two arrested for making objectionable remarks against Mulayam Singh on social media

UP: Mulayam to address first rally in Etawah tomorrow

India

oi-PTI

Lucknow, Feb 10: Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav will address his first election rally for brother Shivpal Yadav in Jaswant Nagar assembly constituency in Etawah on Saturday.

"Netaji will be addressing an election rally in Jaswant Nagar tomorrow," Shivpal said.

This will be Mulayam's first election rally after a number of flip-flops as to whether he would campaign for Samajwadi Party post Akhilesh Yadav taking over the reins of the party after a bitter power struggle.

Mulayam was angry over SP for going in for an alliance with Congress and had said he would not participate in campaign.

However, in a U-turn the very next day, he said his blessings were with his son and he would be campaigning. Jaswant Nagar constituency will go to polls in phase-3 on February 19.

Mulayam's rally incidentally coincides with the first phase of polling in the state tomorrow. UP will have seven-phase polling ending March 8.

PTI
UP polls: 15,000 security personnel deployed in 'sensitive' Ghaziabad

India

oi-PTI

Ghaziabad (UP), Feb 10: Around 15,000 paramilitary, police and home guard personnel have been deployed in the district to ensure free, fair and peaceful voting in the first phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections on Saturday, a senior police official said.

District Police chief held a meeting with other senior officials and chalked out a detailed plan at police lines, Assistant Superintendent of Police Aashish Srivastav said.

Addressing the officials, the Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar said 36 companies (100 personnel in each company) of central military forces, 800 sub-inspectors, 3,000 constables and 5,000 home guards jawans from different districts of Uttar Pradesh have reached Ghaziabad.

A total of around 15,000 personnel will be deployed at polling stations and booths in the district. Around 10,000 constables, allocated from other districts, and 5,000, posted in the district, will maintain law and order under the guidance of senior police officials, the SSP said.

PTI
Rushdie attack a reminder of how big a threat Iran is to the US, others

What is terrorism? The UN cant define it

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

India has decided to take urgent measures to counter radicalisation and would soon hold an international conference in this regard. Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said that he is surprised as to why the United Nations had not come out with a definition on what exactly terrorism means to the globe.

A similar point had been raised two years ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he urged the UN to define terrorism. Several attempts have been made in the past to define terror, but it has always fallen flat on the logic, 'your terrorist is my freedom fighter'.

The UN had said on October 7, 2005, by its 6th committee that it has not been able to define terrorism. Take for instance the killing Hadeel al-Hashlamun, a 19-year-old girl at Hebron check-post on September 22, 2015. The Palestinians termed it as Israel sponsored terrorism. However Israel termed it as an act of self-defence.

When the UN was known as the League of Nations, following the 1934 assassination of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia in Marseilles by Croatian and Macedonian separatists, France proposed that the League should adopt a comprehensive convention on terrorism. This was done on November 16, 1937.

However, it restricted 'terrorism' only to anti-state acts by defining it as 'criminal acts directed against a state and intended or calculated to create a state of terror in the minds of particular persons or a group of persons or the general public'. The league went on to ask its members to pass national laws.

In the 1970s, Libyan ruler Muammar el- Qaddafi opened camps to help what he called freedom struggles by the Irish Republican Army, Basque separatists, Italian Red Brigades and Palestinian groups. Other powers such as the US called it terrorism.

The US notified Libya as a sponsor of terrorism. Sanctions were imposed. However, Libya was removed from that list when Qaddafi stopped aiding these 'freedom fighters'. That, however, did not prevent the US and others from organising an uprising in Libya from 2011 through non-state actors to remove Qaddafi. Paul Pillar, former CIA analyst has said that this had only 'worsened chaos' in the region.

Why has the UN not been able to define terror?

According to V Balachandran, a former officer with the Research and Analysis Wing, there are several reasons why the UN has not been able to do so. The UN had drawn up 14 legal instruments in which it had described what constituted individual acts of terror. The 1963 Tokyo convention on in flight safety and the convention against hijacking in 1970 were drawn up.

In 2010, an additional protocol (Beijing protocol) was added to this convention. In 1971, another convention was passed to reinforce air travel security on the recommendation of the Montreal based International Civil Aviation Organisation.

In the same year, diplomats were protected under a special convention. This was necessitated by a spate of attacks on the diplomatic missions of the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel and Cuba during 1971-1972. In 1979, hostage taking was prohibited.

Between 1980 and 2005, there were 8 more legal instruments that were drawn up for the safety of nuclear material, prevention of airport violence, safety of maritime navigation and fixed platforms (oil drills), prevention of plastic explosives, terrorist bombings and terrorist financing.

Post 9/11, the UN Security Council passed Resolution No: 1373 on September 28, 2001 calling upon all members to implement the above 14 legal instruments. The UN Drug Control and Crime Prevention Secretariat was given the nodal role in monitoring compliance.

Since 2000, the UN Ad Hoc Committee has been examining a draft paper on Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism -- including a common definition. The latest report on the UN web is of 2011. The progress is unsatisfactory. Members of various political hues are still divided over what could be the exact definition of terrorism, says Balachandran.

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 11:12 [IST]
What is the exact status of MLAs in resort? Madras HC asks police

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Madras high court has directed the police to file an affidavit regarding the AIADMK MLAs lodged in a resort near Chennai. The court sought to know the exact status of the MLAs who have been carted away by Sasikala to a resort.

It may recalled that the government had told the court that the information regarding the MLAs staying at the resort was wrong. The government submitted that all they were staying at the MLAs hostel out of their own will.

Social activist K R Traffic Ramaswamy and PMK leader K Balu mentioned before the bench that the MLAs were in illegal detention and hence a writ of habeas corpus be issued. The plea was filed after Sasikala carted MLAs to a resort in a bid to avoid poaching by Chief Minister O Panneerselvam camp.

The government represented by the additional public prosecutor however told the court that the legislators were staying at the MLA's hostel. They are allowed to meet people are can move around freely, the government also told the high court.

DGP meets governor:

Meanwhile Director General of Police T Rajendran met with Governor Vidyasagar Rao on Friday. Sources say that the meeting was held to discuss the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu.

The governor also sought to know about the law and order situation in the state in the wake of the ongoing political turmoil. It is however unclear if the governor sought to know about the MLAs being lodged in the resort.

OneIndia News
What transpired between Sasikala and the guv in the meet

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

AIADMK interim general secretary Sasikala Natarajan who spent 30 minutes with Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday, staked a claim to form the government. The governor, prior to the meeting had conveyed that there shall be no parading of MLAs at the Raj Bhavan and she can be accompanied only by 10 ministers.

All eyes are on the governor today, whose decision would put an end to the ongoing turmoil in Tamil Nadu politics. The governor has been holding meetings with legal experts to decide on the next course of action. He was handed out a list of supporters backing Sasikala, but has not made any decision. This has even prompted BJP leader Subramanian Swamy to say, "What is he waiting for? She has shown the letter of support."

1Upon meeting the governor, Sasikala, after the mandatory pleasantries came straight to the point and said in English, "I stake claim." This was followed by a 20-minute presentation made by the 10 ministers who accompanied her who tried their best to impress upon the governor why Sasikala should be made the CM.

The governor was however not entirely convinced with the letter of support bearing the signatures of a majority of the AIADMK MLAs. During the meeting with Panneerselvam at 5 pm on Thursday, the governor was told that the list that would be presented by Sasikala should not be taken at face value.

Panneerselvam told the governor that most of the MLAs were held captive by Sasikala and if they were released, they would support him. Panneerselvam had also pre-warned the governor that the signatures of the MLAs were taken on blank sheets.

This put the governor in a quandary. He then decided that the signatures in the letter shown by Sasikala must be verified. Alternatively, he also suggested that a simultaneous floor test be held at the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly which would give both a chance to prove their strength.

During the meeting with Sasikala, the governor asked her about these allegations of the signatures either being forged or taken on blank sheets. Sasikala said that she was ready to get them verified by a senior AIADMK leader.

At first, Sasikala was not in favour of a floor test. However the governor said that this would be mandatory legally. At the end of the presentation made by her MLAs, she spent 10 minutes with the governor. She was told about all the concerns raised by OPS. He also said that these concerns must be addressed before she is invited to form the government. Sasikala was also given an outer limit of five days before the governor could address these concerns and invite her to form the government.

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 11:29 [IST]
BRICS must live up to commitments to sovereign equality and territorial integrity: Jaishankar

Indian economy expected to grow by 7.5 per cent this year: PM Modi at BRICS Business Forum

At BRICS summit, Putin slams 'thoughtless and selfish actions' of certain states that hurt global economy

China set to host BRICS summit; releases priority list

International

oi-PTI

Beijing, Feb 10: China has released the theme and the cooperation priorities of the 2017 BRICS Summit which is scheduled to begin in September, the official media reported on Thursday.

The summit will be held under the theme "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future," state-run Xinhua news agency reported. It will also feature five key priorities such as deepening cooperation, strengthening global governance, carrying out people-to-people exchanges, making institutional improvements and building broader partnerships.

The BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The inaugural summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. South Africa did not take part in it as the nation was admitted to the group in 2010.

So far a total of eight summits have taken place. The last year's summit was hosted by India at Goa. The summit will take place in Xiamen which is located in east China's Fujian Province.

PTI
Donald Trump talks to Ashraf Ghani promises support to his government

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Feb 10: The US supports Afghanistan's unity government, President Donald Trump has said during a telephonic conversation with his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani even as both leaders emphasised on the importance of bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries.

"President Trump today spoke with President Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and emphasised the ongoing importance of the US-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership and his support for the National Unity Government," the White House said yesterday. Trump and Ghani discussed opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relationship in areas such as security, counterterrorism cooperation, and economic development.

"President Trump looks forward to continuing a regular dialogue with President Ghani," the White House said. The two leaders had their first telephonic conversation after Trump became the 45th President of the US on January 20, on a day on which the top American commander in Afghanistan briefed lawmakers on the situation in this war-torn country.

General John Nicholson, Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan told Senators that Ghani is making bold reforms and implementing anti corruption measures to professionalise and improve the Afghan security forces.

"The government of Afghanistan is committed to achieving peace through reconciliation. However, so long as external support and safe haven persist, the path to reconciliation will be extremely difficult. Afghanistan wants peace and we hope that their neighbours realise that their best interests are also served by peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan," Nicholson said.

"The National Unity government led by President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah has demonstrated the will to work through a complex set of issues with the goal of addressing much- needed political and governmental reforms," Senator Jack Reed, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee said. "I hope they will continue to do so. Particular with respect to anti-corruption economic development and other governance initiatives which will be central to the long-term success," Reed said.

Nicholson said the Unity Government retains broad international community support, represented by the financial and security commitments through the 2020 time frame of the Warsaw Summit and the Brussels Conference. To best translate the 2017-2020 Warsaw Summit timeline into success, President Ghani has directed the implementation of an Afghan four-year "Roadmap" to increase Afghan National Defense Security Force fighting capabilities, which will expand Afghan government control of the population and incentivise reconciliation, he said.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 13:53 [IST]
Donald Trump's wall won't deter migrants: Mexican official

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Mexico City, Feb 10: US President Donald Trump's proposed wall along the southern border with Mexico is unlikely to deter migrants fleeing violence, poverty or a lack of opportunities, a Mexican immigration official said. "There is no way to stop a person who wants to migrate or to cross the border," Rodolfo Figueroa Pacheco, a representative of Mexico's National Migration Institute in the border state of Baja California, told Xinhua news agency on Thursday.

"The real solution to the migration issue lies in the countries that expel migrants," said Figueroa, referring to policies that exacerbate violence, drug trafficking and poverty in Central America and other regions. "Our obligation is to ensure that those who are in Mexico are orderly, safe and have their rights respected," he said.

Undocumented migrants have many ways to cross borders, noted Figueroa, adding "there's the maritime route and the overland route, the use of fake, borrowed or rented documents, and there are also tunnels and ramps. That is to say it is very complicated and difficult to deter." Mexico's geographic location has made it a springboard for migrants who are driven not just by the promise of a better life, but often by the destruction of their own way of life, as the current refugee crisis shows.

"We can't change our geography. Baja California is where it is, so our proximity to the US turns us into a natural corridor for migration," said the official. Fences with floodlights, sophisticated sensors and cameras lead many migrants to avoid the overland route and find an underground alternative to cross.

Esteban, an undocumented migrant who has sneaked across the border several times, said: "The sewage system is one of the best (options), as it takes you straight to San Diego." "The exit is close to a shopping centre. You arrive, change into clean clothes and no problem. Sometimes you go in groups or individually."

Some of the "other ways" are dangerous, especially for women and minors, said Salome Limas, an activist who works at a migrant shelter called Casa Madre Assunta. Shelters usually offer migrants a place to stay for up to 15 days, enough time for those who have already travelled long distances to rest and recover before attempting a potentially dangerous crossing, said Limas.

Women who decide to risk the crossing at present, she said, are mainly those who were deported from the US, "but must go back there, where they have homes, husbands or children".

Last year, according to government figures, some 250,000 undocumented migrants crossed the border, most from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Independent groups say the number is close to 400,000.

IANS
India will be the world's fastest growing economy in the next 5 yrs: report

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Feb 10: India will be the world's fastest growing economy during the next five years, a top US intelligence think-tank has said while underlining that Pakistan, unable to match India's economic prowess, will seek "other methods" to maintain even a semblance of balance.

"Pakistan, unable to match India's economic prowess, will seek other methods to maintain even a semblance of balance," said the report 'Global Trends' of the National Intelligence Council (NIC), which is the center for mid-term and long-term strategic thinking within the US Intelligence Community.

"India will be the world's fastest growing economy during the next five years as China's economy cools and growth elsewhere sputters, but internal tensions over inequality and religion will complicate its expansion," the report said.

In its report, the National Intelligence Council said that Pakistan will seek to maintain a diverse set of foreign partners, from which it can draw economic and security assistance, and to develop a credible nuclear deterrent by expanding its nuclear arsenal and delivery means, including "battlefield" nuclear weapons and sea-based options.

"In its efforts to curtail militancy, Islamabad will also face multiple internal security threats, as well as a gradual degradation of equipment used in these operations, declining financial resources, and a debate over changes needed to reduce the space for extremism," it said.

NIC said India's growing economic power and profile in the region will further complicate calculations, as New Delhi navigates relations with Beijing, Moscow, and Washington to protect its own expanding interests. New Delhi, however, will continue to offer smaller South Asian countries a stake in India's economic growth through development assistance and increased connectivity to India's economy, contributing to India's broader effort to assert its role as the predominant regional power, it added.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 9:15 [IST]
Trump's speaks to Xi Jinping, agrees to honour 'One China' policy

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Feb 10: In a U-turn, US President Donald Trump on Friday agreed to honour the decades-old 'One China' policy during his first telephonic conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. "The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'One China' policy," the White House said after Trump and Xi spoke over phone.

Xi appreciated Trump's affirmation of One China policy, Chinese state media reported. Representatives of the US and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest, the White House said. "The phone call between President Trump and President Xi was extremely cordial, and both leaders extended best wishes to the people of each other's countries," it said, adding that they also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries.

Trump and Xi look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes, the White House said of the "lengthy conversation" the two leaders had. Trump, after his election, had stated that the 'One-China' policy on Taiwan is up for negotiation and that he is not fully committed to it. China had hit back saying 'One-China' policy which stipulates that Taiwan is part of Chinese mainland is "non-negotiable".

China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and insists all countries having bilateral ties with it to abide by the 'One-China' policy. Trump has also often accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, currency manipulation and military buildup in the South China Sea. Earlier in the day, a presidential spokesman said Trump believes that a constructive relationship between China and America is in the fundamental interest of both countries.

"I think it (US-China relationship) is obviously important to us and the President understands that. He has spoken fairly often about China. He understands both the national and economic interests that we have, the desire for our companies to access the Chinese market, but also the national security interests that we have," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at his daily news conference.

Trump, Spicer insisted, wants to have a fruitful and constructive relationship with China. "And he looks forward to developing that as we go forward," Spicer said. The phone conversation between the two leaders happened a day after Trump wrote a letter to Xi and on the eve of his scheduled meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Xi Jinping had sent a congratulatory letter on the day of the President's inauguration. Trump sent a letter to Xi to wish him and the people of China a happy Lantern Festival.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 12:11 [IST]
Donald Trump to host Justin Trudeau at White House on Feb 13

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Washington, Feb 10: US President Donald Trump will welcome Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House on Monday for their first talks, the White House said on Thursday.

"President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau look forward to a constructive conversation on strengthening the relationship between our two nations," Xinhua quoted a White House statement as saying. However, the statement did not provide any details about the agenda of the meeting.

In January, Trump signed an executive order to advance the controversial Keystone XL project, which was rejected by former President Barack Obama due to environmental concerns.

The $8 billion-project is proposed to go from Canada through the US state of Montana and South Dakota to Nebraska, where it would connect with existing pipelines to carry more than 800,000 barrels of crude oil a day to refineries along the US Gulf Coast.

On trade issue, Trump has dismissed a free trade deal with Canada and Mexico in 1994 as one of the worst trade deals the US ever signed and announced to renegotiate it. The US opinion is divided over whether Trump's plan to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will bring back jobs to the US as promised.

IANS
US claims Russia and Iran support Taliban

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Feb 10: The top US commander in Afghanistan has said that Russia and Iran are supporting the Taliban in part to undermine the US and NATO mission to attain peace and stability in the war-torn nation.

"When we look at Russia and Iranian actions in Afghanistan, I believe that in part there, to undermine the US and NATO and prevent the strong and partnership that we have with the Afghans in the region," General John Nicholson, Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan told lawmakers yesterday during a Congressional hearing.

"The Russian involvement (in Afghanistan), this year, has become more difficult," Nicholson said. "They (Russians) have begun to publicly legitimise the Taliban. This narrative that they promote is that the Taliban are fighting Islamic State and the Afghan government is not as fighting Islamic State and that therefore there could be spillover of this group into the region. This is a false narrative," he said.

"The Afghan government, along with US counterterrorism forces are successfully fighting against Islamic State in Afghanistan. This year alone we have reduced their fighters by half, their territory by two thirds, we've killed their leader, in fact their top 12 leaders and continue to disrupt their operation," he said. Nicholson alleged that Russia has legitimised the Taliban with this false narrative of fighting Islamic State.

"They also, have initiated a series of meetings in Moscow to which the Afghans have not been invited, for the first several meetings, in which to discuss the future of Afghanistan," he said. "Afghanistan is trying to work with all of its neighbours and all of the stakeholders. They've reached out to the Russians about this. We believe, that a peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan should be Afghan," the General said.

"This has been the position of the United States government and we believe this will be the most lasting, enduring effective peace arrangement," he said. Senator Jeanne Shaheen asked about the recent spurt in relationship between Russia and Pakistan. "We are seeing additional engagement by the Russians with Pakistan. There was recently a training exercise conducted in Pakistan with Russian troops. And we have, again, reporting of an increased conversations going on in the country about potential support to these groups", she said.

"Given Pakistan's nuclear arsenal that should give us all much more reason to be very concerned about what's happening in that region," Shaheen asked. Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee alleged that both Russia and Iran are meddling in Afghanistan. "Iran is reportedly arming and funding the Taliban. And, as if the situation were not complicated enough, Russia is now meddling in Afghanistan in apparent attempt to prop up the Taliban and in undermine the US," he said.

PTI

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Story first published: Friday, February 10, 2017, 13:07 [IST]
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London Calling: LAC 2017 Attracts More than 5,000 Delegates

Published February 10, 2017 by OCR Editor

This years London Affiliate Conference has attracted more than 5,000 delegates looking to engage in fruitful discussions and networking opportunities, and Online Casino Reports is on the scene.

The London Affiliate Conference is in full swing and Online Casino Reports is on the scene.

The event kicked off yesterday, attracting thousands of delegates from all over the world. Taking place parallel with the ICE Totally Gaming conference, this year's LAC, like all the previous ones, provides affiliates with exceptional networking opportunities and gives them a chance to grow and enhance their business.

5,000 Expected to Attend

LAC 2017 should see more than 5,000 people in attendance from February 9  12. All of them will get to discuss their experiences and exchange ideas in the relaxed atmosphere of Londons ExCel.

Things kicked off on Thursday with welcome drinks sponsored by WPN Affiliates, followed by the official LAC opening party at Revolution bar. The party gave affiliates a chance to catch up and meet new contacts from all over the world in an informal atmosphere.

As for the atmosphere inside ExCel, everything looks amazing with flashy, colorful stands by many affiliates, all of them bringing their best to the table. The setup on ExCels floor makes it easy to see why LAC is one of the biggest affiliate conferences in the world.

Practical & Useful Conferences

Friday (today) is the main day for the conference, with many keynote speakers taking the stand. Some of the topics that will be discussed include affiliate business tools, SEO strategies, paid and social media, industry insights, etc.

The team behind LAC made sure to bring in a number of experts who will share their knowledge and experiences, guaranteeing the visiting delegates will come away with many new practical findings and ideas.

After a long day of work, the affiliates will get to relax and discuss the newly acquired ideas at the official networking party starting off at 21:00 at Trade Union bar.

iGB Affiliate Awards

The iGB Affiliate Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, starting at 20:00. The ceremony will be held in a 1,001 Nights themed venue, offering a unique, immersive experience, rounding up this years London Affiliate Conference, with Online Casino Reports hopeful in the Best Casino Website category. Good luck to all!

Some sights:
Special Interview: Get the Inside Track on PlayOJO Casino

Published February 10, 2017 by Mike P

Online Casino Reports has performed a special interview with PlayOJO Casino to give you the inside track on this new brand.

New casino sites hit the market every week, but few are launched with the ambition of PlayOJO Casino. After opening in early 2017, PlayOJO Casino has wasted no time in expressing its desire to provide players with a site where they are promised a fairer promotional system.

SkillOnNet Platform

This is certainly an ambitious philosophy, but PlayOJO Casino is well-supported thanks to its position on the SkillOnNet casino software platform. From the outset, PlayOJO Casino has been able to launch with remote gaming licences from highly respected authorities situated in the UK, Germany, and Denmark.

Remote Gaming Licences

Those authorities have given PlayOJO Casino the go-ahead to share its promotional philosophy with the world. As a result, players can now claim free spins where winnings are not subjected to wagering requirements, while the OJOplus system ensures that players receive back a portion of every wager that they stake on games.

Esteemed Software Providers

PlayOJO Casino has gone to major lengths to give players gaming options, with more than 500 games to experience. And these come from highly esteemed software providers in the form of NetEnt, WMS, Amaya, NextGen, Merkur, Barcrest, Blueprint, and others.

PlayOJO Casino Interview

Here at Online Casino Reports (OCR), we have already discovered a lot about this intriguing new brand. But we have learned even more thanks to Ohad Narkis of SkillOnNet agreeing to give us an in-depth interview that is presented below:

1) PlayOJO claims to introduce a "new model" for online casinos. What does this mean and how does it differ from current models?

We want PlayOJO to stand out as the good guys in online casino gaming. That's why we're entering this congested market with a unique product that gives the players back control. We're the only casino out there that offers money back on every bet, win or lose, without restrictions.

We've scrapped wagering requirements and conventional bonuses. We offer free spins paid as cash with no wagering on wins. Players know exactly what they are getting without the sneaky stuff that many other online casinos have. Our new model eradicates all the funny business. PlayOJO is fair, transparent and straight up with all players  what you see is what you get.

2) Can you explain the "no wagering required" approach? Players must ask themselves: Where's the catch?

We did a lot of research about what players want, and we want to be the casino that's on the player's side. We threw wagering requirements out the window. This is one of the most frustrating things about online casino gaming: Players get a bonus, win a load of money and then get stung with restrictions before they can withdraw. You don't get any of that at PlayOJO.

We believe that the player's money is their money, so they should be able to withdraw whenever they like and without hurdles. Players are always in control of their money at PlayOJO. We offer free spins as bonuses, with all winnings paid in cash and no wagering requirements. So, there is no catch  we're just like a land base casino in that sense.

3) What's next for PlayOJO? Are you going to introduce new games, or events like tournaments, competitions, etc?

Of course, we're always adding the latest games and developing our own competitions to bring more excitement to PlayOJO. We run daily slot tournaments and have the OJO Wheel, which is one of our great ways to reward players.

A player will receive a spin on the OJO Wheel when they unlock a special level. They pick from three different wheels, each with a different level of risk and reward, with some very generous free spins Packages up for grabs. We hope to keep adding more fun and exciting ways to reward players  PlayOJO is all about being rewarding.

Pictured: Ohad Narkis at the PlayOJO LAC Lunch, today.

4) Finally, what's the source of PlayOJO's logo? Obviously, it's a smiley, but is there any significance to the letters OJO, or do they merely form a smiley?

The idea behind OJO as a logo is to humanise the brand and bring a more interactive casino experience to players. OJO is a friendly sidekick who interacts with players in real-time so they can get more from their playing experience. The OJO logo is all about the face  he's your cheeky friend in his world of play. OJO is his name and that's all there is to it. How can you not love that beautiful smile?

Final Thoughts

PlayOJO Casino has already caught our attention and that of many players since it launched, with a very positive reception on all fronts. Moving forward, it will be fascinating to see how the PlayOJO brand performs  check back here at Online Casino Reports to chart the casinos progress.
Algorithms are powerful programs that increasingly influence an individual's world view. Their ubiquitous use may explain our growing political polarity, our growing knowledge gap in current affairs and even why our neighbors seem radicalized. But for impressionable or vulnerable individuals the impacts can be devastating.

Dylann Foot Roof is a case in point. You will recall he was a 21-year-old white male who killed nine people in a 2015 massacre at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina. Authorities found his manifesto that showed he was involved in white nationalist websites on the internet for about three years. A recent report by the Southern Poverty Law Center details how Google search-engine algorithms served a key part in radicalizing this young man who grew up in an otherwise stable, normal home.

Increasingly, algorithms decide what gets attention and what is ignored; and even what gets published or censored in our search for knowledge on the internet. It is a powerful force with unforeseen consequences at best. Just as easily they can be used for sinister purposes as well if we aren't careful.

The following are excerpts from a report presented by the Center for Internet and Human Rights (CIHR) entitled, Ethic of Algorithms. It serves as a good primer on what these powerful programs are and can do. CIHR promotes academic research about technology and society to inform public and academic debates.



(Image by CIHR) Details DMCA



Algorithms are increasingly used in hiring (and firing), deciding who gets a job and who doesn't. It is among the most powerful gate-keeping function in society.

Algorithms influence how we perceive the world, often without us realizing it, by channeling our attention.

Facebook algorithms decide what we see or don't see. Newsfeed algorithm filters content without our knowing why.

Facebook won't say how the algorithm works, It's proprietary. Without knowing the exact code, nobody can evaluate how your newsfeed is composed.

Complex algorithms are incomprehensible to outsiders but they have values, biases, and potential discrimination built in.

Without algorithms many applications would be unusable. We need them to cope with the enormous amounts of data. But we must be aware how they work.

Algorithms are not neutral, but rather they perpetuate the prejudices of their creators.

"Since algorithms make increasingly important decisions about our lives, users need to be informed about them. Knowledge about automated decision-making in everyday services is still very limited among consumers. Raising awareness should be at the heart of the debate about ethics of algorithms."

We are already at the point where regulating computer algorithms is essential for our collective well being, yet most people aren't even aware the threats and problems they pose. I know I wasn't until very recently. I hope this brief blog posting and the links above encourage others to explore this topic further.
[Expanded upon from article by Natural News' Vicki Batts and Reuters article by David Alire Garcia in Mexico City]

Monsanto's plans to spread GMO seeds continue to be obstructed, at least in other nations, most notably, in Mexico, in which their ban on GMO corn.

This legal battle continues, and in the last week of January, a Mexican court upheld a 2013 ruling that followed a legal challenge on the effects GMO crops have on the environment, which temporarily put a stop on GMO corn-growing, including pilot plots.

Laura Tamayo, Monsanto's regional corporate director, commented:

"It's going to take a long while for all the evidence to be presented. I think we're talking years."

Monsanto's yellow corn imports will increase by 20+ percent the next season, because of increasing production costs and the weakening peso. Mexico is self-sufficient when it comes to the country's white corn, they rely on GMO corn that comes from the United States to feed livestock.

As reported by Reuters' David Alire Garcia in Mexico City:

Mexico is the birthplace of modern corn, domesticated about 8,000 years ago and today the planet's most-produced grain. If new U.S. President Donald Trump upends the North American Free Trade Agreement as he has threatened and U.S. supplies are not longer available, Tamayo said Mexico might have to look to other major corn producers, like Argentina and Brazil. Prominent Mexican politicians, including former President Felipe Calderon, say the nation should consider ending purchases from U.S. corn producers in favor of Brazil and Argentina if Trump applies new taxes on Mexican exports to its northern neighbor. "But there's no magic wand to do that," she said. It would be "disastrous" in the short term to source from new South American suppliers since that would mean higher transport and other costs, Tamayo added.

[How predictable an analysis coming from Monsanto's regional corporate director...]

Monsanto tries to expand its markets into Mexico

Monsanto several years ago submitted two applications to grow GMO corn commercially in Mexico's northwestern state Sinaloa. The region is known for being the country's largest corn-producing area, and Monsanto wanted a huge hunk of it: both applications requested 1.7 million acres of land.

Both of these applications are still pending approval, but that day may never come. While Monsanto hails itself as an agricultural business, the truth is that the company does anything but help farmers. They've been destroying real farming for the last few decades.

Ostensibly, Monsanto's primary business in Mexico is "developing and selling conventional corn seeds and vegetable seeds," but Tamayo says the company is committed to defending the so-called "benefits" of GM crops on what she calls "scientific grounds."

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From Common Dreams

Donald Trump will soon announce his pick for deputy Secretary of State. The leading contender appears to be Elliott Abrams, despite Abrams having been an outspoken advocate of the #NeverTrump crowd and calling Trump unfit for the office.

Abrams, a neocon hawk, would be one more disastrous addition to Team Trump. In his prior positions under Reagan and George W. Bush, he supported the most thuggish regimes and covered up the human rights violations of US government allies. A crook who was convicted of lying to Congress, his policy decisions have left death, destruction and deceit in their wake.

[1] Abrams is infamous for his involvement in the nefarious Iran-Contra scandal, the secret and illegal scam in the 1980s to siphon profits from Iranian weapons sales to support the right-wing Contra rebels trying to overthrow the Sandinista government. Despite the fact that supplying weapons to the Contras was expressly prohibited by Congress, Abrams pushed the scheme and when caught, lied to Congress. Abrams pleaded guilty in 1991 to withholding information from Congress. He was later pardoned by President Bush in 1992 in order to prevent further investigation into the scandal, which could potentially have been traced back to the president himself.

2. Abrams was a hardline believer in taking "whatever means necessary" to win the Cold War. As Reagan's Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs from 1981-1985, he loudly condemned Soviet human rights violations while ignoring the violent actions of US allies, such as the apartheid regime in South Africa. This ideological stance, along with his firm support for U.S. military interventions and "nation-building," later garnered him the position of George W. Bush's Deputy National Security Adviser in order to "spread democracy" abroad.

3. Among the criminal leaders Abrams defended while serving under Reagan was the Guatemalan General Efran Ros Montt. Ros Montt's violent government crackdown on the indigenous Ixil Mayan people of Guatemala was so brutal it was later called a genocide by the United Nations. At precisely the time that the mass killings were taking place, Abrams pushed Congress to provide more military aid to Ros Montt's bloody regime.

4. Abrams denied the devastating El Mozote massacre where, in 1981, the US-supported Salvadoran military slaughtered hundreds of villagers, and he pushed for continued US support of the notoriously brutal Salvadoran government. Not only did Abrams deny the brutality of the Salvadoran government, he also claimed in a 1994 interview that "the administration's record in El Salvador is one of fabulous achievement."

5. As a member of George W. Bush's National Security Council staff, Abrams encouraged the military coup against the democratically elected government of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela in 2002, poisoning the US relationship with Chavez when the coup was reversed and Chavez returned to power.

6. Abrams promoted the disastrous invasion of Iraq, a war that President Trump says he opposed. Abrams was eager for a war with Iraq even before 9/11. In 1998, as a member of the neoconservative think tank Project for a New American Century, Abrams submitted a letter to President Clinton encouraging him to intervene in Iraq in order to depose Saddam Hussein. And as the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director at the National Security Council under George W. Bush, Abrams was an outspoken supporter of the president's call to invade Iraq.

7. Abrams is vehement supporter of the Israeli government and is anti-Palestinian. As George Bush's aide on the National Security Council, Abrams did everything he could to thwart peace negotiations. He repeatedly undercut any American pressure on Israel to stop the building of settlements and cited the Holocaust as justification for Israel's killings of Palestinians (Jews are "a people who had learned from history what happens to Jews without security"). Abrams condemned the U.S. abstention from the UN vote that called for an end to the building of settlements in the West Bank. He is also quick to accuse people of anti-Semitism, including Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, if they voice any criticism of Israeli policies.

8. Abrams supported the 2007 Israeli bombing of a nuclear reactor in Syria, citing it as a way of "restoring their credibility after the annus horribilis of 2006 with the Second Lebanon War and then the 2007 Hamas takeover of Gaza." He said that "there is no substitute for military strength and the will to use it." Israel was right to bomb that reactor before construction was completed, and President Bush was right to support its decision to do so."

9. Abrams was a champion of the U.S. overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, pressuring President Obama to intervene. Echoing the tactics used by the neocons for intervention in Iraq, Abrams joined in an effort in 2011 calling for the United States to immediately prepare military action to bring down the Gaddafi regime. The call came from a group called the Foreign Policy Initiative, a successor to the infamous Project for the New American Century. The poor Libyan people are today paying the price for yet another disastrous intervention pushed by Abrams and his neocon gang.

10. Abrams opposition to the Iran Deal is epitomized by his attempts to encourage Israel to bomb Iran's nuclear sites before negotiations became too serious. The bomb-enthusiast bemoaned that Israel's capacity to impede the deal "is already being narrowed considerably by the diplomatic thaw, because it is one thing to bomb Iran when it appears hopelessly recalcitrant and isolated and quite another to bomb it when much of the world -- especially the United States -- is optimistic about the prospect of talks."
As an Indian living hundreds of miles away from the United States with no plans whatsoever to visit that land as a tourist or as a job seeker, I am amused by the brickbats President Donald Trumps has been receiving. What is wrong with his tagline--America first? It is all about jobs stupid.

His immediate predecessor, Barack Obama, used to accuse India and China of stealing American jobs. Hillary Clinton, as New York Senator, had forced an Indian software giant to set up its shop in her constituency to run back-end operations for which it received a contract.

All the worthies demonstrating against President Trump in Washington and elsewhere need lessons in history.

Because neither Trump's anti-immigrant rant nor his anti-China rhetoric is a new Americanism as many commentators make us believe.

Two hundred thirty-five years ago, that is in the year 1882, the US felt it necessary to target the Chinese in its own economic interest--jobs.

The Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act to bar Chinese labour from entering the country. The law was regularly renewed till 1943 when it was repealed.

Likewise, the backlash against migration, which is manifesting today as Trumpism, was in full play in America as nativism, in the years before World War I.

Congress regularly passed laws limiting immigration. These laws were regularly vetoed by President of the day though.

The short-point is that there is nothing new in President Trump's approach of America first, which suits today's American requirements. And countries like India will have to live with the new reality that makes H-1B visas to appear like a spec in the sky.

Take it from me Indian business leaders know the art of booking profit under sunshine and shower.

Well, old and traditional allies of the US in Europe are worried as President Trump has said that under him Washington will no longer share the entire burden of providing security to the nations thousands of miles of sea water away from the American mainland.

Why cannot they put their act together instead of outsourcing to the US even if they, like the US, were made to live with the belief that there is a deadly 'red' adversary looking to conquer territories?

The Dragon too looks worried because Trump has jolted Beijing by questioning the 'one China' policy. It cannot breathe easy when the US, still militarily the most powerful nation, ups the ante on a 'core' matter. Yes, China still boasts that it is capable of taking on all the adversaries in the world, real and imaginary. It is a claim. Nothing more nothing less.

Each country may have its own set of concerns because the real face of the US 'trump card' is yet to be exposed. In India, however, early opinion was divided with one section sure of 'acche din' (Good Days) ahead in the Indo-US bilateral relations and another taking a dim view of an unpredictable leader in the White House.

Whatever doubts have been there were set at rest by the telephone call from the White House to the 7RCR (Indian Premier's official residence) on Jan 24. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to phone Trump and congratulate him on his victory, Trump chose to telephone Modi ahead of his calls to Moscow, Tokyo, Beijing or even European capital.

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The United Nations and humanitarian organizations Wednesday (February 8) launched an international appeal for $2.1 billion to provide humanitarian assistance to 18.8 million Yemenis. This is more than two thirds of the total population of 27.4 million of the war-devastated Yemen. At least 12 million people in Yemen need life-saving assistance in 2017, the UN sources said.

"Two years of war have devastated Yemen. Without international support, they may face the threat of famine in the course of 2017 and I urge donors to sustain and increase their support to our collective response," said UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien in a press release on the launch of the Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen in Geneva.

"Humanitarian partners are ready to respond. But they need timely, unimpeded access, and adequate resources, to meet the humanitarian needs wherever they arise," said Mr. O'Brien, who is also the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.

He noted that since March 2015, violent conflict and disregard by all parties to the conflict for their responsibility to protect civilians have created a vast protection crisis in Yemen and millions of people face threats to their safety and basic human rights every day. In addition, deliberate war tactics are accelerating the collapse of key institutions and the economy, thereby exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities.

This has left an alarming 18.8 million people -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which also estimates that 10.3 million people are acutely affected and nearly 3.3 million people -- including 2.1 million children -- are acutely malnourished.

In 2016, 120 national and international partners including UN agencies and non-governmental organizations working out of humanitarian hubs in Aden, Al Hudaydah, Ibb, Sana'a, and Sa'ada assisted more than 5.6 million people with direct humanitarian aid, according to UN sources.

10,000 civilians killed in Yemen conflict

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' Jamie McGoldrick said last month that the civilian death toll in the nearly two-year conflict has reached 10,000, with 40,000 others wounded.

This announcement marks the first time a U.N. official has confirmed such a high death toll in Yemen, the Arab world's poorest nation. Earlier, the U.N. reported 4,200 civilians were killed in the war.

In addition, many more are indirect victims of the conflict, including those who suffer from chronic diseases, including high blood pressure and diabetes, and are unable to get treatment, McGoldrick said. For example, a cancer clinic in Sana'a that used to treat 30,000 patients has closed, he said. Inevitably, those suffering from chronic disease "will die sooner than they should," he said.

The UN official also noted that more than 400,000 children under the age of five suffer from malnutrition, raising serious concern about their development and Yemen's future.

"This once more underscores the need to resolve the situation in Yemen without any further delay," U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said in New York. "There's been a huge humanitarian cost."

The Yemen conflict pits Houthis and allied forces against a Saudi-led coalition that is trying to re-install the government of Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The coalition began brutal air strikes in March 2015 to restore Hadi's government that fled the country after Houthis seized the capital Sana'a in 2014.

US commando operation in Yemen

The UN appeal for massive humanitarian assistance came days after a UN commando operation in Yemen in which one Navy SEAL was killed.

According to New York Post, the team was choppered in Saturday (Jan 28) to target a key al Qaeda headquarters in Yemen -- the first U.S. strike in the region since 2014 -- and ended up killing 14 militants, including senior leaders Abdulraoof al-Dhahab, Sultan al-Dhahab and Seif al-Nims, in an ensuing gun battle that lasted nearly an hour.

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From Palestine Chronicle



Protesters in Bethlehem burning a poster of Trump over his plan to move the US embassy to Jerusalem.

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I fear that many of us are hating Donald Trump for the wrong reasons.

Multitudes are being swayed by mainstream media-inspired demonization of the new US president, based on selective assumptions and half-truths.

US mainstream media, which rarely deviates from supporting the American government's conduct, however reckless, is now presenting Trump as if an aberration of otherwise egalitarian, sensible, and peace-loving US policies at home and abroad.

Trump may be described with all the demeaning terminology that one's livid imagination can muster: evil, wicked, tyrannical, misogynist, war-mongering, rich buffoon, "insulting our allies," infatuating with "dictators," etc.

But do not miss the point.

If you chant in the street: "I am with her," with reference to the defeated Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, it means that you are entirely missing the point.

To reminisce about the days of Barack Obama, his oratory skills, clean diplomacy and model, "relatable" family, means that you have bought into the mass deception, the intellectual demagoguery, stifling group-think that pushed us to these extremes, in the first place.

And, within this context, "missing the point," can be quite dangerous, even deadly.

It is interesting how the lives of Yemenis suddenly matter, referring to the US military botched a raid late last month against an alleged al-Qaeda stronghold in that country, killing mostly civilians.

A beautiful 8-year-old girl, Nawar al-Awlaki, was killed in the operation -- planned under the Obama administration, but approved by Trump. Many chose to ignore that Nawar's 16-year-old brother -- both US citizens -- was killed by the US military under Obama, a few years earlier.

Yemen has been a target in the US so-called "war on terror" for many years. Many civilians have been killed, their deaths only being questioned by human rights groups, seldom mainstream media.

Yemen is one of the seven Muslim-majority countries whose citizens are now being barred from entering the US by the ban.

The emotional mass response by hundreds of thousands of protesters rejecting such an abhorrent decision is heartening but also puzzling.

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From Consortium News

If you wanted to bring sanity to a U.S. foreign policy that has spun crazily out of control, there would be some immediate steps that you -- or, say, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson -- could take, starting with a renewed commitment to tell the truth to the American people.

Instead of the endless "perception management" or "strategic communication" or "psychological operations" or whatever the new code words are, you could open up the files regarding key turning-point moments and share the facts with the citizens -- the "We the People" -- who are supposed to be America's true sovereigns.

For instance, you could release what the U.S. government actually knows about the Aug. 21, 2013 sarin gas attack in Syria; what the files show about the origins of the Feb. 22, 2014 coup in Ukraine; what U.S. intelligence analysts have compiled about the July 17, 2014 shoot-down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine. And those are just three examples of cases where U.S. government propagandists have sold a dubious bill of goods to the American and world publics in the "information warfare" campaign against the Syrian and Russian governments.

If you wanted to base U.S. foreign policy on the firm foundation of reality, you also could let the American people in on who is actually the principal sponsor of the terrorism that they're concerned about: Al Qaeda, Islamic State, the Taliban -- all Sunni-led outfits, none of which are backed by Shiite-ruled Iran. Yet, all we hear from Official Washington's political and media insiders is that Iran is the chief sponsor of terrorism.

Of course, that is what Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states and Israel want you to believe because it serves their regional and sectarian interests, but it isn't true. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states are the ones arming and financing Al Qaeda and Islamic State with Israel occasionally bombing Al Qaeda's military enemies inside Syria and providing medical support for Al Qaeda's Syrian affiliate operating near the Golan Heights.

The reason for this unsavory network of alliances is that Israel, like Saudi Arabia and the Sunni-led Gulf states, sees Iran and the so-called "Shiite crescent" -- from Tehran through Damascus to Beirut -- as their principal problem. And because of the oil sheiks' financial wealth and Israel's political clout, they control how pretty much everyone in Official Washington's establishment views the Middle East.

But the interests of Israel, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states are not in line with the interests of the American people -- nor the average European -- who are not concerned about militant Shiites as much as militant Sunnis. After all, the worst terror attacks on Europe and the U.S. have come from Sunni extremists belonging to or inspired by Al Qaeda and Islamic State.

This gap between the reality of Sunni-extremist terrorism and the fantasy of Official Washington's "group think" fingering Shiite-ruled Iran explains the cognitive dissonance over President Trump's travel ban on people from seven mostly Muslim countries. Beyond the offensive anti-Muslim prejudice, there is the fact that he ignored the countries that produced the terrorists who have attacked the U.S., including the 9/11 hijackers.

This bizarre feature of Trump's executive order shows how deep Official Washington's dysfunction goes. Trump has picked a major constitutional battle over a travel ban that targets the wrong countries.

But there's a reason for this dysfunction: No one in Official Washington can speak the truth about terrorism without suffering severe political damage or getting blacklisted by the mainstream media. Since the truth puts Israel and especially Saudi Arabia in an uncomfortable position, the truth cannot be spoken.

Hope for Trump

There was some hope that President Trump -- for all his irascibility and unpredictability -- might break from the absurd "Iran is the principal source of terrorism" mantra. But so far he has not.

Nor has Trump moved to throw open the files on the Syrian and Ukraine conflicts so Americans can assess how the Obama administration sought to manipulate them into supporting these "regime change" adventures.



Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland during a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine, on Feb. 7, 2014.

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From New Yorker



By ordering construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline to resume, the President is participating in one of this country's oldest traditions - repressing Native Americans.

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The Trump Administration is breaking with tradition on so many fronts -- renting out the family hotel to foreign diplomats, say, or imposing travel restrictions on the adherents of disfavored religions -- that it seems noteworthy when it exhibits some continuity with American custom. And so let us focus for a moment, before the President's next disorienting tweet, on yesterday's news that construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline will be restarted, a development that fits in perfectly with one of this country's oldest cultural practices, going back to the days of Plymouth Rock: repressing Native Americans.

Just to rehash the story briefly, this pipeline had originally been set to carry its freight of crude oil under the Missouri River, north of Bismarck. But the predominantly white citizens of that town objected, pointing out that a spill could foul their drinking water. So the pipeline's parent company, Energy Transfer Partners, remapped the crossing for just north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. This piece of blatant environmental racism elicited a remarkable reaction, eventually drawing representatives of more than two hundred Indian nations from around the continent to a great encampment at the confluence of the Cannonball and Missouri Rivers, near where the pipeline was set to go.

They were joined, last summer and into the fall, by clergy groups, veterans groups, environmental groups -- including 350.org, the climate-advocacy organization I co-founded -- and private citizens, who felt that this was a chance to begin reversing four centuries of literally and figuratively dumping on Native Americans. And the protesters succeeded. Despite the German shepherds and pepper spray let loose by E.T.P.'s security guards, despite the fire hoses and rubber bullets employed by the various paramilitary police forces that assembled, they kept a nonviolent discipline that eventually persuaded the Obama Administration to agree to further study of the plan.

More remarkably, it was the U.S. Army that took the lead -- the same agency that had massacred and harassed Native Americans since its founding. On December 4th, Jo-Ellen Darcy, the Army's assistant secretary for civil works, announced that the easement required for E.T.P. to dig beneath the Missouri would not be granted. Instead, the Army Corps of Engineers would prepare an environmental-impact statement, a lengthy process that effectively put the pipeline on hold. "It's clear that there's more work to do," Darcy said at the time. "The best way to complete that work responsibly and expeditiously is to explore alternate routes for the pipeline crossing."

So the Corps set about organizing public hearings and taking testimony; until Tuesday afternoon, we were in the middle of that period, with signatures coming in by the hundred thousand. But at three o'clock yesterday, acting on the President's suggestion that the environmental review be "expedited," the Army reverted to ancient form, shutting down the public-comment process and issuing the permits that E.T.P. needs to begin digging again. Suddenly there was not "more work to do." Somehow, in the 18 days since Donald Trump had taken office, Robert Speer, the acting secretary of the Army, had obtained "sufficient information" to grant the approval.

One feels for the Army brass. Had they continued to act responsibly and in line with their previous commitments, their careers likely would not have progressed. (Speer is apparently no Sally Yates, though those of us worried about the choleric Trump and his proximity to the nuclear-launch codes must hope that someone in the Pentagon is.) In any event, digging is scheduled to begin as early as this afternoon. There should, and will, be substantial protests. The first demonstrations began in major cities today, and the Standing Rock Sioux have asked Americans to descend on Washington, D.C., on March 10th. By that point, the pipeline may be all but finished, but the tribe and its attorneys at the environmental group Earthjustice have vowed to keep fighting it in the courts, even once it is carrying oil.

The bigger battle, however, may be in the tribunal of public opinion. The pipeline is a bad idea on many grounds, none of which is likely to sway Trump. (The fact that the oil it carries has the same carbon footprint as nearly 30 coal-fired power plants would perhaps seem a plus to him.) Tom Goldtooth, the executive director of the Indigenous Environmental Network, recently noted that Trump has yet to meet with any Native American leaders since taking office, which is possibly for the best, given the casual racism that might ensue. But the protests at Standing Rock have reopened the question of how the rest of America, those of us not in the White House, will treat the continent's original inhabitants. In this standoff, we have confronted our oldest and one of our most shameful stories. That shame will deepen now -- which may, once Trump is gone, allow us to move closer to real reconciliation. At any rate, we owe a great debt to the protesters, who have acted with a dignity conspicuously lacking in the Oval Office.




As we ponder what the world is going through and what the world is becoming, no doubt many arrive at a state of sadness, for some even, an inconsolable sense of loss of what History has tried to teach us.

I sometimes listen to Beethoven, Sibelius, Villalobos, Barber, and Shostakovich when I get into those frames of mind. Call it bathos or call it melancholia: it doesn't matter. Whatever we do as private individuals as we contemplate and confront the inevitable shortness of life, the transience of the soul (if there is something beyond the mysterious biochemical definition of life), and try to work our way through levels of thought that almost qualify as grief.

One of the most pleasurable things I have ever done was host many 4 hour radio programs on several stations here in Santa Fe, and perhaps this essay hearkens back to the kind of spoken commentary I would use on those programs.

I present here some links to YouTube for performances for those who want to take advantage of the best in free music:

Beethoven's Eroica Symphony: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGqRczMf2Yc

By late 1803, Beethoven had written the underlying groundwork for his Eroica, as inspired by the French Revolution and dedicated to its hero, who then seemed to be the great liberator, Napoleon. Beethoven dedicated the third symphony to Bonaparte, believing that he manifested the democratic and anti-monarchical ideals of the French Revolution. The politically idealistic Beethoven titled the work "Buonaparte." Later, about the composer's response to Napoleon having proclaimed himself Emperor of the French (14 May 1804), Beethoven's secretary, Ferdinand Ries wrote that:

When informed of the death of Napoleon (May 5, 1821), Beethoven said, "I wrote the music for this sad event seventeen years ago" referring to the funereal second movement. Composed from the autumn of 1803 until the spring of 1804, the premiere performance of the third symphony was private -- for Beethoven's royal patron, Prince Lobkowitz, at the castle Eisenberg (Jezer) in Bohemia. The first public performance was on 7 April 1805, at the Theater an der Wien, Vienna. An extant copy of the score bears two scratched-out, hand-written sub-titles; initially, the Italian phrase Intitolata Bonaparte ("Titled Bonaparte"), secondly, the German phrase Geschriben auf Bonaparte ("Written for Bonaparte"), four lines below the Italian sub-title. Three months after retracting his initial Napoleonic dedication of the symphony, Beethoven informed his music publisher that "The title of the symphony is really Bonaparte". In 1806, the score was published under the Italian title Sinfonia Eroica ... composta per festeggiare il sovvenire di un grande Uomo ("Heroic Symphony, Composed to celebrate the memory of a great man"). In writing this symphony, Beethoven had been thinking of Buonaparte, but Buonaparte while he was First Consul. At that time Beethoven had the highest esteem for him, and compared him to the greatest consuls of Ancient Rome. Not only I, but many of Beethoven's closer friends, saw this symphony on his table, beautifully copied in manuscript, with the word "Buonaparte" inscribed at the very top of the title-page and "Ludwig van Beethoven" at the very bottom ... I was the first to tell him the news that Buonaparte had declared himself Emperor, whereupon he broke into a rage and exclaimed, "So he is no more than a common mortal! Now, too, he will tread under foot all the rights of Man, indulge only his ambition; now he will think himself superior to all men, become a tyrant!" Beethoven went to the table, seized the top of the title-page, tore it in half and threw it on the floor. The page had to be recopied, and it was only now that the symphony received the title Sinfonia eroica.,

Sibelius's symphonies speak for themselves far more eloquently than this most famous work, Finlandia, a patriotic piece written during Finland's revolution against Russia, in order to achieve its independence after centuries of being kicked back and forth between Sweden as a Duchy, and Russia as a Czarist possession.

The two most important are Symphony 2 and Symphony 5, plus the Violin Concerto. I find number 5 the most relevant here today, having been almost drowned in #2, which was one of my mother's favorites and one she played at least once a day, a 1952 recording of Pierre Monteux conducting the London Symphony.

Today, I share with you Symphony #5 of Sibelius. Hard to choose between Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic and Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, but since Lenny you can watch conduct in so many performances on YouTube, we will go with the perhaps more profound performance by von Karajan:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8qiAMOiygs

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Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Human survival depends on learning to organize the way all successful living communities organize as they adapt to ever changing local conditionsfrom the Bottom-Up. A timely contribution to confronting the transformation imperative confronting humanity."



David Korten, author of When Corporations Rule the World, The Great Turning, and Change the Story, Change the Future
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Rob Kall's book is amazing. He's created a real breakthrough, visionary how-to for a sustainable, quality future. Like Saul Alinski's Rules for Radicals, this book is destined to become a classic must-read for all those concerned with social, economic, and environmental justice in today's interconnected world. Story shapes the world and our world needs new stories if we are to survive and thrive. The story of the bottom-up evolution and revolution is one that can change individuals, groups, businesses, religions, and governments for the positive as it shows how bottom-up inclusiveness, connectedness, collaboration, empathy, innovation, and freeform creativity can help unleash the great potentials for good inherent in our very nature. If you want to improve things in your world and the world, first read this book, then apply the suggestions. Change is sure to come."



Pamela Jaye Smith, mythologist and author of InnerDrives, Power of the Dark Side, Symbols* Images* Codes* and award-winning writer-producer-director
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Clooney played the role of the captain of a fishing vessel, the Andrea Gail. He and his crew were given numerous warnings to turn around and get out of the storm's path. But they failed to heed those warnings and made the fateful mistake of sailing into the storm; a great tragedy followed.

There is a massive storm that is developing on America's horizon as we speak in which three pernicious elements have suddenly converged to pose a great threat to this country's democracy. We the people are being given clear warnings about the imminent danger that lies ahead as it intensifies, and the question is; will we heed them and find some way to get out of the path of that deadly storm?

Those three elements are; a president who has a very difficult time controlling his emotions and anger and a power-obsessed Republican Party that are joined together with the specter of fascism that hangs over America. Each of these elements might be dealt with individually and held in check, but when they converge, they form that perfect storm.

Anyone who has observed the actions of the Republican Party over time could conclude that, if it were in complete control and had a weak, non-confrontational president who would bow to their dictates, they would do everything that Trump is doing and a great deal more to take this country in the exact wrong direction.

This combination of Trump, the GOP and fascist ideology is the last thing that America and its people need right now. In the ideology that they follow there is no room for any for compromise or positive, constructive initiatives and actions. It's their way or no way.

For those who don't believe that Trump and the GOP, by their behavior and actions, are staunch followers of the principles of fascism here are some of the typical characteristics of individuals and organization that fit the definition of that term. The question is not about which ones fit Trump and the GOP but, rather, which do not?

Powerful nationalism -- Trump says "America first", meaning that other nations need only follow its dictates. He says too many other nations have been taking advantage of us, that he is going to get tough. Instead of getting closer to one of America's closest allies he showed disrespect for Australia and its Prime Minister in a recent phone conversation. He has derided the NATO organization and called it obsolete.

Disdain for the promotion of human rights --Insulting, demeaning, belittling minorities, African Americans and Hispanics; initiating that travel ban against Muslims in seven countries -- yes he said the ban was against Muslims and then denied it -Trump is anything but an advocate for the human rights movement; he is a dictator by nature and the rights of all Americans are in great jeopardy as he tightens the reins of control over them. .

Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause -- starting a trade war with China, cozying up to Taiwan, which has infuriated the Chinese. Demanding that Mexico must pay for "the wall", saying that he will place huge tariffs on its exports to the U.S. if they refuse to submit to his demands. Placing new sanctions on Iran, threatening to cancel the agreement with that nation which is intended to prevent it from developing a nuclear bomb.

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Donald Trump may be semi-literate.

I ...almost...dismissed this out-of-hand, but then I saw the video evidence from David Pakman's show,

which has apparently gone viral, and then this followup too:

Certainly, as Pakman says, and not just him, Trump does not LIKE to read. It's becoming clear he may barely be able to. The POTUS may be semi-illiterate.

If he were just a celebrity, I wouldn't "out" him, but he's the most powerful man in the world now. Melania's absence from the White House - unprecedented for a First Lady - may have something to do with this too. Maybe she's tired of being Donald's interpreter, especially on a national stage. She might not want to be in the spotlight when it becomes incontrovertible that her billionaire husband can barely read a menu.

What about his being an honor student at Wharton?

That was my first thought too, but I did some research. See this article from Fortune magazine.

No one can remember him at Wharton. He was a mediocre student, in spite of what he says, and it's a mystery why he got out in 2 years from what is supposed to be a 4 year program. Like his taxes, he refuses to release his school transcripts. Plus, one must remember, he was there about 50 years ago. Both the school and he could have changed a lot since then. He might have suffered some kind of brain damage that impaired his ability to read. But I'm leaning towards daddy or a friend propping him up and quietly getting him out of Wharton as quickly as possible. More props along the way as he "apprentices" alongside his father and pretty soon he's mogul enough to have a full time staff of readers.... Then, here we are with the first post-literate president in history.

Also, last summer Samantha Bee released a video saying the same thing, that Donald Trump can't read (see above).

Now, David Pakman is a nobody in Trump's world,* so he can ignore him, but Bee has a syndicated show watched by hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions of viewers. And somehow she got away with this. No angry tweets, written by a Trump staffer(!) over this. No threats of lawsuits. And this from a president who can't stop attacking Saturday Night Live for Alec Baldwin's impersonations of him. Why? Maybe he knows he will lose and his darkest secret will finally be exposed. I think this is real, and I think this actually could explain a lot of his blustering, hyperbolic behavior. Someone with as high expectations as Trump had thrust upon him by his out-sized father, expected to do even better than his multi-millionaire father, but...for reasons that were probably a lot less clear 50, 60 years ago...someone who is unable to read past, say, the 4th grade level. And he's been bluffing his way through life ever since.

Like I said, it would explain a lot.

* As am I. I sent Trump a copy of my book "America is Not Broke!" and a short article in January, 2016. Someone else at Trump headquarter signed for it, and there's no evidence he read either one. Probably he didn't have time and didn't want to anyway, but maybe he couldn't read them either?


A methany hydrate deposit erupts in the sea just north of Norway

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Reports from the Arctic are getting pretty grim.

The latest, from a blog called Arctic News , warns that by 2026 -- that's just nine years from now -- warming above the Arctic Circle could be so extreme that a massively disrupted and weakened jet stream could lead to global temperature rises so severe that a massive extinction event, including humans, could result.

This latest blog post, written by Arctic News editor Sam Carana, draws on research by a number of scientists (linked in his article), who report on various feedback loops that will result from a dramatically warmer north polar region. But the critical concern, he says, is methane already starting to be released in huge quantities from the shallow sea floor of the continental shelves north of Siberia and North America. That methane, produced by bacteria acting on biological material that sinks to the sea floor, for the most part, is currently lying frozen in a form of ice that is naturally created over millions of years by a mixing of methane and water, called a methane hydrate. Methane hydrate is a type of molecular structure called a clathrate. Clathrates are a kind of cage, in this case made of water ice, which traps another chemical, in this case methane. At normal temperatures, above the freezing temperature of water, these clathrates can only form under high pressures, such as a 500 meters or more under the ocean, and indeed such clathrates can be found under the sea floor even in places like the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, where the temperature is 8-10 degrees above freezing. But in colder waters, they can exist and remain stable at much shallower levels, such as a in a few hundred feet of water off the coast of Alaska or Siberia.

The concern is that if the Arctic Ocean waters, particularly nearer to shore, were to warm even slightly, as they will do as the ice cap vanishes in summer and becomes much thinner in winter, at some point the clathrates there will suddenly dissolve releasing tens of thousands of gigatons of methane in huge bursts. Already, scientists are reporting that portions of the ocean, as well as shallow lakes in the far north, look as though they are boiling, as released methane bubbles to the surface, sometimes in such concentrations that they can be lit on fire with a match as they surface.

As Carana writes:

"As the temperature of the Arctic Ocean keeps rising, it seems inevitable that more and more methane will rise from its seafloor and enter the atmosphere, at first strongly warming up the atmosphere over the Arctic Ocean itself - thus causing further methane eruptions - and eventually warming up the atmosphere across the globe."

That is scary enough, as a sufficient burst of methane, a global warming gas 86 times more powerful than CO2, could lead to a rapid rise in global temperatures by 3 degrees Celsius or more, enough to actually reverse the carbon cycle, so that plants would end up releasing more carbon into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it.

Is this scenario or a giant methane "burp" from the Arctic sea floor just a scare story?

Not according to many scientists who study the earth's long history of global warming periods and of evolution and periodic mass extinction events.

As Harold Wanless, a Professor of Geology and a specialist in sea level rise at the University of Miami explains, prior warming periods have often proceeded in dramatic pulses, not smoothly over drawn-out periods.

"We don't know how this period of warming is going to develop," he said. "That's the problem. The warming Arctic Ocean is just ice melting, but the melting permafrost in Siberia, and the methane hydrates under the shallow waters of the continental shelf can happen suddenly. Every model gets the trend, but they don't give you the rate that it happens or when something sudden happens."

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Residential Intellectual Disability Facilities Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2016-2024

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There are government and private players in addition to local bodies offering residential intellectual disability facilities  NHS Allegheny Valley School, St. Josephs Center, Durham County Community, Residential Support Services, Lutheran Family Services and Arlington County Government.Get Free PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights :Intellectual disability refers to people who have been classified by one or more terms such as developmental disability, developmental delay and mental handicap. Recently, people classified as having mental retardation are also being referred as having intellectual disability. Usually, people are considered to have intellectual disability if they have greater difficulty than most people with intellectual and adaptive functioning. These limitations are expressed in the persons conceptual, social and practical everyday living skills. Intellectual disability is usually diagnosed through the use of standardized tests of adaptive behavior and intelligence. The precise number of people having intellectual disabilities is not known. However, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) estimates that roughly 1.5% to 2.5% of the general population have intellectual disability which translates to roughly 4.6 million to 7.7 million people as per the most recent U.S. Census (2011). Over last 30 years, services provided to the people with intellectual disabilities have been changed radically and the institutional care has been replaced by community residential service in several countries.The global market for the residential intellectual disability facilities can be segmented on the basis of size of facility, type of facility, mode of operation and geography. Based on the number of beds in the residential intellectual disability facilities the market can be segmented further into 4 to 9, 10 to 19, 20 to 49, 50 to 99, 100 to 199, and 200 & more beds. Besides, there are different types of facilities that provide intellectual disability facilities  hospitals, group homes, private home, intellectual and developmental disability facilities. Based on the mode of operation, the global residential intellectual disabilities market can be segmented into state-run facilities, Medicaid funded services, private large facilities, and privately run small facilities. The demand for these residential facilities is largely dependent on the reimbursement through Medicare and Medicaid programs.Demand-Supply Gap Persist in the MarketSince 2008, increased federal funding for these programs and the additionally enrolled or eligible people for either of the federal programs, have led to the growth of the residential intellectual disability facilities in the U.S. Although the demand for housing or residential facilities for people with intellectual disabilities has been increasing in the recent years, the adequate supply of such facilities has not kept the required pace. Therefore, there is a huge deficit in the demand and the supply of these facilities. Another major restraint in the market growth is the difficulty in avoiding hospital admission for patients with intellectual disabilities who usually present challenges with their behavior and/or mental health problems.Browse Global Strategic Business Report :Increasing support from Governments across the Globe to aid Intellectually Disable PatientsOn the basis of geography, the global residential intellectual disability facilities market can be segmented into five major geographies - North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Rest of the World. Aging population, particularly in North America, and Europe, provide a good market opportunity for the market players. Another driving factor is the increasing age of caregivers. Presently, most of the people affected with intellectual disability reside with family caregivers. Due to the changing demographics, caregivers will also age in the coming years and the shortage of caregivers will create more demand for the residential facilities for intellectually disable individuals. The market for such facilities has been very insignificant in most of the Asian countries and little progress is expected during the forecast period from 2014 to 2023. There are many local and national centers in the developing economies too which offer such facilities. For instance, Muskaan, Sandesh and Alamara Residential Centre for Persons with Developmental Disabilities are the centers that offer residential intellectual disability facilities in India.ABOUT USCoherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions. We are headquartered in India, having office at global financial capital in the U.S. Our client base includes players from across all business verticals in over 150 countries worldwide. We are uniquely positioned to help businesses around the globe deliver practical and lasting results through various recommendations about operational improvements, technologies, emerging market trends and new working methods. We offer both customized and syndicated market research reports that help our clients create visionary growth plans to provide traction to their business. We meticulously study emerging trends across various industries at both the global and regional levels to identify new opportunities for our clientele. Our global team of over 100 research analysts and freelance consultants provide market intelligence from the very molecular country level and also provide a global perspective of the market. Our team is of the most vital cog in our robust machinery that gives us the ability to deliver independent insight relying on our cognitive defusion training module.This allows for an objective and unbiased assessment of the market. We pride ourselves in my constantly striving to update our extremely in-depth understanding of the market by closely monitoring and analyzing markets, trends, and emerging best practices, across allfathomable industries under the sun. This enables us to equip our valued clientele with key decisive inputs to capitalize on lucrative growth opportunities in the market and to follow firmly position themselves on a high growth path in the future.CONTACT USRaj ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
February 2017 iMagic Inventory Software latest release for business and inventory management

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New York, NY-February 2017. New update for iMagic Inventory v5.17 released February 2017. Delivers the latest update to their desktop inventory management system for business users. Regular updates are required for serious business management."We release updates through the year adding and amending with new features. While less exciting we also update with the latest system components to ensure stability. This keeps business focused on day to day operations rather than issues with software.", shares Jon Walker, official company representative and head of technology.Business managers can find it difficult to anticipate their inventory needs. Failing results in frustrated customers and a loss of business. iMagic Inventory Software provides tools to keep inventory aspects of a business running without the high cost of traditional systems."We've built iMagic specifically so you don't need any special hardware to use it, just about any modern PC running Windows would be more than enough." Adds Jon Walker. "We don't want to lock you in to branded hardware, it's not good for you and it's not good for us. Often, you'll be bound up unable to adjust anything to your specific requirements. Instead you can swap and change as much as you like."A Free Trial Edition is available from iMagic's website"Most of the expensive systems, that don't even tell you the price up front, will not let you try it out first. It's a game they make you play, jumping through hoops so you only see what they want you to see. We let you try our first, for free, without hassle." Jon Walker adds, "We like to get on and run our business and we know business owners are busy, they have better things to do."Business managers not only want to track and manage inventory but also orders and clients. Orders can be recorded as invoices or quotes, where stock isn't allocated until the go-ahead form the client. Payment can be recorded against the invoice. Pre-made reports and exports for popular accounting systems are included ready to go."Running a business means you get paid and if you're not paid in the terms agreed you want at least a warning before an order is placed. By tracking payments against invoices and recording terms you can generate outstanding payments at any time, ensuring you're doing serious business with serious people."iMagic wants you to be running your business, we want to get out of your way. Repeat business is important, but tracking sales and profits is what helps you grow. Track best-selling items, most profitable, invoices over time and so on."Why not have iMagic Inventory take over some of your work load? It can offer insights that you may not have noticed otherwise and free up your employee's time for other tasks."About iMagic SoftwareWith over 20 years of business software expertise -iMagic develop reservation and business booking software. There products include inventory software, hotel software, restaurant reservation software, tour reservation software and kennel booking software.iMagicAustralia Glen Forrest 5 Outtrim RdJon Walker padsubmit@imagicsoft.com
Webinar Presentation on In situ Hybridization Market" to be held on 10 Fe 2017

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The report In situ Hybridization Market by Technique (FISH, CISH), Application (Cancer Diagnosis, Neuroscience, Cytology, Infectious Disease), & End User (Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories, Academic And Research Institutions)  Global Forecast to 2021, This report studies the global in situ hybridization market for the forecast period of 2016 to 2021. This market is expected to reach USD 739.9 Million by 2021 from USD 557.1 Million in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%. The global in situ hybridization market is segmented on the basis of technique, application, end user, and region.By application, the in situ hybridization market is categorized into cancer diagnosis, cytology, neuroscience, immunology and infectious diseases. The cancer diagnosis segment is expected to command the largest share of the global in situ hybridization market, by application in 2016. This segment is also projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period (2016-2021). This is attributed to factors such as rising prevalence of cancer, increasing adoption of FISH in diagnosis of cancer, and rising demand for FISH-based companion diagnostics for cancer.Webinar Presentation on In situ Hybridization Market to be held on 10 Feb,2017 @On the basis of end users, the global in situ hybridization market is segmented into molecular diagnostic laboratories, academic & research institutes, contract research organizations, and pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies. In 2016, the molecular diagnostic laboratories segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the global in situ hybridization market, by end user. This segment is also projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period (2016-2021). This can be attributed to the availability of specialized skill sets in molecular diagnostic laboratories for ISH technique, rising prevalence of cancer coupled with genetic abnormalities, and increasing adoption of FISH in diagnosis of cancer and genetic abnormalities.On the basis of region, the global market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. In 2016, North America is poised to account for the largest share of the in situ hybridization market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. However, the Asia-Pacific market is slated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.Factors such as growing presence of international players in China and India, increasing cancer prevalence and diagnosis, and increased healthcare expenditure across the Asia-Pacific region are drivers for the in situ hybridization market in this region.Increasing diagnosis and growing incidence & prevalence of cancer, technology advancements in therapeutics, increasing government initiatives globally are some of the pivotal factors driving the growth of the global in situ hybridization market.About MarketsandMarketsMarketsandMarkets 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.Contact:Mr. RohanMarkets and MarketsUNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZMagarpatta city, HadapsarPune, Maharashtra 411013, India1-888-600-6441Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com
Global Inverted Optical Microscope Market 2016 Top Manufacturers in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa

Inverted Optical Microscope Market

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This research report on Global Inverted Optical Microscope Market 2016 is being made by the experts to create a reliable and detailed picture of the global market, including analysis of the present and past performances of the Inverted Optical Microscope market all around the world.The report has considered different dimensions of the market and has segmented the Inverted Optical Microscope industry according to the geography, production, application and many more. Each such segment is analyzed by the experts to get detailed idea of the revenue (gross/net).Get full report with TOC @Considering the utility to the users, makers of the report has studied various aspects of the Inverted Optical Microscope industry such as the value chain and major policies that influence the market. Factors such as growth drivers, restraints, and future prospects of the market are extensively evaluated in this report.Apart from this, the given report educates reader about availability of different product in the market along with their pricing, production volume, demand and supply, and their contribution in terms of revenue in the global market.Various analytical tools have been used to collect data for this report. The methods used and the sources are factual and reliable, making this report trustworthy for its users. The report has considered different market tools such as investment feasibility, investment return, and market attractiveness analysis in relation to the global Inverted Optical Microscope market.Get Free sample report @The user of the Inverted Optical Microscope report will be able to design his market strategies that are likely to pay off in the long run as the report consists of potential and present key players of the market with their probable future strategies too.Market Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact UsJoel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Growth Predicted for Clinical Communications and Collaboration Market : 2016 - 2026

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The role of IT in healthcare has changed the face of the entire industry. The induction of IT in healthcare has added pace in the growth of the healthcare industry and it has also given it a wider spectrum of growth. The marriage of IT and healthcare will have a long-standing effect on the entire healthcare industry. The global healthcare industry is standing at a crucial juncture and it is combating with some of the most deadly diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The rise in the aged population is also creating a challenging climate in front of the healthcare industry. IT is playing a pivotal role in the evolution of healthcare and it is adding fuel to the growth of the research and development. The incorporation of the advanced IT solutions has changed the definition of the patient care and it has also addressed some of the core issues of healthcare such as clinical communication and collaboration. The IT has provided a better and robust platform to healthcare which they are using to enhance their patient outreach. A slew of tools and apps have bridged the gap between patients and physicians. A new wave of funding in healthcare has expedited the growth of the IT in healthcare and ushered in significant changes in the industry through clinical communication and collaboration. Clinical communication and collaboration are playing an important role in the healthcare industry. The emergence of smartphones has also impacted the lives of millions of doctors and medical professionals. The staggering rise in the smartphone use amongst physicians in the last few years have established a strong channel of communication between patients and doctors. The doctors have changed their approach towards Clinical communication and collaboration. Today mobile is a prime source of communication for doctors. The mobiles have successfully toppled the emails and cemented its place in the Clinical Communications and Collaboration Market. The clinical communications are completely dependent upon pace and accuracy which a mobile phone can provide properly. The doctors can not only communicate with team present at the hospital and can fetch timely and regular updates on the patients condition. Can consult a peer doctor and can earn his or her perspective on a particular case.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The Clinical Communication and Collaboration are playing a pivotal role in mass health management. It is not only creating a considerable difference in the healthcare standards, but it is also reforming the set rules of healthcare. There has been a massive boom in the android mobile market which is opening a new window of opportunity of in front of the Clinical Communications and Collaboration Market. The doctors and hospitals are spending a slice of their budget to gear up the mobile communication within the organisation. The use of tablets and mobile phones within hospitals and clinics has increased manifold in the last few years. The surging market of the mobile friendly community apps and multiple social media platforms has widened the scope of clinical communication and collaboration market. The rocketing rose in healthcare friendly apps has made things easier for the healthcare fraternity. The exceptional approach of the healthcare industry towards better communication is also acting as a catalyst for growth for the clinical communication and collaboration market.Though the rocketing android based mobile market has created a proper ground for the development of the Clinical Communication and Collaboration market. But there are certain congruent issues which are stalling the organic rise of the Clinical Communications and Collaboration Market. Though the private stakeholders of the healthcare industry are promoting clinical communication and collaboration, but because of budget restraints, most of the government healthcare facilities are ducking this new procedure of enhanced communication. Though the North American market is flooded with android enabled phones and backed by a robust telecommunication but the regions such as Africa, and some parts of South East Asia is still staying away from the global mobile boom. Thus the market growth of the clinical communication and collaboration is limited in these regions of the world.The clinical collaboration and communication market depends on the overall growth of the healthcare market. The evergreen region for healthcare is North America which will call the shots in this segment as well, but apart from this the regions such as APEJ which is an emerging market for IT and healthcare will show promising growth trends. Backed by massive funding the MEA region might soon confirm its place amongst the big league.To View TOC of this Report is Available Upon Request @The clinical communication and collaboration market is populated with several companies which are contributing in the growth of the market. Doctors and clinicians present around the world use several apps and software to create a strong communication channel with the patients and the medical facilities. Here is a list of the apps such as Epocrates, Doximity, DynaMed Mobile, Isabel which are a part of the extensive Clinical Communications and Collaboration Market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, 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, Con-sumer 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 en-gagement 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.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.com
Global Market for Microfluidic Devices is Foreseen to Surpass US$ 5,246 Million by 2019-End

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In its outlook titled Global Market Study on Microfluidic Devices: Asia to Witness Highest Growth by 2019 Persistence Market Research (PMR) delivers key insights on the global market for microfluidic devices. As per PMR, the market is set to witness a robust CAGR of over 22% between 2013 and 2019 to reach USD 5,246.4 million by the end of the forecast period. In 2013, the market was valued at USD 1,531.2 million in 2013.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Market OverviewThe global market for microfluidic devices is expected to grow owing to higher investments in R&D projects in fields of life science and pharmaceuticals, moreover, surging demand for point of care testing is influencing the overall development of the market.Latest trends in healthcare such as supports point of care testing (POCT) and healthcare at home that are turning out to be more effective and efficient mode of delivering healthcare will also play a major role in shaping the market in the near future.The introduction of low-cost screening compounds to diagnose cell biology problems by pharmaceutical companies owing to miniaturization is also expected to benefit the market.Increase demand for microfluidic proteomic devices for identifying and quantifying proteins in order to examine the reaction of reagents with different proteins in arrays is expected to translate into higher demand for microfluidic devices.Manufacturers are focusing on using quality raw materials such as silicon, glass, ceramics and polymer metal to manufacture microfluidic devices.By material, the global market for microfluidic device is segmented intoPolymerGlassSiliconBased on application, the market is segmented intoClinical and veterinary diagnosticsEnvironment and industrialPharmaceutical and life science researchPoint of care testingAnalytical devicesDrug deliveryOn the basis of industry, the market is segmented intoIn-vitro diagnosticsMedical devicesPharmaceuticalsMarket Analysis: Key RegionThe growth of microfluidic devices market in North America is projected to be sustained by rising healthcare awareness, an expanding pool of geriatric population, increasing lifestyle and chronic diseases, advancement in technology of several home use applications and favorable reimbursement policies. Application base of microfluidic technology is relatively high in the region owing multi usage across various industrial domains and early adoption.In Europe, demand for microfluidic technology is supported by increasing requirement of diagnostics, which is a result of a higher prevalence of lifestyle associated ailments, establishment of an advanced healthcare infrastructure and growing elderly population. The high cost of healthcare are fueling the demand for homecare rather in-house hospital care is further influencing the usage of microfluidic devices in Europe. Meanwhile, the market Asia is expected to witness the fastest growth and present lucrative market opportunities for leading players. The growth id primarily attributed to improving reimbursement policies and advancement of the overall healthcare infrastructure in the region. Moreover, Asia is one of the key manufacturing hubs of generic drugs that entail microfluidic devices for drug toxicity screening.Request to View Tables of Content @Competitive DashboardSome major stakeholder in the global market for microfluidic devices includes Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Agilent Technologies, Fluidigm Corporation, Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare, and Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, 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, Con-sumer 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 en-gagement 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
North America Remains Dominant in the Global Clinical Trial Management Systems Market Growing at 13.6% CAGR During the Forecast Period

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Clinical trial used for safety and testing efficacy of drugs, medical devices or other therapeutic products, are currently witnessing an increasing growth. In 2013, the global market for clinical trial management system (CTMS) was worth US $0.8 billion and is estimated to account for US $1.8 billion by 2019 end. This market is expected to reflect a robust CAGR of 14% during the forecast period, 2013 to 2019.Owing to huge efforts in post-clinical trials data generation and clinical trials management by clinical research centers, pharmaceutical companies and hospitals, CTMS is likely to gain high demand making information management easy. This data generated concerns with reporting, development and planning of clinical trials which results in excessive consumption by clinical research agencies and hospitals.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Software to Reach US $1.27 Billion by 2019 EndThe global CTMS market is categorised mainly into component, type, end-user and mode of delivery. Based on component, the market is categorised into hardware, software and services. Around US $1.27 billion is estimated to be accounted by software by 2019 end. This segment is expected to reflect highest CAGR of 13.9% as compared to hardware and services.Pharmaceuticals  Largest End-User SegmentBy end-user, the market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, healthcare providers and clinical research organisations (CROs). Pharmaceuticals is deemed to be the largest end-user in the global market for clinical trial management systems while clinical research organisations segment is expected to reflect highest CAGR during the forecast period.Web-based Clinical Trial Management System to Witness Highest CAGRThe clinical trial management systems market is divided into cloud-based, on-premise and web-based on the basis of delivery mode. Web-based segment is estimated to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period.North America to Remain Dominant in the Global CTMS Market During 2013 to 2019Region-wise, the global CTMS market is categorised into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and RoW (Rest of World). India and China are estimated to be lucrative for the global market for clinical trial management systems as clinical trial market is gradually shifting into Asia Pacific due to patent expiration laws, several regulatory and legal measures. Some Eastern and Central European countries are estimated to provide huge clinical development opportunities. A significant growth is expected to be registered by the European market. The market value of North America in the global CTMS market was worth US $0.5 billion in 2013 and is expected to reach US $1.1 billion by the end of forecast period. This region is estimated to remain dominant and grow at 13.6% CAGR during the forecast period. In contrast, increasing Asian market share is expected to hamper revenue share percentage of North American CTMS market.Factors impeding the growth of global CTMS market includeSeveral countries impose austerity regulation resulting in complex protocols of clinical trials.Legal review & protocol design, budget & contract negotiation, appropriate patient population availability and approval of Institutional Review Board (IRB).Patient enrollment and recruitment stringency along with lengthy approvals remain the key challenges.Increasing chronic disease prevalence is estimated to fuel the demand for efficient & effective management of hospital information, documentation and data within medical organisations which further drives the global CTMS market. A major driver for market growth of clinical trial management systems is provision of high information accuracy by CTMS. Increasing healthcare end-users and providers is another factor driving the global clinical trial management systems market.Request to View Tables of Content @Key prominent players in the global market for clinical trial management systems include Merge Healthcare Incorporated, PAREXEL International Corporation, MedNet Solutions Inc., DSG Inc., Forte Research Systems Inc., Oracle Corporation, Medidata Solutions Inc., BioClinica, Bio-Optronics Inc. and eClinForce Inc.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, 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, Con-sumer 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 en-gagement 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 Market for Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis Test is estimated to Surpass US$ 738.7 Mn over 2022

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A study conducted by Persistence Market Research (PMR) reveals that the global rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis (RAD) tests market is likely to reach US$ 738.7 Million by 2022-end, reflecting a 6.2% CAGR between 2016 and 2022.Active focus on developing high specificity and sensitivity RA diagnostics kits and favorable regulatory norms are anticipated to drive the market growth up to a significant extent.Increasing awareness about diagnostic tests, particularly the anti-CCP test is expected to create lucrative market opportunities for key players in the global market.The global market for rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis (RAD) tests, however, may face hindrances such as low affordability of these test kits and inadequate sensitivity while performing an individual test.Demand for the anti-CCP test is expected to remain high during the forecast period. In 2015, the particular market segment accounted for 31% market share in terms of revenue and seen as one of the most attractive segments.Low availability of most rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis test in remote locations of Asia Pacific might limit their robust adoption.The introduction of low-cost drugs for treating rheumatoid arthritis is will positively influence the overall development of RA diagnosis tests market, as these treatments require constant observation of patients.Use of biomarker test in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis is also expected to supplement the RA diagnosis tests market over the next couple of years. Most companies are concentrating on the development of advanced biomarker test due to the limitation of conventional test kits available in the market currently.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis tests market is ruled by two primary test types namely RA treatment efficiency monitoring tests and serology test. Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (anti-CCP) Tests  a sub-segment of Serology test type  is set to witness a healthy uptick, expanding at over 7% CAGR during the assessment period. This is primarily owing to its high sensitivity in early stage detection of rheumatoid arthritis. Whereas, in RA treatment efficiency monitoring test type the market will receive impetus from Salicylate level count test sub-segment that accounted for around 46% revenue share in 2015. The impressive performance of the sub-segment is attributed to growing off-label treatment using pain killer drugs.  Persistence Market ResearchMarket Analysis Based on GeographyIn terms of revenue, the market in Europe and Asia Pacific is projected to collectively command for nearly 60% share of the market in 2015. This is primarily due to a higher number of autoimmune cases recorded in recent years and robust adoption of RA diagnosis test. On the flipside, regions with higher prevalence of RA diseases are likely to reach saturation point in terms of revenue generation due to growing awareness and higher per capita spending on healthcare.To View TOC of this Report is Available Upon Request @Competitive DashboardKey participants in the global market for rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis tests include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Antibodies Inc., Euro Diagnostica AB, Qiagen NV, Abbott Diagnostics (Abbott Laboratories), Beckman Coulter, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., and Siemens Healthcare GmbH. Most of these companies are emphasizing on introducing affordable, highly sensitive, and rapid diagnosis test kits. The competition in the market will remain stiff due to the lack of awareness regarding RA test efficacy amongst medical practitioners and presence of minimal entry barriers.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, 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, Con-sumer 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 en-gagement 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
Wood Pellets Market: Andritz AG, Drax Group plc, Enito Singpellet Pte Ltd

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New York, February 09: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Wood Pellets Market, by Application (Power Plants and Heating) - Global Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2023The wood pellets market is expected to exceed more than US$ 20.0 Billion by 2023 growing at a CAGR of more than 14% in the given forecast period 2016 to 2023.Browse Full Report here:Wood pellets are a form of biomass fuel produced from wood waste products, sawdust, industrial byproducts and forestry wastes. The virgin trees are specially grown for producing pellets. The shape of wood pellets is cylindrical in shape and having diameter between 6-12m.m and length is 1-3c.m. After manufacturing of wood pellets it should be used as fuel for commercial building, homes or in power plants. Wood pellets are dry, easy to store and hydraulic rate of wood pellets is stable as compare to other biomass fuel. It has high energy density so it can be transported long distance at once. Wood pellets is burnt it generates very small amount of carbon dioxide that is CO2 so this fuel broadly standardized as more eco friendly fuels.The major driving factors of wood pellets market are as follows:Government rules and contractFinancial inducement by centralized agenciesLong term supplyLow price of wood pelletsThe restraints factors of wood pellets market are as follows:Flue Gas Release during Storage of Wood PelletsDownload Free Sample Report:The wood pellets market is segmented on the lines of its application and regional. Under application segmentation wood pellets market covers power plants and heating. The wood pellet market is geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for wood pellets and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2023.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for wood pellets.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of coatings with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Andritz AG, Drax Group plc, Enito Singpellet Pte Ltd, Enviva LP, F.E. Wood & Sons, German Pellets GmbH, Georgia Biomass, LLC, Allance Pellet Machinery, The Westervelt Company, Pinnacle Renewable Energy Group, Rentech, Inc., Energex, and Wood Pellet Energy (UK) LTD.. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary,business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Wood Pellets Market has been segmented as below:By Application AnalysisPower PlantsHeatingBy Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRest of the WorldAbout MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Shale Gas Market Expected to Reach 17,201.6 Bcf by 2021

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Florida, February 09: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Global Shale Gas Market Research Report - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2015 - 2021.Global Industry Analysis of Shale Gas Market Size, Share, Growth and Forecast 2015-2021. Shale Gas Industry is expected to Reach 17,201.6 Bcf Globally by 2021, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2015 to 2021.Browse full report here:Shale gas is a type of natural gas explored from shale rocks or deposits underneath earth through various techniques. Globally, it has become an increasingly important source of natural gas. These projects are capital intensive that obstructs its development, but abundant resources and declining prices are boosting the growth of this natural gas.Discovery of new shale gas basins in China, Australia, etc. have created great opportunity for this markets growth. In addition, it is expected to increase the ethylene production in the next few years. Shale gas is extracted through techniques like horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. It involves applications such as power generations, transportation and various other applications.United State is the largest market for this natural gas followed by Canada and China. Eventually, North America is the leading region for shale gas market and will continue to grow over the forecast period. This region was the only active producer of shale gas till 2010. Europe and Middle East & Africa are the second fastest growing market, followed by Asia Pacific and Latin America region.Market Research Engine is involved in providing research reports and company profiles in the global shale gas market in terms of revenue and output/volume. Market drivers, opportunities and restraints are thoroughly studied which influences the market. This study is further utilized for the overall analysis of the market.The shale gas market is segmented based on the global applications, geographic presence, by products and ingredients. We offer an inclusive category-specific market outlook. We provide access to a comprehensive collection of companies in the industry. The companies can strategize and execute business operations through our competitor analysis. Find the global industry analysis, market size, share, growth, and trends information in our shale gas profiles.Download Free Sample Report:CUSTOMIZATION OF REPORT:Clients can also buy company profiles for global shale gas market without buying full report.SEGMENTATIONS IN REPORT:Shale Gas by Techniques: Horizontal Drilling Hydraulic FracturingShale Gas by Applications: Power Generation Industrial and Manufacturing Applications Residential Applications Commercial Applications TransportationShale Gas by Geography: North America Europe MEA Asia Pacific Latin AmericaAbout MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging healthcare technologies, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Treatment Market - Industry Analysis and Future Outlook by 2024

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Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited genetic disorder that causes insufficient production of the protein alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT) in individuals. A1AT is a protease inhibitor that has the capability to protect body tissues from enzymes of various inflammatory cells such as neurophil elastase.Insufficient production of this protein leads to pulmonary medical complications chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cirrhosis and emphysema. At present, the alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency treatment market is a highly promising and attractive market venture due to increased government support and high adoption rate for novel therapeutics.Request a PDF Brochure with Report Analysis:Some of the symptoms of A1AT deficiency include:-Tiredness-Vision problems-Shortness of wheezing and breath-Repeated pulmonary infections-Weight lossSome of the available therapeutics used for the treatment of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency are as follows:-Prolastin-Zemaira-AralastPromising drugs for treating alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency that are still in the pipeline are as follows:rAAV1-CB-hAAT  a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector that helps in expressing alpha-1 antitrypsin gene in individuals affected with the conditionPOL-6014  a highly potent, novel, reversible and selective inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase that might be helpful in treating alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiencyCT-2009  a drug molecule ready for IND that can selectively disrupts RANTES and Platelet Factor 4 for treating alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiencyGeographically, Europe and North America are projected to be the leading markets for alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency treatment due to the high prevalence and incidence rate of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency in these regions. It is observed that this genetic disorder is most common among North Americans of European descent and Europeans.Racial groups other than white people are expected to be affected less frequently. In the U.S., one individual per 3000 - 5000 individuals is affected by alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency and about 25 million individuals carry one deficient gene. Both men and women are equally affected in numbers.Major factors propelling the growth of the alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency treatment market are increasing incidence rate of genetic disorders and high adoption rate for novel therapeutics.Moreover, increasing government support for developing novel therapies and personalized medicines, along with high research and development initiatives on the development of stem cell based therapeutics are expected to fuel the growth of the alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency treatment market. Furthermore, high demand for safe and effective pharmacological therapies along with increased life expectancy is expected to drive the growth of this market.In addition, technological breakthrough such as point-of-care drug delivery systems and increased focus on retaining superior quality of life are some of the factors that might contribute in the growth of this market. However, rise in overall healthcare expenditure and stringent regulatory approvals are some of the market-restraining factors that might hinder the growth of the alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency treatment market in future.At present, the treatment market for alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is highly consolidated due to the involvement of few players in the industry. However, it is expected that emerging biotechnological companies focused on the development of personalized medicines for genetic inherited disorders will try to achieve a significant amount of market share in the near future.Browse Research Report:Some of the companies involved in the development of therapies for treating alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency are Baxter International Inc., CSL Behring LLC, Grifols Therapeutics, Inc., Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., iBio, Inc., rEVO Biologics, amongst others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Medical Composites Market - New Tech Developments and Advancements to Watch Out for 2024

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Composite is also known as composition material or composite material. Composite material is made of two or more materials that have different chemical or physical properties, which form a new material that has different characteristics than the combined materials. The new material are produced may have many reasons such as materials which are stronger, less expensive or lighter, when it is compared to traditional materials. Composite materials have various applications in the aerospace, automotive, construction, consumer goods, defense, marine, medical, oil & gas, rail, and renewable industries.Download Exclusive Sample of this Report:A composite material can be used for many purposes such as construction of buildings and bridges, and for structures such as boat hulls, race car bodies, bathtubs, swimming pool panels, shower stalls, storage tanks, cultured marble sinks, and imitation granite. Examples of composite material are concrete, ceramic composites, metal composites, and reinforced plastics. Composite materials have wide range of medical uses such as in surgeries, implants, artificial limbs, instrument materials, and diagnostics.The global medical composites market has been segmented based on product type, application, end-user, and region. In terms of product type, the market has been categorized into carbon fiber composites, ceramic matrix composites, and other composites. Carbon fiber composites have wide usage and hold the largest share of the market. Based on application, the medical composites market has been segmented into diagnostic imaging, composite body implants, surgical instruments, dental, microsphere, tissue engineering, and others.Moreover, there are various other applications of medical composites which depend on the need and requirement of the material for designing and manufacturing. Medical composites are primarily used in diagnostic imaging systems. These are highly used for patient imaging tables and for accessories used in X-ray, PET, CT, and MRI imaging system. Medical composites used in diagnostic instruments lower the weight of an instrument, which in turn offers better positioning for patients and generation of clearer images. End-users of medical composites are medical device companies, pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic imaging centers, research centers, and others.Geographically, the medical composites market has been classified into five regions: North America (U.S. and Canada), Europe (Germany, France, U.K., etc.), Asia Pacific (China, Japan, Australia, India, etc.), Latin America (Brazil and Mexico), and Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Africa). Europe was the largest market for medical composites in terms of revenue owing to high demand in diagnostic imaging components, prosthetic applications, and composite implants.Europe was followed by North America and is expected to register higher growth. Emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa are expected to record robust growth during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024 due to the growing health care industry and aging population. China, Brazil, and India are expected to witness strong growth due to increasing investments by government bodies to enhance health care facilities.Technological advancement and increase in the usage of composite materials in various medical application such as implants, diagnostics, medical equipment and accessories are the other factors likely to boost the growth of the medical composites market. The market is also witnessing certain restraints such as intense competition among existing medical composites manufacturers and frequent changes in consumer preferences.View Full Research Report:Major players operating in this market include 3M, DSM, Polygon Company, PolyOne Corporation, Quatro Composites, Toray Industries, Inc., Composiflex, Inc., ACP Composites, Inc., Vermont Composites, Inc., and Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Isolating Switch Fuse Industry: Global Capacity, Production, Sales, and Revenue

Isolating Switch Fuse

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Notes:Sales, means the sales volume of Isolating Switch FuseRevenue, means the sales value of Isolating Switch FuseGet Sample Report @This report studies sales (consumption) of Isolating Switch Fuse in Global market, especially in United States, China, Europe and Japan, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, coveringLittelfuseBussmannReomaxREOMAXSCHURTERMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Isolating Switch Fuse in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanKoreaTaiwanSplit by product Types, with sales, revenue, price and gross margin, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoHigh Voltage FuseLow Voltage FuseSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Isolating Switch Fuse in each application, can be divided intoPower EquipmentPower Distribution EquipmentOtherLeave a Query @Table of ContentsGlobal Isolating Switch Fuse Sales Market Report 20171 Isolating Switch Fuse Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Isolating Switch Fuse1.2 Classification of Isolating Switch Fuse1.2.1 High Voltage Fuse1.2.2 Low Voltage Fuse1.3 Application of Isolating Switch Fuse1.3.1 Power Equipment1.3.2 Power Distribution Equipment1.3.3 Other1.4 Isolating Switch Fuse Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Isolating Switch Fuse (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Isolating Switch Fuse Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Isolating Switch Fuse Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)9 Global Isolating Switch Fuse Manufacturers Analysis9.1 Littelfuse9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.1.2 Isolating Switch Fuse Product Type, Application and Specification9.1.2.1 High Voltage Fuse9.1.2.2 Low Voltage Fuse9.1.3 Littelfuse Isolating Switch Fuse Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 Bussmann9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.2.2 Isolating Switch Fuse Product Type, Application and Specification9.2.2.1 High Voltage Fuse9.2.2.2 Low Voltage Fuse9.2.3 Bussmann Isolating Switch Fuse Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 Reomax9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.3.2 Isolating Switch Fuse Product Type, Application and Specification9.3.2.1 High Voltage Fuse9.3.2.2 Low Voltage Fuse9.3.3 Reomax Isolating Switch Fuse Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.4 REOMAX9.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.4.2 Isolating Switch Fuse Product Type, Application and Specification9.4.2.1 High Voltage Fuse9.4.2.2 Low Voltage Fuse9.4.3 REOMAX Isolating Switch Fuse Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.5 SCHURTER9.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.5.2 Isolating Switch Fuse Product Type, Application and Specification9.5.2.1 High Voltage Fuse9.5.2.2 Low Voltage Fuse9.5.3 SCHURTER Isolating Switch Fuse Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.5.4 Main Business/Business OverviewContinuedBuy Now@CONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Pune, India
Parking Management Market: Tyco Security Products (Nedap AVI), 3M Company

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New York, February 09: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Parking Management Market by Software (Payment and Information Systems), by Verticals (Corporate and commercial parks, Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Recreations)  Global Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2021The parking management market is expected to exceed more than US$ 9000 million by 2021.Browse Full Report:The number of vehicles are growing on road rapidly which increases problem regarding to the shortage of parking space. Scarcity of parking spaces or parking problems is increasing globally so that parking management is best solution for this problem. Parking management contains various solutions such as it provides information of current parking space existence which results in less traffic congestion to the driver. It also provides efficient and effective use of parking spaces.The major driving factors of parking management market are as follows:Requirement of smooth traffic flowFalling connectivity and hardware costsThe restraining factors of parking management market are as follows:System inter-operabilityCost sensitivity of parking space machinistsDownload Free Sample Report:The parking management market is segmented on the lines of its software, system device, and service, parking site type, solutions and verticals. Based on software segmentation it covers payment system and information system. Under system device segmentation it contains automated gates, surveillance cameras and digital video recorders, radio frequency identification transponders, ultrasonic occupancy sensors, handheld ticket writers and parking management meters. The parking management market is segmented on the lines of its services like maintenance and support and deployments and customization. Based on parking site type segmentation it covers off street parking and on street parking. Under solution segmentation it covers parking guidance and slot management, parking enforcement and slot management, valet parking management, parking reservation management, security and surveillance, parking and revenue management and access control. Parking and revenue management is further segmented into pay by plate, smart card based and coin based. Access control segmentation covers LPR based automatic vehicle identification, ID management and biometric. Under verticals segmentation it covers BFSI, corporate and commercial parks, retail, hospitality, healthcare, recreations, transportation transits, government and municipalities and academia. The parking management market is geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for parking management and related technologies globally.2) Analysis of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2021.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for parking management.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of parking management solutions with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Tyco Security Products (Nedap AVI), 3M Company, Siemens AG, HCL Technologies Ltd., TCS International Inc, Integrapark, LLC, Complus Data Innovations, Inc., Amano Corporation, Passport Parking, LLC, TransCore LP, Vodafone Group PLC, Affiliated Computer Services, Group Techna, Inc., Netpark, LLC, Data Ticket, Inc., Parkopedia Inc. and Energy Development Corporation. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Parking Management Market has been segmented as below:By Software AnalysisPayment systemInformation systemBy System Device AnalysisAutomated gatesSurveillance cameras and digital video recordersRadio frequency identification transpondersUltrasonic occupancy sensorsHandheld ticket writersParking management metersBy Service AnalysisMaintenance and supportDeployments and customizationBy Parking site type AnalysisOff street parkingOn street parkingBy Solution AnalysisParking guidance and slot managementParking enforcement and slot managementValet parking managementParking reservation managementSecurity and surveillanceParking and revenue managementPay by plateSmart card basedCoin basedAccess ControlLPR based automatic vehicle identificationID managementBiometricBy Verticals AnalysisBFSICorporate and commercial parksRetailHospitalityHealthcareRecreationsTransportation transitsGovernment and municipalitiesAcademiaBy Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRest of the WorldAbout MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Near Field Communication (NFC) Market: NXP Semiconductors (Netherland), Broadcom Corporation (U.S.)

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New York, February 09: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Near Field Communication (NFC) Market by Device Types (Smartphone, Tablets, PCs & Laptops), by Product Types (Non-auxiliary Products, Auxiliary Products) and by Applications (Mobile/Contactless payment, Healthcare) - Global Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2021The Near Field Communication (NFC) market is expected to cross USD 21.00 Billion by 2021.Browse Full Report:NFC  Near Field Communication Market is based on wireless interface which enables all communication devices and electronic gadgets to get connected with each other by establishing radio connectivity under proximity. This technology is mainly used for smartphones, laptops and tablets for Short range of data exchange. The near field communication market is expected to grow at a very fast space in the forecast period.The major driving factors of Near Field communication Market are as follows: Convenient transfer and security of data Increasing penetration of smartphones Contactless paymentsThe restraining factors of Near Field communication Market are as follows: High costs of installations Security concernsDownload Free Sample Report:The Near Field communication Market is segmented based on Product type as Non Auxillary Products as  NFC Tags, NFC Readers, NFC Chips; Auxillary Products as  NFC enabled mobile sim, others (NFC cover). The Near Field communication Market is segmented based on Devices as smartphones & tablets, PCs & Laptops, Others (Infotainment and Stereo Headphone). The Near Field communication market is segmented based on application as Mobile/ Contactless payment, Information sharing, user authentication & access control, Monitoring Healthcare systems & others.The Near Field Communication Market geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global Near Field communication Market and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for Near Field Communication Market.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of Near Field communication Market with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include NXP Semiconductors (Netherland), Broadcom Corporation (U.S.), STMicroelectronics NV (Switzerland), MediaTek, Inc. (Taiwan), Renesas Electronics Corporation (Japan), Gemalto NV (Netherlands), and Texas Instruments (U.S.)are provided in the report. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Market Segmentation of Near Field communication is as follows:MARKET BY PRODUCT TYPE Non-auxiliary productso NFC Tagso NFC Readerso NFC Chip Auxiliary productso NFC enabled Mobile simo Others (NFC cover)MARKET BY DEVICES Smartphone & Tablets PCs & Laptops Others (Infotainment and Stereo Headphone)MARKET BY APPLICATION Mobile/Contactless Payment Information Sharing User Authentication & Access Control Monitoring Healthcare system OthersBY GEOGRAPHY North America Asia Pacific Europe Latin America and Africa Middle EastAbout MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Healthcare BI Platform Market - North America to Dominate the Market by 2023

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New York, February 09: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Healthcare BI Platform Market (By Function - Clinical Analytics, Financial Analytics, Operational Analytics, and Others; By Deployment Type - On-premise and Cloud; By Model Type -Self-service BI and Corporate BI) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023The healthcare BI platform market is expected to exceed more than USD$3.9 Billion by 2023 growing at a CAGR of more than 11% in the given forecast period 2015 to 2023.You Can Browse Full Report Here:Business intelligence consists of different tools and techniques which gain and transform the row information into useful and valuable data for business purpose. It provides present, past and future view of business processes. In health care the meaning of executive performance is varying as rapidly as the requirement for it is increasing. Healthcare BI contains business oriented actions includes decision support and reporting all technical data warehouse content. Healthcare associations such as HMOs, clinics and hospital gather and study patients sensitive data and patients financial data. Healthcare BI industry provide security model so that only authorized peoples are see the patients private data and no lack of clinical, financial and operational data in healthcare. These organizations contains digitizing medical data for over many years and can search, access and use all type of public and government sector data.The major driving factors of healthcare BI platform market are as follows: Increasing requirement for reduction in healthcare costs Centralized healthcare permission increase the Uptake of BI Solutions increasing in data availability Requirement to develop healthcare result and improve patient fulfillmentThe restraints factors of healthcare BI platform market are as follows: Need of resources with cross functional ability Healthcare BI platform system complexityDownload Free Sample Report:The healthcare BI platform market is segmented on the lines of its product, deployment and model. The healthcare BI platform market is segmented on the lines of its product like clinical analytics, financial analytics and operational analytics. Under deployment segmentation it covers on-premise and cloud deployment. The healthcare BI platform market is segmented on the lines of its model like self-service and corporate model. The healthcare BI platform market is geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for healthcare BI platform and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for healthcare BI platform.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of coatings with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include SAP SE, Oracle Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, SAS Institute, Inc., IBM Corporation, OpenText Corporation, and Information Builders .Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Healthcare BI platform Market has been segmented as below:by Product Segment AnalysisGlobal Healthcare BI Platform Market, by Function Clinical Analytics Financial Analytics Operational Analytics Others (Regulatory Reporting, etc.)by Deployment Analysis On-premise Cloudby Model Analysis Self-service Corporateby Regional Analysis North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of the WorldAbout MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Connected Cars Market - North America to Dominate the Market by 2021

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New York, February 09: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Global Connected Cars Market, By Technology (2G, 3G, 4G, GNSS), By Connectivity (Embedded, Integrated, Tethered), By Applications (Location Based, Infotainment & HMI, Safety & Security, Convenience, Driver Assistance), By Regions  Trends & Forecast: 20152020The market revenue is estimated to reach $153.60 billion by 2020, The connected cars market is growing rapidly with the CAGR of 33.38% during the period 2015-2020. The market is growing due to increase in safety reasons and need for driver assistance.Browse Full Report:The connected car, which once was a concept and limited to science fiction movies, is a reality today. Cars are extremely well connected these days and with extensive embedded hardware components combined with smart connectivity capabilities use an array of protocols to deliver key electronic, monitoring and diagnostic functions. It is now the hottest market where everybody is trying to be a part of it considering enormous potential the market holds.The global connected car market is a very fragmented market and it is in a growing stage, where many stakeholders of the eco-system are forging strategic collaborations to create connected car solutions.The global connected car applications market is divided into Location Based Applications, Infotainment & HMI, Safety & Security, Convenience, Driver Assistance, and Others. Safety & Security application contributes the most to the applications market. Government initiatives and customers are concerned about overall safety, and accident is the major driving force behind customers adopting cars enabled with connectivity.The global connected car regions market is divided into North America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific, Central Eastern Europe (CEE), Middle East & Africa and Latin America. North America has the most matured connected market owing to its extensive infrastructure and the number of companies investing in the market. Western Europe, now, is the second hottest market for connected cars as the government regulations such as mandate of eCall will drive more investments into the market.Download Free Sample Report:In the next forecasted years, connected cars market will see innovative revenue models and evolution of standardized platforms. This would considerably increase security measures; reduce cost of the connected cars.The report provides unique insights into an in-depth analysis of global connected cars market, drivers and restraints as well as growth opportunities. It also contains analysis and forecast revenues, competitive landscape, company profiles and industry trends.About MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Electronic Adhesives Market Research worth 6,085.4 Million USD by 2020

Markets and Markets Limited

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The report Electronic Adhesives Market by Form (Liquid, Paste and Solid), by Type (Electrically Conductive, Thermally Conductive, UV Curing and Others), by Application (Printed Circuit Boards and Semiconductor & IC), by Region - Global Trends and Forecasts to 2020, This report defines and segments the electronic adhesives market with analysis and forecast of the market size.Download PDF Brochure:Browse 129 market data tables and 57 figures spread through180 pages and in-depth TOC on "Electronic Adhesives Market by Form (Liquid, Paste and Solid), by Type (Electrically Conductive, Thermally Conductive, UV Curing and Others), by Application (Printed Circuit Boards and Semiconductor & IC), by Region - Global Trends and Forecasts to 2020"Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports.The global electronic adhesives market is projected to reach USD 6,085.4 Million by 2020 at a CAGR of 10.1%. This growth is fueled by the growing technological dominance, increasing production capacities, rising development strategies, and growing application sectors globally.Liquid Form: The largest, by form market of electronic adhesivesLiquid form adhesives are the largest segment of the electronic adhesives market. Owing to its strong adhesion strength the liquid adhesives are used in applications where excessive adhesion flow is required and the surfaces to be bonded are large. The electronics industry uses liquid adhesives for mounting the semiconductor dyes, as conformal coatings on printed circuits boards (PCBs) and potting. These adhesive forms are available in various compositions such as epoxies, silicones, and acrylics. The growing demand for PCBs from telecommunication, consumer, and microelectronic assembly application industries has led to increase in the demand for liquid form adhesives in the global electronic adhesives market.Electrically Conductive: The largest, by type market of electronic adhesivesElectrically Conductive Adhesives, also known as ECA, is the largest segment of the electronic adhesives type market. They are used as substitute for traditional tin-lead solders. Owing to their high electrical conductivity, and ability to allow the passage of current while initiating electrical connection between two bonded surfaces, electronic adhesives are widely used in microelectronic industry for packaging applications. The increasing technological advancement, increasing demand from the flip-flop applications, and emerging microelectronic packaging industries are few factors that drive the growth of the electrically conductive adhesives market in the global electronic adhesives market.Speak to Analyst:Printed Circuit Board (PCB): The largest application market for electronic adhesivesThe PCB application is the largest application for electronic adhesives owing to the increasing demand from applications such as chip bonding, wire tacking adhesives, potting, and conformal coatings in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa regions. The ability to protect the electronic & circuit assembly components from corrosion, dust, shock & vibration, environmental and physical damage makes electronic adhesives the highly preferred adhesives in the PCB industry. In Asia-Pacific, the PCB industry is the largest market for electronic adhesives. The growing encapsulation and the electronics industry, increasing R&D activities, and circuit molding industries have fueled the growth of electronic adhesives in PCB in the Asia-Pacific region.Asia-Pacific: The largest market for electronic adhesivesThe Asia-Pacific region is estimated to be the largest market for electronic adhesives globally. This is mainly attributed to the high economic growth rate, growing manufacturing industries, cheap labor, and increasing electronic adhesives-based application patents. Also, involvement of government organizations for the commercialization and enhancement of electronic adhesives are few factors leading to the growth of electronic adhesives in this region. China is the largest market for electronic adhesives in the Asia-Pacific region. The dominance of China in the market for electronic adhesives is owed to rise in connectivity, growing levels of urbanization, increasing expansion, and advanced technology. The rapid shift of electronic adhesives manufacturing facilities from the developed countries to the Asia-Pacific countries such as India, South Korea, and Taiwan is also a major contributor toward the growth of electronic adhesives market in the region.The global electronic adhesives market is a fragmented one owing to the large number of buyers and limited availability of suppliers across the globe. Also, the increasing rivalry among the players to obtain majority of the patents for electronic adhesives based applications such as circuit assembly, display, and mobile electronics has played a major role in intensifying the level of competition. Major players such as H.B. Fuller (U.S.), Henkel AG & Co., KgaA (Germany), few start-ups such as Alent Plc (U.K.) have adopted various organic and inorganic developmental strategies. These strategies majorly include expansion, merger & acquisition, partnerships, and new product launch & product development to achieve growth in the electronic adhesives market. They mainly focus on providing high-quality and low-cost electronic adhesives-based materials for various applications such as semiconductors and PCB.This report covers the market by value and volume for electronic adhesives and forecasts the market size till 2020. The report includes the market segmentation by form, by type, by application, and by region. It also provides company profiles and competitive strategies adopted by the major market players in the global electronic adhesives market.About MarketsandMarketsMarketsandMarkets 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&Ms flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. For More:Contact:Mr. RohanMarketsandMarkets INC.701 Pike StreetSuite 2175, Seattle,WA 98101, United StatesUSA : 1-888-600-6441UK : 44-800-368-9399Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com
Mobile co-browsing paving the way to ever more collaborative banking solutions

This week finovateEurope saw the release of unblus state of the art, mobile co-browsing solution. The solution was developed and demonstrated by unblu Inc. and enables financial institutions to advise and sell to their customers in person via their mobile devices.Glance around any public space and theres no denying that mobility and staying connected are integral parts of our everyday life. And with co-browsing now an essential part of a banks efforts to maintain personal relationships with their clients, the combination of digital engagement with customers, not only via call centers, but also through any mobile device, is a natural and inherent progression.unblus solution makes their collaboration suite available for full use on mobile devices. The mature and proven feature set is now even more powerful. As an example, a customer logged into his banking application from his mobile device can engage with an agent directly via a call or chat and have them talk him through, or better yet co-view any page, form or process within the application, using that same device.While the customer may only have access to a small mobile screen, his agent will view the application from his regular workspace and can assist by pointing and guiding the client to the part of the app he needs, while simultaneously talking through his actions."By allowing banks to leverage their existing mobile apps as an on ramp for a realtime human engagement, we enable them to further increase ROI on investments they have already made in online infrastructures or portfolio management systems for example", explains Luc Haldimann, CEO unblu Inc.Really compelling customer service must be intuitive, emotionally rich and available exactly when needed. The more personal the interaction, the quicker the customer will be understood and the more efficient the support will be. Offering this service through mobile devices is a huge opportunity for financial institutions to create win-win scenarios with their valued customers.About unblu:unblu is a live engagement vendor focused on the banking vertical. We provide highly secure collaboration software enabling banks to substantially enrich the digital experience of their clients. Using unblu's suite helps to increase revenue and efficiency while reducing costs and improving digital customer interaction. Clients using our technology have been able to cut customer support calls in half, achieve four times as many client meetings as in branches, increase customer satisfaction considerably and produce a 90% recommendation rate. In this way unblu is helping to transform the future of online banking.Nicola Rosenthalunblu inc.Kernserstrasse 176060 SarnenSchweiz+41 (61) 511 11 68nicola.rosenthal@unblu.com
Traction Transformer Market Buoyed by ABBs $75 Million Brazilian Deal in Brazil

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A traction transformer can be described as an electrical device which plays an integral role in the creation of the railway system. A traction transformer, one of the types of a power transformer, utilizes the principles of electromagnetic induction to transmit energy through circuits. This type of industrial transformer gradually replaced the system of burning fossil fuels several years ago.The years of development undertaken by the Traction Transformer Market have led to the DC transformer being used to enable smooth operation of locomotive or train motors. Since the burden of maintaining a transmission system is huge, the traction transformer has been designed to withstand high stress, vibration and shock. Thus, the Traction Transformer Market is well placed to register significant growth during the forecast period of 2016-2021.Scope & Regional Forecast of the Traction Transformer MarketThe Traction Transformer Market has ensured that electrical output of a traction transformer depends on the application. Hence, the voltage range for a high speed train is higher than the average locomotive. The quality checks undertaken by transformer manufacturers ensure that that performance and reliability are of the highest standards. Other benefits of the latest transformer technologies include a reduction in operating costs and an extension of the product life-cycle.The Traction Transformer Market considers the primary growth drivers to be a few factors like: rapidly congested roads leading to gigantic traffic jams; and government initiatives to encourage the setting up of high-speed trains to connect busy urban points. The latest evolution of transformer technologies includes the phasing out of traditional components only to be replaced by their power electric brethren.The Traction Transformer Market is currently dominated by demand originating from Europe owing to its rail electrification requirements. The same cant be said of the U.S. as rail electrification has a very low adoption rate in the region. There is tremendous growth potential for the traction transformer in the U.S. due to this very reason. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacifics high population density dictates that the region will soon transform into a very valuable emerging market. Currently, the tapped traction transformer holds the highest market share in the Traction Transformer Market.Request for sample brochure @Segmentations & Key Players Involved in the Traction Transformer MarketAccording to IndustryARC findings, the Traction Transformer Market can be broken down into various segmentations on the basis of Type: Tap Changing, Tapped and Rectifier.Rolling Stock: High-Speed Trains, Electric Locomotive, Electrical Multiple Units (EMUS) and Trams.Voltage Network: AC and DC.Geographical Location: Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America and Rest of the World.Some of the key players involved in the Traction Transformer Market according to IndustryARC are as follows:Altrafo TrasformatoriSiemens TransportationBrush TractionSkoda TransportationChina Transpowers ElectricMake an Inquiry @About IndustryARC:IndustryARC is a Research and consulting firm that publishes more than 500 Reports Annually in various industries, such as Agriculture, Automotive, Automation & Instrumentation, Chemicals and Materials, Energy and Power, Electronics, Food & Beverages, Information Technology, Life sciences & Healthcare.IndustryARC primarily focuses on Cutting Edge Technologies and Newer Applications of the Market. Our Custom Research Services are designed to provide insights on the constant flux in the global demand-supply gap of markets. Our strong analyst team enables us to meet the client research needs at a very quick speed with a variety of options for your business.We look forward to support the client to be able to better address customer needs; stay ahead in the market; become the top competitor and get real-time recommendations on business strategies and deals. Contact us to find out how we can help you today.Media ContactContact Person: Sanjay MatthewsEmail: pr@industryarc.comPhone: 1-614-588-8538 (Ext: 101)Company Name: IndustryARCTMConnect with us on LinkedIn @Get More Insights on Reports @HEADQUARTERSIndustryARCPlot No. S-1, Serial No. 1043 & 1048,Phase -1 & 2, Opp. BSNL Office,KPHB, Kukatpally,Hyderabad, Telangana 500072Email: sales@industryarc.comTel: (+91) 040-64621234, +1-614-588-8538
Transcendence of old masters in anthropogenic global warming

The researcher in charge of the project The Fidel Mico Catalogue Raisonnee (FMCR) is please to announce findings of significant evidence on a well-rooted European influence in the painting of the artist under investigation and his sophisticated messages on global warming. Contrary to the most popular believe, Cuban painting was not born in the second half of the 18th century, but in the 16th century when the Council of Havana agreed the acquisition of eight paintings for interior decoration of the city hall to the artist Gaspar de Avila. In addition, the Cuban painter Juan Camargo received a payment for painting the altar-piece of the parochial church in 1599 (Patrimonio y Desarrollo. April 2011, 5 (II): 7  9). These historical facts suggest that the impact of the European painting in the development of the Cuban visual art (although little noted) has been deep and persistent during five centuries, giving rise to generations of artists with abundant knowledge and sensitivity on nature and climate change.Love to natural landscape seems to be a dominant feature of more than 100 contemporary Cuban landscape painters. The source of this feeling among Cuban artists could be found in the past by studying Cuban old masters. Probably, the most representative landscape painter of the 19th century was Esteban Chartrand y Duboi (1840  1882), and his works are highly influential among contemporary Cuban artists. Most of them distinguish the paintings El dia (58 x 160 cm, oil on canvas, 1873, Museum of the City, Havana), and La manana (58 x 160 cm, oil on canvas, 1873, Museum of the City, Havana) among the best Chartrands works. This old master was able to represent the morning light with the particular tone of the 19th century leaving invaluable visual testimonies on the past environment of the island. Some experts have argued on the influence of Barbizon School, Fontainbleau painters, and Hudson River School in the work of Esteban Chartrand, but most of them agree on his ability to translate foreign styles into a national one including local compositional elements in every artwork (Exhibition catalogue, Monastery San Francisco de Asis, 2010). This could be the driving force of the current persistence of landscape painting in Cuba as a massive pictorial movement that includes several generations of artists.Fidel Mico is one of the contemporary Cuban artists that pay careful attention to the heritage of old masters. He has never stopped the study of Chartrands work and schools that shaped his style. A painting recently finished by Fidel Mico and sold for 4 800 USD to an USA private collector points to clearer definitions of his pictorial intentions far beyond lessons learned from ancient European influences. In the above mention Chartrands paintings, the national tree (Palm) is an ordinary element in the composition, but if we pay attention to position of palms in Micos paintings, we will find a growing protagonist role by the time. Palm was the principal character in Micos work for the first time in the painting El Ocaso (95 x 130 cm, oil on canvas, 2006, unknown location). In this artwork, the national tree is in the foreground, showing its sensual beauty over the painted place. This feature has been getting strength in further works such as Aguas claras del monte N 2 (70 x 53 cm, oil on canvas, 2008, unknown location), La despedida en la Moca (120 x 160 cm, oil on canvas, 2008, Russian private collection), and Donde nace el mar (80 x 130 cm, oil on canvas, 2015, Mexican private collection) until recently when Mico finished the painting Interfase (50 x 70 cm, oil on canvas, 2017, USA private collection).This time the subliminal cryptography of Micos painting dealing with global warming became evident. An apparently common pictorial composition suggests a strong message on the anthropogenic global warming. Mico invented a landscape from his talent and imagination to subtly introduce the viewer into the consequences of human action on nature. Small details in the left foreground could be easily ignored: the absence of four branches in a dry shrub and a dry branch on the ground. In addition, some branches have been cut in the apparently healthy tree behind the shrub. Other plant species seems to be dying in the right middle ground on the other side of the river, but the actual threat was painted in the background. A massive deforestation is clearly visible in the mountains and seems to be coming forward to the river. The origin of this imaginary scenario was confirmed at the artists studio when he said: this landscape is not real, it was invented.A similar method was used by Mico in 1999 when he painted Rio de aromas (50 x 70 cm, oil on canvas, 1999, USA private collector). In this painting, there is a died tree falling into the river in the right foreground, a dry shrub in the left middle ground, and deforestation in the mountains at the background. The river crossing the painted place also suggests hopes. This perception is reinforced by the observation of a different message in many tropical landscapes painted by this artist. For instance, in the painting La canada (100 x 150 cm, oil on canvas, 2005, USA private collector), a landscape with exuberant vegetation around a streamlet, the artist unfolds the beauty of a real place where human action is almost absent. Other exceptional example of hopeful message on the future of the earth is the painting Higuereta en el bosque (116 x 160 cm, oil on canvas, 2006, USA private collector). In this artwork, the painted place is plenty of plant species at both sides of a river coming from mountains with abundant vegetation. The same intention may be found in the painting El salto de la paloma (200 x 130 cm, oil on canvas, 2006, USA private collector), an invented landscape with more than ten plant species and a waterfall flowing from a rocky mountain as principal element (Art Nexus, 2007, 5 (63): 43).It is important to note a set of paintings where the message on the protection of our planet was directly represented by Fidel Mico. The most evident examples are the paintings Otra oportunidad (100 x 120 cm, oil on canvas, 2003, Collection of the artist), and El poder de la naturaleza (100 x 150 cm, oil on canvas, 2005, USA private collector). In both oeuvres, Mico represented his most sincere concern on the anthropogenic global warming, and his authentic commitment with local and international efforts to stop it (Art Documentation, 2015, 34 (2): 349-353). Other two paintings are also remarkable in this sense: Espiritus del arrecife (74 x 100 cm, oil on canvas, 2015, Mexican private collector), and Muerte y Renacimiento (88 x 116 cm, oil on canvas, 2015, Mexican private collector). In the first one, the sea has engraved animals in the rock to ask for his right to be a healthy environment for all species. The second one is a detailed representation of an unavoidable natural process that should be respected as holy grail of the human existence.These findings open new research pathways for further investigations on the subconscious intentions of artists in the representation of real and invented landscapes. If we take into account the limited capacity of humans for understand reality, it is easy to imagine both alternative scenarios: i-) subliminal influence of reality on artists, and ii-) subliminal representation of messages to reach wider audience and stronger impact. In addition, if we remember that many human capacities were turn-off during evolution, the contemporary Cuban movement of landscape painting could be a rich source of visual information for comparisons with works of ancient masters, and innovative interpretations of the creation process. The catalogue exhibition of 2010 at the Monastery San Francisco de Asis, in Havana, is a valuable document for understanding difference between current and ancient landscape compositions. Although darker, paintings from more than one century ago are plenty of healthy species, and artists showed no concern on the protection of the earth. This notable asymmetry could be subject for further discussions of the broadest interest.The Fidel Mico Catalogue Raisonne (FMCR) should be understood as an applied research project intended to explore the work and life of the painter Fidel Mico in the last 40 years. This project, submitted to Catalogue Raisonne Scholars Association and International Foundation for Art Research, may encourage current owners of Micos works (mostly from USA, Mexico, Italy, and Spain) to supply information and images for provenance research and authentication. We also hope that the FMCR shows a good sense of how Micos method and practice has been throughout his lifetime working in different formats, and genres.Rodriguez N 14, entre Maboa y Rabi, apto. 1, Rpto. Santos Suarez, Municipio 10 de Octubre, La Habana, Cuba.
Nice and Berlin continue to heal from attacks with the help of art

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I have the best job in the world. So much so, I don't think anyone could call it a job.Sabelskjold Art Agency is surrounded by some of the most talented and giving people in the world. The artists and companies we are so lucky to work with have only one mission - to bring beauty and joy to the world.In a time with so much turbulence and so much fear, it is easy to lose sight of all the ways artists are important to keeping this world together. Artists captivate the world, making us think and look beyond ourselves. Artists transcend hate, fear, terrorism and misunderstanding. Artists help us to feel joy and heal wounds.Many people in the world who read about a terrorism attack may feel some sadness, fear or anger. After a few hours or days it is life back to normal. That is one of the most powerful things about human beings is the ability to adapt, compartmentalize and move on.However, for the cities that experience these horrible unthinkable acts it is a different story. The scars for the cities of these attacks never fully heal. There are always memories about the awful things that took place. As an American living in Nice, France, I have experienced the long lasting effects terrorism has on the people and the cities where these tragic acts take place.I believe healing takes time and coming together to express your sadness and anger is a healthy part of that process. That is why I was so happy to hear that Berlin and Nice were coming together for a meeting of solidarity for the victims of the terrible events that took place in these cities.I am extremely proud that my friend and artist that I represent was personally invited to showcase one of his bronze sculptures. Michel Anthony is an inspiration in perseverance and acceptance.Michel presented a masterful bronze sculpture entitled Unity and Liberty.VISUAL : A bird taking flight which signifies freedom. Five hands holding one another and emerging from the globe, each hand in different color symbolizing the peoples of the five continents. The hand at the summit is in polished bronze (neutral) to show that no race is superior than others.Michels work embodies equality and acceptance. In this time of pain and fear, we need artists to help show us the way. There is good in the world, there is vivid color, there is hope, and there is acceptance.I know a great deal of healing occurred by Berlin and Nice coming together. It is a wonderful step to bring these two amazing cities together in this tragic time. My heart goes out to everyone affected by terrorism, and I am thankful that artists can bring some consolation to the families and cities affected by terrorism.Thank you Michel and all the artists that attended the event.Sabelskjold Art Agency is an art broker / agent that represents internationally collected artists. Erick Sabelskjold offers fine art buying to private, corporate and interior designers in the French Riviera. Sabelskjold Art represents international clients in Miami, Moscow, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, Toronto, Monaco and New York.Erick is an expert in interior design and staging for yachts, villas and corporate buildings.Sabelskjold art also offers private art collecting and selling services.1081 North Ocean DrivePalm Beach Florida 33404
Compression Therapy Market Volume Forecast and Value Chain Analysis 2015-2025

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Compression Therapy is a process of applying external pressure to the limbs or other parts of the body through which different chronic disease can be treated. Compression therapy is a very effective technique for disease indication such as, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Venous Thrombolism (VTE), Varicose Veins, Lymphedema, Chronic and Diabetic Ulcers.A gradual pressure is being given to infected area or the veins which in turn increases the blood flow in the veins, increases the drainage of nocious substances, reduces pain and inflammation.A common myth prevailing among people is that compression bandages and clothes hinder the blood circulation but in reality these products are designed in such a way that when applied properly they assist in blood flow.The annual incidence of DVT is around 1 per 1000 people. As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 60,000-100,000 patients have DVT in United States.Request Free Report Sample@Compression Therapy Market: Drivers and RestraintsCompression therapy market is driven by aging population, high incidence of disease indications, rising awareness among patients and ease of application and durability of the products.Other factors include regular product training to physicians that helps them to better understand the product and use of fancy garment to manufacture stockings and bandages.Lack of knowledge about the disease indication among patients and inadequate reimbursement for compression therapy products from government agencies in developed countries will slow down the market in the forecast period.Compression Therapy Market: SegmentationGlobal Compression Therapy Devices is further segmented into these following types:Static Compression TherapyCompression GarmentsUpper Compression GarmentsLower Compression GarmentsCompression BandagesAnti-Embolism StockingsDiabetic ShoesDiabetic Compression SocksDynamic Compression TherapySegmented Compression PumpsNon-Segmented Compression PumpsCompression SleevesCompression Therapy Market: OverviewWith the advancement of technology and increase incidence in disease population, compression therapy is gaining wide acceptance as a method of choice among patients. This market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR in the forecast period (2015-2025).Advances in garments, textile technology, compression stockings, and bandages aimed at improving patient comfort are expected to drive the market in the forecast period.Compression Therapy Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global compression therapy market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.In terms of geography, North America dominates the compression therapy market, followed by Europe. Growing aging population and increasing prevalence of diabetes are also supporting the growth of compression therapy market in this regions. India, China, and Japan are expected to be the fastest-growing markets for compression therapy in Asia.Request For TOC@Compression Therapy Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in compression therapy market are SIGVARIS, BSN medical GmbH, Covidien Plc. PAUL HARTMANN AG, 3M Co., ArjoHuntleigh, Thuasne SA, Smith & Nephew plc and medi GmbH & Co.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Dental Fittings Market 2016 - 2024; Evolving market trends and dynamics

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The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth insights, understanding market evolution by tracking historical developments, and analyzing the present scenario and future projections based on optimistic and likely scenarios. Each research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology developments, types, applications, and the competitive landscape.Orthodontics mainly deals with the correction of improper alignment of teeth by braces or apparent loss of teeth by dentures/artificial teeth. Orthodontics was initially chosen for children but now it is used ubiquitously. Technological advancements have reduced the stigma related with this treatment and now many dental fittings such as tongue and teeth colored braces are available commercially. Rising awareness of dental aesthetics and related advantages has resulted in increased acceptance of dental fittings amongst all age groups.Read Full Report:The dental fittings include dentures, archwires, anchorage appliances and ligatures. The braces or the brackets are meant to place the misaligned or crooked teeth in place. Braces are small squares attached to the front of the teeth by an orthodontic bonding agent and connected to each other via connectors or bands. Orthodontic bands are stainless steel, tooth colored material or transparent. Spacers are separating parts that fit between the teeth before the bands. Archwires guide braces with the movement of the teeth. Ligatures are small rubber bands which hold on to the archwires together. Traditionally braces were made up of metals, however, with technological advancements they are now available in ceramics. The braces are also made up of stainless steel, titanium or a mixture of both. The orthodontic archwires are of two types: coated metal and transparent non-metallic. Coated metal archwires are made up of nickel- titanium or of stainless steel and are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), parylene-polymer, and an epoxy-resin. Transparent nonmetallic arches are similar to metal arches which are made from glass spindle and are embedded in polymer matrix. The growing demand for aesthetic archwires has led to many advancements in archwires technology. These wires will continuously be developed on the basis of appearance, durability and flexibility. Non-metallic archwires may take over the future market as they are more preferred over the conventional metallic wires. Dentures are used to replace and support the missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissues. Dentures are of two types: complete ones and the partial ones. The partial ones are plastic partials or the metal partials, on the basis of the material used to attach to the teeth.The dental fittings market is on an all-time high due to many regulatory reforms in most of the countries like reimbursement coverage, access to advanced technology, increased disposable income and increased rate of awareness about dental fittings treatment. Aspects such as rising awareness about dental fittings, cheaper availability of treatment and increasing health care expenditure may boost the growth of the dental fittings market in Asia Pacific. Attributing to rapid development in healthcare, infrastructure, government reforms and access to advanced dental fittings, China and India are most profitable markets in Asia. Also, easy availability of skilled orthodontists and supporting economy is expected to spur the growth of the dental fittings market in China and India.Download Free exclusive Sample of this Report:Many of the companies are manufacturing dental fittings, and are adopting acquisitions and mergers, extensive R&D as measures to expand their geographic reach and introduction of novel products in to the market. Asia Pacific dental fittings market is expected to rise with context to volume, on basis of low product prices, less market penetration, disposable earning and improving healthcare expenditure. Also the awareness of dental aesthetics systems and dental cosmetic surgery will expectedly drive this market in North America and Europe. The advanced CAD/CAM technology and 3 Dimensional digital imaging may lead to growth in the industry. The CAD technology can support in making digital prostheses much faster. The global dental fittings market is dominated by few key players such as GC Orthodontics, Dentaurum, Henry Schein, Hangzhou Shinye, and Dental Morelli.Transparency 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:
Advance Wound Dressing Market Set to Grow Exponentially During the Forecast, 2025

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Advancement in Wound Dressing Market begins years before when the film and hydrocolloids introduced. Advanced Wound Dressing accelerates the healing process by keeping moist environment around the wound along with medicines like antibiotic and painkillers.Advanced Wound Dressing used to heal acute and chronic wounds especially in chronic wounds. Advanced wound dressing has shown very significant results in diabetic patients as well in chronic wounds that takes a long time or cannot be healed by traditional wound dressings.Advance Wound Dressing Market: Drivers and RestraintsAdvanced Wound Dressing market is growing as the number of diabetic and chronic patients increasing rapidly worldwide. Major drivers for the Advanced Wound Dressing Market is ageing population, increase in incident of accidents, increase in adoption rate of Advanced Wound Dressings like hydrocolloids and wound contact layers, continuously advance improvement in dressing like combination of antibiotics and painkillers with dressings. However, high price and lack of adequate reimbursement policies in developing countries are the main hindrance of the market growth.Request Free Report Sample@Advance Wound Dressing Market: SegmentationAdvance Wound Dressings global market is segmented into following types:HydrocolloidsNon-Antimicrobial Hydrocolloid DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrocolloid DressingsHydrofibersNon-Antimicrobial Hydrofiber DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrofiber DressingsAlginatesNon-Antimicrobial Alginate DressingsAntimicrobial Alginate DressingsHydrogelsNon-Antimicrobial Hydrogel DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrogel DressingsCollagensNon-Antimicrobial Collagen DressingsAntimicrobial Collagen DressingsFoamsNon-Antimicrobial Foam DressingsAntimicrobial Foam DressingsFilmsNon-Antimicrobial Film DressingsAntimicrobial Film DressingsWound Contact LayersNon-Antimicrobial Wound Contact LayersAntimicrobial Wound Contact LayersAdvance Wound Dressing Market: OverviewAdvance Wound Dressing Market is growing with a significant CAGR because of its high adoption rate in treatment of chronic wounds. Developing countries is growing with a higher CAGR compared to other parts of the world.Advance Wound Dressing Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, global Advanced Wound Dressing market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.North America contributes maximum in global Wound dressing Market Share. European countries showing a good growth as the adoption rate for Advance Wound Dressing is increasing for diabetic patients, burns, and chronic wounds. Asia Pacific is growing with a significant CAGR for Advance Wound Dressing market due to increase in healthcare awareness. Amongst the Asian countries, India and china are more promising due to large population pool and increased number of hospitals.Request For TOC@Advance Wound Dressing Market: Key PlayersKey players of Advance Wound Dressing market includes Smith & Nephew, Molnlycke Health Care, Paul Hartmann, Covidien, ConvaTec, B. Braun Melsungen, BSN medical, 3M Health Care, Systagenix Wound Management, Derma Sciences, Coloplast, Laboratoires Urgo, Johnson & Johnson, Kinetic Concepts, Inc and Others. Local Players also have a significant presence in Advance Wound Dressing Market.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Radiology Information System RIS Market Analysis, Trends, Forecast, 2015-2025

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Radiology Information System is a software which manages the data for physicians, hospitals radiology department and clinics in an electronic form. Data could be in any form like billing, scheduling and medical imaging. Radiology information system is very useful to track radiology imaging orders and to track reports of patients. Patients entire radiology history, from admission to discharge could be track. Statistical reports for a patient or for a group of patients can be generated. The radiology information system also allows the staff to make appointments for outpatient and inpatients. Radiology Information system also provides the detailed financial recording, electronic payments and automated claims.Recently, Singapore based healthcare groups called SingHealth and Eastern Health Alliance (EH alliance) and Singapore Health Ministrys IT arm, IHis purchased Carestreams Vue Radiology (Radiology Information System) and Vue PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System) for better result, access and management of radiology results and patient imaging data. Almost 4 million patients visits every year in SingHealth Group. Carestreams Vue RIS+PACS are in few other hospitals too in Singapore like Singapore General Hospital, KK Womens and Childrens Hospital, National Cancer Centre Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore and SingHealth Polyclinics. By this software, one can access data from any location and create one unified imaging of patient file.Request Free Report Sample@Radiology Information System Market: Drivers & RestraintsTechnological advancement, rising ageing population, consolidation of healthcare providers, innovation, improved efficiency and better results, increasing demand for better healthcare systems, cost-effectiveness, increase usage of cloud computing and web based solutions, increase number of chronic diseases, are the most important driving factors in radiology information system market. Since radiology information system maintains the data for physicians and hospitals to get access form anywhere, the demand for radiology information system has increased.With so many advantages and splendid features of radiology information system, it has few disadvantages too. Lack of inexperienced professionals and interoperability issues are acting as a barrier for radiology information system market.Radiology Information System Market: SegmentationRadiology Information System Market is broadly classified on the basis of the following segments By Deployment:Web based RISCloud based RISOn-premise RISBy Product:Integrated RISStandalone RISBy End-User:HospitalsEmergency Healthcare Service ProvidersOffice Based PhysiciansRadiology Information System Market: OverviewThe radiology information system has grown substantially at a healthy CAGR due to increasing need of integrated healthcare system and rise in demand of diagnostic industry. With rapid technological advancement and innovation, radiology information system market is expected to grow globally. North America and Europe region will be dominating radiology information market in the forecast period.Radiology Information System Market: Region-wise OutlookThe radiology information system market is expected to register a double-digit CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, radiology information system market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America has the largest market for radiology information system and is contributing the most as compare to other regions. This is due to the increase demand of diagnostic industry go get better, fast and effective results.Request For TOC@Radiology Information System Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in radiology information system market are Cerner Corporation, Siemens Healthcare, Carestream Health, Mckesson Corporation, GE Healthcare, Merge Healthcare, Allscripts and Epic Systems.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Wireless Chargers Market - Worldwide Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Prediction 2024

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The process of recharging batteries of various electrical devices without making use of any cables that are connected physically. The communication that takes place between the source of power i.e. transmitter and the device called receiver is generally through electromagnetic induction or microwave. Wireless chargers refer to that device that enables such a charging process.The market of wireless chargers is driven by the rapid growth in the usage of electric vehicles, small electronic gadgets and computers market. Growing application of communication technology and computer all over the world has been contributing to the growth of the market. Increasing demand of transmission bandwidth and high-speed connectivity are also responsible for the growth of the market of wireless chargers market.Alternative wireless charging techniques such as solar power or ultrasound have been developed and this acts as restraining factor for wireless chargers that run on electricity.However, wireless chargers are costlier options and this is one of the restraining elements of the market of wireless chargers. Wireless chargers, however, takes longer to charge, consumes more electricity and generates more heat. Thus these attributes act as restraining factors for the market.The market is segmented by application, technology and by geography. By application, the market is divided into consumer electronics, healthcare and automotive. The segment of consumer electronics accounted for the largest market share in 2016. Increasing usage of smartphones, wearables and tablets. These chargers are mostly used in small gadgets such as smartphones, however, laptops, computers also use wireless chargers. These wireless chargers also find its usage in the healthcare department. Gadgets like sugar measuring device use wireless chargers. Increasing usage of these chargers in office automation, medical and communication are also propelling the growth of this segment.On the basis of technology, the wireless chargers market is divided into magnetic resonance, radio frequency, inductive coupling technology and other microwave optical beam. The inductive coupling category held the largest market share during 2016 and is expected to propel this market over the forecast period. When used in closer proximity, greater efficiency, operational convenience and ease of implementation are responsible for the growth of the market segment of inductive coupling technology.Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East and America (EMEA) and Latin America. North America has been leading the market and accounts for the biggest market share. North America is anticipated to grow substantially during the forecast period of 2016-2024 owing to the increasing demand and usage of small-sized consumer electronics gadgets across the continent. The US accounted for the biggest market share in this geographical segment and is expected to lead throughout the forecast period.Europe also accounts for a substantial market share in this market and occupies the second largest market share of wireless chargers market. The region is expected to grow well over the forecast period of 2016-2024. Owing to the increasing penetration of internet and data traffic and high growth of smartphones in the APAC region, the region is set to experience the fastest growth over the forecast period. Also increasing demand of laptops and personal computers in this region has led to the growth of this market. In China, Japan these chargers are increasingly used in electric vehicles. The market of Middle East and Africa is also expected to grow significantly over the forecast period.Some of the major players of the wireless chargers market Qualcomm Incorporated (the U.S), Energizer Holdings (the U.S.), Evatran (the U.S.), Powermat Technologies Ltd (Israel), WiTricity (the U.S.), Fulton Innovation (the U.S.), Integrated Device Technology, Inc (the U.S.), Texas Instruments Inc. (the U.S.), Leggett and Platt (the U.S.), UBeam (the U.S.) amongst many others.Get More Information :The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. 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:
HolidayParkSpecials Awards: Best Holiday Parks in Europe 2017

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The 4th annual awards from HolidayParkSpecials recognise excellence in the leisure and tourism industry and are voted exclusively by the public.Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands., February 10, 2017 -- HolidayParkSpecials celebrate their fourth Awards season with the unveiling of award-winning holiday parks. The annual Awards recognise excellence in the leisure and tourism industry and are voted exclusively by the public.With over 250,000 guests per year staying in one of 800 holiday parks, visitors are invited to rate their experiences based on a number of criteria. The thousands of ratings and reviews are then carefully analysed and the winners are determined by the average scores. This allows holiday makers to easily choose the best properties while rewarding parks for their excellence.Best holiday parks in Belgium, Germany and the NetherlandsWith the majority of their holiday parks in the Benelux and Germany, HolidayParkSpecials award the best parks per country for the highest overall ratings. Efteling Bosrijk was awarded the best holiday park in the Netherlands for the 4th year running with an overall rating of 8.8.What an enormous compliment to be elected for the fourth year in a row the Best holiday park in the Netherlands. This award is agreat accolade in an already festive year, as Efteling celebrates its 65th anniversary. With the unveiling of our new holiday park Efteling Loonsche Land, we can introduce our enchanting accommodations to even more national and international guests, Nicole Scheffers, Manager Sales & International Efteling.The award for the best holiday park in Germany went to Lindner Ferienpark Nurburgring, a luxury resort near Nurburgring race track. The Belgian winner was Domaine Le Boulac in the Ardennes. DroomParken won the award for the best park group this year. One of the lesser known groups in the UK, DroomParken offer modern holiday homes in the most popular recreational areas of the Netherlands.HolidayParkSpecials Awards CriteriaTo participate in the awards, a holiday park must have received at least 10 reviews in the previous year. The average scores are taken into account when choosing the winner.For the full list of award winners, please visit HolidayParkSpecials.About HolidayParkSpecials.co.uk:HolidayParkSpecials is an online holiday provider that specialises in offering accommodations in holiday parks. HolidayParkSpecials is part of Bungalow Booker B.V., one of the market leaders in the Dutch tourism industry, founded in 2005. HolidayParkSpecials work with over 700 holiday parks in Europe, including parks in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This number is growing daily. Together with the sites BungalowSpecials.nl, BungalowSpecials.be, FerienparkSpecials.de, and sister company Hotel Booker B.V. (known from the sites HotelSpecials.nl and HotelSpecials.de), HolidayParkSpecials is one of the leading experts regarding the best destinations in 8 countries.HolidayParkSpecials is an online holiday provider that specialises in offering accommodations in holiday parks. HolidayParkSpecials is part of Bungalow Booker B.V., one of the market leaders in the Dutch tourism industry, founded in 2005.Contact:Georgia WalkerHolidayParkSpecialsStationsplein 90-922011 LM Haarlemthe Netherlands+31 23 3024 772g.walker@bungalowspecials.nl
Chitosan Market: Expected To Observer Major Growth By 2021

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The report covers forecast and analysis for the Chitosan market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with a forecast from 2016 to 2021 based on volume and revenue (USD Million). The study includes drivers and restraints for the market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of opportunities available in the Chitosan market on a global level.Get a copy of Sample Report @In order to give the users of this report a comprehensive view on the Chitosan market, we have included a detailed competitive scenario and product portfolio of key vendors. To understand the competitive landscape in the market, an analysis of Porters five forces model for the Chitosan market has also been included, strategic development along with patents analysis is included in this report. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein type segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.Chitosan finds widespread applications in Water Treatment, Biomedicine & Pharmaceutics, Industrial, Food & Beverages, Cosmetics, Agrochemical and Other Applications. All the segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2015 to 2021.The regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa with its further bifurcation into major countries including U.S. Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India, and Brazil.Inquire more before buying this report @The report covers detailed competitive outlook including company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include G.T.C. Bio Corporation, Biothera, Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH and FMC Corporation.This report segments the Chitosan market as follows:Chitosan Market: Applications Segment AnalysisBiomedicine & PharmaceuticsIndustrialFood & BeveragesCosmeticsAgrochemicalOtherChitosan Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaBrowse detail report @About Us:Syndicate Market Research provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Syndicate Market Research cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with the one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact Us:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8138Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@syndicatemarketresearch.comWebsite:
Flea & Tick Products Market To Record a Significant Growth Rate In Next 5 Years

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Ticks are known to be very harmful for pets and can cause transmitting diseases like Lyme disease. These pets can bring ticks into the human population and can cause illness from a tick bite. There are several repellents, insect killers and growth inhibitors are available commercially in the market to protect pets from flea and tick bites.Some of these products are exclusively available at a veterinarians and other products are available over the counter. The products to protect pets from flea and tick bites include oral pills, sprays, spot-ons, powders, shampoos and other liquid products that are squeezed onto the pets skin. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 44,000 potential cases were registered related to spot-on products safety and efficacy in 2008. These spot-on products are usually sold in vials or tubes and the active ingredients in these products include permethrin, pyriproxyfen, etofenprox, fipronil, imidicloprid, cyphenothrin, amitraz and dinotefuron. The common adverse reactions associated with spot-on products are seizures, skin irritation and in some cases, it can lead to death.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights:Flea & Tick Products Market: Regulatory OverviewThe regulatory authorities that are involved in the regulation of these pets flea and tick products include Animal & Veterinary  Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Among these, FDA is responsible for the regulation of animal drugs and the products to manage external parasites come in authority of EPA. Further, FDA needs to approve animal drugs before its commercialization in the market, whereas pesticides can be marketed only after its approval from EPA. In general, FDA regulates the flea and tick products that are administered orally or by injection. Thus, both the regulatory bodies work together to ensure the devotion of all the regulations and applicable laws.Flea & Tick Products Market: Key DriversThe global market for flea and tick products is expected to record a significant growth rate in next few years. The growth would be observed due to increasing number of indulgent pet parents, rising number of pets (cats and dogs) and increasing demand for premium pet services and products. Additionally, increasing number of pet-owning households and rising per capita disposable income of population further expected to accentuate the growth of this market. For an instance, according to the American Pet Product Associations (APPA) national pet owners survey, the average amount of money that is spent on their pets for food is USD 250 annually and is expected increase in near future. Hence, increasing pet-owners spending on their pets subsequently would increase the demand for flea and tick products.Flea & Tick Products Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, North America accounts for the largest share of the flea and tick products market followed by the European region. The dominance of North America in this industry is mainly due to strong sales of pet products driven by pet owners ever more humanizing their products. Consequently, large number of new products and services are emerged in this market along with the number of pet stores to offer premium veterinary services. Moreover, presence of large number of market players in this region and increased focus of regulatory authorities such as FDA and EPA towards the health issues of pets further boosting the growth of this market. European flea and tick products market follows the North America market due to increasing number of pet-owning households and rising per capita disposable income.Flea & Tick Products Market: Key PlayersMajor players operating in this market includes Farnam, Intervet, Inc., Virbac Animal Health, Inc., Sergeants Pet Care Products, Inc., Hartz Pet Products & Supplies, Wellmark International, Inc., Bayer Healthcare LLC, Phaeton Corporation, Merial Limited, Ecto Development Corporation, Pet Logic, LLC, Novartis Animal Health, Ceva Animal Health, LLC., Andrew M Martin Co. NV. Inc., and LoradoChem, Inc.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. 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:
Peppers Market Trends in China

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This study focuses on Chinas Peppers market trends. In the two past decades, the market has been growing at a fast pace. The dramatic expansions of the manufacturing capabilities and rising consumer consumptions in China have transformed Chinas society and economy. China is one of the worlds major producers for industrial and consumer products. Far outpacing other economies in the world, China is the worlds fastest growing market for the consumptions of goods and services. The Chinese economy maintains a high speed growth which has been stimulated by the consecutive increases of industrial output, imports & exports, consumer consumption and capital investment for over two decades. Rapid consolidation between medium and large players is anticipated since the Chinese government has been encouraging industry consolidation with an effort to regulate the industry and to improve competitiveness in the world market.Request Sample Report Here:Although China has enjoyed the benefits of an expanding market for production and distribution, the industry is suffering from minimal innovation and investment in R&D and new product development. The sectors economies of scale have yet to be achieved. Most domestic manufacturers lack the autonomic intellectual property and financial resources to develop their own brand name products.This new study focuses on market trends and forecasts with historical data (2005, 2010 and 2015) and long-term forecasts through 2020 and 2025 are presented.The primary and secondary research is done in China in order to access up-to-date government regulations, market information and industry data. Data were collected from the Chinese government publications, Chinese language newspapers and magazines, industry associations, local governments industry bureaus, industry publications, and our in-house databases.Asia Market Info & Dev Co. is one of the leading sources for up-to-date market information and research on the fastest-growing Chinese markets. We have published over 2,000 reports focusing on the Chinese markets, industry forecasts and company profiles. We provide hard-to-find market data and analyses. Our publications are intended to help international marketers identify business opportunities and promote their product sales in the Chinese markets.Browse Complete Report Summary With TOC:TABLE OF CONTENTSI. INTRODUCTIONReport Scope and MethodologyExecutive SummaryII. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTEconomic OutlookKey Economic IndicatorsIndustrial OutputPopulation and LaborForeign InvestmentForeign TradeFinancial and Tax RegulationsBanking System and RegulationsForeign ExchangeTaxes, Tariff and Custom DutiesMarket TrendsTechnology DevelopmentMarket DevelopmentMajor Industry DevelopmentRegional DevelopmentEnterprise DevelopmentLabor Market DevelopmentIII. PEPPERS MARKET TRENDSPeppers Market TrendsCurrent Market AnalysesMarket Development TrendsMarket ChallengesMajor ProducersCurrent IssuesFood LegislationPackaging LegislationChinese Retail Market TrendsConsumer Income TrendsConsumer Spending Trends by RegionNortheastNorthSoutheastCentralSouthwestNorthwestIV. MARKETING STRATEGIESChina Market Entry OverviewChinas Distribution SystemDistribution ChannelsTransportation and Freight InfrastructureCommunicationsChinas Market EntryExporting to ChinaLicenseFranchisingE-CommerceTrading Companies and Local AgentsRepresentative Offices and SubsidiariesJoint VenturesWholly Foreign-Owned EnterpriseEnquiry Before Buying:About Us:Reportbazzar.com is your trusted source for the most inclusive and informative assortment of market research reports designed to empower you with the latest in industry information that translates to time and cost savings for your business. We not only help you give wing to your latent business ideas but also facilitate you in taking the best informed and strategic decisions that guarantee success in your most promising business endeavors.ReportBazzarMary Jane30 Wall Street, 8th floor,New York, NY 10005.US: +1 (212) 389-6363India: +91 20 66528525Email Id: sales@reportbazzar.com
Gas Insulated Switchgear Market  Industry Challenges, Key Vendors, Drivers, Trends and Forecast to 2027

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Market ScenarioIncreasing manufacturing and production activities in the recent times is one of the main factors which are boosting the gas insulated switch market. High growth in the processing industry is also contributing to the growth of the gas insulated switchgear market. Increasing awareness among individuals regarding the need of renewable energy sources is translating towards demand in the gas insulated switchgear market.Key Player Alstom SA (France), Siemens AG (Germany) Schneider Electric SE (France), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan),Request a Sample Report @Study Objectives of Gas Insulated Switchgear To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by End-Users, by Voltage and by region as well as its sub segments To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and new product developments in the global Gas Insulated Switchgear marketRegional Analysis of Gas Insulated Switchgear MarketAsia-Pacific is the leading regions for the Gas Insulated Switchgear Market mainly due to the attractive investment prospects in the transmission & distribution segment in this region. Favorable government policies for the gas insulated switch market in another factor contributing to the growth of the Gas Insulated Switchgear market. Development of new technologies and development of new techniques has resulted in high growth achieved by the North American region in this market.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 40 market data tables and figures spread in 120 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Gas Insulated Switchgear Market Research Report - Forecast to 2027"SegmentsGas Insulated Switchgear Market is segmented on the basis of voltage into high voltage and medium voltage. On the basis of end-user the market has been segmented as industrial, utility, power generation, infrastructure, and others.Access Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactAkash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Ethylidene Norbornene Market 2016 Top Manufacturers in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa

Ethylidene Norbornene Market

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The report, titled Global Ethylidene Norbornene Market 2016 is a methodical research study based on the Ethylidene Norbornene market, analyzing the competitive framework of the industry in the world. Using efficient analytical tools such as SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the Ethylidene Norbornene market.The report estimates the market size in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$) produced, whereas, the key segments and the geographical subdivision of the Ethylidene Norbornene market are also analyzed in detail. The market drivers, limitations, and growth prospects of each segment are discussed in this report and, based on that, analysts have determined the future of the market for Ethylidene Norbornene in the global arena.Get full report with TOC @The report covers each aspect of the market for Ethylidene Norbornene in globally, starting from the basic information about the market and advancing to the various criteria on the basis of which the market is classified. The major applications of the Ethylidene Norbornene market are also discussed in the report.The report studies the Ethylidene Norbornene market by evaluating the market chain, prevalent policies, and regulations as well as the manufacturers, their manufacturing chain, cost structures, and contribution in the industry. The regional markets for the global Ethylidene Norbornene market are examined by analyzing the pricing of products in the region compared to the profit generated. The production capacity, demand and supply, logistics, and the historical performance of the market in the given region is also evaluated in this market report.Get Free sample report @The report determines the leading players in the global market. The company profiles of the major participants operating in the global Ethylidene Norbornene market have been reviewed in this study.Market Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact UsJoel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Human Genetics Market to Record an Impressive Growth By 2024

Human Genetics Market

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Key Players of Human Genetics Market: Agilent Technologies (U.S.) Bode Technology (U.S.) GE Healthcare (U.K.) Illumina (U.S.) LGC Forensics (U.K.) Orchid Cellmark, Inc. (U.S.) Promega Corporation (U.S.) QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands) Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.)Market Segmentation:Major Human Genetics Market by Methods: Cytogenetic, Molecular, Presymptomatic and Prenatal.Human Genetics Market by Product: Consumables, Devices and Accessories.Human Genetics Market by Applications: Research, Diagnostic and Forensic Science and Others.Human Genetics Market by End-Users: hospitals, clinics, research centers and forensic departments.Request a Sample Copy @Human Genetics Market Growth Influencer:The growth driver includes advancement of genetics testing technologies, rising genetic diseases, and rising awareness in terms of increasing knowledge about the potential benefits in genetic testing. Furthermore, aging population and increasing incidence of cancer cases are the other factors propelling growth of human genetics market.The market for screening the newborns, diagnosing rare and fatal disorders, and predicting the probability of occurrence of abnormalities & diseases are likely to expand. Particularly, genetic tests to screen the newborns are expected to expand immensely over the coming years. Furthermore, the genetic disorders caused by microorganisms such Zika virus is one of the major concern behind of microcephaly. Microcephaly is a birth defect that is associated with a small head and incomplete brain development in newborns that transferred from mother to her child. Such, diseases are expected raise the application of the human genetic studies there by driving by the market. However, the high costing instruments and lack of experienced professionals are the major restraints for the growth of Human genetics market.Access Report Details @Human Genetics Market:Genetics is the study of genes, their functions and their effects. Among the various types of genetics such as molecular genetics, developmental genetics, population genetics and quantitative genetics, human genetics is the study that deals with the inheritance occurs in human beings. It encompasses a variety of overlapping fields such as classical genetics, cytogenetic, molecular genetics, genomics and many more.The study of human heredity occupies a central position in genetics. Much of this interest stems from a basic desire to know who humans are and why they are as they are. It can be useful as it can answer questions about human nature, understand the diseases and development of effective disease treatment, and understand genetics of human life. At a more practical level, an understanding of human heredity is of critical importance in the prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that have a genetic component.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Super Capacitor Market Poised for Steady Growth in the Future

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A super capacitor or an ultra-capacitor, is a high-capacity electrochemical capacitor with capacitance values as large as thousand farads. Super capacitors combines the properties of traditional batteries and capacitor in a single component. Super capacitors find their usage in applications requiring rapid charge/discharge time rather than long term energy storage. They are used for regenerative braking, burst-mode power delivery or short-term energy storage within trains, cranes, cars, buses, elevators and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). Smaller units of super capacitors are utilized as memory backup for static random-access memory (SRAM). Additionally, super capacitors are also used in applications involving solar power, batteries, battery back-up, and flash-lights. The main differences between normal capacitor and super capacitors are; the plates of a super capacitor have a larger surface area and the distance between them is much smaller, as compared to the conventional capacitors as result it can able store extremely large amount of energy.Request Free Report Sample@The consistent increasing demand of super capacitor has continuously been increasing globally and expected to grow with CAGR in double digits & the same scenario might be seen for next six to seven years in global super capacitor market.Super Capacitor: Market DynamicsFor last some years, demand for super capacitor have been increasing in the consumer electronics and energy and utility sector, which are coming out as a new trend for super capacitor market. The key growth drivers of global super capacitor market are revolution in the storage technology with the introduction of new market segments such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), smart grids, and renewable energy systems, and also the advanced features provided by super capacitor such as capability of super capacitor to provide backup power to low power equipment such as RAM, SRAM, micro-controllers and PC Cards at a time of power shutdown. Additionally, rising demand of super capacitors for stabilized power supply to electronic products such as laptop computers, GPS, portable media players, hand-held devices are some of the factor driving the growth of global super capacitor market.On the other hand high cost, customer traditionalism and high level competition from the established high capacity batteries vendors are some of the restraints responsible to hinder the growth of global super capacitor market.Super Capacitor: SegmentationMarket segmentation for super capacitor is done on the basis of technology, material type, application and region. On the basis of technology, global super capacitor market is segmented into organic electrolyte super capacitor and aqueous electrolyte super capacitor. Of these two segments organic electrolyte super capacitor is more popular than other one.By material types, global super capacitor market is segmented into electrodes, electrolyte and separators. These segments is further sub segmented into their corresponding sub segments, as; sub segments of electrodes segment include electrolyte double layer capacitor (ELDC), Pseudo-capacitor, and hybrid capacitor materials. Electrolyte segments is sub segmented into aqueous electrolyte and organic electrolyte and separator is sub segmented into polymeric film, poly acrylonitrile (PAN) and kapton.On the basis of application, global super capacitor market is segmented into consumer electronics (laptops, digital cameras, portable speakers and mobile computing), industrial automation (memory storage, uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and automatic meter reading), power & energy (actuators, wind turbines and photovoltaic), medical (defibrillators), transport (trains, cranes, cars, buses, elevators, aircrafts and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV))Geographically, super capacitor market is segmented into seven regions which are; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Western Europe region is dominating the global super capacitor market whereas Asia-Pacific is ranked as fasted growing market because of rapid industrialization pace, strengthening manufacturing activity, and strong economic development especially in India and china.Visit For TOC@Super Capacitor: Key PlayersThe key players of global super capacitor market are Advanced Capacitor Technologies, Inc., Axion Power International, Inc., CAP-XX Ltd., EEStor Corporation, ELTON, Inc., FastCAP Systems, Inc., Graphene Energy, Inc., Maxwell Technologies, Inc., and Nesscap Energy, Inc. and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
C2C E-commerce Market - Opportunities, Regional Outlook, Competitive Insight And Market Overview

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C2C is a category of e-commerce which allows consumers to interact with each other. This model of e-commerce facilitates transactions of products or services between consumers. In business to consumer model, a consumer approaches a business to purchase goods or services. In C2C model, the business provides a platform where consumers can sell products or services to each other. The main goal of C2C is to help buyers find sellers. This benefits both the parties. A buyer finds a product or a service which would have otherwise been hard to find and a seller benefits by selling the product or a service. The platforms for such transactions are usually provided by third parties, which act as intermediaries between the sellers and buyers. For instance, online portals such as E-bay facilitates sellers to post their goods or services online that is available for consumers to purchase. In such transactions, the third party may charge a transaction fee or commission. Products sold on these websites can be new or second hand.The proliferation of Internet services across the world and the significant increase in the use of smartphones can be attributed as major factors to facilitate the C2C e-commerce market growth. Users can sign-up on online portals providing C2C services and begin to buy or sell desired products or services. The reduction in the costs of these products and services, due to the absence of middlemen, wholesalers and retailers involved in the transaction has further aided to the growth of global C2C e-commerce market. Moreover, sellers are no longer restricted to local regions and can reach national and international audiences. Furthermore, the need of capital investment on outlet stores is eliminated and the inventory costs are reduced.View Comprehensive Analysis of the Report :This enables the sellers to sell their products at higher prices and at the same time buyers can purchase them at comparatively cheaper prices. Also, the convenience associated with this model with regards to ample choices available to buyers is an advantage for the subscribers of such portals. The advent and increasing popularity of online payment systems is expected to fuel the growth of C2C e-commerce, globally. However, Internet frauds and identity threats, absence of payment guarantees are the hurdles in adoption of these services. C2C websites have no control over the quality of goods being sold on them as they only act as intermediaries. The possibility of illegal or pirated products sold through such websites is a threat to the C2C market.On the basis of source of revenue, the C2C e-commerce market can be broadly segmented into classifieds and auctions. Classifieds can be further segmented into products and services. In terms of geography, C2C e-commerce market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Latin America. North America is one of the leading regions in the global market because of high penetration of Internet and a large number of smartphone users. Asia Pacific is expected to witness rapid growth in the coming years due to the rise in Internet and smartphone users, mainly in China and India.The key players in the C2C e-commerce market include eBay Inc, Amazon.com, Inc., Craigslist, Inc, Taobao.com, OLX, Inc, Quikr India Private Limited , uBid.com, Auctions.com and Airbnb, Inc.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:
Anti-Drone Market : Technology Detailed in New Research Report

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Anti-Drone devices are the protection systems used for detection, tracking and identification of unauthorized intrusion from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. These systems are designed for protection against UAVs and realize countermeasures to neutralize the threat from the same. Improved government spending in defense sector to ensure public safety from increasing cross-border threats is the key factor driving the market growth of anti-drone system.Anti-drone market is segmented on the basis of detection type, technology, end-use and drone size. On the basis of detection type, anti-drone market is classified as detection system and tracking and disruption system. Detection systems are usually deployed for monitoring of UAVs, whereas tracking and disrupt system are used for neutralizing UAVs from air surveillance and potential malicious activity. The increasing need for neutralizing global threats from illicit activities is expected to result in superior market growth of anti-drone systems in the near term. In terms of technology, anti-drone market is classified as conventional kinetic system, laser system and electronics system. Over past few years, significant improvement in terms of application of electronic system in anti-drone systems, this technology is expected to witness faster growth during the forecast period. The anti-drone market can be further analyzed on the basis end-use as aerospace and defense, government and public sector, commercial places (airport, prisons, critical infrastructure and home land security). In terms of drone size, anti-drone market is further classified as large (more than 14 nm detection range), medium class (between 4 to 6 nm detection ranges) and micro UAVs (between 1 to 2 nm detection ranges).View Comprehensive Analysis of the Report :The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)On a global scale, North America region is expected to be the market leader in terms of adoption and deployment of anti-drone systems. The significant investment in aerospace and defense sector in the countries such as the U.S. is anticipated to result in deployment of anti-drone system. However, with improving government spending in development of aerospace and defense infrastructure in countries such as China, Japan and India, Asia Pacific region is expected to witness faster growth rate of ant-drone systems in the coming years.Some the manufacturers and developers of anti-drone system are The Boeing Company, Thales Group, Blighter Surveillance Systems Ltd., Prime Consulting & Technologies K/S, DeTect, Inc., Liteye Systems, Inc., Enterprise Control Systems, SRC, Inc., DRONESHIELD and Israel Aerospace Industries.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:
Future of Global Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Device Market : 2016 - 2024

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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used to describe the long term extracorporeal support that focuses on the function of oxygenation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device is used also used in cardiac surgery as postoperative support. Researcher has also developed advanced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device which is referred as extracorporeal life support. (ECLS). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device is a combined system of one membrane oxygenator, oxygen blender, cannula, post membrane pressure monitor, heat exchanger, venous reservoir and centrifugal pump. According to medical professionals, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is the best technique of transferring patients with severe ARDS. Most of the medical profession advice that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device should be used for diagnosis during cardiac surgery. Though extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a bit risky therapy, therefore it should be performed under experience medical professional. These devices are also used for infant child who is awaiting for heart or lungs transfer. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device provide infant child sufficient oxygen which allowing time for the lungs and heart to rest or heal.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @The primary factors driving the growth of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market are increasing prevalence of respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and pulmonary diseases. Substantial increase in a number of cardiac surgeries is also responsible for the growth of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market. Beside that technological advancement and rising awareness among physician and patient about extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices has also boosted the growth of this market. Increase adoption of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices in hospitals and clinics has propelled the growth of this market. High risk associated with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices may hamper the growth of this market over the forecast period. Despite this, high cost of devices, risk of complication during ECMO treatment, and presence of conventional techniques are some of the hindering factors. Lack of availability of skilled profession in low economic countries will restrain the growth of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market.The global market of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices is segmented on the basis of modality, application and geographical region.Segmentation by ModalityVeno Artrial (VA)Veno Venous (VV)Artrio VenousSegmentation by ApplicationRespiratoryCardiacExtra-Corporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR)Segmentation by ApplicationHospitalsClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersSegmentation by RegionNorth AmericaLatin AmericaEuropeAsia PacificMiddle East & AfricaThe global market for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices is expected to show substantial growth over the forecast period due to increase the prevalence of COPD and heart-related diseases. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market can be classified on the basis of modality, application, and region. Based on modality, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market can be classified as Veno Artrial (VA), Veno Venous (VV), Artrio Venous (AV). Veno Artrial segment by modality is expected to have maximum market share interim of value over the forecast period. On the basis of application extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market can be classified as respiratory, cardiac and extra-corporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). The respiratory segment is expected to grow at maximum pace over the forecast period among all other application for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market. On the basis of and user extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market is classified as hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. Among all end user, hospitals segment is expected to gain maximum market share in term of revenue over the forecast period.On the basis of regional presence, global extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market is segmented into five key regions viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to dominate the market in term of revenue due to favorable reimbursement scenario in this region. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market is then followed by Europe and Asia- Pacific. Europe is expected to show high growth rate owing to technological advancement and high prevalence of COPD patient. In Asia-Pacific region, India and China are the major markets for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market.Request to View Tables of Content @Some of the key player for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices market are Maquet Holding B.V. & CO. KG., Medtronics, Sorin Group, Terumo Medical Corporation, Nipro Medical Corporation, Medos Medizintechnik AG, MicroPort Scientific Corporation. Major player in this market is focusing on merger and acquisition to expand their product portfolio and geographic reach.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, 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, Con-sumer 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 en-gagement 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
Doxorubicin Market is Expected to Gain Popularity Across the Globe

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Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide with 8.2 million cancer related deaths in 2012 estimated by World Health Organization (WHO). Anthracycline especially doxorubicin has been the mainstay of cancer treatment since many years. Doxorubicin also known as doxorubicin hydrochloride is an antibiotic belonging to class of medication known as anthracycline antibiotics, and is the first liposomal encapsulated anticancer drug to receive clinical approval and is used in the treatment of several types of carcinomas. Doxorubicin is produced by the soil fungus belonging to genus Streptomyces. The drug is used in combination with other drugs to treat cancers such as, breast, lung, bladder, stomach, ovarian, neuroblastoma, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and certain types of leukemias. It is less commonly used in treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck, cervix and vagina, carcinomas of testes and prostate. The drug kills the cancerous cells in several ways including intercalation between DNA pairs thereby preventing replication of cancer cells, DNA strand breakage and inhibition with enzyme topoisomerase II. Doxorubicin is marketed either in the powdered or in solution form and is administered intravenously every 21 to 28 days. However, the treatment depends upon the type of cancer being treated, the types of other drugs that are taken during the treatment and how well the body response to the medicine. The drug is sometimes given as a continuous infusion wherein the drug is infused slowly into the patients body.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Global doxorubicin market is expected to witness upsurge in its revenue over the forecast period attributed to growing prevalence of cancer worldwide. WHO estimates that cancer prevalence is expected to increase at an estimated rate of 50% by 2050. Furthermore, increasing use of drug in the treatment of ovary cancer is further expected to increase the sales of the doxorubicin over the forecast period. The drug is also known to have high treatment efficacy in patients with AIDS-related Kaposis sarcoma after failure of prior systemic chemotherapy. However, conventional doxorubicin treatment imposes several side effects such as nausea and vomiting that may last 2448 hours after treatment, hair loss, myelosuppression, loss of appetite, diarrhea, localized swelling etc. Therefore, the need for development of doxorubicin with liposomal formulation arose improving therapeutic index of conventional doxorubicin. This strategy resulted in preferential accumulation of doxorubicin within the cancerous cell in order to maximize the drug efficacy and minimize toxicity, thus fueling the doxorubicin market growth in the near future.One of the most common and prevailing side effect of doxorubicin is cardiomyopathy with an estimated incidence of 4% at a dose of 500550 mg/m, subsequently leading to congestive heart failure. The rate of cardiomyopathy reaches to 36% when the dose exceeds 600 mg/m. This may lead to introduction of drugs with lesser side effects replacing the doxorubicin in the future. However, ongoing shortages of the drug has also affected the revenues of the doxorubicin market contently.The global market for Doxorubicin is segmented on basis of formulation, cancer type, distribution channel and geography:Segmentation by FormulationLyophilized Doxorubicin PowderDoxorubicin SolutionSegmentation by Cancer TypeBreast CancerProstate CancerOvary CancerLung CancerBladder CancerStomach CancerLeukemiaOthersSegmentation by Distribution ChannelHospitals PharmaciesRetail PharmaciesE-CommerceIncreasing prevalence of several cancer types have resulted in increasing usage of doxorubicin in clinical practice thus driving the revenues for the same. By formulation, the global market for doxorubicin has been classified into, lyophilized doxorubicin powder and doxorubicin solutionBy cancer type, the global doxorubicin market is segmented into, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovary cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, stomach cancer, leukemia and others. Breast cancer and prostate cancer segments are expected to account for maximum revenue share in global doxorubicin market over the forecasted period.On the basis of distribution channel, the global doxorubicin market is segmented into, hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and e-commerce.On the basis of regional presence, global doxorubicin market is segmented into five key regions viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America will continue to dominate the global doxorubicin market attributed to growing number of cancer epidemiology in the region. Furthermore, doxorubicin shortages in the past few years due to manufacturing issues have resulted in entry of increasing number of players in the market. This has substantially improved the revenue of global doxorubicin market in the near future. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in global doxorubicin market attributed to increasing prevalence of breast and lung cancer.To View TOC of this Report is Available Upon Request @Some of the major players operating in global doxorubicin market are Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., MicroBiopharm Japan Co., Ltd., and Synbias Pharma. Companies are involved in collaboration agreements for R&D in order to exploit maximum potential.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, 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, Con-sumer 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 en-gagement 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 Food safety testing Market sales is growing at 7.8% CAGR till 2021

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According to the report, published by Zion Market Research, global demand for food safety testing market was valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2015, is expected to reach USD 8.04 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2016 and 2021.A procedure of food product authentication in order to ensure safety and decrease threat of contamination causing food borne illness is food safety testing. Food safety testing is an essential process for maintaining food quality and safety. Governments around the world have hugely extended their emphasis on food safety. The development of the worldwide food industry is dependent on food testing mechanism; improper food testing mechanism can increase the risk of foodborne diseases.Request Sample copy of Research Report @The worldwide food safety testing market is gaining importance owing to the occurrence of foodborne diseases globally. The major driving factor of the global food safety testing market is the increase in microbial contamination of food. Furthermore, growing global food opportunities, rising food mislabeling cases, strict government rules and regulation on food testing mechanism can fuel the food safety testing market. Lack of awareness about food safety in various developed as well as developing countries and inadequate government regulations is likely to hinder the growth of this market.Food safety testing market is segmented based on technology, contaminant, application, and by region. On the basis of the technology, market is classified into traditional and rapid technology. Rapid technologies are dominating the food safety testing market because traditional techniques are labor demanding and time-consuming. Rapid technologies accounted for the significant share in food testing market. Contaminant segments of food testing market are pathogens, toxins, GMOs, pesticides and others. Among all contaminant, segment pathogens are led to increasing in food borne illness than another contaminant. Meat & poultry, dairy, process food, fruit & vegetables and others are application segment of food safety testing market. Meat & poultry segment accounted for the largest share in the market owing to the fact that highest number of sicknesses have been due to meat & poultry products. The growing utilization of processed food in both developing and developed countries is generating more opportunity for processed food testing market.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @Geographically, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, further bifurcation of the region on the country level, which includes U.S., Germany, UK, France, China, Japan and India. North America was leading segment of food safety testing market followed by Europe. In North America Canada is the largest revenue contributor for global food safety testing market due to extremely stringent regulations on food testing. Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth in upcoming years. The Middle East and Africa are emerging market for food safety testing market due to awareness in consumers and outbreaks of food poisoning in this region.Some of the key players in the global food safety products market and food safety testing market are Biocontrol Systems Incorporated, 3M Company, Roka Bioscience, Bio-Rad Laboratories Incorporated, Agilent Technologies Incorporated, Douglas Scientific, IDDEX Laboratories INC, and Ecolab Incorporated.For More Inquiry contact our sales Team @ sales@zionmarketresearch.comAbout UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
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Taipei, Feb. 10 (CNA) The Taipei-based China Youth Corps has lost a lawsuit against the National Property Administration and needs to return a Taipei building in which the organization's headquarters are located and pay rent for the use of the building, according to a final court ruling on the building's property rights.
Global Bread and Baked Food Market will increase by 5.9% Annually till 2021

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According to the report, published by Zion Market Research, demand for bread and baked food market in Europe was valued at over USD 111.75 billion in 2015, is expected to reach above USD 157.18 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of slightly above 5.9% between 2016 and 2021.Bread is fermented staple food mainly made up using yeast, wheat flour, oils, and water. Bread is widely consumed food all over the world and is available in various forms, shapes, and flavors. Baked foods are produced using the baking technique. Baking is the process in which the food is baked using prolonged heat with the radiation and convection technology. Bread, cake base, cookies, and many others are some of the most prominent products obtained from the baking process.Request Sample copy of Research Report @Bread is widely consumed across the globe due to easy availability and economical food product as compared to other food products. Increasing demand for convenience food is the major driver for the bread and baked food market. The rise in hectic lifestyle with dual income had led to spur the demand for fast food market which in turn is expected to boost the market for bread and baked products in the coming years. Escalating food chain industry is one of the factors contributing to the growth of bread and baked food product market in the forecast period. However, limited shelf life of the baked products couple with health concern population due to a use of refined flour and high fats may impede the bread and baked products market. Nevertheless, ongoing research for developing high nutrition product is likely to offer ample opportunities to the bread and baked product market. Moreover, increasing the popularity of functional bakery products with rising demand for gluten-free products is expected to bolster the growth of bread and baked food market in the coming years.The bread and baked product market can be segmented based on type. The bread consists of two major types that are white bread and brown bread and other types. White bread was considered to be the high consumed bread; however, health conscious generation prefers the brown bread. This factor is expected to stimulate the high growth for the brown bread market in the coming years. The baked product market can be segmented on the basis of type. There are numerous baked products available in the market among those the key products are pastries, cereals, pies, cakes, cookies, biscuits, scones, and other types. Pastries are the dominating segment excluding the bread due to changing the preference of food by the youngsters and children. Biscuits, cereals are the products growing with the faster pace.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @There are approximately 1,000 plant bakeries in Europe region. In 2015, UK accounted for the highest market share in the region. Increased demand for the greater variety of bread and whole meal bread with oats, bran, seeds and among others becoming more popular in the UK. Moreover, increasing production of sliced and wrapped bread in many countries across Europe including Germany and France is likely to foster the demand for bread and baked food market in Europe. Europe is expected to witness rapid growth in specialty bread and bakery products with huge opportunity for innovation in the coming years.Key players of the bread and baked food market include Delta Agri-Foods Inc, Biscuits Fossier, DeliFrance, Groupe Holder, Paul. Cake the Kitchen Family, Bakers Oven, Beigel Bake, Huntley and Palmers, Premier Foods, Warrens Bakery, AB Mauri and Ginsters among others.For More Inquiry contact our sales Team @ sales@zionmarketresearch.comAbout UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
SDN and NFV Technology in Telecom Network Transformation Market : Popular Trends And New Business Opportunities 2016 - 2026

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SDN and NFV technology in telecom network transformation and network function virtualization (NFV) are two separate networking technologies that are becoming backbone of any communication network now-a-days. These technologies provide ease in operating a communication network. While SDN facilitates a telecom operator to reduce the network complexity and bring down the overall management cost, NFV makes a particular network completely software agnostic. Enterprises, cloud service providers, and telecommunication service providers are biggest beneficiaries of this.A sample of this report is available upon request @In telecommunication sector, there is a lot of margins pressure on service providers, due to the changing needs of consumers such as data consumption and usages of OTT services. Conventional networks of service providers are not capable to handle this particular demand from consumers. Thats why they are reconfiguring their network with the help of SDN and NFV technologies, in order to manage the challenges of traffic explosion and increase the average revenue per user (ARPU).The major reason behind the adoption of SDN and NFV by service providers in their network transformation is because SDN and NFV technologies are synergetic and they offer improved programmability, faster service enablement, and most importantly lower down the overall CAPAEX and OPEX for the service providers. SDN and NFV provide a complete digital network that is essential to increase customer satisfaction level. SDN and NFV technology in telecom network transformation emerged as paradigm that has potential to transform service providers networks by delivering cloud style nimbleness and innovation.The communication network telecom service providers are generally more complex, multilayer, and have variety of users that require high network availability and performance. As compared to data centers, a more stringent set of requirements will need to be met, in order to deploy SDN and NFV in these network.SDN and NFV technology in telecom network transformation in telecom network transformation market can be segmented on the basis of component, technology, and region. Component category include software and different types of services such as professional services and managed services. On the basis of technology, the market can be segmented into SDN and NFV. Region wise, the Market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Japan, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Middle East & Africa.Cisco System Inc. Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM Corporation, Juniper Networks, Pica8, Inc., Intel Corporation, and Big Switch Networks, Inc. are some of the big players of global SDN and NFV technology in telecom network transformation market.North America is the largest SDN and NFV market as most of the technology providers such as Cisco, IBM, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise are based in the North America region and are making huge investment over there. Also, due to the ongoing advancements in 4G and 5G technologies the US, telecommunication service providers are deploying SDN and NFV at every layer of their network.A TOC of this report is available upon request @In Europe region, technology service providers have already understood the value proportion of SDN and have already started deploying SDN in their networks but enterprise market still remain gloomy in terms of adoption of SDN.In Asia Pacific region, growth in countries such as China, India, and Japan are immensely contributing in the market. In India, the telecommunication services industry is going through the transformation and service providers have started to deploy SDN and NFV technology in telecom network transformation at massive scale.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who 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.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
Quad-Play Services Market : New Business Opportunities & Investment Research Report 2016 - 2026

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Rapid advancements in the field of telecommunication and technology has led to the introduction of converged services, paving a new way for telecom service providers to attract and retain customers. Quad-play services has enabled telecom service providers to increase their customer base, by offering bundled services for broadband, fixed voice, mobile voice and data, and paid television. Therefore, quad-play services, or bundles services, combines television, telephone, mobile phone services with wireless technology services. Even though customers of key telecom service providers in Europe, are interested in quad-play services, they expect a significant discount to their bills. Service providers are increasing their investments in order to offer quad-play services, with an expectation to reduce churns and increase revenue.A sample of this report is available upon request @In todays world, connectivity plays a vital role in everyones lives, and consumers willingly pay the price for that (television, mobile services, etc.). Moreover, penetration and adoption of new technologies is high in Europe. Quad-play services, succeeding triple-pay services and are offered as bundled services at attractive prices and discounts. Furthermore, many service providers enable customers to access content from any device, anywhere without any charges. These are some of the major factors driving the growth and adoption of quad-play services in Europe. Conventional quad-play services focus on residential consumers, but now many service providers are offering bundled services, such as internet conferencing, for enterprises as well. This factor is expected to contribute to the growth of quad-play services market in the near future. However, telecom service providers are focused on making profits, offering a generalized bundle of services that fails to meet every individuals requirements. This is causing many subscribers in Europe to shift from quad-play services to stand-alone services. Moreover, in quad-play services, consumers dont have the option of choosing service providers for different applications, as they have to subscribe to one service provider for mobile data and voice services, paid television services, fixed broadband services, etc. These are some factors expected to restrict the growth of quad-play market in Europe.The segmentation for Europe quad-play services market can be done on the basis of type of service offered, type of bundle, and end users. On the basis of type of service offered, Europe quad-play services market can be segmented into broadband, television, mobile voice and data and fixed voice services. On the basis of type of bundle, the market can be segmented into fixed bundles and flexible bundles. The different types of end users for Europe quad-play market are residential users and enterprises.Europe quad-play services market is expected to witness a healthy growth over the forecast period owing to the presence of established player and high penetration rate of advanced technologies such as LTE and fiber optics. Quad-play services market in countries such as U.K., France, Spain and Portugal is expected to dominate the Europe quad-play market. Other quad-play services markets in Europe such as Netherlands and Belgium are expected to witness a steady growth over the next few years, as service providers are slowly realizing the benefits of offering bundled services. In Europe quad-play market, residential end users are expected to hold a majority of the market share, however enterprises end user is expected to witness a significant growth over the forecast period.A TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the key players in Europe quad-play services include BT Group plc, Orange S.A., Vodafone Group plc, Virgin Media plc, Telefonica S.A., among others. Service providers in Europe quad-play market are focusing on mergers and acquisitions as well as partnerships in order to strengthen their position in the market. For example, in January 2016, BT Group plc completed the acquisition of EE, a prominent mobile network in U.K., in order to make advancements towards offering improved quad-play services and strengthen its position in the U.K.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who 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.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
Enterprise Server, Power and Cooling Solutions and Services Market : Popular Trends And New Business Opportunities 2016 - 2026

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Global enterprise server, power and cooling solutions and services market is in its maturity stage. Globally, number of enterprise server or data centres are increasing to growing demand of data processing power and increasing information storage capability. Hence, there is a need of an efficient enterprise server, power & cooling technology as with the increased data storage capabilities, the energy consumption is also increases and server generates excessive heat.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global enterprise server, power and cooling solution and services market is matured. Now the market growth rate has recovered as compared to the poor performances in 2012 and 2013. Factors which are driving the growth of global enterprise server, power and cooling solution and services market are growing demand of data storage capability, faster speed and security, along with excessive growth in colocation and cloud services. Furthermore growing data center investment encourages the growth of power and cooling solution and services market. On the other hand factors which are restraining the growth of enterprise server, power and cooling solution and services market are high initial setup cost and high energy consumption. However, increasing demand of data storage capabilities and super computers is expected to create significant growth opportunity for the global enterprise server, power and cooling solution and services market over the forecast period.Global enterprise server, power and cooling solution and services market is segmented on the basis of solution, services, organization size, user type and verticals. On the basis of solution, global enterprise server, power and cooling solutions and service market can be segmented into power solution and cooling solution. Power solution segment can be further sub segmented into power management solution, uninterruptible power systems (UPS) solution and others. Cooling solution segment can be further sub segmented into precision air conditioning (PAC), Precision Air Handling Unit (PAHU) and others.On the basis of services, the global enterprise server, power and cooling solutions and services market can be segmented into integration & installation services, monitoring services and professional services.On the basis of organization size, the global enterprise server, power and cooling solutions and services market can be segmented into large enterprises, medium enterprises and small enterprises.On the basis of vertical, the global enterprise server, power and cooling solutions and services market can be segmented into banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), IT & telecommunication, energy, healthcare and othersOn the basis of region, the global enterprise server, power and cooling solutions and services market can be segmented into seven regions which includes, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Eastern Europe, Japan and Middle East & Africa region. Further the market is sub-segmented as per the major countries of each region in order to provide better regional analysis of the enterprise server, power and cooling solutions and services market. North America region is expected to generate highest revenue for the market during the forecast period. However, developing economies such as Asia-Pacific and Japan are expected to grow rapidly over the forecast period. In Asia-Pacific region, Countries such as India, China and South Korea are expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period.A TOC of this report is available upon request @Key players in global enterprise server, power and cooling solutions and services market are Schneider Electric, Eaton, Delta Power Solutions, IBM Corporation, Rahi Systems Inc., CDW Corporation, R.I.S.K. Company, INSIGHT and Power Solutions among others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who 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.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
Bluetooth 4.0 Market : New Business Opportunities & Investment Research Report 2016 - 2026

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Bluetooth 4.0 and 4+ series are the latest technologies that are specialized in low power consumption and fast and strong connectivity. Bluetooth 4.0s updated version i.e. Wireless electronic accessories and appcessories are the recent trend in the global consumer electronic market. Bluetooth 4 series provides a user-friendly platform where consumers can experience a strong wireless accessibility. The recent product trend in the global Bluetooth market includes Bluetooth Speakers enabled with Bluetooth 4+ series. Many of the key players including companies like JBL Incorporated and Sony Corporation have recently launched innovative products in the Bluetooth speaker market. World Bluetooth enabled devices market was valued around US$ 2.2 bn and US$ 3.5 bn in the year 2012 and 2015 respectively and it is estimated to grow around US$ 4.0bn by the end of 2016.A sample of this report is available upon request @On the basis of type of device, Bluetooth 4.0 market is segmented into Bluetooth smart devices, and Bluetooth smart ready devices. Both the markets are anticipated to grow at a significant rate owing to have technological advancement.On the basis of application Bluetooth 4.0 market is segmented into Automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, building & retail, Wearable Electronics. Consumer electronics segment is sub-segmented into smart phone, headset, speaker, headphone, tablet, laptop and smart TV. Building and retail segment is sub segmented into smart locks, smart homes, and beacons. Wearable electronics segment is sub segmented into consumer wearable devices includes smart glasses, smart watches, wearable cameras, 3D motion tracker, and activity trackers, and medical wearable devices includes holter monitors, wearable injectors, heart rate monitors, sleep apnea monitors, multiparameter monitors, continuous glucose monitors. Automotive segment includes speakers, adopters and receivers. In the Healthcare segment Bluetooth 4+ technology is used in blood pressure monitors, blood sugar monitors, and cholesterol monitors.Geographically, Bluetooth 4.0 market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia pacific excluding japan, Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Japan. North America, Western Europe and Japan are the matured market in terms of revenue generation, while Latin America and Asia Pacific excluding Japan are the fastest growing market. Geographically North African countries, GCC countries and developing countries in Asia Pacific are the opportunity for the global Bluetooth 4.0 market to increase the revenue.Bluetooth 4.0 market is driven by growing number of smartphones and Bluetooth enabled accessories around the world. Since, Bluetooth 4 series requires low power with technological advancement, it gain the popularity among the consumers worldwide. Global Bluetooth smartphones sale is anticipated to grow by around 30 percent during the next five to six forecast years. Moreover increasing application in consumer electronics, healthcare and automobile are surging the growth of global Bluetooth 4.0 market. However, Bluetooth 4.0 still has low data streaming capacity which is a growth restraining factor in the global Bluetooth 4.0 market. Also, virtual wifi is a great competitor that can handle huge data with a strong connectivity, this is another factor that is playing as a demand growth restrain.A TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the key players in the global Bluetooth 4.0 market are Cypress Semiconductor Corporation, Silicon Laboratories, Broadcom Corporation, Dialog Semiconductor PLC, CSR plc, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Dialog Semiconductor PLC, MediaTek Inc., Texas Instruments Inc.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who 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.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
$65.73 Bn for Global palm oil market by 2021

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According to the report, published by Zion Market Research, global palm oil market was valued at USD 65.73 billion in 2015, is expected to reach USD 92.84 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% between 2016 and 2021.Palm oil is one of the major edible vegetable oils consumed globally. Palm oil is high in saturated fats and free of trans-fats. Palm oil and its derivatives are used in the manufacture of prepackaged food, cleaning products, hair care, cosmetics, and personal care products. Palm wax is utilized in the manufacturing of candles. It is also used as feed for livestock known as palm kernel cake (PKC) which is a byproduct of palm kernel oil. It considered as a medium grade protein feed used livestock.Palm oil has a longer shelf life as it does not become easily rancid. It is also high in carotenoid which is a rich source of vitamin A. Red palm oil has seventeen times more carotenoid than carrots. Indonesia and Malaysia produce approximately 85% of the worlds palm oil. Other potential producer countries include Thailand, Columbia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea and Ecuador.Request Sample copy of Research Report @The palm oil market has grown at a rapid pace over the past few years and is witness stupendous growth during the forecast period. The market for palm oil is driven by a number of factors, such as growing demand for biofuels, rising global population, and growing economy. Furthermore, growing consumer preference for convenient packaging processes and increasing demand from pharmaceutical industry is also expected to fuel the market. However, the development of market may hamper by adverse weather conditions and price fluctuation in the forecast period.Global palm market has been segmented on the basis of derivative, application and region. On the basis of derivative, palm oil market is classified into crude palm oil, palm kernel oil, palm kernel cake, and others. Crude palm oil segment dominated the overall market in 2015 owing to growing applications such as edible oil, surfactants, biodiesel, cosmetics, and lubricants. Palm kernel cakes are mainly used in livestock feed industry. On the basis of applications, a market is characterized into edible oil, cosmetics, biodiesel, lubricants, surfactants and other applications. Edible oil is the leading application segment and acquired the significant share in overall palm oil market in 2015.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @Geographically, palm oil market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific palm oil market dominated the overall market in 2015 due to high demand from food applications and other industrial uses. Asia Pacific is also expected to be the fastest growing regional segment owing to growing population, growing disposable income and increasing palm oil applications in edible and non-edible applications. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to witness brisk growth in areas such as food applications and other industrial uses. Major companies are expected to invest in these regions due to their favorable climatic conditions and available arable land. Malaysia and Indonesia palm oil industry currently lead the worldwide production circumstances.Key players in palm oil market are Cargill Inc., United Palm Oil Industry Public Company Limited, Wilmar International Limited, Sime Darby, Golden Agri-Resources Limited, Godrej Agrovet Limited, PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk, IOI Corp., London Sumatra, Kulim Bhd, Musim Mas Group, Alami Group and ADM.For More Inquiry contact our sales Team @ sales@zionmarketresearch.comAbout UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact the US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Ice-cream and Frozen Dessert Market Growth with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2025

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Ice-cream and frozen dessert belongs to frozen food industry. Ice-cream and frozen dessert are primarily consumed after meal or served as a refreshment and can be enjoyed between the meal courses. Ice-cream and frozen dessert are mainly made up of milk and cream, and often combined with fruits, nuts and flavours. Rising consumer disposable income coupled with increasing inclination of people towards sweet dishes is expected drive the growth of Ice-cream and frozen dessert market across the globe.Ice-cream and Frozen Dessert Market SegmentationIce-cream and frozen dessert market is segmented on the basis of types includes regular Ice-cream and low fat ice-cream. Among both of these segment regular Ice-cream is expected occupy the major contribution on the pie. However low fat ice cream is predicted to account for healthy CAGR in next five to six years. Shifting consumer preferences towards consumption of healthy food is expected to support the demand of low fat Ice-cream in the near future. On the basis of type frozen desserts segmentation includes sherbet, frozen yoghurt, frozen ice, frozen tofu and others. Among all of these segments frozen yoghurt is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by sherbet. Introduction of frozen yoghurt in various flavour and in innovative packaging is attracting children a lot which is expected to fuel the growth of frozen yoghurt in the near future.Request Free Report Sample@Ice-cream and frozen dessert market is segmented on the basis of end user which includes household and hotel/restaurant/cafe. Among both of these two segments hotel/restaurant/cafe is expected to account for major share in terms of revenue contribution. Rising consumer preferences for outside dining coupled with increasing inclination of teenager towards the consumption of frozen food is expected to support the demand of ice-cream and frozen desserts market during the forecast period. Moreover, household is expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. Increasing availability of ice-cream and frozen dessert in packaged form and in variants for household consumption is expected to support its growth during the forecast period.Geographically, North America is expected to be the major contributor in terms of value followed by Europe. However, these region is predicted to be a mature market and is expected to show a stable growth in the near future. Introduction of new variant in flavours coupled with offering low fat products may fuel the growth of Ice-cream and frozen dessert market in these region. In developing countries of Asia Pacific region, China is expected to dominate the market in terms of Ice-cream and frozen dessert consumption followed by India. Moreover Japan is expected to show a substantial growth during the forecast period. Increasing consumption of flavoured yoghurt especially in countries such as China and Japan is predicted to support the growth of ice-cream and frozen dessert market across Asia Pacific region during forecast period.Request For TOC@Ice-cream and Frozen Dessert Market DriversRising disposable income coupled with shifting consumer eating habits is expected to drive the demand of Ice-cream and frozen dessert in the near future. Moreover, increasing availability of flavoured yoghurt especially in developing region is predicted to be major factor supporting the growth of Ice-cream and frozen dessert market during the forecast period.Ice-cream and Frozen Dessert Key PlayersSome of the major players operating in ice cream and frozen dessert market includes Baskin-Robbins, Nestle SA, Unilever, Danone Groupe SA, Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc., Cielo USA, Kraft Foods Group Inc. among others.ABOUT US :Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
In-app Advertising Market : Popular Trends And New Business Opportunities 2016 - 2026

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In-app advertising is a form of advertising through smartphones wherein the advertisements are integrated into the mobile applications. With adaption of digital marketing and smartphones penetration worldwide, there are lucrative opportunities for in-app advertising worldwide. Currently, most of the population spend a colossal amount of time using their smartphones or other gadgets like iPad and are constantly using various smartphone applications for messaging, ticketing and gaming among others. In-app advertising can be integrated with these applications where consumers spend most of their time. The in-app advertising proves to be most effective form of advertising as compared to other forms of advertising such as out of home advertising, T.V among others, as the in-app advertising is a two-way communication among consumers and advertisers. The in-app advertising accounts for a major share of global advertising revenue and the global in-app advertising market is expected to grow significantly by the end of forecast period to register a healthy double digit CAGR.A sample of this report is available upon request @The global in-app advertising market is primarily driven by the increasing smartphone penetration and increased use of various smart phone applications, which the consumers use regularly such as Facebook, WhatsApp among others. Among various smart phone applications, the messaging applications will have a significant effect on the in-app advertising market as the consumers use the messaging applications on a regular basis compared to other smartphone applications. It is expected that the smartphone messaging applications will gain a billion new users in the next few years, which in turn will drive the market for in-app advertising market globally. Moreover, the increase in the number of smart phone applications downloads from google play store, iOS store will also drive the market for in-app advertising market globally. However, the technicality issues like the testing of advertisements for in-app advertising for different smartphone softwares like android and iOS are time-consuming as both softwares display contents differently which might pose as a restraint to the in-app advertising market globally.Global In-app Advertising Market: Market SegmentationBased on in-app mobile advertising types, the global in-app advertising market can be segmented into:Standard Banner AdsInterstitial AdsHyper-local Targeted AdsRich Media AdsVideo AdsNative AdsBased on the smartphone applications, the global in-app advertising market can be segmented into:MessagingGamingOnline ShoppingTicketingOthersBased on the geographic regions, global In-app Advertising Market is segmented into seven key market segments namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, North America market for in-app advertising market currently holds the largest market share due to the spending on smartphones surpassing the desktops and laptops. The Asia-Pacific market for in-app advertising is followed by the North American market, India currently holds the second position in use of smart phones worldwide which is a provide lucrative opportunity for in-app advertising in the region. Western Europe market for in-app advertising trail behind the Asia-Pacific market, which is followed by Latin America, Eastern Europe, and MEA regions.Request to view Table of content @Some of the major players identified in the global In-app Advertising Market include, Facebook, Inc., Apple, Groupo Mobile, Phone Valley, Google, and Mobile Dream Factory among others.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology, and applications.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who 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.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
Tumour Ablation Devices Market with Current Trends Analysis, 2015-2025

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Tumours are the groups of abnormal cells that accumulate together and form lumps and grow consistently. Tumour are categorized into noncancerous and cancerous tumours. Precancerous conditions have the potential of developing into cancer. Tumour ablation is a tool utilized to treat cancerous malignancy. Tumour ablation is the process of removing the cancerous cells from the body. Tumour ablation became more useful during 1970s and 1980s due to advances in laparoscopic surgical approach. The most common means for definitive treatment of primary and metastatic focal malignancy, is the evolution of imaging devices during the past two decades and image-guided tumour ablation.Tumour Ablation Devices Market: Drivers & RestraintsIncreasing prevalence and incidences of cancers, technological advances and increasing geriatric population, increasing numbers of hospitals and healthcare awareness are facilitating the growth of global tumour ablation devices market. Additionally, economic pricing, short recovery time, low risk of infection, and minimal hospital stays are increasing the importance of tumour ablation devices.Side effects associated with ablation treatment and limited performance of the devices are the factors restraining the growth of global tumour ablation device market.Request Free Report Sample@Tumour Ablation Devices Market: SegmentationThe global tumour ablation devices market has been classified on the basis of product type, application and end user:On the basis of product type, the tumour ablation devices market is segmented into the followingRadiofrequency ablationLaser ablationHigh intensity focused ultrasound ablationMicrowave ablationCryo ablationBased on application type, the tumour ablation devices market is segmented into the followingLiver Cancerkidney CancerColorectal CancerBone CancerBreast CancerLung CancerProstate CancerOther CancersBased on end use type, the tumour ablation devices market is segmented into the following:Hospitalso 500 and more beds hospitalso 200 to 499 beds hospitalso Less than 200 beds hospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersTumour Ablation Devices Market: OverviewThe lung cancer application segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the next five years due to large patient population of lung cancer present across developing and developed regions. This has increased the investment of manufacturers to develop and commercialize innovative lung cancer ablation products. The radiofrequency ablation is widely used technique due to specificity of treating target tissue without causing damage to the surrounding cells. Microwave ablation product segment is expected to grow significantly due to increase in adoption rate of microwave ablation devices by healthcare professionals.Request For TOC@Tumour Ablation Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookRegion wise, the global tumour ablation market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa.The global market is expected to be dominated by North America due to factors such as early introduction and adoption of rate of tumour ablation products in the region, trend of replacing older technologies and introducing the new technologies, and increase in private and public funding to develop and commercialize the novel tumour ablation products.The Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at a higher CAGR in the forecast period due to factors such as large population with the high prevalence of various cancers in the region, government initiatives for developing and modernizing the healthcare infrastructure.Tumour Ablation Devices Market: Key PlayersKey players of tumour ablation devices market are Boston Scientific Corporation, St. Jude Medical, Inc., Biotronic NeuroNetwork, LLC, Baylis Medical, biolitec AG, Spectranetics, Esaote SpA, ALPINION MEDICAL SYSTEMS Co., Ltd., Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V, Hironic Co., Ltd., Monteris Medical, Inc, EDAP TMS, EYE TECH CARE, NeuWave Medical, Inc, Vison medical, AtriCure, Inc, Galil Medical Inc, ENDOCARE INC, IceCure Medical, Sanarus HealthTronics, Inc, MEDTRONIC, MedWaves, AngioDynamics, Microsulis Medical, Perseon, SympleSurgical Inc. to name a few.ABOUT US :Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Crop Sprayers Market Growth with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2026

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Sprayers are devices that used to apply pesticides, insecticides on plants to control pastes and diseases. Sprayers are also use to apply herbicides to control weeds and micronutrients to promote growth of plants. The sprayers breaks the chemical solution into fine droplets and distribute the insecticides uniformly over the plant. A good sprayer should produce steady stream of liquid in desired droplet size so that plants to be treat get covered uniformly. The sprayer should convey adequate pressure so that sprayer should reach all foliage over the plant. The sprayer are operated manually as well as by power.Crop Sprayers Market: Drivers & RestraintsFood drives the world. In addition to clean water, acquire sufficient food is major concern for majority of peoples in the world which makes the agriculture one of the biggest and important industry in the world. Agricultural productivity is not only the prime factor for countries economy but also for the health and security of its population. So importance of agricultural in countries economy is major driving factor for crop sprayer market.Request Free Report Sample@Population explosion, increasing incomes, declined natural sources and changing climate conditions affected food prices to rise and agricultural productivity once again become a major concern. Strategies to increase food productivity imparts the use of technology in agriculture. Such strategies will helps to drive crop sprayers market.Green revolution have changed the concept of traditional farming. Extensive efforts to modify farming methods assisted to increase the food production in Asia Pacific and Latin America. There are some regions in Middle East and Africa where many effort were taken to apply the green revolution approaches but failed. So there is need to help the farmers to use farming equipment in farming. Farmers in undeveloped countries does not have disposable income to use modern techniques in farming. So there is need of government initiatives to assist the farmers.Crop Sprayers Market: Market SegmentationCrop sprayers market can be segmented on the basis of Capacity of SprayersUltra Low Volume Sprayers (less than 5liters/hectare)Low Volume Sprayers(5 to 400 liters/hectare)Manually OperatedKnapsack SprayersRocker SprayersPedal Operated SprayersStirrup SprayersPower Driven SprayersKnapsack Power SprayersHigh Volume Sprayers(More than 400 liters/ hectare)Self-Propelled SprayersMounted SprayersTrailed SprayersRequest For TOC@Crop Sprayers Market: Regional-OutlookThe global Crop Sprayers market has been divided into seven key geographical regions which includes, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific will be dominating market for Crop Sprayers. Countries like India, China, and Indonesia are major agricultural promoting countries in Asia Pacific. There will be demand for Low volume sprayers in India as there is farming in small plots. Farming land in India is bisected. China and Indonesia will demand High volume sprayers. Asia Pacific is followed by North America. North America is major producer of wheat, corn and soybean. Latin America is also the lucrative market for crop sprayers market. Green revolution have lead the Latin America as prime agriculture region. Brazil and Mexico will be important countries for Crop sprayers market. Western Europe also contributes for Crop sprayers market. Germany and Netherlands. Netherlands is one of the prominent producer of vegetables and flowers. Eastern Europe also important market for Crop Sprayers. Middle East and Africa is lags behind in Agriculture. But countries like Israel, South Africa, and Nigeria have proved the development in Agriculture. So there is opportunity to expand the crop sprayers market in this region.Crop Sprayers Market: Key playersSome of the identified players in the global Crop Sprayers market are,Chafer Machinery GroupHousehamJohn Rhodes AS limitedBoston Crop SprayersCleveland crop sprayers limitedAvison SprayersS & K sprayersFoggers India Pvt ltd.ASPEE IndiaCrystal Crop Protection Pvt LtdTaizhou Sunny Agricultural Machinery Co., Ltd.,Zhejiang Ousen Machinery Co., Ltd.ABOUT US :Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Volkswagen has pledged to spend $2bn over the next decade to promote zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the US as part of a legal settlement stemming from the companys cheating on emissions tests for its diesel cars.

It has set up Electrify America to carry out the work, which will encourage take-up of electric vehicles (EVs) in the early years of its work.

It has announced that it will invest in installing chargers, developing more than 300 stations in 15 metropolitan areas, and a high-speed, cross-country network consisting of more than 200 stations.

In addition, it will increase awareness and foster education about EVs, charging availability, and the benefits of electric mobility through various means such as ride and drives, brand-neutral multi-channel advertising, website, social media, and educational programs.

It will also launch a Green City initiative in a yet-to-be-named California municipality to pilot future concepts of sustainable mobility, such as a ZEV-based shuttle service, EV-based car-sharing program, or ZEV transit application.

Electrify America said it will accomplish its mission in four 30-month investment cycles, and other ZEV initiatives, such as hydrogen fuelling stations or national ZEV car-sharing or ZEV ride-sharing services, will be considered in later investment cycles.
Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market : Popular Trends And New Business Opportunities 2016 - 2026

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Growing importance for secured GNSS enabled military operations is the key factor drives the growth of global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market. The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology is utilised in various military operations and precision-guided munitions. Military land vehicles are more vulnerable to GNSS jamming, because all armoured and carriers used in defence atmosphere relay on GNSS technology. The GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems are used for detecting and cancelling the external narrowband noise and jamming signals, which have strong impact over the internal functionality of the GNSS receivers. GNSS Anti-Jamming System mitigates interference by creating blind spots, gains patterns in jammers direction to allow satellite signals to reach the receiver.A sample of this report is available upon request @Growing reliance on satellite communication for various military operations, increasing vulnerability to both accidental and intentional interferences and proliferation of low-cost jammers, are the factors contributes the growth of global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market.Increasing defence investment, global adaptation to unmanned aerial vehicles for various defence operations and growing demand for miniaturization of GNSS based anti-jamming devices, are the factors accelerates the growth of global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market.Additionally, increasing demand for low power anti-jamming systems from missile manufactures is expected to fuel the growth of global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market.However, technical concerns related to compatibility with existing receiver and long regulatory approval processes for commercializing new technology, are identified as the key restraints likely to deter the progression of global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market.The global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market can be segmented on the basis of platform, type of satellite navigation system, anti-jamming technique, and by region. On the basis of platform, the global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market can be segmented into airborne platform, naval platform, ground platform, and unmanned platform. On the basis of type of satellite navigation system, the global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market can be segmented into GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and, Galileo. On the basis of anti-jamming technique the global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market can be segmented into nulling and beam-steering. Regionally, global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) and Japan.North America region is expected to dominate the market due high volume of weapon systems and presence of top players in the Anti-jamming market. Asia pacific is identified as the fastest growing market, due to increasing defence investment and rising territorial dispute.Request to view Table of content @The some of the prominent players in the global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market, includes Rockwell Collins, NovAtel Inc., Raytheon, Chemring Group PLC, Thales Group, Harris Corporation., and BAE Systems.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who 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.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
4G Telecom Services Earning in Ghana is Estimated to Grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during 2016-2021

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Albany, New York, February 10, 2017: Market Research Hub has recently announced the addition of a new report to it broad database titled as Ghana: The launch of 4G and Expansion of Fiber Network will Support Telecom Growth.. The telecom services revenue in Ghana is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during 2016-2021, primarily driven by growth in mobile data revenue.Request for Sample Report:Mobile voice will be the largest revenue-contributing segment until 2019. Mobile data will be the fastest-growing segment in the telecom market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.3% during 2016-2021, primarily driven by operators' investments in 3G and 4G network coverage and attractive data bundles offered by telcos. Going forward, operators look to invest in 3G/4G network upgradation, extend coverage and fiber-optic network deployments to improve and extend broadband connectivity in the country, which will provide significant opportunities for vendors and investors.Key FindingsThe overall telecom service revenue in Ghana will grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during 2016-2021, mainly driven by growth in the mobile data segment.Mobile revenue will account for 97.0% of the total telecom revenue in 2021; mobile data will be the fastest growing segment and will grow at a CAGR of 16.3% over the forecast period 2016-2021.2G will be the most adopted mobile technology through 2021. However, its share in overall mobile subscriber base will decline over the forecast period 2016-2021, owing to rising adoption of 3G and 4G services over the coming years.The top two operators, MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana, will account for 76.7% share of overall service revenue in 2016, owing to strong 3G and 4G network coverage. We expect competition to intensify further as operators focus on competitive pricing plans and service innovation to further increase their market share.Operators will continue to focus on investments in 3G network expansion and launch of 4G services, fiber deployments to increase connectivity and cater to the rising data demand.Make an Enquiry:Synopsis"Ghana: Launch of 4G and Expansion of Fiber Network to Support Telecom Growth" is a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Ghana today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, and mobile, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Ghana compared with other countries in the region.Economic, demographic and political context in Ghana.The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data markets.Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice, data and video from 2016 to 2021.The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Ghana telecommunications markets.Get Full Info. With TOC:ReasonsToBuyThis Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Ghanas telecommunications markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Ghanas mobile communications, fixed telephony, broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Ghanas telecommunications markets.The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Ghana.About Market Research HubMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:
FMCG Labels Market - Evaluation of Recent Industry Developments For 2016-2024

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Labelling is an indispensable part of marketing, which impulse and highly influence consumer buying behavior. In each product category under FMCG market, brand owners are looking for new approaches to develop labels in order to face competitive market. Labelling is used to differentiate or giving distinct looks from the other products available in the market. FMCG labels can be made in different design as per the specific demand of the customers. It includes self-adhesive labels, barcode, tag, sticker and others, available in different shape, size and colors. However government organizations across the world has established packaging labels guidelines for particular products and packaging type and it is required to meet those requirements.Download PDF Brochure:Increasing demand for grocery, personal care products and food and beverage is expected to drive consumption of FMCG products. In five years, FMCG market has become highly consolidated, majorly influenced by local players and retailers. In such competitive environment, brand owners are more inclined towards having private labels so that to stand against competitor. Private labels are gaining trust among end-use consumers, and expected to be potential substitute for FMCG labels.FMCG Labels Market: Market DynamicsThe FMCG labels market is highly influenced by the performances of manufacturers who sells their products under FMCG domain. Following a recovery of the world economic turndown in 2010, the retail market of fast moving consumer goods has witness significant growth owing increasing per capita income across each geographies. Government regulations over packaging has forced manufactured to provide quality packaging and ensuring clean and persistence labels which represent all required contents of product and packaging materials. Owing to the demand and supply gap of FMCG products, the retailers has adopted a business strategy of expansion and number of retail store has increased significantly over the last five years. Market penetration of multinational companies like Walmart in emerging economies such as China and India is expected to drive the FMCG labels market in high potential market. Increasing disposable income and rapidly expanding retail sector are two key drivers to drive the global FMCG labels market. However private labels is a potential treat for FMCG labels and it is expected to restrain the growth of FMCG labels market. Additionally, the sustainability of FMCG labels market is highly dependent on innovation and product development.FMCG Labels Market: Market SegmentationOn basis of label types, global FMCG labels market can be segmented as follow as;Gummed LabelsSelf-Adhesive Roll LabelsPlain LabelsSecurity LabelsBarcode LabelsAdhesive Printable LabelsIdentification LabelsOthersOn basis of packaging material, global FMCG labels market can be segmented as follow as;GlassPlasticWoodPaperOtherOn basis of shape of labels, global FMCG labels market can be segmented as follow as;2D Labels3D LabelsOn basis of color of labels, global FMCG labels market can be segmented as follow as;WhitePinkFluorescentOrangeOthersOn basis of geographies, global FMCG labels can be segmented as follow as;North AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia Pacific Excluding JapanJapanMiddle East and AfricaFMCG Labels Market: Regional OutlookGrowing demand for sustainable packaging and health conscious consumers is expected to augment the growth of FMCG labels market across the world. North America and Europe are expected to be most competitive market, owing to increasing industry preference for private labelling in these geographies. Owing to expansion of retail sectors and marketing strategies adopted by key players, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as most attractive segment over the forecast period. This can offers an opportunity to multinational companies to penetrate in to high potential market of China and India. China is the largest market in Asia-Pacific followed by India in 2020, and is expected to grow rapidly in the near future. This is primarily because of growing industries such as food and beverages and pharmaceuticals which are highly rely on concise packaging labels.FMCG Labels Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global FMCG labels market are as follow as;The 3M CompanyHenkel AG & CompanyAvery Dennison CorporationDow Corning CorporationSika AGWacker Chemie AGDM Card Japan Co., Ltd.About TMRTMR is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global PV Inverter Market 2016 - KACO, Fronius, SMA Solar Technology, Power One, ABB

PV Inverter

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A solar inverter, or converter or PV inverter market, converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a local, off-grid electrical network. It is a critical balance of system (BOS)component in a photovoltaic system, allowing the use of ordinary AC-powered equipment. Solar power inverters have special functions adapted for use with photovoltaic arrays, including maximum power point tracking and anti-islanding protection.Browse full report with TOC @This report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for PV Inverter from 2011-2015 and provides extensive market forecasts 2016-2021 by region/country and subsectors. It covers the key technological and market trends in the PV Inverter market and further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for PV Inverter, and the opportunities/challenges faced by industry participants. It also acts as an essential tool to companies active across the value chain and to the new entrants by enabling them to capitalize the opportunities and develop business strategies.Global PV Inverter Market Outlook 2016-2021, has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global PV Inverter market collected from specialized sources. The report covers key technological developments in the recent times and profiles leading players in the market and analyzes their key strategies.The major players in the global PV Inverter market are,SMA Solar Technology (Germany)Power One (USA)KACO (Germany)Fronius (Austria)ABB (Switzerland)Schneider Electric (France)SolarEdge (Israel)Omron (Japan)Tabuchi (Japan)Enphase (USA)TMEIC (Japan)Power Electronics (Taiwan)Sungrow (China)Clenergy (China)Huawei (China)Sineng (China)TBEA (China)For sample request click onThe report provides separate comprehensive analytics for theNorth AmericaEurope, Asia-PacificMiddle EastAfrica and Rest of WorldIn this sector, global competitive landscape and supply/demand pattern of PV Inverter market has been provided.About Market Research Store:Market Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USA
Seasonal Influenza Vaccines Market Research, Size, Shares, Growth, Current and Future Players

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The report analyzes and presents an overview on "Seasonal Influenza Vaccines - Current and Future Players" worldwide.SummaryGlobalData has released its pharma report, Seasonal Influenza Vaccines - Current and Future Players. The report is a vital source of up-to-date information with in-depth analysis on the companies in the rapidly growing Seasonal Influenza Vaccines Market. The report identifies and analyses the key companies shaping and driving the global Seasonal Influenza Vaccines market. The report provides insight into the competitive Seasonal Influenza Vaccines landscape, including new companies entering the market. This report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary and in-house analysis by GlobalDatas team of industry experts.*This is an on-demand report and will be delivered within 24 hrs. (excluding weekends) of the purchase.Scope- Investigation of current and future market competition for Seasonal Influenza Vaccines- Competitor assessment- Coverage of key market players and company profiles including business description, financial overview and SWOT analysis.- Strategic assessment of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines sector through market impact analysis, future market scenario and company analysisGet The Sample Copy Of This Report:Reasons to buy- Gain a high level view of the trends shaping and driving Seasonal Influenza Vaccines market- Assess competitiveness of products in market by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of current competition.- Create an effective counter-strategy to gain a competitive advantage against those currently in the market- Whats the next big thing in the global Seasonal Influenza Vaccines market landscape? Identify, understand and capitalizeAbout usMarketResearchReports.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.To View The Latest Industry Press Releases:ContactMr. Nachiket90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E-Mail: sales@marketresearchreports.bizFollow us on LinkedIn:Thanks..!!!!!!!!!!!MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Mexico: Healthcare, Regulatory and Reimbursement Landscape

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The report analyzes and presents an overview on "CountryFocus: Healthcare, Regulatory and Reimbursement Landscape - Mexico" worldwide.SummaryCountryFocus: Healthcare, Regulatory and Reimbursement Landscape - Mexico". The report is an essential source of information and analysis on the healthcare, regulatory and reimbursement landscape in Mexico. It identifies the key trends in the countrys healthcare market and provides insights into its healthcare infrastructure and demographic, regulatory and reimbursement landscape. Most importantly, the report provides valuable insights into the trends and segmentation of its pharmaceutical and medical device markets. It is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, secondary research, and in-house analysis by our team of industry experts.The population of Mexico was approximately 121 million in 2015, and is estimated to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.2%, to approximately 128.6 million in 2020. This is due to a positive balance between the birth and mortality rates. The government has been successful in implementing the steps necessary for achieving universal healthcare coverage, such as reforms in the System of Social Protection in Health (Sistema de Proteccion Social en Salud). The value of the Mexican pharmaceutical market amounted to $19.4 billion, in 2015, and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 8.7% to reach approximately $29.4 billion in 2020. The medical device market was worth $4.9 billion in 2015 and is projected to reach $6.5 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 4.9%. These positive growth trends can be attributed primarily to government initiatives in the public healthcare sector and an improved and updated regulatory environment.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report:ScopeThe report provides information on the healthcare, regulatory and reimbursement landscape in Mexico, and includes -- An overview of the pharmaceutical and medical device markets, comprising market size, segmentation, and key drivers and barriers- Profiles and SWOT analyses of the major players in the pharmaceutical market and medical devices market. The key players covered for the pharmaceutical market are Bayer de Mexico, Genomma Lab, Pfizer, Merck and Roche. The key players covered for the medical devices market are Fresenius Medical Care, Baxter, DePuy, Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic.- Insightful review of the reimbursement and regulatory landscape, with analysis covering details of the countrys healthcare reimbursement process, regulatory agencies and the approval processes for new drugs and medical devices- Detailed analysis of the political and economic environment, covering economic indicators, demographics, healthcare infrastructure and healthcare expenditure- An overview of the opportunities for and challenges facing growth in the healthcare marketBrowse More Medical Equipments Market Research Reports:Reasons to buyThis report will enhance your decision-making capability by allowing you to -- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving Mexicos healthcare market- Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, reimbursement and regulatory policies, pharmaceutical market segments, and companies likely to affect Mexicos healthcare market in the future- Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and being informed of the performance of various competitors- Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present the best opportunities for consolidation, investment, and strategic partnership- Identify, understand and capitalize on the opportunities and challenges in Mexicos healthcare marketAbout usMarketResearchReports.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.To View The Latest Industry Press Releases:ContactMr. Nachiket90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E-Mail: sales@marketresearchreports.bizFollow us on LinkedIn:Thanks..!!!!!!!!!!!MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Diafenthiuron Sales Market Report 2016

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Global Diafenthiuron Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.This report on global Diafenthiuron market is a research study that answers pertinent questions about the emerging trends and growth opportunities in this industry. It also identifies each of the prominent barriers to growth, apart from identifying the regional trends and trends within various application segments of the global market for Diafenthiuron. Collecting historical and recent data from authentic resources, and based on all the factors and trends, the report presents a figurative estimation of the future of the market, along with compound annual growth rate (CAGR).Get discount copy @The study segments the market by geography into: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. It provides forecasts of revenue of the market as a whole as well as each application segment. The competitive landscape is mapped based on product and technology. This study also offers an overview of pricing trends and ancillary factors that will influence pricing in the global Diafenthiuron market. The market study, estimation, and market sizing have been done utilizing a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches.Of special value are the key recommendations and predictions by our analysts, intended to steer your strategic business decisions. The company profiles section of this research service is a compilation of the growth strategies, product portfolio, financial status, and recent developments of key market participants. The report provides detailed industry analysis of the global Diafenthiuron market with the help of proven research methodologies such as Porters five forces. The forces analyzed are bargaining power of the buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and the degree of competition.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Diafenthiuron Sales Market Report 20161 Diafenthiuron Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Diafenthiuron1.2 Classification of Diafenthiuron1.2.1 Type I1.2.2 Type II1.2.3 Type III1.3 Application of Diafenthiuron1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.4 Diafenthiuron Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Diafenthiuron (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Diafenthiuron Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Diafenthiuron Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Diafenthiuron Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Diafenthiuron Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.1.2 Global Diafenthiuron Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.2 Global Diafenthiuron (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.2.2 Global Diafenthiuron Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.3 Global Diafenthiuron (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.3.2 Global Diafenthiuron Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.4 Global Diafenthiuron (Volume) by Application3 United States Diafenthiuron (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Diafenthiuron Sales and Value (2011-2016)3.1.1 United States Diafenthiuron Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.2 United States Diafenthiuron Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.3 United States Diafenthiuron Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)3.2 United States Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by Application4 China Diafenthiuron (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Diafenthiuron Sales and Value (2011-2016)4.1.1 China Diafenthiuron Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.2 China Diafenthiuron Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.3 China Diafenthiuron Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)4.2 China Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers4.3 China Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by Type4.4 China Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by Application5 Europe Diafenthiuron (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 Europe Diafenthiuron Sales and Value (2011-2016)5.1.1 Europe Diafenthiuron Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)5.1.2 Europe Diafenthiuron Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)5.1.3 Europe Diafenthiuron Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)5.2 Europe Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers5.3 Europe Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by Type5.4 Europe Diafenthiuron Sales and Market Share by ApplicationFor Market Research Latest Reports Visit @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 Pet Food Packaging Sales Market Report 2016

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Global Pet Food Packaging Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.The report on the global Pet Food Packaging market is a comprehensive overview of the market, covering various aspects such as product definition, segmentation based on various parameters, distribution channel, supply chain analysis, and the prevailing vendor landscape. It compiles exhaustive information sourced via proven research methodologies. The information thus compiled is presented in a logical chapter-wise format. It is also interspersed with relevant graphs and tables to enable readers get a better perspective of the global Pet Food Packaging market.Enquiry For Discount Visit @Various factors are responsible behind the markets growth trajectory, which are studied at length in the report. In addition, the report lists down the restraints that are posing threat to the global Pet Food Packaging market. Using Porters five forces it also gauges the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, threat from new entrants and product substitute, and the degree of competition prevailing in the market. The impact of the latest government policies is also analyzed in detail in the report. It studies the Pet Food Packaging markets trajectory between 2016 and 2021.For the purpose of the study, the global Pet Food Packaging market is segmented based on various parameters. An in-depth regional classification of the market is also included herein. The factors impacting the markets growth across the key segments are studied in detail. The report also presents a round-up of vulnerabilities which companies operating in the market must avoid in order to enjoy sustainable growth through the course of the forecast period. Besides this, profiles of some of the leading players operating in the global Pet Food Packaging market are included in the report. Using SWOT analysis, their weaknesses and strengths are analyzed. It also helps the report provide insights into the opportunities and threats that these companies may face during the forecast period.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview 11.1 Definition and Specifications of Pet Food Packaging 11.1.1 Definition of Pet Food Packaging 11.1.2 Specifications of Pet Food Packaging Product 11.2 Classification of Pet Food Packaging 21.3 Applications of Pet Food Packaging 51.4 Industry Chain Structure of Pet Food Packaging 61.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Pet Food Packaging 71.5.1 Industry Overview of Pet Food Packaging 71.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Pet Food Packaging 71.6 Industry Standard Analysis of Pet Food Packaging 71.7 Industry News Analysis of Pet Food Packaging 82 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Pet Food Packaging 102.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Pet Food Packaging 102.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Pet Food Packaging 102.3 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Pet Food Packaging 112.4 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Pet Food Packaging 133 Global Market Size (Volume and Value), Analysis of Pet Food Packaging 143.1 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Pet Food Packaging 2011-2016E 143.2 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Pet Food Packaging by Regions 2011-2016E 153.3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Pet Food Packaging by Packaging Material 2011-2016E 193.4 Global Market Size Value of Pet Food Packaging by Applications 2011-2016E 233.5 Global Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Pet Food Packaging by Companies 2011-2016E 253.6 Global Sale Price of Pet Food Packaging by Regions 2011-2016E 293.7 Global Sale Price of Pet Food Packaging by Material 2011-2016E 303.8 Global Sale Price of Pet Food Packaging by Companies 2011-2016E 304 Americas Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of Pet Food P ackaging 324.1 Americas Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Pet Food Packaging 2011-2016E 324.2 Americas Pet Food Packaging Sales Price Analysis 2011-2016E 334.3 Americas Sales Revenue of Pet Food Packaging by Companies 2011-2016E 344.4 Americas Market Size of Pet Food Packaging by Material 2011-2016E 354.5 Americas Market Size of Pet Food Packaging by Applications 2011-2016E 37For Market Research Latest Reports Visit @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 Barbecue Grills Market Research Report 2016

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Global Barbecue Grills Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.The research report on the global Barbecue Grills market analyzes the present and upcoming growth prospects of the market. The study comprises an elaborate summary of the global Barbecue Grills market, including a market snapshot that offers an in-depth information of diverse segments. A thorough qualitative analysis of key factors responsible for propelling and hampering market growth and promising opportunities in the global Barbecue Grills market have been provided in the scope of the research report. The research study is a compilation of primary and secondary research, which allows the readers and players to have a strong understanding of the overall market.Enquiry For Discount Visit @The research study further throws light on the key segmentation of the global Barbecue Grills market, focusing on the expected growth rate and market share. The key product types, primary applications, and the technological developments in the global Barbecue Grills market have been highlighted in the study. In addition, the key drivers, barriers, opportunities, and the latest trends in the global Barbecue Grills market have been given in order to provide a clear picture of the market. The challenges and restriction faced by the key players in the market, which are expected to hamper the growth of the market have been mentioned in the research report.Furthermore, the key geographical segments of the global Barbecue Grills market have been discussed at length in the research study. The key factors that are encouraging the growth of the key segments have been provided in the study. A detailed study of the competitive landscape of the global Barbecue Grills market have been given, presenting insights into the company profiles, product portfolio, recent developments, mergers and acquisitions, financial status, and the SWOT analysis. In addition, the key business policies and tactics used by the leading players have been included in the study.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Barbecue Grills Market Research Report 20161 Barbecue Grills Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Barbecue Grills1.2 Barbecue Grills Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Barbecue Grills by Type in 20151.2.2 Gas Grill1.2.3 Electric Grills1.2.4 Type III1.3 Barbecue Grills Segment by Application1.3.1 Barbecue Grills Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Application 11.3.3 Application 21.3.4 Application 31.4 Barbecue Grills Market by Region1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Barbecue Grills (2011-2021)2 Global Barbecue Grills Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Barbecue Grills Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Barbecue Grills Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Barbecue Grills Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Barbecue Grills Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Barbecue Grills Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Barbecue Grills Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Barbecue Grills Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Barbecue Grills Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)3.1 Global Barbecue Grills Production by Region (2011-2016)3.2 Global Barbecue Grills Production Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.3 Global Barbecue Grills Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.4 Global Barbecue Grills Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.5 North America Barbecue Grills Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.6 Europe Barbecue Grills Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.7 China Barbecue Grills Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.8 Japan Barbecue Grills Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.9 Southeast Asia Barbecue Grills Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.10 India Barbecue Grills Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)4 Global Barbecue Grills Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.1 Global Barbecue Grills Consumption by Regions (2011-2016)4.2 North America Barbecue Grills Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.3 Europe Barbecue Grills Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.4 China Barbecue Grills Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.5 Japan Barbecue Grills Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.6 Southeast Asia Barbecue Grills Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.7 India Barbecue Grills Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Barbecue Grills Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Barbecue Grills Production and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.2 Global Barbecue Grills Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.3 Global Barbecue Grills Price by Type (2011-2016)5.4 Global Barbecue Grills Production Growth by Type (2011-2016)For Market Research Latest Reports Visit @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
Network Security Market : Popular Trends And New Business Opportunities 2016 - 2026

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The introduction of virtualization technologies and growing usage of web-based applications are some of the factors that are supporting Network Security market to grow. Network security helps enterprises in securing communication pathway from unauthorized access and data misuse. There is increasing demand for advanced security services and integration of network security solutions with other security services to mitigate the risk of cyber-attacks.A sample of this report is available upon request @Within Network security, encryption and firewalls are the majorly adopted solutions by enterprises to protect their network and information. Network security solution monitors user activity, creating access limitation, training, and educating users, detailed information of log activities, creation of data breach response plan, compliance management, data encryption, and web application management.Network Security Market: Drivers and ChallengesThe major factor driving Network security market is the growing need of security solutions for cloud technology. Due to heavy use of virtualization, threats such as malware or defective process are reducing the efficiency of the hypervisor. This has encouraged Network security solution providers to offer advanced Network security solutions such as Firewall to scan every byte of each packet on all the network traffic. This Network security solution strengthens cloud-based security by providing additional benefits such as malware protection, detection of intrusion, policy violation data theft and other security measures.The key challenge in the Network security market is the rising demand for solutions that can support BYOD approach. With the introduction of BYOD policy companies allow their employees to access business information through their personal devices and to follows open and interconnected network policy. This creates difficulty for network security solution to understand if the action has been taken up by the device, machine or human. Many network security solution providers are working towards the development of intelligent security solution that can secure information not only the device or communication pathway.Another restraint in Network security is the vulnerability to cyber-attack. This has badly affected operating system of the companies as many organizations are running their network connected devices without network security updates, faces the problem of vulnerability to viruses, theft and data loss along with cloud Integration and connectivity. This have given hackers and cyber-attackers an easy access to the organizations network. To secure network, timely detection, removal of viruses and control is needed. It is necessary to identify and fix the issues related to network performance and reliability.Network Security Market: SegmentationIn this market companies offer solutionsSegmentation on the basis of solution:Data encryptionMalware ProtectionURL and content filteringAdvance Threat Detection and Vulnerability managementWeb Application ManagementFirewall SecurityKey Contracts and Key Players:In June 2016, Fortinet, a security solution provider has acquired AccelOps, a network security monitoring, and analytics company. This acquisition helps to provide more efficient network security solutions for automated threat prevention feature.In June 2016, Barracuda networks has entered into the distribution agreement with Synnex Australia to increase its presence in APAC region by offering cloud backup and storage solutions, and disaster recovery solution in Australia and New Zealand.In March 2016, TrendMicro has acquired TippingPoint, network security Solution Company from HPE. This acquisition strengthens TrendMicros vulnerability management, threat protection, and advance network solution capabilities.In Network Security market there are many other solution providers some of them are PaloAlto Networks, Sonicwall, McAfee, CheckPoint Software Technologies, AT&T, Microsoft, Cisco, Optiv Security Inc., Juniper and Siemens.A TOC of this report is available upon request @Regional OverviewPresently, North America is holding the largest market share for network security solutions and its development. The market for Network security is growing considerably in U.S. due to the high adoption of network solutions among enterprises. Also, rising data breach and growth of financially targeted cyber-attacks has led enterprises to adopt advance network security solutions. Furthermore, the major solution vendors in Network security market are from North America, creating a high growth opportunity for users in these market.In Europe region, the market for Network security is witnessing high growth rate due to the increasing demand for data loss prevention and data backup solutions among users. Countries such as Germany is implementing encryption solutions and regulating compliances in order to provide secure networking solutions to end-users.The Asia Pacific region is following the Europe region in this Network security market. This market is expected to have the highest growth rate in coming years due to the adoption of managed security services and the growing adoption of cloud-based security solutions.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who 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.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
imagine my shock.that the school winning the Varnhem School Peace Prize for having received the highest number of newly arrived pupils in Malmo now looks like a prison. Its a hellhole of criminality.Criminals are trying to recruit the new students. There are problems of drug dealing and big brawls between different ethnic groups are now commonplace.Varnhem School in central Malmo has suffered so many problems that they now require security guards and barbed wire.Teachers worry about polarization and traumatized new students.In 2015, the school served a banquet for the king, but now its shut down regularly over fights that involve the entire student body.Chaos and fights occur with the newly arrived students from the Middle East and Afghanistan.Police reports cover theft of e-readers to physically abuse to stealing a guards stun gun. Religious disagreements are common.Teachers have alarms on their cell phones for when fights break out.Varnhem school is not the only school having problems. A 2016 report of a primary school in Malmo had students playing an ISIS execution and girl was put in a stranglehold.Parents in another Malmo School alerted school authorities that six year olds were sexually harassed.To get a solid picture of exactly what these "hellholes" look like,visit one in a recent video where he is attacked and beaten without a cop in sight.and oh I know...some of you progs will say that I misspelled "crime-ridden hellhole". It's actually spelled"multicultural haven".I considered that but you're wrong as usual.
Global Analysis on Costume Jewelry Market by 2020

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Costume jewelry (also known as fashion jewellery, trinkets, junk jewelry, fake jewelry and fallalery) is a jewelry made of less valuable materials as compared with valuable materials such as gold, diamond, platinum and other precious metals and gem. The raw material used for these jewelleries include base metals, glass, plastic, synthetic stones, semi-precious stones, beads, ivory, lac, leather, terracotta, pearl and metals such as silver, aluminum and brass. On the basis of products, the costume jewelry industry is broadly categorized as bracelets, brooch, earrings, necklaces, chokers, bangles, finger rings, toe rings, anklets and pendants.The costume Jewelry industry operates as a true global industry as the raw materials are mostly sourced from Australia, Africa, Russia and Canada, manufacturing takes place in China, India, Italy and Turkey whereas the largest markets is North America, followed by Europe.The developing economies such as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) are the fasted growing market with double digit growth rates. Asia Pacific is the largest producer of costume jewelry and expected to take over North America in terms of consumption in the coming years. High growth rate in Asia Pacific region is attributed to the rising income of the consumers in these countries. Further, with the massive urbanization and westernization taking place, the consumers are now becoming more fashionable and trendy. Moreover large population of young consumers (average age is 29 year and 37 year respectively for India and China) are also a key contributor in overall growth of costume jewelry in these countries.A sample of this report is available upon request @The key drivers for the costume jewelry include increasing prices for gold and other precious gems and pearls, internationalization of brands and increasing demand of men costume jewelry. Some of the key challenges for the costume jewelry industry include rising raw material cost and fad sensitive market of fashion jewelry. The unorganized supply chain of the raw materials in costume jewelry industry also act as a major restraint for the industry as it sometimes lead to steep hike in the prices of raw materials. Online channels, which are still new trend, offer new opportunity for the market.Request to view table of content @Some of the major player in operating in the industry includes, Buckley Jewellery Limited, The Colibri Group, Avon Products Inc, Swank Inc, H. Stern Com. & Ind. S.A., Cartier SA, Channel S.A., Louis Vuitton North America, Inc., Stuller, Inc., Yurman Design, Inc., Billig Jewelers, Inc. and Gianni Versace S.p.A.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 UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Data Warehousing Solutions Market : Popular Trends And New Business Opportunities 2016 - 2026

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With the increasing need of data management, more enterprises are investing in data warehousing solutions to gain better insights about their business. These solutions integrate and analyse business data using historical and real-time data, enabling executives to make better decisions based on accurate understanding. Data warehousing solutions coupled with business intelligence tools help enterprises implement efficient business analytics. This data can be accessed by users across the organization using ad hoc SQL queries, periodic reports and dashboards. Even though data warehousing is beneficial for the business, but it can be complex to set up and involves investments even after set up to prevent loss of data. Moreover, recent trends involving huge volumes of data are obstructing the performance of data warehouse systems.A sample of this report is available upon request @Business data is acquired from internal as well as external sources and is diverse in nature. Due to the exponential growth of this data, and the need to analyse this data for a better understanding is driving the market for data warehousing solutions. Enterprises are opting for solutions that maximize performance and enable a fast data flow with real time analytics, which are offered by efficient data warehousing solutions. Another major driver for this market is using data to perform trend analysis and data mining for future trends prediction. Inadequate time to build in-house software is making end users invest in data warehousing solutions and helping the market grow. Major restraint for this market is poor data quality because of unavailability of required data and inefficient data warehouse architecture, which isolates the customers from using data warehousing solutions.Data warehousing solutions can be segmented on the basis of type of offering, type of data, type of deployment, end users, verticals and regions. The different types of offerings under data warehousing include extraction, transportation and loading (ETL) solution, statistical analysis, data mining, and others. The types of data used in data warehousing solutions are structured and unstructured data. Data warehousing solution can be segmented on the basis of deployment type of its system into on-premise, cloud based and hybrid. The end users for data warehousing solutions are SMEs and large enterprises. Data warehousing solutions are applicable in the following verticals, government, BFSI, retail, healthcare, IT and telecom, manufacturing, energy and utilities, transportation and logistics, and others. Regionally data warehousing solutions can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East and Africa.Data warehousing solutions market is dominated by the North America region at present due to the fact that North America readily invests in new technologies. Asia Pacific, Japan and Western Europe are expected to be emerging regions in this market and will see a good growth rate in the future. Asia Pacifics and Japans growth is due to its steady economic growth and growing commercial activity. Western Europe will see a good growth owing to the efforts European Union intends to make to promote the growth of big data in this region. Eastern Europe is expected to see a moderate growth rate with a few enterprises looking to invest in this region.A TOC of this report is available upon request @The key players involved in data warehousing solutions market are Oracle Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Teradata Corporation, IBM Corporation, SAP SE, Amazon Web Services Inc., MarkLogic Corporation, Infobright, Cloudera Inc., MapR Technologies, Inc., and Hortonworks Inc. Recent trends involved in data warehousing solutions include a shift to cloud based services and investments in latest technologies to cope up with competition in the market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who 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.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
Social Business Intelligence Market : Popular Trends And New Business Opportunities 2016 - 2026

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Enterprises have been leveraging business intelligence to optimize their business decision making process. Business intelligence has been affected by the growing use of social media, where enterprises are utilizing information retrieved from social media and correlating it with the existing consumer data. Whenever a query regarding a business decision needs to be addressed, the business intelligence team builds a data warehouse, with rows and columns of data. This rigid structure cant be modified once created, and in order to add new insights a new structure needs to be built. This is a time consuming process and limits agility in business environment. Social business intelligence tools work with an objective to reduce the drawbacks faced by the traditional business intelligence tools.A sample of this report is available upon request @Business intelligence is used to analyse data to help organizations understand its weaknesses and identify opportunities and threats. The time taken to arrive at an insight can be reduced with the help of rapid insights provided using big data and other social business intelligence tools. Moreover, as social business intelligence tools work with unstructured data, the limitations of traditional structured data warehouse are also eliminated. Along with these factors, the reduced costs involved and low technical and analytical skills are other factors driving the growth of the social business intelligence market. Enterprises offering social business intelligence services are shifting to cloud to offer improved services to its clients. Major hindering factors for social business intelligence market are security and privacy issues arising from cloud based offerings.Social business intelligence market can be segmented on the basis of type of analytics, deployment type, devices supported, end users, and region. The types of analytics under social business intelligence market are text analytics, sentiment analytics, predictive analytics and others. Social business intelligence services are available on-premise and on cloud. On the basis of devices supported, the social business intelligence market can be segmented into mobile devices, personal computers and others. The end users for social business intelligence market are SMEs and large enterprises. Regionally social business intelligence market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East and Africa.North America dominates the social business intelligence market owing to the popularity of social media in this region and fast adoption of advanced technologies. Western Europe is also one of the leaders in this market. Regions such as Asia Pacific, Japan, Eastern Europe and Latin America are emerging markets. Middle East and Africa is expected to see a moderate growth rate for this market, because of the fact that social media platforms are not as popular in this region.A TOC of this report is available upon request @The key players involved in social business intelligence market are Oracle Corporation, IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, SAP SE, SAS Institute Inc., Adobe Systems Software Ireland Ltd., Beevolve Inc., Clarabridge and Crimson Hexagon. With social media platforms becoming popular, more enterprises are shifting to social business intelligence services.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who 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.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
IoT Analytics Market : Popular Trends And New Business Opportunities 2016 - 2026

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Internet of things or connected devices is driving innovation across all industries. Moreover, as connected devices are gaining rapid popularity, amount of data being generated is increasing too, out of which only some parts are important and need to be analyzed. Many enterprises are starting to realize the importance of data generated from IoT devices, which can help implement better informed business decisions. IT service providers are now extending data analytics services to connected devices, in order to capture relevant data that can be utilized for detecting patterns of interest and to accelerate processes in the future.A sample of this report is available upon request @Connected devices involve a number of sensors, and of different types, generating a variety of data in volumes. Often some sort of noise can enter the channel and corrupt the data. Moreover, data being generated is dynamic and highly unstructured in nature. Storing this data in a central storage space is not a solution, especially with rapidly increasing volumes of data being generated. Furthermore, transferring data generated from different devices to different storage space requires extra spending. These are some factors that have led to the introduction of edge analytics. Edge analytics for IoT devices, refers to capturing and analyzing data generated from a device without transferring it to a centralized storage space. Therefore, enterprises are utilizing the low cost computational power of devices for performing data analytics on them. IT companies are coming up with innovative ways to deal with the efficient data analytics methods, in order to serve a growing customer base with different needs and requirements from data. Therefore, factors such as need to capture and store only relevant data from the humongous amount of data being generated, reduce data latency in business processes, minimize the overall cost for data management and analytics are driving the growth of global IoT analytics market. Major restraints that global IoT analytics market faces are lack of skilled labor and the challenging task to develop data analytics services specific to businesses and customers needs.IoT analytics market can be segmented on the basis of component, type of analytics, deployment model, phases, verticals, end users and regions. On the basis of component, the market can be segmented into software and services. The different types of IoT analytics are advanced object tracking, edge analytics, anomaly detection, crowd analytics and others. IoT analytics market can be segmented on the basis of deployment model into on-premises and cloud. On the basis of phases, it can be segmented into descriptive & diagnostic and predictive & prescriptive. The different verticals for IoT analytics are manufacturing, construction, retail, automotive, consumer electronics, and others. On the basis of end users, the market is segmented into large enterprises and SMEs. Region wise, the segmentation is done into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa.North America IoT analytics market is expected to dominate in terms of value owing to high penetration rate of advanced technologies and presence of established players. However, Asia Pacific excluding Japan and Japan are expected to witness high growth rates as enterprises are introducing IoT in business strategies to improve productivity. Western Europe IoT analytics market is expected to witness a moderate growth rate followed by Eastern Europe IoT analytics market and Middle East and Africa IoT analytics market.A TOC of this report is available upon request @Key players, such as IBM Corporation and Cisco Systems, Inc. among others in the global IoT analytics market focus on partnerships, mergers and acquisition and product innovations in order to deliver enhanced services to their clients and increase their customer base. For example, IBM Corporation and Cisco Systems, Inc. have entered into a partnership in order to collaborate IBM Corporations Watson IoT analytics on Cisco Systems Inc.s edge devices.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who 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.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
Global Internet Of Things (IoT) And Machine-To-Machine (M2M) Communication Market Analysis, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth And Forecast Research Report 2013 - 2019

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Internet Of Things (IoT) And Machine-To-Machine (M2M) Communication Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth And Forecast, 2013 - 2019" to its huge collection of research reports.The global Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-To-Machine (M2M) market is expected to grow at a substantial growth rate. Rising demand for cloud apps, wireless networks, and sensors, is affecting the growth of this market. The factors driving the IoT and M2M market rely on the government support, and enhancing connectivity.The global Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-To-Machine (M2M) market is segmented into four major categories, on the basis of technology and platforms into Radio frequency identification (RFID), Sensor nodes, Gateways, Cloud management, Near field communications (NFC), Complex event processing (CEP), Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), Zigbee and information and discovery services (IDS).On the basis of M2M connections and modules, the market is segmented into network connections, sim-cards and module types. On the basis of IoT components into RFID, network communications, data processing and safety, security and support technology. The market is also segmented by application into Public safety & urban security, Retail, Healthcare, Energy & power, Transportation, Telecom & IT, Consumer & residential, Industrial & commercial Buildings, Manufacturing. The market is further segmented by geography into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and rest of the world regions.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The market is driven by factors such as the government driven technology, and ubiquitous connectivity. Some of the factors inhibiting the growth of the market are privacy and security, governance and standards and deployment of phase out of 2G technology. New ideas & bigger potential for market and deployment of innovative devices will serve as an opportunity, fuelling the growth of this market.Some of the key players in this market are Alcatel-Lucent S.A., At&T Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Nxp Semiconductors Nv, International Business Machines Corporation, Google, Inc., Intel Corporation, Qualcomm Incorporated, Gemalto Nv and others.This research report analyzes this market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report include- North America- Asia Pacific- Europe- Rest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis of- Market growth drivers- Factors limiting market growth- Current market trends- Market structure- Market projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.Reasons for Buying this Report- This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics- It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth- It provides a technological growth map over time to understand the industry growth rate- It provides a seven-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow- It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future- It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors- It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments- It provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major market segmentsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Exemption from liability for GmbH managing directors

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The managing director of a Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung (GmbH), a type of private limited company in Germany, may be faced with liability claims if he breaches his obligations. That being said, it is possible under certain circumstances for him to request a full exemption from liability.GRP Rainer Lawyers and Tax Advisors in Cologne, Berlin, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and London conclude: The managing director of a GmbH can be held personally liable if, for instance, he breaches his duty of cure to the company or fails to ensure proper payment of public charges such as taxes. Personal liability looms particularly large if he does not file for insolvency on time.However, in this regard, the managing director can also end up between a rock and a hard place. This might be the case, e.g. if he highlights the companys impending over-indebtedness or insolvency to the shareholders, who subsequently prohibit him from filing for insolvency on behalf of the company. To see off this risk, he may then be able to request that the shareholders grant him a full exemption from liability. The Landgericht (LG) Munchen [Regional Court of Munich] recognized this claim in its ruling of May 22, 2015 (Az.: 14 HK O 867/14).The Landgericht Munchen held that the managing director of a GmbH can request a full exemption from liability to see off any risks he might be faced with, particularly with reference to sec. 64 of the GmbHG (act regulating GmbHs), if the shareholders of the GmbH refuse to approve the managing directors wish to file for insolvency at the point when insolvency is an imminent prospect. In this context, it is possible to establish imminent insolvency by citing evidence.The LG Munchen went on to say that even if insolvency is imminent, the managing director is only free from risk when filing for insolvency if the shareholders approve this motion. Failing this, he risks rendering himself liable to pay damages vis-a-vis the company. Having said that, impending insolvency can quickly progress to actual solvency. The Court stated that the managing director is then subject to unlimited personal liability, whereas the shareholders are only liable to the value of their investment.To this extent, claiming exemption from liability offsets the constant risk of being faced with personal liability as a managing director if insolvency goes from an imminent prospect to a reality.Agreements between shareholders and managing directors ought to be prepared in as much detail as possible and a satisfactory D&O (directors and officers) insurance policy taken out to prevent legal disputes from occurring. Lawyers who are experienced in the field of company law can advise and represent shareholders and managing directors.GRP Rainer LLPis an international firm of lawyers and tax advisors who are specialists in commercial law. The firm counsels commercial and industrial companies and corporations, as well as associations, small- and mid-sized businesses, self-employed freelancers and private individuals worldwide from offices Cologne, Berlin, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and London UK.Contact Michael RainerLawyer, Managing PartnerGRP Rainer LLPGurzenich-QuartierAugustinerstrae 1050667 CologneGermanyPhone: +49 221-27 22 75-0info@grprainer.com
Global Wireless Backhaul Via Satellite Market Analysis, Market Trends And Forecast 2013 - 2019 | Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Wireless Backhaul Via Satellite Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast, 2013 - 2019" to its huge collection of research reports.Satellite backhaul for wireless and cellular services is being used to expand network coverage over remote and difficult locations. Backhaul via satellite also finds application in emergency communications, backup networks, off-loading cellular traffic and temporary solution in region where cell-towers have not been deployed. The demand for wireless backhaul via satellite is driven by the universal need to stay connected. Further, satellite backhauls are often cheaper than microwave or fiber networks in remote geographical locations. Although, the 2G, 3G, and LTE network coverage continues rapid expansion, many remote regions are not yet covered or are economically unfeasible for the carriers to expand there. Further, growth in mobile work force, in various industries demands satellite connectivity to increase efficiency and safety for operations in locations. Rapidly expanding cell-tower network coverage in various regions including Asia Pacific and Latin America may pose a challenge to the market. Owing to increasing data consumption, the load on cell-towers has boomed in recent years creating the need to off-load via satellite backhaul and this represents an opportunity in this market. Satellite backhaul segments include backhauls for GSM, 3G, WiMAX, and LTE, among others. Satellite backhauling can be done for voice, data or services. The satellite backhauling can be implemented for small cells/hetnets including micro, pico, femto, macro and metro base stations.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are expected to experience faster growth owing to lower cellular point-of-presence (POP) coverage, lesser land-line infrastructure, and more remote locations in these regions which require better coverage. North America and Europe are expected to experience comparatively low adoption of satellite backhaul owing to their higher cellular POP coverage. Key players in this market include LM Ericsson, iDirect, Inc., SkyVision Global Networks, Inc., Hughes Network Systems LLC., INTRASKY Offshore SAL, NewSat Ltd., Telefonica S.A., Telespazio VEGA UK Ltd., and Advantech Wireless, Inc.This research report analyzes this market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report include- North America- Asia Pacific- Europe- Rest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis of- Market growth drivers- Factors limiting market growth- Current market trends- Market structure- Market projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.Reasons for Buying this Report- This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics- It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth- It provides a technological growth map over time to understand the industry growth rate- It provides a seven-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow- It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future- It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors- It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments- It provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major market segmentsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Gesture Recognition For Smart TV Market Analysis, Trends And Forecast 2013 - 2019 | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Gesture Recognition For Smart TV Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth And Forecast, 2013 - 2019" to its huge collection of research reports.Gesture recognition enables users to control their smart TVs with hand gestures. Gestures can be divided into two types; gestures emulating computer mouse and extended gestures. Smart TV gesture recognition is a system is basically used to provoke a better utilizing experience in terms of interactive communication and connectivity between the machine and human. Systems those are created to the integrated gesture and voice control in it from a normal smart TV have a longer duration.This whole gesture recognition is programmed by the software which is able to execute all types of gesture functionality but the major drawback is, it is not that reliable while utilizing on a broader aspect. The gesture recognition technology is emerging to the end utilize application from the semiconductor level which is perpetually transforming the smart TV market. The global gesture recognition market is expected to grow at a substantial growth.The global Smart TV gesture recognition market is segmented into two major categories, on the basis of functionality into image acquisition, feature extraction, gesture classification. On the basis of technology into 2D camera based and 3D camera based.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The market is also segmented by components into microcontroller, image sensors, IR proximity sensors, IR temperature sensor, light sensor and others. The market is further segmented by geography into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and rest of the world regions.Some of the key players in this market are Eyesight Tech, Leap Motion Inc., LG Electronics Inc., Panasonic Corporation, Pointgrab Limited, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Softkinetic, Sony Corporation, Tesna Inc., Texas Instruments Incorporated, Thalmic Labs Inc., andThe Linux Foundation among others.This research report analyzes this market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report include- North America- Asia Pacific- Europe- Rest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis of- Market growth drivers- Factors limiting market growth- Current market trends- Market structure- Market projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.Reasons for Buying this Report- This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics- It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth- It provides a technological growth map over time to understand the industry growth rate- It provides a seven-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow- It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future- It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors- It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments- It provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major market segmentsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
IoT Sensors Market Is Expected To Reach US$34.75 bn By 2023, Growing At A CAGR Of 24.5% During 2015 - 2023

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "IoT Sensors Market (By Type - Accelerometers, Gyroscopes, Magnetometers, Pressure Sensors, Temperature Sensors, Light Sensors, Others, By Application - Consumer Electronics, Healthcare, Automotive, Industrial, Building Automation, Retail and Others) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.Internet of Things (IoT) is a network that is embedded with sensors, electronics, network connectivity, and software enabling physical objects to gather and exchange data. As IoT rises into dominance, sensors are playing a pivotal role for measuring the physical quality of objects and enumerating it into a value, which can be read by another device or user. IoT devices are equipped with sensors which are capable of registering changes in pressure, temperature, motion, light, and sound. In the physical world, more and more objects can now communicate with each other through embedded IoT sensors, actuators, and tags. The global IoT sensors market has been segmented on the basis of types, application and geography. In addition, an exhaustive cross sectional analysis of the global IoT sensors market across four broad regions has been covered under the scope of the study.A surge in demand for IoT sensors in the automotive industry and the booming Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) market are strongly driving the growth of the IoT sensors market. Furthermore, increase in demand for consumer electronics and growing demand for smart devices is boosting the market growth. Smart devices account for a considerable portion of consumer electronics. Thus, increasing global sales of consumer electronics is fueling growth of the IoT sensors market. While smartphones and related products are already used to a large extent, smart electricity, gas and water meters are expected to witness rising demand over the next few years. The conjoint effect of all these trends and drivers is thus set to bolster the growth of the global IoT sensors market during the forecast period.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Stringent government regulations and policies across the globe are encouraging the development of smart cities and this is offering a potential growth opportunity to the global IoT sensors market. IoT sensors would be used in smart cities in smart meters, smart grids, intelligent traffic management systems, and smart parking among others. Further, technological advancements in the medical industry are set to offer a substantial opportunity for the growth of the IoT sensors market. The deployment of healthcare devices using IoT sensors could transform the healthcare industry by focusing on better patient care, lowering costs, and increasing efficiency. The IoT sensors market has huge opportunity and scope in the emerging markets of Asia Pacific and Rest of the world (RoW). Emergence of new players in the developing markets such as China, Japan, India, Australia, Russia, and Brazil coupled with the adoption of better and advanced technologies has led to the increase in competitiveness in the market.The competitive profiling of the key players in the global IoT sensors market across four broad geographic regions is included in the study. These include different business strategies adopted by the leading players and their recent developments as in the field of IoT sensors. The market attractive analysis of the major application areas has been provided in the report, in order to offer a deep insight of global IoT sensors market.A comprehensive analysis of the market dynamics that is inclusive of market drivers, restraints and opportunities is included in the purview of the report. Market dynamics are the distinctive factors which impact the market growth, thereby helping to understand the ongoing trends of the global market. Therefore, the report provides the forecast of the global market for the period from 2015 to 2023, along with offering an inclusive study of the IoT sensors market.Some of the major players in the IoT sensors market are: Infineon Technologies (Germany), STMicroelectronics N.V. (Switzerland), IBM (U.S.), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Ericsson (Sweden), InvenSense Inc. (U.S.), Libelium (Spain), ARM Holdings Plc. (U.K.) and Digi International Inc. (U.S.) among others.The global IoT Sensors market has been segmented into:Global Sensors Market, by Types- Accelerometers- Gyroscopes- Magnetometers- Pressure Sensors- Temperature Sensors- Light Sensors- OthersGlobal IoT Sensors Market, by End-Use Industry:- Consumer Electronics- Healthcare- Automotive- Industrial- Building Automation- Retail- OthersGlobal IoT Sensors Market, by Geography: The market is broadly segmented on the basis of geography into:- North America- U.S.- Canada- Mexico- Europe- U.K.- Germany- France- Italy- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- China- India- Japan- Rest of APAC- Rest of the World- Latin America- Middle East- AfricaMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Acute Heart Failure Market Is Expected To Grow To $929 Million By 2020 With And Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) Of 17%

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Acute heart failure (AHF) - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast-2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The Acute heart failure (AHF) - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast-2022 report provides an overview of the disease, epidemiology and global market trends for the seven major markets ie: United States, EU5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK) and Japan. According to DelveInsight, the global AHF market was $188 million in 2015 and expected to grow to $929 million by 2020 with and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%.Acute Heart Failure (AHF) is the rapid onset of sign and symptoms of Heart Failure resulting in need and urgent therapy or hospitalization. The AHF primarily includes the symptoms of pulmonary congestion or peripheral perfusion due to cardiac or vascular dysfunction. Based on the recommended guidelines, loop diuretics are the most common treatment for the Acute Heart Failure in patients with dyspnoea caused by pulmonary oedema, more than 90% of patients admitted with AHF receives this drug.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key Coverage and Benefits:- The report will help in developing business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the global Acute heart failure (AHF) market.- Identifying patient populations in the global Acute heart failure (AHF) market to improve product design, pricing, and launch plans.- Organize sales and marketing efforts by identifying the best opportunities for Acute heart failure (AHF) therapeutics in each of the markets covered.- To understand the future market competition in the global Acute heart failure (AHF) therapeutics market and Insightful review of the key market drivers and barriers.Scope of the Report:- Report covers the disease overview including etiology, path physiology, symptoms, diagnosis, disease management, and current treatment options.- Marketed information including available prescription drugs, its patent and exclusivity details followed by drug sales till 2022.- The Report also covers the detailed global historical and forecasted epidemiological data covering United States, EU5, Japan and rest of the word from 2015-2022.- It also provides Acute heart failure (AHF) for United States, EU5 and Japan from 2015 and forecasted Market to 2022.Table of ContentsReport IntroductionExecutive SummaryKey findingsAcute Heart Failure Market Overview at a GlanceWorldwide Market Size of Acute Heart Failure in 2015 (MM)Worldwide Market Size of Acute Heart Failure in 2022 (MM)Acute Heart FailureDisease OverviewTreatment GoalsManagementTreatment AlgorithmsEpidemiology and Patient PopulationKey FindingsOverviewDiagnosed Hospitalization Cases of Acute Heart FailureUnited States5EU and JapanTotal number of Hospitalization Cases for Acute Heart Failure in 7 Major MarketsCurrent Clinical PracticeConventional Therapies for Acute Heart Failure ManagementIn Cases of Pulmonary OedemaIn cases of Hypotension and Cardiogenic ShockIn case of HypertensionTreatment after StabilizationAcute Novel TherapiesCarperitideProduct ProfileAdvantages & DisadvantagesCost of TherapyDrug SalesCarperitide Historical Sales and Forecasted Sales (2015-2022)Acute Heart Failure-Global Market AssessmentKey FindingsGlobal Acute Heart Failure MarketMarket OverviewGlobal Market Sales by Treatment Setting in AHF, 2015-2022Total Acute Heart Failure Drug SalesTimeline of Key Market events for Acute Heart FailureAcute Heart Failure-United States Market AssessmentUS Market OverviewUnited States Market Sales by Treatment Setting in AHF, 2015-2022United States Market Share by Treatment Setting in AHF, 2015-2022Acute Heart Failure-France Market AssessmentFrance Market OverviewFrance Market Sales by Treatment Setting in AHF, 2015-2022France Market Share by Treatment Setting in AHF, 2015-2022Acute Heart Failure-Germany Market AssessmentMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
this is the same lying whiny bastard Sniff Snifferson from this infamous story:video:CNN host Chris Cuomo said on Thursday that he believes hurling the "fake news" insult at journalists is similar to when individuals use racial slurs against minorities."I see being called 'fake news' as the equivalent of the n-word for journalists," Cuomo said on SiriusXM , "the equivalent of calling an Italian any of the ugly words that people have for that ethnicity.""That's what fake news is to a journalist," the CNN host continued, adding, "It's an ugly insult and you better be right if you're going to charge a journalist with lying on purpose." Earlier in the day , Cuomo said being called "fake news" is "like an ethnic disparagement" for journalists, but he fell short at the time of comparing it to the n-word.Cuomo initially made the comparison after President Donald Trump tweeted that he was advancing so-called "fake news."A spokesperson for CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment.and then the loser had to apologize after being caught out as a snifftard.Christopher C. Cuomo Retweeted Michael SmerconishI was wrong. Calling a journalist fake -nothing compared to the pain of a racial slur. I should not have said it. I apologize
Xanthan Gum Market is expected to grow with the CAGR of 5.5% by 2027

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Market OverviewIncreasing demand from end use industries includes oil & gas, food and beverages among others is escalating the demand for the Xanthan Gum Market. Xanthan Gum is the bacterium which secrets polysaccharide which in is Xanthan Gum, which is commonly used as a food thickening agent (salad dressing) and a stabilizer. Xanthan Gum scientific name is Xanthomonas. Xantham Gum is produced by fermenting glucose, sucrose or lactose, followed by precipitation of polysaccharide from a growth medium with isopropyl alchohol, dried and ground into a fine powder. Later, it is added to a liquid medium to form the gum.Ask for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports.Request a Sample Report @Oil & gas and food & beverage industries account for over 80% of xanthan gum market in the terms of revenue and volume. The fastest growing application of Xanthan gum is the food and the beverage industry closely followed by the oil and gas industry. Xanthan Gum aids the growing population, changing lifestyle of consumers as the low price alternative to guar gum. Xanthan gum is used in a wide range of food and beverages. The increasing demand for petroleum and petrochemicals will further lead to a rise in the demand of Xanthan gum in the forecasted period.It is expected that Global Xanthan Gum Market will register the CAGR of more than 5.5% during the forecast periodKey Players Cargill Sancho & Lee Co. Ltd Jungbunzlauer AG. Fufeng Group Company Ltd Deosen Biochemical Ltd Archer-Daniels-Midland Company CP Kelco ApS Gum Technology Corporation, Meihua Holdings Group Co. Ltd Hebei Xinhe Biochemical Co Ltd, Qingdao Unichem Co Ltd.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 40 market data tables and figures spread in 135 pages of the report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Xanthan Gum Market Research Report- Forecast to 2027 Market SegmentationFood and beverage- Xanthan gum is used to flesh out the drinks and fruit juices. When these beverages containing fruit pulp particles, the use of xanthan gum helps maintain the suspension giving better appearance. In bakery industry, xanthan gum is used primarily to increase water retention during baking and thus extending shelf life of bakery products and refrigerated doughsOil and gas- Xanthan gum is an important ingredient in the hydraulic fluid used for the hydraulic fracking process. It carries with it the sands used to prop open the fractures to allow the flow of oil or gas from these cracks.Pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry- Xanthan Gum is used as a stabilizer (in cosmetic products, for example, to prevent ingredients from separating)Browse full TOC, Tables, Figures and Companies mentioned @Xanthan Gum market regional analysis:North AmericaNorth America is a major chunk of the Xanthan Gum market. The recovery of the pharmaceutical industry in the US is expected to drive the demand of xanthan gum upwards in the forecasted period. Canada poses as another big market for Xanthan Gum US Department of Commerce announced antidumping duties on imports of xanthan gum from China. This move is anticipated to restrict the supply of xanthan gum manufactured in China and further boost the domestic Xanthan Gum Market.Asia PacificWith the increasing number of food processing industries in the Asia pacific, the demand for xanthan gum is going to witness a significant boost. Rapid economic development in China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam will further result in boosting the demand. Favourable government policies are another factor which is going to contribute the boost in the sales of Xanthan gum. Growing domestic demand for foods & beverages in emerging markets of BRICS is anticipated to create a positive impact on the global food & beverage industry which will result in growth in the demand for xanthan gum over the forecast period.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Digital Photography Market - Industry Trends, Opportunities & Competitive Landscape.

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Digital photography refers to a form of photography that uses devices containing arrays of light sensitive sensors to capture pictures focused by a lens. The captured pictures are in digital format and are stored as a computer file, which can be further processed for color corrections and resizing for viewing, publishing, or printing. Professional photographer apart, digital photography has been adopted by many amateur snapshot photographers in the recent times as it helps them with the convenience of sending images by email or uploading them on the World Wide Web. This extended demand from amateur photographers in the past decade is reflecting on the global digital photography market, which was estimated at US$82.6 bn in 2016, is projected for a healthy growth rate during the forecast period of 2016 to 2024.The digital photography market includes complimentary products such as cameras, interchangeable lenses, storage cards, printers, photo editing software, camera cell phones, and digital photo frames. Collectively, the market for these complimentary products was valued at US$ 68.5bn, which makes it a highly lucrative opportunities for the players. This report on global digital photography market is comprehensive study of the market in its current scenario and based on prominent factors that are expected to influence the growth rate, figurative future has been evaluated. Another key aspect of the report is its section on company profiles which includes data on manufacturing base, capacity, product portfolio, marketing strategies, and other key developments.View Exclusive Business Strategic Report :In the recent past, digital media has revolutionized the face of digital photography with the emergence of photo sharing sites, networking sites, and blogging sites. This incremented participation of vast populations on the Internet is rated as the primary factor that is extending the demand in the global market for digital photography. Moreover, the key players in this market are constantly innovating and introducing new products to catch the attention of the consumers. For example, wireless cameras are expected to witness a surge in demand in the mature markets of the U.S., Japan, Europe, and other emerging economies in Asia Pacific. Digital and video cameras are expected to soon evolve into network devices, which will create new opportunities for the wireless operators and film suppliers. With digital cameras accessing personal computers and the Internet via wireless data connection, new levels of convenience for the consumers.The report observes that networking sites are constantly innovating their photo sharing section, which gives their consumers a rich and enhanced visual experience. This factor is expected to prompt a surge in demand for digital photography products, especially in the urban population across the globe. Additionally, digital photography finds applications in several industries such as medical, surgeries, automobiles, and manufacturing. Conversely, these digital photography complimentary products are expensive, sophisticated, and requires professional knowledge to operate. This factor is anticipated to hinder the growth rate of the market during the forecast period.The global market for digital photography can be segmented on the basis of products, application and geography. By products, the market can be divided into processing equipment, interchangeable lenses, and camera smartphones. By application, the market can be divided into photography software and photo processing.Geographically, North America and Europe contribute to the maximum demand in the global market, which is a reflection of high purchasing potential of the populations in those region, particularly in the countries of the U.S., the U.K., Canada, France, and Germany. However, with the exponential rise of the social media in the emerging economies in Asia Pacific, which has vastly populated countries such as India and India, are projected for a robust growth rate during the forecast period.Some of the key players currently operational in the global market for digital photography are Nikon, Sony, Kodak, Konica Minolta, Canon, and Samsung.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 Energy Drinks Market Regional Analysis, Market Share, Revenue And Cost Analysis With Key Companys Profiles and Forecast to 2022

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Market HighlightsEnergy Drinks Market is a type of beverage which is marketed to provide benefits among health effect of caffeine along with other ingredients present in it. It is one of the fastest growing product categories in global soft drinks market. The growth of the market is driven by growing awareness about health and fitness in young age groups. Depending upon content in energy drinks and their benefits, the industry is looking to attract more demand in upcoming years.Request a Sample Report @Key Players Red Bull (Austria), Rock Star Inc. (U.S.), Monster Beverage Corporation (U.S.), PepsiCo (U.S.), Coca-Cola (U.S.), National Beverage Corporation (U.S.), Arizona Beverage Company (U.S.), Cloud9 (India), Mountain Fuel Co (U.K.) Dr Pepper Snapple Group (U.S.)Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 60 market data tables and figures spread in 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Energy Drinks Market information from 2011 to 2022"Key Findings:Secondary data reveals that the energy drinks exports is projected to grow more than 5% annually post the year 2022The top 5 exporters of energy drinks are Switzerland, Thailand, U.S., South Korea and FranceAccess Report Details @Brief TOC of Energy Drinks Market1 Executive Summary2 Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the study2.2.1 Research Objectives2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations2.3 Markets Structure2.4 Stakeholders3 Research methodology3.1 Research process3.2 Secondary research3.3 Primary research3.4 Forecast model3.5 Market Size estimation4 MARKET DYNAMICSContinued..Make an Enquiry for Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.ContactAkash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Scandium Oxide Market - Clean TeQ, Niocorp, Metallica, Platina Resources, GRIM

Scandium Oxide

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Scandium market is a soft, silvery-white metallic element with an atomic number 21, and is technically a light transition metal. It does exhibit some characteristics that are similar to the rare-earth elements (lanthanides), and is often classified as a member of the REE group, along with yttrium. Scandium in oxide form is referred to as scandia, or of course scandium oxide, and the chemical formula is Sc2O3.Browse full report with TOC @This report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for Scandium Oxide market from 2011-2016, and provides extensive market forecasts (2016-2021) by region/country and subsectors. It covers the key technological and market trends in the Scandium Oxide market and further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for Scandium Oxide, and the opportunities/challenges faced by industry participants. It also acts as an essential tool to companies active across the value chain and to the new entrants by enabling them to capitalize the opportunities and develop business strategies.Global Scandium Oxide Market Outlook 2016-2021, has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global Scandium Oxide market collected from specialized sources. The report covers key technological developments in the recent times and profiles leading players in the market and analyzes their key strategies.The major players in the global Scandium Oxide market are,Metallica (Australia)Platina Resources (Australia)Clean TeQ (Australia)Niocorp (USA)GRIM (China)Oriental Scandium (China)HNRE (China)Guangxi Northriver (China)For sample request click onThe report provides separate comprehensive analytics for theNorth AmericaEurope, Asia-PacificMiddle EastAfrica and Rest of WorldIn this sector, global competitive landscape and supply/demand pattern of Scandium Oxide market has been provided.About Market Research Store:Market Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USA
Global Lacrosse Attack StIcks Market 2017 : BrIne, ChampIon, STX, MaverIk & WarrIor

Lacrosse Attack StIcks

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The survey report by Market Research Store is an overview of the global Lacrosse Attack StIcks market. It covers all the recent trends including key developments in the global market in present and in future. Analyses of the global Lacrosse Attack StIcks market trends along with the projections of CAGRs (compound annual growth rates) are provided in the research report.Further, an evaluation of the history of the global market and the basic information of the global market is included in the report. A developmental perspective of the industry is also documented in the report. Competitive profiles of the key players in the industry are also discussed.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The research report provides both an assessment of recent developments in the industry along with forecasts examining the industry from the perspective of major competitors, present players and prospective end users in the Lacrosse Attack StIcks market.Forecasts are generated on the basis of region, type, product, supply, demand, and other vital factors of the global market. The research report analyzed the major factors driving the global Lacrosse Attack StIcks market in various countries with a satisfactory and manufacturing and structure of the global market. Forecasts are also provided region-wise in the research report.The research report comprises several chapters, tables, figures, graphs, and various other presentations formats so as to provide a precise overview of the market. The sequence of the report is maintained in such a way that highlights the overall flow of the global market. Recent developments in the global market are further described in the research report. The report also summarizes latest trends along with abstracts of the Lacrosse Attack StIcks market. Major competitors of the global market including commercial and non-commercial participants in the global market are also covered in the report.Inquiry For Bying Report @Thus, the research report provides in-depth analysis covering all the major regions, competitors, and vital aspects of the Lacrosse Attack StIcks industry.About Us:MarketResearchStore.com is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803
Global Holographic Films Market to Approach US$ 11,775 Million by 2024 End

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For every consumer goods product that has ever hit the shelves of retail outlets, a percentage of its production cost gets spent on branding the product by sticking a holographic film on its packaging label. Accordingly, billions of consumers goods sold daily from all parts of the world necessitate the expansion of global production capacity for holographic films. In 2015, global sales of holographic films exceeded US$ 5 billion, attesting the universal demand for iconic branding techniques. According to a recent research conducted by Persistence Market Research, the global holographic films market revenues are estimated to reach US$ 11,775 million in value by 2024.Persistence Market Researchs report titled Global Market Study on Holographic Films: Pharmaceuticals End Use Industry Segment Estimated to Increase 2.2X in Terms of Value over the Forecast Period , projects the US$ 5,767.3 million global holographic films market will expand at an impressive CAGR of 9.3% during the period of forecast - 2016-2024. Besides the branding demands, the active use of Fresnel lens technology in designing flexible packaging surfaces has become a proponent for consumption of holographic films, the combination of which is likely to create 3D effect for customers viewing the products stacked on store shelves. While secured packaging and anti-counterfeit measures promote the use of holographic films, volatile costs of film materials are likely to hamper the growth of the global holographic films market.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Demand for Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film materials to remain high through 2024, accounting for almost half of the global market revenuesBranding measures undertaken by pharmaceutical and drug manufacturers, and companies in the FMCG sector will render them largest end-user industries for holographic filmsThe need for customer-centric designs and patterns on films will gain traction during the projected period, effectuating a higher market presence for customized offerings of holographic filmsThrough 2024, the value share ratio of lamination and printing as two main end uses in the global holographic films market is anticipated to be an estimated 60% to 40% respectivelyAPAC Holographic Films Market to Expand at Highest CAGRBy the end of forecast period, the holographic films sales from Asia Pacific (APAC) region will rake in revenues worth over US$ 4.3 billion. The APAC holographic films market is anticipated to be fastest growing region in the global market, registering an estimated CAGR of 10.8%. In 2016, the region accounted for one-third share of the global market value, followed by North America  which secured over 25% share of the global holographic films market size. Europes holographic films market is likely to join North America and APAC as regions lucrative for expansion of holographic films businesses. Meanwhile, the holographic films market size is to expand at a modest rate in regions such as Latin America and the Middle East & Africa (MEA).Sales of holographic films in the world have been largely concentrated towards two aspects  the type of film material preferred and its application. Product manufacturers and packaging industry players prefer using metallized holographic films over transparent films. Similarly, the use of such films finds greater application in anti-counterfeit measures of packaging companies. Surging instances of product duplicity have integrated holographic films into packaging operations that label symbols for identifying authentic products. Independently, metallized holographic films and anti-counterfeit applications are expected to account for over 70% of global market revenues throughout the forecast period.Request to View Tables of Content @While local manufacturers of holographic films are expected to collectively account for over half of the global market, companies such as Uflex Limited and Polinas Plastik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. will jointly hold company share of 14.2%. Leading holographic films manufacturers namely Toray Industries Inc., SRF Limited, and Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, are expected to exclusively focus on business expansion in regions such as North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. Strategic acquisitions is pegged to be a top priority for Jindal Poly Films Ltd., API Group Plc., and Avery Dennison Corporation, while Cosmo Films Limited and K Laser Technology Inc. are expected to increase their global presence through product launch.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, 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, Con-sumer 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 en-gagement 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 Virtual Reality Glove Market Size to grow at a CAGR of 82.2% between 2016-2020: CyberGlove, Manus VR, GloveOne, Virtalis

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VR gloves are the groundbreaking innovation in the field of VR. The technology enables users to touch, feel, and sense objects in the virtual world. Though, a VR glove looks similar to a regular glove, the architecture of an average VR glove includes a motherboard with an integrated sensor fusion, a LED lighting placed on the cover of the motherboard (typically under the logo), a lithium-polymer battery, multiple haptic actuators to simulate touch, and conductive fabric to recognize gesture commands. Apart from these, the glove may also contain adjustable cuff to ensure that it fits the user and breathable fabric to facilitate air circulation.The global VR glove market to grow at a CAGR of 82.2% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global VR glove market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of VR gloves.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEADownload Sample Copy OF This Report:Global VR Glove 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 vendorsCyberGloveManus VRGloveOneVirtalisOther prominent vendorsDexmoSynertialYost LabsMarket driverIncreased penetration of VR headsets and consolesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengePrice premium associated with VR glove-compatible headsetsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendEmergence of smartphone-integrated VR headsetsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?You can request one free hour of our analysts time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.About usMarketResearchReports.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.To View The Latest Industry Press Releases:ContactMr. Nachiket90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E-Mail: sales@marketresearchreports.bizFollow us on LinkedIn:Thanks..!!!!!!!!!!!MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Emerging Trends of Laser Warning System Market, 2026

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Laser Warning System Market: IntroductionTodays battlefields are more than guns and soldiers, numerous support systems are being adopted in the battlefield supporting soldiers to be alert, reduce war casualties and stay one step ahead of the enemies. The use of advanced military technology has increased over the years aiding the soldiers in making crucial tactical decisions, avoid sudden enemy ambushes and minimize damage. One such technology that has been prevalent in the modern warfare is the use of laser warning system. A laser warning system or a laser detection system is a small cautionary device equipped with a laser receiver and a warning system that detects, analyses and alerts its user of laser rays emitted by the rangefinders and guidance system of the enemy. The increased use of electronics in weapon guiding systems is the reason for the improvement in the laser warning system market in order to counter the threat projected by the enemy quickly and effectively. Some of the latest advancements made in the laser warning system include automatic countermeasure systems integrated into the laser warning system that deploys smoke screens, dazzlers, laser jammers and others upon the detection of laser rays.TOC of this report is available upon request @Laser Warning System Market: DynamicsLaser warning system market is driven by the increased need of protection of the soldiers in the battle ground. Military officers who are constantly engaged in the battlefield for defensive and offensive activities always find themselves in need for continuously understanding the tactics employed by the enemy and take the necessary evasive manoeuvres to gain an upper hand. This is achieved through the use of laser warning system, which in turn positively influences the growth of the market over the forecast period. Though not limited to its usage in an active battlefield only, a laser warning system is also being increasingly employed for border protection also. As tensions are prevalent at the border of two countries, laser warning system have been increasingly installed at the borders in order to alert the officers beforehand about the threat and undertake defensive actions quickly. The market players associated with manufacture of laser warning systems are very limited in number against the backdrop of steadily increasing demand and stagnant military budget, which has forced the manufacturers to keep the competition with each other and share expertise and resources for more value added products. One crucial restraint associated with laser warning system market is the usage of beam-riders for guiding missiles, these guidance systems are more difficult to detect and has been increasingly purchased by the Middle Eastern forces. Complications associated with tightening and limiting military funding by various governments of the countries can also dent the market sales of laser warning system.Laser Warning System Market: SegmentationOn the basis of Range Coverage or Azimuth, Laser Warning System can be segmented as: 0 to 90 90 to 180 180 to 360On the basis of threat detection type, the market can be segmented as: Laser Rangefinder Laser Guidance Systems Others (Laser Designator etc.)On the basis of End Users, the market can be segmented as: Ground Force Maritime Force Air Force Others (Border Security Forces etc.)Laser Warning System Market: Regional OutlookThe Global Laser Warning System market can be segmented into seven geographical regions such as Asia Pacific excluding Japan, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and Middle East & Africa. The U.S. in the North America region is likely to fare better in the laser warning system market than other countries in other regions owing to slightly higher military funding. Western Europe and Japan are also better prospects for the sales of laser warning systems market in the forecast period owing to improvement in military funding and infrastructure while the market in China in the Asia Pacific region for laser warning system is also likely to witness steady growth over the forecast period.Laser Warning System Market: ParticipantsExamples of some of the participants identified in the manufacture of Laser Warning System market are Thales Group Ferranti Technologies Ltd. Elbit Systems Ltd. PCO S.A. Metrodat s.r.o. Global Industrial & Defence Solutions Aselsan A.?. UTC Aerospace Systems Excelitas Technologies Corp. Saab AB Northrop Grumman Corporation BAE Systems Plc Airbus Defence and SpaceThe research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on: Market Segments Market Dynamics Market Size Supply & Demand Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved Value ChainRegional analysis includes: North America Latin America Asia Pacific Japan Western Europe Eastern Europe Middle East & AfricaThe report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts, and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macroeconomic indicators and governing factors, along with market attractiveness within the segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and various geographies.Sample of this report is available upon request @Report highlights: Detailed overview of parent market Changing market dynamics in the industry In-depth market segmentation Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value Recent industry trends and developments Competitive landscape Strategies of key players and products offered Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth A neutral perspective on market performance Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a 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.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Night Vision Goggles Market is Expected to Witness a Steady Growth by 2026

Night Vision Goggles Market, Night Vision Goggles, Night Vision Goggle Market, Night Vision Goggle

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Night Vision Goggles Market: OverviewHuman eyes can see visible lights that are a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electromagnetic spectrum also comprises infrared and ultraviolet light rays that cannot be seen by naked eyes. Image enhancement and thermal imaging are the two types of technologies which help to see objects in the dark. Night vision goggles amplify the available light using image enhancement technology along with infrared light technology. Night vision goggles enable night fighters and soldiers to see, maneuver and shoot during night or at a time of reduced visibility. The night vision goggles industry has evolved through three generations, namely generation I, II, and III. Out of these three, generation I has become completely obsolete in the US market.TOC of this report is available upon request @Image intensifying devices are generally based upon amplification and thus, amplify available light by 2,000 to 5,000 times. With the advancements made in technology from 1950s to the present time, the scenario has changed completely. High military demands in U.S., Iraq, and Afghanistan has led to the growth of the night vision goggles market over the past few years. The distance at which the human-sized figure can be clearly recognized depends upon the image intensifier and magnifying power of the lens used. Night vision goggles are equipped with the automatic breakaway mechanism that separate them from the helmet when the force exceeds 11g to avoid any accidents during the war.Night Vision Goggles Market: DynamicsDrivers:Small size and light weight are the primary factors responsible for driving the growth of global night vision goggles market. Furthermore, low cost of goggles and low power requirements are the other two factors driving the growth of global night vision goggles market. Moreover, night vision goggles offer maximum viewing range, which can be from 100 feet to 400 feet. This range is ideal for the combat missions conducted by soldiers and this is yet another driving factor fueling the growth of global night vision goggles market.Restraints:The normal field of view may cut down from 190 degrees to 40 degrees, creating a narrow field of view. This is a restraining factor hindering the growth of global night vision goggles market. Apart from this, night vision goggles cannot provide the same level of sharpness as witnessed by naked eye during day time and that one is accustomed to. Moreover, one of the other restraining factors hampering the growth of global night vision goggles market is that the sharpness decreases as the distance increases. This makes the objects to appear unclear and vague, leading to accidents during the war.Night Vision Goggles Market: SegmentationGlobal night vision goggles market can be segmented on the basis of application, range and technology. Based on application, the global night vision goggles market can be segmented into security, hunting, military and others. According to technology, global night vision market can be segmented into image enhancement and thermal imaging. According to the range, global night vision goggles market can be segmented into spectral range and intensity range.Night Vision Goggles Market: Key PlayersSome of the market participants in the global night vision goggles market are as follows: PYSER-SGI LIMITED. Optix LTD. ATN Corporation Nivisys, LLC Tata Advanced Systems Limited Newcon Optik General Starlight Co, Inc. Starlight NV Ltd Dipol Ltd. Harris CorporationNight Vision Goggles Market: Region-wise OutlookAccording to region, global night vision goggles market can be segmented into North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, APEJ, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. North America is expected to be the most dominating night vision goggles market, with U.S. accounting for maximum consumption, owing to army and military requirements. Asia Pacific, excluding Japan and Western Europe, is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period due to high demand in the region which is driven by security and surveillance needs. Middle East and Africa and Eastern Europe are anticipated to be the majorly growing regions in the global night vision goggles market.Sample of this report is available upon request @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 market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.The report covers exhaust analysis on: Market Segments Market Dynamics Market Size Supply & Demand Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved Technology Value ChainRegional analysis includes: North America (U.S., Canada) Latin America (Mexico. Brazil) Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain) Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia) Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand) Japan Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, S. Africa, Northern Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Report Highlights: Detailed overview of parent market Changing market dynamics in the industry In-depth market segmentation Historical, current, and projected market size in terms of volume and value Recent industry trends and developments Competitive landscape Strategies of key players and products offered Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth A neutral perspective on market performance Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a 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.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Worldwide Industrial Robotics Market - Rapid Production in the Semiconductor Industry

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Industrial control and robotics tools serve to monitor and control various processes within the industries. Demand for these systems is expected to show continuous growth attributed to increased requirements of high product quality, precision, and reliability in large volume production. It is challenging to achieve low cost and high quality products without automation, which was previously done manually. Use of industrial controls and robotics tools serve the purpose of users for the effective and efficient management of various processes. Industrial automation tools help the manufacturers to monitor mass production processes with minimal chances of errors. Automotive industry is the largest end user of industrial controls and robotics. However, Semiconductor industry is expected to emerge as the fastest end user segment owing to the requirement of high degree precision with rapid production in industry.Manufacturing industries are dependent on consistency and precision, needed to obtain quality at competitive production costs. Industrial automation using robotics is capable of providing repeatable and consistent results. Due to better efficiency and faster work rate the robots are capable of increasing productivity. Industrial control and robotics tools improve the quality of products. Thus, the quality control issue involved with human error can be minimized to a greater extent. Automation using control systems and robotics helps to decrease the cost of production as large number of products are generated in less time with high accuracy. Initially the cost per unit is high because of huge infrastructure cost, but as productivity increases, the variable cost of production reduces in the long run.The report includes competitive analysis of the industrial controls and robotics market by product type, by application, by technology, and by geography. It includes segmentation across major geographies along with country-wise breakdown of the market. In addition, it provides current and forecast market size by revenue for its wide range of industrial applications for the period 2012 to 2019. Factors influencing and inhibiting the growth of the industrial controls and robotics market are analyzed. Porters five forces analysis offers insights on market competition.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical insights :Industrial robotics effectively protects workers from injuries and improves workplace safety. Dangerous tasks such as lifting of heavy pieces onto a table, welding, handling of hot or cold objects, can result in injuries and other health problems. A manufacturing robot does the same work without putting the labor force in harms way. Also the robots work around hazardous substances as well as endure an extreme work environment. By replacing workers from life threatening tasks and placing them in challenging programming and operating jobs, industrial robotics improves the quality of life as well as protects the company from costly claims of insurance. Also, industrial automation tools perform certain operations such as IC (integrated circuit) fabrication, rapid prototyping processes based on computer graphics etc. which require high degree of precision and miniaturization and cannot be achieved manually. Thus, high deployment of robotics is expected over the period of forecast. Industrial controls and robotics market has wide scope of development in emerging countries such as India and Brazil. Despite having large demographics, these countries lack in the manufacturing sector in terms of improving their productivity. They have to import machines, components and technology from other developed countries such as Japan, France and Germany. This creates an open market for robotics industries to increase their viability in countries like India and Brazil on a large scale.This study includes profile of key players in the market and the strategies adopted by them to capture the market. Recent developments and barriers of the market will help emerging players to design their strategies in an effective manner. This study is expected to help suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors of the industrial automation industry in formulating and developing their strategies.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:
Global Robotic Flight Simulator Surgery Market Applications, Segmentations, Demand to 2027

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Market Scenario:Robotic Flight Simulator Surgery is such a surgical system which is like an aircraft, it is reflected to be only as good as the preliminary (Surgeon), and the current training required for expertise in robot-assisted surgery is inappropriately less than ideal. The Robotic flight simulator surgery system is addressing the quickly growing demand for the surgical practice to be made perfect without endangering the safety of the patient.Request a Sample Report @Key Players: AVRA (US) Hansen Medical (US), Free hand (UK), Intuitive Surgical (US), TransEnterix (US), Titan Medical (Canada), Virtualincision (US), Corindus Vascular Robots (US), Interventional Systems (US).Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 70 market data tables and figures spread in 115 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Robotic Flight Simulator Surgery Market Research Report- Forecast To 2027Segment: On the basis of applications which includes; General Surgery, Cardiology Surgery, Neurosurgery, Gynecology and others. On the basis of method which consists of; Direct Telemanipulator and Computer Control.Study Objectives of Robotic Flight Simulator Surgery Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Robotic flight simulator surgery Market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To Analyze the Global Robotic flight simulator surgery Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- Americas, Europe, Asia, and Row To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by applications, by method and sub-segments.Access Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
High Speed Vessels Market : Impact of Existing and Emerging Market 2016 - 2024

High Speed Vessels Market, High Speed Vessels, High Speed Vessel Market, High Speed Vessel

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High Speed Vessels Market: IntroductionOver the past few years, the border relationships between various countries have deteriorated sharply, which is expected to sanction the need of modernization as well as rearmament of the vessels which in turn is expected to drive the growth of the high speed vessels market. Naval vessels are damage resilient military ships which are armed with weapon systems along with the troops. However, due to reduction in the defense budget by many countries, the smaller vessels that can serve multiple purposes are expected to gain traction in the near future. Due to this reason, corvettes vessels are expected to dominate the high speed vessels market based on product type during the forecast period. Based on service type, modernization or upgrade of segment is anticipated to dominate the high speed vessels market. The inconstancy in the maritime warfare is expected to encourage the governments across the globe to invest in high speed vessels. Various rearmament programs in the Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific region is expected to drive the growth of high speed vessels market over the forecast period.TOC of this report is available upon request @High Speed Vessels Market: DriversIncreasing need for maritime surveillance is one of the major factors driving the growth of the high speed vessels market. Moreover, rising concerns of the government toward humanitarian relief, combating terrorism, piracy, and smuggling is expected to propel the growth of high speed vessels market during the forecast period. Additionally, continuous advancement in the technology by the manufacturers of vessels is expected to fuel the growth of high speed vessels market. These features include strategic sea lift coupled with capability of amphibious operations.High Speed Vessels Market: RestraintsOne of the major factors, which is expected to hamper the growth of the global high speed vessels market is its high cost of maintenance. According to a government source, from the entire cost of a vessel, 80% cost goes for the maintenance of the vessel. Furthermore, reduction in the defense budget by many countries is expected to restrain the growth of the high speed vessels market.High Speed Vessels Market: SegmentationThe global high speed vessels market can be segmented on the basis of product type, displacement, service type, and regions. On the basis of product type, the market can be further segmented into destroyers, corvettes, frigates, submarines, and others. On the basis of displacement, the global high speed vessels market can be further segmented into 500  2500 tonnes, 2500  5000 tonnes, and 5000 tonnes and above. On the basis of service type, the market can be segmented into new sales and modernization/upgrade. On the basis of regions, the global high speed vessels market can be segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa.High Speed Vessels Market: Region wise OutlookOn the basis of regions, North America is expected to dominate the high speed vessels market. However, this region is expected to exhibit sluggish growth during the forecast period due to cut down in the defense budget. Asia Pacific, led by China and India is expected to be one of the fastest growing markets for high speed vessels. Additionally, increasing shipyards in China and South Korea coupled with low cost and more advanced solutions are expected to upsurge the demand for high speed vessels in Asia Pacific region over the forecast period. Europe is expected to witness steady growth in the high speed vessels market due to the economic crisis in the region. On the other hand, Middle East & Africa is projected to witness significant growth in the high speed vessels market over the forecast period.High Speed Vessels Market: ParticipantsExamples of some of the prominent participants identified in the global high speed vessels market are as mentioned below: Paumier Marine CMN Group Swedeship Grup Aresa Damen Shipyards Group Delta Power Group ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH Rolls Royce Plc Austal Babcock International GroupThe 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 done using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, type, machine size and end use.The report covers exhaustive analysis on: Market Segments Market Dynamics Market Size Supply & Demand Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved Technology Value ChainRegional analysis includes North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East and AfricaThe report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators, and governing factors, along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various factors on market segments and geographies.Sample of this report is available upon request @Report Highlights: Detailed overview of parent market Changing market dynamics in the industry In-depth market segmentation Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value Recent industry trends and developments Competitive landscape Strategies of key players and products offered Potential and niche segments, and regional markets exhibiting promising growth A neutral perspective on market performance Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a 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.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
United States Electric Aircraft Market Analysis, Regional Outlook and Forecasts 2021

Electric Aircraft

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Big Market Research added Latest Research Report titled United States Electric Aircraft Industry 2021 Market Research Report to its Large Report database.Request Sample:This report studies sales (consumption) of Electric Aircraft in United States market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player, coveringRaytheonHoneywell InternationalSafranAirbusBoeingThales GroupUnited TechnologiesBombardierZodiac AerospaceEnquire About Report @Key Points from Table of Contents:United States Electric Aircraft Market Report 20176 United States Electric Aircraft Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis6.1 Raytheon6.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.1.2 Electric Aircraft Product Type, Application and Specification6.1.3 Raytheon Electric Aircraft Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)6.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.2 Honeywell International6.2.2 Electric Aircraft Product Type, Application and Specification6.2.3 Honeywell International Electric Aircraft Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)6.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.3 Safran6.3.2 Electric Aircraft Product Type, Application and Specification6.3.3 Safran Electric Aircraft Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)6.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.4 Airbus6.4.2 Electric Aircraft Product Type, Application and Specification6.4.3 Airbus Electric Aircraft Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)6.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.5 Boeing6.5.2 Electric Aircraft Product Type, Application and Specification6.5.3 Boeing Electric Aircraft Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)6.5.4 Main Business/Business OverviewRequest for Discount:About Big Market Research:Big Market Research uniqueness lies in its highly ethical reports at economical rates because we value your relationship and growth more than money. Your growth is our aim.Our strength is in our research analysts who with their proactive approach can source best and correct information which can be detrimental in organizations success. We follow six sigma standards leaving no scope for error.Contact Big Market Research:Direct Contact: + 1-503-894-6022Toll Free: + 1-800-910-6452Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb:
Worldwide Split Air Conditioning Systems Market: Rising Demand in Asia Pacific to Present Highly Lucrative Opportunities for Market Players

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The highly dynamic and intensely competitive global split air conditioner systems market features some of the worlds dominant electronics and technology companies. The need to conform to strict government policies and regulations in different countries regarding the emission and control of greenhouse gases and consumption of electricity are the key factors influencing the development of the market. These factors have increased the focus of key players on increasing product power and operating efficiency, observes a recent report by Transparency Market Research. Companies are also looking at prospects of enhancing their businesses through partnerships and optimizing overseas business networks.Get More information:A recent instance is the joint venture of Midea Group with Lihom Cuchen, a renowned appliances manufacturer from South Korea in February 2016 with the aim of pursuing unique benefits in research and development, technology, manufacturing, patent sharing, and expanding its global presence. Some of the key players in the market are Daikin Industries Ltd., Electrolux AB, The Midea Group., Carrier Corporation, Haier Electronics Group Co., Ltd., and Hisense International Co. Ltd.Mono-split Systems to Comprise Dominant Share in Market RevenueTransparency Market Research states that the global split air conditioning systems market was valued at US$79.72 bn in 2015 and will expand at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2016 to 2014, reaching a market size of US$127.27 bn in 2024. In terms of equipment type, the segment of mono-split systems accounted for almost 70% of the market share in terms of revenue in 2015. Based on geography, the Asia-Pacific region emerged as the dominant segment in the split air conditioning systems and the trend is expected to continue over the forecast period as well.Rising Demand for Energy-efficient Air Conditioning Systems to be Key to Market GrowthIn mature markets such as North America and Europe, energy efficiency has been a major concern with the use of conventional air conditioning systems. Growing awareness among consumers regarding energy efficient models is, hence, emerging as the key force boosting the growth prospects of the split air conditioning systems market. Additionally, the growth in the commercial and residential segment in Asia-Pacific has resulted in a vast rise in demand for split air conditioning systems in the region.Besides this, the concern regarding the emission of greenhouse gases and other harmful gases through conventional air conditioners is also a key driver of the market. This is owing to the strict government regulations imposed to stabilize the greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. Initiatives such as government support for LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified projects and mandatory SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings (SEER of 13.0 and above in the U.S.) for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems are also helping boost the global consumption of split air conditioners.Intense Cost Competition to Have Negative Impact on Market DevelopmentHowever, the intense price competition in the market is resulting in decreased profit margins of a number of players. Crunched profit margins have a direct negative impact on investments made for research and other activities, which can have a diminishing effect on the overall growth of the market in the long run. In addition to the presence of a large number of companies in the global split air conditioner systems market, the condition has worsened due to the abundance of domestic manufacturers in China who sell their products at lower costs as compared to the products of global brands.Moreover, the rising concerns regarding the vast amount of electricity consumed to power air conditioning systems of all kinds could emerge as a key challenge for the global split air conditioning systems market. The concern regarding the vast electricity bills associated with the use of air conditioners could also compel consumers to look for natural air conditioning solutions. These factors are expected to slow down the growth of air conditioning systems market globally in the next few years.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:
Military Antenna Market to Maintain Healthy CAGR in Coming Years (2016 - 2024)

Military Antenna Market, Military Antenna, Antenna Market

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Increasing modernization of the military equipment coupled with the boost in legacy system around the world is expected to fuel the demand of military antenna market. Military antennas provide highly accurate tracking, surveillance, ground mapping, warning against aircrafts, weapons, etc. thereby enhancing the security. Apart from all the above mentioned features, military antenna used in the radars also provide missile guidance for accurate target tracking. The rise in border infiltration, terrorism activities, inter country conflicts, and attack prone borders are expected to drive military antenna market in the near future.TOC of this report is available upon request @On the basis of platform, ground platform is expected to dominate the military antenna market as they help in providing real time information related to ground penetration, unexploded tunnels, etc. during the war. However, the market for space based platform is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Based on application, homeland security system is estimated to dominate the global military antenna system market over the forecast period. The advancement in the surveillance system such as 3D drones and multifunctional radars is estimated to have high potential to drive the military antenna market globally.Global Military Antenna Market: DriversA major factor driving the growth of the global military antenna market is the rise in military spending. Moreover, escalation in the need for better border security is expected to upsurge the demand for military antenna market. Moreover, technological mushrooming coupled with the need of modern battle equipment is expected to fuel the betterment of military antenna market during the forecast period. Increasing use of military antenna in armored vehicles, naval vessels, aircraft, etc. speed up the expansion and growth of the global military antenna market.Global Military Antenna Market: RestraintsHigh initial costs coupled with the large spending on R&D activities is expected to hamper the growth of military antenna market. Moreover, economic crisis in the European countries like Germany, Russia, U.K. etc. is expected to restrain the growth of the global military antenna market.Global Military Antenna Market: SegmentationGlobal Military antenna market can be segmented on the basis of platform, product type, frequency, applications, and regions. On the basis of platform, the market can be segmented into airborne, ground, naval, and space. On the basis of product type, the global military antenna market can be segmented into vehicle mount antennas, base station antennas, shipboard antennas, man-pack and portable antennas, and asset tracking antennas. On the basis of frequency, the market can be segmented into High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF). On the basis of applications, global military antenna market can be segmented into homeland security system, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and handheld equipment. On the basis of regions, market can be segmented into North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.Global Military Antenna Market: Region wise OutlookBased on regions, North America is expected to be the most prominent revenue generating region in the global military antenna system market. North America spent nearly US$ 596 Bn., which holds nearly 36% of the entire worlds spending on military, in 2015. However, in the U.S., there is a decline in spending on military by 2.4% in 2015. Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The military spending in Asia Pacific increased by 5.6% in 2015. Moreover, APAC and China accounted for nearly 50% share in the total military spending which is nearly four times the spending in military by India. Additionally, increasing border disputes in APAC is expected to drive the growth of military antenna market in this region. Latin America is projected to witness sluggish growth due to severe economic crisis.Global Military Antenna Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the prominent players identified in the global military antenna market are as follows, MTI Wireless Edge Eylex Pty Ltd. Cojot Oy Antenna Products Corporation Comrod Communications Barker and Williamson Rohde & Schwarz Lockheed Martin Corporation Raytheon Company Terma Harris CorporationThe 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 done using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, type, machine size and end use.The report covers exhaustive analysis on: Market Segments Market Dynamics Market Size Supply & Demand Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies involved Technology Value ChainRegional analysis includes North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East and AfricaThe report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators, and governing factors, along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various factors on market segments and geographies.Sample of this report is available upon request @Report Highlights: Detailed overview of parent market Changing market dynamics in the industry In-depth market segmentation Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value Recent industry trends and developments Competitive landscape Strategies of key players and products offered Potential and niche segments, and regional markets exhibiting promising growth A neutral perspective on market performance Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a 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.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Behenyl Alcohol Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Forecast Analysis For 2016 - 2024

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Behenyl alcohol, also known as docasanol, is a saturated fatty alcohol that is traditionally used as an emulsifier, emollient, and as a thickener in nutritional supplements and cosmetics. It is also used to thicken or neutralize formulations. In recent times, docasanol has been approved as an antiviral agent by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is effective in reducing cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Docasanol with the purity level of approximately 70% is used widely. Docasanol with the purity level of more than 80% is seldom used. This product accounts for a minimal share of the total market for fatty alcohols.Download Research Brochure PDF@Growing usage of behenyl alcohol in pharmaceuticals and organic cosmetics industries is the key factor fuelling the demand for the product at the global level. Europe is the major producer of rapeseed in the world. Most of the companies based in Europe arrange for raw materials at a price lower than their rivals from other regions such as North America and Asia Pacific. Further, Europe is home to more than 450 large- and small-scale manufacturers. Rising consumption of anti-aging products is expected to drive the behenyl alcohol market in Europe. Additionally, abundance of low-cost raw materials and labor and increased demand for organic cosmetics are expected to drive the demand for behenyl alcohol in Asia Pacific.However, oversupply of fatty alcohol is a major factor hampering the growth of the behenyl alcohol market at present. Further, higher prices of behenyl alcohol as compared to other forms of long-chain fatty alcohols is another major hindrance to growth of this market. Side-effects of using behenyl alcohol include headache, difficulty in breathing, facial swelling, confusion, chest pain, and dizziness. Severe side effects include diarrhea, soreness, rash, burning, dryness, and swelling. These may refrain consumers from using products infused with behenyl alcohol. This can greatly hinder the overall growth of the market.Increased market penetration by major manufacturers of behenyl alcohol in underdeveloped markets is anticipated to create growth opportunities for the market in the near future.On the basis of applications, the global behenyl alcohol market has been segmented into emollients, emulsifiers, and thickeners. On the basis of end-uses, the market can be segmented into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional supplements. Cosmetics find the maximum application of behenyl alcohol as compared to other end-user industries.Geographically, Asia Pacific leads the market for behenyl alcohol, with Japan and India being the top exporters across the world. However, South Korea is one of the leading importers of behenyl alcohol in Asia Pacific. India is the major producer of behenyl alcohol and rapeseed. Several companies based in India export rapeseed to other regions such as North America and Europe and to certain key parts of Asia Pacific. Latin America is expected to witness steady growth owing to increasing size of the industry for organic cosmetics in key countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Further, Brazil is one of the major importers of behenyl alcohol. It imports from suppliers based in North America and Europe.The global behenyl alcohol market is dominated by major players operating in the industry. Joint ventures and partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations and expansions are some of the key strategies adopted by players to ensure sustenance in the market. Kao Corporation, BASF S.E., VVF Chemicals Ltd., Sasol Ltd., Godrej Industries, and Nikko Chemicals are key players operating in the market for behenyl alcohol.Browse Full Report@About Us:-Transparency Market Research 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 Us:-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
Advanced Global 360-Degree Camera Market Size to grow at a CAGR of 34.85% Between 2016-2020

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About 360-Degree Camera360-degree cameras are considered to be revolutionary VR products. A 360-degree camera records a video simultaneously from all angles of a scene. Spherical view originated from street view. It converts a 360-degree view into a landscape image. 360-degree cameras were primarily used for mapping. Over the years, 360-degree cameras have found applications in various domains. 360-degree cameras can be used to take panoramic photos, shoot interactive videos, and make films.The global 360-degree camera market to grow at a CAGR of 34.85% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global 360-degree camera market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of 360-degree cameras for VR applications.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEAGet The Sample Copy Of This Report:Technavio's report, Global 360-Degree Camera 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 vendorsLG ElectronicsNikonGoProSamsung ElectronicsOther prominent vendors360flyBublcamFacebookGIROPTICIC Real TechImmersive Media CompanyEastman KodakLucidCamNokiaRicohSphericamMarket driverGlobal brands increasing awareness of VR.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeLimitations of 360-degree camera hardware and software.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendGrowing acceptance of 360-degree camera as next-generation technology.For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?You can request one free hour of our analysts time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Metal Chelates Market - Global Industry Analysis 2016 - 2024

Metal Chelates Market

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Metal chelates are compounds wherein a metal ion is bonded to an anion at more than one attachment sites. Chelation is a natural process that occurs to prevent the absorbed nutrients from precipitating. Organic substances present in the soil and produced by microorganisms are natural chelating agents. Hydroxamate siderophores are organic substances produced by microorganisms to transport and solubilize nutrients. However, presence of natural chelating agents is not enough to accelerate the crop yield. The role of synthetic metal chelates comes into play for curbing nutrient starvation in plants.Synthetic iron chelates are used extensively to feed iron-starving crops. The market for metal chelates can be segmented on the basis of nutrients they supply to the crop, mode of their application, and scarcity of micronutrients in the soil. Nutrients required for plants are categorized as macronutrients and micronutrients. Nutrients required in large quantities are macronutrients and nutrients required only in trace quantities are micronutrients. Macronutrients are sub-categorized as primary, secondary, and tertiary nutrients. The element potassium falls under primary macronutrients. It is essential for regulating water loss from leaves. Calcium and magnesium fall under secondary and tertiary macronutrients, respectively. On the other hand, elements such as iron, molybdenum, boron, copper, manganese, sodium, zinc, and nickel are included in the list of micronutrients.GET FREE PDF BROCHURE FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL INSIGHTS:Micronutrients are highly scarce nutrients found in soil. The micronutrients segment is projected to drive the market for metal chelates during the forecast period. Rising population and increasing awareness among farmers coupled with high demand for food products are also the drivers for the global metal chelates market. However, the market is hampered by stringent environmental regulations regarding utilization of biodegradable metal chelates. Opportunities are present for metal chelates manufacturers for penetrating the market with a bio degradable metal chelate.The market for metal chelates in Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America is estimated to expand. Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the global market for metal chelates owing to rising population, arable land, and micronutrient-deficient soil in the region. Rapidly increasing population has surged the demand for food and forced farmers in Asia Pacific to grow crops with high yield by utilizing external growth-promoting agents. Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold a significant share in the global market for metal chelates. This is attributable to rapidly rising population, availability of arable land, and zinc-deficient soils in China and India. The market share held by Europe is anticipated to rise at a significant rate due to large population in Russia.North America is also expected to be an attractive market due to arable land, which is primarily concentrated in the U.S. Scarcity of micronutrients is likely to be a factor driving the market for metal chelates during the forecast period in Middle East & Africa.Key players operating in the global market for metal chelates are AVA Chemicals Private Limited, M&M Industries, Qingyuan Mutual Bio Techniques Co. Ltd., Shanghai Joint Hope International Trade Corporation, Micromix Plant Health Limited, Farmtech Agriland Corporation, AkzoNobel, Gujarat State Fertilizer & Chemicals, Aris Agro Limited, Valagro, and Chemicnova. AVA Chemicals Private Limited is a holding manufacturer of metal chelates and manufactures chelated calcium, chelated manganese and chelated copper which are the essential micronutrients required for plant growth. Gujarat State Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited provides a micro mix fertilizer which contains a mix of all the essential micronutrients like zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and boron.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insights for 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, TMR employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog:
US$ 30 Bn Opportunity in the Global Power Tools Market

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Global power tools market revenues are expected to surpass US$ 30 Bn in 2017, on account of resurgence in construction activity and all-pervasive DIY trend. Rising housing investment, steady growth of automotive sales, and demand from semiconductor industry will continue to fuel the growth of the global power tools market during the forecast period 2015-2025. Recovery in North Americas housing sector and automotive growth in China and India will contribute to the growing demand for power tools. In contrast, intense pricing competition and availability of cheap, unbranded power tools can pose challenges to overall growth.Power tools will continue to outsell hand tools, as need for faster completion of projects will influence buying decisions. Demand for power tools will also be supported by their applications in house renovations and other DIY tasks. By 2025, global construction volume is projected to reach US$ 15 trillion, with nearly 60% of revenues expected to remain concentrated in China, India, and the U.S. Leading power tools manufacturers are focusing on China, India, and the U.S. to leverage on the projected demand for power tools in these markets. Other major trends anticipated to shape up the market include a steady shift from corded to cordless and preference for Lithium-ion batteries vis-a-vis Ni-Cd batteries.Request Free Report Sample@Segment AnalysisOn the basis of end-use sector, FMIs report has segmented the power tools market into industrial and household. Demand for power tools is higher from the industrial segment vis-a-vis household, and the trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. Of the US$ 27.58 billion worth of power tools sold in 2015, the industrial segment accounted for US$ 15.64 billion.By mode of operation, the power tools market has been segmented into electric, pneumatic, and others. Among these three sub-segments, demand for electric power tools is the highest. However, pneumatic power tools segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. On account of surging demand, the revenue share of pneumatic power tools segment is expected to increase by nearly 1.5% to reach 29% by 2025.Region-wise Insights on Power Tools MarketThe U.S., China, and India remain key for the growth of the power tools market. These three markets are collectively anticipated to grow at a robust pace during the forecast period and account for a significant share by 2025. In terms of revenues, North America is anticipated to remain the largest market, followed by Western Europe and Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ). The power tools market in Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Latin America are at a nascent stage, owing to which they are projected to increase at a high CAGR during the forecast period.Send An Enquiry@Vendor InsightsFMIs report on the global power tools market offers detailed analysis on key players operating in this market. The leading manufacturers in power tools market include Stanley Black & Decker Inc., Robert Bosch Gmbh, Techtronic Industries Company Limited, Actuant Corporation, Atlas Copco AB, Snap-on Incorporated, Danaher Corporation, SKF, Hitachi Koki Co. Ltd. The leading distributors and DIY players covered in the report include Apex Tool Group LLC, DeWalt Industrial Tools, Channellock Inc., Allied Trade Group (ATG) Stores, Alltrade Tools LLC, Del City Wire, and Porter-Cable.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 centers 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:
Automotive Car Care Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Opportunities For 2016 - 2024

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Automotive car care tools refer to car buffers, car polishers, dusters, wash brushes, car wash towels, mitts, squeegees, scrapers, and other accessories used in the maintenance and upkeep of cars. Socket and driver sets, tow straps, torque wrenches, mechanics tool sets, jack stands, hydraulic jacks, brake bleeding kits, and oils changing kits are a few other tools included under this. They are used for preventive measures and to keep cars in a usable and safe condition. Car care prevents unwanted accidents, improves the longevity, and enhances the aesthetic quality of cars, which in turn increases their resale value. The market for car care tools is directly linked to the market for cars. The more the number of cars produced, the higher the need to maintain them. Due to an increasing demand for passenger vehicles, there has been a surge in car production. Therefore, the market for automotive car care tools is also expected to expand over the forecast period.Download Research Brochure PDF@The car care tools market is a part of the automotive aftermarket which provides after-purchase solutions. Economic uncertainty or certainty doesnt affect the requirement for these products. Even if the economy is not performing well resulting in decreased production and purchase of cars, car care tools would still be required to maintain the old or existing vehicles. All the same, growth in the production of cars is likely to drive the trajectories of the automotive car care tools market. Production of cars is anticipated to increase with improvements in economic conditions and therefore in the purchasing power and standard of living of citizens. Consumers with higher disposable income require cars, and with their growing number, the need to preserve them also increases. Therefore, the production of cars is directly proportional to the expansion of the automotive car care tools market.However, high costs act a major deterrent across the globe uniformly. Developing countries and less-developed countries are less likely to use car care tools due to their lack of awareness and purchasing power. The usage of certain car care tools also poses disadvantages. For example, frequent application of car polish degenerates the wax layering which ultimately makes the car more susceptible to corrosion.Beautification could also lead to damage to the cars exterior. Pressure washers could create dents on the cars surface. All these factors are likely to negatively impact the growth of automotive car care.The market for automotive car care tools can be segmented based on product type, vehicle type, and geography. The first division includes pressure washers & hoses, polish wax, clay bars & detailing products, sponges, steam cleaners, torque wrenches, tow straps, brake bleeding kits, and others. Pressure washers and hoses are used to clean the exterior of cars and to remove after-paint particles. Similarly, clay bars are employed to remove contaminants caused due to pollution post the application of paint. Torque wrenches are handy tools which help fasten or tighten nuts and bolts. Tow straps pull out cars which have been trapped in mud or sand. Brake bleeding kits get rid of air bubbles present in brake lines which block the brake fluid.By vehicle type, the market can be divided into the following categories: two wheelers, passenger cars, heavy commercial vehicles (HCV), and light commercial vehicles (LCV). Based on geography, the market is distributed over North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America.Key players operating in this market include Tools USA, GRASS LLC, and Carrand Companies, Inc. in the U.S., SWISSVAX in the U.K., Youngs Corporation in South Korea, and ECT Europe and CIHAN Auto in Germany.Browse Full Report@About Us:-Transparency Market Research 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 Us:-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
USA X-ray Computed Tomography System Industry Market Research Report Size,Share,Trends,Analysis and Forecast 2016

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MarketResearchReports.biz has recently announced the addition of a market study  USA X-ray Computed Tomography System Industry 2016 Market Research Report , is a comparative analysis of the global market.The players list(Partly, Players you are interested can also be added)Siemens AGToshiba Medical Systems CorporationNeurologica CorporationCEFLA DENTAL GROUPQR SRLWith no less than 15 top producers.Data including: Production(K Units), Sales (both volume and value-million USD), Market Share, Consumption, Import, Export, price(USD/Unit), cost, gross margin etc.More detailed information, please refer to the attachment file and table of contents. If you have other requirements, please contact us, we can also offer!Table Of Content1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition and Specifications of X-ray Computed Tomography System1.2 Classification of X-ray Computed Tomography System1.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.2.3 Type 31.3 Applications of X-ray Computed Tomography System1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.4 Industry Chain Structure of X-ray Computed Tomography System1.5 Industry Overview of X-ray Computed Tomography System1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography System1.7 Industry News Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography SystemDownload The sample Copy Of This Report:2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography System2.1 Bill of Materials (BOM) of X-ray Computed Tomography System2.2 BOM Price Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography System2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography System2.4 Depreciation Cost Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography System2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography System2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography System2.7 USA Price, Cost and Gross of X-ray Computed Tomography System 2011-2016E3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of USA Key Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of USA Key X-ray Computed Tomography System Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of USA X-ray Computed Tomography System Key Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of USA X-ray Computed Tomography System Key Manufacturers in 20154 Production Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography System by Regions, Product Types, and Applications4.1 USA Production of X-ray Computed Tomography System by Regions (Key State) 2011-2016E4.2 USA Production of X-ray Computed Tomography System by Product Types 2011-2016E4.3 USA Sales of X-ray Computed Tomography System by Applications 2011-2016E4.4 Price Analysis of USA X-ray Computed Tomography System Key Manufacturers in 20154.5 USA Capacity, Production, Import, Export, Sales, Price, Cost and Revenue of X-ray Computed Tomography System 2011-2016E5 Consumption Volume and Consumption Value Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography System by Regions5.1 USA Consumption Volume of X-ray Computed Tomography System by Regions 2011-2016E5.2 USA Consumption Value of X-ray Computed Tomography System by Regions 2011-2016E5.3 USA Consumption Price Analysis of X-ray Computed Tomography System by Regions 2011-2016EMarketResearchReports.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 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Market Report Size,Share,Trends,Analysis and Forecast 2016

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MarketResearchReports.biz has recently announced the addition of a market study  Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Market Report 2016 , is a comparative analysis of the global market.Notes:Sales, means the sales volume of Clinical Trials ImagingRevenue, means the sales value of Clinical Trials ImagingThis report studies sales (consumption) of Clinical Trials Imaging in Japan market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player, coveringBioclinica, IncParexel International CorporationIcon Public Limited CompanyVirtualscopics, IncBiomedical SystemsIXICORadiant SageWorldCare ClinicalIntrinsic ImagingCardiovascular Imaging Technologies, LLCSplit by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoCTMRIUltrasoundOthersSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Clinical Trials Imaging in each application, can be divided intoHospitalLaboratorySchoolDownload The sample Copy Of This Report:Table Of Content1 Clinical Trials Imaging Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Clinical Trials Imaging1.2 Classification of Clinical Trials Imaging1.2.1 CT1.2.2 MRI1.2.3 Ultrasound1.2.4 Others1.3 Application of Clinical Trials Imaging1.3.1 Hospital1.3.2 Laboratory1.3.3 School1.4 Japan Market Size Sales (Value) and Revenue (Volume) of Clinical Trials Imaging (2011-2021)1.4.1 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.4.2 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Revenue and Share by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.3 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Average Price by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.4 Clinical Trials Imaging Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 Clinical Trials Imaging Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 Clinical Trials Imaging Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (2011-2016)3.1 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)3.2 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)3.3 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Price by Type (2011-2016)3.4 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Sales Growth Rate by Type (2011-2016)4 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Sales (Volume) by Application (2011-2016)4.1 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Sales and Market Share by Application (2011-2016)4.2 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Sales Growth Rate by Application (2011-2016)4.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities5 Japan Clinical Trials Imaging Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis5.1 Bioclinica, Inc5.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors5.1.2 Clinical Trials Imaging Product Type, Application and Specification5.1.2.1 Type I5.1.2.2 Type II5.1.3 Bioclinica, Inc Clinical Trials Imaging Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)5.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview5.2 Parexel International Corporation5.2.2 Clinical Trials Imaging Product Type, Application and Specification5.2.2.1 Type I5.2.2.2 Type II5.2.3 Parexel International Corporation Clinical Trials Imaging Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)5.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview5.3 Icon Public Limited Company5.3.2 Clinical Trials Imaging Product Type, Application and Specification5.3.2.1 Type I5.3.2.2 Type II5.3.3 Icon Public Limited Company Clinical Trials Imaging Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)5.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview5.4 Virtualscopics, IncMarketResearchReports.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 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:
Intelligent Vending Machines Market Analysis, Share, Trends and Forecast by 2025

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The global intelligent vending machines market is expected to reach USD 11.84 billion by 2025, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The surge in the penetration of self-services technology across North America and Europe is anticipated to drive the industry growth over the next nine years. Intelligent vending machines incorporate energy efficient electronic equipment including efficient lighting components, such as LEDs, compressors, and sensors, that help in conserving energy.Browse the report:Industry players are progressively participating and promoting initiatives, such as Refrigerants and Naturally!, that help in eliminating and minimizing the release of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) from vending machines. This is subsequently impelling the demand for HFC-free products such as intelligent vending systems.The incorporation of ground-breaking features, such as voice and face recognition that enables interaction between the machine and the consumer, is energizing the industry growth prospects.These features add intelligence to the systems by detecting and responding to consumers and offer a dynamic visual experience with interactive promotions.Request a sample of the report:The increasing consumer preference toward cashless payments is a favorable trend observed in the market. The acceptance of payments through technologies, such as Near-field Communication (NFC), is instrumental in driving public interest owing to the easier, faster, and contactless modes of payment. These modes help in decreasing the cash management costs and subsequently decrease threats such as theft and vandalism.Intelligent dispensing systems help in gaining insights regarding consumer behavior, preferences, and buying patterns. Interactive displays help vendors to generate more revenue through the display of advertisements and loyalty programs.Further Key Findings from the Study Suggest:The hot drinks type segment dominated the industry, accounting for more than 62% of the overall volume due to the surging demand for refreshment drinks.Office vending systems are expected to gain momentum as they facilitate employees to grab a quick snack in between breaks without the need of placing an order and waiting for it to be processed.Buy the report@The Asia Pacific region is predicted to emerge as the fastest growing market due to the increased demand in public transport applications in emerging countries, such as India and China.Prominent vendors operating in the market include Crane Co., Advantech Co. Ltd., Bianchi Vending Group S.p.A, Azkoyen Group, and Rhea Vendors Group.Increased focus on research and development activities and adoption of inorganic growth strategies are being observed in the industry.About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Information:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas  75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +9164101019Email: sales@orbisresearch.com
Safety Sensors Market - In The Future These Sensors Are Expected To Be Applied In The Cars To Ensure Safety

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Safety Sensors Market: Overview and Growth EnablersSafety sensors are used to monitor the work place environment and provide timely indications in order to prevent accidents. These sensors are widely applicable in construction, manufacturing, healthcare and defense industry among others. The market is expected to grow during the forecast period.The global safety sensors market is driven by the increasing awareness for the safety of workers in the manufacturing industry. Moreover, the stringent government regulations for safety at the workplace are also aiding the growth of this market. In addition, the technological advancements across all the sectors are creating a demand for automation. Sensors play an important role in the automation process. Hence, the demand for automation is in return fueling the growth for global safety sensors market. Furthermore, safety in manufacturing and industrial applications is not required for the workers but also to prevent the wear and tear or damage to the good being manufactured. This factor is also acting as a driver for the market.PDF Sample For Latest Innovations And Advancements @However, the installation charge for safety sensors is very high which is acting as a restraint for the market. Moreover, the safety sensors are automated in nature and can malfunction by giving false indications which can lead to confusion at the workplace. This, in return is hindering the market from growth.Safety Sensors Market: SegmentationSafety sensors are increasingly being applied across several sectors such as manufacturing, construction, defense and automobiles. In the future, these sensors are expected to be applied in the cars in the form of radar sensors, nigh vision, adaptive cruise control systems and driver assistances such as driver monitoring. The application of these will ensure enhanced safety for vehicle drivers.The market can be segmented on the basis of sensor types, application, and geography. By sensors type, the market is segmented into accelerometers which include capacitive, Hall Effect sensors, heat transfers and MEMS; biosensors include methane, microbial and BOD sensors among others; image sensors include CMOS and CCD image sensors; and motion detectors.By application, the market is divided into construction, oil and gas, mining, healthcare, defense, manufacturing, logistics, and food and beverages among others.Safety Sensors Market: Region-wise InsightIn terms of geography, the market has been divided into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world. North America and Europe are known to be adapters of new technology. However, Asia Pacific is the largest market for safety sensors. The reason for their dominance is due to the large presence of manufacturing industries in countries, like Philippines, China and India.View Exclusive Business Strategic Report @With factory workers putting in long hours and lacking adequate safety knowledge, the Asia Pacific region has now begun to see a growing demand for safety systems. This has also been the result of stringent safety regulations applied by governments in various countries. This factor has fuelled the growth by extensive application of safety sensors in this region. Moreover, the region has a wide numbers of sensor manufacturers which is also aiding to the regions dominance.Safety Sensors Market: Key PlayersThe key players in this market include Allen Bradley, Keyence Corporation, Omron Corporation, IFM Efector GmbH, Siemens, ABB ltd, Baumer Limited, Panasonic Corporation, AMETEK Factory Automation, Asteel Sensor and Delphi among others.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.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cleaning Services Market to Reach $74,299 Million, Globally, by 2022

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Cleaning Services Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market is expected to garner $74,299 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2016-2022.Cleaning services market trends are expected to be progressive over the next few years.Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest pace during the forecast period and account for around 30% of the overall cleaning services market revenue by 2022. The growth is primarily driven by the upsurge in demand from China, Japan, and India.View Detail Summary of this report:Growth in number of dual income households, increased disposable income and rise in construction activities stimulate the growth of cleaning services market. However, intense competition among small and established players, to expand their market presence, is a major challenge for leading market players. Increase in number of working women and investment in real estate is expected to offer attractive opportunities for the growth of cleaning services market.The cleaning services market is segmented by service type into commercial cleaning services (window cleaning, vacuuming, floor care, and other services such as kit cleaning and dusting) and residential cleaning services (maid services, carpet & upholstery, and other services such as polishing, vehicle cleaning, & appliances cleaning).Commercial cleaning services accounted for the highest revenue of $37,217 million in the overall cleaning services market size in 2015, owing to huge demand of construction & post-construction cleaning services. Construction industries require cleaning services primarily for debris cleaning and pressure washing. Residential cleaning services segment is anticipated to witness faster during the forecast period, owing to its growing popularity among dual income households.Among the different cleaning services within the commercial segment, floor care accounted for the maximum revenue in 2015. Popularity of floor care services has increased in the global market, owing to increased demand from various commercial sectors such as schools, hospitals, and large retail sectors. Vacuuming cleaning services is anticipated to witness the fastest growth, with a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period, owing to its increased demand for dust cleaning from various commercial sectors such as stadium and event venues.Maid services accounted for the largest market share in the overall residential cleaning services market, while carpet & upholstery segment is expected to exhibit highest growth rate among the different services covered under residential cleaning services segments.North America is presently the largest cleaning services market, and is anticipated to continue its growth at a notable pace, owing to changing consumer lifestyle and growth in number of working women, majorly in the U.S. From a growth perspective, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth, surpassing the North American cleaning services market by 2019. The growth would be driven by the increase in demand from countries such as China, Japan, and India. Popularity of such services has increased due to rise in economy and escalation in construction of commercial and non-commercial buildings, which is one of the major growth factors. Moreover, increased disposable income of individuals and rise in awareness towards higher education of girls is expected to increase the demand for various cleaning services in the region.KEY FINDINGS OF THE CLEANING SERVICES MARKETSTUDY North America accounted for the maximum revenue of the global cleaning services market in 2015, followed by Asia-Pacific. Asia-Pacific is expected to achieve the fastest growth rate from 2016 to 2022. In the year 2015, commercial cleaning services market segment generated the highest revenue in the global cleaning services market. Carpet & upholstery segment is anticipated to witness the CAGR in the overall residential cleaning services market, during 2016 - 2022. In the commercial cleaning market, vacuuming is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.Partnership is one of the most widely adopted key growth strategies by existing market players. For instance, companies such as Stanley Steemer International, Inc., Aramark Corporation and Jani-King Inc. made several partnerships to expand their market and product line. The key players profiled in the report are ABM Industries Inc., The Service Master Company, LLC, CleanNet, Anago Cleaning Systems, Aramark Corporation, Sodexo, Jani-King Inc., Stanley Steemer International, Inc., Chem-Dry, and Pritchard Industries Inc.Allied Market Research is a global market research and business consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of Market Research Reports and Business Intelligence Solutions. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.Our market research department starts with the research task considering specific concerns and ambitions of the client. We understand that every market is driven by certain key factors locally as well as globally. Our analysts dig out those factors, helping clients understand the importance and impact of every such driving force. Moreover, possible restraints of the market are discovered and suggestions to tackle those restraints are formulated after extensive research and analysis of the overall market conditions. Making an even deeper insight, we analyze the market trend including both qualitative and quantitative present market scenario in every geographical region segmented as per the business domain concerned and overall performance in different regions throughout the globe.Pune ( India )Office No.102D & E,2nd Floor,A-3 Building E space IT park ,Pune Nagar Road,Pune 411014.Tel: +91 20 66346060help@alliedmarketresearch.com
Next Generation Biometrics Market - Favorable Government Initiatives Adopted Globally To Restrict Illegal Entry Acts As Growth Driver

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Global Next Generation Biometrics Market: OverviewThe identification and security systems deployed across organizations have evolved a great deal in the past few years. Many recent advances introduced in these systems have considerably benefited businesses worldwide in fortifying their security. Next generation biometrics is one such technology that has been witnessing rising demand around the world.Biometrics technologies are automated methods used for verifying and authenticating the identity of a person based on behavioral or physical characteristics such as fingerprints, voice patterns, vein and signature patterns, facial patterns, hand measurements, and eye retina and iris. Biometrics has emerged as a popular method of verifying the identity of a person under surveillance. The basic premise of the technology is based on the fact that every person is unique and it is possible to identify him/her by the intrinsic physical or behavioral traits.PDF Sample For Latest Innovations And Advancements @Next generation biometrics has gained incredible popularity in the last few years, mainly because of the favorable government initiatives adopted globally to restrict illegal entry. The technology has also gained impetus from the introduction of e-passports and its increasing use in criminal identification. Furthermore, the growing use of biometrics in cloud computing and e-commerce solutions is expected to provide lucrative opportunities for the global next generation biometrics market.This multi-billion dollar market is anticipated to further gain from the rising applications in the travel and immigration industries. Over the reports forecast period, the market is poised to exhibit an impressive CAGR. The report a comprehensive overview of the next generation biometrics market, presenting insights into the key drivers and restraints impacting the markets growth.Next Generation Biometrics Market: Key Opportunities and ThreatsThe next generation biometrics technology offers a high degree of privacy, accuracy, ease of use, interoperability, and uniformity across the system. The growing awareness about the benefits offered by biometrics has been crucial in driving the market for the technology behind it. Furthermore, biometric technology enables storage of information in the digital format, which is nearly impossible to decipher and reconstruct.Owing to its exceptional features, the next generation biometrics technology finds use across varied applications ranging from health care, government, defense, and border security to commercial security, travel and immigration, and banking and finance. The increasing government funding for deploying biometric technology across various economic sectors has been a major factor boosting the global next generation biometrics market.Despite witnessing widespread application across various sectors, the high cost incurred in deploying the system and the risk of privacy intrusion are a few factors inhibiting the growth of the market. Nevertheless, the increasing use of the technology in ecommerce and cloud computing is estimated to provide considerable growth opportunities for the market.View Comprehensive Analysis of the Report @The global next generation biometrics market has been classified on the basis of type into fingerprint recognition, face recognition, iris recognition, voice recognition, palm print recognition, vein recognition, and signature recognition. Based on application, the market has been segmented into banking and finance, government, travel and immigration, defense, government, health care, electronics, commercial security, home security, and other applications. Regionally, the market has been segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World.Next Generation Biometrics Market: Vendor LandscapeIn order to study the prevailing vendor landscape of the market, the report profiles players operating therein such as Fujitsu Ltd., 3M, Fulcrum Biometrics, and Cross Match Technologies, Inc. Strengths and weaknesses of companies profiled are determined using the SWOT analysis. The analysis also includes the opportunities and threats that these companies may face during the forecast period.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.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Analog Integrated Circuits (ICs) Market - Merchant Vendors Implement A Defined Set Of Strategies To Retain Their Legacy

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Analog integrated circuit (IC) also known as linear integrated circuit is a solid-state analog device defined by a countless number of possible operating states. The analog IC works over a continuous range of input levels as against digital ICs having only two levels of input and output voltages  low and high i.e. binary. The circuit is used to process, receive and generate a various levels of energy as the device operates. Devices that require oscillators, DC amplifiers, audio amplifiers, and multi-vibrators always make use of analog IC, which is characterized by equal output and input signal levels. Linear ICs are used for different functions that require variable output signal for radio-frequency and audio-frequency amplifiers. The mostly used linear IC is an operational amplifier (op-amp), which is made up of conventional analog circuit consisting of resistors, transistors and diodes. Analog ICs are gradually being utilized in various LED lightning applications such as traffic light indicators, stadium displays, and data communication for managing power efficiency.The global analog IC market can be segmented on the basis of its types, market environment, different industry verticals and geographical presence worldwide. On the basis of its types, the global analog IC market is divided into general purpose and application-specific ICs. General purpose analog ICs are utilized for multiple applications such as data converters, comparators, and amplifiers, among others. On the other hand, application specific analog ICs are used to perform specific functions such as radio frequency (RF) transceivers, display drivers, touch sensors, timing control, Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) , and LED drivers, among others. By market environment, the market is segregated into merchant IC and small-scale IC fabrication companies. Merchant vendors implement a defined set of strategies to retain their legacy in the analog IC market such as competitive price, special product design skills and extensive range of product sets, worldwide distribution and extensive range of support network. The new entrants are small-scale IC fabrication organizations, focused on a particular product category they deal with. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor deals with discrete voltage regulators, semiconductors, and op-amps. Richtek Technology Corporation (power management and LED drivers) and Global Mixed-mode Technology Inc. (power management, audio and switches) are some of the major players concentrating on explicit domains. By different industry verticals, the market is classified into automotive, IT & telecommunications, consumer electronics and healthcare. Geographically, the analog IC market in North America is currently driven by the rising avionic, infrastructural, and various industrial applications. The analog IC market in Europe is anticipated to be accelerated by the different automobile manufacturers with their product units in Europe.PDF Sample For Complete Analysis @The global analog IC market is expected to continue its prominence with its advantages such as diverse functionality and small size. The market growth is fuelled by the use of analog ICs in dynamic application areas such as healthcare monitoring, LED lighting, collision prevention, and utility in automotive applications. Automotive leaders such as Toyota, Ford, Volkswagen, BMW and Renault are encouraging the use of analog ICs to bring better automation in their electronic circuitry. A huge range of opportunities for the analog IC market can be seen in Asia Pacific due to growing consumer electronics adoption by the tech-savvy customers. Moreover, the rising penetration of application-specific analog ICs can be seen in IC content of mobile devices and DVDs, among other consumer electronics products. Application-specific analog ICs are anticipated to be one of the attractive segments for different start-up companies in future.Some of the major players in the market include Qualcomm Inc., Analog Devices Inc., Maxim Integrated Products Inc., Texas Instruments Inc., STMicroelectronics NV, Infineon Technologies AG, Richtek Technology Corporation, Global Mixed-mode Technology Inc., and Taiwan Semiconductor, among others.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.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Pyrargyrite Market 2016 - Nevada, Gallerie, Dakota, TheImage, Crystal Classics, World of Minerals

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To begin with, the report defines the Pyrargyrite market and segments it based on the most important dynamics, such as applications, geographical/regional markets, and competitive scenario. Furthermore Pyrargyrite market report provides detail analysis, forecast, Size, share, outlook, current trends, market demand, market growth. Macroeconomic and microeconomic factors environments that currently prevail and also those that are projected to emerge are covered in this report.This report studies Pyrargyrite in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturerDownload Free Sample Report@Covering ManufacturersNevadaGallerieDakotaTheImageCrystal ClassicsWorld of MineralsMinerals MexicoGemstoneskioskMine-EngineerRockstoneMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Pyrargyrite in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast)Split by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoPurity90%Access Full Report@Split by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Pyrargyrite in each application, can be divided intoMilitaryBatteryChemicalsOthersTable of ContentsGlobal Pyrargyrite Market Research Report 20161 Pyrargyrite Market Overview2 Global Pyrargyrite Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Pyrargyrite Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)4 Global Pyrargyrite Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Pyrargyrite Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Pyrargyrite Market Analysis by ApplicationFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Mark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Yoga Mat Market to Expand at CAGR of 5.89% from 2017 to 2022 : Manufacturing, Analysis, Size, Share, Trends

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"The Report Global Yoga Mat Consumption Market 2016 Market Research Report provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"MarketResearchReports.biz has announced the addition of the Global Yoga Mat Consumption Market 2016 Market Research Report report to its offering. According to the market research report, the global yoga mat market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.89% from 2017 to 2022, after being valued at close to US$1.1 bn in 2015.According to this report on the global yoga mat market, the sale of yoga mats has increased from 26.5 mn pcs in 2011 to 35.31 mn pcs in 2015, exhibiting a CAGR of over 5.87%. The USA, China, Europe, and India have led the global yoga mat market, with the USA exhibiting the largest consumption, followed by Europe.Yoga mats are designed to specially aid people when practicing yoga, by preventing hands and feet from slipping during yoga practice. Yoga mats are used majorly at homes and yoga studios.The market study covers every aspect of the market for yoga mats across the globe, beginning with a basic overview of the yoga mat industry, its classification, applications, the developmental policies and plans, and the industrys structure. It also discusses the manufacturing process and the cost structure thereof, where the details of raw material suppliers and price analysis of yoga mats are provided, and equipment suppliers and the price analysis and labor and other cost analysis are given. Development trends in the yoga mat market and its marketing channels are also analyzed. Feasibility of new investments is assessed, along with research conclusions.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @The report is very useful for industry participants, as it provides valuable guidance and direction for companies and individuals, by offering major statistics on the state of the yoga mat industry. It profiles key companies in the yoga mat industry and offers their product specifications and pictures, sales data, contact information, and market share. The report gives an in-depth analysis of the yoga mat markets size, price structure, sales by company, sales by product type, sales by application, and sales by region. A detailed analysis of yoga mat sales, price, and market size for India, the U.S.A, China, and Europe has been presented in the report.The report classifies the yoga mat market into PVC yoga mats, rubber yoga mats and TPE yoga mats. Major applications of yoga mats discussed in the report are yoga mats for yoga clubs and yoga mats for household purposes. Distributor analysis of yoga mats, wherein a detailed description of the marketing channels of yoga mats and contact information of traders or distributors is provided.View Press Release @Major yoga mat companies that have been analyzed in the report are Lululemon, Manduka PROlite, Jade Yoga, Hugger Mugger Para Rubber, PrAna Revolutionary, Gaiam, Easyoga, HATHAYOGA, Kharma Khare, Hosa Group, Yogabum, Aerolite, Aurorae, Barefoot Yoga, Keep Well, Khataland, Microcell Composite, Yogarugs, Copeactive, Yogasana, A. Kolckmann, JiangXi Lveten Plastic, Liforme, Starlight Yoga, and Bean Products.About usMarketResearchReports.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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Worldwide Process Liquid Analyzer Market By Analysis of Major Industry Segments 2024

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The global market for process analyzers for liquids can be segmented based on geographical regions, on the type of analyzer, and by application or end use. The key geographical segments of the market are: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. North America currently represents the largest regional market for process liquid analyzers. The region, which is home to large industrial bases, will likely continue to exhibit a high demand for process liquid analyzers. Moreover, the massive manufacturing sectors in countries such as India and China will also boost sales in the global process liquid analyzers market.The report on the global process liquid analyzers market makes use of meticulous primary and secondary research to highlight the changes that are occurring in this space. Untapped opportunities are also determined using both qualitative and quantitative analysis. A dedicated chapter on the top players in the market helps companies map the competitive landscape.Download PDF brochure for this Report:In the manufacturing sector, the precise measurement of liquids and gases is crucial. This report focuses on how the demand for process analyzers for liquids has changed over the years and the factors that have brought this change into effect. Process liquid analyzers may be used for measuring a wide range of dissolved ingredients, the conductivity of liquid materials, their pH levels, turbidity, or other factors that are integral to manufacturing operations.Since these devices lend themselves to a myriad of operations, their use is not limited to a particular industry. They are a ubiquitous part of the following industries: Electronics and semiconductor, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, metal and alloys, pulp and paper, textiles, waste water and water management, power and refineries, and oil and gas. Because of these wide-ranging uses of process liquid analyzers, their demand is projected to remain consistently high worldwide. TMR projects a positive outlook for the global process liquid analyzer market till 2024.With manufacturing operations being increasingly governed by demanding standards and specifications, using devices that offer accurate readings are a priority for manufacturers. This need will augur well for the global process liquid analyzer market in the years ahead.Global Process Liquid Analyzer Market: Trends, Drivers, and RestraintsThe use of process liquid analyzers has seen an uptick in recent years in developing countries where industrialization is spreading fast. Moreover, larger companies acquiring niche market players to include specialized products in their portfolios is a defining trend in the global process liquid analyzer market. The launch of smart and integrated sensors is the biggest trend currently in developed countries. The adoption of intelligent sensors may take a few years in developing markets.As the number of vendors in the global process liquid analyzer market is high, competition across the world is intense. Thus, companies that have been able to ace product differentiation have emerged as leaders. Yet, the market will have to counter forces such as a shortage of specialized process technicians and the lack of adequate professional support for maintenance projects.Global Process Liquid Analyzer Market: SegmentationCountries in Europe are expected to fare well as far as demand for process liquid analyzers is concerned. The strong performance of the pharmaceutical and allied industries can be credited for this. The report analyzes the market for process analyzers for liquids in a detailed manner to help readers uncover emergent trends and opportunities.The market is characterized by a remarkably high number of vendors operating both locally and internationally. Top companies that have been profiled in the report include: Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan), Cemtrex Inc. (U.S), Emerson Electric Co. (U.S), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), AMETEK Process Instruments (U.S.), and others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Browse Full Research Report on Process Liquid Analyzer 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e 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.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
Americans Now Evenly Divided on Impeaching TrumpPPP's new national poll finds that Donald Trump's popularity as President has declined precipitously just over the last two weeks. On our first poll of his Presidency voters were evenly divided on Trump, with 44% approving of him and 44% also disapproving. Now his approval rating is 43%, while his disapproval has gone all the way up to 53%. If voters could choose they'd rather have both Barack Obama (52/44) or Hillary Clinton (49/45) instead of Trump.Just three weeks into his administration, voters are already evenly divided on the issue of impeaching Trump with 46% in favor and 46% opposed. Support for impeaching Trump has crept up from 35% 2 weeks ago, to 40% last week, to its 46% standing this week. While Clinton voters initially only supported Trump's impeachment 65/14, after seeing him in office over the last few weeks that's gone up already to 83/6.Here are the reasons things are going bad for Trump:-Voters think he's over reaching to make a country safe...that they already consider to be safe. 66% of Americans consider the United States to be a safe country, to only 23% who consider it unsafe. Perhaps as an outgrowth of that sentiment only 45% of voters support Trump's Executive Order on immigration, to 49% who are opposed to it. Among those who do support it you have to wonder how well thought out their position is- by a 51/23 margin Trump voters say that the Bowling Green Massacre shows why Trump's immigration policy is needed.By a 48/43 spread, voters do think that the intent of the Executive Order is to be a Muslim ban. And just 22% support a Muslim ban, to 65% who are opposed. The order has also increasingly raised issues about Trump's competence in voters' eyes- only 27% think the Executive Order was well executed, to 66% who think it was poorly executed. The spread on that question was 39/55 when we asked last week.Another aspect of voters already feeling safe is that they don't want to pay for the wall with Mexico. Just 32% support a 20% tax on items imported to the United States from Mexico, to 55% who are opposed to that concept. And in general only 37% of voters want the wall if US taxpayers have to front the cost for it, to 56% who are against that.-Voters are concerned by the implications of Trump's fight with the Judiciary. 53% of voters say they trust Judges more to make the right decisions for the United States, to only 38% who trust Trump more. And only 25% of voters think Trump should be able to overturn decisions by Judges that he disagrees with, to 64% who don't think he should be able to do that. Trump voters have evidently had enough of the Constitution and those pesky checks and balances though- 51% of them think he should personally be able to overturn decisions he doesn't agree with, to only 33% who dissent.-Voters don't like the people Trump has surrounded himself with. Betsy DeVos may have been confirmed this week, but she made a horrible impression on the public. Only 27% of voters see her positively to 49% with a negative opinion of her. Clinton voters are almost unanimous in their distaste for her (5/83 favorability), while she doesn't generate nearly an equivalent amount of enthusiasm from Trump voters (53/12 favorability.) Other people close to Trump have come off poorly as well- Steve Bannon has a 22/45 favorability rating, Kellyanne Conway's is 34/47, and Sean Spicer's is 32/41.-Voters continue to have a lot of basic transparency concerns when it comes to Trump. 62% think he needs to fully divest himself from his business interests, to only 27% who don't think it's necessary for him to do that. And 58% want him to release his tax returns, to just 31% who don't think he needs to. In fact by a 53/32 spread, voters would support a law requiring that candidates for President release 5 years of their tax returns in order to appear on the ballot.-Voters are concerned that in the realm of foreign policy, Trump likes who they don't like and doesn't like who they do like. Trump has antagonized Australia, which Americans give a 76/5 favorability rating. Meanwhile he has been warm to Russia, which Americans give a 13/63 favorability rating. He's threatened to invade Mexico- a course that only 7% of voters support while 83% oppose it- while making nice comments about Vladimir Putin, who Americans give a 10/72 favorability to.-Voters are concerned about Trump taking away Obamacare. 47% of voters now say they support the Affordable Care Act to only 39% who are opposed. It just keeps getting more popular. And only 32% think the best course of action to take on health care is repealing the ACA, while 65% would like Congress to keep it and just fix parts that need fixing.-Voters are increasingly taking the media's side in his fights with them. The New York Times has repeatedly been a target of Trump's attacks, but voters say they think the Times had more credibility than them 52/37. Trump seems to be losing ground in that conflict- he was only down 51/42 a week ago. The Presidency has been so diminished over the last 3 weeks that voters even say Saturday Night Live has more credibility than Trump, 48/43.
New Market Research Report Announced Global Laser 3D Scanner Industry Analysis 2016  2021

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Laser 3D Scanner Market Professional Survey Report 2016" to its huge collection of research reports.This market intelligence report examines extensively the trends in the global Laser 3D Scanner market. It highlights the latest market state, the progress pattern in the previous years, and the prospects present for market participants in the near future. The research methods and tools employed in the achievement of this research publication are both secondary and primary. The market intelligence study also provides facts about the investments initiated by several organizations, institutions, government, and non-government authorities and regulatory bodies.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The publication further presents a valuation of the facets that are likely to prevent or encourage the expansion of the global Laser 3D Scanner market. The global Laser 3D Scanner market has been examined scrupulously based on aspects such as application, technology, product, end user, and geographical segment. An examination has been carried out in the research report of the chief regional segments and their respective place and share in the Laser 3D Scanner market. The estimated revenue and volume valuation of the global market for Laser 3D Scanner has also been stated in the study.An estimate of the market attractiveness and the level of competition that new entrants along with their new products are likely to offer to the experienced products and players has also been delivered in the market research publication. The market report also discusses the new expansions, the innovations, branding techniques, marketing approaches, and products of the chief players operational in the global Laser 3D Scanner market. The vendor landscape has been broadly scrutinized employing the Porters five forces and value chain analysis to deliver a strong conception of the market. The challenges and opportunities in the near future for the key participants have also been stressed upon in the research publication.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Laser 3D Scanner1.1 Definition and Specifications of Laser 3D Scanner1.1.1 Definition of Laser 3D Scanner1.1.2 Specifications of Laser 3D Scanner1.2 Classification of Laser 3D Scanner1.3 Applications of Laser 3D Scanner1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Laser 3D Scanner1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Laser 3D Scanner1.5.1 Industry Overview of Laser 3D Scanner1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Laser 3D Scanner1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Laser 3D Scanner1.7 Industry News Analysis of Laser 3D Scanner2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Laser 3D Scanner2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Laser 3D Scanner2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Laser 3D Scanner2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Laser 3D Scanner2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Laser 3D Scanner2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Laser 3D Scanner2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Laser 3D Scanner3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Laser 3D Scanner3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Laser 3D Scanner Major Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Laser 3D Scanner Major Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Laser 3D Scanner Major Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Laser 3D Scanner Major Manufacturers in 2015For Latest QYResearchreports Press Release Visit @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market to See Radical Growth: Key Drivers & Potential Applications 2022

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The Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market is expected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period. Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market report focuses on the major drivers and restraints for the key players. It also provides granular analysis of the market share, segmentation, revenue forecasts and geographic regions of the market. The Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market research report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market.In depth analysis of Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market is a crucial thing for various stakeholders like investors, CEOs, traders, suppliers and others. The Market research report is a resource, which provides technical and financial details of the industry.Browse more detail information about Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market at:Key Benefits for Stakeholders The study provides an extensive assessment of both the current and emerging industrial trends backed by in-depth information on business environment Evaluation of the effective marketing strategies and business channel outlined in the report forms an important part of the study SWOT analysis of the major brands exhibits the major strengths and weaknesses of key players The research further examines competitive landscape to enable business owners identify the competitive scenario and business prospects across different regions The research pinpoints new policies, news and technology development contributing to the market growth.Next part of the Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market analysis report speaks about the manufacturing process. The process is analysed thoroughly with respect three points, viz. raw material and equipment suppliers, various manufacturing associated costs (material cost, labour cost, etc.) and the actual process.To provide information on competitive landscape, this report includes detailed profiles of Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market key players. For each player, product details, capacity, price, cost, gross and revenue numbers are given. Their contact information is provided for better understanding.Following are the key players covered in this Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market research report: GE Siemens Panasonic TuttnauerNo. of Report Pages: 127Price of Report (Single User Licence): $ 4000Get a PDF Sample of Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market Research Report at:After the basic information, the Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market report sheds light on the production. Production plants, their capacities, global production and revenue are studied. Also, the Market growth in various regions and R&D status are also covered.Topics such as sales and sales revenue overview, production market share by product type, capacity and production overview, import, export, and consumption are covered under the development trend section of the Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market report.Key Topics Covered in the Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Report: Introduction Research Methodology Executive Summary Premium Insights Market Overview Industry Insights Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market, By Type Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market, By Application Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market, By End User Geographic Analysis Competitive Landscape Company ProfilesPurchase the Report Now @Further in the Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market Analysis report, the Market is examined for price, cost and gross. These three points are analysed for types, companies and regions. In continuation with this data sale price is for various types, applications and region is also included.The Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market for major regions is given. Additionally, type wise and application wise consumption figures are also given.Scope of the Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market on the basis of region: North America Europe China Japan Southeast Asia IndiaLastly, the feasibility analysis of new project investment is done in the report, which consist of a detailed SWOT analysis of the Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market. Both established and new players in the industry can use this report for complete understanding of the market.Key questions answered in Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market report: What are the key trends in Medical Sterilizing Machines Sales Market? What are the Growth Challenges of this market? What will the market size & growth be in 2021? What are the key factors driving this market? Who are the key vendors in this market space? How key drivers and challenges impact this market? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? What are the market opportunities, market risk and market overview? How revenue of this market in previous & next coming years?About Absolute Reports:Absolute Reports is an upscale platform to help key personnel in the business world in strategizing and taking visionary decisions based on facts and figures derived from in depth market research. We are one of the top report resellers in the market, dedicated towards bringing an ingenious concoction of data parameters.Mr. Ameya PingaleyAbsolute ReportsSilverSpring Baner, PUne 411045+1-408 520 9750Email  sales@absolutereports.com
E-Clinical Solution Software Market - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast Upto 2020

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E-Clinical Solution Software Market: OverviewThe present-day healthcare industry, with an increasingly connected and technology advanced operational infrastructure, has become one of the largest producers of private and sensitive information about the millions of patients it caters to on an everyday basis. The overwhelming volume patient data produced from hospitals, clinics, medical networks, diagnostic laboratories, insurance companies, and the several other parties and sources to an internal network requires highly effective ways of managing it.PDF for Future Market Analysis of E-Clinical Solution Software is available at:With just the data from paperwork and medical records contributing to a mammoth share of the vast data volume it produces, additional data being poured in from sources such as clinical trials, remote monitoring devices, and research makes data management in healthcare sector a huge issue requiring proper digital intervention. This report on the global e-clinical solution market presents a detailed overview of the present growth dynamics of this immensely high-growth potential market. The report also includes vast predictions about the growth prospects of the market and its segments over the period between 2014 and 2020.The report analyzes the variety of software products specifically designed to cater to the data management, processing, and transfer needs of the global healthcare industry. The report examines the key aspects expected to have a significant influence on the overall growth dynamics of the market over the said period. As such, factors such as growth drivers, opportunities, trends, challenges, competitive landscape, and regulatory aspects governing the market across key regional markets are examined.E-Clinical Solution Software Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe vast rise in availability of highly reliable and high-speed internet connectivity and easy access to advanced computer systems have made industries such as clinical trial and research industries extremely sophisticated and connected. The healthcare infrastructure across the globe is also becoming increasingly connected and digitized, making easy the convergence of data from a variety of healthcare platforms at a central node. The healthcare industry is increasingly realizing the need for effective and sophisticated e-clinical solutions to manage all this data.E-clinical solutions are also being favored more than manually operated and paper-based data management and storage systems owing to the obvious benefits of computerized systems over manual ones in terms of effectiveness, speed, cost, and productivity. The rising competition in the market has led to the entry of a large number of companies in the scene, allowing the availability of an increasing number of products and solutions and reduction in cost. Cost reductions in e-clinical solutions are considered to be beneficial for targeting consumers in developing economies, which make for one of the high-growth consumer sectors owing to vast untapped opportunities.E-Clinical Solution Software Market: SegmentationThe report segments the market on the basis of aspects such as mode of delivery, product, end-user, and geography.On the basis of mode of delivery, the global e-clinical solution market has been segmented into licensed enterprise, cloud-based, and web -based e-clinical solution software. From the perspective of type of product, the market is segmented into electronic clinical outcome assessment, clinical data management, trial supply management, clinical trial management, randomization, and safety software solutions.The key end-use sectors of e-clinical software solution examined in the report are chemical research organizations, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical. Geographically, the market is examined for Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest of the World (RoW).Read the Current Market Analysis of E-Clinical Solution Software at:E-Clinical Solution Software Market: Competitive LandscapeSome of the notable vendors operating in the global e-clinical software solution market profiled in the report are Oracle Corporation, PAREXEL International Corporation, Medidata Solutions, OmniComm Systems, and BioClinica.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:
The Self-Organizing Networks (SON) Ecosystem: 2014 - 2020 | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "The Self-Organizing Networks (SON) Ecosystem: 2014 - 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Self-Organizing Network (SON) technology minimizes the lifecycle cost of running a wireless carrier network by eliminating manual configuration of equipment at the time of deployment, right through to dynamically optimizing performance and troubleshooting during operation. This can significantly reduce the cost of the carriers services, improving the OpEx to revenue ratio.Amid growing demands for mobile broadband connectivity, wireless carriers are keen to capitalize on SON to minimize rollout delays and operational expenditures associated with their ongoing LTE and small cell deployments.Originally targeted for the Radio Access Network (RAN) segment of wireless carrier networks, SON technology is now also utilized in the mobile core and mobile backhaul segments. Furthermore, the SON ecosystem is increasingly witnessing convergence with other technological innovations such as Big Data analytics and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).Despite challenges relating to implementation complexities and multi-vendor interoperability, SON revenue is expected to grow to more than $3 Billion by the end of 2016, exceeding conventional mobile network optimization revenue by over 20%.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The Self-Organizing Networks (SON) Ecosystem: 2014  2020 report presents an in-depth assessment of the SON and associated mobile network optimization ecosystem including key market drivers, challenges, OpEx and CapEx savings potential, use cases, SON deployment case studies, future roadmap, value chain, vendor analysis and strategies. The report also presents revenue forecasts for both SON and conventional mobile network optimization, along with individual projections for 8 SON submarkets from 2014 through to 2020. Historical figures are also presented for 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.The report comes with an associated Excel datasheet suite covering quantitative data from all numeric forecasts presented in the report.Key Findings:The report has the following key findings:- Despite challenges relating to implementation complexities and multi-vendor interoperability, SON revenue is expected to grow to more than $3 Billion by the end of 2016, exceeding conventional mobile network optimization revenue by over 20%- Driven by large scale TD-LTE rollouts and ongoing SON deployments, the Asia Pacific region will account for nearly 40% of the global mobile network optimization market by 2016- SNS Research estimates that SON can enable wireless carriers to save up to 35% of their electrical power consumption by dynamically by activating and deactivating RAN nodes in line with the changing traffic and user distribution profile- SNS Research estimates that a Tier 1 wireless carrier can save as much as 32% of its overall OpEx by employing SON across the RAN, mobile core and mobile backhaul segments of the network- Wireless carriers have reported up to a 40% reduction in dropped calls and over 20% higher data rates with SON implementation- Infrastructure and software incumbents are aggressively eyeing on acquisitions of smaller established C-SON players to accelerate their early entry path into the C-SON marketTopics Covered:The report covers the following topics:- Conventional mobile network planning & optimization- SON technology and architecture- Key benefits and market drivers of SON- Challenges to SON adoption- SON use cases- SON deployment case studies- Company profiles and strategies of over 60 SON ecosystem players- OpEx and CapEx saving analysis of SON- Wireless network infrastructure spending and traffic projections- Wireless network infrastructure industry roadmap and value chain- Future roadmap of the SON ecosystem- Convergence of SON with other technologies (such as Big Data analytics)- Strategic recommendations for SON solution providers, wireless infrastructure OEMs and wireless carriers- Market analysis and forecasts from 2014 till 2020Forecast Segmentation:Market forecasts and historical figures are provided for each of the following submarkets and their subcategories:- Mobile Network Optimization- SON- Conventional Mobile Network Planning & Optimization- SON Submarkets- Macrocell RAN- HetNet/Small Cell RAN- Mobile Core- Mobile Backhaul- SON Architecture Submarkets- C-SON (Centralized SON)- D-SON (Distributed SON)- SON Wireless Network Generation Submarkets- 2G/3G- 4G- SON CapEx & OpEx Savings Submarkets- RAN- Mobile Core- Mobile Backhaul- Regional Submarkets- Asia Pacific- Eastern Europe- Latin & Central America- Middle East & Africa- North America- Western EuropeKey Questions Answered:The report provides answers to the following key questions:- How big is the SON and mobile network optimization ecosystem?- How is the ecosystem evolving by segment and region?- What will the market size be in 2020 and at what rate will it grow?- What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?- Who are the key SON vendors and what are their strategies?- What is the outlook for QoE based SON solutions?- What is the outlook for C-SON and D-SON adoption?- What is the outlook for SON associated OpEx savings by region?- How will SON investments compare with those on traditional mobile network optimization?- What opportunities exist for SON in mobile core and mobile backhaul?- How will SON use cases evolve overtime in 3GPP releases?- Which regions will see the highest number of SON investments?- How much will wireless carriers invest in SON solutions?"Countires Covered- Afghanistan- Albania- Algeria- Andorra- Angola- Anguilla- Antigua & Barbuda- Argentina- Armenia- Aruba- Australia- Austria- Azerbaijan- Bahamas- Bahrain- Bangladesh- Barbados- Belarus- Belgium- Belize- Benin- Bermuda- Bhutan- Bolivia- Bosnia Herzegovina- Botswana- Brazil- British Virgin Islands- Brunei- Bulgaria- Burkina Faso- BurundiMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
The 2G, 3G and 4G Wireless Network Infrastructure Market with an Evaluation of WiFi and WiMAX 2014 - 2020 | Latest Study

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "The 2G, 3G and 4G Wireless Network Infrastructure Market: 2014 - 2020 - with an Evaluation of WiFi and WiMAX" to its huge collection of research reports.The wireless network infrastructure market is currently in a phase of transition as mobile network operators seek to address increasing mobile traffic demands amidst global economic uncertainties. This paradigm shift is bringing new challenges and opportunities to infrastructure vendors.In 2013, global 2G, 3G and 4G wireless infrastructure revenues stood at $52 Billion. SNS Research estimates that these revenues, from macrocell Radio Access Network (RAN) and core network investments will remain flat in 2014. However, the market is expected to decline at a CAGR of 2% over the next 6 years, eventually shrinking to $47 Billion by the end of 2020.Although, the new wave of 4G LTE macrocell Radio Access Network (RAN) and core network investments will not be able to compensate the overall declines in 2G, 3G and WiMAX equipment sales, operators are expected to significantly increase their spending in the evolving HetNet market, which encompasses small cell, carrier WiFi, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and cloud RAN equipment. Small cell and carrier WiFi equipment alone will represent a market worth $4 Billion in 2015. Supplemented further by DAS and Cloud RAN investments, the HetNet sector is attracting considerable attention from both established vendors as well as startups which solely focus on the market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Spanning over 842 pages, "The 2G, 3G and 4G Wireless Network Infrastructure Market: 2014  2020  with an Evaluation of WiFi and WiMAX"report package encompasses two comprehensive reports from covering both the conventional 2G, 3G and 4G wireless network infrastructure market as well as the HetNet market:- The Wireless Network Infrastructure Bible: 2014  2020 - Macrocell RAN, Small Cells, RRH, DAS, Cloud RAN, Carrier WiFi, Mobile Core & Backhaul- The HetNet Bible (Small Cells and Carrier WiFi) - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies and Forecasts: 2013  2020  With an Evaluation of DAS & Cloud RAN- This report package provides an in-depth assessment of the 2G, 3G and 4G wireless network infrastructure market and also explores the HetNet and the mobile backhaul markets. Besides analyzing the key market drivers, challenges, regional CapEx commitments and vendor strategies, the report package also presents revenue and unit shipment forecasts for the wireless network infrastructure, small cell, WiFi offload, DAS, cloud RAN and the mobile backhaul markets from 2014 to 2020 at a regional as well as a global scale. Historical figures and vendor shares are also provided for 2010 till 2013.Topics Covered:- The report package covers the following topics:- 2G (GSM and CDMA) technology and market trends- 3G (W-CDMA, TD-SCDMA and CDMA-2000) technology and market trends- 4G (LTE, WiMAX) technology and market trends- Core network equipment market trends- Mobile backhaul equipment and market trends- WiFi offload, small cell, DAS, cloud RAN and HetNet technology and market trends- Market drivers for wireless network infrastructure investments- Challenges to the wireless network infrastructure ecosystem- Vendor profiles and strategies- Global and regional market analysis and forecasts- SWOT analysis of the wireless network infrastructure marketKey Questions Answered:- The report package provides answers to the following key questions:- How is the 2G, 3G & 4G infrastructure market evolving by segment and region? What will the market size be in 2017 and at what rate will it grow?- What trends, challenges and barriers are influencing its growth?- How will the market shape for small cell infrastructure such as DAS, femtocells, picocells, microcells and other "HetNet" deployments?- How will WiFi fit into future network architectures for access and offload?- Who are the key vendors in the market, what is their market share and what are their strategies?- What strategies should be adopted by operators and vendors to remain a dominant market force?- Which 2G, 3G & 4G technology constitutes the highest amount of spending and how will this evolve overtime?- How will LTE deployments proceed, and how long will GSM, HSPA and CDMA technologies coexist with LTE?- When will WiMAX infrastructure spending diminish?- What is the global and regional outlook for RAN and core network sub-markets?- What is the opportunity for wireless backhaul market, and what new backhaul solutions are evolving?List of Companies Mentioned:The following companies and organizations have been reviewed, discussed or mentioned in the report:- 21 Vianet Group- 2K Telecom- 3 Austria- 3 Denmark- 3 HK- 3 Ireland- 3 Italia- 3 Sweden- 365 Media- 3Roam- 4ipnet- 6WIND- A1 Telekom- Aalborg University- Aalto-University- Ablaze- Accedian- Accel Partners- Accelleran- Accuris Networks- Acer- Acme Packet- Actelis- Actix- Adams NetWorks- Adara Venture Partners- ADLINK- ADTRAN- ADVA- Advanced RF Technologies- Advanced Wireless Technology Group (AWTG)- Advantech- Aepona- Aero2- Aerohive- Aeronet- Agilent Technologies- AICENT- Aircel- Aircell (Gogo Inflight Internet)- Aircom International- AirHop Communications- Airspan- Airtel Nigeria- Airvana- AIS/DPC Thailand- AJ Telecom Group- Al Madar- Alaska Communications- Albis Technologies- Albtelecom- Alcatel-Lucent- Alfa- Algar Telecom (CTBC)- Algerie Telecom- Alpha Networks- Altel- Altera- Altobridge- Alvarion- AlwaysOn- Amadeus Capital Partners- Amdocs- American Tower Corporation- Andorra Telecom- Andrew Corporation- Andrew/CommScope- Anite- Anixter- Anritsu- Antares Group- Antel- Anvaya Networks- Anziva Technologies- Aoptix- Applied Communication Sciences- Aptilo- Aptilo Networks- Aqiva Wireless- Aquafon- Argela- Aria- Aricent- Arieso- ARItel- Armentel- Arqiva- Aruba Networks- Asahi Kasei Microdevices- Asiaspace- Askey- Askey Computer Corporation- ASOCS- Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB)  Japan- Astellia- ASUS- AT&T- AT&T Mobility- Athena Wireless Communications- Atomico- Atrica- Augere Bangladesh- August Capital- Avanti- Avaya- Avea- Aviat Networks- Axell Wireless- Axerra Networks- Axis Teknologies- Azercell- AzerfonMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Death Care & Funeral Service Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report (2016-2020)

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Death Care & Funeral Service Market: Trends & Opportunities (2016-2020)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report titled Death Care & Funeral Service Market: Trends & Opportunities (2016-2020) provides an in-depth analysis of the death care and funeral service market with detailed analysis of market sizing and growth, market share and economic impact of the industry. The report also provides market size of cremation or burial services.The report provides detailed country analysis of the U.S. and Asian countries which include Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand for the death care and funeral service market. Country analysis includes market sizing by value along with the analysis of the segments of the market in each of the above mentioned countries.The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall death care and funeral service market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends. The competition in the death care and funeral service market is stiff and dominated by the big players like SCI in the U.S. Further, key players of the death care and funeral service market Nirvana Asia Ltd. and Fu Shou Yuan International Group in Asia are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Country Coverage- The U.S.- Malaysia- Singapore- Indonesia- Thailand- Company Coverage- Service Corporation International- Nirvana Asia Ltd.- Fu Shou Yuan International GroupExecutive SummaryThe term death care industry refers to the array of providers of funeral and burial goods and services, such as funeral directors, cemeteries, and third-party sellers. The death care industry is currently undergoing a major transformation.Historically, it has been fragmented, with limited overlap among various segments of the funeral and burial industries. Funeral homes and funeral directors sold funeral merchandise and services. Cemeteries sold burial merchandise and services. Cemeteries and monument/memorial dealers sold monuments and memorials. A funeral home or cemetery generally arranged cremation services, and independent florists sold flowers. Today, such distinctions are diminishing. The industry is consolidating. Large chains are buying and managing locally owned funeral homes and cemeteries. Many nonprofit cemeteries are now owned by, managed by, or otherwise affiliated with for-profit chains.Death care and funeral service market has increased at a significant CAGR during the period 2011-2015 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2016-2020 tremendously. Death care and funeral service market can be segmented on the basis of products into as-need and pre-need, of which, pre-need market exhibited greater increase as compared to as-need, driving the death care and funeral service market. The upsurge in the market was due to various factors such as rapid growth in urbanization, rising aging population along with the increasing awareness about various products and services provided by the organizations operating in the market.The major growth drivers for the death care and funeral service market are: strong economic growth, rapid urbanization, increase in disposable income, steady population growth, aging population & increase in death rate and unmet demand for premium death care services and products. Despite the market is governed by various growth drivers, there are certain challenges faced by the market such as: injuries from manual tasks, embalming operations biological exposure, embalming operations chemical exposure & musculoskeletal hazards, embalming room ventilation & maintenance and unique hazards during cremation.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Stationary Fuel Cells Industry Key Trends, Size, Growth, Strategies, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2014 to 2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Stationary Fuel Cells: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2014 to 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.WinterGreen Research announces that it has published a new study Stationary Fuel Cell Market Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2014 to 2020. The 2014 study has 603 pages, 258 tables and figures. Worldwide markets are poised to achieve significant growth as the Stationary Fuel Cells used to provide distributed power for campus environments achieve better technology and economies of scale. They have achieved grid parity in many cases. They improve and lower energy costs. They threaten to erode utility profitability.Stationary Fuel Cells are on the cusp of becoming commercially viable, creating companies that are profitable and produce electricity at or below parity with the grid giving every user alternatives to the grid. Bloom Energy has solved the SOFC engineering challenges. Breakthroughs in materials science, and revolutionary designs give Bloom SOFC technology a cost effective, all-electric solution.Vendors have solved the SOFC conundrum, developing new materials that make units affordable and provide energy device economies of scale and support for wind and solar renewable energy sources.Stationary fuel cells represent the base for distributed power generation worldwide. No more new coal plants, no mare extensions to the grid. Distributed power has become mainstream. Distributed generation (DG) refers to power generation at the point of consumption.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Generating power on-site, rather than centrally, eliminates the cost, complexity, interdependencies, and inefficiencies associated with energy transmission and distribution. Distributed energy is evolving in a manner like distributed PC and laptop computing, cars for transportation, and smart phones. As distributed Internet data and telephony have found a place in the market, so also will distributed energy generation become widespread. Distributed power shifts energy generation control to the consumer much to the consternation of the existing utility companies.Renewable energy is intermittent and needs stationary fuel cells for renewables to achieve mainstream adoption as a stable power source. Wind and solar power cannot be stored except by using the energy derived from these sources to make hydrogen that can be stored. Stationary fuel cells are likely to function as a battery in the long term, creating a way to use hydrogen that is manufactured from the renewable energy sources. It is likely that the wind and tide energy will be transported as electricity to a location where the hydrogen can be manufactured. It is far easier to transport electricity than to transport hydrogen. Hydrogen servers as an energy storage mechanism.Stationary fuel cell markets need government sponsorship. As government funding shifts from huge military obligations, sustainable energy policy becomes a compelling investment model for government.Stationary fuel cell markets at $1.2 billion in 2013 are projected to increase to $14.3 billion in 2020. Growth is anticipated to be based on demand for distributed power generation that uses natural gas. Systems provide clean energy that is good for the environment. Growth is based on global demand and will shift from simple growth to rapid growth measured as a penetration analysis as markets move beyond the early adopter stage. The big box retailers including many, led by Walmart, the data centers, and companies like Verizon are early adopters.Eventually hydrogen will be used as fuel in the same stationary fuel cell devices. The hydrogen is manufactured from solar farms. Stationary fuel cells have become more feasible as the industry is able to move beyond platinum catalysts.Companies ProfiledMarket Leaders- Bloom Energy- UTC- Ballard- Plug Power- FuelCell Energy- ClearEdge- HydrogenicsMarket Participants- Acumentrics- Advent Technologies- AFC Energy- Altergy- Ansaldo Fuel Cells- Ballard Power Systems- BASF- Blasch Precision Ceramics- Ceramic Fuel Cells- ClearEdge Power / UTC Power- Delphi- Doosan Corporation- Elcore- Enbridge- Fuji Electric- GE- HydroGen LLC- ITN Lithium Technology- ITN Plasmonics- LG Electronics- Nuvera- POSCO Power- Rolls Royce- SafeHydrogen LLC- Samsung- Serenergy- Siemens AG- SoftBank- SoftBank & Bloom Energy Joint Venture- Southern California Edison- Truma- Stationary Fuel Cell Forecasts- Stationary Fuel Cell Market Development- Continued Fuel Cell Commercialization- Fuel Cell Operation- Fuel Environmental Issues- Power of a Fuel Cell- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology- On Grid And Off Grid Issues- Impact of Deregulation- Fuel Cell Issues- Fuel Cell Reliability- Laws and regulations- Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)- Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells(PAFC)- Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC)- PEM Technology- Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)- Fuel Cells- PEM Fuel Cells- Platinum Catalysts- Vision For The New Electrical Grid- Fuel Cell Clean Air Permitting- Cycle Efficiency- Gas turbine- Hybrid Solid Oxide Fuel Cell- Energy Efficiency- Fuel Cell- Fuelcell Energy- Smart Grid- Utilities- Increased Power Density- Stationary Power ApplicationsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Wine Market To Reach A Global Consumption Of More Than 30 Billion Liters During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Wine Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Wine is an alcoholic drink produced by the fermentation of grapes or other fruits. It has various health benefits, if consumed in adequate amounts. Wine is the third-largest segment of the global alcoholic drinks market. The wine market has become mature in Europe, especially in Germany, France, and Italy. However, APAC has the most potential for the manufacturers and is growing at a rapid rate.Technavios analysts forecast the global wine market to reach a global consumption of more than 30 billion liters during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global wine market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the the revenue generated from the sales of wine products to individual consumers.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Wine 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 vendorsAccolade WinesConstellation BrandsE. & J. Gallo WineryThe WineTorresTreasury Wine EstatesVina Concha y ToroOther prominent vendorsDistellGlobal Drinks FinlandInternational Beverage HoldingsJohn DistilleriesSoyuz-VictanSPIMarket driverMergers and acquisitions in the marketFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeEffects of natural disasters and adverse weather conditionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncreasing demand for wine in US and ChinaFor 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?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Commercial Beverage Blender Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Forecast 2024

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A plastic material can be called as bioplastic if it is either bio-based, biodegradable, or possesses both the properties. The term bio-based means that the material or product is (partly) a resultant of biomass (plants). Biomass used for bioplastics is produced from the stems of crops, such as corn or sugarcane.Biodegradation refers to a chemical process under which microorganisms that are present in the environment transform materials into natural substances, such as water, carbon dioxide and compost.However, users are often not clear with the term biodegradation. A bioplastic called polylactic acid is derived from the plant feedstock and is not biodegradable. This proves that bioplastics are not always biodegradable. However, PET bio-plastic is recyclable just like PET made from natural gas and oil feedstock, as they are chemically the same.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights:Bioplastic packaging refers to use of bioplastics in packaging materials. The global bioplastics packaging market is expected to witness a strong growth owing to the increasing consumer awareness about nature friendly products and changing inclination of consumers towards sustainable products. Other growth drivers for the bioplastic packaging market include increased focus on sustainable packaging by brand owners and retail companies, global rise in implementation of plastic bag bans, etc.However, the complications associated with the production of bioplastic packaging materials through agro-based raw materials, coupled with the increasing production of crude oil and natural gas in the Middle East and Russia (leading to reduced oil prices), is anticipated to pose a threat to the overall growth of the bioplastic packaging market over the forecast period. Other factors which could hamper the market growth include high cost of biodegradable plastics as compared to petro plastics, as well as performance, durability, and quality concerns.The bioplastics packaging market can be segmented on the basis of end use industry into food and beverages, pharmaceuticals industry, electronics, and others. On the basis of material type, the market can be segmented into bio-PET, PLA and blends, starch blends, bio-PE, and others. On the basis of product type, the market can be segmented as flexible packaging and rigid packaging.In terms of geography, Europe is expected to be largest market for biodegradable plastics, in view of the strict government regulations against usage of non-recyclable plastic in the region. The European government has been taking major steps for increasing the usage of bio-based products for sustainable environment. Even the Government of India (GoI) has also been taking measures against the usage of plastic bags, which in turn is expected to have a positive impact on growth of the global bioplastics packaging market. The market in Europe is anticipated to be followed by the Asia Pacific market, due to presence of a large consumer base and awareness about bioplastic materials in the region.Key players in the bioplastics packaging market include BASF, Novamont, Arkema, Natureworks, Braskem, Acetati, Albis Plastics, Bayer Material Science, Biome Bioplastics, Biopearls, Innova Films, and IFS chemicals. Majority of the key players in the market are currently focusing on making the best use of bioplastics to come up innovative packaging ideas.Mergers and acquisitions has been a recent trend adopted by major players in the bio plastic market. For instance, in 2014, Novamont (Italy) acquired 78% shares of JV Mater Biopolymer srl (Italy), and intended to purchase the remaining shares of the company in 2016. JV Mater Biopolymer srl owns a production facility at Patrica, Italy, which was quite popular at the global level, and an ideal plant for Novamont for production of its Orio B range of polyesters. These polymers are used to improve the technical, economic, and environmental characteristics of Master Bi, Navomonts range of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics.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:
Rooftop Solar PV Global Industry 2018 | Research Report

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Rooftop Solar PV Global Industry 2018 | Research Report" to its huge collection of research reports.The Global Rooftop Solar PV Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Rooftop Solar PV industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Rooftop Solar PV market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.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 consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Rooftop Solar PV industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @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.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Rooftop Solar PV1.1 Definition and Specifications of Rooftop Solar PV1.1.1 Definition of Rooftop Solar PV1.1.2 Specifications of Rooftop Solar PV1.2 Classification of Rooftop Solar PV1.3 Applications of Rooftop Solar PV1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Rooftop Solar PV1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Rooftop Solar PV1.5.1 Industry Overview of Rooftop Solar PV1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Rooftop Solar PV1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Rooftop Solar PV1.7 Industry News Analysis of Rooftop Solar PV2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Rooftop Solar PV2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Rooftop Solar PV2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Rooftop Solar PV2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Rooftop Solar PV2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Rooftop Solar PV2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Rooftop Solar PVMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Mark Whipple said that he never wants to see his starter hurt, but the Illinois game was a particularly bad time. Backup quarterback Chubba Purdy had missed two days of practice with an injury.
Saudi Arabia Cement Market to Expand Their Businesses $5.27 Bn in 2020

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Zion Research has published a new report titled Cement Market for Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure and Other Applications: Saudi Arabia Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2014  2020 According to the report, Saudi arabia region demand for cement was valued at USD 3.90 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 5.27 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of slightly above 5.1% between 2014 and 2020. In terms of volume, the cement market in the Saudi Arabia stood at 61,000 kilo tons in 2014.Request Sample Report:Cement is a one of the key binding material used in construction industry. Cements acts as a binding agent for mortar, concrete, non-specialty grouts and stucco, etc. Cement is manufactured from raw materials such as limestone, sand and clay. These kinds of raw materials are widely available in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, cheap and widely available petroleum fuel has been resulted into cost effective manufacturing of cement in the region. Various physical and chemical properties of cement such as high durability, high dependability, cost-effectiveness and versatility are favorable for construction applications.Key factors driving the demand for cement market in Saudi Arabia is increasing the construction activity in different segments such as commercial, residential, industrial and infrastructure. Rapidly growing population has been resulted into growing demand for residential & commercial buildings as well as infrastructure. Residential application market for cement in Saudi Arabia is expected to witness strong growth during the forecast period. Infrastructure is one of the largest segment, which accounted for around 50% share of the total market in 2014. Infrastructure refers to the construction that includes roads, bridges, canals and dams. The increasing number of airports and road construction projects are anticipated to boost the cement market in Saudi Arabia. Commercial application is the second largest application segment of the market in 2014, which include construction of walls, floors, exterior walkways and pavements of commercial buildings.Do Inquiry before buying:The cement market was dominated by Central region of Saudi Arabia, which accounted for slightly above 32% share of the Saudi Arabia market in 2014. Saudi Arabia was followed by the Western, Eastern, Southern and northern regions respectively. Cement market in central region is also expected to witness rapid growth as compared to other regions. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in construction activities in the Saudi Arabia, especially in the eastern and central provinces. Various cities in the Kingdom have initiated infrastructure projects, thereby fuelling demand for cement. Strong economic growth in the Saudi Arabia is expected to fuel growth of the cement market in various cities of the Saudi Arabia.The manufacturing companies of cement have a significant impact on the value chain through a higher degree of vertical integration. These companies manufacture raw materials as well as the final product. Some of the key players operating in the Saudi Arabia cement market include Saudi Cement Company, Riyadh Cement Company, Yamama Cement Company, and Najran Cement Company. This report segments the global market as follows:Browse the full "Cement Market for Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure and Other Applications: Saudi Arabia Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast 2014  2020" report atSaudi Arabia Cement Market: Application Segment AnalysisResidentialCommercialInfrastructureOthers (including cement bricks and farm construction)Saudi Arabia Cement Market: Regional Segment AnalysisCentralEasternNorthernSouthernWesternAbout UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@marketresearchstore.comWebsite:
Global Steel Wire Rope Consumption Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2021

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Steel Wire Rope is a piece of machinery which is widely used in construction, mining, oil & gas extraction and other areas. Usually a steel wire rope is composed of wires, strands and a core, which is made of fibre or steel. The purpose of the core is to provide support and maintain the position of the outer strands during operation. The wires are predominantly constructed from high-carbon steel and stainless steel. The wires are twisted to form strands and they designate the strength of the steel wire rope.Download PDF Sample of Steel Wire Rope Consumption Market@Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Steel Wire Rope Consumption in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversWireCo World GroupTokyo RopeKiswireJiangsu LangshanGuizhou Wire RopeFasten GroupUsha MartinBekaertXinri HengliBridonJuli SlingJiangsu ShenwangShinkoXianyang BamcoDSRJiangsu SafetyGustav WolfAnsteel Wire RopeYoungHeungPFEIFERTeufelbergerHubei FuxingRedaelliHaggieDIEPABrowse Full Report with TOC:Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America, Middle East and AfricaMarket Segment by Type, coversLeft Regular LayLeft Lang LayRight Regular LayRight Lang LayAlternate LayPlace Purchase Order for this Report@Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoOil & gas industryMining industryConstructionsElevatorsPort cranesOthersThere are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global Steel Wire Rope Consumption market.Chapter 1, to describe Steel Wire Rope Consumption Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Steel Wire Rope Consumption, with sales, revenue, and price of Steel Wire Rope Consumption, in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Steel Wire Rope Consumption, for each region, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 5, 6, 7 and 8, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 9 and 10, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 11, Steel Wire Rope Consumption market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2016 to 2021;Chapter 12 and 13, to describe Steel Wire Rope Consumption sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, appendix and data source.Table of Content:1 Market Overview2 Manufacturers Profiles3 Global Steel Wire Rope Consumption Market Competitions, by Manufacturer4 Global Steel Wire Rope Consumption Market Analyses by Regions5 North America Steel Wire Rope Consumption by Countries6 Europe Steel Wire Rope Consumption by Countries7 Asia-Pacific Steel Wire Rope Consumption by Countries8 South America, Middle East and Africa Steel Wire Rope Consumption by Countries9 Steel Wire Rope Consumption Market Segment by Type10 Steel Wire Rope Consumption Market Segment by Application11 Steel Wire Rope Consumption Market Forecast (2016-2021)12 Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and Dealers13 AppendixList of Tables and Figures:Figure Steel Wire Rope Consumption PictureFigure Global Sales Market Share of Steel Wire Rope Consumption by Types in 2015Table Steel Wire Rope Consumption Types for Major ManufacturersFigure Left Regular Lay PictureFigure Left Lang Lay PictureFigure Right Regular Lay PictureTable Steel Wire Rope Consumption Sales Market Share by Applications in 2015Table WireCo World Group Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and CompetitorsTable Steel Wire Rope Consumption Type and ApplicationsTable WireCo World Group Steel Wire Rope Consumption Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2015-2016)Table Tokyo Rope Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and CompetitorsTable Steel Wire Rope Consumption Type and ApplicationsTable Tokyo Rope Steel Wire Rope Consumption Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2015-2016)Table Kiswire Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and CompetitorsTable Steel Wire Rope Consumption Type and ApplicationsTable Kiswire Steel Wire Rope Consumption Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2015-2016)Orbis Research is a single point aid for all your Market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customised reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialisation. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required Market research study for our clients.Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com
Nurse Call Systems Market 2014 - 2020; Business Strategy and Recent Developments

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The top five vendors in the global nurse call systems market collectively held 44% of the market in 2013. However, these vendors-Ascom Holding AG, Rauland-Borg Corporation, Tyco SimplexGrinnell, Azure Healthcare Limited, and Hill-Rom Holdings Inc.-have to compete with numerous small-sized players in a highly fragmented landscape. These are the findings of a recent study published by Transparency Market Research (TMR).Acquisitions and takeovers have been the key growth model for companies in the nurse call systems market, says the author of the study. A case in point would be Ascom Holding AG, the company acquired Integrated Wireless Software Pty. Ltd. and Integrated Wireless Pty. Ltd. This has allowed the company to penetrate into Asia Pacific and build a strong foothold in this region.System integration to increase compatibility with various healthcare applications in a bid to offer comprehensive workflow solutions is also what key players in this market are striving for. The integration of nurse call solutions allows real-time monitoring of individual patient metrics. The formation of national-level dealer networks in order to increase product reach and availability is another strategy adopted by key players in the nurse call systems market.Read Full Report:Demand for High-quality Patient Care Necessitates Installation of Nurse Call SystemsAn increasing geriatric population across the world is a major factor driving the global nurse call systems market, says a TMR analyst. This is because this population is susceptible to illnesses and may require hospitalization for dedicated care. The use of nurse call systems for the geriatric population ensures that the patient can raise an alert at the nurses station to deliver timely care. This, in turn, allows healthcare organizations to attain seamless communication and streamline nursing activities.The increasing budget allocation for healthcare of the elderly population is also significantly contributing to the growth of this market. With an increase in the median age of the global population, several countries are focused on providing improved healthcare. Factors such as increasing dependency ratio and the retirement of baby boomers have necessitated the availability of quality healthcare services for aged population.The increasing need for effective and responsive healthcare communication is another significant factor driving the global nurse call systems market. This is because nursing staff need to be watchful and responsive to provide high quality of healthcare and to ensure patient safety.Government regulations in place for the manufacture and distribution of nurse call systems is major impediment to the growth of this market, says TMR analyst. As per the recent amends by the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF), nurse call systems would be included in the category of medical devices. This necessitates nurse call systems to be clinically audited, regulated, and certified.Download exclusive Sample of this report:The IMDRF amend also requires that the software within medical devices need to satisfy medical grade ISO 9000 quality control specifications.Hospitals Represent Largest End-use SegmentThe global nurse call systems market is expected to be worth US$1.57 bn by 2020. Nurse call integrated communication systems is the leading segment of the market on the basis of equipment type; the segment held almost 75% of the overall market in 2013. Nurse call mobile systems equipment type is expected to display significant demand in the foreseeable years. Wired nurse call communication equipment is the largest segment of the market on the basis of communication technology. Hospitals is the largest end-use segment of the nurse call systems market.The information presented in this review is based on a Transparency Market Research report, titled Nurse Call Systems Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020.The global nurse call systems market has been segmented as below:Global Nurse Call Systems Market, by Equipment TypeNurse Call ButtonsNurse Call IntercomsNurse Call Mobile SystemsNurse Call Integrated Communication SystemsGlobal Nurse Call Systems Market, by Communication TechnologyWired Communication EquipmentWireless Communication EquipmentGlobal Nurse Call Systems Market, by End UsersHospitalsOPD ClinicsAssisted Living CentersAmbulatory ServicesGlobal Nurse Call Systems Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAsia 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:
Global Kombucha Market sales is growing at 25.0% CAGR till 2022

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According to the report, published by Zion Market Research, the global kombucha market was valued at around USD 1062.0 million in 2016 and is expected to reach approximately USD 2457.0 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of around 25.0% between 2017 and 2022.Kombucha is fermented drink produced by a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. Kombucha drink is recognized worldwide for its detoxifying, energizing and overall health-supportive properties. Many people use kombucha for medicinal purposes.Request Sample copy of Research Report @The market is mainly driven by increasing consumer disposable income coupled with changing lifestyle. Furthermore, increasing incidences of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and others are expected to have a positive impact on kombucha market. The increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with consuming probiotic on a regular basis is further expected to drive the demand for kombucha in the near future. However, kombucha recall incidences and high distribution & inventory carrying cost are expected to curb the market growth within the forecast period. Nevertheless, increasing investment in research and development to increase product portfolio is expected to open up new growth opportunities over the years to come.Some of the key flavors include herbs & spices, citrus, apple, coconut & mangoes, flowers, and others. Herbs & spices and coconut held the highest share of the total market in terms of revenue in 2016. This growth can be attributed to key companies focusing on different exotic flavors combining herbs & spices for the production of flavored fermented tea. Citrus is another important segment of this market and is expected to witness significant growth in the years to come.Related Reports:Baking Ingredients Market:Meat Processing Equipment Market:Based on distribution channel, the market can be segmented into supermarkets, health stores, and others. Supermarkets play a prominent role in distributing this kombucha product. This segment is expected to witness strong growth in the near future. Wal-Mart and other retailers signed an agreement with brewers for the distribution of kombucha drinks. The presence of kombucha drinks in online stores is expected to grow over the forecast period.By geography, North America was the leading segment and it held the largest share of total revenue generated in 2016. Asia Pacific was the second largest regional market due to high disposable income coupled with rising demand for a fortified beverage in developing countries China and India. Latin America is expected to show moderate growth over the forecast period. Strong demand for kombucha drinks coupled with considerable economic growth in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina is anticipated to boost demand in the region in the years to come.Some of the key players in the market such as GTs Kombucha Company, Reeds Inc., Live Soda Kombucha, Kombucha Wonder Drink, Kosmic Kombucha, Makana Beverages Inc, NessAlla Kombucha, Red Bull GmbH., Buchi Kombucha, and others.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @This report segments the global kombucha market as follows:Global Kombucha Market: Flavor Segment AnalysisHerbs & SpicesCitrusBerriesAppleCoconut & MangoesFlowersOthersGlobal Kombucha Market: Distribution Channel Segment AnalysisSupermarketsHealth StoresOnline StoresGlobal Kombucha Market: Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyFranceUKAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaFor More Inquiry contact our sales Team @ sales@zionmarketresearch.comAbout UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Poultry Feed Market will increase by 2.90% Annually till 2022

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According to the report, published by Zion Market Research, global demand for poultry feed market was valued at over USD 190.60 billion in 2015, is expected to reach above USD 226.20 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of slightly above 2.90% between 2016 and 2021.Poultry is domestic birds raised for eggs, meat, manure, and feathers. Poultry includes hen, duck, geese, turkeys and other birds. Poultry farming is domesticating of poultry for high yield of meat, eggs, and manure. Poultry farming can be done either as family poultry and also industrial poultry farming. Poultry feed is an emerging business gaining huge importance due to high nutritional feedstock with high productivity.Request Sample copy of Research Report @Meat and eggs consist of high protein and water content and 5% of fat. Increasing health conscious nature among young generation has led the high use of proteins through poultry product which stimulates the growth of poultry market. This, in turn, supports the demand for poultry feed market. Escalating poultry business in emerging economies due to high profit drives the poultry feed market. However, high initial and maintenance cost along with increasing prevalence of the disease such as bird flu may hamper the growth of poultry feed market. Nevertheless, government support for expanding the poultry business in the emerging countries is likely to open new opportunities in the near future. Surging contract farming trend which provides set up with the feedstock is estimated to accelerate the growth of the poultry market.The poultry feed market can be segmented on the basis of type, additives, and regions. Depending on the meat, the poultry can be differentiated into broilers, turkeys, layers and other types. Broiler emerged as the most potential segment owing to high consumption of broiler meat globally. North America consumes the highest percentage of broilers in the world. The broiler is easily available worldwide and mostly preferred for taste.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @Amino acids, vitamins, feed enzymes, antibiotics, antioxidants and feed acidifiers are some of the additives added to the feed of poultry. The additives are used in feed to improve the productivity, high quality, healthy and disease free poultry. Antibiotics and antioxidants are innovated products that are added to the feed. Antioxidants are added to the feed to prevent it from spoilage and for long durability of feed. Procaine penicillin, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, bacitracin, tylosin, streptomycin, are some of the antibiotics added to the feedstock. Antibiotics decrease mortality rate and promote high growth rate.North America dominated the poultry feed market owing to high demand for broilers and huge preference for antibiotics poultry feed. Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing region and expected to maintain its pace in the forecast period. Factors attributing to the growth of the market are rapid development, rising population, change in consumption habits, particularly in India and China. Latin America is anticipated to experience high growth for poultry feed market due to profitable production of poultry. The Middle East and Africa are projected to have decent growth in the coming years. This is mainly due to rise living standards and growing consumption of poultry products.For More Inquiry contact our sales Team @ sales@zionmarketresearch.comThe major players for the poultry feed market comprise of Novus International Inc, Alltech Inc., Charoen Popkhand Foods, Royal DSM N.V., Evonik Industries AG, BASF, CHR. Hansen Holdings A/S, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill Inc., ABF Plc, Suguna Foods, InVivo NSA, DLG Group and Nutreco NV among others.About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Yeast Market to exceed USD 4.86 Billion by 2021

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According to the report, published by Zion Market Research global demand for yeast market was valued at over USD 2.96 billion in 2015, is expected to reach above USD 4.86 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of above 8.6 % between 2016 and 2021.Yeast is single-celled microbes identified under fungus kingdom and has approximately 1,500 species. Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast which is used as nutritional supplements. Edible yeast is mainly used for fermentation. Yeast provides high aroma, puffiness, and great taste and improves food texture. Yeast is widely consumed food ingredients and also used extensively in the pharmaceutical sector.Request Sample copy of Research Report @Yeast is the highly used in food, bioethanol, and processed food industries. Rising demand for the bakery products mainly drives the yeast market. Escalating production of bio-ethanol fuels which utilize the yeast for production supports the growth of yeast market. Furthermore, increasing usage of specialty yeast in the processed food industry along with tremendously growing breweries and wine industry spurs the growth of the yeast market. However, limited shelf life of the yeast-based products and some of the allergies may hamper the growth of the market. Moreover, regulations led by the government for the use of specialty yeast due to the high content of MSG is probably to impede the growth of yeast market. Nevertheless, ongoing research for the untapped use of yeast in the different industry along with innovations in processed food industry offers ample opportunities for the growth of yeast market.The yeast market can be segmented on the basis of form which includes instant yeast, fresh yeast, and dry yeast. Fresh yeast is the leading segment and gaining demand due to high usage in the bakery for preparing bread. This is mainly due to high rising property and great taste. There are different types of yeast such as brewers, bakers, bio-ethanol, wine, feed and other types. Bakers and brewers are the potential market segments owing to the huge demand of yeast in these industrial sectors. Also, wine and feed are expected to show elevated growth in the forecast period.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @The products derived from natural food yeast with high nutrition, health and taste are known as specialty yeast. Yeast autolysis, yeast extract, and -glucan are some of the key specialty yeast. Yeast extract is the leading segment and is used as flavor enhancers in the food industry. Food and feed are major applications for the yeast market. The food industry is the dominant market segment due to huge consumption of yeast in the bakeries, breweries, and wine industry.North America dominated the yeast market in 2015 owing to the high use of yeast in processed and bakery. Also, consumption of yeast in wine and brewery industry fuels the yeast market. However, saturation of yeast industry is likely to affect the growth of the market in forecast period in these regions. Asia Pacific is considered to grow at fastest pace and continues to gain traction in the coming years. This is mainly attributed to the rapidly growing bakery and wine industry. Moreover, rising disposable income along with high attraction for fast and processed food stimulates the growth of yeast market in this region.Latin America is anticipated to show high growth prospects in coming years owing to growing breweries industry in Brazil and increasing demand for bakery products. The Middle East and Africa is projected to experience decent growth due to abundant raw material resources coupled with rising living standards and surging disposable income.For More Inquiry contact our sales Team @ sales@zionmarketresearch.comSome of the major players in the yeast market are AngelYeast Co., Ltd, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Cargill Incorporated, Synergy Flavors, Leiber GmbH, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Associated British Foods plc, Bio Springer S.A, Lallemand Inc., Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd., Dsm N.V., Alltech and Lesaffre Group among others. Associated British Foods plc and Lesaffre Group are considered to be the most prominent players in the yeast market. The presence of multiple players in the market causes price competitiveness, forcing companies to focus on R&D for innovative and cost effective products.About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristically, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, a company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
CBRN Security Market: - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2021

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The rising incidence of terrorist attacks globally has compelled nations to up their existing defense systems. Government organizations and armed forces have been collaborating with private organizations to design and develop innovative security devices. Transparency Market Research, therefore forecasts the demand for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security to surge considerably across nations witnessing rising terror threats. The market is also expected to gain impetus from the rising geopolitical issues between neighboring nations.The evidences of procurement of CBRN equipment by terrorist organization for mass destruction will further compel nations and armed forces to deploy advanced CBRN security systems. Spurred by these factors, the global CBRN security market is expected to expand at a positive 3.8% CAGR between 2015 and 2021.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights:The global CBRN security market stood at US$9.13 bn in 2014 and is expected to reach US$11.92 bn by the end of 2021.Growing Readiness to Combat Terrorist Outfits Fuels Demand from Nuclear Security SegmentBy type, the global CBRN market can be segmented into chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear security. Of these, the nuclear security segment led the market in terms of revenue, holding a share of 36.09% in 2014. Nuclear threat has emerged as one of the major concerns globally. Evidence of terrorist group recruiting nuclear experts, procuring nuclear materials, and developing nuclear weapons for mass destruction has driven investments in nuclear security. Security forces and governments worldwide have been adopting various initiatives to prevent nuclear attacks, which fuels sales opportunities for the CBRN security system manufacturers.Furthermore, several developed countries have agreed upon dismantling their nuclear weapons to avoid recurrence of accidental nuclear accidents such as in Fukushima and Chernobyl. Contrary to this, developing countries such as India and Pakistan are increasing their weaponry owing to mounting border disputes. Therefore, developing countries such as these are increasing investment in adequate security structure in order to prevent the occurrence of nuclear accidents in the future. This will in turn fuel demand from the nuclear security segment of the CBRN security market.In 2014, the chemical security segment held the second-largest share in the market. During the forecast period the demand from the biological security segment is expected to decline. The radiological segment is also expected to lose its market share through the course of the forecast period.Presence of Large Number of CBRN Security Device Manufactures Seals North Americas DominationRegionally, North America held the largest share in the global CBRN security market in 2014, followed by Europe. Several CBRN security original equipment manufacturers (OEM) are located in North America, who supply products to military organizations and law enforcement agencies around the world. This is a primary factor fuelling demand from the North America CBRN security market. Additionally, the increasing threats from terrorist organizations are driving the deployment of CBRN security systems in Europe.However, TMR projects Asia Pacific to report the fastest growth as a regional market for CBRN security during the forecast period. The arms race among nations such as India, China, and Pakistan is indirectly fuelling demand for advanced CBRN security equipment in Asia Pacific. Additionally, the CBRN security market in Asia Pacific will also gain impetus from various initiatives undertaken by emerging nations to modernize their medical and military facilities. As per TMR, this regional market is expected to report a CAGR of 4.6% between 2015 and 2021.Some of the most prominent companies operating in the global CBRN security market are Argon Electronics (U.K.) Ltd., General Dynamics Corporation, AirBoss Defense, Inc., FLIR Systems, Inc., Bruker Corporation, and Thales Group.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:
Wafer Level Package Dielectrics Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Wafer Level Package (WLP) is a type of packaging used in the semiconductor industry for the packaging of Integrated Circuits (ICs) as it is very fragile in nature and highly susceptible to contamination, which can lead to improper working of the IC. WLP finds application in the ICs used in portable consumer electronic devices; for instance, smart phones. Increasing consumer demand for technologically advanced mobile devices that are capable of performing an array of functions in a single small-end product is a major factor propelling demand for wafer level packaging technology as compared to the conventional mode of packaging in case of semiconductors, thus boosting growth of the market for wafer level package dielectrics further. Comparatively, the low cost associated with the wafer level packaging as compared to the conventional packaging technology used in case of semiconductor packaging is also a major factor expected to boost growth of the market for wafer level package dielectrics over the forecast period.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights:The wafer level package dielectrics market is expected to expand at a healthy CAGR over the forecast period, and the major driving factor responsible for growth of the wafer level package dielectrics market is the rising demand for compact electronic devices with high performance and cost effective packaging in the semiconductor packaging industry. In case of conventional packaging, such as die level packaging, with the variation in size of the ICs, the cost of packaging becomes more as compared to the production cost of the ICs. On the contrary, wafer level packaging is much more cost-efficient as compared to the conventional packaging or the production cost of the ICs. The technological advancements in IC design & production are also, to an extent, propelling growth of the wafer level package dielectrics market currently. The wafer level packaging technology has certain perks over the traditional packaging technology, such as minimized electricity consumption and long battery life in case of mobile phones, and its compactness helps manufacturers design and develop ultra-thin mobile phones. However, fluctuations in some of the physical properties of the technology, such as the coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials of wafer with respect to the material of ICs, are considered as a drawback of the wafer packaging technology, which in turn might restraint growth of the market for wafer level package dielectrics.The global wafer level package dielectrics market is segmented on the basis of type of wafer level packaging, application, and region. On the basis of type, the global market for wafer level package dielectrics is segmented into FOWLP (Fan-Out Wafer Level Package), FIWLP (Fan-in Wafer Level Package), FIWLCSP (Fan-in Wafer Level Chip Scale Package), flip chip, and 3DFOWLP. On the basis of applications, the global market for wafer level package is segmented into consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, defense, and healthcare.On the basis of geography, the global rigid plastic packaging market is segmented into seven key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, the Asia-Pacific market is projected to grow at a promising CAGR, which is attributed to the increase in demand for smart phones globally. For instance, recently, India become the second largest user of smart phones globally, beating the U.S. This is turn is expected to drive growth of the wafer level package dielectrics market in the country. Moreover, the presence of leading semiconductor manufacturers, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, among others, is expected to have a positive effect on growth of the wafer level package dielectrics market in APEJ over the forecast period.Some of the major players identified in the global wafer level package dielectrics market include ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC., STATS ChipPAC Ltd., IQE PLC, Amkor Technology Inc., TriQuint Semiconductor Inc., Deca Technologies, KLA-Tencor Corporation, Siliconware Precision Industries Co. Ltd., China Wafer Level CSP Co. Ltd., and Jiangsu Changjiang Electronics Technology Co. Ltd.About 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.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.
Highly Visible Packaging Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Forecast 2024

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In the food industry, packaging is required to carry information pertaining to health benefits and ingredients used, method of preparation in order to reinforce the hygiene aspect, besides displaying details such as manufacturing date, shelf-life period etc. These details serve to reinforce purchase decision, and is also supported by offering food products in highly visible packaging, thus enabling contents of the package to be seen before a purchase is made. The reason highly visible packaging is gaining popularity worldwide, is because it allows easy authentication of particular brands and product differentiation. In addition, ability to be produced with certain durable properties such as tamper-proof and highly protective covering makes it a lucrative option for product manufacturers, and indirectly for consumers.Packaging considered as highly visible include blister packaging, skin packaging, clamshell packaging, windowed packaging, shrink wrap packaging, plastic container packaging, glass container, and others.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights:The advantages offered by highly visible packaging are the main factors fueling demand for such products. This packaging enables efficient preservation and protection of products, besides offering convenience to customers to be able to make a purchase decision on the basis of what they see. This way, it not only helps customers in being selective, but also enables food production companies to maintain the competitive edge in the market. Conveying the proper information about products and legitimately communicating the brand image are some of the other main features that differentiate highly visible packaging from other types of packaging. These advantageous properties are the main factors expected to fuel growth of the highly visible packaging market in the near future.Innovation in highly visible packaging technology and growing awareness among end-users are factors also significantly driving market growth and this market is expected to account for substantially high revenue growth over the forecast period.However, relatively high capital expenditure of this type of packaging technology currently is resulting in hesitation among manufacturers to invest in setting up this technology. This factor is expected to act as a restraint for growth of the highly visible packaging market over the forecast period.The global highly visible packaging market is segmented on the basis of types and regions. The product type segment is categorized into blister packaging, clamshell packaging, skin packaging, windowed packaging, shrink wrap packaging, plastic container packaging, glass container packaging, and others.Geographically, the global highly visible packaging market is segmented into seven main regions namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East & Africa, and Japan. Due to higher consumer awareness, North America is expected to hold largest market share in the global highly visible packaging market, followed by Europe gaining market share by the end of 2016. Asia Pacific region is expected to witness maximum growth in consumption of highly visible packaging during the forecast period, on account of rising awareness, increasing consumption of consumer products, and increasing population.Some key players in the global highly visible packaging market are Amcor, Bemis, MeadWestvaco, Sonoco Products, Mondi Group, Reynolds Group Holdings Limited, Rohrer Corporation, Bayer AG, Anchor Packaging, Imex Packaging, and others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. 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:
Global Food Additives Market: Growth of Food and Beverages Industry to Boost Market Growth

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The market for food additives is reporting remarkable growth in the global arena. The boom in the global food and beverages market in recent years has boosted the worldwide food additives market significantly. In 2014, the market stood at US$31.43 billion. Aided by the rising demand for natural additives and functional food additives, analysts project the market to develop at a CAGR of 3.4% during the period from 2015 to 2021 and reach a value of US$3.85 billion by the end of 2021.The rising awareness regarding health among consumers is also fueling the global food additives market. However, the strict rules and regulations pertaining to composition of food additives are expected to hamper the global market in the near future.View exclusive Global strategic Business report:Flavors and Enhancers to Maintain Dominance in FutureFlavors and enhancers, enzymes, sweeteners, colorants, food preservatives, emulsifiers, and fat replacers are major products in the global food additives market. Among these, the market for flavors and enhancers led the global food additive products market in 2014 and is likely to maintain its leading position in the coming years. The fat replacers market holds the second position is the global market.Natural food additives and artificial food additives are the two main segments of the global food additives market based on source. The market for artificial food additives led the global market in 2014 and studied market estimations indicate dominance of this segment in the forthcoming years also. The low cost of artificial or synthetic food additives compared to natural additives is the key reason for this growth. However, the rising concerns pertaining to health among consumers has propelled the natural food additives market significantly. This segment is expected to report the fastest growth in the near future.Asia Pacific to Attain Leading Position in Coming YearsThe worldwide market for food additives is spread across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of World. Among these, the food additives market in Europe acquired the leading position with a 30.1% share in the overall market in 2014, whereas the Asia Pacific food additives market stood second with a market share of 27.2% the same year.Obesity has become the biggest problem among teenagers in Europe and its prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate. Owing to this, the demand for low-calorie and low-fat food has increased significantly and has fueled the demand for additives such as sweeteners, emulsifiers, hydrocolloids, vitamins, and minerals in the region.On the other hand, analysts expect the Asia Pacific market to occupy the dominant position in the forthcoming years owing to the increased demand from the booming food and beverages market in Asian nations such as India, China, and South Korea.Global Food Additives Market: Major PlayersThe global food additives market is highly concentrated in nature, with a small number of market participants. The major players in this market are AVEBE U.A., Cargill Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Co., Chr. Hansen A/S, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., BASF SE, Associated British Foods plc.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:
Tania Rosener remembers the little girl who provided such a good example.

It happened when Rosener took a group of children to a Christian kids camp. The girl, whod previously given her heart to the Lord, prayed fervently for her family.

Every night that week at camp, she would go to the altar and stay longer than all the other kids and she would be praying for her family to come to know the Lord, Rosener said. She was very persistent and committed to her family and wanting them to know the Lord and that touched me.

It also motivated Rosener to pray more for some of her family members who dont know the Lord.

I can say I probably would not have prayed as hard for them if this little girl hadnt have taught me what perseverance truly meant, she said.

In December, Rosener became the childrens pastor at Full Life Church in Fremont.

She enjoys interacting with children.

I just love being around kids. Theyre real. Theyll tell you what they think. Theyll tell you if youre fun or if they dont like whats going on, she said.

She notes other things.

Theyll listen and theyll take what you say and have so much faith to believe in what youre telling them, she said. Their relationship with Jesus is so sincere and genuine. Sometimes, they even teach me with the size of faith they have.

Roseners interest in working with children began years ago.

Originally from Rodney, Iowa, Rosener lived on a farm with her parents and three brothers.

I grew up in a Christian home and went to church each week, she said.

In high school, Rosener started getting involved in childrens ministry at her church.

Rosener liked building relationships with children, teaching and mentoring them in their relationship with Christ.

I had a blast hanging out with the kids, she said.

Rosener, who was homeschooled, graduated in 2013. She then went to North Central University in Minneapolis, where she graduated in May 2016 with a bachelor of arts degree in children and family ministry.

She worked in retail until coming to Fremont.

Her job at the church involves building and overseeing a ministry for children from nursery age to 13 years old on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Shes seeking to bring together a team of volunteers who will take turns each week building relationships with the children and teaching classes.

She chooses and prepares curriculum for each program. Her goals include creating an environment and special activities for each age group that will facilitate learning and encourage spiritual growth.

Rosener said shed love to launch a bus ministry for children who might not have rides to church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.

Eventually, shed like to have Royal Rangers and MPact ministry programs for boys and girls, respectively.

On Sundays, the church now has nursery for children 0-3 years old, Mini Mites for those 4 to 6 years, and Kids Church for ages 7 to 13.

Sunday morning activities for Kids Church includes playing games, having a lesson and Roseners favorite part: dividing into smaller groups so the children can dive deeper into the lesson. Children have the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on whats being taught and what God is speaking to them, she said.

In a recent Kids Church lesson, the children learned about David and Goliath and how God is fighting their battles and has a plan for them, she said.

At the end of lesson, each of the children were given rocks and a Sharpie marker. With the marker, they could write on the rock about a battle they were experiencing. The rocks were glued to a piece of plywood as a symbol of handing that battle over to God for him to be victorious.

The children enjoyed seeing that they werent the only ones going through something and realizing that God ultimately is in control and has the victory whether they can see it now or not, she said.

Rosener also wants to be involved in the community, helping different organizations.

Recently, the church collected sweatpants for Milliken Park Elementary School to have on hand for students who might have accidents.

Rosener has had fun becoming acquainted with children at Full Life.

The best part about the job is hanging out with the kids, getting to know them, building that relationship and just pouring into their lives and helping them see the love of Jesus in a real and powerful way, she said.
Baby Drinks Market to Rise owing to Shifting Lifestyles and Increased Nutritional Value of Infant Formula

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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding human babies for at least the initial six months, but due to numerous reasons such as discomfort, time constraints, and medical problems, some mothers are not able to breastfeed their babies. Owing to this, substitutes such as baby drinks are prevalent in the market. Rising prominence of said factors that make breastfeeding inconvenient for many will help fuel the baby drinks market in Europe.The European baby drinks market was estimated at US$15,930.9 million in 2014, and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% between 2015 and 2021 to reach US$20,402.9 million by 2021.View exclusive Global strategic Business report:Drinks utilized by children under three years of age are known as baby drinks. Baby drinks are of two major types, namely baby juice and infant formula. Different varieties of fruit juices consumed by babies come under the category of baby drinks. On the other hand, a dry milk product taken after rehydrating is known as infant formula. Infant formula has surfaced as the prime source that provides nutrition to babies and helps in duplicating the nutritional level of human breast milk.Infant Formula Led the Market for Baby Drinks in 2014Infant formula led the Europe market for baby drinks in 2014 and is expected to maintain the same throughout the forecast period. Primarily, shifting lifestyles and the increased nutritional value of infant formula are the key factors responsible for the rising consumer inclination towards infant formula. Additionally, the rise in the number of working mothers who do not have the time for breast feeding their babies owing to their busy schedules has also fuelled the demand for infant formula.In addition, infant formula is considered as the most favorable substitute for breast milk owing to the fact that nowadays parents have become more conscious about the nutritional value of baby drinks and their effect on their babies health. On the other hand, baby juices have a very low market penetration in comparison with infant formula owing to their high sugar content.Baby Juices Market Poised for Expeditious DevelopmentThe market for baby juice is segmented into concentrated baby juices and ready-to-drink baby juices. Amongst these two types of baby juices, the segment of ready-to-drink baby juices is larger in comparison with the segment of concentrated baby juices due to the nil preparation time required in ready-to-drink baby juice. Though the market for baby juices currently has a low penetration level, the overall market is poised to develop immensely in the coming years.On the basis of geography, the European baby drinks market is segmented into countries, namely the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Sweden, Italy, and Rest of Europe. Amongst these, Sweden is predicted to witness the highest growth rate in the forecast period. Infant formulas high nutritional value and the variety of brands in the baby drinks market are anticipated to stimulate the market for baby drinks in Sweden.The prominent players in the European market for baby drinks include HiPP GmbH & Co, Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, H.J. Heinz Company, Nestle S.A., and Danone, among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. 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:
Cloud Computing In Life Sciences R&D Market : New Tech Developments And Advancements To Watch Out For 2023!!

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Currently, North America dominates the cloud computing in life sciences research and development market and is followed by Europe. Factors that are fuelling the growth of the cloud computing in life sciences research and development in North America include highly developed research infrastructure, availability of structured regulatory framework, availability of research funds, higher rates of technology advancement and higher adoption rates of advanced technologies. Asia-Pacific is lucrative market for cloud computing in life sciences research and development. Factors that are expected to fuel the growth of cloud computing in life science research and development are rapidly improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing government initiative to boost research and development activities in the respective countries mainly China and India. In addition, availability of skilled and qualified labor at cheaper rates and improving technology infrastructure in India and China are expected to attract global clod computing service providers in these countries. Some of the major companies contributing to global cloud computing in life sciences research and development market are IBM Corporation, Hewlett-Packard (HP) Development Company, L.P., Microsoft Corporation, Intel Corporation AND Oracle Corporation.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :Cloud computing is referred as storage and access of the program and data over internet instead of using hard drive to store same data and program. Cloud computing uses servers and/or connected server to run application or a model instead of using personal computers, smart phones or tablets. Life sciences research and development involves scientific study of living organisms, such as microorganisms, plants, human and animals. Since, life science research and development activities revolve around biology of various living organisms, development in technology especially in the field of biotechnology and molecular biology has escalated.Taking into consideration, rapidly increasing research and development activities globally, growth in the demand for cloud computing in life sciences research and development is escalating. Factors that are fueling the demand for cloud computing in life sciences research and development field include, increasing multinational and multistate clinical trials on the grounds of advantage of cloud computing to access data from any corner of the world at any time resulting in ease of coordination, rising prevalence of chronic diseases globally and thereby swift in the demand for gene therapy to treat these diseases and thus rapidly increasing research and development activities in the field of life sciences. Further, research and development activities are highly regulated around the world. Therefore, detailed documentation of every step involved in the research activity is mandatory. Global regulatory authorities such as federal healthcare, have mandated the adoption of healthcare IT solutions which in result have fuelled the adoption of cloud computing in life science research and development. In addition, healthcare authorities worldwide are focusing on creation of worldwide healthcare research and development data that will be available for researchers and healthcare professionals for their research reference and studies is another major factor driving the global cloud computing life sciences research and development market towards growth. While on the other hand, issues involving data protection, confidentiality and ethical issues are challenging the growth of the global cloud computing in life science research and development. Based on the type of computing, global cloud computing in life sciences research and development market is segmented as follows:View exclusive Global strategic Business report : High performance computing (HPC) Grid computing Virtual computing MapReduce and Hadoop Utility ComputingFurther, on the basis of technology, global cloud computing in life sciences research and development market is segmented as follows: Cloud models Serviceso Platform-as-a-Serviceo Software-as-a-Serviceo Infrastructure-as-a-ServiceGeographically, the global cloud computing in life sciences research and development market can be segmented on the basis of usage worldwide as follows: North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the WorldAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.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:
Power Distribution Global Market 2017 Examination and Forecast to 2022

Power Distribution Market

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SAMPLE REQUEST@Notes:Sales, means the sales volume of Power DistributionRevenue, means the sales value of Power DistributionThis report studies sales (consumption) of Power Distribution in Global market, especially in United States, China, Europe and Japan, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, covering3MEatonSiemensRittalCleveland BrothersABBSchneider ElectricPololuVertivAnixterMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Power Distribution in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaSplit by product Types, with sales, revenue, price and gross margin, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoType IType IISplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Power Distribution in each application, can be divided intoApplication 1Application 2COMPLETE REPORT DETAILS @Table of ContentsGlobal Power Distribution Sales Market Report 20171 Power Distribution Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Power Distribution1.2 Classification of Power Distribution1.2.1 Type I1.2.2 Type II1.3 Application of Power Distribution1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 22 Global Power Distribution Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Power Distribution Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Power Distribution Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Power Distribution Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Power Distribution (Volume and Value) by Type3 United States Power Distribution (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Power Distribution Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Power Distribution Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Power Distribution Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Power Distribution Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)...5 Europe Power Distribution (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 Europe Power Distribution Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 Europe Power Distribution Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 Europe Power Distribution Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.3 Europe Power Distribution Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)5.2 Europe Power Distribution Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers5.3 Europe Power Distribution Sales and Market Share by Type5.4 Europe Power Distribution Sales and Market Share by ApplicationCONTINUEDBUY THIS REPORT @Contact Us :NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune  411028Maharashtra, India
Avalanche Photodiode Market Research 2017-2022: First-sensor, Hamamatsu, Kyosemi Corporation

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Avalanche Photodiode Market Research 2022 Order This Report by calling BigMarketResearch.com at +1-971-202-1575.Get Sample Copy Here @This report studies APD Avalanche Photodiode in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa, focuses on the top APD Avalanche Photodiode Players in each region, with sales, price, revenue and market share for top manufacturer, coveringFirst-sensorHamamatsuKyosemi CorporationLunaExcelitasOsi optoelectronicsEdmund OpticsGCSSplit by Product Types, with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type, can be divided intoSi APDInGaAs APDOthersSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of APD Avalanche Photodiode in each application, can be divided intoIndustrialMedicalMobilityOthersFundamentals of Table of Content:9 Global APD Avalanche Photodiode Players Profiles/Analysis9.1 First-sensor9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors9.1.2 APD Avalanche Photodiode Product Types, Application and Specification9.1.3 First-sensor APD Avalanche Photodiode Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 Hamamatsu9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors9.2.2 APD Avalanche Photodiode Product Types, Application and Specification9.2.3 Hamamatsu APD Avalanche Photodiode Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 Kyosemi Corporation9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors9.3.2 APD Avalanche Photodiode Product Types, Application and Specification9.3.3 Kyosemi Corporation APD Avalanche Photodiode Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.4 Luna9.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors9.4.2 APD Avalanche Photodiode Product Types, Application and Specification9.4.3 Luna APD Avalanche Photodiode Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.5 Excelitas9.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors9.5.2 APD Avalanche Photodiode Product Types, Application and Specification9.5.3 Excelitas APD Avalanche Photodiode Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.5.4 Main Business/Business OverviewInquiry for Discount Here @About Company:Big Market Research is an exclusive online market to get best market research reports for your business needs and strategies. We recommend you to stop browsing as soon as you discover our website.Contact Us:Dhananjay Potle5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect :+ 1-503-894-6022Toll Free : + 1-800-910-6452Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb:
Nuclear Imaging Equipment Market Research Report Forecast to 2016- 2024

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Nuclear imaging equipment uses radioactive substances or tracers for the purpose of imaging. These images aid physicians and clinicians in detection and diagnosis of the illness. The development of advanced imaging equipment for fulfillment of the increasing requirement for enhanced diagnostics is leading to development in this market. These technologically advanced equipment have surpassed the conventional systems due to better precision and accuracy of images. Increasing incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiac disorders, cancer, and neurological disorders, technological advancements, and growing awareness about the early diagnosis have fueled the growth of the medical imaging systems market. In addition, increasing aging population, growing demand for imaging system procedures, and growing expenditure on healthcare would further fuel the market growth. However, expensive imaging systems coupled with unfavorable government initiatives have hindered the growth of the market in developing regions. Nuclear imaging is used in hospitals and medicines to provide a physician with apparatus for making an accurate diagnosis. This helps in deduction of treatment recommendations and to possibility of repeating of errors. Simplification of image evaluation process will help in successful identification of health issues. The advancement of nuclear imaging technology will also be beneficial for up gradation of precision and standardization in imaging techniques for clinical trials.Increasing government initiatives for the use of modern technologies in healthcare and expansion of infrastructure is expected to drive this market. The introduction of many new manufacturers in this region will increasing the market size for nuclear imaging equipment. This market is presently consolidated and there are few manufacturers who own maximum share of the market.Browse full report on Nuclear Imaging Equipment Market -Nuclear imaging equipment is used in oncology, cardiology, neurology and others. The oncology applications segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global market. The increasing occurrence of tumors is driving the use of this imaging technique and is projected to register the highest growth rate in the forecast period. The growing occurrence and incidence of cancer across the globe and increasing initiatives by public and private organizations to curb the same in driving the demand for this market. The expansion of advanced systems and radiotracers for oncology are the factors liable for the high growth rate of this segment.On the basis of end user, the nuclear imaging equipment market is segmented into imaging centers, hospitals, academic, research organization and other end users. The other uses of nuclear imaging are found in pharmaceutical, biotechnology companies and contract research organization (CRO). The rising healthcare expenditure across the globe in driving the demand in hospital segment and is forecasted to hold the largest share during the forecast period of 2016-2024. This segment will also grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.This rise in demand can be accredited to features such as the necessity to improve the effectiveness of diagnostic imaging processes and rising number of these procedures undertaken in hospitals. Also, hospitals are expected to provide the most advanced technology and quality of life care possible. This factor will increase the adoption of advanced nuclear imaging systems in the centers.By region the market has been segmented into: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America. This market is expected to witness the highest growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Increasing occurrence of various life threatening diseases like cancer, tumors etc. in this region is expected to drive the market for this region.The major manufacturers of nuclear imaging equipment in global market are Digirad Corporation, SurgicEye GmbH, Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Neusoft Medical Systems Co. Ltd., Mediso Medical Imaging Systems Ltd., CMR Naviscan Corporation and DDD Diagnostics amongst others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request for brochure of this report -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.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cardiovascular Imaging and Informatics Market Research Report Forecast to 2016- 2023

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Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most common causes of patient hospitalization and mortality in many developed nations. It continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide as well. It is imperative for a physician to perform cardiovascular imaging test to diagnose heart condition and during subsequent management of any cardiac disorder. Cardiovascular imaging (CV imaging) enables radiologist to see inside the body and shows the structure of heart in great detail. The physician can understand blood flow within the body and diagnose patients heart or vascular condition. The global market for cardiovascular imaging is expected to grow in the near future owing to the increasing demand from the emerging economies in the Asia-Pacific and rest of the world. Moreover, the increasing dependence on imaging modalities have increased the adoption of imaging informatics which is expected to witness far-reaching positive impact on the global CV imaging and informatics market.Echocardiography, angiography, nuclear cardiac imaging, computed tomography, cardiac positron emission tomography (cardiac PET), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI) are the most common imaging modalities used for diagnosis and interventional cardiology. Other tests used for cardiovascular imaging include coronary calcium score and coronary catheterization (catheter angiography). Coronary catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure to access coronary circulation by inserting a catheter into heart through blood vessels in the leg. Cardiac CT is a less invasive option to coronary catheterization which involves injecting CT-visible dye. Cardiac CT offers advantage of minimizing the risk of arterial perforation and reduces the chances of infection at catheter injection site. In the late 1970s, CT scans required 2.4-sec for capturing an image, but the development in the electron beam technology has significantly reduced the time per scan. In addition, the development of multi-detector scanners, it has become possible to obtain 64, 128, 256 and more simultaneous slices adding more spatial resolution and diagnostic help to radiologists.Browse full report on Cardiovascular Imaging and Informatics Market -Echocardiography imaging is an optional ultrasound method of cardiac imaging and includes transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), stress echocardiography. Recently, 3D echocardiography is being used for cardiovascular imaging which is non-invasive, easy to operate, and produces much clearer image. Nuclear cardiac imaging is becoming a popular method which involves usage of a radionuclide - technetium Tc 99m sestamibi (MIBI). This non-invasive cardiac imaging method is considered to be one of the best methods to evaluate and diagnose a heart attack. It is also a very handy technique to assess myocardial salvage among patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). The market for non-invasive cardiovascular imaging is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years as the invasive imaging causes great inconvenience to the patients. Moreover, the non-invasive imaging is less costly and incurs comparatively lesser hospitalization to the patient.Geographically, the global cardiovascular imaging and informatics market can be segmented into four major regions, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the world. Geographically, the Asia-Pacific market will witness highest growth in terms of procedures and will outnumber the total imaging procedures in the western part of the world. Large patient pool, increasing healthcare infrastructure and strengthening economy in the region are contributing to the growth of Asia-Pacific cardiovascular imaging and informatics market.Some of the key companies operating in the cardiac imaging and informatics include GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Medis Medical Imaging Systems BV, Pie Medical Imaging, and Circle Cardiovascular Imaging, Inc.Request for brochure of this report -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.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cell Lysis/Cell Fractionation Market Research Report Forecast to 2016- 2024

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Global Cell Lysis/Cell Fractionation Market: OverviewCell fractionation is the process of separating cellular components while at the same time, retaining the individual functions of each component. Similarly, cell lysis is the breaking down of the cell membrane by enzymic, viral, or osmotic mechanisms. Cell lysis/cell fractionation enables scientists to carefully study the different parts of a cell in isolation so as to determine their biochemical composition and function. Much of what scientists know of the molecular biology of a cell is discovered by scrutinizing cell-free systems. The rapid growth of the healthcare, life sciences, and pharmaceutical industries has spurred research and development activities in countless fields, increasing the demand for cell lysis/cell fractionation in laboratories.The key product types of cell lysis/cell fractionation are reagents and kits, consumables, disposables, beads, and instruments. Instruments such as homogenizers and sonicators are used for cell lysis/cell fractionation. In addition, the various reagents and kits used for cell lysis are detergent solutions, enzymes, and others. The major types of cells that can undergo cell fractionation are microbial cells, mammalian cells, and others. Biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and research laboratories and institutes are the prominent end users of cell lysis. The regions studied under the global cell lysis/cell fractionation market are North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World.The report carefully studies the different applications, technologies, products, and regional segments of the cell lysis/cell fractionation market and offers sharp insights on the strengths and weaknesses of each. The market study, backed by thorough research and supported by the latest facts and figures, serves as an ideal tool for all stakeholders of the cell lysis/cell fractionation market. Equipped with this knowledge, players can gain a competitive edge over the rest and devise key business strategies for the profitable future of the company.Browse full report on Cell Lysis/Cell Fractionation Market -Global Cell Lysis/Cell Fractionation Market: Key Trends and OpportunitiesThe global market for cell lysis/cell fractionation is propelled by the high prevalence of diseases, the rise in government funding for research and development activities, the growing focus on personalized medicine, and the expansion of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Emerging countries are forecast to present high-growth opportunities for players within the cell lysis/cell fractionation market. By contrast, the shortage of skilled personnel, the high cost of cell-based research, and the survival of new entrants and small players are some of the leading impediments.Consumables form the largest product segment in the cell lysis/cell fractionation market, driven primarily by the rise in cell-based research funding and the increased prevalence of diseases. Mammalian cells are the most commonly fractionated cell types thanks to surging investments by companies and governments for cell-based research and the growing prevalence of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and cancer. Cell lysis/cell fractionation is mostly carried out by research laboratories and institutes such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).Global Cell Lysis/Cell Fractionation Market: Region-wise OutlookAmong the key regional segments of the global cell lysis/cell fractionation market, North America holds the largest share, driven by the surging government funding in most countries and the rise of the aging population. This region is anticipated to retain its lead throughout the forecast period. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is projected to witness the fastest growth in the coming years, particularly in India and China. Europe is also a strong contender in the cell lysis/cell fractionation market.The most prominent players operating in the global cell lysis/cell fractionation market include Beckman Coulter, Inc., Qiagen N.V., Merck KGAA, Miltenyi Biotec, Cell Signaling Technology, Inc., Qsonica, LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Roche Diagnostics, Becton, Dickinson and Company, and Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Request for brochure of this report -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.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Asia Pacific to Lead Furfural Derivatives Market by Value US$1.1

Global Furfural Derivatives Market

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The top five companies in the global furfural derivatives market together accounted for 57% of the overall market in 2015. These players are Penn A Kem LLC, Nova Molecular Technologies, Inc., Sinochem Qingdao Co. Ltd., Hongye Chemical Co. Ltd., and Corbion NV. The growing presence of small and large companies has intensified the competition in the global furfural derivatives market, states Transparency Market Research, and the degree of rivalry is likely to remain high throughout the forecast period.Download the Exclusive Report Sample Here :Pricing plays a key role in this competitive environment since the cost of furfural derivatives is relatively high. This also means that the threat of substitutes is rather high. Synthetic process materials such as ethanol are lower priced and can be used in place of furfural derivatives, the author of the study states. This threat has compelled players in the market to engage in partnerships and joint ventures so as to increase their production capacity and lower the prices of furfural derivatives. One such company that has focused on joint ventures and acquisitions to increase production capacity is Hongye Chemical. Headquartered in China, Hongye Chemical reportedly possesses the largest production base for furfuryl alcohol and furfural in the world and, in 2015, reported a production capacity of 150,000 MT of furfuryl alcohol.The global demand for furfural derivatives is poised to rise from 947.5 kilo tons in 2016 to 1,172.1 kilo tons by 2024, registering a 2.69% CAGR in terms of volume. On the other hand, the global revenue generated by the market during the course of the forecast period is projected to increase at a 3.76% CAGR.Asia Pacific to Lead Global Furfural Market by Value and VolumeAsia Pacific is the leading producer as well as consumer of furfural derivatives. Registering a 2.93% CAGR in terms of volume and a 3.98% CAGR in terms of value, the region is projected to retain its lead throughout the forecast period. Based on product type, the furfural derivatives market is led by the others segment, which comprises tetrahydrofuran (THF), methyl tetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) and poly tetrahydrofuran (Poly THF). The segment is projected to value US$1.1 bn by 2024 while the combined demand for the aforementioned derivatives is poised to reach 592.3 kilo tons by 2021. Registering a 2.85% CAGR from 2016 to 2024, the 2,5- furandicarboxylic acid segment will emerge as a swiftly expanding market.Rising Environmental Awareness among Consumers a Growth DriverRising concerns among consumers pertaining to the adverse effects of fossil-based resources on the environment have resulted in the widespread replacement of non-renewable sources with renewable and bio-based alternatives. Strict environmental regulations have also encouraged the use of bio-based products in a number of end-use industries. This has greatly driven the demand for furfural derivatives, which are mainly used for the production of biofuels and biochemicals. The rising demand in Asia Pacific, the leading market for furfural derivatives, is also anticipated to significantly boost the global market.On the flip side, safety issues regarding the transportation of furfural and its derivatives is a major area of concern for this market. Different countries have different restrictions and legislations pertaining to transportation and export and this could pose a threat to the growth of the market in the coming years.This review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled Furfural Derivatives Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.Furfural Derivatives Market, by ProductFuroic acidTetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA)2,5- Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA)Others [tetrahydrofuran (THF), methyl tetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) and poly tetrahydrofuran (poly THF)]Furfural Derivatives Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaThe U.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyNetherlandsSpainBelgiumAsia PacificChinaJapanSouth KoreaSingaporeMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaThe UAEIranSouth and Central AmericaBrazilArgentinaAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Welcome to Best Bets, a weekly column in which The Oregonian's arts desk highlights selected theater, classical music and dance performances and visual arts events. Here are our picks for Feb. 10-16.

"Elliot, a Soldier's Fugue"

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegria Hudes looks at war through three generations of a Puerto Rican family; The New York Times described her play as "true to its title ... composed like a fugue, with several strands of narrative playing in point and counterpoint around a single theme." Hudes is the featured playwright for Profile Theatre's 20th season; Elliot's story will wrap up in November with two simultaneous productions. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday through Feb. 19, Artists Repertory Theater, 1515 S.W. Morrison St. Tickets start at $20; profiletheatre.org or 503-242-0080.

"Secret of the Spider"

The Portland shadow puppetry troupe Night Shade has a new show, "Secret of the Spider," which it describes as "a psychedelic allegory" about a mother whose search for a vanished daughter "illuminates the shadows of her past." Be prepared for a fully immersive visual experience. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 16-18, 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, Third Rail Repertory Theatre, 17 S.E. Eighth Ave. $20, thirdrailrep.org or 503-235-1101/

"In the Blood"

The Portland Actors Conservatory will perform Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks' "In the Blood," a modern-day retelling of Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter." Here, Hester La Negrita, a single mother of five, dreams of breaking out of poverty and homelessness. This production is not recommended for children younger than 15. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Firehouse Theatre, 1436 S.W. Montgomery St. $5-$18, pac.edu or 503-274-1717.

"We're All Mad Here"

"Alice in Wonderland" meets America under Donald Trump in this original production from Shaking the Tree Theatre. Says artistic director Samantha Van Der Merwe, "We need to look within first if we want to examine what has occurred in our country." Matthew Kerrigan performs in multiple theatrical styles including clown, shadow puppetry, acrobatics and improvisation. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Feb. 25, Shaking the Tree Theatre, 823 S.E. Grant St. $10-$25, shaking-the-tree.com or 503-235-0635.

"Pied Piper of Portlandia"

In the old folk tale, the Pied Piper led away a town's entire population of children by playing music they couldn't resist. In this concert, the Oregon Symphony joins forces with Pacific Youth Choir and Dance West to bring to life Benjamin Britten's classic "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra." This time, the kids come back after an hour - with new appreciation for symphonic instruments and music. 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway. Tickets start at $10, tickets.orsymphony.org or 503-228-1353.

"Interlude," PDX Contemporary Ballet

Six choreographers present six works, most of them premieres, performed by six dancers, with themes such as language and meaning, resilience, the body and movement, and female stereotypes. Violinist Tomoki Martens performs as well. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 10-11, 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, CoHo Theater, 2257 N.W. Raleigh St. $15-$30, pdxcb.com.

Johannes Girardoni, "Resonance"

Johannes Girardoni, a Los Angeles sculptor and installation artist who works within the Light and Space movement, returns to PDX Contemporary Art for his latest solo exhibit, "Resonance." The installation consists of 12 cast-resin sculptures that explore the intersection of light, material and perception - is the art in the object, or in experiencing the object? On view, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through Feb. 25, PDX Contemporary Art, 925 N.W. Flanders St. Free, pdxcontemporaryart.com or 503-222-0063.

Gert Mathiesen

The Danish American potter, painter and printmaker's works are popular with private and corporate collectors. Last year, he was the subject of an exhibit at the Museum of Danish America in Iowa; now that exhibit is in Southwest Portland. Mathiesen's widow, the artist Pam Smilow, will attend the opening reception. Opening reception, 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10; on view, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through March 14, Nordia House, 8800 S.W. Oleson Road. Free; scanheritage.org or 503-977-0275.

If you would like your event to be considered for inclusion in Best Bets, email the details to fineartsbestbets@oregonian.com.
Update

Vancouver police fatally shot a man inside the bedroom of an apartment Friday morning after he crashed a stolen car and entered the apartment, which had a man and four children inside, a police spokeswoman said.

Officers responded to reports of a stolen car around 6:30 a.m., Vancouver police spokesman Kim Kapp said. The car was stolen near the 5800 block of Northeast 41st Circle in the Walnut Grove area, according to The Columbian.

The suspect crashed the stolen car into a bus in the parking lot of the Vancouver Pointe Senior Village retirement community on Northeast 66th Avenue, Kapp said.

The crash pushed the bus into the building kitchen and ruptured a gas line, according to Pamella Winter, who lives across the street.

Winter's father lives in the retirement center, she said. The fire department responded to the gas leak, Winter said, but her father told her the building was not evacuated.

After the crash, the suspect, who has not been identified, ran into the lobby of the retirement community, Kapp said. He then ran into a neighboring apartment complex, she said.

He went into a second floor apartment, which had a man and his four children inside, Kapp said.

Police officers entered the apartment and shot the suspect inside a bedroom, Kapp said. He was armed, she said.

Police officers and the family inside the apartment were not injured, Kapp said.

The police officer who shot the suspect has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure, Kapp said. The officer has not been publicly identified.

Winter, who lives across the street from the retirement community, didn't hear the car crash or any shots fired, she said.

She didn't know that anything had happened until she opened her curtains and saw the police cars outside. Her father later called her to tell her about the crash and subsequent shooting, she said.

Hours after the shooting, crime tape sectioned off the retirement community parking lot and parts of the sidewalk. Investigators took photos of the damaged bus and stolen car parked outside the building.

Friday's officer involved shooting marks the third shooting by police in 24 hours in the metro area. An armed robbery suspect died Thursday morning in Southeast Porltand and another man was critically injured Thursday evening in Northeast Portland.

This post will be updated as news develops.

-- Samantha Matsumoto

This post was updated to include information from a neighbor and more information from a police spokeswoman.
TriMet took the unusual step of Friday of announcing that it doesn't cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, responding to apparently false rumors that federal immigration officers were targeting bus riders in Southeast Portland.

The agency said it conducted no fare enforcement operations on Thursday evening except at stations near the Moda Center and Providence Park, where the Trail Blazers and Timbers played that night. It had received no firsthand accounts of an incident involving federal officers from rider or operators, spokeswoman Mary Fetsch said

Further, it said sworn police officers in its transit police division are prohibited from enforcing federal immigration laws under Oregon's sanctuary state statute.

"We do not support targeting any of our riders or any members of our community. Period," the agency said in a statement Friday morning. "We deeply regret that these fast-spreading rumors have caused concerns about TriMet and the safety of our riders."

It had tweeted a rebuttal late Thursday:

There's a rumor going around spreading quickly about TriMet, our fare enforcers and ICE. It is absolutely false.  TriMet (@trimet) February 10, 2017

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman also refuted the rumors in a written statement.

"Rumors currently being circulated that the agency is conducting random enforcement actions at Portland-area transportation hubs are completely unfounded," wrote Lori K. Haley, the spokeswoman. "The agency is working diligently to address these false reports and we urge the media not to give them credence."

She added that the agency's enforcement actions are ongoing, but "targeted and lead driven."

Posts on Twitter and Facebook claimed TriMet fare checkers were delivering people caught without fare to federal officers waiting outside the bus. At least one version was attributed the report to a person affiliated with a local media outlet, lending it some credibility among those who shared the post, though its not clear that outlet had a hand in spreading the rumors.

Some of the social media posts that helped the rumor spread have since been deleted.

Immigration officers have appeared at the Multnomah County courthouse to arrest undocumented immigrants appearing for unrelated charges, even though the county has a policy of not assisting in immigration enforcement. County officials have condemned the practice, but said it had no authority to bar the officers from areas open to the public.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have said there is no new emphasis on arrests since the election of President Donald Trump, an immigration hardliner.

Later Friday, however, The Washington Post reported federal agents had conducted immigration raids across at least six states on Thursday and Friday in an apparent escalation since Trump took office. The federal agency acknowledged those operations.

Fetsch said immigration enforcement officers would be allowed to board a bus like any other member of the public. But TriMet has never worked with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, she said, and has no plans to.

"ICE has never been trained or participating in fare enforcement and would not know what they would be looking for if they did (try to enforce fares)," she said in an email.

Other transit agencies in sanctuary cities are concerned about drawing the attention of immigration officers.

The Bay Area's BART regional rail system has proposed a "sanctuary in transit" policy that would prohibit its own police force to limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies.

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com

503-294-5034

@enjus
eric.jpg

Eric Nzayiramya

(Tom Hallman Jr./The Oregonian)

This is what a recent refugee to the United States looks like:

A man gets off the bus in downtown Portland. He's 22. He passes men about his age. They sit on the sidewalk and ask strangers for spare change. The man has been up since early morning, going to school all day at Portland Community College before working the 4 p.m. to midnight shift at a hotel where he takes away dirty room service dishes. He arrives home by bus at about 1 a.m. Then he does it again the next day.

"Yes, I am tired," said Eric Nzayiramya said, resting in the hotel lobby before his shift. "But I have learned that no matter what the circumstance, a person should never quit."

Born in the Congo, he was given the first name Eric because it's a French name and French is the country's official language. When he was 2, his parents were killed during a civil war. His aunt and uncle took him in and then fled with the family to a refugee camp in Rwanda. He spent 19 years in the camp. He had one meal a day, and lived in a structure measuring 13 by 14 feet.

"We were 11 in total," he said. "It's hard to imagine how we lived in that house. It was very hard and bad when it rains because our houses were not strong. The water enters the house, and it becomes dangerous. There was no sleep during the rain."

In 2015, his family was selected to be resettled in the United States. The process, vetting and screening, took a year. The family arrived in Tennessee in the summer of 2016. He then decided to move to Portland to draw on the resources of These Numbers Have Faces, a Portland nonprofit that works with students in two refugee camps in Rwanda.

"Eric comes from a community that lives on a hilltop in a place that most people have never heard of, and never will," said Taylor Smith, the organization's developmental and community manager. "He applied to be part of our leadership program when he was in the camp. "He's a very smart young man."

When he arrived in Portland, he enrolled in fall term at PCC with the help of a caseworker. Among his classes was one designed to help students needing remedial help with writing and reading. Most students in the class read at a seventh-grade level.

On the first day, he met his teacher, Sonja Grove. She has two master's degrees in education and learning disabilities, and a doctorate in education. She'd previously taught at Lewis & Clark and at the University of Portland. This was a new teaching experience.

"I felt like I was teaching a high school class," she said. "How you treat the teacher, how you treat your classmates. The students in the class need support. This is their first time in college. Many are there for a second chance in life. This is the hardest teaching I've ever done."

She noticed Nzayiramya right away. He consistently scored high marks on his tests.

"He came with real skills," she said. "His intellectual ability was quite high."

He struggled with his English and apologized to his classmates when he had to stand in front of the class and speak.

"I was having some trouble," Nzayiramya said. "Making friends with my classmates. I have a different skin color. I have a distinct accent. I wanted them to accept me in America.

"I was an outsider," he said. "I wanted to be welcomed."

Grove was intrigued by this student.

"He was intellectually superior," she said. "But I didn't know anything about him. He was so vague about his life."

As an exercise, Grove had her students write a memoir. Write about something that happened in their life and how it impacted them.

Grove said Nzayiramya wrote about his 19 years in a refugee camp. He explained how his parents were killed because of politics. His father had been a truck driver. He wanted to go to high school, but the United Nations Refugee Agency only paid for him attend school through eighth grade. He found a sponsor, but because he was a refugee could not attend a university in Rwanda. The Portland nonprofit, he said, changed his life when they tested him in the camp and said he was one of the top students they'd ever encountered.

"I gave him an A," Grove said. "I'm a hard grader. I was so taken by his story. I sent the dean a note and told him he had to read this paper."

Nzayiramya believes he's on his way to a better life.

"I want to work hard," he said. "I want to one day transfer to a big university and study to be an electrical engineer. I was raised in a community with no electrical power. One day, I would like to go back to the camp and produce power to help children like I was."

He stood up.

He walked through a hotel lobby and back to an employee room to change into his uniform.

It was time to go work.

--Tom Hallman Jr.

thallman@oregonian.com; 503 221-8224

@thallmanjr
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Speaker of the House Tina Kotek and House Rep. Jennifer Williamson, right, at the Democratic Party of Oregon election night gathering at the Oregon Convention Center.

(Mike Zacchino/Staff)

Legislators must address spending: I had to read the In My Opinion piece by Rep. Jennifer Williamson twice to be sure that I had not missed something ("2017 session: A chance to stand up for Oregon values," Feb. 4). But I had not. There was no mention of tackling the PERS debacle, nor of any other attempts to address spending. In spite of a looming deficit, the only mention of fiscal issues was that we need to "tackle the longstanding flaws in our revenue system." We do not have problems with our revenues. We have problems with our expenditures! If Rep. Williamson's opinion represents the Democratic Party's position, then we are in for a long, unproductive legislative session.

We need leaders from both parties who can reach across the aisle and craft compromise solutions that protect Oregon taxpayers and provide necessary government services at a reasonable cost. That includes tackling the elephant in the room, PERS. I consider myself a moderate, currently registered as a Democrat, but I am finding that there appears to be no room in either party for moderates.

John MacDonald, Northwest Portland

Fix PERS: I read with interest Rep Jennifer Williamson's column in the Oregonian about the 2017 Oregon Legislative Assembly.

Apparently she does not get it or choses to ignore the elephant in the room: PERS.

She scribes that the state's educational revenue is so broken that we are unable to fund our basic needs. Well, she fails to mention the reason why it's broken -PERS has siphoned billions of dollars away from funding our schools which leads to larger class sizes, shorter school years, and the higher college costs that she mentions.

Until the Legislature fixes the PERS program, it's an exercise in futility and the taxpayers are not going to approve more taxes. Measure 97 spoke loud and clear to that.

Doug Pratt, Sherwood
Seven Southwest Washington legislators want to resurrect plans to build a new Columbia River bridge linking Portland and Vancouver.

Just don't call it the Columbia River Crossing.

Vancouver-area lawmakers will drop bills Friday labeling a new I-5 bridge a project of statewide significance and directing Washington Transportation Department officials to sift through millions of dollars' worth of feasibility studies, environmental impact statements and financial analyses from the last go-round to determine what could be salvaged of the abandoned interstate bridge project.

Despite the Columbia River Crossing debacle, Sen. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, is convinced a new bridge is too important an issue to not address. The last bridge effort died in the fiery ashes of partisan rancor after hundreds of millions of dollars were spent. Cleveland refrains from even uttering the words Columbia River Crossing. The bills refer only to a new Interstate 5 bridge. Whatever it's called, she insists, the current bridge is obsolete and not dealing with it "would be really irresponsible."

"We have an aging piece of infrastructure that needs to be replaced," she said. "It is limiting our ability to grow our economy, to move freight. We have a future generation that is expecting us to act responsibly."

Cleveland's bill would free up $365,000 to fund the work of gleaning through the mountain of CRC paperwork to determine what work is obsolete and what can be retained. She's convinced she's lined up the necessary bipartisan support to get the legislation passed.

The bill is silent on the controversial topic of light rail, which gave conniptions to Clark County conservatives the last time around. The bill says only "all of the potential mass transit options" are to be considered.

Cleveland has been working the Southwest Washington delegation for a year to restart the bridge project. She managed to persuade seven of the area's nine lawmakers to join the effort, including conservative Republican Ann Rivers, who claimed some credit for killing the project last time.

Inslee reportedly told Cleveland he would consider supporting the project only if there was a consensus among the Southwest Washington delegation.

The Columbia River Crossing, in development for more than a decade, was to include light rail into downtown Vancouver, bike and pedestrian lanes, a new bridge and a significantly widened freeway and multiple new interchanges along a five-mile stretch of I-5. The federal government agreed to kick in more than $1 billion, more than a third of the estimated cost.

The light rail and plans to charge tolls inspired a conservative, anti-government backlash.

Washington pulled out of the project in the summer of 2013. Oregon tried for months to complete the project on its own but eventually gave up in March 2014.

By then, project sponsors had spent $190 million.

It was a stunning loss for then-Gov. John Kitzhaber and House Speaker Tina Kotek, both Democrats, who continued to fight for the project nearly to the bitter end. They were backed by Oregon's mainline business and labor organizations, which argued the $2.8 billion project would create hundreds of jobs, improve a congested, accident-prone stretch of I-5, and boost the regional economy by smoothing freight mobility.

Cleveland acknowledges she faces a tough sell in her own turf and also in Oregon. Washington generated significant ill will in Oregon when it abandoned the CRC.

Oregon lawmakers are expected to consider their own transportation funding package in their new session. A new I-5 bridge across the Columbia is not included.

-- Jeff Manning

503-294-7606, jmanning@oregonian.com
On Thursday morning, the Oregon Zoo was quiet. Intermittent rain and dark skies kept many of the animals inside. There were few people, just a smattering of parents with young children in raincoats and several visibly distraught zoo employees. Earlier in the day, Packy, a male Asian elephant that had been a part of Portland culture for 54 years, was euthanized after it was determined that the tuberculosis he had struggled with for years was now untreatable.

In Elephant Lands, the expansive habitat that was created using funds from a 2008 Portland bond measure, two and then three elephants slowly rambled in circles, snacking and scratching themselves by rubbing up against walls.

According to Bob Lee, the elephant curator at the zoo, the rest of the elephants don't know that Packy is dead.

"Fortunately for them, male elephants come in and out of the herd," Lee told us in the drizzle outside, overlooking the exhibit that was made with Packy in mind.

"So what would be normal for a herd of females is a male comes in and then he walks back into the jungle," Lee said. "Packy not coming back into the herd for them is akin to him going off into the jungle and they don't see him again."

Back in 2015, Lee was optimistic about Packy's future in Elephant Lands.

"He is the reason for all of this," Lee said in a press release about the opening of the exhibit. "Packy was the first elephant born here back in 1962, and we designed this new habitat specifically with him in mind -- both as a comfortable home for him to live out his golden years in, and as a legacy to all he has helped us learn about this amazing species."

Sadly, Packy didn't get very long to enjoy the new space.

He has been separated from the herd since his most recent bout with tuberculosis. In 2013, he and two other elephants were diagnosed with the disease but they all beat it. However, in 2016, Packy's illness came back and this time was resistant to all drugs.

"We were hoping to get him back in in December," Lee said, "but we had a positive culture of TB, meaning the bacteria was growing again after several months of really good treatment we thought."

At that point, Packy's caregivers knew they would have to make some tough decisions.

"We went through a process for several months, of talking to internal stakeholders," Lee said. "We talked to outside experts, trying to find what was in the best interest of Packy."

Lee said they reached out to experts around the country. Ultimately, they concluded that euthanasia was the only option.

"He has a chronic disease," Lee said. "We didn't think the treatment would work for him."

"Everybody that works with him here had time to say goodbye to him," Lee added.

There were tears in Lee's eyes when he spoke about the elephant that he has worked with since Sept. 16, 1999. Lee remembered the exact date he started working with Packy, because he was so excited, he tried to start a week early. The zoo told him to come back on the right day.

Lee said that while Packy was a massive bull elephant, he had a sweet side.

"He was also nervous and shy and took awhile to get used to new things," Lee told us. "He was just an amazing ... almost a person."

Visitors to the zoo on Thursday remembered Packy from even further back.

Bonnie Clement was at the zoo with her daughter and grandchildren. She remembers when Packy was born. "I was five years old and in kindergarten," she said. "It was a big deal."

Clement also teared up when she remembered the role that Packy played in her young life.

"We studied elephants in school because of that," she told us, "and then in first grade we went on a field trip to come see Packy."

The zoo is asking for people to share their memories at Forest Hall in the Elephant Lands. They are planning a Packy Day at some point in the future and a long-term memorial to the elephant that defined the zoo for so many years.

But for now, Packy has been laid to rest at an unnamed city-owned location. They won't say where his grave is -- it isn't open to the public, "but," Lee said, "it's a wooded, grassy area."

As her young grandson played around her in a monkey sweatshirt in Forest Hall, Clement reflected on Packy.

"You know, it's sad," she said. "It's really sad. Packy was the Oregon Zoo."

"But," she added, "he's not suffering and that's a good thing."

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker
Two Portland development companies set on renovating Old Town Chinatown's Grove Hotel are suing the owners of property across the street to evict the homeless tent camp set up there.

Filed by developers of the Grove Hotel, a high-profile project designed to help revitalize the neighborhood, the suit argues the camp violates Portland's zoning code, defies Oregon's permitting rules for setting up a park or camp and impedes redevelopment of the Northwest Portland neighborhood.

Bob Naito is lead owner of Grove Hotel Partners, which is developing the nine-story hotel. Grove Hostel Property, which helped acquire the hotel property, is also suing.

The groups worked to remake the historic hotel, which stretches for a full block from Fourth Avenue to Fifth Avenue on West Burnside Street in Old Town, into a high-end tourist destination with restaurants and other retail offerings on the ground floor.

They argue in the suit that the camp, known as Right 2 Dream Too and located at Northwest Fourth Avenue and Burnside Street, interfered with the renovation of the hotel by reducing the neighborhood property values and lowering the value of their proposed project by $900,000.

The tent camp, governed by its occupants, has operated on the site with the permission of property owner Michael Wright for more than five years.

Wright did not respond to a phone call and a text requesting comment. The Oregonian/OregonLive was also unable to reach Mark Kramer, an attorney who represented him in a separate lawsuit against the City of Portland.

Portland city officials have long struggled to find another location for the camp, even after directing $846,000 toward the project.

Commissioner Amanda Fritz recently found a new potential site, her chief of staff Tim Crail told The Oregonian/OregonLive Thursday. He declined to say where it is, but said the commissioner is keenly aware of the April 7 deadline to find the campers a new location.

Suing to force removal of the homeless residents "was the last resort when my client felt that nothing else seemed to be working," said attorney Steve Naito, the brother of Bob Naito who is representing both groups in the case. "They felt they had received assurances from the city that the camp would be moved and that hasn't happened."

Wright is among four defendants named in the lawsuit, along with wife Linda Wright, and fellow property owners Daniel and Donna Cossette.

The four have co-owned the property across from the Grove Hotel at the base of Old Town's Chinese gates since Wright and Daniel Cossette bought an adult bookstore on the property in 1984.

A dispute with former City Commissioner Randy Leonard ended the bookstore in 2008. The owners later demolished the bookstore, and Wright invited the Right 2 Dream Too homeless camp to move onto the property in October 2011, in part to spite the city for Leonard's actions.

Although the Cossettes co-own some of the land the Right 2 Dream Too residents occupy, court filings make clear that the Wrights are the sole decision-makers in favor of hosting the camp. A lawsuit filed on behalf of Donna Cossette in January says Wright is responsible for any damages the owners incur as a result of zoning code violations or nuisance charges.

The Cossettes "have zero responsibility" for the Grove Hotel lawsuit's claims, said attorney Charles Markley, who represented Donna Cossette's guardian in the January case against Wright.

"It's Michael Wright and only Michael Wright (who) allowed Right 2 Dream Too to come onto the property," Markley said.

Cossette's advocate claims in the lawsuit that Wright owes her more than $185,000 for rent Wright failed to charge the homeless camp, demolition costs and payments made by the Portland Development Commission to begin buying the property.

In October 2014, the four owners entered an agreement to sell the property to the Portland Development Commission for $1.2 million, plus $300,000 made in 30 monthly payments of $10,000. The commission sent the monthly payments to Wright, the lawsuit said. It paid $290,000 to Wright as of Feb. 9, said commission spokesman Shawn Uhlman. The lawsuit alleges that Wright has not paid Donna Cossette her full share.

Portland City Council voted in February 2016 to move the controversial camp to the Central Eastside, but a ruling by Oregon's land-use board blocked the move. The ruling found that city officials abused local zoning rules by trying to classify a residential camp as a nonprofit so they could move it to an area zoned for industrial use.

In 2013, Fritz and former Mayor Charlie Hales worked to find a new home for the camp in the Pearl District, but neighbors and local business owners fought the plan until Hales looked elsewhere.

City officials created a list of 21 potential new sites. None worked out so the city turned to the Central Eastside location. The Oregon land-use's ruling left the camp with an uncertain future.

The Portland Development Commission agreed to close on the property by April 7, so long as the owners passed environmental and archaeological inspections and removed the campers living on the property, said Uhlman, the development commission spokesman.

"The ball is in their court as far as clearing the site," Uhlman said. "As we get closer to that deadline, we'd have to take a much harder look at what the next step options would be. The requirements we've put in place have been very clear as well."

"Amanda and the city are committed to finding them another location by that date," Crail said.

Former Right 2 Dream Too co-founder Ibrahim Mubarak said moving the camp will push the campers further from nearby social services.

"For the sake of gentrification, someone has to get pushed out and hurt and it's usually the poor people," Mubarak said. "They're doing that true to form by discriminating against us. They're saying because we don't have no house, we don't have a right to be around."

Jim Ryan contributed to this report.

--Jessica Floum

jfloum@oregonian.com

503-221-8306

@cityhallwatch
frontier_creative_commons.JPG

Frontier Communications will close Beaverton dispatch center, lay off 57

(Creative Commons)

Frontier Communications plans to lay off 57 people working in a Beaverton dispatch center in April, part of a "significant restructuring" of the business.

The company notified Oregon officials of its plans in a letter Friday. The company said laid-off union workers will receive severance benefits as required by their collective bargaining agreement.

Frontier provides phone, cable TV and internet service in Washington and east Multnomah counties. It also offers phone and internet access in some smaller Oregon communities.

"This is a consolidation of our Dispatch Operations to more effectively respond to new service orders and trouble tickets," Frontier spokesman Javier Mendoza said in a written statement. "These actions are never easy, but are measures necessary to improve performance, enhance customer satisfaction, and reduce costs."

A relatively small telecommunications company, Frontier operates primarily in rural areas. It specializes in landline phone and DSL internet connections at a time when larger companies are investing in high-speed fiber-optic connections and wireless access.

Last year, Frontier completed a $10.5 billion purchase of Verizon's wireline operations in California, Texas and Florida.

Frontier reported $6.5 billion in revenue in its most recent nine months, up from $4.2 billion before the Verizon acquisition. But Frontier lost $454 million during that nine-month period.

Earlier this week Frontier restored Portland ABC affiliate KATU (Channel 2) to its cable TV lineup after a dispute with KATU's parent company that resulted in a blackout lasting more than a month.

This article has been updated with comment from Frontier.

-- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699
Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping in a Jan. 17, 2017, file photo. U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed America's long-standing 'one China' policy in a telephone conversation with Xi that could alleviate concerns about a major shift in Washington's approach to relations with Beijing. The long-awaited call came Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, Washington time, the White House and China's state broadcaster CCTV said. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

(Michel Euler)

In interviews after his election win, Donald Trump wondered why he shouldn't use the One-China policy as a bargaining chip with Beijing to get better trade terms.

Three weeks into his presidency, the threat to upend U.S. policy on Taiwan -- a breakaway province in China's eyes -- is off the table. The White House said Trump agreed in a phone call Thursday with China's President Xi Jinping to respect the policy, which has been the basis of ties since the 1970s.

The move instantly reduces tensions for a simple reason: Taiwan is the biggest flash point that could spark a military conflict between the world's biggest economies, and suck in U.S. allies in the region. Now, the focus turns to avoiding a trade war that could deal a blow to global growth.

"It was in no one's interests to see conflict between China and the U.S.," said Michael Bell, global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management. "This was the one issue that was really difficult for China. If that has been put to one side, then they can negotiate in a much more level-headed way."

The One-China policy acknowledges that China and Taiwan are part of the same country. China considers the island a province and has made recognition of the policy the foundation for diplomatic ties with the U.S. and all other countries. The U.S. continues to sell weapons to Taiwan and is obligated to defend the island under a 1979 law.

The White House statement said Trump agreed to respect the policy at the request of Xi during the call, which it described as "lengthy" and "extremely cordial." In turn, Xi called for enhanced cooperation on a myriad of issues, from trade to investment to military affairs.

"Facing an extremely complicated global situation and rising challenges, there's a greater need for continuing to enhance cooperation between China and the U.S.," Xi said, according to state broadcaster China Central Television.

Signs of a detente had emerged recently. In Tokyo last week, Defense Secretary James Mattis said he didn't see any need for "dramatic military moves" in the South China Sea, and urged a diplomatic solution. Still, in China's eyes, Trump's move to back down on the One-China policy wasn't a win because Taiwan was never negotiable in the first place.

"It is tempting to say Beijing won Round One, but that would be misleading," said Steve Tsang, director of SOAS China Institute, University of London. "I should think that Xi is pleased with the outcome, but is still waiting to see what Trump really wants."

On the campaign trail, Trump routinely blamed China for unfair trade practices that gutted the American manufacturing sector. He has threatened to slap tariffs on Chinese goods and label the nation a currency manipulator. He also appointed Peter Navarro, whose books include "Death by China: Confronting the Dragon -- A Global Call to Action" -- as a trade adviser.

With Taiwan's status off the table, former Chinese diplomats saw room for talks on other issues. They also saw Trump's retreat as evidence that Beijing's "strategic composure" in response to his earlier remarks worked well.

"If you appear too eager, he'd think you're weak and he'd become even more cocky," said Ma Zhengang, a former Chinese ambassador to the U.K. and ex-political attache in Washington. "Now we can talk. I see a lot of negotiation room in economy and trade. We can make mutual compromises here. Also international affairs like North Korea and Iran."

The White House statement was also welcomed in Taiwan. The Presidential Office said on Friday that good relations between the U.S. and China were beneficial, adding that it has agreed with his administration to adopt a "zero-surprise" approach to communications.

The move is also likely to go down well in Japan, one of the U.S.'s top allies in Asia, Yoichi Kato, a senior research fellow at the Rebuild Japan Initiative Foundation in Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Friday, wouldn't want to be drawn into a U.S. diplomatic spat with its longtime rival.

An "embarrassed Xi can take out his rage and frustration on Japan by playing a 'nationalism' card or a 'history card' to make up for his political loss," Kato said.

Still, as the world has seen over the past few months, Trump can change the atmosphere completely with a single tweet. And tensions remain high: The phone call with Xi came after U.S. and China military aircraft had an "unsafe" encounter over a disputed part of the South China Sea, the first publicly confirmed incident since May.

"The way that China sees Donald Trump will depend on his deeds in the coming months, not his words only," said He Weiwen, a former Chinese trade diplomat in San Francisco and New York and now a senior fellow at the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization. "It has created a constructive atmosphere for talks. The results will depend on the talks."

--The Washington Post
Rep. Jason Chaffetz is known for being like a dog with a bone, a reputation he earned by relentlessly pursuing an investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's role in responding to the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

This reputation resulted in the conservative Utah congressman -- the chairman of the House Oversight Committee that's charged with investigating waste and corruption in the federal government -- facing a large, hostile crowd at a town-hall meeting Thursday in his home district.

"Do your job!" people yelled at him, angered that so far he's not pursuing any investigations of President Donald Trump even though questions swirl about the president's various conflicts of interest and possible contravention of the Constitution's emoluments clause.

Chaffetz's reception was particularly striking considering that his district is one of the most conservative and reliably Republican in the country. Utah voted for Trump despite popular Utahan Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, calling him a "fake" and a "con man" during the campaign.

With a flurry of executive orders and his trademark bravado, Trump is off to a fast start as president, but it's also a rocky one. Right after Trump took office, millions of Americans around the country marched to protest the ascension of a man they consider sexist, racist and dangerously ignorant. Trump offered no olive branch, instead plowing forward with a divisive agenda.

As a result of this unusual new presidency, 57 percent of Americans believe the rest of the world views the U.S. unfavorably, according to a Gallup poll taken the first week of February. Americans haven't thought their world standing was this poor since 2007, when the U.S. was mired in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Only 29 percent of the poll's respondents say world leaders respect Trump.

And so even some conservative Republicans in Utah apparently want the president reined in and investigated. When Chaffetz said Trump wasn't "required by law" to release his tax returns, the crowd at Brighton High School Thursday erupted in anger, shouting him down.

A longtime teacher, comparing the president to problem children she faced in class, asked Chaffetz to define what behavior from Trump would be too much. "For the president of the United States the consequence is impeachment. ... What is your line in the sand?" she asked. The question elicited raucous cheers from the audience.

At rowdy town hall, ex-teacher asks Chaffetz  chair of House oversight  whats your line in the sand for Trump? pic.twitter.com/8U7IkpZtsS  Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) February 10, 2017

Chaffetz himself didn't receive any cheers. He "was met by frequent, deafening boos," The Associated Press reported. He repeatedly had to withstand angry interruptions to his answers, pleading, "Give me a second."

He also gave little ground, showcasing the Republican Congress' willingness to stand with their controversial new president. He insisted Trump's executive order banning U.S.-bound travel from seven Muslim-majority nations targeted "the right countries." On Thursday, an appeals court refused to lift a federal judge's suspension of that travel ban. The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to take up the case.

Chaffetz also waved away questions about the emoluments clause.

"You're really not going to like this part," he told one constituent. "The president, under the law, is exempt from the conflict-of-interest laws."

Chaffetz was right: his questioner didn't like it, and neither did many others in the audience. More jeers and boos crashed down on the congressman, followed by a persistent chant, "Do your job!"

-- Douglas Perry
Donald Trump

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with senators on his Supreme Court justice nominee Neil Gorsuch, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington.

(Evan Vucci/Associated Press)

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump said Thursday's federal appellate court ruling against reinstating his refugee and immigration order was a "political decision" that jeopardized national security.

"We have a situation where the security of our country is at stake and it's a very, very serious situation so we look forward ... to seeing them in court," Trump said. "We're going to win the case."

Trump, in a brief, impromptu appearance in the West Wing, did not specify what his administration's next legal steps would be and said he had not yet conferred with Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who was sworn into office earlier Thursday.

The president said he did not believe the decision undercut his presidency.

In a unanimous decision, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined Thursday to block a lower-court ruling that suspended the executive order preventing travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the U.S.

The Justice Department said it was "reviewing the decision and considering its options." It could appeal the judge's restraining order to the U.S. Supreme Court or it could attempt to make the case for the travel ban in the district court.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway suggested the next step would be to argue the merits of the executive order.

"The statute provides a president ... with great latitude and authority to protect the citizens and to protect the nation's national security," Conway said. "This was not argued on the merits. Now that we'll have an opportunity to argue on the merits we look forward to doing that. We look forward to prevailing."

The ruling represented a setback for Trump's administration and the second legal defeat for the new president in the past week. Trump's decision to sign the executive order late last month has sparked protests at airports around the world as authorities barred scores of travelers from entering the country amid confusion over how to implement the details.

The appellate decision brushed aside arguments by the Justice Department that the president has the constitutional power to restrict entry to the United States and that the courts cannot second-guess his determination that such a step was needed to prevent terrorism.

Shortly after the ruling, Trump tweeted, "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted Thursday that Trump "ought to see the writing on the wall" and abandon the proposal. The New York Democrat called on the president to "roll up his sleeves" and come up with "a real, bipartisan plan to keep us safe."

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California promised, "Democrats will continue to press for President Trump's dangerous and unconstitutional ban to be withdrawn." And Trump's former presidential rival Hillary Clinton offered a terse response on Twitter, noting the unanimous vote: "3-0"

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle issued the temporary restraining order halting the ban last week after Washington state and Minnesota sued, leading to the federal government's appeal.

The Trump administration has said the seven nations -- Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen -- have raised terrorism concerns. The states have argued that the executive order unconstitutionally blocked entry based on religion and the travel ban harmed individuals, businesses and universities.

In a hallway conversation with reporters, Trump expressed confidence that he will prevail in court if the case is argued on the merits.

He and his aides frequently refer to a ruling by a federal judge in Boston who declined last week to extend a temporary injunction against Trump's travel ban. In the separate federal ruling in Seattle that night, a different federal judge put the ban on hold nationwide; it is that judge's decision that the White House has challenged.

"It's a decision that we'll win, in my opinion, very easily and, by the way, we won that decision in Boston," Trump said.

The president, in his third week in office, has criticized the judiciary's handling of the case. Last weekend, he labeled Robart a "so-called judge" and referred to the ruling as "ridiculous." Earlier this week he accused the appellate court considering his executive order of being "so political."

Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, has referred to the president's comments as "demoralizing and disheartening," according to a Democratic senator who asked him about Trump's response.

Trump has yet to nominate a candidate to be solicitor general, the lawyer who argues before the Supreme Court on behalf of the United States. Trump told reporters he'll be making that decision over the next week.

-- The Associated Press
Friday 10 February 2017 11:52am



Associate Professor Suzanne Pitama

Learning Te Reo relevant to a health environment is now easy thanks to an innovative App and interactive game developed at the University of Otago, Christchurch.



The free Aki Hauora App teaches Te Reo terms commonly used in the health environment by involving participants in an interactive game. It was developed by the University of Otago, Christchurchs Maori /Indigenous Health Institute (MIHI) in partnership with the School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies (Te Tumu) in Dunedin.



MIHI director Associate Professor Suzanne Pitama says the App was designed initially as an interactive way for medical students to learn Te Reo commonly used in clinical settings.



When Maori patients use Te Reo Maori within a clinical setting, it provides the opportunity for clinicians to engage in a deeper level of communication to support more effective assessment and management of the patient and their whanau. The more clinicians use Te Reo, the greater their own confidence and competence builds in Te Reo Maori. The App is a fun way to quickly and easily learn Te Reo relevant to clinical consultations, such as names for body parts or conditions.



Associate Professor Pitama says Aki Hauora is a health-related version of an App developed by Professor Poia Rewi and the team at Te Tumu. Professor Rewi and his colleagues originally created Aki to develop Maori language vocabulary to assist Maori families in the early stages of their language journeys.

Players of the Aki and Aki Hauora Apps must identify and select Maori phrases in order to paddle their waka and escape a taniwha (monster).



The Aki Hauora App will be used by medical students at the University of Otagos Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin medical schools, but is freely available to anyone interested in expanding their understanding of Te Reo. The first stages of the interactive game begin with easier words relevant to peoples health such as kai (food), pakaru (broken) and moe (sleep). Later stages test players on less common words such as disease names such as mate pukupuku (cancer) and mate papouri (depression).



The Aki Hauora App is available for both Apple and Android devices. Andrew Cornish of Monkeywise and Grant Baxter, an iOS App developer from AppLab Ltd and Professional Practice Fellow with the Universitys Department of Applied Science, developed the Aki Hauora Apps technology.

For further information, contact:

Kim Thomas

Communications Manager

University of Otago, Christchurch

Ph: 027 222 6016

Email: kim.thomas@otago.ac.nz
Coleman Community Schools Regional AgriScience Center provides hands-on Career Technical Education for Coleman High School students along with students of other Midland, Gladwin and Clare County schools.

Recently, three of the AgriScience students participated in the District 3 FFA Leadership Contests. Students either participated in mock interviews or presented a prepared speech. Madalyn Badgero and MacKenzie Bloom both received silver awards and Julia Sanderson placed first and received a gold award in the job interview contest.

She will be representing the Coleman Chapter and District 3 in the Regional Contest on Feb. 15, at Delta College.

Along with these awards, Marie Zwemmer, the programs teacher and FFA advisor, received confirmation from the Michigan FFA state office, that the following students will be receiving their state FFA degree at the Michigan FFA State Convention in March; Justin Boggs, Brandon Hoag, Burt Mann and Makayla Ogg.

The Michigan FFA State Degree is the highest degree a state can confer. In order to obtain this degree, these students had to complete a long list of qualifications including: earn and productively invest at least $1,000 or work at least 300 hours in excess of scheduled class time; have a satisfactory scholastic record as certified by the local agricultural education instructor and the principal or superintendent; and have participated in at least 25 hours of community service within at least two different community service activities.

In addition to receiving their degree, these students will also receive six free credits to Michigan State University.

Students in this program learn skills daily that help them to be career ready in one of over 100 agriscience careers.

To learn more about the AgriScience Pathways and a list of career or see what the students are doing, go to www.colemanschools.net and then the programs tab.
To the editor:

Extraordinary Rendition describes the practice of illegally sending terrorists suspects to a different country to be interrogated. It started in the 1980s but really came to light after the terror attacks of 9/11/01 (Brightside). Joshua Hersh states in the Huffington Post, Feb. 4, 2013, that practice in which suspects are quietly moved to secret prisons abroad and often tortured, involves the participation of more than fifty nations. I, believe, this is a violation of the Eighth Amendment which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment (Davison & Stoff, Prentice Hall America, History of Our Nation, 2007).

Opponents of this practice believe individuals disappear, are never charged with crimes and are detained indefinitely at a secret location. Amrit Singh says in CIA Secret Detention and Extraordinary Rendition once they are there, they are interrogated, tortured, abused and threatened with death. An example of Extraordinary Rendition is the case of Amir Meshal, a U.S. born citizen of New Jersey. He was suspected of terrorist activity and disappeared for four months where he states he was threatened with torture and death. This is an example of a violation of international law of the UN Convention against torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 1984 (UNCAT) not to expel a person to another state where there are substantial grounds for believing that he/she would be in danger of torture (Brightside). After 9/11/01, Hersh claims President Bush authorized human rights violations by authorizing Extraordinary Rendition. Furthermore, former President Obama, when he entered office, promised to end the U.S. governments use of torture and close the CIAs secret prisons around the world, but he didnt fulfill his promise. Terrorist suspects are still subject to Extraordinary Rendition.

On the other hand, proponents of Extraordinary Rendition support removing terrorists from the streets and preventing their ability to plan and execute terrorist operations. It prevents the terrorists from using social media and other networking capabilities to recruit Americans and others around the world to terrorist cells. It also prevents them from using the internet to research making explosives and other deadly devices. In addition the seized individuals are not picked at random, but selected based on our best intelligence, including the CIA, FBI, and DSS (Diplomatic Security Service). As Mark J. Murray says in the Journal of Strategic Security, Sept.-Oct. 2011, Extraordinary Rendition makes the world a better place.

As for me, my opinion was first against this because people have human rights as Americans. However, as I kept finding information on this topic, I realized it is for the best that the government has this policy. It keeps potential terrorists off the streets, and my family and me safe. Every American is subject to the horrific attacks that are a part of this world. Wherever we go or whatever we do we could be in danger. We have to use extreme measures to keep the terrorists from completing their missions.

In conclusion, there are benefits and risks to the Extraordinary Rendition program. Many people want terrorists off the streets, but how do we do that without violating someones rights versus getting the information needed to end terrorist activity? We need to call on our leaders to let them know that we are concerned about terrorists and need to be proactive in controlling the terrorists in our community today.

ABIGAIL MARKEL

Midland
BLOOMINGTON  When asked whether they support organ and tissue donation, many people say "yes."

But how do you register? What if you wish to be a living donor? Are organs bought and sold?

To get answers to these and other questions, The Pantagraph went to Kevin Cmunt, CEO of Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network. Here's our Q & A:

Pantagraph: What do we need to do to register to be organ donors following death? Is signing the back of our driver's license enough?

Cmunt: Although you must have a driver's license or ID card to register for organ donation, simply signing the back of your license isn't how you give your consent to become an organ donor. To register online to become an organ donor in Illinois, you can visit LifeGoesOn.com to fill out a simple online form. Registering takes just 30 seconds. You can also register in person at your local Secretary of State facility at the same time you apply for or renew your driver's license or ID card.

Pantagraph: What do we need to do if we change our minds?

Cmunt: While your decision to be an organ donor is legally binding, you can easily remove your name from the donor list by visiting the Illinois Secretary of State's Removal Page, https://www.ilsos.gov/organdonorregister/remove.jsp.

Pantagraph: What happens if an adult registers to be an organ donor after death or a living donor, but their family disagrees?

Cmunt: If the patient is a registered donor, we review the affidavit of donor registration with the family, explain the donation process, answer questions and provide any support the family may need. Your choice to be a donor is binding the same way a will is binding. The situation where a family disagrees with the First Person Registration is relatively rare and, in nearly every case, families ultimately find solace in the fact their loved one is able to save lives.

Pantagraph: What do we need to do if we wish to be a living organ donor (of a kidney or part of a liver, lung or pancreas)?

Cmunt: Transplant centers with living donor transplant programs coordinate living donations directly. A full list of transplant centers in Illinois can be found at www.giftofhope.org/about_donation/living_donation.htm.

Pantagraph: How do doctors determine whether a person is healthy enough (physically, mentally and emotionally) to be a living donor or whether their organs are healthy enough to donate after death?

Cmunt: Potential living donors go through an assessment process at the transplant program that consists of blood typing and testing, an extensive physical exam, review of the patient's medical history and a psychological evaluation. For deceased donors, Gift of Hope performs similar blood testing and medical history review as well as extensive testing of organ function to determine the suitability of each individual organ for transplant.

Pantagraph: Can people pick and choose which organs and tissues they wish to donate after death? Or is that up to the medical professionals, who determine which ones are viable?

Cmunt: People can indicate that only certain organs and tissues be donated, although the vast majority of donors wish to help as many people as possible.

Pantagraph: Are organs bought and sold?

Cmunt: Absolutely not. The field of organ donation and transplantation is one of the most regulated areas of health care. Both state and federal legislation have been put in place to provide the safest and most equitable system for allocation, distribution and transplantation of donated organs. U.S. law prohibits the purchase and sale of human organs.

Pantagraph: If a living donor or a deceased donor's family want to establish contact with an organ recipient  or if the recipient's family wishes to do so  is that possible? How does that work?

Cmunt: It is common for donor families and transplant recipients to want to connect with each other. Living donor/recipient communication is coordinated through the transplant centers where care was provided. For traditional organ and tissue transplant, donor family/recipient communication is coordinated through Gift of Hope and the transplant center of the recipient. Gift of Hope encourages and assists donor families with writing letters to the recipients of their loved ones' gifts.

Communication is started by one party sending a letter. The letter can disclose only a small amount of personal information, such as only first names, age and state where the donor/recipient is from. The transplant center or Gift of Hope will receive the letter and forward it to the recipient or donor family. The recipient must give consent to accept the communication. Some recipients have said that writing to their donor's family helps in their recovery process and allows them the opportunity to thank them for their extraordinary gift. Some recipients prefer privacy. Others prefer to wait until they have successfully coped with other matters or they feel emotionally ready.

Pantagraph: What response do you have for people who are concerned about bodies being treated disrespectfully?

Cmunt: At Gift of Hope, we have an outstanding team of specialists dedicated to providing compassionate support for the families of decedents. A large part of that support is centered around educating the family about the entire donation process (starting with a discussion that their loved one is no longer suffering). Only then will our team of specialists find out who the deceased was as a person and see if donation aligns with who that person was in life. Our roles are to be stewards for the family. To ensure that respect, we control the pacing and timing of the organ recovery. Before the medical team can come in to recover any organs or tissue, we ask the family if they want to write a letter to their loved one and we read those letters to the donor.

Pantagraph: How long does the donation process take? Does it delay a funeral?

Cmunt: For a deceased donor, the process usually takes 24 to 48 hours after the family consents to donation. That time is needed to fully evaluate the organs of the donor and to find the best and most deserving recipients for those gifts. Organ and tissue donation has no impact on the ability to have a full, open-casket funeral. Gift of Hope works directly with the family's funeral home to minimize any impact on the timing of services. (Most religious groups support donation).

Pantagraph: Are their separate teams of doctors and nurses for each organ?

Cmunt: Yes. The surgeon who will be transplanting the organ into the recipient usually recovers the organ. For example, the cardiac transplant surgeon will recover the heart for the transplant, the pulmonary transplant surgeon will recover the lungs, etc. If several organs are being recovered, there will be several different specialty surgeons in the operating room at one time. Surgery to recover organs takes place at the hospital where the donor died. Gift of Hope typically begins each recovery with a moment of silence to honor the donor for their gift.

Pantagraph: At which hospitals in Illinois do transplants take place?

Cmunt: A full list of transplant centers in Illinois can be found at www.giftofhope.org/about_donation/living_donation.htm.

Pantagraph: We heard that the Midwest region for organ donation has joined a national organization. What does that mean for us in the Midwest?

Cmunt: All organs recovered in the U.S. are allocated in accordance with the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) national transplant recipient wait list. The rules for each organ are different but, in general, organs are allocated to the sickest patients first. For organs recovered in Gift of Hope's service areas (Illinois and NW Indiana), organs are generally allocated to local patients first. In general, the number of organs sent out (of the area) is close to that brought in from other parts of the country.

Pantagraph: Following living donation or donation after death, does the donor or donor family get some sort of report indicating where and to whom the organs and tissues went?
BLOOMINGTON  Happy faces turned to furrowed brows Thursday evening as United Way of McLean County's thank-you celebration was followed by individual conversations about what human services programs will do if donations to United Way don't increase significantly.

During the event at Epiphany Farms, United Way recognized volunteers and organizations involved in its annual fundraising campaign.

During the program, campaign co-Chairs Mary Strack and Sean Fagan and United Way President David Taylor didn't say how much money the campaign has raised so far.

Asked afterward, Taylor responded, "We don't have a new total."

Taylor and United Way board Chair Ann Frederick told The Pantagraph last week that $1.5 million had been raised in the campaign that began Aug. 19. While previous campaigns traditionally ended in late winter, this year's campaign will continue throughout the year.

While Strack and Fagan didn't set a dollar goal for the campaign, the 2015-16 campaign raised $3,533,444  the lowest United Way campaign number in years.

Strack said donations continue to come in. Thursday evening's event  attended by about 75 people  wasn't United Way's traditional end-of-the-campaign reception, but it was a recognition of volunteers as fundraising continues.

"Obviously, we would have wanted to raise more money than we currently have," Strack said afterward. "But fundraising continues."

"It's worrisome," said Cheryl Gaines of Collaborative Solutions Institute, which is among 32 organizations with programs that receive United Way support.

United Way money this fiscal year supports 64 human services programs.

"I would hope that people would continue to give to United Way," Gaines said.

Asked what her agency would do with less United Way money, Gaines said: "I don't know. We already are having to adjust because the state isn't funding us as it is supposed to. We and the other agencies have to figure out how to navigate these new waters."

Laura Furlong with Marcfirst said: "I know many agencies are going to make some very difficult decisions, and that will be detrimental to some people in our community. This is happening with United Way as agencies are experiencing funding delays and uncertainties by the state of Illinois."

"It's a tough time to fund raise," said Tom Barr with Center for Human Services. "They (United Way) are working hard to continue to raise funds."

Barr said: "If less funds are coming in, we will need to adjust services accordingly. But we will work to ensure that we can serve as many people as possible."

But Barr also said, "I'm glad they (United Way) will be changing with the times, looking at fundraising as a process rather than an event."

Barr was referencing United Way's recognition that relying on traditional fall-winter workplace campaigns is no longer feasible, and that United Way needs to actively raise money throughout the year.

"We will modify and improve," Strack said. "Our campaign will take on a new dimension."

"This is not about United Way. It's about the 36,000 people who need our support," she said, referring to the number of people served by United Way programs.

Programs will be funded through the end of this fiscal year, June 30, Strack said.

Asked about the next fiscal year's program funding allocations  which generally are decided in late spring  Taylor said, "We don't know what allocations will look like or the timing."

Taylor did not have the number of workplace campaigns that took place or the number of donors, but Strack said, "David has worked very hard on this campaign."

A United Way strategic plan is expected this spring.

Following concerns about United Way leadership, the United Way board conducted a special meeting last week and emerged committed to Taylor but identifying steps to improve communication.
New York Fashion week has officially begun and in a move of utmost clarity the industry has banded together to boycott Donald Trump's modeling agency, Trump Models.

Casting directors, stylists, makeup artists and more fashion week pillars have had just about enough of the tumbleweed-adorned orange flubber and have pledged not to work with the company both now and (hopefully) forever.

This week has seen a lot of fashion disentangling themselves from the Trump web. Major retailers Nordstrom, TJ Maxx and Neiman Marcus have all dropped Ivanka's line while Tyra Banks and Jessica Alba's beauty businesses have also kicked Trump products to the curb.

Let's remain sympathetic, though, to the models still contracted to Trump who will be going through hell with castings this week. Hair stylist Tim Aylward told Refinery 29 that ironically, many of Trump's models are immigrants.



"...I can only imagine how it feels to be professionally represented by the same person that believes you're lesser than, or less-deserving, than a native born American...boycotting Trump models was a personal choice that I thought long and hard about. I've worked with their models before and they're awesome people, but the bottom line for me was that I could not have my name or work used to promote someone like Trump."



"I refuse to be implicit in his brand of racism." Aylward continued. "And the idea of seeing my name printed on a piece of paper next to his makes me sick to my stomach."

For those of you that didn't know Donald Trump had a modelling agency, neither, but had we asked ourselves WWTDD (what would The Don do?) and we really should've known.



[h/t Teen Vogue]

Image via Matteo Pradoni/BFA.com
Pussy Riot's Nadya Tolokonnikova has penned a powerful call-to-arms in response to the horrific decriminalization of domestic violence in Russia earlier this week.

In a new op-ed for Dazed, she begins by slamming the Russian parliament, particularly senator Elena Mizulina, for their actions and complicity as a vehicle to "express the most cannibalistic views of Russia's so-called elite."

"She's supporting severe restrictions on abortions, tax on divorce, condemning any gender and sex diversity," Tolokonnikova writes. "This moronic surrealism is fast turning into reality with the help of our Parliament, which prints laws faster than rabbits breed. Just like in America, it happens here too."

Asserting that victims of domestic violence have never been truly protected under Russian law, she points toward a dire system in which the police will not do anything besides say, "'When he will kill you, you can report, and we'll investigate the murder.'" Tolokonniva also points toward the 12,000 women who die from domestic violence annually, as well as the archaic cultural values that contribute to the problem, citing the "old Russian saying" of "'If he beats you it means that he loves you'".

"I've seen many women in prison, who after decades of humiliation decided to fight back, and they harmed or killed their husbands," she says. "The law about self-protection is never applied by Russian courts. All these women are in prison for 8, for 10 years  as murderers."

Calling for more women's shelters and for the government to stop obstructing aid, Tolokonnikova then says this is just another step toward Putin's "new conservative order all around the world," in which "he's doing his best to create a retrograde, misogynistic, morally and economically corrupted empire."

"We've passed those ivory tower times when those who live in America had this luxury of not paying attention on what's going on in Russia," she writes, finishing with, "Let's be clear: it's not 'traditional values', it's oppression, it's a support of violence and it's a protection of old privileges. Fuck this shit." Read her entire op-ed here.

[h/t Dazed]

photo by Ben Rosser/BFA.com


In what is surely the most anticipated show of the New York season, Raf Simons made his long awaited debut for Calvin Klein this morning at the brand's headquarters on 39th St. In a Sterling Ruby designed set, the Belgian designer offered his reserved yet wistful take on his new home, from pared down cowpokes to cubicle clock-watchers, his almost hyperbaric edit of American ideals was strong and already an overwhelming hit with the crowd. With the strains of "This Is Not America," as sung by the young cast of the late David Bowie's Lazarus, which ran downtown last year, opening the show, the unease cut whatever earnestness could be found amongst the new classics coming down the runway.

Billy Farrell/BFA.com

Seeing as this is Calvin, there was a bounty of denim, most successfully in untreated raw or blinding whites, styled with turtlenecks that recalled somehow the Avedon In The American West series and a sterilized Midnight Cowboy (whose lonesome harmonica score by John Barry made a cameo in the soundtrack). A cheeky detail on said denim was the image of the iconic Brooke Shields/Avedon ads from the Calvin heyday now reimagined as the label on the back hip. Shields sat front row next to Lauren Hutton, another iconoclastic Klein muse, and nearby were Gwyneth, DVF, Julianne Moore, Cindy Sherman, and current campaign star, Stranger Things wunderkind and fashion darling, Millie Bobby Brown. A voice over portion from Jeffrey Eugenides' The Virgin Suicides near the middle of show would explain Sofia Coppola's attendance as well.

Neil Rasmus/BFA.com

Speaking of Suicides, there was an undeniable '70s feeling in vinyl covered coats, recalling plasticized furniture. Strong quilt pattern coats will no doubt be an editorial and street style favorite for fall as well. Never crossing the line of indulgent "Americana," another standout was a moment of a gold trimmed American flag skirt, draped under a vibrant, floral-printed overcoat that called to mind the Hutterites of the northern plains. What could have been simply a broad geographical and historical survey of the country was then grounded by classic board-room suiting and a daring, underboob-centered dress section.

Neil Rasmus/BFA.com

One of the reasons that Simons was brought on to helm the brand was to be able to actually move the clothes at the RTW level, and not just use the runway collection as props to sell sunglasses, fragrance and underwear. Reading between the lines of this collection, you see Simons offering the real categories that the customer will actually go in for: the fantastic coat, the interesting dress, the trouser, even maybe the Shields-stamped jean (wonder how much those will go for). Perhaps in the same way Ralph Lauren is advertising his spring season as the "Icons Collections," highlighting the articulated categories of garments themselves as opposed to a mood or story.

Neil Rasmus/BFA.com

This was a very clear, if understated, message about what can be very fraught and overwhelming territory: America. In his show notes, he referenced the broad parameters of what you can find from sea to shining sea, to quote: "it is a unique kind of parade that is evoked, one that finds equal in folk and function, food court and courtroom" And to that we say, to borrow from a certain American this week, we'll happily "see you in court!"

Splash photo by BFA.com


After three weeks of shouting at trolls and Nazi scarf-pulling, Shia LaBeouf's anti-Trump livestream has been taken down from it's spot outside of NY's Museum of the Moving Image, as "the installation created a serious and ongoing public safety hazard for the Museum, its visitors, staff, local residents, and businesses."

Following the aforementioned incidents, the museum issued a statement announcing that they would be halting the project, dubbed HE WILL NOT DIVIDE US. The project was began streaming the day of Trump's inauguration and was supposed to remain up for the duration of his time in office.

"While the installation began constructively, it deteriorated markedly after one of the artists was arrested on the site of the installation and ultimately necessitated this action," the Museum of the Moving Image wrote. "Over the course of the installation, there have been dozens of threats of violence and numerous arrests, such that police felt compelled to be stationed outside the installation 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

LaBeouf, for one, has tweeted the following in response.




Emoticons are very popular among the young generation who want an easy way to summarize their emotions, Researchers from the United Kingdom, however, found a way to make these emoticons more socially-beneficial by using them in questionnaires that aim to determine the well-being of children in the classroom.

Experts at the University of Exeter Medical School designed a questionnaire dubbed as the "How I Feel About My School." The questionnaire allowed children to answer the questions using emoticons of happy or sad faces. Researchers laid out seven situations that will assess how students feel in the playground, in the classroom or on their way to school.

Design Team leader Professor Tamsin Ford said the researcher asked the respondent children on their preferred questionnaire style. According to Psych Central, creating a questionnaire suited to the children's age and preference would help them relate and answer the questions truthfully.

"When we're carrying out research in schools, it can be really hard to meaningfully assess how very young children are feeling," Ford said. "We couldn't find anything that could provide what we needed, so we decided to create something."

The completed questionnaire hopes to help teachers communicate with their very young students even when it comes to complex emotions, as per Science Daily. Ford admitted the difficulty in assessing the feelings of young children so they came up with the emoticons with the support of the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Applied Health Research and Care South West Peninsula.

Research shows children who find it hard to identify facial emotions are more prone to encountering learning and social difficulties, according to Parenting Science. On the other hand, those who find it easy to read facial expression are more likely to become popular in school. Experiments also found out that the ability to identify frightened expressions is common among people who tend to be generous and kind.
Candies and sweet treats aren't just abundant during Halloween. Even Valentine's Day celebrations are sugar-filled as kids in school gift each other with these low-nutrient treats.

Parents and teacher are encouraged to make changes for this year's Valentine's celebration with the children. Instead of letting the kids give away or indulge in candies, chocolates and other sugar-rich items with their friends, experts recommend other ways to observe the day of love via non-food rewards.

Desert News cites that school celebrations don't necessarily have to involve food at all. There can be other activities like a special Valentine's Day game, extra time at recess or letting kids read their favorite books.

"When you give young children food rewards, they're going to reward themselves like that for the rest of their lives," kids health advocate Carol Muller told the news outlet. "It's not just about the sweets they're having (now), it's what we're training them on and how to take care of themselves."

In 2015, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended reducing the distribution of unhealthy snacks with added sugar and sweet drinks among school children, via the journal Pediatrics. This covers not just the daily snacks or lunch students can have in school, but also what parents bring for birthday treats and other events, including Valentine's Day.

Experts from the American Heart Association recommend for kids to have a daily sugar intake limit of 25 grams only, but this isn't being strictly followed especially when children in school are celebrating events. Some parents equate fun with an abundance of sweet treats and junk food during kids' parties in school, but experts said this is not necessary.

So, this Feb. 14, parents should be more aware how kids can still have fun celebrating without doing huge damage to their health. Limit the sweets and encourage other parents to do the same, as well as ask teachers to prepare non-food related activities for Valentine's Day for kids.
A mother was desperate to keep her daughter from the child's father and was terrified that she asked an employee at a McDonald's drive-thru to take her daughter. However, the father of the child was still able to get the two-year-old from the employee.

The CCTV video showed a couple inside a vehicle ordering at the drive thru. Seconds into the video, the woman was seen escaping from the car and the man keeping her from walking away from the vehicle. After much struggle, the woman was able to go near the window of the drive-thru and USA Today reported the employee told the woman to give the child to him.

The woman told the worker the father of the child kidnapped them. However, before the employee was able to take the child away from the couple, the man got the child and drove away. The man was identified as Levenski Crossty and the woman as Jessica Wilson. She then asked the employees to call 911 for her after the man drove away, Daily Mirror reported.

The incident took place last July 2016 and the video was played before a judge in the trial of Crossty. The problem of Wilson started when Crossty broke into her home where she and her four children lived. Wilson's youngest is the only child of Crossty with her. Prosecutors described the incident as a night of sheer terror for Wilson.

During that evening, it was also found out Wilson had bruises, two black eyes, a cut on her head, and a bite. Infidelity was said to be the reason why Crossty beat Wilson. Crossty was charged with felonious assault, abduction, kidnapping and theft.

The defense for Crossty said Wilson was intoxicated that is why he drove away with the kids. Crossty also reportedly dropped the children at the home of Wilson's father. No other court date has been issued yet.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley gave his State of the State Speech earlier this week and he talked about his priorities and made it clear that these would need more funding. Bentley said more pre-kindergarten programs should be set up and more prisons should be constructed to avoid the overcrowding of prisoners.

Bentley's speech lasted for an hour and the call for more prisons was revived from last year's suggestion. Bentley said of his prison proposal, "The men and women inside these prison walls are there for just punishment. But they are not there to slip further into a cycle of dependency, crime, violence, and hopelessness." The money he wants to allot for this is $800 million, Governing reported.

Basically, the money will be borrowed in order to build three men's prisons and a women's facility. The women's facility will be replacing Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka. The proposal is yet to be approved by the lawmakers in the state.

The proposal was made by Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn and he said the construction of more prisons and a facility will create a safer environment not only for the prisoners but also for the corrections officers. However, the money being proposed for the project to materialize is a great concern for legislators.

The same proposal was not passed during the 2016 regular session and suggested Bentley has to make changes to get the bill through. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said the bill this year will get a fair hearing.

As for the pre-kindergarten programs, Montgomery Advertiser reported, Bentley proposed an additional $20 million funding for the programs. The governor said the pre-kindergarten programs would be better if they are coordinated with early elementary school education.

Aside from these, Bentley also talked about the formation of a task force. This will study the impact of repealing the sales tax on groceries in the state. This is the seventh State of the State speech Bentley has given.
Amid the bills being proposed in different states against abortion, Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards has a message to all the women who had an abortion: brag about it. She also said she believes now is the time for women to be bold about their choices.

Daily Caller reported Richards urged women earlier this week to push the pro-abortion movement by publicly bragging about their abortions. She said this would get rid of the stigma and shame that surrounds the procedure.

"I think it's time for us to be bold," Richards, who was at a women's conference in California, said. "And so I want to ask you to do something or think about doing something. And that is to share your own story. This is the time to do it."

She also said women should be open about their visits to Planned Parenthood clinics and their experience with the procedure. Richards talked to the women present at the conference saying their stories could help other women as the information they share might give other women courage and comfort.

Many pro-abortion activists have followed Richards' suggestion but others think the practice should not be celebrated at all. One pro-abortion activist, who has not been identified, said abortion is a difficult decision for all women although others do not feel as emotional as the rest do. The activist said, however, many women feel conflicted about terminating their pregnancy.

Planned Parenthood is in danger of losing a lot of money with the Donald Trump administration, Life News reported. Currently, Planned Parenthood receives half a billion dollars of taxpayer funding annually.

Congress is now working to defund the group. It wants to use the money being given to Planned Parenthood to other community health clinics that do not perform abortions.

What is your take on abortion? Do you know anyone who has had this procedure? What is their reaction to the Planned Parenthood president's suggestion? Let us know in the comments below!
Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan launched their organization called Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative and one of the first projects is donating $3.6 million to San Francisco's housing crisis. The organization was set up for the couple's philanthropic plans.

The $3.1 million aid will be given to a nonprofit legal aid group called Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto (CLSEPA). The group works with families or individuals who have been evicted from their homes and have been displaced. The families or individuals must have limited means in order to qualify for the aid, Inhabitat reported.

Daniel Saver, a senior staff attorney for CLSEPA, said the money will help around 2,500 residents. David Plouffe, the president of policy and advocacy for the initiative, said in a statement, "[The grants] will support those working to help families in immediate crisis while supporting research" about new ideas in order to find a long-term solution. The group believes a two-step strategy will guide their advocacy but they have not released additional details about this plan.

The couple will also give $500,000 via the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative to the University of California specifically for Berkley's Terner Center for Housing Innovation. The group will use the money to research and analyze policies in an attempt to solve the housing problems in the area. The faculty director, Carol J. Galante, said the donation will help her group figure out how the Bay Area can get out of the difficult housing problem in relation to the high costs of housing.

The Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative also aims to advance human potential and promote equality in education, energy, health, and scientific research, BGR reported. It also hopes to cure all diseases such as cancer.

More on wanting to cure all diseases, the Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub will be donating around $50 million to 47 researchers and scientists in an attempt to cover more diseases and work on a cure. Forty-seven were chosen out of 700 applicants. They will receive $300,000 each every year for a period of five years.
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A Voice in the Wind, pp. 34-47

Rivers switches back and forth from one characters perspective to another, but not in the jerky unclear way in which Farris did so, and always in the third person. This can make for interesting readingit gave us perspective into the thoughts and perception of the soldier who carried off Hadassah and her dying sisterbut it can also be revealing in other ways.

During the beginning of this section, we are shown the perspective of Severus Albanus Majorian, a generic Roman commander intent on setting a trap for the foul tribe of Germans that had been dogging the Roman legions. Telling the story from Severus perspective allows Rivers to use terms like the horde of naked warriors and the young barbarian. But when Rivers turns to Atretes perspective, describing his anger as he realizes the Romans who have him surrounded intend to take him alive, she uses language like a mounted commander and a half-dozen soldiers.

As Severus watches Atretes fell one of the soldiers surrounding him, Rivers writes that Atretes was taunting the others in that heathenish language only a Germany tribesman could understand. But later, as Atretes, naked and in chains, watches his captors survey him, Rivers writes that one was dressed in magnificent armor and a scarlet cloak. In other words, when we view things from Severus perspective Rivers engages in the negative descriptions the Romans used for the Germans, but when we see things form Atretes perspective Rivers does not engage in corresponding rhetoric.

Partly this may be because comparatively few German sources (if any) have survived, but the result is to normalize the Romans while emphasizing the transgressive nature of the Germans and their customs. Atretes does spit at the merchant preparing to buy him, and yell Foul Roman pig! at him, but thats as close as we getand the merchant and Severus immediately begin discussing what an animal Atretes is.

Its possible Rivers is displaying the Roman perspective in this way so that the reader, having met Atretes and his people already, can see that it is nonsense, but it still feels one-sided. Id like to know what Atretes would have actually thought of Severus magnificent armor and cloak, and how he would have talked about and described the soldiers he fought.

And in talking through that, I have successfully summarized this section. Atretes is sold to Malcenas, a merchant, to be trained as a gladiator. There is much talk about how much the Romans will love him.

Malcenas admired the straining muscles of the powerful young body. Oiled, he would look like a bronzed god. And that mane of long blond hair. Romans loved blonds!

Oh and by the way, the name Severus Albanus Majorian is wrong. Roman names had three partspraenomen, nomen, and cognomen. The nomen was the family name, or clan name, similar to a last name today. The praenomen was the individuals name (think of a first name). And the cognomen was originally a nicknameAlbanus was a cognomen meaning from Albabut could be passed from father to son as well. Severus is a cognomen, like Albanus. Majorianus was a cognomen in the late Roman empower.

In other words, the man has three cognomens. Cognomena? Yes, I know Im outing myself as having taken Latin in high school. Guilty! I did! (Well, homeschool high school, but it counts!) Good old Wheelocks. Anyway, point is, Rivers didnt do so hot in naming this character. But were about to start another Hadassah section, and that gives us another example of her naming practices.

Decimus Vindacius Valerian poured more wine, then thumped the silver pitcher down on a marble table. He looked across the marble table at his son, who was lounging on the couch, an indolent look on his handsome face. The young man was trying his patience. Theyd been talking for over an hour and Decimus had gotten nowhere with him.

Meet Decimus and his handsome, indolent son, Marcus! Well get to what theyre arguing about in a moment, but first, the names. Decimus and Marcus are both Roman praenomen. So far so good! Valerius is a Roman nomen. Uh oh. I have no idea what Vindacius is, I cant find it in any list of common Roman names. If were being charitable, Rivers meant Valerius to be the nomen and Vindacius to be an obscure cognomen, and got them switched. But thats assuming she looked up Roman naming practices.

Okay, so, the arguing. Decimus wants Marcus to go into politics. He tells him he can purchase a seat in the senate for one thousand sesterces. Marcus points out that Decimus has always hated politics, but Decimus says that was before Vespasian came along and cleaned things up, and that Marcus has the opportunity to be part of a new order. Marcus says hes had too many friends die due to their involvement in politicsordered to commit suicide when Nero suspected them of treasonand that hed rather focus on trade. Decimus accuses him of wanting to be a common merchant and of wanting only To eat, drink, and enjoy life before you die rather than wanting to make a mark.

Wee also learn this about Decimus:

The gods hadnt been kind to his father the last few years. Fire and rebellion had cost him several warehouses and millions of sesterces in goods destroyed. Hed blamed Nero, despite the emperors efforts to blame the conflagration on the Christian sect.

There should be a word for this. Decimus is the kind, wise nonbeliever. Hes not a Christian, but hes still a good personor he at least he tries to be. He doesnt want his son focusing on riches or material goods, he wants him working for the good of the empire[Vespasian] will need strong young senators to help himand opposes excesses or moral wantonness. Yes, Decimus still needs to be converted to Christianitythis is a work of Christian fiction, after allbut hes already pointed mostly in the right direction.

At this point Marcus leaves the conversation and greets his mother and sister.

You and Father have been talking a long time, Julia said from behind their mother, subtly prying.

Julia?! Julia?! WHO IS THIS JULIA. And yes, this is indeed my high school Latin nerd coming out in force, because this is wrong, wrong, wrong. Girls received the female form of their familys nomen. Assuming that Valerius is intended to be this familys nomen, Marcus sisters name should be Valeria. Only a daughter of the Julius clan would be called Julia. And yes, this means that if Marcus had a second sister her name would also be Valeriathe family would have Valeria Major and Valeria Minor, or perhaps Valeria Prima, Valeria Secunda, and Valeria Tertia if need be. There is literally no way this family would have a daughter named Julia.

Anyway, Marcus responds to Julias question:

Just business, he said and pinched her check lightly in affection. At fourteen, she was becoming quite a beauty.

And then we get this:

Phoebe entered the triclinium, a spacious dining room with elegant furnishings and decorations, ahead of her son.

Wait. Phoebe?! Phoebe is not a Roman name, its a Greek name! Marcus mothers name should be the female form of her fathers nomen. This aint it. Of course, someone else noted that Hadassahs brother would not have been named Mark. That was a Roman name, not a Jewish name, and even if used it would have been spelled Marcus, so this isnt an isolated thing.

Theres more, but I need to call it quits for this week. Enjoy!

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Iran Marks 1979 Revolution Anniversary With Mass Rallies, Defiant Words

02/10/17

Source: RFE/RL



Hundreds of thousands of Iranians rallied on February 10 to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The rallies commemorate February 11, 1979, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted a U.S.-backed monarch, Shah Reza Pahlavi.



photo by ISNA



State television broadcast footage of large crowds in Tehran and other cities and towns across the country, many of them in freezing temperatures.



Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered in the capital's Azadi Square, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel.





photo by ISNA



photo by Islamic Republic News Agency



Some carried banners reading "Death to America" and effigies of U.S. President Donald Trump. Images of the U.S. flag, Trump, and former U.S. presidents were trampled underfoot.

Iranian President Hassan Rohani called Trump's administration "a problem" and said Iran will "strongly answer any threat."





Iranian President Hassan Rohani addressing the crowd

(photo by Islamic Republic News Agency)



Addressing the crowds in Azadi Square, President Hassan Rohani called Trump's administration "a problem" and said Iran will "strongly answer any threat."



"Our nation is vigilant and will make those threatening Iran regret it," Rohani said, adding that Iran is "not after tensions in the region and the world."





photo by Mehr News Agency





photo by ISNA





The anniversary celebrations came a week after Trump and his administration said they were putting Iran "on notice" over a recent ballistic missile test they said defied a UN resolution.



Trump has also sharply criticized a 2015 deal between world powers and Iran that imposed curbs on Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

Other senior officials who attended the march in Tehran included Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and General Qasem Soleimani, who heads the elite Quds unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).



Tehran and Washington have not had diplomatic relations since supporters of the Islamic Revolution stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days in 1979-80.



With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP

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mSecure password manager review TechRadar Pro

Updated In our mSecure password manager review, we take an in-depth look at this password manager to help you decide if its the most secure way to handle your sensitive data.
Companies concerned about cybersecurity have a fleet of new Microsoft tools coming their way. The company announced a host of new security capabilities Friday morning as part of the run-up to the massive RSA security conference next week in San Francisco.

On the Windows front, the company announced that its adding the ability to use on-premises Active Directory with Windows Hello, its system for allowing biometric-based logins with Windows 10. Microsoft also launched new tools to help organizations get more use out of mobile device management products by giving them tools to migrate group policy settings to cloud-managed devices.

Whats more, Microsoft has launched a new tool thats designed to help customers configure the Surface hardware under their administration, doing things like disabling the tablets cameras.

Office 365 customers get a new security assessment tool and the private beta of a service aimed at showing them information about security threats.

Microsoft has been pushing advanced security capabilities like the ones announced Friday as a key part of its pitch to enterprises concerned about securing their data from a growing threat landscape. Heres the rundown.

New Windows Capabilities

Windows Hello, Microsofts biometric-based authentication system, is getting two new enhancements with the forthcoming Windows 10 Creators Update. First off, Microsoft is making it possible to use its biometric Windows Hello login system solely with on-premises Active Directory servers, rather than requiring Azure Active Directory.

Microsoft is also trying to address the problem of users forgetting to lock their computers by using a new Dynamic Lock feature in Windows Hello. That will connect a users smartphone with their Windows 10 device, and automatically lock the device when the phones Bluetooth signal drifts far away.

Using it requires customers have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on their smartphones. Once the app is connected to a PC, it uses the Windows Hello Companion Device Framework to automatically lock the computer when its user walks away.

The Surface Enterprise Management Mode (SEMM) allows enterprise customers to apply additional hardware restrictions to Microsofts Surface Pro 4 tablet, Surface Book laptop, and Surface Studio desktop in order to comply with security needs. That way, its possible for them to do things like disabling the devices microphone.

Administrators can set policies that only kick in under a particular set of conditions, like when a Surface is connected to a specific network. Applying the policies requires that administrators have physical access to the Surfaces in question but does not require they erase them.

SEMM works at the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface level, so a lot of the attacks you would expect attackers to use in order to just re-enable the camera without the user knowing, wont even work, because the device is disabled at a fundamental, hardware level, said Rob Lefferts, the director of program management for Windows Enterprise and Security.

Microsoft is also allowing mobile device management (MDM) software to apply settings and configurations from the Security Baseline Policies list. Previously, those settings were only available through Group Policy. Its a move thats designed to make it possible for administrators to have the same policies on devices managed using Group Policy and MDM.

The company also released a new MDM Migration Analytics Tool designed to help customers figure out migrating from Group Policy to MDM. It scans a system for all of the policies applied to it, tries to map those policies to their MDM equivalents, and spits out a report of the results.

Theres one hitch to MMAT when it comes to international users: The tool only works on the English names of Group Policy settings, which means that the system it runs on needs an English language pack. At this point, Microsoft recommends that users install English on a non-English system to work around that issue.

Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, which is designed to help find and contain security threats, is gaining support for custom security rules to protect against particular threats.

Microsoft The Office 365 Secure Score tool provides users a graphical representation of how fully theyve deployed the security tools at their disposal.

Office 365

Organizations using Office 365 can use a new Secure Score tool to benchmark their security. It analyzes an organizations configuration, then provides them with a score based on the security controls they have fully or partially deployed.

The feature also provides guidance on what Office 365 security features administrators could use that would improve the security of the organizations they work for. By default, the Score Analyzer first shows users features that provide the most security benefit with the least impact to users and then lets people drill down further from there.

While the score is a useful tool for giving organizations an at-a-glance view of their security practices, it will also have some practical considerations. The Hartford plans to use the Secure Score in evaluating customers that its considering for cybersecurity insurance, Microsoft CISO Bret Arsenault said in a blog post.

Microsoft also announced the private beta of its previously-announced Office 365 Threat Intelligence service. That allows administrators to see information about the cybersecurity threats both inside and outside an organization.

For example, admins can see who in their organization is the most targeted for attack, along with general information about security threats, like how much bitcoin attackers usually request from a ransomware attack.
Parents, teachers, community leaders and others urged an Alvord school board member to resign Thursday, saying he posted racist social media messages insulting undocumented immigrants, blacks and Muslims.

Joseph Barragan, who joined the board in December, reiterated that he wont step down. He denies writing the now-deleted Facebook posts that appear as screen shots on a flier in English and Spanish calling for him to resign.

All of the propaganda that has been released about me over the last few days is a total fabrication, Barragan told a packed meeting of Alvord Unified School District trustees.

RELATED: Alvord school trustee asked to resign over alleged racist Facebook posts

Barragan, 21, said his Facebook account was hacked and he asked Riverside police and the FBI to investigate. He added that hes the target of a politically motivated attack spearheaded by the head of Alvords teachers union, who denies being involved in the effort to get him to resign.

Barragan told the audience he accepted an offer from Scott Jones, a Riverside private investigator who agreed to donate his services to find out how the posts appeared on Barragans Facebook page.

In these days of fake news, it seems I have become a victim of someones retribution, Barragan said.

According to the images on the flier, the Facebook posts support a wall on the Mexican border to keep out Muslims and undocumented immigrants as well as using surgical procedures on prisoners so when they get out they cant have kids.

Another message stated that life was better when we had slaves. They were actually tamed like animals.

District trustees heard comments from more than 20 people during the public comment part of the meeting. Most criticized Barragan, saying they were offended by statements they called hateful and divisive.

Were all human beings and deserve respect, Nivia Lopez, who has two kids in the district, said in Spanish. Barragan lacks the character and maturity to serve on the board, she said.

The meeting heated up when the audience interrupted Barragans remarks with boos and held up signs opposing him.

Control your meeting, president, Barragan told Board President Art Kaspereen.

Back in your spot, Kaspereen replied.

Board President Art Kaspereen and other board members said they disagreed with Barragans alleged posts.

Speakers said they would start a recall campaign if Barragan doesnt resign.

If you care about this community, own your words, said Andre Fuselier, a special education teacher at Norte Vista High School. Be a man. Step down.

He told trustees to do everything in their power to eliminate this cancer from the board.

Kaliah Rhoden, who graduated from the same district high school, Norte Vista, the same year as Barragan, said shes a descendent of Cuban refugees.

Barragans statements hit close to home, she said.

This is not the first time hes said it and it will not be the last, Rhoden said.

The Alvord district serves almost 20,000 students, nearly 80 percent of them Latinos, in west Riverside and part of northeast Corona.

Barragan was the only candidate to file last year for the Trustee Area 2 seat, which wasnt on the November ballot. He took office in December. The seat encompasses Riversides Arlanza neighborhood on the west side of the city

Superintendent Sid Salazar said he and the board cant censor or moderate Barragans comments made as a private citizen.

Barragan, a Riverside native, said hes the subject of retaliation by Salazar and Alvord Educators Association President Leigh Hawkinson. Barragan wants the board to fire Salazar, saying the superintendent has misspent district money.

Barragan has questioned the decision to move district offices to a new building in Corona, calling the structure Salazars Taj Mahal.

Salazar called the remarks defamatory and alarming and not based on any facts or evidence.

Barragan said he supports undocumented immigrant students right to an education, adding that outside groups are painting me as someone on the far right who is an extremist.

Barragan said hes entitled to due process and is innocent until proven guilty.

There are some members of the board and public who have decided they are going to be judge, jury and executioner, Barragan said. He said he has received death threats.

Riverside police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback said Thursday that the department continues investigating the threats and hacking allegations.

Stephanie Ramirez, a junior at Norte Vista High, said Barragan is too young and inexperienced to serve on the board.

I feel he doesnt represent what we want in our community and in our schools, Ramirez said.

Scott Andrews, a Riverside resident, said he thinks Barragans Facebook page was hacked.

Hes someone who cares about the district but asks too many questions, Andrews said.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9292, stwall@scng.com, @pe_swall
A Riverside jury has awarded $2.5 million to a former UC Riverside employee who said she was fired to cover up gender pay inequities and gender bias.

Michele Coyle was chief campus counsel for UCR from 2006 to 2012. In the complaint filed in Riverside Superior Court in March 2015, Coyle said she was fired for bringing the discriminatory actions of Dallas Rabenstein, interim executive vice chancellor at the time, to the attention of then-Chancellor Tim White and two other administrators.

The complaint also said the timing of the firing was spurred by an impending audit of the campus by the U.S. Department of Labor. Coyle said officials feared she would reveal to auditors the campus gender bias practices and show them where figures were altered to cover up the practice.

The jury found in Coyles favor on all 9 points that were argued in court. A 10th point raised in the suit was stipulated to by the defense, according a copy of the verdict.

UC officials said the verdict was unfair.

The university vehemently denies the allegations of retaliation made in the lawsuit, and is considering all legal options, including an appeal, said a statement released by the UC Office of the President. The university remains committed to its longstanding policy prohibiting employees from engaging in discrimination against, harassment of, or retaliating against another UC employee.

UCR officials said they could not comment on the case.

White is now chancellor of the California State University system. His office said it was not issuing any statement on the lawsuit.

Coyle did not respond to an email request for an interview.

Attorney Mira Hashmall, of the Los Angeles firm Miller Barondess, represented Coyle. She said the question the jury had to answer was whether UCR officials fired Coyle to keep her quiet.

Miss Coyle was terminated because Tim White and Charles Robinson believed that she would disclose to federal auditors that UC Riverside was not, in fact, complying (with the labor code). That may explain why the jury felt that $2.5 million was appropriate.

Hashmall said the case pointed to hypocrisy by the officials who, she said, the public expects to support the values of equal treatment.

When it came to Miss Coyle, they didnt support any of that, she said.

The complaint accused Rabenstein of using different standards in his hiring and treatment of female employees, including:

 Intentionally misreporting data on gender-based salary differences and directing staff members to suppress the accurate data;

 Advancing UCR faculty, granting salary increases and matching competing offers of employment based on a personal preference for male employees;

 Refusing to accommodate women with young children in the workplace;

 Referring to women who requested salary adjustments as overly aggressive; and

 Over the course of his over-20-year career at UCR, advancing only one woman in his department and joking about it.

Coyles suit said she was rebuffed when she reported these things to White and other officials. Subsequently, despite positive performance reviews, she was fired.

After seven weeks of trial, Hashmall said, the jury deliberated just four hours. They awarded Coyle $783,000 in lost wages, $1.6 million in future lost earnings and $73,000 in past non-economic damages.

Contact the writer: mmuckenfuss@scng.com or 951-368-9595
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.
Ivy Danquah-Adu, the wife of the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North Constituency, Joseph Boakye Danquah-Adu, is worried about the delay in prosecuting her late husbands supposed killers.



The visibly worried widow said the delay is akin to injustice.



Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of a ceremony to observe one year of the MPs death, Ivy Danquah-Adu said the immediate family is still pained by cold murder of the late legislator.



It has not been easy for us. What has been a story for many people and an event that occurred, has been our reality; my children and I, but God has kept us alive. Justice delayed is justice denied, she said.



The Abuakwa North legislator was on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 stabbed to death at his Shiashie residence in Accra.



Two days after his murder, the Accra Regional Police Command, led by COP Dr George A. Dampare, led an operation to arrest a suspect who allegedly confessed to committing the crime.



The prime suspect, Daniel Asiedu, a teenager, is currently facing trial before an Accra Magistrate court in the case that has been ongoing for over 9 months. Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said it will use every means available to it, to provide justice and bring closure to the murder case.



A former Minister of Information in the erstwhile Kufour administration, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, told Citi News in an earlier interview that the NPP is ready to assist the police to speed up the investigation.



Failure to serve justice will affect NPP



Meanwhile, the family of the late Abuakwa North legislator say the New Patriotic Party governments failure to ensure justice for the family will affect the partys electoral fortunes.



According to an uncle of the deceased, Kwasi Frempong, the NPP government must endeavor to fast-track the legal process which he said has been moving at a slow pace for the past year.

Source: Citifmonline









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Africa, our Africa! When will we stop reading stories of fighting and violence in parliament and senates in African countries?



On the 9th of February 2017, South African President Jacob Zuma was slated to give his State of the Nation address at the parliament. However, things took a turn when opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), decided to speak up, as usual, against the President at the joint sitting event. The party called Zuma a constitutional delinquent and accused him of breaking the law.



The Chairperson of the House, Thandi Modise, tried to snuff out the voice of the opposition. When she did not succeed, she invited security officials to take them out of the House.



Watch the brouhaha here  with Julius Malema gesturing and emphatically making his point.

video below-

Democratic Alliance (led by Mmusi Maimane) stages a walk out right after.

Video below-

Source: bellanaija.com









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The Supreme Court has adjourned sine die the case in which a law Professor is contesting the constitutionality of criteria used in the admitting LLB holders into Ghana School of Law.



The court expressed its displeasure at parties in ability to agree on memorandum of issues and file same before the court.

The seven member panel was also not happy over how the matter had dragged on 2015.



This practice according to the court paints picture that it did not want to hear the matter because the General Legal Council (GLC) was made up of members of the Supreme Court (SC).



The SC therefore ordered parties namely, the GLC the Attorney General (AG)who are the defendants and Professor Kweku Asare, the plaintiff to reach a consensus.



The court further directed that if that fails then they should file their memorandum of issues.

The GLC is responsible for Legal education in the country.



Prof. Asare on October 15, 2015 according a Ghana News Agency report issued a writ against the GLC and the AG over the way the Ghana School of Law conducted its entrance examinations and interviews before students are gain admissions into the school.



The plaintiff contended that the rigid ceiling imposed by the General Legal Council for the admissions were unfair and that it turned to override states interest.

Source: GNA









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Madam Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye, the Minister-designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture, has disclosed that the country has huge fish production deficit with over 600,000 metric tonnes annually.



She said currently the country produced only 440,000 metric tonnes of fish annually instead of one million metric tonnes needed by fish consumers thus falling short by over 50 per cent.



In order to close the gap, she said, the Ministry had developed a Fisheries Management Plan that provided guidance on how the country could meet consumer demand including observing closed fishing seasons and avoiding illegal fishing practices.



Madam Afoley Quaye made this known on Thursday when she appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for vetting.



She said the Ministry would strengthen inland and marine fishing efforts adding that it had started enforcing closed fishing seasons for industrial fisher folks which was observed in January this year, while the semi-industrial fisher folks had started observing it from February to March 31.



Madam Quaye, the Member of Parliament for Krowor in the Greater Accra Region, said the Ministry would bring the artisanal fishers on board to observe the closed fishing seasons in order to replenish the fish stock.



She said when given the nod, the Ministry would set up an inter-sectoral committee comprising representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Water Resources Commission and the Fisheries Commission under a single umbrella to speed up the process of acquiring aquaculture permits for potential investors.



She said the Ministry intended to increase aquaculture fish production from the current 50,000 metric tonnes to 100,000 metric tonnes within the shortest possible time.



Addressing how the Ministry would ensure that fisher folks got premix fuel regularly, she said the distribution of the product was fraught with challenges including diversion and adulteration.



Therefore the Ministry would enforce the procurement and distribution of the product and place tracking system on the fuel tankers to avert diversion, and also recruit coordinators who will make sure the products get to their final destinations, she said.



The nominee said the Government would construct 14 landing beaches across the country including Manford, Krowor, Keta and Kpeshie, as well as construct a fishing harbour at James Town in the Greater Accra Region as captured in the New Patriotic Party Manifesto.



She said illegal fishing had depleted the fish stock therefore the Ministry would resource the Navy patrol team to embark on frequent patrols on the sea and enforce the fishing collaborative plan so that fisher folks would be given powers to serve as watchdog over their colleagues and arrest those involved in illegal fishing.



With regard to the menace of tidal waves destroying fishing inputs in some coastal communities, she said fisher folks would be educated on the timing of the tidal waves so that they would understand the period of the waves and take precaution.



Madam Ouaye gave the assurance that the Ministry would deal with any fishing infractions to ensure sanity in the fishing industry adding that the Anomabo Fisheries College would be supported to take off in order to train personnel in fishing extension services.

Source: GNA









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New data released this Valentines Day season by money transfer service WorldRemit shows that Ghanaians living in the United Arab Emirates are sending on average US$203 (GHC893.2) more than usual to their loved ones for Valentines Day.



The Report says this makes Ghanaians in the UAE "the most generous long distance lovers".



Following closely behind are Ghanaians living in Sweden, sending on average US$76 (GHC334.4) more than usual; then Ghanaians in Germany, sending on average US$17 (GHC74.8) more.



Remittances play an important role in the economy of Ghana, helping millions of Ghanaians start small businesses, pay school fees and settle medical bills among other things.



According to official World Bank data, Ghanaians abroad sent almost US$5 billion back home to friends and family in 2015.



Director of Mobile Partnerships at WorldRemit, Alis Murphy said: Looking at this years data we can see that Ghanaians in the UAE, Sweden and Germany are planning ahead and sending more money to their loved ones in the days leading up to Valentines Day. On average, these groups sent $17 to $203 more for Valentines Day compared to the next week to mark the occasion.



The WorldRemit app lets people send money straight from their smartphone, instead of having to travel to a money transfer agent. Those receiving money, often in developing countries, can collect the funds as Mobile Money, bank transfer, for cash pickup or as a mobile airtime top-up.



WorldRemits service is available to senders in 50 countries. It offers transfers to more than 140 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. WorldRemit customers send 580,000 transfers every month.

Source: JFM Ghana









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U.S President Donald Trump has decided to further heighten tensions with China, the world's second largest economy after snubbing China's leader Xi Jinping by not giving him an official phone call weeks after his inauguration, sending him a letter instead, despite calling over 18 World leaders.



Donald Trump has spoken to Theresa May, Francois Hollande, Vladmir Putin, Angela Merkel and several world leaders since his presidential inauguration, and has repeatedly signaled he'll be very hard with China, whom he has accused of currency manipulation, unfair trade deals, militarizing the South China Sea and not doing enough to help the US deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.



Trumps letter to Xi (which comes two weeks late) follows a congratulatory note sent by the Chinese president to Trump on his 20th January inauguration.



In a statement, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Trump told Xi in the letter he was looking forward to working with him to develop a constructive relationship that benefits both the United States and China.

Speaking about Trump's snub towards China, Nick Bisley, an international relations expert from La Trobe University in Melbourne said:

Its a sign that bad times lie ahead in the US-China relationship, China is very much being lined up by Trumps people as not quite enemy number one but something approximating that.

Source: http://www.dailystormer.com









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A Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho has said the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), is fast losing its integrity due to failed promises.



According to him, the Nana Akufo-Addo led administration has hit the path of bad governance lacking the morality and, it is looking convincingly clear that the promises the NPP made were all meant to deceive Ghanaians.



They had no intention of implementing their promises. They lied to the people of Ghana. I read a story attributed to the Finance Minister that the energy levies may not be scrapped and I was surprised. He is the holder of the purse yet Boakye Agyarko has told Ghanaians that, they will scrap the levies; Bawumia has assured Ghanaians that they will pay DKM victims yet, the Finance Minister says it is not a manifesto promise. Within a matter of one month, this NPP administration has given us a lot of course to doubt their integrity and in governance, integrity is very keyAnd if this is the way they are going to begin, by destroying their integrity from day one, well Im sure Ghanaians will judge. Very very early and would be yearning for 2020 to come. So they can use their thumbs to restore integrity back to governance.



When asked if he was not being fair in judging the current administration by the first month, he said, if the government will perform as they claim, the first month would be a yard stick to mark them.



The deputy scribe of the NDC in an interview with Rainbow Radio's Kwame Tutu added, the NDC is in full support and endorse the decision by the Minority not to be part of that illegal process of endorsing Madam Otiko Djaba, the Minister in charge of Gender, Children and Social Protection.



He described the process as crass illegality and slammed the Speaker, Prof. Mike Oquaye for being bias.



He indicated that the Majority used their numbers to approve the nominee although she failed to do her national service adding, this is the beginning of an autocratic and tyrant style of leadership under the NPP.

Source: rainbowradioonline









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NDCs Deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho says the incumbent NPP government concocted the 200 missing cars story at the presidency for political purposes.



The deputy General Secretary explained that, the Nana Addo-led administration is making preparations to purchase luxurious cars for Ghanas upcoming 60th anniversary which they will subsequently use at the presidency.



They [NPP] wants to go and purchase fleet of luxurious vehicles and they want to justify it, so they will say vehicles have been stolen so they can go and purchase these new set of wheels, he said in an interview on NEAT FMs morning show 'Ghana Montie'.



Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin told NEAT FM that President Akufo-Addo has had only one state car at his disposal; a 10-year-old BMW, since he assumed office on January 7th.



President Akufo-Addo is currently using a 2007 BMW model purchased by the state during the Ghana @50 celebrations . . . That is what he is using. So where are the cars? he questioned.



Eugene Arhin also revealed that over 200 state cars at the presidency are nowhere to be found which has forced the president to use his private means of transport on trips outside the Greater Accra Region.



However, Koku Anyidoho who is furious with the allegation of the 200 missing cars, told the host, Kwesi Aboagye that They [NPP] should go and retrieve it if they know where those cars are and stop harassing people. You just watch this space and see the luxurious cars they will import into this country to celebrate the Ghana @60. We are all here.







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









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Mr Mustapha Hamid, Minister for Information Designate, has told the Appointments Committee of Parliament of sanitising the political atmosphere and creating an environment devoid of insults and invectives at political opponents.



He expressed regret at comments attributed to him for some derogatory remarks against former President John Mahama, saying the then politically charged atmosphere gave room for the invectives, something he said both sides of the political divide were guilty of.



The nominee, spokesperson for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, explained that the comment was in response to insults levelled against his then flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo that he was an ethnic bigot.



The nominee, who turns 46 next June 11, is a Muslim scholar, with two wives and awaiting to be declared a Doctor of Philosophy in the Study of Religions, by the University of Cape Coast.



He explained that he knew the President, then flagbearer of the current governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) was and is not an ethnic bigot and he had to defend him.



I regret the polluted political environment that allows people to make insulting commentsI will contribute my quota to make sure that we have a sane political environment. I will work to rid our political environment of invectives and sanitise it.



He said both sides of the political divide are guilty of throwing invectives, and promised if approved to work towards sanitising the political atmosphere.



Mr Hamid, who had trailed a career path as media person, working with a number of both electronic and print media houses, and later a politician had served as spokesperson, for Nana Addo from who he received allowances when he served him as spokesperson.



He said he was convinced that serving as the Presidents Spokesperson for ten years, would have qualified him to take up another challenge instead of the current position, which would still require him to be a communicator.



That position, a Committee member noted, implied that the nominee had not wanted to accept the position, to which Mr Hamid replied that I am very much excited about the position, and used the opportunity to refute claims that he did not come from the Upper East Region.



He assured the Committee of using the position to work on retooling the Ghana Publishing Corporation to be modernised, explaining that it was not in a good state because it did not have the necessary machinery.



The Information Minister Designate said the proposed retooling of the Company would make available the correct machinery in order to be competitive, and once they retool, an appeal would be made to public institutions to give them jobs.



Mr Hamid advocated more resources for the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to raise its standards to meet those of other internationally recognised media houses.



Mr Hamid said: it is important that we are able to raise the standard of GBC to a BBC, adding that he would ensure that measures were put in place to ensure that GBC was independent.



We look forward to a GBC that can fund itself and be independent, Mr Hamid said, and assured Ghanaians of ensuring that the media were not censored.



On what use he would put the Media Development Fund, the nominee said he would champion the use of parts of the Fund to build the capacity of media persons.



On improving access to television signals in some parts of the country, the nominee said Ghana Television was currently undergoing some modernisation efforts which was in its final stages, and announced that there had been preliminary discussions with the Finance Minister who had promised to release some funds for the completion.

Source: GNA









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The Minority in parliament has rejected the nomination of the Tourism, Arts and Culture minister-designate, Catherine Afeku over her failure to do National Service.



According to the minority, their rejection of Mrs. Afekus nomination was a matter of principle.



The minority believe it would be hypocritical to pass the Tourism, Arts and Culture minister-designate after rejecting the nomination of the Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister, Otiko Afisa Djaba on similar ground.



Even though the appointment Committee report is not ready yet, Alhassan said he gathered that all the others will be approved by consensus but for Catherine Afeku, if nothing changes before the report was ready.



Mrs. Afeku told the Appointments Committee of Parliament during her vetting that she did not do national service as required by law.



According to her, she could not honour her constitutional obligation because she was living outside the country at the time she completed her tertiary education.



I was living in Nairobi, Kenya at that time and because my parents were there, I was not given the opportunity to be in Ghana to undertake the national service, so, no I did not do national service, I actually worked in Kenya; for the three months that I came out of universityI was not in Ghana at that time, she explained.

Source: starrfmonline.com









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In case there were any doubts that the heat is literally trying to kill us, three high school students in Brisbane were rushed to hospital this morning with symptoms of heat-related illness.

Two teenage girls and one teenage boy were attended to by paramedics at College Street, North Lakes, the address of secondary school The Lakes College. They are recovering in hospital in stable conditions.

A Queensland Ambulance spokesperson told the media that ambos actually treated 16 students in total, and went on to say:

Only three [students] were transported, just for precautionary measures. The students were actually in a parade for an opening of a school building. They had a range of symptoms, varying between some dizziness, headaches, nausea and anxiety.

Ah yes, the time-honoured tradition of marching your students onto an open field in the middle of a heatwave. Onya, Queensland.

Its forecast to hit 39C in Brisbane on Sunday, so this might not be the last heat-related ambo run we see over the weekend. Health services are urging people to drink lots of water and wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing.

Heat stress can kill you, so follow their advice, okay? And if you were planning on cooling off at the beach this weekend, I have some bad news: Tugun, Palm Beach, North Burleigh, Miami, Nobby Beach, Seashell Ave, Northcliffe, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Elkhorn Ave and Narrowneck beaches were all closed this morning due to dangerous swell.

If youre feeling like you cant win against the heat in Queensland, keep New South Wales in your thoughts  theyre barrelling towards a heat-induced blackout this afternoon, and then not even the mall will save them.

Source: Brisbane Times.

Image: Fox.
In case the unbelievably punishing heat currently sweeping over eastern and southern Australia isnt quite enough for you, theres more  this scorcher is going put unbelievable stress onto Australias power supply.

Authorities have warned of possible health issues, massive bushfire danger and possible power cuts across the afflicted area of the continent. So not only are you going to be cooking in your seat, your bloody power might switch off, forcing you to swelter like a stuck pig in the dark.

The punishing heat today round Sydney parts  reaching up to 44 degrees out west  led the Australian Energy Market Operator warn that demand is going to be insane from 4:30pm  6:30pm, with blackouts very possible across the state.

Similarly, heatwave conditions in South Australia could very well push power demand beyond the limit again today, with demand likely hitting records. On Wednesday up to 90,000 properties across Adelaide and parts of regional SA lost power due to a jettisoning of demand.

NSW energy minister Don Harwin pleaded with denizens of the state to crank their aircon at the comparatively toasty 26C, turn down their fridge, and refrain from using unnecessary electronics. I expect almost nobody to listen to him.

The NSW government is doing everything we can to ensure a power outage is avoided but we encourage the community to reduce their energy use where possible, Harwin said.

Brisbane and parts of northern Victoria are also bracing or temperatures in the high thirties and low forties. Basically, were all cooking right now. PEDESTRIAN.TV has purchased a thermal camera, and we have captured footage of the population of Australia.

Beware: it is shocking.

Source: The Guardian.

Photo: Key & Peele.
WARNING: if youre looking for some fluffy Friday ~content~ about whales frolicking in a cove, accidentally getting stranded, then returning to the sea in a Finding Nemo-esque happy ending, then close this tab immediately. This horrible, heartbreaking story is NOT for you.

Anyone that is still here (and oh my sweet christ why have you chosen this for yourself), have your tissues at the ready.

Overnight in New Zealand, over 400 whales stranded themselves at a beach called Farewell Spit  its been the site of multiple mass strandings in the past, as the area appears to confuse whales.

Were heartbroken to report that of the 416 whales stranded, only 100 survived.

Conservation workers have spent the entire day on the beach trying to refloat the whales, and have told media that over 300 volunteers joined them in order to help save the whales.

More than 400 whales stranded on #NewZealand beach at #farewellspit at the tip of the South Island. Majority reported dead. @peta pic.twitter.com/1aoombKKEx  Shankar Raj (@shanksnews) February 10, 2017





Department of Conservation community ranger Kath Inwood told the ABC that they had refloated the surviving whales at high tide, and then created a human chain to stop the whales from beaching themselves again.

It can be really quite distressing seeing so many dead whales, Ms Inwood said.

People need to be resilient and handle that and then get on with what needs to be done.





Farewell Spit is often described as a whale trap  for some reason the area confuses them.

Theres plenty of theories about why, but the area has a long protruding coastline and sloping beaches, which appears to make it hard for whales to swim away.

Inwood said that strandings occur at Farewell Spit a lot, but the sheer size of this one had come as a massive shock to conservation workers.

The Department of Conservation has put the estimated number of dead whales at between 250 and 300.

A huge shout-out to all the conservation workers and volunteers at Farewell Spit right now, your dedication is so appreciated.

Source: Twitter / ABC.

Photo: Twitter.
You know, you get to a certain age and you start thinking you have a fair idea of how bad human beings can be. Im a cynic, you tell yourself, nothing can shock me.

And then you realise that theres always a new low to which humanity can stoop. Like shooting a defenceless kitty cat with an ARROW.

me @ the human race

Its okay, its okay: the kitty lives.

The injured cat was spotted in the Brisbane suburb of Calumvale yesterday, prompting an RSPCA-led search. Despite being literally skewered on an arrow, the tenacious moggy evaded capture until this afternoon, when it was cornered in a park drain.

RSPCA Queensland metro inspector (and possible Viking?) Yorick Walburgh told the Brisbane Times that the rescue effort was aided by local residents and Queensland Fire and Rescue officers.

Regarding the gingers prognosis, he said:

Its being checked over by the vets and X-rayed to see how much damage the arrow has caused. He seems to be relatively OK, but its difficult to tell. The early guess is that (the arrow) hasnt hit any organs, but theyre still trying to figure that out.

The search now continues for the monster who thought it was a cool idea to play Legolas on a domestic short-hair. Just FYI: youre not Legolas, mate. Youre an orc at best.

Source: Brisbane Times.

Image: RSPCA Queensland.
UPDATE: Davine Arckens has been located safe and well in Murray Bridge. She is currently with police.

Well update this one as it develops.

South Australian Police say they are gravely concerned for the welfare of 24-year-old Belgian tourist Davine Arckens, after her family notified local authorities of her suspected abduction.

According to a police spokesperson, Arckens contacted her family to notify them that she believed shes being held against her will.

#BREAKING: Police speak on disappearance and suspected abduction of Belgian tourist Davine Arckens. #9News pic.twitter.com/fgLXCSNZri  Nine News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) February 10, 2017

Arckens last known whereabouts were in Murray Bridge around 10am yesterday, at which point its believed she may have taken a lift from somebody in a red ute.

Police are following that line of enquiry, and have told the media theyre focusing their search for Arckens in the Meningie region. Authorities are also investigating in the broader Murray-Mallee region.

Its believed Arckens had placed a Gumtree ad seeking farm work prior to her disappearance, and police think an individual who may have responded to the post could be involved in her disappearance.

Arckens arrived in Adelaide on February 2, before visiting Kangaroo Island until February 6.

Shes described as about 160cm tall, with mousey-brown hair and pierced ears. She was last seen wearing a white shirt and khaki pants.

If youve got any info about this one, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.





Well update this story as it develops.



Source: ABC / Nine News Adelaide.

Photo: Facebook.
A teenager in the UK was brutally mocked by a prospective employer literally moments after being rejected for the job.

Megan Dixon, 18, tweeted a screenshot of the exchange with an employee from steakhouse chain Miller & Carter, which has obviously since gone viral.





Imagine going for a job interview and the woman says she will email u in a few days but then waits 1 minute after u leave to text u this, she wrote.

The woman had texted Its a no x, and when Megan asked for feedback, replied called her basic, not engaging, and mocked her use of the word like. If theres a more humiliating way to be rejected for a gig then we have yet to hear it.

Imagine going for a job interview and the woman says she will email u in a few days but then waits 1 minute after u leave to text u this ?? pic.twitter.com/8hOY899wNZ  Meg (@megrdixon) February 7, 2017

In a serious of follow up tweets, Megan said the woman  who is the assistant manager of the chain  was unprepared and unprofessional, and whose phone was going off throughout the interview.

She elaborated further to The Sun:



[The interviewer] didnt even shake my hand, didnt have my CV out and was just sat drinking a coffee. Maybe because Im 18 she thinks its OK not to be professional with me? I dont know.



After The Sun picked up the story, outraged citizens began to tweet angrily at the Miller & Carter Twitter account, which says its now looking into it.

@mr_aly Hi Aly, we sincerely apologise to Megan. The texts were sent in error. We do expect our team to act professionally and are 1/2  Miller & Carter (@MillerandCarter) February 9, 2017

@mr_aly 2/2 investigating to ensure this doesnt happen again.  Miller & Carter (@MillerandCarter) February 9, 2017

As the saying goes, she who gets the viral tweet gets the laugh last or something. In all likelihood though shes probably already gotten a job offer out of this and the assistant manager has been utterly fired.

Photo: Megan Dixon / Instagram.
Outside of wishing for a one-way trip to Greenland, there isnt too much to do when it gets this bloody hot. Regardless, Aunty Donna have apparently found option 2: RAMPANT BINGE DRINKING.

In the first episode of their new webseries Aunty Donnas Ripper Aussie Summer, the lads experience the rundown of a typical sweaty Melbourne night out. Mainstays Eau De Vie, Howler, and even Revolver get a shout-out in this booze-pounding ditty.

Oh, also, some pretty serious shit underneath all the firewater, but hey! Drinking!

Shout-outs to the quasi-trap drop to close this one out. The boys are expanding their goofy-as-hell musical repertoire, and were here for it.

Source and photo: Aunty Donna / YouTube.
Transport Safety Board and RCMP investigators work at the scene of a fatal plane crash 11km outside of Brunkild, Man., on Friday, February 10, 2017. Two men were killed in the crash. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
The head office of Statoil in Stavanger, Norway, in this file photo dated Jan. 18, 2013. Earlier this week, Norway's Statoil announced its Canadian branch will drill two offshore exploratory wells this summer in the Flemish Pass Basin near the Bay du Nord discovery roughly 500 kilometres east of St. John's, N.L. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Kent Skibstad, Scanpix
President Donald Trump points as he walks offstage after speaking to the Major County Sheriffs' Association and Major Cities Chiefs Association, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, in Washington. Canada became a brief beacon of hope for Alaa Alsabeh of Syria after his plan to study engineering in Michigan was shattered by Donald Trump's executive order banning nationals from seven countries, including his. Until it wasn't. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Evan Vucci
A fire burns at a Phillips 66 pipeline in Paradis, La., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Authorities don't yet know what caused the fire on the pipeline, but several workers was cleaning it at the time, St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said at a news conference. (Brett Duke/NOLA.com The Times-Picayune via AP)
Here, there, everywhere  why car washes seem to be on every corner
Vegan eating has skyrocketed in popularity over the course of recent decades, with more than 1,400 plant-based restaurants opening all across the US. While Philadelphia is historically known for cheesesteaks, countless vegan restaurants now call the city home. This is
Fake claims: Foreign organic producers suspected of fraud

As the nations appetite for organic food is growing at roughly 15 percent per year, fake organic products are flooding the market. After suffering years of decline during the recession, the industrys share of the U.S. food consumption now accounts for five percent, and that number is going up fast.

In fact, fresh organic foods are becoming so popular that consumer demand is exceeding the domestic supply. Therefore, the U.S. has been forced to look for organic foods elsewhere.

These imports, however, come with some quality issues. Speaking at the Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Coalition annual winter conference in Aberdeen, SD earlier this year, John Bobbe has voiced his concerns. Bobbe is the executive director of the Organic Farmers Agency for Relationship Marketing, a cooperative incorporated in Minnesota.

Foreign organic producers suspected of fraud

While organic farmers welcome high-quality natural imports, many of these foods are coming from countries like Ukraine, which has been found to have serious issues with organic integrity, said Bobbe.

Now, U.S. organic farmers must compete with world producers that dont always maintain the same high organic production standards as the United States. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) has cited one case of Ukrainian organic goods in Istanbul, Turkey, where the certified transaction certificate was missing, reported AG Week. This document provides information on the origin and transportation mode records of the goods and should accompany every cargo to its ultimate destination.

An organic certification agency annually checks these files. If violations occur, farmers risk a fine, imprisonment, and decertification. Both Ukraine and Turkey have had massive civil unrest which resulted in tens of thousands of jailed and fired employees.

Under those circumstances, we wonder whos minding the store about the integrity of organic, Bobbe said. Turkey has now been accused by the FAS of fraudulently manufacturing the transaction certificates, among other issues. (RELATED: Read Harvest.news to stay informed about organics and chemical agriculture.)

Converting to organic crops comes at a cost

According to Bobbe, the U.S. should put more thought into how we can help domestic producers turn to organic cultivation. He stated that the U.S. has lots of conventional corn, and is in dire need of organic corn. Bushels of organic corn are coming in by the shiploads, he said. While America buys about 73 percent of its organic corn from Turkey, Turkey is a net importer of U.S. conventional corn. Wheres the logic here? If we export most of our conventional stuff to buy dodgy organic corn, why arent farmers growing high-quality organic corn in the first place? Money is the answer.

While many American farmers are considering making the switch, this comes at a higher cost. They must step away from synthetic pesticides, growth hormones, and antibiotics to improve soil and growing conditions. [RELATED: Check out Pesticides.news for news coverage of pesticide use and its impact on your health]

According to Peter Miller of Organic Valley, a cooperative of farmers, there is often a production decrease associated with the transition. Also, Bobbe noted that the farmers tell him the current cost of producing a bushel of organic grain is about $10 a bushel, while buyers have said it costs them about $10.50 a bushel to import it into the U.S.

The logical conclusion is theyre pricing domestic corn to lower their cost of the high-priced importing corn. Theyre using the U.S. market as a residual market, and getting their supply from the imports, he added.

Furthermore, grain processors seem to enjoy the convenience of ordering one large shipment of organic grains instead of dealing with many smaller U.S. farmers. About 40 percent of organic corn and 70 percent of organic soybeans used in the U.S. are imported. Bobbe said that the agriculture industry is going to have to come up with a plan on how to grow domestic organic foods. However, with the current low prices, farmers are sending a signal that they do not want to make the switch to producing quality food.

Sources:

AgWeek.com

OrganicConsumers.org
Mexico continues to outlaw Monsantos GMO corn

Monsantos plans of spreading their GMO seeds continue to be obstructed, at least in other countries. For example, in Mexico, a ban on GMO corn is likely to be upheld for years, while an uphill legal battle rages on.

Just last week, a Mexican court chose to uphold a 2013 ruling that followed a legal challenge on the effects GMO crops have on the environment, which temporarily put a stop on GMO corn-growing, including pilot plots.

In an interview, Monsanto regional corporate director Laura Tamayo commented,Its going to take a long while for all the evidence to be presented. I think were talking years.

The cost of yellow corn imports are expected to rise by more than 20 percent in the next season, thanks to increasing production costs and the peso growing weaker. While Mexico is totally self-sufficient when it comes to the countrys white corn, they rely on GMO corn that comes from the United States to feed livestock.

Monsanto vies for Mexico

Several years ago, Monsanto reportedly submitted two applications to grow GMO corn commercially in Mexicos northwestern state Sinaloa. The region is known for being the countrys largest corn-producing area, and Monsanto wanted a huge hunk of it: both applications requested 1.7 million acres of land.

And, both applications are still pending approval. Hopefully, that day never comes.

While Monsanto hails itself as an agricultural business, we all know that the truth is that the company does anything but help farmers. Theyve been destroying real farming for the last few decades.

Supposedly, Monsantos primary business in Mexico is developing and selling conventional corn seeds and vegetable seeds, but Tamayo says the company is committed to defending the so-called benefits of GM crops on what she calls scientific grounds.

If they really wanted to defend their seeds with science, theyd permit independent research on their products, now wouldnt they?

Regardless, according Tamayo, the corporation didnt feel the need to try to convince consumers that their products were good for years; instead, they focused on the farmers. This, she says, allowed environmental organizations to take over the debate.

We made a mistake; its just that simple. For 18 years we didnt explain (to the consumer) what is biotechnology, whats it for and why its safe.

Critics might argue that their true mistake lies in the creation of Monsanto as a whole, rather than their failure to try to brainwash the public more openly.

Opponents of GMO crops believe that these modified corn seeds could contaminate heirloom varieties, and that the pesticides used to protect GMO crops are harmful to beneficial insects like bees  which have been dying off in record numbers. Community advocates state that Mexicos 59 varieties of native corn will be at risk if Monsanto is allowed to take hold of the corn market. [RELATED: Learn more about the dangers of genetically modified food at GMO.news]

Monsanto has already ruined other countries

Look no further than India if you wish to see the true effects of Monsantos monopoly on agriculture. Farmer suicide rates in India have skyrocketed, and one of the primary causes is the biotech giants impossible seed monopoly.

Lots of things changed when Monsanto entered India. For example, in 2013, they reportedly controlled some 95 percent of the cotton seed market in the country.

And what about seeds? Seeds had always been a resource for farmers, but Monsanto claimed them as intellectual property, and began collecting royalties on their products. Monsanto also sought out to change farming practices on the whole, eliminating open-pollinated cotton seeds, demanding monoculture farming techniques, and even subverting Indias own regulatory processes. [RELATED: Read about Monsantos corrupt business practices and more at MonsantoMafia.com]

In fact, the biotech corporation even managed to use public resources to promote its non-renewable hybrids and GMOs, with the help of public private partnerships.

Monsantos creation of seed monopolies and profit-seeking royalty collection, combined with the outright destruction of any alternatives, has left farmers in India devastated. Debt, distress, and suicide run rampant under Monsantos rule. Data from the Indian government even suggests this: some 75 percent of rural debt is attributed to purchased inputs, which likely suggests that as farmer debt grows, so do Monsantos profits.

An internal advisory by the Agricultural Ministry of India in January 2012 noted, Cotton farmers are in a deep crisis since shifting to Bt cotton. The spate of farmer suicides in 2011-12 has been particularly severe among Bt cotton farmers.

Monsanto loves to claim that they are in the business to help farmers, but that couldnt be further from the truth.

Sources:

STLToday.com

GlobalResearch.ca

AlJazeera.com
Shawn Theodore, better known to his 67,000 Instagram followers as _XST (pronounced "Exist"), opened his first exhibition at the African American Museum in Philadelphia called "Church of Broken Pieces," a photographic exploration of changing identities of black America.

Theodore's work contextualizes and collaborates with black Americans who represent different parts of distinctly black neighborhoods, even as displacement, gentrification, socioeconomic disparity, and violence threaten to halt progress.

Often collage-like and set in high-contrast color, his intimate street portraits have garnered much attention for a particular style of conceptual photography. What's special about Temple grad and Philly native Theodore is his dedication to connecting deeply with the people he's photographing -- they often become friends.

Your Instagram description reads: "Scattered moments and observations as seen across a vanishing landscape of African American neighborhoods."

My initial concept was to come from a preservationist approach. I don't do it as a documentarian or a photojournalist, but rather in an artistic style. I like the idea of capturing photographs of people in spaces that are uniquely African American in many ways. It may not be completely apparent to anyone who's not African American but there's a subtle language of color and harmony, some types of architecture you only see in black neighborhoods. These areas are shrinking due to all sorts of huge transformations, be it socioeconomic shifts, or gentrification, and people are being pushed out of the neighborhoods in which I like to shoot. The canvas has become smaller every year.

Describe your artistic process.

What we have here in America, and in particular with African American neighborhoods, are commonalities of how we express ourselves in our neighborhoods. If you were to place a certain set of colors together and asked a few people what they were reminded of, then someone might say that it looks familiar, something they've seen before. Color, texture, and architecture are meaningful to any culture. So I can go from one city to another city looking for those commonalities and come out with work that is similar across the board, not only geographically but also across time. So when I'm out shooting, these are the things that I am looking for. I want to shoot and preserve the images of the people I encounter. Their stories often intertwine with what I do.

What's the inspiration for the name of your exhibition?

Church of Broken Pieces is an actual church out in West Oak Lane. I've always loved that name. I thought it was the most amazing name to name a church. I have a friend who's a pastor there, and she explained to me that the name was a nod to the Baptist tradition of the church creating ministries that would break away and form new churches. For me the name was a nod to my own neighborhood, to let them know that I still care.

Do you feel that there is an underrepresentation in black art?

I do believe we are on the tail end of underrepresentation of black artists and black art and black media. I hope to speak for some of my peers on this because it's something we all have in our hearts. We are most concerned with identity and agency and proper representation of the myriad of ideas around blackness. Just being able to say this is what blackness is and this is what it's not is the bigger problem. One of the bigger problems in street photography is that there are odd overexposures to two extremes, and not enough in the middle. You have street photography that represents some aspects, like poverty and crime, and on the other end you see a lot of sexual exploitation. I don't think we're ever going to see a time where we're all going to be happy and that's OK, too. But as long as there are black artists creating conscientious work that's honest about what's in our conversations, then I think that's when we'll see a lot of the change we're invested in and hopeful about.

Would you say that your photography is primarily political?

I will say this: Being black in America, being in black skin is political even if you don't want it to be. It's political simply because we exist. Had my subjects been white or Asian, my photographs would have had a different political overtone. Not to say I'd never do it, but staying true to putting forth what I want to represent and believe in for my family, my daughter, and my community is important to me.

Ive heard that youve been shot and wounded by a gun. Has much of your art been informed by this?

Being in Philadelphia, you're acutely aware of the violence on the streets. There's a lot of people that are aggressive for no really good reason whatsoever. The impact of being shot in the city, and then staying in the city was big, because the No. 1 thing that everybody wanted me to do was leave. "You should leave, it's not good here." And I took that opportunity to change that point of view. You can get shot, and you can bounce back, and you can make something of what's left. I was shot in 1998, 28 years old when this happened, and I was robbed, then shot. It was the worst thing you can imagine happening to you. It took a long time for me to get to a place where I could say I still loved this city. But it was all about making the right choices; it was about taking the right steps to love this city again. I don't usually bring it up to a lot of people, but it's something that I try to tell people about, how it made me a better person. I became more driven, way more engaging with life; I just wanted to live every day much more fully than I had. It didn't really impact my art, it more so impacted me. I definitely don't include political statement about anti-guns in my art, given that I'm a victim of that kind of crime, but I just wanted my life to stand for what happens afterward, and I hope other people can feel that as an inspiration.
Two Camden County sisters tried to scam Geico by lying about which one was involved in a car accident and then seeking thousands of dollars to cover medical bills, authorities said.

Labre Hodge, 25, of Pine Hill, and Brittney Hodge, 26, of Pennsauken, were charged with conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. The New Jersey Attorney General's Office said Brittany Hodge was driving alone in her sister's Chevrolet Aveo in Camden in 2015 when a vehicle that ran a stop sign struck the Aveo.

Labre Hodge then told Geico, her insurance carrier, that she had been driving though she didn't show up at the scene until an hour after the accident  and that her sister was a passenger, the Attorney General's Office said.

Labre Hodge also claimed that she was injured in the crash, and sought $5,000 for medical bills and $950 in lost wages, authorities said.

"Many people erroneously assume that fabricating a scenario to net them a relatively small insurance payout will not get them into trouble," acting insurance fraud prosecutor Christopher Iu said in a statement Friday. "But nothing could be further from the truth."

The pair were indicted Tuesday by a grand jury in Trenton. If convicted, they could face fines and jail.
Aman announced that Roland Fasel, formerly General Manager of The Dorchester and Regional Director, UK, for Dorchester Collection, has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer.

In this new post, Fasel, who has over 25 years of experience within the luxury hospitality industry, will oversee all facets of Amans intricate hotel, resort and private residence operations and will help define the future vision and strategy. Fasel will work closely with Chairman, Vladislav Doronin, to develop the brand while retaining the unique characteristics for which the distinguished collection is renowned.

Fasel, a natural and considered leader who has opened, renovated and repositioned hotels across three continents, is a graduate from Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne in his native Switzerland. He later went on to gain an MBA from Golden Gate University in San Francisco before securing positions at Badrutts Palace, St Moritz, Four Seasons Hotels, Regent Hotels, Shangri-La in Asia, and most recently, his eight year tenure with the Dorchester Collection where, in his dual role, he was instrumental in growing their business, overseeing new openings, residences, spa and the repositioning of the Dorchester Collection brand.

Aman is currently comprised of 31 properties, in 20 destinations, including recent additions  Amanera (Dominican Republic), Amandayan (China), Amanemu (Japan), and Amanyangyun which opens in Autumn 2017 on the outskirts of Shanghai and is the brands most ambitious to date.
Ask Geotripper

Is there something about geology that you are curious about? Do you have questions about the scientific aspects of political controversies? I can try to provide a scientist's perspective. Your questions and possible answers could be a springboard to a blog discussion, or they can be private. Anonymity is always assumed. Contact Geotripper at hayesg (at) mjc.edu.


Photo: Carla Blazek

The vast majority of arrests are accomplished without any force being applied by police officers. Most people do what officers ask of them and this results in officers simply placing handcuffs on arrestees, searching them, and transporting them to a correctional facility or police station. Still, a small percentage of arrestees resist arrest, an even smaller amount actually use force against arresting officers, and the chances of officers having to use deadly force during their careers is less than 1%.

The amount of resistance or force exhibited against an officer can vary greatly, and accordingly the officer's response must be objectively reasonable. However, in addition to the behavior of the arrestee, other factors dictate the officer's force. These factors are based on the basic tenets determined by the Supreme Court in Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 1989. As with all use-of-force encounters, the force the officer uses must be based on the "objectively reasonable officer" criteria, considering the officer's perception at that moment and the "totality of the circumstances."

Determining whether the amount of force used by an officer is appropriate also "requires a careful balancing of the nature and quality of the intrusion on the individual's Fourth Amendment interests against the countervailing governmental interests at stake." Graham v. Connor also tells us that police officers often have to make split-second decisions and that it is unfair to use hindsight to evaluate an officer's response.

Analysis of Circumstances

Proper and excessive use of force and how to distinguish between the two can be understood by discussing different scenarios with varying circumstances. To determine if the force used was objectively reasonable, it is helpful to examine all the circumstances, including: the severity of the crime, degree of physical threat, offender size and ability, officer size and ability, availability of weapons, other persons present, number of officers present, and the subject's actions. If deadly force was used, we must determine if there was an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to the officer or someone else.

Let's look at a scenario.

ScenarioThe arrestee committed a theft, used force against the officer, and then fled the scene on foot. The officer pursued on foot, ordered the subject to stop, and threatened to use a TASER on the subject. The subject kept running and the officer stunned the subject. The subject went to the ground and was immobilized. The subject was taken into custody with no further force.

The information provided in this scenario is insufficient to determine if the force was reasonable, as you will see as you read further.

Scenarios and Analysis

Let's look at the following scenarios to practice analyzing the use of force by examining the tactics relative to all the circumstances to determine if the force was objectively reasonable.

Scenario OneAn officer is dispatched to a gas station for a young male who has just shoplifted a bag of potato chips and is now hiding behind the gas station eating them. When the officer arrives, the youthwho appears to be 13 or 14 years old; 5-foot, 2-inches tall; and 130 poundsis standing by a small aluminum garbage can eating the chips. The youth kicks the garbage can toward the officer and the can strikes the officer's legs. The youth then runs away. The officer, who remained standing, begins to run after the youth and threatens to use his TASER. The youth keeps running and the officer stuns him, causing him to fall to the hard pavement from a sprint, causing the youth to strike his head. This results in a head injury requiring stitches and a possible concussion. The officer is 6-feet tall and 190 pounds.

Analyzing the ScenarioStealing potato chips from a store is not a serious crime and the degree of threat presented by the teen kicking the trash can toward the officer was minimal. The offender was small, especially in comparison with the officer. There were no known weapons available to the suspect. No other officers or persons were present. The subject kicked a can at the officer, but it did not cause any serious injury, as the officer was able to pursue the subject. In this scenario, the force would be seen as excessive.

Scenario 2The officer is dispatched to a jewelry store where the suspect has stolen $5,000 worth of jewelry and was last seen heading east on Green Street. The suspect is described as a white male; 6-foot, 5-inches tall; 225 pounds; and muscular. The officer arrives in the area and sees a man matching the description just three blocks from the jewelry store walking east on Green Street. When the officer pulls up to the subject and exits his squad car, the subject runs toward the officer and shoves him. The subject then starts running away and pulls from his jacket what appears to be a metal pipe. The officer pursues the subject, ordering the subject to stop, and threatening to TASER him. The subject continues to run. The officer stuns the subject and the subject is immobilized and drops to the ground, causing a laceration on his forehead and a possible concussion. The subject is then taken into custody without any further force needed. The officer is 6-feet tall and 190 pounds.

Analyzing the ScenarioThe crime was a felony due to the value of the stolen items. The threat became serious because of the seriousness of the offense and the fact that the suspect shoved the officer and displayed a metal pipe. The suspect was large and muscular and outsized the officer. No other officers or persons were present. When analyzing all the circumstances, the officer's use of force was objectively reasonable.

Criteria for Determining if Force is Reasonable: Severity of the crime

Degree of threat

Offender size and ability

Officer size and ability

Availability of weapons

Other persons present

Number of officers present

Subjects' actions

Final Thoughts

The scenarios we have examined are extremes. However, the criteria for analyzing use of force can be easily illustrated using these scenarios. I encourage officers to use these criteria and this method to analyze use-of-force scenarios that have occurred in their departments or are in the media, or simply make them up for training purposes. Officers must continue to train to properly perform their jobs.

Determining whether a use-of-force situation is reasonably objective or an excessive use of force can be challenging. But it helps to look at as many of the details as possible. An experienced officer should be able to look at the severity of the crime, degree of the threat, offender size and ability, officer size and ability, availability of weapons, others present, and so on to draw a reasonable conclusion. This practice will provide important training to officers working the streets.

Dr. Michael Schlosser, Ph.D., is the director of the University of Illinois Police Training Institute, and the Institute's lead control and arrest tactics instructor. He retired from the Rantoul (IL) Police Department as a lieutenant.
OKOBOJI | High temperatures in the Iowa Great Lakes the next several days?

According to forecasts, they range from 48 on Friday to 35 on Wednesday; six straight days with high temperatures beyond freezing. A February thaw, you might say.

It leads one to wonder how long a locally-famous Iowa Great Lakes Rotary car will remain atop the ice at Smith's Bay in Okoboji.

The multi-colored clunker is a traditional sight this time of year; for 18 years it has made its appearance during the week of the University of Okoboji Winter Games. Weather permitting, of course.

The idea began with the Sunrise Kiwanis group. The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club took over four years ago.

The car sat amidst the revelry two weekends ago as 10 inches of snow blanketed West Lake Okoboji and the rest of the Iowa Great Lakes. Until that point, the region lacked much snow. And, having little to no snow-cover helped boost the ice.

"The nice thing about a lack of snow is that is does improve ice conditions," said Jeff Morrison, conservation officer for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "If you get early snow on early ice, the snow insulates the ice and it's not as thick."

Morrison estimates much of the ice at 18 to 20 inches, or thick enough to support a range of ice shacks, ATVs, full-size vehicles and one Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Chevrolet Corsica whose dip into the drink comes with a $1,000 prize for the holder of a winning ticket.

The club sells 720 tickets, representing half the minutes of each day. Each ticket covers two minutes, the time for both the AM and the PM side of the clock.

For example, if you have 12 o'clock on your ticket, it is good for both noon and midnight. When the ice finally thaws and the car sinks, a timer attached to the car registers the minute it is submerged.

Last year, the car plummeted at 12:58 p.m. on March 9. It was then retrieved by the Arnolds Park Underwater Search and Rescue Crew, another tradition.

Carey Wilkens, Rotary president, said his group has sold half of the $10 tickets thus far. Funds raised will help purchase winter clothing for children in need via Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc.

And while the ice seems plenty thick to support the vehicle, there are open areas in every one of the Iowa Great Lakes.

"We just had a pressure ridge open up on West Lake the other day with people around it," Morrison said. "It opened with eight to nine feet of open water. It was fine one second and then it was open water the next second."

So, while much ice measures 18-20 inches in thickness, there are all sorts of spots with thin ice and ice heaves. Those areas will only increase as temperatures warm and remain above freezing.

"Give the points lots of room; give the bridges lots of room," added Steve Reighard, Iowa DNR conversation officer. "Areas between Fort Dodge and Pilsbury Point (on West Lake) opened this week, and the ice heaved down instead of up, so that water is open."

"Please stress to people that if you go out, process and evaluate the ice as you go," Morrison said. "We don't make claims on the ice as they're always changing. The trouble is that if I say the ice is 10 inches and in another spot, it could be less. It is so variable."

Reighard said one vehicle fell through the ice at Fort Dodge Point on West Lake Okoboji during the University of Okoboji Winter Games two weeks ago. Another snowmobile operator fell through open water while trying to "skip" the water near the Highway 9 bridge.

Warm temperatures the next several days may also impact ice fishing on the lakes. Morrison said an effect has already been seen.

"Fishing this winter has really been decent," he said. "We've had a little slowdown in the bite recently, but that's common for February. The bit will be hit-and-miss until late February or early march when the ice gets questionable. There are still lots of fish out there to catch."

Walleye season ends on West Lake Okoboji, East Lake Okoboji and Spirit Lake on Wednesday. Any walleye caught on that day, or any point forward, must be returned to water to help protect brood stock in advance of a netting effort by the Iowa DNR once the ice goes out of the lakes.

"We'll net and take walleye into the hatchery for our stocking program," Morrison said.

Walleye season resumes on those lakes on the first Saturday in May.

Tim Gallagher writes for the Sioux City Journal, another Lee Enterprises newspaper. Reach him at tgallagher@siouxcityjournal.com.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) pulled no punches and took President Trump to school while celebrating the Trump administrations latest defeat on their Muslim ban in court.

In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, Sen. Sanders (I-VT) said:

Hopefully, the unanimous court ruling against President Trumps immigration ban will restore some of the damage he has done to our countrys reputation around the world. It also may teach President Trump a lesson in American history and how our democracy is supposed to work here at home.

A president who respected our traditions of religious freedom would not have resorted to hateful, anti-Islamic rhetoric to justify a ban on travel from seven mostly Muslim countries. A president responsible for keeping our citizens safe would not hand over ideological ammunition to terrorists seeking new recruits to kill Americans. A president who respected the Constitutions separation of powers would not have insulted a so- called judge he disagreed with or tried to bully a federal appeals court with taunts on Twitter.

This was a good day for our system of checks and balances.

According to Sen. Sanders, President Trump has damaged Americas reputation, doesnt understand the Constitution or democracy, has provided ammo to terrorists, and has no clue about US history.

That about covers it.

The ruling by the 9th Circuit is what happens when a president who has no understanding of governing or respect for the US system of government attempts to govern unilaterally.

Trumps Muslim ban is a disgrace to democracy and embarrassment to the country. Bernie Sanders read Trump the riot act because the reality TV star refuses to make an effort to become competent at the job he was elected to perform.

The Constitution worked today and prevented a Putin fanboy from stomping on fundamental American rights. Sen. Sanders is demonstrating the kind of leadership that Donald Trump can only dream of.
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Hillary Clinton took to Twitter on Thursday to celebrate the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimous, bipartisan ruling which upheld the suspension of Donald Trumps Muslim and refugee immigration ban.

While the social media platform only allows its users to post 140-character tweets, she only needed three to convey how she feels about todays ruling.

Clintons tweet:

3-0  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 10, 2017

The post by the former Secretary of State, while clearly supportive of the courts ruling, was also a genius move to remind the country that the decision was not partisan, as Trump has said, and the president shouldnt get away with pinning it on politics.

After all, one of the judges on the three-person panel was appointed by George W. Bush. Its highly unlikely that he transformed into a left-wing extremist just for the purpose of dealing Trumps immigration ban a loss in court.

This was instead, as Clintons tweet not-so-subtly pointed out, a rebuke of Trumps agenda by both parties. It was also a victory for anybody who appreciates the rule of law. No amount of whining by the president will change this big league blow to his agenda.

Donald Trump lost, again, and Hillary Clinton  like the majority of Americans who didnt vote for this president  is clearly savoring it.
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After Kellyanne Conway broke the law on Thursday by promoting Ivanka Trumps clothing line on national television, members of both political parties are calling on the Office of Government Ethics to take swift disciplinary action against her.

In a letter to the ethics office, Reps. Jason Chaffetz (Republican) and Elijah Cummings (Democrat)  the top two members of the House Oversight Committee  argued that Conway was using her position to financially benefit Donald Trumps daughter, which is unlawful.

The full letter via NBC News:

Jason Chaffetz: Kellyanne Conways statements about Ivanka Trump fashion line appear to violate federal ethics regulations pic.twitter.com/rCFDIIsFER  NBC News (@NBCNews) February 9, 2017

In a rare display of bipartisanship, Chaffetz and Cummings wrote that Conways statements clearly violate the ethical principles for federal employees and are unacceptable.

The statements the congressmen are referring to took place this morning on Fox News:

Kellyanne Conway on Fox News urged viewers to go buy Ivankas stuff  potentially violating federal law: https://t.co/626kB23GwP pic.twitter.com/xkXP9DqT8u  Media Matters (@mmfa) February 9, 2017

Chaffetz and Cummings also urged Ethics Director Walter Shaub to punish Conway, saying that Trump himself doesnt have the capacity to do so because the case poses an inherent conflict of interest for him.

Not to mention the fact that, just yesterday, the president was essentially doing a version of what Conway did today when he lashed out at Nordstrom for dropping his daughters clothing line.

So, the bad news: The White House has so many business entanglements  many of which we as Americans arent even aware of  that they can barely utter more than a syllable without finding themselves violating an ethics rule.

The good news: At least today, members of both political parties were willing to put aside partisanship  miracles do happen, folks  and hold the administration accountable for violating the law.

Going forward, we can only hope they continue to do so, because this certainly wont be the last ethics breach by this White House.
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Today has not been a good day for Donald Trump. Check that  the past three weeks have not been good for Donald Trump.

Bright and early on Fox News on Thursday, his right-hand woman and alternative fact machine Kellyanne Conway broke the law by promoting his daughters clothing line on live national television while standing in the White House. Now members of both parties are calling for swift punishment.

Just a few hours ago, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decided unanimously to block an attempt by the Trump administration to lift the suspension of their executive order banning Muslims and refugees from entering the United States. Trump couldnt even get the Bush-appointed judge to side with him.

Now, a new poll debuted on MSNBCs Rachel Maddow Show found that nearly 50 percent of Americans  a staggering number less than a month into a presidency  want to see Trump impeached.

In a 46-46 split, the American people are divided on whether the President of the United States  a guy whos been in office for just a shade under three weeks  should be impeached from office.

This is a stunning number.

The reason its not higher, though, is likely because the American people simply cant stand the thought of Vice President Mike Pence taking the reins of power.

Video:

Via new PPP poll, the best reason not to impeach Donald Trump: Mike Pence. https://t.co/gTkUU9DmYK  Maddow Blog (@MaddowBlog) February 10, 2017

The fact that Trump is unpopular is not surprising. The first few weeks of his administration have been defined by chaos, incompetence, and a series of legally dubious and controversial executive orders. His administration is already up to its eyeballs in lawsuits and ethics violations. Not to mention, of course, that a majority of U.S. voters cast their ballots for another candidate in last falls election.

But just three weeks into a new presidency, the idea that close to a majority of Americans want the president removed from office  even as bad as these few weeks have been  is shocking.

Its also a sign that Americans are waking up. They are recognizing that this  an unfit president surrounded mostly by unqualified, corrupt and extremist advisors, all simultaneously pursuing a dangerous agenda  is not normal.

If just a few thousand more voters in the rust belt recognized this three months ago, wed probably be talking about how to raise the minimum age or ensure college is affordable for everybody or invest in our crumbling infrastructure  not praying that a federal court will strike down the latest unconstitutional thing our new president is trying to do.

Some honeymoon, eh?
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When Trumps controversial Education Secretary Betsy DeVos tried to enter a Washington, D.C. school, protesters blocked the door and would not let her in.

Video:

Sec. DeVos physically blocked by protesters from entering DC schoolturned away and left. Unclear if she attempted another door. @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/buNgmOJbya  Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) February 10, 2017

People arent only speaking out against the Trump administration. They are physically taking action against the unpopular administration. Never in recent American political history have the country witnessed this sort of spontaneous rejection of an administration at the most fundamental grassroots levels of our society.

Education Secretary DeVos tried to enter Jefferson Academy in SW, D.C. and was shown that she wasnt welcome there. Education Secretaries are usually welcomed with open arms at every school they visit. DeVos is an enemy of public education, so she should expect more of this sort of treatment if she continues to try to visit the very community institutions that she is seeking to destroy.

The American people are taking their country back, and the rebellion is spreading from the biggest marches to the doors Jefferson Academy. The United States is quarantining its toxic president.
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Top Democrats are demanding that President Trump fire Michael Flynn immediately after Flynn was busted for possibly undermining Russian sanctions behind President Obamas back.

This was not a one-time contact, either. This contact began before the election and continued through the transition, according to the Washington Post and the New York Times. This means that Gen Flynn lied to Vice President Mike Pence, who then lied to the public.

The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Adam Schiff said in a statement:

If General Flynn secretly discussed with Russia undermining US sanctions, and misled American people, he can no longer serve. pic.twitter.com/FdqhRL41Bw  Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) February 10, 2017

Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Eliot Engel (D- NY) demanded that Trump fire General Flynn on Friday, If General Flynn negotiated with Russia to change American policy, he may be in violation of the Logan Act, which bars such conduct. The President must relieve General Flynn immediately.

The Logan Act tries to prohibit the undermining of our government by forbidding unauthorized citizens from negotiating with foreign governments that are in a dispute with the United States.

Its clear that concerns about General Flynns ties to Russia were well warranted. Its unacceptable that during the transition, General Flynn discussed lifting sanctions with Russias ambassador. This action would be deeply troubling under any circumstances, but considering Russias effort to tip the election toward President Trump, the Generals actions are disqualifying.

Engel also pointed out, Either General Flynn lied to the Administration or the Administration lied to the American people.

To make matters worse, the Administration has been misleading the public about this situation ever since. Either General Flynn lied to the Administration or the Administration lied to the American people.

The Trump administrations blatant incompetency (and thats the generous reading) puts the country in jeopardy.

In any case, the Administrations sloppy handling of such a serious issue creates a threat smack in the middle of our national security apparatus, Engel charged.

Engel called for Republicans in Congress to act as if they care about their country being undermined for Russian purposes by conducing a thorough investigation into Russias illegal interference in our elections. That read, Congress must conduct a thorough, nonpartisan investigation into Russias illegal interference in our election and take steps to punish those responsible.

The Trump administrations ties to Russia are no small deal. We are talking about potentially illegal, treasonous activity, on week three.

Flynn has possibly broken the law, according to a report Thursday in the Washington Post, which details a series of contacts between Flynn and Kislyak that began before the Nov. 8 election and continued during the transition. This Russian assault on the U.S. election alarmed U.S. officials.

Flynns communications with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak were interpreted by some senior U.S. officials as an inappropriate and potentially illegal signal to the Kremlin that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions that were being imposed by the Obama administration in late December to punish Russia for its alleged interference in the 2016 election.

Now why would the Trump administration want to reward Putin for interfering in the election that Trump won by a shred in three Midwestern states, while losing the popular vote by historic margins.

That is the question.

Kudos to the Trump administration for managing, on week 3, to already test the never before prosecuted Logan Act. Yes, thats right. No one else has ever tried so blatantly to use our country to benefit a foreign power.

Flynn needs to be fired, but that is just the start of cleaning out the Russian influence from the corrupt and possibly treasonous Trump administration.
"I just want to find peace," Catherine Keener implores throughout Little Pink House, in Courtney Balaker's debut feature, which had its New York debut in front of a crowd of some hundred very cold people up at Barnard's Athena Film Festival yesterday. An agitprop parable, Balaker tasked herself with the politics of eminent domain, namely that of a Supreme Court case, Kelo vs. City of New London (2005). Keener plays its working class hero: Susette Kelo, is owner of the movie's titular pink building, the target of a business development being arranged by a tangle of seedy political figures represented by Charlotte Wells (Jeanne Tripplehorn) who is deep in cahoots with Pfizer, the global pharmaceutical multinational that had just developed Viagra. At some point they split lobster tail. Balaker's screenplay was adapted from Jeff Benedict's Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage, a work of popular journalism, but eminent domain is a striking choice for subject. Concerning the rights of businesses to use the government to force people to leave land they target for development, the Supreme Court's decision in 2005 remains one of the least popular in recent memory and is at the heart of disputes that surround projects like the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline that our current President, an avid fan of eminent domain, recently announced he's pushing forward. It's like gentrification's evil twin.

This may sound like the stuff for a diligent documentarian, but that would have stolen us another brilliantly low-key demonstration of pathos by the still-singular Catherine Keener, who just starred in Jordan Peele's directorial debut, the suburban horrorshow Get Out, which gets a wide release later this month. But if Peele keeps to the popular image of suburbia as a site for regressive collections of wealth and privilege, Balaker puts Keener to use in depicting an entirely different brand of uncool. It is Wells, evil in a pantsuit, who repeats, constantly, that she will turn the movie's decrepit neighborhood of New London, somewhere in Connecticut that isn't a suburb of New York, to someplace "hip." Tripplehorn performs evil with aplomb, delivering it in the same voice you would news about pets being taken up to the farm.

Drawn in rich naturalistic light constantly glittering from every window frames, Balaker's New London reveals itself to be close cousin to another vaguely British city on the Eastern Seaboard, the titular town of Kenneth Lonergan's Manchester by the Sea, up for a whole pile of Oscars later this month. Kelo is born of the same stripe as Casey Affleck's Lee Chandler: they are people who simply don't want to be bothered, by the law or by you. She is a symbol of ordinariness, played with unkept hair and hospital robes (she's a nurse at a local hospital's ER).

The movie's titular symbol for property rights is a savvy one: emphasizing its smallness makes those who want to tear it down goliaths by default. Balaker has some fun with the imagery from Benedict's book; Keener's dower working class garb is occasionally spotted with touches of pink or a bright red or blue. We watch Keeler paint it every inch of the house, domesticate into an establishment of her personality. When bulldozers show up and demolish the house next door, the sensation is almost akin to watching a bloodbath. The hypnotically controlled shots recall nothing so much as Eisenstein at his best, no low compliment for a debut filmmaker.



Balaker's script had made the Athena List back in 2015, an annual slate the festival keeps of women-led scripts that have not been made into features and is the first from the list, which started in 2014, to have been made into a feature. Consequently, it was chosen as the festival's opener, a choice keenly in touch with the post-election political divide. Balaker doesn't split lines by Democrat or Republican: the state's governor is a Republican but Wells embodies the style of cosmopolitan liberalism so much the ire of conservatives: she occasionally answers questions in French, clearly out of touch. But the thorniness of the issue is even more apparent than Balaker's movie can convey: the dissenting opinion in the Kelo case, which was decided against Kelo's right to her house, was written by arch-conservative Clarence Thomas. Weird bedfellows, surely.

"The horrors of cronyism," Balaker explained in a Q&A after the screening, was the subject of the movie's criticism. She was joined by Kelo, herself, who appears briefly at the end of the movie, standing in the empty lot that had been her little pink house. She didn't want to be hero and still doesn't. But we still need her.

The Athena Film Festival will screen Little Pink House again on 2/11
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Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 70F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 70F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
DES MOINES | The House approved HF 231 to make clear the Legislatures intent that participation in a 2014 program to make up to $3 million available for apprenticeship programs was for Iowa residents.

So far, about 8,000 people have been trained through programs offered by more than 600 program sponsors around Iowa, according to Rep. Andy McKean, R-Anamosa.

TMC, an Iowa transportation company, sought a $1 million grant to train 1,000 future truck drivers, many who were not Iowa residents. The Iowa Economic Development Authority rejected the application.

That decision is being challenged in court and McKean said the Legislature needed to act quickly to make its intent clear rather than leave it to the interpretation of the court.

The House voted 94-0 to approve the bill and send it to the Senate, where a companion bill, SF 180, is being considered.

NO EXEMPTION: A bill to eliminate the exemption in Iowa law for parents who have religious objections to immunizing their children has been introduced in the Iowa House.

Iowa law requires that children be immunized before enrolling in a licensed day care or public school. However, parents may exercise a religious or medical exemption to immunization requirements if it conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized religious denomination of which the parent is a member.

HF 261, sponsored by Rep Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City, has proposed eliminating the religious exemption even as another bill, HF 7, to add a personal conviction exemption is in the Human Resources Committee.

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES: Iowa lawmakers are working to remove a provision of state law that currently makes it illegal to use a remote device to start the engine of a vehicle parked on the street or public property.

Iowas current law dating back to 1913 prohibits a person from permitting a vehicle to stand unattended on public property without first stopping the engine or without effectively setting the brake and turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway when the vehicle is on any perceptible grade.

Violating the law carries a $20 fine. Transportation committees in the House and Senate this week unanimously approved legislation (SSB1020 and HSB66) to amend the law.

Representatives Thursday also approved legislation changing the protocol for drivers involved in fender-bender accidents. House Study Bill 70 requires Iowa drivers involved in a minor, property damage traffic accident to first move the vehicle from the travel portion of a roadway if the vehicle was operable and could be removed in a safe manner.

Current law requires the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle to immediately stop the vehicle at the accident scene until the driver has fulfilled the legal requirement relating to the exchange of personal information with the other driver involved in the accident.

However, safety officials say that increasing the possibility for secondary accidents to occur.

FUEL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS: Fuel prices to operate vehicles came down a little while heating costs went up over the past week in Iowa.

Officials with the state Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship report that propane prices rose by four cents to $1.29 per gallon while natural gas prices made the same four-cent jump to $3.04/MMbtu. However, home heating prices dropped a penny from last week, ending with a statewide average of $2.03.

On the motor fuels side, state officials say the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.29 per gallon across Iowa according to AAA. That price was two cents lower than the previous week and 62 cents a gallon higher than one year ago.

The national average on Tuesday was $2.27. Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa held steady at last weeks price with a statewide average of $2.47 a gallon  four cents lower than the national average.

One year ago diesel prices averaged $1.88 in Iowa.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: We cant continue asking (the Iowa Department of Corrections) to do more with less. All we can expect them to do is less with less and its unsafe, its unsafe for the entire state of Iowa.  Sen. Rich Taylor, D-Mount Pleasant, talking about plans to close three DOC institutions with 400 offenders as part of a fiscal 2017 de-appropriation that cut the departments budget by $5.5 million between now and June 30.
CEDAR RAPIDS (AP)  Federal officials say a former eastern Iowa police chief has pleaded guilty to charges of stealing a police gun and lying to a federal agent.

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa says 47-year-old Jeffrey Filloon, of Toledo, pleaded guilty to the counts Thursday in Cedar Rapids federal courthouse. In exchange, other counts were dropped.

Authorities have accused Filloon of taking at least three firearms and four vehicles from the Tama Police Department between August 2013 and March 2015. Authorities say he sold the guns to a pawn shop and the vehicles at a salvage yard.

Filloon faces up to 15 years in federal prison when hes sentenced at a later date.
LOS ANGELES  It took Donald Trump 71 days to settle on an Agriculture secretary after winning the presidency. It took him 72 hours after that to unsettle much of the agriculture industry.

First, the freshly inaugurated president withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership treaty, a 12-nation pact that was expected to boost U.S. agricultural exports by more than $7 billion annually over the coming decades, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Then, Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the president was thinking about financing his long-promised southern border wall with a 20 percent tax on "imports from deficit countries, like Mexico."

That announcement, followed by a flurry of clarifications and caveats, appears to be part of a plan for a massive tax overhaul aimed at altering the trade balance country by country. U.S. farmers, who get about 20 percent of their annual revenue from trade, could be hit especially hard if countries choose to retaliate. Consumers, too, would suffer if a border tax increases the price of foreign food.

U.S. agricultural and related products  including dairy, meat, forestry products and fish  amass a $5 billion trade surplus with the world, according to the Department of Agriculture. Among the biggest sellers are soy beans, grains, dairy products, meat, nuts, hay, wine, fruit and vegetables.

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Farmers and ranchers from Florida to Washington have experienced double-digit growth in many of these commodities since the mid-1990s, according to the USDA.

For example, exports of corn from Iowa to trade-agreement countries more than doubled in the past decade, with more than three-quarters of the state's shipments going to Mexico, a partner in the North American Free Trade Agreement. Louisiana's exports of soybeans to trade-agreement partners rose 15 percent in the same period, driven largely by trade with Latin American trade pact countries.

But no state has more at stake than California. It leads the country in agricultural revenue, and its farmers and ranchers are twice as dependent on foreign trade as the country as a whole. Last year, growers in the state earned $21 billion from trade  about 44 percent of their total revenue, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Without California, the U.S. would not have exported a single tree nut, table grape, raisin, olive oil drum, garlic clove, artichoke, fig, date, kiwi or dried plum.

The Golden State last year also exported more than 90 percent of the wine, processing tomatoes, avocados, carrots, broccoli and celery in the U.S. California's berries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, melons, oranges, lemons, tangerines, mandarins, spinach, lettuce, seasonal vegetables and rice constituted more than half the U.S. exports of those commodities.

Some of the countries most responsible for the United States' overall trade deficit are California agriculture's best customers  China and Mexico among them.

As recently as Jan. 28, Trump accused China of protecting its exports by depressing the value of its currency, the yuan. He has called the North American Free Trade Agreement, which links the U.S. with Canada and Mexico, "the worst trade deal ever" and threatened to tear it up.

The comments drew quick reaction from California officials, even as they scratched their collective heads over what Trump actually intended to do.

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Altering NAFTA "starts to create some market turmoil, which ripples out through the supply chain  not just the farmer but the transporter, the processor, the ports, longshoremen. It affects a lot of jobs," said Josh Rolph, manager of federal policy for the California Farm Bureau Federation.

"The U.S.-Mexico trade relationship is very important. We would be concerned to see that relationship negatively affected," said Ken Barbic, senior director of federal government affairs for Western Growers Association, an agricultural industry group.

Mexico supplied the U.S. with more than $5 billion in fresh vegetables, $1.4 billion in processed fruits and vegetables, $4.5 billion in fruit and $2.8 billion in beer and wine last year, according to the USDA. All could be targets of a tax.

California's top exports to Mexico  dairy, forestry products, prepared foods and fresh fruit  could find themselves in the political crosshairs.

Likewise, taxes could be imposed on Canada's imports of wood products, processed foods and fish, and the country potentially could retaliate against the fruits and vegetables, wine and beer, nuts and processed foods that California exports north.

Even a small alteration in trade  a strike, slowdown or other protest in Mexico, for example  could hit consumers, who expect fruits and vegetables in the produce aisles year-round, regardless of growing seasons.
The second season of a Rochester poetry slam contest kicks off Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Rochester Art Center, the first of three competitions that will be held this year based on specific theme.

The first slam of the "diVERSE poetry and spoken word" series will have a Black History Month focus and feature works by local artists built around the words uttered by Martin Luther King, Jr., "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

It will start at 6 p.m. with a student poetry contest recital, followed by an adult poetry slam at 7 p.m. Like last season, the competition is a collaboration between the Rochester Art Center and Diversity Council.

There will be refreshments. Admission is free, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three poetry slam winners.

The slam events will feature and celebrate different themes. The other two contests set for later in the year include:

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 Harvey Milk Poetry and Spoken Word Slam on June 15. The event commemorates Milk, the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California, and all entries should be based around a Milk quote.

 Latino Heritage Month Poetry and Spoken Word Slam on Oct. 15. The event honors the contributions of Hispanic and Latino cultural leaders.

Organizers say the poetry events are aimed at encouraging people to relate personal experiences through poetry, to promote collaboration and outreach, and to bring together different demographics of the community to help address issues of race and intercultural differences.
The night sky is a giant bay window with a great view into our universe, and it's made for lovers. It can really set the stage for a romantic evening, especially with a full moon!

Unfortunately we don't quite have a full moon on Tuesday night, but it's almost full, rising in the east around 10 p.m., adding to an evening of stellar romance.

The moon isn't the only member of the heavens that can add to romance. Stars and even planets also make a wonderful night for lovers as well. I've enjoyed writing this column for almost 20 years, and I'm not ashamed to say I'm an old romantic at heart, so around Valentine's Day I love to point out the great signs of love in the night sky.

Early in the evening, even before darkness totally sets in, the extremely bright planet Venus pops out in the southwestern sky. Appropriately enough, Venus is named after the Roman goddess of love.

Just to the upper left of Venus is a much fainter planet with a distinctly reddish glow. It's Mars, named after the Roman god of war.

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Remember the old book, "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus"? Well, in a way men and women are in a celestial hug in the southwest sky right now. OK, I know that's a bit of a reach!

Also in our Valentine sky this week is a great story of everlasting love in the constellations Cassiopeia and Cepheus. According to Greek and Roman mythology, they were the king and queen of ancient Ethiopia. It's quite an involved tale as to how they got up into the night sky, but in a nutshell it involves the vanity of Queen Cassiopeia.

One day, when her ego was totally over the top, Cassiopeia boasted at the top of her lungs that she was so beautiful that she was even more beautiful than Hera, the queen of the gods.

Immediately that sent Hera into a deep rage. She charged down from Mount Olympus, tied Cassiopeia up in her throne, and tossed her up into the sky, where she's still marooned among the rest of the stars. This time of year, Cassiopeia is hanging high in the northwest sky. It's a W-shaped formation of stars that outlines the throne with the banished queen tied to it.

When her husband Cepheus found out what happened, he begged Zeus, the king of the gods, to heave him up into the heavens next to his beloved so they could be together for all time. The constellation Cepheus is just to the right of Cassiopeia in the northwest sky. While the king is a larger constellation than the queen, it's a lot fainter and looks more like a house with a steep roof than a king.

Another regular in the Valentine evening sky is the bright star Betelgeuse, the second brightest star in Orion the Hunter. Even though it marks one of Orion's armpits, it has a connection to Valentine's Day in several ways. First, Betelgeuse has a reddish hue and reaches its highest point in the sky on Valentine's at midnight.

But its best connection to the holiday created by lovers and helped along by Hallmark cards is that it literally behaves like a giant beating heart, and what a big heart it is! In fact, when you see Betelgeuse in the early evening southeast sky, I can safely say that you're looking at one of the single biggest things you've ever seen. It pulses in size in roughly a six-year cycle, and at its maximum it's around a billion miles in diameter.

By comparison, our own sun is just under a puny million miles in girth. Most astronomers feel that within the next 100,000 to 1 million years, Betelgeuse will suffer the ultimate heartbreak, when it explodes in a colossal supernova. There will be no quick emotional rebound when that happens!
PILOT MOUND TOWNSHIP  Authorities responded to calls of gunshots north of Pilot Mound, and ended up making two arrests early Friday.

At around 12:49 a.m., the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office received reports of gunshots in the 31000 block of Gunflint Road in Pilot Mound Township, north of Pilot Mound. A resident reported hearing and seeing a dark colored vehicle drive by and then hearing gunshots, according to Sheriff Tom Kaase.

A short time later, a Winona County Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop in Winona County. The driver claimed to be the man who called authorities about the gunfire. He was identified as a 35-year-old St. Charles man. He said that he was in the 31000 block of Gunflint Road at a residence he was familiar with. There he saw and heard gunshots.

The man said the suspect was in a shooting stance and started shooting toward him. Neither the man nor his vehicle was struck by bullets.

Fillmore County deputies arrived on scene at 31876 Gunflint Road and made contact with the suspect, identified as Timothy Kyle Kesler, 35. Additional people  adults and children  were found inside the house, and were safe and uninjured.

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Kesler was arrested and is being held pending charges of 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

Another adult occupant of the home, identified as Chad Michael Loomis, 28, of Rochester, was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Olmsted County. Loomis was arrested and turned over to Olmsted County authorities.
Rochester Schools Assistant Superintendent Brenda Lewis, who tendered her resignation earlier this week, will not head Elk River School District.

Lewis was one of six finalists for Elk River School District superintendent but was not named as one of the district's top three.

The t op three finalists were named t oday, following interviews Feb. 7 and 8. The top three finalists include: Duluth Superintendent Bill Gronseth, Albert Lea Superintendent Michael Funk; and superintendent of Sauk Rapids-Rice School District Daniel Bittman.

The Rochester School Board accepted Lewis' resignation, effective June 30, during Tuesday night's regular board meeting, without providing much more detail.

Lewis, who had worked for the district since 2011, resigned for "personal reasons," said Rochester Schools Superintendent Michael Munoz, who read from a prepared statement. He said Lewis explained in her letter that "in the short-term, her time and attention is needed to assist her parents with their business and to care for family members."
DES MOINES  House Republicans pressed ahead Thursday with an effort to preempt local governments from usurping state authority in business and civil rights areas, rejecting a Democratic effort to raise the statewide minimum hourly wage to $11 by 2019 in the process.

Members of the House Local Government Committee voted 12-9 along party lines to approve legislation to bar cities and counties from establishing minimum wage levels or employment regulations, invoking marketing or consumer merchandise sales restrictions or adopting civil rights ordinances that go above and beyond what the Legislature and governor have set as a statewide standard.

The only thing that were doing here is asking them not to exceed whats already set out in the state code, said Rep. John Landon, R-Ankeny, not to establish their own standards. Were not taking the rights away from anyone. Were trying to provide a seamless business climate in the state of Iowa.

Landon said House Study Bill 92 merely ensures a level playing field in all Iowa communities by reasserting that Iowas minimum wage is $7.25 per hour statewide and by preventing cities and counties from establishing broader protected classes than are already protected under state and federal law.

Officials in Johnson, Linn, Polk and Wapello counties have approved hourly wage minimums in their jurisdictions already in affect or slated to take effect in the future that exceed the state standard, but those actions would be rendered void and unenforceable if the bill is adopted by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Terry Branstad.

Rep. Brian Meyer, D-Des Moines, said the ultimate affect of the legislation would be to eliminate home rule and local control and he opposed the measure. He offered an amendment to strike the GOP language entirely and replace it with provisions to raise Iowas minimum wage in increments to $8.75 on July 1, $9.75 on Jan. 1, 2018, and $11 on Jan. 1, 2019, along with cost-of-living increases and training wage raises.

Meyer said the proposed changes would meet the GOP objective  to create consistent uniformity and not a hodge-podge of different minimum wages from city to city, but Landon said the Democratic amendment changes the total meaning of the bill in recommending Republicans to defeat it 12-9.

Theyre basically taking away the raises in the counties that have already done it, Meyer said after the meeting. We have local communities trying to do something and theyre preempting them.

I think its interesting that they preach that for schools the best decisions are made by local school boards, but with everything else were just going to tell them what to do, he added. We dont like mandates from Washington but were going to give mandates to our local communities.

Committee chairman Jake Highfill, R-Johnston, shrugged off talk from local officials who want to bring legal challenges to the state preemption bill if it becomes law, telling reporters I already believe they cant do it, so if they do sue theyll probably lose that, too.

Earlier in the day, House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, said the issues covered in HSB92 have always been the functions of state and federal government and not the responsibilities of local entities.

The House speaker said she did not know whether there would be a separate bill to come before representatives to raise the state minimum wage but added I have no doubt that there will be people talking about that during the preemption debate. She added that majority Republicans were not interested in grandfathering in higher minimum wages that have been passed in four counties.

No employer is required to lower whatever theyre paying, Upmeyer said. Employers can pay whatever they wish and whatever competition requires. Weve got among the lowest unemployment that weve ever had in this state. Its a wonderful competitive market for people seeking jobs.

Rep. Phyllis Thede, D-Bettendorf, said the civil rights preemption concerned her because Iowa communities can be quite different, especially those in rural and urban areas.

Ive been here, this is my ninth year, and weve always talked about allowing cities to have local control and to take that away from them, I am concerned about that, Thede told committee members. Were taking that solid piece away from them.

Landon said the provision was not directed at anything specifically taking place in Iowa, but was a response to head off situations that have occurred in other states where local entities developed ordinances that were not specifically disallowed under state law.

Were trying to bring this to say this is a statewide issue. We are trying to protect everyone at the level thats uniform across the state of Iowa, he said.
On Tuesday, Rochester Superintendent Michael Munoz read a statement directed to students who are immigrants and refugees.

"We want you to know that you are welcome here," Munoz said. "We want to help you grow into the person you want to become. RPS welcomes immigrants, refugees, students and families as our neighbors and friends."

He pointed to the hundreds of refugee students who have attended Rochester schools over the years.

"Our students parents and staff come from more than 80 nations, and each day many different languages are heard in our schools," he said. "Our diversity of language and culture and heritage is a part of our strength in our schools and throughout our community."

"When children in Rochester show up at our schools, no matter their place of birth, or religion, language or skin color, they should know that they are welcome and will be treated equally," he continued.

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While Munoz on Tuesday didn't explicitly mention President Trump's executive order to stop immigrants and refugees traveling from seven Muslim-majority countries, it was specifically discussed a week before during the board's study session meeting. Some of the ins and outs of the ban were a point of contention among board members.

School board members are elected to a nonpartisan office.

School board member Anne Becker said she agreed with most of the statement, but believes there was a lot of "disinformation" surrounding the executive order.

"I agree with most of that, but I want you to look at what the executive order actually says and what it actually does..." Becker said. "I think there's an awful lot of misinformation that's out there about the executive order, and I don't want to be part of an organization that is potentially continuing on with something that is giving false information."

Munoz acknowledged that some people may perceive the statement as political. But other board members said the statement's intent wasn't to speak out on the executive order itself, rather to address the fears and uncertainty that many of the district's students have expressed as a result of it.

"You can put the facts out there, and tell them they shouldn't be afraid, but that might not take the fear away," said school board chairwoman Julie Workman.

"You can't argue with how somebody feels," she continued. "So what we're addressing is saying to the students, we understand that you're scared ... not getting into the reasons behind it. They feel what they feel and they need to know they are in a safe place and they are valued."

Students speak up

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Before that statement was read this week, a group of students spoke at the public comment period asking the district to ensure that all students felt safe regardless of immigration status, national origin or the language they speak.

"We are proud that Rochester works to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students form all ethnicities, cultures and religions," said one student. "Recent changes in immigration policy have created fear and uncertainty in our schools among many of our peers, which can easily become barriers to learn."

The students also urged the district to consider a resolution and policy on immigration and customs enforcement so that "all district facilities remain safe places where students are able to stay focused on learning."
Ready to take the plunge?

Registration for the Rochester Polar Plunge officially started. The annual event raises money for Special Olympics Minnesota and benefits more than 8,200 athletes.

The Polar Plunge will be held at Foster Arend Park at 4109 E River Road NE in Rochester. The plunge starts at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Check-in runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those jumping into frigid waters are encouraged to wear unique or outrageous costumes. Shoes are also a requirement.

Last year, more than 935 participants took the plunge and raised $245,000 in support of Special Olympics Minnesota.

For two days, the Rochester Plunge festivities kickoff with the Cool School Plunge at noon Friday. This event is where students take on the Polar Plunge with fellow students from their school. Teachers and parents can also take part in the fun.

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Teams who take the Cool School Plunge are also eligible to take part in the Give Back, Get Unified Fundraiser to benefit their school. To be considered eligible, each participant must raise at least $75. Fun activities are also planned such as games, lunch, speakers, a costume contest and more. Cool School Plunge runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Its not always the policies they pass that define elected officials.

While Jean Michaels is known for spearheading Olmsted Countys effort to become the first Minnesota county to ban smoking in restaurants, those who worked with her say her true legacy is her compassion for others.

Michaels died late Thursday morning in a Duluth care center. She was 87.

"I think people remember her most by her kindness and interest in other people," said longtime friend Sheila Kiscadan, who serves in the seat Michaels filled from 1986 to 2003.

The pair met when Kiscaden was a county employee and Michaels started volunteering for the county in the mid- to late 1970s. Michaels caring nature and interest in children made her a natural to lead a task force on family violence.

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Michaels, who was born and reared in Rochester, already was an active community member, local art supporter and Aldrich Memorial Nursery School teacher. Still, she continued to actively volunteer in county programs for a decade before being encouraged to seek the Sixth District seat on the Olmsted County Board

The new role was a natural fit, according to fellow commissioners and county employees who admired her ability to connect with people.

"I dont think there was a kinder person," said Olmsted County Chief Financial Officer Robert Bendzick. "She could make anyone be comfortable."

That kindness fueled many efforts aimed at helping children, families and even those who ran afoul of the law in Olmsted County.

At the same time, her kindness didnt stop her from pushing for what she thought was right. The daughter of prominent Rochester physician Edward H. Rynearson, was quick to tackle public health issues.

Michaels called for the creation of a task force on a restaurant smoking ban in 2001, after the Rochester City Council opted not to implement its own ban. The task force was created in August and three months later commissioners approved the ban , which started on New Years Day 2002.

The board vote was split 5-2, and Michaels, as board chairwoman, was aware it was a divisive issue.

"It would be nice if we could make everyone happy," she said at the time, "but this is a health issue  a public health issue."

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The decision was a display of her compassion for others, but also more.

"You wouldnt expect how brave she was when you saw what a kind soul she had," Bendzick said.

Former County Commissioner Paul Wilson, who helped pass the smoking ban in restaurants, called Michaels a mentor who could be firm but easy going, and she always brought a message to the table, along with a sense of humor.

Kiscaden said another admirable trait was Michaels strong sense of ethics, which she shared with her husband, attorney Franklin Michaels, who served more than 20 years on the Rochester School Board. When Jean Michaels was elected to the county board, her husband opted to not seek re-election to avoid perceived conflicts.

"I think its a measure of their ethics," Kiscaden said.

Such principles were also seen when Jean Michaels lost her seat on the county board.

Months after winning re-election in 2002, Jean and Franklin Micheals inadvertently moved a block outside the district she represented, based on recently redrawn district boundaries.

While the Association of Minnesota Counties ruled she could keep her seat because the violation was unintentional and corrected when Jean Michaels moved to an apartment inside the district. She opted to seek re-election in a special election rather than fighting to keep the seat.

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Ray Schmitz, who was the Olmsted County attorney at the time, said she wanted to do right by the people she represented, which was a hallmark of her service.

Michaels lost the special election to David Perkins.

Details regarding funeral services for Jean Michaels are pending.
A unanimous panel of Ninth Circuit judges has just refused to reinstate President Trumps executive order banning certain travel into the U.S. The ruling, though inconsistent with the law, will surprise few who know anything about the Ninth Circuit.

Im sure well discuss the merits once we have the opportunity to analyze the opinion. For now, lets consider the administrations legal options.

It could seek rehearing by the Ninth Circuit en banc. Unlike with most appeals courts, if granted a rehearing apparently would not involve all of the judges  just ten of them, Im told, including the three who ruled on the matter. Thats because the Ninth Circuit has nearly 30 judges. (Republicans should consider legislation to break it up.)

Seeking en banc review seems like a waste of time. The panels ruling almost certainly will stand in the bastion of left-liberalism that is the Ninth Circuit.

Another option is to seek review by the Supreme Court. Currently, there are only eight Justices and four of them are liberal. A fifth, Justice Kennedy, is centrist. Even if he supports the administration, it would take another vote to reverse the Ninth Circuit.

Nonetheless, I would like to see the administration take this case directly to the Supreme Court. The law so clearly favors the administration that a win isnt out of the question.

In any event, lets have the Supreme Court speak. If it doesnt overturn the Ninth Circuit, it can share responsibility in the event of a terrorist act the travel ban might have prevented.

Regardless of whether the injunction against the administration is lifted, the case is headed back to the courtroom of the strange judge in Washington State for a decision on the merits. That decision can be appealed. By the time this appeal makes its way to the Supreme Court, perhaps Judge Gorsuch will be on that bench, thus improving the administrations chances of success.

Would a loss in the Supreme Court on a appeal now hurt the administrations chances later? I dont think so. A 4-4 ruling would have no impact later. And if the administration loses 5-3 because it cant get Kennedys vote, it probably will lose 5-4 later.

So my initial take is that the administration should take this to the Supreme Court straight away.

UPDATE: Here is the panels opinion.

SECOND UPDATE: Now that I have had time to analyze the opinion and read what others have said, Im less convinced that the government should take this matter to the Supreme Court in its present posture.
Moscow, February 10, 2017

Photo: Beth Dunham / Static1.squarespace.com

While the number of parishes in Germany outnumbers those in Italy, [t]he second largest eparchy abroad of the Russian Orthodox Church is located in Italy. There are nearly seventy parishes and their number is steadily growing, according to Bp. Anthony, who formally served five years as a parish rector in Italy.

It is one of the most dynamically developing regions from the point of view of our presence in Western Europe... I am continuing to work with our Church affairs in the Apennine Mountains, which run 750 miles along the length of Italy, the hierarch said.

Meanwhile, His Grace noted that the Sts. Peter and Paul Russian podvoriye parish in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic is one of the most remarkable Russian churches abroad.

Bishop Anthony spoke with TASS upon arriving in the Czech Republic to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the registration of the Russian parish, emphasizing the integral role of Russian priests serving in the Czech Republic in the nations Orthodox spirituality. Our community here is constantly growing. There have been some momentous events, such as the building of the large, spacious, beautiful Russian Orthodox Church of St. Lyudmila at the Russian embassy in Prague. We also purchased a building for the needs of the Sts. Peter and Paul church and the needs of our spiritual-cultural center in Karlovy Vary, Vladyka said.

Bishop Anthony was recently appointed to his position as head of foreign parishes. Having noted the special importance of Russian churches in the Czech Republic, one of my first visits in my new capacity was precisely to here, he said.
Moscow, February 10, 2017

Photo: MIGnews

The southern Hungary village of Asotthalom, near the border with Serbia, has banned public displays of both Islam and homosexuality. Specifically, Muslim headdresses and public calls to prayer have been forbidden. Signs have appeared in the streets with images of mosques crossed-out. Local authorities have declared that they are openly waging war with Muslim culture.

Manifestations of homosexuality have also been banned in the village of less than 5,000 people, according to MIGnews.

The decision was made at the height of the migration crisis in 2016 when up to 10,000 refugees a day, twice the size of the village, were flooding across the border near Asotthalom.

However, Mayor Laszlo Torikago has stated the measure is not about creating a town only for white people. I didnt use the word white. But as were all white European Christians here, we want to stay that way, he said. If we were black it would stay black, he noted.

The local official also stated that if a large influx of Muslims were to come to Asotthalom, they simply wouldnt be able to integrate into a Christian society. We are glad to have guests from Western Europepeople who dont want to live in a multi-cultural society, Torikago said.

We wouldnt want to attract Muslims I would like that Europe belonged to Europeans, Mayor Torikago said in summary.
Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited on Friday announced the appointment of Paul McGrath as the new Chairman and Managing Director of the organisation, with effect from March 1.

Ogechukwu Udeagha, Manager, Media and Communication, said in a statement issued in Lagos that Mr. McGrath will succeed Nolan ONeal, who elected to retire after 34 years of service.

Udeagha said that Mr. McGrath was a senior executive in charge of project execution for ExxonMobil Development Company, based in Houston, Texas.

McGrath joined ExxonMobil in 1999 and had held a variety of technical and managerial positions in upstream and downstream operations while working in the U.K, Korea, Qatar, Australia and the U.S. (NAN).

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Twitter users have had a field day trolling Chude Jideonwo, the publisher of YNaija magazine, who said God revealed to him that He would change Nigeria, suggesting President Muhammadu Buhari could be the change.

A recirculated 2015 article by Mr. Jideonwo which coincided with nationwide protest against the Buhari government sent hundreds of mostly Peoples Democratic Party supporters into a fury, with most directing vitriolic jeers at him.

Mr. Jideonwo, 31, disclosed details of his divine interaction in an article published May 30, 2015 when Mr. Buharis inauguration was being celebrated across the country.

He started the article with a recollection of how his public communication firm, StateCraft Inc., supervised Mr. Buhari and the All Progressives Congress media strategy during the campaign.

He described the electioneering as the most emotional in his life during which he and his associates had sleepless night devising strategies for the APC.

But the part that attracted his detractors was Mr. Jideonwos anecdote of how his support for Mr. Buhari and the APC was largely a matter of personal and spiritual move rather than strictly business.

One day, as we prayed, in an office on the Lagos Island, I was so overwhelmed with despair I fell down on the floor and began to speak in frenzied tongues, tears streaming from my face, banging furiously on the cabinet in front me.

My heart was desperate; just desperate for something to give way.

I didnt know my friend, Kola, had the gift to interprete (sic) tongues. But then he began to interpret what I was saying. And it frightened me, because he was absolutely right.

He captured the fears in my heart, and the requests I was making. He said, paraphrased, God says He will change Nigeria. It looks like it wont happen, but He will do a new thing and it will spring forth. We wont understand how He will do it, but He will, Mr. Jideonwo wrote at the time.

But with minimal progress recorded for the nearly two years since Mr. Buhari assumed office, critics now wonder if Mr. Jideonwo was honest with the article or if he was suffering from the hangover of the campaign platitudes.

Other than the lingering economic crisis, the anxiety that has gripped nation after the president extended his medical vacation until further notice also prompted Mr. Jideonwos critics to dig out the article and use its content to launch disparaging remarks against him.

The attacks came almost exclusively from PDP members and supporters.

A Twitter user, @nigeriasbest, was amongst the initial PDP handles that recirculated link to the article on the microblogging platform days ago.

Of all the reasons Ive heard for supporting Buhari, I never knew there was one that involved speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues, the user said in a February 6 tweet.

Another critic, Onye Nkuzi, said Mr. Jideonwos piece highlighted how inexperienced he was.

The best spin on this article is that it exposes the dangerous naivete of young Nigerian social media influencers, Onye Nkuzi, who tweets under the handle @cchukudebelu, said.

He also accused Mr. Chude of pretending to be an advocate of youth development in Africa when, in actual fact, he had been sucking up to politicians for financial gains.

You cant collect large sums of money from corrupt politicians for image laundering; then promote yourself as the turning point generation,' Onye Nkuzi said in an apparent reference to Mr. Jideonwos 2014 book titled: Are We The Turning Point Generation?: How Africas Youth Can Drive Its Urgently Needed Revolution.

As the attacks raged, Mr. Jideonwo shared on Twitter a new article he authored in which he appeared to decry the emergence of older generation in recent elections from Africa to America.

Mr. Jideonwo told PREMIUM TIMES the piece actually defended the emergence of older people in recent elections and noted that it is inevitable for now, until the youth get resources.

But critics saw the piece as not only hypocritical but an attempt by Mr. Jideonwo to strategically reposition himself as the face of the younger generation for financial gains ahead of 2019 elections.

This is because Mr. Jideonwo supported a 72-year-old Mr. Buhari two years ago, he also worked for the septuagenarian Ghanaian president, Nana Akufo-Addo, as recent as December 2016.

Mr. Jideonwo dismissed the allegations as senseless, stating that he only expressed disappointment in the Buhari administration but not necessarily regrets for backing the APC.

The attack just doesnt make sense, Mr. Jideonwo told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Wednesday night. I am disappointed in the way things have turned out since this government came to power, but I have no regrets for subscribing to the change message in 2015.

Mr. Jideonwo said although he usually separates professional activities of his firm from his own choices, in 2015, the interests collided.

What we usually do is to take clients that meet our companys values and keep our personal interests out, Mr. Jideonwo said while declining to comment on the speaking in tongues controversy. But with the Buhari and change message, the interests collided.

While defending himself against attacks on social media, Mr. Jideonwo had an unusual ally in Ayokunle Odekunle, a social media enthusiast.

Mr. Odekunle, known for his strong anti-Buhari views on Twitter, said Mr. Jideonwo should not be harangued for his legitimate business decisions.

I am going to get a mouthwatering brief from Buharis family and Ill turn it down because I dont like Buhari abi, Mr. Odekunle said. It is business, not personal.

Some briefs are too good to turn down. If not for the money but for boosting your companys profile. These briefs come once in years, Mr. Odekunle added.

Editors Note: This report was updated to reflect Mr. Jideonwos comment about an article he shared.

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CLARION | A Clarion man pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to a receiving child pornography.

Jonathan Dean Sebert, 24, admitted that between August 2012 and January 2015 he knowingly received visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Those depictions were found on a hard drive in his laptop computer, according to a federal indictment.

Sebert did not admit to another charge in the indictment, sexual exploitation of a child.

Man accused of sexually exploiting Mason City child MASON CITY  Federal charges have been filed against a Clarion man accused of sexually explo

Sebert allegedly persuaded or attempted to persuade a female Mason City resident under the age of 18 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct.

Those incidents allegedly occurred in September 2016 in Mason City.

Sebert remains in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing, which will take place on a date yet to be determined.

He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and supervised release for five years to life following any imprisonment, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa.

The case was investigated by the Wright County Sheriff's Office and the Mason City Police Department.

 Mary Pieper
UN peacekeepers killed four civilians in western Central African Republic, CAR, on Friday.

The Bangladeshi soldiers of the UN peacekeeping Mission in CAR (MINUSCA) fired into a crowd of residents in the town of Bouar.

The residents were seeking refuge at the MINUSCA base in Bouar following rumours of an impending attack by an armed group, Benjamin Kaggama, a lawmaker from Bouar, told dpa.

The UN said it was launching an investigation into the deaths.

MINUSCA spokesman, Vladimir Moteiro, said: peacekeepers prevented an incursion by a crowd of civilians heading towards their base.

Under the impression that this was an incursion, and since the civilians wanted to get access to the ammunition depot of the base, those who have the responsibility to protect this depot fired in the air.

Peace in the diamond-rich but poverty-stricken nation has been volatile since inter-religious violence broke out between Muslim and Christian rebel groups in 2013.

(dpa/NAN)

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Chinese and U.S. military aircraft flew within 300 metres of each other near contested territory in the South China Sea, the US military publication Stars and Stripes reported Friday.

A U.S. Navy P-3C model surveillance plane and a Chinese KJ-200 early-warning aircraft had an unsafe encounter on Wednesday, a US Pacific Command spokesman told Stars and Stripes.

The Department of Defense and US Pacific Command are always concerned about unsafe interactions with Chinese military forces, the Pacific Command statement said.

We will address the issue in appropriate diplomatic and military channels.

The U.S. aircraft was flying over international airspace near Scarborough Shoal, a territory controlled by China and claimed by the Philippines, when it encountered the Chinese plane, Stars and Stripes reported.

Scarborough Shoal is a disputed reef that China seized from the Philippines in 2012 after a standoff.

Filipino boats were again allowed to fish around the shoal after Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes visit to Beijing in October.

Territory in the South China Sea is being contested by seven nations in the region, including China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei. (dpa/NAN)

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Authorities in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo threatened striking police officers with criminal charges on Friday as the Federal Government sent in more troops in a bid to end a week of violent anarchy that has left more than 120 people dead.

Espirito Santo is one of several Brazilian states grappling with a budget crisis that is crippling essential public services for millions of citizens.

The police strike over the past week, over pay, has left a security vacuum and led to rampant assaults, heists and looting, often in daylight.

Limited protests by police in nearby Rio de Janeiro alarmed many residents of the teeming city of 12 million people, many of whom live in fear of violence between rival drug gangs spilling out of hillside slums.

A spokesman for the local police union in Espirito Santo said the death toll from a week of unrest had risen to 122.

Many of the dead are believed to come from rival criminal gangs, according to police. State officials have not officially confirmed the number of dead.

If accurate, the toll would be more than six times the homicide rate in the state last year.

President Michel Temers Government said late on Thursday that hundreds more soldiers and federal police would be sent in to help stem the chaos, focused mostly in the metropolitan region of Vitoria, the state capital.

After an initial deployment of 1,200 troops in recent days, as many as 3,000 would be there by the weekend, the Defence Ministry said.

State officials said on Friday that more than 700 striking state officers, who in Brazil were organised with military-style ranks and rules, would be charged with rebellion.

Wives and family members who have blockaded police stations could also face fines and other penalties, they said.

We will not be weak, said Andre Garcia, the secretary. We will ensure that the rule of law is preserved.

Local officials have closed schools, clinics and public transportation, while shops and other businesses have closed their shutters, causing about 30 million dollars in losses, according to a state retail association.

Meanwhile, in Rio, where the state government has been struggling to pay salaries, family members of some officers early on Friday blocked the entrance to a handful of local police stations in an effort to keep squad members from patrolling.

The tactic, which on a much larger scale has paralysed Espirito Santo, affected just a few districts. By Friday afternoon, no major problems had been reported.

Police officials, who said they detained one Rio officer for encouraging a strike online, said that 95 per cent of the force was working.

(Reuters/NAN)

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The Gambian government on Friday said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) multinational force will be cut to 500 troops from 7,000.

The troop had been in The Gambia, from where long-time leader Yahya Jammeh was forced to flee in January, paving the way for new President Adama Barrow to take office.

Mr. Jammeh, who had ruled since seizing power in a 1994 coup, refused to accepted Barrows victory in a Dec. 1, 2016 election.

A statement from Mr. Barrows office read on state television said that the gradual scaling down of the force would begin no later than February 19.

Troops from Gambias neighbour Senegal as well as from Ghana and Nigeria will make up the smaller operation, whose mandate begins on February 21 and will last for three months.

Their mission will include protecting Mr. Barrow and other government members and institutions as trust is established between the new authorities and Gambias military, which was a pillar of Mr. Jammehs authoritarian regime.

Mr. Barrow had initially requested that the ECOWAS forces mission be extended by six months, a senior United Nations official said late in January.(Reuters/NAN)

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The Federal Government has alerted citizens to the plan by a Boko Haram affiliate, Muslim Brotherhood Cell in Kogi State, to acquire bomb-making chemicals and high-calibre weapons to perpetrate acts of terror, including attacks on banks, arms depots and prisons.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said intelligence showed that the cell was making frantic efforts to advance its IED-making capability through the acquisition of chemicals like Sodium Oxide (for producing improvised detonators), Potassium Chlorate (alternative to ammonium nitrate used for producing IEDs) and Aluminium Powder (a fuel source for amplifying explosions).

One Usman, an IED apprentice, left the cell some time back to join Islamic State in Libya. The new desire to acquire IED precursor chemicals could suggest that Usman or other persons may have returned

from Libya and have acquired IED-making skills intended to increase the activities of the group, he said.

The Minister said intelligence also revealed that the group was making serious efforts to acquire sophisticated arms, including shoulder-fired rocket launchers.

Earlier on Friday, gunmen attacked a police station at Eika community in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi state, killing two policemen and a detainee.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the bandits invaded the police station at about 1 a.m. and opened fire on policemen on duty, killing them, alongside a detainee.

The heavily armed hoodlums, said to be about 10, later set the station ablaze and proceeded to the house of Sadiq Obomi, Chairman, Eika Community Development Association, and killed him.

No group has taken responsibility for the attack yet. The State Commissioner of Police, Abdulahi Chafe, who had confirmed the incident promised to provide details later.

However, the Information Minister in his statement said further intelligence monitoring has revealed that members of the Muslim Brotherhood are planning to forcefully free their members who are in detention in Kogi, Abuja and Kaduna, including one Bilyaminu, an IED expert for the group who is now at Kuje prison.

Mr. Mohammed appealed to Nigerians to be vigilant and to report any suspicious persons or movements to the appropriate authorities.

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The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia, says Maduike Ezeibe, a veterinary professor, who says he has found the cure for HIV/AIDS, is making effort to undergo due process domestically.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) of the university, Nbibisi Iwe, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

Mr. Iwe, a professor of agriculture, explained that Mr. Ezeibe, who is a researcher at the same university, was moving toward the direction of taking the research findings to the appropriate agencies to harmonise the findings.

Normally, a scientist will end up at the level of having his name inscribed on the sands of time, obtaining all the permissions that are expected.

And ensuring that he makes the most of benefit of his finding; Ezeibe is moving toward that direction.

What Ezeibe is telling the world is that there is the possibility of using his knowledge to assist those that are having problems of HIV/AIDS.

As one of the managers of the university, I know that there is a lot of requests coming from all over the places to the university for assistance and people have been receiving this assistance.

And they have been attesting to it that this very assistance is useful to them, the DVC said.

The don urged prominent Nigerians to key into the discovery for the cure of HIV/AIDS by the researcher and help him get to the next level.

He said: Recently, the universitys governing council was approached by Ezeibe to assist in raising funds to the next level.

Any of our prominent Nigerians and all the people that have the funds can assist at this point, because at the end of the day he will not be the only beneficiary.

There will be several beneficiaries; all the people that are asking for one help or the other will become beneficiaries and our health provisions will be enhanced.

I think we should encourage one another and those that have done some research, not only for HIV/AIDS, but other diseases.

He advised Nigerians to work together towards achieving national growth rather pulling one another down.

We have lost a lot of opportunities pulling ourselves down. And this finding offers another to make Nigeria great, he said.

Ethics Committee demands verification

Meanwhile, the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC), Federal Ministry of Health, says it has requested the University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia, to provide details of clinical trials backing its professors claim of developing a HIV/AIDS cure.

The Chairman of the committee, Clement Adebamowo, a professor, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Maduike Ezeibe, a Professor of Veterinary Medicine at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and others claimed they had conducted clinical trials of a substance on HIV-positive individuals.

Mr. Ezeibe said in some international journals that they administered the Medicinal Synthetic Aluminum-Magnesium Silicate to HIV-positive individuals with intention to cure the individuals of HIV.

However, Mr. Adebamowo said the research did not comply with the provisions of the National Code for Health Research Ethics (NCHRE) and the National Health Act 2014.

He said the NCHRE is the primary guidance document on ethical regulation of research in Nigeria.

The chairman said the committee had requested the university to provide list of members and contact information of the Health Research Ethics Committee that reviewed and approved the research conducted by Mr. Ezeibe.

He added that other documents requested from the university include copies of duly approved informed consent forms signed by participants in the clinical trials.

Mr. Adebamawo said the committee might also request access to the patients who participated in the clinical trials for verification.

Other requests made by the committee are the originals and copies of approval of the research by the Clinical Trial Regulatory Unit of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

He said the committee also requested copies of the curriculum vitae, certificates and professional licences of members of the research team, among others.

He explained that the request for professional licences and certificates of the research team was to ascertain their qualifications to provide clinical care and administer drugs to Nigerians as prescribed by law.

The chairman urged other institutions and researchers to be diligent and abide by the extant regulations in Nigeria and other international codes for ethical conduct of health research.

He said institutions and researchers should note that when found in violation of the extant regulations for conducting ethical research in Nigeria, NHREC may institute disciplinary measures as empowered by the National Health Act 2014.

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No fewer than 22 people lost their lives when an articulated vehicle with registration No: WDL 502 XA suffered a tyre blowout on the Kano-Kaduna Expressway on Friday.

The FRSC Unit Commander in Tashar-Yari, Ahmed Saidu-Daura, who was at the scene of the accident at Tashar-Musa, Makarfi Local Government, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Mr. Saidu-Daura said 58 others sustained varying degrees of injuries from the accident.

He said the truck overloaded with both people and wood.

Mr. Saidu-Daura said the injured persons were taken to a primary healthcare centre at Tashar-Yari.

Those found to be seriously would be referred to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria from the primary healthcare centre, he said.

Mr. Saidu-Daura cautioned motorists against speeding, overloading and all other forms of reckless driving to ensure safety of lives and properties.

I want to use this medium to call on motorists to be mindful of the fact that lives of those people onboard their vehicles are in their hands.

(NAN)

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A special operation conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 3 on a building belonging to a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, in Kaduna, yielded the recovery of $9,772,800 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seven Two Thousand, Eight Hundred United States Dollars) and another sum of 74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling) cash.

The huge cash was hidden in a fire proof safe.

The spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement that the surprise raid of the facility was sequel to an intelligence which the commission received about suspected proceeds of crime believed to be hidden in the slums of Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna.

On arrival at the facility, the caretaker of the house, one Bitrus Yakubu, a younger brother to Andrew Yakubu, disclosed that both the house and the safe where the money was found belong to his brother, Andrew Yakubu.

When the safe was opened it was discovered that it contained the sum of $9,772,800 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand, Eight Hundred United States Dollars) and another sum of 74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling).

On February 8, 2017, Mr. Yakubu reported to the Commissions Zonal office in Kano and made statement wherein he admitted ownership of the recovered money, claiming it was gift from unnamed persons.

He is currently assisting the investigation, Mr. Uwujaren said.

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An Abeokuta High Court on Friday ruled that a former Minister of Works and Housing, Adeseye Ogunlewe, has a case to answer over alleged misappropriation of N800 million at Federal University of Agriculture, FUNAAB, Abeokuta, when he was pro-chancellor of the institution.

Mr. Ogunlewe is standing trial alongside the Vice Chancellor of the university, Olusola Oyewole, and the Bursar, Moses Ilesanmi, in the matter filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

They were arraigned on November 25, 2016 on an 18 -count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, obtaining money by false pretence and abuse of office.

Mr. Ogunlewe had approached the court to quash the charges against him on the grounds of misjoinder of offences, misjoinder of offenders and duplicity.

The former minister, through his counsel, Tayo Oyetibo, had argued in support of the application that the proof of evidence did not link him with the charges or disclose any prima facie against him.

He also claimed that the consent of the Attorney General of Ogun State/Law officer was not obtained by the prosecution as required by law before the charges were filed.

However, at the resumed hearing of the matter, after the adoption of the written addresses made by the parties, Justice O. C Majekodunmi ruled in favour of the EFCC.

All the grounds raised by Mr. Ogunlewes counsel at Thursdays sitting were dismissed.

The prosecution counsel, Ben Ubi, thereafter sought for commencement of trial. He informed the court that there were three witnesses in court ready to testify.

But all the counsel to the three accused persons sought for an adjournment on the ground that they were just served additional proof of evidence and would need time to study the documents.

The court conceded to their application and adjourned the case to March 8 and 10 for commencement of trial.

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The Police Service Commission says it has promoted six police officers to their next ranks for outstanding performances in their various areas of duty.

The officers are: Suleiman Abdul and Olusoji Akinbayo, assistant commissioners of police; Muawuyya Abubakar, a superintendent of police; Sunday Idowu, a deputy superintendent of police; Eheziekia Abiona, an assistant superintendent of police; and Ogunbiyi Agbabu, a police inspector.

Ikechukwu Ani, head, Press and Public Relations of the commission, said in a statement in Abuja on Monday that the commission took the decision in its 19th meeting in Abuja.

He said that Mr. Abdul, who is currently with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, recently recovered N42 billion for the Federal Government.

Mr. Ani said that Messrs. Akinbayo and Idowu had rejected a bribe of $21 million and another $12,900 from one Samuel Wilberforce.

The officers in spite of this huge inducement defied the temptation and arrested the pipeline vandals, he said.

He said their actions portrayed the Nigeria Police Force in good light as they exhibited professionalism, fearlessness and incorruptibility in the conduct of their assignment.

He said that the chairman of the commission, Mike Okiro, was poised to enthrone honesty, responsibility and fear of God in the Nigeria Police Force.

Mr. Okiro noted that the special promotions were meant to spark off a new wave of integrity in the conduct of police officers.

The promotion is another way of motivating the honest and disciplined officers and a wake-up call to the few disgruntled elements still in service, he said.

He warned that officers who failed to embrace the new disposition of the commission, would be shown the way out of the force.

Mr. Ani said that the special promotions take immediate effect.

(NAN)

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MASON CITY | The Mason City School Board earlier this week approved a two-year contract with the Mason City Education Association.

Interim Superintendent Mike Penca said via email Friday the contract includes a $500 increase to base teacher salary each year.

The base salary will be $43,860 in 2017-18 and $44,360 in 2018-19.

Penca said the first year's total package increase is 2.18 percent, or $549,560, and 2.36 percent, or $608,320, the following year.

Total cost to the district for both years is $1,157,880.

 Ashley Miller
At least seven newly recruited Nigerian soldiers were killed in battle Thursday night after troops of the Nigerian Army and Boko Haram terrorists engaged in a prolonged exchange of gunfire in northern Borno State.

No fewer than 20 others were injured in the gun battle which occurred along the Maiduguri-Dikwa road in the North-Eastern State, military insiders told PREMIUM TIMES. Dikwa is 70 kilometres east of Maiduguri.

Three other soldiers, including a female, were declared missing after the incident, our sources said.

Witnesses said the battle began at about 7:30 p.m. on Thursday after a detachment of troops, put at about 250 soldiers and one officer, ran into a Boko Haram ambush as they travelled through the area in army trucks and buses owned by the Borno State Government.

Our sources said the terrorists suddenly emerged in huge numbers from surrounding bushes and opened fire on the travelling troops, most of whom are said to be young soldiers fresh from training. The soldiers are said to be members of the 76 Regular Recruit Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

The terrorists were said to be in a surprisingly large number and armed with sophisticated weapons and did a lot of damage before the soldiers could alight from their buses to fight back.

After the soldiers emerged from their vehicles, a prolonged fire-fight ensued, with seven of them falling in battle, and 20 others suffering varying degrees of injuries.

The army then sent reinforcement to the scene, but by the time those soldiers arrived, the Boko terrorists had fled into surrounding bushes and villages, making away with a gun truck, a mine detector, some AK 47 rifles, explosives and other weapons.

When contacted on the incident on Friday, Army Spokesperson, Sani Usman, said he was yet to be briefed on the matter.

Mr. Usman, a brigadier general, directed further enquiries at the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Lucky Irabor.

Mr. Irabor, a major general, did not answer or return calls as at 5:49 p.m Nigerian time when this report was published.

The latest incident happened two weeks after another batch of terrorists attacked a military base in Kamuya, Yobe State.

Military insiders said three soldiers were killed as the terrorists stormed the military base from three different directions on January 25, shooting non-stop for over 30 minutes.

The firing was so intense that the troops initially withdrew from their location, our sources said.

However, a reinforcement was quickly sent from Buni Yadi to join the troops on ground.

After hours of intense fighting, the troops were able to retake the camps, with the terrorists fleeing.

They however made away with several high calibre weapons and sophisticated communication equipment, including mortals, mine detectors, Rocket Propelled Grenade and bombs.

A large number of Boko Haram terrorists were said to have been killed in battle with some fleeing the scene with gunshot wounds.

Twenty-three soldiers were declared missing after that battle.

Insiders told PREMIUM TIMES Friday the soldiers were yet to be seen.

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The Nigerian Army has confirmed an attack on its troops by Boko Haram insurgents, which led to the death of at least seven soldiers.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier broken the news, quoting insiders who confirmed that seven army recruits were killed and 20 others injured during a firefight with the terrorists.

Three other soldiers, including a female, were declared missing after the incident, our sources said.

A statement signed by Kingsley Samuel, a Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Director Army Public Relations at the 7 Division, said seven soldiers lost their lives while 19 were injured.

The army said an unspecified number of Boko Haram fighters were killed.

The statement said the soldiers were ambushed by Boko Haram during the process of rotating troops.

The statement reads:

ROTATING TROOPS FIGHT THROUGH BOKO HARAM AMBUSH

Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE gallantly fought their way through Boko Haram Terrorists ambush along Ajiri-Dikwa road, Borno State.

Elements of troops affected encountered the ambush while conducting routine rotation of troops last night. The gallant troops fought their way through, killing many of the terrorists.

Unfortunately 7 soldiers paid the supreme price in the incident while 19 soldiers sustained various degree of injuries. The soldiers who sustained injuries during the fierce encounter have been evacuated and are currently receiving treatment at Military hospital in Maiduguri. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunitions from the insurgents. Additional troops have been mobilised and are still on aggressive pursuit of the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists.

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Tanimu Jeremiah, an Assistant Police Superintendent, and a prosecution witness in the trial of Justice Adeniyi Ademola, told the FCT High Court on Thursday that only the President could approve for use the type of gun found in Justice Adeniyi Ademola s residence.

Mr. Ademola, a Federal High Court Judge, his wife, Olabowale, and Joe Agi, a senior advocate of Nigeria, are standing trial before Justice Jude Okeke on allegations of fraud and possession of illegal arms.

The witness said the firearm was Avar magnum with capacity of eight rounds with cartridge of 12 inches each.

The law is clear about issuance of licence for this type of firearm for private use. Only the President reserves the right to approve application for licence for such firearm.

This was not so with this present situation, he said.

Another witness, Awoyemi Adisa, an accountant with the Federal High Court tendered some documents on salaries and emolument of the first defendant (Ademola).

Mr. Adisa informed the court that the consolidated annual salary for a federal judge was about N6.3 million.

He also told the court that the judges were given N5.3 million furniture allowance in every four years, adding that the document covered 2009 and December 2016 financial year.

According to him, other welfare packages for judges include N305, 000 as medical allowance and a slot for an overseas trip once in a year.

Mr. Adisa said $6, 300 was paid for the defendants overseas trip and for his medical allowance in 2016.

He also said N180, 474 was remitted to him as leave allowance for the out-gone year.

Mr. Adisa further told the court that a judge was entitled to a car advance worth N7.2 million repayable within 5 years.

Giving evidence also, Christie Ende, the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court, tendered the certified true copies of some of the cases handled by Mr. Ademola.

They included the case of Federal Government against Sani Shaibu and Teidi Friday Ukpong against the Chief of Naval Staff.

Also the case between Jenkins Duvie Giane Gwede and the Delta State House of Assembly was admitted as evidence.

She said the third defendant (Mr. Agi) had appeared as counsel in the listed cases decided by Mr. Ademola.

Another witness, Stephen Opara, an official of the State Security Service (SSS) who interviewed and took Mrs Ademolas statement, also tendered the video in court.

Mr. Ademola is one of the seven judges prosecuted after raids carried out by the SSS on October, 2016.

(NAN)

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The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Mike Ogirima, has called on the federal government to employ a professional doctor in each of the primary healthcare centres, PHCs, to be revitalised.

Mr. Ogirima gave the advice on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES.

He said this will ensure that patients are treated by qualified doctors, instead of patronising quack doctors.

We have been advocating that as government is revitalising the primary health centre, a doctor should be employed at that primary healthcare centre.

The government should not just leave the health of the people 100 per cent in the hands of some health professional. Let them be supervised by a qualified doctor to diagnose and treat patients.

Those set of professionals work with guidelines, as they just give patients drugs to try. But a qualified doctor listens, examines and lays out lab tests meant for a patient.

The federal government, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and the Federal Ministry of Health, wants to make at least one primary health care centre fully functional in each of the 109 senatorial districts across the country. This is part of a larger plan to revitalise 10,000 health centres across Nigeria.

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, had disclosed this during the commissioning of the Model Primary Health Care Centre, Kuchigoro in Abuja. He said that the scheme was to avail poor Nigerians with qualitative and affordable health services.

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Electricity generating companies in Nigeria released average of 3,123MW/hour of power on February 9, the website of the Nigerian Electricity Supply reports.

The report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, indicated that the power sector lost an estimated N969,000 due to constraints of gas and water supply to the generating companies.

According to the report, the total gas constraints for the day resulted in the loss of 1,869MW, while the reported grid constraint was zero MW and the water management constraint, 150MW.

On sector reform activities, Alaoji National Independent Power Plant (NIPP) was shut down at 6 a.m. on February 10, while Okpai and Delta plants that were restored previously, shut down their turbines due to functionality issues.

The report showed that the entire power released was down by 11MWhour against the 3,134 MWh/hour sent out on Feb 8.

The report further revealed that Afam VI, a gas fired power plant, sent out the highest electricity of 512 MWh.

It said that the three hydro stations: Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro sent out 372,337, and 295 MWh of electricity respectively.

(NAN)

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A 27-year-old woman, Justina Dusu, on Friday told a Jos High Court that her boyfriend, Stephen Luka, got her pregnant, and when confronted, brutalised her and killed her sister.

Ms. Dusu, a resident of Foron, Barkin-Ladi Local Government of Plateau, who stood as a witness, testified against the accused, Stephen Luka, of Tudun Wada, Jos, who is being tried for murder, assault and sexual abuse.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the accused, who has denied the allegations, is also facing a charge of attempted murder.

The accused was alleged to have attacked the two sisters on July 27, 2016 at his home, in Sabon Gari, Tudun Wada, Jos, after they went to confront him over Ms. Dusus pregnancy.

Ms. Dusu, who is heavily pregnant, told the court, in her testimony, that the accused person, with whom she had been in a relationship since 2007, got her pregnant last year.

I met Stephen on December 2 2007, while I was still in secondary school. I later left to Abuja, but came back to Jos in May 2016.

We met on my return and he invited me to his place sometime in June 2016, where he had sex with me.

I later realised I was pregnant and called his attention to it; he told me he was not ready to be a father and suggested an abortion which I promptly rejected.

I told him I would rather give birth to the baby and give to my parents than have an abortion.

On July 25, I told my sister, late Simi Dusu, about the pregnancy and Lukas idea of an abortion.

She tried to reach him on phone without success and we decided to go to see him in his house.

On July 27, we took a cab to his house, when I sighted him, we alighted and followed him to the house.

He didnt deny the pregnancy, but said that he was not ready to be a father, and that his parents had already chased him out of the house.

While we were discussing, my sister stepped out to receive a phone but before she returned, he started hitting me on my head.

When I started screaming, my sister tried to enter, but he locked the door. She forced the door open and he descended on her with a machete and killed her.

He again returned to me and kept hitting me; I only regained consciousness at the Hwolshe Medical Centre, Jos, and received the news that my sister had died, she told the court.

She denied engaging in a fight with her sister over Stephen as alleged by the defence counsel, and described that allegation as a lie.

Another witness, Rifkatu Yusuf, who is a sister to the deceased, denied the possibility of a fight between the deceased and Justina,

She said that she did not know Luka until he called her to meet him at the hospital over her sisters condition..

After taking the witnesses, the prosecutor, Muleng Alex, prayed the court to adjourn the matter to another date, citing the long hours already spent on taking witnesses, a move the defence counsel did not object.

The judge, Nafisa Musa, adjourned the matter to February 28, for continuation of hearing.

(NAN)

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The House of Representatives on Friday said the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill had not created room for the merging of the corps with any other security outfit.

The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Abdulrazak Namdas, told journalists in Abuja that no bill with a name National Unity Peace Corps Bill, was introduced to the House.

He also said the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill had not called for merging the corps with the National Unity and Peace Corps.

This is one thing the House would like to clarify. We do not have any bill known as National Unity Peace Corps.

So, the insinuation in the public citing the harmonisation of Peace Corps with the National Unity Peace Corps does not arise.

However, there is a provision of the law that provides that people of common interest could be accommodated.

The provisions of the law give room for groups or association that have similar objectives and have shown or are interested shall be absolved as members of the Nigerian Peace Corps.

Such people would be subjected to the corps mandatory training structure and teaching programme as prescribed from time to time upon the commencement of this act, he said.

Mr. Namdas, therefore, said the national assembly had not merged any organisation with the peace corps.

The Nigerian Peace Corps Bill was introduced by Rep. Abdullahi Farouk.

The bill is intended to empower, develop and provide employment for the countrys teeming youth population.

The corps is to therefore serve as a platform to engage able bodied young men and women to intervene in national security and emergency situations.

(NAN)

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Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of the Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court on Friday sentenced a clearing and forwarding agent to five years in prison for defrauding the federal government of N20 million.

Okoronkwo Ugwu, a staff of Front Park Nigeria Limited, a clearing and forwarding company, conspired with his kinsman, Prince Duru, who is still at large to carry out illegal transactions on behalf of the company with a forged letter head of the company.

On finding out that his organisation had been involved in deals not authorized by him, the owner of the company reported the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Mr. Ugwu who had pleaded guilty to the five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and forgery had been in custody since January, 2013, when the case was first heard in court.

Fola Oluwole, counsel to the convict, said his client having pleaded guilty to all five counts had been unable to perfect his bail.

I will pray the court to grant our clients plea on the following grounds;

First, the law seeks to reform and not condemn. He is remorseful and was only helping his kinsman, not knowing his kinsman had a fraudulent intention, said Mr. Oluwole.

Secondly, he has served in the company for 25 years and has not been found wanting in any misgiving. Thirdly, the defendant is a responsible family man with wife and children, and since the defendant has pleaded guilty in an attempt not to waste the time of this honourable court, we pray my lord be lenient in awarding his sentence.

In her judgment, Justice Ipaye observed that the convicts stay in custody must have taught him valuable life lessons.

The defendant has been found guilty on the five count charge, and the court has listened to the passionate appeal of the counsel, the judge said.

I am in no doubt that his stay in custody must have taught him valuable lessons of life and I am also in no doubt that he had no intentions to fraudulently defraud the company.

Having found you guilty of the five count charge, I hereby sentence you to five years imprisonment beginning from the date this case was first heard in court.

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The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday told a committee of the House of Representatives that $9.2 million and 750,000 pounds were recovered from a residence in Kaduna state.

Although he did not indicate precisely when the raid by EFCC operatives was carried out, NAN learnt that the foreign money was recovered from the home of Andrew Yakubu, a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

The huge cash, which is in excess of N3 billion by official exchange rate, was the largest ever recovered by the agency in recent weeks.

Mr. Magu also disclosed to the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes that N1.25 billion was recovered from a public servant, all in the last two weeks.

Mr. Yakubu, who served as GMD between 2012 and 2014, is already facing trial for money laundering.

He was charged by the EFCC in June 2016.

Mr. Magu was at the House of Representatives to present the Commissions 2016 budget performance and defend its 2017 budget.

He said the commission recovered N102.91 billion, 8.30 million dollars, GBP 29,155, 12,475 pounds, 117,004 Canadian dollars as proceeds of crime between January and December, 2016.

Other monies recovered during the period, he said, were 806.50 Dirham, 5,000 Francs and 2,000 Rupees.

Out of the 37 accounts frozen/forfeited, six banks are yet to provide relevant information on the amount accrued into the suspected accounts within the period under review, he said.

The document revealed that the commission secured 135 convictions, out of which 46 were from Lagos zone, 30 from Abuja zone, 22 from Port Harcourt zone, 19 from Kano zone, 15 from Enugu zone and three from Gombe zone during the period.

Mr. Magu acknowledged the support of the committee towards fast-tracking the completion of EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Finance had listed the payment of N1.8 billion out of N2.9 billion meant for completion of the headquarters.

He, however, added that the commission had resuscitated its offices in Kaduna, Ibadan, Benin and Maiduguri as part of efforts to boost its operations across the country.

Mr. Magu urged the legislature to support the fight against graft, saying corruption is fighting back.

On recruitment, he said the commission only recruited 331 cadets on equal quota basis across the country except Lagos, Ekiti, Bayelsa and Rivers with lower numbers.

In a breakdown of the 2016 budget of the commission, Mr. Magu told the committee that total budgetary approval was N18.89 billion, but that N14.74 billion, representing 78.04 per cent, was released.

He explained that N7.62 billion was for personnel cost, overhead was N2.75 billion while capital expenditure was N8.49 billion for the year.

Mr. Magu added that 91.1 per cent component of the released funds had so far been utilised.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Kayode Oladele, said Nigeria had applied to join the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international anti-corruption agency.

He said the move was part of efforts to strengthen ongoing anti-corruption crusade in the country.

Mr. Oladele, who lauded the development, expressed optimism that Nigeria would be admitted as Observer Member by the end of the year and would become full-time member in the nearest future.
Gunmen in the early hours of Friday attacked a police station at Eika community in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi, killing two policemen and a detainee.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) gathered that the bandits invaded the police station at about 1 a.m. and opened fire on policemen on duty, killing them, alongside a detainee.

The heavily armed hoodlums, said to be about 10, later set the station ablaze and proceeded to the house of Sadiq Obomi, Chairman, Eika Community Development Association, and killed him.

The State Commissioner of Police, Abdulahi Chafe, confirmed the incident , promising to provide details later.

However, a resident of Eika community, who is also a member of a local vigilante group, told NAN that the gunmen came in two vehicles and started shooting into the air as they made their way to the police station.

He said that the gunmen later escaped after the operation, which he said, lasted almost two hours.

Security men have been deployed to the community to maintain peace. ( NAN)

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CEDAR FALLS  Teachers, consultants, coordinators and other Area Education Agency 267 staff proposed a 2.43 percent increase in salary and benefits during initial bargaining this week.

Rob Hirst, chief negotiator for the AEA 267 Education Association, said they proposed the increase in order to make sure that students are served by high-quality staff and that staff will continue to view the agency as a top place to work. It would add $650 to the base salary in the contract, which will go into effect July 1.

The association represents 371 agency staff members. That includes teachers, librarians, therapists, psychologists, nurses, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, social workers and others with titles such as consultant, coordinator or specialist.

Currently, base salary for the group is $33,660 per year. Pay is $81,720 at the top of the salary schedule. Employees years of experience, educational degree and position determine where they are placed on the schedule.

We feel we have a strong contract and have throughout the negotiations process over the years worked hard to collaborate with the agency, said Hirst. It has helped us to maintain quality services to the students we serve in AEA 267. The association also asked that a memorandum of understanding for transfer language negotiated last year be placed in the master contract.

Dave Nicholson, AEA 267 chief financial officer, said they are expecting a slight increase in vision insurance premiums and about a 2.5 percent reduction in health insurance premiums.

Administrators with the agency will present their proposal next week. The two sides briefly discussed legislation introduced this week in the Iowa Assembly to drastically cut collective bargaining rights for public workers, including school employees.

Hopefully you understand that we have an interest in respecting your work and treating you fairly, Karl Kurt, assistant chief administrator and human resources director, told association representatives.

AEA 267, which has a location in Clear Lake, serves a number of school districts in North Iowa.

Andrew Wind writes for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, another Lee Enterprises newspaper. Reach him at andrew.wind@wcfcourier.com.
A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of four men charged with the kidnapping of a traditional ruler of Iba in Lagos State, Goriola Oseni, on Friday told an Igbosere High Court that the monarchs wife was shot thrice while abducting the ruler.

Grace Eke, a consultant surgeon from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, said this while testifying during Fridays proceedings.

She said that the monarchs wife, Abosede Oseni, suffered four gunshot wounds from three bullets.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the traditional ruler was kidnapped at his palace at Iba on July 16, 2016.

Four men  Duba Furejo, Ododowo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh  were arraigned on October 24, 2016, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

The police had said that the accused murdered a security guard, Sunday Okanlawon, a commercial motorcyclist, Joseph Okeke, and also robbed the monarchs wife of her mobile phone before shooting her several times.

The offences contravened Sections 233, 230, 299, 297 (2) (b) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Lagos State, 2015.

At the resumed trial of the case on Friday, Jide Martins, an Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, introduced Ms. Eke as the sixth prosecution witness.

Ms. Eke said a team of surgeons and other doctors received the woman in the early hours of July 17, 2016, suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds.

She was pale, restless and in shock. She lost a lot of blood from her wounds, her blood pressure was low and she was very drowsy.

She also said that the wounds were likely caused by bullets and that two operations were carried out on her.

The Olori would have died had the treatment not administered on time; also the surgeries saved her from `immediate death.

Under cross-examination by counsel to the accused, Messrs G. O. Egwuaroje and Anthony Onwueze, Ms Eke confirmed that the victim had several gunshot wounds.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned continuation of trial to February 28.

(NAN)

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The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Friday held a reception for Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

Mr. Osinbajo had landed at the airport on his way to Bayelsa State for a meeting that is part of an outreach to political leaders and stakeholders in the Niger Delta.

The airport ceremony was attended by the River State Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Banigo, political leaders in the state and officials of the federal government.

Prominent figures at the reception include Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri, former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, and service commanders.

Others include former acting National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus; Lee Maeba, a senator; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara; and former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, Desmond Akawor.

After the reception formalities, the Acting President and Mr. Wike held a brief meeting at the sidelines.

Mr. Osinbajo thereafter departed to Bayelsa State in a presidential helicopter for a meeting with stakeholders in that state.

He is expected to visit Rivers State on Monday in continuation of his consultation with stakeholders in the Niger Delta.

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The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in Abia, on Friday matriculated 5,615 students for various academic programmes, the Vice Chancellor, Francis Otunta, has said.

Mr. Otunta, who said this at the 24th matriculation of the university, noted that the figure covered the universitys quota of 4,300 plus a 30 per cent attrition value decided by the Senate.

He expressed delight that in spite of the closure of some departments in the university by the National Universities Commission, they were able to meet the quota allotted to the institution.

He said that it was also gratifying that the universitys admission process was adjudged as one devoid of racketeering and other unwholesome practices.

The vice chancellor said that the institution was rapidly evolving as a centre of excellence, where training, research and community service were pursued to achieve national development goals.

He urged the new students to abide by the rules and guidelines spelt by the university to promote orderly conduct and peaceful co-existence within the community.

He said that although the university provided a lot of freedom, the students were presumed to be adults capable of self-control and ability to take decisions independently.

However, this freedom is exercised within the ambit of the regulations governing the university. I call on the new students to shun anti-social behaviour, like, examination malpractices and cultism.

This university has zero tolerance for cultism and will never condone examination malpractices.

Cultism is a social menace that has eaten deep into the fabrics of the society and serve as a breeding ground for criminal elements in society.

Shun cultism, our university has no space, no place and no tolerance for cultists in its entirety, he said.

He warned against indecent dressing by students, saying that measures have been initiated to enforce the institutions dress code.

Mr. Otunta said the university was also taking steps to check prostitution among female students.

The unwholesome act of prostitution is usually indulged-in either for pecuniary interest or to hoodwink the lecturers into awarding undeserved marks to students, he said.

(NAN)

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Ogun State has established an alternative dispute resolution, ADR, centre to facilitate quick and effective resolution of conflicts in the state.

The Chief Judge of the state, Olatokunbo Olopade, said the development was in line with a directive by the Chief Justice of Nigeria to states to adapt the ADR mechanism into the judicial system.

Mrs. Olopade was speaking on Friday at the commissioning of the centre, Ogun State Multi-Door Court House, located within the premises of the Magistrate Court, Abeokuta.

I am proud to say that Ogun State Judiciary has today become one of the very few judiciaries that have complied with that directive and keyed into the programme, she said.

The Chief Judge said the mechanism has been acknowledged to be the quickest and less acrimonious means of resolving disputes globally.

It has therefore become important and necessary for the Ogun State Judiciary to adopt this globally recognised fast and less acrimonious means of settling disputes, to meet the ever growing desire of our people for justice without stress, particularly within the fast growing commercial community, she stated.

Mrs. Olopade disclosed that the state judiciary, in collaboration with Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, ICMC, has trained a panel of neutrals to serve in the court house and adopted a practice direction to guide its workings .

She said this has been gazetted in the Ogun State of Nigeria Gazette Number 5 Volume 42 of February 2 this year.

We are indeed ready to provide the good people of Ogun State the much needed forum to explore and benefit from Alternative Dispute Resolution, she said.

She said the response of the people to the mechanism had been quite encouraging.

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A herdsman has been beheaded in Omu town, In Oye Local Government council in Ekiti State, by persons suspected to be ritual killers.

The death of the herdsman, 26, identified as Ahmed Dele, came barely three days after a farmer was decapitated in Orisunmibare, a farmstead under Itaji Ekiti in the same local government council.

The victims parents are Fulani from Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the murder of the herdsman has generated tension in the town.

Residents have linked the incident to the bloody land dispute between Ayede Ekiti and Itaji.

It was gathered on Friday that the victim was pursued by his assailants as he took his cattle out for grazing expedition until a few kilometers to the town before he was caught and decapitated.

The Secretary of the Jamunati Fulbe Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter, Idris Salaudeen, confirmed the incident, and said the victim was a member of the association.

According to him, the deceased was declared missing by his boss, Jimoh Dele, on Monday after Ahmed failed to return home with his cattle.

He added that the victims body was later discovered around 4.30 a.m. in the bush, some two kilometers away from the town the following day.

Mr. Salaudeen said with the incident, many of the herders were now afraid of going about their legitimate businesses, since they do not known the motive behind the gruesome killing of one of their members .

Up till now there was no reported case of clash between the victim and any farmer in the area, he said.

He called on the Federal Government and security agencies to save the Fulani community from what he called unprovoked and unwarranted attack by unmasking the killers and bringing them to justice.

This is a very sad and frightening development considering what the country is going through in terms of insecurity, Mr. Salaudeen said.

There has been a lot of misconceptions and negative report about the activities of Fulani herdsmen in recent time.

But I want to tell you that we are peace loving people and we have been living peacefully with our various host communities in Ekiti State.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of the community, the Olomu of Omu, J.A Ogundeyi described the incident as strange and condemnable.

The monarch described the victim as a peace loving individual who had not been found wanting in his business.

He explained that the community had been thrown into a mourning mood since the news broke out.

The deceased is personally known to me in the Palace because he was a jovial person, the monarch recalled.

Whenever he was going leading his cattle for grazing he would stop by and play with me, in fact, the whole community is very sad about this.

Our community play host to many tribes and ethnic groups and we have been living together peacefully.

Oba Ogundeyi however, appealed for calm, noting that the palace in collaboration with other parties had swung into action to unearth the mystery behind the incident.

Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti Command, Alberto Adeyemi, did not respond to calls and text messages.

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Former Dearborn City Clerk Kathleen Buda was arraigned Thursday on seven felony counts of embezzlement, larceny and misconduct in office.

The charges stem from a 2015 Michigan State Police Raid on Budas office that took place after several fellow employees began suspecting the longtime clerk of stealing money.

Buda, 65, was arraigned in front of Judge Mark Somers in 19th District Court on one count of embezzlement by a public official, three counts of larceny and three counts of misconduct in office.

The embezzlement charges carries a maximum of 10 years in prison or a $5,000 fine while each larceny charge is a maximum of four years in prison or a $5,000 fine. The three misconduct charges could mean up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine.

Buda stood mute next to her attorney Gerald Evelyn as each of the counts were read in court.

On Wednesday, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Buda with the seven felony counts.

From November 12, 2015 through December 12, 2015 it is alleged that Ms. Buda appropriated cash from an office cash box on multiple occasions, the prosecutors office said in a statement released Wednesday. The specific facts and evidence will be introduced in court at the preliminary examination.

Buda was released on a $50,000 personal bond and was required to surrender her passport while on bond. She faces a probable cause conference at 9 a.m. March 10 in front of Somers.

Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw said the investigation took several months.

While Buda remains innocent until proven guilty, Shaw said the case serves to remind public officials that they have to be held to a higher standard.

Budas case involves the possible embezzlement of hundreds of dollars, according to Shaw, who added that even $1 is too much for a public official to take.

Michigan State Police raided Budas office Dec. 16, 2015, seizing documents, boxes of files and records, flash drives, cash, receipts and her city-issued cellphone after several clerks office employees began suspecting Buda of stealing money.

State police documents show that clerks office employees approached city Human Resources Director Cynthia Pepper several months before the raid with suspicions about Buda stealing money from fees collected for garage sales, as well as birth and death certificates, among other payments from residents.

Two clerks office employees began tracking money by marking copies of receipts kept in the cash box and comparing them with payment records. During a period of less than two months, the employees discovered more than $400 in missing deposits.

An employee who has worked in the clerks office for more than 25 years told police she knew that Buda had a serious lottery addiction and spent about $50 a day on lottery tickets. A second employee said Buda began talking more about gambling when money started coming up missing.

After police interviewed the workers, 19th District Judge Sam Salamey signed a warrant to allow the installation of a hidden camera in Budas office, and she was seen putting money into her purse twice in mid-November.

No details emerged for months after the raid, but at the Aug. 16 council meeting Dearborn City Council members debated approving an $11,300 payment to Buda for unused sick and vacation time. Under Budas contract, these were accrued benefits and the city was contractually obligated to pay them.

After debating the matter, the council voted 6 to 1 to approve the compensation. If Buda is charged and convicted for embezzling tax dollars, the city can pursue restitution of the money, according to City Attorney Debra Walling.

She retired Feb. 17 after more than 20 years as city clerk.
ST. ANSGAR | Within less than 24 hours of making their initial proposals, the St. Ansgar Board of Education and its teachers' association ratified a two-year contract, which includes a two-year freeze on the district's base pay.

The School Board on Wednesday offered a two-year pay freeze to the union, with current insurance benefits remaining in place for two years. Total cost to the district is $37,059.36 the first year.

The board in the second year of the contract will allow teachers to move up on salary schedules, but there will be no increase for new teacher pay.

St. Ansgar in 2016 ranked 17th highest in the state for starting teacher pay, $45,454 for educators with less than two years of experience.

Board member Steve Groth said during a May 2016 meeting the district does so to "attract and maintain quality teachers."

"However, annual negotiated contract percentages in teacher contracts have continued to increase almost twice the amount of new money coming each year from the state of Iowa," he said.

The board in May cut starting teacher pay to $43,000. The reduction was part of the district's plan to reduce annual expenses, which school officials have said outpaced income the past three years.

"Technically, the second year is not a pay freeze," said St. Ansgar Superintendent Jody Gray, noting teachers can move up on the salary schedule.

"Our salary schedule is quite high at St. Ansgar and by having a pay freeze year one and aging the salary schedule for year two, it will allow us to, hopefully, reduce the number of staff reductions needed to balance our budget," she said.

Between the district's average teacher salary being one of the highest in the state and declining enrollment, Gray said the district needed to take action to ensure its long-term viability.

The association and the district agreed to a two-year plan, Gray said, in light of collective bargaining changes being discussed in the state Legislature.

The teachers' union had offered a pay freeze for the first of a two-year contract, with insurance benefits locked in for two years and naturally moving up on the salary schedule the second year.

The union specifically stated the first-year freeze needed to include all staff  teachers, administrators and support  with wage increases occurring the second year.
Kathy Griffin has offended so many people in Hollywood that she tells me, you may be my best friend, at the end of our 20-minute phone conversation.

No ones off the hook, not my mom, not my boyfriend, not my family. And thats why I dont have any friends, she adds with a laugh.

A master of snark and storytelling, stepping on celebrities Louboutin-clad toes is Griffins specialty. Her new book Kathy Griffins Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index does just that, chronicling the good, the bad and the ugly interactions shes had with celebrities from Woody Allen to Demi Lovato. Her library of irreverent stories is also the inspiration behind her Celebrity Run-Ins tour, which comes to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spas Event Center 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. But dont think that means shell recite the same old tales on stage that exist in her book.

I love playing the Borgata Event Center. Ive done it many times, but I swear on my life this is going to be all new material, Griffin says. I dont care if youve seen me six years ago or six months ago. Trust me, Ive got two hours of new stuff, and theres so much crazy going on I can barely keep up.

Griffin, an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and an avid LGBT rights activist, has had a lot of new material to process recently, thanks to a never-ending onslaught of news courtesy of some hasty executive orders.

Im obviously not going to do a whole political show, but theres just so much going on that everyones aware of, Griffin says. When I was in San Francisco, I actually marched in the Womens March in the rain at 5 oclock and then I did a show at 8 oclock. I said, all right, I gotta flip the switch from concerned citizen to inappropriate comedian, and it was so easy.

People really like to go see a show where they can blow off steam, so I have made the executive decision to be more heinous than I have ever been. Ive been talking to a lot of other comics and were all struggling with the same thing. The world is so topsy-turvy and so crazy, how do you then attack two hours of comedy by acknowledging the things that are frightening and also working in whats funny about them.

While she assures that her Borgata act will have something for everybody, she also gives fair warning: If youre wearing a MAGA (Make America Great Again) hat right now and if you think Donald Trump is an amazing president, you should probably just send your wife to the show, and you can just stay at the tables.

Besides Trump, Griffin has prepped an arsenal of hilarious stories starring the princes and princesses of Hollywood. Stories of Christina Aguilera dressed up like Santa Claus, Alec Baldwin telling her shes not just the funniest woman out there, but also sexy, and the always-controversial Kim Kardashian and Kanye West  who are, much to her delight, Griffins new neighbors.

My act moved in next door, she exclaims.

Griffins watchful eyes and sharp tongue are certainly a reminder to celebrities to be on their best behavior around her, or risk winding up in her act. But fortunately for Griffin, the vast majority of celebs cant seem to help themselves, ensuring her fresh material for years to come.

Youll flip for Flip Like Wilson As cover bands have come and gone, Philadelphia-based Flip Like Wilson has endured, continui

What celebrities dont get, Griffin explains, is that I can be the biggest fan in the world, but Im still going to make fun of you if you do something crazy.
ATLANTIC CITY  A teacher is spearheading an effort to start an all-boys charter school in the city next year.

First, the state Board of Education will have to approve revised charter school regulations to allow single-gender schools.

Ricardo Belgrave, a teacher at the New York Avenue School, said he decided to put together an application to the state Department of Education, because he believes boys benefit from specialized education suiting their learning styles.

We will have a curriculum that involves more activities, and more male mentors for the students, he said.

The school will be called the Frederick Douglass School for Boys. It already has a Facebook page. Founders will co-host a father-son breakfast Saturday at the Sheraton to help build interest in the school.

Belgrave testified at the January meeting of the state Board of Education in support of single-gender schools, saying they can help transform the education of the citys young men.

He submitted letters from supporters, including parents Ruben Stewart and Leonora Tennant, Grace Assembly of God Churchs Rev. Winston Broomes, ThisIsAC founder Evan Sanchez and Councilman Jesse Kurtz, who sponsored an effort to get school vouchers approved in the city.

It is a historic opportunity, Kurtz said. Its taking a step forward in education reform.

Belgrave, of Egg Harbor Township, has four sons. He said he was influenced by Marvin Hill, a teacher he had in sixth grade at the Indiana Avenue School. He wants more boys to have such role models.

Belgrave taught a single-gender fifth-grade class at New York Avenue School and learned a lot from the experience.

I realized that even fifth grade is too late, he said. We have to start in kindergarten.

The school would open in September 2018 with 60 students in each grade K-2. It would expand a grade each year to a maximum of 540 students through grade 8.

Belgrave said he is looking at possible sites that include a church building used by the former Oceanside Charter School.

Opening a single-gender charter school wont be easy.

The state Board of Education must adopt the new regulations allowing it. The application must go through a vetting process by the state Department of Education. Many applications are rejected each year, though applicants may reapply.

The state board this month accepted the revised regulations with some changes. It will be posted in the New Jersey Register for a 60-day comment period before final adoption by the board.

The state proposal allows for single-purpose charter schools that serve educationally disadvantaged or traditionally underserved students and students of a single gender. If approved, the code will require an application for such a charter school to demonstrate a compelling need and educational reason for limiting enrollment based on gender to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

Atlantic County has elementary charter schools based in Galloway Township and Pleasantville, plus Charter Tech High School for the Performing Arts in Somers Point.
In celebration of Black History Month, the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey is holding a reception for "Black Cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers" at Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

The exhibit is curated by Kimball Baker, who will be present at the reception, said Ralph Hunter, president of the museum.

Hes an authority on buffalo soldiers and black cowboys and will be speaking about the exhibit along with group of buffalo cowboys that were stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey."

Some of the last "buffalo soldiers," the term given to black men who fought on the Western frontier, in the Civil War and in other historical battles.

Commander Peter B. Walker, of the 24th Infantry Regimental Combat Team and a former buffalo solider, will also speak at the event Friday, according to the event information on the Noyes Arts Garage Facebook page.

"Its going to be a great, great evening. For those who have the opportunity to come out, it should be exciting," Hunter said. "Admission is free but we encourage donations."

The "Black Cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers" exhibit officially opened at Noyes Feb. 1 and will remain until April 30.
The plight of the immigrant casts a long shadow over this years Oscar-nominated short films. Five of the 15 nominees  two in the live-action category and three in documentary  grapple with such of-the-moment themes as refugees, extreme vetting and the humanitarian crisis in Syria, making for an acutely timely selection of stories.

Live-action

The most compelling of the immigration-themed films is Silent Nights, a Danish short that has emerged as a heavy favorite in the live-action category. Set in Copenhagen, the contemporary drama centers on a tentative romance between Inger (Malene Beltoft), an idealistic Danish volunteer in a homeless shelter, and an impoverished Ghanaian immigrant named Kwame who is one of her clients (new actor Prince Yaw Appiah). Guided by Beltoft and Appiahs achingly vulnerable performances, writer-director Aske Bang packs more hope and heartbreak into 30 minutes than many full-length films achieve.

Nights is a powerful companion to Ennemis Interieurs (Enemies Within), which listens in on a fraught conversation between two ethnic Algerian Frenchmen: one, a middle-aged man applying for citizenship after a lifetime of residency in France (Hassam Ghancy); the other, his suspicious civil-service inquisitor (Najib Oudghiri). Set in the paranoia of the 1990s  a time when the former French colony of Algeria was beset by terrorism, and France was on edge  Selim Azzazis film feels relevant.

Documentary

Although nonfiction nominees have been broken into two separate programs, youll want to see both in order to not miss Watani: My Homeland and 4.1 Miles.

The first film profiles a family of Syrian refugees: a mother and four children who move to the small German village of Goslar after the father  a commander in the anti-Assad Free Syrian Army  is captured by the Islamic State and presumed dead. The second film follows Kyriakos Papadopoulos, the overworked captain of a coast guard vessel on the Greek island of Lesbos who is tasked with rescuing refugees when they find themselves foundering in the Aegean Sea, a mere 4.1 miles of which separates Turkey from Greece.

The White Helmets looks at the volunteers who staff the Syria Civil Defense force, a humanitarian agency that works to rescue victims of Aleppos devastating violence. Along with Watani and 4.1 Miles, the film delivers an urgent reminder of just what is at stake when governments plays politics with peoples lives.

Animated

Animated nominees include tough but cute competition, such as Pixars Piper, a charmer about a plucky baby sandpiper that played before Finding Dory.

The clear front-runner in this category is no kids stuff. At 35 minutes long, Pear Cider and Cigarettes stands above the other nominees, none of which cracks 10 minutes. Created in Photoshop and marked with a neo-noir style, this autobiographical minimemoir comes courtesy of acclaimed Canadian illustrator, animator and graphic novelist Robert Valley  known for his Gorillaz music videos  who narrates a wild reminiscence of his alcoholic friend Technos last days on Earth. Its dark, R-rated stuff, and a refreshingly unflattering homage to an imperfect yet indelible character.
ATLANTIC CITY  A federal judge sent the firefighters unions case against the state back to Atlantic County Superior Court.

U.S. District Court Judge Renee Marie Bumb ruled Friday that federal court didnt have jurisdiction over the case since the unions claims against state financial overseers fall under the New Jersey Constitution.

The case now returns to Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez, who temporarily blocked the state from laying off firefighters and unilaterally changing the unions contract to cut costs in the cash-strapped city.

An original Feb. 13 hearing date at the Atlantic County Civil Courthouse in Atlantic City will be rescheduled.

The union, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 198, sued the state last week to avoid 100 layoffs and other unilateral contract changes, arguing the takeover law is unconstitutional and impaired its contract rights. That law, the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act, gave the state the authority to amend or break existing union contracts.

State officials overseeing a takeover of the city, led by former U.S. Sen. Jeffrey Chiesa, want to cut the Fire Departments 225-member staff nearly in half, implement a new work schedule increasing hours, reduce salaries and eliminate benefits such as terminal leave.

The state plans to implement layoffs in September and the other contract changes Feb. 19.

The state removed the case to federal court immediately after Mendez issued his temporary restraining order against the state.

Ron Israel, an attorney at Chiesas law firm, argued since the unions initial lawsuit included federal claims and its current lawsuit cited federal case law, the case belonged in federal court.

But Bumb said her court didnt have jurisdiction because no federal claims were made in the latest lawsuit.

Such a rule would render the New Jersey Constitution superfluous, she wrote.

The union wanted the case kept in state court so a local judge would oversee it.

We have always understood the safety of Atlantic City to be a local issue best handled by local officials and local courts, Michael Bukosky, the unions attorney, said in a statement. The firefighters are always prepared to work with the State so long as safety and health is not compromised. That has been our position from day one.

The lawsuit is the first legal action against the state takeover, which gave the state broad power over city officials to fix the resorts dire fin- ances.
A former Egg Harbor Township woman has been identified as one of four people found dead Tuesday morning in a Morris, Oklahoma, home along with her two young daughters.

Jacqueline Casey, 31, formerly of the township; Andrew Lyle Casey, 30; Anna Casey, 6; and Lilly Casey, 1, who lived in Morris, died in a triple homicide and suicide this week, according to Amy Elliott, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office.

Casey graduated from Egg Harbor Township High School in 2004, according to Press archives. Her maiden name was Facciolli.

She was a really great soul, said Linwood resident Christine Sawatzke, a childhood friend who played on the same school and recreational softball teams. She was a very fun person with a very kind heart.

A gofundme.com page has been set up for Jacqueline Casey (Facciolli), which has already raised more than $16,000.

As many of you already know Jackie and her two beautiful babies (Anna and Lily) were taken away from us way to soon by a senseless act, the description on the gofundme page states. The page seeks money to bring the bodies of the mother and children back to New Jersey and hold a memorial service.

Okmulgee County sheriffs investigators suspect the family died in a triple homicide and a suicide in the 17000 block of U.S. 62. The deaths appear to have occurred after a disturbance. Deputies have stated they are not looking for suspects.

Messages left since Thursday with the Okmulgee County Sheriffs Office, which is investigating the deaths, have not been returned.

Few details have been released, but the Sheriffs Office reported deputies found the bodies of a man, a woman and two children in the home about 9:10 a.m. Tuesday.

News of the deaths spread quickly throughout Morris, a town about 45 miles south of Tulsa with about 1,500 residents, leaving shock and disbelief in its wake.

You never know what somebodys thinking, said Richard Kerr, pastor at Trinity Baptist Church. Even if you know them, a lot of times you have no idea whats really going on in their heart and their mind.

Staff Writer Brian Ianieri contributed to this report

The Tulsa-World and The Press of Atlantic City are both owned by BH Media.
The establishment is having a tough time recently.

In politics, business, the media  for good or bad  traditional ways of thinking and doing things are being questioned and often pushed to the side.

The same is apparently happening with religion. The Pew Research Center reports the millennial generation, while less religious in general, is boosting the roles of some nondenominational churches, while the number of younger people regularly attending services at established Catholic and Protestant churches is in decline.

The cited reasons for the changes include a lack of confidence and trust in leadership and institutions by the younger generation, fostered by an upbringing that often valued finding a personal spiritual path over blind obedience.

This trend should not be seen as a bad thing, even by the most traditional believers. It can force an examination of what they believe in to begin with and offer a lesson on how to share that passion with those still exploring their spirituality.

The 83 million millennials have surpassed baby boomers as Americas largest generation. What faith they embrace, if any, is still an open question, along with how they choose to pursue a career, raise a family and select leaders.

The establishment and so-called elite cannot rely on the young clinging to the old ways in the face of hard times. Thats just another traditional way of thinking that needs adjustment.

For religions, this doesnt mean they should abandon what they believe to be fundamental truths. But they should consider the advice of Matt Stokes, lead pastor of Coastal Christian Church in Ocean City, which looks to spread its not-so-untraditional values in new ways, including daily tweets and live-streaming its services.

At Coastal, we believe the message never changes, but the method is always changing, Stokes says.

Leaders of some of the local churches experiencing an increase in attendance by millennials talk about a desire by those younger congregants to focus on helping the poor and oppressed rather than more traditional preaching. Of course, helping the less fortunate is an important tradition in religions from Judaism to Christianity to Islam.

The establishment in those faiths can embrace these youthful desires as a way to strengthen their bases, rather than seeing such change as a threat. The pope  not your typical rebel  has said that to ignore the poor is to despise God.

At its best, questioning of old ways forces everyone, no matter their set of beliefs, to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the way things are done. Disruption doesnt have to lead to chaos. It can be a real saving grace.
GARNER  Carolyn S. Kumsher, 73, of Garner, died Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at St. Boniface Catholic Church with the Rev. Jim Dubert officiating.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garner with a Scriptural wake service at 1:30 p.m. followed by a rosary.

Cataldo Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to St. Boniface Catholic Church.
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.




MASON CITY  Frances M. Hoffman passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, after experiencing a health crisis.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Ave., with the Rev. Kathleen R. Moore of the First United Methodist Church officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor's choice in Frances name.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Frances was born on May 7, 1951, in Sac City, Iowa, the second child of Frank and Margaret Hoffman. She graduated valedictorian of her class at Mason City High School in 1969. She graduated from Carleton College cum laude in 1973 and returned to Mason City to work as a bank teller and loan officer for a local savings and loan company.

She returned to school and earned her masters degrees from the University of Iowa, a Masters of Arts in Teaching in 1978, and a Masters of Arts in Hospital Administration in 1985. She remained in Iowa City and worked as the director of Administrative Services for the University Hospitals and Clinics until 1990, when she moved back to Mason City and was the Director of Planning for Mercy Hospital until 1992. She was then asked to move to Hampton as the CEO of the Hampton General Hospital, where she stayed until 1995. She returned to Mason City again to help care for her mother and worked for the North Iowa Mercy Health Center as the Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinator and the Director of Administrative Support Services. From 1999 to 2005, she was the Executive Director of Hospice of North Iowa, where she developed the Support Treatment Assistance Resource (STAR) Care program for the elderly and their caregivers.

Frances became a consultant where she wrote grants for a number of entities totaling over 2 million dollars. She administered one of these grants which worked with providing preventive education to women at risk for type 2 diabetes. During her adult life, she testified before congressional subcommittees concerning the effects of Medicare reductions on small rural hospitals in 1993 and the barriers to end-of-life care in 2001. She was appointed to the AHA national Committee on Governance to provide guidance to AHA activities from 1994 through 1998. She served as the chair of the Northern Lights Alliance for the Homeless and led efforts to develop funding for a new shelter for homeless men. She coordinated Mercy Hospitals Strategic Initiative for the Poor grants to community organizations and agencies. Frances assisted the Studio of the Performing Arts to become a non-profit organization. She served on the board of the Francis Lauer Youth Services and was chair in 1999. She served on the board for Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa where she led the development of the first strategic plan, formalized policies and procedures, and the hiring process for the first Executive Director. Frances was an international consultant to the LBJ Tropical Medical Center in American Samoa in 1997 and 1998. She published three books on the subject of Nursing and had 12 articles published in various publications. She was awarded the Journal of Nursing Administration Book of the Year Award in 1984. In 2005, she was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by Mason City High School for her work with Mercy Hospital, Hospice, and as an advocate for the homeless, infirm, and needy.

Since her retirement, she has worked as a DJ for KCMR as well as training and scheduling the readers for the blind. She started a book club for the residents of the IOOF home, and she is still chairman of the board for the homeless shelter. She volunteered at the food pantry, and cared for her mother on a daily basis until her mothers death on Jan. 11 of this year.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her special friend, Steve McMahon, three siblings, David (Kathy) Hoffman of Wichita, Kansas, Gary (Carole) Hoffman of Mason City, and Mary (Rick) Hurlbut of Marion, Iowa. She is also survived by nine nieces and nephews and 11 great-nephews and great-nieces with one on the way.

Arrangements: Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
WYNNE, Ark.  Hollis Joseph Hennigar, 92, was born in Rockwell, Iowa, Oct. 29, 1924. He was on of twelve children born to Arthur E. and Hazel Titus Hennigar.

Mr. Hennigar died on Jan. 21, 2017, in Wynne, Arkansas.

Hollis, who was called Joe by many of his family, joined the Marine Corps in August 1942. He, along with six of his brothers, served in World War II. Hollis also served in the Korean War and during the Vietnam War. He retired from the military at the end of 1963, after 13 years in the Marines and seven years in the Air Force.

Hollis was preceded in death by his parents, nine of his siblings and his son, Bruce Lee Hennigar. He is survived by his daughter, Valerie Jo Clairmont, of Loudon, New Hampshire; his sister Betty Harris of Miami, Florida, his brother, Stanley Hennigar of Fort Worth, Texas, two granddaughters, four great-granddaughters, and a number of sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is also survived by his former wife, Louise Hennigar (he called her Smoky) of Wynne, Arkansas. Hollis and Smoky had been reunited and together for close to 15 years at the time of his death.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will take place at a later date.
Application Unanimously Approved by Governance Committee

TROMS, Norway, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- One month after applying to be an Arctic Economic Council (AEC) Northern Partner, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation's (ASRC) application has been unanimously approved. This makes ASRC the first organization in the Arctic with such a designation. There are various levels of membership at the AEC.

"This is an important milestone for the Arctic Economic Council, and I'm honored to be to able call ASRC our partner," said Tara Sweeney, AEC chair. "Engaging with the AEC gives businesses the opportunity to access both local and indigenous knowledge. ASRC has been doing business in the Arctic for more than 40 years and has grown into the largest locally-owned and operated company in Alaska. I'm pleased to see the organization continuing to look for additional opportunities within the region."

The application was reviewed by the AEC executive committee before being approved by governance committee members. Larger businesses with their headquarters located within an Arctic state may apply to join the AEC family as a Northern Partner. The AEC's full member representation includes a diverse collection of business industries that operate in and outside of the region.

The AEC was established by the Arctic Council during the 2013-2015 Canadian chairmanship as an independent organization aimed at facilitating Arctic business-to-business activities and responsible economic development.

ABOUT THE AEC

The AEC is a business forum established to facilitate Arctic business-to-business activities, promote responsible economic development and provide a circumpolar business perspective to the work of the Arctic Council. AEC represents a wide network of businesses pan-Arctic and across business sectors. The inaugural meeting was held in September 2014 in Iqaluit, Nunavut Canada. It has a 42-member board from eight Arctic states and six permanent participant organizations. Finland will assume the chairmanship from the U.S. in 2017.

CONTACT: Anu Fredrikson

Director, AEC Secretariat

Phone: 0047 917 29 006

anu@arcticeconomiccouncil.com

Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/265586/arctic_economic_council_logo.jpg

Related Links

http://www.arcticecononmiccouncil.com



SOURCE Arctic Economic Council
LONDON, February 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

BCRE - Brack Capital Real Estate Investments N.V.

("BCRE" or the "Company")

Publication of a Supplement to the Base Prospectus dated 3 March 2016

The Company announces that it has published a Supplement (the "Supplement") to the base prospectus dated 3 March 2016 (the "Base Prospectus") in relation to its US$180 million programme (the "Programme") for the issuance of bonds (the "Bonds").

The Supplement has been approved by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets on 10 February 2017 and has been published. A request has been made for passporting the approved Supplement to the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority.

Please read the disclaimer below "Disclaimer - Intended Addressees" before attempting to access this service, as your right to do so is conditional upon complying with the requirements set out below.

To view the Supplement, please click www.brack-capital.com.

The Supplement will also be submitted to the United Kingdom National Storage Mechanism and will be available for inspection at http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM.

ENQUIRIES:

BCRE - Brack Capital Real Estate Investments N.V.

Ariel Podrojski, Chief Executive Officer

Nansia Koutsou, Chief Financial Officer / Chief Operating Officer, +31 20 514 1004

Novella Communications

Tim Robertson

Toby Andrews, +44 203 151 7008

DISCLAIMER - INTENDED ADDRESSEES

Please note that the information contained in the Supplement and Base Prospectus (together the "Prospectus") may be addressed to and/or targeted at persons who are residents of particular countries (specified in the Base Prospectus) only and is not intended for use and should not be relied upon by any person outside these countries and/or to whom the offer contained in the Prospectus is not addressed. Prior to relying on the information contained in the Prospectus, you must ascertain from the Base Prospectus whether or not you are part of the intended addressees of the information contained therein.

The Bonds have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Subject to certain exceptions, the Bonds may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States or to, or for the benefit of, US persons.

This announcement is for information purposes only and is not a prospectus and does not constitute an offer to subscribe for or buy shares, the Bonds or other securities of the Company (Securities) in any jurisdiction. This announcement and the fact of its distribution is not and should not be seen as an inducement in relation to a decision to purchase Securities. Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any Bonds except on the basis of information contained in the Prospectus published by the Company.

The contents of this announcement have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of the Company.

About BCRE

BCRE is an international real estate development and investment group, headquartered in the Netherlands and listed on the London Stock Exchange. Through its subsidiary and associated undertakings, the Company is interested in, develops and operates an international portfolio of real estate assets, predominantly located in the USA, Germany and Russia.

The Company has established local management team platforms with significant local market expertise in the US, Germany, Russia, India and the UK with exclusive access to over 550 staff. At present, the Company has offices and teams in New York, London, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Moscow, Kazan, New Delhi, Amsterdam and Limassol.

This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire.

SOURCE BCRE - Brack Capital Real Estate Investments N.V.
TORONTO, February 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (the "Company") announces the appointment of Don MacFayden to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the appointment of Adrian Pelosi to Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer and Treasurer, with immediate effect.

"On behalf of my partners on the Global Operating Committee and the Board of Directors, I would like to formally welcome Don and Adrian to their new positions," said Dan Daviau, President & CEO of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. "Both Don and Adrian have many years of experience within the organization and are deeply qualified to lead the Company's global financial and risk management operations in a manner that is consistent with our values and in alignment with our commitment to profitable growth with disciplined expense and risk management."

Don MacFayden has been a key member of the Group's internal and external financial and tax reporting teams for many years. He has also been a significant contributor to the firm's corporate development beginning with its initial public offering, subsequent acquisitions and other growth opportunities. He served as Chief Financial Officer of the firm's U.S. operations from 2007 to 2012 and in 2012, became Senior Vice President, Finance for Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. In 2016, he assumed the additional role of CFO of the firm's U.S. operations. Don received a Master of Business Administration from Queen's University and he is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a CFA Charterholder.

Adrian Pelosi joined the firm in 2007 and since 2008 has served in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility within the Group's Risk Management operations. From 2014 to 2016, he served as Senior Vice President and Head of Internal Audit and was made Group Treasurer in 2016. He has had Group Board reporting responsibilities since 2010. Adrian is a CFA Charterholder and a Certified FRM (Financial Risk Manager).

In addition to the appointments noted above, Nick Russell, Chief Financial Officer of Canaccord Genuity Limited, our UK & Europe capital markets subsidiary, will assume the additional role of Senior Vice President, Finance for Canaccord Genuity Group Inc.

All of these appointments follow the resignation of Brad Kotush Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Risk Officer, which was previously disclosed on November 1, 2016 and comes into effect today.

Mr. Daviau added, "I would like to thank Brad for ensuring that we've had a successful transition in these key roles. He has been a good partner and made significant contributions in building the firm's global platform over 19 years of dedicated service. On behalf of the Global Operating Committee and the Board, I wish Brad continued success in his future endeavours."

ABOUT CANACCORD GENUITY GROUP INC.:

Through its principal subsidiaries, Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (the "Company") is a leading independent, full-service financial services firm, with operations in two principal segments of the securities industry: wealth management and capital markets. Since its establishment in 1950, the Company has been driven by an unwavering commitment to building lasting client relationships. We achieve this by generating value for our individual, institutional and corporate clients through comprehensive investment solutions, brokerage services and investment banking services. The Company has offices in 10 countries worldwide, including Wealth Management offices located in Canada, the UK, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and Australia. Canaccord Genuity, the international capital markets division, operates in Canada, the US, the UK, France, Ireland, Hong Kong, China, Australia and Dubai. To us there are no foreign markets. 

Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. is publicly traded under the symbol CF on the TSX.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Christina Marinoff

Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications

Phone: +1-416-687-5507

email: christina.marinoff@canaccord.com



http://www.canaccordgenuitygroup.com



SOURCE Canaccord Genuity Group Inc.
TORONTO, February 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Excluding significant items, third quarter earnings per common share of $0.03[1]

(All dollar amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated)

During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. (Canaccord Genuity, the Company, TSX: CF) generated $208.1 million in revenue. Excluding significant items [1] , the Company recorded net income of $6.3 million or net income of $2.9 million attributable to common shareholders [2] (earnings per common share of $0.03). Including all expense items, on an IFRS basis, the Company recorded net income of $4.5 million or net income of $1.2 million attributable to common shareholders[2] (earnings per common share of $0.01).

The results for the quarter included certain non-recurring charges in the aggregate amount of $6.0 million related to costs associated with the rationalization of our office space in Toronto, costs associated with the transition of new investment advisors onto the Company's wealth management platform in Canada and charges in connection with the acceleration of certain stock-based awards and contractual compensation payments. These costs were recorded as general and administrative expenses in Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management (North America) ($0.7 million) and as premises and equipment and incentive compensation expenses in Corporate and Other ($5.3 million). These costs have not been excluded for purposes of calculating adjusted net income (referred to as net income excluding significant items[1]).

"While the long term impact of recent developments in the U.S. and UK remains to be seen, we are encouraged to see more investors putting capital to work in the growth sectors of the global economy, a development that has given us a positive near-term outlook for our business," said Dan Daviau, President & CEO of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. "As activity levels improved, we have maintained a strong focus on driving down overall expenses to enhance profitability across our operations. In addition, we have made meaningful progress to advance our global wealth management strategy which will further contribute to long-term earnings stability."

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2017 vs. Third Quarter of Fiscal 2016

Revenue of $208.1 million , an increase of 14.4% or $26.3 million from $181.8 million

, an increase of 14.4% or from Excluding significant items, expenses of $200.3 million , a decrease of 1.9% or $4.0 million from $204.2 million [ 1]

, a decrease of 1.9% or from Expenses of $202.4 million , a decrease of 62.0% or $330.1 million from $532.5 million [3 ]

, a decrease of 62.0% or from Excluding significant items, diluted earnings per common share (EPS) of $0.03 compared to a loss per common share of $0.25 [ 1]

compared to a loss per common share of Excluding significant items, net income of $6.3 million compared to a net loss of $19.1 million [ 1]

compared to a net loss of Net income of $4.5 million compared to a net loss of $346.4 million [ 3 ]

compared to a net loss of Diluted EPS of $0.01 compared to a loss per common share of $3.91 [3]

--------------------------------------------------

1. Figures excluding significant items are non-IFRS measures. See Non-IFRS measures on page 5.

2. Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders is calculated as the net income (loss) adjusted for non-controlling interests and preferred share dividends.

3. Expenses in Q3/16 included an impairment charge of $321 million related to goodwill and other assets.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2017 vs Second Quarter of Fiscal 2017

Revenue of $208.1 million , an increase of 7.5% or $14.5 million from $193.6 million

, an increase of 7.5% or from Excluding significant items, expenses of $200.3 million , an increase of 5.0% or $9.6 million from $190.7 million [ 1]

, an increase of 5.0% or from Expenses of $202.4 million , an increase of 5.0% or $9.6 million from $192.8 million

, an increase of 5.0% or from Excluding significant items, diluted EPS of $0.03 compared to a loss per common share of $0.03 [ 1]

compared to a loss per common share of Excluding significant items, net income of $6.3 million compared to net income of $2.0 million [ 1]

compared to net income of Net Income of $4.5 million compared to net income of $0.2 million

compared to net income of Diluted EPS of $0.01 compared to a loss per common share of $0.05

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2017 vs. Year-to-Date Fiscal 2016

(Nine months ended December 31, 2016 vs. Nine months ended December 31, 2015)

Excluding significant items, revenue of $606.7 million , an increase of 3.4% or $19.8 million from $586.9 million [ 1]

, an increase of 3.4% or from Excluding significant items, expenses of $584.9 million , a decrease of 0.8% or $4.7 million from $589.6 million [ 1]

, a decrease of 0.8% or from Revenue of $607.9 million , an increase of 3.6% or $21.0 million from $586.9 million

, an increase of 3.6% or from Expenses of $591.4 million , a decrease of 36.0% or $332.2 million from $923.6 million [ 3]

, a decrease of 36.0% or from Excluding significant items, diluted EPS of $0.05 compared to a loss per common share $0.15 [ 1]

compared to a loss per common share Excluding significant items, net income of $16.5 million compared to a net loss of $3.9 million [ 1]

compared to a net loss of Net income of $12.2 million compared to a net loss of $335.9 million [ 3]

compared to a net loss of Diluted EPS of $0.01 compared to a loss per common share of $3.78 [3]

Financial Condition at End of Third Quarter Fiscal 2017 vs. Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2016

Cash and cash equivalents balance of $470.2 million , an increase of $41.9 million from $428.3 million

, an increase of from Working capital of $455.9 million , an increase of $74.6 million from $381.3 million

, an increase of from Total shareholders' equity of $735.6 million , a decrease of $14.3 million from $749.9 million

, a decrease of from Book value per diluted common share of $4.85 , a decrease of $0.14 from $4.99 [4]

, a decrease of from On February 9, 2017 , the Board of Directors considered the Company's dividend policy in the context of the market environment and business activity and approved a continued suspension of the quarterly common dividend. This suspension will be reviewed quarterly and a determination made on the basis of business conditions and profitability.

, the Board of Directors considered the Company's dividend policy in the context of the market environment and business activity and approved a continued suspension of the quarterly common dividend. This suspension will be reviewed quarterly and a determination made on the basis of business conditions and profitability. On February 9, 2017 , the Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.24281 per Series A Preferred Share payable on March 31, 2017 with a record date of March 17, 2017 , and a cash dividend of $0.359375 per Series C Preferred Share payable on March 31, 2017 to Series C Preferred shareholders of record as at March 17, 2017 .

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

Corporate

On October 27, 2016 , the Company closed a private placement of convertible unsecured senior subordinated debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $60 million . The Company intends to use the net proceeds to finance growth in its wealth management business in Canada through the recruitment of Investment Advisors and for general corporate purposes. The debentures bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum, payable semi-annually on the last day of June and December each year commencing December 31, 2016 . The debentures are convertible at the holders' option into the Company's common shares at a conversion price of $6.50 per share. The debentures will mature on December 31, 2021 and may be redeemed by the Company, in certain circumstances, on or after December 31, 2019 .

, the Company closed a private placement of convertible unsecured senior subordinated debentures in the aggregate principal amount of . The Company intends to use the net proceeds to finance growth in its wealth management business in through the recruitment of Investment Advisors and for general corporate purposes. The debentures bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum, payable semi-annually on the last day of June and December each year commencing . The debentures are convertible at the holders' option into the Company's common shares at a conversion price of per share. The debentures will mature on and may be redeemed by the Company, in certain circumstances, on or after . On August 11, 2016 , Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. announced the filing of a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to purchase up to a maximum of 5,587,378 of its common shares in accordance with the requirements of the TSX through the facilities of the TSX and on alternative trading systems during the period from August 15, 2016 to August 14, 2017 . The purpose of any purchase under this program is to enable the Company to acquire shares for cancellation. The maximum number of shares that may be purchased represented 5.0% of the Company's outstanding common shares at the time of filing the NCIB. A total of 99,800 shares have been purchased and cancelled under the terms of the NCIB during the nine months ended December 31, 2016 .

--------------------------------------------------

4. See Non-IFRS Measures on page 5.

Capital Markets [5]

Canaccord Genuity participated in 84 investment banking transactions globally, raising total proceeds of C$10.8 billion [ 5] during fiscal Q3/17

during fiscal Q3/17 Canaccord Genuity led or co-led 24 transactions globally, raising total proceeds of C$762 million [ 5] during fiscal Q3/17

during fiscal Q3/17 Significant investment banking transactions for Canaccord Genuity during fiscal Q3/17 include: AUD$24.9 million for Doray Minerals Ltd. on the ASX 329.0 million block trade for Playtech plc on the LSE C$186.0 million block trade for a holder of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation on the TSX US$30.0 million for GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. on NASDAQ AUD$62.6 million for Cooper Energy Ltd. on the ASX 38.0 million for Rathbone Brothers plc on the LSE US$75.0 million IPO for Obalon Therapeutics, Inc. on NASDAQ C$66.5 million for InPlayOil Corp on the TSX C$29.0 million for Pro Real Estate Investment Trust on the TSXV C$40.3 million for Alterra Power Corp on the TSX US$322.0 million for Twilio Inc. on the NYSE US$123.0 million IPO for iRhythm Technologies, Inc. on NASDAQ US$172.5 million for Advanced Accelerator Applications S.A. on NASDAQ US$134.6 million IPO for AquaVenture Holdings Limited on the NYSE C$400.00 million IPO for Aritzia Inc. on the TSX US$40.0 million IPO for Everspin Technologies, Inc. on NASDAQ AUD$25.0 million IPO for Dreamscape Networks Limited on the ASX C$25.0 million for Aurora Cannabis Inc. on the TSXV C$20.0 million for iAnthus Capital Holdings Inc. on the CSE US$80.5 million for Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. on NASDAQ C$50.0 million for Supreme Pharmaceuticals Inc on the CSE US$16.5 million for Palatin Technologies on the NYSE MKT AUD$26.5 million for Dacian Gold Limited on the ASX C$60.0 million IPO for CanniMed Therapeutics Inc. on the TSX US$126.5 million IPO for Xencor, Inc. on NASDAQ US$35.7 million IPO for TiGenix on NASDAQ

In Canada , Canaccord Genuity participated in raising $233.7 million for government and corporate bond issuances during fiscal Q3/17

, Canaccord Genuity participated in raising for government and corporate bond issuances during fiscal Q3/17 Advisory fees recorded during fiscal Q3/17 were $17.1 million , a decrease of $21.8 million or 56.0% compared to the same quarter last year

, a decrease of or 56.0% compared to the same quarter last year During fiscal Q3/17, significant M&A and advisory transactions included: Kier Group plc on the 75 million sale of its infrastructure engineering and environmental consultancy business to WSP Global Inc. Catapult Environmental Inc. on its private equity sponsorship by ARC Financial Corp. TransGlobe Energy Corporation on its C$80 million Canadian Asset Acquisition Only About Children on the divestment of a majority stake to Bain Capital Private Equity PEMCO World Air Services, Inc. on its sale to Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, Inc. InPlay Oil Corp. on the reverse take-over transaction of TSX-listed Anderson Energy Inc., the closing of a C$47 million asset acquisition and raising C$70.3 million of gross subscription receipt proceeds. SynCardia Systems, Inc. on its sale to affiliates of Versa Capital Management, LLC pursuant to 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code Abenex Capital on the disposal of Vulcanic to Qualium ECI Partners on the acquisition of Edenhouse Flakt Woods on its disposal to Triton Partners



--------------------------------------------------

5. Transactions over $1.5 million. Internally sourced information.

Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management (Global)

Globally, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management generated $68.5 million in revenue during Q3/17

in revenue during Q3/17 Assets under administration in Canada and assets under management in the UK & Europe and Australia were $36.1 billion at the end of Q3/17[4], an increase of 5.0% or $1.7 billion at the end of the previous quarter and an increase of 5.1% or $1.7 billion at the end of fiscal Q3/16

Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management (North America)

Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management ( North America ) generated $32.8 million in revenue and, after intersegment allocations and before taxes, recorded a net loss of $0.5 million during Q3/17. As noted above, incremental costs associated with the transition of new investment advisors onto the Company's wealth management platform in the amount of $0.7 million were recorded during the quarter and are reflected in this net loss for the quarter.

) generated in revenue and, after intersegment allocations and before taxes, recorded a net loss of during Q3/17. As noted above, incremental costs associated with the transition of new investment advisors onto the Company's wealth management platform in the amount of were recorded during the quarter and are reflected in this net loss for the quarter. Assets under administration in North America were $12.0 billion as at December 31, 2016 , an increase of 15.8% from $10.3 billion at the end of the previous quarter and an increase of 32.5% from $9.0 billion at the end of fiscal Q3/16 [ 4]

were as at , an increase of 15.8% from at the end of the previous quarter and an increase of 32.5% from at the end of fiscal Q3/16 Assets under management in North America (discretionary) were $2.5 billion as at December 31 2016, an increase of 107.3% from $1.2 billion at the end of the previous quarter and an increase of 100.2% from $1.3 billion at the end of fiscal Q3/16 [ 4] (included in assets under administration)

(discretionary) were as at 2016, an increase of 107.3% from at the end of the previous quarter and an increase of 100.2% from at the end of fiscal Q3/16 (included in assets under administration) Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management had 139 Advisory Teams[6]end of fiscal Q3/17, unchanged from September 30, 2016 and a decrease of one team from December 31, 2015

--------------------------------------------------

6. Teams are normally comprised of one or more Investment Advisors (IAs) and their assistants and associates, who together manage a shared set of client accounts. Advisory Teams that are led by, or only include, an IA who has been licensed for less than three years are not included in our Advisory Team count, as it typically takes a new IA approximately three years to build an average-sized book of business.

Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management (UK & Europe)

Wealth management operations in the UK & Europe generated $34.5 million in revenue and, after intersegment allocations, and excluding significant items, recorded net income of $8.1 million before taxes during Q3/17 [ 1]

generated in revenue and, after intersegment allocations, and excluding significant items, recorded net income of before taxes during Q3/17 Assets under management (discretionary and non-discretionary) were $23.4 billion (14.1 billion) as at December 31, 2016 , an increase of 0.8% from $23.2 billion (13.6 billion) as at the end of the previous quarter and a decrease of 4.7% from $24.5 billion (11.9 billion) as at December 31, 2015 [4]. In local currency (GBP), assets under management at December 31, 2016 increased by 3.3% compared to September 30, 2016 and by 18.2% compared to Q3/16.

Non-IFRS Measures

The non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) measures presented include assets under administration, assets under management, book value per diluted common share and figures that exclude significant items. Significant items include restructuring costs, amortization of intangible assets acquired in connection with a business combination, impairment of goodwill and other assets and acquisition-related expense items, which include costs recognized in relation to both prospective and completed acquisitions, as well as gains or losses related to business disposals including recognition of realized translation gains on the disposal of foreign operations. Book value per diluted common share is calculated as total common shareholders' equity adjusted for assumed proceeds from the exercise of options and warrants and conversion of convertible debentures divided by the number of diluted common shares outstanding including estimated amounts in respect of share issuance commitments including options, warrants and convertible debentures, and, commencing in Q1/14, adjusted for shares purchased under the NCIB and not yet cancelled and estimated forfeitures in respect of unvested share awards under share-based payment plans.

Management believes that these non-IFRS measures will allow for a better evaluation of the operating performance of the Company's business and facilitate meaningful comparison of results in the current period to those in prior periods and future periods. Figures that exclude significant items provide useful information by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of the Company's core operating results. A limitation of utilizing these figures that exclude significant items is that the IFRS accounting effects of these items do in fact reflect the underlying financial results of the Company's business; thus, these effects should not be ignored in evaluating and analyzing the Company's financial results. Therefore, management believes that the Company's IFRS measures of financial performance and the respective non-IFRS measures should be considered together.

Selected financial information excluding significant items[1]

SOURCE Canaccord Genuity Group Inc.
CHENGDU, China, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 5, western China's Chengdu Hi-tech Zone released its economic development plan: by 2020, Chengdu Hi-tech Zone will have invested an accumulated RMB 5 billion (approximately USD 730 million) for its endeavor to attract talents from around the globe, while another RMB 10 billion will be newly added to augment the competitiveness of its scientific and technological innovation system.

Chengdu Hi-tech Zone has been regarded as one of the most "Silicon Valley-like" new hi-tech industry park in China. At the end of last year, the "J. Michael Bishop Institute of Cancer Research", named after the eponymous winner of Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine J. Michael Bishop, was officially founded in this area. As such, Chengdu Hi-tech Zone has genuinely attracted a total of four Nobel Prize laureates to set up research institutes here.

As China's fourth offshore overseas talents base, in 2016 Chengdu Hi-tech Zone established an offshore overseas talents innovation and entrepreneurship investment fund to explore the implementation of a "register in-area, incubate overseas, operate worldwide" offshore entrepreneurship model. And by the end of 2016, Chengdu Hi-tech Zone has assembled 102 members of the country's "thousand talents plan" and 286 members of Sichuan Province's "thousand talents plan", and attracted a total of 269,000 domestic and overseas high-level talents and talents in urgent need by various industries.

This RMB 5 billion fund dedicated for talents created by Chengdu Hi-tech Zone is planned to be used over the course of five years to attract 10,000 high-caliber innovation and entrepreneurship talents from around the world.

SOURCE Chengdu High-tech Industrial Development Zone
HELSINKI, Feb 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

A new Guide published online today gives recommendations on how to boost cancer control in Europe. The Guide is the result of a three-year effort by top experts in 25 countries and 126 partner organisations. They have been working together in an EU co-funded joint action, known as Cancon (officially titled European Guide on Quality Improvement in Comprehensive Cancer Control Guide).

- The quality improvement of cancer care is at the heart of the Cancon Guide. It will be reached by focusing on the patient's experience, care and health services organization, delivery and accessibility, says Tit Albreht, the coordinator of Cancon joint action.

The Guide's authors stress that besides saving money and time, effective cancer control increases quality of life. Currently some 2.6 million people in Europe are diagnosed with cancer annually. But more and more cancer patients are overcoming the disease. Therefore greater attention needs to be given to access to care, early diagnosis, rehabilitation, and survivorship.

- The good practice recommendations in the Guide strive to improve the national situations. The Guide is meant for decision-makers and cancer care professionals in Europe, explains Albreht.

The Guide includes a detailed survivorship care plan and evidence-based recommendations on cancer screening programmes for the member states of the European Union. This is the main outcome of the joint action.

The Guide will be officially launched at the Cancon Final conference, 14-15 February in Malta. The recommendations will be presented and discussed at the conference. This high-level conference includes a panel of European Health Ministers, and discussion on challenges in cancer policy at EU level.

- The implementation of these recommendations is the next step. We do not want the Guide to be just another book on the shelf, says Albreht.

Cancon is a joint action initiative, co-funded by participating institutes, organisations, universities and health care units, and the European Union. It started in 2014 and will end on 23 February 2017. Besides Guide, the joint action will publish five policy papers on cancer.

Media contacts

Cancon Communications,

Satu Lipponen

Tel. +358-50-563-4558

Maarit Rautio

Tel. +358-40-549-1003,

Leena Vuorenmaa

Tel. +358-50-449-4607

More information:

- on Cancon Coordinator Tit Albreht, Tit.Albreht@nijz.si, tel. + 386 41 565 567

- on Cancon Guide Marc Van den Bulcke, Marc.VandenBulcke@wiv-isp.be, tel. +32 2 642 57 60

- Cancon Dissemination leader Sakari Karjalainen, sakari.karjalainen@cancer.fi, tel +358 400 818 910

- Guide will be published at www.cancercontrol.eu/guide-landing-page

- Twitter @EU_CanCon, #Cancon, #CanconGuide

- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cancon2014

- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/cancon

- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eu_cancon/

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/cancon-joint-action/r/effective-cancer-control-saves-lives--money-and-time---quality-in-the-core,c2185015

The following files are available for download:

http://news.cision.com/cancon-joint-action/i/eu-flag-and-co-funded-by-health-programme-web,c2073456 EU flag and co-funded by health programme web

Related Links

http://www.cancercontrol.eu/guide-landing-page



SOURCE Cancon joint action
DUBAI, UAE, February 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and their children, HH Sheikha Al Jalila Bint Mohammed Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, today donated 28 million Jordanian Dinars (approx. US$ 40 million) in memory of HM the Late King Hussein Bin Talal and HM the late Queen Alia Al Hussein.

HM King Hussein passed away on the 7th of February 1999, and HM Queen Alia passed away on the 9th of February, 1977.

Tkiyet Um Ali was originally the idea of HM the Late Queen Alia Al Hussein more than 40 years ago; she had worked on the idea shortly before her death. In 2003, HRH Princess Haya, who had the original concept documents, established Tkiyet Um Ali, the first non-governmental organization to provide sustainable food support by serving hot meals and distributing food parcels, in addition to providing humanitarian food aid to Jordan's underprivileged.

Tkiyet Um Ali seeks to realise a hunger free Jordan through the provision of sustainable food assistance to families living in extreme poverty. In May 2013, Tkiyet Um Ali launched a project to eradicate hunger to provide families living in extreme poverty with sustainable food assistance. Currently, Tkiyet Um Ali feeds 18,000 households that have been identified as families who live below the hunger and poverty line.

"The donation comes at a time where food insecurity in Jordan has tripled following the Syrian Refugee Crisis," stated HRH Princess Haya, Chairperson of Tkiyet Um Ali. "We conducted recent field studies that indicate that today around 30,000 Jordanian families are food insecure, reinforcing the urgent need to reach an additional 10,000 households."

As Tkiyet Um Ali aims to cover these 30,000 families across the Kingdom, HRH Princess Haya has assigned a task force headed by her brother, HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, and HE Hussein Al Majali and Mr. Zaid Al Hamdan, to oversee the ramp up and ensure any necessary logistical help required on an official basis.

"This year marks 18 years since the passing of HM the Late King Hussein Bin Talal and 40 years since the passing of HM the Late Queen Alia Al Hussein who, above all, were people who cared about humanity," stated HRH Princess Haya. "There is no more fitting way to celebrate their lives and continue their legacies by doing something they would have done themselves."

Tkiyet Um Ali is named after Her Majesty Queen Alia ('um Ali') and is inspired by an Islamic concept of providing food for the poor while demonstrating social responsibility towards those less privileged. HM Queen Alia was fondly named in Jordan as the 'mother of the poor'.

SOURCE Office of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein
NEW YORK, February 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Growing applications in various downstream industries and increasing demand for benzene derivatives for manufacturing of various chemicals to drive demand for benzene in India through 2025

According to recently published TechSci Research report "India Benzene Market Study, 2011 - 2025", benzene market in India is forecast to cross USD1.5 billion by 2025. Rising demand for benzene derivatives and robust expanding manufacturing sector are major factors driving demand for benzene in India. Benzene derivative are used for production of number of chemicals, plastic, pharmaceutical, dyes & pigments, rubber and pesticides. Moreover, growing population, thriving economy, rising urbanization and increasing government initiatives to promote growth of industrial sector are further anticipated to boost demand for benzene in India through 2025.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140117/663730 )



Plastic industry is one of the major demand generators for benzene derivatives in the country. During 2011-2015, India plastic industry exhibited a CAGR of 13% in value terms, as the industry garnered a total revenue of around USD 20.78 billion in 2015. Moreover, the industry is anticipated to grow at a much higher rate during 2016-2025, which is expected to positively impact demand for benzene in the country during the forecast period. Reliance Industries Limited, IOCL, Haldia and BPCL are the leading companies operating in India benzene market. Furthermore, RIL and IOCL are highest producers of benzene in India, and these companies accounted for a production capacities of 720000 TPA and 125000 TPA, respectively in 2015. Thus, increasing the production capacities for benzene by various leading players in the market is anticipated to significantly influence demand for benzene in India through 2025.

"Ethylbenzene end use industry dominated India Benzene market in 2015, owing to increasing production of various downstream chemicals, as these chemicals are extensively used in automotive and construction sector, coupled with rising application in packaging industry and manufacturing of styrene. Moreover, growing utilization of various benzene derivatives in production of rubber, paint & coatings, etc., are further forecast to propel demand for benzene in India through 2025." said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director, with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm.

"India Benzene Market Study, 2011 - 2025" has analyzed the potential of benzene market in India and provides statistics and information on market sizes, shares and trends. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers and key challenges faced by India benzene market.

About TechSci Research

TechSci Research is a leading global market research firm publishing premium market research reports. Serving 700 global clients with more than 600 premium market research studies, TechSci Research is serving clients across 11 different industrial verticals. TechSci Research specializes in research based consulting assignments in high growth and emerging markets, leading technologies and niche applications. Our workforce of more than 100 fulltime Analysts and Consultants employing innovative research solutions and tracking global and country specific high growth markets helps TechSci clients to lead rather than follow market trends.



Contact

Mr. Ken Mathews

708 Third Avenue,

Manhattan, NY,

New York - 10017

Tel: +1-646-360-1656

Email: sales@techsciresearch.com



Connect with us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/TechSciResearch

Connect with us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsci-research

SOURCE TechSci Research
TOKYO, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. will showcase its range of original fashion shoes at "theMICAM," the leading international footwear fair, held between February 12 and 15, 2017, at Fiera Milano in the town of Rho in Milan, Italy.

(Image: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M102762/201702098685/_prw_PI1fl_G452stG9.JPG)

Isetan Mitsukoshi's flagship store, Isetan Shinjuku Main Store, is regarded by many as the "Fashion Museum of the World." At theMICAM, Isetan Mitsukoshi will present its original line of shoes that were developed at the Shinjuku store. The shoes are both fashionable and functional, and since their introduction, they have been among the best-selling products at Isetan Shinjuku's ladies' footwear section, attracting a loyal following. After leaving an indelible impression at Paris Premiere Classe in January and theMICAM in September last year, Isetan Mitsukoshi is back again at Fiera Milano for the second time. Out of 600 SKUs from the 2017 autumn/winter collection that were designed for sales in Japan, 120 that are suited for the international market will be showcased.

From this year, Isetan Mitsukoshi's original domestic shoe brand "NUMBER TWENTY-ONE" will carry a new trademark of "NT BY ISETAN MITSUKOSHI" for the international market.

Original press release (English):

http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M102762/201702098685/_prw_PA2fl_a8dYjF3r.pdf

1. NT BY ISETAN MITSUKOSHI's exhibition details at theMICAM

- Dates: Sunday, February 12 - Wednesday, February 15

- Venue: Fiera Milano in Rho, Milan (Italy)

- Booth location: International Designers' Booth

NT's shoes are created under the concept of "valuable products that make you feel uplifted" and its lineup consists of shoes that are trendsetting today, easy to wear, and made from premium quality materials.

What sets NT BY ISETAN MITSUKOSHI apart

(1) We collaborate with various Japanese creators: those who are active globally as well as young up-and-coming creators based in Tokyo. We plan to showcase hip and functional shoes designed in collaboration with FACETASM, CINOH and doublet.

(2) A bigger range of customizable shoes

The customizable shoe range (co-created with fashion brand newneu.) proved to be a hit since its introduction at Premiere Classe in 2016. At the upcoming theMICAM, a wider range of customizable products including bags and accessories will be unveiled.

(3) NT "Cinderella" shoes & bags

A brand-new product line inspired by the fairy tale Cinderella by the Brothers Grimm is now available from NT. These products contain motifs such as glass slippers, pearls and fur that represent the iconic story.

2. About our participation at Premiere Classe

Isetan Mitsukoshi for the first time displayed the "Isetan Shoes" line at Premiere Classe -- an exhibition of accessories and other miscellaneous goods held in Paris, France, from January 22, 2016.

Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1zda-xPzlc

Related link: http://www.imhds.co.jp/english/depakachi/

Related Links

http://www.imhds.co.jp/english



SOURCE Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.
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STOCKHOLM, Feb 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

In preparation for the Electrolux Annual General Meeting on March 23, the Electrolux Nomination Committee proposes the election of Kai Warn as new Board Member. The committee also proposes re-election of all current Board Members; Ronnie Leten (Chairman), Petra Hedengran, Hasse Johansson, Ulla Litzen, Bert Nordberg, Fredrik Persson, David Porter, Jonas Samuelson and Ulrika Saxon.

Kai Warn is President and CEO of Husqvarna AB. He is also a Board Member in Husqvarna AB. He has previously been Operations Partner at IK Investment Partners Norden AB, President and CEO of Seco Tools AB and held various positions within ABB. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Kai Warn, born 1959, is a Swedish citizen.

The Electrolux Nomination Committee comprises Johan Forssell (Chairman), Investor AB, Marianne Nilsson, Swedbank Robur funds, Kaj Thoren, Alecta, and John Hernander, Nordea Investment Funds. The committee also includes Ronnie Leten and Fredrik Persson, Chairman and Member, respectively, of the Electrolux Board.

For further information, please contact :

Electrolux Press Hotline,

Tel: +46-8-657-65-07.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/electrolux/r/kai-warn-proposed-new-board-member-of-ab-electrolux,c2184884

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Electrolux
LONDON, February 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The Montreux Natural Resources fund was the world's second-best performing hedge fund, according to international analyst firm Preqin Research.

The Cayman Islands-domiciled fund, managed by Montreux Capital Management Cayman, has returned 142% over the last 12 months, and was driven by the surging gold price and the performance of assets in which the fund invested.

The Montreux Natural Resources fund ranked second for net return during 2016 out of 14,500 hedge funds assessed, in the Preqin Global Hedge Fund Report, 2017.

The $32m fund, which generates returns through a range of commodity-related transactions, has during the last 16 months purchased mining interests in Tanzania, east Africa, and a refinery in Guinea, west Africa, at the bottom of the commodity super cycle as other participants were looking to exit.



Once the mines are in full production they are expected to produce large quantities of gold on a weekly basis and at between $450 and $600 per ounce, so providing the fund with a share of the mines' operating profits.



"The spectacular performance of the Montreux Natural Resources Fund over the last 12 months has coincided with the resurgence in the gold sector, and validates the investment management decisions we have made for the fund, making it one of the stand out performers in the commodity sector both last year and stretching into this year," said Oliver Harris, managing partner of Montreux Capital Management Cayman.



"The gold mines in Africa could produce over $40 million in cash per year.



"A listed miner recently bought a mine within five miles of the fund's Tanzania mines for a significant sum because of the amount of metal discovered within the ground.



"Moreover, the Guinea refining capacity owned by the fund should enhance investor return yet further."



Montreux Natural Resources was listed by the 2017 Preqin Global Hedge Fund Report as a "Top Performing Hedge Fund", and also a 2016 top-performing "Macro Strategies Fund", "Europe-Based Hedge Fund", "Activist Fund", "Discretionary Trading Fund", and "Hedge Funds, January 2014 - December 2016"





For more information contact Piers Sword, Montreux Capital Management Tel: +44(0)208-873-0217, or Adam James, Springup PR Agency , Tel: +44(0)203-6370091.



SOURCE Montreux Capital Management
OSLO, Norway, Feb 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

In accordance with the financial calendar, NextGenTel Holding ASA will present the Q4 2016 financial results on Wednesday 15 February 2017 at 09:00. The presentation will take place at Thon Hotel Vika Atrium, Oslo.

Contact:

Tom Nttveit

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

E-mail: tom.nottveit@nextgentel.com

Tel: (+47) 4153-9714

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/nextgentel-holding-asa/r/invitation-to-q4-2016-financial-results-presentation,c2185246

SOURCE NextGenTel Holding ASA
LONDON, February 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Leading global news portal One News Page today announces its suitability to help internet citizens protect themselves from misinformation through so-called 'fake news'.

With the phenomenon of 'fake news' having gathered steam during the past twelve months - where readers of online news are finding that the lines between recognising genuine, researched news pieces and fabricated stories are beginning to blur - online news portal One News Page today announces that it will continue to be the premier source for legitimate news stories from established, trusted media outlets.

As the 'fake news' epidemic continues to spread on social media and to the extent that the UK government have recently announced an enquiry into the phenomenon, it is important that web users find an outlet for genuine stories that they can rely upon.

One News Page continues to be a reliable resource for discovering news coverage from a variety of different established media sources, each individually verified as trustworthy outlets. Fake news coverage is unlikely to appear on One News Page both thanks to the site's trusted source policy and the fact that false stories will share little in the way of parallels with stories from trustworthy outlets.

"The phenomenon of fake news is taking the internet by storm and online users must take responsibility to verify whether a headline is fake or based on real facts," comments Dr. Marc Pinter-Krainer, founder and CEO of One News Page. "By offering a 360-degree view of trusted media sources' coverage of any news event, One News Page is ideally suited for that verification."

One News Page is a news portal that provides story comparisons between multiple outlets on any given major event - in addition to this, it is a website that continues to index articles and videos into their thousands on a daily basis, with around 50,000 new articles and videos added to its extensive archive each day. The website also recently underwent upgrades to make it arguably one of the fastest news portals on the internet, offering quick access to legitimate news through a mobile-friendly interface.

For anyone hoping to avoid fake news in both social media and in mass media (online or otherwise), One News Page will continue to be a portal to follow and trust.

One News Page is free to browse and allows its readers to take advantage of its comprehensive repository of over 100 million different news resources from scores of reputable and authoritative sources and journalists. Offering written digests, original content and video news for readers to access and consume at their leisure, One News Page is continuing to tap into the news aggregation market by making it easier and quicker to access with each update.

One News Page was founded in 2008 and services markets in the English, German and Spanish languages across Europe, America, Asia and Australasia. In 2016 it served over 20 million users accessing its news portal websites.

For further information, please visit http://www.onenewspage.com/

About One News Page Ltd

One News Page Ltd is a British media firm which runs a family of news portal websites across the globe. The sites feature original news coverage and syndicated news content including news videos from major trusted news sources.

The One News Page portal is arguably the fastest-access news portal in the world. It provides users with a powerful search engine of more than 100 million news resources, allowing them to discover and locate relevant news coverage easily. Users are referred to the source website directly by clicking on a corresponding link.

Optional free member registration provides access to news archives and live news alerts by email.

Access to all One News Page sites is free of charge.

One News Page Sites:

 Global  http://www.onenewspage.com (English Language)



 United States  http://www.onenewspage.us (English Language)



 United Kingdom  http://www.onenewspage.co.uk (English Language)



 Australia  http://www.onenewspage.com.au (English Language)



 India  http://www.newsr.in (English Language)



 German-language  http://www.newsdeutschland.com



 Spanish-language  http://www.paginanoticias.com



Enquiries / Media Contact

One News Page Ltd

Dr Marc Pinter-Krainer

Founder & CEO

Email: marc@onenewspage.com

Tel: +44 (0) 208 1333 700

http://www.onenewspage.com/



SOURCE One News Page Ltd
LA PLAINE SAINT-DENIS, France, February 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Showroomprive, an innovative European player in the online private sales industry, specialized in fashion, will publish its results for the fiscal year 2016,

ON FEBRUARY 27TH 2017 AFTER TRADING HOURS

A release will be posted on Showroomprive's corporate website: http://www.showroomprivegroup.com

An analyst and investor conference call (in English) will also be hosted on February 27th 2017 from 6:30 pm (Paris time). Journalists will only be able to listen to the conference.

Speakers:

David Dayan Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer Thierry Petit , Deputy Chief Executive

, Deputy Chief Executive Nicolas Woussen, Chief Financial Officer

Dial-in to listen to the conference LIVE

From France : +33 (0)1 76 77 22 74

: +33 (0)1 76 77 22 74 From the UK: +44 (0)330 336 9105

Access code: 1087287

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151124/290566LOGO )



This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire.

SOURCE showroomprive.com
WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- McCurdy Auction, LLC presents the rare opportunity to purchase the 877,288 square foot, former Amazon distribution facility in Coffeyville, Kansas. The facility, which sits on 105.01+/- acres adjacent to the Coffeyville Municipal Airport, is being offered via a sealed bid auction running from February 9, 2017 to Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

"This is a unique facility that is ready for a new venture," Braden McCurdy, CEO of McCurdy Auction said. "There are incredible incentive opportunities at the city, county, and state level for the new owner."

Divided into four spaces, the original structure was built in 1978 and includes two warehouse spaces and an administrative office space. In 1999, an additional 374,400 square foot warehouse was added to accommodate additional distribution needs.

"Not only are there incentive opportunities; the facility is strategically situated, with easy access to regional and national transportation networks," McCurdy said. "In addition to the airport directly east of the property, the facility is located on US Highway 169 and Watco Railroad [short-line operators of the Southern Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad] has lines running out of the industrial park  providing direct connections to the Port of Catoosa."

The warehouse was formerly utilized as an Amazon Fulfillment Center and has been unoccupied since the spring of 2015. The original facility was built-to-suit as a distribution center for Golden Books in 1978.

The property will be sold through sealed-bid auction. Pursuant to court order, this property is selling to the highest bidder. The bid submission deadline is March 15, 2017 at 12:00 noon (CST).

More information on the property, the Coffeyville area, potential incentives, and the terms and conditions for bidding, are available at McCurdyAuction.com/Kansas as part of McCurdy's national property marketing campaign.

About McCurdy Auction, LLC

McCurdy Auction, LLC is a full-time regional and multi-state auction firm that has conducted more than 15,000 successful auctions and typically conducts more than 500 auctions annually. They specialize in real estate with licensed real estate brokers and auctioneers in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Contact:

Braden McCurdy

[email protected]

(316) 683-0612

Related Images

image1.jpg

image2.jpg

image3.jpg

image4.jpg

Related Links

McCurdy Auction Website

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n5x4zYsX3c

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE McCurdy Auction, LLC
In its decision, the appeals court panel backed an earlier decision by a federal district court judge in Washington State that put President Trump's national security order affecting seven countries that harbor terrorists on hold.

"This decision is disappointing and clearly puts our nation in grave danger," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ. "The fact is that President Trump clearly has the constitutional and statutory authority to issue this order. It is clear: radical Islamic terrorists are at war with America. President Trump's order is a proper and constitutional way to protect America."

In its amicus brief filed with the federal appeals court, the ACLJ argued that President Trump's Executive Order is not only necessary, but constitutional as well.

"The directives contained in the President's Executive Order are closely tethered to discretionary powers vested in the Executive Branch by the Constitution and Congress and clearly fall within the President's well-established constitutional and statutory authority," the brief contends.

"If the Trump Administration appeals this decision to the Supreme Court of the United States, we will file an amicus brief with the high court. Our position is clear: We contend that President Trump acted lawfully and constitutionally," said Sekulow.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), focusing on constitutional law, is based in Washington, D.C. and is online at www.aclj.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

For Print: Gene Kapp (757) 575-9520

For Broadcast: Alison Geist or Anna Hutsell (770) 813-0000

SOURCE American Center for Law and Justice

Related Links

http://www.aclj.org


CHICAGO, Feb. 10. 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago-based non-profit The Abolition Institute, profiled by CNN for its work honoring the legacy of the "Land of Lincoln" by fighting modern day slavery in the West African nation of Mauritania. Called Slavery's Last Stronghold by global media, Mauritania did not criminalize slavery until 2007  and its weak laws against the practice are seldom enforced. Slavery in Mauritania is race and descent based and exists in a form chillingly similar to that which existed in the United States prior to the Civil War. Women and children suffer the most from its brutality. The Abolition Institute exists to end it.

All (19) of Chicagoland's diverse bar associations: 7th Circuit Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association, Black Women Lawyers Association, Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Council of Lawyers, Chinese American Bar Association, Cook County Bar Association, Decalogue Society of Lawyers, Filipino American Lawyers Association, Hellenic Bar Association, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, Illinois Judicial Council, Illinois State Bar Association, International Human Rights Law Institute, Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, Muslim Bar Association of Chicago, National Bar Association, Puerto Rican Bar Association, Women's Bar Association of Illinois.

Latham & Watkins LLP, a global law firm and one of the largest providers of pro bono legal services in the world. Among Latham's many efforts is working to end modern-day slavery, and lawyers and staff from around the firm proudly partner with a number of organizations who share this goal as well as advise individual clients who have been affected by trafficking.

WHAT:

Will honor and welcome to Chicago two of the world's most acclaimed anti-slavery leaders: Biram Abeid and Brahim Randhame of Mauritania. Both won the 2016 "Heroes Fighting Modern Slavery Award" from the U.S. State Department, an honor presented by U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker and Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Biram Abeid has also received the United Nations Human Rights Prize, an honor previously given to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, President Jimmy Carter and Nelson Mandela.

At this free reception, over 150 leaders from the legal and philanthropic community will learn firsthand about slavery in Mauritania and the struggle of these two heroes for freedom.

WHEN: 5:30 PM on Monday, February 13

WHERE: Latham & Watkins Conference Center at 330 N. Wabash #2800

WHY: The home of Presidents Lincoln and Grant as well as thousands of brave abolitionists, Illinois has a unique legacy in the fight against slavery must be carried on until the practice is abolished worldwide.

NOTE TO MEDIA: The Abolition Institute is happy to arrange media interviews with participants and the event is open to the media; however all attendees should register their names at www.StoppingSlavery.org/Lincoln as per building security.

For more information contact:

Sean Tenner, Abolition Institute / [email protected] / (312) 576-8822

Sarah Beckley, Latham & Watkins / [email protected] / (312) 876-6503

SOURCE The Abolition Institute

Related Links

http://www.stoppingslavery.org/


ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Last year, the Aitkin Lion's Club contributed nearly $53,000 from its charitable gaming operations to improve the community. But the funds raised for the community paled in comparison to the Lions' tax bill -- $110,790 to the state, more than twice the amount of money raised for its core mission. The Knights of Columbus Council 4147 in Albertville fared a bit better, paying just slightly more in taxes ($97,998) than it had for charitable contributions ($87,092). But to even reach that level, the Knights had to generate more than $2.4 million in gross receipts from its charitable gaming operations.

These scenarios are happening in charitable organizations throughout Minnesota. Increasingly, the high tax burden imposed on charitable gaming is overwhelming the ability of the organizations to do what they were created to accomplishsupport their charitable missions.

The charitable groups are asking the state legislature for fair treatment for their charitable contributions.

Al Lund, executive director of Allied Charities of Minnesota recently told the House of Representatives Commerce Committee that the proposed legislation, the Community Vitality Investment Act (HF 226 and SF 419) would accomplish three things:

Bring fairness to how charitable gaming is taxed.

The Community Vitality Investment Act will eliminate taxes on the donations charitable gaming organizations make to their missions and the communities they serve. By eliminating the taxes on donations, the tax code will recognize charitable gaming as an important part of Minnesota's vitality, just as it does for charitable contributions from individuals and corporations. Allow charities to do even more for the communities they serve.

An organization raising funds to purchase an $80,000 ambulance has to raise up to $108,000 because the extra $28,000 needs to be paid to the state in taxes on that donation. With the Community Vitality Investment Act, the extra $28,000 would be available for other community needs. It could be used to purchase additional lifesaving equipment, renovate a park, or give more kids the chance to participate in sports. Charitable gaming would still generate enough taxes for Minnesota to deliver on its most important commitments.

Government should be encouraging people in their efforts to help others, not discouraging those efforts and punishing them for trying to do more.

The bill was approved by the Commerce Committee and now moves to the Tax Committee.

SOURCE Allied Charities of Minnesota
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- https://www.cpsc.gov/content/ann-marie-buerkle-elevated-to-serve-as-acting-chairman-of-us-consumer-product-safety

Ann Marie Buerkle, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June 2013 to serve as a Commissioner at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), was named Acting Chairman of the agency on February 9, 2017.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead CPSC as Acting Chairman as the agency transitions under a new Administration," said Ms. Buerkle.

"I thank Elliot Kaye for his service as our Chairman. His contributions to our agency and to safety, especially in the area of brain safety in youth sports, have been invaluable. I appreciate his friendship and support and I am so pleased he will continue to serve on the Commission. I look forward to continuing to work with him, as well as Commissioners Robert Adler, Marietta Robinson, and Joseph Mohorovic, in executing CPSC's mission," added Ms. Buerkle.

"While we are experiencing a change in leadership, CPSC's mission remains the same and I look forward to continuing to work closely with all stakeholders in my new position," said Ms. Buerkle. "The work we do at CPSC is so important and we are a far better agency when we collaborate and recognize the contributions of everyone who wants to help us advance our mission."

"I will work to enhance relationships so that CPSC can leverage the knowledge, insight, and expertise of the entire consumer product safety community. We are all consumers and what we do at CPSC impacts the lives and livelihoods of all Americans. If we take a thoughtful, collaborative approach, we will impact the culture of product safety in a positive and meaningful way."

Prior to joining the CPSC, Ms. Buerkle represented Upstate New York's 25th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. During her time in Congress, Ms. Buerkle served on the Oversight & Government Reform, Foreign Affairs, and Veterans' Affairs Committees. She served as Chair of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health. While in Congress, Ms. Buerkle was also appointed by President Obama to serve as a United States Representative to the 66th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

While in Congress, Ms. Buerkle strived to work across party lines on policies that would improve the nation's economy, reduce wasteful government spending, provide tax relief to the middle class, and ensure veterans had access to the resources and care that they earned.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Ms. Buerkle was appointed, in 1997 by then Attorney General Dennis Vacco, as an Assistant New York State Attorney General representing the State of New York on behalf of Upstate Medical University, a role she held for 13 years.

Ms. Buerkle graduated from St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1972 and in 1977 she graduated from Le Moyne College with a Bachelor of Science Degree. In 1991, Ms. Buerkle attended Syracuse University College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1994.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Buerkle has six grown children and seventeen grandchildren.

About U.S. CPSC:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals  contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.

CPSC Consumer Information Hotline

Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:

800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)

Times: 8 a.m.  5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime

Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.

Media Contact

Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests.

Phone: 301-504-7908

Spanish: 301-504-7800

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Related Links

http://www.cpsc.gov


JEWELL  Kimberly Sue Olson, 57, of Jewell and formerly of Mason City, died Feb. 7, 2017, of a sudden illness.

She is survived by her mother, Alice (Skjeie) Olson of Mason City, her sister Cheryl Hansen (Brian) of Ocoee, Florida, her sister Debbie Hegland (Mitch) of Jewell, three nieces, two nephews, and one great-niece. She was preceded in death by her brother, Douglas Olson, and by her father, Lloyd Whitey Olson.

Kim was born in Forest City, Iowa, on Aug. 23, 1959, and grew up in Mason City. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1977 and attended Iowa State University. She was a 25-year employee of Ames Eye Clinic and Des Moines Eye Care, most recently as Office Manager. She attended Community Church of Kamrar, and was a lifelong Girl Scout  serving as a leader for 17 years.

To those who knew her, Kim was a persistent positive presence and quick to laugh. She also was easy to talk to and showed strong instincts for kindness to others. Throughout her life she remained deeply involved with her family, and devoted to her work. At her request, no formal services will be scheduled.

Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is caring for the family. Remembrances may be made in care of Kims family, who will direct the proceeds to charitable causes of concern to her.

Write a personal tribute for the family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com.
Application Unanimously Approved by Governance Committee

TROMS, Norway, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- One month after applying to be an Arctic Economic Council (AEC) Northern Partner, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation's (ASRC) application has been unanimously approved. This makes ASRC the first organization in the Arctic with such a designation. There are various levels of membership at the AEC.

"This is an important milestone for the Arctic Economic Council, and I'm honored to be to able call ASRC our partner," said Tara Sweeney, AEC chair. "Engaging with the AEC gives businesses the opportunity to access both local and indigenous knowledge. ASRC has been doing business in the Arctic for more than 40 years and has grown into the largest locally-owned and operated company in Alaska. I'm pleased to see the organization continuing to look for additional opportunities within the region."

The application was reviewed by the AEC executive committee before being approved by governance committee members. Larger businesses with their headquarters located within an Arctic state may apply to join the AEC family as a Northern Partner. The AEC's full member representation includes a diverse collection of business industries that operate in and outside of the region.

The AEC was established by the Arctic Council during the 2013-2015 Canadian chairmanship as an independent organization aimed at facilitating Arctic business-to-business activities and responsible economic development.

ABOUT THE AEC

The AEC is a business forum established to facilitate Arctic business-to-business activities, promote responsible economic development and provide a circumpolar business perspective to the work of the Arctic Council. AEC represents a wide network of businesses pan-Arctic and across business sectors. The inaugural meeting was held in September 2014 in Iqaluit, Nunavut Canada. It has a 42-member board from eight Arctic states and six permanent participant organizations. Finland will assume the chairmanship from the U.S. in 2017.

CONTACT: Anu Fredrikson

Director, AEC Secretariat

Phone: 0047 917 29 006

[email protected]

SOURCE Arctic Economic Council

Related Links

http://www.arcticecononmiccouncil.com


WELLESLEY, Mass., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Carolina Pina--entrepreneur, advisor, and philanthropist, has been named Director of Babson College's Women Innovating Now (WIN) Lab(r) Miami.

The WIN Lab(r), a groundbreaking accelerator program for women entrepreneurs, was originally launched by Massachusetts-based Babson College in 2013, and expanded to Florida in 2016.

Pina brings to the WIN Lab a breadth of expertise in supporting and advocating for high-potential entrepreneurs, and fostering lasting social impact.

"I am thrilled to be joining WIN Lab Miami and helping local women entrepreneurs grow sustainable ventures," said Carolina Pina. "I look forward to working with Babson College and the entire WIN Lab team to make an impact on Miami's entrepreneurial ecosystem."

Pina is the former Director of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management Miami Campus. In 2015, she founded Ignitus, a consulting practice that helps organizations implement social impact initiatives. Her most recent accomplishment was leading the RiseUp AS ONE concert in San Diego, California for Fusion Media Group.

Originally from Venezuela, Pina is an activist on important causes related to her home country, women's empowerment, and equality. She is also an advocate for social and high-impact entrepreneurs and is actively involved in supporting Miami's emerging startup community. Pina holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Florida International University, an MBA from Rice University's Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management, and Executive Scholars in Leadership and Management from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. She is also highly regarded for her support of many charitable efforts, including her leadership roles with the New World Symphony, the Miami Film Festival, and the Lung Transplant Foundation.

"Carolina brings both great managerial talent and passion for women's entrepreneurship to this role," said Babson WIN Lab Global Director Heatherjean MacNeil. "She has a strong vision for WIN Lab Miami and is dedicated to building an ecosystem where women founders thrive."

The new WIN Lab Miami has been made possible by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, FedEx, and Akerman LLP.

Recent WIN Lab Miami Events, Programming, and Collaborations

WIN Lab Hosts Launch Party in Miami

WIN Lab Joins CIC Miami, Collaborates with The LAB Miami

Women Entrepreneurs Selected for New WIN Lab in Miami

WIN Lab Miami Hosts First Demo Night

Babson College Hosts First Miami Rocket Pitch; WIN Lab Miami Participants (WINners) Take $18,000 in Cash Prizes

About the Women Innovating Now (WIN) Lab at Babson

Created by the Center for Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership (CWEL) at Babson College, Women Innovating Now (WIN) Lab provides women entrepreneurs with an inspiring community and a rigorous, experiential process that catalyzes innovative thinking and enables them to successfully launch or transform businesses.

Now in its fourth year, WIN Lab has been designated as one of the top two specialty programs for Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship; earned BostInno's designation as one of Boston's "50 on Fire" innovators and visionaries; and was honored by the prestigious Rosoff Awards for diversity.

About Babson College

Babson College is the educator, convener, and thought leader of Entrepreneurship of All Kinds(r). The top-ranked college for entrepreneurship education, Babson is a dynamic living and learning laboratory where students, faculty, and staff work together to address the real-world problems of business and society. We prepare the entrepreneurial leaders our world needs most: those with strong functional knowledge and the skills and vision to navigate change, accommodate ambiguity, surmount complexity, and motivate teams in a common purpose to make a difference in the world, and have an impact on organizations of all sizes and types. As we have for nearly a half-century, Babson continues to advance Entrepreneurial Thought & Action(r) as the most positive force on the planet for generating sustainable economic and social value. Visit www.babson.edu

CONTACT: Michael Chmura, 781-239-4549, [email protected]

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE Babson College

Related Links

http://www.babson.edu


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Catered Fit, one of the nation's premier Fresh Meal Delivery Companies, has completed the acquisition of Serving the Soul's highly prized customer list. Serving the Soul is an 8 year old South Florida Meal Delivery Company, located in Miami, Florida. Joshua Pardue, CFO of Catered Fit worked closely with Serving the Soul's founder and CEO, Marcos Quijano, in structuring the transaction. This transaction is significant as South Florida has seen a noticeable increase in the demand for daily fresh meal delivery service, and that has given rise to a number of smaller operations trying to capture market share. However, before opening their doors, many of these entrepreneurs lack the appreciation for the complexities around logistics, quality, freshness, market expansion and pricing pressures. According to Mr. Pardue, "Catered Fit is particularly excited to migrate Serving the Soul's customers to our platform, as Marcos has built a strong brand and loyal client base that appreciate higher quality food and exceptional service  our trademarks."

Marcos Quijano is quoted, "We couldn't be more excited to migrate our customer base to Catered Fit. Catered Fit, over the past several years, has stood out as a leader in the meal delivery service vertical throughout Florida. Catered Fit does both the big and small things right, always putting their customers first whether it comes to using the freshest ingredients or investing in better communication channels. We are confident that the integration will be smooth and seamless." Mr. Quijano will stay on with Catered Fit past the transition to head its South Florida Corporate Sales activities. "We welcome the history and industry knowledge Mr. Quijano brings to table and are thrilled with the opportunity to be able to offer his members the benefits of the Catered Fit member platform," commented Adam Friden, Founder and CEO of Catered Fit.

About Catered Fit

Catered Fit (CF) is one of the nation's leading fresh meal delivery services involving nightly delivery of fresh healthy prepared foods. The company was founded in 2010 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, by Adam Friden, and is currently located in its new state of the art facility at 5150 State Road 7, Ft. Lauderdale, FL serving Tampa, Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach and other Central and South Florida Markets. Catered Fit expanded to the west coast with a recent entrance into Los Angeles, California and is currently in discussions with potential partners and investors to further national expansion to other major markets, so "We're in the kitchen, so you do not have to be." To find out more, visit www.CateredFit.com.

Contact: Joshua Pardue

Catered Fit Corp.

646.634.0888

[email protected]

SOURCE Catered Fit

Related Links

http://cateredfit.com


DENVER, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) hosted its Annual Scientific Conference February 2-3 in Beaver Creek, Colo. The key topics at the conference included lab technology, patient satisfaction, and ongoing and upcoming research.

"CCRM's Annual Scientific Conference is an opportunity for all of our network physicians and researchers to collaborate and share industry best practices," said CCRM Founder William Schoolcraft, M.D.

Representation from all ten CCRM locations were in attendance, including CCRM's new locations in Boston, Northern Virginia and San Francisco. The three new clinics are expected to open this summer.

"We could not be more proud of the success of our physician partners and staff. Dr. Schoolcraft has done an outstanding job of assembling a world class team of clinical, research and embryology talent. Great people all around," said CCRM CEO Jon Pardew.

CCRM

Founded in 1987 by Dr. William Schoolcraft, the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) is one of the nation's leading infertility treatment centers, providing a wide spectrum of infertility treatments ranging from basic infertility care to advanced in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology. CCRM has locations in Colorado, Atlanta, Houston, Minneapolis, New York, Orange County and Toronto, Canada. Locations in Boston, Northern Virginia and San Francisco are slated to open summer 2017. Dr. Schoolcraft and his colleagues achieve some of the highest pregnancy rates in the country. CCRM has been ranked "The #1 Fertility Center in the U.S. with the Greatest Chance of Success" by Child.com. To learn more, visit www.ccrmivf.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contacts:

Katie Trexler Kern, Evolution Communications Agency

303.941.4118 or [email protected]

Sarah Stavros, CCRM Management Company

303.761.0579 or [email protected]

SOURCE CCRM

Related Links

http://www.ccrmivf.com


CALGARY, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Mr. Keith Creel, Canadian Pacific's (TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP) President and Chief Executive Officer, will address the Barclays Industrial Select Conference on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 10:55 a.m. eastern time in Miami Beach, Florida.

CP will provide access to a live audio webcast of Mr. Creel's remarks in the Investors section of its website, www.cpr.ca. A replay will also be available following the conclusion of the event.

About Canadian Pacific

Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of CP.

SOURCE Canadian Pacific

Related Links

http://www.cpr.ca


"We are pleased to offer more options for travelers who want to experience Cuba," said John Caldwell, Delta Vacations president. "Our guided experiences offer them the opportunity to engage in meaningful, educational exchanges with Cuban people with the assistance of a local guide."

Travelers can choose a guided experience to Havana and Varadero spanning eight days and seven nights or a shorter option of six days and five nights in Havana. Each experience will allow travelers to immerse themselves in the culture with activities around the country that include visits to historical sites like the El Morro Castle, Old Havana, Vinales and Finca La Vigia, Ernest Hemingway's home. With these activities, participants will also have the opportunity to converse and interact with locals. For example, a Cuba history scholar will provide Cuba's perspective on the Spanish American War of 1898 while walking the grounds of El Morro Castle. Also, a local guide will explain the history and architecture during a walking tour of Old Havana. The tours include accommodations, most meals, all educational exchange activities, ground transportation and an English-speaking guide to navigate travelers throughout the trip.

By booking a package with Delta Vacations, customers will receive 1,000 bonus miles in addition to the credited flown miles for flight and hotel packages to Cuba through the SkyMiles program. Travel packages to Cuba can only be booked by phone through the Delta Vacations Customer Engagement Center at 1-800-800-1504. For more information, visit http://delta.com/cuba-travelpackages.

About Delta Vacations  Delta Vacations, the official travel packages provider of Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), offers travel agents convenient, one-stop shopping for packages that bundle flights aboard Delta and its strategic partners  Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, KLM and Virgin Atlantic - with stays at more than 4,000 hotels and resorts in more than 280 of the world's top leisure destinations. Delta Vacations also offers rental cars and hundreds of exciting activities, tours and excursions that can be added to packages. Delta Vacations has earned numerous industry awards including Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. Delta Vacations is managed by MLT Vacations, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. For more information, visit http://www.delta.com/vacations or follow Delta Vacations on Twitter and Instagram @deltavacations.

SOURCE Delta Vacations

Related Links

http://www.delta.com/vacations


SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Western Governors University announced today that Dr. Richard Cummins, who has served as President of Columbia Basin College since 2008, will lead WGU Washington as Chancellor, effective April 10. Cummins succeeds former WGU Washington Chancellor Jean Floten, who retired last month.

While at Columbia Basin College (CBC), Cummins led the development of a number of programs, including bachelor's degrees, that expanded access to higher education programs in the Tri-Cities area. He worked closely with other community college leaders in the state to develop and implement competency-based courses and programs based on the WGU model.

"Rich Cummins is well known in Washington as a higher education innovator who has leveraged data to improve student success," said WGU President Scott D. Pulsipher. "His ability to build partnerships that benefit students, graduates, and the community will enable WGU Washington to continue its growth and success throughout the state."

Cummins joined CBC as a faculty member in 1990. During his time at CBC, he served as dean, vice president of instruction, executive vice president, and acting president before being appointed president in 2008. In addition, Cummins has been a Commissioner for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 2014. He earned a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

WGU Washington, established by the State Legislature in 2011, now has 10,000 students and more than 7,600 graduates. State-endorsed and nonprofit, the online, competency-based university offers more than 60 bachelor's and master's degrees in business, information technology, K-12 teacher education, and health professions, including nursing.

About WGU

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 77,000 students nationwide and has more than 75,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In less than 20 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

Follow WGU:

http://www.facebook.com/wgu.edu

http://www.linkedin.com/companies/western-governors-university

http://twitter.com/wgu

http://www.youtube.com/WesternGovernorsUniv

http://google.com/+wgu

http://news.wgu.edu/news/news.xml

Contact for media inquiries:

Joan Mitchell  VP of Public Relations

801-428-5463

[email protected]

Contact for enrollment information:

866-225-5948

wgu.edu

SOURCE Western Governors University

Related Links

http://www.wgu.edu


The LAV III Upgrade program delivers vehicles in the new LAV 6.0 configuration. It is the direct result of lessons learned by the Canadian Army in Afghanistan, and was developed with substantial inputs from the Government of Canada. The upgrades include the life-saving double-V hull, protection and mobility enhancements, onboard vetronics and capacity for future growth and modularity.

"We are committed to delivering highly protected, flexible and capable vehicles to our soldiers and the LAV 6.0 provides the Canadian Army with best-in-class protection and mobility," said Danny Deep, vice president of General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. "This announcement is welcome news to the London area and to our suppliers across Canada whose jobs will be sustained with this additional work."

In October 2011, the Government of Canada awarded General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada a CA$1.064 billion contract to incorporate a comprehensive upgrade package into 550 of the Canadian Army's fleet of LAV III combat vehicles and extends their life to 2035.

This contract sustains approximately 250 highly skilled jobs in advanced manufacturing in the London, Ontario, region. In addition, it will be of direct economic benefit to General Dynamics' extensive supplier network located across Canada.

General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is a defence industry leader in land and amphibious systems development and integration. Based in London, Ontario, the Canadian operations employs more than 2,000 people in the design, manufacture and support of light- and medium-armoured vehicles, and are specialists in machining, materials, electronics, software development, prototyping, logistics support and systems integration. For more information, please visit www.gdlscanada.com.

For more information about General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), please visit www.gd.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada

Related Links

http://www.gdlscanada.com/index.php


DENVER, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Diego Pellicer, a global brand by Diego Pellicer Worldwide, LLC (OTCMKTS: DPWW), focused on the development and leasing of valuable locations for cannabis businesses, announces the grand opening of their Denver-based dispensary tenant, Diego Pellicer - Colorado, on Tuesday, February 14th. The dispensary will open at the former site of VIP Cannabis, a dispensary that was raided in November of 2013 as part of the largest-ever federal raid against Colorado's medical marijuana industry. The opening comes on the heels of the confirmation of Jeff Sessions as Attorney General of the United States.

Diego Pellicer - Colorado's location will open this Tuesday, with the ribbon cutting taking place at 9am MST. Located at 2949 W. Alameda Ave. in Denver, the $1 million dispensary will provide thousands of Denver residents with access to cannabis in an upscale, high-end location.

The building was formerly owned by VIP Cannabis, which was targeted by federal raids on suspicion of funneling money from Colombia to purchase a large warehouse for growing cannabis.

Diego Pellicer - Colorado's CEO, Neil Demers, commented, "We couldn't be more excited to open this dispensary. The cannabis industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, and we're extremely grateful to have the opportunity to help build Colorado's statewide industry. We're confident that state-specific administrations will continue to support the cannabis industry as the legitimate, profitable, and innovative space that it is."

Diego Pellicer Worldwide, Inc. is a global company focused on the acquisition and development of legally compliant locations for the purpose of leasing to licensed operators engaged in the cannabis business. The organization profits from the lease payments of real estate holdings and from the sale of branded, non-cannabis products. Learn more at https://diego-pellicer.com/

Diego Pellicer - Colorado is an independent brand licensee based out of Denver, CO focused on owning and operating legally compliant dispensary and grow operations. Learn more at https://co.diego-pellicer.com/

CONTACT:

Ethan Andersen

[email protected]

732-207-6771

SOURCE Diego Pellicer Worldwide, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.diegopellicer.com


CLEAR LAKE | One person was injured Friday morning when an SUV collided with a semi hauling an empty anhydrous ammonia tanker in Clear Lake.

The driver of the 2015 Chevy Tahoe, Karen Rayhons, of Ventura, was transported to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Clear Lake Fire Department.

The fire department was dispatched at 6:28 a.m. to Highway 122 eastbound and Intersate 35 northbound off ramp for the collision.

The driver of the 2015 Mac truck, Dennis Debettignies, of Sheffield, was not injured. The truck is owned by Landus Cooperative of Farnhamville.

The department responded with a rescue truck, one engine company, an ambulance, 14 firefighters and two medics.

The accident remains under investigation.

 Mary Pieper
NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilco Streambank (www.hilcostreambank.com) has been retained, subject to Court approval, to market and sell the intellectual property assets of The Wet Seal, LLC. ("Wet Seal"). Included in the sale are trademarks, domain names, customer databases, and the e-commerce platform (www.wetseal.com). The assets are being sold pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code in Wet Seal's Chapter 11 case pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The proposed bid deadline is February 28, 2017 at 5:00 PM (ET).

The Wet Seal brand promises to be the first and last word for casual and young contemporary apparel inspired by Southern California effortlessly chic and laid back party culture. At its height, Wet Seal, operated over 500 stores in 48 states, building tremendous brand awareness. Recently, the chain has re-tooled to a smaller 170 store footprint and leveraged its broad awareness through its online store: www.wetseal.com. The company has engaged Hilco Streambank, a market-leading intellectual property advisory firm to sell the brand and related IP assets including its ongoing ecommerce platform.

"The Southern California style epitomized by Wet Seal's continues to resonate with its strong customer base," said Hilco Streambank EVP  David Peress. "The Wet Seal ecommerce platform and IP asset portfolio provides the opportunity to reach this customer through multiple digital and store based channels," Mr. Peress added.

Parties interested in learning more about the Wet Seal intellectual property assets, the sale process and other bidding requirements should contact Hilco Streambank directly using the contact information provided below.

About Hilco Streambank

Hilco Streambank is a market leading advisory firm specializing in intellectual property disposition and valuation. Hilco Streambank has completed numerous sell-side transactions including sales in publicly reported Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, private transactions, and online sales through HilcoDomains.com and IPv4Auctions.com, Hilco Streambank is part of Northbrook, Illinois based Hilco Global (www.hilcoglobal.com), a worldwide financial services company and leader in helping companies maximize the value of their assets.

David Peress Executive Vice President Hilco Streambank (781) 471-1239 [email protected] Jack Hazan Executive Vice President Hilco Streambank (212) 610-5663 [email protected] Dmitriy Chemlin Director Hilco Streambank (212) 610-5642 [email protected]

SOURCE Hilco Streambank

Related Links

http://www.hilcostreambank.com


MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) today has announced Monday, April 24, 2017 as the date for its 2017 Annual Shareowners Meeting, to be held at 10:30 a.m. EDT at the company's headquarters in Morris Plains, New Jersey. Shareowners of record at the close of business on Friday, February 24, 2017 will be entitled to vote at the 2017 Annual Shareowners Meeting.

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

Contacts:

Media Investor Relations Robert C. Ferris Mark Macaluso (973) 455-3388 (973) 455-2222 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Honeywell

Related Links

http://www.honeywell.com


TOKYO, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. will showcase its range of original fashion shoes at "theMICAM," the leading international footwear fair, held between February 12 and 15, 2017, at Fiera Milano in the town of Rho in Milan, Italy.

(Image: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M102762/201702098685/_prw_PI1fl_G452stG9.JPG)

Isetan Mitsukoshi's flagship store, Isetan Shinjuku Main Store, is regarded by many as the "Fashion Museum of the World." At theMICAM, Isetan Mitsukoshi will present its original line of shoes that were developed at the Shinjuku store. The shoes are both fashionable and functional, and since their introduction, they have been among the best-selling products at Isetan Shinjuku's ladies' footwear section, attracting a loyal following. After leaving an indelible impression at Paris Premiere Classe in January and theMICAM in September last year, Isetan Mitsukoshi is back again at Fiera Milano for the second time. Out of 600 SKUs from the 2017 autumn/winter collection that were designed for sales in Japan, 120 that are suited for the international market will be showcased.

From this year, Isetan Mitsukoshi's original domestic shoe brand "NUMBER TWENTY-ONE" will carry a new trademark of "NT BY ISETAN MITSUKOSHI" for the international market.

Original press release (English):

http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M102762/201702098685/_prw_PA2fl_a8dYjF3r.pdf

1. NT BY ISETAN MITSUKOSHI's exhibition details at theMICAM

- Dates: Sunday, February 12 - Wednesday, February 15

- Venue: Fiera Milano in Rho, Milan (Italy)

- Booth location: International Designers' Booth

NT's shoes are created under the concept of "valuable products that make you feel uplifted" and its lineup consists of shoes that are trendsetting today, easy to wear, and made from premium quality materials.

What sets NT BY ISETAN MITSUKOSHI apart

(1) We collaborate with various Japanese creators: those who are active globally as well as young up-and-coming creators based in Tokyo. We plan to showcase hip and functional shoes designed in collaboration with FACETASM, CINOH and doublet.

(2) A bigger range of customizable shoes

The customizable shoe range (co-created with fashion brand newneu.) proved to be a hit since its introduction at Premiere Classe in 2016. At the upcoming theMICAM, a wider range of customizable products including bags and accessories will be unveiled.

(3) NT "Cinderella" shoes & bags

A brand-new product line inspired by the fairy tale Cinderella by the Brothers Grimm is now available from NT. These products contain motifs such as glass slippers, pearls and fur that represent the iconic story.

2. About our participation at Premiere Classe

Isetan Mitsukoshi for the first time displayed the "Isetan Shoes" line at Premiere Classe -- an exhibition of accessories and other miscellaneous goods held in Paris, France, from January 22, 2016.

Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1zda-xPzlc

Related link: http://www.imhds.co.jp/english/depakachi/

SOURCE Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.imhds.co.jp/english


- Store Specializing in Outstanding Japanese Products, Ideas and Services -

TOKYO, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "ISETAN The Japan Store Kuala Lumpur," the world's first Japanese lifestyle specialty store launched in Malaysia by Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. last autumn, is set to open five authentic Japanese restaurants at 11 a.m. on February 17, 2017.

The store was opened in collaboration with Cool Japan Fund on October 27, 2016. To cater for the increasing global interest in Japan, the store brings products and services that represent Japan's way of living to overseas customers. This store aims to be a go-to center, exposing people abroad to all aspects of Japan's rich history, culture, technology and diversity. ISETAN wishes to inspire the daily lives of its customers, starting with Malaysia before expanding its wings to other countries.

(Images: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201702088641/?images)

Floor Outline (Merchandise)

All of the shops on the six floors will feature high-quality product lineups from Japan and its regions. Over 200 brands being released for the first time will be on display and for sale.

- GF THE MUSEUM "Experience the ultimate Japan"

This floor expresses Japan's rich diversity, including fashion, art and technology.

- 1F THE STUDIO "Experience fashion live"

This floor conveys fashion culture and arranges information transmission space for fashion people from ASEAN countries.

- 2F THE ROOM "Experience grateful lifestyle"

This floor conveys beautiful, healthy Japanese lifestyles and ways of living through a lifestyle-shop presentation.

- 3F THE CUBE "Experience an inspiring culture"

On this floor, in the three zones of "feel," "know" and "create," visitors can experience Japanese culture that exhilarates both the mind and the body.

- 4F THE TABLE "Experience premium dining"

To deliver the taste of "washoku," this floor will bring together around six famous restaurants to serve foods such as general Japanese cuisine, sushi, yakitori, tonkatsu and yakiniku.

- LGF THE MARKET "Experience seasonal flavors"

This floor offers authentic Japanese flavors that convey the changing four seasons, whose beauty is expressed in "haiku," as well as new styles of food utilizing technology.

4F THE TABLE "Experience premium dining"

In 2013, Japan's symbolic traditional food culture, washoku (Japanese cuisine), was selected to be part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Since then, global demand for authentic washoku has been on the increase.

This February, ISETAN The Japan Store Kuala Lumpur is proud to present the opening of the Restaurant Floor. On February 17, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., five restaurants that let guests "experience premium dining" will be unveiled on the 4th floor of the store. Each restaurant is a renowned culinary establishment in its own right and will specialize in a different style of washoku: sushi, tonkatsu, yakiniku and other delights, prepared by Japanese chefs.

(*This restaurant floor will host a total of six restaurants; the sixth is experiencing some delay and will open at a later date).

With these restaurants, the store welcomes food lovers not only from Malaysia but from neighboring Asian countries as well. Given the store's prime location of Bukit Bintang, the Restaurant Floor looks forward to serving large tourist crowds. Through ISETAN The Japan Store Kuala Lumpur, we would like to share the "True Taste of Washoku."

- Number of restaurants: 6

- Total number of seats: 253

- Operating hours: 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

(last order time differs in each restaurant)

Restaurant Information:

Japanese hot pot: "TORIDEN" from Fukuoka (first outlet overseas)

Experience an evolution of flavors; from simple dishes to explosive taste fusion in chicken hot pot (Mizutaki). *This restaurant is non-halal.

- Number of seats: 70

- Average price: Lunch RM90/Dinner RM120

- Lunch 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m./Dinner 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Tonkatsu: "TONKATSU ANZU" from Fukuoka (first in Malaysia)

TONKATSU ANZU takes an artisanal approach to its cuisine. It uses premium-aged meat sourced from Kyushu and cooks ingredients with care to achieve delicious homemade-style meals. *This restaurant is non-halal.

- Number of seats: 40

- Average price: Lunch RM35/Dinner RM40

- Lunch 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m./Dinner 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Sushi: "SUSHI AZABU" from New York City (first in South East Asia)

SUSHI AZABU is a Michelin-starred sushi establishment from NYC, loved by New Yorkers and celebrities alike. It is now heading this way to Kuala Lumpur for the first time. *This restaurant is non-halal.

- Number of seats: 40

- Average price: Lunch RM145/Dinner RM145

- Lunch 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m./Dinner 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Dining, bar & cafe: "THE TOKYO RESTAURANT" from Tokyo (first outlet overseas)

Step into this new foodie haven and be enveloped in generous leather booths with a view of the kitchen. The spacious and stylish bar serves classic cocktails and selections of wine. THE TOKYO RESTAURANT is a definitive destination for contemporary flavors with essence of Tokyo.

*This restaurant is non-halal.

- Number of seats: 100

- Average price: Lunch RM25/Dinner RM40

- Operating hours: 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Yakiniku: "YAKINIKU TORAJI" from TOKYO (first in South East Asia)

What started in a small back street in Ebisu, a district within Shibuya, Tokyo, has now expanded to over 70 chains around the world. Now, Kuala Lumpur is added to the list of locations. *This restaurant is non-halal.

- Number of seats: 50

- Average price: Lunch RM35/Dinner RM50

- Lunch 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m./Dinner 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Store Information:

- Name: ISETAN The Japan Store KUALA LUMPUR

- Company: Isetan Cool Japan Department Store SDN. BHD.

- Location: LOT10, 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

- Size: Approx. 11,000 square meters

- Business hours: 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

- URL: http://thejapanstore.mistore.jp

A full press kit with PR materials can be downloaded from URL below:

http://www.image.net/isetanthejapanstoreopen

Please visit our website: http://www.imhds.co.jp/english/news_release/

SOURCE Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.imhds.co.jp/english


MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Judevine Center for Autism has expanded offices at the Craig Road location in order to make room for a new clinic for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Speech/Language Therapy (ST) services. The clinic, "Roots on Craig," includes designated areas for gross motor needs, sensory needs, reading, younger children structured play, and older client work and recreation stations. Additional rooms are available to provide for a more controlled environment, therapy observations, and assessments. Using this space and additional training rooms, Judevine Center for Autism also has immediate plans to re-establish the world renowned parent training program.

Entrance to Judevine's new clinic, Roots on Craig.

In October 2016, Judevine employees at 1810 Craig Road moved to newly renovated offices on- site. The original offices were reorganized with Roots on Craig housed in an adjacent suite with a separate entrance. Clinic Coordinator Monica Doerr, MS, CCC-SLP, RBT, and Director of ABA Services Sian Price, BS, BCaBA, LaBA lead the design and program development, under the direction of VP of Programs Lisa Goolsby, MS, BCBA, LBA, and President/Director Rebecca Blackwell, MS, BCBA, LBA, with assistance from Operations Manager Michelle Martin, Executive Administrator Karen Draeger and Insurance Specialist Ashley Bateman.

Founded in 1971 and reconfigured in 2009, Judevine currently provides a variety of services throughout Missouri. Services include ABA therapy, community integration, 17 individual supported living homes, consultation, social skills groups, speech therapy, employment training, parent training, and respite. Judevine Center for Autism is the premier provider of autism services around the state, with hubs in St. Louis County, Jefferson County, Springfield, Branson West, Joplin, Kirksville, and Hannibal.

President/Director Rebecca Blackwell, MS, BCBA, LBA, daughter of late Lois Judevine Blackwell, founder of Judevine Center for Autism, states that the opening of Roots on Craig is an exciting opportunity for Judevine Center for Autism to further meet the needs of individuals and families. "This clinic is another layer of support provided to families within the community. We are continuously evolving and looking for more ways to have a positive impact, and Roots on Craig embodies the dedication, and passion, our team has for our mission as we continue to grow."

Judevine has already used this increased space to continue to build and expand clinical services, including a winter seasonal therapy program, "Polar Pals" for school aged children. Roots on Craig will also be utilized for additional season programs, therapy services, and a renewal of training opportunities. The grand opening was Thursday, December 15th, with an open house, ribbon cutting ceremony, and tours of the updated facility. Please contact Monica Doerr at [email protected], 314-588-8986, with additional questions. Learn more, request services, or apply to join our team at www.judevine.org.

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This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Judevine Center for Autism

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ONTARIO, Calif., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 6, 2017, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Randall H. Warner issued an order denying Volkswagen's motion to dismiss the State of Arizona's claim for civil penalties arising from Volkswagen's, Audi's, and Porsche's false advertising of their diesel vehicles' emissions. The State of Arizona has alleged that Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche engaged in a massive false advertising campaign claiming that their diesel vehicles were clean, green, and environmental friendly. In reality, the emissions scandal has revealed that these vehicles were not clean, green, or environmentally friendly - a fact Volkswagen concealed by use of a testing "defeat device." Under Arizona's Consumer Fraud Act, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche are potentially liable for up to $10,000 for each false advertisement. Stephen Larson and Richard McCune issued a joint statement stating: "We are pleased with the Court's ruling, and look forward to being able to present our case in trial."

The State of Arizona is represented in the action by the State's Attorney General Office, and Outside Counsel Larson O'Brien, LLP, and McCune Wright Arevalo, LLP. The Court's order is available at

https://mccunewright.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/MTD-Order.pdf.

CONTACT: Jack Boren

McCune Wright Arevalo, LLP

Phone: 909.557.1250

SOURCE McCune Wright Arevalo, LLP
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Banc of California, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: BANC) today announced that W. Kirk Wycoff has been appointed to its Board of Directors as well as to the Board of Directors of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Banc of California, N.A. (the "Bank").

Mr. Wycoff will fill the director vacancy created by the retirement of Chad T. Brownstein on February 8, 2017. His term on the Board will expire at the Company's 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Mr. Wycoff's appointment to the Boards is expected to become effective February 16, 2017.

Mr. Wycoff is the founder and Managing Partner of Patriot Financial Partners, L.P., a Philadelphia-based private equity fund focused on investing in community banks and thrifts with assets between $500 million and $5 billion. The fund currently has $300 million in committed capital. Mr. Wycoff is a seasoned banking and financial services executive, having led Continental Bank from its formation through its first two years in the market; Bank of America in all of its banking activities in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware areas and through the merger of Progress Bank into Fleet Bank; and the turnaround and recapitalization of Progress Financial Corporation.

Robert D. Sznewajs, Chair of the Board, said, "We welcome Mr. Wycoff and his deep industry expertise to the Boards, and we know he will contribute substantially to our efforts to continue the growth of the Bank throughout California. With the addition of this independent director, our full Board will offer the deep breadth of financial, operational and banking industry expertise that will help guide the Company to even higher quality growth and performance."

Mr. Wycoff stated, "I am pleased to join the Boards of the Company and the Bank. Patriot Financial Partners has been an investor in Banc of California for over three years and we continue to believe the Company has an extraordinary opportunity to build a very successful community bank in the California markets it serves. As a long term community bank investor we recognize that it takes time and talent to build a strong and profitable community bank.

"Patriot and I support the Board's recent actions and look forward to working with the Boards to help management fulfill the promise of being California's Bank. As Patriot has always done with our portfolio companies, we will affirmatively support the collective wisdom of the Boards  including my independent views as a Director."

The Company recently announced a series of actions intended to enhance corporate governance practices and strengthen the independence and expertise of the Board.

"The actions announced recently are a testament to the Board's focus on ensuring we have the right expertise and oversight for the company and on our commitment to delivering stockholder value through strong governance," said Mr. Sznewajs.

About W. Kirk Wycoff

Mr. Wycoff is Managing Partner of Patriot Financial Partners, L.P., which he founded in 2007. The fund currently has committed capital of $300 million and maintains a long only, value oriented buy and hold strategy designed to provide growth capital to companies delivering positive financial returns that need additional equity to grow. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Continental Bank Holdings, a de novo community bank serving the Philadelphia metro market. He has also served as a Regional CEO for Bank of America and as Chairman, CEO and President of Progress Financial Corp. and Progress Bank.

Mr. Wycoff currently serves as a Director to Guaranty Bank and Guaranty Bancorp. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Heritage Bank of Commerce, Porter Bancorp, The Lincoln Center as Chairman of its Finance Committee, NewSpring Ventures-Fund I and NewSpring Mezzanine Fund.

He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration  Finance from Franklin & Marshall College in 1979.

About Banc of California, Inc.

Banc of California, Inc. (NYSE: BANC) provides comprehensive banking services to California's diverse businesses, entrepreneurs and communities. Banc of California operates over 100 offices in California and the West. The Company was recently recognized by Forbes for the second straight year as one of the 100 Best Banks in America for 2017.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "Safe-Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to various factors, including those set forth from time to time in the documents filed or furnished by Banc of California, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and Banc of California, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any such statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date on which the forward-looking statement is made.

Source: Banc of California, Inc.

Investor Relations Inquiries: Media Inquiries: Banc of California, Inc. Abernathy MacGregor Timothy Sedabres, (855) 361-2262 Ian Campbell / Joe Hixson / Kristin Cole, (213) 630-6550 [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE Banc of California, Inc.

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SEATTLE, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education have announced their third annual Institute designed to support LGBTQ leaders who are looking to advance within higher education. The Institute will take place in Seattle from June 23-25, 2017.

The Institute is designed for participants throughout higher education, including academic affairs, student affairs, finance, and development. Faculty, staff, and students are all welcome to learn about current issues in higher education affecting the LGBTQ community.

The conference co-hosts are Ana Mari Cauce, President of the University of Washington; Isiaah Crawford, President of the University of Puget Sound; Mac Powell, President of Bastyr University; and Timothy Stokes, President of South Puget Sound Community College.

"There are about 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States and fewer than 75 gay/lesbian presidents," says Powell. "Part of our mission is to build opportunities and capacities for LGBTQ leaders to contribute to higher education."

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray is scheduled to speak, with additional keynotes from Past President of NACUBO, Gregg Goldman, and Seattle Storm President Alisha Valavanis. There will be breakout sessions and discussion groups on topics ranging from leadership development to campus climate issues, as well as a women's panel discussion with current and former presidents.

The conference sponsors include Washington State University, Academic Search, Parker Executive Search, and Isaacson, Miller. Alaska Airlines is the travel sponsor for the Institute and O Wines is the beverage sponsor.

For more information please visit lgbtqpresidentinst17.org.

About LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education

Founded in 2010, the mission of LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education is to advance effective leadership in the realm of post-secondary education, supports professional development of LGBTQ leaders in that sector, and provides education and advocacy regarding LGBTQ issues within the global academy and for the public at large. From its original membership of nine presidents, the organization has grown to number over 70 current and retired presidents, chancellors, and senior officers in higher education institutions and systems.

SOURCE LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education

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NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Plaintiffs pursuing hip replacement lawsuits involving Stryker's LFIT Anatomic Cobalt Chromium V40 femoral heads have asked the Multi-County Litigation Center to consolidate the state's docket before a single judge in Bergen County Superior Court. According to a letter dated January 24th, 85 cases involving LFIT V40 femoral heads are already pending in Bergen County, all of which cite "recurrent legal issues of design defect, failure to warn, breach of warranty and possibly manufacturing defect." The letter also notes that the pace of filings has increased recently. In a Notice to the Bar dated February 6th, the Acting Administrative Director of the Courts asked anyone wishing to comment on or object to the application to do so in writing by March 6, 2017.

"Our Firm has heard from numerous Stryker hip lawsuit plaintiffs who experienced serious injuries allegedly related to failure of an LFIT V40 femoral head. The New Jersey litigation has the potential to be large, and may well benefit from Multi-county litigation designation," says Sandy A. Liebhard, a partner at Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationwide law firm representing victims of defective drugs and medical devices. The Firm is now offering free, no-obligation legal reviews to individuals who may have been harmed by Stryker's LFIT Anatomic Cobalt Chromium V40 femoral heads.

Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head Recall

Stryker's LFIT Anatomic Cobalt Chromium V40 femoral heads are used in combination with a number of the company modular hip implants, including:

Accolade TMZF

Accolade 2 Stems

Meridian Stems

Citation Stems

Last August, Stryker issued an "Urgent Medical Device Recall Notification," after certain LFIT V40 femoral heads had been associated with an unusually high number of complaints involving taper-lock failure. Should this occur, patients may experience:

Loss of mobility

Pain

Inflammation

Adverse local tissue reaction

Dislocation

Joint instability

Bone fractures around the components

Leg length discrepancy

Need for revision surgery

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) later designated Stryker's action a Class II recall, which indicates that the affected femoral heads may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.

Last month, plaintiffs pursuing similar Stryker hip lawsuits in federal courts filed a petition with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation seeking centralization of their claims in the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts. The January 13th petition noted that six such cases were already pending in federal courts around the country, and asserted that the litigation has the potential to include thousands of similar claims. Plaintiffs contend that centralization of the federal docket will "promote the just and efficient conduct of these actions." (In RE: Stryker Orthopaedics LFIT V40 Femoral Head Product Liability Litigation, MDL NO. 2768)

Compensation may be available to individuals who allegedly suffered pain, disability, and other complications resulting from the taper lock failure of a Stryker LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 Femoral Head. To learn more about filing a Stryker hip lawsuit, please visit Bernstein Liebhard LLP's website, or call 800-511-5092 to arrange for a free, no obligation case review.

About Bernstein Liebhard LLP

Bernstein Liebhard LLP is a New York-based law firm exclusively representing injured persons in complex individual and class action lawsuits nationwide since 1993. As a national law firm, Bernstein Liebhard LLP possesses all of the legal and financial resources required to successfully challenge billion dollar pharmaceutical and medical device companies. As a result, our attorneys and legal staff have been able to recover more than $3.5 billion on behalf of our clients. Bernstein Liebhard LLP is honored to once again be named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List," recognizing the top plaintiffs firms in the country. This year's nomination marks the thirteenth year the firm has been named to this prestigious annual list.

Bernstein Liebhard LLP

10 East 40th Street

New York, New York 10016

800-511-5092

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2017 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, 800-511-5092. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

Contact Information:

Sandy A. Liebhard, Esq.

Bernstein Liebhard LLP

info (at)consumerinjurylawyers(dot)com

http://www.rxinjuryhelp.com/

https://plus.google.com/115936073311125306742?rel=author

SOURCE Bernstein Liebhard LLP

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INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OneAmerica today announced a successful completion of the integration of BMO Financial Group's Milwaukee-based retirement division into the OneAmerica network, 16 months after the acquisition officially closed and nearly two months earlier than projected.

"Our goal was to deliver a best-in-class transition for our associates, clients and their employees while combining the forces of two historically great service-oriented companies," said Bill Yoerger, president of Retirement Services for OneAmerica. "Not only did we complete this task, we completed integration ahead of schedule, powered by 233 associates in Wisconsin who are ready to build on a legacy."

The integration, which culminated on Jan. 23, 2017 with a full network cutover, occurred 60 days ahead of the original 18-month timetable announced after the $26 billion acquisition, which took effect Oct. 1, 2015.

"Network cutover and integration represent a milestone accomplishment for us because we truly emphasized a team approach and best practices all along the way. We brought people together, working across functions and divisions," said Nicolas Lance, vice president of transformation for OneAmerica.

"Much of the synergy gained through this experience will be carried forward as the team transitions its focus on initiatives to unify and enhance our customer experience, competitiveness and systems," Lance said.

The integration team was a major enterprise initiative with migration details from small and big, from rebranding business cards, to new offices for associates.

As part of integration, in October OneAmerica opened a state-of-the-art participant call center in Wauwatosa, Wis. and in December launched a participant website that offers a user-friendly experience to help participants and plan sponsors manage their retirement accounts. Also, on Dec. 5, 2016, OneAmerica opened a new 35-associate Participant Service Center in Indianapolis.

Retirement ready? OneAmerica has resources for employer plan sponsors designed to improve participant retirement outcomes. Learn more at https://www.oneamerica.com/retirement-readiness

OneAmerica is the marketing name for the companies of OneAmerica.

Products issued and underwritten by American United Life Insurance Company (AUL), a OneAmerica company. Administrative and recordkeeping services provided by McCready and Keene, Inc. or OneAmerica Retirement Services LLC, companies of OneAmerica which are not broker/dealers or investment advisors.

About OneAmerica

A national leader in the insurance and financial services marketplace for 140 years, the companies of OneAmerica help customers build and protect their financial futures.

OneAmerica offers a variety of products and services to serve the financial needs of their policyholders and customers. These products include retirement plan products and recordkeeping services, individual life insurance, annuities, asset based long-term care solutions and employee benefit plan products.

Products are issued and underwritten by the companies of OneAmerica and distributed through a nationwide network of employees, agents, brokers and other sources that are committed to providing value to our customers.

To learn more about our products, services and the companies of OneAmerica, visit oneamerica.com/companies.

SOURCE OneAmerica

Related Links

https://www.oneamerica.com


SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/-- "In Your Right Mind," a weekly behavioral health radio program that features in-depth roundtable discussions of today's behavioral health headlines, is set to air an impactful show, "Love vs. Lust," on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. Pacific time on Talk Radio 790 AM KABC in Los Angeles. The broadcast will explore the difference between love and lust. The show is co-hosted by Program Producer Kristina Kuestner and Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Health, Dr. Tonmoy Sharma, who provides in-depth medical and clinical expertise.

One of Sunday's panelists is Sandra Langeslag, Ph.D., who obtained her Ph.D. in biological and cognitive psychology at the Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Her research focuses on the neurocognition of emotion and motivation. Another panelist is Terri Orbuch, Ph.D., who is known as The Love Doctor, is America's most trusted relationship expert. She is an author, speaker, therapist, professor at Oakland University, and research professor at University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research.

"Lust is when you're attracted or drawn to someone based solely on passion and sexual desire," says Dr. Orbuch. "These feelings or attractions are fueled by your sex hormones and they really motivate you to yearn long for that person. It is based on biology, or a primal drive, but we can interpret it based on where we are in society or culture."

For those who would like to follow the broadcast, the show will be available on demand at www.InYourRightMind.com. For questions, contact [email protected].

One factor that differentiates Sovereign Health from other treatment providers is its ability to offer separate mental health and addiction/dual diagnosis treatment programs at its facilities. For more information, visit www.sovhealth.com.

About "In Your Right Mind"

"In Your Right Mind" is a weekly behavioral health radio show that covers various topics each week, including mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and addiction/dual diagnosis disorders. Dr. Tonmoy Sharma and Kristina Kuestner are the hosts of the show. In addition, each program will feature guest speakers throughout the United States participating in a roundtable discussion about headlines in behavioral health. The mission of "In Your Right Mind" is to raise awareness about behavioral health issues that get people talking. The hour-long show airs every Sunday at 5 p.m. PST on Talk Radio 790 KABC Los Angeles. "In Your Right Mind" is produced in conjunction with Sovereign Health, a leading national provider of behavioral health treatment services. For more information, visit www.inyourrightmind.com.

SOURCE In Your Right Mind

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SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Up-and-coming German startup Shop.co announced today the acquisition of Zen Shopping. Shop.co uses Artificial Intelligence and advanced algorithms to give users a smart browser extension that provides one universal cart (that works on every shop in the US) to checkout everywhere, without registration or login, with just one click. With the acquisition of Zen Shopping, Shop.co continues to expand on the promise of giving shoppers one cart across the entire web and all their devices.

Jay Habib, Shop.co CEO The Shop.co Universal Cart dashboard

Jay Habib, CEO of Shop.co, said "Zen Shopping's mission of being a smart shopping assistant matches perfectly with our vision for shoppers. With this acquisition we are committed to providing a delightful experience across all e-commerce stores as well as across devices. We are so happy to welcome Zen Shopping users to our Shop.co family."

Zen Shopping launched during the holiday shopping season in 2014 and immediately tapped into strong demand among consumers who wanted to shop transparently and quickly across shops.

Antonio Marzo, CEO of Zen Shopping, said "We are delighted with this acquisition knowing that we share the same passion as Shop.co's founders; a commitment to a frictionless online shopping experience made it a no-brainer for us. We know our users will be well served with the Shop.co product."

Shop.co plans to release a new mobile app in the near future to expand the product line and to serve all users on mobile devices. Shop.co's chrome extension is available right now in the google store.

Kimberly Cabot, CPO of Shop.co, said "Our product roadmap is firmly centered around helping shoppers drive their shopping experience: letting them shop anywhere (on any site), at any time, on any device, without boundaries. Zen Shopping tapped into a very similar need, and we see a great opportunity to join forces to make shopping easier and more transparent."

About Shop.co

Shop.co was founded in 2014 in Germany, raising the most successful pre-launch seed funding in Europe. With offices in Dusseldorf and San Francisco, the company released the Shop.co extension in 2016 for the American market. Shop.co has raised $7 million seed pre-launch and is preparing for an upcoming post-launch Series A.

Learn more at www.shop.co.

About Zen Shopping

Zen Shopping developed a mobile app to simplify shopping and identify savings on online purchases. The app gained traction in the United States and has since accumulated a passionate following.

Contact

To learn more about shop.co please contact our media relations team via [email protected]

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SOURCE Shop.co

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NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TBWA\WorldHealth, a global healthcare communications network, announced the appointment of Brian Carr to the position of Chief Financial Officer.

With a career spanning more than 20 years, Carr brings a wealth of strategic and operational expertise to his new role. As a newly appointed member of TBWA\WorldHealth's executive leadership team, Carr will work in close partnership with other senior leaders and will report to Dennis Hoppe, Chief Financial Officer at Omnicom Health Group.

Brian's extensive understanding of agency management, client relationships, and profit- building strategies will ensure optimal financial outcomes for the agency and its clients, allowing them to capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities in the global marketplace.

"We are pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Carr as Chief Financial Officer at a time of strong network growth," said Robin Shapiro, Group President, TBWA\WorldHealth. "Brian's strong leadership and track record within TBWA will further fuel our global expansion and advance growth strategies for our clients."

"I am incredibly excited to join the leadership team here at TBWA\WorldHealth," said Carr. "I have appreciated from afar the incredible success they have achieved in a relatively short period of time as a network and the disruptive approach they bring to healthcare advertising. I look forward to contributing to that success moving forward, not just as a financial partner, but as a business partner to our clients, the leadership team, and our employees."

Most recently, Carr served as Chief Financial Officer for TBWA\Chiat\Day, New York. During his tenure, he was responsible for the agency's P&L, finance and accounting, and budgeting and forecasting, as well as directly leading negotiations for retainer and project-based fee proposals with the agency's major clients.

Carr first joined TBWA in 2004 as Associate Director of Finance, and in 2010, he was promoted to the position of Latin American Controller/Chief Financial Officer of TBWA Latin America. As part of his responsibilities at TBWA, he led significant aspects of due diligence and financial negotiations in the acquisition of TBWA's Brazilian agency and designed and implemented the financial structure of the agency's hub in Miami. Prior to joining TBWA, Carr earned financial leadership roles at Time Warner, KPMG LLP, and Arthur Andersen LLP.

About TBWA\WorldHealth

TBWA\WorldHealth, a global healthcare communications agency, leverages the power of disruption and media arts to create behavior-changing ideas. For more information, visit www.tbwaworldhealth.com.

About Omnicom Health Group

Omnicom Health Group (www.omnicomhealthgroup.com) is a global collective of communications companies with more than 3,200 dedicated healthcare communications specialists. It provides marketing services to the health and life-science industries through a combination of specialized agencies, customized client solutions, and collaborations with other Omnicom network agencies. Organized around four customer groupshealthcare professionals; patients; payers; and medical, evidence, and regulatory stakeholdersOmnicom Health Group serves more than 100 clients in over 55 offices worldwide.

About Omnicom Group Inc.

Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. Follow us on Twitter for the latest news.

SOURCE TBWA\WorldHealth
HAYWARD, Calif., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Who's Who recognizes Tricia Bruketta as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in recognition of her contributions to the Nonprofit field.

Bruketta is the President and Founder of Memory DayByDay, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that specializes in providing mentally and socially stimulating activities for people with early-onset dementia and their caregivers. The early-onset form of dementia usually begins before age 65.

The idea for Memory DayByDay began to form when her husband, Tom, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia while he was still medical director of a community mental health clinic in San Francisco.

She found there were no community programs for people with the younger form of dementia and decided that she would have to enlisted like-minded people to form such a program.

Bruketta has 30 years of experience as a nurse and almost 20 years as a geriatric nurse practitioner. With this experience, she offers memory screening to those concerned with memory problems. After being screened, they are given recommendations to take their regular medical provider to order the appropriate referrals and test to reach a diagnosis.

The website, www.memorydaybyday.org states: "There is a need for mental activities that match the social, intellectual and emotional level of people with early-onset dementia. Many people with this form of Alzheimer's dementia are still working, as is the caregiver. They want to be challenged and accepted for who they are right now."

Bruketta earned her Bachelor of Nursing Science degree from St. Louis University and a Master's degree in Nursing with a focus in Gerontology, from the University of California  San Francisco.

To further her professional development, Bruketta is a member of the GAPNA (Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association) and the NAPW (National Association of Professional Women). She also belongs to the Society of Sigma Theta Tau Society and the AAANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners).

Her hobbies include knitting, crocheting, counted cross-stitch, playing piano and accordion; which are shared activities with her mother, Donna Bruketta. She dedicates this recognition in loving memory of her husband, Tom Ryan and her father, Thomas Bruketta.

For more information, visit www.memorydaybyday.org.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who
NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dashlane, the leader in online identity and password management, proudly announces that it has joined FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance, a crossindustry coalition developing open, interoperable authentication standards that reduce reliance on passwords with authentication that is more secure, private, and easier to use. Dashlane shares Alliance's commitment to online security, and was the first password manager to support FIDO Universal Second Factor (U2F) standard.

According to Dashlane, the average user has over 100 accounts, making it practically impossible to remember every password. FIDO Alliance was formed to address the struggle with creating and remembering multiple usernames and passwords, and Dashlane answers its call. The award-winning password manager was the first to support FIDO authentication through the use of YubiKeys from Yubico.

"FIDO Alliance is changing the nature of password authentication with new industry protocols for strong authentication that Dashlane supports in both theory and practice," said Emmanuel Schalit, CEO, Dashlane. "Our users depend on us to keep them safe online, and joining FIDO Alliance reinforces our commitment to protecting them from modern hacking techniques and other evolving threats with industry-leading innovation and security technology."

"The FIDO Alliance welcomes our new associate member Dashlane and thanks them for their commitment to strong authentication in the interest of the online community. When a leading mass market credential management company like Dashlane joins the Alliance it sends a message to the rest of the market that FIDO is emerging as the consensus strong authentication standard for consumers as well as corporations, and desktops as well as mobile," said Brett McDowell, executive director of the FIDO Alliance.

About Dashlane

Dashlane makes identity and checkouts simple with its password manager and secure digital wallet app. Dashlane allows its users to securely manage passwords, credit cards, IDs, and other important information via advanced encryption and local storage.

Dashlane has helped over 6 million users in 150 countries manage and secure their digital identity. Dashlane Business is trusted by 6,000+ companies to create, enforce, and track effective access management, and features the only patented security architecture in the industry.

The app is available on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS, and has won critical acclaim from top publications, including: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

Dashlane was founded by Bernard Liautaud and co-founders Alexis Fogel, Guillaume Maron, and Jean Guillou. The company has offices in New York City and Paris and has received $52.5 million in funding from Rho Ventures, FirstMark Capital, and Bessemer Venture Partners. Learn more at Dashlane.com

SOURCE Dashlane

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LONDON, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer Research UK, the world's largest not-for-profit cancer research organization, has today announced that six leading U.S. scientists are among the winners of a global competition to help overcome the biggest challenges facing cancer research.

The initial $87 million 'Grand Challenge' fund will be distributed across four international teams that include academics from six prominent U.S. institutions including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Grand Challenge is unique in its approach to identifying and addressing critical issues through international, multidisciplinary team research on a scale never before undertaken in cancer. The initiative  established by the UK's leading cancer charity, Cancer Research UK  has been steered by a panel of world-leading researchers chaired by Dr. Rick Klausner, former director of the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

The projects funded by the award are set to revolutionize the understanding of cancer, and how to better prevent, diagnose and treat the disease globally. Teams will develop pioneering solutions to major challenges. Teams will:

Create a virtual reality 3D tumor map which will allow scientists and doctors to examine  for the first time and in unprecedented detail  the cellular and molecular make-up of a patient's entire tumor to improve diagnosis and treatment for the disease.

Study samples from five continents to understand the DNA damage associated with different cancers, to understand what causes them and if they can be prevented.

Distinguish between those women with DCIS (a condition that can develop into cancer) who need treatment and those that don't, to reduce overtreatment of the condition.

Develop a way to combine new and existing technologies to create virtual representations of tumors, and a global database that catalogues their genetic make-up and metabolism, which could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the disease.

While survival has improved, cancer remains the biggest killer in the U.S. after heart disease. Approximately two in every five U.S. adults will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their life. It is estimated that there will be more than 1.65 million new cancer cases in 2017 in the U.S. and more than 600,000 cancer deaths (around 4,600 new cases and 1,600 deaths daily)i.

Cancer Research UK has been a driving force in global cancer research for more than 100 years. The organization is the world's largest cancer research not-for-profit and the biggest independent funder of cancer research in the world. Cancer Research UK has funded seven Nobel Prize Winners and has contributed to the development of many cancer drugs globally, including Zytiga, a drug that has been prescribed to more than 80,000 men in the U.S. with advanced prostate cancer, and Temodal for the treatment of brain cancerii.

The organization also supported the discovery of key cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, an advancement that helped Angelina Jolie and thousands others to decide what action to take to reduce their risk of getting breast or ovarian canceriii. Cancer Research UK was one of the first international collaborators of former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's 'Cancer Moonshot' initiative.

Sir Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, said, "Cancer Research UK set up the Grand Challenge to bring a renewed focus and energy to the fight against cancer. We want to shine a light on the toughest questions that stand in the way of progress. We're incredibly excited to be able to support these teams as they help us achieve our ambition. Cancer is a global problem, and these projects are part of the global solution. Together, we will redefine cancer, turning it from a disease that so many people die from, to one that many people can live with. We will reduce the number of people worldwide affected by cancer and achieve our goal of beating cancer sooner."

Dr. Rick Klausner, chair of the Grand Challenge advisory panel and former director of the National Cancer Institute, said, "When we began the Grand Challenge we sought scientific adventurers  people willing to come together in new ways, to think differently, and bring novel approaches to answer the big questions in cancer. These unique teams have done just that. Cancer is a complex, and often brutal disease. Cancer Research UK's Grand Challenge is helping us change the way we to tackle it  bringing together different disciplines, ideas, and people on a global scale. We've got our sights set on the horizon of discovery, and I'm confident these Grand Challenge teams will lead to life-changing results."

NOTES TO EDITOR:

About the Grand Challenge U.S. based scientists

Research project  IMAXT: imaging and molecular annotation of xenografts and tumors

1. Professor Ed Boyden, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2. Professor Xiaowei Zhuang, Harvard University

Research project  Mutographs of Cancer: discovering the causes of cancer through mutational signatures

3. Dr. Ludmil B. Alexandrov, Los Alamos National Laboratory

4. Professor Allan Balmain, University of California San Francisco

Research project: Prevent Ductal Carcinoma in Situ Invasive Overtreatment (co-funded with the Dutch Cancer Society)

5. Professor Alastair Thompson, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center

6. Dr. Phillip Andrew Futreal, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center

About the Grand Challenge Award

The Grand Challenge is a pioneering new research grant facilitated by Cancer Research UK. It will dedicate $87 million to funding research teams to tackle a selection of the seven biggest cancer research challenges. These challenges are:

Develop vaccines to prevent non-viral cancers Eradicate EBV-induced cancers from the world Discover how unusual patterns of mutation are induced by different cancer-causing events Distinguish between lethal cancers that need treating, and non-lethal cancers that don't Find a way of mapping tumors at the molecular and cellular level Develop innovative approaches to target the cancer super-controller MYC Deliver biologically active macromolecules to any and all cells in the body

These seven challenges were identified by an international panel of independent researchers. It was convened by the charity over the course of a year and received input from the wider research community and patient groups.

Phase one of the Grand Challenge, (announced on February 10, 2017), will investigate three out of these seven challenges. CRUK intends to issue a set of new challenges in phase two, which will launch in summer 2017.

$87 million is adjusted from 71m at an exchange rate of 1GBP to 1.22USD.

Cancer Research UK the world's largest not-for-profit cancer research organization and the biggest independent funder of cancer research in the world; spending $4.3 billion on research over the last 10 years.

With over 80 partners worldwide, Cancer Research UK researchers work in collaboration with researchers in over 100 countries. The organization supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.

Visit cruk.org/grandchallenge for more information.

About Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.

Cancer Research UK's pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.

Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on voluntary financial donations.

Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last forty years.

Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK's ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer.

Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.

Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call +44(0)300 123 1022 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

References

iThe American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2017: www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2017/cancer-facts-and-figures-2017.pdf

iiwww.zytiga.com/choosing-zytiga/about-zytiga

iiihttp://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org/2016/09/12/crashing-cancers-backup-system-our-progress-so-far/

PRESS CONTACT: Mary Cunney

212.884.4038

[email protected]

SOURCE Cancer Research UK

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LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- West One Music Group is honored to announce their new relationship as supporters of the Guild of Music Supervisors. As a global music company working extensively with music supervisors around the world, and since opening offices in New York and Los Angeles, West One Music Group have seen firsthand the important role the Guild of Music Supervisors has to play in the support and development of the music supervision community.

Since being established in 2002, West One Music Group have worked closely with the finest artists and composers; passionately creating music to serve the evolving needs of music supervisors working across the whole spectrum of modern media. The Guild of Music Supervisors works to represent the music supervision community and support their development in a creative and professional capacity. This support is why it is so important for the company to support the Guild says Edwin Cox, President, and Creative Director:

"Despite being established in London in 2002, we're relatively new players in the US. We have been producing music here for years, many of our composers and artists are based here, and we are building a great American team to extend the creative culture that exists at our London headquarters. Now we're settled in, supporting the Guild of Music Supervisors is an essential first step toward demonstrating our commitment to the continued success and development of the music supervision community."

Guild of Music Supervisors President, John Houlihan added, "I'm excited to start this relationship between the Guild of Music Supervisors and a dynamic media music company like West One Music Group. It's a perfect fit for the needs of our Guild members."

Patrick Clancy, who recently joined West One Music Group as Creative Manager, Film & TV Licensing, understands that music supervision is a complex role and stresses the value the company places on maintaining genuinely supportive relationships with music supervisors, assisting with the logistical and creative processes involved in their job:

"We value the relationships we have in the music supervision community, and the Guild of Music Supervisors do fantastic work. They support the continued livelihood of those in the industry and provide a unified voice to support it. We believe in what they do, and their vision for the future and now we are proud to have a significant role in helping continue that."

West One Music Group are looking forward to being involved in future Guild of Music Supervisors events, beginning with the 7th Annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards this February which is hugely important in honoring the efforts and talents of Music Supervisors across North America.

About West One Music Group:

West One Music Group is a global music company with a passion for creating music that inspires and brings our clients visuals to life. Born in London in 2002, our founding principle was to partner with the finest artists and composers to create music of the highest caliber tailored for media use. More than a decade on, we now have offices and local production facilities across the globe, a passionate in-house team supporting a hugely diverse creative community and the creative output of the world's media.

About Guild of Music Supervisors:

The Guild of Music Supervisors is a non-profit organization with the mission to promote the craft of Music Supervision for the mutual benefit of all media stakeholders in film, television, games, advertising, trailers and emerging media. The Guild provides an environment in which the knowledge, resources, and skills specific to music supervision are expanded and shared as a means to sustain the highest level of professionalism and evolve the collective expertise.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Jamie Clarke

T: (323) 410 7878

E: [email protected]

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SOURCE West One Music Group
New Delhi, Feb 8 : Three to four suspects involved in a burglary at child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi's house here, wherein his Nobel Prize citation and medal replica were stolen, have been identified and will be arrested soon, a police officer said on Wednesday.

Following the Monday night burglary at Satyarthi's south Delhi residence, the police have questioned local criminals, security guards and vendors but are yet to make any breakthrough.

"From the closed-circuit television footage, we have unidentified 3-4 people involved in the crime. They will be arrested soon," Deputy Commissioner of Police Romil Baniya told IANS.

Besides the Nobel citation and the medal replica, gifts and awards received from various international organisations and heads of states, ancestral jewellery and electronic items were also stolen.

Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 along with Pakistani education campaigner Malala Yousafzai.
Islamabad, Feb 9 : A Russian anti-submarine ship arrived in Pakistan for the Aman 2017 international naval exercises, the media reported on Thursday.

The ship, which set off from Oman's Salalah port, will take part in the exercises on Friday at the Pakistan Navy base at the Karachi port, Xinhua news agency reported.

The exercises, also to be joined by navy from eight countries, are aimed at enhancing efforts to combating piracy and protecting international trade routes, officials said.
New Delhi, Feb 9 : Defending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "raincoat" jibe against his predecessor Manmohan Singh, Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said Modi had actually "complimented" the Congress leader.

"The Prime Minister did not insult Manmohan Singh, he gave a compliment to him by saying that even after such a long public life he has had no taint," Naidu told reporters in the Parliament House precincts.

Modi on Wednesday said Singh knew the "art of bathing wearing a raincoat", triggering uproar in the Rajya Sabha. The Congress also staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, demanding an apology from Modi for his remarks.

"What maryada (decorum) are they( Congress) talking about? Their members have in the past abused the Prime Minister. Salman Khurshid once called the Prime Minister impotent," Naidu said.
Lecce, Feb 10 : Police arrested two suspected Russian people traffickers near the city of Lecce after 91 boat migrants were rescued overnight off the southern Puglia region's coast.

The two Russians were held on the orders of prosecutors in Lecce and are suspected of trafficking the 91 Iranian, Pakistani and Afghan migrants including 20 women and 26 children.

The migrants were saved by coastguard off the costal city of Otranto and brought to its port. A two-month-old baby was among the minors rescued in the operation and was taken to a nearby hospital.

The other migrants received medical attention at the port and were all reported to be in good condition.

The rescue operation, which began at 2.30 am local time, was hampered by bad weather conditions and poor visibility, Italian coastguard said.

A total of 11,010 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea this year through February 5, of whom some 85 per cent arrived in Italy and the rest in Greece, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday.
Ramallah, Feb 10 : United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres may appoint former Palestinian Authority president Salam Fayyad as his special envoy to Libya, according to Adnkronos International (AKI).

In the letter sent to current UN Security Council president Volodymyr Yelchenko, Guterres asked him to inform the top UN decision-making body of his intention to appoint Fayyad as his special envoy to Libya.

The current UN special envoy to Libya, Martin Kobler, declined to comment saying it was an "internal matter" .

Kobler, a German, was appointed to the role in November 2015. Fayyad was Palestinian Authority prime minister from June 2007 to June 2013.
Rome, Feb 10 : Firemen discovered the skeleton of a 59-year-old man at his apartment in Rome on Thursday -- two years after his family reported him missing, local daily Il Messaggero reported.

The firemen had been called to force open the door of the flat in Rome's northern Corso Francia district to allow workmen to investigate a water leak. They found the man's body lying on his bed wrapped in blankets.

Investigators believe he died of natural causes, although they have not ruled out foul play.

Despite family members living outside Rome having reported the man's disappearance, police failed to pay a visit to his apartment.
Washington, Feb 10 : US President Donald Trump will welcome Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House on Monday for their first talks, the White House said on Thursday.

"President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau look forward to a constructive conversation on strengthening the relationship between our two nations," Xinhua quoted a White House statement as saying.

However, the statement did not provide any details about the agenda of the meeting.

In January, Trump signed an executive order to advance the controversial Keystone XL project, which was rejected by former President Barack Obama due to environmental concerns.

The $8 billion-project is proposed to go from Canada through the US state of Montana and South Dakota to Nebraska, where it would connect with existing pipelines to carry more than 800,000 barrels of crude oil a day to refineries along the US Gulf Coast.

On trade issue, Trump has dismissed a free trade deal with Canada and Mexico in 1994 as one of the worst trade deals the US ever signed and announced to renegotiate it.

The US opinion is divided over whether Trump's plan to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will bring back jobs to the US as promised.
New Delhi : My son's high school economics textbook had an interesting homework question: "Why can't you just print as much money as you like?"

Easy. "Because we have a crappy home printer and everything comes out yellow," I said.

Okay, so that's possibly not the answer they were looking for, but I told him good teachers value honesty more than accuracy.

A lawyer friend mentioned that a new problem these days is fake money made legal using disclaimers, a scheme pioneered by Hollywood. Thanks to a particular law of physics ("All Movies Shall Be Predictable") films must feature scenes of money-packed briefcases near the beginning and banknotes fluttering in the air near the end. Hollywood prints tonnes of super-realistic fake banknotes but can't be sued because they have "For Motion Picture Use Only" on both sides.

But since no one actually reads the writing on banknotes, Hollywood money regularly turns up in circulation and there have been cases recently in Michigan, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. Whoever is holding the banknotes when the disclaimer is noticed is legally liable, while the counterfeiter cannot be charged.

The same problem has sprung up in Europe. The makers of the board game Monopoly print realistic-looking euro banknotes with the disclaimer word "Monopoly" added on both sides. But nobody reads banknotes there, either, which is how one enterprising thief last year purchased six million euros' worth of jewellery in London with Monopoly money.

Reports said the jeweller was distraught, but on the plus side, he can win every Monopoly game he plays for the rest of his life, which should provide some consolation, right?

Can you and I be lawful counterfeiters by adding a disclaimer? Yes, in theory. My lawyer friend said that you just photocopy a banknote, find the bit that says "Promises to pay the bearer" and add the words "ONLY JOKING". (But you probably shouldn't actually try this.)

Easier option: My kids tell me that there are websites that will put your face on a realistic banknote and you can choose any major currency and print it out yourself. This is apparently lawful, since your face acts as a legal disclaimer.

I can see an interesting loophole here. What if you are printing US dollars and you actually look like Benjamin Franklin or pounds and you like the Queen or Indian rupees and you like Gandhi or you are printing Hong Kong dollars and you are an actual lion?

Hearing that I was writing about fake money, a colleague sent me a link to a news story from Thailand, about a counterfeiting ring which operated a pizza-style home delivery service. You called a hotline, placed your order and fake cash was delivered to your door. It strikes me that the obvious thing to do would be to set up TWO counterfeit home cash delivery accounts and pay for each delivery with the money faked by the other.

This would be an interesting experiment, for sure, but I have to admit: it's probably also not in my son's high school economics textbook.

Incidentally, I have never understood why most children like having their dads help with homework but mine say no thanks and run off. It's a puzzle.

(Nury Vittachi is an Asia-based frequent traveller. Send ideas and comments via his Facebook page.)

Latest updates on Gandhi Jayanti 2019
New Delhi, Feb 10 : The Delhi High Court will hear later Friday a habeas corpus plea on missing BSF trooper Tej Bahadur Yadav, whose social media video clip on "substandard food" triggered an uproar.

A bench of Justice B.D. Ahmed and Justice Ashutosh Kumar posted the matter for hearing at 2.15 p.m.

The plea was filed on Thursday by Yadav's wife Sharmila after she and other family members failed to contact the Border Security Force trooper for three days.

In January, Yadav posted a video clip on social media complaining about the quality of food served to BSF personnel and accused unnamed officers of illegally selling food supplies meant for troopers.

The Yadav family said they had no information about his whereabouts, Congress leader and advocate Manish Tiwari told the court.

"We have filed a habeas corpus petition. His wife talked to him last on February 7," Yadav's brother-in-law Vijay told IANS.

A habeas corpus is a provision in law requiring a person under arrest or detention to be brought before a judge or court.

Yadav earlier told his wife that he was being taken to an unknown location, Vijay said.

"We have been calling him on his mobile number but it goes unanswered. When we contact his official phone number, nobody tells us about his location or they keep the calls on hold," Yadav said.

He said the family also sent two letters to the BSF Director General K.K. Sharma to find out about Yadav's whereabouts but got no response.

The family earlier alleged that the trooper was being "threatened and tortured mentally".

After Yadav's video went viral, the Prime Minister's Office and the Home Ministry sought details on the incident from the BSF.

The trooper faces an inquiry on various charges including indiscipline. His plea for voluntary retirement was rejected by the authorities.
Baghpat, Feb 10 : Former Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh is finding Baghpat, his home turf, not the bastion it used to be. Ahead of Uttar Pradesh's assembly polls, his own former confidants are contesting on the tickets of rivals while his own party has fielded an outsider.

Ajit Singh has represented the Baghpat Lok Sabha constituency six times while his father and former Prime Minister Charan Singh represented it for three consecutive terms. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Ajit Singh was defeated by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

With his prestige at stake, Ajit Singh is leaving no stone unturned to win back the seat. But two of his former aides are now the RLD's political foes.

Ajit Singh has fielded former Khatauli legislator Kartar Singh Bhadana, a Gujjar who is giving a tough fight to the Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) Ahmed Hameed and the BJP's Yogesh Dhama.

Hameed is son of former minister Nawab Kaukab Hameed Khan, who represented Baghpat five times. He won the first time in 1985 on the Congress ticket. After losing two consecutive elections, he snatched the seat back in 1993. In 1996, he joined the Bharatiya Kisan Kamgar Party of Ajit Singh and won again. In 2002 and 2007, he was elected on the RLD ticket.

Hameed is banking on a Muslim-Dalit combine and his father's image.

BJP's Dhama is trying to consolidate the young Jat and other votes. Himself a Jat, he was once a confidant of Ajit Singh. After he was denied ticket, he joined the BJP.

Bhadana, a prominent Gujjar face, is banking on Gujjar, Jat and Muslim votes apart from attracting a major chunk of voters by using a helicopter for his campaign.

The Samajwadi Party and the Congress have fielded Kuldip Ujjawal, known as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's loyalist. He is banking on Muslim, Jat and other votes.

Ujjawal is a Jat and a Congress candidate. He was chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Liquor Prohibition Board. He was sacked after a video clip showing him threatening and abusing district officials went viral on social media last year.

Among the over 300,000 voters in Baghpat, around 65,000 are Muslims, some 50,000 are Jats and about 45,000 are Gujjars. Dalits and Rajputs are present in sizable numbers.

Mohammad Ali (54), owner of a vehicle parts shop, told IANS that Baghpat was witnessing primarily a triangular fight involving the BSP, BJP and RLD.

"Nawab Saheb has a good image and is above religion and caste. He is acceptable to everyone. His son Ahmed Hameed has these benefits. If he succeeds in getting even 60 per cent of Muslim votes, his chances of winning will be high."

Job seeker Sadiq Hussain (27) said most Muslim youths will vote for the Samajwadi-Congress alliance as Akhilesh Yadav "has done a good job as Chief Minister. But it's also possible that to defeat the BJP, Muslims can go with Hameed.

Jayveer Dayanand (67) thought differently. "A third person benefits in a fight between two," he said, avoiding taking any names. Pressed, he said: "Paisa bolta hai (Money matters)."

Sabhacharan Kalu (46), seated next to Dayanand, said: "Money is with that candidate who is campaigning by helicopter. He won the last election from an adjoining assembly seat on the power of money alone."

Kalu, a primary school teacher, added: "The contest is very close. It depends upon the division of Jat and Muslim votes.

"If Muslim votes are divided in 50:50 ratio, it will benefit the BJP and RLD. If Jat votes are divided in the same ratio, it will benefit the BSP and SP. No one can predict who will win."

Rajeev Kumar (34), a Jat, claimed that while most Jats would vote for Ajit Singh, the young in the community will go with BJP.

"All the four candidates are powerful, but BSP has good chances as Jat votes will be split among the RLD, BJP and SP. If Dalit and Muslim votes remain united, Hameed Saheb will have the last laugh."

(Brajendra Nath Singh can be contacted at brajendra.n@ians.in)
Beijing, Feb 10 : Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in a summit here in May on the new Silk Road, it was reported on Friday.

The project is an international investment plan backed by China under the name of One Belt, One Road to develop infrastructure and telecommunication, reports Efe.

The summit will bring together leaders from around 20 countries, according to Chinese authorities.

Putin is expected to go to China again in September to attend the BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, Canada and South Africa - summit.
Jakarta, Feb 10 : At least 12 persons died and five were injured as landslides hit Indonesia's resort Island of Bali on Friday.

Two landslides took place in Awan and Sukawana villages in Bangli district, Xinhua news agency quoted the national disaster agency as saying.

All the bodies have been recovered and the wounded were rushed to a hospital.

The disaster agency warned people over more possible landslides, floods and whirlwinds as heavy rains are forecast to continue till Saturday.

Indonesia is frequently hit by landslide and flood during heavy rains.
Bisadah (Uttar Pradesh), Feb 10 : In the area where a Hindu mob murdered Mohammad Akhlaq after accusing him of eating beef, the election fever of Uttar Pradesh is laced with old tensions.

The few Muslim families here are unwilling to speak -- unlike almost everyone else in the state -- on their preferences in the staggered state polls starting on Saturday.

Posters and flags of political parties do flutter atop houses and shops at Dadri. But old issues are at play.

Predictably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raked up cow slaughter, fully knowing that the issue could polarise Hindus and Muslims.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a rally here to canvass for BJP's Tejpal Singh Nagar in the Dadri constituency. Dadri, about 50 km from Delhi, will vote in the first phase of assembly polls on Saturday.

In the Rajput-dominated village, slogans are raised to hail Prime Minister Narendra Modi. One can hardly spot a flag of any other party in the village. Even the walls are painted with BJP slogans.

A huge poster of BJP President Amit Shah and Modi promises to shut down slaughter homes across Uttar Pradesh if the BJP is elected to power in the country's most populous state.

Pratap Singh Sisodia, in his late 60s, told IANS: "Cow slaughter is going to be a major issue in this election."

Not surprisingly, the more pressing issues of poor electricity supply, law and order situation and lack of schools have taken a backstage.

Even after 16 months of Akhlaq's lynching, communal hostility is visible.

Akhlaq, 50, was at his home when a mob barged in, took out meat from his fridge, alleged it was beef which his family was consuming and carried out a murderous attack.

The local Hindus accused the police of wrongly arresting 18 men from their village under pressure from the Akhilesh Yadav government to "appease" Muslims.

Others say that it was only Akhlaq's family which was compensated by the state government.

Ravi Kumar, 21, one of those arrested after Akhlaq's murder, died on November 4 in mysterious circumstances while in judicial custody.

A family member told IANS: "You see the pain of Akhlaq's mother, but you can't see the pain of Ravi's mother? We didn't even get Ravi's autopsy report."

Bisadah village is home to some 10,000 people, of whom 70 per cent are from the Rajput community. Muslims account for 15 per cent. The rest are lower castes.

"Rahul Gandhi and (Delhi Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal visited the village after Akhlaq's death but they never visited Ravi's family," Tikam Singh, another villager, told IANS.

Another woman, Leelavati Devi, has two sons -- Hariom Singh and Shriom Singh -- still lodged in jail for the 2015 murder. People from the village provide food to the family.

Villager Rajesh Singh added: "Rajnath Singh's rally is a sign we are not going to vote for the Congress or Samajwadi Party."

In most Muslim homes, people are tight-lipped. To avoid talking, many even claimed they were merely visiting the village.

Mohammad Iliyas Khan said: "Everything has changed here after Akhlaq's death. Earlier there used to be harmony in the village. Now that peace has gone."

(Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in)
New Delhi, Feb 10 : President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday greeted Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, on the 38th anniversry of Islamic Revolution and praised the sacrifices of people of Iran.

"I extend warm greetings and best wishes to Your Excellency and to the friendly people of Iran on the occasion of 38th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran," Mukherjee said in a statement issued here.

The Islamic Revolution stands testimony to the great valour and sacrifices of the people of Iran, he said.

The President added that India-Iran relations were rooted in history and "are based on our close cultural and civilisational linkages that span millennia. We consider Iran as an important partner and look forward to strengthening our bilateral cooperation across diverse areas on the basis of our shared interests".

He said he was confident that "such engagement will bring stability and prosperity to the entire region".

The Islamic Revolution in 1979 toppled the secular western-backed regime of Emperor Mohammad Reza Shah Pehlavi. It was a populist movement led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomenei, who became the founder of the Islamic nation.
Raipur, Feb 10 : A Maoist guerrilla was killed in a shootout with the security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, officials said on Friday.

A pistol, hand grenade and articles of daily usage were recovered from the slain Maoist.

Bijapur Superintendent of Police K.L. Dhruv said the shootout took place near Chilkapalli village after Maoists opened fire at the security forces.
Mumbai, Feb 10 : The producers of the film, "Modi Ka Gaon" which was denied a censor certificate on various grounds, have moved to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) seeking clearance to release it.

Producer Suresh Jha said here on Friday that he decided to knock on the PMO's doors after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) communicated its final decision in writing on Thursday.

"They asked us to 'Get an NOC from the Prime Minister's Office and Election Commission'...I think this must be the first time the PMO or EC are expected to preview a film and clear it before the authorised body, the CBFC, certifies it," he said.

"Submit NOC from PMO regarding PM's portrayal/references through a character in the film resembles... (The film portrays development plans, references to Pakistan's Uri attack, news and speeches related to the PM)," the CBFC note said.

Undeterred, Jha wrote a letter to the PMO asking for an 'NOC' to comply with the CBFC demand.

"Throughout our film, we represent the honest working of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his dream of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Smart India and Digital India," the letter said.

Jha added that he has even offered a special screening for the PMO officials and sought an appointment with Modi in this regard.

"They have stipulated conditions which are so difficult to comply with that I might as well forget about releasing the film (on February 10)," rued Jha on Thursday, contemplating legal remedy.

"The film is about Modi's development agenda and his vision for transforming the country... How can I possibly portray all this with somebody who does not resemble him. If film-makers have to get clearances from other bodies, then what is the need for CBFC?" Jha demanded.

The CBFC has also objected to a supporting character, 'Pappu Bihari', in the film, saying the name should be deleted from the entire film, including the songs.

"They probably apprehend that Pappu might be linked to a prominent Congress leader or offend the real-life politician Pappu Yadav! But, in Bihar, 'Pappu' is a very common name or a pet name, so I am mystified why the Censor Board is opposed to it. I am not going to oblige them on this," Jha said.

Pappu Yadav is a controversial political leader from Bihar, a three-time former Lok Sabha member and founder-president of Janadhikar Party.

Not billed as a biopic on the Prime Minister, the 135-minute long "Modi Ka Gaon" feature film applied for CBFC certification in January.

Besides, Mumbai businessman Vikas Mahante who plays the role of Modi, television actors Chandramani M. and Zeba A. are playing the other important roles in the film.

The film was shot on locales in Mumbai, Patna and Darbhanga, detailing Modi's aim of making all rural and urban centres 'Smart Villages' or 'Smart Cities'.

The music for the film is directed by Manojanand Choudhary. It has seven songs. The all-India release was scheduled from Uttar Pradesh (currently in election mode), said Jha.
Ghaziabad, Feb 10 : The police in Ghaziabad on Friday seized 16 cartons of liquor from the election office of a candidate who is contesting the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, and lodged an FIR against him.

The police said it received the information about a huge stock of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) being stored in the office of Amar Pal Sharma, who is contesting from the Sahibabad constituency.

Sharma is being fielded by the Congress, which is an election alliance partner of the ruling Samajwadi Party.

At 2.00 p.m., the police raided the election office of Sharma where it recovered 12 cartons containing bottles of whisky and 4 cartons containing half-filled whisky bottles.

"An FIR has been filed against Amar Pal Sharma," a police official said.

"We are keeping a strict vigil on any kind of illegalities in the elections. So, the police are acting 24 hours to conduct the elections in a free and fair manner," said Superintendent of Police Salman Taj Patil.
Islamabad, Feb 10 : Seven Pakistani fishermen detained in Yemen for over a decade will return to Pakistan.

The fishermen, who hail from Balochistan and Sindh's coastal areas, crossed the international water boundaries 10 years ago and were taken into custody by Yemeni authorities, the Dawn reported on Friday.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the fishermen had been held at Sanaa Central Prison and were freed due to efforts by the ICRC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Karachi, Feb 10 : A multi-nation naval exercise, including warships from the US, Russia and China, kicked off in the Arabian Sea off Karachi on Friday as part of 'Aman-17' being hosted by Pakistan.

The four-day exercise, with 37 countries taking part, has the theme 'Together for peace'. It is the fifth such exercise that Pakistan has been holding since 2007.

In a message, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan is fully committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and lawful maritime order.

The other navies joining in include Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Turkey and Britain.

Russia's Severomorsk anti-war ship, Altay Tug Boat and Dubna tanker are part of the exercise, while China's 24th escort naval fleet is taking part in the joint drill with its missile destroyer Harbin, guided-missile frigate Handan and supply ship Dongpinghu. Around 700 troops are also participating. It's the fifth time that China has joined AMAN exercise since its launch.

Commander of the Pakistani naval fleet Vice Admiral Arifullah Hussaini inaugurated the exercise at the Karachi dockyard.

Hussaini, speaking at the ceremony, said the exercise would help work against human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and terrorism in the region, Radio Pakistan reported.

He considered the exercise a good platform for all navies to exchange ideas, enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.

"Aman exercise provides a chance for us to exchange ideas and reinforce our communication with other navies," said Chinese Captain Yu Tao of missile destroyer Harbin.

Due to an increasingly challenging maritime environment, the Chinese navy should enhance its cooperation with other countries and learn others' expertise to better fulfil its escort missions, he said.

Initiated and organised by Pakistan, the "Aman" series exercise has been held every other year since 2007, aiming to boost inter-operability and to demonstrate the allied nation's capabilities to fight terrorism and other maritime threats.

Sharif pointed out that maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean were both multidimensional and multifaceted. Threats such as maritime terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy have acquired international dimensions, he said.

Sharif emphasised that cooperation between international navies was imperative to countering emerging threats.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : Congress leader Jagdish Tytler on Friday opposed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plea seeking a lie detector test on him in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Tytler's counsel told Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma at the Karkardooma court that the CBI had not given any specific reason in its application seeking a polygraph test of his client.

The premier investigating agency on Wednesday sought the court's permission for conducting lie detector tests on Tytler and arms dealer Abhishek Verma in connection with the case in which the Congress leader is accused of leading a mob in Pul Bangash area in 1984 that led to the killing of three Sikhs.

The agency's move came after Verma's accusation against Tytler of influencing a witness, Surender Singh, through money and promising to send his son Narender Singh to Canada.

Tytler did not appear personally before the court in Friday's hearing and was represented by his lawyer while Verma appeared before the magistrate and said he needed a week's time to file a reply.

Verma's counsel Maninder Singh said he (Verma) had already recorded his statement in the case and the CBI must show faith in his version.

The court listed the matter for March 9 for further hearing and asked the CBI to file a reply on Verma's plea seeking protection.

The CBI had earlier given a clean chit to Tytler in the case but reopened the investigation following a December 4, 2015 court order in the wake of Verma's allegation.

The court had also directed the agency to find out whether Verma's statement was authentic.

The agency, in September 2016, filed its investigation report in the case which would be also heard on the next date of hearing.
Kolkata, Feb 10 : Urging the central government to trust the infrastructure of the state governments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday claimed that her government started the drive for digitalisation much earlier.

"Some people have suddenly started talking about digital (economy). We have gone digital in the state long ago. All work of the West Bengal government is done online - 'e-tender',' e-servicing' to 'e-governance' is done in the digital way. What is left to be done," Banerjee told media after the presentation of the state budget here.

She suggested the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government make use of the software of the states for providing online services.

"The state government has its own software. The central government must trust the state government. I am not only taking about our state. If other state governments also have their own software, it should be connected to the centre's software," she said.

Banerjee urged the Centre to ensure political colour did not come in the way of development.

"Doing the work is more important than who has done it. What is the need to see the political colour when it comes to development?" she asked.

Banerjee termed the central government's demonetisation move as a 'haphazard decision' and said the nation's economy was down by '25 per cent' since the banning of old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes on November 8.

"The economy of the country is down by 25 percent since the 'Notebandi'. Recession has started and the GDP growth has slowed down since the decision," Banerjee said.

"We have said from the beginning that it is wrong to impose something on the people without thinking of an alternative. There is a huge difference between a planned move and a haphazard decision. As a result, the common people are left clueless," she said.

The Trinamool Congress supremo alleged that while the state government has considerably increased its revenue earnings, it has to give away a major share to the centre for repaying the debts of the previous (Left Front) government.

"We have increased our revenue earnings from Rs 20 thousand crore to more than Rs 40 thousand crore every year. But we have to give out the entire amount to the centre to repay the debt incurred by the CPI-M government," she said.

Taking a swipe at the central government for reducing the funds in health and child welfare projects, Banerjee said her government has a bouquet of projects for the newborns as well as the deceased.

"The central government has reduced funding for community health workers called ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) and ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme)," she said.

"Our state government has welfare projects like 'Sabujshree' for new born girls to 'Somobyathi' that gives financial assistance for people's cremation or burial. The previous state government of CPI-M (led Left Front) or the BJP and the Congress at the Centre could not come up with anything like this," she added.
Chennai, Feb 10 : Financial services player Reliance Capital Ltd on Friday said it closed the third quarter of current fiscal with a consolidated net profit of Rs 209 crore.

In statement issued the company said its consoldiated net profit for the third quarter was Rs 209 crore on a total income of Rs 3,964 crore.

According to the company, the net profit was after strengthening of the reserves in Reliance General Insurance Company to the tune of Rs 43 crore.

The company's consolidated income for the period under review stood at Rs 3,964 crore as compared to Rs 2,353 crore in the corresponding period the previous year.

As on December 3, 2016, the net worth of the company stood at Rs 16,149 crore logging an increase of 10 per cent over previous year's figure.

As on December 31, 2016, the total assets of the Company stood at Rs 78,304 crore - an increase of 56 per cent.

As to other highlights of other businesses Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management (RNLAM) managed Rs 3,35,987 crore as on December 31, 2016, across mutual funds, pension funds, managed accounts, offshore funds and alternative investment funds.

The average assets under management of Reliance Mutual Fund for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, were Rs 1,95,845 crore, logging a year-on-year growth of 25 per cent.

Housing finance company Reliance Home Finance Ltd disbursed for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, were Rs 1,203 crore.

Non-life insurance company Reliance General Insurance underwrote a total premium of Rs 855 crore, logging 28 per cent growth.

Life insurer Reliance Nippon Life Insurance earned a total premium of Rs 981 crore during the period under review.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : The Indian Railways on Friday said it will again run the world's oldest steam engine 'Fairy Queen' from Delhi to Rewari for a single trip on February 11.

"The Fairy Queen, the oldest surviving functional steam engine in the world, is once again ready in this season to haul a heritage train from Delhi Cantt to Rewari station in Haryana after a gap of five years," Ministry of Railways said in a statement.

According to Railways, the Fairy Queen, is a great attraction among steam engine lovers across the globe.

The Fairy Queen locomotive was constructed by Kitson, Thompson and Hewitson at Leeds, in England, in 1855. It reached Kolkata, in the same year. The Fairy Queen served for the East Indian Railway Company till 1909.

The train was restored to full working order in 1997, in preparation for its first mainline journey in 88 years and its return to commercial service on July 18, 1997.

Fairy Queen was certified by the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 as the world's oldest steam locomotive in regular operation.
New York, Feb 10 : As reality overtook rhetoric, US President Donald Trump ended uncertainty over commitment to the bedrock principle of Beijing's foreign relations by affirming to China's President Xi Jinping that he would "honour our One China policy".

In his phone call on Thursday night in Washington, Trump set the policy for East Asia on a clearer course ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to the White House on Friday.

The long-delayed call came 16 days after Trump's phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and after his talks with various smaller nations since entering the White House.

In the order of calls that appeared to set a hierarchy of friendship, the delay was a challenge to Beijing. But it also was due to the lack of a coherent policy to deal with the complexities of relations with China.

Overall, the development also underscores the new Trump era of foreign relations, more mercantile and transactional, rather than diplomatic.

Reflecting this, his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is a businessman, who headed Exxon-Mobil, with no government or foreign policy background.

As in a bazaar -- or real estate -- deal, Trump's earlier actions and statements raising prospects of diplomatic ties with Taiwan and taxes on Chinese imports can be seen as the opening bid for transactions and not a definitive statement of policy, as it would be considered in traditional diplomacy.

The Chinese can play this game better than most Europeans -- or the US diplomatic and policy establishments, which find it unsettling The White House described the call as "extremely cordial" and said, "Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest."

Xi "said he appreciated his US counterpart, Donald Trump, for stressing that the US government adheres to the one-China policy", China's official news agency reported. "Trump said he fully understands the high significance of the US government's pursuit of the one-China policy, adding that the US government adheres to the one-China policy."

Trump's conversation with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in December and his subsequent statements that he could reconsider relations with Taipei roiled Beijing and sent waves of fear and anger in the US political and intellectual establishment, which seemingly reveres China.

Earlier, Trump had said the US could impose tariffs as high as 45 per cent on China's imports because of what he said was its unfair trade practices and that Japan could develop nuclear weapons for its defence.

Finally, reality took over as Trump uneasily settled into office and his handpicked national security and foreign affairs officials took charge -- and the Chinese side took on the challenge of mercantile diplomacy.

China and the US are locked in a tight economic embrace, with the US dependant on cheap imports and Beijing helping prop up the US by buying and holding $1.2 trillion in US treasury bonds - a virtual loan to the US.

In the short term, high tariffs on Chinese imports could lead to higher prices for US consumers and China could also dump its treasury bonds - which it started to do in a small way in December - although it could lead to mutually assured destruction for them, a prospect neither would want.

In Asia, the US needs China's cooperation in dealing with North Korea, which boasts of missiles that could hit Los Angeles, and in dealing with Pakistan.

For Washington, China and Russia getting closer together in lining up against it is also a matter of concern.

The delay in calling Xi was also partially because of China's reluctance to reach out at a high-level with the "One China" policy up in the air.

The matter was probably sorted out ahead of the call and Trump made his first public overture with a letter to Xi on Wednesday greeting him for the Chinese New Year - but 11 days after the event.

Trump's five-year-old granddaughter Arabella was also brought in for soft diplomacy. A video of her singing a New Year song in Mandarin went viral on social media.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)
Mumbai, Feb 10 : In a new dimension to the ongoing war between the ruling allies, the Shiv Sena has lodged a complaint alleging poll code violation by the Bharatiya Janata Party, a Sena leader said here on Friday.

The Shiv Sena has objected to the alleged use of photographs of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during a BJP campaign recently which violates the election code of conduct, said Sena MP Anil Desai.

"As per the election code, use of photographs or images of any national icons is prohibited during elections or campaigning," Desai told mediapersons.

He said the Shiv Sena has written to state Election Commissioner J.S. Saharia, demanding appropriate action against the BJP.

The BJP earlier objected to its ally using the pictures of the late Shiv Sena founder-supremo Bal Thackeray during electioneering, contending he is also a national hero and it amounted to poll code violations.

On January 26, the Shiv Sena unilaterally snapped its 25-year-old alliance with the BJP, ostensibly following differences over seat-sharing for the upcoming municipal elections in Mumbai and other parts of the state.

The two parties are now contesting against each other -- though Shiv Sena remains a partner in government both in Maharashtra and at the Centre.

Sena MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut has already stated that the 28-month old BJP-led state government is "on a notice period", indicating the Sena may withdraw support to it after the civic election results are announced on February 23.
Paris, Feb 10 : The Constitutional Council, France's highest court, on Friday ruled as unconstitutional a law which bans regular browse of pro-terrorism websites.

The law penalising visitors of websites promoting terrorism was not constitutional, the council said, adding these surfing habits were not necessarily an evidence of "committing terrorist acts", Xinhua reported.

"The Constitutional Council has found that the contested law is an unnecessary, non-adapted, disproportionate infringement of communication freedom," it said in a statement.

The French top judicial court added the law cannot be applied on individuals who consulted extremist websites with "good faith" to inform public, make scientific research and seek for judicial purposes.

After Charlie Hebdo attack in January 2015, France passed the law banning people from frequently visiting pro-terrorism websites.

Introduced last June, the law sets a two-year prison sentence and a fine worth 30,000 euros ($31,800) if found guilty.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : Accusing the students of "vitiating" the atmosphere of the university, JNU authorities on Friday asked them to call off their 'Occupy Ad Block' agitation during which they prevented entry of the officials inside to protest the UGC's new admission policy.

"The students' agitation... is not only vitiating the academic atmosphere of the University but also harming the interests of the vast majority of students who have come from different parts of the country and the world in the pursuit of higher education," JNU authorities said in a statement.

A call for the demonstration was given on Thursday by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) to seek a clarification from the Vice-Chancellor (VC) on the UGC notification.

The notification -- which proposed 100 per cent weightage to viva voce and reducing entrance examination to a qualifying criteria -- was adopted by the JNU Academic Council (AC) in its meeting on December 26 last year amid protestations from almost half of the Council's members.

The teachers were joined by students in their denunciation of the notification, who called it discriminatory and anti-minority.

According the students, the notification also implied a cut in intake of M.phil. and Ph.D students by putting a cap on the number of such students faculty members could mentor.

Pursuing the same matter, a 500-strong group of students swarmed the administration block of the varsity on Friday and prevented the entry of the officials inside.

"The blockade of the Administration building is unlawful and unjust and, therefore, administration requests the students to immediately vacate the Administration building and let the University function normally. The students' agitation with regard to UGC Regulation 2016 is unwarranted," the authorities said.

They also pronounced the students' act unjust saying that the administration has already promised to retain the "progressive admission policy" of the university, within the frame of the UGC guidelines.

The varsity said that it will retain the policies pertaining to "deprivation points, reduction of weightage given to viva-voce marks, relaxation of marks at legally appropriate stages to follow constitutionally sanctioned reservation policy, etc."

The statement also mentioned that the JNUSU delegates refused to accept an offer to meet the authorities on coming Monday, and insisted with its demand to hold the conversation amidst the agitating students.

"Some student representatives are insisting that the administration must address the gathering of agitating students. Discussion cannot be carried out in the large gathering of agitating students," it said.
Bengaluru, Feb 10 : As the corporate battle between the Infosys' board and its founders raged over governance issues, leading institutional investor Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund has defended Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vishal Sikka for turning its fortunes since he joined in August 2014.

"In our opinion, Sikka has achieved much in his tenure as the first non-founder CEO. After years of internal volatility and competitive underperformance, it is encouraging to see him stabilising the core and articulating a clear strategy to help the company thrive amidst industry disruption," said Fund's Portfolio Manager Justin Leverenz in a letter to the company's board members.

As the software major's third largest institutional investor with 2.7 per cent of the blue chip's stock, valued at $923 million, the US-based Fund advised its Board to restrain divisions and contain inappropriate interventions by the co-founders.

"Let Vishal (Sikka) do what he was hired to do, without distractions. And appraise him on his efforts. We would encourage the Board of Directors to restrain divisions in the firm and contain inappropriate interventions by non-executive founders," asserted Leverenz in the letter.

Sikka, 49, a former top executive of global German software major SAP, steered the company's fortunes, with $9.5 billion revenue and $2.1 billion net profit in the last fiscal (2015-16) from $8.3 billion revenue and $1.8 billion net profit in fiscal 2013-14 before he took over the reins.

Among the co-founders N.R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, S. Gopalakrishnan and S.D. Shibulal led the 35-year-old company as Chief Executives, while another co-founder K Dinesh was a Director till 2014.

The Fund noted that under Sikka's leadership, the firm had improved its financial and operating metrics and customer satisfaction scores by implementing zero distance and design thinking initiatives.

"The company recovered market share, leading to revenue acceleration while attrition rates settled after a period of relative volatility," said the Fund Manger.

Observing that Sikka had articulated a strategic vision to enhance the company's competitive differentiation and prepare it for a highly disruptive phase, Leverenz said the global IT industry was undergoing a structural shift associated with cloud migration, deflationary influences of automation across service lines and broader concerns about levels of saturation, competition and immigration restraints.

"Success over the next few years as the industry transitions will require cultural and organisational changes and steadfast execution. Change is never easy for organisations. But all IT service firms will be required to better align interests with client priorities by promoting automation and by investing in innovation," he said.

Urging the Board to reaffirm its support to Sikka for executing the strategy, the Fund said after many years of organisational chaos, it was time for it to get behind the CEO and let him execute.

"It is the Board's fiduciary responsibility to resolve these tensions. As recent history has shown, rumours cause confusion and distraction among multiple stakeholders, including employees, clients and shareholders of any company. Infosys has barely recovered from a period of high attrition and internal fractions in FY2015, which hurt its financial and operational performance," pointed out the letter.

Acknowledging the enormous contributions of the promoters to the company's phenomenal growth, the Fund said co-founders would have to come to grips with the reality that Infosys was a public (listed) company and no longer their firm.

"As of December 31, 2016, the founders (promoter and promoter group) owned 12.8 per cent of the company's outstanding shares. It was reported that they sold 7.5 million shares in March 2016. The Board needs to clarify their appropriate role," stated the letter.

Admitting that Infosys was one of the first Indian firms to have adopted global best practices in corporate governance, the letter said its entrepreneurial origins and legacy of success have been an inspiration for many generations of talented engineers.

"We encourage the Board to act decisively to ensure the longevity of this reputation -- in the interests of all stakeholders -- customers, shareholders and the nearly 200,000 Infoscions," added the letter.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : Speaking of the disasters and rapid development reaching the mountain states and the upper Himalayan region, Union Minister Kiran Rijiju on Friday said it is becoming difficult to sustain the ecological balance.

Comparing India's resource and population ratio to that of the US, Rijiju said that the biggest question was how to survive as a nation.

"Human needs and greed have taken over everything... we see that those mountainous regions where roads and excessive development has not reached have a balance... this is not what Himalayas are meant to be," the Minister said addressing the summit of Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI).

The IMI is a civil society organisation of the 12 mountain states in the Indian Himalayan Region, backed by the Union and state governments and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

"Our motive is to bring Indian mountain people together and discuss the issues on a common platform and get the policies drafted accordingly," said P.D Rai, member of Parliament from Sikkim.

IMI aims to maintain the balance between development and ecology in Himalayan regions.

"Villages are forgetting the traditional ways of building houses. We have an ancient way of life and we are from a sensitive region, this is how we have sustained this long. We can't discard our old ways of life," the minsiter said, adding that extensive use of the modern technology in the Himalayan region is abusing the old and sustainable ways of life.

He said that one of the most difficult situations faced by him was when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) bans certain activities in some Himalayan regions and when he goes back home people complain of their bread and butter.

"We have not progressed in the manner we should have," Rijiju added.
There were a couple items this week that should remind each of us to be diligent about how our elected officials go about conducting our business. One happened here in Burlington and the other in Des Moines.

One was a talk-show session on KBUR. Reporter Rob Sussman was interviewing Councilman Jim Davidson and City Manager Jim Ferneau regarding city expenditures. During the conversation, Mayor Shane McCampbell called in and not long after that, Councilman Tim Scott called. Sussman cut off the conversation. The three council members constituted a quorum, and absent public notice, that's against the law. Sussman did the right thing.

Besides tying up the phone lines preventing listeners to call in, we question the council members for their apparent lack of knowledge of the law  each has served at least a term as mayor. And, the city spends a lot of taxpayer money to have membership with a state association educating elected representatives about the Iowa Open Meetings Law and Iowa Open Records Law. They should know better.

In Des Moines, legislation was introduced to make it more difficult for Iowans to keep informed of what their government is up to. It would permit public notices to be posted on government websites. It's a movement that has been taken up in statehouses across the country. And it's bad public policy.

Public notices typically have been required to be published in local newspapers. Advocates for removing them from newspapers say it's more convenient to have them on the internet. And they say it would save taxpayers a lot of money.

Others say it's nothing more than a cash cow for newspapers. It's not. The rate is set by government and is not much. Most newspapers, including this one, publish public notices as a public service. What we can charge covers the cost. And, it's an economical way for government business to get to the public.

It's unfortunate new Iowa Sen. Tom Greene of Burlington is one of the co-authors of this legislation.

It's interesting people running for office go out of their way to declare they will be transparent in hopes of securing votes then once they get into office they go out of their way to do the opposite. It happens at all levels.

The old adage is if it's not broken, there's no need to fix it.

There's nothing broken with the current public notice rules. There's nothing broken with the rule that prohibits a quorum of a council discussing public business absent a notice to the public.

This shouldn't be this challenging.

This editorial appeared in the Feb. 3 edition of the Burlington Hawk Eye.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : Congress on Friday said that Tamil Nadu Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao must act in accordance with the Constitution on the issue of AIADMK General Secretary V.K. Sasikala staking claim to form the government in the state.

"As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, it is the internal matter of the AIADMK. But, we want the Governor to act in accordance with the Constitution provisions and also Supreme Court framework which has been illustrated in the Bommai case.

"I think they have to go by the strict law," said senior Congress leader and MP M. Veerappa Moily.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : Three persons involved in a burglary of over Rs 30 lakh were arrested from the national capital on Friday, the city police said.

The trio of Manish, Wasim and Nand Kishor were nabbed from Sultanpuri.

According to the police, they broke into the house of Subash Goyal in Sultanpuri on January 1 and looted cash and jewellery valued at Rs 30 lakh.

Acting on a tip-off, the police first nabbed Manish and Wasim and subsequently arrested Nand Kishor, who is a relative of local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader.
Kolkata, Feb 10 : Bhopal resident Udayan Das, who allegedly killed his parents and live-in partner, was likely to be interrogated by a team of Raipur police for the murder of his parents.

"A team of Raipur police would come to Bankura on or after February 15 to interrogate Das about his parents' murder," Bankura Superintendent of Police Sukhendu Hira told IANS over phone.

Das told the police that he murdered both his parents in 2010 and interred their bodies in their house premises in Chhattisgarh's Raipur. He was also present at the spot when the police exhumed two skeletal remains, presumably of his parents, from the premises of his parents' house.

The Bankura police, who are interrogating Das about the alleged killing of his live-in partner from the district, said they found evidences of the girl buying tickets from Bhopal to West Bengal's Howrah station in the second week of July last year.

The police believed Das killed her after learning that she was about to go away.

"We found evidences that the girl booked tickets in the second week of July and was about to travel to Howrah on July 15. It is possible she was killed after that," the officer said.

"Das hasn't revealed why and how he murdered the girl yet. He would be interrogated for the next few days to confirm the motive," he added.

Das was brought to the state from Bhopal on transit remand by the Bankura police and was remanded in police custody for eight days by the Bankura district court on February 7.

He was arrested on February 2 by the West Bengal Police on charges of murdering his live-in partner Shweta Sharma (28) and entombing her body in a concrete block inside his house in Saketnagar in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. Later, he also confessed to his parents' murder.
Panaji, Feb 10 : Even as a constitutional crisis brews in Tamil Nadu, the Congress in Goa on Friday claimed that the western coastal state may also be heading for a constitutional crisis if the state's sixth legislative assembly is not dissolved by the Governor and President's Rule is imposed before March 3.

State Congress President Luizinho Faleiro said that according to Article 174 of the Constitution, the Governor has to summon the state legislative assembly to conduct sessions every six months and March 3 marks the end of the six-month period from the time when the last assembly session concluded.

Results to the state assembly elections will be declared on March 11.

"If the government of the day seeks to continue in office without having the seating within six months, then this will be wholly unconstitutional and the government will be an unconstitutional government," Faleiro told a press conference in Panaji.

"The Governor, who is bound to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law is duty bound to exercise the discretion, either to summon the House or dissolve the House, if no summoning is done," Faleiro said.

The last sitting of the state legislative assembly was the Monsoon session which concluded on August 31.

Faleiro also said that the Election Commission should have recommended dissolution of the House after finalising the date for the elections (Feb 4) and counting (March 11), because this was a constitutional crisis the poll authority should have seen coming.

"We demand that the Governor should uphold the Constitutional mandate and not act as a rubber stamp of the government," he also said.

While Raj Bhavan has not commented on the issue, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that the state Advocate General had been asked for an opinion on the issue.

"We have asked the AG to look into the matter. The government will abide by the Advocate General's opinion," Parsekar said.
New Delhi, Feb 10 : Calling the BJP-led government at the Centre "suppressor of freedom of speech", especially in the wake of demonetisation move, opposition leaders on Friday criticised the Centre for its authoritarian ways and called for maximum unity among the opposition.

Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar appealed for maximum opposition unity after launching a book "Fearless in Opposition, Power and Accountability", authored by P. Chidambaram, former Finance and Home Minister and a senior Congress leader.

"Why should the opposition be afraid? It is opposition job's to put forth its views bravely. Nothing can happen in democracy without dialogue and debate. Opposition should get due respect. There should be maximum unity among opposition," Kumar said, adding that there was no need to get certificate of patriotism from the government.

The discussion on the book, which saw speakers such as Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury and former union minister and Congress leader Kapil Sibal, focused on authoritarian ways of the BJP government and fallouts of demonetisation.

While Yechury called the methods of curtailing black money inappropriate, Sibal used the opportunity to call demonetisation "biggest scam ever".

The event was also attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

The speakers took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's for his "raincoat" comment against Manmohan Singh. Chidambaram called the comment "derogatory" while Yechury said: "It is not the level of politics."

Chidambaram said that strong exception must be taken to the comment since it was made on the floor of Parliament.

Chidambaram also criticised the BJP for making declaration of "Congress Mukt Bharat". He said there much was fear stalking the country, which demanded opposition to be fearless.

"If you criticise the government, you are anti-national, if you speak against the government, you are unpatriotic, if you dissent that is sedition. This is complete mockery of democracy. Institutions and individuals are in fear, Dalits are in fear, minorities are in fear," Chidambaram added.

"Without a united opposition, we can't have democracy. There are enough cheer-leaders, enough drum beaters (for the BJP government). We must be fearless, we need voice of the opposition," the former union minister said.

He called the demonetisation "a terrible mistake", which "damaged India's growth story". "We should wait for jury to give its verdict," he added.

Meanwhile, Kumar defended his decision to support demonetisation soon after it was implemented, saying "immediate opposition was not appropriate", but he said the government should now talk about the recovery of black money after over 90 days of the move.

"Now the Centre should tell us how we have benefited (from demonetisation). They are talking about cashless transactions now, diverting the topic. It makes no sense," Kumar said, adding that complete cashless economy was not possible in the country.

He further said Manmohan Singh's description of the demonetisation as "monumental management failure" was an apt one.

Yechuri said: "The popular perception is anti-black money and not demonetisation. There is no dispute that money, illicit money should be curtailed. But methods adopted are not good."

Yechury expressed hope that opposition unity would happen in future.

Sibal said that the country had lost space for informed debate. "The media is controlled by industry, corporate sector, which has its own agenda and nobody wants to go on the wrong side of the government. The bureaucracy is in fear. Even Supreme Court has failed us. We need to build consensus and to form new way of the way forward."

Sibal, however, evaded a question when asked about the Emergency days, saying: "The leadership has already said it publically. We should not repeat it. We should look at contemporary issues."
Chennai, Feb 10 : Television channels on Friday night reported that Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao had ruled out AIADMK General Secretary V.K. Sasikala for chief ministership in a report to the Union Home Ministry, but the Governor's House denied the report, adding to the continuing political uncertainity gripping the state since the past four days.

According the India Today news channel and several Tamil channels, the Governor in a report to the Union Home Ministry cited the pending disproportionate assets (DA) case against Sasikala as the reason for her not being qualified to stake the claim.

The channel, which said it has a copy of the report sent by the Governor, reported that he also took note of the PILs against Sasikala, on which verdict was pending.

The PILs have been filed challenging her elevation as the Chief Minister, since "she has not been the General Secretary for a continuous period of five years", as mandated by the party's constitution. Political uncertainty continued in Tamil Nadu for the fourth consecutive day on Friday, However, the Governor's House said in a statement that he had "not sent any report either to the Ministry of Home Affaris or to the President of India, as reported in some of the media".

Earlier in the day, Sasikala dismissed E. Madhusudanan -- a close aide of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa -- from the party for backing O. Panneerselvam for the Chief Minister's post, saying he had violated the party's principles and brought disrepute to it.

Madhusudanan told reporters: "As per the party by-law, a person can become General Secretary of AIADMK only if he/she is a member for a continuous period of five years."

Sasikala was not a member of the party for a continuous five years and hence not qualified to be the General Secretary, he said.

Sasikala was elected as the AIADMK General Secretary following the death of Jayalalithaa in December last year and elected leader of the legislature party on February 5.

Panneerselvam revolted against the party General Secretary on Tuesday night, alleging that he was forced to resign as the Chief Minister to pave the way for Sasikala to occupy that chair.

But the supporters of Sasikala continued attacking Panneerselvam, charging him with betraying the party.

Former Union Minister E. Ponnusamy on Friday also chose to side with Panneerselvam, thus adding strength to the beleaguered acting Chief Minister's camp. It is believed that Madhusudanan and Ponnusamy will help garner support of their loyals for Pannerselvam.

Meanwhile, AIAMDK MLAs backing the General Secretary, who have been taken to a beach resort to ensure they are not influenced by the rival camp, told the media outside the resort that they were not being held hostage.

Their "assurance" came in the wake of filing of several habeas corpus petitions in the Madras High Court, stating they were being held hostage. "MLAs cannot be kept hostage. Sasikala is treating us like how (late Chief Minister J.) Jayalalithaa treated us," said one of them.

The high court adjourned to February 12 its hearing on the habeas corpus petitions filed by two advocates.

Amid the developments unfolding one after the other in the Tamil Nadu capital Chennai, a Panneerselvam loyal also moved the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing of a plea for direction against Sasikala being sworn-in as the Chief Minister, but the apex court declined to oblige.

The petitioner contended that Sasikala should not be sworn-in as the verdict on the Karnataka government's plea challenging her acquittal in a disproportionate assets case was awaited.

A top court bench said "sorry, declined" as the petitioner urged the bench to accord the plea an urgent hearing. The court is expected to pronounce its verdict on the Karnataka government's appeal next week.

The main opposition DMK has urged Governor Rao to intervene and ensure a government through a fair floor test.

The party's Working President M.K Stalin met Rao on Friday and submitted a representation on behalf of the DMK expressing concern over the "constitutional vacuum" in the state with the Chief Minister relegated to the side due to infighting in the ruling party.
New Delhi : New Delhi Feb 10 (IANS) Swedish defence and aviation major Saab on Friday said that there was no reason to worry about the technology transfer from the US if it wins a contract to manufacture its Gripen E multi-role jet in India.

"There is a wide cooperation between India and the US. The technology that is used in Gripen would not be subject to stop. We don't have any reasons to worry about that," said Kent Ake Molin, Gripen Sales and Marketing Director, Saab during a press conference here.

"The core of Gripen is what we have control over, we are looking at the sensors side, avionics and software control and we will ensure that those are available for India," he added.

Gripen is powered by F-414 from the US engine manufacturer General Electrics. After the inauguration of the Trump administration there is a fear that the new government may not approve the sales of US products in a second country's contract.

In October 2016, India sent out communication to global fighter aircraft manufacturers for seeking information on their single-engine combat jets to replace its Russian vintage single-engine Mig-21s combat jets.

In response to the IAF proposal, Swedish aircraft manufacturer Saab has offered its latest Gripen E fighters to India and has plans to help India become net exporter of the fighter aircraft.

US aviation major Lockheed, in response to the tender, offered its latest F-16 Block-70 jets.

Saab is also participating in the Indian Navy's carrier-based fighter aircraft programme.

The Indian Navy sent out a Request for Information (RFI) for 57 carrier-borne aircraft for its naval fleet in January.

Speaking on the maritime version of the aircraft Gripen M, Tony Ogilvy, Head of Marketing Gripen Maritime, said, "We have a certified design for the maritime version and the next step will be to develop a prototype for demonstration."

"We don't have the prototype flying," he added.

According to the company the maritime version will be a part of the Make in India programme for the Gripen Air Force version.

"That leads the way. The Maritime version fits very well in with that development and build programme as part of the overall Gripen in India," Tony said.

Saab, if selected, has plans to establish the most modern aerospace facility in India. Company believes Gripen coming to India will add jobs in the US.
In 2014, the Iowa Legislature took an important first step on the issue of medical marijuana. Lawmakers passed a bill through which patients afflicted by epilepsy can legally possess an anti-seizure medicine derived from cannabis.

Because we have compassion for Iowans who suffer from diseases and disorders for which medical marijuana might provide some relief and because we have faith and confidence in Iowa's medical community, we believe physicians should have, within a proper framework, the legal option to write a prescription for medical marijuana.

In fact, we not only supported the 2014 bill, but we stated our support at the time for future debate about extending Iowa's medical marijuana program to illnesses other than epilepsy.

During last year's legislative session, we encouraged lawmakers to legalize production and distribution of cannabidiol in Iowa, at least for use by epilepsy patients. This, in response to reasonable concerns expressed by Iowans about the fact the 2014 bill didn't address production and distribution of the drug within the state. In other words, the legislation allowed an Iowan to legally possess the drug for treatment of epilepsy, but it remains illegal in the state to produce or distribute it.

We return to this issue today because, without legislative action, the 2014 legislation will expire on July 1.

In other words, lack of action returns the state  and those who suffer from epilepsy and other illnesses for which medical marijuana might help  to square one.

Because we do not wish to see the state take a step back in this area, we encourage the Legislature this year to, at a minimum, extend the 2014 legislation and include production and distribution.

If discussion of expanding Iowa's medical marijuana program to include other illnesses is preventing anything from happening for epilepsy patients this year, then lawmakers should put such expansion on hold.

What they shouldn't do, however, is abandon the state's existing medical marijuana program  and, by extension, those Iowans it seeks to support  altogether.

This editorial appeared in the Feb. 2 edition of the Sioux City Journal, another Lee Enterprises publication.
SoDo Place We specialize in developing attractively designed townhomes in centrally located, highly sought-after areas

ICON Residential will be opening their model unit for SoDo Place, located south of downtown Orlando, near the SoDo Shopping Center. SoDo Place will offer a 23 unit, urban townhome community with units ranging from 1,900 square feet to 2,000 square feet in three attractively designed floorplans.

SoDo Place features concrete block insulated construction, large windows, high ceilings, and private balconies. Residents will have their choice of designer finishes and high-end appliances to suit their needs and styles throughout the community. Due to its location just outside of the downtown, residents will be isolated from the hustle and bustle of the downtown core, while having the city-living experience with easy access to many convenient urban amenities. Becky Carey with Crestview Realty is the exclusive agent selling the homes and the sales office will be located at address 720 E Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32803.

Downtown Orlando is at your doorstep with countless things to explore in this rapidly growing city. It is rapidly becoming a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood where residents will have access to a multitude of boutique shops, high-end restaurants, and cultural facilities. SoDo Place residents can also enjoy world famous theme parks and attractions with a quick drive south.

We specialize in developing attractively designed townhomes in desirable locations across the Southeast US. Our goal is to offer a live-work-play environment for our residents in centrally located, highly sought-after areas, said ICON Residential Principal Mike Bednarski, a managing partner with the developer. Exclusive agent Becky Carey said, we are getting a lot of buyers that have been craving a moderately priced but luxury housing product centrally located in the Orlando area.

About ICON Residential Development

Founded in Tampa, FL in 2009 by Principals Mike Bednarski, Ryan Studzinski and Peggy Tseung, ICON Residential is a real estate investment and development company, with a strong background in residential real estate investing, construction, brokerage and development.

ICON embraces New Urbanist design principles, such as accessibility to an active urban environment, and promotes the opportunity for a live, work, play lifestyle. The companys market approach is tailored to contemporary for-sale housing targeting middle income households and empty nesters in primarily the southeastern United States where it creates innovative and desirable custom solutions for infill, for-sale housing. ICONs portfolio contains a growing collection of boutique urban communities that showcase the companys innovative approach to architecture, design and planning. ICON Residential has offices in Tampa, Atlanta and New York. For more information, please visit http://www.iconresliving.com or email info(at)iconresliving(dot)com.
California Vein and Vascular Centers announced today Dr. Janneth P. Momiy, a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon and registered physician in vascular interpretation, has joined the mulit-location practice.

Dr. Momiy specializes in all aspects of vascular surgery including varicose veins, venous insufficiency, carotid artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, limb salvage, dialysis access, and aortic and peripheral aneurysms. She is well-versed in both endovascular minimally invasive catheter procedures and open reconstructive surgery.

Were pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Momiy to our team, said Hardeep S. Ahluwalia, MD, founder of California Vein and Vascular Centers. At CVVC, our only aim is to provide exceptional patient care, and with Dr. Momiy more patients will receive the best treatment for their varicose veins, peripheral artery disease and other disorders.

Dr. Momiy received her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed her general surgery training at Baylor University Medical Center. She then completed an endovascular and vascular surgery fellowship at Temple University and subsequently joined Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group where she practiced for three years prior to joining California Vein and Vascular Centers. Dr. Momiy is fluent in Spanish.

California Vein and Vascular Centers

California Vein and Vascular Centers (CVVC) is a leader in the treatment of vein and vascular disorders in Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County and Monterey County. CVVC was founded by Hardeep S. Ahluwalia, MD, FACS, and is the proud recipient of the 2012 Patients Choice Award and 2012 and 2014 Compassionate Doctor Awards. Hospitals affiliated with CVVC include El Camino, Hospital Stanford, Good Samaritan, St. Louise Regional, and Watsonville Community. In 2016, Dr. Ahluwalia started a disease awareness program, Leg UP: Prevent Amputation, to help end amputations due to peripheral artery disease. For more information, visit CVVC at http://www.cvvcenters.com, or call 650.209.5843.
Morgan Corporation light- and medium-duty truck and van bodies

Morgan Corporation celebrates its 65th anniversary this year as North Americas premier designer and producer of light- and medium-duty truck and van bodies, and has grown to be the largest on the continent.

From our humble beginnings in 1952 as a truck repair and welding shop located just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, the story of how Morgan came to be is one of the great business success stories of our time, Paul Jarossy, Director of Marketing, stated. Since our inception, the Morgan name has been synonymous with innovative engineering, uncompromising quality and a superior customer service experience.

Recently, Morgan Corporation announced plans to open new manufacturing and service facilities in the U.S. Midwest as well as in New England in 2017 and 2018. Morgans 12 current manufacturing and service facilities are located in strategic areas across the United States and Canada.

The evolution of our products is evidence of our ability and commitment to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of our customers, Jarossy continued. With the launch of new products and designs, as well as the introduction of breakthrough technologies, Morgan continues to set new standards. These standards impact the transportation industry one body at a time, while fulfilling our own vision for the future in advance of market demands.

Morgan Corporation has been the premier producer of truck and van bodies in North America for 65 years. Morgan specializes in the manufacture of Class 3 to Class 7 (GVW) box truck/straight truck bodies to serve the dry freight and refrigerated industries. Morgan produces truck bodies to accommodate cargo of every configuration  from parcel delivery to furniture movers and heavy-equipment hauling, insulated and refrigerated units, bottled gas transport, and flatbed/stake & platform bodies. In recent years, Morgan has also launched dump and service truck bodies geared towards the landscape and contractor industries. To learn more, visit http://www.morgancorp.com.
Whether its a new mini excavator, dozer, or skid steer loader, you can count on us to help you find the best equipment solutions for your business. Thats the Hawthorne Cat Difference.

Hawthorne Cat, the exclusive Cat equipment dealer in San Diego, the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Region, announces a new BCP national offer. Purchase a new Cat mini excavator and get up to $3,500 cash back. The offer also includes 1.9% financing for 60 months and a powertrain equipment protection plan. Qualifying models include 300.9  308CRSB mini excavators. Additional cash back rewards are available for other models and machine families. Offer valid through June 30, 2017.

Choose Cat mini excavators for optimum performance and versatility. Their small size makes them easily transportable and allows them to work both indoors and outdoors. Despite the compact design, each model features a spacious cab for maximum operator comfort. Popular models include the 303.5E2, 305.5E2, and 308E2.

According to Sales Manager Ross Farmer, Start the new year strong by upgrading your fleet. Farmer continues, With this limited time offer, a powerful new Cat mini excavator is more affordable than ever.

Hawaii Sales Manager Shane Oliveira says, Hawthorne Cat boasts over 300 models in 35 different product categories. Oliveira continues, Whether its a new mini excavator, dozer, or skid steer loader, you can count on us to help you find the best equipment solutions for your business. Thats the Hawthorne Cat Difference.

Visit the Hawthorne Cat website or call 800.437.4228 to learn more.

About Hawthorne Cat

Hawthorne Cat is the authorized dealer for Cat construction and power equipment in San Diego, Hawaii, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. Hawthorne sells, rents, provides parts and service, training and emission solutions to various industries including general building construction, landscaping, marine, paving and power generation. For more on Hawthorne Cat, visit http://www.hawthornecat.com.
It's been a conversation too easy to shut down as those on various sides  including powerful unions  struggle to get beyond their own interests.

But the tone is different among school-choice advocates the editorial board met with recently. They bring a grass roots, "here's-what-we-should-do" approach that puts kids first.

The coalition they are helping to build in Minnesota, bringing together African-American, church- and independent-school advocates and others, has a clear message: For them, school choice is the civil-rights issue of our day.

Reynolds-Anthony Harris, a Minneapolis entrepreneur and founder of the Minnesota Harvest Initiative, is among those who argue that too many students have no choice other than public schools that may be failing them.

Harris, whose group involves black business owners in efforts to improve education and communities, was among speakers at a recent state Capitol rally intended to draw attention to the cause and support the proposed Equity and Opportunity Scholarship Act. The measure, which has bipartisan support, would provide scholarships allowing low- and middle-income children to attend a school that meets their needs. It's not a voucher program, say supporters, who explain that the scholarships would be funded by private donations to a nonprofit scholarship-granting organization and would be eligible for a state tax credit.

Among the advocates, George Parker, former president of the Washington, D.C., teachers' union, is a compelling convert to the school-choice movement.

He told us about re-examining his views, a process that required re-thinking quality education "versus what was best for my union." It began after a student he encountered at an event expressed her trust in Parker and his efforts on behalf of educators  while at the time his work involved a union settlement that "put a bad teacher back in school."

Parker, keynote speaker at a forum at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs during his School Choice Week visit to the Twin Cities last month, explains that he grew up in North Carolina, before integration. "I went to a school where there was no choice," he told us. His path eventually led to bachelor's and master's degrees and 30 years of teaching high-school and middle-school math.

"We have to open up the doors," Parker said. Without a choice of quality education, he believes, children limited in their school choice by their ZIP code can be "doomed to a lifetime of poverty."

Meanwhile, the debate about school choice plays out in a state grappling with equity, disparities and a daunting gap between the performance of white students and those of color.

Ours also is a state with a proud school-choice history. Open enrollment, allowing students to attend school in a district other than their own, began in the 1980s. Minnesota was No. 1 in the nation to allow the formation of charter schools, the first of which opened its doors in 1992 in St. Paul.

The debate in Minnesota also foreshadows a likely national fight over whether students should get public help to pay private-school tuition, the Pioneer Press' Christopher Magan observed in reporting on the legislative hearing.

Opponents of the Equity and Opportunity Scholarship idea, Magan reported, argue that the scholarship-donation approach is a "precarious step" toward a voucher system that would send taxpayer money to private and religious schools  making separation of church and state an issue  and draining money away from public schools that serve some of the most challenged students.

Business-sector backers like Harris bring additional power to advocates' free-market argument. In essence: Let the competition among schools take place and let market choice weed out those that don't perform to parents' satisfaction.

Advocates also make the point that Minnesota embraces the concept of choice when it comes to its youngest learners, awarding pre-K scholarships that empower parents to opt for the best settings for their children. Similarly, a wealth of choices awaits students at the other end of the path, in post-secondary education. Not so in the K-12 realm.

Those are among converging lines of thought as advocates make their school-choice case. When what we're doing isn't working  as schools fall short of their goal to serve all students  advocates' arguments are worth hearing, and hearing well.

This editorial appeared in the Feb. 5 edition of the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017, in partnership with Childrens Book World and in honor of Black History Month, Waldron Mercy Academy hosted two authors whose works celebrate African Americans in United States History. White House reporter, Pulitzer Prize winning author and avid scuba diver, Michael H. Cottman presented on his recent book Shackles from the Deep, which describes his dive and exploration of the Henrietta Marie, an 18th century slave ship that transported slaves from the West Indies to America and sunk near the southern tip of Florida. Following Cottman, Ann Bausum, multi-award winning author, discussed her most recent book on African American history, The March Against History: The Last Great Walk of the Civil Rights Movement and the Emergence of Black Power. The March Against History retells the story of James Meredith and his 200-mile walk on Mississippi in 1966.

Students in grades six through eight and their teachers listened to the stories from Cottman and Bausum, as they described their passion for history and the important events they detailed in their books. After the talk, Anthony Repice, grade eight, reacted to how informative and compelling the authors were. Particularly fascinated with the tale of the Henrietta Marie, he said It was interesting to hear about the dive and everything that Mr. Cottman found. Taken aback by the terrible conditions of the ship as it transported the slaves, Anthony continued, Some of the chains weighed 10 to 13 pounds! I couldnt imagine having to wear them.

Waldron Mercy Academy enjoys frequent author visits, as they provide students with an insiders look at the authors process and allows the authors to share their passions with and inspire our students.

More event photos: https://goo.gl/photos/eCnU9MVnzVwzDskZ7

About Waldron Mercy Academy: Waldron Mercy Academy is a Catholic, co-educational, private elementary school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Waldron has been recognized twice as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about WMA, visit http://www.waldronmercy.org.

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Jasper Contractors plans to expand aggressively throughout the Florida market during the next 5 years, and we need new qualified managers to achieve this goal. We are looking forward to talking about these careers at the IRE this year.

Jasper Contractors, Inc. is scheduled to attend the International Roofing Expo (IRE), taking place March 1-3 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

This years attendance marks a special moment for Jasper Contractors, as the companys focus will primarily be on filling executive positions.

Jasper Contractors expects tremendous growth throughout the year; and as a result, new career opportunities are available, says Brian Wedding, CEO of EX Capital, the parent company of Jasper Contractors. We are looking for game changers who are willing to work hard to reach 2017 revenue goals.

According to NRCAs most recent Market Survey, roofing sales volumes are expected to remain strong. This statement remains true for Jasper Contractors as the company has stated that they have reroofed more homes than any other Orlando roofing contractor within the last five years.

Jasper Contractors has been in business for over 12 years and has built one of the strongest brands in the roofing industry. The company plans to expand aggressively throughout the Florida market during the next 5 years, and we need new qualified managers to achieve this, says Wedding. We are looking forward to talking about these careers at the IRE this year.

Jasper Contractors is well known for offering competitive salaries and free healthcare after 90 days of employment. The recruiting team will be present at the IRE to discuss serious inquiries. For more information about Jasper Contractors, visit http://www.JasperRoof.com or stop by booth 2312 at the IRE in March.

About Jasper Contractors

Jasper Contractors, a high volume roofing company headquartered in Atlanta, has offered roofing services since 2004. Company offices are located in Atlanta, Evansville, Orlando, and Tampa. Jasper Contractors is an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and is BBB accredited. Jasper Contractors, Inc. is a subsidiary of EX Capital, LLC.
Dutch Luv Day 2017 It's all about luv as Dutch Bros celebrates Valentine's Day by taking steps toward ending hunger.

February 14 marks Dutch Bros annual Dutch Luv Day. On Tuesday, all Dutch Bros locations will donate $1 from every drink sold to local food organizations as they continue to provide nutritious food to community members in need.

"We are excited to celebrate Valentine's Day by showing our communities love," said Travis Boersma, Dutch Bros co-founder. "Dutch Luv Day is a day we are able to come together as a community to serve people who are in need of food."

Every Valentines Day, all 277 Dutch Bros locations in the seven states in which the companys operates donate $1 from every drink sold to local food organizations in their communities. Funds will support these organizations as they continue to fight hunger in within our communities. All Dutch Bros locations are locally owned and operated giving each franchisee the opportunity to support organizations that are positively impacting community members.

"No man, women or child should ever be forced to go without a meal, or have to chose between paying utilities bills or purchasing food," said Travis. "These local organizations that we have the opportunity to partner with on Dutch Luv Day are working towards a common goal--to eliminate hunger in our communities.

Dutch Bros shifted from a canned food donation to a monetary amount, two years ago. This change was due to the understanding of how every dollar supports local organizations. On average, a donation of $1 allows these organizations to purchase up-to seven pounds of healthy and nutritious food to further support local community members in need of making ends meet. Thus, $1 from every drink sold provides organizations the opportunity to purchase an abundance of food rather than having to sort through cans that may be expired, or not up-to proper food standards.

Last year, Dutch Bros was able to provide over 1.6 millions pounds of food, or over 1.3 million meals for community members by raising $234,030 on Dutch Luv Day. The company looks to surpass this donation amount this year.

To find a location near you please visit, http://www.dutchbros.com/locations

To see, in alphabetical order by state and city, local organizations that Dutch Bros is supporting in 2017 on Dutch Luv Day, click here.

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About Dutch Bros Coffee

Dutch Bros Coffee is the countrys largest privately held, drive-thru coffee company, with over 270 locations and over 6,000 employees in seven states.

Dutch Bros serves specialty coffee, smoothies, freezes, teas and a private-label, Dutch Bros Blue Rebel energy drink. The rich, proprietary coffee blend is handcrafted from start to finish. Every ingredient is measured, every process timed, and every cup perfected.

With a mission of, Making a Difference, One Cup at a Time, Dutch Bros donates over $2 million annually to nonprofit organizations and local causes selected by local owner-operators.

Dutch Bros. Coffee is headquartered in Grants Pass, Ore., where it was founded in 1992 by Dane and Travis Boersmabrothers of Dutch descent.

To learn more about Dutch Bros, visit http://www.dutchbros.com, like Dutch BrosCoffee on Facebook or follow @DutchBros on Twitter.

For Media Only Contact

Jen Wheatley, pr(at)dutchbros(dot)com, 541.226.7787
Rochester, New YorkLifeMark Securities Corp. proudly announced that Linda J. Black, ChFC, GFS, RICP, is the recipient of the 2016 LifeMark Securities Ethos Award for "Promoting the Highest Ethical Standards in the Financial Services Industry." LifeMarks award recognized Ms. Black for outstanding ethical service to her clients, and for her inspirational support of the firms strict principles of adherence to ethical practice throughout the organization.

Founded in 1983, LifeMark is a nationally registered broker/dealer and SEC and registered RIA leader in the securities industry. LifeMark provides a "best in class" array of products and services to independent financial advisors, while maintaining the flexibility to rapidly adapt to changes within the marketplace and regulatory environments.

Ms. Black is an awardee of the esteemed Global Financial Steward (GFS) designation, the highest certification for ethical practices in the securities industry. Ms. Blacks honor reflects her outstanding work for clients in Virginia and Maryland. Her robust commitment to principled practice affirms Ms. Blacks efforts to provide financial solutions in a variety of investment instruments to help clients attain their goals.

In addition to the GFS designation, Ms. Black also holds certifications as a Chartered Financial Counselor (ChFC), and as a Retirement Income Chartered Professional (RICP). The consequential diligence involved in mastering these rigorous programs reflects Ms. Blacks deep commitment to continuous self-improvement in service to her clients and the community.

Ms. Black believes there is more to investment management and financial planning than numbers. She notes, The decisions you make now will affect your financial health for years to come. You need a solid strategy and a competent, caring professional on your side. You need someone who will answer your questions and take the time to educate you along the way.

Since 1998, Ms. Blacks service to clients consistently reflected her unyielding belief that there is no relationship between a financial advisor and a client without effective communication, trust, and an unwavering commitment to the adherence of sound fiduciary practice and wholehearted commitment to the practice of ethics in all her work.

Whether acting as a fiduciary, a financial planning representative, a registered investment advisor or a registered representative, Ms. Black employs her extensive experience counseling clients on portfolio construction, retirement income and estate planning, asset protection strategies and other financial needs in a manner compatible with the best interests of the client first and foremost.

As Ms. Black noted, Regardless of the stage of life you are in, you are encountering some very important decisions that will impact your future. Your ability to fund your children's education, sustain your lifestyle in retirement or evaluate your investment portfolio is critical to your financial success. The choices you make today will have a significant impact on the realization of your goals.

Ms. Black is honored to be a trusted and elite member of LifeMark Securities, and LifeMark Securities is proud to count her as a member of the organization. She can be reached at:

Waverly Park Mansion

604 S King Street, Suite 208

Leesburg, VA 20175

703-777-4077 (Office)

400 West Metro Financial Center | Rochester, NY 14623 | P: 800.291.7570 | F: 585.272.7170 | http://www.lifemark.com | MEMBER FINRA / SIPC
Team Real Food Blends We've gone from getting comments like who are you and they can't taste it, so who cares? to --- thank you for what you do and how can we get you on our formulary or covered by insurance? - Tony Bombacino, Co-Founder, Real Food Blends

Real Food Blends, makers of 100% real food meals for people with feeding tubes, and the company that started a real food revolution in the medical community for people living with feeding tubes, proudly celebrates being a part of its fifth national Feeding Tube Awareness Week, February 6-10th. Feeding Tube Awareness Week was created by the Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to increase awareness about people with feeding tubes and to positively change perceptions of tube feeding.

Real Food Blends is also thrilled to announce 2,100% revenue growth Jan. 17 over Jan. 14. This exponential growth has been fueled by the increased number of people who require a feeding tube (Feeding Tube Awareness has identified more than 300 conditions that can necessitate a feeding tube) and increased awareness of the benefits of whole food ingredients and nutritional variety for people with feeding tubes. In addition, the medical community continues to embrace Real Food Blends, with many insurance companies, home health care providers and doctors proactively recommending real food for tube-fed people of all ages.

What started as a medical necessity for our son has sparked a real food revolution in the medical community that has touched tens of thousands worldwide, said Real Food Blends Co-Founder & CEO Julie Bombacino. Real Food Blends started after the Bombacinos young son failed to thrive while depending on many different traditional medical formulas for his nutrition, but once the Bombacinos began blending real food for him to eat, he almost immediately stopped vomiting, started growing and became a much happier child. Bombacinos son, AJ, is also officially known as the Chief Inspiration Officer at Real Food Blends. According to Bombacino, were grateful for our customers and for the advocacy and support of non-profits like Feeding Tube Awareness first as parents of a tube-fed child and also as a trusted resource for all of us at Real Food Blends in helping to continue to educate and improve lives through nutrition.

Also in its banner year, Real Food Blends recently launched their fourth meal option, Beef, Potatoes and Peas. Other meal options include Salmon, Oats and Squash; Orange Chicken, Carrots and Brown Rice and Quinoa, Kale and Hemp. Real Food Blends believes in offering a variety of food for complete health versus the same standard mixture or formula for every meal. This past summer, the company surpassed the major milestone of 1 million meals sold and expects to sell well beyond that many meals in 2017 alone. Real Food Blends was also recently selected as 1 of 10 companies to win the Chicago Innovation Award out of hundreds of entries for their work and innovation in the world of tube feeding nutrition.

As both the father of a son with a feeding tube and the Co-Founder of Real Food Blends, its hard to believe this is our 5th Feeding Tube Awareness Week, said Co-Founder & CMO Tony Bombacino. We've gone from getting comments like who are you and they can't taste it, so who cares? to --- thank you for what you do and how can we get you on our formulary or covered by insurance?. He went on to say, It's incredible to see what passionate groups like Feeding Tube Awareness continue to do to educate and build tolerance and acceptance for all those living with a feeding tube. Chances are you know somebody that has a feeding tube (or are very likely to at some point) and this is a group youll want to know. Bombacino also started a Special Needs Dads blog series last year to give a voice to this often under-represented group of caregivers.

Real Food Blends is now recommended by leading medical institutions such as The Cleveland Clinic, The Mayo Clinic and large Durable Medical Equipment (DMEs) and healthcare companies such as Medline, McKesson and Cardinal Health, who all have come to trust the team and brand. This list continues to grow in 2017 and the company remains excited for all that is to come in the year ahead.

ABOUT REAL FOOD BLENDS

Real Food Blends was born from Julie & Tony Bombacinos love for their own tube-fed son and a belief that we all deserve real food. The company makes 100% real food meals that are blended to go through feeding tubes. The meals are shelf stable, free of corn syrup and preservatives and are covered by many insurance plans. With over 1 Million meals sold in the United States and Canada, they are available nationwide through DMEs, medical supply and home healthcare companies or direct via RealFoodBlends.com and Amazon.com.

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min will be honoring the 30 top digital campaigns in magazine mediaranging from Best Use of Social Media to Best Advertiser Program/Partnershipon March 21, 2017 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at New York's Yale Club. min's Best of the Web Awards is the industry's top honor in the digital space, recognizing outstanding social media, web and mobile initiatives among consumer and b2b magazines.

View Finalists

In addition, the celebratory event will also spotlight the 2017 class of mins Digital Hall of Fame. This years inductees hail from diverse professional backgrounds and include digital innovators:



Matt Bean, VP & Editor-in-Chief, Mens Health

Brian Kroski, Chief Digital Media Officer, American Media, Inc.

Kate Lewis, SVP & Editorial Director, Hearst Magazines Digital Media

Lee Sosin, Senior Vice President, Hearst Digital Media

Lisa Valentino, Chief Revenue Officer, Conde Nast Entertainment

Andy Wilson, SVP of Consumer Revenue, Meredith Corporation

Find out More

Individual tickets to the luncheon along with tables ten are available for purchase. Table purchases come with priority seating and ensure attendees are seated together. For more information or to register for the awards breakfast, click here.

For questions about attending the Best of the Web Awards Luncheon, please contact Zoe Silverman at zsilverman(at)accessintel(dot)com. For sponsorship opportunities or advertising questions, please contact Tania Babiuk at tbabiuk(at)accessintel(dot)com.

About min:

min is the industry's trusted source on the consumer and b2b magazine business, reaching thousands of media executives through print, online and in-person events. For more than 60 years, min has been serving the magazine and media community with unparalleled coverage of this ever-changing industry. For more information, visit http://www.minonline.com.
The restaurant industry kicked off 2017 in a much more uplifting fashion than it ended 2016. While same-store sales growth was flat (0.0 percent) in January, it represented a welcome break from the ten consecutive months of negative sales growth experienced by the industry through the end of last year. Januarys jump of 4.3 percentage points was the biggest month-to-month improvement in same-store sales growth in almost 4 years. This insight comes from data reported by TDn2K through The Restaurant Industry Snapshot, based on weekly sales from nearly 26,000 restaurant units and 130 + brands, representing $65 billion dollars in annual revenue.

Although positive sales growth is always welcome, we have to be cautious about getting too optimistic about these latest results, commented Victor Fernandez, Executive Director of Insights and Knowledge for TDn2K. On one hand, it is common to see some large swings in comp sales during the winter, as significant weather events create fluctuating year-over-year comparisons. For example, sales were up between 20 and 65 percent in three of the regions on the East coast during the third week of the month, clearly weather related.

In addition to weather, there were unusual events in January that likely had some impact on restaurant sales. The year started with a federal holiday on January 2, which was unlike 2016. We also witnessed the effect of the presidential inauguration and the massive marches the following days. The combined impact is difficult to gauge, but operators will closely watch performance in upcoming weeks to get a sense if the downward trend in sales has been reversed or was simply obscured in all the noise.

Consumer Spending and Millennial Impact

Growth slowed in the final quarter of the year, but the overall number was misleading, explained Joel Naroff, President of Naroff Economic Advisors and TDn2K economist. Consumer spending was quite solid and demand for domestic goods was strong. Incomes, including wages and salaries, grew at a solid pace and the gains accelerated in the second half of the year. With the labor market continuing to tighten, that trend should continue this year. That bodes well for consumer spending, which could be even stronger in 2017. Millennials are moving into their thirties and that means they should start forming households and having families. While they have greatly altered restaurant demand already, their aging could lead to another round of changes. Though any new trends that may emerge may be a few years off, it needs to be tracked starting now.

Traffic and Average Guest Checks

Same-store traffic dropped by -2.5 percent in January. Although still negative, this was the best month for the industry since last May. Average guest checks grew by 2.4 percent during the first month of the year. On average, guest checks have grown at a pace of 2.3 percent year-over-year since August 2016.

Two-Year Growth Comparisons

A two-year view of sales performance offers another perspective of the slowdown in sales and reveals Januarys sales growth to have been relatively weak. Same-store sales fell by about -0.8 percent compared with January of 2015. Two-year sales growth rates have been negative for all months since October of 2016. In contrast, same-store sales calculated on a two-year basis grew by an average 2.5 percent during the first six months of 2016 and by an average 3.0 percent for all months of 2015.

Segment Performance

Three segments experienced positive sales growth in January: upscale casual, family dining and quick service. Quick service has been consistently in the top spot, but had slipped the past two months and rebounded in January.

January sales declined in fine dining and fast casual. For the first time in over five years, fast casual was the weakest performing segment based on sales growth.

Also noteworthy is the fact that casual dining was able to achieve flat results in January, breaking a streak of thirteen consecutive months of negative same-store sales growth.

Restaurant Turnover

Restaurant industry woes continue to extend beyond the declining sales and into the increasingly difficult task of keeping restaurants staffed. According to TDn2Ks People Report, in December restaurants once again suffered an increase in their hourly employee and restaurant manager turnover.

Turnover rates for managers and hourly employees started increasing in 2010. Currently those rates are at the highest levels reported in over ten years. Turnover is clearly correlated to the overall unemployment rate, which means that, at close to full employment, continued employment pressures are expected through the year.

Terminated Managers Tend to Stay In the Industry

A recent survey by People Report revealed that 62 percent of responding restaurant companies estimate that over half of their terminated managers leave to go work for another restaurant company. Right now, there are many vacancies appearing every day for restaurant managers, and they are mostly getting filled by people leaving their current restaurant jobs, said Fernandez. Many restaurant managers are not finding what they are looking for in their current jobs and are very willing to go look for it at another restaurant company.

About TDn2K

TDn2K (Transforming Data into Knowledge) is the parent company of People Report, Black Box Intelligence and White Box Social Intelligence. People Report provides service-sector human capital and workforce analytics for its members on a monthly basis. Black Box Intelligence provides weekly financial and market level data for the restaurant industry. White Box Social Intelligence delivers consumer insights and reveals online brand health. TDn2K membership represents 37,000 restaurant units, over 2.1 million employees and $65 billion in sales. They are also the producers of leading restaurant industry events including the Global Best Practices Conference held annually each January in Dallas, Texas.
Creative Shuttle

Business France, the French national agency supporting the international development of the French economy, today announced the United States winner of Creative Next, a social media contest that shines the spotlight on Frances most innovative entrepreneurs around the world. Hemarina, a biotechnology company that develops innovative universal oxygen carriers from marine environments that are used in healthcare applications, was selected from a diverse group of businesses registered / established in the U.S. that were founded by French entrepreneurs demonstrating unparalleled creativity and excellence in their work.

Hemarina is a shining example of how a new generation is carrying the tradition of creative genius into the future both in France and abroad in the U.S., said Muriel Penicaud, French Ambassador for International Investment and CEO of Business France. We are pleased that Creative Next allows us to give Hemarina even greater visibility in the marketplace.

As the winners of the Creative Next contest, Hemarina joins the ranks of noteworthy French companies and individuals like 42, a private computer-training school established by Xavier Niel that just opened an outpost in Silicon Valley, and Cedric Villani, winner of the Fields Medal - the highest honor in the field of mathematics, in being featured by Creative France, an international campaign that highlights Frances position at the forefront of business and innovation across industries, including technology, design, education, aviation and gastronomy.

The Creative Next contest kicked off in France in 2016 and has since been facilitated throughout nine countries across the globe, including India, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Each of the individual honorees showcases a new and exciting face of France with their disruptive innovations.

Hemarina is honored to be named the winner of Creative Next in the U.S. and is excited to join French stars in their fields in promoting our native countrys biotechnology strengths, said Dr. Franck Zal, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Hemarina. We know that France is strong, ambitious and creative and look forward to sharing that message with the world.

Hemarina develops marine universal oxygen carriers for healthcare applicationsa decisive, patented breakthrough technology in regard to current and past developments of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs). A clinical trial will soon be completed at kidney transplant centers located at six French university hospitals using HEMO2life, an additive in graft preservation solution. In addition, HEMOXYCarrier is a therapeutic oxygen carrier that aims to restore optimal oxygenation of an organism without the side effects noted with the first generation of HBOC (i.e. vasoconstrictive and hypertensive effects). This feature has been demonstrated in a pre-clinical study carried out by the Naval Medical Research Center and the results of this collaboration have been published. Finally, HEMHealing is a wound dressing designed to deliver the quantity of oxygen needed for the healing of wounds that are chronic or treatment resistant by means of a natural gradient of oxygen pressure, generating major interest from key players worldwide.

The potential of such breakthrough innovation and the market addressed are impressive: blood oxygen carrier market size was estimated to $72 billion in 2009 (Ernst & Young) in a worldwide blood shortage market of 100 million liters per year. Major HEMOXYCarrier indications are emergency care related, including acute anemia or acute hemorrhage syndromes during post-injury phases. This innovation should allow rapid oxygenation recovery for patients.

Hemarinas business model revolves around finding win-win partnerships with life sciences or pharmaceutical companies who wish to incorporate Hemarinas technology in their medical devices or drug development process.

For additional information on Business France, please visit http://en.businessfrance.fr/ or https://twitter.com/businessfrance and for Creative France, visit http://creative.businessfrance.fr/ or https://twitter.com/creativefrance.

Business France

Business France is the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy, responsible for fostering export growth by French businesses, as well as promoting and facilitating international investment in France. It promotes Frances companies, business image and nationwide attractiveness as an investment location, and also runs the VIE international internship program. Founded on Jan. 1, 2015, through a merger between UBIFRANCE and the Invest in France Agency, Business France has 1,500 personnel, both in France and in 70 countries throughout the world, who work with a network of public- and private-sector partners. For more information, visit http://en.businessfrance.fr/.

Hemarina

Hemarina is a biotechnology company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Morlaix, Finistere, France. The company specializes in the development of universal marine oxygen carriers. Hemarina has an office in Paris, a technical & commercial affiliate in Boston (Hemarina Inc.) and a production site located on the island of Noirmoutier (France).

Hemarina identified four applications which are highly creative for short-medium term value including three medical applications and one industrial application:

-A therapeutic oxygen carrier: HEMOXYCarrier

-An additive to organ preservation solutions: HEMO2life

-An oxygenating dressing: HEMHealing

-An input for industrial bioproduction: HEMOXCell / HEMBoost

For more information, visit our website: http://www.hemarina.com
Waterford to host Lower School Open House on Wednesday, February 15. "By providing a broad liberal arts curriculum, Waterford prepares students for success in the 21st century." Todd Winters, Waterford Director of Admissions

The Waterford School will host a Lower School Open House for families with students entering Preschool (ages 3-4) through Grade 5 on Wednesday, February 15 between 6 and 8 p.m.

This event will showcase Waterfords 40-acre campus, highlighting the school's academic and arts programs. Interested parents and students are invited to come and learn more about Waterford's curriculum, student life and the application process. Time will be available to tour the campus with parent ambassadors and to meet and discuss curriculum and programs with members of the faculty and administration.

"By providing a broad liberal arts curriculum, Waterford prepares students for success in the 21st century, " said Todd Winters, Director of Admissions at Waterford. "On a daily basis, our students may experience studio arts, dance, math, science, robotics and chess, English or history, but regardless of their class schedule or grade level, Waterford students learn to think, and they learn to love learning. "

Founded in 1981, the Waterford School is a private liberal arts, college-preparatory school for students in preschool through grade 12. For more information about the Open House, please call 801-816-2216 or visit http://waterfordschool.org/openhouse
CRAACO Transforming clinical trials into a care option is arguably the most important change that can be made in bringing patients closer to clinical research, says Valerie Bowling, Executive Director, The Conference Forum.

The Conference Forum is pleased to announce the launch of Clinical Research as a Care Option (CRAACO), which will take place on April 4, 2017 in Boston, MA. This half-day event is designed to help bring clinical research closer to patients and patients closer to clinical trials.

Transforming clinical trials into a care option is arguably the most important change that can be made in bringing patients closer to clinical research, says Valerie Bowling, Executive Director, The Conference Forum. Higher rates of clinical trial participation within a health system produce better patient outcomes, lower cost of care and happier patients. Health systems and patients get access to the latest research, while pharma gets access to more patients in need of clinical research options. We are really thrilled to present the first public program that brings clinical trial executives together with hospital system executives to bridge a much needed gap.

Led by Co-Chairs Jeff James of Wilmington Health and Katherine Vandebelt of Eli Lilly & Company, CRAACO opens with keynote speaker sessions on bridging healthcare to life science and vice versa. Additional discussions cover transitioning from research to care by reviewing data and exploring care pathways to increase research participation within the value-based healthcare system, and using clinical research as a counter measure in conjunction with their Accountable Care Organization to drive towards value.

Further sessions include how value-based health care delivery can improve value for patients by improving processes and reducing costs without sacrificing outcomes, and how life science organizations can create value from data science in ways that are technical and organizational, which aligns incentives and make it easier for physicians to conduct clinical research, improve data quality, and preserve patient safety.

Patients almost never learn about clinical research from their physicians unless their physicians are directly engaged in clinical trials, says Katherine Vandebelt. The value of integrating clinical research into the overall continuum of care is often lost on health care organizations. In this meeting, we address how to bridge the gap and overcome many of the obstacles.

The CRAACO speaking faculty includes:



Christina Akerman, MD, President, International Consortium of Health Outcome Measurements (ICHOM)

Meredith Alger, Healthcare Researcher, Program Manager, Harvard Business School

Kenneth Bilger, CEO, Christic Clinic

Jennifer Byrne, Founder, Greater Gift Initiative

William Crowne, Chief Science Officer, Optum Labs

Jeff James, CEO, Wilmington Health

Craig Lipset, Head of Clinical Innovation, R&D, Pfizer

Kenneth Mandl, Director, Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital and Professor, Harvard Medical School

Robert Matthews, President and CEO, Medisync

John McConnell, MD, CEO, Wake Forest University Medical Center

Toyin Okanlawon, MD, Senior Researcher, Harvard Business School, Institute for Strategy & Competitiveness

Tom Pike, Former CEO, Quintiles

Kyu Rhee, MD, Chief Health Officer, IBM

Jane Shen, PharmD, Senior Director, Innovation, PMG

Katherine Vandebelt, Global Head, Clinical Innovation, Eli Lilly & Company

Learn more about CRAACO.

About the Conference Forum

The Conference Forum is a research firm and develops specialized events for professionals in the life science and healthcare industries. The company currently offers conferences for R&D leaders, clinical development professionals, biotech executives, VCs, drug delivery specialists, patient advocates and non-profit/government healthcare groups. The Conference Forum's mission is to create the best content, facilitate the exchange ideas and provide quality networking to help move therapeutics to patients faster. Learn more about The Conference Forum.
We are not concerned for ourselves.

When we hear about the Trump administration imposing media blackouts on some federal departments, it's not the journalists covering the presidency that we worry about. And it's not reporters we are anxious for when we hear the president and his advisers say they rely on "alternative facts" that only serve to support their opinions. Or when specific media outlets are frozen out as retribution for their commitment to reporting actual facts.

No, we are upset on behalf of you. The fundamental tenet of journalism is this: We subscribe to the idea that freedom is only achievable when a country's citizens have access to factual information they can use to make their own decisions. While not the only conduit of information, journalists are often the ones that provide it. When we are impeded from doing so, we raise a little hell because our audiences expect nothing less.

It is why the press decried President Donald Trump's ordered media blackouts at the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior and the Agriculture Department. It is understandable for a new administration to review the way information is shared, or that some information is sensitive and disclosure of it would harm national security. It is unacceptable to completely stop its dissemination, which is what happened on Inauguration Day when the EPA was told it could not issue news releases, blog updates or posts to the agency's social media accounts.

A free press was vital to the founders: Otherwise it wouldn't be enshrined in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, along with other essential freedoms such as the rights to petition, assemble, speak freely and practice the religion of your choice. The founders knew that a country where a relatively small number of representatives are elected to make decisions for all Americans could only be successful if the citizens could hold them accountable.

Historically, journalists have been vital to achieving that ideal. They attend government meetings, ask questions and dig through public documents (which they at times have to fight for) so it can be reported. The end result is often critical. Information can make people angry or they can disagree with it. But the job has never been about making people happy: It is to hold the powerful accountable and effect change when necessary.

When the press is stymied from doing that, it's taxpayers who are shortchanged. But it is being painted in a different light: The media are, according to Trump officials, the opposition party. During his first full day in office, Trump said he had a "running war with the media. They are among the most dishonest human beings on Earth." It appeared to be in response because many media outlets reported, using photographs from the same angles, that the crowd was larger at the first inauguration of Barack Obama than his.

He has since slammed the New York Times and Washington Post. His spokesmen are forbidden from going on CNN. These are outlets that have reported factual information he has not liked, and his reaction has been to punish them.

That's not to say journalists are infallible. Like all professions, there have been bad apples. It's a business that grapples with fewer resources and more competition than in the past. Mistakes are made. Reputable media organizations correct and apologize when that happens.

But the core commitment to our audience has never changed. We will fight for your right to have access to information, because we know citizens need information if they are to meaningfully take part in government. And we will remind elected officials that if they truly have the best interests of their constituents at heart, they will not demand to be the owners of information but stewards of it on behalf of those they represent.

This editorial appeared in the Feb. 1 edition of the The State Journal-Register of Springfield, Illinois.
Amber Baynard, Human Resource Manager, Bill Howe Plumbing, Heating & Air, Restoration & Flood, Inc. San Diego I love working with my family and we support each other to be better leaders and continue the mission set forth by Bill and Tina.

Bill Howe started his San Diego plumbing company in 1980 as a one-truck operation. Understanding the need for a high quality and honest plumber in property management, Howe focused on delivering specialized and tailored services in the beach area. Word of mouth helped to grow his operation and together with Bill Howe Sr., and Tina Howe, they started their family-owned business mission: Create a family environment for all employees, deliver the highest quality to customers in San Diego, and give back to the community. In the three decades since beginning, Bill Howe has become a household name with over 160 employees, and three generations of family at the head serving divisions in plumbing, restoration and heating & air across San Diego county.

On Friday February 10, Amber Baynard, who is also Bill Howes niece, will celebrate her 20-year anniversary with the company. She began at the age of eighteen as a summer intern, but quickly proved to be an invaluable part of operations and her employment became permanent. When Amber started, we had just started to move from pagers and paper dispatching systems to an integrated software program, said Mark Card, It Manager. She led the training efforts and helped to bring us to a fluid and efficient system that allowed for a major part of our growth in 1997.

Amber has trained in most all positions form filing, dispatching, management, operations, and now human resources. When Jaime Howe and Haley Howe joined the family business in 2007 and 2009, Amber also helped to train them in all positions to ensure their own growth within the company. We all work very hard to make Bill Howe customers and employees priority, and that means understanding all aspects of the company, Said Amber Baynard. I love working with my family and we support each other to be better leaders and continue the mission set forth by Bill and Tina. We have the most amazing team and I am grateful for the opportunity to prove myself each day.

Amber was recognized at the Bill Howe company meeting on Wednesday with an engraved crystal vase celebrating her years of excellence. Amber is an integral part of Bill Howe, said Tina Howe, Vice President of the Bill Howe Family of Companies. She knows every part of the company inside and out, understands the needs of our team and she delivers exceptional service to both employees and our customers.

The Bill Howe Family of Companies has created a true family culture, with a clear code of ethics, where all employees thrive and have the tools and resources to continue advancing within their career.

For more information about the local San Diego Plumbing Company, visit http://www.billhowe.com, or to speak with Bill or Tina Howe regarding this announcement, contact Bill Howe Marketing Director, Julie Riddle at Julie(at)billhowe(dot)com.

About Bill Howe Family of Companies

Bill Howe Family of Companies is comprised of Bill Howe Plumbing, Inc.; Bill Howe Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.; Bill Howe Restoration & Flood Services, Inc. The family-owned and operated company began in 1980 with the plumbing division and has grown into San Diego Countys largest low-cost one-stop-shop for service, repairs and installation, offering both residential and commercial services. 9085 Aero Drive, Suite B, San Diego CA 92123. Call 1-800-BILL-HOWE because We Know Howe!

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Missoula's Largest Indoor Boat Show!

Bretz RV & Marine and Gull Boats & RV are presenting Montanas largest Indoor Boat Show from February 10th through February 20th. February is the ideal month to take advantage of pre-season savings and excellent promotional offers. It is also is the time to learn everything you need to know about the marine industry from expert boating specialists.

The Indoor Boat Show sets the stage for exciting marine adventures by offering a variety of sport boats, wake boats, fishing boats, pontoons, personal watercraft and more. Fifteen of the nations top manufacturers will be on display, representing over 200 boat and personal watercraft brands.

With over 125 years of combined experience, Bretz RV & Marine as well as Gull Boats & RV are known for excellent customer service and longstanding knowledge about the boating lifestyle. Shoppers will find both new and used boats on display, a variety of boating accessories and other marine services, including winterization and inspections. Both dealers encourage trade-ins during the show and, as an additional incentive, the first five boats sold will include a complimentary $200 gift card to Cabelas.

Feel confident about your next buying decision when talking to qualified salesmen who will ensure that you make the best decision for your wants and needs.

Take advantage of exclusive inventory and show pricing for ten days only during the show:

2017 Smokercraft Pro Angler 162: Show Special: $19,995*



$199 Down, 5.99% OAC, $199/mo for 144 months

2017 Sunchaser 8520 Classic Cruise: Show Special: $31,995* (Was: $35,367)



10% Down, 5.79% OAC, $239/mo for 180 months

2017 Starcraft SCX 230: Show Special: $20% Down, $399/Month



5.95% OAC for 240 months

2016 Bayliner 185 Bowrider (Stk #8723): Show Special: $24,997*



$249 Down, 6.39% OAC, $249/mo for 144 months

Also, at the Indoor Boat Show, Bretz RV & Marine will be holding various boating seminars on Saturday, February 11th, and Saturday, February 18th. Here is a sneak peek at some of the topics that will be covered during these free sessions:

Saturday, February 11th, 2017 @ 11:00am



Catch Trout at Ice-Out hosted by Kit and Trevor Johnson from Kits Tackle and KT Sportfishing

Four Generations of experience on how to guide you into targeting ice out trout perch and walleye on Holter Lake and Gates of the Mountains. Including ice out tactics on all Montana waterways and more!

Saturday, February 18th, 2017 @ 10:00am



How to Find Walleye hosted by Bob Hickey, Three Time Montana Walleye Circuit Angler of the Year

Learn how to find walleye and techniques to catch them once you find them!

Saturday, February 18th, 2017 @12:00pm



Flathead Lakes Spring Fishery Tips and Tips For Traveling with a Boat hosted by Mike Howe-Winner of the $10,000 Hebgen lake Ice Tournament at West Yellowstone with Jason Mundel

Join Flathead Valley Outfitter Mike Howe for a seminar discussing tactics to catch fish in Flathead Lake, including the spring Yellow Perch bite in Polson Bay and the shallow Spring Lake Trout bite around the mouth of the Flathead River. Also, learn tips and advice for the angler who tows his or her boat to new waters, tournaments, etc.

About Bretz RV & Marine:

Bretz RV & Marine first started in 1965 when Frank and Vi Bretz brought their first Aloha Trailer and began operating a service station in Missoula. Eventually passing on ownership to their two sons Mark and Dave, the family-owned dealership now boasts over 50 years of experience and a location on North Reserve with a recently expanded 20,000 square foot showroom. Today, Bretz RV & Marine currently has three different locations in Missoula, Boise, and Billings. Also, the dealership is proudly recognized as the largest RV & Boat Dealer in Montana, Idaho, Eastern Washington, Wyoming and the Dakotas. Equipped with an extensive selection of RV and Marine vehicles, 26 fully equipped service bays, a dump station, Parts and Body shop, 99cent propane, and the dealership in Montana with the most RVDA technicians under one roof, Bretz RV & Marine continues to set the highest standards in customer service. They are celebrating their 50th company anniversary during the 2017 year.

For more information on Bretz RV & Marine, please visit http://www.bretzrv.com or check out their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/bretzrvandmarine.
We call upon our nations courts to be vigilant in protecting the rights of minority populations from unlawful discrimination by the Trump Administration.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) praises the unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refusing to reinstate President Donald Trumps executive order barring entry to the United States of nationals from seven predominantly Muslim nations. Trumps January 27 Muslim ban suspended for 90 days entry to the United States by people from Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

The unanimous 9th Circuit decision is a huge relief to immigrant communities throughout the country, stated LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha, Jr. The judicial branch has reaffirmed that it will not permit the President to exceed his constitutional and statutory authority. We also applaud the thousands of citizens, lawyers, and organizations that stood up to fight against unlawful separation of families. We will continue to work alongside them to ensure freedom from discrimination.

The travel ban caused chaos and confusion at U.S. airports for green card holders, students and relatives, hours after it went into effect. About 60,000 already issued visas were canceled but have since been reinstated after U.S. District Judge James Robart issued a restraining order blocking Trump's travel restrictions.

Todays decision reaffirmed the judiciarys historic role of serving as a check on unconstitutional overreach by the Executive and Legislative branches of government, stated LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. We call upon our nations courts to be vigilant in protecting the rights of minority populations from unlawful discrimination by the Trump Administration.

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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nations largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULACs programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit http://www.lulac.org.
FDA's Regulation of Regenerative Medicine including Stem Cell Treatments, Tissue Engineering and Gene Therapies Course "FDA's Regulation of Regenerative Medicine including Stem Cell Treatments, Tissue Engineering and Gene Therapies" has been pre-approved by RAPS as eligible for up to 12 credits towards a participant's RAC recertification upon full completion.

ComplianceOnline, the leading governance, risk and compliance advisory network with over 500 experts in various regulatory subjects, today announced a seminar on FDA's Regulation of Regenerative Medicine including Stem Cell Treatments, Tissue Engineering and Gene Therapies. The two day seminar led by Debra Webster and David Cummings will be held on March 2 and 3, 2017 in Boston, MA, then on July 13 and 14, 2017 in Irvine, CA and on October 19 and 20, 2017 in Newark, NJ.

This training workshop will provide a historical context for the use of stem cells in medicine, where the field has been and where it is going.

For more information or to register for the seminar, please click here.

Speaker Debra Webster is an ex-FDA official with over 25 years experience in drug development, focusing on nonclinical toxicology and proof-of-concept. Dr. Webster is responsible for nonclinical and regulatory consulting to guide products from pre-IND application interactions with the FDA to New Drug Application (NDA) and Biological License Application (BLA) approval.

David A. Cummings is a regulatory consultant with more than 24 years of experience with development and regulatory affairs of small molecule and biologic products. His biologic experience includes viral antigens, enzymes, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy products and therapeutic proteins. Presently, he is a Director of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC), for Cardinal Health Regulatory Sciences.

This two-day workshop will host discussions on fundamentals of stem cells and on how the FDA regulates regenerative treatments and therapies. The various sessions will also address drug and biological approval process, applicable good manufacturing and good laboratory practices, and FDA and other federal agency enforcement action. In addition, the course will provide the various examples of FDA approved use of stem cells in medicine and what is needed for the field to progress.

Dates:

Thursday, March 2, 2017 (8.30 AM- 4.30 PM) and Friday, March 3, 2017 (8.30 AM- 4.30 PM)

Thursday, July 13, 2017 (8.30 AM- 4.30 PM) and Friday, July 14, 2017 (8.30 AM- 4.30 PM)

Thursday, October 19, 2017 (8.30 AM- 4.30 PM) and Friday, October 20, 2017 (8.30 AM- 4.30 PM)

Location 1: Boston, MA

Location 2: Irvine, CA

Location 3: Newark, NJ

Registration Cost: $1,999.00 per registration

Early bird discounts: For discounts on early registrations, please click here.

Register by phone: Please call our customer service specialists at +1-888-717-2436 or email to customercare(at)complianceonline(dot)com

For more information on ComplianceOnline or to browse through our trainings, please visit our website.

About ComplianceOnline

ComplianceOnline is a leading provider of regulatory compliance trainings for companies and professionals in regulated industries. ComplianceOnline has successfully trained over 35,000 professionals from 9,000 companies to comply with the requirements of regulatory agencies. ComplianceOnline is headquartered in Palo Alto, California and can be reached at http://www.complianceonline.com. ComplianceOnline is a MetricStream portal. MetricStream (http://www.metricstream.com) is a market leader in Enterprise-wide Governance, Risk, Compliance (GRC) and Quality Management Solutions for global corporations.

For more information please contact:

A Reuben Bernard

Associate Director - ComplianceOnline

2479 East Bayshore Road

Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Phone - +1-650-238-9656 | +1-888-717-2436

Fax - 650-565-8542

Mail: reuben(at)complianceonline(dot)com

Website: http://www.complianceonline.com
BrightStar Care of Edmond/Oklahoma City Members of our staff are in the business to enrich peoples lives, which is the focus of person-centered care. Past News Releases RSS BrightStar Care of Oklahoma City...

BrightStar Care Connects with...

BrightStar Care of Edmond/Oklahoma City, a home care and medical staffing agency, is celebrating 750 clients served since opening in 2013 . Our slogan is A Higher Standard of Care, and thats what weve been providing for the past four years, said Ken Fearnow, co-owner of BrightStar Care of Edmond/Oklahoma City, which is accredited by the Joint Commission, a nationally recognized quality standards organization.

BrightStars companion services include comprehensive companion care for anyone  of any age  who needs it. This includes in-home support, helping with laundry, light housekeeping, meal planning and cooking, respite for family caregivers, adult and senior transportation to and from doctor appointments and social events and more. Services are available for as little as one hour to 24 hours per day.

Furthermore, BrightStar provides Alzheimers and Dementia care. Its mission, via its proprietary BrightStar Connections program, is to provide people living with Alzheimers or Dementia the individualized care and support they need to live with dignity and purpose safely and securely in their own home, enjoy optimal health and emotional well-being and maintain connections to the people, places, things and memories that matter most to them.

BrightStar also provides personal care services to people with a higher level of needs. They might have been discharged from the hospital and need some support in their home, added Fearnow. They may struggle to get out of bed or need help with transferring, walking, dressing, incontinence care or showering.

BrightStars nursing staff ranges from registered nurses to certified home health aides and certified nurse aides. Members of our staff are in the business to enrich peoples lives, which is the focus of person-centered care, concluded Fearnow.

About BrightStar Care of Edmond/Oklahoma City

BrightStar Care of Edmond/Oklahoma City provides quality home care services and medical staffing solutions to families and businesses in the Central Oklahoma County area. Its home care agency services include elder care, special needs care, skilled nursing and more. For more information, call (405) 896-9600, or visit http://www.brightstarcare.com/edmond-oklahoma-city. The office is located at 3000 United Founders Blvd., Suite 104G, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

About the NALA

The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.
Weve received awesome feedback on the retail side and visitors to the store love the graphics above the new displays and the overall layout and footprint of the showroom.

4 Wheel Parts, the global leader in off-road performance product sales and installation, is staging two grand reopening celebrations at locations in the Pacific Northwest this Saturday, February 11. The Portland, Oregon and Lynnwood, Washington retail stores will host events for off-road enthusiasts featuring significant discounts, installation specials and multiple giveaways. The family-friendly celebrations will give visitors a chance to see the newly renovated stores with state-of-the-art showrooms and service bays.

The free events happening this Saturday give attendees a chance to experience 4 Wheel Parts unique off-road shopping concept in person in addition to other activities. Showrooms offer the aftermarket industrys most comprehensive array of truck, Jeep and SUV parts and accessories in a user-friendly environment.

Were excited to host our grand reopening and people who have already come in and seen the retail stores remodeled look have really been impressed, says Portland Store Manager Tom Dettman. Activities include raffling off a $500 4 Wheel Parts shopping spree, a car crush and RTI ramp and off-road vendors on hand with products include ARB 4x4 Accessories, Warrior and Bestop.

The two grand reopening celebrations will have 4x4 experts offering tricks, tips and concepts for potential builds and will feature giveaways ranging from a set of Pro Comp wheels to a Smittybilt XRC winch. ASE-certified technicians will be onsite providing installation discounts on select products purchased. The two new locations join 4 Wheel Parts expanding lineup of 77 retail stores across North America.

Weve received awesome feedback on the retail side and visitors to the store love the graphics above the new displays and the overall layout and footprint of the showroom, says Dave Hall, Lynnwood Store Manager. Their celebration will feature an outdoor tent set up with inflatable games for the whole family, a catered free food truck for lunch and local radio stations KMPS 94.1 FM and JACK FM 96.5 broadcasting live from the location.

What: 4 Wheel Parts Grand Reopening Celebrations

When: Saturday, February 11 from 9 a.m.  5 p.m.

Locations:

Portland, OR

2700 SE 82nd Ave.

Portland, OR 97266

503-774-4000

Lynnwood, WA

18121 Alderwood Mall Parkway

Lynnwood, WA 98037

425-712-1366

Free Admission

About 4 Wheel Parts

4 Wheel Parts is the global leader in truck, Jeep, SUV and off-road performance products. With 77 locations across the U.S. and Canada and growing, 4 Wheel Parts Service Centers install all the products they sell. Maintaining the nations largest inventory of off-road all-terrain tires, wheels, suspension products and LED fog lights, 4 Wheel Parts serves customers across the country and around the globe. Life is Better Off-Road. Visit them at 4wheelparts.com or call toll-free 877-474-4821.
Chinas leading electronics wholesaler, Chinavasion has added the latest Chuwi LapBook to its already impressive assortment of tablet PCs and laptops, helping it meet the growing demands from their global customers.

Ms. Rose Li, PR Manager at Chinavasion, stated, "The Chuwi LapBook is known as the first Chinese laptop to feature the Intel Apollo Lake CPU. This new and highly powerful processor makes it one of the fastest laptops in its class."

Chuwi, a Chinese electronics producer, is mainly known for its high-end Android and Windows tablet PCs. By launching this extremely fast device which outperforms most of its competitors, Chuwi has made a bold step into the global laptop industry.

The new Apollo Lake processor is a Quad-Core CPU that has been clocked at 2.2GHz, and should guarantee a speedy and powerful performance. The LapBook has 4GB of RAM and with an Intel Graphic 500 GPU it is a significant improvement on previous generation devices. Additionally, it has a lower power consumption that enables a longer battery life.

Ms. Li confirmed that, "This latest generation of Intels Atom driven laptops has allowed Chinese manufactures to make powerful low-cost laptops. These are exactly the types of value-for-money electronics that meet the demands of Chinavasions Western consumers.''

The Chuwi LapBook features a large 14.1 Inch display on which it portraits vivid colors and Full-HD 1080P resolution. Its sleek and lightweight design makes it highly portable. Running on a Windows a 10 operating system, this latest Windows laptop provides good software support.

Whether this laptop is simply used to make notes during a business meeting, or for playing demanding games  by packing top-end hardware, this Windows laptop promises to deliver a comparable performance to desktop PCs with significant savings for the consumer.

By introducing the best tablet PCs at low prices, Chinavasion makes high end computers affordable for all.

Rose Li concluded that, "The Chinese electronics industry is developing rapidly, resulting in the fact that products such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops become faster and more powerful on a daily base."

Sourcing manager at Chinavasion, Eric Yu, added, "Our goal, as Chinas leading electronics wholesaler, is to make these products available in Europe, America, and the rest of the world so that also consumers in these parts of the world can enjoy all the great benefits offered by Chinese electronics at an affordable price."

Chinavasion has over 10 years experience delivering the latest gadgets and consumer electronics from China. With in-house quality control and express global shipping customers from around the globe can take advantage of top quality electronics at wholesale prices.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Feb. 6, 2017, Luxor Industrial Corporation (Luxor or the Company) (TSX.V:LRL) (OTC:LXRRF) advised changes to its Board of Directors. Murray Lonseth has resigned from the Board of Luxor as well as President and Chief Operating Officer of Luxor.



John Hunter has resigned from the Board of Luxor. Mr. Hunter has also resigned from the Board of Mill Frame Inc. as well as an officer of Mill Frame Inc. and Mill Frame LLC., both subsidiaries of the Company.

ABOUT LUXOR

Luxors operations are focused around a turnkey framing solution for multi-family complexes. With its manufacturing facility in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Luxors operations are focused on offering a complete service, including estimating, design, manufacturing and constructing, to General Contractors in the Western United States. For additional information, please visit www.millframe.com.

In addition, Luxor is involved in the development, engineering, manufacturing and marketing of engineered wood products. In the industrial sector, it manufacturers wood mat products. In the residential sector it manufactures its patented IBS 2000 engineered floor bridging, fire protected architectural wood products, and FastFrame wall components. For further information, visit Luxors website at www.luxorcorp.com.

This news release contains forward looking statements. Although Management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Luxor 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. Additional information may be accessed through the Sedar website: www.sedar.com

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.

For further information contact Terry Lashman at 604-684-7929 or 800-665-2454 or visit Luxor's website at www.luxorcorp.com.




WASHINGTON, Feb. 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Americas Mutual Banks (AMB), an association of mutual financial institutions, announced today the findings of a Report commissioned by AMB and issued by RP Financial LC. which offers compelling reasons to recalibrate the current asset size definition of small bank holding companies in existing law to $5 billion. This recalibration was proposed in the form of H.R. 3791 and passed by the House in the 114th Congress by Congresswoman Mia Love (R. Ut). Its principal benefit will be to provide flexibility to mutual banks, Sub S banks and other closely held banks, who are unable to access the equity markets, with the capital tools that will enable them to gain competitive equality. Chuck Boulier, AMBs Chairman, said: The RP Study and the data collected is compelling in its conclusions regarding the need to take action. We are resolute in our support for legislative flexibility that will fuel the growth of mutual banks. We believe the enactment of the relief we seek will halt the historical decline of the market share that mutual, Sub S and closely held banks hold and spark an increase in small business and community lending that will revive small communities which have been barely served by megabanks. Highlights from that study are:



1. Megabanks Dominate Banking.

2. Small Banking Companies Have Lower Access to Capital.

3. Community Banks Need To Grow To Achieve Competitive Equality .

. 4. Smaller Banks are concentrated in the Heartland.

5. Smaller banks Are Committed To Lending.

6. Smaller Bank Holding Companies Rely on Deposits For Funding.

About Americas Mutual Banks And How To Obtain A Copy Of The Report

Americas Mutual Banks is an association of like-minded mutual banks dedicated to preserving and advancing the mutual banking form. Americas Mutual Banks is headquartered at 701 8th Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20001. Please visit www.americasmutualbanks.com or contact Douglas Faucette, Locke Lord LLP, at 202-220-6961 with any questions or requests for a copy of the RP Financial report or additional information on Americas Mutual Banks.
News

World news

IEA Revised Up Global Oil Demand Outlook

The agency said OPEC reached record initial compliance with production cap targets

AUTHOR: publics.bg



 iea.org



Global demand for oil continues to pick up due to recent measures to rebalance the market have come into play, according to the latest report by the International Energy Agency.

On the demand side of the balance, global growth has been revised upwards for the third month in a row and for 2016 it is now seen at 1.6 mb/d. Stronger than expected growth in Europe, partly influenced by colder weather in 4Q16, is a key factor alongside the long-term growth in China, India and non-OECD countries. In 2017, assuming normal weather conditions we expect demand to grow by 1.4 mb/d, an increase of 0.1 mb/d from the last report.

IEAs observers of the oil market this month have focussed on the level of compliance with the production cuts agreed by members of OPEC and eleven non-OPEC countries, closely followed by interest in the expected recovery in US light, tight, oil production. The IEA estimates that OPEC production in January was 32.1 mb/d and that the cuts achieved a record initial compliance rate of 90%, with some producers, notably Saudi Arabia, appearing to cut by more than required. While seaborne oil export data, from which secondary source estimates of OPEC production are mainly derived, are not complete for January and is subject to revision, OPEC nevertheless appears to have made a solid start to what is a six-month process. This first cut is certainly one of the deepest in the history of OPEC output cut initiatives.

As far as compliance by the non-OPEC producers is concerned, Russia stated at the time of the agreement that its production cut of 300 kb/d, more than half the 558 kb/d committed by the eleven countries, would be phased in gradually and preliminary data shows output down by 100 kb/d in January. While no official data has been released, Oman says it has cut by 45 kb/d in line with its commitment and Kazakhstan is reportedly exceeding its target.
Click Here to go to PublishersWeekly.com
This week, Jacqueline Woodson kicks off AWP festivities; the Magic Tree House series hits a milestone; Ellen Hopkins meets some grown-up fans; Robert Beatty celebrates a day of reading; a debut author takes flight; and Kate OHearn dresses up.

A Luminous Event

Jacqueline Woodson spoke at a gala celebration for the 50th anniversary of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) held on February 8. The event took place the evening before the start of AWPs annual conference in Washington, D.C. Woodson read an excerpt from her Newbery Honor book Brown Girl Dreaming and spoke about the many significant changes in the world since the founding of AWP, as well as about her upbringing in the segregated south: Fifty years ago, a black woman like me could not have walked through the front door of this hotel, she said, much less speak to such a large gathering of literary luminaries.

Twenty-Five Years of Magic

The Random House Childrens Books team honored Mary Pope Osborne and illustrator Sal Murdocca on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Magic Tree House series, in a celebration held at Random House offices on February 8. The group also toasted Murdocca, who announced his retirement, as well as the launch of a rebranding for the series. From left: Will Osborne (Marys husband); Mary Pope Osborne; series editor Mallory Loehr; Sal Murdocca; and Natalie Pope Boyce (Marys sister). Also joining the group were cut-outs of the series protagonists, Jack and Annie.

Library Ladies

While on a two-week tour for her new YA novel, The You Ive Never Known, Ellen Hopkins paid a visit to Huntington Beach High School in Huntington Beach, Calif., on January 27. Here, she is joined by the schools librarians and media specialists, who are also all big fans. Flanking Hopkins on the left are Stephanie Taylor and Jen Jackson, and on the right are Tonie Procter and Emmi Seminara.

Well Read

Disney celebrated its second annual Disney Reads Day on February 4 with events at Barnes & Noble and Disney Store locations nationwide. Disney Reads Day is connected to the companys Magic of Storytelling campaign, during which Disney plans to donate one million books to First Book. Author Robert Beatty took part in Disney Reads Day by meeting fans and reading the first three chapters of the third title in his Serafina series, Serafina and the Splintered Heart, to fans at Barnes & Noble in Knoxville, Tenn.

Birds of a Feather

Debut author Sally Pla celebrated the release of her novel The Someday Birds with a unique event held at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Calif. More than 100 guests attended the book reception and book signing, which also included a bird-watching walk around the San Elijo Lagoon. Here, attendees embark on their bird-watching expedition, with Pla (center) holding her book.

Book Tour of the Valkyries

Author Kate OHearn came dressed in full costume regalia on January 24 to Bon Lin Elementary school in Bartlett, Tenn., to promote The Runaway, the second book in her Valkyrie series. Here, she is joined by Barnes & Noble bookseller Mandy Henley-Bouk.
Margaret Drabble. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $26 (336p) ISBN 978-0-374-13495-2

This searingly sad but often hilarious novel chronicles the last dance of a few old codgers, and Drabble (The Sea Lady) has filled her tale with characters desperately trying to make sense of life and loss, of beauty, talent, missed opportunities, faded passion. She burrows inside the head of Fran, a manic 70-something elder-care specialist who drives around England studyingbut would never in a million years actually live inretirement communities. She introduces us to Frans literary friend Josephine, with whom she shared her first few harrowing years of solitary baby-minding, and who now teaches adult- and continuing-ed classes, and to Claude, Frans ex-husband, whose career as a surgeon left Fran home alone to take care of the children. Claude is now bedridden, listening to his beloved Maria Callas while waiting for Fran to bring him plated dinners. We meet Frans childhood friend Teresa, dying of cancer, and Bennett, a benignly pompous Spanish Civil War expert who lives with the slightly younger Ivor in the Canaries. Frans two children, Christopher and Poppet, provide some relief from hammer toes, fractured hips, and terminal illness. Each character has a passionclassical music, art history, Beckett, Unamuno, and Yeatswhich gives rise to Drabbles exposition on issues that dog her. And expound she does, on effortless, meaningless, soulless beauty, on the philosophy of free will and coincidence (including Jung, Catholicism, and moral luck), indeed on what on earth literature is for.
The annual conference of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs kicked off on Thursday morning inside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.,and exhibitors, panelists, and attendees alike seized opportunities throughout to make political statements about the direction of the Trump administration.

The seven Red Hen Press employees staffing the Los Angeles-based small press triple-sized booth all sported pink "pussy" hats, as did a number of attendees. Split This Rock, a Washington, D.C. nonprofit that promotes social change through poetry, encouraged visitors to its booth to write haiku on postcards and send them to the President and to members of Congress, while, at another booth, VIDA promised to stamp and mail postcards that attendees filled out. Booth visitors to Split This Rock were also invited to post their ideas for poetic resistance on a large board set up at the entrance to the booth. And the organization passed out postcards promoting its Saturday evening candlelight vigil in front of the White House.

While some attendees sported bright pink Make America Normal Again buttons given out by one organization, others wore I Dissent buttons distributed by another. Minneapolis' Graywolf Press passed out chapbooks containing the poet Elizabeth Alexanders poem, Praise Song for the Day, which she recited at the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20, 2009. And AWP's 2017 keynote speaker, Azar Nafisi, the Iranian-born author of Reading Lolita in Tehran, added her voice to the mix in a fiery speech, urging 1,500 people "to be good writers, good teachers, [and] good artists to resist the tyranny that is overshadowing this beloved country," with a president targeting "women, minorities, and culture...Silence is complicity," she said.

While upstate New York-based BOA Editions publisher Peter Connors reported that his booth was busy, even selling 30 copies of Chen Chens debut poetry collection, When I Grow Up I Want to be a List of Possibilities, during the hour that the young poet was signing copies in the booth. Other exhibitors reported the typical AWP- first-day pattern of slow but steady sales at their booths while the exhibit hall filled with people as the day wore on. Everyone runs in to see their friends [the first morning], Another Minneapolis press, Milkweed Editions' managing director Patrick Thomas, reported, And to see whos got deals. Then they start buying in the afternoon and it goes from there.

Coffee House Press, which won this years Small Press Publisher Award at the AWP 50th anniversary gala held on Wednesday evening at the Marriott Marquis Hotel across the street, reported that Brian Evenson and Valeria Luisellis works were especially popular among the days visitors to the Minneapolis literary press booth. Theres a good energy at this show, Coffee House publicist Mandy Medley said, People are fired up.

Panelists also reported engaged audiences, even when they were small in number -- like the two dozen people in attendance at the Dont Stop the Presses: On the Enduring Value of University Presses, panel which went overtime because the discussion turned to the impact upon higher education of the Trump administration, prompting panelist Ned Stuckey-French to castigate the president for being fined $25 million for defrauding Trump University students. Other sessions drew crowds, such as the 300 people who attended a panel with editors from the Big Five: Nan Graham (Scribner), Chris Jackson (PRH/One World), Calvert Morgan (HarperCollins), and Erroll McDonald (Knop/Doubleday), who discussed their lives and times in publishing, with an emphasis on how and what they are looking for in their acquisitions.

Were not just publishing a book: were building up an identity, Morgan explained.

Not only did the editors' panel pack a large convention center ballroom, it was also indicative of how AWP is evolving as it grows: the participation of corporate publishing in recent years continues, simultaneous with AWPs growth in attendance numbers. Penguin Random Houses Speakers Bureau exhibited at AWP for a second year, and even Amazon is making an appearance this year; a panel scheduled for Friday features three Little A authors discussing the road to publication via the online conglomerates literary imprint.

While some who had registered to attend AWP were unable to do so because of an early morning snow storm that walloped the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas, cancelling flights and delaying trains, AWP conference director Christian Teresi told PW that the impact upon the show was minimal. We were able to find alternate flights for featured authors, and some panels today have four people instead of five, he said, There are people who couldnt make it today. But theyll be here tomorrow.

AWP 2017 will continue through Saturday afternoon.
Little more than an hour after three ninth circuit Federal judges ruled that a district judges restraining order on the Trump administrations travel ban would not be lifted, AWP 2017 keynote speaker Azar Nafisi launched into her remarks to 1,500 people at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Thursday evening by raising a water glass to those three judges, She then eviscerated President Trump and his world view in a fiery presentation liberally sprinkled with literary, historical, and cultural references. Nafisi, the author of Reading Lolita in Tehran and an immigrant to the U.S. from Iran, appealed to the audience to be good writers, good teachers, [and] good artists, in [resisting] the tyranny of the president.

There has never been a more important time for writers to assemble, she said of this years AWP gathering, This is a crisis of vision, this is a crisis of faith, and this is a crisis of values in Trumps America. We need to support the scientists, the artists, the bookstores, even the publishers for gods sake during these very dangerous times.

We need imagination more than ever, she said, [And] readers have a stake in this too. Readers need to be free. It is about all of us.

Commenting that the Trump administration is already gutting the Environmental Protection Agency and that the newly-confirmed Secretary of Education does not support public education, Nafisi predicted that the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities will be next in line.

Recalling the rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini and overthrow of the Shah in Iran in 1979 that ushered in a fundamentalist Islamic regime, Nafisi was not subtle in her comparisons to the rise of Trump this past year, pointing out that the first things they targeted [in Iran] were women, minorities, and culture. Does that ring a bell now? Noting that Americans cannot rest on our laurels, and be complacent, Nafisi pointed out that Irans literary tradition once was as rich as that of the West, reading a classic 11th century Persian poem that extols the pleasures of adultery to illustrate her point.

Tyrants know the dangers of poets and writers, she noted, condemning the censorship of artists and writers in modern Iran and adding that she cannot tolerate any censorship in this country, adding reading and writing is power.

Quoting James Baldwin, she said, artists are here to disturb the peace. After all, she said, the poet and the tyrant are rivals for the possession of reality. Literature, she argued, is at the heart of reality. When they start denigrating literature, they [also] start denigrating reality. Tyrants, she explained know the dangers of poetry, of culture, because poets and writers are the ones who hold tyrants accountable.

During her 75-minute presentation, Nafisi also addressed an issue that has more and more come to the forefront in the book industry: diversity. The great novelist is the one who gives voice to everyone: even the villain, she said, Literature doesnt just belong to one nation, one people. Literature belongs to everyone.

Despite the lateness of the hour, long lines of people snaked through the convention center after Nafisi's presentation, buying copies of her books, Reading Lolita in Tehran and The Republic of Imagination, from booksellers at the Politics & Prose pop-up bookstore, one of two pop-ups that the Washington D.C. bookseller is operating in the convention center during the conference.

After hearing Nafisi's remarks, AWP conference director Christian Teresi said, Nafisis "lecture on the essential nature of cultural exchange and open borders made her keynote not only timely but timeless. I imagine it will remain one of the great contemporary discussions on art and literature."
Finnish English

SATO Corporation, Press release, 10th Feb 2017 at 11:25 am





Strength of long-standing partnership lies in both partners' drive for development in their field







SATO has selected KONE Elevators Oy as SATO Partner of the Year 2016. KONE Elevators is one of SATO's longest-standing partners responsible for lift maintenance and supply.



- Cooperation between two companies benefits from many of the same characteristics as cooperation between two people, says SATO President and CEO Saku Sipola. - Reliability, good communication and understanding the other partner's needs are spot-on with KONE.

- What KONE Elevators stands out positively on is their clear drive for development in their field, and they include customers in their development processes, Sipola continues. - Strong intent for renewal and continuously improving customer service is something we at SATO are very familiar with, and therefore KONE Elevators was an easy choice as SATO Partner of the Year 2016.

- I'd like to thank SATO most warmly for this recognition. We appreciate our long and excellent cooperation very highly, says Heikki Haasmaa, Managing Director of KONE Elevators Oy. - We believe strongly in continuous renewal, and I'd glad that we've been able to carry out development cooperation in partnership with SATO. I hope and believe that there will still be plenty more of such opportunities lying ahead for us.



This was already the 12th time for SATO to select the Partner of the Year in order to encourage good players to develop their operations even further. The aim is also to draw attention to partners' positive practices and attitudes.

For more information please contact:

SATO Corporation

Saku Sipola, President and CEO, p. +358 201 34 4001 and +358 40 551 5953

www.sato.fi/en







SATO is one of Finland's leading rental housing providers. SATO's aim is to offer comprehensive alternatives in rental housing and an excellent customer experience. SATO holds roughly 25,300 apartments in Finland's largest growth centres and in St Petersburg.

In our operations, we promote sustainable development and initiative-taking, and work in open interaction with our stakeholders to create added value. We operate profitably and with a long-term view. We increase the value of our housing property through investments, divestments and repair work.

SATO Group's net sales in 2016 were 318.0 million, operating profit 267.2 million and profit before taxes 219.4 million. SATO's investment properties have a value of roughly 3.4 billion.
ROCK ISLAND  City officials have settled a federal lawsuit out of court by paying a Rock Island man $35,000 for a 2014 police-involved incident.

In 2015, Leonard Robinson sued the city and Rock Island Police Officer A.J. Lawler alleging Officer Lawler used excessive force, made a false arrest and assaulted Mr. Robinson without probable cause or legal justification during a June 30, 2014, incident in the 1600 block of 11th Street.

According to the lawsuit, Mr. Robinson boarded a city bus followed by Officer Lawler who placed his hands on Mr. Robinson and, "while forcing Robinson off of the bus, threw him into a plate glass window face first."

The incident was captured on video.

The suit said Mr. Robinson was not violating any laws and had no outstanding warrants, yet was handcuffed and arrested. Online court records show he was charged the same day with a Class 4 felony count of resisting a police officer.

That count was dismissed July 29, 2015, according to online court records.

Both Officer Lawler and the city denied Mr. Robinson had been thrown into a plate glass window. Both Officer Lawler and the city also denied the officer's action in removing Mr. Robinson from the bus showed an actual or deliberate intent to harm Mr. Robinson.

The lawsuit sought compensatory damages, and Mr. Robinson originally demanded a jury trial. Mr. Robinson's attorney, Michael Schmiege, of Chicago, said he had no comment on the settlement. City attorney David Morrison also had no comment.

A city memo states the $35,000 payment was to be made to Mr. Schmiege's law office.
DAVENPORT  Scott Community College President Teresa Paper has announced her retirement this summer from the college.

SCC is one of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. Ms. Paper became SCCs president in March 2012 after being dean of the college since 2005. Her last day is scheduled for June 30; no timeline has been set for selecting her successor.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the faculty and staff at Scott Community College, and I am honored to have served as president, she said. It has been a great privilege to be a part of this outstanding college.

My greatest joy has been working with such a wonderful group of talented and devoted faculty and staff," Ms. Paper said, adding they and the students "will forever be dear to my heart.

EICC Chancellor Don Doucette said Ms. Paper's leadership had been "the driving force" in a number of positive changes at SSC.

"We cannot thank her enough for the contributions she has made to both Scott Community College and the entire Eastern Iowa Community Colleges," he said.

Ms. Paper said she plans to spend more time with her grandchildren, family and friends.

I look forward to working with the faculty and staff this semester and passing the baton to a successor who will lead the college into its next 50 years, she said. I am grateful to everyone for the support and help they have provided me over the years, and I look forward to watching the college grow in the future.

Ms. Paper was dean of instruction at Allen Community College in Iola, Kan., from 2000 to 2005, after 13 years as a faculty member.
You work hard, so why not take some credit for it?

The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most overlooked tax credits around, according to many experts. But it is also one of the more generous.

The IRS estimates that 26 million people received about $65.6 billion under this tax credit last year. The average amount received was more than $2,400 but it can be worth more than $6,000. Yet one out of five workers who are eligible do not take advantage of it.

Its huge. It can help people out of poverty, said Lisa Greene-Lewis, a CPA at TurboTax. People are surprised by how big it is.

The reasons for missing out vary. The rules surrounding it are complex, people may not know to apply for it and eligibility may change year by year. The IRS suggests that anyone earning less than $54,000 per year look into their eligibility each tax season.

Here is a bit more information to help you understand this complex, but compelling, benefit.

WHO QUALIFIES

The credit is designed to benefit low to moderate-income workers but income thresholds vary on many factors.

To qualify, a taxpayer must have earned income from a job, self-employment or even some disability payments. They also must file federal taxes and meet a series of other eligibility requirements.

While you do not have to have children to qualify, you may get more back if you do. There are also special rules that apply to members of the military, members of the clergy, those receiving disability payments and people affected by disasters.

To determine if you qualify, use the EITC assistant on the IRS website at www.irs.gov/eitc. Most major tax software or tax preparers walk you through a series of questions to determine if youre eligible.

WHO OVERLOOKS IT

People often may not realize they qualify because they fall below the income threshold that requires them to pay taxes, so they never look into it, said Kathy Pickering, executive director of the Tax Institute at H&R Block. But you can claim the credit whether or not you owe taxes or even if you arent required to file a return at all.

There are some special populations that might not realize they are eligible. The IRS says this includes people living in rural areas, the self-employed, disabled taxpayers, Native Americans, grandparents raising grandchildren and those whose earnings have recently declined, such as the recently divorced or unemployed.

People with disabilities often are concerned a tax refund will affect their eligibility for public benefits, such as Medicaid or food stamps. But the law is clear that tax refunds, including refunds from tax credits such as the EITC, are not counted as income for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits.

Greene-Lewis also points out that qualifying children arent always offspring. If you fully support and claim a dependent, such as a foster child, stepchild or even sibling, you might be able to claim them as a qualifying child under the rules.

WHAT ELSE

Taxpayers lives change constantly... just because they are not eligible in one year, they may be able to claim it in a following year, said Pickering, who estimates 5 to 6 million taxpayers missed out on the credit last year.

If you think you may have overlooked it, it might not be too late. Pickering reminds people the IRS allows them to file or amend a return up to three years after the original due date, so they easily can have a tax professional review prior returns to deem eligibility and help file an amendment as needed.

Also, if you qualify for the Federal EITC, you also might be eligible for a similar credit from your state or local government. Twenty-five states, plus local municipalities including the District of Columbia and New York City, offer residents an earned income tax credit for 2016, according to the IRS.
If Donald Trump or his staff have any legitimate ideas to improve the vetting of immigrants and refugees, let's hear them. More importantly, he should be implementing his improvements. Weve been accepting immigrants for centuries but, Im sure, he thinks, he knows more about it then the experts.

He isnt concerned about the safety of America. Hes indulging the ignorance and bigotry of his core supporters.

Beyond causing great hardship and perhaps even bodily harm to legitimate refugees, he has diminished the image of America in the eyes of the world. International professional, scientific and trade organizations are pulling away from the US. They are holding conferences and conventions in other parts of the world, where their members can travel freely, regardless of religion or national origin. Global corporations will be doing the same thing.

He has offended and alienated Muslim Americans to the point we shouldnt expect their cooperation in searching out potential, home-grown terrorists.

The Muslim ban isnt going to make America great. Its the kind of thing that totalitarian governments do and thats the direction were heading with Trump.

Mike Brugger,

East Moline
STACYVILLE, Maine , Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 42 Railroad Ave LLC CEO Steven C. Johnson announced the finalization of the purchase agreement for the 24 megawatt power generation station Sherman Development, from Niagara Worldwide LLC after 4 years of negotiations, making 42 Railroad Ave LLC the owner of one of the largest privately held power stations in America. Johnson says he plans to rebuild the turbine, activate new transmission lines, and build a rotary kiln to produce more than 100 tons per day of activated carbon, which has a number of applications, including water and air purification, oil spill cleanup, medical treatments, and trapping mercury emissions from coal-fired power stations and natural gas wellheads.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9af5e9d6-aa9f-4b5d-b370-0c080c85066f



Sherman Power Station was constructed to be the diamond jewel of the industry, with an automated feed system and other state-of-the-art technologies, which have been maintained very well by Wheelabrator and Boralex, and when the plant was shuttered a few years ago, it was shut down properly, with all the infrastructure left in place to make the restart very economical, Johnson says, referencing a November 2016 feasibility study conducted by Jonathan Bjork of Alabama-based Viking Green Energy Exploration (LLC). In todays market, the cost to build a biomass fueled power generation station of this magnitude could easily be over 100 million dollars, but at Sherman, even with installation costs of the new activated carbon rotary kiln, well still be able to keep the re-start budget under 10 million dollars and should be up and running by the end of June 2017.

The positive economic impact to the communities of Stacyville, Sherman, Patten, and Northern Maine will be a welcoming factor, along with the clean air and positive environmental impact of a renewable energy plant. According to Johnson, the reopening of the Sherman Plant is projected to create an offshoot of up to 300 jobs in Northern Maine, and the plant has the ability to take in more than 700 tons per day of wood fiber for fuel.

Johnson describes the Sherman Plant as a solid return on investment, with projected revenues of 34 million dollars per year, adding that hes already begun the re-permitting process with the State of Maine, and with the new Executive Order recently signed by President Trump, we should be able to fast-track the re-permitting process, plus with the support of Viking Green Energy Exploration, along with forestry expert and industrial developer Gary R. Lynn of Jamestown, New York, this project may move forward even faster than originally planned.

42 Railroad Ave LLC is a company that develops heavy industrial and small town revitalization projects. The passion of its members over the years has enriched communities, created jobs, and added economic value across urban and rural America. Its current focus is renewable energy.
The contract comprises architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical and other design services for the Jurong East terminus, tunnels, and the bridge across the Straits of Johor.

LTA says that Aecom won the tender because of its experience in international HSR projects, including its involvement in the planning and design of Beijing South HSR station in China, HS2 in Britain, and the West Kowloon Terminus for the Express Rail Link in Hong Kong.

The 350km Kuala Lumpur - Singapore line will serve eight stations, cutting travel times between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to 1h 30min. The line will be completed by the end of 2026.
Running in twin-bore tunnels for its entire 7.5km length, the extension will continue the Bakerloo line beyond its current terminus at Elephant & Castle, where there will be a new ticket hall and platforms and improved interchange with the Northern Line. Two stations will be constructed on Old Kent Road in an area of the city that is not currently well served by the rail network. The public consultation is seeking feedback on two options for each of these stations.

The line will then continue southeast into the borough of Lewisham, serving an interchange with London Overground and suburban services at New Cross Gate before reaching the terminus at Lewisham, where it will connect with main line services and the Docklands Light Railway.

An initial public consultation was carried out in 2014 and attracted more than 15,000 responses. Further development of the proposals for the Lewisham extension was approved by the TfL Board and the mayor of London Mr Sadiq Khan in December 2016 and the project has been allocated funds in TfLs business plan. Khan has committed to bringing forward the completion of the project from 2030 to 2028 or 2029, coinciding with the completion of the modernisation of the Bakerloo Line.

The extension would have capacity for around 65,000 passengers per direction per hour with services operating at 2-3 minute intervals at peak times. The journey time between Lewisham and Oxford Circus station in central London would be around 21 minutes.

For detailed data on urban rail projects around the world, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
CSX Corp. on Friday announced that it was extending the deadline for board nominations to Feb. 24, giving an activist hedge fund more time to try and install Hunter Harrison as CEO.

Mantle Ridge LP wants the Jacksonville-based railroad to replace CEO Michael Ward with Harrison, who recently retired as CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway.

The fund run by Paul Hilal wants Harrison to bring his operational acumen to CSX, much as he did at CP, according to a report published Feb. 10 in The Wall Street Journal (below). It is also seeking several board seats.

Harrison in January gave up tens of millions in compensation in exchange for waiving a non-compete agreement.

Any valid nominations will be voted on at the companys annual shareholders meeting.

Following is the Feb. 10 Wall Street Journal report.

Railroad Veteran Faces Challenges in U.S.

By Paul Ziobro, Jacquie McNish and David George-Cosh, The Wall Street Journal, February 10, 2017, page B3

Railroading veteran Hunter Harrison has turned around Canadas two biggest freight carriers with tighter schedules and rigorous cost discipline. But his operating philosophy could face its toughest test in the crowded Eastern U.S. rail network.

Investors have rallied to the idea of Mr. Harrison teaming up with an activist investor to shake up CSX Corp., the Jacksonville, Fla.-based company that operates one of the two major freight railroads east of the Mississippi River. CSX shares are up about 30% since The Wall Street Journal first reported he was exploring joining the railroad.

The two sides have been negotiating whether Mr. Harrison might join the company as its CEO, people familiar with the matter said. Activist investor Paul Hilal is pushing for Mr. Harrison and the appointment of several new directors ahead of a Friday deadline for board nominations at CSX. The railroads directors havent approved Mr. Hilals demands. CSX declined to comment for this article, but has said in the past it supports the companys current strategy.

At its core, Mr. Harrisons precision railroading strategy seeks to run fewer trains and stick to schedules, ensuring more timely deliveries and better use of locomotives. Cutting trains reduces congestion as well as equipment and labor expenses. Some customers and workers, however, say much of the gains come at their expense.

Doug Finnson, president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, which represents locomotive engineers and conductors, said Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. is a shell of its former self five years after Mr. Harrison took over. Regulators have also raised safety concerns about CP and its rivals following high profile derailments in Alberta and Quebec.

A CP spokesman said the companys operational efficiencies have enhanced its safety performance and noted it has been the safest North American railroad for 11 straight years in terms of train-accident frequency.

At Canadian Pacific, Mr. Harrison cut the total workforce to 11,700 from about 19,500, parked as [many] as 500 locomotives, sidelined 12,500 railcars and shut down railcar sidings and rail yards in several of CPs U.S. and Canadian hubs.

Mr. Harrisons leaner version of CP ended the last fiscal year with an operating ratio  a measure of expenses as a percentage of revenue  at 58.6%, a [dramatic] improvement from the 81% when he took over in June 2012. Meanwhile, the railroads share price has more than doubled.

Railroad analysts say the strategy does have limits, working best when rail stops are 100 miles or so apart. That was mostly the case when Mr. Harrison managed CP, Canadian National Railway Co. and Illinois Central, a smaller player that primarily ran from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Eastern U.S. networks are different. The regions freight railroads run through such an intertwined thicket of connecting routes and shorter hauls that it is sometimes referred to as the spaghetti bowl.

[Railway Age Capitol Hill Contributing Editor] Frank N. Wilner, who has written several books on railroad economics, said the eastern networks tend to carry a greater diversity of cargo [and] have their own complexities.

He has never managed a complex rail network like we have in the United States, Mr. Wilner said. It will challenge the legend of this man.

Mr. Harrison has told associates that the key to unraveling the spaghetti bowl is forging greater industry cooperation to speed up bottlenecks when freight trains move through different rail networks. He believes his close ties to his former employer CP will help CSX in key hubs such as Chicago, where both [railroads] have routes and terminals.

Mr. Harrison sees room to apply his strategy at CSX because many of its terminals are located in Rust Belt cities such Buffalo, N.Y., Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit, according to a person familiar with his thinking.

The 72-year-old believes these terminals should be de-emphasized, and CSX needs to beef up its capacity south of Nashville, Tenn., to take advantage of shifts in manufacturing and shipping and the population, this person said. There also is less competition in the southeast corridor, which creates the opportunity to raise prices.

Other railroads already have adopted certain aspects of precision railroading.

Jim Squires, chief executive of Norfolk Southern Corp., which also operates in the Eastern U.S., said it already runs a scheduled rail service. It is also cutting hundreds of millions in costs, with the largest savings coming on labor.

Some railroad workers have a different view of precision railroading. They see it is as a broad culling of jobs and steamrolling of longstanding scheduling practices that has allowed companies to cut costs at the expense of service. Mr. Harrison has pushed to eliminate wages based on the type of work and encouraged office workers and management staff to learn how to drive locomotives and operate trains at a rail yard.

What [Mr.] Harrisons administration has done is cut a lot of jobs, which eventually will reduce our ability to service industry, said Cameron Slick, a CP conductor in Minnesota.
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President Trump's executive order restricting immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries won't shield the United States from terrorism. America's jihadist terrorists are not imported from abroad. They are mostly homegrown.

The principal terrorist threat faced by the United States comes from residents who radicalize themselves and plot to carry out local attacks. Fortunately, their numbers have been relatively few. Despite constant exhortations from jihadist organizations abroad, their violent extremist ideology has gained little traction among America's Muslims.

The president's executive order is intended to protect the United States against spillover from the violent conflicts going on in six countries engulfed in blood civil wars: Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan. Washington has long considered Iran, the seventh country on the list, to be a top state sponsor of terrorism.

It's not unreasonable to seek a review of immigration, and refugee-vetting procedures make sense. Jihadist terrorists pose a multilayered threat. Improved intelligence, greater international cooperation and continuing military operations have made it more difficult to carry out ambitious, centrally directed strategic terrorist strikes like the 9/11 attacks.

But jihadist terrorist organizations have demonstrated their continued determination to attack commercial airliners on their way to the United States. And as we have seen in France and Belgium, terrorist volunteers who have joined the ranks of al Qaeda's affiliates or the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) may receive assistance in returning to link up with local jihadists and carry out attacks at home.

With thousands of nationals who have gone to fight in Syria and Iraq, Europe faces a much greater threat from returning fighters than the U.S., where, according to the FBI, more than 200 jihadist volunteers have tried to join jihadist fronts abroad.

We have no way of predicting how many future terrorist attacks or how many American lives may be saved by halting entries from the seven countries named in the recent executive order.

However, we do have a historical record with numbers that are informative.

Since 9/11, terrorists inspired by jihadist ideology have carried out 16 attacks in the United States: Seven involved fatalities and eight of them injured people. In the remaining case  the would-be Times Square bomber in 2010  the device failed to detonate.

This is a low number, especially when considering it encompasses a period of more than 15 years. In the 1970s, the U.S. experienced 50 to 60 terrorist bombings a year, although most of the attacks were not intended to kill but were meant to be symbolic violence.

Some analyses might add a few more attacks to this list. The differences reflect judgments about motives, which can be murky.

In addition to the attacks, there have been almost 80 jihadist terrorist plots over these same 15 years. Working together, FBI agents and local police have been able to uncover and disrupt more than 80 percent of these  a remarkable record. In many cases, investigations began with tips from the Muslim community.

A total of 147 people in the United States participated in attacks or plotted others that were thwarted by the authorities. Again, this is a low number  an average of fewer than nine people a year since 9/11.

Most of these plots and attacks  105 out of 147  were planned by U.S. citizens. Another 20 of the plotters were legal permanent residents, most of whom arrived in the United States as children. In other words, 85 percent of the terrorists lived in the U.S a long time before carrying out an attack  they radicalized within the nation's borders.

A total of 89 people died in the jihadist attacks. Every one of these deaths was needless and tragic. However, the added risk to public safety in a country that averages 15,000 homicides a year was statistically minuscule.

The republic is not in peril.

What is at work here is terrorism  acts of violence calculated to create fear and alarm. It is often effective. Terrorism can also act as a condenser of society's broader anxieties. Illegal immigration has caused widespread concern, which amplifies the perceived terrorist threat.

Had this temporary prohibition been in effect since 9/11, how many lives would have been saved? Not one.

Had this temporary prohibition been in effect since 9/11, how many lives would have been saved? Not one. None of the fatalities resulted from attacks by individuals from the seven countries named in the directive. The directive also would not have prevented the 9/11 attacks. This is not an argument for adding to the list of proscribed countries.

The directive would have prevented the entry of two refugees involved in terrorism after their arrival in the U.S. One was an Iraqi refugee arrested in 2016 while plotting an attack in Houston. He had arrived in the United States as a teenager in 2009, seven years before his arrest. He had become a legal permanent resident in 2011.

The other was a Somali refugee who carried out a car-ramming and stabbing attack in November at Ohio State University, injuring 13 people. He had been in the country for two years.

Some of those arrested in terrorist attacks in the U.S. have been the sons of immigrants from Muslim-majority countries. The failure to identify these individuals before they entered the United States is not a flaw in the vetting process; it is our inability to predict human behavior years into the future.

And no one can forecast whose offspring will grow up to be a terrorist. There is no terrorism gene.

The terrorist threat is real and likely to persist. The campaign against al Qaeda and ISIS must continue. The U.S. needs to control its borders and know who is trying to enter, but any measures imposed should reflect actual terrorist risk, not terror.

Brian Michael Jenkins is a senior adviser to the president of the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation and an author of numerous books, reports and articles on terrorism-related topics.

This commentary originally appeared on The Hill on February 10, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Atresmedia and Movistar+ have reached an agreement to produce a pay-TV spin-off of the free-to-air (FTA) hit Velvet in Spain.





The series, whose fourth and final season was broadcast by Antena 3 at the end of 2016, is the first major deal between FTA and pay-TV operators in Spain.The spin-off, Velvet Coleccion, will be produced by Movistar+ and Bambu Producciones , which have already started to develop the script and select a new cast. The series is set to premiere during the last quarter of the year.By developing a new season to be exclusively broadcast on Movistar+, this agreement guarantees a new life for the successful series Velvet, said both media companies in a statement.According to Atresmedia, the deal with Movistar+ drives a new content strategy of commercial optimisation, beyond the conventional sales-distribution system.Velvets latest season has been airing across Latin America since January through Atresmedias themed pay-TV channel, Atreseries.
Strategic and Tactical Capabilities to Ensure Audience Engagement



Healthcare Public Relations Veteran Dr. Matt Middleman Appointed to Lead LifeSci Public Relations



Unique Synergies Realized by Integrating LifeScis PR and IR Capabilities



NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LifeSci Partners today announced the launch of LifeSci Public Relations, a fully integrated corporate communications and public relations firm with a broad array of capabilities aimed at building relationships and encouraging engagement by all corporate audiences. Dr. Matt Middleman, who has almost two decades of experience in healthcare communications, equity analysis, clinical medicine and basic science, will head LifeSci Public Relations. The team of professionals has successfully planned and implemented public relations programs for small-, medium- and large-sized public and private healthcare companies. LifeSci Public Relations offering will integrate with that of LifeScis broader investor relations and capital markets offerings, providing significant communications synergy and value to the firms clients.



The LifeSci Public Relations team has scientific and medical expertise and deep and longstanding relationships with editors and journalists from key industry, trade and financial media outlets that will be leveraged when executing successful public relations campaigns. Dr. Middleman and his team have substantial experience in multiple clinical and technological fields, including oncology, cardiovascular disease, immunology, orphan diseases, RNAi, gene therapy, biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, diagnostics, medical technology/devices and healthcare services.

Andrew McDonald, Ph.D., co-founder of LifeSci Partners, said, We are launching LifeSci Public Relations to address our clients needs across the entire spectrum of corporate communications. This fully-integrated offering blends our existing investor relations activities with those of the new public relations program. Our clients will see an enormous amount of synergy. We now offer a level of domain expertise in both healthcare IR and PR that is unique among our peers. LifeSci is committed to helping our healthcare clients achieve their corporate goals of developing and marketing new products and technologies, by building awareness with all key stakeholders, including the media, investment and medical communities.

Matt Middleman, M.D., managing director and head of LifeSci Public Relations, added, I look forward to the opportunity of leading LifeSci Public Relations and providing our clients with an exceptional level of strategic communications counsel and media relations execution that aligns with their corporate goals. I am particularly proud to be launching this endeavor within LifeSci Partners, a firm with an impressive track record of providing its clients with the highest quality service.

Each LifeSci Public Relations communications program will be specifically tailored to meet the needs of each individual client. We will build corporate, clinical, product and disease awareness by fostering relationships with prominent influencers in each of those industry segments.

Dr. Middleman joins LifeSci Public Relations from Russo Partners where he was vice president and responsible for planning and overseeing numerous successful communications programs. Before joining Russo Partners, he held an assistant professorship at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a faculty position at the Montefiore Medical Center specializing in transplant anesthesiology. Dr. Middleman also spent time as a biotechnology equity analyst for an independent research firm. Prior to this, he trained and taught at top institutions with many years of clinical experience practicing in multiple fields, including surgery and anesthesiology, as well as conducting research in immunology and oncology at the NIH and Mount Sinai. Dr. Middleman holds a bachelors degree in biological sciences from Cornell University and received his medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications.

About LifeSci Public Relations

LifeSci Public Relations is a fully independent division of LifeSci Partners. The firm is uniquely capable of helping clients engage with their corporate audiences and achieve their business objectives by communicating through the media and utilizing a broad array of social and digital media tools. The highly-experienced team has a track record of successfully planning and implementing fully integrated public relations programs for small-, medium- and large-sized public and private healthcare companies in multiple clinical and technological fields.

For more information please visit our website at www.lifescipublicrelations.com.
Spains national police force has raided a store in Malaga, owned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) suspected of hosting a pirate IPTV streaming business.





Through a collaborative effort with Premier League and Irdeto , investigations revealed that the ISP Y-Internet was being run by two UK citizens and providing unauthorised online subscription services featuring over 100 international pay-TV channels, including Premier League matches.Y-Internet sold illegal IPTV service packages with annual contracts to the large ex-pat population in Malaga, including hotels, pubs and individuals. The contracts included set-top boxes adapted to receive decrypted pay-TV signals without authorisation.The investigation was initiated by the Premier League as part of a global crack down on illegal online redistribution of its live broadcasts. Irdetos team worked closely with the Spanish national police force to gather information and evidence leading to the raid.When they entered the shop, the agents were confronted with strong security measures, including a surveillance system that allowed the owners to supervise the employees from the UK. The raid alerted the owners who tried to remotely delete and destroy files, payment transactions and clients records. The raids conducted by the Spanish authorities are a positive example of law enforcement taking piracy and IP infringement seriously, said, Kevin Plumb, Premier League director of legal services. This approach is essential for organisations like the Premier League as our model is predicated on the ability to market and sell rights and protect intellectual property.We will continue to work closely with our customers, partners and law enforcement agencies to detect, analyse, investigate and counter all types of piracy affecting on-demand and live real-time content, added Mark Mulready, senior director, cyber services & investigations at Irdeto.
Mexicos Televisa has named Rosy Ocampo as corporate vice president of content, working closely with Isaac Lee, chief content officer for both Televisa and Univision.





In her new role, the experienced producer will oversee production and content development for all genres in Televisas portfolio, namely soap operas, series, comedies, game shows and TV films.Having worked for Televisa since 1981, Ocampo has recently been part of the team developing formats with Univision for the US Hispanic market.Ive been able to get to know Rosy Ocampo thanks to her work with Univision, through which we have better understood the audiences of both countries, said Isaac Lee, CCO of Univision and Televisa. In addition to being very prolific and delivering good audience figures, her focus on original stories is to play an essential role in this new content division we are about to build.The executive has been responsible for over 20 Televisa productions, as well as having worked as head of Televisas children division between 2000-2005 and in the innovation division from 2006-2016.Through this appointment, Televisa and Univision continue to build an executive structure that aims to lead both companies future production efforts.
Russian government to pay 15,000 for failing to provide healthcare in detention center

MOSCOW, February 10 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul)  Russian government has agreed to pay 15,000 to Russian businessman Amazasp Abramyan for failing to provide appropriate medical care in a detention center, RAPSI learnt on Friday from the head of human rights organization Zona Prava Sergey Petryakov.

As a result, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) stopped proceedings regarding this case.

In February 2015, Abramyan was detained in Perm on suspicion of committing a corruption crime. His detention has been extended several times and in April 2016 the Leninsky District Court of Perm ruled Abramyan to be guilty and fined him 50 million rubles ($862,000).

Petryakov said that doctors found Abramyan to be suffering from several serious diseases and requires emergency operation. However, head of Perms Detention Center #1 claimed that such complicated operation cant be conducted in the Center and that its employees would not be able to provide adequate postoperative care.

The Center also failed to provide convoy for Abramyans transfer to a Perm hospital, capable of conducting operation and ready to provide medical services to the patient. According to Abramyan, he was only given inadequate pain-killers in the Center.

In June 2016, the ECHR communicated an appeal filed by Abramyan against Russia over alleged violation of Article 3 (Prohibition of torture) of the European Convention of Human Rights. Russian Government was questioned regarding this case but in September 2016 Russian officials preferred to settle the case outside of court and pay Abramyan 15,000.
State Duma passes bill on perpetual privatization of housing

MOSCOW, February 10 (RAPSI)  The State Duma has passed in the third reading a bill removing time limit for free privatization of housing for all Russian citizens.

According to current legislation, privatization of housing was to end on March 1, 2017.

On January 27, the State Duma adopted the bill in the first reading. The draft law proposed to extend privatization time limit up to 2020 for certain groups of citizens: orphaned children, inhabitants of Crimea and people who are to be resettled from unstable housing.

On February 8, the lower house of parliament passed the bill in the second reading, now including amendments making privatization perpetual for all citizens.
2016 Convertible Note amended reducing principal to $36 Million



SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Great Basin Scientific, Inc. (OTCQB:GBSN), a molecular diagnostics company, today announced a restructuring and cost reduction plan that is designed to focus Company resources on areas that accelerate the revenue growth of its current commercial product line. As part of the restructuring plan, Great Basin has streamlined certain manufacturing and administrative processes and will eliminate approximately 50 employees nationwide. Between these changes, along with other previously implemented cost reductions and added efficiencies, the Company expects to remove between $10 million to $12 million from its annual cash burn. The Company also announced today that it has significantly reduced the 2016 Convertible Note to $36 million.

Since the Companys inception, we have focused on building a pipeline of molecular diagnostic solutions that provide a unique and powerful combination of menu versatility, ease-of-use and low cost, said Ryan Ashton, co-founder and chief executive officer of Great Basin. This investment in R&D and operations infrastructure has resulted in our current product menu of four FDA-cleared tests and panels with two additional assays in the 510(k) process at the FDA. Customer response to our expanding menu has been very positive, and we are undertaking these changes to assure that we are well-positioned to grow the Company aggressively and sustainably.

The Company does not anticipate material pre-tax charges as a result of the restructuring and cost reduction plan. Several cost reduction activities will be initiated immediately, with all activities expected to be substantially completed by the end of the current quarter.

The Company is continuing development of its previously announced assays and expects to commence new clinical trials later in 2017.

2016 Convertible Note Amended

Great Basin has also reached an agreement with holders of its 2016 Convertible Note to reduce the Notes principal by $35.6 million to $36.3 million outstanding as of February 9, 2017. In exchange, the amount of cash in the Companys restricted cash account will be reduced to $21.5 million from $57.0 million.

Our progress in terms of product menu, customer base and sales funnel expansion, along with the cost reductions we are implementing, led us to determine that the original funding available under the terms of the 2016 Convertible Notes was greater than we required, said Jeff Rona, chief financial officer of Great Basin. We appreciate the investment and support from our Noteholders and their willingness to work with us on reducing our debt obligation under the 2016 Note.

About Great Basin Scientific

Great Basin Scientific is a molecular diagnostics company that commercializes breakthrough chip-based technologies. The Company is dedicated to the development of simple, yet powerful, sample-to-result technology and products that provide fast, multiple-pathogen diagnoses of infectious diseases. The Companys vision is to make molecular diagnostic testing so simple and cost-effective that every patient will be tested for every serious infection, reducing misdiagnoses and significantly limiting the spread of infectious disease. More information can be found on the companys website at www.gbscience.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding events, trends and business prospects, which may affect our future operating results and financial position, including but not limited to statements regarding the number of employees impacted by the restructuring plan, the timing for the completion of such plan, the amount and expected timing related to any associated restructuring charges and the Companys burn rate, the Companys anticipated revenue growth, anticipated FDA approval of current pending assays, commercialization of future approved assays, and the Companys general development plans of sample-to-result technology and products. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results, should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the assumptions of management in the number of employees that will be impacted by the restructuring plan, the expected timing for completing the restructuring plan, anticipated savings as a result of the restructuring plan, the Companys revenue projections not occurring as anticipated, delay or denial in obtaining FDA approval of pending assays, uncertainty in the Companys ability to commercialize new assays, changes in customer needs, competition in the industry being greater than anticipated, our limited operating history and history of losses; our ability to develop and commercialize new products and the timing of commercialization; our ability to obtain sufficient capital to continue as a going concern and implement our business plan; and other risks set forth in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Great Basin Scientific specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Guadalcanal was the first battle in the American amphibious campaign to liberate the Pacific from Japanese occupation. Although the naval battles of Midway and Coral Sea have been described as the turning points, in the Pacific War, Guadalcanal was where the Japanese war machine was finally halted. Both Japanese and American forces fought the battle (one of the longest in the Pacific War) at the farthest end of their respective supply lines and in a terrain and climate that was hostile to both sides. Both sides also lost large amounts of ships off the island, so much so that it became known as 'Iron Bottom' Sound. As one can guess, the burden of much of the battle was carried by the United States Navy and the US Marine Corps, although later on, a substantial number of US Army units joined the fight. The first unit to be engaged on Guadalcanal was the newly formed 1st Marine Division, which had moved from the east coast of the United States to Wellington, New Zealand on 14th June 1942.

Meanwhile the Japanese had continued to advance to the north coast of New Guinea and onto the Admiralty Islands, the Solomon Islands and pushed south seizing Tulagi and Guadalcanal, where they started construction of an airfield. The continued Japanese advance threatened the lines of communications from the United States to Australia and New Zealand. It also put a number of US bases in danger and so the Joint Chiefs of Staff came to the conclusion that an offensive in the Pacific was now vital. The 1st Marine Division was given the task of seizing Guadalcanal and the partially built airfield.
ATHENS, Greece, Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE:DSX) (the Company), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has agreed to extend the present time charter contract with SwissMarine Services S.A., Geneva, for one of its Capesize dry bulk vessels, the m/v Aliki, for a period of about eleven (11) months to maximum fourteen (14) months. The gross charter rate is US$10,300 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties. The new charter period is expected to commence on February 13, 2017.



The Aliki is a 180,235 dwt Capesize dry bulk vessel built in 2005.

The employment extension of Aliki is anticipated to generate approximately US$3.24 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.

Diana Shipping Inc.s fleet currently consists of 48 dry bulk vessels (4 Newcastlemax, 14 Capesize, 3 Post-Panamax, 4 Kamsarmax and 23 Panamax). As of today, the combined carrying capacity of the Companys fleet is approximately 5.7 million dwt with a weighted average age of 7.70 years. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Companys website, www.dianashippinginc.com. Information contained on the Companys website does not constitute a part of this press release.

About the Company

Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership of dry bulk vessels. The Companys vessels are employed primarily on medium to long-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, anticipate, intends, estimate, forecast, project, plan, potential, may, should, expect, pending and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for our vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, 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, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.
Eighteen minutes of history condemned Mexico to live in the shadow of its northern neighbor. The year was 1836, and the scene was a tallgrass prairie between Buffalo Bayou and the San Jacinto River. Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was brimming with confidence: He had sacked an army of Texian rebels at the Alamo and, if he could stamp out the remainder of the rebellion, he would soon have the keys to North American empire  the mouth of the Mississippi River Basin, at the port of New Orleans  within his grasp. But as fate would have it, Santa Annas siesta in a field one spring afternoon turned into a deadly ambush as Gen. Sam Houston led his exhausted, demoralized and outnumbered troops to an unlikely victory that would change North America's course forever.

In the Texas Capitol in Austin, a famous oil painting shows a wounded Houston lying against a tree holding out his hand in respect to a solemn Santa Anna standing above him, ready to surrender. Over hits of opium, the two battle-worn generals sat down together to negotiate an end to a war that would eventually pave the way for Texas' annexation by the United States and raise the question of whether the U.S.-Mexico border would be determined by the Nueces River, as the Mexicans argued, or the Rio Grande, as the Americans insisted. When money and diplomatic pressure failed to sway the Mexican government in negotiations a decade later, the United States invaded its southern neighbor, bringing the country to its knees in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Mexico ceded nearly a million square miles comprising present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico and parts of Colorado and Nevada to the United States, fulfilling U.S. President James Polk's Manifest Destiny dream to extend America's continental domain "from ocean to ocean."

The Battle for Empire

This is a history that is easily romanticized in the United States. It is also one that breeds deep resentment in Mexico. Both countries were infant republics in the early 19th century, and each arguably had a shot at claiming the North American empire. They hadn't yet succumbed to their own civil wars, and they were each a product of Old World intrigue, one spawned from Anglo-Saxon Protestantism and the other from Hispanic Catholicism. The United States gained its independence nearly four decades before Mexico did, but it was still a largely untested republic trying to build an empire from a clean slate once it could clear out American Indian tribes. Mexico, on the other hand, had roots in ancient civilization well before the Old World colonists arrived.

But even as a fledgling republic, the United States had the upper hand when it came to geography. As the Old World exhausted itself with its wars and became unable to mind its distant colonies, the United States negotiated land purchases from the French (Louisiana Purchase in 1803) and the Spanish (Florida in 1819), reaching beyond the Appalachians and securing the continent's core: the Greater Mississippi River Basin. Cheap river transportation, large tracts of arable land that supported an ample grain supply, and the ability of private citizens to own and develop their own land not only allowed for rapid industrial development and population growth but also helped to foster a common national identity and purpose. As Alexis de Tocqueville observed in the mid-19th century, Americans had the leisure to "devote their energies to thought and enlarge in all directions the empire of mind" in exploring the wilderness of the New World. With land and liberty intertwined in the American psyche, the empire was already spilling across the Rockies and ravenously eyeing the blue waters of the Pacific.

Mexico, by contrast, was barely holding itself together. There simply was no time or space to foster a national calling toward continental supremacy. Geography was partly to blame: The core of the country was split between the high plateau of Mexico City, where the more temperate climate can support grain growth and a large population, and the tropical port city of Veracruz on Mexico's eastern shore. Desert in the north, jungle in the deep south and mountain chains running along both of the country's lengths made development and transport very costly in Mexico relative to the United States. Mexico City's writ barely extended into its dry, bandit-ridden northern territories while its inability to defend Veracruz from maritime powers provided would-be invaders with a direct path to the country's capital. If Mexico City were to claim the North American empire for itself, it would have to stretch across the northern deserts, seize the Mississippi Basin and hold the territory while defending its rear from Veracruz with a naval presence that could dominate the Gulf of Mexico. This was a tall order for a newly independent, cash-strapped state that was still rigidly stratified between wealthy Spanish landowners trying to preserve their fiefdoms and indigenous Mexicans denied the rights to life, liberty and property that their American counterparts enjoyed.

Mexico coped with losing its chance at empire. But to this day, it has not been able to shake off its deeper paranoia of America's intentions. From Mexico City's point of view, the United States may have sealed its North American domain, but what would stop it from dismembering the Mexican state altogether? After all, under multiple presidents and in multiple interventions, the United States has adopted a patronizing attitude toward what it saw as an unruly southern neighbor. Perhaps the best illustration of the ease with which the United States could invade Mexico came in 1914, when Mexican federal forces accidentally arrested a group of U.S. naval officers at Tampico Bay. Mexican Gen. Ignacio Morelos Zaragoza apologized twice for the mistake, but the United States demanded a written apology as well, in addition to a 21-gun salute to the U.S. flag where the soldiers had been arrested. Morelos Zaragoza said he would do the salute, on the condition that the United States recognize Mexico's sovereignty with a 21-gun salute to the Mexican flag. That nationalist retort did not sit well with U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, who promptly ordered an invasion of Veracruz. Within two days, U.S. troops had arrived at the coast.

A History of Friction and Fusion

This is a history that remains deeply ingrained in many Mexicans. Long before Donald Trump made it into the presidential primaries, conversations I had with Mexico City's elite were filled with anxious, seemingly naive questions such as "Do you think the United States would go to war with Mexico again, or try to cripple its economy?" But these questions are not so outlandish to anyone who knows the storied history of the two countries' ties.

Security cooperation framed the U.S.-Mexico relationship early on. The men charged in 1851 with the perilous task of surveying and demarcating the nearly 2,000-mile border separating them could barely eke out a dotted line on the map. Battling Apache raids, disease and miles of unforgiving desert, they were able to only sporadically stake out markers across the treacherous territory over the course of three years, hoping that the politicians in Washington and Mexico City could handle the particulars of dividing the sovereign space. But that was easier said than done, of course. As Rachel St. John explains in her book Line in the Sand, the United States and Mexico quickly learned that they needed each other to tame their restive borderland. Apache and Comanche tribes never recognized the freshly (albeit poorly) delineated border and raided freely, pitting U.S. and Mexican forces against each other. Bands of American land pirates, meanwhile, took advantage of the lawlessness and wreaked havoc across Sonora and Baja California. If Mexico were to finally gain control over its northern territories, and if the United States were to secure its new southern border, they would have to work together. Through military cooperation, the confinement of American Indians to reservations, and cross-border agreements permitting the hot pursuit of bandits, prisoner exchanges and joint patrols, the United States and Mexico were able to pacify the borderland by the 1880s. More than a century later, both countries arrived at a similar conclusion and mutual dependency in battling drug cartels across the border.

Immigration confounded authorities on both sides of the border. In the wake of the Mexican-American War, Mexico was rightfully worried that the United States would make additional land grabs in the north, especially since America was still eying Baja California. To preserve Mexico's territorial integrity, President Jose Joaquin de Herrera used tax exemptions and land grants to incentivize Mexican colonists to resettle in the country's northern regions. But rumors of riches flowing from the California Gold Rush in 1848-55 kept pulling Mexican workers farther north into the United States, depleting the population in Sonora and leaving valuable territory to eager Americans looking to buy it up. That economic draw to the north persists to this day and remains the primary driver behind Mexican immigration to the United States.

Over time, the United States grew wary of cheap labor coming across its borders and displacing American workers. But at first, Mexicans were not the main targets of U.S. immigration authorities. With the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which barred Chinese workers from entering the United States, more Chinese migrants tried to illegally cross into the United States from Mexico to find work. At the same time, the United States was dependent on Mexican workers for agricultural labor and for building a sprawling rail network (Mexicans made up 60 percent of U.S. rail workers by the early 1900s). So, it deployed "Chinese inspectors" to routinely weed out Chinese immigrants from their Mexican peers. At the same time, Mexico tried to pass the cost of unwanted Chinese migrants and other foreigners onto U.S. authorities by turning a blind eye to their illegal migration northward  not unlike Mexico's attempts today to pass the burden of handling a growing number of Central American, Asian and African immigrants to U.S. authorities.

But with the onset of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, fears of the conflict's spread limited cross-border cooperation, and the United States began to tighten its defenses. Strips along the border were cleared for customs and immigration agents to set up shop, wire fences were erected and human walls were formed as U.S. and Mexican border troops stood side by side in the absence of a permanent physical barrier. It was during this chaotic period that Mexican nationalism burned fervently and U.S. prejudice grew toward what it saw as a barbarous and broken nation. As the governor of the Northern District of Baja California proclaimed in 1919, "Intervention is shortly coming, and when it does, every patriotic Mexican is expected to seize a rifle and drive the gringos from Mexican soil." Meanwhile, Washington vacillated between the parties waging war, first backing Pancho Villa before supporting his chief rival and former ally, Venustiano Carranza. When Villa began attacking Americans in Mexico and across the border, U.S. troops unilaterally intervened in 1916 to try to capture the rebel leader.

U.S.-Mexico relations had reached a new low, but the great power intrigue of the First World War only exacerbated distrust between them. In 1917, it became clear with the revelation of the infamous Zimmerman Telegram that Germany was trying to coax a Mexican rebellion to reclaim its former territories of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Washington's fear of distant adversaries exploiting its southern neighbor would later re-emerge, first during the Second World War and then during the Cold War as Mexico City became a hotbed for Nazi and Soviet espionage and propaganda.

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, seedy border towns that profited off of American drug and gambling vices earned a terrible reputation among border locals and authorities. In a tone echoing the "bad hombres" rhetoric we see in today's political climate, an Arizona Ranger captain wrote in his 1932 memoir that "cattle thieves, murderers and the worst hombres of the United States and Mexico made their headquarters" in border towns like Douglas, Arizona. Over eight decades later, the United States' massive consumer market for drugs and Mexico's ongoing struggle to contain cartel activity are reminders of the fact that security threats in the borderland are a product of Mexican supply and U.S. demand.

Of course, cross-border business ties extended well beyond illicit drugs. As transcontinental railways were built in the late 19th century to connect the United States from coast to coast and link Mexico to the burgeoning U.S. market, the two countries formed a capitalist codependency. Cattle ranchers, copper miners, irrigationists and private investors were among the many enterprising businessmen who fused the U.S.-Mexico borderland together with the power of the greenback and cheap Mexican labor. During the Porfiriato, an era in Mexico's history from 1876 to 1910, President Jose de la Cruz Porfirio Diaz Mori (who famously uttered, "Poor Mexico, so far from God and close to the United States!") forced the country to reckon with the uncomfortable fact that Mexico's unavoidable thirst for capital would at times come at the cost of its own sovereignty. Indeed, it was Porfirio Diaz's ineluctable pragmatism and capitalist spirit that planted the seeds of nationalism that later spawned the Mexican Revolution, the 1938 nationalization of the Mexican oil sector under President Lazaro Cardenas, and decades of shaky ties with the United States.

The U.S.-Mexico relationship is not a story of ever-deepening cooperation, nor is it a tale of endless friction. Instead it ebbed and flowed over the decades as both sides tried to figure out what border measures were necessary to control immigration and facilitate trade. The United States needed low-wage labor, but it also went through periods in which it regarded that labor as a threat to the security of American jobs. Mexico, for its part, needed a way to develop its own industry so that Mexican workers would not have to seek opportunity to the north. Mexico experimented with free trade zones in the north in the late 19th century, only to be met with the protectionist McKinley Tariff of 1894. The United States also experimented with ways to control the flow of immigrants, with mixed success. During the Great Depression, when American opposition to foreign labor was at its highest, the United States deported Mexican immigrants en masse. As the need for low-wage labor revived itself in the 1940s, the United States introduced the Bracero temporary worker program, only to see another reversal in 1954 under "Operation Wetback" ordered by U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower to forcibly repatriate Mexican immigrants. Mexico's postwar population boom led to a surge in immigration to the United States. Unnerved by the rise in immigrant traffic, Washington responded with the Immigration Act of 1965, placing a quota on Western Hemisphere immigrants for the first time. This critical legislative turn forced many Mexicans to either wait years for a visa or resort to illegal entry. With illegal immigration now a much more exposed and emotive challenge for the United States, this remains a burning political issue for American politicians to this day. While immigration policy followed an uneven path, the rise of the maquiladores assembly plants along the border in the 1960s, the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994 and a rise in cartel violence with the war on drugs in the early 21st century have only deepened the mutual reliance between the United States and Mexico.

Nationalism Burns on Both Sides of the Border

But the path ahead looks just as rocky as the road already traveled. Waves of nationalism and protectionism are part and parcel of the two countries' history. The costs those times carried are remembered well by many Mexicans, and perhaps less well by some Americans. Economically, the United States and Mexico are deeply intertwined through energy, transportation, labor, agriculture and extensive supply-chain links. From automobile parts to agricultural produce, 80 percent of Mexico's exports are destined for the United States, and U.S. content makes up 40 percent of those goods. In fact, Mexico's trade relationship with the United States is more balanced than many of Washington's other trade partnerships: The U.S. trade deficit with Mexico stands at $58 billion, while the U.S. trade deficit with China stands at $367 billion, more than six times that of Mexico. And regardless of whether NAFTA is renegotiated, replaced with bilateral trade agreements or repealed altogether, causing trade to resume under the World Trade Organization's rules for Most Favored Nations, trade and integration between the United States and Mexico is bound to persist in the long run.

Nevertheless, the prevailing economic uncertainty attached to the uneasy negotiation unfolding between Mexico City and Washington will have economic, political and social costs on both sides of the border. Embedded within the trade frictions is the White House's national security argument that Mexico is not doing enough in  or is simply incapable of  getting its house in order. The sentiment recently resurfaced when U.S. and Mexican media outlets claimed to have portions of the transcript of a phone conversation between Trump and his Mexican counterpart, Enrique Pena Nieto, in which Trump, in so many words, allegedly threatened to send U.S. troops into Mexico to deal with "bad hombres down there" unless the Mexican military does more to control them itself. The rumored transcript raises a serious  and very familiar  question for Mexico City: Will the United States once again resort to taking unilateral action across its southern border?

The prospects of U.S. incursions and damaging trade wars are fuel for nationalism in Mexico, where left-wing populist leaders like National Regeneration Movement chief Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador are gaining traction ahead of Mexico's 2018 elections. Mexico is already a country of deep socio-economic cleavages between the Mexican elite of European descent and the indigenous and Mestizo working classes. As the country saw in the 20th century, the combination of nationalism and perceived social injustices can make for a volatile mix that could spill over into the United States.

This should give pause to leaders in Washington as they try to imagine the shape U.S.-Mexico relations will take in today's evolving climate. The two countries are not only joined at the hip economically. They are also linked by blood. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics constitute 17 percent of the U.S. population  the nation's largest ethnic or racial minority. More than 64 percent of Hispanics in the United States are of Mexican origin. It is not uncommon to find Mexican-Americans of multiple generations who say with deep conviction that their home is in the United States, but their heart remains in Mexico. Unlike immigrants from India and China, who have also come to America in large numbers, Mexicans in the United States find the source of their cultural identity just across the border, where the government in Mexico City feels responsible for the well-being of its compatriots in the north. Just as Mexico can look to its history to understand its paranoia about America's intentions, the United States will need to look to its future to understand the cost of aggravating this long-standing social fault line.
Things have not been dull since President Donald Trump took office almost three weeks ago, but something that has been little noticed is the increasing traditionalism of some parts of his foreign policy. Certainly, his order to suspend visas for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries was explosive, but in point of fact, whether people from Yemen can come to the United States is not a central issue in U.S. foreign policy.

What is central is the future of U.S. relations with NATO. Before the election, Trump gave clear indications that he was unhappy with NATOs structure, performance and relevance to American strategic needs. On Feb. 7, Trump declared his commitment to NATO without any mention of alternatives.

Similarly, during the election, Trump suggested a massive revision of relations with Russia, arguing that he would welcome warmer ties. His position now is that the sanctions on Russia should remain in place, and he has given no indication that the reconciliation he spoke of during the election is going to happen. He spoke to and expressed his support for the Ukrainian president, something not designed to please the Russians.

China was going to be Trumps first target. Thus far, little has happened but rhetoric, and even that has died down. There have been some recent exchanges over the South and East China seas. But such rhetoric was common during former President Barack Obamas administration and represents continuity more than a radical shift.

Granted, we are only three weeks into his administration, but three weeks under Trump is not like that of other administrations. Trump moves by a different clock than the others. And the fact is he has moved. But his movement here has tended to shift away from discontinuity to, at least thus far, maintenance of the status quo. Even on Iran, which fired a ballistic missile to test him, his response has been relatively mild, consisting of some sanctions and a review of U.S.-Iranian relations. In most administrations, a review of relations tended to mean that the U.S. was highly annoyed and would think of things to do about it, but would not actually do them.

There is, therefore, a deepening question about Trumps foreign policy  if anything can be said to be deepening after three weeks. The question is whether it is actually his intention to downgrade NATO, shift relations with Russia, confront China and take significant action against Iran. Certainly, the president chose to be hostile to Australia in a conversation with the Australian prime minister, but it is hard to see any policy shift. Hostile phones calls and threatening tweets do not a foreign policy make, so the strange call to the Australian prime minister probably doesnt indicate policy change.

There are three possible explanations for what is going on. One is that most of the foreign policy talk was campaign rhetoric. Much of what Obama or former President George W. Bush said they would do never actually happened. Perhaps Trump is the same. He made campaign promises that he may or may not intend to keep, but reality and political events make them impossible.

A second explanation is that his senior national security staff  Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis and National Security Adviser Michael Flynn  are shaping the foreign policy. To put it bluntly, the president, like other presidents, knows that his re-election and popularity depend on domestic politics (and immigration is a domestic issue in this context). Therefore, he will focus his time and political capital on politically important issues, letting foreign policy be handled at the secondary level. If thats the case, Mattis and Tillerson will approach these issues with a tempo and sequence that is more conventional than Trumps. That does not mean that they will not shift U.S. policy. It just means that it will take much longer.

A third explanation could be that Trump has recognized the complexity of these issues and the possible consequences of miscalculation. In the same way that Obama did not spend political capital on his promise to close Guantanamo or pull all troops out of Iraq or Afghanistan, so too Trump may have realized that some of the things he promised to do cannot be done. Others can, but only with meticulous care and thought.

I do not know the president or the dynamic between the key members of his foreign policy team, and therefore, I cannot tell whether this is a change between campaign rhetoric and presidential decision-making or just a delay of a few weeks. What I can say is that these were some of the issues on which he was most assertive during the campaign, and thus far, he has not made them a priority. Things like ordering a new strategy for fighting the Islamic State is not a change of policy. Obama was committed to that. It may be a change of strategy, but if it is, Mattis program to rebuild the military will have to be put in place before this strategy starts yielding results.

We are all looking for hints of Trumps intention on many things. I dont know what this portends for the future, but for the moment, his approach has been interestingly conventional. All the uproar has had little to do with the fundamentals of foreign policy.
This article has been published in collaboration with the Middle East Institute, where Alex Vatanka is a senior fellow. Follow him on Twitter @AlexVatanka. The views expressed are the authors own.

The Trump administration is said to be considering listing a powerful state actor in Iran as a terrorist organization. Indeed, listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, or IRGC, would be unprecedented and would constitute the biggest escalatory step by Washington against Tehran in years.

There is reportedly plenty of pushback already from senior U.S. intelligence and defense officials against adding IRGC to the State Departments terrorism list. Critics fear such a step would do more harm than good to U.S. interests. Yet irrespective of the decision to officially designate it or not, a review of the IRGCs actions has its merits.

IRGC leadership seizes every opportunity to flaunt its anti-American ideological mission in words and in practice. It is explicit in its core aim of forcing the United States out of the Middle East. For the sake of American interests in the region, the United States has no option but to first single out the IRGC before rolling back its noxious influence.

A Toxic Force

As the Trump administration deliberates over its next move on Iran, the one certainty is that the many disputes with Tehran will not go away anytime soon. IRGC generals will continue to go out of their way to remind Trump that this political-military organization of some 120,000 armed men is a dangerous adversary of the United States. In just the last few days, top IRGC commanders have taunted the United States as a paper tiger that should give up its claim of being a superpower, all the while lampooning Trump as an amateur.

This is mere schoolyard taunting. But Trump should not allow it to distract the administration from the real progress the IRGC has made in spreading its power at home and abroad in the last decade. The list is long.

IRGCs intelligence arm is today holding a number of U.S. citizens in prison in Tehran on spurious charges. Its foreign expeditionary branch, the Quds Force, is spearheading Irans military interventions in places such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. From Lebanon to Syria to Iraq and elsewhere, it has helped create a variety of Shiite militant proxy groups that it arms and indoctrinates into its sectarian and anti-American worldview.

At home, the Guards generals are the biggest obstacle to the demands of the mass reformist movement that has tried to bring about gradual political change. IRGC bosses regularly threaten reformist leaders with death. Meanwhile, the organizations insatiable appetite for money has put it in control of about 20 percent of the Iranian economy. Its extortionist methods are so flagrant that even an ally, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, once referred to them as our smuggler brothers.

Holds the Key

In other words, on key issues that matter most to the United States -- from Irans nuclear and ballistic missile programs to its military interventions across the region -- it is the words and actions of the IRGC leadership that Washington needs to first consider as the Trump White House develops its Iran policy. And simply hinting at possibly listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization is an important step in the effort to influence the shadowy organizations behavior.

In that regard, it might be a good idea to stop compartmentalizing Americas Iran policy. The Obama administrations excessive separation of Iranian hardliners in the ranks of the IRGC from the moderates in the government of President Hassan Rouhani only helped to muddle Washingtons response when the Revolutionary Guards actions required swift reaction.

The truth is that Irans moderates -- such as Foreign Minister Javad Zarif -- are not in charge of the policies that most concern the United States. Take the case of Iraq. Since 2003, all of Irans powerful ambassadors to Baghdad have come straight from the ranks of the IRGCs Quds Force, led by the powerful and influential Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Meanwhile, the top brass at the IRGC continues to view the multiple conflicts in the Middle East as a zero-sum rivalry with the United States and her regional allies.

However, while it is true that anti-Americanism is a core part of the worldview of this close-knit group of men at the top of the IRGC leadership, they are far from suicidal. A more forceful U.S. stance against their policies is highly likely to shape their calculations.

There are already signs that the IRGC bosses believe it is essential that they reduce provocative actions against the United States, especially as the Trump team formulates its Iran policy. As one top IRGC general, Mohsen Rezaei, put it, there are some sensitive days ahead between Iran and the American generals.

An emphatic attitude is the only way the United States can push back against the spread of the worst tendencies of the Iranian regime, which are today spearheaded by the IRGC. In Iran itself, it took the Revolutionary Guards generals some 20 years to impose their rule over the Iranian people. These same Iranian hardliners are hell-bent on spreading their way of life to other parts of the Middle East. This is not a prospect any U.S. president can let go unchallenged.
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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/09/2017



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

, which had a home on Fox for 15 seasons, may be revived by NBC.Idol's FremantleMedia production company is in talks with NBC to bring back, Variety reported According to sources with knowledge of the discussions, FremantleMedia has pitched a revival of the long-running reality singing competition that discovered iconic artists including Carrie Underwood Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson The network is reportedly trying to figure out how could fit into its already-packed reality programming slate and one option is cutting The Voice down to one season per year rather than two.Freemantle has reportedly been shopping an Idol revival to networks for weeks now, and NBC is currently the leading candidate. However, sources told Variety talks are ongoing and a deal has yet to be signed.Representatives for both NBC and Fremantle declined comment on the matter. concluded last year after 15 seasons on the air. The show premiered on Fox in 2002, and at the peak of its success in 2006, Idol pulled in 36.4 total viewers. Ratings, however, declined when the show neared its end. Its final season last year reportedly averaged only 9.1 million viewers.Although Season 15 was referred to as 's "farewell season," longtime host Ryan Seacrest hinted at a possible revival when speaking at the Television Critics Association winter press tour in 2016."When you've got a franchise that has this kind of heritage and you've got a franchise that generates X amount of millions of people, if it sustains, does that mean it's the end?" Seacrest said. "I'm not so sure."In addition, 's fifteenth-season finale broadcast concluded with Seacrest signing off with "Goodnight America... for now" -- an apparent reference to Idol creator Simon Fuller's then-recent admission that he expected would "certainly be coming back" at some point in the future.NBC has a lineup of popular reality talent competitions, including its summer series America's Got Talent. The network also ordered World of Dance to be executive produced and judged by Jennifer Lopez -- although a premiere date has yet to be set.The fifteenth winner of was Trent Harmon with La'Porsha Renae finishing as the runner-up.
SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valero Energy Partners LP (NYSE:VLP) today announced that members of partnership management will attend the Barclays MLP Corporate Access Day on February 28, 2017.

About Valero Energy Partners LP

Valero Energy Partners LP is a fee-based master limited partnership formed by Valero Energy Corporation to own, operate, develop and acquire crude oil and refined products pipelines, terminals, and other transportation and logistics assets. With headquarters in San Antonio, the Partnerships assets include crude oil and refined petroleum products pipeline and terminal systems in the Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent regions of the United States that are integral to the operations of 10 of Valeros refineries. Please visit www.valeroenergypartners.com for more information.
The idea of allowing guns on college campuses has returned to the Georgia General Assembly.

Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R-Canton) introduced a House Bill Tuesday that looks to allow permit holders to carry guns on state college campuses.
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Vilnius, Lithuania, 2017-02-10 15:54 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Egidijus Damulis will leave the investment committee for the real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate, which is managed by INVL Asset Management, as of 13 February this year. Vytautas Baksinskas and Andrius Dauksas will continue on the committee.

Egidijus Damulis played a key role in work related to the acquisition of a part of the Vilnius Gates complex as well as its assumption, concept renewal and leasing. Under his leadership of the company, INVL Baltic Real Estate was reorganised into a closed-end investment company. Were grateful to Egidijus for this work, which will have a significant positive impact on growth of assets and the value of the company. We see a possibility for future collaboration with him in considering strategies for the real estate business or the development of specific properties, said Darius Sulnis, the CEO of INVL Asset Management.

Egidijus Damulis notes that in 2016, while he was working at the company, the performance indicators for its assets under management improved and the recently acquired portion of the Vilnius Gates complex was renovated and is set in the near future to become an attractive hub in the capital city for Fintech and high-tech businesses.
The chief of America's Federal Communications Commission is not a fan of net neutrality.

So what's his vision of communications and digital policy in these times?

We find out...

IMAGE: Ajit Pai at a Federal Communications Commission Net Neutrality hearing in Washington in February 2015. He was then an FCC Commissioner. Photograph: Yuri Gripas/Reuters

When the time came for United States President Donald Trump to name the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, FCC, the choice was quite simple.

Ajit Pai, the Republican who served as an FCC commissioner during the second Obama administration and emerged as a strong voice against net neutrality.

Despite its lack of a high profile, the indispensability of the Internet in our lives makes the FCC one of the most influential US agencies.

In his inaugural remarks as FCC chairman, Pai, 44, said he was blessed to head the position and think big.

'I understand that not everyone will personally agree with every policy the FCC pursues. But I will do my best to hear all points of view -- to approach every issue with a literal open door and a figurative open mind.'

'I believe one of our core priorities going forward should be to close that divide -- to do what's necessary to help the private sector build networks, send signals, and distribute information to American consumers, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or anything else, he added.

'We must work to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Americans.'

As FCC chairman, Ajit Pai has already issued a decision that prevents nine Internet service providers from using a federal programme to provide discounted broadband service to the poor.

While many fear that this appointment could lead to the open Internet order of 2015 -- which was in favour of net neutrality -- being repealed, we revisit Pai's interview with a Rediff publication when he was the FCC commissioner to understand what makes him tick.

Was this position something that you aggressively sought or would you say it was a sort of natural evolution, considering your track record in an earlier incarnation at the FCC as deputy general counsel, and also in the private sector this was the field you were engaged in?

I would say that I was interested in the field for quite some time, starting with my work at the Department of Justice in the Anti-Trust Division, beginning in the late 1990s. But getting this position was never something that I planned.

I was very fortunate to receive a call asking me if I'd be interested in interviewing for the position in 2011. I had just started working at a law firm -- in fact, that was my first day.

So, I never predicted or expected or aggressively sought this position. I was very lucky to have a series of experiences along the way that made my profile interesting.

Because this was the field -- even when you were a Congressional staffer -- you were immersed in?

Yes, very much so. I really enjoyed the technology field. It's changing so quickly and there is so much room for policy -- to affect it in a positive way. So, I've very much enjoyed it over the last several years.

How did you get onto this field? Was it purely an insatiable appetite for technology or was it also the political bug and/or public service?

It was a little bit of an accident. I've always enjoyed technology just as a person. But in terms of my legal training, I had an interest in anti-trust law.

So, I was speaking to the judge I was working for after law school about what I should do next. He recommended that I apply to the Anti-Trust Division of the Department of Justice for the honours programme, and if you are lucky enough to get that position, you have to pick which section you want to work in.

At the time the Telecommunications Act of 1996 had recently been passed, and he said, it might be interesting if you work on anti-trust issues as applied to the telecommunications field.

Much to my surprise, I ended up falling in love with the field and I've held that love ever since.

But I guess it can get pretty technical.

It can, and one of the great things about this job is that I have the ability of -- if I have a question of how something works -- to call up or visit with the people who know how it does.

For example, I had a question about how cable networks operate. So, I had a chance to visit Cable Head-In to see all the equipment that transmits all the signals away from your remote control all the way back to the Internet.

Having the ability to access that kind of information, understand how networks operate is so valuable, especially for someone like me who's not an engineer by training.

IMAGE: Ajit Pai, centre, was appointed the FCC's 34th Chairman, January 23, 2017. Photograph: Kind courtesy AjitPaiFCC/Twitter.com

Your Wall Street Journal op-ed (in February 2014) about the FCC's 'critical information needs' -- which planned 'to send researchers to grill reporters, editors and station owners about how they decide which stories to run' -- resulted in the FCC pulling back.

What made you feel so strongly about it, and did you consider yourself a whistleblower?

I didn't consider myself a whistleblower. I considered myself to be a typical American citizen who cherishes the freedom of the press.

So, whenever the government or research funded by the government, goes into newsrooms and starts asking questions about what the news philosophy is, why they choose to cover some stories and not others, and dictates what eight categories of news the American people need, and try to figure out if news stations are fulfilling those eight needs, that's something that raises a lot of concerns.

So, I think what we saw in that controversy about that SIMS study, as it is called, is the fact that people from all across the political spectrum want the press to remain free and they don't want the government to even hint at intruding upon that freedom.

There are critics who argue that it was politically motivated, since you are Republican. That policing newsrooms was not the study's intent, but that you were playing to the likes of conservative radio and Fox News.

How do you respond to such criticism?

I am grateful to the critics for assuming that I had a grand strategy -- that there was a big conspiracy afoot in this office when we rolled out that op-ed.

But to be honest, the op-ed had a very simple message and that message was contained in the op-ed itself.

I believe that's one of the reasons why, for example, President Clinton's counsel Lanny Davis started banging the drum and saying, look, people with left to centre views should share the concerns of Commissioner Pai.

I think we did see a lot of people from the left as well as the right showing that concern.

To be honest, I didn't see it as a political question as more as one of a constitutional policy question.

It's always useful to think of the hypothetical.

If it was a Republican administration, would people on the left be comfortable with the government intruding into newsrooms and saying, 'What's your news philosophy?' I don't think so.

We have to be as objective as we can and ask, should the government, whoever is controlling it, have this kind of intrusion into news across the country?

I just don't think so.

Why are you so zealously protective of any kind of Internet regulation? Even though the Web has revolutionised our lives, there are the cons too?

What I am against, is getting rid of the bipartisan framework that has governed the Internet for the last 20 years, and I believe President Clinton and Congress in 1996 got it right that we want to have an Internet that is governed by the free market unfettered by federal or state regulation.

The benefits of that have been obvious, especially if you compare it to other countries or other continents.

So, for example, in Europe, broadband deployment has decreased and mobile broadband in particular, is very hard to come by and you look at the United States, we take mobile broadband and wired broadband now not for granted, but it is much better than it is anywhere else.

That is a direct result of the fact that we have had a historic bipartisan agreement that we don't want the Internet to be saddled with some of the common carrier regulations as it is called from the telephone era where you had a monopoly operating a copper network.

Now we live in the Internet Protocol world where it takes a lot of investment to take those broadband networks and the networks are now very competitive and that's something that once you cross the Rubicon -- so to speak -- and you start allowing the government to start regulating the details of the network deployment, operation, then you are going to see the private sector not willing to take quite as many risks and then the broadband industry is going to suffer as a result.

Have you always been so passionate about being against regulatory barriers -- and is it solely because you are convinced they are the bane of infrastructure development?

I don't oppose every single regulation, but my view is shaped in part by my own experiences.

I remember when I was a child thinking that it was ridiculous that my grandmother had to reserve a 10 minute block of time in her Bangalore post office for us to be able to call her. It was expensive for us as well.

A highly regulated system where the government was essentially dominating the entire industry.

Over the last 30 years, what we've seen, at least in this country, is the fact that when you have a light touch of regulation to make sure that there is no anti-competitive behaviour and consumers are protected, but beyond that we let the free markets operate, we've seen the benefits of that.

Now, the fact that you have a mobile app that allows you to do something you never could have done 30 years ago and the fact that you now have broadband access in all parts of this country, that's a tremendous accomplishment for the private sector.

It wouldn't have been so had the government not had a more restrained view on how to regulate the industry.

You also fervently believe that the FCC should allocate additional spectrum for mobile broadband? Why?

Because one of the things I've seen, especially having gone to India, and talked to them about spectrum policy, one of the great success of the US has been in the deployment and adoption of high-speech wireless services, and now for example, the US is home to almost half of the world's 4G LTE subscribers.

That's just incredible and we only have 330 million people.

The reason is because we have allowed there to be a free market for spectrum.

We have what's called a flexible use policy so that we don't dictate that this slice of spectrum can be used only for this purpose and this slice for that purpose.

We let the private sector decide how to meet consumer demand.

We also pioneered the use of competitive auctions.

There used to be that all these different companies would apply to get the use of a certain kind of spectrum and the government would decide behind closed doors how to allocate it.

Now, we have an open, fair and transparent process, by which anyone can say, I want to bid on this spectrum and if they pay for the right to use that spectrum, the government gives it to them.

That's the model now we are seeing replicated all over the world, including in India.

IMAGE: Ajit Pai, centre, was sworn in as an FCC Commissioner in 2012. To his right stood his wife Janine Ann Van Lancker, an assistant professor of medicine at George Washington University. Photograph: Kind courtesy FCC

Coming to some personal and community issues, both your parents are doctors (Varadaraj Pai, a urologist from Secunderabad, and Radha Pai, an anaesthesiologist from Bengaluru).

How did they feel, when you got interested in social studies and went into law, public service and then became a political appointee?

It's incredible how much has changed.

The desis of our generation, it was expected that we went into medical school or engineering, or some sort of science, and that was the well-trodden path for a reason.

So, yes, when I first realised that I liked the humanities and decided to pursue that in graduate school and then law school, I was a little afraid to be honest with you.

I didn't have a clearly defined path in front of me and I had to chart it myself...

And, at that time, I guess there weren't too many Indian-American role models either in these so-called non-traditional fields as far as the older generation was concerned that may have alleviated some of their concerns when their children were exploring areas like humanities, like you did.

You are absolutely right -- very, very few.

My law school class, there may have been five Indian Americans and there certainly wasn't a South Asian American Law Students Association for the entire country like there is now with NASABA (North America South Asian Bar Association).

It was a very different time.

Now, recently, when I had a chance to go to Philadelphia and speak to the students at U-Penn, it's incredible to see how many of them are Indian American and how unremarkable it is that they take it for granted that they could have gone to business school, law school, medical school. That's a great thing.

It shows that the Indian-American community in the US has really developed and it is taking its rightful place at the centre of a lot of the economic, political and business communities in this country.

I guess over the years, as you've evolved in your career, your parents, like a lot of other first generation immigrant Indian-American parents, have begun to not only understand and now view with pride the public service careers of their children but are probably even encouraging them in such pursuits now.

Absolutely. At the time, they were a little but worried. They didn't know what lawyers like us in public service did.

They thought of medical malpractice law or something of the sort -- essentially private practice would have been what they would have liked.

Even now, there are times, when my mother worries.

When I told her that I would be leaving the law firm job to take this job, she asked if it's a full-time job, do you get paid, etc?

So, still a little bit worried that I may be moving back into their house (laughing uproariously).

But, at the same time, they take so much pride and to see them, for example, at my Senate confirmation hearing, to be able to recognise them for all the sacrifices that they've made for me to be in that position, was just one of the most gratifying things of my life.

My parents certainly didn't come from much money at all in southern India, and so, within a couple of generations to have gone from my grandfather on my mother's side, who didn't have the money or the ability to go to college, to a grandson, me, being able to be nominated by the President of the United States, it's just really incredible.

Like the first Indian-American federal judge in the US, Sri Srinivasan, who grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, you also grew up in a small rural town of Parsons in Kansas, where your parents relocated to from Canada after their medical residencies.

Judge Sri believes the small-town perspective was what gave him the humility and understanding of what life's all about in terms of interactions, especially for new immigrant families?

Did it have that kind of effect on you too?

It really did. I am not surprised that Sri said that.

A lot of us had the same impression -- that there's something about growing up in the mid-West at that time.

It was very useful, it taught us a lot about life and about how to treat other people, because people there are generally very friendly and open.

At least for me, I was a little bit on the shyer side when I was a child and it gave me a chance to know who I was and blossom without the pressure of living in a huge city with its big buildings and people rushing around all the time.

It was a little quieter and that's what I needed at the time.

How important is it for Indians Americans to be in public service or have at least a stint in the public arena at some point in their life and career?

I believe it's absolutely critical and even if a critical person doesn't share my political views, I nonetheless believe it is important for them to make their voices heard.

I remember what it was like when I was a child, you never saw anybody in public office who looks like you, talks to the community you are part of, and you so often felt excluded.

So, I believe one of the great things about Sri becoming a judge, seeing other people in office like Governor (Bobby) Jindal in Louisiana (the first American governor of Indian origin) for instance, we are now entering the public square in a way we never did before, and that's such a great thing and desis have just as much to contribute to the public discourse as anybody else.

I think it's just wonderful.

This interview was first published in India Abroad, then a Rediff.com publication.

Ajit Pai had spoken to Aziz Haniffa.
Tax collection at source would lock in Rs 400 crore of seller money, say Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal.

On field, they might be arch rivals, but on Thursday e-commerce biggies Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal, came together on one single platform, voicing their concerns over Rs 400 crore of capital belonging to their sellers being locked every year under the GST regime.

Tax collection at source recommended in the GST regime which is only for e-commerce companies, has been a major pain point for online marketplaces who see it as the single biggest hurdle in their quest for growth.

Did it take a lot of convincing for Sachin Bansal, co-founder, Flipkart, Kunal Bahl, co-founder, Snapdeal and Amit Agarwal, VP and country head, Amazon India, to share the stage and discuss their concerns?

Bahl believes that as the issue at hand concerns the whole sector, coming together was inevitable. "This is really the first time the three companies are coming together on one critical issue. At the end of the day the success of the industry is paramount and respective success of the company comes after that," he said.

According to the Flipkart top boss, around Rs 400 crore of working capital would get locked up every year at the current scale. He added that it would deter small and medium enterprises and sellers from selling on e-commerce platform or go digital in their business.

Under TCS, e-commerce marketplaces will have to deduct a portion of the amount payable to sellers on their platform and remit it to the government.

The draft model GST law is due to be finalised at the end of this month.

"We believe we have made a significant difference to the whole ecosystem... There are hundreds and thousands of sellers online and a lot of them are entrepreneurs, some of them are offline retailers... we have come a long way in creating this ecosystem," Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal told reporters here at a FICCI event.

He added that the e-commerce industry believes GST is one of the most foward-looking tax initiatives and will have a transformative impact on the sector.

Fast facts: e-commerce and GST Under GST, all marketplaces and all sellers on such MPs will anyways furnish detailed monthly information returns covering all transactions

TCS has been proposed under the mistaken assumption that the robust information provided monthly will not suffice for detecting tax evasion

The reality is different -- the monthly returns submitted to GST-N are designed to detect any tax evasion by flagging any mis-match in details provided by the seller and the marketplace. These details can be traced down to the individual transaction level

Hence, the objective of using TCS to capture information on e-commerce transactions is mis-guided

Trying to capture the same information additionally through TCS is actually counter-productive -- two sets of data will now need to be reconciled, creating additional work and slowing down the entire process

"This is apart from the TCS issue. Our estimate is that at current scale, Rs 400 crore per annum of capital will be locked into the system that will not be accessible to sellers and will eat into the working capital of the sellers and will deter them from coming online and listing with us," he said.

The companies said the TCS clause is discriminatory towards online sellers and the same does not exist in the offline retail segment.

Also, in the online world, it covers those operating under a marketplace model and does not cover those with an inventory model. The companies contended that the clause, therefore, is detrimental towards e-commerce companies that have brought in billions of dollars of investment.

"All of us are investing ahead of scale and a lot of the investment is going into building the right infrastructure and ecosystem, in training/educating sellers and bringing them online and that attracts consumers to come to our marketplaces. This flywheel has been spinning for the last few years... when the ecosystem gets excited, a lot of other industries benefit," Agarwal said. He added that the TCS would be a "dampener".

E-commerce still accounts for two percent of consumption and is poised grow from $20 billion to $350 billion in 10 years. By 2021, the Indian e-commerce industry is expected to have 1.3 million online sellers with 70 per cent of them coming from smaller towns, creating 10 million new jobs.
A legally vetted proposal on TFA on services would be submitted by India within the next few days.

India will send an expert team to World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva next month to place its demands for a permanent solution to stockpiling foodgrains and the proposed trade facilitation agreement on services.

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said the move was aimed at ensuring that member nations of WTO discussed them before the next ministerial conference in Argentina in December.

A legally vetted proposal on TFA on services would be submitted by India within the next few days, the minister said.

The proposal is being pushed by India since the services sector accounted for more than 60 per cent of GDP and 28 per cent of employment.

In the concept note circulated at WTO in September, India said the agreement could be based on TFA in goods, with suitable modification and adaptation for services.

Among other things, the proposal will suggest liberalising rules to facilitate the movement of professionals as well as reducing transaction costs.

Earlier in the day, WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo, who is on a two-day visit to India, had said that while discussions on the services trade were under way, more details were needed by member nations to fast-track talks.

Speaking at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Azevedo said the rising protectionist measures and growing voices against trade had resulted in international trade growth estimates ranging between 1.8 per cent and three per cent for 2017.

Earlier, the intergovernmental organisation had revised its estimates for growth in 2016 to just 1.7 per cent, the slowest since the financial crisis of 2009.

Officials said the focus of Azevedos India visit was to have talks on e-commerce. On Wednesday, Azevedo met leaders of companies such as Amazon, Paytm and Uber.

However, he said the meeting at the office of Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Mittal revolved around the services trade as well as efforts to boost trade by medium and small enterprises.

The proposed global rules on e-commerce, which focus on easing restrictions on the sector, are being pushed by developed nations for some time now, instead of the more traditional development-based issues of the Doha round of negotiations, which are priority for developing countries. Sitharaman also raised India's concerns related to e-commerce, the special safeguards mechanism, fisheries and investments.

A permanent solution to the issue of public stockholding of foodgrains, repeatedly demanded by India, is yet to be achieved as negotiations continue.

Azevedo has said the G-33, which includes India, had submitted a proposal in this regard before the Geneva-based body.

However, he said that the proposal had not evolved over time and I am not sure whether convergence can be found on the basis of that proposal without further revisions.

For a permanent solution, India had proposed either amending the formula to calculate the food subsidy cap of 10 per cent, which is based on the reference price of 1986-88, or allowing such schemes outside the purview of subsidy caps.

Photograph: Ajay Verma/Reuters.
United Breweries says sales could fall by 40% following court ban.

United Breweries Ltd, Indias largest beer maker and majority-owned by Dutch firm Heineken, has said that its sales of the alcoholic beverage could drop by 40 per cent once the Supreme Court ban on liquor shops on highways comes into effect in April.

The estimates were arrived at after mapping the liquor outlets and sales in these stores, executives of the company said on Thursday.

On December 15, the court, on a petition, ruled that states should cancel the licences of liquor shops in and around the national and state highways, citing increasing road accidents due to drink driving. The ban includes shutting down liquor shops located within 500 metres from highways.

We need to find out the specifics of the order. There are a lot of roads in India that run within the city and there are state highways. It is also said that there is a chance that the state highways are exempted, said Steven Bosch, chief financial officer, UBL, on a conference call.

Anil Pisharody, senior vice-president, finance, said the challenge was not the renewal of licences but to get a place to relocate.

The problem is more of logistics now. They need to relocate to areas nearby, which takes time, said Pisharody.

UB controls more than half of Indias annual beer sales of nearly 300 million cases. While it continues to grow the sales of popular brands such as Kingfisher beer, the company would look at expanding premium products from the Heineken portfolio into states outside Karnataka, its main market.

The company on Wednesday asked its non-executive chairman Vijay Mallya, currently in exile in the United Kingdom, to resign from the board.

UB and liquor maker United Spirits Ltd were sold to foreign rivals Heineken and Diageo, respectively, after Mallyas civil aviation business went under and put him in deep debt. He has been accused of being an absconder and the government has issued notices to the United Kingdom to extradite him.

UBs sales have dipped because of demonetisation even as the company faces bigger challenges in Maharashtra due to higher excise duties, and regulatory changes in Tamil Nadu.

We do not know the reason (for irregular orders in Tamil Nadu). We assume it is because of a series of events including the death of the chief minister or a push towards their local products, said Bosch.

UBs primary volumes went down eight per cent in the current quarter, which, the company said, was an impact of demonetisation in November and December. The company said its worst month was December.
In Tamil Nadu, Divya Nair encounters jallikattu, a ban on colas and a water shortage.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

I spent the last fortnight in Coimbatore at a family event.

Many of the issues the Tamil makkal (citizens) are worried about are difficult to fathom because they don't affect the rest of India.

It didn't matter that a wedding was taking place the next morning.

The only television set in the house attracted more attention than the groom and bride to be.

Elders and politically opinionated cousins watched re-runs of bulletins on multiple news channels, discussing the only thing that mattered to them -- whether jallikattu would happen at Alanganallur or not.

Had my mother been brought up in Kerala or Maharashtra, like I have, I'd have logged out of the conversation long ago.

But since she and most of the relatives on my mother's side, though Malayalees, have been brought up in Madurai, I could wrap my head around the importance of jallikattu.

My mother had witnessed this bull sport once, she said, when she was about six or seven, along with her family.

While her elder cousins hadn't fallen short of adjectives or superlatives when they described the action on the field that day, my mother remembered not being able to eat or sleep for the next few days.

The image of a young man's kodal (intestine) being plucked out by the bull's horns was too gory for a child to forget.

My mother had screamed and kept her eyes closed for most of the event.

"It's veeravelayattu, a game of valour," a 70-year-old uncle exclaimed, indicating he is still in favour of the sport.

"They are messing with Tamil Nadu's culture," the Malayalee-raised-and-living-in-the-state added.

How, I asked?

"This is a political strategy to promote Jersey cows in Tamil Nadu."

"Jersey cows are bad," my eight-year-old nephew joined in.

"Sugar, cholesterol," he added.

Words he'd overheard, about the side effects of drinking the milk of Jersey cows, I guess.

A few hours later, we received calls from cousins travelling from Chennai and Kerala who said transport services has been affected.

Between broken conversations, among free Jio users here in Coimbatore and those travelling from Chennai for the wedding, I heard my cousin say she was taking a detour after seeing, en route, policemen beat up the silent protestors and injure one of them badly.

"Tamil Nadu makkal have been very patient. But miscreants are creating problems," the septugenarian uncle declared, his eyes glued to the image of then chief minister O Panneerselvam folding his hands and urging people to be calm on a news channel.

Outside, it rained for a few minutes. The chairs in the open area -- where this bunch of elders was having their discussion -- had to be quickly stacked up and they were sent inside the wedding pandal.

"Poor rains this season. Siruvaniyila tanni illa (Siruvani dam is dry, no water)," my aunt said.

Soon, the topic veered to Tamil Nadu's winter rains and the water problem in the state.

"No drinking water in the city since two weeks now. And summer is a few months from now. Wonder what will happen?" another aunt echoed the concerns of all the other ladies in the room.

"How are things in Mumbai?" a worried relative asked my mother.

When the tea and snacks were served, another grey-haired uncle spoke. "Get used to Indian drinks, kids. No more Pepsi-Cola from March 1," he told the kids.

A fallout of the jallikattu stir was the banning of Coke and Pepsi in an effort to preserve local culture.

"We don't have too many healthy alternatives in cold drinks, do we?" my veliamma (mother's elder sister) said.

"Bovonto (a black coloured fizzy soft drink brand) is there. But it's too sweet," another aunt added, sipping away from her kaapi.

"Vote for jallikattu," my nine-year-old nephew, who had just arrived from Chennai, echoed, as soon as he entered the groom's house, a few hours later than expected.

The boy, who had only seen it on television, said he was so happy that schools were shut and his exams postponed.

On the train back to Mumbai, a resident from Navi Mumbai was reading Dinamalar, (a Tamil newspaper) and discussing how the Pepsi ban may soon affect other states.

He praised Modi for the note ban. But he was worried that if MNCs (like PepsiCo) shut shop in India, it would mean fewer jobs for the youth.

He was anxious for his son, who is in Class 12 and planning to go to the US for higher education. He felt Donald Trump's view on immigrants and visas would make life hard for youngsters aspiring to study and work in America.

I logged onto my Facebook account that day. My timeline was filled with people commenting on the assault on director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the sets of Padmavati.

A couple of days ago, the architect building our new house in Coimbatore called.

He said the state is at a standstill as everyone waits for the outcome of the OPS vs Sasikala battle.

The panchayat office was not issuing temporary electricity connections, he added, so he could not start work.

A colleague from Tamil Nadu compared the political jallikatu in Chennai to a "thrilling" movie.

Jallikattu, the imminent water crisis and jobs for the young have all been deleted from memory, it seems...

Hardly ten days later, Tamil attention has been diverted by a Powder Pankajam ruling the headlines.
'It will be a fine day when we can claim to have institutions in civil society as influential and as popular as ACLU, which is a strong body only because millions of Americans support its values.'

'When Indians take offence at how other Indians are treated, when we take injustice to others personally, we will begin to make India great,' says Aakar Patel.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Many Americans felt offended by an order of their new president banning immigrants from seven nations.

Donald Trump had made a campaign promise to end terrorism by stopping the entry of Muslims coming into the United States. He said this ban would remain till he could 'figure out what's going on'.

On taking office, President Trump put in force this ban on nations which included Iran, a country whose population has relationships with lakhs of Iranian-Americans, and Iraq, many of whose citizens took America's side in a war against their own countrymen.

The list also included Syria, where violence is forcing millions to flee.

The Trump order did not seem to have been properly vetted by experts and initially covered those individuals who were citizens of those seven nations but held permanent residency rights in the United States (what is called a 'green card').

And the ban also extended to all those citizens from these nations who held valid tourst and business visas for America, causing chaos at airports.

It was noticed that the ban did not cover nations with which Trump had business interests, like Saudi Arabia (whose citizens had actually participated in the 9/11 attacks).

But more than the hypocrisy and the casual manner of the ban, offense was taken by many Americans at the fact that civil liberties and human rights were being violated.

Many Americans take seriously the idea of their country as being a nation of laws, and one that is free and equal.

These individuals felt they should act, and they did so by supporting the American Civil LIberties Union.

ACLU describes itself as a 'nonprofit, nonpartisan, legal and advocacy organization devoted to protecting the rights of everyone in America.' On its Web site it gives the rationale for its action since the Trump order with these simple words: 'He discriminated. We sued.'

A judge put a stay on the Trump order and several other lawsuits will make it difficult for him to enforce it.

Already some of the things, for example the ban on green card holders, have been rolled back because of spirited opposition.

It is at times like this that America benefits from having robust NGO institutions that have wide public backing in terms of media support and volunteer and financial support.

Within a few days of their lawsuit against the Trump order, ACLU raised over Rs 150 crore. This money came mostly in the form of small contributions.

Like the organisation that I work for, ACLU raises most of its money from monthly contributions from members.

Because of anger at the so-called Muslim ban, many celebrities offered to match donations made to ACLU by other people.

If 200 people donated a total of Rs 10 lakh, then the celebrity would add their own 10 lakh so that ACLU got Rs 20 lakh.

Other people decided to help increase the number of people following ACLU on Twitter and raise their following to 10 lakh.

Two lakh followers were added in a week and by the time you read this it is likely the number will cross ten lakh.

Many Americans felt that Trump's ban was similar to an event in the 1940s.

During the Second World War, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour, an American naval base in Hawaii. Following this, thousands of American citizens of Japanese origin were rounded up and jailed in internment camps, suspected of being traitors.

This became a matter of national shame later.

It is the memory of such historic wrongs, and the acknowledgment that their governments are not perfect and must always be challenged when they violate individual rights, that keeps America great.

Perhaps Trump, who says he wants to 'make America great again' does not really understand the source of its greatness.

America is fortunate that it has ACLU and groups like it that will defend the 'rights of everyone in America'.

In India we need such groups and need support for such groups from all sections, including the political and the judicial, so that we can also be a nation of laws that respects the rights of the individual.

Many Indians will not know this but during the China war of 1962, Nehru jailed thousands of Indian citizens who were ethnic Chinese.

That war lasted only a few weeks but for almost two years these Indians were kept in incarceration in Rajasthan after being forcibly taken out of their homes in Calcutta.

It is a matter of shame that we have not properly acknowledged this act by Nehru.

And, of course, we continue to visit barbarism on the weakest Indians, the Dalits and Muslims and Adivasis.

It will be a fine day when we can claim to have institutions in civil society as influential and as popular as ACLU, which is a strong body only because millions of Americans support its values.

When Indians take offence at how other Indians are treated, when we take injustice to others personally, we will begin to make India great.

Aakar Patel is Executive Director, Amnesty International India. The views expressed here are his own.

You can read Aakar's earlier columns here.

MUST READ features in the RELATED LINKS below, please.
'So potent is the menace of false news that scientists have now devised a psychological vaccine to target it,' says Veena Sandhu.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

A phrase that reflects a worrisome reality has beaten other contenders to be chosen the 2016 Word of the Year by the Australian Macquarie Dictionary.

A post on the dictionary's Twitter handle, @MacqDictionary, read: 'We are proud to have "fake news" as our committee's Word of the Year.'

That is an odd choice of words for a term that speaks of a sinister trend.

'We are pained to have "fake news" as our committee's Word of the Year,' would have been a better fit.

A deadly psychological war has been unleashed and we are at its receiving end.

In November, the Oxford dictionaries declared 'post-truth' Word of the Year.

There is a nuanced difference between the two phrases, but both point to dangerous emerging trends.

Post-truth is somewhat subliminal. It plays on our emotions and personal beliefs, and drugs us so that our perceptions, and not facts, determine our actions.

Like, a political leader turning to the mass media to have a heart-to-heart with us, handing out selective data and information, and earning resounding applause from us, the hypnotised masses.

Fake News is far more brazen, and deliberately pushes disinformation our way to misdirect us.

This isn't a spoof on actual news. That wouldn't be worrying; that would be funny.

This is fake news coming either from Web sites impersonating as credible news organisations or from individuals who will mindlessly put out, forward, share or re-tweet just about anything on social media without pausing to check its veracity.

I recently read about Eric Tucker of Texas in The New York Times who had barely 40 followers on Twitter.

One day, he read reports of protests against Donald Trump. The same day he also saw an unusually large number of buses parked in the city.

Imagining a connection, he promptly tweeted that paid protesters were being bussed to demonstrations against Trump.

The tweet was shared at least 16,000 times on Twitter and over 350,000 times on Facebook.

It triggered a nationwide conspiracy theory, one that Trump also joined in promoting.

The buses had actually been hired by a company for a conference.

Tucker put two and two together and made it 22. Later, when interviewed, he said, 'I'm a very busy businessman and I don't have time to fact check everything that I put out there.'

We have many Tuckers in our midst.

We also have an uncomfortably high number of people who are systematically playing games with our minds through the media that don't have enough checks and balances in place.

These are often political leaders who try to undermine people whose job it is to allow only accurate information to go out, dismissing them as 'presstitutes' or 'news traders.'

They deploy armies on social media to push their agenda or hound and abuse those who they consider a threat.

This leaves us, the gullible masses who are being worked upon as idiots, in a vulnerable spot indeed.

So potent is the menace of false news that scientists from the University of Cambridge have now devised a 'psychological vaccine' to target it.

They have suggested that 'pre-emptive exposing' of people to small 'doses' of misinformation can help cancel out such bogus claims.

And that every accurate statement needs to come with a 'warning dose' of misinformation.

I am not sure how this will work in the real world, outside of the laboratory and the controlled environment and away from subject groups, where we are always flooded with information.

Years ago, when I had started my life as a journalist, a senior told us freshers something that I hope none of us has forgotten or will forget.

"What is the one quality a journalist must have?" he asked us.

"Integrity," one of us replied.

"Objectivity," said another.

"Honesty," someone suggested.

"It's a questioning mind," he told us.

"Doubt everything. There will be people out there who will try to use you to plant stories in their interest. Take everything anybody tells you with a fistful of salt. Cross-check every information that comes your way."

We now live in an age where every individual, and not just journalists, needs to have a questioning mind.

Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp have potentially turned every consumer of information into a provider of information.

But this power also thrusts greater responsibility on us -- both as consumers and providers of information.

MUST READ features in the RELATED LINKS below please.
'The Centre is using Panneerselvam.'

'He is not known for standing up for his own rights, let alone for the state.'

'He spoke only after he saw huge protests against Sasikala; otherwise, he would have just complied and continued to walk down the aisle.'

What will the governor of Tamil Nadu do now?

Who will he call first to be the chief minister?

Will Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao wait till next week's Supreme Court verdict?

Dr R Manivannan, professor and head of the department of politics and public administration, University of Madras, speaks toRediff.com's Shobha Warrier

Sasikala took the majority of MLAs in three buses to a resort in Mahabalipuram...

I am reminded of what happened in Andhra Pradesh during the power struggle between N T Rama Rao and Chandrababu Naidu.

We have seen this kind of horse trading happening in Haryana.

But whoever becomes the chief minister -- whether it is Sasikala or Panneerselvam -- the government has lost its credibility.

It has no moral right to exist.

Both of them?

What is the difference between the two?

One spoke only after he saw huge protests against Sasikala; otherwise, he would have just complied and continued to walk down the aisle.

I don't think both of them do not deserve any sympathy from the people.

The people of Tamil Nadu need sympathy, not any one of them.

Panneerselvam has become a hero after he revolted because there was so much anger against Sasikala in the state.

Exactly. He is a false hero.

I am not defending Sasikala; she should not become the chief minister under any circumstances.

It is unfair for the people that the choice is between these two.

In my view, this government should be dismissed because there is no moral credibility even if they say they have the numbers.

I am not for President's Rule either.

I feel there should be fresh elections in Tamil Nadu.

Is it because you feel the 2016 mandate was for Jayalalithaa and both of them do not have the moral right to rule the state?

Yes. They did not carry forward the mandate.

Leaders do pass away, but the people who take over should have the ability to carry forward the mandate.

Everybody knows about Sasikala and as far as Panneerselvam is concerned, I don't think he can stand the trial of the floor.

How do you assess the two months of OPS rule? He said he handled the aftermath of the cyclone and the jallikattu agitation quite well though some people wanted him to fail.

I don't think he handled the issues well.

I feel there was no government in Tamil Nadu for the last four years.

Four years?

Yes, even before the 2016 elections, there was no government in Tamil Nadu; they were pretending that there was a government.

It all started with Jayalalithaa's arrest and jail term.

Since then, governance completely collapsed.

There was a government, but there was no governance for more than four years.

Do you see the Centre's hand in OPS' so-called revolt? He had meekly given his resignation and moved away for Sasikala's entry two days earlier.

Certainly, Panneerselvam enjoys the support from the Centre.

But you should understand that without adequate support from his party, the Centre's support doesn't mean anything except making a sensation.

The BJP wanted to operate from behind and they have been doing it through the bureaucracy.

They are certainly behind this game, but Panneerselvam has long term career prospects, and he knows that stepping down doesn't augur well for him in the long run.

It was quite fine for him to step down as the chief minister and be the deputy chief minister, but what he noticed was that there was huge popular anger and unrest against Sasikala.

Panneerselvam saw the popular unrest correctly and he understood that it was more important for him to be with the people as the court verdict is expected, and he has a good chance to block Sasikala then.

He saw this chance only after he was asked to step down, only after he saw the widespread anger erupted on social media against Sasikala.

But he is not competent to lead anymore.

The MLAs were handpicked by Sasikala and naturally their support is with her.

Not all of them, but at least one third of them were handpicked by Sasikala and her family but when it comes to the brink, that is, when they will come to know that she would be punished by the court, in no time, they will turn around and start talking about protecting the party and Panneerselvam's leadership.

Do you feel the party cadres are with Panneerselvam and not with Sasikala?

You can consider that.

He has their support only when he decided to fight Sasikala.

Do you think the governor will wait for the Supreme Court verdict before taking a decision?

Despite such political instability, despite being such a big state, Tamil Nadu has not had a permanent Governor.

You feel it is a calculated move by the Centre?

Absolutely. Instability in Tamil Nadu is part of the political plan.

In what way will the political instability benefit the BJP?

The BJP has never been a factor in Tamil Nadu politics and they are most unlikely to become a factor in Tamil Nadu also.

But these kind of chances give them a window of opportunity to bring themselves as a player.

The BJP has to gain something out of this crisis.

It can increase its visibility and presence and it can even become an Opposition party in the long run.

If the Supreme Court verdict goes against Sasikala, do you see Panneerselvam as the chief ninister with the Centre's blessings?

He is already enjoying the blessings of the Centre. The Centre is using him.

Otherwise, Panneerselvam is not known for standing up for his own rights, let alone for the state.

The BJP factor gives him a sense of security as the chief official of the state.

What is the political scenario you see now?

If the court verdict goes against Sasikala, under that circumstances, the party has to elect a new general secretary and chief minister.

They might bring Panneerselvam back if he is not removed from the party membership.

All the MLAs want to be in power more than anything else.

It is another matter that none of them will be able to win a single election hereafter.

They had such a royal four years in front of them and it's all gone now.

If she is not found guilty?

More than one third of MLAs will shift and the party will split.

The DMK may support Panneerselvam from outside.

The DMK is not keen to do any horse trading as they know that when the government falls, the DMK is going to gain.

Will the people of Tamil Nadu accept Sasikala as chief minister?

I don't think the state will accept her as chief minister.

Even if she becomes one, people will not accept her.

That is what surprises everyone.

Why is she forcing herself like this when she can control the party and government as the general secretary?

People have no control over her elevation as the general secretary in her party.

People don't like her; people don't respect her.

Everybody feels she has cut the golden goose.

Is this the beginning of the end of the AIADMK?

Yes, it is the beginning.

The party might go into tatters in the coming months and years.

Certainly, the AIADMK is heading towards a split.

MUST READ features in the RELATED LINKS below.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam with Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao in Chennai, February 9, 2017.
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DataWind Inc. (TSX:DW), a leader in the delivery of Internet access in emerging markets, recently held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. All votes announced in the proxy circular passed without exception. There were no new motions from the floor. The results, as expressed as a percentage of votes cast in favor, for the following directors and auditor were as follows; Suneet Tuli (89.6%), Raja Tuli (89.6%), Jonathan Brockhouse (92.1%), Jerry Tarasofsky (93.9%) and MNP (94.3%)

The company plans to hold a conference call on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 4:45 p.m. Eastern time to discuss results for the fiscal third quarter 2017 ended December 31, 2016.

Financial results will be issued in a press release prior to the call on the same day.

DataWind management will host the presentation followed by a question and answer period for interested analysts and bankers.

Interested parties can listen to the live presentation by dialing the toll-free number or by clicking the webcast link below.

Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Time: 4:45 p.m. Eastern time

Toll-free number: (844) 647-5492

International number: (661) 378-9451

Conference ID: 673 56 209

Webcast: http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/6atzadhm

Please call the conference telephone number 10 minutes before the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Liolios at 949-574-3860.

A replay of the call will be available by webcast after the call ends through March 14, 2017 via the Investor Information section of the DataWind website at www.datawind.com.

About DataWind

DataWind is a leader in providing affordable mobile Internet connectivity in emerging markets. The company's patented, cloud-based technology reduces up to 97% the amount of data needed for web browsing, providing a broadband experience on any network -- even on legacy 2G networks that are still prevalent in developing countries. DataWind also provides economical smartphones and tablets that come bundled with one year of unlimited internet access, making it the largest tablet provider in India only behind Samsung. DataWind's unique solution offers broad social and economic benefits for the billions of people around the world for whom an Internet connection was previously out of reach. DataWind is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:DW). For more information visit www.datawind.com.
Five decades since he crossed over to India post the 1962 war and raised a family in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district, a Chinese soldier is all set to fly back to his native country.

Wang Qi, now 77, was caught when he entered the Indian territory shortly after the Sino-India War of 1962. He was later released from jail.

"Wang with his wife Sushila, and their son Vishnu and two other family members will be flying to China," Balaghat Collector Bharat Yadav told PTI.

He said that Wang and his four family members got visa on Friday and they might fly to China on Saturday, adding this became possible due to the help they received from the ministry of home and external affairs.

Official sources in Beijing said that Wang and his family members are expected to arrive there on Saturday.

After their arrival, they would travel to his native place in Shaanxi Province to meet Wang's relatives, they said.

On Thursday, the ministry of external affairs had said that it was following up the case and helping Wang and his family members to visit China to meet his extended family.

The development has come within a week after a delegation from the Chinese embassy met Wang who had been wanting to visit his country.

"Three officials from Chinese Embassy in India met my father and talked to him for more than an hour. They assured him all possible help to visit China," according to his son Vishnu.

Wang, who lives with his wife and three children in Tirodi area of Balaghat district, has not been able to visit China for the last five decades for want to permission from Indian government, according to the family.

"My father joined the Chinese Army in 1960 and he entered India through the eastern frontier after losing his way in the darkness one night," son Vishnu said.

He landed in Assam where an Indian Red Cross team handed him over to the Indian Army on January 1, 1963.

"My father spent six years in prisons in Assam, Ajmer, Delhi before the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered his release in March 1969," Vishnu said.

"The Indian government had promised to the court that it will rehabilitate my father. He was taken to Delhi, Bhopal, Jabalpur and then finally handed over to Balaghat police," said his son.

Wang started working as a watchman with a mill and soon his colleagues named him Raj Bahadur, apparently due to his Nepali features, Vishnu said.

But little did he know that the enemy nation against whom he had waged a war would become his home, where he would raise a family. Wang married Sushila in 1975 but his desire to live a comfortable life was short-lived.

"Soon after my father married my mother, the Indian government stopped his monthly pension of Rs 100," Vishnu, who works with a small business unit as an accountant, said.

"My father faced a lot of hardships, wanting to go to China. He tried very hard and even entered into correspondence with the then prime ministers but in vain," he said.

According to Vishnu, Wang also moved a plea in Madhya Pradesh high court in 2009 for going to China without success.

"His life has been difficult as he couldn't get Indian citizenship because of his Chinese origin. Hence, he couldn't buy land or avail other facilities," he said.

Wang's mother died in 2006 but he could not be with his dear ones in the time of grief, Vishnu added.

Three years later he met his nephew Yun Chun, who had come to India as a tourist and narrated his ordeal to him.

After returning home, Chun got in touch with Chinese politicians and authorities to bring his uncle home. Finally, he met then Chinese Foreign Minister who helped Wang to get a Chinese passport in March 2013.

Image: Wang Qi with his family. Photograph: PTI Photo
The man who tastes chocolates for a living has tasted over 2,200 chocolates from different countries in the last two years, says T E Narasimhan.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

The last ime you ate a chocolate, you probably popped it in your mouth without thinking.

If you were to ask Nitin Chordia, you perhaps missed experiencing the myriad flavours of a single piece of chocolate.

Chordia is Indias first and only certified chocolate taster, a career that most would envy.

And if one sees him experiencing a chocolate -- in the way he unwraps the bar, breaks a small piece of it, holds it between his fingers for a specific length of time and allows it to melt before he chews on it -- the envy would only get stronger.

Chordia has tasted over 2,200 chocolates from different countries in the last two years.

Through his company Cocoatrait, he specialises in evaluating everything related to chocolate, including its appearance, flavour, ingredients, quality and even in advising artisanal chocolate makers to improve the experience for a customer.

While chocolate tasting is a passion, his business hinges on teaching and offering consultations on how to make chocolates, selling them through online and offline channels and conducting chocolate tasting sessions.

Though his family, which hails from Rajasthan, is largely into the business of agriculture and money-lending, his interest in retail began when he was in school. After his masters in retail, Chordia joined KSA Techno, one of the largest retail business consulting companies.

In 2007, Adi Godrej hired the firm as consultants and Chordia was one of the people assigned to help Godrej to venture into premium retailing.

His first serious encounter with chocolate began during this project.

On a particularly stressed evening, he received a sample from Amedei, a famous bean-to-bar chocolate brand in Italy. Chordia bit into a small piece and got back to work, only to realise that the taste of the chocolate lingered on. Surprised, he called the company to discuss its business plan.

He brought this brand to India through Godrejs Natures Basket chain of stores. In six months, it turned out to be a profitable business; the demand was overwhelming. While this piqued his interest, he couldnt pursue it given the work pressure.

In 2013, he found the time was right to start something of his own.

Initial research revealed that brand awareness and knowledge in the chocolates segment was low.

In several stores, chocolates only from one particular country were doing well. He decided to travel to that country, the name of which he prefers not to share. He visited over 250 chocolate stores there and found that the brands doing well in India were not even available in most stores.

Back in India, these chocolates retailed at Rs 350 for an 80 gm bar. The problem, he realised, was simply of lack of awareness.

It was around this time that his friend introduced him to Martin Christy, who is considered to be the guru of chocolate tasting in the world.

Christy and his friends were about to launch a course on chocolate tasting and Chordia was among the 15 people from 13 countries to take it. The course has three levels, of which he has completed two. He will be attending the final workshop in Peru this year.

Today, Chordia works with eight chocolate makers, including those from Vietnam and Ecuador, helping them sell through his start-up and working with farmers to produce the purest ingredients and cocoa.

Chordia has now introduced a chocolate box, where chocolates are sent to subscribers on a monthly basis for a fee.

He is also bringing chocolate tasting courses to India by March, which would cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 60,000.

A delicious profession, one would say!

Do check out more INTERESTING FEATURES on the RELATED LINKS below!
Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao is understood to have made it clear that he will await the judgement of the Supreme Court in disproportionate assets case against All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam General Secretary V K Sasikala before taking any decision on the issue of chief ministership, some media houses reported on Friday.

However, hours after media reports, the Raj Bhavan in an official release denied it.

"Ch Vidyasagar Rao, the Governor of Tamil Nadu has not sent any report either to the Union ministry of home affairs or to the President of India as reported in some of the media," the Raj Bhavan release said.

The channels, quoting a report purportedly sent by the Governor to the Centre, said Rao has been consulting legal luminaries in the wake of the "unique" situation.

In the purported report, he is believed to have cited various provisions of the Constitution and the Supreme Court's verdict to suggest that he would wait for a clear picture to emerge before taking any decision.

The governor is believed to have said that in view of the impending judgement of the Supreme Court there is an uncertainty about Sasikala's qualification to become an MLA and hence the chief minister, reports said citing the purported report.

The government of Karnataka had recently made an urgent mention before the Supreme Court, saying "we are concerned about the judgement" which was reserved on June 6,2016. The apex court had then reportedly asked the Senior Counsel of Karnataka government to wait for just another week.

The purported report also said that the Governor was of the view that there is no power vacuum in the state since incumbent Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has been asked to continue consequent to his resignation until alternative arrangements are made.
In a U-turn, US President Donald Trump on Friday agreed to honour the decades-old 'One China' policy during his first telephonic conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Under the policy, the US recognises and has formal ties with China rather than the island of Taiwan, which China sees as a breakaway province to be reunified with the mainland one day.

"The two leaders discussed numerous topics and President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our 'One China' policy," the White House said after Trump and Xi spoke over phone.

Xi appreciated Trump's affirmation of One China policy, Chinese state media reported.

Representatives of the US and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest, the White House said.

"The phone call between President Trump and President Xi was extremely cordial, and both leaders extended best wishes to the people of each other's countries," it said, adding that they also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries.

Trump and Xi look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes, the White House said of the "lengthy conversation" the two leaders had.

Trump, after his election, had stated that the 'One-China' policy on Taiwan is up for negotiation and that he is not fully committed to it.

China had hit back saying 'One-China' policy which stipulates that Taiwan is part of Chinese mainland is "non-negotiable". China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and insists all countries having bilateral ties with it to abide by the 'One-China' policy.

Trump has also often accused Beijing of unfair trade practices, currency manipulation and military buildup in the South China Sea.

Earlier in the day, a presidential spokesman said Trump believes that a constructive relationship between China and America is in the fundamental interest of both countries.

"I think it (US-China relationship) is obviously important to us and the President understands that. He has spoken fairly often about China. He understands both the national and economic interests that we have, the desire for our companies to access the Chinese market, but also the national security interests that we have," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at his daily news conference.

Trump, Spicer insisted, wants to have a fruitful and constructive relationship with China.

"And he looks forward to developing that as we go forward," Spicer said.

The phone conversation between the two leaders happened a day after Trump wrote a letter to Xi and on the eve of his scheduled meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Xi Jinping had sent a congratulatory letter on the day of the President's inauguration.

Trump sent a letter to Xi to wish him and the people of China a happy Lantern Festival.

"The President, in his note to Xi Jinping, stated that he believes that having a constructive relationship with China would be something that would serve the fundamental interests of both of our countries and really the region in the world more widely, and that he does look forward to discussing matters of mutual cooperation, as well as delving into some of the well-known differences in the relationship," a senior administration official told reporters during a conference call.

In Beijing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, reacting to Trump's letter, had praised it.

"We highly commend President Trump for expressing festive greetings to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people," Lu Kang had told journalists, adding "cooperation is the only right choice for the two countries."

During their phone conversation, Trump and Xi also agreed to Xi agreed to cooperate in trade, investment and international affairs, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

In its editorial appreciating yesterday's letter by Trump to Xi, an editorial in the state-run Global Times said on Friday that the new US President who has made some strong statements against China, including renegotiating 'One China' policy has warmed up to Beijing after taking over office.

"Trump's team made some disparaging remarks on China's core interests when Trump was President-elect. But the situation changed after January 20. Since then, the attitude of the Trump's team has become more restrained," the editorial said.

"The attendance of (Trump's daughter) Ivanka Trump at a Spring Festival reception at the Chinese Embassy in Washington was interpreted as a positive sign. The phone conversation between Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and the US Presidential National Security Affairs Assistant Michael Flynn as well as the closed-door talks between Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Chinese ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai also garnered attention," it said.

"Over the past few weeks, more positive signs have emerged between China and the US, making people re-evaluate the trajectory of the bilateral relationship under Trump," it said.

"The China-US relationship is unique. As the world's largest and second largest economy, the two countries are not allies. They severely lack strategic trust, but have been engaged in unprecedented close economic cooperation," the editorial said.

"The overall landscape of the bilateral relationship reflects the strengths of the two and aligns with people's understanding of contemporary international politics. In Sino-US ties, the US is in a more advantageous position but has shown due respect to China. China has more say in the bilateral relationship compared with Japan and European countries in their relations with the US," it said.

Photograph: Reuters
Noting that next five years are as vital for Uttarakhand as they are in the growth of any 16-year-old, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asked people to vote out the government which had 'tainted the name of Devbhoomi' and replace it with one that could translate Atal Bihar Vajpayee's vision for the state.

The sixteenth year is very important in the life of everyone because the next five years determine the shape of things to come. So is the case of Uttarakhand in the 16th year of its existence.

The next five years will determine the direction in which it is going to move, Modi said addressing the partys Vijay Sankalp rally at Rishikul Maidan in Haridwar.

He said corruption in Uttarakhand does not need to be proven in the courts of law as it is something which the entire country has seen on the television.

"There was a time when the mention of Devbhoomi evoked sacred feelings but it is no longer so.

"Now, the mention of the word brings to mind images of a tainted government. The entire country has seen it all on TV.

"Won't you vote out a government which sullied the reputation of the abode of God," the prime minister said.

Asserting that he had taken up the task of translating Vajpayees vision of Uttarakhand into a reality, he asked urged them to install a Bharatiya Janata Party government which restores Uttarakhands honour.

Talking about demonetisation, Modi said some people are still not able to sleep and are very upset because all their black money business is now accounted in banks.

"From where did it come, how much came and who brought it and how, all that is before cameras now. That is why such people are sleepless now," he said.

"This country has been looted for 70 years. Can anyone deny this? Has it been looted or not. Whatever position one got, they worked hard to secure it and looted. They were in the habit of looting and black marketing.

"I have launched this crusade against corruption and black money. All that they have looted from the poor, I have to return it to them," he said.

Modi said he had vowed to fulfil the dream Vajpayee had seen for Uttarakhand as the government which followed him at the centre derailed that process.

Highlighting the step taken by his government to streamline char dham pilgrimage, he pointed to the launch of a Rs-12,000 crore all-weather roads project so that anyone who comes visiting the Himalayan shrines enjoys his trip and returns home safely.

Launching a frontal attack on Chief Minister Harish Rawat without taking his name, Modi said despite being a minister at the Centre and from a state where every mother sends her son to the armed forces, he did nothing to speed up the implementation of One Rank, One Pension, which was hanging fire for decades.

Alleging that the United Progressive Alliance allotted Rs 500 crore for OROP implementation to mislead ex-servicemen, Modi said his government made a realistic estimate of Rs 12,000 crore out of which it had already paid Rs 6,000 crore.

This is how promises are made and kept, he said.

Accusing the Congress of speaking like a spokesman of Pakistan after the surgical strike, he said it insulted the countrys forces by raising doubts about the offensive hailed internationally.

Claiming that the Centre sprang into action immediately after the recent earthquake in Uttarakhand and rushed NDRF companies to the affected areas, Modi said Congress leaders were having fun when the tragedy struck Kedarnath.

He charged Congress leaders with making merry in foreign lands at the time of the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy and cautioned them to mind their language or face the music.

I ask Congress to hold its tongue. I have horoscopes of all of you with me. If you exceed the limits of verbal decency, the dignity of language, your past, your deeds are not going to spare you, he said.

Modi said he has taken up the responsibility of putting an end to the duet of corruption and black money everywhere.

I can take any hard decision to put an end to this duet of corruption and black money as I have to take water to the fields of farmers and create jobs for the unemployed," he said and also justified demonetisation.
'There has never been a problem between Hindus and Muslims in Kairana.'

'We are a people that smoke from the same hookah.'

Once the seat of an influential tradition of Indian classical music, Kairana has become a metaphor for the exodus of Hindus.

Rediff.com's Archana Masih visits the town in Western UP to discover there is more to Kairana than palayan (Hindu exodus).

Photographs: Seema Pant.

IMAGE: Gurjar farmers smoke the hookah at the Kalsyan panchayat in Kairana.

The Congress election slogans are hurriedly painted over, but the message is still easily visible.

It reads '5 saal UP behaal' -- attacking the Samajwadi Party's five year rule -- and can be spotted on walls and fields while travelling through Western Uttar Pradesh.

Obviously, these must have come up before the Congress-SP alliance was forged -- but the painter given the job to erase them has done some careless brush work because the tag line is easily readable everywhere.

Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav came into the UP battle arena as foes, but became friends after that '5 saal UP behaal' slogan was plastered on the walls.

They now call themselves 'UP ke ladke.'

"Akhilesh-Rahul are not fighting for communalism, they are fighting for a better India," says Nahid Hasan, the sitting SP MLA from Kairana, fighting the election for a second term in the state assembly.

"Has the BJP ever talked about any big change here? Every time they make a speech they talk about H-M (Hindu-Muslim) and palayan," the young politician adds.

IMAGE: Nahid Hasan, the sitting SP MLA, with constituents at his home in Kairana. Hasan won a 2014 by-election by 1,000 votes against the BJP candidate.

Palayan is a commonly heard word associated with Kairana.

The small town, which is easy to get around in e-rickshaws, costing Rs 10 per person, entered the national news consciousness after BJP MP Hukum Singh raised the issue of the exodus of Hindu families.

Yogi Adityanath, the BJP MP from Gorakhpur, recently compared it with the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir.

"Hukum Singh gave a list of 346 people. There was an investigation which revealed that only 6 families have left. One or two members from those families are out in other cities for various reasons. Some Muslim families have also left. The main reason is rozgaar (jobs)," says Hasan, 27, who defeated BJP candidate Anil Singh Chauhan, Hukum Singh's nephew, by 1,099 votes in a 2014 by-election.

His grandfather and Hukum Singh, 78, were once good friends.

"In fact, Hukum Singh himself is a case of palayan. He comes here every five years, and cannot be found in between elections," adds Nahid, who spent 7 years as a student in Australia and says he only has Hindu friends.

IMAGE: People -- mostly men -- wait in the hall to meet Nahid Hasan at around noon.

We had made our way, past a masjid, through a small gully that led to Nahid Hasan's house. It was 11.30 and there were around 30 men waiting to meet the MLA.

Bidi smoke hung in the air on a dull, cloudy day.

The door behind the hall was locked from the inside and people crowded around it, waiting for it to open. "He is having breakfast," they were told. The door opened periodically to let in certain people and shut again.

Before we were shown through the locked door after waiting in an ante room, a group of men spoke about the young MLA and the Samajwadi Party's report card.

Education is weak in the district and girls are unable to continue their studies because there is no girls' college.

A degree college has already been approved by the state government and now awaits the central government's approval.

At his Kairana election rally, Akhilesh said he would put up a Rs 300 crore to Rs 400 crore factory here.

Kairana has had no history of Hindu-Muslim tension.

"There is nothing like what these politicians have said about Kairana. Hindus and Muslims are living together, they need each other you know, you cannot separate them and live in this country," says Nahid, after listening to the problem of a mother and daughter who had come to see him.

Standing in the room is also his mother, speaking to some women.

IMAGE: Anil Singh Chauhan is the Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate. His brother Satish Singh, above, is furious that the BJP denied Anil a ticket.

Hasan, whose parents have both been MPs in the Lok Sabha, is locked in a three cornered contest with the BJP's Mriganka Singh, Kairana MP Hukum Singh's daughter, and Anil Singh Chauhan of the Rashtriya Lok Dal.

Chauhan, Hukum Singh's nephew, left the BJP to join the RLD after the BJP chose Mriganka over him. Chauhan had narrowly lost the 2014 by-election to Nahid Hasan.

What is also on display in the Kairana political feud is the Indian political tradition of parivarvad (dynastic politics) among its leading contestants.

Upset that his younger brother Anil Chauhan was denied a BJP ticket, Satish Singh Chauhan is furious.

"My brother was the most deserving candidate, but the BJP leadership has given tickets to the children and grandchildren of its MPs from UP -- Rajnath Singh, Kalyan Singh, Hukum Singh," he says.

"Hukum Singh is an MP from Kairana, he now wants his daughter to be an MLA. Parivarwad se duniya nahi chalti hai (the world does not revolve around dynasty politics)," he says, denying that the uncle and nephew relationship was also tantamount to parivarwad.

Satish Singh Chauhan maintains that Hukum Singh raised the issue of the Hindu exodus to get a ticket for his daughter and asks why he did not bring it up in the state assembly though he was a 7-time MLA.

"There would have been no problem about palayan if Hukum Singh had taken action when 1 or 2 cases had happened in the beginning, but he is never available here," says Chauhan about his uncle.

"The SP's report card on law and order is not good because they give a free hand to their people," he adds, draped in a white shawl, sitting outside the family home.

"There has never been a problem between Hindu and Muslims in Kairana," says the nephew of the BJP MP who made the alleged exodus of Hindus from Kairana an emotive national issue.

"Hum ek hi hookah peene wale log hai (we are a people that smoke from the same hookah)."

IMAGE: The Kalsyan chaupal belongs to both Muslim and Hindu Gurjars, who are almost numerically equal.

In the Kalsyan chaupal, which includes both Hindu and Muslims Gurjars, a group of farmers sit on khatiyas (charpoys), and share a hookah.

"The Samajwadi Party's goondagardi (hooliganism) is the biggest problem here. Both Hindus and Muslim are suffering," says Aashiq, as the farmers sit in a circle in the courtyard outside the panchayat building.

More and more farmers join in to bitterly complain about the SP government and the harassment of SP "goondas." They grumble about not getting money for sugarcane sold to the factories last year.

"Akhilesh is tom-tomming about laptops -- are we going to tie ghungroos on them and make them dance?" asks Munif Khan, another farmer.

The men offer laddoos; the oldest Bhanwar Singh, 80, gets up to offer it personally and does not take no for an answer.

He has exercised his ballot in every election and says, "gareeb ho ya ameer, Hindu ho ya Musalman, this election is a choice between "bhalai and burai (good and evil)."

There are around 35,000 to 40,000 Hindu Gurjars in Kairana; the Muslims Gurjars are almost the same in number.

To demonstrate the cordial relations they share, by way of example, Munif Khan says among the five of them sitting there, three are Muslims. "Aur hum barabar se baithe hai (we are equals)," he says.

Sitting in the centre, Bhanwar Singh is the wise elder. The other defer to him. He takes a puff of the hookah, which has a long pipe with a rotating base that is easily passed from one to the other.

"Suraksha ke liye vote de rahe hai (I am voting for my safety)," he says, "Suraksha hai to vikas hai, surkasha nahi toh vika bhi nahi (there can be no development without the rule of law)," he points out.

Across the road from the panchayat, Ankur Saini, a metal shop owner, says he will vote for the BJP.

Eighty per cent of the town's population is Muslim, 20 per cent are Hindus.

The shop next to his is closed, says Saini, because the shopkeeper left because he was a victim of "rangdari (extortion)".

"I have faced no insecurity or threat," he says and adds that once Hindus and Muslims were almost equal in the town, but now the latter are in larger numbers.

Aman Singh. the senior police inspector at the town's kotwali, says members of the extortion gang -- who preyed on citizens -- are now in prison.

There have been no incidents of communal tension in the last six months since he took over, Aman Singh says, adding that no cases have been registered pertaining to the alleged exodus.

IMAGE: On the way to BJP MP Hukum Singh's farm. His daughter Mriganka Singh is fighting her first election.

At the other end of Kairana, three kilometres from the town and down a lonely stretch surrounded by fields and trees, lies Hukum Singh's farm.

Dharmendra, the e-rickshaw driver, who is going to vote for Akhilesh, is anxious that he might not get a "savari (passenger)" returning from the farm.

He is going to vote for the SP because the e-rickshaw has been provided by the state government. Earlier he pulled a cycle rickshaw and made about Rs 100 a day, now he earns Rs 300.

"My wife is going to vote for the BJP, but I'm voting for Akhilesh," he says.

Past a massively beautiful banyan tree lies Hukum Singh's sprawling farm. His daughter Mriganka Singh is out campaigning and is being helped by her father and children. The family has moved to Kairana to bolster her campaign.

That afternoon, Avantika, one of her daughters, is home and says her mother has been campaigning door-to-door.

Her SP and RLD rivals say Mriganka is an outsider, that she does not live in Kairana. The daughter-nephew battle is seen as an advantage for the SP's Nahid Hasan, who says he will get double the 25,000 Hindu votes he won in the 2014 by-election.

There are 370,000 voters in Kairana.

IMAGE: Women outside their 'homes' in a camp for displaced victims of the Muzzaffarnagar riots in the adjacent district.

On the way out of the town, one crosses a resettlement camp of those who escaped the riots in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts. Some homes are pucca, some are tents.

A community of daily wagers who earn Rs 300 a day, they say will vote for Akhilesh. "We don't know SP or anyone, we only know Akhilesh," says Furqan Mohammad.

The women sit around in cots and complain about the absence of a school -- but still support the SP.

Most of the 900 plus people come from Fugana, Muzaffarnagar, where only one Muslim family stayed back after the 2013 riots, they say. The rest have all moved out for good.

Sitting outside a house, chopping vegetables, a group of women say they left their homes with whatever they could carry on themselves.

Some say their homes have been vandalised, the bolts have been stolen; the roofs removed.

This is home now. They will not return.

"A new masjid is ready, but the school isn't. The children mostly go to schools nearby.

"Par Masjid se zyada zaroori, kabrastan hai (a cemetery is more important than a masjid)," says Nafisa as she waits for the vegetable seller to decide what to cook for dinner.

IMAGE: Gurjar farmer Bhawar Singh, 80, has voted in every election. Safety is more important than development, he says.

Who will rule Kairana will determine not only the lives of the displaced but of the town itself, which historically has been more famous for the Kirana Gharana, one of the most influential traditions of Indian classical music.

Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal, Sawai Gandharva, Sureshbabu Mane, Roshanara Begum, Begum Akhtar, Hirabai Barodekar and Hindi cinema's gem Mohammad Rafi belonged to this gharana.

There are no signs in Kairana to show that this was once a great school of music. A statue of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan Ali, the doyen of the gharana, apparently stands at the entrance of All India Radio in New Delhi.

"This election is a battle between good and evil," Bhairon Singh had said at the Kalsyan chaupal, "Not between the Hindu and the Muslim."

The town's cultural ties with the Kirana Gharana may have been lost in present Kairana, but perhaps the spirit of the gharana is still alive somewhere in its roots.
FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: Majedie Asset Management Limited (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):



The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:



Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree



TESCO PLC (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:



For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 09 February 2017 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?



If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" No





2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:



ORD 5P



Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 242,953,578 2.97 (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL:



242,953,578



2.97

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/sale



Number of securities Price per unit ORD 5P Sale 78,882 196.9860 ORD 5P ORD 5P ORD 5P

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description



e.g. CFD Nature of dealing



e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit





(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type



e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description



e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit





(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing



e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)





4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:



Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



None





(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:



(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or



(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:



If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



None





(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO

Date of disclosure: 10 February 2017 Contact name: Matthew Hambly Telephone number: 0207 618 3900

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.




English Icelandic

Reykjavik, 2017-02-10 18:11 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fitch Ratings has upgraded Orkuveita Reykjavikur's (OR; Reykjavik Energy) Long-term Issuer Default Rating to BB from 'BB-'. The Outlook is Stable.

According to Fitchs attached release, the upgrade reflects the company's progress on debt reduction aided by improved macroeconomic conditions in Iceland and the significant appreciation of the Icelandic Krona, the companys proven track record in outperforming targets on the 2011-2016 business plan and expected continued shareholder support including parent guarantees on debt.

The Stable Outlook takes into account the steady regulatory environment and the companys remaining high exposure to market risks and its high financial leverage.

Ingvar Stefansson, CFO:

It is encouraging to see this recognition of things going well. Our operations are solid so favourable externalities are reflected in improved finances. Our reduction of tariffs for some of the utility services, at the beginning of the year, revealed how our customers benefit from improved performance by OR and its subsidiaries.
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When Casey Skelton learned about CARite in the summer of 2015 he saw a clear opportunity to become part of something bigger. I knew how to sell cars but didnt have the proper branding and support I needed to fully realize my potential, Casey recalled. CARite offered a unique opportunity to give my local store a national brand feel, with differentiating finance products and support services to go with it." Casey had been operating a rental franchise for a number of years but had struggled to grow his retail sales operations. That all changed when he made the leap to partner with CARite in September of 2015. In eight short weeks CARite helped him rebrand his store, retrain his staff and implement CARite supported technologies and processes. A year later, CARite of Louisville Mississippi had increased sales by 80% over the prior year and Casey had successfully built up an excellent reputation in the small town where he operated.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd878048-9856-4d44-a8f0-2094d067d55e

Louisville Mississippi has a population of under 7,000 people and when a freshly branded CARite dealership first showed up in town, people took notice. Customers couldnt believe the transformation, Casey claims. There was a new wow factor when customers walked through the door." Having started the store conversion process shortly after signing on with CARite in September 2015, Caseys CARite location was completed and ready for his first customers by November 1st. His transformed store boasted a modern yellow, black and white color scheme with standardized marketing materials, furniture and signage. But the transformation was not just visual, his entire sales process had been re-engineered as well. We embraced the no-haggle sales process and CARites three founding principles of better cars, a better experience and peace of mind with every purchase, recalls Casey. We found that when we presented our products and services in a transparent and professional manner, the previous desire customers had to haggle simply went away. When people see value in what youre doing, they tend to trust your pricing and approach all the more." With a relatively small footprint, Casey was still able to cement his presence as a dealership of choice in his local community. His store earned a 96% customer satisfaction rating for sales completed in 2016 and in January of 2017 Casey earned CARites second annual Outstanding Dealership Award. Casey expects his store to continue to grow and he is currently exploring opportunities to add additional CARite stores in the future. The conversion process was so smooth and the ongoing support is so helpful," says Skelton. I love the car business and I no longer feel that Im stuck trying to survive in this industry alone. I have a great national brand behind me and some great support to go with it. CARites captive leasing program has also helped us provide better options to some of the customers we have with less than perfect credit. Im excited about my future with the organization and I expect to add more stores as the Company grows." Casey credits his team, led by Store Leader Tyler Hill, for delivering great results in their first year as CARite team members.

CARites Chief Operating Officer Mike Cavanaugh cites Casey as a great example of what can happen at a CARite store when the Companys process and principles are adopted. Aside from being a pleasure to partner with, Casey has been a role model in terms of doing things the CARite way. No one at CARite is surprised at his success and we expect to see him continue to grow with our Company in the future. In addition to adopting our processes, Casey has brought several ideas to the table that have helped us drive improvement throughout our 24 store dealer network. We congratulate Casey on this well-deserved accomplishment!

About CARite

Founded in 2011, CARite is a growing network of car dealerships committed to helping people buy or lease a better pre-owned vehicle, regardless of their credit history. With a wide selection of vehicles, haggle-free pricing and multiple financing options available at each location, customers can shop with true peace of mind. In addition to operating Company-owned stores, CARite also offers select independently owned dealerships the opportunity to partner with them under the CARite brand. For more information, visit CARite.com.
TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) congratulates Rep. Tom Price, M.D., (R-Ga.) on winning confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) over bitter opposition.



As reported in the Washington Post, one major objection to Dr. Price was his support for some unorthodox views also held by AAPS: freedom for patients and physicians, and the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship.



HHS has denied or restricted freedom in medicine in countless ways, states AAPS executive director Jane Orient, M.D. One step Dr. Price could take immediately is to reverse the HHS policy that forces seniors to accept Medicare Part A or forgo all Social Security benefits.



As Chris Jacobs explains: The federal government holds individuals Social Security benefits hostage as leverage to forcibly enroll them in Medicare Part A. Jacobs reports that a lawsuit by several seniors, including former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (Hall v. Sebelius) failed, but the Trump Administration could reverse this policy. Tax savings would likely be modest, but why should the government force tax expenditures for those who would prefer to provide for themselves, he asks.



Another action that Price could take, in order to protect Medicare patients access to independent physicians, is to expand the exemptions in the Final Rule for MACRA, the new Medicare payment methodology, states Dr. Orient. HHS has acknowledged the tremendous cost of compliance and the likelihood that small practices will be penalized. The exemption allowed for low volume is virtually meaninglessless than $30,000 in Part B charges or fewer than 101 Medicare patients.



AAPS has recommended that the Final Rule be withdrawn in its entirety. But at least HHS could abide by Congresss expressed intention that MACRA be voluntary, said Dr. Orient. It could allow patients and physicians to decline MACRA and adopt payment based on patient value rather than by bureaucratically dictated value. It could allow Medicare non-participating (non-par) doctors to choose to be exempt.



HHS has the authority to set policy that defines non-covered services. It should declare that patients of non-par doctors may decline to file a claim and have the service considered as non-covered, with the fee determined by mutual agreement, she suggested.



One thing patients might value is a truly confidential visit of adequate length to discuss all the patients concerns. The taxpayer would not be burdened for the visit, and it could save a lot in the long run.



The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) represents physicians in virtually all specialties and every state. Founded in 1943, AAPS has the motto omnia pro aegroto, which means all for the patient.
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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.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Santa Fe Gold Corporation (OTC:SFEG), a U.S.-based mining and exploration enterprise with emphasis on Gold, Silver, Copper, Precious, Industrial and base metals and owner of multiple claims, including the Malone Mines complex incorporating 20 associated mine sites and the Playas Lake Bed area of Hidalgo County, New Mexico, is pleased to announce the company is finalizing preparations to begin drilling its recently optioned high grade Silver mining property. Preliminary studies indicate the presence of a significant 'Porphyry Silver" discovery nearby and beneath this highly prospective new mine's location.



This new property could become the flagship mine for Santa Fe Gold Corporation. Given the dimensions, structure and uniqueness of this property, it could further enable SFEG to begin production in the near term future. Early results are extremely promising and well beyond expectations regarding the consistency of grade, quality and quantity of material and extent of reserves. Further evidence of a significant Porphyry Silver formation would add substantial potential to this mine.

Overview of Property

The property, (see link below 'Geologic Setting') is located in the South Western US and comprises patented and un-patented claims amounting to some 200 acres. It is Santa Fe Gold's intention to extensively drill this property to determine the entire dimension, magnitude and extent of this unusually high grade deposit's numerous vein structures. The estimated size of the deposit could be in excess of 3.06 million tons of ore, and recently completed assays suggest that some ore vein values could be worth in the thousands of dollars per ton.

Santa Fe Gold is already negotiating with buyers ready to pay such amounts per ton of ore delivered from the mine site.

Company Comment

President and CEO Tom Laws commented: "This is an exceptional property with several untapped veins containing very high grade silver ore and numerous native silver specimens not found anywhere else in the world. The property is located in one of the most highly mineralized areas anywhere on Earth. The geology indicates that an occurrence of exceptionally high grade ore this size is the result of a halo effect caused by being nearby or beneath a large 'Porphyry Silver' deposit formation. This explains the anomalous high grades as already displayed in these rare occurrences and specimens. It is well known that Porphyry deposits exist throughout the district. Santa Fe Gold's consulting geologist has identified evidence of an undeveloped Porphyry deposit quite close to or beneath this exceptional property."

GEOLOGIC SETTING

The mining district lies in the Laramide Arizona-Sonora-New Mexico porphyry copper belt. It is the oldest porphyry copper deposit in the state; although the Pinos Altos pluton is ca. 74.4 Ma (McDowell, 1971) and a Georgetown monzonite dike has been dated as ca. 71 Ma (McLemore, 1998), both of which have associated Cu-Au-Ag skarn or Ag carbonate-hosted replacement deposits. The Twin Peaks monzonite porphyry in the Burro Mountains is 72.5 Ma (Hedlund, 1980) and a hornblende andesite in the Hidalgo Formation in the Little Hatchet Mountains is 71.4 Ma (Lawton et al., 1993). Polymetallic veins and alteration suggests that a porphyry may underlie the Lordsburg district (57.4 Ma, McLemore et al., 2000a). Porphyry copper deposits are not known to occur in these areas, but certainly the possibility exists that the deposits may occur undiscovered in the subsurface.

For more informations courtesy of geoinfo.nmt.edu, please go to: https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/staff/mclemore/projects/mineralresources/hillsboro.html

In light of this and the discovery indicated and potential existence of a substantial porphyry deposit, Santa Fe Golds consulting geologist believes the project has considerable merit and potential in line with the overview detailed above.

Production Potential

Mr. Laws further commented: "Plans have already been drawn up to begin production as soon as possible. It is believed substantial revenues can be generated from this mine over multiple years. Revenues can be through the dual processing from both the smelting of high grade ore and direct delivery of suitable ore to a refiner purchaser.

Given the dimensions and extent of the vein structures, the company is optimistic this mine has the potential to be a significant producer and the flagship property. Santa Fe Gold believes this property can be brought into production relatively quickly."

Funding update to finance operations

The company has already received substantial funding commitments to enable start-up of operations. This capital will be disbursed as early as practicable once the full drilling campaign, mining preliminaries and preparations are completed.

Highly Promising Initial Assay Results

The area in general and its surroundings, (refer to link above) has a history of exceptionally high grades. This was borne out by previous high grade discoveries reported by Santa Fe Gold in 2012. Assays showed bonanza type high grades of 7.73 ounces of gold per ton and 269.75 ounces per ton of Silver. Such exceptionally high grades are rare and could be considered an anomaly, yet they prove such grades exist. Similar high grade showings have recently been uncovered, as borne out by recent assays. In the past, grades as high as 16 oz. per ton have historically been encountered in the Malone Mines Complex, which Santa Fe Gold now controls and some 80% of all the gold discovered in New Mexico has been found. Also worth noting, these newly acquired properties are located close to properties controlled by both BHP and Rio Tinto. These are two of the world's largest mining companies. The two companies fairly recently staked claim to very substantial territories extending some 20 square miles over a wide area.

Ongoing Acquisitions Update

Santa Fe Gold has a pipeline of additional acquisitions of other high grade properties. Further announcements can be expected over the coming weeks and months. The company continues to execute on its value accumulation strategy. Santa Fe Gold intends to build on these acquisitions to solidly recapitalize the company as a precursor to resuming mining and production operations from multiple mines, as early as possible in the near to intermediate future.



Production Plans

Mr. Laws went on to emphasize: "Santa Fe Gold's immediate goal is the drilling of this new high grade mine deposit. Following this is a plan to establish the most efficient and profitable way to monetize this important discovery. Other properties will follow, per Santa Fe Gold's stated mission:

Selecting only the very highest grade, highest quality and prospective deposits capable of sustaining ongoing mining operations well into the future." The Company's goal is to produce significant cash flow from precious metals holdings while creating a portfolio of high quality exploration and bankable development projects that will ensure future revenue growth.

Progress to date

The rapid pace of acquisitions and this potential new discovery can be directly attributed to President and CEO, Tom Laws.

He has extensive mining experience and intimate familiarity with all mining operations in the Southwestern United States. In particular, the Arizona and New Mexico environs has afforded Santa Fe Gold a huge exploration, acquisition and mining edge, thanks to Mr. Laws' own vast experience and expertise and his crack team of mining professionals in this field.

He has worked with local miners and a number of mining companies for decades, assisting them in evaluating materials, economic utility and the most effective processing methods, looking to develop and optimize all of their mining output.

With this experience, Mr. Laws has been able to bring this knowledge to Santa Fe Gold to help to rebuild the company through strategic and highly coveted acquisitions that once in production, through his expertise, can also optimize mining output, revenue generation and economic profitability, implementing an ambitious mining agenda from the ground up.

His extensive area knowledge, broad experience and understanding of the local mineralogy in lesser known mining areas, metallurgy and mineralization in many of the most sought after mining environs and properties is helping Santa Fe Gold to rapidly execute on this mining agenda. Santa Fe Gold already now controls or owns approximately 53 million tons of valuable gold, silver, copper, precious and base metals and also some rare earths and titanium ores. New Mexico has more rare earths than any other US state, fetching exceedingly high prices on world markets. Titanium, elements of which exist in the Playas Lake Bed area of Hidalgo that Santa Fe also controls, today sells for about $2,000 per ton. Santa Fe Gold intends to further build up its reserve tonnages over time, through ongoing acquisitions and fully exploit its holdings.

Audit Update

Mr. Laws finally added: "While we regret the company's financial audits have not yet been announced, they are virtually complete. The audit is in the final review stage. Meticulous attention to detail of any audit is a prerequisite and imperative. Our auditors have made numerous requests for hard to obtain information, at times going back as far as 15 years. All of these requests have been responded to promptly and methodically, ensuring that the company's audit will represent a thorough and complete financial history."

The filings are anticipated to be completed very soon. Once the audited financials are all filed, the company will then be considered up to date and in compliance. This will enable the company to migrate from its current exchange to the higher OTCQB Exchange Marketplace.

About Santa Fe Gold

Santa Fe Gold is a U.S.-based mining and exploration enterprise and owns the following mining assets: The Knights Peak region of Grant County, New Mexico comprising the Malone Mines, Patanka, Hillcrest Barranca and Principal Mines altogether incorporating some twenty mine sites and all located at Knights Peak together with an extensive expanded area surrounding the Malone Mines in the southern region of Burro Mountains, New Mexico. It also owns multiple claims in the Playas area of Hidalgo County, New Mexico. The company has also acquired considerable additional resources expected to be announced in due course that currently amounts to some 53 Million tons. It also just announced the optioning of a new and exceptionally high grade property.

Santa Fes Exploration and Development Team continues to analyze a number of attractive, economically viable opportunities and execute on the company's acquisition program that is focused on positioning the company to resume mining and production operations as soon as possible.

For more information and to register for updates: Please visit www.santafegoldcorp.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Please refer to the Forward Looking Statements link at the bottom left of Santa Fe Gold's website for all relevant disclosures.
Azerbaijan: Regime jails Muslims, doesn't arrest torturers

Publisher Forum 18 Author Felix Corley Publication Date 9 February 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Azerbaijan: Regime jails Muslims, doesn't arrest torturers, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d76a74.html [accessed 6 November 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.

Eighteen people accused of association with the Muslim Unity Movement have been given long jail terms on fabricated charges. Other trials are continuing. Despite Azerbaijan's binding international human rights obligations, no officials have been arrested or put on criminal trial for torturing those convicted.
Title State of Washington; State of Minnesota v. Trump, President of the United States; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Tillerson, Secretary of State; Kelly, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; United States of America

Publisher United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Publication Date 9 February 2017

Country United States of America

Citation / Document Symbol 17-35105

Cite as State of Washington; State of Minnesota v. Trump, President of the United States; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Tillerson, Secretary of State; Kelly, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; United States of America, 17-35105, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/cases,USA_CA_9,589d77a84.html [accessed 6 November 2022]
Central African Republic: Senior UN official condemns armed, forceful entry into hospital

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 February 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Central African Republic: Senior UN official condemns armed, forceful entry into hospital, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d7ad840c.html [accessed 6 November 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.

9 February 2017 - Denouncing forceful entry by armed individuals into a hospital in the Central African Republic's restive PK5 neighbourhood with the intention to kill some of the patients, a senior United Nations humanitarian official has emphasized that such incidents are in violation of the international humanitarian law.

This is the second such incident at the health facility, situated in the capital, Bangui, in the last five days.

It is unacceptable that armed elements come to a hospital, with arms to kill patients, stressed Michel Yao, the Acting Humanitarian Coordinator and the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) office in the Central African Republic (CAR), in a news release.

The UN official also underlined that that respect for health facilities and their civilian character must be ensured, and that free and unhindered access to patients and medical staff must be safeguarded.

International humanitarian law expressly forbids attacks on or targeting of medical facilities and personnel.

I call on all parties including national authorities to enhance the protection of civilians and peaceful cohabitation of communities, the Acting Humanitarian Coordinator added.

At least three killed in the restive neighbourhood

According to the news release, at least 26 individuals  both civilians and combatants  were injured and at least three killed in the violence in Bangui's PK5 neighbourhood that has witnessed violent flare-ups in the past.

Several houses, a school and a church were also destroyed.

Protection of civilians continues to be a major concern in CAR where, according to estimates, 400,000 people remain displaced due to conflict and 2.2 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.

In January, the UN together with the Government and relief organizations launched a $400 million appeal for humanitarian response until 2019. Funding, however, remains a major challenge.

Clashes between the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian, plunged the country of 4.5 million people into civil conflict in 2013. Despite significant progress and successful elections, CAR has remained in the grip of instability and sporadic unrest.
Fighting reaches 'worrying proportions' in South Sudan's north-east - UN mission

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 February 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Fighting reaches 'worrying proportions' in South Sudan's north-east - UN mission, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d7b1940d.html [accessed 6 November 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.

9 February 2017 - The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) today voiced concern about an escalation in the fighting between Government and opposition forces in the west bank of the River Nile in the African country's north.

Fighting has reached what the head of UNMISS, David Shearer, described as worrying proportions, according to a statement issued by the Office of Spokesperson for the UN peacekeeping operation.

What began with an exchange of fire between SPLA [the Sudan People's Liberation Army] and Aguelek opposition forces, has expanded geographically, the statement said, noting that military resupplies have since been observed arriving in the area.

Military operations on the west bank of the Nile River are taking place in an area where people, predominantly from the Shilluk ethnic group live, forcing people out of their homes. The town of Wau Shilluk is now reported to be deserted. Humanitarian workers have been evacuated and aid is not being provided, the statement added.

On Wednesday, UNMISS received reports of hostilities between the two sides in Owachi and Tonga, Panyinkang County.

Meanwhile, Mr. Shearer today returned to the South Sudanese capital, Juba, from a two-day field visit to Bentiu and Leer, two towns which have been among the most affected by the country's conflict, according to a separate statement issued today by the spokesperson's office.

In Bentiu, Mr. Shearer met state government officials, as well as internally displaced people who are living in the largest protection of civilians site in the country. In Leer, he visited the mission's temporary operating base to assess UNMISS' success in mounting robust patrols which push the mission's presence deep into the field.

He held discussions with local officials and also took the opportunity to travel to an opposition-controlled area to meet with pro-Machar representatives so he could hear all shades of opinion on how to facilitate humanitarian assistance and advance the peace process, the statement said.

The local opposition told Mr. Shearer that they support the current localized cessation of hostilities and remain in a defensive position which they hope will encourage the return of humanitarian agencies to Leer.

Both the local authorities and the opposition praised the UN for its efforts to facilitate communications between them. Mr. Shearer heard that they both recognize that an inclusive national dialogue will assist the peace process, the statement added.

South Sudan has faced ongoing challenges since a political face-off between President Salva Kiir and his then former Vice-President Riek Machar erupted into full blown conflict between forces loyal to each in December 2013. The crisis has produced one of the world's worst displacement situations with immense suffering for civilians.

Despite the August 2015 peace agreement that formally ended the war, conflict and instability have also spread to previously unaffected areas.
UN calls for 50 per cent increase in funding for mine action in 2017

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 February 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UN calls for 50 per cent increase in funding for mine action in 2017, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d7b9d40e.html [accessed 6 November 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.

9 February 2017 - The United Nations has launched a $511 million international appeal for humanitarian mine action in conflict and post-conflict settings for 2017, a 50 per cent increase from last year's $347 million consolidated appeal.

Across the world, the conflicts tearing countries, communities and lives apart cause a tragic increase in the number of casualties due to landmines and other explosive hazards, said the Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), Agnes Marcaillou, in a press release issued earlier this week.

There is an absolute necessity for a humanitarian mine action response. The knowledge and willingness to help are there  it is adequate funding that is missing, added Ms. Marcaillou, who also chairs the UN Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action.

According to the Portfolio of Mine Action Projects 2017, an online resource for information on such projects, there is a sharp increase in the need for humanitarian mine action, including landmine clearance, risk education and victim assistance.

The Portfolio covers over 200 projects and presents a consolidated picture of the needs and strategies of 22 countries and territories contaminated with landmines and other explosive hazards such as unexploded cluster munitions, rockets and improvised explosive devices across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America.

Needs are the greatest in active conflict zones, with Afghanistan requiring $124 million; Iraq $75 million; Syria $52 million; and Yemen $17 million. In addition, countries which have extensive residual contamination also need substantial support, with Cambodia requiring $23 million and the Lao People's Democratic Republic $26 million, according to UNMAS.
Averting famine should be 'top of the agenda' for new Somali government; Guterres says UN ready to assist

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 9 February 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Averting famine should be 'top of the agenda' for new Somali government; Guterres says UN ready to assist, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d7bb940c.html [accessed 6 November 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.

9 February 2017 - Secretary-General Antonio Guterres joined the wider United Nations and its international partners in congratulating Mohamed Abdullahi 'Farmajo' upon his election as the Somalia's new President and pledging to work with him and his new Government to tackle urgent national priorities, including averting famine.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Guterres also commended the African Union Mission, known as AMISOM, and the Somali security forces for ensuring a secure environment during yesterday's poll.

The Secretary-General expresses the hope that President Mohamed Abdullahi 'Farmajo' will move expeditiously to form an inclusive Cabinet. The new Government and federal member states should together tackle urgent national priorities immediately, including finalizing the constitution and establishing effective national security forces, the statement said.

It went on to stress that the current humanitarian situation created by the drought and the imperative of averting a famine should, however, be at the top of the agenda, and that the United Nations stands ready to support the Government in this regard.

[Mr. Guterres] also expresses his appreciation to international partners, including the African Union, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States and donor countries for their vital support to the electoral process and continuing humanitarian assistance, said the statement.

Through it the UN chief also commended former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke for the work of the Federal Government of Somalia during their terms of office and for facilitating a smooth handover to the new President and his government.

A separate congratulatory statement was issued earlier on behalf of the UN, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), IGAD, Ethiopia, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The international partners urge all political forces in Somalia to work together in support of President Farmajo and the incoming government, the statement read.

Distributed by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), the statement also noted the need for reconciliation and the peaceful resolution of a number of local conflicts, as well as the resumption of the constitutional review process.

The Somali Parliament selected the new president yesterday in two rounds of vote. A one-person, one-vote election is expected in 2020.

The international community welcomed the election results and commended outgoing Federal President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed and his Government for their many achievements over the past four years.

They also thanked him for a gracious concession speech that facilitated a peaceful and orderly transfer of power in decades.

Yesterday's orderly and peaceful transfer of power is a major achievement for Somalia and should boost confidence in the country's future both at home and abroad, said Michael Keating, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Somalia and head of UNSOM.

He added Hambalyo Somalia in Somali, which translates to Congratulations Somalia.
Tunisia: Circular regulating the work of information and communications units threatens freedom of expression and access to information

Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 9 February 2017 Cite as Article 19, Tunisia: Circular regulating the work of information and communications units threatens freedom of expression and access to information, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d7c114.html [accessed 6 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

ARTICLE 19 considers that Circular no.4 dated 16 January 2017 issued by the Head of the Government, regulating the operation of information and communications units in ministries, State institutions, and companies, puts at risk the right of access to information, as point 1 of the Circular violates provisions of Article 32 of the Tunisian Constitution and Decree no.41/2011 related to access to the administrative documents of public structures, as well as provisions of the new law no.22/2016 dated 24 March 2016 concerning the right of access to information.

"This circular represents a threat to freedom of expression and information in Tunisia and may impede the work of journalists and limit citizens' free access to information on the management of public entities," said Salua Ghazouani, Director of ARTICLE 19 in Tunisia.

ARTICLE 19 considers that the regulation of information and communication units should not be used as an excuse to restrict freedoms and limit the work of journalists. In this framework, ARTICLE 19 believes that any regulation of government work should take into consideration constitutional provisions, specifically Article 32, which sets out the State's responsibility to guarantee the right to information and access to data and its obligations under international law. This circular cannot in any way be contrary to legislation currently in force and shall not restrict the exercise of rights and liberties, which would constitute a violation of Article 40 of the new Tunisian Constitution

In addition to the legal violations contained in the text, this circular raises a symbolic issue. One year has passed since the adoption of the law on access to information but its application decrees are not ready yet and the commission in charge of access to information has not been set up, even though it is supposed to be operational by next March.

"Most public institutions have not yet enacted provisions of the law and their obligations related to the voluntary publication of information, data and documents, or responding to access to information requests. In response to this, the government had to issue a Circular asking civil servants to comply with the law and confirm this right and not to impede or limit access to information, or to hide data that should have been voluntarily published. This raises doubts about the existence of real political will to guarantee this right" said Ghazouani.

ARTICLE 19 endorses calls from civil society and the media to withdraw this Circular and calls on the Tunisian Government to show positive commitment and reinforce the right of access to information by enforcing the organic law, issuing the law's application texts, and setting up the commission in charge of access to information within deadlines prescribed by the law, while providing it with all tools and means for the proper execution of its tasks.

We note that in its first point, this Circular asked civil servants to refrain from "making statements or interventions, or disclosing official information or documents in the press or by any other means, related to their functions or to the public structures they work for without the preliminary and explicit authorization of their hierarchy or the managers of structures employing them." This clearly represents a violation of one of the rights immediately recognised after the 2011 Revolution by promulgation of Decree no.41/2011 related to access to the administrative documents of public institutions, later reinforced to become a constitutional right in 2014. Its scope of application was extended and guarantees were further reinforced after ratification of the new organic law no.22/2016 dated 24 March 2016 related to the right of access to information. The publication of this Circular raised a large debate among the Tunisian public and the considerable disapproval of journalists, human rights advocates and civil society activists, because of the real reasons for its publication and the ambiguity of its provisions.

Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19
Shutdown of renowned torture rehabilitation centre in Egypt

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 9 February 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Shutdown of renowned torture rehabilitation centre in Egypt, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d7c874.html [accessed 6 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

In response to the news that the El Nadeem Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence was raided by police and shut down today Deputy Director for campaigns at Amnesty International's Tunis regional office Najia Bounaim said:

"Today's shutdown of the El Nadeem Center, an organization which offers crucial support to survivors of torture and violence, is yet another shocking attack on civil society in Egypt. The move exposes the chilling extremes to which the authorities are prepared to go to in their relentless and unprecedented persecution of human rights activists in recent years.

"This is a blatant attempt by the authorities to punish the El Nadeem Center for its work supporting victims of torture and other ill-treatment and families of people subjected to enforced disappearances. The Egyptian authorities have made it increasingly clear that anyone who stands up for human rights in Egypt today is perceived as a threat. They should be providing redress to victims of torture and offering support to organizations such as El Nadeem, not storming their offices and preventing them from carrying out their valuable work."

The shutdown of El Nadeem follows a year of harassment by the authorities. In February 2016 security forces entered El Nadeem's premises and presented staff with an order to shut down operations without providing an explanation. The centre filed a judicial appeal against the decision before an Egyptian court the same month. However, police carried out the latest raid without waiting for the outcome of this appeal.

In November 2016, the Central Bank of Egypt also issued an order to freeze the organization's bank account.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Malaysia: Commutation of death sentence must lead to a moratorium on further executions

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 9 February 2017 Reference ACT 50/5656/2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Malaysia: Commutation of death sentence must lead to a moratorium on further executions, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d7d6a4.html [accessed 6 November 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.

Amnesty International welcomes the recent commutation in Malaysia of the death sentence imposed on Nigerian national Osariakhi Ernest Obayangbon. The organization encourages the Malaysian government to build on this positive development and immediately establish a moratorium on all executions. Further the authorities should commute all other existing death sentences and swiftly reform the country's death penalty laws as critical steps towards full abolition of this punishment in the country.

In response to the news, the family of Osariakhi Ernest Obayangbon said, "Amnesty International did not only save Osariakhi's life, [it] restored hope to the family whose lives would have been shattered and meaningless had the execution been carried out. The result of that effort is what we celebrate today; the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment."

Amnesty International has received information indicating that in August 2016 the King of Malaysia commuted the death sentence imposed on Nigerian national Osariakhi Ernest Obayangbon, whose execution had been scheduled for the early hours of 14 March 2014. Amnesty International was notified about the execution just over 24 hours before it was due to take place and immediately began campaigning to bring to the authorities' attention the serious concerns related to his case and to halt the execution.

Osariakhi Ernest Obyangbon, also known to Malaysian courts as British national "Philip Michael", based on a passport found in his possession when he was arrested, had been convicted of and sentenced to the mandatory death penalty for murder in June 2000. He had been diagnosed as having schizophrenia before his appeal in 2007 and had been received treatment since then. Amnesty International was also concerned that his ability to make use of legal and clemency avenues available to him to defend himself was seriously undermined by his mental health condition. International law prohibits the imposition of mandatory death sentences and the use of the death penalty on those with mental disabilities.

While Amnesty International welcomes the news of the commutation of Osariakhi Ernest Obyangbon's death sentence, his case also highlights the many flaws associated with the use of the death penalty in Malaysia and in the region. These include the use of the mandatory death penalty and use on people with mental disabilities, the wide scope of offences for which this punishment can be imposed - in contravention of international law - and lack of transparency on its use.

Amnesty International also calls on the Malaysian authorities to do more to intervene in cases of Malaysian nationals abroad. At this time two Malaysian nationals -Prabagaran Srivijayan and Datchinamurthy Kataiah are in fact facing imminent execution in neighbouring Singapore for drug-related offences, which do not meet the threshold of the most serious crimes" to which the use of the death penalty must be restricted under international law. It is imperative that the Malaysian authorities call for the commutation of their death sentences and support their families.

The authorities must also step up their efforts to bring about the now overdue legal reforms to the country's death penalty laws. Attorney General Tan Sri Apandi Ali, and the then Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and de facto Law Minister Nancy Shukri had publicly stated in November 2015 that legal amendments to this aim, first announced in October 2012, would be drafted and tabled by end of March 2016. However, no progress has been reported to date.

Amnesty International opposes the death penalty unconditionally as a violation of the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. As of today, 141 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice; in the Asia Pacific region, 19 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes and a further eight are abolitionist in practice. Mongolia is poised to give effect to its new Criminal Code abolishing this punishment in July 2017.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Kosovo: The killing of Mon Balaj and Arben Xheladini a decade of waiting for justice

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 10 February 2017 Reference EUR 70/5654/2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Kosovo: The killing of Mon Balaj and Arben Xheladini a decade of waiting for justice, 10 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d7ecc4.html [accessed 6 November 2022] Comments All reference to Kosovo should be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. 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.

Ten years ago, on the 10th February 2007, Mon Balaj and Arben Xheladini were killed during a demonstration organized by Vetevendosje (Movement for Self-Determination, today an opposition parliamentary party) in Pristina/Prishtine in Kosovo. They died after members of a Romanian Formed Police Unit, acting under the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) fired rubber bullets at demonstrators. Others were seriously injured.

UNMIK's internal investigation in 2007 established that the men had been killed through the use of rubber bullets, but failed to identify those responsible and to hold them to account. The rubber bullets were out-of-date (the rubber had perished, revealing the steel ball beneath) and were fired directly at demonstrators by some of the 10 members of the Romanian police.

While the families of Mon Balaj and Arben Xheladini, together with two of the injured men were initially offered compensation in relation to the material damages through an internal UN procedure in 2009, no other forms of reparation have been offered to the survivors and families of the deceased, and no independent criminal investigations into the killings have ever been opened in Kosovo. The unknown members of the Romanian police had already been repatriated by the time the findings were made public. In Romania, an investigation by a military prosecutor was closed in 2009 without identifying the perpetrators.

A Human Rights Advisory Panel (HRAP) was established in 2006 to examine complaints from any person or group of individuals claiming to be the victim of a human rights violation by UNMIK. Relatives of Mon Balaj and Arben Xheladini, as well as two of those who suffered injuries complained to the HRAP. In March 2015, following a lengthy process overshadowed by UNMIK's reluctance to cooperate, the HRAP found that the Mission had failed to protect the right to life of the victims under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), both in causing the death and injuries, and in failing to conduct an effective investigation into them. The HRAP

also found that the Mission had violated the right to peaceful assembly, under Article 11 of the ECHR, concluding that the force used by its police to disperse the demonstration was not absolutely necessary and that there was no evidence to suggest that any of the four men were involved in any violent acts. Amnesty International welcomed the Panel's Opinion as the first step towards justice for the victims and their families.

At the same time, Amnesty International urged the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG), UNMIK's head to implement the recommendations made in the Opinion and to take further steps to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Amnesty International regrets that almost two years since the HRAP has issued its recommendations, UNMIK has not made public any decision or issued information about progress made towards fulfilling the Panel's recommendations. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of their death, Amnesty International has written to the SRSG to urge UNMIK to publicly apologize for the failure to protect the lives of Mon Balaj and Arben Xheladini, as well as for those injured, and provide the complainants with full reparation for the damage suffered.

Amnesty International calls on the Special Representative to fully implement the recommendations made in the Opinion from March 2015, to provide reparation to the victims and the families, as well as to take further steps to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. and COLUMBIA, Md., Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Netsurion today announced that its Brand Guard managed network security service and subsidiary EventTrackers security information and event management (SIEM) platform have been named Best Managed Security Service and Best SIEM, respectively, in the 2017 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. As a combined firm, the companies are now better positioned than ever to protect their customers against increasingly sophisticated network breaches.



The independent awards program honors companies and individuals that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and leadership in information security. Each year, it is produced in cooperation with the Information Security Community on LinkedIn, tapping into the experience of 350,000+ cybersecurity professionals to recognize the worlds best cybersecurity products, individuals, and organizations.

Hackers are successfully infiltrating multi-location brands, franchisees, and other small- to mid-size businesses with alarming frequency. The effects on compromised companies financials and reputations can be devastating and unrecoverablehurting profit and customer trust.

Multi-location businesses specifically face the challenge of securing many geographically diverse locations in an environment where IT resources and consistency in network topology are often impossible. As such, a brands security is only as strong as its weakest link.

Netsurions Brand Guard is a highly scalable network security service that is designed to help mitigate these challenges through centralized firewall management, compliance management, and automation, as well as advanced threat protection technology. A key differentiator of the Brand Guard solution is Netsurions security adoption program, Compliance Accelerator, which helps dramatically increase the number of protected edge locations, as well as the level of security employed, at a fraction of the costs associated with a self-managed solution.

Netsurions SIEM-at-the-Edge service, made possible through the Oct. 2016 EventTracker merger, can be added to further harden edge location security through the implementation of EventTrackers leading SIEM technology directly on workstations and the combination of security event monitoring capabilities with managed detection and response (MDR).

EventTrackers award-winning SIEM technology is comprehensive and complete with modules for every facet of security monitoring for small- to mid-size companies. In addition to basic log management and advanced SIEM features, EventTracker includes support for behavior anomaly detection, threat intelligence integration, correlation, alerting, and flexible reporting. Modules for intrusion detection systems (IDS), vulnerability scanning, network and flow monitoring, and a HoneyNet deception framework are also available.

EventTracker is unique in the industry as a vendor that offers both best-in-class SIEM technology for self-service and a 24/7 intelligence-driven security operations center (SOC) to provide a fully managed service. This is a critical differentiator because the skill shortage of experienced analysts is the leading cause of SIEM products becoming unused shelfware.

It is an honor for Netsurion and EventTracker to be recognized by such a prestigious group of information security professionals. The fact that they have been named the best in their segments reinforces the strength of the two companies working together, said Kevin Watson, Netsurion CEO and EventTracker board member. In the last year, we have seen more successful network intrusions that could have been prevented by the type of security SIEM brings. Unfortunately, many small- to mid-size and multi-location businesses cannot afford and do not have the knowledge to manage such complex systems. Providing a managed network security service, coupled with a managed SIEM product, will enable us to best protect our clients from current and emerging threats.

Congratulations to Netsurion for winning the Managed Security Services category in the 2017 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. And congratulations to EventTracker for winning the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) category in the same awards program, said Holger Schulze, founder of the Information Security Community on LinkedIn, which organizes the awards program. With over 450 entries, the 2017 awards are highly competitive, and all winners and finalists reflect the very best in leadership, excellence and innovation in today's cybersecurity industry.

To view the winning award entries, visit http://cybersecurity-excellence-awards.com/candidates/brand-guard-netsurion/ and http://cybersecurity-excellence-awards.com/candidates/eventtracker/.

Learn more about Netsurion and EventTracker offerings at RSA Conference 2017, South Hall booth #2710, Feb. 13-17, and HIMSS 2017, booth #694, Feb. 19-23.

Tweet This: .@Netsurion wins Best #ManagedSecurity Service, @LogTalk wins Best #SIEM in #Cybersecurity Excellence Awards http://bit.ly/2kQMmiF

Resources

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About Netsurion

Netsurion is a managed security service provider specializing in the protection of multi-location businesses information, payment systems, and Wi-Fi networks from data breaches, network outages, and ever-evolving cyberthreats. Our new service offering  SIEM-at-the-Edge  is powered by our subsidiary, EventTracker, which helps deliver comprehensive security benefits to edge locations that normally would not have the means to leverage such a solution. Netsurions award-winning remote network security services and PCI compliance solutions help keep businesses of any size secure. Any sized branch or remote office, franchise, or sole proprietor operation can use Netsurion without the costs of onsite support. The company serves the retail, hospitality, healthcare, legal, and insurance sectors. www.netsurion.com

About EventTracker

EventTrackers advanced security solutions protect enterprises and small businesses from data breaches and insider fraud, and streamline regulatory compliance. EventTrackers platform comprises SIEM, vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection, behavior analytics, a HoneyNet deception network and other defense-in-depth capabilities within a single management platform. The company complements its state-of-the-art technology with 24/7 managed services from its global security operations center (SOC) to ensure its customers achieve desired outcomessafer networks, better endpoint security, earlier detection of intrusion, and relevant and specific threat intelligence. The company serves the retail, hospitality, healthcare, legal, banking and financial services, utilities, and government sectors.

EventTracker is a division of Netsurion, a leader in remotely-managed IT security services that protect multi-location businesses information, payment systems, and on-premise public and private Wi-Fi networks. www.eventtracker.com. Twitter: @LogTalk.
Inside Brazil's gang-run prisons

Publisher IRIN Author Magnus Boding Hansen Publication Date 3 February 2017 Cite as IRIN, Inside Brazil's gang-run prisons, 3 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d81d44.html [accessed 6 November 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.

For 14 hours, guards did nothing while inmates from the First Capital Command (PCC) used knives and machetes to kill and behead 26 members of a rival drug gang. Having cut the electricity, the prisoners carried out the killings in darkness. The guards were simply too few and too afraid to intervene.

The massacre took place on 15 January in the notoriously violent Alcacuz Prison on the outskirts of Natal, in northeastern Brazil. It was only the latest in a wave of gang violence inside the country's prisons that has resulted in more than 130 inmate deaths so far this year, most of them concentrated in the states of Roraima and Amazonas.

Warning signs that Brazil's prisons were heading for a crisis had been present for some time, but the Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for the penal system, failed to act on them.

In one instance in October last year, inspectors from the ministry concluded in an internal report, obtained by the magazine CartaCapital, that members of the PCC gang were moving freely around the Monte Cristo Agricultural Penitentiary in Roraima.

"Prisoners were adept at opening the locks and thus circulated freely in a wide extension of the unit and were able to hide themselves in the numerous unfinished or semi-destroyed buildings scattered around between the prison pavilions," the report stated.

No action was taken and on 6 January, the PCC killed 33 fellow inmates at the prison.

Ironically, the PCC started in 1993 as a prisoner rights organisation that aimed to improve conditions and security for inmates, but later morphed into Brazil's largest and most powerful organised crime group. Gang members often run criminal enterprises from their cells and represent one of the main threats to other prisoners.

Their victims at Alcacuz Prison were members of the RN Crime Syndicate, with whom they fight for control of the drug market outside the prison walls. Following last month's killing spree, a gunfight between the two rival gangs reportedly broke out in the city of Natal that same night.

Beyond the gang warfare, the roots of the crisis can be traced to severe overcrowding and staff shortages. Brazil's prison population has nearly tripled over the last two decades to more than 600,000  nearly twice the official capacity  in the wake of drug laws that have seen a steep rise in arrests on drug-related charges.

Vicious circle

Brazil has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and Natal's per capita murder rate is higher than any other state capital.

Fillipe Azevedo Rodrigues, a lawyer and law professor at Potiguar University in Natal who is authorised to make routine, unannounced prison inspections, argues that the conditions in the prisons both reflect and reinforce the gang violence that plagues surrounding communities. In short, he believes that prisons contribute to Natal's rampant levels of crime instead of addressing them.

"The prisons are producing criminals at an assembly line level," Rodrigues tells IRIN during a visit to an interim detention centre in the Natal district of Candelaria.

Brazil imposes long prison sentences even for minor crimes, such as the possession of marijuana. While serving time, many of these minor offenders are forced to join the prison's dominant gangs as their only guarantee of safety.

Natal, alone, has more than 10 prisons. Rodrigues says Candelaria is one of the better ones. Nonetheless, the smell of sweat, fungus, urine, and faeces is intense. Each 12- to 15-square-metre cell contains 17 to 20 people. They sit on the floor, shoulder-to-shoulder, with laundry hanging down from the ceiling above. A 10-centimetre opening serves as a window.

Many have been remanded in custody while awaiting trial. Brazil's judicial system is so overwhelmed that they could spend two years in jail waiting for a trial date.

Left with the choice of letting alleged criminals go or keeping them remanded for years, authorities have consistently opted for the latter. By 2014, pre-trial detainees made up more than a third of Brazil's prison population.

Human rights groups say the chronic overcrowding not only leaves inmates more vulnerable to violence but also to the spread of infectious diseases.

According to Rodrigues, most inmates develop severe respiratory problems and skin diseases. One prisoner at Candelaria stretches two pale arms through the bars. They are covered in wounds caused by skin disease. "We are being treated like animals, and some of us become animals," he says.

Tough solutions

Rodrigues recently co-authored a book in which he argues that Brazil's gangs are often better organised than the corruption-riven state.

He estimates that 40 percent of Natal's police officers have been corrupted by criminals, 20 percent only exist on paper, and the remaining 40 percent are honest but powerless. The prisons themselves, meanwhile, are woefully undermanned.

Routine cell searches to look for hidden weapons, drugs, and phones come with their own risks when there aren't enough guards. When prisoners are moved outside their cells, they often manage to start fights and sometimes attempt to escape, explained the head of the inspections and riot control unit for Natal's wider state of Rio Grande do Norte, Leonardo Alves.

During one such search at Alcacuz Prison two months ago, before the riot, 400 inmates were ordered to strip naked and wait in the yard. They were ordered to place their hands over their heads while seven officers wearing battle helmets and full-body armour moved cautiously through the cells. The walls were covered with gang graffiti  most of them words or symbols associated with the PCC. The guards found several cell phones and homemade weapons, including a short spear fashioned from a bar broken off a window.

Brazilian President Michel Temer has responded to the recent massacres by announcing that 1,000 soldiers will be dispatched to prisons to assist with searches like these.

Temer also said the government would aim to build 30 new prisons over the next year, including five federal maximum security institutions to house the most violent convicts, and 25 state facilities that would aim to ease overcrowding.

But getting to the roots of the prison violence requires far-reaching reforms both in and outside the prison system. Alves admitted as much on the drive back to the city from Alcacuz. "The violence is like an aggressive type of cancer. It is hard to fight without killing the patient in the process," he said as his police car kicked up a trail of red dust. "We won't give up, but the task ahead of us is difficult."
Myopic in Malta: Europe's short-sighted migration policy with Libya

Publisher IRIN Author Melissa Phillips Publication Date 7 February 2017 Cite as IRIN, Myopic in Malta: Europe's short-sighted migration policy with Libya, 7 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d837f4.html [accessed 6 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

At last week's EU summit in Malta, European leaders didn't appear to have learnt many lessons when it comes to forging questionable deals to stem migrant flows. A migration partnership cannot be built on European self-interest alone. Convenient rhetoric and tropes do not form the basis of sound policy. Actions to send unwanted migrants out of mind and out of sight must take into account the local conditions that drive migration and smuggling networks or they are bound to fail.

In Valletta, member states made specific pledges aimed at stemming irregular migration on the Central Mediterranean migration route from Libya. The Italian government also made a separate migration deal with the head of the UN-backed Government of National Accord and Chairman of the Presidential Council, Fayez al-Sarraj. Despite the self-congratulatory tone of post-summit press releases, including a blog from EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, there are several reasons to be concerned.

Other commentators have already remarked on the similarity between Italy's current migration deal with Libya and Gaddafi-era agreements, the key difference being that the GNA lacks nationwide authority. This includes in the south of Libya, where the Malta Declaration states, ambitiously, that priority will be given to working with the Libyan authorities to reduce pressure on the country's borders. Smuggling is an entrenched livelihood in the south, where the most recent evidence of alternate allegiances was a dramatic episode in December, when a plane that had been hijacked in the southern city of Sabha by pro-Gaddafi loyalists landed in Malta. The French have had a military base near the Libya-Niger border for some years that has had little success in policing border crossings.

It's the economy, stupid

Addressing the root causes of smuggling in Libya, especially in the south, requires improved analysis of both the macro- and micro-economic benefits to Libyan communities and non-state actors. Yet there is almost no reliable, up-to-date evidence on the economic factors driving smuggling. An EU military taskforce commander suggested that locals in coastal towns are making annual profits of close to $300 million per year from smuggling, but there are no details about how this figure was calculated and who are the real beneficiaries from people smuggling.

An EU-funded crackdown on migrant smuggling through northern Niger  the route most migrants use to reach Libya  has reduced recorded movements of migrants through Agadez, but it has also pushed smugglers to charge higher prices for taking migrants on more clandestine and risky routes through the desert. Meanwhile, EU efforts to fund alternative livelihoods to replace the smuggling industry in Niger have had little discernible impact.

The Malta Declaration pledges to provide more training and support to the Libyan coastguard "to disrupt the business model of smugglers". In reality, this is likely to mean more boats being intercepted in Libyan waters and their passengers sent to detention centres. The plot thickens when you consider that the bulk of immigration detention centres in western Libya come under the authority of the Ministry of Interior of the GNA.

Conditions in the centres have repeatedly been described as inhumane, most recently by the United Nations Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL) which documented numerous abuses. The Malta Declaration states that the EU will "seek to ensure adequate reception capacities and conditions in Libya for migrants, together with UNHCR and IOM". It is unclear if this means providing more funding to GNA-run detention centres, a practice that has been strongly criticised by human rights groups. Relying on UNHCR and IOM to ensure adequate monitoring will be challenging until they and other UN agencies and NGOs can return to Libya from Tunisia, where they mainly remain due to security constraints.

In a joint statement last week, UNHCR and IOM made it clear that they do not support Libya's use of automatic detention for migrants, and noted that "security constraints continue to hinder our ability to deliver life-saving assistance".

Alternative 'solutions'

The Malta Summit's emphasis on "reception centres" is a missed opportunity to pilot alternatives to detention in the Libyan context. Fledgling efforts have already been made with Libyan civil society and government actors, supported by international organisations, to find alternatives to immigration detention. But in its eagerness to reduce irregular migration, the EU has shown itself to be out of step with global campaigns to make immigration detention a practice of last resort as well as local initiatives to foster a different approach.

The lack of a sustained international presence in Libya also means there is a deep misunderstanding of the situation inside the country. Migration is arguably not a major priority in Libya at present. The Malta Declaration makes a cursory reference to the need for stability in the country and pledges EU support before making clear that its true intentions remain fixed on the EU priority to reduce migratory flows from the country. The 'solutions' to these priorities draw on well-rehearsed rhetoric and false regret for loss of lives at sea.

For example, while Mogherini claims that the Malta Summit shows there is a "European way to managing migration flows", the Declaration makes multiple references to "disrupting the business model of smugglers". This is language taken directly from former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, whose government claimed that stopping boats was a humanitarian gesture to save lives.

Unless European leaders get serious quickly about tackling the root causes of northwards African migration and promoting viable long-term economic alternatives to smuggling, the Malta Declaration will be just another piece of paper in a litany of failed agreements with Libya.
Tajik Media Faces Exodus

Publisher Institute for War and Peace Reporting Publication Date 3 February 2017 Citation / Document Symbol RCA 805 Cite as Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Tajik Media Faces Exodus, 3 February 2017, RCA 805, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d85974.html [accessed 6 November 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.

Journalist Sayora Gafurova (not her real name) decided to quit working for independent Tajik news agency Ozodagon after an entire year of police harassment.

Gafurova, also a former IWPR contributor, was a longtime freelancer for the outlet, which is banned in Tajikistan.

But as the space for press freedom began to shrink in Tajikistan, she found herself under suspicion.

"For a year I visited the interior ministry [for questioning]. Every time I got a new investigator, it would start all over again.

Each session could last hours, she continued, and the accusations got more focused.

"I used to often attend internships abroad," Gafurova said. "Those trips were usually sponsored by the embassies of the participating countries, or the inviting party would cover the costs. The last time [I was interrogated], the investigator accused me of going on trips that may have been sponsored by Group 24 [a banned diaspora Tajik opposition organisation]. I'm tired of all that."

She then managed to secure a post at local bureau of Sputnik, the news agency funded by Russia, where she earned a decent wage of 760 US dollars a month.

But Sputnik was yet to be granted state accreditation, a requirement for all foreign media, and in December 2015 dismissed all Tajik staff until its official status was clarified.

Gafurova went to work for the local independent newspaper Nigoh for 800 somoni a month (100 dollars), until it went bankrupt in November 2016.

Unable to find another job in her field, Gafurova decide to leave journalism and stay at home to look after her children.

A combination of state pressure and lack of job opportunities is having a ruinous effect on Tajik journalism.

Interviews with media professionals in Tajikistan have revealed that at least 20 journalists have quit journalism in the last year, a significant number in such a small field.

At least ten Tajik journalists left the country, including six IWPR-trained reporters. Three of them asked for political asylum in western Europe.

This seems to be partly fuelled by a crackdown on independent media.

The 2016 World Press Freedom Index, published by the Paris-based watchdog group Reporters Without Borders, ranked Tajikistan 150th of 180 nations, a drop of 34 positions from the previous year.

It also comes as pressure on opposition movements has similarly increased.

In 2014, opposition businessman Zayd Saidov received a lengthy prison sentence.

In September 2015, deputy defence minister Abduhalim Nazarzoda was killed after launching an attempted coup.

In the same month, the country's largest opposition force, the Islamic Rebirth Party of Tajikistan, was outlawed. Party members were arrested and charged with extremism.

The economic crisis has also fuelled the media' problems, with 65 per cent - 429 out of 656 - of local Tajik outlets privately-owned.

Nuriddin Karshiboev, head of the Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan, said that profits had fallen by half over the past two years due to the economic crisis, while the costs of running an outlet had risen by 35 per cent.

Media companies were also reluctant to take risks for fear of losing advertising.

A 2016 survey conducted by Mediaconsulting, a Tajik media research company, revealed that 63 per cent of privately-owned Tajik print media was on the verge of bankruptcy. It also indicated that 78 per cent of respondents were ready to sacrifice editorial principles for financial gain.

"The economic crisis leaves the editorial independence [of Tajik media] in serious doubt," Karshiboev told IWPR. "Would a desk which has a firm editorial policy, principle grounds or special views on covering [hard] topics sacrifice principles when facing financial difficulties?"

Media professionals warn that standards are falling across the board.

Naziri Nusrat, editor-in-chief of independent Tajik newspaper Imruznews, told IWPR that fewer journalists were willing to do proper reporting. Plagiarism had also become a problem.

"Journalists prefer browsing through online sources, mostly the Russian or other foreign ones, and producing something, pretending it was their [own] comment or news analysis," Nusrat told IWPR.

Ozodagon editor-in-chief Abdulaziz Voseev lamented that one could find a solid piece of journalism in the Tajik media only "on a rare occasion."

"The Tajik media landscape was significantly narrowed down in the past two years," he continued. "Media coverage weakened under political pressure. Some individual journalists are also pressured; they are invited more frequently for a 'friendly chat' [by law-enforcement bodies]. Self-censorship is growing as a result. Many strong reporters have lost their jobs and left the country," Voseev told IWPR.

That was the experience of political reporter and former IWPR contributor Humayra Bakhtiyor.

She first started receiving anonymous threats by phone and social media in 2014 when she began covering the Saidov case.

The following year, Bakhtiyor's employer refused to publish her political stories, suggesting she turn to covering Tajik show business if she wanted to keep her job.

She refused to do so and was fired.

After more than a year of trying to find work as a political reporter, she recently left the country.

"I left because all doors had closed for me in one go If a journalist is unwanted [by the regime], the employer will get rid of you very harshly, no matter how they used to praise your work before," Bakhtiyor told IWPR, adding, "It's not that I left Tajik media. It's the Tajik media that left me."

Copyright notice:  Institute for War & Peace Reporting
A Visionary at the Head of the Latvian Armed Forces

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Publication Date 8 February 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, A Visionary at the Head of the Latvian Armed Forces, 8 February 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d93454.html [accessed 6 November 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.

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The Latvian National Armed Forces (LNAF) are starting the year with a new commander. After having his appointment approved by the Latvian parliament in December 22, 2016, Major General Leonids Kalnins officially took over the position of chief of defense (CHOD) of the LNAF on January 27. "In this moment, undertaking this post, I have only one goal-to maintain high operational capability that we have built together and keep up our unbreakable army spirit," the new CHOD declared on the day of his inauguration (Leta.lv, January 27).

Major General Kalnins was born on February 13, 1957, in Tomsk Oblast, Pervomayskij District, in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Looking back at his educational and career background, he studied Automatic Control Systems engineering at the Vilnius USSR Army Higher Air Defense Military Academy (1975-1979) and later at the Kharkov USSR Army Military Engineering Academy (1987-1990). Kalnins joined the Latvian National Guard in 1997. From 2010 to 2011, he took part in the Command and General Staff Officer Course at the United States Army Command and General Staff College. In October 2011, he became Commander of the Latvian National Guard. In 2013, he participated in the Higher Command Studies Course at the Baltic Defense College and was appointed chief of staff in the Joint Staff Headquarters of the (LNAF) in August 2016 (Mil.lv, accessed February 5).

"My task now is not to be revolutionary, but rather evolutionary-I will continue to work on the projects that had been initiated and those that should be developed. Thus, the Armed Forces will work on combat-readiness assurance measures and on social security packages in the preparation of highly motivated Latvian soldiers," Major General Kalnins underlined in his first interview with Latvian media. In addition, he referred to important infrastructure projects Latvia is undertaking to fulfill its Host Nation Support responsibilities. In line with pledges agreed to at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) 2016 summit in Warsaw, Latvia will be hosting a Canadian-led multinational battalion, and so it needs to construct barracks and other accommodations-related infrastructure (Tvnet.lv, January 27).

Talking about the formation of new Armed Forces units in Latgale (Eastern part of Latvia), Kalnins informed that the purpose of these actions is to reduce the combat and defense response time along the border with Russia and enhance Latvia's military capabilities in the eastern direction, thus strengthening national security. In the future, such subdivisions may be created in other directions, too, he noted (Mod.gov.lv, accessed February 5).

As a former commander of the National Guard, the current Chief of Defense Kalnins underlines that the role of the National Guard for the Latvian defense will remain crucially important in the nearest future. "I have always said that the Latvian national defense is based on the voluntary involvement of its citizens. Since we have decided to found a state, [we now have to] take the next step-we must be able to defend it. Our task is to organize the involvement of Latvian citizens in the defense system to the greatest extent as possible" (Mod.gov.lv, accessed February 5).

The Latvian National Guard is a light infantry force composed of over 8,000 citizen-soldier volunteers. It is fully integrated with and supports the regular professional elements of the LNAF. Kalnins has admitted that equipment, especially individual gear, for the National Guard is still insufficient. Between 2014 and 2016, provisions of equipment for the National Guard increased by 60 percent. "But still this is not 100 percent," he declared. "The National Guard is fully provided with uniforms, necessary winter equipment and small arms; but there are other aspects [that are necessary for the National Guard] to carry out its tasks completely," Major General Kalnins noted, adding, "we still are missing accoutrement, backpacks, sleeping bags etc." (Tvnet.lv, January 27).

The new LNAF commander is already repeatedly being asked about the country's potential return to conscription-a political "hot potato" that has engendered a passionate debate in Latvian society since last year. For now, however, Kalnins is not ready to embrace this issue: "We [the Ministry of Defense and the LNAF] have chosen a voluntary way to strengthen national defense. At the same time we feel a degree of pressure from the public, which wants to see a lot more involvement, especially for younger people. The restoration of military training for high school seniors are among the options we are discussing now. After this period of training, young people should be able to choose to stay in the reserves, become members of the National Guard, or undertake full-time service in the [regular] Armed Forces" (Delfi.lv, January 28).

Strengthening military cooperation among the three Baltic States-Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia-is also among the new LNAF commander's key priorities. Currently, this cooperation is mainly limited to common exercises and some joint procurement projects. "Joint military purchases is an old idea, but its implementation, particularly now, is not going very well, because each Baltic country is at a different place in terms of areas of defense development. For example the Baltic countries jointly acquired ammunition, but large items, like armor, each of us purchased separately," Major General Kalnins told the Baltic News Service (BNS, January 30).

Such assertions are echoed on this side of the Atlantic as well. The Baltic States do not utilize their cooperation effectively enough to curb the threat of outside aggression in the region, according to Jorge Benitez, a senior analyst with the Washington, DC-based Atlantic Council think tank. "The Baltic countries are increasing their defense spending even more than previously planned, and that is good. However, increases in expenditures alone do not carry the benefits that could be made. Often we hear that the Baltic States would like to see more allies involved in ensuring the security of the region, but they themselves do not show the initiative to work more closely with each other and coordinate their activities," Benitez argued (Leta.lv, February 2).

Strengthening their countries' national defense amidst growing threats from the East and strains on the transatlantic relationship coming from the West will be a challenging task for the top brass of all three Baltic States. But all in all, the new Latvian chief of defense presents a clear vision for the future development of his military.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
People Power in Romania Versus Moldova: Worlds Apart?

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Mihai Popsoi Publication Date 8 February 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, People Power in Romania Versus Moldova: Worlds Apart?, 8 February 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 15, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d947e4.html [accessed 6 November 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.

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Romania is becoming the envy of the world when it comes to peaceful mass protests successfully holding the government accountable. A little over a year ago, 20,000 Romanians protested in the streets of the country's capital against corruption and regulatory ineptitude, which had resulted in 32 people dying in a Bucharest nightclub fire. On November 4, 2015, Prime Minister Victor Ponta was forced to take responsibility for this disaster and resign. However, despite major questions of ethical integrity within his party, Ponta's Romanian Social Democrats (PSD) were nonetheless able to win the parliamentary elections in December 2016. The landslide victory seems to have emboldened the PSD leadership to the point of, on January 31, 2017, issuing a government decree to decriminalize corruption offences when sums of less than $47,000 are involved. One immediate beneficiary would have been PSD leader Liviu Dragnea, who faces charges of defrauding the state of $26,000. After five days of ever growing protests involving up to half a million people across the country, the government conceded and withdrew the controversial decree (Mediafax.ro, February 5).

This is a major win for rule of law and democracy in Romania thanks to levels of popular mobilization unseen since the days of the 1989 revolution. However, the track record of mass protests being able to hold the government to account in Romania's sister nation Moldova is rather mixed. The 2009 "Twitter Revolution" is credited with pushing the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) out of power. The April 2009 protests against what was perceived as a rigged parliamentary election, but even more so the crackdown pursued by the Communists, undoubtedly swayed public opinion in favor of the pro-European opposition. The PCRM was defeated in the July 2009 early elections. However soon after gaining power, infighting began to tear the coalition apart. A heavy scandal surfaced in 2015, when $1 billion (equal to 15 percent of the country's GDP) was discovered to have been stolen from three large Moldovan banks. Leading politicians were perceived as accomplices in this massive crime, prompting mass protests that lasted for months, only to fade away in 2016, overshadowed by the presidential elections (see EDM, September 9, 2015; January 29, 2016). The investigation into the banking fraud is ongoing, but not much has been achieved so far other than the scapegoating of the former prime minister and previous leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, Vlad Filat. He has been convicted to nine years in prison on corruption charges in connection with the fraud. Filat's main political rival, Democratic Party leader and oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc, ended up benefiting the most, as he became the sole decision maker in the country. Yet, despite Plahotniuc's abysmally low popularity ratings of just 4 percent (Institute of Public Policy Poll, October 2016), organizing public protests against the government installed by Plahotniuc and his power consolidation has proven increasingly difficult. Nonetheless, the leader of the Dignity and Truth Platform Party (which headed the 20152016 demonstrations), Andrei Nastase, has already announced plans to relaunch antigovernment protests (Adevarul, February 2).

It is important to point out the three major differences that make the success of peaceful protests much more unlikely in Moldova than in its neighboring kin-state Romania:

First, the anti-corruption protests in Romania as well as Moldova's 2009 protests were spontaneous civic outbursts, without a unified political force coordinating them from behind. On the other hand, the Moldovan protests of 2015 had a clearly identifiable political agenda. Indeed, there were several competing agendas. The Dignity and Truth Platform emerged as a civic protest movement; however, to any astute observer of Moldovan politics, the intention of transforming the movement into a new center-right political party was clear from the very beginning. At the same time, the two pro-Russia opposition center-left parties (Our Party and Party of Socialists), which also backed the protests, had their own agenda for triggering early elections. As parties hijacked the civic protest, their subsequent differences effectively destroyed the movement.

The second major factor undermining the success of a mass protests in Moldova is a lack of national unity. Unlike Romania, Moldova is a much more highly divided society. Ethnic and linguistic cleavages allow politicians to manipulate the public and maintain the status quo favorable to the regime. Moldova's ruling Democratic Party, aided by its junior coalition partner the Liberals, has been instrumental in exploiting these cleavages and precluding a unified cross-party opposition movement from taking hold. Furthermore, the regime in Chisinau did not shy away from intimidating and pressuring the protesters in 2015 to give up (Jurnal.md, December 18, 2015).

Third, and most importantly, unlike Romanian Social Democrats in recent years and Moldovan Communists in 2009, the Democratic Party cannot afford any meaningful concessions out of fear of losing powersuch a loss would pose an imminent threat to the wealth and freedom of its leader, Vlad Phahotniuc. Plahotniuc also apparently believes that unlike PCRM in 2009 and Romania's PSD today, his party stands no chance of winning any future elections, unless it stays in power to change the election rules and oversee the electoral process.

In conclusion, the chances of a successful peaceful protest in Moldova leading to a change in government are dim. Any civic movement is likely to be politicized by the country's political parties. The latter will then inevitably fall prey to ethnic, linguistic and geopolitical divisions, making it easier for the pro-government media machine to advocate in favor of Plahotniuc's agenda. Following the failed 20152016 protests triggered by the "billion dollar scandal," both the opposition and the public will likely be tested next time, when the ruling coalition moves to introduce a mixed electoral system in an attempt to hold onto power. The regime is also likely to create new "spoiler" parties and ban some existing ones from running in the election, which will be difficult to protest against for reasons explained above as well as due to Plahotniuc's powerful media empire. As the independent media struggles to compete with pro-government outlets and as long as social media lacks the penetration rate to tip the scales, Moldova's civic drive will face an uphill battle. If anything, events in Romania will teach an already cautious Plahotniuc to avoid unforced errors, to keep closer tabs on the opposition, and to continue to invest in both traditional and social media influence. Thus, the prospect for a triumph of people power over corrupt elites in Moldova is not optimistic.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Is US-Russian Joint Operation Against Islamic State Possible?

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Aleksandr Golts Publication Date 8 February 2017 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Is US-Russian Joint Operation Against Islamic State Possible? , 8 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d95784.html [accessed 6 November 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.

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Vladimir Putin has something to be proud of. Only a year and half has passed since the Russian president called for the creation of a broad anti-terrorist coalition of the civilized world, in his last speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The Kremlin apparently assumed that in the process of creating this coalition, Russia's partners would shut their eyes to the annexation of Crimea and to Moscow's ongoing surreptitious war against Ukraine in Donbas. Now, leading Western countries seem to finally be responding to his call positively. This possibility was strongly stressed in Putin's January 28 phone conversation with newly inaugurated President of the United States Donald Trump. "The two leaders emphasized that joining efforts in fighting the main threatinternational terrorismis a top priority. The presidents spoke out for establishing real coordination of actions between Russia and the USA aimed at defeating ISIS [a still commonly used older acronym for the Islamic State] and other terrorist groups in Syria," the official Kremlin readout of the phone call stressed (Kremlin.ru, January 28). Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was even more enthusiastic about new possibilities for cooperation: "With regard to possible forms of cooperation with the United States to combat ISIS (which, I repeat, is Russia's and the United States' top priority in the international arena, which was clearly confirmed during the telephone conversation between the two presidents on January 28), I can see almost unlimited possibilities provided there is the political will and commitment of our militaries to translate this political will into concrete agreements and actions" (Mid.ru, January 30). Lavrov even went so far as to not preclude Russia's possible willingness to fight the Islamic State in Iraq, instead of only Syria.

This enthusiasm was sparked not only by the 45-minute-long Putin-Trump phone call, but also by the US leader's Presidential Memorandum on fighting the Islamic State, which stressed the need for an "identification of new coalition partners in the fight against ISIS" (Whitehouse.gov, January 28). Some Russian commentators perceived this as a clear invitation from Washington for Moscow to enter the US-led coalition. They are sure that Russia's participation in the joint fight will be the first step to pushing the US to lift its sanctions (Vzglyad, January 29; Rusnovosti.ru, February 2). For now, however, the Kremlin has denied that the subject of sanctions was broached by the two sides (TASS, January 30).

Either way, there are obvious obstacles for Russia and the US to conducting such joint "anti-terrorist" operations. Indeed, Lavrov had failed to establish US-Russian military-to-military cooperation back in September 2016. According to the Russian foreign minister, his talks with thenSecretary of the State John Kerry "ended with the coordination of a document on actual military coordination of actions against ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra [since renamed Jabhat Fateh al-Sham], including the creation of a standing facility, which is the Joint Executive Center (JRC), which would be used to coordinate intelligence and the targets to attack to neutralize ISIS and Nusra on Syrian territory. At the last moment, when all these agreements had been signed, the [Barack] Obama administration failed to muster the strength to put the problem of combating terrorism above its Russophobic intentions" (Mid.ru, January 30).

But the problem was not the Obama administration's "Russophobic intentions." Rather, the issue lay with the Pentagon, which strongly rejected the Lavrov-Kerry deal. And the reasons were not ideological, but purely military. US Armed Forces leaders were concerned that the need to share information with Russia would reveal how the US military uses intelligence in the preparation of air strikes. This type of information would have relevance not only for US operations in Syria but also regarding the Baltic States and other areas where the United States is involved in trying to contain Russia. The US military feared that their Russian counterparts would ultimately use this information to oppose Washington's efforts in those regions (The New York Times, September 13, 2016). Indeed, the sharing of intelligence data is one of the most sensitive issues even among true allies. For example, it took several decades for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to establish the possibility of sharing information among its member states (Nato.int, June 23, 2016).

Since last autumn, Russia's confrontation with the West in Europe has only increased. In particular, in mid-January, the United States deployed a mechanized brigade to Poland as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, one of the most important elements of NATO's overall strategy to contain Russia (Usembassy.gov, January 10; Polskieradio.pl, January 12). Therefore, the exchange of intelligence information in Syria would likely worsen the strategic position of the United States in Europe. In fact, it is hardly possible to deter Russia in one part of the world while cooperating militarily in another. If the Trump administration chooses to pursue military cooperation with Russia, that decision will have profound consequences for carrying out US responsibilities vis-a-vis European defense.

Another possible stumbling block is the different attitude of Moscow and Washington regarding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's embattled regime. For the Kremlin, support for al-Assad is an important part of confronting "color revolutions" around the world. But the US President has recently floated the idea of establishing "safe zones" on Syrian territory. Trump's proposal is supposed to address the continued flow of hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees to the West, particularly from the Syrian war zone (Al Jazeera, January 31). But the question arises: whose forces will protect these areas to ensure their safety? Lavrov immediately recommended that Washington start cooperating with the Syrian authorities. However, the bulk of Syrian refugees are in fact fleeing attacks by al-Assad's military, and the zone will be under the control of the opposition. This means that armed units of anti-al-Assad forces will inevitably start congregating in these zones to rest, recuperate and reorganize. Al-Assad's and Russian forces will certainly be tempted to bomb them. So whoever creates these zones, has to be ready to defend them by establishing an access denial zone. This means the possibility not of cooperation, but of direct confrontation between the Russian and US militaries.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Is Kaliningrad on Its Way to Becoming 'Russia's Crimea?'

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Paul Goble Publication Date 7 February 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 14 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Is Kaliningrad on Its Way to Becoming 'Russia's Crimea?', 7 February 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 14, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d96fa4.html [accessed 6 November 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.

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Ever since Vladimir Putin's Crimean Anschluss, Moscow analysts have occasionally worried that the West might respond by trying to seize the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad in revenge. Russian fears are that the West will exploit Kaliningrad's geographic isolation, unhappiness among its population and even among some of its officials, and the interests of neighboring countries to recover territory that Soviet leader Joseph Stalin took in 1945. Most articles raising this possibility appear to reflect an underlying Russian paranoia and a desire to muddy the waters about what Moscow has done in Crimea (Regnum, December 9, 2015 and December 15, 2016; Finobzor.ru, February 27, 2016; Windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com, December 10, 2015 and February 27, 2016 and December 26, 2016). Alternatively, these commentaries serve as a justification for Russian aggression in the region or as an excuse for the kind of broad crackdown on dissent that President Vladimir Putin has been carrying out across the country.

But three developments in the last week suggest that Moscow may be more worried about the future of Kaliningrad now than ever beforeand have more reason to be. All this has less to do with what any other country wants vis-a-vis the Russian Baltic oblast than with how the people and some officials in that exclave themselves feel.

Firstreflecting Moscow's fears about how the people of Kaliningrad thinkthe oblast authorities there have launched a new and far broader crackdown against any foreign ties or efforts to restore older identities. They have closed the German-Russian House, which had promoted interest in the history of the regionboth from before and after the Soviet Union took it from Germany at the end of World War II. Apparently even that is now too much for the Putin regime to tolerate (Newkaliningrad.ru, January 28, 2017). At the same time, officials in the oblast have threatened all those who want to restore the original name of Konigsberg to the oblast with criminal charges of promoting separatism (Regnum, February 4).

Over time, the people living in the oblast have developed a unique regional identity separate from the Russian ethnos. And they are more likely to have traveled to neighboring European Union countries like Lithuania and Poland than to Russia proper. Consequently, Moscow appears worried that ever more of them are becoming interested in going their own wayperhaps of becoming "the fourth Baltic republic," as some Kaliningrad activists in the 1990s suggestedthan in remaining inside the Russian Federation.

Second, when a Lithuanian parliamentarian suggested that Kaliningrad's status should be changed, Moscow's reaction both officially and in the media was so hyperbolic that Vilnius was forced to declare that it would never raise the issue again (Eadaily.com, January 28; Qha.com.ua, Svpressa.ru, Belaruspartisan.org, Politobzor.net, Rubaltic.ru, January 30; Kasparov.ru, January 31). The extreme Russian reaction far exceeded any of Moscow's previous rebukes of suggestions that some or another part of the Russian Federation should not properly remain within its borders. This implies that the Lithuanian parliamentarian's comments must have hit a nervenot only in the context of worsening bilateral relations because of Lithuania's tough position on Russian aggression in Ukraine, but also with regard to the possibility of a change in the status of Kaliningrad (Konigsberg).

And third, in case there was any doubt about that, Moscow political commentator Grigory Trofimchuk pointedly asked whether "a Ukrainian scenario" directed against Russia was possible in Kaliningrad given that the oblast now seems balanced "between Kaliningrad and Konigsberg" (Regnum, January 31). To raise such issues, even if only to debunk them, points to just how nervous some in Moscow may be or how willing they are to create a provocation to justify more offensive Russian actions against Lithuania and Poland.

The proximate cause of Trofimchuk's comments was the suggestion by Kaliningrad leaders that if Lithuania wants to build a wall along the Lithuanian-Russian border, they would be happy to sell Vilnius the bricks to do so. According to the Moscow commentator, the region is "not a place where such humor is either appropriate or useful, especially after the disintegration of the Soviet Union." Such attitudes toward history and current threats created a real crisis about regional separatism in Kaliningrad in the 1990s which, he says, apparently too many people have forgotten and are acting in ways that will reignite it.

That is something Putin understands, even if regional officials and some others do not. At the start of his presidency, the Kremlin leader moved against any separatist challenges around the country, including those in Kaliningrad, Trofimchuk says. And since 2014, Putin has recognized the need to do so again: "many opponents of Moscow have begun to look at Kaliningrad as a natural compensation for European territorial losses and a form of 'compensation' for the inclusion of Crimea into the Russian Federation," Trofimchuk writes (Regnum, January 31).

Jokes about providing bricks for some new wall are one thing, but there is something more serious afoot, he argued. In their rushing after popularity at home and in Europe, Kaliningrad officials have not only restored many German-era buildings but brought back German toponyms in their daily work. In particular, the Regnum commentator points out, there has been "the reanimation of the word 'Danzig' [the Polish port city of Gdansk] on maps of the regional administration, which the world practically had not heard since pre-war times [preWorld War II]," when Adolf Hitler demanded a "Polish corridor" for Nazi Germany and then moved to invade Poland.

Kaliningrad officials should not play at foreign policy: they do not know enough and it is not part of their job description, Trofimchuk asserts. According to the Regnum author, the authorities of the Russian Baltic exclave must bring in Moscow experts to advise them on such things because otherwise, they will openintentionally or nota Pandora's box, out of which all kinds of evils will come.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Gerasimov Revamps Russian Military Hard Power, Based on Syria Lessons

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Roger McDermott Publication Date 7 February 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 14 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Gerasimov Revamps Russian Military Hard Power, Based on Syria Lessons, 7 February 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 14, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d994a4.html [accessed 6 November 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.

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While the reputation and prestige of Russia's Armed Forces was damaged abroad by its involvement in Ukraine, the intervention in Syria has been reaping dividends both at home and abroad. The General Staff attaches greater importance to learning lessons based on the Syria conflict than its performance in Donbas (eastern Ukraine). Recent statements by the top brass as well as the promotion of the Russian commander of operations in Syria point to the overall utility of this conflict in Russia's force development. It is less clear as to what the lessons are for Moscow and how these may be applied to Russian military strategy in the future (Krasnaya Zvezda, February 5).

From the outset of Russia's first foreign military intervention beyond the former Soviet Union since Afghanistan (19791989), the country's media has transitioned from speculation concerning the risks of conflict escalation and possible embroilment on the ground to a recognition that the Kremlin's relatively low-key intervention has avoided such traps (Ekspert, RIA Novosti, accessed, February 7). Moscow has used force at a minimal level to influence the politics of the conflict much more than the war. Across the Russian media there is widespread praise for the role of the country's Armed Forces since the intervention began in the fall of 2015, but little attention to anything that went wrong (RIA Novosti, accessed, February 7).

Judging by such news coverage, the Russian campaign in Syria is well used to praise, implying the General Staff is left only with the challenge of incorporating some of this into future military planning while excluding a lessons-learned approach. The ongoing nature of the operation renders a full assessment premature at best. Nonetheless, it certainly is difficult to ascertain what may have gone wrong and how the General Staff could remedy such issues. According to the chief of the General Staff, Army-General Valery Gerasimov, the Syria conflict is simply way beyond Russia's experience of conflict in terms of magnitude and importance. As such, Gerasimov suggests that the officer promotion policy should now prioritize officers with combat experience from operations in Syria (Krasnaya Zvezda, February 5).

Gerasimov based this on the assertion that real officers are "born in combat," rather than trained and educated, which he sees as a path to produce only competent administrators. He also assesses the experience in Syria as "priceless" for the Russian military. Gerasimov notes the high priority during the campaign for the Aerospace Forces (Vozdushno Kosmicheskikh SilVKS), but also states that other branches and arms of service gained invaluable experience. Gerasimov notes, "We need real military leaders in every sphere of the armed struggle." This also, therefore, relates to ground forces commanders as well as the VKS and other services operating in Syria, including the special forces. The purpose is to foster initiative among strong-minded and energetic commanders who will be better equipped to secure future objectives in conflict. It seems this experience was narrower and less useful in Donbas, at least in Gerasimov's estimation (Gazeta.ru, February 4). Gerasimov also highly esteems the role of Russian military advisors working closely with the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), though sometimes compelled to step into combat roles due to the degradation of the SAA. Underscoring these views, in September 2016, the commander of the Russian operation in Syria, Colonel-General Aleksandr Dvornikov, was appointed to command the Southern Military District (Izvestia, September 20, 2016; see EDM, July 26, 2016).

An analysis of the Russian military's performance in Syria, published last year by the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, Siriyskiy Rubezh, outlined among a number of themes the operational achievements of the campaign to the summer of 2016. The same book, however, also stresses the highly impressive logistical achievement by Russian combat-service support in moving supplies across great distances through air and sea lines of supply. Its summary of the operational success in Syria suggests it should be seen as an unprecedented performance by the VKS: as of July 2016, the VKS had sustained only one operational loss, the Su-24M shot down by the Turkish Air Force. And among three helicopter losses, only one resulted from combat. The campaign in Syria offered the VKS an opportunity to test new systems and tactics. Moreover, the air campaign had interdicted rebel and terrorist supply lines, inflicted high levels of damage on enemy forces, and arguably prevented the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. It also promotes the idea that since the VKS gained significantly more operational experience in Syria compared to air operations in the August 2008 Russia-Georgia War, the Syrian experience will be used exponentially in the development of the Russian Armed Forces. The work reflects the sine quo non of Russia's role in the conflict as affording a testing ground for the Russian military, but offers no clear insight as to the purpose or unifying trends of what the testing was about.

Of course, such assessments risk ignoring the simple fact that the operation and, indeed, the civil war in Syria is not yet over. Much remains at stake in deciding the conflict, handling the ensuing peace, and trying to cobble together a working arrangement between the interested parties. Some Russian Middle East specialists see parallels with Moscow's experience of the Civil War in Tajikistan in the 1990s, with the need to pacify or stem a flow of militants toward Russia's borders followed by declining interest in the years afterward. How the Russian military handles the remainder of its conflict involvement may prove just as important as how it entered in the first place and conducted its various divergent missions (Voyenno Promyshlennyy Kuryer, January 31, 2017; Utro.ru, December 21, 2016).

Syria is now being put forward as the cornerstone for future Russian officer promotion, presumably to capture some of these lessons and instil higher standards in a new generation of officers. The defense ministry boasts that 95 percent of all officer posts are now filled as well as commanding more attention to incoming officers on the part of their superiors (Krasnaya Zvezda, February 5).

Although Gerasimov confirmed the importance of the Syria campaign for Russia's military development as an experience above recent conflicts, he also had something unusual to say: Returning to his theme expressed in 2013 considering the ratio between soft and hard power in modern warfare as "4:1," Gerasimov recently told the General Staff Academy that hard power is no less valuable (Krasnaya Zvezda, February 5). Perhaps this is the fundamental lesson for the top brass.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
France: What Lies in Store for Returning Militants?

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Alexander Sehmer Publication Date 27 January 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, France: What Lies in Store for Returning Militants?, 27 January 2017, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 2, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d9b7d4.html [accessed 6 November 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.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

French authorities have detained one of the county's most high-profile Islamists who, after reportedly growing disillusioned with Islamic State (IS), left Syria, turning himself over to Turkish authorities.

Kevin Guiavarch was placed on the United Nations' sanctions list of individuals connected to IS and al-Qaeda in September 2014 and was the subject of an Interpol red notice. The 23-year-old moved to Syria in 2012, initially joining what was then the al-Nusra Front (now Jabhat Fateh al-Sham) before turning to IS. The French allege he recruited foreign fighters for the group online and believe that he was directly involved with the group's financing (France 24, November 1, 2016).

Guiavarch has variously claimed to be reformed or to have grown fearful of dying in Syria (Aranews, January 23). After contacting the French authorities, he turned himself over to the Turkish police in June last year, along with his four wives and six children, three of which were born in Syria (Le Monde, November 20, 2016). While his family was moved back home shortly after, Guiavarch spent nearly seven months in jail in Turkey before being extradited to France, where he now faces terrorism charges (RFI, January 21).

A former church choirboy raised by a single mother, Guiavarch is one of a number of fairly colorful French alleged jihadist recruiters. His peers include militants like Omar Diaby, a Senegalese immigrant living in Nice, who after moving to Syria faked his own death in order to undergo surgery  afterward, he contacted the French media to announce he was still alive (France 24, June 1, 2016).

Of the foreign fighters who travel from Europe to Syria, a high proportion comes from France. By the close of 2015, the French government estimated a total of about 1,800 fighters had traveled to Syria from France, compared to about 760 from the United Kingdom.

Since then, the trend has started to reduce. As well as security measures, heightened since the Paris attacks of 2015, the French government has employed various deradicalization strategies, including the use of short interactive films available online that show individuals battling with the temptations of radicalization (RFI, November, 18, 2016). Such "soft" techniques should not be too easily dismissed, particularly in Europe, where the data suggests those tempted to join IS are often tech-savvy young people with no real experience in the hardships of violent jihad.

Now in French custody, Guiavarch is doubtless being debriefed by the authorities and should be able to provide some useful insight into IS' structure and finances. The return of foreign fighters is often couched in terms of the potential security threat they pose to their home state; but assuming Guiavarch's reasons for returning are as he claims, he could perhaps prove a useful tool for deradicalization efforts as well.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
HOUSTON, Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) today announced that it will webcast its presentation from the 2017 CAGNY Conference at 5:30 pm (Eastern), Tuesday, February 21. Bill DeLaney, chief executive officer, Tom Bene, president and chief operating officer, and Joel Grade, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will participate in the event.



The live webcast and the slide presentation for the event can both be accessed at investors.sysco.com. An archived replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the live event is completed.

For purposes of public disclosure, Sysco plans to use the investor relations portion of its website as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. As a result, a live webcast of the call, a copy of this press release and a slide presentation, will be available online at investors.sysco.com. We encourage investors to consult that section of our website, or our investor relations app, regularly for important information about us.



About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. The company operates distribution facilities across a broad geographic presence serving approximately 425,000 customers. For Fiscal Year 2016 that ended July 2, 2016, the company generated sales of more than $50 billion. Subsequent to fiscal year 2016 the company completed the acquisition of the Brakes Group, a leading European foodservice distributor with operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Sweden, Spain, Belgium and Luxembourg.

For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoCorporation or Twitter at www.twitter.com/Sysco. For important news regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations portion of the company's Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, follow us at www.twitter.com/SyscoStock and download the new Sysco IR App, available on the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Market. In addition, investors should also continue to review our news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.
Libya: Haftar's Star on the Rise

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Alexander Sehmer Publication Date 27 January 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Libya: Haftar's Star on the Rise, 27 January 2017, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 2, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d9eae4.html [accessed 6 November 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.

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Libyan fighters loyal to General Khalifa Haftar have recaptured the Ganfouda district of Benghazi, in Libya's east, finally securing an Islamist stronghold that had resisted the general's forces for nearly two years (Libya Herald, 25 January). The move is a victory for Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), but also strengthens concerns about the general's wider ambitions.

Some believe he has set his sights on Tripoli, and those fears are not without foundation. Already backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, the anti-Islamist general has seen increasing support from Russia. Earlier in the month, Haftar toured a Russian aircraft carrier off the Libyan coast and spoke to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu by video link (Libya Observer, January 11).

It was reported last year that the general had approached Moscow via Libya's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abdel al-Badri, requesting military support (Moscow Times, September 28, 2016). Some say Russia has since agreed to use Algeria to skirt a United Nations arms embargo on Libya (Middle East Eye, January 25). Algeria, however, has maintained a longstanding policy of non-interference (see Terrorism Monitor, December 1, 2016). And both Russia and Haftar have denied any contravention of UN sanctions (New Arab, January 19).

Western diplomats, officially at least, are less enamored of Haftar, who opposes Libya's UN-backed government of national accord (GNA) in Tripoli. According to certain indications, however, this view is changing. Some think the new U.S. administration will want to back Haftar, although others suspect it will grow less interested in the Libyan conflict.

Europe, on the other hand, can ill afford to disengage. With migrants continuing to travel through Libya, events there are of particular concern to Europe and have left many contemplating whether there might not be a benefit to having a strongman in place, with Haftar the obvious choice.

Weary of this, the GNA has tried to play up its own successes in Libya and offered the prospect of reopening the oil sector to foreign investment (Libyan Express, January 25). At a conference held in London this week, Ahmed Maetig, the deputy chairman of Libya's Presidency Council, asserted that an area of the country spanning from Libya's western border to Sirte  which government-allied forces recently liberated from Islamic State (IS)  is now "secure, with no obstacles or clashes whatsoever"(Libya Herald, January 26).

The implication is that such a claim cannot be made about the east, where Haftar's anti-Islamist campaign continues. The LNA took a back seat during the liberation of Sirte, and has come under criticism from the GNA-allied forces, which say he has allowed IS militants to flee Benghazi and regroup in Bani Walid (Libya Observer, January 7).

Haftar still has work to do then; but his star, at least for now, is on the rise.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Italy in Wait-and-See Mode Over Russia's Maneuvering in Libya

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Emanuele Scimia Publication Date 1 February 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 11 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Italy in Wait-and-See Mode Over Russia's Maneuvering in Libya, 1 February 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 11, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589d9f8a4.html [accessed 6 November 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.

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Russia's increased engagement in the Libyan civil war, in particular the "attention" that the Kremlin is paying to Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, one of the conflict's major actors since the ousting of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011, has not gone unnoticed by the Italian government (Repubblica, January 17). Part of the Western-led military coalition that toppled Qaddafi, Italy remains a key stakeholder in the efforts to solve the current political and humanitarian crisis afflicting the North African country. At the same time, Rome has always championed Moscow's participation in the Libyan peace process, which is complicated by the presence in the country of many armed formations, including terrorist groups affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) or al-Qaeda (see EDM, December 17, 2015). Russia's apparent support of the Libyan field marshal poses a strategic problem for the Italian government, however: Rome is in fact the main sponsor of the internationally recognized and Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), a rival to Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA).

Once close to Qaddafi, Haftar later became an opponent of the late Libyan strongman. He is now the best-positioned player in Libya, controlling the eastern region of Cyrenaicawhere the majority of the country's oil reserves are concentrated. He has allied with the Tobruk-based House of Representatives Parliament, led by Fayez al-Sarraj, which has never accepted the authority of the GNA.

Though supported by the United Nations, the GNA is currently in a bind, pressed by Haftar and other rebel groupsparticularly a self-styled, Islamist-leaning cabinet that still has a partial hold on Tripoli and its surroundings.

On January 22, Viktor Ozerov, the chairman of the Russian Upper House Defense Committee, dismissed reports that Moscow would provide defense support to Haftar in return for military bases or docking and landing rights in Cyrenaica (Sputnik News, January 22). According to some reporting, Haftarwho has, in fact, met with Russian leaders in Moscow last yearsigned the related deal during a visit to the Russian Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier off the Libyan coast on January 11 (Libyan Express, January 16). The Kremlin's flattop was on its way home from Syria, where it took part in operations to prop up the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, Moscow's longtime ally in the Middle East. In return, Haftar allegedly obtained a Russian commitment to lifting the UN arms embargo on Libya. But this appears to be a remote possibility at this juncture. Therefore, news reports that Haftar could receive Russian armored vehicles, ammunition and surveillance equipment through a triangulation with Algeria should be taken with a grain of salt (Middle East Eye, January 30).

Like Algeria's military, Haftar's forces are almost entirely equipped with Russian-made or Soviet-era weapons, but the Algerian channel cannot be legally used to bypass the UN restrictions on (lethal) arms sales and transfer to the Libyan armed factions. Only the GNA can be provided with weapons and defense-related systems. If Algiers and Moscow really want to arm Haftar's LNA, they would need to resort to covert supply.

Russia could be interested in a strategic foothold in North Africa, expanding its Mediterranean projection, which already received a boost from the direct intervention in the Syrian crisis. Ahead of Qaddafi's toppling, the Kremlin had relevant military and energy ties with Libya, so it could be keen to regain ground there. In this drive, it can team up with Egypt, Haftar's first backer, along with France and the United Arab Emirates.

Moscow's cozying up to Haftar runs the risk of blowing up Italy's plans for Libya. The Libyan territory is exploited by traffickers to smuggle African and Middle Eastern migrants into southern Italy. Rome is struggling to stop human trafficking from Libyan shores, amid growing concerns that Islamist militants can mingle with the refugees. To block the flow of migrants to the Italian peninsula, Italy has thrown its weight behind the GNA, a choice that has irked Haftar and his allies, who now accuse Rome of meddling in Libya's domestic affairs and carrying out a neo-colonial agenda in their country (Corriere della Sera, January 2).

Italy has so far been cautious about Russia's courting of Haftar. Despite the strained relations between the European Union and the Kremlin after the latter's annexation of Crimea and armed backing of rebel forces in eastern Ukraine, Italy has always sought good relations with Russia, a strong economic partner of many Italian industries and an important energy supplier for the country. In this sense, the decision by Italy's state-owned energy producer ENI to sell to RosneftRussia's biggest oil companya 30 percent stake in the Zohr supergiant gas field off the coast of Egypt is a gift to Moscow, particularly considering its budding Mediterranean ambitions as it reinforces its already close ties with Cairo. Doubts persist about whether ENI and the Italian government coordinated over the sale to Rosneft; indeed, ENI often follows a pure business logic, even when it is at times at odds with the government's line (La Stampa, December 13, 2016).

The Italian leadership is probably in a wait-and-see mode. It now has to decode Russia's intentions, namely if Moscow intends to go all in with Haftar or foster a pacification between the Libyan field marshal and the GNA. Rome's approach to the issue will also be influenced by the Donald Trump administration's policy toward the Kremlin. In line with the rhetoric of the United States' new President, Italy believes that Russia could be a valuable asset against IS, al-Qaeda and other Salafist terrorist outfitsalthough not to the extent of accepting Russian military installations near its southern border.

Many Russian pundits believe that Moscow will not be dragged into the Libyan quagmire, however. In their view, Libya is not as important in strategic terms as Syria, where Moscow rushed to protect its naval facility in the Mediterranean port of Tartus (Rbth.com, January 26). Furthermore, there are too many erratic actors on the ground; none of them currently have enough strength to overcome the others, and Haftar is no exception.

That said, Egypt recently revealed that a meeting in Cairo between Haftar and al-Sarraj is being prepared (Ansa, January 28). Thus, the Egyptian government is working on a compromise among the principal warring parties, and Russia could have a stake in this process. This prospect ultimately plays into Italian hands, provided that Rome manages to maintain a role in the future Libyan events, notably to tackle Europe-bound human trafficking and terrorist threats, as well as secure stable oil and gas supplies.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Russia Introduces a Border Zone With Belarus

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Yauheni Preiherman Publication Date 6 February 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 13 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Russia Introduces a Border Zone With Belarus, 6 February 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 13, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589da1764.html [accessed 6 November 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.

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On February 1, Russian and then Belarusian media reported some unexpected news: Moscow decided to set up a border zone between its Smolensk, Bryansk and Pskov regions and Belarus (RIA Novosti, February 1). The decision was met with an immediate negative reaction in Minsk, where officials and some commentators expressed concerns that Russia might be readying to restore the formal border between the two states, which was scrapped in 1995. The move was the latest problematic development in Belarus-Russia relations, which have been on a downward spiral for more than a year now (see EDM, January 18, 20, 31).

The Russian decrees on border zones (one for each of the three regions bordering Belarus) were signed by the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Aleksander Bortnikov, on December 29, 2016, and will enter into force on February 7, 2017 (Pravo.gov.ru, January 27). They require that local FSB branches establish entry points and times for individuals and vehicles wishing to enter the border zones as well as to set up special road signs. A border zone is defined as a territory adjacent to an interstate border (on average, about 30 km inside a country's territory) which has a specific entrance and movement regime (Gpk.gov.by, accessed February 6).

Immediate explanations for why Moscow needed to set up such a border zone with its closest ally were mixed, but the overriding argument contended that Russia had to protect itself from threats originating potentially from Belarusian territory. In particular, Russia's ambassador to Belarus, Aleksander Surikov, insisted the decision is a preventive measure targeting nationals of third countries and will not affect Belarusian and Russian citizens (RBC, February 2). More specifically, he referred to the recent decision by Belarus to introduce a visa-free regime for nationals of 80 countries, including the United States and member states of the European Union (see EDM, January 18). In his words, Russia is wary of possible repercussions, e.g. foreigners without Russian visas entering the country from Belarusian territory. As the host of a talk show on Russian Channel One put it later, what if Barack Obama sneaks into Russia using this loophole (1tv.ru, February 2)?

The problem with this argument is that the Belarusian president signed the decree introducing the visa-free regime only on January 9, whereas the Russian decision to establish the border zone was formalized on December 29, 2016. Of course, the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed the Russian side about the plans in advance, but it looks like the border zone came about as a sign of Moscow's overall dissatisfaction with some aspects of its relations with Minsk in recent years. During the aired "Big Conversation with the President" on February 3, which lasted for 7 hours and 20 minutes, Alyaksandr Lukashenka called Russia's decision a "purely political move" (Belta, February 3). According to him, some people in Russia are displeased that Belarus took the decision about introducing the visa-free regime on its own, without asking for Moscow's permission (YouTube, February 3). While others became too worried that Minsk is turning toward the West.

A day after the border zone issue went viral, the Belarusian foreign ministry also made a tough statement. While asking not to dramatize the situation, its spokeswoman, Maryna Vanshyna, emphasized two important aspects (Mfa.gov.by, February 2). Firstly, Russia ignored all existing agreements by making its decision without advance warning to the Belarusian side. Moreover, Vanshyna underlined that this was not for the first time Moscow had taken a similar decision on cross-border movement. She reminded that a similar situation had unfolded at the beginning of 2016, when Russia had restricted the entrance of third-country nationals from Belarusian territory. Secondly, many in Belarus, in her words, interpreted the FSB decision as a step toward fully restoring border controls between the two countries. President Lukashenka went into even more detail on this. He expressed particular concern over the fact that the Russian decrees named specific geographic coordinates and asked whether this meant that those border areas would be the first to undergo renewed delineation and demarcation (Naviny.by, February 3). If this is the case, he said, it could easily lead to a serious territorial conflict, and, therefore, the Russians are, in his view, unlikely to make such steps.

An interesting detail needs to be mentioned in this context. In September 2014, Lukashenka signed a decree that established a border territory adjacent to Belarus's frontier with Russia (Pravo.by, September 4, 2014). Therefore, some commentators quickly dismissed any suspicions regarding the recent FSB decision referring to the Belarusian case (Sputnik.by, February 2). However, according to the spokesman of the State Border Committee of Belarus Anton Bychkouski, there is a difference between the two terms"border zone" and "border territory" (BelaPAN, February 2). The latter, in his words, is a wider definition, which introduces a legal framework for the work of border guards but does not imply a border regime. Regardless, even if the 2014 decree was a contingency move, no Belarusian border guards have been stationed on the frontier with Russia ever since.

What happens next on the Russian side of the border will most certainly depend on upcoming developments in the bilateral relations. On the one hand, the prospects look worrying. Lukashenka's latest statements provoked mainly negative reactions in Russia's political circles, and Moscow introduced yet another ban on agricultural (beef) imports from Belarus (Kommersant, February 3). It also seems that a low-intensity anti-Belarusian campaign has been launched in the Russian media. On the other hand, however, the Belarusian authorities will do their best to make sure that the ongoing conflicts do not escalate into a full-scale confrontation. Lukashenka emphasized several times during the "Big Conversation" that under no circumstances will Belarus follow in Ukraine's footsteps and become anti-Russian (Nn.by, February 3). He also ridiculed all discussions about the possibility that Russia's troops taking part in the Zapad 2017 military exercises this fall would occupy Belarus (BelaPAN, February 3).

The already complicated relations between Minsk and Moscow are growing ever more convoluted. It is, therefore, particularly important for observers to prevent their analysis from being driven by hot media headlines and unprofessional and poorly sourced blogging, which tries to sell such headlines as serious research.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Moscow Maneuvering to Become Supreme Arbiter in Syria

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Pavel Felgenhauer Publication Date 26 January 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 8 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Moscow Maneuvering to Become Supreme Arbiter in Syria, 26 January 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 8, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589da4a04.html [accessed 6 November 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.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Last month (December 2016), the eastern half of Syria's prewar most-populated city, Aleppo, held by opposition fighters since 2012, fell under a relentless assault from joint Iranian, Russian and pro-government Syrian forces The Syrian opposition fighters, together with some of the civilian population, were allowed to withdraw from Aleppo to the nearby opposition-held province of Idlib after their defenses were crushed and resistance became senseless. Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian-led Shia militias did not seem happy with the opposition's withdrawal from Aleppo, but Moscow insisted on a free passage. A reinforced battalion of Russian military police (MP) consisting of Sunni Muslim soldiersmostly former Chechen separatist fighters who now serve under the Russian flagwith some additional personnel coming from other Sunni Muslim regions of Russia were deployed in Syria (see EDM, December 8, 2016). According to Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, today these Chechen Muslim MPs "defend Aleppo" (Instagram.com, January 24).

After Aleppo's fall, the future of the Syrian opposition forces looked bleak. It seemed reasonable to expect the joint pro-al-Assad forces would keep up the momentum and push further to uproot the Syrian opposition from their last major positions: the city of Idlib, the surrounding province as well as opposition-held suburbs of Damascus. But Moscow apparently had other plans. At the end of December, Russia and Turkey agreed on a ceasefire and peace talks between the Syrian government and the armed opposition, in Kazakhstan's capital of Astana (Anadolu, December 28, 2016). The ceasefire, though shaky, has been holding. The peace talks in Astana proceeded as planned this week under the auspices of Russia, Turkey and Iran. No breakthroughs came out of the latest Astana meeting, but there has been no outright collapse of the talks either. All sides have agreed to maintain the ceasefire and continue a dialogue through intermediaries, which allowed Russia to claim overall success (RIA Novosti, January 24).

The opposition forces were represented in Astana not by the political representatives of the revolutionary anti-al-Assad forces, but by a delegation of field commanders led by Mohammed Alloush, the leader of Jaysh al-Islama coalition of Islamist and Salafist units primarily operating in the Damascus area, in the city of Douma and Eastern Ghouta. Other large opposition armed groups were absent, in particular Ahrar al-Sham, a dominant force in Idlib, in the north of Syria. With only a fraction of opposition fighters present, there was no practical reason to expect any fundamental breakthrough in Astana. Arab states that support the anti-al-Assad opposition were also not represented. Russia and Turkey extended an invitation to the new administration of President Donald Trump, while Iran resisted any presence of officials from the United States. In the end, the US sent as an "observer" its ambassador to Astana, George Krol, apparently to play to role of a fly on the wall. Foreign observers and diplomats accredited in Astana, together with the press, roamed the lobby of the Rixos Hotel (the venue for the Astana talks), evidently baffled as to Moscow's true aims in organizing the meeting. A vague communique was issued after two days of talks. The Syrian opposition and government teams had refused to talk face to face and were present together only at the opening plenary session. The United Nations' Syria mediator, Staffan de Mistura, announced he intends to reconvene peace talks, in Geneva, on February 8, apparently involving the political wing of the Syrian opposition but without any guarantee these talks may achieve any success. Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed to jointly monitor the ceasefire, while the opposition delegation accused Iran of interference in the Syrian war. At the same time, the al-Assad government delegation accused Turkey of supporting "terrorists" (RBC, January 24).

On its face, Astana looks like one more still-born attempt at reaching an overall Syrian settlement; but Russia's true objectives for the meeting may have been quite different. The military success of the Aleppo offensive demonstrated the futility of opposing Russian firepower in the open or entrenched within a large city. Now, Russia is offering the Syrian opposition (Islamists and Salafists included) a deal: To die fighting or sign up as de facto collaborators. This seems to be working at least with Jaysh al-Islam and other smaller groups that were represented in Astana. Jaysh al-Islam's leader, Alloush, announced his desire to continue talks with Moscow and expressed hope that the Russians could curtail the activities of Iran and the Iranian-sponsored Hezbollah (RBC, January 24).

In Idlib and the north of Syria, Ahrar al-Sham and other opposition groups have apparent backing from Turkey. But in and around Damascus, the opposition, including Jaysh al-Islam, is effectively surrounded. An Aleppo-style siege of Eastern Ghouta with full Russian support would surely end in the opposition's defeat. However, at present, Moscow seems to have other plans and Alloush was granted some positive coverage on Russian state TV. The head of the Russian delegation in Astana, Alexander Lavrentyev, told reporters, "Both sides are violating the ceasefire in Syria, but al-Assad's pro-government forces do it more often because of provocations organized by al-Nusra [al-Nusra Front, a radical Islamist militant group in Syria recently renamed Jabhat Fateh al-Sham]." Lavrentyev announced that Moscow will be focusing on pacifying Eastern Ghouta and Wadi Barada in the Damascus region, "though it cannot be said that Eastern Ghouta is fully controlled by the moderate opposition" (Militarynews.ru, January 24).

Accusing al-Assad forces of violating the ceasefire is a change of tone; and previously, the Russian military denied the very existence of a "moderate Syrian opposition." According to Lavrentyev, Russian military representatives held separate direct talks with the Syrian opposition delegation in Astana, which "lasted through the night." The two sides agreed on maps of delimitation of the opposition with internationally designated terrorists from Jabhat Fateh al-Sham and the Islamic State (Militarynews.ru, January 24). The Russian military continues to carpet-bomb the Islamic State and other designated evildoers in Syria, despite the ceasefire, while offering a place and a political future to the opposition that is willing to sign deals and eventually turn coat like the Chechen "kadyrovtsy" (see above). The secret direct military talks with the opposition delegation in Astana could have been the main reason the meeting was organized. Moscow seems to be trying to somewhat distance itself from al-Assad and his Iranian sponsors. At the same time, Moscow is seemingly attempting to build closer ties with Sunnis in Syria and possibly throughout the Middle East as a basis for Russia's long-term future dominance in the region.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Armenia-Iran Versus Azerbaijan-Israel: Where Is Russia?

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Rahim Rahimov Publication Date 30 January 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 9 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Armenia-Iran Versus Azerbaijan-Israel: Where Is Russia?, 30 January 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 9, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589da5774.html [accessed 6 November 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.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The South Caucasus region has been undergoing a new polarization, with Armenia and Iran increasingly facing off together against Azerbaijan and Israel. Last December's visits by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Baku and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Yerevan are indicative of this trend. But where is Russia in all of this? What are the implications of this polarization for Moscow?

First, Israel is becoming a serious competitor to Russia in arms sales to Azerbaijan, undermining Moscow's near monopoly when it comes to selling weapons to both Baku and Yerevan. Azerbaijan has imported 85 percent of its arms from Russia, according to last year's report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. And Russia remains essentially Armenia's exclusive weapons supplier (see EDM, November 3, 2016). That said, since having been initiated several years ago, Azerbaijan's deals with Israel in the defense industry amount to a total of $4.85 billion (President.az, December 13, 2016). These sophisticated Israeli arms imports may push Armenia to seek alternatives to Russian-made arms. For now, however, Armenia's financial and economic abilities are too limited for this option.

Israel's weapons sales to Azerbaijan undermine the Kremlin's interest in maintaining a balance of power between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Russia is a strategic ally of Armenia and a strategic partner of Azerbaijan, and it supplies arms to both sides. Last year, following the outbreak of the Armenian-Azerbaijani "four day war," Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev stated that Moscow wants to preserve the military balance between the conflicting parties and would continue to supply arms to both. He also opposed arms supplies from other countries to Armenia and Azerbaijan, saying "it would make the situation more complicated" (Rossiya 1, April 9, 2016).

Perhaps it is not accidental that an official delegation led by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitriy Rogozin, who is in charge of arms sales, traveled to Baku a few days after Netanyahu's visit (President.az, December 16, 2016). Just a day after Rogozin's and a few days after Netanyahu's visit, Azerbaijani Minister of Defense Industry Yaver Jamalov announced that an agreement had been reached to buy the missile defense system Iron Dome from Israel (Contact.az, December 19, 2016).

Some sources have erroneously suggested that the Iron Dome deal was Baku's response to Russia-made Iskander tactical ballistic missiles having been demonstrated in a military parade in Yerevan (Eurasianet.org, December 18, 2016). But in fact, the Iron Dome is not designed to intercept a missile like the Iskander. Rather, the Iron Dome air defense system is able to target short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances up to 70 kilometers (Sputniknews.com, December 17, 2016). Moreover, the Azerbaijani army is already equipped with Russian S-300 and Israeli Barak-8 systems, which are capable of countering the high-flying Iskander missiles (Bellingcat, October 20, 2015; Israel Defense, December 25, 2016).

The expensive Iron Dome sale epitomizes Israel's growing role as a potentially serious challenger to Russia's lucrative arms sales to Azerbaijan, whose annual defense budget has fluctuated around $3.4 billion throughout 20112015. This figure for Armenia has hovered around $430 million (Sipri.org, 2016). During this time, Moscow has sought to balance its supply of weapons to Azerbaijan with subsidized arms transfers to Armenia (Russian International Affairs Council, November 30, 2015).

Second, the developing polarization in the South Caucasus increases Iranian influence in Armenia, which seeks to build relations independent of Russia. This may affect Russia's dominant position in Armenia. For landlocked Armenia, whose borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan remain shut due to the Karabakh conflict, Iran is a vital partner for cooperation in the energy sector, as well as trade, tourism and the economy. A week after Netanyahu's trip to Baku, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani paid an official visit to Yerevan. Simultaneously, Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan warned Azerbaijan against providing Israel with access to the region, which is "something Iran will not tolerate" (RT, December 27, 2016).

Tehran and Yerevan have so far engaged mainly in energy deals, as Armenia imports natural gas from Iran in exchange for Iranian electricity. Yet, trade, commerce, tourism and other areas of cooperation are also on the agenda. "Armenia and Iran can complete a transit line connecting the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea. We can connect the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea through roads and railways," the Iranian president stated during his visit to Yerevan (President.ir, December 21, 2016). Although such a transit corridor had long been proposed, with the lifting of international sanctions on Iran following the nuclear deal, Tehran is now in a better position to bring it closer to reality.

Russia fears that Iranas much as the West and Turkeycould undermine Moscow's predominance in the South Caucasus and particularly in Armenia, according to Eduard Abrahamyan, an Armenian analyst (Cacianalyst.org, March 16, 2016). No doubt the corridor from the Gulf to the Black Sea would allow Armenia to reduce its economic dependence on Russia and ease the consequences of Yerevan's relative isolation related to the Karabakh conflict. That would, in turn, increase Iranian influence in Armenia specifically at the expense of Russia, since Moscow is the only crucial outside player with serious sway in Yerevan.

It is difficult to predict how Washington's policy might change under President Donald Trump. But until now at least, the United States government was apparently not opposed to creation of the aforementioned corridor or closer ties between Tehran and Yerevan. The US ambassador to Yerevan, Richard Mills, said that Armenia might even become a "platform" for US-Iranian commercial relations in the future (Azatutyun.am, June 23, 2016). He also said that the United States had long encouraged Armenia "to avoid overdependence on any one party or source," clearly alluding to Russia (Asbarez.com, February 5, 2016).

Having almost completely lost Georgia following the August 2008 war, the Kremlin wants to avoid losing its influence over the rest of the South CaucasusArmenia and Azerbaijan. For more than two decades, the Kremlin has used the Karabakh conflict as an instrument to keep Armenia fully and Azerbaijan partially in its orbit (see EDM, November 4, 2015). But as time passes, the conflict is becoming increasingly tricky for Moscow to manage or manipulate (see EDM, May 18, 2016). Under such complicated circumstances, the Armenia-Iran versus Azerbaijan-Israel polarization crystalizing in the region is a source of Russian concern. Ultimately, it may leave the Kremlin with a dilemma of which side to support, or even more precisely, whom to lose: Armenia or Azerbaijan?

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Terrorist Threat in Georgia Shifts From Exporting Militants to Homegrown and Returning Fighters

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Devi Dumbadze Publication Date 20 January 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Terrorist Threat in Georgia Shifts From Exporting Militants to Homegrown and Returning Fighters, 20 January 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 4, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589da5f04.html [accessed 6 November 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.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Mukhammad Khangoshvili, a 24-year-old inhabitant of the village of Duisi, in Pankisi Gorge, Georgia, was killed, on November 7, 2016, in a bombing of the Islamic State's (IS) positions in the Iraqi city of Mosul (News.ge, November 8, 2016). Khangoshvili previously served as a bodyguard for Tarkhan Batirashvili (a.k.a. Abu Omar al-Shishani), who was the Georgian commander of IS operations in Syria, until the latter was killed last year (1tv.ge, July 14, 2016). Khangoshvili is officially identified as the most recent Georgian citizen to be killed in Syria while fighting for the Islamic State. His cousin, Ramzan Pareulidze, from the village of Birkiani, died there as well, in January 2016 (Factcheck.ge, November 11, 2016).

As of November, the official total number of Georgian citizens killed in Syria in 2016 spiked to 11. In the previous four years, 14 fighters have been reported killed altogether (Factcheck.ge, November 11, 2016). The last annual report by Georgia's State Security Service, released in April 2016, covered a time period only until the end of 2015. It claims that about 50 known citizens of Georgia have departed the country to join terrorist groups abroad (see EDM, April 8, 2016). The Security Service monitored 1,286 persons; 1,014 were denied entry into the country, while 40 were stopped from leaving it (Civil Georgia, retrieved January 16).

Terrorism expert Mamuka Areshidze believes that the number of active Georgian fighters is at least double the official number (Author's interview, January 17, 2017). Areshidze points out that many become radicalized while working or studying at religious centers in Turkey. Thus, their mobility is not always trackable for the Secret Service of Georgia. Local media from Pankisi Gorge reported that up to 100 young men left to fight in Syria during 20112015 from this region alone (ICK.ge, July 6, 2015). Another Georgian source estimates the number at "several hundred fighters" (Resonancedaily.com, March 24, 2016).

Areshidze does state, however, that the count of radicalized Georgian citizens leaving to join foreign terrorist groups continues to decline. Partly, he attributes this to IS's setbacks after the Mosul offensive and the growing number of deaths of Georgian fighters. Together, these factors are discouraging potential new recruits (Author's interview, January 17, 2017). Yet, in some cases, deaths of jihadists are celebrated as righteous martyrdoms, which, conversely, attract new fighters.

Secondly, Areshidze cites a lack of charismatic leaders, stressing that "only one major figure from the region plays a significant role as a field commander: Murad Margoshvili of the Nusra Front (group more recently renamed Jabhat Fateh al-Sham). However, Chechen mercenaries continue to fight in the area of Aleppo in Syria under the command of another Georgian, Peizulla Margoshvili, or Salahaudin Shishani, and a few others (see EDM, December 14, 2016).

According to Areshidze, the third factor contributing to the decline in new Georgian recruits is domestic: namely, an internal split that has developed in the community of Kists, the 10,000-strong Chechen minority of Pankisi. In 2015, a new local imamBekkhan Pareulidze, a 29-year-old student of Islamic Philology at the Saudi King Universitywas elected in the village of Duisi (ICK.ge, July 6, 2015). Duisi's Wahhabist Islamic community under Pareulidze rejected a pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State. Whereas, Imam Aiyup Borchashvili, from the village of Jokholi, which rivals Duisi in regional ideological influence, was arrested for swearing an oath of bayat (allegiance) to the Caliphate. The Kists enjoy a paragon position with regard to radicalizing Muslims from Georgia's other regions of Adjara and Guria.

Official data on the possible decline or rise in numbers of radical fighters and their border crossings in 2016 is missing. The National Security Service has not issued any further reports. A question by this author was not returned (January 16). The US State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security rates the terrorist threat in Georgia itself as "high" (Osac.gov, January 17). Citing the general change in the Islamic State's strategy toward globally dispersed terrorist actswhich aligns with its losses of territory in Syria and Iraqexpert Irakli Maisaia claims that "a well-trained unit of 600700 fighters" was formed by the IS "with the main goal to conduct attacks in Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus," including Georgia (Resonancedaily.com, June 22, 2016).

Areshidze agrees that terrorist attacks on transportation hubs in Georgia cannot be excluded (Author's interview, January 17). Maisaia points to a recent pattern of attacks in the South Caucasus region and Central Asia, including in Dagestan, where 5 soldiers were killed and 20 wounded, as well as Kazakhstan, which suffered 17 victims last June in the city of Aktobe (Resonancedaily.com, June 22, 2016). The terrorist attack in Aktobe disrupted an important transit node of the transcontinental Silk Road network, which also extends to Georgia. Another threat, which Georgia shares with other Western countries, is the return of fighters back to their homeland, where they can blend in to prepare new, decentralized attacks. Areshidze also underlines that this risk of a homegrown type of jihad in Georgia, including by returning fighters, is tangible (Author's interview, January 17).

To date, official information by Georgian security agencies to either confirm or deny such threats is absent. The recent series of terrorist attacks in neighboring Turkey, including the June 2016 Istanbul airport bombing claimed by the Islamic State as well as the killing of the Russian Ambassador and the attack on a night club in December, indicate a new volatility also to the south of Georgia.

The novel threat seems to be the shift from the export of regional terrorists to Syria and Iraq toward a refocusing of terrorist activities in the off-the-battleground areas hitherto considered relatively safe from terrorism by local governments. As the Islamic State, al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups continue to experience setbacks in their "safe havens" in the Middle East, recent attacks in France, Germany, Belgium and the United States have proven that relatively low-cost acts of terrorism in regions of the West with low-level readiness become more attractive. More modest levels of actual involvement in the international fight against terrorism by particular countries do not seem to significantly reduce the risk of attacks. Meanwhile, Georgia continues its contribution to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) counter-terrorism efforts, including the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan (Civil Georgia, January 17), which, if anything, increases such risks.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Election takes place amid growing crackdown on journalists

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 10 February 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Election takes place amid growing crackdown on journalists, 10 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589da8bf4.html [accessed 6 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

A presidential election is due to take place on Sunday (12 February) in Turkmenistan. If, as expected, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is re-elected, he will embark on a third term. Meanwhile, Turkmenistan's remaining independent journalists are being subjected to an unprecedented crackdown.

"As Turkmenistan prepares to host the Asian Olympic Games in September, the world cannot remain indifferent to the contempt that its government displays for its international obligations. We urge the country's foreign partners to press Ashgabat to deliver serious human rights reforms and to uphold the right to freedom of expression."

When Berdimuhamedov succeeded Saparmurad Niyazov in 2007, he tried to portray himself as reformer committed to modernizing his country but human rights are still being trampled underfoot ten years later.

Turkmenistan is already ranked 178th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Persecution of the few independent journalists who are left has intensified steadily during the past two years.

No criticism of the "Protecting Father" (Arkadag) can be made in the media, even though the election campaign is supposed to be in full swing. But this is no surprise because the media are all controlled by the state while the correspondents of internationally-based independent media - such as Radio Azatlyk, Alternative Turkmenistan News, Chronicles of Turkmenistan, Gundogar and Ferghana - have to work clandestinely because they risk imprisonment and torture.

These independent media outlets cannot be accessed by most Turkmenistani citizens, who are confined to a carefully expurgated national Internet. The government is meanwhile continuing its campaign to remove all satellite dishes and thereby deny the population one of the few remaining possibilities of accessing uncontrolled news and information.

Amid growing economic difficulties and security concerns, the authorities embarked on a new crackdown. There is still no news of Radio Azatlyk correspondent Khudayberdy Allashov two months after his arrest on 3 December on the arbitrary charge of possession of large quantities of chewing tobacco, a criminal offence in Turkmenistan.

Saparmamed Nepeskuliev, a reporter for ATN and Radio Azatlyk, has been held for the past 18 months. After being detained in July 2015, he was tried secretly without any access to a lawyer, and was given a three-year jail sentence on a trumped-up charge of drug possession. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has described his imprisonment as arbitrary. The undersigned organisations once again call on the authorities to drop the charges against Allashov and Nepeskuliev and to release them without delay.

Soltan Achilova, was assaulted three times in the space of a few days in November, leaving her traumatised. Another reporter, Rovshen Yazmuhamedov was threatened in November with being made to serve the suspended jail sentence he was given in 2013. Many Radio Azatlyk reporters have been forced to abandon their journalistic activities in the past two years.

Berdimuhamedov is running against eight candidates who are careful not to criticize the government and readily praise the president. Constitutional amendments adopted last September increased presidential terms from five to seven years and scrapped the 70-year age limit for holders of the office.

According to the official result, Berdimuhamedov won the 2012 presidential election with more than 97% of the votes.

Supporting organisations:

Alternative Turkmenistan News (ATN)

Amnesty International

Cotton Campaign

Freedom House
Uzbekistan: Religious literature fines and confiscations continue

Publisher Forum 18 Author Mushfig Bayram Publication Date 10 February 2017 Cite as Forum 18, Uzbekistan: Religious literature fines and confiscations continue, 10 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589dbf514.html [accessed 6 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

A car has been confiscated from a Protestant because he did not pay illegal fines for giving religious books away. The books were approved by the Religious Affairs Committee, which apparently changed its mind so as to fine the Pastor. Raids and fines continue.
Malaysia: Continued persecution of Anwar Ibrahim symbolizes crackdown on human rights

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 10 February 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Malaysia: Continued persecution of Anwar Ibrahim symbolizes crackdown on human rights, 10 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589dc5524.html [accessed 6 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

On the second anniversary of the politically-motivated conviction of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, Amnesty International calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

"The ongoing political persecution of Anwar Ibrahim is symbolic of Malaysia's crackdown on human rights. He has unjustifiably spent the past two years behind bars on trumped-up charges intended to silence him and end his political career," said Josef Benedict, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

At the last elections, the ruling coalition lost the popular vote but managed to cling on to power. Anwar Ibrahim's five-year imprisonment makes it impossible for him to contest the next general elections, due to take place by 2018.

Anwar Ibrahim's conviction was a major blow to human rights as the Malaysian government escalated its attacks on civil society.

Using a slew of draconian, colonial-era laws, the Malaysian government has cracked down on citizens' rights to freedom of expression and assembly, both online and offline. This has included the harassment, intimidation, arrest and prosecution of activists who have called for Anwar Ibrahim's release. The authorities have invoked these laws and national security as a pretext to choke dissent, muzzle government critics, and prevent people from taking part in peaceful protests.

The government of Prime Minister Najib Razak had vowed to repeal Malaysia's Sedition laws but has instead invoked them with even greater frequency.

The famed cartoonist Zunar, who has criticized the conviction and imprisonment of Anwar Ibrahim, faces numerous charges of sedition for tweeting and allegedly insulting Prime Minister Najib Razak and is barred from leaving the country.

In November, Maria Chin Abdullah, the leader of the Bersih movement, was placed in solitary confinement for 11 days after leading a peaceful protest of thousands of people calling for accountability for corruption.

"Every Malaysian has the right to peacefully take part in the affairs of their government, including criticizing people in power. These rights are guaranteed to them by international human rights law," said Josef Benedict.

"The longer Anwar Ibrahim and other prisoners of conscience remain behind bars, the clearer it becomes that the government has no interest in upholding its international human rights obligations and commitments and instead wishes to use its power to silence anyone it disagrees with."

Background

Two years have passed since the Federal Court, the apex court of Malaysia on 10 February 2015 upheld the conviction of Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, de facto leader of the Malaysian opposition and sentenced him to five years' imprisonment.

Anwar Ibrahim has also exhausted the review process legally available for him to challenge this decision and he is continuing to engage the pardons process.

Activists Sim Tze Tzin, Maria Chin Abdullah, Mohd Fariz Abdul Talib Musa, Mandeep Singh, Adam Adli, Zunar as well as Mohd. Fakhrulrazi were all arrested, investigated, charged or convicted under various Sedition laws or Peaceful Assembly laws, for calling for Anwar Ibrahim's release.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Ukraine: Activists 'Disappeared' in Separatist Territory

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 9 February 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Ukraine: Activists 'Disappeared' in Separatist Territory, 9 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589dc5dd4.html [accessed 6 November 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.

 Russian lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activist and another person have been missing since January 31, 2017, in the separatist-controlled area of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, and are feared to be victims of enforced disappearances, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch is concerned that the de facto authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) have detained them and are refusing to acknowledge their detention.

Grey Violet, a Russian transgender person (also known as Oleg Vasilyev and Maria Shtern), and Victoria Miroshnichenko arrived in the DNR on January 31. They had planned to stage a public performance in Donetsk in support of the LGBT community and record it on video.

"It is distressing that no one has been able to find out where Grey Violet and Miroshnichenko are since they arrived in the DNR 10 days ago," said Tanya Cooper, Ukraine researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Their sudden disappearance requires prompt and effective investigation."

One of the activists' friends in Kyiv told Human Rights Watch that Grey Violet was last in contact with her at about 11 a.m. on January 31. Other friends confirmed that it was the last day any of them had heard from Grey Violet and that the activist had stopped answering phone and online messages.

The friends said they received information that Grey Violet and Miroshnichenko were detained shortly after their arrival in the region, presumably by DNR security officials. A Russian media reportmentioned that one of Grey Violet's friends reached out to the DNR authorities to inquire about the activists' whereabouts, but that an assistant to the DNR people's council chairman said that neither the security services nor the police were holding them.

Human Rights Watch has not been able to get information about why the activists may have been detained, or whether they face any charges.

A 2016 report by Anti-Discrimination Center Memorial, a Russian rights group based in Saint Petersburg, says that the situation for the LGBT community in the separatist-held Luhansk and Donetsk regions has drastically deteriorated since the beginning of the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine in 2014. In September 2014, the de facto authorities of the separatist-held Luhansk region said they were considering a death sentence for homosexuality.

Human Rights Watch research found that local security services in both separatist-held regions operate without any adherence to the rule of law, and are not subject to checks and balances. Anyone they detain is fully at their mercy, and the victim's relatives have no one to turn to.

If Grey Violet and Miroshnichenko are in custody, the de facto DNR authorities should immediately reveal their whereabouts, Human Rights Watch said.

"The longer Grey Violet and Miroshnichenko are held without revealing their whereabouts, the more they are vulnerable to abuse," Cooper said. "The de facto DNR authorities should immediately find out where they are and ensure their safety. If there are lawful grounds for holding them, guarantee their due process rights, including unimpeded access to legal counsel of their choice."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
MIAMI, Feb. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edgar Agents, an SEC filing agency, is a proud sponsor of the 23rd Annual SeeThruEquity investor conference in South Beach Miami, FL. Scheduled for February 22, 2017, the event provides a comprehensive curriculum geared towards the microcap space, offering transparent equity research for investors and industry professionals. The firms one-day event elaborates on industry trends and strategies in 30-minute presentations and one-on-one meetings.



Edgar Agents is honored to be a part of this experience. SeeThruEquitys annual investor conference is always informative and eye-opening for industry professionals and a great event for networking. We are excited to be involved in this years event, says Edgar Agents President Steve Yakubov.

Held at the luxurious W Hotel, the SeeThruEquity investor conference will focus on underfollowed smallcap and microcap equities. Known for its unbiased and quality equity research in a plethora of investor conferences, SeeThruEquity affairs are often the most sought-after events for publicly traded companies with less than $1 billion market capitalizations.

About Edgar Agents, LLC:

Edgar Agents, LLC provides SEC financial filing and printing services for traded companies worldwide. This agency keeps abreast of the latest SEC mandates to ensure company filings are compliant with US regulations, such as IPO and Regulation A+ requirements. With 18 years experience filing annual 10Ks, quarterly 10Qs, 8Ks, Registration Statements, Section 16 filings, and now Regulation A+ and IPO financial printing, Edgar Agents is prestigiously recognized as one of the pioneers in financial filings and printing services among attorneys, CPAs and investors. The companys flat rate pricing, 24-hour service, including holidays, is one of the many features that have set the company apart for almost two decades.

About SeeThruEquity:

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ICRC warns of deteriorating humanitarian situation amid intensifying hostilities in eastern Ukraine

Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 2 February 2017 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), ICRC warns of deteriorating humanitarian situation amid intensifying hostilities in eastern Ukraine, 2 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589dcdb14.html [accessed 6 November 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.

With tens of thousands of people living by the line of contact in eastern Ukraine caught in a spike in the hostilities since Sunday, the ICRC is warning of the toll that the fighting is having on civilians and on the functioning of essential services, resulting in electricity, water and heating cuts amid freezing temperatures.

"We are very concerned at the impact on civilians triggered by this escalation in fighting," said Alain Aeschlimann, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ukraine. "Several vital installations, including electricity and water lines, have been targeted, with potentially tremendous humanitarian consequences for hundreds of thousands of people on each side of the front line."

The fighting has been most severe around the town of Avdiivka, but other areas have also been affected, with casualties and destruction reported in many other areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

The ICRC is working on both sides of the front line and supporting the efforts of the local authorities to provide aid and address the most urgent needs.

"The main priority is to restore power and repair the damaged water line," explained Mr Aeschliman. Along with a number of other organizations, the ICRC asked for a reinforced ceasefire to enable repair teams to fix the damaged electricity lines. The ICRC is now working to provide fuel for generators.

ICRC teams were in Avdiivka yesterday and the day before to deliver blankets, candles, torches, mattresses as well as plastic sheeting and tarpaulins.

On the other side of the front line, 18,000 litres of bottled drinking water as well as blankets are now being delivered to Donetsk city for people who have been newly displaced and those living in areas cut off from the water supply.

Electric heaters were also provided for families with children in multi-storey buildings in districts of Donetsk city that were left without heating.

ICRC teams have also delivered basic construction material such as wood and plastic sheeting to enable people to carry out urgent repairs to buildings in affected districts of Donetsk.

The organization's health teams have also donated medical supplies for the treatment of wounded people in Pokrovsk, Konstantinovka, Donetsk and Makeevka, to complement its regular support which was distributed to medical facilities at the end of December. The ICRC noted with concern that an ambulance was hit and a shell recently landed in the grounds of a hospital.

International humanitarian law dictates that objects essential to the survival of the civilian population, like water and electricity installations, must be spared. The use of explosive weapons with wide impact area should also be avoided in populated areas.

"We call on all those concerned to make sure these rules are respected, that civilians and medical staff and facilities are protected, and not put at risk while hostilities continue," said Mr Aeschlimann.

"The conflict in Donbass is about much more than politics and numbers," he added. "It is affecting densely populated areas, where many people live. It has a human face, and despite the impressive resilience demonstrated by the local population here, this conflict is destroying people's lives."

The ICRC hopes to do more in the coming hours and days, in coordination with the relevant authorities and humanitarian organizations. It is ready to act as a neutral intermediary to enhance the protection of civilians and the infrastructure needed for their survival.
Afghanistan: Six ICRC staff members killed and two unaccounted for in attack

Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 8 February 2017 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Afghanistan: Six ICRC staff members killed and two unaccounted for in attack, 8 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589dce514.html [accessed 6 November 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.

Six staff members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been shot and killed in Afghanistan. Two staff members are unaccounted for.

The team, composed of three drivers and five field officers, was on its way to deliver much-needed livestock materials in an area south of the town of Shibergan in Jawzan province. Their convoy was attacked by unknown armed men.

"This is a despicable act. Nothing can justify the murder of our colleagues and dear friends," said the head of the ICRC delegation in Afghanistan, Monica Zanarelli. "At this point, it's premature for us to determine the impact of this appalling incident on our operations in Afghanistan. We want to collect ourselves as a team and support each other in processing this incomprehensible act and finding our two unaccounted for colleagues," said Mrs Zanarelli,

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms what appears to be a deliberate attack on our staff. This is a huge tragedy. We're in shock," said the president of the ICRC, Peter Maurer.

"These staff members were simply doing their duty, selflessly trying to help and support the local community. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of our colleagues killed and those unaccounted for," said Mr Maurer.

It is not yet clear who carried out the attack or why.
Yemen: Urgent plea to warring parties to spare civilians

Publisher International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Publication Date 10 February 2017 Cite as International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Yemen: Urgent plea to warring parties to spare civilians, 10 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/589dced24.html [accessed 6 November 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 International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is warning that the situation for thousands of civilians in Yemen is deteriorating fast, following a dramatic increase in fighting. Many civilians have become trapped in the cross-fire.

The situation has significantly worsened in the areas of Al Mokha, Hodeida, Taiz and Dhubab. Families have been unable to escape due to the intense fighting.

"Civilians are at risk of paying an even heavier price as the fighting continues. We call on all parties involved to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law. They must take every feasible precaution to avoid harming civilians and those no longer taking part in hostilities," said Robert Mardini, ICRC's regional director for the Near and Middle East.

Those who wish to leave for safer areas must be allowed to do so at any time. Those who choose to stay, or who are unable to leave, remain protected by international humanitarian law. The wounded - civilians and combatants - must receive medical care as promptly as possible. Fighters who have surrendered or been captured must not be killed and must be treated humanely.

"We have requested access to Al Mokha, and other affected areas, and we stand ready to deliver much needed aid to the civilian population", added Mr. Mardini.
Henderson, NV -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/10/2017 --Global Genesis Group is excited to announce their acquisition of the award-winning THE SPIRIT CHASER, one of the scariest movies of 2017, directed by Italian Federico Alotto. The horror feature was acquired for worldwide distribution by USA based Global Genesis Group LLC, and will make it's film market debut in Berlin (EFM). THE SPIRIT CHASER is set in Northern Italy's most spellbinding locations. British Dylan buys a camera to record his girlfriend Elena on their vacation. Dylan's friend Mike loses a big bet, but Mike can get his money back if he stays 24 hours in the haunted woods, where thirty years ago a terrible murder happened. Dylan goes with Mike to record his efforts, but instead they discover the twisted murderer and their night becomes a living nightmare.



The acclaimed director, Federico Alotto, stated, "Years ago I became fascinated by a local legend of my hometown area, near Turin, Italy. Frightened whispers had circulated for generations that the last witch in all of Europe had been killed in those woods in the 1800's. I began imagining how terrific a Blair Witch-esque project would be in my own native stomping ground. With my producing partner, Andrea Zirio, we secured financing, and scribbled down the screenplay. The unique thing about this film, besides it being based on a documented true story about criminal psychologist Dr.Cesare Lombroso, is that we filmed it in locations that are believed to actually be certifiably haunted."



Director Alotto further commented on the film's upcoming release, "Teaming up with GGG has been phenomenal! The Global Genesis Group team is off the charts wonderful--hard working and masters at what they do. Partnering with these guys is an honor and I can't wait to see what else the future holds for us! We are planning to put together a brand new coproduction, joining forces in creation and productionand that would make me one very happy director."



Charles Morris Jr., V.P. of Development and Acquisitions for Global Genesis Group, stated, "Because of the last few horror pictures we've produced, we've gotten tons of submissions lately for distribution, especially in the horror genre. When I saw the trailer for THE SPIRIT CHASERS, I immediately contacted Federico for the screener. The next day, our whole team had watched it, and though we were horrified by one of the scariest movies we had ever seen, we were good enough filmmakers to know we had to partner with Federico and Andrea, and not only bring THE SPIRIT CHASER to the world, but to start discussions about a coproduction between our companies. By the end of 2017, we plan on seeing THE SPIRIT CHASERS on everyone's Top Ten list of scariest movies of the year."



About Global Genesis Group

Global Genesis Group's core business is the production and distribution of Television IP's, Feature Films and documentaries as well as creating and developing its own original IP's to generate global branding. Global Genesis Group is a full-service Production, Distribution and IP management company.
Philadelphia, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/10/2017 --House fires are tragic events that can take everything away from the homeowner. From lifelong possessions, family photos, and even beloved pets, fires can destroy lives in an instant. Therefore, it is important to understand certain facts about house fires and learn the proper steps to take immediately following a fire.



Household Fires: The Most Common Structural Fire



Statistically, household fires are the most common structural fires. According to a study conducted in 2014, an estimated average of 358,300 household fires occurred per year between 2010 and 2014. This means that house fires represent three-quarters of all structural fires. The same study revealed that household fires caused $6.7 billion in direct damage and that on average seven people died in house fires per day.



Prevention of Household Fires



Cooking equipment such as ovens are the leading cause of household fires and injuries. Second behind cooking equipment is external heating units. Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths. These types of injuries can be prevented with proper maintenance of household appliances. It is important for homeowners to keep their stoves and ovens clean. Grease will accumulate over time and is a highly flammable material. For external heaters, home owners must check for missing grounding prongs. The property owner must make sure they leave the external heater unit off when they leave their home. Finally, smoking is not only a risk to your lungs, it can be a risk to your home as well. Quitting smoking now can not only prevent future health complications, but could potentially prevent a costly house fire.



Steps to Take After a Fire



Once the fire is extinguished, the homeowner may naively believe that the home is now safe. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. The home needs immediate attention after a fire and hiring a professional fire restoration company from King of Prussia, PA is the only way to get your home back to normal. After a fire is extinguished ash and smoke will cause powerful odors, corrosion, etching, and discoloration of walls.



What Will a Remediation Company Do?



The remediation company will first identify the source of odor and affected materials. An untrained homeowner cannot do the cleanup themselves, since ash residue is difficult to clean. Ash needs to be removed immediately. It is best to hire an IIRC Certified Remediation company, since they know the correct techniques for mitigating fire damage. In addition to removing odor, remediation companies can restore and clean smoke affected items. It is important to note, that the homeowner must hire a restoration company as soon as possible. If a professional team is not hired immediately after a fire loss, the property owner could be hit with an even larger financial burden. A savvy homeowner will make sure to call a Turnersville, NJ restoration company after a house fire. If the damage isn't mitigated immediately the costs of repairs will be unaffordable for most property owners. For example, a smoke damaged wall needs attention right away, or else it will become permanently discolored.



Individuals interested in hiring an established fire and smoke restoration company in the Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Camden County areas can contact First Choice Restoration by visiting their website or by speaking with a customer service representative by calling 800-370-0770. Let First Choice Restoration, be your first choice!



About First Choice Restoration

First Choice Restoration is a water, mold, fire, and smoke remediation company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. The company also operates additional offices throughout other areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. The company has been assisting homeowners and businesses with water, mold, fire, and smoke cleanup for over 40 years.
A look back on all of our reporting of the Delphi murders since 2017
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Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy on Friday welcomed a Feb. 9 U.S. court decision to allow Chevron Corporation to be subpoenaed for security camera footage it may have of the murder in Cambodia last year of a popular political analyst.



The video may prove government involvement in the shooting of political analyst and government critic Kem Ley in a gas station in the capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia National Rescue Party president Sam Rainsy wrote in a Feb. 10 posting on his Facebook page.



A North California District Court has granted the right to subpoena the U.S. company Chevron for video footage of the shooting of Dr. Kem Ley, who was killed on 10 July 2016 as he was drinking coffee at a Chevron (Caltex) service station in Phnom Penh, Sam Rainsy wrote.



This breakthrough is a step towards proving the involvement of Cambodias government in Dr. Kem Leys murder.



Chevron has 30 days to contest the courts ruling, Sam Rainsy added, citing court documents.



Just days before his death, Kem Ley had discussed on an RFA Khmer Service call-in show a report by London-based Global Witness detailing the extent of the wealth of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for over 30 years, and his family.



Following the shooting, Cambodian authorities arrested and charged a former soldier named Oueth Ang, who says he carried out the killing over an unpaid debt.



Oueth Ang, the only suspect to be charged so far in the case, is now scheduled to go to trial in a Cambodian court on March 1.



Case 'taken for granted'



Many in Cambodia feel the investigation into Kem Leys death has been diverted from looking more deeply into who else may have been involved, though.



Not much progress has been made in this investigation, a motorized rickshaw driver in Phnom Penh told RFAs Khmer Service on Feb. 10.



Im afraid that this case will end up like previous murder cases, where the perpetrators always remain at large, he said. I wanted to hear [better] results from the investigation much sooner than this.



Also speaking to RFA, a student in the capital said that Kem Leys murder has now been taken for granted and that the murdered analyst and his family are being denied justice in the case.



There were security cameras at the scene, he said. I dont understand why the perpetrators cant be found.



Reported by Moniroth Morm for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Richard Finney.
U.S. President Donald Trump on called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, reaffirming Washington's support for the 'One China' policy, which rejects formal independence for separately ruled Taiwan.



Trump's call has ended weeks of suspense after he said in a media interview after his election last year that the policy might be used as a bargaining trip to put pressure on the ruling Chinese Communist Party.



"Trump stressed that he fully understood the high importance of the US administration's pursuance of the one-China policy," state news agency Xinhua reported on .



"The U.S. administration adheres to pursuing the one-China policy."



China's media, which are tightly controlled by the government, were warned off criticizing Trump ahead of his inauguration, amid growing uncertainty in Beijing over the line the new administration would take.



Trump had previously taken a phone call from Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen congratulating him on his election victory, and vowed to impose high tariffs on Chinese goods.



While the Chinese Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan, it regards the island as a province of China awaiting reunification, and has threatened to invade if its democratic government seeks formal statehood.



Beijing routinely objects to any high-level contact between its diplomatic partners and the authorities in Taiwan.



However, the majority of people in Taiwan have no interest in being ruled by Beijing, and there is broad political support in the island for continued self-rule, if not formal independence.



Liang Yunxiang, foreign affairs professor at Beijing University, said Trump must have been "speaking as an individual" during the media interview, which was made before his inauguration on Jan. 20.



"Now he has taken office, he will have to consider the entirety of the U.S. national interest, and his team members, including the U.S. State Department, will have been working hard for him on this," Liang said.



He said he doesn't see any major changes in U.S. policy towards China on the horizon.



"I don't think they want to cause trouble with China, and we will gradually see a return to traditional U.S. China policy," Liang said.



'Unsafe' encounter in South China Sea

Trump's call to Xi came after a U.S. Navy reconnaissance aircraft and a Chinese military plane were involved in an unsafe encounter in international airspace over the disputed South China Sea, the U.S. Pacific Command said on .



The U.S. Navy P-3C was on a routine mission over the waters on when it flew within 1,000 feet (300 meters) of a Chinese military KJ-200 aircraft near the disputed Scarborough Shoal region some 230 km (140 miles) from the Philippine coast, media reports said.



However, there appeared to have been no mention of the incident during the presidential phone call, according to Xinhua's account.



Xi Jinping congratulated Trump on officially becoming U.S. president, thanked him for his letter of Feb. 8 and for extending festival greetings on Lantern Festival and on the Year of the Rooster of the Chinese Lunar Year, the agency said.



Xi also "expressed high appreciation" for Trump's constructive approach to bilateral ties, it said.



Both sides committed to strengthening cooperation in economy and trade, investment and international affairs, to their mutual benefit, it said.



They also pledged to "jointly help maintain peace and stability in the world," and planned to meet in person "sooner rather than later," Xinhua said.



Military analyst Huang Dong said 300 meters "wasn't really very close" for a fighter aircraft.



"I don't think this means that China won't be sending bigger aircraft or even drones to the region to escort [U.S. planes] away, though," Huang said.



"It might even send an aircraft carrier to the South China Sea, with carrier-based or other specialized aircraft for escort purposes."



The Xi-Trump phone call came ahead of talks between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump at the White House on , which are expected to include discussion of islands claimed by China as the Diaoyu Islands and by Tokyo as the Senkaku Islands.



Trump is expected to confirm the U.S. position that the Senkakus are within the scope of its bilateral security treaty with Japan.



Trump's comments on the One China policy came after four decades of consensus between Beijing and Washington that Taiwan, where the defeated Kuomintang nationalist government fled after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's communists in 1949, is part of a single, Chinese territory, but currently under a different government.

'Complex and difficult'



Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman An Fengshan described relations across the Taiwan Strait as "complex and difficult" on.



"China will continue to use the rule of law to protect its sovereignty and its territorial integrity," An told journalists.



"We will never allow any individual, organization or political party to separate any part of Chinese territory away from China, at any time," he said.



Taiwan political commentator Yang Sen-hong said President Tsai has been under constant pressure to recognize a 1992 consensus agreement between cross-straits negotiators that underpins the One China Policy.



"Ever since Tsai Ing-wen was elected, the [Chinese government] has been threatening all sorts of earth-shattering consequences, or at least some kind of action if she doesn't accept the 1992 consensus," Yang said.



"They are ... flexing their muscles for a domestic audience, showing people that they still take a strong line [on Taiwan]," he said.



"I think we can reasonably speculate that [Xi Jinping] is laying the political groundwork to enable the 19th Party Congress [later this year] to pass off without a hitch," Yang said.



Taiwan-based Chinese dissident Gong Yujian said Beijing's saber-rattling on Taiwan will just alienate the island's 23 million residents further, however.



"It doesn't matter what laws they pass ... in the end they'll just be shooting themselves in the foot," Gong said.



"The more laws they make, the more they will harm relations with the people of Taiwan, especially the younger generation."



Taiwan's 23 million people have never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party, but they travel to mainland China under special permits that describe the democratic island as a province of China.



Beijing refuses to establish ties with any country that doesn't withdraw diplomatic recognition from Taipei.



Shortly after Tsai called Trump, Chinese authorities barred travel by Taiwanese tour groups to Tibet.



Reported by Ding Wenqi for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Goh Fung for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
As the Trump administrations North Korea policy begins to take shape, North Koreas nuclear threat has become one of its top foreign policy challenges, with White House spokesman Sean Spicer describing it as the most prominent threat. A recent visit by U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis to South Korea as well as Secretary of State Rex Tillersons discussion with his South Korean counterpart on the North Korean nuclear threat is another testimony to the new administrations determination and seriousness in dealing with it. Changsop Pyon of Radio Free Asias Korean Service asked renowned North Korea expert Nicholas Eberstadt about the North Korean challenges the Trump administration faces and the possible remedies. Dr. Eberstadt, the Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), drew a lot of attention by proposing a new approach called threat reduction strategy to resolve the North Korean nuclear problem at the North Korea hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Jan. 31. A founding member of the U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, he is an author of several books on North Korea, including The End of North Korea published in 1999.

RFA: Secretary of State Tillerson defined the North Korean nuclear problem as "an imminent threat" in his phone conversation with South Korean Foreign Minister on Jan 7. Prior to that, Defense Secretary Mattis visited South Korea to reaffirm U.S. security commitment to deter North Korean nuclear threat on Jan. 3. It is clear that the new Trump administration regards the North Korean nuclear issue as one of its top foreign policy priorities. As you know, previous. U.S. administrations failed to stop North Korea's nuclear programs for many years. Dont you think its time for the new U.S. administration to find a different approach?

Eberstadt: What we have seen for the last 25 years under Democratic and Republican American presidents is their bipartisan failure to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea. In fact, the problem has gotten worse and worse and worse over time. Its clear that the American approach for 25 years has been a failure. So, we need a new approach. Generally speaking, I would describe the previous approach as something relying upon engagement. Of course, there was deterrence. Of course, there was the ROK-U.S. alliance. Of course, there was a military guarantee. But there was the hope that the North Korean government could be convinced to be denuclearized. In my view, that was a fantasy. The North Korean government will never denuclearize. In fact, the North Korean government, in my view, wishes to use its nuclear arsenal as a tool that can break the U.S.-ROK alliance and get American soldiers out of South Korea. So, instead, we need a very different approach. I recommend the approach that I describe as threat reduction, namely reducing North Koreas killing power through a coordinated, comprehensive and sustained international strategy. That approach, a threat reduction strategy, is something we dont need North Koreas permission to achieve. We can do this by ourselves or with our allies.

RFA: In your testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on North Korea on Jan. 31, you declared that U.S. policy toward North Korea has been a failure because the American public and its leaders don't understand North Korea and its intentions. What do you think should be the most important thing that the Trump administration should understand about North Korea's nuclear intentions?

Eberstadt: The single most important thing that the new Trump administration should understand is that North Korea has been gradually developing the capability to strike the United States with nuclear weapons. It has been developing for decades. It has continued on this program even when the country was in a food crisis. Instead of buying food for its people, North Korea developed its nuclear capability. The reason for this is because it is absolutely the top priority of the state. It is something the government will never negotiate away. The only way to solve the North Korean nuclear problem is to solve the North Korean political problem, namely to have a different government in North Korea. In the meanwhile, however, we can prepare systematically to reduce the North Korean threat to the U.S. and its allies and the international community.

RFA: You just mentioned a different government in Korea as the solution to the North Korean nuclear problem. What is that?

Eberstadt: At the end of the day, the answer to the North Korean nuclear problem is Korean reunification, the reunification of the two parts of Korea under a constitutional democracy and market-oriented system, and I would say, also with the continuing military alliance between the U.S. and ROK that provides stability and international security.

RFA: In your testimony, you also argued that North Korea will never give up their nuclear option, and international entreaties will never convince them to give up their nuclear program. As a workable solution, you proposed a threat reduction strategy. According to your definition, it is a long-term strategy that the United States, working with allies and others but also acting unilaterally, can blunt, then mitigate and eventually help eliminate the killing force of the North Korean state. How did the senators react?

Eberstadt: Well, we can only know by their subsequent statements and policy suggestions. My impression from the hearing was that the North Korean threat was a big concern to both Republican and Democratic senators, and there was a very large number of Democratic and Republican senators that turned out to the hearing to ask questions and statements. The politics is really polarized in the U.S. right now, but one of the few areas that Democrats and Republicans in Congress agree on is the North Korean threat.

RFA: Do you think you can sell this threat reduction idea to the U.S. Congress and government?

Eberstadt: I dont harbor any fantasy that it will be possible to negotiate away North Koreas nuclear capability. Of course, diplomacy would still play a role in a threat reduction strategy because it is barbaric not to talk with ones opponent, and because sometimes there is needless misunderstanding in addition to the deep fundamental differences that separate the governments. My point is that by better military preparations, by stronger economic penalties on North Korea, by international human rights efforts, by information campaigns, by what the North Korean government refers to as ideological and cultural poisoning, and by a more intelligent approach towards China and its support of North Korea, we have great opportunities to reduce North Koreas capacity to threaten the world.

RFA: In other words, threat reduction approach is kind of a total campaign to reduce North Korean threat by using every means available, ranging from military and political to economic and cultural ones, right?

Eberstadt: Everything. We also need to pay attention to the coherence of the North Korean regime. Fortunately for us, Kim Jong Un may have already done great damage to the internal coherence of the North Korean leadership with the execution of his uncle and with steps that have been taken to consolidate his power. There may be more hidden cleavages and hidden fissures and hidden dissatisfaction at the top of his government.

RFA: As part of the threat reduction approach, you suggested THAAD systems for South Koreas effective defenses against North Koreas means of destruction. As you know, however, the THAAD issue has made it very hard for the U.S. and its allies to get help from China in resolving the North Korean nuclear problem. What is your take?

Eberstadt: THAAD is an instrument that I think should be non-negotiable. It is something that is needed to protect both South Koreas population and Japans population. In my view, missile defenses are also required to protect Americas population. Interestingly enough, the Chinese government has only become cooperative on North Korean sanctions when their leadership perceived that South Korea was likely to implement THAAD. We in the U.S. and allied countries have not done nearly enough to emphasize to China about the big costs and risks that Beijing would face for its support for the worlds most odious government. And its not just THAAD. There are also other areas that China should be made to pay the penalties for their decisions. For example, international finance with secondary sanctions on financial institutions in China that help North Korea at the United Nations. Up until now, American diplomacy was very cautious about bringing votes to the UN Security Council about North Korea. The fear has been that China will veto that vote. I dont think we should be afraid of that. If China wants to veto a human rights resolution on North Korea, let them do it. Lets bring it back every week. Make China veto a human rights resolution on North Korea 20 times. Make them show to the world that theyre a jail keeper for the worlds worst jail. China has many other objectives in the world besides being the paymaster for North Korea. And if the spotlight is shown on Chinas ugly connections with the North Korean government, it is going to be a lot harder for China to achieve its other objectives in other parts of the world.

RFA: For many years North Korean human rights issue has taken a back seat to North Korea's nuclear issue. You argued in your recent Senate testimony that "there is no contradiction between the objectives of human rights promotion and nonproliferation in the DPRK." Why is that?

Eberstadt: Well, I hope the North Korean human rights question will take a high priority in the Trump administration. We should have a much more active policy on human rights in North Korea for its own merits. Improved human rights also have the additional consequence of promoting threat reduction with North Korea. For example, there are countries in the world that are not involved in the campaign to denuclearize North Korea. I can think of lots of countries in South America and Europe that are not immediately affected by this campaign. But on the other hand, there are many countries, many democracies in other parts of the world that could be part of the international human rights campaign. North Korea is the worst human rights offender in the world today. Think what would happen if there was a campaign for human rights in North Korea similar to the campaign for human rights in South Africa thirty years ago. Think what this would mean about stigmatizing and criticizing and eventually delegitimizing the practices of the North Korean government. North Korean representatives would not be welcome in other countries because of their human rights crimes. North Korean trade would be restricted because of their human rights crimes. Certain governments would urge referral of the North Korean leadership to the International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity. All of this would have indirect impact on North Korean capability to maintain threats against the world.
Warnings by North Korean authorities that the country is on the verge of war because of moves by the U.S. and South Korea to establish a system of missile defense are being met with contempt by audiences at home, sources say.



In lectures now being held across North Korea, officials from the ruling Korean Workers Party are calling the Souths plans to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system a hostile act aimed at destroying the sanctions-hit, nuclear armed state.



The authorities are causing an uproar as if war is going to happen soon, a source in North Hamgyong province told RFAs Korean Service this week. But no one believes this method of [political] control anymore.



Lectures in North Hamgyong began earlier this month at the Kim Chaek steel mill and then moved to other companies and social organizations in the province, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



The audience at the steel mill responded coldly to the ramped-up threats of imminent war, he said.



They were asking each other why South Koreas deployment of a missile defense system could possibly matter to them.



North Korea itself is carrying out missile and nuclear tests that threaten the international community, so why should we criticize the Souths deployment of THAAD? RFAs source asked.



Hostility, disbelief



A source in South Hamgyong province meanwhile said that North Korea is now continuously holding lectures condemning South Korea and the United States, using all kinds of foul language and swear words to criticize THAAD.



However, this is only arousing the audiences hostility, he said.



For decades, official propaganda has frightened North Koreans into believing a war was about to start, but now just raises questions that are difficult to answer, the source said.



North Korea boasts that it is the worlds strongest nuclear and military power, so why is South Koreas deployment of THAAD such a big deal? he asked.



Is it because our military power is falling behind? Or that the authorities lack confidence in our strength compared to that of South Korea and the United States?



All these agitations just provoke disbelief, he said.



Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Soo Min Jo. Written in English by Richard Finney.




A military official (C) briefs Myanmar Vice President Myint Swe (2nd R), head of a national investigation commission on Rakhine state, during his visit to Gwazon, a Muslim-majority village in Maungdaw township in western Myanmar's Rakhine state, Dec. 12, 2016.

Myanmars foreign affairs ministry said on Thursday the government will conduct an investigation of the crisis in Rakhine state following accusations by the United Nations that security forces committed serious human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims who live there.

Based on interviews with more than 200 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, the U.N. report issued on Feb. 3 said the militarys actions very likely amounted to ethnic cleansing, though Myanmar's government and military have largely dismissed allegations of abuse against the Muslim minority.

Well have to find out how truthful the allegations are, the ministrys director-general Aye Aye Soe told RFAs Myanmar Service.

A national-level commission led by Vice President Myint Swe has been investigating reports of murder, torture, arson, and rape in northern Rakhine state since December.

But in an interim report issued in January, the commission said it had found no cases of genocide or religious persecution of Rohingya Muslims living in the region in the wake of deadly border guard attacks and a subsequent security lockdown.

It also said its interviews of local villagers and women about the rape allegations yielded insufficient evidence to take legal action, and that its investigations into accusations of arson, torture, and illegal arrests were ongoing.

The Rakhine state commission which is carrying out the investigations hasnt even released its [final] report yet, Aye Aye Soe said. How can we comment on these allegations?

We would have to find out the truth first before doing anything, she said about other allegations of atrocities put forward by some of the 69,000 Rohingya who have fled northern Rakhine and sought refuge mainly in Bangladesh.

The commission is an independent body and does not take orders from any government ministry, she said, adding that it will welcome any proof to substantiate the allegations.

She added that the government took action immediately against three police officers who were shown abusing Rohingya civilians in a village in Maungdaw township during a security sweep in early November 2016.

In a rare instance of action taken against officers, those involved have been sentenced to two months in prison for the abuse captured in a video that has circulated on social media.

Military creates inquiry board

Myanmars military has formed an inquiry board comprising five senior officers led by Lt. Gen. Gen Aye Win, inspector-general of the armed forces, to investigate the allegations in the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights report.

The Office of the Commander-in-Chief said in a statement issued on Thursday that the board will try to determine whether soldiers used excessive force and committed human rights violations in Maungdaw.

The Myanmar government on Wednesday refuted a news report that more than 1,000 Rohingya Muslims had been killed during the military crackdown in Maungdaw.

Presidential spokesman Zay Htay told RFAs Myanmar Service that a Reuters report quoting two U.N. officials about the number of dead from security operations since early October attacks on border guards was incorrect.

Myanmars military indicated that the number of deaths did not exceed 100, he said, adding that he could not say anything about the discrepancy between the government and U.N. figures until he has received a full report from the ground.

Volunteers unload boxes of humanitarian aid from Malaysia intended for Rohingya Muslims at Thilawa port terminal in Yangon, Feb. 9, 2017. Credit: NurPhoto Malaysian food flotilla arrives

Meanwhile, Buddhist nationalist protestors greeted a Malaysian ship carrying about 2,200 tons of humanitarian aid, including rice, instant noodles, bottled water, hygiene kits, and clothing, for the Rohingya who fled to safety, when it arrived in the commercial capital Yangon on Thursday.

The countrys majority-Buddhist populace views the Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and denies that they constitute a legitimate Myanmar ethnic group.

These ships arrived in Yangon under the pretext of helping refugees, said Buddhist monk Ven Thuseitta from the Yangon chapter of the Patriotic Myanmar Monks Union.

We can accept sincere help for refugees, but not this being exploited politically with the use of the word Rohingya," he said. "We have never had Rohingya in our country, and we dont want to hear that they want to help this nonexistent group.

Win Ko Ko Latt of the Yangon Region Nationalist Alliance said the protesters reject the humanitarian mission because it was organized under pressure by foreign organizations and the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, an intergovernmental body of 57 member nations that met recently to discuss the plight of the Rohingya in Rakhine state.

The government may allow such humanitarian assistance, but we as nationalists will object as much as we can if they come with an intent to exploit the situation politically using the name Rohingya, he said. They are using this term to [invoke] an identity [for the Rohingya] and to cause bigger problems.

'Not an easy task'

Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia have criticized the Myanmar government over the Rakhine crisis and its treatment of the Rohingya, who are denied citizenship and access to basic services although many have lived in the country for generations.

The Myanmar government initially objected to the food flotilla from Malaysia, claiming that its organizers had not received official permission to enter its waters and deliver aid.

But Win Myat Aye, Myanmars minister for social welfare, relief, and resettlement called the aid delivery an official arrangement between our ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] member countries.

Malaysia has contacted us officially to send this humanitarian assistance, and we will distribute all this assistance fairly among the two communities through the Rakhine state government, he said.

The Myanmar government previously said the aid must be distributed to both Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine people alike.

It is not an easy task to reach Yangon, and praise God the first phase has been accomplished, said mission chief Abdul Azeez Rahim. We have asked the Myanmar government that several of our volunteers be present during the distribution of aid in Rakhine.

Some of the food and other items will be transported to Rakhines capital Sittwe and northern Rakhine state, while the rest will go by boat to the seaport of Chittagong in southern Bangladesh for distribution to tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees living in camps in Teknaf, Kutupalong, and Nayapara, Rahim said.

Indonesia has already sent 10 shipping containers of food, baby supplies, and clothes for Rohingya affected by the violence.

Reported by Kyaw Thu for RFAs Myanmar Service, and by Hata Wahari for BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Freelance miners search for jade in piles of waste rubble dumped by mechanical diggers next to a jade mine in Hpakant, Myanmar's Kachin State, Oct. 23, 2015.

Nine men were killed and another one injured by a collapsing slag heap on Thursday as they scavenged jade remnants in a mine in Hpakant township in northern Myanmars Kachin state, a local official said.

Township administrator Kyaw Zwa Aung said the owner of the small mine in Nanthmaw village was among the dead.

The bodies of those killed were taken to Hpakant township hospital, he said.

About 200,000 migrant workers search amid dangerous mountains of rubble and tailings in jade mines for pieces of the valuable gemstone left behind in mining operations.

Hpakant, which lies about 400 miles (640 kilometers) north of Myanmars capital Naypyidaw, is the center of the countrys jade mining industry and produces some of the highest-quality jade in the world.

Much of the gem is exported or smuggled to neighboring China, where demand for the precious stone is high.

Ohn Win, Myanmars minister of natural resources and environmental conservation, vowed in August 2016 to keep migrant workers out of Myanmars jade mine sites following a series of deadly accidents involving scavengers in Hpakant.

He said the government would start checking the entrances to the mining areas for illegal migrant workers in an effort to stop scavenging activities in the largely unregulated industry.

Representatives from three Kachin state political parties called on the national government last May to adopt a new policy on natural-resource extraction following amid the string of fatal accidents in the countrys jade-mining areas.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Tibetans traveling from northwest Chinas Gansu province to attend a large religious gathering in neighboring Sichuan are being stopped at the border and told they may not proceed by car, sources in the region say.



No reasons were given for blocking the pilgrims journey to Kirti monastery in Sichuans Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, a local source told RFAs Tibetan Service on Friday.



The police only said that no vehicles would be allowed to travel across the border, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.



They said that the pilgrims should abandon their cars and that they would only be allowed to journey on by foot, the source said.



These kinds of selective restrictions have hurt the feelings of the Tibetan pilgrims deeply, he said.



The pilgrims coming from Gansu were going to Kirti only for religious reasons and had not committed any crime, a second source said, also speaking on condition he not be named.



We dont know if these orders came from higher up or if the police were just acting arbitrarily, he said.



Ngabas Kirti monastery has been the scene of repeated self-immolations and other protests by monks, former monks, and nuns opposed to Chinese rule in Tibetan areas.



Authorities raided the monastery in 2011, taking away hundreds of monks and sending them for political re-education, while local Tibetans who sought to protect the monks were beaten and detained, sources said in earlier reports.



Large assemblies at the monastery are now closely watched by Chinese security forces, with police in plain clothes often mingling with the crowds to prevent unwanted events, one source said on Friday.



Now, Tibetans from Gansu are being prevented from going there, he said.



Reported by Kunsang Tenzin for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Richard Finney.




Romanians rallied for a fifth day of protests on February 4 as tens of thousands of citizens came out in cities across the country to protest against the government's emergency decree decriminalizing some official misconduct. More than 100,000 people gathered in Bucharest's main square, carrying banners such as "Resist" and "Make Dragnea nobody again." Romania's Social Democratic Party leader Liviu Dragnea would be one of the top beneficiaries of the decree as he has been convicted of abuse of office and is under investigation in a separate case. During the protest rally in Bucharest, Romanian Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu announced that his cabinet would meet to repeal the decree, which was confirmed on February 5. (RFE/RL's Moldovan Service)
Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite says the Baltic states will seek additional security measures from the United States and NATO ahead of a massive Russian military exercise in September.

"We see that risks are increasing, and we are worried about the upcoming Zapad 2017 exercise, which will deploy a very large and aggressive force [on our borders] that will very demonstrably be preparing for a war with the West," Grybauskaite said on February 9 after meeting with the Estonian and Latvian presidents in Riga.

She added: "This means we will be talking with NATO about creating additional standing defense plans, about stationing additional military means, and about creating a faster decision-making process."

NATO has begun deploying four battle units of about 1,000 soldiers each to the Baltic states and Poland as part of agreements made under U.S. President Barack Obama amid an increasingly aggressive posture from Russia.

Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have felt vulnerable since Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and its backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump's praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin and seemingly soft take on Russian behavior has added to the Baltic states' security worries.

Russia announced last year plans to stage the Zapad 2017 exercise near its western borders.

The Kremlin has said the NATO deployments to the Baltics and Poland pose a security threat.

Based on reporting by Reuters


Over the past two months, Chechnya has entered a new phase of instability that differs in several key regards from the sporadic low-level insurgency of the past 16 years.

That violence has already cost some 30 lives. It has also arguably demonstrated just how hollow Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov's claims to total control over the region really are. Kadyrov's classic response of systematic reprisals and large-scale detentions is likely to fuel the nascent discontent behind those attacks, however, rather than contain, let alone quash, it.

The new upsurge in violence marks the definitive end of a lull that followed the killing four years ago of Chechen insurgency commanders Khusein and Muslim Gakayev. It was those two brothers, together with strategist Aslambek Vadalov, who were said to have been behind the high-profile suicide attacks against Kadyrov's native village of Khosi-Yurt in August 2010 and the Chechen parliament two months later.

The remaining nucleus of experienced militants -- men in their 30s and 40s who had participated in the wars of 1994-96 and 1999-2000 -- are believed to have left Chechnya for Syria to join the armed opposition to President Bashar al-Assad after the abortive December 2014 attack on Grozny.

Since mid-December, the Chechen authorities have reported a series of clashes between police and security personnel and mostly young assailants who in contrast to the Gakayevs' hardened and experienced guerrilla fighters appear to be poorly armed and have little, if any, previous combat experience.

The first such attacks took place in Grozny on December 17-18; seven fighters and four police were reported killed in several separate incidents. Three wounded fighters, including a young woman, who were apprehended and hospitalized were reportedly executed days later.

Some three weeks later, Chechen police and security personnel launched a mass "sweep" operation in eight villages southeast of Grozny, taking into custody between 60 and 100 young men suspected of planning "terrorist attacks" at the behest of the extremist group Islamic State (IS). At least four, and possibly as many as 10, young men were killed in a pitched battle, the details of which remain unclear.

Then during the night of January 29-30, three young men aged between 18 and 20 were reported killed in a shoot-out with police in the southern district of Shali in which two police officers also died. Again, official accounts of what happened are contradictory. Some sources say the three attacked a police post, others that they were killed when police sought to check their identities.

In a separate incident late on January 25, a man who had been apprehended on suspicion of "extremism" and taken to a Grozny police station for interrogation succeeded in grabbing an automatic weapon and shooting four police officers before he too was shot dead.

As RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service pointed out in the wake of the Shali shootings, the recent incidents mark a new departure. The assailants are, according to police reports, mostly young, in their late teens or early 20s, which means that they have never known a time when the Kadyrov dynasty was not in power. Some of them are reportedly the sons of fighters killed during or after the 1999-2000 war.

Unlike earlier generations of Chechen fighters who perceived Russia as their primary foe, and therefore focused their attacks on Russian military personnel, the new wave are single-minded in targeting the "kadyrovtsy" -- the police and security forces recruited by Kadyrov to serve as his private army, and whose reputation for gratuitous brutality rivals his.

Yet it seems that even some "kadyrovtsy" are ready to make common cause with the disaffected: Alikhan Muzayev, one of Kadyrov's personal bodyguards, was reportedly executed in mid-January on suspicion of having plotted with fellow villagers an armed attack on the Chechen authorities.

As noted above, the Chechen authorities routinely attribute any manifestation of armed defiance to the successful efforts of IS recruiters. This may be true of some attackers, given that video footage posted online after the December attacks in Grozny showed 11 men who appear to have been the perpetrators swearing allegiance, in some cases in broken Arabic, to IS.

The wounded attackers apprehended in Grozny in December, and one of the men apprehended in January, reportedly confessed to acting on orders from IS. But even if those confessions were genuine, rather than extracted under torture, it is still possible that at least in some other cases, the young men who resorted to violence were motivated simply by a profound hatred of Kadyrov and his regime.

The Chechen authorities' reaction to the upsurge in violence has been twofold: first, to punish the relatives of the young attackers by taking them into custody for questioning for days on end, dismissing them from their jobs, and convening meetings at which their neighbors demand their expulsion from Chechnya.

The father of Magomed Rashidov, a young Chechen allegedly in Syria on whose orders the three men killed in Shali late last month were reportedly acting, was induced to publicly disown him. It should, however, be noted in this context that Kadyrov appears to have taken to heart Russian President Vladimir Putin's stern injunction that it is illegal to torch the homes of slain insurgents.

Meanwhile, as noted above, dozens of young men suspected of having fallen victim to IS propaganda have been taken into custody on suspicion of planning further attacks. The most recent such detention was that on January 31 of seven young men from the northeastern Sholkolvsky district suspected of either planning an attack on local police, or preparing to leave Russia for Syria. All seven were reportedly under the age of 25.

As for Kadyrov, he has resorted yet again to the ploy of identifying ever new internal enemies and threats against which the population should be on their guard, including the emergence of a heretical purportedly Islamic sect, and the lure of Internet games such as Blue Whale, which has been blamed for driving adolescents to suicide.

Oddly, Kadyrov has not publicly identified as a threat Isa Yamadayev, whom Novaya Gazeta recently identified as the mastermind behind a plot last year to assassinate him. Reports have suggested that Kadyrov was behind the killings of Yamadayev's brothers Ruslan and Sulim in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

At the same time, Kadyrov may be exaggerating the threat posed by IS to bring back under his control those Interior Ministry and other armed detachments that were made subordinate last year to the newly formed National Guard. It was National Guard units that conducted the "sweep" operation in mid-January.

Last week, Kadyrov appointed as first deputy commander of the National Guard units based in Chechnya his personal security adviser, Daniil Martynov.

A poll conducted by RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service reinforces the perception that Kadyrov's strategy of countering violent protest with new reprisals might prove counterproductive. Asked how best to respond to threats or pressure from the "kadyrovtsy," just 2 percent of respondents advocated complying with their demands, while 8 percent advocated standing up to them. A majority -- 45 percent -- considered the optimum course of action leaving Chechnya, or better, emigrating, while 39 percent favored soliciting the support of trusted friends to "deal with the kadyrovtsy' on the quiet."

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL
Ten years ago today, a cold wind blew in Munich.

A decade ago today, Vladimir Putin telegraphed his intentions.

On February 10, 2007, the Kremlin leader threw down the gauntlet to the West.

On that day, Putin stunned the Munich Security Conference with a bellicose speech in which he railed against the post-Cold War international order and suggested that Russia was preparing to challenge it.

And, in fact, they already were challenging it.

Just months before Putin's speech, Kremlin agents assassinated Aleksandr Litvinenko in downtown London.

And they got away with it.

The Putin regime learned that it could commit murder in a Western capital with few consequences.

And a year and a half after Putin's speech, Russian troops rolled into Georgia. And they got away with it.

The Putin regime learned that it could invade a neighbor with few consequences.

In the 10 years since the Munich speech, Putin has been busy ripping apart the rules-based international order -- from South Ossetia to Crimea to the Donbas to Aleppo.

And in the decade since, Russia has assaulted the West itself, hacking its institutions, kidnapping its citizens, and subverting its politics.

And there is no indication that this is going to stop anytime soon.

A decade ago Putin telegraphed all of this.

And if the message wasn't entirely clear to all then -- it sure is now.

We didn't know it at the time, but Putin's Munich speech was a declaration of war.

Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page.
U.S. media reports say White House national security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with Moscow's ambassador to the United States during the month before President Donald Trump took office.

The reports on February 9 in The Washington Post and The New York Times cite unnamed current and former U.S. officials.

The Washington Post said some senior U.S. officials interpreted the contacts as a "potentially illegal" signal to Russia that it could expect a reprieve from sanctions imposed by the Obama administration in December.

Trump advisers have said that Flynn spoke to Sergei Kislyak a few days after Christmas merely to arrange a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin after the inauguration.

But The New York Times report cites current and former U.S. officials as saying that conversation -- which it says took place the day before Obama imposed sanctions on Russia over alleged interference in the U.S. election -- went far beyond discussion of a postinauguration phone call.

According to The New York Times, the officials said that Flynn never explicitly promised relief from sanctions but appeared to give the impression it would be possible.

The New York Times says the accounts of the conversations raise the prospect that Flynn violated a law against private citizens engaging in diplomacy, and directly contradict statements made by Trump advisers.

Flynn initially denied that he had discussed sanctions with Kislyak. Asked in a February 8 interview whether he had ever done so, he twice said, "No."

But on February 9, a spokesman for Flynn said that Flynn "indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldnt be certain that the topic never came up."

Based on reporting by The Washington Post and The New York Times
WASHINGTON -- Georgia's foreign minister says that U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson expressed Washington's firm support for the ex-Soviet nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mikheil Janelidze made the comments outside the State Department following his meeting with Tillerson, the former ExxonMobil CEO picked by President Donald Trump to serve as the top U.S. diplomat.

Trump's calls for closer ties with Moscow have raised concerns in Eastern Europe, where Russia seized Ukraine's Crimea territory in 2014, has backed armed separatists in eastern Ukraine, and continues its support for Georgia's breakaway territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

But Janelidze told reporters that Tillerson relayed the Trump administration's support for Tbilisi during their discussions about Georgia's standoff with Russia over the regions.

"We of course spoke about the Russian-Georgian conflict, about the situation in the occupied territories, and once again we received full support from the United States toward our territorial integrity, our sovereignty," Janelidze said.

The United States "is ready to stand by Georgia in all processes that will contribute to our stability, peaceful development, and will guarantee the strength of our state," he added.

Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states after a brief war against Georgia in 2008, though only a handful of countries have followed suit.

Moscow maintains thousands of troops in the regions, deployments that NATO and Western governments say violate the EU-brokered deal that ended the eight-day war.

The State Department did not have a readout of the meeting to share on February 10, a spokesman told RFE/RL.

The meeting came day after Janelidze met with Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, in Washington

The Georgian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two men also discussed the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and that the White House "reaffirmed its strong support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its European and Euro-Atlantic integration."

With reporting by RFE/RL's Georgian Service
Russia's Constitutional Court has ordered a review of the precedent-setting case of imprisoned opposition activist Ildar Dadin.

The court ruled on February 10 after considering a challenge from Dadin, the first person convicted under a controversial new statute authorizing criminal prosecution of Russians who take part in more than one unsanctioned protest in a 180-day period.

Dadin, who is serving a 2 1/2-year sentence at a prison in the Altai Krai, argued that the statute is unconstitutional.

The Constitutional Court confirmed the government has the right to prosecute people for repeated noncriminal offences.

But it said the authorities should base their application of the statue decisions on "the real scale of public danger" and only jail protesters after rallies that were not peaceful.

The court also suggested that lawmakers should make changes in the legislation.

Amnesty International said the ruling "offers a rare glimmer of hope for the right to peaceful assembly" in Russia, and called for Dadin's immediate release.

Dadin was moved to the prison in Altai Krai after he wrote an open letter last year saying that he and other prisoners had been beaten and tortured at the prison where he was being held at the time.

Based on reporting by Current Time TV, Reuters, AFP, TASS, and Interfax
Over the past five years, Iranian officials and state media have touted the "indigenous" ingenuity in the Islamic republic's mass-produced Mohajer-6 combat drone, which Russia has deployed in its war against Ukraine.

But a new investigation by Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, has found that electronic components underpinning Tehran's production of the Mohajer-6 are far from homegrown.



The Mohajer-6 drones contain components produced by companies from the United States and the European Union, both of which have sanctions restricting the export to Iran of such technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes  dual-use technology.

The presence of these components in the Mohajer-6 does not mean their producers are in violation of U.S. or EU sanctions, and RFE/RL does not have evidence that this is the case.

The investigation also found Mohajer-6 components produced in China, including a real-time mini-camera made by a Hong Kong firm that said it was "very sorry" that its products were being used in war.

At least one major foreign-produced component of the Mohajer-6 has previously been identified by reporters in a Mohajer-6 recovered from the battlefield by the Ukrainian military: an engine made by the Austrian manufacturer BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, a subsidiary of the Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products.

But Ukrainian intelligence assesses that the Iranian combat drone contains components from nearly three dozen different technology companies based in North America, the EU, Japan, and Taiwan, the Schemes investigation has found. A majority of these companies are based in the United States.



A Schemes reporter who personally inspected the foreign-made drone parts identified components produced by at least 15 of these manufacturers.

These include parts made by the U.S. technology firm Texas Instruments, which said in a statement that it does not sell into Russia or Iran and complies with applicable laws and regulations.

To identify these components, Schemes reporters examined parts of the Mohajer-6 drone that the Ukrainian military shot down over the Black Sea near the Mykolayiv region coastal town of Ochakiv. They also reviewed Ukrainian intelligence records on the sources of these components.

The drone also contains a microchip bearing the logo of a California technology company and a thermal-imaging camera that Ukrainian intelligence says may have been produced by a firm based in Oregon or China.

Both Western officials and experts on illicit technology transfers say Iran has built a broad, global procurement network using front companies and other proxies in third countries to obtain dual-use technology from the United States and the EU.

"Exporters will look at the request coming from the [United Arab Emirates] or another third country, and they'll think that they're selling to an end user based there, when really the end user is in Iran," Daniel Salisbury, a senior research fellow with the Department of War Studies at King's College London, told RFE/RL.

In September, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions specifically targeting Iranian companies that Washington links to the production and transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for deployment in its war on Ukraine. Fighting rages with no sign of an end more than eight months after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked invasion on February 24.

"Non-Iranian, non-Russian entities should also exercise great caution to avoid supporting either the development of Iranian UAVs or their transfer, or sale of any military equipment to Russia for use against Ukraine," U.S. Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement announcing the sanctions.

Chinese Cameras, California Chips

Development of the Mohajer-6, the latest model in a series of drones Tehran has used since the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, began in 2017, while mass production began the following year. During a ceremony commemorating the Islamic Revolution, then-Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami said that the new tactical drone could perform surveillance, reconnaissance, as well as help destroy targets.

Hatami extolled what he described as the drones domestic design, a portrayal echoed in later reports by Iranian media.

"The homegrown drone was made through cooperation among the army, Defense Ministry, and Quds Aviation Industries," the English-language Tehran Times quoted an Iranian military official as saying in July 2019.

The dismantling of the Mohajer-6 drone recovered by the Ukrainian military shows that the UAV is packed with foreign components.

One of these parts is a bright-orange real-time mini-camera produced by the Hong Kong-based company RunCam Technology. Documents seen by Schemes show that Ukrainian intelligence has also identified RunCam as the producer of the camera, which likely assists in remote guidance of the drone.

Founded in 2013, RunCam is involved in the development and production of so-called "first-person-view" real-time cameras. "Our users are our friends," the company's website states. The site says that RunCam has two authorized Iranian dealers.

Reached by Schemes for comment about the use of its camera in the Iranian drone deployed by Russia in its war on Ukraine, RunCam said in an e-mailed response: "We are very sorry to know that RunCam's products were used in warfare. RunCam is specialized in producing products for model aircraft hobby. We never contact any customer related to military."

The provenance of the Mohajer-6 drone-s thermal-imaging camera is more difficult to determine. A Ukrainian intelligence assessment reviewed by Schemes indicates it could be the Ventus Hot model produced by Sierra-Olympic Technologies, based in the U.S. state of Oregon, but that it also resembles a cheaper analog available for sale by the Chinese company Qingdao Thundsea Marine Technology.

Qingdao Thundsea Marine Technology said in an e-mailed statement that the company did not "have any business with Iran," because "it will affect our business." The company said it specializes in marine services and is not involved in manufacturing. It also said that it did not have a single successful order for its online advertisement of the thermal-imaging camera resembling the one recovered from the Iranian drone.

Sierra-Olympic Technologies did not respond to a request for comment on the possible use of its thermal-imaging cameras in Iranian combat drones in time for publication.

Microchips recovered from the drone also featured the logos of the California-based company Linear Technology Corporation and its parent company, the Massachusetts-based semiconductor company Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI). ADI did not respond to an e-mailed request for comment on the possible use of its technology in the Iranian combat drone.

Schemes reporters also observed among the components of the Iranian drone a voltage step-down converter produced by Texas Instruments. The company said in an e-mailed statement that it "does not sell into Russia, Belarus, or Iran."

"TI complies with applicable laws and regulations in the countries where we operate, and does not support or condone the use of our products in applications they weren't designed for," Texas Instruments said.

Schemes reporters also saw several components produced by the California-based technology manufacturer Xilinx, whose parent company is the multinational semiconductor company Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), also based in California.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, one of these Xilinx components was integrated into a video data-link module located in the wing of the Mohajer-6 that helped carry out attack missions.

"This module transmits information from the board to the missile head. That is, guidance for the missile. With the help of this module, it was possible to guide the missile to the target," a Ukrainian military intelligence representative told Schemes.

AMD did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

'No Authorization'

Previous media reports about the components of the Mohajer-6 drone, including by CNN, have shown evidence that its engine was produced by the Austrian manufacturer BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, whose parent company is the Quebec-based Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP).

The Canadian company responded to the reports on October 21, saying in a statement that it "has not authorized and has not given any authorization to its distributors to supply military UAV manufacturers in Iran or Russia."

"As soon as we were made aware of this situation, we started an investigation to determine the source of the engines," BRP said. .

But Schemes reporters found that the authorized Rotax distributor listed on the Austrian manufacturer's website advertised itself as a Rotax aircraft engines distributor for Iran as recently as December 2020.

The distributor, the Italian company Luciano Sorlini S.p.a., has posted multiple magazine advertisements on its websites in which it describes itself as a Rotax distributor for numerous countries. Prior to January 2021, Iran was listed among these countries.

The Rotax website also lists a Tehran-based company -- MahtaWing -- as an official service center for its engines. The company, known in Persian as Mahtabal, conducts repairs of Rotax engines, including the Rotax 912 iS, the engine that was found in the Mohajer-6 combat drone recovered in Ukraine.

BRP said in an e-mailed statement on November 4 that while Luciano Sorlini S.p.a. is the appointed distributor of Rotax aircraft engines in Iran, "since 2019, no Rotax engines have been sold in Iran, and we will not sell any engines to Iran moving forward."

The Canadian company said it had "internal controls" that "significantly" restrict the sale of its products for military purposes.

"For example, the sale of any BRP product to operators with any military activity in Iran, Turkey, and Russia is strictly prohibited," BRP said. "We conduct our business in compliance with all EU, Canadian, and U.S. applicable regulations."

BRP described the Iranian company MahtaWing as a "local service center" that "offers maintenance services for previously sold aircraft engines."

Shahriar Siami of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report.
Iraqi medical and security sources say at least 10 people have been killed and 33 wounded in a series of suicide bombings in Baghdad and Mosul.

The Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility for the February 10 attacks.

A man blew himself up inside the Sayda Jamila ("My Fair Lady") restaurant at lunchtime in eastern Mosul, killing at least four people and wounding 15, officials said.

The area is part of the city that was recently liberated from IS fighters, who still control western Mosul.

The restaurant was among a few that had recently reopened in the eastern part.

A suicide car bomb killed a soldier and wounded four others in another attack in eastern Mosul.

In Baghdad, a car bomb parked in the Ilam district in the southern part of the capital exploded, up killing five and wounding 14.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged heavy artillery fire in multiple locations, officials in both countries said, as Russian-appointed officials continued evacuating people from the west bank of the Dnieper River amid a mounting Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Ukraine's national grid operator, meanwhile, said on November 5 that it would increase rolling blackouts in Kyiv and seven other regions as the countrys national grid remained severely damaged by weeks of Russian air strikes.

Electricity consumption is rising across Ukraine as the weather turns colder, and energy providers have raced to do repairs, ordering planned power cuts to avoid overloads.

Ukraines General Staff said that its troops thwarted Russian attacks a day earlier in the eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions. The military also claimed that Ukrainian air defenses shot down multiple Russian and Iranian drones and two Kalibr cruise missiles. The claim could not be immediately verified.

The head of the Vynnytsya region, Serhiy Borzov, said the central region was hit overnight by Russian kamikaze drones.

Russian troops have been actively using Iranian drones in recent weeks to attack critical civilian and infrastructure objectives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the fiercest fighting over the last week had taken place around Bakhmut and Soledar in Donetsk and that Ukrainian forces are holding their positions there and elsewhere.

He also spoke of "good gains" in the south, praising infantry and artillery brigades for destroying enemy equipment, Russian manpower.

The claims of battlefield success could not be independently verified.

Ukrainian forces have been mounting a slow, incremental counteroffensive in the southern Kherson region for weeks now, moving closer to directly threatening the Dnieper River port of Kherson, which was captured early after Russias February invasion.

In response, Russian authorities have been evacuating civilians and military troops to the opposite bank of the Dnieper.

Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the Russia-installed administration in the Kherson region, announced a 24-hour curfew on November 4, saying it was necessary to defend it from an expected Ukrainian attack.

The Russian military said "more than 5,000 civilians" were being evacuated daily to the east bank of the river. And Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 4 called for civilians to be moved out from Kherson.

Those who live in Kherson must now be removed from the zone of the most dangerous hostilities, Putin said in remarks broadcast on state television. The civilian population should not suffer from shelling, from the offensive, counteroffensive, and other measures related to military operations.

Russias Defense Ministry said on November 5 that troops had repelled Ukrainian attacks in in the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kherson regions. In the Kherson region, which the Kremlin last month declared had been annexed, authorities reported the heaviest artillery fire in days.

Ukrainian officials have likened the departures of Kherson residents to Soviet-style deportations, though its unclear to what extent the departures are forced or voluntary. Russian officials said people were being moved to safety from the path of the Ukrainian advance.

Ukraines counteroffensives in Kherson and the northern Kharkiv region have been powered in large part by powerful Western weaponry. On November 4, the U.S. Defense Department announced another $400 million shipment of weapons and other equipment, including refurbished tanks, surface-to-air missiles, new coastal defense boats, and other items.

The announcement came around the same time that the U.S. national-security adviser, Jake Sullivan, made an unannounced visit to Kyiv to meet with top Ukrainian officials.

At a news conference later, Sullivan sought again to calm Ukrainian jitters about whether U.S. weapons would continue after the upcoming midterm U.S. congressional elections.

Polls show that Republicans are poised to take control of one, or possibly both, chambers of Congress, and a small but vocal number of Republicans have voiced misgivings about the amount and duration of U.S. aid for Ukraine.

There will be no wavering, Sullivan said at a news conference. Im confident U.S. support for Ukraine will be unwavering and unflinching.

Asked about the prospect of peace talks with Russia, Sullivan repeated what U.S. officials have said in the past: "Nothing is discussed about Ukraine without Ukraine."

"For me, the main question about these negotiations is what a just peace looks like and how it can be achieved, Sullivan said. If you look at Russian accusations, Russian actions, in particular regarding the annexation of [Ukrainian] territories, it does not really encourage negotiations.

With reporting by RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service, Reuters, dpa, and AP
Russia does not have substantial differences with the United States over the Iran nuclear deal, Sergei Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to Washington, was quoted as saying by Russia's RIA Novosti news agency.

Kislyak told RIA Novosti on February 10 that Moscow intended to conduct a dialogue with Washington over the Iran deal and that those differences that did exist were of emphasis rather than substance.

Russia's envoy also said the new U.S. administration's position toward the situation in Ukraine is "more measured" than that of the previous U.S. government.

However, Kislyak told RIA Novosti that the Trump administration "had yet to formulate its approach" toward Ukraine.

Kislyak was also quoted as saying Moscow would seek the restoration of access to recreational facilities in the United States that were used by Russian diplomats.

The administration of former U.S. President Barack Obama shut down the facilities in December.

Based on reporting by Reuters, RIA Novosti, and Interfax
The Kremlin says Russian air strikes that killed three Turkish soldiers in Syria were launched based on coordinates provided by the Turkish military.

The Turkish military has said the soldiers were killed in a "friendly fire" incident during an operation against Islamic State (IS) militants near the city of Al-Bab.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences over "the tragic incident" during a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on February 9, according to a Kremlin statement.

Now the Kremlin is saying it wasn't Russia's fault.

"Unfortunately, our military, while carrying out strikes on terrorists, was guided by coordinates given to them by our Turkish partners," Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters in a conference call on February 10.

He said that "Turkish servicemen should not have been present" at that location.

Russia and Turkey support opposite sides in the Syrian civil war, but both oppose IS militants, and they have begun coordinating operations in some cases.

Putin and Erdogan have mended ties that were badly strained after Turkish warplanes shot down a Russian jet near the Syrian border in November 2015.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Ukraine's territorial integrity in a letter to the president of Lithuania, which has often backed Ukraine in its disputes with Russia.

Trump made the remarks in a letter to President Dalia Grybauskaite that was dated February 8 and posted on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania.

He praised Lithuania's "support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as your efforts to increase energy diversification [and] advance our shared goal to enhance European and regional security."

Lithuania and fellow Baltic states Latvia and Estonia have felt vulnerable since Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and its backing of separatists in fighting in eastern Ukraine that has killed more than 9,750 people since April 2014.

Trump's praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his expressed desire for warmer relations with Moscow have added to the Baltic states' concerns.

On February 9, Grybauskaite said the Baltic states will seek additional security measures from the United States and NATO ahead of a large annual Russian military exercise, called Zapad (West), that is due to be held in September.

In a move ordered by the Obama administration in 2014 to show support for U.S. allies, about 3,500 U.S. soldiers have been sent to eastern NATO members as part of a NATO deployment.

In his letter, Trump also praised Lithuania's efforts increase defense spending "to achieve NATO's agreed benchmark."

Trump has spoken often of the need for NATO members to contribute more financially to the alliance, raising concerns by some countries about the level of his commitment to common security needs.
Russian Embassy officials in Baku have met with blogger Aleksandr Lapshin, who was extradited to Azerbaijan from Belarus on February 8.

Azerbaijani authorities said the visit by Russian officials was in accordance with Vienna convention rules and added that Lapshin was also given a medical examination.

Lapshin is being held in detention by Azerbaijani officials for illegally traveling to the breakaway Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2011-12 and for posting articles on his blog that allegedly call for the region's independence.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on February 8 that Lapshins extradition "does not correspond to the spirit of friendly ties between allies -- Russia and Belarus."

The 40-year-old Lapshin is a resident of Moscow and writes a Russian-language blog called Life Adventures.

If Lapshin is convicted by judicial authorities in Azerbaijan, he could face up to eight years in prison.

Based on reporting by Interfax
A Serbian court has rejected Montenegro's request to extradite one of its citizens wanted by Montenegrin authorities for his alleged participation in an attempted coup.

Serbian citizens Predrag Bogicevic and Nemanja Ristic have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow Montenegros government in October.

The Belgrade high court rejected Montenegro's request to extradite Nemanja Ristic, saying the request was "unfounded." The decision was made on February 8, the court said.

The ruling can't be appealed, but the case file can be sent to the Appellate Court in Belgrade for a final revision.

An extradition request for Bogicevic was approved last month by a court in the Serbian city of Kragujevac.

Bogicevic continues to be in Serbian custody; Ristic has been released.

However, in a written statement to RFE/RL, Serbia's Justice Ministry said it was the minister herself, Nela Kuburovic, who will have the last word in either case.

"The final decision on an extradition is made by the justice minister, after the courts send their decisions," the statement said.

Montenegro's chief prosecutor has identified two Russian citizens as the suspected organizers of the alleged coup attempt in Podgorica, which he has linked to the government's push to join NATO.

Montenegro in December 2015 received an invitation to join NATO.

Ristic made headlines in December when he appeared in a photograph standing near Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the officials visit to Belgrade.

Montenegro has arrested around 20 people in connection with the alleged plot, most of them Serbian nationals.

Russia has denied involvement but has actively supported local groups that oppose Montenegro becoming a NATO member.
A passenger jet has made the first commercial flight from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan in 25 years, months after the new Uzbek president vowed to improve ties with other Central Asian countries.

The Boeing 737 owned by Tajik airline Somon Air carried 65 people from Dushanbe to Tashkent, including travelers, airline officials, and journalists covering the event on February 10.

Regular weekly flights on the route will begin on February 20, Somon Air Chief Executive Thomas Hallam told reporters. Uzbek flag carrier Uzbekistan Havo Yollary said in January that it would start flights to Tajikistan "in the near future."

The flights will make it easier for some travelers to make the trip between the two capitals, which are separated by rugged mountains and arid plains.

"For the past 25 years, I have traveled to Tashkent by land through the northern Sughd Province, a route that takes 10-15 hours," said Yoqutkhon Abdusalomova, a businesswoman from Dushanbe who was visiting her daughter in Tashkent.

"Now we hope our governments abolish the visa regime or at least make it possible to get visas at airports," Abdusalomova told an RFE/RL reporter who made the flight.

Flights between the two former Soviet republics were suspended when a five-year civil war erupted in Tajikistan in 1992.

Several rounds of negotiations between Tajik and Uzbek government officials to resume them failed in recent years amid frosty relations under longtime Uzbek President Islam Karimov, whose death was announced in September.

Ties have been strained by disputes over an array of issues including water resources, transit routes, and border security.

President Shavkat Mirziyaev, who replaced Karimov after his death and won a tightly controlled election in December, has promised to improve ties with neighboring Central Asian states and take other steps to decrease Uzbekistan's isolation.

An agreement to resume flights was signed in November. Authorities say they expect to expand the number of flights between the capitals as well as other major cities.

Several of the passengers on the February 10 flight were ethnic Uzbeks living in Tajikistan, which has a large ethnic Uzbek minority.

Airline officials from both countries held a meeting after the jet landed at Tashkent International Airport.

Hallam told RFE/RL that they would discuss issues related to future cooperation, including tickets prices and flight schedules.
ON MY MIND

There's more than one way to build an empire. There's more than one way to dominate your neighbors. There's more than one way to play the imperialist.

And with Vladimir Putin's regime increasingly emboldened in the post-Soviet neighborhood, we should expect the Kremlin to deploy all of the tools in its toolbox to build its new model empire.

And on this week's Power Vertical Podcast, we'll take a close look at Putin's imperial toolbox. Joining me will be Agnia Grigas, a senior fellow at The Atlantic Council and author of the books Beyond Crimea: The New Russian Empire and the forthcoming The New Geopolitics Of Natural Gas; and Andrew Wilson, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, author of the books The Ukraine Crisis: What It Means For the West and Belarus: The Last European Dictatorship.

Also on the podcast, Agnia, Andrew, and I will discuss the uptick in tensions between Russia and Belarus.

So be sure to tune in later today.

IN THE NEWS

The Russian Constitutional Court has ruled that the case of imprisoned opposition activist Ildar Dadin must be reviewed.

The Turkish military says three of its soldiers were accidentally killed and 11 others wounded by a Russian air strike in northern Syria.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite says the Baltic states will seek additional security measures from the United States and NATO ahead of a massive Russian military exercise in September.

U.S. media reports say White House national security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with Moscow's ambassador to the United States during the month before President Donald Trump took office.

U.S. Senator Bob Corker has suggested lawmakers should empower officials in Donald Trumps administration whose views on Russia diverge sharply from those voiced by the president.

Russia does not have substantial differences with the United States over the Iran nuclear deal, Sergei Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to Washington, was quoted as saying by Russia's RIA Novosti news agency.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke "at length" about terrorism, Russia, the Iran nuclear deal, and Ukraine in their first meeting, the EU said.

Russia has reiterated its opposition to the use of sanctions in international affairs, saying they are "rather destructive and harmful to both sides."

A Russian Foreign Ministry official says Moscow views Romania as a NATO outpost and a "clear threat" because it hosts part of a U.S. missile shield in Europe.

Russian Embassy officials in Baku have met with blogger Aleksandr Lapshin, who was extradited to Azerbaijan from Belarus on February 8.

Pirates have kidnapped seven Russians and one Ukrainian after attacking a cargo ship off the Nigerian coast.

WHAT I'M READING

Navalny's Stubborn Persistence

In his column for Bloomberg, political commentator Leonid Bershidsky weighs in on the Navalny case -- and the Navalny phenomenon.

"Navalny, a dogged fighter and one of a handful of Putin opponents who haven't left the country or given up on fighting the regime, refuses to accept defeat even though it's all but certain. That's a disposition Navalny shares with Soviet dissidents such as Andrei Sakharov, who resisted the regime when there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Some of them lived to see that light, and that was their reward. Navalny wants more -- a chance to govern. And he's stubborn enough to get a crack at it eventually," Bershidsky writes.

Will Iran Spoil The New Detente?

Michael Weiss has a piece in The Daily Beast on why it will be difficult for Trump to decouple Russia from Iran.

"Any substantive deal winning Putin away from his Persian embrace would almost certainly entail the lifting of all U.S. sanctions on Russia for the invasion and occupation of Ukraine, plus formally recognizing Crimea as sovereign Russian territory. Such a diplomatic volte-face would put Washington in violation of international law and make it a pariah among Western liberal democracies, or whats left of them," Weiss writes.

A New Opposition?

Tatiana Stanovaya has a piece on the Moscow Carnegie Center's website on the prospects for a new-model opposition to emerge in Russia.

"Observers of the Russian political scene are constantly looking for clues as to where political change will come from. At a time when Russias 'systemic' opposition, which is represented in parliament, is widely perceived as compromised, there is a common belief that the only viable alternative to the current ruling class will come from the 'nonsystemic' opposition, which does not play by the rules set by the Kremlin and does its politics on the street," Stanovaya writes.

"However, there is good reason to believe that the observers are looking in the wrong place, and that real political change in Russia will eventually come from a counter-elite that forms within the current regime."

How's That End Of History Thing Going?

The Washington Post's Ishaan Tharoor interviews Francis Fukuyama, author of the famous 1989 essay The End Of History, on the end of the end of history.

"Twenty five years ago, I didn't have a sense or a theory about how democracies can go backward," Fukuyama told Tharoor. "And I think they clearly can."

The Pros And Cons Of Intel Sharing

Steven L. Hall, a former CIA official who managed Russian operations, has a piece for The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on the ins and outs of intelligence sharing with Russia.

The Donbas Escalation

Balazs Jarabik of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has a piece in War On The Rocks on the recent escalation in the Donbas and how Ukraine is fighting for the status quo.

The Traditionalist International

Casey Michel has a piece in Foreign Policy on "how Russia became the leader of the global Christian right."
A large crowd has turned out for the funeral of an assassinated separatist commander in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.

Mikhail Tolstykh, 36, whose nom de guerre was Givi, died in an explosion in his office in the separatist-held regional capital on February 8.

Tolstykh's body was laid out in the Donetsk opera house on February 10 with the flag of his fighting force, known as the Somali Battalion, covering his closed coffin.

Western media reports said some 2,000 people -- most of them pensioners and separatist fighters -- lined up outside to pay last respects. Many carried flowers and orange-and-black ribbons expressing their support for Russia.

Donetsk separatist leaders have said the killing was a "terrorist" attack organized by the Ukrainian intelligence services. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) denied responsibility, instead suspecting an internal operation planned by Russia or the separatists.

Tolstykh became known during the brutal battle for Donetsk airport. Video footage from 2015 shows him verbally and physically abusing Ukrainian servicemen captured during the battle.

Another separatist commander -- Arseny Pavlov, known as Motorola -- was killed when a bomb exploded in an elevator in his apartment block in Donetsk in October.

Fighting between government forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine has killed more than 9,750 people since April 2014.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP
The White House denied a report on February 9 that President Donald Trump was unaware of a U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty during his first phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Reuters reported that Trump paused during the January 28 call to ask aides what the New START treaty was.

But White House press secretary Sean Spicer said that Trump was aware of the treaty that was forged during the Obama administration and paused because he was "seeking an opinion" from advisers.

Reuters also reported that Trump denounced the treaty during the call, saying it was a bad deal for the United States, although Putin suggested extending it for five years.

As a candidate, Trump was critical of the 2010 agreement. The treaty limits both countries' nuclear arsenals to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads. It is set to expire in 2021.

Trump in December said the United States should "greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability" until the rest of the world "comes to its senses" regarding nuclear weapons. The remark came the same day Putin said Russia's chief military objective this year should be strengthening its nuclear capabilities.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters


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The Hanover County Sheriff's Office is investigating a weeks-old bomb threat at the Walmart in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road off of Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 25, the sheriff's office responded to the Walmart for a report of a Walmart employee receiving a phone call from someone who threatened to bomb the store, according to Sgt. James Cooper.

The sheriff's office released photographs of people believed to have additional information about the bomb threat. They were last seen leaving the area in a dark colored sport utility vehicle.
To a community rattled by fear and riddled with bullets, Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham says crime is not out of control.

The overall feeling in our community is that crime is out of control, Durham said Friday during a news conference about violent crime so far this year. It is my intent today to provide you with information that will ease some of those fears and perceptions.

In the first 40 days of 2017, there have been nine homicides. Police were investigating eight this time last year, which went on to become the citys most deadly in a decade.

Richmond police announced Friday that they have made arrests in two separate January slayings, bringing clearances to three of the years nine homicides  including one other arrest made in January in connection to another shooting death.

We are in the position to clear all of these homicides as a police department. We have the detectives and forensic technicians to assemble the information and make the arrests, Durham said before adding, If we get good information from the family, friends and community. Thats the critical element. Citizen cooperation. Tips that we can act upon.

Its important, he said, that the department has cleared these cases quickly  James D. Henshaw, 39, of Dinwiddie County, was arrested a day after the fatal shooting of Deavon Jacobs, 25, on Jan. 8; Antoine R. Cooper, 21, of the 1600 block of Rosecrest Avenue was identified within 10 days of the Jan. 23 death of Charles J. Lewis III, 53, and he was detained four days later; Stephen D. Green, 23, of the 1700 block of W. Moore Street was in custody less than three days after Joseph Boyle, 31, was shot and killed Jan. 29.

Quick arrests are important because they help bring some closure to families, prevent retaliation, and once a suspect has been arrested, people are more willing to come forward with information, Durham said. This also sends a message to those who think they can callously inflict harm on people in our community and think they can get away with murder.

Were here to tell them today, thats not going to be the case because the citizens and the police will ensure that you have your day in court, he said.

Despite the arrests, fears still linger.

James Henshaw was released on a $25,000 bond by a Richmond Circuit Court judge late last month.

Charles Willis, executive director of United Communities Against Crime, echoed sentiments expressed by the police chief and Mayor Levar Stoney at the news conference  he didnt attend the meeting because he was at a funeral.

The police is not where it ends, Willis said. It ends at the judges bench.

Stoney challenged Richmonders to step up.

Police cant do it alone. We need prosecutors to push for tough sentences for the most violent offenders and judges to hold the line and keep them off our streets and we need the community, whether we sit on juries or witness this in their neighborhoods, to step up, he said. This cant be all on Chief Durhams shoulders or on Mike Herrings shoulders at the Commonwealth Attorneys office. We all have to bear some of the burden as citizens of our city to keep our city safe.

Willis said he thinks the tone should change a bit to reflect the fact that their are groups, like his, already working in the community.

They keep saying community, community  we need the community. The responsible citizens of Richmond have been coming out and will continue to come out, Willis said. We need more folks to come out, we need to come out and go the extra mile.

But the cooperation with police has to be reciprocated, Willis said. There are many in the communities most affected by the violence who dont trust police and are taking justice into their own hands.

Durham called it street justice. He said there have been many cases where a person has been shot but not fatally wounded and is not cooperating with police.

Were dealing with a lot of retaliation, Willis said.

The rise in violent crime has some residents ready to leave Richmond.

Jasmine Wilkins, who lives off Ladies Mile Road not far from where Yasheka Dehart, 32, was shot and killed Jan. 29, said shes looking to live elsewhere.

I want to get up out of here, she said. Things are too crazy out here. I got to move.

A neighbor on Terminal Avenue, near where Jakeem Johnson, 26, was killed Tuesday, said hes scared to let his kids play outside.

We keep them inside, Kamaal Jeferries said. We keep them active, but inside. I cant let them run around out there with those hoodlums.
Estimados amigos,

Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia.

Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro.

Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras.

There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen.

You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out.

No soy alguien que sabe, sino alguien que busca.

Only Gold is money. Everything else is debt.

Las grandes almas tienen voluntades; las debiles tan solo deseos.

Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada.

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.

If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.
A judge on Friday ordered a mental evaluation to ensure that a Henrico County man charged with killing his parents last Easter is fit to stand trial.

Henrico Circuit Court Judge James Stephen Yoffy granted a defense motion for an evaluation of William Brissette. The judge ordered it to be finished by April 3 so attorneys could examine it.

Henrico Commonwealths Attorney Shannon L. Taylor supported the motion for the mental examination.

The report, which will be done by a psychologist at the University of Virginia, will gauge whether Brissette is competent enough to understand the trial process and can help the attorneys defending him.

There is concern here that the defense has raised that Mr. Brissettes mental illness has made him incapable of assisting in his defense, Douglas A. Ramseur, Brissettes attorney, said after Fridays court hearing.

Ramseur declined to specify what mental illness Brissette is suffering from.

Brissette, 23, is facing charges of capital murder in the case. He is accused of fatally shooting his parents, Henry J. Brissette III and Martha B. Brissette, on Easter Sunday last March. The punishment for that is life in prison or death.

Taylor has said that she intends to seek the death penalty, saying last September that her decision is based on the vileness of the crime and the likelihood of future dangerousness.

But the National Alliance of Mental Illness of Central Virginia wrote a letter to Taylor Tuesday saying it opposes the death penalty in the Brissette case. Kathy Harkey, the groups executive director, wrote that she personally knew Brissettes biological grandmother,the late Miriam Blevins, who served on the groups board of directors.

Based on my relationship with the late Mrs. Blevins, and my knowledge of this cruel disease from a professional and family member perspective, I feel confident that the late Miriam Blevins and her daughter, the late Martha Brissette, would find a death sentence to be a cruel and unusual punishment for their loved one William Brissette, Harkey wrote. They would not want William to suffer additional psychological torture and death. They would want him to live and receive proper medical care for his treatable medical condition.

Fridays motion threw a kink into the court schedule.

The case had been set for a two-week trial in June, but that has been withdrawn and a new trial date hasnt been rescheduled.

The next court hearing is on April 6 to discuss the results of the mental evaluation.
A state judge has ruled that the NYPD cannot keep secret information related to surveillance operations it carried out several years ago on Black Lives Matter protests at Grand Central Terminal, a victory for civil libertarians who had claimed the NYPD was ignoring state freedom of information rules.

The suit, brought by protester James Logue, had sought to compel the NYPD to release information on video and audio recordings collected at protests from the fall of 2014 through January 2015. Logue had originally filed a Freedom of Information Law request for the data, but the NYPD rejected the request, claiming that it needed to keep the information proprietary to protect law enforcement strategies.

Logue was in attendance at a BLM protest at Grand Central in November 2014 when he noticed uniformed and plainclothes police officers recording the proceedings. Believing these actions infringed upon protesters' First Amendment rights, he filed his FOIL request.

The NYPD had said that releasing information about surveillance would reveal information about counter-terrorism activities, particularly related to potential activities by ISIS, but the presiding judge, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, ruled that the department's claims failed "to provide a causal connection to the protesters and are insufficient to state a generic risk." He also noted that redaction could mitigate any legitimate departmental concerns about sensitive operations.

David Thompson, Logue's attorney, told the Daily News that the NYPD frequently ignores transparency laws. "Their practice is to simply deny all the requests," he said.

New York Civil Liberties Union Senior Staff Attorney Mariko Hirose applauded the decision in an email to Gothamist. "The NYPD often attempts to avoid accountability by insisting on the need for blanket secrecy. This decision ensures that the NYPD cannot shroud its operations in secrecy by relying on vague references to law enforcement interests," she wrote.

"We are reviewing the decision with the NYPD, and will respond accordingly," a Law Department spokesperson said.
CHRISTIANSBURG  New court documents in the Nicole Lovell murder case include more about the ties between the Blacksburg 13-year-old and the man accused of killing her.

According to Natalie Marie Keepers, who is charged with David Edmond Eisenhauer in Lovells death, Eisenhauer met Lovell when the Virginia Tech freshman attended a high school party. He worried that he might have had sex with Lovell, Keepers told investigators, but claimed he could not remember because something caused him to black out at the party and to awaken the next day in a ditch.

Eisenhauer feared Lovell was pregnant and claimed the girl had threatened to kill herself unless he visited her, said Keepers, who also was a Tech freshman when arrested last year.

The details of Keepers account to investigators were part of a brief filed this week in Montgomery County Circuit Court by Commonwealths Attorney Mary Pettitt. It was the latest salvo in a battle over whether statements Keepers made about her and Eisenhauers roles in Lovells January 2016 slaying will ever be heard by a jury.

Keepers lawyers want the statements thrown out because they argue that investigators did not tell Keepers that she could remain silent or have an attorney present until more than a day into their questioning of her.

Prosecutors argue that because Keepers was first questioned as an alibi witness for Eisenhauer and became a suspect only after incriminating herself  and because she signed statements waiving her rights to speak with an attorney  her words should be allowed as evidence.

Circuit Court Judge Robert Turk has said he plans to rule this month on Keepers statements. She is charged with being an accessory before the fact to first-degree murder and of concealing a body. The 20-year-old from Laurel, Md., is scheduled to begin a five-day jury trial on March 27.

Eisenhauer, 19, of Columbia, Md., is charged with first-degree murder, abduction and concealing a body. He was scheduled to begin a 10-day trial on March 6, but Turk this week agreed to give his attorneys more time to prepare. A new trial date for Eisenhauer has not been scheduled.

Other details from Pettitts brief included:

Eisenhauer told police that he was with Keepers when Lovell had gone missing on the night of Jan. 26, 2016.

Keepers said she and Eisenhauer had a fling the summer before they came to Blacksburg and became best friends when they entered Techs engineering program. She described their relationship as really tight and said she had seen Eisenhauer at least four of the six days before she was questioned. Eisenhauer had driven her to her boyfriends apartment the night before investigators questioned her, which would have been shortly before Eisenhauer was arrested.

Eisenhauer had high school friends and went to high school parties, Keepers said. During Techs 2015-16 winter break, Eisenhauer attended a high school party and met a young girl.

A member of Techs cross country and track and field teams, Eisenhauer did not drink, Keepers said. Yet he claimed to have blacked out at the party and to not recall what happened there, Keepers said.

Eisenhauer said a friend told him that he had been making out with a girl at the party. He said the girl said she was 16 and that he had communicated with her after the party and was worried that she was underage.

About a week after Christmas 2015, Eisenhauer expressed concerns that the girl might be pregnant.

Keepers claimed that around midnight on Jan. 26, 2016, Eisenhauer came to her dorm room to say the girl had revealed to him that she was 13 or 14. Eisenhauer said the girl had threatened to kill herself if he broke off contact with her.

Keepers said she felt a little bit at fault on this because Keepers had made similar threats about suicide in the past. Pettitts brief did not explain how this would have influenced Lovells supposed behavior.

Keepers gave several versions of events during two days of questioning by investigators, but consistently denied being present when Lovell died  instead emphasizing Eisenhauers role as the killer.
A man who used his cellphone to film a 14-year-old girl in the shower and other unsuspecting females was convicted of two felony charges Thursday in Stafford County Circuit Court.

Alonzo Ray Morris, 24, of Spotsylvania County pleaded guilty to felony charges of possessing child pornography and unlawful filming of a minor. He was also convicted of three misdemeanor charges of peeping into a restroom.

In exchange for the guilty pleas, prosecutor Ryan Frank dropped several other charges. Morris will be sentenced April 24 by Judge Victoria Willis.

According to the evidence, the investigation began after a teenage family member of Morris' girlfriend noticed a camera in the bathroom of a Stafford apartment. The girl confronted Morris about it, Frank said, and he told her that he'd accidentally left it in there.

A few days later, the same girl was walking past the bathroom when she saw Morris' hand reaching over the top of the shower head while a 14-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were showering together. Believing that he was filming the teenage couple and others, the girl contacted the Sheriff's Office in April.

Detective R.S. Parsons later learned that Morris had been fired from his job for secretly filming a coworker in the bathroom, court records state. He then asked Morris to meet him for an interview.

During the May 10 interview, court records show, Morris initially denied any wrongdoing and said the filming of the coworker was an accident. After Parsons told Morris he did not believe him, Morris offered the detective his phone and password and said no recordings would be found.

Parsons told him that that phone would be searched and that deleted videos would be recovered by forensic examination. At that point, Morris told Parsons he probably would find videos of a 16-year-old girl using the bathroom, the teenage couple naked in the shower and various "up-skirt" videos of strangers.

Morris signed a consent form allowing the phone to be searched. When he returned for the phone the next day, court records state, he told Parsons that he was under the influence of alcohol when he made the recordings and that he needed therapy.

Frank said videos of the teens could not be recovered after all, but there were random images taken up women's skirts.

Morris' attorney, Austin Timberlake, tried to get Judge Willis to throw out Morris' statements made to Parsons, saying they were coerced with no proper Miranda warning.
SPOTSYLVANIA  Steve Jones said he quickly trashed the white supremacist flier lying at the end of his driveway.

I said, All I can do with this is throw it in the trash because Im not going to justify it,  said Jones, 58, who found the printout Sunday afternoon while walking his dog in the Creekside subdivision near Chancellorsville Battlefield in Spotsylvania County.

He later added: To me, when you give these folks publicity, they win. These folks are just sitting around getting their jollies because, Haha, we got somebodys goat, and theyre worried about us. 

Jones was among about 30 Creekside residents at a recent town hall-style meeting to discuss the anonymously delivered fliers. Some of the attendees agreed with him that the incident should not have been tipped off to the media, which first reported the fliers on Monday.

But Creekside resident Monique Akassi, who organized the meeting at the Chancellor Ruritan Club off state Route 3, said silence is not the answer. She quoted the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who once said: The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.

The fliers at issue, which tout a neo-Nazi group called New Order and depict an image of a swastika, proclaim: Make America WHITE again  and greatness will follow.

Residents of at least a few subdivisions off Route 3 near Harrison Crossing found the leaflets early last week at the end of their driveways or on their lawns.

Each flier was in a plastic bag held down by rocks.

Akassi, who is black, said she got choked up after discovering the printout Monday morning and immediately called the Sheriffs Office. A Spotsylvania deputy dropped by her home and talked with her for an hour, she said.

The media needs to see more of this, where the police and the communities are joined together, she said.

Spotsylvania Deputy Rich Vasquez spoke briefly at the meeting, telling residents that he could not talk about the ongoing investigation into the incident. He did say he applauds the folks who reported the fliers, adding: If you see something, you have to say something.

I wouldve had the same reaction you had when you picked that up, said the deputy, adding that his wife is black.

An FBI official who came to the meeting in an unofficial capacity said the First Amendment protects the content of the fliers.

Creekside resident Gina Terry told attendees that she knows some of them are unhappy that she spoke out to the newspaper. But she said similar incidents are happening all around the country, and they should not be swept under the rug.

Like it or not, Creekside is now part of a larger narrative that is happening now  of hate, said Terry, mentioning the anti-Islam uproar in 2015 over a proposed mosque in Spotsylvania.

The flier did not mention Republican President Donald Trump by name, but did refer to his proposal to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. The wall is not a bad idea, the flier states, but adds that militarizing the US/Mexico border would be faster, cheaper and more effective.

Jones, a Republican who voted for Trump, said whoever is responsible for the fliers is trying to stir up trouble and get publicity, which he said, lets the enemy win. Theres no telling who distributed the leaflets, he said.
SANTA MONICA, Calif.  The Cold War was waged and won in many places, including this beach city, home to the RAND Corp. Created in 1948 to think about research and development as it effects military planning and procurement, RAND pioneered strategic thinking about nuclear weapons in the context of the U.S.-Soviet competition. Seven decades later it is thinking about the nuclear threat from a nation created in 1948.

When Defense Secretary James Mattis said that any North Korean use of nuclear weapons would draw an effective and overwhelming U.S. response, he did not, according to RANDs Bruce W. Bennett, overcommit the president by saying that the response would be nuclear. But an overwhelming response could be.

On Jan. 1, North Koreas 33-year-old leader Kim Jong Un said that his regime was at the final stage in preparations to test-launch an ICBM, perhaps one capable of reaching Americas Pacific Coast. On Jan. 2, Donald Trump tweeted: It wont happen! He thereby drew a red line comparable to his predecessors concerning Syrian chemical weapons. So, Trump, who excoriated Barack Obama for ignoring that red line, must, Bennett believes, be prepared to threaten actions that would prevent North Korea from learning from its test, actions such as shooting down the missile.

The United States has 30-some ground-based interceptor missiles at Fort Greely in Alaska and others at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This small capability is intended to cope with an accidental firing by an adversary, or an intentional firing by a rogue general, or to deter or defeat a deliberate attack by an adversary with a small nuclear arsenal, such as North Korea. Will the U.S. anti-ballistic missile system work? Bennett says technologies can go wrong, so this would be an opportunity to fix any failures. And unless we then are prepared to shoot down theater-range ballistic missiles, we will signal less-than-convincing commitment to South Korea and Japan. To those who say it is premature to conclude that Kim is capable of delivering a nuclear warhead, Bennett says: In 1966, China, in its fourth nuclear test, just two years after its first, had a missile carry a nuclear weapon to its detonation over its western desert.

In 2006, William Perry, who had been defense secretary for Bill Clinton, and Ashton Carter, who would be Obamas final defense secretary, recommended U.S. action to destroy any ICBM set for testing on a North Korean launch pad. But that nations conventional retaliatory capabilities, including artillery and rockets capable of inflicting considerable damage on at least Seouls northern suburbs, forestalled this. And North Korea has perhaps 1,000 tactical-range ballistic missiles capable of striking throughout South Korea and Japan. Furthermore, North Korea has cyberwar, commando and sabotage capabilities.

Today, U.S. surface ships and submarines alone could deliver dozens of cruise missiles, and each of up to 10 B-2 bombers could carry two Massive Ordnance Penetrators to destroy underground leadership or missile bunkers. But as soon as Kim has one or more ICBMs (probably road-mobile) capable of delivering, on short notice, a nuclear payload to, say, Santa Monica, pre-emptive U.S. action, even just against his nuclear infrastructure, might be too risky.

Furthermore, preparations for a more ambitious strike  against North Korean artillery and rockets, ports, airfields, command-and-control centers, leadership bunkers and forward-positioned forces  might be apparent and might provoke Kim to strike first against Seoul and U.S. forces in South Korea. South Korea talks openly of creating, this year, a decapitation brigade involving perhaps as many as 2,000 troops whose mission would be to eliminate North Koreas leadership in the event of war.

Kim recently dismissed the head of his secret police, the latest sign of insecurity. Bennett believes Kim, undeterred by tweets, might test his ICBM for internal purposes  to impress restive North Korean elites. Bennett suggests that the threat to shoot down the test flight would constructively exacerbate Kims problems. As might U.S. propaganda, for example by reminding North Korean elites that Chinas president has had eight summits with South Koreas president in the last four years but never has had one with Kim, who China apparently considers not important.

North Korea, which has been run opaquely for the Kim familys benefit since 1953, is approaching a red line. Although the line was drawn before Trump took office, perhaps it represents continuity. It prefigured the kind of improvisational governance that has made his early weeks so interesting.
Hundreds of central Brooklyn residents gathered at the Flatbush YMCA Wednesday night for a meeting organized by Council Member Jumaane Williams to discuss immigrants' rights, including President Trump's recent executive order temporarily banning immigrants from seven majority-Muslim countries.

The event, "State of Immigration, State of Emergency," featured short speeches from several local elected officials, including Williams, State Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblymembers Rodneyse Bichotte and N. Nick Perry, as well as a panel featuring attorneys and immigration experts. The audience reflected the diverse makeup of Flatbush; many of the evening's speeches and comments were translated into Haitian Creole.

Carol Horsford, a 67-year-old home health aid originally Grenada, told Gothamist she wants to be better informed about immigration issues.

"I got friends and family that are not really comfortable with their status," Horsford said, adding that she is a citizen, but that she "would like to know exactly what is going on in the country, politically and immigration-wise, so that I can help."

Williams, who yesterday announced that he will be running for Council speaker, told Gothamist that he organized the event in response to widespread anxiety and confusion among his constituents surrounding the future of immigration laws.

"People are just afraid and so what we wanted to do here is try to address some of that fear with information and knowledge," he said. "I got a text from somebody who has family in Barbadosthey were wondering if they would be stopped coming back in. People are hearing a lot of different things and it can be heart-wrenching, and so we're trying to get as much information out as possible."

Williams addressed this sense of fear in his speech. "I can't say, 'Don't be afraid,' but I want folks to have courage in that fear," he said. "I want folks to feel that we're going to do whatever we can on the city and state level to keep this as a sanctuary city."



(Eliza Relman/Gothamist)

Panelists covered a range of immigration laws and policies, explaining how community members can seek legal protection. Kathrine Russell, who leads the Brooklyn Defender Services's Immigrant Youth and Communities Project, gave a brief summary of Trump's executive order and who it will affect if it is upheld. She also explained some of the alphabet soup of immigration statuses and protections, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Temporary Protected Status, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

Emmanuel Depas, an immigration attorney and president of the Haitian-American Lawyers Association of New York, and a representative of the Brooklyn DA's office clarified the eligibility requirements for family-based citizenship petitions and the U visa, a special visa for immigrants who are victims of certain crimes.

Several speakers also warned the audience that the rights of immigrants of color are particularly at risk under Trump.

"They start with the Muslims and then they add to the list," Perry, who is originally from Jamaica, told the crowd. "You have to remember and pay attention to the fact that this is driven not just by religious bias, but also racism."

Reflecting this anxiety, audience members asked questions about deportation, including whether children who are U.S. citizens are at risk of being deported if their parents are deported, and what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempt to detain your neighbor.

Williams told Gothamist he was pleased with the turnout at the event and hopes to engage the same community members in activism against the Trump administration in the coming months. He told the audience he wants to see "the melanin get a little darker" at rallies and marches across the city.

"The Caribbean immigrants have notoriously been difficult to get engaged in this conversation," Williams, whose parents immigranted from Grenada, told Gothamist. "We put a lot of effort in that community because they have the tendency to stay in the background, which, in this moment in time, is dangerous."
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
The Senate of Virginia voted 26-13 on Friday to defeat a measure that would have given judges discretion to direct that legal notices be posted on an electronic medium in lieu of in a print newspaper.

The Senate voted down House Bill 1589, sponsored by Del. Jeff Campbell, R-Smyth, following a 30-minute debate. The bill's supporters said most people now get their news online. Opponents said many readers still get information from print newspapers, particularly in communities without broadband service.

Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment, R-James City, spoke in favor of Campbell's bill, which had passed the House of Delegates Jan. 26 on a 99-0 vote.

Norment sponsored a similar measure, dealing with foreclosure advertisements, that was defeated in a Senate committee Feb. 1.

Norment, who teaches third-year law students at the College of William and Mary, said on the Senate floor: "I am aware of young people who read the news every day who have never subscribed to a newspaper in their life, but yet they remain very well informed."

Sen. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, who supported Campbell's bill, asked Norment whether such notices are "a government mandated subsidy" of the print media.

Norment answered: "unequivocally, absolutely, yes."

Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, opposed the bill, asserting that local newspapers "are very important" to rural communities that do not have the same access to broadband as do urban and suburban communities.

"You cannot assume for a second that everyone is up to date  as up to date  as we think you are in your own area," Stanley said. "There are people that depend on this." He added: "We cannot leave behind those that have not kept up."

Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, who also opposed the bill, said the issue "is not about keeping newspapers in business. This is about the public's right to know."

Sen. Bill DeSteph, R-Virginia Beach, who backed the measure, said newspapers are available online. He called it "a progressively, forward bill."

Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, an opponent of the bill, responded: "This idea you can see everything online works fine if you have broadband, but there are a lot of people who don't have broadband."

The Virginia Press Association, a trade group for newspapers in the state, is creating a website where people can search for public notices published by newspapers across the state. It plans to introduce the PublicNoticeVirginia.com website in April.

It will include legal notices routinely published in newspapers and issued by government agencies and private entities such as law firms, contractors and utilities. Those include public meeting notices, foreclosure notices, requests for bids on contracts, and proposed zoning changes.
Virginians who want to post scathingly honest online reviews on websites like Yelp and Angies List could soon be able to fire away with less fear of getting sued.

But whether a new free-speech law pending in the General Assembly extends beyond political speech to cover the increasingly online rating-powered marketplace will depend on how the House of Delegates and Senate reconcile two versions of the bill.

Commonly known as anti-SLAPP statutes (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation), the proposals are aimed at cracking down on defamation lawsuits that, despite having little merit, could scare people into holding back their opinions for fear of a costly court case. The legislation doesn't slam the door shut on defamation lawsuits over provably false statements, but some legislators fear it could leave businesses susceptible to damaging attacks on their reputation by competitors or others.

Yelp, the San Francisco-based online platform for user-powered reviews of restaurants and other business throughout the country, is backing the legislation with the help of Richmond lobbying powerhouse McGuireWoods.

"Yelp is proud to provide an online platform where consumers can post their honest, fact-based opinions,"Laurent Crenshaw, Yelp's director of public policy, said in a written statement. "Virginians need anti-SLAPP protections to ensure that bogus lawsuits can no longer undermine their free expression."

In one closely watched lawsuit in Virginia, a contractor sued a Fairfax woman in 2012 over negative reviews she posted on Yelp and Angie's List after hiring the company to do work at her home. The postings also implied the contractor may have stolen her jewelry because no one else had a key. In 2014, a jury essentially declared the case a draw.

Though some lawmakers are skeptical of adding protection for online reviews, a separate provision shielding speech on government and civic affairs appears to have wide bipartisan support. That element of the legislation was inspired by the case of a Richmond Public Schools principal who sued a group of parents who wrote a letter criticizing the principals performance.

A bill that passed the House 74-23 covers both political and consumer speech.

"What my bill would do is say if you're in the marketplace and you're holding yourself out to the public, then folks can go on and make an honest take on your business," said Del. Terry G. Kilgore, R-Scott, the patron of House Bill 1941.

The bill that cleared the Senate 38-2 only covers political speech after the consumer element was stripped out in committee.

The Senate bill's sponsor is Sen. Glen H. Sturtevant Jr., R-Richmond, who had an up-close view of the principal's defamation case in his former role as a member of the Richmond School Board.

In 2014, the then-principal of Lucille M. Brown Middle School filed a $3 million lawsuit accusing four parents of conspiring to write a damaging letter criticizing the school's administration and atmosphere. The letter, written to school system leaders, was later published by Style Weekly, Richmond's alt-weekly newspaper.

The lawsuit was struck down, but the principal appealed all the way to the Supreme Court of Virginia, which struck down the case again.

That didn't prevent the parents from having to hire lawyers to defend themselves, Sturtevant said.

"We're talking about private citizens. Parents who are concerned about the education of their kids," Sturtevant said. "And they were being faced with a multi-million dollar lawsuit that had the potential to cost them their homes, their life savings, kids' college funds, their livelihoods."

Wendy Martin, one of the parents named in the suit, along with her husband, said at a Senate committee hearing this month that the ordeal meant "455 days of feeling like we had a gun to our head" and nearly $40,000 in legal fees.

"These suits are brought to be vindictive," Martin said. "And I am confident that if I had lived in any of the 28 other states, red and blue, that have this legislation, I never would have been sued."

State law already protects comments on public matters made before a governing body in a public hearing. This year's legislation would widen that protection to statements "communicated to a third party," which could cover letters, online comments and other forms of expression.

Sturtevant and Del. G. Manoli Loupassi, R-Richmond, pushed for a bill signed into law last year to allow people who beat meritless defamation suits to recoup attorney fees and costs.

Though the added protection for political speech outside of public hearings seems headed for easy passage, the commerce provision sought by Yelp faces tougher odds.

At a Feb. 1 Courts of Justice committee hearing, Sen. Mark D. Obenshain, R-Rockingham, said it could be particularly perilous for small businesses.

"For every action, there is a reaction," said Obenshain, the committee chairman. "And I get what you're trying to protect, but you're going to hurt other people in the process."

Without the marketplace provision, "matters of public concern" would be defined as issues "properly before a governing body" or "reasonably likely to encourage consideration or review by a governing body."

Sturtevant said he doesn't expect the commerce provision sought by Yelp to make it out of the Senate.

Kilgore was more optimistic.

"Hopefully we'll get it all," Kilgore said.
The case of the University of Virginia administrator awarded $3 million in a high-profile lawsuit against Rolling Stone magazine is once again in front of a federal judge, who has been asked to overturn the trial jurys verdict.

Counsel for Nicole Eramo faced off with attorneys for the magazine, its publisher and author Sabrina Rubin Erdely at Roanokes federal courthouse on Thursday, marking the first public hearing in the case since the 17-day trial concluded last November.

The jurys verdict came down just days shy of the two-year publication anniversary of A Rape on Campus, Erdelys 9,000-word expose on the culture of sexual assault at elite universities. For her backdrop, Erdely chose UVa and wrote the tale of a former student named Jackie, who claimed to have been gang-raped during her freshman year at a fraternity party.

While the article quickly spread, launching protests and calls for action, details of Jackies story were soon debunked, and in April 2015, the article was officially retracted. Eramo, an associate dean that counseled student survivors of sexual assault prior to the article, filed a defamation lawsuit one month later.

The jury found in Eramos favor, but in December, the magazine formally asked Judge Glen Conrad to vacate the jurys verdict and make a new judgment as a matter of law, citing a rule that suggests the jury did not have a legally sufficient evidentiary basis for finding in Eramos favor.

Specifically, the magazine has asked Conrad to overturn the jurys finding that the magazine was liable for republishing three defamatory statements about Eramo on Dec. 5, 2014, when the magazine appended an editors note to the top of the article stating that it no longer found Jackie credible.

The magazine alleges that the trials evidentiary record does not support the jurys finding that the article had been republished, a position that nine news agencies reiterated in their own motion to the court.

Rolling Stone further disputes the finding that Erdely acted with an actual malice, a standard set by Conrad ahead of the trial. It claims Eramo failed to produce clear and convincing evidence that Erdely had acted with reckless disregard for the truth .

The question of whether or not the magazine republished the article by appending an editors note to the story was a central topic on Thursday  aptly so, considering that $1 million of Eramos damages were gleaned from the jurys determination that it did constitute a republishing.

Just as they did at trial, attorneys for the magazine argued that the note clearly indicates that the editors no longer believed in Jackies account and that they were repudiating any statements or information that was attributed to her  including the defamatory statements made about Eramo.

Conrad acknowledged the interpretation but pointed to Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenners taped deposition videos shown at trial, during which he stated that he did not consider the editors note to be a complete retraction of the articles central narrative.

Conrad further noted that the editors note does not specifically say anything about Eramo or her portrayal in the article, and that a reasonable juror could conclude that the note doesnt retract the statements made about her.

The magazines attorneys also asked the judge to make a new ruling on the special damages awarded to Eramo due to six statements made by Erdely, both in the article and after its publication. Rolling Stone contends that, regardless of whether Erdely acted with actual malice in publishing two defamatory statements, Eramo did not present sufficient evidence that she was due any special damages for the other four, each made after the articles publication.

Eramos attorneys countered that their client was blocked from testifying about the damages she was due because of the post-publication statements, but the magazine proffered that the damages coming from those statements should either be nullified or decided with a new trial

The latter suggestion and the spectre of another lengthy trial was met with derision by all parties in the courtroom.

Were the damages for the post-publication statements forfeited, Rolling Stone attorney Liz McNamara said, then Eramo would only be due damages coming from the two remaining statements. Because the jury ordered $2 million in damages from Erdelys six statements, eliminating four of those statements would reduce the damages to a total of $666,666.67.

Two other motions were taken up on Thursday.

The first pertained to a disagreement over the bill of costs accrued by Eramos counsel through the litigation. While Eramos attorneys claim roughly $144,000 in costs, the magazine estimates the costs to be closer to $65,000, alleging the opposing counsel was overzealous in their calculations of printing costs, fees for attaining video testimony and fees associated with using a private processing server.

The final motion came from Eramos attorneys, asking Conrad to lift a sanction imposed on them during trial regarding the violation of a protective order.

Eramos counsel provided deposition video of Erdely to the ABC program 20/20 for a Friday night episode that aired just ahead of the trial, a move that Conrad dubbed a violation of a protective order over video deposition transcripts.

He then barred Eramos counsel from using any of the videos that were leaked to ABC during the trial, although McNamara acknowledged that the prohibition had little substantive effect on the case.

Nonetheless, Eramos attorneys asked that the order be lifted on the grounds that, per its technical language, the protective order was never actually violated. The judge admitted that the attorneys were correct, but he added that there was no real relief he could grant, given that the trial had concluded.

Eramo attorney Libby Locke responded that lifting the sanction was more a matter of principle, calling the accusation that her firm intentionally violated a court order unfair. Conrad responded that, had he known their intentions, he would have forbidden Eramos counsel from releasing the video prior to trial, calling it wrong and warning that it could have had an adverse effect on the proceedings.

At the hearings conclusion, Conrad said that he would take some time to review the arguments and issue a written opinion on the motions in the coming weeks.

Following the hearing, attorney Locke sent the following comment in an email:

Its unfortunate that Rolling Stone is challenging the jurys well-reasoned verdict, especially after telling the jury that Rolling Stone respected and heard their verdict. Its clear that Rolling Stone lied to the jury in an attempt to avoid a significant damages award. But Rolling Stones arguments today have just as little merit as they did during the trial, and they should be ashamed that they are continuing to drag Ms. Eramo through this unnecessary litigation.

Soon after, Rolling Stone issued its own statement :

A publisher should not be penalized for issuing an editors note to alert readers to errors in an article  it is the right thing to do. This is a dangerous precedent that publishers should be aware of, as it will have the perverse effect of preventing corrections in pieces for fear of incurring new liability.
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Angolan diamond company, Endiama said the recent discovery of Luaxe, which is regarded as the countrys largest kimberlite mine, will double the countrys output by 2022.

The country currently produces 8 million carats per annum.

Luaxe was projected to record an annual output of between 8 million carats and 10 million carats.

We are currently producing 8 million carats per year and with Luaxe kimberlite we are going to double the output in five years, Company chief executive Carlos Sumbula told an Angola Business Forum held on the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

Luaxe was found by Endiama and Russias Alrosa in 2015.

It was bigger than the Catoca, which currently produces about 80 percent of the countrys total diamond output.

Catoca was also the fourth largest kimberlite in the world.

Alrosa president Andrei Zharkov said last September that they were expecting to begin diamond production at the Luaxe diamond project within three to four years.

He said capital investments in Luaxe project during its mine life was estimated at $1 billion.

The kimberlite mine was expected to have a 30 year-lifespan and its reserves stood at about 350 million carats.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Petra Diamonds said it is set to maintain a fairly flat tonnage profile from fiscal year 2017 onwards.

It, however, said that the replacement of poor quality tonnes with better quality tonnes would significantly grow production and increase the average value per carat.

Increase in run off mine grades and increase in tonnage throughput (mainly due to Kimberley Mines transaction) was expected to lead to about 43 percent growth in production, Petra said.

The company with four producing mines in South Africa and one in Tanzania, produced 3,7 million carats in the fiscal year 2016 and recorded revenue of $431 million during the same period.

Its output also grew 24 percent in the first half of the fiscal year 2017 to 2,01 million carats compared with 1,62 million carats, a year earlier.

It raked in $228.5 million during the first half of the fiscal year 2017 from 1,91 million carats sold.

Petra said its adjusted Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) margin was expected to rise from about 38 percent in fiscal year 2016 to more than 50 percent by fiscal year 2019.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Zimbabwe is planning to produce 500 000 carats per month in Marange by end of this year, a government official has said.

Mines minister Walter Chidhakwa told Rough & Polished on the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town that the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) was working flat out to boost equipment availability from the current 35 percent to about 85 percent.

This, he said, would help boost output.

We have been having discussions since the beginning of January and the desire is to achieve 500 000 carats per month, he said.

if we can increase equipment availability to [85 percent] and then we upgrade the resource into a reserve to what we think we can upgrade it then by the middle of the year we should get to about at least 300 000 to 400 000 carats per month and I think 500 000 carts will come at the end of the year.

Diamond output in Marange had been on a downward trajectory since the forced consolidation of mining early last year.

ZCDC produced about 900,000 carats last year from peak figures of 12 million carats annually.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) is pleased announced a grant from jewelry retailer Brilliant Earth in response to two particular needs of artisanal diamond miners in Sierra Leone. The contribution will support diamond valuation training for miners involved in the Maendeleo Diamond Standards program, as well as provide support for miners who wish to enhance their livelihood options through vocational training.

Dorothee Gizenga, Executive Director of DDI, says, "We want to develop the miners' understanding beyond just carat size. With this project, and thanks to Brilliant Earth's support, we will create a body of knowledge relating to diamond values that will be available to assist miners with the sale of their diamonds."

Appropriate skilled trades can also stimulate local economic growth and slow urban migration. Through this grant, a scholarship program will be introduced in two mining communities to support vocational training for 10 miners at a local facility that offers courses in metalwork, carpentry, agricultural technology, tailoring and hairdressing.

Beth Gerstein, co-founder and CEO of Brilliant Earth says, "Our mission is to improve the livelihoods of miners and cultivate a more ethical, transparent, and compassionate jewelry industry. It is our responsibility to ensure that the people who produce diamonds have the opportunity to improve their own social and economic conditions. We are proud to support the work of DDI."



Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels




CTA

Chicago officials have announced plans to add a new Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) station along the Green Line at Damen Avenue.

The new station is intended to better serve the growing business corridor on Chicagos Near West side by serving a 1.5-mile gap between the current Green Line stations.

Today we close the transit gap and provide residents and businesses with the new station they have been asking for, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. The new station at Damen will fulfill a longstanding need for better transit options in the neighborhood and spur economic activity, improving the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the area.

The addition of the Green Line station will improve transportation options for commuters traveling to businesses in the Kinzie Corridor and to the United Center, as well as offer more convenient service to nearby residents, officials noted.

As weve see many times, investment in new and improved CTA stations pays great dividends for communities across the city, CTA President Dorval Carter said. Providing a convenient, affordable transportation option makes it easy for people to get to and from work, school and their other destinations. And new stations have been shown to promote private investment in the surrounding area.

Similarly placed stations in recent years have seen weekday ridership increase by more than 40 percent within the first full year of operation, the CTA says.

The transit authority plans to collaborate with the Chicago Department of Transportation, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and community stakeholders to complete the project.

The Kinzie Industrial Corridor Tax Increment Financing district is providing funding for the project, officials say.

Design and engineering work for the station is projected to start this summer, and construction is set to launch in the third quarter of 2018. Officials believe the project will take about two years to complete.
The Walt Disney Company (DIS) announced it will acquire through one of its subsidiaries 90% of Kingdom Holding Company's shares in Euro Disney at a price of 2.00 euros per share, increasing its interest in Euro Disney to 85.7%. Disney also announced its subsidiary intends to make a cash tender offer for all remaining outstanding shares of Euro Disney at a price of 2.00 euros per share. Disney has informed Euro Disney that it is committed to support a recapitalization of up to 1.5 billion euros for the Euro Disney group of companies.

Euro Disney's Supervisory Board has expressed its support of these developments, and its interest in evaluating this proposal. The Board of Euro Disney has asked its audit committee, which is comprised solely of independent members, to make a recommendation for the appointment of an independent expert to deliver an opinion in connection with the proposed tender offer.

Euro Disney is the holding company for Euro Disney Associes, the primary operating company of Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris is comprised of the Disneyland Park, the Walt Disney Studios Park, seven themed hotels, and the Disney Village. Euro Disney shares are listed and traded on Euronext Paris.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
In a vote coming down strictly along party lines, the Senate confirmed Congressman Tom Price, R-Ga., as Secretary of Health and Human Services early Friday morning.

The Senate voted 52 to 47 in favor of Price's nomination, with all Republicans voting to approve his confirmation and all Democrats opposed.

Price, a seven-term congressman, is expected to play a key role in the GOP's efforts to repeal and replace the healthcare reform law known as Obamacare.

Senate Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said Price will provide the Trump administration with responsible advice on care policy and reform

"To effectively repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Congress and the administration must work together, and Tom will play a very important role in that process," Corker said.

He added, "I have spoken with him about the work ahead, and I am confident he will serve our country well as we work to put in place an alternative that works for the American people and does not waste taxpayer resources."

Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee boycotted a vote on Price's nomination, arguing that the congressman gave inaccurate and misleading testimony and responses to questions to the committee.

Price has faced allegations he engaged in insider trading by purchasing shares of healthcare companies while simultaneously pushing and advocating for legislation that could impact the companies' stock prices.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
In a lengthy telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, President Donald Trump agreed to honor the "one China" policy.

The declaration from Trump comes after he previously indicated the U.S. does not have to be bound by the policy, under which the U.S. recognizes China's position that Taiwan is a Chinese state.

Trump previously suggested acceptance of the "one China" policy could be part of an agreement on issues such as trade.

The president reportedly angered the Chinese government by accepting a congratulatory phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen after winning the presidential election.

The White House said Trump agreed to honor the "one China" policy during the call at the request of President Xi.

The call between Trump and Xi was described as extremely cordial, and the White House said both leaders extended best wishes to the people of each other's countries.

A readout of the call from the White House also said representatives of the U.S. and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest.

Trump and Xi also extended invitations to meet in their respective countries and look forward to further talks with very successful outcomes, the White House said.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Qatar Airways has ditched its plans to launch Al Maha, a domestic airline, in Saudi Arabia.

In an interview with Arabian Aerospace magazine, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker announced the plans for the airline to have been dropped. "Yes I'm disappointed we were not able to launch that airline. We hope we will have another opportunity," Al Baker said in the interview.

The comment was the first public confirmation by the Qatar's national carrier that the project has been dropped, although it was already apparent.

Qatar Airways had gained initial approval from the Saudi aviation regulator, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), to launch Al Maha Airways in 2013. But, GACA had also given approval to another new airline called SaudiGulf Airlines at the same time, which was backed by the local Al Qahtani Group.

Although SaudiGulf launched its services in October 2016 after receiving license, Al Maha had problems receiving final approval.

Al Maha was to be based in Jeddah. Airbus even delivered a number of planes to Qatar Airways in Al Maha colors.

Meanwhile, Al Baker does not seem to have given up entirely on the idea of expanding into Saudi Arabia. He expects his airline would get "another opportunity to fulfill our wish to serve the Saudi nation."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Editors Pick

Duke Energy Corp. reported on Friday that profit for the third quarter edged up from last year, driven by strong volumes in Electric Utilities and Infrastructure. Adjusted earnings per share missed analysts' expectations, while quarterly revenues topped it. The company also slashed it adjusted earnings outlook for the full-year 2022.

French Financial services major Societe Generale reported Friday weak profit in its third quarter, despite higher revenues amid increasingly complex geopolitical and economic environment. In Paris, the shares were gaining around 5 percent. Frederic Oudea, the Chief Executive Officer, said, "The third quarter is marked by increasing revenues, continued control of operating expenses..."

Health and hygiene products maker Reckitt is recalling its certain AirWick Fresh New Day aerosol air fresheners due to injury and laceration risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. The recall involves about 67,000 units of aerosol air fresheners in Fresh Linen and Fresh Water scents.
President calls UN Secretary General to stop Saudi aggression on Yemen





SANAA, Feb. 10 (Saba)  President of Supreme Political Council Saleh Al-Sammad on Friday called on Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, to play an active role in stopping the Saudi aggression on Yemen.



In a letter he sent to the UN Secretary General, al-Sammad demanded the United Nations to oblige the Saudi-led coalition states to compensate human losses and material, psychological and health damage and to end the siege on Yemen.



The letter asked for opening the ports and airports for commercial and civil flights, topped by Sanaa International Airport, Taiz Airport and Hodeidah Airport.



The president called, in his letter, for seriously considering the disastrous humanitarian situation caused by the Saudi aggression and the blockade on the country.



Al-Sammad requested the formation of a neutral committee to investigate the Saudi aggression coalition's crime against civilians offering condolences in the Major Hall in the capital Sanaa and all other war crimes, as well as the use of internationally-banned weapons against civilians and bombarding hospitals and health centers, including MSF hospitals.



In his letter also, al-Sammad demanded that the term of the current UN envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh, not be extended for failing in his mission and lack of impartiality.



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[11/February/2017]
About a year before his death, the late Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson hosted his second open warrant adjudication event in Brooklyn to combat what he described as a crisis. "There's a crisis we have in the city that nobody's really talking about, and that's the crisis of 1.2 million open warrants," Thompson said during a radio appearance in October 2015. "If you're stopped and you have a warrant out, you're going to be put in handcuffs and brought to central booking, and I think that central booking should be reserved for folks who are committing gun violence or sexual assaults."

That open warrant number has since climbed to 1.5 million, mostly for low-level or "quality-of-life" offenses like drinking in public, spitting on the sidewalk or public urination. All of these charges factor large into the NYPD's "broken windows" approach to policing, and have a tendency to land New Yorkersmore often than not, men of colorin jail for failure to pay a small fine or respond to a court summons.

Now, in a possible effort to chip away at this number, the New York Times reports that all five borough district attorneys are considering striking thousands of open warrants from the record. The group has reportedly agreed to purge 200,000 warrants that were issued at least 20 years ago, while Acting Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez and Bronx DA Darcel Clark push for a larger purge: all 800,000 warrants written 10 or more years ago.

New York immigration attorneys and advocates say these warrants are increasingly dangerous for non-citizens, as one of President Donald Trump's sweeping executive orders targets any non-citizen with an arrest on their record for deportation. "In the past, immigration enforcement officials were supposed to focus on people who had serious criminal convictions," Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration professor at Cornell Law School, told Gothamist recently. "By contrast, the new executive order allows them to prioritize even people who have only been arrested, and not yet convicted."

In a statement Friday, DA Gonzalez argued that the difference between a 10 year threshold and a 20 year threshold purge would be significant. According to his office, outgoing City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito contacted the Brooklyn DA first about a purge last summer, later looping in the other DAs.

"In Brooklyn, we have been leading the effort to tackle the massive backlog of outstanding summons warrants in the city and believe that more should be done," Gonzalez said. "We have been in discussions with other agencies to reach a consensus proposal regarding dismissal of old warrants. Vacating all summons warrants 10 years or older would achieve the goal of promoting fairness without compromising safety as those who have them have not been arrested for over a decade and simply failed to pay or respond to a minor infraction."

There's already some pushback from the NYPD, though. The department didn't immediately respond to our request for comment, but the NY Times reports that brass are hesitant to purge warrants that have "sometimes proved helpful" in pinning down "dangerous suspects."

Austin Finan, a spokesman for Mayor de Blasio, did not take a position on the 10 year purge, versus the 20 year purge.

"It's a matter of common sense and fairness that we should work to reduce unnecessary arrests in our city," he said in a statement to Gothamist. "Resolving the issues posed by outstanding warrants is an important way to achieve this. Doing so requires the participation of many entities, including law enforcement and the courts. We remain engaged with the city council and those entities in a productive dialogue to chart a path forward that balances fairness and legitimate public safety concerns."

In the meantime, they mayor is under pressure from police reform advocates to scale back on broken windows policing tactics under Trump, due to the increased vulnerability of non-citizens. In a recent interview with WNYC's Brian Lehrer regarding immigrant protections, the mayor said broken windows is "its own discussion."

The Mayor's Office has also stated that misdemeanor arrests decreased 19% between 2012 and 2015.

Last spring, the City Council signed legislation empowering the NYPD to steer certain low-level offenses to civil court, rather than criminal court. Bill sponsors estimated that the new laws would prevent about 10,000 New Yorkers per year from opening a criminal record. But the law is discretionary.

"My problem with the bill is that the guidance [as to] when a person will be issued a civil summons is still arbitrary, discretionary, and up to the officer," said East New York Councilmember Inez Barron before casting her 'yes' vote last year.

A 2016 report from attorney Peter Zimroth, the federal monitor tasked with insuring that the NYPD is moving away from stop-and-frisk policing, found that unlawful stops are still common.
Are you relatively new to this bustling metropolis? Don't be shy about it, everyone was new to New York once upon a time, except, of course, those battle-hardened residents who've lived here their whole lives and Know It All. One of these lifers works among us at Gothamistpublisher Jake Dobkin grew up in Park Slope and still resides there. He is now fielding questionsask him anything by sending an email here, but be advised that Dobkin is "not sure you guys will be able to handle my realness." We can keep you anonymous if you prefer; just let us know what neighborhood you live in.

This week's question comes from a New Yorker who felt uncomfortable smoking marijuana with other parents while his child was on a playdate.

Dear Jake,



I took my kid over for a playdate with some stay-at-home parent friends, and while the kids were busy playing legos in the living room, some of the adults suggested we smoke some weed. I didn't want to be rude, so I took a little puff, but it seemed wrong. Was it?

Sincerely,



Weed Wacker

A native New Yorker responds:

Dear Weed Wacker,

I agree with you; getting high around kids is a bonehead move. Supervising a play-date is no joke. Depending on the age of the kids, serious mayhem may take only a few minutes of inattention from the supervising parents. Suddenly they're flipping over Ikea dressers on top of themselves, or stuffing Legos up their nose, or lighting your couch on fire and pushing it out the window. Think of the worst case scenario: a kid gets hurt, ends up in the ER and ACS gets involved. You want to explain that to them? At the very least at least one parent should be stone cold sober and keeping an eye on things, while the rest can (at most) enjoy a modest glass of wine or beer, or one toke on joint.

If you want to get more inebriated than that, you've got to wait until the kids go to sleep, and even then, you can't get so drunk or high that you wouldn't be able to respond quickly to an emergency. That's just one of the many pernicious parts of parenting no one tells you about in advance. Your days of drinking until you pass out on the sofa are done, at least until your kid is old enough to call 9-1-1 on their own. (One editor in the office wants me to point out that "a number of European countries have strong cultural traditions of getting hammered in large groups while the kids frolic about and, thanks to socialized medicine and high wages, they have higher life expectancies/better quality of life indexes than the U.S." Well guess what, buddy: just because you can do it in Denmark doesn't mean you can do it here.)

What's the etiquette for smoking weed on playdates? It seems to me the host should always be the one to offer, and it should be a light suggestion ("want to smoke?") not a imperious command ("let's smoke this chronic I just got delivered, don't be a pussy"). There should be no pressure on the guest to imbibe. If you're offering weed you should also offer other alternatives, and no, I don't mean microdoses of LSDI mean a glass of wine or beer, or a soda. And of course, as a guest, you should always follow the host's lead, which means never suggesting something like smoking weed unless they bring it up, but also not feeling any obligation to do something you don't want to do.

Playdates can be real cauldrons of anxiety. Often you don't know the other parents that well, and haven't established a routine at their house. You want to be perceived as friendly and normal so your kid will be included in future playdates and birthday parties, but not boring, because then you won't get many dinner invites, which are a key way of blowing off steam when you're parenting. So I get why you were nervous; you want to play it cool, but not too cool, and seem open and fun, without seeming weird or sketchy. I feel sweaty just thinking about all the interpersonal issues... maybe that's one reason why some parents want to smoke.

The New York Post ascribes the increase in playdate smoking to several factors, including a drop in pot busts from 50,000 in 2011 to 16,000 in 2015, as well as the passage of recreational pot laws in 8 states, and a very narrow medical marijuana law in New York. I could see how each of those factors could contribute to a normalization of people's feelings about the drug, but I think they're missing two important factors that actually affect use.

First, the explosion of pot delivery services. Perhaps encouraged by the drop in street arrests, it seems like everyone has a guy now who can deliver a variety of weed products in under an hour. Second, technology: every year brings a new generation of easy-to-use vaporizersno more rolling joints or picking out seeds or whatever it was that people had to do before USB-powered weed sticks. So I think it's really the ease of delivery and use, more than the social factors, that are the driver of the behavior here.

An occasional toke, like an occasional drink, will make no difference in your children's upbringing. But if you're the type of parent who finds themselves smoking every night, you might want to ask yourself if you're self medicating some problemthe stress of parenting, work, or your personal lifeand face it, through therapy or self-help or a 12-step group. Being able to function without the crutch of a drug, even one as weak as pot, will make you a more effective parent and a happier person.

Namaste,

Jake

N.B.: Seems like the jury is still out on the effect of second-hand pot smoke on developing brains, so if you do smoke, smoke far from the kids. You also don't want to get them confused about the very different hazards of cigarette and marijuana smoking; it's better if they never see you smoking anything at all.

Ask a Native New Yorker anything via email. Anonymity is assured.
By SA Commercial Prop News

President Jacob Zumas 2017 State of the Nation Address (SONA) lacked the excitement needed to boost the economy and property market, the Chairman of one of South Africas estate agency says.



President Jacob Zumas 2017 State of the Nation Address (SONA) lacked the excitement needed to boost the economy and property market, the chairman of one of South Africas estate agency said on Thursday.

Samuel Seeff, Ceo of Seeff Property Group described President Jacob Zumas State of the Nation (SONA) address that it offered very little new from last year.

"It is unlikely to boost business and investor confidence, desperately needed to re-energize the economy and property market," he said.

ALSO READ: SA Property Sector survives 2016 rollercoaster

But the estate agent welcomed the commitment to speed up the granting of title deeds to beneficiaries of subsidised housing projects and noted the ongoing focus on transformation in the property sector.

According to the agent, REBOSA (Real Estate Business Owners of South Africa), supported by the property sector, is already playing an active role in regard to various matters around the proposals contained in the Draft Property Practitioners Bill.

Seeff says that on the whole, the world is watching the South African story of poor economic decisions, a shift to populist politics and instability unfold.

ALSO READ: No Land Ownership for Foreigners, says Zuma

"We need to shift the narrative to positive sentiment if we are going to turn the economy back to growth and investment," he added.

The effect of a poor economy, is a weakened property market with slow volumes and stalling prices. A good property market needs a good economy. People need a reason to invest, we should be encouraging that, not scare them away with populist policies and higher taxes, says Seeff.

Only business and investment can create jobs and wealth needed for poverty alleviation and upliftment. This needs a climate of real action in regard to wasteful expenditure and corruption, governance and especially state capture that only benefit a few.

ALSO READ: SA Property Owners upset with ban of Foreign Land Ownership in SA

The property head said that investors need to know that their money is safe. People want to live and invest in neighbourhoods and cities that all well governed as so clearly demonstrated by the Cape property market story and shift to the DA in the other major metros.

South Africa is now one of the top tourist destinations, people want to visit and want to invest, but they need security for that. They do not want to be penalised with higher transfer duty and taxation.

All this has done is scare away top end buyers who now rather upgrade and extend and put the rest of their money offshore. And, adds Seeff, you have to sell substantially more lower priced property to make up for the loss in transfer duty on a single top end transaction.

Without entering the land debate and fully acknowledging the need to address this, hasty talk such as around restricting foreign buyers before there is even a proper understanding of what actually constitutes a foreign buyer needs to cease. All it does is scare investors away.

The same with the proposed agricultural land restrictions. South Africa has a broad agricultural base with some farming regions such as the Karoo requiring up to 200,000ha to be commercially viable. In this context, the 12,000ha restriction is a very poorly thought out number.

The time has come to get serious about the country, economy and constitution. We hope that this will be a year of settling down for the economy with improved growth, vital to re-energize the property market. With more activity and quicker transactions, we can get back into a growth phase with rising prices and yields that will excite and entice investors and buyers back to the market.
AIAMDK MLAs backing its General Secretary V.K. Sasikala in the power struggle in Tamil Nadu on Friday said they were not being held hostage.

With several habeas corpus petitions filed in the Madras High Court and questions raised about the legislators, the MLAs met the media outside the resort where they are staying.



"MLAs cannot be kept hostage. Sasikala is treating us like how (late Chief Minister J.) Jayalalithaa treated us," said one of them, Murugumaran.



"We are not birds being kept in a cage," added another legislator.





They accused the DMK of spreading rumours that legislators backing Sasikala against acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam were being held hostage.



AIADMK spokesperson C.R. Saraswathi, who is not a legislator, also told the media that she had to switch off her mobile phone as there were lots of threatening calls.



After attending a meeting at the AIADMK headquarters on Wednesday, the pro-Sasikala MLAs were bussed to a beach resort near Chennai.



On Thursday, responding to a habeas corpus petition filed in the Madras High Court, the Tamil Nadu government advocate said the legislators were free.


Budget passenger carrier IndiGo on Friday reported an incident of security breach on-board its Mumbai-Chandigarh flight.

According to the airline, the incident occurred on its flight 6E 4134 from Mumbai to Chandigarh on Friday morning, when a passenger opened the emergency exit door of the aircraft.



"Just after the boarding got completed (while the aircraft was stationary), a passenger seated on seat number 12C suddenly opened the emergency exit door and inflated the slide," the airline said in a statement.





"In this process, a co-passenger seated on 12A received bruises. Taking a precautionary measure, the captain immediately informed the ground staff about the situation on board and instructed the team to arrange for medical assistance and other necessary action."



"Simultaneously, the captain informed all 176 passengers on-board via inflight announcement, and switched off the aircraft engine," the statement pointed out



The airline added that the passenger who opened the emergency exit door of the aircraft was handed over to the security staff and the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) at the Mumbai airport.
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik was arrested here on Friday while Huriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest, police said.

Malik was arrested when he and his supporters tried to lead a march from Sarai Bala area to Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar, the summer capital of the state.





Earlier, Mirwaiz, who was also to lead a march towards the UN military observers group headquarters, was placed under house arrest.



Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar to prevent the Friday protests called by separatist groups.
The Congress on Friday continued its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "raincoat" jibe, and demanded that he apologise to his predecessor Manmohan Singh for insulting the office of Prime Minister.

A day after the Congress threatened to boycott Modi during the remainder of Parliament's Budget session if he didn't withdraw his "unacceptable" remarks against Singh, the party accused Modi of indulging in "theatrical drama" over showing reverence to Parliament when he first entered its portals in 2014.



"We have taken a stand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to apologise to our former PM Manmohan Singh. The kind of language he has used, it is an insult to the country. He forgets that tomorrow he'll be an ex-Prime Minister," said senior Congress leader M. Veerappa Moily briefing media persons.





"It's an insult to his office. I think he has become 'desperate' in the present elections. Having completed a desperate rally and campaign, he comes back to the Parliament. He should have given charge to somebody else instead of uttering all sorts of desperate words on the floor of the House," added Moily.



He went on: "We have already gone on record saying we are going to boycott him in the remaining part of Parliament's Budget Session unless he tenders an apology."



Modi had said in Parliament on Wednesday that "only Doctor Sahab (Manmohan Singh) knows the art of bathing with raincoat on" by keeping his own record blemishless while scams proliferated under his watch.



The Congress leader accused Modi of indulging in "theatrical drama".



"The floor of the House is very precious. When he entered Parliament, what a theatrical drama he played. He touched the earth saying that he gives that kind of sanctity to Parliament," said Moily.



"Today, what is happening? He is kicking the very same House, which he wanted to revere. This is what is happening," he added.



Asked what will be its strategy in the remaining part of the session, Moily said: "You will also see what will happen when we meet in the next session."
A Maoist guerrilla was killed in a shootout with the security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, officials said on Friday.

A pistol, hand grenade and articles of daily usage were recovered from the slain Maoist.



Bijapur Superintendent of Police K.L. Dhruv said the shootout took place near Chilkapalli village after Maoists opened fire at the security forces.




Maoists on Friday killed one person and torched a vehicle in another incident in Jharkhand, police said.

According to the police, Maoists killed Birbal Murmu by slitting his throat at Madhuban of Giridih district. They left a pamphlet in which they called him a police informer.



Murmu's father was also killed by Maoists a year ago.





In another incident, Maoists torched a vehicle involved in the construction of a bridge in Chatra district.



Maoists are active in 18 of the 24 districts of the state.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday filed an RTI to get details about the expenditure incurred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's digital and other social media campaign.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said he was taking recourse to RTI as the Modi government was unleashing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the Delhi government to get similar information.



"If Modiji has CBI, we have RTI (Right to Information)," Sisodia told reporters here.



Sisodia's RTI comes after the CBI registered a preliminary inquiry against him last month to probe alleged irregularities in the "Talk to AK" social media campaign.



Backing his deputy, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the CBI should investigate Modi as well.





"Just like Prime Minister's Office awarded contracts for digital advertisements, Manish (Sisodia) awarded advertisements in the same way.



"Since Modiji is getting Manish investigated by the CBI, he (Modi) should be investigated by the same agency as well," Kejriwal tweeted.



In his RTI, Sisodia sought details of the procedures adopted by the central government to award social media advertisement contracts for Make In India, Namo App, Start-up India and Digital India.



"Advertisements in social media are paid for by credit cards and have a credit limit. Which credit card was used by the Modi government for these advertisements?" Sisodia asked.



He also asked for details of companies and individuals across the world awarded the contracts for the advertisements.



"When we talk about people's issues, it is corruption. When he (Modi) talks (Mann ki Baat), it is patriotism. Why this difference?"



Sisodia said if Modi had the CBI to seize files of the Delhi government, then he (Sisodia) would use RTI to access files from the Prime Minister's Office.



"We will place both files before the people and they will decide who is using public money for the right purpose and who is misusing it."



The "Talk to AK" campaign was an interactive session of Kejriwal, under which people could reach out to the leader through social media.


Did you know that penguins expel all of the seawater they swallow while hunting for food in the ocean by sneezing? Also, here are this week's subway changes:

South Ferry-bound 1 trains will run express from 72 St to Times Sq-42 St from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College bound 2 trains run express from 72 St to Times Sq-42 St from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, and again from 11:45 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday.

3 trains will operate to/from New Lots Av, replacing the 4 in Brooklyn, from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

4 trains will not run between New Lots Av/Utica Av and Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall in either direction, with that change in effect from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. All trains will run local between 125 St and Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall during that time. Woodlawn-bound trains will run express from 149 St-Grand Concourse to Burnside Av from 3:45 a.m. Saturday to 10 p.m. Sunday.

5 trains will not run between Eastchester-Dyre Av and E 180 St in either direction from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Trains will not run at all between Bowling Green and Grand Central-42 St from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday.

Main St-bound 7 trains will run express from Queensboro Plaza to 74 St-Broadway from 3:45 a.m. Saturday to 10 p.m. Sunday.

D trains will reroute in Manhattan and Brooklyn from 10:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. The schedule is as follows: D trains will operate between Norwood-205 St and 59 St-Columbus Circle, then reroute via the A to/from Jay St-MetroTech, and then via the F to/from Stillwell Av, with trains running express in Manhattan.

Jamaica Center Parsons/Archer-bound E trains will run express from Queens Plaza to Forest Hills-71 Av from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, and again from 11:45 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday. Trains on that track with skip 75 Av and Briarwood from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

Jamaica-179 St bound F trains will skip 75 Av, Briarwood, and Sutphin Blvd from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Trains will reroute in Manhattan and Brooklyn from 10:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. The changes are as follows: F service will operate between Jamaica-179 St and Lexington Av/63 St, then reroute along the Q to/from Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr, and then via the D to/from Coney Island-Stillwell Av. Trains will run express in Manhattan and skip DeKalb Av on days and in evenings.

M trains will operate to/from the Chambers St J station from 10:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Trains will run along the J line in Manhattan after Essex Street.

All N trains will run local in Brooklyn between 59 St and Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr from 10:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Trains will reroute along the R line in both directions between DeKalb Av and Canal St during this time, stopping at Jay St-MetroTech, Court St, Whitehall St, Rector St, Cortlandt St, and City Hall.

Forest Hills-71 Av bound R trains will run express from Queens Plaza to 71 Av rom 6:30 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.
The Tamil Nadu Police on Friday withdrew security at the Madras Centenary Hall as there is no information about the swearing in of a new government.

Soon after AIADMK legislators elected General Secretary V.K. Sasikala as the leader of the legislature party, preparatory work for her swearing in started at the hall and police were deployed.



But due to the absence of Governor C.V. Rao and the political turmoil, there is uncertainty regarding the swearing in.

Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan and Director General of Police T.K. Rajendran met Governor Rao earlier in the day.
The stage is set for the crucial first phase of the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, voting for which will begin on Saturday morning.

Polling will be held in 73 assembly constituencies spread across 15 districts in the western part of the state, beginning 7 a.m.



In the first of the seven-phased staggered elections in the state, a total of 839 candidates are in fray.



The mMaximum number of candidates are in Agra South where 26 are trying their luck to be part of the 17th state assembly. The least number of candidates - six each - are from Hastinapur, Iglas and Loni seats.



Amid heightened fears of poll violence, already proved true by a spate of incidents in the past few days, an unprecedented security deployment has been made in sensitive areas -- Shamli, Aligarh, Muzaffarnagar, Mathura, Bulandshahr and Agra.



In all 826 companies of central forces have been stationed for the first phase of polling.



The campaigning for this phase had many firsts.



This was for the first time in the electoral history of the region that former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, now a mere 'mentor' for the Samajwadi Party (SP), did not campaign.



So also Congress President Sonia Gandhi who did not turn up due to ill-health.



The duo of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav-Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi campaigned jointly.



While Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, despite named 'star campaigner' did not join in the canvassing, Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav and veteran actress Jaya Bachchan did campaign for party candidates.



In the 2012 assembly polls, of the 73 seats -- SP had won 24 seats, Bahujan Samaj Party 23, Bharatiya Janata Party 12, Rashtriya Lok Dal 9 and Congress 5 seats.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won all the 12 seats here and many veterans like Ajit Singh were drowned in the saffron surge.



There are 2.59 crore voters who would exercise there franchise on February 11, of which 1.42 crore are men, 1.17 crore women and 1,511 from the third gender.



Prominent seats which have attracted attention, include Noida from where Pankaj Singh, son of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is contesting; Mathura where senior Congress leader Pradip Mathur is locked in a direct battle with Shrikant Sharma, the national spokesman of the BJP and Sardhana where BJP's Sangeet Som is challenged by SP's Atul Pradhan.



In Meerut city, former state BJP President and sitting MLA Laxmikant Bajpayi is being challenged in a triangular contest by SP-Congress combine's Rafiq Ansari and BSP's Pankaj Jolly.



Kairana, Thana Bhawan and Sikandarabad are other high-profile seats.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday ridiculed the Uttar Pradeshs ruling Samajwadi Party for aligning with the Congress and assailed the Akhilesh Yadav government over a host issues including law and order.

Addressing a campaign rally here, Modi, without taking names, mocked Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for being the "most joked about politician".



"There is this Congress leader known for his childish acts. If you google, you will see the number of jokes on him. No other leader is the target of as many jokes as this Congress leader," said Modi, a day before the start of staggered Uttar Pradesh polls.



"Because of his acts, even senior Congress leaders prefer to maintain distance from him. But Akhilesh, you embraced him. Now I sincerely doubt your wisdom," said Modi, denouncing the Congress and the Samajwadi party for "dynasty politics".



He said the alliance was between two families famous for "looting".



"One (Congress) looted the country and the other (Samajwadi Party) looted Uttar Pradesh.



"Having realised that lotus (BJP election symbol) will be blooming everywhere in UP, the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, which have been fighting each other until a month back, are now cosying up to each other. Such is their desperation," he said.



Assailing the Akhilesh government over law and order situation, particularly women's security, Modi urged people to oust an administration he said was not sensitive to their needs.



Modi also charged the Samajwadi Party with protecting and promoting the corrupt and criminals and claimed the state's resources were being plundered and illegal mining was unchecked.



He accused Akhilesh Yadav of abusing power to stifle the opposition.



"Besides abusing government power to implicate BJP workers, the Samajwadi Party has unleashed its men to ensure that the opposition's voice is stifled.



"When our government comes to power in the state, we will probe all this and expose your deeds," said Modi.



"What is the need of a government which cannot secure the future of the youth or protect the interests of farmers? Throw out this government which has never worked for the welfare of the oppressed."
Former Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh is finding Baghpat, his home turf, not the bastion it used to be. Ahead of Uttar Pradesh's assembly polls, his own former confidants are contesting on the tickets of rivals while his own party has fielded an outsider.

Ajit Singh has represented the Baghpat Lok Sabha constituency six times while his father and former Prime Minister Charan Singh represented it for three consecutive terms. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Ajit Singh was defeated by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).



With his prestige at stake, Ajit Singh is leaving no stone unturned to win back the seat. But two of his former aides are now the RLD's political foes.



Ajit Singh has fielded former Khatauli legislator Kartar Singh Bhadana, a Gujjar who is giving a tough fight to the Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) Ahmed Hameed and the BJP's Yogesh Dhama.



Hameed is son of former minister Nawab Kaukab Hameed Khan, who represented Baghpat five times. He won the first time in 1985 on the Congress ticket. After losing two consecutive elections, he snatched the seat back in 1993. In 1996, he joined the Bharatiya Kisan Kamgar Party of Ajit Singh and won again. In 2002 and 2007, he was elected on the RLD ticket.



Hameed is banking on a Muslim-Dalit combine and his father's image.



BJP's Dhama is trying to consolidate the young Jat and other votes. Himself a Jat, he was once a confidant of Ajit Singh. After he was denied ticket, he joined the BJP.





Bhadana, a prominent Gujjar face, is banking on Gujjar, Jat and Muslim votes apart from attracting a major chunk of voters by using a helicopter for his campaign.



The Samajwadi Party and the Congress have fielded Kuldip Ujjawal, known as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's loyalist. He is banking on Muslim, Jat and other votes. Ujjawal is a Jat and a Congress candidate. He was chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Liquor Prohibition Board. He was sacked after a video clip showing him threatening and abusing district officials went viral on social media last year.



Among the over 300,000 voters in Baghpat, around 65,000 are Muslims, some 50,000 are Jats and about 45,000 are Gujjars. Dalits and Rajputs are present in sizable numbers.



Mohammad Ali (54), owner of a vehicle parts shop, told media that Baghpat was witnessing primarily a triangular fight involving the BSP, BJP and RLD.



"Nawab Saheb has a good image and is above religion and caste. He is acceptable to everyone. His son Ahmed Hameed has these benefits. If he succeeds in getting even 60 per cent of Muslim votes, his chances of winning will be high."



Job seeker Sadiq Hussain (27) said most Muslim youths will vote for the Samajwadi-Congress alliance as Akhilesh Yadav "has done a good job as Chief Minister. But it's also possible that to defeat the BJP, Muslims can go with Hameed.



Jayveer Dayanand (67) thought differently. "A third person benefits in a fight between two," he said, avoiding taking any names. Pressed, he said: "Paisa bolta hai (Money matters)."



Sabhacharan Kalu (46), seated next to Dayanand, said: "Money is with that candidate who is campaigning by helicopter. He won the last election from an adjoining assembly seat on the power of money alone."



Kalu, a primary school teacher, added: "The contest is very close. It depends upon the division of Jat and Muslim votes.



"If Muslim votes are divided in 50:50 ratio, it will benefit the BJP and RLD. If Jat votes are divided in the same ratio, it will benefit the BSP and SP. No one can predict who will win."



Rajeev Kumar (34), a Jat, claimed that while most Jats would vote for Ajit Singh, the young in the community will go with BJP.



"All the four candidates are powerful, but BSP has good chances as Jat votes will be split among the RLD, BJP and SP. If Dalit and Muslim votes remain united, Hameed Saheb will have the last laugh."
The police in Ghaziabad on Friday seized 16 cartons of liquor from the election office of a candidate who is contesting the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, and lodged an FIR against him.

The police said it received the information about a huge stock of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) being stored in the office of Amar Pal Sharma, who is contesting from the Sahibabad constituency.





Sharma is being fielded by the Congress, which is an election alliance partner of the ruling Samajwadi Party.



At 2.00 p.m., the police raided the election office of Sharma where it recovered 12 cartons containing bottles of whisky and 4 cartons containing half-filled whisky bottles.



"An FIR has been filed against Amar Pal Sharma," a police official said.



"We are keeping a strict vigil on any kind of illegalities in the elections. So, the police are acting 24 hours to conduct the elections in a free and fair manner," said Superintendent of Police Salman Taj Patil.
An Islamic State (IS) militant group commander has been killed during a joint military operation in Afghanistan, the Interior Ministry said on Friday.

Qari Moneb was killed during an anti-terrorism operation by Afghan National Security and NATO-led Resolute Support troops, Xinhua news agency quoted the ministry as saying in a statement.



However, the statement did not provide any further details, saying the February 1 operation was authorised by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.



Moneb was responsible for atrocities against residents in Achin district of Nangarhar province, and was involved in several bombings in the country.





The mountainous Nangarhar province which borders Pakistan, is an IS stronghold.



It has been the scene of heavy clashes between security forces and the IS since the emergence of the militant group in the country in 2015.
This year's meeting of the Implementation and Assessment Group (IAG) of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) concluded here on Friday after reviewing the activities of the partner countries in 2016-17.

The meeting also deliberated on the outcomes of the activities of these countries held in The Hague, Bucharest, Panama City and Bratislava.

"Some of the important themes that were discussed during the IAG meeting concluded today in Delhi include ratification of international treaties relevant to nuclear security, radioactive source security, sustainability, strengthening institutional knowledge and challenges encountered in adopting and implementing national legislation involving radioactive and nuclear material," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson vVikas Swarup said.



"The three GICNT technical working groups met in parallel sessions to review the tasks accomplished from 2015-17 and examine and prioritise objectives for the coming years," he stated.



Delivering the concluding address, Atomic Energy Commission of India member R.B Grover highlighted the importance of proliferation resistant technological options that contribute to nuclear security.



In particular, he urged the GICNT to focus on the security of radio-isotopes that could be separated from spent fuel.



Earlier on February 8, in his welcome address, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar highlighted the pervasive threat posed by terrorism to international security.



He emphasised the need to clamp down on terrorism and prevent nuclear material and technology from falling into the hands of terrorists and non-state actors.



In this regard, he commended the work of the GICNT in building an international network of experts and practitioners to address nuclear and radiological security in a comprehensive manner.



GICNT is a voluntary international partnership of 86 nations and five international organisations that are committed to strengthening global capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to nuclear terrorism.



It works towards this goal by conducting multilateral activities that strengthen the plans, policies, procedures, and interoperability of partner nations.



The New Delhi event was attended by 152 delegates from 41 GICNT partner countries and four international organisations -- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Interpol, European Union and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Follow here for live updates as Kansas State football takes on Texas

Follow along here for live updates as Kansas State takes on Texas at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Meet Mike Tanuvasa. He is 50-years-old from Vaitele Fou and the United States and he is here to visit his families.

When Village Voice caught up with him he was waiting for his car at the Vaitele Market.

The one thing that alarmed him was the weather pattern in Samoa. He believes this is the result of climate change and people need to be prepared for it.

There is a saying that goes, If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, he said.

So first of all we should always start from our own families and environment before we can worry about others.

We cannot help others if we dont help ourselves.

So it should start from our own family and everything in life starts from preparation because a lot has changed in life and particularly climate change.

Mike said people nowadays have no excuse to be ignorant of what is happening.

All of these are warnings. We should prepare ourselves for natural disasters.

Here in Samoa, people are blessed because they get to have water tanks to store their water when a disaster strikes.

As someone who lives overseas I see the life here as very blessed because people can go to the plantation and plant their food.

They are blessed with the soil and also the water through the rain.

But there are many challenges and changes as well. The current climatic patterns is one of those changes.

People should be prepared for a week, a month or a year as well, he said.

When they are prepared they will not be worried and we can also help others.

So it starts from us and our own family then we can help others.

So how is your preparation within your family?

My family is okay. We are well prepared.

The only problem is the roads because of the heavy rain and flooding but other than that life is okay.
The cost of living is rising faster than wages. That is the view of Aumua Fono from the village of Musumusu, Fagaloa.

Im not sure what kind of future our children will have if the cost of living continues this way, he said.

The truth now is that many cant afford to live off their wages, yes, salaries do not match the high cost of goods in the country.

He takes his family as an example.

For my family, it is just me and my wife and our youngest son, hes the one that provides for our family, he admitted.

My older ones (children) have all grown up and have their own families, so I think theres no need to bother them for I know the struggles and hardships of raising a family.

But they always (children) help us out whenever we have faalavelaves and other obligations.

His son who provides for his wife and him is a college graduate but was unable to complete his studies at the National University of Samoa.

It was my sons wish to stop his studies and instead find a job to help us with our struggles.

His school fee was a financial burden and he is now employed at one of the local hotels and is paid $100 a week.

He gave a breakdown of his sons pay;  he gives us $60 and he keeps $25 for his bus fare [for the week].

Although, he is thankful and grateful to his son and they manage to survive on such a small amount of money they wouldnt be able to if his other children didnt help whenever they can.

I understand that my son isnt the only working person suffering from this demise.

My son isnt the only person, and were not the only family that deals with trying to be wise when it comes to budgeting money.

That money ($50) only helps our family for one day, lucky my wife buys sugar and rice to last the whole week or more.

Yes life is hard.

Aumua understands most of his sons pay goes towards deductions for his National Provident Fund contribution leaving only a small amount.

Its not that much, but we try to budget wisely, yes our peoples salaries do not match the cost of living.

Looking at this amount of money, its not that I didnt appreciate what my son gives to us from his pay, but to be honest, when he gets his pay then it goes very fast with everything we have to do.

Yes we all know when you hold $100 it feels like a $1 nowadays, the money comes in on Friday and is all spent on Friday.

Theres nothing much we can do.

He understands that many families are buying on credit.

His is no different.

In fact this is what helps them survive living off a credit account from a shop nearby.

I think thats the only way - many are turning to now, thats why we need to support Samoans shops.

God has blessed Samoa with food, but the pay for many is not enough to pay for daily necessities.

What Im trying to say is that our people struggle in life because of low wages, the cost of goods and services is sky high.

He said this is the reality that many families are facing today, even more difficult is that school has started again.

What should be done?

This is a call to the government, have mercy on us.

This is not just for the Prime Minister, but to ministers and members of parliament or government ministries, set a time aside to visit us one day, and experience with us what many of us are going through in life.

Aumua urges MPs to come and visit the people that voted them to their seats in parliament and ask what kind of burdens they are facing daily.

Theyre too busy in building massive buildings and forget the reality of life we are living in.
Samoas luxury skincare range, Misiluki, is making its debut in Japan this week at one of the largest gift shows in the world.

Husband and wife team, Misiluki founder and C.E.O, Lufilufi Rasmussen, and Director, Michael Rasmussen, are attending the 83rd Tokyo International Gift Show, which boasts 300,000 scheduled attendees and 2500 exhibitors at the three-day event.

Mrs. Rasmussen said the Japan trade show was part of an international marketing strategy aimed at securing agent representation and high-end chain store contracts.

It probably sounds like we are reaching for the stars but Misiluki has been seven years in the making and Ive always had this vision to have the range be sold globally, she said.

Mrs. Rasmussen said Misiluki had had positive feedback from agents and distributors, commenting favourably on the packaging and the products themselves, and had scheduled follow-up meetings after the show.

She said they were grateful for the support of the Pacific Islands Centre in Japan, and the Samoa Ambassador to Japan, Faalavaau Perina Sila-Tualaulelei, who had been at the show each day and provided a Japanese translator for the show.

Misiluki shared their sales booth with other high quality Pacific products such as designer clothing label TAV from the Cook Islands, as well as companies from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Tonga.

Ambassador Faalavaau said it was important to support Samoan companies when they came to Japan.

I admire the gutsy determination, the commitment and the passion that drive Lufilufi and Michael to try and get a foothold into the very tight Japanese cosmetics market, Faalavaau said.

Their story, the birth of and vision for Misiluki is amazing. That is truly inspirational.

The Tokyo gift show covered manufacturing, anime and character, and cuisine, to lifestyle, design, fashion, beauty, and home furnishing and aims to discover fashionable yet high-quality products.

Misiluki launched for the first time at the Sydney Beauty Exhibition August, 2016, with support from Pacific Trade and Invest. In July, the company will showcase its range in Las Vegas and New York.

I have had great support and this drives me even more to ensuring Misiluki is a successful brand internationally.

There is definitely still a lot of work but I've been very methodical and pedantic in my approach, reason why its taken seven years to get this project off the ground, I had to make sure I was market ready.

The Misiluki range uses only natural ingredients including cold-pressed organic virgin coconut oil and fetau oil from Women in Business Development Inc in Samoa.

I was always going to use our coconut oil. As Samoans, we know coconut oil to be moisturising, healing and a great makeup remover. I wanted to take these natural benefits and combine them with other natural active ingredients to appeal to wider audience.

Naturally using Samoan oils means I am supporting our local village farmers, which is an important factor to Misiluki.

Misiluki is currently sold in Samoa, New Zealand and at misiluki.com.
Flooding has been a common occurrence at the Apia Township this week.

Many Fugalei residents have been busy clearing up debris from the drainage, bridges and the road but they fear the worse.

Pepe Sua told the Weekend Observer they are nervous about the weekend if the rain continues.

Theres always that threat when the water comes up," she said.

Weve been living on this land for many years now and this is one of many problems weve faced continuously.

When this river overflows because of the low bridge, the water spills all over the place and we have to go through a cleaning process no matter if its still raining.

Clearing a path for the water to flow through is the best they can do.

Thats what weve been doing ever since we moved here in the last seven years. We dont want to wait on others to come clear large logs and dead animals, instead we work on it ourselves.

Before day time this morning, my son and I cleaned up all the rubbish and tried removing it from under the bridge because it blocked the water flow.

Whats really sad is the fact that people throw dead animals into the river, and what is more sad, is that many times, we can smell the waste from sewage pipes that are often broken from some families up river.

The area has for many years been prone to flooding as its location is near the riverbank. And the family has become used to the various activities carried out by other families during such periods.

This isnt the first time weve experienced this kind of behaviour by some residents. As you can see, large chunks of debris and objects like cars easily get picked up by floodwater and can easily kill a person.

Thats why we always try to work together - clearing under the bridge. We dont want to wait for an accident to happen but to be safe.

She said that this happens because people are careless.

This is what happens when we do not think about other peoples wellbeing, when were not working together for the good of others but just throwing anything in the river.

I have children; its hard to live here if this continues.

To be honest, the smell that come after the heavy rain  its so bad for the rest of the family especially the children.

She urges government to fix the problem.

Were not the only family that lives here, there are companies as well at the back. Looking at the condition of this bridge, I think its very dangerous.

She claims her family and the other residents are finding it very difficult.

This is a result of the bridge being too low, she said.

Debris from up river is carried down the rest of the water track and builds up at the entrance or under the bridge.

This is her solution to the bridge problem.

The government should look into upgrading bridges and drainage in town areas.

Secondly, its a must to fix it and have it raised (Elevated) another 2 meters so the river will flow smoothly during rainy season. she continues.

And like many who have lived so long near river banks particularly in this area and have experienced too many flooding I understand the dangers as well.

Personally, floods kill people.

We have children and we want to live in a much safer environment.

To us, its better to do something or else the odour from the carcasses of dead animals will fill our house tomorrow morning.

We may never know the time; flood water can travel surprisingly quickly and weighs a lot, so people can easily get swept away by floods.

Yes, prevention is better than cure.
Sixty-year-old father and grandfather, Latu Latulei, of Taufusi says poor drainage is responsible for flooding in the area.

Every year we have floods here and its mainly due to the poor drainage, he told the Village Voice yesterday.

Personally, I think the government should look into this so we dont have to face this problem over and over again.

I dont want to go into details of whats happening now because they (leaders of Samoa) see it everyday . To be honest, we cant continue this way.

He believes the heavy rains presents a hazard to health.

Thats the whole truth, he said.

We all know that flood water is contaminated because heavy rain contains bacteria and germs and its not safe for us.

The rainy season is also the time when dirty water is mixed with sewage. Thats not good for us especially our well being.

The father described the situation as a nightmare.

I have grandchildren, we live together and were (him and his wife) concerned for their safety.

The tap water flows well to this area, but to be honest, its not safe, especially during the rainy season.

He said collecting rain water really helps.

Collecting rain water to help our family especially for cooking and drinking really helps...yes we always treat it before drinking.

Also, no matter how much money we spend in buying bottles of water from nearby shops, we try our best to buy as many we can for us.

He said that the past years, my children caught up with skin diseases and flu during heavy rains.

But, Ive just realised that the environment that were staying is not safe for us especially the children.

Thats because of the carelessness of others and poor drainage to many part of Apia.

The problem continues.

One of my granddaughters didnt go to school yesterday because of fever, I told her to stay home when I looked at her...shes very sick.

This is really hard for us.

Whenever it rains heavily, there are flash floods and it feels like were floating on the sea.

The smell from the nearby drainage is killing us all the time, especially during this time of rainy season.

Latu blames poor drainage systems.

Poor drainage is the main cause of flooding that is currently affecting this area. he said.

You see, the water overflows all the times to many parts of the country when it rains.

I think this shouldnt be happening and my family isnt the only family affected.

As you can see, right beside our house is one of the main drainage, and so were expecting a foul smell after this rainy season.

I worked with my wife early today to clear up the rubbish and were still waiting for L.T.A. to take these loads of rubbish to Tafaigata as usual.

He feels that If drainage flows well, we dont have to worry but if selfish people throw in rubbish and makes it hard for us to deal with every day then that a problem.

He went on to say that looking at my childrens health is something I take as my first priority.

I want to make sure that my children are safe, they drink clean water...they sleep well at night...

As you can see I always make sure to boil water for my children and I think thats the message to many families around town this now.

Yes, health and safety is very important.
A 23-year-old man has some words of wisdom for the young people of Samoa.

The Bible says a young person who obeys his/her parents will live longer, he said. We need to go back to that basic and listen to what our elder folks are saying.

Pati Viliamu, 23-year-old from Vaitele works at one of the restaurants in Apia.

I quit school because I couldnt continue studying, he told the Village Voice

At the moment I have a family, my wife and a daughter. Im learning as I go and the one thing Im very concerned about is the behavior of young people.

Youth nowadays are doing illegal stuff to make their parents suffer instead of finding a good job.

Its not just the uneducated youth he is talking about.

I see teenagers who have degrees from University and they have the skills and knowledge to do work but they are lazy, he said.

Some of them lead the way in doing negative stuff. This saddens me.

As a young father, Pati said he works hard for his three-month-old daughter.

I receive $180 a week; this money goes towards the needs of my family.

Asked about the cost of living, Pati said it is what it is.

Its our peoples fault, he said. We have a plantation to depend on but some of our people are too weak to go work.

Sometime I feel very weak and tired to go to work but I always put my family first before anything else.

My family motivates me to go to work every morning even if its raining. I always put them first

Pati said far too many young people are going to prison.

They disobey their parents order and they dont have love, he said.

His message is simple:

Youth should be thankful that life nowadays is much more comfortable than the past. They should use the opportunities wisely and listen to their elders.
I am offering the solution to a problem most Republicans don't know they have -- that they can be outmaneuvered and thrown on the defensive endlessly, on nearly any issue, because they accept as true Democrat lies about the Republican Party. To correct that misperception and to help the Republican Party get 'back to basics' is why I'm a man on a mission.

A few years ago, after one of my speeches, a man told me "Do you know what your problem is? You're too far ahead of your time!" My efforts to show Republicans how they would benefit from celebrating the heritage of our Grand Old Party have been arduous, but if this were easy someone else would have already done it.

Among my speech topics are Reconciling the Tea Party and the GOP; Barack Obama, the Worst President Ever; Socialism, the new Slavery; Appreciating the Heritage of our Grand Old Party; Returning to the Founding Principles of the United States; The Womens Rights Achievements of our Grand Old Party; Abraham Lincoln, Republican; Frederick Douglass, Republican; Martin Luther King and the Republican Civil Rights Legacy.
The heads of the San Diego Unified Port District and California Coastal Commission powwowed for the first time this week to resolve a spat over the future of Anthonys Fish Grotto on the downtown waterfront.

Port CEO Randa Coniglio and the acting commission director, Jack Ainsworth, talked by phone Thursday to review a disagreement over the commissions power to review the replacement for the Anthonys restaurant on North Harbor Drive. Port spokeswoman Tanya Castaneda said the talks were productive.

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We have a disagreement as far as what we did versus what they said we can do, said Port Chairman Robert Dukie Valderrama. Between the two of them, theyll talk over the situation and hopefully reach some kind of resolution. Thats what were hoping for.

As it stands now, the port has approved a coastal development permit to replace Anthonys with a three-restaurant, $13 million complex by Brigantine restaurants at 1360 N. Harbor Drive, just south of the San Diego Maritime Museums historic Star of India sailing vessel.

The coastal staff in San Diego has asserted that the commission has jurisdiction over restaurants in the coastal zone and is asking for the commission board to discuss the matter at its March 8-10 meeting in Ventura. Port attorneys cite state law and a court ruling that seem to exempt restaurants from review.

The staff also opened a 10-day appeals period, ending Feb. 21, on the Brigantine project and hopes to schedule a hearing at the March meeting or at the May 10-12 meeting in San Diego. The staff has listed several design issues, including public access at the site.

Just like anything else, you feel very comfortable well find solutions, Valderrama said.

In a similar situation, the port approved what is now the Coasterra restaurant on Harbor Island and then the Coastal Commission asserted its authority. The outcome was the addition of a $750,000 pedestrian walkway that enables the public to access an unobstructed view of the bay. But that took about a year to resolve.

Meanwhile, another issue has cropped up on what will happen to the Anthonys building.

It opened in 1966 atop a platform built over several dozen pilings that Anthonys spent about $850,000 to build, said company president Craig Ghio on Thursday.

Under Anthonys lease, the company is required to return the property to its original, unbuilt state, which would include demolition of the building, platform and pilings.

Ghio estimates the cost at $350,000 to $500,000 and has set aside sufficient funds to cover the work. But he said he has informed the port he will not perform the work himself but pay the port for the cost.

Craig Ghio, president of Anthonys Fish Grotto (Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T)

That restaurant was my grandmothers dream, Ghio said of Catherine Mama Ghio, who opened the original Anthonys Fish Grotto elsewhere on the waterfront in 1946. Getting the lease not renewed was an extreme disappointment and I just dont think I have the time, stomach and energy to undertake a project like that with our family history.

Valderrama said while Anthonys is supposed to carry out the demolition, it would be easier for Brigantine to handle the job and get reimbursed.

Although Anthonys plans to vacate the building March 15, its unclear when demolition can take place. Thats because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board have to issue permits to demolish a structure over the bay. The Brigantine said those permits may not be granted until late this year.

In the meantime the port will be responsible for securing the property from vandalism. Current plans call for securing all doors and windows but not fencing off the property or boarding up the windows.

Ghio warned the port that it could be faced with an eyesore on the waterfront. That could have been avoided, he said, if the port allowed Anthonys to continue in operation until the Brigantine had all permits in hand and was ready to commence demolition and new construction.

Ghio said the port lease he still is operating under continues to require payment of $35,000 per month until he turns over the keys to the property. Now the port stands to lose $500,000 or more in lost rent if it takes until the end of the year to secure the necessary leases.

Port officials had said they wanted to be able to give Brigantine an immediate go-ahead once the permits are in hand. Otherwise, they would have to give Anthonys up to 90 days to inform its employees, close down the restaurant and remove its contents.

Ghio said the 90-day delay would not lose the port any revenue since he would still be on the hook for the $35,000 monthly charge.

Knowing whats happened in the coastal zone and permitting and the Corps of Engineers, how smooth is this going to go? Ghio said. Youve got to plan for a hiccup.

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roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
The nascent marijuana industry seems to be heading in two directions at once.

On one hand, initiatives such as Californias passage of Proposition 64 easily passed last November, indicating that more people are comfortable with pot being consumed for recreational purposes  as well as cultivating cannabis as a cash crop.

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But at the same time, the federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, placing it in the same category as narcotics like heroin, leaving the industry in a legal netherworld that scares off potential investors.

Its not for the faintest of heart, said Christopher Siegel, president of the Association of Cannabis Professionals and a locally-licensed cultivator.

Siegel was one of a half-dozen speakers who gathered Thursday in San Diego to discuss navigating the entrepreneurial opportunities that run parallel to the legal impediments in the marijuana business.

The panel was sponsored by 6 Degrees Business Networking.

Recreational use of marijuana by those 21 and older passed by a wide margin last November, but obstacles for business opportunities in the cannabis industry remain. (Jeff Barnard / AP)

James Slatic likened the changes in the marijuana business to Californias gold rush in 1849  and how money was made not just in ore but in ancillary businesses as well.

If you supply services to the industry  HR, payroll, security, transportation  all the things that really arent plant-touching, you have less risk, said Slatic.

And few people know more about the risk-side of the pot business equation than Slatic, who has been fighting with local authorities after his Kearny Mesa medical marijuana company was raided in January 2016 by drug agents who seized more than $324,000 in cash, computers and other records.

Police suspected the business was running an illegal hash oil lab but Slatic insists he worked with the city to obtain all the necessary permits and said Thursday hes continuing litigation with the district attorneys office to get his companys money back.

The legal minefield is something attorney Kimberly Simms knows well.

Most of her clients are involved in the marijuana industry and face a circular financial problem:

They want to put their companys money in a bank but banks resist because marijuana is still illegal on the federal level. As a result, the cannabis business is essentially an all-cash enterprise, increasing risk.

Every one of my clients wants to be able to put their money in the bank, Simms said. I dont think youll ever find a moment in time where an industry is begging to be regulated and taxed just because of the sheer fact they want that recognition as a legitimate industry. You usually see people running the other way. Were an industry saying, Please, for Gods sake, regulate us, allow us to access banks, allow us to pay our taxes.

Despite the obstacles, executives such as Erai Beckmann see a bright future for the cannabis business.

I think were going to see the greatest transference of wealth in human history since the last Prohibition, said Beckmann, management consultant with Encinitas-based Sol Marketing Solutions.

Beckmann points to examples such as two former Goldman Sachs employees starting their own medical marijuana businesses in New York state, Pay Pal founder Peter Theils fund in 2015 becoming the first institutional investor to jump into the cannabis industry and Microsoft teaming up last year with an ancillary cannabis firm.

That leads me to believe that these people know something the average person doesnt, Beckmann said. Should you start now, the opportunity for gaining more market-share is there to the individual who has that level of risk tolerance.

In the wake of Prop 64, state regulators are rushing to establish a licensing and taxation regime by the start of 2018 that will include the cultivation of cannabis, as well as hemp, and a promising market for health and medicinal applications from cannabidiol-based derivatives, called CBD.

Siegel, whose San Diego-based company is called Magical Farms, Inc., says theres a land grab underway.

You have to find a piece of dirt. Then you put into play all of the zoning restrictions  a thousand feet from this, a thousand feet from that  and that narrows the scope down. The pieces of property that qualify become very hard to find. Siegel said. Now the owners say, Whoa, fair market value? No, no, no. Three or four times the amount. In fact, I may want a piece of your business.

But he insists its worth the hassle for those willing to withstand the industrys uncertainties.

If you have the stomach, the vision, that entrepreneurial drive and spirit and you know how to have calculated risks, then this is for you. But its like anything. If you get in before the boom happens and you manage it right and you make the right decisions, youll be fruitful at the end.

But Simms offered advice that seems sound for just about any business these days: Find a good lawyer.

Dont do anything until you consult with a lawyer so you can understand all of the moving pieces at the state and federal level, she said. This isnt something you can sort of dip your toe in and dabble in anymore. Youve got to have a competent legal team, youve got to have a competent CPA or tax adviser. Youve got to have competent trademark counsel as well. Its stop, do not pass go, do not collect your $200.

Business

rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski

ALSO

A hemp haven? Overlooked provision in Prop 64 may have a big impact in California

7 things to know now that Prop 64 is law

Can your landlord just say no now that Prop 64 passed?
Bassist Rob Thorsen has been a vibrant mainstay of the San Diego jazz scene for the past several decades. Since 2010, he has been the driving force behind Jazz: An American Art Form, which each year presents free concerts by area musicians for more than 7,000 San Diego school students. Thorsen will perform this afternoon at Bread & Salt with his talent-rich quartet, featuring trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, guitarist Bob Boss and drummer Richard Sellers. The event will also offer a silent auction, Valentines Day art projects and refreshments. All proceeds will benefit Jazz: An American Art Form.

Giving from the Heart  a fundraising concert for Jazz: An American Art Form, with the Rob Thorsen Quartet: 2 p.m. today. Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Avenue, Logan Heights. $8 (seniors and students); $15 (general public); $45 (VIP package); free (kids 8 and under). (619) 282-7599, Ext. 114 or givingfromtheheart.bpt.me

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Twitter @georgevarga

george.varga@sduniontribune.com
If a cyberattack took down Americas electrical grid, it could take a year to make fixes and most of the nation would face starvation.

Those and other topics dominated the discussion Thursday night in San Diego at an informal gathering of some of Americas top military, intelligence, law-enforcement, political and scientific minds.

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The speakers spanned the nations vast national security community. They included Seth Stodder, the Department of Homeland Securitys assistant secretary for border, immigration and trade policy; retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Thomas Jr.; Irwin Jacobs, a co-founder of tech giant Qualcomm; and Tai Ming Cheung, director of the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation.

In the wake of allegations that Russia used hacking to influence Novembers presidential election  possibly to help Republican Donald Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton  the experts fretted that not enough was being done to secure the United States vital communications and electrical infrastructure.

The nature of the threats and the technology are evolving so quickly that were still overwhelmingly focused on the technological side, of trying to get the owners and operators of infrastructure to do the basic things that they need to do, said Gregory Michaelidis, a close aide to former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and senior public affairs director in the agencys National Protection and Programs Directorate during the Obama administration.

But were going to need to start getting ordinary people involved, he said. We cant just expect the public to wait in the wings for security to get to them. We started to see that at the end of the Obama administration, of attempts at nudging them ... to change behaviors to help cybersecurity.

He and about 60 others converged at the home of former San Diego Port Commissioner Laurie Black and her partner Stephen Skinner, chief information officer for First Team Real Estate. The event was organized by the Washington, D.C.-based Truman National Security Project.

Although the session was conducted under Chatham House Rules  the attendees agreed to remain mum about what was said during the meeting  participants talked on the record to The San Diego Union-Tribune before and after the event.

I think that the view we have as an organization is that theres a clear strategy for the United States to pursue in the world thats worked, and when weve deviated from that strategy, we and others have suffered, said Michael Breen, the Truman projects leader and a former Army artillery officer who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Trumans think tank and leadership academy were created in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks to provide guidance to a new generation of American policymakers. While the nonprofit is often linked to left-leaning causes, its leaders insist that their national security perspectives are in the mainstream of political thought.

The group chose Harry Truman as its namesake because the combat veteran helped to establish the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other global institutions after World War II to contain a rising Soviet Union.

We have a belief that the health and strength of international institutions are part of our security. We benefit from this architecture, Breen said. Economic institutions, political institutions, security institutions  those undergird our prosperity and strength in the world.

Now the project has more than 1,500 members, including many who graduated from the think tanks training program. Thursdays gathering, called the Truman San Diego Salon, highlighted the groups increasing prominence in the San Diego region, one of the globes largest concentrations of military might.

San Diego is actually one of our newest chapters. It was literally two years today that we launched it, said Shawn VanDiver, a former enlisted sailor who served aboard the guided-missile cruiser Chancellorsville and the frigate Thach and who now directs Trumans San Diego chapter.

Upcoming Truman events in the local area include an April 18 gathering about energy and water security and a Memorial Day Sunrise Rose Ceremony to decorate the graves of those buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma.

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cprine@sduniontribune.com
A jury on Friday rejected a womans defense that she was insane when she murdered her 74-year-old great-aunt, a verdict that will likely send Tiffany Burney to prison rather than a mental health hospital.

A previous San Diego Superior Court jury had found Burney, 28, guilty of first-degree murder in February 2015 but deadlocked during the sanity phase of the trial, with a split of 8-4 in favor of sanity.

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The District Attorneys Office retried the sanity portion of the case over the past few weeks, ending with closing arguments Monday.

Burneys attorney, Kevin Haughton, had the burden of proving that his client was not guilty by reason of insanity. He argued that Burney was deep in a delusional, psychotic episode when she showed up at Daisy Mae Hayes house in Tierrasanta in the predawn hours of Dec. 14, 2011, and shot her four times.

Burney has long suffered with mental illness, beginning with hearing voices at the age of 11. She was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder with bipolar manic depression, her lawyer has said.

Burney told a psychologist, who was hired by the defense to evaluate her before the trial, that she believed her great-aunt was destroying her mind and she had no other choice but to kill her.

I thought she was killing my mind, Burney told the psychologist, according to Haughton. I was spinning out of control.

Deputy District Attorney Marisa Di Tillio said that Burney said and did things after the killing that indicated she knew what she had done, including calling 911 to report the shooting, checking herself into a mental facility afterward and telling detectives she was angry with her family because she felt they didnt care about her.

Everybody was winning and I was losing, Burney told police in a recorded interview. She said shed planned to commit suicide after the shooting, but got scared of the pain.

I had intentions of doing it. I didnt want to leave this Earth alone, Burney said.

Di Tillio said it wasnt unusual for Burney to show up unexpected at Hayes home for a shower or a warm meal.

Burney is set to be sentenced March 22.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
A San Diego jury is being asked to decide whether the San Diego Police Department retaliated against a black sergeant who complained about racial discrimination and insensitivity among the ranks, including the use of a 1909 racist cartoon in a training session.

Arthur Scott, 45, contends that after he told department authorities about several incidents in 2014 and 2015, he was subjected to a hostile work environment, passed over for a promotion and eventually pressured to transfer to a new division even though he did not want to do so.

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It was leave or else, said attorney James Mitchell on Thursday in his closing arguments to a San Diego Superior Court jury.

Mitchell said the sergeant was told he would have to accept the unwanted transfer or be investigated for conduct unbecoming a police officer, based on allegations from command staff that Scott had mishandled an incident involving a mentally disturbed man armed with a sword.

The citys attorneys contend there is no evidence of retaliation against Scott. They say Scott was offered the opportunity to start fresh in another division after several missteps, including being at home on dozens of occasions when he was supposed to be on duty.

He doesnt accept responsibility for any of the bad things, the wrong things, he did, Deputy City Attorney George Schaefer said.

According to court documents, Scott attended a training session at the San Diego Police Museum in August 2015 during which a speaker talked about Frank McCarter, the departments first black officer. A copy of a 1909 clipping from a long-defunct newspaper, The San Diego Sun, was passed around as part of a history lesson.

The clipping contained a cartoon depicting McCarter as an ape-like caricature. Scott told his supervisor he thought the cartoon was offensive. The cartoon was pulled from training immediately.

But the matter wasnt over, the sergeants attorneys said. Mitchell argued Thursday that Scotts reputation and career plans were damaged because he spoke out.

Schaeffer said Scott has not suffered any harm. He remains employed by the city and has not suffered any loss in salary.

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @danalittlefield
Hundreds of fish are flourishing at Conway Elementary School in Escondido, where fourth-grade students are raising trout from eggs to fingerlings.

In three classrooms, chilled 50-gallon aquariums house the silvery, inch-long baby fish. The project Trout in the Classroom, is an education program of the conservation group Trout Unlimited and is being sponsored by the Escondido Creek Conservancy at Conway, Quantum Academy and High Tech North Countys elementary, middle and high schools.

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Students in the program learn about the Escondido Creek watershed through the life cycle of the freshwater fish. Its part of the conservancys effort to eventually repopulate the creek with native Southern Steelhead, a type of oceangoing trout that have nearly vanished from San Diego.

We do want steelhead in the creek, said Simon Breen, education manager for the conservancy. There are a lot of obstacles. But this program is one step toward that goal, by raising awareness.

The trouts journey from tank to lake is the center of the fourth grade expedition, a broad learning theme that draws together reading, writing, science and math. This year their expedition focuses on improving the local watershed.

Escondido Creek flows 26 miles from its headwaters above Lake Wohlford to the ocean at San Elijo Lagoon. For seven miles through the city of Escondido, its contained within a concrete channel that was designed to control floodwater, but has also impaired water quality in the creek. The conservancy is working to restore the creek, and possibly remove the channel, in order to cool and clean the water flows.

Trout are acutely sensitive to water temperature and chemistry, so by learning about their development in the classroom, students learn what they would need to thrive in the creek. Students at Conway got their trout eggs from a hatchery at Mt. Shasta, and watched them hatch two weeks ago.

They looked like small Orbeez, said student Karla Gonzalez, 9, referring to the colored polymer beads. They were tiny. They kept growing and growing.

The hatchlings, referred to as alevin, have an attached yolk sac, which nourishes them until they can feed on their own. At that point students will have to feed them daily, and clean the tank of waste.

When the fish grow to fingerlings, students will release them at Miramar Lake. Until then, theyre excitedly watching the transition, checking daily for new developments.

You can see the eyes and the fins, the way they grow, which is really a treat, said Ivan Ozenbaugh, 9.

Theyre also learning how to make scientific observations and take measurements; every day they check the water level, temperature and pH. Each classroom started with 100 to 150 trout eggs, so they also count mortalities, and tally the surviving hatchlings.

We record data in our science journals, said student Amaya Devers, 9, displaying neat columns in a composition notebook.

The project was funded with a $10,000 grant from SDG&E, and Conway Elementary also secured a $2,500 grant from the Escondido Education Foundation to equip classrooms for the trout, teacher Jim Blanchard said. As part of the project, students will present their project to city officials and write letters calling for creek cleanup and restoration.

We want fish to live here, but they cant live here because a lot of people use (the creek) as a trash can, Ivan said.

The culmination of the project will be the release of fingerlings in about six weeks. In subsequent phases, the creek conservancy hopes to release the fish to Olivenhain Reservoir, in the Escondido Creek watershed. In the meantime, students are looking forward to a field trip to Miramar Lake to bid farewell to their fish.

They usually do a sendoff, and read a poem or a letter, Breen said. Its all very ceremonial.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @deborahsbrennan
The Thomas Jefferson School of Law did not defraud a graduate who claimed she based her decision to enroll on misleading information, a split jury decided Thursday in a widely watched trial.

Anna Alaburda, who sued the school in 2011, said during a trial in San Diego Superior Court that she enrolled in the nonprofit law school after reading statistics that showed a high number graduates had jobs nine months after earning their degrees.

Although she graduated near the top of her class in 2008 and passed the bar exam on her first attempt, she has never worked as an attorney in a law firm and said she believes the employment statistics provided by the school were inaccurate.

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Jurors rejected the claim that she based her enrollment decision on misleading information, and one juror said he also was influenced by Alaburdas decision to turn down a law firms job offer in 2008.

After less than a day of deliberations, the jury returned Thursday morning with a 9-3 verdict in favor of the school.

Her lawsuit was one of 15 that had been filed across the country by other law school graduates with similar claims. Judges have rejected requests for class-action status in some cases and have dismissed others. Alaburdas has been the only case to go to trial.

She had sought $92,192 in lost income and $32,475 in reimbursement of tuition and fees.

Alaburda and her attorney left the court immediately after the case concluded. Thomas Jefferson School of Law President and Dean Thomas Guernsey said outside the courtroom that the verdict proves the merits of the school.

Ive been there two and a half years, and I came there because I thought it was a great place, Guernsey said. I like the vision, I like the mission, Im incredibly impressed with the faculty and staff and the students.

Guernsey said the lawsuit has not caused the school to change any of its practices, but added that it is constantly reviewing how things are done. With the lawsuit completed, Guernsey said he hoped more attention will be paid to the good things the school does, such as the students pro bono work to help veterans and small businesses.

While the verdict is a victory for the school, some believed there was cause for concern in the case. Judge Joel Pressman had rejected the schools request to dismiss the case and allowed it to proceed, ruling that there were issues that should go before the jury.

While three jurors sided with Alaburda, another juror who voted in favor of the school said he was a little uneasy with the verdict, and might have voted another way if the case were broader.

Central to the case was whether the school had presented accurate data to U.S. News and World Report as part of the publications annual ranking of law schools.

While the report showed the number of graduates working to be about the same as other law schools, the data included people who were in jobs unrelated to the law profession. Some were working in salons, restaurants, as valets and selling books or tractors, according to evidence during the trial.

I found it kind of appalling, juror Wade DeMond said about how the school compiled data.

The Rancho Penasquitos resident said he sided with the school because the judges instructions required the jury to consider whether the U.S. News and World Report annual rankings Alaburda read had inaccurate information.

Those specific editions  2004 and 2005  accurately reflected the job statistics of graduates, he said. Had the jury been asked to consider other years, DeMond said he may have agreed that a student was mislead by data in the report.

During the trial, Alaburdas attorney said she did not know until 2011 that graduates from her school and others were complaining that they had been misled about employment figures. She learned about the other complaints from a New York Times investigation that year and filed suit later that year.

DeMond on Thursday said Lisa Kellogg, the schools director of graduate alumni programs, was the most credible witness to testify, and she was in charge of compiling data that went into the editions reviewed by Alaburda.

If a person came to her and said he was employed, she wanted documentation, he said.

DeMond said he and the jurors who sided with Alaburda believed the school should have done a better job of reporting the job status of its graduates.

I think it came out there were incidences where Thomas Jefferson was not reporting certain individuals correctly, he said. The issue is, that came out later than the editions reviewed by Alaburda.

In the end, DeMond said he had mixed feelings about the verdict. While Alaburda said she did everything she could to find a job in a law firm, she also acknowledged that she turned down a job at a firm because she believed it was predatory against bankrupt consumers.

The fact that she had a job offer was a big factor, he said.
Since 2010, when his throat cancer was first diagnosed, George Whitaker III has had more than 60 radiation treatments, enough to change his morning routine for good.

I lost so many layers of skin I dont even have to shave on my neck anymore, Whitaker said.

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RELATED: Stories of four other cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy 

He visited the cancer clinic at Sharp Grossmont Hospital last week for his fourth infusion of Keytruda, one of the most recently approved immunotherapies increasingly used to fight stubborn cases of esophageal cancer.

Whitakers first diagnosis was in 2010 when doctors detected a big lump on his larynx. Radiation treatment seemed to take care of the problem until 2015 when he began to notice that he kept getting sick. It got so bad, he said, that he had to quit his job at the Salvation Army. A checkup found that there was a new tumor on his tonsils. More recently, surgeons found the infection has spread to several lymph nodes in his neck which surgeons recently removed.

Because radiation was no longer an option, doctors recommended immunotherapy, an option that would have required him to find a clinical trial in 2015 but that is now readily available because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration added head and neck cancers to Keytrudas list of approved uses in August 2016. Luckily, Medi-Cal approved the drug for treatments every three weeks.

A clinical trial of 174 patients, all who had cancers that came back, caused tumors to shrink or disappear in 16 percent of patients.

Speaking in a voice seasoned by decades spent in his home state of North Carolina, a tobacco state where cheap cigarettes got him smoking in his youth, Whitaker says he does not focus on numbers or negativity. Keeping things positive, he said, is the best way to have a good result.

If you think positive, positive stuff will happen, he said.

He added that looking toward the future such as watching his niece learn to drive when she turns 16 is its own kind of powerful drug.

I think, if I give up, what am I going to miss? See, Im not scared of death, not really, Im scared of missing stuff, Whitaker said.

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paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1850

Twitter: @paulsisson
Church politics, economics, and leverage paint a rather dramatic picture of this moment playing out in Mississippi, America.

Churches who leave

Earlier, we discussed the real effects of a church leaving the denomination of The United Methodist Church. The harm is most felt by the regional churches whose apportionments would (likely) go up, and the Annual Conference whose ability to plant new churches and have a voice on doctrinal matters would be diminished. You can read it here .

The article ended with a comment that all is not what it seems with the Mississippi Two. That comment is what we turn to today.

The Room Where It Happens

Heather Hahn reports for UMNS that both The Orchard and Getwell Road UMCs in the Mississippi Annual Conference have taken congregational votes and are about to begin negotiations to leave.

Despite the missional language of reaching people for Christ, what is being negotiated is very specific: the property, endowments, and debts of the local church, if it ceases to be United Methodist, revert to ownership by the Annual Conference. Everything . Thats the lawwith a favorable past of being enforced, thanks to The Episcopal Church preceding us in dealing with schismatics for the last decade.

Since both sides want to avoid a court battle and lawyer fees, they will hold negotiations to the terms of the disaffiliation, much like who gets what in a divorce.

The local church, since it is their current members who paid for the building and its upkeep (Getwell is ~30 years old, and Orchard still has their founding pastor), will push for minimum settlement money to be paid, reasoning they bought it all already.

The Annual Conference, since it was their investment of seed money and assigned pastors that started BOTH churches and the profits will be used for new church starts, will push for maximum payout since it ultimately owns everything anyway.

These negotiations will take place after the efforts at reconciliation have failed, and it becomes clear they are headed towards a severing of connection. The interesting question is whether each church will do their negotiations separately or if they will go together as a block, since they are both in the same AC.

I hope they are aware they are negotiating for more than their own Conference. Because what happens in Mississippi can start a flood throughout United Methodism if the Conference doesnt uphold the Discipline and seek maximum payout.

The Pennsylvania Drip

Back in 2015, we discussed a medium-sized congregation in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, that bought their $5m property for $100,000 from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. The reason for the low payout is that the congregation owed significant debt on their property and the AC wanted to avoid absorbing it and a protracted sale. So the payout was very favorable to the local church and very controversial: I cannot find out if the terms were renegotiated or not (let me know in the comments).

They didnt know it, but it was a portent of things to come.

Became the Mississippi trickle

Financially, Orchard and Getwell Road are very similar to the Pennsylvania church. The two churches hold almost 20% of the Mississippi Annual Conferences total debt. 20%! While their property values are twice as high as the debt they carry, thats an enormous burden to place on the Conference directly. (Together they owed $9m on $19m of property in 2015)

So the question is whether the two flagship churches in the MS conference can leverage their debt and their size for a favorable outcome on par with the Pennsylvania church which leveraged their debt on their $5m property for a mere $100k payout.

Make no mistake:

if the terms are too favorable,

if they keep their property for dimes on the dollar and take millions of dollars from the Mississippi Annual Conference funds for new church starts

then the rest of The UMC had better gird their loins as the wave is coming.

that becomes a WCA Flood

A friend ran the numbers on leveraging this type of debt (thanks friend!) and came up with a frightening worst case scenario: lets imagine the 25 top churches by attendance decide to leverage their debt to leave The UMC. Arbitrarily, lets say $1.5m of a churchs debt would be sufficient debt to cause favorable terms, AKA a candidate for using this type of leverage.

Heres the breakdown using 2015 numbers (click above to see church-by-church details). 15 of the top 25 UMCs in terms of attendance hit the candidate qualifier and together carry almost $100m in debt. Thats just 15 churches! (Edit 2/10/2017: a misplaced decimal point yielded false calculations. My apologies for missing it first go around, but it has now been corrected and the above is accurate to 2015 data.)

If two churches can circumvent the trust clause with less than $10 million in debt, think of what could happen if more churches negotiated a departure in bulk and how much of our generations money, work, and honor leaves the church they entrusted it with.

It can easily happen. Because several of those very churches are or are considering becoming part of precisely the type of group who could easily broker a bulk departure: the Wesleyan Covenant Association.

The WCA Connection

The Wesleyan Covenant Association is a caucus group within Methodism that is organizing churches so they can perform block negotiations on their behalf for either advocating their valuesor negotiating a split or exit from the denomination.

Rev. Jeff Greenway in the UMNS article and the statement on the WCA website adamantly claim that the WCA had nothing to do with this action. I find it hard to believe that a member of their inner circle is not making them aware of what his church is doing, but lets be charitable and accept that it is true they were not consulted in this matter.

It doesnt matter if they directed it or not. What matters is that they will be very invested in its outcome. The terms that two churches, negotiating as a block, with a single United Methodist conference, will help the WCA show what the exact risk is for its member churches when they start negotiations on behalf of their hundreds of churches very soon. We see more clearly that the WCA rhetoric of unity in the meanwhile merely enables a larger bulk negotiation in the future.

Finally, The Orchard reports they became members of The WCA. Using 2015 numbers, the payment for a 1300 member church to join is about $2000. Since The Orchard didnt pay their full apportionment in 2015 (both churches together were short $80,000), then we can say with accuracy that the The Orchards membership in The WCA was paid for with money that rightfully belonged to the rest of the denomination.

The first of many.

As Goes Mississippi

The stakes are incredibly high for Mississippi. Not only are they potentially losing $500,000 a year in apportionments, they could potentially lose almost $10m in property money to be used for new church starts or whatever they allocate that money for.

But they also stand as the bellweather which will signal the deals that other churches can expect to get. And if they leave tons of money on the table or get cut out completelyso will the rest of the UMC, with schismatic elements emboldened by the negotiated terms and lowered risk.

My hope is that the Mississippi AC upholds the Discipline.

My hope is that they stand firm on the expectations of our tradition and our covenant.

My hope is that the churches buy back their property in full (the non-indebted $10m).

My hope is that the financial pain for these exiting churches is so high that it shakes the stained glass in the old Wesleyan Covenant Association logo.

My hope is rather rigid, it seems. But it only serves to honor the Discipline that the other side so seems to venerate 100%except when inconvenient.

Your turn

Thoughts?

Thanks for reading, commenting, and your shares on social media.
It took a few false starts before Tim Barry found the 88.6 billion microscopic soldiers who would help him fight stage 4 melanoma.

Doctors explained that there was a 50-50 chance the cancer would spread when he was first diagnosed in 2009. A year later, new tumors were found in his lungs.

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He could have enrolled in a trial for a promising immunotherapy drug for the 50 percent of melanoma patients whose cancer had a specific genetic mutation. Again, he found himself in the unlucky half.

It was like, how many times am I going to lose this coin flip here? Barry said.

Today he has a happy 50 percent to discuss. Thats how much his tumors have shrunk since participating in a clinical trial that harvested, vastly multiplied and reinfused white blood cells called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from his own body.

It will be five years in March since he underwent the procedure at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. So far, biannual checkups have shown no new activity.

The trial published its results in 2016, showing that Barry, an attorney in the county counsels office, was among the roughly 24 percent of the 101 patients tested who had either a full or partial response to the treatment.

He has been able to resume his life, running with friends, hiking, sailing and traveling with his wife, Carol, and their three children Kevin, Bryan and Meghan.

Im still doing everything Ive always done. I just make sure I wear a hat and sunscreen, he said.

He credits Carol with refusing to accept an initially grim diagnosis and finding the trial that keeps him flying back to Maryland every six months for checkups. He advises other cancer patients not to turn away from the friends and family who end up being essential advocates.

Patients, I think, are more likely to accept what the doctor says and go along with it, he said.

Perhaps the strangest part of this journey is that, despite having stage 4 cancer, Barry said he never really felt like he was in mortal peril.

People who I talk to say, Wow, youve really been through the ringer. Im not sure Ive had it as hard as a lot of other people, Barry said.

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Twitter: @paulsisson
Yeraldin Montiel doesnt remember arriving in the United States as a child.

The 29-year-old Escondido resident said that when she came at age 8 with her sister and cousins, she slept through the border crossing. She didnt know until her senior year of high school that she did not have legal status in the U.S.

In college, many of her friends studied abroad, she said, but she couldnt because of her status.

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I remember telling myself, One day Im going to be able to do that, Montiel said. Im going to travel on my own outside of the country.

In the weeks leading up to President Donald Trumps inauguration, Montiel fulfilled that promise to herself, traveling to Mexico on a study abroad program for participants in former President Barack Obamas deferred action for childhood arrivals program, or DACA.

The program allows certain unauthorized immigrants who arrived as children temporary relief from deportation for renewable two-year periods and gives them work permits. Obama instituted it with an executive order, and Trump promised on the campaign trail to shut it down.

In California, about 500,000 unauthorized immigrants are eligible for DACA, and they are commonly referred to as dreamers.

Armando Vazquez-Ramos, a California State University Long Beach professor, launched the dreamer travel program through his nonprofit, the California-Mexico Studies Center, after learning in 2014 that he could safely cross the border with deferred action students. Beneficiaries of Obamas program have been eligible to apply for advanced parole, meaning they will be let back into the country if they leave, for educational or humanitarian reasons.

Montiels group may be the last set of dreamers that Vazquez-Ramos leads abroad. Vazquez-Ramos is holding off on organizing his next trip until he learns what action Trump takes on DACA.

Its all up in the air right now, Vazquez-Ramos said. After these executive actions hes already ordered, its unpredictable.

Most of the students think the best part of the experience is reconnecting with their roots, Vazquez-Ramos said, but he sees a greater benefit: Those who come back into the country on advanced parole have a legal entry into the country on record, so if someone like a spouse or younger sibling born in the U.S. petitions for them to get green cards, they dont have to wait outside the U.S. to get approved.

That to me is what has the most value, he said.

Most unauthorized immigrants who marry U.S. citizens do not end up applying for green cards because of the requirement to leave the country, Vazquez-Ramos said.

Sometimes it takes months. You go back, and youre stuck and your family is separated, he said. You can imagine the trauma involving that or the economic hardship that that can be.

He estimated that half a dozen of the more than 100 students who have participated in the program have already successfully obtained green cards, though he said hes still reaching out to past participants for a full tally.

His program is selective about who gets to go, he said. He receives about 300 applications for each trip, he said, and he takes on average about 30 students.

Montiel, the only San Diego County resident who participated in that final trip before Trump took office, said the possibility of adjusting her status wasnt the motivating factor for her to go on the trip.

I grew up with this idea or mentality of what Mexico is, she said. When youre actually there, you see Mexico through different eyes, and you see Mexico isnt what you see in the media or what people tell you.

Before the trip, she said, she related to the expression, ni de aqui, ni de alla  not from here and not from there. Now, thats changed.

Now I can say, Soy de aqui y alla, Montiel said. Thats one of the biggest things I bring back is that Im from both sides.

The group left shortly before Christmas and spent the first half of the trip visiting family members. Then they regrouped for lectures and field trips to learn more about the history, politics and culture of Mexico before writing a paper about their experiences.

Vazquez-Ramos also brought in a couple of psychologists to help the group deal with emotions that he said are common to those in the deferred action program, like guilt and resentment.

Theres so much baggage, so much emotional issues that are in everybodys mind, Vazquez-Ramos said. Put yourself in their shoes, living with a scarlet letter.

Montiel worked through college, paying for it herself because her status meant she didnt qualify for student aid or loans, and her family couldnt afford the cost of tuition. She applied for DACA in 2013.

When she started college, Montiel said, she kept her status to herself until she met a professor who inspired her to share her story.

I want to show people who are still in the shadows that they can come out and share their status, to show were here and moving forward and not to be afraid, Montiel said. If I made it this far, they can also make it this far.

If Trump decides to deport deferred action recipients, she said, shell go back to Mexico, but she would rather stay in the U.S.

I grew up here in the United States, Montiel said. I belong here.

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kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate
The San Diego Police Department says body-worn cameras are having a positive impact and that coming technological upgrades will make the cameras even more effective.

Since officers began wearing the cameras nearly three years ago, the department has seen significant decreases in misconduct allegations and high-level uses of force by officers.

A nine-page internal report also says the cameras have shrunk the number of allegations left unresolved due to lack of evidence, helped more officers get exonerated and increased the percentage of allegations deemed false.

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The report, released this week, compares misconduct allegations and instances where force was used in 2013, before officers began wearing cameras, to 2016, when nearly all officers had begun wearing them.

By April, the department plans to complete upgrading each of its nearly 1,200 body-worn cameras to newer models with superior video quality and the ability to store two minutes of footage before an officer hits record instead of the current 30 seconds.

The report says misconduct allegations are down 43.1 percent when 2016 is compared to 2013, and the drop is even sharper when the department divides the allegations by severity.

More serious allegations related to criminal behavior, discrimination, force and racial or ethnic slurs are down 47.4 percent, while allegations related to conduct, courtesy, procedure and service are down 40.4 percent.

Use of force by officers is actually on the rise overall, climbing 14 percent since 2013.

But high-level use of force, such as physical takedowns and using Tasers, chemical agents or weapons, is down 16.4 percent. Low-level use of force, such as physical strength, controlled holds and Taser warnings, is up 25.3 percent.

Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman said the statistics are evidence that body-worn cameras discourage violence.

This data is consistent with feedback received from officers indicating body worn cameras help de-escalate some situations, and results in the use of lesser controlling force to gain compliance without the need for greater controlling/defending force, she wrote in the report, which the City Council is scheduled to discuss on Tuesday.

Brian Marvel, president of the labor union representing San Diego police, said hes not convinced by the statistics showing use of force has increased overall.

I think youre seeing more thorough report writing and much better documentation of the force that was used, he said, suggesting some uses of force had been going unreported because officers couldnt watch a video of themselves in action. Prior to body worn cameras, you got into an altercation and you were having to recall everything.

Marvel said another factor could be a significant increase in recent years in the number of incidents with people who are mentally ill, which often require the use of force.

Marvel said he was particularly pleased to see the reduction in the use of high-level force, which he said means less instances of injuries to officers and the people they are trying to take into custody.

Itd be great if everybody would just fully cooperate, but in the real world thats not going to happen, he said.

Zimmerman stressed in her report that use of force, while on the rise statistically, is still quite rare.

Of 520,000 incidents that San Diego officers responded to in 2016, just over 4,600  less than 1 percent  involved the use of force.

But its still a problem that overall use of force is on the rise, said Rev. Shane Harris, president of National Action Network San Diego and a frequent critic of the department.

Excessive force has gone down but use of force is up still and its climbing, and its our belief they should be held accountable for each equally, Harris said. Just because excessive force is down, it doesnt mean use of force is justified.

Harris said that while the other numbers in the report are good news, city leaders still have work to do.

They shouldnt be complimenting themselves all the time and patting themselves on the back, he said. They need to constantly fight to make police relations better in the city of San Diego.

The statistics also show that the cameras have shifted the results of misconduct allegations. But Zimmerman noted that about 30 percent of 2016 misconduct cases are still under investigation, making those statistics less complete than the others.

In cases of severe misconduct, the number of officers exonerated has increased from 63.4 percent in 2013 to 66.7 percent in 2016, and the number of cases unresolved due to lack of evidence has decreased from 5.2 percent to 3.3 percent.

Meanwhile, the number of allegations of severe misconduct deemed false has increased from 27.6 percent to 30 percent.

For less severe misconduct allegations related to conduct, courtesy, procedure and service, the number of officers exonerated has increased from 22.4 percent to 28.9 and the number of cases unresolved due to lack of evidence has decreased from 18.5 percent to 8.9 percent.

However, the number of less severe allegations deemed false has decreased from 45.3 percent to 44.4 percent.

The number of severe misconduct cases deemed valid has dropped from 3.7 percent to none, while the number of less severe misconduct cases deemed valid has increased from 13.8 percent to 17.8 percent.

Marvel, the police union president, said the statistics vindicate the unions longtime support for the cameras.

We feel its a way to provide protection and security when people make complaints against officers, but also provide the transparency the public is looking for, he said.

The police department is also in the process of replacing the original cameras given to officers with new models of the Taser Axon devices.

Spokesman Scott Wahl said the department plans to take advantage of the two-minute buffering option as soon as the company makes that available by sending out software upgrades to the devices.

Steve Tuttle, a spokesman for Taser, said the new software is expected to be ready by late March.

It was prompted by requests from law enforcement agencies frustrated that the first generation of cameras only capture 30 seconds of footage before the officer hits the record button.

There were some clients who said it would be nice to have more than a 30-second buffer to get even a better context of what happened before the camera was activated to save, Tuttle said. The older ones couldnt handle that type of thing.

Tuttle said the software is going through validation this winter.

You always want to make sure your software works great before you unload it on the public, he said.

Rev. Harris praised the city for upgrading the cameras.

In many police shootings, you rarely get to see how we got there, so this will help the community, the police, prosecutors and politicians grasp what the full situation was and let us respond better, he said. Its also important that we have clear video footage, so I pay respect to the police chief and those who have been working on this.

The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, a frequent critic of the department, declined to comment on Thursday about the new report and the planned equipment upgrades, saying the organization needed more time to analyze.

The ACLU has previously praised the department for comprehensively tracking and analyzing data related to body-worn cameras, but the organization has also said any increase in use of force is something that should be investigated.

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david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick


When a federal appellate court ruled that the White House cant restart enforcing a prohibition against people from certain countries entering the United States, San Diegos House delegation defended the judicial branch and its role in government.

Their reaction to Thursdays ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals differs sharply from President Donald Trump, who has taken to social medial to attack judges when they make decisions he doesnt like.

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What is our country coming to when a judge can halt a Homeland Security travel ban and anyone, even with bad intentions, can come into U.S.?, Trump said on Twitter shortly after a district court judge initially blocked his travel ban.

He also claimed that their decisions are about politics, not an interpretation of the law.

If the U.S. does not win this case as it so obviously should, we can never have the security and safety to which we are entitled. Politics! he tweeted the day after the circuit court heard arguments on the executive order.

San Diegos members of Congress said they have confidence in the judicial branch and its processes.

A judge in Washington state is not the last answer, hes the first, said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, referring to the district court ruling.

The 9th Circuit is not the last, its the second, Issa continued, referring to Thursdays decision. And ultimately I always, always respect the decision of the court whether its a decision I would have made or not.

Issa, who said that there needs to be some sort of solution to address the millions of Syrian refugees, was one of many to emphasize the importance of a judiciary that is not beholden to the executive branch.

Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, said Trumps travel ban was just partisan rhetoric, and that the decision shows the role the judicial branch plays in government.

Todays ruling is a reminder that an independent judiciary is a cornerstone of our democracy, rooted in our Constitution, and uninfluenced by badgering and insults from even the President of the United States, he said in a statement.

And the decision shows that the judiciary has its own authority, Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego said.

No one is above the law, not even the President, she said in a statement.

Rep. Duncan Hunters office said that the matter has not exhausted itself before the courts, so nobody should rush to conclusions.

A federal appeals court refused to restore President Donald Trumps executive order closing US borders to refugees and nationals from seven countries. Judges Richard Clifton, William Canby and Judge Michelle Friedland from the 9th Circuit Court heard arguments on the case. (AFP / Getty Images)

Theres a process for legal review and and until its exhausted, we shouldnt be so quick to assume the order will stand or be reversed., said Joe Kasper, the Alpine Republicans chief of staff.

Hunter and other members asked for an exemption to the prohibition for Iraqis who had served with U.S. forces and now wished to immigrate to the country. Many of the Iraqis who worked as interpreters and liaisons say their lives are at risk in their home country. The White House later said that these Iraqis could come to the U.S.

Thursdays ruling denies the White House a stay on a temporary restraining order that prevents the administration from enforcing an executive order. The order halts all people from seven countries from entering the United States for 90 days, suspends entry from all refugees for 120 days, and indefinitely stops all Syrian refugees from entering the United States.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
A motorcyclist was seriously injured when she smashed into a pickup that ran a stop sign in University Heights Thursday, San Diego police said.

The driver of the Dodge Ram was headed north on Mississippi Street and failed to stop at El Cajon Boulevard about 4:15 p.m. The rider, a 26-year-old woman, was traveling eastbound when she struck the side of the truck, police Officer Robert Heims said.

The woman was taken to a hospital with a serious leg injury, which was not considered life-threatening.

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The pickup driver, a 35-year-old man, was not hurt.

Police said neither alcohol nor drugs was a factor.

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Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
Tijuana police found a tunnel on the Mexican side of the border in the area of San Diegos Otay Mesa, a U.S. official said Friday.

It did not cross into the U.S.  it was incomplete, said Lauren Mack, spokeswoman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Tijuana police made the discovery and informed U.S. federal officials, Mack said. She said Mexican authorities are handling the investigation themselves.

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Were not working together on it, she said.
Gertrudes Diana Hollis had limited mobility  she sometimes needed a walker  and couldnt escape the fire that engulfed her Oceanside mobile home just shy of two years ago.

In the charred remains, Oceanside firefighters found the 74-year-old grandmother in her shower, water running. She had died from smoke inhalation.

Her husband, Andrew Hollis, was found outside the home with injuries so severe, he spent several weeks in a burn ward.

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Fire and police investigators determined the blaze was arson and arrested Hollis about six weeks later.

But he and his attorney say authorities have the wrong man, that the real culprit is the womans now deceased son, who was stabbed to death last year.

On Thursday, a North County jury heard opening statements in Hollis trial for murder by arson. Now 65, the former career Marine and Vietnam veteran faces up to life in prison without parole if convicted.

Actions speak louder than words, Deputy District Attorney Natalie Villaflor told the jury during her opening statement. That is exactly what this case is about.

She told the panel that, during frequent arguments with his wife, Hollis repeatedly threatened to burn down their home at the Lamplighter Mobile Home Park so she could not take it in a divorce.

Prosecutor Villaflor told the jury that Andrew Hollis slept in the living room, while wife Diana Hollis stayed in the master bedroom behind a locked door.

She said the fire started in the living room, on the other side of the wall from Diana Hollis bed. Neighbors came rushing, and found the injured Andrew Hollis outside. He told them his wife was not home.

He set his mobile home on fire knowing his wife Diana was inside, Villaflor said.

Investigators found four empty bottles of lighter fluid at the site, and a full bottle in the SUV outside. They also found lighter fluid on the jacket Andrew Hollis wore on the night of the fire.

Hollis suffered burns to his hands and forehead  injuries Villaflor said were consistant with flash burns, the sort of injuries received when a fire first whooshes to life.

Hollis defense attorney Lacey Martz said that Hollis and his wife had been under stress, but that her client  the Missouri-born son of sharecroppers  was anything but a murderer.

Diana Hollis had been injured in a car crash in October 2014, and her husband had taken leave from his job at an orthopedic company in Vista to care for her. She was still recovering when the fire happened.

The couple fought over money and mounting bills. Added to that, Martz said, Andrew Hollis scars of Vietnam surfaced, and he began to struggle with alcohol.

On the night of the fire, she said, Hollis neighbors found him dazed, drunk and confused.

As paramedics were treating him, Hollis pointed the finger at his wifes adult son Conrad Giles, who had lived in the mobile home. The day before the fire, Giles had moved out, following an ugly argument with his mother. Martz said Giles was mentally ill and that he owed money to his mother and stepfather.

Giles was initially a person of interest in the case, but was cleared after police interviewed him.

He has since died, stabbed to death in June. (Giles former brother-in-law has pleaded not guilty to the killing and is awaiting his preliminary hearing.)

Related:

Man accused of killing brother-in-law

Husband arrested in fire death of wife

Martz called the investigation into the 2014 fire unilateral and one-sided.

Law enforcement and fire investigators refused to accept any one explanation other than that he started the fire, she said.

Investigating agencies included the citys police and fire departments, and the states Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

After the fire, Hollis spent weeks in the hospital, under going skin grafs. He was also intubated, his lungs damaged from smoke inhalation. Hollis was arrested for murder and booked into jail April 2, 2015.

Testimony in Hollis trial is set to start Tuesday and is expected to run through the end of the month.
In a significant setback for the Trump administrations first major attempt to carry out its anti-terrorism agenda, a federal appeals court Thursday refused to reinstate a controversial executive order barring travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations from entering the U.S.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a Seattle federal judges earlier restraining order on the new policy should remain in effect while the judge further examines its legality.



For the record: An earlier version of this story misidentified Sally Yates, the former acting attorney general, as Nancy Yates.

The travel moratorium signed Jan. 27 stirred chaos at airports and protests worldwide as at least 60,000 visas were canceled, including those held by students visiting families abroad and engineers working in the U.S.

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Reaction, analysis and more on the 9th circuit ruling 

The three judges, two Democratic appointees and one appointed by a Republican, unanimously said the administration had not shown an urgent need to have the order go into effect immediately. By contrast, they said, the two states that challenged it had shown that some of their residents would be harmed by having their right to travel cut off.

In a ruling that rejected the Trump administrations arguments at almost every turn, the court faulted the federal government for failing to present evidence that the ban was needed for national security. The Government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the Order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States, the court said.

The panel also denied the administrations last-gasp request to limit the scope of the legal hold, perhaps making it apply to some but not others.

President Trump lost no time in responding to the courts ruling on Twitter: SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

U.S. District Judge James L. Robart issued a temporary restraining order last week blocking enforcement of Trumps directive after concluding that a challenge by the states of Washington and Minnesota was likely to succeed.

The Seattle-based judge, appointed by President George W. Bush, also concluded that halting the ban  at least for a while  would cause no undue harm to the country.

Administration lawyers have argued that the country could be at risk of a terrorist attack until heightened vetting measures for travelers from the seven identified countries are put into place.

The appellate judges rejected the Trump administrations argument that the courts lacked the right to review the presidents executive order. There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy, the panel said.

Indeed, federal courts routinely review the constitutionality of  and even invalidate  actions taken by the executive to promote national security, and have done so even in times of conflict, the panel added.

The court said the states were likely to succeed in their due process claim, noting that the due process protections provided under the Constitution apply not only to citizens, but to all aliens in the country, as well as certain aliens attempting to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad.

The judges also said they took note of the serious nature of the states claim that the travel ban, because it targets Muslim-majority nations and provides exceptions for members of persecuted religious minorities, constitutes religious discrimination.

We express no view as to any of the States other claims, the court said, though it did note that the states had also offered ample evidence that reinstatement of the ban would harm their universities and businesses.

The government lost across the board, said Arthur Hellman, a University of Pittsburgh law professor. At almost every stage, the court says to the government, You have to persuade us, but you did not.

Trumps executive order, issued only seven days after the president took office, placed a 90-day block on admission of citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, all of which administration officials say have links to terrorism.

It also included a 120-day ban on all refugee admissions, indefinite suspension of the admission of Syrian refugees and preference for refugees who are members of persecuted religious minorities.

Washington and Minnesota sued Trump, maintaining the order was hurting their businesses and disrupting their public universities.

Bottom line, this is a complete victory for the state of Washington, Washington Atty. Gen. Bob Ferguson, who brought the lawsuit on behalf of his state and Minnesota challenging the executive order, said at a news conference after the decision. We are a nation of laws. And as I have said, as we have said from Day One, that those laws apply to everybody in our country, and that includes the president of the United States.

Hillary Clinton, Trumps Democratic opponent in the 2016 campaign, had a quick, terse response on Twitter, apparently referring to the unanimity of the ruling: 3-0, it said.

Eric H. Holder Jr., attorney general under President Obama, also responded on Twitter with a photo of Sally Yates, the acting attorney general whom Trump fired after she refused to defend the presidents executive order. Skill, judgment, courage. VINDICATED. 3-0, Holder wrote.

Muslim groups across the country applauded the appellate courts ruling.

Today the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit not only upheld a federal court ruling that placed a temporary nationwide halt to President Trumps Muslim ban, it also upheld long-treasured American values of the rule of law and liberty and equality for all, regardless of religion, Farhana Khera, executive director of the civil rights group Muslim Advocates, which has filed a brief in the case, said in a statement.

But former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a 2016 Republican presidential candidate, tweeted that the court thumbed nose at Constitution and law and did left-wing politics.

Trump, he said, tries to protect USA; court protects terrorists.

Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice, a conservative Christian group that filed a brief in support of the travel ban, said the decision puts our nation in grave danger.

The fact is that President Trump clearly has the constitutional and statutory authority to issue this order. It is clear: radical Islamic terrorists are at war with America. President Trumps order is a proper and constitutional way to protect America, he said.

The Trump administration can appeal the decision directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has four Democratic appointees and four Republican appointees and may be unable to reach a majority decision. The seat of the late Justice Antonin Scalia remains vacant.

Or it could agree to leave the stay in place and return to the district court in Seattle to begin arguing the constitutional issues that form the heart of the case.

Kellyanne Conway, a senior advisor to Trump, emphasized that the ban has always been about keeping the country safe, and hinted that the administration is interested in getting down to the essentials of the case.

This ruling does not affect the merits at all, she said. It is an interim ruling, and we are fully confident that now that we will get our day in court, and have an opportunity to argue this on the merits, that we will prevail.

UC Berkeley law professor John Yoo, who worked in President George W. Bushs administration and helped write a memo justifying torture of suspected terrorists, said the Supreme Court is unlikely to agree to review the decision on the stay. The inclusion of green card holders in the travel ban doomed it legally, Yoo said, and the high court rarely agrees to hear such emergency appeals.

Yoo said the 9th Circuit ruling was on less solid ground on other issues: whether the states had standing to sue and whether visa holders had a right to a hearing before their visas were canceled. The administration lost because it rushed out this order in an ill-considered and haphazard way, the conservative legal scholar said. A more cautious, more modest executive order would have survived legal scrutiny, he said.

UC Irvine Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky said the most important aspect of the appeals courts ruling was its assertion of the role of the courts in the nations system of government. The court, he said, reaffirmed the most basic aspect of the rule of law: No one, not even the president, is above the law, and it is the role of the courts always to review the constitutionality of government actions.

U.S. Sen. Kamala D. Harris, a Democrat on the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Californias former attorney general, said the ruling recognizes this administration has utterly failed to justify the tremendous harm this ban has inflicted on our country.

The ban, she said in a statement, has jeopardized our national security and undermined our nations core values as a place of refuge for those fleeing violence and seeking freedom.

During the presidential campaign, Trump vowed he would make the country safer from terrorism by barring Muslims from other countries from entering.

But federal lawyers defending the ban said the seven countries targeted in the executive order were designated not because they were predominantly Muslim but because Congress and the Obama administration had linked them to terrorism.

The Trump administration also argued that the president could not be second-guessed by the courts on his executive action because as a matter of law he has authority over foreign relations and national security.

The 9th Circuit, which decides federal matters for nine Western states, is considered one of the more liberal circuit courts in the nation.

But the most liberal of the 9th Circuits judges, those appointed by President Carter, are gradually retiring from the court.

The Clinton and Obama appointees are generally viewed as much more moderate, and judges chosen during the last five terms of Republican presidents tend to be conservative or moderately conservative.

Also, judges are randomly selected for the three-member panels, and depending on whose names are drawn, a panel can be conservative, liberal or middle of the road.

The Seattle case that led to the 9th Circuit review is among dozens of lawsuits going through federal district courts over the travel ban.

In Virginia, a Friday hearing was scheduled in front of a federal judge in a case brought by the state, which has asked for a preliminary injunction against the ban. There is also a hearing scheduled in late February in Brooklyn, N.Y., where a federal judge handed the American Civil Liberties Union the first legal victory against the ban when she issued an emergency order to halt deportations of visa holders who had arrived in the U.S. but were denied entry.

New federal lawsuits are also still being filed, including one on Thursday in Washington, D.C., on behalf of several Iranian American organizations.

Times staff writers Kurtis Lee, Matt Pearce and Nina Agrawal contributed to this report.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com

ALSO

Heres how Trumps gift for coining catchphrases could backfire

Californians are keeping their lawmakers phones ringing: They really hate Donald Trump

Supreme Court may look for a middle ground on Trumps travel ban by shielding only certain travelers

UPDATES:

5:55 p.m.: The story was updated with additional analysis from liberal and conservative legal scholars and a comment from California U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris.

5:10 p.m.: The story was updated with additional reaction.

4:20 p.m: The story was updated with additional reaction.

3:45 p.m.: This story was updated with additional details from the ruling and initial reaction.

This story was originally published at 3:16 p.m.
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They came from Iraq or their parents came from Iraq, and now they have made their lives in San Diego. The members of the regions large Chaldean Christian community all have roots planted in the same place. But on the day that a federal appeals court refused to reinstate President Donald Trumps travel ban, their feelings were all over the map.

Thursdays ruling is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court. For now, the ban is suspended, and the refugees and foreign visitors who had been barred from entering the United States can make their way back. But the fate of Trumps order suspending travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries is far from resolved. So are the Chaldean communitys opinions about it.

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Its an outrage. Its a safeguard. Its a necessary evil to keep us safe. It is just plain evil. From markets and restaurants in El Cajon to the offices of the Bishop of St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church, the Chaldeans were speaking. And like every other group in our fractured country, they were not speaking in unison about anything.

Its stressful, even though for me, the ban doesnt really matter, said Emily Salem, settling in for lunch at Sahara Taste of the Middle East in El Cajon, one of several restaurants her family owns. We dont have any people in Iraq, but I feel for the people who are trying to get away. But I think its very important to secure our borders. You cant let just anybody in.

I feel torn, said Salem, who came to the U.S. from Iraq in 1975. I want the people who are suffering to come here, but we have to be secure first before they can come in.

As Christians living in a Muslim country, Chaldeans are victims of violence, abuse and death at the hands of ISIS fighters, who consider the Chaldeans to be infidels. In January, Trump said persecuted Christians would be given priority over other refugees seeking to enter the United States. But the executive order that Trump signed late last month did not make any exceptions for Christians, leaving some local Chaldeans feeling like a vital promise had been broken.

The mood is conflicted, said James Elia, a native San Diegan whose father was born in Iraq. The message that was solidified by Trump was, We are going to help Christians and refugees. A lot of people bought into that and a lot of people depended on that idea. A lot of people here were supportive of Trump because of that, and now there is a feeling of betrayal. In the same breath, he says he wants to help Christian refugees, but he wont let them in.

One of those Christians is Elias uncle, Ibraham Shemami, who started his visa process three years ago. Shemami came to San Diego last year to see his American relatives and weigh his relocation options. The plan was for Shemami, his daughter and his grandchild to come to San Diego. But when he was traveling to Jordan for business recently, authorities told him his American visa was suspended, and he would have to go back to Iraq without going into Jordan.

Elia is hoping that the courts ruling on Trumps ban means that his uncle will not be forced to stay in a country where it is so dangerous to be who he is. He just wishes he could be more sure about it.

We are told we can do business as usual now, but you can never tell, Elia said after the courts ruling was announced. There is no time to waste. Im going to tell him, You cant wait any longer. If you want to get out of there, you have to get out now.

ISIS has radicalized a lot of people, so if you are a Christian, you are a double target, said Elia, who lives in El Cajon and works as an accountant in Miramar. ISIS is killing Muslims as well, but being a Christian gives them incentive. Its a death sentence to stay there.

1 / 9 Salwa Saliman holds rosary beads as she prays in the St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church in El Cajon. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 9 Bishop Bawai Soro in St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church in El Cajon. He says that President Trump has no one to apologize to for his immigration doctrine because coming to America is not a right but a privilege. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 9 While in the Sahara, a Middle Eastern restaurant in El Cajon, Sam Konja, who left Iraq with his eight siblings to escape bombings and war there in the mid seventies, says he supports vetting immigrants entering the United States. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 9 Iraqi Chaldean immigrant Muayad Gajju, whose daughter lives in Iraq, says personally he thinks theres nothing to worry about whether there is a travel ban or not. He is shopping at the Valley Foods grocery store in El Cajon. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 9 Iraqi Chaldean immigrant Muayad Gajju and wife Moin Gajju look at onions as they shop at the Valley Foods grocery store in El Cajon. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 9 Shoppers exit the Valley Foods grocery store, where many Chaldean Christians shop, in El Cajon. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 9 While in the Valley Foods grocery store in El Cajon, George Ayiar, an Iraqi Chaldean immigrant visiting from Detroit, Michigan, thinks that people should be allowed to enter the United States. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 9 Emily Salem, right, who left Iraq with her eight siblings, including Sam Konja and Amera Yousif, background, in the mid seventies to escape bombings and war, says she supports President Trumps travel ban. She, Konja, and Yousif meet for lunch at the Sahara, a Middle Eastern restaurant in El Cajon. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 9 Chaldean Christians Hana Kizy, center, Souad Attiq, left, and Salwa Daoud, pray together before a mass at St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church in El Cajon. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Trumps promise to give Christian refugees priority also put Chaldeans in the uncomfortable situation of heading to the front of a line filled with equally desperate people from their own country. It may look like a lifeline, but for some Chaldeans it is full of moral knots.

Our commitment has been to go shoulder to shoulder with every refugee, said Mark Arabo, a first-generation Iraqi-American and the president of the San Diego-based Minority Humanitarian Foundation. There is no difference when it comes to religion. A refugee is a refugee, period. The entire refugee ban is just wrong. It sends the wrong signal to the world. America was founded upon refugees fleeing other nations to start anew as Americans.

In the 1970s, Emily Salem and her eight siblings came to America with their parents to start anew. They all flourished, but the memories of being from a country that seemed to be perpetually in turmoil got under their skin and stayed there.

Trumps travel ban and his promise of more rigorous vetting of immigrants hoping to enter the U.S. resonated with Salem and her family. Still, she has some doubts about the particulars.

I voted for Trump, but at the same time, hes banning all these countries and Iraq was one of them, Salem said. Well, Iraq has never done anything. None of the Iraqis. You know, they love life. Even the Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, all of them. Theyre not radicals.

St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church is in El Cajon, where some 60,000 Chaldeans live. Bishop Bawai Soro does not see much agitation in his congregation over Trumps ban, and he doesnt feel it himself.

His people have been persecuted for centuries as their population in Iraq and Syria has been painfully losing ground, losing churches and losing people. Since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the population of Christians living there has fallen from 1.4 million to 275,000 in 2016.

For the sake of religion and history, he wishes more people would stay. He also understands why they dont. But when it comes to the hurdles immigrants may have to negotiate to get here, he is not in favor of taking them away. For people from war-torn Iraq, America is worth fighting for.

Before the ban, we were stuck for years and years waiting to come here. Being delayed is not a new thing. I think no one in the Chaldean community minds being vetted. I dont think one Chaldean in the world is a terrorist, so let them vet as much as they want, said Soro, who came to the United States in 1973.

We escape for freedom, and freedom must contain security. I think Chaldeans dont mind waiting a few months more for that.

Twitter: @karla_peterson

karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com
At 7:05 p.m. Pacific time on Nov. 8, 2016, the group known as YesCalifornia.org tweeted California is a nation not a state and the Calexit movement was in full swing.

With the sixth-largest economy in the world, California is larger by far than most countries. It also is a state with a progressive worldview, and an awareness of the government policies needed to realize that vision. In 2018 it is possible that voters here will begin a process whereby California splits off from the rest of the United States. Stranger things have happened.

But there is another, more likely scenario  that of Calternative.

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The California of high taxes, strict environmental and business regulations, $15-per-hour minimum wages, and exorbitant housing prices has been the subject of an endless stream of articles claiming that the Golden State is no longer golden.

But in the time of Trump, California may be a magnet, particularly for creative, outside-the-box Americans, and of similarly minded foreign expats. Calternative posits a possible future in which California prospers even as other states struggle.

Calternative flows from the notion, described by economist Charles Tiebout in his 1956 Journal of Political Economy article The Pure Theory of Local Expenditure, that people choose the local government they want by voting with their feet.

In Ernest Callenbachs 1975 novel Ecotopia: The Notebooks and Reports of William Weston, Calexit occurs, or more precisely LeftCoastExit, and the two parts of the United States go in different directions. Ecotopia is populated by socialists and hippies who create a utopia based on sustainable ecosystems. The book is structured as a report written by a journalist from a future ultraconservative America, visiting Ecotopia 20 years after secession.

Will the fight against Trump help bring about Callenbachs dream of Ecotopia (18 years later than he predicted)?

Yes, some people may leave California for business-friendly states, but many perhaps will migrate in the other direction. Creative, entrepreneurial people  those who start companies and create good 21st-century jobs  are not lining up to live in Topeka, nor will they.

Edward Luttwaks 1994 essay in the London Review of Books predicted the election of a Donald Trump-like leader, a British exit from the European Union and the rise of populist ideology throughout Europe. His central idea was that creative destruction  the way in which innovation takes a capitalist economy to the next level  may happen so fast as to cause a backlash. The backlash he forecast would be a longing for the economic security of the past, protected by the government. Were that to occur, Luttwak argued, the result would be a stifling of creativity and innovation as firms become more comfortable in their government-provided security blanket and would feel less need to compete with new ideas.

But what about those who yearn to step out of the box? That is where The Left Coast comes in.

Lets say youre comfortable challenging the social and business environment of the day, or that you have the drive to collaborate with other creative people to translate their ideas into commercially successful products. Where better for you to locate than in a bastion of Trump-defiance?

A second source of migration of productive creative people to The Left Coast could result from the social milieu. A society that takes its cues from a president who engages in hurtful talk about gays, women, immigrants and minorities, people with disabilities, or people of certain religious beliefs, will prove to be uncomfortable at best for those constituencies. California will truly be the Golden State for those targeted by the president  and for anyone seeking a workplace in a more tolerant and pluralistic environment.

The Tiebout Hypothesis held that the variety of taxes and services offered by local governments leads to a sorting of the population according to individual preferences. Todays well-documented sorting of people according to political beliefs is evidence that the Tiebout Hypothesis applies to more than just taxes and public safety.

So sure, people who agree with Trumponomics will leave for states and cities that better match their worldview.

But the opposite also may be true, particularly with a polarizing president whose supporters constitute a majority in large parts of the U.S.

Highly productive people who earn comfortable incomes and can afford to make new homes in California may opt for progressive government, a diverse social environment, and greater concern about carbon emissions.

The symmetry of the Tiebout Hypothesis may produce a Calternative within the United States.

Nickelsburg is an economist at UCLA Anderson School of Management. He can be reached at Jerry.Nickelsburg@Anderson.UCLA.edu, or via Twitter @jnickelsburg.
The time has come for us to seek out a realistic way to manage our worsening problem of people living on the streets of our city and to do so in a manner that best serves our citys entire population of 1.35 million. With this in mind, we propose the establishment of Camp Hope San Diego on city-owned land adjacent to Brown Field.

The purpose of this camp is to safely and respectfully house all of the men, women and children living on our streets, as well as provide ample space for the amazing, generous organizations that serve them.

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Our homeless brothers and sisters deserve our respect, support, prayers, and help. They do not, however, have the right to reside on public lands of their choosing  especially when it negatively impacts San Diegos progress and potential and presents health hazards to themselves and to the rest of the population. Our city must decide which lands to designate for them. Unfortunately, our leaders have abdicated this responsibility and allowed our homeless population of 8,692 to camp wherever they choose.

Have you walked downtowns East Village lately? 17th Street encampment? Commercial Street underpass? Courthouse area at night? MTS trolley stops? How are the adjacent homeowners and businesses being impacted? Have you hiked Balboa Parks trails recently? San Diego River in Mission Valley? Tecolote Canyon? Do you feel safe doing so?

Think about downtown as our citys front doorstep and window unto the world, and yet, it looks disheveled and dreadful. With homeless trash everywhere imparting terrible first impressions, numerous aggressive panhandlers scaring off tourists and residents alike, and growing encampments creating no-go areas, downtowns ability to grow and prosper is being severely hampered.

Furthermore, allowing the homeless to sleep wherever they choose is not beneficial to them either  they are living in inhumane conditions surrounded by speeding cars, street thugs, gang members, drug dealers, thieves, dogs, rats, trash, disease, cold, wind, rain, and, most dangerously of all, the recent string of assaults and murders perpetrated upon homeless people.

This situation is beyond outrageous, but our homeless population is not to blame  the culprit is failed city leadership.

Must our city continue into the abyss? We say No. There is a better way  one that is fair and beneficial to all concerned.

Camp Hope San Diego  the vision forward:

 No homeless camping or loitering would be allowed anywhere in the city of San Diego, except within the jurisdiction of Camp Hope  a spectacular open space setting with breathtaking views and fresh air, just 13 miles southeast of downtown.

 San Diego County, plus the other 17 cities within, are invited to partner in this effort. Doing so will prevent their jurisdictions from becoming homeless migration points.

 Camp residents can come and go as they please; there will be no fences or residency fees.

 Housing will be large military-style tenting with portable bathrooms and showers (think Stand Down), enabling the camp to quickly expand or contract based on need/weather. If preferred, individuals can pitch their own tents.

 Large tents will be provided for homeless service providers  Father Joes, Rescue Mission, Food Bank, Path, Catholic Charities, Veterans Village, Gods Extended Hand, Salvation Army, Solutions For Change, etc.  for dining, gatherings, services, etc.

 The Entry to System facility will initially be downtown, working in conjunction with these homeless service providers.

 Upon arrival at Camp Hope, a state-of-the-art intake tent will greet and direct new residents.

 Special tents will be devoted to job training and rehabilitation, with 12-step meetings daily.

 First-aid tents and private jitney services (for hospital runs) will be available 24/7.

 MTS bus/trolley service is available nearby for residents needing transportation to jobs, medical appointments, etc. Highways 905 and 125 intersect adjacently.

 A permanent police outpost will keep the peace, and private security will patrol 24/7.

Our homeless brothers and sisters will ultimately be better served at Camp Hopes centralized location, as well as better protected from street predators and surrounding negative influences. Likewise, San Diego will be cleaner, safer, more hospitable, and better able to realize its full potential. Everyone wins.

Are we ready to begin the conversation, San Diego?

Mullen is principal of StudioRevolution.com. Caster is CEO of A-1 Self Storage and a local philanthropist. Both are native San Diegans.
The legal battle over Donald Trumps travel ban is far from over, even though the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld a lower courts ruling blocking for now the presidents executive order. This battle, being fought from Washington state to Washington, D.C., has international ramifications, upsetting the Iraqi government and giving a propaganda boon to ISIS. Yet this ban will also have a tangible effect on the San Diego area.

San Diego is a microcosm of Americas relationship with the Middle East. It is home to a large Iraqi community, both Christian and Muslim, as well as veterans who served in Iraq. These veterans, many of whom are my students at California State University San Marcos, formed bonds with their Iraqi translators during their deployments. All of the aforementioned communities were affected by the Executive Order as it would have hindered the ability of their relatives or friends to come to this country.

Trump had declared that Christians from Iraq or Syria would not be affected by this ban, but his statement belied a reality of these countries. There are Iraqis and Syrians that come from mixed Muslim-Christian families. I should know. I come from one.

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My Christian relatives belong to the Syriac Orthodox Church, historically the very first community to call themselves Christians, opposed to Jewish followers of Christ. My great uncle was the Patriarch of this church in the 1920s and 30s.

The church is a living museum of Christianity. The liturgical language of the church is Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ. Some of the oldest Christian communities from Mesopotamia, both Syriac and Iraqi Chaldeans, can practice their faith in our city that faces the Pacific. San Diego has become home of that living museum of the Christian faith.

Coming from a family that straddles both Islam and Christianity, I worried that the ban would have affected Iraqis and Syrians regardless of their religion. For those who supported the ban as long as it allowed threatened Christians in the U.S., there were disturbing reports that the ban has so far not distinguished between Christian and Muslim. A family of Syrian Orthodox Christians was turned back at Philadelphias airport. There is no indication or guarantee that if the travel ban is reinstated, it will not hinder the travel of Iraqi or Syrian Christians seeking to come to the U.S.

As for the Iraqi translators who were left in a limbo as a result of this ban, they are a tragic reminder of the Iraqi uprising that occurred in March 1991 after the Gulf War. Heeding a call by then President George H.W. Bush to revolt against the regime of Saddam Hussein, Iraqi soldiers and civilians rose up and seized 15 out of 18 Iraqi provinces. The rebels assumed that American support would be forthcoming. No support arrived, and in fact U.S. veterans of the 1991 war in the south of Iraq described how helpless they felt turning away Iraqi rebels asking for weapons. These veterans then watched as Saddams Republican Guard and helicopter squadrons crushed the rebellion.

The Iraqi survivors of the rebellion became refugees, some settling in the Rafha camp in the middle of the Saudi Arabian desert. In a belated attempt to make amends for abandoning these rebels, a good number were settled in the U.S., many in the San Diego area.

The Iraqi translators face the same dilemma. Like the rebels of 1991, both feel burned by putting their life on the line for the U.S. Granted, these translators faced significant hurdles in the past coming to America under the Obama administration, spending years dealing with the paperwork. After surviving death threats in Iraq and Americas bureaucracy, the translators struggles were for naught. Blocking the ban granted them hope once again.

On Tuesday, as the travel ban was being debated in the courts, I was in my favorite cafe in North County, speaking to an Iraqi Armenian who came here in the 1960s. Across the table was a Marine who heard us speaking Arabic and could spout out phrases in the Iraqi dialect he learned from his translator. Later in the afternoon in El Cajon, I can have tea with an Iraqi survivor of the 1991 Uprising and then arrive at a middle school in City Heights to tutor a refugee child. On that Tuesday more than 70 new volunteers arrived to do the same, a reflection of San Diegans wanting to do their part in response to the travel ban. In the evening, I get a call from my Muslim mother bugging me to spend time with my Christian relatives in the area.

This is the tapestry of a single day in San Diego. President Trumps executive order, if reinstated, threatens to unravel it.

Al-Marashi is an associate professor at the Department of History, CSU San Marcos.
Regarding Warren emerges as avatar of liberal resistance (Feb. 9): She was warned. She was given an explanation. Mitch McConnells patronizing comments to Elizabeth Warren sound like an upset dad justifying his behavior to his teenage daughter. I wager they would never have been addressed to a man. Warren was not demeaning Sessions. She was reading the respected Mrs. Kings letter.

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What is it about a woman who stands up and speaks about a man? Rules of the Senate do not explain, as we know male senators have not been rebuked for their own demeaning remarks. Maybe it somehow seems threatening.

Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy.

E-mail letters@sduniontribune.com

Mail: Andrew Kleske, Reader Outreach Editor San Diego Union-Tribune P.O. Box 120191 San Diego, CA 92112-0191.

You can also leave a comment below

Although I find McConnells behavior outrageous, at the same time it seems silly and petty  a kind of (male) Republican hysteria.

The joy of it: Now we witness Warren reading Mrs. Kings letter, over and over, on social media. Thanks to McConnell for pointing out the letter and for reminding us all that regressive sexism lives on in the Senate.

Margo Wilding

San Diego

Dump Gorsuch, plug Warren, expect drought

Three quick observations:

1.) Donald Trump should immediately rescind his nomination of Neil Gorsuch for disloyalty and proof hes another Anthony Kennedy, which Trump was not elected to provide.

2. If Elizabeth Warren is the Avatar of the left, the Republicans are in good shape for 2020, 2024, 2028 and beyond.

3. I, like your letter writer of Californias drought sure to return with vengeance (Feb. 9), have also lived in California since 1953 and know the water canard is a money-making, corrupt method of picking the public pocket as often as possible. See Chinatown with Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway for a deeper understanding. We live in a semi-arid desert. These are natural changes and water con-men use them to profit, while protecting the Delta smelt.

Richard Cole

Encinitas

Trumps statement on Holocaust defensible

Regarding Trump administration has no regrets about leaving out Jews in Holocaust statement (Jan. 29): On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Trumps statement without mentioning Jews upset Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia.

However, I think Trumps statement is inclusive because he remembered the victims, survivors and heroes of the Holocaust as commented by White House spokeswoman Hope Hicks: We are an incredibly inclusive group and we took into account all those who suffered.

To me, this remembrance day needs to be applied to all genocides around the world, like the Nanking massacre in China by the Japanese army in December 1937 to January 1938  called the forgotten holocaust by the late Iris Chang  and the Rwandan genocide from April 7 to mid-July 1994.

Nancy Lo

La Jolla

Berkeley hasnt been bastion of free speech

Regarding Reaction to riots over provocative speaker (Feb. 4): If you are surprised Milo Yiannopoulos was prevented from speaking, obviously you were not at Berkeley in the late 60s.

As a student and ROTC member from 1968-72, I observed firsthand that freedom of speech was an oxymoron, unless you had something the liberals wanted to hear. Otherwise you were shouted down, drowned out or blocked from admission. Apparently not much has changed in 45 years. Too bad. Cops should have been much more proactive. By allowing the protest to get out of hand, not only are taxpayers out a lot of money for repairs, the protesters are encouraged to break laws.

So much for free speech.

Rawlins Lowndes

San Diego

Ports greed apparent in new parking meters

Regarding Boat owners frustrated by Port parking changes (Feb. 2): There are some people who actually live and work in San Diego. We should not have to pay to access the walkways and parks along our waterfront.

Case in point, the new parking meters installed at Spanish Landing along the Embarcadero. There are no hotels or restaurants in that vicinity. This is a place where locals go to let their children play in the park, where seniors to go throw out a fishing line or have a cup of coffee. As for the boat owners, expecting someone to pull anchor, take a cruise and get back to their car in four hours, thats ridiculous.

Its greed, pure and simple. The people who actually live here and pay taxes should at least have access to a nonmetered place to park so we can use our parks and local marinas without feeling that we have to give into Port District greed to do so.

Michelle Lockwood

Point Loma

Plenty of options for Charger Boulevard

Regarding Could Luke Skywalker take over Charger Boulevard in San Diego? (Feb. 3): Now that the Dean Spanos-owned Chargers are moving from San Diego to Los Angeles, San Diego may change the name of Charger Boulevard. Here are my suggestions:

Spanos End Of The Road.

Spanos Is Lame Lane.

Spanos Go A Way.

Spanos Is Full of Boulevard.

Alex Kaseberg

Carmel Valley

Want to see more letters that appear only online? Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook.
We saw a lot of are we there yet? and Mars candy factory gags this week, but our favorite was submitted by Doug Siddall. Congratulations, sir, for winning the top spot. He will receive Steve Breens signed original in the mail.

Next weeks cartoon is below. Please remember to limit your submissions to three and keep em brief. Good luck!

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Winner

Hello, Houston? Were coming back. Theyve got a wall. Doug Siddall, San Diego

Finalists

The Martians just ordered a travel ban on U.S. citizens! Liana Neyer, Carlsbad

Look out! Its one of Alan Shepards golf balls careening toward our windshield. Bob Klein, La Mesa

No wonder these Disneyland lines are so long. Mike Hillman, Escondido

I still wonder why Elon gave up his seat. John Dischinger, Spring Valley

I thought I entered Mission Viejo to Del Mar in the Uber app! Ed Dunbar, Carlsbad

Wait! Whoa! I just came in to fill up the drink cart! Susan Wiczynski, La Jolla

I told you not to push that button! Melinda Helbock, Encinitas

We have to go back. I forgot my phone charger. Barbara Bandhauer, San Diego

Since we burned our bridges in San Diego and Los Angeles doesnt want us, we figured the NFL might have an untapped market there. Tim Kowallek, San Marcos

If you kids dont quiet down back there, Im turning this thing around. David DeVore, Encinitas

You forgot the Library of Congress on CD?! Paul Jester, San Diego

The space cadet in front of us has had his blinker on for the past 2 million kilometers. Karen Farrington, Alpine

Itll be like living in Borrego Springs. Roger Gee, Bay Park

The shuttle program is really going downhill. They now charge for food and drinks on the flight. Sarah Mationg, San Diego

Your agent should have told you we were filming on location, Mr. Pratt. Lee Cording, San Diego

We made it through the debris field, but do you hear a hissing noise? Ramona Copley, Encinitas

The Bring in for Service light just came on. Brad McMurrey, Carlsbad

K-12

We forgot Mark Watney! Billy Stephens, sixth grade, Muirlands Middle School

Were going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship, flying through the sky ... Jordan Otjen, sixth grade, Dana Middle School

I spy something black ... Rachel McFeaters, fifth grade, Hope Elementary School

Captain, when we get to zero gravity, can I do some front flips? Please? Please? Peyton Sandusky, fifth grade, Siuslaw Elementary School, Oregon

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To enter, email entries to cartooncontest@sduniontribune.com by 10 a.m. Tuesday. Please remember to limit your submissions to three and keep em brief. View last weeks winners
President Donald Trump reacted swiftly (in all caps) via Twitter to Thursday's decision by a federal appeals court to keep a temporary hold on the Trump administration travel ban that prompted immediate nationwide protests and condemnation when it took effect 13 days ago.

Many Americans had quick and emotional reactions to the 29-page 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals order rejecting the presidents request to lift a judges temporary stay and resume blocking entry to travelers from seven mostly-Muslim countries and refugees.

The unanimous decision by the three-judge panel in San Francisco said the federal government offered no evidence to support its claim that the executive order must be immediately reinstated.

The judges essentially upheld a lower-court decision to halt the ban in response to a suit filed by the states of Washington and Minnesota.

Vocal leaders in local and state politics, including San Diego Countys GOP chairman and state Sen. Kamala Harris, chimed in on Twitter to offer their take on the ruling Thursday.

[Check back soon for more updates on this ruling.]

Hillary Clinton, Trumps presidential campaign rival, shared a more subtle reaction to the ruling.

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder tweeted a more poignant reaction showing a photo of Sally Yates, the attorney general Trump fired for refusing to enforce the order.

California lawmakers including Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, and Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, gave their two cents.

California Secretary of State Alex Padilla called the decision a win for freedom and democracy.

Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, called it a real-time civics lessons on checks and balances between the branches of government.

Have some thoughts to share?

Join me in a conversation: Shoot me a private email with your thoughts or ideas on a different approach to this story. As always, you can also send us a tweet.

Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @RunGomez
Even as federal officials tried to keep things calm, tension and fear escalated this week in Southern California following reports of immigration arrests.

Immigration advocates said that about 100 people were taken into custody by immigration officials, prompting protests in the streets of Los Angeles on Thursday night, the Los Angeles Times reported. But a spokesperson for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency told the media that the arrests were routine.

Our operations are targeted and lead driven, prioritizing individuals who pose a risk to our communities. Examples would include known street gang members, child sex offenders, and deportable foreign nationals with significant drug trafficking convictions, the agency said through a spokeswoman. To that end, ICEs routine immigration enforcement actions are ongoing and we make arrests every day.

When the reports spread over social media, they sparked reactions from Californians, including Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, who sent a tweet advising people to know their rights.

As the reports spread on social media, so did the rumors. Police departments in Pomona and Los Angeles attempted to dispel false hearsay that their agencies were helping federal immigration officials with the arrests.

Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos is locked in a van that is stopped in the street by protesters outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, in Phoenix. (Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via AP)

We want our community to know that The Pomona Police Department is not participating in any immigration checkpoints nor are we aware of any such checkpoints scheduled in the City of Pomona, the statement read. We encourage the community to always fact check to avoid fake news.

Los Angeles considers itself a sanctuary city where local police decline to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Los Angeles Deputy Police Chief Bob Green told the Los Angels Times that the department would not assist in immigration sweeps, contrary to rumors.

There is information that is out there that is wrong, Green said. We are working hard with the immigrant communities to dispel fears.

The dramatic deportation of an Arizona mother Wednesday night set off a chain reaction among immigration advocates who are wary of a new executive order from President Donald Trump that widens the priorities for deporting unauthorized immigrants.

For hours into the night on Wednesday, protesters blocked ICE agents as they transported Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, a Phoenix mother who had reportedly spent 22 years illegally in the U.S., in a van en route to Nogales, Mexico.

Garcia de Rayos was caught up in Trumps executive order that prioritized deportations of unauthorized immigrants with a criminal background. Her criminal record dates back to 2009 when she was convicted of felony identity theft following her arrest in a sweep at her workplace done by then-Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio , BuzzFeed reported.

On social media, the hashtag #ICERaids has floated in conversations about broader immigration issues and sentiments, including some with anti-immigrant undertones.

The conversation about the immigration arrests was underscored by a Pew Research Center report released Thursday that said that Los Angeles and New York were home to the largest share of the nations 11.1 million unauthorized immigrants.

It also estimated that some 170,000 unauthorized immigrants live in the San Diego region, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Have some thoughts to share?

Join me in a conversation: Shoot me a private email with your thoughts or ideas on a different approach to this story. As always, you can also send us a tweet.

Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @RunGomez
Is Judge Neil Gorsuch on team Trump ? As President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, should he be?

Gorsuch is a bit frustrated with Trump right now. And vice versa.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal , D-Connecticut, says Gorsuch recently told him that Trumps scathing tweets about a so-called federal judge who blocked the presidents immigration ban were demoralizing and disheartening. Heres exactly what Trump said.

Some people couldnt believe the judge, who awaits Senate confirmation, would critique Trump so soon after being nominated by him. So reporters not only confirmed with a Gorsuch aide that the judge had made the comments, they also found out that Gorsuch encouraged the senator to share what he had said.

In case any skeptics remained, Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska said a day later that the judge had also defended the judiciary to him.

"This is a guy who welled up with some energy. He said any attack on any brothers or sisters of the robe is an attack on all judges. He believes in an an independent judiciary," Sasse said Thursday morning on MSNBC.

It appears the nominee wants his critique of Trump to be heard loud and clear, without saying it himself.

What does Trump think? He said the comments were misrepresented.

He also went on Twitter to attack Sen. Blumenthals credibility.

Regardless of what exactly Gorsuch said, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said late Thursday that the president absolutely still stands by his nominee.

What to make of this whole situation? Well, the Democratic National Committee thinks its all just a ruse.

"This is clearly a meaningless White House orchestrated attempt to help Judge Gorsuch pretend he won't be a rubber stamp for the Trump administration," said Zac Petkanas, senior adviser at the Democratic National Committee.

California Rep. Adam Schiff and others are wondering the same thing.

It maybe had been quite calculated in terms of what Judge Gorsuch said, Schiff said Thursday on CNN.

Other reactions ranged from complimenting Gorsuch to criticizing him to wondering where his comments place him historically among Supreme Court nominees.

People touted Gorsuch's integrity, independence and spine.

Others took Gorsuchs critique of Trump more seriously, and in turn critiqued the judge.

What do you make of the situation? Was it good of Gorsuch to make it clear he views the world, and the judicial system specifically, differently than Trump? Is that even what he did? And while were asking questions, is it impossible to have civil disagreements anymore?

Join the conversation at @sdutideas. Civilly, please.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
A way to help find human trafficking victims may have been developed by business department at San Diego State University.

Dr. Murray Jennex, an information management professor at SDSU, said that certain keywords could be used to identify human trafficking victims on classified ad sites such as backpage.com.

These keywords, such as fresh, new in town and open-minded, could potentially help authorities flag ads posted by pimps.

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In a research study conducted by Jennex and Homeland Security student Marisa Hultgren, they used a program to search through ads posted in the adult section of classified ad sites. They flagged ads whose wording used any of the keywords in the study, Jennex said.

They then used these keywords, and other data, to flag about 50 profiles as potential trafficking victims. He did admit that they couldnt be sure, as authorities havent confirmed them as trafficked.

Other indicators of a potential trafficking-related ad include many ads using the same phone number, an out-of-state phone number and mention of a certain ethnicity.

Jennex said his research will be shared with authorities in the California region.
In a new report to NASA released this week, a 21-member team of scientists assess the scientific value and engineering design of a future mission to the surface of Europa.

Jupiters moon Europa, which is approximately the size of Earths moon, very likely harbors a global, deep, liquid water ocean beneath its relatively thin ice shell. This ocean exists today and it has possibly persisted for much of the history of the Solar System.

Europas ocean is probably in contact with a rocky, silicate seafloor, which may lead to an ocean rich in the elements and energy needed for the emergence of life, and for potentially sustaining life through time.

This rare circumstance makes Europa one of the highest priority targets in the search for present-day life beyond our planet.

In June 2016, in response to a congressional directive, NASA initiated a Pre-Phase A mission concept study for a robotic lander to the surface of Europa for the purpose of in situ analyses of samples of the surface and shallow subsurface.

As part of this effort, NASA convened a Science Definition Team (SDT) to provide scientific guidance to the mission study.

The co-chairs selected for leadership of the SDT were Dr. James Garvin of NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center, Dr. Alison Murray of the Desert Research Institute, and Dr. Kevin Hand of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Working with Dr. Curt Niebur and Joan Salute of NASA Headquarters, a group of 18 additional scientists were selected to join the SDT.

Since then, the team has deliberated to define a workable and worthy set of science objectives and measurements for the mission concept, submitting a report to NASA on Feb. 7, 2017.

The Europa Lander Science Definition Team Report presents the integrated results of an intensive science and engineering team effort to develop and optimize a mission concept that would follow the Europa Multiple Flyby Mission and conduct the first in situ search for evidence of life on another world since the Viking spacecraft on Mars in the 1970s, the researchers explained.

The report lists three science goals for the mission:

(i) to search for evidence of life on Europa;

(ii) to assess the habitability of Europa by directly analyzing material from the surface;

(iii) to characterize the surface and subsurface to support future robotic exploration of Europa and its ocean.

The Europa Lander mission would be a pathfinder for characterizing the biological potential of Europas ocean through direct study of any chemical, geological, and possibly biological, signatures as expressed on, and just below, the surface of Europa, the authors said in the report.

The search for signs of life on Europas surface requires an analytical payload that performs quantitative organic compositional, microscopic, and spectroscopic analysis on five samples acquired from at least 10 cm beneath the surface, with supporting context imaging observations.

This mission would significantly advance our understanding of Europa as an ocean world, even in the absence of any definitive signs of life, and would provide the foundation for the future robotic exploration of Europa.

This is a very real step toward a signs of life mission, said Dr. Murray, who is best known for her work discovering the existence of microbial life within an Antarcticas ice-sealed, anoxic, dark, and negative 13-degree Celsius brines of Lake Vida, the largest of several unique lakes found in the McMurdo Dry Valleys.

There was a lot of deliberation on the best ways to accomplish such a monumental set of tasks, she added. Since the Viking mission weve learned a lot more about the search for life and how to answer the tough questions.

The report also describes some of the notional instruments that could be expected to perform measurements in support of these goals.

The Europa Lander mission concept provides 42.5 kg for the baseline science instrument payload, the authors said. With the exception of the Context Remote Sensing Instrument (CRSI), all instruments are held within a vault that provides radiation shielding.

The centerpiece instruments for characterizing any potential signs of life are:

(i) an Organic Compositional Analyzer (OCA), which in the baseline model payload is a Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) capable of achieving a 1 picomole per gram of sample limit of detection for organics;

(ii) a microscope system (referred to as the Microscope for Life Detection, MLD) capable of distinguishing microbial cells as small as 0.2 microns in diameter, and as dilute as 100 cells per cubic centimeter (cc, or equivalently 1 mL) of ice. In the baseline model payload this capability is to be addressed by a combination of spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) or optical light microscopy (OM);

(iii) a Vibrational Spectrometer (VS), which in the baseline model payload is a Raman and Deep UV fluorescence spectrometer capable of characterizing both organic and inorganic compounds down to a level of parts per thousand by mass.

Along with the analytical suite for detailed analyses of samples, the Europa Lander model payload also includes a pair of color stereo imagers for examining the landing site in 3D (including capabilities for characterizing surface composition), and a seismic package for determining Europas ice shell and ocean thickness through acoustic monitoring of cracking events in the ice shell.

The SDT also worked closely with engineers to design a system capable of landing on a surface about which very little is known.

Given that Europa has no atmosphere, the team developed a concept that could deliver its science payload to the icy surface without the benefit of technologies like a heat shield or parachutes.

The concept lander is separate from NASAs Europa Multiple Flyby Mission, now in development for launch in the early 2020s.

The spacecraft will arrive at Jupiter after a multi-year journey, orbiting the gas giant every two weeks for a series of 45 close flybys of Europa. The mission will investigate Europas habitability by mapping its composition, determining the characteristics of the ocean and ice shell, and increasing our understanding of its geology, and also will lay the foundation for a future landing by performing detailed reconnaissance using its powerful cameras.

NASA has announced two upcoming town hall meetings to discuss the Europa Lander Science Definition Team Report and receive feedback from the science community.

The first will be on March 19, in conjunction with the 2017 Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) at The Woodlands, Texas. The second event will be on April 23 at the Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon) in Mesa, Arizona.

_____

Hand, K.P., Murray, A.E., Garvin, J.B., Brinckerhoff, W.B., Christner, B.C, Edgett, K.S, Ehlmann, B.L., German, C.R., Hayes, A.G., Hoehler, T.M., Horst, S.M., Lunine, J.I., Nealson, K.H., Paranicas, C., Schmidt, B.E., Smith, D.E., Rhoden, A.R., Russell, M.J., Templeton, A.S., Willis, P.A., Yingst, R.A., Phillips, C.B, Cable, M.L., Craft., K.L., Hofmann, A.E., Nordheim, T.A., Pappalardo, R.P., and the Project Engineering Team. Report of the Europa Lander Science Definition Team. Posted February, 2017
A couple of the most fundamental questions that space explorers face are as follows: Are aliens real? Are they friendly or will they destroy humanity? As of now, there is no definite answer. Researchers say that the chances of existence of alien life forms on other planets is high and they are even thinking of sweeping an electromagnetic beacon to send signals to these aliens to let them know about our existence.

In the meantime, many other scientists argue that it would be better if Earth is kept to ourselves. In that way, we do not risk the chance of being taken over by some alien species from a distant planet.

Lucianne Walkowicz, astrophysicist of Adler Planetarium, Chicago, said, "There's a possibility that if we actively message, with the intention of getting the attention of an intelligent civilization, that the civilization we contact would not necessarily have our best interests in mind."

Walkowicz did mention, however, that by not doing so, the question "Are aliens friends with benefits?" will remain unanswered.

NBC News reported that Breakthrough Initiatives, a philanthropic organization funded by Russian billionaire Yuri Milner, is about to launch "Breakthrough Message program" to find the answers to these questions.

The program will solicit ideas from scientists across the world on whether we should compose and send message to the alien species inhabiting on distant planets. Furthermore, scientists will also dry run the idea and technology required for sending an electromagnetic beacon into space, in search for alien life forms.

The program will most likely start in the beginning of next year, informed Pete Worden, Director of Breakthrough Initiatives. Worden also insisted that it will not be all about what and when we are sending into space. The program will focus on questions like "What's the context? What best represents the people on Earth?" He added. "This is an exercise for humanity, not necessarily just about what we would send."

Yuri Milner and his interstellar research organization have been actively engaged in many space research and exploration programs. Science Alert reported that Milner is also planning to soon develop the technology, which enables people to travel the 4.37 lightyears of distance to the Proxima Centauri b planet and explore it. Though most of Milner's plans are not in agreement with NASA, maybe they will help find answers to the most controversial questions relating to the existence and nature of aliens.
The effects of green tea on weight loss is widely known and it is marketed worldwide as a weight loss beverage. Some of the recent scientific studies revealed that green tea cures cancer, multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. Scientists at Washington University found that epigallocatechine-3-gallate (EGCG) polyphenol compounds extracted from green tea are highly effective in preventing light chain amyloidosis associated with blood cancer.

Green tea is the most recent addition to the list of superfoods. Apart from the already established effects of green tea on weight loss, scientists are gradually able to find out the hidden therapeutic benefits of this beverage. Most recently, they found out that green tea can help cure blood cancer.

Blood cancer is one of the most deadliest types of cancer there are, as there is no definitive treatment for it. Therefore, scientists are always in search for new and effective natural and synthetic therapeutic compounds, which can cure it. In a highly optimistic finding, scientists found that the epigallocatechine-3-gallate (EGCG) component of green tea was able to prevent light chain amyloidosis that many times is fatal for the patients, as per Publicist Report.

EGCG is a polyphenol that is also found in many other herbs, as well as in cocoa, cloves, star anise, oregano and dark chocolate. The possible therapeutic benefits of the polyphenol was recently realized, after scientists reported that EGCG was highly effective in preventing the aggregation of deformed protein molecules associated with the occurrence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, SBS reported.

In the most recent study on EGCG, which was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, scientists found that the compound was highly effective in transforming the internal structure of the light chain proteins and prevented their amyloidosis in heart, kidneys and other vital organs, according to Outlook India.

Jan Bieschke, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Washington University, who is also the lead researcher in the project, said, "The ECGC pulled the light chain into a different type of aggregate that wasn't toxic and didn't form fibril structures, as happens to organs affected by amyloidosis."

He further informed that, while his team is working on understanding the fundamental mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of green tea, "clinical trials at the Amyloidosis Center in Heidelberg, with Alzheimer's in Berlin and with Parkinson's in China" are already underway.
A 4.5-feet-long alligator was spotted in a pond in Hanahan, South Carolina. What is so surprising about this alligator is that it is mysteriously orange in color.

The orange alligator does not have an alligator's typical color. So, this grabs the attention of many people. It is a rusty, clay, sweet-potato color. People have been wondering why this alligator turned into a Sun's color.

Kent A. Vliet, an alligator biologist at the University of Florida, explained that the color might be temporary. He further explained that it might be probably due to the alligator's environment, according to CNet.

"I have no doubt that the animal is stained somehow," Vliet said. He further said that the alligator has the color of the rust.

Many people commented about the sight of the orange alligator. One person said that the orange-ish animal was a "Trumpagator." Some asked where could it be from.

Meanwhile, Vliet thought that the condition of an orange alligator is not genetic. He said that it will eventually wash off or fade away. The alligators naturally shed their skin, so it will eventually get peeled.

The orange alligator hangs out in Tanner Plantation, by the neighborhood. People have been commenting and posting jokes that the orange alligator comes from the too much self-tanning lotion.

Alligator belongs to the family Alligatoridae. There are two species of the alligator, namely, the American alligator and the Chinese alligator. Its name is derived from the Spanish term el lagarto that means "the Lizard." The adult alligators have black or dark olive-brown with white undersides. On the other hand, the young ones have strongly contrasting white or yellow marks that fade with age.
People may not expect it, but honeybees are dying at an alarming rate around the globe. To prepare for such form of apocalypse, scientists are looking to find ways of replacing them with robots.

Popular Mechanics reported that bees are not yet in danger of going extinct. However, there have been several species already on the endangered list. Joshua Campbell, a researcher at the University of Florida, told The Christian Science Monitor last year that it is harder to keep colonies alive today than 20 years ago.

To remedy the situation, Eijiro Miyako of the National Institute of Advance Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) Nanomaterials Research and his team created miniature robots that could be considered as a partial solution. Their project -- small drones coated in horsehair and a sticky gel -- could help pollinate crops and help offset the loss of bees worldwide.

"The findings, which will have applications for agriculture and robotics, among others, could lead to the development of artificial pollinators and help counter the problems caused by declining honeybee populations," Miyako shared with Yahoo.

The same article discussed the course of Miyako's experiments, noting that he began experimenting with liquids that could be used as electrical conductors. Among his failed attempts produced a sticky gel that was relegated to storage for a decade, until a rediscovery from a cleanup gave him the idea of reusing it. He then began experimenting with houseflies and ants to see if they could pick up pollens from a box of tulips.

When the experiment proved to be a success, he then moved to drones, coating them with horsehair to mimic a bee's fuzzy coating. He shared in the study that the robots were able to absorb the pollen and could still be flown to a second flower where they can help artificially pollinate plants.

Miyako is not the first, nor the only one to have this idea. Popular Mechanics also noted that engineers at Harvard have been working on robotic bees for ears, especially considering the importance of pollination in the natural world.
Hundreds of whales died overnight in New Zealand after a mass stranding left them on shore in what was thought to be the largest event in decades.

According to the Department of Conservation (DOC), about 416 pilot whales beached themselves in Golden Bay, at the top of the South Island, with over 70 percent dead by dawn last Friday. DOC staff and volunteers are working hand in hand trying to save the 100 more that are still alive.

Peter Wiles, one of the first few volunteers to arrive on site, said that the bellies of the corpses were lined up on the sand and floating in shallow waters. "It is one of the saddest things I have seen, that many sentient creatures just wasted on the beach."

Urgent pleas were issued to locals, calling them to drop work and school commitments to head to the remote beach and try to save the creatures to help keep them cool, calm and most especially, wet.

The Guardian reported that Andrew Lamason, team leader for the DOC Takaka area, saw this as the largest in living memory. However, he did note that he had "no clue" as to why the whales decided to beach themselves.

Community ranger Kath Inwood also told ABC News that whale stranding do occur in Farewell Spit. Nonetheless, the massive scale came as a shock, despite the area being considered a whale trap.

By high tide at 10:30 a.m., the 100 remaining whales were refloated successfully, although 90 of them rebeached themselves. The DOC staff and volunteers are currently focusing on keeping them alive until the next high tide.

New Zealand is on the list of highest whale stranding rates in the world. The current one is the third-biggest recorded. The largest was in 1918 for about 1,000 pilot whales on the Chatham Islands, and the second for about 450 whales in Auckland in 1985.
Engineers are now preparing to mount a Falcon 9 rocket at the historic 39A pad at the Kennedy Space Center for the first time this week. The company declares the facility ready for a new era of commercial space missions.

The two-stage rocket is said to be able to roll out SpaceX's hangar at the southern perimeter of the pad and could ramp to the launch mount as early as Thursday. The company aims to fill the rocket with super-chilled kerosene and liquid oxygen propellants. If everything goes according to plan, the test for the Falcon 9 rocket could go on smoothly. SpaceFlight Now reported that the sensors in each of the engines will measure performance parameters during the rocket's brief ignition, with hold-down restraints keeping the rocket on the ground.

SpaceX is also prepping the rocket for a launch targeted for 10:01 a.m. on Feb. 18 with a Dragon cargo craft flying to the International Space Station (ISS). The commercial supply ship is said to carry over 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) of equipment and experiments.

As Reuters noted that the ambitious launch comes only five months after the SpaceX rocket burst into flames on the launch pad at the original launch site in Florida Since then, SpaceX launched only one other rocket in mid-January.

This did not deter the company, however, with President Gwynne Shotwell telling Reuters that they should be launching every two to three weeks. It is the pace they would have had before the accident on Sep. 1, which happened during a routine preflight test that destroyed a $200 million Israeli satellite and also heavily damaging the launch pad.

Repairs are said to be still underway, and it is noted to cost "far less than half" of a new one. Due to the results of the investigation following the explosion, SpaceX has modified the rocket's engines to improve performance and resolve potential safety concerns.
NASA scientists created a computer chip that could stand the high temperature of the surface of the planet Venus. This planet is known for having the hottest surface in the Solar System with about 800-plus degree Fahrenheit, even hotter than Mercury.

NASA could probably launch a rover now or in 2023 with the invention of the new computer chip. It is known that humans have not sent a lander to Venus since 1982.

Philip Neudeck, the electronic engineer of NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio, told Gizmodo that if you look at Mars missions, there have been rovers on the surface getting all sorts of scientific data. He further said that data set is totally missing from Venus and that is because the electronics do not function on Venus.

To resolve this problem and gather scientific data from the planet Venus, the NASA Glenn Research Center invented a computer chip. This computer chip could survive the condition in Venus for 521 hours and that is nearly 22 days, according to Popular Mechanics.

Most of the chips are made out of silicon. At high temperatures, these chips start behaving like a regular conductor instead of a semiconductor. On the other hand, the chips built by NASA are made from silicon carbide. These maintain their good semiconducting properties. The team also guarantees that the wires connecting all the pieces of the chip would not burn. This is because they used exceptional materials such as tantalum silicide among others.

Venus is also called the "Morning Star' and the "Evening Star" by the writers and poets. The planet is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty and the second planet from the Sun. Venus is also referred to as terrestrial planet and called Earth's sister planet. This is due to their similar mass, size, bulk composition and proximity to the Sun. the scientist would like to explore this planet. This is because its geological processes and greenhouse gas-loaded atmosphere could aid the scientists in understanding processes on the planet Earth.
FLORENCE, S.C.  An advocate for students and their families asked Florence School District One Superintendent Randy Bridges to resign Thursday. The advocate, James W. Williams, spoke at the school boards monthly meeting.

At the same meeting, the board decided to have a revote next month for the positions of chairman and vice chairman.

During each meeting, community members are invited to share their thoughts to the board, as long as it does not concern personnel issues. Williams was the only one who spoke, and he talked about an experience he said he had with the superintendent and a family he was helping. Williams said that earlier in the week he went to see Bridges with the family to ensure that the family could understand everything that Bridges said.

He said he was acting as an advocate from Lifeline PLUS, an organization that works to keep community leaders accountable for their actions and to support educational development.

In the role of advocate, I wear a number of hats, Williams said. As chairman of Lifeline PLUS, I get a number of calls and a number of requests ... I was invited by a parent to act as an advocate for her child. In that role, I came to the district office with them and was highly disrespected by our superintendent. Matter of fact, Ive never witnessed any professional person act in the manner that he did. I think he owes myself an apology and that parent because he would not let them have an advocate.

The daughter was out of school for 15 days, Williams said, because she had mouth surgery. Williams said Bridges only wanted to speak to the parent, and to settle the situation without Williams help.

Im sure that when he came here, he had to negotiate a contract and probably had a lawyer, Williams said. He refused to allow them. His behavior overall was just uncalled for and unnecessary. There are times when I dont agree with people. There are people that are sometimes unagreeable. But I try my very best to treat and greet all of them with respect.

Williams said he thought the superintendent was becoming unglued.

As a taxpayer and as a citizen in this district, when I come to this building or any other building in this district, I at the very least desire to be respected, Williams said. I will afford and accord anybody that I encounter that same respect. For that reason, Im asking tonight that our superintendent resign because if his behavior is that uncontrollable, I dont think hes suitable to serve in the capacity that he is.

Bridges did not respond to Williams accusations. The school board chairman, Porter Stewart, and board member Glenn Odom asked Bridges if he wanted to stop Williams because he was discussing personnel issues. Bridges shook his head.

Bridges gave a comment on the situation through email Friday morning.

"I have met with hundreds of parents and community members during my 25 months as superintendent of Florence School District One," Bridges said. "I met with the parent in question, and our time together was respectful and productive. It's important to me that I establish positive relationships with people in this community so they don't feel an advocate is needed when interacting with me. Not once in my 18 years as a superintendent has a parent needed an advocate while we were discussing their child. We may not agree on all issues, but I have been nothing but respectful and professional at all times."

Bridges said that he felt he could speak with the parent one-on-one.

"The beauty of America is everyone is entitled to an opinion, including me," Bridges said. "I can successfully interact with our parents, my professional colleagues, and community members without them needing an advocate."

After the request for the superintendents resignation, Vice Chairman Barry Townsend raised a question about the validity of the previous meetings elections. Porter Stewart was elected chairman, and Townsend was elected vice chairman; however, this would mean that they were both serving three terms, which is against the boards rules.

The board agreed that an item will be put on the agenda for the next meeting that will allow for one of two situations to occur. The item is a board policy that would allow for a section or sections of board policy to be suspended temporarily. With that on the agenda, there can be a revote. If Stewart is elected chairman again and Townsend is elected vice chairman, then it will be within the rules of the board. The revote also opens the positions to new nominations, so somebody other than Stewart can be nominated for chairman, and someone other than Townsend can be nominated for vice chairman.

The new election will take place at the next meeting in March.
WASHINGTON

Imagine how Republicans would have reacted if former president Obama had attacked a retailer for dropping his daughter's product line. Or asked senators to confirm a Cabinet pick who said guns are needed in schools to defend against grizzly bears. Or tried to undermine the independence of the federal judiciary. Or equated the United States' moral standing with that of Vladimir Putin's Russia.

There would have been howls of outrage, of course, and multiple investigations, and even calls for impeachment. But it's President Trump doing all those things, so Republicans in Congress are as meek and quiet as mice.

Perhaps the most striking thing about the chaotic and exhausting first three weeks of the Trump administration is the degree to which Republicans have held together, placing loyalty above all else. The party of Lincoln has sold its soul  and like all Faustian bargains, this one will not end well.

At present, Trump looks likely to get every one of his Cabinet nominees approved. Billionaire Betsy DeVos gave the worst performance in memory, surely one of the worst in history, at her confirmation hearing, displaying a level of ignorance that was truly shocking. Only two Republican senators  Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska  had the integrity to vote against her. Vice President Pence had to break a 50-50 tie, but DeVos is now the secretary of education.

And that was the closest thing we've seen to a GOP revolt in these confirmations. Not one Republican voted against confirming former Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general, despite his ugly history on civil rights. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell went so far as to formally squelch Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., so she could not read aloud a letter criticizing Sessions written decades ago by the late Coretta Scott King.

Trump's pick for the Labor Department, fast-food magnate Andrew Puzder, has conflicts of interest and a nanny problem; he may face some pushback. Ben Carson has zero qualifications to lead Housing and Urban Development. But if DeVos got through, it's hard to imagine who would be deemed unacceptable by the GOP majority.

Over in the House, meanwhile, all the zeal for holding the executive branch accountable has gone poof. Remember how eager House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, was to investigate every real or imagined question about the Obama administration? Remember how he went after Hillary Clinton over her emails? Suddenly -- and this is rich -- he declines to launch any probe that might be seen as a "fishing expedition."

Trump's attack on a private company, Nordstrom Inc., for no longer carrying his daughter Ivanka's line of merchandise? "Not a big deal," Chaffetz said. Trump's hotel lease for the Old Post Office Building, which makes him both landlord and tenant? Chaffetz is "curious" but wants to wait for an opinion by the General Services Administration, which now reports to Trump. The many potential conflicts of interest posed by Trump's worldwide business interests? Chaffetz stifles a yawn.

And only a few Republicans, including Sen. John McCain, have shown any interest in investigating the biggest question hanging over the Trump administration: What role did Russia play in the election? This abdication of duty is cynicism of the highest order, or perhaps I should say the lowest.

The GOP's lockstep unity has been impressive, and it may eventually allow the party to achieve some of its long-held policy goals: cutting taxes, eliminating regulations, repealing the Affordable Care Act. But there are enormous risks.

The dawn of the Trump presidency has inspired a groundswell of progressive activism around the country. The energy generated by the Women's March on Washington and its satellite marches last month has been sustained. Republican members of Congress have been deluged by phone calls at their offices and confronted by protesters in their home districts. "The women are in my grill no matter where I go," Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., complained.

If opposition to Trump unites and motivates Democrats the way opposition to Obama did for Republicans, GOP strategists should be very worried.

Beyond the political risk, there is the existential risk of blindly following a man who continues to demonstrate his unfitness for the presidency. Trump shows no respect for American institutions or traditions. He sees those who disagree with him as "haters" and dismisses inconvenient facts as "fake news." He deliberately stokes fear. He bristles at constitutional checks on his power.

And to think, there once was a Republican president who summoned "the better angels of our nature."

Eugene Robinson's email address is eugenerobinson@washpost.com.
At the National Prayer Breakfast last week, President Trump promised to totally destroy the so-called "Johnson Amendment," a law that prohibits churches from endorsing or opposing political candidates at the risk of losing their tax-exempt status.

Politifact.com gives the background on how the amendment became law: "The restriction was championed by (Lyndon Johnson) in 1954 when Johnson was a U.S. senator running for re-election. A conservative nonprofit group that wanted to limit the treaty-making ability of the president produced material that called for electing his primary opponent, millionaire rancher-oilman Dudley Dougherty, and defeating Johnson. There was no church involved.

"Johnson, then Democratic minority leader, responded by introducing an amendment to Section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code dealing with tax-exempt charitable organizations, including groups organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literacy and educational purposes, or to prevent cruelty to children or animals. It said, in effect, that if you want to be absolved from paying taxes, you couldn't be involved in partisan politics."

Conservatives have argued that the Johnson Amendment limits the free speech of pastors and ignores the history of the nation. They also claim the law is applied unevenly, especially when it comes to African-American churches, which have a long history of inviting mostly Democratic political candidates to speak in their churches and on occasion endorsing them without having their tax-exempt status challenged by the IRS.

Opponents of the amendment have a point, but there is a larger one. From the founding of the nation, through the Civil War when fiery pro- and anti-slavery sermons were heard from pulpits, to Prohibition, to contemporary examples, the ordained have played active roles in the nation's political and social life. Pastors should be as free as anyone to speak their minds on political issues, but should they do so from the pulpit? By focusing more on the temporal than the eternal there is the risk of diluting the power in their primary message.

There are legitimate concerns that government is not sufficiently protecting people whose consciences forbid them from participating in activities they consider immoral. Recent examples include lawsuits against Christian bakers and photographers who have refused service to people whose lifestyles offend their beliefs. The Obama administration ordered The Little Sisters of the Poor to provide contraceptives to staff members as part of their health insurance in contravention of Catholic teaching.

The subtle temptation for evangelicals to engage in partisan politics dilutes their primary message. If I go to a political rally, I expect to hear political speeches. When I go to church, I am expecting soul food.

Many political views are represented in my church. If the pastor began preaching on politics he would find people, including me, headed for the exits. There is also the presumption that people are uninformed, needing a pastor to tell them what to think. This is as silly as the notion that conservatives listen to Rush Limbaugh in order to know what to believe.

Yes, Congress should repeal the law prohibiting preachers from talking about politics from the pulpit while passing a new law protecting the consciences of believers. The larger question is: should preachers preach on politics and to what end?

Muslims would have to be included. How comfortable would those conservatives now campaigning for repeal of the Johnson law be if some imams began preaching death to America and endorsing Muslim candidates for political office? Would the repeal lead to activist mosques supporting terrorist groups? It's already happened in the Holy Land Foundation case in which the government alleged money passed through the charity to support Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Whether the Johnson law is repealed, or not, evangelicals have a more powerful message than partisan politics. Senate Chaplain Barry Black referenced that power by quoting from an old hymn at the prayer breakfast: "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly loan on Jesus' name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand." He said that includes government institutions.

Isn't that a better message for conservative Christians to preach than the sinking sand of partisan politics?

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.
However, start of the planned deepening and widening work on the navigation channel is still dependent on two environmental conditions: finding an alternative site to replant a rare indigenous plant species - hemloch water droplet - growing along the riverbank, and submission of additional data on how salinity levels in the river would be affected over the course of a year.

Port of Hamburg officials gave a mixed reaction to the decision, welcoming the approval in principle but fearing the conditions mean it could still be up to two years before works can begin.

Dredging will be carried out by a depth of 1.5 m on average, thereby increasing by some 1,900teu the size of containerships able to access the port, Port of Hamburg spokesman Bengt van Beuningen told Seatrade Maritime News.

Currently containerships up to 20,000 teu can and do call the port, he explained, but typically carrying only around 6,000 -7,000 teu of laden boxes after having already dropped off at other Northern Range ports. Vessels with draught of up to 12.8 m can call Port of Hamburg anytime, he added, or with up to 15.1 m when entering on a flood tide and 13.8 m leaving on an ebb.

Besides increasing water depth the dredging works will also widen the navigation channel along the Elbe. Currently there is a bottleneck outside the port where vessels are not allowed to pass if their combined beam exceeds 50 m, and widening will effectively remove this prohibition by allowing nearly all ships to pass each other.

Navigational constraints of the outer Elbe were highlighted last February when the passing 19,000 teu CSCL Indian Ocean was deliberately grounded on a sandbank after an engine failure, later to be assisted off by a number of tugs (pictured).
A series of maritime profile-raising events will take place across the UK June 24-30 2017, coinciding with IMOs Day of the Seafarer (June 25), which has been held annually since 2011.

Maritime Jobs at Sea and Ashore and Sea Ports for Prosperity are the two themes chosen for this week-long celebration, announced Seafarers UK director-general Cmdre Barry Bryant (pictured), speaking at the official campaign launch at sponsor Inmarsats London HQ yesterday.

We believe it is good for the whole UK maritime world to benefit from raised public awareness of the contribution we collectively make to the UK economy, Bryant said. To do this we will disseminate positive messages about newsworthy maritime activities, from public events and school visits to ports, to college open days and other sources of information about maritime and marine job opportunities.

Supporting the week is Maritime UK, the promotional body grouping the countrys shipping, ports, marine and business service sectors. Chairman David Dingle spoke at the launch event, stressing the crucial role that the maritime sector and seafaring plays in enabling trade with the rest of the world, and in supporting the UKs position as a world-class maritime centre.
The battle against "fake news" is heating up this week with the announcement of CrossCheck, a verification system designed to crack down on dubious online information concerning the upcoming national elections in France. Google and Facebook are among several major media companies backing the initiative, which will combine high technology with old-fashioned, two-fisted investigative journalism.

The ultimate aim is to help the general public discern between confirmed and disputed news stories and, most importantly, to identify deliberate misinformation campaigns.

Fake news has become the emerging designation for false claims, hoaxes and deliberately misleading "news" items that can travel quickly through the Internet - in particular, through social media. The worrisome phenomenon is widely believed to have influenced recent elections and referendums in the U.S. and Great Britain.

"CrossCheck is a collaborative journalism verification project that aims to help the public make sense of what and who to trust in their social media feeds, web searches and general online news consumption in the coming months," according to the official launch announcement.

The project is led by First Draft News, a French nonprofit dedicated to ethical practices in the sourcing, verification and reporting of online news. Google News Lab also helped with initial development, and CrossCheck is now working directly with dozens of local, national and international media companies operating in France. Among the first wave of companies to sign on: AFP (Agence France-Presse), BuzzFeed News, France Televisions and the venerable Parisian newspaper Le Monde.

RELATED: Why We Fall for Fake News and How to Bust It

Facebook will also support CrossCheck through a new set of dedicated user tools and media literacy efforts. Perhaps most importantly, the social media heavyweight will be directly promoting CrossCheck to readers as a way to effectively vet what they're reading.

So how will it work, exactly? The first phase of the project will focus specifically on the upcoming French elections. The CrossCheck website will provide a 24/7 forum in which journalists can work together to fact-check online content in heavy circulation, news stories, photographs, statistics, memes, and even heavily-forwarded comment threads.

The public is also encouraged to participate by submitting questions and links to disputed online content. Investigative journalists will be active on the forums around the clock, with participating newsrooms coordinating their efforts to enhance the speed and accuracy of replies.

RELATED: Manipulated Video and Audio Will Make Future Fake News Even More Believable

CrossCheck will also be using a variety of cutting-edge data mining tools to track trends and viral patterns as information moves around online. For instance, Google Trends will track aggregate online searches in real time, while Le Monde will lend its own database of news sites that have been investigated and classified as legitimate, or not, or satire.

The CrossCheck project will be tracking meta information as well, mapping "patterns and behaviors within the misinformation ecosystem" as part of a wider effort to combat fake news.

CrossCheck will go live on Monday, February 27, according to officials. Meanwhile, they're looking for help. Newsrooms and journalism students who are interested in participating can email crosscheck@firstdraftnews.com for more information.

WATCH VIDEO: How Much of Our Money Is Fake?
Bam: Education for youth is the best investment

Education for the youth is the best investment our government can make.

Sen. Bam Aquino issued the pronouncement after several government agencies opposed the measure that seeks to provide free tuition fee in all SUCs.

The senator affirmed the government's commitment to provide free tuition in state colleges and universities, saying "If we have the money, why not invest in the future of our youth?"

"The Senate has chosen this as one of its main priority measures in the 17th Congress," said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Education.

"Too many students fail to graduate college because of financial problems. Suportahan natin ang mga estudyante na makapagtapos. Let's give them a chance at a better life through education," added Sen. Bam.

"If we're willing to spend over P15 billion to host the ASEAN anniversary this year, why shouldn't we spend roughly the same amount to make tuition free for our students in SUCs?" the senator pointed out.

Sen. Bam is the principal sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1304 or the "Free Higher Education for All Act", which is currently being tackled in the plenary.

Sen. Bam's Senate Bill No. 177 was consolidated in Senate Bill No. 1304 together with other similar measures, which seek to provide free tuition fee to all students in SUCs.

Aside from the Pagkaing Pinoy Bill, the Free Higher Education for All has received the most support in the 17th Congress.

Along with Sen. Bam Aquino, other authors of the measure are Sens. Ralph Recto, Joel Villanueva, Sherwin Gatchalian, Francis Pangilinan, Sonny Angara, Loren Legarda, Leila de Lima, Cynthia Villar, Juan Miguel Zubiri and Richard Gordon.

Sens. Recto, Ejercito, Angara, Legarda, Villanueva, Gatchalian and Zubiri co-sponsored the measure.

Providing free tuition fee in SUCs is only one of many reforms Sen. Bam is pushing in the field of education.
Press Release

February 10, 2017 Villar laud return to productive life of 'reformed' Las Pinas drug surrenderers Drug surrenderers in Las Pinas City have the opportunity to become fruitful citizens following a successful community-based drug rehabilitation training program carried out by Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation & Governance), in partnership with the Philippine National Police. Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, Director of Villar SIPAG, expressed joy that the former drug dependents can now become productive citizens and have a brighter future ahead. 'I am thrilled to see all of these drug surrenderers today. I hope that they continue to be changed persons, and that they refrain from going back to their old habits of using illegal drugs, ' Villar said. Villar added: 'The future is bright. I urge all the program participants to put to good use everything that they have learned, especially the technical know-how on urban agriculture. This will help put food on their tables and money in their pockets.' Villar was the guest of honor during the recognition rites of the drug surrenderers who participated in the training program, which was called SAGIP BUKAS: A Community-based Drug Rehabilitation Training Program. The 12-week program was launched October 21 at the Villar SIPAG Farm School in Las Pinas. The program, initiated by Villar SIPAG, is in partnership with Allied Botanical Corporation, Las Pinas' PNP, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture (DA), Office of the Mayor of Las Pinas City, Las Pinas City Health Office and the Las Pinas General Hospital & Satellite Trauma Center and CFC/FFL. Participants to the program were drug users from Las Pinas City who surrendered to the police under the Oplan Tokhang program of the PNP. As of January 2017, more than 11,000 drug users from Las Pinas have surrendered to the local police. Training days of the participants begin with a zumba session to pump up the participants with energy. Next is the training on urban agriculture, which aims to provide them with alternative livelihood with the vision to ensure food security within their families. The training of Las Pinas General Hospital personnel focused on prevention of diseases and promotion of health not only for the participants but also for their family members, as well as first aid and basic life support. On the other hand, there were also discussions given by faith-based organizations for values formation, spiritual healing and restoration. Program participants were likewise taught the importance of environment conservation and protection through coastal clean-up activities. Sen. Villar delivered a message to formally open the recognition & harvest festival. PSSUPT Marion Balonglong, the newly-installed PNP Chief of Las Pinas expressed appreciation and gratitude to the good senator for such a successful and worthy project. All vegetables and crops harvested were shared equally among the participants. The 'graduates' were presented by Reynald del Valle, Technical & Production Manager of Allied Botanical Corporation, who was also their trainer for the past 3 months.
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Planners and politicians have long wrestled with how to fix Civic Center Plaza and the blocks around it  a grand governmental hub, but also an often troublesome void.

Now that challenge is the focus of two initiatives at vastly different scales. One seeks nothing less than to remake the landscape from United Nations Plaza to City Hall. The other begins Tuesday with the groundbreaking for a snug but adventurous redo of two small playgrounds within the plaza.

As distinct as the projects might be, each tackles the quandary that defines Civic Center Plaza today: How can a space be tailored to hold thousands of people drawn by protests and parades also beckon on the days in between, when nearby residents and workers seek an attractive spot to kick back and relax?

Its a civic space, but also a commons that local people should want to come to, said Andrea Cochran, a San Francisco landscape architect. There are so many layers, so many types of activities, with problems that cant be solved only by design.

Cochrans firm is designing the playgrounds at either corner of the plaza along Larkin Street, across from the Main Library and the Asian Art Museum. They will replace two straightforward squares of play equipment installed in the 1990s.

Timeline: A century of evolution

The other initiative is design of a different sort, a competition to rethink the 15-acre procession of spaces that include the plaza, the mall-like block of Fulton Street between the art museum and the library and U.N. Plaza.

Nothing on this scale has been attempted in the area, and for good reason: While Civic Center might have unified drama on a map, in real life, the challenges differ from block to block.

At U.N. Plaza, for instance, elements such as Lawrence Halprins jagged fountain of granite slabs has never worked as intended, with choreographed spurts of water. Any attempt to remove it, however, could bring legal broadsides from landscape architecture buffs who revere Halprin as a pioneer of the profession.

Theyre right, by the way. But U.N. Plazas hard-edged bravado isnt an artistic triumph. Nor is it inviting, except when the farmers market is open.

Similarly, one way to humanize Civic Center Plaza would be to fill it with distinct attractions. The guidelines mention everything from historic plaques to spaces for active recreation and the current go-to gimmick, food trucks.

But too many physical features could clutter up the plaza on days when its the destination for a major event such as last months Womens March, which filled the vast space to overflowing. And something that looks too dramatic could clash with the aura  and restrictions  of the larger Civic Center, a national historic landmark district.

And in San Franciscos fractured political world, with economic disparity an ongoing concern, the challenge of Civic Center goes far beyond design.

Playgrounds werent in the original 1912 Civic Center Plaza conceived by A. Lacy Warswick as the counterpoint to classically inspired City Hall and its similarly regal neighbors. Nor were they in the stripped-down modernist terrain that debuted in 1961 with a parking garage underneath.

Sadly, they were conceived in part as defensive moves  protected spaces that would let children be children while removing two groves of olive trees described in a 1987 Civic Center plan as a source of security problems for the plaza user or passersby.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s there might be more than 100 people, mostly men, sleeping in the plaza at night. Some were drifters, others were made homeless by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. For these groups and others, the plaza exerted a lure: It was spacious and little used, a symbolic setting with not much going on around it.

Todays plaza is less squalid but also less inviting, with benches and other amenities long gone. It comes alive only on crowded occasions. Otherwise, except for stray homeless people lounging on the grass or tourists taking photographs of City Hall, everyone else hurries through.

That is what the City Planning Department seeks to change with its design competition. The social strains also are why other parts of city government are involved. This includes the mayors office, which has been active in bringing such temporary attractions as the living innovation zone now in U.N. Plaza, a set of interactive exhibitions designed by the Exploratorium.

The number of departments is an important part of why this is going to be successful, said Neil Hrushowy, who manages City Plannings citywide design group. This has to be the citys plan.

It also has to pass muster with watchdogs wary of anything that could be portrayed as a tool to gentrify nearby neighborhoods, or an effort to rid Civic Center of people who live on the streets because they have nowhere else to go.

Planners try to defuse these fears in the competition guidelines.

Design alone cannot be expected to solve social problems, but thoughtful design can be a part of the solution, potential entrants are told early on. While illegal uses and aggressive behaviors should not be tolerated, the driving motivation behind any design changes should be to welcome more people in, versus pushing people out.

Teams that enter the competition wont be graded on design schemes. Instead, whats expected first is a project approach that spells out how the community will be involved in a way that is inclusive and collaborative and how the team defines the existing constraints of the area.

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.

Whatever the obstacles, its good that city government understands the complexities of a district both compelling and grim. Another element working in Civic Centers favor is that theres time to defuse controversies: The design process once a team is selected will last at least a year, followed by an environmental review.

After all these years, were beginning to move forward, said James Haas, a member of the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission, who is writing a history of Civic Center and for more than 20 years has prodded City Hall to improve the area. If we get a plan that everyone buys into, then we can start working on the different segments  including how to pay for the different upgrades.

In the meantime, the playgrounds should be completed by the end of the year.

One will feature fanciful tunnels and a tree house for children under 5. The other targets a slightly older audience, with nets and swinging bars and pod-like climbing structures.

The combined budget for the kid-friendly fantasias is $10 million  an amount being paid not by the citys Recreation and Park Department, but with a generous gift from the Helen Diller Family Foundation. The project is being managed by the Trust for Public Land.

The team didnt want something off-the-shelf to be dropped in there, said Alejandra Chiesa, the Bay Area program director for the trust, which also managed the community discussions that influenced the final design. Were trying to make it more sculptural and inspirational, something that will be embraced by the city.

Inspirational is the key word.

If theyre as beguiling in real life as in the renderings, the playgrounds could have a ripple effect. They might encourage everyone else to finally make Civic Center Plaza and its surroundings come to vibrant life, day in and day out.

My hope is that these playgrounds can be a spark for the 21st century rejuvenation of the plaza, said Phil Ginsburg, the director of Rec and Park. Im not naive. But Im optimistic.

John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron
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As water Thursday night rose toward the brim of the reservoir behind the damaged spillway of Oroville Dam, state officials braced for the unprecedented: having to open the emergency outlet of the tallest dam in the United States, which could have untold ecological consequences.

The trouble started Tuesday in the midst of relentless rainstorms, as a section of the concrete spillway that later grew to more than 200 feet wide and 30 feet deep collapsed, frothing the Feather River below like chocolate syrup, so thick with mud and debris that those toiling to save millions of salmon at the hatchery below could hardly see two inches beneath the surface.

Officials stopped releases to inspect the problem but runoff kept the reservoir rising. On Thursday morning, officials increased the flow. The fissure ballooned outward, sending coffee-colored water gushing down the adjacent hillside.

Allowing water to spill down the emergency spillway could be a necessity by Saturday if the level of Californias second-largest reservoir continues to rise, said Bill Croyle, deputy director of the California Department of Water Resources. But no one quite knows what that would do to the river and what lives in it.

The unlined emergency chute, which has never been called into use in the dams nearly 50-year history, would send deluges cascading down a neighboring hillside, taking into the river stray tree branches, dirt and anything else in the path of the liquid avalanche.

Appearances aside, Croyle said his team, with consultation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, maintains the dam itself is sound.

None of this emergency we have now is affecting the integrity of the dam itself, Croyle said. I think thats important ... theres no risk to the public.

Millions of fish raised at Feather River Hatchery below  ones crucial to Californias salmon stock  were not so lucky, as workers were scurrying to snap up in nets 4 million fish in danger of dying, and then trucking them miles downstream to safety. But nearly 5 million other fish and fish eggs couldnt be moved.

Kelly M. Grow/California Department of Water Resources

The turbidity, or cloudiness, of the water running into Feather River Hatchery in Butte County, roughly 75 miles north of Sacramento, was off the charts, said Harry Morse, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Normal turbidity levels tend to be about 10 units, while Thursdays recordings soared into the 400s, he said.

This is just uncharted territory, Morse said.

Workers were moving the millions of young fish, said to be about three months too young to safely release into the wild, about 10 miles down the river via giant tanker trucks to a facility at the Thermalito Afterbay far enough off the river that they should survive, Morse said.

Though water officials were releasing 35,000 cubic feet of water per second down the damaged spillway Thursday, with more pumped out via its power plant, it wasnt nearly enough to cancel out the 191,000 cfs pouring into the reservoir from storm runoff, Croyle said.

In an effort to avoid needing to use the emergency spillway, Croyle said water experts were mulling increasing the flow to 55,000 cfs  similar levels to earlier in the week  but that could enlarge the gaping hole in the concrete spillway and worsen erosion thats already unprecedented there.

Completed in 1968, the 770-foot dam provides water to large swaths of the state, including Central Valley farms and Southern California homes and businesses. The reservoir, which holds 3.5 million acre-feet of water, rose to more than 90 percent of its capacity Thursday evening.

Crews were working throughout the day to clear debris from the hillsides around both spillways  more than 50 acres of brush in all, officials said, trying to limit the debris that would join the flow if worse comes to worst.

Though fixing the emergency takes precedent, Croyle said state officials are eyeing already how to repair the massive structure, which would cost millions of dollars. Repairs likely wont start for three months at the earliest, Croyle said.

Its key we understand what happened before starting repairs, Croyle said, adding that officials are still examining what went wrong.

Inside the hatchery, which supplies fish that are later caught along the California coast and north up to Oregon, 1 million steelhead eggs, were in danger of being wiped out, Morse said.

The open concrete pools outside the hatchery, where the millions of evacuated fish lived  and where millions more still were trapped  take in water right from the river and were swamped with filth. The delicate fish eggs, which must be incubated in cold, clear water, are kept farther inside the facility behind filter defenses.

But the filters proved feeble in the face of the turbidity, and scientists inside scrambled to figure out how to safely mix tap water, which contains enough chlorine to kill the fragile eggs, with the cloudy river water that wasnt much safer.

This is a work in progress, and it has not been done before, Morse said. Its ongoing as we speak.

John McManus, executive director of the Golden Gate Salmon Association, said the Feather River Hatchery is very important to salmon production throughout California.

It provides a lot of the fish that are caught in the ocean, McManus said. The loss of those fish would indeed be a blow to the salmon fishery.

By 7 p.m. Thursday, the reservoir had risen to 887 feet, up 8 feet from the morning. After another 14 feet, the lake would be unleashed. And the water was rising.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley
Self-driving cars havent yet rolled into Washington politics. But when they do, they are likely to collide head-on with powerful forces, given their potential to threaten millions of driving jobs in the heartland while creating design and software jobs in tech centers like the Bay Area.

In todays scrambled political landscape, both President Trump and his Democratic opponents will have a variety of reasons to embrace the technology or reject it.

Its a very complicated issue, because both parties could get on either side of this debate, said Andy Stern, former president of the Service Employees International Union.

Autonomous vehicles could kick millions of American truckers out of their cabs, not to mention rendering taxi and delivery drivers and those in less obvious professions like parking enforcers unemployed. Trump has made preserving blue-collar jobs a top priority, even if it means browbeating American companies and their chief executives in public.

At the same time, he has promised to roll back existing business regulations and block new ones. Using the government to slow self-driving technology would be a major contradiction.

I dont see Trump stopping this, Stern said. Having said that, if he did, for the 3.5 million truck drivers and the millions of people who indirectly make their living off of trucking, it would be as important a consideration as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that Trump helped kill.

The Democrats, for their part, used to count those same blue-collar workers as their base. And after losing many of them to Trump last year, the party wants those voters back. The critics who have already raised alarms about autonomous vehicles tend to come from the worlds of labor or consumer advocacy, and they lean left.

Yet the Democratic Party forged strong bonds with Silicon Valley under President Barack Obama, a future-leaning fan of Star Trek. Regulators under him encouraged the development of self-driving cars, seeing them as a boon to the auto industry and a way to prevent accidents. Switching positions now, and betraying the donor-rich valley, would not be impossible, but it would be awkward and perhaps costly.

And theres another complication: While some voters may fear autonomous cars, others may want them. The elderly in particular may see them as a way to preserve their freedom as they age.

The politics of this are going to get really delicate, said Jimmy ODea, a vehicles analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists. On one side, you may have people worried about losing their jobs, and on the other, youll have people who want mobility.

For now, the tech companies and automakers pursuing self-driving cars are hoping that Washington maintains its light touch, though consumer groups are pushing for a national safety standard for self-driving cars. Few leading national politicians have spoken out about the wave of automation slowly rolling out from Silicon Valley; Trump is focusing his early jobs battles on trade and outsourcing.

Early signs are that Trumps new secretary of transportation, Elaine Chao, may favor a hands-off approach. At a confirmation hearing in January, she emphasized the importance of making sure government didnt hinder innovation in the field. It was an echo of the attitude of her predecessor, Anthony Foxx, and exactly what industry wanted to hear, although her comments were very brief.

What were seeing there is very strong support for development and deployment of the technology, said Glen De Vos, vice president of software and services for auto parts supplier Delphi, which is developing autonomous cars in Silicon Valley.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

So from our perspective, we dont see that changing, he said. But of course well see over the next few weeks and months.

And theres the catch. Trump is sufficiently unpredictable that while auto companies may be comfortable with Chao, they cant rule out the possibility that her boss may take a different tack.

Elaine Chao was a pretty good pick, said political consultant Bradley Tusk, who has worked with autonomous car developers Tesla and Uber. Could Trump one day tweet something, and she all of a sudden gets a different set of directions? Sure.

Trumps own views on self-driving technology remain a mystery. Ford Motor Co. Chief Executive Officer Mark Fields told Business Insider that in a meeting last month, the president wanted to discuss autonomous vehicles for quite some time.

This is one where he wanted to learn, Fields told the publication.

Unless Trump decides to oppose the technology for political reasons, much of the regulatory action will continue to play out in the cities and states where autonomous vehicle testing occurs, Tusk said. Even there, political lines are not neatly drawn.

Youll see mayors and governors in weird groupings that dont necessarily fall along partisan lines, Tusk said.

David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF
Free expression seems to be top of mind in the Bay Area these days. Ive been thinking about it, too  but not in the context of how one should respond to a decadent disrupter whos chosen to threaten vulnerable people as part of his personal brand.

No, Ive been thinking not about Berkeley but about a quieter case in San Jose.

Thats where the Rev. Jeff Moore, a counselor at Independence High School in San Jose and president of the San Jose/Silicon Valley branch of the NAACP, was putting together the annual Black History Month display for the district office of East Side Union High School District.

Moore had seen and liked the work of Mark Harris, 47, a San Francisco painter and mixed-media artist. So he asked Harris to pull together a small exhibit of his work. Harris agreed. He drove down to San Jose and installed the work in the districts display cases on Jan. 30.

On Jan. 31, Harris woke up to a two-line email from Moore, saying that his work had been taken down.

So began a local censorship controversy thats stretched into a third week. Multiple media outlets have covered the story, and the National Coalition Against Censorship has taken an interest.

I should mention that Harris was an acquaintance of mine before any of this happened.

Courtesy of Mark Harris

But my hunch is that Id probably have the same response even if I didnt know him: oh, no.

Pretty much, Harris said, Ive never had this happen before. Its disappointing because we have to tackle these issues if were going to come together as a country. And what better place to start this conversation than a school district?

Moore said hed hung Black History Month displays at the district for several years in a row, with no problems. Previous displays had been portraits of civil rights leaders, libraries of slave narratives and other pieces from Moores home.

This year, I thought these paintings were educational and gave us a chance to be in a dialogue with what America is talking about, Moore said.

The paintings are definitely political, verging on agit-prop: They juxtapose wholesome, 1950s-era kitsch images of white America with images of slavery, the Confederate flag and anti-police-brutality protests. These are certainly ideas that are in the public conversation.

I called Chris Funk, the superintendent who removed the paintings. He described the incident as a big misunderstanding.

This was an unfortunate incident that had nothing to do with Mark Harris, Funk said. It was about an employee who didnt have permission to display that work.

Moore didnt receive district approval for the contents of the display before inviting Harris to install his work, Funk said. After Harris left, Funk said he was called out of a meeting because parents and staff members had complained about the works content.

So he took all of it down.

When the public comes into the district office, they have an expectation that they shouldnt be surprised by provocative or political artwork, Funk said. Our responsibility is to provide a safe place for discussion, not to push an agenda.

Courtesy of Mark Harris

I didnt find this convincing, for a few reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that children watch adults in classrooms push agendas each and every day.

The idea of a neutral, idea-free education may be a comforting one for adults, but no child would be naive enough to believe it, and theyre right.

The second reason I found Funks argument unconvincing is the matter of providing the specific students at East Side Union High School District with a safe place for discussion. East Side Union is a majority-minority school district  46 percent of the students are Latino, 34 percent are Asian. Only 8 percent of students are white, as is Funk.

How in the world, I asked him, can you say youre providing those students with a safe place for discussion if the political viewpoints of people of color  African Americans, in this case  are considered to be too controversial to be admitted?

Funk returned to the idea of a process that hadnt been followed.

The good news is that all of the attention inspired Harris and Funk to sit down and hammer out a solution. At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, the districts office will host a workshop with Harris, the students and their parents.

The workshop is open to all of the districts students, parents and  with an RSVP  the public. Harris plans to lead the students through a discussion of his work and ask them to talk about their own reactions.

Its a great moment to talk about these issues, and I want the kids to feel empowered to do so, Harris said. Weve been ingrained to not discuss this stuff, and its not healthy.

Tell me about it. If the district officials had been a little more comfortable talking about difficult issues, this entire mess could have been prevented.

Caille Millner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cmillner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @caillemillner
WASHINGTON  President Trumps official counselor, Kellyanne Conway, may have broken a key ethics rule Thursday morning when she told TV audiences to go buy Ivankas stuff.

Federal employees are banned from using their public office to endorse products, regulations state.

Conway, speaking to Fox & Friends viewers from the White House briefing room, was responding to boycotts of Ivanka Trump merchandise and Nordstroms discontinuation of stocking her clothing and shoe lines, which the retailer said was in response to low sales and which the president assailed as unfair.

Im going to give it a free commercial here, Conway said of the presidents daughters merchandise brand. Go buy it today.

At the White House on Thursday, press secretary Sean Spicer said Conway had been counseled about her comments. He offered no further details.

House Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz said Conways promotion of Ivanka Trumps fashion brand was wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable. The Republican congressman said the White House must refer the matter to the Office of Government Ethics for review. He said he and Democratic Oversight Leader Elijah Cummings are writing a letter to the office and he will also write to the president about the matter.

Attorneys, including Campaign Legal Center general counsel Lawrence Noble, said Conways endorsement directly conflicted with Office of Government Ethics rules designed to separate government policy from private business dealings.

Don Fox, former general counsel and former acting director of the ethics office, said Conways encouragement to buy Ivankas stuff would seem to be a clear violation of rules prohibiting misuse of public office for anyones private gain.

He added: This is jaw-dropping to me. This rule has been promulgated by the federal Office of Government Ethics as part of the Standards of Conduct for all executive branch employees, and it applies to all members of the armed forces as well.

Enforcement measures are largely left to the head of the federal agency  in Conways case, the White House. One lawyer said a typical executive-branch employee who violated the rule could face significant disciplinary action, including a multiday suspension and loss of pay.

The White House said later Thursday that the president absolutely continues to support Conway. An administration spokeswoman said Trump didnt see his counselors interview, but that he understands she was merely sticking up for a wonderful woman who she has great respect for and felt was treated unfairly.

Conways endorsement comes as the Trump administration faces growing scrutiny over whether it is taking fears of conflicts of interest seriously.

The president took to Twitter on Wednesday to lash out at Nordstrom for dropping Ivanka Trumps line, saying his daughter had been treated so unfairly by the retailer.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Drew Harwell, Tom Hamburger and Rosalind S. Helderman are Washington Post writers.
The exhibition Civic Radar, a retrospective of the work of San Francisco artist Lynn Hershman Leeson, opened this week at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. It is required viewing for anyone attentive to pioneers of feminism, the development of digital and performance art, or the cultural history of the Bay Area. It is, as well, a reminder that legends are part historical, part mythic  distilled narratives, best told free of muddling detail.

Any good exhibition is an argument for a point of view with regard to quality, timeliness or significance. Civic Radar was organized by the German museum ZKM/Center for Art and Media and adapted here by YBCA Director of Visual Arts Lucia Sanroman. It makes a thorough case for Hershman Leesons political and media prescience.

The theme of identity and the search for self-awareness spans the artists entire career, beginning with drawings like a Mylar-headed figure (Mirror Face Woman, 1966) who exists as a reflection of others, who is alive only on the viewers terms. Objects such as Self Portrait as Another Person (1965), Thinking Woman Dreaming of Escape (1965) and Giggling Machine, Self Portrait as a Blonde (1968)  sculptural masks of wax, sometimes with recorded sound, boxed into Plexiglas containers  develop the idea of woman as invented persona.

It is carried forward in time with works that revolve around the idea of the cyborg  the digital descendant of the automaton doll, spookily human and mechanical in equal proportion, invariably female in Hershman Leesons work. She has pursued these avatars in a variety of media, including film, interactive video and Web-based projects.

There are intriguing side roads that might have become central artistic courses for other artists. A series of photo-collages called Phantom Limb (1984 and later) envisioned machine-human mutations. Room of Ones Own (1993) is a nonlinear narrative controlled by choices the viewer makes about where to look.

Americas Finest (1990-94) is among the most chilling works of art I know: An AK-47 assault rifle is fitted with a modified gun scope, rigged so that squeezing the trigger inserts into what is seen in the viewfinder (including anyone in the gallery at whom the gun is pointed) a momentary recorded video image of violence.

But Hershman Leeson returns again and again to the topic of self as observed from without  self seen as other. A years-long, intermittent private performance as a blond and glamorous alternative to the brunet intellectual artist (the Roberta Breitmore Series, 1973-78) is one of her best known actions. Those of us who came late to the piece know it from a few manipulated photographs and the story of the artist leaving home in anothers makeup, wig and clothing. She eventually added further elements: a Breitmore drivers license and checking account, an apartment, potential roommates  a parallel life.

Performance grew into obsession. The only way out, ultimately, was a formal exorcism, held at the crypt of the 15th century sex symbol Lucrezia Borgia.

Truth be told, I had been satisfied with the myth, and I dont know that we need to see the whole Breitmore wardrobe, laid out in vitrines and hung on a mannequin  much less a transcribed conversation with a creepy guy, a psychiatrists notes or vials of (simulated) urine and blood samples  to get the point.

Likewise, while the artists undoubtedly early embrace of new technologies of presentation is remarkable, including in the show what seems to be every outdated, now-clunky experiment gives it something of the air of a prep school science fair in places. One gallery is a sea of library cases full of texts one feels one should read.

I spent nearly three hours in two visits to the exhibition, and two more hours with the exhaustively complete catalog (384 pages, 12 essays and interviews), yet I feel I have only scratched the surface. On one hand, it should surprise no one that a lifetime of thought and creative energy is not easily condensed into a few hours of consideration.

But the role of the curator and the editor is both interpretation and distillation  to be the intermediary between the artist or specialist, who is all information, and the curious audience with ordinary limits of time and patience. (We are told, good Lord, that the San Francisco presentation is an abbreviation of the show in Germany.)

Never mind. The exhibition opens and closes with a dazzling contemplation on bioengineering and its social implications that, on its own, will convince and excite the most skeptical among us. The Infinity Engine (2014-17) feels very today and, with all the problems this implies, tomorrow.

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A disorienting mirrored corridor, widened and extended by life-scale films re-creating a modern laboratory, leads us to a high, large room. It is spacious to the point of nearly empty, clean in the sterile sense. A black-and-white mural confronts us, depicting two syringes, set en garde in opposition. Two walls are papered, floor to ceiling, with colorful images of life science experiments and their results; scientific papers in file folders, tablet computers and a video monitor serve as records of still more research.

Centered on the longest wall is a standard home aquarium holding half a dozen fish, each genetically modified to glow with a different luminescent hue.

A wall label claims that the artist poses the question as to how far human intervention in DNA is ethically acceptable and what social and political impact it has. Not so. The pretty, lively strokes of color moving before our eyes do not frame a question about our future, but an answer.

Charles Desmarais is The San Francisco Chronicles art critic. Email: cdesmarais@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Artguy1

Lynn Hershman Leeson: Civic Radar: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, until 8 p.m. Thursday. Through May 21. $9-$10. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., S.F. (415) 978-2700. www.ybca.org